Hong Kong: Mental health mechanism reviewed

Members of the Advisory Committee on Mental Health were briefed today by the Hospital Authority on preliminary review outcomes with regard to the conditional discharge mechanism under the Mental Health Ordinance.

At a meeting, Under Secretary for Health Dr Libby Lee thanked members for actively expressing their views.

She pointed out that the premise of the mechanism is to allow patients with mental disorders, upon stabilisation of their conditions, to return to their familiar environments to continue rehabilitation.

She added, however, that it is of utmost importance to strike a balance between protecting the health, safety and rights of patients and those of the public.

On this basis, she said, the mechanism will be taken forward in four directions.

Firstly, she outlined that the mechanism will be improved by extending it to cover patients with a medical history of or disposition to commit criminal violence who are admitted voluntarily, in addition to those who undergo compulsory detention, such that the former can receive appropriate follow-up care and support under the mechanism.

Other directions for improvement include enhancing support to patients on conditional discharge and their carers; recalling patients whose condition has deteriorated and who have violated the discharge conditions to hospital in time for treatment; and establishing a case review period for patients under conditional discharge.

Regarding a proposal to introduce compulsory treatment orders, the Government and the advisory committee were in consensus that there is currently no consistent research to support the efficacy of such orders in reducing the risk of patients exhibiting violent behaviour, while its introduction would restrict the freedom of patients.

This story has been published on: 2023-07-28. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
US rushing to turn AI into a new weapon

08:58, July 28, 2023 By China Daily editorial ( Chinadaily.com.cn

The question is not to be, or not to be. It is not even a question of whether to use it or not. The question is how it will be used.

The United States turns almost every major new technological breakthrough into some kind of weapon. The corollary to that question is why would artificial intelligence be an exception.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo posed the question many are now asking, how AI is to be used, in a jointly penned article published in the Financial Times on Monday. While they claim that the Joe Biden administration is seeking to "limit the near-term risks of AI while fostering innovation", they reveal the administration already sees the development of AI as a battleground by declaring that the US must act quickly to shape its future development.

Acknowledging that the US is "home to many of the leading companies, technologies and minds driving the AI revolution", they said that the fact it is working with others around the world to ensure the future for this technology "reflects our shared values and vision".

But the values and vision of the US cannot really be shared as they are totally narcissistic. As the Biden administration and its predecessor have made crystal clear, the US simply baits others to its domineering cause with high-sounding notions on which they can pin their own agendas.

Hence, Blinken and Raimondo can propose that G7-led action could inform an international code of conduct for private actors and governments. In the pretense that this would not be building high walls around AI technology or directly applying AI against other countries, they allege that the US is open to global engagement. In a nod to criticism that has hit home, they even claim that the US is committed to making AI work for, and designing governance with, developing countries, singling out India for a critical role. Notably, China is not mentioned.

Yet that only serves to highlight that the US' push to lead the governance of AI is not to safely harness its potential, but an integral part of its endeavors to weaponize the technology.

The two US officials are right in saying that "AI holds an exhilarating potential to improve people's lives and help solve some of the world's biggest challenges" and "that only with the combined focus, ingenuity and co-operation of the international community will we be able to fully and safely harness the potential of AI". But unless that cooperation is truly inclusive, then people will rightly continue to ask questions of Washington's intent and purpose.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Wu Chaolan)
Area residents watch a presentation during an information meeting about a plan to house migrants at the Broadway Armory, July 27, 2023, in Chicago. The armory, operated by the Chicago Park District, is scheduled to be a temporary shelter for migrants starting in August. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

Residents, city officials and community leaders gathered Thursday evening at the Broadway Armory in Edgewater to raise complaints against recently announced city plans to move programming from the armory in order to provide temporary shelter for asylum-seekers.

News in May that the city was eyeing the Broadway Armory at 5917 N. Broadway as a possible site immediately sparked questions and concerns from the Edgewater community and nearby residents who take part in Chicago Park District services for seniors and teens in the facility.

Advertisement

Prior to the evening meeting, attended by more than 100 people, Edgewater residents, carrying signs and chanting, held a news conference outside the armory, saying they were left out of the planning process.

Despite intervention from Ald. Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth, 48th, to facilitate meetings and involve the community in the decision-making process , her efforts failed, she said in her latest letter to her constituents.

Advertisement

Manaa-Hoppenworth confirmed in a letter that the regular programming at the armory is set to end this weekend, ahead of the opening of the shelter next Tuesday. However, contrary to initial reports, the senior center and a trapeze school will continue operating as normal. The rest of the parks programing, including the gymnastics facility, will cease or relocate.

Since she learned of the citys plan, Ginger Williams, a director of the local senior citizen advocacy group Edgewater Village Chicago, collected signatures against the repurposing of the facility, saying that the most vulnerable would be displaced.

[ What to know about Chicagos migrant crisis ]

Edie Tillis, a retired schoolteacher who runs programming at the armory, said the news made her sad. She carried a pink petition form and said shed already collected 500 names. She said the lack of programs for youths will have a deep effect on the community.

Im so accustomed to working with children and with young people, and encouraging them. When you work as long as I have with young people, many times I can look on their faces and I can know something is wrong or something is going on, she said. Now theyre taking the whole building.

Troy McMillan, a member of Save Our Broadway Armory Park, called the community center sacred.

This is the heart of our community of this ward, she said. It serves as a community center and a safe place for some of our most vulnerable residents, our at-risk youth, our low-income working families, our older adults, our immigrants, our migrants, our refugees. These are our people.

Pat Sharkey, a convener of the Coalition of Edgewater Block Clubs and Residents Associations, said the city is taking away programming from a community of thousands. Sharkey said the building is meant to be used for programming, not housing.

At least 300 migrants are expected to be moved in, mostly adults with children, according to Manaa-Hoppenworth, though Sharkey said that number is closer to 600. Though the shelter is set to be temporary, there is no clear timeline for how long the shelter will be in operation.

Advertisement

We want to talk to you about what that really looks like and what it means and what we can do to make it work, Beatriz Ponce de Leon, deputy mayor for immigrant, migrant, and refugee rights for Mayor Brandon Johnson, said to residents who sat in folding chairs in the armory gymnasium. We are not here permanently, we are not here for multiple years, we are here as a temporary shelter.

Ald. Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth, 48th, speaks during a meeting on July 27, 2023, about a plan to house migrants at the Broadway Armory in Chicago. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

An attendee holds a sign during an information meeting on July 27, 2023, about a plan to house migrants at the Broadway Armory in Chicago. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

Nearly 1,000 asylum-seekers continue to sleep on floors of Chicago police stations as the city grapples with finding and equipping buildings to become adequate settlers. Several park facilities, including the Leone Beach Field House in Rogers Park, Brands Parks field house in Avondale and Piotrowski Park in Little Village, have been turned into makeshift shelters.

Matt Doughtie, an emergency coordinator with the citys Office of Emergency Management and Communications, explained to residents that city shelters must meet certain safety requirements to be allowed to house asylum-seekers. He said officials chose the armory because it was publicly owned and ready to go.

Ponce de Leon said the city scrambled to receive three buses from Texas with migrants on Thursday alone. Every day more migrants are arriving to Chicago, mostly from Central and South America.

Beginning August 1, the Broadway Armory will serve as a temporary shelter due to the overwhelming and growing need for shelter, read four screens that faced the audience, causing residents to boo loudly.

The senior center at the armory is a satellite center of the Department of Family and Support Services where low-income seniors have access to critical services and activities. When the shelter opens, the senior dining center will continue to serve meals, but the computer lab and pingpong room will be closed.

Advertisement

Though the senior center and the trapeze school, a private business inside the gymnasium, will remain in operation after the shelter opens, sharing the space may not be feasible, said Birgit Hampton, the new owner of the trapeze school.

But even if its not the most ideal situation, were grateful the city is at least trying to accommodate us, she said.

Initially, Hampton said she was upset when she learned that city officials had designated the armory as a shelter without taking into consideration the hundreds of seniors and children that frequent the space consistently.

Hampton said that while she feels sympathy for the asylum-seekers and understands that the humanitarian crisis is forcing the city to take drastic measures to repurpose buildings into shelters, safety is her main concern.

When the gym in the armory was turned into a homeless shelter during the early months of the pandemic, some of the schools equipment was damaged or stolen, Hampton said.

But city officials have promised separate entrances for the school, the senior center and the shelter, she added. Thats my hope.

Advertisement

The armory is a former National Guard facility that has five gyms and 13 meeting rooms. It became an important community hub for people in the area and surrounding neighborhoods in 1985, hosting programs and services for underserved communities including seniors and teens, according to Manaa-Hoppenworth.

Stella Campbell, 72, and her husband Ken, 73, said the center is of extreme importance to the seniors in the area, who depend on the hot lunches and the services provided for them at low cost. There are few places like this in the city, she said.

Ken Campbell said that what angers him is the citys decision to repurpose the space without taking the communitys concerns or suggestions into consideration.

There are hundreds of other buildings that could have been turned into a shelter where maybe less people would have been affected if they had to cancel or relocate the services they provide, he said.

Volunteers for the 48th Ward Neighbors for Justice set up a table outside the armory to collect donations.

Support your new neighbors! read their sign.

Advertisement

Correction: An earlier version of this story misstated the identity of the speaker from Mayor Brandon Johnsons office. The error has been corrected.

nsalzman@chicagotribune.com

larodriguez@chicagotribune.com
Despite not having the largest population in Iowa, Muscatine County leads the state in organ and tissue donation, thanks to the efforts of the workers at the Muscatine County Medical Examiners Office.

During the regular Muscatine County Supervisors meeting Monday, chief investigator Tom Summitt was presented the 2023 Iowa Donor Network Excellence in Partnership Medical Examiner Award.

Steven Franz, partner donations coordinator for the network, presented the award. He explained the office refers all deaths where the subject is registered for donation to the network for possible donation. Franz commented the result is a lot more lives saved.

There are about 30,000 deaths in the state of Iowa annually, he said. We hear about 12,000 of those. That means there are a lot of folks who are registered and we miss them because those deaths arent referred to us. One of the critical things Tom has done is implement a system whereby cases arent closed until they tell the Iowa Donor Network.

Franz said he hopes to spread the program to all Iowa medical examiners offices. He believes the number of people saved with donation would increase exponentially.

Summitt, a former Muscatine Fire Department firefighter and EMT, said the success of the program was a team effort of everyone in the office.

Several years ago we sat down as a group and tried to figure out what to do in our office to reach out to Iowa Donor Network, Summitt said. As a group we decided if we included their referral number in each case we would be sure each death we investigate would be referred to the Iowa Donor Network.

The supervisors also held a public hearing on supporting a proposed confined animal feeding operation at 1661 Atwood Ave. that was submitted by JDSD Farms LLC. The proposal was for two swine confinement buildings with enclosed pits underneath. The project received a passing score on the master matrix, which is required by the county for such a project. The supervisors approved sending a letter of recommendation to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

Rhonda Meredith said during the hearing she is against the project because on May 5 the Muscatine County Board of Adjustments denied a special use permit to JDSD Farms for a separate project due to the soil rating. She believes the land could be prime crop land.

Meredith also said she opposes the project because there are 14 residences within 1.5 miles. The closest residences will be within 400 feet of the confinements, she said.

Rachel Renner, an employee of JDSD Farms, addressed some of the issues during the meeting.

Supervisor Danny Chick commented that state law would supersede anything the supervisors did and the decision would just be a symbolic gesture, although he said he had some concerns he wanted to address.

Rock Island County Coroner Brian Gustafson
In a packed auditorium at Drake University, Vice President Kamala Harris urged Iowa Democrats to work to protect abortion rights, which she said are under attack by Republican leaders.

Harris spoke with Jennifer Palmieri, a Democratic adviser and host of the Showtime series The Circus, about abortion rights, highlighting a six-week ban Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds signed into law this month that has been blocked by a district court.

It was the second visit the vice president has made to the Hawkeye State this year. She held a similar event in March at Grand View University.

Harris said Iowas law, which bans abortion before many women know they are pregnant, is in effect an outright ban.

As I travel the country, it becomes clear to me that so many people in the state legislatures don't even know how women's bodies work, she said. Most people do not even know they are pregnant at six weeks.

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds signed the strict abortion ban into law this month, banning abortions once cardiac activity can be detected in an embryo or fetus.

The law was temporarily blocked by a district court and abortion up to 20 weeks remains legal in Iowa. The Iowa Supreme Court said this week Reynolds can appeal the temporary injunction, and the court will weigh the injunction and may set a new standard governing abortion laws in Iowa.

Iowa Republicans  who passed a similar law that was permanently blocked in 2018  made another attempt at the law after a pair of court decisions that reshaped the legal landscape around abortion. Last summer, the Iowa Supreme Court reversed a decision that guaranteed a fundamental right to an abortion and the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, which had guaranteed a federal right to abortion since 1973.

A Des Moines Register/Mediacom Iowa Poll from March found that 61% of Iowans think abortion should be legal in most or all cases.

Harris said that federal decision  Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Clinic  was the first time the court took away a constitutionally recognized right.

We are a nation that has measured its progress and growth in many ways, including through an understanding that we are stronger through an expansion of rights, not a restriction of rights, she said.

Harris also connected the push to restrict abortion in many Republican-led to what she called attacks on other freedoms, like voting rights and the rights of LGBTQ people. But she said those pressures will allow Democrats to build stronger bases of support in future elections.

I think it's very important to see this in that context, but to also see the opportunity presented in this moment of crisis, she said. Which is the opportunity to rededicate ourselves to coalition building, bringing people together.

To the room of Democrats and abortion rights advocates, Harris said they should organize and register to vote in coming elections, to give Congress the Democratic majorities it needs to codify abortion rights and pass other Democratic priorities like a national voting rights act and the Equality Act.

In the 2022 election, Republicans underperformed expectations nationally, which many credit to abortion rights being a major issue in the election following the Supreme Court's decision. Harris noted that in places like Kansas and Kentucky, amendments to restrain constitutional abortion rights were rejected by voters.

"Let's make sure that people start registering now," Harris said. "Let's not wait until the eve of the election. Let's take these next few months until the end of the year and make it our personal mission to remind everyone we know, please register to vote. Because it will and it does make a difference."

Harriss visit, an official office visit, took place hours before 13 Republican presidential candidates took the stage at the Iowa Events Center for the state partys Lincoln Dinner, a major fundraiser.

Some of those candidates have advocated for strict national abortion bans, while others have shied away from what is seen as an unpopular topic for general election audiences.

In a statement on Friday Iowa GOP Chair Jeff Kaufmann took aim at Harris and Bidens economic and immigration policies.

You know what Iowans are really talking about? How 'Bideonomics' is eating up their paychecks as real wages continue to decline, and how Joe Biden and his 'Border Czar' Kamala Harris are overseeing the worst border disaster in American history, he said. "Kamala Harris' taxpayer-funded trip isn't going to be enough to distract Iowans from this hard reality."

Sarah Carmichael, 36, a Democrat from Des Moines, said she was glad Harris came to talk about abortion issues, and she was inspired by the talk. She said political activism starts at the local level, and the event motivated her to keep up that involvement.

I live in Des Moines, which is a very Democratic city, but working with rural populations is important, she said. Making sure you know your city council and what they're doing and trying to attend city council meetings, hold them accountable for how they're voting on things, how they're spending money.

Photos: Drake wins MVC Women's Basketball Championship, defeats Belmont, 89-71 031223-qc-spt-mvc champ-61.jpg 031223-qc-spt-mvc champ-60.jpg 031223-qc-spt-mvc champ-59.jpg 031223-qc-spt-mvc champ-58.jpg MVC Belmont Drake Basketball MVC Belmont Drake Basketball MVC Belmont Drake Basketball MVC Belmont Drake Basketball MVC Belmont Drake Basketball MVC Belmont Drake Basketball MVC Belmont Drake Basketball MVC Belmont Drake Basketball MVC Belmont Drake Basketball MVC Belmont Drake Basketball MVC Belmont Drake Basketball MVC Belmont Drake Basketball MVC Belmont Drake Basketball MVC Belmont Drake Basketball MVC Belmont Drake Basketball MVC Belmont Drake Basketball MVC Belmont Drake Basketball MVC Belmont Drake Basketball MVC Belmont Drake Basketball MVC Belmont Drake Basketball MVC Belmont Drake Basketball MVC Belmont Drake Basketball MVC Belmont Drake Basketball 031223-qc-spt-mvc champ-34.jpg 031223-qc-spt-mvc champ-33.jpg 031223-qc-spt-mvc champ-32.jpg 031223-qc-spt-mvc champ-31.jpg 031223-qc-spt-mvc champ-30.jpg 031223-qc-spt-mvc champ-29.jpg 031223-qc-spt-mvc champ-28.jpg 031223-qc-spt-mvc champ-27.jpg 031223-qc-spt-mvc champ-26.jpg 031223-qc-spt-mvc champ-25.jpg 031223-qc-spt-mvc champ-24.jpg 031223-qc-spt-mvc champ-23.jpg 031223-qc-spt-mvc champ-22.jpg 031223-qc-spt-mvc champ-21.jpg 031223-qc-spt-mvc champ-20.jpg 031223-qc-spt-mvc champ-19.jpg 031223-qc-spt-mvc champ-18.jpg 031223-qc-spt-mvc champ-17.jpg 031223-qc-spt-mvc champ-16.jpg 031223-qc-spt-mvc champ-15.jpg 031223-qc-spt-mvc champ-14.jpg 031223-qc-spt-mvc champ-13.jpg 031223-qc-spt-mvc champ-12.jpg 031223-qc-spt-mvc champ-11.jpg 031223-qc-spt-mvc champ-10.jpg 031223-qc-spt-mvc champ-09.jpg 031223-qc-spt-mvc champ-08.jpg 031223-qc-spt-mvc champ-07.jpg 031223-qc-spt-mvc champ-06.jpg 031223-qc-spt-mvc champ-05.jpg 031223-qc-spt-mvc champ-04.jpg 031223-qc-spt-mvc champ-03.jpg 031223-qc-spt-mvc champ-02.jpg 031223-qc-spt-mvc champ-01.jpg
A court in Mariakani, Kilifi County has sentenced a vandal to 10 years in prison for vandalizing the fencing posts of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) line.

Mangale Yawa was found guilty of damaging critical infrastructure and endangering the safety of SGR train commuters. The accused vandalised a Sh.30,000 worth of Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) line fencing post owned by the Kenya Railways Corporation.

Principal Magistrate Hon. Nelly Adalo ruled that the prosecution, through Senior Principal Prosecution Counsel Angela Fuchaka, proved all the charges against the accused beyond reasonable doubt.

Yawa was also found guilty of stealing four D10 metal rods, approximately 6 feet each, and approximately 5kg of metal hooks, all valued at Ksh.30,000 and belonging to Kenya Railways Corporation, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) said.

The accused was further found guilty of escaping from lawful custody while under the lawful custody of two police officers by jumping out of a police vehicle at Taru police station in Kinango sub-county within Kwale County.

The court sentenced the accused to 10 years without a fine.
Police in Mwala, Machakos have confirmed the arrest of a man who stabbed a woman to death in a supermarket last weekend.

Mwala subcounty police commander Nancy Jerobon said they arrested Patrick Mwangi after he was discharged from Machakos Level 5 Hospital where he had been admitted on Thursday, July 27.

The suspect was allegedly caught on CCTV violently attacking his former lover, Eunice Syokau, at a supermarket in Masii town, Mwala sub county on Saturday, July 22.

Patrick Mwangi who allegedly committed murder by stabbing his girlfriend was discharged from Machakos Level 5 in stable condition. He has been detained at Masii police station awaiting processing to appear in court on Monday, Jerobon reportedly told the Star on Thursday.

The arrest comes after the family of the deceased Eunice Syokau cried out for justice on Thursday.

According to Syokaus mother, Damaris Nduku, the suspect had been demanding custody of a child they had together before they separated.

My child was killed by her boyfriend who is also the father of her child on Saturday. They had broken up and the man wanted custody of the child, the mother told reporters.

The two were living together before they separated and my daughter settled and opened a business in Masii town where he trailed and killed her.

Nduku also mentioned that she had never met the suspect.

Im pleading with the government to ensure justice for my daughter. I dont know the man and I have never seen him, she said.
The High Court has thrown out a petition that sought to challenge the appointment of Noordin Haji as the director-general of the National Intelligence Service (NIS).

In an application filed at Nakuru court, Khatherine Cherotich had challenged the nomination, recruitment, and recommendation of Haji, asserting that the process was illegal.

Cherotich, a lawyer and activist, had argued that Hajis nomination did not meet the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution.

The activist mentioned that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) recently withdrew several high-profile cases and asserted that this action raises concerns about Hajis susceptibility to coercion or intimidation.

On Thursday, High Court judge Heston Nyaga delivered a ruling stating that there was no evidence to suggest any petition or orders seeking the removal of Mr. Haji from office during his tenure as the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP).

The court found no grounds to declare him unsuitable for holding the office of Director-General of the National Intelligence Service (NIS).

In the absence of any finding to the contrary, the 1st respondent (Mr Haji) had to be presumed to be qualified and competent to continue holding that office, Justice Nyaga ruled.

The Judge also noted that all constitutional, state, or public offices are held to the same standards as prescribed by the Constitution.

There is no office that requires a higher threshold. As such, I am unable to make any finding on the competence or otherwise of the 1st respondent herein, even if the petition was to be heard on merits, he said.
Diana Naliaka, alias Sarah Nekesa, the primary suspect in the murder case of Rahab Karisa, a Chief Officer for Fisheries and Blue Economy in Kilifi County, was Thursday brought before the Kilifi Law court for arraignment.

During her appearance before Kilifi Senior Principal Magistrate Justus Kituku, the suspect stunned the court by admitting to the murder of her employer.

The magistrate had asked her if she understood the prosecutions application to have her detained to allow for more investigations. While responding to the magistrates question, Naliaka unexpectedly confessed to killing Karisa.

We had a misunderstanding after I asked her for my money. She had just returned from outside the country. I killed her but I did not intend to, Naliaka said.

Related  Family Claims Slain Kilifi Chief Officer and House Help Argued Over House Budget

In response to Naliakas unexpected admission, the magistrate interjected, instructing her not to delve into the specifics of the case at that particular stage of the proceedings.

Let us not go to the details of what happened. I just wanted to know if you understood the request by the prosecution, Kituku said.

The magistrate issued an order for the suspect to be remanded at the Kilifi police station for a period of 14 days to facilitate further investigations into the case.

The case will be mentioned on August 17, 2023.

Naliaka was employed as a househelp at the residence of the late Karisa before she stabbed her to death on July 20th.

The 21-year-old was arrested on Tuesday around 4 a.m. on a footpath near Misikhu market in Bungoma East sub-county.

At the time of arrest, the suspect was carrying her bag that had her belongings and it is believed she was on her way to the Ugandan border, Kilifi County Criminal Investigation Officer David Siele said.

Naliaka was arrested after a bodaboda rider she had hired to smuggle her across the porous border into Uganda alerted the police.
President William Ruto has appealed to leaders to engage in peaceful politics.

He said it was backward to employ violence and destruction of property in politics.

He maintained that the time for competitive politics was over.

We must agree that constructive ideas and issues should form the basis of our political equation. Not loss of life, he said.

The President asked the police to act firmly to maintain law and order within the confines of the Constitution.

The security of our nation is not negotiable, he said.

He made the remarks on Thursday during the official opening of the Lamu County Commissioners Office in Mokowe.

The President also issued cheques to the local fishing community.

Present were Cabinet Secretaries Kindiki Kithure, Aisha Jumwa, Salim Mvurya, Governor Issa Timamy (Lamu), Abdulswamad Nassir (Mombasa), MPs Ruweida Obbo (Lamu East), Stanley Muthama (Lamu West), and Joseph Githuku (Lamu County).

President Ruto observed the Government will take stern action against parents who do not take their children to school.

He argued that the Government has invested heavily in education to ensure every Kenyan has an equal opportunity.

Education is mandatory. It is a crime to keep your children at home if they have attained the age of going to school, he said.

The President asked provincial administrators to shun politics and focus on their duties.

He said those in the political class will organise their politics around political groups without the help of those in the civil service.

The involvement of chiefs and other provincial administrators in politics is archaic, he said.

The President said the Government will work with the private sector to increase the acreage of land under agriculture to increase food production.

We want to ensure this country is food secure, he said.

He committed to empowering County Governments to strengthen devolution to offer quality services to the people.

He said that the Government will disburse that Shs 32B shareable revenue for counties for this month today.

Ms Jumwa said the government is implementing its development pledge to empower the people citing the successful rollout of the Hustler Fund.

Let us continue borrowing and repaying Hustler Fund loans so that we can boost our hustles, she said.

She cautioned Coast region counties against engaging in protests saying the people are only interested in development programmes that will lift them out of poverty.

Mr Mvurya said they will support the President in delivering the governments development agenda.

He told the opposition to accept their fate and execute their duties in the opposition without violence, destruction of property and deaths.

We have a mature democracy. In the last general elections, we had a clear winner and a clear loser, he said.

Mr Kindiki assured Kenyans that the government will protect them and their property from those abusing the constitution to advance their political agenda.

We will not allow anyone in this country to misuse the constitution to cause harm to others and destroy property.

Mr Timamy said the people of Lamu County have steered clear of opposition protests saying it is not the right way of addressing the high cost of living.

He said they have opted to focus on income-generating projects and farming to enhance food production.

Instead of going for protests, our farmers are in the farms producing food, he said.

Mr Githuku said the people of Lamu County do not approve of the oppositions anti-government protests saying they support the government.

Do not allow them to ruin our country, he added.

Ms Obbo said they were keen on addressing security challenges in the county to unlock their regions economic potential.

Mr Githuku lauded the governments school feeding programme saying it has boosted the number of learners in school.

Later, he commissioned the rehabilitation programme of the Tana Delta Irrigation Project and issued cheques to the local fishing community in Tana River County.

By Presidential Communication Service(PCS)
Former Vice President Mike Pence pledged to fight harder to limit abortion access and called for more religious people to get involved in politics at a gathering of more than 800 mostly Catholic conservatives in Napa Thursday afternoon.

Pence, who's running for president, won't garner enough support at the Napa Institute conference to catapult him to the top of the primary field. Former President Donald Trump, who enjoys 52% of support among Republicans according to poll aggregator FiveThirtyEight, remains the overwhelming favorite to secure the nomination. Pence has averaged just shy of 5% support in recent national polls.

But religious conservatives such as the attendees of the Napa Institute conference are a key part of the GOP electorate, and Pence, a devout evangelical Christian, needs their support if he is to have any hope of becoming the next president.

Pence, who was raised as a Catholic, touted his Catholic school upbringing and his 2020 visit to the Vatican, where the pope gave him a rosary for his mother. He sprinkled his speech with Bible verses and urged attendees at the Napa Institute conference to express their faith by supporting right-wing causes.

"What the world needs today is men and women of deep conviction and faith who will boldly live out their faith in the public square," Pence said.

The stop in Napa Valley could also help the former vice president connect with wealthy potential donors. Attendees pay $2,800 for a ticket to the five-day convention at the Meritage Resort and Spa, a posh estate nestled in vineyard country.

Pence needs to register 40,000 unique donors by Aug. 21 in order to qualify for the inaugural primary debate in Milwaukee on Aug. 23, but hasn't reached that milestone.

The Napa Institute was founded by Tim Busch, a wealthy attorney and businessman whose other ventures include Meritage, the Irvine-based hotel chain Pacific Hospitality Group and Trinitas Cellars, a Napa County winery. A devout Orange County Catholic who visits the pope nearly every year, Busch has supported religious endeavors across California and the U.S., co-founding St. Anne School in Laguna Niguel and JSerra Catholic High School in San Juan Capistrano. In 2016, Busch gave $15 million to the Catholic University of America, which named its business school after him.

The conference itself is a blend of religious and conservative orthodoxy, with speeches from figures such as Pence interspersed with masses in the sunshine and courtyard confessionals.

Pence's call for more people of faith to take active interest in politics was well received, earning two standing ovations. His message aligns with Busch's: In an article published Sunday in National Review, Busch urged other people of faith to defend the role of religion in national politics. That means preventing states from allowing abortion access and hormone treatment for young people, Busch said.

"This is a witness that we're giving to the world that believes in same-sex marriage and abortion and transgenderism and who knows what next," Busch said. "We have to stand up for the truth because it will ultimately set them free."

Busch awarded Pence the Napa Institute's "award for life" for his anti-abortion activism. Pence voiced his support for a national minimum standard of 15 weeks to ban abortions, and championed the Trump administration's appointment of three conservative justices to the Supreme Court, which led to last year's ruling overturning Roe v. Wade.

Napa Institute leaders have taken a special interest in the court's rightward tilt. Leonard Leo, co-chairman of the Federalist Society, is a board member of Napa Legal, an advocacy arm of Busch's organization. Leo advised Trump on his judicial nominations.

Pence, who has been reticent to rail against his former boss on the campaign trail, defended his decision to certify the 2020 election results, saying he told Trump at the time that he "had no right to overturn the election."

"I reminded him that we have both taken an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States," Pence said. "The Bible says in Psalm 15, 'He keeps his oath even when it hurts.' I know something about that."

Photos: Mike Pence through the years
For at least another year and a half, California employers won't be able to follow In-N-Out's lead in banning workers from wearing masks on the job.

Download Napa Valley Register news app today! Your story lives in the Napa Valley. Get in-depth stories from the Napa region and beyond  including news, sports, features and politics.

The state's COVID-19 workplace rules protecting workers' rights to decide for themselves whether to wear face coverings are locked in at least until February 2025 and could be extended.

Those regulations prevented the iconic Irvine-based burger chain from applying its new policy prohibiting workers from wearing face masks in its home state, where it operates about 70% of its restaurants.

Instead, In-N-Out's mask ban will apply to workers at its restaurants in Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, Texas and Utah. It has a total of 116 locations in those states.

In a memo, the company said it wants to "emphasize the importance of customer service. And the ability to show our Associates' smiles and other facial features."

It is allowing employees to wear masks if they present a medical note that "clearly states the reason for the exemption."

In-N-Out released a different masking policy for employees in California and in Oregon that leaves the choice to mask up to each individual worker. That approach complies with California and Oregon standards that provide continuous protections to employees.

In a way, the split is a reminder of California's more cautious response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Democratic state was the first to order its residents to shelter in place and shut down nonessential activity in early 2020. Throughout the pandemic, state health officials have updated guidelines and rules to adapt to evolving transmission patterns.

In-N-Out went along with those rules during the pandemic, although the company contested local indoor vaccine mandates in the fall of 2021. Its refusal to check customers' vaccination records led to temporary shutdowns of restaurants in San Francisco and in Pleasant Hill of Contra Costa County.

The state Division of Occupational Safety and Health, known as Cal/OSHA, earlier this year updated its COVID-19 requirements. Among them: "Employers must allow employees to wear face coverings if they voluntarily choose to do so, unless it would create a safety hazard."

California employers can require masks

California employers can go a step further and require workers to wear a mask, as long as they also provide flexibility for someone who can't wear one due to medical reasons or a disability.

The state's pandemic-related regulations for employers have gradually eased, but employers are still required to take several steps in the interest of protecting workers, according to Cal/OSHA's COVID-19 prevention regulations.

These include notifying employees of COVID-19 cases in the workplace; providing face coverings and free tests to employees during workplace outbreaks, which is defined as at least three cases during a seven-day period; and improving indoor ventilation and air filtration to prevent transmission.

California labor organizations plan to continue advocating for public health rules that protect fast-food workers.

Ingrid Vilorio, a Castro Valley Jack In the Box worker and Service Employees International Union member, said fast-food employees often lacked basic protections during the pandemic.

"That's why workers like me went on strike and even testified during Cal/OSHA meetings on the need for emergency safety standards that would keep our colleagues, customers and families safe," she said.

"Keeping the right to mask is more about our freedom and power to make decisions that will keep us safe at work," Vilorio added.

Why fast-food workers might want masks

Cal/OSHA enforces its rules with inspections following complaints or accidents, the agency said in an email. It also conducts scheduled inspections.

Alicia Riley, an assistant professor of sociology at UC Santa Cruz who conducted health equity research during the pandemic, said the In-N-Out memo to employees struck her as narrow.

"It assumes a lot about why someone would want to wear a mask. It doesn't consider the situation we know many workers, especially fast-food workers, are in, which is that they're not living alone," Riley said. "They may not be at high risk of serious illness, but they may live with someone who is."

Earlier this month, the California Supreme Court sided with an employer in a case in which a Bay Area woman sued her husband's employer after she became severely ill when he caught COVID-19 on the job and brought it home. The court ruled she could not claim workers' compensation.

Riley said In-N-Out's mask ban highlights workplace inequities the pandemic exposed. For example, cooks were among the 25 occupations with the most excess deaths in 2020, Riley's research has shown.

Here are some key health policies that will and will not change with the COVID-19 public health emergency's end Here are some key health policies that will and will not change with the COVID-19 public health emergency's end
Lawmakers and activists initially balked at Gov. Gavin Newsoms plan to use $380 million to build a rehabilitation campus at San Quentin, Californias oldest state prison. The proposal lacked details, they said.

Download Napa Valley Register news app today! Your story lives in the Napa Valley. Get in-depth stories from the Napa region and beyond  including news, sports, features and politics.

But after some negotiation, the revamp is moving forward. The prison, once home to the countrys largest death row, will become the San Quentin Rehabilitation Center, part of Newsoms push to rethink incarceration.

The complete picture still isnt clear. But at a media tour at the prison on Wednesday, some new details were revealed.

New building will expand programming, curtail waitlists

At San Quentin, inmates can get a GED or college degree. They can learn to read, code, make a podcast, film and edit videos or write in Associated Press journalistic style  if they can get off the waiting list.

Its like coming to Disneyland and not getting to ride any rides, said Warden Ron Broomfield.

Located just across the Golden Gate bridge from San Francisco, San Quentin State Prison has never been at a loss for volunteers to staff the hundreds of educational and career programs, a spokeswoman said. But their reach is constrained by space.

For example, 250 inmates are on a waitlist for Mount Tamalpais College, a free school within San Quentins walls. It will likely be a year before they can win a spot in the classroom.

The new rehabilitation campus will provide 100,000 square feet of programming space, aiming to reduce waitlists and get more inmates into education and career programs. San Quentin spokespeople were unable to confirm just how many more people would be served in the new facility.

In California, inmates who participate in educational and vocational programs can earn sentence reductions. Theyre also less likely to end back in prison post-release.

Nearly half of those released from California prisons will be reconvicted within three years, according to data from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

San Quentins coding academy, operated by the California Prison Industry Authority, offers courses in web development and programming languages and has a zero percent recidivism rate. Of the 218 graduates of the program that have left prison since 2014, none has returned to prison. CALPIA partnered with the Last Mile, a nonprofit that provides technology education to incarcerated people, to launch the course at San Quentin in 2014. Today, the program has spread to 22 prison classrooms across the country.

Inmate Alex Yohn said he spends around 30 hours a week in the coding lab. He waited two and a half months for the six-month course. In November, hell have his first parole hearing and will be able to show the website he has designed.

What about other California prisons?

As of July 19, San Quentin was home to 3,787 inmates  just 4% of Californias total incarcerated population, according to CDCR data.

Though the new campus will serve more inmates at San Quentin, activists say the state needs to bring the same reforms to other prisons across the state.

San Quentin has one of the most robust set of programs in the state and some of the other prisons have very little, said Don Specter, executive director of the Prison Law Office. Almost all of the other prisons need it more than San Quentin.

The investments in San Quentin can be replicated and scaled to other institutions, said Izzy Gardon, a spokesperson for Newsoms office. The end goal is a California Model of rehabilitative incarceration used at all CDCR facilities.

Californias incarcerated population is declining after years of effort. In the 2023-24 fiscal year, CDCR will operate 15,000 open beds, the Legislative Analysts Office calculated.

Assemblymember Mia Bonta, the Alameda Democrat who chairs the Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Public Safety, agreed to the put the San Quentin funding in the budget in exchange for a requirement that CDCR produce reports on prison capacity to help decide which prisons to close.

Committees focus: re-entry, housing and correctional staff

An advisory committee, led by Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg, will release recommendations in December focused on three areas: re-entry, inmates residential experience and correctional staff training.

The panel has already met three times, Steinberg said. Those meetings have occurred behind closed doors, though he said at least a couple of future meetings will be open to the public.

Re-entry

About 46% of people released from California prisons will be reconvicted within three years, according to CDCR.

Through normalizing life inside San Quentin, Broomfield said, the prison hopes to make re-entering society post-incarceration smoother for released inmates.

While the current vocational and educational programs reduce recidivism, the committee will focus on other kinds of re-entry initiatives. The Male Community Reentry Programs, for example, allows some incarcerated men to serve the last few months of their sentences outside prison walls.

Residential experience

Two people share each 4-by-10-foot cell at San Quentin. Only one person can stand up in the room at a time, said Jevis Jones, a currently incarcerated man.

In developing his California Model of incarceration, Newsom has pointed to Norweigan prisons for inspiration. They are known for their lack of metal bars and homey aesthetic  and a much lower recidivism rate.

Steinberg said a complete overhaul and redesign of prison living quarters isnt feasible. The committee will instead look for ways the prison can create a more rehabilitative living environment through design and aesthetic changes like replacing metal bars with doors.

Staff experience

Heres the truth: the correctional officers are suffering, too, said Steinberg.

Correctional officers suffer from depression, PTSD and suicide at a higher rate than the average population, according to research from the Vera Institute of Justice, a research organization focused on the justice system in the United States.

This subcommittee will develop recommendations to address these issues and develop new training for correctional officers to incorporate them into the mission to transform prison into a rehabilitative place.

A correctional officer can become that influence that changes someones life, said Broomfield, who is on the staff subcommittee. I really want to get the correctional staff involved in rehabilitation.

The committee will release its recommendations in a report in December. The entire project, including the rehabilitative campus, should be finished sometime in 2025, Steinberg said.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, center, speaks with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, left, and U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin prior to a lunch in Brisbane, Australia Friday, July 28, 2023. (Pat Hoelscher/AP)

CANBERRA, Australia  U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Friday the United States stands with countries fighting Chinese bullying behavior as he launched bilateral talks in Australia aimed at countering Beijings growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region.

Austin and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in the Australian city of Brisbane late Thursday ahead of annual bilateral meetings on Friday and Saturday that will focus on a deal to provide Australia, a defense treaty partner, with a fleet of submarines powered by U.S. nuclear technology.

Advertisement

Ahead of a meeting with Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles, Austin said both countries share concerns about Chinas break from international laws and norms that resolve disputes peacefully and without coercion.

Weve seen troubling P.R.C. coercion from the East China Sea, to the South China Sea, to right here in the Southwest Pacific, Austin told reporters, referring to the Peoples Republic of China.

Advertisement

Well continue to support our allies and partners as they defend themselves from bullying behavior, he added.

China has imposed a series of official and unofficial trade barriers in recent years against Australian exports including coal, wine, barley, beef, seafood and wood. The barriers are widely seen as a punitive reaction to Australian government policy that has cost Australian exporters as much as $15 billion a year.

Australias icy relationship with Beijing was thawing since a change of Australian government at elections last year. Meanwhile, the sharing of U.S. nuclear secrets with Australia takes that bilateral relationship to a new level.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is planning state visits to both the United States and China before the end of the year.

Under the AUKUS partnership  an acronym for Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States  Australia will buy three Virginia-class submarines from the United States and build five of a new AUKUS-class submarine in cooperation with Britain.

Australian media have focused on a letter signed by more than 20 Republican lawmakers to President Joe Biden that warned the deal would unacceptably weaken the U.S. fleet without a plan to boost U.S. submarine production.

Albanese said he remained very confident that the United States would deliver the three submarines.

The prime minister said hed been reassured by discussions he had with Republicans and Democrats earlier in July at a NATO summit in Lithuania.

Advertisement

What struck me was their unanimous support for AUKUS, their unanimous support for the relationship between the Australia and United States, Albanese said.

Marles agreed the AUKUS program was on track.

Congress can be a complicated place as legislation makes its way through it, but actually were encouraged by how quickly it is going through it and we are expecting that there will be lots of discussions on the way through, Marles said.

Fundamentally, we have reached an agreement with the Biden administration about how Australia acquires the nuclear-powered submarine capability and were proceeding along that path with pace, he added.

Australia understood there was pressure on the American industrial base and would contribute to submarine production, Marles said. The AUKUS deal is forecast to cost Australia up to 368 billion Australian dollars ($246 billion) over 30 years.

Albanese publicly welcomed Austin and Blinken at a media event before the three began a meeting with Marles, Foreign Minister Penny Wong, U.S. Ambassador to Australia Caroline Kennedy and Australian Ambassador to the United States Kevin Rudd, a former prime minister.

Advertisement

The relationship between Australia and the United States has never been stronger, Albanese told the two visitors.
Supported by Sweden and the United Kingdom, Saab on July 28 submitted its proposal for the replacement of the Netherlands current submarines. The proposal comprises four advanced Expeditionary Submarines with the latest innovations and technologies and includes a cooperation with Dutch shipbuilder Damen Shipyards Group.

Follow Navy Recognition on Google News at this link

Saab and Dutch shipbuilder Damen Shipyards Group have cooperated since 2015 and the offer to build submarines to replace the Dutch Walrus-class is a balanced cooperation between the Netherlands and Sweden (Picture source: Saab)

Saabs offered solution is based on a successful, proven and future-proof design. It will incorporate the latest capabilities and technologies, whilst its truly modular design will allow for new technologies as they evolve to ensure relevance for many years to come.

Saab and Dutch shipbuilder Damen Shipyards Group have cooperated since 2015 and the offer to build submarines to replace the Dutch Walrus-class is a balanced cooperation between the Netherlands and Sweden.

The outstanding capabilities of the Expeditionary Submarine C718 meet and exceed the Dutch needs and requirements long-term. Our offer constitutes a substantial contribution to the operational capability of the Dutch Defence Forces. Cooperation with local industry throughout the programme secures strategic autonomy for the Netherlands. These are Dutch submarines for the Royal Netherlands Navy, says Mats Wicksell, Senior Vice President and head of Saabs business area Kockums.

The C718 is an advanced Expeditionary Submarine that offers an unsurpassed level of endurance and exceeds the Royal Netherlands Navy's needs for long-distance operations, sufficient accommodation, crew comfort and increased weapon payload capability.

As part of the proposal, Saab offers a proven and integrated weapon-launching system and one of the best sensor systems in the world. Saabs innovative design features signature solutions to minimise detection by active sonars, all combined in an undetectable and extremely capable submarine.

The offer includes knowledge transfer to the Netherlands. Once delivered, the submarines will be fully maintainable by the Royal Netherlands Navy including upgrades throughout their lifespans.

Sweden, through Saabs business area Kockums, has a long tradition of producing world-class submarines. Four nations are currently operating submarines and submarine technology designed by Saabs business area Kockums; Sweden, Australia, Japan and Singapore.

Saabs innovative design features signature solutions to minimise detection by active sonars, all combined in an undetectable and extremely capable submarine (Picture source: Saab)
Former Armenian Mayor of Glendale, Ardy Kassakhian, has called on his friends, colleagues and others to support the people of Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh) who have been in blockade by Azerbaijan for more than seven months.

I'm grateful to everyone who has called or texted to wish me a happy birthday today. That you took a moment to remember me is much appreciated. But I want to ask everyone for a favor. If our friendship has ever meant anything or I have been able to help you in someway, then please take a moment to also think about the innocent people of Artsakh who are on the verge of starvation and annihilation, he wrote on his X/Twitter account.

Write or call your Congressional representatives. Speak out! Help me stand with Artsakh. It would be the greatest gift in the world if you would join me in raising awareness and demanding that our US Government puts actions behind its words to help the Armenians of Artsakh.

Azerbaijan has kept about 120,000 residents of Nagorno Karabakh in blockade for several months, depriving them of basic necessities. Armenia has sent about 360 tons of humanitarian relief to Nagorno Karabakh, but the trucks transporting it are stuck near the Lachin corridor as Azerbaijan does not allow them to enter Nagorno Karabakh.
Lithuania FM: Crucial to ensure unimpeded movement through Lachin corridor

Minister, UAE envoy to Armenia discuss promising domains of cooperation in economy

US Senate Foreign Relations Committee representatives visit Armenian Genocide Memorial in Yerevan

Armenia parliament vice-speaker briefs Estonia envoy on growing humanitarian crisis in Karabakh

Ocampo submits report to Karabakh president, concludes that genocide is being committed against people of Artsakh

Armenia FM briefs Spain, Greece counterparts on humanitarian crisis in Karabakh

Public TV: Another one joins trucks sent from Armenia for Karabakh, this humanitarian aid is from France

Burbank mayor meets with protesting American Armenians demanding lifting of Karabakh blockade

Armenia Security Council chief meets with US Senate Foreign Relations Committee representatives

Armenia FM has phone conversation with Bulgaria counterpart

Ex-FM: Armenians have only one lever in their hands which is to sign or not to sign peace treaty with Azerbaijan

Russia MFA: Signal being received from Azerbaijan, Armenia doesnt mean parties are ready to agree to any conditions

Armenia defense minister receives newly appointed France ambassador (PHOTOS)

Which political party Yerevan residents will vote for the most in upcoming municipal election?

Red Cross transfers 10 more medical patients from Karabakh to Armenia

Azerbaijani economist is detained in Turkey, handed over to homeland

Ombudsperson: Cases of fainting due to malnutrition continue to increase in Karabakh

Armenia FM briefs Lithuania colleague on situation, growing humanitarian crisis in Karabakh

Luis Moreno Ocampo: Azerbaijan blockade of Nagorno-Karabakh is genocide

Los Angeles Armenians block street, march to Congressman Adam Schiff residence

Crusaders detachment reaches area where humanitarian aid trucks sent from Armenia to Karabakh are waiting

ARF does not find it proper to nominate its own proportional representation list for Yerevan elections

Armenia premier congratulates Singapore counterpart on National Day

Sputnik Armenia: Where, under what conditions father and son Smbatyan are detained?

Newspaper: When Armenia ruling party election headquarters will start working?

Armenia MFA spox: Abducting of patient under Red Cross care must be condemned

Erdogan confirms Turkey participation in 2020 war against Karabakh

Russia MoD records ceasefire violation in Nagorno-Karabakh

President sends urgent appeal to international community to take immediate action to prevent genocide of NKR people

Turkey army General Staff head of intelligence visits Azerbaijan

Poland new envoy expresses readiness to assist reforms within Armenia internal affairs ministry (PHOTOS)

Estonia ambassador to Armenia joins EU civilian monitoring mission patrol

Congressman Adam Schiff: We must recognize Artsakh Republic independence if we truly stand for democracy, human rights

Robert Khachatryan, Andrea Wiktorin discuss EU-assisted high-tech projects in Armenia

Who are included in ex-mayor Hayk Marutyan's political team for Yerevan Council of Elders election?

Armenia PM congratulates newly appointed Tunis colleague

Armenia wins 1 gold, 4 silver medals at International Mathematics Competition for University Students

US State Department spox.: Turkey can play productive role in Armenia-Azerbaijan relations normalization

Crusaders detachment members reopen avenue nearby Armenia government building

Armenia national opera and ballet theater has new director

Karabakh war-participating detachment members block avenue near Armenia government building

Delegation visiting Armenia on US Senator Robert Menendezs instruction is in Syunik Province (PHOTOS)

Protesters give Armenia government time until 6pm to have Lachin corridor reopened

Red Cross transports 11 medical patients from Karabakh to Armenia after 11 days of complete blockade by Azerbaijan

Karabakh war-participating detachment members protest outside Armenia government building

Red Cross representatives visit 2 Azerbaijani soldiers who illegally entered Armenia

With which party ex-mayor Hayk Marutyan will run in Yerevan municipal elections?

Armenia responds to Azerbaijan letter regarding plant under construction in Yeraskh village

Tasnim: Iran, Armenia security councils heads discuss regional situation

Armenia Security Council chief briefs Iran diplomat on humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh

Tesla CFO unexpectedly resigns

Ex-mayor Hayk Marutyan to run in Yerevan election

Health ministry: Comprehensive siege of Karabakh leads to considerable increase in mortality, morbidity rates

Azerbaijan ombudsperson representatives visit detained Karabakh resident Rashid Beglaryan

UN experts call on Azerbaijan to immediately restore free movement through Lachin corridor

Karabakh state minister: Even in these conditions there are still people who are engaged in idle talk

Worlds largest Nissan to go out of production

Aram I, Vatican bishop discuss current situation in Nagorno-Karabakh

Andranik Tevanyan: Mother Armenia movement will run in Yerevan municipal elections

Newspaper: Armenia parliament new session to be heated, ruling force already has decision

Azerbaijan slams UN experts for their objective assessments of situation in Karabakh

US State Department: Armenia-Azerbaijan peace agreement remains within reach

Vardan Sargsyan: Humanitarian crisis in Karabakh is deepening, with widespread malnutrition

Turkey ministers council discusses Armenia-Azerbaijan relations

Armenia internal affairs minister, China ambassador confer on bilateral cooperation

About 256,000 tourists visit Armenia in July

Armenian Tourism Federation president: Whoever happens should not represent our country

Karabakh legislature new head: We will continue fight for preservation, strengthening of Artsakh statehood at any cost

Armenia Security Council chief has telephone conversation with newly appointed Iran counterpart

UNICEF urges to place Karabakh childrens safety, survival above all other considerations

Red Cross visits Karabakh resident Vagif Khachatryan, abducted by Azerbaijan

Yerevan murder circumstances being ascertained, criminal proceedings launched (PHOTOS)

Newly appointed UAE envoy ready to assist in Armenia justice sector reforms (PHOTOS)

Hurriyet: Putin-Erdogan talks will discuss Turkey relations with Azerbaijan, Armenia

What are most popular names given to Armenia newborns in first 6 months of 2023?

European Parliament member considers Lachin corridor blocking a war crime

Artur Osipyan: Russian peacekeepers in Karabakh turned down petition to escort motorcade to Hakari bridge

Hakan Fidan: Turkey-Armenia, Azerbaijan-Armenia relations normalization process should proceed in parallel

Karabakh residents protest in front of Armenia MFA

American Armenians start sit-in, in support of Karabakh, outside Congressman Adam Schiffs office

shamshyan.com: Shootings in Yerevan, man with gunshot wound in the head dies in hospital

Person, 35, found dead in Armenias Lake Sevan

Armenia MFA spox: Clear steps needed to implement all international calls, decisions regarding Karabakh

Malta Armenians hold peaceful demonstration in support of Karabakh

Karabakh has a cash problem

World Council of Churches, Conference of European Churches call on Borrell to have Karabakh blockade lifted

Karabakh National Assembly has new speaker

Armenia-Azerbaijan relations to be discussed at Turkey government Cabinet session

Karabakh legislature ruling faction nominates opposition ARF MP Davit Ishkhanyan for post of parliament speaker

Military junta closes Niger airspace

Azerbaijan fires at Armenia positions, also uses mortars

President of Karabakh: Its as result of government activities that we have chance not to starve yet

Arayik Harutyunyan: The West made effort to organize a Baku-Stepanakert meeting in 3rd country

President of Karabakh: There seems to be tacit agreement to leave us all alone with Azerbaijan

Arayik Harutyunyan: Azerbaijan wants to abandon tripartite statement, to continue the war

Karabakh President: Humanitarian disaster border is crossed, now we are witnessing Azerbaijans genocidal policy

Artur Abraham calls on the UN and the civilized world to intervene in the situation around the Lachin corridor

Ruben Vardanyan: What is needed now is pressure on Aliyev

China hit by torrential rains: 10 people killed, 18 others missing

Turkish opposition leader Kemal Klcdaroglu's motorcade has been caught up in a chain accident: there are casualties
The humanitarian situation in Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh) caused by Azerbaijans blockade is worsening by hours with patients dying because of not receiving medical aid on time

The Public Radio of Artsakh reported that there have also been incidents when women had to terminate pregnancy at an early stage due to malnutrition and stress.

Mesrop Margaryan, the head of the resuscitation and intensive therapy department at Arevik medical unit, said that there have been cases when children are brought to hospital late with doctors unable to do much to help them.

"The deepening crisis in the healthcare sector is already leaving visible consequences. Failure to receive timely medical care has resulted in deaths, early termination of pregnancy due to stress, malnutrition, and deteriorating health conditions among children due to lack of appropriate medication, he said.

Nagorno Karabakh has been in blockade by Azerbaijan for more than seven months now with its residents deprived of necessities. Armenia has sent about 360 humanitarian aid to Nagorno Karabakh but Azerbaijan would not allow it to enter the county.



Mesrop Margaryan further said that planned surgeries have been cancelled, due to fuel shortage there are problems with the transportation of patients as well.

Further he informed that two of the 23 children receiving treatment in the intensive care unit are diagnosed with Leishmaniasis  a disease transmitted to humans through the bite of insects of the Lutzomyia longipalpis species.

If the patients do not receive timely and proper treatment, there is a high risk of death, he explained, adding that previously such patients would be transported to Armenia, but now there is no such opportunity.

The doctor said that as of July 25 the public transport in the country has completely stopped operating which has made it hard for medical personnel as they have to walk to work now. Due to the lack of fuel, emergency vehicles are sent to bring patients to hospital only in extreme cases.
Lake Michigan's "Playpen," between Ohio Street Beach and Oak Street Beach, is full of boaters on a nice day in Chicago Aug. 10, 2019. (Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune)

Heres what to know about the party-friendly area of Lake Michigan known as the Playpen after a second boating accident in a week.

Where is the Playpen?

The Playpen is a no-wake boating hot spot, just south of Oak Street Beach and north of Navy Pier, where powerboats often raft together and a see-and-be-seen crowd soaks up perfect skyline views. The area is popular with boaters because of the dampening effect the break walls have on the waves, which means the Playpens waters tend to be calmer even if its choppy out on the lake, said Ald. Brian Hopkins, 2nd, whose ward covers the Playpen.

Boats can tie up together and create large flotillas where you can actually hop from one boat to another, Hopkins said. Its a social experience where boaters like to meet other boaters, and parties like to meet other partygoers. Thats really the attraction of the Playpen.

What are the rules at the Playpen?

The Playpen is regulated by the U.S. Coast Guard, and monitored by the Coast Guard, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the Chicago Police Marine Unit.

It doesnt have an official maximum capacity, according to Lt. Tony Mendez, commanding officer with the marine unit, but reckless boating or operating while under the influence is regulated by the enforcement agencies, he said.

History of the Playpen

In 2005, boaters gathered in the Playpen to hold a parade in remembrance of the Sept. 11, 2001, tragedy.

In 2013, boaters said they spotted Blackhawks players partying in the Playpen after they won the Stanley Cup that year.

During the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown, all was quiet at the Playpen as Mayor Lori Lightfoot shut down the floating adult playland in Lake Michigan that summer, along with the citys beaches, parks and trails.

[ [Sign up now] Get the latest Chicago news on your phone, inbox and desktop ]

Sorry folks, the Playpen will not be open this summer, Mayor Lori Lightfoot said.

In 2021, Ald. Brendan Reilly, 42nd, introduced a measure in City Council to apply the city noise ordinance that limits the volume of amplified sounds on city streets to the boats in the Playpen, along with the Chicago River and the Ogden boat slips.

Recent issues at the Playpen

In July 2019, Arthur Labinjo went missing while boat hopping at the Playpen the weekend of the Chicago Scene Boat Party, an unsanctioned tradition of boating enthusiasts linking up their vessels and partying. One week later, his body was found in Lake Michigan, off the citys Gold Coast.

Also in July 2019, the owner of the Flying Lady  a Playpen yacht with a stripper pole  was charged with a multimillion-dollar fraud scheme.

Last weekend at the Playpen, Lana Batochirs feet were severed by a boats propeller when a 37-foot chartered yacht driven by a licensed captain reversed over a raft shed been floating on. The 34-year-old mother of two had both of her legs amputated because of the injury.

Late Wednesday, one person was left in critical condition after falling off a boat at the Playpen and search units were still looking for a second person late Wednesday evening near the Jardine Water Purification Plant. A body was pulled from the water near Montrose Harbor early Thursday, but it wasnt immediately clear whether the man pulled from the water was the same person who had been missing.
00:33

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday slammed the Congress and its allies, including the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, saying nothing would happen by changing the name of their alliance to Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA).





The senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader was addressing a rally in Rameswaram, ahead of kick-starting Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai's state-wide 'En Mann, En Makkal (My Land, My People)' padayatra.





In 10 years of the United Progressive Alliance government, Rs 12 lakh crore corruption took place, and changing the name of the alliance now will make no difference, Shah said.





"When Congress and its allies, including the DMK, go to the people seeking votes, the public would remember the corruption," he said.





He said people will remember the UPA regime for the 2G Spectrum scam, CommonWealth games scam and Coal allocation scam.





He also mentioned the 'chopper scandal' apart from 'Submarine scam and ISRO scam'.





"Congress-DMK and allies opposed the removal of Art 370; is Kashmir ours or not," he asked.





"Don't we need to free the nation from terrorism? When Modi undertook surgical and airstrikes, the UPA people opposed it."





Taking forward Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Tamil pitch, he said Modi honoured Tamil culture by installing the 'Sengol' in the new parliament building.





Modi presented the Tamil language, culture, and thoughts of Tamil leaders to the world through various platforms.





He is the first to 'speak the Tamil language in the United Nations'.





During the Congress-DMK rule, the massacre of Tamils occurred in Sri Lanka, and Tamil fishermen suffered, he said.





Through the yatra, Annamalai will establish Modi's nationalism in place of regionalism, Shah added.





The 'Entire World is One' motto was borrowed from Tamil Nadu's culture as India's G20 motto, the union minister said, and recalled that during his trip to France, the PM announced the building of a statue of the saint-poet Tiruvalluvar.





He also underlined the welfare initiatives for Sri Lankan Tamils, besides highlighting the Union government's initiatives such as Kashi Tamil Sangamam and Tamil Saurashtra Sangamam.





Shah hit out at the DMK regime, calling it the most corrupt in the nation and said the BJP yatra is an attempt to usher in politics of development and good governance in Tamil Nadu.





"This yatra is a journey to take Tamil culture from Kashmir to Kanyakumari and from Kolkata to Somnath."





Accusing the DMK regime of being a 'government of illegal wine mafia, sand mafia and Tamil Nadu electricity generation and distribution scam', Shah said, "This is an anti-poor government."





He named the Congress and its allies one by one, including the DMK, Trinamool Congress and Shiv Sena-UBT, and accused them all of trying to empower their families.





"They are not interested in the nation's development," he alleged.





"Sonia Gandhi wants to make her son Rahul the Prime Minister, M K Stalin wants to make his son Udhayanidhi the chief minister."





The BJP top leader also criticised West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Lalu Prasad Yadav and Shiv Sena-UBT leader Uddhav Thackeray as leaders who desired to see their heirs in leadership positions.





"However, Modi is the only leader who is working for the nation's development," he said.





In his nine years of leadership, Modi has replaced casteism, family politics, appeasement, and regionalism with the politics of performance, the top BJP leader said.





Shah also raised the issue of an accused DMK leader who is in jail continuing as a minister in Tamil Nadu.





"Stalin should be ashamed of retaining V Senthil Balaji, arrested in an Enforcement Directorate case and in jail, in the cabinet," the Union minister said.





"Can a person in jail continue as a minister," he asked.





"Should Senthil Balaji not have resigned? Even if Senthil Balaji resigns, Stalin will not accept it because he is afraid that all secrets will be disclosed.





"Stalin made more than 500 promises during the 2021 assembly election, but instead of fulfilling assurances, he drowned entire Tamil Nadu in the business of alcohol," Shah charged.





The senior BJP leader later flagged off the 'En Mann, En Makkal' padayatra by Annamalai, saying, "It is a yatra to free Tamil Nadu of dynastic and corrupt politics and start an era of development and pro-poor initiatives."





The Union minister held Annamalai's hand and raised it amid enthusiastic chants by party members.





Annamalai will travel on a vehicle for 10,000 km and on foot for 700 kilometres.





The stage put up for the launch of the padayatra was modelled on the newly inaugurated Parliament building.





The yatra, which will go on for six months, marks the start of BJP's poll campaign ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha election.





The yatra will cover all 234 assembly constituencies in the state.In his address, Annamalai likened the yatra to a 'yagna' to reach out to the people about the welfare schemes of the BJP-led Centre under PM Modi's leadership and the 'never-seen-before' financial allocations by the Centre to Tamil Nadu.





Annamalai praised the leadership of Prime Minister Modi and asserted that this is the rule of 'common men' and Modi is an 'ordinary man who made all Indians proud through his work'.





"Modi is a Tamilian at heart, and he has made Tamilians proud world over and taken Tamil culture and Tamil classic Tirukkural across the world, which echoed in the United Nations as well," Annamalai said. -- PTI


HK can help Asean enter Chinese market: CE

HK can help Asean enter Chinese market: CE

Chief Executive John Lee on Friday said Hong Kong can help Asean countries enter the Chinese market.



The CE made the comment in an interview with China Central Television in Malaysia, the last leg of his visit to Southeast Asia.



Lee said while Asean is Hong Kong's second largest trade partner, the SAR needs to further boost ties with the bloc.



He said trade relations between mainland China and Asean are strengthening and Hong Kong has to consolidate its role as a bridge between the two.



"Hong Kong and Asean countries actually have a good foundation for cooperation, and I think the room for development is unlimited," he said.



"Hong Kong has many advantages. I think we can use our advantages to serve Asean, and Asean can make use of Hong Kong to explore more business opportunities."



Lee said the SAR can provide services for Asean countries in finance, logistics and trade, adding that the city can also help resolve commercial and legal disputes.
CE on 'mission possible' to explore opportunities

CE on 'mission possible' to explore opportunities

Chief Executive John Lee has described exploring business opportunities in Malaysia as mission possible, as Hong Kong signs eleven memorandums of understanding (MOU) with the Southeast Asian country.



Speaking at a business luncheon in the capital Kuala Lumpur, Lee said the MOUs signed with Malaysian businesses and institutions cover areas like trade and finance, railway and property development, as well as digital transformation and fintech.



Our task is to explore successful partnerships with Malaysian and the wider Asean region, to take our people to people, business to business, and government to government relations on a new and exciting level, he said.



Unlike the famous action movie screened at the cinemas now, were not here on an impossible mission. Instead, were here on a mission possible.



Speaking at the same event, Malaysias transport minister, Anthony Loker, said there is room for cooperation between Hong Kong and Malaysias airports.



The Hong Kong airport is very efficient and internationally-known as an air cargo hub. The Kuala Lumpur International Airport is not just an airport We want to turn that into an aeropolis; not just an airport, but an air cargo hub as well, he said.



Loker added that the SAR and Malaysia can work together to identify more collaboration opportunities.



A lot of Hong Kong tourists love to come to Sabah for their seafood. I hope that one day, our Sabah tiger prawn or Sabah grouper can be as well-known as Alaska crab, he said.



We need to export our prawns, our seafood to the entire world. Of course, we can work together  Sabah as a seafood export destination, and we can use Hong Kong airport as the air cargo hub for the international market.
Four doctoral candidates in the Latin American and Latino Studies Department received awards that will help propel them forward in their graduate trajectory.

The awardees from the division include:

Rafael E. Delgadillo , Presidents Dissertation Year Award

Karina Ruiz, UC Presidents Pre-Professoriate Fellowship

Amando Argueta-Vogel , Crossing Latinidades Summer Institute Fellowship

Brittney Jimenez , Crossing Latinidades Summer Institute Fellowship

According to one of the awardees, I cant wait to make the best of this fellowship in the coming year.

Rafael E. Delgadillo

Delgadillo has had a winding path to get to UC Santa Cruzand his most recent recognition as the winner of Presidents Dissertation Year Award will help the doctoral candidate back to the West Coast to round out his graduate experience.

The New Orleans native grew up in a Dominican household and worked to balance the relationship between the Big Easy with the history of colonization of the Caribbean. With all of the integrated backgrounds and ethnicities that came together in New Orleans, Delgadillo referred to his hometown as a city that should not be defined as a place that is merely on the geographic and cultural periphery of the United States.

The citys history is really reflective of the entire hemisphere, as a colonial project, because of the way New Orleans was founded, he said. Delgadillos doctoral research is also heavily concerned with the citys commercial and cultural connections with Caribbean and Latin American port cities after the Louisiana Purchase.

That basic understanding fueled Delgadillos research, leading to him earn both a bachelors and a masters degree in history from the University of New Orleans. Those experiences helped him to learn more about research and archiving. That coincided with his career as a community organizer, where he worked with Latino communities in southeast Louisiana that became integral to rebuilding the region in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Many of the construction workers and service industry employees were newly arrived migrants from Latin America.

It was a chance meeting with another scholar at Tulane University in 2009 that led Delgadillo to actually make the leap to Santa Cruz, when he was informed of the new LALS Ph.D. program set to start in 2014.

Its the only program I applied to, and I got in, he said. Living in Santa Cruz, doing this research there, that has been very healingits a passion for me.

Delgadillo is now entering his seventh year of doctoral candidacy. With this most recent award, he will return to the area after conducting research in the Southeast, finalize his dissertation, and begin his job search.

Karina Ruiz

Ruiz, currently in her sixth year of her doctoral program, focuses her research on childhood studies and family studies in the context of Latino mixed-status families. Her work focuses on childrens emotional labor and care work in mixed-status and transnational families, areas shes expanded on since her undergraduate program at CSU Monterey Bay.

With her UC Presidents Pre-Professoriate Fellowship, shell be able to spend more time on dissertation writing and prepare for her next steps post-graduation.

She was interested in garnering more in these topic areas when entering the division, largely because she had been connecting research from childhood studies to her own experiences in an immigrant family and years of experience in the childcare field.

She worked further in developing her research and insights on this area through her work with the We Belong Project, a collaborative and community-engaged research project designed to document the experiences of immigrant families, their contributions, and the obstacles they face.

In doing this work in both Santa Cruz County and the greater Silicon Valley, Ruiz has found a great deal of imperative organizations working diligently to provide for the community, including Second Harvest and United Way Santa Cruz County. With her recent award, shes excited to further give back to the community through her research.

Its a nice opportunity to take a break and spend some time focusing on the research too, she said.

Brittney Jimenez

Jimenez, in her second year of her Ph.D. program, focuses on the contemporary Chicano movement and young women involved in the movements, as well as how histories of the movement are used in current activism endeavors. As part of her recent award of the Crossing Latinidades Summer Research Fellowship, she will take this summer to connect with other students and professors from other universities as she furthers her own research.

During her masters program at CSU Northridge, she was in community with a lot of young women, asking how the discipline influenced the movement.

It really made me consider how I identified, and how those partnerships impacted the ways I see my educational journey and activist journey today, she said.

The Summer Institute will allow Jimenez and other students to take time to assess methodological and theoretical frameworks related to their research, and connect with research working groups. As part of the Institute, students will take part in an end-of-summer research presentation, held at the University of Chicago.

Having the advice of advisors here has been instrumental in me being able to continue in this work and feel supported in it, she said. Im really excited about the prospect of building communities in this program.

Amando Argueta-Vogel

Argueta-Vogel will join his fellow UCSC doctoral candidate Jimenez this summer, as a recipient of the Crossing Latinidades Summer Institute Fellowship. His doctoral study focuses on Central American Studiesparticularly the social, political and economic relationships between the U.S. and Central Americaas understood through the lenses of both immigration and migration.

Argueta-Vogel is no stranger to award recognition and has garnered significant praise for his research efforts over the past academic year. In May, he was announced as one of the 11 graduate student research grant recipients from the Dolores Huerta Research Center for the Americas, for his publication Migrations Otherwise and Studies of Central American Mobility.

On top of his studies, Argueta-Vogel is also a graduate student researcher for the Global Latinidades Center at UC Santa Barbara.

Amando Argueta-Vogel was unavailable for an interview prior to the deadline.
Mediawire New Delhi [India], July 27: India and Japan are identifying new technology areas to widen partnership, create new industries and reinvigorate the existing ones. Technology is redefining the Indo-Japanese partnership. The two nations are looking to tap into the opportunities presented by Japanese startups as well as large corporations, which are looking for technology and services partnerships to present their solutions to the world. During his visit to India, the Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura emphasised the key pillars that are driving the rapidly expanding business relationship between the two countries. With innovation and partnership, he stressed on how the two countries could exploit the opportunities for growth for trade between them and for making an impact around global markets. While companies from the two countries are expanding their business cooperation, the two are working on a three-pronged strategy for expanding their business relationship. Creation of future industries: India and Japan have identified cutting edge areas like digital services, clean energy, healthcare, mobility and electric vehicles and aerospace as areas of cooperation. Japan has also stressed on the collaboration between the startups of the two countries. Together we will open up the future of the world. I would like to realise such Japan-India cooperation. Specially in the field of semiconductors, today we are taking the first steps towards cooperation with India, Nishimura said, outlining his vision for the shared future. During the visit, Minister Nishimura and Minister for Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw signed a memorandum of cooperation for semiconductor design, manufacturing, equipment research, talent development, and bringing resilience to the semiconductor supply chain, to enhance bilateral cooperation in this sector. That had set the ball rolling for companies to ideate on finding the business opportunities in semiconductors and relevant fields. Expanding scale of conventional industries: Steel, textiles, SMEs and other sectors could be potential areas for collaboration. As steel industry needs to decarbonise, Japan and India could work together to chart a new course for Indias expanding steel manufacturing sector. Japan is already working to improve the competitiveness of India MSME sector. Entering new markets: Several Japanese companies are making India their manufacturing base for exports, which contributes to Indias Make for World initiative. With enhanced cooperation between the two, Japanese technology edge can combine with Indian companies to open new markets. Financial support for export to third countries by Japanese companies from India is already being discussed. The partnership could open new markets like Africa. OPPORTUNITIES UNLIMITED While both nations are looking to expand their collaboration in these areas, nearly 1400 Japanese companies that operate in India can look to ride this opportunity in partnership with India. Last year Suzuki achieved its all-time high exports to Latin America and Africa. Daikin has announced plans to export air conditioners manufactured in India to 100 countries. Kubota is looking to expand to African markets as part of the India-Japan alliance. Indo-Japan Digital Partnership aims to promote projects for digital transformation, which only widens the scope for partnership. India energy ambition has been taking a radically different shape as it puts into place a strategy for becoming energy independent by 2047 and achieving net zero carbon emission by 2070. Increasing renewable usage is central to the planned energy transition. Green Hydrogen (GH) holds the promise as one of the alternatives to enable this transition. In March 2022, the two countries announced the Clean Energy Partnership with the commitment of enhance energy cooperation between the two countries. With the two governments laying the ground for expanding the cooperation, the list of emerging sectors for expanding the business relationship is long hydrogen and ammonia, biofuel, CCUS, sustainable transport and electrical vehicle and battery, energy efficient buildings, and more. At the Indo-Japan Deeptech Innovation and Clean Energy Seminar last week, a number of startups from Japan also joined in, detailing their business. These startups companies are working in various technological fields such as healthcare, AI, agritech, energy and mobility, and drones. (Disclaimer: The above press release has been provided by Mediawire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
VMPL New Delhi [India], July 28: Autointelli an AIOPS company represented by its CEO E Pradeep Kumar which is into IT Infrastructure Automation has been awarded by Governor of Tamilnadu Thiru R.N.Ravi in Raj Bhavan in Durbar hall in a CXO event arranged by Governor Office to felicitate the companies which is contributing to the nation by its efforts on unique technologies. Autointelli been selected for its outstanding performance on automating the IT Infrasturcture in EGovernance sector which help the governments to keep the citizen portals without errors and no downtime in their servers throughout the year. It also supports the government system to provide uninterrupted services to its citizens which keeps everyone happy. Autointelli also works with Banks,NBFC and other E-commerce business process where customers can feel the difference in the provided services after Automating the entire IT Infrastructure which will help for business continuity. In the dynamic landscape of IT infrastructure automation, one name stands out as a visionary investor and trailblazer thats Pradeep. His keen insight into emerging technologies and their potential applications in e-governance and the private sector has led him to invest in cutting-edge companies like Autointelli. AutoIntelli, a pioneering organization specializing in IT infrastructure automation, has quickly become a game-changer, providing innovative solutions for streamlining operations and driving efficiency in both government institutions and private enterprises. The Rise of AutoIntelli Founded by a team of seasoned IT professionals including its CTO and Co Founder Anandaraaj Parthiban whose contribution is incomparable. AutoIntelli swiftly captured the attention of investors like Pradeep with its groundbreaking approach to automation. The company's core focus is on developing robust software solutions that integrate seamlessly with existing infrastructures, allowing businesses and government entities to optimize their operations, reduce costs, and enhance overall performance. E-Governance Transformation Pradeep recognized the significance of AutoIntelli's potential impact on the e-governance sector, an area where automation can bring about transformative changes. By deploying intelligent automation tools, government organizations can streamline processes such as citizen services, data management, and administrative tasks. This empowers officials to allocate more time and resources to critical decision-making processes, ultimately enhancing citizen satisfaction and fostering greater transparency. AutoIntelli's sophisticated automation platform has been instrumental in enabling e-governance entities to harness big data and analyze vast amounts of information in real-time. By leveraging machine learning algorithms and artificial intelligence, governments can derive valuable insights that inform policymaking and service improvements. Governor in his speech addressed that the companies which is being awarded is an asset to the country and also reason for the Indias economic growth. For more information visit: http://www.autointelli.com/ (Disclaimer: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
With a focus on attracting investments in Indias nascent semiconductor ecosystem, the three-day 'SemiconIndia 2023' conference kicked off here on Friday in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The conference, its second edition, organised by India Semiconductor Mission in partnership with industry and industry associations, is aimed to make India a global hub for semiconductor design, manufacturing and technology development. Semicon India was held in Bengaluru last year. The theme of the Conference is Catalysing Indias Semiconductor Ecosystem. On the first day of the conference, American multinational semiconductor Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) announced it will invest approximately USD 400 million in India over the next five years. The planned investment includes a new AMD campus in Bengaluru that will serve as the companys largest design and R&D centre. It intends to add about 3,000 new engineering roles by the end of 2028 in India. It started operations in India in 2001 when the companys first site was established in New Delhi and has now about 6500 employees here. Earlier, addressing the gathering, PM Modi invited global semiconductor majors to come and invest in India, adding that whosoever comes forward will have a first movers advantage. You have to develop a chip-making ecosystem for Indians. I believe whosoever comes forward will have a first movers advantage, PM Modi said. It is not just Indias needs, the world now needs a trusted and reliable chip supply chain. Who can be that trusted partner if not the largest democracy, PM Modi said. SemiconIndia 2023 saw the participation of representatives of major companies such as AMD, Micron Technology, Applied Materials, Foxconn, SEMI, and Vedanta, among others. Ajit Manocha, president and CEO, of SEMI, said he believes India will become the next powerhouse in Asia in semiconductors. For the first time in Indias history, geopolitics, domestic policies, and private sector capacity are aligned in Indias favour to become a player in semiconductor production, said Ajit Manocha, adding that he was excited about the future. "Throughout my career, I have been asked whether India is ready to be part of the global semiconductor industry. Today I can say - the journey has begun," Manocha added. Prabu Raja, president of Semiconductor Products Group at Applied Materials, said he firmly believes this is Indias time to shine. "...With the strong vision of PM Modi to develop manufacturing, India is poised to play an important role in the global semiconductor industry...We firmly believe this is Indias time to shine...No company or country can overcome challenges in the sector alone. Its time for collaborative partnerships in this sector. This new collaborative model can provide help us to be a catalyst in the sector...," Raja added. During PM Modi's recent State visit to the US, it was announced that Applied Materials will invest USD 400 million to establish a collaborative engineering center here in India. "I thank PM Modi for the vision to make India a global hub for semiconductors...Micron is committed to building a semiconductor assembly and test facility in Gujarat. We estimate that our project in Gujarat will create nearly 5000 direct jobs and additional 15,000 jobs in the community. We are hopeful that this investment will help catalyse other investments in the sector...Digital India and Make in India are creating a truly transformative energy that will continue to drive positive progress...," said Sanjay Mehrotra, CEO, of Micron Technology. Micron Technology too during PM Modi's US visit announced its India investment plans. Micron Technology committed that it will invest up to USD 825 million to build a new semiconductor assembly and test facility in India with support from the Indian government. Foxconn Chairman Young Liu too spoke at the SemiconIndia event. "I am very optimistic of the way India will be headed," said Yiu and assured PM Modi that Taiwan "is and will be your most trusted and reliable partner." "...Where there is a will there's a way, I can feel the determination of the Indian government. I am very optimistic about the way India will be headed. PM Modi, once mentioned that IT stands for India and Taiwan. PM, Taiwan is and will be your most trusted and reliable partner...," Yiu added. Significantly, Taiwanese major Foxconn recently decided to withdraw from its semiconductor joint venture (JV) with Indian mining conglomerate Vedanta. A day after it withdrew from its joint venture with Indias Vedanta group, Taiwan-based technology company Foxconn on July 11 said it is committed to India and sees the country successfully establishing a robust semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem. On its withdrawal from the JV with Vedanta, it had categorically said both parties mutually agreed to part ways, noting there was recognition that the project was not moving fast enough. (ANI)
Rap artist G Herbo speaks during the annual Peace Rally and Stop the Violence March at St. Sabina, June 16, 2023, in Chicago. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

After surviving the gritty streets of the South Side neighborhood dubbed Terror Town, Chicago rapper G Herbos career was starting to take off in 2017 when he released a video for his hit song Man Now, filmed at an exotic villa in Jamaica.

You know I come from a city of sorrow, the then-22-year-old Herbo rapped at the songs outset, along with dramatic shots of palm trees, infinity pools and an oceanside gazebo. Ugly introduction, red snow, heartaches, heartbreaks, headaches.

Advertisement

Herbo would later tell an interviewer the song was one of his favorites because it told a personal story about overcoming myriad obstacles in his poverty-stricken neighborhood and, most importantly, never going back.

Something that was destined for me in my life took me along a path to Jamaica, vacationing in a multimillion dollar estate, Herbo said in the interview with The Fader magazine.

Advertisement

Now, six years later, Herbos path appears to be headed to federal prison. And that Jamaican villa is Exhibit A.

On Friday, in a small courthouse in western Massachusetts some 900 miles from his hometown, Herbo, whose real name is Herbert Wright III, admitted he participated in a scheme to use stolen identities to fund private jets, swanky hotel rooms, designer puppies, and the six-bedroom island estate where Man Now was filmed.

Wrights guilty plea comes more than 2  years after the Tribune first reported he had been indicted on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. A charge of lying to agents was added in a separate indictment in 2021.

The more serious wire fraud count carries up to 20 years in prison, but under federal sentencing guidelines Wright would likely face a term in the two- to three-year range, calculations that were still being worked out as of Friday.

Wrights attorneys have also reserved the right to argue for probation under the terms of the deal. U.S. District Judge Mark Mastroianni set a sentencing hearing for Nov. 7.

In a written statement Friday, Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy said Wright flaunted his lavish spending on social media, in music videos and in industry news, and that his conviction should serve as a reminder that if you break the law, you will be prosecuted and held accountable  regardless of who you are.

Wrights attorney, James Lawson, did not immediately return calls or emails seeking comment.

The guilty plea capped a tumultuous three years for Wright, whose indictment in October 2020 came as his fame was skyrocketing, with performances on the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, collaborations with stars such as Nicki Minaj and Chance the Rapper, and an appearance on Forbes 30 under 30 musicians list.

Advertisement

Wright vehemently denied wrongdoing at the time he was charged, even dropping a new song and video in late 2020 that mocked the federal investigation and touted his rise from troubled South Side streets to international acclaim.

Ask about me, I aint never been a fraud, he said in the two-minute video titled Statement. I worked hard from the start, in my city Im a god, (expletive).

But behind the scenes, Wrights attorneys were negotiating a resolution short of trial. Court records show the plea deal was first proposed earlier this year and was signed by Wright on June 5.

Weeks later, Wright was arrested in Chicago after police pulled over a Cadillac Escalade the star lyricist had been riding in and allegedly found four guns in the car, including a black Glock 33 pistol in the center console that was uncased, loaded, and immediately accessible, according to the police report.

Wright was charged with misdemeanor unlawful use of a weapon following the July 9 arrest and bonded out of police custody a day later. The case is up for a preliminary hearing next week.

Whether Wrights legal troubles and possible imprisonment will dent his still-robust career remains to be seen, but either way his rise from Terror Town has been remarkable.

Advertisement

Wrights youth, as described in his blunt lyrics, was spent dodging bullets and hanging out on the violent streets near 79th Street and Essex Avenue. But as his star rose and money rolled in, Wright said he started to realize it was time to move on from his past and embrace his newfound fame.

Honestly Im just trying to capitalize and build other people up, Wright told the Tribune in a 2019 interview. Im a firm believer that life is what you make it. ... I been broke so many times. I was supposed to be dead. I was supposed to be in jail. But Im still here.

But even as Wrights fame rose, the relentless gun violence in Chicago, which he often raps about, continued to affect those close to him.

In February 2021, a few months after Wrights indictment, one of his close associates was killed in a brazen daytime shooting in a South Loop barbershop.

Police said Gregory Jackson III, 24, better known as Lil Greg, was in Studio Nineteen when a man walked in and asked for directions to the restroom. When he came out moments later, the man pulled out a handgun and fired several shots to Jacksons head. No one has been charged.

Advertisement

The indictment brought in U.S. District Court in Springfield, Massachusetts, charged Wright and several others, including his longtime promoter Antonio Strong, with using stolen identities to make hundreds of thousands of dollars in fraudulent charges for goods and services.

Strong bought and traded the illicit account information, which they referred to as moves, on the dark web, though there was no indication Wright was involved in that aspect of the scheme, the plea stated.

In his plea agreement, Wright admitted that he used the proceeds from these frauds to travel to various concert venues and to advance his career by posting photographs and/or videos of himself on the private jets, in the exotic cars and at the Jamaican villa.

The plea agreement contained numerous text messages and chat logs between Wright and Strong, including one where Wright called Chicago the Raq  a shortened version of Chi-raq  and allegedly asked Strong to finesse him a hotel room, meaning to obtain one through fraudulent means.

Im in the Raq. See if you could get me sum for tonight like to check in when I leave for my show tonight, Wright texted to Strong on July 30, 2016, according to the plea. Finesse me a room or sum dude get us a crib while we out here or sum bro.

Wright also admitted in the plea agreement to conspiring to fraudulently charge more than $80,000 in private jet flights in 2017. On one flight from Tampa Bay to Chicago in March 2017, Wright was listed on the passenger log as Herbert Light, the plea stated.

Advertisement

Wright and five companions posted photographs and videos from the private jet, and Wright used footage from the plane in a music video for his song Yerkys, the plea stated.

The video, still available on YouTube, showed Wright and several others in his entourage dancing in the planes cabin and on the tarmac, as he raps lyrics such as, Dont show no remorse or sorrow, like Im a demon. I put money over everything, and I really mean it.

The flight cost $20,679, which Strong paid for using an electronically signed credit card authorization that turned out to be stolen. After the victim disputed the charge, the airline rental company, ASG, was denied payment, according to the plea.

Three months after that flight, Wright texted Strong an image of the six-bedroom Hanover Grange villa in Jamaica and told him via text message, I need to you get this, according to the plea.

Wright wound up traveling there for six days in July 2017, with a guest list of eight associates, according to the plea. The $14,600 reservation was charged to a credit card that was later flagged as a fraudulent transaction when the actual cardholder disputed the charge, the plea stated.

But perhaps the most bizarre aspect of the scheme came later that year, when Strong and Wright allegedly conspired to purchase the puppies from Woof Woof Puppies in Southfield, Michigan.

Advertisement

According to the plea, Strong, using the name Darren Geiger and identifying himself as Wrights manager, ordered the dogs for Wright using a stolen credit card.

The pet company appeared to be suspicious and asked for Wright to confirm the order by messaging it directly from his Instagram account, according to the agreement. Strong allegedly sent a text to Wright saying, Hurry just message that (expletive) hello.

The indictment alleged Wright did what he was told. The company representative messaged Wright back on Instagram, asking, You are getting 2 puppies correct? Wright then confirmed the order, according to the charges.

The puppies were delivered, but the deal apparently soured after the payment was reversed due to suspected fraud.

According to the plea agreement, on Dec. 6, 2017, Wright sent Strong a text message relating to the Woof Woof fraud, saying, I already finessed these dogs for you & didnt give no (expletive)... you sold at least one what you did wit the bread aint my problem.

Two months later, one of the Woof Woof owners threatened Wright via a direct message chat, saying they would go to the police if he didnt resolve it, according to the plea document.

Advertisement

Afternoon Briefing Weekdays Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox each afternoon. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our Subscriber Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy >

We have you in the photo, witnesses, license plate. This is a felony, the Woof Woof owner wrote, according to the plea.

Wright allegedly responded: Dont you see the pictures on my page??? Does that look like me in that pic?? I never met you.

The Woof Woof owner replied that Wright had messaged directly from his Instagram page while they were on the phone, and the phone call was recorded.

All of this is going to the local police, the owner said. They will investigate. You messaging from your official Instagram page shows you were getting 2 puppies. What are you gonna say?? Thats not you??

Wright never responded further, and the dogs were never paid for, according to the plea.

Under the terms of the plea agreement, Wright will pay $140,000 in restitution to a variety of alleged victims, including $10,458 to Woof Woof.

Advertisement

jmeisner@chicagotribune.com
According to a UCLA Health study, Kundalini yoga, a type of yoga that focuses on breathing, meditation, and mental visualisation, appeared beneficial for older women who had risk factors for Alzheimer's disease and were concerned about episodes of memory deterioration. Using a type of MRI that measures activity in regions and subregions of the brain, UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behaviour researchers discovered that Kundalini yoga, which combines movement and meditation and focuses on breathing, mantra recitation, and mental visualisation, increased connectivity in an area of the brain that can be impacted by stress and is associated with memory decline. The findings were published early online in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease. Led by psychiatrist Dr Helen Lavretsky, UCLA researchers studied the effects of yoga compared to the gold-standard approach of memory enhancement training (MET) on connectivity in subregions of the hippocampus, a critical area of the brain for learning and memory. MET is derived from techniques that use verbal and visual association and practical strategies to improve memory. Kundalini yoga training appears to better target stress-related hippocampal connectivity, whereas MET may better target sensory-integration subregions of the hippocampus, supporting better memory reliability, said Lavretsky, director of the Late-Life Mood, Stress, and Wellness Research Program. The key takeaway is that this study adds to the literature supporting the benefits of yoga for brain health, especially for women who have greater perceived stress and subjective memory impairment, she said, adding, This gentle form of yoga, which focuses more on breathing and mental engagement than on movement, like other forms of yoga, is ideal for older adults who may have some physical limitations. The study included 22 participants who were part of a larger randomized controlled trial studying yogas effects on Alzheimers risk. The mean age among the 11 yoga participants was about 61; it was about 65 in the MET group. All had a self-reported decline in memory function during the previous year and one or more cardiovascular risk factors, which can also increase the risk for Alzheimers disease. These included plaque buildup in arteries, recent heart attack, diabetes, and treatment for high blood pressure or high cholesterol. Both the yoga and MET groups had a 60-minute, in-person training session each week for 12 weeks. The programs also included daily homework or practice sessions. The Kundalini yoga (KY) training was supported with at-home practice of another brief meditative form of yoga, Kirtan Kriya (KK). These types of yoga engage a variety of senses simultaneously and have a chanting component that may improve respiratory, cardiovascular, and autonomic nervous system functions, according to previous studies. Lavretsky and her team have previously reported that Kundalini and Kirtan Kriya yoga had beneficial effects on depression, resilience, and executive functioning in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. They also found that yoga had a more robust neuroprotective effect on right hippocampal volume, which may suggest improved memory function, than MET in older women with subjective memory decline and cardiovascular risk factors. The new study used specialized functional MRI to establish resting-state connectivity of the hippocampus. This imaging, considered more sensitive to cognitive changes than hippocampal volumes, enabled the researchers to evaluate subregions of the hippocampus, comparing the effects of yoga versus memory training. Based on their findings, the yoga training may better target hippocampal subregion connectivity impacted by stress, which may aid in processing information, including facial information, into memory, the authors said, adding, the observed greater increased connectivity between anterior and posterior hippocampal subregions with KY+KK training than with MET may suggest superior long-term neuroprotective benefits in terms of vulnerable hippocampal connections critical to episodic memory with KY+KK training. The hippocampus must integrate information from various senses, and MET appears better than yoga in assisting in this function. The various mnemonic strategies in MET, including verbal, visual, and spatial associative techniques, generally aim to enhance multimodal sensory integration into memory processes. Thus, MET may show superiority to KY+KK in terms of hippocampal sensory integration important to memory, which could support better memory reliability, the study revealed. While the small study suggests these forms of yoga may be of particular benefit to women who report experiencing stress and have additional risk factors for Alzheimers disease, the authors say future, large-scale studies that have a placebo group or control arm will be needed to clarify the beneficial effects of both yoga and MET on hippocampal connectivity and memory. (ANI)
The victim was identified as Renu.

"Around 8:45 pm on Wednesday, under the Dabri police station, we got information that a 42-year-old woman was shot dead near her house. The woman was identified as Renu. She was a housewife living with her family in the Vaishali colony area under Dabri Police Station," said Deputy Commissioner of Police (Dwarka) M Harshvardhan.

Several police teams were formed to nab the accused, however, the assailant shot himself dead when the police reached his house to arrest him, the DCP said.

"We formed several teams to nab the accused. We identified him and when we reached his house, he shot himself dead on the roof of his house. We found the weapon with which he had killed himself," DCP Harshvardhan said.

The accused was identified as Ashish (25).

"We found that Renu and Ashish met in a gym nearly 2-3 years back. Further investigation is on", the DCP added.

More details are awaited. (ANI)
RailTel Corporation of India announced its Consolidated Operating Income of Rs 468 Crore in Q1 of FY 23-24 with YOY growth of 24 per cent in its 141st Board Meeting held on Thursday. As per the official statement, the Company has posted a YOY growth of 25 per cent in total consolidated revenue with Rs 483 crore in Q1 of FY 24 as against Rs 385 Cr in Q1 of FY 23. The statement further stated that Profit Before Tax (PBT) in Q1 of FY24 is Rs 51 crore as against Rs 35 crore in Q1 of FY23., registering a YOY growth of 46 per cent. Total Profit After Tax for Q1 of FY24 stands at Rs 38 crore as against Rs 26 crore PAT of Q1 of FY23. Talking about the results, Chairman and Managing Director of RailTel Sanjai Kumar said that operationally the company has been consistently performing with growth in revenue with healthy profits. The company has bagged new orders of Rs 1632 Cr in the last six months maintaining a robust order book of Rs 4492 Cr. With greater emphasis on project execution, the company has visibility of substantial growth in operating income in the coming quarters. It is pertinent to note that RailTel, a Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Railways, is one of the largest neutral telecom infrastructure and ICT Solutions and Services providers in the country, owning a Pan-India optic fibre network covering several towns and cities and rural areas of the country. Along with a strong a reliable network of 61000+ RKM of Optic fibre, RailTel has two MeitY empanelled tier III data centres as well. RailTel is also working with the Indian Railways to transform railway stations into digital hubs by providing public Wi-Fi at railway stations across the country and 6108+ stations are live with RailTels RailWire Wi-Fi. (ANI)
The meeting aims to devise a comprehensive strategy to combat the escalating dengue cases that have gripped the city in recent weeks.

Health Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj, Mayor Shelly Oberoi, and officials from concerned departments will be in attendance to address the pressing situation.

As monsoon rains continue to batter the region, the incidence of dengue and malaria has spiked, affecting the health and well-being of several residents.

Over the last two weeks, Delhi has witnessed 51 cases of dengue alone, raising serious concerns among health authorities.

The devastating floods could have exacerbated the situation by creating conducive breeding grounds for disease-carrying mosquitoes.

Stagnant water and unhygienic conditions are considered the ideal environment for the mosquito population to thrive and multiply.

On July 19, the Delhi Government's Department of Drug Control released a warning stressing the rise in vector-borne illnesses in the nation's capital brought on by the rainy season.

"Aspirin, Ibuprofen, and Diclofenac group of medicines may be restricted to be sold on a prescription of a Registered Medical Practitioner only," the advice stated.

Prior to this, Delhi Mayor Shelly Oberoi visited many hospitals in the capital city on July 17 and gave the sanitation department instructions to conduct a cleanliness blitz and reduce the risk of infectious diseases in flood-affected areas.

Shelly explained to the reporters that they were there to inspect the hospitals. Diseases including dengue, chikungunya, and malaria are a concern because floodwater is present everywhere.

In order to reduce dengue and malaria cases, instructions have been given to the sanitation department to conduct a cleanliness blitz in flood-affected areas. (ANI)
Lashing out at the ruling BJP over the ongoing delimitation exercise by the Election Commission in Assam, Congress MLA Abdur Rashid Mandal on Thursday said it was a ploy to target the Muslims in the state. Speaking to ANI on Friday, the Congress MLA said, "This (delimitation) exercise is a clear and flagrant violation of the Constitution and the laws of the land. It is a ploy to target the Muslims in Assam. Why are Muslims being singled out this way? Are they not Indian citizens? Are they not paying taxes to the government? What is it that qualifies one to be an Indian citizen? We demand that the BJP comes up with answers to these questions." Alleging that the ruling party in the state was depriving the Muslims of government benefits, the Congress MLA said, "However, the Muslims aren't bothered in the least as they are hardworking people and can take care of themselves and their families. However, these are basic rights being denied by the BJP. Why are we being deprived of our constitutional rights?" He claimed that as part of the ongoing delimitation exercise, more Assembly constituencies were being carved out in districts that have a relatively lesser concentration of Muslims. "The representation in the Assembly is being reduced in districts that are home to a sizeable concentration of Muslims. Districts that the Muslims inhabit in relatively lesser numbers are being allotted more Assembly segments. Barpeta district, which is entitled to 8 Assembly constituencies, is proposed to be allotted 6. Darrang, which deserves 4 constituencies, is being given 3, while Karimganj is being allotted 4 segments instead of 4. Hailakandi is entitled to 3 Assembly constituencies but is being given 2 while Dhubri is getting 5 constituencies instead of 6. Similarly, Morigaon is entitled to 4 seats but is being given 3 while Nagaon is being allocated 10 instead of 11 constituencies," he added. The population of each constituency in Barpeta district, on an average, is about 2.73 lakh. Why are non-Muslim districts being allotted more constituencies? The West Karbi Anglong district, with a population of only 2.47 lakh, has been allotted 2 seats. In Golaghat district, the average population in each constituency is only 1.89 lakh. In Lakhimpur, the average population in each segment is 1.77 lakh. Yet they have been allotted more seats. This exercise is aimed merely at fulfilling the vested interests of the BJP and the RSS. We have moved the Supreme Court, challenging this exercise, the Congress MLA said. (ANI)
With the Centre pushing its legislative business during the Monsoon session of Parliament, Opposition parties on Friday alleged that the government is "subverting" the Parliamentary traditions by passing Bills even as the motion of no-confidence has been accepted in Lok Sabha. Congress MP Manish Tewari cited former Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Satyendra Narayan Sinha as saying that "whenever there is a no-confidence motion, no substantive motion should be brought just to forestall the whole thing". On 26th July, 1966, Mr Satyendra Narayan Sinha, the then Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, made a significant statement in the Lok Sabha regarding No-Confidence Motion: 'I do concede that whenever there is a no-confidence motion, no substantive motion should he brought just to forestall the whole thing,'" Tewari said in tweet. These are the Parliamentary traditions that are being subverted by passing bill after bill when a no-confidence motion has been submitted, he added. The no-confidence motion was moved by Gaurav Gogoi, a Congress MP from Assam, on behalf of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (I.N.D.I.A), against the government on Wednesday. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla accepted the motion and said the day but said that the time of the debate will be decided later. Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury also demanded immediate discussion on the no-confidence motion. "Under Rule 198, we have moved a no-confidence motion. According to this rule, the discussion should happen immediately," he said. Aam Aadmi Party Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha objected to the tabling and passing of the Bills in the Houses, saying that no bill is introduced in Parliament after a no-confidence motion is accepted by the Lok Sabha Speaker. "But we are seeing that several bills are introduced and passed in Parliament," he told ANI. Chadha appealed to the Speaker that no legislative business should take place in Lok Sabha till the no-confidence motion is debated. The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2023, as reported by Joint Committee, was passed in Lok Sabha on Thursday after the House resumed at 3 pm amid Opposition sloganeering over the Manipur issue. The Rajya Sabha on Thursday passed the Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill, 2023, in the absence of Opposition party members who staged a walkout over Manipur violence issue, after the House resumed at 2 pm. Ahead of the beginning of the seventh day of the Monsoon Session, several Opposition leaders gave adjournment notices in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, seeking a debate on the Manipur issue.(ANI)
The Supreme Court declined to hear urgently Friday's plea of Dr Kham Khan Suan Hausing, a professor of Hyderabad University from Manipur, seeking quashing of the criminal proceedings initiated against him in which summons were also issued for his personal presence before a district court in Imphal. The matter was listed before Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud on Friday. However, with the sitting of the bench cancelled on Friday, senior advocate Anand Grover, appearing for Hausing, mentioned the case for an urgent hearing before a bench headed by Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul. However, Justice Kaul declined to list the matter on Friday saying it will come up for hearing on Monday. This is about a professor from Hyderabad. He has to appear today, Grover said. The petitioner, Dr Kham Khan Suan Hausing, a professor of Political Science and also the Head of the Department of Political Science at the University of Hyderabad, approached the top court seeking the quashing of proceedings and summons. Chief Judicial Magistrate, Imphal East, Manipur, issued a summons to Hausing asking him to be before it on July 28, 2023, in pursuance of the criminal complaint filed against him by Manihar Moirangthem Singh, a member of the Meitei Tribes Union (MTU). The Imphal court took cognisance of the offences made out under section 153A (which deals with promoting enmity between different groups), 295A (which deals with acts outraging religious feelings), 505(1) (statements conducting public mischief), 298 (deliberate intention of wounding the religious feelings of any person), 120B (criminal conspiracy) of Indian Penal Code (IPC). The complainant claimed that Professor Hausings statements in an interview defamed the Meitei community and fueled communal enmity in Manipur. In the interview, Hausing advocated a separate administrative setup for the Kuki community. The petitioner sought a record of the entire complaint including, the statement of the complainant and witnesses, a copy of the complaint, a copy of the FIR lodged and orders passed by the court. He said summons were issued to him in 'abject ignorance' of the communal tension and disturbance prevailing in Manipur between the Kuki and Meitei communities. The plea cited the case of a lawyer, Deeksha Dwivedi, who was granted interim protection after an FIR was registered against her by the Manipur Police for offences of sedition, conspiracy to wage war, etc. The petitioner said he is similarly placed with Dwivedis case as he apprehends that amidst the communal tension of the two communities, there is a threat to his life and liberty. The petitioner submitted that on account of the conflict in Manipur, he is apprehensive that there is a real and imminent threat to his life if he travels to the state to answer the summons. Hausing stated further in his plea that on July 6, summons were issued by the magistrate and no case against the offences under which he was charged are made out. He said on July 13, it also came to his knowledge that a fresh complaint dated July 10 by one Khomdrom Manikanta Singh had also been filed with the officer-in-charge, Imphal West Police station, Manipur alleging that Hausing is not a citizen of India and his name was added to the state's electoral rolls by manipulation, fraud, forgery, and conspiracy. The violence in Manipur between the Hindu Meiteis and the tribal Kuki, who are Christians, erupted after a rally by the All Tribal Students Union of Manipur (ATSUM) on May 3. The state has been in the grip of violence and civilian unrest for over three months now and the Centre had to deploy central paramilitary forces to bring the situation under control. (ANI)
The Supreme Court on Friday said that TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee and his wife Rujira Banerjee have to inform the Enforcement Directorate (ED) before travelling abroad and seek necessary order. Additional Solicitor General (ASG) SV Raju, appearing for ED, apprised the bench of Justices S K Kaul and Sudhanshu Dhulia that Abhishek Banerjee has already travelled abroad. ASG Raju told the court if the Banerjee couple inform one week in advance about their travelling plans, necessary orders will be issued. The court asked the ED to withdraw Look Out Circular (LOC). "In any case the LOC shall stand withdrawn," the court said. The court was dealing with the Banerjee couple's plea seeking to travel abroad. ASG Raju said that permissions have been granted from time to time. The court noted that despite intimation in advance, Rujira was stopped at the airport. It also observed that pendency of LOC creates a scenario that someone can be stopped somewhere and leads to waste of judicial time as well the time of the concerned parties. The Supreme Court in its last hearing sought to know from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) whether a Look Out Circular (LOC) has been issued against TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee and his wife Rujira Banerjee in relation to the money laundering cases connecting to alleged coal irregularities in West Bengal. Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal and advocate Sunil Fernandes appeared for Rujira. In the application filed by Rujira Banerjee, she has sought direction to ED to cancel/rescind/withdraw the Lookout Circular issued against them prohibiting her from travelling abroad. According to the application Rujira Banerjee was detained along with her minor children at the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata by the respondent ED and restrained from travelling to Dubai on June 5, despite prior intimation of the travel details to the ED on June 3. The ED had lodged a case under the provisions of the PMLA based on a November 2020. FIR registered by the CBI has alleged a multi-crore coal pilferage scam related to Eastern Coalfields Ltd mines in the state's Kunustoria and Kajora areas in and around Asansol. Banerjee has denied all charges. Meanwhile in another petition, the court has asked ED to file a reply on the plea and adjourned the matter. Abhishek Banerjee has challenged the summons issued against him in the matter. Abhishek Banerjee has sought quashing of the Summons dated September 10 2021 issued to him by ED under Section 50 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA), and issuance of an appropriate order, directing the respondent to not issue any Summons under Section 50 PMLA to the couple for their appearance in Delhi rather than their hometown in Kolkata. (ANI)
Amid the clamour from the Opposition for a debate on the vote of no confidence filed against the Centre in the Lok Sabha over the Manipur situation, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi on Friday said the government was confident it had numbers to sail through a no-confidence vote, should it happen. Speaking to reporters ahead of the seventh day of the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament on Friday, the Union Minister said, "They (Opposition) do not take part in discussions and neither cooperate in ensuring passage of Bills in Parliament. We were ready to take constructive suggestions from them, but they brought a no-confidence motion all of a sudden. We will have discussions on the no-confidence motion as and when required. We are not too worried as we have the numbers (to survive the vote of no confidence)." Joshi also said there is no better floor than Parliament to discuss the prevailing situation in Manipur. "If they want the truth (regarding Manipur) to come out, there is no better floor than this (Parliament) for a discussion and debate," he added. Members of the grand Opposition alliance, I.N.D.I.A, have been adamant on the demand that all listed businesses in both Houses be aside for a discussion on the Manipur situation. They have also been insisting on a statement from Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the prevailing state of affairs in the Northeast state. The Opposition members are also pushing for the demand that the Lok Sabha Speaker set a date for voting on the no-confidence motion against the Centre filed earlier. The motion, on behalf of the Opposition alliance, was tabled earlier by Congress Lok Sabha MP Gaurav Gogoi. Further, Opposition parties on Friday alleged that the government was "subverting" parliamentary traditions by passing Bills even after the motion of no confidence was accepted by the Speaker at the Lok Sabha. Borrowing the words of former Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Satyendra Narayan Sinha, Congress MP Manish Tiwari said, "On July 26, 1966, Satyendra Narayan Sinha, the then Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, made a significant statement in the Lok Sabha regarding No-Confidence Motion. He said, 'I do concede that whenever there is a no-confidence motion, no substantive motion should he brought just to forestall the whole thing'." These are the Parliamentary traditions that are being subverted by passing bill after bill at a time when a no-confidence motion has been submitted and allowed, he added. Meanwhile, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, also demanded an immediate discussion on the no-confidence motion. "We have moved a no-confidence motion under Rule 198. As per this rule, a discussion on the motion should happen immediately," he said. Aam Aadmi Party Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha also objected to the tabling and passing of the Bills in both Houses, saying, no Bill is introduced in Parliament after a no-confidence motion is accepted by the Lok Sabha Speaker. "But we are seeing that several Bills are being introduced and passed in Parliament," he told ANI. AAP's Raghav Chadha urged the Speaker to ensure that no legislative business takes place in the Lower House till the no-confidence motion is debated. The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2023, as reported by Joint Committee, was passed in Lok Sabha on Thursday after the House resumed at 3 pm amid sloganeering by the Opposition members over Manipur.(ANI)
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Friday handed over 250 scooters to women police personnel across the state to empower them for effective control over crimes related to women in the state. CM Chouhan flagged off the two-wheelers rally of the women police personnel from Motilal Nehru Stadium in the state capital Bhopal. On the occasion, CM Chouhan said, Today, we have given 250 two-wheelers to the police and its purpose is to keep women safe in the state. The women police personnel will perform patrolling with the help of it. They will also watch criminals in the field and also protect the self-respect of the women in the state. I congratulate state Home Minister Narottam Mishra and the entire team for taking a step for the safety of women in the state, he added. Womens safety is most important for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government and women's empowerment is the main mission. Many schemes are initiated by the state government for women empowerment, be it Ladli Lakshmi Yojana, Kanya Vivah Yojana, Ladli Bahna Yojana, 50 per cent reservation in local body elections, Sambal Yojana and others, CM Chouhan further said. He also said that Madhya Pradesh is the first state which made a law to award capital punishment to rape convicts. Also, Madhya Pradesh is the first state to bulldoze the houses of criminals and made a provision for severe punishment for crimes against women. Earlier, whenever a woman used to go to the police station to file a complaint, she used to feel uncomfortable in front of male police personnel and could not give information about the incident. So we set up an Urja Women Help Desk where women police personnel are deployed. So that women can narrate incidents with patience, the CM said. The chief minister added, We have also started Abhimanyu campaign to create awareness among boys of crimes related to women and gender equality. Besides, speaking on the occasion home minister Narottam Mishra said, CM Chouhan has been working for the development and empowerment of women since the time he was not the Chief Minister. When he was a Member of Parliament (MP), he used to contribute to the marriage of girls. After becoming the CM, he brought Ladli Laxmi Yojana and now started Ladli Bahna Yojana. He (CM Chouhan) starts every program with Kanya Pujan. He made all the possible efforts through which the confidence of women would increase, Mishra said. He further added that earlier there were only a few women police personnel in the police department. But now there are a large number of women police personnel in the department. There is a women's police station in every district. There is a Women's Help Desk in every police station. Women can address their problems.(ANI)
A federal appeals court on Friday upheld the stiff 57-month prison sentence for former state Rep. Luis Arroyo, saying the district judge was well within his bounds by placing extra emphasis on general deterrence for any future elected officials thinking about taking bribes.

Bribery is a premeditated crime  those tempted to sell out the public have plenty of time to weigh the risks and rewards before doing so, the nine-page ruling by the 7th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals stated. The district judge did not err by reasonably presuming that public officials consider the criminal sentences of other politicians, and that a longer sentence for Arroyo was necessary to deter corruption at the margins.

Advertisement

The opinion by the three-judge panel, written by Judge Thomas Kirsch, also slammed the door on Arroyos argument that U.S. District Judge Steven Seeger erred at sentencing by deeming Arroyos allocution statements aggravating. Allocution statements are comments the defendant makes to a judge before sentencing.

Nothing in the transcript suggests that the judge concluded that Arroyos statement itself was aggravating, the opinion stated. The judge did not say that Arroyo had attempted to avoid responsibility or minimize his role. To the contrary, while expressing frustration with the inconsistent positions taken in Arroyos filings, the judge stated that he would not hold that against Arroyo and took Arroyo at his word that he accept(ed) responsibility completely.

Advertisement

Arroyo, 69, is serving his sentence at a minimum-security facility in Pensacola, Florida. Hes due to be released in May 2026, prison records show.

His attorney, Michael Leonard, said in an emailed statement Friday that while he respects the courts ruling, he still believes the sentence imposed by Seeger was far outside the mainstream.

This is particularly true in light of the strong mitigating factors that were presented, including his incredible track record of service to his constituents and the public, Leonard wrote. We believe that, when courts stray from empirical bases for sentencing decision-making, it undermines the need for uniformity and consistency in sentencing.

A longtime Democratic representative from Chicago, Arroyo resigned his seat shortly after he was arrested in 2019 on charges that he took bribes from politically connected business owner James Weiss in exchange for help promoting legislation beneficial to Weiss company, Collage LLC, which specialized in sweepstakes gaming machines.

Arroyo also admitted he enlisted the help of then-state Sen. Terry Link, arranging for Weiss to pay Link bribes to help push the legislation in the General Assembly. At the time, Link, a Vernon Hills Democrat, was secretly cooperating with the FBI. He resigned from office before pleading guilty to unrelated tax evasion charges in September 2020.

Link was wearing an FBI wire when Arroyo allegedly delivered the first of the promised $2,500 checks at a restaurant in Skokie, according to prosecutors.

This is, this is the jackpot, Arroyo allegedly told Link as he handed over the money.

Afternoon Briefing Weekdays Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox each afternoon. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our Subscriber Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy >

Arroyo entered a blind guilty plea in 2021 to one count of honest services fraud, a move that came without an agreement on what sentencing recommendations should be made to the judge. The 57-month term ultimately imposed by Seeger was well above even the four years in prison recommended by prosecutors.

Advertisement

In his comments to the judge before sentencing, Arroyo issued a short apology, saying he cannot begin to put into words how awful I feel.

I let my constituents down, I let my loved ones down who mean more than anything in life to me, he said. Please take into consideration all of my life actions when you impose my sentence. Allow me to go home to my family as soon as possible.

But Seeger rejected Arroyos plea for probation, saying Arroyo had sold out an already corruption-weary public and committed a frontal assault on the very idea of representative government.

You were a corruption superspreader, Seeger said near the end of the nearly four-hour hearing. The public did not get what they deserved. They voted for an honest representative, and what they got was a corrupt politician.

Weiss, who is married to the daughter of former Cook County Assessor Joseph Berrios  former state Rep. Toni Berrios  was convicted by a jury on all charges in June and is awaiting sentencing by Seeger.

jmeisner@chicagotribune.com
BJP national president JP Nadda will be on a day-long visit to poll-bound Rajasthan's capital Jaipur on Friday, sources said. The BJP chief will chair the core committee meeting and also meet party leaders individually, they added. On July 16, the BJP chief visited Jaipur and kicked off the party's new campaign 'Nahi Sahega Rajasthan' at Bilwa near Jaipur. During his visit, Nadda also released a 'theme video' while inaugurating the campaign, in which crimes against women, Kanhaiyalal's murder in Udaipur, communal riots, and other issues were highlighted. This campaign is aimed at reaching out to two crore people of the state. Earlier, on Thursday, Prime Minister Modi visited the Congress-ruled state. During his visit, he laid the foundation stone and dedicated to the nation various development projects in the Sikar district. The projects include the opening of more than 1.25 lakh PM Kisan Samriddhi Kendras (PMKSKs), launching Urea Gold a new variety of Urea coated with Sulphur, onboarding 1600 Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) on Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), releasing the 14th installment amount of about Rs 17,000 crores under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) to 8.5 crore beneficiaries, inaugurating 5 new medical colleges at Chittorgarh, Dholpur, Sirohi, Sikar and Sri Ganganagar, laying the foundation stone for 7 medical colleges at Baran, Bundi, Karauli, Jhunjhunu, Sawai Madhopur, Jaisalmer and Tonk, and inaugurating 6 Eklavya Model Residential Schools located in districts of Udaipur, Banswara, Partapgarh and Dungarpur and Kendriya Vidyalaya Tivri, Jodhpur. PM Modi also attacked the Ashok Gehlot government over the exam paper leak incidents, alleging that they were tantamount to playing with the futures of the state's youth. Addressing a rally in Sikar, PM Modi said the central government was working for the progress and welfare of the country's youth. What is happening in Rajasthan? The future of the state's youth is being toyed with. A paper leak industry is being run in the state. The youth of the state are capable but the government here is ruining their futures." Prime Minister Modi accused the state government of corruption and being complicit in the leaking of examination papers. "The Congress has run a market of lies in Rajasthan in the name of running the government. The latest product from that market is a 'red diary'. It is being said the Congress's misdeeds are listed in this diary," PM Modi said. Also launching a scathing attack on Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (I.N.D.I.A.), he said Mahatma Gandhi gave the slogan of Quit India, but it was now time for corruption and appeasement to quit India. "Using the name INDIA as cover, they want to hide their old deeds, during the UPA years. Had they really cared about India, would they have asked foreigners to interfere in the country's affairs?" "Just as Mahatma Gandhi had coined the Quit India slogan, the slogan today should be Bhrashtachar (Corruption) Quit India, Parivarwad Quit India, Tushtikaran (Appeasement) Quit India. Quit India will save the country and help our nation develop," he added. PM Modi said a top Congress leader had coined the slogan "Indira is India, India is Indira" but the people had given a fitting reply to theCongress. "They had once given the slogan, 'Indira is India, India is Indira'. As a direct consequence of that slogan, the Congress was decimated by the people. But these arrogant leaders have done it again (by christening the alliance I.N.D.I.A)," PM Modi added. "Congress has become a directionless party. The Congress and their allies have changed their names just like fraud companies do to stay afloat. They have changed their name so that they can remove the stain of being weak-kneed to terrorism," he added. (ANI)
The Supreme Court on Friday granted bail to Bhima Koregaon case accused Vernon Gonsalves and Arun Ferreira, lodged in jail since August 2018. A bench headed by Justices Aniruddha Bose and Sudhanshu Dhulia said that it granted bail to Gonsalves and Ferreira while considering that almost five years had lapsed since they were taken into custody. Considering the fact that almost five years have elapsed, we are satisfied they have made out a case for bail, they said. It said allegations against them are serious but that does not mean bail cannot be granted. The order stated, The allegations are serious, no doubt, but for that reason alone, bail cannot be denied to them. The apex court imposed certain conditions while granting bail to them. The top court ordered that they shall not leave the state of Maharashtra without obtaining the trial courts permission and both have to surrender their passports during the period of bail with investigating officer of National Investigation Agency (NIA). They have to inform the NIA officer about the address where they shall reside. They shall only use one mobile phone each during the time they remain on bail and shall inform investigating officer about their mobile numbers. Both shall ensure their mobile phones remain active and charged round the clock so that they remain constantly accessible throughout the period they remain on bail, it added. During the period when they remain on bail, both appellants shall keep the location status of their mobile phones active 24 hours a day, and their phone shall be paired with NIA's IO to enable him to identify their exact location any time, the order stated. Another condition imposed on them is they should report to the Station House Officer of the police station within whose jurisdiction they are going to reside while on bail once a week. The bench further directed that if there is a breach of these conditions or any of the conditions imposed independently by the trial court, it would be open to the prosecution to seek cancellation of bail without further reference to this court. Similarly, if appellants seek to threaten or otherwise influence any of the witnesses in either of two cases - whether directly or indirectly - then also prosecution shall be at liberty to seek cancellation of bail, it further stated. The bench set aside the order of the Bombay High Court which had rejected their default bail. Gonsalves and Ferreira had approached the Supreme Court against an order by which the Bombay High Court denied them default bail, even as the same benefit was granted to another co-accused, Sudha Bharadwaj. In 2018 FIR was lodged in Pune in relation to certain offences in the Bhima Koregaon case. (ANI)
Delhi High Court on Friday dismissed a public interest litigation (PIL) that asked the court to issue an order prohibiting alleged conman Sukesh Chandrasekhar from releasing derogatory so-called love letters from jail to the media that discussed his relationships with Bollywood actors Nora Fatehi, Jacqueline Fernandez and Chahatt Khanna. The petitioner, Nishant Singh, claims that he is one of the millions of ardent fans of Jacqueline Fernandez, Nora Fatehi, and Chahatt Khanna. He also claims that Sukesh Chandrasekhar, who has been imprisoned in Delhi after being charged with various forms of fraud and illegal extortion, has hurt him and had a negative impact on him. The petitioner alleged that Centre Government and State Government have connived with each other in outraging the modesty of some of the women film artists who are looked up to by the Nation and people at large in the whole world. The plea that Sukesh was attempting to breach the dignity of women in this nation, notably Jacqueline Fernandez, and that the aforementioned letters publicly discussed Chandrasekhar's supposed relationships with several women artists. The plea stated, Sukesh Chandrasekhar's unrestricted media comments and public obscenity over his purported relationship with female star Jacqueline Fernandez would surely prevent the artist from leading a dignified life. The plea further said that the psyche of teenagers is being severely impacted by Sukesh's phoney public love stories. After reading his account, it is clear what meaning of love will emerge in the minds of the adolescent girls in our nation, the plea added. (ANI)
The Delhi High Court on Friday granted interim bail to former Rajya Sabha MP Vijay Darda, his son Devender Darda and businessman Manoj Jayaswal in a case relating to irregularities in the allocation of a coal block in Chhattisgarh. The Special Court on Wednesday had sentenced them for four years imprisonment in the case. The bench of Justice Dinesh Kumar Sharma while granting interim bail took into account that they were never arrested and remained on bail and said, "they be admitted to interim bail subject to conditions that they shall not leave country and make themselves available as and when called." The Court also granted time to CBI to reply to application filed by them, seeking suspension of conviction and sentence. The court also sought response of CBI on their plea challenging trial court order of conviction and fixed the matter for September 28, 2023. Advocate Vijay Aggarwal appeared for Manoj Jayaswal, Senior Advocate Kirti Uppal appeared for Vijay Darda and Advocate Ayush Jindal appeared for Devender Darda. The Special Coal Court of Delhi on Wednesday sentenced four years imprisonment to Former Rajya Sabha MP Vijay Darda, his son Devender Darda, M/S JLD Yavatmal Energy Pvt Ltd's Director Manoj Kumar Jayaswal for four years in a case relating to irregularities in the allocation of a coal block in Chhattisgarh. In the matter, the trial court Judge Sanjay Bansal also sentenced ex-Coal Secretary H C Gupta, two senior public servants K S Kropha and K C Samria for three years Jail term in the same case. The Court later granted all three public servants bail in the matter. M/s JLD Yavatmal Energy Ltd, company was recently under section 120-B IPC, 120-B r/w S. 420 IPC and 13 (1)(d)(iii) r/w 13(2) PC Act has been also fined with Rupees 50 lacs. According to the Court order Manoj Kumar Jayaswal was punished with four years imprisonment and 15 lacs fine. Vijay Darda was sentenced with 4 years imprisonment and Rs 15 lacs fine. Special Judge Sanjay Bansal recently held all of them guilty convicted them under offences under section 120B (criminal conspiracy) and 420 (cheating) of the Indian Penal Code and under the relevant provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act. However the Court acquitted the accused under 409 IPC (Criminal Breach of Trust by Public Servants). Earlier, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) told the court that JLD Yavatmal Energy Limited got Fatehpur East Coal Block in Chhattisgarh as part of the alleged criminal conspiracy by misrepresenting facts on the eligibility criteria. According to the CBI, this was the thirteenth conviction in the Coal Scam related case. The prosecution was led by Senior Advocate RS Cheema along with A P Singh, Deputy legal advisor, and others. The coal related cases have been registered by CBI in connection with the allegations related to getting coal blocks allocated on the basis of misrepresentations and false claims in the applications, presentations and connivance or lack of due diligence on the part of public servants. (ANI)
To ensure the safety of women, children, the elderly, and divyangs in Uttar Pradesh, the Yogi government, in coordination with 12 major departments, has started work towards implementing the Safe City project in the state, an official release said. The state government has issued a deadline to various departments at the government level to complete the work of the first phase of the Safe City project in the state within the stipulated period of three months. The Safe City project will be implemented in three phases, which include Gautam Buddha Nagar along with 17 municipal corporations in the first phase, 57 district headquarters municipalities in the second phase, and 143 municipalities in the third phase. According to the release, the project's main focus is on women, children, the elderly and the divyangs. UP police to take care of the elderly under the Savera scheme. The release noted that the Chief Ministers objective is to provide a safe, protected and empowered environment for women, children, the elderly, and 'divyang' in public places. In the first phase of the project, the work of identifying places for installing government and private CCTVs, street lights, and toilets has been completed under the deadline. "Along with this, the work of identifying sensitive places like courts, jails, wine shops, girls colleges, parks, and hot spots has also been completed within the deadline in order to increase patrolling and the installation of CCTVs at these places", added the release. On the other hand, the Safe City App is being prepared by the Urban Development Department to help the citizens, which will be included in the Smart City App. In addition, to make travel safe for citizens, the Transport Department is preparing the Nayan App. Similar to this, the UP Police is implementing the Savera scheme to ensure the safety of the elderly and to offer them all possible assistance. Under this scheme, the beat constables of UP Police will prepare the data of the senior citizens of their areas and visit their homes from time to time to inspect their condition. Additionally, the constables will help them immediately and will also inform the higher officials in case of any problems. UP-112 is preparing SOP regarding this. As per the records of UP Police, a total of 9,64,168 elderly citizens are registered in the state. (ANI)
The Parliament is witnessing a slogan war, as Opposition MPs are continuously shouting slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking his statement on the Manipur issue, forcing adjournments in both the Houses. Following the disruptions, Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar on Friday held a meeting with leaders of all Opposition parties to discuss ending the logjam and to start the proceedings of the House to be held next week. Congress MP Pramod Tiwari who attended the meeting representing the party along with Jairam Ramesh, while talking to ANI said that the PM should speak on Manipur inside the Parliament. I am thankful to the Chairman for inviting the oppositon leaders...Congress MP Jairam Ramesh and I were representing Congress...I requested that PM Modi should give a statement and then whichever minister wants to answer can do it. But the Manipur incident is such that the entire nation wants to know...Shouldn't the PM speak in Parliament about the incident? We aren't inviting him to our private meeting..." Tiwari said. Union Minister Piyush Goyal, after the meeting, while addressing a press conference said that the Chairman has suggested that this logjam should be ended through proper discussion. The chairman emphasised that the Parliament should function properly through dialogue, debate and discussion. It is a forum to discuss public issues...He suggested that this logjam should be ended through proper discussion. Everyone should participate for the proper functioning of the Parliament...," Goyal said. The meeting was an attempt at reaching out to the opposition in a bid to bring normalcy to the House and allow it to function. Chairman Dhakhar has asked all the leaders to convey the Chairman's message to their top leadership and take a rational decision in two or three days. Chairman was very upset and emotional about the way one member behaved in the House during the proceeding, Goyal added. On Thursday, MPs from the INDIA group of parties turned up in black attire to protest against the Prime Minister's silence on Manipur, where ethnic clashes have been going on since the first week of May. The government's stand, on the other hand, has been that it is ready for a discussion. I.N.D.I.A or Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance is a group of 26 opposition parties, including the Congress. The parties have come together to take on the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), which is led by PM Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and prevent it from winning a third straight term at the Centre in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. (ANI)
Amid the disruptions in the Rajya Sabha over the Manipur issue and the Opposition's demand for the statement of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Parliament, Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar on Friday held a meeting with leaders of all Opposition parties to discuss the proceedings of the House to be held next week. Union Minister Piyush Goyal, after the meeting, while addressing a press conference said that the Chairman has suggested that this logjam should be ended through proper discussion. The chairman emphasised that the Parliament should function properly through dialogue, debate and discussion. It is a forum to discuss public issues...He suggested that this logjam should be ended through proper discussion. Everyone should participate for the proper functioning of the Parliament...," Goyal said. The meeting was an attempt at reaching out to the opposition in a bid to bring normalcy to the House and allow it to function. Chairman Dhakhar has asked all the leaders to convey the chairman's message to their top leadership and take a rational decision in two or three days. Chairman was very upset and emotional about the way one member behaved in the House during the proceeding, Goyal added. Amarendra Dhari Singh, an MP from Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) who attended the meeting, told ANI, We had the meeting with the Chairman, and its a long discussion meeting and he heard all of us and he appealed with due respect to all the members for smooth functioning of the House. The Chairman further said that personally, I feel that a lot of time is already wasted of the House and its not good for democracy so bothgovernment and the Opposition should reconsider the decision, Singh said. During the meeting, both sides discussed a wide range of issues and also talked about co-operation for the smooth functioning of the House. There was no argument but the INDIA alliance side very much clear that we want resumption of House and the Chairman said that there should not be any condition put forward by the Opposition, A D Singh told ANI. Several parties including Congress, RJD, BJD, AAP and Union Minister Piyush Goyal attended the meeting today with Chairman Dhankhar in the parliament. Notably, the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned for the day on Friday, amid continued slogan-shouting from the Opposition benches over the demand for a discussion on the Manipur situation. Upon the resumption of the session on Friday, Opposition members in the Lok Sabha demanded an immediate discussion on the no-confidence motion, which was moved by Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi and accepted by Speaker Om Birla. The Speaker called for Question Hour as the Lower House reconvened but the Opposition members kept disrupting proceedings demanding a discussion on Manipur and the motion of no confidence. While in session, the Upper House which was also adjourned till Monday recalled the contribution of Vinay Dinu Tendulkar, who retired on Friday. (ANI)
The accused Sub Inspector (SI) who shot his senior police officer on police station premises in Madhya Pradeshs Rewa district was arrested and dismissed from the police service, the police said on Friday. The accused SI identified as B R Singh opened fire on Civil Line police station in charge Hitendra Nath Sharma in his chamber in the police station following an argument on Thursday afternoon. After that the other police personnel present on the spot immediately admitted Sharma to a local hospital in the district. Later on Friday, according to the police, a case was registered against the accused SI Singh under IPC section 307, 294 and 506 into the matter and he was arrested. Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG, Rewa Zone) Mithlesh Shukla has dismissed the accused Singh from the police service. An investigation into the matter is underway by the SIT team constituted under the leadership of Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP, Rewa ) Anil Sonkar, the police said. Injured police personnel Sharma is undergoing treatment under the supervision of the team of doctors from Jabalpur, Bhopal and Rewa. The bullet has been removed from the body and doctors said that Sharmas health is stable. Though he is constantly being monitored by the team of doctors, the police added. (ANI)
The National Health Authority (NHA) has introduced the 100 Microsites Project under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM). These Microsites are clusters of small and mid-sized health facilities that will be fully compliant with ABDM, providing digital health services to patients. The primary goal of the Microsites is to create small ecosystems within specific geographic areas where complete ABDM adoption is achieved, ensuring the digitization of the entire patient journey. The project will be implemented across various states and union territories, led by the State Mission Directors of Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), with the National Health Authority (NHA) providing financial resources and overall guidance. To set up and operate the Microsites, states and union territories may collaborate with development partners and interfacing agencies. The Microsites will encompass all healthcare facilities, including clinics, nursing homes, hospitals with fewer than ten beds, labs, pharmacies, and more, from both the public and private sectors. Healthcare professionals, especially from the private sector, will also be registered under ABDM modules such as the Healthcare Professionals Registry (HPR) and the Health Facility Registry (HFR), followed by the installation of ABDM-enabled applications. Patients visiting these healthcare centres will also be integrated into ABDM, with their health records linked to their Ayushman Bharat Health ID (ABHA). The CEO of NHA emphasized the project's significance, stating, "We aim to establish 100 such Microsites across the country, where focused efforts would be made to bring as many small and medium-scale healthcare entities under the ABDM fold. This will not only increase adoption among private sector providers but will also help ABDM to expand its footprints among the private healthcare providers across the country as well." The Microsites will serve as a catalyst to raise awareness about ABDM and its benefits among small and medium-scale healthcare providers. By encouraging them to register on ABDM's core registries and utilize certified digital solutions, the project aims to promote the broader adoption of ABDM throughout the country. These targeted efforts will activate the healthcare ecosystem to embrace digital health, improving healthcare access and services for all citizens. (ANI)
Addressing the concerns of the citizens, CM Yogi directed officials to ensure a qualitative and transparent resolution of the issues raised.

During the Janata Darshan, citizens from different parts of the state shared their problems with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, seeking redressal and assistance.

The Chief Minister took note of the areas where grievances were frequently arising and urged the Director General of Police (DGP) and the Principal Secretary (Home) to compile a list of such districts.

Stressing the importance of accountability, CM Yogi instructed officials to hold officers responsible for inadequately addressing grievances at the police, block, and tehsil levels.

He expressed his determination to take strict action against negligent officers to ensure effective and prompt resolution of public issues.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath assured the complainants that their concerns would be addressed promptly.

To streamline the process, he directed the officials to categorize and hand over all the applications to the relevant administrative officers and police personnel according to their respective subjects.

The individuals seeking help at the Janata Darshan were those facing financial difficulties due to serious illnesses.

CM Yogi directed the officials present to expedite the estimation process for their medical treatment expenses and submit the details to the government at the earliest.

Cases of land and property disputes brought to the Janata Darshan were given special attention.

The Chief Minister instructed the authorities to expedite the resolution of these disputes and ensure speedy disposal.

Janata Darshan is a platform provided by the Chief Minister's office to allow citizens to interact directly with the CM and seek solutions to their problems. (ANI)
Israeli police use a water cannon to disperse demonstrators blocking a road in Jerusalem on July 24, 2023, during a protest over plans by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government to overhaul the judicial system. (Ohad Zwigenberg/AP)

Many Israelis believe the judicial overhaul just passed by the Knesset is the beginning of the end of the countrys democracy. Its the first of several steps Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is pursuing to coalesce power under his control.

But Israel has been at risk of this kind of power grab since its founding. As a parliamentary system with no law or body beyond the reach of a simple legislative majority, the Israeli state has few safeguards to prevent it. At its core, Israels failure to adopt a constitution was the states original sin.

Advertisement

The new law strips the countrys Supreme Court of the power to overturn government action that the court finds unreasonable. A survey in February revealed that 66% of Israelis opposed the move, and protests against it have continued for 29 weeks so far.

Following the Knesset vote, public protests only grew. Doctors walked out of work, and Israels largest labor union is considering a nationwide general strike. Even Israels military reservists are threatening not to show up for duty, which would be a blow to the countrys national defense readiness.

Advertisement

The laws supporters claim its necessary to stop unelected judges from overruling the will of the people as exercised by elected officials. That interpretation could sound democratic, particularly from an American perspective, considering our own unaccountable Supreme Court is undermining democracy these days.

But Israels system is different, as are the consequences. In a parliamentary system, the power of the prime minister and legislature are linked, so neither acts as a check on the other. This makes the judiciary essential to maintaining checks and balances. Netanyahus coalition, the most right-wing and religiously conservative in the countrys history, is aiming to take out that check.

Absent judicial oversight, the only tool that could restrain Israels ruling party would be a constitution, but Israel is one of only five countries that dont have one. A constitution defines the scope of government powers and acts as the highest law of the land  a legal document that cannot be overturned by a simple majority. It is meant to make the guardrails of governance greater than the power any single person or group can secure. A constitution is the difference between the rule of law and the rule of people.

[ Editorial: Unrest sweeps across Israel, and Netanyahu has only himself to blame ]

Its no accident that Israel doesnt have one. From its beginning, Israels champions have had two very different visions of the state. The primary sticking point was always whether Israel would guarantee equality for all or for some.

Leaders such as Menachem Begin, founder of the Likud party and Israels prime minister from 1977 to 1983, claimed to support equal treatment of the Arab population but refused to bestow them rights equal to the states Jewish population. He believed that would be anathema to the concept of a Jewish state.

Chicago Tribune Opinion Weekdays Read the latest editorials and commentary curated by the Tribune Opinion team. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our Subscriber Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy >

Others, such as Shulamit Aloni, a former Israeli minister and member of the Knesset for nearly three decades, insisted the state needed a constitution that would guarantee equal rights for all. Aloni, one of Israels most prominent civil rights advocates, pressed for a constitution including an equality clause. Begin and others pushed back fiercely on the very idea. Reconciling those different visions proved impossible, so Israel simply didnt. But repeated efforts to instill equality in any legal form have failed, suggesting the de facto winner of this debate is inequality.

This is an obvious slight to the Arab population in the country, but Arab residents arent the only ones who will ultimately pay the cost. Without a constitution enshrining equal rights for all, and with no other checks in place, it is far easier for a powerful minority to use the tools of the state to suppress the rights of other groups too. This is the reality in Israel today, as Netanyahus extremist coalition is making clear.

A constitution is no panacea, as Americas own long struggle to provide equal rights makes clear. And some countries, including the United Kingdom, have done fine without, thanks to a rigorous court system and other time-tested checks on power. But a constitution provides both a process and a product that can help build a more just and durable governmental structure and society. The process of creating and agreeing to a constitution is a difficult and time-consuming exercise. But it can force a reckoning with the hardest questions and spur public debate over the kind of society the public wants to be. It enhances transparency and accountability of every successive government to a legal framework bigger than they are.

Advertisement

If a constitution doesnt answer those questions, someone else will, and they can do so without that level of rigor, debate and consensus. Todays question is whether the judiciary can rein in unreasonable actions by the legislature, and Netanyahus government has answered: No.

Whatever tomorrows question is, the people of Israel dont want Netanyahus coalition alone to have the power to answer it for them.

Elizabeth Shackelford is a senior fellow on U.S. foreign policy with the Chicago Council on Global Affairs. She was previously a U.S. diplomat and is the author of The Dissent Channel: American Diplomacy in a Dishonest Age.

Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com.
The National Commission for Women (NCW) organised a seminar on empowering nomadic and semi-nomadic tribes and sex workers in Madhya Pradesh, in collaboration with Samvedna NGO in the state capital Bhopal on Friday. The seminar shed light on the challenges faced by these communities and emphasised the need for inclusive development and empowerment. Madhya Pradesh Governor Mangubhai Patel also attended the seminar and extended his congratulations to NCW and Samvedna NGO for bringing attention to a topic often overlooked. Speaking on the occasion, he highlighted the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme, initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and stressed that denotified tribes should also be beneficiaries of such crucial initiatives. The Governor underscored the importance of inclusive development to uplift these communities and ensure equal opportunities for all. NCW Chairperson Rekha Sharma shared valuable insights during the seminar, addressing the challenges faced by Nomadic and Semi-nomadic communities in obtaining residential proof for Aadhar. She stressed the need for collective efforts to find solutions, enabling these communities to access various government schemes and benefits. Meanwhile, a Member of Madhya Pradesh Human Rights Commission, IPS Rajiv Kumar Tandon, spoke passionately about the responsibility of both police personnel and civilians to proactively shift their mindset towards this community. He emphasised fostering a more inclusive and accepting attitude, leading to greater empowerment of these communities.As part of the seminar, there was a captivating display of traditional art and culture by women from the denotified tribes community. This remarkable exhibit showcased the rich heritage and talent of these communities, reaffirming the significance of preserving and promoting their cultural identity. Besides, representatives from the Natt community organised a thought-provoking puppet show during the seminar. The show served as a powerful medium to raise awareness about the challenges faced by sex workers and emphasised the importance of providing them with avenues for empowerment and support. Secretary of Denotified, Nomadic, and Semi-nomadic Welfare Department, IAS Ashok Barnwal brought attention to the hurdles faced by these tribes and sex workers around the region. He highlighted the key role of financial empowerment in uplifting these communities and mentioned various government schemes and reforms, including ITI courses for the youth, to prepare them for better employment prospects. (ANI)
Leader of House in Rajya Sabha Piyush Goyal on Friday appealed to the opposition parties to discuss the Manipur and other issues in Parliament in a proper manner saying that any issue can be resolved through dialogue. "...We once again appeal to our opposition to discuss in a proper manner in Parliament Manipur and other issues. Any issue can resolve through dialogue," Goyal said. The Leader of the House further claimed that it leads to "frustration" among countrymen if discussions are not held in the Parliament in a proper manner. "If we do not discuss it amounts to serious frustration in the country. People question whether the opposition parties really want a discussion or not," he said. Speaking about the intention of the government to have a thorough discussion on the Manipur issue in the Parliament, Goyal said, "In order to discuss, we had called an all-party meeting (on the Manipur issue) before the commencement of the Parliament. We had agreed to discuss it in the Parliament, but the opposition later said that they would only discuss it if it is done under rule 267." Goyal pointed out that Rule 267 is evoked in extraordinary circumstances only when there is no other alternative medium available to discuss. "This rule is only evoked when there is no other medium...But today, the House has completed seven days and... A discussion under rule 267 is done under the rarest of the rare cases.." he said adding that the opposition parties have "behaved like this before". Speaking about the meeting by Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankar with leaders of all Opposition parties, Piyush Goyal said, "The chairman emphasised that the Parliament should function properly through dialogue, debate and discussion. It is a forum to discuss public issues...He suggested that this logjam should be ended through proper discussion. Everyone should participate for the proper functioning of the Parliament..." Appealing to all opposition parties to have a vibrant discussion in Parliament, Goyal said, "Country and the world is seeing how the parliament is being stifled in the biggest democracy in the world. This is very alarming. We need to present an example..." Goyal also added that the Manipur issue will be discussed in the House under Rule 176. In a veiled attack on the opposition-ruled states, Goyal added that there should be a discussion on violence against women in states like Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and West Bengal. "In Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and West Bengal our daughters, sisters and women are getting oppressed. We have received many notices under Rule 176." Speaking on regular disturbance in the House when anyone speaks in Parliament, Goyal said that everyone needs to be respected in Parliament even if someone is the sole representative of one political party in the House. "Kharge's words are taken very seriously by all NDA parties. But when I stand up as Leader of House, there is disturbance, whenever a Minister speaks there is disturbance...the rights of every parliamentarian are important, even if someone speaks who is the sole representative of one political party. We need to respect everyone," Goyal said. Speaking on debate on the no-confidence motion that was filed against the Centre by the opposition parties, Goyal said, "375 members support our government... these are diversionary tactics to prevent debate on the Manipur issue. So we do not want to compromise." (ANI)
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said on Friday that the National Education Policy of India 2020 (NEP 2020) will provide opportunities to all sections of society to get education and give school education and higher education a new dimension. "In the year 2020, the new education policy was put in front of us by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to meet the new challenges of the new era. With the new education policy, on one hand, school education and higher education will get new dimensions, on the other hand, it will also provide opportunities to all classes of people to get education on the basis of equality. Skill development at school level will make youth work efficient," the Chief Minister said. CM Pushkar Singh Dhami participated in the 'honouring ceremony' program of the meritorious students who passed the 10th and 12th examination organized at IRDT Auditorium, Dehradun on Friday. The Chief Minister honored 94 meritorious students on behalf of the state government. The Chief Minister said that the social and economic development of any country depends on the quality of education being provided to the students in that country. He said that Uttarakhand is the first state in the country which has implemented the new education policy in school education. Through the new education policy, along with employment-oriented education, children will also be helped in achieving success in competitive examinations. This will also encourage research and research and develop scientific thinking among the students. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami while addressing all the meritorious said that he is feeling proud, today he is meeting the best children of the state, who have shown on the strength of their talent that one has to go to the top. There should be a clear objective. He said that there is no substitute for hard work in life. All the challenges of life can be faced with education. There should be essence like devotion in education. He told the meritorious students that this is the initial step of life. You will find challenges at every step of life, on which you will have to overcome with the power of discretion and intelligence. There is no substitute for hard work and no short cut ever leads us to lasting success. That's why we have to work hard continuously by taking a resolution without option. The Chief Minister said that the examination in life does not always come through the question paper itself. Many times such challenges come, the solution of which can be found only by applying your full intelligence. Work in the role of a leader in whatever field you get the opportunity to work, give your best towards that work. Facing the challenges patiently and achieving the destination on the strength of your efforts is the real success. Education Minister Dr. Dhan Singh Rawat said that rapid efforts are being made in the state for qualitative improvement in the field of education. The names of our 05 universities are in the ranking of the country. This time the maximum number of children from the state got selected in the NDA and CDS exams. For the first time in the state, the work of honoring the meritorious has been done by the Chief Minister. The state government is a dedicated government for the better future of the students. Four scholarship schemes are being run by the government for meritorious children. He said that the principals have been nominated for alternative arrangements for spokespersons and LT teachers of the schools. Marks improvement exam is being organized in the state. (ANI)
As Assam is aiming to make the state free from the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday asked state police to examine the mechanism of how Indian Army personnel can be freed up after withdrawal of AFSPA. Assam police must examine how Indian Army personnel can be freed up from the state by completely withdrawing Armed Forced Special Power Act, Sarma said. Sarma was addressing the inaugural day of the two-day Superintendents of Police (SP) conference in Bongaigaon, where he unveiled significant developments for the state's security and citizen services. Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 is an act of the Parliament of India that grants special powers to the Indian Armed Forces to maintain public order in "disturbed areas". According to the Disturbed Areas Act, 1976 once declared 'disturbed', the area has to maintain the status quo for a minimum of three months. While the Disturbed Areas notification underAFSPAwas removed by the Centre from the entire state of Assam last year, it was still in force in about nine districts and one sub-division of another district. However, starting April 1, 2023, the notification was lifted from one more district in the state, which meant that AFSPA was restricted to only eight districts of Assam. The law gives unbridled power to the Armed Forces and the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) deployed in Disturbed Areas to kill anyone acting in contravention of the law; arrest and search any premises without a warrant; and protection from prosecution and legal suits without the Central Governments sanction. The chief minister had announced that his government was aiming to withdraw the controversial Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, (AFSPA) completely from the state by the end of 2023. However, at the conference held at the newly inaugurated Assam Police convention centre, CM Sarma released the logo of the Assam Police's Special Task Force (STF). The STF is expected to play a crucial role in tackling specialized challenges faced by law enforcement. Insurgency has been largely defeated and Assam and Assam Police is proactively monitoring and neutralising persons who are trying to regroup, Sarma added. He further asked the state police to keep strict vigil to prevent surrendered militants from going back to the path of violence. Proactive steps to be taken to prevent Rohingya infiltrators, smugglers and insurgents outside Assam from using the state as a corridor for transit to other states, Sarma said, adding that Assam Police should initiate action in source states if the situation so warrants and step up surveillance in railways and bus stands. During the event, the Chief Minister signed memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with prominent organizations, including Microsoft, National Cyber Peace Foundation, and India Future Foundation. These collaborations are geared towards enhancing the state's cybersecurity measures and technological advancements in policing. The occasion also witnessed the launch of new logos for the Village Defence Organization (VDO), emphasizing the importance of grassroots security in rural areas. In a move aimed at easing passport verification for citizens, CM Sarma introduced the M-Passport application. This innovative solution is set to streamline the passport verification process and facilitate faster and more efficient services. Further, the CM virtually inaugurated two cyber police stations during the conference, signaling the state's commitment to combat cybercrimes and safeguard online spaces. (ANI)
A team of opposition MPs belonging to the Indian National Developmental Alliance (I.N.D.I.A.) will visit violence-hit Manipur on July 29 and 30 amid their demand for a detailed discussion in Parliament on the situation in the state. The 26-member delegation includes Rashtriya Janata Dal Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Jha, Trinamool MP Sushmita Dev, Aam Aadmi Party MP Sushil Gupta, Congress' Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, Gaurav Gogoi, NK Premchandran from Revolutionary Socialist Party, Jayant Chaudhry from RLD, Kanimozhi from DMK, Thol Thirumavalavan from VCK among others. Phulo Devi Netam from Congress, Sandosh Kumar from CPI, Javed Ali Khan from Samajwadi Party, PP Mohammad Faizal from NCP, Aneel Prasad Hedge from JD (U), Sushil Gupta from AAP, Mahua Maji from JJM and Jayant Singh from RLD are also the members of the team. Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi who is also part of the delegation, said that the leaders of the Opposition are going with an open mind and will try to work as per the suggestions that will be given to them. "No Confidence Motion moved by INDIA alliance parties has been accepted by the Speaker. I hope we will have a discussion soon. It is important that we speak of Manipur in this discussion. We want to speak about the people of Manipur who have been forgotten by the PM. That is why our two-day visit is essential. We want to know of their pain so that we can present their case boldly..., Gogoi said. He further said that they aim to know what are the expectations of the people of Manipur with INDIA alliance. It will be difficult to visit the violence-affected areas but the areas where people are staying at relief camps can be visited so that we can see how the Administration is taking care of them and what they had to go through...We would want to know what are the expectations of the people of Manipur with INDIA alliance. We are going with open minds and we will try to work as per the suggestions that will be given to us," he added. Members of the grand Opposition alliance, I.N.D.I.A, have been adamant on the demand that all listed businesses in both Houses be aside for a discussion on the Manipur situation. The Opposition parties have been pressing for their demand since the beginning of the monsoon session of Parliament on July 20. The government has said it is ready for debate on the issue but the opposition has insisted on a statement from Prime Minister Narendra Modi in both the Houses. Meanwhile, the proceedings of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were cut short after both Houses were adjourned for the day on Friday over the demands of opposition members related to the Manipur situation. Earlier on Thursday, most of the Opposition members arrived in the Parliament dressed in black as a mark of protest against the alleged denial of a discussion on Manipur and the postponement of a debate on the no-confidence motion. (ANI)
Amid the recent upsurge in the cases of conjunctivitis in the state, Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister TS Singh Deo said that it is not a serious problem but can be prevented with precautionary measures. "This is not a serious problem but can be prevented with minor cautions. It has been seen that people without consulting doctors are using steroids due to misinformation but it may lead to other complications", he said. A meeting was held today in Raipur under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel to review the situation in the state. The CM was informed about the availability of medicines and the number of infections in separate districts, said Singh Deo. He further said that the objective of speaking to the media is about creating awareness and all the districts as well as schools have been directed to sensitize, said Singh Deo, adding that the infected person can also be treated without treatment as well. "Need for closing the schools was also discussed and the meeting achieved a conclusion that closing of schools may result in loss of studies so the schools have been directed to ask students to take rest on being infected", he added. Singh Deo said that the statements by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as well as Union Minister Smriti Irani naming Chhattisgarh in connection with the Manipur incident, are politically motivated. "The incident in Manipur is very much different from the incident that took place in Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan", he said. Chhattisgarh has been witnessing a surge in the cases of Conjunctivitis and so far the state has recorded over 20000 patients with this eye infection. However, the health experts claimed the infection was not dangerous, the state government has issued advisories for prevention and treatment of the infection. Conjunctivitis is a bacterial infection and increasing in the state and so far more than 20000 persons have been affected by this eye infection, said head of epidemic control Dr Subhash Mishra, adding that around 15000 persons have been recovered from the infection. (ANI)
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday urged the Assam Police to develop a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for probing cases of 'love-jihad' in the state. He said that the police must develop SoPs to help it to probe love jihad, as the government is contemplating to provide legislative backing to ensure the prosecution of accused held for polygamy and child marriages. Addressing the SP conference being held at Bongaigaon on Friday, the Chief Minister said that in the wake of love-jihad, the police forces must be empowered with specific operating procedures to deal with the menace. "With regard to combating child marriages, another operation will be launched in the month of September in the state," CM Sarma said. The Chief Minister said that crime against women and children in the state has come down drastically. He, however, said that high-profile cases will be tried in special courts and special public prosecutors will be deployed and a charge sheet will be filed within a stipulated period for serving as a deterrent to future crimes.The Chief Minister also said that Assam Police must examine how Indian Army personnel can be freed from the state by completely withdrawing Armed Forces Special Powers Act from the state. He also said that since insurgency has been defeated in the state, efforts must be initiated to proactively monitor and neutralise elements who try to regroup. He also reiterated that Assam Police must maintain strict vigil to prevent surrendered militants from going back to violence.Chief Minister Sarma stressed the need of intensifying drug seizures across the state, especially at the entry and exit points. Speaking on the drink and driving cases, the Chief Minister said that strict enforcement of traffic acts including a combination of fines and cancelling driving licenses might prove to be a deterrent.For combating economic crimes and corruption, Chief Minister asked the SPs to ensure that the smugglers do not get the chance to illegally export subsidized fertilisers outside. He said that vigilance needs to be steeped up to ensure that Assam does not become a traffic corridor for transporting illegal liquor, Burmese supari and other contraband items. Stating that over 100 corrupt public servants have been arrested on corruption charges, he said that action against corrupt officials will be intensified.For empowering the police forces, the Chief Minister said that Assam Police will soon become a zero-vacancy force as all vacant positions will be filled up soon. 119 new police stations are being built and by February 2024, all five battalions will have permanent office infrastructure, CM Sarma added.Talking about the police reforms, Sarma said that all general diary (GD) entries will be digitized so that no manipulations of criminal investigations can be done in later cases. Talking about the large-scale application of digitization, the Chief Minister said that more than one lakh fifty thousand police verifications have been completed through the m-passport police app for addressing passport applicants.On the need for citizen-centric policing, the Chief Minister reiterated the improved coordination between police and home guards and involving competent constables in investigative duties. He also said that draft statutory rules will be published shortly for strengthening the partnership between police and 'nagarik' committees to deliver citizen-centric policing.On the occasion of the observation of Deshbhakti Divas today, Chief Minister Sarma paid rich floral tributes to the portrait of Tarun Ram Phukan. He also remained present in an MoU signing ceremony between Assam Police, Microsoft and Indian Future Foundation for strengthening cyber and digital security. (ANI)
US Department of State deputy spokesman Vedant Patel has said if the Taliban intends to seek international recognition, they need to "start directly with the actions and the policies they choose to undertake in Afghanistan, TOLO News reported. TOLO News is an Afghan news channel broadcasting from Kabul. Patel while speaking at a press conference in Washington DC, said that the US is going to be watching very closely and will continue to take appropriate actions as needed. As it relates to the United States and Taliban, we have been incredibly clear, quite regularly condemning the clear backsliding that we are seeing in Afghanistan, the egregious human rights abuses, the marginalization of women and girls, he said, as per TOLO News. The Taliban has, meanwhile, said that ensuring the rights of women is an internal issue and no country should interfere in this regard. Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid said: The Taliban has its own rules in issues of values and womenwhatever the Islamic Sharia allows and whatever is ensured is based on Shariah. The Americans and other countries should not interfere in the internal issues of Afghanistan. This comes as political analysts said that the issue of recognition is linked to the formation of an inclusive government, and the fulfillment of the international communitys wishes. If the Taliban does not take some of the rules and procedures on the international level and doesnt take practical actions to eliminate restrictions against them, it will not be recognized by the international community, particularly the US, said Najib Rahman Shamal, political analyst, according to TOLO News. (ANI)
Senator Kesoo Mal Kheeal Das has condemned the attacks and threats of attacks on people from the Hindu community and their places of worship in Pakistan. "We Hindus can give our lives for our land Pakistan, this country is ours, this Pakistan is ours, we will tell the world that there is freedom of speech in the houses of Pakistan, the job of the state is to provide security to our children," Das said in a tweet on Thursday His reaction came days after a Hindu temple in the Ghouspur area of Sindhs Kashmore was vandalised. The dacoits had targeted the community's properties and lives, causing fear and hindering their ability to practice religious rituals freely. While speaking at the National Assembly on Wednesday also, the senator has urged the government to protect the Hindu community and asked to take decisive action against such elements. He stated that it is not only the Hindus who are being targeted by the dacoits but the situation for Muslims living in places like Kashmore, Sakkar, Kandhkot, and Rajanpur is equally bad. He further added that Hindus would not be terrorized by such threats and Hindu people and other communities can die for their country and will not leave Pakistan. Several lawmakers expressed their concern about the alarming situation in the Kachcha areas of Sindh, where dacoits were posing a serious threat to the Hindu community. Talking about the cases, National Assembly Speaker Raja Pervez Ashraf assured the Hindu community of full support, emphasising that they should not live in fear, as it was the state's responsibility to ensure their safety and protect their rights, according to The Express Tribune. Meanwhile, Member of National Assembly (MNA) Akbar Ali Chitrali of the Jamaat-e-Islami reiterated that all citizens of Pakistan were equal under the Constitution, stressing that any threat posed to bona fide citizens, such as the Hindu community, was a threat to the Constitution itself. He assured the Hindu community that Muslims stood in solidarity with them and would provide unwavering support, reported The Express Tribune. Attacks on the Hindu minority are not an uncommon practice in Pakistans Sindh. In the last few months, several incidents targeting the Hindu minority in the Sindh village of Shaikh Bhirkio and the Tando Allahyar district have surfaced, Bitter Winter reported. In a more recent incident, a 150-year-old Hindu temple was demolished in Karachi. The Hindu community in Karachi woke up only to find Mari Mata Temple demolished in Karachi's Soldier Bazaar, reported Dawn. (ANI)
Robert Oppenheimer, chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission Advisory Council, tells a joint Congressional Atomic Committee that U.S. military establishment to his knowledge had never found it necessary to use exportable type isotopes for the development of new war machines. (Associated Press)

The movie Oppenheimer reminds us that a healthy society must leave room for people who face down power to pursue truth, who introduce new ways of thinking or who choose to follow alternative life paths.

A brilliant but eccentric scientist, J. Robert Oppenheimer led the world into the Atomic Age only to run afoul of government investigators. He also calls to mind a similar account in Great Britain in which Alan Turing, who led the world into the computer age and helped crack the German military codes in World War II, was convicted on a morals charge and eventually took his own life.

Advertisement

Both men were ahead of their times. Both made enormous contributions to the war efforts of their countries. Despite their efforts, both faced problems with their respective governments. Oppenheimers problem was his association with far-left colleagues and his defense of arms control, Turings was being gay at a time when it was illegal.

As a result, Oppenheimers security clearance was revoked, while Turing faced public humiliation and chemical castration. Although Oppenheimers clearance was reinstated after his death, and Turing received a posthumous pardon, their fates raise the question of how society deals with talented people who dont abide by the normal rules.

Advertisement

[ Rachel Bronson: Oppenheimers story reinforces the importance of global governance during scientific revolutions ]

The problem is as old as history itself. Legend has it that the ancient Greek musician who discovered irrational numbers was murdered because his discovery upset normal ways of thinking. Socrates was sentenced to death for impiety. Galileo Galilei was put under house arrest for suggesting that the earth orbits the sun. Albert Einstein received death threats for proposing the theory of relativity and was forced to leave his native Germany due to his Jewish heritage.

Religious history is no different. The prophet Jeremiah was jailed, beaten and left to die. Jesus fate is well known. Joan of Arc was burned at the stake. Reformer Martin Luther went into hiding to avoid being arrested and killed. The rabbinical authorities of Amsterdam excommunicated philosopher Baruch Spinoza. The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. was put under FBI surveillance, received numerous death threats and was assassinated.

Chicago Tribune Opinion Weekdays Read the latest editorials and commentary curated by the Tribune Opinion team. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our Subscriber Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy >

In one way or another, all these people challenged accepted ways of thinking and paid a heavy price for doing so. Granted, societies need cohesion to survive. But they also need freethinkers, whistleblowers and conceptual innovators to stay vibrant. Where should the line be drawn between protecting society from a legitimate threat and stamping out diversity?

While there is no simple answer to this question, one thing is clear: Neither Oppenheimer nor Turing posed a legitimate threat to anyone. In fact, both helped society defend itself against its real enemies. The record shows that time after time, society overreacted and punished people whom history went on to regard as heroic.

What about our society? Who is the J. Robert Oppenheimer of our day? I suggest Dr. Anthony Fauci. The enemy he fought, COVID-19, killed many more Americans than the Germans or Japanese. Although he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2008 for advancing the understanding and treatment of HIV/AIDS, he and his family now require constant security to protect them from harassment and death threats.

[ Oppenheimer review: Christopher Nolan and Cillian Murphy dissect the tortured conscience behind our atomic age ]

Looking further afield, one could cite novelist Salman Rushdie, environmental activist Greta Thunberg, and the journalists and politicians who have opposed Vladimir Putin. Are these people a threat to their societies or have their societies mistaken friend for foe?

If there is a lesson to be learned from all this, it is that societies often get things wrong and deprive themselves of the opportunity to move forward. Without these kinds of people, rather than security, the result would be an oppressive uniformity.

Kenneth Seeskin is an emeritus professor of philosophy and the Philip M. and Ethel Klutznick professor of Jewish civilization at Northwestern University.

Advertisement

Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com.
Trump is facing accusations that he and his aides asked a staffer to delete camera footage at his Florida estate, Mar-a-Lago resort, in the summer of 2022 in an effort to obstruct the classified documents investigations.

Trump has been charged with three new counts, including one additional count of willful retention of national defence information and two additional obstruction counts.

Smith also filed new charges against Trump aide Walt Nauta and added a new defendant, Mar-a-Lago maintenance employee Carlos De Oliveira, to the case, reported CNN.

In the classified document case, the former president has pleaded not guilty to 37 federal charges related to the documents, which were allegedly mishandled when they were taken to the Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida after Trump left office.

Walt Nauta, Trump's aide, has also pleaded not guilty to multiple counts related to the mishandling of documents at Mar-a-Lago, including several obstruction and concealment-related charges.

According to the indictment, Mar-a-Lago maintenance employee De Oliveira allegedly told another employee that "the boss" wanted the server containing Mar-a-Lago security footage deleted, and asked how long it kept footage, ABC, a US-based news portal reported.

"What are we going to do?" he allegedly said.

The exchange occurred after the subpoena for footage had been sent to Trump's attorney, the indictment alleges.

The superseding indictment charges Trump, De Oliveira and Nauta with two new obstruction counts based on allegations that the defendants attempted to delete surveillance video footage at Mar-a-Lago in the summer of 2022.

It also charges De Oliveira with false statements and representations in a voluntary interview with the FBI on January 13, 2023, as per ABC.

De Oliveira has been summoned to appear on July 31, 2023, at the federal courthouse in Miami. (ANI)
The Global Kashmiri Pandit Diaspora (GKPD) has filed an intervention application in the Supreme Court on Thursday, July 27, with a plea for dismissing the petition of Shah Faesal and others who are seeking revocation of abrogation of these two undemocratic and unjust laws. Global Kashmiri Pandit Diaspora (GKPD) has expressed full support for the Government of India on its historic actions which have brought peace, prosperity and security to the State of Jammu and Kashmir. GKPD has appealed that the petition be dismissed with utmost contempt, thereby "restoring the confidence of the people of this great nation in one country one constitution faith". Virinder Kaul, international coordinator, GKPD, said the dismissal of the petition will affirm Article 51A (a) of the Constitution, which states that it shall be the fundamental duty of every Indian citizen to 'abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, the National Flag and the National Anthem'. GKPD submitted arguments in favour of the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A citing provisions of the Indian Constitution and relevant precedent examples across the globe. "Articles 370 and 35A paved the way for the violent creation of a "Sheikhdom" within the Union of India primarily by snatching the rights and livelihood of oppressed minorities and women in favour of the majority population," read a press release by the GKPD. GKPD requested the Supreme Court to take cognisance of their application during the hearing scheduled for August 2,ensuring that these 'draconian laws' are not restored. It further affirmed its deep appreciation to the Union government for accepting the recommendation of The Delimitation Commission for nominating two members of the Kashmiri Pandit community to the legislative assembly. "This step will go a long way in addressing the compounding problems faced by the KP community. GKPD looks forward to working with the Government of India to ensure inclusive representation of community interests," read a press release by the GKPD. The Constitution bench of the top court will, on August 2, start hearing a batch of petitions challenging the abrogation of Article 370 and bifurcation of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union territories. A five-judge Constitution bench of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul, Sanjiv Khanna, BR Gavai, and Surya Kant had said it will proceed to hear the case on a day-to-day basis except on miscellaneous days Mondays and Fridays. The ace team government had defended its decision to abrogate Article 370 saying since 2019, when Article 370 was abrogated, the entire region has witnessed an unprecedented era of peace, progress and prosperity. Various petitions are pending before the top court challenging the validity of the law scrapping Article 370 of the Constitution and special status to Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcating the state into two Union Territories. On August 5, 2019, the central government announced its decision to revoke the special status of Jammu and Kashmir granted under Article 370, splitting the region into two Union territories. A five-judge Constitution bench in March 2020 had declined to refer to a larger 7-judge bench a batch of petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Centre's decision to abrogate provisions of Article 370 on August 5, saying there were no reasons to refer the matter to a larger bench. A number of petitions have been filed in the top court, including those of private individuals, lawyers, activists and politicians and political parties, challenging the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, splitting Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. (ANI)
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday said that Japan has had a huge impact on India and in many ways, Japan is an "exemplary moderniser' for India. Speaking at the India-Japan Forum in the presence of Yoshimasa Hayashi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Jaishankar said India is an indispensable partner to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific and Tokyo would like to further expand cooperation in the region with New Delhi, "What really does Japan means to India? Japan is in many ways the exemplary moderniser... It is an example of relevance. Its also a country for which there is a lot of goodwill in history. Today under PM Modi, we also had great modernisation. A self-reliant India," Jaishakar said. "Japan is a natural partnership in this modernising India. Japan has truly unleashed the revolution in India. The Suzuki revolution! The second revolution was the metro revolution. The third revolution is the high-speed rail in making. The fourth revolution is in critical and emerging technologies and semiconductors," he added. Jaishankar listed out examples of the impact that Japan has made in India in terms of technology and the four main revolutions from Japan that had created an impact in India. "I think Japan has truly unleashed a number of revolutions in this country. There is the Maruti revolution where it wasn't just the Suzuki car coming in. It was an entire lifestyle, it was thinking, it was an industrial culture which got changed," Jaishankar said. "The second revolution was the metro revolution. I think it's had a very profound impact on the urban infrastructure of India. The third revolution is in the making, which is the high-speed rail," the external affairs minister said. Jaishankar said that once the high-speed rail project would be completed, people will see in India what an enormous ripple impact it has even on the social habits of people. "The fourth revolution which I see on the horizon is emerging in critical technologies and the semiconductor sphere. I believe that there is a huge potential for us to work on," Jaishankar said. "If put cumulatively, Japan's had a very powerful impact on manufacturing in India, on our urbanization process, on the organization of logistics in this country," the external affairs minister said. The Japanese Foreign Minister had arrived in New Delhi earlier on Thursday. Jaishankar and Yoshimasa Hayashi held the 15th India-Japan Foreign Ministers' Strategic Dialogue in New Delhi on Thursday. The meeting provided an opportunity to review the progress made in the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership. The two ministers engaged in comprehensive discussions covering a wide range of issues of bilateral, regional, and global significance. They highlighted the importance of further strengthening India-Japan partnership based on shared values and principles. The ministers emphasized the importance of achieving the target of JPY 5 trillion Japanese investment in India in the period 2022-27. They explored potential areas of collaboration in critical and emerging technologies, including semiconductors; resilient supply chains; and digital public infrastructure, among others. During the meeting, the ministers also expressed satisfaction with the strengthening of defence and security cooperation, including regular exercises and staff talks between all three services. In this context, they discussed a way forward to deepen defence equipment and technology co-operation. The ministers exchanged views on regional and global issues of interest. (ANI)
Pakistan's Minister of State for Petroleum Musadik Malik said on Thursday that four Pakistani public entities signed three memorandums of understanding to raise the necessary local equity for a multibillion-dollar Saudi refinery project, as well as an engineering, procurement, and construction contract with a Chinese firm, according to Arab News. The USD 12 billion Saudi project, with a capacity of 350,000-450,000 barrels of crude oil per day, was first agreed upon during Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's 2019 visit to Islamabad. Pakistan State Oil, Oil and Gas Development Co., Pakistan Petroleum Ltd., and Government Holdings Private Ltd. signed three MoUs to raise the required local equity, while the EPC agreement was inked with China National Offshore Oil Corp. and Pakistans Monarch International, Arab News reported. In our earlier discussions [with Saudi authorities] there were two issues, one was obviously, who are the other equity partners, so Pakistan firmly believed that if Pakistan thinks that this is a viable project, then Pakistan should put its own equity into the project, Malik told Arab News on the sidelines of the MoU signing ceremony. So, we have put together equity partnerships in excess of 40 to 45 per cent as of right now. As I said, we are in the final stages, which means we basically are at the spreadsheet level, trying to take out all the wrinkles that are there or that are possible, so that a world-class refinery of about 300,000 barrels can be set in Pakistan, he added. PSO is taking the lead in local equity with 25 per cent and other firms also committed 5 to 10 per cent which makes our equity share more than what is required. Malik said the Pakistan government had brought in the best Chinese company for the purpose of Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contracts, Arab News reported. We have already brought to the table world-class refinery EPC construction partners who are also going to take a position in the equity, he said. Malik added that after the announcement of the new refinery policy, the government had also initiated talks with the UAE and Azerbaijan for investment in the sector. (ANI)
One day after S Jaishankars speech in the Rajya Sabha was disrupted by protests, the union minister on Friday lashed out stating that for the Opposition partisan politics held more importance than national progress. Slamming the Opposition party MPs for repeatedly disrupting his address in Parliament, the minister said he would present the thrust of his statement in a video message. Giving an overview of Prime Ministers recent foreign visits over the last few months, and several high-level engagements through which India has advanced its national objectives and intrests, the external affairs minister said that said it is unfortunate that these matters were not allowed to be debated in Parliament with the seriousness that they deserve. Yesterday, I sought to apprise the Parliament and the people of India of some important developments pertaining to foreign policy. These include achievements that truly advance our national interests significantly in critical spheres. Sadly, the Opposition repeatedly disrupted my statement in both Houses of Parliament, Jaishankar said. He added, Obviously, for them, partisan politics was more important than national progress. Since, I believe these matters are important to discuss in public domain, I am presenting a thrust of my statement yesterday. In the last few months, several high-level engagements have taken place involving the President, the Vice President and the Prime Minister with foreign counterparts and abroad. Through these efforts at multiple levels, we were able to advance our national objectives and interests in a volatile and uncertain world, he added. Heaping praise on Prime Minister Narendra Modis state visit to the United States last month, Jaishankar said that it has given a huge boost to the Make in India initiative and space exploration objectives. The official state visit to the United States of PM Narendra Modi from June 20-23 was only the second by an Indian Prime Minister. He was accorded the rare privilege of addressing the joint session of the US Congress for a second time. Make in India in the defence sector got a big boost with an agreement between GE Aerospace and HAL to manufacture the GE414 jet engine in India for the light combat aircraft. India had been pursuing this for decades and this breakthrough marks a significant jump in technology cooperation, he said. Jaishankar added, ISRO and NASA signed the ARTEMIS accords for the exploration of outer space for peaceful purposes. They would cooperate in human space flights and launch a joint effort to the International Space Station in 2024. "At a time when international affairs have become unprecedented and complex, our people-centric foreign policy is guided by the demands and aspirations of our society. Today the world recognises that when India speaks, it speaks not only for itself but for many others, and that India speaks as the voice of peace, of security, and a prosperity for all, Jaishankar said. On Thursday, Jaishankar while giving a suo motu statement in the Rajya Sabha on India's foreign policy in the past few months was faced with sloganeering by Opposition MPs. His statement was completely superseded amid constant sloganeering by the opposition. Jaishankar said that he felt bad that the opposition was not ready to listen to anything adding that the Opposition's objective is to criticise any progress India makes and prevent its message to spread in the country. "I wanted to inform the House of the developments made in the past month. You saw a very successful visit of the PM to the US...I felt bad that the Opposition was not ready to listen. It seemed that they wanted to criticise any and every achievement of the country," Jaishankar said addressing reporters yesterday. Opposition MPs were firm in their protest over the Manipur issue, demanding an elaborate statement by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the matter.Jaishankar urged the Opposition to "display a united front" and said "This is India's foreign policy, not any party's foreign policy. So when we present the achievements of India's foreign policy in front of the house but we saw that the opposition was not ready to listen at all." He said that foreign policy is an area where both the Government and Opposition work together. "Foreign policy is one area where we must work together. If there is a dispute between each other in the country, we should keep India's image united outside the country," added Jaishankar. He further advised the Opposition to set aside their differences when there is a discussion of national interest. "We may debate within the country but outside the country, we should display a united front. Opposition's conduct today should be looked into, when it comes to the national interest, politics should be set aside and it should be appreciated," said Jaishankar. NDA (National Democratic Alliance ) MPs chanted "Modi, Modi" in Rajya Sabha as EAM S Jaishankar was making his statement on the latest developments in India's Foreign Policy. To counter this, the opposition INDIA alliance MPs chanted "INDIA, INDIA." Later the Rajya Sabha was adjourned till 2 pm amid a ruckus created by both treasury benches and the Opposition. (ANI)
Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi on Friday visited Gandhi Smriti here in the national capital and paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi. Hayashi was accompanied by Japanese Ambassador to India Hiroshi Suzuki. Taking to his Twitter handle, Hiroshi Suzuki shared pictures from their visit to Mahatma Gandhi Smriti. "Visited Gandhi Smriti with H.E. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan. Paid my deepest homage and respect to Mahatma," he said in his tweet. Earlier in the day, Yoshimasa Hayashi took a ride on Delhi metro. For his metro ride, Hayashi was accompanied by security entourage and officials. In pictures shared by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Hayashi could be seen using token to take a metro ride here in the national capital. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his Japanese counterpart, Yoshimasa Hayashi, on Friday attended the India-Japan Forum. In his address, Jaishankar said that Japan has had a huge impact on India and in many ways, Japan is an "exemplary moderniser" for India. Speaking at the India-Japan Forum in the presence of Yoshimasa Hayashi, Jaishankar said, "What really does Japan means to India? Japan is in many ways the exemplary moderniser... It is an example of relevance. Its also a country for which there is a lot of goodwill in history. Today under PM Modi, we also had great modernisation. A self-reliant India." "Japan is a natural partnership in this modernising India. Japan has truly unleashed the revolution in India. The Suzuki revolution! The second revolution was the metro revolution. The third revolution is the high-speed rail in making. The fourth revolution is in critical and emerging technologies and semiconductors," he added. On Thursday, EAM S Jaishankar and his Japanese counterpart Yoshimasa Hayashi emphasized the role of India-Japan partnership in ensuring a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region that is inclusive and rules-based. EAM Jaishankar, Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi on Thursday held the 15th India-Japan Foreign Ministers' Strategic Dialogue in New Delhi. The meeting provided an opportunity to review the progress made in the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership. The two ministers engaged in comprehensive discussions covering a wide range of issues of bilateral, regional, and global significance, the Ministry of External Affairs announced in a press release. They highlighted the importance of further strengthening India-Japan partnership based on shared values and principles. The two sides emphasized the importance of achieving the target of JPY 5 trillion Japanese investment in India in the period 2022-27. They explored potential areas of collaboration in critical and emerging technologies, including semiconductors; resilient supply chains, and digital public infrastructure, among others. During the meeting, the ministers expressed satisfaction with the strengthening of defence and security cooperation, including regular exercises and staff talks between all three services. In this context, they discussed a way forward to deepen Defense Equipment and Technology Cooperation. Both sides exchanged views on regional and global issues of interest, according to MEA press release. S Jaishankar and Yoshimasa Hayashi also discussed cooperation under multilateral and plurilateral frameworks, including Quad. They agreed on the need for early reforms of the UNSC. Jaishankar and Hayashi exchanged views on their respective G20 and G7 presidencies. Noting the celebration of 2023 as the Year of India-Japan Tourism Exchanges with the theme of Connecting Himalayas with Mount Fuji, the two leaders acknowledged the importance of people-to-people exchanges. They also discussed ways to promote the movement of skilled human resources from India to Japan. Yoshimasa Hayashi is in India as part of his visit to Southwest Asia and Africa to bolster relations with a group of nations known as the Global South, NHK World-Japan reported. Yoshimasa highlighted the importance of listening to the views of the Global South and responding to the needs of the group. This is his second visit to India this year. Hayashi had visited Delhi in March this year to attend the Quad Foreign Ministers meeting. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Foxconn Chairman Young Liu in Gandhinagar and welcomed the companys plans to expand semiconductor and chip manufacturing capacity in India. Liu participated three-day 'SemiconIndia 2023' conference on Friday, and affirmed that Taiwan is and will be India's "most trusted and reliable partner". Mr Young Liu, Chairman of Foxconn, met PM@narendramodiin Gandhinagar. The PM welcomed Foxconn's plans to expand semiconductor and chip manufacturing capacity in India, PMO said in a tweet. https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/1684899408834654208?s=20 Earlier in the day, the three-day 'SemiconIndia 2023' conference kicked off here on Friday in the presence of PM Modi, with a focus on attracting investments in Indias nascent semiconductor ecosystem. The conference, its second edition, organised by India Semiconductor Mission in partnership with industry and industry associations, is aimed to make India a global hub for semiconductor design, manufacturing and technology development. Semicon India was held in Bengaluru last year. The theme of the Conference is Catalysing Indias Semiconductor Ecosystem. Addressing the gathering, PM Modi invited global semiconductor majors to come and invest in India, adding that whosoever comes forward will have a first movers advantage. You have to develop a chip-making ecosystem for Indians. I believe whosoever comes forward will have a first movers advantage, PM Modi said. It is not just Indias needs, the world now needs a trusted and reliable chip supply chain. Who can be that trusted partner if not the largest democracy, PM Modi said. Foxconn Chairman Young Liu also addressed the event and expressed optimism about the future of IT in India. "I am very optimistic of the way India will be headed," said Yiu and assured PM Modi that Taiwan "is and will be your most trusted and reliable partner." "...Where there is a will there's a way, I can feel the determination of the Indian government. I am very optimistic about the way India will be headed. PM Modi, once mentioned that IT stands for India and Taiwan. PM, Taiwan is and will be your most trusted and reliable partner...," Yiu added. Significantly, Taiwanese major Foxconn recently decided to withdraw from its semiconductor joint venture (JV) with Indian mining conglomerate Vedanta. A day after it withdrew from its joint venture with Indias Vedanta group, Taiwan-based technology company Foxconn on July 11 said it is committed to India and sees the country successfully establishing a robust semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem. On its withdrawal from the JV with Vedanta, it had categorically said both parties mutually agreed to part ways, noting there was recognition that the project was not moving fast enough. (ANI)
Delegations from Russia and China, which were North Koreas key allies in the Korean War, gathered in Pyongyang this week to celebrate North Koreas Victory Day in the war that ravaged the Korean Peninsula seven decades ago, CNN reported. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un gave Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu a tour of a defence exposition in Pyongyang on Wednesday, with images from North Korean media showing them walking past an array of weaponry, from Pyongyangs nuclear-capable ballistic missiles to its newest drones. At a state reception for Shoigu and the Russian delegation, in reference to the war in Ukraine, North Korean Defense Minister Kang Sun Nam expressed Pyongyangs full support for the just struggle of the Russian army and people to defend the sovereignty and security of the country, CNN reported citing a report from the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). While giving his remarks, Shoigu said the Korean Peoples Army (KPA) has become the strongest army in the world and pledged continued cooperation to keep it that way. In another event on Wednesday, at a reception for the Chinese delegation led by Politburo member, Li Hongzhong, senior North Korean official Kim Song Nam thanked Chinese forces for joining in the Korean War, saying North Korea would not forget forever the heroic feats and merits of the bravery soldiers who recorded a brilliant page in the history. Commenting on the presence of the Chinese and Russian delegations at the armistice anniversary, Ankit Panda, Stanton senior fellow in the Nuclear Policy Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace said, that this underscores the importance Pyongyang attaches to its relationships with both countries. Shoigus presence is particularly notable: a sign of just how close Pyongyang and Moscow have become since Russias invasion of Ukraine last year, CNN quoted Panda as saying. However, Blake Herzinger, a research fellow at the United States Studies Center in Australia, pointed out that the gathering in Pyongyang also illustrates a weakness. Its really representative of how short both China and Russias lists of friends are, and the willingness of both to show support for a rogue regime, CNN quoted Herzinger as saying. North Korea draws old associations with both China and Russia, since the time of the Korean War. During the war, which Beijing calls the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea, more than 180,000 Chinese troops died. Russias predecessor, the Soviet Union, also supported North Korea during the war, with combat support like Soviet aircraft engaging US jets and with supplies of heavy weaponry like tanks. Despite Pyongyangs claims of a victory, the war it launched in 1950 ended in a stalemate, with the current demilitarized zone along the 38th parallel in much the same location as it was before the war, CNN reported. The Korean War armistice was signed on July 27, 1953, ending hostilities although a true peace deal has never been signed. The US, which anchored the UN Command that supported South Korea, after the war, kept a large contingent of troops in the South at a range of Army and air bases. The US Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek, south of Seoul, is the largest overseas US military base, CNN reported. Meanwhile, Moscow over the decades has been a staunch ally of North Korea, especially as the two share a joint animosity toward the West. The same can also be said for the Chinese Communist Party, especially under Chinas current leader Xi Jinping. Panda further noted how both Moscow and Beijing, permanent members of the UN Security Council, have defended Pyongyangs interests before the world body as Western powers led by the US have tried to put further sanctions on North Korea, CNN reported. According to CNN, the three authoritarian nuclear powers are putting up a united front over Ukraine, a former Soviet state which Moscow invaded in February 2022 after President Vladimir Putin declared it was historically Russian territory. However, the special military operation soon stumbled as Ukrainians put up a fierce defence and as Western powers scrambled to send weapons and ammunition to Kyiv while Moscow burned through its own stocks and looked to allies like Iran and North Korea to resupply, CNN reported. US officials had said last year that North Korea was selling millions of rockets and artillery shells to Russia for use on the battlefield in Ukraine. Although China has not supplied Russia with weaponry, it has remained steadfastly in Moscows corner as the war in Ukraine drags into its 18th month, with Xi deepening his relationship with Putin and echoing the Kremlins rhetoric over the conflict. After the brief mutiny in Russia by the Wagner mercenary group last month, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson expressed support for the Putin regime. As Russias friendly neighbour and comprehensive strategic partner of coordination for the new era, China supports Russia in maintaining national stability and achieving development and prosperity, CNN quoted in an online statement. Meanwhile, the Russian and Chinese militaries have been active in the waters off the Korean Peninsula, with their latest joint exercise, Northern/Interaction-2023, bringing together naval and air forces from both countries in drills aiming to strengthen both sides capabilities of jointly safeguarding regional peace and stability and responding to various security challenges, CNN reported citing Peoples Liberation Armys English website. The exercises between the Korean Peninsula and Japan in the waters, occurred as South Korea and the US were conducting military displays of their own, including a US Navy nuclear-capable ballistic missile submarine making a port call in South Korea for the first time in four decades, CNN reported. (ANI)
Japan's Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi on Friday lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the "valuable inputs for the success" of the G7 Summit in Hiroshima. Hayashi said that 2023 is a crucial year as both India and Japan hold presidencies of the G20 and G7 respectively. He extended Japan's support to Indias G20 presidency, regarding the environment, the concept of LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) introduced by Prime Minister Modi, which asks everyone to live a life that is in tune with the earth, resonates well with our governments policy. Talking about food security, Yoshimasa said, "We commend Indias leadership in advancing efforts that pertain to building resilient and sustainable agriculture and food systems, such as launching the Millet and other ancient grains international research initiative (MAHARISHI). We made sure that such efforts by India were included in the Hiroshima Action Statement for Resilient Global Food Security," he added. He said that appeal for upholding the free and open international order based on the rule of law may sound like a mere slogan unless the voices of the Global South are keenly listened to. "Prime Minister Modi also emphasized the importance of giving a chance to the Global South to raise their voices at the G20 Foreign Ministers Meeting in March," he added. At the G7 Hiroshima Summit, the leaders of the G7 and the invited countries confirmed to strengthen cooperation on global challenges including food, development, health, energy and climate change, and the environment. He said that G7 Hiroshima Summit addressed various difficult challenges the world is facing at this turning point in history. "Japan, as the G7 Presidency, emphasized the strengthening of engagement with the so-called Global South at the G7 Hiroshima Summit this year," he added. "These global challenges cannot be overcome by the G7 alone. They also reaffirmed their strong commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)," he added. He said that food security has been deteriorating due to Russias aggression against Ukraine. for which, the G7 and the invited countries issued the Hiroshima Action Statement for Resilient Global Food Security. He said that the G20, which brings together the most influential countries of the Global South, is particularly important in addressing such global challenges. Japan is very much eager to continue working hand in hand with India towards the success of the G20 New Delhi Summit. He added that Japan-India cooperation towards the future of the Indo-PacificIn coordination with India, Japan intends to materialize such a concept by realizing a Free and Open Indo-Pacific or FOIP, he added. In March this year, Prime Minister Kishida announced Japans new plan for FOIP here in New Delhi. This fact itself is a reflection of the critical importance Japan places on India, as your nation is an indispensable partner in achieving FOIP, a Free and Open Indo-Pacific. Moreover, the efforts to achieve FOIP expand beyond our collaboration with India, and to the whole South Asian region. This new plan makes clear that South Asia is one of the key regions and concrete efforts have been taking place, he said. Japan has also extended support for the development of the North Eastern Region of India through the Japan-India Act East Forum. Going forward, Japan will continue to contribute to the development of the North Eastern Region of India, by promoting such projects as the North East Road Network Connectivity Improvement Project to enhance the connectivity in the region, he said. "High-level exchanges have acted as the driving force to push forward our security and defence cooperation. We have conducted defence exercises on land, at sea, and in the air, including the first-ever joint fighter exercise in January," the Japanese Foreign Minister said. Japan has designated this year 2023 as the Japan-India tourism exchange year, and to bolster tourism, he informed. He further said that India is an integral partner for Japan in terms of the United Nations Security Council reform, where both nations have been working shoulder to shoulder as G4 members to achieve concrete results. "India and Japan will continue to cooperate through international organizations and multilateral frameworks. He said that India is an integral partner for Japan in terms of the United Nations Security Council reform, where we have been working shoulder to shoulder as G4 members to achieve concrete results. We have also promoted practical cooperation in a wide-range of fields through the Quad," the Japanese Foreign Minister said. Speaking further on economic ties he said that Japan is encouraging its companies to increase investment in India. For eg. Prime Minister Kishida also set a target of 5-trillion-yen public and private investment and financing to India in the next five years from 2022. "We have been encouraging Japanese companies to increase investment in India. Prime Minister Kishida set the 5-trillion-yen target of public and private investment and financing from Japan to India in the next five years from 2022. At the same time, we will work together with the Indian government to effectively address the difficulties that Japanese companies face in the Indian market," the Japanese Foreign Minister said. "The outlook for our collaboration in the economic field is promising. Prime Minister Modi has placed economic growth as one of his top priority agendas and has promoted various economic initiatives including Make in India, Digital India, and Clean India," Yoshimasa said. He added, "As a measure to promote investment, Prime Minister Modi has identified 15 key sectors including telecommunications equipment, automobiles, and applied chemical batteries that are eligible for subsidies. All of this have led to the remarkable growth in Japanese investment into crucial technologies such as medical equipment, electronics and household electric appliances. Speaking on the high-speed rail project, which is the flagship project between Japan and India, he said that the Japanese bullet train project will connect Mumbai to Ahmedabad, a distance of approximately 500 kilometres, and is expected to improve the efficiency of transportation as well as promote economic development in areas along the high-speed rail. (ANI)
Following the military coup that sparked international condemnation, Abdourahamane Tiani, a Niger general, declared himself as the countrys new leader, by appearing on national television, CNN reported on Friday. Tiani appeared on Tele Sahel with a banner identifying him as President of the national council for the Preservation of the Homeland. The appearance comes a day after the West African countrys military endorsed the leaders behind the toppling of President Mohamed Bazoums government. Despite the move, an official loyal to the deposed president said there was infighting among the plotters while France has said the coup is not final. Tiani said in the broadcast that Wednesdays coup was motivated by both the desire to preserve our homeland in a context of a deteriorating security situation, and poor economic and social governance, CNN reported. Nigers former government, he said, did not give Nigeriens a glimpse of a real way out of the (security) crisis. Earlier on Thursday, the Nigerien army command said it was supporting the seizure in a bid to thwart bloodshed. The militarys statement also warned against foreign military intervention, which it said risks having disastrous and uncontrolled consequences, CNN reported. Bazoum was reportedly detained two days ago by members of his own presidential guard. Tiani has led the body since his appointment by former President Mahamadou Issoufou. The coup has drawn sharp criticism at the international level. Frances foreign minister Catherine Colonna said on Friday that the coup was not final and there was still a way out of the current crisis for coup leaders if they listen to the international community. The European Union described the situation in Niger as a serious attack on stability and democracy, before warning that aid to the country could be suspended following the coup. Nigers coup plotters have however, ignored international calls to reinstate Bazoum, with the so-called National Council for the Preservation of the Homeland warning of consequences to any foreign military intervention in a separate televised statement on Friday, CNN reported. Meanwhile, the presidents whereabouts remain unknown, though Macron is one of several global leaders who have said theyve been in contact with him since he was taken into custody. US Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield spoke with Bazoum to express her strong support for the democratically-elected leader, the spokesperson for the US Mission to the United Nations said. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also said he had spoken with Bazoum to convey to him all our solidarity. Bazoum took office in 2021 in the countrys first democratic transfer of power was following years of military coups. Niger has experienced four takeovers since its independence from France in 1960, CNN reported. (ANI)
Community organizer Infiniti Gant speaks during a rally in the lobby of Chicago City Hall on July 27, 2023. Housing activists want to see the real estate transfer tax in Chicago raised on properties that sell for more than $1 million. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)

City Council allies of Mayor Brandon Johnson announced their intentions to get a real estate transfer tax hike that would fund homelessness services on the 2024 primary ballot, seeking to advance a key promise from the mayors progressive campaign eight months after similar efforts failed in a dramatic showdown.

The councils housing committee met for a three-hour hearing Thursday on the yearslong drive to raise the tax on the sale of properties worth at least $1 million and use that money to address the citys homeless crisis. The panel did not vote on the proposal, but one of its chief supporters vowed to pass City Council legislation this fall to place the question on next Marchs presidential primary ballot.

Advertisement

Im sorry this has taken multiple, multiple years, Ald. Maria Hadden, 49th, said.This is continuing to get worse. ... I hope that we can keep the urgency going to make sure that we are not ... leaving money on the table.

The so-called Bring Chicago Home movement was one of many bitter fronts between former Mayor Lori Lightfoot and progressives who felt betrayed when she walked back a campaign promise to enact such a tax hike for homelessness services, citing issues with the current version. Her allies no-showed a subject matter hearing on the initiative in November, scuttling the coalitions plans to pass legislation in time to get the proposal on Februarys election ballot  when Lightfoot lost her bid for a second term.

Advertisement

Now, with newfound power following Johnsons victory, the City Councils left flank nodded to what that means for their agenda.

I want people to understand: This issue was decided in April, when the voters elected Mayor Brandon Johnson, the City Council floor leader, Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa, 35th, said during the hearing. So this is no longer a question of if this will happen. Its how it will happen.

The proposal applies to higher-end properties and is often referred to as a mansion tax by supporters. But Ald. Nicole Lee, 11th, urged members to ensure that it would not apply to the sale of multiunit apartment buildings with affordable rentals.

I just want to go on the record that these are some of the concerns that I have, Lee said. I want to make sure that were not inadvertently causing a reduction in naturally occurring affordable housing with this transfer.

The citys outgoing Department of Housing Commissioner Marisa Novara, who led Lightfoots efforts to revamp affordable housing and investments on the South and West sides, stressed the need has gotten worse.

Our current funding is insufficient. But it is also insufficiently flexible, Novara said. We really need more funding sources that are flexible that allow us to reach the very lowest incomes, which is the bulk of our low-income population in the city. ... We need more funds to affordably house Chicagoans who desperately need it.

An estimated 6,139 people in Chicago dont have shelter on any given night, according to Department of Family and Support Services Commissioner Brandie Knazze. That includes 2,196 migrants, according to the citys 2023 count of homeless Chicagoans. More than 11,000 , and 11,297 households experiencing homelessness are served by local homeless services in a year.

According to a 2020 report from Chicago Coalition for the Homeless, Chicagos homeless population is more than 65,000, a number much higher than the citys and U.S. Housing and Urban Developments estimates due to differences in how the agencies define homelessness. HUD, which has estimated Chicagos homeless population closer to 5,300, does not consider people who are temporarily staying with others to be homeless.

Advertisement

Ald. Daniel La Spata, 1st, said the 65,000 number is more representative of the citys acute need, noting that during a difficult period of his life, he lived on someone elses sofa with everything that he owned in a suitcase tucked underneath.

In that year, I didnt think of myself as figuratively homeless, La Spata said. I was literally homeless. A roof is not a home. For the tens of thousands of Chicagoans who are unstably housed, that is homelessness.

Ald. Jessie Fuentes, 26th, said she believes Bring Chicago Home is the solution to homelessness in the city, adding that shes met with residents of the tent encampment in her ward in Humboldt Park and found them to have diverse needs and circumstances that led them there.

And they all deserve to be housed, Fuentes said. More importantly, we deserve a permanent revenue stream that makes housing a right in the City of Chicago.

After failing to get the referendum on the Feb. 28 ballot, the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless has been pushing the City Council again to consider the tax hike, with Johnson campaigning on the promise to pass the proposal in his first 100 days in office, though that timeline is unlikely.

The activist-backed version would triple the real estate transfer tax on sales over $1 million, and services funded from that revenue would include housing and mental health services. The new rate would hike the tax from $3.75 to $13.25 for every $500. Sales under $1 million would remain at the $3.75 per $500 rate.

Advertisement

Novara said the city is open to a proposal that employs a smaller tax increase, in which the new tax rate would only apply to the chunk of money above $1 million, not the entire sale.

The only ways to change the rate, however, are through the Illinois General Assembly, which does not reconvene until the late fall veto session, or a citywide referendum. While aldermen Thursday announced they will opt for the latter, Johnsons transition committee recently recommended going through the state legislature.

Inside the lobby of City Hall, more than 100 protesters from the Bring Chicago Home coalition gathered before the hearing around a large sign reading, 51st Ward, a reference to the citys unhoused population.

Anthony J. Perkins spoke about his experience being homeless for about a decade until he found housing in Rogers Park, his voice growing steadier as he progressed.

Perkins said his landlord eventually raised the rent by $450 in one year, sparking fears that he would be on the streets again. He eventually got the help of community organizers to find a new apartment, But I now know so many folks are experiencing what I went through myself.

Advertisement

I had to move and had nowhere to go, Perkins said. This was my first apartment I got after being homeless. At that time, I was fearful of being homeless again. ... I know Bring Chicago Home will help fund greater access to affordable housing and services to help people with housing and mental health.
For the negotiations, which will also centre on an agreement to give Australia a fleet of submarines powered by US nuclear technology, Austin and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken landed in Brisbane, Australia, late on Friday.

During his opening remarks in Australia on Indo-Pacific, Austin said, "We've seen troubling PRC coercion from the East China Sea to the South China Sea, to right here in the Southwest Pacific."

"We'll continue to support our allies and partners as they defend themselves from bullying behaviour," the Pentagon chief added.

The relations between China and Washington have deteriorated lately due to numerous issues, including trade, Taiwan's legal status, China's sweeping claims in the South China Sea, and an ongoing US campaign against expanding Chinese dominance in the Asia-Pacific region, Al Jazeera reported.

"Today, our cooperation is key. It's key to our shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific in a world of rules and rights. We seek a region where all countries are secure and prosperous, where states follow international law and international norms, and where disputes are resolved peacefully without coercion," Lloyd Austin said.

Senior US officials have visited China recently, including Blinken and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, in an effort to improve relations between the two nations and prevent a conflict.

The diplomatic relations between China and US have been downgraded since the Chinese spy balloon incident. (ANI)
A $1.17 million settlement with a former Department of Homeland Securitys Office of Inspector General employee who flagged issues with embattled Inspector General Joseph Cuffari is raising a fresh set of questions from Congress.

The settlement, signed earlier this month but revealed by the Project on Government Oversight (POGO) on Thursday, admits no wrongdoing by Cuffaris office but makes a substantial whistleblower reprisal payment to Jennifer Costello, the employee.

The Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) investigation into the matter surfaces a number of bizarre clashes between the two employees, including a beef over Costellos refusal to print thousands of pages of documents she asserted Cuffari could read online to his initial plan to try and assign her to a division of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) dealing with countering weapons of mass destruction.

But lawmakers are also raising questions over whether Cuffari misled Congress about the need for a $1.4 million contract to investigate Costello and others.

The settlement received by Costello is the largest known settlement for an employee of an inspector general office and among the largest ever given to a federal employee.

A joint letter from top Democrats on the House Homeland Security Committee and House Oversight and Accountability Committee obtained by The Hill indicates lawmakers plan to probe the deal, as well as why Cuffaris deputy was able to sign off on the agreement without alerting other officials.

A deposition in front of the board raises serious concerns about your possibly retaliatory actions and lack of candor, improper use of taxpayer dollars, and lack of truthfulness in your communications with Congress, Reps. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.) and Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) write in the letter to Cuffari.

Costello in 2019 made disclosures about Cuffari to both Congress and the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency (CIGIE), which is now investigating Cuffari. He likewise complained to the organization about her.

Story continues

Costellos complaints included that Cuffari delayed a report on DHSs struggle to track children and parents separated at the border under a Trump administration policy, according to records Costello supplied to the POGO.

Costello was dismissed in June 2020, but Cuffari told the MSPB his plan to assign her to the Office for Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction  despite her lack of relevant experience  was made before an investigation into her conduct.

Your testimony appears to show that at least one of the allegations brought against Ms. Costello as a basis for her proposed removal was frivolous, the lawmakers wrote.

Specifically, the deposition transcript reveals that after you requested that Ms. Costello print thousands of pages of DHS OIG policies, she expressed concern to you that it was not a valuable use of the staff resources or appropriated funds. You then decided that this suggestion was grounds for removal because she was making a determination on whether or not [the printing] was appropriate.

The POGO report indicates Cuffari made other inaccurate claims to justify his firing of Costello, including that she ordered a criminal review of his travel shortly after taking the job  a review that was initiated by another employee.

Cuffari spent $1.4 million on a contract with law firm WilmerHale to investigate Costello and others, one that lawmakers contend did not substantiate any illegal conduct.

They say Cuffari also failed to disclose to Congress that other inspectors general he asked to probe the conduct of Costello declined to do so.

Your omission of this important information raises questions about your intentions when you informed Congress that you conferred with other Inspectors General and whether or not you accurately reflected the events preceding your decision to hire WilmerHale, they wrote.

The settlement with Costello was signed by his chief of staff, Kristen Fredricks, something Thompson and Raskin say should have prompted an alert to ethics officials, as federal regulations require that they be consulted when the conduct at issue involves the head of the agency.

It is unclear whether you raised concerns regarding your subordinates approval of the $1.17 million settlement to resolve allegations pertaining to your misconduct. It is also unclear whether or not you sought an opinion from a DHS ethics officer, they wrote.

However, it is deeply troubling that the individual who approved the settlement is someone whom you directly oversee and promoted to the position of Chief of Staff. This decision raises a potentially serious and flagrant abuse of your position.

Cuffaris office did not respond to request for comment over the POGO report or the letter from Democrats.

An attorney for Costello said she was pleased with the result of the years-long battle.

My client stood for what she believed was right. Time has revealed that she was indeed right. And now she has a balm for the sacrifice she made to preserve the integrity of the work of the faithful civil servants of DHS OIG, Costello attorney Eden Brown Gaines said in a statement.

The matter adds to the growing complaints about Cuffari, who has earned the ire of lawmakers after failing to notify them that Secret Service text messages from Jan. 6 were lost in software migration.

He most recently came under fire for saying that he routinely deletes text messages from his own government phone  an action that appears to violate record retention laws.

Lawmakers are also reviewing reports he censored findings of domestic abuse and sexual harassment by DHS employees.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Fifteen people were arrested in Dallas in a large-scale drug and gun bust, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton said in a news release Friday.

The operation involved more than 200 officers and agents from FBI Dallas, the Dallas Police Department, the Dallas County Sheriffs Office, and other local agencies.

Law enforcement seized more than 540 grams of cocaine, more than 1,100 grams of methamphetamine, more than 150 grams of alprazolam, and more than seven grams of fentanyl in addition to nine guns and over $10,000 in cash, according to the release.

The defendants were charged with a variety of drug and gun crimes including possession with intent to distribute cocaine and possession of firearms, Simonton said.

This case was almost exactly two years in the making. After yesterday, were confident it was worth the effort, Simonton said at a FBI press conference Friday morning.

Its not our goal to just put individuals in jail for a few days, but to build cases that cut into the capabilities of these gangs and criminal enterprises, putting the most violent offenders and facilitators behind bars for as long as we possibly can, said FBI Special Agent in Charge of the Dallas Field Office Chad Yarbrough at the conference.

According to Police Chief Eddie Garcia, violent crimes are decreasing in the city of Dallas.

It is because of the hard work of the men and women of our agencies, along with our community and city leaders that we see the needle trending down. We are committed to making our neighborhoods safer, Garcia said.

The defendants include:

Alicia Slaughter, charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance, possession with intent to distribute cocaine

Courtney Smith, charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance, possession with intent to distribute cocaine

Edward Williams, also referred to as Lil E, charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, convicted felon in possession of a firearm

Xavier Barnes, charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance, possession with intent to distribute cocaine

Jordan Davis, charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance, possession with intent to distribute cocaine

Ladarius Holly, charged with convicted felon in possession of a firearm

Quentavis Zikeiy Hawkins, also referred to as Luddy, charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance, possession with intent to distribute cocaine

Lucis Lugo, charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance, possession with intent to distribute cocaine

Sebastian Medlock, also referred to as Blue, charged with convicted felon in possession of a firearm

Dmarcus Quartez Roderick Moton, also referred to as Little Cheese, charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession of an unregistered firearm (Glock switch)

Christopher Samuel, charged with convicted felon in possession of a firearm

Perry Taylor, charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance, possession with intent to distribute cocaine

Anthony Joe Womack, charged with convicted felon in possession of a firearm

Davonia Hart, charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance

Brandon Bedford, charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance, convicted felon in possession of a firearm

Most of the defendants had a criminal history including charges of assault, aggravated robbery, arson, deadly conduct with a firearm, and manufacturing and delivery of controlled substances, according to the release.

Some of the defendants could face up to 40 years in prison if convicted.
Xander Fisher has done most of the tattoos on his legs. Screenshot/TikTok - xanders.doom

Xander Fisher has amassed a TikTok fanbase by tattooing himself every day as part of a 365-day challenge.

He told Insider he wants to become a professional tattoo artist  and this is his way of doing it.

His videos have sparked a mixture of awed praise and startled derision on the app.

365-day challenges are abundant on TikTok, with many people documenting their pursuits to do everything from pushups to a new hairstyle to vlogging every day for a full year.

In a somewhat extreme interpretation of the trend, an 18-year-old TikToker named Xander Fisher is aiming to give himself a tattoo at home every day this year. He's currently on day 93 and plans to continue until he hits 365 days (and 365 tattoos).

Fisher started tattooing himself in March. The Omaha, Nebraska-based creator told Insider he was inspired by the TikToker @bijan888, who started the challenge before him (he's on day 194).

Fisher said he wanted to teach himself how to tattoo and figured he would learn by practicing on himself.

"I remember sitting in my room and tattooing on fake skin. I looked down at my leg and I was like, well, why don't I just try on my leg?" he said. "I did a silly little smiley face, and I was like, well this is a lot easier, I enjoy doing this a lot more."

How Fisher decides what he'll tattoo every day

Fisher said he has no special setup besides a tattoo machine, cartridge, and ink. His videos are often short  anywhere from 10 seconds to a minute long  and feature frenetic clips of him making the drawing on his body and setting up his equipment.

After receiving 1.8 million views on a recent July 21 video, he decided to make a longer one showing how he tattoos himself step-by-step. He stressed to viewers who might be inspired to try it themselves that the area must be properly sanitized before you start. He draws his designs with a Sharpie first and always wears gloves.

Story continues

At one point, while making the design (a transparent star on his leg), he messes up, but he decided to roll with it and fill the rest of the star in with black ink.

"Oh shit, I just realized that I wasn't paying attention and I did the lines on the inside that I said I wasn't gonna do," he said. "You can really see how being distracted while you're doing tattoos can be a really bad thing, so take this as a lesson."

Fisher told Insider that his favorite tattoo so far is his most recent and biggest endeavor: a foot-to-nipple flower design that snakes and swirls up his leg to his chest. "It was big, it was ambitious," he said. He said he has no tattoos that he regrets yet; and if he does come to despise any of them, he'll "just cover them up."

"I'm kind of just having fun with it, and it'll take me where it takes me," Fisher said. "I don't think tattoos are as serious as a lot of people make them out to be."

Fisher said his design ideas come "off the dome" or on the spot. Some are meaningful, but many of them goofy.. In an early video, he recorded himself tattooing the McDonald's arches on his leg while sitting outside the fast food restaurant. Sometimes he'll take viewer requests if they resonate with him.

Not everyone is thrilled by his pursuits, but the TikToker said he doesn't need their approval

The comments on his videos, especially the recently viral clip, are polarized. Many viewers have cheered him on and praised the project as "cool" and innovative, while others seem baffled and are worried he's acting too rashly ("the regret will come quick," says one top comment in a video from last week).

"The people that say my parents won't be happy or that I'll regret this in the future don't quite see the full picture," he said. "My parents are nothing but supportive of all of my decisions."

Fisher said he's noticed an "older crowd" in particular who are the most vocally critical. "They think tattoos are pretty sacred, and they're things you should think out really thoroughly then get things that are really important to you," he said.

He's grateful for his younger viewers, who he said seem much more understanding and supportive of his unabashed passion and dedication for tattooing. One positive comment predicted he's "gonna look like the coolest grandpa with all those tattoos."

His long term goal is to become a professional tattoo artist. He also wants to tattoo his entire body, including his face at some point, though he's wary of putting himself in a position where it might jeopardize potential employment opportunities.

"I do plan on covering just about every square inch of my body," Fisher said. "I really want to embrace everything that tattooing is."

Read the original article on Insider
By James Oliphant

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. Senator Tim Scott, the highest-profile Black candidate in the 2024 Republican presidential race, has blasted his rival Ron DeSantis, Florida's governor, over the state's newly adopted Black history curriculum, saying "there's no silver lining" in slavery.

Scott joined a growing chorus of critics of Florida's new standards that require public school students to be taught that some slaves developed skills that "could be applied for their personal benefit." DeSantis has defended the guidelines and accused opponents of siding with Democrats on the issue.

Asked about the curriculum at a campaign stop in Iowa on Thursday, Scott told reporters, "Any benefits that people suggest you had during slavery, you would have had as a free person," according to video posted on messaging platform X, formerly known as Twitter.

"What slavery was really about was separating families, about mutilating humans and even raping their wives. It was just devastating," Scott said.

Without naming DeSantis, Scott said he hoped that every candidate in the Republican field "would appreciate that."

Scott's remarks came after another prominent Black Republican, U.S. Representative Byron Donalds of Florida, also criticized the new standards. That triggered outraged pushback from DeSantis' campaign online, which suggested Donalds was a supporter of Democrat Kamala Harris, the first Black vice president.

Harris last week delivered a fierce rebuke of DeSantis and the history curriculum while on a trip to Florida. Donalds, a rising star in the Republican party, endorsed former President Donald Trump over DeSantis in April.

On Friday, another Republican Black U.S. representative, John James, blasted DeSantis over the curriculum as well as his criticism of fellow Black Republicans.

"There are only five black Republicans in Congress and you're attacking two of them," James posted on X. "You've gone too far. Stop."

Story continues

The backlash comes when the Republican Party is looking to take advantage of President Joe Biden's middling approval ratings and make new inroads with Black and other voters of color in next year's general election - voters with whom the party has traditionally struggled.

DeSantis has argued that he is the most electable Republican in the field because he won over swing voters, including large numbers of Latinos, in his gubernatorial re-election victory last year.

The Florida Board of Education, whose members are appointed by the governor, adopted the new standards after the state legislature last year passed a law at DeSantis' urging that required discussions about race be taught in an "objective" manner.

(Reporting by James Oliphant; additional reporting by Gram Slattery and Alexandra Ulmer; editing by Ross Colvin, Richard Chang and Leslie Adler)
One of the more hotly contested elections in Knoxville this year is for municipal judge, a position that has been held by the same man for 36 years.

Tennessee's court system has been described as "a confusing patchwork of specialized courts" by University of Tennessee professor Joe Jarret, and it's likely not too many people know what a municipal court judge actually does.

But the person elected as municipal judge plays an important role in hearing about unfair tickets and whether city codes were violated, plus what fines and penalties, such as suspending a driver's license, are issued.

What is a municipal court?

Municipal courts are also known as city courts and, simply put, only have geographical jurisdiction within the city. Knoxville is one of about 300 Tennessee cities that have municipal courts.

These courts are created by city charters that determine the qualifications for the judges.

Knoxville's city charter sets the term for a judge at four years. The judge must be at least 30 years old and have been a resident of the city for three years immediately prior to the election, and must be licensed to practice law in Tennessee.

What kind of cases are handled in city court?

Municipal courts handle violations of city ordinances, and most commonly that means they deal with parking and traffic violations. The judges also deal with city ordinances that include alcohol violations such as underage drinking (but not DUI cases), animal control, building and zoning codes, business regulations, environmental issues and noise.

Alcohol violations include having an open beer, selling to an intoxicated person and stocking alcohol without a permit

Animal violations include using animals to fight or race, stray or vicious animals, poisoning or trapping, selling puppies and keeping livestock

Environmental violations include dirty or overgrown lots, burning solid waste, littering and illegal dumping

Personal behavior violations include disorderly conduct, loitering, discharge of a firearm and fortune-telling

Story continues

A municipal judge may assess fines of up to $50, which provides a revenue stream for the city. Parking tickets range from $11 to $50.

When you add on the court costs, the amount owed for a citation can go up substantially. Most violations will end up costing a total of $114.50, with some more serious driving violations at $146.50, with demerit points added to your driving record.

Who are the candidates for municipal judge?

John Rosson, 75, has served as the municipal judge since 1986. There are no term limits for the position and he is running for reelection this fall. There are three challengers on the ballot: Andrew Beamer, 38, an attorney with a private practice since 2010: Tyler Caviness, 31, a former public defender in Knox County; and Mary Ward, 56, a defense attorney.

Important election dates to know

July 31: Final day to register to vote before election

Aug. 9: First day of early voting

Aug. 22: Final day to request an absentee ballot

Aug. 24: Final day of early voting

Aug. 29: Primary Election Day. You must vote in person at your polling site.

Liz Kellar is a public safety reporter. Email lkellar@knoxnews.com.

Support strong local journalism by subscribing at knoxnews.com/subscribe.

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Knoxville's municipal judge seat is on ballot. What does job entail?
Scientists revived a 46,000-year-old worm that was frozen in Siberian permafrost.

When they brought it back to life, the worm started having babies.

Small worms like this are known to have the ability to shut down biological functions to survive.

Scientists discovered a female microscopic roundworm that has been stuck deep in Siberian permafrost for 46,000 years, The Washington Post reported. When they revived it, the worm started having babies via a process called parthenogenesis, which doesn't require a mate.

According to a press release, the worm spent thousands of years in a type of dormancy called cryptobiosis. In that state, which can last almost indefinitely, all metabolic processes pause, including "reproduction, development, and repair," the University of Hawaii at Manoa reported.

In a study published Thursday in the journal PLOS Genetics, scientists reported that after sequencing the worm's genome, scientists said it belonged to an "undescribed species."

Previously, Plectus murrayi and Tylenchus polyhypnus nematodes were resurrected from moss and herbarium specimens after a few dozen years, according to Live Science. This new species, however, which scientists have named Panagrolaimus kolymaensis, was dormant for tens of thousands of years longer.

Holly Bik, a deep-sea biologist, estimated that there are millions of nematode species living in environments as diverse as ocean trenches, tundras, deserts, and volcanic soils. Scientists have only described 5,000 marine species so far.

William Crow, a nematologist at the University of Florida who was not involved in the study, told the Post that this worm could belong to a species that had been thought to have gone extinct in the last 50,000 years.

"However, it very well could be a commonly occurring nematode that no one got around to describing yet," Crow said.

The fact that the worm survived all of those years is not a shock to scientists, who have known for years that microscopic organisms, such as the worm studied here, can stop their biological functions to survive even the harshest conditions, according to the press release.

"Altogether, our findings demonstrate that nematodes evolved mechanisms potentially allowing them to suspend life over geological time scales," the PLOS Genetics paper said.

Read the original article on Business Insider
An aerial view of the Carnival Radiance, a Destiny-class cruise ship, as it heads out to sea in Long Beach at sunset on Friday, Feb. 17, 2023. Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

Cheap cruises are still available to book in 2023.

Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and MSC Cruises all have sailings starting at less than $400 a person.

From two nights to seven, here are some affordable cruises setting sail before the end of the year.

Cruising comes with a wide variety of price points, making it accessible for those looking to vacation at sea on a budget.

Deck 16 on the world's largest cruise ship, Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas, in April 2022. Joey Hadden/Insider

From luxury vessels to budget-friendly voyages, cruising is a vacation style that many can get in on. In 2022, Insider reported that cruises were the go-to vacation for travelers looking for an affordable getaway.

This year, there are still many cruises travelers can book for rates starting at less than $400 per passenger, and they range from week-long voyages to 2-night trips. Here's a rundown of the cheapest cruises we could find sailing in 2023.

Royal Caribbean's Radiance of the Seas will take you on a 7-day Alaskan journey for as little as $379 per person in September.

Radiance of the Seas, sailing near the South Franklin dock, Juneau, Alaska, in 2016. Sergi Reboredo/VW PICS/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Although it's the most expensive, I think Royal Caribbean's Northbound Alaska and Hubbard Glacier 7-night cruise is the best deal on this list because it's the longest voyage, with a starting rate of $379 per person for the September 8 departure date.

On board the Radiance of the Seas ship, passengers will embark in Vancouver, British Columbia, for a one-way cruise with five stops in Alaska. Cruisers will be able to see sights such as Icy Strait Point and the Hubbard Glacier before disembarking in Seward, Alaska.

The same cruise line has a 3-night cruise departing from Los Angeles with one stop in Ensenada, Mexico. Rates start at $242 per person for the December voyage.

Royal Caribbean's newly renovated Navigator of the Seas docks at Port Miami on March 1, 2019. Matias J. Ocner/Miami Herald/Tribune News Service via Getty Images

Royal Caribbean's Ensenada Cruise on board Navigator of the Seas is another cheap option for those looking to depart from the US.

For as little as $242 per cruiser, the December 8 voyage will start and end in Los Angeles with one stop in Ensenada, Mexico.

For the same price, Royal Caribbean guests can book a 2-night adventure from Israel to Cyprus on board the Rhapsody of the Seas.

Story continues

Rhapsody of the Seas on October 29, 2010, in Sydney, Australia. James D. Morgan/Getty Images

Rates for Royal Caribbean's Cyprus cruise departing on September 27 start at $242 a night.

Guests will board the Rhapsody of the Seas in Haifa, Israel, and sail to Limassol, Cyprus, before returning to the original port.

Cruisers looking to spend around $200 on a base rate can book a 4-day Baja Mexico cruise on Carnival's Radiance ship.

The Carnival Radiance cruise ship at Avalon Harbor on May 19, 2023, in Avalon, California. AaronP/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images

When it comes to cheap cruising, Carnival may be your best bet. The company is known for being one of the most affordable options, as Insider previously reported. Its 4-day Baja Mexico cruise leaving out of Los Angeles on December 4 has rates starting at $214 per person.

The Carnival Radiance ship will stop at Catalina Island as well as Ensenada, Mexico, before making its way back to the port in Los Angeles.

MSC Cruises has an affordable 3-night Bahamas cruise on its Magnifica ship in December, with rates starting at $169 per person.

The MSC Magnifica is docked at the cruise terminal of the Port of Marseille in France in 2023. Laurent Coust/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

MSC Cruises' 3-night Bahamas voyage on the Magnifica is the cheapest 2023 cruise we could find.

Starting at $169 per person, the December 1 cruise starts and ends in Miami with one stop at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, the cruise line's private island in the Bahamas.

Whether you're looking to cruise for two days or seven, there are still some affordable voyages to book before the year ends.

Read the original article on Insider
A commemorative edition of I Have a Dream will be published in tandem with the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington with a foreword from the King children.

It has been nearly six decades since the March on Washington on Aug. 28, 1963, and the ideals expressed in Dr. Martin Luther Kings now-hallowed I Have a Dream speech remain aspirational throughout the world. To commemorate the 60th anniversary of the historic march and seminal speech, this week, HarperOne Group announced it will release a special edition of Dr. Kings I Have a Dream this August.

The cover, left, of the 60th-anniversary commemorative edition of Dr. Kings I Have a Dream speech. (Credit: HarperOne Group). At right, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. gives his I Have a Dream at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington on Aug. 28, 1963. (Photo: Bettmann/Getty Images)

As we commemorate the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington, and the inspiring dream my father shared on that day, we are called, not only to commemorate his vision, but also to correct the festering injustices of poverty, racism and violence with action, writes Martin Luther King III in a press release to theGrio. King III, alongside his surviving siblings Dexter Scott King and Dr. Bernice King, will provide the forewords and an afterword for this special edition.

The release will be the latest in HarperCollins Publishers longstanding affiliation with Dr. King; the publisher released Kings first book, Stride Toward Freedom: The Montgomery Story, in 1958, followed by six additional titles, including Strength to Love in 1963. In 2021, HarperCollins became the official publisher of Dr. Kings archives, forming a comprehensive publishing program that this fall will rerelease his writings Beyond Vietnam, Ive Been to The Mountaintop, and Our God Is Marching On, as well as an annual special new edition of I Have a Dream.

Arguably Kings best-known speech, the themes of I Have a Dream still strongly resonate today.

I believe the speech is so beloved because of its critical analysis of the conditions of the Negro and race relations in the United States in the 1960s, while yet also ending on a very optimistic tone that inspired belief in a future full of promise, said Dexter Scott King in a statement.

Story continues

Coinciding with a renewed assault on voting and civil rights, critical race theory, and the teaching of Black history in the United States, the rerelease of the speech is especially timely.

Despite progress, racial inequality and discrimination persist today, Judith Curr, president and publisher of the HarperOne Group, said in a statement. The opportunity to sit and read Dr. Kings speech serves as a reminder that the pursuit of equality is an ongoing struggle that requires continued efforts from us all.

In revisiting his oft-quoted words, Dr. Bernice King also urges readers to reconsider their interpretation of her fathers work and legacy.

Did we compromise and diminish the dream to accommodate a more convenient King? If we are to authentically and with integrity remember and contemplate my father, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.s, I Have a Dream speech, we must thoughtfully answer this question, she writes. On the 60th anniversary of the speech, I beckon us to examine how a speech about a revolutionary dream, that was necessitated by the scourges of racism and poverty, is frequently relegated to an emphasis on its triumphant ending without an exploration of its demand for justice.

TheGrio is FREE on your TV via Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Roku, and Android TV. TheGrios Black Podcast Network is free too. Download theGrio mobile apps today! Listen to Writing Black with Maiysha Kai.

The post A 60th-anniversary edition of Martin Luther Kings I Have a Dream speech to debut in August appeared first on TheGrio.
Spaceship Earth at Epcot in August 2021. Amanda Krause/Insider

The Epcot International Food and Wine Festival is being held this year between now and November 18.

I visited in August 2021 and made plenty of mistakes as a first-time festival attendee.

To avoid those mishaps, I'd recommend attending with others, spending strategically, and more.

I visited Epcot's International Food & Wine Festival for the first time in August 2021.

I took this selfie during the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival in 2021. Amanda Krause/Insider

I drove to Disney World from New Jersey, and fully expected to spend my vacation reporting, shopping, and going on my favorite rides.

But as I walked through the International Food & Wine Festival on the first day of my trip, I found myself wishing I could spend my entire vacation at Epcot.

Of course, I didn't do precisely that, but I made numerous stops at the festival and many mistakes along the way. I also saw other parkgoers making some errors that I'd advise against.

Plan to spend at least two days at the festival if possible.

People wait to order from the Germany booth at the International Food and Wine Festival. Amanda Krause/Insider

I'm a picky eater with a small appetite, so I assumed it'd be sufficient to spend one day at Epcot with a couple of hours dedicated to wandering the festival. But to my surprise, I was completely wrong.

Despite my limited palate, I wanted to try dishes and drinks at just about every booth. And even if I had spent an entire day at Epcot, I don't think I would've been able to get to everything.

So if you can, plan to spend two or more days at the festival.

Go with a group of people, and share everything.

My dad and I shared most of our meals at the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival. Amanda Krause/Insider

My dad accompanied me on my August 2021 Disney trip, and I assumed that between the two of us, we could share a ton of festival dishes.

We did, of course, but we also repeatedly wished the rest of our family had been able to join so that we could try even more food.

The portion sizes are small at most booths, but there are so many options that you'll likely want to try numerous dishes. So to save some room in your stomach, attend the festival with a decent-sized group and split everything you order.

Story continues

Read reviews and look at photos to make the best choices when ordering.

I loved this fried ravioli from the Italy booth, but I wasn't a fan of the sangria. Amanda Krause/Insider

If you're an adventurous eater, you might be happy to try anything and everything at the festival. But if you're like me and more selective with your meals, you'll want to prepare before ordering.

I found the on-site menus to be really descriptive and helpful, especially when choosing international dishes I wasn't familiar with. I also looked at the Disney Food Blog's reviews and photos while waiting in line to ensure I ordered the best things for my tastes.

I enjoyed almost everything I ate and drank, but there were a few flops  like the sangria I ordered from the Italy booth, which was served to me warm  so I'd recommend doing at least a little research before ordering.

Start your day at the festival on the Mexico side of the theme park.

The Mexico pavilion at Epcot in Disney World. Amanda Krause/Insider

I usually start my Epcot visits at the Mexico pavilion, even when I'm just there to go on rides and enjoy the theme park. But to my surprise, I found this strategy to be especially helpful during the festival.

While ordering a margarita and taco, I heard a group of parkgoers talking about how full they felt after visiting the other side of the park  where food booths representing Canada, Ireland, and other countries are located.

Some of the food tends to be a bit heavier at those booths, so I'd suggest starting light and working your way up to the bigger dishes.

Get to Epcot early, and make the most of the event.

There are countless dishes and drinks to try at the annual festival. Amanda Krause/Insider

There's more to the International Food and Wine Festival than drinks and snacks. I visited an exclusive art exhibit during my trip and shopped for festival-themed merchandise.

I also saw parkgoers participating in food crawls and watching musical performances  two things I wish I would have looked into.

And that's not to mention the fact that the longer you're there, the more you can eat and drink.

Don't spend your money on bottles of water.

I purchased this margarita from the Mexico pavilion at Epcot in August 2021. Amanda Krause/Insider

You'll definitely need to hydrate while at the festival, so don't skip water. But instead of paying high prices for plastic bottles, bring your own and refill them throughout the day with free water cups, which are offered at many Disney food kiosks.

And with the money you'll save on water, you can purchase more of the unique drinks offered at the festival.

I'd also advise against stopping at the Starbucks in Epcot.

There's so much to explore at the festival, so I don't think Starbucks should be one of them. Amanda Krause/Insider

While visiting a cluster of festival-exclusive food booths last year, I noticed a huge line of people waiting to purchase Starbucks at Epcot.

I definitely understand the need for caffeine, but with so many unique food and drink options around us, I couldn't fathom spending $6 or more on a beverage I could get at home.

So if you can skip a cup of coffee or two, I'd recommend spending that money on something more worth your while.

Read the original article on Insider
Ukrainians demonstrate high faith in victory in the war with Russia: three-quarters of citizens are fully confident in Ukraines victory.

Source: the results of the sociological survey by the International Center for Ukrainian Victory (ICUV), conducted by the Ilko Kucheriv Democratic Initiatives Foundation and the Center for Political Sociology, published by Civil Network OPORA

Details: 77% of respondents are completely confident in the victory of Ukraine, and 16% would rather believe in victory.

At the same time, for 70% of citizens, victory will be the liberation of all the occupied territories of Ukraine from the Russian forces.

For 60% of respondents, important victory indicators are also the bringing back of all prisoners and deportees, and, for 51%, the punishment of war criminals.

36% of those polled agreed to some concessions, but this does not apply to giving up part of the territories, as well as Ukraine's accession to NATO and the EU, as concessions to Russia.

The idea of "peace at any price" is supported by only 6% of Ukrainian citizens.

Among the possible security guarantees, 54% of the respondents chose joining NATO. The most popular security alternative to joining the Alliance is an agreement on strategic defence cooperation with several NATO member countries, with 16% supporting this idea.

For reference: The survey was conducted based on analytical work and by order of the International Center for Ukrainian Victory (ICUV). The research was carried out by the Ilko Kucheriv Democratic Initiatives Foundation together with the Center for Political Sociology during 5-15 June 2023.

A total of 2,001 respondents aged 18 or older were interviewed by the face-to-face method. The survey was conducted using a multi-stage sampling, with random selection at the first stages of sampling and quota sampling at the final stage. The sample population reproduces the demographic structure of the adult population of the territories where the survey was conducted as of the beginning of 2022.

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!
BALTIMORE (AP)  The New York Yankees have been a sub-.500 team since Aaron Judge injured his toe in early June. Now they hope his return can help them rally for a postseason spot.

The Yankees reinstated Judge from the injured list Friday before the opener of their weekend road series against the Baltimore Orioles. Judge admits he isn't fully recovered but says he's healthy enough to play.

Its feeling all right, feeling good. Its not 100%. I dont think itll be 100% until the end of the year," he said. "I think our biggest goal is just getting to a point where I could play, I could tolerate it.

The Yankees lost 1-0 to the Orioles on Anthony Santander's ninth-inning homer. Judge lined out to right field on the first pitch he saw in the top of the first. Then he walked his next three times up.

Judge had been out since tearing a ligament in his right big toe June 3 when he crashed into the right-field fence while making a catch at Dodger Stadium. In the eighth inning Friday, he appeared to foul a pitch off his foot, but it was his left one.

Judge played a simulated game Wednesday at the teams complex in Tampa, Florida, and returned to New York after that. The 2022 American League MVP faced live pitching Sunday at Yankee Stadium for the first time since the injury. Manager Aaron Boone said Judge homered during a simulated game Tuesday in Florida. He also played the field and ran the bases.

Judge was penciled into the lineup as the designated hitter, batting second Friday night. Boone said he could have potentially played in the field, but that will be a day-by-day decision.

Obviously, as much as theres urgency for us, weve got to be smart about that and make sure that in talking to Aaron, making sure hes honest with his feedback about how hes recovering, how hes bouncing back," Boone said. "Obviously, how the toes doing, but how everything else is doing.

New York was 19-23 since Judge got hurt in Los Angeles. After Friday's loss, the Yankees are 30-20 with the star outfielder, who also missed 10 games earlier this season with a right hip strain.

Story continues

Judge set an AL record with 62 home runs last year. He is batting .290 with 19 homers and 40 RBIs in the first season of a $360 million, nine-year contract he signed last offseason.

I guess hes back and hes ready," Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said before the game. "So well have to pitch to him well.

Baltimore has a 1 1/2-game lead in the AL East over Tampa Bay. The Yankees are five games over .500 but at the bottom of the ultracompetitive division. New York is nine games behind the Orioles and 3 1/2 behind the Toronto Blue Jays and Houston Astros for the American League's final two wild cards.

Judge was asked if the team's offensive struggles without him made him even more anxious to come back.

No, I just wanted to get back," Judge said after a noticeable pause. "Any time youre sitting out, even if we were winning and we had an eight-game lead in the division, or we were 10 games out of it, I want to be back out there battling with the guys.

Boone said Judge had an MRI in the last few days, and Judge indicated that was a factor in his return.

I didnt want to come back and make it worse, and this is something that leads into the next year and the following year," he said. "Ligaments stable. Last couple MRIs didnt really show much healing, but this one did.

To make room for Judge, the Yankees optioned infielder Oswald Peraza to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

___

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
Kostyantin Zhevago

An accomplice of Ukrainian oligarch Kostyantin Zhevago has been detained in Cyprus at the request of the State Bureau of Investigation (DBR) of Ukraine, the service reported on its website on July 28.

Ukraine is currently hammering details of the suspects extradition to Ukraine, where he faces involvement in a $100 million money laundering scheme.

Read also: Ukrainian businessman Kostiantyn Zhevago detained in France under suspicion of embezzlement

Zhevago himself was arrested at high-end ski resort Courchevel in France on Dec. 28. He is suspected of embezzling $113 million from the Finance & Credit Bank, partially owned by the oligarch, the DBR reported.

Some of Zhevagos assets, worth over $8.2 million, have been transferred to the Asset Recovery and Management Agency (ARMA) in October 2020.

Read also: Zhevagos Z-branded yacht found in Dubai

Zhevago has denied any accusations of wrongdoing.

A number of the bank's top managers are also accused of organizing the embezzlement of $113 million.

The oligarch has been on Ukraines most-wanted list since October 2019, and on the international wanted list since July 2021.

In 2018, the Deposit Guarantee Fund reported that almost UAH 5 billion ($140 million) had been illegally withdrawn from Zhevago's bank before it went bankrupt.

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
A Bronx man who killed a complete stranger after he vowed to stab the next man he saw was carted back to Manhattan to face murder charges, police said Friday.

Wearing a T-shirt reading Somewhere ANYWHERE everywhere, suspect Luis Gil, 19, was walked out of a Midtown precinct after he was charged with murder and weapons possession.

He had fled to Chicago after the July 13 fatal stabbing on Pier 84 between the Circle Line terminal and the USS Intrepid, cops said.

Gil, his head bowed, said nothing as detectives took him to Manhattan Criminal Court.

After viewing images of his girlfriend dancing with someone else on social media, Gil swore to stab the next man he saw, NYPD Chief of Detectives James Essig said.

Besides the murder, hes also charged with a robbery that occurred in Manhattan in early July, Essig said. In that case, Gil stole money and marijuana, the chief said.

Hugo Morales, an immigrant who was trying to save up enough money to buy his mother a home, had the bad luck to have been Gils chosen victim, authorities say. Morales was killed on Pier 84, which is outfitted with surveillance cameras.

Following the killing, detectives downloaded crystal clear images of Gil, as well as a handful of others, leaving the scene.

Once detectives identified Gil as the stabber, we were able to get information that he took an Amtrak train to Chicago, Essig said.

Chicago police helped investigators grab Gil, who was extradited back to Manhattan Thursday.

His arraignment in Manhattan Criminal Court was pending Friday.
A rental application | Yukchong Kwan/Dreamstime.com

A taxpayer-funded fair housing nonprofit in Illinois, with the help of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), is demanding a federal crackdown on landlords who don't rent to tenants with eviction records.

In a complaint filed with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) last week, the group HOPE Fair Housing Center argues that such policies amount to illegal discrimination based on race and sex, given the higher likelihood that black people, and particularly black women, will have an eviction record.

"A housing provider that enforces a policy that denies the opportunity to rent to anyone who has an eviction filing or judgment is disproportionately denying housing to Black households and Black women in particular," wrote HOPE Deputy Director Josefina Navar in a blog post published by the ACLU about the complaint.

Attorneys with the ACLU and the National Housing Law Project (NHLP) are assisting HOPE in their complaint.

HOPE's complaint targets the "no-evictions" policy of one specific landlord, Oak Park Apartments, which owns 90 multifamily buildings in the Chicago suburb of Oak Park, Illinois. Both the text of the complaint and the press materials argue this is a nationwide problem.

"Numerous studies, news reports, and advocate and tenant stories document just how typical a no-evictions policy is within the rental property owner community nationally," reads the complaint. "Often referred to as the 'Scarlet "E",' a history of eviction has effectively become a life sentence diminishing housing opportunities."

The federal Fair Housing Act bars housing providers from discriminating "because of" race and sex, along with other protected classifications like disability, national origin, and family status.

Subsequent court decisions and federal regulations established the idea that prohibition can apply to policies that had a "disparate impact" or "discriminatory effect" on protected classeseven if there's no discriminatory intent present.

Story continues

HUD, for instance, has issued guidance saying that blanket policies that exclude tenants who have a criminal record can violate the Fair Housing Act. But critics argue that broad direction leaves housing providers with little guidance on the kinds of policies they can adopt to screen tenant or mortgage applicants.

"There's no way to really know that you're going to be facing potential liability down the road," says Ethan Blevins, an attorney with the Pacific Legal Foundation. "It does put landlords in a really tough position, and it's tough to know what a court will find legitimate."

In recent years, HOPE has participated in a number of lawsuits that expand the universe of housing industry practices that fall afoul of this disparate impact standard.

Last year, it sued an Illinois property management company over its policy of not renting to people with criminal records.

The group was also a co-plaintiff in a 2020 lawsuit alleging real estate listing company Redfin's policy of only listing homes above a minimum value had a discriminatory effect. Redfin settled that lawsuit for $4 million in 2022.

The Biden administration has provided generous support to private groups' efforts to police property owners' allegedly discriminatory housing practices, including HOPE.

In March, HUD announced it was awarding grants worth $54 million to 182 fair housing organizations as part of its "Fair Housing Initiatives Program."

HOPE received a three-year grant of $425,000 to fund its "private enforcement initiatives." The group says its HUD complaint is the first to challenge a landlord's no-eviction policy.

Even under existing fair housing regulations, housing providers can still adopt policies that have a disparate impact on protected classes, but they must show that these policies serve a "substantial, legitimate, nondiscriminatory interest" and that there's not another less discriminatory policy they could adopt to serve that interest.

One can imagine a pretty straightforward, race-neutral reason for not renting to people with eviction records: Someone who failed to pay the rent at their last apartment is more likely to fail to pay their rent at their next one too.

HOPE's complaint disputes this in Oak Park Apartments' case, in part, because the company doesn't distinguish between people who've actually been evicted and those who have merely had their landlord file for eviction.

The complaint suggests landlords could screen for problem tenants just as effectively with a policy that considers both the final result of eviction cases and the individual circumstances of each eviction and ignores old eviction cases.

Obviously engaging in those kinds of individualized investigations of each tenant places more burden on landlords. Blevins argues that landlords can afford to adopt broad policies like no-eviction requirements because housing supply is constrained by other regulations.

"Multifamily housing that's out there, it's a sellers' market. They can pick and choose whoever they want because there's a constriction on supply," says Blevins. "If you were to remove that constriction, all of a sudden there's a lot more competitive market. I think you'd see a lot of these policies go away."

More housing supply in general would also likely mean that fewer people would have eviction records to begin with. The lower rents born of more abundant supply would likely translate into fewer people having problems paying their rent and landlords more willing to work with those that do.

The fall in eviction rates during the pandemiceven in the absence of eviction moratoriumsis evidence that landlords are much less willing to pursue evictions when it's harder to get a replacement tenant.

With the complaint now filed, HUD will investigate Oak Park Apartments' no-eviction policy. HOPE could also file a private lawsuit challenging the policy.

The post ACLU-Backed Complaint Says Not Renting to People With Past Evictions Is Illegal Race, Sex Discrimination appeared first on Reason.com.
Two adorable coyote pups are making their debut at a wildlife park in North Carolina, a photo shows.

The 3-month-old babies arrived at the Western North Carolina Nature Center the same week that the wildlife park mourned the loss of a beloved longtime resident. Beatrice, a rescued coyote who loved frozen bananas and died at age 17, McClatchy News reported.

She lived a long life and was well loved by guests and her keepers, the center wrote July 26 on Facebook about Beatrice. We will miss her.

Then on July 28, the nature center announced it welcomed a pair of baby coyotes. The timing of the new arrivals was coincidental, given that the zoo had worked months to try to get the pups, Animal Curator Erin Oldread told McClatchy News in a phone interview.

The pups  named Cal and Walker  come to the nature center from an animal sanctuary in South Carolina.

They were introduced to each other at a young age, so they have bonded and will be companions, officials wrote on Facebook.

A picture posted online shows the young pair, and many social media users couldnt get enough of the cuteness. Oldread said the animals are adjusting to new sights and smells, so it could take time for staff to get a glimpse of their personalities.

Right now, theyre just checking everything out, Oldread told McClatchy News. And were working with them on getting comfortable and getting to know us.

The nature center said it doesnt know when the new animals could go on exhibit but encourages people to check social media for potential updates.

While the zoo is in the mountain town of Asheville, wild coyotes can live throughout North Carolina. They are known for adjusting to a variety of habitats, such as farmland and suburban areas, according to the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission.

Chimp gives birth overnight, surprising NC Zoo. See mom, baby share tender moments

Precious creature  as tiny as it is rare  is born at North Carolina science center
The legal battle over who is to blame for a child's death at Adventureland is only getting more heated and more complicated.

Michael Jaramillo, 11, drowned July 3, 2021, when the raft he and his family were riding on the amusement park's Raging River ride flipped over, trapping them underwater. His brother and father also suffered severe injuries. A subsequent state report found the park violated 17 safety standards that contributed to the tragedy.

The park was sold to new owners in December 2021, who permanently shuttered the Raging River.

The Jaramillos, who live in Marion, sued the park's previous owners in 2022. In April, they amended their complaint to bring additional claims against the state of Iowa and engineers and vendors who worked on the ride.

On Wednesday, the parties appeared before District Judge Paul Scott to debate whether the state should remain a party to the case, and when the whole unwieldy dispute might possibly be set for trial.

Immunity for the inspectors?

On July 2, one day before the Jaramillo's raft flipped, a state inspector reviewed the ride and rated it to be "satisfactory" and safe for operation.

The family's amended complaint alleges that the inspector, whose son worked for the park, was negligent in failing to identify the safety issues that resulted in Michael Jaramillo's death.

"Many of the seventeen safety violations found after Michael's death in the Amusement Ride Safety Division's own Safety Order were present, and able to be observed and detected, prior to the July 3, 2021 tragedy," according to the complaint.

The state has filed a motion to dismiss this part of the case. Citing past court precedent, it argues it cannot be liable because state inspectors do not have a "special duty" to park-goers such as the Jaramillos, and because how it conducts inspections involves judgment calls based on "social, economic and political policy" that fall within its legal discretion.

Story continues

A witness took this photo of the raft the Jaramillo family was in when it capsized July 3, 2021, on the Raging River ride at Adventureland Park in Altoona, Iowa. Michael Jaramillo, 11, later died of injuries he suffered. His brother David was critically injured.

Attorneys for the Jaramillo family say neither argument holds up. The state has a particular duty to amusement park visitors because of legislation specifically directing the Iowa Division of Labor to ensure parks are safe for patrons, and the state has failed to identify what "social, economic or political" factors are served by an inspector ignoring obvious safety errors, attorney Brook Cunningham argued.

The state's proposed immunity "does not apply when the state is acting on private property, on a private party's behalf, for an identifiable business patron/invitee class," Cunningham said, contrasting this case to past lawsuits that have found, for example, that police do not have a special duty toward every driver on public roads.

One year later: Powerful reminders of the Adventureland ride tragedy haunt the Jaramillos: 'We don't call it an accident'

Trial could be delayed to 2025

A jury trial for the Jaramillo's lawsuit was scheduled to start March 11, 2024. That date was set, however, prior to the addition of the state and other defendants to the case.

Cryogenic Plastics Inc., which supplied components for the raft that overturned, has asked the court to push the trial back. On Wednesday, attorney Jason Casini said that not only do he and several other newly added lawyers have conflicts with that date, but the new defendants will need more time to conduct discovery and prepare for trial. As of Wednesday, the parties had not even begun holding depositions, he told Scott.

The Jaramillo's attorneys have asked the judge to keep the early 2024 trial schedule, arguing that Cryogenic Plastics and the other new defendants were on notice well before April that they were likely to be added to the case. The family is concerned that if a new date is set in late 2024 or even early 2025, the lack of urgency will cause the case to "go dormant," as attorney Fred Dorr put it.

Scott acknowledged both side's concerns and said he will issue written decisions soon on both the trial schedule and the state's motion to dismiss.

Attorneys for the park's former owners also have filed a motion to move the trial out of Polk County, largely citing the inaccurate, sensationalized (and) targeted coverage of the incident by local media, including the Register. The motion, by attorney Guy Cook, does not identify any specific inaccurate statements in media coverage to which his client objects.

New lawsuit focuses on Adventureland water slide

According to new court filings, the Jaramillos weren't the only ones injured on Adventureland water rides in July 2021.

In a new lawsuit filed earlier this month, Des Moines resident Myles Cooper says he suffered "serious and permanent injuries" on July 12, 2021, while riding the Bermuda Quadrangle water slide. While riding an inner tube down the slide, Cooper "encountered an unsafe condition on the water slide, where he suffered a head injury."

Attorneys for Cooper did not return messages seeking additional details about the case. Cook, representing the former park ownership, said they intend to deny Cooper's claims in court.

"The unfortunate incident was not (the) result of any unsafe condition on the water slide," Cook said in an email. "The guest reportedly struck his head while going down the slide. First aid responded and the situation was appropriately addressed."

The Bermuda Quadrangle, which according to the Adventureland website remains open, differs from the Raging River in one notable respect: under state law, water slides are not subject to the same inspection requirements. While amusement park rides must be inspected annually by a nationally certified inspector, water slides are treated as swimming pools.

Inspections are done by the Department of Public Health instead of the Division of Labor, and are limited to checking water quality and for sharp edges and other material defects.

William Morris covers courts for the Des Moines Register. He can be contacted at wrmorris2@registermedia.com, 715-573-8166 or on Twitter at @DMRMorris.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Adventureland amusement park drowning lawsuit faces new delays
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP)  Weeks after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down their schools race-conscious admissions plan as violating the Constitution, the board of North Carolinas flagship public university has voted to strictly bar the use of race, sex, color or ethnicity in admissions and hiring decisions.

The Board of Trustees at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill approved the resolution Thursday, The News & Observer of Raleigh reported.

In a pair of decisions announced June 29, court majorities struck down affirmative action in college admissions, ruling against UNC-Chapel Hill and Harvard University, the nations oldest public and private colleges, respectively.

Im confident that were taking all the necessary steps to fully comply with the decisions, UNC-Chapel Hill Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz told the audience at the boards meetings this week in what was the first in-person board gathering since the rulings.

Still, while schools nationwide are now looking for new ways to achieve diverse student bodies, the resolution tells UNC-Chapel Hill administrators that certain methods are now off-limits.

The resolution, initially approved by the boards audit committee Wednesday, promises not to grant preferential treatment to any individual or group on the basis of race. The school also must not establish through essays or other means any regime premised upon race-based preferences in hiring and admissions.

Board member Ralph Meekins urged, without success, for members to postpone the vote, saying the resolution goes well beyond the Supreme Court ruling.

Earlier Thursday, trustee John Preyer criticized how UNC-Chapel Hill handled the litigation brought several years ago by a conservative group that accused the schools undergraduate admissions policies of discriminating against white and Asian students. A trial judge in 2021 upheld the schools actions, leading to appeals.

This is a moment of humility, Preyer said. For nine years, weve spent in the neighborhood of $35 million to lose a high-profile case. Why did we do that? Was that the right thing to do?

Story continues

The trustees discussed this week other ways to comply with last months UNC-Chapel Hill ruling, which found the school's consideration of race in admissions violated the Constitution's equal protection clause.

What were trying to do is be proactive with this and make sure that were in compliance and that were providing equal protection, trustee Marty Kotis said. One school administrator mentioned Wednesday having an internal diversity, equity and inclusion audit but didnt provide details.

Guskiewicz announced three weeks ago that the school would offer free tuition to students whose families make less than $80,000 annually. The program, which could help expand diversity efforts, is being paid for with private funds.
Afghans who were promised a home in the United States after their country fell to the Taliban say they have waited so long for the US to process their applications that they are now being sent back to the enemy they fled.

A number of Afghans who worked with the US and were told they were eligible for resettlement there have been forcibly deported back to Afghanistan from Pakistan, where they fled to await processing following the Taliban takeover in 2021, CNN can reveal.

One man waiting for a US visa described being dropped at the Afghan border by Pakistani police this summer. They did not hand us over to the (Taliban) Afghan border forces, he said. They just released us on the border and told us to go back to Afghanistan. It was me, my four kids and my wife deported together. He is now living in hiding in the Afghan capital, Kabul.

Another deported Afghan, also speaking from hiding in Kabul, said: So this is very, very dangerous, and it is very tough How many people have been killed, had been tortured, have been disappeared? The man, a former employee of a US contractor, said the Taliban will punish me, they will put me in jail. Maybe they will kill me? Im sure they will. He added: Still, we believe that the USA will help us. We believe we didnt lose our hope still.

Both individuals spoke to CNN anonymously for their safety, and provided documentation showing a US visa case number being processed, and evidence of their presence in Pakistan.

Many Afghans fled the Taliban after the August 15, 2021 fall of Kabul to the hard-line group. More than 124,000 Afghans were airlifted out of the country in a huge US-led operation.

Yet, thousands also fled across the border to Pakistan, often with incomplete paperwork, following US guidance that they should wait in a third country for their visa applications to the US to be processed.

Nearly 90,000 Afghans have since been resettled in the US, according to State Department figures, but many others have been caught in the backlog of so-called Afghan Priority 2 (P-2) or Special Immigrant Visas (SIV) applications waiting to be processed.

Story continues

Human rights groups say the most acute situation is faced by those in Pakistan, from where hundreds of Afghans have been deported in a crackdown against migrants following recent political instability.

At least two Afghans awaiting P-2 visas have been swept up in this crackdown, CNN has learned, and complain of Pakistani police persecution. Several others still residing in Pakistan told CNN about what they said was harassment by Pakistani police and the threat of deportation if they did not pay fines or bribes.

Pakistans Foreign and Interior Ministries have not responded to CNNs request for comment on the claims.

At least 530 Afghans have been deported from Pakistan so far this year, according to Haseeb Aafaq, a spokesman for volunteer group the Afghanistan Immigrants Refugees Council. Aafaq said the figure came from his studies of local records but added it might be a low estimate as many Afghans were deported without documentation.

Aafaq added that the Pakistani authorities made no exceptions for pending US visa cases. There is no differentiation. The authorities here do not even think about where you are from. If you are Afghan, you must be deported if your visa is not valid, whether you are SIV or P-2 or sponsorship cases. He said many of those deported are P-2 cases, but he could not provide a precise number as many Afghans keep their P-2 status confidential out of fear for their safety.

A Pakistani soldier stands guard as stranded Afghan nationals return to Afghanistan at the Pakistan-Afghanistan border crossing point in Chaman on August 15, 2021, after the Taliban took control of the Afghan border town. - AFP via Getty Images/FILE

Two young Afghan men have taken their own lives in Islamabad since June, both awaiting US P-2 visas, according to activists. Aafaq said one of them, aged 25, who died last week, had suffered mental pressure and economic pressure and an unclear future.

Aafaq said the US failure to open a Resettlement Support Center (RSC) in Pakistan meant the processing of cases there had partially stalled. The RSC has not been activated yet, while in other countries, like Turkey or Tajikistan, people have gone to the US, he said.

Afghans waiting in Pakistan have reported harassment by Pakistani police, including arrest and demands for money. One, who worked with the US military and asked not to be named for his safety, told CNN: They were asking for a visa. There were a lot of policemen, they came into the house without clear information. And they took me out of (my) home and they just put (me) in the van. My kids, they were very much harassed. They were crying, they were asking for help.

He also described how he once saved his American colleagues during a protest, and had commendation letters denoting his service. Im disappointed because (of) the way that I served the Americans in Afghanistan. I was expecting them to welcome me there sooner. It seems like I have no future at all.

The US State Department told CNN in a statement that the Biden administration continues to demonstrate its commitment to the brave Afghans who worked with the US. It added that its processing capacity in Pakistan remains limited, but (staff) are actively working to expand it. The statement urged Afghanistans neighbors to keep their borders open and uphold their obligations when it comes to asylum seekers. Pakistans Foreign Ministry declined to comment.

Another Afghan, whom CNN is not naming for his safety, served the US in Afghanistan and is now in Pakistan with his wife and children. He described their wait for US help as a bad dream. His wife sobbed: Going back to Afghanistan is a big risk and here we are dying, every moment. Staying in Pakistan is a gradual death.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
African leaders call on Russia to immediately renew the grain deal

The African Union has urged Russian dictator Vladimir Putin to immediately revive the UN-mediated Black Sea Grain Initiative (BSGI), which allowed Ukraine to export its grain, Politico reported on July 28.

Read also: Grain deal collapse is a global problem  US State Department

The problem of grains and fertilizers concerns everyone, the report quotes Comoros President Azali Assoumani, who currently heads the African Union. Assoumani is currently in St. Petersburg, where Putin is hosting a Russia-Africa summit.

We will talk about this in St. Petersburg, we will discuss it with Putin to see how we can restart this agreement.

In its piece about the ingoing summit, Reuters wrote that African leaders generally pushed Putin to cease the war against Ukraine. Although they refrained from criticizing Russia directly, their speeches on the second day of the summit were more assertive and unified than previous addresses by African nations.

The leaders emphasized to the Kremlin the deep-seated concern among Africans regarding the repercussions of the war, notably the rise in food prices.

Read also: Russia justifies merciless missile attacks by claiming Ukraine hiding military equipment in grain facilities

This war must end; and it can only end on the basis of justice and reason, African Union Commission Chairman Moussa Faki Mahamat said.

The disruptions of energy and grain supplies must end immediately. The grain deal must be extended for the benefit of all the peoples of the world, Africans in particular.

Read also: Two-thirds of African leaders refuse to attend Putins summit

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi asserted at the summit that reaching an agreement regarding the restoration of the grain deal was crucial.

Read also: US not planning to escort Ukrainian grain cargo ships, says White House

In response, Putin reiterated his claim that the surge in global food prices was a consequence of Western policy errors. He persistently maintained that Russia had exited the Black Sea agreement as the grain was allegedly being diverted to wealthier nations rather than the poorest ones.

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 African Union called for an "urgent" restoration of the Black Sea grain deal that allowed Ukraine to export grain through its Black Sea ports.

"The problem of grains and fertilizers concerns everyone," Comoros President Azali Assoumani, who heads the 55-nation African Union, said at a summit with Russia in St. Petersburg.

Assoumani said they will discuss it with Putin during the July 27-28 summit.

Earlier, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi urged the Kremlin to revive the deal that allowed Ukraine to export grain from its seaports.

Sisi said during the summit that an agreement was "essential."

Read also: Russias influence on Africa exaggerated, experts say

Russia pulled out of the deal on July 17 and warned that it will attack all ships going to and from Ukrainian ports. Russian missiles also destroyed more than 60,000 tons of Ukrainian grain in Odesa.

Russia has been bombarding Ukrainian agriculture infrastructure daily since the end of the deal.

Ukraine is a major agricultural producer whose exports are a noteworthy pillar of food security in many countries around the world.

Exporting grain overland through Europe created controversy with farmers in those countries, whose markets became flooded with cheap grain.
(Reuters) - The chair of the African Union, Azali Assoumani, said on Friday that proposals by Russian President Vladimir Putin to provide grain to Africa were not sufficient, and that a ceasefire in Ukraine was needed.

In a closing address to a Russia-Africa summit in St Petersburg, he also said Putin had shown readiness to negotiate with Ukraine, and that "the other side" now needed to be persuaded.

Putin had told the African leaders that Russia was ready to supply Africa with grain, some of it for free, after refusing last week to extend the Black Sea grain initiative, which had permitted Ukraine to export grain safely from its seaports despite the war.

That, and Russia's subsequent bombing of Ukrainian grain export facilities and stores, has sent the global price of grain soaring.

"The President of Russia demonstrated that he is ready help us in the field of grain supply," Assoumani said. "Yes, this is important, but it may not be quite enough. We need to achieve a ceasefire."

"President Putin has shown us that he is ready to engage in dialogue and find a solution," he added. "Now we need to convince the other side."

Putin had told the African leaders that it was Kyiv that was refusing to negotiate with him under a decree it passed shortly after he claimed last September to have annexed four Ukrainian regions that Russia partly controls.

Russia has long said it is open to talks but that they must take account of these "new realities" on the ground.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has rejected the idea of a ceasefire now that would leave Russia in control of nearly a fifth of his country and give its forces time to regroup after 17 grinding months of war.

(Reporting by Reuters; Writing by Kevin Liffey, Editing by Louise Heavens, Kirsten Donovan)
The Air Force is sceptical about the possibility of resuming civil aviation flights in Ukraine during martial law.

Source: Colonel Yurii Ihnat, spokesperson for the Air Force of Ukraine, on air of Ukraine's national 24/7 newscast

Quote: "Here, [in Ukraine,] it is difficult to understand how it is possible to conduct flights at all in a state of war. You see, we had a grain corridor from which Russia single-handedly withdrew. Will they negotiate with Russia so that it does not attack humanitarian aviation corridors?

Today, all airfields in Ukraine (we have dozens of different airfields for various purposes) are operational. We have a war, we have martial law, and you see that missiles and enemy drones can appear everywhere, in any part of the country.

Everyone knows perfectly well how long the Kinzhal missile flies. Civilian companies that want to work in Ukraine  it is really nice that some want to conquer the Ukrainian aviation market, even despite this situation. We are a big country, we need air connections not only with other countries but also within the country."

Details: Ihnat says that there is also the issue of insurance: it is quite complicated to insure the lives of citizens in a warring state where missiles fly overhead.

The practice of Israel, a country that can completely cover its territory with air defence systems, cannot be applied to Ukraine either since we have a very large territory, Ihnat said.

Asked about the idea of opening the airport in Uzhhorod for flights, where the runways are on the territory of Ukraine, but the planes actually fly into the airspace of Slovakia, and the Russian Federation will not dare to attack the NATO country, Ihnat said that theoretically nothing will prevent Russia from using its notorious modus operandi; it can declare that "Western equipment crosses the territory of the airfield" and hit the runways.

Quote: "Missiles of various types are flying from everywhere, the enemy is powerful, and has highly technological weapons. Of course, we really want aviation to work, but we have blocked airspace over Ukraine now, and I think it will not be opened anytime soon."

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!
Anthony Garner, Jr, was found guilty of attempted murder and assault July 19 for his role in a shooting at an Ames hotel that injured two.

Garner, 27, of Pine Hill, Alabama, was sentenced to five years in prison after firing a gun at two people on Jan. 14 inside Quality Inn and Suites. The hotel is located on the east side of town along 13th Street.

Court records state Ames Police fielded several calls around 11 p.m. that night, one of which was from Garner admitting he had shot someone.

Garner told Ames Police, according to court documents, that he was arguing with a person with whom he used to have a romantic relationship with. Garner left that person in the parking lot and returned to his hotel room.

He said he put his Glock 17 handgun into his pocket and walked into the hallway to meet with his former partner's sibling. While walking down the hallway, a male unknown to Garner, accompanied by his former partner, approached him in the hall. Garner fired his weapon at the male three times, striking the person in the leg, and breaking the man's femur bone.

Garner's former partner was also shot in the leg.

Court documents indicate Garner and the other person had lived in the hotel before the incident. The violent scuffle resulted from Garners former partner trying to obtain their belongings.

More: Amber Alert issued for 14-year-old Iowa girl believed abducted

According to court documents, a text exchange between Garner and his former partner's brother revealed Garner replied to the request with Pull up aint no talking.

Garner was found guilty by a Story County judge last week of seven charges, including two counts of attempted murder, two counts of assault causing serious injury, assault causing bodily injury, and carrying a dangerous weapon while intoxicated.

Garner initially pleaded guilty in March but rescinded his plea following complications with his attorney, Michelle K. Wolf, citing a breakdown in communication.

Story continues

Following his March guilty plea, his original sentencing date was set for early May but was later postponed.

More: 18-year-old from Slater, juvenile arrested for firing 18 rounds at a home in drive-by shooting

Ganers defense team filed a motion before the sentencing for an arrest in judgment but were denied. His felony convictions also mean Garner can no longer legally own a firearm.

Garner is ordered to also pay more than $1,900 in fines. He will serve his prison term at the Iowa Security Medical and Classification Center in Oakdale.

Brandon Hurley is editor of the Ames Tribune and the Iowa City Press-Citizen. He can be reached at bhurley@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: Alabama man convicted of attempted murder for Ames hotel shooting
An Alabama woman charged with killing her 14-year-old daughter at Sacred Heart Hospital by crushing her liver claims it happened on accident.

Jessica Bortle, 36, is charged with manslaughter and aggravated child abuse after the Office of the State Attorney charged her with 14-year-old Jasmine Singletary's death on July 13, 2021. The girl suffered severe injuries when a table was pushed into her abdomen as she lay in a hospital bed.

While a prosecutor pointed to the severity of Jasmine's injuries as evidence of Bortle's abuse, Bortle told police the injuries were unintentional.

"I guess I done it without meaning to," Bortle told Pensacola Police Department Detective Keith Tourney in a 2021 interview.

Liver obliterated: Escambia jury set to determine if 36-year-old mother fatally 'obliterated' child's liver

Bortle arrested: Special needs girl was admitted to Pensacola hospital. Her mom is accused of killing her there.

Jessica Bortle appears before Circuit Judge Linda Nobles on Thursday, July 27, 2023. Bortle is accused of killing her 14-year-old daughter by smashing a table into her abdomen on July 13, 2021, crushing her liver.

Jasmine had originally been admitted to the hospital for a head injury related to an underlying medical condition.

Bortle told investigators that she and Jasmine were getting upset with one another after the daughter became angry about not having the correct coloring books. She then told investigators that she could not get the coloring pages her daughter asked for due to the late hour of day.

Then Bortle says she shoved the table connected to her daughter's hospital bed with both hands, saying, "Do what you have to do." She told investigators that Jamine said it hurt but continued to color. Then Jasmine asked Bortle to color with her, leading to Bortle leaning on the table, which was leaning into the child's abdomen.

Jasmine then said Bortle leaning the table into her while coloring hurt, according to the mother's interview, and Bortle said she then adjusted the table. Later, Bortle said her daughter was tired and rolled over to sleep, which she said was uncharacteristic of the 14-year-old.

Story continues

Later in the trial, Dr. Deanna Oleske, the medical examiner who conducted the autopsy, said a damaged or crushed liver can cause fatigue.

Bortle maintained that she did not intentionally hurt her daughter and became emotional while describing the situation. The mother also began to cry while prosecutor Nathaniel Sebastian showed the jury Jasmine's autopsy photos.

"She's my pride and joy," Bortle said during the recorded interview. "I would never hurt her."

Rose Mathis, the mother of Jessica Bortle, provides testimony during her daughter's trial on Thursday, July 27, 2023. Jessica Bortle is accused of killing her 14-year-old daughter by smashing a table into her abdomen on July 13, 2021, crushing her liver.

Improper claims: Medical examiner's office says complaints 'not substantiated,' funeral homes to wait and see

Politically motivated?: Were Medical Examiner's complaints politically motivated? Not so, funeral directors say.

During the interview, Tourney asked Bortle if she knew accidents were not criminal and that if she accidentally fell or tripped on top of Jasmine, then it would not be a criminal act. Bortle told him she understood.

Bortle's mother, Rose Mathis, was in the room during the incident and testified Thursday, saying she didn't see or hear anything out of the ordinary and was playing games on her phone "the whole night."

Sebastian told the jury in his opening argument he believes Bortle should be found guilty once the entirety of the evidence is presented, and he pointed out the severity of Jasmine's injuries.

"It wasn't until the autopsy was performed two days later on (July 15) that it was determined (Jasmine's) ribs were fractured and her liver had been obliterated," he told the jury. "The evidence you will hear over the next few days is that Jessica Bortle shoved a table into Jasmine Singletary with enough force to essentially pop Jasmine's liver and cause her death."

Bortle's trial is scheduled to end Friday, when the jury is planned to deliberate on whether Bortle committed a criminal act when her daughter died.

This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Jessica Bortle says she accidentally crushed Jasmine Singletary's liver
Carlee Russell, the 25-year-old Alabama nursing student who revealed her kidnapping was a hoax, has been charged with two misdemeanors, police said on July 28.

Hoover Police Chief Nicholas C. Derzis said in a press conference that detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Russell related to faking her kidnapping and subsequently making false statements to detectives as they investigated this case.

Russell, who turned herself in that afternoon, was charged with false reporting to law enforcement authorities and falsely reporting an incident, Derzis said.

Each charge carries a $1,000 bond and carries up to a year in jail with a potential fine of $6,000 upon conviction. Russell was released from jail after posting bond, he said.

Her decisions that night created panic and alarm for the citizens of our city and even across the nation as concern grew that a kidnapper was on the loose using a small child as bait, Derzis told reporters, adding that law enforcement agencies and citizens volunteered their time to look for a potential kidnapping victim that we know now was never in any danger.

The story opened wounds for families whose loved ones really were victims of kidnappings, some of which even helped organize searches and hopes they could find Carlee alive so her family would not experience the pain and suffering that they felt when their loved ones never returned, he added.

Carlee Russell (TODAY)

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall added in the press conference that they intend to fully prosecute this case and look forward to working with every police department moving forward.

At this time, they have not concluded their investigation and do not know where Russell was during the 49 hours that she was gone.

On July 13, Russell called 911 and a family member saying that she saw a child walking along on a Hoover freeway. She was nowhere to be found when police arrived at the scene and found her car and some of her belongings, including her phone and Apple Watch.

Story continues

She returned home by herself two days later on July 15, with Hoover Police confirming on July 18 that detectives had footage of her walking alone when she reunited with her family.

Russells parents, Talitha and Carlos Russell, recalled having their daughter return home in an interview with TODAY that aired July 18. At the time, they called her a fighter but also said that she was not in a good state.

The following day, police said they were unable to verify that a child was walking on the side of the interstate.

As the investigation continued, her lawyer, Emory Anthony, revealed during a July 24 press conference in a statement that her kidnapping was a hoax and said she acted alone.

There was no kidnapping on Thursday, July 13, 2023, Derzis said, reading the statement. 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.

In her lawyer's statement, she also apologized to everyone who had assisted in her search efforts.

This article was originally published on TODAY.com
Carlee Russell, the Alabama woman who falsely claimed she was kidnapped after seeing a child wandering onto a busy street, could face criminal charges.

Prosecutors are reportedly considering a pair of misdemeanor charges against the 25-year-old nursing student who went missing for more than 48 hours in mid-July and later said she had been abducted.

ABC News reported the Jefferson County District Attorneys Bessemer Division have discussed the matter with law enforcement. The New York Daily News has contacted prosecutors and police for confirmation.

The misdemeanor counts against Russell that are reportedly being considered are falsely reporting an incident and false reporting to law enforcement authorities. These counts are punishable by a one year imprisonment.

Hoover Police Department Chief Nicholas Derzis told reporters Russells claim was a hoax on Monday. Her attorney allegedly confirmed to investigators there was no abduction, nor was there a toddler roaming alongside traffic. Investigators were suspicious of her story from the start after finding evidence shed searched the internet for information about missing persons alerts and bus tickets.

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, Russells lawyer said in a statement earlier this week.
Justice Samuel Alito said Congress has no authority to regulate the Supreme Court in an interview with the Wall Street Journals opinion section published Friday, pushing back against Democrats attempt to mandate stronger ethics rules.

Alito, one of the high courts leading conservatives, is just one of multiple justices who have come under recent scrutiny for ethics controversies that have fueled the renewed push.

I know this is a controversial view, but Im willing to say it, Alito told the Journal. No provision in the Constitution gives them the authority to regulate the Supreme Court  period.

Although the Constitution enables Congress to structure the lower federal courts, it explicitly vests judicial power within a singular Supreme Court.

Alito and some legal observers argue that means Congress cant prescribe certain regulations for the high court without running afoul of separation of powers issues.

Chief Justice John Roberts has also questioned Congresss ability to act, but not as definitive as Alitos new remarks. Many court watchers who disagree with the premise believe that Roberts questioning has given fodder to Republican objections.

I dont know that any of my colleagues have spoken about it publicly, so I dont think I should say, Alito told the paper. But I think it is something we have all thought about.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (N.Y.) was among the Democrats who rejected Alitos reasoning, writing on X, formerly known as Twitter, What a surprise, guy who is supposed to enforce checks and balances thinks checks shouldnt apply to him.

The piece also revealed Alitos first public comments on the recent ethics push since he authored an op-ed for the same paper that was shared just before a ProPublica investigation into an undisclosed Alaskan fishing trip the justice accepted in 2008 paid for by a conservative donor was made public. Alito also conducted an interview with the Wall Street Journal in April.

Story continues

One of the two authors of the piece, David Rivkin, is an attorney for conservative judicial activist Leonard Leo. Rivkin earlier this week penned a letter rebuffing Democratic lawmakers request for information about the Alaska trip, which Leo reportedly facilitated, and Rivkin also actively practices before the court. James Taranto, the other author, is the Journals editorial features editor.

I marvel at all the nonsense that has been written about me in the last year, Alito said.

The revelations about the Alaska trip followed a ProPublica investigation into luxury trips accepted by fellow conservative Justice Clarence Thomas. The Associated Press later raised concerns about an aide to liberal Justice Sonia Sotomayor pushing book sales, and other justices past and present have also faced criticisms for a variety of other ethics dilemmas.

In the wake of the new reports, the Senate Judiciary Committee last week voted along party lines to advance a Supreme Court ethics reform bill, though the legislation faces slim odds of passage.

Republicans have portrayed the push as an attempt to tear down the courts conservative majority, and some have similarly cited constitutional concerns.

Updated at 4:58 p.m.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Derek and Suzi Alkonis pose with a photo of their son Lt. Ridge Alkonis on Wednesday, June 1, 2022, in Dana Point, Calif. Their son, a U.S. Navy lieutenant in Japan, is serving a three-year prison sentence for a car crash that killed two people last year. The family of Alkonis says he suffered from acute mountain-sickness and passed out unconscious behind the wheel. | Denis Poroy, Associated Press

An amendment sponsored by Sen. Mike Lee requiring the Secretary of State to review the protections in place for U.S. service members who are stationed overseas was attached to the defense spending bill that cleared the Senate Thursday.

Lee has been outspoken in his frustration with the continued incarceration of Lt. Ridge Alkonis, a member of the U.S. Navy, in a Japanese prison.

As reported in the Deseret News, Alkonis was convicted by a Japanese court of negligent driving in the May 2021 deaths of an 85-year-old Japanese woman and her 54-year-old son-in-law. Alknois and U.S. Navy Investigators said he passed out after suffering from acute mountain sickness, but the judge said he fell asleep at the wheel.

His parents, Derek and Suzi Alkonis, and his wife Brittany Alkonis have asked U.S. officials  including President Joe Biden after the State of the Union address  to intervene so Ridge Alkonis can serve out his sentence in the U.S., but Japanese officials have so far been quiet on the matter.

Lee has also been critical of the Status of Forces Agreement between the U.S. and Japan, which he says doesnt provide enough protections for U.S. service members stationed there.

The presumed civil rights of those accused of crimes in Japan differ from those in the U.S. When an American service member is arrested for an alleged crime committed off base, he or she is subject to the Japanese criminal justice system under the terms of the bilateral agreement, which does not include the right to have an attorney present during questioning, per The New York Times.

Under the amendment approved Thursday, which was attached to the National Defense Authorization Act, the Secretary of State, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense, would be required to review the 10 countries with the largest U.S. armed forces presence and provide an assessment of the protections our servicemembers receive under the bilateral Status of Forces Agreements we hold with each country, Lee said.

Story continues

Lt. Ridge Alkoniss tragic experience highlights the potential hardships and heartache that can arise due to the lack of clarity on legal rights and processes under foreign law, a press release from Lees office said.

We have an obligation to ensure our brave men and women in uniform are afforded basic legal protections, Lee said. This amendment is our commitment to guaranteeing that their legal treatment is fair and just, consistent with the rights they would have under U.S. law. Congress should not allow anything less.

Thank you, @EubanksAndrew! This is an important win. We owe it to our brave service members to do all we can to ensure that they dont lose their due process rights while theyre serving abroad. This provision will help us do that. https://t.co/KRIJqDIhL9  Mike Lee (@BasedMikeLee) July 28, 2023

While Lee supported the amendment, he did not support the final version of the National Defense Authorization Act, to which it was attached.

Each year, the Senate exercises its constitutional prerogative by debating the priorities and strategy for our national defense. While I am encouraged that the Senate adopted my amendment aimed at protecting the legal rights of our service members abroad, I remain concerned that the bill fails to prioritize U.S. interests, Lee said in a statement to the Deseret News.

Related
Air Force base, settlements evacuated as wildfire raging in Greece

Xinhua) 09:20, July 28, 2023

Residents and visitors are evacuated as a wildfire rages in Nea Anchialos town, Volos, Greece, on July 27, 2023. Wildfires raging across parts of Greece has forced the evacuation of an air force base at the seaside town of Nea Anchialos, near the port city of Volos, as well as 12 settlements in the area, Greek national news agency AMNA reported on Thursday. (Xinhua/Marios Lolos)

ATHENS, July 27 (Xinhua) -- Wildfires raging across parts of Greece has forced the evacuation of an air force base at the seaside town of Nea Anchialos, near the port city of Volos, as well as 12 settlements in the area, Greek national news agency AMNA reported on Thursday.

The relocation of Hellenic Air Force aircraft became necessary after wildfire triggered a series of massive explosions overnight at an ammunition depot, breaking windows and damaging buildings in the vicinity.

The wildfires in the greater Volos area have posed the toughest challenge for firefighters for the past two days, according to the Fire Brigade.

Across Greece, 83 new fires were reported on Thursday. Firefighters are currently battling a total of 124 wildfires nationwide in extremely difficult conditions, according to the Fire Brigade.

The situation has improved on Rhodes Island where nearly 20,000 people were evacuated during the weekend as the fires threatened residential zones after scorching forests and farmland.

The Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Ministry allowed some tourists and the residents of a dozen towns and villages in eastern Rhodes to return to their homes and accommodations, according to AMNA.

Five people have died in the wildfires this week. The charred bodies of two civilians were found on Wednesday near Volos. The bodies of three other victims, a shepherd and two pilots, were discovered on Tuesday on Evia Island. The plane operated by the two pilots crashed during a fire extinguishing operation.

More than 600 wildfires have broken out nationwide in the past two weeks, the authorities have said.

"There is no doubt, we can see it throughout the Mediterranean, that the climate crisis is here and affects us all, perhaps even more severely than scientists had warned," Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said during a meeting with Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou on Thursday.

"The climate crisis may be a reality, but it cannot be an alibi... A human hand is responsible for most wildfires," whether it is due to negligence or foul play, he said, adding that in the latter case, "the sword of justice will be merciless" with the perpetrators.

Residents and visitors are evacuated as a wildfire rages in Nea Anchialos town, Volos, Greece, on July 27, 2023. Wildfires raging across parts of Greece has forced the evacuation of an air force base at the seaside town of Nea Anchialos, near the port city of Volos, as well as 12 settlements in the area, Greek national news agency AMNA reported on Thursday. (Xinhua/Marios Lolos)

Residents and visitors are evacuated as a wildfire rages in Nea Anchialos town, Volos, Greece, on July 27, 2023. Wildfires raging across parts of Greece has forced the evacuation of an air force base at the seaside town of Nea Anchialos, near the port city of Volos, as well as 12 settlements in the area, Greek national news agency AMNA reported on Thursday. (Xinhua/Marios Lolos)

A firefighting helicopter douses a wildfire in Nea Anchialos town, Volos, Greece, on July 27, 2023. Wildfires raging across parts of Greece has forced the evacuation of an air force base at the seaside town of Nea Anchialos, near the port city of Volos, as well as 12 settlements in the area, Greek national news agency AMNA reported on Thursday. (Xinhua/Marios Lolos)

Firefighters and a volunteer battle a wildfire in Nea Anchialos town, Volos, Greece, on July 27, 2023. Wildfires raging across parts of Greece has forced the evacuation of an air force base at the seaside town of Nea Anchialos, near the port city of Volos, as well as 12 settlements in the area, Greek national news agency AMNA reported on Thursday. (Xinhua/Marios Lolos)

Firefighters and a volunteer battle a wildfire in Nea Anchialos town, Volos, Greece, on July 27, 2023. Wildfires raging across parts of Greece has forced the evacuation of an air force base at the seaside town of Nea Anchialos, near the port city of Volos, as well as 12 settlements in the area, Greek national news agency AMNA reported on Thursday. (Xinhua/Marios Lolos)

Photo taken on July 27, 2023 shows wildfires burning in Nea Anchialos town, Volos, Greece. Wildfires raging across parts of Greece has forced the evacuation of an air force base at the seaside town of Nea Anchialos, near the port city of Volos, as well as 12 settlements in the area, Greek national news agency AMNA reported on Thursday. (Xinhua/Marios Lolos)

Residents and visitors are evacuated as a wildfire rages in Nea Anchialos town, Volos, Greece, on July 27, 2023. Wildfires raging across parts of Greece has forced the evacuation of an air force base at the seaside town of Nea Anchialos, near the port city of Volos, as well as 12 settlements in the area, Greek national news agency AMNA reported on Thursday. (Xinhua/Marios Lolos)

A firefighter tries to put out a fire that threatens a building in Nea Anchialos town, Volos, Greece, on July 27, 2023. Wildfires raging across parts of Greece has forced the evacuation of an air force base at the seaside town of Nea Anchialos, near the port city of Volos, as well as 12 settlements in the area, Greek national news agency AMNA reported on Thursday. (Xinhua/Marios Lolos)

A firefighter battles a wildfire in Nea Anchialos town, Volos, Greece, on July 27, 2023. Wildfires raging across parts of Greece has forced the evacuation of an air force base at the seaside town of Nea Anchialos, near the port city of Volos, as well as 12 settlements in the area, Greek national news agency AMNA reported on Thursday. (Xinhua/Marios Lolos)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Wu Chaolan)
The race for Allegheny County Executive is heating up with Republican Joe Rockey picking up some big endorsements.

RELATED COVERAGE >>> Republican Allegheny County Executive nominee courts Democratic voters

Rockey spoke at the FOP Headquarters in West Homestead on Thursday.

He announced the support of three unions, representing over 3,000 members of law enforcement in Allegheny County.

Rockey also laid out his plan for public safety, including reopening a juvenile detention center, being hands-on with issues at the county jail, and creating a safe streets task force.

We dont go a week that somebody isnt seriously injured, or worse yet, killed in this county because we are ignoring the tenants of good public safety, said Rockey.

Rockey will face Democrat Sara Innamorato in November.

Innamorato resigned from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives last Wednesday.

Rockey said he is looking forward to debating her and getting his message out.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW

TRENDING NOW:

17-year-old dead after stabbing in Schenley Park Sinead OConnor death: Police release statement Deadline looming for Facebooks $725M settlement; how to get your money VIDEO: Pittsburgh police looking for 2 people seen graffiti tagging house in South Side DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts
The absolute majority of Ukrainians, or 78%, consider all Russian citizens responsible for Russia's military aggression against Ukraine.

Source: the results of a sociological survey by the International Center for Ukrainian Victory (ICUV), conducted by the Ilko Kucheriv Democratic Initiatives Foundation and the Center for Political Sociology, published by Civil Network OPORA

Details: At the same time, 57% of the respondents want to see all those who were directly involved in the planning, approval, organisation and commission of war crimes.

In addition, 95% of respondents expect the state to seek compensation from Russia for damages caused during the war. However, only 40% of the population believes in the possibility of actually receiving reparations.

For reference: The face-to-face survey was conducted during 5-15 June 2023. In total, 2,001 respondents aged 18 and over were interviewed.

The sampling is multi-stage, with the use of a random selection of settlements in the first stage and a quota selection of respondents in the final stage. The sample population reproduces the demographic structure of the adult population of the territories where the survey was conducted as of the beginning of 2022.

The survey was conducted on the basis of analytical work and by order of the International Center for Ukrainian Victory (ICUV). The study was carried out by the Ilko Kucheriv Democratic Initiatives Foundation together with the Center for Political Sociology.

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!
The father of a Tallmadge woman slain 32 years ago told his daughters killer not to look at him Friday afternoon during his plea and sentencing.

Larry Johnson, father of slain Rachel Johnson, lunges towards Daniel Rees as he gives his impact statement at Rees' plea and sentencing hearing in Summit County Common Pleas Judge Susan Baker Ross' courtroom for the 1991 murder of Rachael Johnson.

When Daniel Rees glanced again at Larry Johnson, Rachael Johnsons father, Johnson took a step toward him and sheriffs deputies stepped between them.

It never ends, Johnson said during Rees sentencing in Summit County Common Pleas Court. They say closure. What the hell is closure? I ask that you your honor give him what he deserves, please. Id like to see him spend a lifetime in prison.

Johnsons remarks, which he had trouble delivering because he was so distraught, were part of Rees long and emotional sentencing.

Larry Johnson, father of slain Rachael Johnson, gestures toward Daniel Rees as he gives his impact statement at Rees' plea and sentencing hearing Friday in Summit County Common Pleas Court.

Rees, 60, of Barberton, pleaded guilty Friday to aggravated murder under an agreement with prosecutors that means he wont go to trial and face a possible death sentence. Prosecutors agreed to change the underlying offense in the charge from rape to kidnapping.

I am a monster, Rees said during his remarks. What I did is horrendous. The crime I did is horrendous.

Daniel Rees listens to Summit County Common Pleas Judge Susan Baker Ross during his sentencing for the 1991 murder of Rachael Johnson.

Judge Susan Baker Ross sentenced Rees to life in prison with possible parole after 30 years. That was the most severe penalty Ohio had, besides the death penalty, in 1991 when Johnson was killed.

Katelin Puzakulics being held by her mother, Rachael Johnson, who was killed in 1991. [Submitted Photo]

Johnson was found dead on March 30, 1991, in Akrons Chapel Hill neighborhood. Police said the Tallmadge woman suffered blunt force trauma and had been sexually assaulted, stabbed multiple times and set on fire before being found near Home and Weller avenues by a passerby.

Akron detectives arrested Rees in March 2020, nearly 29 years after Johnsons murder. He was tied to the case through DNA evidence and genealogical database research.

Rees had no significant criminal history and hadnt been a suspect in the case.

His arrest was a shock for Johnsons family members because Rees had been part of the familys lives for much of the time since the murder. Rees, who never married and had no children, was a family friend of Johnsons daughter and worked with Johnsons sister at a printing company.

Story continues

Killer nearby? Police say womans killer was hiding in plain sight

Rees was charged with aggravated murder and murder and was scheduled to go to trial in early October. If convicted, he faced the death penalty. This would have been the first time in Summit County that genealogical research had been used in a murder trial.

DNA leads police to Rees

Investigators had a DNA profile from Johnsons autopsy in 1991 but had been unable to find a match.

In the summer of 2019, Akron Detective Jim Pasheilich hired AdvanceDNA in Texas to assist with the cold case.

Cheryl Hester, director of genetic genealogy at the company, said AdvanceDNA uploaded the unknown DNA profile to databases that could connect it to distant relatives. After matches were found, they reverse-engineered a family tree.

Combining the family tree with information like age and location, the company gave police a list of three brothers who had ties to Summit County. One of those brothers, Daniel, lived on Fouse Avenue in Akron in March 1991, which is near where Johnson was last seen alive.

Pasheilich collected trash left behind by Rees in February 2020 to collect his DNA. Rees DNA profile matched the unknown profile collected during Johnsons autopsy, which Pasheilich said was a 1 in 1 trillion match.

Pasheilich went to Rees home on March 2, 2020, to ask Rees what he recalled about Johnson and her slaying. Rees admitted to knowing Johnson and her family, but said he never had sex with Johnson or been involved with her.

Pasheilich asked Rees to voluntarily provide a DNA sample but he refused.

Nowadays, people have been incriminated on DNA, Rees said in the recorded interview.

Rees confesses, then attempts suicide, prosecutors say

About a week later, Pasheilich got a call from Tim Rees, Daniels brother, who said Daniel had confessed to him that he killed Johnson.

Tim Rees said his brother then tried to take his own life at a Springfield Township hotel.

On a full-length mirror in the hotel, prosecutors said, Rees wrote REDRUM, which is murder spelled backward and is the message a character in the horror classic The Shining saw in a mirror.

Daniel Rees wrote "REDRUM," which is murder spelled backward, on the mirror of the Springfield Township hotel room where prosecutors say he tried to take his life in March 2020 after he was questioned by detectives in a woman's 1991 killing.

Rees also wrote some random messages on notebook pages in the hotel, prosecutors said. God, please forgive me, he said in one and then signed his name. In another, he gave a list of contact numbers and said, Tell them all Im sorry.

A few notes featured song lyrics, including Got a good reason for taking the easy way out, a line from a Beatles song.

It was some bizarre stuff, said Assistant Prosecutor Jonathan Baumoel.

Rees took prescription drugs and alcohol and was found passed out in the hotel. He also had a gun, Baumoel said.

Pasheilich visited Rees at Summa Akron City Hospital, but Rees refused to talk to him and asked for a lawyer.

Pasheilich arrested Rees on March 11 and got a search warrant for his DNA. The detective said Rees DNA matched the sample from Johnsons autopsy.

Attorneys challenge Rees statement and DNA evidence

Rees attorneys challenged the admissibility of Rees statement and the DNA evidence collected from his trash and through the genealogy research.

Methods challenged: Defense attorneys challenge tactics used in cold-case investigation of 1991 murder

Joe Gorman and Erik Jones argued that this evidence violated Rees constitutional rights.

The attorneys said detectives should have read Rees his Miranda rights before questioning him and gotten a search warrant before extracting the DNA from items taken from Rees trash and prior to AdvanceDNA doing its research.

Baumoel, though, said Rees didnt have an expectation of privacy regarding trash left on his curb. He said AdvanceDNA used genealogical databases and other public information to provide detectives with potential leads in the case.

Ross, who took over Rees case in February after the original judge recused herself from the case, ruled May 3 that all this evidence could be presented at the trial.

This key evidence being permitted opened the way for talks of a plea deal.

Baumoel said Johnsons family was willing to accept Rees getting a 30-year-to-life sentence to be spared a trial.

Johnson's family members express their grief and anger

Several of Johnsons family members spoke during Rees plea and sentencing Friday, not mincing words about the grief and anger theyve carried for more than three decades.

I dont know what she smelled like, said Katelin Puzakulics, Rachaels daughter who was 2 when she was killed. I dont know what her hugs were like. I dont know what its like to have a mom.

Katelin Puzakulics, daughter of slain Rachael Johnson, points to Daniel Rees as she gives her impact statement during Rees' hearing Friday in Akron.

Puzakulics asked Rees to look at her when she addressed him.

I know you, but I dont know her! she said, pointing to Rees. What kind of hate did you have for her to make you do that? I just wish youd answer that.

Larry Johnson Jr., Rachaels brother, said he wishes Rees had gone to trial.

Rachael Johnson's brother, Larry Johnson, Jr., addresses Daniel Rees during his impact statement in Rees' plea and sentencing Friday.

I want you dead! he told Rees.

Leila Hanes, Rachaels sister, said she worked with Rees from 2007 to 2010 and he was her favorite co-worker. She said he told her he knew of her sister but didnt really know her.

Leila Hanes, sister of slain Rachael Johnson, calls Daniel Rees a monster during her impact statement in Akron.

He was enjoying getting away with murder, Hanes said. To know someones a monster is one thing. To find out youve been on a coffee break with one is another thing entirely.

To Rees, Hanes said, How dare you? Youre an abomination and a coward!

Gorman said Rees isnt the same person he was 30 years ago and didnt want the Johnson family to go through a trial. He said the likelihood is that Rees, who will be 90 when he first comes up for parole, wont leave prison.

This is a life sentence, Gorman said. He understood that walking in here.

Rees apologized to Johnsons family not just for her slaying but also for how he befriended them afterward.

I think that was the worst thing to do, he said.

Rees said he hopes that him being sentenced will help the family, especially knowing hell likely spend the rest of his days behind bars.

Daniel Rees is led out of the court after pleading guilty and being sentenced to life with the possibility of parole after 30 years.

Ross offered the Johnson family her condolences and said shes glad they wont have to go through the long process of a capital murder trial. She said she hopes they follow Puzakulicss lead and dont hold hate in their hearts.

That anger and hate in the heart  it does eat you alive from the inside, she said. When you forgive, its not saying what the person did was okay. Its saying you will not let it rule your heart.

Stephanie Warsmith can be reached at swarsmith@thebeaconjournal.com, 330-996-3705 and on Twitter: @swarsmithabj.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Daniel Rees accepts plea deal to avoid death penalty for 1991 murder
The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) steams through the Pacific Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Samuel Osborn)

The American Navy officially has 11 aircraft carriers, mostly Nimitz-class carriers with one Ford-class carrier. That's already almost as much as the rest of the world combined. But America also has a massive fleet of another type of ship with similar design and purpose to the old escort carriers of World War II: The amphibious assault ships. These amphibious assault ships are almost double the size of America's carrier fleet.

The changing definition of aircraft carrier

Lots of military terms shift over time. The original tanks had male and female variants, but female variants are now known as infantry support vehicles. In World War II, the growing importance of aircraft carriers led to changes in ship design and construction.

America's fleet carriers were highly effective and in high demand. But constructing ships is slow, costly, and prone to cost and time overruns. And the Navy needed more carriers than it had. But for many of the missions, a full fleet carrier was unnecessary. During missions to support amphibious assaults or to escort convoys, a smaller air arm was sufficient.

So the Navy came up with the idea for escort carriers, smaller vessels that could be mass-produced and deployed. It built 122 escort carriers, including 50 of the largest class of escort carriers, the Casablanca class.

Now, we can use the term "amphibious assault ships" for the vessels that provide air power for amphibious assaults, shuttle humanitarian supplies ashore, and hunt for enemy submarines.

Modern LHAs and LHDs

The Marine Corps and Navy operate the current amphibious assault ships. The Navy operates them in their amphibious ready groups and expeditionary strike groups, and the Marine Corps uses them in Marine expeditionary units and Marine expeditionary brigades.

As the Navy says of them:

Amphibious warships are designed to support the Marine Corps tenets of Operational Maneuver From the Sea (OMFTS) and Ship to Objective Maneuver (STOM). They must be capable of sailing in harm's way and enable rapid combat power buildup ashore in the face of opposition. Because of their inherent capabilities, these ships have been and will continue to be called upon to also support humanitarian and other contingency missions on short notice. The United States maintains the largest and most capable amphibious force in the world. Navy.mil

Story continues

PHILIPPINE SEA (Jan. 20, 2022) An SH-60K Sea Hawk helicopter from the Japan Martime Self-Defense Force ship JS Hyuga (DDH 181) lands on the flight deck of the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Matthew Bakerian)

The ships are split between LHAs and LHDs. Landing helicopter assault ships are capable of landing and humanitarian operations. They can carry helicopters and jets and, in those equipped with a well deck, hovercraft for beach landings. The Marine Corps experimented with maximizing the number of jets it deploys on LHAs, and it managed 16 F-35B Lightning IIs on the USS Tripoli. These "Lightning Carriers" can fight from the ship or re-deploy to bases ashore, once established.

The Landing helicopter docks are older but just as large as the LHAs. They carry similar equipment to the LHAs, and they used to be known as "Harrier Carriers," like the LHAs being "Lightning Carriers."

Either ship type is the same displacement as Indian aircraft carriers the INS Vikramaditya and Vikrant. Each of those ships displaces about 45,000 tons. France's carrier, the Charles de Gaulle, is smaller at 42,000 tons displaced. China's carriers are a little larger, with the Liaoning displacing just over 60,000 tons. That still puts the Chinese carrier closer to an LHA or LHD than to the Ford-class carriers, which displace 100,000 tons.

And if America counted the LHAs and LHDs as carriers, the U.S. carrier fleet would be 20 ships, more than the rest of the world combined.
A large haul of Roman storage containers were found in the wreckage

The wreckage of an ancient Roman ship from more than 2,000 years ago has been found off the coast of Italy.

The cargo ship was found off the port of Civitavecchia, about 50 miles (80km) north-west of Rome.

It dates from about the 1st or 2nd Century BC and was found laden with hundreds of amphorae - a type of Roman terracotta jar.

The pottery was found mostly intact, the Carabinieri police's art squad said in a statement.

The ship, estimated to be more than 20m long, was discovered on a sandy seabed 160m (525ft) below sea level.

"The exceptional discovery is an important example of the shipwreck of a Roman ship facing the perils of the sea in an attempt to reach the coast, and bears witness to old maritime trading routes," the Carabinieri said.

The police art squad - which is in charge of protecting Italy's priceless cultural heritage - said the relic was found and filmed using a remotely operated robot.

They did not say whether experts will now try and recover it, or its precious cargo, from the sea floor.

It is not known what the Roman jars on board would have been used for, although typically amphorae were used to transport goods, such as oil, wine or fish sauce. Such artefacts are widely found throughout the ancient eastern Mediterranean world.

The discovery of wrecked ships is not unusual - there are said to be thousands dotted around the Mediterranean.

In 2018, a Greek merchant ship dating back more than 2,400 years was found lying on its side off the Bulgarian coast - and was hailed as officially the world's oldest known intact shipwreck.

Also in 2018, dozens of shipwrecks were found in the Aegean sea dating back to the Greek, Roman and Byzantine eras.

You may also like
I might have met the most wonderful woman of my dreams. I could have had more children. But thats never going to happen now, it simply wont - Rii Schroer

In a maximum security prison, time moves slowly. Andrew Malkinson thought he would very likely die in prison. As the months turned into years and hope became a distant memory, two things kept him alive. The first: the thought of what it would do to his mother, Trish, if he were to die. The second: a fire that was still flickering somewhere inside him, spurring him on to sit tight and wait for the day he could clear his name. I thought, Im going to live and show them the truth someday, one day.

This week, when a judge spoke the words he had longed for nearly 20 years to hear, he began to shake, the final statement echoing in his ears: You can walk away a free man. It had been 7,298 days since Malkinson was plucked from his life and thrown into a hell from which he would not emerge for two decades. Until this week, he still bore the label: rapist. The worst thing a man could ever be accused of.

When we meet in his lawyers office in Clerkenwell, east London, the relief still hasnt quite kicked in. It has been 24 hours since his conviction was overturned and Malkinson is, more than anything, worn out. After his victory he came back here for a small celebration with his team (who he first approached to take him on in 2016) then went to his hotel, collapsing into an immediate sleep. Ive had it hanging over me for 20 years, he says. I was emotionally exhausted. Its such a long time coming.

That description barely does justice to the ordeal Malkinson has been through. During those years in prison, the idea of sitting with a journalist, eating a sandwich and being given the chance to tell his full story was a repetitious fantasy, he says. [I thought] if I ever, ever get through this theyre not getting away with it, Im not going to shut my mouth.

Ive always known Im innocent. The fact theyve overturned it is vindication, but theyre just confirming the earth isnt flat to me.

After serving 17 years in prison, the Court of Appeal was finally provided with new DNA material which, along with revelations of police failings, proved Malkinsons innocence - Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire

The first he knew of the crime for which he would be wrongfully jailed was on August 2 2003, when Greater Manchester Police (GMP) handcuffed him in Grimsby. He was 37 and muddling through life, going where the wind took him. Born in Grimsby, he had been living in the Netherlands for 10 years having spent much of his twenties backpacking. In the summer of 2003 he was back in Britain, picking up temporary work in Manchester as a security guard in a shopping centre.

Story continues

Two weeks before, a young mother had been raped and left for dead on a motorway embankment in Salford. She was strangled until unconscious, suffering a broken neck and fractured cheekbone. There was no DNA linking Malkinson to the attack; he was only known to police because two officers had recently pulled him over for riding on the back of an off-road motorbike. A description of the assailant did not match Malkinsons appearance. He was taller and had chest hair, while the victim said the attacker had none. Malkinson also lacked the Bolton accent she remembered, and bore no sign of the deep scratch she said would be on his face  shed scratched him so hard she had broken one of her nails.

The police investigation failed Malkinson at every turn. After his arrest, identity parade guidelines were breached when the victim and a witness were taken together to a late night police video line-up. The victim chose Malkinson while the witness picked another man, switching to Malkinson after leaving the room with a police officer. Six months later, the witnesss partner (who said he was driving with her the night of the attack) picked Malkinson too. This week, the judge said that in 2003, the jury were never informed that the couple had racked up 16 convictions and 38 offences between them. Malkinsons legal team, Appeal, also found evidence the male witness (who claimed to have been able to recognise a man he had seen six months previously, for a moment, through a window) was a long time heroin addict.

GMP also failed to disclose a crucial photograph showing the victims clearly broken nail, which would have supported her account. But the court case failed Malkinson too. At the trial, the judge invited the jury to consider the idea the victim could have misremembered the scratch. Another witness, who painted a picture of Malkinson in court as an oddball, revealed in 2021 that police had threatened her and her husband with arrest if they didnt appear as witnesses. She admitted that in fact, she was doubtful that Malkinson was truly the rapist.

Malkinson was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of seven years. Twenty years on, after serving 17 years, the Court of Appeal was finally provided with new DNA material which, along with revelations of police failings, proved Malkinsons innocence. The victims vest, knickers and bra had been destroyed by GMP after the trial, despite a court order requiring them to be preserved; in March 2021 Malkinsons legal team had uncovered small fragments of her clothing in an archive. These items held the DNA breakthrough needed to bring the case back before the courts and clear Malkinsons name.

For three years, Malkinson has occupied a strange kind of purgatory. He was released from HMP North Sea Camp in December 2020. But though he was relieved to no longer be behind bars, he was still imprisoned  the licence conditions he was released under were stringent.

Now 57, it is the sheer number of years Malkinson has lost that he finds hardest to cope with. He has a son (who he is understandably reluctant to talk about) but always wanted more children. I was 37, I was still a young man. Now Im 57. And I have been cheated, I have been left behind.

One can never say what might have happened to you. I might have met the most wonderful woman of my dreams. I could have had more children. At one point I wanted to have a daughter. But thats never going to happen now, it simply wont.

Malkinson has a gentle way of speaking and a ready smile. He wears a t-shirt with the word innocent emblazoned across it, camouflage shorts and sandals. He runs his left hand over his cropped hair continuously as he talks, and fidgets with his glasses. He is most at ease when his lawyers dog, Basil, a black spaniel, is close by angling for attention which he gives, gladly. Hes a real sweetie, arent you? He follows me everywhere.

It seems terribly sad that he cant see himself in a relationship again. He smiles kindly. Im used to it.

For the 17 years he spent behind bars, getting through each day was a battle. If youre innocent, its a vile thing to be subjected to for so long. Its an immensity of time. Most of those 20 years were inside, and inside time has no relation to outside time. Its a joyless existence.

In prison, he felt his horizons narrow. In maximum security, I looked forward to bang-up, because it meant I could just close the door and go to sleep immediately.

Sleep rarely came quickly. Instead, hed read. He ordered books about the justice system for the prison library, becoming an expert in ID parades and their flaws. When he couldnt focus on a book, hed switch on the television and watch something inane. Id source things that made me laugh, because I know that you get an endorphin kick out of laughter. Family Guy, 8 Out of 10 Cats. It might sound infantile but they cheered me up. A bit of irreverent humour  it just made you feel cheerful and connected.

Andrew says letters from loved ones gave him a window into normality - Rii Schroer

In his darkest moments, Stephen Hawkings writing became a source of comfort. He said we should be no more afraid of being dead than [we are of] the 13.8 billion years since the big bang, since a time existed when you didnt exist.

Hawking wrote of how short and precious life is, which brought home how much of Malkinsons own life had been stolen from him. Hawking said Im not afraid to die because its no experience whatsoever. You just cease to be. And I thought: yes, its a release.

There were moments when the prisoner fantasised about dying, confessing: I didnt want to experience any more pain. I wanted to not exist. He clung on however because I wanted to prove my innocence.

For the first seven years, a carrot was dangled over Malkinson, a get out of jail card handed to sex offenders willing to admit to their crimes. If you submit to addressing your offending behaviour by attending group therapy sessions, you stand a chance of getting out early. The thought was abhorrent to Malkinson, who knew a false confession would stick in my throat. I havent done anything, so I would have to go with the prosecution narrative and have my story picked apart by genuine paedophiles and rapists.

Theyve done terrible things. Youd have to listen to each of their horror stories. What kind of choice is that? I couldnt pretend that Id done something like that.

Though he desperately wanted to be released, he wouldnt admit to something he didnt do. He endured a further 10 years behind bars, almost three times the specified sentence.

In the very early days, his mother and other friends and family would visit. Eventually, he asked them not to come. Its too traumatic, and its another display of power that the screws have over you. Theyre enjoying it, theyre rubbing down your loved ones, treating them like criminals. I didnt want to subject my family to that.

It breaks prisoners hearts because you have to keep saying goodbye. Each time they visit theyre tearing you apart.

Andrew is relieved for his mother, Tricia, that she can now have some peace - Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire

He is scathing about the prison staff who gleefully made his life a living hell. Its incredibly hard to describe in ordinary language the ever present sense of oppression, he says. The sense that you are a pariah.

Malkinson was in a section for vulnerable prisoners. That sounds like you get extra care. Its the opposite. Youre the lowest of the low. Youre separated from the main population because youre hated so much.

At mealtimes, one orderly used to stare him down every day. Hed try his level best to intimidate you, he says.

Its psychological attrition. They wear you down. They want you to have the worst possible experience.

Malkinson describes himself as a pacifist. You dont have to spend much time in his company to see that for all his tattoos, he doesnt have an aggressive bone in his body. He felt constantly in danger in prison. You have to walk a fine line between maintaining your dignity and not appearing too wimpish, he says.

Showing fear is a big no no because you would be bullied forever. So you have to look them square in the face. Often I wouldnt say anything, Id just look at them.

Precious letters from loved ones helped him cope. It gives you a window into normality. Knowing they believed him mattered hugely. His former partner and great friend Karin, who lives in the Netherlands, stood by him. She knows me. If youve been with somebody for some years, you know each other intimately and you know very well someone is not capable of doing something like that.

Weekly lessons with a Buddhist minister also provided comfort. He was very kind, very calm and compassionate. It was always a joy to spend a brief hour with him once a week and meditate together.

He kept himself busy studying for an Open University degree in mathematics. Im a nerd, he smiles. I love mathematics.

Living on the outside has been a case of slow, careful acclimatisation. Malkinson has, quite understandably, had to learn to trust people again. People seem very nice. You have to adjust yourself from being totally mistrustful of peoples motives to slowly thinking, ah, this guys alright, I think. It takes a lot of effort to do that.

He has become practised, too, at presenting himself in as truthful-yet-unthreatening a way as possible.

He is determined to be open with people, but it isnt easy. You become very aware of how youre coming across. Youre hoping that its not visible that youve been so long in prison. Almost like its tattooed on your forehead or something, and youre not sure he trails off. Youre not sure about anything, really.

He lives on benefits in a seaside town, taking low paid jobs when he can get them. Finding work is often impossible  applying for a job is an exercise in bracing for judgment. He was thrilled to get an interview with the Post Office. I thought that would be a great job, delivering mail. Hed declared his convictions, but somehow they had gone overlooked. When they realised, they called the interview off. They wouldnt let me because it was too much contact with the public. They saw me as a danger to women.

You have to adjust yourself from being totally mistrustful of peoples motives to slowly thinking, ah, this guys alright, I think. It takes a lot of effort to do that - Rii Schroer

When he left prison, he began a masters in data science which he found so fascinating, particularly as it had been difficult to keep up with the advances in computer technology in the years hed been away. After the news of the DNA I had to defer because it was too much emotional overload.

Among all the many injustices in Malkinsons case, the one that is the hardest to bear is the idea that GMP systematically and wantonly destroyed evidence. It wasnt peripheral evidence, it was singularly important. The victims clothing and her underwear. Things even an imbecile knows will be useful for scientific testing.

I was apoplectic when I heard theyd done that. I thought, thats kind of evil.

At the time of his trial, Malkinson knew he was being set up but I didnt know how. His solicitor, Emily Bolton, who runs legal charity Appeal, has said previously the police got tunnel vision and should admit their original investigation got it wrong.

On Wednesday, in a statement outside court, her message to parliamentarians was clear: Reform these institutions. Make them transparent and accountable. Force them to apologise and learn the lessons from Andys case.

Otherwise, we will see more wrongful convictions, more trauma, more justice denied.

Malkinson can still recall those days after his arrest, which felt like a kidnapping, when police wouldnt listen to anything I said. Even then, he trusted justice would be done  how could he go down for something he didnt do? Ive always been trusting. I trusted in humanity.

How long did that trust last? Until they found me guilty. Then the world fell from under me.

DNA retrieved from the uncovered clothing has been matched to a man on the national database. On Tuesday, GMP said a 48-year-old man, who can be identified only as Mr B, had been arrested in Exeter in June and released under investigation. He lived near the scene of the attack.

Bolton hopes this is a watershed moment for cases like Malkinsons. The system in this country, she says, is structured to impede appeals. The route to exoneration in the US is more direct and better resourced. I would rather be wrongfully convicted in Louisiana than London.

Malkinsons ordeal is, in many ways, over. He is relieved for his mother that she can now have some peace. She was crying a lot yesterday, with joy, I suppose. Shes over the moon that its finally being put to rest.

There is still the matter of a civil case. He recently learned he could be forced to sacrifice a chunk of any compensation he may receive (which could take many years to reach him), to account for costs he would have incurred on the outside had he not been imprisoned. The idea of having to pay my torturers, when I heard about it, it just enraged me beyond... I almost couldnt cope with it, the idea. I thought thats so sick.

Proven innocents have to pay for their torture? What the hell? Are you serious?

For now though, all talk of future legal battles can wait. Tomorrow [Saturday, July 29], Malkinson will travel to the Netherlands, where Karin is waiting to welcome him home. She is really excited. Her father, who is in his eighties, started crying when he heard I was coming back. I was really touched by that.

He is desperate to leave the country for a while to try and heal myself, away.

Holland is an old familiar place that I have good memories of. Its home to me.

After everything he has been through, after the many years in a prison cell and the long battle to clear his name, who could deny him a chance to find his way home.

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.
Google's earthquake warning system for Android is supposed to provide notices in time to reach safety, but that might not have happened following the quake in Turkey on February 6th. BBC investigators claim that none of the hundreds of people they talked to in three Turkish cities received an alert before the first tremor hit. Only a "limited number" got an alert for a second tremor, investigators say.

In a statement to Engadget, Google says "millions" of people in Turkey received earthquake alerts, although the company hasn't shared data indicating widespread notifications. Google did show the BBC a handful of social media posts from people who said they received a warning, but only one was for the first quake. Product lead Micah Berman tells the outlet he doesn't have a "resounding answer" as to why social networks were quiet about alerts. A spokesperson tells Engadget the technology is "supplemental," though, and not meant to replace conventional warning systems.

The Android Earthquake Alert System uses the accelerometer (that is, motion sensing) in phones to effectively crowdsource warnings. If many phones vibrate at the same time, Google can use the collective data to find the epicenter and magnitude of the quake, automatically sending a warning to people who are likely to feel the brunt of the shaking. While there's no more than a minute's notice, that can be enough time to find cover or evacuate. The technology can theoretically help people in areas where normal warnings are unavailable.

The concern is that the system might have failed during a strong (7.8-magnitude) earthquake. Even if it worked, it's not clear how many people should and do receive warnings in cases like this, not to mention milder incidents. Without more data, it's not certain that Android's quake alerts will consistently reach enough people to have an impact.

Update 7/28 10:24AM ET: Google has issued a statement to Engadget with more details, including an emphasis that the alerts are supplemental. We've updated the story accordingly.
Brandon Overton and Nate Ressling know what to expect from a fishing trip.

The Texas anglers work in the charter industry, and they can often be found on the water, according to their social media accounts.

On a recent trip, Overton was napping while Ressling captained the boat, the pair told KHOU. Thats when Ressling spotted something in the water.

My first thought was a log and then a sea turtle because it kind of had a little fin, Ressling told the news outlet. It looked like the head of a giant sea turtle.

As the boat got closer to the creature, though, Ressling realized he was actually looking at a whale.

I dropped the throttle, and was like, God, theres a freaking whale right there, Ressling said in the interview.

He immediately woke Overton up, according to Chron.

I definitely thought I misheard him, Overton told the outlet. However, sure enough there was one about 100 yards from our starboard bow.

Ressling and Overton grabbed their cameras and started capturing photos and videos to document their once in a lifetime sighting of the whale, Overton said in a July 24 Facebook post.

He was sighted while trolling for billfish, Overton wrote in his post. Didnt hang around long, a few pics and videos and he was gone, headed south.

Overton shared photos and videos showing the creature diving in and out of the water.

Rices whales are a type of baleen whale and are considered one of the most endangered whales in the world, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Experts estimate there are fewer than 100 individuals left.

The whales live in the Gulf of Mexico and can grow up to 60,000 pounds and 41 feet long, the administration said.

Galveston is about 50 miles southeast of Houston.

Boaters get extraordinary surprise from elusive deep-sea creatures. See the photos

12-year-old hears whale spray  then captures once-in-a-lifetime moment with drone

Rare creature gives sailing students a heart-warming surprise in Hong Kong. See it
Qatar will work with Ukraine to implement the Ukrainian Peace Formula proposed by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Source: Zelenskyy in his evening video address on Friday, 28 July

Details: Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani was reportedly in Kyiv on Friday. He had "very fruitful" talks with the Ukrainian president.

Quote: "Most importantly, Qatar will be with us in implementing the Peace Formula, [siding with] joint global efforts. We agreed on cooperation for the return of Ukrainian children who were deported to Russia. We discussed the situation surrounding the Black Sea Grain Initiative...

Thanks to Qatar for the responsible position."

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!
Russias Rostov Oblast Governor Vasily Golubev has claimed that Russian air defence forces have shot down a missile in the Azov district of Rostov Oblast.

Source: Golubev on Telegram

Quote: "Air defence systems have shot down a second missile, this time in the Azov district. The aftermath is being established."

Details: The Russian MoD also claimed that their air defence system shot down a second missile. They alleged that it happened near the city of Azov.

The Russian authorities claim that the wreckage of the "destroyed Ukrainian missile" fell in a deserted area.

Background: According to Russian authorities and media reports, the first missile hit the centre of Taganrog, Rostov Oblast, which is located relatively close to the Azov district.

There was an intense explosion. Several buildings were damaged.

The Russian Defence Ministry claims that the Ukrainian Armed Forces were behind the attack and that Russian air defence systems intercepted the missile in mid-air, with only debris falling on the territory of Taganrog.

The media reported that the hit site in Taganrog is located about 10 km from a military airbase.

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!
Anti-feminist creator Pearl Davis on "Piers Morgan Uncensored." Piers Morgan Uncensored/YouTube

Pearl Davis deleted a tweet where she said 16-year-olds are "hotter" than 26-year-olds.

Davis found fame as an anti-feminist, and has been sharing increasingly controversial opinions.

But even some of her fans couldn't get behind her commenting on the attractiveness of minors.

Anti-feminist creator Pearl Davis deleted a tweet where she said 16-year-old girls are "hotter" than 26-year-old women after getting a strong backlash from the left and the right.

Davis, who has 1.6 million subscribers on YouTube, rose to fame this year when Andrew Tate was incarcerated in Romania, racking up followers with content similar to his championing what she called a male point of view.

Some of her clips included arguing that it's a woman's fault if her male partner cheats, that men should be able to hit women back, and that women don't deserve a man "who makes 6 figures" if they are obese.

"16 year old chicks are hotter than 26 year old chicks," Davis tweeted on Wednesday, sparking a big backlash.

She deleted it after her critics and fans alike took issue with it. She told Insider she did so because "people were putting words in my mouth."

"My god Pearl stop this for fucks sake what a weird thing to say," one person tweeted in response. "No they are not, if a 26 year old man is finding 16 year olds 'hot' then there is an issue with him."

"Is this real," Josie Glabach, better known as "The Redheaded Libertarian" asked, along with a screenshot of Pearl's post.

Glabach has previously given opinions that align her with Davis, arguing that women shouldn't vote because they are "emotional" and "train-wrecks." Davis recently shared similar views on a podcast, saying she didn't think women should have the right to vote, because men can be conscripted to fight in the US military and women cannot.

Right-wing journalist Cassandra MacDonald responded to Glabach's tweet, saying Davis "really creeps me out."

Story continues

"Yeah," said Glabach. "Adults shouldn't be talking about how 'hot' kids are."

The anti-feminist Twitter account "Women Posting L's" also shared Davis' tweet, which generated further discussion where people felt uncomfortable at her sentiment.

"I understand what she tried to say, but she literally could have just said 19 (Legal) instead of 16 (Minor)," one person wrote.

Another said Davis was "feeding the child sexual predators. Gross."

One person said he used to like Davis, but now she was "kinda coming off as weird."

"There was no explanation for that tweet yesterday," he said. "Not even sure an explanation would cover it tbh."

Davis first doubled down, saying "People tend to get uglier the older they get in general."

Davis also told Insider that she believes "most people are better looking when they're younger."

"I looked better at 16," she said. "By numbers alone most people are overweight or obese by 26."

According to data from the Centers of Disease Control, 39.8% adults in the US aged 20 to 39 years are obese.

"I deleted it because people were putting words in my mouth that I did not say like I was somehow advocating for dating underage women," Davis said. "No  the point was you are uglier the older you get typically especially for women."

H. Pearl Davis (@pearlythingz) July 26, 2023

Davis has cemented herself as a contrarian and free-speech promoter.

Some experts told Insider they doubt the sincerity of her views, given that creators are often rewarded with bigger platforms and greater earning potential for more extreme views. Davis previously told Insider that she does not exaggerate her views.

Nonetheless, many audience comments on Davis' content also doubted her.

"This woman's troll game is strong," one person replied to Davis' tweet.

"This is what it's like to do anything for attention," another said, advising parents to "love your kids so much that they don't grow up to need this kind of validation."

Whether her true beliefs or not, Davis has been ramping up the controversy recently. She appeared on "Piers Morgan Uncensored" earlier this week to defend herself over more deleted content  an antisemitic song called "Why Can't We Talk About The Jews."

Davis said the song, which asks why creators "can't talk" abut Jewish people and the Holocaust "without getting kicked off YouTube," was about "cancel culture."

"It was more about, you can't talk about this topic without getting canceled by the left and the right," she said.

Attorney Brooke Goldstein, the founder of End Jew Hatred, was on the show to debate Davis and said she was "engaging in hate speech."

"The crisis is this is what's profitable now," Goldstein said. "This clickbait, this kind of racial incitement, it's profitable on the internet."

Read the original article on Insider
Sarah Galloway supports former President Donald Trump, but questions his approach to COVID-19 vaccines.

I didnt take it, I dont want my family to take it, Galloway, who is married with three children, said of the COVID shot.

Galloway wants Trump to emulate Gov. Ron DeSantis, who initially promoted the vaccines before voicing increasing skepticism toward what he calls the jab.

DeSantis, he originally said everybody should go get vaccinated  then he did a full circle switch and Im like Sweet, Im glad hes understanding this. Why isnt Trump understanding this?" Galloway said recently after attending a GOP meeting where she lives in Southwest Florida.

Galloways vaccine views are common in the GOP.

Despite the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommending vaccination against COVID-19 for everyone six months and older, and insisting that the benefits outweigh any risks, just 40% of Republicans believe that and a third arent vaccinated, according to a recent Pew survey.

That deep COVID vaccine skepticism is permeating the presidential primary. It has become a leading topic of discussion for some candidates, making 2024 a watershed moment for the anti-vaccine movement.

Increasingly prominent in that movement is DeSantis, who may be the most influential public official in the country who has so thoroughly embraced anti-vaccine views. He is highlighting the issue on the campaign trail, questioning the safety of the COVID shot at recent events in Iowa and New Hampshire.

There are other public figures who are more closely associated with vaccine criticism, such as Democratic presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., but none with the stature of DeSantis, the governor of the third largest state and a top contender for the GOP presidential nomination, trailing only Trump.

DeSantis posture towards the COVID vaccines began to shift just as buzz started increasing about his presidential prospects, and fits into a broader pattern of the governor positioning himself to the right of Trump on a host of issues.

Story continues

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis watches as nurse Christine Philips left, administers the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for COVID-19 to Vera Leip, 88, a resident of John Knox Village, Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2020, in Pompano Beach, Fla. Nursing home residents and health care workers in Florida began receiving the vaccine this week.

DeSantis' vaccine position doesnt appear to be peeling away many Trump voters yet  the former president dominates in the polls  but he is tapping into an issue that has significant resonance on the right, and could help him make the case he is more in tune with the GOP base.

Public health experts are deeply worried, though.

The embrace of the anti-vaccine movement by major political figures such as DeSantis, and the movements growth, could have profound health impacts going forward if skepticism toward all vaccines increases.

That can have huge problematic downstream consequences against the protection of society against various vaccine-preventable diseases, said Timothy Callaghan, a professor of health policy and politics at Boston University who studies vaccine hesitancy.

The governor's campaign did not respond to a request for comment on this story.

'A really historic day'

Developed during the Trump administration under the Operation Warp Speed program, a pair of COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna were granted emergency use authorization by the Food and Drug Administration in December of 2020, less than a year after the first COVID case was confirmed in the United States.

DeSantis participated in a news conference at Tampa General Hospital on Dec. 14, 2020 where a nurse was one of the first people in Florida to receive a COVID vaccine.

Today was a really historic day, DeSantis said at the time.

Florida already had more than one million COVID cases at that point, and 20,133 deaths related to the virus.

DeSantis toured the state relentlessly over the next weeks and months, often appearing at multiple vaccination sites a day to tout the shot.

On Jan. 22, 2021, DeSantis held an event broadcast live on Fox News where a World War II veteran became the one millionth vaccinated Florida senior. DeSantis was vaccinated in April of that year, receiving the one dose Johnson & Johnson shot.

Before taking the vaccine, DeSantis played up its effectiveness amid reports that the J&J shot didnt confer as much protection as other vaccines.

In reality, it was 100% effective at preventing death and a serious illness, hospitalization, DeSantis said, adding: "Were trying to save lives, and thats what the J&J has been proven to do.

It wasnt long before DeSantis approach to the COVID vaccine began to change, though.

DeSantis called the Florida Legislature into special session in November of 2021 to pass a series of bills aimed at undermining a federal rule requiring employees at larger companies to get vaccinated or submit to weekly COVID tests.

Nobody in Florida should be losing their jobs over these jabs, DeSantis declared.

In this screenshot, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis appears on Fox & Friends chaperoning 100-year-old Henry Sayler as he gets what DeSantis said may be the millionth senior COVID-19 vaccination in the state.

DeSantis also hired Dr. Joseph Ladapo  a COVID vaccine critic  as the states new surgeon general and declined to say during a Fox News interview whether hed received the booster shot.

Anti-vaccine crusader

DeSantis flirtation with the anti-vaccine movement became a full-blown embrace in 2022.

Last May, Florida became the first state in the nation to recommend that healthy children not be vaccinated against COVID-19, stunning many health professionals around the state.

Then, in October, Ladapos office announced it conducted a study determining men ages 18 to 39 are at higher risk of developing a heart condition if they take the COVID vaccine, and recommended they not get the shot.

Leading health experts said the studys methodology was flawed, and it later was revealed that Ladapo edited the study to remove data that contradicted his conclusions.

That was roundly refuted by the scientific community, said Dr. Paul Offit, a vaccine expert at Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia, who served on the Food and Drug Administration advisory panel that approved the COVID vaccines. That should have been an embarrassment to (DeSantis) and his surgeon general.

Yet DeSantis continues to reference the study, mentioning it a town hall event recently in New Hampshire, which Offit called "shameful."

You dont get to make it up," Offit said.

In December, DeSantis held a roundtable discussion with contrarian doctors and scientists who questioned the safety of COVID vaccines.

DeSantis announced that he was requesting a statewide grand jury probe of vaccine manufacturers to investigate potential "crimes and wrongdoing committed against Floridians related to the COVID-19 vaccine.

DeSantis launched his presidential campaign a few months later. Having a top presidential candidate championing anti-vaccine sentiment appears to be unprecedented.

Its a frightening notion for those who have dedicated their careers to easing vaccine hesitancy.

Its scary as hell that vaccines have become this political, said Professor Richard Carpiano, a professor of public policy at the University of California Riverside who studies vaccine hesitancy. They never should have been political to begin with, but the fact its some sort of leveraged issue thats up there with immigration, crime  thats scary.

Campaign highlights COVID views

DeSantis is tapping into a deep GOP skepticism toward the COVID vaccines.

During a town hall event in New Hampshire on June 27, a woman in the crowd told DeSantis that she and her husband had been vaccinated and our health hasnt been the same since.

The audience member asked DeSantis how he would ensure were getting accurate and truthful information so people arent forced into a decision based on fear.

DeSantis took the opportunity to slam the CDC and FDA and raise concerns about the vaccines. He noted that television advertisements for prescription drugs include potential health risks.

They list all the possible side effects, right? DeSantis said. I mean thats how they do the drug commercials, and yet theyre having us believe that the COVID jab had nothing at all that ever came? Thats a lie and we all know it.

Public health authorities have warned of potential side effects from COVID vaccines, but say they tend to be relatively minor and point to data indicating these risks are outweighed by the benefits of being vaccinated, which significantly lowers the chances of hospitalization or death.

DeSantis continues to question the safety of the shots, though, telling former Fox News host Tucker Carlson during an interview in Iowa on July 14 that: the fact that they censored dissent on COVID means that some people took some of these booster shots when they didnt need to and they ended up having an adverse reaction. So it had major, major impact.

Polling data shows how vaccines views increasingly correlate with an individuals political affiliation.

According to a Pew survey released in May, 70% of U.S. adults who havent received the COVID vaccine are Republican.

Among Americans 65 and older, just 3% of Democrats arent vaccinated compared to 20% of Republicans.

Vaccine hesitancy has been around since the invention of vaccines, experts say, but it has never been this partisan.

Offit, who wrote a book about the anti-vaccine movement, noted that anti-vaccine leagues formed to oppose the Small Pox vaccine in the 1800s. More recently, anti-vaccine sentiment has been stoked by the debunked claim that vaccines cause autism.

Historically, vaccine critics could be found on both the right and left.

Now it has shifted wildly to the right, Offit said, noting: This is the first disease virus in humankind where you are more likely to die based on your political affiliation."

Studies suggest politics of vaccine led to more deaths

On Monday, the Journal JAMA Internal Medicine published a study backing up that partisan divide.

It determined that the politicization of the vaccine may be the cause of a higher rate of excess deaths among registered Republicans in Florida and Ohio during the pandemic. Yale University researchers examined the deaths among Democrats and Republicans when the vaccine was released and recommended for all adults in April 2021 and cross-linked the data to party registration records.

While the study did not directly attribute the excess mortality to COVID-19, researchers found partisan "factors in the severity and trajectory of the pandemic.

A recent New York Times investigation also concluded that while the states death rate during the pandemic ended up better than the national average, DeSantis' approach to vaccinations "proved deeply flawed" as he went from supporting vaccines to deriding them.

"While Florida was an early leader in the share of residents older than 65 who were vaccinated, it had fallen to the middle of the pack by the end of July 2021. When it came to younger residents, Florida lagged behind the national average in every age group," the story stated.

"That left the state particularly vulnerable when the delta variant hit that month. Floridians died at a higher rate, adjusted for age, than residents of almost any other state during the delta wave, according to the Times analysis. With less than 7% of the nations population, Florida accounted for 14% of deaths between the start of July and the end of October."

The Times found that the vast majority of the 23,000 Floridians who died were either unvaccinated or had no completed the two-dose inoculation despite DeSantis declaring that "our entire vulnerable population has basically been vaccinated. About 9,000 of those who died were younger than 65.

More: Who is running for president in 2024 election? Closer look at every candidate so far.

GOP embraces anti-vax views

Criticism of the vaccines is particularly strong in far-right circles, but has been moving closer to the GOP mainstream.

The Republican Party in Brevard County, Florida, passed a resolution earlier this month describing the COVID vaccines as biological and technological weapons and asking DeSantis to ban them in Florida.

Similar resolutions have been approved by GOP officials in at least seven other counties around Florida.

Michael Flynn, Trumps first national security adviser and an influential figure on the far right who lives in Sarasota county in Southwest Florida, recently started 4thePURE, a website devoted to connecting unvaccinated people for dates, blood donations and even fertility issues.

Vic Mellor, a close associate of Flynns who also lives in Sarasota County, is financing a health care clinic  We The People Clinic  in Venice that will cater to people who are unvaccinated.

Theres very few pediatricians in the area that dont talk or require the jab, Mellor said, adding: Kids absolutely should not be getting vaccinated, its criminal if you ask me.

Flynn and Mellor are Trump supporters, but Mellor wants Trump to come out forcefully against the COVID vaccine, which he has shied away from discussing.

Beyond flu shots: Older Americans to access more vaccines than ever. Will they take them?

Asked by Fox News host Bret Baier in June if the COVID vaccines worked, Trump said I really dont want to talk about it because, as a Republican, its not a great thing to talk about.

Pressed by Baier, Trump said people love the vaccines and people hate the vaccines.

Mellor said Trumps vaccine position is a liability.

The vaccines, Im not going to say its not hurting Trump right now, Mellor said. He has to come out and say something, a different stance, a stronger stance. Come out and tell the truth. Everyone would understand I was listening to my experts, the experts were wrong.

Do vaccines drive votes?

Flynn and Mellor have supported a surge in far-right political activity in Sarasota County that included an effort to takeover Sarasota Memorial Hospital, a public hospital.

A trio of conservative candidates running on a health freedom platform won seats on the hospital board and pushed for an audit of COVID policies.

Dr. Richard Rehmeyer, a long-time Republican, lost his seat on the SMH board to a health freedom candidate.

Rehmeyer noted that SMH had to dramatically expanded the number of intensive care unit beds during the height of the pandemic to treat severely ill COVID patients, and most of the COVID patients were unvaccinated.

Staff members were absolutely breaking their back working double and triple shifts trying to keep people alive and the people they were trying to keep alive were the ones who refused to get the vaccine, he said. How do you think psychologically that felt?

That politicians such as DeSantis have stoked anti-vaccine sentiment is disgusting said Rehmeyer, a retired ear, nose and throat surgeon.

Its not clear that anti-vaccine politics will end up helping DeSantis.

New Hampshire GOP Chair Chris Ager said DeSantis vaccine views are in tune with many GOP primary voters.

It may be one of his strongest points that resonates with a lot of people, whether theyre his supporters or not, Ager said.

But polls indicate that COVID isnt a top issue for primary voters, and Ager said thats been his experience talking to voters. That could be a big problem for DeSantis, whose reputation largely was built on his COVID policies.

It doesnt appear to be at the top of the list for most people, Ager said.

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Florida Gov. DeSantis now one of nation's top COVID, vaccine skeptics
The City of Atlanta is mourning one of its officers who died in an off-duty motorcycle crash on a busy South Fulton road.

Channel 2 Action News confirmed with Atlanta Police Department that Officer Bennie Hardeman died Thursday night.

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of one of our very own, Officer Bennie D. Hardeman.

This is not only a significant loss for his family and close friends, but also for his APD family. He was a hard worker who loved his job and co-workers. Officer Hardeman was a kind spirit, with an unforgettable smile, and a charming personality.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Around 10:30 p.m., South Fulton police responded to a crash involving a motorcycle and another vehicle on Camp Creek Parkway near Butner Road.

South Fulton investigators have not released details surrounding what led up to the crash.

TRENDING STORIES:

APD hired Hardeman in April 2019 and he had four years of service in the city for the Zone 5 traffic unit.

In January 2021, APD shared a story about one of Hardemans acts of kindness.

A womans car broke down in midtown and Hardeman stayed with her until a tow truck could arrive. The womans daughter sent the officer a note thanking him for his help and how the her mother was going through chemotherapy.

Atlanta Police Officer Bennie Hardeman from Zone 5 was touched when he received a thank you card from the daughter of a... Posted by City of Atlanta Police Department on Friday, January 29, 2021

Earlier this month, Hardeman received the Excellence Award. Back in April 2021, Hardeman also received a Rise Up Award, nominated as the most improved officer in the Tactical Traffic Crime Reduction Unit by his colleagues.

Arrangements for Hardemans memorial service have not been announced.

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]

IN OTHER NEWS
Argentinian President Alberto Fernandez (R) and NASA Administrator Bill Nelson pose for a picture Thursday in Buenos Aires in celebration of the South American country joining the Artemis Accords. Photo courtesy of Argentina's Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation

July 28 (UPI) -- Argentina has become the 28th nation to sign NASA's Artemis Accords, which establishes the guiding principles for space exploration.

Daniel Filmus, minster of science, technology and innovation for the South American nation, signed the agreement Thursday at the Casa Rosada in Buenos Aires as Argentinian President Alberto Fernandez and NASA Administrator Bill Nelson looked on.

The non-binding agreement, which sets the principles for the peaceful exploration of space for the benefit of all, was created in 2020 with eight founding members as part of NASA's Artemis program that seeks to send the first woman and the next man to the lunar surface in 2024.

According to NASA, accord signatories are to play key roles in achieving "a sustainable and robust presence" on the Moon within the decade amid preparations for a Mars mission.

The Argentinian officials on Thursday described their signing of the agreement as an important step in moving their own space development plans forward.

"Argentina is one of the few countries in the southern hemisphere, and the only one in the region, that is in a position to develop its own satellite and space policy," Filmus said during Thursday's press conference.

"What we have discussed is how Argentina joins the Artemis project and how from this we are going to deepen our bond and our country is going to continue developing the space program in a sovereign way, with great concern for scientific and technological development," he said.

La Argentina adhirio a los Acuerdos Artemisa, suscrito entre @NASA y @CONAE_Oficial, para la cooperacion internacional en exploracion civil y uso pacifico de la Luna, Marte y objetos astronomicos. Asi lo hicimos durante la reunion con el administrador de la NASA, @SenBillNelson. pic.twitter.com/uprwUOsLlC Alberto Fernandez (@alferdez) July 27, 2023

Nelson added that the signing also coincides with the United States and Argentina marking two centuries of diplomatic relations this year.

Story continues

"We know our partnership over the next century will be deepened by discoveries made together in space," he said in a statement. "Along with our fellow Artemis Accords signatories, the United States and Argentina are setting a standard for 21st century exploration and use of space.

"As we explore together, we will explore peacefully, safely and transparently."

More nations are expected to sign onto the accords.

Last month, India and Ecuador separately signed the agreement and Spain joined in late May.

"The United States and Argentina have a long history of cooperating in space, including in space geodetic research; satellite-based Earth observations; and in bilateral trade and investment in space-related goods and services," the U.S. State Department said Thursday in a statement.

"Through the Artemis Accords, our nations share a common understanding and approach to safe and sustainable exploration and use of outer space."
HAVRE, Mont. (AP)  A man was detained and questioned by police and his Montana apartment searched as authorities tried to piece together the mysterious disappearance and sudden reappearance this week of Alicia Navarro, who was 14 when she vanished from her Arizona home four years ago.

Police on Friday provided no details about Wednesdays search or the identity of the man, who was released. But Garrett Smith, who lives in the apartment next to the one that was searched, said for at least a year Navarro lived there with the man who was questioned. He described them as quiet and said he hasnt seen the man since the night police were there.

Navarros whereabouts were revealed Sunday when she showed up at the Havre police station and told officers she wanted her name removed from the missing persons list. Police in Glendale, Arizona, the community where she lived before disappearing, held a news conference Wednesday to announce that shed been found.

Outside of a brief video appearance at the news conference, Navarro has said nothing publicly. On Friday, an Associated Press reporter knocked on the door of the apartment that was searched in Montana and the woman who opened it said she wanted to be left alone. The woman didnt give her name but looked and sounded like Navarro.

Police had not made any arrests as of Friday night and questions remained about how she got there, who she has been with and what she has been doing since she ran away.

Authorities in both states arent saying much and neither is Alicia Navarro's family or a private investigator they hired. Navarro has seen and spoken to her mother, Jessica Nunez, remotely but they have not been reunited in person.

Glendale police spokesperson Gina Winn said that a person was temporarily detained for questioning Wednesday and released as Glendale detectives executed a search warrant in Havre.

That was the purpose of the search warrant, to interview a person, she said.

Story continues

Three other people in Havre have been questioned, she said. She declined to name the people who were interviewed and would not specify whether detectives are still in the Montana town. Winn said authorities are working to determine what happened over the past four years and whether a crime occurred and someone could be held accountable.

Kidnapping is among the possible scenarios, Glendale police Lt. Scott Waite said earlier this week.

Asked why Nunez hasn't traveled to Montana to see her daughter, private investigator Trent Steele, who assisted Nunez in the search for Navarro through the Miami-based nonprofit Anti-Predator Project, said Nunez was attending to her other children at home in metropolitan Phoenix as the investigation unfolds in Montana. He also alluded to another dynamic.

They need to keep Alicia close - the law enforcement officers who are currently working the investigation. And until they are done with what they need, they need to keep her close, Steele said. It has nothing to do with family dynamics.

Police in Havre and Steele said when Navarro, 18, walked into the city's police department, she also talked about wanting to move forward in life as an adult, including getting a driver's license. She appeared to be fine and in good health, according to police.

One of the biggest questions remains: How did she end up nearly 1,400 miles (2,253 kilometers) away from her childhood home in Glendale, Arizona, in far northern Montana?

Police have said Navarro told them she hadnt been harmed, wasnt being held, and could come and go as she pleased. She does not face any criminal charges, they added.

In Havre  a town of about 9,200 people surrounded by farmland  Navarros story had residents buzzing even though most had never seen or heard of her. It also piqued interest when a team of heavily armed law enforcement officers entered an apartment and took a man into custody just a few blocks from the Havre police station Wednesday night, witnesses told The Associated Press.

As many as 10 uniformed and undercover officers showed up around 8 p.m. and took him away in handcuffs. The man had been living in the apartment, said Rick Lieberg, who lives across the street.

A young woman, who resembled Navarro, later emerged from the apartment  one of six units in an aging building in a residential neighborhood  who Lieberg said he had not previously seen.

A person who works at the Dollar Tree in Havre, Jeff Hummert, said he saw a young woman resembling a photograph of Navarro last year in a city park just up the street from the apartment police searched Wednesday. She was walking alone and carrying a plastic Walmart bag, Hummert said.

Theories about how Navarro came to be in Montana topped the conversation Friday among the regulars at a coffee shop inside Gary & Leos IGA, a grocery store in downtown Havre. With scant details from authorities, most of the talk  about Navarros possible destination and whether she was being coerced  was conjecture, said former county Coroner Steve Sapp, who joined the discussion.

When youre in law enforcement, all these different stories about what happened make it hard to tell which story is really true, Sapp said. I would really like to know more.

When Navarro disappeared in 2019, days shy of her 15th birthday, she left a note for her family promising she would return.

I will be back, I swear, the note read. Im sorry.

The years Navarro has been gone have been agonizing for Nunez, who never stopped searching for her daughter. She paid for a billboard ad in Mexico that featured a photo of her daughter for a year and bought 10 more ads in Las Vegas. She spoke at events and gave media interviews to raise awareness. She left flyers around Glendale  at salons, truck stops, parks.

Over the years, Nunez had raised concerns that Navarro, who was diagnosed with autism, may have been lured away by someone she met online. Police have emphasized their efforts to afford privacy to Navarro even as investigations move forward.

She is an adult, so its up to her whether or not she wants to go home, Winn said.

In brief video clips that Glendale police released shortly after she arrived at the Havre police station, Navarro thanked authorities for offering to help her and said: No one hurt me."

Nunez declined an interview request. But for years, she had documented her efforts to find her daughter on a Facebook page titled Finding Alicia and an audio podcast. In an emotional video posted Wednesday, Nunez said "For everyone who has missing loved ones, I want you to use this case as an example. Miracles do exist. Never lose hope and always fight.

Nunez had amassed a loyal following on social media throughout the years while sharing inspirational quotes, photos of Navarro as a young child and posts addressed directly to her daughter.

Alicia I know you will fulfill what you promised, Nunez wrote in one post. You will be back.

___

Lee reported from Santa Fe, New Mexico. Associated Press reporter Rio Yamat in Las Vegas contributed to this story.
YEREVAN, Armenia (AP)  Armenia's authorities on Friday called on the countrys international allies to put pressure on Azerbaijan after accusing it of carrying out a three-day blockade of humanitarian aid to Nagorno-Karabakh.

The accusations mark another flashpoint in the tense relationship between Armenia and Azerbaijan which have fought over the breakaway region for decades.

The Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister, Vahan Kostanyan, accused Azerbaijan of blocking the so-called Lachin Corridor and demanded international allies step in to allow 19 trucks with 400 tons of humanitarian aid to pass. According to Armenian authorities, the trucks have been stuck there since the evening of July 26.

The additional pressure of our international partners on Baku is very important. We have heard statements from our various colleagues, but we dont think this is enough, he said.

Kostanyan previously also accused Azerbaijan of ignoring a ruling by the International Court of Justice ordering Azerbaijan authorities to ensure unimpeded movement in the Lachin Corridor, the only road from Armenia into Nagorno-Karabakh.

The ongoing dispute over the road has impeded food supplies to the region and aggravated tensions between Azerbaijan and Armenia, which have fought two wars since the end of Soviet rule.

Nagorno-Karabakh had substantial autonomy under the Soviet Union and came under control of ethnic Armenian forces backed by the Armenian military in 1994 at the end of years of separatist fighting. Armenian forces also took sizable territory surrounding Nagorno-Karabakh itself.

In 2020, Azerbaijan regained most of that surrounding territory and pieces of Nagorno-Karabakh itself in a war which killed about 6,800 soldiers. Under a Russia-brokered armistice, transit along the Lachin Corridor was to continue under the guarantee of Russian peacekeepers.

According to Armenian media, trucks and foreign diplomats are currently in the village of Kornidzor on Armenias border with Nagorno-Karabakh, which is at one end of the Lachin Corridor.

Azerbaijans Foreign Ministry said that it viewed Armenias attempt to send a convoy to Nagorno-Karabakh under the guise of humanitarian aid as a violation of Azerbaijans territorial integrity and sovereignty. Azerbaijan also accuses Armenia of smuggling weapons into Nagorno-Karabakh.

The latest flare-up comes weeks following talks in Brussels and Washington aimed at calming tensions between the two countries after Azerbaijan opened a checkpoint on the Lachin Corridor in April. At that point, the road had already been blocked for four months by demonstrators who were protesting what they claimed to be illegal mining and other ecological abuses by Armenians in the area.
Authorities issued an arrest warrant Thursday for the husband of a woman missing in George County, the sheriffs office said.

Jacob Kyle McIntosh, 32, of Lucedale is wanted in connection with the disappearance of his wife, Kayla Brooke Crawford.

Crawford, 31, of Lucedale has been missing since March and her husband is now wanted on a first-degree murder charge, according to a news release from the George County Sheriffs Office.

Family members first reported Crawford missing on March 31, the release said. Authorities said they conducted a ground search involving many different agencies in effort to find Crawford, but the release did not specify whether that search was successful or why McIntosh is wanted on a charge of first-degree murder.

The release said McIntosh is considered armed and dangerous. He has tattoos, including the word Kayla on his chest, Jace on his stomach and FTW on his right arm, according to the release. Authorities also said he may be driving a black 2003 Harley Davidson Sportster 1200 with an Alabama license plate #180775M, which is registered to Crawford.

He also has a warrant for failure to appear for drug court.

The sheriffs office said the investigation is ongoing and urged anyone who encounters McIntosh to not approach him and call 911. They urged anyone with information to call the George County Sheriffs Office at 601-947-4811.
For decades, a building at 3143 Cass Ave., near Peterboro Street in Detroit was a major center for Asian American communities and businesses, part of what was once a thriving Chinatown.

Built in 1883, it was home to the Chinese Merchants Association, hosting cultural events and a health clinic that helped immigrant families. Forty years ago, the Asian American group American Citizens for Justice, formed after the 1982 killing of Vincent Chin, gathered in the building to name their group and elect officers who led Asian Americans in civil rights struggles that drew national attention.

But now, the aging building with a dilapidated roof is in need of repairs and may be demolished by Olympia Development of Michigan, the Ilitch family organization's real estate firm. The possible demolition of one of the last sites of Chinatown has alarmed Asian American advocates in Michigan, who are asking the city of Detroit to halt the demolition for now and consider designating it a historical site worthy of preservation. Located just west of Woodward Avenue, it's part of the Cass Corridor area, which has seen increasing development.

Roland Hwang, a Northville attorney, helped found American Citizens for Justice, an Asian American advocacy group in metro Detroit, after the killing of Vincent Chin in Highland Park in 1982. He is photographed in June 2008.

"If it becomes a historical district, the building probably has sound bones on the outside, the exterior," said Roland Hwang, a Northville attorney who is president of American Citizens for Justice and worked to publicize the Chin case in the 1980s. "The roof has collapsed, but parts of it can be preserved, at least. And I think the exterior could be preserved, so that it serves as a reminder of our past, our legacy ... to preserve at least a reminder of the building and its existence."

Hwang's call is echoed by state Sen. Stephanie Chang, D-Detroit, the first Asian American woman elected to the Michigan Legislature. Chang, whose district includes the building, sent a letter Wednesday to David Bell, director of Detroit's Buildings, Safety, Engineering, and Environmental Department, asking for a pause to any plans for demolition of the building, noting its historic significance.

Story continues

More: Asian Americans who sparked national movement after Vincent Chin's death continue fighting

"For many Asian Americans in and around the city of Detroit, this building represents where many of their relatives first placed their roots," Chang wrote. "Located in the center of what is historically known as Chinatown, this property began as a residence in 1883 and was eventually purchased by the Chinese Merchants Association in 1963. ... served as a welcoming space for Chinese immigrants who decided to make Detroit home. Community gatherings, religious celebrations, and educational activities were hosted at this building as a way to unite residents."

Detroit has one of the lowest percentages of immigrants and Asian Americans among large cities in the U.S. It has struggled to attract foreign-born residents amid discussions about how the city can stem its declining population. Much of the region's Asian American population is now in the suburbs around Detroit, making up close to 30% of the residents in Troy and Novi. Some advocates said they are hoping to revive the former Chinatown in Detroit into a possible new Pan-Asian center with diverse businesses. Other cities, such as Seattle, have worked to preserve and develop their Chinatown areas that helped them grow, Hwang noted. Detroit should try to do the same, community leaders said.

Curtis Chin, an author and filmmaker whose family ran Chung's, a popular Chinese restaurant near the building that closed in 2000, said he understands the need for Detroit to develop, but said pausing the demolition for now could help prompt a discussion about the location's future.

"Halt it for a month or two," Chin told the Free Press. "What is wrong with pausing? Why such a mad rush right now?"

Let us have a "chance to have this conversation" before any action is taken, Chin suggested.

Chin has a new book to be released in October that includes his memories of the area around the building titled "Everything I Learned, I Learned in a Chinese Restaurant." He wrote and produced a 2009 documentary about the Chin case, "Vincent Who?"

He remembers his grandparents holding their 50th anniversary wedding celebrating in the Cass Avenue building, one of many memories local Asian Americans have. In addition to Chinese Americans, the area around the building had residents of Filipino, Indian and Afghani descent, Chin said.

Detroit City Councilwoman Gabriela Santiago-Romero has also been outspoken in calling for a pause of any demolition.

On Tuesday, the city council voted unanimously to halt any demolition of the historic building, but the city's top attorney said the council has no legal authority to block it.

"This morning, the law department issued its opinion, which confirmed that a council resolution expressing its wish that the demolition be delayed has no legal force or effect and does not take precedent over the interests of public safety," Bell, the city's building director, said in a statement Wednesday.

Olympia Michigan did not return a message Thursday seeking comment. John Roach, a spokesman for Detroit, did not return an email seeking comment.

More: Detroit top lawyer: Council vote has no 'legal impact' to halt razing Ilitch building

It's unclear what the plans are for the site if the building were demolished. Some are concerned it will become just a parking lot. The Ilitches have been criticized by some over the years for building too many parking lots.

"I think we're talking about long-term preservation of a historic building, versus yet another bunch of asphalt, paving, or even just gravel," Hwang said.

This building at 3143 Cass Ave. is slated for demolition and was once known as a major center for Chinese American and other Asian American communities in Detroit. It was at the heart of the city's Chinatown.

Other community leaders have expressed support for halting demolition.

"I really hope that a conversation begins that will result in the celebration of this historic structure dating back to 1883, our Chinese community's history and our own special Chinatown," said Roy Freij, former Wayne County deputy treasurer and current director of community engagement with the Cultural Exchange Network of Detroit and SE Michigan, a group formed in the 1990s to help promote racial unity and the growth of Detroit. "Hopefully, this concern over the historic Chinatown hall can be an opportunity for folks to think creatively about a win-win scenario beneficial to all parties."

Rising Voices, an Asian American advocacy group in Detroit, issued a statement Wednesday asking for the building to be preserved.

"We call on the city to work with the developers and community members to preserve and explore options to restore the building back to its original function of providing a nurturing gathering place for the local community, Jasmine Rivera, co-executive director of Rising Voices, said.

Chang worries the razing of the building could hurt Detroit's attempts to grow its Asian American community.

"The destruction of this building will have a significant negative impact on this community and destroy whatlittle remnants we have left of Detroits old Chinatown," she wrote. "There have been numerous historic buildings around the city successfully repaired and renovated, and this building should be considered for such efforts."

City Hall reporter Dana Afana contributed to this report.

Contact Niraj Warikoo: nwarikoo@freepress.com, Facebook.com/nwarikoo, Twitter @nwarikoo.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Asian Americans object to demolition of Detroit Chinatown building
By Maggie Fick and Josephine Mason

LONDON (Reuters) -AstraZeneca Chief Executive Pascal Soriot said on Friday the company is "very encouraged" by interim data from a key lung cancer drug trial, but he did not explain why the company had not declared results as "clinically meaningful".

The drugmaker's shares fell by as much as 8% earlier this month after the company released interim data from the late-stage clinical trial called TROPION-Lung01 testing an experimental precision drug called datopotamab deruxtecan.

At the time, investors were disappointed the company did not say the data was "clinically meaningful", a potential suggestion that the benefits may not be as pronounced as hoped.

Speaking to media on Friday after the company released better-than-expected quarterly results, Soriot said people would understand when full results are released why the company did not use that description, but he did not comment further.

"We are very encouraged because we're seeing the totality of the data," he said, adding that the company had described them as "statistically positive".

The company said on Friday it will continue with its plan to file data from the trial with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), soothing some investor concerns.

In a briefing with analysts, Susan Galbraith, executive vice president of oncology R&D, said the FDA response to the data so far had been "encouraging".

Executives on the briefing would not say when final data will be released or at which medical conference, or when the company will file for approval for the drug with the U.S. drug regulator.

(Reporting by Maggie Fick and Josephine Mason; editing by David Evans and Susan Fenton)
There were no casualties as a result of the Russian attack on the centre of the city of Dnipro on 28 July, and all emergency services are currently dealing with the aftermath of the attack.

Source: Dnipro Mayor Borys Filatov; Serhii Lysak, Head of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Military Administration; State Emergency Service of Ukraine; Dmytro Lubinets, Ukrainian Parliamentary Commissioner for Human Rights

Quote from Filatov: "High-precision f**gots fired Iskanders at the empty Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) building for the third time, and at the same time on a nearby residential building.

Fortunately, there were no residents in it, because it was only getting put for sale.

They completely destroyed everything around there. No one was killed."

Details: Lysak said that the Russians had previously attacked the city with two Iskander missiles.

He added that the Geneva residential complex had not yet been in full use. There were mostly construction workers here and there.

The building has been inspected. The only thing left to do is to clean the area from the aftermath of the Russian attack. Utilities have already started working.

Lubinets said that the top floors of the 12-storey residential building were destroyed, which, fortunately, were not occupied by anyone, so a large number of casualties were avoided.

Rescue workers have extinguished the fire in the administrative building of the SSU.

Filatov also complained about the citizens who were at the scene during the air-raid warning and immediately after the explosion: "We, as leaders, are obliged to be at the strike scene in the first minutes, but I don't know what hundreds of onlookers are doing there when the air-raid warning is still on."

Earlier, the Ministry of Internal Affairs reported that five people had been injured as a result of the Russian strike on the multi-storey building in Dnipro.

Background:

On the evening of 28 July, Russian occupiers attacked a high-rise building and a building of the Ukrainian Security Service in the city centre of Dnipro.

Ukrainska Pravda said the Russians damaged a new residential complex in the city centre, where many apartments were still unoccupied. Ukrainska Pravda sources also reported that the SSU building has been empty for a long time.

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!






Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin has reported that a drone attacked the Russian capital on the night of 27-28 July. He claimed that the Russian military shot down the drone.

Source: Sergey Sobyanin on Telegram

Quote: "Last night, an enemy drone attempted to carry out an attack [on Moscow] but was shot down by the Defence Ministry forces."

Details: Sobyanin also said that there were no casualties, and no buildings were damaged in the attempted attack.

Previously:

Drones attacked Moscow on the night of 23-24 July, damaging a building next to the Russian Defence Ministry. Another drone hit the Leroy Merlin business centre in Moscow.

According to Ukrainska Pravda, it was Ukraines Defence Intelligence that carried out the drone attack on Moscow.

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!
A sharp spike of murders in Kent means the number of people killed in the city so far this year has already nearly doubled the number of people murdered in all of 2022.

Thursday morning, a woman was shot in the head at the Phoenix Court Apartments in the East Hill neighborhood. She is still fighting for her life. Thats the same spot where a man was shot and killed on July 15. (There were also shootings at those apartments on: June 22 and on May 17.)

Police Chief Rafael Padilla presented in a report to Kent City Council that so far this year, there have been 17 homicides as of the end of June (two of them not considered crimes  an officer-involved shooting, and an incident where a man died after being restrained by a security guard.) Thats compared to just nine homicides in all of last year.

In a one-on-one interview with KIRO 7, Chief Padilla shared insight behind the alarming sharp rise in homicides.

In my 31 years now, this is as bad as Ive ever seen it. We want people to know were extremely concerned and were maximizing what we can do, said Chief Rafael Padilla, Kent Police Chief. Padilla said the problem is two-fold, with the worsening fentanyl crisis playing one big role.

Its crystal clear - I can say with all confidence that a major driver for violent crime in our city is drugs. Drug use, drug trafficking, Padilla said. He said emerging intel shows gangs are fighting over territories.

There are a lot of informal battles  literal gun battles to control the fentanyl trade, Padilla said.

But the chief says the other big problem is staffing.

Kent has one of the fewest officers per capita for Puget Sound cities, coming in toward the bottom of the list. For example, Kent has 1.2 officers per 1,000 people, compared to 1.8 for Everett, 1.6 for Seattle, and 1.5 for Tacoma.

Chief Padilla says it means the department is forced to react to problems instead of having resources to prevent crimes. He says one frequent complaint he hears from the community is why neighborhoods see less police presence.

Story continues

We simply dont have the resources to do the preventative patrols, presence, Padilla said. Right now were just keeping up with 911 calls, he said.

Padilla is hoping for funding sources to expand the department by at least 22 officers, which would bring Kent in line with the Washington State per capita average.

Right now my community is afraid. Right now in parts of my community, people legitimately have to be afraid where they go, where they allow their kids to play. Thats not the city we want, and its not the city we were until recently, Padilla said.

The chief made sure to point out  that he is very grateful for the Kent City Council and Mayor, both of whom have been deeply supportive of the police department. However, Padilla said expanding the department size will likely need to come from another source of funding.

Kent has filled 50 officer positions over the last few years because of attrition and officers leaving for other reasons during the pandemic. It currently has 166 officers.

New new drug laws in Washington State for public drug use take effect August 15th and that could once again impact how crimes play out in Kent and statewide.
The Government has proposed a de facto ban on gas boilers in new homes from 2025

A ban on gas boilers in new homes and a switch to heat pumps could stall housebuilding without urgent upgrades to the electricity grid, the industry has warned.

The Government has proposed a de facto ban on gas boilers in new homes from 2025 as part of its net zero plans.

It is backing heat pumps, which run on electricity, as their main replacement.

But the industry has this week written to the Prime Minister warning of potential problems in grid capacity, and calling for more clarity on the impending deadline, which is still in the consultation stages.

Housebuilders fear development could be stalled if the new rules come into force without additional investment in the electricity grid, which is facing long backlogs for connection.

The new homes gas boiler ban is among the policies that have come under scrutiny since the Government won the Uxbridge by-election, seen as a referendum on Ulez, the London scheme to tackle air pollution.

Steve Turner, from the Home Builders Federation, said: Moving away from gas for heating will increase electricity usage and if there isnt the grid capacity, we have seen elsewhere, the answer is to not allow any new housing.

Digging up cables etc and adding substations isnt something that you can do overnight. These are the kinds of issues weve been warning Government about for some years.

The challenge of network demand

There are several challenges to meeting rising demand on the network, including a years-long backlog of connections of renewable energy generators, and a lack of local grid distribution.

Around 31 per cent of current projects that request to connect to the local distribution network need extra capacity on the transmission network, according to the Energy Networks Association (ENA), which represents the gas and electricity transmission industry.

A Midlands based developer was recently told by the local electricity distribution operator there was insufficient capacity to include 10 flats with electrical heating on a development, industry sources said. Ultimately, they were built with gas heating.

Story continues

Last year, local authorities in West London warned that electricity for housebuilders may not be available until 2030, because of an increase in demand from local data centres.

New net zero homes will require four to five times the peak electricity capacity of current homes without EV chargers or heat pumps, according to industry estimates.

Electricity demand will increase by almost 50 per cent just to cover heat pumps by 2050, according to projections from the climate change committee, which advises Parliament.

A spokesman from the ENA said the issue was a known concern and something that we are absolutely working to tackle, adding: Connections is a challenge, both for demand and generation. And as we see acceleration of renewables and acceleration of low carbon technologies as well that is challenge that were aware of and working on across the industry, Government and Ofgem.

Mr Turner said the industry was not calling for a delay to the deadline for all new homes to be built to net zero standards.

The industry can deliver on its commitments but its not just house builders that have challenges, he said. Energy providers in particular have a mammoth task on their hands to upgrade infrastructure if the new requirements are to be implementable, whilst maintaining housing supply.

The industry has raised other concerns about their ability to install heat pumps in all new builds, including supply chains and a lack of installers and maintenance engineers.

Meeting the Governments housebuilding targets of 300,000 new homes a year would mean nearly doubling the current installation rate of heat pumps, which hit 163,341 in 2022.

There are currently only about 3,000 trained heat pump engineers in the UK, but at least 27,000 will be needed in the next six years.

A government spokesman said: Were investing billions to improve energy efficiency across the country and the Future Homes Standard will lower emissions in new builds, deliver homes fit for the future and help reduce energy bills for people across the country.

Were also working closely with Ofgem and electricity network companies to ensure that networks can accommodate new connections, including housing developments, in a timely manner.

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.
A Bengal tiger walks through a forest in Sarankhola, in the southwestern Bagerhat district, in April 2018 in a photo courtesy of the Bangladesh Forest Department (Handout)

Bangladesh remains a major hub for the poaching of endangered tigers despite government claims of a successful crackdown on pirate groups involved in the trade, according to research published Friday.

The vast Sundarbans mangrove forest straddling India and Bangladesh hosts one of the world's largest populations of Bengal tigers.

Their pelts, bones and flesh are bought by black marketeers as part of a broader illegal wildlife trade valued at an estimated $20 billion globally each year.

Research from big cat conservation group Panthera and the Chinese Academy of Sciences said tiger parts harvested in the Sundarbans have been exported to 15 countries, with India and China being the most common destinations.

"Bangladesh plays a much more significant role in the illicit tiger trade than we previously realized," study co-author Rob Pickles said in a statement.

Pirate groups operating in the Sundarbans found a lucrative trade in tiger poaching before a government crackdown starting in 2016.

At least 117 pirates were shot dead and hundreds more were detained, according to official figures, while many others surrendered as part of a government amnesty.

But Panthera's research, published in the Conservation Science and Practice journal, said that the vacuum created by the crackdown had been filled by more than 30 specialist tiger poaching syndicates and opportunistic poachers.

Traders operated through their own logistics companies and in some cases concealed their activities through licenses for legal wildlife trade, the study added.

The research, based partly on interviews with those involved in the wildlife trade, also found that domestic consumption of tiger parts had increased since the crackdown, owing to Bangladesh's burgeoning economy.

Wealthy local buyers were purchasing medicines using tiger parts "as well as large ornamental items for display such as skulls and skins", the study said.

The findings were disputed by Bangladesh's official Sundarbans conservator Abu Naser Mohsin Hossain, who said the crackdown had brought the illicit trade to a standstill.

Story continues

"We have taken measures to conserve the Bengal tiger population in the Sundarbans," he told AFP.

"No tiger has died from... tiger-human conflict in the past five years. Tiger sightings have increased."

Just 114 Bengal tigers live in Bangladesh's portion of the Sundarbans, according to an official census published in 2019 -- up slightly since a record low four years prior.

An updated population count is due to be published next year.

Poaching is the number one threat to tigers globally, and China is the biggest overall driver of demand, largely for use of their body parts in traditional medicine, according to Panthera.

sa/gle/sco
By Ruma Paul

DHAKA (Reuters) - Tens of thousands of supporters of Bangladeshs main opposition party rallied in the capital on Friday to demand Prime Minister Sheikh Hasinas resignation and call for general elections to be held under a caretaker government.

The main opposition party, in disarray since its leader Khaleda Zia was jailed in 2018 on graft charges, has held bigger protest rallies in recent months, drawing thousands of supporters amid mounting anger over the cost of living.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has been calling for Prime Minister Hasina to step down and for the next election, due in January 2024, to be held under a neutral caretaker government - a demand her government has rejected.

"BNP's one-point demand is the restoration of democracy in Bangladesh.... This can only be achieved through a free and fair election, which is not possible under the current regime," senior BNP leader Abdul Moyeen Khan told Reuters.

"This government must resign and make way for a free and fair election under an interim government, only through that we can restore a people's government in Bangladesh," he said.

BNP supporters joined the rally in Dhaka from different parts of the country amid allegations of obstructions by police.

"We are here for people's right to vote," said Sana Ullah, a BNP supporter, who joined the rally from the port city of Chittagong.

'OBSTACLES'

"The government tried hard to prevent the rally, but it did not succeed. Our leaders and activists defied all obstacles and came to make the rally a success," BNP leader Mirza Abbas said, adding that at least 1,000 supporters had been arrested.

The police said only that some people were arrested because they could not provide valid ID.

The opposition and rights groups have criticised the government for cracking down on anti-government protests.

In May, the United States said it was adopting a new policy to restrict visas for Bangladeshis who undermine the democratic election process at home.

Story continues

Concern flared after accusations of vote-rigging and the targeting of the political opposition marred national elections in 2014 and 2018. Hasina's government has denied those charges.

Hasina, who has kept tight control of the South Asian nation since coming to power in 2009, has been accused of human rights violations, of destroying the freedom of the press and suppressing dissent as well as jailing critics including many supporters of the main opposition.

Hasina's arch rival and former premier Khaleda was allowed to stay at home in Dhaka under a special provision since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic but was barred from joining any political activity.

"Sheikh Hasina is there, Sheikh Hasina will remain," an aged ruling party supporter shouted as he took part in a rally called by Hasinas Awami League party on the same day to counter the opposition protests.

(Reporting by Ruma Paul; Editing by Hugh Lawson)
DHAKA, Bangladesh (AP)  Thousands of supporters of Bangladesh's governing and opposition parties held separate rallies in the capital on Friday over who should oversee the next general election, expected to be held early next year. Despite huge crowds, both rallies were peaceful, with a large security presence.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina hopes to return to power for a fourth consecutive term, while the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party led by ailing former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia is making its strongest effort to drive Hasina out of office. Zia and Hasina are archrivals and have led the country at different times since 1991.

Hasina says the election should be held under her government's supervision as specified in the constitution, but Zias party and its allies say Hasina must step down to allow the installation of a non-party caretaker government to ensure a free and fair vote.

Zias party has threatened to boycott the balloting if it is held under Hasina, saying that a credible election is not possible under a political government. But Hasina insists that voting will be free and fair under her leadership.

The United States, the European Union and the United Nations have urged both sides to demonstrate restraint and work toward holding a credible election.

Thousands of supporters of Zias party gathered Friday in front of party headquarters at Naya Paltan in Dhaka. They chanted anti-government slogans demanding that Hasina step down immediately and hand over power to a neutral administration.

A few blocks away, Hasinas ruling Awami League mobilized thousands of students and youth supporters in a peace rally to accuse the opposition of creating chaos.

The opposition has urged citizens to reject Hasina's government over rising commodity prices and corruption allegations. The government, meanwhile, points to large projects it has implemented, such as bridges, a nuclear power plant, new ports and highways, saying the country will benefit from them and the economy will be transformed.

Story continues

Prices of goods  as well as electricity and the gas situation are out of control. If we cant provide services to the people, the economic development is meaningless, activist Mizanur Rahman said at the opposition rally.

We want a fair election," Rahman said. "All we demand today is to get back the right to vote and exercise the right.

But Sheikh Fazle Fahim, a presidium member of the Awami Leagues youth front Jubo League, said Bangladesh had been following democratic processes for more than 14 years. He said the government had set a goal of becoming a middle-income country with improved human rights and health.

This is all happening through the democratic process. And we want to send out a message that there is no alternative to a democratic process, he said at the government rally.

He accused the opposition of attempting to trigger violence by calling for protests.

Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, secretary general of Zia's party, announced at Friday's rally that supporters would hold sit-in protests for five hours from 11:00 a.m. (0100 EST/0500 GMT) on Saturday at all the entry points to Dhaka to continue to demand Hasina's resignation.

Also on Friday, Obaidul Quader, the ruling party's general secretary, warned that they would not allow the opposition to create obstacles on the streets.

I have heard you will block the roads. If you take positions at each entry point to Dhaka, we will block your path of movement. Dont browbeat ... Our roots are deep," he said.

Bangladesh is a parliamentary democracy with a history of violence since 1991, when Hasina and Zia jointly pushed then-dictator H.M. Ershad out of office. Zia became prime minister three times  for two full five-year terms and again for a short time. Hasina became prime minister in 1996 and returned to power again in 2008. She has remained in office since then.

Zias party accuses Hasina of vote rigging in 2018 and says the next election will not be free and fair under her.
ATLANTA  Barriers were erected Thursday outside a Fulton County, Georgia, courthouse in anticipation of possible indictments involving interference in the 2020 presidential election.

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis plans to charge twice-indicted former President Donald Trump with crimes including witness tampering, the Guardian reported last week.

Willis asked a Georgia Superior Court Chief Judge in May to keep the courthouse free at the start of August, leading to speculation Trump and his surrogates might be charged in connection with attempts to overturn the electoral loss he still refuses to accept.

Trump was recorded in January 2021 pressuring Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger to find enough votes to keep him in the White House following his defeat. Trump is the first Republican presidential candidate to lose in Georgia since 1992. He also backed Senate candidates in the state who lost their own races.

A grand jury was sworn in on July 11 to hear evidence against Trump and his allies that may have also included other communications with state officials and the selection of fake electors. His former attorney Rudy Giuliani confessed in a court filing this week that he lied about Georgia election workers who hed accused of trying to sabotage Trumps reelection efforts.

Concern about how Trumps followers might react to criminal charges against their leader have been ongoing since waves of MAGA loyalists stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021 attempting to block the certification of Joe Bidens presidential win.

Trump has warned of death and destruction if hes charged with criminal offenses. Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham predicted riots in the streets if the 77-year-old GOP frontrunner for the 2024 election faces indictments.

Special Counsel Jack Smith is also expected to soon announce the findings of a long-running probe into the conduct of the 45th president, who is also accused of removing top-secret documents from the White House after losing the presidency, then refusing to return those government records.

CNBC reported Thursday night that three new criminal charges against Trump were added to that investigation.
Mayor Karen Bass is pushing for the city to acquire the Mayfair Hotel, a 15-story building in L.A.'s Westlake neighborhood, to use as temporary homeless housing. (Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times)

Mayor Karen Bass' plan to purchase a 15-story hotel in L.A.'s Westlake neighborhood and use it to house homeless Angelenos will likely cost the city more than $83 million, once renovations are included, according to a report issued this week.

Under the proposal, the city would buy the hotel from Mayfair Lofts for $60 million, then carry out an estimated $19 million in renovations. An additional $4 million would go toward project oversight, consulting fees, closing costs and other upgrades, according to the report, which was issued Thursday by the city's General Services Department, which leases and maintains many city properties.

Bass and her homelessness team have spent months working on the acquisition of the Mayfair, a 294-room facility just west of downtown, so that it can be used for her Inside Safe initiative as city-owned interim housing. Since December, Inside Safe has been moving unhoused Angelenos off the street and into hotels, motels and other facilities  with permanent housing being the ultimate goal.

Once the renovation of the Mayfair is finished, city agencies would probably move in some residents from the L.A. Grand, a downtown hotel being used for Inside Safe, as well as unhoused residents of Skid Row, according to the proposal. City officials are hoping to have the Mayfair open by Feb. 1, when the lease with the L.A. Grand expires.

Read more: Bass looks to buy a 15-story hotel as she ramps up her fight against homelessness

In recent months, Bass' team has struggled to find enough rooms to continue expanding the program. Tony Royster, who heads the general services department, said in his report that acquiring the Mayfair would help the city create "a permanent infrastructure of available beds that can transition individuals from encampments to safe interim housing with wrap-around services."

The mayor's team is also hoping that the Mayfair can be used to scale back some of the day-to-day leasing costs of Inside Safe. The L.A. Grand, for example, has been charging the city $154 per night per room, including meals. That translates into more than $56,000 per room per year in cases where a room has a single occupant.

Story continues

"We have ... known since the beginning that the per night costs of renting hotel rooms would be unsustainable, and that the city would need to build out its own reliable interim housing infrastructure to bring down costs," Bass said in a statement.

The proposed Mayfair purchase is up for review Monday by the city's Municipal Facilities Committee  a three-member panel made up of the mayor, City Administrative Officer Matt Szabo and Chief Legislative Analyst Sharon Tso. A portion of that meeting will be held in closed session because it involves purchase negotiations.

An aide to Bass said the hotel does not "require any seismic updates." The city's research on the building's condition will remain confidential until the sale is finalized, the aide said.

Any purchase of the Mayfair would require a vote of the City Council.

Since Inside Safe began seven months ago, the city has entered into rental agreements with 38 hotels and motels, generating invoices for more than 57,533 room nights, according to a report examining expenditures through July 14. The program's interim housing stock is just over 1,100 rooms, the report said.

Under the proposal, Mayfair residents would have access to on-site services focusing on mental health, addiction, life skills, job applications and the search for permanent housing. Participants would receive laundry services and three daily meals, the report said.

The Mayfair Hotel, a 15-story hotel in L.A.'s Westlake neighborhood. Mayor Karen Bass is looking to have the city purchase the building to use as interim homeless housing. (Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times)

Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez, who represents the neighborhood where the Mayfair is located, has not yet taken a position on whether she supports or opposes the purchase. Although she and her team have reviewed the report, Hernandez wants more information, an aide said.

"At this time, we are awaiting additional details regarding the project and its potential outcomes, particularly as they relate to our unhoused [district] residents," said Hernandez spokesperson Chelsea Lucktenberg. "The council members core priority is bringing units online that will offer long-term, dignified solutions to our homelessness crisis."

If the council signs off on the Mayfair deal, the cost of Bass' Inside Safe program would probably jump from $250 million to well over $300 million for the current budget year, which began July 1.

The Inside Safe budget already includes $110 million for hotel and motel rental costs and $47 million for the acquisition of several smaller motels.

The Mayfair received a major renovation in 2018, reopening as an upscale venue. Two years later, the hotel was shut down because of COVID-19.

Read more: Mayor Bass seeks $250-million expansion of homelessness program in first State of the City speech

Then-Mayor Eric Garcetti's office reached an agreement with the Mayfair to participate in Project Roomkey, a federally funded program that converted hotels into temporary housing for the city's homeless population. The Mayfair ended its participation in the program in July 2022, after two years as a Project Roomkey site.

In the months after it closed, the property's owner, Mayfair Lofts, sought reimbursement for what it said was damage to the building and its furnishings. A representative for that company did not respond to a call seeking comment.

The Mayfair renovation could include repair or replacement of damaged furniture, repairs to damaged bathroom fixtures, replacement of light fixtures, patching of drywall, painting of walls and possibly installation of a new room entry system.

Because the city is the buyer, the purchase of the Mayfair will not be subject to transfer taxes, including those required under ULA, a voter-approved tax on transactions of more than $5 million, according to the report.

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.
Apple TV+

Over and over throughout The Beanie BubbleApple TV+s second cash-in on the seemingly undying corporate biopic trend this year, streaming July 28characters repeat one word: understuffed. Its an adjective used by toy company magnate Ty Warner, played here by Zach Galifianakis, to describe the signature product in his eponymous plush empire, Beanie Babies. Unfortunately, its also a fitting descriptor for The Beanie Bubble, a beyond-bland corporate biopic thats as soft and trendy as its titular sensational stuffed animals.

For those of us lucky enough to be cognizant during the Beanie Babies boom of the 1990s, The Beanie Bubble will certainly conjure a decent amount of pleasant nostalgia. The movie does touch on some of your old favorites: Legs the Frog, Spooky the Ghost, and even a brief shot of the very mythic, yet not-at-all-expensive-to-buy-today Princess Diana bear. But like other recent Hollywood efforts to capitalize on that sweet, wistful feeling, nostalgia cant take the place of a decent script and an engrossing storyno matter how cute the object at the center of it is.

The Beanie Bubble is based on Zac Bissonnettes 2015 book The Beanie Bubble: Mass Delusion and the Dark Side of Cute, a title that itself seems a tad misleading, given how relatively tame Ty Warners misdeeds actually were, according to the film. Warner was a charismatic and driven entrepreneur, and like most enterprising men, he had little concern for the women around him. Theres Robbie (Elizabeth Banks), the woman who helped Ty Inc. get off the ground, and later became Warners girlfriend; Sheila (Sarah Snook), who married Ty after Robbie kicked him to the curb; and Maya (Geraldine Viswanathan), the college undergrad who took a minimum-wage job at Tys company, only to become the brains behind its eventual billion-dollar valuation.

The film introduces its core three women nimbly (if you can ignore the repetitive ticking time clock, our obnoxious guide to telling what decade the film is in). Snook and Viswanathan especially make for two captivating characters, with the formers first scene as Sheila giving audiences a taste of Shiv Roy-lite. But Sheilas sting and Mayas pleasant acerbity quickly fade as they, along with Robbie, start to merely orbit around the glowing sun that is Ty.

Story continues

And, to be fair, Galifianakis is damn good at playing a beguiling, flamboyant toy tycoon, which he does in The Beanie Bubble without a stitch of irony. This comes despite Banks voiceover at the top of the film, which firmly states, This storys not about him, its about us. Yet the movie does little in the way to convince viewers of that, since it relies almost entirely on Ty to move the story forward.

Despite manufacturing the most massively desired toy of an entire decade, Ty Inc. started smallor, rather, too large. Tys original plush cats were much bigger than the Beanie Babies that kicked off the craze. Robbie, a fellow dreamer stuck in a dead-end auto shop job, might have helped Ty launch the company and make it profitable after they met in 1983, but its Sheila and her two children who suggest miniaturizing the animals so that a child could take their best plush friend with them everywhere. It takes a full decade for Ty to meet Sheila after his and Robbies cats become moderately successful. But from 1993 on, you couldnt walk into a mom-and-pop shop (the only stores that Ty would sell to) without falling victim to a Beanie avalanche.

The film attributes a great deal of that success to Maya, who sparks Beanie Babies sales at a toy expo when she comes up with the ingenious concept of Beanie retirement. By indiscriminately deciding to deem certain Beanie Babies as limited-edition, Maya almost instantly increases the value and profits of the entire company. Viswanathan is as great at selling her characterthe most expertly written woman of the trioas Maya is at selling the Beanies. She has a distinct charm and an effervescence that even The Beanie Bubbles complete lack of style cant hamper.

But its hard to escape the feeling that directors Kristin Gore and Damian Kulash spend the films runtime trying to position Maya as the Eduardo Saverin to Tys Mark Zuckerberg. Except its a role that doesnt quite fit. Ty, who would rather attribute her wit to himself than give her a promotion, takes advantage of Mayas fantastic business acumen. Scenes in Ty Inc.s nondescript, fluorescent-lit office recall more compellingly staged and shot moments from The Social Network, without any of that films breathless stakes. Gore and Kulash treat the subject of Beanie Babies far too softly. That might fit for the plush product being discussed, but it doesnt make for an intriguing biopic about the insidious nature of capitalism, which can apparently overtake even the most cuddly of toymakers.

The BlackBerry Movie Is More Than Just the Next Social Network

Whats more frustrating is the films misuse of its women characters. Robbie, Sheila, and even Maya are sprinkled throughout the movies non-linear timeline so as not to be forgottenor perhaps, so The Beanie Bubble can convince audiences of its underwritten attempts to make them the stars of Tys show. But their stories are wrapped up in stereotypical fashion, hoping that a few epigraphs will service their characters more than the film ends up doing. Had the movie solely been about Maya, whose arc is unquestionably the most engaging of the three, The Beanie Bubble couldve separated itself from the onslaught of paint-by-numbers corporate biopic dreck inundating Hollywood as of late.

Thats not to say The Beanie Bubble is completely unwatchable; the film makes for an easy stroll down memory lane on a hot summer afternoon. But its also a firm reminder that the cultures Beanie obsession was the most interesting part of this relatively brief craze, not its creators misdeeds. Maxs 2021 documentary Beanie Mania covered that same ground, as well as a good amount of Tys business woes, in a slick 80-minute package. The Beanie Bubble will make a nice footnote for any holdovers who havent been able to unstick themselves from that time. For the rest of us, its merely palatable, digital sludge disguised as navel-gazing nostalgia.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now.

Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now.
This article was originally published in Source New Mexico.

College students in New Mexico studying to become licensed social workers are required to conduct hundreds of hours of field work in places like schools, prisons, hospitals and clinics.

That requirement is often unpaid labor.

For the estimated 1,500 students enrolled in social work programs at universities across New Mexico, that volunteer time cuts into their mental well-being, family responsibilities and the wages they need to pay for things like rent or tuition. It also delays the work they could do to begin servicing community needs across the state.

In interviews and testimony to lawmakers earlier this month, social work students and their instructors said paid field placements would go a long way to making social work education less of a sacrifice and financial hardship.

Get stories like these delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter

I felt like I either had to choose between not working my general assistantship, which is my part-time job, and not working my practicum, New Mexico Highlands University student Amber Vilas said.

In February, Vilas and other students conducted a survey at Highlands Facundo Valdez School of Social Work and learned that most students at the school have never received any pay for their field placements. The survey found only 13% had received any stipend at all.

Vilas, who is in a masters program at Highlands, heard students from other social work schools across the country speak in November 2022 at a virtual conference, and started talking to students at her school. Together, they decided to start a chapter of Payment 4 Placements to advocate for legislative changes.

She and other social work students in the group are trying to question why the unpaid placements are the standard, she said.

The only accrediting agency for social work education in the U.S. requires a minimum of 400 field placement hours for bachelors students, and a minimum of 900 for masters students. Vilas and her cohort say financial support is necessary to meet these requirements and also help their overall well-being.

Story continues

Almost every one of the students surveyed at Highlands said they had to sacrifice other priorities for their field hours, including self-care, family time, study time, and paid work.

If there is a social work crisis now, its going to take time for students to get through school and be able to be licensed and serving in their communities, so this is the support that they need now, Vilas said.

More than 94% of those surveyed who did get a stipend reported positive impacts on their mental health including being able to focus more on their studies, easing their financial stress, making them feel their hard work is recognized and providing a feeling of security.

Vilas understands this firsthand, and sees reform is needed even if a student does get the rare paid field work position. She was paid in her first practicum through the New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department.

But even the paid field practicums do not pay enough, Vilas said.

For example, Vilas said CYFD offers a stipend which pays the students tuition first. Any leftover money is not a regular paycheck and comes at the end of the school year, Vilas said.

Ineligible for Pell grants, lottery and opportunity scholarships

Students pursuing a masters in social work are not eligible for state scholarships through the lottery and opportunity scholarships, Barnstone said.

They also arent eligible for Federal Pell Grants, Barnstone said. They are only eligible to take out loans to pay for their education, she said.

Assistance with tuition and expanded loan forgiveness for our masters students will make pursuing that degree more affordable in our state, Barnstone said.

Students pursuing both masters and bachelors degree programs for social work would benefit from scholarships to cover the costs of daycare, travel, health care, food, housing, utilities, Internet or phone, she said.

Vilas second and third practicums were unpaid. Shes doing her third one this summer in part because she found it difficult to balance everything she needed to during the spring semester.

Two months of unpaid labor

Maddie Carrell is a graduate assistant at the Social Work Educational Enhancement Project.

She will start her second field placement this fall doing group therapy for Spanish-speaking students in New Mexico, based out of Gerards House, a grief resource center in Santa Fe.

Shell be doing the placement only part-time because she cant afford to go to school and not make a wage to pay tuition.

Bachelors students must complete one full-year internship, while masters students must complete two different ones depending on their degree track.

Every hour a student spends in field placement is an hour not spent earning income, said Judy Barnstone, interim dean and associate professor at Highlands Facundo Valdez.

Its the equivalent of roughly two months of unpaid labor, Carrell said.

Most students in social work in New Mexico average in age around 35 years, Barnstone said, which can limit their capacity to focus on  much less afford  their schoolwork.

Caring for their school-aged children and older dependent family members also limits their ability to complete their courses, Barnstone said.

The limited availability and high costs of everyday needs like health care, housing, and childcare make it difficult to progress in their courses, she said.

Each field placement requires 16 to 20 hours of work per week, in addition to the time they spend in class, reading and doing coursework.

Lanette Valdez, who works full-time as a behavioral health responder with the Albuquerque Community Safety Department, is finishing her first field placement as part of her studies this week.

Valdez said she has met many people who stopped trying to do social work because they couldnt afford to take on a field placement.

The lack of available time to spend at work also sometimes makes it harder for social work students to meet their most basic needs, Barnstone said.

We have students who delay or stop their progress through their programs because they are caring for family members suffering poor health, Barnstone said.

Others are food-insecure, or have trouble finding housing, especially as landlords have raised rents, Barnstone said.

Social workers are experiencing high rates of burnout, Carrell said, which exacerbates the existing severely unmet needs of the people they help.

Investment in social work and paid practicums would support the whole state, she said.

If a social worker doesnt have the time or space in order to do self-care, then it becomes difficult to show up for the people theyre trying to help, Vilas said.

A lot of the people who I have known in the social work field have decided to do it because they grew up in certain areas that were underfunded, underserved, Valdez said. We want people who have some kind of experience in this area to be able to relate to people.

What can be done by the state?

The Legislature in the 2023 session set aside $20 million for school endowments meant for social work educational programs in the state.

The money, overseen by the state Higher Education Department (HED), is meant to pay for scholarships, field practicum stipends, and stipends for supervisors at government agencies who are tasked with training students or recent graduates in field placements, Barnstone said.

While were all eagerly awaiting more information from HED on what this resource will look like, were quite certain it will not fully meet the needs of the 1,500 students who are currently in our state training to become social workers, Barnstone told the Legislative Health and Human Services Committee on July 10.

They could look like general stipends open to all students, Barnstone said, or available only to students with fewer resources.

They could also include stipends in exchange for a work commitment, Barnstone said. CYFD already does something like this, she said, but it could be expanded to other local or state agencies.

Source New Mexico is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Source New Mexico maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Shaun Griswold for questions: info@sourcenm.com. Follow Source New Mexico on Facebook and Twitter.
The head of the Belarusian Red Cross admits the branch helps Russia abduct children from Russian-occupied parts of Ukraine. He says the organization has, is, and will continue to be actively involved.

Thousands of Wagner Group mercenaries arrive in Belarus.

Subscribe to the Newsletter

Belarus Weekly

Join us

Lukashenko says that the Wagner troops stationed in Belarus are eyeing Poland, as Warsaw continues to up its defenses amid the mercenaries arrival.

The EU ambassadors agree to adopt restrictive measures against Belarus due to its complicity in Russias war against Ukraine.

Minsk says it applied to join BRICS, a grouping of the worlds leading developing economies, back in May.

Belarus Red Cross head admits involvement in abducting Ukrainian children

The head of the Belarusian Red Cross, Dzmitryi Shautsou, admitted the organizations involvement in the forced deportation of children from Russian-occupied parts of Ukraine to Belarus.

When they accused the Republic of Belarus of kidnapping children who come to us for rehabilitation  frankly speaking, the Belarusian Red Cross has been, and is, and will be actively involved in this, Shautsou said during an interview with Belarusian state TV in the Russian-occupied city of Lysychansk.

He claimed the abductions were so-called recreational trips to help the children forget the horrors of the war.

Read also: Stolen generation. Russia systematically abducts children from Ukraine, gives them to Russian families

Shautsou was shown wearing military clothes adorned with the letter Z, which is a pro-war symbol for Russias invasion of Ukraine.

The Belarusian Red Cross is the largest humanitarian organization in Belarus and is part of the international Red Cross movement.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) issued a statement saying that it was not made aware of Shautsous visit to occupied Lysychansk and not involved in any of the (Belarusian branchs) activities, including with children.

Story continues

It is essential that all components of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement maintain their independence from governments and weapon bearers, the IFRC statement said.

The Red Cross Ukrainian branch has asked the IFRC to consider excluding the Belarusian branch from the organization.

Russia has systematically deported children from Russian-occupied parts of Ukraine during its full-scale war. According to official estimates, over 20,000 children have been abducted, although the real figure is likely much higher.

Belarusian authorities have reportedly confirmed hosting over 1,000 children from Russian-occupied parts of Ukraine.

Under international law, the deportation of civilians is considered a war crime. The forced transfer of children from one place to another amounts to genocide.

The International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russian Childrens Rights Commissioner Maria Lvova-Belova for organizing the illegal transfers.

The European Parliament called on the ICC to issue a similar arrest warrant against Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko for his complicity in the crime, and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba urged the ICC to do the same for Shautsou.

Ukraines Prosecutor Generals Office said it has launched an investigation into the Belarusian Red Cross involvement in the deportations, noting that the organizations actions constitute a violation of international law.

Dzmitryi Shautsou, Head of the Belarusian Red Cross, near the Polish border in 2021 (Photo by Ulf Mauder/picture alliance via Getty Images).

Belarus, Wagner mercenaries hold joint training near Polish border

The Belarusian military and the Wagner Groups troops held a four-day joint training exercise in Brest Oblast near the Polish border amid the arrival of thousands of mercenaries to Belarus.

For four days, special tactical training classes are being held at the Brest training ground with the involvement of the Wagner Group fighters, the Belarusian Defense Ministry said, adding that the exercises are aimed at modernizing the Belarusian military.

The announcement came after Prigozhin claimed on July 19 that the Wagner Group will make the Belarusian army the second (best) army in the world.

According to Ukraines State Border Guard Service spokesperson Andrii Demchenko on July 22, around 5,000 Wagner troops have arrived in Belarus since the mercenary groups aborted mutiny in late June.

Belarusian Hajun, a monitoring group that has tracked the Russian militarys movement in Belarusian territory since the start of the full-scale war, said the 11th Wagner convoy arrived in the village of Tsel.

The column reportedly included at least 29 vehicles, namely a UAZ-Patriot, two Ural-4320 trucks, two KAMAZ trucks, six truck tractors with six excavators and a pickup truck, an offroad vehicle, and 11 other trucks.

According to the monitoring group, the vehicles moved along Belarus P43 highway toward Tsel.

The status of the Wagner Groups mercenaries in Belarus is uncertain. Following the Wagner Groups failed mutiny in Russia, Lukashenko allegedly brokered a deal with Prigozhin to allow them to relocate to Belarus.

Putin said Wagner mercenaries that did not participate in the armed insurrection would be incorporated into the Russian military.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Defense Department said on July 21 that Wagner mercenaries stationed in Belarus are being reassimilated into the Russian military.

Weve certainly seen Wagner forces get sort of reintegrated within the Russian military, U.S. Defense Department Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh said.

However, the Wagner Group announced via Telegram that it will close its recruitment center in Russias Krasnodar Krai, instead opening a temporary center in Belarus.

According to the Institute for the Study of War, Wagner forces in Belarus pose no military threat to Poland or Ukraine until and unless they are re-equipped with mechanized equipment.

Read also: Russia comes to the brink of civil war: How we got here and what it means

Lukashenko says Wagner troops want to invade Poland

During a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg on July 23, Lukashenko reportedly joked that the Wagner Group mercenaries stationed in Belarus are eyeing Poland.

The Wagner guys have started to stress us. They want to go west. Lets go on a trip to Warsaw and Rzeszow, Lukashenko is quoted as saying.

Of course, I keep them (Wagner mercenaries) in the center of Belarus, as agreed, he added.

Lukashenko also presented Putin with what he claimed was a map of Polands plan to attack Belarus. As we can see, the ground is being prepared, Lukashenko claimed.

The dictator also accused Poland of wanting to annex western Ukraine under the guise of NATO enlargement.

Poland is one of Ukraines key backers in defending against Russias war.

U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller called the claim another irresponsible statement by Lukashenko.

I would say that there is only one country in the region that has demonstrated not only the intention but also the willingness to invade its neighbors, and that is Russia, not Poland or any other country, he said, adding that NATO will defend Poland if necessary.

Warsaw decided on July 19 to move troops to eastern Poland after the reported arrival of Wagner troops to Belarus.

Earlier, Putin accused Poland of having territorial ambitions in the former Soviet Union, stating that any aggression toward Belarus would be met by Russia with all the means at our disposal.

Warsaw denied any territorial ambitions in Belarus.

Putin also claimed that the western part of Poland was a gift from Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin and that Russia would remind Warsaw of it.

Stalin was a war criminal, guilty of the death of hundreds of thousands of Poles. Historical truth is not debatable, Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki tweeted on July 21, apparently in reference to Putins claim. The ambassador of the Russian Federation will be summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Following Putins remark, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said on July 23 that Kyiv and Warsaw will always stand united.

Unlike Russia, Poland and Ukraine have learned from history and will always stand united against Russian imperialism and disrespect for international law.

Join our community Support independent journalism in Ukraine. Join us in this fight. Support us

EU ambassadors to adopt restrictive measures against Belarus

Ambassadors from the European Unions member states agreed on July 26 to adopt restrictive measures against Belarus due to its complicity in Russias war against Ukraine.

Today, EU ambassadors agreed on adopting restrictive measures in view of the situation in Belarus and the involvement of Belarus in the Russian aggression against Ukraine. The measures will include listings of individuals and entities, the Spanish Presidency of the Council of the EU said in a Tweet.

No further information was provided.

Politico reported on July 18, citing unnamed EU diplomats, that the EU informally agreed to impose a set of military sanctions against Belarus.

The proposed package reportedly includes restrictions on battlefield equipment, including aviation parts, and will parallel the sanctions imposed on Russia in an attempt to mitigate Moscows rerouting of sanctioned goods via Belarus.

Meanwhile, Deutsche Welle said on July 18 that the EU is preparing new sanctions for the anniversary of Belarus fraudulent presidential election in August 2020, which tightened Lukashenkos illegitimate grip on the country.

Belarus says it applied to join BRICS

Belarus applied in May to join BRICS, a grouping of the worlds leading developing economies comprised of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, Belarusian state media said on July 25.

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.

The BRICS countries have all refused to join Western economic sanctions against fellow member Russia following its full-scale war against Ukraine.

The Belarusian Foreign Ministry claimed that BRICS is discussing a framework for cooperation with non-member states along the lines of friends of BRICS or BRICS partner countries.

BRICS is due to hold a summit in South Africa in August.

Putins attendance at the upcoming BRICS summit has been contentious since the ICC issued a warrant for his arrest over the illegal deportation of Ukrainian children. As a signatory of the Rome Statute, South Africa is obliged to detain the Russian president if he enters the country.

South Africas Presidential Office announced on July 19 that Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will attend the summit in Putins stead.

Enemies of the regime  Ales Bialiatski and Human Rights Center Viasna

The Spotlight segment provides readers with the historical context of contemporary events in Belarus.

Human Rights Center Viasna became one of the United Nations Human Rights Award recipients on July 20. The prize is given once every five years to send the signal of appreciation of the human rights activists work.

Meanwhile, Ales Bialiatski, founder of Viasna, began his third year in a Belarus jail on politically motivated charges.

The 2022 Nobel Peace Prize laureate Bialiatski, his deputy Valiantsin Stefanovich, and human rights activists Uladzimir Labkovich and Zmitser Salauyou were accused of financing actions grossly disrupting public order. Bialiatski received a 10-year prison term, and his colleagues were punished for 7-9 years.

Viasna-96 emerged in the aftermath of the series of demonstrations against Belarus integration with Russia that took place in 1996 and resulted in nearly 200 arrested protesters.

The organization started providing them and their families with legal help, observing the elections, and documenting the regimes misconduct.

By 1996, Bialiatski was the director of the Maksim Bahdanovich Literary Museum. He recalled combining museum work with human rights advocacy as he did not believe the organization would last long.

I thought that in 2-3 (maximum 5) years, there would be no need for it, and we would return to our usual work  museology, literary, scientific, and political studies. Unfortunately, I was wrong, Bialiatski once said.

After the 2001 presidential elections, the pressure on civil society increased. In 2003, Viasna Center was deprived of registration and decided to continue the work regardless.

The first criminal case against Bialiatski was opened on August 4, 2011, after Lithuanian and Polish authorities disclosed information about the foreign bank accounts of Belarusian activists to the Belarusian authorities.

These accounts accumulated financial aid for victims of Belarusian regime repressions.

Bialiatski was accused of concealing profits on a particularly large scale and sentenced to 4.5 years of imprisonment. He pleaded not guilty and was recognized as a political prisoner.

After serving three years of his term, he was released on amnesty.

During his imprisonment, Bialiatski wrote books with his views on Belarusian culture and history and his experiences in prison, which were later published.

In 2020, Viasna monitored the elections and documented violations. The human rights center also recorded cases of administrative and criminal persecution of Belarusians that took part in protests afterward.

Viasna began tracking politically motivated arrests and now keeps count of political prisoners in the country, monitors the conditions of their detention, and helps their families.

On February 16, 2021, Belarusian law enforcers searched the main office of Viasna, alleging the organization financed the 2020 protests. On July 14, 2021, Bialiatski and several of his colleagues were arrested.

The wife of Ales Bialiatski, Natallia Pinchuk, is uncertain if she will see her husband again.

Given the prison conditions, a ten-year term is a life sentence, she said.

Like other high-profile political prisoners, Bialiatski is held without the right to correspondence, and his location and condition have been unknown since April 2023.

Viasna Human Rights Center continues its work on helping the oppressed and documenting the regime's crimes.
A development planned for Knott County is projected to provide about 200 houses for people whose homes were destroyed or damaged in flooding a year ago in Eastern Kentucky.

Gov. Andy Beshear announced the Chestnut Ridge high-ground development on Friday.

The plan is to use the Team Kentucky fund to buy more than 100 acres just off KY 80 near the Sportsplex. The site is a reclaimed surface coal mine.

The development would be adjacent to 22 acres donated to the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky by Western Pocahontas Properties earlier this year to use for houses for flood victims.

Coal executive Joe Craft and his wife Kelly, who ran unsuccessfully this year for the Republican nomination for governor, donated $4 million to the foundation to support that project.

The land for the project announced Friday would cost $2.37 million, according to Beshears office.

The two projects together are expected to have about 200 houses and may include multifamily apartments as well, according to the release.

The development announced Friday would include walking trails and outdoor recreation areas, according to Beshears office.

Western Pocahontas will donate the right of way for the access road, Beshears office said.

Beshear said that before the deal can close, federal authorities will have to do an environmental review to make sure the development qualifies to use federal disaster relief funding to build the houses.

But Beshear said the state anticipates breaking ground on the development in the fall.

One year ago, when the floods hit, we promised each other that we would be there for one another until every life and structure is rebuilt, Beshear said. Today we get to announce plans for a new, safe and resilient high-ground community in Knott County that will lift up this entire region.

Flash flooding in Perry County, Ky., on July 28, 2022 washed a mobile home owned by Eunice Howard more than 100 yards down Grapevine Creek and smashed it against a bridge.

Flooding hit more than a dozen counties in Eastern Kentucky late July 27 and early July 28 last year.

The death toll was 45, according to state officials, and the flood caused widespread destruction and damage to homes and infrastructure.

Story continues

Using data from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Ohio River Valley Institute calculated the number of homes that were destroyed, or sustained major or substantial damage, totaled more than 4,700 in the four counties hit the hardest  Knott, Breathitt, Perry and Letcher.

Knott County Attorney Tim Bates applauded Fridays announcement.

Thats a good development, he said.

The county needs more space for homes, however, and may need to acquire space on higher ground to rebuild a community pool and the senior citizens center, Bates said.

That may still necessitate filing a condemnation lawsuit to get additional land at the Western Pocahontas site for public purposes, Bates said.

Beshear announced several other projects to build homes on higher ground in the counties had the most flood damage, including one near the Knott  Perry County line; one near Hazard; and one in Letcher County.
money

Investing for dividends may seem like an old-fashioned pursuit, but the truth is shareholder payouts make up a significant chunk of the stock markets total returns.

Dividends help companies manage their cash more carefully, and businesses who operate with their shareholders in mind normally make for attractive investments.

Dividends are also important for pensioners, as regular payouts from your self-invested personal pension, or Sipp, can help boost your income and support the growth of your portfolio.

But finding quality companies that are reliable dividend-payers can be a challenge, especially as some dividend metrics can trick you into investing in a sinking ship.

Here, Telegraph Money explains what you should look out for when finding the markets best, most dependable businesses.

Check dividend yields

The easiest way to spot companies that pay chunky dividends is to look at their dividend yield. This divides the share price by dividend per share, which can be found in a companys annual report or its investor relations page online.

Tom Stevenson, of the investment firm Fidelity, said: Identifying the companies paying a high dividend is relatively simple. The key measure is the dividend yield, which expresses the dividend as a percentage of the share price.

However, this is just the first step. If investors believe that a company is unlikely to continue paying the current level of dividend, a falling share price can make a dividend yield look deceptively attractive. In fact, it can simply be a warning flag.

To work out whether a dividend is really sustainable it can help to look at the level of earnings out of which the dividend is paid.

As a rule of thumb, a company with earnings of less than two times the dividend may be at risk of being unable to sustain payments if trading conditions deteriorate.

Some of the highest yielding stocks in Londons market are British American Tobacco and Imperial Brands, which are cigarette and vape manufacturers.

Story continues

These companies have historically been reliable dividend payers, but their share prices have suffered this year and pushed up the yield. Some investors are concerned about their long-term prospects, as they face lower smoking rates and tougher regulation.

Stocks and dividend payouts

Now read: How capital gains tax is charged on shares  and how to reduce it

Calculate the free cash flow

The best way to figure out if you want to invest in a company is to research it yourself, and pay close attention to its annual reports.

You can use this to calculate ratios and indicators of a business health, such as free cash flow. This gives you an idea of how much money a company has leftover after paying for its day-to-day operations, and therefore how much room it has to pay out a dividend to investors.

It is calculated by finding cash from operations and subtracting capital expenditure. You can calculate free cash flow yield by taking free cash flow per share and dividing this by market price per share. This gives you an indication of how much free cash flow a company is expected to earn.

A low ratio shows that investors are putting money into the company, but not receiving a good return in exchange. A high yield means the company is generating enough cash to satisfy its debts and dividend obligations.

Now read: How to (legitimately) shield your dividends from the taxman

Look for a long track record

If you want a dependable source of dividends, it is important to check a companys track record. If paying a dividend is embedded in a corporate culture, it is less likely to be pulled as its a draw for bigger, institutional investors  the type that senior management do not want to isolate.

For example, before the pandemic the telecoms giant BT had not cut its dividend in 19 years. It suspended payouts for two years, but reinstated it in 2022. It is now the third highest yielding share in the FTSE 100.

Now read: Self-employed? Here are five (perfectly legal) ways to beat the taxman

Pro dividend-hunters

Stock-picking can be a risky business, and requires a lot of thorough background research. If you are short on time, then it might be better to outsource this work to a fund manager. This is a professional investor who will manage your money for you within their own fund.

There are a range of funds that you can invest in, but investment trusts are especially attractive for those looking for income as they are able to set aside revenue reserves.

Open-ended funds are obliged to distribute all the dividend income they receive from the companies they hold, but investment trusts can hold back up to 15pc each year.

This means the fund managers can smooth out payouts each year, and still pay an income when times are tough. For example, in 2020 British dividends dropped by 44pc because of the pandemic. But most investment trusts that paid a yield of at least 1pc either increased or maintained their dividends that year.

Alice Guy, of the broker Interactive Investor, added: There are several dividend hero investment trusts to consider that have consistently increased their dividends for 20 years in a row.

At the top of the list is the City of London investment trust, which invests in British stocks and has increased its dividend for 37 years in a row. This is followed by the Bankers Investment Trust and Alliance Trust, which both invest in global shares and have increased their dividends for 56 consecutive years.

Now read: A comprehensive guide on how to invest  and where to put your money

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.
Beyonces BeyGOOD Foundation Donates $100K In Scholarships To Detroit Students | Kevin Mazur

Not only is Beyonce wowing her fans with her Renaissance World Tour, but shes also giving back to a few cities. During her visit to Detroit, Michigan, Bey blessed 10 students from the Detroit School for Digital Technology scholarships through her BeyGood Foundation, a nonprofit organization.

According to WFGR, she donated $100,000 in scholarship funds as part of her Renaissance Scholars Program.

To continue Mrs. Carters history of support for student education, we introduce the RENAISSANCE Scholars, BeyGood said in an online statement. Education has always been a focus pillar for Mrs. Carter. After announcing her highly anticipated RENAISSANCE World Tour, she committed $1M to support education through the RENAISSANCE Scholars program to impact 10 Colleges/ Universities worldwide, where 100 students will receive $10,000 scholarships.

Bey supports the Detroit school for its education style while trying to elevate its students to better opportunities. Along with DSDT, BeyGood donated to Prairie View A&M University in Texas, Jackson State University in Mississippi, Alabama State University, Grambling State University in Louisiana, Institut Francais de la Mode in France, and there is also a plan to donate to a college in Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.

We were delighted to spend the morning with the Detroit School for Digital Technology and announce that @dsdttech will receive 100K in Renaissance scholarship funds to support students with financial needs. Your commitment to education and elevating your students and communities inspires us, BeyGood announced. To the Renaissance superstars, we appreciate you taking time out of your busy tour schedules to share your journeys. Your presence was a gift!

Bey furthered her philanthropy through her foundation by offering $10K grants to small businesses and entrepreneurs needing funding due to economic inequalities. BeyGood and the National Minority Supplier Development Council are partners in supporting entrepreneurs and small business owners and have committed $1 million toward several activations, including Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New Orleans, New York, London and two additional unnamed international cities. 100 Black entrepreneurs will be selected in each town to attend the Black Parade Route luncheons; 1,000 small businesses will be provided with grant opportunities and business sustainability support services, and $100,000 in grants provided per city for small business relief.
Arun Ferreira (in grey) was arrested by the police in August 2018

India's Supreme Court has granted bail to two prominent rights activists who have been in jail since August 2018.

Vernon Gonsalves and Arun Ferreira were among several arrested for allegedly inciting caste violence, a charge they deny.

The anti-terror law under which they were arrested makes it almost impossible to get bail.

The two approached the top court after their bail pleas were denied by a high court.

Mr Gonsalves and Mr Ferreira were among at least 14 others who were jailed in connection with violence that erupted in January 2018 in Bhima Koregaon village in Maharashtra state.

They were also accused of links to the banned Communist Party of India (Maoist).

Among those arrested in the case was Stan Swamy - a respected tribal rights activist - who died of a cardiac arrest in hospital in July 2021. The 84-year-old had been denied bail twice despite failing health. His condition deteriorated rapidly in prison.

Prison authorities were criticised for denying him access to basic amenities such as a straw and sipper - a plastic drinking beaker with a spout or straw - which he needed to drink water because of hand tremors caused by Parkinson's.

Lawyer and activist Sudha Bharadwaj, also arrested in the case, was granted bail in December 2021 while Varavara Rao, an 82-year-old Maoist ideologue and poet, was granted bail on medical grounds in August 2022.

A two-judge bench of the Supreme Court on Friday noted that nearly five years had passed since Mr Gonsalves and Mr Ferreira had been taken into custody.

Activist Vernon Gonsalves (seen above) and Arun Ferreira have been in jailed since 2018

While acknowledging the seriousness of the allegations, the bench said that mere accusations should not suffice as the sole basis for denying bail and prolonging their detention until trial.

The activists have been granted bail on the condition that they surrender their passports, do not leave the state of Maharashtra and use a mobile number that can be shared with the country's anti-terror agency, National Investigation Agency (NIA).

Story continues

Their mobile phones must be charged round the clock and location shared with an NIA officer for live-tracking, the court said.

BBC News India is now on YouTube. Click here to subscribe and watch our documentaries, explainers and features.

Read more India stories from the BBC:
(Bloomberg) -- The Senate approved legislation Thursday intended to speed up construction of US semiconductor facilities by exempting certain projects from often lengthy environmental reviews.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The legislation was included in an amendment package to the annual defense policy bill and passed by a vote of 94-3, underscoring the broad bipartisan support for rapidly expanding the countrys semiconductor industry.

The environmental exemption would apply to certain projects that receive grants under the CHIPS and Science Act, which President Joe Biden signed into law last year. None of the laws $52.7 billion in subsidies have gone out the door, but the promise of funding has already spurred private investment across the country after decades of production shifting to Asia.

The Senates version of the defense bill, once passed, must be reconciled with the House-passed version of the measure. A companion permitting bill has already been introduced.

The semiconductor investment, members of both parties say, will help wean the US off foreign technology supply chains while creating good-paying manufacturing jobs at home  a pitch that has become a key part of Bidens reelection bid.

Several of the permitting bills sponsors, including Senators Mark Kelly of Arizona and Sherrod Brown of Ohio, have a home-state stake: The Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company is building a massive fabrication plant in Phoenix, and Intel has broken ground on a huge facility just outside of Columbus.

Already, skilled labor shortages have forced TSMC to shift back its production timeline to 2025, the company said last week, and Intel has warned that a lack of qualified workers will be also hurdle for its facility.

Story continues

Read more: Bidens Vision for US-Made Chips Hits Snag With Arizona Delay

The permitting exemption aims to limit further delays across the sector. To qualify, projects must already be under construction, have state-level reviews at least as stringent as those stipulated by the National Environmental Policy Act, use federal dollars for less than 15% of total costs, or merely expand existing sites  without more than doubling their size.

The goal, says Indiana Republican Senator Todd Young, is to capture as many potential funding recipients as possible.

Environmental advocates, though, worry that the exemption would undermine the purpose of environmental review  and is a harbinger of more rollbacks to come, including on energy permitting.

Read more: Biden Chip Money Sparks Debate Over Plants Environmental Impact

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
Plans for the theme park have been in the works since 2012

Conservation groups are calling for the removal of a planning designation that could allow a theme park to be built on the Swanscombe Peninsula in Kent - a site described as a "haven for wildlife".

Various wildlife organisations have written to Michael Gove, the secretary of state for levelling up, housing and communities, asking him to axe a direction for the London Resort theme park to be classed as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP).

NSIPs - usually assigned to large scale projects such as airports and major roads - bypass normal local planning requirements.

In the letter, the coalition of wildlife charities said revoking the NSIP direction was essential "to secure the future of this nationally important wildlife site".

The Swanscombe Peninsula - a former industrial estate - is now 'a mosaic of habitats', nature groups say

In 2021, Swanscombe Peninsula was given protection as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to the national importance of its geology, plant life and wildlife.

It is home to over 2,000 invertebrate breeds, 82 species of birds including nightingales, as well as water voles and otters.

A planning application for the theme park was withdrawn last March but, in April, London Resort said they would submit a revised application "in due course".

Sally Smith from Kent Wildlife Trust said losing the site would be "devastating for the species that are here, but also for the local community".

"It is our lifeblood; it sustains us," she added. "We need this for our health and our wellbeing, so this development cannot go ahead."

The site is home to the critically endangered distinguished jumping spider

The coalition of nature organisations - which includes Kent Wildlife Trust and The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) - said they have developed a "vision" to keep the peninsula as a publicly accessible green space.

However, the letter said the group cannot proceed with the NSIP direction "hanging over it".

London Resort and the department for levelling up, housing and communities have been approached for comment.

Follow BBC South East on Facebook, on Twitter, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk.
The Biden administration proposed new fuel economy standards for passenger cars and light trucks which it said would save Americans hundreds of dollars at the gas pump  but will also drive car prices higher.

The new Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards  unveiled Friday by the Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)  requires passenger cars and light trucks to improve fuel efficiency 2% and 4%, respectively, beginning in 2027. Under the rules, pickup trucks and work vans must boost fuel efficiency 10% every year starting in 2030.

By 2032, the agency said average U.S. fleet fuel economy could reach 58 miles per gallon. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the estimated average fuel economy for model year 2022 cars was 26.4 miles per gallon, meaning the proposed standards Friday would mandate automakers more than double fuel efficiency in less than a decade or face substantial penalties.

"Better vehicle fuel efficiency means more money in Americans pockets and stronger energy security for the entire nation," Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in a statement.

BIDEN NOMINEE WANTS TO HIJACK LITTLE-KNOWN AGENCY TO RAM THROUGH CLIMATE AGENDA

Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg speaks during a press conference in New York City on June 28, 2021.

In their announcement, DOT and NHTSA said, if finalized, the new CAFE standards would save consumers more than $50 billion on fuel over vehicles lifetimes and reduce oil dependence by reducing gasoline consumption by 88 billion gallons through 2050.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

The administration added the standards would curb carbon emissions by more than 900 million tons through 2050. It stated such a large emissions reduction is the equivalent of taking more than 233 million vehicles off the road in that time span.

STUDY CASTS DOUBT ON ELECTRIC VEHICLES' CLIMATE, COST BENEFITS: 'WON'T ACHIEVE THE GOALS INTENDED'

"CAFE standards have driven the auto industry to innovate in improving fuel economy in ways that benefit our nation and all Americans," NHTSA Acting Administrator Ann Carlson said in a statement.

Story continues

"The new standards were proposing today would advance our energy security, reduce harmful emissions, and save families and business owners money at the pump," she continued. "Thats good news for everyone."

The proposal Friday is sure to garner considerable pushback from Republican lawmakers, the fossil fuel industry and automakers alike.

President Biden, right, talks to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan at the White House earlier this year. The EPA unveiled its own emissions standards to force electric vehicle adoption in April.

On July 17, General Motors Vice President of Global Regulatory Affairs David Strickland met with White House officials as part of the administration's pre-rule procedure and presented data showing the CAFE standards could cost companies up to $300 billion. Those costs would come in the form of government fines for not meeting fuel efficiency requirement, according to the presentation.

In March 2022, NHTSA finalized its proposed CAFE standards for model years 2024-2026, mandating an industry-wide fleet average of about 49 miles per gallon by 2026. The agency acknowledged in an accompanying report the standards would cost automakers an estimated $236.5 billion and projected car prices to rise by more than $1,000.

BIDEN NOMINEE COORDINATED DARK MONEY CLIMATE NUISANCE LAWSUITS INVOLVING LEONARDO DICAPRIO

And the proposal Friday comes three months after the EPA proposed the most aggressive tailpipe emissions ever crafted, which it said would cause 67% of new sedan, crossover, SUV and light truck purchases to be electric by 2032.

NHTSA said its rules would "complement and align with" the EPA's emissions standards.

"NHTSA will coordinate with the EPA to optimize the effectiveness of its standards while minimizing compliance costs, consistent with applicable statutory factors," the agency said Friday. "With the release of todays proposal, NHTSA invites comments from all stakeholders on how this goal can be achieved."

President Biden nominated Ann Carlson to lead the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in February. The White House withdrew her nomination months later, but she still effectively leads the agency.

On May 1, shortly after the EPA released its emissions standards proposal, Senate Commerce Committee Ranking Member Ted Cruz, R-Texas, led a letter to NHTSA Acting Administrator Carlson, warning her against following the EPA's lead cracking down on gas-powered vehicles. The letter urged Carlson to "reject the EPAs economically destructive regulatory overreach."

"Based on your record, we are deeply concerned that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration will follow the EPAs lead and propose similarly radical vehicle fuel economy standards that run contrary to the law, diminish vehicle choice, impose higher costs on American families, and undermine our national and energy security all while benefiting China," he wrote in the letter.

In a statement Friday, Cruz blasted the proposal and said it would be a "de facto EV mandate" if finalized.

"Today, the Biden administration escalated their war on affordable gas-powered cars and trucks, taking a page from Californias Green New Deal playbook," Cruz told Fox News Digital in a statement.

"Commerce Republicans warned the failed radical NHTSA nominee Ann Carlson not to take this step in a May 1st letter because American families should be free to purchase any vehicle they want," he added. "This de facto EV mandate will dramatically raise car prices, weaken energy security, and is likely contrary to the law. I will continue to fight this Bidenomic policy."

The White House withdrew its nomination on May 30 for Carlson to lead NHTSA after she faced strong opposition from Cruz and other lawmakers for boasting that NHTSA  founded in 1970 to improve passenger car safety and reduce traffic deaths  could be transformed into a climate-centered agency. However, she remains the agency's acting administrator, making her its effective leader.
President Biden on Friday is poised to sign a new executive order that will clear the way for major changes to the Uniform Code of Military Justice for the first time in decades, taking authority away from commanders in cases of sexual assault, rape and murder to make the chain of command independent.

Bidens signature will mark the most significant transformation to the way the U.S. military legal system operates since it was set up in 1950  after several decades of pressure from advocates and sexual assault victims who pressed for laws that would better serve those in uniform, according to a White House statement.

Lawmakers for years have argued for taking military commanders out of the equation when it comes to deciding whether cases of sexual assault and harassment should be elevated to a legal situation, against the wishes of Defense officials  with Congress in 2022 mandating that such changes take place.

The new executive order, which the White House called a turning point for survivors of gender-based violence in the military, will cement the process for the Defense Department to create a group of special prosecutors to handle sexual assault and other high-profile crimes rather than commanders, as in years past.

The Pentagon must fill out the group, known as the Offices of Special Trial Counsel, within two years under the law long championed by Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.).

An independent review commission on sexual assault in the military, set up by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, in 2021 recommended the change along with more than two dozen suggestions. It was included in last years annual National Defense Authorization Act but needed a change to the Uniform Code of Military Justice, which required Fridays formal presidential action.

Bidens order will significantly strengthen how the military handles sexual assault cases by making clear that our one truly sacred obligation as a nation is to prepare and equip those we send into harms way, and to care for them and their families both while they are deployed and when they return home, according to a White House statement.

Story continues

Under the law, the new, specialized military lawyers will decide whether to pursue sexual assault charges instead of military commanders  who in years past were the authority on whether to move forward with a case  with the commanders unable to override the decision.

The order will also allow special trial counsel offices to expand their authority in 2025 to include cases of sexual harassment.

Advocates of military sexual assault victims for years pressed for such cases to be taken out of the chain of command as they argued that military leaders often deferred on taking seriously the assault claims of those under them.

Senior defense officials spoke out against changing the system, arguing that altering the chain of command would erode confidence in the ranks.

But Austin finally endorsed such changes in 2021, with Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Mark Milley, who had long opposed any alterations to the system, finally acknowledging that younger troops had lost confidence in military brass taking sexual assault cases seriously.

White House officials told reporters that the military services had started hiring for the Offices of Special Trial Counsel, expected to be operational by the end of the year.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
President Biden on Friday announced $345 million in military assistance for Taiwan, using an authority from Congress that draws weapons directly from U.S. stockpiles.

The announcement was first published as a memorandum to the Secretary of State, directing the drawdown of defense articles and services of the Department of Defense, and military education and training, to provide assistance to Taiwan.

The package is said to include intelligence and surveillance capabilities, man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS), firearms and missiles, according to a congressional staffer familiar with the package.

Biden authorized the weapons transfer to Taiwan using a Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA) that Congress approved last year.

National Security Council Spokesperson John Kirby told reporters to stay tuned when asked Friday when the White House was going to make the announcement.

Obviously we take our responsibilities to Taiwan and to improving their self defense capabilities very, very seriously, he said. Nothings changed about that. And well continue to look for ways to do that.

The U.S. is working to outfit Taiwan with enough military capabilities to deter the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) from carrying out an invasion or blockade against the island. U.S. officials have warned that Beijing is readying its military to have the capability to move against the island by 2027.

The PRC views the democratically-goerend island of Taiwan as an inalienable part of mainland China and Chinese President Xi Jinping has said he intends to see Taipei reunified with Beijing.

Taiwan, while holding back from declaring its status as independent, is supported by the U.S. to have the defensive means and diplomatic clout to resist a forced takeover by Beijing, either through military conflict or economic coercion.

Congress approved $1 billion in weapons transfers for Taiwan in the 2023 budget, and have urged the administration to fill a backlog of weapons sales to the country and raising alarm that resupplying the island in the event of a military conflict would be next to impossible.

Story continues

I am glad to see the Biden administration send this much-needed weapons package to Taiwan as Communist China eyes further aggression. However, this should have occurred much earlier and could have been more robust, said Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas), chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and who visited Taiwan in May.

This administrations repeated fear of escalation in providing critical weapon systems  in the midst of a great power competition  has only served to embolden Chairman Xi and his unholy alliance, he continued. The U.S. must remain committed to providing necessary defense articles to enable Taiwan in maintaining deterrence and self-defense capability.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
President Joe Biden will host Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol at Camp David next month as a part of his effort to bring the key Asian allies closer, the White House announced Friday

At the summit, the leaders will celebrate a new chapter in their trilateral relationship as they reaffirm their strong bonds of friendship and the ironclad alliances between the United States and Japan, and the United States and the Republic of Korea, the White House wrote in a statement announcing the meeting. The three leaders will discuss expanding trilateral cooperation across the Indo-Pacific and beyond  including to address the continued threat posed by the DPRK and to strengthen ties with ASEAN and the Pacific Islands.

Its the first visit to Camp David by a foreign leader since Biden took office, and the first since 2015 when former President Barack Obama was in office.

United States National Security Council coordinator for strategic communications John Kirby said the summit would reaffirm the iron-clad alliances between the United States and Japan, United States and the Republic of Korea, and the blossoming of the relationship between Japan and the ROK under the extraordinary leadership of both President Yoon and Prime Minister Kishida.

They really have been extraordinary in the way theyve tried to improve their bilateral relations, Kirby said, during a call with reporters Friday.

As CNN previously reported, the leaders of South Korea and Japan promised to resume ties in a fence-mending summit in March  the first such meeting in 12 years  as the two neighbors sought to confront threats from North Korea and rising concerns about China. Mutual visits by Japanese and South Korean leaders had been suspended as ties soured over several issues, including a dispute over proper compensation of South Koreans who were forced to work in Japan during the Japanese occupation of South Korea in the early 20th century.

Story continues

In recent years the often fraught relations have undermined efforts by the United States to present a united front against North Korea  and the growing assertiveness of Beijing.

The two East Asian neighbors have a long history of acrimony, dating back to Japans colonial occupation of the Korean Peninsula a century ago. The two normalized relations in 1965, but unresolved historical disputes have continued to fester, in particular over imperial Japans use of forced labor and so-called comfort women sex slaves.

Biden met with both leaders for a trilateral meeting in May 2023 in Hiroshima, Japan, during the G7 meeting and in June 2022 at the NATO summit in Madrid. He also visited both countries back-to-back in May, 2022.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
President Biden on Friday made his first public remarks about his 4-year-old grandchild Navy, the daughter of his son Hunter Biden, after silence from the White House over the young girl amid legal disputes between her parents.

In a statement exclusively provided to People, Biden said that his son and Lunden Roberts, Navys mother, are working to provide a life for her.

Our son Hunter and Navys mother, Lunden, are working together to foster a relationship that is in the best interests of their daughter, preserving her privacy as much as possible going forward, the president said. This is not a political issue, its a family matter. Jill and I only want what is best for all of our grandchildren, including Navy.

The New York Times earlier this month published a piece about the child, writing that shes never met Hunter Biden or her grandfather. After that was published, the White House dealt with questions in the briefing room from reporters about whether Biden accepted Hunter Bidens daughter in Arkansas as his granddaughter.

Roberts, who is in Arkansas, filed a paternity suit against Hunter Biden in May 2019, and he appeared in court this May. In June, he reached a settlement in his child support case after he was ordered to sit for a deposition under oath to answer questions about his finances.

An anonymous source told People that the president and first lady Jill Biden have been giving Hunter and Lunden the space and time to figure things out and have been following Hunters lead throughout the legal proceedings involving the young girl.

Biden has come under criticism from the right over not recognizing the 4-year-old child.

The statement given to People, as a result, was significant. It was also given to a publication whose readership is estimated to be 69 percent female. Suburban women voters are a key block for the White House team in 2024.

Hunter Bidens personal and legal troubles have been increasingly in the spotlight in recent weeks. He appeared in a Delaware court Wednesday, where his plea deal on federal tax and gun charges was put on hold by a judge who questioned the scope of the agreement.

Updated at 6:20 p.m.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes speaks at a press conference in the Gold Room at the Capitol on Jan. 23, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

What happens when someone travels to Oregon to get an abortion that is illegal in a different state?

The simple answer is nothing, according to legal experts that include U.S. Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, who in his concurring opinion in the Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization case wrote that interstate travel is a constitutionally protected right.

But 19 Republican attorneys general signed on to a letter last month pushing back on a proposed rule from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, or HHS, that would prevent the disclosure of protected health information related to reproductive health care in a criminal or civil investigation.

In short, if that out-of-state resident gets an abortion in Oregon, law enforcement in the home state would have a difficult time accessing those records under the proposed rule. HHS says the rule change would bolster privacy for people who travel to another state for health care that has been deemed illegal in their own state  including gender-related health care for minors and abortions.

Some attorneys general, including Utahs Sean Reyes, take issue with the amendment, and signed the June 16 letter spearheaded by Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch, whose lawsuit defending the states abortion law ultimately led to Roe being overturned. They claim the rule infringes on states rights to enforce their own abortion laws.

Fitch, in a press release, called the rule the Biden Administrations latest attempt to override the U.S. Supreme Courts Dobbs ruling that protected the peoples right to make laws regulating abortion.

The letter was part of the public comment period for the proposed rule, which means the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will have to respond.

Why does Utah want information on out of state abortions?

The Utah Attorney Generals office, in an emailed statement to the Deseret News, says the rule would upset that careful, decades-old balance of regulations that safeguard the privacy of individual health information while permitting disclosure of information to state authorities to protect public health, safety, and welfare.

Story continues

The proposed rule defies the governing statute, would unlawfully interfere with states authority to enforce their laws, and does not serve any legitimate need, wrote Richard Piatt, spokesperson for the office.

Piatt said the state is in part opposed to the change because it gives health care providers authority to determine what information is released, pointing to a section in the letter that claims the rule improperly empowers regulated entities (health plans, clearinghouses, and providers) to determine whether reproductive health care services are lawfully provided and then to refuse compliance with state investigations and official proceedings.

Its state law-enforcement and government officials who should have that discretion, the office argues.

By obstructing their ability to exercise it the proposed rule violates HIPAA and runs afoul of the constitutional design, the letter reads.

Piatt also said the state has an interest in monitoring the conduct of medical personnel who are licensed under their laws but act out of state.

When asked if the office would prosecute people who travel out of state to get these procedures, Piatt declined to answer, saying he did not want to speculate.

We certainly investigate and prosecute crimes in our jurisdiction. The AGs Office is disinclined to speculate publicly what those crimes may be, he said.

Andrew Beck, a senior staff attorney for the ACLUs Reproductive Freedom Project, says states dont need to prosecute people  the threat of prosecution, or even the notion that states are compiling data, could have a chilling effect.

These are efforts to intimidate people from obtaining abortions in other states where its legal and intimidate people who are providing that care. Its a threat in the form of a letter, that theyre going to be monitoring physicians, he said.

The attempt to compile data on these individuals also has a murky legal standing. Utah can collect health care information in Utah  but what about in other states?

Suppose the state of Utah says its health department can collect data about abortions all over the United States? I think its very questionable whether thats legal, said Leslie Francis, an attorney and professor at the University of Utah who specializes in HIPAA and federalism, or states rights.

The problem would still be whether Utah can authorize by law the collection of data for public health purposes, about what happens in Colorado, she said.

Legal minefield

Existing case law rooted in federalism suggests attorneys general would have a slim chance at actually prosecuting people for health care received out of state. Kavanaugh laid this out when he voted to overturn Roe in the Dobbs case.

May a state bar a resident of that state from traveling to another state to obtain an abortion? he wrote in his concurring opinion. In my view, the answer is no based on the constitutional right to interstate travel.

Experts liken it to traveling to Nevada to gamble, or to Colorado to purchase recreational marijuana. Hunting laws vary by state but residents are allowed to partake regardless of their home state. Traveling to other states for physician-assisted suicide is another parallel.

It has been an assumption of U.S. federalism that states can criminalize what happens within their borders, but not outside. So Utah might prosecute me for smoking marijuana at my home in Utah, but it cant prosecute me for smoking marijuana while I am on vacation in Colorado, said Francis.

Anything less is a recipe for undermining the whole concept of the American experiment, said Beck with the ACLU.

When people go to another state, theyre able to take part in the activities of that state when they visit and they shouldnt fear intimidation, from extremist politicians when theyre doing so, he said.

In Utahs case, according to the attorney generals office, the opposition to the rule is that it strips power from states, and gives too much authority to providers.

From a purely logistical standpoint, it would be difficult.

Another complication here is whether Idaho could ask Colorado to extradite the Colorado doctorthat is, to send the doctor to Idaho for prosecution, said Francis, noting that Colorado would normally extradite its residents if theyd committed a crime while in Idaho. Presumably, Colorado wouldnt cooperate. The doctor would of course need to be careful never to set foot in Idaho or Idaho might try to make an arrest.

Would law enforcement agencies cooperate across state lines to serve a search warrant, or subpoena? Could a state try to prevent, or punish, people for crossing state lines if they know its to get an abortion?

The closest example is In Idaho, where lawmakers recently passed an abortion trafficking bill that criminalizes helping minors get an abortion out of state without their parents consent.

Whether that differs from prosecuting interstate travel is currently up for debate  the law is the subject of a current lawsuit, with activists saying it violates the Fourth Amendment and the right to travel freely between states.

Utahs abortion trigger law, which would ban the procedure in the state except for cases of rape, incest or a medical emergency, is still on hold following a lawsuit from the Planned Parenthood Association of Utah and the ACLU Utah chapter.
President Biden will host the leaders of South Korea and Japan at Camp David next month, in a summit aimed at showing solidarity among Indo-Pacific countries in the face of threats from North Korea, the Peoples Republic of China and fallout from Russias war in Ukraine.

Biden will host Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol at Camp David on August 18, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement on Friday.

The summit will focus on expanding cooperation in the region, including to counter threats from North Korea related to its ballistic missiles and nuclear weapons program, the statement read, and to strengthen ties with Southeast Asian Nations and the Pacific islands.

The summit will advance a shared trilateral vision for addressing global and regional security challenges, promoting a rules-based international order, and bolstering economic prosperity, Jean-Pierre said.

Biden has placed a priority on deepening ties with Japan and South Korea, in particular, as key defense partners guarding against North Koreas nuclear threats, Chinas ambitions in the region, and as part of a democratic coalition supporting Ukraine.

The Camp David summit follows North Koreas leader Kim Jong Un hosting Chinese and Russian delegations in Pyongyang to mark the 70th anniversary of the armistice with South Korea that froze the Korean War.

Yet Japan and South Korea are not easy partners for each other. The two Pacific countries have worked to ease tensions, with support by the U.S., and to overcome historic grievances stemming from Japans occupation of the peninsula in the early 20th century.

In March, Kishida and Yoon held the first bilateral summit between the two nations in over a decade. But experts have cautioned against calling it a breakthrough, warning that Korean public opinion views the Japanese as not going far enough in addressing crimes committed during the occupation.

Story continues

Still, the Biden administration has put intense efforts in increasing and encouraging cooperation between Washington, Seoul and Tokyo.

Biden hosted Yoon for a State visit in April and the two countries signed the Washington Declaration, that brought South Korea under the protection of Americas nuclear-weapons umbrella, aimed at deterring North Korea from ever using a nuclear weapon.

Biden met with Kishida in Washington in January and as members of the Group of 7 nations, have worked closely together to support Ukraine in its defensive war against Russia.

During the G7 leaders summit hosted in Hiroshima in May, the joint communique also included a reference to maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, a reference to concerns that China is building up its military to carry out an invasion or enact a blockade around the island.

The U.S. has welcomed Japans commitment to increase its defense spending over the next five years for an estimated total $318 billion.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
(Bloomberg) -- The Biden administration is poised to issue a proposal as early as Friday ordering automakers to increase the average fuel economy of their vehicles, according to people familiar with the matter.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The proposed rule, expected to be made public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, will be applicable for model years 2027 and beyond, according to the people who asked not to be identified because they werent authorized to speak publicly about it.

The agency didnt immediately respond to a request for comment.

The move comes as gasoline prices are rising and the Biden administration is pushing for half of all vehicles sold in the U.S. to be electric or emissions-free by the end of the decade.

The agencys previous proposal, issued last April, ordered automakers to increase their average fuel economy to about 49 miles (78.8 kilometers) per gallon by 2026.

General Motors Co. has already voiced concerns to the US Environmental Protection Agency over requirements for proposed emissions rules.

The automaker said in a July 5 filing that federal rules and other regulations in six states could require automakers to sell more than the Biden Administrations goal of 50% of volume from EVs by 2030, which could be difficult to achieve.

The Alliance for Automotive Innovation, which represents automakers including GM, in April said the Biden Administrations goal to have EVs make up half the market by 2030, was always a stretch.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
President Joe Biden on Friday ordered a historic change to the Uniform Code of Military Justice by transferring key decision-making authorities outside the military chain of command in cases of sexual assault, domestic violence, child abuse, murder and other serious crimes.

The order, which the administration is calling the most significant transformation of the military justice system since the UCMJ was established in 1950, officially implements changes passed by Congress as part of fiscal year 2022s National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), and comes two years after an independent review commission on sexual assault in the military, formed by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, recommended moving prosecution of sexual assault in the military outside the chain of command.

Key among the changes in the order is the establishment of rules to govern the newly formed Offices of Special Trial Counsel (OSTC) which, composed of a panel of independent military prosecutors, would make prosecutorial decisions involving sexual assault and other violent crimes.

On a call with reporters previewing the executive order, a senior administration official called the move a turning point for survivors of gender-based violence in the military.

These changes follow decades tireless efforts by survivors, advocates and members of Congress to strengthen the military justice systems response to gender-based violence, the official said. As Secretary Austin has said many times, this is a leadership issue, and we believe this historic order demonstrates that leadership.

It took time for the Department of Defense to put the services in place, the White House said Friday, calling it a monumental change to the current system of military justice.

You had to basically create a separate system just to handle these crimes, National Security Council coordinator for strategic communications John Kirby told CNNs Kayla Tausche during a call with reporters. And that meant standing up offices, that meant manning those offices, that meant getting trained investigators and prosecutors in those offices, and setting up the structure and that just took a took a little bit of time.

Story continues

He said he didnt want to bore you with detail here, but that basically, this change required a completely different shift in the way these crimes are investigated and prosecuted by taking them outside the chain of command, which already had existing protocols in place in existing judicial system.

I know it may not sound like much, Kirby said, but its a big change to the way the military did it.

He also pointed out that Congress had given the administration until December 2023 to make the change and it was completed five months early. Kirby said the administration was very proud of being ahead of deadline.

In a statement following the signing, New York Democratic Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand  who, along with Republican Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa, led a bipartisan push in Congress to remove prosecution of sexual assault from the military chain of command  applauded Fridays executive order, writing while it may take time to see results of the new system, these measures will instill more trust, professionalism, and confidence in the system.

The senior administration official took care to acknowledge Gillibrands work on the issue ahead of the orders signing, calling her a leader for decades in calling attention to the need to reform the military justice system in a way thats fairer and more just  particularly for sexual assault survivors.

According to the administration, Gillibrand was influential in leading the charge to expand the scope of crimes covered by the independent counsel beyond sexual assault to also include murder, manslaughter and kidnapping  changes ultimately reflected in Fridays executive order.

Biden signed the order Friday morning before departing for Maine. The text of the executive order was posted on whitehouse.gov and a White House official said the full changes to the Manual for Courts Martial will be published in the Federal Register, which may take a few days.

In addition to formalizing the rules governing the OSTC, Fridays executive order will also establish prosecutorial decisions made by special trial counsel as wholly independent from the chain of command; update procedures the administration says will ensure protections for victims before, during, and after court martial proceedings; and alter the court-martial sentencing system to promote uniformity and fairness.

What this executive order does is it really creates the rules of the road for an absolutely brand-new class of independent military prosecutors, and creates the independent authority and the command reporting structure of the Offices of Special Trial Counsel, that very importantly  and this was in the 22 NDAA  will report without intervening authorities directly to the civilian service secretaries of each military service, a second official said Thursday.

Under the 2022 NDAA, the new changes are set to take effect by December 27, 2023  but, per the administration official, the OSTC has already been established within the Department of Defense and is in the process of staffing up.

This story has been updated with additional information.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
President Joe Biden will sign an executive order Friday that will overhaul key provisions of the 73-year-old Uniform Code of Military Justice. The president took the action as part of a broader effort to protect abuse victims. Photo by Yuri Gripas/UPI

July 28 (UPI) -- President Joe Biden will sign an executive order Friday that transfers decision-making power from defense commanders over to independent prosecutors in military sexual assault cases.

The directive will overhaul key provisions of the 73-year-old Uniform Code of Military Justice as Biden moved to shake up the regulations for the second time during his presidency as part of a broader government effort to protect abuse victims.

In January 2022, Biden signed an executive order making sexual harassment an offense under the Uniform Code, and a month before that, the commander-in-chief signed the $770 billion National Defense Authorization Act, which included funding to change how the military prosecutes sexual assaults.

The newest order will fully separate judicial decisions from the chain of the command in cases involving sexual assault, domestic violence, child abuse, murder, and other serious crimes, the White House said in a statement.

As part of the action, the administration will establish the office of the independent Special Trial Counsel, "who will now decide, in the place of commanders, whether to prosecute covered offenses," the White House said.

Reports of sexual assault in the U.S. military increased 13% last year, representing the highest rate of sexual assault against women and the second highest against men since the recording of such crimes began nearly 20 years ago.

Other provisions of Biden's executive order include modernizing procedures to protect victims, including renewed oversight of court-martial proceedings to ensure fewer sentencing disparities for violent crimes.

"These reforms are a turning point for survivors of gender-based violence in the military," the statement said. "They fulfill President Biden's promise to fundamentally shift how the military justice system responds to sexual assault and related crimes."

Biden's rule change continues to build upon years of congressional efforts to reform the military judicial system, with Biden now putting renewed focus on protecting victims' rights in cases of gender-based violence.

Story continues

The results of a congressional inquiry from September 2022 found 8,866 reports of sexual assault involving members of the U.S. Armed Forces during the previous fiscal year. And while all branches of the military saw increases in sexual assaults in 2021, the Army tallied the most reports of sexual assault with 4,081 -- an increase of more than 25% from the year before.

Under Biden's order, the administration plans to emphasize victim advocacy, strengthen investigative protocols, increase judicial accountability, and improve the government's overall response to violent crimes committed by military service-members.

The administration is also planning to hire 2,000 skilled professionals to serve in a crime prevention workforce in military communities across the nation.
President Joe Biden traveled to Maine on Friday for the latest in a series of speeches touting "Bidenomics," a term he has embraced for his economic agenda, this time focusing on manufacturing jobs.

He also signed an executive order aiming to prioritize American innovation and manufacturing, which the White House is summarizing with the slogan "Invent it here, make it here."

The executive order will increase incentives for manufacturing inventions that are supported by federal money in the United States, according to a White House fact sheet.

"I'm not here to declare victory on the economy. We have more work to do, but we have a plan for turning things around," Biden said during his speech. "Bidenomics is just another way of saying 'restoring the American dream.'"

After delivering remarks, Biden went to shake audience members hands instead of signing the executive order at the desk on stage.

Im coming back to shake your hand, but I forgot I didnt sign the order, Biden said to laughter after about five minutes of talking with audience members. All that talk and no action. Alright, Im signing the executive order.

The event took place at Auburn Manufacturing Inc., a textile manufacturer that a White House official says is "experiencing double-digit growth as a result of this Presidents Investing in America agenda." It was Biden's first trip to Maine as president, the White House said.

Biden won the state in 2020. He received 52.8% of the vote in Auburn, where he spoke on Friday.

In his remarks, Biden also responded to Speaker Kevin McCarthy's, R-Calif., suggestion this week that the House could be justified in starting an impeachment probe against him.

"Earlier this week The Washington Post suggested Republicans may have to find something else to criticize me for now that inflation is coming down," Biden said, referring to an economic policy article.

Story continues

"Maybe they'll decide to impeach me because [inflation's] coming down. I don't know," he quipped.

Following his remarks, the president traveled to Freeport, Maine, for a campaign reception.

Friday's is the latest in a series of speeches made by Biden and senior members of his administration to highlight public investments and job creation through "Bidenomics," which the White House says prioritizes making public investments, promoting competition and educating workers to grow the middle class. Biden previously touted clean energy manufacturing and union jobs in a visit to Philadelphia on July 20.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
President Biden on Thursday said Sen. Tommy Tubervilles (R-Ala.) hold on military nominations  as well the Senate Republicans who have refused to stop it  are causing a growing cascade of damage and disruption.

This partisan freeze is already harming military readiness, security and leadership, and troop morale, Biden said in remarks at the Truman Civil Rights Symposium in Washington, D.C. Freezing pay, freezing people in place. Military families who have already sacrificed so much unsure of where and when they change stations, unable to get housing or start their kids in the new school.

Tuberville is holding up more than 300 military promotions, Biden said. The senator is protesting the Pentagons abortion policies, which allow for paid leave and travel reimbursement for abortions.

A growing cascade of damage and disruption all because one senator from Alabama  and 48 Republicans who refuse to stand up to him  to lift a blockade over a Pentagon policy offering servicemen and women, their families access to reproductive health care rights they deserve if theyre stationed in states that deny it, the president said.

He lumped in Republican senators as part of the problem too, saying they should be stopping Tuberville from continuing his hold.

Something dangerous is happening, the president said. The Republican party used to always support the military. But today, theyre undermining the military.

Tuberville this week signaled he is not likely to change his position before the Senate departs for its five-week August recess.

Is time for the senator from Alabama to let these generals and admirals fully serve their country, and service members care for themselves and their families, Biden said. I urge Senate Republicans to do what they know is right and keep our country safe, like Harry Truman  approve all those outstanding military nominees now, now, now. Which was routine in the past, I might add.

The president recently picked Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr. to become the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. If confirmed by the full Senate, Brown would become only the second Black man to be chairman of the Joint Chiefs, after Colin Powell.

Story continues

By the fall, we may not have a chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, Biden warned, calling Tubervilles hold outrageous and nonsense.

He also picked Adm. Lisa Franchetti to be the next chief of naval operations. If confirmed, she will be the first female member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

We need them, Biden said of all the service members he has nominated for promotions.

Right now, tens of thousands of Americas daughters and sons are deployed around the world tonight, keeping us safe from immense national security challenges. But the senator from Alabama is not, he said.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and top officials have also joined Biden in calling on on Tuberville to end the hold. They have put pressure on the Senate GOP to stop the Alabama Republican, warning that he is putting national security at risk.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
By Trevor Hunnicutt and Jarrett Renshaw

AUBURN, Maine (Reuters) -President Joe Biden joked Friday about Republican lawmakers threatening to impeach him, saying the latest reports on U.S. economic gains mean his political opponents "may have to find something else to criticize" him over.

House of Representatives Speaker Kevin McCarthy, the top Republican in Washington, this week suggested he could launch an impeachment inquiry probing whether Biden was entwined with the business deals of his son, Hunter Biden. The White House has said Biden was never in business with his son.

"Republicans may have to find something else to criticize me for now that inflation is coming down. Maybe they'll decide to impeach me because it's coming down. I don't know. I'd love that one," Biden said.

Republicans have for years accused Hunter Biden of leveraging his fathers political power for personal gain, though a probe by U.S. Attorney David Weiss of Delaware, a Trump appointee, has not turned up any evidence to support those claims.

Biden spoke during a visit to a Republican district in Maine, his first trip to the state since winning the White House, laying out his economic case for a second term at a woman-owned local factory and celebrating new jobs in the state.

"Workers who have been left behind for decades aren't just finding jobs, more jobs, they're finding better jobs, with higher pay," Biden said.

Maine, alone, has seen 28,700 new jobs since the pandemic, he said, speaking at Auburn Manufacturing Inc, a company that produces heat- and fire-resistant fabrics primarily with domestic-made materials.

He also promoted a decline in inflation, saying it was due in part to his war on trickle-down economics, while touting an unusual benchmark for a U.S. president - squeezed company profits.

"One reason we had inflation fall by two thirds without losing jobs is that we're seeing corporate profits start to fall as well," Biden said. "We have more to do."

Story continues

FOCUS ON DOMESTIC JOBS

Biden's trip comes amid a wave of favorable economic news. U.S. annual inflation fell in June to its slowest pace in more than two years, likely pushing the Federal Reserve closer to ending its fastest interest rate-hiking cycle since the 1980s. U.S. GDP grew by 2.4% in the second quarter, defying recession fears, and consumer confidence is at a two-year high.

S&P 500 company aggregate earnings for the second quarter fell 6.4% from a year ago.

Biden also issued an executive order that will boost incentives to manufacture new publicly funded inventions domestically.

Auburn, population 24,000, is located in Maines 2nd congressional district, which covers 80% of the state's land mass and is the only district in New England that voted for Donald Trump in 2020. Its more conservative, rural, white and working class than the state's only other congressional district, which includes coastal cities and towns.

Biden detailed decades of job loss in Maine, as the state's historical industries, including textiles and paper, shut factories for lower-cost destinations.

"Under trickle-down economics, it didn't matter where companies made things as long as it helped their bottom line," Biden said. But new investments and grants have helped companies like Auburn Manufacturing grow in Maine, instead, he said.

Trickle-down economics, which Republican President Ronald Reagan made a centerpiece of his economic strategy in the 1980s, asserts that tax breaks and other benefits for corporations and the wealthy will benefit everyone else.

Several Democratic members of the U.S. House of Representatives met at the White House on Friday to discuss implementing the $1 trillion infrastructure bill that Biden has signed into law.

A top House Democratic leader, Steny Hoyer, told reporters afterward that 37,000 projects are under way funded by the legislation.

"What we did is working in every part of the economy," he said.

(Reporting by Jarrett Renshaw, Trevor Hunnicutt and Steve Holland; Editing by Leslie Adler, Heather Timmons and Deepa Babington)
Facebook | 38836651  GilbertC | Dreamstime.com

President Joe Biden's White House pushed Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, to censor contrarian COVID-19 content, including speculation about the virus having escaped from a lab, vaccine skepticism, and even jokes.

"Can someone quickly remind me why we were removingrather than demoting/labelingclaims that Covid is man made," asked Nick Clegg, president for global affairs at the company, in a July 2021 email to his coworkers.

A content moderator replied, "We were under pressure from the administration and others to do more. We shouldn't have done it."

These and other emails obtained by Rep. Jim Jordan (ROhio) and The Wall Street Journal provide further evidence of the federal government's vast efforts to curb dissent online. As I reported in Reason's March 2023 issue, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) communicated frequently with Facebook content moderators and pushed them to take down posts that contradicted the guidance of federal health advisers:

According to a trove of confidential documents obtained by Reason, health advisers at the CDC had significant input on pandemic-era social media policies at Facebook as well. They were consulted frequently, at times daily. They were actively involved in the affairs of content moderators, providing constant and ever-evolving guidance. They requested frequent updates about which topics were trending on the platforms, and they recommended what kinds of content should be deemed false or misleading. "Here are two issues we are seeing a great deal of misinfo on that we wanted to flag for you all," reads one note from a CDC official. Another email with sample Facebook posts attached begins: "BOLO for a small but growing area of misinfo." These Facebook Files show that the platform responded with incredible deference. Facebook routinely asked the government to vet specific claims, including whether the virus was "man-made" rather than zoonotic in origin. (The CDC responded that a man-made origin was "technically possible" but "extremely unlikely.") In other emails, Facebook asked: "For each of the following claims, which we've recently identified on the platform, can you please tell us if: the claim is false; and, if believed, could this claim contribute to vaccine refusals?"

Story continues

The fact that the White House was engaged in the exact same behavior as the CDC is not remotely surprising; indeed, it's already well-known that Biden staffers harangued social media moderators, though these specific emails have not previously been released.

The Wall Street Journal's reporting demonstrates once again that the platforms themselves were deeply skeptical of the government's directions:

"The WH has previously indicated that it thinks humor should be removed if it is premised on the vaccine having side effects, so we expect it would similarly want to see humor about vaccine hesitancy removed," the vice president wrote. "I can't see Mark in a million years being comfortable with removing thatand I wouldn't recommend it," Clegg wrote in a subsequent email, an apparent reference to CEO Mark Zuckerberg. In some of the emails, Facebook executives expressed concern that removing posts in which Americans expressed hesitation about getting vaccinated could actually make them less likely to get a shot.

All of these disclosures show that it's pointless to be angry with social media companiesthey were put in a very difficult position. Supporters of free speech must direct their ire toward the federal government and demand that government officials stop engaging in this behavior.

Sen. Rand Paul (RKy.) has proposed a bill along these lines. I interviewed him about it here.

The post Biden White House Pressured Facebook To Censor Lab Leak Posts appeared first on Reason.com.
If one thing is clear this summer, its that Barbie is a hit.

Greta Gerwigs film, the first to come out of Mattels film division, stars producer Margot Robbie as the Mattel doll and Ryan Gosling as her trusty companion Ken.

Since its release last week (21 July), Barbie has broken more than one box office record.

The movie took in $52m in the US and Canada over two consecutive weekdays, beating records previously held by The Dark Knight (2008) and Aquaman (2018).

Greta Gerwig has also broken a domestic box office record for a female director, catapulting her past both Anna Bodens Captain Marvel and Patty Jenkins Wonder Woman.

Given the films huge success, it shouldnt come as a surprise that Mattel is looking to replicate that triumph with its other toys, games, and brands.

A recent article in The New Yorker suggested that a total of 45 movies are in development at Mattel, led by film producer Robbie Brenner.

Of those possible 45 titles, however, only 17 have been announced.

Lily Collins (Netflix)

Polly Pocket

Emily in Paris star Lily Collins is set to star in a family-comedy adaptation of Polly Pocket, the popular Nineties toy. Girls star and writer Lena Dunham is attached as writer and director.

Brenner told Variety that a script for the family comedy has been completed.

UNO

In 2021, Variety reported that an action-heist comedy about the card game Uno was in development at Mattel, with rapper Lil Yachty circling the lead role.

The script was written by Marcy Kelly, who told The New Yorker that she was asked to pitch a script about UNO and ended up writing a heist movie set in Atlantas hip-hop scene.

Kelly said that while her first draft was heavy on the expletives, the next draft had only one F-word.

Barney (left) and Daniel Kaluuya (Getty Images)

Barney

Everyones favourite purple dinosaur is getting an edgy film courtesy of Get Out star Daniel Kaluuya. In 2019, it was reported that the actor would be producing the project through his company 59% Productions.

According to The New Yorker, the film will be a surrealistic movie in the style of indie production company A24. Brenner said, however, that he does not know whether that means it will necessarily be darker. The Mattel executive said it will focus on "identity and finding who you love and who feels alienated".

Story continues

Major Matt Mason

Announced in 2019 is Major Matt Mason, based on the Sixties astronaut action figure of the same name.

Variety reported that Tom Hanks will be playing the lead role, and that the script will be written by Akiva Goldsman and Michael Chabon.

Magic 8 Ball

Deadline reported in 2019 that Mattel was partnering with horror experts Blumhouse to create the horror movie. Last year, though, CNBC reported that Blumhouse was no longer attached to the project.

The New Yorker reports that the film will be a horror-comedy, written by Cocaine Bear screenwriter Jimmy Warden.

Brenner told Variety that the film will likely be a PG-13 thriller.

Masters of the Universe

As reported by Deadline, Mattel will be teaming up with Netflix for a live-action movie based on the famous He-Man franchise. In July, though, Variety reported that Netflix has dropped the project and Mattel is looking for a new buyer.

Head of Mattel Ynon Krez told The New Yorker he believes the film could spawn a franchise as big as Marvel and DC.

Hot Wheels

Last year, Variety reported that a movie based on the Hot Wheels toys is being produced by JJ Abrams production company, Bad Robot.

Abrams said the franchise will be emotional and grounded and gritty.

Christmas Balloon

Deadline has reported that Mattel is developing a live-action holiday movie Christmas Balloon (not based on any toy).

The family drama is based on a true story, first reported in 2018, and follows a young girl living in a Mexican border town who tries to send a Christmas list to Santa via a balloon. The list is found by a couple in Arizona grieving the loss of their child.

According to Deadline, Palm Springs writer Garbiela Revilla Lugo is writing the script.

Thomas the Tank Engine

Thomas the Tank Engine

Mattel is teaming up with director Marc Forsters production company to turn Thomas the Tank Engine into a film that is a mix of live-action and animation.

Rock Em Sock Em

Vin Diesel is reportedly starring in and producing a live-action film based on the Rock Em Sock Em robots. The publication reports that Rampage writer Ryan Engle will write the script, and the story will follow a father and son who bond with an advanced war machine.

American Girl

Deadline first reported that an American Girl movie was in the works in 2019 from Mattel and MGM.

According to The New Yorker, the script will be similar to the 2019 film Booksmart and Bill & Ted. Brenner later told Variety the movie is a family comedy.

(Getty Images)

Big Jim

The Seventies action figure Big Jim will be getting the movie treatment courtesy of Dan Mazer, who is developing the film. Mazer previously wrote Bridget Joness Baby, co-wrote Borat, and directed the latest Home Alone reboot.

Chatty Cathy and Betsy Wetsy

Last year, Variety reported that Jason Batemans production company will be making a film based on Mattels Chatty Cathy and Betsy Wetsy dolls.

No further details have been announced as to the plot of the film.

Matchbox

Its not just Hot Wheels on the roster, The New Yorker reported that Mattel is working with Skydance to create a movie based on Matchbox.

Variety later reported that David Coggeshall is now the lead writer on the film.

(Hot Wheels)

View-Master

In 2019, The Hollywood Reporter reported that MGM and Mattel were partnering to produce a live-action movie based on the 20th century stereoscope toy.

Wishbone

Deadline first reported that Mattel and Universal Pictures are rebooting Wishbone, a Nineties PBS TV series about an ordinary Jack Russell Terrier who dreams about being the protagonist in famous books.

Roy Parker will write the script and the film will be produced by two-time Oscar-winning producer Peter Farrelly.

Boglins

Youve heard of Gremlins, but what about Boglins. The New Yorker has reported that Mattel is turning the hand puppets known as Boglins into a new movie.

Reportedly, there are already numerous millennial directors and screenwriters who want to work on the forthcoming film.

Kevin McKeon, the vice president of Mattel films, said: Were thinking Gremlins-ish, but with a twist.
Representative Cori Bush, a Democrat from Missouri, speaks during an End The Filibuster news conference outside the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Thursday, April 22, 2021.

Congressman Cori Bush (D-MO.) isnt known for pulling punches. And on Thursday, she let her Republican colleagues have it. Your bills are racist, shouted Bush as Rep. Steve Scalise (R-La.) chastised Democrats for not voting for Republican-led spending bills.

Bush doubled down on Twitter, posting a video of the exchange, along with the caption, I said what I said.

Read more

I said what I said  https://t.co/ZTjfUfJ24K  Congresswoman Cori Bush (@RepCori) July 27, 2023

The tense moment highlights the chaos to come as the House, Senate, and White House battle it out over government spending. Congress has till the end of the year to pass an appropriations package or an automatic 1 percent cut will be applied to all discretionary spending, including defense spending.



But that doesnt mean Democrats in the House will roll over and vote for Republicans agenda. On Thursday, the House GOP passed their first spending package, allocating funding for military construction and the Department of Veterans Affairs. However, the bill passed entirely along party lines, with every single Democrat in the House voting against the measure.

The fight isnt just about spending priorities. Republicans are also attempting to slip in measures that would restrict access to abortion, diversity and inclusion programs, and other issues impacting marginalized groups.

Even amongst Republicans, theres been division over some of the measures being proposed in these spending packages. Leadership had to pull an agriculture and Food and Drug Administration appropriations bill from the floor this week over concerns that it went too far. Moderates reportedly raised concerns over a provision that would nullify a Biden administration rule allowing mifepristone (a drug used in abortion and miscarriage care) to be sold in retail pharmacies and by mail with a prescription.

Story continues

The intra-party fighting, as well as the clash between Democrats and Republicans, is sure to make for an eventful (and terrifying) next several months on the Hill.

More from The Root

Sign up for The Root's Newsletter. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Click here to read the full article.
A bipartisan and bicameral group of U.S. lawmakers released its Request for Information (RFI) on the federal regulation of cannabidiol, also known as CBD, Thursday.

The group includes Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee Chair Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and ranking member Bill Cassidy (R-La.) as well as House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.) and ranking member Frank Pallone Jr. (D-N.J.).

An RFI is a research tool that outsources knowledge regarding the capabilities, best practices, rules and regulations of a specific service or agency from experts in related industries, research bodies and organizations.

In the request, the group asks subject matter experts and stakeholders to provide them with information like a description of what the current market for CBD products looks like and in what ways the absence of federal regulation over CBD created a market for intoxicating, synthetically-produced compounds.

In January 2023, FDA [Food and Drug Administration] announced that it would like to work with Congress to craft a legislative approach to the regulation of CBD products, the request reads. We are assessing the potential for a regulatory pathway for hemp-derived CBD products that prioritizes consumer safety and provides certainty to the U.S. market. We look forward to working with interested stakeholders on this process, and we ask for written responses on the following inquiries.

The request also highlighted the removal of the term hemp from the definition of marijuana under the Controlled Substances Act in the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, also known as the 2018 farm bill. The term was also expanded in the bill to include all parts of the cannabis sativa L. plant including the seeds thereof and all derivatives, extracts, cannabinoids, isomers, acids, salts, and salts of isomers, whether growing or not, with a delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of not more than 0.3 percent on a dry weight basis.

Since hemp was descheduled five years ago, consumers, manufacturers, and policymakers have sought clarity regarding the legal status of CBD, the request continued. Farmers, food and beverage groups, and state regulators have shared their policy priorities with Congress. However, questions remain about the best way to provide a legal pathway to market for CBD products.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Slavery was a racist, oppressive evil crime against humanity[it] was not designed to benefit African Americans, said Hakeem Jeffries, House Minority Leader

Members of Congress are slamming Florida Governor Ron DeSantis after he doubled down on the states controversial school curriculum on slavery.

While in Iowa on the campaign trail, DeSantis told a reporter on Thursday that the Florida Department of Educations new course standard to teach students that enslaved people benefited during slavery was misinterpreted and that the particular provision about the skillswas in spite of slavery not because of it.

Presidential candidate and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis speaks to a crowd on June 2, 2023 in Gilbert, South Carolina. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)

However, the 200-page social studies standard language is clear and states: Instruction includes how slavese developed skills which, in some instances, could be applied for their personal benefit.

During his weekly press conference, House of Representatives Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., told theGrio that some GOP leaders are trying to take us backward and turn back the clock.

Slavery was a racist, oppressive evil crime against humanity[it] was not designed to benefit African Americans, said Jeffries.

He continued: There are people here in America whowant to rewrite history and say that slavery benefited the people who were victims of enslavement. Thats outrageous. Thats unacceptable.

Democratic Leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) speaks during a news conference on January 5, 2023 in Washington, DC. The House of Representatives will continue to try to elect the next Speaker after Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) failed to earn more than 218 votes on six ballots over two days, the first time in 100 years that the Speaker was not elected on the first ballot. (Photo by Nathan Howard/Getty Images)

Earlier in the day, Congressional Black Caucus Chairman, Rep. Steven Horsford, D-Nev., and other members of the CBC, like Reps. Maxwell Frost, D-Fla., Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Texas, and Bobby Scott, D-Va., held a press conference on the state of race and democracy in the U.S. and condemned DeSantis for Floridas new school curriculum.

While speaking to reporters, Horsford said Republican leaders like DeSantis want to hold us back.

The current governor of Florida and Republican presidential candidate, and the Florida Board of Education want togaslight us into believing that slavery was just a work skills program, said Horsford.

Story continues

He added, A notion so ridiculous and incendiary that it insults every sensible American.

Congressman Horsford told reporters that the U.S. is still dealing with remnants from a bygone era because in many ways we have never truly dealt with the systems that enabled this oppression.

WASHINGTON, DC  MARCH 9: Congressional Black Caucus chairman Rep. Steven Horsford (D-NV) speaks during a news conference about the Justice For All Act outside the U.S. Capitol March 9, 2023 in Washington, DC. The bill, introduced by Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), aims to strengthen anti-discrimination laws. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

Frost told reporters that his home state of Florida feels like the epicenter of the bigoted attacks against Black communities, and even Black history, because we have a far-right governor and legislature that literally want to erase us.

He added, Erase us in schools. Erase us in history. Erase our books.

Last week, Frost and other members of the CBC sent a letter to the Florida Department of Education to call out their racist attempts to whitewash Black history.

The 26-year-old freshman congressman told reporters that some Republicans see younger generations as a threat.

U.S. Rep. Maxwell Frost (D-FL) questions witness during a a House House Oversight and Reform Committee hearing on the U.S. southern border, in the Rayburn House Office Building on February 07, 2023 in Washington, DC. The committee held a hearing to investigate security concerns at the U.S. southern border. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

[Their] goal is to condition this generation to white supremacy because they see this generation as pushing against this far-right wing fascist ideology, he said. Frost added, We want our freedoms.

GOP lawmakers see the power of young people as an existential threat to the Republican Party, said Frost.

They aim to change the way a generation thinks by changing what we teach them, he added. But little do they know not only will it not work, it will piss us off and move young people to go and organize.

TheGrio is FREE on your TV via Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Roku and Android TV. Also, please download theGrio mobile apps today!

The post Black congressional members blast DeSantis for Floridas racist school curriculum appeared first on TheGrio.
Three times in one day, Anthony Gibson was asked by a white person what he was doing sitting by a pond in his neighborhood in Newnan, Georgia.

Another white person came and bothered me while Im fishing, Gibson said in a July 11 TikTok post for his TikTok account @fishingbay2ga.

Gibson, who is Black and documents his experiences fishing for catfish, carp, crappies and other fish on the social platform, said he has started videotaping every time one of the white residents in his 200-home development, Springwater Plantation, confronts him, asking for his address and questioning whether he should be there. He told NBC News that he soon learned he wasnt the only Black resident of the community to be confronted by white neighbors.

In the July 11 video, Gibson sat with two Black female friends when a white resident named Tanya Petty told him that the lake was for residents only, and that she would take down his license plate to report him to local authorities.

By the end of the day, Gibson said he and his friends were approached a total of four times that day by residents asking him if he lived in the community.

I literally wanted people to see what people like me have to go through when they live in a nice neighborhood, Gibson told NBC News about recording the confrontations, and people dont think that they live there.

Shortly after the video was posted, Gibson said he learned online that Petty had been fired from her job as a massage therapist at Sea Glass Therapy, an emotional wellness center. The businesss owner, Jennifer Yaeger, declined to comment to NBC News on the matter. The wellness center announced that Petty had been fired on a since-deleted social media post.

Anthony Gibson. (Courtesy Anthony Gibson)

Gibson, an actor, said the harassment began about a year ago. He was sitting at the lake with a friend who is white, and nearby were two white men whom he didnt know. One of the men approached Gibson and asked him to provide his address. When Gibson declined, the man called the police. Although he remained calm, Gibson said he probably was the most upset Ive ever been.

Story continues

Im telling the police, Why are you bothering me? Gibson said. I said, I cant believe that youre bothering me this much and all Im doing is fishing. Im not smoking. Im not drinking. Im not partying. Im not making loud noise. Im not loitering. But you asked me all of these questions.

Two other white men fishing nearby told Gibson that they had been fishing at the pond for seven years and had never been questioned, even though they didnt live in the community. Since then, Gibson started capturing all incidents on camera.

According to the Springwater Plantations homeowners association, fishing with a permit is allowed at the private communitys lake. Gibson frequently fishes for food and said he has a permit to fish in the state of Georgia.

Anthony Gibson. (Courtesy Anthony Gibson)

Literally every single time I went fishing, someone bothered me, Gibson said, adding that young white community members, and other Black residents, usually leave him alone. Thats the only reason why I turned the camera on.

Other Black residents have told Gibson about the harassment theyve faced there. A retired Army veteran told Gibson that a bag of dog feces was left at his front door after he asked a white woman to stop letting her dog poop in his yard. On TikTok, Gibson posted other Black neighbors talking about being accosted in their own community, including one man who has lived in Springwater Plantation since 2001 and said that hes always been messed with. In another TikTok Gibson posted, another man said that residents also questioned if he lived in the development while fishing.

In Gibsons case, he said, neighbors who confront him often resort to calling the police. He surmises that if he wasnt recording the incidents, they could have been worse. He tries to remain calm when interacting with officers, because when you call the police on a Black man, theres already some suspicion.

Gibson moved to the community in 2021 with family members. As he and his family searched for a home, one of his requirements was being able to fish nearby.

While Gibson said hes personally unintimidated, the confrontations make him concerned for the safety of his family, including his nephew, who, at age 10, is around the same age Gibson was when his uncle taught him how to fish.

Anthony Gibson. (Courtesy Anthony Gibson)

I want to go fishing with him, Gibson said about his nephew, who frequently visits and also loves to fish. I want him to go out and go fishing and feel comfortable. Hes small. Hes young.  I dont want someone to come there and bother him like that.

After his confrontation with Petty went viral, Gibson said Thomas Drolet, president of Springwater Plantations board of directors, asked him to release another video saying the encounter had been a misunderstanding. The reason cited by Drolet, Gibson said, was that Petty needed her job back to pay her big mortgage.

We live in the same neighborhood, Gibson said. Im not going to help her get her job back. She still hasnt apologized to me. I havent seen her since.

Drolet denied asking Gibson to make a video labeling the situation a misunderstanding. But he did say that he asked Gibson to stop posting TikTok videos about it.

Petty did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Drolet said the homeowners association has two signs that identify two sections of the lakeshore as private property, but that there is legitimate confusion around the subdivision because people dont recognize that the area is private property and often use it for fishing or recreation.

Drolet said that on the day Petty approached Gibson, she saw two parked cars with license plates from Texas and a Georgia license plate from Clayton County, which is about 35 miles away from Springwater Plantation. Gibson told NBC News that the cars belonged to his friends who were visiting. Drolet also said Gibson refused to answer Pettys question about living in the community, which Drolet said was a legitimate concern.

Drolet said he had also received three letters from Black residents who said that he wasnt handling this situation well.

Drolet said he also spoke with one of Gibsons family members to indicate which parts of the lake were off-limits for fishing. During the meeting, Drolet said Gibson appeared and told him that doesnt really matter and that that area of the lake has always been a place to fish and gaze.

While Drolet described Springwater Plantation as a racially diversified community, he admitted that an element of racism in which we view other people is present there. He also said the community views the incident as an internal issue that we need to solve ourselves.

Since posting his videos, Gibson said he received an apology from one white resident who had confronted him, and who said that the majority of the calls the community makes to the police are on Black people.

Gibson said he plans to buy a GoPro camera so he can keep recording his interactions at the lake. He also said the confrontations have made him feel extremely uncomfortable living in the neighborhood, to the point where he doesnt want to fish.

Im not afraid of anybody, Gibson said. But do I want to get out of this house and go fishing and do any of that stuff around here anymore? Hell to the no.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
A new analysis of Los Angeles Police Department data released this week by L.A. City Controller Kenneth Mejia shows that Latino and Black people were arrested at a "disproportionate rate" between 2019 to 2022.

Black people, who make up 8% of the countys population, accounted for 27% of all arrests; and Latinos, who account for almost half (48%) of the Los Angeles County, made up 51% of all arrests.

Both demographics, when combined, make up 56% of the county's population and yet totaled more than two-thirds of all arrests at 78.26%, according to the report. White people, which make up 29% of the county, ranked third in the total number of arrests at 16%.

Henry Perez, the executive director of the nonprofit InnerCity Struggle, said the report is alarming but not surprising. Perez said the organization, which works to organize communities in L.A.'s Eastside neighborhoods to address violence and crime, has historically experienced overpolicing.

"Our community feels it on a daily basis," Perez said. "What we really need to call out is that the majority of the arrests are for infractions and misdemeanors. These are nonviolent and nondrug-related offenses" that can lead to "very precarious" situations, he said, noting aggressive outcomes especially against Black and Latino individuals.

The new analysis marks the first time the Los Angeles Police Department has made its arrest data available to the public without limitations. Detailed maps and locations show the department's nearly 300,000 arrests in the last four years.

Council District 14, led by embattled L.A. City Council Member Kevin de Leon, had the highest number of arrests almost very year  lost only in 2021, by three arrests, to Council District 8, which is led by the council's current President Pro Tempore Marqueece Harris-Dawson.

De Leon's district consists of predominantly Latino neighborhoods such as Boyle Heights, Lincoln Heights and El Sereno, all of which comprise much of the Eastside, according to InnerCity Struggle's website.

Story continues

"From our history, we know that more policing does not equate to safer schools or safer communities," Perez said. "We know that we get safer schools and safer communities when students and community residents are supported holistically."

NBC News reached out to the LAPD for comment but did not receive an immediate response.

LAPD recorded more arrests for misdemeanor and infraction offenses than for felonies in all four years.

At least 400 arrests were made yearly in the "dependent" category, which accounts for children taken into custody due to parent or guardian abuse, neglect, endangerment, or runaway children, according to the analysis.

"The data available is unclear about the nature of these interactions, but raises questions about the frequency that children and youth are coming into contact with the LAPD," the report stated.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken holds a charger during a tour of Brisbane electric vehicle (EV) company Tritium (Pat Hoelscher)

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin met Australia's prime minister Friday on the final leg of a Pacific tour designed to reinforce Washington's standing in the region.

The United States has been ramping up efforts to re-engage in the South Pacific, where China has emerged as a rising diplomatic and military power.

Blinken's trip to Brisbane caps a diplomatic blitz in which he has also visited Tonga and New Zealand, while US Secretary of Defense Austin arrived from Papua New Guinea.

The US duo sat down with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Defence Minister Richard Marles ahead of formal talks taking place on Saturday.

While military cooperation is expected to dominate discussions, Blinken used the trip to signal that issues such as climate change and supply chain security also sit high on the agenda.

The clean energy transition was fast becoming a "pillar" of the US-Australia alliance, Blinken said Friday during a trip to Tritium, a local business making chargers for electric vehicles.

"It all comes down to having the technology to make it work commercially," he told reporters.

The United States views Australia as a useful friend in its quest to loosen Beijing's dominance of emerging clean energy industries such as electric vehicle manufacturing.

Australia is one of the world's largest producers of lithium -- a key component of rechargeable batteries -- but currently sends most of its ore to be processed in China.

"The United States is looking at options to source critical technologies and their components from allied countries in place of China," said researcher Tom Corben from the United States Studies Centre at Sydney University.

"That applies as much to the climate as it does to defence -- given the emphasis placed on things like next-generation batteries," he told AFP.

Climate change is also emerging as a security threat in its own right as the toll from increasingly severe natural disasters mounts in Australia and the broader Pacific.

Story continues

- Nailing down AUKUS -

Corben said the discussions were a chance to nail down the details of the AUKUS pact, a fledgling military pact between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Under "pillar one" of the agreement, Australia will acquire a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines -- billed as one of its biggest-ever military upgrades.

Attention now turns to "pillar two", which revolves around cyber warfare, artificial intelligence and the development of hypersonic missiles.

Another key issue likely to come up concerns efforts to shore up longstanding relationships with Pacific nations that are being aggressively courted by China.

Two days after Blinken left Tonga, the Chinese "Peace Ark" hospital ship docked in the capital Nuku'alofa, where it is to offer free health services to thousands of patients.

The Peace Ark arrives in the island kingdom after visiting Kiribati, and will also sail to Solomon Islands and Vanuatu.

Pentagon chief Austin comes to Australia from Port Moresby, where the US signed a defence agreement earlier this year giving troops access to key military facilities.

"It all fits into wider efforts to make US force posture in the Indo-Pacific more resilient by drastically increasing the number of locations the Chinese military have to consider," said Corben.

sft/arb/cwl
Supply chain security sits high on the agenda as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken visits Australia (Pat Hoelscher)

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin visited Australia Friday on the final leg of a Pacific tour designed to reinforce Washington's standing in the region.

The United States has been ramping up efforts to re-engage in the South Pacific, where China has emerged as a rising diplomatic and military power.

Blinken's trip to Brisbane caps a diplomatic blitz in which he has also visited Tonga and New Zealand, while US Secretary of Defense Austin arrived from Papua New Guinea.

The US duo sat down with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Defence Minister Richard Marles ahead of formal talks taking place on Saturday.

"It comes at a time of increasing strategic competition," Albanese said Friday, setting the scene before talks began.

"Australia and the United States are working together to promote security, stability and prosperity in the region."

Blinken said that, in his experience, the alliance had "never been stronger".

"In challenging times, it makes such a difference to have close partners and close friends," he said.

While military cooperation is expected to dominate discussions, Blinken also used the trip to signal that issues such as climate change and supply chain security also sit high on the agenda.

The clean energy transition was fast becoming a "pillar" of the US-Australia alliance, Blinken said Friday during a trip to Tritium, a local business making chargers for electric vehicles.

"It all comes down to having the technology to make it work commercially," he told reporters.

The United States views Australia as a useful friend in its quest to loosen Beijing's dominance of emerging clean energy industries such as electric vehicle manufacturing.

Australia is one of the world's largest producers of lithium -- a key component of rechargeable batteries -- but currently sends most of its ore to be processed in China.

Story continues

"The United States is looking at options to source critical technologies and their components from allied countries in place of China," said researcher Tom Corben from the United States Studies Centre at Sydney University.

"That applies as much to the climate as it does to defence -- given the emphasis placed on things like next-generation batteries," he told AFP.

Climate change is also emerging as a security threat in its own right as the toll from increasingly severe natural disasters mounts in Australia and the broader Pacific.

- Nailing down AUKUS -

The discussions are a chance to nail down the details of the AUKUS pact, a fledgling military alliance between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Under "pillar one" of the agreement, Australia will acquire a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines -- billed as one of its biggest-ever military upgrades.

Attention now turns to "pillar two", which revolves around cyber warfare, artificial intelligence and the development of hypersonic missiles.

Another key issue likely to come up concerns efforts to shore up longstanding relationships with Pacific nations that are being aggressively courted by China.

Two days after Blinken left Tonga, the Chinese "Peace Ark" hospital ship docked in the capital Nuku'alofa, where it is to offer free health services to thousands of patients.

The Peace Ark arrives in the island kingdom after visiting Kiribati, and will also sail to Solomon Islands and Vanuatu.

Pentagon chief Austin comes to Australia from Port Moresby, where the United States signed a defence agreement earlier this year giving troops access to key military facilities.

"It all fits into wider efforts to make US force posture in the Indo-Pacific more resilient by drastically increasing the number of locations the Chinese military have to consider," said Corben.

sft/arb/lb
Romania plans to expand its capacity for transiting Ukrainian grain as Russia's unilateral termination of the Black Sea Grain Initiative blocked the sea corridor for Ukraine's exports, Bloomberg reported on July 28.

The country plans to open new border crossings and increase staff working on the transit, Romania's Foreign Minister Luminita-Teodora Odobescu told Bloomberg in an interview on July 27.

"We are in close contact with Ukraine to identify the best options to increase and speed up this transit," the minister said.

"The security situation of course is not easy, but we are very much committed to continue to help Ukraine."

According to Bloomberg, Romania has increased the capacity of the Constanta port for shipping out Ukrainian grain via the Black Sea. The country has also re-opened a closed railway link with Ukraine and seeks to hire more ship pilots for transporting Ukrainian products via the Sulina branch of the Danube River, the newspaper added.

As Bloomberg noted, the country has already facilitated the transport of 20 million metric tons of Ukrainian grain, which is almost half of the produce shipped via the EU's solidarity lanes.

According to von der Leyen, more than 45 million metric tons of grain, oilseed, and other products have been exported through the solidarity lanes since they were instituted in May 2022.

Facilitating the transit of Ukrainian grain may stretch Romania's transport capacities, as the country itself is also a major grain exporter, Bloomberg commented. Bucharest was among the five EU members who asked the EU to institute a ban on the domestic sale of Ukrainian grain products in those five countries.

While the measure is currently set to expire on Sep. 15, Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, and Hungary said they will ask the European Commission to prolong the measure at least until the end of the year. According to Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, the countries are nevertheless open to transiting Ukrainian grain through their territories.

Story continues

Another potential obstacle are Russian attacks against Ukrainian river ports, which, according to Bloomberg, deter some of the Romanian ship crews.

On the night of July 24, Russian forces launched Shahed-136 drones at the Danube River ports of Izmail and Reni, located in Ukraine's Odesa Oblast. The ports are only 200 meters from the Romanian border.

After Russia's one-sided termination of the Black Sea Grain Initiative on July 17, Ukraine has been seeking alternative ways of exporting its produce. Several EU countries, including Bulgaria and Croatia, suggested using their transport infrastructure to support Ukrainian exports.

Read also: This Week in Ukraine Ep. 17  Black Sea grain deal is dead. What can Ukraine do?
Boeing, the commercial aircraft manufacturer, is putting its money where its mouth is. The company has announced new scholarships for aspiring pilots in underrepresented communities.

The company prides itself on its efforts to diversify the skies. Since 2019, Boeing has invested more than $8.5 million to bring pilot training programs to underrepresented communities across America.

Boeings Diversity Efforts

Boeing is investing $950,000 in scholarships for pilot training. Since the pandemic, there has been a growing demand for commercial airplane pilots. The company is taking this opportunity to get fresh new faces in the cockpit.

According to a press release, $500,000 of the sum will be allocated to fund 25 scholarships with five aviation organizations. One of which is specifically dedicated to getting Black women into aviation.

Sisters of the Skies is a nationally recognized aviation organization. It is focused on increasing the number of Black female pilots in professional flight decks in both military and commercial aviation. Founded in 2017, the Houston-based nonprofit has been committed to helping Black women receive the finances needed to attend flight school. The program currently has over 130 members and over 200 mentees who are commercial pilots in training. They receive the guidance needed by participating in its mentorship program.

Other organizations receiving scholarship funds include Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, Latino Pilots Association, Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals, and Women in Aviation International. Boeing is also donating $450,000 to Fly Compton. The organization is a Los Angeles-based nonprofit that introduces minority youth to career opportunities in aerospace.

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.

The post Boeing Announces Scholarship to Increase Diversity in Commercial Pilots appeared first on 21Ninety.
Belarus is using Wagner forces to threaten and de-stabilize an already-tense situation but do not present a military threat to Ukraine, Border Guard Service spokesperson Andrii Demchenko said on Ukrainian television on July 28.

According to Demchenko, though the Belarusian border is secure, Ukrainian intelligence is continuing to monitor the mercenaries for unusual activity.



The comments came as the 13th convoy of Wagner mercenaries arrived in Belarus, consisting of more than 80 vehicles, according to Belarusian monitoring group Belarusian Hayun.



The vehicles include armored vehicles, fuel trucks, passenger buses, cargo trucks, pickups and passenger vehicles, among others. The convoy also included a gray bus with the red and green crest of Lukashenko's Belarus.



Over 5,000 Wagner mercenaries are believed to currently be in Belarus, transferring there after their short-lived mutiny against the Russian military in June.

Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko claimed that Wagner fighters are clamoring to attack Poland, a NATO member.

Read also: Poland to double the size of military in response to security threat
The State Border Guard Service of Ukraine has noted that Belarus is using Russian mercenaries from the Wagner private military company to intensify the situation, while their number and location in Belarus do not currently pose a threat to Ukraine.

Source: Andrii Demchenko, spokesperson for the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, on air during the 24/7 national joint newscast

Details: Demchenko said the situation on the border with Belarus remains under control, and the situation directly along the state border is calm.

Border guards have not detected any movement of equipment or personnel of any units that could pose a threat to Ukraine near the border.

However, indeed, close attention is focused on the presence of Russian mercenaries from private military companies in Belarus.

The State Border Guard Service stated that there are currently just over 5,000 Wagnerites in Belarus, and they are located at a considerable distance from the border with Ukraine.

Quote: "However, intelligence units, including those of the State Border Guard Service, keep monitoring the conditions of their stay, how they will be further involved and the extent to which they pose a threat to Ukraine.

Now we see that they are intensifying the situation more, including with regard to the European Union. This is one of the factors of influence that they continue to use."

Background: Self-proclaimed Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said that the Wagner Group fighters were "stressing him out" because they wanted to attack Poland.

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!
When Erika Garcia showed up at Anna Maria Oyster Bar on July 14 as part of a work release program, no one knew she would leave the restaurant without her ankle monitor.

No one except for her co-worker and community center roommate Taylor Lawrance, who detectives say helped her escape, throwing the ankle monitor into the bushes in the process.

Five days later, Garcia would be arrested almost 250 miles away in Jacksonville, where she is being held in the Duval County Jail for an out-of-county warrant, an arrest report shows.

Garcia, 35, and the 23-year-old Lawrance had been roommates at the Bradenton chapter of Bridges International, also known as Bridges of America, a Florida Department of Corrections Community Release Center founded by ex-felon Frank Constantino with the goal to bridge the gap between incarceration and community re-entry, its website reads.

These types of centers allow inmates to obtain gainful employment, establish a path to successful re-entry into the community and implement habits conducive to a productive lifestyle, the Florida Department of Corrections told the Bradenton Herald in an email Tuesday afternoon.

Participation in these centers is voluntary and initiated by the inmate, they said.

Bradenton inmate escapes ankle monitor

Garcia had been at the center for around eight weeks, the Manatee County Sheriffs Office said, with eight months remaining of a two-year sentence for possession of methamphetamine.

But detectives say she didnt stick around to finish her sentence.

Garcia and Lawrance could be seen in security camera footage sitting behind the Anna Maria Oyster Bar on University Parkway where they worked, according to a probable cause affidavit, when they both walked through the back door and Garcia exited with a large kitchen knife in her hand. Moments later, detectives say Lawrance exited the restaurant with a kitchen towel.

Both women then allegedly walked under the roof access ladder to the business where Lawrance helped remove Garcias ankle monitor, detectives say. Lawrance then took the knife and began cleaning it off with the towel before throwing the monitor in the bushes near Honore Avenue behind the business, according to the affidavit.

Story continues

Detectives say Garcia then left the business, while Lawrance concealed the crime until after Garcia had left the area before notifying her manager.

The removal of the ankle monitor also alerted Bridges of America staff, the Manatee County Sheriffs Office said.

Accomplice also faces charges, deputies say

When Manatee County Sheriffs Office Deputy Dwight Roberts arrived at the Anna Maria Oyster Bar to investigate Garcias escape, he said Lawrance tried to minimize her involvement, saying that she tried to convince Garcia not to leave. When confronted with the evidence, Roberts said that Lawrance denied helpingGarcia, although Lawrance later said she did bring the towel out because Garcia cut herself while attempting to remove the ankle monitor.

However, based on interviews and camera footage, the deputy arrested Lawrance for aiding an escape.

Following Garcias escape, the Florida Department of Corrections was notified and an arrest warrant was issued by Manatee County Sheriffs Office.

Days later on July 19, the Jacksonville County Sheriffs Office learned that Garcia was staying at a house in Duval County and sent detectives to make contact with the homeowner, who confirmed to them that she was inside. They then spoke with Garcia, who surrendered without incident, detectives said in an arrest report.

Garcia was arrested and is now facing a second-degree felony for escaping, according to Duval County Clerk of Court records.

Lawrance was booked into Manatee County Jail and is now facing a third-degree felony for aiding to escape. She had previously been arrested in Polk County in 2015 for robbery with a firearm, assault armed burglary and unlawful use of a two-way communication device and was given a 25-year prison sentence, according to court records.
Washington  Brazil has denied the United States' request to extradite alleged Russian spy Sergey Cherkasov, the Brazilian Ministry of Justice and Public Security said Thursday.

The Justice Department charged Cherkasov in March with acting as an illegal agent of a Russian intelligence service while he attended graduate school for two years in Washington.

Still photos from a 2017 video showing Sergey Cherkasov in the Moscow Airport. / Credit: U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia court documents

The Ministry of Justice said the U.S. request was considered unfounded since Brazil's Supreme Court had already approved Russia's extradition request in April. But plans to move forward with his extradition to Russia have been suspended, the Ministry of Justice said. Russia, which claims Cherkasov is not a spy, says he is wanted there for narcotics trafficking.

Brazil's justice minister, Flavio Dino, said in a social media post that Cherkasov will remain imprisoned in Brazil for now.

Cherkasov's extradition to Russia "will only be executed after the final judgment of all his cases here in Brazil," his lawyer, Paulo Ferreira, told CBS News on Friday.

The Justice Department declined to comment.

The wrangling over Cherkasov's extradition comes amid increasing tensions between the U.S. and Russia over the war in Ukraine and the wrongful detention of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who was arrested in Russia days after the Justice Department unveiled the charges against Cherkasov.

U.S. authorities allege Cherkasov created a false identity in Brazil more than a decade ago after obtaining a fraudulent birth certificate. Living under the alias Victor Muller Ferreira, he was allegedly part of the Russian "illegals" program, in which spies spend years developing cover stories and are not protected by diplomatic immunity.

Posing as a Brazilian student, he was admitted into Johns Hopkins' School of Advanced International Studies in Washington and received a U.S. visa.

He sent messages about U.S. policy on Russia's potential invasion of Ukraine to his handlers near the end of 2021, including details on his conversations with experts and information he had gleaned from online forums or reports about Russia's military buildup near Ukraine's border and how the U.S. might respond, according to court documents.

Story continues

In early 2022, Cherkasov was refused entry to the Netherlands as he was set to begin an internship with the International Criminal Court in The Hague. He was arrested days later in Brazil for fraud.

Cherkasov's lawyer said his prison sentence was reduced from 15 years to five years this week after the court agreed to drop some of the charges against him. His lawyers are also seeking approval for Cherkasov to serve the remainder of his sentence outside of prison.

 Rob Legare contributed reporting.

How to please AI recruiters when applying for a job

Political strategists on new Trump charges, DeSantis and Florida's Black history curriculum

Showdown looming over defense spending bill; new age concerns about lawmakers
Brazilian authorities have declined a US request to extradite an alleged Russian spy, saying that he would eventually be sent to Russia instead.

Sergey Vladimirovich Cherkasov is accused of entering the US under a false identity to spy on Americans in the lead up to Russias invasion of Ukraine.

In a statement on Thursday, Brazils Ministry of Justice and Public Security said that Brazils Federal Supreme Court approved on March 17 an application to extradite Cherkasov to Russia, where he is accused of drug trafficking, according to Russian state-run news agency TASS.

Russias request was made before the US extradition request, the Brazilian statement emphasized.

This image shows Vladimirovich Cherkasov upon arriving in Brazil, according to the complaint filed by the US Attorney's Office of the District of Columbia. - US Attorney's Office of the District of Columbia

Cherkasov entered the United States in 2018 under the guise of attending graduate school in Washington, DC, the US Justice Department alleges.

He allegedly operated under the alias Victor Muller Ferreira after establishing the fake identity in Brazil, according to US prosecutors handling the case. Upon his return to Brazil in 2022, Brazilian authorities arrested him with identity theft and fraud.

While Russias extradition request for Cherkasov has been approved, he can only be extradited to Russia after completing his jail term in Brazil for a forgery conviction.

TASS reports that Cherkasov was sentenced by a court in Brazil in July 2022, to 15 years in prison for the fraud, which was reduced to five years and two months on appeal.

The Biden administration has been searching for high value Russian nationals that could entice Moscow to release two Americans that the White House considers wrongfully detained, Evan Gershkovich and Paul Whelan, CNN previously reported in May, after speaking to three sources familiar with the matter.

The DOJ accused Cherkasov of working for Russias military intelligence service. Its conceivable that if held in US custody he could become a suitable candidate for a prisoner swap with Russia

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Students during a Defend New College protest in Sarasota, Florida, US, on Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2023. Credit - Octavio JonesBloomberg/Getty Images

Florida's new social studies educational standards have drawn national scrutiny from academics and politicians alike, particularly the state's revised language around how skills enslaved people learned could be used for their "benefit."

The language has been attacked by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' opponents in the 2024 presidential campaign on both sides of the aisle, including the Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris and Tim Scott of South Carolina, the only Black Republican U.S. Senator.

The most controversial line in the guidelines, approved July 19, says: Instruction includes how slaves developed skills which, in some instances, could be applied for their personal benefit.

Yet DeSantis' team pointed out that Florida's language sounds similar to a section of the College Boards AP African American Studies class framework. (The same class, in fact, that DeSantis had threatened to ban in his state.) "In addition to agricultural work, enslaved people learned specialized trades and worked as painters, carpenters, tailors, musicians, and healers in the North and South," the College Board's framework reads. After they were freed, the framework continues, African Americans "used these skills to provide for themselves and others."

More From TIME

In a statement to TIME, the College Board said: We resolutely disagree with the notion that enslavement was in any way a beneficial, productive, or useful experience for African Americans. Unequivocally, slavery was an atrocity that cannot be justified by examples of African Americans agency and resistance during their enslavement." The current class framework does include a discussion about the skills enslaved people brought with them that enslavers exploited as well as other skills developed in America that were valuable to their enslavers, emphasizing that enslaved Africans used those skills to survive, build community, and create culture in resistance to their oppression."

Story continues

While the concept of discussing enslaved people's skill sets in a classroom setting is broadly accepted, scholars who contributed to the AP African American Studies curriculum tell TIME that the use of the phrase personal benefit is the main problem with the Florida standards.

Greg Carr, a historian at Howard University who contributed to the AP African American Studies framework, says, To say that there's a benefit is absurd. There's no benefit to enslavement. What the Florida standards do not underline, he says, is that enslaved people are trying to use their talents, their skills, their memory, their culture to resist, in ways big and small. Daina Ramey Berry, a historian at University of California, Santa Barbara, who also contributed to the AP African American Studies framework, says teachers must talk about freedom in Africa to emphasize that before being captured and sold into slavery, African people came from highly civilized societies with a variety of skills.

DeSantis' campaign did not respond to a request for comment. DeSantis said Thursday that the guidelines are very clear about the injustices of slavery in vivid detail" and mentioned similarities to the College Board's course.

State standards are guidelines for teachers. School districts will use them to develop their own curricula, but teachers are supposed to use them as a jumping off point and add more context. As Carr puts it, Its not like people take the state curriculum into the classroom with them every day and follow chapter and verse like it's the Bible."

Florida's new standards drew controversy within days of being approved. Vice President Harris slammed the section as propaganda and lies in a July 21 speech in Jacksonville, Florida. Sen. Scott said Thursday, There is no silver lining in slavery.

Write to Olivia B. Waxman at olivia.waxman@time.com.
Bryan Kohberger, the man accused of killing four University of Idaho students last fall, was not at the location where the crimes took place, his defense attorneys suggested this week, though they have yet to provide evidence or details about his whereabouts.

Kohberger is charged with four counts of first-degree murder in the November 13 deaths of 21-year-olds Kaylee Goncalves and Madison Mogen; and 20-year-olds Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin, who were fatally stabbed in their off-campus home in Moscow. A not guilty plea has been entered on his behalf, and his trial is set for October.

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, attorney Anne Taylor wrote in a Monday court filing.

The document stops short of saying where Kohberger was at the time of the killings.

The killings and lengthy investigation rattled the community of Moscow, a city of 25,000 people that hadnt recorded a murder since 2015. After seven weeks of little information and heightened anxieties, Kohberger, a graduate student from nearby Washington State University, was arrested across the country at his parents house in Pennsylvania.

He has been in police custody since then and is being held without bail. Prosecutors will seek the death penalty, according to court documents.

Mondays filing was focused on Kohbergers alibi.

A defendants 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, the filing states.

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, the filing states.

Kohberger stands firm on his constitutional right to silence as well as to testify on his own behalf, his lawyers said.

Story continues

Weapon not found

Latah County prosecutors and defense attorneys have sparred over whether DNA evidence found at the scene was planted there.

Investigators say DNA matching Kohbergers was found on the sheath of a Ka-Bar knife believed to be the weapon used in the killings, which has not been recovered.

What 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, Kohbergers defense attorneys said in a June filing.

lf Defendant wishes to explore the theory that his DNA was planted on the Ka-Bar knife sheath, he is free to do so, the state responded in a subsequent court filing on July 14.

A 37-day stay of Kohbergers speedy trial deadline was granted earlier this month, but Judge John Judge was clear the stay did not apply to other elements of the trial including the deadline to provide an alibi.

CNNs Kevin Flower, Veronica Miracle and Virginia Langmaid contributed to this report.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Attorneys for Bryan Kohberger, a former Washington State PhD candidate accused of murdering four University of Idaho students last year, are trying to get his indictment dismissed.

In a new motion obtained by KHQ News, Kohbergers legal team argued the grand jury was misled as to the standard of proof required for an indictment. Jurors should have been informed that they can only hand down an indictment if the evidence presented to them is beyond a reasonable doubt, according to court documents.

Instead, they were erroneously instructed about a standard of proof required for a presentment, which would mean having a reasonable ground for believing the defendant has committed an alleged crime. Because the grand jury was allegedly told they could indict on a lower standard of proof, Kohbergers lawyers believe the indictment should be dismissed.

The failure to properly instruct a Grand Jury as to the standard of proof is grounds for dismissal of the Indictment, the filing reads.

In the event a judge denies the dismissal, the suspects attorneys have requested a new preliminary hearing to determine whether the case should move forward.

Kohberger was indicted by a Latah County grand jury back in May. Hes accused of killing 21-year-olds Kaylee Goncalves and Madison Mogen, 20-year-old Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin, also 20. All four students were found fatally stabbed inside a Moscow home, not far from the University of Idaho campus, on Nov. 14.

His attorneys earlier this week recently suggested they had evidence that would corroborate him being at a location other than the crime scene on the night of the slayings. Prosecutors have since filed a motion requesting the defense reveal any potential witnesses or evidence to support their claims of an alibi.

Kohberger has pleaded not guilty to the murder charges, and his trial is slated to begin in October.

_____
Less than a year ago, Claire Risoldi, the unapologetic, irreverent Bucks County GOP political influencer and twice-convicted felon avoided her 2019 jail sentence for a third time.

It would be the last time the criminal justice system got the chance to put her behind bars again.

On July 14, Risoldi died, her criminal defense attorney Michael Diamonstein confirmed Thursday. He provided no other information about the death. She was 76.

Claire Risoldi was convicted in January 2019 of insurance fraud related to a 2013 fire at her family's former Buckingham estate.

Claire Risoldi as seen in a 2016 court appearance for her insurance fraud case.

Claire Risoldi's last court appearance: Bucks County socialite Claire Risoldi ordered to jail  again. Why she's still free in $13M fraud case

Neither of Risoldis two children, Carl and Carla Risoldi, responded to emails sent Thursday seeking comment about their mother.

Bucks County Republican Party Chair Pat Poprik did not respond to a message Friday seeking comment. The Pennsylvania Attorney Generals Office, which successfully prosecuted Risoldi for her role in a multimillion dollar insurance scheme, declined comment Friday.

No obituary for the Buckingham matriarch could be found online. The only public notice of Risoldis death is an application Diamonstein filed with the Pennsylvania Superior Court on Thursday to withdraw her latest, and last, appeal.

A Pennsylvania Superior Court panel was appointed July 25 to hear the case, but a hearing date had not been assigned, according to the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts.

Risoldi died without serving one day of the 11-1/2 to 23-month jail sentence she was ordered to serve in 2019.

Her death brings an end to the criminal case that started eight years ago when the AGs office, acting on a grand jury recommendation, filed insurance fraud and related charges against Risoldi, four members of her family and two associates, alleging they filed false claims totaling $20 million.

This 2013 photo shows the damage to the former Clairemont estate in Buckingham. Claire Risoldi was convicted in 2019 of insurance fraud related to the fire

The charges stemmed from claims following a 2013 fire of undetermined origin that heavily damaged the family home on their 10-acre estate named Clairemont for the third time in four years.

Story continues

"Excessively extravagant lifestyle" sparks criminal investigation

The case gained international notoriety after authorities alleged the family illegally collected insurance money and used it to fund an excessively extravagant lifestyle that included Ferraris and Rolls Royces, multiple properties, $2 million window treatments, a personal photographer and a hand-painted ceiling mural that featured Risoldi family members in classic Roman period costumes gazing down from the heavens.

The family faced public backlash after Risoldi falsely accused volunteer firefighters of stealing jewelry allegedly valued at $10 million while fighting the 2013 fire. The insurer never paid out on the jewelry claim.

The Risoldis maintained the criminal investigation and charges were politically motivated. The family members were GOP rainmakers who hosted lavish fundraisers, social events and political candidates at Clairemont, featuring Cher impersonators and Mummers.

The family was so entrenched in county GOP politics that a senior trial court judge from Montgomery County was assigned the case after the entire Bucks County judiciary recused itself. A second outside judge took over the case in 2020, after the original judge retired.

Risoldi grew up in Trenton, New Jersey, where she ran a ticket agency and promoted rock concerts in the 1970s and at one point she won a large antitrust settlement against a large ticket broker, according to a 2015 Associated Press story.

The source of the family's reported wealth was a mystery with Risoldi offering conflicting stories.

In 1993, Risoldi claimed that her first husband collected disability payments from a tile company where he earned $75,000 to $85,000 a year as a foreman, according to 2015 charging documents. But she also claimed that he made "millions" doing marble and concrete work in Atlantic City, N.J.

The grand jury report alleged a pattern of questionable six-figure insurance claims by Risoldi dating to 1984.

In 1990, a federal judge sentenced her to probation after she pleaded guilty to two counts of felony mail fraud for using false medical documents to defraud her first husbands union health insurance provider out of $13,028.

Claire Risoldi in 2016.

Claire Risoldi as seen in her 2015 preliminary hearing in Bucks County.

Jury convicts Risoldi of insurance fraud Risoldi gets jail after 'spectacular' fall from grace

Risoldi was 67-years-old in 2015 when the AG's office filed charges describing her as the mastermind behind the insurance fraud scheme. With a voice like loose gravel, flashy fashion sense, unfiltered comments, and gravity-defying poof of blonde hair, Risoldi gave off more of a gun moll than grandma vibe.

She was twice widowed. Her first husband Carl P. Risoldi died in 2001 at age 58. Her second husband, Thomas French, a former Bucks County deputy sheriff, who she married in 2013, died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head two weeks after the insurance fraud charges were filed against him and the others.

Claire Risoldi was the only defendant in the fraud case to go to trial. Three other family members made deals that included no jail time. Charges were later dismissed against two family associates.

Those who knew Risoldi described her, during her 2019 trial, as kind and generous with her time and money.

Following three weeks of testimony, a jury found that Claire Risoldi collected $2.75 million in fraudulent claims and attempted to bilk insurer AIG out of another $10 million for a false claim on a separate jewelry policy.

The verdict was announced on the fourth anniversary of Frenchs suicide.

Months later, the family surrendered the heavily fire-damaged Clairemont property to the state to satisfy a restitution order. The property was sold at a public auction to a New York investment company for $750,000. The renovated home sold last year for $3 million.

The auction took place while Claire Risoldi was serving a 30-day jail sentence for violating a court order in 2016. She also served five days in jail after her 2016 arrest on witness intimidation charges that were later dismissed.

One of 2 times Claire served jail time Pennsylvania high court rejects Risoldi contempt appeal request

How Claire Risoldi avoided jail three times

At her sentencing hearing, Risoldi complained the steel frame beds in the county jail aggravated her herniated discs. She described her experience in lock up as really, really rough and pure hell, but added she wasnt "looking for a pity party.

In addition to her jail time, Risoldi was ordered to repay $10.4 million to AIG for fire-related claims.

At her first post-sentencing hearing in 2021, Risoldi showed up wearing her trademark mirrored aviator sunglasses and pushing a hot pink walker. The judge reduced the restitution amount she owed to $2.7 million after an appeals court ruled the fraud conviction did not invalidate legitimate insurance claims the family was paid.

But the new judge refused to change the original jail sentence in 2021 and again last year. Both times he ordered Risoldi to report to Bucks County Correctional Center.

Both time her lawyer filed appeals, and she avoided turning herself in.

Aside from those two court appearances, Risoldi maintained a low public profile after her conviction. She claimed she was working on a book about her life and a publisher was interested in her story.

County records show her last known residence in the 4900 block of Danielle Drive was sold for $1 to a holding company associated with her son in July 2021. The homes previous owner, Karl Morris, purchased it in 2014 with insurance proceeds Claire Risoldi secretly provided as part of the insurance scheme she was convicted of.

At what would be her final court appearance in September, Risoldi was uncharacteristically barefaced, except for a cannula. She complained that her COPD was so bad she was tethered to an oxygen tank.

She claimed to use a cane all the time because her balance worsened after two strokes.

Physical limitations aside, her supersize personality was strong as ever.

While waiting outside the courtroom, Risoldi showered compliments on Senior Deputy Attorney General David Augenbraun.

You dont age, she said. Youre like an old friend.

An old friend who wants to put you in jail, Diamondstein reminded her.

Hey, you win some, you lose some," she replied.

More on the appeals of Claire Risoldi Exclusive: Claire Risoldi to pay less for insurance fraud scheme, still hopes to avoid jail time

This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Claire Risoldi dead at 76, avoiding jail in multimillion dollar insurance scheme
Former Los Angeles attorney Thomas Girardi in court in 2014. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

More than 1,600 attorneys have been suspended by the California State Bar for violating rules about client trust accounts that were set up after disgraced L.A. attorney Thomas Girardi allegedly stole millions of dollars from his clients.

The Client Trust Account Protection Program, which went into effect last year, requires attorneys to register their client trust accounts annually with the state bar, complete a yearly self-assessment of their practices managing client trust accounts and certify with the state bar that they comply and understand the requirements for safekeeping funds.

After the reporting component is fulfilled, the state bar will then begin compliance reviews and investigative audits when appropriate.

Originally, more than 1,700 attorneys were found in violation of the rules and enrolled as "inactive" with the bar, meaning they're not legally allowed to practice law. As of Thursday afternoon, that number has dropped to 1,641 after some of the attorneys fulfilled their requirements, according to Special Counsel Steven Moawad, who works for the bar's attorney discipline system.

Moawad emphasized that the suspension is administrative and not disciplinary; none of the nearly 1,600 attorneys who were suspended were found to have been stealing money from their trust accounts.

"The noncompliance with the rules is simply the reporting for now," he said. "It may be that people declined to report because they were stealing money from their trust accounts and they didn't want to be found out."

Read more: Another legacy for Tom Girardi: Tighter regulation of California lawyers

Another possibility is that some of the attorneys who were suspended may have already died, but the state bar doesn't have a database in order to track that status.

"The only way we can find out about that is if the family member comes forward and says this person has passed on," he said. "There could be any number of reasons in-between for not reporting."

Story continues

Attorneys had from Dec. 1 until Apr. 3 to comply with the new rules. The people who didn't comply with the reporting requirement were then fined $75 for a noncompliance fee and told they needed to comply by June 30. The attorneys who were suspended were the ones who hadn't complied by June 30 and still hadn't turned in anything by July, when the bar began moving people to inactive status.

Moawad acknowledged that the program was set up in part as a direct response to the allegations against former attorney Girardi, 84, who was indicted earlier this year in Los Angeles and Chicago on fraud charges for allegedly stealing more than $18 million from clients.

Read more: Vegas parties, celebrities and boozy lunches: How legal titan Tom Girardi seduced the State Bar

"We knew we had to do a better job of educating attorneys about what their responsibilities are with client trust accounts so we started to do this," he said. "It's a combination of Girardi and the fact that this is something that is just necessary."

The state Supreme Court stripped Girardi of his law license last year. The State Bar acknowledged mishandling decades of allegations against Girardi, saying in a statement that the indictments serve as "further evidence of the seriousness of the abuse and malfeasance that ultimately led to Mr. Girardi's disbarment."

Girardi got a national profile after his now-defunct firm Girardi & Keese won a case against Pacific Gas & Electric, in which the company agreed to pay $333 million to residents of Hinkley who blamed cancers and other diseases on contaminated water leaking from a gas pumping station. The case inspired the 2000 film Erin Brockovich starring Julia Roberts.

Read more: Tom Girardi and Erika Jayne: What to know

A government expert concluded last month that Girardi is mentally fit to stand trial despite being diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. He faces the possibility of a decades-long prison sentence if convicted.

The Times extensively reported on how Girardi escaped discipline by the State Bar of California even after decades of accusations that he stole and misappropriated his clients' money.

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 California man is accused of fatally stabbing a woman and posting video of the killing on Facebook, San Mateo police said Thursday.

The investigation started after someone in Nye County, Nevada, reported having seen the video to Nye County authorities, San Mateo police said.

That person provided the name and phone number of the person who posted it, which led police to the San Francisco Bay Area city. After almost three hours of searching, officers found a woman dead in a unit at a large apartment complex, police said.

Emergency vehicles outside the scene of a murder in San Mateo, Calif., on July 27, 2023. (NBC Bay Area)

Mark Merchikoff, 39, was arrested in San Jose, around 20 miles southeast of San Mateo, police said.

San Mateo police said Merchikoff knew the victim, whose name was not released. A motive was under investigation and was not known Thursday, police said.

We do know Merchikoff mercilessly filmed the last moments of the victims life and posted the video to Facebook, then fled the area, police said in a statement.

Merchikoff was arrested on suspicion of homicide, police said. Online court records did not appear to show a case for him Thursday night.

It was not clear Thursday night whether Merchikoff had an attorney who could speak on his behalf.

Its pretty hideous what that video contained, San Mateo police spokesman Jerami Surratt said, according to NBC Bay Area.

Facebooks parent company, Meta, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
A California man who crawled on his belly to avoid motion detectors in dozens of break-ins walked free after pleading guilty to 54 felony charges Thursday, the second time he has been freed on dozens of felony charges in under a year, Riverside Police say.

Christopher Jackson, 32, gained the nickname "Snake Burglar" because he crawled around on his belly to stay below motion detectors, as caught on surveillance video at multiple locations.

Riverside Police caught him red-handed on bodycam video around 10:45 p.m. on April 12. Images showed Jackson dressed in dark clothing and wearing a backpack outside a commercial building.

CA SNAKE BURGLAR SET FREE AFTER 10 DAYS IN JAIL ARRESTED AGAIN AFTER FEASTING ON JUSTICE SYSTEM

When they arrested him, he had just been sentenced to 16 months for a prior 23 felonies, police said. He only served 10 days of that sentence due to jail overcrowding.

"It is unconscionable that a habitual offender like Christopher Jackson can steal hundreds of thousands of dollars from hard-working people, admit to it, and legally serve less time in jail than the time it will take his hundreds of victims to recoup their losses," Riverside County District Attorney Michael Hestrin said in a statement.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Jackson's victims included health clinics, restaurants and beauty salons still reeling from coronavirus-era closures.

Despite the staggering list of allegations against him, he walked free.

MIXED MARTIAL ARTIST TAKES DOWN CALIFORNIA ARSONIST IN STOLEN TESLA, POLICE SAY

"What's gonna stop him from escalating things, breaking into somebody's house, and hurting somebody like my wife or my 11-year-old daughter?" victim Ryan Perrone, a sandwich store owner, askd FOX 11 Los Angeles Thursday. "Who is responsible for this?"

"Snake Burglar" Christopher Jackson pictured in court Thursday, when he pleaded guilty to 54 felony charges. He will not serve prison time after pleading guilty to 54 felonies in connection with a $150,000 string of break-ins.

According to Hestrin's office, two California laws led to Jackson's immediate release  Proposition 47 and AB109, which reduced the amount of inmates in state prisons and lowered the penalties for some crimes.

Story continues

Under the laws and because the burglaries are classified as nonviolent offenses, "Jackson was not eligible to receive any prison time," Hestrin's office said.

"Its the law thats broken," Riverside Police Chief Larry Gonzalez said Thursday.

Christopher Michael Jackson, 32, pictured after his arrest in April. The serial burglar was released from custody after he pleaded guilty to 54 felony burglary counts Thursday  and had previously admitted to 23 similar charges before serving 10 days in jail earlier this year.

Jackson was sentenced to seven months in jail  which would be covered by his credit for time served, according to the DA's office. Jackson also received 12 years of probation, during which he must wear a GPS ankle monitor, and the court ordered him to pay more than $150,000 in restitution.

"More time has been put in by our officers and detectives investigating Christopher Jacksons crimes than the amount of time he spent in jail," Riverside police said in a statement. "This case is not an anomaly to what has been occurring since the changes in the laws several years ago, it is more common than people realize."

The court ordered him to stay 100 yards away from the 54 different businesses he admitted to burglarizing in Riverside and Moreno Valley, according to Hestrin's office.
[Source]

Filipino business owners are pushing for San Franciscos South of Market (SoMa) neighborhood to be officially designated as a Filipino cultural district.

SoMa street: The SoMA street spanning 1.5 square miles was previously recognized as the citys Filipino cultural heritage district in 2016. It honors more than a hundred years of Filipino history in San Francisco, dating back to the immigration of Filipinos to the city during the Philippine-American War from 1899 to 1902.

More than 11,000 Filipinos, or about 30% of the citys Filipino population, reside in SoMa, according to 2020 U.S. Census Data.

No official designation: Despite the recognition, the neighborhood lacks official designation and permanent district markers that present the area as a historical district.

More from NextShark: Nursing Student Gets Dragged By Her Hair, Head Stepped on By Police During Wellness Check

Filipino restaurants business owners who have been in the district for decades have expressed the need for the neighborhoods revitalization and official designation, especially after struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Differentiating SoMa: In an interview with CBS News, former Daly City City councilmember Mike Guingona, who is actively involved in the Bay Area Filipino community, suggested adding banners or street signs to help differentiate the neighborhood.

We have traditionally called this area home for the longest time, Guingona said. To have it officially designated and perhaps, even planned in a coordinated fashion that brings Filipino businesses and lifts up people in this neighborhood, Im all for that.

More from NextShark: Asian students attacked by group of teens on SEPTA train in Philadelphia, suspects to face charges

Community enhancement: The SOMA Pilipinas cultural association, which empowers and celebrates the citys Filipinos, has shared plans for community enhancement and growth, including the establishments of a performing arts center, administrative center, SoMa gateway and a central park.

Story continues

The greater idea would be to have the synchronicity of all those businesses here and to have everybody want to come here, just like you dont have to be Chinese to come to Chinatown, you wouldnt have to be Filipino to enjoy the culture that is the Philippines, Guingona told CBS News.

More from NextShark: Chinese Drug Trafficker Escapes Death Row Using a Screw Driver, Crawling Through Sewage Pipe

Enjoy this content? Read more from NextShark!

NextShark Presents the Lunar New Year Cookware Collection by Our Place
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, center, is helped by, from left, Sens. John Barrasso, John Thune and Joni Ernst, after he froze at a news conference Wednesday. (J. Scott Applewhite / Associated Press)

This week should settle the question of whether California Sen. Dianne Feinstein gets so much attention for her age and mental acuity, or lack thereof, only because shes a woman, after years in which the Senate club shielded its enfeebled men.

It was a bad week for the Senates gerontocracy, when both Feinstein, 90, and 81-year-old Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the Republican minority leader, inadvertently demonstrated their dubious fitness for office. A flummoxed Feinstein had to be repeatedly prompted to say aye in a committee meeting. McConnell froze for half a minute talking to reporters. And videos of the alarming, cringe-worthy, poignant moments on Wednesday inevitably went viral

McConnell got the most attention and continues to do so, for good reason. Its been years since Feinstein wielded the power and influence of the dynamic committee chair she once was. McConnell is the longest serving Senate party leader since the position evolved in the late 1800s, and hes continued to wield his power to an unrivaled extent.

Think only of his norms-busting abuse of the Senates confirmation power: McConnell stunned even Republicans by barring President Obama from filling a Supreme Court seat, then muscling through President Trumps three nominees by some of the narrowest votes in history to produce a 6-3 right-wing supermajority on the nation's highest court.

Since McConnell arrived in the Senate in 1985, I never doubted he would be one of a too-long line of senators who had to be carried out in a proverbial box. Hes addicted to power and prestige (hes not unique in that). But nearly 40 years later, hes also much diminished.

Read more: Calmes: Dianne Feinstein breaks new ground, but not in a good way

On Friday, his office  like Feinsteins, so stingy with information about the senators condition  issued a statement that McConnell will finish his term as minority leader through 2024. It did not say whether hed seek an eighth six-year term in 2026. Feinstein has insisted she will serve out her term through next year, and then shell retire.

Story continues

Inevitably all this redounds to our octogenarian president, Joe Biden, and to a lesser extent, former President Trump, who at 77 is just three years younger. McConnell himself drew a parallel with Biden when he joked that hed been sandbagged, echoing Bidens quip after he recently fell over an obstruction after a commencement address.

That projection is what makes the videos of Feinstein and McConnell so jarringly resonant: Imagine if a president were captured on camera so clearly addled. A rattled nation would demand more information about his or her underlying condition  not the kind of bare bones, incomplete and even misleading stuff we get from Feinstein and McConnell.

Read more: Senate GOP leader Mitch McConnell briefly leaves news conference after freezing up mid-sentence

Republicans like to falsely describe Biden as senile, but his stammers and gaffes are hardly what we saw from the two senators. It seemed almost voyeuristic to watch their distress. Yet its also maddening, given that either might have  should have  retired before now.

Past generations of geriatric senators werent so readily caught on tape. But this is 2023 and its all viewable, in excruciating detail.

When a clerk in the Senate Appropriations Committee began the roll call of senators to vote on a defense bill, there was five seconds of silence after she called Feinstein. Then Feinstein said only Umm. Democratic Sen. Patty Murray of Washington, sitting next to her, prompted, Say aye.

Read more: News Analysis: It's not just Feinstein. McConnell episode highlights age, vulnerability of U.S. leaders

Feinstein said only, Yeah. Uh. Again, Murray told her, Just say aye. Instead, Feinstein read a prepared statement about the bill until an aide came and whispered in her ear. Poor Murray, the committee chair, tried a third time: Just say aye. Finally Feinstein snapped to, loudly saying Aye!

Watching it, you can almost feel the relief in the room. Yet later at the meeting, Feinstein again had to be corrected when she voted against a measure that she supported.

McConnell that day came to a mic outside the Senate chamber to update reporters on the legislative state of play, as is routine. But he stopped mid-sentence and for 32 seconds stared ahead, never blinking, lips clenched. He didnt react when Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst grabbed his arm and asked, Are you good, Mitch?

Read more: Calmes: Republican racism has finally weaponized Kamala Harris

Finally McConnell, plainly disoriented, turned toward Wyoming Sen. John Barrasso when Barrasso suggested they go to McConnells office. Several minutes later, McConnell returned to the press pack. Im fine, is all he said about the mystery, then and since.

For both McConnell and Feinstein, these werent their first health scares. Feinstein was MIA from the Senate for months this year with a case of shingles; it took the New York Times to report shed also had encephalitis. In the closely divided Senate, her absence forced Democrats to delay confirmation of some Biden judicial nominees. When she finally returned, she was in a wheelchair and once insisted to a reporter that she hadnt been gone: Ive been here. Ive been voting.

McConnell likewise was absent for six weeks after he fell at a private Washington dinner in March, suffering a concussion and broken rib. Now we know, again thanks to the media, that he fell at least two other times this year -- disembarking from a plane on July 14 and, in February, getting out of a car in Helsinki on his way to meet with the Finnish president.

Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, 83, on TV recently defended the oldsters  Age is relative  and Biden in particular: Hes a kid to me.

But heres the difference when its comes to Feinstein and McConnell: Pelosi stepped aside from her vaunted position. She should be the role model.

@jackiekcalmes

Get the latest from Jackie Calmes

Commentary on politics and more from award-winning opinion columnist.

Sign me up.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
A screenshot describing why mature minors should be allowed the option of medically assisted death was accompanied by social media claims that Canadian youth are being encouraged to end their lives. This is false; persons under 18 do not have access to medical assistance in dying in Canada, and the image is from a charity advocating its position, not an official government entity.

"Canada has officially lost the plot. They're encouraging minors to commit suicide under the pretense that those minors are mature enough to decide to end it all," claims a July 19 post on Twitter, which is being rebranded as "X."

It includes a screenshot from the website of Dying with Dignity Canada (archived here) which describes the organization's stance on medical assistance in dying (MAID) for mature minors.

"With the appropriate safeguards in place, mature minors should be allowed the right to choose MAID," the text says.

The July 19 post from Ian Miles Cheong, a far-right blogger favored by Elon Musk, was shared more than 1,600 times. Similar posts using the same screenshot spread across Facebook and Instagram, with some posts expressing incredulity that the procedure would be considered for minors, while others claimed the Canadian government was helping people under 18 access physician-assisted death.

"'Mature Minors' can now kill themselves with Canadian government assistance," a July 19 Facebook post claimed.

Screenshot of a post on Twitter, which is being rebranded as "X," taken July 27, 2023

However, the Government of Canada does not allow anyone under the age of 18 to access MAID, as AFP previously addressed.

Anne Genier, a spokeswoman for Health Canada, said in an email that MAID is intended for people who choose medically assisted death while experiencing a grievous and irremediable medical condition, and where suffering cannot be relieved.

Health Canada's website says the current eligibility criteria includes patients who "have a serious and incurable illness, disease or disability," people "in an advanced state of irreversible decline in capability" or who "have enduring and intolerable physical or psychological suffering that cannot be alleviated under conditions the person considers acceptable."

Story continues

The process calls for an evaluation by at least two independent medical professionals. Genier said alternative services are offered to people who request MAID to explore their options besides ending their life (archived here).

In 2021, Canada formed a Special Joint Committee (archived here) to investigate possible expansions to MAID -- including its availability to mature minors -- but after the report was presented no specific updates were made to the law as the government agreed more consultation was needed.

"While the Government of Canada recognizes the importance of the issues that these recommendations seek to address, these proposals would require further consideration, consultation, and study," Genier said.

"In Budget 2021, funding was directed to support research in areas that focus on MAID, including mature minors," she said. "Health Canada is exploring a range of potential research projects."

Independent advocacy

The screenshot from Dying with Dignity Canada does not represent any type of government stance on MAID -- the organization is an independent charity that advocates for end-of-life rights.

Sarah Dobec, a spokeswoman for Dying with Dignity Canada, said the organization posted the content (archived here) seen in the screenshot, along with other infographics concerning MAID applicants suffering from mental disorders.

Dobec said Dying with Dignity does advocate its stance on MAID to the government, but it does not have any power over changes to the law.

Screenshot of a Facebook post, taken July 27, 2023

Screenshot of Dying with Dignity's website, taken July 27, 2023

Mature minors

In Canada, parents are generally required to make treatment decisions on behalf of their children, but under provincial and territorial law mature minors -- in some places as young as 14 -- are considered capable of consenting to medical procedures.

Even with this doctrine, Michelle Giroux, a law professor specializing in bioethics at the University of Ottawa, said additional safeguards would need to be in place if MAID were expanded to mature minors, including whether to implicate the parents in the decision.

"Another point would be to evaluate the maturity or the capacity to make this very difficult decision for the child, by discussing the need of an extra evaluation on the mental state," Giroux said.

Screenshot of a Facebook post, taken July 27, 2023

The original rules for MAID were designed and agreed upon by experts and elected officials and the same process would have to be followed to decide if and how the law would be changed to include mature minors, she said.

"This is a question that we will need to reflect on and to discuss in a democratic society," Giroux said.

When the Canadian law allowing MAID was first passed in 2016, a person's natural death had to be reasonably foreseeable to request the procedure. In 2021, the Superior Court of Quebec found restricting access to those with a foreseeable natural demise violated suffering individuals' right to autonomy and the federal laws were updated to include people whose death was not foreseeable.

The availability of MAID to patients who are not terminally ill has sparked debate and concern over people suffering from non-life threatening health conditions who have pursued the procedure, expressing their situation had no foreseeable relief. AFP has also fact-checked misinformation on the topic.

Controversy also erupted over plans to allow the procedure for people solely suffering from mental illness, which was originally scheduled to be applied in March 2023 but was delayed to March 2024 to more concretely outline the eligibility criteria.

Health Canada's Genier said enhanced federal data on the implementation of MAID will be available by summer 2024, which would allow the government to understand how the law could be further expanded.

Approximately 10,000 Canadians exercised their right to medical assistance in dying in 2021, the latest year for which data was available, representing about three percent of total deaths. With the expansion of the law, people whose natural death was not foreseeable represented 2.2 percent of annual MAID provisions in the country for 2021.

More of AFP's reporting on misinformation in Canada can be found here.
Full-sized replica of an Avro Arrow on display at the Canadian Air and Space Museum, Downsview (Toronto).

A Canadian jet captured the imaginations of aviation enthusiasts for decades, especially those within Canada, since the 1950s. The Avro Arrow looked to be the fastest and highest-flying jet in the world for much of its development. But complicated politics, time and budget constraints, and global competition eventually brought an amazing jet down before its production release.

The road to the Avro Arrow

We take it for granted today that the Cold War grew out of World War II. But the Soviet Union was one of the strongest Allied Powers. Not everyone prepared for war with the Soviet Union right out of the gate.

When Canada reduced its aviation workforce in 1945 at the close of World War II, the British aviation company A.V. Roe went to Canada. It established a new subsidiary, A.V. Roe Canada, which quickly designed and produced the first Canadian jet fighter. The company built 692 Avro CF-100 Canucks.

Soon, Canada asked for a much more ambitious aircraft: An all-weather nuclear interceptor capable of Mach 2 at 60,000 feet. And Avro came up with a futuristic design to make this possible. It used a delta-wing configuration, internal weapons bays, and fly-by-wire controls.

Avro hired thousands of workers and subcontractors to make the plane possible. It built pre-production Avro Mark I planes for testing as well as a series of rocket-powered models. At the project's peak, over 20,000 workers toiled on the plane. When the Canadian public saw the Arrow for the first time, they fell in love. Over 14,000 people watched the public unveiling in October 1957.

The first Avro Arrow, RL-201, is officially rolled out on 4 October 1957. Libraries and Archives Canada MIKAN 3596416, PA-210520.

The unfortunate end of the Arrow

Historians point to a number of potential causes for what happened next. America and Britain announced fighters that could fly higher than the Arrow at a likely lower price point. Ballooning costs for the project threatened other Canadian budget priorities. The Cold War nuclear threat transitioned from manned bombers to ballistic missiles. And the new prime minister of Canada, elected in 1957, reportedly had a bad relationship with the head of A.V. Roe Canada.

Story continues

Canadians sometimes blame America for the cancellation, though historians have found evidence that America actually planned to buy Arrows for the Royal Canadian Air Force to improve Canada's muscle against Soviet attacks. According to Canadian historian Jack Granatstein, "Theres no doubt that the American aircraft industry would have been exceedingly unhappy if the [United States] had bought aircraft from Canada, but to say that the Americans killed [the Arrow] is, I think, simply not true.

Whatever the constellation of causes, A.V. Roe attempted to find a new partner or buyer for the jet, but could not. And in February 1959, just 16 months after the jet's public debut to massive fanfare, Canadian Prime Minister John Diefenbaker canceled the project.

The company president announced the project cancellation on February 20, 1959, with a profane rant over the loudspeaker where he called the prime minister, "That f------ prick in Ottawa." The Canadian aviation industry calls it "Black Friday."

At least 14,500 people were directly employed on the project and lost their jobs immediately, with subcontractors and others quickly laid off right after. Modern estimates point to job losses of about 25,000, many of them highly skilled.

The legacy of the Avro Arrow

Many of those workers moved to the United States to work for NASA on the Apollo program.

Everyone involved in the cancellation claims they didn't order the destruction of the project materials, but someone did. The pre-production planes got cut apart with blowtorches, blueprints were shredded or burned, and models were sunk into a nearby lake. This was reportedly to prevent the Soviet Union from stealing any research.

A few items survived. At least one draftsman smuggled out his blueprints and some sections of the jet are now on display.

But the plane is lost to history, and Canada's aviation industry never recovered.
A serial Florida criminal has been arrested and charged in connection with the murder of a 12-year-old girl who disappeared three decades ago.

Jeffrey Norman Crum, 61, who was sentenced to life in prison in 2019 for kidnapping and "brutally" attacking a 17-year-old girl in 1992, is now accused of kidnapping, sexually assaulting and murdering 12-year-old Jennifer Odom in February 1993.

"This is every parent's nightmare. This is the thing that keeps parents up at night worried about their children," state attorney William Gladson said during a Thursday press conference.

Jennifer got off a school bus that February afternoon 30 years ago and vanished. Other children on the bus saw a blue truck in the area that has remained the focus of an investigation into her disappearance and death.

GILGO BEACH SEARCH WARRANT WRAPS UP AT SUSPECT REX HEUERMANN'S HOUSE

Jeffrey Norman Crum, 61, who was sentenced to life in prison for kidnapping and "brutally" attacking a 17-year-old girl in 1992, is now accused of kidnapping, sexually assaulting and murdering 12-year-old Jennifer Odom in February 1993.

"Six days later, on February 25, the unthinkable happened. Jennifer's body was found here in Hernando County," Hernando County Sheriff Al Nienhuis said during a Thursday press conference. Investigators found her body in a field after she was "brutally" attacked and murdered, the sheriff said.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

ATLANTIC CITY'S EASTBOUND STRANGLER PROBE REVIVED AS GILGO SUSPECT REX HEUERMANN'S JERSEY SHORE TIES EMERGE

"Thousands" of leads submitted to law enforcement over the last three decades were "thoroughly investigated," he said.

Jennifer Odom got off a school bus one February afternoon 30 years ago and vanished. Other children on the bus saw a blue truck in the area that has remained the focus of an investigation into her disappearance and death.

Crum became a suspect only after Pasco County investigators tied him to the 17-year-old victim's kidnapping. In 2015, detectives were able to connect DNA found at the crime scene to Crum's son using a "relatively new" research method.

The teenage victim, like Jennifer, was abducted after getting off a school bus before the suspect "horribly attacked and sexually assaulted" her, Nienhuis said.

"Brutally is an understatement," he continued. "She actually had injuries to her head and skull that were very significant, and she was left for dead. Fortunately, the victim survived, but her life was forever changed, even to this day."

Story continues

HOME INVASION MURDER SUSPECT'S BLOOD ON DOORKNOB LED TO ARREST 4 DECADES LATER: POLICE

Crum is serving two life sentences for sexual battery and attempted murder in that case.

The suspect is a career criminal with charges of armed robbery, kidnapping, aggravated assault, carrying a concealed weapon, domestic battery, probation violation and forced sexual battery against a minor victim dating back to 1981.

Jeffrey Crum is a career criminal with charges of armed robbery, kidnapping, aggravated assault, carrying a concealed weapon, domestic battery, probation violation and forced sexual battery against a minor victim dating back to 1981.

After being named as a suspect in the 1992 attack against the 17-year-old, Crum, who owned a blue truck, became the prime suspect in Jennifer's murder.

MAN GETS OVER 37 YEARS FOR SHOOTING MINNEAPOLIS GIRL, 9, ON TRAMPOLINE

"He became a person of interest immediately because of the . . . similarities in the case," Hernando County Detective George Loydgren, the lead detective on Jennifer's case, said Thursday.

Loydgren said that Jennifer's family felt "shock," "happiness" and "joy" all at once upon hearing the news of Crum's arrest in the case.

Det. Loydgren said Jennifer Odom's family felt "shock," "happiness" and "joy" all at once upon hearing the news of Jeffrey Crum's arrest in the case.

Sheriff Nienhuis said that investigators "would not be surprised if there are additional victims out there," adding that based on the contents of anonymous tips, "there are individuals out there who have more information about Jennifer Odom's murder."

"This is not only a nightmare for any parent . . . this is a parent's nightmare. This is a community nightmare. This is law enforcement's worst nightmare  the abduction of a child," Loydgren said.

Authorities are asking anyone with information about Crum or Jennifer's case to contact Loydgren at (352) 754-6830 or email unsolved@hernandosheriff.org. Anonymous tipsters can send information to: www.HernandoCountyCrimeStoppers.com or call 1-866-990-8477.
 Read the full article on Motorious

About 350 vehicles are on board.

In an alarming incident near the Dutch island of Ameland, a cargo ship, the Fremantle Highway, has been engulfed in flames, and experts predict it is at risk of sinking. The vessel, carrying approximately 3,000 vehicles, including 25 electric vehicles (EVs), was en route from Bremerhaven, Germany to Port Said, Egypt when a massive fire broke out on board.

The ship, owned by K-Line, a Tokyo-based shipping company, is currently floating unmanned in the waters of the North Sea after the crew was forced to abandon it due to the uncontrollable blaze. The fire reportedly started early this morning and quickly spread throughout the ship. The cause of the fire remains unknown at this point.

The Dutch Coast Guard, aided by firefighting vessels from both the Netherlands and Germany, has been working tirelessly to control the blaze and prevent environmental damage. Despite their efforts, the fire continues to burn, and with the ship now listed to one side, authorities expect the Fremantle Highway may sink.

"The situation is quite severe," said a representative from the Dutch Coast Guard. "The fire is still raging, and it's too risky for anyone to get on board. We're doing everything we can to prevent it from sinking, but the ship is heavily listed already."

One of the primary concerns is the potential environmental impact, particularly due to the 25 electric vehicles on board. The lithium-ion batteries in these EVs could cause additional fires and explosions, making the situation even more hazardous. If the ship were to sink, these batteries could also pose a significant environmental threat.

"The cargo of this ship poses unique challenges," said an environmental expert. "The lithium-ion batteries of the EVs can react violently with water, causing further fires or even explosions. If the ship does sink, the release of these materials into the marine environment could have serious ecological consequences."

Story continues

The crew of the Fremantle Highway was successfully evacuated, with no injuries reported. The Dutch authorities have established a safety zone around the burning ship, and marine traffic in the area has been redirected.

The impact of this incident on the global supply chain, already strained by the ongoing semiconductor shortage, could be significant. With EVs becoming increasingly popular, the loss of these vehicles may contribute to a further tightening of the electric car market.

As authorities continue to fight the blaze, the full extent of the damage and potential environmental impact remains to be seen. Investigations into the cause of the fire will commence once the situation is brought under control.

Sign up for the Motorious Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
An Alabama woman who admitted to faking her own kidnapping has been charged over the hoax.

Carlee Russell, 25, faces two misdemeanours: one of false reporting to law enforcement and another of falsely reporting an incident.

The nursing student called police on 13 July claiming she saw a toddler in a nappy walking along a motorway.

She returned home on 15 July, claiming she had been abducted by a man with orange hair and a woman.

Last Monday she admitted in a statement issued through her lawyer that she had fabricated the whole story.

At a news conference on Friday, the Hoover Police Department said Ms Russell had turned herself in that day and was released on $2,000 (1,555) bail.

"Her decisions that night created panic and alarm for the citizens of our city and even across the nation as concern grew that a kidnapper was on the loose," Hoover Police Chief Nicholas Derzis said.

He added that her story "opened wounds" for those whose loved ones were real victims of kidnappings.

The police chief said he shares the community's "frustration" that she is not facing more serious charges.

"I know many are shocked and appalled that Miss Russell is only being charged with two misdemeanours, despite all the panic and disruption her actions caused," he said.

He also called on state lawmakers to revise the criminal code to add an "enhancement" charge for false reporting of a kidnapping or other violent crime.

In the 13 July 911 call, Ms Russell claimed she had stopped driving when she saw a toddler walking on the side of the interstate.

After that, she said, a man emerged from the trees, blindfolded her, drove her in a truck and held her captive at a tractor trailer where she was fed cheese crackers, investigators said last week.

She claimed she was kidnapped for 49 hours, and eventually managed to escape by running through the woods to her home, according to police.

On Monday, police read a statement from Ms Russell's attorney, Emory Anthony, saying she was not abducted, nor did she see a baby on the side of the road.

Story continues

She said Ms Russell did not leave the city during the hours of the alleged abduction.

The statement added that Ms Russell had "made a mistake" and was trying to "address her issues".

She could face up to a year in jail and a $6,000 fine if found guilty, Mr Derzis said.

Local prosecutors have handed over the case to the state attorney general due to the level of attention it has received.

"We don't see this as a victimless crime," Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall said, adding that his office intends to "fully prosecute" Ms Russell.
A 911 call revealed Carlee Russell was unresponsive but breathing when she returned to her home in Hoover, Alabama (Hoover Police Department)

Carlee Russell, the 25-year-old Alabama woman who claimed she went missing and later alleged that she had been kidnapped, has been charged.

The arrest warrant was issued earlier on Friday 28 July, Hoover Police Chief Nicholas Derzis said in a news conference.

Hoover police arrested Ms Russell for her actions related to faking her kidnapping and subsequently making false statements to detectives. Chief Derzis continued, Her decisions that night created panic and alarm for citizens of our city and even across the nation.

Numerous law enforcement agencies worked tirelessly to bring Ms Russell home to her family and to find a kidnapper that we know now never existed.

She turned herself into the Hoover City Jail for charges of false reporting to law enforcement authorities, which is a misdemeanor, and falsely reporting an incident, also a misdemeanor, he said. Each charge had a bond set at $1,000 and can result in up to a year in jail and a potential fine of $6,000 if convicted.

She posted bond and was released from jail.

Chief Derzis also said they have not found out where she was in the 49 hours she went missing.

Ms Russells attorney issued a statement: There was no kidnapping on Thursday, 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  this was a single act done by herself.

The statement continued, My client was not with anyone or any hotel with anyone from the time she was 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 and to 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.
The Alabama woman who mysteriously disappeared for 48 hours, then later admitted she had not been kidnapped, is facing misdemeanor criminal charges, police announced Friday.

Carlee Russell, 25, has been charged with false reporting to law enforcement authorities and falsely reporting an incident, after she called 911 on July 13 to report a toddler walking alone on the highway. When police arrived, she had disappeared, her car still running and belongings nearby, prompting search efforts and national headlines. After she returned home on foot two days later, she allegedly told police that she had been abducted and held captive by a man and woman before she was able to escape. But questions arose about the circumstances of her disappearance and her story, and she admitted through an attorney that there had been no kidnapping.

Carlee Russell, via Hoover Police Department.

Carlee Russell, via Hoover Police Department.

Speaking at a press conference, the chief of police in Hoover, Alabama, said that Russell turned herself in Friday afternoon and was released shortly after on bail.

The chief, Nick Derzis, added that he shared the publics frustration over what happened and called for Russell to face more severe charges.

The story opened wounds for families whose loved ones really were victims of kidnappings, some of which even helped organize searches, Derzis said.

Initially, in spite of speculation online, Russells loved ones rushed to her defense. In a July 18 interview with NBCs Today, Russells parents said their daughter had to fight for her life during the time she was missing.

Shes having to deal with the trauma of people just making completely false allegations about her, Russells mother said at the time.

Her now ex-boyfriend told the New York Post in an interview he wanted everyone to stop bullying her online.

Days later, Hoover police said they were unable to verify her account of what happened based on surveillance footage and other evidence. They also said her internet search history included questions about Amber Alerts and the movie Taken, which is about an abduction.

Story continues

In a statement read by Derzis on Monday, Russells attorney said she was not kidnapped and did not see a toddler 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 said.

Russells attorney did not immediately respond to a request for comment from HuffPost.

According to Derzis, Russell faces a fine of up to $6,000 and a year in jail if convicted.

Her decisions that night created panic and alarm for the citizens of our city and even across the nation, as concern grew that a kidnapper was on the loose using a small child as bait, Derzis said.

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall told reporters on Friday that his office intends to fully prosecute Russells case and monitor the investigation for the possibility of more charges.

We dont see this as a victimless crime, Marshall said. There are significant [law enforcement] hours spent, resources expended as a result of this investigation. And not only that, but the many men and women who are civilians have worn those yellow vests on a hot afternoon and evening, looking for someone they thought was abducted, trying to be of assistance.

Related...
The Alabama woman who went missing for two days and admitted to fabricating a story about seeing a toddler walking on the highway and being abducted is now facing criminal charges, police announced Friday.

The Hoover Police Department announced announced that Carlethia Carlee Russell was charged with false reporting to law enforcement authorities and falsely reporting an incident, class A misdemeanors.

"Her decisions that night created panic and alarm for the citizens of our city and even across the nation as the concern grew that a kidnapper was on the loose using a small child as bait," Hoover Police Chief Nick Derzis said at a news conference.

Russell went missing in Hoover, Alabama, on July 13 and reappeared at her house about 49 hours later. Police said earlier they were investigating where she was during the two days she was missing. Earlier this week an attorney for Russell, Emory Anthony, sent a letter to the Hoover Police Department saying her story had been fabricated.

"There was no kidnapping," Derzis read from the letter from Anthony at a news conference earlier this week. "My client did not see a baby on the side of the road."

Keith Czeskleba, public information officer for Hoover police, told USA TODAY earlier this week that the department had met with Anthony, who did not respond to messages seeking comment.

WATCH: Alabama police update Carlee Russell case developments

What happened to Carlee Russell?

Police announced this week that Russell admitted her story was fabricated, but there were still unanswered questions about where she was during the two days she was missing and what her motive was for making the whole thing up.

Russell called 911 on July 13 and said she was driving on the interstate between Birmingham and Hoover when she saw a toddler in a diaper walking on the side of the highway. She said she pulled over to keep an eye on the baby. Her brother's girlfriend also reported being on the phone with Russell and hearing her scream before losing contact.

Story continues

When police arrived, they found her car, cellphone, some belongings, but no Russell and no sign of a child. An intense search drew national attention until two days later when she turned up at her home and knocked on the door. Russell told police she'd been taken and held by a man with orange hair and a bald spot until she was able to escape.

Police earlier said they couldn't verify most of her claims and found searches in her internet history about Amber Alerts, a movie about an abduction and bus tickets to Nashville for the day of her disappearance.

"The sad thing is again there were so many people that were involved (and) took this thing very seriously," Derzis said at a news conference.

What do criminal charges mean?

Derzis said earlier this week that prosecutors would determine whether charges were appropriate.

Authorities may decide to press charges in a case like this to send a message, Michael Alcazar, a former detective with the New York Police Department and professor at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice at the City University of New York, told USA TODAY before Russell had admitted to fabricating her story.

"They may arrest her to make an example so that it doesn't encourage any copycats," Alcazar said last week.

FIXATION ON CARLEE RUSSELL: What about other missing Black women?

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Carlee Russell faces charges after fabricating abduction
A recent cartoon by John Trever highlights the vastly different approaches towards governance of New Mexico and Texas. The cartoon is of the state border circa 2030 as New Mexicans head to Texas for gas-powered vehicles while Texans visit N.M. for abortions and marijuana.

These are hardly the only differences between the two nowadays as Texas has no income tax or job-killing gross receipts tax, it is a right to work state, and state spending per-person is less than half of what it is in New Mexico. Not coincidentally, Texas is also one of the fastest growing states in the nation while New Mexicos population is stagnant with young people leaving and being replaced by older people and retirees.

People have been talking about Texas economic success for decades, but a recent family vacation gave me the opportunity to see it firsthand. I have flown to several major Texas cities and have driven across the Panhandle more times than I care to recall, but this trip involved flying to Dallas and driving from all the way to Corpus Christi and the Gulf Coast. Thats a trip of over 400 miles including stops in major cities including Austin and San Antonio (in addition to Dallas).

Paul Gessing

We went deep in the heart of Texas and compared what we saw with our home state of New Mexico. Heres what we saw.

It seems like all the roads in Texas are under construction. Yes, this is a hassle for visitors and commuters alike, but it also highlights the fact that more people and businesses require more infrastructure. Aside from the road construction, the interchanges are often complicated with extremely high overpasses. Finally, just the sheer amount of construction equipment involved highlights the size and scale of these projects. Construction projects are definitely bigger in Texas. Setting aside roads and bridges, businesses are flocking to Texas as well. The Tesla plant outside Austin is the largest manufacturing space in the United States by floor area. Even in and around small towns construction was under way on significant buildings and cranes often dotted the skyline. Texas rest areas are incredible. One might think that with New Mexico having two of the nations most important east/west highways (I-40 and I-10) running through it (and a booming budget), would invest the tiny level of resources needed to make rest areas a place people want to stop and feel safe and comfortable doing so. This is especially true given the lack of road-side amenities available on many of our highways. Sadly, New Mexicos rest areas are meager and often in a state of disrepair. Texas has playgrounds and historical/local interest information available for those who need a potty break or just want to stretch their legs.

Story continues

Texas is booming. It provides a business-friendly environment and a government that does the basics well and at less than half the cost per resident.

While New Mexicans have a long-standing historical resentment of the Lone Star State, but the entrepreneurial, pro capitalist culture and polices clearly have a lot to be said for them. New Mexico cant and shouldnt be Texas, but we can also learn some valuable lessons from it.

Paul Gessing is president of New Mexicos Rio Grande Foundation. The Rio Grande Foundation is an independent, nonpartisan, tax-exempt research and educational organization dedicated to promoting prosperity for New Mexico based on principles of limited government, economic freedom and individual responsibility

This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: Cartoon/trip highlights massive policy gap between NM and Texas
Casa Grande police badge

The mother of a Casa Grande man accused of fatally shooting his father while struggling over a handgun before chopping up his body and attempting to burn the remains told police she helped him try to dispose of the body to help him avoid prison, according to court documents.

The victim was identified as 57-year-old Thomas Chase.

Both his son, Christopher Lawrence Chase, 32, and wife, Melissa Lynne Chase, 56, were named as suspects by Casa Grande police.

Casa Grande firefighters responded to the area of Brown and Casa Grande avenues on July 24 at around 1:43 a.m. to reports of a structure fire where they saw Christopher flee from the residence.

Court documents say firefighters found a 50-55 gallon barrel with human remains inside and put out the fire.

Son, mother arrested: Man's dismembered body set on fire in Casa Grande

Witnesses told police that Christopher fled to another street near the structure fire where he found a woman walking her dog and took her into her house while armed with a gun and knife, and held her and two other people hostage, according to court documents.

Documents say Christopher took their cell phones so they couldnt call 911 and held them at gunpoint while discussing fleeing to Mexico or staying at their home for a day. Christopher demanded the keys to their truck, but was told the vehicle didnt run, documents say.

The kidnapping victims were able to convince Christopher to call the police and turn himself in, they told police. Christopher told the dispatcher that he put his gun in a drawer inside the house and documents say he left the house unarmed where he was arrested without incident.

After his arrest, documents say officers went to the address listed on Christophers drivers license where they spoke with his mother, Melissa. She told police that her son had called her just two days prior, on July 22, and told her he had fatally shot his father, Thomas, while fighting over a handgun in self-defense at their home near Trekell Road and Palm Parke Boulevard.

Story continues

Documents say Christopher told his mother no one would believe he killed his father in self-defense as he was much larger than him and opted to dispose of the body instead. The two went to Home Depot and Dollar Tree the next day to buy cleaning supplies, garbage bags and razor blades, documents state.

Authorities say Christopher dismembered his fathers body in the garage while Melissa cleaned up the blood on the bathroom walls and shower, according to court documents. Melissa told police she drove her son to the area of Brown and Casa Grande avenues with her husbands dismembered body and left the two to continue cleaning the bathroom.

'Part of me died': Mom faces life in prison in son's murder

Melissa told police that there was a long history of Thomas physically abusing her and that he was addicted to methamphetamine and fentanyl. Documents say Melissa admitted to police she had multiple opportunities to report the crime and that she wanted to protect her son from going to jail.

Both were booked into the Pinal County Jail. Christopher was charged with murder, abandonment/concealment of a dead body, kidnapping, aggravated assault, burglary and tampering with evidence.

Melissa was being held under suspicion of abandonment/concealment of a dead body and tampering with evidence.

Police say the investigation is still ongoing and the county's medical examiner will determine the exact cause of Thomas' death.

Republic reporter Fernando Cervantes Jr. contributed to this article.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Casa Grande woman wanted to protect son accused of killing, police say
Local and federal authorities spent months investigating a warehouse in Fresno County, California, that they suspect was home to an illegal, unlicensed laboratory full of lab mice, medical waste and hazardous materials.

The Fresno County Public Health Department has been "evaluating and assessing the activities of an unlicensed laboratory" in Reedley, the health department's assistant director, Joe Prado, said in a statement Thursday. All of the biological agents were destroyed by July 7 following a legal abatement process by the agency.

"The evaluation required coordination and collaboration with multiple federal and state agencies to determine and classify biological and chemical contents onsite, in addition to assessing jurisdictional authority under this unique situation," Prado said.

Warehouse location in Reedley, Calif. (Google Maps)

According to court documents, city officials inspected the location at 850 I St. on March 3 for building violations and found various chemicals being stored. On March 16, an inspection by county public health officials allegedly turned up medical devices thought to have been developed on-site, such as Covid and pregnancy tests.

"Certain rooms of the warehouse were found to contain several vessels of liquid and various apparatus," court documents said. "Fresno County Public Health staff also observed blood, tissue and other bodily fluid samples and serums; and thousands of vials of unlabeled fluids and suspected biological material."

Hundreds of mice at the warehouse were kept in inhumane conditions, court documents said. The city took possession of the animals in April, euthanizing 773 of them; more than 175 were found dead.

Furniture, chemicals, and devices improperly stored. (Superior Court of the State of California)

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention tested the substances and detected at least 20 potentially infectious agents, including coronavirus, HIV, hepatitis and herpes, according to a Health and Human Services letter dated June 6.

An investigation found the tenant was Prestige BioTech, a company registered in Nevada and unlicensed for business in California. City officials spoke with Xiuquin Yao, who was identified as the company president, through emails included in the court documents.

Story continues

Yao told officials that Prestige BioTech moved assets belonging to a defunct company, Universal Meditech Inc., to the Reedley warehouse from Fresno after UMI went under. Prestige Biotech was a creditor to UMI and identified as its successor, according to court documents.

Officials were unable to get any California-based address for either company except for the previous Fresno location from which UMI had been evicted.

"The other addresses provided for identified authorized agents were either empty offices or addresses in China that could not be verified," court documents said.

Prestige BioTech is accused of failing to comply with orders, including providing a plan for biological abatement and disposal of the materials. Emails sent to Yao and Prestige BioTech requesting comment were not immediately answered Thursday.

Prado told NBC affiliate KSEE of Fresno that those associated with Prestige BioTech were not forthcoming with information. Court documents say they failed to provide any licensing or permit that allows experimentation or other laboratory activity.

Reedley City Manager Nicole Zieba told KSEE that officials have cleared the area of hazardous materials but are still working to empty the warehouse.

"Some of our federal partners still have active investigations going. I can only speak to the building side of it, Zieba said.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Ringing the bell is monumental in any cancer patients journey. That sound rang through the halls of Charlottes Levine Cancer Institute last Monday as 31-year-old Brittany Yokley marked the end of her breast cancer treatment.

But the bigger celebration will come this weekend: Yokley will walk in the 24 Hours of Booty, a cycling and walking fundraising event that benefits the 24 Foundation. Beginning Friday at 7 p.m. until 7 p.m. Saturday, teams and individuals will circle the 2.8-mile Myers Park Booty Loop to support the nonprofit committed to helping patients navigate their cancer journey and improve their quality of life.

Upon approaching the end of her 18 months of treatment, Yokley wanted to give back to other cancer patients in her community. She first heard about the 24 Hours of Booty from her occupational oncology therapist, Brittany Lorden. Only after that conversation did Yokley realize how connected the event and organization were to her and other cancer patients recovery.

Brittany Yokley with her husband, Tyler. Yokley rang the bell Monday, July 17, to celebrate her final round of active treatment for her breast cancer. Brittany Yokley

A new job turned her world upside down

A Virginia Beach native, Yokley studied dance in college in New York City before moving to Charlotte in 2016. Two years later, she married her husband, Tyler, and soon after began pursuing an MBA.

In August 2021, Yokley changed jobs to work at Passport, a software company that helps cities manage curb space. A new job meant new insurance. And new insurance meant new doctors and filling her calendar with appointments.

When Yokley visited her new gynecologist for the first time, the doctor felt a lump during her breast exam and advised her to get it checked out. At her diagnostic mammogram a few weeks later, the radiologist told her, This doesnt look good.

Yokley was diagnosed with triple-positive breast cancer at 30 years old.

Triple-positive breast cancer occurs when tumor cells have three types of receptors: estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors and a larger than normal number of HER2 receptors. These types of receptors control how the cells grow and divide. Too many can cause cells to multiple too quickly, become uncontrolled and lead to a tumor. While it is more aggressive than other breast cancers, triple-positive reportedly responds well to hormone therapy, according to Penn Medicine.

Story continues

Yokley found out the shocking news four days before Christmas 2021. The median age at the time of a breast cancer diagnosis is 62, according to American Cancer Society, and Yokley has no family history of breast cancer.

Her cancer being HER2-positive meant Yokley needed chemotherapy. She began treatment at Levine Cancer Institute the following February. After four rounds of TCHP chemo  an acronym for a combination of drugs used to treat certain cancers  Yokley had a lumpectomy followed by four weeks of radiation and 14 rounds of targeted chemotherapy to lessen the chance of recurrence. That final round of targeted chemo was July 17.

Yearning to maintain a sense of normalcy

Because of chemotherapy and radiation, Yokley lost her hair. People knew she was sick, but she wanted more than anything for life to go on as normal.

Instead of receiving casserole dishes and care packages, Yokley and her husband continued attending barbecues with their friends  so long as her strength allowed.

Brittany Yokley and her husband Tyler Brittany Yokley

Levines integrative services  such as acupuncture and oncological massage  made that possible for Yokley. The 24 Foundation supports these programs, which are not generally covered by insurance, so that patients can afford them at a subsidized rate.

It was striking how much I had benefited from the services that (the 24 Foundation) was providing that I had no idea about, Yokley says.

Brittanys support system and fundraising success

That prompted Yokley to organize a fundraising team at her work for the 24 Hours of Booty. When friends and family have wanted to support her cancer journey, Yokley encouraged them to support an organization that has been integral to her recovery.

Navigation and integrated services are two highlights (of cancer treatment) that people dont know much about but have been so important for me, she says.

Her team raised more than $33,000  making them among the top six fundraisers for the event this year. Between individual, team and corporate benefactors, over $1.3 million will be donated to the 24 Foundation, according to their website.

Yokley and her loved ones, colleagues and care team  along with fellow participants and spectators  will celebrate that fundraising feat for 24 hours along the Booty Loop and in Bootyville, the home-base and party place for the event where people rest and camp out.

Brittany Yokley (right) and Brittany Lodern, her occupational oncology therapist. It was Lorden who encouraged Yokley to get involved with 24 Hours of Booty. Brittany Yokley

Yokley most looks forward to the Survivor Lap  where all cancer survivors take a lap around the Booty Loop to kick off the event.

I am so excited to be surrounded by other survivors  (for us) to be rejuvenated altogether, Yokley says.

The sound of the starting horn for the Survivor Lap will be like a second ringing of the bell for Yokley. Her connection to the 24 Foundation has grown stronger since realizing its impact on the community, and the timing of it all has brought Yokleys story full circle.

Everything has felt perfectly aligned, she says.
Map of Chad

A largely semi-desert country, Chad is rich in gold and uranium and stands to benefit from its recently-acquired status as an oil-exporting state.

Chad's post-independence history has been marked by instability and violence, stemming mostly from tension between the mainly Arab-Muslim north and the predominantly Christian and animist south.

Chad became an oil-producing nation in 2003, with the completion of a $4bn pipeline linking its oilfields to terminals on the Atlantic coast.

However, it suffers from inadequate infrastructure, and internal conflict with rebels in the north, exacerbated by a jihadist insurgency across the Sahel region and Lake Chad Basin.

Read more country profiles - Profiles by BBC Monitoring

REPUBLIC OF CHAD: FACTS

Capital: N'Djamena

Area: 1,284,000 sq km

Population: 17.9 million

Languages: French, Arabic

Life expectancy: 51 years (men) 54 years (women)

LEADER

Transitional President: General Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno

Chadian military leader, Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno

General Deby took over as transitional leader in April 2021 following the death of his father President Idriss Deby in a military operation against rebels.

Deby had come to power himself in 1990 after toppling the dictator Hissene Habre. He later set up Chad's first multi-party political system, and went on to win successive elections.

Elections had been scheduled for the second half of 2022. but these have been postponed until at least October 2024.

MEDIA

Lake Chad is an important source of water for millions of people in the four countries surrounding it

Although legally there is freedom of the press, in practice this is restricted. Criticism of the government is generally permitted but reporters commonly self-censor to avoid reprisals.

Media outlets can have their own editorial line, but investigative reporting that is critical of senior government officials and their close associates is not tolerated, says Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

TIMELINE

The remote Ennedi mountains in the Sahara, in northeastern Chad.

Some key dates in Chad's history:

1883-93 - Sudanese adventurer Rabih al-Zubayr conquers the kingdoms of Ouadai, Baguirmi and Kanem-Bornu, situated in what is now Chad.

Story continues

1900 - France defeats al-Zubayr's army, completing its conquest in 1913. Chad becomes a colony.

1946 - Chad becomes a French overseas territory with its own territorial parliament and representation in the French National Assembly.

1960 - Chad becomes independent.

1963 - The banning of political parties triggers violent opposition in the Muslim north.

1966 - Northern revolt develops into a fully-fledged guerrilla war.

1973 - French troops help put down the northern revolt, but Frolinat continues guerrilla operations throughout the 1970s and 1980s with the help of weapons supplied by Libya.

1977 - Libya annexes the Aouzou strip, and sends in troops in 1980 to support President Goukouni Oueddei in his fight against the Army of the North, led by a former prime minister, Hissene Habre.

1981 - Libyan troops withdraw at Oueddei's request.

1982 - Habre seizes power. He is later accused of mass political killings during his rule.

1983 - The Organisation of African Unity recognises Habre's government, but Oueddei's forces continue resistance in the north with Libyan help.

1987 - The combined troops of Frolinat and the Chadian government, with French and US assistance, force Libya out of the entire northern region apart from the Aouzou strip and parts of Tibesti.

1990 - Coup leader Hissene Habre toppled by former ally Idriss Deby.

1994 - International Court of Justice rejects Libyan claims on Aouzou and rules that Chad had sovereignty over the strip.

1996 - Deby wins Chad's first multi-party presidential election.

1998 - The Movement for Democracy and Justice in Chad, led by Deby's former Defence Minister, Youssouf Togoimi, begins armed rebellion against the government.

2006 - Rebels seeking to oust President Deby battle government forces outside the capital. Hundreds are killed. Chad cuts diplomatic ties with Sudan, accusing it of backing the rebels.

State of emergency imposed in eastern areas bordering Sudan's Darfur region after a spate of ethnic violence.

2007 - UN Security Council authorises a UN-EU peacekeeping force to protect civilians from violence spilling over from Darfur in neighbouring Sudan.

2009 - Eight rebel groups unite to form new rebel alliance, the Union of Resistance Forces (UFR). EU peacekeepers in eastern Chad hand over to a new, larger UN force known as Minurcat.

2010 - President Deby and Sudan's Omar al-Bashir hold talks in Khartoum, their first meeting for six years; President al-Bashir says Sudan is ready for full normalisation of ties.

Chad and Sudan agree to deploy joint force to monitor situation along their shared border. Chad-Sudan border reopens seven years after Darfur conflict forced its closure.

2012 - Chad calls on countries neighbouring northern Nigeria to set up a joint military force to tackle Boko Haram militants.

Senegal, African Union agree to set up special tribunal to try Chad's former leader Hissene Habre.

Leader of rebel group FPR, Abdel Kader Baba Ladde, surrenders.

2016 - Hissene Habre is found guilty of crimes against humanity and sentenced to life in prison by an African Union-backed court in Senegal.

2021 - President Deby dies during military operation against rebel group.

2023 - Chad plans for a referendum on a new constitution aimed at returning it to civilian rule.
A Charlotte trauma surgeon with Novant Health is training other doctors in Ukraine while the war rages on there.

With devastating images continuing to pour in following the Russian invasion of the country nearly a year and a half ago, Doctor Michael Samotowka told Channel 9 that he has seen much of that damage up close.

Samotowka said for him the mission is deeply personal and he has traveled with MedGlobal to Ukraine as much as seven times this year.

MedGlobal is a non-profit that provides emergency response and health programs in vulnerable countries.

ALSO READ: EU agriculture officials work on ways to move Ukrainian grain to the world

Samotowka said during his most recent trip he spent time helping on the frontlines, as well as teaching critical skills such as ultrasounds.

Im the surgical trauma lead so Im responsible for training the young doctors who are going to the combat zone and doing trauma, critical air, Samotowka explained.

He told Channel 9 that there is a shortage of trauma surgeons in Ukraine, so the country relies heavily on American doctors to fill in that gap.

Samotowka also has another connection to Ukraine, both of his parents were born there and passed their native language on to him.

Given my skill set of being a trauma surgeon and also of speaking the languages, I felt kind of obligated to participate and help the people as I could, Samotowka said.

ALSO READ: Russian strike on Ukraine's Odesa badly damages landmark Orthodox cathedral; 1 dead, many wounded

Samotowka said that he faces challenges during the week-long missions, such as risking his life and witnessing devastation to civilian populations and buildings. However, he said he also feels inspired.

In some aspects, its very disheartening obviously but in other aspects, you see the resiliency of the people, he explained.

And hes already planning his next trip so he can continue to help however he can.

Due to safety concerns, MedGlobal said it does not disclose when and where volunteers will visit Ukraine. However, the organization said they will make multiple trips, throughout the year, all across the region.

VIDEO: Russia attacks Ukraine: What you need to know




Longtime Charlotte jeweler Ernest Perry spent decades in the business, but was perhaps better known for his auctioneering skills that raised millions for charity.

He died on July 22, according to Perrys Diamonds and Estate Jewelry. He was 78.

Crowned the king of the citys charity auction circuit by The Charlotte Observer in a 2007 profile, he sold it all: vacations, a basketball signed by NBA legends such as Michael Jordan and even a vasectomy.

His family estimates that he raised at least $55 million for groups like the Allegro Foundation, Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the Patriot Military Family Foundation and the Make-A-Wish Foundation, during more than four decades as an auctioneer.

At auctions he was known for his charisma and genuine nature.

He did not play golf or have any hobbies, said Priscilla Perry, his wife and the family business co-founder. His hobby was to do charity auctions.

Theres an adrenaline rush and a real sense of satisfaction when I feel Ive gotten every penny out of a crowd that I can possibly get, he told The Observer in 2007.

Ernest Perry and Priscilla Perry.

A Charlotte staple

Perry was born in Wilmington but moved to Charlotte as a young boy, his wife said.

After four years in the Army, stationed in Germany, he sold used cars uptown  for about a week. The work was too crooked for him, his wife said.

The best thing that you have in this industry is your word, he often told his daughter, Hadley Perry Pacheco.

He scratched his salesmanship itch in other ways. In 1976 he took a job managing The Jewel Boxs SouthPark Mall location. He met Priscilla while working there, and two years later, they married and started their own company: Perrys Jewelry Emporium.

We quit our jobs and decided to go off with this harebrained idea of going around to charities and encouraging them to have an event where ladies could bring in their old jewelry that they didnt want, or (when) there was one earring and the other was missing  we werent going to throw it away if it was gold, Priscilla Perry said.

Story continues

They kicked off their fundraising idea with the Assistance League of Charlotte. It caught on.

The Perrys would liquidate the jewelry, give a tax write-off or receipt and donate 60% of the money.

In 1981 they opened a retail store in SouthPark Mall and started buying directly from the public.

Around that time, Perry went to auctioneer school in High Point, got certified and found use for it at countless galas. His family estimated that he served as an auctioneer for hundreds of events.

Hed often team up with his close friend, longtime WCNC weatherman Larry Sprinkle. The two met in the 1970s, when Perry was advertising The Jewel Box on radio. Sprinkle realized that Perrys baritone voice, slight twang and knack for explaining jewelry meant that he could sell it better than Sprinkle himself. He brought him on.

He was just very sincere, honest, exuberant, Sprinkle said of their days auctioneering together. Not a hype guy.

He reaffirmed, Hey, this money were trying to raise has a great benefit and it goes to a great organization. This helps these children. Think of it that way, that youre making a contribution but also receiving something pretty darn good at the same time, Sprinkle said.

Daniel Coston, a freelance photographer whose work has been published in The Observer, met Perry at a charity event around the turn of the century, and captured him in his element. The two became friends, and went on to work together.

Going once. Going twice. Two-and-a-half! Perry would say as he raised and then stomped down his foot. Its an image that stuck with Coston.

Its stunning to think that I wont see him this fall as the event season picks up again, he said.

Perry sold Allegro Foundation founder and president Pat Farmer on the idea of a live auction to raise money for children with disabilities.

What can we do? she remembered him asking about the groups cause. How can we make this better?

The live auction became a tradition.

Perry was quick to remind buyers that they werent there for a good deal, friends and family told The Observer.

This is why were here, hed say of a child whod benefit from the money, Farmer said.

Ernest Perry and Larry Sprinkle work an auction for the Allegro Foundation.

Family business

Today Perrys Diamonds and Estate Jewelry is on Carnegie Boulevard. Its still a family business. Daughters Pacheco and Brittany Perry Holden are its chief operations officer and vice president, respectively. Priscilla Perry wears co-founder, secretary and treasurer hats.

Pacheco went to law school after college, moved to Boston and practiced insurance law briefly. Her parents had supported her. But it proved to be grueling, she said, and she wanted something else out of life.

On a walk down the beach with her father, she told him that she was going to put out resumes. He offered for her to join the family business.

Im just really glad I had those last few years to work side by side with my dad, she said.

Perry had four daughters and six grandchildren.

His sense of humor often shone through with them. He was fond of pulling pranks with antique and gag toys  hiding a fake hand under a closet door, wearing Billy-Bob teeth or donning a cheesehead when dropping Holden off at school.

A devout Christian, he prayed for his family and his business staff every day, his wife said.

With his passing, his family has asked that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to a charitable organization in his memory.

There were so many causes that he cared about, Pacheco said. He never wanted to say no to anybody. I didnt feel like we could choose one.

A celebration of his life will be held at Carmel Country Club on Aug. 23, from 4 to 7 p.m. Friends and family are invited to the drop-in event.
Sandee Kastrul said there might be something wrong with the corner of her eyes as she addressed a 30-plus person crowd on Wednesday morning.

But it wasnt seasonal allergies or some kind of sickness that caused her eyes to tear up. It was a condition she called absolute joy.

Kustral is the co-founder and president of the Chicago-based company i.c.stars, an organization that works to help inner-city (i.c.) young adults develop skills largely in technology.

Kustral traveled to Kansas City to celebrate the opening of the companys newest affiliate location. Board members, employees and friends crowded into the offices largest room to savor the moment with her.

During the speech, Kustral stood next to Pro Football Hall of Famer and former Chiefs offensive lineman Will Shields, who is a national board member for i.c.stars, and executive director Shamika Hogan, who each addressed the crowd. A few minutes later, the three cut the ribbon to symbolize the offices official opening.

This is a long time coming thanks to Will and all the folks who are in this room who have given up their time and their dreams to make this a reality, Kustral said. Almost 25 years later, here we are opening up our third city with such a great welcome and such a great community and were just so proud to be a part of it.

After the snip, the crowd applauded, as the companys four-year journey had finally ended  and in a way, just started.

i.c.stars executive director Shamika Hogan (left), co-founder and president Sandee Kastrul (middle) and Chiefs Hall of Famer and national board member Will Shields pose after formally cutting the ribbon for a new office in KC.

Although Shields echoed Kustrals thrill and excitement to describe the organizations milestone, hes even more enthusiastic about the future.

Shields involvement with the organization began four years ago. He led the expansion after his sons father-in-law told him about the program, recognizing that all (the) things they do make a difference.

Shields said throughout the journey there were days of wondering, Is this going to work? or Am I going to get enough support? Even so, he quickly realized the trials and tribulations were needed because they forced Shields and those working alongside him to be even more detail-oriented and driven to make the new office a reality.

Story continues

Now, with the doors opening, he said the next focus is on the future.

Itll be even more surreal when we actually have our first group of graduates, Shield said. Thats when theres going to be the point of really saying that youve arrived, youve done what you needed to do.

Hogan championed the impact of Shields at i.c.stars, expressing how his heart for the Kansas City community is second-to-none and praising his ability to generate buzz.

Computers on display during the opening of a new i.c.stars. affiliate location in Kansas City on July 27, 2023.

But beyond those running the program, there are those who benefit from it.

National board member Kevin Gates, now 37 and a Chicago native, was one of those young people who found his calling through the program. He said he went through the program in September of 2000 and it made a real difference for him.

Although he had once dropped out of high school to instead pursue the culinary path, Gates enrolled back into an alternative high school and performed well, leading to a teacher suggesting the Chicago-based program to him.

By demonstrating his passion for business, technology and leadership, Gates secured a job offer and started working at Microsoft at age 20.

Now a cloud solution architect, he hasnt left since.

Its everything because before i.c.stars I didnt even know that web development was a profession or job or passion of mine, Gates said. I played Lego a lot as a kid, and when I learned programming I was like, This is like grown-up Lego. So I just fell in love.

When Gates was hired at Microsoft, Kustral said the company didnt hire people without college degrees, emphasizing how their organization became a catalyst for change.

And thats what the organization is all about, as she detailed how each student can help 1,000 others down the line.

With the Kansas City office ready to roll, Kustral expressed her excitement toward changing lives and businesses in the city  and becoming a leader in the business sector.

If i.c.stars can be that quote-unquote dad that knows everybody that will connect you, then thats what it should be, Kustral said. Its bigger than me, you know. ... Its now like this team of committed, passionate people making opportunities for others.
BEIJING (Reuters) - China's Wang Yi has made his first comments on Friday since his reappointment as foreign minister, promising to deepen partnerships and safeguard sovereignty in a statement posted on his ministry's website.

The veteran diplomat was named foreign minister again on Tuesday, replacing rising star Qin Gang after a mysterious one-month absence that raised questions about transparency after just seven months in the job.

The ministry has only said Qin was off work for unspecified health reasons.

Wang said his ministry would deepen partnerships with other countries and actively participate in reform of global governance and "resolutely safeguard the sovereignty, security, development and interests" of China.

Qin was appointed foreign minister in December but had not been seen in public since June 25 when he met visiting diplomats in Beijing.

Wang, Qin's predecessor at the ministry, held the foreign minister's post from 2013-2022. He is also director of the Office of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission.

(Reporting by Ethan Wang and Yew Lun Tian; Editing by Kim Coghill)
BEIJING (Reuters) - China signed a cooperation agreement with Mauritania and pledged to strengthen collaboration with Burundi on Friday in the latest in a series of talks between visiting African leaders and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

"Developing solidarity and cooperation with African countries is an important cornerstone of China's foreign policy," Xi said in the southwestern city of Chengdu, according to state media.

China has stepped up its engagement with Africa following the abandonment of its strict COVID curbs late last year, inviting heads of state or senior officials from Algeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Eritrea, Gabon, Sierra Leone, and Zimbabwe to visit in the past six months.

Xi, speaking to Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani in a bilateral meeting in Chengdu, thanked Mauritania for "always standing firmly with China on issues involving China's core interests".

China and Mauritania also signed a cooperation plan for the Belt and Road Initiative, covering infrastructure, trade, financial cooperation, agriculture, water conservancy and people-to-people exchanges, according to China's state planner.

In a separate meeting in Chengdu, Xi met with Burundi's President Evariste Ndayishimiye and said China is open to strengthen communication and collaboration with Burundi on major international affairs, especially hot-spot issues in Africa.

(Reporting by Joe Cash and Ethan Wang; Editing by Andrew Cawthorne and Philippa Fletcher)
Chip giant TSMC said it was determined to 'keep its roots in Taiwan', as it launched a massive R&D facility on Friday (Amber Wang)

Semiconductor giant TSMC said it was determined to "keep its roots in Taiwan" as it launched a massive facility in the island's north on Friday geared towards developing the world's most cutting-edge microchips.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) controls more than half of the world's output of microchips, which are the lifeblood of the modern global economy, powering everything from coffee machines and smartphones to cars and missiles.

Like the new research and development facility, much of TSMC's manufacturing base is in the northern city of Hsinchu, where its state-of-the-art facilities are producing ever-smaller silicon wafers that have skyrocketed in demand, especially due to the recent boom in AI-related technology.

At the Friday launch of the R&D facility, chairman Mark Liu said the centre would "develop world-leading technologies in the semiconductor industry more actively to explore two-nanometre and 1.4-nanometre technology, and even smaller".

The company is racing to begin mass production of a 1.4-nanometre chip -- tinier than a fraction of a fingernail -- ahead of its rival Samsung, the world's second-largest producer.

Its production lines have expanded beyond Taiwan as Western powers have raised concerns about the crucial industry being centred on an island that China claims as its territory -- having ramped up political and military pressure on it over the past year.

But CEO C.C. Wei said Friday that TSMC intended to keep the heart of its technological prowess in Taiwan.

"We want to use this opportunity to show Taiwanese people TSMC's determination to keep its roots in Taiwan," Wei said during the inauguration, which was attended by Taiwan's premier as well as TSMC founder Morris Chang.

"We have heard voices expressing concerns about whether TSMC is moving its focus abroad and whether TSMC is halting its development in Taiwan. We have to say 'no'," he continued.

Story continues

"With the opening of the global R&D centre, we are telling Taiwanese people our roots will remain in Taiwan."

A planned Arizona plant -- one of the largest foreign investments in the United States -- is currently delayed until 2025 due to a shortage of skilled workers, a blow to the White House's plans to bring more chip production to the US.

TSMC has said they are sending over Taiwanese technicians to help train the foundry's staff.

The company is facing similar issues as it explores the possibility of a plant in Dresden, citing concerns about gaps in Germany's talent pool.

- 'Strategic significance' -

Global recognition of TSMC has spiked in the past year, much of it coming after the US unveiled sweeping curbs aimed at cutting off Beijing's access to high-end chips, chipmaking equipment and software used to design semiconductors.

Beijing has reacted with similar moves, restricting the sales of chips from American giant Micron and announcing that exports of rare minerals vital in the production of semiconductors require a licence.

In the middle is self-ruled Taiwan -- the world's primary manufacturing base of semiconductors -- which China considers its own territory and has vowed to take one day, by force if necessary.

But the entire supply chain, from chip design to manufacturing and final product assembly -- which largely takes place in mainland China -- is sprawling and complex, and has created an interdependence among all players.

"The semiconductor industry requires close global collaboration, from US designs to European equipment and Japanese materials to Taiwanese manufacturing and R&D," said Taiwanese Premier Chen Chien-jen, who attended TSMC's event in place of President Tsai Ing-wen, who was diagnosed with Covid this week.

Chen went on to say that TSMC's new R&D facility was of "important strategic significance".

"Taiwan's industrial competitiveness lets the world notice that Taiwan is not only a resilient democratic island but also a prosperous technology island," he said.

aw-dhc/smw
Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) had a friendly ribbing for Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-Wis.) on Friday, sharing photos of the Capitol Rotunda ceiling after Van Orden yelled at Senate pages who were resting on the rotunda floor Wednesday night.

TGIF after a rough week, Senate Pages? I got a great photo, how about you? Roy said on X, formerly Twitter.

Van Orden found a group of Senate pages  16- and 17-year-olds who run messages and mail for the Senate  on the floor of the Capitol Rotunda. Pages generally rest in the rotunda when the Senate works late  as it did Wednesday night on National Defense Authorization Act Amendments.

When he saw the scene, he let loose on the teenagers, reportedly calling them jackasses and little s-.

Wake the f up you little s.  What the f are you all doing? Get the f out of here. You are defiling the space you [pieces of s], Van Orden said, according to the account provided by a page.

TGIF after a rough week, Senate Pages? I got a great photo, how about you? @SenateCloakroom pic.twitter.com/xaPVVVrFDa  Chip Roy (@chiproytx) July 28, 2023

Van Orden later said he would not apologize, and that the teens were disrespecting the Capitol and its history by lying on the floor.

The incident has brought Van Orden under fire from his Senate colleagues, who defended the pages. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) addressed the incident on the Senate floor Thursday.

I was shocked when I heard about it, and I am further shocked at his refusal to apologize to these young people, he said.

I cant speak for the House of Representatives, but I do not think that one members disrespect is shared by this body, by [Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.)] and myself.

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) told reporters Friday that he would talk to Van Orden about the incident.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) jabbed former President Trump this week amid speculation he could face a third indictment, calling Trump a one-man crime wave.

Usually, folks like this commit discrete crimes and wind up having one trial. This guy has been a one-man crime wave, Christie, a GOP presidential rival to Trump, said on Pod Save America Thursday.

Trump currently faces charges in two separate cases: one indictment on state charges in New York relating to falsifying business documents in a hush money case, and another federal case led by special counsel Jack Smith regarding mishandling of classified documents.

The potential third indictment also stems from Smiths investigatory team and focuses on Trumps actions after the 2020 election, including attempts to overturn the election result and the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot.

Smith met with Trump lawyers Thursday and sent Trump a letter earlier this month notifying him he was the target of the Jan. 6 probe.

Hes earned every one of them. If you look at it, every one of these is self-inflicted, Christie said Thursday during the podcast interview.

And thats why, do I think that prosecutors exercise prosecutorial judgment in discretion in some respects that are questionable? Yeah  and they always have. But what I say to people all the time is whether you agree or disagree with the prosecutors, look at the underlying conduct.

Christie, a former federal prosecutor, said he doesnt agree with the New York state charges over a payment Trumps then-lawyer made in 2016 to prevent an adult film star from going public with allegations of a past affair with Trump, which he has long denied.

[D]o we want someone as president who is willing to pay off a porn star who he had an affair with, two months before a national election, to hide it from the people who hes asking for their vote for president of the United States? I think thats probably conduct that we should be frowning upon, Christie said.

Story continues

Christie has been the most notable Trump critic in the crowded GOP primary field. He has often traded barbs with the former president over Trumps unwillingness to debate, criminal investigations, his age and even each others weight.

The former governor is receiving about 3 percent support in recent national polling averages, placing seventh in the primary field, far behind Trump at about 52 percent support.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The long-awaited reopening of Cinerama movie theater could get a boost from the Seattle and King County Councils, but it may not be Cinerama anymore.

The nonprofit Seattle International Film Festival acquired the theater earlier this year after a three-year closure.

Now The Seattle Times reported City Councilmember Andrew Lewis and King County Councilmember Joe McDermott are proposing separate grants to support it. These grants total around $2 million.

This funding is crucial to open the Cinerama to the public in 2023.

The Cinerama offers the greatest movie-going experience in the entire Pacific Northwest, Lewis said. With the Cinerama in non-profit ownership for the first time in its history, these exciting new partnerships to benefit the entire community are now possible.

Cinerama opened in 1963 but fell into disrepair, and by the late 1990s, the theater was in danger of being demolished until Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen bought and restored the theater.

The theater shut down during the COVID-19 pandemic. In accordance with Allens wishes, the Seattle Cinerama Theater was set to be sold, with all estate proceeds dedicated to philanthropy.

However, the name of the theater is still in question because the rights to Cinerama did not carry over to the sale.

SIFF said that the theater is scheduled to reopen later this year under a new name and become the fourth venue run by SIFF, alongside the SIFF Film Center, SIFF Cinema Uptown, and the SIFF Cinema Egyptian.

SIFF is honored that this space, which has provided a truly powerful experience for filmmakers and film lovers alike, is now in our hands. These funds make it possible for us to open the theaters doors to the public as soon as possible said Tom Mara, SIFF Executive Director. Were very eager to see the seats full again and to elevate what this space can do for artists, theater-goers, and the city at large.

The theater aims to reopen this fall  but theres no official timeline yet.

mynorthwest.com
Citigroup employees have to be in the office three days a week. Mike Kemp/In Pictures via Getty Images

Citigroup is going to start monitoring employees' office attendance in the UK, as soon as August 7.

Staff who are repeatedly not in the office could face disciplinary action including being fired.

Citi joins several Wall Street banks tightening their policies on flexible working arrangements.

Citigroup is joining the fleet of Wall Street banks tightening their hybrid working policies and mandating workers to come to the office or face disciplinary action, Bloomberg reported Thursday.

Citigroup recently informed its UK workers that it will start monitoring office attendance data with a focus on employees who are taking advantage of hybrid work and repeatedly avoiding coming into the office without reason,

"One swipe per person, per day, per location will be captured," the memo said, per Bloomberg. "The focus of the reports will be employees with consistent office absences."

Workers who are consistently not in the office, during the required three days a week, risk being disciplined from adjusted bonuses to being fired.

These policies are already in place for Citi employees in the US, who were mandated to return to the office in March 2022.

Staffers' attendance will start being being tracked from as early as August 7, an email to Citi staff viewed by Insider showed. Data across its UK offices will be collected every two weeks.

Acceptable reasons for not coming to the office include limited site capacity, business travel, annual leave, sick leave, medical reasons, and those who have official flexible working arrangements or part-time employment.

Wall Street banks are pivoting from flexible working policies established during the pandemic in a bid to maximise worker productivity and make use of office buildings.

JPMorgan, the largest bank in the US, set the tone on flexible working arrangements in April when CEO Jamie Dimon required managers to return to the office five days a week.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Yes  citizens arrests are legal in California, and anyone can make one with probable cause.

California Penal Code 837 PC, or the citizens arrest law, was enacted in 1872 and does not appear to have been amended or revised since, said Sgt. Erich Layton with the Stanislaus County Sheriffs Office.

The law states a private person may arrest another:

For a public offense committed or attempted in his presence When the person arrested has committed a felony, although not in his presence When a felony has been in fact committed, and he has reasonable cause for believing the person arrested to have committed it

Here are the procedures for making a citizens arrest and what to do after an arrest has been made:

Making a citizens arrest in California

The requirements for making a citizens arrest are different for felony crimes and for misdemeanors and infractions, Layton said.

The only requirement for a felony citizens arrest is probable cause. There are two requirements for misdemeanors and infractions: probable cause to arrest and probable cause to believe the crime was committed in the citizens presence.

There are no magic words when making a citizens arrest, Layton said, but the arresting person should inform the suspect that they are under arrest and the reason theyre being arrested if they ask. If the arrest was made after a significant amount of time has passed after the crime, the arresting person should also give a brief justification for the arrest.

If a citizen cant or doesnt want to confront the suspect, Layton said officers can do it as long as the citizen understands they are still legally the person making the arrest.

Using force to make the arrest is discouraged, according to a California Department of State Hospitals policy manual that outlines private citizen arrest laws. But you can use reasonable force if necessary, Layton said.

The manual also stated that if there isnt an immediate threat to their own or others safety, citizens should be encouraged to let police handle the situation.

Story continues

The Shouse California Law Group states that citizens should be careful if they do decide to arrest someone, because a wrongful arrest could lead to civil and/or criminal charges, like assault and battery, false imprisonment and kidnapping.

The citizens arrest law applies to both adults and minors, Layton said. Officers will have to determine whether a minor can be cited or jailed for the crime theyre suspected of committing based on the law.

What to do after making a citizens arrest

After a citizens arrest has been made, Layton said officers must receive the suspect, meaning officers must take custody.

The officers act of taking custody of the suspect does not constitute an arrest by the officers, Layton said. It is merely a transfer of custody following an arrest by the citizen.

This means the officers cannot be liable if an arrest was false.

Layton said although there is little law on the subject, it appears that officers should at least question the citizen about the facts upon which probable cause was based in order to ensure that there was a factual basis for the arrest.

After the transfer of custody, officers have the choice to book the suspect into jail, release the suspect after they sign a promise to appear (for a misdemeanor offense) or release the suspect if there are insufficient grounds for making a criminal complaint against the suspect.

Citizens who make an arrest must sign a Private Persons Arrest Form and officers will complete a report, according to the California Department of State Hospitals.

What do you want to know about life in Modesto? Ask our service journalism team your top-of-mind questions in the module below or email servicejournalists@modbee.com.
China's Inner Mongolia promotes science-based desertification control

People's Daily Online) 10:03, July 28, 2023

The forest coverage rate in Dengkou county, Bayannur city, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region has now exceeded 37 percent, an increase of more than 900 times from the 1950s.

The Experimental Center of Desert Forestry under the Chinese Academy of Forestry (CAF) in the county where the Ulan Buh Desert is located has played a vital role in "forcing sand to retreat" with science-based desertification control.

In 1979, China designated 470,000 mu (31,333 hectares) of land as experimental zones for research on desertification prevention and control in the county. The center has since built four experimental fields on the fringe of the Ulan Buh Desert.

Since the 1990s, the center began to promote the building of farmland shelterbelts made up of main tree belts and secondary tree belts for desertification control, with each tree belt consisting of two rows of poplars, according to Jia Yukui, a senior engineer at the center.

Relying on researchers' calculations and research results for years, this new model replaced the traditional one with each tree belt consisting of eight rows of poplars.

For the new model, the tree spacing of farmland shelterbelts is 1 meter, and the distance between two shelterbelts is 12 to 18 times the predicted height of trees, said Wang Zhigang, the centers chief engineer.

Wang explained that the new model ensures less occupation of farmland and the fast growth of trees. Compared with the traditional one, the new one can achieve a better effect in desertification control.

Researchers from the Experimental Center of Desert Forestry under the Chinese Academy of Forestry (CAF) collect soil moisture data in Dengkou county, Bayannur city, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. (Photo courtesy of the Experimental Center of Desert Forestry under the CAF)

Thanks to the building of farmland shelterbelts, the center has created a 20,000-mu oasis out of sandy wasteland. The farmland shelterbelt model has been applied to over 560,000 mu of land in Dengkou county.

In addition to farmland shelterbelts, the center and people in the county have created grass belts and sand-fixing shrubs on suitable land, said Zhang Rui, the director of the department of resource conservation of the center.

Consequently, Dengkou county has built a complete shelter forest system that includes grass belts, sand-fixing shrubs, farmland shelterbelts, and protected areas including a national nature reserve and a national wetland park.

Selecting suitable tree varieties is key to the building of shelter forests. Wang's team bred a new poplar variety that helps reduce the emergence rate of longicorns, which pose a threat to poplars, to only 0.25 percent, Wang said.

In 2019, Wang's team was granted a certificate of improved tree variety and began to promote the planting of the new poplar variety in some areas in northwest China. The team has also been making efforts to breed more improved poplar varieties.

A researcher from the Experimental Center of Desert Forestry under the Chinese Academy of Forestry (CAF) maintains a dust storm observation tower in Dengkou county, Bayannur city, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. (Photo courtesy of the Experimental Center of Desert Forestry under the CAF)

Many research results of the center, including the new poplar variety, have been promoted. Having been engaged in desertification control research, the center has set an example in desertification control, with many achievements being promoted in the Ulan Buh Desert and other sandy areas across China, said Lu Qi, chief scientist of the CAF and former director of the center.

In recent years, China launched the construction of a germplasm bank of sea buckthorn, a type of sand-adapted shrub whose fruits are known for their high nutritional value by relying on the center, an important research hub for sea buckthorn in China.

The center has cultivated many high-quality sea buckthorn varieties, which have been planted on a large scale in Inner Mongolia and northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

"We are working on ways to increase the oil and flavonoid content of sea buckthorn fruits, thus helping cultivate new varieties of sea buckthorn that are more suitable for deep processing and have higher economic value," said Song Yating, a postgraduate student at the CAF in Beijing, who recently worked at the center.

The center has collected the germplasm resources of several plants that can grow in sandy soil, including sacsaoul, Korshinsk pea shrub, and Ammopiptanthus mongolicus. The center will continue to collect such germplasm resources and share them with other domestic researchers to promote the protection and sustainable utilization of plants that can grow in sandy soil.

It has monitored relevant data for desertification control since it was built more than four decades ago.

It has built four dust storm observation towers, with each installed with vessels for collecting dust and sensors that monitor wind speed, wind direction, humidity, radiation and other parameters.

Jia said monitoring data showed that large-scale afforestation projects significantly improved the local environment. For instance, the projects can reduce water evaporation by 30 to 40 percent around July.

Not far away from an observation tower in the center, there is an automatic sprinkler system built over a sand dune growing with Nitraria tangutorum, a typical desert shrub. Researchers monitor the growth conditions of the shrub by setting up different volumes of water for the plant.

Predicting the growth of vegetation in arid areas under the trend of aggravated changes in global wetting and drying is of great significance to science-based desertification control in the future, said Jia.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Du Mingming)
Suffolk County Sheriffs Office via Reuters

Former classmates say the accused serial killer charged in the deaths of three women associated with the Gilgo Beach murders was an isolated teenager who was picked on in schooland was known for lashing out at those who targeted him.

Rex Heuermann, 59, was arrested on July 13 and has since pleaded not guilty to the charges against him. Authorities say he is considered the prime suspect in the death of a fourth woman, with investigators still seeking answers as to who was responsible for taking the lives of 11 people whose remains were found on Long Island over a decade ago.

How the Gilgo Beach Suspect Was Undone by a Pizza Box and a Tinder Account

On Friday, The New York Times reported on Berner High School contemporaries experiences and impressions of Heuermann in their youth. The classmates graduated two grades behind the alleged killer and recalled him as having endured a hard time at home and at the school in Massapequa, New York.

John Parisi said Heuermann was everybodys punching bag, adding that he never quite fell into one of the schools cliques. He got picked on a lot, Parisi said. But in high school, Heuermann got bigger and others took note. I was really scared of him. He was the type of guy if he snapped he could really hurt you, Parisi said. He was disillusioned and he was misguided. You had to be very careful.

Others expressed disbelief when they found out Heuermann had been accused of the slayings. Its a shock. We knew him, Michael Sean Fagan said. He was nerdy, smart. Others, in contrast, werent even remotely shocked. Don Ophals, who went to kindergarten with Heuermann and continued to be his classmate through 12th grade, said he was not surprised at all. I said, Oh my god, it fits perfectly. Thats the weird guy, Ophals told the Times, describing Heuermann as a recluse who barely spoke.

Dan Musto, who says he knew Heuermann growing up, said it was also well known that Heuermann was given a hard time by his father, Ted, and that Heuermann was once caught after a shoplifting spree. Why is he getting in trouble? Hes fighting with his dad, Musto said. It was common knowledge. Heuermann was 12 in 1975 when his father died, with his mother, Dolores, left to raise Heuermann and his four siblings.

Story continues

Another person who grew up near Heuermanns home said he lacked the social skills to hold a conversation and that it was known that Heuermann would fight back if he was antagonized to a certain point. He had a mean streak in him, John DeMicoli said.

One of Heuermanns neighbors, Etienne de Villiers, also said they only had a few conversations, but he once had to tell Heuermann to stop leering at his sunbathing wife over a backyard fence. De Villiers said that when Heuermanns daughter Victoria, now 26, got her license, he wanted to tell her, Just get in your car and drive and never come back.

On Thursday, Heuermanns wife Asa Ellerup and son Christopher were seen by local news crews returning to the family home following a 12-day police search of the property. During the search, Long Island police found a vault on the property containing hundreds of guns. An attorney for Ellerup confirmed last week that she has filed for divorce.

Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney told NBC News he will personally prosecute the case and called the DNA evidence collected so far very powerful. Heuermann faces charges of first- and second-degree murder in connection with the deaths of three women identified as Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman, and Amber Costello. Their bodies were found wrapped in hunting burlap in 2010.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now.

Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now.
Growing up and living in the Tri-Cities in the 1950s to today was idyllic in many ways. For 37 years every summer we would drive up through the beautiful Cascade mountains to Mount Rainier and camp, hike, and sit around the amphitheater at Ohanapecosh campground listening to a park ranger describe the wonders of the mountain.

Recent trips to Ohanapecosh now require tent campers to stow all food items in cars at night and when not in camp (due to bears). For the previous 37 years we never saw a bear at Ohanapecosh. Why are park rangers now sounding an alarm about bears? Hmmm.

About 37 years ago James Hansen (NASA engineer) sounded an alarm about global warming. CO2 has been rising slightly since 1950 (about 2-3 ppm/year, now about .04% of the atmosphere). That was about 73 years ago. Today, the UN, President Biden, Gov. Jay Inslee, and others say we are in a climate crisis. It is a threat to humanity. If we do not do something now it will be too late. Droughts will be worse. Mountain glaciers will melt. Snowpacks in the mountains will decrease. Wildfires will be worse. Everything will be worse.

We have been hearing this for the last 37 years, that we only have 10 years left or it will be too late. If this is true, things will change for the worse at Mount Rainier. Those carefree days camping at Ohanapecosh may slip away.

According to the Biden Administration, in order to fix this crisis we need to spend $50+ trillion to make the US carbon neutral by 2050.

So, if we do that:

1) How much by 2050 will the US and global temperatures not rise?

2) In the end will we be better off living with less abundant, more expensive, non-dispatchable renewable electricity and a $50+ trillion debt, which ostensibly will provide an undetectable change in global temperature?

The earth has been slightly warming for the last 400 years. Over the last million years there have been swings in temperature of 10 degrees C. Hence, an increase of 2 or so degrees since the onset of the industrial revolution is not unprecedented. Those who advocate immediately peppering the landscape with windmills and solar panels do so based on climate models that overpredict warming by a factor of 2.

Story continues

These renewables do not work economically (due to very low capacity factors) and they are not eco-friendly. They will not reduce drought and wildfires, increase the snowpack, or stop glaciers from receding in the state of Washington. I have no doubt Ohanapecosh at Mount Rainier will remain a favorite place to visit for decades to come, bear problem or not.

As long as climate is viewed as a crisis, we will live in a world that will dictate what car you can buy, what stove you can buy, what fertilizer you can buy, what food you can buy, when you can charge an electric vehicle, etc. The list will never end.

Craig Brown of Richland is a retired nuclear engineer (AREVA) with 30 years experience benchmarking reactor computer models.
The United States Coast Guard is now leading an investigation into a fatal boating accident on the Intracoastal Waterway that killed an 11-year-old girl earlier this month.

The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources announced the transition on Friday in a Twitter post, stating it was standard when a commercial vehicle was involved.

A 23-foot boat carrying 12 people was traveling on the Intracoastal Waterway in Little River when it was rocked by a large wake caused by another boat, according to authorities. The waves resulted in nine of the occupants going overboard, including the young girl.

The Horry County Coroners Office identified the 11-year-old girl as Olivia Knighton of Massachusetts. She died after being struck by a propeller, officials said.

An incident report from Horry County Fire Rescue, the first to respond to the scene, details that the boat was running behind and attempted to cross a wake when the bow tipped down, throwing nine people in.

No one else was injured.

The accident marked the third deadly incident on the Intracoastal Waterway in July.
For nearly 30 years, Jeff Hackman has been saving lives and fighting fires in South Florida. But for the first time in his life, Hackman found himself being the one who needed to be rescued.

When asked how much he loves his job, Hackman told WSVN-TV: Oh, my God. This is my life.

A few years ago, Hackman got news that would change his life: he had kidney disease.

It was found on a routine physical through my job at the fire department, he told the TV station.

The disease eventually progressed to the point that Hackman could no longer be a frontline firefighter.

He said it was devastating to him.

A few weeks ago, after being pulled off his truck, Hackman got even worse news  his kidney function was way too low. He was left with two options.

First dialysis, second death. That simple. When your kidneys arent filtering anymore, your body builds up toxicity, so to hear that I needed the help, to hear I was on the other side of that coin, was difficult to swallow, Hackman told WSVN.

TRENDING STORIES:

Hackman needed a new kidney and he needed to find a donor.

Im like, Wow, how do I ask? What do I do? Who do I ask? You dont just walk up to someone, Hey, you want to give me a kidney? Hackman told the TV station.

Thats when he put out a plea on Facebook. More than 100 people he knew offered to help, but it turned out there was only one match  his sister Dawn, who lives in Cobb County.

Doctors determined she was a perfect match for her brother, so Dawn Martin flew down to Miami to essentially save her brothers life.

Shes home now, and recovering from the surgery, but told WSVN shed do it again in a heartbeat.

If I had the chance to save his life, I am going to do it. Its just like a firefighter going into a fire, and you dont think, you go, Martin said. I am functioning like a normal human with two kidneys.

Story continues

And for Hackman, he is now back with his truck and crew, just where he loves to be.

This guy has been a firefighter for, what, 20 years, saving so many lives. You know, I cant even compare to that. I saved one life, Martin said.

Thank you doesnt cover it. Thank you. I love you, Hackman told his sister

IN OTHER NEWS:
Colton Haynes, James Scully

A new country music video is making waves for centering around a gay couple in the 1950s.

Tyler Childers In Your Love mixes bittersweet lyrics (We were never made to run forever / We were just meant to go long enough / To find what we were chasing after) with a heart wrenching story of love and loss starring Colton Haynes and James Scully.

The two actors play coal miners who meet and fall for one another on the job, which they choose to leave behind after being found out and confronted with violent homophobia. They built a life and a home together, but the coal mining work ultimately catches up with them in a devastating manner.

 (@)

twitter.com

Silas House, who penned the script for the video, noted on Instagram that they believe it might be the first-ever country music video with a gay storyline to be released by a major label, which Childers told NPR was important to him because he has a cousin he was close to growing up who is gay.

He graduated from Northern Kentucky, went to Chicago and never came back, he recalled. And [I was] just thinking about him not having a music video on CMT that spoke to him.

And despite a tragic ending, the video doesnt depict the two as struggling with their sexualities, or living isolated from the world after deciding to be together. It balances the the realistic bad with the aspirational good, while matching the overall melancholy tone of the song itself to an effective end.

If you look at the way rural, working class and poor people, Black people, gay people are portrayed, especially on TV, it focuses a lot on the despair and not enough on the joy, House said. We wanted to have the joy in there. Because thats what makes a full life, right?

youtu.be

Tyler Childers - In Your Love (Official Video)
Illustration: Lex Villena

In a Financial Services Committee hearing this week, Rep. Brad Sherman (DCalif.) had some choice words for bitcoin bros:

"We are told that cryptocurrency is very innovative," said Sherman. "Look at the incredible financial innovation of Enron and WorldCom," he continued, implying that bitcoiners are fraudsters. "I don't believe that Saratoshi Nagamoto was innovative," he added.

He is, of course, butchering the name of Satoshi Nakamoto, the pseudonymous person (or group of people) who 15 years ago released the nine-page bitcoin white paper sketching out a "peer-to-peer electronic cash system" which would bypass financial institutions and be fully censorship-resistant.

Though bitcoin today is not yet used as a medium of exchange to the degree that many had thought, due to the long processing times of transactions, the Lightning Network is beginning to solve this scalability problem. And the promise of bitcoin delivering financial freedom to all who want it"an escape hatch from tyranny," in the words of the Human Rights Foundation's Alex Gladsteinis being borne out as it becomes more widely adopted, fulfilling Satoshi's vision.

Sherman has previously compared crypto to cocaine and organ harvesting. "There's this fear of missing out that we gotta keep up with other countries," he told Bloomberg back in May. "Peru is way ahead of us in cocaine production. China is way ahead of us in organ harvesting. We don't need to keep up on those things, and we don't need to keep up on crypto."

Story continues

Brad, did the EU pass comprehensive cocaine legislation? Is Hong Kong encouraging the domiciling of cocaine firms? Are Bermuda and UAE regulators trying to get cocaine firms onshore? Do you think perhaps your metaphor isn't apt?  nic ???? carter (Orb #2) (@nic__carter) May 10, 2023

Sherman, like Sen. Elizabeth Warren (DMass.), who compared buying bitcoin to buying air, seems to fundamentally misunderstand the features of the technology he seeks to regulate (an all-too-common tale for our ancient legislators). In 2021, Sherman said cryptocurrency, which he believes should be considered a security, is considered by advocates to be "an attack on the powers of society" when in fact "the advocates of crypto represent the powers in our society," saying that J.P. Morgan, BlackRock, and Goldman Sachs have made so much money off of crypto that it undermines the fundamental proposition. (Tell that to Senegalese app developer Fode Diop, who correctly calls bitcoin "a weapon for us to fight oppression.")

Sherman has also said that bitcoiners' political contributions to lawmakers would result in regulators going easy on it, which has not turned out to be true.

Here's a hint: If you're getting Satoshi's name wrong, chances are you might not know very much about bitcoin. What else might you be getting wrong?

For more on U.S. legislators' war on bitcoin, check out this documentary Reason produced last month:

The post Congressman Talks Smack About Bitcoin Creator 'Saratoshi Nagamoto' appeared first on Reason.com.
Its been nine months since Charlet and Kamian Steele hired a contractor to build their barndominium, and they have nothing to show for it but a 2,000-square-foot concrete slab.

Theyre out about $40,000, and they havent heard from their builder since May, they said.

When you build a regular home, you have to comply with city standards, and usually find a lender and secure a loan.

But barndo customers typically pay with cash, as many banks dont finance barndominiums. Because cities often prohibit steel buildings, people build barndominiums in rural areas with fewer land use limitations.

While the absence of bureaucratic red tape can make barndo-building easier and cheaper than building a regular home, it can also leave customers vulnerable to bad actors.

If youre considering building a barndominium, here are some tips for protecting your investment.

With the rising cost of homes in Fort Worth, customers are drawn to barndominiums as a cheaper way to fulfill the dream of simple country life. But, caution is worth the investment.

You dont have to be a sophisticated client to do this. Its just putting some things in place, said Eason Maykus, chairman of the Fort Worth Builders Association.

Due diligence

When the Steeles found a builder, they did their research; they found examples of the builders work and spoke to former customers who provided rave reviews.



Talking to other customers is a critical element of the due diligence process, said said Amy Razor, the former Fort Worth regional director with the Better Business Bureau.



She also recommends potential customers check reviews of the builder or company on Better Business Bureau, Google and Yelp.





Its important to see what that reputation is, what other customers have been through to make sure that you know what youre getting into ahead of time, said Razor.

If you do get scammed, Razor recommends reporting the incident to the Better Business Bureau, which tracks fraudulent business activity on its Scam Tracker.

Story continues

This tool allows customers to read about scam trends. BBB can also open an investigation or try to mediate the issue.

Financing red flags

The Star-Telegram spoke with nine customers of three builders operating throughout the state.

Their stories are similar. Most report the builder required a 40% down payment, 40% of the cost midway and 20% upon completion.

You should not pay ahead of time for the work, said Razor.

Any changes to the job or scope of the work should require a written change order request signed by both parties, she added. And, critically, customers should always have a paper trail, she said.

For some guidance, Maykus recommends borrowing language from a regular residential contract, like the Texas Association of Builders contract. In these contracts the payment schedules require less money up front and withdrawals are tied to inspections.

Take those principles of the building up here in the Metroplex and go apply it west of I-20, west of Weatherford, Maykus said.

Even if a barndo customer isnt using a bank, they can still devise a payment schedule in which payments are tied to work being completed. Maykus also suggested hiring a third-party inspector to ensure the quality of the build.

Furthermore, if a builder is skeptical of a more sophisticated contract, that can be a red flag or a sign to dig deeper, Maykus said.

Looking ahead

More than 30 states require that contractors be registered or licensed at the state level. Texas is not one of them.

Sriram Villupuram, a professor of finance and real estate at the University of Texas at Arlington, said hed like to see reforms that hold bad faith builders accountable, like an insurance program.

At the minimum they need to be able to put up some insurance premium to back their work, he said.

Because the barndominium trend is so newly popular, theres still lot of uncertainty about how to properly regulate this building type for use as homes, said Villupuram.

For example, barndominium owners must do research on corrosion of the steel structure as well as risks associated with extreme weather, like hurricanes and tornadoes.

When the city sets regulations, theres very little for you to think about, he said. When they dont have that, you need to do a little more homework on your part.
[Source]

Constance Wu recently shared her views on acting with an Asian accent during an appearance on "The Kelly Clarkson Show."

Authentic representation: The interview, uploaded on the show's YouTube channel on July 27, starts with host Kelly Clarkson asking the "Crazy Rich Asians" star her thoughts on how media representation has changed for Asian Americans.

In response, Wu explains that while it has improved over the years, there is still a need to provide more authentic representations of Asian Americans in pop culture.

I still think the conversation is too focused on positive representation of Asian Americans, and I think that's another trap, Wu says. I don't think we need positive representation; I think we need whole human representation, which includes our faults, which includes talking about things that are difficult in the community, such as the internalized misogyny that happens.

More from NextShark: Golden State Warriors' new entertainment division to release single from Got7's BamBam, 'Linsanity' documentary

Wu further emphasizes the need for holding each other accountable out of love, you know? Because to just to have an Asian love interest with six-pack abs? Why can't we have one that doesn't have six-pack abs?  I mean the point should be that you are loved and worthy as you are with all your flaws, even if you don't have a six-pack.

Character with accents: According to Wu, the history of Asian Americans being mocked in popular culture has led to an over-correction in seeking acceptance and coolness.

More from NextShark: Chinese actor Fan Bingbing to make her first Korean drama appearance

When I did "Fresh Off the Boat," people were very mad that my character had an accent. So much so that some actors would say, "I refuse to play any character that has an Asian accent." And I almost feel like that refusal almost strengthens the antiquated idea that there's something inherently shameful or buffoonish about an accent.

Story continues

Drawing from her personal experience being bilingual, Wu points out that accents can actually be a source of pride, signifying the ability to speak multiple languages, which she describes as "friggin cool."

Creativity over reactivism: Wu then urges fellow artists in the Asian community to make choices that genuinely reflect their identities and experiences.

More from NextShark: Netflix announces first-ever Japanese live-action adaptation of 'City Hunter'

Let's be creative, not reactive, Wu points out. Let's make our own system, and if somebody doesn't get it, if somebody laughs at the wrong thing you don't create art to cater to ignorant people, you create art because it's out of your soul. So we need the six-packs, but we also need the kegs.

Wu, who recently welcomed the arrival of her second child with partner Ryan Kattner, similarly explored the complexities of Asian-American representation in a book she released last year titled Making a Scene.

She recently starred in the film Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile and voiced Daphne in the animated TV series Velma.

More from NextShark: Squid Game is the first Korean series to rank No. 1 on Netflix in the US
This article was originally published in CalMatters.

For the second time in two years, a coalition of advocates wants to make a high-quality education a constitutional right in California.

The push comes in the aftermath of pandemic-era school closures and distance learning, during which parents witnessed firsthand what they considered deficient instruction.

As educators now try to help students recover, advocates behind a proposed ballot measure say the right to a high-quality education is more crucial than ever. But while some see it as a simple and obvious proposal designed to empower families and students, critics anticipate a barrage of lawsuits against schools and districts resulting from the vaguely defined phrase high-quality education.

It seems like the intention is to initiate lawsuits, said Richard Barrera, a board member at the San Diego Unified School District, the states second-largest district. It seems like its written in a way to drain funding from public schools to go into the pockets of lawyers.

Get stories like these delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter

The California Attorney Generals office approved three versions of the initiative language, but the authors havent yet selected which one theyll try to get on the ballot. Once they make the decision, theyll start gathering signatures. Theres currently no organized opposition to the proposed measure.

Supporters of the proposed ballot measure argue that critics exaggerate the concerns about frivolous lawsuits. Christina Laster, a parent and the western regions education director for the National Action Network, said that parents just want to hold districts accountable. She said litigation is a final resort used in extreme cases.

For the most part, parents have not been willing to file lawsuits, she said. They just want conversation and change.

More than 10 years ago, John Affeldt, the managing attorney at the civil rights advocacy group Public Advocates, represented plaintiffs who unsuccessfully sued the state seeking to guarantee the right to a high-quality education. He argued that the state and local districts have a variety of ways to define a high-quality education, whether it be through state standards or test scores.

Story continues

That detail, he said, can be worked out later, whether in the courts or by the state Legislature and governor. The most urgent need, Affeldt said, is ensuring public schools are serving Californias students.

We shouldve settled this already, he said. If education is going to be fundamental and meaningful it has to deliver something of decent quality.

A battle started in LA

Students Matter, a coalition of education advocates, authored the proposed measure under the leadership of former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.

James Liebman, a Columbia Law School professor who helped draft the language, said of the three versions written, the third version will most likely be the coalitions choice. It reads: The state and its school districts shall provide all public school students with high-quality public schools that equip them with the tools necessary to participate fully in our economy, our society, and our democracy.

Villaraigosa said the measure is largely a response to former Los Angeles Unified Superintendent Austin Beutners statements in response to a lawsuit brought by parents frustrated over distance learning during the first years of the pandemic. Beutner said a district is only required to provide a free public education, not a high-quality one.

Villaraigosa said he feared what this complacency might do to future generations of students and voters.

The less you know, the more easily you can be persuaded by people who are selling you half-baked solutions to complex problems, he said. Just look at Trumps base. Theyre less educated people.

Liebman said the phrase high-quality is intentionally broad so that future generations and local districts can each define what a high-quality education is. He said even the authors of the U.S. Constitution used broad language that evolved through legal interpretations over time.

Our nations Constitution developed over hundreds of years, he said. You cant predict everything thats going to happen.

Liebman added that enshrining a high-quality education as a constitutional right in California will give students and their families another tool for holding their schools and districts accountable. He expects political mobilization, not litigation, to be the main avenue for seeking accountability.

But William Koski, a law and education professor at Stanford University, remains skeptical that political mobilization, if it materializes, will pressure the Legislature to take action.

Everyone in the California Legislature knew schools were underfunded, he said. Yet they couldnt do anything about it because of a fear of raising taxes.

In its analysis, the Legislative Analysts Office notes that the measure would not have a direct fiscal impact on the public education system. But the LAO also notes that there could be unknown and highly uncertain costs, depending on how courts interpret the measures language.

Courts as a venue for policy?

For supporters of the measure, those costs are worth empowering families through a constitutional right. But Koski said that, perhaps most significantly, the initiative will open the courts as a venue for shaping education policy, giving parents more power to strike down decisions made by state lawmakers and local school boards.

Koski said this could result in legal battles over actions ranging from teacher layoffs to school closures. Or in the event of another pandemic or public health crisis, parents could challenge a districts decision to move to remote instruction.

All of this could land in the courts hands, Koski said.

Students Matters 2022 version of this proposed ballot measure more strongly suggested the possibility of legal action against schools and districts. It stated that a parent or guardian could bring [a]n action to enforce the right to a high-quality public education. The 2024 ballot versions omit this language.

Villairagosa said the measure is in no way designed to invite lawsuits. Rather, he said, its meant to encourage legislation and funding proposals to better equip the states schools.

Villairagosas tense history with teachers unions adds a thorny political dimension to the proposal. He enjoyed strong support from charter school advocates during his 2018 gubernatorial bid. Teachers unions have historically opposed charter schools for pulling students, and thus state funding, from traditional school districts. Charter schools are also typically not unionized. As mayor, Villairagosa clashed with United Teachers Los Angeles in his efforts to weaken tenure protections.

As of yet, it remains unclear how the politics for this most recent initiative will unfold. Villaraigosa said his team met with the California Teachers Association to discuss the measure. He didnt disclose any details from the meeting. But he said hes open to working with the union to finalize the details of the initiative.

I think what I made clear is that the only way for us to get a high-quality education is for us to work together, he said.

Becky Zoglman, an associate executive director for the California Teachers Association, declined to comment on the proposed ballot measure and only said that teachers are already striving to provide a high-quality education to all students. She said the union will take a position on the proposed measure only if it makes it onto the ballot. The association also did not take a position on the 2022 initiative, which did not gather enough signatures to appear on the ballot.

Both Koski and Liebman pointed to Kentucky as a positive example of what could happen if a state enshrines the right to a high-quality education into its state constitution.

In 1989, the Kentucky Supreme Court found that the state had failed to provide an efficient education to all of its students and ordered the Legislature to overhaul the public school system. A study published in 2004 found that the 1989 decision resulted in more per-pupil funding as well as higher test scores.

But in California, Koski said the vagueness of the proposed language could invite lawsuits targeting everything from book bans to school closures.

I do think its appropriate to hold school systems accountable, he said. But should every decision be subject to scrutiny in a lawsuit? I dont know about that.

This story was originally published by CalMatters.
Consumers from all over the country say a Beavercreek-based woodworking company took their money and ran.

Altogether, theyre out nearly $34,000, the Ohio Attorney Generals Office says.

>> Previous Coverage: Ohio AG sues local woodworking company accused of charging customers without delivering products

As the I-Team previously reported, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost says these people are not alone.

His office filed the lawsuit in Greene County, but Yosts consumer protection division says so far all five victims live out of state.

Heather and Warren Fenner wanted custom woodwork for their new home in Woodstock, Vermont. They never received the woodwork.

Rene Slayden wanted something built for her mudroom in Bethalo, Illinois. They, too, never received the something they wanted built.

Michael Hayes said he ordered three custom woodworking pieces for the housing he provides for traveling nurses in New Haven, Connecticut. Hayes did receive one of the units he ordered.

All of them paid upfront when they placed orders online with Speck Custom Woodwork, LLC.

The Ohio Attorney Generals Office has filed a lawsuit against the company and its owner, Trevor Speck, and is trying to get people their money back. According to the lawsuit, Speck mostly sold his product online on sites such as Etsy and Shopify and refused to give his customers refunds.

>> Carlee Russell case: Police charge woman who admitted to abduction hoax

In all, Yost says, five consumers in four states reported losing $33,786.76 after Speck did not deliver the products people paid for.

Yost told the I-Team his lawsuit also seeks tens of thousands of dollars in civil fines.

The I-Team worked all day Friday to get Specks side of the story.

News Center 7 checked out the address in Beavercreek the Ohio AGs Office lists for Speck Custom Woodwork, LLC in its lawsuit, and it appeared to be vacant. This news organization also visited Specks home in Dayton and knocked on the door, but no one answered. He also did not respond to phone calls or emails.

The consumers told News Center 7 that Speck eventually stopped returning their calls and texts. Now they hope to get their money back through the Ohio AG lawsuit and help others by sharing their stories.

Yost said he believes there may be dozens of other consumers who were affected by Specks business. Anyone who may have been affected by Specks business practices can contact the Ohio Attorney Generals Office by filing a complaint or by calling 800-282-0515.
A community is mourning the death of a pastor who was a beacon of light after he was fatally hit by a police cruiser, according to officials in Connecticut.

A Stamford police officer responding to a call on July 26 struck and killed 69-year-old Rev. Tommie Jackson, who was crossing the street, Stamford police said in a news release.

Officer Zachary Lockwood was responding to a call for service when he accidentally struck Jackson, according to police. Lockwood performed CPR until medics arrived and transported Jackson to a hospital, where he died of his injuries, police said in the release.

During a news conference live streamed on Facebook on July 28, police said the emergency lights on the cruiser were activated at the time of the crash.

The road where the accident happened appears to be a tree-lined road with no sidewalks. WFSB reported that Jackson was crossing the street to his mailbox when Lockwood hit him with his marked cruiser.

Pastor Tommie Jackson was such a beacon of light for so many in the Stamford community, for [the] past 25 plus years, Stamford Assistant Chief Silas Redd said in the news release. His steadfast commitment to serve those under the guidance of his pastorate, extended far and wide.

Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons released a statement mourning the loss of the pastor.

Reverend Jacksons decades of service and leadership made an indelible impact on the City of Stamford, she wrote. I was honored to call him a friend and I will greatly miss his positive energy, wonderful sense of humor, and infectious smile.

Jackson was a pastor at Rehoboth Fellowship Church and Faith Tabernacle Church, and he was also the assistant director of the Urban Redevelopment Commission, according to the mayors office.

Tributes for the pastor poured in on social media.

Im devastated by the death of my friend Reverend Tommie Jackson, one Facebook user wrote. I had the great pleasure and honor of working with Tommie at the Stamford Urban Redevelopment Commission where he was a force for good! I will miss him terribly.

Story continues

Simmons wrote that Jackson was an advocate for social and racial justice, and that he touched the lives of many in his work. She extended support to his daughters and to his wife Dorye, who is a Stamford Police Commissioner.

Lockwood, who has been with the department since April 2022, has been placed on administrative leave, according to Stamford police. Connecticut State Police is investigating the crash.

Man tracks down stolen truck and calls 911, then he kills suspect in shootout, cops say

Three siblings among 4 killed in fiery high-speed crash on I-75 in Georgia, police say

Carjacking victim courageously thwarts armed suspects escape, Florida deputies say

Lightning strikes tree and sends debris crashing onto man near NC lake, officials say
Florida deputies went to a home after a mysterious open 911 call on the Gulf Coast last Friday, according to a news release from the Levy County Sheriffs Office.

Operators could not hear any noises or sounds of distress on the line, but two weeks before, law enforcement had responded to a domestic violence call at the house in Morriston, about 20 miles west of Ocala. During that incident, the suspect had fled.

When deputies arrived, they saw a man standing on the front porch, who immediately retreated inside.

READ MORE: Florida woman arrested after attacking boyfriend at bar

They soon caught up with the suspect, John Chastain, 34, hiding inside of a closet. Authorities say he was the same suspect in the earlier case.

After a brief attempt at resisting arrest, Chastain was taken into custody and charged with felony battery for the incident that occurred two weeks prior.

Deputies also inspected Chastains Ford F-150 parked in the driveway, and plainly visible inside the truck were two handguns, cash and drugs.

READ MORE: Florida cop arrested for domestic violence

After a more thorough investigation of the truck, authorities also found three stolen guns and almost 300 grams of fentanyl (0.61 pounds), 400 grams of methamphetamines (1.27 pounds), as well as other illegal narcotics including crack cocaine, powder cocaine and MDMD ecstasy.

The agency notes that in the state of Florida, possession of more than 400 grams of meth is considered a trafficking offense and is punishable as a capital felony with a potential life sentence, and possession of fentanyl in excess of 28 grams carries a minimum mandatory sentence of 25 years.

The Morriston man is being held in the Levy County Detention Center, with bond set at $3,810,000.
MP Roman Kostenko believes that since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation, many employees of military commissariats could have made undeclared fortunes

Corruption at military recruitment centers went unnoticed for over 18 months since the start of the full-scale war for a number of reasons, and is still a major issue, MP and Secretary of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on National Security, Defense and Intelligence Roman Kostenko said in an interview with Radio NV on July 28.

"If we raise the question of whether there is corruption in the recruitment centers, I think we can frankly say that there is, he said.

Read also: MPs and officials barred from leaving Ukraine  MP Honcharenko

This does not mean that it is present in all recruitment centers. It's very bad that only now  after the incident with this Odesa military officer  they started talking about it. This story is old. And it started from the very beginning of hostilities, but it was not so noticeable when the first waves [of conscripts] went independently and there were no problems with mobilization.

Now that a certain number of servicemen are needed every month to replace the wounded and killed, and to create new brigades to strengthen the Armed Forces of Ukraine, there are a considerable number of people in the country who want to avoid service, Kostenko noted.

Read also: Bill to restore e-declaration system introduced in Parliament

"People are trying to avoid conscription en masse and dishonest soldiers are taking advantage of this, he explained.

This applies to not just military commissars, but also the employees of military commissariats. We need to check their lifestyles, what wealth they have, what property they own, who earns what, etc. I assume that now there will be many workers of military commissariats who could have earned some undeclared wealth or started to live in a different way during the full-scale invasion.

On July 26, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that the preliminary results of the inspection of the military commissions were "disappointing."

On July 27, the president announced that the comprehensive inspection of the territorial recruitment centers (former military commissariats) was coming to an end.

Story continues

In an interview with Radio NV, the head of the National Security Committee, Oleksandr Novikov, said that the president, as the commander-in-chief, has the most complete information about corruption at military commissariats, and it was he who approved the decision of the National Security Council to continuously monitor the lifestyle of 1,795 heads of recruitment centers.

On July 25, the deputy head of the National Anti-Corruption Agency, Artem Sytnyk, announced that his department had begun checking the lifestyles of 102 managers and deputies of these centers.

Checks on all former heads of the recruitment centers are ongoing after the State Bureau of Investigation announced it had charged an officer of a military recruitment center in Odesa Oblast, Yevhen Borysov, with embezzlement.

Read also: Zelenskyy signs law on return of pre-war taxes, mandated by IMF

Borysov's relatives were found to own luxury cars, as well as an elite Spanish villa and office. Law enforcement suspects him of illegal enrichment in the amount of 188 million hryvnias ($5 million), as well as violations of military service.

On July 25, a court remanded Borysov into pre-trial custody for two months, with bail set at 150 million hryvnias ($4 million).

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
A scientist stores seeds at the Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center in Cartago, Costa Rica, on July 19, 2023 (Ezequiel BECERRA)

In the tropical mountains of Costa Rica, scientists guard a treasure trove of seeds collected over decades as a bulwark against food insecurity and climate change.

Some 6,200 samples from 125 species of squash, chilli, tomato and other edible plants are held at the Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center (CATIE) near the town of Turrialba.

In temperatures as low as minus 20 degrees Celsius, the seeds can be kept for up to 40 years for purposes of research, genetic engineering of plants more resistant to pests, diseases or changing weather, or to replace species that die out.

The bank "is a resource we have for use now or in the future," plant geneticist William Solano told AFP at the facility some 60 km east of the capital San Jose.

It holds seeds from 57 countries, he said, but about 90 percent are from the Central American region, collected from markets and farms or growing wild.

The CATIE stockpile, stacked on shelves in hundreds of small, silver envelopes, includes the second-largest collection of squash family seeds in the world.

Many of the seeds are not present in banks anywhere else in the world, according to the center.

- 'Genetic archive' -

"In response to climate change, we have here important materials for food security that are locally adapted" to a variety of climate conditions, ranging from humidity to extreme drought, Solano told AFP.

As ever-more extreme weather threatens food production, traditional, native seeds are essential to "give sustainability to agri-food systems," he added.

According to seed expert Ester Vargas of the University of Costa Rica, "there is variability in native seeds that gives them the ability to adapt to different conditions" in the areas of their origin.

Seed banks like the one at CATIE serve to guarantee an availability of "crops with high nutritional value" for generations to come, she added.

The UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates that almost one in ten people in the world suffered hunger in 2022 -- some 735 million in total -- with increases in parts of Africa, western Asia and the Caribbean.

Story continues

The FAO says seed banks help preserve "the most adapted varieties" for a given region.

"As climate change has a significant impact on agricultural production, growing local varieties, which have a high degree of genetic diversity, is highly important because these varieties have the ability to better withstand and adapt to environmental stresses and changes," a document on the organization's website states.

CATIE agronomist Daniel Fernandez said the bank also served another purpose: as a "genetic archive" of species that were replaced by more modified crops and that one day may need to be brought back.

apg/fj/mlr/tjj
Country music superstar Tim McGraw is coming to Rupp Arena and hes bringing a special guest.

No, not his wife Faith Hill, who has appeared in concert with him several times in Lexington.

This time, McGaw is bringing Kentucky native Carly Pearce for the June 15, 2024, show which promises to be high-energy.

I always want to deliver the best possible concert I can for the fans, said McGraw in a release. Weve got some really special plans to make this the biggest and the best tour weve ever done.

Tickets for the Grammy Award winning musicians Standing Room Only tour go on sale at 10 a.m. Aug. 4 through timmcgraw.com, according to Live Nation. You can buy VIP packages on sale that day as well, including options to meet McGraw.

Pearce of Taylor Mill, Kentucky, sang The Star-Spangled Banner at the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in May and was the opening act for the 2017 Red, White and Boom concert at Whitaker Bank Ballpark. She also is a Grammy Awarding winning singer-songwriter, 2021 CMA Female Vocalist of the Year and 2022 ACM Awards Female Artist of the Year.

RACHEL DEEB

Tim McGraw greets fans in Rupp Arena in 2018. McGraw is bringing his latest tour, Standing Room Only, to Lexington in June 2024. Tickets go on sale Aug. 4. Rich Copley/rcopley@herald-leader.com

On Aug. 25, McGraw will release his new album, Standing Room Only; the title track is already climbing the charts and an acoustic version also has been released.

Tim McGraw has sold more than 90 million records worldwide and dominated the charts with 46 worldwide No. 1 singles and 19 worldwide No. 1 albums. Hes won 3 Grammy Awards, 21 Academy of Country Music Awards, 14 Country Music Association Awards.

Hes also an acclaimed actor, starring beside Sam Elliott and his wife Faith Hill in the Yellowstone prequel and three-time Emmy nominated 1883.

McGraw has played Rupp several times, just not recently. He first played there in June 1994 as an opening act for Dwight Yoakam. Last time McGraw came to Lexington was in June 2018 on a co-bill with wife, Faith Hill.

Walter Tunis contributed to this report.




The ongoing political instability in Niger presents a threat to U.S. counterterrorism operations as the ultimate outcome of a coup attempt could dictate the future of Washington's involvement in the region.

U.S. officials have urged the rebel forces to release Nigers President Mohamed Bazoum, with Vice President Kamala Harris stressing that Washingtons "substantial cooperation with the government of Niger is contingent on Nigers continued commitment to democratic standards."

Bazoum remains detained inside his palace in Niamey in the possession of presidential guards after they claimed to take control of the country on Wednesday.

Col. Maj. Amadou Abdramane, a spokesperson for the countrys security forces, said in a televised statement that the countrys constitution was suspended and Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani was in charge, The Associated Press reported.

PUTIN CAREFULLY EXAMINING AFRICAN INITIATIVES FOR RUSSIAN-UKRAINIAN PEACE DEALS

Supporters of the coup set fire to the ruling party headquarters while hundreds gather in front of the National Assembly in the capital Niamey, Niger, on Thursday.

Niger hosts hundreds of American Special Forces and logistics experts as well as U.S. drones  one of the few countries on the continent to do so, allowing the U.S. to fight against Boko Haram and ISIS affiliates.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

As such, officials in Washington remain tight-lipped about what moves to make, but some, such as White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan, have called for Bazoums release.

"We specifically urge elements of the presidential guard to release President Bazoum from detention and refrain from violence," Sullivan said in a statement. Sullivan noted that the White House has monitored the situation and will continue looking to keep U.S. citizens safe.

SIERRA LEONE VOWS TO RAMP UP ANTI-PIRACY EFFORTS AFTER CHINESE SHIP HIJACKED

Niger Army spokesman Col. Maj. Amadou Adramane speaks during an appearance on national television after President Mohamed Bazoum was held in the presidential palace in Niamey, Niger, on Wednesday.

France has 1,500 soldiers in the country who conduct joint operations with the Nigerians, and the U.S. and other European countries have helped train the nation's troops.

Niger has also already attracted interest from Russias infamous mercenary group Wagner, which has targeted the country due to its rich uranium production.

Story continues

Wagner already has communicated with neighboring Mali, who asked for help after ousting the French military, with many of them moving into Niger. Reports indicate that Wagner could soon arrive in Burkina Faso, too.

NIGERIAN PRESIDENT REVEALS CABINET NOMINEES 2 MONTHS AFTER TAKING OFFICE

Bazoum won Nigers first democratic election, held in 2020 to 2021, but Tchiani argued that the country needed a new direction after potentially witnessing its "gradual and inevitable demise."

"I ask the technical and financial partners who are friends of Niger to understand the specific situation of our country in order to provide it with all the support necessary to enable it to meet the challenges," Tchiani said during a public address.

Tchianis group, calling themselves the National Council for the Safeguarding of the Country, closed the borders and accused prominent dignitaries of collaborating with foreign embassies to "extract" deposed leaders.

The U.S. State Department issued fresh alerts across the week following the start of political instability in Niger, which many have labeled a coup attempt, which would be the countrys fifth such attempt since gaining independence from France in 1960.

Since the start of the coup attempt, the State Department has issued fresh alerts for Americans to "minimize movements" and to register with the embassy to continue receiving updates.

West Africas regional bloc, ECOWAS, called the incident a coup attempt and urged the "felon" soldiers to release Bazoum and return to their barracks. The national army also threatened to take action against the guards.

Reuters and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Wagner PMC mercenary in the CAR, fall of 2012

There has been a coup d'etat in Niger. Pro-Western President Mohamed Bazoum, elected in 2021, was removed from office.

Read also: Two-thirds of African leaders refuse to attend Putins summit

Colonel General Amadou Abdurahman, who headed the "National Council for the Defense of the Homeland," became the new "leader" of the state. Notably, the coup took place against the backdrop of the Russia-Africa 2023 summit, which Niger's representatives defiantly did not attend.

The second peculiarity of the situation was the demonstrative neutrality of some of the warlords operating in the east of the country. Finally, PMC "Wagner" has been implicated in involvement in the coup.

Lets figure it out together.

From the point of view of the political situation, Niger is a rather unstable country in an unstable region. In addition to the jihadist attacks, there is a civil war (on the national-tribal principle) in neighboring Mali and Chad. The president of Chad in 2021 was assassinated in a battle with FACT rebels. Burkina Faso saw two military coups in 2022.

At the same time, the region is rich in deposits of the "big three" interests of the Russian Federation - uranium, titanium, and tungsten

, in addition to gold and nickel. But a significant part of the deposits has yet to be explored and developed due to the problematic political situation. And those companies that enter, as a rule, operate under the robust force cover of PMCs.

In the case of Niger, there was an attempt by President Bazoum to find partners among the countries of the "democratic world." But he could not get significant military or financial support for the first year of work  political consultations, discussion of reforms - yes. Practical projects to stabilize the situation have only been discussed and could have begun in the next year and a half.

On the other hand, in the last two years, Russia's presence has intensified. And the well-known PMC "Wagner" was responsible for the "security" and "development" of Russian business. Let's take the neighbors of Niger:

Story continues

Libya: The activities of PMC "Wagner" on the territory controlled by General Haftar (the border with Niger, among others);

Chad: Two military coups, where, as a result of the last one, forces with experience of cooperation with PMC "Wagner" came to power (and the Russian PMC itself has claimed participation in the coup);

Read also:

Mali: PMC "Wagner" fights on the side of some warlords (who agree to cooperate with the government);

Benin: President Patrice Talon openly states that the government has the right to use foreign PMCs, naming PMC "Wagner" as an example;

Nigeria: PMC "Wagner" protects the oil and gas production business of subsidiaries of "Rosneft" and "Gazprom." However, they share the "security business" with Lukoil-controlled PMC "Lukom-A" in this country.

Read also: Gazprom aims to seize Russian branch of Deutsche Bank  report

The only country without a clear presence of "Wagnerites" was Algeria.

In addition, the Prigozhin-controlled company Lobaye Invest operates in all of these. This is a "legal cover" for Prigozhin's business. Militants are hired through it. But the same company creates joint ventures with local leaders to explore and extract minerals. The essence of the work I described in the text about PMC "Wagner" is that in January 2023: the work on exploration is paid from the funds of local elites and, in part, from the Russian Federation (as a rule, with the money of state corporations"). The beneficiary is Prigozhin.

If a deposit allows commercial production to begin, it begins with the above-mentioned financial mechanism. The minerals extracted are sold through Prigozhin's companies in Africa and the UAE.

After obtaining proof of the economic feasibility of extraction, the created joint venture "suddenly" goes bankrupt. A new one is made, where Prigozhin's structures are replaced by structures affiliated with one or another state corporation (most often in the sphere of interests of the Sechin-Alekperov and Kovalchuk groups).

Read also: What awaits Wagner, Prigozhin, Lukashenko

Finally, it is worth mentioning the radio station Lengo Songo, which began broadcasting in the CAR, but in recent years has established more than 15 branches in various countries of the region and broadcasts in national languages. I emphasize: not state languages, but national languages - the languages of particular national groups. As a rule, its "campaign" in the region coincides with the arrival of the mentioned company Lobaye Invest in one or another country.

Thus, the situation for President Bazoum of Niger was extremely difficult. Russian mercenaries were active in almost all neighboring countries, and the influence of the Russian Federation was expanding. Lobaye Invest "entered" Niger as an investment company two years ago. At the same time, potentially strong Western partners were inclined to express rather moral support and deep concern.

The coup was bound to happen. And it did happen.

What does all this mean?

The date of the coup is, in some ways, indicative. Against the backdrop of the Russia-Africa summit, the president of a country that had defiantly refused to participate in the event was overthrown. Russian propaganda and diplomacy in contact with local elites will use this fact to some extent.

In the case of an anti-Western policy of the new leadership of Niger (not necessarily pro-Russian, it can be "pro-China," for example), we have a demonstration of the Kremlin's claims to participate in the politics of developing countries far from the borders of the Russian Federation. That is an attempt to reassert its geopolitical ambitions. And also a new field for blackmail by destabilizing an already turbulent region. That is, scaling the confrontation from the war in Ukraine to issues of coexistence with the EU and the U.S. globally. The Kremlin has already tried to do this at the initial stage of the Russian-Ukrainian war. It is enough to recall Syria in 2015 and Libya in 2015-16.

What happened is also an important signal from the point of view of assessing the future of Yevgeny Prigozhin and his business (it is not only about PMCs). Russia does not have enough forces to enter the region using legal structures. It does not have PMCs capable of replacing PMC "Wagner" in the region, either. That is, Prigozhin demonstrates his "need" for the Kremlin (and Putin personally) and his ability to "solve problems." Once again, it is not only about the power component: remember the media, mining business, and political technologists.

If Prigozhin's involvement took place, this would also be a powerful signal to local elites - the Wagner group is still active and can afford large-scale operations.

Read also:

And finally, this is another financial backing for Prigozhin's empire. Russia desperately needs titanium (until 2022, most of the raw material was obtained from Ukraine) and uranium. The scheme with additional exploration and extraction may work. As for Prigozhin directly, Niger has quite large deposits of gold. This metal is often used by the "Wagnerites" as a means of payment for their work. Bullion bars are taken out of the country and converted into a suitable currency in, for example, the UAE.

Does this indicate that "Prigozhin has succeeded?"

Not exactly. There was most likely no direct force participation of PMC "Wagner" mercenaries in the coup. At least, the forces of the "core" of the PMC, consisting mainly of natives of the Russian Federation and some European countries, were not involved. Local mercenaries, perhaps, but the regional press speaks about this option only as one of the probable ones. In addition, the military fought against several warlords with whom the PMC "Wagner" cooperated. Therefore, it may be more about common tactical interests with the Russians rather than strong "allied" ties.

Therefore, even with the country's new authorities, much will depend on the events of the coming months. In particular, the readiness of Western countries to stabilize the situation in the region (or at least to communicate with the junta), as well as the position of China, which may also enter Niger, leaving Russia little room for maneuver.

Read also: Germanys economy minister describes Russia-Africa summit as Putin's PR show

In any case, the dialog on the future of Niger between global players will not begin before winter. At the same time, Russia expects to start consultations on the war in Ukraine. Success in Niger will not create a fundamentally new position for the Kremlin - Russia is gradually losing influence, and the "Niger success" will only slow down this process. But failure will be another demonstration that the Kremlin is no longer as assertive as it used to think it was.

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
A couple looking for something to do on the rainy last day of their Maryland beach vacation played the lottery  and won big time.

They had waited all year for the vacation, and were in morose spirits because it was the last day. That all changed on the ride back to Ohio when they realized the Pick 5 ticket they were gifted with their lottery purchase won them the $50,000 top prize, Maryland Lottery officials said in a July 28 news release.

Were lottery fans back home, the 58-year-old school system employee told lottery officials. We were driving around since it was raining and my husband suggested that we get a few tickets.

They hoped to win a piece of last weeks $1.08 billion jackpot and bought Powerball tickets and Maryland specific games, officials said.

We were walking away from the counter when the cashier called us back, she said. Thats when the cashier gave them the free Pick 5 ticket as part of a Lottery Week promotion.

My husband stuck it in his pocket, she said. We didnt think a thing about it  until they stopped for gas the next morning on the way back to the Cleveland suburb where they live.

She remembered the ticket and asked her husband to check for prizes. Sure enough, they would be taking a big souvenir home with them.

The woman said she noticed something seemed unusual about her husband as he left the store.

It was the look on his face, I couldnt figure it out, she said.

The winners talked about their $50,000 top prize all the way home, officials said.

It sure did lift the usually depressing end-of-vacation mood for us, the winner said. It was all we talked about.

Theyll use most of their winnings on a home improvement project theyve been wanting to do for a while, officials said. But part of it will go to next summers vacation.

My husband made it very clear that he intends to set aside some of the money for next summers Ocean City vacation, she said.

Tourist takes a last spin on slots at Las Vegas airport  and goes home a millionaire

Great-grandma dreamed of lottery numbers. They just won her a third big Maryland prize

Wife gives husband a birthday hell never forget with big lottery win in Michigan
Owners of the most polluting vehicles must pay to drive in inner London (JUSTIN TALLIS)

The High Court in London ruled on Friday that contentious plans by the city's mayor to extend a scheme requiring more polluting vehicles to pay a daily charge when driven can go ahead next month.

The court rejected a challenge by five Conservative-led councils in and around London that Labour's Sadiq Khan had acted unlawfully with his politically charged expansion of the Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ).

The scheme -- first introduced in 2019 and separate from the British capital's two-decades-old congestion charge -- requires the most polluting vehicles to pay a 12.50 ($16) toll on days they are driven within inner London.

Its extension to all of Greater London from August 29 has prompted a fierce backlash from many living in and around the newly encompassed areas, who face fines of up to 160 for each day they fail to pay.

It was widely blamed for costing the main opposition Labour party victory in a by-election last week in former prime minister Boris Johnson's old parliamentary seat.

The surprise result has prompted fears that both the Conservatives and Labour could roll back on climate change mitigation commitments that may prove costly to voters, amid the UK's worst cost-of-living crisis in a generation.

- 'Difficult' -

Khan, 52, insists the wider ULEZ will help improve London's "toxic air pollution", which causes thousands of annual deaths and life-changing illnesses.

The five Tory councils had challenged the legality of his plans on three grounds, including that he failed to follow the correct bureaucratic steps and provide sufficiently clear information during a consultation on the expansion.

However judge Jonathan Swift, who weighed the evidence after two days of High Court hearings earlier this month, rejected their arguments.

"The councils' challenge fails on all three grounds and is dismissed," he wrote at the end of an 18-page ruling detailing his decision.

"I am satisfied that the mayor's decision to expand the ULEZ area by amendment of the present road charging scheme, rather than by making an entirely new... scheme, was within his powers."

Story continues

Khan, who has reportedly faced pressure from within his own party's leadership to pause his plans, described the judgement as a "landmark decision".

He vowed to press ahead with the expansion, pointing to a financial support scheme for some of those with ineligible vehicles.

"The decision to expand the ULEZ was very difficult and not something I took lightly, and I continue to do everything possible to address any concerns Londoners may have," Khan said.

- 'Outraged' -

Opponents of the plan, some of whom gathered outside the High Court to protest with placards, reacted with fury to the ruling.

"I'm outraged," Brenda Spiller, 72, a retiree who lives in Harrow, northwest London, told AFP on the court's steps.

She hit out at the expansion as a symptom of a mainstream media-driven "obsession with the climate".

Spiller added it was part of the "push towards the idea of having to fine people all the time in order to get them to comply with rules that most of them don't agree with".

Simon Fawthrop, a councillor in Bromley, southeast London -- one of the five councils behind the court challenge -- pledged to "carry on fighting until the end".

"We will leave no stone unturned to see how we can stop this," he added.

But pressure group Greenpeace praised the ULEZ, noting it had almost halved harmful air pollution since its introduction and its expansion is supported by a majority of Londoners.

"Those who feel that the ULEZ expansion is unfair should point the finger squarely at the government," said its UK's policy director, Doug Parr.

"Ministers rightly demand that legal limits for air pollution are met but have failed to adequately fund the car scrappage scheme."

jj-mhc/gil
So-called crisis pregnancy centers can now face lawsuits if they engage in deceptive acts aimed at deterring women from seeking abortions under a new law signed by Gov. JB Pritzker on Thursday.

Crisis pregnancy centers are facilities often affiliated with anti-abortion, usually religious, organizations. CPCs range from volunteer-run outfits that cant offer much more than counseling to facilities with licensed medical professionals on staff who can perform exams. They advertise services such as pregnancy tests, ultrasounds and even material help like baby formula, diapers and parenting classes.

But abortion rights advocates say CPCs often employ aggressive tactics to confuse those seeking abortion care, including locating facilities near real abortion clinics, giving false information about the risks of abortions and attempting to physically divert the clients of real abortion providers as they arrive for their appointment.

The measure expands Illinois long-standing Illinois Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act to explicitly cover CPCs. Lawmakers also passed a similar expansion targeted at gun manufacturers and retailers in their spring session. Under the law, a court can award up to $50,000 in civil penalties for each violation of the law, although that doesnt limit the court from awarding other damages or granting injunctive relief.

Attorney General Kwame Raoul pushed for both expansions of the states consumer fraud law, which allows anyone  including the attorney generals office  to file suit against CPCs. Suits filed by the attorney generals office are likely to make the biggest impact, although Raoul declined to discuss whether his staff is currently considering lawsuits against any CPCs whose tactics have already been reported to his office.

At a Thursday afternoon news conference touting the law in Chicago, Planned Parenthood of Illinois President and CEO Jennifer Welch said shes hopeful the possibility of being sued serves as a deterrent for CPCs that are engaging in deceptive practices.

Story continues

What I anticipate is that our patients will no longer be removed from the site and will no longer be delayed from care, Welch said. They will no longer be lied to and deceived by people that offer no medical services.

Within an hour of Pritzkers signature on the bill Thursday, anti-abortion groups filed a lawsuit against Raoul in federal court, alleging the law will undermine CPCs First Amendment rights.

This is a blatant attempt to chill and silence pro-life speech under the guise of consumer protections, Thomas More Society Vice President Peter Breen  a former GOP state lawmaker  said in a news release. Pregnancy help ministries provide real options and assistance to women and families in need, but instead of the praise they deserve, pro-abortion-rights politicians are targeting these ministries with $50,000 fines and injunctions solely because of their pro-life viewpoint.

Raoul, however, said he was confident the law will withstand the challenge, citing other recent updates to Illinois longstanding consumer fraud law.

Youre not free to lie to people and to use deceptive practices and to sometimes take people away from where they were intending to go, Raoul said. Theres nothing in the First Amendment that protects that type of action.

At Thursdays news conference, Abortion rights organizer Alicia Hurtado said clients of their group, the Chicago Abortion Fund, have experienced treatment from CPCs ranging from religious shaming to bad medical information. They also said CAFs helpline has heard from clients who missed their appointments at abortion clinics in Illinois after being lured into mobile units run by CPCs that park outside of abortion care providers.

Hurtado has also heard from people who were told they were further along in their pregnancies than they actually were, putting them outside the window of when certain types of abortion care can be sought.

These are lies, Hurtado said. This is reproductive coercion that traumatizes people who are seeking or even considering an abortion and can pose a financial and logistical burden that pushes abortion care out of reach, especially as people are forced to leave their home states for abortion care.

CPCs range from volunteer-run outfits that cant offer much more than counseling to facilities with licensed medical professionals on staff who can perform exams.

The advertising tactics used by CPCs would also be subject to scrutiny under the measure. Many centers keep their online profiles vague, sticking to language offering help and guidance for those who have recently found out theyre pregnant  and those wondering if they may be.

The facilities persuasion campaigns can often include advice and support for single parents or legitimate medical information on how a pregnancy is developing. But if those persuasion campaigns also include misinformation that exaggerates the health risks of abortion, that could qualify as deception under the new law. Some misdiagnoses by CPCs could also put them in legal jeopardy.

In 2016, lawmakers passed a state law aimed at forcing any health care provider opposed to abortion  including both crisis pregnancy centers and Catholic hospitals  to give information about where to get an abortion. While a federal judge blocked the law in 2017 on First Amendment grounds, litigation is still ongoing and a Rockford-area judge this spring set a bench trial for September.

Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service covering state government. It is distributed to hundreds of print and broadcast outlets statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, along with major contributions from the Illinois Broadcasters Foundation and Southern Illinois Editorial Association.
teacher pushes apple uphill like sisyphus

Updated, July 28

More than three years after the pandemic began, a crisis in teaching quality may be stalling academic recovery, new research shows.

Faced with exhaustion, staffing shortages, and frequent student disruptions, many educators are using outdated and ineffective methods and content below grade level, according to a report released last week by the Center on Reinventing Public Education at Arizona State University, part of a research project done in conjunction with the RAND Corporation.

Researchers analyzed interviews from 30 leaders, predominantly superintendents and chief academic officers, across five traditional districts and charter systems.

Get stories like these delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter

To cover extra classes amid shortages, teachers lost prep periods and opportunities to collaborate with colleagues, the report found. Many went years without feedback from principal observations, and are managing higher rates of challenging student behavior. These challenges, and a tight labor market that leans on early career educators who dont yet have the experience to weather them, are all contributing to the crisis.

As a result, educators reverted to older, more basic strategies. For instance, students were asked to work in groups without further direct instruction from the teacher; prompted to use screens or technology unnecessarily; and were frequently disengaged.

Lydia Rainey

Just like were hearing about student learning loss, these leaders were seeing that their teachers were also experiencing teaching loss, said Lydia Rainey, who co-authored the last of four American School District Panel reports that explored how school leaders were responding to the pandemic with Paul Hill and Robin Lake.

Teaching quality is not solely responsible for the stall in academic progress  high dosage tutoring and technology supports, baked into recovery plans to help fill academic gaps, were ideals difficult to obtain in practice.

Story continues

Related

$190B Later, Reason to Worry Relief Funds Wont Curb COVIDs Academic Crisis

Its possible, too, that teachers classroom choices have been impacted by political fights over curricula.

When folks are stressed or depressed, or have not fully mastered what policy is asking them to do, they will revert to what they know. And what a lot of people know is how they went to school, Rainey said.

Both researchers and the leaders they interviewed were shocked by how much the quality of instruction had suffered in the wake of the pandemic  something leaders didnt anticipate when drafting recovery plans.

No one was thinking about this possibility, that teaching would suffer returning to school, Rainey added. Beyond just these leaders, this was not in the national conversation about COVID recovery, either. This was a surprise to them and to us.

As one leader at a mid-sized, suburban district in the West summarized, theres a survival mode in teacher practice right now. For an urban charter system leader on the East coast, Its difficult to point to a model classroom at this point.

Staffing and mental health crises that put teachers under daily duress also strained efforts to boost instruction quality. Leaders knew teachers were exhausted, and they worried about asking them to do more, according to the report.

Related

What One NYC Educators Grief Reveals About Teachers Mental Health Struggles

Beyond the classroom, a compounding challenge is making accelerated learning a nearly impossible task: ambitious school district recovery plans have gone unrealized.

Tutoring has been difficult, retention bonuses were ineffective, technology tools that they purchased didnt work exactly as hoped, said Rainey.

Still, teachers were tasked with bringing pandemic learners back on track, without planned support from key interventions like quality high-dosage tutoring.

In the 2022-23 school year, leaders diverted time and resources away from tutoring or other student interventions in order to rebuild teachers core skills.

The response, because resources are limited, means there are few, if any, of the extra supports that research suggests will help the students who need them most, the report stated.

Researchers recommend that federal Title I funding become more flexible, so that schools can afford both to address learning and teaching loss, and encourage states to subsidize and evaluate high quality tutoring options.

Principals could continue to ask teachers directly about what supports they need and provide regular feedback from classroom observations, Rainey said.

Related

Schools New Normal: Teacher Shortages, Repeat Meals, Late Buses, Canceled Classes

They also suggested leaders leverage quality resources already in their communities, like bringing parents in to tutor as Oakland Reach has, and consider creative ways to support students who may graduate with core gaps in knowledge, like gap year programs.

While findings are not representative of all U.S. public schools, they do provide some explanation behind national trends in academic performance. Systems represented in the report serve 6,000 to 40,000, predominantly students of color and large proportions of low-income students.

These five systems are showing that they cant get out of this on their own, said Rainey. This is really an all-hands-on-deck moment.
Criterion Schoolhouse is being used again as a classroom nearly a century after its doors closed in remote central Oregon.

Heritage conservation specialist Chris Gustafson is the teacher, and Clatsop County Community College students are his pupils.

Gustafson is guiding repairs on the historic building at the Oregon State Fairgrounds. A half-dozen students from Clastsop's Historic Preservation and Restoration program are working alongside him to replace some of the siding.

"It's not just a construction job," Gustafson said. "We're a teaching organization. We're taking time for them to learn as much as possible."

He went through the same program at the Astoria college and is involving students in every step of the restoration process, from assessment to installation.

The students helped manufacture historically accurate siding for the schoolhouse. To do that, they had to make a profile of the molding knives needed to cut the rough-sawn, 1-by-6 boards, then had them custom-made.

They will replace an estimated 30% to 40% of the siding, most of it in the lower portion of the building, said Gustafson, who owns Vintage Window Restoration in Albany.

"What we're doing is being a little more proactive and preventing any future deterioration," he said.

When did the schoolhouse open?

The one-room schoolhouse served the unincorporated community of Criterion in Wasco County between Maupin and Madras.

It opened in 1912 and closed in 1925, partly because the community finally had a bus for transporting students up the hill to Maupin.

Sunday school, voting and dances took place at the schoolhouse for years, and a Grange hall operated there before the community shuttered the building in 1952. It was vacant until being purchased by a local rancher in 1969 and used for hay and grain storage.

How did it end up in Salem?

The Oregon Department of Education began searching statewide in 1975 for an abandoned one-room schoolhouse for a bicentennial project.

Story continues

Officials considered more than 50 for relocation to the state fairgrounds, choosing Criterion because it was typical of early schoolhouses and was in excellent condition because of the dry climate in Wasco County.

Rainbow Construction managed the move with help from Oregon National Guard and Reserve units. They cut the building in half to ensure bridge clearance on the route to Salem.

The Statesman Journal published a photograph on July 17, 1976, of half the schoolhouse being towed on a flatbed on Lancaster Drive NE as the 200-mile journey came to an end.

Who takes care of the schoolhouse?

Criterion Schoolhouse is hidden in plain sight on the fairgrounds. It sits in the northwest corner of the 185-acre property in Green Acres Landscape Plaza. The back of the building is visible driving along 17th Street NE.

For years, the schoolhouse has been a tiny, unmarked rectangle on the fairgrounds map, a neglected building needing some TLC.

The state owns the schoolhouse, but retired teachers are the caretakers and custodians.

Volunteers from the Oregon Retired Educators Association, primarily members of the Salem unit, lead efforts to spruce it up every fall before the state fair. This year they will have the floor buffed.

Many of them sign up for three-hour shifts to be hosts when visitors come through during the 11-day fair run, the only time the schoolhouse is open to the public.

Students from the Historic Preservation and Restoration program at Clatsop Community College work to repair dry rot on the historical Criterion Schoolhouse at the Oregon State Fairgrounds on Tuesday, July 25, 2023 in Salem, Ore.

What restoration work has been done?

The association launched a "Save the Criterion Schoolhouse" campaign in 2017. Thanks to donations and small grants, the organization has given the historic building new life.

It had the roof replaced that year and installed new windows in 2019. This year, it is having some of the siding replaced.

Students from Clatsop's Historic Preservation and Restoration program gently removed planks of original shiplap siding, revealing minimal dry rot in the mud sill beam on the south side of the building and virtually none on the north side.

They plan to reuse as much of the siding as possible.

"It's old-growth material, dense and insect resistant," program director Ryan Prochaska said. "We can't get anything as good as this."

Lu Blanchard, a student from the Historic Preservation and Restoration program at Clatsop Community College, works with others to repair siding on the historical Criterion Schoolhouse at the Oregon State Fairgrounds.

Why is preserving the schoolhouse important?

Schoolhouse volunteers like Robin Bodey, who delivered breakfast one morning to the crew, appreciate the students' careful and painstaking work.

"In California, I've seen so many schoolhouses left to rot because nobody cared enough to do anything," said Bodey, who moved to West Salem in 2021.

Pat Eck is one of the volunteers who has spearheaded restoration efforts when funds have been available.

"It'sreally important that we do it right and to the best of our ability," Eck said.

He and other association members see the schoolhouse as a tribute to the history of public education. Although it may not be eligible for consideration on the National Register of Historic Places because it was cut in half when moved, they believe it deserves recognition beyond Salem and Oregon.

Is the schoolhouse recognized nationally?

Eck submitted an application last year to the Country School Association of America for its National Schoolhouse Registry, and Criterion became the first in Oregon to be listed.

The Country School Association launched the National Schoolhouse Registry in 2009, identifying schools with historical and architectural significance and recognizing those who preserve them.

"It's similar to the National Register for houses, but that's the federal government," association board member Richard Lewis said. "We're not as restrictive. If you save a schoolhouse, we want to recognize that."

Applications are reviewed and researched by a committee that may include architects, historians and preservationists. Markers are awarded to school buildings that are at least 50 years old, have been restored, renovated or reconstructed to retain the integrity of their original design, and are well maintained.

Criterion Schoolhouse was the 68th school added to the registry. Today there are 71 schools listed.

Students from the Historic Preservation and Restoration program at Clatsop Community College work to repair siding on the historical Criterion Schoolhouse.

How the community celebrate this treasure

The Oregon Retired Educators Association will dedicate the National Schoolhouse Registry marker Aug. 10 during a celebration at Criterion Schoolhouse.

It will be one of the rare times the school is open to the public outside of state fair hours.

Dignitaries and education stakeholders will attend the event, which begins at 10 a.m.

Vern Duncan is among the invited special guests. He was the state superintendent of public instruction when Criterion was chosen and relocated to Salem.

Association members hope the celebration brings awareness to the schoolhouse and efforts to preserve it as a treasure for generations.

Capi Lynn is a senior reporter for the Statesman Journal. Send comments, questions and tips to her at clynn@statesmanjournal.com or 503-399-6710. Follow her work on Twitter @CapiLynn and Facebook @CapiLynnSJ.

This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Criterion Schoolhouse undergoes repairs, gains national recognition
(Bloomberg) -- CoinsPaid, the worlds biggest crypto payments provider, reported a $37 million hack its attributed to North Koreas Lazarus Group to Estonian police.

Most Read from Bloomberg

We can confirm that the police have indeed been contacted, but we are currently unable to share additional information with the public, police spokesman Kaarel Kallas said by email.

CoinsPaid, which facilitates crypto payments for online casinos, on July 26 said it suspects Lazarus Group, a North Korea-linked hacking group, was behind the attack. The hack comes on the heels of a suspected $100 million crypto theft from Atomic Wallet that Estonian police said it was investigating in June. Damages from crypto hacks rose to a record $3.8 billion in 2022 amid a spike in attacks linked to North Korea, according to Chainalysis Inc.

Tallinn-based CoinsPaid said no customer funds were affected by the hack, while the company took an unspecified hit to revenues. The company has 230 employees.

The hack involved elements of social engineering, aggressive bribery attempts of critical personnel, and attacks on numerous internet-accessible applications, CoinsPaid said in a statement on Thursday. The company said its systems are operating normallly, and that it plans announce a new initiative to prevent such exploits in the future.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
Scary Find

Shortly after being reported missing, the dismembered remains of a crypto investor were found in a suitcase in Argentina  the latest example of crypto's persistent ties to serious and violent crime.

As the Argentine broadcaster C5N reported, children playing in a stream in a Buenos Aires suburb over the weekend found a suitcase that contained the cut-up legs and forearm of 41-year-old crypto advocate Fernando Perez Algaba. A few days later, his head and torso were found nearby as well.

Nicknamed "Lettuce," Algaba became known for the crypto advice that he provided to his nearly 900,000 Instagram followers, though subsequent reporting has revealed the Spain-based influencer's investment company was in serious debt before he disappeared and was later found murdered.

As Argentina's Telam news agency reports, investigators have analyzed hundreds of messages and audio recordings that seem to indicate that Algaba was being threatened over debt. In one of the more chilling pieces of evidence, a speaker believed to be a local gangster is reportedly heard threatening to gouge out the influencer's eyes and cut off his hands.

Thus far, reports indicate only one arrest has been made, and it's not the local gangster but a woman who was said to have had a tumultuous relationship with Algaba.

Bad Company

While this is the latest murder in the crypto world, it's far from the first.

At the end of 2022, South Korean crypto executive Park Mo was also found murdered in similarly-sketchy circumstances: he'd reportedly been under investigation for embezzling funds from Bithumb, one of SK's largest crypto exchanges in which his company owned a majority share.

Earlier this year, CashApp founder Bob Lee  who was also the CPO of the crypto startup MobileCoin  was stabbed to death in San Francisco. Interestingly, his alleged murderer has been back in the news this week as prosecutors await new evidence against him.

There are, unfortunately, tons of other examples of crypto aficionados being found murdered or dead under mysterious circumstances a jarring reminder that money tends to attract corruption and violence even when it takes place outside the confines of traditional finance.

More on crypto corruption: SBF's Lawyers Say It's Fine to Leak Your Ex-Girlfriend's Diary to the New York Times
President Joe Biden on Thursday again took aim at Tommy Tubervilles military nominations blockade, saying an extreme political agenda was behind the Alabama senators block on two potentially historic nominations.

In a speech at the Truman Civil Rights Symposium, Biden reiterated his calls for Tuberville (R-Ala.) to end the hold, calling the senators resistance outrageous.

Something dangerous is happening, Biden said. The Republican Party used to always support the military, but today theyre undermining the military. The senior senator from Alabama, who claims to support our troops, is now blocking more than 300 military operations with his extreme political agenda.



Earlier this year, Tuberville initiated a hold on votes for military nominations and promotions in response to an announcement that Bidens Department of Defense would cover the costs incurred by servicemembers forced to travel out of state to receive reproductive care. Tuberville has argued the Defense Departments policy conflicts with the Dobbs decision overturning the constitutional right to abortion last year.

Hundreds of top military positions currently remain without a Senate-confirmed permanent officeholder.

Biden specifically named C.Q. Brown and Lisa Franchetti, his picks for Joint Chiefs chair and Chief of Naval Operations, respectively, whose nominations have been held up by Tuberville.

Brown, Biden noted, became the first Black person to lead any branch of the Armed Services when he was confirmed as Air Force chief of staff in 2020. If confirmed, Brown would be the first Black Joint Chiefs chair in 30 years, since the late Gen. Colin Powell held the position.

Thats who Ive nominated, Biden said. Hes waiting.

Biden also lauded Franchettis credentials, and the historic nature of her nomination to the Chief of Naval Operations role. Franchetti would become the first woman to serve as a member of the militarys Joint Chiefs of Staff if confirmed.

Story continues

Ive also nominated other outstanding leaders of all backgrounds, Biden said. We need them. Right now, tens of thousands of Americas daughters and sons are deployed around the world tonight keeping us safe from immense national security challenges. But the Senator from Alabama is not.

Biden also emphasized his support for the Department of Defense policy Tuberville has dug in against. The Alabama senator has committed to maintaining the hold until the Department of Defense reneges on the policy or Senate leadership agrees to hold a vote on the issue.

The Senate voiced overwhelming support for the annual Department of Defense policy bill Thursday night, setting up a contentious debate with the House over the the Pentagons abortion travel policy.
A man has been jailed for life for the murder of his girlfriend in Peru.

Jorge Garay, 46, of Hythe Street, Dartford, Kent, killed 37-year-old Karla Godoy between 21 September and 2 October 2022.

He will serve a minimum of 17 years, after being convicted at Maidstone Crown Court earlier this month.

Garay strangled Ms Godoy and buried her in a makeshift grave on land owned by his family in the Peruvian capital Lima, Kent Police said.

He had claimed to police he acted in self-defence because she attacked him with a knife.

Her body had to be identified using fingerprints when it was discovered by the Peruvian authorities.

The couple travelled to Peru via Spain, having left the UK on 15 September 2022, a police spokesman said.

Ms Godoy's family, who live in Honduras and Spain, last heard from her on 23 September 2022, when she confirmed her plans to travel to Spain the following day, however the mother-of-one never arrived, police said.

Garay returned to the UK on 4 October 2022 alone and told his landlord Ms Godoy had stayed in Spain. He also claimed his money and ID had been stolen while he was away.

On 12 October Garay was reported to have made a confession during a telephone conversation in which he said he killed Ms Godoy and made the claim they had argued and he had acted in self-defence.

Kent Police used powers under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, which allow officers to prosecute a person who lives in the UK but has committed a violent offence in another country.

It is thought to be the first use of these powers in the country.

'Needless loss'

Det Insp Lee Neiles, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate said: "Today's sentencing will not bring back Karla, but I hope it provides her family with some form of closure and justice.

"Karla trusted Garay but he committed the ultimate betrayal and took away her life, leaving her daughter without a mum and her family without their daughter, sister and aunt.

Story continues

"Karla's family has been left mourning her needless loss and I can only hope that now the case has concluded that her family and friends can find some closure."

Follow BBC South East on Facebook, on Twitter, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk.
Thousands of text messages exchanged between a day care employee and her former intimate partner included nude photos of children and discussions of performing sex acts with children, federal prosecutors said.

Lindsay Groves, 38, of Hudson, New Hampshire, took explicit images of children under her care during their bathroom breaks at Creative Minds in Tyngsborough, where she worked as a childcare teacher, according to prosecutors.

She sent the images to Stacie Marie Laughton, 39, of Nashua, New Hampshire, who officials said asked Groves to capture them, court documents show.

Laughton is a former New Hampshire state representative.

In text messages, the pair discussed their desire to abuse the children at the day care and debated whether God approves of their sexual interests, according to an affidavit.

Do you think we still have a place in heaven? Laughton asks Groves in one message, the affidavit says.

Yes god is ok with it and we will still go to heaven, Groves said in reply, according to the affidavit.

Groves and Laughton were indicted on three counts of sexual exploitation of children, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Massachusetts announced in a July 27 news release. Groves is also facing a charge of distributing child pornography, officials said.

At a court appearance July 28, Laughton pleaded not guilty to the charges, records show. Groves will appear in court at a later date, prosecutors said.

McClatchy News contacted attorneys representing Groves and Laughton on July 28 for comment and didnt receive an immediate response. McClatchy News also contacted Creative Minds on July 28 for comment and was awaiting a response.

The conduct alleged today is horrific and inexplicable, U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy said in a statement. This case is a reminder of how critical it is that we continue to focus on people who prey on our most vulnerable population, children.

Groves is accused of taking exploitative images of children as young as age 3 between May 2022 and June 2023 while she was assigned to the preschool room at Creative Minds, according to release and affidavit.

Story continues

The centers preschool room is for children nearly 3 years old up to 4 years old, the affidavit says.

Laughton is accused of showing exploitative images of children that Groves captured to other adults, according to the affidavit and the release.

If convicted on the charges of sexual exploitation of children, both women would face between 15 and 30 years in prison, the release said.

As for the charge of distribution of child pornography, Groves could face at least five years and up to 20 years in prison if convicted, prosecutors said.

In 2012, Laughton was believed to be the first transgender person elected to a state legislature, the Associated Press reported. She stepped down, however, before she officially took office because she had convictions in 2008 related to identity fraud and faking evidence, according to the news outlet.

She was re-elected as a New Hampshire state representative in 2022 but resigned in December after she was arrested on charges in connection with stalking Groves, according to the Associated Press.

Anyone with questions, concerns or information regarding this case should call 617-748-3274, the release said.

All charging documents and victim resources, can be viewed here.

Man sex trafficked 13-year-old he met on Facebook as she lived at group home, feds say

Cop followed teen home after noise complaint, then raped her in police car, feds say

Principal tries meeting student for sex, arrives with McDonalds and condoms, NY cops say
Metropolitan Epiphany (right) during his visit to the Volodymyr-Volyn diocese, one of the oldest Orthodox dioceses in Ukraine, May 2023

In commemoration of Saint Prince Volodymyr and the Baptism of Kyivan Rus-Ukraine, Ukraine is observing the Day of Ukrainian Statehood on July 28. However, starting next year, the holiday will shift to July 15.

NV recalls the importance of this tradition and the reasons behind the date change, especially in light of Russias attempts to appropriate the history of Kyivan Rus.

Read also: Kyiv recognized as 2023 Honorary Best City

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy introduced the Day of Ukrainian Statehood less than a year before Russias full-scale invasion. He signed the corresponding decree at Independence Square on Aug. 24, 2021, coinciding with Ukraines 30th anniversary of independence.

This decree established an annual celebration held on July 28, the Day of the Baptism of Kyivan Rus-Ukraine  blending with the previous commemoration of Saint Volodymyr the Great, the Prince of Kyiv, on this day.

By doing so, President Zelenskyy asserted that Ukrainian statehood traces its roots to the founding of the city of Kyiv and the flourishing of the state during the time of Prince Volodymyr the Great of Kyiv. This pivotal moment occurred in 988 AD when Prince Volodymyr converted the country to Christianity.

Read also: Zelenskyy signs decree for Ukraine to celebrate Europe Day on May 9

Ukraine considers the following states to have been successors to ancient Kyivan Rus:

The Galician-Volhynian Principality

The Ukrainian Cossack State

The Ukrainian Peoples Republic

The Western Ukrainian Peoples Republic

The Ukrainian State

Carpathian Ukraine,

And modern independent Ukraine

In the decree, it is stated that Ukraine celebrates the Day of Ukrainian Statehood based on the Act of Declaration of Independence of Aug. 24, 1991, approved through a nationwide referendum on Dec. 1, 1991.

On this day, Ukrainian society also honors and pays respect to the activities of outstanding representatives of the national elite and fighters for the statehood and independence of Ukraine, including Taras Shevchenko, Mykola Kostomarov, Volodymyr Antonovych, Mykhailo Drahomanov, Ivan Franko, Lesya Ukrainka, Mykhailo Hrushevskyi, and others.

Story continues

We are a young family from the glorious dynasty of Kyivan Rus-Ukraine, said Zelenskyy, speaking at Independence Square in August 2021 on the occasion of Ukraines 30th anniversary of independence.

Descendants of the founders. Descendants of the baptizers. From a brave lineage. A wise lineage. A Cossack lineage. We are neither orphans nor newcomers. We are descendants of a mighty country that was the center of Europe. Here, Orthodoxy began, and the Old Slavic language took its origin, from which the modern Ukrainian language descended. Here, our statehood began. We will celebrate the birth of our statehood on the day of the flourishing of our state  on the Day of the Baptism of Kyivan Rus-Ukraine.

On the same day, Aug. 24, 2021, the president delivered a separate speech in the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraines parliament urging MPs to make the Day of Ukrainian Statehood a public holiday. A special bill (No. 5864) was introduced for this purpose.

The bill was passed on May 31, 2022. The new law amends Article 73 of the Labor Code of Ukraine, adding a new paragraph that establishes July 28 as the Day of Ukrainian Statehood as a public holiday. The law came into effect on June 9, 2022. However, until the end of the state of war, all public holidays in Ukraine are considered working days, including the Day of Ukrainian Statehood.

The holiday known as the Day of the Baptism of Kyivan Rus-Ukraine was officially established by the third President of Ukraine, Viktor Yushchenko in the summer of 2008. He issued a decree to commemorate this occasion on July 28, coinciding with the celebration of the 1020th anniversary of the baptism of Kyivan Rus. The selected date holds special significance as it honors Prince Volodymyrs memory, an important figure in Ukrainian history.

President Yushchenkos decree emphasized the profound impact of Orthodox traditions on the development of Ukrainian society and the state. The holiday serves as a reminder of the countrys religious and cultural heritage.

However, there will be a change in the date of the holiday starting from 2024. The Ukrainian government has approved a bill to observe the Day of Ukrainian Statehood on July 15, instead of July 28. The Verkhovna Rada, Ukraines parliament, approved this decision on July 14, 2023, as part of the bill that also modifies the dates of two other holidays.

Read also: New law moves Ukrainian Christmas from Jan 7 to Dec 25, other holidays changed too

The revised holiday dates are as follows:

Christmas will be celebrated on Dec. 25 instead of Jan. 7.

The Day of Ukrainian Statehood will be on July 15 instead of July 28.

Defender of Ukraine Day (coincides with the church holiday of the Protection of the Most Holy Mother of God) will be on Oct. 1 instead of Oct. 14.

The driving force behind this decision was President Zelenskyy. The explanatory note accompanying his presidential bill emphasized the intent to abandon the Russian heritage and counter attempts by Russia to impose corresponding dates on Ukraine.

Earlier in 2023, the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) and the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (UGCC) made a significant change by adopting the Revised Julian Calendar in place of the Julian calendar followed by the Russian Church. This shift means that July 15 now corresponds to July 28 in the Julian calendar. Consequently, the Day of Ukrainian Statehood was moved to this date.

Despite the ongoing full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russian propaganda and historiography have escalated their efforts to disassociate the history of Ukrainian statehood from Kyivan Rus.

Russian school textbooks are now undergoing revisions that omit references to Kyiv as the capital of Kyivan Rus. This apparent attempt to erase historical ties was highlighted by the BBC last summer, when they analyzed the content of Russian school textbooks approved for use by the Russian Ministry of Education. A comparison of editions from 2016 and 2022 revealed that many mentions of Ukraine and Kyiv were removed, and even the term Kyivan Rus was replaced with Rus or Ancient Rus.

In accordance with Russian dictator Vladimir Putins revisionist history, Russian propagandists persistently argue that Ukraine never existed as a state before the creation of the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic within the USSR, labeling it an artificial entity.

However, the Ukrainian Institute of National Memory (UINP) refutes this claim, asserting that Ukraine as a state has inherited numerous symbols from Kyivan Rus. This heritage includes the national coat of arms (Blue shield with a gold trident), the monetary unit (hryvnia), and most importantly, Kyiv as the political and cultural center of Ukraine.

Moreover, the Day of Ukrainian Statehood is deliberately celebrated on the same day as Ukrainian Christian churches commemorate the memory of Kyiv Prince Volodymyr the Great and the Baptism of Kyivan Rus. According to historians from UINP, Prince Volodymyr the Great embodies the development of Rus. His acceptance of Christianity as the state religion in 988 AD marked a civilizational choice for Ukraine. Rus maintained political, economic, and cultural ties with most European states of that time.

From that moment on, the continuity and inheritance of state-building traditions in Ukraine has remained unbroken, extending to the present day. It is worth noting that the traditions of Rus in building a state oriented toward Europe and a cultural-religious space have endured through various historical periods, including the Galician-Volhynian Principality, the Cossack State, the Ukrainian Peoples Republic (UNR), the Western Ukrainian Peoples Republic (ZUNR), the Ukrainian State of Hetman Pavlo Skoropadskyi, Carpathian Ukraine, and modern independent Ukraine.

Read also: Easter eggs, networking, and bowling  Ukraines most interesting Easter traditions

The Day of Ukrainian Statehood reminds us of the thousand-year history of state-building in our country, the UINP asserts.

"On this holiday, we honor all stages of our statehood, from Kyivan Rus to the present, and all those who have contributed to the establishment of Ukraine as a nation.

Renowned historian Yaroslav Hrytsak acknowledges in his books that professional historians do not consider Rus as a national state, whether it be Russian, Ukrainian, or Scandinavian. However, he emphasizes that By adopting Christianity, Volodymyr the Great integrated Rus into European civilization and did not, as the Kremlin claims, lay the foundations for the Russian world.

To discern between historical facts and propaganda, one need only look at this statistic: out of 52 interdynastic marriages of Kyiv princes, three-quarters were with Western countries such as England, Scandinavia, Poland, Germany, Hungary, and France, Hrytsak noted, citing examples from the work Kyivan Rus in Medieval Europe, published at Harvard.

I will not retell the book, but I will limit myself to this conclusion: for almost 250 years of its existence (from the Baptism in 988 to the decline of central Kyiv authority in 1146), Rus was a full-fledged part of contemporary Europe, emphasizes the Ukrainian historian.

Last year, Ukraines Foreign Minister, Dmytro Kuleba, reminded that unlike Russia, we do not need to privatize anything because we have been on our land for 1000 years, and we will remain on it.

It is you who come to foreign land trying to appropriate it, you are trying to appropriate a foreign history, foreign dishes, foreign culture, Kuleba declared in response to the baseless accusations by the Kremlins Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov that Ukraine had privatized the Day of the Baptism of Rus.

Ukraine was, is, and will be, and the Ukrainian Presidents decree simply reaffirmed this fact.

Kuleba also recalled that Moscows attempts to call itself the center, while being a historical periphery, are not new and have been happening for hundreds of years.

Read also: 29 landmarks damaged in Russias July 23 attack on Odesa

The fact remains: there are no two Kyivs, Kuleba concluded.

There is one Kyiv, and it is the Ukrainian Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, which has been the capital of Ancient Rus from the very beginning. This is our history, our past, our present, and our future.

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Getty Images

The U.S. Air Force is pushing to arm the B-1 bomber with dozens of stealthy cruise missiles.

It could carry as many as 36 anti-ship or land-attack cruise missiles.

The transparent amount of firepower could allow a handful of bombers to sink an entire Chinese carrier battle group.

The Air Force is on the verge of turning the B-1 bomber into a flying arsenal, busting enemy ships and land targets with dozens of anti-ship and land-attack missiles. The aircraft could soon carry as many as 36 cruise missiles, granting it a level of firepower approaching that of an aircraft carrier. The transparent number of missiles carried by each bomber would make it a formidable threatand the most dangerous version of the B-1 yet.

Load Em Up

Getty Images

The Air Force is working to increase the number of Long-Range Anti-Ship Missiles (LRASM) and Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles (JASSM) a B-1 Lancer bomber can carry, according to Business Insider . Having mastered the ability to load the bomber internally with up to 24 missiles, the service is now developing the means to externally carry an additional 12 missiles for a total of 36.

The JASSM and LRASM missiles are cousins. JASSM was developed in the 2000s as a stealthy, subsonic cruise missile. JASSM typically uses GPS to fly to a midpoint, then uses an imaging infrared seeker and pattern recognition system to identify the target. Once identified, JASSM bores in for the kill, exploding its 1,000-pound high-explosive warhead. The warhead can be programmed to airburst the target, showering the ground below with shrapnel, or dive into the target and penetrate hardened targets such as bunkers or other protective defenses.

LRASM was designed as a replacement for the aging Harpoon anti-ship missile. LRASM was developed from the extended-range version of JASSM, JASSM-ER. From the outside, the two appear very similar, but LRASM incorporates satellite data link targetingthe ability to detect and then fly around enemy air defenses, and ship target recognition to ensure it homes in on the correct target. Heres a video from Lockheed Martin explaining how LRASM does its thing:

Story continues

Arsenal Plane

The push to load the B-1 with as many missiles as possible goes back to the Arsenal Plane concept, an idea from the late 2010s that sought to stuff a large aircraft to the gills with missiles. This would help leverage the U.S. militarys large number of aircraft in wartimeeven transport aircraftto deliver as many missiles as possible.

One outgrowth of the Arsenal Plane concept was Rapid Dragon , a palletized missile delivery system. But it also prodded the Air Force into making the most out of existing planes. The B-1 Lancer bomber, for example, was a low-level penetrating bomber designed to deliver thermonuclear weapons on targets deep in Soviet territory. Cut loose from the nuclear mission, the bomber has languishedeven used as a fast, if very expensive, close air support aircraft in Afghanistan.

The average age of a B-1 bomber is 34.5 years, and the entire fleet is set to be retired in the early 2030s as the B-21 Raider starts entering service. But lacking the ability to carry weapons externally, the Raider wont be able to deliver as many missiles as the B-1 can. While the B-1 is difficult to maintain as the aircraft ages, the ability to load up a small number of bombers with a huge number of missiles means just ten bombers could carry up to 360 missiles into battle.

A One Aircraft Sink Fest

U.S. Air Force

During the Cold War, the B-52 bomber could carry up to 12 Harpoon missiles in the anti-ship role. An F/A-18E/F Super Hornet can carry as many as two LRASMs, and a P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft might be able to carry as many as six LRASMs. The B-1/LRASM combo promises an unprecedented amount of anti-ship firepower.

The Navy worried constantly about the threat from Soviet Tu-22 Backfire bombers during the Cold War, because each could carry a pair of AS-4 Kitchen anti-ship missiles. In a conventional war, a U.S. carrier battle group could face scores of AS-4 missiles launched by dozens of bombers. The U.S. Navy was so concerned about the threat, it developed the Aegis Combat System, including the SPY-1 phased array radar, to defend against mass missile attacks, and the F-14 Tomcat air superiority fighter armed with the AIM-54 Phoenix long-range missile.

Now, 50 years later, the Chinese Navy faces an even greater threat: as few as five B-1 bombers could launch as many as 180 LRASM missiles at a Chinese carrier task force. In a scenario pitting five such bombers against one Fujian-type aircraft carrier, four Type-055 and 052D destroyer escorts, and a Type-054A frigate, its likely all six would quickly become scrap on the bottom of the Pacific Ocean. Even if the Chinese fleet managed to shoot down 95 percent of the missiles (for the sake of our argument, 30 percent is generous), nine would get through, visually home in on the carrier, and turn it into a flaming wreck.

The Takeaway

Getty Images

If the Air Force is successful in plastering the outside of its B-1 bombers with missiles, it could, for a brief moment, have one of the most powerful non-nuclear weapon system combinations in history. Just five aircraft with a total crew of 15 could quite conceivably sink six warships with a total crew of over 3,000. Thats a ratio hard to achieve without the use of nuclear weapons. If the Air Force can achieve it, mismatches like this could help avoid a warand stop it before it starts.

You Might Also Like
Though it may look like a common weed, theres a deadly plant found in many areas of North Carolina  and it could be growing near your home.

Poison hemlock, which can reach heights of six to nine feet, has a white fleshy taproot with red spots that resemble a parsnip and hollow stems with small purple spots, with showy white flowers that look like umbrellas, according to the N.C. State Extension.

The green plant is usually found along roadsides, fences, streambanks and in ditches.

While the plant resembles those found in the carrot family, it is highly toxic to humans and animals, and can be fatal if eaten.

Where is poison hemlock found?

Poison hemlock has been identified in 21 counties in North Carolina, according to the N.C. Division of Parks & Recreation.

Mecklenburg

Union

Cabarrus

Stanly

Iredell

Rowan

Cleveland

Buncombe

Haywood

Mitchell

Wilkes

Surry

Alleghany

Guilford

Alamance

Orange

Wake

Lee

Franklin

Beaufort

Martin

What are the symptoms of hemlock poisoning?

Nearly all parts of the poison hemlock plant are poisonous, according to the N.C. State Extension. Symptoms of poison hemlock ingestion include:

Salivation

Vomiting

Diarrhea

Muscular weakness

Paralysis

Nervousness

Trembling

Dilation of pupils

Weak pulse

Convulsions

Coma

Touching poison hemlock can also lead to contact dermatitis in people with sensitive skin, according to Cleveland Clinic. In rare cases, hemlock can enter your bloodstream through a cut or through your eyes or nose.

How is hemlock poisoning treated?

If you think you have ingested poison hemlock, you should call your doctor or go to the nearest emergency room immediately, according to Cleveland Clinic.

There is no antidote for hemlock poisoning, but it can be treated by:

Mechanical ventilation if youre having trouble breathing.

Antiseizure medication to control seizures

Hemodialysis for renal failure

Digestive system cleanse to get rid of the toxin

IV fluids to prevent dehydration

How to prevent hemlock poisoning

The best way to prevent hemlock poisoning is by removing the plant.

Experts recommend digging out the roots of the plant while wearing gloves, face masks and other protective clothing, according to Healthline. You shouldnt burn the plants, since the fumes can trigger asthma symptoms.

You can also use herbicides to kill the plant in the late fall or spring, when they begin to grow.
China's Sunwoda Electric plans to build a power battery factory for electric vehicles with an investment of 580 billion Hungarian forints (1.7 billion U.S. dollars) in Nyiregyhaza, northeast Hungary, the country's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto said on Thursday.

Sunwoda, one of the world's leading battery makers, will initially invest 93 billion Hungarian forints in the project, creating "several thousand" jobs. It will be the company's first European plant and will aim to meet the increasing demand from European automakers, he said.

Szijjarto stated that this investment is the largest announced in Hungary this year and the third that exceeds one billion euros (1.1 billion U.S. dollars). This, he said, sets the stage for foreign direct investment (FDI) to double from the previous year, underlining Hungary's commitment to surpassing last year's investment record.

The construction of Sunwoda's plant in Nyiregyhaza's industrial park is slated to begin in 2024, with production commencing by the end of 2025, the company said. The plant will supply lithium-ion batteries to automotive companies across the continent.

Sunwoda describes itself as a world leader in consumer electronics, with its subsidiary ranking among the top 10 electric car battery manufacturers. The company's plant in Nyiregyhaza will make it a significant economic player and employer in Hungary.

Emphasizing its commitment to sustainability, Sunwoda's factory will operate solely on renewable energy, and 90 percent of its water consumption will be covered through treated wastewater solutions.

Sunwoda follows in the footsteps of fellow Chinese battery manufacturer Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL), which signed agreements for its Hungarian plant last September.

CATL's plant, with a total investment of 7.34 billion euros (8.07 billion U.S. dollars), is expected to achieve a production capacity of 100 gigawatt hours (GWh), making it one of the five largest greenfield investments in Europe in the last decade and the largest investment ever in Hungary. (1 Hungarian forint = 0.003 U.S. dollar)
Ron DeSantis classroom Photo illustration by Salon/Getty Images

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis's presidential campaign is floundering, but his neofascist Orwellian thought crime campaign against teaching the real history of Black Americans  and America's real history more generally  is having great success nonetheless, as historian Keisha N. Blain outlines at MSNBC:

For example, according to the state's new guidelines, instructors will be expected to teach students that enslaved Black people "developed skills" that "could be applied for their personal benefit." Instructors are also expected to discuss "acts of violence perpetrated against and by African Americans" when teaching students about mob violence.Rather than offer its students courses that provide a full and honest accounting of the past, Florida is choosing to dishonestly keep its students ignorant of this country's (and that state's) history.

These new "educational standards" are actually using the Black freedom struggle to advance a project of white supremacy. DeSantis' administration and its agents are censoring books they deem to be anti-American, "woke" or contaminated with the "critical race theory mind virus". Florida is now targeting educators for harassment and intimidation, rewriting school curriculums and threatening to defund departments and courses if they cover subjects that "make white people uncomfortable" or "feel guilty." They are banning diversity, inclusion, and equity programs, and are attempting to end academic and intellectual freedom at Florida's universities and colleges as part of a larger plan to destroy liberal arts education (i.e. courses that teach critical thinking). Several weeks ago, for example, the Florida legislature passed a law that makes it illegal for Florida's colleges and universities to teach the fact that systemic and structural racism exists in American society.

DeSantis and the other Republican neofascists and hatemongers are also, quite literally, trying to erase the LGBTQI community from public life by pushing the moral panic over "groomers" who are targeting children for "recruitment" and "indoctrination." This Orwellian thought crime campaign is part of a decades-long, very well-financed, and much larger project by the "conservative" movement to destroy and replace the country's quality public (and private) schools and education with a political indoctrination program ("patriotic education") that creates subservient and compliant citizens who will be mindless drones for a Christofascist American apartheid plutocracy.

At the LA Progressive, social theorist and cultural critic Henry Giroux described such "apartheid pedagogy":

Apartheid pedagogy is about denial and disappearancea manufactured ignorance that attempts to whitewash history and rewrite the narrative of American exceptionalism as it might have been framed in in the 1920s and 30s when members of a resurgent Ku Klux Klan shaped the policies of some school boards. Apartheid pedagogy uses education as a disimagination machine to convince students and others that racism does not exist, that teaching about racial justice is a form of indoctrination, and that understanding history is more an exercise in blind reverence than critical analysis. Apartheid pedagogy aims to reproduce current systems of racism rather than end them. Apartheid pedagogy most ardent proponent is Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis who has become America's most prominent white supremacist.

At a recent campaign event in Utah, DeSantis responded to criticism about the new plan to whitewash the teaching of African-American history in Florida by evading responsibility, claiming that he had nothing to do with the new guidelines. DeSantis then proceeded to defend the changes, saying, "They're probably going to show that some of the folks that eventually parlayed, you know, being a blacksmith into doing things later in life."

White on-Black chattel slavery was not a "jobs program" that helped Black people develop valuable skills.

In reality, white-on-Black chattel slavery across the Americas lasted for centuries during which tens of millions (if not more) of Black people were killed, maimed, raped, tortured, and worked to death as their labor (physical, intellectual, emotional, and creative) was stolen from them by white societies and transformed into intergenerational wealth and income for white people as part of a global colonial and imperial project. It is not an exaggeration to describe America's rise to global power and influence as being built quite literally on the stolen labor, wealth, income, lives and land of Black (and brown) people.

Florida's new African-American history guidelines are built on another huge lie as well. Black African people(s) had culture, knowledge, skills, and lives before they encountered white Europeans and Americans; Black people (and brown and indigenous peoples as well) were not sitting around doing nothing, existing in some state of primitive debasement and ignorance or living as "noble savages" who were waiting for White "Christian" "civilization" and uplift. Those Black people who survived the living hell of the Middle Passage and then centuries of enslavement and brutalization were not an undifferentiated mass of brutes as conceptualized by the white popular imagination. They were doctors, lawyers, politicians, scientists, teachers, politicians, engineers, blacksmiths, generals, soldiers, artists, poets, writers, artisans, farmers, explorers, businesspeople, philosophers, and people from a range of other backgrounds. White slavers would assess the financial worth and overall economic value of a Black enslaved person(s) based on their skills and expected "return on investment" in a sophisticated system of capitalist markets and finance.

Moreover, the peoples and civilizations of Africa had technological, scientific, cultural, and other knowledge and experience across a range of areas including agriculture, medicine, engineering, metallurgy, architecture, math, science, the arts and letters, that in many instances was more advanced than the knowledge and skills possessed by white Europeans. In a 2017 interview with NPR, Henry Louis Gates Jr., who is one of the world's leading authorities on African-American history, makes the following intervention:

The story of Africa has been systematically denied to us for two reasons. The first is slavery. The second is colonialism. Europeans had to invent an Africa as a place of emptiness and barrenness and backwardness in order to justify the enslavement of 12.5 million human beings who were shipped across the Atlantic Ocean between 1501 and roughly 1866. And then, after slavery finally was abolished - the slave trade - European colonial powers looked at a big empty map of Africa and carved it up like you carve up a pizza pie. And they just passed out slices. They'd say, OK, Germany, you want Tanganyika - here. Senegal, this is for you, France. And what I wanted to do was to tell the story of the great African people and their civilizations. These were sophisticated societies. And Africans were just as curious about what was on the other side of the proverbial other side of the mountain as anyone else was. The first iron technology in the world was developed in Africa in 1800 B.C., even earlier than in India and the Middle East. Here's another amazing thing. Almost all of the gold used in Europe between 1000 A.D. and 1500 A.D. was mined at one of three regions in West Africa. The richest man in the history of the world, according to networth.com, was the emperor of Mali.

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

Stated much more plainly: white people didn't do Black people a "favor" by enslaving them. To have to write such words is absurd and draining; nonetheless, there are many people who believe such a gross and untrue thing. There was nothing benign or noble about white on Black enslavement, colonialism, and imperialism and other forms of racial oppression and domination. By definition, there were no "good" or "kind" white slave owners. As Ja'han Jones writes at MSNBC:

In other words  sure, some enslaved people may have honed technical skills under the threat of violence or death from the people who owned them. Some of these enslaved people may have even used these skills in a post-abolition world. But all of these skills were honed in an environment that prioritized and facilitated Black oppression  not Black self-improvement. With an education system like Florida's  that both lauds capitalism and prioritizes defending white people from guilt  the natural result is a conclusion that slavery somehow served a moral good. And the DeSantis administration is trying to impose this absurdity on Florida schoolchildren.

At the Washington Post, Eugene Robinson reminds readers that these discussions of the enslavement of Black people in America transcend history and are not some footnote in a book or curiosity in an archive:

Where to begin? I'll start with my own family history. One of my great-great-grandfathers, enslaved in Charleston, S.C., was indeed compelled to learn to be a blacksmith. But he had no ability to "parlay" anything, because his time and labor were not his own. They belonged to his enslaver. He belonged to his enslaver. To pretend my ancestor was done some sort of favor by being taught a trade ignores the reality of race-based, chattel slavery as practiced in the United States. He was sold like a piece of livestock at least twice that I know of. To say he "developed skills," as if he had signed up for some sort of apprenticeship program, is appallingly ahistorical. As was true for the millions of other enslaved African Americans, anything he achieved was in spite of his bondage.

DeSantis's Orwellian thought crime war on teaching the real history of Black Americans and the color line must also be located relative to the larger project by the "conservative" movement and white right to undo the gains of the civil rights movement and Black Freedom Struggle  and by implication multiracial pluralistic democracy  by rewriting history (and the present) to create a fictional narrative that intergenerational chattel slavery in America was not unique because "all civilizations in history had slaves" (not true) and that the enslavement of Black people in America is just a version of some type of universal and vague "immigrant experience" (not true).

Other examples of this right-wing racial project include claims such as that Black American slaves were somehow the equivalent of European serfs (not true) or had it "better than white laborers in the North" (not true) or that "Irish slaves" and "poor whites in the South" suffered worse and were more "oppressed" than Black human property (not true).

In a new essay at the Guardian, Tayo Bero elaborates:

In a way, the institutional attacks on public memory that we're seeing help America get by without having to hold itself accountable for, well, any of it. Slavery has always been the lightning rod for larger historical anti-Blackness, so if slavery itself isn't that bad, then what does America truly have to make up for? Denying the truth about the institution upon which the US was built also softens the hard and violent edges of all of slavery's grandchildren. Jim Crow, redlining, systematic disenfranchisement, mass incarceration  none of it means that much if we can't even agree on the very thing that spawned them. What DeSantis has started in Florida is a steady campaign of lies, obfuscation and political violence that slowly chips away at our shared reality, without which a truly democratic and free society is impossible to achieve.

Fascists and authoritarians do not believe in empirical reality and independent truth. Instead, reality and facts and the truth are contingent, malleable, inconveniences to be twisted and distorted to fit the fascist project and revolutionary struggle. DeSantis' Orwellian thought crime campaign and targeting of African-American history fits firmly within that mold. To quote the essential Hannah Arendt, "Before mass leaders seize the power to fit reality to their lies, their propaganda is marked by its extreme contempt for facts as such, for in their opinion fact depends entirely on the power of man who can fabricate it."

Read more

about Republicans reliance on racebaiting
Eduardo Kac, 61, will send his artwork 'Agora,' a hologram he first created in 1986, on the Deep Space Voyager mission aboard a United Launch Alliance Vulcan Centaur V spacecraft to be launched by Celestis later this year. Photo courtesy of Eduardo Kac

July 28 (UPI) -- Eduardo Kac has been trying for 37 years to realize his vision for an art project he began when he was just 24 years old -- sending one of his holographic poems, or holopoems as he calls them, into deep space. He will finally have that chance later this year.

Kac, 61, will send his artwork Agora, a hologram he first created in 1986, on the Deep Space Voyager mission aboard a United Launch Alliance Vulcan Centaur V spacecraft to be launched by Celestis. The company described the mission as a love letter to science fiction and the first time capsule in space.

"I saw it in deep space. It's how I conceived of it. It made sense to me," Kac said in an interview with UPI. "I'm not a space agency, I don't fly rockets, so it's a very difficult thing to do as a normal person."

Eduardo Kac is pictured working in his holography studio in Rio de Janiero in 1986. Photo courtesy of Eduardo Kac

Kac said that, over the years, he has been meeting people and seeking out opportunities to send art into space in the hopes of one day seeing this particular work sent out into the universe.

"Through meeting all these different companies, I have been trying to find ways to complete this project. To my credit I don't give up," Kac said.

Eduardo Kac has been trying for 37 years to realize his vision for an art project that involves sending his work into deep space. The hologram specifically shows the Portuguese word 'Agora,' which means 'now.' Photo courtesy of Eduardo Kac

Other items being sent in the mission -- which the memorial spaceflight company has only said will launch "later this year" -- include samples of human DNA, cremated remains and what the company calls "MindFiles" of more than 200 people.

The remains of those who are being sent into space for posterity include, among others, figures such as Star Trek's creator Gene Roddenberry and several original cast members, as well as Apollo astronaut Philip Chapman.

Eduardo Kac trims his work 'Agora' after completing it. Photo courtesy of Eduardo Kac

"I'm definitely planning on going to Cape Canaveral, because I want to see this rocket fly. It's going to be a very emotional moment, I am certain," Kac said.

After liftoff from Cape Canaveral in Florida, the spacecraft will "put a lunar lander on course for its rendezvous with the moon" and continue into a heliocentric orbit around the sun, according to the company.

Story continues

Eduardo Kac's artwork, a hologram titled 'Agora,' will be preserved in a titanium case and launched into space. Photo courtesy of Celestis

Eduardo Kac trims his work 'Agora' after completing it. His works are seen in prestigious collections, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Tate Modern in London. Photo courtesy of Eduardo Kac

Agora and the meaning behind it

Kac's art is a hologram, a three-dimensional image formed by the interference of light beams from a laser. If you look at it under a microscope, you can see the interference pattern.

Memorial capsules (pictured) being sent into space by the company Celestis could possibly launch into space this year. Other items being sent in the mission include samples of human DNA, cremated remains and what the company calls 'MindFiles' of more than 200 people. Photo courtesy of Celestis

The hologram comes in two forms: the near-microscopic material on which the data is encoded -- the physical object being sent into space -- and the image created when it is illuminated.

"Lasing is a natural property of the universe. You do have parts of the universe that lase naturally. So conceivably, it could be illuminated using naturally occurring lasers in the universe," Kac said, adding that the hologram is being sent into space in a titanium case to protect it from radiation.

"It's also conceivable that future civilizations that retrieve this work will have lasers."

The hologram specifically shows the Portuguese word "Agora" derived from the Ancient Greek word for "a gathering place" when viewed. He called the unique medium "perfect for this particular project."

Kac, whose family originated in Poland, was born in Brazil and has lived in Paris and New York City. He chose the word because of its differing meaning depending on the placement of the accent. The word in Portuguese, without the accent, means "now."

He said the word becomes a form of poetry because of this agrammatical accent mark, a "tiny little speck that articulates space and time in the work."

"This piece is rather unique in several ways. First, it's an actual object. It's a thing, it's not a digital image, it's not an idea, it's an actual handmade physical material object," Kac said. "That's important because it's the first time that a physical art object will be in permanent orbit in deep space."

The hologram's image can be propagated to a much larger size than the device where the data is stored. Theoretically, that size is limitless, but at a certain size it would become imperceptible to the human eye and require technology that does not yet exist.

"Dealing with something both small and immense and this contrast between nearly microscopic and beyond the macroscopic is part of the internal aesthetic tension of the work which is echoed in the work itself," Kac said.

Charles M. Chafer, the chief executive of Celestis and one of its co-founders, told UPI the company is "honored" that Kac chose to partner with the space company.

"We're honored that a talented and notable artist, Eduardo Kac, selected our Enterprise Flight deep space mission as an interplanetary platform to extend his work into the cosmos," he said.

Celestis 'MindFiles' are seen. Celestis is a memorial spaceflight company and has partnered with artist Eduardo Kac to preserve his art in space. Photo courtesy of Celestis

An artist's love for science

Kac started to create his poetic holograms in 1983 while living in Rio de Janiero. In 1986, he was living in New York and pictured at the Museum of Holography, an institution that had sought to preserve more than 800 holograms.

Over the course of the next decade, Kac created more than 24 holopoems. The museum closed in 1992 citing budget cuts.

His other works are held in prestigious collections, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Tate Modern in London.

As an artist, Kac does make art in traditional media such as drawings with ink on paper, sculptures, lithographs, and silk-screen prints. But he prefers to experiment with technology.

"But I have dedicated my life and developed a career working with technology as my medium because technology allows you to work directly in the realm of the real," Kac said. "A painting or drawing is representational, but by working with technology, I can intervene in the physical world and reality that others can't."

In 2017, the artist created artwork titled Inner Telescope in space onboard the International Space Station. Kac partnered with French astronaut Thomas Pesquet, who built the artwork in space from items inside the space station under Kac's direction.

That work, when viewed from one angle, shows the French word "MOI" and from another shows a human figure with its umbilical cord cut. It was produced by the Observatoire de l'Espace and the cultural lab of the French Space Agency created with the support of the European Space Agency.

"The work I did in a telescope aboard the ISS, that was 10 years of work. That took me the longest to complete," he said. "But Agora definitely will beat them all."

Kac is in the process of creating another work to be displayed on the moon.

"It's almost like I'm collaborating with a young version of myself. My 24-year-old self is saying, 'Thank you for not letting me hang here, not abandoning me and staying with me,'" Kac said.

"Then 61-year-old me is saying, 'Thank you for creating this and not giving up all these years.'"
A nose-dive in education degrees is compounding issues for schools already facing a teacher shortage and struggling to recover from pandemic-era woes among students.

Education majors used to rank as the No. 1 spot for conferred bachelors degrees in the 1970s, but they have been falling in the decades since, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. From 2011 to 2012, the major was ranked fifth nationally. In the latest update from 2020 to 2021, it is down to No. 10.

The combination of low pay, culture wars in the classroom and struggles with student discipline that has plagued educators in their careers, according to experts, is also stopping young Americans from entering the field.

Its not surprising because the working conditions for teachers have not improved. And who best to recruit people into the profession, if not for the people working in the profession. And so because we have not improved or focused on improving teacher working conditions.  We dont have those same people who are teachers to become our best recruits, said Travis Bristol, associate professor at the Berkeley School of Education.

One key factor in a drop in education majors is pay because as the cost of college goes up and teacher salary is largely stagnant, it is difficult for young people to justify a degree that will be onerous to repay.

A report from the Economic Policy Institute (EPI) last year showed the average weekly wages of teachers went up only $29 from 1996 to 2021.

We need to pay teachers like they are  handling lifes most precious gifts, Bristol said, calling salary the biggest part of the problem.

Meanwhile, teachers are being asked to do more to help bridge the pandemic learning loss seen in students, even amid reports of a labor shortage in the field.

Quantifying the teacher shortage has been a difficult task, says Denisha Jones, the Art of Teaching director at Sarah Lawrence College, though she adds many educators have complained about a lack of staff.

Story continues

Even though quantitative data on teacher shortages might not indicate that we are in the midst of one, we know from the anecdotal reports of school districts  have proof that there is a crisis in teaching and teaching staff. Theres just not enough people in a lot of places. Not every place, but in a lot of places. Jones said.

Teachers have been struggling under the increasingly polarized political climate and difficulties managing their classrooms, woes that do not go unnoticed by college students choosing their majors.

Dozens of states have recently implemented laws that made headlines about what type of books can be used in classrooms and changing curriculum standards.

What we really have is a lack of people willing to go into this profession for that level of money and that amount of disrespect, right? Jones said.

And students educations are suffering.

Globally, one study showed students lost about 35 percent of a school years worth of learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Scores released from the Nations Report Card in June showed average mathematics scores in the United States for 13-year-olds have fallen to levels not seen since 1990. In reading, average scores for 13-year-olds dropped to 2004 numbers.

Beyond that, teachers have seen an increase in behavioral issues since returning to in-person classes but have very little resources or guidance on how to handle them.

In an EdWeek Research Center survey, 70 percent of teachers, principals and district leaders said students are misbehaving more now than in 2019. That is also up from December 2021, when educators said 66 percent were behaving worse than in 2019.

I do think it probably needs to be somewhat of a campaign to young people stressing what that job is going to be like for them and what it means and what impact they can have. You need to tell them, or a former teacher needs to tell them what impact they can have, said Colin Sharkey, executive director of the Association of American Educators.

Experts say it is important to be encouraging but honest with young people about the difficulties of going into education because being prepared is the best way for them to stay in the field once they enter it.

The students that Ive worked with over 20 years who go in understanding whats happening in the field are more likely to persist than those who are just given that narrative that, you know, Follow the curriculum. Its all good. Dont really rock the boat, dont question anything, just teach,' Jones said. So I think we have to have a concerted effort to be honest with these young people about what theyre facing, what the realities are, but also why its super important.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Congressional leaders say theyre confident they can reach agreement on a compromise defense authorization bill later this year even though the House and Senate drafts advanced so far differ significantly on a host of contentious social issues.

On Thursday, Senate lawmakers approved their version of the massive authorization bill, which outlines plans for $886 billion in defense spending next fiscal year and mandates a host of program and policy changes for the military.

It also includes a 5.2% pay raise for troops next January and a collection of bonus reauthorizations needed for recruiting and retention efforts. The measure has been passed out of Congress for 62 years, and is considered must-pass legislation for Congress each year.

Senators advanced their draft after more than a week of amendments work which included new protections for military members from debt collectors and new limits on Chinese access to sensitive U.S. military technology. The final measure passed by a 86-11 vote, with significant support from members of both parties.

That stands in sharp contrast to the House authorization bill vote earlier this month, which passed 219-210 largely along party lines.

House Democrats balked at supporting the measure after GOP leaders included amendments which would repeal the Defense Departments abortion access policies, restrict medical care for transgender troops, eliminate military diversity initiatives and ban the Pentagon from implementing President Joe Bidens climate change mitigation orders.

Despite the acrimony, key congressional leaders said this week they are confident the competing authorization bill drafts can be sorted out in interchamber negotiations, and that a compromise can be found sometime this fall.

Well get it done, said Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Ala., chairman of the House Armed Services Committee. Staff will go ahead and start compromising on low-hanging differences over the August recess, and well get back in September to clean up the other differences. Im confident well wind up in a good place.

Story continues

Sen. Roger Wicker of Mississippi, the top Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee, also said he was optimistic about the final product, stating we always get a bill, six decades plus. Well get one this time.

Committee ranking member Adam Smith, D-Wash.  who voted against the measure on the House floor  expressed a similar positive outlook.

I think we will be able to resolve our differences, he said on Thursday. Obviously, the House Republicans are going to have to back off a lot of those things they added in. But we were perfectly OK with the bill as it passed out of committee. So there is a path ahead.

The House Armed Services committee draft of the measure did include limits on Defense Department diversity training, restrictions on future COVID-19 vaccines mandates and several other measures that drew the ire of minority Democrats. But ultimately most voted to move ahead with the legislation, because of its overall importance to the military.

Despite the vast differences between the two bills on culture war issues, they both contain a series of similar provisions. That includes language freezing new construction at the temporary Space Command facility in Colorado Springs and freezing half of Air Force Secretary Frank Kendalls budget until he makes a months-overdue decision about whether to keep the combatant command there or move it to Huntsville, Alabama as previously planned.

Both bills also institutionalize the sea-launched cruise missile nuclear program while providing approximately $190 million in FY24 for its continued research and development, despite opposition from the Biden administration.

The Senate also amended its bill on the floor with numerous other provisions. Last week, senators voted 65-28 to require congressional approval for U.S. withdrawal from NATO  a precaution against former President Donald Trumps possible return to the White House.

The Senate also unanimously attached an amendment from Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wisc.,that would require 100% of components in Navy ships to be manufactured in the United States by 2033.

Another amendment includes two authorizations for the trilateral AUKUS agreement with Australia and Britain: one that allows the U.S. to begin training private sector Australian employees in submarine work and another intended to speed up export control licenses for the two countries.

However, Wicker blocked two other AUKUS authorizations from the bill, vowing to hold them until Congress provides more funding for the submarine industrial base via a defense spending supplemental.

The authorizations Wicker blocked would have allowed the sale of up to two Virginia-class submarines to Australia and permitted Washington to accept $3 billion from Canberra for the U.S. submarine industrial base.

The House and Senate are scheduled to be on recess until early September. Formal negotiations between the two chambers on the authorization bill will begin then, but informal behind-the-scenes work will carry on throughout the summer.
Rep. Robert Garcia (D-Calif.) mocked Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greenes (R-Ga.) call for decorum at a House subcommittee hearing Thursday, pointing to the congresswomans presentation of sexually explicit posters on a separate panel last week.

Marjorie needs to remember she showed us a d pic last week, Garcia tweeted Thursday after Greene interrupted his remarks at a hearing on COVID-19 vaccine mandates to call for decorum.

The California Democrat displayed a tweet from Greene at the hearing, in which she compared vaccine and mask mandates to the yellow Star of David that Jews were required to wear by the Nazis in the lead-up to the Holocaust.

We have seen this tweet behind us before, Garcia said Thursday, gesturing to a poster of the tweet. And this person, of course, sits on this very committee, who just actually gave some very irresponsible facts to our witnesses and the committee as well.

But just like [Democratic presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr.] and other conspiracy theorists, members of this committee continue and continue to attack vaccines, he added.

Greene interrupted Garcia to make a point of order and asked that members be reminded of the rules of decorum.

Rep. Brad Wenstrup (R-Ohio), who serves as the chairman of the Oversight Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic, appeared to read off a pre-prepared statement on decorum in response to Greenes request.

While vigorous disagreement is part of the legislative process, members are reminded that we must adhere to established standards of decorum and debate, Wenstrup said. It is a violation of House rules and the rules of this committee to engage in personalities regarding other members or to question the motives of a colleague.

Garcia later recalled Greenes display at a House Oversight Committee hearing with two IRS whistleblowers last week. The Georgia Republican held up posters featuring graphic sexual photos from a laptop hard drive that purportedly belonged to Hunter Biden.

Story continues

Several committee members, including Garcia, questioned whether such images should be displayed at the panel, which was hearing allegations about the governments investigation into the presidents son.

Todays hearing is like most of the majoritys investigations and hearings: A lot of allegations, zero proof, no receipts  but apparently, some d pics, Garcia said at the time.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
By James Oliphant

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - As Republican Ron DeSantis attempts to reset his flagging presidential campaign, one fundamental feature of the Florida governor's candidacy remains constant: his willingness to antagonize corporate America over cultural and political issues.

DeSantis last week ordered Florida officials to open a probe into the company that owns Bud Light beer over concerns that it violated its duties to shareholders by engaging in a marketing deal with a transgender social media star that triggered a boycott by conservatives and a drop in sales.

The move signaled DeSantis is not about to abandon his crusade against so-called woke corporations, even at the risk of turning off the no-drama, moderate voters he may need either to win the Republican nomination or next years general election.

DeSantis trails Republican front-runner Donald Trump by more than 20 points nationally in the 2024 primary race. The governor's inclination to pick fights with some of America's biggest companies has rattled some wealthy donors and Republicans who worry the party is straying from its traditional "hands-off" approach to the economy.

But it is in keeping in what has become a dramatic reorientation of the base of the Republican Party in recent years away from moneyed elites to working-class and rural voters who view multi-national corporations with suspicion.

DeSantis' most high-profile battle has been against Disney over the companys resistance to a Florida law that restricts the teaching of gender identity and sexuality concepts to school children. He has also gone after financial firms, tech giants and the pharmaceutical industry over a host of issues.

Alex Conant, a Republican consultant in Washington who has a roster of corporate clients, said focus groups with voters have shown that some Republicans are wary of government interfering with the internal management of companies.

Republicans have to be careful not to turn into Democrats, Conant said. Just because voters dont like big business doesnt mean they want Republicans running big business.

Story continues

A Reuters/Ipsos poll taken in April at the height of the Disney fight showed that 62% of Americans, including 55% of Republicans, were less likely to back a candidate who punished companies for their political views.

But a Republican lobbyist in Washington who represents several Fortune 500 companies said DeSantis approach is sound for winning the Republican primary.

DeSantis is doing what hes doing because it's good politics, said the lobbyist, who asked to remain unidentified so as to not take sides in the presidential race. Our voters have turned on the business community. That shift has occurred.

'NOT YOUR FRIEND'

The party's turn away from corporate America has been a decade in the making and is grounded in several socioeconomic factors, including the defection of college-educated voters to the Democratic Party, the off-shoring of manufacturing jobs and growing economic inequality between affluent coastal sectors and the country's interior.

DeSantis and his campaign have pushed back against the claim by Disney CEO Bob Iger and other critics that he is anti-business, pointing to how he has fostered economic growth and job creation in Florida.

As of June, the state had experienced a private-sector job growth rate that has exceeded the nations rate for 26 consecutive months, according to state officials.

Asked about DeSantis philosophy, his campaign pointed to an interview the candidate gave in May to a conservative magazine in which he said, corporate America is not your friend on a lot of things.

If corporations gain too much power, DeSantis said, you're going to end up seeing the economy and society go in ways that may not be advantageous for the majority of the people.

In a speech on Wednesday to a conservative public policy group, DeSantis said corporations that follow environmental, social, and corporate governance principles "are effectively doing the bidding of lot of ruling elites in government, and they're doing through the economy what they could never achieve at the ballot box."

Trump has ripped DeSantis for the Disney fight while also criticizing the company for being woke.

After conservatives launched a boycott of Bud Light in the wake of an endorsement deal with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney, Trumps son, Donald Trump Jr., urged it to stop, noting that Bud Lights parent company, Anheuser-Busch InBev, has long donated to Republican candidates.

A company spokesman told Reuters that "Anheuser-Busch InBev takes our responsibility to our shareholders, employees, distributors and customers seriously."

Last week, DeSantis said he had launched an investigation of the financial ratings firm Morningstar for utilizing ratings that he said discriminate against Israel in violation of Florida law. Morningstar in a statement said it has undertaken internal reviews to ensure its ratings are free from bias.

On the trail, DeSantis has accused the Food and Drug Administration of being captured by the pharmaceutical industry. He also has blasted tech companies for what he calls social-media political bias.

At the same time, DeSantis campaign and the top super PAC supporting him, Never Back Down, have benefited from corporate interests as they have relied on large donations from a network of deep-pocketed donors. Never Back Down, in particular, has raised more than $70 million since launching in March.

(Reporting by James Oliphant; Editing by Colleen Jenkins and Alistair Bell)
Ron DeSantis threatened Bud Lights parent company with legal action after the beer brands sales and stocks dropped because of right-wing backlash and transphobic boycotts over a transgender influencers sponsored social media post  a boycott that the Florida governor supported.

Mr DeSantis, who is seeking the 2024 Republican nomination for president, defended the boycott in a lengthy, wide-ranging interview with Megyn Kelly on SiriusXM after outlining the potential impacts of poor sales and stock prices on the states pension fund, which holds stock in Anheuser-Busch and InBev.

The right-wing news personality asked whether Mr DeSantis was using government to punish citizens for political wrongthink, an accusation often thrown at Democratic officials by conservatives.

No. Take Anheuser-Busch. Were not punishing them. They departed from business practices by indulging in social activism. That has caused a huge problem for their company, and their stock price has gone down, Mr DeSantis said. Well, our pension fund in Florida holds Anheuser-Busch/InBev stock. So its actually hurt teachers, its hurt cops, it hurts firefighters who depend on that pension fund, and so .

Didnt you support the boycott against them? Ms Kelly interjected.

No, I did, but thats just as a personal thing, but I mean we didnt have, like, the state government, you know, necessarily, you know, putting power about it, but as an American I said Im not doing Anheuser-Busch, Im not doing Bud Light.

In a recent letter to a state agency that manages retirement accounts for state workers, Mr DeSantis suggested that InBev breached legal duties to its shareholders by associating with radical social ideologies after trans influencer Dylan Mulvaney posted a video to her Instagram account with a Bud Light can in May.

The video sparked widespread outrage among Republican officials and right-wing personalities who have filmed themselves dumping out beers, shooting bottles and cans, and pledging to boycott Budweiser products because a trans person was featured in marketing.

Story continues

All options are on the table, Mr DeSantis wrote in his letter, though its unclear what the state can do to challenge the multinational companys business decisions.

When you take your eye off the ball like that, youre not following your fiduciary duty to do the best you can for your shareholders, so were going to be launching an inquiry about Bud Light and InBev, and it could be something that leads to a derivative lawsuit on behalf of the shareholders of the Florida pension fund, Mr DeSantis told Fox News host Jesse Watters on 20 July.

Ms Kelly also pressed the governor on his administrations actions against the Walt Disney Company and its sprawling theme park campus in the state. The company and the DeSantis administration are suing one another following a feud over Disneys opposition to what opponents have called Floridas Dont Say Gay law that boiled over into political and legal battles that could shape the companys business in the state.

The governor has overseen what is effectively a state takeover of the municipal board that managed Disneys park campus for decades, a move that the company has called a targeted campaign of government retaliation.

Why cant Disney oppose your law  without being punished by the state? Ms Kelly asked the governor.

Mr DeSantis accused the company of weaponising state subsidies to speak out against state policy. The Reedy Creek Improvement District was first created in 1967 to give Disney control of its land use, zoning rules and public services without putting a tax burden on Florida residents.

Its not about entitlement, Ms Kelly said. If I go to my boss and I say, You sexually harassed me, and then suddenly he reduces my salary from $200k to $100k, thats retaliation.

Mr DeSantis dismissed the comparison.

He accused Disney of supporting sexualising kids and putting its corporate weight behind that effort, as his administration and national agenda launches a crusade against inclusive classroom instruction and honest discussion of gender, sexuality, race and racism, as well as a series of policies that threaten LGBT+ people and gender-affirming healthcare for both transgender minors and trans adults.

A motion filed in US District Court on 26 June argues that Mr DeSantis is entitled to legislative immunity that shields the actions of the governor and lawmakers in the proposal, formulation, and passage of legislation.

Attorneys for Mr DeSantis argue that the governor and the secretary of Floridas Department of Economic Opportunity are both immune from the suit.

In filings this week, attorneys for the company argued that the governor is trying to evade responsibility for overseeing laws that punish residents for political statements violating a state-prescribed speech code.
Hes cutting costs, shedding staff and swapping big speeches for intimate diner stops.

But the reboot of Ron DeSantis flailing presidential campaign is still avoiding the Florida governor's biggest hurdle of all: taking on Donald Trump.

Faced with lagging poll numbers in national and state surveys and a string of missteps Team Trump has capitalized on, DeSantis continues to struggle with how to topple the former president and frontrunner, who appears to gain support with each indictment. And interviews with 17 people who work in and around his campaign revealed little appetite to dramatically change that strategy.

His biggest problem is Donald Trump, said Republican operative Alex Conant, who worked on Sen. Marco Rubios losing 2016 presidential bid and is unaffiliated this cycle. Yeah, he hasn't run the best campaign, and I think there's room for improvement on his message and his media strategy, but ultimately hes lost traction because Donald Trump is ascendant  and thats not DeSantis fault.

His message has gotten very muddled, and he has not made the sharp contrast with Trump that I think he needs, Conant added.

And donors are taking notice  a trend that could spell doom for the prodigious fundraiser. Even DeSantis supporters acknowledged lackluster polling and negative headlines are affecting peoples perception of the race. Some have fielded calls and texts from nervous donors and are working to make the case for the governor.

This has a lot of reminiscent feelings of 2016 where Trump is getting by-and-large left alone, said a senior Republican strategist who has been in touch with the DeSantis campaign and was granted anonymity to speak freely about a sensitive matter. I just struggle to see any path.

Ronald Lauder, a billionaire cosmetics heir considering supporting DeSantis, has already taken a meeting with rival Tim Scott and hedge fund mogul Ken Griffin is reportedly considering closing his checkbook after donating $5 million to DeSantis 2022 gubernatorial re-election bid. In November, before DeSantis had officially jumped into the race, Griffin said he was prepared to fully support the governor if he ran for president.



Story continues

He has lost the confidence of people who thought it was a slam dunk, said a former Tampa Bay area Republican official. The person, who requested anonymity for fear of retaliation by DeSantis, added that supporters were disappointed and demoralized.

The person also predicted that if DeSantis doesnt change the trajectory, then supporters will bail on him.

They dont care whos president, the person said. They just want to be behind the horse whos won.

Among more than a dozen people interviewed for this story, a debate in DeSantis world emerged: On one side are loyalists who believe the Florida governor should focus on his own accomplishments and steer clear of a mud fight with Trump. On the other are frustrated supporters who want him to hone his message and come up with a better strategy for dealing with the pugilistic former president.

Those in the first camp insist its too early to count him out, excuse disappointing polling with reminders of the six-month wait until voting begins and predict he will shine during the Aug. 23 debate in Milwaukee. Yet donors and backers are losing faith in his ability to clinch the nomination and are looking for a better alternative to Trump.

Ive always imagined Trump would slowly bleed off support as this goes on, Jason Osborne, a New Hampshire state lawmaker and early DeSantis supporter, said. It just seems to be slower than I would have predicted.

Bryan Griffin, a spokesperson for the DeSantis campaign, contended the twice-elected Republican governor has put forth a compelling argument as to why DeSantis is a better choice than Trump.

The governor has never held back from drawing distinctions between his record and Trump's, Griffin said. Ron DeSantis stood against the lockdowns. Ron DeSantis is against massive government spending. Ron DeSantis would've fired Anthony Fauci. And Ron DeSantis will build the border wall and empower American border agents to enforce our immigration laws.

Trump has been on the attack for months, hurling insults and his trademark derogatory nicknames at DeSantis before the Florida governor even entered the race. DeSantis has no plans to begin matching that fire but is considering expanding his criticisms of the former president, said one outside adviser granted anonymity to share internal discussions. (So far only three of the 14 Republican presidential candidates are directly taking on Trump, and they are usually polling in the single digits, combined  demonstrating the challenge the entire field faces.)

Do I think we need to have a better message of why Ron DeSantis [over] Donald Trump? Yes, I do think that. And thats coming, the adviser said.

To that end, DeSantis  who is making his fourth campaign visit to Iowa this weekend for the state GOPs annual Lincoln Dinner  will begin rolling out detailed economic plans in the coming weeks, the adviser added.

How is he going to help the working-class citizen in the U.S. who feels the global economic strategy that has been pushed over the last several decades has winnowed their jobs away to hostile foreign countries? the adviser said, in describing the tenor of DeSantis upcoming remarks. We need to have a finer message, so people understand why Ron DeSantis over Trump.

During his first two months in the race, DeSantis has not completely ignored Trump  whose endorsement in 2018 proved helpful as DeSantis clinched the Florida governorship in a tight GOP primary.

DeSantis has tried out a few lines of attack, seeming to settle on a direct contrast between his own record and Trumps over Covid policies. Faucian dystopia is a go-to line as he reminds voters of his early push to keep Florida open during the pandemic over the advice of Trumps top Covid adviser at the time. And just this week, DeSantis floated the possibility of tapping vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr.  a long-shot Democratic presidential candidate  to run the national Centers for Disease Control, though the suggestion was panned by the conservative National Review and others.

He has also taken to pointing out Trump did not complete the construction of his promised Southern border wall, and noted to receptive audiences that his support for a six-week abortion ban in Florida is more conservative than some of Trumps rhetoric on the topic.



But DeSantis  who consistently polls in second place in national and state-by-state surveys  has been loath to directly attack Trump with anywhere near the ferocity the former president unleashes on him. He obliquely references Trumps haphazard leadership style and penchant for flash over substance in an effort to underscore his own studious, serious nature. But those attacks are far from the stuff of long-shot candidate Chris Christies criticisms of Trump.

And, perhaps most centrally to his campaign, DeSantis continuously says he is the only contender who can defeat Biden and promises to end the GOPs culture of losing without ever acknowledging Trump lost his re-election bid.

I dont think theres any right answer to this because Trump, and reactions to Trump, are so unpredictable. More than anything, he needs to focus on defining himself, said Jason Cabel Roe, a Republican consultant who has worked on five presidential campaigns. The number one flaw in his campaign strategy is not engaging the mainstream media.

DeSantis staunchest defenders warn that its far too early for Trumps team to declare the race over and remain confident that the governor will prevail by the time the Iowa caucuses roll around. Trump is also facing multiple criminal trials that could take him off the campaign trail during the 2024 cycle.

Florida Republican House Speaker Paul Renner, a staunch supporter of DeSantis who helped shepherd an aggressive legislative agenda earlier in the year, called the recent moves to reduce staff and recalibrate the campaign an appropriate step.

Like other DeSantis supporters, Renner stressed that DeSantis remains the clear No. 2 candidate and pointed to other presidential hopefuls, from John McCain to Joe Biden, whose candidacies were seen as lagging in the months ahead of their comebacks. GOP voters will need to understand that they need a candidate who can defeat Biden, he said, and he predicted that Trumps attacks on members of the party is going to start exhausting a lot of people.

Through interviews with POLITICO, supporters urged the governor and his team to ignore the news headlines and Trumps taunts, and to remember that polls signal many Republican voters are open to supporting candidates not named Trump.

Hes struggling to find his message, acknowledged Dan Eberhart, who has fundraised for DeSantis and is chief executive officer of Canary Drilling Services. But I think those counting him out are premature.



The governors backers also argue that DeSantis is getting a disproportionate amount of negative coverage at a time when most other Republican presidential candidates are polling merely in the single digits.

The key, said Justin Sayfie, a DeSantis fundraiser and partner at the lobbying firm Ballard Partners, was to peak at the right moment. He predicted that in six months headlines would be filled with the inevitable comeback stories.

Anyone who thinks he needs to be beating Trump in the polls in July to win the nomination hasnt done this before or is inexperienced or an amateur, he said.

In New York, where DeSantis recently hosted a fundraiser and addressed congregants at a prominent synagogue, one of his leading supporters waved off concerns and defended his strategy.

All of us who are really involved and fascinated and interested by politics follow every twist and turn, said the surrogate, Chele Farley, a former Republican U.S. House candidate. But most people are enjoying their summer.
Republican presidential candidate Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) is slated to appear Monday on Fox News in an interview with its chief political anchor, Bret Baier.

The one-on-one, which will air during the nightly Special Report newscast Baier anchors on the network, will focus on the governors economic agenda and campaign strategy, a promotional video for the interview published Friday announced.

DeSantis is lagging behind Republican front-runner former President Trump, who has repeatedly accused Fox of boosting DeSantiss candidacy.

Trump sat for an extensive interview with Baier earlier this summer, during which the anchor pressed the former president about his false assertions about the integrity of the 2020 election, his handling of classified documents after leaving the White House and other issues.

Fox is hosting  and Baier is moderating  the first Republican primary debate Aug. 23, which DeSantis has said he plans to participate in but Trump has so far not committed to, citing both what he has called a hostile relationship with Fox and his sizable lead in most Republican primary polls.

DeSantis was recently interviewed by anchor Martha MacCallum, who is co-moderating next months debate with Baier.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday accused Rep. Byron Donalds  the only Black Republican in Floridas congressional delegation  of aligning himself with Vice President Kamala Harris by critiquing the states new standards for teaching Black history.

Donalds tweeted Wednesday that the new standards are good, robust, & accurate. But the two-term congressman added that a new requirement for middle school students to be taught that slaves learned skills they later benefited from is wrong & needs to be adjusted. He added that he has faith that (Florida Department of Education) will correct this.

In the face of that seemingly gentle criticism, DeSantis administration and online allies unloaded on Donalds, who has backed former President Donald Trump over his home state governor for the 2024 nomination. Jeremy Redfern, the spokesman for the governors office, called Donalds a supposed conservative. Christina Pushaw, the campaigns rapid response director, replied to Donalds tweet: Did Kamala Harris write this tweet? DeSantis Education Commissioner Manny Diaz tweeted that Florida would not back down  at the behest of a supposedly conservative congressman.

DeSantis joined the pile on during his Iowa bus tour, telling Donalds to stand up for your state.

You got to choose: Are you going to side with Kamala Harris and liberal media outlets or are you doing to side with the state of Florida? he said.

Responding to the blowback to his remarks, Donalds on Twitter called the online attacks aimed at him disingenuous and said DeSantis supporters were desperately attempting to score political points, adding that that is why he is proud to have endorsed Trump.

Whats crazy to me is I expressed support for the vast majority of the new African American history standards and happened to oppose one sentence that seemed to dignify the skills gained by slaves as a result of their enslavement, he wrote on Twitter.

This weeks clash with Donalds is the latest example of how the DeSantis campaigns failure to win support from key members of his states GOP has come back to bite him as he runs against Trump. Last week, Rep. Greg Steube, who has also endorsed Trump, put DeSantis on blast over property insurance rates in the state continuing to soar.

Story continues

The result of the states top elected official failing to focus on (and be present in) Florida, Steube said, tweeting out a headline that linked the sharp rise in premiums to DeSantis time in office.

The war of words between two Florida Republicans this week is all the more remarkable because of how closely aligned Donalds and DeSantis once appeared.

Donalds introduced DeSantis and his family at the governors election night victory party last year, heaping praise on the man he called Americas governor. He played DeSantis 2018 election opponent, Democrat Andrew Gillum, during debate preparation. DeSantis had also formed a close alliance with Donalds wife, a school choice advocate who received a plum appointment to the Florida Gulf Coast University board of trustees.

But there was a notable break in their relationship in April when Donalds endorsed Trump over DeSantis. Donalds had previously stated publicly he would wait on an announcement until the field was set. The decision stunned DeSantis political operation, which had clearly underestimated the governors failures to build a rapport with fellow Republicans. Ultimately most Florida Republicans in the House lined up behind Trump.

The back and forth with Donalds stems from the new standards for how Black history should be taught in the states public schools, which were approved earlier this month by the Florida Board of Education. While education and civil rights advocates have decried many elements of the new standards as whitewashing Americas dark history, much of the national attention has focused on one passage that clarifies middle school students should learn how slaves developed skills which, in some instances, could be applied for their personal benefit.

Amid intense objections to the language, Harris responded by holding a press conference in Jacksonville where she accused Floridas leaders of creating these unnecessary debates.

This is unnecessary to debate whether enslaved people benefited from slavery, she said. Are you kidding me? Are we supposed to debate that?

DeSantis and state education officials have fiercely defended the new standards in recent days. Redfern and others have pointed to similar language that appeared in the course framework for a new Advanced Placement African American Studies course piloted by the College Board. Florida was widely criticized by Democrats for blocking the course from being taught in state public schools.

According to one document, the AP course intended to teach students: In addition to agricultural work, enslaved people learned specialized trades and worked as painters, carpenters, tailors, musicians, and healers in the North and South. Once free, American Americans used these skills to provide for themselves and others.

The College Board said Thursday it resolutely disagrees with the notion that enslavement was beneficial for African Americans after some compared the content of its course to Floridas recently approved curriculum.

On Thursday, DeSantis said the state standards are very clear about the injustices of slavery in vivid detail.

CNNs Kit Maher contributed to this story.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
This photo taken on July 13, 2023 shows the Linglong One, a multi-purpose small modular pressurized water reactor, after completing the factory acceptance test in Dalian, northeast China's Liaoning Province. [Photo/Xinhua]

The core module of the Linglong One  the world's first commercial small modular reactor  was unloaded at the Changjiang Nuclear Power Plant dock in Hainan province on Thursday morning.

The core module cleared its factory acceptance test on July 13 in Dalian, Liaoning province, marking a breakthrough in the technological innovation of small modular reactors in China. The development brought China's nuclear power technology and its capability to construct nuclear power facilities to the global forefront, China Central Television reported.

Sun Hua, assistant to the general manager of Hainan Nuclear Power Co, affiliated with the China National Nuclear Corp, referred to the core module as the "small, movable charger of the nuclear power plant". It is the most advanced key equipment of the reactor and integrates pressure vessels, evaporators and other components.

"Small as it is, the integrated core module of the reactor has all its vital components," said Song Danrong, chief designer of the Linglong One, a multipurpose small modular pressurized water reactor self-developed by the corporation.

If the previous large reactor is likened to a desktop computer, which includes a central processing unit, a monitor and a keyboard, the latest small modular reactor can be regarded as a laptop with all its components integrated into one unit, he said.

"When we receive the integrated core module, all we need to do before installation is conduct a hydraulic pressure test, because welding and prefabrication of its components were already done in a factory. It will save us a lot of time in building the Linglong One," said Chen Jianxin, chief engineer of Hainan Nuclear Power Co.

The Linglong One, developed with independent intellectual property rights, is the world's first third-generation small modular reactor to pass a safety review conducted by the International Atomic Energy Agency in 2016.

The construction of the reactor started at Changjiang Li autonomous county on July 13, 2021. It is due to enter commercial operation as early as the end of 2025, according to Chen.

Once completed, the Linglong One will be capable of generating 1 billion kilowatt-hours of power annually, enough to meet the electricity needs of 526,000 households. Its annual power generation is equivalent to reducing 880,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions and planting 7.5 million trees.

The reactor will provide clean energy support for Hainan province to build a national ecological civilization pilot zone and a clean energy island, which will help the province take a lead in realizing the country's carbon peak and carbon neutrality goals, according to CCTV.

"Hainan will basically become a free trade port in 2025, and a large number of companies are expected to set up shop in the province. In the future, we can contribute to their use of clean, low-carbon, low-cost, large-capacity and stable nuclear power," Chen said.

Yang Junhua, deputy director of the civil engineering department of Hainan Nuclear Power Co, said that by adopting a sunken design, which means its core module remains underground, the Linglong One "basically avoids the risk of a leakage even if an airplane crashes into the reactor".

With advantages of high safety, short manufacturing cycle, flexible deployment and good engineering and implementation, the small modular reactor can match energy needs in multiple application scenarios such as electricity generation, urban heating, urban cooling, industrial steam production and seawater desalination.

"In the future, the commercial small modular reactor can be used for floating platforms such as nuclear-powered ships. It also has the potential to facilitate China's domestic nuclear power technology to 'go out' to the international market, such as the Middle East and Europe," said Chen, the chief engineer.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) said on the possibility of him issuing a pardon for former President Trump that he does not believe having an almost 80-year-old former president serve time in prison is in the countrys interest.

DeSantis said during an interview on Megyn Kellys podcast, looking at the example of then-President Ford pardoning former President Nixon over Nixons role in the Watergate scandal, that the move caused Ford to receive some backlash, but it allowed the country to move forward.

Im going to do whats right for the country. I dont think it would be good for the country to have an almost 80-year-old former president go to prison. It doesnt seem like it would be a good thing, he said.

The interview first aired on SiriusXM.

DeSantis said he believes the country wants a fresh start, and leaders need to focus on the issues facing people.

His comments come as Trump could soon face additional charges over his actions related to the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot and broader efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election.

He has already been charged with 34 counts of falsifying business records in New York over a hush money payment made to adult film star Stormy Daniels and a range of counts, including willful retention of national defense information, over his possession of classified and sensitive documents at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida after his presidency.

The Justice Department filed an updated superseding indictment against Trump on Thursday adding additional charges against him in the classified documents case, accusing him of trying to delete surveillance footage that was to be used in the investigation.

The hush money case is in state court and would not be under the purview of the presidents pardon power, but the documents and Jan. 6 cases are federal investigations that Trump could be pardoned for by the president.

DeSantis previously said in May that he would consider pardoning Jan. 6 defendants determined to be victims of political targeting, potentially including Trump.

Story continues

He told Kelly that Trump could have leaned in harder to try to stop the unrest during the Jan. 6 attack, but he questioned if the former presidents conduct reached the level of being criminal.

You can identify flawed conduct. You can criticize his conduct. But you have to find a statue that was violated, DeSantis said.

Trump revealed last week that he received a letter from special counsel Jack Smiths office notifying him that he is a target of the Jan. 6 investigation, often a sign that criminal charges are impending.

 Updated at 4:19 p.m.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Republican presidential candidate and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday deflected a question on whether the indictments against former President Trump make him unqualified to continue in the 2024 presidential election.

At the end of the day, voters make that decision, DeSantis told CBSs Ed OKeefe during a campaign stop in Iowa. Some people to ask me like, Well, if somebodys indicted, should they be able to run? The problem is, weve seen political indictments.

At the end of the day, the elections got to be about the future, he added.

DeSantis, instead, argued Republicans should be making the election about defeating President Biden in 2024.

What we need to make the election about is a referendum on Bidens failed policies and our positive vision to get America on the right track, he said. And then, who can win? And then who can actually deliver on these things.

His comments come just before the Justice Department (DOJ) levied new charges against the former president, accusing Trump of attempting to delete surveillance footage at his Mar-a-Lago resort. A second co-conspirator was also charged under the Espionage Act.

The Florida governor added that he too was frustrated with the FBI and DOJ, reiterating his belief that the Biden administration is involved in the weaponization of government and using a two-tiered system of justice.

What are we going to do about it?  We will clean house, he said. We will ensure that were involved in making sure that theyre staying within the lines.

So I will just tell voters, Think about, OK, you know, what does the country need going forward, and who is most likely to bring those policies about.'

DeSantis has previously condemned charges filed against Trump in both the New York hush money case and classified documents probe. But, he seemed to waver on defending the former president in the New York case prior to the indictment earlier this year.

I dont know what goes into paying hush money to a porn star to secure silence over some type of alleged affair, DeSantis said at the time. I just  I cant speak to that.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A Central Florida detective is accused of warning suspected child predators that they were targets of an undercover sting operation, the sheriffs office said.

Investigators began looking into the detective, assigned to the Crimes Against Children Unit, in April while the team was preparing for a sting operation to catch online predators, according to a news release from the Seminole County Sheriffs Office.

The undercover operation involved detectives posing as children online and messaging potential child predators.

Detectives made arrangements with the targets to meet up for sex, WESH reported, but then some targets suddenly stopped responding and didnt show up to the in-person meets.

Investigators went through team members phones and traced messages warning the targets of the sting back to the detectives phone, WESH reported.

The detective sent messages to the targets saying, She is fake dude, stay away, and Im trying to help you out, delete and go away, the outlet reported citing the sheriffs office.

The sheriffs office said the detective covertly used technology to warn suspects intending to travel to meet minors for sex that they were involved in an undercover operation, allowing them to avoid arrest, and potentially putting other detectives in harms way.

Only one of the five targets still showed up to the undercover meet, two others were caught later, and two have not been caught after receiving the detectives warning, WESH reported.

The sheriffs office did not release what may have prompted the detective to warn the suspects.

The detective, who joined the sheriffs office in 2010 and the child crimes unit in 2015, was suspended on April 21 as the investigation started, the sheriffs office said.

You were responsible for protecting the most vulnerable members of our society, our children, and the actions you are alleged to have committed instead aided those who would seek to victimize children by allowing them to avoid arrest and prosecution, Sheriff Dennis Lemma said in the release.

Story continues

On July 27, the detective was charged with 15 felony counts, including unlawful use of a two-way communication device, disclosure or use of confidential criminal justice information and unlawful use of a computer, network, or electronic device resulting in the interruption or impairment of governmental operation.

He was booked and placed on a $65,000 bond, then given a GPS monitoring device, the sheriffs office said.

Lemma said the sheriffs office was in the process of terminating the detectives employment.

On July 28, the detective pleaded not guilty on all counts, WKMG reported.

The Seminole County Sheriffs Office is headquartered in Sanford, about 20 miles northeast of Orlando.

Cop hits and kills pastor while responding to a call for service, Connecticut police say

Cops watched womans son drown in Tennessee River, she says. Shes suing for millions

Cops yanked man from car, beat him during traffic stop  then tried to hide it, feds say
Disney is accusing Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) of attempting to evade responsibility after he claimed he and another state official were immune from litigation and asked a federal judge to dismiss the companys lawsuit against them.

[The] Governor seeks to evade responsibility for his actions on a narrower ground, asserting that a governor cannot be held officially liable for implementing, administering and enforcing state laws that punish residents for political statements violating a state-prescribed speech code, Disneys lawyers said in a Wednesday court filing.

Lawyers for DeSantis, who is running for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, argued last month that neither he nor Florida Economic Opportunity Secretary Meredith Ivey enforce any of the laws at issue, so Disney lacks standing to sue them.

However, Disney argued Wednesday that DeSantis has made clear in his public statements and writings that he is using the newly constituted Central Florida Tourism Oversight District to punish Disney as retaliation for its political speech.

By announcing that the District henceforth would be state-controlled and a state receivership, the Governor and his allies made clear that the Governor  the self-proclaimed new sheriff in town  would be functionally in charge of the new weaponized bureaucracy, Disneys lawyers said.

The feud between Disney and the 2024 White House candidate was ignited by the companys public opposition last year to DeSantiss so-called Dont Say Gay law, which barred classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in kindergarten through third grade.

DeSantis officially stripped Disney of its special self-governing status in February, replacing its Reedy Creek Improvement District with the new state-controlled Central Florida Tourism Oversight District.

Disney sued DeSantis and other state officials in April, alleging that they were engaging in a targeted campaign of government retaliation over the companys protected speech and harming its business operations.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Youll soon be able to raise a glass to the memory of the defunct Fantasmic dragon on the Rivers of America at Disneyland.



Goodbye, Murphyas the dragon, which accidentally incinerated itself in April, was nicknamed by the Disney Parks community. In case its not obvious, thats Murphy as in Murphys Law. It established its testy nature when it debuted back in 2009, and was often reluctant to rise for its nighttime spectacular obligations or showcase its fire-breathing prowess as the star of Disneylands Fantasmic show.

Read more

Deadline has officially confirmed that after the dragon went up in flames due to a fluid leak, Fantasmic will not return to Disneyland until 2024, and when it does it will do so sans giant robot dragon. In Murphys place will be a new re-imagining of the classic Sleeping Beauty scene where Mickey goes head to head with Maleficent in her dragon formpresumably different from the shows established B-mode animated projection of the fight, which was already being used in the case of mechanical failure. For its part, Disney described the change to Deadline as new special effects during the climactic battle between Mickey and Maleficent.

Murphy had a good run as the replacement to the puppet dragon head that originally debuted with Fantasmic in 1992I grew up with that, and would like to see it taken back from the museum it rests in. But as the Mouse taketh away, he giveth: on the heels of the sad dragon news, its been confirmed by theme park reporter Scott Gustin that Disneyland is loosening up more of its adult beverage rules around the notoriously dry theme park. Walt Disney was a stickler about thisfor decades, the only alcohol in Disneyland was served at the exclusive Club 33. That all changed when Star Wars Galaxys Edge opened Ogas Cantina, and then widened last year with the addition of drinks to the menu of the Blue Bayou, the restaurant inside the Pirates of the Caribbean ride.

Story continues

NEW: Beginning Sept. 12 at Disneyland Resort, Carnation Cafe, River Belle Terrace, and Cafe Orleans will be introducing new food options along with wine, beer, specialty cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages. pic.twitter.com/0xDG5OL7Fg  Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) July 26, 2023

In addition to Carnation Cafe on Main Street getting fun 21+ libations starting September 12, the River Belle Terrace and Cafe Orleansboth next to Fantasmics Rivers of Americawill also be serving alcoholic beverages as new addition to those restaurant menus. We will definitely be pouring one out (but not in the river) for Murphy.





Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, whats next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.

More from Gizmodo

Sign up for Gizmodo's Newsletter. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Click here to read the full article.
Ukraine is trying to breathe fresh life into a largely stalled campaign to push back Russias forces, launching a major push in the southern Zaporizhzhia region this week.

After six weeks of slow gains, Kyiv and Washington insist a second phase of the counteroffensive could unleash intensified attacks on Moscows forces and hasten Ukrainian gains in occupied areas.

Ukraine has a substantial amount of combat power that it has not committed to the fight, White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said last week. Its at that moment, when they make that commitment, that we will likely see what the results of the counteroffensive are.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday described the fighting in Ukraine as an intense battle and emphasized Ukraine stands a good chance of regaining significant territory.

We believe that the tools, the equipment, the training, the advice that many of us have shared with the Ukrainians over many months puts them in a good position, Blinken said at a press conference in New Zealand.

Russia has confirmed the new scale of attacks in the south but said a large number of Ukrainian units were wiped out.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday the hostilities have intensified and significantly, but seemed assured Kyiv would fail eventually.

The enemy achieved no success on any contact swath, Putin told reporters. All counteroffensive attempts were stopped, and the enemy was pushed back with high casualties.

While military experts say a Ukrainian breakthrough is still possible, they fear the counteroffensive will culminate later this year without a major victory, which could push the war closer toward a freezing of the lines.

Michael OHanlon, a senior fellow and director of research in foreign policy at the Brookings Institution who has tracked the war closely, said his overall assessment is the offensive is going slowly and its likely to continue going slowly.

Story continues

OHanlon expressed doubt about Ukraines argument that it is carefully probing Russian lines for weaknesses and will achieve breakthroughs once holes and soft spots have been found.

Im skeptical because first of all, theyve had a lot of time to probe and they already have been doing that, he said. Second, unfortunately, the Russians can always concede a little bit of territory if they have to, in order to reestablish the defensive line.

So if they start to see major Ukrainian progress in a given sector, then thats the area where they  redraw the front line and build some trenches and minefields further back and then fall back to that latter position, he added. Because the problem with a slow advance is it gives the defender time to adjust and reestablish their fortification system.

Ukrainian troops are focusing their advances around Bakhmut in the eastern Donetsk region as well as the cities of Melitopol and Berdiansk, both of which lie on the Sea of Azov in the Zaporizhzhia region and are key targets because taking them would cut off a land bridge from Russia to the Crimean Peninsula.

After more than six weeks of the operation, however, Ukraine has retaken only around 100 square miles of Russian territory, by some estimates.

By comparison, Ukraine seized more than 300 square miles in a week last fall during the Kharkiv offensive and claimed to have liberated more than 3,000 square miles by the end of the operation.

Ukrainian Deputy Minister of Defense Hanna Maliar stressed Kyivs progress should not be defined in terms of land gains only.

The efficiency of the Armed Forces cannot be measured solely by the kilometers they advanced, she said on Ukrainian television Wednesday, according to state-run news site Ukrinform.

Efficiency is a much broader concept. Our armed forces are very efficient in reducing the offensive and defensive potential of the enemy. It is increasingly difficult for the enemy to defend itself against our offensive.

The Kharkiv offensive and another operation in Kherson last year were major successes, leading to high expectations that Ukraine would liberate major chunks of the country in the ongoing operation.

But those sky-high expectations were met with caution from experts, who warned grand successes were unlikely to be replicated again because Russian forces had months to dig in.

Federico Borsari, a fellow with the Transatlantic Defense and Security Program at the Center for European Policy Analysis, said Ukraine was now shifting to a more methodical strategy, sending out small teams to clear mines and trenches. He said significant success in this offensive would depend on whether it works.

We agree it still has the possibility and the capabilities to achieve a breakthrough, he said while acknowledging a stalemate was possible, which could lead to a freezing of the lines across the roughly 900-mile front. Thats why Ukraine must be very careful.

The stalled offensive is raising concerns of an open-ended conflict in the Biden administration, according to the Wall Street Journal.

A stalemate would not be favorable to Ukraine because it only entrenches Russias position in eastern Ukraine. And any resulting cease-fire could allow Putin to build up his forces and attack again.

An article published in the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft this week argued it would be self-defeating for the U.S. to continue an open-ended war, and it suggested looking at the armistice on the Korean peninsula as a potential model in Ukraine.

For now, even in the new operation, Ukraine is struggling against the superiority of Russian air power, expending high rates of ammunition and losing a large amount of Western-provided armor.

Its also draining U.S. supplies, with Biden agreeing to send Ukraine cluster munitions earlier this month as a stopgap while more 155 mm howitzer rounds are produced.

Cluster munitions scatter dozens of submissions in areas where they are deployed, and are banned by more than 100 countries because they often fail to detonate and pose hazards to civilians long after a war has ended.

John Herbst, a former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine and now a senior director of the Atlantic Councils Eurasia Center, said Ukraine has slightly outperformed his expectations.

He pointed to Bakhmut in particular, where Ukrainian troops are retaking swaths of territory after Russia expended thousands of troops over a year to seize the city.

If they were to close off Bakhmut and capture 10,000 or 15,000 Russian soldiers, that will be a significant defeat, with real political ramifications, Herbst said.

He also argued that if Ukraine retakes up to 500 square miles of territory by the end of the operation, that would still be a victory.

Thats not an impressive feat, Herbst said. But it compares very nicely with the failure of the Russian counteroffensive, which took nine months to take Bakhmut.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Photo Illustration by Luis G. Rendon/The Daily Beast/Reuters

Dont look now, but Donald Trump is one of the more likable and entertaining figures in the Republican Party. There, I said it.

And no, I havent changed, man. Im still the Never Trump conservative Ive always been. Heck, Im not even anti-anti-Trump. If you care to enter a Trump-dunking contest with me, you will likely lose. Ive got the receipts. I cant even count the number of critical columns Ive written about him.

And yet, Im finding myself liking Trump more (at least stylistically) than some of his most prominent primary opponents. One suspects other Americansthanks to the new field of Trumpy dopplegangersare getting nostalgic for the original formula, too. We have defined deviancy down.

Tommy Tuberville Isnt Reckless, He Wants Congress to Do Its Job

But it makes sense. We judge people (at least in part) according to where they fit in the grand scheme of things. And while Trump is a uniquely dangerous man (having been the only president to make an attempt to stop the peaceful transfer of power), he is, in many ways, within the mainstream of todays GOP. Others are (in different ways) more fringy, and certainly more cringey.

This is to say that Trump has redefined the Republican primary genre, spawning a whole field of ambitious copycats who only lack his joie de vivre.

In the process, he has also retroactively altered institutions like the venerable conservative think tank the Heritage Foundation, and remade them in his image.

It has often been said that Joe Biden isnt really a centrist; he simply fits within the center of the Democratic Party. Today, thats arguably even more true of Donald Trump, who has moved the Overton window so far that he is, daresay, a moderate within todays GOPat least, policy-wise.

We are in the midst of the first open Republican field since Trump was elected in 2016 (in that Republicans do not currently have an incumbent president running for re-election). And the primary campaign, such as it is, is being waged via the terms Trump set in 2016.

Story continues

In this regard, Trump should be seen as something of an innovator, even if his creation is dark and disturbing.

Think of him as the political equivalent of Quentin Tantantino.

Stay with me here, and consider how journalist Jon Ronson described the now-famous auteurs impact, as cited in Jeff Dawsons 1995 book, Quentin Tarantino: The Cinema of Cool.

Recently, I went to see [film director] Hal Hartleys [1994 thriller] Amateur in which two hitmen discuss the relative merits of mobile phones before blowing away their target. The next day I attended the National Film Schools end-of-term screenings. Out of the five student movies I watched, four incorporated violent shoot-outs over a soundtrack of iconoclastic 70s pop hits, two climaxed with all the main characters shooting each other at once, and one had two hitmen discussing the idiosyncrasies of The Brady Bunch before offing their victim, Ronson wrote.

Not since Citizen Kane has one man appeared from relative obscurity to redefine the art of moviemaking, continued Ronson.

Kind of like when a game show host with a sordid past went from a tacky escalator ride to Leader of the Free World in about a year and a half. Like the film industry after Pulp Fiction, there was a very clear before and after demarcation in GOP politics.

And if Ronson were to visit, say, a Turning Point USA cattle call today, he would see Trumps influence on everyone from the keynote speakers to the college interns.

Attempts by less-talented filmmakers to ape Tarantinos work in the 1990s were, no doubt, subtle compared with the identity theft we are currently witnessing with GOP primary candidates like Ron DeSantis and Vivek Ramaswamy.

Contrarian Defenses of RFK Jr. Are Not BraveTheyre Boring

Just this week, DeSantis suggested that he might pick Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a noted anti-vaccine crackpot, to head the FDA or CDC. But thats just the latest in a long line of Trumpy (read: shameless, irrational, and frankly stupid) things he has said.

As The Bulwarks GOP operative Sarah Longwell described Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, Hes decided to be a mini Trump. But its worse than that. DeSantis has actually tried to outflank Trump by pushing narratives that are darker and weirder than Trumps.

If George H.W. Bush promised a kinder, gentler nation after the Reagan years, DeSantis is promising, post campaign reboot, a leaner and meaner campaign.

Somehow, I believe him.

At the same time, Ramaswamy, who has been called Trump 2.0, wants Ukraine to negotiate peace with Russia (which, to my ears, is tantamount to surrender) and has publicly called for GOP presidential candidates to pardon Trump if they are elected. And despite his previous criticism of Trumps downright abhorrent behavior on Jan. 6, Ramasamy now blames pervasive censorship for the Capitol riot.

Trump likewise looms large over the rest of the field.

Trumps former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haleys entire existence seems contingent on walking a fine line between keeping her former boss happy while distancing herself from some of his more disgraceful acts as president (and ex-president).

Why I Co-Signed the Freedom Conservatism Manifesto

South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott has largely succeeded in running a positive, optimistic campaign that pretends there is no elephant in the room (which only serves to remind everyone that there is). But hes so under-the-radar at this point that most Americans have probably never heard the sound of his voice.

Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie leads the league in bravely attacking Trump. Christies greatest selling point is that, like Trump, hes a bully. Even he understands that the election is about Trump. But has Chris Christie ever (intentionally) made you laugh?

It seems increasingly likely that Trump will be the 2024 GOP nominee. And if by some chance someone else gets the nomination, the winner will almost assuredly be someone who acts a lot like Trump.

Say what you will about Trump. At least hes occasionally funnyand like Tarantino, hes the original, compared to the cheap, imitation knockoffs.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now.

Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now.
House Republicans have floated launching an impeachment inquiry against President Biden amid newly surfaced allegations that suggest his involvement in the business dealings his son, Hunter. But can congressional lawmakers initiate the use of that constitutional tool for alleged treason, bribery or high crimes and misdemeanors that transpired before holding the office of the presidency?

"The answer is clear," Harvard Law professor emeritus Alan Dershowitz told Fox News Digital. "No one knows."

BIDENS ALLEGEDLY 'COERCED' BURISMA CEO TO PAY THEM MILLIONS TO HELP GET UKRAINE PROSECUTOR FIRED: FBI FORM

Article II, Section 4, of the U.S. Constitution states: "The President, Vice President and all civil Officers of the United States, shall be removed from Office on Impeachment for, and Conviction of, Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors."

But it doesnt specify whether those alleged actions need to take place during the time the official holds the office.

"The crucial impeachment language in the Constitution is not limited to high Crimes and Misdemeanors committed while in office," senior legal fellow at The Heritage Foundation Hans A. von Spakovsky told Fox News Digital. "That language is not there."

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Fox News contributor Andy McCarthy noted that "impeachment is a political process, not a legal one."

President Biden boards Air Force One at Delaware Air National Guard Base in New Castle, Delaware, on March 5, 2023.

"When you ask lawyers these questions, what they tend to try to suggest is this is controlled by legal rules and, therefore, they propose that the abuse of power that rises to the level of high Crimes and Misdemeanors has to occur when the person is president  it has to be an abuse of presidential power," McCarthy said. "The fact of the matter, though, is that impeachment is not controlled by legal rules but political rules."

Quoting then-House Minority Leader Gerald Ford in 1970, McCarthy said, "An impeachable offense is whatever a majority of the House of Representatives considers it to be at a given moment in history."

Story continues

"The Constitution specifically assigns to Congress the determination of whether impeachable offenses were found, and, under separation of powers, the court stays out of it," McCarthy continued. "Politically speaking, it is whatever Congress says it is."

Former Whitewater prosecutor Robert Ray agreed that "the answer to the question is ultimately up to the House to decide . . . the rule being  to paraphrase former President Ford  an impeachable offense is whatever a majority of the House of Representatives says it is."

But Ray said he personally believes the abuse has to take place when a president is in office.

Republicans currently hold the majority in the House of Representatives. The House Oversight Committee, led by Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., has been investigating the Biden familys allegedly corrupt foreign business dealings for months and whether President Biden, while serving as vice president or after, had been involved.

EXCLUSIVE: JOE BIDEN ALLEGEDLY PAID $5M BY BURISMA EXECUTIVE AS PART OF BRIBERY SCHEME, ACCORDING TO FBI DOCUMENT

The president has fallen directly at the center of that investigation in recent weeks as an unclassified FBI document  an FD-1023 form  was released, containing allegations that Joe Biden and Hunter Biden "coerced" the CEO of Burisma Holdings to pay them millions of dollars in exchange for their help in getting the Ukrainian prosecutor investigating the company fired.

That FD-1023 form is part of an ongoing federal investigation, law enforcement sources told Fox News Digital.

Since then, Republican leaders have suggested the possibility of an impeachment inquiry, saying the American people "have a right to know" if the criminal bribery scheme allegations are true and whether Biden was tangled up in his sons business dealings.

As for the criminal bribery allegations, McCarthy told Fox News Digital that the framers of the Constitution were "most animated" by "maladministration" but also by "the possibility that a president could be controlled by foreign powers."

President Biden

"The founders were concerned if a foreign power had corrupted the president," McCarthy said. "It just seems to me that the possibility that a president could be purchased, or a person who occupies the office of the presidency could be purchased, by a corrupt foreign government is not limited to his time in power."

McCarthy added, "If I bribe you with $10 million three years before youre president, I still own you when youre president."

He said there is "nothing in the U.S. Constitution that says a high crime and misdemeanor has to be an abuse of power by the incumbent."

But Ray and Laurence Tribe, professor of constitutional law emeritus at Harvard University, interpret that the alleged abuse should take place while the president is in office.

"It has to be an abuse of office  there is just no question about that much," Tribe said, adding that impeachment is "about abuse of power" and warned that, in the future, we are "bound to have presidents who use the presidency for personal benefits rather than benefits of the people."

Tribe told Fox News Digital that an official "can be impeached for treason, bribery or other high crimes, but it always meant abuses of office."

HUNTER DEMANDED $10M FROM CHINESE ENERGY FIRM BECAUSE 'BIDENS ARE THE BEST,' HAVE 'CONNECTIONS'

"And you cant abuse an office you dont hold," he told Fox News Digital.

"If we fire this gun too often when it has too many blanks in it, I think we will lose the only tool we have to hold presidents in account while they are in office," Tribe told Fox News Digital, referring to the frequent use of impeachment.

"This isnt even a close case," he continued. "There are a lot of close cases in history, but talking about allegations of family misdeeds where the evidence of alleged misdeeds just hasnt turned up and where it is before someone became president is crazy."

Tribe said the discussion "discredits the impeachment process."

"And when we really need it, its not going to make sense," he said. "Its like the boy who cried wolf."

Tribe said the impeachments of former President Donald Trump were "the heartland of what impeachment is all about  about abuse of power."

The House voted to impeach Trump in December 2019 on two counts, abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, related to his phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in which he pressed Zelenskyy to launch investigations into the Biden familys actions and business dealings in Ukraine  specifically Hunter Bidens ventures with Ukrainian natural gas firm Burisma Holdings. The presidents request came after millions in U.S. military aid to Ukraine had been frozen, which Democrats and some witnesses have cited as a quid pro quo arrangement.

FLASHBACK: HUNTER BIDEN ASSOCIATE TEXTS HINT AT PUSH TO GET JOE INVOLVED, MAKE IT LOOK LIKE TRULY FAMILY BUSINESS

Hunter Biden at the time was, and still is, under federal criminal investigation for his tax affairs, prompted by suspicious foreign transactions.

The Senate voted for Trump's acquittal in February 2020.

Later, the House of Representatives impeached Trump on a charge of inciting an insurrection for the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot, making him the first and only president to be impeached, and ultimately acquitted, twice in history.

HUNTER BIDEN REQUESTED KEYS FOR NEW 'OFFICE MATES' JOE BIDEN, CHINESE 'EMISSARY' TO CEFC CHAIRMAN, EMAILS SHOW

Tribe, though, warned Republicans of their slim majority in the House, and he suggested that threats of impeachment are being used as "some kind of game."

"You indict our guy, we impeach your guy," Tribe said, referring to DOJ indictments of Trump. "The stakes are pretty serious."

He added, "The democracy isnt going to preserve itself if we take all the tools to protect it and play with them like they are some kind of video game."
The Charlotte Observer spent well over a year investigating the story of Devalos Perkins and the murder of 20 year-old Justin Ervin.

Perkins  the center of the series called Purgatory  is being held awaiting trial on a cold case murder, and he has been in legal limbo for more than 10 years due to one word in a now defunct state law.

A four-part series by the Observer included interviews with two devastated Charlotte families discussing the lack of closure they face due to delays in the case.

The series shows how long waits for hospital beds and treatments  some of which arent effective for people with anti-social personality disorder, like Perkins  leave defendants languishing in the system for years because they are found incapable of proceeding to trial.

While these defendants wait for hospital beds or to go to trial, local sheriffs and the Department of Adult Corrections are struggling due to limited space and beds to find a way to keep them housed behind bars without contributing to their mental health deteriorating further.

As the reporter on this project, the more I learned about the story the more questions I had. And, unfortunately, I was left with more questions than answers.

One of the most pressing questions: What will happen to Perkins at his next hearing in October?

I hope you take the time to read the series in its entirety and I hope it causes you to ask questions of your own.

What evidence exists?

Perkins was arrested seven years after Ervins murder.

Initially, police sought three suspects in the case. Prosecutors later dismissed charges against the first man police arrested. A third man is named in Perkins court file as a co-conspirator but its unclear whether he was charged.

It is unclear what evidence police and prosecutors have against Perkins  and why the charges didnt stick against two other men believed to have been there when Ervin was killed.

Ervins girlfriend, Shasta Rich, who witnessed and survived the shooting, died last year.

Story continues

Prosecutors wouldnt answer the Observers questions about whether any DNA evidence exists, and would not discuss how the death of a witness and the retirement of investigators impacts the case.

In producing Purgatory, the Observer was unable to locate the main detective on this case, Bill Ward, who has been retired for several years.

At least 19 Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police detectives signed the witness list that led to Perkins arrest. All but one has retired and that detective was not permitted to comment, according to the department.

Assistant District Attorney Bill Bunting, who is in charge of the Mecklenburg District Attorneys Office homicide unit, said in response to questions about whether the nearly 20 years that have passed since the murder will impact the prosecution:

I can tell you that yes, chances of a successful prosecution generally decrease as a case gets older.

Perkins has had at least two lawyers during his decade behind bars. Grady Jessup was his first lawyer and he is currently represented by Norman Butler. Both men refused to be interviewed.

How long was Devalos Perkins in solitary?

During his time in the Mecklenburg County Detention Center, Perkins has been punched, Tased, and pepper sprayed by guards. He has also flung urine and feces at, and assaulted guards nearly two dozen times.

Hes been placed in a restraint chair that is banned in other states for causing sudden deaths, and has spent a significant amount of time in solitary confinement.

We dont know how many days in total or how many days at a time Perkins has spent in solitary confinement. To research this, the Observer reviewed hundreds of pages of jail incident logs.

The Mecklenburg County Detention Center solitary confinement cells measure approximately 70 square feet. All have cinder block walls and include a metal door with windows and a food pass. The illustration depicts the kind of cell Devalos Perkins was repeatedly sent to for days at a time as a form of punishment.

Based on these logs, we know that at one point, he was sentenced to 150 days in confinement as a disciplinary action in 2022.

Studies show that solitary confinement can have detrimental effects on a persons mental health. One study based out of North Carolina shows it can increase the risk of premature death, according to researchers from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill and Emory University in Atlanta.

Two leading advocates in the state calling for criminal justice reform wrote an op-ed for the Observer days after the Purgatory series published. They decried the use of solitary confinement in his case, and in other cases involving mental health issues in jail.

North Carolinas criminal legal system is ill-equipped to provide mental health care in our jails or prisons, they wrote.

Limited resources, insufficient staffing and a lack of specialized training contribute to substandard mental health support within this system. Consequently, individuals in county jails who are suspected but not convicted of crimes often do not receive appropriate mental health treatment, thus exacerbating their conditions, wrote Craig Waleed, a Disability Rights NC project manager for the Unlock the Box Campaign Against Solitary Confinement and Deby Dihoff, interim executive director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness in North Carolina.

Sometimes preceding his days spent in solitary, Perkins was placed in a restraint chair. These chairs have been linked to at least 20 deaths from 2014-2020, according to reporting by the Marshall Project.

Detention center officials have refused to provide the Observer with a restraint chair observation log that would show whether jail staff followed state rules about monitoring inmates like Perkins in the chair.

Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden, who has been outspoken about Perkins case in the past, refused to speak with the Observer for this story.

What comes next? Will he be free again?

A judge has the authority to rule Perkins is unlikely to ever have the mental capacity to stand trial. In that case he could be released from jail but the court could still decide to commit him involuntarily to a mental health hospital.

At the time of Perkins arrest, state law made it optional for a judge to dismiss charges against a person accused of a felony 10 years from the date they were found incapable to proceed. In 2013, months after Perkins was arrested, the law changed and made this dismissal mandatory  but prosecutors seem to be applying the old law in Perkins case.

Over the last decade, he has been evaluated at least nine times  only twice, court records show, was he judged at least temporarily lucid enough to stand trial. Both times, he back-tracked and proceedings were paused again.

According to court records, he has at times refused to take medication or regularly participate in capacity restoration classes.

He has previously told psychologists dating back to 2006 that he has been receiving mental health services since he was a young boy, and has struggled with his mental health since he was a teen, court records show.

However, because he was restored to capacity at least twice for brief windows of time, the prosecution seems to be holding out hope that it can try him eventually.

Its unclear whether the 10-year limit for defendants deemed incapable to proceed has restarted each time Perkins has been found temporarily mentally-sound for trial. Even the countys head public defender, Kevin Tully, says he doesnt know.

On October 13, Perkins has another court hearing that will determine whether he is now capable of standing trial.

It is uncertain at this time if he will return to the jail ahead of his hearing, or if he will remain in safekeeping until he is due in court. Experts say Perkins should stay in safekeeping at Central Prison where he is currently, or in a hospital in order to prevent him from deteriorating in a jail cell ahead of the hearing.

If he makes it and is deemed incapable once again, it is unclear what prosecutors will do next.

Without action, the delay and his purgatory could continue indefinitely.
People visit pier on the south end of Miami Beach, with Miami in the distance, on July 15, 2023. (Alfonso Duran/The New York Times)

MIAMI  The stereotype of how many Miamians speak involves a sing-songy rhythm with a heavy-sounding L and a generous sprinkling of Spanglish. But what if the conversational language of South Florida were more than a lively accent? What if it were a distinct regional dialect of American English?

Phillip M. Carter, a linguistics professor at Florida International University, argues that it already is. Miami English, he calls it. And he is on a mission to destigmatize it.

This is probably the most important bilingual situation in the Americas today, Carter said.

Sign up for The Morning newsletter from the New York Times

More than 60 years of steady immigration from Spanish-speaking countries have heavily influenced the local Englishs vowel system (Miami residents often speak English with Spanish vowel sounds), grammatical structure and lexicon, he explained: English is influencing Spanish, but Spanish is also influencing English.

The result is a version of English that is just as worthy of recognition as other widely accepted dialects, Carter said, such as the ones spoken in New York or in the American South.

People are really tired of being told that theyre wrong, and tired of being corrected, he said, adding that those linguistic differences are a really important part of peoples identities.

In his latest study, Carter and a co-author, Kristen DAlessandro Merii, posited that decades of exposure to Spanish, which often feels like Miamis dominant language, has resulted in phrases spoken and understood even by native English speakers who are not fluent in Spanish. (Some amount of Spanish is spoken in perhaps half of Miami-Dade County households, Carter estimated, though in predominantly Hispanic neighborhoods, that figure can exceed 90%.)

Those phrases, translated from Spanish, are known as calques. For example: Get down from the car (bajarse del carro), instead of get out of the car. Make the line (hacer la fila), instead of join the line. She recommended me this (me recomendo esto), instead of she recommended this to me.

Story continues

Miami English is full of these types of expressions, and not only among immigrant speech, where you would expect to find it, Carter said. These expressions get passed down and incorporated into the speech of native English speakers.

Andrew Lynch, a linguist at the University of Miami who has conducted research with Carter, called the argument that Miami English is a dialect  which goes beyond an accent and refers to an all-encompassing way of speaking, including pronunciation, grammar and vocabulary  a compelling hypothesis.

Im not entirely convinced that were there right now, Lynch said. I think right now we're more at the stage of a sociolect, which refers to the way a particular social group speaks.

In this case, the group would be second- and third-generation Spanish speakers for whom English is the dominant language, he added. Other Miamians  African Americans, Haitian Americans, transplants from New York or the Midwest  may not speak the same way.

We could well be witnessing something that will expand, Lynch added. It will just depend a lot on demographic factors, and I think to what extent Spanish continues to be spoken by, say, the fourth and fifth generations.

White Miamians once spoke more like other white Southerners, pronouncing Miami Miamah. That started to change after the 1959 Cuban Revolution as waves of immigrants from Cuba and other Latin American countries moved in, and white non-Hispanics started moving out.

Those immigrants were largely upper- and middle-class Spanish speakers, which helped establish Spanish as a strong and important language, Lynch said: To this day, Miami is the only major urban area in the U.S. where Spanish is not relegated principally in the lower socioeconomic strata.

Carter is an unusual evangelist for Miami English. He was raised in North Carolina and speaks Spanish with a Castilian accent, more Madrid than Miami. Yet his research has drawn praise among South Floridians who feel he has validated their experience.

Ana Menendez, a colleague of Carters at Florida International University, who has written about how her generation mixed English and Spanish growing up in the 1980s, said many children of immigrants like her learned a social pecking order, with native English speakers at the top, that has loosened over time, much to her relief. (Her own parents, however, emphasized the importance of Spanish and insisted on it at home.)

We can be really rigid about the rules, she said, but in truth, language is a constantly changing, evolving, dynamic tool that we fit to our purposes.

Among the examples of Miami English in pop culture cited by Carter is a viral video from 2012 titled Stuff Miami Girls Say  and Guys  though using more colorful language  that parodies how frequently Miamians say things like bro, irregardless and supposably.

The three young Miamians in the video also use super as an adverb, one of the calques from Spanish mentioned in Carters research. (Ay, Im super bloated.)

That a just-for-fun video more than a decade old found its way into an academic journal amused Michelle Sicars, 35, one of the videos stars, who now lives in New York. But it did not surprise her to learn that Miami English might be its own dialect.

I have friends in Miami who are 100% American  their parents are Irish and English  but they were born in Miami, and they have the accent, and they use these words, she said. Its, like, the wildest thing.

c.2023 The New York Times Company
This aerial photo taken on June 22, 2023 shows China's Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope (FAST) under maintenance in southwest China's Guizhou Province. [Photo/Xinhua]

An international research team led by Chinese astronomers revealed the complex dynamic features of relativistic jets of a black hole, according to a study published in the journal Nature.

Powerful relativistic jets are one of the features of accreting black holes, and GRS 1915+105 is a well-known fast-spinning black-hole X-ray binary with a relativistic jet, termed a "microquasar," as indicated by its superluminal motion of radio emission, according to the study.

It has exhibited persistent X-ray activity over the last 30 years, with quasiperiodic oscillations in the X-ray band.

From 2020 to 2022, researchers from the Department of Astronomy of Wuhan University, the National Astronomical Observatories of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and other institutions employed China's Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope (FAST), the world's largest single-dish radio telescope, to observe the radio continuous spectrum light change and polarization of GRS 1915+105.

With FAST's high sampling and sensitivity, the research team detected two instances of transient periodic oscillation of about 0.2 seconds in January 2021 and June 2022, respectively.

The transient periodic oscillations remain unstable and unable to be detected most of the time. It is therefore named quasiperiodic oscillations.

This is the first time that sub-second low-frequency radio quasiperiodic oscillations in a microquasar have been observed in the world, which also directly links the phenomenon with relativistic jets.

It is of great scientific significance to reveal the origin and dynamic process of relativistic radio jets of super-dense celestial bodies and will open up a new avenue for radio observation and theoretical research of black holes.
Stephen Termini remains in hospital after he was attacked in Dublin last week

An American tourist who was assaulted in Dublin last week has come out of a coma, his sons have said.

Stephen Termini, 57, from Buffalo, New York, is believed to have been kicked and beaten on Dublin's Store Street on 19 July.

He remains in a serious but stable condition in Beaumont Hospital in Dublin.

Michael and Jesse Rizzuto told Irish broadcaster RTE their father is "making slight improvements".

"We're taking it basically one hour at a time," said Jesse Rizzuto, who arrived in Ireland with his brother on Thursday.

"It's in the right direction, but its slow."

Since the attack, Irish Minister for Justice Helen McEntee has announced a 10m (8.6m) funding package specifically targeted at increasing garda (Irish police) visibility in Dublin.

The funds will be immediately available to provide 240,000 extra Garda hours to the end of the year.

Mike Rizzuto said the family were "really shocked" by the attack.

"I still kind of can't believe it," he said.

"I never would have thought this would happen, so I'm still processing it."

The brothers have raised more than $100,000 (78,000) in funding for Mr Termini's care.

The funds will be made available for police overtime in the Dublin metropolitan area

Ms McEntee said: Dublin is a great city to live in, work in and visit and I am committed to increasing the number of gardai on our streets to ensure people feel safe, and to build stronger, safer communities."

Our recruitment into An Garda Siochana is also gathering pace  and we are on track to have 800 new recruits into the college this year."

The minister added she would be willing to meet with Mr Termini's family if they wished.

Three teenage boys, aged between 14 and 16, have appeared before the Children's Court, charged with assault causing harm in connection with the assault.

They were all remanded on continuing bail.

In the wake of the attack on Mr Termini the US Embassy in Dublin issued a security alert to its citizens in the Republic of Ireland.

It encouraged all Americans to be aware of their surroundings when travelling in unfamiliar or crowded locations and empty streets, and to avoid walking alone.
Sen. Tammy Duckworth says she was ready to go party with Barbie  until a broken elevator turned her Barbie dreams into a wheelchair-inaccessible bummer.

The Illinois Democrat recounted how she had plans this week to join the millions of theatergoers heading to see Barbie, which stars Margot Robbie as the famed doll. The hit film so far has reportedly grossed more than $214 million in North America since its release last week.

Barbie is a big thing in my house, Duckworth told Politico in an interview published Friday.

I have a 5-year-old and 8-year-old. We have three Barbie Dream houses, including one I set up  all 900 pieces, added Duckworth, 55.

So we were super excited for the movie.

Duckworth, who lost both her legs in 2004 while serving in Iraq, said she checked to ensure that the movie theater in Illinois was wheelchair accessible. But when she arrived there with her daughters and their friends for the Barbie outing, the group learned that the elevator was broken.

The elevator saga came just days after Duckworth marked the 33rd anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), saying in a statement this week, Its past time we make sure accessibility is the default in America  not an afterthought.

Decades after the ADA, we shouldnt have to keep pouring so much energy just into defending the basic rights our Constitution promised, she said.

Unfortunately, there was no happy ending to Duckworths Barbie tale: The lawmaker said she wasnt able to go to the film because of the elevator snafu and instead sent her kids and their friends along to see it while she waited outside.

Im pretty tough about these things, she lamented. But this one really was a little bit of a stab to my soul.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The ship owners say the fire could have been sparked by electric cars (Handout)

Authorities were racing Thursday to prevent a possible ecological disaster off the Dutch coast where a blaze raged aboard a car carrier ship for a second day.

The Fremantle Highway, a Panamanian-flagged vessel, remained tethered to a salvage ship but was drifting westwards following a fire that broke out on board late on Tuesday.

"The fire is still burning and there is still a lot of smoke," the Dutch coastguard said in its latest update, adding that the vessel was drifting westward in the wind and current.

"But the intensity of the fire seems to have diminished compared with yesterday."

The Fremantle Highway was "now 16 kilometres off the island of Terschelling," it said, adding: "The vessel is currently kept outside the traffic lanes, so that shipping traffic can pass at a safe distance".

"The temperature on board remains very high and putting out the fire is difficult," coastguard spokesman Edwin Granneman said.

Firefighting vessels have had to stop spraying the ship to cool it down "in order to prevent too much water coming on board" as it affected the ship's stability, the coastguard said.

"Earlier the ship was continuously cooled, but the blaze was more intense," they said.

- Electric cars -

One sailor died after he and 22 others -- all from India -- were rescued from the burning ship, carrying around 3,000 vehicles, and forcing some crew members to jump overboard.

The blaze erupted shortly before midnight on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the Dutch Safety Board (OVV) -- which probes accidents and disasters in the Netherlands -- said it will assist in the investigation into the on-board fire.

"Panamanian authorities are in charge of the probe, as the ship is registered there," the OVV posted online.

"The Board will specifically look at the role of the crew" during the disaster, it said.

Shoei Kisen Kaisha, the ship's owners, have said there was a "good chance that the fire started with electric cars", but added that the cause still needs to be investigated.

Story continues

- 'Very concerned' -

Officials said the fire could rage "for days", raising the spectre of an ecological disaster on a nearby chain of islands, which include Terschelling and Ameland, where the fire was first reported.

Several ships were on the scene, including the emergency tug boat Guardian "where a salvaging team is on board, monitoring the situation and planning an operation", the coastguard said.

Outgoing Dutch Infrastructure Minister Mark Harbers said should the Fremantle Highway spring a fuel leak, it could drift away from the Wadden Sea islands into the North Sea.

"This is due to the currently expected wave and wind direction," Harbers said.

The ship remained close to Terschelling and Ameland, which are part of an archipelago of ecologically sensitive islands in the Wadden Sea.

The area spanning the Netherlands, Germany and Denmark has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has a rich diversity of more than 10,000 aquatic and terrestrial species.

"The risk of an environmental disaster is always present," Granneman told BNR news radio. "You have to take into account a scenario in which the ship capsizes or sinks."

"It seems that the situation on the ship has stabilised somewhat," said Heidi Bunicich, spokeswoman for the Ameland municipality.

"But of course we are very concerned. We have emergency plans in place to deal with various scenarios," she told AFP.

The Fremantle Highway is an 18,500-tonne vessel and was sailing between Bremerhaven in Germany and Port Said in Egypt before its final destination in Singapore.

Some 340 containers tumbled off one of the world's largest container ships after a storm in the same area in early 2019, littering kilometres of pristine coastline with plastic and polystyrene.

Fires on car-carrying ships were increasingly the source of major losses, insurers said.

Last year the Felicity Ace sank off the coast of the Azores in the Atlantic Ocean with some 4,000 vehicles from German car maker Volkswagen on board.

jhe/yad/imm
A new spot in the Houston County Galleria serves coffee from around the world and freshly-blended smoothies, with two new walk-up restaurants on the way.

Also, a Conns HomePlus is moving into the former Sears Auto Center location.

Jaylen Covington serves up a mango smoothie at the new International Coffee Shop and Smoothie Bar inside the Houston County Galleria in Centerville.

Heres a quick look:

International Coffee & Smoothie Bar

Jessica Moore, a native of Brazil, said she was inspired by her moms tiny tiki hut when she opened this new spot in the food court of the mall. Her coffees come from Brazil, Ethiopia, Nigeria and other parts of the world.

The fruit for her smoothies is sliced fresh every morning. Shawn Lane of Warner Robins was enjoying a small mango smoothie on a recent visit.

It has a little cinnamon flavor, he said. Smoothie flavors offered that day included a banana strawberry, a mango strawberry and cookies & cream.

A mango smoothie from the International Coffee Shop and Smoothie Bar in the Houston County Galleria in Centerville.

La Bonita Mexican Food & Snacks

Nancy and Alondra Gutierrez, a mother and daughter team, are expanding their popular food truck to include a walk-up restaurant in the mall.

In addition to the Mexican snacks they offer on the food truck, theyll be serving street tacos, tortas, enchiladas, quesadillas and tamales at the mall.

She feels very happy and moved that shes opening up a place, Alondra said of her mom. Were just really blessed in our community and for their support.

They expect to open Sept. 1.

The mom and daughter team behind this popular food truck are opening soon a walk-up restaurant in the Houston County Galleria in Centerville.

Conns HomePlus

Based in The Woodlands, Texas, this home goods store offers appliances, furniture, mattresses, consumer electronics and home office products from national brands such as LG, Samsung, GE and more.

A city-issued permit for the remodel for Conns HomePlus is taped to a door on the former Sears Auto Center space. Conns HomePlus has more than 170 stores across 15 states. Crunch Fitness opened next door in December of last year.

Were looking to see a forward progression to the mall, said Christel McCrory, general manager for the Houston County Galleria.

Just Lobes Family Ear Piercing also is new to the mall, and another walk-up restaurant is expected to open in the food court in the near future, McCrory said.

Story continues

A permit for renovation to old Sears location at the Houston County Galleria in Centerville has been issued for the future home of a Conns HomePlus.

On the downside

With new eats coming to the food court, that also means others have left.

A space in the food court thats now for lease is the former home of The Georgia Dog, which served up gourmet hot dogs. Leonard LC Ashford, and his wife, Rebecca, also owned Cluck N Waffles, which Ashford had hoped to reopen in Macon after closing the Warner Robins location at the Publix at Gunn Battle shopping center. He could not be reached for comment.

A similar casualty was the Tacos El Jefe spot in the mall, with Antonio and Melissa Estrada also closing their fledgling restaurant by the same name in Fort Valley after being open less than year. The Estradas could not be reached for comment.

The Big Bird Shack, which also opened in May of last year in the mall, also is no more. Marlena Blecher, who opened the spot with her husband, Ruchardo, said they are weighing their options after closing in March and are considering operating a food truck.

The other walk-up food spots inside the mall include longtime tenants Chens Wok, Teriyaki Japan and Bonnies Cookies. For more about a host of shops and businesses offered at the mall, visit the Houston County Galleria website and Facebook page.

Houston County Galleria in Centerville.
Residents, city officials and community leaders gathered Thursday evening at the Broadway Armory in Edgewater to raise complaints against recently announced city plans to move programming from the armory in order to provide temporary shelter for asylum-seekers.

News in May that the city was eyeing the Broadway Armory at 5917 N. Broadway as a possible site immediately sparked questions and concerns from the Edgewater community and nearby residents who take part in Chicago Park District services for seniors and teens in the facility.

Prior to the evening meeting, attended by more than 100 people, Edgewater residents, carrying signs and chanting, held a news conference outside the armory, saying they were left out of the planning process.

Despite intervention from Ald. Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth, 48th, to facilitate meetings and involve the community in the decision-making process , her efforts failed, she said in her latest letter to her constituents.

Manaa-Hoppenworth confirmed in a letter that the regular programming at the armory is set to end this weekend, ahead of the opening of the shelter next Tuesday. However, contrary to initial reports, the senior center and a trapeze school will continue operating as normal. The rest of the parks programing, including the gymnastics facility, will cease or relocate.

Since she learned of the citys plan, Ginger Williams, a director of the local senior citizen advocacy group Edgewater Village Chicago, collected signatures against the repurposing of the facility, saying that the most vulnerable would be displaced.

Edie Tillis, a retired schoolteacher who runs programming at the armory, said the news made her sad. She carried a pink petition form and said shed already collected 500 names. She said the lack of programs for youths will have a deep effect on the community.

Im so accustomed to working with children and with young people, and encouraging them. When you work as long as I have with young people, many times I can look on their faces and I can know something is wrong or something is going on, she said. Now theyre taking the whole building.

Story continues

Troy McMillan, a member of Save Our Broadway Armory Park, called the community center sacred.

This is the heart of our community of this ward, she said. It serves as a community center and a safe place for some of our most vulnerable residents, our at-risk youth, our low-income working families, our older adults, our immigrants, our migrants, our refugees. These are our people.

Pat Sharkey, a convener of the Coalition of Edgewater Block Clubs and Residents Associations, said the city is taking away programming from a community of thousands. Sharkey said the building is meant to be used for programming, not housing.

At least 300 migrants are expected to be moved in, mostly adults with children, according to Manaa-Hoppenworth, though Sharkey said that number is closer to 600. Though the shelter is set to be temporary, there is no clear timeline for how long the shelter will be in operation.

We want to talk to you about what that really looks like and what it means and what we can do to make it work, Beatriz Ponce de Leon, deputy mayor for immigrant, migrant, and refugee rights for Mayor Brandon Johnson, said to residents who sat in folding chairs in the armory gymnasium. We are not here permanently, we are not here for multiple years, we are here as a temporary shelter.

Nearly 1,000 asylum-seekers continue to sleep on floors of Chicago police stations as the city grapples with finding and equipping buildings to become adequate settlers. Several park facilities, including the Leone Beach Field House in Rogers Park, Brands Parks field house in Avondale and Piotrowski Park in Little Village, have been turned into makeshift shelters.

Matt Doughtie, an emergency coordinator with the citys Office of Emergency Management and Communications, explained to residents that city shelters must meet certain safety requirements to be allowed to house asylum-seekers. He said officials chose the armory because it was publicly owned and ready to go.

Ponce de Leon said the city scrambled to receive three buses from Texas with migrants on Thursday alone. Every day more migrants are arriving to Chicago, mostly from Central and South America.

Beginning August 1, the Broadway Armory will serve as a temporary shelter due to the overwhelming and growing need for shelter, read four screens that faced the audience, causing residents to boo loudly.

The senior center at the armory is a satellite center of the Department of Family and Support Services where low-income seniors have access to critical services and activities. When the shelter opens, the senior dining center will continue to serve meals, but the computer lab and pingpong room will be closed.

Though the senior center and the trapeze school, a private business inside the gymnasium, will remain in operation after the shelter opens, sharing the space may not be feasible, said Birgit Hampton, the new owner of the trapeze school.

But even if its not the most ideal situation, were grateful the city is at least trying to accommodate us, she said.

Initially, Hampton said she was upset when she learned that city officials had designated the armory as a shelter without taking into consideration the hundreds of seniors and children that frequent the space consistently.

Hampton said that while she feels sympathy for the asylum-seekers and understands that the humanitarian crisis is forcing the city to take drastic measures to repurpose buildings into shelters, safety is her main concern.

When the gym in the armory was turned into a homeless shelter during the early months of the pandemic, some of the schools equipment was damaged or stolen, Hampton said.

But city officials have promised separate entrances for the school, the senior center and the shelter, she added. Thats my hope.

The armory is a former National Guard facility that has five gyms and 13 meeting rooms. It became an important community hub for people in the area and surrounding neighborhoods in 1985, hosting programs and services for underserved communities including seniors and teens, according to Manaa-Hoppenworth.

Stella Campbell, 72, and her husband Ken, 73, said the center is of extreme importance to the seniors in the area, who depend on the hot lunches and the services provided for them at low cost. There are few places like this in the city, she said.

Ken Campbell said that what angers him is the citys decision to repurpose the space without taking the communitys concerns or suggestions into consideration.

There are hundreds of other buildings that could have been turned into a shelter where maybe less people would have been affected if they had to cancel or relocate the services they provide, he said.

Volunteers for the 48th Ward Neighbors for Justice set up a table outside the armory to collect donations.

Support your new neighbors! read their sign.

Correction: An earlier version of this story misstated the identity of the speaker from Mayor Brandon Johnsons office. The error has been corrected.

nsalzman@chicagotribune.com

larodriguez@chicagotribune.com
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Bakersfield) has not yet announced an inquiry into impeaching President Biden. (Patrick Semansky / Associated Press)

Even with subsequent qualifications, House Speaker Kevin McCarthys floating of the idea of an inquiry into impeaching President Biden is irresponsible and another example of McCarthy giving aid and comfort to the crazy caucus of the Republican Party.

In an interview on  where else?  Fox News, the Bakersfield Republican referred to congressional investigations of the Biden family and said: This is rising to the level of impeachment inquiry, which provides Congress the strongest power to get the rest of the knowledge and information needed. McCarthy later clarified that he was not yet announcing an impeachment inquiry.

Impeachment of the president is supposed to be based on the commission of high crimes and misdemeanors. But we are far from any justification for an impeachment inquiry. McCarthy cited old, much-hyped but unsubstantiated allegations that the president accepted bribes or was involved in questionable business activities of his son Hunter Biden when he was vice president. In an obvious attempt to damage Biden's presidential bid, Senate Republicans tried, and failed, in 2020 to find evidence of corruption in these same allegations. Last October, McCarthy said that he didn't see a basis for impeachment proceedings.

Read more: Editorial: The GOP's Mayorkas impeachment sideshow

In what seemed like another see-saw, Politico reported that on Wednesday the speaker told a closed-door meeting of House Republicans that an impeachment probe would be launched only when and if Republicans secured the evidence to justify one. If thats true, why raise impeachment at this point  other than to placate the partys extremists? Or perhaps it's an attempt to provide a distraction as Trump faces another criminal indictment, this time for allegedly trying to overturn the results of the 2020 election.

There are some people that arent going to be happy until everybody in Washington gets impeached, Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas) told Politico. House Republicans are currently considering impeaching Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas for "disastrous" border management and have recently raised the prospect of going after U.S Atty. Gen. Merrick Garland too. Treating impeachment as a routine tactic is contrary to the Constitution and corrosive of public trust in government.

Story continues

Read more: Editorial: Trump should never return to the White House

Even worse would be to use this tactic as tit-for-tat retaliation for the two impeachments of Donald Trump by a Democratic-controlled House. Those impeachments were justified by evidence of Trump's pressure on Ukraine to investigate Biden, and Trumps role in inciting the Jan. 6, 2021 riot at the Capitol. In any event, the Republican-controlled House has been able to investigate allegations against Biden and has yet to find evidence of any wrongdoing.

In recent years, McCarthy has played many parts on the political stage: enabler of election denial, Trump apologist (he said he supports the idea pushed by extremists in his party to expunge the two impeachments of Trump) and punching bag for extremists in his party who prevented him from winning the speakership until the 15th ballot.

Does he want to add the even more demeaning role of ringmaster of the circus that an impeachment inquiry could easily become?

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.
Sergio Lopez, 45, pours cold water over his head to cool off while working around his mobile home in Thermal on July 11. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

Not a lot of people know about one of California's worst disasters in the last few decades, one that overwhelmed hospitals, sent bodies piling up in coroners offices and was deadlier than the 1994 Northridge earthquake or the 2018 Camp fire.

Thats what happened when a severe heat wave smothered California in July 2006, killing an estimated 650 people. But it may be tough to recall because unlike hurricanes, wildfires or earthquakes, heat waves don't typically have names. They are already the deadliest weather-related hazard, and theyre getting worse because of climate change. Yet they remain ill-defined and anonymous threats, silent, invisible killers that few people take seriously until it is too late.

But what if the most life-threatening heat waves did have names? Would people pay more attention to the risks of a heat wave Zoe or Cleon? Could lives be saved?

There is initial evidence it could, as seen in some areas in Europe that have begun categorizing and naming the most severe heat waves based on their threat to people's lives and health.

Read more: Editorial: California has to rethink building homes in climate-threatened areas

Under state legislation signed last year, California is now developing a $3-million extreme heat ranking and early warning system to be in place by January 2025 that could include giving names to specific heat waves. In Spain, Seville started piloting a formal system to categorize and name heat waves last summer. This month, Greece and Cyprus adopted the name "Cleon" for one of the region's worst and longest heat waves on record, and some think tanks, meteorologists and public health experts are pushing for the practice to be replicated and standardized in other communities.

But the World Meteorological Organization opposes naming heat waves on the grounds that it would confuse and distract the public. What works for tropical cyclones may not be appropriate for heat waves because they are not as clearly distinguishable and predictable. And the National Weather Service has no plans to rank or name heat waves either, saying that heat and its health impacts vary so dramatically across different regions and seasons that even coming up with a standard definition of a heat wave is impossible.

Story continues

But authorities should rethink their stance. There's nothing to lose by trying out a pilot program to name the most dangerous heat waves, such as the one currently baking much of the United States. Its pretty clear the current approach to these disasters is falling far short of whats necessary to protect lives. And because heat is so much less visually arresting than fire, storms or floods, we need other ways to call attention to it and warn the public of the danger.

Read more: Editorial: Climate change is roasting L.A. The city can save lives by requiring A/C in rentals

A recently released study found that more than 61,000 people died from heat-related causes in Europe last summer. An estimated 3,900 people in California died of heat-related causes between 2010 and 2019, and the years since have only brought new temperature extremes and deaths.

Death from heat is preventable, and on a warming planet we need bold new messaging to wake people up to its dangers.

This summer, as many experience relentless high temperatures fueled by greenhouse gas pollution and El Nino, there has been new openness to the idea of naming heat waves. People in Southern Europe have dubbed the July heat wave Cerberus, a three-headed dog that guards the underworld in Greek mythology.

Seville's new system ranks heat waves on a three-tier scale and assigns names to the most dangerous ones working backward from Z to A. The first one to be named under that system was Zoe last summer.

Read more: Editorial: Get the 'forever chemicals' out of our drinking water

Preliminary results of a survey of more than 2,000 people in Spain found that people who knew last summers heat wave was named Zoe were also more likely to take actions to stay safe, including drinking more water, spending more time indoors and warning others about the risk.

Though more research is needed, this suggests that naming heat waves, combined with stronger messaging, can not only help change peoples perception of the risk, but prompt them to take protective action.

It makes intuitive sense that instead of telling people that its going to be really hot, it would be more effective to broadcast that Heat Wave Zoe, a dangerous Category 3 event, will start tomorrow and heres what you can do to protect yourself, your neighbors and co-workers. Names, after all, are easier to remember than numbers or weather forecasts.

Read more: Editorial: Can Taylor Swift fans save public transit? Maybe

Organizations like the Weather Service and WMO argue that instead of naming heat waves its better to focus on strengthening forecasting and warning systems and simplifying public messaging to more clearly convey the danger. Others raise concerns that names could be silly or offensive, such as Beelzebub, and that overdoing them could lead to alarm fatigue and desensitize people to the risk.

But if anything, those worries could be best addressed by trusted institutions establishing a standardized ranking and naming system for the highest-risk heat waves instead of it being done ad hoc by media outlets and rogue meteorologists.

A careful design process that includes forecasters, emergency management and risk communication specialists and local officials can anticipate any negative consequences.

And when authorities fail to respond to other types of disasters  think Hurricane Katrina  the name can become a valuable shorthand for accountability. But its hard to make progress fighting an enemy with no name.

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.
The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam began generating electricity in 2022. Minasse Hailu/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images

Egypt and Ethiopia have waged a diplomatic war of words over Ethiopias massive new dam  the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam  on the Blue Nile, which started filling up in July 2020. The political row has threatened to get out of hand on occasion but now the two countries have finally agreed to conclude a mutually acceptable agreement within four months. We asked John Mukum Mbaku, the author of a recent article on the Ethiopian dam and a co-author of a book on the Nile Rivers changing legal regime, to answer four key questions.

What is the context of the current tussle?

Ethiopia, whose highlands provide more than 85% of the water that flows into the Nile, has long argued that it has the right under international law to manage resources within its own borders for its national development. It sees the Nile as a gift of God given to Ethiopians to use for their development.

Egypt, which depends on the Nile for more than 90% of its fresh water, has argued that the Ethiopian dam represents a threat to its water security and its very existence as a people.

The decision by Addis Ababa to begin construction of the dam on the Blue Nile in 2011 exacerbated an already deteriorating relationship between Ethiopia and its two downstream neighbours, Egypt and Sudan, over access to Nile waters. After Egypts diplomatic efforts failed to stop construction, Cairo redirected its energies to securing a legally binding agreement for filling and operating the dam.

But no mutually acceptable agreement for filling and operating the dam was ever reached.

In August 2020, Addis Ababa began to fill the dams reservoir. That process was repeated in 2021 and 2022.

In 2023, Ethiopian prime minister Abiy Ahmed announced that the country would delay the fourth filling until September to alleviate the concerns of neighbouring people.

The dams reservoir filling in particular, and its operation in general, are issues that the three countries must resolve, most likely through a legally binding agreement or treaty.

Story continues

In February 2022, the Ethiopian dam started producing electricity. Egyptians claimed that Addis Ababa was violating its obligations under the 2015 Declaration of Principles and endangering Egyptian water interests.

What are the main sticking points going into the talks?

An agreement would have to explicitly deal with issues that are important to Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan. The most important are Egypts and Sudans historically acquired rights to Nile waters. The rights were granted by the 1929 Anglo-Egyptian Treaty and the 1959 bilateral agreement between Egypt and Sudan (1959 Nile Treaty).

After estimating the average annual flow of the Nile River as measured at Aswan to be 84 billion cubic metres, the two treaties granted 66% of Nile waters to Egypt, 22% to Sudan and 12% to account for seepage and evaporation. These allocations exhausted all the Niles average annual flow of water. Egypt was also granted veto power over all construction projects on the Nile and its tributaries.

These rights came to be known as Egypts and Sudans acquired rights. They have been the main sticking point in efforts to conclude a treaty between all 11 Nile riparian states for the allocation of the waters of the Nile, as well as between Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan over the Ethiopian dam.

While Ethiopia and other upstream riparian states see these two treaties as colonial anachronisms that have no relevance to modern Nile governance, Egypt and Sudan insist that they are binding.

What impact would a breakthrough have on other Nile Basin agreements?

The impact will depend on what type of agreement is reached. Assume that both Egypt and Sudan agree to abandon the rights granted by the 1929 and 1959 treaties. They could then enter into negotiation with Ethiopia to produce a new treaty that creates rights for all three states.

Such a treaty could provide the impetus for all 11 Nile Basin states to return to the Cooperative Framework Agreement, which was expected to provide a legal framework for governing the Nile based on equitable and reasonable water use. The framework agreement has been in limbo since Egypt and Sudan rejected it.

The other Nile Basin states see these colonial-era treaties as a violation of international law principles, and a breach of the vision of the Nile Basin Initiative.

What other claims threaten the status quo?

Egypt fears that if Addis Ababa is allowed to fill the reservoir without a legally binding agreement, other Nile Basin states might also take unilateral actions. This could harm Egypts water security and ability to control projects on the Nile River and its tributaries.

Then, there is the matter of how to manage issues related to climate change, such as droughts and floods. The existence of the dam means Addis Ababas cooperation will be required. In times of drought, for example, the Ethiopian dam will be expected to release some water to help Egypt and Sudan.

Ethiopias right to water for agriculture and household consumption is an issue that has not yet been agreed upon by all three countries.

Egypt and Sudan are worried about the harm that could come to them from activities upstream. Egypt remains adamant that the dam will hurt its water supply and threaten domestic development.

But Sudanese officials appear to have changed their assessment of the impact of the dam. They now see it as a potential regulator of seasonal floods and provider of clean energy.

These issues should be examined thoroughly during the negotiations. The three countries should adopt a treaty or agreement that is mutually acceptable and beneficial.

Over the years, the three countries have struggled to bring meaning to terms like significant harm and equitable and reasonable utilisation. The final treaty should define these terms. It should also create a mediation mechanism, which can include referring certain specified matters to the International Court of Justice for resolution.

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: John Mukum Mbaku, Weber State University.

Read more:



John Mukum Mbaku 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.
Fridays high temperatures mean many people will be cranking up the air conditioning, so Duquesne Light is preparing for possible stress on the grid and resulting power outages.

From our perspective, we make sure all the lines, the poles, the underground infrastructure, we inspect it regularly and we make sure it can handle the peak voltage times, said Hollie Geitner, Duquesne Light director of communications and brand.

The company says they will staff extra crews throughout the day to safely address any outages as quickly as possible.

If you have lights and televisions on in a room that you arent really using, turn them off, said Geitner, who added its a great day to cook outside.

PJM, the grid that supplies power to Pennsylvania, posted the following on its website.

A dedicated team of operators uses sophisticated technology to balance supply and demand and direct the power grid 24/7 from PJMs control rooms.

There are a few things you can do ahead of time to prepare, including having ice ready for cooling packs and keeping cell phones charged.

West Penn Power suggests unplugging unnecessary devices and avoiding using heat-producing appliances to stay cool while saving money on your energy bill.

If your power does go out, avoid opening the freezer and refrigerator. Food will stay frozen in a fully loaded freezer for up to 48 hours.

Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW

TRENDING NOW:

17-year-old dead after stabbing in Schenley Park Sinead OConnor death: Police release statement Mother of 17-year-old who died after stabbing in Schenley Park shares her tragic experience VIDEO: Residents of local apartment building damaged in fire still looking for permanent housing, answers DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts
The 75th Emmy Awards are the latest production to be put on pause due to the Hollywood strikes and will not air as planned in September.

A person familiar with the postponement plans but not authorized to speak publicly pending an official announcement confirmed the delay Friday. No information about a new date was immediately available.

The Emmy Awards were scheduled to be broadcast on Fox on Sept. 18. Rules laid out by the actors' union, the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, say stars cannot campaign for the Emmys or attend awards shows while on strike.

Writers are also not permitted to work on awards shows until the strike ends.

Whenever the next Emmy Awards are held, HBO will walk in as the leading contender. The network is up for 74 awards for three of its top shows:  Succession, The White Lotus and The Last of Us.

Ted Lasso has the most comedy category nominations with 21, including best comedy series and best actor for Jason Sudeikis.

Roughly 65,000 SAG-AFTRA actors and 11,500 Writers Guild of America screenwriters are on strike, calling for better pay, structure with residual payments and protection from the use of artificial intelligence.
You are here: China

A remote sensing satellite group composed of three satellites carried by a Long March-2D carrier rocket is launched from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China's Sichuan Province, July 27, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

China launched a Long March-2D carrier rocket on Thursday to place a remote sensing satellite group composed of three satellites in space.

The three satellites of the Yaogan-36 family were launched at 04:02 a.m. (Beijing Time) from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in the southwestern province of Sichuan and entered the preset orbit.

This mission is the 480th flight of the Long March carrier rockets.

The Long March series carrier rockets have set a new record of 150 consecutive successful launches.

Thursday's launch is also the 78th mission of Long March Long March-2D carrier rocket.

The Long March-2D carrier rocket is a two-stage launch vehicle with a take-off thrust of 300 tonnes.

It is capable of lifting 1.3-tonne payloads to the solar synchronous circular orbit 700 km above Earth.

This rocket has the launch capabilities of single-satellites and multi-satellites to various orbits. It can be launched from the country's three major satellite launch centers in Jiuquan, Taiyuan and Xichang.

Thursday's launch is also the first launch mission of the Long March-2D carrier rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center this year.

To ensure stable operation of the launch site in the hot and rainy climate during the summer, the rocket has undergone improvements in terms of its design, production, storage and inspection based on experiences from previous missions. Waterproof and rainproof measures have been implemented for both the rocket and the launch facilities.

Measures, including continuous air supply to the satellite fairing, have been adopted to ensure safer and sounder environmental conditions for the satellites.
The 2023 Emmy Awards are reportedly being postponed, marking the first time the ceremony has been pushed back since the 9/11 terror attacks in 2001.

Strikes by actors and writers that have effectively shut down Hollywood have prompted the move, with tens of thousands in the industry unable to promote their work due to the action.

US insider site Variety reported on Thursday (27 July) that vendors for the 75th Primetime Emmys have officially been told that the ceremony will not air on 18 September as planned.

Fox is expected to announce that the Emmys will be rescheduled to January next year.

The awards will only still go ahead in January 2024 if a resolution is made between the studios and guilds before then.

This is the first time the Emmys have been pushed back since 2001, when the attacks on the Twin Towers and retaliatory military action delayed the ceremony until November.

This month marked a historic shutdown for Hollywood as the actors guild members joined writers striking for a fairer deal. SAG-AFTRAs strike comprising 150,000 television and movie actors began at midnight on 13 July.

Meanwhile, members of the Writers Guild of America (WGA) have been on strike since May.

This is the first time since 1960 that both actors and writers have picketed film and television production companies.

The unions are concerned about contracts keeping up with inflation, residual payments in the streaming era and being protected against the threat of AI being used to create their likenesses and replace them.

Numerous high profile Hollywood stars have spoken out in support of the strikes or been seen on picket lines, from Mark Ruffalo to Susan Sarandon.

Succession cast and crew at 2022 Emmys (Getty Images)

Dwayne Johnson reportedly donated a seven-figure amount to The Screen Actors Guild, money that will likely help members through the unions Emergency Financial Assistance Programme.

Nominees for the 2023 Emmys were announced earlier this month, just before actors joined writers in their strike. HBO shows Succession,The Last of Us andThe White Lotus led the pack with the most nods.

Succession made history at the nominations, after it was revealed that its stars Brian Cox, Kieran Culkin and Jeremy Strong will compete against each other for the Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series category. This marks the most actors to ever be nominated from the same show in this category.

The full list of Emmy nominees for 2023 can be found here.
If the Hollywood strike were still in effect by the time of the Emmys ceremony, no stars would be able to attend (Robyn Beck)

This year's Emmy Awards will be postponed due to the ongoing Hollywood strikes, US media reported Thursday.

Television's equivalent of the Oscars was scheduled to take place in September, but could be pushed as far back as January, the Los Angeles Times reported.

Trade publication Variety said "vendors, producers and others involved with the event" have already been informed of the delay, which has not yet been officially announced.

A source familiar with the plans told AFP that a new date for the show has not yet been set.

Hollywood's actors and writers are both currently on strike, in the first industry-wide walkout for 63 years.

Stars would not be able to attend the Emmys if the actors' strike was still in effect at the time of the ceremony -- a development that would be disastrous for television ratings.

Writers would also not be allowed to script a monologue or jokes for the telecast's host and presenters.

According to reports, Fox -- this year's Emmy Awards broadcaster in the United States -- has been pushing to delay until January, giving the strikes longer to be resolved.

The Television Academy, who vote for and host the awards, preferred a shorter postponement, as January lands the Emmys right in the middle of Hollywood's packed film award season.

Neither Fox nor the Television Academy has commented.

The last time the Emmys were delayed was in 2001, when the ceremony was postponed in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

The Hollywood strikes have essentially shut down all US movie and television productions, with limited exceptions such as reality and game shows.

Members of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) and the Writers Guild of America (WGA) are barred from promoting their movies and series.

The unions' demands have focused on dwindling pay in the streaming era, and the threat posed to their careers and future livelihoods by artificial intelligence.

Nominations for the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards were announced earlier this month, just hours before talks between studios and SAG-AFTRA collapsed.

Story continues

"Succession," the HBO drama about an ultra-wealthy family fighting for control of a sinister media empire, led the nominations with a whopping 27 nods, including best drama.

"The Last of Us" became the first live-action video game adaptation to earn major nominations, with 24, while satire "The White Lotus" earned 23 nods.

amz/mca
An Emmy Award Bettmann / Getty Images

The 2023 Emmys may no longer air in 2023.

The 75th Primetime Emmy Awards are set to be delayed due to the ongoing writers' and actors' strikes that have shut down Hollywood. According to Variety, vendors have been informed that the ceremony will no longer be broadcast on Sept. 18.

This is the first time the Emmys have been delayed since 2001. The event was first postponed that year after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, as it was originally set to air on Sept. 16, 2001. The broadcast was then postponed again due to the beginning of the war in Afghanistan. It ultimately aired on Nov. 4.

This decision comes two weeks into a work stoppage by SAG-AFTRA, as actors joined the picket lines alongside writers who have already been on strike since May. The actors' strike began just days after the Emmy nominations were announced. During the strike, actors are not permitted to promote their work, bringing an end to all awards campaigning. Had the Emmys taken place during the strikes, actors would not be able to attend, and there would be no written material for the host.

A new date for the Emmys has not been announced. But Variety reports the Television Academy is pushing for November, while Fox wants to air the show in January. Even though the ceremony itself has been postponed, Emmys voting will reportedly still take place as scheduled from Aug. 17 through Aug. 28.

You may also like

Homepage
Russia has illegally held Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant engineer Serhii Potynh in captivity since June and subjected him to torture, Ukraine's state nuclear energy company Energoatom reported on July 28.

"More than a month ago on June 23, 2023, the (Russian) invaders abducted Serhii Potynh, a labor protection engineer of the Central Technical and Administrative Department of the temporarily occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, who remained to work at the station," Energoatom wrote on its Telegram channel.

According to the company's statement, Potynh was seen at a police station where the occupation authorities held other employees of the plant and local residents.

"Serhii, held in actual captivity by the Russians, is regularly subjected to torture and physical violence."

The occupation authorities reportedly hospitalize him after every round of torture so that he does not die. Potynh's relatives living under occupation confirmed that he is alive, Energoatom informed.

Potynh suffers from constant harassment even though no charges were pressed against him, the statement said.

Russia has occupied the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant and the nearby city of Enerhodar since March 2022.

Energoatom previously reported on July 21 that the Russian-appointed "General Director" of the plant is putting pressure on Ukrainian workers who have refused to sign contracts with Russia's state nuclear operator to reactivate the fourth reactor.

According to Energoatom, the operational staff brought in from Russia lacks the necessary expertise to work in the plant. Russian forces occupying the plant are trying to reconcile this by coercing Ukrainian specialists to work with them.

Experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said on July 24 that they had observed anti-personnel mines around the plant. On July 22, the IAEA reported explosions "some distance away from the plant."

Story continues

In late June, Ukraine's officials warned that Russia is planting explosives at the nuclear power station with a possible intention of a terror attack by releasing radiation.

Read also: Locals near Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant brace for potential disaster: It would be the end of us

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
An Erie man charged federally with igniting a liquid and throwing it into a downtown coffee shop during rioting that took place in the city in May 2020 was sentenced on Friday to serve five years in prison.

Melquan Barnett, 31, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter in U.S. District Court in Erie on his guilty plea on Jan. 4 to a felony count of malicious destruction of property by fire. Under the plea deal, the U.S. Attorney's Office and Barnett's lawyer agreed that he should receive no more than five years in federal prison when he was sentenced.

Barnett could have faced up to 20 years in prison on the charge.

Paradise Baxter followed the recommendation of prosecutors and Barnett's lawyer in sentencing him. She also sentenced Barnett to serve three years on supervision and ordered him to pay $3,295 in restitution.

More: Guilty plea entered in arson at coffee shop during Erie riots; deal reached over sentence

Peaceful demonstration turns into riot

Authorities accused Barnett of throwing an ignitable liquid he lit into Ember + Forge coffee shop on State Street through a broken window on the evening of May 30, 2020, as rioting was taking place in Erie's downtown. The rioting was in response to the death days earlier of George Floyd, who died while he was in police custody in Minneapolis.

An Erie man charged federally with throwing a flammable liquid into the Ember + Forge coffee shop on State Street during rioting that was taking place downtown on May 30, 2020, was sentenced on Friday to serve five years in prison.

A demonstration that authorities said was peaceful had taken place in downtown Erie shortly before the rioting broke out.

The fire did not injure anyone or cause extensive damage to the coffee shop, but authorities said the apartments above the coffee shop were occupied at the time. The fire was quickly extinguished and the coffee shop opened days later.

Barnett did not address the court at his sentencing. His lawyer, Charles Sunwabe, told the court that, for the vast majority of people who identify themselves as African American, the actions that led to Floyd's death were "almost like the last straw for our community." But he said Barnett made a mistake, and Barnett has taken the right steps to remedy what he did.

Story continues

Paradise Baxter, in her comments to Barnett, said that, in a split-second, he decided to do what he did that night.

"And in a split-second, you should have decided to go the other way," she said.

All but one of Erie riot cases resolved

Barnett was one of 26 people charged by Erie police with offenses related to the rioting, from summary counts of disorderly conduct and failure to comply to felony counts of aggravated assault and rioting. During the unrest, according to police, some downtown buildings and other property were vandalized, an attempt was made to break into Erie City Hall, rocks and other items were thrown at law enforcement officers, and a person was shot by another citizen.

All but one of the cases against the accused group have been resolved through the courts or through the withdrawal of charges. One man charged with felony aggravated assault and other offenses related to the unrest had not been apprehended or arraigned on the charges he faces as of Friday, according to online court records.

More: Feds charge Erie man in Ember + Forge fire during riot

Barnett and another man initially charged by Erie police, Tyvarh Nicholson, were later charged federally for their accused actions during the rioting. Nicholson, whom authorities accused of having Molotov cocktails and of attempting to ignite and throw them, later pleaded guilty to a felony count of possession of an unregistered firearm or destructive device. He was sentenced in December 2021 to serve three years and four months in prison.

Contact Tim Hahn at thahn@timesnews.com. Follow him on Twitter @ETNhahn.

This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Erie man sentenced to 5 years in coffee shop arson during 2020 riots
Should the outcome of the EU investigation go against Microsoft, the firm could face a heavy fine or other ordered remedies (GERARD JULIEN)

The European Commission on Thursday announced an antitrust probe into Microsoft bundling its Teams communications app with its popular Office suite, on concerns the firm could be cutting out competitors.

The investigation, to see whether the US software giant is "abusing and defending its market position" through the practice, comes as computer users have widely adopted online meetings since the coronavirus pandemic.

"Remote communication and collaboration tools like Teams have become indispensable for many businesses in Europe," said the commission's antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager.

"We must therefore ensure that the markets for these products remain competitive, and companies are free to choose the products that best meet their needs," she said.

A Microsoft spokesman said the tech giant would cooperate with the commission's investigation.

"We respect the European Commission's work on this case and take our own responsibilities very seriously," he said, adding that the company was "committed to finding solutions that will address its concerns".

Teams is a platform that allows users to communicate through messages, video calls and file sharing.

The trigger for the commission's probe was a July 2020 complaint from Slack, a US start-up competitor to Teams which has since been bought by the company Salesforce.

As its market share shrank, Slack lodged its complaint with the EU executive.

Other rival communications platforms include Zoom, Google Meet and Cisco Webex.

Microsoft bundles Teams with its cloud-based Office 365 and Microsoft 365 suites, which offer its popular Word, Excel, Powerpoint and Excel programmes.

The commission said that the shift to cloud-based platforms and apps has allowed more players to enter the market, and noted that such software is usually subscription-based, locking users in longterm.

It underlined that the Microsoft cloud-based suites were "well-entrenched", and bundling Teams with them could be "restricting competition" in Europe.

Story continues

- AI-enhanced Teams -

"The Commission is concerned that Microsoft may grant Teams a distribution advantage by not giving customers the choice on whether or not to include access to that product when they subscribe to their productivity suites and may have limited the interoperability between its productivity suites and competing offerings," its statement said.

"These practices may constitute anti-competitive tying or bundling and prevent suppliers of other communication and collaboration tools from competing," it said, adding that its probe would be carried out as "a priority".

Should the outcome of the investigation go against Microsoft, the firm could face a heavy fine or other ordered remedies.

There is no defined deadline for the probe to wrap up, with the commission taking more time if needed for complex antitrust cases.

Recently, Microsoft has been introducing artificial intelligence advances into its Teams product.

On its website, the company advertises the changes as making the user experience faster and helping to "scale your business to achieve more together".

Teams has been part of its Office 365 and Microsoft 365 suites since 2017, taking over from its Skype for business offering.

The company views Teams as an integral element of its range software offerings and the importance of the app has grown exponentially since the pandemic forced office workers into remote working -- a habit that holds today.

Microsoft would be loath to see Teams's shine diminished and is likely to argue that nothing prevents users from using Zoom or Slack in its place, alongside or instead of Teams.

aro-rmb/del/jmm
Attorneys Friday argued over whether new evidence should be admitted in the trial of Othal Wallace, the man accused of killing Daytona Beach Police Officer Jason Raynor.

New testimony claims Raynor was possibly investigating a report of a stolen vehicle that looked similar to the one Wallace was in when prosecutors said he fatally shot Raynor.

The judge said he was inclined to admit the evidence but would do more research before issuing a ruling.

Wallace, 31, was charged with first-degree murder in the killing of Raynor in 2021. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty.

Assistant State Attorney Jason Lewis questioned Daytona Beach Police Crime Analyst Priscilla Pringle about an email she sent on June 23 a little after midnight regarding a gray 2014 Honda CR-V, which was reported stolen. The Honda CR-V had been detected by a license plate reader.

Wallace was sitting in a gray Honda HR-V when Raynor went to question him shortly before the officer was shot, according to records.

One of Wallace's defense attorneys, Tim Pribisco, questioned Pringle about whether she could tell if an officer had opened that email. Pringle said she could not tell, but that it would have been sent to all Daytona Beach police officers.

Defendant Othal Wallace, who is accused of killing a Daytona Beach police officer, looks around the courtroom, Friday, July 28, 2023, during a hearing at the S. James Foxman Justice Center in Daytona Beach.

Former Daytona Beach police officer Amanda Dickens testified that Raynor reviewed such emails. She said she had discussed with Raynor about the BOLO, or "be on the lookout," for the stolen Honda. She said Raynor told her that he was going to look for the stolen car in the area of the city where such cars are usually dumped.

Under questioning by Pribisco, Dickens, who is now an Orange County Sheriff's deputy, said she did not file a report about the conversation she had with Raynor regarding going to look for the car.

Pribisco said that it was only until a couple of months ago at her deposition that she mentioned the conversation.

According to previous reports, Raynor was patrolling the area because of complaints about criminal activity when he encountered Wallace. Previous reports did not state that Raynor approached Wallace because of a stolen car report.

Story continues

Pribisco argued that introducing evidence about the stolen car would prejudice the jury against Wallace and suggest the officer had a reason to question him.

Lewis argued the issue of the stolen car was relevant. Lewis also said prosecutors could not bring Raynor into court and ask him why he decided to question Wallace because Wallace had killed him.

Circuit Judge Raul Zambrano presided over the hearing at the S. James Foxman Justice Center in Daytona Beach. Zambrano said he was inclined to agree with prosecutors that the stolen car evidence was relevant. But the judge wanted to do more analysis on any prejudicial issues it could cause with the jury before issuing a written ruling.

State Attorney R.J. Larizza sat the state table along with Assistant State Attorneys Andrew Urbanak and Lewis.

Othal Wallace speaks with his defense team, Friday, July 28, 2023, during a hearing in Judge Raul Zambrano's courtroom at the S. James Foxman Justice Center in Daytona Beach.

Wallace sat with his defense attorneys, Pribisco, Garry Wood and Terry Shoemaker. Wallace wrote notes on a legal pad and spoke with attorneys at times during the hearing.

Zambrano reviewed a body camera video of the shooting in his chambers. The defense provided the judge a flash drive with the video and Zambrano asked about placing unfamiliar flash drives in his computer. Lewis said he had just used it and it was OK.

Zambrano joked that he was not sure he should trust him anymore than the defense, which drew laughter from those in the courtroom.

Prosecutors also said that they would no longer seek to introduce any claim that Wallace was a member of a gang as an aggravator in support of the death penalty.

Defense: Raynor's questioning of Wallace was unlawful detention

The defense plans to argue that Raynors questioning of Wallace was an unlawful detention.

In doing so, Pribisco said the defense wants to introduce evidence about a stop Raynor made in January 2021 in which the police department later found Raynor had violated department policy. Pribisco said Raynor stopped a woman and threatened to break the window on the car she was driving. Pribisco also said Raynor handcuffed the woman and slammed her onto the hood of the car. The department had recommended that Raynor receive a 12-hour suspension stemming from the incident.

Urbanak said that introducing such character evidence is not allowed under case law unless Wallace was claiming self-defense and the defense has not claimed that thus far.

Urbanak also said that if the court allowed character evidence then trials would last for months as both sides called witnesses to testify about a persons character, both good and bad.

Zambrano said he would issue a written ruling at a later time.

Volusia Sheriff's Office bailiffs escort Othal Wallace to the defense table, Friday, July 28, 2023, during a hearing in Judge Raul Zambrano's courtroom at the S. James Foxman Justice Center.

Defense: Florida's death penalty unconstitutional

Defense attorney Wood also challenged the constitutionality of Florida's death penalty, arguing that it was an outlier since it only requires eight of 12 jurors to recommend death before a judge can sentence someone to death. Wood argued the standard should be a unanimous jury recommendation.

The state earlier this year cut the amount of jurors needed to recommend death from all 12 to eight. The move came after three jurors in the trial of Nikolas Cruz, who killed 17 people at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, recommended life. That meant the judge had to sentence Cruz to life.

Wood also argued that applying the new non-unanimous jury law to Wallace would subject to him to a retroactive application of the law.

Lewis argued that state law still had safeguards, such as requiring jurors to unanimously find one aggravator. Also, if at least eight jurors did not recommend death, the judge could not sentence the person to death. And a death sentence gets an automatic appeal to the state Supreme Court.

Zambrano said that Florida had previously only required seven jurors to recommend death for the judge to have that option. Zambrano added that the U.S. Supreme Court had not issued any requirement that the death penalty recommendation be unanimous. Zambrano said he was being "kind of" guided by that although he said he would issue a ruling at a later date.

The trial will take place at the Clay County Courthouse at 825 N. Orange Ave. in Green Cove Springs, approximately 80 miles away from Daytona Beach. The venue was changed after the defense expressed concern about the media attention the case has received in Volusia County.

The shooting of Officer Raynor

Raynor was patrolling in an area of Daytona Beach on June 23, 2021, because residents had complained of criminal activity. Raynor went to question Wallace who was sitting in a car outside of an apartment building at 133 Kingston Ave., where Wallace was living with his girlfriend and their children, according to reports.

Daytona Beach police officer Jason Raynor participates in his swearing-in ceremony in 2019.

Police said Wallace shot Raynor in the head. Raynors gun was found still in its holster.

Wallace was arrested on June 26, 2021, when a task force found him hiding in a treehouse in DeKalb County, Georgia, near Atlanta.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Attorneys in Daytona Beach cop-killing case spar over new testimony
The ex-head of the Russian prison in the occupied village of Olenivka, Donetsk Oblast, and one of his subordinates have been charged over physical, sexual, and psychological abuse of Ukrainian soldiers imprisoned there, Ukraine's Prosecutor General's Office reported on July 28.

Serhii Yevsiukov, the former head of the prison, worked in Ukrainian law enforcement before Russia's partial occupation of Donetsk Oblast in 2014, according to the Kyiv Independent's sources.

The charges also concern another employee of the prison, Kyrylo Shakurov. According to the Kyiv Independent's sources, he worked in one of the prisons of the city of Horlivka, Donetsk Oblast, before the partial occupation of the region in 2014.

The former head of the prison and his subordinate cruelly mistreated the prisoners and violated the norms of international humanitarian law, the prosecutors said.

The two Ukrainian citizens who collaborated with Russian occupation authorities are suspected of using psychological, physical, and sexual violence against at least 100 prisoners of war, according to the report.

Kyrylo Shakurov, the junior inspector of the Olenivka prison's supervision department. (Source: vk.ru)

"The purpose of these acts was the systematic humiliation of prisoners for participating in resistance against the invasion of Ukraine," the prosecutors said.

According to the prosecutors, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and the police are conducting a pre-trial investigation of the alleged perpetrators. They were charged with violating the laws and customs of war.

Read also: How Russian soldiers shared evidence of their own war crime

Between July 28 and 29, 2022, an explosion in Russian-occupied Olenivka killed over 50 Ukrainian prisoners and injured 75 more. Kyiv called this a deliberate Russian war crime.

Ukrainian authorities said that days before the attack the Russians had moved Ukrainian members of the Azov Regiment, who were captured in Mariupol and were awaiting a prisoner exchange, to a separate part of the prison building  the one that was destroyed.

Story continues

According to Kyiv, Russia either hit the prison with artillery or blew it up from inside. Ukraine's Prosecutor General's Office said that Russia likely used a thermobaric munition at the Olenivka prison.

Russia has accused Ukraine of attacking the prison with HIMARS, a high-precision rocket system. Although the Russian authorities did not provide secure access to the U.N. mission to investigate the incident, High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk said that, according to available information, the prison was not hit by a HIMARS missile.

On Jan. 12, the Ukrainian authorities said that they had retrieved the bodies of 54 prisoners killed in the Olenivka massacre in a transfer mediated by the International Committee of the Red Cross.
Jacksonville's federal courthouse (right).

A Jacksonville Sheriffs Office corrections officer has pleaded guilty to wire fraud in a scam that banked about $20,000 from the federal governments pandemic-era Paycheck Protection Program.

Deconna Burke, 34, admitted during a court hearing this week to cashing in on the program by creating fake paperwork to convince the U.S. Small Business Administration he ran an imaginary babysitting business that had $98,000 in income.

Burke told the PPP, which Congress created to help companies whose income vanished during COVID-19 lockdowns, that he needed a forgivable loan to cover his business payroll, according to a factual basis summary filed in federal court Wednesday.

Database: Who in Florida got Paycheck Protection Program loans during the pandemic?

Burke used the $20,415 PPP loan to pay off his debt on a motorcycle in May 2021, then in November 2021 he convinced SBA to forgive the PPP loan, which he maintained had been used on payroll costs that qualified for forgiveness under the program.

The scam fell apart in July 2022, when someone tipped off JSOs internal affairs unit, according to the summary filed in court. The Sheriffs Office integrity unit and the U.S. Secret Service investigated the complaint, with Burke ending up being question in front of a video camera in December.

Burke was indicted in April and agreed last month to withdraw his initial not-guilty plea.

Wire fraud can carry a sentence of up to 20 years behind bars but Chief U.S. District Judge Timothy J. Corrigan hasnt scheduled a date yet for Burkes sentencing.

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Ex-JSO employee guilty of wire fraud in $20,000 COVID-19 payroll loan
Olenivka

Ukraines SBU security service has ascertained the identity of the warden of the Olenivska prison camp and charged him with torturing more than 100 soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the SBU announced on July 28.

The warden, who has not been named, is a local resident of Donetsk Oblast who previously led a Russian puppet militia in the region, before assuming his post at the prison camp until the beginning of 2022 until the end of July of the same year, the SBU said.

Read also: SBU charges Russian propagandist who called for concentration camps and genocide of Ukrainians

The warden oversaw the torture of Ukrainian prisoners of war who were taken to a specially created "disciplinary detention center" at the camp, where they were subjected to various types of physical violence and psychological pressure, accompanied by constant threats of "slow" murder.

The SBU said that an unnamed "junior inspector of the supervision department" at the camp also tortured prisoners in cooperation with the warden, and has also been charged. The individual was previously a member of the penal service of the Donetsk puppet authority in occupied Horlivka.

Both suspects are charged with the ill-treatment of prisoners of war, perpetrated by a group of persons based on a conspiracy.

Read also: Half a year since atrocity in Olenivka, still no international outcry  Ukrainian human rights Ombudsman

The SBU reported that since the suspects are located in occupied territory in the east of Ukraine, and that comprehensive measures are being taken to bring them to justice.

On July 29, 2022, the General Staff of the Armed Forces reported that the Russian Federation had attacked their own prison camp in occupied Olenivka in a false flag incident, in order to blame Ukraine for committing war crimes, as well as to cover up the torture of prisoners and executions carried out there.

Azovstal defenders, including members of the Azov Regiment, were held at the prison camp.

Story continues

The Russian defense ministry claimed that 42 people were killed had been killed in the attack.

According to Ukraines Prosecutor Generals Office, about 40 people died and 130 were injured as a result of the attack. Discrepancies were found in the list of prisoners affected by the attack published by Russia.

Read also: 150 Ukrainian POWs still detained in Olenivka, says human rights ombudsman

Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin stated that, according to international experts, the cause of the explosion at Olenivka was a thermobaric weapon.

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
This photo taken on July 27, 2023 shows waves off the coast of Fuzhou, southeast China's Fujian Province. [Photo/Xinhua]

China Meteorological Administration raised its emergency responses for typhoons to Level I, the highest level, on Thursday afternoon as Doksuri turned into a super typhoon.



Doksuri, the fifth typhoon of this year, strengthened from severe to a super typhoon on Thursday afternoon and was observed about 360 km southeast of Xiamen City in east China's Fujian Province at 5 p.m.

It is expected to move northwest at 15 to 20 km per hour with increased intensity, said the administration in a statement.

Doksuri is expected to make landfall in the coastal areas between Dongshan and Putian in east China's Fujian Province on Friday morning, the administration said.

The administration urged local meteorological authorities in the provinces, such as Fujian, Guangdong, Zhejiang, and Jiangxi, to raise their emergency response levels based on local situations, coordinate with relevant government departments, and lead the public to prevent disasters and avoid risks.

The National Meteorological Center on Thursday morning renewed a red alert for Typhoon Doksuri, the most severe warning in its four-tier warning system, as the fifth typhoon of this year is expected to bring gales and heavy rain to the eastern and southern parts of the country.

The meteorological center has issued an advisory suspending indoor and outdoor gatherings and dangerous outdoor operations and recommended the timely transfer of people living in vulnerable housing.
The News

The U.S. is once again in an -like existential struggle  but this time with China for dominance in the field of artificial intelligence, former Defense Secretary Mark Esper said in an interview.

AI is going to fundamentally change our way of life. Its going to change how you do your business in the media. Its going to change DOD. Its going to change multiple fields and industries, Esper told me on Tuesday. We need to get there first and then we need to dominate that space.

Esper is among a growing number of former Pentagon officials and defense personnel who are plunging into the high-tech space in an effort to rapidly develop AI and machine-learning tools for integration into the U.S. military. The former Raytheon executive, now at the head of a new business venture, stressed that Beijing is currently outspending Washington on AI investments by a factor of three to one. And he said the Pentagons Byzantine procurement process must be streamlined to advance the effectiveness of U.S. weapons systems.

The United States does not have an innovation problem. Were the most innovative country in the world, Esper said. But DOD has a tough time adopting that innovation.

Jays view

Esper  who last year became chairman of the national security practice at Red Cell Partners, a tech incubator focusing on the security and health care sectors  has obvious reasons to push greater integration of AI startups with the military, given his new job, but faces an uphill task.

He argued that Silicon Valley had been wary of doing national security work in past years because of both ideological and business reasons. But he said this was changing as the tech industry recognizes the scale of the China challenge for the U.S., and the potential for AI in both military and commercial ventures. He led a task force at the Atlantic Council this year that produced 10 recommendations on how to better integrate AI and high tech into the military. These included allowing the Pentagon to more directly run a staple of portfolio investments through executive officers and for Congress to allow for more flexibility in the funding of new weapons systems.

Story continues

Esper said the battle with China for dominance in AI will play out over decades and might be harder to assess than previous geopolitical struggles. The U.S. was the first to detonate an atomic weapon, beating the Nazis and Soviet Union in the effort to build the bomb, making it the clear-cut victor. But the new technology competition might be more episodic.

I think its going to be an ongoing race for dominance, for mastering these technologies, Esper said. And its important that not just we do it, but we do it with our other Western democracies.

Still, the U.S. defense industry will be hard to revolutionize, given its size, the scale of its entrenched players, and the divide thats developed between the national security and technology communities. Also, senior Pentagon officials havent had the best track record of transitioning into investing and startups: Among those who served on the board of Theranos  the scandal-wracked blood-testing company whose founder was imprisoned for defrauding investors  were former defense secretary William Perry, and James Mattis, a four-star general who would go on to become defense secretary himself.

Know More

Red Cell  whose staff includes a long list of retired Pentagon leaders, technologists and computer engineers, such as former vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Paul Selva; Vice Adm. Raquel Bono, a one-time head of the Defense Health Agency; and Adm. Bill Lescher, former vice chief of naval operations  points to a number of early-stage AI firms as evidence of its growing collaboration with the Pentagon.

Among them are DEFCON AI, which in November signed a $5 million contract with the Air Force to use AI and machine learning to improve and streamline logistics for military missions. This includes possible operations against China, which would likely require moving large numbers of American troops and military equipment into the Pacific: Selva, DEFCON AIs chief strategy officer, told me that AI will help Pentagon planners manage with much greater speed and accuracy the shifting variables involved in the Indo-Pacific, whether its geography, weather, or military threats.

Two other Red Cell incubations, Tara Mind and Zephyr AI, are using AI and machine learning to find better medical solutions and therapies for military veterans. Red Cell made an initial investment of $3 million into Tara Mind this April. The company has been particularly focused on studying the use of psychedelic drugs to help soldiers deal with depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress.

The View From China

China is on the cusp of becoming more advanced than the U.S. in certain facets of AI when it comes to its military uses, particularly visualization and surveillance, which Esper put down to the Communist Partys massive domestic spying operations. The U.S., by contrast, is ahead in using these technologies for language purposes, among others.

Chinas military advantage on AI comes down in many ways to pure spending. Tech firms tracking these investments, such as Scale AI, estimate the Peoples Liberation Army is investing between 1%-2% of its overall budget on AI development, compared to the Pentagons 0.1% to 0.2%. The Chinese Communist Party deeply understands the potential for AI to disrupt warfare, and is investing heavily to capitalize, Scale AI CEO Alexandr Wang told Congress last week. AI is Chinas Apollo project.

Beijings Communist government also has the power to forcibly integrate the private sectors technological advances into the military, while the U.S. has a clearer divide between the Pentagon and Silicon Valley. China watchers note that the PLA is taking special steps to promote and honor the technology innovators amongst its ranks: This month, it gave special burial honors to a mid-ranking colonel who helped develop AI-powered war gaming tools.

Room for Disagreement

Leading technologists have called for a pause on major AI projects, citing the risks they believe the technology poses to society. Powerful AI systems should be developed only once we are confident that their effects will be positive and their risks will be manageable, the Future of Life Institute said in an April open letter.

The Pentagon isnt buying it, particularly in light of Chinas advances. Artificial intelligence machine-learning is something that is resonant today and is something that our adversaries are going to continue to look to exploit, General Paul Nakasone, who heads U.S. Cyber Command, testified before Congress in May.

Notable
Photograph: Gerald Herbert/AP

A former Trump White House lawyer said the evidence against the former president over his handling of classified documents was now overwhelming and would last an antiquity, after new charges were filed in the case on Thursday.

Related: Trump faces more charges in classified documents case as second aide named

I think this original indictment was engineered to last a thousand years and now this superseding indictment will last an antiquity, Ty Cobb told CNN. This is such a tight case, the evidence is so overwhelming.

In June, the special counsel Jack Smith indicted Trump on 37 counts regarding his handling of classified records after leaving the White House.

On Thursday, in a superseding indictment filed in a Florida court, four more charges were outlined. A second Trump staffer, the Mar-a-Lago maintenance worker Carlos De Oliveira, was charged, alongside Walt Nauta, Trumps valet. Nauta previously pleaded not guilty.

Trump was accused of attempting to destroy evidence and inducing someone else to destroy evidence. He also faces a new count under the Espionage Act, for keeping a document about US plans to attack Iran which he memorably discussed on tape.

Trump denies all wrongdoing, in the documents case and in other cases including the criminal investigation in New York in which he faces 34 charges relating to hush-money payments to an adult film star.

On Thursday night, on his Truth Social platform, the former president complained about another investigation, of Joe Bidens own retention of classified material. Trump also called Smith deranged.

A spokesperson called the new charges nothing more than a continued desperate and flailing attempt by the Biden administration to harass Trump and those around him.

On Thursday, Trump told the conservative radio host John Fredericks he had handed over security video footage prosecutors now say he ordered deleted.

These were security tapes, he said. We handed them over to them  Im not even sure what theyre saying.

Story continues

Smith is also expected to indict Trump over his attempted election subversion. So are prosecutors in Georgia, regarding the former presidents attempts to overturn his defeat by Biden there.

Found liable for sexual abuse and defamation against the writer E Jean Carroll, and fined about $5m, Trump also faces investigations of his business affairs.

But his legal problems have not dented his popularity with his party. In polling regarding the Republican nomination for president in 2024, Trump has clear leads in early voting states and is approximately 30 points ahead of his nearest challenger, the Florida governor, Ron DeSantis, in national polling.

Trump told Fredericks he will not end his campaign even if he is convicted and sentenced.

They went after two fine employees yesterday, fine people, Trump said. Theyre trying to intimidate people so that people go out and make up lies about me. Because I did nothing wrong.

Cobb represented Trump during the investigation by another special counsel, Robert Mueller, into Russian election interference in the 2016 election and links between Trump and Moscow. The attorney later told the Atlantic he did not regret working for Trump, saying: I believed then and now I worked for the country.

On Thursday, he told CNN: Its very difficult to imagine how Trump said that his lawyers met with Jack Smith today to explain to him that he hadnt done anything wrong [Trumps claim in the election subversion case], on the same day that Jack Smith produces this evidence of overwhelming evidence of additional wrongdoing.

So this is, I think, par for the course.

Cobb also said he was sure Trump had been advised by his own lawyers not to destroy, move [documents] or obstruct this grand jury subpoena in any way.

So this is Trump going not just behind the back of the prosecutors, this is Trump going behind the back of his own lawyers and dealing with two people  Nauta and De Oliveira  who are extremely loyal.
On Saturday, the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office will begin its new policing districts, and Sheriff T.K. Waters wants to bring more officers to the streets to help fill them out.

>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

Sheriff Waters said that as Jacksonvilles population grows, he doesnt want the department to be understaffed. His concern with the old zones, the placement of officers in them and how many they have, is that there would have been too many calls for service and not enough people to cover it.

You dont want to wait until we get so large and our force is very small. Youre asking for trouble, Sheriff Waters said in an exclusive, one-on-one interview with Action News Jax.

[SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter]

The agency recently showed off new policing districts that are set to roll out in just 2 days. There are now six policing districts, 24 sectors and 144 sub-sectors.

JSO said the hope is that each district will have 14 squads and each one will be staffed by 10 officers. Sheriff Waters said he hopes to cut down on response times and showed Action News Jax a real-time crime map of whats happening in the city during our one-on-one.

Theres 160 current calls and response time for priority 1 and priority 2 calls is 11.4 minutes, he said looking at the map. We want to get that down, but it varies from day to day depending on whats going on around the city.

Read: JSO warns of thefts involving Kia and Hyundai vehicles

Nationally, law enforcement agencies who reported to the FBI show the average number of officers per 1,000 people is 2.4.

JSO currently has about 1,800 sworn officers and roughly 1,200 are patrols as of mid-July, so it hovers at around 1.8 officers per 1,000 people, as the state says Jacksonville has an estimated population of 986,804 people.

Sheriff Waters said as a consolidated agency, the citys 850+ square miles is a lot to cover; as the population grows, he wants at least 176 more officers over the next four years and doesnt think thats too much to ask.

Story continues

Im not telling you Im going to stop all crime. Its impossible to say that, but what Im telling you is that we want to do our best to control it and respond to community needs as they arise. So, why would you wait? he said.

Read: Man already serving 2 life sentences identified as suspect in death of girl in 1993

The Sheriff said 81% of JSOs budget is for salaries and benefits. With that said how does it pay for more?

JSO is a great agency and a great place. Theres a lot offered here. As we bring them on, we will have to deal with those issues as they come forward, he said.

Locally across our area, the St. Johns County Sheriffs Office is also working to increase starting pay.

The problem is when you go to Duval County Sheriffs Office, they may start lower than us, but by the 5-year mark, theyre $10,000 more than us, SJSO Sheriff Rob Hardwick said at a commissioners meeting in June.

Read: Tyre Nichols death: DOJ investigating City of Memphis, its police department

SJSO is looking to bump annual starting pay from $52,000 to $55,000.

The Clay County Sheriffs Office starts at just over $41,000.

Out of all the big cities in Florida, Waters noted at a town hall that Jacksonville is the lowest in pay. JSO gives slightly over $50,000 to start and $53,316 after one year.

Read: The Eagles founding member, Take It to the Limit singer, Randy Meisner dies at 77, band says

Action News Jax looked at the starting pay for other agencies in Florida:

Tampa Police Department: $65,977

Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office: $60,000

Miami-Dade Police Department: $56,682

Orange County Sheriffs Office: $50,000 right now but will soon be raised to about $55,000.

Orlando Police Department: $54,048.

Read: Contest: Watch Action News Jax weeknights at 11 p.m. to win $300 in Florida Lottery scratch-offs

In Jacksonville, the Fraternal Order of Police is the bargaining agency for JSO. Waters added that money aside, theres still a draw to join.

I dont bargain salaries, but I think its important to try and stay competitive, and I support what they try to do, Waters said. Most of us are called to this profession. Its not something like, Oh I just want a job. If you just want a job, this is probably not the best place for you, he said.

Read: Trump facing additional obstruction of justice, willful retention charges in Mar-a-Lago case

Action News Jax asked the Mayors Office about potential budgeting for more officers in the future.

I support the sheriffs focus on community policing and hope the new police officers will foster more connection. We will continue to evaluate the budget each year to ensure public safety remains a top priority for our fast-growing city, Mayor Donna Deegan said in a statement.

Mayor Deegan budgeted roughly $580 million for JSO out of the $1.7 billion budget. If approved, it would take effect on October 1.

Read: Third defendant added to Mar-a-Lago classified documents case

Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
By Andrew Osborn

MOSCOW (Reuters) -Wagner mercenary boss Yevgeny Prigozhin, who remains active despite leading a failed mutiny against the Russian army's top brass last month, has hailed Niger's military coup as good news and offered his fighters' services to bring order.

A voice message on Telegram app channels associated with Wagner that they said was Prigozhin did not claim involvement in the coup, but described it as a moment of long overdue liberation from Western colonisers and made what looked like a pitch for his fighters to help keep order.

"What happened in Niger is nothing other than the struggle of the people of Niger with their colonisers. With colonisers who are trying to foist their rules of life on them and their conditions and keep them in the state that Africa was in hundreds of years ago," said the message, posted on Thursday evening.

The speaker had the same distinctive intonation and turn of phrase in Russian as the Wagner boss although Reuters was not able to confirm with certainty that it was him.

"Today this is effectively gaining their independence. The rest will without doubt depend on the citizens of Niger and how effective governance will be, but the main thing is this: they have got rid of the colonisers," the message said.

Coup leaders declared General Abdourahamane Tiani as the new head of state on Friday days after saying they had ousted President Mohamed Bazoum in the seventh military takeover in West and Central Africa in less than three years.

The country, which is one of the poorest in the world but which also holds some of its biggest uranium deposits, declared full independence from former colonial ruler France in 1960.

The voice message was the latest sign that Prigozhin and his men remain active in Africa, where they still have security contracts in some countries like Central African Republic (CAR).

Prigozhin had told an African news outlet in an interview published online days earlier that Wagner was ready to increase its Africa presence and that a fresh batch of its fighters had arrived in CAR ahead of a constitutional referendum.

Story continues

Wagner's role in Africa is a source of concern for Western governments, including France and the United States. Washington has accused the group of atrocities and imposed sanctions on it. Prigozhin says it works lawfully.

HAND SHAKES AND PRAISE FOR PUTIN

Prigozhin, 62, appears to continue to enjoy freedom of movement despite what the Kremlin said last month was a post-mutiny deal that would see him relocate to neighbouring Belarus where some of his men have already started training the army.

He was heard in a video released earlier this month telling his men in Belarus that they should gather their strength for a "new journey to Africa".

There have been various sightings of Prigozhin in Russia since the post-mutiny deal was clinched and the Kremlin said he had even attended a meeting with Putin, who had earlier called the abortive mutiny "a stab in the back".

The voice message's release coincided with the publication on Telegram of at least two photographs purporting to show Prigozhin meeting African attendees of a Russia-Africa summit in St Petersburg that concluded on Friday.

Reuters verified the location shown in one of the photographs as the Trezzini Palace hotel in St Petersburg, the home town of both Prigozhin and Putin. The lanyard worn by the official from CAR he is shown meeting in the same photograph matches those given to the summit's delegates.

Smiling and wearing blue jeans and a white polo shirt, Prigozhin looks relaxed in the photos as he poses to shake the hands of the delegates.

In his voice message, Prigozhin boasted of Wagner's alleged efficiency in helping African nations stabilise and develop.

In new comments to Cameroon-based Afrique Media broadcast on Friday evening, Prigozhin lauded the way the Africa summit had gone, praising Putin for forging what he called one-on-one working relationships with African leaders based on trust.

"Russia today offers both...economic relations and security exports, without which Africa today cannot exist," he said, according to a transcript posted on Wagner Telegram channels.

"The forum went well and we should see the results of it in the near future," he added, naming Mali, CAR and Niger as countries becoming "more and more independent".

Sergei Lavrov, Russia's foreign minister, said on Thursday that constitutional order in Niger should be restored.

Analysts said the Prigozhin appearances indicated that Wagner would continue to play a role in furthering the Kremlin's foreign policy agenda in Africa and were designed to send a signal of continuity to African partners after the tumult of the failed mercenary mutiny inside Russia.

"Yes, it's wild that Prigozhin is back in Russia, and apparently has been several times," Catrina Doxsee, an expert at the U.S. CSIS think tank, said on messaging platform X.

"But it's also in line with both Wagner's and Russia's goals to project normalcy and business as usual."

(Reporting by Andrew OsbornAdditional reporting by Milan PavicicEditing by Philippa Fletcher and Frances Kerry)
A reactive thermobaric grenade launcher caused the explosion on 29 July, 2022, in the penal colony in the occupied settlement of Olenivka in Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine, where Ukrainian prisoners of war were held.

Source: Ukrainian media outlet Ukrinform with reference to the Directorate of Information Policy of the Prosecutor Generals Office of Ukraine

Details: The soldiers of the Defence Forces of Ukraine who were being held on the territory of a former penal colony No 120 in the Russian-occupied settlement of Olenivka were killed and received injuries of varying degrees of severity in the Russian nighttime attack that took place from 22:00 of 28 July 2022 to 01:00 of 29 July 2022. The deaths and injuries are being investigated under criminal proceedings that were initiated on 29 July 2022 on the grounds of the Russian terrorist attack.

Within the course of the pre-trial investigation a comprehensive expertise of the weapons and traces and conditions of its deployment has been conducted. According to its results, the explosion was caused by the Russians using a reactive thermobaric grenade launcher.

The Prosecutor Generals Office of Ukraine also reported that as a result of judicial molecular-genetic examinations, 33 persons who were killed in the explosions in the penal colony in Olenivka, and whose bodies have been brought back to Ukraine-controlled territory, have been identified. At the moment, 24 more bodies are being identified, and corresponding examinations of the bodies are being conducted.

In addition to this, so far 13 soldiers whom the Ukrainian authorities managed to bring back to Ukraine have been interrogated as victims. These 13 soldiers were held in one of the rooms of the former penal colony where the explosion occurred.

More details: On 28 July, the Security Service of Ukraine and the Prosecutor Generals Office of Ukraine reported that a notice of suspicion was served on a former head of the Olenivka penal colony who was involved in torturing more than 100 soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Story continues

According to the investigation, the head of the so-called Volnovakha Penal Colony located in Olenivka and his subordinates, mainly a junior inspector of the supervision and security department, mistreated Ukrainian prisoners of war against the norms of international humanitarian law.

Both perpetrators are evading justice in the temporarily occupied territory in the east of Ukraine. Comprehensive measures are being taken to prosecute them.

Background:

On the night of 28 July 2022, Russia committed a terrorist attack by causing an explosion in a barrack of a correctional facility in the settlement of Olenivka, where Ukrainian prisoners of war were held. At least 53 Ukrainian defenders of the Azovstal plant died in the attack.

On 29 July 2022, the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine reported that the Ukrainian PoWs were killed by the Wagner Group on the personal instructions of Yevgeny Prigozhin, without coordination with the leadership of the Russian Ministry of Defense.

The Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) has intercepted telephone conversations in which Russian occupiers confirm that Russian troops were responsible for the explosion in the occupied Olenivka colony.

On 25 July 2023, Volker Turk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, criticised Russia for obstructing independent investigation of the killing of Ukrainian PoWs in the penal colony in Olenivka that occurred a year prior. The UN rejected Russias lies about it being a "Ukrainian strike".

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!
An apartment building was hit by a Russian attack on the Ukrainian city of Dnipro on July 28, according to photos and videos shared by residents.

The photos and video footage show significant damage caused to the building.

Explosions were heard in the cities of Dnipro and Zaporizhzhia.

Suspilne Dnipro television reported sounds of explosions at around 8:30 p.m. local time following an air raid siren.

Around the same time as the explosions were reported, the Air Force announced the threat of a ballistic missile attack in eastern and southern regions. Shortly before 9 p.m., the Air Force reported a take-off of a Russian MiG-31 fighter jet.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Ukrainian forces liberate Staromaiorske village in southeast, reportedly ramp up counteroffensive
The export of Ukrainian grain through Klaipeda, the main port of Lithuania, is not yet economically profitable

A proposed plan to export Ukrainian grain through the Lithuanian port of Klaipeda as an alternative to the Black Sea Grain initiative is not likely to be profitable, the general director of the Bega stevedore company, Laimonas Rimkus, said on July 28.

Speaking in an interview with Interfax-Ukraine, Rimkus said that his company was instead looking for viable infrastructure in the Danube region.

Read also: Grain deal collapse is a global problem  US State Department

According to Rimkus, Bega has previously shipped a small volume of Ukrainian grain and noticed that when the price of grain fell by 200 euros per ton, sellers stopped transporting the grain to Klaipeda due to the high cost of transportation.

"The price of agricultural products at the time, when it was profitable to transport through Poland ( in transit to Lithuania, ed.), was very high, as grain cost 350-400 euros per ton, he explained.

Read also: 15 drones attack Reni grain depots, destroy 3 warehouses - local authorities

Now the price is 200-250. This means that traders and manufacturers cannot afford to spend significant amounts on transportation, it is not profitable for them.

A significant share of the exported Ukrainian grain is now being transported via expanding Danube terminals, Rimkus said, and he has little hope that agricultural products will be transported through Klaipeda again.

A breakthrough can only be expected if the European Union helps Ukraine to export grain through Europe while compensating for part of the transport costs, Rimkus said.

Earlier, reports emerged that Lithuania is seeking to promote the idea of exporting Ukrainian grain through the ports of the Baltic countries and, in particular, through Klaipeda.

Read also: Putin raising stakes with grain blackmail

Klaipeda Port Manager Algis Latakas said last week that Klaipeda can process more than 10 million tons of grain  however, there are considerable challenges in transporting the grain to the port.

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 City of Dayton will open multiple cooling centers today in the city.

>>PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Dayton opens cooling centers Friday after Excessive Heat Warning issued

The National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Warning for Montgomery County today from 12 p.m. until 9 p.m. Heat index values are expected to be over 105 degrees.

The citys three recreations center will be open and used as cooling centers today:

Greater Dayton Recreation Center  2021 West Third Street

Lohrey Recreation Center  2366 Glenarm Avenue

Northwest Recreation Center  1600 Princeton Drive

>>RELATED: Extreme heat: 3 ways to stay cool without adding to your electric bill

They will be opened from 6 a.m. until 9 p.m. today.

Residents are encouraged to stay indoors in an air-conditioned building whenever possible, said Dayton Fire Captain Brad French. Those unable to remain inside should stay in the shade as much as possible and should hydrate more than usual.

>>RELATED: Extreme heat: 5 things you can do to get more out of your air conditioner

The city also announced multiple splash pads are located across the city and they will be open today from 12 p.m. until 8 p.m.

Splash pad locations are:

Fairview Park 2262 Elsmore Avenue

Five Oaks Spray Park 329 Five Oaks Avenue

Mallory Park 3037 Germantown Street

McIntosh Park 882 West Riverview Avenue

Stuart Patterson Spray Park 238 Baltimore Street

Walnut Hills Spray Park 2340 Block of Wayne Avenue

Washington Park 3620 East Second Street

Neighbors are also encouraged to check on each other for any assistance they may need and to remember the hydration and shelter needs of their pets.
An image circulating on social media appears to show a story about "asymptomatic global warming" published online by the Irish Independent. But the purported screenshot is fabricated; the news website published no such article, and the professor named said he did not make the statement attributed to him.

"Why is July so cold while everywhere else on the planet is burning? Prof. Luke O'Neill says Ireland is suffering from asymptomatic global warming," says what appears to be a headline from the Irish Independent in an image shared July 21, 2023 on Facebook.

The same supposed headline circulated on Instagram, TikTok and Twitter, which is being rebranded as "X."

Screenshot of a Facebook post taken July 27, 2023

But the article is fake -- it does not appear on live or archived versions of the Irish Independent's website.

"The Irish Independent has never published an article under this headline," a spokesperson for the paper's owner Mediahuis Ireland said in a July 27 email.

Similarly, Luke O'Neill, chair of biochemistry at Trinity College Dublin, told AFP: "I never spoke about 'asymptomatic global warming' -- I've never even heard of the term."

He said he did appear July 20 on NewsTalk (archived here) to discuss how the body copes with high temperatures, but the conversation was not focused on Ireland's weather.

Other independent fact-checking organizations, including Full Fact and USA Today, have debunked the fake Irish Independent headline. Such posts misappropriate "a well-known name, brand or logo to fool people into believing that it is authentic," according to the nonprofit News Literacy Project.

The altered image is the latest in a series of claims misstating the impact of climate change, the subject of numerous AFP fact checks.

June 2023 was the hottest June on record in Ireland, followed by weeks of rain in July.

"As climate change continues, we can expect further records to be broken and more frequent and extreme weather events," said researcher Padraig Flattery of Met Eireann, the Irish National Meteorological Service, in a June 30 press release (archived here).

Geological Survey Ireland has also documented clear adverse effects of climate change on the island nation (archived here).

AFP has debunked other imposter content targeting media brands such as CNN, Global News and the CBC.
A slate of research papers published Thursday suggest that the algorithms that drive Facebook and Instagram are not entirely to blame for those platforms political polarization, as some previously believed.

When results are taken together, the studies suggest that Facebook users seek out content that aligns with their views and echo-chambers allow different political groups to rely on, interact with, and consume divergent sources of information and misinformation, the research states.

The four papers published in Science and Nature had unprecedented access to Facebook and Instagram data from around the 2020 election, and modified different parts of the sites algorithm to test its impact on peoples political beliefs and polarization.

While algorithms have been the focus of criticism for the platforms and their impacts on politics, including attempts to regulate social media sites, the research found that the algorithms themselves do not have a major impact on polarization.

We find that algorithms are extremely influential in peoples on-platform experiences and there is significant ideological segregation in political news exposure, University of Texas Professor Talia Jomini Stroud, a lead on the studies, told The Associated Press. We also find that popular proposals to change social media algorithms did not sway political attitudes.

Social media algorithms generally recommend content to users based on what the algorithm believes the user wants to see and will interact with. That has created concerns that the algorithms create disinformation cycles, where users are fed more and more mis- and disinformation to reinforce their political beliefs.

Conflicts over regulating Facebooks algorithms and how it pays its content creators  including news outlets  have already resulted in news feeds being taken down by the company in Canada, and sparked a similar threat in California.

But research found when the algorithms suggestive nature was turned off and users were shown content chronologically instead, polarization did not decrease. Similarly, when researchers disabled content sharing on users feeds, polarization stayed about the same while the distribution of misinformation decreased significantly.

Story continues

One of the studies reduced the amount of political content users saw from those of their own political ideology in their feeds, but that also had little impact on polarization and political opinion. Each of the studies saw users use the platforms less overall.

Northwestern University Professor David Lazer, who worked on all four papers, told The Associated Press that the algorithm serves users what they already want to see, making it easier for people to do what theyre inclined to do, he said.

Meta lauded the studies in a company memo, saying they prove that the sites algorithms are not malicious.

Despite the common assertions that social media is destroying democracy, the evidence in these and many other studies shows something very different, the company said.

Critics of the social media giant Meta, which owns Facebook, called the studies limited, noting that researchers only got access to specific data which Meta let them use.

Meta execs are seizing on limited research as evidence that they shouldnt share blame for increasing political polarization and violence, Nora Benavidez, senior counsel to the nonprofit Free Press, said in a statement. Studies that Meta endorses, which look piecemeal at narrow time periods, shouldnt serve as excuses for allowing lies to spread.

Taken together, the studies also pull back the curtains on the activity tendencies by users of different political beliefs. Conservatives are most likely to read and share misinformation, for example, and also have the widest range of sources that cater to their beliefs.

About 97 percent of the sites that spread misinformation were more popular among conservatives than liberals, the research stated.

Lazer called the limitations put in place by Meta on the data reasonable, noting they were mostly for user privacy, and said more findings are on the way.

There is no study like this, he said. Theres been a lot of rhetoric about this, but in many ways the research has been quite limited.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Dustin Moskovitz (left) had some harsh words for Elon Musk (right). PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA/AFP via Getty Images and Chesnot/Getty Images

Dustin Moskovitz said Elon Musk's successful companies could be seen as "scams he got away with."

The Facebook cofounder said Musk sucked up resources from others by overpromising with Tesla.

Moskovitz pointed to Musk's promises on autonomous cars, and a report that he exaggerated Tesla ranges.

Apparently Mark Zuckerberg isn't the only Facebook founder that's wary of Elon Musk. Facebook cofounder and Asana CEO Dustin Moskovitz took a jab at the billionaire on Thursday.

Moskovitz said people often argue Musk makes up for his antics through the value his companies Tesla and SpaceX bring to the world, but the Asana CEO said he's not sure the billionaire's success is legitimate.

"The point is I don't really see these companies as dispensating impact, or at least don't give nearly as much credit to him as others do," Moskovitz said on Threads. "If they were really built on outward lies, rather than just self-deceptions (rose-colored glasses), then we should really see them as scams he got away with."

Moskovitz said that he believes Musk accelerated the development of EVs by one to two years at most and he thinks the Tesla CEO might actually have delayed it by "overpromising." Moskovitz said that Musk attracted customers, workers, and funding through his lofty promises for EV ranges, as well as autonomous driving and automated assembly plants.

Moskovitz pointed to a recent report from Reuters that claimed Tesla, through a direct order from Musk, had exaggerated the expected range for its EVs on the vehicle's dashboard. Moskovitz added that the higher ranges made Teslas "look heads and tails above the competitors and that was not true."

Neither Musk nor Tesla have responded to Reuters' report. Though, Musk reacted with what appeared to be surprise when a fan shared some of the Facebook cofounder's comments with him online. "Moskovitz actually said that?" he said.

Story continues

Reuters did not indicate how far off Tesla's advertised range estimates were from its actual range, but cited third-party tests that indicated meaningful differences in real-world testing. The electric-car maker dominates the US market in large part because legacy automakers like Ford and General Motors have only begun to scale production for their own EVs. Tesla also no longer has the longest advertised range on the US market for electric cars. The Lucid Air has a range of about 516 miles, while Tesla's longest range vehicle, the Model S, has an estimated range of about 405 miles per a full charge.

Dustin Moskovitz said on Threads that he's not convinced of the legitimacy of Musk's success. Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

Moskovitz  who has never worked in the automotive industry but says he comes at the issue from a software perspective  said that Musk's "big promise" of fully autonomous cars has also contributed to the company's ability to suck up resources at the potential expense of competitors. The Facebook cofounder pointed out that Musk has been promising self-driving software for years, but the carmaker still only offers an admittedly buggy beta version of FSD that requires a licensed driver to operate the vehicle.

"I work in software, I get that delays happen. But these are *the* claims that positioned Tesla as massively ahead of the competition and created a belief that Elon can pull forward the future through sheer grit and ingenuity," Moskovitz wrote. "The *belief* in those claims and the accelerated timelines is what made Tesla look like a leader so quickly; then they turned that cache into actual resources with fundraising. Estimating correctly wouldn't have looked revolutionary."

Moskovitz argued that Musk has a tendency to overpromise and under-deliver, which sucked up resources from other companies like BYD, Toyota, Nikola, and Rivian. It's important to note that many of these automakers did not start making EVs until several years after Tesla began selling its first vehicle in 2008 after the company was founded in 2003. For example, Chinese automaker BYD didn't start building EVs till 2010, EV startup Nikola wasn't launched until 2014, and Rivian wasn't founded until 2009.

Moskovitz said he had similar thoughts regarding Musk's work at SpaceX, a company that is privately valued at about $150 billion, but said he'll "try to enumerate at some point in the future."

He did not respond to a request for additional comment from Insider ahead of publication.

Not everyone agreed with the Facebook cofounder's hot take  he received some pushback from users in response to his post.

"I am no Elon fanboy, but one could argue that without Tesla showing the way and pushing the industry (even with simply false and grandiose advertising), none of the existing car makers would have tried to update their existing cash cow line ups as they have now," one Thread user wrote.

Musk has also said that he does not want to discourage competition whether through Tesla's price wars or his updates to X, formerly known as Twitter.

"The goal of my companies is simply to be as useful as possible, never to kill the competition," Musk tweeted on Thursday in response to a meme about X. "Competing to serve the people is a good thing."

Spokespeople for Tesla, SpaceX, and Musk also did not respond to a request for comment ahead of publication.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Facebook isn't at fault for polarization, research shows

Social media algorithms have been a point of contention for lawmakers and regulators for several years over concerns that users were being brainwashed by the flood of misinformation promoted on their feeds. As it turns out, while the algorithms do impact the persons experience on social media, four studies published on Thursday found it does not directly impact the persons political beliefs.

Meta agreed to participate in the research in 2020, giving the study an additional level of credibility unlike those in the past which relied solely on data independently gathered from publicly available information and was based on a small number of users.

Read more

With Metas assistance, one of the four studies looked at data from 208 million Facebook users during the 2020 presidential election to discern if the misinformation displayed on their feeds had influenced their political stance. One study found that of those who read untrustworthy news stories, 97% identified as conservative and primarily viewed right-wing content.

The company has received continued criticism from Frances Haugen, the Facebook whistleblower who, last year, revealed internal documents showing Metas algorithm raised hateful, divisive, and false posts to the top of users feeds. She argued that if the company were to switch the feed to be chronological, it would promote less divisiveness among users.

Haugen claimed Facebook has stood in researchers way and prevented them from studying how it functioned, and in some cases, she said the company resorted to taking legal actions against those who spoke out against the company. Theyve sued researchers who caught them with egg on their face, she told CBS News in June. Companies that are opaque can cut corners at the public expense and theres no consequences.

Story continues

One study titled How do social media feed algorithms affect attitudes and behavior in an election campaign? did just that and reversed the feeds from those tailored to their interests to chronological feeds showing the most recent posts first for more than 23,000 Facebook users and 21,000 Instagram users. Researchers said they found users spent less time on Facebook when feeds were chronological and the amount of political and untrustworthy content they saw increased on both platforms. However, researchers said the alteration didnt significantly change or affect polarization.

Overall, researchers said they found that removing reshared and algorithm-generated posts from individuals feeds over three months didnt affect their political stance. These are huge experiments, Stephan Lewandowsky, a University of Bristol psychologist who was not part of the work told SCIENCE. And these results are quite interesting.

Metas President of Global Affairs, Nick Clegg, told The New York Times that the studies showed there is little evidence that key features of Metas platforms alone cause harmful affective polarization or has meaningful effects on these outcomes. He added that although the results of the studies may not settle the debate about the influence social media has on democracy, he said, We hope and expect it will advance societys understanding of these issues.

Katie Harbath, a former public policy director at Meta told the outlet, We must be careful about what we assume is happening versus what actually is. The studies revealed the perhaps unexpected truth that social media may not be solely or even partially responsible for the political opinions of those who use the platforms. Harbath added that political ideals are influenced in many ways, adding, Social media alone is not to blame for all our woes.

More from Gizmodo

Sign up for Gizmodo's Newsletter. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Click here to read the full article.
Mallory Grossman died by suicide at the age of 12 after she was bullied by classmates (Dianne Grossman / Facebook)

The parents of a 12-year-old New Jersey schoolgirl who died by suicide after their complaints about cyber-bullying were allegedly ignored have received a $9.1m settlement from her school district.

Mallory Grossman, a sixth-grade student at Copeland Middle School in Rockaway Township died on 14 June 2017 after suffering months of cruel taunts from classmates.

Her death received nationwide attention and led to the passing of Mallorys Law requiring school districts to report and act on bullying complaints by the New Jersey state legislature in 2022.

Mallorys parents Dianne and Seth Grossman filed a wrongful-death lawsuit in June 2018 against the Rockaway Township school district, the board, the principal and municipality.

After the agreement was reached, Ms Grossman told NewJersey.com: Seth and I are satisfied with the settlement, ready to put this part behind us and move forward, continuing to lend our voice to the epidemic that is stealing our childrens future.

In a statement to the news site, Grossman family attorney Bruce Nagel said: This settlement is one more step in dealing with this avoidable tragedy, and I hope that it sends a clear message to all schools around the country that our children must be protected from the horrors of school bullying.

Mr Nagel said the $9.1m settlement was the largest payout for a bullying lawsuit in US history.

Rockaway Township School District did not immediately respond to a request for comment by The Independent.

Mallory Grossmans parents Dianne and Seth established Mallorys Army Foundation to promote anti-bullying efforts after her death (Mallorys Army Foundation)

The district said in 2017 it was committed to protecting students and denied allegations that it hadnt done enough to stop the harassment.

Mallory had been the target of a relentless cyber-bullying campaign throughout the 2017 school year, according to the wrongful death lawsuit.

The young cheerleader endured taunts in hallways and classrooms, in text messages, and on Instagram and Snapchat telling her she was a loser and had no friends.

One message asked: Why dont you kill yourself?

Story continues

Her grades suffered, and she begged to stay home from school, the Washington Post reported.

After months of trying to get help from the school, Dianne and Seth Grossman held a crisis meeting with administrators at Copeland Middle School in June 2017, the lawsuit alleged.

The school officials told them that Mallory should go home as she was not safe at the school.

She died at the family home hours later.

The Grossmans established the Mallorys Army Foundation to honour her memory and promote empathy and kindness.

They also lobbied New Jersey state politicians to pass Mallorys Law, which is one of the toughest pieces of anti-bullying legislation in the country.

If you are experiencing feelings of distress and isolation, or are struggling to cope, call National Suicide Prevention Helpline on 1-800-273-TALK (8255). The Helpline is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you.

If you are based in the UK, the Samaritans offers support; you can speak to someone for free over the phone, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.
[Source]

The family of Pvt. Travis King, the U.S. soldier who made headlines last week for crossing into North Korea, has raised doubts regarding the story while calling on the government to do more to bring him back.

Background: King, 23, ran into the North Korean side of the demilitarized zone while on a civilian tour on July 18, according to some tourists from the group. He was supposed to return to Texas the day before but allegedly claimed that he had lost his passport.

King is facing disciplinary action in the U.S. after being convicted of assaulting a man in South Korea, which landed him in jail for 47 days and fined him 5 million won (approximately $3,900). After being arrested, he reportedly disparaged South Korea, its military and its police.

What his family is saying: King is presumed to be in North Korean custody. But as Pyongyang  which has no diplomatic relations with Washington  remains silent over the matter, his family is desperate for answers.

More from NextShark: Jeremy Lin highlights youth mental health as UNICEFs newest ambassador

My brother, he's not the type to get into trouble like that. It all just sounds made up, Kings sister, Jaqueda Gates, told NBC News this week.

Kings mother, Claudine Gates, previously told ABC News that she cant see Travis doing anything like that. Jacqueda believes the story is way deeper than what she can imagine and that her brother had been sharing his excitement to go home.

Kings uncle, Myron Gates, said the government should fight to retrieve him. When he went to the Army to fight for America, America should fight for him, fight for him to come home, he told NBC News.

More from NextShark: Montreal's Chinatown Facing Massive Wave of Robberies and Racist Vandalism

The latest: Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin previously confirmed that King had crossed into North Korea willfully and without authorization. As of Monday, no new communication between the United Nations and North Korea regarding King has been reported.

Story continues

John Kirby, a spokesperson for the National Security Council, previously stated that the U.S. is doing everything we can to determine Kings condition, as per The New York Times. He also said the administration is making it clear that we want to see him safely and quickly returned to the United States and to his family.

More from NextShark: Viet Families in Czech Republic Band Together to Sew Face Masks During Shortage

Enjoy this content? Read more from NextShark!

China opens first transgender clinic for children, adolescents in a Shanghai university
Observations from a recent gathering of 70 growers from the west end of Stanislaus County in a barn near Modesto:

No one who spoke up favored the Modesto Irrigation Districts lousy idea to sell surface water to a handful of out-of-district nut growers in east Stanislaus County at a ridiculously low price.

Many questioned the relationship between MID Board President Larry Byrd and prospective buyers, some of whom apparently are his east-end neighbors and business partners.





Several scoffed at the name chosen for the proposal  Groundwater Replenishment Plan  saying there is no way 60,000 acre-feet applied with modern irrigating techniques, such as microspray nozzles, will seep down to recharge an aquifer in danger of depletion.





The districts previous intent to hold an Aug. 8 vote seems unlikely. Two of the five MID board members  Nick Blom and John Boer, who represent nearly everyone at this July 20 meeting in the Durrer Barn  all but promised that outcry, unanswered questions and the need to improve a draft contract will force MID to tap the brakes.





Farmers met July 20, 2023 in the Durrer Barn  seen here in an unrelated event in August 2018 to discuss a proposed sale of Modesto Irrigation District water.

Boer committed to vote no, if a vote is forced under current terms.

Opinion

Blom said a postponement until perhaps October is likely. Raising the price first floated  $80 an acre-foot, decreasing to $60 if a buyer takes more than 12 inches  to somewhere closer to $200 an acre-foot sounds about right, Blom said.

Other agencies with a water-selling tradition (MID decidedly is not) typically charge a wheeling fee to help cover costs. MIDs draft contract contains no mention of such a charge, which should be added, some said.

A third board member, Janice Keating, observed the presentation of an attorney hired by some of these west-end growers. Keating briefly addressed the audience before excusing herself to keep the board from violating the Brown Act, an open-meetings law that prohibits a board majority from gathering without officially notifying the public. (For the record, the other two board members are Bob Frobose and Byrd.)

Story continues

The attorney, Stacy Henderson, quoted Byrd as saying in a public forum that prospective buyers were already putting in infrastructure to accept MID water, such as pipelines, anticipating a sweetheart deal.

Even if the Groundwater Replenishment Plan does nothing to help the east-side aquifer, supplying surface water keeps growers from pumping groundwater there, Blom noted.

Some west-end farmers had little sympathy for east-end growers who paid far less for their land and who planted orchards without a guaranteed water source. We didnt ask them to plant trees there, said one. Why are we solving their problem?

Dont give away the store, Modesto Irrigation District

Henderson, the attorney, made reference to the July 19 column I wrote about this issue. My main point: The price must not be lower than market value.

Because prospective buyers are used to paying $200 an acre-foot for Oakdale Irrigation District water, that seems a fair starting point. That could bring MID and the growers who have supported the district lo these many years an extra $7.2 million a year.

Giving that up, as Ive said before, amounts to a gift of public funds ranging somewhere between stupid and illegal.

Remember that Tuolumne River water is a community resource belonging to all of us. We elect MID board members to manage it, as well as to provide most of us with electricity at a fair price, and to augment drinking water in Modesto and some outlying towns. Control over these life basics  water and power  is no small thing and demands accountability.

I continue to challenge Byrd to cleanly, publicly and transparently explain all connections  business, political and otherwise  between himself and prospective east-end buyers, rather than leaving others like Blom to stick up for him when a barn full of concerned farmers openly question Byrds ethics.
A 14-year-old girl reported missing from Burlington has been found after FBI agents descended on the Iowa city to aid in the search.

Authorities issued an Amber Alert for Caydence Roberts on Thursday at about 5:15 p.m. A neighbor spotted Roberts walking near her home in Burlington at around 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, according to Burlington Police Department spokesperson Sgt. Chad Zahn.

That was the last time anybody had seen her before she was found safe Burlington on Friday mid-morning, he said.

"Caydence Roberts has been found alive in Burlington, Iowa. The Amber Alert has been canceled. Thank you to the public for assistance in this matter," the Burlington Police Department wrote on Facebook.

The department is not releasing any more information on the circumstances of her disappearance or how and where authorities found her, according to Zahn.

An Amber Alert issued for Caydence Roberts on Thursday evening was canceled after she was found alive Friday morning.

Investigation ongoing into disappearance

The Burlington Police Department said the investigation into Roberts' disappearance is ongoing.

Sherry Bandy, a close friend of the family who said she considers herself Roberts' aunt, said early Friday it was very out of character for the girl to leave home alone. Bandy said Roberts had plans with her mom to go back-to-school shopping Wednesday  something she would not have wanted to miss.

Just before she was found, Zahn said there were a dozen officers from the Burlington Police Department, the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation and the FBI searching for Roberts. He also said the FBI planned to establish a task force for the investigation.

"We're following every lead that comes in. We're receiving considerable information and tips as a result of the Amber Alert that was issued," Zahn said.

Shannon Krogmeier, the 911 director for Des Moines County, said the dispatch center received 60 calls within the first 15 minutes of the Amber Alert on Thursday evening. Within an hour, they had received almost 250 calls from across the state, including locally in Des Moines County and all the way out west near Omaha, she said.

Story continues

The Department of Justice's recommendations for issuing an Amber Alert include "reasonable belief by law enforcement that an abduction has occurred" but in this case, Zahn said the department does not have any information indicating Roberts was abducted.

"We don't have a suspect. We have no clue where she's at or who she might be with. We consulted with the Department of Public Safety and told them what we had and they believed that we had enough for an Amber Alert," he said early Friday morning before Roberts was found.

Francesca Block is a breaking news reporter at the Des Moines Register. Reach her at FBlock@registermedia.com or on Twitter at@francescablock3.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Amber Alert canceled after police find missing Iowa girl alive
A former Maryland political aide who failed to appear for his trial on federal corruption charges died after suffering two gunshot wounds  one of them self-inflicted  as FBI agents closed in on him in Tennessee, according to an autopsy report made public Friday.

Authorities said agents acted in self-defense, and there will be no charges against any of the agents involved.

Roy McGrath died on April 4 near Knoxvillle, Tennessee, after he failed to appear at Baltimores federal courthouse for his March 13 trial.

One of the gunshot wounds was self-inflicted and the other gunshot wound was not; however due to a prolonged survival interval after sustaining the wounds and ultimately dying in the hospital, it cannot be determined which gunshot wound killed him, and therefore the cause of death is gunshot wounds of the head and manner of death is could not be determined, " the autopsy report said.

Roy McGrath, chief executive officer of the Maryland Environmental Service, speaks during a news conference at the State House in Annapolis, Md., on April 15, 2020. Federal authorities offered rewards of up to $20,000 Tuesday, March 28, 2023, as their search continues for former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogans ex-chief of staff, who failed to appear for trial on corruption charges two weeks ago.

Knox County District Attorney General Charme Allen said in a news release that the agent who shot McGrath was acting in self-defense.

In this case, it is clear that agents had probable cause and a reasonable belief that McGrath posed a threat of imminent death or serious bodily injury, Allen's office said in the release.

The news release also provided details about what happened leading up to the FBI agents closing in on McGrath. FBI agents in Baltimore asked if Knoxville agents could arrest McGrath, and they provided a copy of the warrant, a description of McGraths vehicle, and information about McGrath's location.

When agents responded, they found McGrath's vehicle and attempted to conduct a traffic stop when the vehicle left a parking lot, according to the release. Despite the lights and sirens of the agents vehicles, McGrath continued to drive until he was boxed in between two other businesses.

WHAT TO KNOW ON WHITE MARLIN OPEN: White Marlin Open 2023: Everything to know about return of Ocean City's big tourney

Story continues

MERMAIDS AMONG US: Mermaids among us? Yes, and they're bringing joy and wonder to those that see them

Agents approached the vehicle and repeatedly announced FBI, and ordered McGrath to put his hands out the open drivers side window, the release said, but McGrath replied, No, and, I have a gun, and its loaded.

Agents saw McGrath with a handgun raised to his right temple, and the way McGrath held the handgun placed agents within the trajectory of McGraths gun, causing one agent to believe McGrath posed a threat of imminent death or serious bodily injury to himself and other agents, the release said.

Simultaneously, McGrath fired his gun, striking his right temple, and the agent fired one round striking McGraths left cheek. Agents immediately called for an ambulance. EMTs arrived and transported McGrath to the University of Tennessee Medical Center where he was pronounced dead thirty minutes later, the release said.

McGrath, 53, served as chief of staff to former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan. He was declared a wanted fugitive after his disappearance.

After McGrath failed to appear at Baltimores federal courthouse on March 13, his attorney said he believed McGrath, who had moved to Naples, Florida, was planning to fly to Maryland the night before. Instead of beginning jury selection, a judge issued an arrest warrant and dismissed prospective jurors.

McGrath was indicted in 2021 on accusations he fraudulently secured a $233,648 severance payment, equal to one year of salary as the head of Maryland Environmental Service, by falsely telling the agencys board the governor had approved it. He was also accused of fraud and embezzlement connected to roughly $170,000 in expenses. McGrath pleaded not guilty.

McGrath resigned just 11 weeks into the job as Hogans chief of staff in 2020 after the payments became public.

A superseding indictment in June 2022 added falsification of records to the wire fraud and theft charges, according to the Justice Department. According to that indictment, McGrath created a fake memo from Hogan that approved McGraths severance pay from the environmental service.

This article originally appeared on Salisbury Daily Times: FBI: Former Hogan aide died of two gunshot wounds, one self-inflicted
A federal investigation is focused on two former administrative staff members of Patterson Unified School District in western Stanislaus County.

The FBI seized expensive vehicles, cash and computer equipment on May 4 from former assistant superintendent Jeffrey Menges home in Copperopolis, according to federal forfeiture notices. The FBI also seized computer and electronics equipment from former information technology director Eric Drabert in Patterson.

PUSD Superintendent Reyes Gauna said Thursday he could not talk about details of the investigation. He said the district is cooperating with the FBI.

Reyes said the two staff members have not worked for the district since November or December. They were first placed on administrative leave and then both resigned, the superintendent said.

After the investigation is concluded, Reyes promised the district will hold a special session before a school board meeting to inform the public about what happened.

I believe in 100% transparency and the community is entitled to know everything, Gauna said.

Drabert said Thursday he did not have a comment on the ongoing investigation. Menge did not return a message from The Modesto Bee.

According to the legal notices, authorities seized the vehicles and other items under federal codes that make property involved in certain criminal offenses subject to forfeiture. The notices cited a subsection of law referring broadly to corruption or financial industry offenses.

The property taken away from Menges home included a 2010 Ferrari 458 Italia registered to the assistant superintendent. The car was valued at $159,300. Also seized was a 2010 Audi R8 Quattro, valued at $73,200 and a 2019 Jeep Wrangler, valued at $43,700.

The notices said authorities also removed $30,150 in currency from a safe at Menges home, and seized $12,640 worth of computer and technical devices and $1,775 in jewelry.

Authorities removed eight items of computer and electronic equipment from Draberts residence in Patterson, with a value of $1,756.

Story continues

A spokesperson for the FBI office in Sacramento said the agency cant provide more information on the probe, under Department of Justice guidelines.

Menge, the former assistant superintendent of administrative services, resigned his position with Patterson Unified in October during an administrative shakeup reported in the Patterson Irrigator newspaper. He received a total of $175,931 in pay from PUSD in 2021, according to Transparent California. Menges employment with Patterson Unified dated back to 2018; he previously was vice president of administrative services for San Joaquin Delta College, according to the database.

Draberts Linkedin page says he was director of information technology for Patterson Unified from November 2020 to February 2023, receiving $128,897 in total pay in 2021. He held previous positions with Telcion Communications Group in Modesto and Shutterfly Inc.
A federal appeals court will re-hear a motion to stay the execution of Johnny Johnson, who was scheduled to die by lethal injection on Aug. 1.

Johnson, 45, was granted a stay by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit in a 2-1 decision announced Tuesday,

Attorneys for Johnson had argued that he suffers from mental illness so severe that he is incompetent to die by lethal injection. Going forward with the execution, they said, would violate the Eighth Amendments ban on cruel and unusual punishment.

Missouri Attorney General Andrew Baileys office filed a motion for a re-hearing on the stay before the full court, which is composed of 11 judges.

Johnson was convicted in the attempted rape and killing of Casey Williamson, 6, in 2002 in St. Louis County.

During a psychiatric evaluation earlier this year, Johnson told Dr. Bhushan Agharkar that he believes he communicates with beings from another dimension he calls the Underworld. Johnson also believes is a vampire and may be able to reanimate his organs if he eats food before his execution, a report said.

Johnson told Agharkar that Satan is using the state of Missouri to kill him and end the world.

The attorney generals office argued delaying the execution would harm both the State and victims. They also said a prison counselor determined that Johnsons auditory hallucinations are well managed by medication and that he was not incompetent to be executed.

The state has executed three people this year: Amber McLaughlin, Leonard Raheem Taylor and Michael Tisius. Tisius was granted a stay by a federal judge on May 31. Two days later, the Eighth Circuit overturned the stay and Tisius was killed June 6.
A federal judge in Montana has temporarily blocked enforcement of a sweeping state law against drag performances days before one of the biggest Pride events in the state begins.

The temporary restraining order from US District Judge Brian Morris, who was appointed to the court by Barack Obama, argues that the law will disproportionately harm not only drag performers, but any person who falls outside traditional gender and identity norms, including transgender and Two-Spirit people.

Constitutional violations, moreover, never serve the public interest, he wrote in the filing on 28 July.

Montanas law appears to suffer from similar constitutional maladies as similar drag bans that were also overturned in federal courts in Florida and Tennessee, according to Judge Morris.

Chilled speech and exposure to potential criminal liability under the law could imperil thousands of Montana residents celebrating Pride throughout the state in coming days without an order to block it, he wrote.

The order follows a lawsuit from a group of LGBT+ advocates and a transgender woman who appears to be the first person targeted by the law, which plaintiffs called a Frankensteins monster and a calculated attack on LGBT+ people that overshoots this sinister mark and threatens teachers, artists, small businesses, and cultural and scientific institutions with criminal and professional sanctions.

The challengers include a public school teacher who uses colorful costumes in her lessons and a nonprofit group that advocates for LGBT+ people and drag performances. Pride organisers, several community centres, a brewery and a fitness studio also joined the challenge, which alleges that the law unconstitutionally targets personal, artistic and political expression and speech.

As I said throughout the legislature, drag is art, said Montana state Rep Zooey Zephyr, whose opposition to Republican-backed legislation against LGBT+ people this year prompted sanctions from GOP lawmakers.

Story continues

And drag bans not only infringe on free speech, but they are crafted (by design) to be so broad to allow for discrimination against trans [and] nonbinary people as well, she added.

The lawsuit follows several federal court orders that have struck down similar laws and laws that target gender-affirming care in other states, as the battle for LGBT+ rights extends from volatile state legislative sessions into state and federal courtrooms.

This is a developing story
A federal judge in Montana issued a temporary restraining order on Friday blocking the state from enforcing a law that bans certain drag performances, writing in an order that the law likely suffers from constitutional maladies.

Montanas House Bill 359, passed by the states majority Republican legislature and signed into law by GOP Gov. Greg Gianforte in May, prohibits schools or libraries that receive state funding from hosting a drag story hour or sexually oriented performance. Performances are also prohibited from taking place in public or in the presence of a minor.

A group of 10 plaintiffs challenged the law in federal court earlier this month, arguing that the bill is breathtakingly ambiguous and overbroad. Plaintiffs include Adria Jawort, a transgender and two-spirit author whose lecture at a public library in Butte was canceled last month after officials determined that having her speak posed too much of a legal risk under the new law.

Montana Pride, the host of an annual LGBTQ Pride celebration in Helena, joined the lawsuit last week, arguing that city officials  as a result of the law  have withheld permits that are needed for this years Pride festival, which is slated to run from July 30 to August 6.

The thirtieth annual Montana Pride is slated to begin in less than two days, Chief Judge Brian Morris wrote in Fridays order. Plaintiffs, along with the approximately 15,000 Montanans who wish to attend the events, cannot avoid chilled speech or exposure to potential civil or criminal liability under H.B. 359 in the absence of the extraordinary remedy of a [temporary restraining order.]

Republicans in the state legislature this session had argued the law was necessary to protect children from mature themes and obscene material.

But Montana law already protects minors from obscene material, Morris wrote Friday.

On top of that, the state conceded during a July 26 hearing that the statutory text of House Bill 359 regulates speech and expression outside of what is considered legally obscene.

Story continues

The law additionally contains no carveout for speech or expression with serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value, Morris argued, and the First Amendment protects at least some of the speech and expression regulated by the law.

Morris noted in the order that the only two other district courts to have considered First Amendment challenges to similar state drag bans in Tennessee and Florida have confirmed that those laws constitute facially content-based restrictions and are therefore discriminatory.

A federal judge in June ruled that a Tennessee law banning drag shows in public or where children could view them is unconstitutional. The same month, a federal judge in Florida temporarily blocked the state from enforcing a similar ban on drag performances.

Attorneys for the state had sought to distinguish the Montana law from those of Florida and Tennessee on the basis that those laws failed to define lewd. But Morris on Friday argued that Montanas drag ban also failed to define it.

The measure also fails to define lascivious, flamboyant or parodic persona, salacious dancing and sexual manner, Morris wrote. The absence of definitions for these terms raises concerns for the Court about vagueness and overbreadth.

In a statement to the Montana Free Press following Fridays order, Montana Prides lead organizer, Kevin Hamm, said the court got it right.

As I said throughout the legislature, drag is art. And drag bans not only infringe on free speech, but they are crafted (by design) to be so broad to allow for discrimination against trans & nonbinary people as well, state Democratic Rep. Zooey Zephyr posted Friday on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, in response to Morriss decision.

Zephyr, one of two openly transgender lawmakers in Montana, was censured by House Republicans in April after she said legislators who voted to pass a bill banning gender-affirming health care for transgender minors would have blood on your hands.

In a statement to The Hill, Emily Flower, a spokesperson for Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen (R), who is a defendant in the case, said the state will present its response at an upcoming preliminary injunction hearing.

We look forward to presenting our written response and full argument at the upcoming preliminary injunction hearing to defend the law and protect minors from sexually oriented performances, she said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Army Corps needs to listen up





I am pleased to see the Benbrook Lake road closure to cyclists and runners is getting media attention. (July 24, 1A, Road at Benbrook Lake to close to cyclists, joggers) I hope the news will increase communication among the Fort Worth District, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the public.

The initial public communication from the Army Corps was light on details, and the news story at least elicited a quote from a Corps spokesperson detailing 388 safety infractions. This story also referred to a public petition that has seen a spike in signatures since publication.

It appears that this news story has helped people find and raise their voices.

- Stephen Kudlaty, Houston

Trans kids arent disposable

The Legislature has passed a ban on gender-affirming care for transgender youths. They make up a tiny part of Texas kids, but thanks to bullying, a disproportionate of those at risk for suicide. Medical treatments are sometimes required to resolve their issues.

Are our legislators scared of losing an election or just ignorant about what sometimes happens in the delivery room? Either way, this is mean-spirited. Trans youths are loved and valued. Texas does not have any throwaway kids, but we have legislators who need to be replaced.

- Loveta Eastes, Fort Worth

Black kids need better schools

Regarding Ronell Smiths July 16 commentary Affirmative action was past its prime. How we can help Black students now (5C) on the Supreme Court striking down affirmative action: Black people do not need this racist law. What is hurting the poor Black community is the lack of solid schools, as Smith pointed out. What he didnt point out is who runs the schools in poor Black neighborhoods. The schools are run by Democrats, and it appears they dont want to educate children.

We cant fix the problem until we are able to say what it is and how to fix it.

- Gene Tignor, Emory

I blame the migrants for it

I have lived in Texas all of my life. I am getting sick and tired of people whining about how those who enter the country illegally are treated. They have no right to be here unless they go through the proper procedures.

Story continues

The people of Texas are tired of footing the bill for their illegal acts. The parents of migrant children put them at risk. We do not deserve to be vilified because we want the borders under control. If it were up to me, I would shut the whole border down until control is regained.

- Bobby Hale, Bellevue

Immigration system is outdated

These never-ending political battles over immigration have become yet another sad tale of the decline of a once great nation. Our country was founded on the idea of legal immigration: Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free. And yet that simple idea has been one our greatest embarrassments.

The immigration system has not worked properly for decades. Applicants have been made to wait years, sometimes decades, for applications to yield citizenship.

Our government spends our tax dollars, ad nauseum, but we cant seem to repair a broken system. Illegal immigration is not the root of this problem  it is the governments unwillingness to solve the problem by creating an immigration system for the 21st century.

- Kenneth C. Werner, Arlington
The first US Abrams tanks may appear on the battlefield in Ukraine in September 2023.

Source: Politico with a reference to informed sources

Details: Politico said the US plans to send several Abrams to Germany in August, where the tanks will undergo final modification. After the process is finished, the tanks will be sent to Ukraine in September.

The first batch of Abrams will include six to eight tanks, a defence department official and a US official told Politico. In total, the US plans to send 31 tanks, which is equal to one Ukrainian battalion.

"Were definitely working to get them to Ukraine as fast as we can," Pentagon spokesperson Colonel Martin O'Donnell told Politico, refusing to discuss specific terms.

According to one of Politico's sources, the first batch of modified tanks has been done, but it is unclear whether the US will have time to complete all the necessary work by the end of August.

Politico noted the Ukrainian military must complete a training course lasting approximately 10 weeks at the Grafenwoehr army base in Germany before they can start operating the tanks. A Pentagon official said the Ukrainians plan to complete this training in August.

Background:

In January 2023, US President Joe Biden announced his intention to transfer 31 M1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine.

The United States is removing some sensitive technology from Abrams tanks, which it plans to send to Ukraine, as it fears that it could fall into the hands of the Russian army on the battlefield.

Thus, Ukraine will receive an older modification of tanks  M1A1, not A2.

In May, US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin said that Ukraine will receive Abrams tanks in early autumn. The training programs for the Ukrainian military to operate tanks will also be completed at that time.

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!
Rapper YNW Melly appeared in court Friday for the first time since his double murder case ended with a hung jury  and a mistrial.

Melly, and several observers, chuckled when another inmate leaving a hearing in the courtroom shouted Free Melly as he walked out.

Prosecutor Kristine Bradley requested a trial start date of Oct. 2, to which the defense team agreed. She also asked to try the rapper with co-defendant Cortlen Henry, known as YNW Bortlen.

Defense attorney Stuart Adelstein objected to trying Melly with Henry because Melly is facing the death penalty and Henry isnt.

Broward Circuit Court Judge John Murphy, however, didnt rule on Bradleys request.

Last week, the jury in the first trial told Murphy after three days of deliberation that it couldnt come to a final decision on Mellys two first-degree murder charges. Murphy declared a mistrial.

READ MORE: Mistrial declared after jury deadlocked in YNW Melly double murder trial

A mistrial doesnt mean Melly was found not guilty. Mistrials usually occur after a jury is unable to reach a verdict or if there was misconduct or a serious error that could lead to an unfair trial. Prosecutors may pursue a new trial within 90 days of the original trial, in most cases.

Melly, whose real name is Jamell Demons, is accused of gunning down his childhood friends Anthony Williams and Christopher Thomas Jr. in an alleged drive-by cover-up after spending the night of Oct. 26, 2018, at a Fort Lauderdale recording studio. Williams and Thomas, both aspiring rappers with the YNW collective, were known as YNW Sakchaser and YNW Juvy, respectively.

The 24-year-olds case was among the first being considered after Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a law to lower the threshold for a death sentence to an 8-4 jury vote, from a unanimous vote.
Jerrica Thacker, 21, on board Allegiant Air Flight 485 on July 23 after a "terrifying" incident. Courtesy of Jerrica Thacker.

A new flyer never wants to get on a plane again after a "terrifying" near-miss incident.

An Allegiant Air flight was forced to take "evasive action" Sunday to avoid a collision with a jet.

The plane abruptly shot "straight up," causing flight attendants to fall over, the passenger said.

This Kentucky woman says she never wants to fly again after a "terrifying" near-miss incident aboard an Allegiant Air flight over Florida.

It was only Jerrica Thacker's second time flying. Returning home after a cruise trip with her family, the plane she was on had to make a sudden dramatic maneuver to avoid an in-air collision with a private jet shortly after taking off from South Florida's Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport on Sunday.

Thacker, 21, told Insider on Friday that the Kentucky-bound Allegiant Air Flight 485 had only been in the air for about 20 to 30 minutes when the plane abruptly shot "straight up," causing other concerned travelers to gasp out loud and at least two flight attendants to topple over.

"It felt like a roller coaster," Thacker said, adding, "It felt like we were dropping, but I now know that we were actually going straight up in the air."

Thacker said she quickly gripped onto her seat's armrests and braced herself before the Airbus A320 finally leveled back out. She called the incident the "scariest moment" of her life.

The Federal Aviation Administration told Insider in a statement that the Allegiant Air flight was forced to take "evasive action" after the pilot got an automated alert about another aircraft heading toward it at the same altitude.

"An air traffic controller in the Miami Air Route Traffic Control Center had instructed Flight 485 to turn eastbound at an altitude of 23,000 feet when it crossed in front of a northbound Gulfstream business jet," the FAA said, adding, "The pilot of the Gulfstream also took evasive action after receiving a similar alert."

Story continues

The FAA confirmed that a flight attendant was injured and treated for injuries once the flight returned to Fort Lauderdale. The agency is investigating the incident.

A spokesperson for Allegiant Air declined to comment to Insider, citing the "active investigation" and instead referred Insider to the FAA.

Jerrica Thacker was left distraught by the incident. Courtesy of Jerrica Thacker.

Thacker told Insider that after the plane "stabilized," the pilot made an announcement saying, "I had to make an abrupt maneuver to avoid another aircraft," and that the plane was headed back to the airport.

Other passengers, including her family members, were seen crying and even praying, Thacker said.

Thacker's family decided to drive back to Kentucky

Once the aircraft landed, Thacker and her family decided to not get back on the plane and instead rented a car to drive 15 hours back home to Kentucky.

"We were all really shook up, like no one really wanted to fly," Thacker said.

Thacker now says that she never wants to step foot on another plane again.

"Truly all I can think is that I must have some bad luck," she said.

Thacker's flight from Kentucky to Florida just days before the incident marked the first time she ever flew on a plane.

"Some people can fly for years and years and never have any kind of encounter like this," she said. "The fact that it happened to me so early in my flying experience just tells me that flying is not meant for me."

Read the original article on Insider
Five people are competing for the Bellingham City Councils at-large seat in the Aug. 1 primary, where the two candidates with the most votes will advance to the Nov. 7 general election.

Councilwoman Kristina Michele Martens, the current at-large representative, is running for mayor instead of seeking re-election to the council.

In Bellingham, the at-large seat is a two-year term and the job pays $67,000 annually.

This years city and county races are nonpartisan.

All voting is by mail in Washington state.

Ballots must be postmarked  not simply placed in the mail  by 8 p.m. Aug. 1 to be counted. Ballots can also be placed in official ballot drop boxes that will be locked when polling closes.

Heres how the candidates responded to a Bellingham Herald questionnaire that asked them to list their qualifications, the top three issues facing the city, and how they would solve one of those priorities. Candidates are listed in the order that they appear on the ballot:

Maya Morales is one of five candidates in the Tuesday, Aug. 1, primary election for the Bellingham City Councils at-large seat.

Maya Morales

Maya Morales of Lettered Streets is a professional organizer, freelance artist, and founder of WA Peoples Privacy, a website that engages everyday people in effective and strategic self-advocacy, and to build power and organizing capacity in communities in the process.

Morales has a bachelors degree in womens studies with a focus on race, class and ethnicity and fine art from the University of California at Santa Cruz, and a masters degree in teaching with a focus on teaching English to those who speak other languages.

I hope to serve all of Bellingham while also centering those with the greatest immediate need. I dont think its either-or. I know we can create a Bellingham where we all belong. This is about making good, sound, well-researched, fact-based planning and policy choices, Morales told The Herald.

Morales has an extensive background in organizing and advocacy, including with People First Bellingham, where she worked to pass citywide ballot initiatives for worker and renter rights and ban facial recognition technology and predictive policing software in 2021.

Story continues

During this years state legislative session, she advocated for rent stabilization, renter protections, and mobile home protections for the Washington Low Income Housing Alliance, she said.

Affordable and equitably planned housing, community safety and meeting peoples unmet needs are her priorities, Morales told The Herald.

All three of these issues involve addressing the many intersecting issues we face today in ways that center justice and equity, she said.

In order to ensure we prioritize affordable housing, I will push for building equity goals into all planning and code adjustments; bring forward proposals for affordability goals, enforcement of existing laws, negotiations for rent stability with large multi-unit developments, push to explore innovative publicly owned land trust options for housing that help low-wealth people build equity, propose or further solutions to meet immediate needs of people who need rent adjustments and/or supportive housing, Morales said.

Morales has raised $12,397 for her campaign, according to the state Public Disclosure Commission.

Garrett OBrien is one of five candidates running in the Tuesday, Aug. 1, primary election for the Bellingham City Councils at-large seat.

Garrett OBrien

Garrett OBrien is president of Volonta Corp. of Bellingham, a general contractor serving clients in Whatcom, Skagit, and Snohomish counties.

A resident of the Birchwood neighborhood, OBrien attended Bellingham Schools and earned a bachelor of science degree in construction management from Central Washington University.

I will work on increasing housing options across all income levels, improving safety and business conditions downtown, and increasing public engagement in policy-making, OBrien told The Herald.

He served two terms on the citys Planning Commission and has served on the board of directors for the Building Industry Association of Whatcom County, the Bellingham Home Fund Review Board and on the board of Kulshan Community Land Trust.

OBrien said that updating the Bellingham Comprehensive Plan to comply with the Washington State Growth Management Act will be a key task before the City Council.

This update analyzes our land supply, reviews our zoning regulations, and works to make accurate predictions about our future population growth. In undertaking this process, my goal is to obtain accurate information and ensure we have an adequate housing supply and a variety of choices to meet peoples needs, he said.

OBrien is endorsed by former Bellingham Mayor Kelli Linville and Port Commissioner Ken Bell.

Hes reported no fundraising to the state Public Disclosure Commission.

Paul Schissler is one of five candidates in the Tuesday, Aug. 1, primary election for the Bellingham City Councils at-large seat.

Paul Schissler

Paul Schissler of Fairhaven is a consultant in planning and community development and a co-founder of RE Sources for Sustainable Communities and the Kulshan Community Land Trust.

Schissler, who has a bachelor of science degree in environmental planning from Western Washington University, owns Madrona Community Development and Paul Schissler Associates Inc. in Bellingham, working with governments and nonprofits, he told The Herald in an email.

I have worked my entire career with governments and nonprofits on public interest projects, program innovation, capital construction, and ongoing funding for public interest facilities and projects, Schissler said.

He has served on the Whatcom County Housing Advisory Committee, the Bellingham Community Development Advisory Board and the Whatcom County Conservation Easement Program.

Key issues facing the city are affordable housing, adequate care for those who need care, and homelessness, he said.

I believe everyone in Bellingham benefits when we address these three issues and other interrelated problems. When our city and its partners focus on basic issues, our community systems get better, workers get more respect, and homes can become affordable for everyone, he said.

He said hed enlist public and private partnerships to address those issues.

Partners from all five sectors can co-operate: the public agencies can start the process, working with at least one nonprofit, and with grassroots representation at the table early. The charitable sector can encourage those three to figure out projects to benefit the neighborhood, and then the for-profit sector is willing to step up, too, he said.

Schissler has raised $6,409 for his campaign, according to the state Public Disclosure Commission.

Jace Cotton is one of five candidates in the Tuesday, Aug. 1, primary election for the Bellingham City Councils at-large seat.

Jace Cotton

Jace Cotton is a vice chair of Whatcom Democrats and campaign director at Community First Whatcom, a grassroots organization that secured a Nov. 7 ballot spot for initiatives to raise the minimum wage and increase renter protections.

Cotton has a bachelors degree in political science from Western Washington University and has worked as a paraeducator in public schools.

Most recently, he managed the 2021 Whatcom Democrats campaign to retain a progressive seat on the Whatcom County Council and also worked to pass the Bellingham voter measures that banned law-enforcement use of facial recognition technology and keep city money from being used to deter union activity.

Those issues are among his priorities: affordable housing, public health and safety, and expanding child care.

The cost of living crisis, especially housing, is the root of so many problems. We need to act with urgency to fast-track basic renter protections already working in other Washington cities, like capping predatory fees, and create more opportunities to build, own, and rent affordable housing, he told The Herald.

In 2022, he managed the Whatcom Democrats campaign to flip the 42nd Legislative District and elect three Democrats.

In addition, Cotton led last Novembers effort to get every vote counted and secure a win for the countywide Proposition 5, the Healthy Childrens Fund.

Hes listed as a certified Democrat by the Whatcom Democrats and is endorsed by the Bellingham Tenants Union, the Riveters Collective, the Communications Workers of America Local 37083, the 42nd District Democrats and the Young Democrats of WWU.

He has the support of elected leaders such as Martens, whose seat he is seeking. Hes further backed by County Council members Carol Frazey, Barry Buchanan and Todd Donovan, 42nd District state Sen. Sharon Shewmake, D-Bellingham, and 40th District state Reps. Debra Lekanoff, D-Bow, and Alex Ramel, D-Bellingham.

Cotton has raised $13,374 for his election bid, according to the state Public Disclosure Commission.

Russ Whidbee is one of five candidates in the Tuesday, Aug. 1, primary election for the Bellingham City Councils at-large seat.

Russ Whidbee

Russ Whidbee of the Birchwood neighborhood is a financial adviser and a member of the Bellingham Planning Commission.

He has a bachelors degree in accounting from City University of Seattle, is an adjunct faculty member teaching accounting at Whatcom Community College and a personal financial adviser for LPL Financial.

In addition, he is an emeritus member and former president of the Bellingham Technical College Foundation, a member of the Whatcom County Board of Equalization that hears property assessment valuation appeals, is co-founder and former co-chair of the Brothers and Sisters of Whatcom for local Black residents.

Whidbee told The Herald that housing affordability, homelessness, drug addiction and climate change are among the citys most pressing issues.

Our housing affordability issue can and must be addressed by our City Council. I believe there are three main avenues to accomplish this. First, as a City Council member, I would bring back the Public Development Authority, so that buildings can be built, without such a large profit by developers. This can allow for permanent affordability to be required and attached to the building. It could also require living wages and Project Labor Agreements be used in construction, he told The Herald.

Whidbee has also served on the citizen advisory boards of the Bellingham Police Department and Bellingham Public Schools, which advises on strategic planning and levies.

Hes also been part of the Racial Justice Coalition and its subcommittee, the Birchwood Food Desert Fighters and the Whatcom County office of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

I believe our city can better support the land trust model that supports what I like to call equity squared. Equity for historically impacted and marginalized groups, such as Black people, like myself, and equity for those groups in the form of home-ownership and wealth creation, he said.

Lastly, I believe that our city needs to ask private developers to include affordability in exchange for upzones, or parking variances and density bonuses. As an accountant and financial manager, I believe in providing actual solutions that are founded in economic justice and reality, Whidbee said.

Whidbee has endorsements from LiUNA! Local 292, the Commercial Fishermans Association of Whatcom County, the Guild of Pacific Northwest Enployees, IBEW Local 191 and the United Steelworkers.

He has raised $10,716 for his election bid, according to the state Public Disclosure Commission.
Federal prosecutors superseding indictment against former President Trump in his classified documents case Thursday has brought to light several new charges and revelations.

Trump now faces a total of 40 criminal counts in the case  three more than he did previously  after prosecutors added allegations that Trump pushed to delete surveillance footage at Mar-a-Lago and willfully retained an additional sensitive document.

Here are five revelations from the new court filings:

Trump is accused of seeking to delete footage

Prosecutors laid out a new set of allegations that Trump acted with two aides in attempts to delete surveillance footage at Mar-a-Lago after prosecutors subpoenaed it in June 2022 in connection with their investigation.

The subpoena required Trumps business to produce surveillance footage from areas near the storage room and other locations within the Florida estate for a period of roughly six months. Prosecutors last month brought charges related to allegations that boxes of classified materials were at times moved in and out of the storage room.

After they issued the subpoena, prosecutors claim Trump sought to meet with Walt Nauta, the former presidents body man and co-defendant in the case.

Nauta then suddenly changed his plans and traveled to Mar-a-Lago from Trumps Bedminster, N.J., club the next day, and he attempted to delete footage with another employee, according to court filings.

Trump faces two new obstruction charges in connection with the allegations.

Prosecutors name new co-defendant

The superseding indictment added a third defendant to the case: Carlos De Oliveira, the property manager of the hotel.

De Oliveira, 56, was the other employee who allegedly aided Nauta in their attempt to delete the footage.

He faces three charges, including the two obstruction counts prosecutors have newly brought against Trump and Nauta.

De Oliveira also faces an additional charge of conspiracy to obstruct justice, a charge that were already brought against both the former president and Nauta.

Story continues

The boss wanted it done

The indictment alleges De Oliveira extensively pushed Mar-a-Lagos director of information technology (IT)  who was not charged or named in the indictment  to delete the footage.

As Nauta prepared to head to Florida on a Friday evening, both he and De Oliveira sent text messages to the technology expert suggesting they may need his assistance, according to the indictment. Court filings indicate Nauta traveled to Mar-a-Lago the following day.

On Monday morning, De Oliveira purportedly asked the IT director to have a private conversation.

He also allegedly asked how long the security footage was stored, to which the IT director answered 45 days. The IT director was then told the boss wanted the server deleted, but he said he did not know how to do it.

What are we going to do? De Oliveria allegedly insisted.

The indictment went on to describe the efforts De Oliveira and Nauta took to organize their plans secretly, apparently walking among the bushes around the IT office where the security footage was managed.

At another point, De Oliveira and Nauta purportedly walked with a flashlight through the tunnel where the storage room was located, and observed and pointed out security cameras.

Trump faces new charge over alleged Iran war plan presentation

Prosecutors also brought another charge against Trump unrelated to the security footage revelations.

The superseding indictment adds a 32nd count of willfully retaining national defense information, one more than previously.

The new Espionage Act charge corresponds to a record Trump allegedly described in a July 2021 meeting with a book author and publisher at his New Jersey club. Portions of the transcript were included in the original indictment, and CNN published an audio recording late last month.

The document in question is reportedly a secret Pentagon document with plans to attack Iran. Trump had previously said he may not have had a physical document with him at the time.

I have a big pile of papers, this thing just came up. Look. This was him, Trump says in the recording, referring to Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Mark Milley. They presented me this  this is off the record but  they presented me this. This was him. This was the Defense Department and him.

Prosecutors say new charges shouldnt affect trial date

Prosecutors in a separate court document filed Thursday evening stressed that the new charges and co-defendant shouldnt delay the scheduled May 20, 2024, trial date.

[T]he Special Counsels Office is taking steps related to discovery and security clearances to ensure that it does not do so, prosecutors wrote in court filings.

Among the promised measures, prosecutors insisted they would promptly produce materials related to the new co-defendant and the new charges and would immediately arrange for De Oliveiras lawyer to begin the security clearance process.

The parties in the case have previously battled over the trial date, with Trumps lawyers seeking a more relaxed schedule.

U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, who is overseeing the case, last week rejected the former presidents legal teams request to indefinitely delay the matter, but the schedule is months later than prosecutors trial date request.

Trumps legal team could attempt to bump back the trial date with various pretrial motions, a move that would push the trial closer to  or after  the 2024 presidential election.

Rebecca Beitsch contributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Ryanair plane

Ukrainian airspace will not be open for civilian aviation anytime soon, Air Force spokesperson Yuriy Ihnat said on national television on July 28.

The statement came as a response to comments made by airline Ryanair CEO Michael OLeary on July22, who floated the idea of resuming a limited number of flights to Ukraine by the end of 2023.

Ukrainian national air traffic operator Ukraerorukh has stated that Ukrainian airspace will remain closed until the skies are 100% safe.

According to Ihnat, risks of Russian attack will remain high as long as Russia pursues its full-scale war against Ukraine.

"We are at war," Ihnat said.

"You can see that missiles hit everywhere; they can reach any part of the country. Enemy missiles or drones can appear at any moment. You are fully aware of the time Kinzhal (hypersonic) missile needs to reach its target. It's really nice that despite this situation, there are those who are willing to take over Ukraine's civil flights."

Read also: Ukraine lacks enough means to counteract ballistic missiles, air force says

Ihnat also noted that insuring aircraft and passengers in a country at war, would be nigh-impossible. As for the "Israeli" option of closed skies, Ihnat said that Ukrainian territory is far more vast, and Russia has technological weapons and various types of missiles that "fly from everywhere."

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Crews on Friday pulled a womans body out of the burned wreckage of a yacht that went up in flames while docked at a Florida Keys marina.

The Monroe County Sheriffs Office didnt confirm the womans identification, but 51-year-old Linda Vella from St. Petersburg has been missing since the the 100-foot Viking boat was destroyed Wednesday while docked at the Perry Hotel & Marina at 7101 Shrimp Rd. on Stock Island just after midnight Wednesday.

Her husband, Michael Kenneth Robson, 58, and son, Anthony Joseph Vella, 21, got off the boat, but they remain hospitalized in a Miami-Dade County burn center, Vellas daughter, Lisamarie Vella, said in a GoFundMe post.

According to the post, the two men are in critical condition.

We all love u. You were the best mom. The best friend. You were all I had. You were the glue that kept our family together, wrote Lisamarie Vella. I dont no how Im going to live this life with out. I ask you all to pray for my family [as] they they recover fast and that we all mentally get through this.

Linda Vella is shown in a photo posted by her daughter in a GoFundMe post. Lisamarie Vella/GoFundMe

The familys pet dog also died in the fire, according to the daughter.

The womans body was removed from the boat Friday after what remained of it was lifted from the water, said Keys sheriffs office spokesman Adam Linhardt.

Investigators believed Vella was unable to escape the fire and was still aboard the vessel during the ensuing search, Linhardt said in a statement.

Linhardt said that along with the sheriffs office dive team and major crimes detectives, TowBoat US, Monroe County Fire Rescue and the state Fire Marshals Office took part in the search.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Rep. Byron Donalds tweeted the attempt to feature the personal benefits of slavery is wrong & needs to be adjusted. A fellow Black Republican, Sen. Tim Scott, also spoke out.

The sole Black Republican in Floridas congressional delegation opposes the new history curriculum approved by the Florida Board of Education, which mandates teaching middle school students that Black people benefited personally from skills they acquired while enslaved.

On Wednesday, Florida Rep. Byron Donalds stated on X, formerly known as Twitter, that while his states new African American standards are good, robust, & accurate the attempt to feature the personal benefits of slavery is wrong & needs to be adjusted, ABC News reported.

He said hes confident the states Department of Education will make amends.

Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., speaks June 30 during the Moms for Liberty Joyful Warriors national summit in Philadelphia. Donalds, the sole Black Republican in Floridas congressional delegation, is urging his state to fix the new history curriculum that mandates teaching that Black people benefited personally from skills they acquired while enslaved. (Photo: Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

The states Board of Education approved the controversial new Black history stands last week, along with benchmark clarifications that contained the statement that instruction includes how slaves developed skills which, in some instances, could be applied for their personal benefit.

Vice President Kamala Harris blasted the changes in a speech from Jacksonville, Florida, last Friday, saying, They insult us in an attempt to gaslight us, and we will not stand for it.

Donalds claim was swiftly rebutted by some Florida government representatives and campaign staffers for Gov. Ron DeSantis, who is running for president, demonstrating how the local debate has now spread to the Republican race.

DeSantis campaign spokeswoman Christina Pushaw, in response to Donalds tweeted critique, inquired whether Kamala Harris wrote it.

Manny Diaz Jr., Floridas education commissioner, asserted that the new curriculum is based on truth.

We will not back down from teaching our nations true history at the behest of a woke White House, Diaz asserted on X, nor at the behest of a supposedly conservative congressman.

Donalds, one of the first representatives from Florida to declare support for Donald Trumps presidential reelection earlier this year, defended himself against the attacks.

Story continues

Whats crazy to me is I expressed support for the vast majority of the new African American history standards and happened to oppose one sentence that seemed to dignify the skills gained by slaves as a result of their enslavement, Donalds tweeted. Anyone who cant accurately interpret what I said is disingenuous and is desperately attempting to score political points. Just another reason why lm proud to have endorsed President Donald J. Trump!

The modifications to its history curriculum resulted from the Florida Legislatures passing of DeSantis Stop-WOKE law, described as a measure that protects students and workers from experiencing discrimination based on race, color, sex, or national origin.

Donalds wasnt alone in decrying the Sunshine States new educational adjustment. At a rally in Iowa on Thursday night, Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, the lone Black Republican running for president in 2024, spoke out against the Florida history requirements, telling a reporter, There is no silver lining in slavery.

He noted that what could be learned while enslaved also could have been learned living in freedom.

Slavery was really about separating families, about mutilating humans and even raping their wives, Scott added. It was just devastating.

DeSantis has supported the new rules while making it appear that he is trying to distance himself from them. When confronted with the language of the new benchmarks during a press conference in Salt Lake City last week, the governor claimed he wasnt involved.

However, he said scholars created the new guidelines and are not politically motivated.

But I think what theyre doing is, I think that theyre probably going to show some of the folks that eventually parlayed being a blacksmith into doing things later in life, DeSantis said, ABC reported. But the reality is, all of that is rooted in whatever is factual.

TheGrio is FREE on your TV via Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Roku and Android TV. Also, please download theGrio mobile apps today!

The post Floridas lone Black GOP congressman: Fix states controversial enslavement teachings appeared first on TheGrio.
Former senior Party official of Jiangsu stands trial for bribery

Xinhua) 10:38, July 28, 2023

WUHAN, July 27 (Xinhua) -- Zhang Jinghua, former deputy secretary of the Jiangsu Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China, stood trial for taking bribes at the Intermediate People's Court of Wuhan in central China's Hubei Province on Thursday.

Zhang was charged with accepting money and valuables worth 49.84 million yuan (about 6.99 million U.S. dollars) between 2008 and 2021, according to prosecutors.

He allegedly took advantage of his various positions in east China's Jiangsu Province to seek profits for others in areas such as project contracting, project development and job promotions.

During the court hearings, prosecutors presented their evidence, which the defendant and his lawyers cross-examined.

Zhang pleaded guilty and expressed remorse in his final statement.

The verdict will be announced in due course.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Wu Chaolan)
MIAMI - Heat alerts have returned to parts of the Florida Peninsula following enhanced rainfall over the past couple of days that led to localized flooding.

A tropical disturbance that the FOX Forecast Center tracked across the western Atlantic, helped to enhance shower and thunderstorm activity from South Florida to the Interstate 10 corridor.

"Its like being at a water park, and that big tub of water comes out and splashes on top of you," said FOX Weather meteorologist Craig Herrera.

As the weekend progresses, some coastal communities such as Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach are expected to slowly dry out as the tropical moisture impacts cities further northward, along the Southeast coast.

NEW TO FLORIDA? HERE'S WHEN THE SUNSHINE STATE'S RAINY SEASON GETS UNDERWAY

The heat index is expected to reach over 100 degrees again in much of the state through the weekend as a more normal, daily summer pattern returns.

In communities under heat alerts, such as West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale and Miami, heat indices are expected to be between 105-110 F over the weekend.

Slow-moving thunderstorms on Thursday dropped several inches of rain around the Fort Lauderdale and Hallandale Beach communities, stranding some drivers.

Traffic cameras captured flooding along U.S. 1 and several vehicles became disabled in the high flood water.

The heavy rain also caused problems at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, where several flights were delayed and at least one of the entrances to the airport was temporarily closed due to standing water.
A Florida man kills his 70-year-old mother and, with the help of his girlfriend, leaves her dismembered body in a ditch by the side of a road south of Palm Bay.

The man flees to New York, where law enforcement officials from the Sunshine State track him down in Brooklyn for questioning  and he and his girlfriend eventually face charges in the elderly woman's murder.

More: A Brevard County-based "Snapped": Ilene Lazar and Francis Riccio

Sound like the gory makings of a TV crime show?It is  and the gruesome 2013 murder will be featured this weekend on a new episode of the Oxygen True Crime network's "Snapped: Killer Couples" series. The episode is centered on Francis Riccio  who murdered his mother, Maureen Riccio of Mims, in March 2013  and his girlfriend, Ilene Lazar, who aided in the cover-up.

FLORIDA TODAY's breaking news reporter J.D. Gallop, who has long covered crime on the Space Coast, is featured in the show, which airs at 6 p.m. Sunday on Oxygen.

FLORIDA TODAY breaking news reporter J.D. Gallop will talk about covering a grisly 2013 Brevard murder in a new episode of Snapped: Killer Couples, which airs at 6 p.m. July 30 on the Oxygen network.

At the time of the crime, Gallop received a tip about a body being discovered near a rural stretch of road in Micco and pursued the information. Brevard sheriffs agents were still searching for the deceased's family members days after the discovery, he said.

Its a sad story about what happens when family dysfunction and toxicity win out, said Gallop, one of the reporters who covered the homicide.

What this case shows is the good detective work carried out by the sheriffs homicide team along with their determination to find justice for the victim."

Francis Riccio, then 48, was sentenced to 25 years in prison in December 2015, after pleading guilty to first-degree premeditated murder and abuse of a dead body.

Police said that Riccio had gotten in an argument with his mother, with whom he'd been living, when he killed her. He had been stressed over her increasing medical issues and his inability to find a care facility where she could live, according to police.

Story continues

Lazar was sentenced to five years for accessory to murder and fabricating physical evidence.

The show, with interviews that include Tod Goodyear and Marlon Buggs, then homicide agents with the Brevard County Sheriffs Office, was filmed last October in Titusville. Members of the Riccio family were also interviewed.

More: Not all fugitives return to Brevard

As a reporter, "you have to look beyond the statistics," said Gallop.

"Cases like this remind you that these are real people, dealing with real-time problems, who for whatever reason lose control and fall along dark paths.

Gallop has years of experience talking about murders, and the people who commit them, in front of TV cameras. In a 2019 appearance on the Investigation Discovery channel's "Twisted Sisters," he shared insight into the arrest of Betty Jo Fowler of Palm Bay, who was charged with vehicular homicide in the 2010 death of her sister-in-law after a night out on the town at a local American Legion Post.

The episode, titled "Drowning in Despair," included comments from the detective who solved the homicide and Gallop, who broke the initial story.

Britt Kennerly is education/breaking news editor at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Kennerly at 321-917-4744 or bkennerly@floridatoday.com. Twitter: @bybrittkennerly Facebook: /bybrittkennerly.

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: FLORIDA TODAY reporter recalls 2013 murder on Oxygen TV's 'Snapped'
A Florida woman who defrauded an 87-year-old Holocaust survivor of his life savings in a romance scam has been sentenced to four years in prison.

Peaches Stergo, 36, siphoned over $2.8m (2.1m) between 2017 and late 2021 and used the money to live a "life of luxury", prosecutors said.

Stergo, who met the Holocaust survivor on a dating website, pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud in April.

The judge called her scam "unspeakably cruel".

Sentencing her to 51 months in prison on Thursday, US District Judge Edgardo Ramos ordered Stergo to pay $2.83m in restitution.

Stergo met the Holocaust survivor on a dating website around six or seven years ago, according to prosecutors with the US Southern District of New York.

She began asking the victim to borrow money to help her get funds from a legal settlement that prosecutors say did not exist.

Stergo continued to lie to the elderly man for the next four and a half years, demanding that he deposit money in her bank account or it would be frozen and she would not be able to pay him back.

Prosecutors said she "callously defrauded an 87-year-old Holocaust survivor who was simply looking for companionship".

Stergo used the money to live a life of luxury, including buying a home in a gated community and staying at luxury hotels, according to prosecutors.

She also spent the cash on designer clothing, a Corvette, Rolex watches and gold coins and bars, while the elderly victim lost his apartment, prosecutors said.

The elderly man gave 62 cheques to Stergo over the course of the scam. At one point, he explained the situation to his son, who warned him it was a swindle.

In text messages, the Florida woman mocked the victim, telling her real lover that the 87-year-old had said he "loved her", followed by a message that said "lol", according to prosecutors.

She joked in a text that the victim was "broke" and he "don't have anything else to pawn".

Story continues

She was upset when the money ran out, but only because, as she wrote in a text message: "I don't want to work... it's too hard."

As a part of her sentencing, Stergo was ordered to forfeit her home in the gated community as well as over 100 luxury items.

Stergo's lawyer told US media that she had "expressed remorse for her actions and will make every effort to repay the restitution in this case".

In previous court documents, her lawyer argued she suffered from childhood trauma that made her prone to compulsive behaviours like participating in scams.

You may also be interested in:
Fruit fly (Drosophila Melanogaster) on a leaf Getty Images/janeff

For the first time, scientists have induced facultative parthenogenesis, a form of asexual reproduction, in an animal that usually reproduces sexually.

Commonly referred to as a "virgin birth," most animals who reproduce this way are small invertebrates, or sometimes, long isolated, such as in a zoo. As detailed in a study published today in the journal Current Biology, scientists were able to identify a genetic cause for virgin birth in one species of fruit fly and turn it on in another.

An estimated 76 percent of fruit flies can exhibit parthenogenesis, but as to why some can and some can't was a mystery.

Dr. Alexis Sperling, a researcher at the University of Cambridge and first author of the paper, was curious if there was something genetic happening that allowed some fruit flies to reproduce without a partner. To try and find an answer, Sperling and her colleagues sequenced the genomes of two types of Drosophila mercatorum fruit flies, one that needed males to reproduce and another that reproduces by parthenogenesis.

Through genomic sequencing, the researchers started the process of elimination to figure out which genes turned on during parthenogenesis. Once they identified the genes, they started trying to essentially turn it on in the fruit flies that they knew couldn't reproduce by parthenogenesis. Eventually, they turned it on in one called Drosophila melanogaster. And it didn't stop there. The offspring of D. melanogaster were also able to reproduce by parthenogenesis.

"We're the first to show that you can engineer virgin births to happen in an animal  it was very exciting to see a virgin fly produce an embryo able to develop to adulthood, and then repeat the process," said Dr Alexis Sperling, a researcher at the University of Cambridge and first author of the paper in a statement. "In our genetically manipulated flies, the females waited to find a male for half their lives - about 40 days - but then gave up and proceeded to have a virgin birth."

Story continues

Sperling spent six years to reach the findings of this study, telling Salon in an interview, "It took a very long time, a lot of concentration, a lot of effort and perseverance."

When parthenogenesis happens, the egg cell in the female's body divides enough times it needs in order to create half the genes required to procreate. In this process, cellular sacs called polar bodies are created as byproducts that contain chromosomes and can fertilize the egg. Despite the ways it's often portrayed in the media as a "virgin birth," parthenogenesis isn't a biblical miracle. It's likely a survival strategy for a species, and it's not always successful.

In 2015, scientists found that 3 percent of a critically endangered sawfish population in Florida were conceived through parthenogenesis. At the time, researchers thought that it could be a survival strategy to prevent inbreeding and prevent harmful mutations from happening. Still, researchers said it would likely lead to the demise of the population, as species need genetic diversity to be resilient.

However, there remain many unknowns about parthenogenesis, particularly the form known as facultative parthenogenesis, which is quite rare and only happens in animals that sexually reproduce. Sperling's paper expands scientific knowledge about parthenogenesis by showing there's a genetic component to it, instead of something being inherited.

"This says that this process can be genetic," Sperling said. "It could be inferred before, but can't there was no real proof."

Sperling said she is excited to see what other scientists do with this information, and how it spurs interest in the topic of parthenogenesis. Particularly, she's curious to see how it influences work on crop pests, as it seems virgin birth is becoming more common in pest species.

"If there's continued selection pressure for virgin births in insect pests, which there seems to be, it will eventually lead to them reproducing only in this way," Sperling said. "It could become a real problem for agriculture because females produce only females, so their ability to spread doubles."

Read more

about evolution
DEARBORN, Mich. (AP)  Ford is recalling more than 870,000 newer F-150 pickup trucks in the U.S. because the electric parking brakes can turn on unexpectedly.

The recall covers certain pickups from the 2021 through 2023 model years with single exhaust systems. Ford's F-Series pickups are the top-selling vehicles in the U.S.

The company says in documents posted by government safety regulators Friday that a rear wiring bundle can come in contact with the rear axle housing. That can chafe the wiring and cause a short circuit, which can turn on the parking brake without action from the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.

Drivers may see a parking brake warning light and a warning message on the dashboard.

Ford says in documents that it has 918 warranty claims and three field reports of wire chafing in North America. Of these, 299 indicated unexpected parking brake activation, and 19 of these happened while the trucks were being driven.

The company says it doesn't know of any crashes or injuries caused by the problem.

Dealers will inspect the rear wiring harness. If protective tape is worn through, the harness will be replaced. If the tape isn't worn, dealers will install a protective tie strap and tape wrap.

Owners will be notified by letter starting Sept. 11.

Owners with questions can call Ford customer service at (866) 436-7332.
Insider's Taylor Rains sits aboard Archer Aviation's upcoming Midnight eVTOL. Taylor Rains/Insider

Electric planemaker Archer Aviation is one of the most promising eVTOL startups in the US.

Overseeing safety is the former acting head of the Federal Aviation Administration, Billy Nolen.

His appointment comes ahead of Archer's upcoming Midnight eVTOL, which United plans to fly.

One of the highest authorities on aircraft safety in the US just placed his bets on startup electric planemaker Archer Aviation, representing how close the world could be to this new era of air travel.

In June, former acting head of the Federal Aviation Administration, Billy Nolen, stepped away from the regulator to become Archer's chief safety officer.

While it sounds like mundane news, it actually appears to be a big endorsement for both Archer and the eVTOL market as Nolen has decades of flight experience and likely could have gone to almost any established airline or manufacturer. eVTOL stands for electric vertical take-off and landing vehicle.

Plus, he helped write the framework for eVTOL certification and came up with the FAA program "Innovate 28," which hopes to see thousands of electric aircraft flying throughout the US by the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.

Fortunately for Archer, that means it is likely now a few steps ahead of the competition: "I don't sign up for losing teams," Nolen told Insider at the Paris Air Show in June.

Archer has already produced a full-sized mockup of its upcoming eVTOL known as Midnight, which Nolen said is still on track to start commercial flights in early 2025 despite some regulatory hiccups.

Insider toured the aircraft in Paris to learn more. Take a look:

Archer unveiled Midnight for the first time in May after two years of testing its prototype known as Maker.

Archer Aviation

Maker is a two-seater eVTOL that set the foundation for Midnight.

It first flew in December 2021 and has continued to be Archer's technology demonstrator, but is not expected to operate commercially.

Equipped with six pairs of battery-powered propellers, the aircraft will undergo ground testing before its first flight later this summer.

Story continues

Archer Aviation

The first aircraft is "non-conforming," meaning it is not produced perfectly in line with the FAA's standards.

This is because the agency is still implementing the exact framework for how to certify eVTOLs as the helicopter-plane hybrid falls under a category known as "powered lift" instead of the traditional "airplane"  something that has delayed several US eVTOL programs.

The position of the propellers on top of the wings is important for reducing emissions and noise.

Archer Aviation

This is particularly helpful in places like New York where city residents have long complained of noisy helicopters flying overhead at all hours of the day and night, like HeliFlite and Blade.

Lowering noise and carbon pollution is a big draw for airlines that are hoping to get into the growing urban air mobility market.

Archer Aviation

UAM is the use of low-altitude aircraft to transport people and goods between cities and rural areas, and has been growing in popularity as a solution to traffic congestion.

While Midnight checks these boxes, it is also favorable because it is optimally designed to fly between city centers and airports in 10-20 minutes.

Archer Aviation

Between flights, Midnight only takes 12 minutes to recharge thanks to its powertrain.

The aircraft's time efficiency is extremely important  especially as the UAM market is expected to grow to over $23 billion by 2035 and companies need to keep up.

Moreover, Midnight is designed for winged flight instead of just hovering  making it more efficient.

Taylor Rains/Insider

A spokesperson told Insider that hovering drains the battery faster than forward flight, so the winged design speeds that transition up to give the aircraft more range.

As far as affordability, Archer CEO Adam Goldstein told Insider that pricing will be around $100 per seat  similar to an Uber.

Uber rider. Mario Tama/Getty

The flight would replace a ride-share fare between city centers and airports  and airlines are jumping at the idea.

In early 2021, United Airlines purchased $1 billion worth of Midnight eVTOLs and since announced the first proposed route between Manhattan and its Newark airport hub.

Archer and United's route between downtown Manhattan and Newark Liberty International Airport, one of its primary hubs. Archer Aviation

The airline soon after announced the second route between Chicago and the city's O'Hare International Airport. Both routes are expected to cut out driving, saving customers hours in traffic.

Although United has yet to announce a cabin design, Archer showed off its Midnight interior at the Paris Air Show.

Taylor Rains/Insider

According to a company spokesperson, Midnight was disassembled into three pieces for transport to Paris via ship and then reassembled onsite.

Inside, there were five seats  including four for passengers and one for the pilot.

I sat in one of the seats of the Archer Aviation Midnight. Taylor Rains/Insider

The seats had a space-like look with a curved back and seatbelt.

Equipped at each seat were a wireless phone charger, cup holders, and cubbies.

Taylor Rains/Insider

Although it looked like a tight space from the outside, it wasn't too bad once you sat inside.

To create a more personalized experience, Archer has included a welcome screen on each seat that displays the assigned customer's name.

Taylor Rains/Insider

The screen also includes information about the destination and takeoff time, while the wing provides some added privacy.

A spokesperson told Insider that the idea is that people will eventually be able to call a Midnight eVTOL via an app and then guest information will connect to the screen.

Meanwhile, the large windows will give people great views of the world outside, especially those flying out of Manhattan.

Taylor Rains/Insider

And, there is room for passenger luggage in the aft cargo compartment. But it's not a huge space, so customers may need to keep that in mind when packing.

Archer is planning to build its fleet of electric planes at a 350,000-square-foot facility in Georgia, producing up to 650 per year.

The proposed Archer Aviation manufacturing facility is pictured in a rendering. Archer Aviation

Currently, Midnight's demonstrator aircraft are being built in California, but production is set to move to the East Coast in 2024.

The long-term plan is to expand the facility to 800,000 square feet, which is estimated to produce up to 2,300 eVTOLs per year.

While Midnight is one of the most promising upcoming eVTOLs, the new type of air travel has created some safety concerns among customers.

Taylor Rains/Insider

Similar to when the famous supersonic Concorde started flying, the public could show hesitancy to fly on an eVTOL because it is a new concept in the industry.

However, Nolen told Insider that once Midnight is certified, it "will be the equivalent of flying a Boeing 787 or an Airbus A350."

Boeing 787 Dreamliner. AP

Certification requires rigorous testing and aircraft demonstrations, and it can take years to complete  especially when working with a complicated category of aircraft.

He contended that Midnight is "in many ways safer" because it doesn't deal with hydraulics or pressurization, and its propulsion system is simple with few moving parts and many redundancies.

Taylor Rains/Insider

Unknown to many flyers, commercial aircraft are designed to fly on just one engine.

EVTOLs are being built in a similar manner to ensure if one motor goes down, there are backups to keep the craft flying.

Midnight's one caveat is its single-pilot operation, which could impose increased safety risks.

Taylor Rains/Insider

The eVTOL will have a single pilot at the controls rather than two, which differs from passenger planes and means there is one less redundancy onboard.

An Archer spokesperson told Insider that the controls are intuitive with autonomous features built in, like holding the inputted hover altitude.

Granted, Midnight is a much smaller and less-complicated craft compared to commercial jetliners  but it's still probably bigger than people expect.

Taylor Rains/Insider

"It's always been cool seeing pictures of [Midnight], but seeing it in person brings it to life and makes people realize how big it actually is," the spokesperson said. "I think the scale of it helps people wrap their heads around flying in it."

While Archer is clearly turning heads, it is facing strong competition from other startups.

Volocopter's Volocity is a competitor to Archer in the eVTOL market. Taylor Rains/Insider

Other startups include Joby Aviation, EVE, Volocopter, and AutoFlight  all of which also showed off at the air show.

In October, Delta Air Lines invested $60 million into Joby Aviation's upcoming S4 2.0 eVTOL.

Meanwhile, Embraer-back EVE has already earned orders from companies like United, Miami's GlobalX Airlines, and Kenya Airways subsidiary Fahari Aviation.

Read the original article on Business Insider
A former Apopka police officer is suing the city for allegedly discriminating against her after she began mental health treatment following a traumatic incident in the field.

The complaint filed Thursday in the U.S. District Court in Orlando on behalf of Ashley Eller alleges the city violated the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act when it suspended and subsequently terminated Eller in retaliation for seeking treatment related to her disability.

The complaint also says the city purposefully delayed her hearing for disability benefits, causing her a loss of income and emotional distress.

Eller began mental health treatment through the University of Central Floridas RESTORES program in March 2022. Eller had been working for the police department since September 2010.

Eller sought counseling after she began experiencing post traumatic stress disorder because of a work-related incident that occurred in January, the complaint says.

After about a few months of counseling, the administration was made aware that [Eller] had been seeking counseling through the UCF Restores program.

According to the complaint, Eller was placed on administrative leave in June 2022.

In August, Eller emailed the city requesting to be a dispatcher while she completed her mental health counseling program. The email included other accommodations Eller had requested under the Americans with Disabilities Act, the complaint says.

Eller had experience working as a dispatcher, according to court records. And, at the time of her email, the city was actively looking to hire additional hire additional [dispatchers] and was in such a need for additional [dispatchers] that [the city] was routinely paying overtime to its current staff of [dispatchers] and sworn officers.

Two days after she sent the email, Eller was terminated from the police department, the complaint says.

Story continues

Later that month, Eller provided the city with a note from her psychiatrist indicating she was cleared for clerical, office-based,

or record-keeping positions. Her request to be transferred to a dispatcher position was denied.

Eller filed for disability benefits in September 2022. The same month, she filed a charge of discrimination with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Florida Commission on Human Relations.

In May, after six months, the city held the first hearing about Ellers disability request. The city issued an order approving Ellers request for disability benefits days later.

At all times, [Eller] was ready, able, and willing to perform the essential functions of the [police office] position had [the city] allowed her to continue treatment, the complaint says. [Eller] believes she was discriminated against because of her actual and/or perceived disability, and in retaliation for seeking treatment related to her disability.

The police department and the city have not responded to multiple phone calls and voicemails seeking comment.

Eller is suing for damages for emotional pain and suffering as well as costs and attorneys fees, injunctive relief and a judgment that the city violated the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act.

She has requested a jury trial.

ccann@orlandosentinel.com
A former dancer at the Byron club Strippers filed a lawsuit against the club and its owner last week, claiming the club is not paying workers minimum wage, court records show.

Rodnisha Harris, a dancer who worked at the club as late as May 2022, alleged that owner Justin Chambers categorized dancers as independent contractors, making them share tips with other workers at the club and failing to pay dancers wages other than their tips, according to the lawsuit filed in federal court in Macon.

Not only that, but the clubs require that the dancers actually pay them to dance and require them to pay out a large amount of their tips to the club and other workers, said Kimberly Martin of Harris law firm Martin & Martin in a statement about the lawsuit.

Chambers and supervisors at Strippers were said to have forced dancers to pay kickbacks or fees for each shift they worked, documents show. In addition, 15% of their tips apparently went to the clubs DJ and $15 from each private dance was tipped out.

The lawsuit further contends that Chambers did not tell the workers in advance that they would not make minimum wage.

Chambers was in charge of all fees for the dancers and knowingly participated in the decision to make them independent contractors instead of employees, Harris alleged in the lawsuit. She has demanded a jury trial.

Harris filed the lawsuit for herself and people similarly situated within the club. It was unclear in court documents whether other dancers would opt into the current lawsuit with Harris against the club.

The club and Mr. Chambers brazenly continue to violate the FLSA because they think dancers will be too scared to stand up to them. Ms. Harris is not too scared, Martin said in the statement.

Harris lawsuit marks the second time in the past five years a dancer has brought allegations against the club. Another dancer named Destiny Bailey sued the company in 2018  when it operated under the name Neon Cowboy  for similar wage inequities.

Story continues

The club eventually paid Bailey and four other dancers in that lawsuit a total of $147,000, according to a settlement from 2019.

However, they did not change their pay policies, Martin said of the 2018 lawsuit in the statement. By not changing their pay policies and classifying dancers as employees, Strippers does not have to pay workers compensation insurance or pay into unemployment.

The Byron club sits just off Interstate 75 and is notable, in part, for its billboards, which declare, Need We Say More, to attract patrons passing through Peach County.

Chambers father, prominent bar owner John Chambers, ran the club until his death in 2019. John was known in the region both for his adult establishments and his brief career as a professional wrestler.

A lawsuit represents only one side of a legal argument.
A former tenant of the Good Samaritan Village is suing the complex for violating the Fair Housing Act.

The woman, who speaks Spanish, claims when the Kissimmee complex was underwater after Hurricane Ian, staff encouraged her to sign legal documents without offering to translate anything.

She claims they told her signing the documents would allow her to get her security deposit back.

Watch: Good Samaritan to sell Florida properties

However, they allegedly did not tell her it would prevent her from suing them.

The womans attorneys did not say how much money they are seeking in damages.

Read: Newly obtained report: Osceola County inspectors declared 69 Good Samaritan homes uninhabitable

The Good Samaritan Society said it does not comment on pending legal proceedings.

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.
Former White House lawyer Ty Cobb said there is overwhelming evidence in the classified documents case against former President Trump, following the announcement of new charges from the Department of Justice (DOJ).

Cobb, a lawyer who served under the Trump administration, claimed that the superseding indictment unveiled Thursday by federal prosecutors will last an antiquity, during an interview with CNNs Erin Burnett.

I think this original indictment was engineered to last 1,000 years, and now this superseding indictment will last an antiquity, Cobb said. This is such a tight case; the evidence is so overwhelming.

Trump, already facing 37 counts related to mishandling of classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Fla., was levied three additional counts Thursday unveiled by DOJ special counsel Jack Smith.

Prosecutors added allegations that Trump urged surveillance footage to be deleted at Mar-a-Lago and that he knowingly kept an additional sensitive document. The property manager of the resort, Carlos De Oliveira, was also charged alongside aide Walt Nauta as a co-conspirator.

ANALYSIS: 5 revelations from new Trump charges

Cobb turned the spotlight to the meeting Trump confirmed his lawyers had with DOJ prosecutors earlier Thursday.

The former president called the meeting productive and implied that his attorneys were given no notice that he would be indicted.

I cant imagine how Trump could say his lawyers met with Jack Smith today to explain that he hadnt done anything wrong on the same day that Jack Smtih produces this, Cobb told CNN, adding that it is overwhelming evidence of additional wrongdoing on his part.

Sign up for the latest from The Hill here

The former administration lawyer went on to say that Trumps alleged direct dealings with Oliveira and Nauta are being ignored in the discussion about this new indictment at a time when [Trump lawyer] Evan Corcoran has been told by him that there are no additional documents  and his lawyers certainly  at some point advised him to not to destroy, move or obstruct this grand jury subpoena in any way.

This is Trump not just going behind the back of the prosecutors, this is Trump going behind the back of his own lawyers, and dealing with two people who were extremely loyal to him, he added.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
You are here: World

 Flash

U.S. President Joe Biden on Thursday announced new actions to protect communities from extreme heat.

Biden directed the U.S. Department of Labor to issue first-ever hazard alert for heat and announced new investments to protect communities.

Millions of Americans are currently experiencing the effects of extreme heat, which is growing in intensity, frequency, and duration due to the climate crisis.

Biden is scheduled to meet on Thursday with mayors from two U.S. cities grappling with high temperatures, which are Phoenix of Arizona, and San Antonio of Texas.

Biden will learn directly about how their communities are being impacted by extreme heat and discuss the steps to protect communities like theirs, according to the White House.

Biden noted that some 600 people in the United States die from extreme heat each year, more than from floods, hurricanes and tornadoes combined.
Former Trump adviser Stephen Miller reacted to the new charges brought against former President Trump in the Mar-a-Lago documents case Thursday, claiming that it is further proof of an effort to prevent him from winning the 2024 election.

Its just further proof  that this is about an effort to use the Department of Justice to keep President Trump from returning to the White House, full stop, Miller told Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) on Newsmax.

I think any fair, impartial observer understands that if President Trump was not running for reelection, if he had said Im just going to go retire to Bedminster, retire to Mar-a-Lago, Im not going to run for president again, there is no charges brought in any of these cases anywhere in the country, whether it be in New York, Washington, D.C., Florida, or anywhere else, he added.

The Justice Department brought several new charges against the former president in a superseding indictment filed Thursday night.

The new indictment accused Trump of attempting to delete surveillance footage at his Mar-a-Lago resort, with help from his aide Walt Nauta and property manager Carlos De Oliveira. While Nauta had been named in the previous indictment, De Oliveira was a new addition.

Including an additional Espionage Act charge, Trump is now facing 40 counts in the classified documents case, up from the original 37 counts he pleaded not guilty to last month.

The former president slammed the new allegations as ridiculous Thursday night, claiming that they amounted to election interference at the highest level.

This is prosecutorial misconduct used at a level never seen before, Trump told Fox News Digital. If I werent leading Biden by a lot in numerous polls, and wasnt going to be the Republican nominee, it wouldnt be happening. It wouldnt be happening.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Former Acting Attorney General Matt Whitaker criticized special counsel Jack Smith after he laid three additional charges against former President Trump in a superseding indictment this week, calling the move vindictive and petty.

I think this last round of charges, to supersede this indictment, was to try to punish Donald Trump, Whitaker said in a Fox News interview on Saturday.

Smith originally indicted Trump on 37 counts related to mishandling of classified information at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Fla. The three additional counts relate to alleged attempts by Trumps aides to delete security footage of the classified information being moved around the club.

It seems to me a little vindictive and petty, he added. The reason why I would say that is because these charges do not add anything, other than a new defendant, to a potential sentence if President Trump does get convicted.

Longtime Trump aide Walt Nauta was also charged in the original indictment alongside Mar-a-Lago club manager Carlos De Oliveira  who is a new addition to the case.

Smith is also leading a separate investigation into Trumps actions around the Jan. 6, 2021, riot on the Capitol and attempts by the former president and his team to overturn the 2020 election.

The special counsel met with Trumps lawyers earlier Thursday to discuss the Jan. 6 probe. The DOJ delivered a target letter to Trump earlier this month, raising speculation that the former president could be indicted a third time soon.

Whitaker said Smith breaks news on his two Trump investigations whenever news about investigations into Hunter Biden, President Bidens son, reaches the front page.

While he did not go as far as to call it a conspiracy, Whitaker did suggest, without evidence, that the White House was pressuring Smith to advance his Trump cases.

I would not allege a conspiracy, that is obviously a loaded term, but what I would suggest is that there is very much an attempt by the White House and the Department of Justice to try to move the Bidens off of the front page and keep Donald Trump on the front page, he said.

Trump is also facing criminal charges in a New York state case alleging that he falsified business documents making hush money payments over an alleged past affair.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A fired Twitter product manager said in a post that Elon Musk appears willing to burn down Twitter, his bank accound large enough to finance building something new from the ashes (JOEL SAGET)

A fired Twitter product manager said Elon Musk ran the company newly renamed X by instinct not data, surrounded by sycophants with his mood changing unpredictably.

Esther Crawford, whose picture sleeping in a Twitter office late last year made her a viral sensation, shared her thoughts on Wednesday in a lengthy post at X.

"I disagree with many of his decisions and am surprised by his willingness to burn so much down, but with enough money and time, something new and innovative may emerge," Crawford said in the post.

Crawford joined Twitter when it bought her startup in 2020, before Musk bought the social media platform for $44 billion.

"In person Elon is oddly charming and he's genuinely funny," Crawford said.

"The challenge is his personality and demeanor can turn on a dime going from excited to angry."

Twitter employees feared being called into meetings with him or having to deliver negative news, according to Crawford.

"At times it felt like the inner circle was too zealous and fanatical in their unwavering support of everything he said," Crawford wrote.

"Product and business decisions were nearly always the result of him following his gut instinct, and he didn't seem compelled to seek out or rely on a lot of data or expertise to inform it."

Musk seemed to trust random feedback and Twitter polls more than employees working to solve problems at the company, according to Crawford.

"His boldness, passion and storytelling is inspiring, but his lack of process and empathy is painful."

Musk has proven success tackling engineering problems, but a social networking platform requires emotional intelligence, Crawford said.

She did not spare the previous management, calling it "bloated" and "soft and entitled" where "teams could spend months building a feature and then some last-minute kerfuffle meant it'd get killed for being too risky."

Story continues

Musk killed off the Twitter logo this week, replacing the world-recognized blue bird with a white X.

After buying Twitter, Musk had said that he wanted to create a super-app inspired by China's WeChat, which would function as a social media platform and offer messaging and payments.

Since Musk bought Twitter 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.

In response, the billionaire 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.

gc/arp
Four more stamps in support of Ukraine have been presented in Italy, with contemporary Ukrainian artists involved in their creation.

Source: Yaroslav Melnyk, Ukraines Ambassador to Italy; Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy

Details: Melnyk said that "from now on, the picturesque places of Ukraine, captured in the masterpieces" of talented Ukrainian artists, have joined the exclusive collection of stamps issued in Italy.

Quote from Melnyk: "I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy and personally to Minister Adolfo Urso for the initiative to create this project, which is designed to support Ukraine and our people."

More details: The stamps feature paintings by Ukrainian artists Kateryna Lypovka, Serhii Smetankin, Yurii Bandera and Sviatoslav Skorobohatov, selected as part of the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine's competition called Ukrainian Artist For an Italian Stamp. The paintings depict churches in Kyiv, a theatre in Mariupol, a square in Lviv and the port of Odesa.



PHOTO: FACEBOOK.COM/YAROSLAV.MELNYK.79

Quote from Adolfo Urso: "What we have presented today is the first Italian issue of value-added stamps, the proceeds of which will go to support the Ukrainian people: a historic issue that comes at a time when the cities depicted on the stamps are under heavy attacks by the Russian invaders."

Background: The first stamp in Italy to support Ukraine, featuring the flags of the two countries, was issued in 2022. It was dedicated to refugees from Ukraine.

Earlier, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said that her country was ready to join the reconstruction of the Transfiguration Cathedral in Odesa, which was damaged last weekend by a Russian missile attack.

Prior to that, Meloni promised to provide Kyiv with full support for its accession to the EU, including assistance in the area of reforms.

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!
CARMICHAEL, Calif.  Bone fragments believed to be from 18th-century composer Ludwig van Beethoven have made their way back to Vienna after living in a locked drawer of a home in Carmichael, California, for the past 30 years.

Paul Kaufmann's remarkable journey in taking possession of the curios began in 1990 following the death of his mother.

She lived in a town in the south of France. After traveling there and going through her belongings, he would find a key  and that key would not only open a safety deposit box, but inside reveal a second box full of mysteries.

"A black tin container, actually, with a lid, and scratched on the surface  was the name Beethoven," Kaufmann said.

Inside, wrapped in tissue, were fragments of a skull thought to belong to one of the greatest composers the world has ever known.

The skull fragments Paul Kaufmann came into owning.

"Surprise and wonderment. What is this all about?" Kaufmann said.

For the next 30 years, Kaufmann tried to answer that question.

He traveled back to the states with the skull in his suitcase and began researching, finding help from top scholars in San Francisco and San Jose.

"We later learned that the investigators were very excited about it," Kaufmann said.

Researchers would find a connection to Kaufmann's great-great-uncle, a Viennese physician named Dr. Franz Romeo Seligmann, who was also a medical historian and anthropologist.

Dr. Seligmann apparently received the bone fragments in 1863 after Beethoven's body was exhumed for research in part to try to learn what made the composer go deaf in one ear.

But technology of the time was limited and research went cold.

"And it was then handed down, all these 170 years, to me as the only survivor in the family," Kaufmann said.

It was just in the past week Kaufmann traveled to the Medical University of Vienna to return the fragments as a donation.

They're now known as the "Seligmann Fragments."

"It's totally exhilarating," Kaufmann said. "I can look up at the sky and see my mother and all my relatives so happy they're back to Vienna where they belong."

Story continues

A portion of the bone fragments is also going to a DNA lab for further inspection, but researchers at the Medical University in Vienna already believe it to be authentic.

African leaders urge Putin to end war, Putin promises free grain to 6 African countries

What the newest charges against Trump in documents case mean

Actor Jose Llana on new David Byrne musical "Here Lies Love"
In what has been a historic summer for entertainment, SAG-AFTRA (the Screen Actors Guild and American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) officially went on strike in July, joining the WGA (the Writers Guild of America) on the picket line in a movement that has ground the industry to a halt.

And among the many voices advocating for workers, one very recognizable voice has gotten attention in the media: SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher.

The day before the strike was announced on July 17, Drescher stopped by TODAY to share the union's stance. "We're not going to settle. It's a very different industry from the way the old contract was reflecting. With streaming and digital, it's really important that it become restructured to complement what it is now," she said.

When the strike was formally announced, the actor and advocates speech went viral as she called out the AMPTP (Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers) as being a greedy entity. NBCUniversal, the parent company of TODAY.com, is also part of the alliance.

We stand in solidarity in unprecedented unity. Our union and our sister unions and the unions around the world are standing by us, as well as other labor unions. Because at some point, the jig is up. You cannot keep being dwindled and marginalized, disrespected and dishonored. The entire business model has been changed by streaming, digital, AI. This is a moment of history that is a moment of truth. If we dont stand tall right now, we are all going to be in trouble. We are all going to be in jeopardy of being replaced by machines and big business who cares more about Wall Street than you and your family, she said.

And as the fiery speech has been making the rounds online, its also gotten the Royal Internet Treatment (remixes, parodies, and more).

Absolutely fired up after that speech. Thank you to our @sagaftra president Fran Drescher for standing up for us. We deserve a fair contract. Inspired by my WGA friends and peers who have stood strong before us and Ill see you on the picket lines," tweeted comedian Alyssa Limperis.

Story continues

During an Aug. 1 appearance on TODAY, Drescher said SAG-AFTRA is prepared to strike for the next six months, at least. We have financially prepared ourselves for the next six months. And were really in it to win it," she said.

What is Fran Drescher's acting history?

Born in Flushing, Queens in 1957, Fran Dreschers first onscreen role was a small part in the John Travolta film Saturday Night Fever.

She's best known for co-creating and starring in the '90s sitcom "The Nanny." Drescher played a character named Fran Fine, a somewhat fictionalized version of herself. She starts out as a Jewish beautician from Queens, then becomes the nanny of three wealthy children in the Upper East Side.

The show put Frans iconic Queens accent, eccentric fashion taste, and unapologetically jewish witticism against the backdrop of wealth, and posh celebrity.

Drescher has appeared in numerous TV shows and movies since then, such as "Hotel Transylvania," "Entourage," "Broad City" and more, as well as started in another sitcom Happily Divorced which aired for two seasons.

Her latest project is "VC Andrews: Dawn."

Fran Drescher (as Fran Fine) on

How did she become an activist?

Drescher has been an outspoken presence in Hollywood. She published two books: A memoir called "Enter Whining" in 1995, about how she went from a humble upbringing in Queens to "The Nanny" star, and "Cancer Schmancer" in 2002, about her experience with uterine cancer.

Drescher also founded the non-profit organization Cancer Schmancer" in 2007.

In 2008, Drescher was appointed a U.S. public diplomacy envoy for womens health, traveling the world to talk about issues like cancer prevention.

Drescher also campaigned for same sex marriage before it was legalized nationwide. Her first, Peter Marc Jacobson, with whom she created "The Nanny," came out as gay after they divorced in 1999.

"Ive always felt like I could be protective of those who are marginalized. I know how to argue on behalf of someone," she told Interview Magazine.

Drescher described her stance as "anti-capitalist" in a 2017 interview with Vulture, saying "the global systemic problem is actually big-business greed."

She became SAG-AFTRA president in 2021 after an election called "melodramatic" by LA Mag.

Her 'Nanny' character has union roots

Many fans quickly drew comparisons between Dreschers speech and her pro-worker plot line in an episode of "The Nanny".

In Season Two, Fran Fine made waves for refusing to cross a picket line to attend her bosses high profile broadway production.

My mother has three rules, Fran said. Never make contact with a public toilet. Never, ever, ever cross a picket line. What was the third one? Oh, yeah, never wear musk oil to the zoo."

Drescher's character in "The Beautician and the Beast," a '90s rom-com, also mentions unionizing.

Its evident that her characters traits extended to real life, with that same energy being brought recently in the media.

This article was originally published on TODAY.com
By John Irish

PARIS (Reuters) -French President Emmanuel Macron said on Friday he was prepared to back sanctions against the perpetrators of a "dangerous" coup in Niger, after his foreign minister said the power grab did not appear to be definitive.

Former colonial power France has made Niger the cornerstone of its more than decade-long counter-insurgency operations against Islamist militants in the Sahel region.

It has around 1,500 soldiers in the country who support the local military, having redefined its strategy after thousands withdrew from neighbouring Mali and Burkina Faso following coups there.

If Wednesday's coup in Niamey succeeds, French troops could well be forced to withdraw from there too, diplomats and analysts said.

"This coup d'etat is completely illegitimate, extremely dangerous for Nigeriens, for Niger and the entire region," Macron told a news conference in Papua New Guinea.

The coup was widely condemned on Thursday, and Macron said he would support West African regional bloc ECOWAS should it decide to impose sanctions on those behind it.

French officials have told Reuters it is still not clear who is in charge in Niger, despite the head of the army appearing on Thursday to rally behind the plotters.

"If you hear me say attempted coup d'etat, it's because we don't consider that things are definitive," Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna told reporters in Papua New Guinea.

Macron said he had spoken to Niger President Mohamed Bazoum, who is being held in his palace, and called for him to be reinstated.

France has a further 1,000 troops based in Chad, where it has been less critical of a delayed transition to civilian rule after a 2021 coup.

URANIUM INTERESTS

France has faced a growing wave of resentment towards its influence in the Sahel, anger that some anti-Western elements have sought to stoke.

Yevgeny Prigozhin, boss of Russian mercenary group Wagner, on Friday hailed the coup as a liberation from Niger's Western colonisers, though the foreign minister in Moscow, Sergei Lavrov, said on Thursday that constitutional order should be restored.

Story continues

Since Wednesday, a spate of anti-French rhetoric and misinformation regionally and linked to Russia has sought to stoke anger against Paris over its activities in Niger, including accusing it of pillaging resources to fuel its nuclear reactors.

French nuclear company Orano operates uranium mining sites in Niger's north, an area prone to security threats.

It said on Friday its operations were continuing as normal and that French nuclear power plants source less than 10% of their uranium from Niger. It has questioned whether mining it there remains commercially viable.

(Additional reporting by Forrest Crellin, Benjamin Mallet, and Michel Rose; editing by John Stonestreet)
NEWARK  A Freehold man was handed a 45-month federal prison sentence Wednesday for defrauding victims out of $1 million.

Jerrid Douglas, 49, was convicted in October of wire fraud conspiracy and four counts of wire fraud after a five-week jury trial before U.S. District Judge John Michael Vazquez in Newark, the U.S. Attorneys Office said.

Douglas had falsely claimed to his victims that he and others could facilitate a promise of payment from a bank for a business venture, known as an upfront-fee scheme.

In addition to the prison time, Vazquez sentenced Douglas to three years of supervised release, restitution of $1.1 million and forfeiture of $44,750.

Two co-defendants were sentenced in June for their roles: Roy Johannes Gillar, 51, of Las Vegas, to six years in prison, and Harold Mignott, 60, of Voorhees, to three years in prison.

From March 2016 through June 2016, the three men and a fourth unnamed conspirator fraudulently convinced two company owners to enter into a joint venture agreement with the conspirators New Jersey-based shell company.

More: Convicted Lakewood Ponzi schemer Weinstein, freed by Trump, charged with new fraud

The conspirators falsely represented that their company could acquire and provide a standby letter of credit - a guarantee of payment issued by a bank used to cover a client if they fail to fulfill a financial obligation  backed by either 1 billion in cash or highly lucrative Mexican gold bonds. The victims wanted access to the standby letter of credit so they could purchase raw gold overseas and sell it to gold refineries, the U.S. Attorney's Office said.

The company agreed to pay the conspirators a $1 million fee.

The defendants used a phony letter from a major international bank saying that it was able to provide a 1 billion letter of credit to the defendants shell company, the office said.

After the company owners sent $800,000 of the $1 million to the defendants, they provided nothing and spent the money for personal use, the office said.

Ken Serrano covers crime, breaking news and investigations. Reach him at 732-643-4029 or at kserrano@gannettnj.com.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Freehold NJ man sentenced to 45 months in letter of credit swindle
Macron is telling Pacific leaders that France understands the threat they face from a warming Earth (Ludovic MARIN)

France's President Emmanuel Macron stripped off his suit jacket Friday to wander the wild forests of Papua New Guinea on a green-tinted charm offensive in the South Pacific.

Macron is telling Pacific leaders that France understands the threat they face from a warming Earth, from rising seas swamping low-lying islands to a loss of wildlife, wilder weather and the financial costs they impose.

It is a message he has already pushed on his first two Pacific stops, on the eroded coastline of the French territory of New Caledonia and in the sea-threatened archipelago of Vanuatu where he joined a call for the phasing out of fossil fuels.

In Papua New Guinea, Macron wore no jacket, and at one point no tie, as he walked two kilometres (more than a mile) with Prime Minister James Marape through the lush Varirata National Park, touting a French initiative to remunerate countries that preserve their old-growth forests.

Natural forest covers 14 percent of the Earth's surface and is a huge reservoir of stored carbon, which is released when burned -- "so that in a way we go backwards", Macron said.

The world already finances reforestation, he said, arguing that there is no economic model to preserve the woodlands that already exist.

To address this, a first so-called Forest, Climate, Biodiversity project was signed Friday with Papua New Guinea, to be managed by the French development agency with 60 million euros ($66 million) in financing from the European Union.

Other non-governmental organisations are already aboard, French officials say, and they hope to get the private sector involved, too.

The challenge is significant.

- 'Rainforest destruction' -

Papua New Guinea, more than 70 percent blanketed in trees, boasts an extraordinary array of wildlife on land and water, from tree kangaroos to spiny anteaters.

Scientists say deforestation is one of the greatest threats to that unique environment.

Papua New Guinea, home to a major logging industry, lost 1.8 percent of its carbon-absorbing rainforest last year, according to an analysis of satellite data released last month by the World Resources Institute.

Story continues

That put it at number nine on the global list of nations with the greatest rainforest destruction -- with Brazil in the lead.

Macron's environmental push in the South Pacific is not unique: others including the United States, China, Australia and New Zealand finance significant climate change aid in Pacific island states.

But his offer of recompense for the preservation of Papua New Guinea's forest was welcomed.

"It was not just a walk in the park," Marape said.

"It was a statement we were making to the world, that forests of this Earth need to be managed, preserved and harvested in the right manner."

The Papua New Guinea leader said unsustainable logging "is not supported by my government".

At the final stop on their forest walk, not far from the capital Port Moresby, the leaders came to a breathtaking panorama of partially forested hills stretching into the distance, newly rebaptised in the VIP visitor's honour: "Emmanuel Jean-Michel Frederic Macron Lookout".

fff/djw/arb/ssy
A North Carolina angler discovered his missing friends fishing pole days before he was found dead, officials said.

The two friends were near a lake July 22 when one of them  29-year-old Kyle Zachary Moberly  became interested in getting into the water. He wanted to swim to the other side of the cove so he could fish and did not want to walk the trail to get there, according to the Davidson County Sheriffs Office

Meanwhile, Moberlys friend kept fishing from the original spot. When it was time to leave, he didnt see Moberly in the woods but found his fishing pole, the sheriffs office wrote in a news release.

Deputies said Moberly disappeared from the Buddle Creek Access Area, near High Rock Lake in Lexington. The region, roughly 35 miles south of Winston-Salem, is known for boating and fishing opportunities.

At about 9 p.m. July 22, first responders were called to the area for a possible drowning. They started using boats, sonar technology and foot searches to look for the missing fisherman. After two days of searching, a 911 caller reported seeing a body.

The man was pulled from the water and identified as Moberly, who was from Lexington. No foul play is suspected in his death, deputies told McClatchy News in an email.

Drowning

At least 4,000 people die from drowning every year in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and drowning is a leading cause of death for children.

Some factors can make drowning more likely, including not knowing how to swim, a lack of close supervision, not wearing a life jacket and drinking alcohol while recreating near or in water.

The National Drowning Prevention Alliance said there are tips to help keep you safe in the water, including checking local weather conditions, never swimming alone and choosing the right equipment.

Dont hesitate to get out of the water if something doesnt feel right, the group said on its website. Whether its that the current is getting rough, rain has started to fall, or your body is just not responding like you would like it to due to fatigue or muscle cramps, then just leave and return to the water another day. Its always a good thing to trust your instincts.

26-year-old drowns as family members try to teach him how to swim, NC cops say

Boy drowns in pond and mom is left badly hurt after jumping in after him, NC cops say
 Flash

China hopes that the United States will provide genuine support for Pacific island countries and contribute to their development and stability, foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Thursday.

Mao made the remarks at a regular news briefing when asked to comment on U.S. official's remarks concerning China, and the visits of many U.S. officials to Pacific island countries recently.

Mao said the cooperation between China and Pacific island countries is open and transparent, and fully respects countries' sovereignty and will.

"We never attach any political strings and never target any third party. The cooperation has been welcomed and recognized by governments and peoples of Pacific island countries," she added.

Pacific island countries are not the "backyard" of any country, Mao said, adding that China is not interested in competing with any country for influence, or seeking the so-called "geopolitical presence" or "sphere of influence", Mao said.

"We hope that the United States will provide genuine support for Pacific island countries and contribute to their development and stability," said the spokesperson.
President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints speaks during the funeral service for Sister Patricia T. Holland at the Conference Center Theater in Salt Lake City on Friday, July 28, 2023. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News

During a funeral service on a warm summer day, family, friends and Latter-day Saints around the world remembered Sister Patricia Terry Holland  the wife of Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and a former counselor in the Young Women general presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints  for her faith, testimony and dedication to her husband and children and to the Savior and his church.

Sister Patricia Holland is exactly what a celestial woman looks like, said President Russell M. Nelson. We weep today for the passing of one so beloved by her family  and that family is the whole population of the world, really. However, we rejoice because of the celestial life she lived.

Sister Holland died July 20 at the age of 81. Born Feb. 16, 1942, in Enterprise, Utah, to Maeser W. and Marilla Terry, Sister Holland is the mother of three, grandmother of 13 and great-grandmother of five.

Related

Thousands gathered Friday in the Conference Center Theater and in overflow locations in downtown Salt Lake City for the funeral, which was also broadcast via livestream on ChurchofJesusChrist.org. The funeral was attended by members of the churchs First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles as well as other general authorities and church officers.

President Nelson was the final speaker during the service that also included memories from Sister Hollands children  Elder Matthew S. Holland, a General Authority Seventy; Mary Alice Holland McCann; and David F. Holland. Elder Ulysse G. McCann, an Area Seventy and Sister Hollands son-in-law, performed a piano medley. Daughter-in-laws Jeanne H. Holland and Paige Holland offered the opening and closing prayers, respectively, and Elder Kevin W. Pearson, a General Authority Seventy, conducted the service.

And although the circumstances of his own health and emotions prevented Elder Holland from standing to make an extended tribute to his beloved companion, Elder Matthew S. Holland read a few words written by his father.

Story continues

Related

A tribute to his companion

Calling Sister Holland the greatest woman I have ever known, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland said he is heartbroken by her loss yet sustained by the power of prayers of so many. I thought the onset of neuropathy and dialysis was enough, but this loss of Pat so unexpectedly has been devastating, he said.

Sister Holland was a great teacher, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland wrote. Among her most resonant messages was that when your back is to the wall and your heart is breaking, you still have three things: your friends, your family, your faith.

Her friends are found all over the earth, he said. That is possible only because she made friends instantly. When you shook her hand or said hello you had her full attention. She took seriously the Saviors example of recognizing the image of God in everyone she met.

Her family meant everything to her, he continued. She was a loving daughter, a feisty sister, and an unequaled mother  I mean absolutely unequaled, except perhaps by her own mother and mine. Her children, grandchildren and now great grandchildren were priceless to her. And I was at least allowed to tag along.  At every stop she made our home a refuge  a place of music, laughter and love. I did not know a person could do so much with so little. She was everything a companion could be in this world, and I thank God that we will have each other in the next.

Of her faith, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland wrote that he is almost speechless. Her faith was the kind rooted in the goodness of Jesus Christ, refined and tempered in the furnace of lifes afflictions. She loved and believed in her Heavenly Father and Savior in a way that exceeded her love even for me.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland said his wifes remarkable relationship with heaven did not come without effort. She prayed all the time about everything. Her scriptures were in her hands constantly, especially the Book of Mormon. She would have lived in the temple if she could have, so she made a temple of the home in which we lived. She was as loyal to her covenants and her Heavenly Father as any woman could possibly be.

Closing, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland testified that Jesus Christ lives, and that because of his atoning victory with its attending sealing power, there is no end to the love that Pat and I have shared, a love that has made our home feel like heaven and will someday make heaven feel like home.

Sister Patricia T. Hollands casket is taken from her funeral service at the Conference Center Theater in Salt Lake City on Friday, July 28, 2023. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News

Her future is glorious!

During his remarks, President Nelson called Sister Holland an elect lady. She occupies a unique position in our Latter-day Saint history. Very few women in this dispensation have been married to a prophet, seer, and revelator, and served as a general officer of the church.

Emma Smith and Eliza R. Snow are two such women, and Sister Holland is certainly in that esteemed circle, he said. She also served as the First Lady of Brigham Young University while her husband  presided there. Sister Holland thus occupies a most unique position in the annals of the churchs history. Her remarkable influence upon literally millions of women and men cannot be overestimated.

President Nelson detailed three steps necessary to qualify for eternal life:

At our birth, our spirits were clothed with a mortal body, he said. That miraculous gift is the first step toward our gaining an immortal body and qualifying for eternal life.

The second step is receiving sacred ordinances that allow us to make covenants with God, and keeping those covenants.

The third step, he continued, is death.

Death is a gateway along the path of eternal progress, President Nelson explained. Though hard for those of us left behind, we know that Sister Hollands resurrection is certain and eternal life lies ahead. Death is both a necessity and a blessing. Gods great plan of happiness requires that each of us pass through that gateway. Sister Hollands righteous spirit is now born again into the paradise of God. She continues on her path to eternal life.

President Nelson assured the congregation that, in time, Elder and Sister Holland would be reunited. They will later be joined by their children and their covenant-keeping posterity to experience the fulness of joy that God has in store for His faithful children.

Knowing that, he continued, the most important date in Sister Hollands life was not her birthday or her death date. Her most important date was June 7, 1963, when she and Jeff were sealed in the St. George Temple. This ordinance sealed them together forever. They have been completely faithful to their promises to each other and to Heavenly Father. Their children were born in that covenant and have remained totally faithful to that covenant. Why is all this so important? Because the very reason the earth was created was so families could be formed and sealed to each other. Salvation is an individual matter, but exaltation is a family matter. No one can be exalted alone.

President Nelson said because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, and because of Sister Hollands life as a devout covenant-keeping woman, her future is glorious!

Under Gods great plan of happiness, she can be perfected in Christ!

Sister Holland will regain the union of her body and her spirit, the vigor of her youth, and achieve her full radiance of celestial glory in her perfected state.

One day, said President Nelson, each of us, if worthy, shall again see the glorified, redeemed, exalted, and perfected Patricia Terry Holland, wife, mother, sister, Saint, and daughter of the living God.

President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints speaks during Sister Pat Hollands funeral at the Conference Center Theatre in Salt Lake City on Friday, July 28, 2023. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News

President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints speaks during Sister Patricia T. Hollands funeral service at the Conference Center Theater in Salt Lake City on Friday, July 28, 2023. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News

David F. Holland speaks during the funeral service of his mother, Sister Patricia T. Holland, at the Conference Center Theater in Salt Lake City on Friday, July 28, 2023. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News

Elder Kevin W. Pearson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints conducts during Sister Patricia T. Hollands funeral service at the Conference Center Theater in Salt Lake City on Friday, July 28, 2023. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is helped by his son Elder Matthew S. Holland after Sister Patricia T. Hollands funeral service at the Conference Center Theater in Salt Lake City on Friday, July 28, 2023. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News

President Russell M. Nelson, of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and his counselors, President Dallin H. Oaks, left, and President Henry B. Eyring, right, attend Sister Patricia T. Hollands funeral service at the Conference Center Theater in Salt Lake City on Friday, July 28, 2023. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News

Sister Patricia T. Hollands funeral service at the Conference Center Theater in Salt Lake City on Friday, July 28, 2023. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News

President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints speaks during the funeral service for Sister Patricia T. Holland at the Conference Center Theater in Salt Lake City on Friday, July 28, 2023. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News

We follow her lead

Elder Matthew S. Holland said it is impossible to think about his mother without thinking about her love of the Lord and His holy word. Even as I say this, a flood of images come to mind of my mom with her scriptures, whether that be in a quiet, contemplative, light-filled nook she created in every home we ever lived in or carrying them in her purse to teach and testify from them all around the globe.

He said, however, the most searing image of her love of the scriptures is one Sister Holland described in a sacred moment at the 2018 Seminar for New Mission Leaders.

With Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, she was jointly teaching about the preeminent power of the Book of Mormon to bring people to Jesus Christ. As she closed, she referenced a moment back in 2015 when she was battling a lung condition that had her on the brink of death.

While clutching her personal copy of the Book of Mormon tightly to her chest she said to a rapt audience: I leave with you my testimony of this wonderful book. Recently, during a near-fatal illness, I wanted Jeff and his priesthood to be with me constantly. Because he couldnt always be at my side, I wanted the next best thing. I wanted my Book of Mormon in my hands, holding it. And when I slept, I wanted it under my pillow. With doctors telling us that I wasnt going to make it, that they had done everything they could, and that we should call our children, I knew if I did live it would be because of the blessings and the truths that Ive studied so many times in this gospel that the Book of Mormon teaches. If Nephi could raise his brother from the dead, I knew that God could raise me as well  and He did, by the same apostolic faith and authority that ancient Nephite prophet had. I bear witness to you, presidents and sisters, that this book has given me life over and over again since I first read it as a young woman. It has given Jeff and me and our children a blueprint and a power to live peacefully, calmly, and patiently, with the brightness of the sun lighting the way, even the brightness of the Son of God.

Elder Matthew S. Holland then questioned: So, what do we do now? We follow her lead, he answered. It is time to trust, as she always trusted, in the goodness and the timing of God, and turn, as she always turned, to the power and direction of His word.

Daughter Mary Holland McCann said her mother had a gift for teaching her children the gospel. Part of that gift was that when we were hurting and reached for her, she comforted us and then led us to the Savior while she gently stepped out of the way so that we could find our comfort in Him.

Recalling a particularly hard 7th-grade day, she spoke of crying and praying with her mother. Whenever I look back on this experience, I am always so touched by her desire to lead me to faith, she said. It seems really remarkable to me that she would take the bad day of a seventh grader seriously enough to make it a memorable spiritual experience. But what is even more remarkable, is that it wasnt at all remarkable at the time. That was a scene (similar to many others) that played over and over and over with my brothers and me throughout our lives.

In the Holland home, she said, the gospel was the air we breathed.

It was impossible to unwind my mother from the Gospel of Jesus Christ. She earned her faith. She earned it through effort and tribulation, and she lived it in a way that made it impossible for her children not to believe, McCann said.

McCann said the combination of her mothers faith and love allowed her children to glimpse the Saviors love. Perhaps the most painful part of losing her this week is realizing that the one person on this earth who loved me first and loved me longest and loved me most is gone. But she has left me with a greater gift: the knowledge that there is one in Heaven who loves me even more.

Son David F. Holland said that although his mothers life of discipleship often called her to the pulpit, and although she preached with eloquence and power in every corner of the globe, she did not enjoy public speaking. I can see her empathetic smile now  and perhaps even a knowingly teasing twinkle in her eye  for those of us that today have to step to this microphone and take on the impossible task of finding adequate words for a life of inexpressible goodness.

He said he and his siblings were nurtured at the feet of a disciple of Christ who taught us from our earliest memories to recognize God as our father and our friend, a being worthy of our complete trust and deserving of our deepest devotions and in whose service we would find the bone and marrow of a meaningful life.

The joy Sister Holland radiated derived in good measure from her marriage, David F. Holland said. The affection, admiration, and fierce devotion that she and my father shared for one another elevated each of them, and in unison they took on the world for the sake of its blessing and benefit.

He recalled a dark time in his own life and a vivid dream his wife, Jeanne Holland, had. As the storm waves crashed upon her in the dream, she saw her mother-in-law beside her. Keep your head up. Dont be afraid. These waves will pass, and they will not overwhelm you, said Sister Holland in the dream.

The dream derived its poignancy and meaning from a number of truths about my mom. Her assurance that the waves would not win was meaningful precisely because she was not naive about their reality or their force. She spoke with the authority of experience. She knew the sea really did rage and the tide really could rise, but she also knew of our covenant to the Christ who had control of the tempest. And that battle-tested testimony of the gospels sure promise not only gave her the power to prevail but imparted to her words the strength to sustain those around her.

Note: Sarah Jane Weaver is the editor of the Church News.
It was a chance encounter they never forget.

Lyn McCuen, of Savannah, and her daughter, flew to France for a vacation. While they were there, they went to Normandy to see where her grandfather was buried.

Her grandfather, Col. Augustine Patterson Pat Little, paid the ultimate sacrifice and was killed in action during World War II.

His job there was to rebuild the Le Bourget Airport, because it was bombed, McCuen told WTOC-TV.

During the mission, his team would come under sniper fire.

Both my grandfather and the driver were shot, but the driver lived. He believes that my grandfather saved his life, that he fell on top of him and protected him, McCuen said.

As the mother and daughter showed up at Normandy American Cemetery, they learned another pair of Georgians were there as well to see her grandfather  Gov. Brian Kemp and wife Marty.

TRENDING STORIES:

They said, As a matter of fact, your Governor is here today. I said, Brian Kemp? They said, yes, McCuen told WTOC.

The governor was in the middle of a 10-day trip to Europe where he met with corporate CEOs in France to show them what Georgia has to offer.

While at the grave, Kemp read more about the heroics of Little and took a photo with McCuen and her daughter.

In a Tweet, Kemp said it was incredible as we joined the family of Col. Augustine Pat Little, Jr. to pay our respects at his and many other Georgians graves.

Our visit to the Normandy American Cemetery was incredible as we joined the family of Col. Augustine Pat Little, Jr. to pay our respects at his and many other Georgians graves. Marty and I were privileged to lay a wreath in honor of their memories and what they fought for. pic.twitter.com/J8bu3mNOjU  Governor Brian P. Kemp (@GovKemp) June 23, 2023

For McCuen, said it would be a trip she will never forget.

Story continues

It really, to be honest with you, was the highlight of our trip, McCuen said.

To read more about Col. Littles role in WWII, CLICK HERE.

IN OTHER NEWS:
Georgians held a protest near the liner with Russian tourists

Protests erupted in the Georgian cities of Tbilisi and Batumi in response to the arrival of the cruise liner Astoria Grande in Georgia, carrying over 800 tourists, the majority of whom were Russian citizens, as reported by Georgian media outlets Georgia.Online and Netgazeti on July 27.

Eventually, the liner left the port two days ahead of schedule.

Read also: One year ago today, Ukraine sunk the Russian flagship Moskva

The ship had arrived in the country from Sochi on July 26. In a display of strong dissent, Batumi residents gathered near the vessel the following evening, brandishing placards with inscriptions such as Abkhazia is Georgia, Russia is an occupant, Leave our country, Russia deprives us of our homeland, life, and future, and Russian warship, go f**k yourself.

The outrage among the Georgian population was not only fueled by the liners arrival but also by some Russian tourists troubling statements claiming that Russia liberated Abkhazia from Georgians. Moreover, some of these tourists openly admitted to visiting the region  occupied by Russia since 2008  an action that violates Georgian law.

Activists voiced their determination to hold those responsible accountable, stating, They must endure constant discomfort and face a dignified response for the offensive remarks they made in our city, Batumi, disrespecting our dignity, self-respect, and patriotism.

Read also: Sea mine explodes off Georgias Black Sea coast near Batumi

During the protest, a Russian flag was briefly displayed in one of the ships cabins, but it was swiftly removed. Additionally, some Russian tourists responded with offensive gestures and attempted to obstruct the protesters.

Similar protests were reported near the Parliament of Tbilisi, indicating widespread public discontent. An hour after the demonstration, the liner eventually departed from the port.

Russia occupies two Georgian territories  Abkhazia and South Ossetia, establishing so-called pseudo-republics in these regions. While these territories are nominally considered independent, they are largely controlled by Moscow. More recently, in 2022, following the start of Russias full-scale war against Ukraine, Kremlin proxies in Abkhazia and South Ossetia both expressed intentions to unite with Russia.

Story continues

Read also: Ukrainians mark one year since sinking of Moskva with memes and fond memories

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
STUTTGART, Germany  The German Air Force kicked off what it called a lean and mean operation on Friday to demonstrate its ability to quickly deploy to Iceland as part of a two-week exercise dubbed Rapid Viking.

From July 28 through Aug. 10, six German Eurofighters and 30 service members from the Tactical Air Force Squadron 73 Steinhoff are deployed to Keflavik Air Base, according to a service statement. Once on site, the squadrons will conduct several daily practice flights.

The Rapid Viking Exercise is an opportunity for the Air Force to demonstrate how it can move to Reykjavik at supersonic speed, said Lt. Gen. Ingo Gerhartz, the services chief of staff.

The Luftwaffe aims to serve as a first responder, he noted in the statement. That is why we are training for a quick transfer with the fewest possible human and material resources, especially in this scenario.

Two A400M aircraft shipped 25 tons worth of material and the personnel to Iceland. The first plane carried nine pallets plus personnel, while the second plane carried five pallets of material plus a hydraulic test stand.

On average, the air force would require between 130 and 150 tons of material to participate in an exercise, for a value of up to 200 million, said Staff Sergeant Oliver M. That amount of cargo can take up to a week to pack up, including three days just to load the pallets onto the aircraft.

For Rapid Viking, the 25 tons of material, worth about 2 million, took only two days to pack and one hour to load onto the aircraft.

The Luftwaffe was last deployed to Iceland in 2012 as part of a NATO air policing initiative. Iceland is a NATO member, but it does not have its own military. Allies show solidarity to the 375,000 inhabitants by temporarily relocating forces to the island nation.

Russias invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 has prompted Europes militaries to reassess the state of their capability inventories as well as their ability to get battle-ready fast. Last October, German air force and naval troops performed a rapid deployment to Estonia, participating in a month-long exercise dubbed Baltic Tiger to test how quickly the services could provide reinforcements to allies in need.

Last year, the Luftwaffe also performed its first-ever deployment to the Indo-Pacific, completing its goal of reaching Singapore less than 24 hours after takeoff from Neuburg Air Base, in Bavaria.
BERLIN (AP)  A leader of the far-right Alternative for Germany on Friday urged members of the country's main opposition conservative bloc to break down a firewall meant to isolate his party, which is at record levels in polls.

The 10-year-old Alternative for Germany, or AfD, gathered in the eastern city of Magdeburg for a convention stretching over the next two weekends at which it plans to choose candidates and set its policy platform for next June's European Parliament election.

Recent polls put support for AfD at 19-22%, behind only the main conservative opposition bloc. Earlier this week, the latter's main leader, Friedrich Merz, insisted that there would be no cooperation even at the local level between his Christian Democratic Union and AfD, after his apparent suggestion that they might work together prompted criticism from fellow conservatives.

AfD co-leader Tino Chrupalla told delegates that polls aren't results and they should view recent surveys with humility. But he pointed to his party's prospects of winning three state elections in eastern regions next year, and said that we could take on government responsibility.

The first AfD candidates recently won elections in eastern Germany to lead a county administration and become the full-time mayor of a municipality.

Chrupalla mocked Merz, who recently described his conservative bloc as an alternative for Germany with substance. He said that we are the original," and argued that Merz has recognized it was wrong to put up a firewall against our party."

I call on all patriots in the CDU: tear down this ... wall, he said.

Chrupalla spent large parts of his speech assailing the environmentalist Green party, part of the center-left coalition of Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and also underlined his party's opposition to weapons deliveries to Ukraine and sanctions against Russia. He asserted that today's European Union is responsible for a disastrous migration policy, with sanctions policies that are harmful to the economy.

The AfD convention will, probably several days in, address the party's position on the EU and whether Germany should leave. The party's other co-leader, Alice Weidel, told ZDF television Friday that it favors a dismantling of EU areas of responsibility, but didn't specify whether the bloc should be dissolved.
Gepard

The German government announced that it will transfer more military equipment to Ukraine, including Gepard anti-aircraft guns and reconnaissance drones, according to a press release on July 28.

The aid will provide increased support for Ukraine amid its ongoing counter-offensive. The list of new military aid from Berlin includes the following equipment:

Six more Gepard self-propelled anti-aircraft guns and 15,042 rounds of ammunition

Ten Bandvagn 206 tracked all-terrain vehicles

Over 2,500 155 mm caliber phosphorus shells

20 RQ-35 Heidrun drones

13 Vector reconnaissance drones

Eight ambulances

Eight dental sterilizers

Earlier, Germany handed over ten Leopard 1 tanks to Ukraine, and Chancellor Olaf Scholz said his government was preparing a new financing program for Kyiv which will provide EUR 17 billion in military aid by 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
German chemicals manufacturer Allnex is closing its 90-year-old site in Hamburg as the sector faces a squeeze from higher energy prices (Florian CAZERES)

Thomas Kadowsky imagined that he would keep working at the German industrial coatings plant where he had served as team leader for more than 30 years until he retired.

So it came as a shock when he received a call in March informing him that the owner, the German group Allnex, was going to close the 90-year-old site, nestled in the middle of a red-brick housing estate in the northern port city of Hamburg.

"I was completely stunned," Kadowsky, 58, told AFP.

Kadowsky and 130 other people will lose their jobs with the closure of the plant next year.

The company has justified the move by the "recent changes in energy prices" -- a surge that is crippling the German chemicals industry.

The closure is yet another example of the crisis gripping this vital sector of the German economy, which slipped into a recession at the start of the year and, according to data released on Friday, stagnated in the second quarter.

- 'House on fire' -

"The house is on fire", said Markus Steilemann, president of the VCI chemicals industry lobbying group which represents 1,900 companies in Germany.

The sector in Germany has 466,000 employees and accounts for five percent of GDP, with existential importance for other sectors that it supplies with intermediate goods.

But for several months now, bad news has been piling up.

The sector's sales plunged by 11.5 percent in the first half of the year, and a 14-percent drop is expected for 2023 as a whole.

Small and medium-sized firms, which account for 92 percent of companies in the industry, are also downsizing. In May, the number of employees in the sector fell by 0.8 percent year-on-year.

In February, the giant BASF announced that it was slashing 3,300 jobs, with the closure of several units at its historic site in the western city of Ludwigshafen. On Friday, the company reported a 76-percent fall in second-quarter profits year-on-year.

A clutch of factors are chipping away at a success story with its roots in post-World War II West Germany's economic miracle.

Story continues

Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and throttling of gas exports sent energy costs soaring in Europe's top economy, compounded by the country's phase-out of nuclear power.

Although they have fallen since their peak in August 2022, energy prices are still five times higher than in the United States and between two and three times higher than in China, according to the VCI.

Investment in the industry in Germany fell by 24 percent last year and a quarter of German companies have considered outsourcing at least part of their production.

- 'Defend and preserve' -

In Hamburg, the flags of the IG BCE trade union are flying in front of the site.

"The decision (to close) makes no sense, the plant is profitable," works council chairman Christian Wolf told AFP.

Despite local tensions, however, unions and companies are in agreement in calling for an energy price cap to help save the sector.

In May, Economy Minister Robert Habeck of the ecologist Greens unveiled a proposal allowing electricity prices to be frozen until 2030 for the most energy-intensive industries, while Germany completes its transition to renewable energy.

But his counterpart at the finance ministry, Christian Lindner of the pro-business Free Democrats, is vehemently opposed for the time being due to budgetary concerns.

Hence some experts are calling for these industries, which will never be competitive on their own in Germany, to be shed and to concentrate on less energy-intensive sectors of the future.

"The main goal of both industry and the unions is to defend and preserve, not to change and innovate," said Moritz Schularick, president of the Kiel Institute for the World Economy.

Without chemicals, however, the economy would lose a "highly productive sector, which for years has been the driving force behind industry as a whole", counters Timo Wollmershaeuser of the Ifo research institute.

He noted this was especially true as the industry has boasted highly skilled jobs with attractive benefits.

"I'll never find a job like this that pays so well and has such good conditions," Torben Boldt, 26, a mechanic at the Hamburg plant, told AFP, insisting that he will "fight" to keep his job.

fcz-dlc/sea/imm
New York City cops are calling the impending release of a getaway driver who sped three men away after they murdered a rookie officer in 1988 "especially outrageous."

Scott Cobb, now 60 years old, drove David McClary, Todd Scott and Phillip Copeland to an intersection in South Jamaica Queens, where 22-year-old officer Edward Byrne was parked in the early hours on February 26, 1988.

With just a month on the force, Byrne had been stationed outside the home of a witness who was slated to testify against drug kingpin Howard "Pappy" Mason.

While Cobb distracted the officer, McClary shot him five times in the head at point-blank range. After the attack, the killers received an $8,000 payment from Mason.

NEW YORK PAROLE BOARD TO RELEASE CONVICTED COP KILLER 46 YEARS AFTER COLD-BLOODED MURDER

After 34 years in prison at Dannemora, Cobb's release is scheduled for Aug. 9, according to the Police Benevolent Association of New York. He has been eligible for parole since 2013, but this is the first time the Parole Board has granted his request.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

"All cop-killer paroles are infuriating, but this one is especially outrageous considering the shock waves this crime sent through the NYPD, the city and nation," PBA President Patrick Hendry said in a statement.

NEW YORK MAN GRANTED PAROLE AFTER DECADES IN PRISON FOR KILLING PARENTS, BROTHER; INJURING SISTER

"New York City police officers are absolutely sickened by this parole decision, and New Yorkers who care about safe streets should be, too," Hendry said, calling on lawmakers to "fix the broken parole system so that none of the other Byrne assassins go free."

According to data compiled by the PBA, the state Parole Board has released 36 cop killers since 2017, 32 of whom killed New York City police officers.

Scott Cobb is pictured during his trial for the killing of New York Police Department Officer Edward Byrne on March 7, 1989.

Although Mason will serve a life sentence without the possibility of parole, Copeland, McClary and Scott are scheduled to appear before the parole board in September, October and January, respectively. Sentenced to 25 years to life, the three have been eligible for parole since 2012.

Story continues

"Is it any wonder that New York cops are angry and demoralized after seventeen cop killers have been paroled since 2017 by Parole Board members appointed by Governors Cuomo and Hochul," former NYPD commissioner Bill Bratton wrote in a Thursday LinkedIn post. "The parole of one of the murderers of the NYPD Officer Edward Byrne is just the latest outrage being committed under the guise of criminal justice reform. Shame on all those who participate in these continuing attacks on the legacy of policy officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in protecting their fellow citizens."

NYC SUCKER PUNCH SUSPECT RE-ARRESTED FOR PAROLE VIOLATION AFTER WALKING FREE FOLLOWING ATTACK

Bratton wrote that he would attend memorial masses held at St. Patrick's Cathedral for Byrne with his recently deceased brother, Lawrence Byrne, each year. The NYPD also commemorates the slain officer's death each year with a memorial service at the intersection of 107th Avenue and Inwood Street, where he was killed.

Then-president Ronald Reagan was so moved that he personally offered condolences to Byrne's family; former President George Bush brought the officer's badge with him to the Oval Office.

Lawrence Byrne, the former head of the NYPD's Legal Bureau, spoke out against the paroling of his brother's killers before his death in 2020.

Counterterrorism police stand guard outside of St. Patrick's Cathedral as a memorial Mass is held for NYPD Officer Edward Byrne almost 30 years after he was executed by a drug gang.

"Every day for over 30 years, my 81-year-old mother grieves over the loss of her son," he said at a PBA meeting covered by the New York Daily News. "Its important to continue to send the message: if you try to harm a police officer, if you kill a police officer, you will never get out of jail."

New York City cops recognize Byrne's death as a turning point in the city's war on drugs.

"When Eddie Byrne was assassinated, it galvanized cops and the community to work together to take our streets back from these violent drug gangs," Hendry wrote.

"That was Eddie Byrnes legacy, and the insane Parole Board is tearing it to shreds. New York City police officers are absolutely sickened by this parole decision, and New Yorkers who care about safe streets should be, too."
A worthy matchup of big teeth, little brains.

Picture this: Two dinosaurs with massive teeth and hulking figures circle each other, threatening a smackdown. Each was the most successful predator of its time. In a ferocious duel of the dinosaursTyrannosaurus rex vs. Giganotosaurus caroliniiwhich would emerge alive?

Both species enter the ring with experience as apex predators that hunted some seriously impressive prey. T. rex is thought to have eaten armored Triceratops and big-brained duck-billed dinosaurs, while Giganotosaurus probably took down the largest-ever land animals: the long-necked sauropod dinosaurs, which couldve been 10 times the predators size. None of these dinos wouldve been an easy meal. So what would happen if the two fearsome Cretaceous carnivores were to face off against each other?

A battle between the two was depicted in Jurassic World Dominion; but the victor had an assist from a third dino. Outside of a blockbuster movie, though, would the famous tyrant lizard, T. rex, come out on top? Or would the Giganotosaurus, which fictional paleontologist Alan Grant called the biggest carnivore the world has seen, emerge victorious?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWuneDSPevo

Such a scenario would never have actually happened. T. rex and Giganotosaurus did not live at the same time, in the same place, or even in the same environment. Both theropod dinosaurs roamed the planet during the Cretaceous period, but Giganotosaurus lived about 99.6 million to 97 million years ago. T. rex came on the scene about 30 million years later, at the very end of the age of the dinosaurs. Giganotosaurus, whose genus name translates to giant southern lizard, stalked the arid, hot desert of what is now Argentina, while T. rex enjoyed the cooler, wetter environment at the edge of lakes and shallow seas in North America.

But pitting the two against each other serves to highlight their differences, says Thomas Holtz, a principal lecturer in vertebrate paleontology at the University of Maryland who studies tyrannosaurs and their motion. This kind of thought experiment might lead to a better understanding of how these creatures followed their own evolutionary paths to become distinct, highly successful predators.

Story continues

Some of those differing characteristics might be advantageous in a rumble. But in a one-on-one fight, there is unlikely to be an obvious champion and an underdog, says Kat Schroeder, a paleomacroecologist and postdoctoral research associate at Yale University.

Theyre not fighter jets, she says. You cant say this one has this absolute top speed. Theyre animals. And theyre animals that lived 30 million years apart on different continents. Theyre separated by 150 million years of evolution [since their last shared ancestor].

[Related: Jurassic Park fans would love these dino discoveries]

Holtz agrees that it could be any dinosaurs game, despite admitting professional and personal bias toward tyrannosaurs (when he was 3, he wanted to grow up to be one). Both of them are big predators adapted to killing very large prey, he says. If either of them managed to get a good bite onto the other one first, theyre probably going to win.

Whats in a bite?

T. rex and Giganotosaurus can be described as head hunter theropods, Schroeder says. They both had teeny, tiny little arms and giant heads, she says, so theyre probably not going to be pulling and scratching at one another. Kicking is also out, because their feet would probably be too heavy to be of use in a fight. So theres only one remaining option with any teeth. Theyre basically going to walk up to one another and try to grab each other with their giant mouths, she says.

Both predators bites are vicious in different ways. T. rex can deliver the most skull-crushing of chomps, while Giganotosaurus bite leverages sharp, blade-like teeth to slash its preys flesh.

T. rexs bite force is almost off the scale, says Holtz. The lowest estimates for an adults bite force are around 34.5 kilonewtons, he says, which is twice as strong as the bite of a saltwater crocodile, the largest reptilian predator of today.

[Related on PopSci+: What dinosaur fossils are we missing?]

Several adaptations in a T. rexs head enable that smashing crunch. For one, the tyrant lizard has a long, deep snout made up of thick jaw bones, with very deeply rooted teeth. From above the gums, T. rex and Giganotosaurus wouldve appeared to have the same size teeth. But the roots of T. rexs teeth, Holtz says, were double those of a Giganotosaurus tooth, which could be around 8 inches in total length. The largest known T. rex teeth reach 12 inches, and theyre built for impact with a round, thick shape. T. rex has a jackhammer for a mouth, Schroeder says.

The T. rexs snout was also made up of somewhat flexible bones, Schroeder says, which can be an advantage for a big bite. A little bit of springiness allows you to bite really, really hard without breaking your own face.

A solid resin cast from a Giganotosaurus dinosaur tooth measuring nearly 8 inches long. The U-shaped groove along the root shaft of the tooth is where the replacement tooth would have been growing.

Giganotosaurus, on the other hand, had a more forceful nip at the front of its mouth, with a long and slender snout about three times as long as it was tall. Its sharp, blade-like teeth were better at cutting than chomping down. Giganotosaurus teeth could ably slice through meat and might have been able to cause a lot of damage with a small nip.

But these dinosaurs likely wouldnt just take turns biting each other, even locked in a cage fight. Their body size and nimbleness would also come into play.

Agility of the fighters

Jurassic Parks Alan Grant was incorrect when he said Giganotosaurus was the largest carnivore ever to roam the Earth (that crown goes to Spinosaurus), but it was likely larger than a T. rexat least in length. Giganotosaurus was probably about 45 to 47 feet long, while the largest T. rex specimen reached nearly 42 feet long (nicknamed Scotty, its bones reside at Canadas Royal Saskatchewan Museum). Both stood about 20 feet tall, and Giganotosaurus may have had a few tons of mass on T. rex, but estimates for their maximum masses are both upward of 9 tons.

Still, its unlikely that such a small size difference would give one dinosaur an edge over the other, says Holtz. What might have put T. rex in the lead, he says, was its weight distribution and resulting agility.

T. rexs weight is concentrated toward its middle, while Giganotosaurus is more long and slab-like throughout its body, he says. Holtz and colleagues calculated that a T. rex could rotate its body and twist in place twice as well as other dinosaurs of a similar mass, thanks in part due to massive hip bones and muscles. The pyramid-shaped ankle bones of a T. rex also may have offered more stability for maneuvering than a Giganotosauruss boxier ankles, Schroeder says. T. rex might have been able to corner a little bit better.

Two aspects of tyrannosauruss evolution might explain these adaptations, Holtz suggests. T. rexs ancestors were smallerthe ones that were around when Giganotosaurus roamed Earth were basically dinosaurian coyotes, he says. Or perhaps they evolved these traits to take down sophisticated prey. Triceratops, for example, was one of the most heavily armed herbivores in Earth history, he says, and duck-billed dinosaurs had one of the largest brain-to-body size ratios of any herbivorous dinosaur. T. rex had a bigger brain than Giganotosaurus, Holtz says, probably because it had to hunt speedier, more agile prey.

Giganotosaurus brains were half the size. You dont have to have a lot of focus if youre going after walking walls of meat, Holtz says. They came from a long line of giant predatory dinosaurs. Their basic body plan prepared them to hunt long, slow-moving herbivores, such as stegosaurs and sauropods.

[Related: The longest dinosaur neck ever found in the fossil record]

Defeating a sauropod, which lived in a pack and may have grown up to 80 tons, would not have been easy, however, says Schroeder. Even picking off a small, young herbivore wouldve been tricky. Youre not rolling up on a group of elephants and just grabbing a juvenile, she says. Youre going to have to face off with one of these enormous animals.

Its possible that this is where the slashing kind of bite comes in handy for Giganotosaurus, Holtz says. Maybe it could deliver a fatal bite quickly, he says, or perhaps its blade-like teeth could weaken the massive prey, so the carnivore could track it down to go for the kill at the right moment.

That might be how Giganotosaurus could get the first bite on T. rex, too. The tyrant lizard had both of its eyes on the front of its face, offering better depth perception, Holtz says. But Giganotosauruss eyes, more toward the sides, gave better perception around their bodies. The giant southern lizard might be able to sneak-attack the T. rex, sinking its sharp front fangs into its opponents flank.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMAO6oRyaLM

Do we have a winner?

In a cage match, T. rex has several adaptations that might give it an edge over Giganotosaurus. But dont place your bets yet. The bigger dinosaur could leverage its skill at hunting massive sauropods to take down a smaller-than-usual foe.

If the battle occurred in one of the creatures home habitats, instead of in a neutral environment, that would add another dimension, Schroeder says. On Giganotosaurus turf, for example, T. rex might struggle with the heat and dryness of the desert in what is present-day Argentina.

These environments, and the prey who lived there, shaped how these dinosaurs evolved. During Giganotosauruss time, the environment was changing dramatically with the emergence of diverse flowering plants. By the time T. rex came on the scene, however, the environment was much more stableright up until a big rock smashed into the planet.

Theres also a lot that remains unknown about both dinosaurs, but especially Giganotosaurus, Schroeder says. Paleontologists have found fewer of its fossils, and discuss it less frequently at conferences, likely because its homeland of South America gets less scientific attention and funding. Paleontology tends to be a little bit North America-centric, she says. And while its fun to talk about these questions of who would win in a fight, we wouldnt have any answers if we didnt have fantastic scientists working down in South America and Africa.
Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill announces the Prosecutors for Prosecutors Campaign at the District Attorneys Office in Salt Lake City on Thursday, July 27, 2023. The campaign aims to save the lives of prosecutors and their families being hunted by the Taliban in Afghanistan. | Spenser Heaps, Deseret News

Prior to August 2021, there were approximately 6,000 members of the Afghanistan Attorney General's Office who helped put together criminal cases against members of the Taliban on charges of murder, terrorism, assault and kidnapping.

Most of those prosecutors and staff members were trained by prosecutors from the United States and allied nations.

But the Taliban regained control of the country with the fall of Kabul in August of 2021. Now, more than 3,800 prosecutors and key staff members and their families who were unable to flee the country are in hiding. About 1,500 of those people are prosecutors.

"Prosecutors in Afghanistan, along with their families, are being hunted and killed," Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill said Thursday.

At least 26 prosecutors who were trained by the U.S. have been tortured and killed.

Gill and prosecutors from across the nation took time out from their Major County Prosecutors Council Meeting being hosted in Salt Lake City Thursday to publicly announce their support for the Prosecutors for Prosecutors campaign. The goal of the nationwide effort, launched by the Association of Prosecuting Attorneys, is to raise $15 million to get those 3,800 prosecutors, staffers and family members out of Afghanistan.

"These are fellow prosecutors. These are men and women who have embraced the idea of a free society as the rule of law. These (people) are trained by the United States government to bring those democratic principles to bear and embolden those public institutions that are critical for a democratic and free society," Gill said.

Gill says his office has a natural affinity toward the prosecutors in Afghanistan because of their positions, "But there is also a commitment to the rule of law and what a free society means for a free people. And so we feel an intimate connection because they are applying the same principles that we apply as public prosecutors. And so simply to speak the truth and do the good and do the right which is what prosecutors do, to be targeted and their families to be targeted, is something we can't be silent to."

Story continues

Jean Peters Baker, the Jackson County, Missouri prosecutor, says all of the prosecutors attending the conference in Salt Lake City have had death threats or people who were unhappy with them. "But none of us  none of us  have experienced the kind of grave danger that is being experienced right now by people that we've relied on, that we trusted, and they trusted us, to learn their skill, to do their job and to do their duty to hold the Taliban accountable."

Yama Rayeen, a former Afghanistan prosecutor and co-founder and director at International Organization for Transitional Justice and Peace, speaks during a press conference announcing the Prosecutors for Prosecutors Campaign at the Salt Lake County District Attorneys Office in Salt Lake City on Thursday, July 27, 2023. The campaign aims to save the lives of prosecutors and their families being hunted by the Taliban in Afghanistan. | Spenser Heaps, Deseret News

Yama Rayeen, a former Afghanistan prosecutor who was able to flee the country, attended Thursday's press conference.

"My heart is heavy as I stand before to you," he said before holding a moment of silence for his fallen colleagues and to honor the courage of those who are still in hiding.

Afghan prosecutors who helped send members of the Taliban to prison prior to 2021 are "now paying a heavy price. They are being subjected to violence," he said. Some have been able to flee to nearby countries, while others are "forced into hiding to protect their lives."

"We must act now to bring them to safety," he said, calling for all prosecutors and members of the public to stand united. "Let us be the light who guides them through their darkest hours.

"We cannot turn a blind eye to their pleas. They have suffered enough. ... It is time for us to act, to put an end to the cycle of violence and suffering," he said.

A website has been set up for donations to help meet that $15 million goal. Gill said the money will go to nongovernment organizations that are in Afghanistan that can help facilitate the evacuation of prosecutors or change their immigration status to help extradite their visas.

Gill, who grew up in northern India, says he recognized the risk Afghan prosecutors took by accepting their positions and what it means to them to fight for democracy.

"I know that when that commitment was made by these men and women to the institute of democracy and the rule of law, what risk that they take on personally, and what it means within that culture that when you are willing to fight for that democracy, and if that foundation is not there what real danger they have put themselves into," he said.

"These prosecutors dedicated their lives to implementing a system based on American democracy and it is costing them dearly. Now is not the time to turn our backs against our partners."
 Flash

A firefighter tries to put out a wildfire on the outskirts of Volos, Greece on July 27, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

Wildfires raging across parts of Greece has forced the evacuation of an air force base at the seaside town of Nea Anchialos, near the port city of Volos, as well as 12 settlements in the area, Greek national news agency AMNA reported on Thursday.

The relocation of Hellenic Air Force aircraft became necessary after wildfire triggered a series of massive explosions overnight at an ammunition depot, breaking windows and damaging buildings in the vicinity.

The wildfires in the greater Volos area have posed the toughest challenge for firefighters for the past two days, according to the Fire Brigade.

Across Greece, 83 new fires were reported on Thursday. Firefighters are currently battling a total of 124 wildfires nationwide in extremely difficult conditions, according to the Fire Brigade.

The situation has improved on Rhodes Island where nearly 20,000 people were evacuated during the weekend as the fires threatened residential zones after scorching forests and farmland.

The Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Ministry allowed some tourists and the residents of a dozen towns and villages in eastern Rhodes to return to their homes and accommodations, according to AMNA.

Five people have died in the wildfires this week. The charred bodies of two civilians were found on Wednesday near Volos. The bodies of three other victims, a shepherd and two pilots, were discovered on Tuesday on Evia Island. The plane operated by the two pilots crashed during a fire extinguishing operation.

More than 600 wildfires have broken out nationwide in the past two weeks, the authorities have said.

"There is no doubt, we can see it throughout the Mediterranean, that the climate crisis is here and affects us all, perhaps even more severely than scientists had warned," Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said during a meeting with Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou on Thursday.

"The climate crisis may be a reality, but it cannot be an alibi... A human hand is responsible for most wildfires," whether it is due to negligence or foul play, he said, adding that in the latter case, "the sword of justice will be merciless" with the perpetrators.
By David Shepardson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -General Motors warned the Biden administration's planned changes to vehicle emissions rules could cost the auto industry hundreds of billions of dollars in penalties by 2031, which the Biden administration said on Thursday was wrong.

GM executive David Strickland met on July 17 with White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) officials about the administration's vehicle fuel economy proposal, according to a slide on a White House website.

At the meeting, GM estimated the auto industry as a whole could face $100 billion to $300 billion in total penalties -- or $1,300 to $4,300 per vehicle -- from 2027 to 2031 depending on whether an Energy Department proposal to revise the petroleum-equivalent fuel economy rating for electric vehicles (EV) is enacted.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which oversees Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) regulations, said late on Thursday GM's "estimate is pure speculation and inaccurate." The agency will release its proposal to hike CAFE requirements for 2027 and beyond on Friday, sources familiar with the agency's plans said, after the White House signed off on Tuesday.

A Biden administration official said under one scenario the auto industry could face about $3 billion in fuel economy penalties in 2032 and in another it might face essentially no penalties.

Another official told Reuters NHTSA's preferred CAFE proposal is estimated to save consumers more than $50 billion on fuel over a vehicles' lifetime and reduce oil use by more than 88 billion gallons through 2050. Overall, the benefits of the rule would exceed costs by more than $18 billion, the official added.

GM, which in 2021 vowed to halt the sale of new gasoline-powered vehicles by 2035, said this month it could face compliance challenges under the EV efficiency rules and vehicle emissions regulations. The company said on Thursday it looks forward to "further and increased technical dialogue with the EPA and the White House as the rule is finalized."

Story continues

NHTSA's plan will follow the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) April proposal to toughen 2027-2032 standards, requiring a 56% emissions cut that would result in 67% of new vehicles by 2032 being EVs.

A group representing major automakers including the Detroit Three wants EPA to significantly soften its requirements, calling it "neither reasonable nor achievable."

Chrysler parent Stellantis and GM paid a total of $363 million in civil penalties for failing to meet CAFE requirements for prior model years, Reuters reported in June. The record-setting penalties include $235.5 million for Stellantis for the 2018 and 2019 model years and $128.2 million for GM covering 2016 and 2017.

The penalties were assessed against the companies' entire vehicle fleets not meeting the requirements.

Automakers pay penalties if internal combustion-powered vehicles they sell do not meet CAFE standards or buy credits from other automakers to meet requirements. They can also sell electric vehicles to help offset vehicles that do not meet requirements.

(Reporting by David Shepardson in Washington; Editing by Matthew Lewis; Cynthia Osterman and Christian Schmollinger)
Vladimir Gerdo/ZUMAPRESS/Newscom

Once upon a time, citizens of the United States could travel to almost every country in the European Union for 90 days without asking any government for permission beyond showing a passport at the initial point of entry. It wasand still is, for a few waning monthsa marvelous if underacknowledged achievement for liberty.

Alas, the days of frictionless travel will soon be a memory. Starting at a so-far-unspecified date in early 2024, Americans and residents of 62 other countries that currently enjoy visa-free visitation to the Schengen Area of the E.U. will need to pay a fee and submit an online application (including biometric information, work experience, medical conditions, and initial itinerary), then pass a criminal/security background check, before enjoying that croissant in gay Paree. The grimly named European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is projected to cost 7 euros per application and take up to 14 days to render a decision.

Before you start shaking your fist at freedom-hating Eurocrats, know that ETIAS is the belated continental answer to a system the U.S. has imposed on residents of friendly countries since 2009, called the Electronic System for Travel Authorization, or ESTA. Like ETIAS, ESTA is a response to 21st-century terrorist attacks and combines modest fees ($21) with less-than-instantaneous turnaround times (a promised 72 hours). Both either tweak or torpedo (depending on your point of view) the notion of reciprocal "visa waiver" travel between high-trust countries.

U.S. passports have long been given the red carpet treatment worldwide, due to the country's economic heft and traditional leadership role in negotiating down international barriers to the movement of people (and goods). That latter ethic began to deteriorate after the Cold War, with the rise of bipartisan anti-illegal immigration politics in the early 1990s, and then in earnest after Saudi nationals pulverized the World Trade Center with highjacked planes on September 11, 2001.

Story continues

The Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 mandated that travelers from Visa Waiver countries (which now number 40) submit an application using a machine-readable passport, volunteer plenty of personal information, and answer correctly a series of potentially disqualifying questions. As some of us mentioned at the time, "Whatever we impose on the world, the world will get around to imposing on us."

We have since imposed still more restrictions, which many Europeans are discovering this summer to their chagrin. First was the 2015 exclusion (backed by several libertarian-leaning legislators) of dual nationals of both an existing Visa Waiver country and of either Iran, Iraq, Sudan, or Syria, as well as anyone (aside from those in selected professions) who had visited any of those countries since 2011. Then in 2016, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) added Libya, Somalia, and Yemen to the list.

Having been thus teed up by the administration of Barack Obama, President Donald Trump in his first days in office singled out those exact seven countries for a travel and refugee ban. And he was not done. All it takes is an official (if political and arbitrary) U.S. government designation of being a state sponsor of terrorism for a country to be declared retroactively off-limits for prospective visa-free visitors to America.

So, beginning in 2019, citizens of Visa Waiver countries who had visited North Korea since 2011 were no longer eligible for Visa Waiver treatment. Then in August 2022 (based on a late Trump administration decision), Cuba was added to the don't-go-there list retroactive to 2021; the ESTA application system was updated with a Cuba-travel question just this month.

What to Europeans seemed like a routine questionnaire administered mostly by airline companies has now produced the shocking outcome that they have to spend $160 and wait many, many months to maybe (or maybe not!) obtain permission to travel into the United States. More than 300,000 Europeans from Spain, Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, and Portugal alone visited Cuba in 2022, according to the Cuban government.

So, because of 9/11, and the 2014 terrorist attacks worldwide, and the partisan seesawing of policy toward communist Cuba, peaceful Europeans who want to spend money in the United States are being thwarted in the name of fighting terrorism. It is a foolish policy that will definitely make America poorer while having a marginal (if any) impact on safety.

Could the E.U. retaliate in some way, exempting more U.S. passport holders from the already modified Visa Waiver system? On the one hand, visa policies are definitionally reciprocal; on the other, Washington has more heft and can move with much more bureaucratic speed than Brussels. The most likely targets for any future retribution would be Americans holding dual citizenship in disfavored countries, or perhaps even those who have traveled to countries that Eurocrats have deemed beyond the pale. Always remember that it happened here first.

Governments love having humans maximally searchable on databases, using digitized identification. For a long time, it was cranky Americans, with their stubborn notions of privacy and libertythe right to move through life without showing papers to people with gunswho led the resistance against being answerable, of having to ask officials for permission. Now it's us pushing the rest of the "free world" toward having global biometric and banking information just a single government click away. Shame, that.

The post Say Goodbye to Permissionless Travel appeared first on Reason.com.
New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu (R) on Thursday predicted the 2024 election wont be contested by either President Joe Biden or former President Donald Trump.

Wow. Wow, CNNs Poppy Harlow responded to Sununus claim.

Trump is very, very beatable in the GOP primary and there is a huge opportunity for one of his rivals to break through, explained Sununu.

Among the contenders, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy is exciting people, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum is spending some money, and former Vice President Mike Pence, former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley and Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) are great individuals with amazing records, he continued in a video shared online by Mediaite.

On Biden, Sununu predicted the president will go through the primary process and collect all the delegates before a wild convention where he and his people start steering the delegates somewhere else.

I really believe that, sincerely, he claimed. I think its a health thing. I think its the Hunter Biden thing.

I dont know whether its a grand scheme. Im not a conspiracy theorist by any means, but I just think thats the way its playing out. I dont think Trump or Biden are on that ticket, Sununu said.

Contrary to the governors predictions, recent polls show both Trump and Biden with commanding leads over their rivals in their respective primaries.

Related...
GOP Rep. Harriet Hageman was praised by conservatives on social media for saying there's no such thing as a successful sex change operation during a House Judiciary subcommittee hearing on "gender-affirming care" for children.

"There's a 100 percent failure rate for sex change operations, isn't there?" the Wyoming Republican said to Dr. Jennifer Bauwens during Thursdays hearing. "Because it's not possible to change your sex."

"Thats right, you cant change your sex," Bauwens responded.

During another part of the hearing, Hageman said, "There is only two sexes. Boys are boys, girls are girls. One cannot become the other."

DETRANSITIONER ISSUES 'DESPERATE PLEA' TO LAWMAKERS AT EMOTIONAL GENDER HEARING: 'MY CHILDHOOD WAS RUINED'

"Harriet Hageman dropping truth bombs," Citizen Free Press reacted on Twitter.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

DYLAN MULVANEY RELEASES VIDEO REFLECTING ON 500 DAYS OF 'BEING A GIRL,' SHARES 'TRANS JOY' AMID BUD BACKLASH

Rep. Kevin McCarthy, a Republican from California, center, speaks to Rep.-elect Harriet Hageman, a Republican from Wyoming, during a meeting of the 118th Congress in the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 5, 2023.

"The current Democrat party is one of extremism and divisiveness  telling Americans to follow the science on Covid, but denying the indisputable science that a man is a man, and a woman is a woman," Hageman told Fox News Digital in a statement.

"It is an indisputable fact that 100% of 'sex change' surgeries fail for the simple reason that you cannot change your sex. It isnt care to encourage children to mutilate their bodies, and just as lobotomies were a medically accepted practice in the 1940s and '50s which would be viewed as cruel and barbaric today, history will render the same verdict on gender-affirming care that is being practiced on children now."

In the hearing, detransitioner Chloe Cole made a desperate plea for Congress to act against gender treatments and surgeries. "My childhood was ruined," she testified on her 19th birthday.

"What message do I want to bring to American teenagers and their families? I didn't need to be lied to. I needed compassion. I needed to be loved. I need to be getting therapy to help me work through my issues. Not affirmed to my delusion that by transforming into a boy, it would solve all my problems," Cole said in her opening statement before the House Judiciary subcommittee.

Fox News Digital's Danielle Wallace contributed to this report.
Freshman Rep. Derrick Van Orden, R-Wis., tore into the media on Friday for "threatening [him] with bad press" after reports that he called a group of student employees from the U.S. Senate "jacka--es" and "little sh--s" for laying on the floor of the Capitol rotunda.

"The Capitol Rotunda served as a field hospital where countless Union soldiers died fighting to free men in the Civil War. I have long said our nations Capitol is a symbol of the sacrifice our service men and women have made for this country and should never be treated like a frat house common room," Van Orden said in a statement given to Fox News Digital.

"Threatening a congressman with bad press to excuse poor behavior is a reminder of everything thats wrong with Washington. Luckily, bad press has never bothered me and if its the price I pay to stand up for whats right, then so be it."

SENATE DEMOCRATS KILL GOP LEGISLATION TO FLY ONLY THE AMERICAN FLAG FROM GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS

Rep. Derrick Van Orden, R-Wisc., leaves a meeting of the House Republican Conference at the Capitol Hill Club on Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023.

Van Orden was reportedly giving a late night tour to visitors when the group came across Senate pages lying on the floor of the rotunda and taking pictures during their last week of the program, according to Punchbowl News.

"Wake the f--- up you little sh--s," he said according to a readout of the encounter obtained by The Hill. "What the f--- are you all doing? Get the f--- out of here. You are defiling the space."

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

SENATE DEMOCRATS REJECT AMENDMENTS TO REINSTATE UNVACCINATED MILITARY MEMBERS, AUDIT UKRAINE AID

"You jackasses, get out," Van Orden, a military veteran, also reportedly said.

Senate pages are high school juniors, 16- and 17-year-olds who come from across the country to participate in an education and work program for Congress upper chamber.

Senate pages walk through the Capitol Rotunda on their way to attend the President of Israel Isaaz Herzog's address to a Joint Meeting of Congress in the Capitol on Wednesday, July 19, 2023.

Van Orden later disputed a report that he and his staff had been having a party before the alleged incident. "How do you say you have never been to Wisconsin without saying you have never been to Wisconsin? Those were constituents, you must be a flat-lander," he tweeted.

Story continues

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., criticized Van Orden for the alleged incident late on Thursday night.

MCCONNELL JOKES ABOUT FREEZING UP, TELLS BIDEN HE GOT 'SANDBAGGED'

"I understand that late last night a member of the House majority thought it appropriate to curse at some of these young people, these teenagers in the rotunda. I was shocked when I heard about it, and I am further shocked at his refusal to apologize to these young people," Schumer said. "I can't speak for the House of Representatives, but I do not think that one member's disrespect is shared by this body, by Leader McConnell and myself."

McConnell said a short while later, "I want to associate myself with the remarks of the majority leader. Everybody on this side of the aisle feels exactly the same way."

A spokesperson for Van Orden told Fox News Digital in response to Schumer's comments, "Chuck Schumer should think twice before throwing stones in glass houses."

The conservative congressmans allies also laid into Schumer on Twitter.

"Chuck Schumer is a lifelong political hack who never resists an opportunity to insert himself in front of a camera. When will Schumer hold his own party to the same standard?" said National Republican Congressional Committee spokesperson Jack Pandol.

Asked about the incident on Friday morning, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy told reporters the situation was likely a "misunderstanding." McCarthy said he discussed it with Schumer on Thursday and would speak to Van Orden as well.

Chad Pergram contributed to this report
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper was in Charlotte Friday afternoon.

Cooper toured a summer camp put on by the Mecklenburg County Sheriffs Office.

The camp will be held at the former youth detention center in north Charlotte.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Worth every penny: Former youth detention center is now a free youth summer camp

Deputies will draw from their own hobbies to teach the campers new skills such as graphic design or how to be a D.J.

Each kid who attends the camp is part of a mentorship program through CMS.

The goal is to encourage these students to want to become leaders in their schools.

While Cooper was there, Channel 9 asked about Medicaid expansion.

It is supposed to start on Oct. 1, but lawmakers in Raleigh must pass the budget for that to happen.

The governor said hes hopeful.

We did something important thing this week, Cooper said. We started the process as if were going to enroll people on Oct. 1. We got the fed authorities to approve the process.

Medicaid expansion would extend health coverage to around 600,000 adults who earn too much for traditional Medicaid and too little for subsidized private insurance.

VIDEO: Worth every penny: Former youth detention center is now a free youth summer camp
A bill that will require younger boaters to sit for a safety course is just weeks away from officially becoming law in South Carolina, following a ceremonial signing at the Columbia Sailing Club.

Gov. Henry McMaster signed the South Carolina Boating Safety and Education Bill  S. 96  on Thursday, marking a symbolic victory for some boater safety advocates and families who have lost loved ones in boating accidents. The new law will require anyone under the age of 16 to undergo boater education training before operating any type of watercraft in the state. The requirement would also apply to anyone under 16 renting a boat or jet ski, lawmakers said.

Thursdays event attracted a variety of state officials, including lawmakers, state agency leaders and members of law enforcement.

State Sen. Chip Campsen, R-Charleson, speaks during a ceremonial bill signing event at the Columbia Sailing Club on Thursday, July 27, 2023. Campsen sponsored S. 96, a bill that will generally require anyone under the age of 16 to undergo boater education training before operating any type of watercraft in the state.

You have to take a course or get a license to operate a car where stoplights, flashing lights and yield signs tell you exactly what to do and where you have to stay in the lane, said avid boater and state Sen. Chip Campsen, R-Charleston, the bills sponsor. You certainly need to do that when it comes to a boat because you have to have all that in your head.

Statistics from South Carolina Department of Natural Resources show a general rise in boating-related accidents and fatalities in the state over the last five years. There were 22 recreational boating fatalities in the state in 2022, up from 15 deaths in 2018. There also were a total of 170 boating accidents in 2022, up from 142 in 2018.

Today, South Carolina joins 46 other states that require boater education, and I know this law will help save lives, said Randall Smith, founder and chairman of Boating Safety South Carolina, an advocacy group that promotes boater safety issues.

Smith says he and his wife have been pushing for boater safety for the past 25 years after they lost their 11-year-old son in a boating accident on Lake Murray in 1997.

With 30,000 miles of rivers and streams and the most beautiful coastline in the country, boating is a cherished pastime in South Carolina, said McMaster. By educating boaters and promoting responsible practices, we protect the lives of those who use our waterways and encourage more South Carolinians and visitors alike to enjoy South Carolinas endless natural treasures.

Story continues

South Carolina now has more than 361,000 registered boats across the state, according to Robert Boyles, director of the S.C. Department of Natural Resources.

This represents a nearly 21,000 vessel increase just in the past year, Boyles said. This doesnt include the 1000s of canoes, kayaks and paddle boards that are not required to be registered.

Boater education courses will be available in-person and online. While in-person courses will be free, self-paced online options will come with a fee, according to Boyles.

The Department of Natural Resources website will soon feature a list of approved boating safety courses, including boat rental safety courses for those renting a vessel, personal watercraft, or specialty propcraft, according to the governors office. A boat rental safety certificate is valid for 30 days.

The law is set to go into effect on Aug. 18, 2023.
Harvesting in the Kyiv region at the beginning of August 2022

Restoring the flow of grain shipments from Ukraine through the Black Sea is priority global issue, U.S. State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel said at a press briefing on July 27.

Of course, we want grain to go to all countries that need it, Ukrainian news agency Ukrinform quotes Patel.

Read also: 15 drones attack Reni grain depots, destroy 3 warehouses - local authorities

And this is not only a regional problem, it is a global problem."

He noted that Ukrainian produce, particularly grain production, is "incredibly important."

Read also: Russias assault on Odesa continues, six injured and grain terminal destroyed in overnight air raid

"And we continue to call on Russia to rejoin it (the Black Sea grain deal)," Patel adds.

Read also: Why Russia is blocking the grain corridor  Ukraines Agriculture Ministry comments

The Black Sea Grain Initiative, signed under the auspices of the United Nations and Turkey in July of the previous year, allowed for the utilization of three Ukrainian ports for food exports. Operations in the grain corridor began on Aug. 1, 2022.

On July 17, Russia officially announced its withdrawal from the grain agreement after an attack at the Crimean Bridge.

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
GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP)  A Green Bay woman wasn't mentally ill when she killed and dismembered a former boyfriend and scattered his body parts at various locations, a jury found Thursday.

The same Brown County jury that deliberated less than an hour Wednesday before convicting Taylor Schabusiness, 25, of homicide, third-degree sexual abuse and mutilating a corpse in the February 2022 killing of Shad Thyrion, 24, needed less than an hour Thursday to find she didn't suffer from mental illness or defect at the time.

Brown County Circuit Judge Thomas Walsh set sentencing for Sept. 26, news outlets reported.

Schabusiness 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, authorities said.

She appeared to suffer from a range of mental issues when she was evaluated at the Brown County Jail in 2022 and 2023, said Diane Lytton, an independent psychologist who testified for the defense Thursday.

Schabusiness, who had thrown a plastic chair at Lytton during an evaluation, was a psychotic person," the psychologist testified.

Defense attorney Christopher Froelich said Schabusiness was under a civil commitment order in April 2021 because she was mentally ill.

Brown County Assistant District Attorney Caleb Saunders said the issue for jurors was the defendant's mental state when she committed the crime, not in 2021.

If the jury had found Schabusiness was mentally ill, she would be sent to a mental institution instead of prison.

Walsh ruled in March that Schabusiness was competent to stand trial.

In February, Schabusiness attacked her previous attorney during a hearing before a deputy wrestled her to the courtroom floor.
The New Hampshire attorney generals office is actively working with local police to investigate an alleged attack on a gay couple in a city along the states eastern border with Maine.

Our Civil Rights Unit is certainly aware of this incident and is actively working with the Somersworth Police Department and our law enforcement partners to look into it further, Michael Garrity, a spokesperson with the attorney generals office, said in a statement.

Anyone who has information is encouraged to contact the Somersworth Police Department or the Attorney Generals Office, he added.

William Poole, who owns a chocolate shop in Somersworth, N.H., with his husband, said on Facebook that they were assaulted by a group of juveniles who shouted homophobic taunts at them on Monday night.

He alleged that the same group had attempted to break into their residence above the shop earlier this month and shouted slurs at them when confronted.

I fear for my life and that of my partner, and I fear that our home and business with be further antagonized or damaged, Poole said. We will not reenter our home and business without police escort. I will defend myself and my home, and my partners life and our home.

Given the additional incident just over a week earlier, Somersworth Police Captain Matthew Duval said in a press release that they are looking into whether the incidents rise to the level of civil rights violations.

The citys mayor, Dana Hilliard, said in a Facebook post on Tuesday that Somersworth stands by the couple and will do everything it can to help our fellow citizens and ensure that justice is brought against the assailants.

The ugly face of hate continues to raise its head in all 50 states and is gaining strength through the open assault on all minorities and members of the LGBTQ+ community, by elected officials who are validating actions of discrimination, hate, and assault through the narrative of intolerance they continue to spread, Hilliard added.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
 Flash

Soldiers in Niger have overthrown President Mohamed Bazoum, the country's Defense and Security Forces (FDS) said in a press release broadcast on national television late on Wednesday, hours after the president was allegedly held hostage.

"This follows the continued deterioration of the security situation, poor economic and social governance," said Col Maj Amadou Abdramane, a member of the FDS and National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland, newly established by soldiers.

The attempted coup has drawn condemnation from regional blocs and world leaders.

Fears of attempted coup

President of the Republic of Benin Patrice Talon on Wednesday visited his Nigerian counterpart Bola Tinubu amid uncertainty in the West African country of Niger where an attempted coup was brewing.



Tinubu briefly told reporters after the meeting in Abuja, the Nigerian capital, that efforts were underway by West African leaders to halt the situation in Niger where President Bazoum is allegedly being held hostage by soldiers, fueling speculation of an attempted coup.

In a personally signed statement earlier, the Nigerian leader said that the leadership of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) will not accept any action that impedes the smooth functioning of legitimate authority in Niger or any part of West Africa.

Talon said the development in Niger was "worrisome" and needed an urgent intervention by ECOWAS leaders.

The neighboring country Algeria on Wednesday also expressed concerns over the ongoing attempted coup in Niger and called for an immediate end to the violence.

"The Algerian government is deeply concerned about the situation in the Republic of Niger and strongly condemns the attempted coup taking place there," the foreign ministry of Algeria said in a statement.

Global condemnations

In a short statement released by his spokesperson, United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday strongly condemned the coup attempt in Niger.



"The secretary-general is following closely the situation in Niger. He condemns in the strongest terms any effort to seize power by force and to undermine democratic governance, peace and stability in Niger," said the statement.

The UN chief "calls on all actors involved to exercise restraint and to ensure the protection of constitutional order. The United Nations stands by the Government and the people of Niger," the statement said.

Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat on Wednesday condemned the coup as a betrayal of their republican duty and one that betrays the stability of democratic institutions in the West African country.

The statement called for an immediate cease to the military actions.

"The AU Commission Chairperson calls on the people of Niger, all their brothers in Africa, particularly in the ECOWAS, and around the world, to join their voices in unanimous condemnation of this coup attempt, and for the immediate and unconditional return of the felon soldiers to their barracks," the statement said.

The European Union, France and Britain have also condemned the coup.

Bazoum's uncertain fate

Niger's presidential guard has imposed a blockade on the presidency since 10 p.m. local time (2100 GMT) Tuesday, a staff member of the presidency told Xinhua earlier on Wednesday.



The fate of Bazoum remained uncertain, but his representatives told the press that he was safe.

The United States has demanded the release of President Bazoum after he was detained inside his palace.

"We specifically urge elements of the presidential guard to release President Bazoum from detention and refrain from violence," White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said in a statement.

According to the Nigerien soldiers in the press release, "All institutions from the 7th Republic are suspended, the FDS is managing the situation, and urges all external partners not to interfere."

The land and air borders are closed until the situation stabilizes. A curfew is established from 10 p.m. (2100 GMT) to 5 a.m. (0400 GMT) throughout the territory until further notice.

Bazoum assumed office in 2021 after winning the elections. Since gaining independence from France in 1960, Niger has witnessed four coups.
The Presidential primary season is already inundating voters across the border in New Hampshire. Voters say they are getting ads in the mail, on their phones, and all over TV.

When you cross the state line into New Hampshire it doesnt take much digging to discover what the 2024 presidential election beholds. We caught up with two local voters, Joey Pearson and Zach Peacock. We got people walking up and down the streets with flyers, said Pearson. You are seeing ads every second I feel, said Peacock.

Look inside any mail truck in New Hampshire  and you can see piles of political ads on their way to homes.

One big change this go around is the timing of the New Hampshire Primary, it will likely be about a month earlier but that is not changing the tradition here at the Red Arrow Diner. Amanda Wihby, co-owner of the diner, says they have already seen candidates come through. It definitely seems earlier this year and more ramped up, said Wihby.

The Red Arrow Diner in the heart of Manchester has helped vett Presidents for decades. They grab a pot of coffee, they pour them some coffee, they ask them some questions. Its grassroots politics at its finest, said Wihby.

Wihby says most of the candidates have already made stops here. If you want a seat in the White House you have to walk through those doors first, joked Wihby.

Voters say the candidates also have to listen. Someone who is honest and someone who is going to do right by the people, said Peacock. I just hope they give us something to vote for, said Pearson.

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
Khalil Akhlas is one of the 1.6 million who fled Afghanistan in 2021 due to the Talibans takeover, one of the nearly 100,000 who came to the United States and one of the few thousand that have resettled in New York. Ahklas family, including his wife and three children, have spent the last two years adjusting to life in Westchester.

This is a new world for us, Ahklas said. Its a new world for me and its a new one for my kids. Theres amazing communities here helping us voluntarily.

One member of the community aiding Ahklas family is 15-year-old Olivia Naporano, a Harrison High School student. With some help from Hearts and Homes for Refugees, a Pelham-based nonprofit that works to ease the transition into American life for refugees, Naporano organized a week-long camp in late June for 10 children of Afghan refugees living in the region.

Olivia Naporano, 15, a student at Harrison High School, started a one-week summer camp for children whose families are refugees from Afghanistan. Here she is working with one of the children, Najia Akhlas.

The campers ranged from kindergartners to seventh-graders.

Naporano designed the camp, hosted at the Yonkers Public Library, to be a mix of fun social activities and reinforcement of what campers learned months prior in school. For most of the week, volunteers, a mix of high school students and adults, worked with the children one-on-one.

I wanted it to be super individualized to each kid there because in school, they dont get the personal attention that they need," she said. "Because most of them, unfortunately, are a bit behind their grade level.

How did a teenager come to start a summer camp for refugees? Last November, Naporano started tutoring the children of two Afghan refugee families in New Rochelle. She saw the kids' progress and decided to replicate the experience for other refugees with a camp.

"It was so amazing, so rewarding to see their growth, their improvement, she said. We built that rapport, that personal connection, which is amazing. The kids are so wonderful and eager to learn.

Refugee kids have many needs

Amy Robertson, the program director for Hearts and Homes, said that many refugees have stopped going to school for a lengthy period before fleeing. As a result, many need additional educational services, especially when they don't know English.

Story continues

High school volunteers work with children whose families fled Afghanistan at a summer camp in Yonkers for refugees.

The schools are amazing with their services, but theres nothing like having someone at home or having a camp, Robertson said.

Akhlas kids  11, 8 and 7  came to the U.S. with zero English, but Naporanos camp and other programs have had a major impact, he said. When his wife went for a recent physical, his kids were able to speak enough English with the doctor that he did not need an interpreter.

I was really happy, Akhlas said. "Now my kids are able to communicate and they can go shopping and they can solve their daily problems.

Reunion: Afghan brothers reunite in Westchester after United States pulls out and danger lurks

Refugees face many challenges, like basic transportation. Robertson said that Westchesters bus system, while free, can make some trips long and inaccessible. For larger families, driving back and forth to camp in a new community can be a lot.

But, Naporanos volunteers stepped up to pick up and drop off campers, one piece of the camps logistics she had to figure out well in advance.

Hoping to expand next summer

As soon as the camp concluded, Naporano started working on how to improve the pilot for next summer. Her mother, Osnat Naporano, said her daughter was being too humble.

The kids actually absolutely loved it and the parents loved it and gave that feedback, she said.

Crisis: Ukrainian woman finds way to Rockland, but most refugees face long wait to get to U.S.

Robertson had similar feelings regarding the high school students work.

Olivia was just incredible, Robertson said. (She was) very organized in getting it done and pushing it forward because one of the big challenges for a program like this is that it takes a lot of coordination."

Akhlas told The Journal News/lohud that he wants his kids to go again next year.

Naporano hopes that next year's camp will be in a larger space, have 30 to 50 campers and will include refugees from other parts of the world, such as Ukraine or South America.

One thing that would help next year, Osant Naporano said, is that her daughter will have her drivers license.

I dont want this to be a solely one or two year program, Olivia Naporano said. I want to expand it, extend it after I graduate high school, so other people can take it upon themselves to extend the program and make it a long-lasting thing for many years to come."

This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Westchester student runs summer camp for Afghan refugees
Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) slammed the new charges brought against former President Trump in the case over his handling of classified documents Thursday, arguing that we cannot allow this to stand.

Its so brazen right now, what theyre doing, Hawley said on Fox News. It is really a subversion of the rule of law. I mean, theyre taking the rule of law, turning it on its head, and we cannot allow this to stand.

The American people are not gonna be safe, he added. Our system of government is not gonna be safe if this is gonna be the new standard.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) filed a superseding indictment Thursday evening, accusing the former president of attempting to delete surveillance footage at his Mar-a-Lago property. It also included an additional Espionage Act charge based on a military document that Trump boasted of having in a 2021 meeting.

The new indictment added Carlos de Oliveira, the property manager of the Mar-a-Lago resort, as a co-conspirator, accusing him of working with Trump and the former presidents other co-defendant Walt Nauta to try to delete the surveillance footage.

Hawley suggested that the DOJ is now charging random people following de Oliveiras addition to the indictment and claimed that the new charges were brought in order to distract from Hunter Bidens legal problems.

The plea deal that the presidents son had reached with the DOJ over tax and gun charges was put on hold Wednesday, after the federal judge presiding over the case raised concerns about the agreement.

Is it any coincidence that the DOJ rushes to add these new indictments today, after the Hunter debacle, after their own self-dealing and two-timing is exposed, after they tried to us the true extent of this plea deal, Hawley said.

That gets blown up, and then its like, Oh well, weve got to go indict Trump on something else, he added.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The Rivne City Court has ordered the arrest of the head of the Rivne Oblast military recruitment center

The Rivne City Court has ordered the arrest of the head of the Rivne Oblast military recruitment center, who physically assaulted a subordinate soldier, on July 28, according to the State Bureau of Investigations (DBR).

On the eve of July 27, the official was informed of the charges against him for assaulting the subordinate soldier, and subsequently, he was apprehended.

An investigation revealed that this official, along with the director of the district recruitment office, attacked a man with a bat and compelled him to beg for forgiveness on his knees. The entire incident was recorded on a mobile phone.

Read also: Why is the Defense Ministry sabotaging the purchase of much-needed drones?

Searches were carried out at the suspect's premises, leading to the discovery of the aforementioned bat and other incriminating evidence, law enforcement said.

If found guilty, the individual could face up to 12 years of imprisonment under the article on the abuse of power or official authority by a military official during wartime (part 5 of article 426-1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).

Media reports have identified the accused official as Serhii Lutsiuk.

Read also: Conscription officials arrested for drug possession and assaulting a servicemember

On July 23, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy instructed the urgent establishment of a commission to conduct inspections of all military recruitment offices in all oblasts of Ukraine, aiming to prevent any actions that would tarnish the reputation of the state and the memory of the heroes who sacrifice their lives on the frontline.

On July 25, Zelenskyy revealed the disturbing results of the inspection, stating that Today, some preliminary results of inspections from other enlistment offices, besides the former Odesa one, were presented to me. And the findings are distressing. Of course, law enforcement will handle them appropriately, and society will be informed of everything.

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
New Medicaid expansion backed by Gov. Roy Cooper would strengthen mental health care and substance abuse services for inmates, the North Carolina governor said Friday.

Even though lawmakers have not yet approved the funding, Coopers Wednesday announcement on his administrations plan to expand Medicaid on Oct. 1 now pressures the states Republican-controlled legislature to act, as the News & Observer reported this week.

Mentally-ill prisoners disproportionately experience mental or behavioral health issues and experts have said those in the jail population will especially benefit from expansion in North Carolina. Statewide, more than 600,000 people are expected to be eligible for the program and gain new health care coverage.

On Friday, Cooper was visiting Mecklenburg County Sheriffs Office Summer Camp, held for the first time this year at the former Juvenile Detention Center in north Charlotte. Sheriff Garry McFadden stood alongside Cooper as kids wrapped up their third week in the Escape Camp by learning archery.

Asked about a case like Devalos Perkins  a 37-year-old Charlotte murder suspect who has been waiting more than 10 years in jail due to his mental health condition and a one-word loophole in state law  Cooper pointed to Medicaid expanding as part of a solution for a broken system.

We know that weve underfunded our behavioral and mental health system significantly over the last few years, Cooper said.

Earlier this month, The Charlotte Observers Purgatory  a four-part series about Perkins  revealed legal ambiguity and a one-word loophole in state law allows criminal defendants like him to wait years, and even more than a decade in some cases, to go to trial if they are deemed mentally-incapable of proceeding to trial.

Our Department of Health and Human Services already has a program going on here in Charlotte-Mecklenburg to help restore capacity for people, Cooper said. ... Its so important for people who have been found to be mentally incapacitated in order to be able to stand trial.

Story continues

With not enough room in psychiatric hospitals, North Carolina is focusing on providing local resources for those with mental health and substance abuse issues  those who know they shouldnt have handcuffs, they should have health care, Cooper said.

Investment in health care would help the criminal justice system more than anything else, Cooper said.

Republican and Democratic sheriffs alike understand that, the governor said, and thats why the North Carolina Sheriffs Association endorsed Medicaid expansion.

Republican legislators previously declined to fund Medicaid separately and instead tied it to the budget.

House Speaker Tim Moore told reporters last week he has not sensed any appetite in our caucus to move the expansion separate and apart from the budget.

So I would anticipate any expansion that happens on Medicaid to be a part of the budget thats enacted, Moore said.

On that, Cooper has said in a statement: Making Medicaid Expansion contingent on passing the budget was and is unnecessary, and now the failure of Republican legislators to pass the budget is ripping health care away from thousands of real people and costing our state and our hospitals millions of dollars.

Lawmakers have until Sept. 1 to fund Coopers proposal. If they miss the deadline, Medicaid expansion in the state would be delayed until Dec. 1, health officials told Politico.

Its unclear how much of the new Medicaid spending would go directly toward inmate services in Coopers proposal.
When Patrick Green accepted the job of UF Health Jacksonville chief executive officer, he began a balancing act.

He has to be respectful of the past  particularly the health system's revered former leader, Dr. Leon Haley, who died in a personal watercraft accident in South Florida in 2021  yet plan for the future.

"What they went through was unimaginable, losing such an impactful leader as Dr. Haley," Green, who has about 25 years in the health care industry, said. "He took the organization to great heights."

How to navigate the grief that remains, he said, "goes back to how I was raised. Lead with your heart."

His tenure, which began July 10, will build on Haley's vision, while creating a bold new vision for the future, Green said.

"The future is bright," he said.

UF Health Jacksonville: Leon Haley's new replacement leads Jacksonville area's latest Healthful News

'Inspirational leader': UF Health Jacksonville CEO dies: Dr. Leon Haley Jr. led area's COVID-19 response

At UF Health Jacksonville's Eighth Street campus, newly hired CEO Patrick Green meets some of his staff. during his first week on the job.

Green, 50, moved to Florida from Connecticut, where he was executive vice president of Yale New Haven Health and president and CEO of Lawrence + Memorial Hospital since 2017. Yale New Haven Health is the largest health system in Connecticut with 30,000 employees and 8,200 medical staff.

Here he will oversee about 5,000 employees at UF Health Jacksonville and UF Health North. After Haley died, former CEO Russ Armistead served in the interim.

Patricks first few weeks meeting with employees, hospital leadership and members of the community have been outstanding and its part of why we brought him to Jacksonville," Dr. David Nelson, UF Health president, said. "His professionalism, along with his passion and vision for the future, are going to keep this organization growing into an even more significant asset for Northeast Florida and our patients."

Green has already impressed local community leaders, including Darnell Smith, North Florida market president at Florida Blue.

Story continues

"After meeting Patrick for dinner and speaking with him several times by phone as he settles into his new role as CEO, I am excited for the UF Health family, the community and the patients we collectively serve," Smith said.

Green was not looking for a new job. But UF Health, which is a general medical and surgical facility and a teaching hospital, and its "exemplary" reputation in the health care field got his attention, he said.

"I was working for a phenomenal organization with phenomenal people," he said. "But when you are in leadership roles, particularly in health care  you get calls, so many opportunities. When you get a call from UF Health, this one you take."

The front of the Clinical Center at the downtown campus of UF Health Jacksonville is illuminated in purple lights in August 2021 in memory of CEO Leon Haley Jr., who died in a Jet Ski accident at the age 56.

A 'servant leader' with plenty of experience

Growing up in Oklahoma City, Green had no idea what a hospital administrator was, much less that he might become one. Like many young boys, he had other plans.

"Deep down I wanted to be a professional athlete," he said. He did not have the necessary height or skills for that to become reality, he said, but no other career options occurred to him.

"I just knew I didn't want to be an unproductive person  I wanted to be of service," Green said. "I was raised in the church. We didn't have a lot, humble beginnings, not a lot of resources. Everybody worked hard and got a good education."

In college, his career path became clear: He obtained a bachelor's degree in health care administration from Langston Universityin Oklahoma and a master's degree in business administration from the University of Central Oklahoma.

"I am a servant leader," he said.

Early in his career, Green held roles as associate chief operating officer at Denver Health and worked at UW Medicine in Seattle. Later he had stints as senior executive vice president, chief administrative officer, chief operating officer and interim president at Centura Health in Lakewood, Colo., before joining Yale New Haven Health.

What's all the buzz about AI? Here's what we know for Jacksonville health care

Any hospital CEO has to handle challenges, including keeping up with rapid-fire advancements in health care and related technology, he said.

"I spend a lot of time learning and researching and continuing to get better," he said. "We have to embrace, anticipate what the future looks like.  We have to continually reinvent ourselves." And he's counting on the "best minds" at UF Health Jacksonville and the UF College of Medicine-Jacksonville to help, he said.

Like Leon Haley, Patrick Green led his hospital through COVID-19

The biggest challenge Green's generation of health care leaders had faced was the COVID-19 pandemic, he said. The respiratory virus first arrived in the U.S. in 2019, where it sickened 103 million people and caused 1.1 million deaths, according to the World Health Organization.

"There wasn't a playbook," Green said.

Governmental instructions on how to handle COVID-19 were updated often, so staff had to be updated often. Administrators also had to make sure staff had the necessary protective clothing and other gear. And then came the controversial vaccines, which many patients received, while others refused to do so.

Haley led the local medical community's COVID-19 response. Green did the same at Yale New Haven Health. The "unprecedented" experience, Green said, likely will not be repeated in his generation and "will go down in history."

New UF Health Jacksonville CEO Patrick Green meets staff at the UF Health North campus his first week on the job. Formerly an executive at Yale New Haven Health in Connecticut, he has about 25 years of experience in the industry.

But lessons were learned. "We are resilient," he said. "We can handle anything, we're tougher than we thought."

Health care "saved the world. I am proud of the people" who kept hospitals safe, he said.

Then and now, his hospital's staff help keep him "purpose-driven."

"They run to the fire every single day," he said. "Very inspirational, that keeps me going. ... That's what motivates me."

After that UF Health phone call came, Green talked with its leaders and decided it was a "special place." He wanted to be the one to build on the Haley years.

"The health care complex continues to evolve, as to what the future of health care will look like," he said. "We want to be the best at everything we do, prioritize  making sure we get better at what we do best."

The growth needed to be the best at everything is already underway, such as the new trauma center that will be named after Haley. "It is going to be an extraordinary addition, extremely important to the community," Green said.

To be named after Dr. Leon Haley: State budget has $80 million for new UF Health trauma center

New trauma center: UF Health will get $10M from Jacksonville for new center. How will the city pay?

A topping out ceremony recently was held for the new patient tower under construction at UF Health North, 15255 Max Leggett Parkway near Jacksonville INternational Airport in North Jacksonville.

Other projects include a second in-patient tower at UF Health North that is under construction, set to open in 2024, as part of a three-phase $210 million expansion of the campus. And in April UF Health Jacksonville in April opened its third hybrid full-service emergency and urgent care center.

Meanwhile, Green and his wife of 24 years and 16-year-old son plan to delve into their new community.

"I wouldn't be here if my wife and son weren't all for it. They're excited," he said. "We're looking forward to finding opportunities to get involved, find our cause.

"The community will see me out there," he said.

bcravey@jacksonville.com, (904) 359-4109

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: New CEO Patrick Green begins tenure at UF Health Jacksonville
Hong Kong's High Court has rejected a government attempt to restrict distribution of the pro-democracy protest song Glory To Hong Kong. The song was used in pictured pro-democracy protests in 2019. File Photo by Jerome Favre/EPA-EFE

July 28 (UPI) -- A government effort to restrict the pro-democracy protest song "Glory to Hong Kong" when used to incite secession was rejected Friday by Hong Kong's High Court.

Judge Anthony Chan wrote in the court decision that limiting the use of the song would chill free speech.

"I believe that the intrusion to freedom of expression here, especially to innocent third parties, is what is referred to in public law as 'chilling effects,'" Chan wrote.

Hong Kong's Department of Justice wanted to stop the song's distribution "with the intent of and in circumstances capable of inciting others to commit secession."

The Justice Department's effort was aimed only at those who used the song with intent of inciting secession and would not have completely banned the song, as the judge noted in his decision.

Judge Anthony Chan said limiting the use of the song would chill free speech. File Photo by Thomas Maresca/UPI

Nonetheless, he rejected the government's attempt to impose an injunction targeting the song.

"I am unable to agree that the chilling effects may be dismissed simply because the Injunction is not aimed at lawful pursuits," Chan wrote. "It is by no means over-stretched to envisage that perfectly innocent people would distance themselves from what may be lawful acts involving the song for fear of trespassing the Injunction which has severe consequences."

The court agreed with the Hong Kong Journalists Association that the injunction would chill free speech. File Photo by Stephen Shaver/UPI

According to the High Court filing, the government wanted to prevent "broadcasting, performing, printing, publishing, selling, offering for sale, distributing, disseminating, displaying or reproducing" the song with intent to incite people to commit secession.

The filing said the injunction would not have prohibited lawful acts concerning the song, which includes gathering of news, preparation or compiling of articles concerning news or observations on news or current affairs.

Judge Chan dismissed the effort to impose the injunction despite the language protecting news gathering, citing the "concern of the Hong Kong Journalists Association" about the potential chilling effects on free speech."

Story continues

Ronson Chan, chairperson of the Hong Kong Journalists Association, said the High Court ruling was reasonable.

"I agree with the court and the judgement saying that chilling effect will keep innocent people from lawful actions [to] keep away from the injunction," he said.

Hong Kong does not censor the internet as does the rest of China, but the city urged Google to change search results for "Hong Kong national anthem" to display the official anthem and not the protest song.

Google resisted, telling the city any adjustment required proof that Glory to Hong Kong was illegal.

The song was embraced by anti-Chinese pro-democracy demonstrators during 2019 protests which were met by a harsh police crackdown.
Hingham police are searching for two men after an attempted theft from the drive-up ATM at the Bank of America at 95 Sgt. William B. Terry Drive early on Friday, July 28, 2023.

HINGHAM  Police are searching for two men after an attempted theft from the drive-up ATM at the Bank of America at 95 Sgt. William B. Terry Drive early Friday morning.

The ATM was damaged, but no cash was taken.

The robbery attempt was the third at the ATM in three years, police said.

Officers responded to the bank after receiving a 3:43 a.m. report from an alarm company that a chain had been placed around the ATM and attached to a white 2007 Cadillac Escalade EXT. As officers arrived at the scene, the two men fled in the Cadillac, driving east on Route 3A. Officers pursued the vehicle to Bradley Park Drive, where the two men ditched the Cadillac behind a home and fled on foot.

Weymouth police and Plymouth County Sheriffs Department K-9 units joined the search, but the men were not located.

Anyone with information regarding the attempted theft is asked to contact Hingham police Detective Michael Gervasi at 781-804-2238.

This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: Hingham police probe theft bid from frequently targeted drive-up ATM
Hirsh Singh, an engineer who has unsuccessfully run for multiple offices in New Jersey in recent years, threw his hat into the ring to join the crowded GOP field for president on Thursday

Singh said in a video posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, that he is a lifelong Republican and America First conservative who worked to restore a conservative wing of the New Jersey Republican Party.

He slammed corruption from Big Tech and pharmaceutical companies in the video, saying they have relentlessly attacked our freedoms.

He accused Big Tech of engaging in censorship of certain viewpoints and seeking monopoly status by inviting the government to seize control of emerging areas such as artificial intelligence to stop other businesses from joining the industry.

Singh also pushed back against what he called Bolsheviks, a reference to the followers of Vladimir Lenin in the Soviet Union, who are imposing their ideology on children. He said schools have become centers of indoctrination, permanently harming children.

We need strong leadership to reverse the changes that have occurred in the past few years and restore American values. That is why I have decided to seek the Republican Partys nomination for the 2024 election for the office of president of the United States, Singh said.

He called himself the only pureblood candidate because he never gave in to the COVID vaccinations.

He officially filed his candidacy with the Federal Election Commission on Thursday.

Singh joins a packed field for the Republican nomination of a dozen candidates, with former President Trump as the front-runner well ahead of his challengers.

Singh said he believes Trump is the greatest president of my lifetime, but the country needs more.

Singh is a long shot to win or seriously compete for the nomination and lacks previous government experience.

He ran in the Republican primaries for governor of New Jersey in 2017 and 2021, for a House seat in 2018 and for Senate in 2020 but was unsuccessful in winning the GOP nomination. In his most recent run for governor, he campaigned as a more conservative option more closely aligned with Trump than the eventual nominee, Jack Ciattarelli, but he came in third for the nomination.

Singh is one of several long-shot candidates in the race, including former former Cranston, R.I., Mayor Steve Laffey, Michigan businessman Perry Johnson and Texas pastor Ryan Binkley.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
(Bloomberg) -- The Hong Kong government lost a bid to wipe a controversial protest song from its internet, a rare victory for free speech and internet firms such as Google in a city accused in past years of undermining the rule of law.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The High Court on Friday declined the governments application for an injunction to make it illegal for anyone with criminal intent to perform or broadcast Glory to Hong Kong, including the lyrics and melody, on grounds of national security.

The decision hands a surprise defeat to an administration thats chalked up a string of legal victories against publishers and journalists accused of endangering Chinese national security, which has had a chilling effect on a once free-wheeling global commercial hub.

The government has 28 days to appeal the verdict, as is typical in Hong Kong cases. It will study the ruling and follow up, Chief Executive John Lee told reporters at an ad-hoc briefing Friday.

The ruling could help reassure a business community worried about erosion of freedoms in a city critics say is adopting Beijing-style controls, including by silencing dissent. That decision came hours after a report that Washington will bar Hong Kongs leader from a major economic summit, underscoring pressure from Western governments against what they call a crackdown on civil liberties.

We welcome the judgment, said Ronson Chan, chairman of the Hong Kong Journalists Association. A ban would have had a chilling effect.

Read more: HK Says US Should Invite Lee to Summit After Report Hes Barred

Hong Kong is trying to re-establish itself on the world stage after violent pro-democracy protests and years of punishing Covid restrictions walloped the local economy and triggered an exodus of talent. Part of that outflow of economic and human capital stems from perceptions the city is hewing closer to Beijing-style rules, which is in turn inflaming tensions between the worlds most-powerful nations.

Story continues

The US plans to bar Chief Executive John Lee from attending the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in San Francisco in November, the Washington Post reported Friday, citing sources familiar with the matter. Lee is under US sanctions for his role in an alleged crackdown on Hong Kongs civil liberties.

Wiping Glory to Hong Kong from the citys internet would have directly challenged the freedoms that differentiate the former British colony from mainland China. It wouldve also raised the legal risks for Silicon Valley tech giants  from Alphabet Inc. to Apple Inc. and Meta Platforms Inc.  that quit the mainland Chinese market years ago due to onerous censorship demands.

Perfectly innocent people would distance themselves from what may be lawful acts involving the song for fear of trespassing the injunction which has severe consequences, Judge Anthony Chan said in Fridays written ruling. The court must place great emphasis on safeguarding the fundamental rights of third parties who may be adversely affected.

Google-parent Alphabet has been pressured by local authorities to change its algorithms because searches on its platform for Hong Kongs national anthem return the protest song, which is also prominent on the companys YouTube platform. Google, which has about 500 employees in Hong Kong, has refused to comply.

The case revived broader censorship concerns in the city, raising the prospect that tech firms would have to choose between acquiescing to Beijing or exiting the local market altogether. If companies decided it was too costly to continue operating in the city, it would have fundamentally reshaped Hong Kongs internet overnight and devastated the open and free business environment it has long prided itself upon.

At the heart of the issue was the longstanding debate over whether social media firms are responsible for content posted by users. Platforms in the US are protected under Section 230, a decades-old liability shield credited with helping the internet flourish.

In Hong Kong, that immunity for tech giants has become an open question. A Beijing-imposed national security law in 2020 handed the government sweeping new powers to police the internet, including issuing take-down requests for material deemed in breach of the law.

In the wake of that China-drafted legislation, Western tech platforms temporarily suspended processing data requests from the citys government and even Beijing-based ByteDance Ltd. decided to pull the plug on offering its TikTok app locally.

When Hong Kong moved to strengthen its anti-doxxing laws a year later, a tech industry group representing the likes of Google and Facebook warned they would withdraw from the market if local employees were held responsible for online content on their platforms.

Mark Daly, a human rights lawyer in Hong Kong, said after the decision that concerns still remain over the governments efforts to place restrictions on the free flow of speech and information, given its attempts to seek out the injunction in the first place. The rule of law, including respect for human rights, requires the proper balance and predictability and this effort seems to be creating more confusion for questionable reasons, he said.

The Hong Kong government is trying to find ways within the legal system to suppress individual freedoms, something the national security law has given them flexibility to do, said Dongshu Liu, an assistant professor specializing in Chinese politics at City University of Hong Kong.

If Hong Kong continues the way it has for the past three years, it will be very challenging for the city to maintain its international financial center status, he said. I dont see a clear path for Hong Kong to overcome this challenge.

--With assistance from Ville Heiskanen and Olivia Tam.

(Updates with the governments comment in the fourth paragraph)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
You are here: World

 Flash

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Guyanese President Irfaan Ali in Chengdu, capital city of southwest China's Sichuan Province, July 28, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday met with Guyanese President Irfaan Ali in Chengdu, capital city of southwest China's Sichuan Province.

Ali is here to attend the opening ceremony of the 31st summer edition of the FISU World University Games and visit China.

Xi said that China and Guyana should be good friends who trust and count on each other, and both countries should share opportunities, meet challenges, seek cooperation and promote development together.

Xi urged the building of a more close-knit China-Guyana community with a shared future.

Guyana was the earliest country in the Caribbean region to recognize the one-China principle and establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China. Last year, the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Guyana was celebrated.

Xi said China and Guyana, both developing countries, should strengthen communication and cooperation, firmly support each other, and advance bilateral relations steadily for the fundamental and long-term interests of the two peoples.

China is willing to deepen the alignment between the Belt and Road Initiative and Guyana's Low-carbon Development Strategy 2030, and elevate the level of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation between the two countries, Xi said.

Xi said China welcomes Guyana's participation in the China International Import Expo to introduce more of Guyana's distinctive and high-quality products into the Chinese market.

China encourages its companies to invest in Guyana, expand mutually beneficial cooperation in areas such as energy, mining, finance, agriculture, fisheries and infrastructure construction, and foster new sources of growth, he said.

Xi called on both countries to strengthen people-to-people exchanges, facilitate mutual travel and visits, and consolidate the foundation of public support for friendship between the two countries.

China and Guyana have broad common interests and similar positions in international and regional affairs, Xi said.

Xi congratulated Guyana on being elected as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2024-2025 term.

Xi said China supports Guyana in playing a greater role in international and regional affairs, and is willing to work with Guyana to practice true multilateralism, safeguard the common interests of developing countries, and jointly address global challenges such as climate change, food security and energy security.

He said China is willing to work with Caribbean countries to build a closer community with a shared future.

Xi expressed the hope that Guyana will continue to play an active role in promoting relations between China and the Caribbean countries.

Noting that Guyana and China have enjoyed sound relations and solid political mutual trust, Ali said the past 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations have been years of friendship, cooperation, and mutual support.

Guyana firmly adheres to the one-China principle, highly admires President Xi's outstanding leadership, and highly values China's international influence, Ali said.

Ali said China has played an important role in the economic and social development of Guyana and the Caribbean region, not only by sharing its experience but also providing valuable assistance in developing infrastructure, connectivity, healthcare and other areas.

Ali said Guyana regards China as a highly reliable cooperative partner and welcomes Chinese companies to invest and do business in Guyana.

Guyana supports a series of major initiatives put forward by President Xi and actively participates in the Belt and Road cooperation, Ali said.

Guyana is ready to closely communicate and collaborate with China to promote the building of a community with a shared future for humanity and establish a fairer and more equitable international order, Ali said.

Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Wang Yi, and Shen Yiqin attended the meeting.
The House of Representatives on Thursday passed legislation that will bar the Department of Homeland Security from using drones made in countries designated as foreign adversaries, amid concerns of national security threats from foes such as China.

The Unmanned Aerial Security Act was one of a number of bills passed in the House ahead of the August recess and had been introduced by House Homeland Security Committee Vice Chairman Michael Guest.

The bill would bar DHS from "operating or procuring foreign-made unmanned aircraft systems." Specifically, it would block the use of drones made in a foreign country that had been identified as a foreign adversary by the intelligence community or a corporation domiciled in such a country.

Immigrants seeking asylum in the U.S. wait to be processed by U.S. Border Patrol agents after crossing into Yuma, Arizona, from Mexico on May 11, 2023.

Drones are used for a variety of purposes, but have been used for years to monitor the southern border. In 2020, Customs and Border Protection said it was planning to deploy 460 drones across the border.

The legislations passage comes amid widespread concern about growing Chinese efforts to spy on the U.S. The communist regime deployed a spy balloon across the U.S. earlier this year, although it claims it was accidental.

Meanwhile, the federal government has confirmed that the Chinese have been trying to build spy bases in Cuba, describing it as an ongoing problem.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

"We know that drones made by our foreign adversaries can be manipulated to undermine American security  a security risk that we cannot tolerate as the Chinese Communist Party presents a continuous threat against our nation and our allies," Guest said in a statement.

MARCO RUBIO LEADS EFFORT TO BLOCK BIDEN MOVE PROTECTING CHINESE EV COMPANIES

"The Department of Homeland Security utilizes drones for critical missions, and it is imperative that we trust the technology we are using. It is well known that the Chinese Communist Party has stolen our technology and information in the past. Thats why this legislation is so important. It would help mitigate security risks by ensuring our drones are not manufactured by our adversaries  including those manufacturers influenced by the CCP," he said.

Story continues

Homeland Security Committee Chairman Mark Green praised the bills passage, saying that the U.S. "cannot allow adversaries in Beijing to infiltrate a supply chain for critical homeland security technology that is used by Border Patrol agents and other federal law enforcement to accomplish their missions in the field."

CHINA SEEKS TO GAIN FOOTHOLD' ON AMERICA'S DOORSTEP AMID BORDER CRISIS, TOP REPUBLICAN WARNS

A drone is displayed at the military parade for the Commemorations of the 70th Anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese Peoples War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War is held at Tiananmen Square in Beijing.

The bill marks part of a broader effort by Republican lawmakers to push for tougher action against what they view as a growing and aggressive threat from China. Rep. August Pfluger, R-Texas, recently told Fox News Digital that China is trying to get a "foothold" in Latin American countries.

This week in the Senate, Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., introduced a bill to block the Biden administrations rule easing electric vehicle charging requirements -- warning that it could empower China.
The case of a Fort Worth patients quest to treat his COVID-19 with ivermectin, and a Houston doctors determination to prescribe him the drug, is headed to a rare hearing where a state agency will argue that the doctor broke the law.

The Texas Medical Board filed a formal complaint against Dr. Mary Talley Bowden in April, accusing her of unprofessional conduct when she allegedly prescribed ivermectin to a man at Texas Health Huguley Hospital where she did not have privileges. She also did not properly review the patients medical history or the patient himself, according to the complaint.

The dispute has garnered widespread attention because it involves ivermectin  a drug that prominent people, including former President Donald Trump, have incorrectly claimed as a COVID cure. The case also raises the question of whether patients have the right to request drugs with no proven benefit, and whether doctors can responsibly prescribe such drugs.

The Texas Medical Board, which is responsible for licensing the 70,000 doctors in Texas, is focusing solely on whether Bowden had the authority to practice medicine at Texas Health Huguley, and whether she knew enough about the patient to prescribe him anything.

She did not conduct an exam, nor could she have done so, as she did not have privileges at the hospital where the patient was admitted, the boards complaint reads.

Its rare for Medical Board cases to proceed to this stage. Most disciplinary cases  approximately 90% of them  are settled in closed-door meetings, according to data from the board. Bowden and her attorneys declined the opportunity to settle the case, and it is instead scheduled for a four-day administrative hearing in 2024. Bowdens attorneys did not respond to emails asking for comment. In legal filings, Bowden has denied all allegations in the medical boards complaint, and said the board failed to follow procedural rules in bringing the case.

Bowden identified the patient as former Tarrant County Sheriffs Deputy Jason Jones, who was admitted to Texas Health Huguley Hospital in 2021 with COVID-19.

Story continues

He died in April. The cause of death was not disclosed in his obituary.

He was admitted to the hospitals 28-bed intensive care unit in October 2021. Jones wife sued the hospital in an attempt to grant Bowden temporary privileges so she could treat him.

Bowden, who works in the River Oaks neighborhood of Houston, attempted to get privileges at Huguley in November 2021 so she could treat Jones, according to the medical boards complaint. Bowden withdrew her application for privileges on Nov. 5. Then, five days later, she emailed the hospital to supplement her application and said she planned to have a nurse under her supervision come to the hospital and administer the drug.

Hospital staff replied and said she had not completed her application and noted that she did not have privileges. Bowden responded via text and email that her nurse would be arriving in 30 minutes. At the same time, Bowden documented the situation on Twitter.

After Bowdens nurse arrived, hospital staff ultimately called Fort Worth police because of the nurses unauthorized presence. The situation resulted in a disruptive scene, and Bowden used her Twitter account to send photos of hospital staff, according to the medical boards complaint. The nurse was not identified in the hospital boards complaint.

Since then, Bowden resigned her privileges from Houston Methodist Hospital after a committee began investigating her conduct. She later filed a lawsuit accusing Houston Methodist Hospital and its CEO of defamation; the lawsuit was dismissed earlier this year.

All doctors must apply to a certain hospital in order to be able to provide medical care there, said Kay Van Way, a medical malpractice lawyer and patient safety advocate in Dallas.

The privileging process at a hospital regulates not just whether a doctor can practice medicine on the grounds, but also what kind of work they are able to do there.

A doctor cant just walk in off the street. These are not hotels, Van Way said.

How ivermectin became falsely touted as a treatment for COVID-19

Ivermectin plays a central role in the case because of the ongoing battle between those who insist it is an effective treatment for COVID-19 and the researchers who have proven that its not.

Ivermectin has been used for decades, primarily to treat tropical diseases in humans and in veterinary work, said Derek Lowe, a medicinal chemist who has worked on drug development for decades. The drug is best known for treating river blindness in humans, an infection that is spread when flies infected with parasites bite humans.

Whenever a new pathogen, like the coronavirus, emerges, drug researchers around the world begin screening drug compounds to see if any drug that has already been manufactured and approved could be used to treat the new disease, Lowe said.

Some initial reports showed that ivermectin could stop cell cultures in a petri dish from getting infected with the coronavirus, Lowe said. But unfortunately, the good news stopped there.

The problem is that the ivermectin results were at unrealistically high concentrations, Lowe said. There are a lot of other things that will work if you just take a gargantuan amount. But theyll do a lot of other st too.

The doses of ivermectin that were being used in cell cultures were much larger than the doses that were safely used to treat humans with river blindness, Lowe said. The concentrations were so high, he added, that it would probably have been impossible to reach the same concentrations in a human body as was being done in the petri dish.

At that point, most doctors moved on from ivermectin, recognizing that it wasnt going to be effective at treating COVID-19. Additional clinical trials, including multiple trials done in humans, found the drug was ineffective, Lowe said. And the trials that did show promising results were not rigorous enough or big enough to prove a cause and effect, he added.

People have unrealistic ideas of how medicine and research work, Lowe said. Its really, really hard to find a drug.

But other doctors remained committed to the idea that ivermectin could prevent or treat COVID-19, despite growing evidence to the contrary. Incorrect information spread by medical doctors has become a growing problem since the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Federation of State Medical Boards, which found that two-thirds of state medical boards had seen an increase in complaints about disinformation since the start of the pandemic.
Human remains have reportedly been discovered on the shore of Bear Lake in Idaho.

According to a news release from the Bear Lake County Sheriff's Office, deputies received a call around 11:42 a.m. Thursday from people who were visiting the shore of the lake.

The callers had been digging in the sand and "uncovered what they believed to be human bones," according to the release.

An initial investigation by deputies found that the bones found were indeed human.

The Bear Lake County Sheriff's office said it is coordinating with the Idaho State University Anthropology department to examine the site and recover any other remains.

A Bear Lake County Sheriff's Office vehicle parked on the east shore of Bear Lake in Idaho.

REMAINS FOUND IN SUITCASE: Florida police release reconstructed image of woman whose remains were found in suitcases

According to the release, the Bear Lake County Sheriff's Office "does not currently have any cold cases or unrecovered individuals that may be linked to these remains."

Bear Lake is a natural freshwater lake on the Idaho-Utah border. According to the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, half of the lake is located in Idaho while the other half is in Utah.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Human remains found on the shore of Bear Lake in Idaho
Hunter Biden continues to be a "good standing" member of the Washington, D.C. Bar despite facing multiple criminal charges and violating the organization's rules of professional conduct.

First reported by the Daily Caller, Biden told the judge during his first appearance in a Wilmington, Delaware federal court, in which his expected plea deal ultimately collapsed, that he was a member of the D.C. and Connecticut Bars.

According to the D.C. Bar website, Biden remains a member in "good standing," despite the rules of professional conduct stating that it is misconduct for a lawyer to "commit a criminal act that reflects adversely on the lawyers honesty, trustworthiness, or fitness as a lawyer in other respects."

WATCH: WHITE HOUSE SHUTS DOWN POSSIBLITY OF HUNTER BIDEN PARDON

Hunter Biden disembarks from Air Force One at Hancock Field Air National Guard Base in Syracuse, New York, U.S., February 4, 2023.

The rules also explain that "many kinds of illegal conduct reflect adversely on fitness to practice law, such as offenses involving fraud and the offense of willful failure to file an income tax return." Biden faces two counts of willful failure to pay federal income tax, to which he pleaded "not guilty."

Another rule dictates attorneys risk the "possibility of probationary conditions" in cases of "addiction to drugs or intoxicants." According to the text of Hunter's failed plea deal, he "has a well-documented and long-standing struggle with substance abuse."

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Another bar rule states it is misconduct to "state or imply an ability to influence improperly a government agency or official."

HUNTER BIDEN CONTRADICTS DAD'S CLAIM NOBODY IN FAMILY MADE MONEY FROM CHINA

A courtroom sketch depicting Hunter Biden in a federal courtroom in Wilmington, Delaware on July 26, 2023.

According to IRS whistleblower testimony from a May House Ways and Means Committee hearing, Biden threatened a Chinese business associate in 2017 by texting him that he was sitting next to his father, Joe Biden.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on Thursday dismissed the possibility of President Biden issuing a pardon for Hunter, although the president and First Lady Jill Biden have expressed "support" for their son following his not guilty pleas.

Story continues

A courtroom sketch depicting Hunter Biden in a federal courtroom in Wilmington, Delaware on July 26, 2023.

The White House repeatedly shut down questions on the breakdown of the plea agreement during Wednesday's press briefing after attempting to preemptively encourage reporters not to ask questions related to Hunter's ongoing legal issues .

The DC Bar did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital.

Fox News' Brooke Singman contributed to this report.
UPDATE: The hurricane center is tracking a tropical wave in the Atlantic that is likely to become a tropical depression named Emily. Heres the Saturday advisory.

The tropics erupted overnight with two new systems popping up on the National Hurricane Centers map.

The earlier system in the Central Atlantic has a better chance of developing into a tropical depression. A new one on Floridas coast east of Jacksonville is bringing rain to an already rainy state. And theres another newcomer in the southwestern Caribbean.

Heres what the National Hurricane Centers 8 p.m. Friday advisory has to say about the trio.

Disturbance 2, in the Southwest Atlantic, formed as a weak area of low pressure east of Jacksonville on July 28, 2023.

Southwestern Atlantic wave

The new wave, marked as Disturbance 2, that formed as a weak area of low pressure just east of Jacksonville near the coasts of northeastern Florida and Georgia moved farther inland over southeastern Georgia, according to the advisory.

The wave is not expected to develop.

 Formation chances through 48 hours and seven days, both low at near 0%.

Will Disturbance 2 affect Florida?

The disturbance could bring heavy rains to portions of northeastern Florida, eastern Georgia and eastern South Carolina during the next day or so., hurricane specialist Jack Beven wrote in the advisory.

Central Tropical Atlantic Disturbance 1

This tropical wave midway between the Cabo Verde Islands and the Lesser Antilles that rolled off Africas coast has been around for several days. Shower and thunderstorm activity has increased since Thursday. The system was producing disorganized showers and cloudiness into the afternoon.

Environmental conditions are expected to be favorable for gradual development of this system during the next few days, and a tropical depression could form early next week while the disturbance moves west-northwestward to northwestward at about 15 mph., according to Beven.

 Formation chance through 48 hours, low at 20%.

 Formation chance through seven days, high at 70%.

Will Disturbance 1 affect Florida?

While it remains too early to tell if this tropical wave will have any impact in Florida or the U.S. some experts suggest perhaps not.

Story continues

Southwestern Caribbean Sea Disturbance 3

The second new system, Disturbance 3, is a large area of disorganized showers and thunderstorms over the southwestern Caribbean Sea and is associated with a tropical wave.

According to the advisory, this system is moving inland over Central America, with no development expected. However, it may cause heavy rains over portions of Nicaragua, Honduras and El Salvador.

 Formation chance through 48 hours and seven days, both at 0%.

Will Disturbance 3 affect Florida?

This disturbance in the Caribbean is not expected to make landfall in Florida or the U.S. at this point.

Rainy Florida

NEW RECORD DAILY RAINFALL for JULY 27th at FLL Ft. Lauderdale Airport received 6.19" of rain yesterday! FLL has now received 65.64" of rain since January 1. That is more than double normal (30.54") for Jan 1 - July 28th. pic.twitter.com/qbiqGZspI0  NWS Miami (@NWSMiami) July 28, 2023

Flooding swamped Broward County streets on Thursday night.

The tropics are driving moisture to the state, including the Miami and Fort Lauderdale areas. The National Weather Service in Miami issued a flood watch through 6 p.m. Friday and thunderstorms are in the forecast into the weekend.

Will floods that swamped airport and roads give way to more heat? What the forecast says
Farmland near Choteau, Mont. The U.S. Senate has approved a ban on the purchase of U.S. farmland by China, Russia, North Korea and Iran.

The Chinese spy balloon that drifted across Montana last February focused both national and international attention on Chinese espionage in the United States unlike anything before. However, China has been considered Americas greatest security threat for two decades now, with a long and well documented list of espionage activities including cyber-espionage, intellectual property theft, the theft of U.S. military technology and covert attempts to influence U.S. politics.

One category of Chinese attempts to undermine U.S. security is their expanding purchase of agricultural land and food processing companies. A recent report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture found that China currently owns more than 352,000 acres of agricultural land in the U.S., adding roughly 30% of that total since the beginning of 2019.

Equally concerning is Chinese ownership of U.S. food processing companies. In 2013 a Chinese company bought the largest pork producer and processor in the U.S., Smithfield Foods. Four years later a state-owned Chinese company purchased Syngenta, one of the largest seed companies operating in the U.S.

Concerns over Chinese ownership are twofold. First, that it represents a loss of control of food production in the United States to one of its most determined adversaries, and two that the Chinese are using these properties and business as a base from which to conduct surveillance and other acts of espionage against the U.S.

This past Tuesday, June 25, the U.S. Senate added language to its Defense spending bill to prohibit people or businesses from China, Iran, Russia, and North Korea from buying U.S. agricultural lands and businesses. The amendment was co-sponsored by Senators Mike Rounds (R-South Dakota), and both Montana Senators Jon Tester and Steve Daines.

While the amendment extends equally to all four U.S. adversaries, its greatest effect will be on the Chinese. The USDAs 2022 report on foreign ownership of agricultural land in the United States notes that Iran currently owns 4,324 acres, and Russia just 73. The report shows that North Korea owns no agricultural land in the U.S.

Story continues

The amendment passed the whole Senate late Tuesday night as a component of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) by a 91 to 7 vote. On Thursday, Tester spoke with the Montana press to explain the need for the legislation and its importance to national security.

Under the language of the amendment, new scrutiny would be placed on any foreign investment in U.S. agriculture of more than 320 acres or with a value of more than $5 million.

Food security is national security, that is a fact, Tester said. So last year when reports out of North Dakota suggested that China was attempting to purchase farmland near military bases I knew it was time to act. Earlier this week I worked with my Republican colleague, Sen. Rounds of South Dakota to pass our bipartisan amendment to the NDAA to ban foreign adversaries like China, Russia, Iran and North Korea from purchasing American ag land and agri-businesses.

They dont buy farmland in North Dakota just because they think its a good investment, he asserted. Its absolutely proven that China doesnt do this stuff by mistake. If you take a look at what happened in North Dakota where they were putting up a processing plant right near a military base, its just crazy and we shouldnt be allowing that.

In 2022 the Chinese owned Fufeng Group attempted to buy 300 acres land in Grand Forks, North Dakota and just 12-miles from the Grand Forks Air Force base, home to top secret drone technology. The project was shot down by the Grand Forks City Commission following security concerns expressed by the U.S. Air Force.

Preventing our enemies from acquiring land near our sensitive military sites, like Malmstrom Air Force base in my home state of Montana, is a no brainer, Tester added in a news release. This is a critical step toward making sure we arent handing over valuable American assets to foreign entities who would like to replace us as the worlds leading military and economic power.

Testers message was echoed by Montana Senator Steve Daines, who said in a separate news release that food security is national security and folks across Montana are rightfully concerned that China and our adversaries are buying up American farmland near critical military operations.

In order to protect our national security interests, especially after the Chinese spy balloon floated over Montanas ICBMs and used American technology against us, we must stop our adversaries in their tracks before they threaten our food security or commit more acts of espionage.

The farmland security amendment was not the only last-minute amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act directed specifically toward China. A second amendment co-sponsored by Tester is intended to halt the flow of U.S. technology to the Chinese.

It was recently reported the Chinese spy balloon was using American made technology  a report that raised concerns and questions about our export controls and what commercially available technology China can get their hands on, Tester said during Thursdays press conference. Again, with help of my good friend, Sen. Rounds of South Dakota, we secured another amendment in the NDAA to get a better handle on what American made technology is being used in foreign espionage programs moving forward.

As Chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, Tester has a lot of influence over military budgets.

About an hour ago we just finished our annual defense budget which will include more than $293 million to counter Chinese surveillance with upgraded radars and sensors, he said on Thursday. This budget ensures that we maintain our edge on the world stage.

Asked if he believed the Chinese would seek some type of economic retaliation in response to the amount of focused attention placed upon them in the National Defense Authorization Act, he responded given the ongoing threats from China the U.S. had few other options.

Could they put tariffs on us for that? They could, but the truth is what else are we supposed to do. Are we supposed to allow China to buy farmland? Not under my watch. Are we supposed to not have a good defense bill that protects our country and makes sure we protect our position as an economic and defense leader? Weve got to do whats right for this country and if China does implement retaliatory measures, weve got to learn to live with it and move on.

The Senates National Defense Authorization Act will now head to conference where lawmakers will attempt to reconcile it with similar legislation now before the Republican controlled U.S. House of Representative. That conference will not take place until after Labor Day, when both Congressional houses return from summer recess.

Ten foreign countries that own the most acres of U.S. Agricultural land.

Chinas ownership 352,000 acres of U.S. agricultural land is just a minute percentage of the 40.8 million acres owned by all foreign nationals and businesses, accounting for 3.1% of all privately owned land in the U.S., both agricultural and non-agricultural.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture of the 109 countries that own agricultural land in the U.S., 10 account for nearly 75% of foreign ownership. Here are the top 10 that own agricultural lands in the United States.

Canada (12,845,000 acres, mostly forestland) Netherlands (4,875,000) Italy (2,703,000) United Kingdom (2,538,000) Germany (2,269,000) Portugal (1,483,000) France (1,316,000) Denmark (856,000) Luxembourg (802,000) Ireland (760,000)

Chinese ownership of 352,000 acres places it 18th on the list. As of the end of 2021, the states with the most foreign-owned agricultural acreage were Texas (5.3 million acres), Maine (3.6 million acres), Colorado (1.9 million acres), Alabama (1.8 million acres), and Oklahoma (1.7 million acres). According to the USDA, foreign interests own 916,000 acres of agricultural land in Montana, including 33,531 acres in Cascade County.

Its interesting to note that Luxembourgs 802,000 acres of ag holdings in the U.S. is larger in area than the tiny European nation itself, which is roughly 639,000 acres in size.

This article originally appeared on Great Falls Tribune: Tester sponsors ban on ownership of U.S. farmland by adversaries
A vendor shows the quality of tomatoes at a vegetable market in Hyderabad on July 4, 2023. Credit - Noah SeelamAFP via Getty Images

Earlier this month, news that McDonalds had run out of tomatoes in New Delhi began circulating on Indian social media as images of an official notice plastered on restaurant windows quickly went viral. Despite our best efforts, we are not able to get adequate quantities of tomatoes which pass our world-class stringent quality checks, the notice stated. Hence for the time being we are forced to serve you products without tomatoes.

But the missing tomato slices from McDonalds burgers might be one of the last things on ordinary Indians minds amid shortages and skyrocketing prices. The staple forms the base for curries, dhals, and cooked vegetables across India.

What's the current price and availability of tomatoes in India?

In recent months, the average price of tomatoes has surged by over 300%. The average cost per kilogram (2.2 lbs) of tomatoes was 107.18 rupees ($1.31) in July, up from 32.58 rupees ($0.40) in June, according to data from Indias Department of Consumer Affairs. The fruit now costs more than gas, which averaged 106.31 rupees ($1.29) per liter (0.26 gallons) over the same period.

At the same time, supplies have also shrunk. One tomato farmer in the state of Haryana told The Guardian that his tomato harvest this year was half of the usual 30,000 kilograms of tomatoes he sold every year.

The cost and availability of tomatoes is usually dictated by seasonal patterns, and food spikes are not uncommon in India as a result. The month of July is usually more expensive than other times of the year because it sits between harvests.

Still, the current prices are at record highs. On July 25, the price of 1 kilogram of tomatoes reached 203 rupees ($2.48), nearly three times more when compared with last year, when it cost 80 rupees ($0.98), data from the Department of Consumer Affairs shows. The price has declined somewhat in recent days.

Story continues

Whats caused the tomato shortage?

Climate change is the main reason behind the shortage this year, according to climate experts, which farmers and traders say has disrupted supply and demand. Much of the country has experienced erratic weather patterns in the first six months of 2023, with heatwaves arriving early and lasting longer, and extreme rainfall damaging crops.

In major tomato-producing Indian states like Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Karnataka, flooding was the main cause behind the price surge, according to the country's National Institute of Biotic Stresses Management, a council dedicated to agricultural research.

In recent years, unpredictable weather has only exacerbated the situation for South Asian countries on the frontlines of climate change. In India, floods and droughts have displaced large numbers of people, while food security has taken an even bigger hit. A 2022 U.N. report noted that climate-related risks to agriculture and food security in Asia will progressively escalate with global warming, with India emerging as the regions most vulnerable nation in terms of crop production.

What is the governments response to the shortage?

The shortage has stumped the government, which on June 30 launched a Tomato Grand Challenge Hackathon in Delhi to crowdsource ideas on how to combat rising tomato prices. In mid-July, the Department of Consumer Affairs directed agricultural and consumer cooperatives to immediately procure tomatoes from mandis, or vegetable markets, from high-production states like Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Maharashtra to redistribute to major cities including Delhi and Mumbai.

Supporters of Indian national congress are seen in a demonstration at a vegetable market against inflated prices of fruits and vegetables, as seen in Kolkata, India, on July 3, 2023. Debarchan ChatterjeeNurPhoto via Getty Images

Last week, Ashwini Kumar Choubey, India's minister of state for consumer affairs, told the upper house of parliament that tomato prices are likely to come down with the arrival of new crops from Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, though he did not specify when.

But the plight over tomatoes for the worlds second-largest producer has also seen people turning to other alternatives. Households, already struggling with rising living costs in a country where GDP per capita sits around $200 per month, are cutting back on the ingredient and turning to cheaper alternatives like tomato puree.

In the northern state of Uttarakhand, the high prices have even prompted some to trek across the border to neighboring Nepal, where tomatoes can be found for almost half the price.

Have the shortages led to crime?

Besides the impact it has had on consumers and producers alike, the skyrocketing prices have also stoked turmoil. In Varanasi, a holy city in northern India, a local shopkeeper reportedly hired bouncers to prevent people from haggling over tomato prices, while a vegetable seller in the western city of Pune allegedly smacked a customer with a weighing scale.

Across the country, reports of people stealing from fields and hijacking tomato-laden trucks have made the news. One couple from the southern state of Tamil Nadu seized a truck transporting 2.75 tons of tomatoes after faking an accident, according to a report from the Press Trust of India.

Write to Astha Rajvanshi at astha.rajvanshi@time.com.
Filming started in San Luis Obispo County Friday for an independent movie created by Cambria natives.

Hidden Creek is directed by Coast Union High School graduates Julian Mercado Avila and Darien Jewel. Theyre producing the low-budget film with another Coast Union grad, Magnus Marthaler.

The three attend film school at Woodbury College in Burbank. Their other projects include Astray, Christmas Couple Unwrapped and the award-winning The GOAT.

Steve Brody, a longtime Cambria psychologist and former local newspaper columnist, wrote the Hidden Creek script.

According to the movies website, Hidden Creek offers a modern spin on the old ranchers story, tackling such subjects as Alzheimers disease and disagreements over land preservation.

The rancher at the center of the story suspects his son and daughter of furthering his dementia so they can sell the ranch out from under him, the site says.

Rancher Jimmy Tucker has just lost his wife. Now he fears hes losing his ranch ... and his mind, the movies tagline reads.

Its great having a clinical psychologist writing about dementia, Mercado said.

The Hidden Creek film shoot is expected to last into mid-August, with locations including local ranches and downtown Cambria spots.

A big City Council scene near the end of the production schedule will feature about 30 people, Mercado said.

According to the Hidden Creek production team, an actors union strike strike threatened to derail the filming schedule.

SAG-AFTRA went on strike July 14 over an ongoing labor dispute with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, an act that coincided with a Writers Guild of America strike.

Hidden Creek can continue its shooting schedule because the producers filed for a special contract allowing them to operate during the strike, under the condition that they agree to all the demands made by SAG-AFTRA.

Mercado said the crew is happy to be filming in Cambria.

This is what we love to do, and were glad were able to do our work in the town we love, Mercado said. Its what got us to where were at. We now live now in Los Angeles, but always remember here as the origin of our Slabtown Studios and of us.

Story continues

Mercado and his collaborators are raising money for the Hidden Creek production via an Indigogo fundraising campaign, with perks including hats, T-shirts and appearing as an extra in the film.

As of midday Sunday, donors had contributed more than $8,000 toward a $20,000 goal.

For more information about Hidden Creek, go to hiddencreekmovie.com.
Taylor Constantine, Dragonfly director of research and development and extraction, shows a large bag of Strawberry Kush cannabis buds at the Dragonfly processing plant in South Salt Lake on Friday, March 24, 2023. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

In a nondescript building in an industrial section of South Salt Lake, theres a big bag of weed labeled Blue Dream  several bags, actually  stored in large Igloo coolers in a chilly room called the vault.

Meticulously cultivated on a former turkey farm in Sanpete County, the hand-trimmed marijuana buds will be machine-dropped into pouches containing 3.5 grams of the classic cannabis strain. A courier will deliver the packets to the Dragonfly Wellness pharmacy in Salt Lake City to be sold under its Betty label for $38 a pop.

Known to have powerful uplifting effects that can reduce pain and enhance the appetite, Blue Dream has a fruity taste with hints of cinnamon and pine, according to the Dragonfly website. It contains 18.25% tetrahydrocannabinol or THC, the major psychoactive component in cannabis, and 20.26% of THCA, the most abundant nonpsychoactive cannabinoid found in the plant.

One of Utahs nearly 72,000 medical cannabis cardholders will eventually buy the pouch of flower and  if used legally under Utah law  grind it into a dry herb vaporizer to inhale as a treatment for pain, inflammation or depression. The state prohibits using an open flame to heat marijuana to smoke medicinally or recreationally.

Related

A ladybug, used for natural pest control, walks on a cannabis plant at the Dragonfly Wellness Grow Facility in Moroni on Friday, April 28, 2023. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Though its not widely promoted, the Beehive State has a growing medical cannabis industry. Dragonfly Wellness opened the states first pharmacy three years ago this past March. Its seed-to-sale operation includes the grow farm in Sanpete County and the processing plant in South Salt Lake.

Dragonfly chief operating officer Narith Panh runs into people all the time who have no idea cannabis gummies, flower, tinctures, capsules, concentrates, topicals and vape cartridges are legally sold in the state.

Its kind of like this fight club, he said. Nobody wants to talk about it, nobody wants to report on it. Its kind of this sticky subject. Only people who are actually in the program know about the challenges and the opportunities out there.

Story continues

Conservative Utah figured to be the last state to legalize marijuana in any form.

The Republican-controlled state Legislature approved the use of CBD oil to treat people with epilepsy in 2014, but a GOP senators subsequent attempts to extend the use of cannabis to other health conditions failed over the next two years. Proponents launched an initiative to get medical cannabis on the 2018 election ballot, where it faced opposition from the Utah Medical Association, Salt Lake Chamber, Utah Episcopal Diocese, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and law enforcement.

Proposition 2 managed to pass but Republican legislative leaders had signaled their intent to rewrite the law. In the months prior to the election, the Utah Patients Coalition and the Libertas Institute, both of which backed Prop 2, began conversations with GOP legislative leaders, the medical association and church representatives, among others. They negotiated a bill the Legislature passed in special session soon after the public vote.

Related

After the contentious years-long public debate, Utahs budding medical cannabis program seemed to go underground after finally getting off the ground in 2020.

What has happened since? Do Utahns see cannabis as legitimate medicine? Who uses it and why? Could it lead to legal recreational use?

Jars of medical cannabis flowers are pictured at the Dragonfly processing plant in South Salt Lake on Friday, March 24, 2023. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Its still new

Many in the medical cannabis community say the 4-year-old program serves residents well, but could improve.

Every year, were running into issues and were trying to fix them, said Desiree Hennessy, executive director of the Utah Patients Coalition, which helped drive the ballot initiative.

Patients say costs are high for the products and for state-required visits with medical providers in a mostly cash business. Some products arent readily available, forcing customers to pharmacy hop, look to the black market or go out of state. Critics find the state regulations and licensing fees too onerous, making medical cannabis a tough business to run when combined with limited access to financing and no tax write-offs, since marijuana remains illegal under federal law.

And fear persists that medical marijuana in Utah could lead to legalized recreational use, despite no organized movement in that direction.

My thought process has always been, and those that Ive worked with in this space, is that if we have the very best medical program that we can have, we feel like that can prevent the need for recreational, said Utah Senate Majority Leader Evan Vickers, R-Cedar City, a pharmacist by profession and a leader in establishing the states medical cannabis program.

Colorado is one of four bordering states, along with Arizona, Nevada and New Mexico, where recreational marijuana is legal  and where medicinal cannabis has become lost because dispensaries cater to that crowd, something Utah is trying to avoid.

We dont want to get to that point where the medical patients are being put in the backseat because were pushing so hard to allow for adult use, which I dont know if that will ever happen here, said Alyssa Smailes, executive director of the Utah Cannabis Association, one of two industry trade groups in the state.

A Deseret News/Hinckley Institute of Politics poll found nearly 4 in 10 Utahns are concerned medical cannabis could lead to legal recreational use, while about 6 in 10 do not share that concern.

The survey of 800 registered Utah voters conducted in April also found 40% believe marijuana should be legal for both recreational and medical use, while 51% say it should be medical only.

Tyrell Goshorn, Dragonfly production manager, pulls out a tray of pineapple flavored Experience Active edibles, with a 3:3:1 ratio of CBG, CBD and THC, at the Dragonfly processing plant in South Salt Lake on Friday, March 24, 2023. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Cannabis vaporizer pods are pictured at the Dragonfly processing plant in South Salt Lake on Friday, March 24, 2023. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Kenneth Chen, Dragonfly vice president of business intelligence, manufactures cannabis vaporizing pods at the Dragonfly processing plant in South Salt Lake on Friday, March 24, 2023. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Taylor Constantine, Dragonfly director of research and development and extraction, shows a bag of Blue Dream cannabis buds at the Dragonfly processing plant in South Salt Lake on Friday, March 24, 2023. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

A growing industry

Overall medical cannabis sales in Utah totaled $118.7 million in 2022, a 59% increase over the previous year, according to data published by the Utah Department of Health and Human Services. Sales for the first six months of this year are $68.5 million. The state rakes $3 off every pharmacy transaction. Last year that came to $2.4 million. Utah took in $4.7 million last year, including pharmacy licensing fees and patient card fees.

By comparison, medical cannabis sales in neighboring Colorado topped $230 million last year, according to the Colorado Department of Revenue. But its a drop in the bucket in a state where the combined legal medical and recreational marijuana retail sales reached nearly $1.8 billion in 2022.

Utah is among 38 states where medical marijuana is legal. Twenty-two states also allow recreational use. Roughly three-quarters of the U.S. population lives near a medical marijuana program. Federal law prohibits the use of whole-plant cannabis or its derivatives for any purpose. But CBD derived from the hemp plant (less than 0.3% THC) is legal.

State officials have reported almost no serious crime associated with medical cannabis in Utah. Some teenagers hopped the fence and stole a single plant from a farm. They were caught when they tried to sell it to an undercover officer.

Utahs medical cannabis program is one of the more restrictive in the country compared to other medical-only states such as Florida, Pennsylvania and Ohio.

Two government agencies oversee the cultivation, processing and sale of cannabis in the state. The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food runs the Utah Medical Cannabis Program and the Utah Department of Health and Human Services manages the Center for Medical Cannabis.

All cannabis sold as medicine in the state must be grown and processed in Utah.

Related

Dragonfly Wellness has one of the eight cultivating licenses allowed under state law. It bought 60 acres in Sanpete County, where it has a 50,000-square-foot indoor, climate-controlled greenhouse where thousands of plants thrive under high-intensity LED lights. Smaller greenhouses are under construction and a two-acre solar panel is coming online. A chain-link fence topped with barbed wire surrounds the facility. Security guards patrol at night.

The Dragonfly Wellness Grow Facility is pictured in Moroni on Friday, April 28, 2023. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Cody Henderson, Dragonfly Wellness Grow Facility director of cultivation, talks about the different stages of growing cannabis plants at the Dragonfly Wellness Grow Facility in Moroni on Friday, April 28, 2023. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Jordan Viraldo, Dragonfly Wellness Grow Facility inventory compliance manager, counts mother cannabis plants at the Dragonfly Wellness Grow Facility in Moroni on Friday, April 28, 2023. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Cannabis plants, including White Truffle strains, are pictured at the Dragonfly Wellness Grow Facility in Moroni on Friday, April 28, 2023. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

A cannabis plant is pictured at the Dragonfly Wellness Grow Facility in Moroni on Friday, April 28, 2023. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Talan Sampson, Dragonfly Wellness Grow Facility nursery cultivator, disposes of extra Jungle Wifi cannabis plants, which will be killed, at the Dragonfly Wellness Grow Facility in Moroni on Friday, April 28, 2023. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

April White, Dragonfly Wellness Grow Facility nursery cultivator, moves baby cannabis plants at the Dragonfly Wellness Grow Facility in Moroni on Friday, April 28, 2023. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Cannabis plants hang in a drying and curing room at the Dragonfly Wellness Grow Facility in Moroni on Friday, April 28, 2023. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Dane Bird, Dragonfly Wellness Grow Facility trimmer and cultivator, trims J1 cannabis buds at the Dragonfly Wellness Grow Facility in Moroni on Friday, April 28, 2023. Bird uses cannabis to help alleviate his epilepsy. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Dane Bird, Dragonfly Wellness Grow Facility trimmer and cultivator, trims J1 cannabis buds at the Dragonfly Wellness Grow Facility in Moroni on Friday, April 28, 2023. Bird uses cannabis to help alleviate his epilepsy. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Cody Henderson, Dragonfly Wellness Grow Facility director of cultivation, stands in the yellow light flooding out of a cannabis grow room at the Dragonfly Wellness Grow Facility in Moroni on Friday, April 28, 2023. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

All the plants, which under state law must be individually tagged, are clones from mother plants to maintain genetics unique to the various strains of cannabis. Hundreds of ladybugs alight on the supple petals to control pests on the pesticide-free farm. It takes about 15 weeks for plants to flower.

Cody Henderson, Dragonfly director of cultivation, says the company aims to be a boutique grower. For him, cannabis is more than a medicine.

I love the plant. I love it probably like an orchid breeder loves orchids just because theres so much genetic variation. Its one of the most hybridized plants on the planet at this point. Its been crossbred a million times, he says, reveling in the various canopies, colors and aromas cannabis plants produce.

In 2022, the eight farms in Utah, totaling nearly 280,000 square feet of indoor space and five acres of outdoor space in 12 locations across seven counties, produced 111,800 pounds of biomass and supplied 13 facilities that manufacture, package and label cannabis products.

There are 15 licensed cannabis pharmacies in the state, mostly along the Wasatch Front. Each has a different vibe, sort of a mix between an Apple store and Starbucks. Several have armed security guards inside. Some like Dragonfly are locally owned, while others operate in several states, including the multibillion-dollar Curaleaf, which recently announced a $20 million deal to buy Deseret Wellness three pharmacies in Utah, giving it four in the state.

Curaleaf CEO Matt Darin called Utah an important emerging market for the company, which has businesses in 19 states. By email, he predicted Utahs medical cannabis program will grow as residents become more comfortable and familiar with it.

The company also sells recreational marijuana in states where it is legal.

Legal, adult-use cannabis means just that, and we ultimately support any measure to ensure that cannabis is tested, regulated and age-gated via the legal industry, Darin said, noting about two-thirds of Americans support legalization of cannabis.

The state agriculture department, which inherited oversight of the pharmacies and couriers from the health department this summer, inspects cannabis farms and processing facilities at least every three weeks. By comparison, other industries the department oversees have an inspector show up two or three times a year; meat packers have an inspector on-site every day.

Last year, the department conducted 246 inspections of cannabis farms and processors, leading to 52 citations and 122 warning letters. Violations range from inventory counts being off to a bottle being on the wrong shelf.

Were not trying to beat them up. We just want them to do it the right way for our patients and everyone else in the industry and for our state, said Cody James, manager of Utahs Industrial Hemp and Medical Cannabis Program.

All plants and products must be tested using random samples selected by the inspectors at the independent or state-run lab. Utah is unique in that the testing labs are not tied to the companies that sell the product, said Rich Oborn, director of the Utah Center for Medical Cannabis, adding, its a scary Wild West in other states.

People line up to get their medical cannabis outside of Dragonfly Wellness in Salt Lake City on Thursday, April 20, 2023. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

A line of vehicles wraps around Dragonfly Wellness and extends onto State Street as people wait to pick up their medical cannabis at Dragonfly Wellness in Salt Lake City on Thursday, April 20, 2023. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Narith Panh, Dragonfly Wellness chief operating officer, talks to attendees at the Utah Grown event and 420 celebration at Dragonfly Wellness in Salt Lake City on Thursday, April 20, 2023. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

People attend the Utah Grown event and 420 celebration at Dragonfly Wellness in Salt Lake City on Thursday, April 20, 2023. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Who uses medical cannabis in Utah?

The number of Utahns who have medical cannabis cards has grown each year since 2020, per state health department data. But 40% of patients have dropped out of the program.

Its not a lack of want as much as it is not being able to afford it. I dont blame them, said Hennessy, whose advocacy group offers subsidies for patients.

As of July, 71,850 Utahns held cards, though the growth appears to be flattening. Programs typically top out at 1% to 3% of a states population. Utah is around 2%.

Were serving more patients than I expected to see actually, Vickers said.

Related

Dragonfly Wellness added nearly 500 to the total during a 4/20 event in April  April 20 has become a holiday of sorts in the cannabis culture  aimed at getting more people signed up, including West Jordan resident Robert Stosich. He said he wasnt sure how to get a card before, although his doctors told him he could give cannabis a try.

Stosich, 48, has anxiety and bipolar disorder. He said his legs go crazy bouncing up and down when he gets anxious. After a hit or two from a vape pen, the shaking stops, he said a couple of days after using medical marijuana for the first time.

Robert Stosich talks with Dragonfly Wellness fulfillment manager Dio Bone about his options as he purchases medical cannabis for the first time at Dragonfly Wellness in Salt Lake City on Thursday, April 20, 2023. Stosich hopes to use medical cannabis for anxiety and bipolar disorder. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

To get a card, patients must meet with a qualified medical professional  a medical doctor, physician assistant or nurse practitioner who has undergone four hours of state-required training  to obtain a recommendation for cannabis. An initial visit with a provider, which typically isnt covered by insurance, averages $201  cash only, according to the state health department. A renewal evaluation averages $128.

Patients must have a qualifying condition, which includes chronic pain, PTSD, autism, epilepsy, ALS, cancer, Alzheimers disease, multiple sclerosis, Crohns disease, nausea and rare and terminal illnesses.

More than three-fourths of Utah cardholders use medical cannabis for persistent pain, with PTSD a distant second and nausea and cancer following that.

Most Utah cardholders are ages 21 to 50. About two-thirds have made one or more purchases in the past 30 days, health department data show. Vape cartridges and pens are the biggest sellers, followed by flower and edibles.

State lawmakers recently made the cannabis card, which costs $15, good for one year, up from six months under previous law.

Providers can recommend cannabis medication to about 950 patients under state law. Currently, there are 959 approved providers statewide, only 236 of them doctors. Most are physician assistants or nurse practitioners.

KindlyMD founder and CEO Tim Pickett, a physician assistant, poses for a portrait in his office at KindlyMD in Murray on Tuesday, July 25, 2023. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Is cannabis medicine?

Society has yet to treat cannabis as medicine, said Tim Pickett, a physician assistant who opened a cannabis speciality clinic in Murray called KindlyMD.

Pickett was called a pot doc on television. He said he doesnt care what people call him but I think that was a little disrespectful to the patients who would come see us.

When KindlyMD opened, 8 in 10 patients had tried marijuana or were regular users. Now, Pickett said, about 40% have never tried it.

It comes down to the fact that its really not about the cannabis. At the end of the day, its about empowering patients to make choices about their own health care, he said.

Pickett gives Utahs program mostly high marks, but said he wishes it were more medical. If a 62-year-old Parkinsons patient with a lot of muscle spasms and chronic pain feels like its a recreational program masked as a medical program, that patient wont choose to try cannabis.

One way to make medical cannabis more legitimate is for doctors to treat it like any other medication, Pickett said. Some providers who take a holistic approach and include cannabis in their normal course of care bill insurance companies for office visits, meaning patients only have a co-pay, something KindlyMD started this spring.

Thats the key to legitimizing cannabis, he said.

Further scientific study would also foster more understanding of the plants medicinal capabilities.

In conservative Utah, education and research, along with strict quality controls and regulations, would help further remove stigma and make it accessible to those who need it, especially as a substitute for opiate medications and other prescription drugs, Darin said.

Vickers called cannabis an interesting world because its an illegal substance under federal law and the federal government blocks a lot of the research that could be done. Utah, he said, has found ways to get around that with legislation allowing medical studies at the University of Utah and agricultural studies at Utah State University.

Proponents tout medical cannabis many uses, including treating pain, nausea and vomiting, increasing appetite and as a sleep aid, among other things.

Its like a pharmacy in a flower, Pickett said.

But Pickett said there can be downsides to cannabis use. Reasonable data show that about 8% of people who use it regularly are going to be somewhat addicted, he said, adding nobody likes to talk about it because its a nonaddictive substance.

There are people who use it too much, he said, describing a patient who was spending so much money on cannabis that it affected her job and her ability to take care of her family. Nobody likes to talk about that, Pickett said.

Also, vaping and inhaling lots of cannabis causes inflammation in the lungs, he said.

The Mayo Clinic said further study is needed to determine if cannabis is safe, but possible side effects of medical marijuana include increased heart rate, dizziness, impaired concentration and memory, slower reaction times and drug-to-drug interactions.

Related

Kerra Davis helps her son Reed Davis after he fell off his bike outside their home in West Jordan on Friday, July 21, 2023. Davis, a mother of three, uses medical cannabis to treat chronic pain from endometriosis, pelvic congestion syndrome and arthritis. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Does medical cannabis cost too much?

One of the biggest complaints among patients and the main reason people dont renew their cannabis cards is the cost of the medication.

Kerra Davis, a stay-at-home mom of three boys, estimates she spends about $300 a month to treat chronic pain from endometriosis, pelvic congestion syndrome and arthritis.

Its definitely expensive, she said.

Davis bought cannabis on the black market or out of state before Utahs pharmacies opened. She said it helped her get off the dozen pharmaceutical drugs she was taking for her medical conditions.

It really changed my life. I got myself back, who I am back, she said.

Davis, 36, goes to at least three different pharmacies to find the vape cartridges and tinctures she uses, which she finds a little frustrating. She also said its ridiculous how much some medical providers charge to recommend a cannabis card.

Kerra Davis exhales after using a medical cannabis vape pen outside her home in West Jordan on Friday, July 21, 2023. Davis, a mother of three, uses medical cannabis to treat chronic pain from endometriosis, pelvic congestion syndrome and arthritis. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Sarah (not her real name), a 34-year-old mother of three children who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2018, has a Utah cannabis card but doesnt use it.

Her analytical husband put together a spreadsheet comparing prices, taxes, gas and time in Utah and other states. She found it cheaper to drive to Oregon, where she spends $500 every six months to stock up on medication. She said the same $500 would buy a months supply in Utah.

I want to follow the law as much as I can. I just cant afford to purchase it in Utah, she said.

The Utah Cannabis Association and the Utah Cannabis Co-Op did a price comparison last summer of the three most commonly purchased products  vape carts, flower and gummies  in 19 states. The average cost for those items among the states was $134.25. Utah came in at $130.85, but much higher than neighboring Colorado and Nevada. Oregon, where Sarah buys her medication, was not part of the comparison.

A Utah Department of Health and Human Services survey last December of nearly 9,000 patients, medical providers, advocates and medical cannabis pharmacy representatives found a high degree of satisfaction with the states program.

It said 68% are happy with their access to medical cannabis pharmacies and home delivery services. It also found that 61% of patients say that pharmacies in Utah consistently have the products they need and 57% say the pharmacies have a good variety.

Robert Stosich consults with Dragonfly pharmacist Kevin Baumgartner at Dragonfly Wellness in Salt Lake City on Thursday, April 20, 2023. Stosich hopes to use medical cannabis for anxiety and bipolar disorder. Behind them, people line up to apply for their medical cannabis card. The required visit with a qualified medical provider, which can cost hundreds of dollars and is not covered by insurance, was offered at a deep discount during the Utah Grown event. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

What role do pharmacists play?

Utah is the only state that requires pharmacies to have a licensed pharmacist on site who does a free consultation with each new patient. Pharmacy transactions were cash-only until the state recently allowed the use of debit cards. All sales must be done in person.

Some question the need for an onsite pharmacist, contending they are out of their element when it comes to knowledge of cannabis and only add costs that get passed down to patients.

Oborn said the pharmacist legitimizes the operation as a medical service.

Panh, the Dragonfly COO, agrees that from a business perspective, paying a pharmacist makes the products more expensive. But from a patient-first perspective, he said, it provides a level of comfort.

Because marijuana use remains illegal under federal law, most doctors defer to pharmacists to give patients information about medical cannabis, said Kevin Baumgartner, a Dragonfly pharmacist who previously worked in traditional grocery store pharmacies.

Pharmacists cant legally give a patient a prescription but can recommend a treatment regimen.

Gabe Flores, Dragonfly quality control agent, puts stickers on cannabis packaging at the Dragonfly processing plant in South Salt Lake on Friday, March 24, 2023. Stickers are needed to adhere to rapidly changing rules and regulations for cannabis packaging. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Too much or just enough regulation?

In other areas, though, Panh finds the states regulations heavy-handed. He says its 10 times worse than the regulation of alcohol in Utah under the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, which recently changed its name to the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services.

Panh believes the state puts more effort into controlling the medical cannabis space than it does to providing a service.

We cant even move a fridge to the other side of the room without somebody coming out to inspect and make sure we did it right, he said.

Packaging and advertising of cannabis products has been a point of contention between the state and the industry.

Recently, Dragonfly had a worker placing stickers over pouches that showed an image of the outline of two cannabis tablets because it violated state law. The worker was also adding a stick-on warning label.

Brandon Forsyth, Utahs hemp and medical cannabis division director, said people using medical cannabis are often elderly or have a health issue that might make it difficult to read the fine print on the label.

Were not just needlessly creating rules. Were trying to protect patients and were trying to minimize the risk to the public, he said.

The state wants cannabis products to look like medicine. It bans colorful packaging and advertising that might appeal to children.

Vickers said the cannabis space has the potential for corruption and misuse so he welcomes more scrutiny. He called Utahs program a work in progress.

Oborn, the states medical cannabis center director, said he believes Utah has a good system in place to ensure not only patient access with the help of health care providers but that cannabis is accounted from seed to sale.

In the end, he said, its getting the patient connected with trained professionals, preventing diversion and educating patients and medical providers on the health effects of using cannabis.
Rajnish Dhawan awoke about 8 a.m. Sunday and sat to eat a bowl of Cheerios inside his home in Canada. As he ate, he looked out the window and saw the nearby pickleball courts - a reminder of why the cereal would be his last meal for the foreseeable future.

For nearly a year, Dhawan has complained to officials from Chilliwack - a city in British Columbia - about high-decibel noises from the three pickleball courts that are about 20 feet behind his property. He said he and his wife have endured auditory hallucinations, heart flutters and insomnia since players started flocking to the courts in 2021. But Dhawan, 52, said little has changed.

Subscribe to The Post Most newsletter for the most important and interesting stories from The Washington Post.

Since pickleball began exploding in popularity in 2019, people have griped about the noises near their homes, causing neighborhood disagreements, calls to police and lawsuits. But Dhawan and his 51-year-old wife, Harpreet, took a new stance.

Inspired by Indian activist Mohandas K. Gandhi, the Dhawans decided that, starting at 9 a.m. Sunday, they wouldn't eat until the noise improved.

"We would prefer to suffer rather than continue to live the life of Second Class citizens," the Dhawans wrote in a letter to city officials on July 20.

The Dhawans moved from a Chilliwack townhouse to their current five-bedroom home in February 2017. They enjoyed sitting on their deck to watch children play on swings and neighbors walk their dogs at the park behind their home.

Then, in the spring of 2019, Chilliwack added pickleball courts to the park that are visible from the Dhawans' house. The courts grew more popular when the city added a new surface in the spring of 2021. The Dhawans tried to ignore the popping noises, even playing pickleball sometimes themselves to see what the hype was about.

But last summer, Rajnish said the sounds became unbearable. He said he slept poorly, and when he did rest, he awoke in the middle of the night hallucinating the noise of a ball striking a paddle. Rajnish, an English professor at a nearby university, and Harpreet, a dental hygienist, fell behind on their work and started to see therapists for the first time.

Story continues

The couple's 23-year-old daughter lives in Vancouver, B.C., but rarely visits home because of the noise, Rajnish said. The Dhawans sometimes leave their TV on high volume to muffle the sounds.

Last October, Rajnish sent his first of many letters to city officials to complain about the noise.

"You feel as if someone is consistently punching your head," Rajnish told The Washington Post. "It's literally like living next to a gun range."

A spokeswoman for the city of Chilliwack said in a statement that officials "have regularly responded" to Rajnish's grievances and "have taken substantial action to help mitigate the situation."

For instance, the spokeswoman said the city only allows pickleball play between 9 a.m. and dusk, and has recommended that players use practice foam balls after 4 p.m. Still, Rajnish said people play daily until 9 p.m.

In March, he wrote an email to the city's pickleball club that said playing on the courts near his home was "an act of aggression committed against me and my family."

The courts reopened in April this year - a month later than usual after a winter hiatus - because of Rajnish's complaints, the city spokeswoman said. The city covered the fence with black tarps in hopes of reducing the sound.

Still, Rajnish said he canceled his two summer courses and flew to his birthplace of Amritsar, India, to prevent his anxiety from worsening. He hoped the situation would be resolved by the time he returned.

Harpreet, who stayed behind in Chilliwack, developed similar symptoms as Rajnish, and players yelled at her when she asked them to stop playing at night, Rajnish said. On Rajnish's flight home on July 20, he drafted another letter to city officials.

"As staunch followers of Mahatma Gandhi, we have decided to follow the path shown by him to deal with systemic injustice," the Dhawans wrote - using the honorific by which Gandhi was popularly known that means "great soul" - before signing the letter "the less privileged residents of Chilliwack."

The couple hung a red-and-yellow banner outside of the pickleball courts announcing their "DAILY HUNGER STRIKE AGAINST HARASSMENT AND DISCRIMINATION BY CITY OF CHILLIWACK."

After eating breakfast Sunday, the Dhawans began their hunger strike by sitting on the pickleball courts, even as some people played nearby. Harpreet felt lightheaded that night and broke her fast, but Rajnish, who felt nauseous, continued.

The couple returned to the courts about 5 a.m. Monday, holding umbrellas in the rain. Two men decided not to play after speaking with the Dhawans, Rajnish said, but a woman complained the couple was preventing people from competing. The Dhawans juggled their protest while working from home.

By Monday night, Rajnish said his nausea had grown worse, and his heart rate had increased. The city had not taken action and, fearing long-term health effects, Rajnish ended his hunger strike around 10 a.m. Tuesday, after 50 hours.

"I'm not Gandhi," Rajnish said. "I don't have millions of followers."

He drank a glass of sharbat, a drink made from flower petals and a sweetener, and planned to eat snacks - fruit, cereal, nuts - throughout the day.

The Dhawans' problem might be solved in a few months. The city is building an indoor pickleball facility and plans to close the courts near the Dhawans' home in November.

But for the Dhawans, that's not soon enough.

"We shouldn't be forced to move," Rajnish said, "just because a mistake was made by the city."

Related Content

Doctors who put lives at risk with covid misinformation rarely punished

Video shows 5 officers tackling mentally ill man. Experts question why.

14,000 feet up, liability fears block access to iconic Colorado peaks
An intoxicated man pushed several children into an apartment pool, including a 7-year-old kid who couldnt swim, authorities in Oklahoma said.

A 15-year-old boy called 911 on Saturday, July 22, and reported that he had just rescued a drowning child who was pushed into the deep end, according to a Facebook post from the Tulsa Police Department. He added that an intoxicated man had pushed the child in and assaulted other kids at the pool.

When officers arrived, a group of adults and kids identified the suspect to police.

A parent reported that she saw the man push her 7-year-old who cant swim into the pool, police said. The kid was then rescued by other children.

Two other parents told police that the man also pushed their kids into the pool, according to the July 27 news release. One of the kids showed officers a long scratch he received during the assault.

Officers also found several beer bottles that witnesses said (the suspect) hid before they arrived, police said.

The man was arrested on charges of public intoxication and three counts of assault and battery on a minor after former conviction of a felon.

Homeowner jailed for spraying passing woman in face with water hose, Florida cops say

Help me. Kidnapped girl was sexually assaulted then someone saw her sign, CA cops say

Man tells hotel guest shes being too loud  then returns with gun, California cops say
Donald Trumphas been hit with new charges in the classified documents case, ramping up the former presidents legal problems as he takes a third run at the White House in 2024.

In a 60-page revised indictment unveiled on Thursday, the former president is charged with three new counts, including one of wilful retention of defence information and two of obstruction.

In total, the twice-impeached president is now facing 40 charges in the case after he was originally indicted on 37 counts last month.

Prosecutors have now included a third defendant in the case: Carlos De Oliveira, the property manager of Mar-a-Lago.

According to the prosecutors, Mr De Oliveira collaborated with Mr Trump and his valet, Walt Nauta, in a scheme to hide and withhold security footage from investigators.

Mr Trump continues to deny any wrongdoing, with a spokesperson dismissing the latest charges outright, labeling them as nothing more than a continued desperate and ineffective attempt by the Joe Biden administration to harass president Trump and those around him and influence the upcoming 2024 presidential race.

Heres the key takeaways about the latest charges against Mr Trump in the classified documents case:

Deleted security footage

According to the new superseding indictment, Mr Trump allegedly demanded that his staffers delete security camera footage at the Mar-a-Lago Club after investigators made a visit in June 2022 to collect classified documents he took with him after he left the White House.

In late June 2022, Mr De Oliveira allegedly took another employee to a small room known as an audio closet and asked him to keep the conversation between the two of them. He then told the employee that the boss wanted the server deleted.

When the unnamed employee, identified as Employee 4 in the documents, said he would not know how to do that, Mr De Oliveira insisted the boss wanted it done, and asked: What are we going to do?

Mishandling of Iran attack plan

Among the three new charges against Mr Trump is a new count  his 32nd  for retaining national defence information.

Story continues

This new charge is about a classified document described as a top secret presentation concerning military activity in a foreign country.

This document is believed to be a plan of attack on Iran which a leaked audio previously revealed Mr Trump discussing in a meeting with biographers and staffers at his Bedminster, New Jersey resort.

During the meeting in July 2021, Mr Trump allegedly displayed a certain document to the writer and publisher of the memoir of his former chief of staff, Mark Meadows. Although the initial indictment mentioned the specifics of the document and the meeting, no charges were previously linked to this incident until now.

The former president had returned that document to the government on 17 January 2022, almost a year after he left office, according to the indictment.

Mr Trump has previously denied retaining the documents, instead claiming the papers he was referring to in the audio were merely news clippings. Mr Trump denies that he ever possessed a secret document about attacking Iran.

Last-minute change of travel plans

Mr Nauta, Mr Trumps long-time valet who was allegedly part of plans to conceal the security footage from investigators, changed his plans to travel with Mr Trump to Illinois at the last minute on the day prosecutors served the Trump Organization with the final version of the subpoena, according to the indictment,

Instead, he allegedly travelled to Florida to talk to other employees of Mr Trump about deleting the security footage.

Prosecutors say he contacted the director of information technology at Mar-a-Lago, as well as another worker at the club, and disclosed to the latter that his purpose in visiting was to discuss how long the security footage is stored.

According to the indictment, Mr Nauta seemed to conceal the true purpose of his trip to Mar-a-Lago by informing others that he was going there for different reasons.

The updated indictment against former President Donald Trump, Walt Nauta and Carlos De Oliveira is photographed Thursday (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

Mr Nauta has now been charged with conspiring with Mr De Oliveira to obstruct justice by participating in the efforts to have the surveillance footgae deleted. Mr Trump has been hit with another count of obstruction of justice for asking for the footage to be deleted.

The fresh obstruction-of-justice charges each come with a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, while the charge for willfully retaining national defence secrets holds a potential penalty of up to 10 years behind bars.

Mr Trump and Mr Nauta were initially indicted together in June and have both pleaded not guilty to those charges.
CAIRO (Reuters) - Islamic State on Friday claimed responsibility for an attack on the Sayeda Zeinab shrine south of the Syrian capital, Damascus, that killed several people and wounded others, the group said in a statement on its Telegram channel.

It also claimed responsibility for another attack that took place at the same shrine earlier this week in which two people were wounded. It is high season for the shrine as Shi'ite Muslims flock there to mark the mourning period of Ashura.

(Reporting by Enas Alashray; Editing by Leslie Adler and Jonathan Oatis)
Israeli intelligence warned the government that Israel's enemies may try to take advantage of protests against its judicial reforms. Photo by Debbie Hill/ UPI

July 28 (UPI) -- Israeli intelligence said it warned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government that passing judicial reforms that sparked widespread protests would put the country at risk and embolden its enemies, according to officials on Friday.

The Israeli Defense Forces said that the Israeli Air Force chief Maj. Gen. Tomer Bar warned in a recent meeting with a forum of senior commanders that Israel's enemies may attempt to test them because of protesting reservists who said they would not serve because of the reforms.

"I have no doubt that we face many challenges," Bar said. "I am aware of threats in all sectors and what our enemies are saying. It is possible that at a time like this, they will try to test our boundaries, our cohesion, and vigilance. We need to continue to be alert and prepared, and I am sure we will be."

Specifically, senior Israeli intelligence officers said Iran and its proxy Hezbollah, sense the historic protests as a possible opportunity. Officials said the risk of military escalation is at its highest since the Second Lebanon War in 2006.

Reservists who have sided with demonstrators against the new judicial reform said they would not serve in protests. Israeli military leaders have tried to handle the conflict internally.

In the meantime, intelligence personnel sent four different urgent dispatches, the latest sent just last week before the Knesset vote. The letters emphasize the danger of action by Israel's enemy in the middle of large protests, which include some in the military.

Thousands took to the street last week after the Knesset passed the so-called "reasonableness" law, reforming the nation's judiciary system. The new law prevents Israeli courts from weighing in on the reasonableness of government and ministerial decisions.
Its been a long wait for the opening of Osteria 500, a new Italian restaurant in Lakewood Ranchs Waterside Place.

But the partners promise the authentic Italian cuisine, served with warm hospitality and attention to detail, will be worth the wait.

Osteria 500, which opens 4 p.m. Sunday at at 1580 Lakefront Drive, Unit 101, was first announced as coming to Waterside Place in early 2022.

Its like a rustic style bar that serves wine and authentic regional dishes. We are trying to reproduce the feeling of old Italy. It reminds us of our hometown, said Carmine Ussano, who with Giuseppe Del Sole, Andrea Dedominicis and Salvatore Scacciono are partners in Osteria 500.

Osteria refers to a friendly Italian bar that also serves food, and the number 500 refers to the red Fiat 500 automobile that serves as a wood-burning pizza oven near the restaurants open kitchen.

The Fiat is a symbol of what the owners envision Osteria 500 to be: stylish, fun and vibrant.

Osteria 500, a new Italian restaurant, opens Sunday, July 30, in Lakewood Ranchs Waterside Place at 1580 Lakefront Drive. Shown above is partner Carmine Ussano.

Osteria 500 will have extensive lunch, dinner and lounge menus, featuring what the partners call grandmothers recipes from central and southern Italy.

The chef is Italian and so are the food ingredients: cheeses and meats imported from Italy, an Italian-made pasta maker, imported wines, homemade gelato, and fresh bread and desserts made on site daily.

Osteria 500s partners knew that they wanted to open a restaurant at Waterside Place when they saw an artists conception of what the town center would look like around the time of the groundbreaking in 2018.

Osteria 500, a new Italian restaurant, opens Sunday, July 30, in Lakewood Ranchs Waterside Place at 1580 Lakefront Drive. Shown above is the open kitchen.

I used to live in Country Club East and I saw a picture of what was proposed to be built here, Ussano said of the genesis of the restaurant.

We met here when there was nothing built. We really liked the location and thought it would be a good spot for a restaurant, Ussano said.

One of the partners, Giuseppe Del Sole, already had a successful restaurant, Napule, at 7129 S. Tamiami Trail in Sarasota.

Osteria 500, a new Italian restaurant, opens Sunday, July 30, in Lakewood Ranchs Waterside Place at 1580 Lakefront Drive. Shown above is a private dining room.

Ussano, a native of Sorrento, Italy, operated a luxury tour business in Italy and first visited the Bradenton-Sarasota area in 2004.

Story continues

Osteria 500 has seating for 180, including tables inside and on the lakeside deck. With high-top chairs, the restaurant can seat about 230.

A centerpiece is the long bar inside the restaurant. Outside is a second bar, outfitted in what might be described as a vintage food truck.

Osteria 500, a new Italian restaurant, opens Sunday, July 30, in Lakewood Ranchs Waterside Place at 1580 Lakefront Drive. Shown above is the outdoor dining area and bar.

The partners have worked hard on creating a welcoming atmosphere with a rustic Italian look, including a lemon tree ceiling on the second floor, and other touches throughout: a Vespa scooter in the front foyer, hand-painted china and a gelato push cart.

We dont want to just do numbers. Quality is very important to us. Everything is made in-house and it will definitely be authentic Italian, Ussano said.

We have so many details and we wanted to get them right, he said of the opening.

Osteria 500 will be open seven days a week. Hours will be 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. daily except 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

Initially, the restaurant will not be taking reservations but in the future will take reservations for parties of eight or more.

For more information, visit https://www.osteria500.com/ or call 941-866-8962.

Osteria 500, a new Italian restaurant, opens Sunday, July 30, in Lakewood Ranchs Waterside Place at 1580 Lakefront Drive.

Osteria 500, a new Italian restaurant, opens Sunday, July 30, in Lakewood Ranchs Waterside Place at 1580 Lakefront Drive.

Osteria 500 opens 4 p.m. Sunday, July 30, at at 1580 Lakefront Drive, in Lakewood Ranchs Waterside Place.
Effingham County Sheriff Jimmy McDuffie, left, and Georgia Sheriff's Association Director Terry Norris, right, presented Jackson County Sheriff Janis Mangum with the association's 2023 Sheriff of the Year award on Wednesday, July 26.

Jackson County Sheriff Janis Mangum was honored with the 2023 Sheriff of the Year award on Wednesday at the Georgia Sheriffs Association Annual Banquet held on Jekyll Island.

I was so humbled, Mangum said Thursday by phone as she traveled back to Jefferson.

Mangum, who was elected sheriff in 2012, said she learned of the award a couple of weeks ago.

I cried all afternoon because I was so overwhelmed and felt so blessed. You have 159 sheriffs and you dont think about receiving something like this, especially when youre going to retire next year, she said.

Mangum posted photos of the banquet on her Facebook and sent a message of thanks.

A message announcing the Sheriff of the Year award at the Georgia Sheriff's Association Annual Banquet on Jekyll Island.

Thank you to all the people that have supported me and have stood by me for the last 11 years as I have served as the sheriff and 35 years total at the Jackson County Sheriffs Office. Its been some ... journey, she wrote.

Presenting Mangum with the award was Effingham County Sheriff Jimmy McDuffie, the outgoing GSA president, and Association Director Terry Norris.

Government: New Oconee County Administration Building opens with ceremony

Endangered species: The Endangered Species Act turns 50 this year. See how it has helped in Georgia.

Besides members of her family, a contingent of people from Jackson County made the trip to Jekyll for the banquet.

Most of the sheriffs office command staff attended, along with County Commission Chairman Tom Crow and Commissioners Marty Clarke and Chad Bingham. County Manager Kevin Poe and Assistant Manager Gina Roy also attended along with Joe Hicks of Jackson EMC and county Magistrate Judge Ben Green.

Jackson County officials and command staff deputies with the sheriff's office attended the banquet where Janis Mangum was honored by her peers as the 2023 Sheriff of the Year.

Mangum is the first woman elected sheriff in Jackson County and became the second woman in Georgia to win a sheriff's post.

When she originally won in 2012, she faced a field of seven candidates seeking the office. She won the election in a runoff in which she received 62% of the vote.

Her support in Jackson County was solidified in following elections as she garnered 87% of the vote in 2016 and 89% in 2020.

Story continues

She announced in August 2022 that she would not seek re-election and would retire on Dec. 31, 2024.

In an interview with the Banner-Herald at the time, she expressed contentment with her decision.

I made the decision and I have a peace about it, and Im OK with it. But Ill miss it, she said.

This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Jackson County Sheriff Janis Mangum wins Georgia Sheriff of the Year
Ruby Guest and Jamie Lee Curtis

Oscar-winning actress Jamie Lee Curtis stood up strongly for her transgender daughter in an interview that aired Friday on MSNBCs Morning Joe.

This life is about love, Curtis told host Joe Scarborough in the interview, which was taped before the actors strike. Being a parent is about love, and I love Ruby. Love her. And I, people have said, Youre so great to accept her love. What are you talking about? This is my daughter  this human being has come to me and said, This is who I am. And my job is to say, Welcome home. I will fight and defend her right to exist to anyone who claims that she doesnt. And there are those people.

Ruby Guest came out as trans in 2020. Curtis and her husband, filmmaker Christopher Guest, have a cisgender daughter, Annie Guest, as well.

Its a really challenging time for trans people, Curtis noted. Theres a lot of political rhetoric, awful political rhetoric, particularly coming from your home state, she told Scarborough, who once was a congressman from Florida. Im so sorry. As you know, my favorite Twitter is the Waking Up in Dont Say Gay Florida, someone waking up going gay.

Curtis acknowledged that shes still learning about what it means to be trans. Im trying to learn the most important thing is that I dont know everything, she said. And I, I wake up every day sober, saying, I dont know everything. I dont know a lot. There are a lot of things I dont know about. And theres a lot of this that I need to learn. And I have gone to teachers, Ive gone to people and said, Please educate me, help me learn what the issue is, why thats so important and what the other opinion is, so that I can hear both sides. Because if I only hear one side of an argument or an idea, then I have no ability to think and the whole idea here is we can think we have minds to think. And as you said, youre like, how do you walk through this? Nobody said theres no handbook. There are people who will be helpful guides.

Story continues

But I get it wrong. And I said something wrong with the Academy Awards. The first question was something about gender equity within de-gendering things and just, I messed it up. And I got called out by somebody on Twitter or something saying she doesnt know what shes talking about. And she was right. I didnt. Because  that wasnt the point. I misunderstood the point.

After she won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress this year, for her role in Everything Everywhere All at Once, Curtis was asked about the possibility of ending gendered categories for the awards.

And of course ... that involves the bigger question, which is how do you include everyone when there are binary choices? she said at the time. Which is very difficult, and as the mother of a trans daughter, I completely understand that.

But she added, And yet to de-gender the category, also, Im concerned will diminish the opportunities for more women, which is something I also have been working hard to try to promote.

She concluded the interview with Scarborough by saying, So Im learning. Im trying. Im, Im human. But at the bottom line is, Im a mom.
A New York man was sentenced to just over four years in prison on Friday for his role in the Jan. 6, 2021 riot on the Capitol.

U.S. District Court judge Amy Berman Jackson sentenced Buffalo resident Thomas Sibick, 37, to 50 months in prison for allegedly assaulting former Metropolitan Police Officer Michael Fanone and stealing his badge and radio. He later returned the badge to the FBI, but the radio still has not been found.

Sibick also received 36 months of supervised release and a fine of over $7,500 for one felony count of assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers and one misdemeanor count of theft, according to officials. He pleaded guilty to the charges back in March.

According to court documents, on Jan. 6, 2021, Sibick made his way illegally onto the ground of the U.S. Capitol and into the mob gathered on the West Plaza, the Department of Justice said in a statement. Here, Sibick posted a selfie video on Instagram depicting himself in the mob.

The video pans the crowd with the caption, Wildest experience of my life!! Sibick then filmed himself screaming, Just got tear-gassed, but were going, baby, were going! Were pushing forward now! DOJ added.

Another man, Daniel Rodriguez, was sentenced to 12.5 years in prison in June for assaulting Fanone with a taser. Fanone experienced a minor heart attack and a traumatic brain injury in the midst of the riot.

He also claims he has experienced post-traumatic stress disorder and emotional trauma from the events of the day.

Any compassion or empathy I felt toward those who laid siege to our Capitol, whose actions I felt were at least in part influenced by their leader Donald Trump and his lies, has been eroded  eroded by the attacks directed at me and my family by supporters of Donald Trump and the right-wing media, Fanone said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
(Bloomberg) -- Japan expressed serious concern over joint exercises between China and Russia in its annual defense report, calling the military drills by its nuclear-armed neighbors clear and deliberate provocations.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The new language came in a so-called defense white paper approved by the government on Friday. China and Russia conducted six joint military exercises last year  the most in data going back two decades and accounting for two thirds of all of Chinas joint drills.

Japan has territorial disputes with both countries and its relations with Russia have turned increasingly sour since Vladimir Putin launched his full-scale invasion on Ukraine last year. In a break with its pacifist traditions, Tokyo has provided non-lethal military aid to Kyiv.

Japans Defense Ministry expressed particular concern in the report about joint Chinese-Russian patrols by bombers that were staged while Japan was hosting a summit of leaders of fellow Quad group members US, Australia and India in May 2022. The ministry also refers to a one-sided escalation of Chinese military activity in the vicinity of Japan.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said later at a regular press briefing in Beijing that her government filed a diplomatic complaint with counterparts in Japan over the white paper.

The document interferes in Chinas internal affairs, she said, adding that it deliberately hypes up the China threat narrative and creates tensions in the region.

While Russia and China have stepped up their military cooperation, Japan has also sought to deepen its defense ties with a variety of partners beyond its formal treaty ally, the US. That has included South Korea, with whom formerly rocky ties have turned more positive under President Yoon Suk Yeol, who has backed hawkish policies toward China and North Korea.

Story continues

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida this month attended the NATO summit for the second consecutive year, agreeing on a plan to deepen cooperation with the bloc. China has warned the North Atlantic Treaty Organization against expanding its geopolitical reach and said Japan should be prudent on military and security issues.

The report is the first of its type to be published since Japan adopted new defense policy documents last year and laid out plans to increase military spending by about 60% over five years.

It also comes as China and Russia dispatched high-powered delegations this week to North Korea for celebrations to mark the 70th anniversary of the end of Korean War fighting. The three countries are considered by Japan and its partners as posing the greatest security threat to the region.

--With assistance from Martin Ritchie.

(Updates with response from China.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
Japan expanded its sanctions on Russia on July 27, in response to the ongoing invasion of Ukraine, banning the export of certain vehicles.

The export ban includes vehicles fitted with 1,900 cc engines or greater, as well as vehicles with hybrid and electric motors, Japan's trade ministry said in a statement.

The expanded sanctions will kick in on Aug. 9.

Other items on the export ban include steel, plastic goods and electronic parts that can be used for military purpose.

Japan's export bans to Russia cover hundreds of items, from vehicle parts to textiles.

The Group of Seven countries met in Japan in May, agreeing to starve Russia of technology, industrial equipment and services that support its war machine.

However, Russia has continued to be able to import goods that can be used for military-industrial applications by using middleman countries and other sanction-evading shemes.

Read also: Kyivs frustration boils as flow of Western chips for Russian missiles continues uninterrupted
Ground Self-Defense Force Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade troops taking part in "Iron Fist 23" military exercises in March with U.S. Marines at Manda Beach on Tokunoshima Island, Kagoshima-Prefecture. File Photo by Keizo Mori/UPI

July 28 (UPI) -- Japanese military chiefs said Friday the country urgently needed a counterstrike capability amid what they said was the most dangerous security situation since World War II and a "rapidly tilting" China-Taiwan military balance in Beijing's favor.

Among the threats cited in Japan's annual defense report, which was presented to the cabinet Friday, was a "significant strengthening of its neighbors' military capabilities" including a ramping up of missile launches and shows of military strength, with China-Russia "strategic coordination" a particular worry.

It also flags North Korea's numerous ballistic missile test launches saying Pyongyang has doggedly pushed ahead with its five-year plan embarked upon in 2021 to develop missile-related technologies.

"China's current external stance, military activities, and other activities have become a matter of serious concern for Japan and the international community, and present an unprecedented and the greatest strategic challenge," according to the 28-page Ministry of Defense white paper.

Defense chiefs pointed to a seven-fold increase in the number of times Japanese air defense forces had to be scrambled in response to Chinese threats to 5,869 between 2013 and 2022, compared with just 814 between 2003 and 2012, and leapfrogging Russia. In all, the cumulative total trebled to more than 9,000.

The report stresses that long-range counterstrike capabilities against missile bases were key to deterring any invasion of Japan as they would "enable Japan to mount effective counterstrikes against the opponent to prevent further attacks while defending against incoming missiles by means of the missile defense network."

"This discourages the opponent from attacking and deters armed attack itself."

The report said Chinese military exercises off Taiwan sparked by former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taipei in August may have gamed invasion scenarios including anti-ground and anti-ship tactics and strategies for winning control of the sea and the skies

Story continues

"The fact that China is capable of carrying out such activities shows that the situation is working to China's advantage," a Defense Ministry official told reporters.

The report also notes a more than doubling of Chinese aircraft entering Taiwan's airspace, up from 972 incidents in 2021 to 1,733 in 2022.

However, on the Taiwan situation, Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada told a press conference that while the latest defense blueprint was a reflection of Tokyo's "candid views", its long-standing position that disputes "should be always resolved through dialogue," was unchanged.

In December, Japan adopted historic military changes in three security documents, including a commitment to developing a counterstrike capability, a highly controversial move that opponents say is unconstitutional, as Japan seeks to shed some of the curbs on its ability to wage war imposed on it at the end of World War II.

Among the changes is a provision permitting the Japanese military to hit enemy bases and command-and-control nodes with longer-range standoff missiles.
[Source]

Just as Japan saw a substantial increase in foreign residents in 2022, it also registered a decline in its native population of approximately 800,000 people, marking the biggest drop on the countrys record.

What the figures say: The data, released by the Internal Affairs and Communications Ministry on Wednesday, was based on residency registrations as of January 1 this year.

According to the report, the local population has dropped by 0.65%, leaving the total number of Japanese nationals at 122.4 million for the year 2022. This also marks the 14th consecutive year of the populations decline.

The report attributed the consistent population reduction to the continuous decline in the nations birthrate, which has been on a downward trajectory since 2008, registering a record low of 771,801 births in 2022.

More from NextShark: 'I will kill it if I meet it again!': Australian man demolishes sign blaming China for COVID-19

More foreign residents: The government data also highlighted the 10.7% increase in the number of foreign residents, reaching an all-time high of nearly 3 million people.

The notable surge in foreign registrations in Japan is also unprecedented as it is the most substantial year-on-year rise since the government began recording statistics in 2013. This data underscores the growing significance of non-Japanese individuals in a nation grappling with demographic challenges.

Overall, Japan experienced a population reduction of just over half a million individuals from the previous year, declining to 125.41 million. Foreign residents now make up approximately 2.4% of Japan's total population.

More from NextShark: Only 3% of reported anti-Asian attacks in NYC led to hate crime convictions, new report finds

Addressing the issues: In response to the demographic crisis, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has implemented a comprehensive childcare package initiative to address declining birthrates.

This package aims to encourage population growth by providing childbirth and rearing allowances and increasing subsidies for higher education. Kishida has pledged to secure approximately 3.5 trillion yen ($24.7 billion) over the next three years for the childcare package.

Story continues

Kishida's Cabinet has also approved a plan to broaden the range of job categories available to foreign workers to address the issue of labor shortages caused by the declining population.

More from NextShark: Indian American charged with hate crime over racist attack on fellow Indian in California Taco Bell

Enjoy this content? Read more from NextShark!

Lyft and Uber Drivers Accused of Refusing Asian Riders Because of Coronavirus Fear
A photo from North Korean state media shows the test-firing of a new intercontinental ballistic missile in July (STR)

Japan said Friday that North Korea posed a more serious threat to its national security than "ever before", as nuclear-armed Pyongyang rattles its neighbours with repeated missile tests and belligerent rhetoric.

In its annual white paper -- a rundown of the most pressing military threats and plans to ensure stability -- Japan's defence ministry made a case for a significant hike in domestic defence spending as the world enters "a new era of crisis".

While China's growing military might and Russia's invasion of Ukraine were major focuses of the white paper, North Korea also ranked as a key concern for Japan.

"North Korea's military activities pose an even more grave and imminent threat to Japan's national security than ever before," the document said.

"It is believed that North Korea has the ability to attack Japan with nuclear weapons fitted to ballistic missiles."

The white paper, approved by the cabinet of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Friday morning, comes as North Korea ramps up the frequency of its missile tests.

North Korean state media on Thursday released photos of Kim Jong Un giving Russia's defence minister a tour of the country's newest and most advanced weaponry, including intercontinental ballistic missiles and previously unseen military drones.

Russia, another historic ally of North Korea, is one of a handful of nations with which Pyongyang maintains friendly relations.

Kim Jong Un has been steadfast in his support for Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, including, Washington says, supplying rockets and missiles -- a charge Pyongyang has denied.

Pyongyang's recent weapons tests -- the latest was on Monday -- come as Tokyo, Seoul and Washington increase military cooperation to counter the North's growing nuclear threats and China's influence in the region.

The white paper said China's military activities posed "an unprecedented and the greatest strategic challenge" to Japan while reiterating that joint military drills with Russia were also a concern.

Story continues

China regularly sends government ships to islands in dispute with Tokyo while also conducting naval drills in waters including in the Pacific, raising alarm in Japan and area nations.

Beijing has not condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine, with many leading democracies fearing China may also move to aggressively take over Taiwan.

"The international community is facing its greatest trial since World War II and we have entered a new era of crisis," Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada said in the document.

The white paper reiterated Tokyo's commitment to boost its military spending and capacity.

For decades, Japan has capped military spending at around one percent of GDP.

But late last year, Kishida's government approved a plan to increase defence spending to two percent of GDP by fiscal year 2027, to around 11 trillion yen ($78.7 billion).

hih/amj/cwl
Japan

Japan has extended their their export ban on automobiles to Russia, with sanctions also affecting the supply of used Japanese vehicles to that country, the Japanese Kyodo news agency reported on July 28.

These restrictions will take effect from Aug. 9. Exporting luxury cars  classified as those worth over $43,000  has already been prohibited since April 2022.

Read also: US expands sanctions on Russias military and technology sectors

The new sanctions will further ban the export of both new and used vehicles with gasoline and diesel engines larger than 1900 cubic centimeters, as well as electric and hybrid vehicles, and tires for large transport vehicles.

It is worth noting that Japanese automobiles have been in high demand in Russia, and this heightened ban will deal another blow to Moscow amidst its invasion of Ukraine.

Read also: 90 companies that helped Russia evade restrictions to face EU sanctions

According to Kyodo, the value of Japanese exports to Russia in 2022 amounted to 603.9 billion yen (approximately $39 billion), which is 30% less than in 2021. More than half of this figure comprised passenger cars, the majority of which were used.

Approximately 750 non-vehicle items have also been added to Japans anti-Russia sanctions, including iron and other metals, boilers, and parts that could be used to support Russia's industrial activities.

The Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry of Japan reported that the recently banned goods account for about 20% of the total value of exports to Russia in 2021.

Following an agreement reached during the May G7 summit to take measures limiting the export of all goods that could aid Russia's military efforts, the United States and European countries have also strengthened their ban on exporting vehicles to Russia.

Read also: Zelenskyy arrives in Japan to attend G7 Summit

On May 26, it was reported that Japan expanded its list of sanctioned Russian entities, which included 17 individuals and 78 legal entities.

Story continues

Japan first announced these sanctions against Russia on May 20.

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 nothing a new mother likes more than being told how to please her husband  right?

A Japanese city learned the hard way this week how very wrong they were, after prompting national outrage over flyers that tried to do just that.

Onomichi city, in Japans Hiroshima prefecture, conducted a public survey in 2017 that was used to create flyers for pregnant women later distributed to local residents, according to the city governments website.

There are differences in the way men and women feel and think, one flyer reads. One of the reasons for this is the structural difference in the brains of men and women. It is known that men act based on theories, while women act based on emotions.

The important thing is to understand each others differences and divide roles well, it added, before stating that husbands and new fathers like to be thanked for carrying out basic tasks such as washing the dishes, changing diapers, and holding their child.

Wives may irritate their husbands if they are busy taking care of the baby and not doing chores the flyer said, advising women not to get frustrated for no reason.

It concluded that there are many things new mothers can do to please their husbands, including giving them massages, preparing their lunch every day, handling the childcare and housework, greeting them with a welcome home, and always having a smile on her face.

Local media reports this week drew attention to the flyers, with social media promptly erupting in anger and disbelief.

Its bad enough that local authorities are transmitting the idea that childcare is the mothers job and that a third-party fathers assistance will help the mother, one person wrote on Twitter, recently rebranded as X. I would like local authorities to raise awareness that fathers are also main actors in childcare.

Stress is the enemy during pregnancy, so why exactly are they only attacking women? another person wrote, pointing out that childbirth takes a heavy toll on womens bodies. A letter from an experienced mum to a new dad would probably be a hundred million times more helpful.

Story continues

A street view of Onomichi, Japan on March 2018. - Yuko Yamada/Moment RF/Getty Images

The citys mayor, Yukihiro Hiratani, published an apology on the local government website on Tuesday, saying the flyers were not in line with the sentiments of pregnant women, childbearing mothers, and others involved in child rearing, and caused unpleasant feelings for many people.

He added that the government had stopped distributing the flyers because they contain expressions that promote attitudes and practices that stereotype gender roles.

Some online users have pointed out that as stunningly misogynistic as the flyers are, they represent the reality of Japans outdated gender norms and the unequal burden placed on women  one reason that has been cited for the countrys continuously falling birth rate.

The flyers, and the public survey it was based on, mean that this is what men really think, one person wrote on X. Most men think that childcare is someone elses business, wives are supposed to do the housework, dont neglect looking after their husbands, dont upset their husbands  Youd better not get married.

Japan remains a largely patriarchal, conservative society that was ranked 125th out of 146 countries in the World Economic Forums latest Global Gender Gap Index.

Japans gender equality in politics is one of the lowest in the world, with women making up only 10% of parliament seats, according to the report. And while the number of women in the workforce has increased in recent years, they make up only 12.9% of senior or managerial positions  compared to 41% in the United States and 43% in Sweden, according to the report.

Meanwhile, structural issues still prevent many working men and women from balancing careers with family life, with mothers often sacrificing their jobs to care for their children.

Even those who go back to work may face lower wages or get stuck on the career ladder, experts say. Authorities have tried to push fathers to take a more active role in childcare  but experts say many men are too scared to take paternity leave due to potential repercussions from employers.

All this has contributed to the countrys falling birth rate, with authorities so far failing to encourage young couples to have more children  despite launching a slew of initiatives over the years aimed at boosting childbirth, such as expanding childcare services and some towns offering cash payments for births.

The problem is so bad that Prime Minister Fumio Kishida warned this year that Japan is on the brink of not being able to maintain social functions. In 2022, Japan recorded fewer than 800,000 births for the first time since records began in 1899.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
[Source]

The mayor of Onomichi in Japans Hiroshima prefecture, has issued a public apology for the citys distribution of flyers telling pregnant women how to please their husbands after becoming mothers.

Whats on the flyers: The flyers were created based on a public survey of 100 fathers conducted in 2017 and have been distributed to female residents in their seventh month of pregnancy by the administration in Onomichi since 2018, according to the city governments website.

There are differences in the way men and women feel and think, the flyers read, according to CNN. "One of the reasons for this is the structural difference in the brains of men and women. It is known that men act based on theories, while women act based on emotions. The important thing is to understand each others differences and divide roles well."

The flyers reportedly state that women may irritate their husbands if they are busy taking care of the baby and not doing chores, and that husbands like to be thanked for basic tasks, including holding their baby, changing diapers and washing the dishes.

More from NextShark: Asian American Lawmakers Tell Congress to Fight Racism and Hate Over Coronavirus

The pamphlets then advertises ways in which new mothers can please their husbands, including cooking every day, giving massages, carrying out the childcare and housework, greeting them with a welcome home and keeping a smile on her face.

Backlash: Images of the flyers circulated on social media this week, causing criticism and public anger from Japanese citizens who questioned why the misogynistic pamphlets were allowed to be distributed for many years.

What genre of harassment is this reaching a pregnant woman? Don't skip postpartum, do housework, and know what to do when you're pregnant? I want Onomichi to honestly explain the intention of distributing this. Even so, it's a disgusting flyer, a Twitter user said.

More from NextShark: Help Wanted in Finding Elderly Asian Man With Alzheimer's in Bloomington, Minnesota

Women are working so hard that giving birth is already more than enough, another user wrote. After giving birth, she started breastfeeding with a lack of sleep, and her body and mind weren't in good condition. The first step is to inform fathers about the roles they should play and what they should do after giving birth.

Story continues

Hiratanis apology: On Tuesday, Onomichi Mayor Yukihiro Hiratani, issued an apology on Twitter and on the local government website, saying that the flyer does not match the sentiments of pregnant women, women in labor and other people involved in child-rearing.

The city reportedly received phone calls and email complaints against the controversial pamphlets.

More from NextShark: 'Fight the Virus. Fight the Bias' Campaign Seeks to End COVID-19 Racism Against Asian Americans

It was the content that made many people feel uncomfortable, Hiratani added. Distribution of this material has been discontinued because it contains expressions that encourage the stereotyped attitudes and practices of gender roles. I am very sorry.

However, critics are calling for more action, with others suggesting the administration be investigated for chauvinism.

More from NextShark: Jackie Chan wishes to join the CCP, Chinese social media users say he's not qualified
Women abused in their youth by prolific predator Jeffrey Epstein on Thursday demanded $600 million from the FBI for failing to investigate the now-dead financier in the decades before his arrest.

Representing all Epstein victims, Maria Farmer and Sarah Ransome filed a notice of claim to the FBI last week, a prerequisite to suing a federal agency.

Had the FBI done its job, hundreds of Epsteins sex trafficking victims would have been spared, over the course of 25 years, Jennifer Freeman, a lawyer representing Epstein victims, said at a virtual news conference.

Freeman said minimal intervention by law enforcement decades ago could have prevented untold harm and that the legal action chiefly aims to address how Epstein got away with his depravity as long as he did.

It demands answers as to why law enforcement failed to investigate Farmer and Ransomes claims after they first reported him  and dozens of times after.

We are seeking answers and accountability about the FBIs failure to investigate the Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking conspiracy for nearly a quarter of a century, Freeman said.

Maria Farmer, the first known person to contact law enforcement about Epsteins sexual abuse in 1996, said she met the deceased financier and his convicted accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell after graduating from the New York Academy of Art when they pledged to support her artistic career.

In various legal matters, Farmer has said the pair violently sexually assaulted her at the Ohio estate of Victorias Secret founder Les Wexner. Her sister, Annie Farmer, was one of four victims to testify about being abused at Maxwells trial, which ended in her December 2021 conviction and 20-year prison sentence.

The FBI was well aware of this because I told them. The FBI didnt care about my 1996 report, Farmer said. They were dismissive.

Epstein, 66, killed himself about a month after his August 2019 arrest on sex trafficking charges at the now-shuttered Metropolitan Correctional Center.

Story continues

Long before Manhattan federal prosecutors brought charges, he evaded accountability in a maligned 2008 plea deal signed by then-south Florida U.S. Attorney Alex Acosta, allowing him to plead guilty to soliciting a teenager for sex in exchange for a sentence lasting just more than a year, in which he was allowed to leave the facility to work.

Ransome said she first reported Epstein in 2006 and many times after. She said Maxwell recruited and groomed her to be the sordid financiers masseuse, then took her passport and threatened her if she didnt sleep with him.

All the survivors are just so tired that we still to this day dont have answers. We want to know why Epstein got the plea bargain, who ordered the plea bargain? Ransome said.

Why has there only been one arrest in a sex trafficking ring that lasted three decades? Two hundred victims have come forward.

Maxwell, 61, daughter of the late British publishing baron Robert Maxwell, is serving out her sentence for aiding Epsteins abuse for at least a decade starting in 1994 at FCI Tallahassee in Florida.

An agency representative did not immediately respond to a New York Daily News request for comment.
Corazon de Tierra could be the name of a telenovela about a group of stylish pre-Columbian ravers. Its also what Georgina Trevino and Ozzie Juarez call their new collection of jewelry and fine objects inspired by these themes, available July 28 with Homegrown at Fred Segal.

Imagine going to a party and reaching for your pair of gravel and cubic zirconia-encrusted, Y2K wrap-around sunglasses or bamboo earrings  accessories that look made by hand from the stuff that built the city, the earth. A relic, Juarez says. Something archaeological, adds Trevino. You put them on and they transport you to another time  whether thats the future or the past is up to you. Thats what this collection, born of a collaboration between two artists of different mediums but sharing a highly specific vision and familiar souls, can do: spark conversation.

Trevino, a contemporary jeweler and artist, is known for her expansive ideas and sense of humor around what jewelry and art can be  a fake cockroach, live flowers, pierced and airbrushed keys. Juarez, artist and founder of Tlaloc Studios, creates transformative paintings that he once described as making portals. To collaborate felt like the most organic thing in the world  something they didnt even consciously decide to do but happened magnetically. (Juarez and Trevino met when he modeled a piece she made for a Lujo Depot campaign.)

The idea sprouted during one of their studio visits. Trevino got a closer look at Juarezs process, namely the special gravel mixture he uses as a base layer on his paintings as a thing of the city  a nod to L.A.'s architecture of heavily stuccoed buildings and popcorn ceilings. "There's this aesthetic that is kind of a language that has been woven in between a lot of our peers that has to do with the architecture, the landscape of Los Angeles, Juarez says. It just becomes super reminiscent of our childhood and how we grew up. For Juarez, the gravel also serves as a symbolic reference to his ancestors and their use of adobe.

Trevinos wheels started turning. What else could they put this gravel on to come up with accessories that look incredibly heavy but are actually lightweight yet sturdy? The idea [was] using this substrate, this dirt to create something really beautiful, to create structure, Juarez says. We're making sunglasses, we're making purses, we're making objects, and we're making them out of this land, which is super beautiful.

Juarez made Trevino a special batch and she started experimenting with it, putting it on contemporary, pop-culture jewelry like bamboo hoops and adding her Trevino-touches, like cubic zirconia. Its so interesting, because its a typical bamboo earring  it's not that expensive  but that's also what we're playing with by adding this artwork to it," Trevino says. "You can frame these earrings. I think its something that can exist on your body or that can exist [on its own].

She made a sculpture of an Olmec head wearing earrings, tooth charms and a septum piercing that had a raver vibe and is one of the most important pieces in the collection, Trevino says, almost like a physical symbol of their collaboration: It was our baby. They photographed it and put it on a T-shirt for the collection, which also includes the sunglasses, the bamboo earrings, a purse and a number of one-of-one sculptural objects. But really, theyre treating every piece in this collection as sculpture. They're just sculptures for your body, Trevino says.

More than anything, the collection is a time capsule. Its also capturing a moment in time, Trevino says. I think it's so beautiful what's happening in L.A. I nourish all my artist friends, and so I think coming together like that, making a piece together, for me, it's so beautiful. Later on, this piece can exist and can tell our story  what was happening between us. It's a little piece of time that a person could keep.

Creative direction and styling: Georgina Trevino



Photography: Max Alo



Production and styling assistant: Marissa Channing



Hair: Jocelyn Vega



Makeup: Maya Nakara



Location: Tlaloc Studios

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Joe Amrine was released 20 years ago from a Missouri prison after spending more than 16 years on death row, at times coming within hours of execution for a murder he did not commit.

He lives in Kansas City, where he grew up, and is celebrating two decades of freedom on Friday.

Hes been able to enjoy time with his son and six grandchildren  five girls and one boy  who range in age from 12 to 26.

Im loving it, said Amrine, now 66.

In 1985, Amrine was more than halfway through a 15-year sentence for robbing a Safeway store with an unloaded gun when another prisoner, Gary Fox Barber, was stabbed to death at the Missouri State Penitentiary in Jefferson City.

Based on the word of three other prisoners  at times dubious testimony that has led to other wrongful convictions in Missouri  Amrine, who is Black, was found guilty the next year of first-degree murder. He was sentenced to death by an all-white jury.

During his 6,043 days on death row, Amrine himself faced execution four times. His case illustrated what lawyers describe as the historical callousness of the Missouri Attorney Generals Office, which argued in 2003 that Amrine should be executed even if the states highest court found him innocent. Instead, Amrine was exonerated and released at age 46.

His life since July 28, 2003, has not been easy. At times he has struggled financially and emotionally. But in April, he got a cleaning job at Kauffman Stadium, where he makes $16 an hour, the highest wage he has ever earned.

Im liking it, he said Friday. Im cleaning bathrooms, but its a job.

Joe Amrine checks messages as he gets ready for work Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2021. This day is his 65th birthday, which means he is eligible for Medicare. Amrine spent 17 years on death row and was exonerated in 2003. Without job skills or being eligible for benefits, he has struggled.

Amrine has also had speaking engagements, where he has shared his story and spoken out against the death penalty.

Since 1989, Missouri has executed 96 prisoners, including ones with claims of innocence. Four have been exonerated and released from death row. Amrine told The Star he does not like those odds.

Im a perfect example, he said. I could have been executed. Our systems not perfect.

Story continues

A fundraiser has been started for Amrine by the group Missourians to Abolish the Death Penalty. Amrines supporters say he continues to face financial burdens and lives in a house without running water.

Prisoners who are guilty and get paroled receive more resources than an innocent person who is exonerated, Amrine noted.

While Missouri has a compensation law, its so narrow that most exonerees, including Amrine, do not qualify. Earlier this month, Gov. Mike Parson vetoed a bill that would have expanded restitution.

He should be executed?

Amrine was freed after the three prisoners who testified against him at trial recanted and admitted they lied for their own benefit.

But the Missouri Attorney Generals Office  which has fought just about every wrongful conviction claim to come before it in recent memory, including Kevin Stricklands in Jackson County  argued that Amrine should be executed in the name of finality.

Are you suggesting ... even if we find that Mr. Amrine is actually innocent, he should be executed? Laura Denvir Stith, a state Supreme Court justice, asked of Assistant Attorney General Frank Jung in February 2003.

Jung responded: Thats correct, your honor.

Amrine prevailed and went home.

After his release from prison in 2003, Joe Amrine, right, was greeted by his sisters Renee, center, and Marva.

In a story three days after he was exonerated, a Star reporter wrote, He says hes like a man living a dream.

At the same time, Amrine had trouble sleeping and was unfamiliar with items such as remote controls and cordless phones.

He has relied on a food pantry and has had his water and electricity cut off for weeks at a time. He suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and survivors guilt. He hoped it would get better with time  it hasnt.

This year, the Missouri General Assembly passed a bill that would have allowed more people exonerated by the courts to receive restitution, though it would not have been retroactive.

Only wrongfully convicted people who were cleared by DNA evidence are eligible for payments from the state.

The measure would have increased the amount of money owed to the wrongly convicted from a yearly cap of $36,500 to $65,000.

When Parson vetoed the bill, he argued that Missouri should not pay for prosecutorial errors at the local level.

But that is how it works in other states that provide compensation, experts say. Some innocence attorneys called the rationale bogus because state investigators at prisons and the AGs office have wrongly convicted Missourians.

The whole rationale just doesnt hold water, said Kansas City-based lawyer Kent Gipson, adding that Amrines wrongful conviction was squarely the fault of (the Department of Corrections).

As Amrine reflected Friday, he said, The Lord aint through with me.

Thats what gets me up everyday ... Im not no hold-me-down religious person but I believe in God and my point is that if God was through with me, Id be dead. Until then, he aint through with me. Thats what gets me up in the morning, thats what makes me feel good.
Joe Rogan and a guest on his top-ranked Spotify podcast suggested in a July 2023 episode that US nuclear tests captured on video were faked, arguing that cameras could not sustain the forces that blew up model houses, cars and electrical structures. This is false; the Cold War-era experiments used film setups built to withstand atomic blasts and radiation, experts told AFP.

"Boy, that does look fake," Rogan said as billionaire venture capitalist Marc Andreessen rolled tape of nuclear test explosions during a July 19, 2023 episode of "The Joe Rogan Experience," which reaches millions of listeners.

Rogan's response came after Andreessen floated a conspiracy theory about experiments the United States conducted to expand its nuclear arsenal after detonating two atomic bombs over Japan during World War II.

Screenshot from Spotify taken July 28, 2023

"You've seen all the grainy footage of nuclear test blasts," Andreessen said. "Well, there's always been a conspiracy theory that those were all basically fabricated at this facility, that those bombs actually were never detonated. Basically, the US military was basically faking these bomb tests to freak out the Russians."

Asked how the explosions were faked, Andreessen told Rogan: "So, what happened to the camera? How is that happening yet the camera is like totally stable and fine? And by the way, the film is fine. The radiation didn't cause any damage to the film."

Acknowledging the theories could be false, Andreessen said the footage may have involved miniature, table-top models or been "faked at Lookout Mountain," a former California-based military installation that produced films and photos documenting nuclear tests.

Videos from Rogan's podcast rocketed across YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and other platforms in the days after the episode's release, with one TikTok clip drawing more than 7.4 million views. The post's caption: "Did The United States Fake These Nuclear Test Videos?"

Story continues

Other posts have gone further, claiming atomic bombs themselves are fake.

Screenshot from TikTok taken July 28, 2023

Screenshot from Instagram taken July 28, 2023

The discourse comes as moviegoers flock to see "Oppenheimer," a blockbuster about American physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer, who was pivotal in the development of nuclear weapons.

But the history of atomic photography is well documented. More than half a dozen experts told AFP the Cold War-era tests were not faked -- they were recorded with equipment built to withstand nuclear blasts.

"The type of film used was very slow and not very sensitive to radiation, yet these cameras still needed a couple of inches of lead around them," said Peter Kuran, author of "How to Photograph an Atomic Bomb." "The camera setups were designed to stay in place and handle the blast pressure."

Alex Wellerstein, a nuclear historian at the Stevens Institute of Technology in New Jersey, told AFP he has seen conspiracy theories about the test footage circulating online for some time.

"To imagine this conspiracy to be true is to imagine that essentially all scientists in the world are in on it, and none have bothered -- for any reason -- to dispute it. It is stupid," he said.

"It is also offensive. There are people who were deeply injured by the use and testing of nuclear weapons."

AFP contacted Spotify for comment, but no response was forthcoming.

How nuclear tests were documented

After dropping atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki during World War II, killing hundreds of thousands of Japanese people, the United States entered an arms race with the Soviet Union.

Testing was needed to ensure new designs detonated properly. Many experiments in the 1950s took place in a stretch of desert north of Las Vegas, Nevada known as the Nevada Test Site.

The compilation displayed on a recording of Rogan's podcast includes footage from two tests at the Nevada Test Site, Kuran and other experts said.

One of the blasts shows Annie, a test that was part of Operation Upshot-Knothole, on March 17, 1953 (archived here). Other clips show Apple-2, conducted under Operation Teapot on May 5, 1955 (archived here and here).

Both tests involved mock American cities -- so-called "doom towns" complete with houses, automobiles, paved streets and mannequins -- to gauge the weapons' impact on civilians.

Kuran said crews employed 35mm cameras for the Annie test and 16mm cameras for Apple-2. Alan Carr, a senior historian at Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico, which was instrumental to the first atomic bomb's development and first led by Oppenheimer, said exterior cameras were stationed "beyond the blast radius."

For Operation Teapot, remotely operated cameras were mounted on towers 10 or 18 feet tall (about three or five meters) and positioned 2,750 to 10,500 feet (about 838 to 3,200 meters) away from ground zero, according to a 1955 report (archived here).

The towers -- which used 8-inch (about 20 cm) steel poles sunk into concrete bases -- steadied the cameras and helped them film over rising dust clouds, said James Stemm, curator of the National Museum of Nuclear Science and History in New Mexico. Atop the towers, lead-lined steel encasings and armored glass also guarded the technology against radiation fogging.

A photo provided to AFP shows an aluminum building damaged by a nuclear blast on May 5, 1955 in Operation Teapot. In the foreground is an armored camera tower set up to record the effects of the explosion National Museum of Nuclear Science and History

The cameras themselves were "more rugged than a normal movie camera," having been originally developed as gun cameras for fighter planes during World War II, Stemm said.

Some cameras were also set up inside the "doom town" structures.

In footage from Operation Teapot that Kuran restored on his YouTube channel (archived here), an internal camera can be seen illuminated and operating after the house is demolished.

Still, despite the precautions, Kuran told AFP that dust obstruction remained a problem -- and not every camera made it through the tests.

Disappearing car?

Andreessen and Rogan claimed one video -- a shot of the Annie test -- shows a vehicle suddenly appearing behind a house moments before the explosion, suggesting the blast footage was faked.

Screenshot from Spotify taken July 28, 2023

But Wellerstein of the Stevens Institute of Technology told AFP this may be attributable to "muddy footage" from YouTube.

"Things like 'magically appearing cars' are artifacts of the lighting and poor compression of the footage," he said.

Another explanation, according to the Nuclear Testing Archive's Rishikesh Shukla, is that the video in question may have spliced together an "establishing shot" of the house with footage of the blast.

"The car was likely not in place at the time establishing shots were filmed and was in place when the test happened," Shukla said.

Tests were documented

People across the United States tuned in to watch experiments at the Nevada Test Site, while journalists and other observers witnessed the detonations in person.

An estimated eight million TV viewers watched Annie live, according to the US Department of Energy (archived here). A hill far from the blasts, known as "News Nob," provided a lookout spot for journalists such as CBS News anchor Walter Cronkite (archived here).

Research has also uncovered health effects on communities living "downwind" from the Nevada Test Site.

"We have global evidence of nuclear testing through the radioactive effluents they released," Wellerstein said.

AFP has fact-checked other misinformation stemming from Rogan's podcast here and here.
The federal judge overseeing Hunter Bidens federal criminal case on Friday ordered attorneys to raise issues with her chambers, not the court clerk, after bizarre accusations of impersonation.

U.S. District Judge Maryellen Noreika earlier in the week threatened sanctions, accusing an employee at a law firm representing Biden of apparently misrepresenting their identity to the clerks office during a phone call.

Bidens legal team has insisted it is all a misunderstanding. The employee submitted under penalty of perjury that they did not deceive anyone, suggesting the clerks office perhaps instead made a mistake.

Noreika, a Trump appointee, ordered on Friday that any issues or inquiries in the case shall be brought to my attention and not to the Clerks Office.

The Clerks Office for this Court is staffed by many hardworking and dedicated employees, she wrote. They are often the public face of this Court and must address many different, and often difficult, issues on any given day. Their jobs are not always easy, but they do these jobs well. They have earned my trust and my respect. I will not tolerate or countenance them being ill-used, disrespected or lied to.

The unusual developments arose out of a last-minute attempt by a House committee chairman to block Bidens plea agreement ahead of a Wednesday hearing.

House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (R-Mo.) filed documents urging the judge to consider recent testimony to Congress by IRS whistleblowers, who alleged Biden received preferential treatment, before accepting the deal.

Noreika ultimately delayed approval of Bidens plea deal at the hearing, a sudden twist that saw the judge questioning the agreement on other grounds.

Bidens legal team had accused Smith of including private social security and grand jury information in the document, which was filed publicly. An employee at a firm representing Biden who is not a practicing attorney called the clerks office seeking to have the document removed, according to court filings.

Story continues

Hours later, the judge accused the employee of pretending to call from Smiths law firm. The employee, under penalty of perjury, said she had identified herself and suggested the mistaken perception possibly occurred when the request was passed along to another court employee.

The judges Friday order also took aim at Smiths attorney for posting publicly an email from the clerks office supporting the impersonation accusations. The email was later refiled with redactions, according to the docket.

[C]ounsel for the House Ways and Means Committee needlessly included on the public docket an email from a Clerks Office staff member that contained her personal contact information, Noreika wrote.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The first three weeks of July have been so warm that its almost certain the month will become the hottest ever recorded, the World Meteorological Organization announced Thursday.

Last month was the hottest June ever.

Record-breaking temperatures are part of the trend of drastic increases in global temperatures, Carlo Buontempo, the director of the Copernicus Climate Change Service, said in a news release, adding that human-caused emissions are the main driver of rising temperatures.

Copernicus, part of the European Unions space program, performs satellite observations of Earth. The new monthly record is based on climate reanalysis data, which combines on-the-ground observations, satellite data and climate modeling to produce estimates of temperatures across the Earth that date back decades. The approach fills gaps in the observational record, and it is used by scientists worldwide to evaluate the impacts of climate change.

Global daily surface air temperature (C) from January 1940 to July 2023, plotted as time series for each year. 2023 and 2016 are shown with thick lines shaded in bright red and dark red, respectively. (World Meteorological Organization)

The data says global mean temperatures on Earths surface were just above 62.5 degrees Fahrenheit through Sunday, exceeding the previous high of 61.9 degrees from July 2019.

The Biden administration announced Thursday that it had directed the Department of Labor to focus on heat injuries in the workplace. The department issued a heat hazard alert Thursday to remind employers of their obligations.

"We wanted to make sure that all workers understood the dangers of extreme heat, and that employers understood their obligations to help prevent injury, illness and fatalities," Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su told NBC News.

Su said she was hopeful the alert would prompt employers to collaborate with workers on better heat policies and also encourage workers to report violations.

The department plans to accelerate its enforcement of heat-safety violations in American workplaces and to perform more inspections in industries like construction and agriculture.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, which is part of the Labor Department, began developing new heat standards in 2022.

Story continues

"We believe that a clear standard on heat is very, very important, given climate change. And given the realities that workers face, and that's why we're working on that process," Su said.

The new heat rule could take years to finalize and implement, experts have said. Congressional Democrats called for interim regulations on Thursday as a prolonged heat wave continues across the south.

Employees have a general duty to protect employees from known hazards, including heat. Su said OSHA has completed more than 2,600 investigations on heat in the workplace since April 2022.

"The dangers of extreme heat are not just for outdoor workers," Su said. "There's also indoor heat hazards. We see them in warehouses we see them for janitors who are cleaning in hot buildings, even the inside of airplanes can become over 100 degrees given the temperatures that we have right now."

The Southwest U.S. and southern Europe have experienced concurrent, historic heat waves this July that would have been virtually impossible if not for climate change, according to a recent attribution study led by scientists who study the probability of extreme weather events. A third heat wave in China would have been an extremely unlikely event if not for global warming, the group found.

Extreme weather has made headlines all summer in the U.S. The country has endured a summer of smoke from record-setting Canadian wildfires, flood-causing bouts of extreme precipitation in the Northeast and hot tub temperatures along the Florida coastline.

The extreme weather which has affected many millions of people in July is unfortunately the harsh reality of climate change and a foretaste of the future, World Meteorological Organization Secretary-General Petteri Taalas said in a news release.

CORRECTION (July 27, 2023, 3:21 p.m. ET): A previous version of this article misstated the name of the group behind Thursdays announcement. It is the World Meteorological Organization, not the World Meteorological Association.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Sen. Dianne Feinstein had to be reminded to just say aye Thursday when the 90-year-old Democrat appeared confused during a vote in the Senate Appropriations Committee and launched into a speech instead. (See the video below.)

Californias longtime senior senator, who earlier this year was absent from the chamber for three months due to an illness and complications from the shingles virus, sailed into a speech on the defense appropriations bill after Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) nudged her for a response on the vote.

Say aye. Aye. Just say Murray said.

I would like to support a yes vote on this. It provides $823 billion, Feinstein said. Thats an increase of $26 billion for the Department of Defense, and it funds priorities submitted

An aide rushed to Feinsteins side to whisper to her before Murray spoke up again.

Just say aye, Murray said.

OK, just said Feinstein as she turned to Murray, who was seated to her left.

Aye, Murray repeated, prompting a chuckle from the California Democrat.

Aye, Feinstein finally said.

Asked to vote on the defense appropriations bill, Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) begins giving a speech: I would like to support a yes vote on this. It provides 



Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA): Just say aye. pic.twitter.com/Gw2eZ9rEMv  The Recount (@therecount) July 27, 2023

A Feinstein spokesperson told Fox News that the committee was trying to complete all of its appropriations bills before the August recess  adding that it was a little chaotic and senators were constantly switching back and forth between statements, votes, and debate and the order of bills.

The senator was preoccupied, didnt realize debate had just ended and a vote was called. She started to give a statement, was informed it was a vote and then cast her vote, the spokesperson said.

Story continues

Feinstein, who has been in the Senate for three decades, returned from her monthslong absence back in May.

She has since faced doubts about her ability to serve.

Half of respondents in a poll of registered California voters said Feinstein should resign, while two-thirds agreed that her health concerns underline the fact that she is no longer fit to continue serving in the U.S. Senate, according to the Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies.

A day earlier, another member of Senate leadership, 81-year-old Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), froze up during a press conference, prompting questions from reporters about his health. In March, he was hospitalized for a fall in which he suffered a concussion and broken ribs.

McConnell, who has been in Congress since 1985, later said he was fine, and an aide stated the senator felt light headed and stepped away for a moment.

Both incidents this week have sparkedconcern over the United States aging political leadership.

Todays class of U.S. lawmakers has a median age of 59, making it among the oldest such groups in history, according to an analysis by The Washington Post. The average age of lawmakers has also increased in both the House and the Senate since 2000, according to data from FiveThirtyEight.

Related...
The Milwaukee Journal published this cartoon by William (Bill) Sanders on April 14, 1987. The newspapers mid-1980s reporting on debtors prisons in Milwaukee prompted an overhaul that expanded alternatives for low-income people who struggled to pay civil fines.

This story is part of a collaboration between Wisconsin Watch, Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service and The Appeal.

Four decades ago, a newspaper investigation described Milwaukees municipal legal system as cash register justice. Thousands of impoverished residents with mental health or substance use issues languished in county jails due to unpaid civil violation fines, costing taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Responding to the outcry from The Milwaukee Journals 1985 investigation, the city stopped automatically jailing residents who failed to pay civil fines and expanded its Court Alternatives Program. As a result, Milwaukee sent people like Sue Eckhart to court, where they could help low-income residents and those with mental health problems by offering alternatives to incarceration.

Eckhart has managed the alternatives program for decades, providing assessments, screenings, and referrals to treatments or community service for those facing civil violations, such as illegal parking or loitering. Since 2015, the programs vendor, currently JusticePoint Inc., has served 705 people with mental health issues, 80% of whom resolved their cases without paying a fine, wrote Eckhart, the organizations program director, in an email to Wisconsin Watch, Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service and The Appeal. The nonprofit says its served 11,000 clients during the last eight years.

Although the organizations providing those services changed over time, the core staff  Eckhart and her colleagues  stayed put. But in May, Eckhart suffered a gut punch when the city terminated her organizations contract before it expired in 2024. Officials provided little explanation as to why and did not line up another vendor to take over what many see as vital work to curb mass incarceration.

I never saw that coming at all, Eckhart said.

In a last-ditch effort to seek answers, JusticePoint sued the city on July 10  a day before the citys cancellation took effect. A Milwaukee County Circuit Court judge quickly granted a temporary restraining order, allowing JusticePoints services to continue as the dispute unfolds in court.

Story continues

But the prospect of eliminating  and not replacing  JusticePoints services has stirred confusion and deep concerns among those serving some of Milwaukees most vulnerable residents.

At a time when numerous states and cities are taking steps to reduce pretrial detention, advocates in Milwaukee say attempting to halt the citys court alternatives program is a step in reverse.

It is shocking that Milwaukee Municipal Court would suddenly cancel the contract for such an invaluable program, wrote a coalition of 24 local organizations in May after the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel first reported the citys plans. They added that the court had provided no information on what would happen to the hundreds of people JusticePoint currently serves.

One of JusticePoints clients is Quintin Walls, a 42-year-old father of six, who owed $100 for a civil violation. He has received services from the organization three times now, starting when he received parking tickets while living in his car. Over the years, the organization connected him to community service to pay off his fines and to resources that led him to secure housing.

The coalition urged the mayor and the citys Common Council to save the program, but officials say neither has control over the contract. The council funds but does not oversee the program, allocating $487,000 for JusticePoints services this year.

Two Municipal Court judges, Phil Chavez and Valarie Hill, recommended terminating the contract before a third judge, Molly Gena, was elected in April, city officials said during a June Common Council subcommittee meeting. It would have been illegal and unenforceable if the council had directed the court to rescind the termination notice, Assistant City Attorney Kathryn Block said at the subcommittee meeting.

Jonathan Brostoff, who represents the citys east side, called the courts decision fishy and quite troubling.

Brostoff and Michael Murphy, who represents Milwaukees west side, later told Wisconsin Watch they were concerned about the courts lack of transparency.

Court officials declined to answer questions from Wisconsin Watch, Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service and The Appeal, citing the pending lawsuit.

A spokesperson for Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson declined to comment for this story, but added that Johnson was not involved in any decision-making regarding the contract.

Nick Sayner, JusticePoints co-founder and chief executive officer, said hes troubled by the lack of transparency from officials.

The courts silence and the citys silence tells you that you should be concerned that theres something else going on here, Sayner said.

Judges lost faith in JusticePoint

Judges Chavez and Hill told Chief Court Administrator Sheldyn Himle they lost faith in JusticePoint over the longstanding practice of sharing citations with attorneys at Legal Action of Wisconsin, a nonprofit that provides free legal services to people with low incomes, according to a May 15 email between Sayner and Himle.

The city attorneys office had advised JusticePoint to share citations during pilot phases of a program to help people with low incomes find legal representation, Sayner wrote to Himle.

It is not clear to me how we were to know we should have ceased this activity prior to receiving your feedback, Sayner wrote. Once we were notified by your office to end this activity, we stopped providing that information immediately.

Sayner also told Himle that JusticePoint hadnt received broader feedback from the court for several years, but was open to it as long as the programs principles remained consistent.

Legal Action of Wisconsin attorneys were not aware of any past issues with sharing citations, said Susan Lund, an attorney with the nonprofit. Her firm receives identical copies of citations through police department open records requests and said she did not know why JusticePoints information sharing would be a problem.

(Legal Action of Wisconsin separately sued the Municipal Court in July, alleging the court failed to record hearings on judgments and case reopenings as required by state law.)

In a May 15 letter, the citys purchasing department informed Sayner it was terminating JusticePoints contract, effective July 11. JusticePoint had not delivered unspecified possible solutions following a May 5 meeting, the letter said.

Eckhart, whose office sits on the second floor of the Municipal Court building, said she was mortified upon learning the news.

Oh, my God, what are our clients going to do? she said she thought.

The city terminated the contract under a convenience clause, rather than for cause, allowing it to be canceled for any reason as long as the city gave JusticePoint 10-days written notice. If it had terminated for cause the city would have had to give JusticePoint 30 days to fix any alleged deficiencies.

At no point was JusticePoint informed that failure to respond with possible solutions would result in the termination of the contract, Sayner and fellow co-founder Edward Gordon wrote to the purchasing division.

Plan to replace JusticePoints services is unclear

Speaking at a June subcommittee meeting, Himle said the court planned to continue the Court Alternatives Program without JusticePoint. She did not clearly answer how that would happen without a new contractor.

The judges have made some decisions on how to continue as best they can through referrals they may make, Himle said.

James Gramling, Jr., a retired Municipal Court judge, said it was unreasonable to expect judges to make such assessments from the bench, particularly in cases unfolding on Zoom.

The judges seem to think theyre going to be able to identify from the bench people that have addiction, mental health issues and refer them to some agency. Good luck with that  its not workable, Gramling said.

As a judge, Gramling would assess the needs of defendants and then rely on one of Eckharts case workers to perform a full screening outside of the courtroom, Grambling detailed in a letter to the Common Council. Defendants would often be directed to perform community service or receive counseling or treatment.

Many thousands of people are processed without individual treatment by the court, Gramling wrote. And many of those defendants are disadvantaged members within our community: the poor, those addicted to drugs and alcohol, those suffering from mental health issues.

Nearly 60% of JusticePoint participants participate in community service. The programs alcohol and substance abuse program serves more than 90% of participants, as do its mental health services, according to the city budget.

Gena, the newest of the three Municipal Court judges, said terminating JusticePoints contract would make her job a lot harder. Speaking at the June meeting, the former Legal Action of Wisconsin managing attorney said she could order people to pay fines but cant address root causes that will send many people back to court.

It was indicated that maybe the other judges have a plan  I dont, she said.

JusticePoints lawsuit argues termination lacked good cause

In its lawsuit, JusticePoint argues the city violated the Wisconsin Fair Dealership law, which protects dealers  typically business owners  whose economic livelihood could be imperiled by grantors, who, through a contract, grants dealers the ability to sell or distribute goods or services. The law prohibits a grantor from terminating a relationship with a dealer without good cause, proper notice and the ability to fix any issue at hand.

The City seeks to terminate  abruptly, unilaterally, and without good cause  JusticePoints relationship with the City, the lawsuit argues. Worse yet, the City has not contracted with another vendor to provide these critical services to the people of Milwaukee.

The Circuit Court granted JusticePoint a temporary restraining order to maintain its contract as the case plays out. A hearing on that order is scheduled for Oct. 5.

Thank you for being so kind to me

Eckhart has collected countless stories of people her colleagues have helped over the decades. She recalled one man who bathed in a pond outside of the Municipal Court building and had racked up many citations while struggling with alcoholism. Eckharts team connected him to a treatment service and resolved his tickets.

She said she later saw him with frostbite on his feet during the winter and gave him a pair of heavy socks. He later returned to thank the team.

And Ill never forget that, Eckhart said.

Then there was Theodora Athans, whose photo appeared in The Milwaukee Journals 1985 Justice Denied series that revealed how the court created debtors prisons within Milwaukee Countys criminal justice system.

Athans lived with schizophrenia and the Milwaukee County Circuit Court found her to be a danger to herself.

But Eckhart said her team found Athans housing and the woman later volunteered for the alternatives program.

Thank you for being so kind to me, Eckhart recalled Athans later saying when Eckhart visited her while she was sick in the hospital.

The people we help, I dont think would get help anywhere else, Eckhart said, and thats the part that bothers me.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: JusticePoint gives incarceration alternatives in Milwaukee; may be cut
Kansas City police on Friday identified the semi truck driver killed in a fiery wreck on Interstate 435 as 52-year-old Tony Wyman as authorities continued to search for a pickup truck believed to have contributed to the crash.

Firefighters and police officers were dispatched around 8:45 a.m. Thursday to the crash site in the eastbound lanes of I-435 near Interstate 470 in south Kansas City. They came upon a fully engulfed cab of a semi, driven by Wyman, that had struck a Honda sedan while pulling two trailers.

Wyman was pronounced dead at the scene. The other driver was uninjured, police said.

Investigators determined that a pickup truck had dropped debris from its bed onto the highway. After swerving to avoid a collision, police say Wyman hit the Honda and crashed into a guard rail.

As of Friday afternoon, Kansas City police had yet to locate the pickup truck or its driver, Capt. Corey Carlisle, a department spokesman, said in a statement. Investigators were seeking a better description of the vehicle from witnesses, Carlisle said.

Kansas City police were asking anyone with information to contact traffic investigators at 816-482-8298 or the TIPS Hotline anonymously at 816-474-TIPS.

The Stars Andrea Klick contributed to this report.
When Timothy Tarkelly joined the Neosho County Democratic Party, he said he quickly found the group to be "in shambles."

While Tarkelly was appointed treasurer, triggering a mandate that he handle the filing of the group's campaign finance reports, he stepped down days later from his role after he said party leadership wouldn't even grant him access to their financial records.

Nonetheless, a failure to file a campaign finance report put him on the radar of the Kansas Governmental Ethics Commission. While Tarkelly said he notified party leadership of the letters he got from the agency warning him that he hadn't filed the requisite reports, he said he disregarded the notices because he didn't believe he did anything wrong.

Because of this, Tarkelly asked the KGEC to waive his fine  something that isn't uncommon.

Often, if a person incurs a low-level violation of the state's campaign finance or lobbying laws  such as filing the required reports late or not at all  they will do what Tarkelly did and ask the Ethics Commission to waive or lower the fine associated with that offense.

The Kansas Governmental Ethics Commission can waive fines for not filing reports  but some worry the process lacks transparency.

While some factors, such as an illness or an inability to pay the fine, almost always result in a waived or reduced fee, other times relatively similar cases see disparate outcomes. There is no formal regulation governing when the Ethics Commission should waive a fine  Tarkelly, for instance, did not receive one.

Now, the agency is taking a look at its policies to ensure it remains fair. It comes after a meeting earlier this year where members of the commission said they wanted to search for a more standardized process in determining who should get a fee waiver and who should not after the body opted to reduce the penalties for some individuals  but not others.

"It feels like a personal preference or beauty pageant sort of approach as to whether something is waived or something is not," said Christopher Burger, a commission member appointed by House Speaker Dan Hawkins. "Which provides no guidance to staff, no guidance to the people we serve. ... It needs to either be a big deal or not."

Story continues

Ethics Commission looks to streamline fine appeals for Kansans

Commission members have said the current system stems from a desire to educate individuals about the state's laws, rather than immediately looking to levy the maximum punishment.

Campaigns and political action committees must file regular reports about their spending and fundraising activities, as do local and state political parties. Registered lobbyists, meanwhile, must also disclose their activities to the Ethics Commission.

If an individual fails to file those reports or does not do so in a timely manner, they can face fines of up to $1,000 for candidates or their treasurers, or $300 for lobbyists.

Between 2019 and 2022, KGEC data shows that 156 individuals requested a waiver from civil penalties for failing to file required reports. Of those, 83  a little over half  were granted a full waiver and an additional 42 received a partial reduction in the fine amount. Only 20% were rejected outright.

Unlike other states, Kansas does not require a particular form be submitted to outline why an individual is seeking a waiver, though the reasons will generally be articulated via email or letter. Documentation of illness, natural disaster or other reasons also is not required.

This has led, executive director Mark Skoglund acknowledged, to a model that is more lenient than seen elsewhere. The Federal Elections Commission, for instance, has very few circumstances in which they will waive a penalty for failing to file a required report or filing a report late.

Members expressed an interest in outlining a clear list of factors that would be considered for a waiver  and those that would not.

"When it comes to the penalty phase, mitigating circumstances are something we need to take into consideration," said Mark Schoenhofer, a commission member appointed by Senate President Ty Masterson. "But make it easy to understand, make it clear up front so it isnt the same excuse of, Geez, I didnt know."

More: Gov. Laura Kelly signs compromise bill to change Ethics Commission subpoenas, procedures

Others wanted to ensure that the commission didn't become too stringent in how it meted out the law.

"My concern is we would become too rigid and maybe not as understanding of some particular circumstances," said Patricia Dengler, a commission member appointed by Gov. Laura Kelly. "I think there needs to be a catch-all category because none of us certainly would have anticipated the problems that would have come under the COVID circumstances."

Determining who gets a waiver isn't always a straightforward decision.

Also on the agenda was the case of Eugene Bradley, who registered as a lobbyist for the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of Kansas, a volunteer position that he said he was not compensated for. The group did not expend any money lobbying, Bradley said, and he sought a waiver for $1,000 in fines he incurred for not filing a report earlier this year.

But Skoglund also noted Bradley inquired about the matter shortly after the deadline, something that indicated he was aware of the requirement, but ultimately didn't file until 13 days later.

The commission ultimately dropped the fine to $250 after 15 minutes of debate and a quip from Burger.

"Id hate for him to be 16 degrees off on his artillery fire," he said.

This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Kansas Governmental Ethics Commission may revamp fine waiver process
Kansas this month legalized test strips that can detect two drugs commonly used to facilitate sexual assaults, but sexual assault prevention groups have cautioned against viewing the newly legal tool as a key measure to stop assaults.

The tool, commonly a paper pad, will change color if a drink containing ketamine or gamma-hydroxybutyrate is dropped on it. Theyre designed to be used at bars or parties to verify a drink hasnt been unknowingly spiked.

Because the drugs it detects are illegal, Kansas law considered the detecting strips to be illegal drug paraphernalia until this month.

When lawmakers acted earlier this year to lift the states strict ban on testing strips for fentanyl, a dangerous synthetic opioid, they also lifted the prohibition on testing strips for the date rape drugs.

But despite their newfound legality, the strips are unlikely to become ubiquitous across the state. Major pharmacies do not sell the strips in person.

And sexual assault prevention organizations do not have immediate plans to purchase and distribute the strips on a wide basis, citing caution about their effectiveness for preventing sexual assault.

We caution folks about viewing the test strips as a preventative tool because it isnt necessarily a strategy that targets the appropriate party, said Michelle McCormick, executive director of the Kansas Coalition against Sexual and Domestic Violence.

We really think the emphasis should remain on the folks who need to be held accountable who perpetrate and use these drugs in order to commit sexual assault.

Lawmakers who approved the policy said that legalizing these tools alongside fentanyl test strips was common sense.

Rep. Brenda Landwehr, a Wichita Republican, said the policy would be worth it if it saved even a single life or prevented one rape.

Legalizing the test strips

Kansas criminal statutes on drug possession classified testing strips for illicit drugs as drug paraphernalia and could carry a misdemeanor or felony offense. Because ketamine and gamma-hydroxybutyrate were illegal their testing strips were considered paraphernalia, regardless of the reason a person possessed them.

Story continues

Ed Klumpp, a lobbyist for the Kansas Sheriffs Association and Kansas Association of Chiefs of Police, said his members were not aware of any instances in which criminal charges were sought because of the date rape strips.

They would use them once in a while for probable cause, or theyd find them in a search for drugs, Klumpp said. But they werent ever charging for them.

Legalization of strips for the date rape drugs were included in Senate bill 174, a law that legalized test strips for fentanyl and increased penalties for production of the synthetic opioid.

Klumpp said he believed the legalization would clear the door to sale and distribution of the strips within Kansas.

Paula Mitchell, a victim advocate at Bright House, a survivor support center in Hutchinson, testified on behalf of the legalization. Mitchell was the victim of these drugs in the 1990s and spoke about watching a man slip something into her 21-year-old daughters drink.

Predators use these drugs to trap and immobilize their victims, Mitchell said in written testimony.

Where to buy tests

Currently, the test strips are not sold in person at pharmacies in Kansas.

Lance Norris, the owner of Drink Safe Technologies, which manufactures several of these test strips, said he is working on a deal with a distributor to put his product in stores across the country.

Norris sells online and does a lot of business with law enforcement and universities that purchase his product to hand out to residents.

Various brands of test strips can be purchased on Amazon or directly from manufacturers.

The strips have been available for online purchase for years. Morris said he has often shipped test strips to Kansas, fully unaware of the state law that banned them.

Limits as a prevention tool

McCormick, executive director of the Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence, said she appreciated the Legislatures recognition of sexual assault as a problem. But she said the newly legal strips were not likely to be a major piece of the coalitions prevention strategy.

At this point, McCormick said, none of the coalitions members have developed plans to purchase and distribute the tests. Those members include domestic violence shelters and sexual assault prevention and support centers across the state.

If individual survivors would feel safer to have tests, McCormick said, she has no issue with helping them obtain them.

But emphasizing the tests as a prevention strategy, McCormick said, runs the risk of shifting the burden of preventing assault to potential victims.

If someone failed to test their drink does it become their fault? What if the test doesnt work? Or what if a drug was slipped into a drink that wasnt one of the two substances the tests detect?

It might prevent one person from consuming a drug that would incapacitate them but just because someone doesnt have a test strip and doesnt use them doesnt mean we should blame them, she said.

Instead, McCormick said, the coalitions focus remains on proven prevention measures focused around cultural change and bystander intervention.

Gabby Doyle, who oversees the Sexual Trauma & Abuse Care Centers SafeBar Alliance in Lawrence, said she was not expecting any changes to the program. The SafeBar Alliance partners with bars in Lawrence to train staff on prevention tactics.

We believe that folks should be empowered to know what theyre consuming if theyre using substances, Doyle said. But, the SafeBar Alliance does not focus on individual action, instead working with bar staff on bystander intervention to prevent drug facilitated sexual assault.

That work, Doyle said, is more effective in addressing the broad range of drug facilitated sexual assault which can often involve a perpetrator taking advantage of a persons state as a result of voluntarily consumed substances rather than surreptitious drugging.

While test strips are an important tool, prevention really is looking at those kind of upstream factors, and looking at how can we address these while making sure people feel safe and supported in their daily life,she said.

Legal test strips, Doyle said, are a tool in the toolbox for someone worried about their safety. But they have limitations.

If they feel like that is a protective measure we certainly want to make sure thats accessible to them, she said. Its important to recognize someone may for instance test their drink at the beginning of their evening or right when they order it and it may be clean  something could change throughout the evening.

Stephanie Foran, assistant director of Kansas State Universitys Center for Advocacy, Response and Education, said test strips have the potential to do a lot of good, but that people still need to be prepared to step in if they witness something concerning.

We need to look for each other, we need to call out the bad behavior when thats happening, she said.
A kayakers body was recovered Thursday, more than a month after falling out of a raft, the Tulare County Sheriffs Office said.

The Swifwater Rescue Team recovered the body in the Ant Canyon area of the Kern River, deputies said. Deputies were assisted by the Tulare County Fire Department and the Kern County Sheriffs Office.

The identity of the kayaker was not immediately known.

The incident took place at 5:30 p.m. June 14 after the five kayakers lost their equipment and fell out of their raft, the sheriffs office said. The kayaker became entangled in a tree in the center of the river.

The water rescue team saved four of them but were working since to recover the fifth kayaker, who had drowned, the sheriffs office said.

Several attempts were made to recover the victim, but extremely high and fast flow of the the Kern River prevented the recovery, the sheriffs office said.

The water rescue team maintained scene security since the day of the incident to monitor flows and river conditions in order to plan Thursdays recovery.
An Oldham County woman, who was charged with painting racial slurs in the driveway of her neighbors, was sentenced Thursday to nine years in prison for sending threatening mail to them in 2020, a release from the Department of Justice said.

Suzanne Craft, 54, was also given three additional years of supervised release for sending mail to an interracial couple that contained violent and racial messages between November and December 2020. She was convicted in March by a federal jury on five counts of mailing threatening communications to a family that lived in the Lake Forest neighborhood.

There is no room in civilized society for violent threats based on race," Kristen Clarke, assistant attorney general of the Justice Departments Civil Rights Division, said. "We hope that this result brings some measure of peace to victims who had to suffer through the defendants terrifying threats of racial violence.

Vanessa Cantley, attorney for Michaela and Connie Pineda, who received the letters, told The Courier Journal in 2020 that the anonymous letters contained racist slurs and bullets. Craft was served with a no-contact order in July 2020, but was found guilty of contempt of court twice since then for violating the order, court records said.

Craft was previously sentenced to seven days in jail and seven days on house arrest in those two cases, according to court records.

She was also charged in 2020 with three counts of criminal mischief and three counts of harassing communications towards the same neighbors. Cameras placed in the home of Michaela and Connie Pineda showed her painting N-word and a swastika in their driveway.

More: Lower deck of Sherman Minton Bridge could reopen in upcoming days

More: Systemic racism, Breonna Taylor and the DOJ report: a conversation with LMPD's new chief

Reach Ana Rocio Alvarez Brinez at abrinez@gannett.com; follow her on Twitter at @SoyAnaAlvarez.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Suzanne Craft sentenced to 9 years in prison
The News

NAIROBI  Cyber attackers targeted a digital platform used by Kenyas government to deliver services, the countrys technology minister said, highlighting the vulnerabilities of the system.

The attack on the e-Citizen platform in recent days caused system outages that left users unable to access a broad range of government services, ranging from passport applications to electricity payments. Some private companies were also affected.

It was an unsuccessful attempt to overload the system through extraordinary requests, with the intention of clogging it, said Eliud Owalo, cabinet secretary for information technology, in a statement on Thursday. He said technical teams had blocked the source of the requests, adding that privacy and the security of data had not been compromised.

Know More

Kenyans reported challenges accessing several services, including purchasing prepaid tokens from the Kenya Power company through M-Pesa mobile money services. Kenya Power confirmed late on Thursday that the system hitch had been resolved. The foreign affairs ministry sent out a statement indicating that the attack had impacted the processing of e-visas. It said travelers would be issued with a visa on arrival at all entry points to Kenya.

A group referring to itself as Anonymous Sudan on a Telegram channel with more than 110,000 members on Thursday claimed responsibility for the attacks. It said the attack was in protest at Kenyas alleged role in Sudans ongoing conflict.

The group issued two conditions to prevent further attacks; an official Kenyan government apology to Sudan or a ransom of $200,000 worth of bitcoin. The government has not responded to the demands.

Owalo, in a radio interview earlier in the day, said his ministry would build an elaborate risk mitigation framework to prevent future attacks.

Muchiras view

The Kenyan government has focused on digitizing its services for citizens over the last decade, since the launch of the Huduma Kenya Service Delivery Programme by former President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2013. The aim of the program was to integrate and devolve government services including access to identification and birth certificates, immigration services and business licensing.

Story continues

Government data now shows millions of Kenyans continue to access the services through the e-government platform to date, one of the more successful implementations on the continent. This is why these cyber attacks have been especially notable and impactful.

President William Ruto last month launched Gava Express, a program intended to make it even easier to access government services, particularly for those using feature phones. He said the aim was to enhance service delivery, increase revenue collection, promote transparency, and eliminate corruption.

However, with the recent attacks across several government ministries and private agencies causing simultaneous outages, this raises questions about the capacity of Kenyas cyber infrastructure to protect citizens data and withstand malicious attacks.

A report by global cybersecurity firm Trend Micro estimated that Kenya lost $36 million to cyber criminals in 2022 alone, after attacks on banks and other agencies. While this may not be entirely a unique phenomenon to Kenya, the reality is that sustained cyber attacks would be detrimental to economic progress and political stability. The government has a duty to provide access to its services and ensure that data is stored securely.
Against Shanghai's glittering river skyline, Kenzo-clad models strutted down a breezy open-air runway for the French fashion brand's first-ever show in China (Jade GAO)

Against Shanghai's glittering river skyline, Kenzo-clad models strutted down a breezy open-air runway on Friday for the French fashion brand's first-ever show in China.

The country's vast pool of consumers is critical to the luxury market, and top brands like Kenzo are turning to wooing them on their own turf as domestic high-end shopping rises.

Kenzo already operates 40 stores in mainland China, and the show is part of its policy of "reinforcing its strong commitment and growing presence in the Chinese market", a statement announcing the show said.

"Despite the slowing economy, China is sending positive signs (to design houses)," said Lisa Nan, correspondent for Jing Daily, a publication which reports on the luxury sector in the country.

Consequently, "brands are engaging with local consumers through their highest standard of presentation, runways... Consumers really appreciate these exclusive events".

On Friday, dozens of models in dark blues and pastels paraded down the riverfront catwalk that took Shanghai's Oriental Pearl Tower as a backdrop, with bemused tourists scrambling to take pictures as they sailed past on LED-lit cruise boats.

Creative director Nigo's Spring/Summer 2024 collection -- which has already shown in Paris -- was presented with small changes to underscore "a symbolic yet natural 'East Meets West' bridge", Kenzo said.

The Shanghai venue was chosen to match that of the Paris show, which took place on the footbridge that links to the Eiffel Tower over the River Seine in June.

Kenzo is part of the LVMH group, which includes dozens of brands like Louis Vuitton, Dior and Tiffany.

Its head, French billionaire Bernard Arnault, visited China in late June and has said he is "optimistic about the Chinese market".

"The Chinese clientele is much more important than it was in 2019," LVMH's financial director Jean-Jacques Guiony recently told journalists.

Story continues

Analysts at UBS, meanwhile, have said that 2023 will be the "year of the Chinese consumer".

Chinese consumers' spending on personal luxury goods had already surpassed pre-pandemic levels by the end of 2022 and has continued to grow year-on year, according to market research company Euromonitor -- largely thanks to domestic shopping that took off while zero-Covid kept the country largely cut off from the world.

The figure is projected to reach US$59 billion by 2023, with the growth set to continue, although at a slower rate, in the short to medium term.

"Post-pandemic repatriation of luxury spending is unlikely to budge any time soon," said Fflur Roberts, Head of Luxury Goods at Euromonitor.

"These new-found shopping habits and major improvements in the local shopping options and customer journey are set to stick, and a notable share of luxury purchases by Chinese customers will continue to occur within the mainland."

Despite China's slowing economy, Roberts said, "the future overall for luxury goods in China nonetheless continues to look bright" -- and brands are jostling to take advantage.

Jing Daily's Nan said 2023 was the "year of replica fashion shows".

"Bottega Veneta, Chanel, Dior have or will be showcasing in China this year. So no wonder why Kenzo decided to showcase this year," she said.

reb/ssy
The entire presidential campaign platform of Ronald Dion DeSantis can be summed up in a single 21-second video.

If you havent seen it yet, its the infamous segment in which the Florida governor invokes the term woke seven times in that short span. At one point within this clip, DeSantis states:

We will fight the woke in education. We will fight the woke in the corporations, and we will fight the woke in the halls of Congress. We will never, ever surrender to the woke mob.

D. Allan Kerr

This is the candidates primary (perhaps even sole) argument for becoming the next president of the United States when he visits New Hampshire and other politically key states. Its not really so much of a platform, or even a plank, as it is a splinter.

Of course, this viral moment was intended to echo the immortal words of Winston Churchill, generally considered the quintessential wartime leader of the past century.

We shall fight on the beaches. We shall fight on the landing grounds, Churchill said back in 1940. We shall fight in the fields and in the streets. We shall fight in the hills. We shall never surrender.

Republican presidential candidate Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis arrives with his wife Casey during a campaign event, Thursday, June 1, 2023, in Rochester, N.H.

The distinction obvious to everyone but DeSantis and his most ardent supporters is that Churchill was rallying his embattled country against a possible German invasion. His speech before the British Parliament occurred during the early years of World War II, when the tiny island nation was essentially all that stood between Nazism and Western civilization. The German military had just steamrolled over most of Europe without much difficulty and the United States hadnt yet stepped into the ring, with many Americans arguing its not our war.

Churchill was fighting Adolf Hitler; DeSantis is fighting Mickey Mouse. And the governor seems to believe this alone should earn him the Big Chair in the Oval Office.

His strategy in these woke wars was most recently demonstrated by the Florida Board of Educations decision to teach middle school students that enslaved people were allowed to develop skills which they could then use for their personal benefit." Seriously. Im guessing this class will be entitled The Sunnier Side of Slavery and will at some point emphasize that slaves were also provided room-and-board and free health care.

Story continues

Personally, I dont understand the whole woke thing, and I dont think DeSantis does either. Ive yet to hear any explanation how the term differs from good old-fashioned political correctness, which has always just been a matter of perspective.

The same person who objects to the political correctness of referring to someone as a gender different from the one designated at birth can be triggered by teaching schoolkids that slavery once existed in America. Conservatives who complain about cancel culture are quick to ostracize Colin Kaepernick for kneeling during the national anthem, Bud Light for sending beer cans to a transgender person, and Target for whatever reason theyre in a tizzy about Target.

Do they really not see the irony here?

DeSantis is a master practitioner of what I call stokeism, which is basically seizing every opportunity to stoke the fears and hatreds of the embittered. Hes made stoke politics the centerpiece of his administration down in what used to be known as the Sunshine State, which these days seems pretty damn dark to me.

Given the candidates obsession with Disney, I cant help but think of Shreks angry and diminutive villain Lord Farquaad now every time I see DeSantis. Which I guess by extension could mean DeSantis is trying to shape Florida  and now the country  into his own version of Farquaads superficially sparkly kingdom of Duloc, where those who dont fit into his definition of normal are marginalized and his subjects applaud on cue.

But Florida is far from perfect, which DeSantis might know if he spent more time home and less time on the campaign trail.

At one point, DeSantis visited big cities across the country to criticize their crime rates, apparently unaware of the stream of horrific shootings being reported out of his own state. Just this past week, a man shot his ex-girlfriend and her sister to death on what was described as a quiet Sunday afternoon in a residential Tallahassee neighborhood, as neighbors rushed their children to safety. Then the shooter killed himself while streaming on Facebook following a police chase.

Just a couple of days before that, a transgender man who was eight months pregnant was killed by his fiance in Winter Haven  also resulting in the unborn babys death  before the fiance killed himself. Over the Fourth of July holiday in Tampa, a 7-year-old boy was killed and the grandfather trying to protect him was wounded when a nearby dispute over jet skis escalated into a shootout, and the gunman has yet to be identified.

When I was visiting my mother in Florida back in February, a man shot a woman to death near Orlando while she was sitting in a car. When a TV news crew arrived at the scene to cover the story, the same man killed the reporter and wounded the cameraman. Then he went into a nearby house and killed a little 9-year-old girl, also wounding her mother. Just a month before that, 11 people were wounded in a drive-by shooting in Lakeland.

Florida is also getting hit with an insurance crisis right now, just ahead of tornado season. I have family members who say soaring insurance costs in Florida was the icing on the cake in their decision to move out of the state, although they also cited the political climate. The DeSantis response to this crisis from the campaign trail was knock on wood, we wont have a big storm this summer.

And Ive never understood why DeSantis brags about a COVID response that saw nearly 90,000 Floridians dead under his watch.

But yeah, those Disney folks are definitely the most dangerous foe facing our country today.

D. Allan Kerr is an ex-dockworker, former newspaperman and U.S. Navy veteran living in Kittery, Maine.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Kerr: Candidate Ron DeSantis is one-woke pony
New details reveal that California Rep Eric Swalwell did not hold back when criticising Speaker Kevin McCarthy last month, reportedly calling him a p**** on the House floor.

According to The Daily Beast, the heated exchange stemmed from the events of 21 June, when Republicans voted to censure California Democratic Rep Adam Schiff.

As Democrats chanted Shame! at their colleagues across the aisle, Mr Swalwell, standing near the speakers podium, had something to say to one Republican in particular  Mr McCarthy.

This is pathetic, Mr Swalwell allegedly said to the House speaker, according to two members of Congress who spoke to the outlet. Youre weak. Youre a weak man.

Mr McCarthy looked like he had a vein popping out of his forehead, one lawmaker told the outlet. Another said the House speaker stared down Mr Swalwell for roughly 10 seconds before deciding to walk away.

The next day, the beef between the two lawmakers intensified. Just before Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave a joint address to Congress, Mr Swalwell was right outside the chamber on the Republican side when Mr McCarthy reportedly spotted him.

McCarthy said, If you ever say something like that to me again, Im gonna kick the s*** out of you, one member told The Daily Beast.

Another lawmaker expanded on this, recalling: They were in each others faces. Basically nose-to-nose. And Rep Swalwell said something like, Are we really gonna do this?

The House speaker then allegedly threatened the California Democrat: Call me a p**** again, and Ill kick your a**.

Both lawmakers speaking to the outlet apparently recalled the next works from Mr Swalwell identically: You. Are. A. P****.

But Mr McCarthy did not fulfill his promise, and instead the two congressmen stared each other down before McCarthy stepped to the side.

The Independent has reached out to the offices of Speaker McCarthy and Mr Swalwell for comment.

The bad blood between the Californians has been spilled before; back in January, shortly after McCarthy became speaker, he booted Mr Swalwell  as well as Mr Schiff  from the House Intelligence Committee.

This also isnt the first documented instance of name-calling in the recent past among Congress members. Georgia Republican Rep Marjorie Taylor Greene called Colorado Republican Rep Lauren Boebert a little b**** last month on the House floor.
A symbolic white horse - long used in state propaganda to boost leader Kims prestige as 'supreme leader' - features prominently in the artworks - KCNA

A series of extravagant oil paintings of Kim Jong-un have been unveiled after a ban on painting North Koreas authoritarian leader was lifted.

The artwork depicts Kim greeting children and agricultural workers as a benevolent ruler as well as emphasising his military prowess and gazing out from Mount Paektu, the Norths highest peak and central to the mythology of the Kim family dynasty.

A symbolic white horse - long used in state propaganda to boost leader Kims prestige as supreme leader - also features prominently.

The paintings, which cement Kims cult of personality, debuted this week as part of the Norths celebrations of the end of the 1950-53 war with the South.

The art exhibition appears to demonstrate a shift in the propaganda policy surrounding Kim Jong-un, displaying his image in a more central position than pictures of his father and grandfather - KCNA

A painting depicting Kim greeting children and agricultural workers as a benevolent ruler - KCNA

Thursday marked the 70th anniversary of the signing of an armistice that ended the conflict, although a peace treaty was never signed and the two Koreas are technically still at war.

While the South marked the occasion with sombre remembrance of the fallen, the North took a more triumphalist approach to the event it calls Victory Day, staging a mass military parade through the centre of Pyongyang.

Goose-stepping troops marched alongside the regimes largest nuclear weapons and new drone technology while Kim, flanked by a senior Chinese politician on one side and the Russian defence minister, aimed to project an image of statesmanship to his public despite ongoing domestic woes.

The art exhibition appeared to demonstrate a shift in the propaganda policy surrounding Kim, displaying his image in a more central position than pictures of his father Kim Jong-Il and grandfather Kim Il-Sung, who are publicly revered as deities in the impoverished nation.

Artists were previously banned from painting depictions of Kim Jong-un - KCNA

The change in tradition signalled a possible move towards more direct worship of Kim, now in power for more than a decade.

He was reported to have also commissioned three mosaic murals of himself for public display.

Hundreds attended the unveiling of the paintings, state media reported.

Previously, artists were banned from painting depictions of Kim and while North Koreans are required to bow before public statues of his ancestors, there are no known monuments of the young leader.

Story continues

The latest exhibit displays small paintings of Kims predecessors placing him at the heart of the family dynasty.

The pieces were intended to remind visitors of the tradition of war victory of Kim Jong-Il and of his illustrious commander son, said KCNA Watch, which aggregates state media reports.

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.
This photo provided by the North Korean government, shows what it says attack drones during a military parade at Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang, North Korea Thursday, July 27, 2023. Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP

North Korea unveiled two new aircraft this week that very closely resemble US military drones.

Pyongyang's drones look similar to the American MQ-9 Reaper and the RQ-4 Global Hawk.

Their release came as Kim Jong Un hosted delegations from China and Russia for a big parade.

North Korea had another parade of weapons this week, but there were two oddities in the mix of the usual missiles. The country unveiled two new aircraft that look nearly identical to a pair of US military drones: the MQ-9 Reaper and the RQ-4 Global Hawk.

Although the exact combat and reconnaissance capabilities of the new systems are unclear, their development and visual similarities to American unmanned aerial vehicles highlight efforts by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to elevate his country's drone program and potentially emulate that of the US.

Photos and videos of the military parade held in Pyongyang on Thursday showed a convoy of trucks carrying drones that closely resemble the Reaper, a powerful and well-armed combat drone able to carry up to eight AGM-114 Hellfire missiles that can also carry out effective intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions.

Thousands of people can be seen standing along the sidelines and waving North Korean flags. The demonstration was meant to mark 70 years since the Korean War armistice  which ended three years of brutal fighting but not the war itself  and was attended by both Chinese and Russian delegations, the latter of which featured Moscow's embattled defense minister, Sergei Shoigu.

This photo provided by the North Korean government, shows what it says an attack drone during a military parade to mark the 70th anniversary of the armistice that halted fighting in the 1950-53 Korean War, on Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang, North Korea Thursday, July 27, 2023. Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP

US airmen prepare an MQ-9 Reaper for take off on Highway 287 in Wyoming during training focused on agile combat employment on April 30, 2023. US Air National Guard/Master Sgt. Phil Speck

North Korea also published a video this week of the Reaper lookalike firing an unspecified type of missile in flight. That same footage featured the other drone doppelganger  an aircraft that appeared very similar to the RQ-4 Global Hawk. This unarmed system, which is significantly larger than the MQ-9, can operate at high altitudes and perform long-endurance ISR missions.

Photos from a defense exhibition held in Pyongyang ahead of the parade also showed the Global Hawk lookalike stamped with the North Korean flag on its engine.

Story continues

Details surrounding North Korea's two new drones are scarce, and it's not immediately clear how closely they resemble their apparent American inspirations from an operational perspective. While both the Reaper and Globe Hawk have proven themselves in US military operations, the former being used regularly for counter-ISIS missions in the Middle East, the North Korean systems have only been used for show.

State-run media outlet KCNA referred to the systems as a "strategic reconnaissance drone" and a "multi-purpose attack drone," which were "newly developed and produced" for the country's air force.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un walks with Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu in Pyongyang, North Korea, on July 27, 2023. Photo by API/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images

An undated U.S. Air Force handout photo of a RQ-4 Global Hawk unmanned aircraft. U.S. Air Force/Bobbi Zapka/Handou via REUTERS

The new releases came amid a flurry of rare diplomatic activity for Kim Jong Un, which coincided with Thursday's high-profile military parade. Although North Korea commemorates the armistice anniversary as "Victory Day," the three-year-long armed conflict element of the Korean War ultimately ended in a stalemate.

Visits by the Russian and Chinese delegations came amid heightened tensions on the Korean peninsula, underscored by a recent string of North Korean missile tests and joint military drills between the US and South Korea. Last week, the Ohio-class nuclear ballistic missile submarine USS Kentucky arrived in South Korea, marking the first time in decades that an American nuclear-armed sub had docked in the country.

Meanwhile, state media said Shoigu and Kim discussed regional and international security issues, and Moscow's defense chief even presented the North Korean dictator with an autographed letter from Russian President Vladimir Putin. North Korea is one of a few countries to back the Kremlin's ongoing invasion of Ukraine, although Pyongyang has denied US assertions that it sent weapons to Moscow's military.

Among the weapons Kim showed the visiting Russian delegation was North Korea's solid-fueled Hwasong-18 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), a nuclear-capable missile that can deliver warheads to targets thousands of miles away and which represents a notable achievement for North Korea's weapons development program.

Solid-fueled weapons tend to be a greater threat than liquid-fueled systems because they can be fueled ahead of time and then launched without any warning. Liquid-propellant missiles, meanwhile, can only be fueled safely right before launch in an upright position. This creates a time-consuming and intense logistical process, which can leave the weapons vulnerable to preemptive attacks since they're openly visible for longer.

This photo provided by the North Korean government, shows what it says Hwasong-18 intercontinental ballistic missile during a military parade on Thursday. Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP

Pyongyang first unveiled the design for the Hwasong-18 at a February parade marking 75 years since the country's army war was founded, and it has now tested the missile twice, with the most recent test taking place earlier this month. Though earlier ICBMs were liquid-fueled, work in recent years has indicated a pivot toward the use of solid-fueled systems.

North Korea has not conducted a nuclear test since 2017 but remains determined to stand among the world's nuclear powers, despite widespread international pressure and concern. Testing has been more focused on delivery systems as opposed to warheads though.

"The United States strongly condemns the DPRK for its test of a long-range ballistic missile," the White House said in a statement after the July test, referring to North Korea's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

"This launch is a brazen violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions and needlessly raises tensions and risks destabilizing the security situation in the region," the White House added. "This action demonstrates that the DPRK continues to prioritize its unlawful weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs over the well-being of its people."

Read the original article on Business Insider
(Bloomberg) -- Kim Jong Un was joined by high-level delegations from Russia and China at a military parade in Pyongyang where North Korea showed off its newest missile designed to deliver a nuclear warhead to the US.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Among the weapons on display was North Koreas Hwasong-18 intercontinental ballistic missile and a new array of drones, video of the event on state media showed. Kim stood between Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Li Hongzhong, a member of the Communist Party of Chinas 24-member Politburo as tens of thousands of soldiers shouted their undying loyalty to the leader.

Fireworks filled the skies and North Koreas top general warned the US and South Korea against even thinking of trying to attack.

The U.S. imperialists have no chance of survival in case they use nuclear weapons against the DPRK, North Korean Defense Minister Kang Sun Nam said in a fiery speech. We are ready.

Kim did not deliver a speech while North Korea rolled out the array of new ICBMs that have been developed under his rule in defiance of international sanctions. It has stepped up its threats as the US for the first time in about 40 years deployed a submarine capable of firing nuclear-armed ballistic missiles to a port in South Korea earlier this month.

This is the largest, most overt North Korean display of nuclear-capable systems with foreign officials, Ankit Panda, a senior fellow in the nuclear policy program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, wrote on social media. The message is clear: Kim has the backing of two powerful regional partners, who are also veto-wielding members of the United Nations Security Council.

Story continues

Before the parade, Kim gave Shoigu a tour of a weapons exhibition, showing him nuclear-capable missiles and other arms. The Russian ministers visit has stoked US concerns about Pyongyang sending munitions to help the Kremlins war effort in Ukraine.

The visits were the first by senior foreign delegations since Kim shut the countrys borders at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic about three years ago and are the latest sign of an opening. There has been no indication North Korea is ready to accept foreign tourists, who once provided cash for the sanctions-hit nation.

The celebrations, coinciding with the 70th anniversary of the signing of the Armistice Agreement that ended Korean War fighting on July 27, 1953, come at a crucial time for Kim. He is looking to powerful friends in Moscow and Beijing for support to fend off new sanctions as he increases the potency of a nuclear arms program. The North Korean leader is also seeking to ease up on pandemic border controls that slammed the brakes on his economy.

Even through the Korean War ended with a cease fire to halt the stalemate, North Korea celebrates the end of fighting as a victory.

Read: Secret Deals With Russia Help Kim Jong Un Fund Nuclear Program

The military parade allowed Kim to showcase his latest weaponry, much of which has evolved from systems developed by his nations closest partners. China fought with North Korea in the war, while the Soviet Union helped supply the political and military backing to state founder Kim Il Sung.

Hes the grandfather of the current leader and the man who sent troops across the border in 1950 to start the conflict.

Read: Koreas Speed Up Drone Race After Unprecedented Incursions

Russias war in Ukraine has shown how drones can be used quickly and cheaply to survey the battlefield, deploy explosives and strike fear in an adversary. North and South Korea are both pressing ahead in building such forces, which could prove invaluable along a border where each positions hundreds of thousands of soldiers.

Kim appears to have found new ways of making money by selling munitions to Russia for its war on Ukraine, the US has said. Signs of a resumption of trade with China, North Koreas biggest trading partner, led Fitch Solutions to estimate the economy returned to growth in 2022 after two full years of contraction, though significant uncertainties remain.

One thing that North Korea has and Russia likely wants is artillery shells that can be used with the Soviet-era weaponry pushed into service in Ukraine. Putins military has been burning through its stocks and rushing to secure new supplies.

At North Koreas last military parade in February, the regime rolled out its biggest display of ICBMs, which included the new solid-fuel Hwasong-18. Since then, North Korea has fired the ICBM twice.

Solid-fuel missiles have propellants baked into rockets, allowing them to be deployed quickly. They can also be rolled out and fired in minutes, giving the US less time to prepare for interception. The challenge becomes greater if the missile carries several warheads.

The other ICBMs North Korea has tested are liquid-fueled, which make them vulnerable to attack before launch because it takes time to fill their engines with propellant while they sit on the pad.

(Updates with details, background throughout.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
AUSTIN, Texas  Kimberly Mata-Rubio, the mother of Alexandria "Lexi" Rubio who was killed in the Uvalde, Texas, school shooting last year, announced Thursday that she is running to be the Texas city's next mayor.

Mata-Rubio, 34, is seeking to succeed Mayor Don McLaughlin, who is stepping down after nearly 10 years leading the city to pursue a seat in the Texas House. A special election for mayor will be held on Nov. 7.

Mata-Rubio made the announcement on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter. Addressing her daughter, one of 19 fourth-grade students killed in the May 24, 2022, massacre, she wrote: "I will honor your life with action. This is only the beginning."

Mata-Rubio and Cody Smith, a banker and former mayor, are the only two candidates who've publicly announced a bid for the city's top elected office.

"I want to represent the underserved in this community, whose voices matter but have long been unheard. I want residents to see themselves in me and feel at ease sharing their grievances," Mata-Rubio told the Uvalde Leader News when announcing her campaign.

Uvalde shooting aftermath: Mental health, safety investments promised after Uvalde shooting show little headway

'Aftermath has added to the trauma'

A lifelong Uvalde resident who works in advertising at the Uvalde Leader News, Mata-Rubio graduated from St. Mary's University in San Antonio last December with a bachelor's degree in public history.

Mata-Rubio is among several Uvalde parents who have advocated at the state and federal levels for gun safety reform after 19 students and two teachers were killed by an 18-year-old man at Robb Elementary School. The gunman opened fire in a classroom with an assault rifle he had purchased legally.

The law enforcement response to the shooting has been roundly criticized after 400 armed officers arrived to the school and hesitated outside of the classroom for more than an hour before confronting the gunman.

Story continues

But those gun reform efforts, which include banning assault rifles or raising the age to buy one to 21, were unsuccessful in the Texas Legislature.

Mata-Rubio told the newspaper Uvalde had become "stagnant" and that the city's leadership became "comfortable, which led to the events that unfolded on May 24, 2022."

"The aftermath has added to the trauma of a grieving and fractured community. It is my hope to bridge the gap because only when we come together can we evolve to something greater," she told the newspaper.

The election will be Mata-Rubio's first time seeking elected office, the newspaper reported. If elected, Mata-Rubio would become the first woman and third Hispanic mayor of Uvalde.

Her sister died in the Uvalde shooting: One year later, she's still fighting for change.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Mother of Uvalde school shooting victim announces run for city mayor
More information is emerging after the reappearance of Glendale teenager Alicia Navarro who had gone missing nearly four years ago.

Here is everything we know about the strange case.

What do we know about the disappearance?

Havre police, a department whose namesake town in Montana is a little more than 100 miles away from the Canada border, released a statement on social media describing how Navarro was located.

The now 18-year-old at 11 a.m. Sunday walked into the station and told authorities she had been missing and wanted to clear her status, police said in the statement released Thursday.

Navarro was reported missing on Sept. 15, 2019, when she was 14 years old, leaving a handwritten note apologizing and saying she would return.

I ran away. I will be back, I swear. I'm sorry. - Alicia," the note read.

Additionally, Navarro as a child was diagnosed as "high functioning" on the autism spectrum.

On Tuesday afternoon, Glendale police released two short videos recorded during a FaceTime call where Navarro told investigators she had not been hurt in any way.

Navarro, with closed eyes, stutters as she tells officers that she understands when they say they want to help ensure she is safe. Investigators in the second video thank her for talking to them, and Navarro calmly thanks them for offering her help.

Newly released photo of Glendale teen Alicia Navarro, 18, who had been missing since 2019. She was located in Montana after identifying herself to police.

How has her family responded?

In a video posted Tuesday afternoon on Facebook, Navarro's mother, Jessica Nunez, confirmed her daughter was alive and well while saying she did not know the details of the young woman's recovery and that she had only heard the update an hour before.

"I, first of all, want to give glory to God for answering your prayers and for this miracle," Nunez said.

The nonprofit Anti-Predator Project, which was investigating her case, released a statement on Thursday on behalf of Nunez.

"It is a blessing that after being missing for so long Alicia can come back home," read the statement. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the families of missing loved ones that have not yet returned home. If there is anything that Alicias story has taught us is that you can never give up hope."

Story continues

The statement went on to thank Glendale police, local and national media and support from across the country.

"(The support) has helped our family through some very dark times, and we cannot say thank you enough," the statement read.

Nunez suspected her daughter had been abducted.

"Whoever took my daughter thought that she was just going to be another statistic, that I was just going to let it be. And that's not going to happen," Nunez previously told The Republic.

Jessica Nunez, the mother of Alicia Navarro, speaks during a press conference on the year anniversary of Navarro's disappearance on Sept. 15, 2020, at Glendale Regional Public Safety Training Center in Glendale, Arizona.

What else are police, investigators saying?

Glendale police had been the leading agency on the case and announced the teen had been located and was safe, healthy and happy on Wednesday.

Havre police expressed their well wishes for Navarro being reunited with her family.

"We are so glad for Alicia and her family so that they can be reunited and the family can no longer have the anguish of not knowing where their child is or whether or not she is ok," read a statement from the police department shared on social media.

Trent Steele, president of the Anti-Predator Project, told The Arizona Republic on Thursday that he is still working the case and remains in touch with Glendale police, however, he did not specify in what capacity.

"The investigation is far from over. There is still a lot of moving pieces," Steele said. "There is still a lot of work to be done."

Steele said he could not comment on whether the state of Montana was part of any investigative leads he had. He said he could not yet say whether there were any persons of interest or suspects involved in the case.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: What we know about 'miracle' reappearance of Glendale teen Alicia Navarro
Mental health among college students has been a popular topic among higher education professionals and academic researchers. For most traditional students, the transition to college life from high school can be tough. Newfound independence can be an advantage and disadvantage depending on the person. More than 60% of college students met criteria for at least one mental health problem during the 2020-2021 school year, which was defined by high COVID-19 rates leading to increased isolation and loneliness.

Student veterans are an especially vulnerable population on college campuses. The average ages of student veterans and traditional students leaves quite a significant gap between the two groups. This makes it harder for student veterans to make connections and friends on campus. Furthermore, student veterans often have additional responsibilities, such as spouses, children, and aging parents. These extra obligations can cause stress for student veterans on top of a heavy academic (and possibly professional) workload, which could result in a greater need for mental health services. Ultimately, it is essential to connect these students with resources that can help them more easily navigate their responsibilities while also succeeding at their schoolwork.

Popular Resources for Student Veterans

The increase in need for mental health services leads to many individuals not seeking care. For student veterans, there are many resources that are not available to the public. Military OneSource primarily connects active duty personnel and their families with resources, however, there is also a portion of the website dedicated specifically to Veterans Resources. While the plethora of resources may seem overwhelming at first, there are ways to narrow your search. Here are a few of the most popular resources for veterans seeking mental health services:

1) Give an Hour: This organization connects individuals to a local mental health clinic for a free, in-person counseling session. There are specific directories for those specializing in trauma-informed care and crisis management.

Story continues

2) Patients Like Me: Partnering with Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), this community connects people with similar experiences and provides peer-to-peer support.

3) Mission Reconnect: This evidence-based program uses mind and body therapies with veterans and their partners to support physical, mental, and relationship health.

Connecting to Local VAs

Making connections with local Department of Veterans Affairs hospitals can also be a huge help to veterans, especially those most recently in transition to civilian life, who are looking to navigate VA care. Many resources are also location-specific, so many health care professionals at these hospitals have answers to where veterans can find help where they live. Reaching out to social workers and psychologists at the VA may assist colleges and universities in finding new resources for student veterans.

Many veterans may be eligible to participate in research studies funded by the VA, which can also help connections with care within VA hospitals and within the surrounding community. The Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Centers (MIRECC) at several VAs generates new knowledge to better serve future generations of veterans. The centers do this by applying new clinical programs and disseminating new information through education to improve the quality of veterans lives and their daily functioning while living with and recovering from mental illness.

Suicide Prevention

Currently, one of the Department of Veterans Affairs top health care priorities is preventing veteran suicide. Most recent data notes that an average of 16.8 veterans a day ended their life by suicide in 2020. While the veteran suicide rate has been decreasing in recent years, it is still of utmost importance to further improve care for veterans and connect them with people that are professionally trained to help.

If you know of somebody that might be thinking of ending their life or at risk of suicide, please connect them with care. The Veterans Crisis Line is active 24/7 to help veterans that dial 988, then press 1. There is also an online chat service and a text line which veterans can reach by texting 838255. This service is available to veterans, service members, National Guard and Reserve members, and those who support them.

Preparing for Next Year

Several existing articles on HigherEdMilitary point to ways that campuses can aid student veterans that may need help. Some key articles on our website include Campus Veteran Mental Health Initiatives by Qunnette McCoy and Suicide Awareness: How to Help by Eileen Hoenigman Meyer. While there are several outside resources that exist to wholly help veterans at times of risk, sometimes the most essential resource is the help of fellow student veterans. They can relate and connect through experience. Therefore, having strong communication channels and groups among student veterans on campus can help alleviate some stress on student veterans. The article Effective Campus-wide Communication Channels for Student Veterans by Suzane L. Bricker, M.A. speaks to how higher education professionals can ease the transition for student veterans and help them connect with their campuses more by reducing some of the stress brought on by offices on campus.

While there are many resources for student veterans, higher education professionals can help by being aware and showing compassion to stressors unique to student veterans, while providing these individuals with resources that can help them better succeed in school and in daily life.

If you or someone you know is thinking of ending their life, please call 988, then press 1 to connect with the Veterans Crisis Line.

Disclaimer: HigherEdMilitary encourages free discourse and expression of issues while striving for accurate presentation to our audience. A guest opinion serves as an avenue to address and explore important topics, for authors to impart their expertise to our higher education audience and to challenge readers to consider points of view that could be outside of their comfort zone. The viewpoints, beliefs, or opinions expressed in the above piece are those of the author(s) and dont imply endorsement by HigherEdMilitary.

This article was originally published on HigherEdMilitary.
Knox County District Attorney Charme Allen will not file criminal charges against the FBI agents involved in the attempted arrest and death of Roy McGrath, a former Maryland political aide wanted on corruption charges.

After he eluded police for weeks, McGrath shot himself in the head April 3 as FBI agents tried to take him into custody on an outstanding warrant, Allen said in a press release. An FBI agent simultaneously fired a shot, striking McGrath in the face, Allen said. The scene unfolded outside a strip mall in Farragut.

"The agent realized he was within the trajectory of McGraths firearm," Allen said. "That agent acted in self-defense because he had a reasonable belief that McGrath posed a threat of imminent death or serious bodily injury."

An autopsy by the Medical Examiners Office was unable to determine which of the two gunshot wounds caused McGraths death, Allen said.

"In this case, it is clear that agents had probable cause and a reasonable belief that McGrath posed a threat of imminent death or serious bodily injury," she said. "Based upon the investigation in this case and viewed from the perception of the agents under the circumstances, that belief is reasonable and supported by probable cause, justifying the use of deadly force in self-defense."

The investigation is still under review by the federal Department of Justice, Allen noted.

Why was Roy McGrath on the run?

McGrath, the onetime chief of staff to former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, was supposed to stand trial on fraud charges in the U.S. District Court in Baltimore on March 13, according to the Baltimore Sun. He never showed up.

McGrath, 53, was declared a wanted fugitive after his disappearance, and the FBI has said he was considered an international flight risk.

McGrath was indicted in 2021 on accusations he fraudulently secured a $233,648 severance payment, equal to one year of salary as the head of Maryland Environmental Service, by falsely telling the agencys board the governor had approved it, the Baltimore Sun reported. He also was accused of fraud and embezzlement connected to roughly $170,000 in expenses. McGrath pleaded not guilty.

Story continues

McGrath resigned just 11 weeks into the job as Hogans chief of staff in 2020 after the payments became public.

If convicted of the federal charges, McGrath would have faced a maximum sentence of 20 years for each of four counts of wire fraud, plus a maximum of 10 years for each of two counts of embezzling funds from an organization receiving more than $10,000 in federal benefits.

What happened when the FBI caught up to McGrath?

The FBI learned that McGrath was in Knoxville at a Costco on Kingston Pike, Allen said in the release. Agents found McGraths vehicle and attempted to stop his car when he left the parking lot but McGrath continued to drive until he was boxed in near 10702 Kingston Pike.

"Agents approached the vehicle and repeatedly announced, 'FBI,' and ordered McGrath to put his hands out the open drivers side window," Allen said. "McGrath replied, 'No,' and, 'I have a gun, and its loaded.'"

Agents saw McGrath with a handgun raised to his right temple, and McGrath fired at the same time that an agent fired one shot, Allen said. McGrath was taken to the University of Tennessee Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead 30 minutes later.

Liz Kellar is a public safety reporter. Email lkellar@knoxnews.com.

Support strong local journalism by subscribing at knoxnews.com/subscribe.

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Knox DA won't file charges against FBI agents in Roy McGrath's death
Mongolian students receive admission notices of Chinese universities

Xinhua) 10:39, July 28, 2023

ULAN BATOR, July 27 (Xinhua) -- A ceremony to hand over admission notices of Chinese universities to Mongolian students was held here on Thursday.

A total of 49 Mongolian students who will study in China with scholarships from the Chinese government received the admission notices.

"China is the only ancient civilization in the world with an uninterrupted history of civilization, and it is also the second largest economy in the world with prosperity, social stability and rapid development," said Li Zhi, counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Mongolia and director of the Chinese Cultural Center in Ulan Bator.

Li expressed hope that the Mongolian students studying in China will actively adapt to the new environment, study hard, and strive to become ambassadors of China-Mongolia exchanges in the future.

"I am grateful to the Chinese government for giving me the opportunity to study in China. I will do my best and live up to everyone's expectations," said Munkhbat Munkhdelger, who will study medicine at Peking University.

She said that the scholarship of the Chinese government is not only an economic support for international students studying in China, but also a great opportunity for them to discover themselves.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Wu Chaolan)
Evelynn Haraders ultimate goal is to become a commercial airline pilot.

In the meantime, her current job is not only helping her earn money for flight school but its also letting her enjoy a moment of local celebrity.

Harader, who in May graduated from Derby High School, has just been promoted to the ranks of the performing hibachi chefs at the popular Kobe Japanese Steakhouse, 8760 W. 21st St.  making her the only female among Kobes crew of 12 chefs.

In fact, said Kobe owner Shane Davis, Harader is the only female hibachi chef in all of Wichita.

When Davis and his co-owner wife, Lisa, shared news of Haraders new job on Facebook last week, the post went locally viral: So far, its been liked 25,000 times and shared 454 times.

Who run the world? GIRLS! the post read, and commenters responded with words of encouragement. Among the 377 comments:

Awesome! Where and when can we have her as our chef? I want to see her in action!

Evelynn for president 2024

Harader, who is Lisas niece, started working at the restaurant two years ago, she said. First, Harader was a busser, then she moved up to kitchen assistant.

But Harader loved watching the restaurants hibachi chefs, who are just as much performers as they are cooks. Their jobs require them to not only prepare garlicky fried rice and tender seared steak, chicken and seafood as customers watch but also to perform tricks like catching eggs in their hats, creating flaming onion volcanoes and tossing shrimp through the air into diners mouths.

No other women had the job, Harader noticed, but she couldnt think of any reason why a woman couldnt do the job. And her aunt and uncle agreed. Shane, who was a hibachi chef for years before buying Kobe, said he once worked with a female hibachi chef in St. Louis, and she was among the best of the best.

Working in the hibachi industry, you always think its just men, Lisa said. You think of females as servers or hostesses. Thats why were so proud of her  because it can be intimidating.

Story continues

Harader, though, is not the type to be easily intimidated. Shes a go-getter who graduated from high school after only three years and who played on the tennis and basketball teams.

Kobe Japanese Steakhouse chef Evelynn Harader was recently promoted from kitchen assistant to performing hibachi chef.

I just think the whole thing is cool, really, Harader said. I did a lot of different jobs at Kobe, and learning to be a chef sounded cool  like just moving my way up.

Harader had already built relationships with the kitchen staff, and Kobes head chef offered to train her. Shes been learning the job for the past two months, and her first shift on the grill was last week. Although shes still technically in training and still honing some of the more advanced tricks, she can be found manning, er, womanning one of the restaurants 12 grills on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings.

Though some of the tricks come easy to her  especially the onion volcano  Harader said her main focus now is making sure the food is right. Shell often stay after her shift to practice the more showy parts of her performance.

I know the tricks and stuff, theyll come along the way if I keep at it, she said.

So far, groups of Haraders friends and family members have been in to watch her work, and many of the Facebook commenters have been asking if they can request to sit at her table. (They can.)

Shes been enjoying the attention and hopes that her presence helps pave the way for more female hibachi chefs.

A lot of the comments are saying, Hibachi chef  its not that big of a deal. But I dont think its just specifically in the hibachi field. Just any woman that wants to do anything, I think that it can inspire them, especially if theyre going into a male-dominated field.

To make a reservation at Kobe Steakhouse, call 316-558-3331.
The body of a victim recovered from the flooded tunnel following the torrential rain in South Korea

A total of 36 local officials in South Korea are under investigation for the tunnel flooding earlier this month that killed 14 people, authorities said.

An inquiry launched two days after the tragedy found that officials had ignored multiple warnings of a flood ahead of the incident.

Severe rains on the weekend of 15 July had caused widespread flooding and landslides in multiple places.

At least 40 people died in the disaster across the country.

The tunnel, located in city of Cheongju south of Seoul, was flooded with water from a nearby riverbank that had burst from the weekend of torrential rain.

Fifteen vehicles, including a bus, were trapped in the underpass submerged under water - only nine people survived. Authorities had to work for several days to free the vehicles.

Following the incident, police launched an investigation to determine the cause and found that it could have been prevented.

"[The flood] was the result of numerous agencies failing to recognise the seriousness of the situation and respond actively, despite receiving several warnings," said Bang Moon-kyu, South Korea's minister of government policy coordination.

Three calls warning of a possible tunnel flooding were made to the emergency hotlines on the day of the incident, he added.

A construction supervisor had similarly warned authorities seven times about the possibility that the tunnel would flood.

The public officials have been accused of failing to promptly assess and manage the situation. Two of them were found to have replaced the river embankment - walls meant to prevent flooding - with a weaker version.

"The government plans to seek the removal of positions for those responsible for the accident, even including elected positions," said minister Bang.

Extreme rain and flooding have pummelled several other countries in Asia this month, including India, China, and Japan.

Scientists have long warned that climate change would make extreme weather events like heavy rainfall and heatwaves stronger and more likely.

Last year, South Korea saw record-breaking rains, causing floods that killed at least 11 people, including two women and a teenager trapped in a semi-basement flat in Seoul.
The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) in its daily report says the Kremlin and Russian propaganda media have stepped up efforts to portray the Ukrainian counteroffensive as a failed operation.

Source: the ISW

Details: The ISW noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin said on 27 July that recently, Russian troops destroyed 39 armoured combat vehicles out of 50 that Ukrainian troops used for intensive assaults on the Zaporizhzhia front. Putin added that Russian forces also killed 60 percent of Ukrainian soldiers who carried out these assaults, and 40% of the Ukrainian fighter pilots operating in that area.

The ISW pointed out that Putin has previously said Russian forces destroyed an immense amount of equipment during Ukraines counteroffensive actions, although the figures of Ukraines attacks that he voiced out in recent days shows he is exaggerating the likely Ukrainian losses.

The ISW noted Russian milbloggers also claim that Russian troops destroyed dozens of Ukrainian armoured combat vehicles and celebrate the alleged losses as evidence of stalling Ukrainian counteroffensive.

Quote from ISW: "The Kremlins and the Russian information spaces framing of the Ukrainian counteroffensive notably violates a reported Kremlin manual instructing Russian media not to downplay the potential for successful Ukrainian counteroffensive operations.

The intensifying portrayal of the Ukrainian counteroffensive as a failed effort suggests that the Kremlins policy on the coverage of the war is to bolster efforts to promote itself as an effective manager of the war effort."

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!
Correction: A previous version of this story misidentified Ross Niebergalls prior role at L3Harris Technologies. He was vice president and chief technology officer there.

WASHINGTON  L3Harris on Friday announced it had completed its acquisition of Aerojet Rocketdyne, adding a company with broad expertise in building rocket engines and propulsion systems to its portfolio.

The $4.7 billion deal, which the companies first announced in December 2022, will give L3Harris more opportunities in the missile defense system, hypersonic, and advanced rocket engine markets, the company said in a Friday statement.

Im thrilled to welcome more than 5,000 employees to the L3Harris team today, L3Harris chief executive Christopher Kubasik said. With national security at the forefront, were combining our resources and expertise with Aerojet Rocketdynes propulsion and energetics capabilities to ensure that the Department of Defense and civil space customers can address critical mission needs globally.

Ross Niebergall, who until now was vice president and chief technology officer at L3Harris, will be the president of L3Harris new Aerojet Rocketdyne segment. The company said Niebergall will be responsible for the Aerojet divisions business strategy, financial performance, execution of programs and growth.

Our customers demand a competitive environment that produces innovative, agile solutions, Niebergall said. We will expand on the strong Aerojet Rocketdyne heritage to enhance production and deliver on those expectations.

By Friday morning, Aerojet Rocketdynes website had been redirected to L3Harris home page, and it is now known as Aerojet Rocketdyne, an L3Harris Technologies company. L3Harris other business segments are space and airborne systems, integrated mission systems, and communication systems.

Lockheed Martins previous attempt at acquiring Aerojet for $4.4 billion ran aground amid federal regulators antitrust concerns. The Federal Trade Commission sued to block that deal in January 2022, and the following month, Lockheed canceled plans to buy Aerojet.

In January 2023, a month after L3Harris announced its own acquisition plans, Sen. Elizabeth Warren raised concerns to the FTC. Earlier this month, she also asked the Defense Department to carefully review the deal for any potential conflicts.

The FTC on Wednesday told L3Harris it would not block the deal, and the company told investors in a letter that it would swiftly move to close its purchase of Aerojet.
Lacey City Council on Thursday voted 4-2 not to censure council members Ed Kunkel and Lenny Greenstein after they were captured on video removing a campaign sign earlier this month.

The security video shows Kunkel removing the sign, but Greenstein was with him at the time. The sign that was removed belonged to District 5 Thurston County Commission candidate Emily Clouse. Clouse, a Democrat, is on the ballot for the Aug. 1 primary race, while there is no primary for the Lacey seats held by Kunkel and Greenstein.

Thursdays work session was about to end when council member Robin Vazquez made her motion asking the council to censure the two council members. She cited the Washington state law that deals with removing or defacing campaign advertising, including political signs, and asked for them to publicly apologize and return the removed sign.

Mayor Andy Ryder was quick to respond and repeated throughout the remainder of the meeting that it was not the councils place to weigh in on a campaign issue.

Let the voters decide, he told the council.

Im very hesitant and I would not support a motion at this point, Ryder said. Were creeping into an area where council has never been involved in before when it comes to elections. I do not feel comfortable with the council making a comment one way or the other when it has to do with elections.

Vazquez agreed that campaign business should not be discussed, but the incident, she said, was bigger than that. Public trust and the image of the city has been damaged, she said.

It would be inappropriate to say nothing, she said. To be silent on an issue like this that is so visible is passively suggesting that we are OK with it and that its fine.

Ryder asked if either Kunkel or Greenstein would like to comment. They both declined to comment at first, then Greenstein shared a few thoughts.

Greenstein pointed out that no council member has been censured in his 12 years on the council. And, he said, theres more to the story.

Story continues

Basing this strictly on what the newspaper reported and what people said publicly about it seems a bit out of sorts, he said. It doesnt seem like thats how democracy is done, but the council is free to do what they wish.

On the question of an apology, Greenstein added: I dont know how anyone on this council knows whether an apology was given or not, he said.

Council member Carolyn Cox said the sign removal incident supersedes politics.

Council member Michael Steadman, who is running against Clouse for the District 5 county commission seat, abstained from voting, saying he didnt want to appear to gain from voting either way.

Deputy Mayor Malcolm Miller also shared a few thoughts.

I saw the footage and read the article, he said. I know the public will decide and Im willing to leave it to them to decide who is going to represent them the next four years.

Miller added: I dont want to damage or cripple our council by cutting voices off. I oftentimes think people beat themselves up more than we can beat them up and I know that has happened.

Before the council vote, there was the question of whether Kunkel and Greenstein could vote, and City Attorney Dave Schneider said they could.

Greenstein asked whether he should abstain from voting because of an apparent conflict of interest. The vote clearly affects me, he said.

Schneider reflected a moment and then responded. By taking part in this vote, council members are not receiving a direct benefit one way or the other, he said. Its a vote on whether a formal statement of disapproval is appropriate.

But he added that the situation was unique.

In the end Cox and Vazquez voted in favor of censure, while Greenstein, Kunkel, Miller and Ryder did not. Steadman abstained.

Video shows Lacey councilman removing candidates sign. That was my mistake, he says
LAKELAND  Lakeland commissioners are looking to keep the city's tax rate flat while providing significant pay raises to employees and investing in infrastructure.

The City Commission voted unanimously to advertise a proposed tax rate of $5.43 per $1,000 of assessed property value for fiscal year 2024, which starts Oct. 1. While the millage rate remains the same as the current year, the city will be required to advertise it as a tax increase under Florida law, as most property owners will pay more because of rising property values.

Lakeland Financial Director Mike Brossart said the city's total taxable property value has increased about 12.15% since last year to $10.68 billion, according to Polk County Property Appraiser's office. This is in part because of significant residential growth with commercial and industrial developments.

There is a healthy increase in overall property values in each of the city's Community Redevelopment Districts. There's been an uptick of 9% in Dixieland, Brossart said, with an estimated 15% in Downtown Lakeland and 17% in Midtown.

The city will collect about $1.4 million in new construction revenues and $4.9 million more in taxable value revenues at the proposed tax rate. Lakeland's rolled-back millage, or the tax rate at which it would collect the same property taxes, would be $5 per $1,000 in assessed value.

In addition to property taxes, Brossart said the city has $4.6 million revenue from higher half-cent sales tax than originally forecast. It has collected about $300,000 more in red-light camera revenue than expected and has saved roughly $12.16 million, largely because of unfilled positions.

Proposed budget boosts employee salaries

City Manager Shawn Sherrouse is looking to take a three-pronged approach to increase Lakeland's employee salaries to make the city more competitive with the current labor market and hopefully better equipped to retain skilled employees.

Story continues

No appeals process Lakeland's homeless are being trespassed from Munn Park

The city hired an outside consultant, Bolton, to perform an extensive wage study covering more than 1,266 full-time employees across 433 distinct job titles for wages and compensation. Based on this study, Sherrouse suggested several changes to wages and compensation for the city's general employees.

All general employees will receive a 3% across-the-board pay raise and then will be offered either a 2.5% or 3% merit increase, based on whether the individual is at the midpoint of their job title's pay range. City employees at the lower end of their job's pay range will be offered the 3% raise, and those above the midpoint would receive a 2.5% increase up to their position's maximum salary.

Those employees identified as being paid less than a competitive market rate will receive a pay adjustment, Sherrouse said, with the average individual adjustment being no greater than 5%. There appear to be some outliers, where particular individuals may receive up to a 20% adjustment, but Sherrouse said the average adjustment will be less than 5%.

Brossart said he roughly estimated the city's efforts to competitively adjust general employees' wages will cost $4 million, probably less.

Lakeland will be looking to add nine employees to its payroll in fiscal year 2024, adding 10 positions while eliminating one. The vast majority of the new positions are to meet service-delivery needs, Sherrouse said, from public safety and solid waste drivers to four water utility positions.

There is one downfall for city employees in the proposed fiscal year 2024 budget. The city's health insurance costs are expected to increase by 7.5%, resulting in higher premiums for employees, though there will be new plan options and some medication provided at no out-of-pocket cost.

What's in it for residents?

The city's proposed fiscal year 2024 budget contains funding for two targeted commission requests and two targeted infrastructural needs.

The commissioners plan to contribute $250,000 a year to Florida Southern College for its expansion of Polk Museum of Art for the next two years. The expansion will add more than 10,000 square feet of gallery, classroom and art laboratory space.

Officials also planned to earmark $1 million toward the construction of more affordable housing in Lakeland.

There's been $1 million designated for the city's purchase of property as a future site for Fire Station 8, Sherrouse said, as the city has been engaged in a long hunt for suitable property. Sherrouse has previously said it's been difficult to find an affordable site in North Lakeland. The city had funds in this year's budget for 12 additional firefighters to staff the station and has already purchase equipment, but still needs to identify a site.

Lakeland will take $1 million from its General Fund to be transferred to the Transportation Fund for road maintenance next year. Brossart said his calculations show the city will be about $188,000 short of its road maintenance schedule next year, and it's predicted to get worse with rising costs.

Polk County budget Commission OKs two 5-year contracts for garbage collection, sets property tax ceiling

Heath Frederick, the city's public works director, said the cost of milling down a road and resurfacing it have gone up by more than 40%.

"Our roads are aging," he said. "We have to do milling and resurfacing, which is much more expensive than preservation. That $1 million would help make a beneficial impact and help us keep the road standards where they are at."

Frederick said the city had already lowered its road quality standards in response to a question from the commission.

What's next?

The city will hold its first budget-adopting hearing 6 p.m. Sept. 7, which should include an overview of the full city budget. This will be followed by a second budget hearing 6 p.m. Sept. 21 where the commission will vote on whether to adopt the proposed budget. All budget hearings are scheduled to be held in the commission chambers at City Hall, 228 S. Massachusetts Ave.

Sara-Megan Walsh can be reached at swalsh@theledger.com or 863-802-7545. Follow on Twitter @SaraWalshFl.

This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Lakeland prioritizes increasing employee pay in proposed budget
Photo: Terry Vine (Getty Images)

The largest public school district in the state of Texas is converting libraries in 28 schools into disciplinary centers and eliminating school librarian positions, local news outlets reported on Thursday. The alarming change comes as part of a sweeping reform program led by the Houston Independent School Districts (HISD) new superintendent Mike Miles, who oversees 85 schools. Of the remaining 57 schools with libraries, the district said each will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, indicating more libraries could be closed.



Under Miles New Education System (NES) program, libraries in the 28 schools will become Team Centers, where kids with behavioral issues will be sent, per the Houston-based NBC affiliate, KRPC. The district has said librarians at these schools will have the opportunity to transition to other roles within the district. Miles was notably appointed by the Texas Education Agency despite fierce opposition from local leaders; hes previously led Dallas school district and oversaw a controversial program that tied teachers pay to standardized test scores, which saw long-time teachers depart due to pay disparities.

Read more

In addition to the shuttering of school libraries, Miles NES plan also entails premade lesson plans for teachers, classroom cameras for disciplinary purposes, and a greater emphasis on testing-based performance evaluations, according to Houstons NPR affiliate, Houston Public Media.

The closure of school libraries and greater emphasis on discipline and student surveillance come at an increasingly bleak time for public schools across the country, amid rising censorship of LGBTQ identity and racial justice issues in Republican-controlled school districts and states. As teachers continue to face the threat of losing their jobs for teaching history, were now seeing this play out for school librarians.

Story continues

More from Jezebel

Sign up for Jezebel's Newsletter. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Click here to read the full article.
A 17-year-old girl testified Friday she just prayed and covered her head during Ethan Crumbleys mass shooting at Michigans Oxford High School, which left four students dead and seven others wounded in 2021.

I didnt know if those were my last moments, Heidi Allen said during a hearing to determine if Crumbley should spend the rest of his life in prison without the possibility of parole.

As Allen recalled the horrific day she helped save a wounded classmate, Crumbley  in an orange jumpsuit  stared down at the defense table from behind his black-rimmed glasses.

Two students and an assistant principal described coming face-to-face with the shooter during the emotional second day of the hearing.

Crumbley pleaded guilty in October to one count of terrorism causing death, four counts of first-degree murder and 19 other charges stemming from the mass shooting.

Allen testified that she was turning a corner in a school corridor when she saw the shooter emerge from a restroom. He was dressed in black, with a hat and mask, but Allen said she still knew who he was. They had attended school together since middle school, she said.

A million things went through my head at that point but I knew exactly who it was. But, at the same time, I just thought theres no way that could be him, Allen testified.

Everything kind of slowed down for me, she said, adding that she covered her head and dropped to the floor.

It was very quiet. There was no screaming, nothing. It was just the gunshots.

Allen sensed the shooter was approaching her.

I just closed my eyes and eventually I realized he was gone, she said calmly during her testimony while several family members of victims cried in the courtroom.

Sheri Myre, mother of slain Oxford student Tate Myre, weeps in court on Friday. - Carlos Osorio/AP

Two female students near her were on the floor. Another girl in the hallway was also down.

I asked everybody in the hallway from where I was if anybody had been hit, Allen testified. And nobody had answered because they couldnt.

No one except Phoebe Arthur, who had been standing with her boyfriend. Arthur was crying. Allen helped her up and looked for an open classroom. Once inside, Allen put the night lock on the door.

Story continues

How did you know how to install the night lock? a prosecutor asked.

We have drills every year since middle school, Allen said.

At a drill just a month before the shooting, a teacher called on Allen to install the night lock on the door.

I didnt know how to do it, she said. I couldnt figure it out. She came over and she showed me exactly how to do it. When that moment came, I knew exactly how to do it.

Allen testified that she took Arthur to the middle of the classroom. There was blood everywhere. Arthur had been shot in the chest and neck. Allen used a sweater to apply pressure on her wounds.

Allen prayed with her classmate. She recalled thinking she was meant to be left unscathed in the hallway.

I asked her if she knew who God was and she had said, Not really. But I said, I think Im supposed to be here right now because theres no other reason that Im okay, that Im in this hallway, completely untouched.

Arthur survived. Allen later turned Arthurs back to the carnage as they left the classroom to spare her from reliving the horror.

I JUST WATCHED HIM KILL SOMEONE

Keegan Gregory, 16, who was a freshman at the time of the shooting, testified Friday about surviving the slaughter while a classmate who hid in a restroom with him was fatally shot a few feet away.

Gregory and Justin Shilling, then a senior, hid in a restroom stall before Crumbley kicked open the door to find them. Shilling had asked Gregory to hide with him and to climb on the toilet so the shooter couldnt see his feet. Shilling stood in front of the underclassman in the stall.

Gregory, while hiding, frantically sent messages on his familys group chat.

IM HIDING IN THE BATHROOM, reads one text.

He then dashed off a string of one-word texts: OMG  HELP  MOM.

His father wrote back, urging him to stay down, quiet and calm.

He replied: IM TERRIFIED

At one point, Crumbley kicked open the door to the stall. He left briefly and then returned. The shooter told Gregory to stay put and ordered Shilling out of the stall. Gregory testified that he heard a gunshot.

To his family, he wrote: HE KILLED HIM. OMFG.

The shooter returned to the stall and told Gregory to come out, motioning for him to stand near the pool of blood around Shillings head.

When he moved the gun away from his side I ran behind his back and out the door, Gregory testified. I realized that if I stayed I was going to die.

Gregory managed to safely reach an office.

I JUST WATCHED HIM KILL SOMEONE. HE PUT ME UP AGAINST THE WALL AND I RAN.

Gregory showed the court a tattoo on his forearm, with the date of the shooting in Roman numbers and four hearts for each victim. One heart is red, with a halo over it  representing Shilling.

If he didnt die in there, Gregory said, then Id be dead right now.

The defense did not cross-examine the student witnesses.

His names Ethan

Oxford High School Assistant Principal Kristy Gibson-Marshall - Carlos Osorio/AP

Assistant Principal Kristy Gibson-Marshall recalled for the court her attempts to save Tate Myre, who was fatally shot in the back of the head that day.

Gibson-Marshall testified that after hearing an announcement for the lockdown protocol she headed toward the sound of gunfire.

In my mind, I needed to go help, she said.

Gibson-Marshall knew the shooter, who was a student at an elementary school where she worked years earlier. She recalled giving him hugs as a kid, though she hadnt interacted with him much since he attended the high school.

In court, the assistant principal referred to Crumbley by his first name, occasionally glancing over at the defense table with a slight smile and teary eyes.

Gibson-Marshall testified that she saw the shooter down a hallway and the body of Myre in a pool of blood.

When Crumbley walked toward her, she didnt immediately believe he was the shooter. She thought maybe he had recovered the gun from the actual shooter.

She testified she asked Crumbley if he was OK. He turned his head away, pistol in hand, and walked passed her.

The administrator turned her attention to Myre. A bullet had struck the back of his head and exited through his eye socket, she testified.

She spoke to him until help arrived, not knowing if he could hear her. She told him she loved him and needed him to hang with me.

I just needed to save him for his mom, Gibson-Marshall recalled in tears, adding she knew him and his family for years.

Myres face had turned blue as Gibson-Marshall desperately tried rescue breathing.

I could taste his blood. There was so much blood, it was all over me. It took me a long time  months, probably almost a year  to get the taste of Tates blood out of my mouth, she said.

In a nearby hallway, Crumbley surrendered to police. Gibson-Marshall heard an officer ask the shooter to identify himself.

His names Ethan, she told the officers before returning to Myre.

On her way out of the courtroom, Gibson-Marshall hugged Myres weeping parents.

Later Friday, Crumbleys defense team called their first witness, Dr. Kenneth Romanowski, a corrections expert who evaluated Crumbleys records from the Oakland County Jail.

He did not interview Crumbley and has never met him, he testified.

Jail records revealed behavioral incidents earlier this year in which Crumbley repeatedly rammed his head into the door of his jail cell and hit his head against the cell wall, the corrections expert testified.

Romanowski testified that juvenile offenders often have a better chance of being rehabilitated in prison because of their lack of maturity and development.

Everybody has the potential to change, Romanowski said. He has to make that choice.

On cross-examination, prosecutor David Williams asked the defense expert whether he was aware that Crumbley shot victims at point-blank range.

The expert, who was tasked by the defense with only reviewing the shooters jail records, confirmed he was not aware of how the victims were killed or Crumbleys violent writings and behaviors prior to the shooting.

Dr. Fariha Qadir, a jail psychiatrist, testified she diagnosed Crumbley with major depression and adjustment disorder with anxiety. She prescribed him depression and mood-stabilizing medications.

Crumbley has reported hearing internal voices and feeling anxiety and paranoia, she said, but he has not been diagnosed as psychotic.

He has been on continued watch for most of his incarceration and at times, suicide watch, Qadir said.

I am going to be the next school shooter

The testimony comes one day after tense exchanges between a shooting victim and the defense attorney cross-examining her and following the introduction by prosecutors of audio from two video clips Crumbley recorded before the rampage he carried out at his high school when he was 15 years old.

My name is Ethan Crumbley, age 15, and I am going to be the next school shooter, he is heard saying on the audio that was played in court. Ive thought about this a lot. I cant stop thinking about it. But its constantly in my head.

Crumbley appeared to look down at the defense table as the audio was played.

In the second audio file played at the hearing, Crumbley said, Im gonna have so much fun tomorrow.

During the recordings, Crumbley talked about the decline of his life and calmly laid out his deadly plan.

I will walk behind someone, and I will shoot a bullet into their skull. And thats the first victim, he said. Im gonna open fire on everyone in the hallway  I will try to hit as many people as I can. I will reload, and I will find people hiding. I want to teach them a lesson of how they are wrong, of how they are being brainwashed.

Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald told the court on Thursday Crumbleys premeditated approach ahead of the shooting and propensity for violence are among the reasons he should receive a life sentence.

Crumbleys attorney, Paulette Loftin, said the defense will show Crumbley is not irreparably corrupt and should be sentenced to a term of years in prison.

The first prosecution witness was Lt. Timothy Willis with the Oakland County Sheriffs Office, who oversaw the shooting investigation. He testified that Crumbley bypassed device security and accessed a violent website on a jail computer tablet in January.

When authorities discovered the search history, which Crumbley had attempted to delete from the device, the teen said he could not resist visiting the site hed frequented before the shooting, according to the lieutenant.

CNN Laura Ly and Artemis Moshtaghian contributed to this report.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Correction: The headlnes on this story have been corrected to say the suspect is from Delmar.

On Friday, July 21, at about 12:30 p.m., Laurel police units were dispatched to the 1200 Block of W 6th Street for a weapons complaint.

The 911 caller, a 13-year-old juvenile, was reporting that someone pointed a gun at him. Officers contacted the victim, who was accompanied by a guardian, and learned that the suspect had already left the area.

The initial investigation determined that the victim was playing basketball in the driveway of his residence when a white male subject, who was not known to the victim, drove to and stopped in front of the victims residence without provocation.

The suspect reportedly began yelling racial slurs at the victim, a black male, and told the victim to go inside." The suspect then produced a firearm and pointed it at the victim, who ran inside the house as the vehicle fled the area, according to police.

The Laurel Police Department released this photo of the truck driven by the teen suspect now facing hate crimes and weapons charges.

The victim described the suspect and the suspects vehicle, which included specific identifying characteristics. Officers canvassed the area for surveillance video and potential witnesses. Several subjects were contacted who reported seeing the same vehicle and driver in the area on multiple prior occasions driving recklessly and yelling racist remarks at pedestrians.

The suspect was later identified as Zachary T Dyson, 16, of Delmar. He

A 16-year-old suspect was located and subsequently charged with possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, hate crime for underlying Class E felony and aggravated menacing.

The teen turned himself in to Laurel police with a guardian and was released on his own recognizance pending a future Sussex County Family Court arraignment.

UPDATE ON HOGAN AIDE: FBI: Former Larry Hogan aide died of two gunshot wounds, one self-inflicted

MASS SHOOTING UPDATE: Salisbury mass shooting update: Police seek help from public in finding suspects

Per Delaware Title 11 Section 1913, the juvenile suspects information is being released solely in the interest of public safety. The suspect is currently not incarcerated and is accused of violent felony offenses. Additionally, the Delaware Juvenile Justice System has different bail guidelines than the adult system. It favors release to legal guardians over incarceration of juvenile offenders except with rare, extenuating circumstances.

Story continues

This is an active investigation.

Anyone with information about this incident or other criminal activity is asked to contact the Laurel Police Department at 302-875-2244 or by direct message to this page. Information can also be submitted anonymously to Delaware Crime Stoppers by calling 800-847-3333 or texting "KEYWORD" followed by your information to CRIMES (274637). Tips submitted to Crime Stoppers that lead to an arrest are potentially eligible for a cash reward.

This article originally appeared on Salisbury Daily Times: Racial incident leads to hate crime, weapons charges for Delmar teen
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy at the Capitol on July 14, 2023. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy said last year that he wanted to tackle the issue of stock trading in Congress.

But a year later, there's little sign he plans to act on that anytime soon.

In a letter exclusively shared with Insider, several lawmakers are pressing for answers from him.

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy once sounded a lot like he was going to take action on banning members of Congress from trading stocks.

It's an immensely popular issue  according to the most recent survey, 86% of the American public supports it.

McCarthy, sensing the resonance of the issue and seeking to highlight the prolific stock trading habits of then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's husband, told reporters one year ago that he would take action on the issue if Republicans took the majority, and that he wanted to "bring trust back to this institution."

"What I've told everybody, we will come back and we will not only investigate this, we will come back with a proposal to change the current behavior," said McCarthy at the time.

But since becoming House Speaker, he's declined to raise the issue, other than comments he made on Donald Trump Jr.'s podcast in January.

"I think there is a problem, you got to build trust in this institution," said McCarthy. "I'm really looking at this  I want to do it on a bipartisan basis."

So House Democrats  who were burned by Pelosi when she was speaker  are taking McCarthy to task again, with Rep. Angie Craig of Minnesota leading a letter to the Speaker calling for a floor vote on legislation that would ban lawmakers and their immediate family members from owning or trading individual stocks.

"As of the writing of this letter, you have put 215 bills and resolutions on the floor, but you have not acted on your promise," reads the letter, which was shared exclusively with Insider and requests a response from McCarthy by September 11.

The letter was also signed by Democratic Reps. Andy Kim of New Jersey, Joe Neguse of Colorado, Katie Porter of California, Raja Krishnamoorthi of Illinois, and Abigail Spanberger of Virginia.

Story continues

In a statement to Insider, Craig said McCarthy needed to "put a stop to the culture war nonsense his party is pushing and deliver on the promise he made last year  common sense, bipartisan reforms that a majority of Americans support."

A spokesperson for McCarthy did not respond to Insider's request for comment.

While Democrats have pushed for hearings and sent letters urging McCarthy to take action, there's little indication that the Republican speaker of the House will listen, at least for now.

Unlike Pelosi, McCarthy enjoys less consolidated control of House proceedings, with members of the hard-right House Freedom Caucus frequently derailing plans laid out by leadership. And though some Freedom Caucus members are supportive of banning stock trading in Congress, they're likely to object to a hastily-scheduled vote on the matter.

At a press conference on the issue in May, Republican Rep. Ken Buck of Colorado, a member of the hard-right caucus, indicated that he wanted a bill to first pass through the House Administration Committee, then garner the support of a majority of Republicans before the bill could be brought to the floor.

"Once we have a piece of legislation, then it's up to Republicans to work within our conference to make sure that we've got 51% that want this bill on the floor," said Buck. "Then it would be appropriate to go to Speaker McCarthy and say we've passed both tests."

Read the original article on Business Insider
A new lawsuit filed in Thurston County Superior Court alleges that Washington state Senators have been silently withholding public records.

The lawsuit, filed by open government advocate Arthur West of Olympia, stems from the receipt of new records provided to West, McClatchy and others on Thursday, July 20, that were not previously turned over in public records requests closed out in February. Those requests asked for all redacted and unredacted records withheld, or previously withheld, under legislative privilege by state lawmakers.

Defendants sent plaintiff the appended letter, with attachments, demonstrating that the closure of the request had been in error, and that the defendants had silently withheld records, Wests suit noted.

Furthermore, all of the newly disclosed records were records withheld under a claim of legislative privilege from January of 2022 to present.

McClatchy first reported in January on state lawmakers use of legislative privilege, a legally untested concept under which lawmakers justify the withholding of documents from public review.

In 2018, a Thurston County judge ruled that the individual offices of lawmakers are considered separate agencies under the Public Records Act. In 2019 the Washington State Supreme Court affirmed that ruling. Public records advocates contend that means the Public Records Act applies to them the same way it does to state agencies.

But, as Wests suit continues, due to the recalcitrance of the defendants and the mechanics of the legislatures records response, it is difficult to determine exactly which entities or agencies actually are responsible for withholding disclosure of records.

Wests suit asks for a ruling to find the defendants in violation of the Public Records Act, as well as costs from each office that silently withheld the public records.

Eight current and former state Senators records were included in the recent release of records, including both Republicans and Democrats.

Story continues

The records returned were from the offices of former state Sen. Sharon Brown, former Sen. Tim Sheldon, current Sen. Phil Fortunato, R-Auburn, and current Sen. Shelly Short, R-Addy.

Additionally, text messages were returned from the offices of Sen. Patty Kuderer, D-Bellevue, Sen. Bob Hasegawa, D-Seattle, Sen. Emily Randall, D-Bremerton, and former Sen. Reuven Carlyle.

When McClatchy asked why lawmakers initially invoked the privilege but are waiving it now, Kimberly Wirtz, communications director for the Washington State Senate Republican Caucus, said that the Senators were advised that the redacted material was legislatively privileged based on the Washington State Constitution.

They chose to exercise this privilege when the material was provided in response to a previous public records request, Wirtz explained. When they were recently asked about the material, they decided to waive the privilege on it, allowing it to be released unredacted.

In a 2018 case called West v. City of Tacoma, it notes that silent withholding is not about the production of documents.

It is about the disclosure of documents. Sanders v. State distinguished these two concepts by stating, Records are either disclosed or not disclosed. A record is disclosed if its existence is revealed to the requester in response to a PRA request, regardless of whether it is produced. ... Disclosed records are either produced (made available for inspection and copying) or withheld (not produced).

Wests case is scheduled for a status conference in August.

West also filed a lawsuit in January challenging the Washington State Legislatures use of legislative privilege to withhold public records. That case has its first hearing on Sept. 29.
Typhoon Doksuri killed at least 35 people as it passed north of the main island of Luzon on Tuesday morning, reported the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

The very strong tropical cyclone, which was called Egay in the Philippines, approached the island nation with winds of 140 mph, the equivalent of a Category 4 hurricane.

The storm weakened slightly while being influenced by land, but the slow mover still subjected residents to hours of 120-mph sustained winds. Over a foot of rain fell, forcing the Philippine Coast Guard to rescue villagers by boat.

HERE ARE THE BUZZWORDS YOU'LL BE HEARING DURING HURRICANE SEASON

While evacuating one village, crews found the body of a woman who apparently drowned. A landslide in another village buried four people.

More than 328,000 people were evacuated, according to the NDRRMC. Days later, nearly 20,000 people are still in evacuation centers while the government is providing for almost 7,000 more in outdoor centers.

TROPICAL DISTURBANCE IN EASTERN ATLANTIC FACES OBSTACLES BEFORE DEVELOPMENT CHANCES INCREASE

The deadliest tragedy occurred after the storm passed. A boat near Manilla was about 50 feet from the shore when a strong gust of wind hit the vessel, according to the Manilla Bulletin. Officials told the news agency that the 70 passengers panicked and rushed to one side of the boat, causing it to capsize. The Coast Guard reported that 30 peopled died while the other 40 were rescued.

HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER

The Taiwan government evacuated about 300 people from the southern coast as Doksuri dealt a glancing blow, according to Reuters. Those sheltering in place cleared out grocery shelves and markets.

The storm churned high waves, and local weather reports warned of more than 3 feet of rainfall.

The storm is strengthening as it closes in on China. Fishing boats crowded ports after state TV reported that officials were urging fishermen to take shelter and farmers to speed up their harvest.

Story continues

An aerial photo show fishing boats take shelter from Typhoon Doksuri at Huangqi fishing port in Fuzhou, Fujian province, China, July 26, 2023. The Central Meteorological Observatory issued a typhoon red warning.

Doksuri is forecast to be the strongest typhoon to make landfall in China so far this season.

MANY MORE COUNTRIES THAN U.S. COUNT ON NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER'S WATCHFUL EYE

Typhoon Doksuri is forecast to make landfall in China on Friday.

On the typhoon's tail, the Joint Typhoon Warning Center is tracking Tropical Depression Six. It is expected to reach typhoon status on Saturday and trek north of both the Philippines and Taiwan.
Lee Meng-chu was convicted of espionage by China

Tears ran down Lee Meng-chu's face as he got ready to board a plane at Beijing airport on Monday.

The flight out of China marked the end of a harrowing ordeal for the Taiwanese businessman who had been held in the country for more than 1,400 days.

"I felt a huge relief after going through the passport check, and I cried a little," he told the BBC this week. "I have returned to the free world."

Mr Lee was arrested and jailed in 2019 after he snapped pictures of police officers in Shenzhen. He was accused of espionage and stealing state secrets - a charge he now denies.

He was released from jail in July 2021, but was prevented from leaving China as he was "deprived of political rights".

It is rare for Beijing to impose this penalty, which includes an exit ban, on convicts who are not mainland Chinese nationals. Activists say that Mr Lee's Taiwanese identity may have prompted authorities to make a political point, amid escalating tensions.

Taiwan regards itself as a self-ruled island, distinct from mainland China, with its own laws and democratically elected leader.

However, China sees island as a breakaway province that will eventually be brought under Beijing's control, by force if necessary.

Like the thousands of Taiwanese who do business in China, Mr Lee visited the country on a work trip in August 2019. At the time he was working for a tech company.

He was no stranger to China, as he previously worked and lived in the eastern city of Suzhou, and also travelled to mainland China about twice a year.

When he visited tensions were running high because Hong Kong was engulfed in the most widespread pro-democracy protests it had ever seen. Almost every weekend, the city saw increasingly violent clashes between the police and protesters.

Curious and sympathetic to the protesters' cause, Mr Lee made a brief detour to Hong Kong, where he watched a rally from the sidelines and passed out pamphlets with messages of support. Then, he went to neighbouring Shenzhen in mainland China to meet a colleague.

Story continues

At that time, hundreds of armed police officers gathered and armoured vehicles were on display at a stadium in Shenzhen. Many were worried that Beijing would send in these forces to quell the protests in Hong Kong.

The businessman spotted the activity from his hotel room window, so he walked over to the stadium and took some photos. He said there were no warning signs and he didn't cross the police cordon. Many others were also photographing the scene, he said.

Mr Lee denies he was spying. "I am only a curious passer-by if it really were some state secret, how could everything be seen from a hotel?"

When he was departing Shenzhen, ten video cameras he was transporting back to Taiwan for his business caught the attention of airport officials.

They stopped him to search his luggage and his phone, and found his pamphlets as well as the photos of police forces at the Shenzhen stadium.

National security officers then brought him to a hotel to undergo "residential surveillance at a designated location". For 72 days, he was not allowed to leave his room and watched by three people every day. He wasn't allowed to watch TV, read newspapers, open the curtains or even speak.

"I was actually looking forward to their questioning every day, or otherwise no one was willing to speak to me,"Mr Lee said. "Every day I had nothing to do so I just cleaned the floor, under the bed and the ceiling. It was painful."

Activists say Beijing often uses this secretive and arbitrary form of detention against those accused of national security offences. They can be held for months without trial.

Mr Lee was then whisked off to a detention centre, and only resurfaced months later.

He appeared on state broadcaster CCTV saying he felt sorry for "doing some harm to the motherland".

Mr Lee told the BBC he apologised in the hopes that he would be released as soon as possible. "You couldn't be bothered by things like dignity."

But soon after, he went on trial and was sentenced to one year and ten months in jail for "foreign espionage and illegally sending state secrets".

Chinese state media ran extensive reports about his case, alleging he had taken the pictures of the Shenzhen stadium to send to Taiwanese groups.

They also cited the fact that he had studied in the US and was a member of Taiwanese non-governmental organisations to allege he was a Taiwan independence activist, which Mr Lee denies.

Mr Lee served his sentence in a Guangdong jail, where he was crammed into a small cell with 15 other prisoners. But for him, prison was an improvement from residential surveillance - at least he had company.

He was put to work in a production line and had to wrap computer cables every day. If they failed to finish their tasks on time, they would be physically punished, he said.

China's Taiwan Affairs Office has not responded to the BBC's questions. The BBC has not been able to independently verify all of Mr Lee's claims, but his account of his time in detention is similar to those shared by other detainees.

During his trial Mr Lee had been sentenced to "deprivation of political rights". At the time he did not give it too much thought, he said, as he did not see himself as a Chinese citizen in the first place.

But a month before his scheduled release, he was shocked to find out that he couldn't leave the mainland for another two years.

Yaqiu Wang of Human Rights Watch said that in Mr Lee's case, "the Chinese government wanted to make a point that he's a Chinese citizen".

It is difficult to ascertain the number of Taiwan-linked individuals arrested in China for national security offences. However, it is "reasonable" to assume the number is increasing amid worsening relations between Beijing and Taipei, she said.

In April, Taiwan-based publisher Fucha, who often printed books critical of Beijing, was held for an investigation for endangering national security. Earlier that month, Taiwanese activist Yang Chih-yuan was charged with secession.

The difference in the Chinese authorities' treatment of Mr Lee compared to previous cases may also be a sign that they are getting tougher on Taiwanese detainees.

When human rights activist Lee Ming-che completed his five-year sentence last year, he was allowed to fly back to Taiwan right away.

Mr Lee wore a mask with the Taiwan flag when he spoke to reporters after leaving China

In Lee Meng-chu's case, he said he was contacted by Chinese police several times in the first weeks after his release. When he tried to leave China by boarding a flight in Shanghai, he was stopped by immigration officers.

After a while, he sensed he was under less stringent police surveillance. Since he couldn't leave the country, the travel enthusiast decided to visit 100 cities across China, tapping into his savings and funds from his family.

But it was a lonely existence. His family hesitated to contact him, fearing further retaliation against him. Other Taiwanese businessmen distanced themselves from him, fearing they would be targeted by Chinese authorities as well.

"I already fell victim [to Beijing], being isolated by my own people was like being victimised for the second time," he said.

He gradually made friends with Chinese nationals, including activists and human rights lawyers. Initially, he worried that he would be recognised, or even attacked, after his state media appearance.

It was the opposite, Mr Lee said. Many of them showed him kindness, and even offered him a place to stay.

Mr Lee is now in Japan, where he plans to lay low and recover from his ordeal before returning to Taiwan.

He said he used to only think about China as a place to do lucrative business - but now he has gained a new understanding.

"I did not pay too much attention to the bad things happening behind the facade," he said.

"I thought the Communist Party got better. It was not until this happened to me that I realised I was too naive."
As hot as its been in South Carolina this summer, leaving a dog in a car for any length of time could be deadly.

But what does South Carolina law say about leaving dogs locked in hot cars and what people can do about it? A lot less than some might think.

What the law says

South Carolina currently has no law that specifically addresses leaving dogs in unattended vehicles.

There are currently 31 states that have laws against leaving an animal in a vehicle under dangerous conditions like extreme heat and cold, according to Shouse California Law Group. Some of those state laws include misdemeanor charges. The law group notes that even in states like South Carolina that dont have such laws, a person could still be charged with a crime for leaving a dog in a car unattended under an animal abuse or animal cruelty law.

Some states go further with their dogs left in hot car laws  allowing people to rescue animals confined in vehicles under hazardous conditions, the law firm notes.

What can SC residents do?

According to the Humane Society, there are several steps a person in South Carolina can take to help if they find a dog locked in a hot car.

Write down the cars make, model and license plate number

Notify a manager of a nearby business and ask them to make an announcement to find the cars owner.

If an owner cannot be found, call the local polices non-emergency number or call animal control and wait by the car for them to arrive.

What if its not hot outside?

Even if its relatively cool outside, that does not mean its cool in a car, Humane Society says. When its 72 degrees outside, the temperature inside a car can still heat up to 116 degrees within an hour. Also, rolling down the windows has been shown to have little effect on temperatures inside a car.
Emmett Till, who was kidnapped, tortured and murdered in 1955 in Mississippi. (Associated Press)

To the editor: Leave it to a man of compassion, empathy, tolerance and decency such as President Biden to spearhead the establishment of memorials to commemorate the savage murder of Emmett Till, a 14-year-old boy.

Till was kidnapped, tortured and murdered, his body thrown into a river by racists. Calling to mind Till today would not be popular in some parts of the country in which America's racist underpinnings is deemed too uncomfortable to acknowledge, something which needs to be erased from history.

It is gratifying that a president to whom civil rights has always been important has made it more likely that the memory of an atrocity, one for which the perpetrators tragically were not called to account, will endure. The presidents actions bring comfort to surviving members of Tills family and to all whose lives have been affected by racial animus.

Oren Spiegler, Peters Township, Pa.

..

To the editor: Emmett Tills mother required an open casket for her son, so the world could see his mutilated body.

This act changed the United States forever.

The lesson from this horrific event is that until America sees the mutilated pictures of children and adults from Texas to Illinois, New York to California and Florida, that occur when an AR-15-style assault rifle is used to kill, America will not force federal and state governments to enact and enforce gun control.

Learn the lesson from history, take action immediately  print the photographs.

Robert L. Graham, Manhattan Beach

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Map of Libya with pre-Gaddafi and post-Gaddafi era flag

Libya, a mostly desert oil-rich country, has become a key springboard for migrants heading for Europe, and a source of international tension as rival governments in the west and east seek to establish nationwide control.

Libya was under foreign control for centuries until it gained independence in 1951. Soon after, oil was discovered and earned the country immense wealth.

Colonel Gaddafi seized power in 1969 and ruled for four decades until he was toppled and killed in 2011 in a rebellion assisted by Western military intervention.

Since 2014, Libya has been divided into competing political and military factions based in different parts of the country. The two sides signed a permanent ceasefire in 2020, but political rivalries continue.

Read more country profiles - Profiles by BBC Monitoring

STATE OF LIBYA: FACTS

Capital: Tripoli

Area: 1,759,541 sq km

Population: 7 million

Language: Arabic

Life expectancy: 70 years (men) 75 years (women)

LEADERS

Prime Minister: Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh (Government of National Unity)

Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh

A Government of National Unity (GNU) was formed in March 2021, based in Tripoli, with Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh as the internationally-recognised prime minister.

This was Libya's sole government for the first time in nearly seven years, successfully replacing the parallel administrations that had existed since 2014.

But that this was short lived, and in March 2022 the country was divided again when the eastern-based parliament formed the rival Government of National Stability (GNS) under the leadership of prime minister Fathi Bashagha.

The GNS has struggled to assert its legitimacy internationally.

MEDIA

The capital Tripoli includes a mix of ancient and modern buildings

Libya's media environment is highly-polarised and virtually unregulated, reflecting the country's political instability.

Satellite TV is a key news source and many outlets are based outside Libya.

Journalism is fraught with danger; reporters face threats and attacks.

TIMELINE

Muammar Gaddafi seized power as a young officer and became increasingly eccentric during his four decades in power

Some key dates in Libya's modern history:

643AD - Arabs under Amr Ibn al-As conquer Libya and spread Islam.

Story continues

16th Century - Libya becomes part of the Ottoman Empire, which joins the three provinces of Tripolitania, Cyrenaica and Fezzan into one regency in Tripoli.

1911-12 - Italy seizes Libya from the Ottomans.

1920s - Libyan resistance to Italian rule grows.

1931 - Italy breaks resistance through combination of major armed operations and concentration camps for rebel population.

1934 - Italy steps up Italian migration as part of an eventual plan for the incorporation of Libya into a Greater Italy.

1942 - Allies oust Italians and their German allies from Libya after a two-year campaign.

1951 - Libya becomes independent under King Idris.

1956 - Development of Libya's oil reserves starts.

1969 - Muammar Gaddafi, deposes King Idris.

1971 - National referendum approves proposed Federation of Arab Republics (FAR) comprising Libya, Egypt and Syria. However, the FAR never takes off.

1977 - Col Gaddafi declares a "people's revolution", changing the country's official name from the Libyan Arab Republic to the Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriyah and setting up "revolutionary committees".

Libya was accused of involvement in the downing of the 747 PanAm airliner that exploded and crashed over Lockerbie, Scotland

1992 - UN imposes sanctions on Libya over the bombing of a PanAm airliner over the Scottish town of Lockerbie in December 1988.

2011 - Violent protests break out in Benghazi and spread to other cities. This leads to civil war, foreign intervention and the overthrow and death of Colonel Gaddafi.

2016 - Following years of conflict, a new UN-backed government is installed at Tripoli. It faces opposition from rival governments and a host of militias.

2021 - Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh takes over as prime minister of the UN-backed Government of National Accord in Tripoli.

2023 - Rival sides agree to set up a committee to oversee the sharing of oil revenues.
After spending nearly four months hospitalized after being shot in the head, rookie Louisville police officer Nickolas Wilt was released from a rehabilitation center Friday.

Wilt, 26, was shot by Connor Sturgeon outside Old National Bank in April. Sturgeon, who worked at the bank, had rampaged through the downtown Louisville building minutes before, shooting co-workers. He killed five people and injured several others before waiting to ambush police when they responded to the scene, police said previously.

On Friday, Wilt left the Frazier Rehabilitation Institute in a wheelchair pushed by his twin brother, Zach Wilt, and trailed by his mother, Jen. He flashed a thumbs up to dozens of employees gathered in the lobby to celebrate his send-off.

In a news conference beforehand, Zach Wilt said his brother was able to go home Friday because of the care he has received at UofL Health.

He gets to go home to his own bed, to his own TV, and hes been asking for a steak dinner for a couple weeks now, his brother said. You bet were going to give him a steak dinner tonight.

LMPD Officer Nickolas Wilt, pushed by his brother, Zach & trailed by his mom, Jen, leaves the rehab center. Hes been hospitalized since he was shot in April. pic.twitter.com/kSpslY3wyW  Alex Acquisto (@AcquistoA) July 28, 2023

Nick Wilt graduated from the police academy just 10 days before he was shot on April 10. He remained in critical condition for nearly a month on a ventilator before developing pneumonia in both lungs, for which doctors transferred him from UofL Healths flagship hospital to Jewish Hospital.

He was taken off a ventilator and moved back to UofL Health May 3, but remained in the intensive care unit, officials said. Wilts condition continued progressing, and he was moved to the Frazier Rehabilitation Institute about a week later. By late May, Wilt had begun walking with assistance and talking.

Story continues

After regaining consciousness, Wilt had to re-learn how to do do basic activities, like swallow, stand and talk, said Dr. Darryl Kaelin, medical director of the institute.

Though he left Frazier on Friday, he will return next week to begin an intensive outpatient five-day-a-week physical and occupational therapy regimen, Kaelin said. The majority of his recovery will happen over the next two years, he said.

Considering how severe his injury was, Kaelin said Friday, he is making a remarkable recovery for the extent of the injury he had.

Wilts long-term prognosis is good, he added.

Over the weeks and months to come, hes going to become more and more independent, Kaelin said. I would put no restrictions on his ability.

Louisville Metro Police Department Chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel highlighted the resilience of Wilt and his family and asked for police officers across the country to have pride that our brother in blue is coming home.

Jim Ryan, CEO of Old National Bank, tearfully asked people to honor Wilts sacrifice and the lives lost that day by loving one another more fully, caring for one another more completely, and supporting one another to the very best of our ability.

Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg praised Wilt for his grit, determination and fight, and reassured him, the whole city is behind you.

Greenberg began his address by naming each of the five victims killed that day, and asked the city to never forget their names, or the names and lives of anyone else killed by gun violence. He then reiterated his call for greater gun control in a county replete with gun violence.

To those who have survived gun violence, lets take action together, he said. Lets fight to protect officers like Wilt, lets fight to protect every child, sun and daughter from the fear of gun violence. Lets fight together to make gun violence a plague of the past.
The man charged in the 2020 death of protester Summer Taylor agreed to a plea deal on Thursday, pleading guilty to vehicular homicide, vehicular assault, and reckless driving.

The recommended sentence for 30-year-old Dawit Kelete will be roughly six and a half months in prison. Hell also have 18 months of probation after hes released.

In July of 2020, Kelete drove onto I-5 through Seattle where a group of Black Lives Matter demonstrators were gathered. He hit Summer Taylor and Diaz Love, killing the former and severely injuring the latter. Love suffered from a traumatic brain injury, multiple fractures, lacerations, and displacements.

In summer of 2022, Love filed a lawsuit alleging that the state and city had failed to block off access to I-5 to protect protesters.

Kelete later told officials that at the time, he was under the influence of opioids while struggling with untreated addiction.

Shortly after the plea deal was announced on Thursday, Taylors mother expressed relief on Facebook, stating that aside from sentencing, this long nightmare is, at long last, OVER.

According to the King County Prosecutors office, the standard sentence for this crime is between two and a half and three and a half years. A longer sentence was recommended in this case due to the substantial injuries suffered by Love.
A pharmacist prepares the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. Jessica Hill/AP Photo

Scientists raced to develop COVID-19 vaccines at record speed.

Vaccines often take years, and sometimes even decades, to develop, test, and approve for public use.

Here's how long it took to develop vaccines for infectious diseases throughout history.

Across the world, scientists worked at record speed to develop a successful vaccine for the novel coronavirus, which has infected more than 760 million people and killed over 6.9 million as of July 2023.

In the US, vaccine development undergoes a specific set of steps that includes exploratory phases, pre-clinical trials, a new drug application, four phases of vaccine trials, and thorough vetting from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration.

All of that combined could take multiple years, and even then, it might not be as effective as hoped. But because of the severity of the pandemic, manufacturers and leading scientists were able to expedite the process to yield results as quickly as possible.

To gain some perspective on the complexities of vaccine development, here's how long it took to develop vaccines for other infectious diseases throughout history.

Smallpox

A teenage boy is vaccinated against smallpox by a school doctor and a county health nurse, Gasport, New York, 15th March 1938. Harry Chamberlain/FPG/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

The eradication of smallpox through vaccination is seen as one of the biggest achievements in public health history  but it took several centuries to get there.

The origins of smallpox are unknown, though scientists believe it dates all the way back to the Egyptian Empire at least 3,000 years ago. By the 18th century, colonization spread the disease across the globe. It had a devastating mortality rate of up to 30%.

In 1796, Edward Jenner in the UK created the first successful smallpox vaccine, but it wasn't until the 1950s that vaccine treatments began to effectively eradicate the disease in some parts of the world.

Then, in 1967, a global effort that provided a higher level of vaccine production and advancement in needle technology eventually led to the eradication of the disease by 1980.

Story continues

To date, smallpox is only one of two diseases to have been completely eliminated around the world through vaccination efforts.

Plague

People praying for relief from the bubonic plague, circa 1350. Hulton Archive/Getty Images

Plague is one of the world's oldest and most lethal diseases, culminating in an estimated 75-200 million deaths in the few years around 1348. But to date, no licensed vaccine is available.

Plague is perhaps most notorious for killing millions of people during the Middle Ages, but the disease is still active in areas around the world. As recent as 2020, a plague outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo attracted international attention.

However, since plague is a disease spread by bacteria, the advent of modern antibiotics can be used as treatment. Even so, researchers believe that vaccination development is the most viable option to prevent the spread of disease in the long term.

Many failed attempts have been made to create a plague vaccine in the past  including one that was made in the US to inoculate soldiers during the Vietnam War.

But in 2018, the WHO created a Plague vaccine Target Product Profile, which listed 17 possible candidates for vaccine approval.

Typhoid Fever

Mary Mallon (1870?-1938), known as "Typhoid Mary", in New York City. She was the first person identified as a carrier of typhoid bacilli in the United States. Getty Images

Typhoid fever is a deadly disease that can be spread widely through food and water. Though relatively uncommon in industrialized areas, it remains a significant threat in developing nations throughout Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America, according to the WHO.

Two vaccines are commercially available to prevent typhoid fever. After the bacteria responsible for the disease was discovered in 1880, German and British scientists put forth preliminary vaccines in 1896.

In 1909, US Army physician Frederick F. Russell developed the first US typhoid vaccination. By 1911, it was mandatory for all military personnel to get the vaccine.

Today, Typhoid fever is uncommon in the US and vaccinations are not commonly recommended for routine use.

Yellow Fever

A nurse prepares a vaccine against yellow fever at an outpatient clinic in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on January 12, 2018. MIGUEL SCHINCARIOL/AFP via Getty Images

In 1951, Max Theiler became the first and only scientist to receive a Nobel Prize for the development of a vaccine. His efforts to control yellow fever are widely praised by the scientific community, and he helped to correct years of misled research.

Yellow fever has caused deadly epidemics throughout human history for more than 500 years. By the end of the 19th century, it was a well known threat around the world. But little was known about the disease itself, and early vaccination efforts at the close of the century mistakenly focused on bacterial transmission when it's actually caused by a virus.

In 1918, researchers working for the Rockefeller Institute developed what they thought was the first successful yellow fever vaccination  but in 1926 Theiler proved otherwise and the faulty vaccine ceased production.

Over a decade later, in 1937, Theiler and colleagues created the first safe and effective yellow fever vaccination, which has since become the universal standard.

Influenza

Interior View, Ward A. Influenza, U.S. Army Camp Hospital No.70, St. Florent Le Vieil, France, 1914-1918 Universal History Archive / Getty Images

Influenza has a long, tragic history of killing millions of people worldwide. During the 1918 influenza pandemic, there were no known cures or vaccinations for the virus.

Starting in the 1930s, it took decades of research to understand the complexities of the influenza virus, and it wasn't until 1945 that the first vaccine was approved for use in the US.

In 1942, researchers realized that two main types of influenza viruses occur  influenza A and influenza B, along with multiple new strains of the virus each year.

But just two years later, in 1947, researchers concluded that the vaccines they already had weren't effective due to seasonal changes in the composition of the virus. Because of this, scientists have to tweak the influenza vaccine every year.

Today, seasonal flu vaccines are designed by the WHO using data gathered from influenza surveillance centers to develop a new vaccination based on the three or four strains most likely to circulate in the upcoming season.

Polio

A boy receives polio vaccine drops, during an anti-polio campaign, in a low-income neighborhood in Karachi, Pakistan, on April 9, 2018. Reuters

While polio has likely affected human populations for thousands of years, it wasn't until the late 1800s that the disease reached epidemic proportions. At the turn of the 20th century, polio tore through the US, leaving many infected patients paralyzed and disabled for life.

Research to understand polio was gradual for the first few decades. In 1935, a vaccination was attempted, first on monkeys and then on children in California. Though this vaccine yielded poor results, two more decades of research paved the way for the development of vaccines by Jonas Salk in 1953, and Albert Sabin in 1956.

After a trial of more than 1.6 million children, Salk's vaccine was adopted in the US by 1955. Continuous research through the 1980s made way for an even more effective and efficient production of vaccines, and by 1994 polio was eliminated in the Americas.

As recently as 1988, 350,000 people had been paralyzed by the debilitating disease, which mainly affects children. In 2022, there were only 30 cases of polio in the whole world, not including vaccine vaccine-derived cases.

One study estimated that the polio vaccine prevented 24 million people from getting the disease from 1988 to 2022.

Polio could become the third human disease we wipe from the planet. But we've still got a while to go, experts say.

Anthrax

A biological technician wearing a Level C PAPR protective suit climbs up a ladder to inspect a decontamination tent covering Smailholm village hall in southern Scotland March 6, 2007. The technician is part of a team that decontaminated the scene of an Anthrax outbreak in July 2006. REUTERS/David Moir

Anthrax is thought to have been around since 700 BC, but the first clinical account of the disease was recorded in the 1700s, per the CDC.

Throughout the 1800s, scientists conducted a series of studies to determine the disease's origin, how long the bacteria could survive, and how the disease was transmitted through animals. Their conclusions paved the way for the first attempts at a vaccine in 1881.

In 1937, scientist Max Sterne created a successful anthrax vaccination to be used in livestock, a version of which is still used today, in order to reduce transmission from animals to humans. Then, in the 1950s, the first human vaccine was created and made available for people working in animal processing mills in the United States.

An updated anthrax vaccine was developed in 1970, which is largely what's used to prevent the disease in humans today.

Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR)

A nurse displays vials of measles vaccine at the Orange County Health Department on May 6, 2019 in Orlando, Florida. NurPhoto/Paul Hennessy via Getty Images

Measles, mumps, and rubella are viral infections that have each caused widespread, deadly disease outbreaks. Throughout the 1960s, individual vaccines were developed for each of them, but a decade later, they were combined into one.

Measles was the first of the three to receive its own vaccine in 1963, followed by mumps in 1967, and rubella in 1969. Two years later, in 1971, Maurice Hilleman of the Merck Institute of Therapeutic Research developed a combined vaccination that would provide immunity for all three viruses.

"One dose of MMR vaccine is 93% effective against measles, 78% effective against mumps, and 97% effective against rubella," the CDC states on its website.

"Two doses of MMR vaccine are 97% effective against measles and 88% effective against mumps."

The CDC recommends children get two doses of the MMR vaccine  the first dose between 12 to 15 months of age and the second dose from 4 to 6 years.

Varicella (Chicken Pox)

Kiara Boisvert, 5, gets a varicella booster vaccination from Amy Moran, a clinical assistant at Intermed in South Portland on Thursday, June 4, 2015. Gregory Rec/Portland Portland Press Herald via Getty Images

Primary varicella infection, commonly known as chickenpox, was misdiagnosed as smallpox until the end of the 1800s.

In the 1950s, scientists distinguished varicella from herpes zoster (shingles), and subsequent research led to the development of the first vaccine for chickenpox in Japan in the 1970s.

The vaccine was licensed for use in the US in 1995.

Shingles (herpes zoster)

Frank Bienewald/LightRocket via Getty Images

Shingles, or herpes zoster, stems from the same virus that causes chickenpox. The only two ways shingles can develop is after an initial infection of chickenpox, or (uncommonly) exposure to a chickenpox vaccination, according to The College of Physicians of Philadelphia

The connection between shingles and chickenpox was first observed in 1954. Throughout the 1960s, studies indicated that shingles was more common in older populations. But it wasn't until 2006 that the first commercially available vaccine was licensed in the US.

In 2017, the US Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices started to recommend that adults age 50 or older should be vaccinated for the disease.

Hepatitis B

Vaccinations to help prevent Hepatitis A and B were given by HEP Team to those interested free of cost. Carlos Chavez/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

Hepatitis B was discovered by Dr. Baruch Blumberg in the latter half of the 1960s. Just a few years later, he created the first hepatitis B vaccine.

Then, in 1981, the FDA approved the first commercially available hepatitis B vaccination, which involved blood samples from infected donors.

Then, in 1986, a new synthetically prepared vaccine that doesn't use blood-based products replaced the original model.

Since Hepatitis B can cause liver cancer, the vaccine was also considered the first anti-cancer vaccine.

Human papillomavirus (HPV)

Pediatrician Richard K. Ohnmacht prepares a shot of the HPV vaccine Gardasil for a patient at his office in Cranston, Rhode Island, on Sept. 3, 2015. Keith Bedford/The Boston Globe via Getty Images

Human papillomavirus is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the US, and studies show that more than 80% of women will contract at least one type of the virus at some point in their lives.

HPV is thought to cause more than 90% of anal and cervical cancers, according to the CDC. This can result in thousands of deaths each year.

The link between HPV and cervical cancer was first made in 1980's, and over two decades of research followed before a viable vaccine hit the market.

The first HPV vaccine was recommended in the US in 2006, and subsequent research has led to the development of two more vaccines since. The CDC said these efforts dropped HPV infections by 81% in young adult women.

Today, recommendations for vaccine dosage depend largely on age.

COVID-19

Pfizer, along with BioNTech, used breakthrough mRNA technology to create its COVID-19 vaccine. The potential of this new tech could transform science, leaders at the company said. Vincent Kalut / Photonews via Getty Images

The COVID-19 outbreak caused billions of people worldwide to go on lockdown  disrupting everyday life  to curb the spread of the highly contagious virus.

The coronavirus resulted in overcrowded hospitals, stressed healthcare workers, and pressure on officials who were pushed to create a vaccine to end the pandemic.

During the early stages of the pandemic, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the then Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said in front of Congress that a vaccine could be developed by the end of 2020 and available for use in 2021.

In December 2020, Sandra Lindsay, a critical care nurse, became the first person in the US to receive the jab outside clinical trials.

"As a minority, I wanted to instill confidence in my people that look like me to say that it is safe, be guided by science, don't be afraid," Lindsay told Insider at the time.

As of July 2023, four vaccines have been greenlit in the US: Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson's Janssen, and Novavax.

More than 13 billion vaccine doses have been administered worldwide, including 676 million in the US.







Read the original article on Business Insider
WASHINGTON  As he battles to gain traction on the campaign trail, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has shifted attention away from the two presidents he has to beat  Donald Trump and Joe Biden  and toward a less conventional foil: Vice President Kamala Harris.

DeSantis called her "impeachment insurance" for Biden in late June.

This week, he and his wife, Casey DeSantis, accused Harris of lying about new Florida standards for classroom lessons on slavery. When hitting Harris, as he did while talking with reporters in Iowa on Thursday, DeSantis mispronounces her name  kuh-MALL-uh  putting emphasis on the second syllable rather than the first.

Both DeSantises call the White House the Harris-Biden administration, implying that the vice president is really in charge. And Ron DeSantis recently framed the 2024 race as a contest between himself and Harris because the 80-year-old Biden has "already passed normal life expectancy."

It all amounts to an unorthodox strategy of battling the No. 2 Democrat in the midst of a Republican presidential primary, a tack that is fraught with the obvious risk that he could seem more focused on the 2028 election than the 2024 election. But, at a time when support for his campaign has been drying up, DeSantis needs a foe  and fast  to show donors and voters that he can win a fight.

Harris is a more inviting target than Trump, whose base will be crucial to any GOP nominee, or Biden, whom Americans view a little more favorably than his vice president. She also offers the most obvious backboard for DeSantis' bank-shot argument that Biden is infirm.

Republicans say theres no love lost between their partys core voters and the Democratic vice president.

"Kamala Harris is [to the GOP base] an incompetent liberal who sits a heartbeat from being president," Elijah Haahr, a conservative radio host and former speaker of the Missouri House, said in an exchange of text messages. "Ron wants to tap into the GOP's disdain and fear by creating his latest foil."

Story continues

DeSantis welcomed Harris' plan to promote abortion rights in Iowa on Friday, the same day as the state GOP's political-rite-of-passage Lincoln Dinner.

"I thank her," DeSantis said. "I mean, the more that its me versus Harris, because ultimately if you look at the next election, shes going to be the VP, you know, its possible she could end up being president of the United States. And I think voters need to take a hard look at that and see if thats something that they would want."

He has leaned heavily into debating Harris on the merits of the new Florida education policy, which she said replaces "history with lies."

Under the guidelines, units on slavery must include instruction on how "slaves developed skills, which, in some instances, could be applied for their personal benefit." Schools will also be required to teach that people were also enslaved in parts of the world other than the United States and that indentured servitude carried economic risks that slavery did not.

In addition to Harris, two of the GOP's most prominent Black elected officials  Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, who is seeking the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, and Rep. Byron Donalds of Florida, who backs Trump  have criticized elements of the new standards.

Scott said Thursday that there's "no silver lining" in slavery.

"I would hope that every person in our country  and certainly running for president  would appreciate that. People have bad days. Sometimes they regret what they say," Scott said. "And we should ask them again to clarify their positions."

DeSantis, who served in Congress with Scott, fired back Friday during a campaign stop in Albia, Iowa, by accusing Scott of repeating Harris' line of attack  the same case a DeSantis aide made against Donalds earlier in the week.

I think part of the reason our country has struggled is because D.C. Republicans all too often accept false narratives, accept lies that are perpetrated by the left and accept the lie that Kamala Harris has been perpetrating, even when that has been debunked, DeSantis said.

Thats not the way you do it, he added. The way you do it, the way you lead is to fight back against the lies, is to speak the truth. And so Im here defending my state of Florida against false accusations and against lies, and were going to continue to speak the truth.

Harris' office did not reply to a request for comment about DeSantis targeting her.

Though DeSantis insists he was not involved in formulating the standards, he has been more than happy to defend them  especially when that means pitting himself against Harris.

"This, I think, gave him a little shot in the arm this week," a person familiar with DeSantis' strategy said. "You know, her picking this fight and him being able to fight back."

There's little question in political circles that DeSantis needs a boost. He fired about 40% of his staff this month amid a cash crunch, and his poll numbers have cratered.

In the RealClearPolitics average of national polls, DeSantis stood at 18.4% Friday morning, compared to Trump's 52.4%. That puts DeSantis far closer to the rest of the candidates  all of whom are polling at less than 6% in the RCP average  than to Trump.

Brad Todd, a veteran Republican strategist who is not working on a presidential campaign, said Harris is a fine target for DeSantis but that his message has not been focused enough.

"Kamala is fair game as there is more than a little reason to think she's the eventual nominee, and she definitely represents the goofiest radical wing of their party that the center worries about," Todd said. "But DeSantis now seems to be attacking six different people a day. He is an ax looking for a tree."

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
How the loss of one plane is a significant loss for Russia photo

All out, near-peer modern warfare is a conflict of attrition. With similar capabilities, human casualties and material losses are expected on both sides. Since the beginning of its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Russia has lost dozens of planes. However, the loss of just one aircraft has seriously affected the Russian war effort.

The Pantsir-S1 is a self-propelled, medium-range surface-to-air missile system (U.S. Army)

On June 24, 2023, a Russian Il-22M VzPU was shot down in Voronezh Oblast. The aircraft was reportedly intercepted by a surface-to-air missile fired by a Pantsir-S1 Air Defence System during its ascent. Designated the SA-22 Greyhound by NATO, the missile system was reportedly seized by Wagner Group mercenaries and used against federal Russian forces during the Wagner rebellion.

The Il-22M is an airborne command post like the E-4B Nightwatch (Miguel Ortiz/WATM)

The Ilyushin Il-22M is a four-engined turboprop airborne command post based on the Il-18 airliner, which first flew in 1957. Given the NATO designation Coot-B, the Il-22M is a modernized version of the older Il-22, which was retroactively designated the Coot-A. With a reported maximum altitude of 39,000 feet, the Il-22M flies high above the battlefield to provide commanders with greater situational awareness and improved control of their forces. Its role is similar to that of the U.S. Air Force's E-4B "Nightwatch" Advanced Airborne Command Post.

The downing of the Il-22M was confirmed by the British MOD (twitter.com/Osinttechnical)

The Russian Aerospace Forces reportedly have just 20 Il-22s, 12 upgraded to the Il-22M version. The loss of the Il-22M in Voronezh, registered RA-85917, is a reduction in capability for Russia and an example of the aircraft's vulnerability. The leader of the Wagner Group, Yevgeny Prigozhin, said in a public statement, "We regret that we had to hit air assets, but those assets were dropping bombs and launching missile strikes."

The Il-22 is an extremely limited resource for the Russian military (twitter.com/Heroiam_Slava)

While the Il-22M is not an armed aircraft, it is still an extremely valuable military target that is vital for command and control on the battlefield. Prigozhin further expressed his regret for shooting the plane down by offering a sum of 50 million rubles to families of the 10 Russian service members killed aboard. Wagner forces also reportedly shot down six Russian helicopters during their rebellion. However, the Il-22M is the only fixed-wing aircraft that Russia lost.
Loved ones and police are making new pleas as a grim anniversary rolled around Friday.

It has been two years since someone stabbed a woman and her dog to death at Piedmont Park.

Police found Katie Janness body but did not find her killer.

Theres still someone out there right now who can do this to somebody else, said Joe Clark, who is the father of Janness partner, Emma.

Two years ago feels like just yesterday to those who knew and loved Janness.

Its still one of those things you live with every day of your life when you get up, when you go to bed, Clark told Channel 2s Audrey Washington.

On July 28, 2021, someone walked up to Janness and her dog Bowie and stabbed the two to death as they walked in the park late at night.

RELATED STORIES:

It happened at the entrance of the park along 10th Street at Charles Allen Drive.

You always think about it, you know? Its going to be a part of our lives, Clark said.

Surveillance cameras at 10th Street and Piedmont Avenue captured the moments before Janness and Bowie were stabbed.

In the video, you can see Janness and her dog at the intersection, but there is no sign of the killer.

On Friday morning, Atlanta police detectives discussed the case during a news conference in which they pleaded for anyone with any more information to come forward.

The suspect at this time is unknown, Atlanta Homicide Commander Lt. Germain Dearlove said.

Channel 2 Action News obtained the autopsy report for Janness shortly after the murder. It showed that her killer stabbed her at least 50 times and carved the word fat on her torso.

Story continues

Washington asked police if they are searching for someone with a specific criminal profile.

It seems senseless to me, a senseless incident. Weve conducted, weve cast a wide net, looking into our victims background and looking at other profiles of persons who are capable or not capable of committing these crimes, Dearlove said.

Police are now asking for anyone who was in the area on July 28, 202, and saw anything to please come forward.

In a candid moment, the lead detective in the case expressed his determination to find the killer.

It is frustrating, but were working it. We want to get it right, said Detective J. Churchill

Despite being a two-year-old case, police are not classifying this as a cold case.

IN OTHER NEWS:




Businesses affected by the Fountain Court Mall fire in Pocono Township can file for assistance with the U.S. Small Business Administration.

A team of disaster recovery specialists will form an SBA Business Recovery Center (BRC) at the Pocono Township Municipal Building, located at 112 Township Drive in Tannersville, on Saturday, July 29, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and on Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The location will close permanently on Thursday, Aug. 3.

Small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small aquaculture businesses, and private nonprofit organizations in Monroe County and the neighboring counties affected by the Fountain Court Mall disaster on June 25 may apply for low-interest Economic Injury Disaster Loans from the SBA.

More: Firefighters respond to burning shopping center in the Poconos

Specialists at the BRC will be available to answer questions about the disaster loan program and help business owners complete their applications.

This is for businesses and private nonprofits eligible for low-interest working capital loans, due to loss of revenue. SBA Administrator Isabella Guzman made the loans available in response to a July 11 letter from Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro requesting a disaster declaration by the SBA.

Eligible applicants in the declared area can now apply for low-interest disaster loans from the SBA. The declaration covers Monroe County and the adjacent counties of Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Northampton, Pike and Wayne in Pennsylvania; and Sussex and Warren in New Jersey.

SBAs mission-driven team stands ready to help Pennsylvania small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small aquaculture businesses, and private nonprofit organizations impacted by the June 25 Fountain Court Mall fire in Pocono Township, said Administrator Guzman. Were committed to providing federal disaster loans swiftly and efficiently, with a customer-centric approach to help businesses and communities recover and rebuild.

Story continues

Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application via SBAs secure website at DisasterLoanAssistance.sba.gov/ela/s and should apply under SBA declaration #18015.

Disaster loan information and application forms may also be obtained by calling the SBAs Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing) or emailing DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov. Loan applications may be downloaded at sba.gov/disaster. Completed applications should be returned to the center or mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.

The filing deadline is April 15, 2024.

This article originally appeared on Pocono Record: Fountain Court fire: Small biz help at muni building until Thursday
Mr. Fred signed off his latest page-long, handwritten letter, Thanks again for your friendship.

I read that line with a smile. Undeniably, he was my friend, despite the 57 years that stood between us, the different lives weve lived  his much longer, mine much shorter  and whatever we do or dont have in common. Friendships are funny that way.

Ours began when I knocked on the door of a glass house that belonged in the Swiss Alps yet was outside a small town in central Louisiana, nestled among curving country roads and cotton fields.

When the door swung open, a jaunty stranger with gray hair and a wide smile greeted me  the 25-year-old life story writer his daughter had commissioned to write a keepsake biography for the family  and shut the door behind us.

Olivia Savoie and Mr. Fred at his home in Bunkie, La. Mr. Fred's family hired Savoie to write his biography as a family keepsake. (Bryan Tarnowski for TODAY)

May I show you some treasures before we begin our interviews? he asked and led me to a room lined in bookshelves. He pointed to a wooden canoe he and his best friend had carved in retirement, a silver cup on which his name was engraved and which he had dinted as a toddler, and the chest in which his great-grandfathers belongings had traveled from Germany to the U.S.

From there, we headed to the kitchen. While Mr. Fred brewed a pot of coffee, I sat at the round table, turned on my laptop and extracted my questionnaire. Once we both had full mugs, we began his first interview.

When I reached my tenth question  Do you have any vivid early memories?  he nodded and swatted a tear. He proceeded to recount hearing the news of Pearl Harbors bombing on the radio in Audubon Park. I was just 4 years old but could sense the secure world Id known only minutes before collapsing.

As we continued, I was surprised by his openness. I had organized my questionnaire in an attempt to build comfort and rapport over time. Yet here was Mr. Fred, sharing evocative sentiments within minutes of getting started. This went on for hours as we sat at his round table in his perfectly square glass house.

Story continues

I eventually learned the story behind his home. After hed worked enough grueling years as a contractor to finally afford a bigger home for his wife, Patsy, and their five children, they had this dream home built.

Again in tears, which became a reoccurrence during our interviews, Mr. Fred said, While this place was under construction, Patsy and I sat on the step, overlooking the sunken living room, and she asked, in wonder, Did you ever think wed have something like this? I didnt.

Fred Vollman and Olivia Savoie at the home of Mr. Vollman in Bunkie, La. looking over old family photographs. Olivia Savoie was commissioned to write the biography and family history for Mr. Vollman which turned into a friendship after the two bonded during the process. (Bryan Tarnowski for TODAY)

I found myself looking forward to interviewing Mr. Fred more than usual; I simply enjoyed his company. Outside of interviews, wed talk nonstop, as if we were old friends catching up after years apart. Wed take daily lunch breaks with him driving us into the nearest town for Mexican food or McDonalds. Hed never let me pay, insisting he treat me in the same tone as my grandfather would. I dare not argue. After lunch, wed detour, driving by his elementary school, the starter home he and Patsy brought their babies home to, and the hangar where he kept the plane he still flew.

The more I got to know the 83-year-old Mr. Fred, the more his past clicked into place with his present. I understood how the awe-inspired boy building model airplanes grew into the young man scrounging spare change to afford flying lessons. I could see how the tender father whose eyes welled with tears when he spoke of his pride in his adult children was the same father who, 61 years earlier, had been forever changed when he first held his eldest child and experienced what he called wonderful magic. I could see how the widower who lost Patsy eventually remarried another widow, Linda, who understood his suffering.

At that round table, he revealed his most excruciating memories and most joyous moments. I listened as he unveiled his early memories, experiences as a young adult, family life, career and recent years. When he struggled to remember specifics about when his children were small, since he was working so much, I assured him I could email his children to elicit some fond memories.

Fred Vollman at his home in Bunkie, La. (Bryan Tarnowski for TODAY)

One of his children wowed me by sending three single-spaced pages of reflection, confirming what I already knew about Mr. Fred  he was an authentic, compassionate and outstanding human being.

On the final day of interviews, I asked Mr. Fred if he had any life lessons he wished to impart to his children and grandchildren. That is when he told me about true gifts.

He leaned forward in his seat, looked me straight in the eyes and explained, A true gift is one which has no strings attached. Many gifts, even with great intentions and great outcomes, become less true along the way. I try when I give to make the gift a true gift with no personal gain or conditions.

I was moved by the concept. In that moment, I knew the notion would stay with me forever.

Long after our five-month working relationship ended, Mr. Fred and I kept in touch. Every month or two, one of us would call the other. Wed talk about what was on our hearts  his adventures with his children, stepdaughters cancer treatments and travels with his wife, and my writing, hope to start a family, and eventually, my husbands and my anticipation of our first child. Wed also talk of history and poetry and genealogy.

Fred Vollman and Olivia Savoie at the home of Mr. Vollman in Bunkie, La. looking over old family photographs. Olivia Savoie was commissioned to write the biography and family history for Mr. Vollman which turned into a friendship after the two bonded during the process. (Bryan Tarnowski for TODAY)

These calls were life-affirming and natural. They reminded me that, despite living in a society that primarily endorses friendships between two people in a common season of life, there are no rule books. When one crosses the border into unchartered territory, there are untold lessons to be learned and joys to be felt.

Four days after my daughter was born, once the dust of the first sleepless nights had settled, I got around to announcing her birth to friends.

I texted her picture to Mr. Fred and wrote, I have thought of you as I reflected on what you expressed about having your firstborn. I now relate to this wonderfully magic time as a new parent.

Within about five minutes, the phone rang.

Mr. Freds voice was tight, like it was when he talked of Pearl Harbors bombing or a plethora of other painful life experiences. He told me the baby was beautiful and asked how we were doing.

A photograph of Fred Vollman and his late son at the home of Mr. Vollman in Bunkie, La. (Bryan Tarnowski for TODAY)

Without answering, I asked, Are you OK?

No. There was a long silence, and then his voice broke. I have some bad news to tell you.

When I learned his youngest son had died of a heart attack, I slipped down on the floor and wept along with Mr. Fred. He went on to tell me more about what had transpired. My heart broke.

That night, I remembered the emails Id received from his children and how one had sent something extraordinary. I scoured my inbox and felt tears prick my eyes as I reread his youngest sons profoundly poetic statements like, I have carried [my father] with me every day of my life and I use his wisdom to direct me to whatever success I have and can point to an abandonment of that wisdom as a cause of my failures and even the following in lined verse:

I printed out the three-page-long message  a momentous elegy  and, along with a note of explanation, mailed it to Mr. Fred.

About a month later, the phone rang. Mr. Fred informed me he and Linda were in my neck of the woods and would like to visit.

When they arrived, I embraced Mrs. Linda and said, I feel like I know you although were just now meeting. I handed off Amadia, who snored on Mrs. Lindas shoulder throughout the duration of our visit. I hugged Mr. Fred next, and we talked a while before he presented a gift for the baby. For once, I was the first of us in tears when I discovered a silver cup engraved with my daughters name.

Mr. Fred said, I thought long and hard about a special gift for your daughter, since you have become so special to me. And I thought Id give her this cup, one just like the engraved cup I had as a baby.

Fred Vollman holds the cup he used as a baby. He gifted a replica of this cup for his friend, Olivia Savoie, after having her first baby. Olivia Savoie was commissioned to write the biography and family history for Mr. Vollman which turned into a friendship after the two bonded during the process. (Bryan Tarnowski for TODAY / Courtesy Olivia Savoie)

We all sat in grateful, comfortable silence for a moment before Mr. Fred mentioned the letter. Choked up, he tried to explain what hearing from his son again had meant to him.

As far as friendships go, sometimes they can change you, inspire you or take on more meaning than either party could ever have guessed. Sometimes friendships can be crutches to help us stand in the hard times and reservoirs of delight in the good times.

Today, some three years after meeting Mr. Fred, I filed away one of his letters, the one that closed with a thanks for my friendship. I continue to call Mr. Fred, just to talk or beseech advice or laugh. We send emails. We snail mail notes. Ive learned from what has mattered most to him throughout his life  things like cherishing the family built with the person you love most, taking the time to construct canoes with your best friend, and giving freely without hope of reward.

Mr. Fred has been a true gift to me  perhaps in a different sense than his concept originally implied, but a true gift nonetheless. I believe I have been the same to him.

This article was originally published on TODAY.com
This week has seen a dramatic turn in the fate of shuttered Madera Community Hospital.

And perhaps that turn will be a favorable one for all of Madera County.

First came the news that the Madera County Board of Supervisors might extend $500,000 to keep the hospital afloat until a new buyer emerges or an operations agreement can be reached.

As reported by Bee staff writer Melissa Montalvo, the county funding would cover another month of expenses  including building maintenance, utilities and salaries  as Madera Community seeks a new partner that would either purchase the hospital or operate it as an acute-care facility.

More news on that front then broke on Thursday, when Montalvo reported that the Adventist Health hospital chain was discussing taking over operations at Madera Community and saving it from liquidation.

I can confirm the (Madera Community Hospital) board accepted a letter of intent with a suitor, Riley C. Walter, an attorney representing the hospital in its bankruptcy proceedings, said in an email statement to The Bee. Another source confirmed to Montalvo that the suitor was Adventist Health. The CEO of Adventist Health could not be reached.

All of this is good news for the county of 160,000. Madera County residents have been without emergency room or surgical services at the hospital for more than six months. No patients are being admitted to the hospital, as it closed in late December and filed for bankruptcy protection in March.

Causes of Madera hospital closure

Madera Community Hospitals financial troubles stem, in part, from the low-income nature of the county. More than 20% of residents are considered by the U.S. Census to be in poverty. Karen Paolinelli, Madera Communitys CEO, said 84% of its patients were on Medi-Cal or Medicare assistance.

Reimbursement rates for those government-run programs have not been increased for years, while the overall cost of care has been steadily rising, she explained.

The COVID pandemic brought unexpected costs to the hospitals budget, Paolinelli said. Not only did the hospital have to buy additional safety equipment for medical staff, but it also had to start using traveling nurses more to maintain mandated patient-nurse ratios. Traveling nurses make more than $200 an hour, well beyond what a staff nurse would earn.

Story continues

The problems facing Madera Community are being experienced at small hospitals throughout the state.

Carmela Coyle, president of the California Hospital Association, told the online news site CalMatters that half of the states 337 hospitals are operating at a deficit. We are at a tipping point; Madera is just the first one, Coyle said.

Another hospital in the San Joaquin Valley confronting financial pressures in Kaweah Delta Medical Center in Visalia. Due to financial losses in the millions, it laid off 130 employees last year and froze retirement contributions. Top officials took pay cuts and the hospital reduced how many elective surgeries could be performed.

County, state funding critical

Adventist Health also operates the hospital in Hanford and medical centers in Reedley, Selma and Tulare. It is a system founded on Seventh-Day Adventist Church principles, and overall it serves patients in 75 communities in the West and Hawaii.

On Tuesday, the Madera County supervisors are to vote on extending the $500,000 lifeline to the hospital. Supervisor Rob Poythress, also a member of the hospital board, said having an agreement with an operator like Adventist Health would be a big plus.

Presuming that agreement indeed comes through, the supervisors should give speedy approval to the lifeline funding.

Beyond the emergency funding, Madera Community can also take advantage of a $100 million loan program that was initiated by two Merced Democrats who have Madera County in their districts, Assemblymember Esmeralda Soria and state Sen. Anna Caballero. Hospital officials must apply, but the bill that created the program was written specifically for facilities like Madera Community.

Madera County residents have gone long enough without a hospital, or, at the minimum, an acute-care facility. Efforts by county and state officials can hopefully bring emergency care back to this part of Central California.
Twenty-seven Democratic U.S. senators  a majority of the party's members in the chamber  sent a letter Thursday to the heads of General Motors, Ford and Stellantis, calling on them to enable employees at their joint ventures with other partners making electric vehicle batteries to be covered in a new national UAW contract.

The letter, signed by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and some of the most progressive and labor-friendly members of the Democratic Party, said UAW members  who are threatening to strike if they can't get what they consider a fair contract, especially at a time of high profits and increased electrification  have made the Detroit automakers "the successful, innovative and profitable companies they are today."

"(Workers) in the new electric vehicle sector will be critical to your future success," the letter continued. "They must share in the benefits of a union contract." The letter also was signed by U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, an independent from Vermont who caucuses with the Democratic Party. The current breakdown in the Senate is 50 Democrats, 47 Republicans and three independents, including Sanders, all of whom caucus with the Democratic Party.

While Michigan's two Democratic U.S. senators  Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow  did not sign the letter, they sent their own this week to GM Chairman and CEO Mary Barra, Ford CEO Jim Farley and Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares urging them to "negotiate in good faith" with the UAW and reach a deal that addresses wages, health care, retirement and job security ahead of the Sept. 14 contract expiration for some 383,000 workers nationwide.

That letter stopped short of specifically urging that employees at joint ventures created to make batteries for the dozens of new electric vehicles being developed be made part of that contract. UAW President Shawn Fain has made a point that he wants workers at those factories to be under the new contract and met briefly with President Joe Biden at the White House last week to discuss it.

Story continues

Peters and Stabenow did argue in their letter that "in order for the electric vehicle transition to be successful, UAW workers cannot be left behind" and in their belief that "the electric vehicle transition will not and cannot come at the expense of good-paying jobs or workers ability to form a union and collectively bargain."

In late June, the UAW, which so far has declined to endorse Biden or any other presidential candidate in next year's election, blasted the current administration for giving initial approval to a loan for a venture between Ford and a South Korean battery maker without any upfront conditions on wages or working conditions.

More: Fain puts bullseye on 'Big Three' as UAW strike target

Electric vehicles require far fewer workers to assemble than ones with internal combustion engines, with most of the labor going into assembling long-range lithium batteries. As a consequence, the union and the signatories of the letter sent Thursday to the automotive heads and their joint venture partners are pressing for those battery plants to be unionized or enjoy union-type wages and benefits.

"These are highly-skilled, technical and strenuous jobs," the letter said. "To that end, it is unacceptable and a national disgrace that the starting wage at any current American joint venture electric vehicle battery facility is $16 an hour. We note that at $33,320 a year, the starting wage at one of these facilities is just above the poverty level for a family of four." It added those levels are "particularly egregious in the face of the billions of dollars of profits GM, Stellantis and Ford have made in the past 10 years."

Some of the other signatories to the letter included U.S. Sens. Sherrod Brown of Ohio, Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth of Illinois, Bob Casey and John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin, Tina Smith and Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, Sanders and Peter Welch of Vermont and Ed Markey and Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts.

Contact Todd Spangler: tspangler@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter@tsspangler.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Most Democratic US senators want battery workers part of UAW contract
By Patricia Zengerle

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. Senate passed a sweeping bill setting policy for the Department of Defense on Thursday, setting up a showdown with legislation passed by the Republican-led House of Representatives with "culture war" amendments eliminating abortion rights and diversity protections.

The Democratic-controlled Senate passed its version of the National Defense Authorization Act, or NDAA, by 86 to 11, with strong support from both Democrats and Republicans.

The fiscal 2024 NDAA, which authorizes a record $886 billion in spending, is one of the few major bills Congress passes every year. It governs everything from pay raises for the troops - this year's will be 5.2% - to purchases of ships and aircraft to policies such as support for Ukraine.

The NDAA has passed every year since 1961, usually with strong bipartisan support. But this year, the Republican-controlled House passed its version of the bill by a narrow 219-210 majority, after hard-right Republicans added amendments addressing hot-button social issues such as a repeal of a Pentagon policy of reimbursing expenses for service members who travel to obtain an abortion.

The Senate's Democratic majority leader, Chuck Schumer, said the hard-right provisions in the House bill would not become law. Democrats control only a narrow 51-49 seat majority in the Senate, but senators from both parties have said they do not want social issues to stand in the way of the defense bill becoming law.

The Senate passed dozens of its own amendments, including some addressing competition with China.

On Tuesday, the Senate voted overwhelmingly for an amendment that would require U.S. companies to notify federal agencies of investments in Chinese technologies such as semiconductors and artificial intelligence and another that boosted some Chinese purchases of U.S. farmland.

"What's happening in the Senate is a stark contrast to the partisan race to the bottom we saw in the House, where House Republicans are pushing partisan legislation that has zero chance of passing," Schumer said.

Story continues

This year's NDAA is several steps from becoming law.

Now that both the House and Senate bills have passed, members will hammer out a compromise, which in turn must pass both chambers before it can be sent to the White House for President Joe Biden to sign or veto.

(Reporting by Patricia Zengerle; Editing by Sandra Maler and Diane Craft)
Map of Mali

Once home to several pre-colonial empires, the landlocked, arid West African country of Mali is one of the largest on the continent. For centuries, its northern city of Timbuktu was a key regional trading post and centre of Islamic culture.

After independence from France in 1960, Mali suffered droughts, rebellions, and 23 years of military dictatorship until democratic elections in 1992.

Since 2012, insurgencies on both the north and central regions have gathered pace.

Following two coups in 2020 and 2021, which overthrew the civilian government, the former colonial power France withdrew its troops. Mali has strengthened its links with Moscow, with mercenaries from the Wagner group deployed in the country.

Read more country profiles - Profiles by BBC Monitoring

REPUBLIC OF MALI: FACTS

Capital: Bamako

Area: 1,240,192 sq km

Population: 21.4 million

Languages : French, plus Bambara, Dogon, Fulfulde, Manding, Arabic, Tuareg

Life expectancy: 57 years (men) 59 years (women)

LEADERS

Interim head of state: Assimi Goita

Mali military leader Assimi Goita

The military council that seized power in August 2020 is led by Colonel Assimi Goita.

At first he put an interim president and prime minister in place, but ousted them in May 2021 in a dispute over their attempt to replace two Goita allies in the cabinet.

West African leaders have expressed concern over the lack of opposition and civilian representation in the planned transition to elections.

Mali is struggling with a widespread jihadist insurgency that has made much of the north and east ungovernable.

MEDIA

The great mosque of Djenne is one of the continent's most notable landmarks

Mali's jihadist insurgency and the military-led government have degraded media freedoms.

Militant groups threaten journalists and target media outlets. Pro-junta groups have demanded "patriotic journalism", leading to self-censorship.

Radio is the leading medium. There are hundreds of stations, run by the state as well as by private operators.

TIMELINE

The Niger River serves as the country's main transport and trade artery

Some key dates in Mali's history:

c. 300AD-1200s - Much of the region is part of the Ghana Empire, one of several major West African empires controlling trans-Saharan trade in gold, salt, other precious commodities - and slaves.

Story continues

c. 632-700s - Arab invasion of North Africa and subsequent spread of Islam.

c.1226-1670 - Mali Empire becomes dominant force in the upper Niger basin following the Battle of Krina in 1234.

c. 1464-1591 - as the Mali Empire loses some of its power, losing its dominance of the gold trade, the Songhai Empire gradually gains control over the eastern half of the Mali Empire.

1591 - The Battle of Tondibi. Songhai forces decisively defeated by the army of the Saadi dynasty in Morocco, who make Timbuktu their capital.

The fall of the Songhai Empire marks the end of the region's role as a trading crossroads. Area splinters into smaller kingdoms.

1898 - France completes conquest of Mali, then called French Sudan.

1958 - French Sudan, which changes its name to the Sudanese Republic, becomes an autonomous republic within the French Community.

1959 - Mali and Senegal unite to become the Mali Federation.

1960 - Mali Federation gains independence from France. Senegal swiftly withdraws from the federation, allowing the Sudanese Republic to become the independent Republic of Mali, with Modibo Keita as president. It becomes a one-party, socialist state.

1968 - Following economic decline, Keita is overthrown in a coup led by Moussa Traore, who sets up a military-led regime and represses political opposition and protests.

1980s - Some limited political liberalization.

1991 - March revolution; President Traore arrested. Opposition parties are legalized and a constitution is approved.

2012 - Tuareg rebellion in northern Mali, led by the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA). This triggers a coup, with military dissatisfaction at the government response to the rebellion. Following this, Islamist groups including Ansar Dine and Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), who had helped the MNLA defeat the government, turn on the Tuareg and capture several towns.

France intervenes militarily and recaptures key towns.

2015 onwards - Conflict in central Mali between agriculturalists like the Dogon and the Bambara, and pastoralists like the Fula (or Fulani) over access to land and water. These factors which have been exacerbated by climate change as the Fula move into new areas.

2020 - Malian army led by Colonel Assimi Goita and Colonel-Major Ismael Wague oust President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita in a coup. A political transition to civilian rule is agreed.

2021 - Tensions between civilian politicians and the military in the interim administration lead to second coup, again led by Assimi Goita. Neighbouring states impose sanctions

2022 - France withdraws its troops from Mali. Mali's government strengthens its links with Moscow, with mercenaries from the Wagner group deployed in the country.

2022-2023 - Islamic State in the Greater Sahara makes major gains, occupying large swarths of territory in southeast Mali
A man is accused of following a 12-year-old girl into a womens restroom at a California park and recording her, prosecutors said.

After the girl saw Jacob Anthony Arriola, 33, recording her at a Fullerton park on July 23, she fled the bathroom and told her parents, the Orange County District Attorneys Office said in a July 27 news release.

The girls parents confronted Arriola and held him down until police arrived, prosecutors said.

After his arrest, a wireless camera was found hidden in the restroom, prosecutors said. Child pornography was also found on his devices.

Pedophiles will stop at nothing to satiate their own indulgences  even brazenly recording a young girl at (a) public restroom during the day, only a short distance away from parents, District Attorney Todd Spitzer said. Thankfully, the girl immediately reported what had happened and adults intervened.

Arriola, who has pleaded not guilty, has been charged with a number of counts, including possession of child pornography and using a minor in the sale or distribution of obscene matter or production of pornography.

If convicted on all counts, prosecutors said Arriola faces a maximum three-year prison sentence.

He is being held on $20,000 bail, prosecutors said.

Fullerton is about 25 miles southeast of Los Angeles.

Worker hides phone under bathroom sink to record coffee shop customers, Florida cops say

Florida Keys detectives ID man who they say hung hidden cameras inside several womens public restrooms last May

Man was in Walmart restroom stall when he saw phone recording him, Alabama cops say
A 25-year-old man has been charged in connection with a February 2022 shooting that killed a 23-year-old in Wilmington.

Lance Leatherbury was charged with first-degree murder, several gun charges, aggravated menacing and conspiracy for the Feb. 21 killing of Jermaine Meadows in the 700 block of Warner St. It was about 2:30 p.m. when the shooting occurred.

INITIAL STORY: 23-year-old man's shooting in Wilmington is city's second homicide in less than a week

Investigators determined Leatherbury  who was arrested in March 2022 on unrelated charges in Pennsylvania  was a suspect. In October 2022, a New Castle County grand jury indicted Leatherbury.

He was extradited to Delaware on Friday and is being held on a $1 million cash bond.

Got a tip? Send to Isabel Hughes at ihughes@delawareonline.com or 302-324-2785. For all things breaking news, follow her on Twitter at @izzihughes_

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Wilmington killing leads to murder charge in February 2022 shooting
Police in Florida say a man was found dead this week at Walt Disney Worlds Contemporary Resort, located next to the popular Magic Kingdom theme park.

The victim, identified by the Orange County Medical Examiner as 39-year-old Jeffery Vanden Boom of Greendale, Wisconsin, died from blunt force trauma in what has been ruled as an accidental fall from a hotel room balcony.

In a statement to Fox News Digital on Friday, the Orange County Sheriffs Office said, "On July 26, 2023 at 5:33 a.m., deputies responded to the Contemporary Resort after a call came in about a man found unresponsive on the hotel grounds."

"He was pronounced deceased on scene," the sheriffs office said.

VETERAN DIES AFTER SUFFERING APPARENT HEART ATTACK ON DISNEY WORLD RIDE

A man was found dead this week on the grounds of the Contemporary Resort at Walt Disney World, Florida police say.

Disney did not respond Friday to multiple requests for comment from Fox News Digital.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Reports on social media from users claiming to be staying at the Florida property at the time said the fifth-floor sky bridge connecting the Bay Lake Tower to the main building at the Contemporary Resort was closed off as police investigated the area.

"I'm pretty sure someone just died at our hotel... we got a call at 7:30 someone had a medical emergency and not to go on the balconies and then they had people redirecting us," wrote a Reddit user. "And then we went outside and there's a tent set up right under a balcony and it's all taped up."

MAN JUMPS TO HIS DEATH FROM DISNEYLAND PARKING STRUCTURE

Last year, an 83-year-old Florida veteran died after riding an amusement at Walt Disney World, the Orange County Sheriff's Office said.

An incident report says that on Sept. 25, 2022, Joseph A. Masters and his wife Alice were riding the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover in the Magic Kingdom when he fainted.

Authorities say his wife started to panic as she asked for help and attempted to call other family members. As the ride came to its end, Disney staff and security responded to the scene, where CPR was initiated, the report states.

Story continues

Masters was taken to Celebration Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

"I tell everybody now that my husband died in his happy place because he loved Disney," Alice reportedly told the Orlando Sentinel.

Masters had a pacemaker implanted and had been previously diagnosed with an extensive list of medical conditions, including diabetes and hypertension. Further evaluation by doctors revealed that he had a large blockage of an artery near his heart.

Fox News' Emmett Jones and Pilar Arias contributed to this report.
Charges against the man arrested in connection with a St. Johns County sergeants line of duty death in May have been amended by the state.

Vergilio Aguilar Mendez, 18, is now facing charges of aggravated manslaughter of an officer and resisting an officer with violence, according to documents filed with the St. Johns County Clerk of Court on Tuesday.

Action News Jax told you in May that Aguilar-Mendez was originally facing a charge of felony murder in the death of Sgt. Michael Kunovich.

St. Johns County Sergeant Michael Kunovich

Another motion was also filed on Friday, July 21 by Assistant Public Defender Rosemarie Peoples, asking that Aguilar-Mendez be examined by Dr. Roger Davis to determine Defendants mental competence to stand trial. Judge R. Lee Smith has not yet issued a response to that motion.

Aguilar-Mendezs felony arraignment is set for August 28 at 1:30 p.m. with Judge Smith, according to St. Johns County court records. He is currently being held in the St. Johns County Jail, online records show.

What led up to Sgt. Kunovichs death

While trying to take Aguilar-Mendez into custody on the evening of Friday, May 19, Kunovich collapsed moments after Aguilar-Mendez was disarmed, and relentless lifesaving measures were initiated by St. Johns County Fire Rescue and Flagler Health+ personnel, SJSO said. Kunovich was ultimately pronounced dead shortly after being taken to Flagler Hospital.

Kunovich made contact with Aguilar-Mendez in the parking lot of the Super 8 on State Road 16 on Friday, May 19, due to what he believed to be suspicious behavior, according to the arrest report.

Kunovichs body-worn camera video showed that when Aguilar-Mendez saw Kunovichs patrol vehicle approaching, he started to walk away.

[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]

Kunovich attempted a pat down on Aguilar-Mendez to check for weapons, and Aguilar-Mendez pulled away and attempted to run away. He told Kunovich that he didnt speak English. Additional deputies arrived and Aguilar-Mendez continued to resist, SJSO said.

Story continues

While fighting on the ground, Aguilar-Mendez attempted to grab Kunovichs Taser and continued to violently resist for approximately 6 minutes and 19 seconds, SJSO said.

After Aguilar-Mendez was handcuffed, he armed himself with a pocket knife, which was forcefully removed by deputies.

[SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter]

According to his arrest report, Aguilar-Mendez, who is from Guatemala, later told deputies that he was resisting due to a fear of being deported. He also admitted he understood the verbal commands he was given, but chose not to comply in an attempt to escape, the report said.

Deputies said Aguilar-Mendez also admitted he grabbed Sergeant Kunovichs taser during the struggle and armed himself with a folding pocket knife once secured in handcuffs.

Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
Every summer a Massachusetts man visits Marthas Vineyard to thank the police officer who helped save him and his uncles life during a fishing trip.

Almost seven years ago, on August 3, 2016, Louis B and his uncle were preparing to fish off the Oak Bluffs town beach in Nantucket Sound when their dinghy capsized causing them to fall into the ocean and tread water until crews could rescue them.

Town lifeguards along with officers aboard the Oak Bluffs Police-Fire rescue boat brought the men to safety.

Every summer since that incident, Louis visits the Island and makes the point to stop by the Oak Bluffs police station to say hello and thank you to Sergeant LaBell, who was one of the first responders who pulled him and his uncle out of the water on that day.

Just last week Louis stopped by the station and took a photo with Sergeant LaBell.

We will see you again next summer, Louis!--Oak Bluffs Police posted on Facebook.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
The owners of a stolen truck tracked their vehicle to a Texas parking lot, then one of them shot the accused thief dead in a shootout, police said.

One of the owners had called police two minutes before the fatal shooting, San Antonio Police Chief William McManus said during a recorded news conference.

McManus said the owners found their vehicle in a South Park Mall parking lot the afternoon of Thursday, July 27, according to KSAT.

When they showed up, they found a man and woman in their truck, McManus told reporters at the scene. The owners confronted them.

The driver and passenger exited the truck at gunpoint, McManus said, and one of the owners called police.

Meanwhile, the male suspect who was found in the drivers seat of the truck was seated by a rear tire, according to McManus.

The suspect then pulled a gun from his waistband and shot the male owner, McManus said.

The owner returned fire, McManus said, and killed the accused thief.

The woman police said was in the stolen vehicle was also struck and injured, according to police. She was taken to a hospital in critical condition.

The owner of the stolen vehicle was also taken to a hospital, McManus said. Hes believed to be in stable condition.

Woman tracks down her stolen car with an AirTag and gets shot, Colorado police say

Man shoots person trying to steal catalytic converter and is arrested, Texas cops say

Owner of stolen truck tracks it with AirTag and kills man inside, Texas police say
The woman worked at a Wendy's in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Dan Tian/Getty Images

The ex-manager of a Pennsylvania Wendy's made up a fake employee to pocket extra wages, police say.

She manually clocked the "ghost employee" in and out for 128 shifts, police said.

The woman was charged with theft by deception and an arrest warrant issued.

A former general manager of a Wendy's restaurant in Pennsylvania who police said made up a fake employee so she could pocket their wages has been charged with theft by deception.

Linda Johnson created a "ghost employee" named William Bright, whom she clocked in and out at the outlet she managed in Lancaster, the Manheim Township Police Department said last week.

Johnson kept up the scheme for close to a year, during which time she manually logged 128 shifts for the fake worker who was paid $19,898 between June 2021 and May last year, the police department said.

Multiple employees said that they could not recall ever working with someone called Bright, police said.

In April, Johnson admitted to a police officer that she added Bright as an employee and created shifts he didn't work, police said.

Police said that the paychecks were deposited into her Cashapp account.

The restaurant's insurer paid out almost $16,000 for the incident, Lancaster Online reported.

Johnson was charged with one count of theft by deception on July 7 and a criminal case was filed a week later. At the time of the Manheim Township Police Department's release on July 20, Johnson's whereabouts were unknown and the department made an appeal to the public for any information.

Wendy's didn't immediately respond to a request for comment from Insider, made outside normal working hours.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Staff Sgt. Steven Smileys fate is in the hands of an eight-person jury.

Closing arguments in the Marine drill instructors negligent homicide trial came Friday.

The trial put the Marine training known as the Crucible  a 54-hour event that tests physical stamina, mental toughness or recruits before they graduate as Marines  in the spotlight.

Dalton Beals, a 19-year-old from New Jersey, died on the second day of the Crucible on June 4, 2021.

In November 2022, the government charged Smiley, his drill instructor, with negligent homicide; dereliction of duty resulting in death; obstruction of justice; cruelty, oppression or maltreatment of subordinates; violation of a lawful general order and dereliction in the performances of his duties.

Smiley didnt do his job and was out to break Marines in my Crucible, pushing recruits too far in the hot South Carolina heat by ordering extra exercises, Lt. Col. Ian Germain, of the prosecution, said during his final argument.

But Smiley failed to recognize clear signs of heat exhaustion in Beals and ignored a warning from a recruit who tried to inform him Beals was missing, with his negligence leading to his death, Germain said.

There was no reason for this killing, Germain said. It was unlawful.

Smiley is not a criminal, Colby Vokey, one of Smileys attorneys said in the defense teams final argument. He was a marine drill instructor doing his job.

If the conditions of the Crucible are hot or difficult, that doesnt fall on Staff Sgt. Smiley, Vokey said.

Much of the trial focused on how Beals died, then dueling testimony from doctors who disagreed on the cause. Government medical experts said he died of heat stroke. The defense said it was a preexisting heart condition. Both sides spent time trying to discredit the testimony of the other sides medical experts.

The rest of the trial focused on Smileys supervision of his recruits during the Crucible.

Germain, the government prosecutor, said Smiley was out to break recruits not make Marines, a reference to the military branchs slogan, We make Marines.

Story continues

He focused on two statements Smiley made during the Crucible.

One came when another recruit not Beals  went down with heat illness. One of Smileys recruits, the leader of his team, approached him to inquire whether the man down call was about Beals, who at that time was missing.

Dont worry about that, Smiley told the team leader. Matter of fact, get outta my face. You are fired.

Smiley, Germain said, didnt ask any questions. Later, Beals was found dead. He had been missing for an hour to an hour-and-a-half, Germain said.

Another statement Smiley made came after Beals was pronounced dead. There goes my f______ career, said Germain to the jury, repeating what Smiley was heard saying.

Germain also noted that Smiley had approached Beals earlier and asked how he was doing, looking him in the face and saying, What is wrong with us? Smiley left when Beals told him he was fine and just tired.

Dalton Beals was entrusted to Steven Smiley who treated him like he was going to break him not make him and thats why we are here, said Germain, his voice rising.

Vokey, Smileys attorney, painted a vastly different picture of what happened that day. He said the prosecution cherry-picked the evidence.

Its cherry-picking and its twisting of the worst kind, Vokey said.

Smiley, he said, was not responsible for Beals death.

Part of the time Beals was missing, Vokey noted Smiley was assisting with another recruit who had dropped in the heat.

Vokey told the jury to send a message we expect drill instructors to train Marines to do the right things but we wont make one a scapegoat because of a tragic event.

Imagine how Smiley feels, accused of being a criminal for performing his duties as a drill instructor. How scary is that? Vokey said.

All of the recruits that day were suffering in the heat, he said. Its the Crucible, he said.

Throughout the trial, the front row was reserved for the family  with Beals mother, father and sisters seated on one side, and Smileys family, including his parents and wife, seated on the other.

The eight-person jury must agree beyond a reasonable doubt that Smiley was guilty of each of the charges. Unlike a civilian jury, which require a unanimous verdict, in this military trial, two-thirds of the jury or six people must agree to hand up a conviction.

As of 4:30 p.m. Friday, the jury still considering the the case.

Since being charged, Smiley has remained working but he was removed from drill instructor duties.
After a three-day trial, a Washington County jury found a Sharpsburg-area man guilty of second-degree attempted murder for repeatedly ramming his F-350 pickup into a Tesla sedan in which a local real estate agent was sitting.

"It's a miracle this woman survived, what happened to her in this car," State's Attorney Gina Cirincion said in her closing argument Wednesday.

More Tri-State news: CSX cited 49 times for long train blockages in Chambersburg

James Russell Anderson, 48, faces up to 40 years in state prison on the second-degree attempted murder conviction alone. The jury acquitted Anderson of attempted first-degree murder, for which he could have faced life in prison. The jury convicted him of multiple offenses including first-degree assault on two women in separate cars he rammed.

He continues to be held at the Washington County Detention Center awaiting sentencing.

How did the incident start?

Real estate agent Cynthia Sullivan was part of a group visiting a farm property in the 4800 block of Churchey Road on March 1, 2022, with property owner Linda Adele West. The visit was about inspecting the property for sale, having Sullivan appraise the home, and relocating her four-poster antique bed from the house, West testified.

West said she sent notices to the tenants about the visit and there was resentment from the tenants about an eviction notice because the rent hadn't been paid for about a year.

The group encountered the female tenant, who repeatedly screamed at them and followed them around the house.

The tenant, Davi Glassner, was with her newborn and toddler as well as a visiting friend/neighbor, Rebecca Anne Finkelman, according to testimony. Finkelman, 54, is Anderson's girlfriend and they live across the street from West's property.

The chaotic scene included Glassner calling 911 about people in her home who shouldn't be there, and Finkelman telling a 911 call taker they were being held against their will, and that one of the men walked through the living room with what looked like a muzzleloader in a blanket.

Story continues

Finkelman testified she has PTSD and was scared in the house.

Shortly later, Finkelman told Anderson via phone "We need help now," Finkelman testified.

Ford F-350 repeatedly rams occupied Tesla

Assistant State's Attorney Holland Burch told the jury in her opening argument that Anderson's response "was a nightmare."

Anderson drove his pickup onto the property and rammed Sullivan's Tesla  with Sullivan behind the wheel  five times, including driving up on the hood, according to witness and victim testimony.

"He rammed me. He rammed my car. Oh my God," Sullivan can be heard on a 911 call played multiple times during the trial in Washington County Circuit Court. Sullivan had called 911 shortly before due to other events on the property. After Sullivan tells the 911 call taker she can't get out of her car, there is silence and Sullivan doesn't respond to the call taker repeating "Cynthia?"

Sullivan testified she still has back and neck pain.

Police say Cynthia Sullivan's Tesla was rammed and demolished by a truck allegedly driven by a man charged with assaulting her.

Co-defense attorney Mikhaila Mc Nicolls said in her closing argument that Anderson would have stayed home that day if not for the call from the neighboring property with Finkelman and Glassner saying they needed his help.

Mc Nicolls said Finkelman knew Anderson would protect her.

Chaotic scene at Sharpsburg-area property

West testified to going to her Churchey Road property that Tuesday with a male friend and two other men. She said the two other men were there because her friend thought they might need security in case of hostilities.

West said Glassner was screaming at them while following them around the house.

"We didn't threaten her in any way," West testified on cross-examination.

Sullivan testified things were adversarial at the property, described Finkelman as "imposing," and that she decided to cut her task short and leave.

West said she saw a truck coming up her property going fast and smash into Sullivan's Tesla, then repeatedly back up and hit the car again for a total of five times.

The airbag went off the first time the truck rammed her car, Sullivan said. Later the truck ran up over her windshield.

The truck turned to head toward the barn where West and others were, according to witness testimony.

Seconds after West jumped in her Audi, the truck ran into her car, she said. The truck backed up and got stuck in the mud.

After Finkelman drove down to the barn and Anderson got in Finkelman's SUV, the SUV headed toward the property's only entrance and exit, West said. Meanwhile, West's male friend drove them to block the exit to prevent Anderson and Finkelman from leaving before police arrived. The Audi was struck again until it backed up and the SUV could leave, West testified.

Defendant in attempted murder trial takes the stand

Anderson testified Wednesday that he'd been concerned because Finkelman hadn't returned from getting the mail down their long driveway. Then he got a call from Glassner, during which both she and Finkelman told him there were people at Glassner's home that should not be there and were in the house removing furniture.

Anderson testified both women told him they needed help, with Finkelman saying "right away." He also said he was told the people moving furniture "nearly knocked the baby out of her arms" and "they were being pushed around."

"I was extremely concerned for their safety and their lives," Anderson testified.

Anderson said he drove to the neighbor's with his goal to get the women to safety.

Anderson claimed that as he drove up the neighbor's long driveway an unfamiliar car was blocking the driveway to the house and, scared and "concerned they could be in danger," he "pushed" the car to get it out of the way. He testified he didn't see the driver in the car and "rammed" it to push it back and disable it so whomever was there could not get away.

When he encountered another vehicle that "wasn't supposed to be there" and caused him concern, he said he rammed that vehicle to disable it.

Anderson said he backed the truck up and it got stuck in the mud and his seat belt jammed. Scared, Anderson said he called Glassner to speak to Finkelman. Finkelman drove down the driveway and Anderson got in her SUV.

The pair went home after Finkelman's SUV struck West's car near the driveway entrance.

Anderson testified that once home he had a panic attack and took about 10 of his prescription Xanax. He said the meds allowed him to "think a little more clearly." He called 911 and claimed to report his truck missing. Then he said he went to his woodshop/barn and shaved.

Asked by co-defense attorney Brian Hutchison why he shaved his face, Anderson said he was trying to change his appearance and "knew I just did something wrong."

Cirincion later played Anderson's 911 call in which he gave a false name and reported his truck stolen. When a 911 call taker said there "should be police all over that area," Anderson is heard asking "What's going on?"

On cross-examination Anderson admitted the Tesla  the first vehicle he rammed with Sullivan in it  was moving just before that. The car could have been moving by itself, according to Anderson.

Anderson testified he wasn't trying to kill or injure anyone while at the neighbor's property.

Cirincion also said Anderson could have exited the truck and run to the house to check on the women, whom Anderson had said he did not see when he arrived at West's property.

She also pointed out that Anderson and Finkelman left the property leaving Glassner and the children behind with the people Finkelman and Anderson claimed to have been concerned about.

Glassner did not testify. Burch said the state subpoenaed her unsuccessfully.

Finkelman, Anderson's now fiancee who is facing charges from events that day, waived her 5th Amendment right against self-incrimination Tuesday to testify for the defense.

Finkelman's trial is scheduled for September. The charges she faces include first-degree assault and accessory after the fact  both felonies.

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: Md. pickup driver convicted for repeatedly ramming occupied Tesla
Smoke rises as a fire broke out on the cargo ship Fremantle Highway, at sea on July 26, 2023. Coastguard Netherlands/Reuters

A cargo ship carrying 3,000 cars caught fire off the coast of the Netherlands.

23 crew members were evacuated but 1 person died. The ship is still on fire.

The cause of the fire is unknown, but the incident is spurring concerns over fire risks from EVs.

A massive cargo ship burning off the coast of the Netherlands is igniting concerns over fire risks from electric vehicles.

The Fremantle Highway, a 656-foot Panama-flagged ship built in December 2013 was transporting 3,000 vehicles from Germany to Singapore when a fire broke out on Tuesday night just off the Dutch coast, according to Shoei Kisen Kaisha, the ship's Japanese owner.

The Dutch Coast Guard said on its blog that 23 crew members were evacuated, but one person died. The cause of the fire is still unknown. It was still burning as of 10.21 p.m. local time on Thursday.

"The fire is still burning, and there is still a lot of smoke. But the intensity of the fire seems to have diminished compared with yesterday," the Dutch Coast Guard said, per an AFP translation. However, it wasn't safe to bring a salvage team onboard the ship yet, it added.

The Dutch Coast Guard said the cause of the fire is still unknown, but there is speculation about whether it could have been started by electric vehicles, or EVs.

Just 25 or less than 1% of the 2,857 vehicles on board the Fremantle Highway were electric vehicles.

The incident has raised concerns that the maritime industry is unprepared to ship these cars across the seas, Reuters reported Thursday.

Maritime officials and insurers told Reuters the shipping industry is still playing catch-up to the rise of EVs, most of which are powered by lithium-ion batteries that contain highly flammable materials. The cars on cargo ships are typically shipped in tight spaces, making it difficult to put out any fire and compounding the safety concerns, the news agency added.

Story continues

"There is already a whole lot of communication underway about this," he said, "but with this incident, it becomes apparent we might need to speed up the process, especially when you consider that the number of this sort of cars is only going to rise," Nathan Habers, the spokesperson for the Dutch shipowners' association told Reuters.

There were 209 ship fires reported in 2022  the highest number in a decade and 17% more than in 2021, according to a May report from insurer Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty. Of these, 13 occurred on car carriers.

In February 2022, another 650-foot ship carrying around 4,000 cars, including Porsches and Bentleys  caught fire in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean while it was on its way from Germany to the US. The cause of the fire is still unclear, although the ship was burning for three weeks before it sank, with the fire likely intensifying due to electric vehicle batteries onboard, according to reports at the time.

The Dutch Coast Guard did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Insider.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Nobody was killed in the Russian missile strike against Dnipro on July 28 that injured at least five people, the city's Mayor Borys Filatov reported.

Russian forces launched Iskander missiles against an empty building of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and a residential building with no tenants, the mayor said.

Earlier today, Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko reported that at least five people sustained injuries in the attack: four men aged between 18-53 and a 77-year-old woman.

Klymenko said that the victims were wounded "during the attack on a high-rise building" but did not specify whether they were inside the structure at the moment of the attack.

The city was hit at around 8:30 p.m. local time following an air raid siren. A high-rise residential building and a regional headquarters of the SBU were damaged in the attack.

The State Emergency Service of Ukraine clarified that the upper floors of the 12-story building were damaged, and a fire was put out in the second building.

According to Ukrainska Pravda, the residential building that sustained the hit was new and many of its flats were still unoccupied. The SBU building had been empty for some time, Ukrainska Pravda reported, citing its sources.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Ukrainian forces liberate Staromaiorske village in southeast, reportedly ramp up counteroffensive

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
NATO plans to set up a logistics and repair center for Ukrainian military equipment near Polish Rzeszow, roughly 100 km from Ukraine's border, the Globe and Mail reported on July 28, citing Polish and Canadian officials.

"We are going to establish a maintenance facility in partnership with the U.S. and the U.K. No intent to have a large Canadian presence," one of the Canadian officials reportedly said.

According to the Canadian newspaper, the main role of the center will be repairing Ukrainian tanks and armored vehicles.

Rzeszow Mayor Konrad Fijolek told the Polish paper Gazeta Wyborcza on June 13 that NATO will station a permanent base near the city, with U.S., U.K., and Canadian troops deployed there on a permanent basis.

The sources cited by the Globe and Mail said that Fijolek is making the facility "sound bigger than what it is in terms of people" and that no Canadian troops would be stationed in Rzeszow long-term with their families.

The city of Rzeszow with roughly 200,000 residents became an important logistics hub between Ukraine and its Western partners. Its airport, protected by Patriot air defense systems and 1,700 U.S. soldiers, is a crucial conduit for Western military aid flowing to Ukraine.

On July 24, Germany announced that it agreed with the Polish government on repair centers for Leopard 2 tanks used in Ukraine. The facilities are expected to be created at factories in two Polish cities, Gliwice and Poznaz.

Read also: Poland to double the size of military in response to security threat
Sanctions against Belarus for supporting the war unleashed by the Russian Federation against Ukraine, which EU ambassadors approved, will apply to dual-use goods and aircraft parts. The restrictions will concern 38 individuals.

Source: European Pravda with reference to Politico

Details: The outlet reports that the EU will impose export restrictions on dual-use goods, such as drones or computers that can be used in combat operations in Ukraine and on aircraft parts.

In addition, the sanctions list will include 38 individuals and three organisations, European diplomats told Politico on condition of anonymity.

Background:

Earlier, it was reported that the EU ambassadors agreed on introducing new sanctions against Belarus for its involvement in the Russian war of conquest.

Restrictive measures against Minsk have been discussed in Brussels for several months due to its participation in Russia's war against Ukraine.

At the same time, Gabrielius Landsbergis, Lithuanian Foreign Minister, insists on further strengthening of sanctions against Belarus.

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!
Viktor Medvedchuk

A political project called "Other Ukraine, created by pro-Kremlin politician Viktor Medvedchuk, has been officially registered as a public organization in Russia, Radio Free Europe / Radio Libertys Skhemy investigative journalism project reported on July 28.

Read also: Ukraine disbars Viktor Medvedchuk

According to Skhemy, referring to the Russian register of legal entities, Medvedchuk is head of the project, while propagandist and former host of Ukrainian pro-Russian TV channel 112 (formerly owned by Medvedchuk), Denys Zharkykh, heads the project's executive committee. The organization was created in June.

Since then, it has organized public anti-Ukrainian activities in Russia, including hosting a roundtable discussion titled "Ukrainian Russophobia: Origins and Mechanisms for Overcoming It" at the Solzhenitsyn House of Russians Abroad on July 19.

Read also: SBI hands over 17 seized cars of Medvedchuk, Kozak families to Ukrainian Army

The website for "Other Ukraine states that the basis for the discussion was a propaganda-filled article supposedly authored by Medvedchuk titled Two Ukraines as a New Political Reality.

A number of other pro-Russian Ukrainian nationals, including editors of pro-Russian Telegram channels banned in Ukraine and former regional lawmakers from Medvedchuks old Opposition Platform  For Life (OPZZh) party are also participating in the project. All are wanted by Ukraine for treason, and currently reside in Ukraine.

Medvedchuk himself had previously been arrested for treason, but traded to the Russian side in a prisoner swap for Ukrainian prisoners-of-war.

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
(Bloomberg) -- Giorgia Meloni briefed US President Joe Biden on her plan to curb Italys reliance on China and to establish balanced ties with the Asian country, as she mulls a strategy to disentangle from a controversial investment pact.

Most Read from Bloomberg

If you think that the US demands or imposes the policy on this, you are wrong. The conversation is broad and involves all G-7 countries and it is about de-risking from supply chain dependence on China, which is a priority, the prime minister told reporters after a meeting at the Oval Office with Biden on Thursday. The US knows we are trustworthy.

Meloni added that a decision on the Belt and Road Initiative pact will be taken by the end of the year. It is crucial to keep a constructive dialog open with Beijing, she said.

The most far-right leader to visit the White House in years has been working on a delicate choreography to reshape diplomatic relations with China. Officials in Rome have been privately reassuring the US that Italy will exit the investment pact with China, which made the country an outlier in the Group of Seven nations, of which Italy will take the presidency next year.

Bloomberg reported earlier this week about Melonis plan to not go public on her decision to pull out during the short trip to Washington. Meloni said Thursday she is planning to visit China.

Italy signed up to Belt and Road in 2019 under China-friendly premier Giuseppe Conte. The pact, due to renew automatically at the end of the year if no action is taken, has posed persistent questions about where Romes loyalty lies.

For months, Meloni has been trying to work out how to wriggle out of the commitment without provoking retaliation from Beijing.

Story continues

An invitation to the White House is a routine courtesy for Italian prime ministers, and Biden already hosted Melonis predecessor Mario Draghi. But for Meloni the visit was an opportunity for assertiveness, especially on China and on Russias invasion of Ukraine, two areas on which Italy has sometimes been seen as soft.

While Meloni has never wavered on her support for Ukraine, her coalition partners  the anti-immigrant League and the center-right Forza Italia  have in the past cultivated friendly ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Earlier, Biden said he and Meloni also planned to discuss legitimate migration challenges stemming from Africa, as well as space cooperation.

Both Biden and Meloni have struggled to reconcile their migration policies with campaign rhetoric, though they have come at the issue from opposite sides of the political spectrum.

While the US president indicated he would lift immigration restrictions enacted under his predecessor ex-President Donald Trump upon entering office, hes been criticized for imposing new rules that make it tougher for undocumented migrants to claim asylum. Meloni was elected on a hardline immigration platform but has since softened her stance.

--With assistance from John Follain.

(Updates with Meloni remarks from second paragraph)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
The United Nations human rights commissioner on Thursday accused Mexicos military of obstructing an expert investigation into the disappearance of 43 students in a bloody incident that shook that country nearly nine years ago.

Last August, a Mexican truth commission report concluded that the students, who disappeared en route to a demonstration in Mexico City, had been victims of state-sponsored crime.

The students, from a teachers college in Ayotzinapa, were intercepted by local police and federal military forces while traveling through the southwestern city of Iguala in September 2014.

Survivors from the original group of 100 students said police officers and soldiers suddenly opened fire. But dozens of students on the buses disappeared that night, and their fate remains unknown.

An expert panel (GIEI) investigating the incident said earlier this week that it had not received adequate access to information and that the experts had no choice but to withdraw from the investigation and leave Mexico.

Its report was followed by Thursdays statement from the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in Mexico, which said Mexicos Armed Forces did not provide all the information requested by an independent panel investigating the disappearance.

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador speaks at a morning conference on July 26, 2023 in Mexico City. - Carlos Santiago/Eyepix/dpa/picture alliance/SIpa USA

Since its creation, the GIEI has established the need to receive exhaustive and truthful information from all the authorities to clarify the facts of the forced disappearance of the students and other serious violations of human rights. Within this framework, the OHCHR deeply regrets that, despite the political will expressed by the federal government at the highest level, the Armed Forces have not provided all the information requested, the OHCHR statement reads.

Mexicos president has, however, pushed back on the claims, defending the militarys level of cooperation.

If progress has been made, its because of the cooperation of the navy and the army, Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said during a press conference saying Thursday.

The priority is to keep searching for the missing students, he said, adding that 115 people have already been detained, including two generals and a former prosecutor.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
MEXICO CITY (Reuters) -Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on Friday pushed back against estimates made this week about the strength of Mexican drug cartels by the top U.S. counter-narcotics official, saying the United States lacked "good information."

The comments come in response to testimony from U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Chief Anne Milgram on Mexican cartels as part of a hearing in the U.S. Congress.

Among other findings, Milgram testified the DEA estimated that the powerful Sinaloa Cartel and Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) have more than 45,000 members, associates, facilitators and brokers in some 100 countries.

She added Sinaloa and CJNG have a presence in 21 and 19 of Mexico's 31 states respectively and that the DEA is mapping how both have spread around the world.

"No," the president said in response to a question from a journalist about if the information from the U.S. official were true. "They don't have good information."

Speaking at a press conference, Lopez Obrador questioned her figures and urged the DEA to share more details.

"We don't have that information. I don't know where the woman from the DEA got it," he said.

The pushback from Lopez Obrador is the latest in ongoing tensions between the Mexican government and the DEA.

Since coming to power in 2018, Lopez Obrador has criticized the presence of US security agencies in the country and taken steps to undermine cooperation, such shutting down an elite police unit that worked closely with the DEA.

His government dropped the case against Mexico's former Defense Minister Salvador Cienfuegos, who the DEA alleged colluded with drug lords. Lopez Obrador accused the DEA of fabricating the case.

(Reporting and writing by Sarah Kinosian; Editing by Alistair Bell and Richard Chang)
(Bloomberg) -- Mexicos state oil giant Petroleos Mexicanos received 70 billion pesos ($4.2 billion) from the Finance Ministry as the company seeks to pay off mounting debts.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The Finance Ministry gave the company the funds in a capital injection, according to three people with knowledge of the situation who asked not to be identified because the information isnt public. The Ministry asked Pemex to make spending cuts to capital expenses and operating expenses this year for an equivalent amount to the injection as a condition to receive the funds, said one of the people.

It was the first time that the ministry required spending cuts as a condition to receive funds, the person added.

The funding comes after Pemex Chief Executive Officer Octavio Romero said on Wednesday that the government would refinance the companys debt since it would be cheaper than if the state oil giant goes to the market itself. President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador and Deputy Finance Minister Gabriel Yorio also reiterated the governments support for Pemex on Thursday, without giving specifics.

The Pemex press office and the Finance Ministry didnt immediately reply to a request for comment after regular office hours. Pemex will report second quarter earnings July 28.

Read More: Pemex Bonds Jump on Pledge Mexico to Support Drillers Debt

The companys bonds were among the best performers in emerging-market corporate debt Friday. Bonds due in 2033 jumped 1.1 cent to 92.3 cents on the dollar, the highest since July 17, according to Trace data.

Pemex is the worlds most indebted oil company, with $107.4 billion in financial debt at the end of March. Fitch Ratings Inc. cut the company deeper into junk territory on July 14, while Moodys Investors Service Inc. put Pemex on a negative outlook for a potential downgrade last week, citing increased credit risks.

Story continues

Its not the first time the government has given the oil company direct financial support. In 2021, it gave Pemex a $3.5 billion cash injection, and in 2019 it transferred $5 billion. In total, support under Lopez Obrador has amounted to nearly $49 billion in capitalizations, tax breaks and other assistance.

(Updates with additional detail in second and third paragraphs)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
[Source]

Actor Michelle Yeoh recently married her longtime partner, Jean Todt, after 19 years of being engaged.

Key details: Yeoh, 60, and Todt, 77, reportedly got married on Thursday in Geneva, Switzerland, where they own a refurbished 18th-century mansion.

Photos of the couples wedding ceremony were first shared by former Scuderia Ferrari driver Felipe Massa on Instagram.

Happy marriage #JeanTodt & #michelleyeoh love you so much, Massa wrote in his posts caption.

More from NextShark: Henry Golding and Wife Liv Lo Are Expecting Their First Baby

Three of Massas photos include a special appearance by Yeohs Oscar statue, which she won for her performance as Evelyn Wang in Everything Everywhere All at Once.

Heartwarming throwback: One of Massas photos notably features a wedding card with a throwback picture of the Malaysian star and the French motor racing executive.

More from NextShark: Ed Sheeran lives out every Pokemon fan's dream in music video for 'Celestial'

On 26th July 2004, J.T proposed to marry M.Y and she said YES! the card says. Today after 6992 days on 27th July 2023 in Geneva, surrounded by loving family and friends, We are so happy to celebrate this special moment together.

How they met: Yeoh and Todt first laid eyes on each other at a Ferrari event in Shanghai on June 4, 2004.

"A guy was trying to clear the stage and was being rude, so Jean went up to him and talked him down. Hes about my height, and the fact that he could talk down someone bigger than him was my first impression of him  and a good one," Yeoh told You Magazine in 2018.

More from NextShark: Oscars Naatu Naatu dance spurs outrage for lack of South Asian representation

About Todt: Yeoh's husband was the CEO of Ferrari from 2004 to 2008. Prior to this, he was the director of Peugeot Talbot Sport and the general manager of the Scuderia Ferrari Formula 1 team. He also served as the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile President from 2009 until 2021.

Story continues

According to Yeoh, Todt has always been a romantic. "A couple of months ago, he said: 'Do you know, this is our 5,000th day together?'" she told You Magazine. "And I said: 'You count the days?' And he said: 'The minutes, too.'"

Other details: The couple have yet to publicly announce their wedding.

Prior to her recent marriage, Yeoh was married to Hong Kong business magnate Dickson Poon from 1998 to 1991.
TEHRAN, Iran (AP)  Millions of Shiite Muslims in Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan and around the world on Friday commemorated Ashoura, a remembrance of the 7th-century martyrdom of the Prophet Muhammads grandson, Hussein, that gave birth to their faith.

In Afghanistan, the Taliban cut mobile phone services in key cities holding commemorations for fear of militants targeting Shiites, whom Sunni extremists consider heretics. Security forces in neighboring Pakistan as well stood on high alert as the commemorations there have seen attacks in the past.

Not all Shiites, however, were to mark the day Friday. Iraq, Lebanon and Syria planned their remembrances for Saturday, which will see a major suburb of Beirut shut down and the faithful descend on the Iraqi city of Karbala, where Hussein is entombed in a gold-domed shrine.

Shiites represent over 10% of the worlds 1.8 billion Muslims and view Hussein as the rightful successor to the Prophet Muhammad. Husseins death in battle at the hands of Sunnis at Karbala, south of Baghdad, ingrained a deep rift in Islam and continues to this day to play a key role in shaping Shiite identity.

Over 1,340 years after Husseins martyrdom, Baghdad, Tehran, Islamabad and other major capitals in the Middle East were adorned with symbols of Shiite piety and repentance: red flags for Husseins blood, symbolic black funeral tents and black dress for mourning, processions of men and boys expressing fervor in the ritual of chest-beating and self-flagellation with chains.

In Iran, where the theocratic government views itself as the protector of Shiites worldwide, the story of Hussein's martyrdom takes on political connotations amid its tensions with the West over its advancing nuclear program.

Iranian state television aired images of commemorations across the Islamic Republic, tying the event to criticizing the West, Israel and the U.S. drone strike that killed Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani in 2020. Anchor Wesam Bahrani on Iran's state-run English-language broadcaster Press TV referred to America as the biggest opponent of Islam and criticized Muslim countries allied with the U.S.

Story continues

Men wore black, rhythmically beating their chests in mourning or using flails to strike their backs. Some wore red headbands, as black and red banners bore Hussein's name. Some sprayed water over the mourners in the intense heat.

Every year everyone joins hands in solidarity," said 23-year-old Mohammad Hajatmand, who took part in a processional in Tehran. Hussein "was martyred very brutally and when anyone hears the story of Ashoura, regardless of their religion, their hearts will be broken and they will sympathize with him.

The commemoration in Iran also comes as Tehran prepares for the one-year anniversary of the death of Mahsa Amini. Her death launched protests nationwide in Iran that reportedly saw more than 500 protesters killed and some 20,000 others detained. Authorities have begun stepping up their enforcement of mandatory hijab, or headscarf, laws for women in recent weeks.

In the suburb of Sayida Zeinab near Syrias capital, Damascus, security forces guarded checkpoints after a bomb hidden in a motorcycle exploded Thursday, killing at least six people and wounding dozens more. On Tuesday, another bomb in a motorcycle wounded two people. The suburb is home to a shrine to Zeinab, the daughter of the first Shiite imam, Ali, and granddaughter of the Prophet Muhammad.

Local resident Mustafa Semaan, 41, said the area had seen a resurgence of religious tourism after security stabilized amid Syrias ongoing war and the worst of the coronavirus pandemic.

I dont believe the religious observances will be affected (by the recent bombings), but the economic situation as a result of visitors coming from outside Syria may be affected, Semaan said. If this continues, if there were a third attack, there might be a very negative impact.

On Friday, the Islamic State claimed responsibility for the recent attacks in a statement, claiming that Thursday's attack killed about 10 and wounded about 40 others during their annual polytheistic rituals. The group's extreme interpretation of Islam holds Shiite Muslims to be apostates.

In 2014, IS overran large swaths of Syria and Iraq and declared the entire territory a caliphate, where it imposed a radically brutal rule. The U.S. and its allies in Syria and Iraq, as well as Syrias Russian-backed government troops, fought against it for years, eventually rolling it back. However, the extremist group's cells have continued to carry out attacks.

Iraq will see the main observance of the Ashoura on Saturday in Karbala, where hundreds of thousands are expected and many will rush toward the shrine to symbolize their desire to answer Husseins last cries for help in battle. Convoys of the faithful arrived throughout the day Friday.

Meanwhile, hundreds of Iraqi Shiites in Baghdads Sadr City participated in Ashoura rituals, including slashing their heads with swords and self-flagellation in a show of grief.

Those marking the commemoration in Kabul, Afghanistan, beat their backs bloody with chains and knives in ritual bloodletting known as tatbir, meant to recreate the blood flowing from the slain Hussein. The practice has become debated among Shiite clerics in recent decades.

We have only one problem that (the Taliban) are preventing us to raise our flags and enter (the city) with the flags," said Karbalayee Rashid, an organizer of the Kabul commemoration. "Thank God the security has been taken care. It is OK, but there are more limits in this country this year than last year.

In Pakistan, authorities stepped up security as an Interior Ministry alert warned that terrorists could target Ashoura processions in major cities. Security was tight in the capital, Islamabad, where police were deployed at a key Shiite place of worship.

The main Ashoura processions also got underway in the eastern city of Lahore in the Punjab province, where thousands of police officers have been deployed. Processions in Karachi and elsewhere were also starting. There was no immediate report of any violence.

The Imams lesson is ... hold on to patience," said Anam Batool, a mourner who took part in a commemoration in Islamabad. After that, resist falsehood, stand with the truth. Where you must raise your voice against oppression, raise your voice there.

___

Associated Press writers Abby Sewell in Baghdad; Anmar Khalil in Karbala, Iraq; Munir Ahmed in Islamabad; and Jon Gambrell in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, contributed to this report.
At least five people were injured in the Russian strike against Dnipro, Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko reported on July 28.

"The injured victims include four men aged between 18-53 and a 77-year-old grandmother," Klymenko wrote on Telegram.

"All were provided with medical assistance without hospitalization."

The city was hit at around 8:30 p.m. local time following an air raid siren. A high-rise residential building and a regional headquarters of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) were damaged in the attack.

The State Emergency Service of Ukraine clarified that the upper floors of the 12-story building were damaged, and a fire was put out in an "administrative building."

According to Ukrainska Pravda, the residential building that sustained the hit was new and many of its flats were still unoccupied. The SBU building had been empty for some time, Ukrainska Pravda reported, citing its sources.

Read also: Official: Occupation government building in Donetsk damaged in strike

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Sleeping Newborn Baby Getty Images/Lisa5201

Earlier this month, several media outlets claimed that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its guidance on breastfeeding to include information about chestfeeding. However, as Snopes recently reported, information about chestfeeding has been on the public health agency's website for years. In an email to Salon, Belsie Gonzalez, a CDC media officer, confirmed that despite the claims in headlines of many conservative outlets, there was no "update to guidance."

"Since 2018, CDC has provided information on our website for transgender people who are considering breastfeeding or chestfeeding their infants," Gonzalez said. "Guidance on this issue, including a clinical protocol, comes from the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine  a global organization of doctors that educate health professionals on breastfeeding."

Yet misinformation persisted claiming that chestfeeding was potentially dangerous to infants. Politicians got involved as Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kan. wrote a letter to the CDC expressing concerns about how medications used to induce lactation could be dangerous. What led to the attention on chestfeeding remains unclear, yet misinformation is still circling.

What is chestfeeding?

According to the CDC, chestfeeding is "a term used by many masculine-identified trans people to describe the act of feeding their baby from their chest, regardless of whether they have had chest/top surgery (to alter or remove mammary tissue)."

Jennifer Smilowitz, a faculty affiliate with the University of California, Davis Department of Food Science and Technology, further elaborated to Salon via email: "Chestfeeding is also a general term that can include nursing at the breast/chest, using a tube attached to the nipple to feed the baby infant formula or donor human milk or even non-nutritive sucking for comfort."

It's common for both cisgender women and transgender individuals to do what Smilowitz described and it can be called either chestfeeding or breastfeeding  whatever the person prefers. Sometimes, when waiting for a person's milk supply to come in after birth, a lactation consultant might recommend using a tube and attaching it to a nipple shield to feed the baby formula or pasteurized donor milk. This method will keep the baby suckling at the breast and stimulate milk synthesis. Adoptive parents have also sought out ways to breastfeed or chestfeed despite not including a birthing person.

Story continues

Dr. Andrea Braden, an OB-GYN and board-certified lactation consultant, told Salon via email that "chestfeeding came around when we needed another term for lactation that did not formally exist."

"Breastfeeding is the old familiar umbrella term for all things breastfeeding and lactation. It was the only term we had for a long time," Braden said. "However, as a transgender person, we have found that there are words that do not adequately describe their lived experience in their gender identity, so someone who identifies as a man may find the term breastfeeding to not properly describe feeding their baby with their own human milk."

However, Braden said for a transgender woman, it might be preferable to say breastfeeding.

"There can be confusion where someone who was assigned male at birth would like to lactate," Braden said. "That is often still called breastfeeding because someone who is a transgender feminine person finds it very affirming to be able to do something that is feminine like breastfeeding."

Induced lactation

Indeed, as the CDC notes, an individual does not need to give birth to breastfeed or chestfeed. This is possible through a medically guided process called "induced lactation." Lactation occurs after someone has given birth because a combination of the delivery of the placenta and a newborn suckling at the breast results in a dramatic rise in prolactin, the hormone that makes human milk. Those who haven't given birth need to experience that rise in prolactin another way.

Want more health and science stories in your inbox? Subscribe to Salon's weekly newsletter The Vulgar Scientist.

"Induced lactation requires a combination of hormonal treatments (estrogen, progesterone) and sometimes the intake of medications or herbs that may help produce milk. These are called galactagogues," Smilowitz said. "Closer to the time when the baby is born, patients are then instructed to pump their breast/chest to encourage the production of prolactin. Different clinics or providers may follow different treatment regimens, but this is the general gist of induced lactation."

Smilowitz said that the success of producing sufficient milk for an infant via induced lactation depends on many factors, and it might not work for everyone. She pointed to a Cleveland Clinic explainer on the process. Many medical providers rely on the Newman-Goldfarb protocol to successfully induce lactation and feed their infants which require patients to take a birth control pill.

As Katelyn Burns wrote in Them in 2018, induced lactation in a non-birthing person is nothing new.

"In online forums and on social media, trans women have long shared anecdotal accounts of methods used and success achieved in lactating and feeding their children," Burns wrote. "As far back as 2010, Dr. Christine McGinn, a trans surgeon who specializes in gender reassignment surgery, appeared on the Oprah Winfrey show in a sensationalized segment that revealed she had both fathered her children and was the sole parent to breastfed them."

A successful case was published in Transgender Health in 2018 documenting a 30-year-old transgender woman whose partner was pregnant but was uninterested in breastfeeding. The patient hoped to take over the task when their baby was born. After following the basic framework of induced lactation, which included using a galactogogue called domperidone, the patient (who had no gender-affirming surgeries such as breast augmentation) was making 8 ounces of breastmilk a day, two weeks before the baby's due date. The patient successfully exclusively breastfed the baby for six weeks. At that point, however, the patient began "supplementing breastfeedings with 48 oz of Similac brand formula daily due to concerns about insufficient milk volume," the study reports.

"It's possible with a medical regimen and clinical support, transgender women can successfully induce lactation and provide milk to their infants," Smilowitz said. "There have been 3 reported case reports that reported successful induced lactation and only one recently showed that their milk delivered 'normal' levels of macronutrients."

From a physiological perspective, cisgender men "do not have the hormonal repertoire required to produce milk," Smilowitz said, adding that testosterone can suppress lactation. However, both sexes are born with the basic breast structures at birth  it's the hormones that make the difference.

"The conditions exist," Dr. Jack Newsman from The Newman Breastfeeding Clinic and International Breastfeeding Centre, and co-author of the book "Dr. Jack Newman's Guide To Breastfeeding," previously told Salon. "Men have milk-producing tissue in their breasts normally."

Are there risks to chestfeeding?

Smilowitz said there are no known risks to the infant, and research is still needed to understand how different physiological states influence lactation. However, decades of study have demonstrated that exclusive human milk feeding in the first six months of life is beneficial to the infant. Smilowitz emphasized that even a little bit of human milk is better than none at all.

"One risk to chestfeeding could be low milk production, but that's not exclusive to chestfeeding," she said.

As far as induced lactation goes, one potential risk could be the emotional stress experienced from it being unsuccessful.

"Induced lactation (in non-gestational parents) may not be as successful in individuals who have undergone chest surgery because either their mammary gland tissue which makes milk has been surgically removed and/or the mammary ducts which transport the milk have been removed or damaged during surgery," Smilowitz said. "Induced lactation in individuals who have not undergone a chest surgery are likely to have higher chances in producing milk because they have more milk-producing cells and intact ducts."

Smilowitz emphasized this is extremely understudied and warrants extensive research to fully understand the impact of chest surgery on successful induced lactation.

As far as domperidone goes, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned against using it to induce lactation in 2004. This was because there could be cardiac risks to the person taking it. In 2014, a report published by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) emphasized that there's been a history of "mothers inappropriately advised to discontinue breastfeeding or avoid taking essential medications because of fears of adverse effects on their infants."

However the AAP also reports "This cautious approach may be unnecessary in many cases, because only a small proportion of medications are contraindicated in breastfeeding mothers or associated with adverse effects on their infants."

Furthermore, the CDC did note domperidone "is associated with QT prolongation in children and infants." Notably, these were not breastfed infants, but babies who received oral administration of domperidone.

According to the National Library of Medicine, withdrawal symptoms for individuals who take domperidone can consist of insomnia, severe anxiety and depression have been documented in some individuals taking high doses of domperidone daily. Domperidone is not approved by the FDA in the United States.

Read more

about trans rights
An intense explosion has occurred in the city of Taganrog in the Russian Rostov Oblast on the afternoon of 28 July. The Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation claims that a Ukrainian missile has been shot down, and its fragments fell on the city.

Source: Baza Telegram news channel; Mash; Vasiliy Golubev, governor of Rostov Oblast; Russian Defence Ministry; Vazhnie Istorii (Important Stories)

Quote from Baza: "A huge explosion [occurred] in Taganrog. The blast wave smashed windows in nearby residential buildings."

Quote from Golubev: "Early reports show that a missile has exploded in the centre of Taganrog, on 22 Lermontov Street, near Chehov Sad cafe. Emergency workers are on the scene. There are no fatalities. Some people are injured, ambulances are on their way."

Details: Golubev reported that 15 people requested medical attention.

The Defence Ministry of Russia claimed that the strike was caused by the Armed Forces of Ukraine, "with an S-200 anti-aircraft system converted into a strike version", and Russian air defence intercepted the missile in the air, but the debris fell on the territory of Taganrog. As a result, several buildings were damaged.

Vazhnie Istorii noted that the place of "possible missile landing" in Taganrog is located approximately 10 km from the Taganrog Air Base. An A-50 long-range radar detection aircraft was spotted there in May. Tu-95 missile-carrying bombers are also stationed at the airfield and there are platforms for launching UAVs.

Details: The video captures thick smoke rising above the buildings.

Preliminary reports indicate the explosion occurred near Alexandrovskaya Square in the courtyard of the Russian State Bank.

The explosion caused a crater measuring five by five metres.

Preliminary information suggests that three people were injured in the explosion, sustaining shrapnel injuries.

According to Mash, eyewitnesses report two hits, one stronger and another somewhat weaker.

Shot and Mash Telegram news outlets reported that the explosion occurred near the Lazurniy water park and Chehov Sad cafe.

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!
Consequences of the explosion in Taganrog

Taganrog in Russias Rostov Oblast was hit by what looks like a missile attack on July 28, according to local officials, while another explosion damaged an oil refinery in Samara.

Vasily Golubev, the governor of Rostov Oblast, reported that a missile exploded near a cafe in Taganrog.

Russian authorities later claimed at least 15 people were injured. According to local media, a total of 17 people were injured. The explosion created a crater several meters deep at the site. Nearby buildings were destroyed.

The Russian Defense Ministry predictably claimed that Ukraine attacked Taganrog with a S-200 surface-to-air missile. Moscow insists the missile was intercepted by Russian air defenses and fell onto the city.

At around 5:13 p.m., there were reports of Taganrog air defenses being active once again. Local Telegram channels have shared videos showing the aftermath of the new explosion.

Russian officials also stated that there was an explosion at the Kuibyshev oil refinery in Samara. According to preliminary information, an explosive device was planted there. The Russians claim that no one was injured in the incident.

Read also: Ukraine confirms successful destruction of Russian oil depot and warehouses in occupied Crimea

Russian propaganda has blamed a 42-year-old Ukrainian national named Serhiy P. for the explosion. They claim that he allegedly planted an IED in an abandoned building in the control room department, and after the explosion, he attempted to escape to Kazakhstan but was apprehended at the border.

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
Russian propagandists report an attack on the building of the terrorist "Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Donetsk Peoples Republic" in the occupied city of Donetsk.

Source: Petro Andriushchenko, Advisor to the mayor of Mariupol; Russian Telegram channels

Details: Andriushchenko posted a video of the hit on the building of the so-called "Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Donetsk Peoples Republic".

He also posted videos showing explosions in Russian Rostov and Taganrog.

Propagandists of RIA Novosti reported a hit in the vicinity of Dzerzhinsky Square in the centre of the occupied city of Donetsk. The occupiers claim that a "square and a number of shops" were in the affected area, but do not mention the building of the so-called "Ministry of Internal Affairs".

They report that there were no casualties.

Background:

On 28 July, Russias Rostov Oblast Governor Vasily Golubev claimed that Russian air defence forces shot down a missile in the Azov district of Rostov Oblast.

Locals also post photos showing the black smoke over Taganrog.

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!






Investigators said they are one step closer to solving the disappearance of a 19-year-old woman who vanished in the metro Atlanta area seven years ago.

Morgan Bauer vanished two weeks after moving from Illinois to Atlanta in 2016. She was originally from South Dakota.

Channel 2s Tyisha Fernandes was in Porterdale Friday, where multiple investigators from the FBI and at least five other agencies descended on a property Thursday to search for evidence.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Police said a tip brought them to the home in Newton County, where searches uncovered some evidence. Investigators havent said what kind of evidence they found.

On Friday, orange and white barricades were placed around the property because police said the people currently renting the home have nothing to do with the investigation and they are asking people to respect the residents privacy. The current residents did not live at the home when Bauer disappeared.

TRENDING STORIES:

Investigators are more focused on the property than on the home itself.

NewsChopper 2 was over the scene Thursday, where the FBI, Porterdale Police, the Newton County Sheriffs Office, The Newton County District Attorneys Office and police from Peoria, Illinois conducted grid searches.

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]

Fernandes asked Sgt. Anthonry Walden with the Newton County District Attorneys Office how they zeroed in on the Porterdale property.

I will tell you that over time, sometimes the info becomes clear or locations become clear, and I believe thats what theyre basing it off, Walden said.

Channel 2 Action News did confirm that witnesses reported seeing Bauer in Porterdale before she disappeared.

As of 7 p.m. Thursday, investigators had finished their search but may return at some point.

Story continues

It is a fairly good-sized property, so it may continue. We cant guess at this time, Walden said.

Police Chief Jason Cripps said that for hours, several investigators collected a lot of good evidence, more than theyve ever had on the case. Cripps didnt want to reveal specifically what they found because he doesnt wan to compromise the case.

Fernandes also spoke to Bauers mother via phone Friday. Sherri Keenan said shes trying to stay positive, and shes encouraging anyone with information to come forward.

As a parent and a person, I would hope youd want to come forward not only to solve this case, but to bring peace to Morgan and her friends and the rest of her family, Keenan said.

Keenan said that right now, she and Bauers family are taking things minute-by-minute.

At this time, my family and I are doing our best to be grateful, graceful, peaceful and prayerful, Keenan wrote on social media. Please allow us time to navigate this process.




The Daily Beast/Glendale Police Department

Nearly four years after Alicia Navarro vanished from her Arizona home after leaving a cryptic note, the 18-year-old walked into a small-town Montana police station alone on Sunday morning with an unusual request.

She literally walked into the police station and said, I am Alicia Navarro. I know I am reported missing and I would like to be taken off that list and get a drivers license, Tim Steele, the president of the Anti-Predator Project and the Navarro family spokesperson, told The Daily Beast. She wanted a Montana drivers license.

The Havre Police Department said that Navarro appeared to be fine and in good health when she made the strange request around 11 a.m. on July 23. Still, police said in a statement, they immediately looked into her missing-person status and discovered that Navarro was the same teenager who had vanished in September 2019 in Glendale, Arizona, in a case that sparked national attention.

Police Share More Details on Missing Teen Who Miraculously Reappeared

And while the details continue to trickle out about Navarros mysterious reappearance, questions remain about how the 18-year-old ended up in a railroad town near the Canadian border about 1,300 miles from homeand what she has been doing for the last four years.

Thats the $1 million question, Steele said.

The Glendale Police Department told The Daily Beast on Friday that after Navarro was identified, detectives served a search warrant on a resident in Montana. That warrant led investigators to interview four people, though no one is currently detained or in custody. No arrests have been made.

This is still an active investigation and we are requesting time and patience as we peel away the layers of the last four years, a police spokesperson said.

Police say that Navarro, who has autism, was just 14 when she left her Glendale, Arizona, home on Sept. 15, 2019, just days before her birthday. The teenager reportedly stacked in the backyard and hopped over the fence, only leaving behind a note saying, I ran away. I will be back. I swear. Im sorry.

Story continues

Her disappearance immediately spurred a massive investigation that included the FBI. At the time, her mother, Jessica Nunez, suspected her daughter had been lured away by a predator online. Over the years, the Glendale Police Department said it received thousands of tips but did not catch a break in the case until Navarro miraculously reappeared this week.

Police announced her arrival on Wednesday, stating that she was found healthy and happy and a bit overwhelmed. In a short video provided by the Glendale Police Department, Navarro tells investigations that no one hurt me.

Steele said that Navarro and her mother had a very brief video chat call after authorities confirmed her identity. But since that chat, the mother and daughter have not spoken while the family and law enforcement figure out how to get the family back together.

They have their own healing journey to go on. Theyve got stuff they have to do first, Steele said, adding that Navarro is still in Montana. She is safe. I hope people wait for the facts of the case before making their assumptions.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now.

Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now.
Everyday life is a struggle for Joe Amrine, supporters of the Missouri exoneree wrote in a GoFundMe campaign set up to bring attention to his immediate financial needs.

And the 66-year-old Kansas City man, freed from prison in 2003, could use a little help.

Even after 20 years since his exoneration, Joe continues to face financial hardships, organizers from Missourians to Abolish the Death Penalty wrote on behalf of Amrines fundraiser. He currently lives without access to water in his house, making everyday life a struggle.

Its not as if Amrine has his hand out. But he spent nearly two decades in prison on death row for a murder he did not commit. Lets just say, since his release from a Missouri penitentiary, staying gainfully employed hasnt come easy for him.

These days, Amrine cleans restrooms during Royals games at Kauffman Stadium, he told us this week. He earns about $16 per hour. The most money Ive ever made in my life, he said.

On Friday, at the Black Archives of Mid-America in Kansas City, Amrine will celebrate a milestone no one should ever have to commemorate: 20 years of freedom after an erroneous murder conviction was overturned.

Hell speak at the event  about what, only God knows, Amrine said  and has plenty to say about a justice system that sends innocent people to prison but offers them little to no help reintegrating back into society.

Convicted murderers and other guilty criminals let out of Missouri prisons on parole can collect assistance for food and other social services on the states dime, Amrine said.

But for a death row exoneree such as Amrine, and others cleared of wrongdoing, no compensation, job placement or mental health services await.

Gov. Mike Parson vetoed a reform bill sponsored by his fellow Republican, state Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer of Parkville.

Gov. Mike Parson vetoed bill from Parkville Republican

In Missouri, only prisoners exonerated by DNA analysis are eligible for post-conviction relief. Think about that: In our state, unless DNA evidence clears them, the wrongfully convicted are released from prison with not so much as an apology.

Story continues

Need help to get on your feet? Oh well, not our problem, Missouri says. Lost earning potential while behind bars on a bad conviction? Tough luck.

Gov. Mike Parson had an opportunity to right this unconscionable wrong. But earlier this month, he vetoed a criminal justice reform bill that would have expanded opportunities for the state to pay restitution to wrongfully convicted prisoners.

The bill, sponsored by state Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer, a Parkville Republican, wasnt perfect, advocates for the wrongfully incarcerated said.

If approved, the law would not have applied retroactively to Amrine, anyway. The measure was a start, though. Too bad Parson did not sign off on Senate Bill 189.

Taxpayers around the state should not be responsible for an error made at the local level, Parson argued in rejecting the bill. Last we checked, it was local prosecutors job to represent the states interest in criminal matters.

Since his release in 2003, financial hardships have come and gone with each lost job opportunity, Amrine said. He is stressed at times, and smokes about two packs of cigarettes per day to help calm himself.

Potential employers are sometimes put off by Amrines criminal history. His false murder conviction still shows up on background checks.

That stuff is still there, he said. Tell me thats not wrong.

Cleared by State Supreme Court after jailhouse informant lied

Amrine spent 17 years on death row for a murder he did not commit. False testimony  and faulty evidence  from jailhouse snitches almost cost Amrine his life.

By his count, Amrine was on death row with hundreds of inmates between 1986 and 2003, when he was fully exonerated. More than 60 of them were executed, Amrine told us.

Can you imagine the mental and physical struggle of being on death row? No, Joe, we cant.

Two decades have passed since he was absolved of any wrongdoing in the 1985 prison murder of fellow inmate Gary Barber. Amrine, already serving a prison sentence for robbery, burglary and forgery, was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to death for killing Barber.

Except he didnt fatally stab Barber with an ice pick, as three other inmates alleged. Another prisoner did.

Amrine appealed his murder conviction. When the judges of the Missouri Supreme Court found him innocent by clear and convincing evidence, they gave the prosecution 90 days to decide whether to retry him, his attorney Sean OBrien told us.

Two days later, lab techs said they found blood evidence and DNA extracted from Amrines clothing was tested, OBrien said.

But the results were inconclusive, and as such, precluded Amrine from receiving post-conviction relief from the state.

We had to prove his innocence the old fashioned way, OBrien said. Amrine was freed without any compensation. How is that a just system?

Exonerees often return home with no means of obtaining an ID or drivers license. They have no credit or work history, and with no experience renting a place to live, finding housing is troublesome, too, advocates said. Many lack transportation.

And that conundrum, through no fault of their own, just isnt fair to exonerees like Amrine, a father who has seven grandchildren.

As a society, dont we owe a great deal of debt to Amrine and others who are wrongfully convicted? Not helping them rebuild their lives only prolongs the injustice.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell fell at least three times this year. Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images

Sen. Mitch McConnell, 81, has had a history of falls this year, per several new reports.

After falling and fracturing his rib in March, McConnell also tripped at an airport in July, per NBC.

He also fell while on a February trip to Helsinki, where Sen. Ted Budd said it was "very icy."

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell suffered at least two previously undisclosed falls this year, according to multiple reports.

McConnell, 81, tripped and fell while disembarking from a plane at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on July 14, NBC News reported, citing two anonymous sources familiar with the incident.

One of those sources, a passenger on the flight, said the Kentucky lawmaker had a "face plant" as he tried to exit the plane, per NBC. They said they did not see the fall in person but spoke to another passenger who assisted McConnell after his fall.

The senator was not seriously hurt, per NBC.

ABC News also reported that McConnell fell while leaving his flight on July 14, citing unnamed sources who said he tripped on the air bridge.

McConnell's other fall occurred in February as he visited Helsinki, Finland, on an official trip, CBS reported. North Carolina GOP Sen. Ted Budd told the outlet he was with McConnell during the fall, but added that it was "very icy at the time."

"It could have happened to any of us," he told CBS. Budd said McConnell's fall did not disrupt any meetings or official activities, per CBS.

All three outlets also reported that McConnell occasionally uses a wheelchair.

Including the two previously unreported incidents, McConnell has had at least three separate falls this year.

He was hospitalized in March after tripping at the Waldorf Astoria in Washington D.C., which left him with a concussion and a fractured rib. McConnell returned to the Senate floor in mid-April, six weeks after the accident.

In 2019, the GOP leader also fell on the patio of his home in Kentucky and fractured his shoulder.

Story continues

The senator's health has come under scrutiny in the past week after he abruptly stopped speaking at a press conference on Wednesday and froze for 20 seconds, before being escorted away by other Republicans.

When McConnell returned later and was pressed by reporters about his well-being, he curtly replied: "I'm fine."

An aide for McConnell said he'd stepped away from the podium because he felt "light-headed," but added that the senator was "sharp."

A day later, California Democrat Sen. Dianne Feinstein, 90, appeared confused during a Senate hearing and tried to deliver a speech during a vote, raising questions over her ability to perform her official duties.

Feinstein's spokesperson later said she was "preoccupied" amid a "chaotic" hearing.

A representative for McConnell did not immediately respond to a request for comment sent outside regular business hours.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Christine Gallinaro and her 15-year-old son loved visiting their local New Jersey movie theater.

It was one of her sons favorite places to visit  until a manager forced them to leave the Cinemark in Hazlet on June 16, a Friday evening that resulted in the police getting called to remove them, according to a new lawsuit.

While sitting and watching Disney and Pixars animated film Elemental, Gallinaros son, who is autistic and has speech delays, needed to use the bathroom, a complaint filed July 25 in the Superior Court of Monmouth County says.

Gallinaro brought him into the womens restroom with her, as he cannot use public bathrooms alone, according to the complaint.

As they were leaving the restroom, the complaint says a Cinemark Hazlet 12 manager angrily approached them and shouted blatantly discriminatory remarks toward them.

He (referring Gallinaros son) shouldnt be in here (referring to the womens restroom), the manager is accused of saying in the theaters lobby full of moviegoers, according to the complaint.

Shes also accused of saying that a grown man should not be in the womens restroom as the restroom is not a transgender bathroom and ordered an assistant manager to call the police, according to the complaint.

Now Gallinaro is suing Cinemark Hazlet 12, Cinemark USA, the manager, assistant manager and additional defendants not named in the complaint, accusing them of discriminating against her son based on his disability.

McClatchy News contacted Cinemark for comment on July 27 and was awaiting a response.

My son was humiliated and harassed for going to the bathroom, Gallinaro told McClatchy News in a statement.

I am my sons voice, protector and advocateI felt compelled to go public with this for my community of parents and their autistic children or adult children.

The police arrive at the theater

After the assistant manager called the police upon his managers direction, he told Gallinaro he didnt agree with what (the manager) did, the complaint says.

Story continues

However, he said Gallinaro should leave because she was causing a disturbance, according to a video Gallinaro recorded that was provided to McClatchy News by her attorney, Austin B. Tobin, of McOmber McOmber & Luber law firm.

While waiting for police to arrive, the theaters security and the assistant manager surrounded Gallinaro and her son in a hostile and confrontational demeanor, the complaint says.

In another video provided to McClatchy News, Gallinaro speaks with a police officer in the theaters lobby, explaining how her son is autistic and she wouldnt let him go into the mens bathroom alone.

Couldnt agree with you more, the officer is heard saying, the video shows.

The incident has left Gallinaros son feeling traumatized, and shes noticed some behavioral changes in him, according to the complaint.

Other than asking (Gallinaro and her son) to leave, and then later offering free movie tickets after they could not process a refund for the already purchased movie tickets, defendants took zero action to address (their) transparently harassing and discriminatory conduct, the complaint says.

Now, Gallinaros son repeatedly apologizes for what happened at the theater on June 16, refuses to use the bathroom alone at home and has trouble sleeping, the complaint says.

What happened is outrageous and appalling, Gallinaro told McClatchy News.

There needs to be family bathrooms installed in these locations and robust sensitivity training immediatelyAll people including the disabled have a right to go to a public bathroom with dignity and respect with safety for all remaining a top priority.

Gallinaros lawsuit accuses the defendants of violating the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination by engaging in disparate treatment of her son, creating a hostile environment and discriminating against him, the complaint says.

The lawsuit demands a jury trial and seeks to recover compensatory damages, consequential damages, punitive damages and more.

Any individual, let alone a disabled child, has the right to use the bathroom in a public place such as a movie theater, Tobin told McClatchy News in a statement. What happened that day was outrageous, discriminatory, and completely unlawful, and Defendants must be held accountable for what happened.

Hazlet is about 45 miles southwest of Manhattan in New York City.

Police department pulls job offer after learning applicant is transgender, lawsuit says

Walmart fires worker over how his seizures caused him to miss work in NC, lawsuit says

McDonalds fires man who worked there 37 years because he has autism, lawsuit says
HELENA, Mont. (AP)  A federal judge in Montana on Friday temporarily blocked a new law that restricts drag performances just days before thousands of people are expected to attend Montana Pride's 30th anniversary celebration in Helena.

The way the law is written will disproportionally harm not only drag performers, but any person who falls outside traditional gender and identity norms, including transgender people, U.S. District Court Judge Brian Morris said.

The law seeks to ban minors from attending what it calls sexually oriented performances, and bans such performances in public places where minors might be present. However, it does not adequately define many of the terms used in the law, causing people to self-censor out of fear of prosecution, plaintiff's attorney Constance Van Kley with Upper Seven Law argued Wednesday.

Plaintiffs, along with the approximately 15,000 Montanans who wish to attend the (Montana Pride) events, cannot avoid chilled speech or exposure to potential civil or criminal liability, without the temporary restraining order, Morris wrote.

The ruling will allow Montana Pride to advertise and hold some of its events in public places, said Kevin Hamm, president of Montana Pride. The annual LGBTQ+ celebration  which includes a parade, street dance and drag brunch  begins on Sunday and runs through Aug. 6.

The language used in the (temporary restraining order) is both impressive and should serve as a warning to discriminatory actions by legislators in the future, Hamm said.

A lawsuit filed on July 6 challenges its constitutionality, and seeks a preliminary injunction to block it. The complaint was later amended to add the city of Helena as a defendant and Montana Pride as a plaintiff in order to request the more urgent move for a temporary restraining order. Montana Pride worked with the city to get permits to hold its public events.

The city of Helena supported the restraining order, saying the law put the city in the position of infringing on Montana Pride's constitutional rights of free expression by denying the permit, or subjecting city employees to civil and criminal liability included in the law if it granted the permit. The lawsuit allows a minor who attends a drag performance that violates the law to file a civil lawsuit against organizers or participants at any time over the following 10 years.

Story continues

The complaint  whose initial plaintiffs include a transgender woman, two small theaters and a bookstore that holds drag queen reading events  calls the Montana law a breathtakingly ambiguous and overbroad bill, motivated by anti-LGBTQ+ animus.

Judge Morris found that the law did not adequately define actions that might be illegal and appears likely to encourage arbitrary and discriminatory enforcement."

Montana's law is flawed  like similar laws in Florida and Tennessee that have been blocked by courts  because it regulates speech based on its content and viewpoint, without taking into account its potential literary, artistic, political or scientific value, Morris found.

Drag is definitionally political and artistic speech, said Diana Bourgeois, president of the Imperial Sovereign Court of the State of Montana, an organization that puts on drag reading events and one of the plaintiffs. The courts order today protects our right to be commentators and artists and to create a safe, joyful and welcoming environment through our expression.

Like many Republican-led states, Montanas conservative lawmakers have passed other laws targeting transgender people. The state is among those to ban gender-affirming care for minors  which is also being challenged in court. It also passed a bill to define sex as only male or female" in state law.

The law also made Montana the first state to specifically ban drag kings and drag queens  which it defined as performers who adopt a flamboyant or parodic male or female persona with glamorous or exaggerated costumes and makeup  from reading books to children in public schools or libraries, even though the performances do not have a sexual element.

The judge said the law does not define flamboyant, parodic or glamorous, among other terms.

Morris has scheduled an Aug. 26 hearing on the lawsuits request for a preliminary injunction, which could continue to block the law while the case moves through the courts.

We look forward to presenting our written response and full argument at the upcoming preliminary injunction hearing to defend the law and protect minors from sexually oriented performances," Emily Flower, a spokesperson for the Department of Justice, said in a statement.

The bill's sponsor, Republican Rep. Braxton Mitchell, has said that to him and his constituents, keeping hyper sexualized events out of taxpayer funded schools and libraries does not violate the First Amendment.
The MBTA announced on Friday service changes in August on the Red, Green, Orange, Silver, Kingston, Middleborough, Greenbush, and Lowell lines in order to improve service reliability across the system.

MBTA announces slew of July service changes on multiple subway and commuter rail lines

Red Line

Red Line service changes will allow MBTA crews to perform critical rail and tie replacement work that will alleviate speed restrictions:

Accessible shuttle bus service will replace evening weekday trains between North Quincy and JFK/UMass Stations beginning at 8:45 p.m. on August 1-3 and August 8-10

Accessible shuttle bus service will replace evening weekday trains between Quincy Center and Braintree Stations beginning at 8:45 p.m. on August 15-17, August 22-24, and August 29-31.

Accessible shuttle bus service will replace trains between JFK/UMass and Braintree Stations beginning at 8:45 p.m. on August 4-6, August 11-13, August 18-20, and August 25-27.

Green and Orange lines

Due to the continued demolition of the Government Center Garage by private developer HYM Construction, Orange and Green Line service changes will take place in the downtown Boston area all day for 12 days from July 29- August 9.

Orange Line trains will bypass Haymarket Station. Orange Line riders should instead exit at North Station or State, which are less than a half-mile from Haymarket (or a four- to eight-minute walk), and travel to the Haymarket area.

Green Line service will be suspended between North Station and Government Center Station with riders instead asked to walk above ground between these stations  Government Center, Haymarket, and North Station are each less than a half mile from each other (about a five- to 10-minute walk), and the distance between Government Center to North Station is about three-quarters of a mile (about a 13-minute walk).

Riders are also reminded that Orange Line / Green Line connections can also be made via the Winter Street Concourse, which connects Park Street and Downtown Crossing Stations.

Accessibility vans will also be available for on-demand transportation  Orange and Green Line riders should ask MBTA personnel for information and assistance.

Story continues

Silver / Lowell Lines

Silver Line Routes 1, 2, and 3 will be re-routed to the street level between Silver Line Way and South Station beginning at 8:45 p.m. on August 11 through 9 p.m. and on August 13. This service change will allow for continued safety, waterproofing, and station resiliency improvement work at Courthouse Station.

Lowell Line trains will be replaced with accessible shuttle bus service between Lowell and Wilmington Stations during the weekend of August 5-6. This service change allows crews to perform vegetation-clearing work along the line.

COMMUTER RAIL SERVICE CHANGES

The Kingston, Middleborough, and Greenbush Commuter Rail lines (Run adjacent to the Red Line)

Accessible shuttle bus service will replace evening weekday trains between South Station and Braintree after 7:30 p.m. on August 1-4, August 8-11, August 15-18, August 22-25, August 29-31 and during the weekends of August 5-6, August 12-13, August 19-20, and August 26-27.

Accessible express shuttle bus service will also operate directly between South Station and Braintree Station.

Passengers should note that bicycles are not allowed on shuttle buses, and regular Commuter Rail fares will be collected between Kingston, Middleborough, Greenbush, and Braintree Stations. Keolis Customer Service Agents, MBTA staff, and Transit Ambassadors will be on-site at impacted stations to support riders.

The diversion schedule will be available online soon at mbta.com/CommuterRail.

Citing employee risks, feds demand new MBTA safety plan

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
A recent study found that some lakes around the world contain as much, if not more, plastic than polluted ocean gyres, also known as "garbage patches".

Researchers tested samples from 38 lakes and reservoirs on every continent except Antarctica.

"Some of these lakes you think of as clear, beautiful vacation spots, but we discovered such places to be perfect examples of the link between plastics and humans," said Ted Harris, associate research professor for the Kansas Biological Survey & Center for Ecological Research at the University of Kansas and one of the researchers in the study.

FILE: Plastic water bottle floating in water.

Plastics were found in all the lakes and reservoirs the researchers studied and in a range of concentrations.

They found that two types of lakes are particularly vulnerable to plastic contamination. One type involved those in densely populated and urbanized areas, and the other type were large lakes and reservoirs with elevated deposition areas, long water retention times and high levels of human influence.

UN OFFERS ROADMAP TO REDUCING PLASTIC POLLUTION BY 80% BY 2040

According to the study, the most polluted lakes had concentrations of plastic that were as high, if not higher than, concentrations reported in ocean garbage patches. Garbage patches are large, polluted spots in the ocean where rotating ocean currents bring trash and other debris into one location.

One type of plastic found in the freshwater samples stood out for researchers: microplastics, or pieces of plastic that are smaller than 5 mm (0.2 inches) long. They come from a number of sources, ranging from larger pieces of plastic that degrade over time to tiny fibers in clothing.

"The biggest takeaway from our study is that microplastics can be found in all lakes," said Rebecca Kessler, who worked with Harris to test two Kansas lakes and one reservoir. "Obviously, there are different concentrations, but they are literally everywhere."

According to Kessler, the biggest contributing factor to these microplastics is human interaction with the lakes.

HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER

The project was designed and coordinated by the Inland Water Ecology and Management research group of the University of Milano-Bicocca in Italy, involving 79 researchers belonging to the Global Lake Ecological Observatory Network.
The News

Sweden is once again caught in the political crosshairs over its decision to greenlight burnings of the Quran and Torah in Stockholm. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said this week that far-right figures have filed more requests for Quran-burning protests with the police, and he is extremely worried about what could happen as a result.

Sweden, as well as neighboring Denmark, have allowed the protests to take place in recent months, sparking criticism, counterprotests, and diplomatic blowback from several majority-Muslim nations. Weve curated reporting and insights about the latest developments.

Insights
Moscow after the July 24 drone attack

An "enemy drone" allegedly attacked Moscow, the Russian capital, last night, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said on Telegram on July 28.

The forces of the Russian Defense Ministry intercepted the drone, according to Sobyanin. However, the ministry reported that the drone was shot down in Moscow Oblast instead.

Read also: Moscow targeted in drone attack: video

No casualties or damage were reported by both.

The last time Moscow experienced a drone attack was on July 24. Then, windows were shattered and roofs damaged in buildings near the Russian Defense Ministry, which supposedly was targeted.

Investigative journalist Christo Grozev of Bellingcat, an open source investigations outlet, claimed that buildings opposite the central offices of Russian military intelligence (GRU) Cyber Warfare Unit were targeted in the attack.

Read also: Russian TV banned from reporting on Moscow drone attack  report

Russian media has blamed Ukraine for both alleged attacks.

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
A community is in mourning after a 17-year-old rising senior at Carrick High School was stabbed to death early Thursday morning.

RELATED COVERAGE >>> 17-year-old dead after stabbing in Schenley Park

Police and paramedics found Brandon Thomas under the bridge by Panther Hollow Lake in Schenley Park. Hed been stabbed in the chest.

I was just told that he was at a party. A fight broke out and he was trying to break up the fight, Brandons mother Shatera Linnen told Channel 11.

Pitt Police say there were teenagers at the stabbing scene and evidence of a party. Video provided to WPXI shows the area littered with empty alcohol bottles and containers.

Linnen tells Channel 11 she received a phone call early Thursday morning from a family member of one of her sons friends.

Is there any way that I can get over to Presbyterian Hospital? I was asking them what was going on. They didnt tell me anything. They just said I needed to get there, Linnen said.

When she arrived, Brandon was still in surgery.

Honestly, I dont think Ill ever be able to move on. I lost my oldest child last year, too; my dad a week after that. Now, this, Linnen said.

Pittsburgh Public Schools released a statement that said, The District is mourning the loss of Brandon [...] Our thoughts are with his family during this time.

Brandon was a good kid. He didnt bother nobody. He didnt start trouble. He was all around a good person.

He leaves behind a twin sister.

Police are investigating and no arrests have been made.

A GoFundMe has been set up to help Brandons family. You can donate here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/brandon-e-thomas-beautiful-kindcourageous.

Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW

TRENDING NOW:

17-year-old dead after stabbing in Schenley Park Sinead OConnor death: Police release statement Deadline looming for Facebooks $725M settlement; how to get your money VIDEO: Pittsburgh police looking for 2 people seen graffiti tagging house in South Side DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts
Mother Of Four Dies In Freak Accident After Hitting Her Head On A Treadmill At LA Fitness |

36-year-old Delrie Rosario died after a freak accident at LA Fitness. The mother of four was exercising at the gym location in Kent, Washington, when she fell and hit her head on a treadmill. Rosario lost consciousness and died in the hospital.

All we were doing was working out, Rosarios sister, Marissa Woods, told KIRO 7 News. She was at the gym with her sibling on Friday, July 21, at the time of the unexpected accident.

According to KIRO, Rosario attempted to slow the treadmill down when she missed a step and tumbled, causing her to hit her head on the treadmill.

Woods said that she began crying out for someone to help her sister. I was screaming, you know, Anybody, just please help! Anybody know how to do CPR?'

She claimed that while other gym-goers stopped to assist her sister, none of the gym staff came to her aid.

LA Fitness has not provided a statement on behalf of the location.

Rosarios grieving family told the outlet she was a dedicated mother and would do anything for her kids. Everything she does is for her kids. She works so hard for her kids, Woods said.

Her giving nature will continue even with her passing. Rosario was an organ donor and will ultimately save the lives of five people with her generous decision.

I just think somebody is walking around  with her big heart, you know? Just walking around, like they dont even know what heart theyre about to get, Woods told KNOE-TV.

The Independent reported that Rosarios heart, lungs, kidneys and liver have since been transplanted to people on organ donor waiting lists.

The mother providing the gift of life to others has helped her family cope with losing her.

Were grieving and were in loss and saddened, but shes helping so many people right now. Like, I cant say thats not an angel, truly though, Woods said, according to KIRO.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reported 15,800 treadmill-related accidents in 2020 and 22,500 in 2019. While the number of accidents seems high, only three to four deaths were reported yearly.

Rosarios coworkers have set up a GoFundMe to provide assistance and support for the four children she left behind.
FIRST ON FOX  What New Jersey mother Najmah Nash remembers best and misses most is her little girl's laugh.

Her 6-year-old daughter, Fajr Atiya Williams, did not use words but radiated joy and love while she was alive through bursts of giggles and her bright, beautiful eyes.

"She had the most spontaneous laughs," Nash told Fox News Digital in an interview. "Just out of nowhere, she'd start giggling. I remember, you know, when she gets very tired and doesn't want to miss anything, so she wants to stay up and is fighting her sleep. She has this nonstop giggle. And we're like, yeah, she's tired. You know, she's just giggling and giggling."

Fajr died last week after the bus ride to an extended school year program, during which police said her wheelchair harness became "tight around her neck," strangling her. A school bus aide sitting just feet in front of the girl was staring at her phone, oblivious as Fajr "struggled violently for her life," authorities said in a criminal complaint reported by NJ.com. The aide, Amanda Davila, 27, has been charged with manslaughter.

NEW JERSEY 6-YEAR-OLD SUFFOCATED BY SEAT BELT WHILE BUS MONITOR STARED AT PHONE FOR 14 MINS, POLICE SAY

Fajr Williams, 6, "struggled violently for her life" as she was strangled by her seat belt on a school bus on July 17, 2023. A school bus aide, Amanda Davila, 27, sat oblivious nearby as she stared at her phone, police said. Davila has been charged with manslaughter.

Fajr, whose mother called her a "strong warrior," was never limited by her special needs. An early childhood diagnosis of Emanuel syndrome  a chromosome disorder that stunts growth and development  had left her nonverbal and unable to walk. Nash said her daughter required multiple surgeries and special care in a wheelchair but always managed to push through.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

"I was just so proud of my baby. You just miss her so much. It's not a moment that goes by where I'm not reminded of her," she said.

The fateful and tragic morning of Monday, July 17, began as "a normal day" for Nash and her family. She got the older kids ready to go to summer camp and prepared Fajr to attend an extended school year program at Claremont Elementary School. The bus arrived early that day, and Nash said when she saw it pull up outside, at around 8:22 a.m., she called the aide to let her know Fajr would be down shortly.

Story continues

Typically, Nash would take her daughter to the bus and see her off to school. However, that morning, Nash's oldest daughter brought her sister to the bus. Fajr's wheelchair was loaded onto a lift, and she was brought aboard. It was the last time anyone from the Nash-Williams family would see Fajr conscious.

NEW JERSEY 6-YEAR0OLD DIES AFTER BUS RIDE TO SCHOOL, BUS MONITOR CHARGED WITH MANSLAUGHTER

Fajr's mother, Najmah Nash, said her daughter was diagnosed with a genetic condition called Emanuel's syndrome but remained a joy and a delight to those who loved her.

Detectives with the Franklin Township Police Department and the Somerset County Prosecutors Major Crimes Unit said the Fajr was brought aboard the bus at 8:29 a.m., using a hydraulic lift for her wheelchair, according to the complaint. Police said that Davila, responsible for watching the children on the bus, secured the girl's wheelchair to the floor hook on the rear driver's side of the bus. Surveillance video reviewed by investigators shows Davila secured Fajr with a four-point harness but neglected to use the lap belt and ankle restraints on the wheelchair, authorities said.

At around 8:44 a.m., the bus hit bumps in the road that "made the four-point harness become tight around her neck," the complaint said.

Investigators who reviewed the surveillance footage said Fajr "appeared to be moving her mouth at that point in the video." Then at 8:46 a.m., the harness tightened around Fajr's neck, and for the next 2 minutes and 47 seconds, she "struggled violently for her life, flailing her arms and legs."

At least twice, Fajr "made a shriek or gasp and at one point kicked the window of the bus," according to police.

SCHOOL BUS OVERTURNS ON I-94 IN CHICAGO, INJURING SIX STUDENTS

Amanda Davila was charged with second-degree manslaughter and second-degree endangering the welfare of a child after 6-year-old special needs student Fajr Williams died while riding a bus under her supervision.

While Fajr was suffocating, the adult responsible for her safety, Davila, was sitting nearby, allegedly wearing earbuds and staring at her phone, the complaint states. At 8:48 a.m., Fajr lost consciousness, but Davila did not notice anything was wrong until the bus arrived at Claremont Elementary 14 minutes later at 9:02 a.m.

"At 9:02:58 a.m. a teacher entered the bus and tended to [Fajr], but appeared to not yet realize the dire nature of the situation. At 9:04:00 a.m. the teacher stated that she was unsure if [Fajr] was breathing. At that point additional staff was summoned onto the bus and CPR began at 9:06:40 a.m.," the complaint said, per NJ.com.

Nash said she received a phone call from the school at 9:10 a.m. "They were hysterical on the phone and said that that my daughter was unresponsive, and they're performing CPR on her," she recounted. "But at that moment, of course, I was hysterical too. I didn't understand. I asked them to repeat it multiple times."

Nash said she was so distraught that she initially went to the wrong school  the one Fajr normally attended during the school year instead of Claremont, which manages the summer program. The school called her again, asking where she was, and instructed her to go straight to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital New Brunswick, where EMS was headed with Fajr. Nash said officials offered to arrange a police escort if she needed assistance driving.

WISCONSIN CHILD KILLED BY SWERVING PICKUP TRUCK AT SCHOOL BUS STOP

Najmah Nash said she was "devastated" by her daughter's death and wants justice and reforms to protect other children.

She did not. Nash left immediately and arrived at the hospital about seven minutes before the ambulance arrived with her daughter. When EMS arrived with Fajr, they were still performing CPR on her. Doctors went to work immediately to give her treatment, but Nash said her baby's heart was barely beating. Nash said doctors performed CPR on Fajr for an hour before connecting her to a ventilator. She could not breathe without the machines, and her organs began to shut down. The next day Fajr was pronounced dead.

The family is devastated. For days, Nash had no explanation for what happened, for why her daughter, whose giggles brought such joy, was suddenly gone. Details from the police investigation were not released until Thursday, July 20, when Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonalds office put out a press release. However, Nash did not see the release. She said she found out about the arrest and charges against Davila when she was asked about it in another interview.

"I was devastated all over again," Nash told Fox News Digital. "It was very hurtful learning that way."

Davila has been charged with second-degree manslaughter and endangering the welfare of a child. Investigators said she violated policies and procedures by allegedly wearing earbuds and using her phone on the bus.

NJ MAYOR SUES HIS OWN STATE OVER BAIL REFORM, BLAMES FAILING POLICY FOR MASSIVE SPIKE IN CAR THEFTS

If found guilty, she could spend five to 10 years in jail.

Davila appeared in court Tuesday for a detention hearing and was granted conditional release. Defense attorneys told the court she has never been in trouble with the law, was raised in New Brunswick, New Jersey, and is the mother of a 2-year-old with special needs, according to WABC.

Fox News has reached out to Davila's attorney, Michael Policastro, for comment.

Nash said she wants justice for her daughter. "[Davila] needs to be reprimanded, and she needs to go to prison," she told Fox News Digital. "This wasn't a mistake. My child losing her life was not a mistake. It was reckless and negligent, that's what it was, and it could have been prevented. So I don't want to hear the word mistake. I want to hear that she's been indicted by the grand jury. I want to hear that we're going to trial. And quite frankly, I want to hear a guilty verdict, and she goes to prison for the maximum time allowed by New Jersey law."

Najmah Nash said she will be an advocate for all children to be safe on school transportation and hopes her daughter's death will spur changes in policies or law to prevent another tragedy.

While Fajr was alive, Nash was an advocate for her daughter. Now, she wants to advocate for all children, not just those with special needs, to ensure they are cared for and safe when being transported to school. Nash requested copies of current school and bus policies and procedures for review. She has been emboldened with messages of support and outrage over Fajr's death she has received on social media from the community.

"I want to know what is the child-to-adult ratio? Does that need to be looked at and changed? Do we need more people, depending on how many kids?" Nash said.

"Maybe a force of law will come out of this," she suggested. "I'm hoping that it does impact the system and forces change for transportation and for the Board of Education as well on how they vet hiring these outside transportation providers."

The school bus company, Montauk Transit, released a statement to the media about the incident.

"We at Montauk Transit are all devastated by the loss of Fajr. We all extend our deepest condolences to the family and are grieving as a Company. All of our employees know that the safety of children we transport is our top priority, which is why we are fully engaged in the law enforcement investigation and support any punishment that the justice system determines appropriate for the bus monitor who has been arrested."
Kimberly Mata-Rubio announced her plans to run for Uvalde city mayor with the promise of repairing a community left fractured by the mass shooting at Robb Elementary School, which claimed the life of her 10-year-old daughter, Alexandria Lexi Rubio.

I grieve for the woman you would have become and all the difference you would have made in this world, Mata-Rubio said in a tweet shared Thursday evening, along with the local newspaper announcement of her candidacy. I grieve for the woman I was when you were still here. But, one part of me still exist[s], I am still your mom. I will honor your life with action. This is only the beginning.

Lexi Rubio was one of 23 people, most of them under the age of 11, who were fatally shot inside Robb Elementary School just more than a year ago. On May 24, 2022, 18-year-old Salvador Ramos burst into the primary school in Uvalde and started shooting at teachers and students alike. He then barricaded himself inside a classroom, where he remained for nearly an hour before he was finally shot dead by a responding border patrol agent.

In the months since, Mata-Rubio has turned to activism to quell her grief.

She became the president of Lives Robbed, a nonprofit founded by the families of the Uvalde victims who are fighting to reduce gun violence through legislation. But in Uvalde  a Texas town with a population of about 15,000  calls for gun safety regulations have been met with mixed reactions.

Mata-Rubio said the city became stagnant in the years leading up to the shooting and remains that way a year later.

It would be easy to run from the issues that plague our town, but I have decided to remain in Uvalde and be part of the change that is long overdue, Mata-Rubio told the Uvalde Leader-News, where she also works.

Our town has become stagnant. Our leadership became comfortable, which led to the events that unfolded on May 24, 2022, she continued. The aftermath has added to the trauma of a grieving and fractured community. It is my hope to bridge the gap because only when we come together can we evolve to something greater.

Should Mata-Rubio win the upcoming special election, she will replace Mayor Don McLaughlin, who is stepping down after nearly 10 years leading the city. McLaughlin, most recently reelected to a four-year term in 2020, has decided to seek out a House seat.
A high-speed chase of a motorcycle on I-85 ended with a crash which left the driver hospitalized and temporarily closed a portion of the interstate.

The Georgia State Patrol said in a statement that on Thursday afternoon, they attempted to stop a blue motorcycle from speeding more than 20 miles per hour over the limit and had no tag on I-85 Northbound in Franklin County.

He was driving 91 mph in a 70 mph zone, according to GSP.

The driver of the motorcycle led troopers onto GA-17 in a vehicle pursuit, according to officials.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

The driver, later identified as David Das, a 24-year-old Winder resident, led troopers into a RaceWay gas station parking lot, then sped through and got back on GA-17.

While driving on the wrong side of the road, a black Dodge Ram with a 40-foot trailer was trying to turn left on the ramp for Exit 173 on I-85 South.

Das hit the side of the truck with the front of his motorcycle, according to GSP.

TRENDING STORIES:

Troopers immediately went to render aid, including CPR on Das, and a defibrillator. He suffered serious injuries and was taken to Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Hospital by emergency responders.

At one point, the site of the crash, the intersection of GA-17 and I-85 Southbound, was blocked by Lavonia police and GSP troopers.

The driver of the truck was not injured from the crash, according to GSP, while Das remains hospitalized.

GSP said Das will face multiple charges after hes discharged from the hospital.

Those charges include:

Felony Fleeing

Speeding

Reckless Driving

No Registration

Driving on Wrong Side of Roadway

DUI (Drugs)

Misdemeanor Possession of Marijuana

Failure to Stop at a Stop Sign

Failure to Yield While Turning Left

Improper Passing

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]

OTHER NEWS:
MUNCIE, Ind.  The former Muncie Community Schools Area Career Center will take on a new life, as The Crossing School of Business & Entrepreneurship, according to an announcement Wednesday.

The Crossing, to be located at 2500 North Elgin St., will offer self-paced academics, student-led businesses, job training and character education, the company said.

The Crossing alternative high school has set up to hold classes in the former Muncie Area Career Center building along North Elgin Street south of McGalliard Road.

The state-accredited, faith-based high school is aimed at students who may have struggled with traditional classes. There are nine other high school campuses of The Crossing, according to its website, including schools in Indianapolis, Anderson, Frankfort, Lafayette and Fort Wayne.

The school said in a press release it has Ball State University graduates within its administration and on its board of directors  board member Lyle Fisel, Ball State Class of 1972; Ceo Ryan Hill, Ball State Class of 2007; and founder, Rob Staley, who received his master's in school administration from BSU.

"Weve worked closely with the Muncie Community Schools board to make this dream come to life," the release stated. "We will have an ongoing enrollment of 4050 students in our first year, in order to maintain the highest quality services to our students and families."

The Crossing, created in 2003, promises:

small classes with a teacher-student ratio of 1 to 10, providing additional support to students who struggle in large classes or require more attention.

faith-based character education

hands-on approach to job training

"In our job training programs," the release stated, "our students will learn real-world skills that will boost their earning potential. High school graduates earn an average of $260,000 more over their lifetime than those who never finished.

"We offer students the opportunity to participate in hands-on job training through student school-based enterprises, micro-businesses, satellite teams at local businesses, and pre-apprenticeships. Not only will they develop technical abilities, but also 'soft skills' that will make them more valuable to employers. Crossing graduates earn as much or more as their peers after high school."

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Muncie career center to become school for nontraditional learning
A murder charge against the young man arrested in the death of a St. Johns County deputy while resisting law enforcement has been amended to aggravated manslaughter of an officer, according to court records.

Tuesday's filing comes a few days after 18-year-old Vergilio Aguilar Mendez's attorney requested a competency review to determine if he can go to trial.

Assistant Public Defender Rosemarie Peoples filed the "suggestion of mental incompetence to stand trial" on July 21 asking the judge to order an evaluation by a mental health doctor for 18-year-old Vergilio Aguilar Mendez. She cited the following reasons:

Defendant cannot aid in the preparation of his defense.

Defendant does not appear to appreciate the nature of the charge against him or the range and nature of possible penalties.

Defendant does not appear to understand the adversary nature of the legal process and does not appear to understand the role of the undersigned assistant public defender.

The client has a significant deficit in his understanding of the legal system.

End of watch, Michael Kunovich: Community, law enforcement celebrate life of St. Johns sheriff's officer

Deputy Eric Oliver: Francisco Portillo-Fuentes, living here illegally, takes manslaughter plea for fleeing Nassau deputy killed in traffic

On Tuesday, Aguilar Mendez's arraignment was scheduled for Aug. 28 on the amended charge in addition to resisting an officer with violence. His initial charge was murder while engaged in resisting an officer with violence. The reduced charge is punishable by a maximum 30 years in prison, a State Attorney's Office spokesman said. Aguilar Mendez, who remains in jail without bail, could have faced a life sentence if convicted of murder.

The 18-year-old, who is listed as a homeless migrant worker on his jail sheet, said he resisted being patted down outside a motel and tried to get away because he feared being deported back to Guatemala, according to his arrest report. Sgt. Michael Paul Kunovich, 52, suffered medical distress during the struggle and collapsed.

Story continues

The court filing on the aggravated manslaughter charge specifies the defendant "did unlawfully, through culpable negligence or in an intentional act, cause the death" of the officer while performing his duties.

"This case was discussed by our executive staff, as well as the individual prosecutors who be handling it," said Bryan Shorstein, spokesman for the 7th Judicial Circuit State Attorneys Office. "After a review of the totality of circumstances, all facts and evidence, and in consultation with both our law enforcement partners and the victims family, aggravated manslaughter of a police officer was the appropriate and just decision."

What happened that night

The confrontation began about 9 p.m. on May 19 when Kunovich saw the young man in the Super 8 motel parking lot on Florida 16 in St. Augustine, according to the report. Kunovich determined it was suspicious and that he might be trespassing, the Sheriff's Office said.

Based on footage from his body-worn camera, once Aguilar Mendez notices his patrol vehicle approaching, he starts to walk away. When the sergeant contacts him and attempts to pat him down, he pulls away and starts to flee, according to the arrest document.

He tells the officer he does not speak English. A struggle ensues and he ignores verbal commands, the arrest report said. Another deputy arrives, but the 18-year-old continues resisting. Kunovich uses his taser at least three times, but Aguilar Mendez continues to resist.

Kunovich

While fighting on the ground with Kunovich and deputies, Aguilar Mendez is then accused of grabbing the taser. They get him cuffed, but he still retrieves a folding pocket knife from his shorts pockets, according to the report. He refuses to drop it, so they forcefully disarm him. Thats when Kunovich collapses and did not survive lifesaving measures.

Medina Ulloa: Immigrant murder suspect politicized by DeSantis in Jacksonville is sentenced

James Louis Anderson: Colleagues, St. Johns residents remember deputy killed in crash

The physical struggle last about 6 minutes, the Sheriff's Office previously said.

Sheriff Robert Hardwick said the sergeant did everything by the book and "All the suspect had to do was comply."

What is the process for prosecuting suspects living here illegally?

"In general, ICE does not begin the deportation process while there are active, pending criminal charges," according to Tammy Spicer, public affairs officer for the agency.

Aguilar Mendez must go through the court proceedings like any other defendant. Once his charges are resolved and any potential sentence is satisfied, the immigration proceedings can begin.

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Murder charged amended for Aguilar Mendez in St. Johns deputy's death
Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) criticized the Republican lawmaker who cursed at a group of teenage Senate pages Thursday, suggesting that he should learn to respect others, especially kids.

My message to the Senate Pages: This is one of the most amazing experiences youll ever have. Take it in. Learn a lot. And of course, have fun, Murray posted on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.

My message to out-of-line Members of Congress who yell at Senate Pages: Learn to respect others, especially kids, she added.

Early Thursday morning, Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-Wis.) yelled at the pages  a group of 16- and 17-year-olds who assist Senate operations  as they rested in the Capitol rotunda.

Wake the f up you little s.  What the f are you all doing? Get the f out of here, Van Orden said, according to a transcript written out by a page shortly after the incident. You are defiling the space you [pieces of s],

Who the f are you? Van Orden asked. When one person responded that they were Senate pages, the Wisconsin Republican said, I dont give a f who you are, get out.

You jackasses, get out, he added.

The Senate pages were resting in the rotunda while the upper chamber worked on National Defense Authorization Act amendments Wednesday night into early Thursday morning. The high school pages generally rest in the area when the Senate works late.

Van Orden defended his actions in a statement to The Hill on Thursday, arguing that the rotunda should be treated with respect.

The history of the United States Capitol Rotunda, that during the Civil War it was used as a field hospital and countless Union soldiers died on that floor, and they died because they were fighting the Civil War to end slavery. And I think that place should be treated with a tremendous amount of respect for the dead, he said.

If anyone had been laying a series of graves in Arlington National Cemetery, what do you think people would say? he added.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Nadine Dorries said she would step down as an MP "with immediate effect" on 9 June. Since then three by-elections elsewhere have taken place, but the former Conservative government minister still holds her seat.

Records show she has not spoken in the House of Commons for more than a year and in May she received a 20,000 advance to write a book.

Leading figures in her Mid Bedfordshire constituency say she should either formally step down or do the job to her "utmost".

Ms Dorries said she had no comment to make.

A writ for a by-election cannot be moved while Parliament is in recess - and MPs have left for their summer break from the House of Commons and they do not return until 4 September.

Short presentational grey line

Town council's call

A letter from Flitwick Town Council did not mince its words.

Its clerk Stephanie Stanley wrote to Ms Dorries this week "to raise the council's concerns and frustration at the continuing lack of representation for the people" in the constituency.

She was asked to write to Ms Dorries after a council meeting on 18 July. Her letter continued: "You have not maintained a constituency office for a considerable time, and it's widely understood that you have not held a surgery in Flitwick since March 2020.

"Rather than representing constituents, the council is concerned that your focus appears to have been firmly on your television show, upcoming book and political manoeuvres to embarrass the government for not appointing you to the House of Lords."

It concluded: "Our residents desperately need effective representation now, and Flitwick Town Council calls on you to immediately vacate your seat to allow a by-election."

But why did a council, which says it has a "long history of operating on a non-political basis", write its letter?

Mayor of Flitwick, Andy Snape, said he asked Ms Dorries to personally help with a community fridge project but had "no contact" from her

Flitwick's Mayor Andy Snape, 39, who is not a member of a political party, said: "The council's view of Nadine and the way she's representing our constituency is that she's absent.

Story continues

"There doesn't seem to be any kind of thread going through the work that Nadine does which is related to the people of Flitwick or the people of Mid Bedfordshire."

The constituency is mostly rural and also includes the small towns of Ampthill, Shefford and Woburn.

Mr Snape added the council had reached out to Ms Dorries for help stocking its community fridge. While a caseworker in her office offered support, Ms Dorries did not get personally involved.

"I have had no contact with Nadine about the project," he said.

"I've never met Nadine, even though I've been a councillor for just over four years."

Blake Stephenson, chairman of Mid Bedfordshire Conservative Association, said: "The letter was addressed to Nadine and these are questions for her to answer."

Short presentational grey line

What the records show

Ms Dorries last spoke in Parliament on 7 July 2022, according to the parliamentary record, Hansard

She voted 10 times between 20 July 2022 and 20 July 2023

For comparison, Priti Patel has spoken 47 times since she left the cabinet on 6 September 2022, around the same time Ms Dorries left government

Ms Patel voted 53 times between 20 July 2022 and 20 July 2023

Ms Dorries' received a 20,500 "partial advance" for a book on 17 May, and spent "approx 100 hours" writing it in April and May, according to the Register of Members' Financial Interests

She writes a weekly column for the Daily Mail and presents Friday Night with Nadine on TalkTV

MPs are paid 86,584 a year, excluding any ministerial salary

There is no suggestion Ms Dorries has broken any rules.

Short presentational grey line

'She should do her job to her utmost'

Tim Burton was optimistic about Ms Dorries, but said she should now "think of your constituents"

Dairy farmer Tim Burton, 58, told the BBC that constituents like him were "being used as pawns in a political game".

Mr Burton, a Conservative Party member, was optimistic about Ms Dorries when he first met her in 2005.

He also praised her support for a badger cull he said was needed to try to curb tuberculosis in cattle.

"I realised that I had got a way of communicating with my elected MP and she would actually listen to me and she was able to do something to help," he recalled.

But he said that while he had "no problem with her hanging on" she was still representing constituents and "ought to be in the House [of Commons] and going to constituency meetings and hearing our views  because there's an awful lot going on in Mid Beds".

After putting "her heart into the job" and enduring "a lot of online abuse", Mr Burton continued, "she perhaps now prefers writing books and going on celebrity television".

"I would say make a decision and think of your constituents who have voted for you.

"She has said she's going to resign, so I feel she should do her job to her utmost until that time comes."

Short presentational grey line

Mid Beds needs 'MP that's going to listen'

Mid Bedfordshire's small businesses need an MP who will help them "compete and stay on a level playing field", said Suzanna Austin

While she did not comment on Ms Dorries's position, Suzanna Austin, from the Federation of Small Businesses in Bedfordshire, said the constituency needed proper representation.

She said among the issues that needed addressing were infrastructure, connectivity and poor broadband, which might all benefit from a strong voice in Westminster.

For the businesses she represents, Ms Austin said: "It's important that they have an MP that is there and is representing their views and is putting their points across.

"It really needs an MP that's going to listen and work with the small businesses and help these rural businesses, that are really sandwiched between these two high-growth areas [around Cambridge and Milton Keynes], compete and stay on a level playing field.

"You do need somebody that is putting forward the views and ensuring that those needs are kept right at the forefront and the businesses are being represented."

Listen to BBC 3CR's latest Mid Bedfordshire by-election podcast with Amy Holmes here.

Follow East of England news on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Got a story? Email eastofenglandnews@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 0800 169 1830
a silver rocket in orbit

SpaceX is getting some advice from NASA to investigate the possibility of converting its huge new Starship vehicle into an orbital destination.

If the idea comes to fruition, Starship could offer a wide variety of accommodations for on-orbit research and commercialization.

For NASA, Starship presents another option in a line of possible space stations and technological developments in the works to support an emerging economy in low Earth orbit (LEO). The International Space Station (ISS) is expected to reach its operational end by 2030, and the space agency has been preparing for its eventual demise.

Over the past few years, NASA has entered agreements with several companies to support the development of commercial LEO space stations, including a $415 million award divided between Blue Origin, Northrop Grumman and Nanoracks, and an agreement with Axiom Space to dock their own commercial modules to the ISS. Axiom's hardware will eventually separate, becoming a free-flying private outpost.

Related: SpaceX fuels up Starship Super Heavy boosters in prelaunch tests (photos)

Now, NASA is extending those efforts through its Collaborations for Commercial Space Capabilities-2 initiative (CCSC-2). CCSC-2 works via unfunded Space Act Agreements, which provide companies with NASA consultation and technical expertise. On June 15, NASA announced the seven companies selected through CCSC-2: Blue Origin, Northrop Grumman, Sierra Space, Special Aerospace Services, ThinkOrbital Inc., Vast Space LLC and SpaceX.

NASA had already awarded SpaceX the Artemis program's first Human Landing Services contract, to develop a version of Starship to land astronauts on the moon. And throughout its conceptual to physical development, SpaceX has presented the spacecraft as incredibly multifaceted.

At the unveiling of its design in 2016, when SpaceX was calling it the Interplanetary Transport System, company founder and CEO Elon Musk claimed the giant spacecraft would be capable of carrying up to 100 people and cargo to Mars in a single flight. Musk has also talked about using Starship for rapid point-to-point transportation on Earth.

Story continues

RELATED STORIES:

 SpaceX rolls Starship Super Heavy booster back to the pad ahead of next launch (photos)

 Elon Musk says SpaceX could launch a Starship to the moon 'probably sooner' than 2024: report

 Relive SpaceX's explosive 1st Starship test in incredible launch photos

Many renderings and a handful of years later, Starship is inching closer to reality. Stacked atop its Super Heavy first stage booster, the full launch vehicle stands 394 feet (120 meters) tall, boasts a diameter of 29.5 feet (9 m) and is expected to be able to launch up to 150 tons to orbit.

SpaceX has launched a fully stacked Starship once to date, on April 20 of this year. During that test flight, Starship lifted off successfully but suffered a few problems shortly thereafter, impelling SpaceX to send a self-destruct command. Now, the company is preparing for a second Starship flight within the next few months.

Starship's use as a space station, while still only an idea on paper, is intriguing given the vehicle's enormous size. The only comparable space station for open interior volume would be NASA's old Skylab outpost, which measured just 21.76 feet (6.61 m) in diameter.
Going Nuclear

NASA, joined by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), could be testing a nuclear-powered rocket in space within the next three years.

On Wednesday, the agencies announced that the aerospace contractor Lockheed Martin will design, build, and test a nuclear propulsion system as part of an ambitious program called the Demonstration Rocket for Agile Cislunar Operations (DRACO).

NASA hopes that the technology it develops could eventually be used to power trips to Mars, cutting their lengthy duration in half.

"NASA is looking to go to Mars with this system," Anthony Calomino, a NASA engineer leading DRACO, told Ars Technica. "And this test is really going to give us that foundation."

Martian Commute

How a nuclear powered rocket should work, in a nutshell, is that a fission reactor using uranium would heat up extremely cold liquid hydrogen, propelling hot gas out of a nozzle to generate thrust.

Though Lockheed will be responsible for most of the rocket, designing the fission reactor itself will be done by another firm called BWX Technologies.

If all goes to plan, the first DRACO test could see a nuclear-powered rocket in space as early as 2027. NASA itself is investing a chunky $300 million, with the overall value of the award totaling nearly $500 million.

Right now, getting to the Red Planet is a staggeringly lengthy and expensive exercise. Even when Mars is at perigee  when the orbits align roughly every two years so that its at its closest point to Earth  a one-way trip can take at least six months, and usually longer.

That sluggishness owes to the inefficiency of chemically powered rockets, which can't carry enough fuel to power the engines much longer after launch.

But nuclear propulsion should be at least twice as efficient, according to NASA, cutting down on heavy propellant, and lengthening the time the engines could stay firing.

Long Time Coming

NASA has been contemplating nuclear propulsion since the Project Orion days of the 50s and 60s, when it and the military entertained the idea of chained atomic bomb detonations to propel a spacecraft.

Story continues

After decades out of the spotlight, serious notions of using the technology heated up again in recent years, as consensus grew amongst NASA scientists that using nuclear engines would be the most practical way of getting to Mars. In 2021, DARPA confirmed that it wanted to send a nuclear-powered rocket into space.

Of course, anything involving nuclear technology comes with great safety concerns. With those in mind, the DRACO vehicle will be launched with the reactor off, according to project manager Tabitha Dodson, as quoted by The New York Times.

Only when it's reached a safe distance in space  somewhere between 435 miles to 1,240 miles above Earth  would it be turned on. At that distance, the craft would stay in orbit for over 300 years, plenty long enough for radioactive elements to safely decay.

More on NASA: International Space Station Suffers Comms Blackout Due to Power Outage
Election campaigns typically feature three "staples:" education, the economy and crime.

At least, that's what John G. Geer has gleaned over decades of studying political science and public policy. Geer, dean of Vanderbilt's College of Arts and Science, is also known in Nashville as the co-director of the Vanderbilt Poll.

Crime is particularly unifying, he said. Residents worry about it for all of the obvious reasons, and candidates talk about ways to reduce it.

"There's nobody who's pro-crime, right?"

Metro Nashville Police Department data shows crime rate trends from 1963 through 2021.

Geer's observation rings true with a trip to the mailbox.

Metro Nashville's historic courthouse is pictured engulfed in photoshopped flames in one Alice Rolli ad, surrounded by local television station headlines reporting rampant criminal activity. A red box in the center proclaims "ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!"

Before he suspended his mayoral campaign, Jim Gingrich sent out a lookalike mailer picturing yellow police tape similarly surrounded by clips of crime-focused headlines. "Jim Gingrich is as sick of this as you are," it read.

Matt Wiltshire, who has been endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police and Davidson County Sheriff Daron Hall, distributed ads promising to "take action to restore security in our city."

"Many Nashvillians don't feel safe anymore," his flyer states, echoing sentiments Wiltshire and other candidates have shared in several mayoral forums.

Has crime in Nashville truly reached a fever pitch? Crime rate data spanning 1963 to mid-2023 suggests otherwise.

While Metro Nashville Police Department data shows violent and property crime have seen upticks over the last few quarters, the crime rates for both are significantly down compared to peaks in the 1990s.

But crime data is nuanced, and measuring people's perceptions of crime, even more so.

"There are times when people just feel less safe even if, in fact, the statistics don't bear it out," Geer said.

Story continues

'Time for a refresh': Even Nashville tourists think downtown's vibe is off

The week in politics: Everytown for Gun Safety to launch ad campaign ahead of special session

'Would (you) be afraid to walk alone at night?'

There are indications that Nashvillians may feel less safe.

In the 2023 Vanderbilt University Nashville Poll, 96% of participants said "reducing crime" should be a priority for the next Nashville mayor. Of those, 64% said crime reduction should be a "top priority," coming in second only to improving public education at 74%.

Another poll question probed Nashville residents' perception of safety:

"Is there any area near where you live  that is, within a mile or so  where you would be afraid to walk alone at night?"

In 2023, 63% of poll participants said yes, up from 46% in 2018  a notable increase, according to Geer. Zoomed out, the jump presents as a climb over a few years: In 2019, 59% of respondents agreed, and by 2021, that group had grown to 63%, dipping slightly to 60% in 2022.

Survey data presents patterns that can offer a glimpse into general sentiments, but explaining the reasoning behind people's perceptions is more complicated. Further study may show whether particular groups (say, women, people within a certain age range or people of various racial groups or ethnicities) express safety concerns more acutely than others.

When examining survey data, Geer looks for trends over time, trying to add in some context.

"Think about our community after Covenant," he said. "It shook the foundations of this community, and people felt not only a deep, deep loss, but also, they were fearful for their kids. That's only natural. Sometimes a big event  a horrible event in this case  can shape people's perceptions in lots of ways that play a role."

What the data shows

Crime can be reported and measured in a multitude of ways, but participating police departments throughout the country use the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program to establish a general baseline.

Created in 1930 to collect standardized police report data, the UCR program identifies "Part I" offenses as the most serious crimes, thus the most likely to be reported to police. Offenses are divided into violent crimes (homicide, forcible rape, robbery and aggravated assault) and property crimes (burglary, larceny and motor vehicle theft). UCR reporting follows a "hierarchy rule" in most cases: For situations with multiple offenses committed at the same time and place, the crime is entered only as the highest-ranking offense.

Crime is typically measured in rates  here, in incidents per 100,000 people  to control for population fluctuations over time.

Lower Broadway safety: Is Nashville's Lower Broadway safe? What we saw walking alongside police

According to crime rate data collected by MNPD from 1963 through 2021 (the most recent year with full rate calculations available), Nashville's total crime rate for the aforementioned offenses peaked in 1996 at 11,147 offenses per 100,000 people. The city has grown significantly since then, but its overall crime rate has gradually fallen. In 2021, it landed at 5,080 offenses per 100,000 residents.

Property crime makes up the majority of offenses reported each year, and its rate closely mirrors the overall crime rate. Larceny (theft) has consistently out-ranked auto theft and burglary since the mid-1970s.

Violent crime in Nashville also saw a high in 1996 with a rate of 1,963.2 offenses per 100,000 people. Nashville saw its lowest rate since in 2019 (1,105.2 offenses per 100,000 people), followed by an uptick landing at 1,243.2 offenses per 100,000 people in 2021. Aggravated assault offenses account for much of the recent uptick in violent crime.

Nashville's murder rate dipped to its lowest at 6.4 offenses per 100,000 people in 2013. By 2021, it had risen to 14.8 offenses per 100,000 people (the highest rate was 20.7 offenses per 100,000 people in 1973).

Metro police have flagged gun theft from vehicles as a pressing concern over the last few years. As of July 20, 693 guns had been stolen from vehicles in Nashville, representing 80% of the guns reported stolen this year, according to a news release. In July 2022, 782 guns had been stolen from vehicles.

The department has urged people to secure weapons and valuables and lock their doors (and, importantly, remove the keys) before leaving their vehicle unattended.

"Just like guns taken from vehicles  stolen autos are also routinely involved in criminal activities, including carjackings and robberies," the release states.

In 2021, guns were involved in 85.3% of murders recorded by police, according to data available through the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. Firearms were involved in 46.7% of that year's recorded aggravated assaults  almost equivalent to all other types of weapon combined.

Words of caution

Crime data, too, comes with caveats.

Comparing crime across cities and counties is tricky business, offering an incomplete picture at best, and harmful or misleading perceptions at worst, according to the FBI.

Many factors can influence the volume and type of criminal offenses in any given place: population density, economic conditions and climate, just to name a few.

Not all crimes are reported to police, with situations influenced by varying levels of trust in law enforcement and community attitudes toward crime. Characteristics of a police force  the number of personnel and available resources, and how aggressively the force pursues crime  can also impact crime reporting.

"One city may report more crime than a comparable one, not because there is more crime, but rather because its law enforcement agency, through proactive efforts, identifies more offenses," according to an FBI guide on variables affecting crime.

Where mayoral candidates stand

Mayoral candidates have largely refrained from taking distinctly bold approaches to policing and public safety this campaign season.

They tend to agree on the basics: The mayor's job, first and foremost, is to ensure residents feel safe in their community. Metro's police department must be appropriately resourced, with oversight and accountability. Crime victims should be centered in care and services as they navigate the legal system.

At a mayoral forum hosted by Tennessee Voices for Victims in May, several of the 11 mayoral candidates summed up their approaches to crime reduction:

Alice Rolli said she would shift to a "victims justice system" and seek improvement in low crime clearance rates through expanding Nashville's police force, attracting personnel by offering competitive pay and respect and support for the "difficult decisions  that we ask them to make every day." The crime prevention agenda is the education agenda, she said.

Matt Wiltshire attributed Nashville not feeling "as safe as the city I grew up in" in part to a "disconnectedness amongst our community" that allows more opportunity for crime. He said officers need appropriate compensation, respect and resources to ensure their mental health is taken care of. He would invest in public education and summer programming for children to deter them from criminal activity.

Vivian Wilhoite said she would take a holistic approach encompassing perpetrators, victims' rights, police enforcement, rehabilitation and neighborhood engagement to strengthen communities. She would invest in education and continue work supporting juvenile court system services. She would also invest in competitive pay for officers, teachers and school staff and Metro employees  "that covers all things when it comes to saving our neighborhoods."

Sharon Hurt referred to her experience working with victims and said she aims to "restore hope and prosperity on every block." She would offer incentives to officers, possibly including housing incentives, and recruit officers from local colleges. She'd initiate a reading literacy program to "give our kids a pipeline to prosperity and not  prison."

Freddie O'Connell said supporting safety entails appropriate investments in law enforcement, confidence in the criminal legal system and new, creative crime prevention efforts, including working with social service providers and community members. He cited MNPS-supported program Community Achieves, which brings support services to families, faculty and staff in schools with great need, as an example for future progress.

Heidi Campbell emphasized support and sufficient equipment for Metro's police force, in addition to employing "smart policing" using lighting and traffic technology to promote safety. She would support more robust after-school programs for children and youth crisis intervention organizations like the Oasis Center. Officers should be supported by social services and mental health support "so  they're not expected to deal with every single issue that citizens have," she said.

Jeff Yarbro cited his experience working with crime victims to strengthen domestic violence laws and modernize stalking laws. With a "fully-staffed, well-trained and well-compensated" police force as a baseline, he would seek down payment assistance programs to help officers remain in Nashville. He'd support efforts to "make sure every child is known" in schools, and send specifically trained professionals to respond to mental health crises and other issues so police "can focus on the work they're trained to do."

Natisha Brooks, who was not present at the forum, has previously said she supports $70,000 starting salaries for police officers with stipends for living in Davidson County. She supports mental health clinics throughout the county. She proposed hiring security companies to address crime and security concerns in light of Davidson County's officer shortage.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville mayoral campaigns: City feels less safe. What does data show?
The National Weather Service has confirmed that an EF 1 tornado touched down in Southern New Hampshire on Thursday afternoon as severe storms rolled through the region.

A storm survey team from the NWS office in Gray, Maine, said the tornado touched down in Dublin with maximum winds of 90-95 mph, uprooting trees and knocking down power lines around 3 p.m.

The damage observed by the team to this point is consistent with an EF 1 tornado, the NWS said in a statement.

Campers and staff at the Walden School Summer Camp in Dublin told Boston 25 News that lights started flickering as the weather kicked into high gear. Less than a minute later, trees around them came tumbling down as wood panels and other debris swirled in the campus quad.

We could hear the wind through the building, said Lucas Blohm. It was terrifying. There are little kids and there were people shaking and having panic attacks and stuff.

There were no reported injuries in the tornado.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
NATO is planning to build a repair and logistics centre in the city of Rzeszow, Poland, which has become an important transport hub for aid to Ukraine due to its strategic location.

Source: Canadian news agency The Globe and Mail, citing Canadian and Polish officials; European Pravda

Details: The reports of the construction of a NATO facility in Rzeszow emerged last month when the city's mayor, Konrad Fioek, told local media in an interview that the Alliance would create a base where "American, British and Canadian troops will be permanently stationed".

Officials from Ottawa and Warsaw told The Globe and Mail on condition of anonymity that the facility is not a base but rather a logistics and equipment repair centre.

Quote: "We are going to establish a maintenance facility in partnership with the U.S. and the U.K. No intent to have a large Canadian presence," the Canadian official said on condition of anonymity, adding that the primary purpose of the centre would be to repair Ukrainian tanks and other armoured vehicles.

Details: The NATO press service in Brussels responded to the news agencys request, saying: "We are significantly strengthening deterrence and defence for all Allies, enhancing our resilience against Russian coercion, and supporting our partners to counter malign interference and aggression".

Located about 100 kilometres from the Ukrainian border, Rzeszow has grown in importance since Russia's full-scale invasion. There are 1,700 US troops stationed near the local airport, and the facility has become a logistical hub for supplying Ukraine with Western equipment.

Background:

Last year, the city also launched a hub for the evacuation of Ukrainians being taken to other European countries for treatment.

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!






100415-N-7676W-101 WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 15, 2010) Rear Adm. David Titley, Oceanographer of the Navy, congratulates retired Capt. Don Walsh, the first commander of the U.S. Navy bathyscaph Trieste. (U.S. Navy photo by John F. Williams/Released)

The U.S. Navy's Seawolf-class nuclear submarine boasts an impressive test depth of 1,600 feet. That's nearly one-third of a mile under the water. Still, that pales in comparison to the vast depths of the ocean. Challenger Deep, the deepest part of the Mariana Trench in the Pacific Ocean, is the deepest known point on Earth at 35,814 feet below sea level. While he didn't take a Seawolf down there, a Navy submarine captain set the dive record when he went to Challenger Deep.

Lt. Shumaker, Lt. Walsh, Dr. Rechnitzer and Piccard stand on the Trieste (Naval History and Heritage Command)

Capt. Don Walsh was born on November 2, 1931. He attended the U.S. Naval Academy and commissioned as a naval officer in 1954. In 1959, Walsh became the officer-in-charge of the Trieste bathyscaphe at the Navy Electronics Laboratory in San Diego, California. Initially operated by the French Navy in the Mediterranean for deep sea research, Trieste was designed by Swiss physicist Auguste Piccard and built in Italy. The Office of Naval Research purchased the vessel in 1958 for $250,000, or just over $2.6 million in 2023.

Trieste served until 1966 (U.S. Navy)

Trieste is a deep sea submersible designed to operate from a mothership. Unlike a submarine, it cannot sail freely across the ocean. Rather, Trieste was specifically built to dive deep underwater, conduct research, and return to the surface. The bathyscaphe measures 59 feet and 6 inches long. The majority of the vessel is gasoline and water tanks which provide buoyancy. Iron pellets, which act as ballast, are discarded from two hoppers when Trieste needed to surface. The crew of two board through a hatch on top of the submersible and climb down the entrance tunnel to the pressure sphere which provides just 38 square inches of space.

The spherical shape provides the greatest resistance against the crushing pressure of the deep ocean (U.S. Navy)

When the Navy purchased Trieste, its 20,000-foot diving ability allowed it to reach 98% of the ocean floor. However, the Navy needed it to go deeper. As a result, a second pressure sphere capable of reaching 36,000 feet was built. Walsh oversaw assembly, testing and training dives in San Diego before Trieste was shipped to Guam on October 5, 1959. Part of Project Nekton, Walsh's assignment was to take Trieste to the bottom of the Mariana Trench and be the first to reach Challenger Deep.

Story continues

Trieste prepares to submerge with USS Lewis in the background (U.S. Navy)

On January 23, 1960, supported by the destroyer escort USS Lewis (DE-535), Trieste submerged beneath the rough Pacific waves at 0823 hours. Aboard were Walsh and Jacques Piccard, the son of the bathyscaphe's designer. At a descent rate of 2mph, Trieste took 4 hours and 47 minutes to reach the ocean floor. As it passed 30,000 feet, one of the outer Plexiglas window panes cracked and shook the submersible. Aside from that, Walsh and Piccard arrived at Challenger Deep without incident.

Walsh (bottom) and Piccard (center) aboard Trieste (NOAA)

Trieste spent 20 minutes at the bottom of the world. During that time, Walsh and Piccard observed deep sea creatures and noted that the ocean floor was made of a "diatomaceous ooze." Their ascent back to the surface took 3 hours and 15 minutes. For their historic deep sea dive, Walsh and Piccard were awarded medals by President Eisenhower. Since then, ocean explorer Victor Vescovo broke the diving record at 38,853 feet.

Filmmaker and ocean explorer James Cameron (left) and Walsh pose with Trieste. Walsh was part of the team that oversaw Cameron's dive to Challenger Deep (U.S. Navy)

Walsh served 24 years in the Navy before retiring. Presidents Carter and Reagan appointed him to the U.S. National Advisory Committee on Oceans and Atmosphere. He also served on the U.S. National Research Council's Marine Board from 1990 to 1993. In 2010, Walsh received the National Geographic Society's highest honor, the Hubbard Medal. He was also awarded the Navy's Distinguished Public Service Award. Trieste is on display at the National Museum of the United States Navy in Washington, D.C.
Tens of thousands of intoxicating products packaged in kid-friendly ways are off the shelves thanks to a recent effort led by the Florida Department of Agriculture.

The operation, codenamed Kandy Krush targeted hemp products containing the legal, but intoxicating, chemical THC Delta-8  a cousin of the intoxicating chemical in marijuana, THC Delta-9.

They look like skittle packages, gummy bears, said Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson.

The operation resulted in the removal of nearly 70,000 Delta-8 products across the state this week.

>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

Simpson explained it marks the first major round of inspections since state lawmakers approved new packaging restrictions for Delta-8 products earlier this year.

Those restrictions prohibit hemp products intended for human consumption from being packaged in ways that are attractive to children.

We have heard many cases around the state where children would get into these thinking their candy, said Simpson.

Mike McCormick with the Florida Poison Information Center told Action News Jax the products arent well regulated, and when kids consume them the results can be detrimental.

We see hallucinations, vomiting tremors, anxiety, dizziness, confusion, loss of consciousness, said McCormick.

Calls to poison control have been increasing, with 109 statewide and 17 here in Northeast Florida in the first half of 2023 alone.

The current pace puts the state on track to see a 25 percent increase in Delta-8-related incidents compared to last year.

[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]

McCormick pointed out that data shows nearly half of Delta-8 Poison Control calls involve children.

It becomes very dangerous for a child when they take too many of these, said McCormick.

As a result of Operation Kandy Krush, seven Northeast Florida businesses were issued a grand total of 79 stop-sale orders.

At 20, a One Stop convenience store in St. Augustine was cited for the most violations in the region.

Story continues

Action News Jax paid the store a visit Friday.

The clerk told us he was unaware the products had been banned and hed removed them from the stores shelves after he was visited by the Department of Agricultures inspectors.

When I know, I stopped selling it. You can go take a look, the clerk told Action News Jax reporter Jake Stofan.

[SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter]

Upon a review of the products in the store, it was clear the clerk was telling the truth.

Simpson said its his hope other sellers across the state are receiving the same message, and if not, he warned this is your notice an inspector will be visiting soon.

If I were in that business, know that theyre coming soon. This aint months out, this is days and weeks out, said Simpson.

The Department of Agriculture and Poison Control both stressed the importance of parents getting informed about Delta-8, especially if they use the products themselves.

Their message: Treat the products the same way would your medicine, and lock them up safely out of childrens reach

Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
Map of Niger

A vast, arid state on the edge of the Sahara desert, Niger has seen a series of coups and political instability in the decades following independence from France in 1960.

Today the country struggles with frequent droughts and poverty. Niger is betting on increased oil exploration and gold mining to help modernise its economy. It is a significant producer of uranium.

Mohamed Bazoum became president in April 2021 in Niger's first democratic transfer of power since independence in 1960, but was deposed in an army-led coup in July 2023.

Western nations had looked to Niger as a bulwark against further disorder and spreading Russian influence in the region. It hosts French and US military bases and before the coup was seen as a key partner in the fight against the Islamist insurgencies in the region.

The new junta has said it is ending all military cooperation agreements with France and that agreements on the presence of French troops would be cancelled.

See more country profiles - Profiles by BBC Monitoring

REPUBLIC OF THE NIGER: FACTS

Capital: Niamey

Area: 1,267,000 sq km

Population: 24.4 million

Languages: French, Arabic, Buduma, Fulfulde, Gourmanche, Hausa, Kanuri, Zarma, Songhai, Tamasheq, Tassawaq, Teb

Life expectancy: 60 years (men) 62 years (women)

LEADER

President: Mohamed Bazoum (deposed)

President Bazoum was elected in 2021

The leader of the presidential guard that removed President Bazoum is Gen Abdourahmane Tchiani, also known as Omar Tchiani.

Gen Tchiani has been in charge of the presidential guard since 2011. He was promoted to the rank of general in 2018 by former president Issoufou.

However, he has frequently been mentioned in the media in Niger over the years for his alleged role in a 2015 coup attempt and the subsequent court case in 2018 that cleared him of involvement.

Tchiani said the army overthrew Bazoum because of "deteriorating bad governance" in the country and dissatisfaction with his handling of security matters.

The July 2023 military coup has plunged the Sahel into further uncertainty after similar takeovers in neighbouring Burkina Faso and Mali.

Story continues

An insurgency that broke out in northern Mali in 2012 has worsened over the years, spreading violence to Burkina Faso, Niger and, in recent years, countries close to the Gulf of Guinea.

Mali's decision to deploy Russia's Wagner Group mercenaries triggered France's troop and diplomatic withdrawal from the country, and the winding down of operations of the 13,000-strong UN peacekeeping mission, Minusma.

Bazoum had welcomed those forces to Niamey as part of a renewed strategy to buffer Niger and other West African states from the destabilising effects of violence by Islamic State and al-Qaeda militants.

His removal by Gen Tchiani threatens to scuttle these partnerships.

MEDIA

Cyber cafe in Agadez

Niger's underdeveloped media sector reflects the country's poverty and low levels of literacy, which constrain media development and limit public access to some platforms and outlets.

The threat from jihadists is a further challenge to the media sector and those who work in it.

Radio is a key news source and local privately-owned stations operate alongside the national state broadcaster.

TIMELINE

Niger's 16th Century Agadez mosque is the world's tallest mud-brick structure

Some key events in Niger's history:

5th Century BC - region becomes an area of trans-Saharan trade. Led by Tuareg tribes from the north.

c. 300AD-1200s - Much of the region is part of the Ghana Empire, one of several major West African empires controlling trans-Saharan trade in gold, salt, other precious commodities - and slaves.

c. 632-700s - Arab invasion of North Africa and subsequent spread of Islam.

c.1226-1670 - Mali Empire becomes dominant force in the upper Niger basin following the Battle of Krina in 1234.

c. 1464-1591 - as the Mali Empire loses some of its power, losing its dominance of the gold trade, the Songhai Empire gradually gains control over the eastern half of the Mali Empire.

1591 - The Battle of Tondibi. Songhai forces decisively defeated by the army of the Saadi dynasty in Morocco, who make Timbuktu their capital.

The fall of the Songhai Empire marks the end of the region's role as a trading crossroads. Area splinters into smaller kingdoms including the Kanem-Bornu Empire around Lake Chad, the Sultanate of Air in the north, and Hausa kingdoms and others.

1890s - France begins to colonise the area.

1904 - Military Territory of Niger is created, including what are now the countries of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, with its capital at Niamey.

1922 - Niger becomes a colony within French West Africa.

1958 - Niger became an autonomous state within the French Community.

1960 - Niger becomes independent, as a one-party civilian regime. Economic difficulties, droughts, corruption and food shortages trigger a military coup.

1974-1991 - First military regime. In the 1980s, the army gradually loosens its control over political developments.

1991 - Multi party elections held. Civilian rule.

1990-95 - Tuareg rebellion for independence in northern Niger, triggered by regional famines.

1996-99 - Military intervene to take power again.

1999-2009 - Civilian rule restored.

2007-09 - Renewed Tuareg rebellion amongst elements of the Tuareg people living in the Sahara desert regions of northern Mali and Niger.

2010-2011 - Military carry our coup d'etat in response to attempt by the president to extend his political term by modifying the constitution

2010 - A new constitution designed to restore civilian rule approved in referendum.

2011 - Civilian rule restored, and Mahamadou Issoufou becomes president.

2015 - Attempted coup fails to overthrow President Issoufou.

2021 - Attempted coup ahead of the swearing-in of newly elected president Mohamed Bazoum.

2023 - Military coup overthrows civilian government and deposes President Bazoum.
NIAMEY, Niger  A military coup in Niger threatens to derail the Western fight against Islamist militants in Africas volatile Sahel region as Washington has relied heavily on the country as a hub for its counterterrorism efforts, former U.S. officials and regional analysts say.

The turmoil in Niger jeopardizes a yearslong effort by the United States, France and other Western countries to combat Boko Haram and affiliates of the Islamic State terrorist group. It could also offer Russia a chance to bolster its influence after forging ties with other military juntas in West Africa through its Wagner Group paramilitaries.

An unconstitutional seizure of power puts at grave risk our continued security cooperation with the government of Niger, a spokesperson for the White House National Security Council said. We condemn efforts by the military to subvert the democratically elected government led by President Bazoum. We are closely monitoring the situation.

Smoke rises after coup supporters set fire to the headquarters of President Mohamed Bazoum's party, the Party for Democracy and Socialism in Niger in Niamey, Niger on July 27, 2023. (Balima Boureima / Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

Roughly 1,100 American troops are stationed in Niger, where they operate two U.S. drone bases.

The army general who led the coup, Gen. Abdourahmane Tiani, appeared on state television on Friday, appealing for support from the people of Niger and from foreign governments and international partners.

Wearing military fatigues and surrounded by other top brass, the head of the countrys powerful presidential guard said army officers decided to put an end to the regime to avoid the gradual and inevitable demise of the country.

I ask the technical and financial partners who are friends of Niger to understand the specific situation of our country in order to provide it with all the support necessary to enable it to meet the challenges, Tiani said.

Members of the military presidential guard detained the democratically elected president, Mohamed Bazoum, on Wednesday.

Tiani is now head of state, and the countrys Constitution has been suspended, Col. Maj. Amadou Abdramane said on state television.

Story continues

Although Tiani and his allies have detained the president, closed the countrys borders and declared the general the countrys new leader, the Biden administration has not yet used the word coup to describe the events in Niger. Such a declaration under U.S. law would require a halt to any American military assistance and training in Niger, putting an end to Washingtons counterterrorism efforts there

Gen. Moussa Salaou Barmou, the head of the countrys special forces, also appeared in television with the military group leading the takeover. Barmou has worked closely with the U.S. military.

If the takeover is not reversed, France also would likely be forced to withdraw the hundreds of troops it has in the country, analysts said.

France criticized the army officers' actions. France does not recognize the authorities resulting from the putsch led by General Tiani, the French Foreign Ministry said.

We reiterate in the strongest terms the clear demands of the international community calling for the immediate restoration of constitutional order and democratically elected civil power in Niger, it said.

Supporters of Nigerian President Mohamed Bazoum demonstrate in his support in Niamey, Niger on July 26, 2023. (Sam Mednick / AP)

U.S. officials said Bazoum is being held in the palace and they were not aware that he has signed any legal document relinquishing power.

A crowd of protesters backing the army officers gathered in front of the National Assembly on Thursday, burning dozens of cars. The protesters unfurled a couple of Russian flags and shouted pro-Russian chants but U.S. officials said there was no indication Russias Wagner mercenary group was behind the takeover.

Russia has taken advantage of coups in Mali and elsewhere in the region, seeking to replace Western powers with its own Wagner paramilitary units. But after Wagners brief mutiny last month in Russia and its resulting fallout, its unclear if Moscow is in a position to deploy paramilitary units to Niger, according to J. Peter Pham, former U.S. envoy to the Sahel and now at the Atlantic Council think tank.

Given all that happened in the last month in Russia, one has to question whether the Kremlin can truly exploit this particular opportunity, he said. I think theyre stretched, their capabilities are stretched and theyve got issues much closer to home.

But Pham and other experts said Wagner was likely behind disinformation efforts in recent months and years that sought to portray the government of Niger as alleged puppets of France, a former colonial power in Africa, and other Western governments.

The disinformation is about the role of France as a foreign power pursuing only its national interests and it is not interested in the stability of these countries and about civilian governments being puppets of Western institutions," said Benjamin Petrini, a research fellow at the International Institute for Strategic Studies think tank.

U.S. and Western officials have viewed Niger as a last bastion of democratic rule in the Sahel and as a linchpin for Western efforts to battle a growing threat from Islamist militants.

Niger is the only door open to Western influence and stabilization functions in this area, Petrini said.

In March, Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Niger, calling it a model of resilience, a model of democracy, a model of cooperation.

The takeover in Niger follows military coups in recent years in Mali, Burkina Faso and Guinea, in what appears to be a domino effect in West Africa, Petrini said.

The wider issue is that terrorist threats are down everywhere except the Sahel  thats the only place where (ISIS) affiliates arent in decline, said Raffaello Pantucci, a senior fellow at the International Centre for Political Violence and Terrorism Research, at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore.

France has for decades been a major player in western and central Africa, but they were booted out of Mali and Burkina Faso, and if Niger goes the same way as those countries, whose governments have gone into decline, then you have a real problem, he said.

The Russians are going to come and offer their services. But the problem is that the Russian approach to these problems is: lets kill everybody. And that rarely seems to work.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Supporters of the coup in Niger have been expressing their support in the capital Niamey

Military coups were a regular occurrence in Africa in the decades after independence and there is concern they are starting to become more frequent.

The takeover in Niger, led by soldiers belonging to the presidential guard, is just the latest in a string of coups that have taken place in recent years.

There were two in Burkina Faso in 2022 as well as failed coup attempts in Guinea Bissau, The Gambia and the island nation of Sao Tome and Principe.

In 2021, there were six coup attempts in Africa, four of them successful.

Last year, a senior African Union official, Moussa Faki Mahamat, expressed concern about "the resurgence of unconstitutional changes of government".

When is a coup a coup?

One definition used is that of an illegal and overt attempt by the military - or by other civilian officials - to unseat sitting leaders.

A study by two US researchers, Jonathan Powell and Clayton Thyne, has identified over 200 such attempts in Africa since the 1950s. About half of these have been successful - that is lasting more than seven days.

There were celebrations after the Zimbabwe army intervened against President Mugabe in 2017

Sometimes, those taking part in such an intervention deny it's a coup.

In 2017 in Zimbabwe, a military takeover brought Robert Mugabe's 37-year rule to and end. But one of the leaders, Maj Gen Sibusiso Moyo, appeared on television at the time, flatly denying it was a military takeover.

In April 2021 after the death of the Chadian leader, Idriss Deby, the army installed his son as interim president, leading a transitional military council. His opponents called it a "dynastic coup".

"Coup leaders almost invariably deny their action was a coup in an effort to appear legitimate," says Jonathan Powell.

How often are there coups in Africa?

The overall number of coup attempts in Africa remained remarkably consistent at an average of around four a year between 1960 and 2000.

Jonathan Powell says this is not surprising, given the instability African countries experienced in the years after independence.

Story continues

Bar chart of Africa coups

"African countries have had conditions common for coups, like poverty and poor economic performance. When a country has one coup, that's often a harbinger of more coups."

There was a noticeable decline in the numbers of coups (and attempted coups) after 2000.

However, although there was only one coup reported in 2020 (in Mali), in 2021 there was a noticeably higher than average number. The following all saw coups or attempted coups:

Chad

Mali

Guinea

Sudan

Niger

In 2022, there were five attempts, but only two - in Burkina Faso - succeeded.

Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno succeeded his father as Chadian leader in April 2021

Ndubuisi Christian Ani from the University of KwaZulu-Natal says popular uprisings against long-serving dictators have provided an opportunity for the return of coups in Africa.

"While popular uprisings are legitimate and people-led, success is often determined by the decisions taken by the military," he says.

Which countries had the most coups?

Sudan has had the most coups and attempted takeovers amounting to 16 - six of them successful.

In 2019, long-serving leader Omar al-Bashir was removed from power following months of protests. Bashir himself took over in a military coup in 1989.

Burkina Faso in West Africa, has had the most successful coups, with nine takeovers and one failed coup.

Nigeria had a reputation for military coups following independence with eight between January 1966 and the takeover by Gen Sani Abacha in 1993. However, since 1999 transfers of power in Africa's most populous nation have been by democratic election.

Map showing African countries with most coups

Burundi's history has been marked by eleven separate coups, mostly driven by the tensions between the Hutu and Tutsi communities.

Sierra Leone experienced three coups between 1967 and 1968, and another one in 1971. Between 1992 and 1997, it experienced five further coup attempts.

Ghana has also had its share of military coups, with eight in two decades. The first was in 1966, when Kwame Nkrumah was removed from power, and in the following year there was an unsuccessful attempt by junior army officers.

In 2021, the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that "military coups are back," adding that "geo-political divisions are undermining international co-operation and... a sense of impunity is taking hold," he said.

Overall, Africa has experienced more coups than any other continent. Of the 17 coups recorded globally since 2017, all but one - Myanmar in 2021 - have been in Africa.
The News

A general has declared himself the new leader of Niger following a coup that removed the countrys elected president.

Abdourahamane Tchiani made the announcement on state television on Friday. Tchiani leads the presidential guards unit that seized the West African countrys elected president on Wednesday.

Soldiers from the presidential guard, led by Colonel Amadou Abdramane, announced a coup on state TV late on Wednesday. They said Mohamed Bazoum, who was elected as president two years ago in the countrys first democratic transition of power, had been removed from office. The soldiers also said the constitution had been dissolved, the countrys borders were closed and all institutions were suspended.

Know More

ORTN/via Reuters TV

 Is this part of a broader trend? Yes. There have been a number of coups  both successful and attempted  in West and Central Africa since 2020. Successful coups have been staged in neighboring countries Burkina Faso, Mali, Chad and Guinea in the last three years.

 So, why is this one significant? Bazoum has been a key ally of the West in the fight against Islamist insurgents in the Sahel. That role took on greater significance after military leaders in neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso severed ties with former colonial power France. Mali, which ordered a United Nations force to leave, has opted to use Russias Wagner private army to fight insurgents.

France also extracts uranium in Niger, which it uses to run its nuclear power plants.

A Niger that realigns towards Russia and China threatens Americas drone base in the Sahel, which is in Agadez, as well as French power supply, said Cheta Nwanze, lead partner at Nigerian political risk consultancy SBM Intelligence.

The U.S. has reportedly spent around $500 million since 2012 to help Niger boost its security. Germany announced in April that it would take part in a three-year European Union mission to train the countrys military.

 Whats been the reaction? The coup has been condemned by West African bloc ECOWAS which said it stands firmly with Nigers elected government. The European Union and France also criticized the coup. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with Bazoum in a call this week during which he promised Washingtons unwavering support.

Story continues

There were reports that pro-Bazoum supporters who gathered on the streets of the capital, Niamey, on Wednesday in response to news that he was being held were dispersed by soldiers firing into the air.

The BBC reported that some coup supporters on Thursday in Niamey had Russian flags, while others held up hand-written signs saying: Down with France and Foreign bases out. Coup supporters also set fire to the ruling partys headquarters in the capital.

Alexiss view

The coup in Niger is arguably the most significant of the military takeovers that have swept across West Africa in recent years. Bazoum was the Wests closest ally in the Sahel. Nigers role became more pronounced with the death of Chadian leader Idriss Deby two years ago, followed by the ascent of military juntas in Mali and Burkina Faso. Niger offered a haven for western troops in a subregion that has been destabilized by Islamist insurgents, military leaders who arent democratically accountable and the presence of the Wagner, whose fighters have been accused of human rights abuses.

The coup provides Russia with an opportunity to deepen its presence in the Sahel in three crucial ways: militarily, in terms of access to resources, and increased soft power. A military junta in Niger may look to Wagner fighters for help fighting jihadists, just as the soldiers who took over in Mali did after seizing power. Such a move would be lucrative for Russia, giving it access to Nigers natural resources  most notably uranium. Access to natural resources in African nations  such as Mali, the Central African Republic and Sudan  has helped to reduce the impact of western sanctions on Russia. And Moscow could pull further ahead in its propaganda war with Paris, capitalizing on existing anti-French sentiments.

Sudans warring generals, to Nigers east, and internecine fighting in Libya to its north, had already led to a deterioration in regional security. This added to problems in the Lake Chad region where Boko Haram and Islamic State have carried out attacks for much of the last decade.

The Sahel is now an even more unpredictable subregion where there is a lack of accountability among those in power, a constellation of violent extremists and a range of protracted conflicts. The legacy of this instability is likely to be felt for years to come. A strong health service, widespread education and adequate power supply  the bedrock of long term economic development  will be far from the minds of the military rulers in charge of Niger and surrounding countries as they focus on security challenges.
A Niger general, Abdourahamane Tiani, appeared on state television as the countrys new leader following a military coup that sparked international condemnation.

Tiani appeared on Tele Sahel with a banner identifying him as President of the national council for the safeguard of the homeland.

Despite the move, an official loyal to the deposed president said there was infighting among the plotters while France has said the coup is not final.

The appearance comes a day after the West African countrys military endorsed the leaders behind the toppling of President Mohamed Bazoums government.

Tiani said in the broadcast that Wednesdays coup was motivated by both the desire to preserve our homeland in a context of a deteriorating security situation, and poor economic and social governance.

Nigers former government, he said, did not give Nigeriens a glimpse of a real way out of the (security) crisis.

This video frame grab image obtained by AFP from Tele Sahel on Friday shows Gen. Abdourahamane Tiani, speaking on national television. - ORTN Tele Sahel/AFP via Getty Images

On Thursday, the Nigerien army command said it was supporting the seizure in a bid to thwart bloodshed. The militarys statement also warned against foreign military intervention, which it said risks having disastrous and uncontrolled consequences.

Bazoum was reportedly detained two days ago by members of his own presidential guard. Tiani has led the body since his appointment by former President Mahamadou Issoufou.

International condemnation

Niger lies at the heart of Africas Sahel region, which has seen numerous power grabs in recent years including in Mali and Burkina Faso.

A key ally of the United States, France and other Western governments, Niger had been one of the few democracies in a region fraught with Islamist insurgencies.

The ongoing situation unfolding in Niger in recent days has prompted swift condemnation from the global community.

French President Emmanuel Macron said Friday that the coup was deeply dangerous for Niger and the whole region, and called for Bazoums release.

Macron, who was on an overseas trip to Papua New Guinea Friday and spoke at a press conference alongside the prime minister, described Bazoum as a courageous leader who is making the reforms and investments that his country needs.

Story continues

He added that France  once Nigers colonial ruler  would support regional organizations should they decide to impose sanctions against the putsch leaders.

He also confirmed that he had spoken with the Nigerien president several times since he was detained.

United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken also held a phone call with President Bazoum.

Blinken reiterated the United States unflagging support and emphasized the importance of Bazoums continuing leadership in Niamey, while praising his role in promoting security in Niger and the rest of west Africa, the spokesman said.

He also expressed his grave concern when speaking to Nigers former President Mahamadou Issoufou, saying that those detaining Bazoum had threatened years of successful cooperation and hundreds of millions of dollars of assistance that have supported the Nigerien people.

Under US law, if the US State Department formally classifies the Niger takeover as a coup, it would require the US to cut foreign and military assistance to the Nigerien government, which could have serious consequences for the fight against terrorism and stability in the region.

Supporters of the Nigerien defense and security forces demonstrate outside the national assembly in the capital of Niamey on Thursday. - AFP via Getty Images

Frances foreign minister Catherine Colonna said Friday the coup was not final and there was still a way out of the current crisis for coup leaders if they listen to the international community.

The European Union described the situation in Niger as a serious attack on stability and democracy, before warning that aid to the country could be suspended following the coup.

The United Nations said on Friday its humanitarian flights in and out of Niger are temporarily grounded due to the closure of the countrys airspace.

The UN is very concerned about the situation in Niger, the Office for Humanitarian Affairs said in a statement, adding that humanitarian assistance, development and peace programs would continue in the country.

According to the humanitarian body, Niger had 4.3 million people in humanitarian needs, with 3.3 million in acute food insecurity situation, the vast majority of whom are women and children.

Nigers coup plotters have ignored international calls to reinstate Bazoum, with the so-called National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP) warning of consequences to any foreign military intervention in a separate televised statement on Friday.

The CNSP also ordered the suspension of the countrys constitution as well as the dissolution of all institutions resulting from it before naming Tiani as head of state representing the state of Niger in international relations.

However, a senior official loyal to Bazoum has suggested there is discord among coup leaders.

The situation is still confusing at the palace, the aide said. The putsch leaders cannot agree on who will be the head of the transition, the disagreement is deep.

The official said some of those involved in the coup are beginning to fear the sanctions of [African regional body] ECOWAS and the international community and want to negotiate their exit.

CNN is unable to verify the officials comments. The aide spoke on condition of not being identified because of the security situation.

The official also commented on the Tianis broadcast earlier Friday, labeling it a non-event before adding that Bazoum had no intention of resigning. He said the president and his family were in good health.

Bazoums whereabouts unknown

The presidents whereabouts remain unknown, though Macron is one of several global leaders who have said theyve been in contact with him since he was taken into custody.

US Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield spoke with Bazoum to express her strong support for the democratically-elected leader, the spokesperson for the US Mission to the United Nations said.

Bazoum is feeling well, Chairman of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, said after speaking with him, Russian state news agency RIA Novosti reported. Mahamat added that Nigerian mediators are in Niger for talks with rebels.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres also said he had spoken with Bazoum to convey to him all our solidarity.

Bazoum took office in 2021 in the countrys first democratic transfer of power was following years of military coups. Niger has experienced four takeovers since its independence from France in 1960.

The hard-won achievements will be safeguarded. All Nigeriens who love democracy and freedom will see to it, Nigers presidential office tweeted on Thursday, after the coup was announced late Wednesday night.

A man identified as Col. Maj. Amadou Abdramane appeared in the video, flanked by several apparent soldiers, and announced: We have decided to put an end to the regime that you know. Abdramane later said all activities of political parties had been suspended until the new order.

CNNs Eve Brennan and Lauren Said-Moorhouse contributed to this report from London; with Dalal Mawad, Oliver Briscoe and Joseph Ataman from Paris. Tim Lister, Jennifer Hansler, Josh Pennington, Niamh Kennedy, Caitlin Hu, Mohammed Tawfeeq, Bethlehem Feleke and Alex Stambaugh also contributed to this story.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Supporters of the Nigerien defence and security forces gather during a demonstration outside the national assembly in Niamey

Niger's democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum has been overthrown by the very people who were supposed to protect and uphold his office - the presidential guards who stood watch outside his palace.

President Bazoum was the first elected leader to succeed another in Niger since independence in 1960. Now his captors have suspended the country's constitution and installed Gen Abdourahmane Tchiani as head of state.

Niger is a key part of the African region known as the Sahel - a belt of land that stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to the Red Sea. The area is plagued by jihadists and beset by military regimes.

Western nations had looked to Niger as a bulwark against further disorder and spreading Russian influence in the region. But that turned out to be short-lived.

Here's what you need to know about the crisis.

Why is Niger important?

As the largest country in West Africa, it's a bellwether state in many ways.

Politically, it had been seen as an example of relative democratic stability in recent years, while its neighbours Mali and Burkina Faso had already succumbed to military coups.

Strategically, it hosts French and US military bases and is seen as a key partner in the fight against Islamist insurgents.

In fact, the US state department describes Niger as "important as a linchpin for stability in the Sahel" and "a reliable counter-terrorism partner" against various Islamist groups linked to either Islamic State or al-Qaeda.

Economically, it is rich in uranium - producing 7% of all global supplies. The radioactive metal looms so large in the country's economy that one of the grandest thoroughfares in the capital, Niamey, is named the Avenue de l'Uranium.

However, Niger's people consistently rank as having the lowest standards of living anywhere in the world.

Map

Why did the coup happen?

The Sahel region is a turbulent and unstable part of the world and democracy is currently in retreat there.

Story continues

Violent Islamist groups have gained ground by controlling territory and conducting attacks in the tri-border region between Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso.

The mutinous soldiers in Niger have cited this worsening security situation as a reason for their uprising, although Niger was handling the insurgencies far better than Mali and Burkina Faso before their own coups.

The growing unrest has led some to believe that only harsh military crackdowns can solve the problem, hence the popular support that the coup seems to enjoy in some quarters.

However, it is far from clear that a military junta would have greater success in tackling the insurgents than the recently ousted government. The takeovers in neighbouring countries have not made much difference.

Adding to the instability in the region, climate change is causing desertification to spread southwards from the Sahara into the Sahel. Experts say temperatures in the Sahel are rising faster than anywhere else in the world.

What's the international reaction to the coup?

France, the former colonial power, has been stern in its condemnation of the military takeover.

A statement by the French foreign ministry said President Bazoum was the country's sole leader, adding that France "does not recognise the authorities resulting from the putsch led by Gen Tchiani".

It added that France "reaffirmed in the strongest terms the clear demands of the international community calling for the immediate restoration of constitutional order and democratically-elected civilian government in Niger".

The US Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, has called for the president's immediate release, while the African Union, the West African regional bloc Ecowas, the EU and the UN have all spoken out against the coup.

The only voice in favour has been that of the leader of Russia's Wagner mercenary group, Yevgeny Prigozhin, who has reportedly described it as a triumph.

"What happened in Niger is nothing other than the struggle of the people of Niger with their colonisers," he was quoted as saying on a Wagner-affiliated Telegram channel, although his comments have not been independently verified.

What's it got to do with Russia and Wagner?

As well as jihadist groups, the Wagner mercenaries, who are active elsewhere in the region, have been seen as exercising a malign influence in Niger. Some supporters of the coup have been seen waving the Russian flag alongside that of Niger.

Supporters of the coup have been waving the Russian flag

Before the coup, President Bazoum had complained of "disinformation campaigns" by Wagner against his government - and there is little doubt that Wagner, which has exploited mineral resources in other African countries to fund its operations, would like to do the same in Niger.

The US has said there is no indication that the Wagner force was involved in the overthrow of President Bazoum, but added that the situation continues to be quite fluid.

Now there are concerns that Niger's new leadership could move away from its Western allies and closer to Russia.

If it does, it would follow in the footsteps of Burkina Faso and Mali, which have both pivoted towards Moscow since their own military coups.

What other global consequences could the coup have?

President Bazoum's government has been a partner to European countries trying to stop the flow of migrants across the Mediterranean Sea, agreeing to take back hundreds of migrants from detention centres in Libya.

He has also cracked down on human traffickers in what had been a key transit point between other countries in West Africa and those further north.

That may now be called into question.
Map of Nigeria

Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa, with the modern state taking its present territorial shape as a result of 19th Century British colonialisation.

It became independent in 1960 and saw a 1967-70 civil war when the breakaway state of Biafra declared its independence. This was followed by a series of military dictatorships and civilian governments until achieving a stable democracy in the 1999 presidential elections.

Nigeria is a multinational state inhabited by more than 250 ethnic groups speaking over 500 distinct languages. The three largest ethnic groups are the Hausa in the north, Yoruba in the west, and Igbo in the east.

The federal government faces the challenge of preventing the country dividing along ethnic and religious lines. Separatist aspirations have also been growing, and the imposition of Islamic law in several northern states has embedded divisions.

Nigeria faces multiple security challenges: the jihadist insurgency in the north, clashes between animal herders and farmers over water and grazing rights, widespread banditry and kidnappings, a separatist insurgency in the southeast as well as militants in the Niger delta demanding a greater share of oil profits.

The country is one of the world's largest oil producers, but few Nigerians, including those in oil-producing areas, have benefited.

Read more country profiles - Profiles by BBC Monitoring

FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA: FACTS

Capital: Abuja

Area: 923,769 sq km

Population: 225 million

Languages: English, Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, plus regional languages

Life expectancy: 59 years (men) 63 years (women)

LEADER

President: Bola Tinubu

Bola Tinubu

Bola Tinubu, of the the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), won the February 2023 presidential elections against the opposition People's Democratic Party's (PD) Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi of the Labour Party.

Tinubu was declared the winner despite opposition demands that the election be cancelled over alleged fraud.

Story continues

He pledged to be a fair leader to all Nigerians, in a country riddled with insecurity, corruption and a weakening economy.

Those promises included fixing the country's security challenges, addressing youth unemployment and reviving the nation's economy.

He took over from outgoing President Muhammadu Buhari who backed the president-elect's candidature to succeed him and build on the legacy of the ruling party in the last eight years.

Tinubu's moves since the mid-2000s have earned him the nickname "Mr fix it" of Nigerian politics. He has been credited with the formation of the APC - a merger of four opposition parties in 2013 - and the electoral successes of Buhari, Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo and a host of governors in south-west Nigeria.

MEDIA

A man sells newspapers in Abuja on February 26, 2023

Nigeria is one of Africa's biggest media markets. There are hundreds of radio stations and terrestrial TV networks, as well as cable and satellite platforms.

Journalists face threats and violence in the course of their work. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) says that "the level of governmental interference in the news media is significant".

Many millions of Nigerians are online, and WhatsApp and Facebook are leading social platforms.

TIMELINE

Some key dates in Nigeria's history:

Colonel Odumegwu Emeka Ojukwu announced the secession of the Republic of Biafra in 1967, sparking a devastating civil war

11th Century onwards - Formation of city states, kingdoms and empires, including Hausa kingdoms and Borno dynasty in north, Oyo and Benin kingdoms in south.

1472 - Portuguese navigators reach Nigerian coast.

16-18th Centuries - Slave trade sees Nigerians forcibly sent to the Americas to work on plantations.

1809 - Islamic Sokoto caliphate is founded in north.

1850s - British establish presence around Lagos.

1861-1914 - Britain consolidates its hold over what it calls the Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria, governs through local leaders.

1850s - Britain establishes presence, which it consolidates over the next 70 years as the colony and protectorate of Nigeria.

1922 - Part of former German colony Kamerun is added to Nigeria under League of Nations mandate.

1960 - Independence, with Prime Minister Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa leading a coalition government.

1966 - Mr Balewa killed in coup. Maj-Gen Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi forms military government. He is killed in a counter-coup and replaced by Lt-Col Yakubu Gowon.

1967 - Eastern region governor Lt-Col Emeka Ojukwu declares the region independent, as the Republic of Biafra. This precipitates the 30-month Nigerian Civil War. Between one to three million people are killed. UK, USSR. Egypt back the Nigerian government, while France, Israel aid the Biafrans.

1975 - Gen Gowon overthrown by Gen Murtala Ramat Mohammed, who begins process of moving federal capital to Abuja.

1976 - Gen Mohammed assassinated in failed coup attempt. Replaced by his deputy, Lt-Gen Olusegun Obasanjo, who helps introduce US-style presidential constitution.

1979 - Obasanjo and the military hand over power to civilian rule in US-style presidential elections.

1983 - Maj-Gen Muhammadu Buhari seizes power in a bloodless coup, ushering in a period of political instability capped by the 1999 presidential and parliamentary elections.

1995 - Ken Saro-Wiwa, writer and campaigner against oil industry damage to his Ogoni homeland, is executed following a hasty trial. In protest, European Union imposes sanctions until 1998, Commonwealth suspends Nigeria's membership until 1998.

1999 - Return to civilian rule, with former military ruler Gen Obasanjo elected president.

2000 - Adoption of Islamic law by several northern states in the face of opposition from Christians.

2006 - Nigeria agrees to cede sovereignty over the disputed Bakassi peninsula to neighbouring Cameroon under the terms of a 2002 International Court of Justice ruling. Transfer takes place in 2008.

2009 - Boko Haram jihadists launch a campaign of violence that spreads to neighbouring countries.

Government frees the leader of the Niger Delta militant group Mend, Henry Okah, after he accepts an amnesty offer.

2013 - Government declares state of emergency in three northern states of Yobe, Borno and Adamawa and sends in troops to combat Boko Haram.

2014 - Boko Haram kidnaps more than 200 girls from a boarding school in northern town of Chibok, the incident draws international outrage.

Boko Haram switches allegiance from al-Qaeda to the Islamic State group.

2015 - Muhammadu Buhari wins presidential election - first opposition candidate to do so.
The New Mexico Supreme Court ordered an Alamogordo man be released in a July 24 opinion that found he had been improperly imprisoned.

Rufino Torres pleaded guilty in 2011 to 16 charges related to a series of burglaries and robberies in Alamogordo that same year. The charges were consolidated into a single criminal case under a plea agreement. Torres sentence legally ended on Feb. 4, 2017 but he was ordered back to prison in 2018 after a District Court revoked his probation, and then ordered him to serve an additional five years of probation.

The New Mexico Supreme Court ruled that Torres had been subjected to an impermissibly long term of probation, read a news release from Administrative Office of the Courts. The Court ruled, according to the news release, that the when the Otero County District Court "in its discretion suspends all or part of the sentence only a single term of probation, not to exceed five years, can be imposed.

Once the District Court determined Torres finished his sentence and probation for one of the cases, the legal effect would apply to the remaining three cases in that his probation and sentence were complete, said the release from the Administrative Office of the Courts.

Torres was originally sentenced to serve 27 years, according to a news release from the Administrative Office of the Courts, most of which was suspended. He violated probation, according to court records, which led to the court to impose more probation on Torres after his sentence legally ended in 2017.

In 2018 Torres filed a petition for a writ of habeas corpus following orders to serve another five years' probation.

The majority opinion was written by Justice Michael E. Vigil in which the court said "the law allows the sentencing court to revoke the probation and order a new probation term of up to five years or require the probationer to serve the balance of the sentence or some lesser jail time" if a probation violation occurs during the original five-year term.

Story continues

In a dissenting opinion, New Mexico Supreme Court Justice Briana Zamora agreed that Torres should be released but wrote she disagreed on two points: That the state could impose a new five year probationary period and that the case should have been returned to District Court to evaluate the question of double jeopardy.

"The language of the State's probation law mandates that a probationary period is not to exceed five years in total," Zamora wrote.

She wrote the majority opinion meant the state was "deprived of an opportunity to develop a record below because the issue was not raised in the district court."

The conclusion was that Torres would be released immediately after the courts mandate, according to the news release.

Juan Corral can be reached at JCorral@gannett.com or on twitter at @Juan36Corr.

This article originally appeared on Alamogordo Daily News: New Mexico Supreme Court orders Alamogordo man released from jail
NIAMEY, Niger (AP)  Mutinous soldiers who staged a coup in Niger declared their leader the new head of state on Friday, hours after the general asked for national and international support despite rising concerns that the political crisis could hinder the nations fight against jihadists and boost Russias influence in West Africa.

Spokesman Col. Maj. Amadou Abdramane said on state television that the constitution was suspended and Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani was in charge.

Various factions of Nigers military have reportedly wrangled for control since members of the presidential guard detained President Mohamed Bazoum, who was elected two years ago in Nigers first peaceful, democratic transfer of power since independence from France.

Niger is seen as the last reliable partner for the West in efforts to battle jihadists linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group in Africas Sahel region, where Russia and Western countries have vied for influence in the fight against extremism. France has 1,500 soldiers in the country who conduct joint operations with the Nigeriens, and the United States and other European countries have helped train the nation's troops.

The coup sparked international condemnation and the West African regional group ECOWAS, which includes Niger and has taken the lead in trying to restore democratic rule in the country, scheduled an emergency summit in the Nigerian capital, Abuja, on Sunday.

The U.N. Security Council strongly condemned efforts to unconstitutionally change the legitimate government. Its statement, agreed to by all 15 members including the U.S. and Russia, called for the immediate and unconditional release of Bazoum and expressed concern over the negative effect of coups in the region, the "increase in terrorist activities and the dire socioeconomic situation.

Extremists in Niger have carried out attacks on civilians and military personnel, but the overall security situation is not as dire as in neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso  both of which have ousted the French military. Mali has turned to the Russian private military group Wagner, and its believed that the mercenaries will soon be in Burkina Faso.

Story continues

Now there are concerns that Niger could follow suit. Before the coup, Wagner, which has sent mercenaries around the world in support of Russias interests, already had its sights set on Niger, in part because its a large producer of uranium.

We can no longer continue with the same approaches proposed so far, at the risk of witnessing the gradual and inevitable demise of our country, Tchiani, who also goes by Omar Tchiani, said in his address. "That is why we decided to intervene and take responsibility.

I ask the technical and financial partners who are friends of Niger to understand the specific situation of our country in order to provide it with all the support necessary to enable it to meet the challenges, he said.

If the United States designates the takeover as a coup, Niger stands to lose millions of dollars of military aid and assistance.

The mutinous soldiers, who call themselves the National Council for the Safeguarding of the Country, accused some prominent dignitaries of collaborating with foreign embassies to extract the deposed leaders. They said it could lead to violence and warned against foreign military intervention.

Bazoum has not resigned and he defiantly tweeted from detention on Thursday that democracy would prevail.

It's not clear who enjoys majority support, but the streets of the capital of Niamey were calm Friday, with a slight celebratory air. Some cars honked in solidarity at security forces as they drove by  but it was not clear if that meant they backed the coup. Elsewhere, people rested after traditional midday prayers and others sold goods at their shops and hoped for calm.

We should pray to God to help people come together so that peace comes back to the country. We dont want a lot of protests in the country, because it is not good ... I hope this administration does a good job, said Gerard Sassou, a Niamey shopkeeper.

A day earlier, several hundred people gathered in the city chanting support for Wagner while waving Russian flags. Were fed up, said Omar Issaka, one of the protestors. We are tired of being targeted by the men in the bush. ... Were going to collaborate with Russia now.

That's exactly what many in the West likely fear. Tchianis criticism of Bazoums approach and of how security partnerships have worked in the past will certainly make the U.S., France, and the EU uneasy, said Andrew Lebovich, a research fellow with the Clingendael Institute.

So that could mark potentially some shifts moving forward in Niger security partnerships, he said.

Even as Tchiani sought to project control, the situation appeared to be in flux. A delegation from neighboring Nigeria, which holds the ECOWAS presidency and was hoping to mediate, left shortly after arriving, and the president of Benin, nominated as a mediator by ECOWAS, has not arrived.

Earlier, an analyst who had spoken with participants in the talks said the presidential guard was negotiating with the army about who should be in charge. The analyst spoke on condition they not to be named because of the sensitive situation.

A western military official in Niger who was not authorized to speak to the media also said the military factions were believed to be negotiating, but that the situation remained tense and violence could erupt.

Speaking in Papua New Guinea, French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the coup as completely illegitimate and profoundly dangerous for the Nigeriens, Niger and the whole region.

The coup threatens to starkly reshape the international communitys engagement with the Sahel region.

On Thursday, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris said the country's substantial cooperation with the Government of Niger is contingent on Nigers continued commitment to democratic standards."

The United States in early 2021 said it had provided Niger with more than $500 million in military assistance and training programs since 2012, one of the largest such support programs in sub-Saharan Africa. The European Union earlier this year launched a 27 million-euro ($30 million) military training mission in Niger.

The United States has more than 1,000 service personnel in the country.

Some military leaders who appear to be involved in the coup have worked closely with the United States for years. Gen. Moussa Salaou Barmou, the head of Nigers special forces, has an especially strong relationship with the U.S., the Western military official said.

While Russia has also condemned the coup, it remains unclear what the juntas position would be on Wagner.

The acting head of the United Nations in Niger said Friday that humanitarian aid deliveries were continuing, even though the military suspended flights carrying aid.

Nicole Kouassi, the acting U.N. resident and humanitarian coordinator, told reporters via video from Niamey that 4.3 million people needed humanitarian aid before this weeks military action and 3.3 million faced acute food insecurity, the majority of them women and children.

Jean-Noel Gentile, the U.N. World Food Program director in Niger, said the humanitarian response continues on the ground. He said the U.N. is providing cash assistance and food to people in accessible areas and that the agency is continuously assessing the situation to ensure security and access.

This is Nigers fifth coup and marks the fall of one of the last democratically elected governments in the Sahel.

Its army has always been very powerful and civilian-military relations fraught, though tensions had increased recently, especially with the growing jihadist insurgency, said Karim Manuel, an analyst for the Middle East and Africa with the Economist Intelligence Unit.

___

Associated Press reporters John Leicester in Paris; Chinedu Asadu in Abuja, Nigeria; and Edith M. Lederer at the United Nations in New York contributed to this report.
No racing at the historic Greenville-Pickens Speedway this year despite a major effort to raise enough money to save it.

Racer Jackie Manley was spearheading an effort to bring racing back to the 83-year-old track in Easley, a track where he not only raced but also grew up at when both his parents worked there. He had support from 100 or so drivers as well as a member of the family of the former owners and a similar group that saved the North Wilkesboro Speedway in North Carolina.

A post on the Save Our Speedway Facebook page said, Were truly saddened and disappointed to announce that due to circumstances beyond our control, our fight to salvage a 2023 racing season at Greenville-Pickens Speedway has unfortunately come to an end.

But it also said the effort to stage races in future years will continue. When Manley took up the cause, race fans said they feared if the track missed a season, racing would never return.

Manley could not be reached for comment.

The Facebook post did not specifically explain why the effort stopped, other than to say they could not accept the terms of the lease offered by racetrack owner Kevin Whitaker, a Greenville car dealer.

Despite repeated efforts to negotiate for a few key terms that were necessary to facilitate the 2023 racing season, however, Jackie was told that the lease was offered on a take-it-or-leave-it basis, the Facebook post said.

Several people on Facebook blamed Whitaker for the deal falling through and urged people to boycott his dealerships.

Whitaker has not been available for comment on the tracks past, present or future.

Manley had promised that money raised would be given to Shriners Hospital. The last amount he told The State was they had raised about $60,000 of the $100,000 goal.

The 300-acre property that includes the track is under contract with Realty Link, a Greenville-based commercial real estate firm that wants to build an industrial park. A 100,000-square-foot building is on the site.

Story continues

Greenville County Councilman Stan Tzouvelekas is the broker in charge of the industrial park project.

The Save our Speedway Facebook page said, If the potential sale of the property goes through, we look forward to working with new ownership to attempt to preserve and revive the racetrack.

Greenville Pickens Speedway opened in 1940 as a half-mile-long dirt track. It closed the next year due to World War II and reopened in 1946, Independence Day, offering fans two horse races and a car race promoted by Bill France Sr., who two years later founded NASCAR.

The Blackwell family bought the track in 1955, the same year NASCAR began sanctioning races there. The track, later paved, hosted various Winston Cup races through the years.

Family member Mark Blackwell was working with Manley to raise money for the track to open this season.

After nearly 50 years, the Blackwells sold the property to Whitaker, a long-time sponsor.

Manley, who owns J&J Gutter, raced late model cars at Greenville Pickens from 2008 until 2015, when he started running his #28 Ford Fusion at other tracks around the region. He still does.

But his ties to Greenville Pickens brought him home.

We wish you couldve experienced all that we had planned, the Facebook post said.
A coastal home with 14 rooms situated on 59 acres has hit the market for $8.25 million.

The Flowers Landing estate, located at 220 Pungo Shores Drive in the waterfront town of Belhaven in Beaufort County, was listed for sale on July 24, according to Chris Respess, a real estate broker selling the property.

ALSO READ: TikTok home renovator moves historic Concord home in pieces to save it

The house currently hosts events such as retreats and weddings, according to Respess. It was built in 2000.

Read more here.

VIDEO: TikTok home renovator moves historic Concord home in pieces to save it
North Korea Nuclear Torpedo Drone

A new underwater drone, widely presumed to function much like a nuclear-armed torpedo, was revealed at North Koreas latest military parade, in the capital Pyongyang yesterday. While new unmanned aerial vehicles were also among the highlights of the parade, the underwater drone suggests that North Korea is continuing to look at novel means of delivering nuclear warheads as it expands its strategic weapons ambitions

North Korea State Media

The underwater drones were transported on flatbed trucks through Pyongyangs Kim Il Sung Square yesterday evening, as part of the military parade marking the 70th anniversary of the end of the Korean War.

https://twitter.com/THEEURASIATIMES/status/1684893064517791745?s=20 https://twitter.com/alistaircoleman/status/1684876822771867648?s=20 https://twitter.com/nknewsorg/status/1684743269786497025?s=20

The mysterious uncrewed underwater vehicle has been variously identified as a nuclear attack drone, uncrewed underwater vehicle (UUV), or long-range/long-endurance nuclear torpedo. While it remains unclear how best to describe it, most observers agree that it is intended to carry a nuclear warhead. In this sense, it is broadly similar in concept to Russias Poseidon ultra-long-endurance torpedo, and also has a strategic mission.

https://twitter.com/ColinZwirko/status/1684837690465009664?s=20

In common with the Poseidon, the new North Korean drone has an apparent pump-jet propulsor at the rear and a similar arrangement of cruciform control surfaces, each of which incorporates a folding mechanism.

https://twitter.com/ISNJH/status/1684864314220650496?s=20

However, while the Poseidon features nuclear propulsion as well as a nuclear warhead, the North Korean underwater drone almost certainly relies on battery propulsion. There is no evidence, at this point, that North Korea is working on the kinds of nuclear technologies that would provide a small enough reactor to power such a vehicle. Regardless, the ranges involved with North Korea deploying such a weapon against the South, or even Japan, and even if it were to loiter for some period before attacking, are vastly less than what Poseidon was built to overcome.

Story continues

North Korea state media

The new North Korean drone is also smaller than the Poseidon which is estimated to be around 65 feet long, with a diameter of around 6.5 feet.

https://twitter.com/CollinSLKoh/status/1684855471449255936?s=20

Another major point of difference with the Poseidon is that the Russian weapon is designed to be launched by the shadowy Project 09852 Belgorod submarine  the worlds longest  while North Korea doesnt operate any submarine large enough to serve as a mother ship. This suggests that the underwater drone would have to be launched from a dockside pier or jetty, some kind of floating platform, or perhaps a suitably modified surface vessel.

Multiple reports have identified the underwater drone as the Haeil, although this remains unconfirmed for now.

The Haeil-2 name applies to a similar but smaller underwater drone, which appeared earlier this year. At the time, it was also described by analysts as North Koreas answer to Poseidon.

https://twitter.com/CovertShores/status/1684809979356741632?s=20

Based on imagery released at the time, the Haeil-2 is significantly smaller than the Poseidon and is also not nuclear-powered. H. I. Sutton, an author and an expert on submarine warfare, described it as more like a long-ranged nuclear-armed (potentially!) torpedo. Or rather, a torpedo with uncrewed underwater vehicle (UUV) characteristics.

Estimated data attributed the Haeil-2 with a range of up to 540 nautical miles and an average speed of 4.6 knots, notably slower than a torpedo. An operating depth of 260-300 feet was reported, too, although imagery showed it operating on the surface.

The new underwater drone that appeared in Pyongyang yesterday shares a number of attributes with the Haeil-2 and may well be closely related. However, the earlier vehicle has a different rear section, with no obvious control fins, and is smaller than the new drone.

Its possible that the two designs represent changes introduced during the development phase of the weapon and that the newer one represents the final configuration, or simply the latest iteration before the design is finalized.

Making matters more confusing is the fact that another Haeil-type underwater drone was also shown at the Weapons and Equipment Exhibition 2023, which took place earlier this week and was attended by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian Minister of Defense Sergei Shoigu. The only image available so far suggests a vehicle that looks a lot like those seen in yesterdays parade, although it appears to be smaller.

https://twitter.com/stoa1984/status/1684901192105631744?s=20

Either way, its clear that North Korea is actively working on a long-range underwater drone that is very likely intended to deliver a nuclear warhead.

With battery propulsion, North Koreas new underwater drone will not have anything approaching the range of the Poseidon  which is effectively almost unlimited. However, its size suggests it will have a range in excess of the 540 nautical miles attributed to the Haeil-2. The kinds of targets that it can threaten will also depend heavily on exactly how its intended to be launched.

If, as expected, it is fitted with a nuclear warhead, it also seems likely that the new underwater drone is primarily intended to strike similar kinds of targets as the Poseidon, namely coastal installations, which it could hit with little to no warning. In such a way, it could be used to deliver a knockout blow to elements of South Koreas expanding naval fleet before they get a chance to go to sea.

A screen capture from a Russian Ministry of Defense video showing a Poseidon during production:

POSEIDON TORPEDO production

Alternatively, the underwater drone could be used to attack South Korean coastal cities, especially if fitted with the same kind of dirty warhead that has been repeatedly suggested is a feature of the Poseidon. This would ensure not only the usual thermonuclear destruction but would also spread radioactive contamination over a wide area, including potentially via the creation of large radioactive waves.

With the much smaller distances involved in a confrontation on the Korean peninsula, the more limited range of the North Korean underwater drone would be much less of an issue. At the same time, it would offer many of the same benefits as the Poseidon, being hard to detect and defend against, and, above all else, providing a strategic nuclear warhead delivery option that avoids existing missile defense systems.

An official Russian Ministry of Defense video highlighting the capabilities of the Poseidon:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_7hWSv689Q

Depending on how the underwater drone is launched, it could possibly also provide North Korea with a second strike capability to complement its submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs). This would come into play if Seoul were to try and paralyze North Koreas strategic nuclear forces in a first-strike scenario. At the same time, its worth noting that Pyongyang seems to have struggled with fielding a workable SLBM, hampered to a significant degree by the lack of a genuinely suitable submarine to launch it from. It may be that case that the underwater drone is seen as a more practical and achievable alternative to SLBMs.

A test launch of a North Korean SLBM from a submerged launcher in a lake:

Again, if intended to be nuclear-armed as predicted, the new underwater drone also provides further evidence of North Korea exploring new ways of delivering its strategic weapons, which will not only provide more strike options and a greater number of delivery systems in total but also increase the resilience of its nuclear forces in general, making them significantly less vulnerable to preemptive or counterattacks.

https://twitter.com/JosephHDempsey/status/1684491860733988864?s=20

As well as increasingly large and longer-ranged intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) plus shorter-range ballistic missiles, and the aforementioned SLBMs, in recent years Pyongyang has also demonstrated a ground-launched cruise missile, a hypersonic boost-glide vehicle, and a railcar-based missile launcher.

Aside from this nuclear role, its also possible that the underwater drone will help North Korea expand its UUV knowledge. Other missions for these types of vehicles could one day follow. The U.S. Navy, for example, is currently exploring the use of UUVs for sowing sea mines, which could also be of interest to North Korea, with its extensive mine warfare program. While some other roles may be beyond North Korean technological prowess at this time, the new drone could also eventually pave the way to experiments with UUVs able to perform missions like underwater surveillance or even being capable of executing cruise missile launches.

It's also worth noting that North Korea captured an American UUV back when the technology was still largely clandestine and highly experimental. That vehicle was captured over 17 years ago, near the city of Hamhung. Sutton writes:

"North Korea claimed that it was a US Navy device. At the time it was reported that the US dismissed the reports. The vehicle closely resembles the US Navy's NMRS (Near-term Mine Reconnaissance System).

The near-term mine reconnaissance system (NMRS) was an interim system until a long term system was available. The project started in the mid-1990s when covert mine reconnaissance was identified as a top priority.

Missions included remote surveillance in shallow and deep water, including precise location and classification of mine-like objects. It could also be used for [the] detection of gaps in minefields that could be exploited by covert and amphibious forces. And surveillance of coastal environments preceding an amphibious assault. A typical system had two torpedo-shaped, tethered unmanned uncrewed vehicles (UUVs). These were launched/recovered from Los Angeles class submarines via the torpedo tubes."

https://twitter.com/ChrisV3141/status/1229077826084786178?s=20

The fully intact vehicle is now displayed as a trophy next to the USS Pueblo in Pyongyang. It isn't clear exactly what North Korea gleaned from this system or if it influenced the design and technology used in the new large UUV-torpedo.

At this stage, the new underwater drone remains highly mysterious. While we await further details of this weapon with interest, its safe to say that it points, once again, to North Korea continuing to accelerate the development of its strategic systems as well as expand them into new modes of delivery.

Contact the author: thomas@thewarzone.com
The U.S. Department of Labor has found a North Texas winery in wage violation and ordered them to pay nearly $160,000 in owed wages and damages to employees, officials said.

Sloan & Williams Winery in Grapevine is accused of retaining and paying tips in the form of quarterly bonuses to employees who were not eligible for tips and miscalculating overtime pay, according to a Department of Labor press release. A 14-year-old and 15-year-old were also permitted to work more hours than legally allowed for minors in violation of child labor laws.

The establishment also failed to keep required information on its employees, accurate records of hours worked and payroll records, according to the release.

Jesus Valdez, the director of the Department of Labors Wage and Hour Division in Dallas, said the winerys actions invalidated the tip pool.

The department will pursue corrective action vigorously to ensure accountability, deter future violations and prevent violators from gaining a competitive advantage, Valdez said in the release.

Sloan & Williams Winery is required to pay $$79,263 in owed wages and $79,263 in damages to 69 employees, according to the release. They also had to pay a nearly $1,600 penalty for violation of the child labor law.
Two photographers with impeccable timing recently captured all-natural light shows when the glowing auroras danced above lightning in North Dakota and bioluminescence lights in Washington.

Elan Azriel in Aneta, North Dakota, was in the right place at the right time when he recorded the time-lapse video above. The green, purple and red hues of the Northern Lights made a powerful backdrop to thunderstorms happening in the distance.

"I witnessed a strong thunderstorm producing frequent lightning and incredibly rare red sprites. Behind this storm, the aurora danced brightly, creating a rare and beautiful scene," Azriel said of the video.

7 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE NORTHERN LIGHTS

Azriel's reference to "sprites" describes the mysterious flashes that happen above thunderstorms. Sprites can look like bolts of red lighting or take on the shape of jellyfish.



Aurora Borealis, or the Northern Lights, happen in the Northern Hemisphere and are caused when charged particles from the sun create solar wind that eventually crashes into Earth's atmosphere.

The color of the lights will vary from green or yellow to red and purple, depending on the type of gas molecules in Earth's magnetic field.

Auroras mostly happen in areas near the polar regions, but a strong solar flare can create auroras in the Northern Tier.

The Northern Lights shine atop a blue glow of bioluminescence at Cape Flattery, Washington on July 25, 2023.

Patience paid off for a photographer who braved hours perched on a precious cliff in the dark along the rugged Washington coast, waiting for an experience that he described as a "show of a lifetime."

With active solar activity in the forecast Tuesday night, Mathew Nichols ventured out to the rocky cliffs of Cape Flattery in the hopes of capturing a glimpse of the Northern Lights at the same time the ocean waters glowed blue with bioluminescence.

"I spent over 5 hours on a rocky cliff staring at the sky and this lighthouse in the middle of the night waiting for my chance to get this shot," Nichols said. "For the first few hours, clouds looked like they were going to ruin the show."

Story continues

TIPS FOR SPOTTING THE NORTHERN LIGHTS

But he said he stayed patient on a "very uncomfortable cliff" and anxiously awaited some cloud cover until the aurora began dancing across the northern horizon.

"The Aurora Borealis started off kind of weak and then surprised me with this INCREDIBLE display," Nichols wrote.

GLOWING REVIEW: EXPLORING THE BEAUTY OF BIOLUMINESCENCE

Nichols has been to the coast many times to capture bioluminescence  the blue tinge in the waters was from living organisms producing light.

"Bioluminescence is when living organisms produce light, so they have the chemistry within their cells, their bodies to have a chemical reaction that involves (the) release of energy comes out as light that we can see," said Michael Latz, a marine biologist at Scripps Institution of Oceanography through the University of California, San Diego.

The single-celled plankton, called dinoflagellates, release that energy when excited by wave action.

"This (photo) goes to show that good things come to those who have patience," Nichols said.
By Louise Rasmussen

COPENHAGEN (Reuters) - Norway and Finland face record outbreaks of bird flu this year which have killed thousands of seagulls and other species, put livestock at risk and restricted travel in some areas, officials said.

Avian influenza, commonly called bird flu, has circulated throughout Europe in recent years, leading to a cull in May and June of millions of birds on French farms alone and affecting the supply of poultry meat and eggs.

Officials in the Arctic town of Vadso, part of Norway's Finnmark county, said they had collected more than 10,000 dead birds in the area and the Norwegian Food Safety Authority on Thursday imposed a travel ban covering three nature reserves.

"The outbreaks we are seeing in various places in Finnmark this year are much larger than we have seen in the past in Norway," said Ole-Herman Tronerud, the chief veterinary officer at the Norwegian Food Safety authority.

The H5N1 virus strain has spread among poultry and wild birds for years but there have been sporadic outbreaks reported globally in mammals such as cats, mink and otters.

Neighbouring Finland also said wild birds were heavily affected and that the H5N1 strain has now been found in 20 fur farms, up from 12 earlier this week.

"The pathogen was confirmed as a variant circulating especially among the seagulls," Finland's ministry of social affairs and health said in a statement on Wednesday.

Three U.N. agencies this month warned that outbreaks globally raised concerns that the virus might adapt to infect humans more easily, and urged countries to strengthen disease surveillance and improve hygiene at poultry farms.

The World Health Organization has said that the risk to humans from H5N1 remains low, but said reports of infections in mammals needed to be monitored closely.

(Reporting by Louise Breusch Rasmussen; editing by Terje Solsvik and Toby Chopra)
Jonas Andersen Sayed, the mayor of the city of Sokndal in Norway, has made an 11-day bicycle tour to the village of Zaliztsi in Ternopil Oblast, raising NOK 150,400 [approximately US$14,500  ed.] for the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Source: European Pravda referring to Stavanger Aftenblad, a Norwegian outlet

Details: Andersen cycled from Sokndal to Zaliztsi, which became sister cities after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The mayor of Sokndal was accompanied by a car donated by the Norwegian initiative Biler til Ukraina (Cars for Ukraine) to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

f

PHOTO: ANDRII NOHA / FACEBOOK

For the money raised during the last bike tour, Andersen and Andrii Noha, the head of Zaliztsi community, purchased two Mavic drones, computer equipment for artillery, tablets, a thermal imager and a power generator.

Noha said on Facebook that the items had already been handed over to the Ukrainian military who were pleased with the gifts.

g

PHOTO: ANDRII NOHA / FACEBOOK

As reported by Norwegian outlet NRK, this is Andersen's fourth trip to Ukraine by bike since the start of the full-scale invasion. During each of them, he raised money to help the Ukrainian military.

g

PHOTO: JONAS ANDERSEN SAYED / FACEBOOK

Among other things, after the first trip, the mayor of Sokndal managed to raise about the same amount. These funds saved the life of a Ukrainian soldier who could have died without the urgently needed medicines. He is currently undergoing rehabilitation in Germany.

Earlier this year, a broad majority in the Norwegian parliament agreed on a multi-year support program for Ukraine worth almost 7 billion.

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!






Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, 81, froze midsentence while addressing reporters on Wednesday, prompting Republican colleagues to lead him away from the microphone. (J. Scott Applewhite / Associated Press)

California Sen. Dianne Feinstein, who has fac ed questions in recent years about her mental capacity and fitness for office, got some unwelcome company in the health spotlight this week.

In a moment that cast a grim light on America's aging leadership, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) froze midsentence while opening his weekly news conference Wednesday, standing unblinking with his mouth pursed for a full 20 seconds before his colleagues escorted him away from the microphones and Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) crossed herself.

McConnell, 81, is not much older than President Biden or former President Trump. A severe health crisis for any of them could change the direction of the nation. But none of America's oldest leaders show any signs of stepping away anytime soon, despite a long history of lawmakers who cant resist running for just one more term and end up remaining in office through physical and mental decline.

Age isnt just a number. The older people are, the more likely they are to face health problems. And McConnells scary moment wasnt the only sign this week of the risks of electing  and reelecting  aged lawmakers.

Feinstein, the Senates oldest member at 90, has repeatedly appeared confused and forgetful since she returned to the Senate in May after an extended stretch away to recover from a bad bout with shingles. Feinstein's office said she would return to California for the Senate's August recess; she had declined to travel home over lawmakers' Fourth of July break.

But her recent performance wont alleviate concerns about her mental fitness.

On Thursday morning, Feinstein attempted to deliver a speech when it was her turn to state her vote during a standard roll call on the Senate Appropriations Committee. As she began to read from prepared remarks in support of an amendment, an aide quickly jumped in to interrupt her, whispering into her ear as committee Chair Patty Murray (D-Wash.), seated next to Feinstein, repeatedly told her to just say, 'Aye.'

Story continues

OK. Just ... a confused-looking Feinstein began to ask Murray. Aye, Murray replied with a thumbs-up. Feinstein declared, Aye, with a chuckle.

Not long afterward, as an aide wheeled her to the Senate floor for votes there, I approached and asked Feinstein whether she had any thoughts on McConnells apparent health scare.

No? Healthcare? she asked.

Feinstein may have misheard or misunderstood the question, so I began to explain what had happened with McConnell at Wednesday's news conference  a topic that was the central focus of most senators' and reporters conversations on Capitol Hill on Thursday.

I didnt know that. I didnt see that, she said.

An aide jumped in. I dont know if I gave you an update on that, Senator, so Ill give you an update. It was happening when there were some votes happening, the aide said.

Oh, I know what you  she interjected. Well, I wish him well. Hes a strong man and this is really when that kind of strength comes in. So: Say a prayer, cross my fingers, do it all.

The aide then wheeled her onto an elevator.

Before Trump, Ronald Reagan was the countrys oldest president, leaving office just before his 78th birthday. Hed joked about his age during his reelection campaign, saying during a 1984 debate with Democratic challenger Walter F. Mondale, 56, that he was not going to exploit, for political purposes, [his] opponents youth and inexperience.

Reagan announced in 1994, nearly six years after leaving office, that he had Alzheimers disease. One of Reagans sons has said that his father started showing signs of the diseases effects on his cognition before his second term had begun, and CBS News reporter Lesley Stahl has recalled Reagan seemingly glazing over and not remembering her during a meeting in 1986, more than two years before he left office.

But Reagan was young compared with how old Biden or Trump would be during a second term if one is reelected in 2024.

Biden, 80, is already the oldest president in U.S. history, and if reelected hell be expected to serve until hes 86. Trump, now 77, leads early polls for the Republican nomination to challenge Biden in 2024.

Biden retains the traces of a childhood stutter and has long been prone to gaffes or verbal stumbles. But the president renewed concerns about his health last month when he tripped over a sandbag onstage at the Air Force Academy's graduation ceremony in Colorado.

In the weeks since the episode, Biden has repeatedly used the shorter staircase when boarding Air Force One and has kept a lighter evening schedule than most presidents. He faced criticism for skipping a dinner during the NATO summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, earlier this month as well as a dinner with foreign leaders during the Group of 20 summit in Bali, Indonesia, in November.

Dr. Kevin O'Connor, the president's physician, said in February that Biden "remains fit for duty, and fully executes all of his responsibilities without any exemptions or accommodations."

Still, questions surrounding his age have dogged Biden, and Republicans have highlighted every miscue and stumble.

In a June NBC poll, 68% of registered voters said they had major or moderate concerns about Biden's mental and physical fitness to serve as president, compared with 55% who said the same of his potential rival Trump. Only 33% of U.S. adults said they think Biden is in good enough physical shape for the office, while 64% said the same of Trump.

Republicans have been making hay out of Bidens age and sharpness since the 2020 presidential campaign, and last year dozens of House Republicans sent an open letter demanding that he take a cognitive test.

Some of Trump's rivals for his party's nomination have tried to make an issue of his age  but those efforts appear to have gained far less traction among the aging Republican electorate expected to vote in next year's GOP primary contests.

America is not past our prime  its just that our politicians are past theirs, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley said during her campaign launch early this year, before calling for mandatory mental competency tests for politicians over 75 years old.

Many younger lawmakers are clamoring for a more robust generational change. But that doesnt mean theyre thrilled to talk about it.

I would just say that our greatest generation loves to serve  and we are grateful for their service, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), 56, said with a tight grin when asked about her aged colleagues.

Although Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), age 43, opposed McConnells reelection as Senate Republican leader and has called for a generational change in the GOP, he stressed that his opposition to McConnell wasnt about the leader's age or health.

Is age a problem for Trump and Biden?

It's true. Our leadership is very old, Hawley said. It's a problem for the current occupant of the White House, clearly.

Has age impacted Trump?

Not that we've seen right now, but what is he, 78? Hawley told The Times, overestimating the former president's age. I mean, just as a factual matter, all of these guys are old.

Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Fremont), 46, one of the few California Democrats who has called for Feinstein to step down, said young people want a new generation of leadership.

After Biden beats Trump, there will be a needed clearing-out of politicians who have clung to their positions for decades, and a chance for bold, imaginative, dynamic leaders to solve problems that have plagued us for decades, he said.

But Khanna is backing 77-year-old Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Oakland) in next year's race for the Senate seat Feinstein plans to leave when her term ends in January 2025; and he was a national co-chairman on the 2020 presidential campaign of Sen. Bernie Sanders, now 81.

Khanna said that supporting Biden is necessary to beat Trump.

With the threat of Trump's return  one of the biggest brands in modern American life  Democrats know we need a brand Americans trust to win, and that's why we are going to support Biden and not gamble on the new thing, he texted The Times.

Do I believe it's time for generational change? Yeah, I do, said Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas). Leadership from the baby boomer generation and shortly thereafter has been in charge for a helluva long time. And I mean, honestly, they've been screwing up the country long enough.

Roy, 50 and a member of the subsequent Generation X, said that is part of the reason he's one of the few Republican lawmakers who have endorsed Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, 44, for president instead of Trump.

But lawmakers in Congress largely remain delicate when discussing age, given the sensitivities of the issue and their personal relationships with elder colleagues.

Whether its Sen. McConnell, whether it's Sen. Feinstein or anybody else, it's a very individual decision to continue to serve or ... step away, said Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), a former member of Feinstein's staff.

McConnell, the longest-serving party leader in Senate history, returned to the microphones for a few minutes on Wednesday after his freeze-up, and insisted, Im fine. He told reporters that hed felt lightheaded.

He spoke on the Senate floor later that day and was at work on Thursday. He later told reporters that Biden had called him to check in, and joked that he told Biden, I got sandbagged  a reference to Bidens fall at the Air Force Academy graduation.

McConnell suffered a bad fall of his own in March, and was hospitalized for a concussion and fractured rib. He was absent from the Senate for six weeks.

He has also reportedly had other recent falls, including one during a trip to Finland in February and another at Reagan National Airport outside Washington two weeks ago. He reportedly got up and continued on with his day after both falls.

A survivor of childhood polio, McConnell has long walked slowly and cautiously. But since his return to the Senate this spring, he has moved more slowly, occasionally using a wheelchair.

One of his aides pointed out that McConnell had delivered a floor speech after Wednesday's news conference, but declined to say whether the episode was connected to McConnells earlier fall, or to tell The Times whether the GOP leader had seen a doctor since the news conference.

Until recently, the House was another bastion of gerontocracy. But last year, then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco), 83, and her octogenarian deputies, Steny H. Hoyer (D-Md.) and James E. Clyburn (D-S.C.), stepped down from leadership. Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), 52, Katherine Clark (D-Mass.), 60, and Pete Aguilar (D-Redlands), 44, took over.

What we have seen in the leadership from Speaker Pelosi and Leader Hoyer and Jim Clyburn has been helpful to the Democratic Caucus, and I think it's been viewed incredibly positively by the members, Aguilar told The Times. We revere and hold up the work that they have done and continue to do. But, you know, we have benefited from a Leader Jeffries at this moment.

Still, there isnt a direct line between age and health.

Freshman Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.), 53, suffered a stroke just days before the Democratic primary during his 2022 run, and has since been treated for depression. Then-Sen. Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) had a stroke at age 52 that sidelined him from work for almost a full year in 2012.

And not every octogenarian has slowed down. Sanders, the Senates third-oldest member, seems just as sharp in conversations as when he first won a race for Congress in 1990, two years before Feinstein's election to the Senate.

Sanders told The Times that he hoped voters would look at the whole individual, not just age.

Age is a factor. Experience is a factor. Most important is what your views are and what you're doing for your constituency, he said. Age is one of many factors that should be taken into consideration, but I hope we don't become an ageist society.

But the risk of major medical problems rises dramatically with age  including those that affect cognitive ability.

Multiple senators of both parties said that McConnell had seemed normal in interactions on Wednesday night and Thursday morning.

Sen. Charles E. Grassley (R-Iowa), at 89 the second-oldest member of the Senate, said hed talked with McConnell at almost 10 p.m. Wednesday, and hadnt seen any signs that he was struggling. He dismissed questions about whether the GOP leader's age should be a concern.

Im a rising 90-year-old, Grassley said with a smile as he walked with a slight limp to the Senate floor. Age is just a number.

Congress has a long history of lawmakers sticking around well past their primes.

Sens. Strom Thurmond (R-S.C.), 100, and Robert C. Byrd (D-W.Va.), 92, both died in office earlier this century after years of declining physical and mental health. Massachusetts' Sen. Edward M. Kennedy's death at age 77 in 2009 cost Democrats uncontested control of the Senate and stalled President Obamas legislative agenda.

And Mississippi GOP Sen. Thad Cochrans cognitive decline was a campaign issue in his 2014 primary. Days after he won that race at age 76, he got lost on the way to the Senates weekly Republican lunch, tried to walk into the Democrats lunch instead, then needed my help to find the room hed visited countless times before  which was just around the corner. Almost four more years passed before Cochran retired. He died soon after at 81.

Times staff writers Courtney Subramanian and Owen Tucker-Smith 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.
In Buffalo, Rochester and others cities around New York, the deadly gun violence that surged on their streets and around the U.S. during the pandemic shows signs of abating.

Gov. Kathy Hochul visited her hometown of Buffalo to celebrate that trend with local leaders on Friday. Shootings with injuries in the state's second largest city plunged by 33% last year and by another 39% in the first half of this year, according to state data. Gunfire claimed 11 Buffalo lives in those six months, a 69% drop from the same period last year.

Hochul, appearing with Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown and law enforcement officials, credited the declines in shootings and other violent crime in Buffalo to local crime-fighting efforts, seizures of illegal guns and state-funded programs that support those activities.

Gov. Kathy Hochul speaks in Buffalo about decreasing gun violence across New York on July 28, 2023.

"Holding out Buffalo as a model this day is an opportunity for us to say, they're doing it right, the numbers are trending in a positive direction," Hochul said. "And more people are alive today in Buffalo as a result of these efforts."

Similar shooting declines have played out across the state.

Ghost guns: Gov. Hochul, police warn about spread of ghost guns as seizures ramp up in NY

How much has gun violence declined in NY?

Rochester, which saw huge spikes in gunfire in 2020 and 2021, reversed course last year and continues to drop. In the first six months of 2023, shootings with injuries were down 29% and gun deaths decreased by 41% compared to the same period last year, according to figures from the state Division of Criminal Justice Services.

Rochester's drops matched the overall declines for 20 police jurisdictions across New York where police have been given state funding to reduce gun violence. In addition to Buffalo and Rochester, that list includes Yonkers, Syracuse, Utica, Binghamton, Mount Vernon, Albany and Newburgh.

Gov. Kathy Hochul speaks in Buffalo about decreasing gun violence across New York on July 28, 2023.

In New York City, shootings are down 27% this year compared to the same period last year, according to the police department's weekly figures. The city also reported significant drops this year in homicides, rapes and burglaries, although assaults have risen.

Story continues

At Friday's press conference in Buffalo, Police Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia attributed the decreased shootings to his officers' hard work and a plan the department made last year to be "present, visible and engaged" in the community. Those efforts wouldn't have been possible without city and state funding the force received, he said.

Crime data: Crime is surging in New York City. But it dropped in the Hudson Valley

"I love to talk data, I love to talk numbers, but we are talking human lives, we're talking people," Gramaglia said. "We have significantly less people shot, we have signficantly less people that have been killed by gun violence. And our officers of the Buffalo Police Department are working very, very hard to bring those numbers down."

On the first anniversary of the Tops shooting in Buffalo, Shamara Cross of Buffalo and her daughter, Shayla, 6, came after church to pay respects to the 10 residents who were killed.

Buffalo was the site of horrible mass shooting last year: the racially motivated attack by a white gunman with a semiautomatic rifle that left 10 Black people dead and three injured at a Tops supermarket. Those 10 fatalities were among the 54 people killed by gun violence in Buffalo last year.

Hochul also highlighted on Friday the increases in illegal gun seizures in Buffalo and across the state. The statewide tally in the first six months of this year was 4,611, fewer guns than police agencies had taken at this time last year but 52% more than they had seized over the same period in 2019.

Chris McKenna covers government and politics for The Journal News and USA Today Network. Reach him at cmckenna@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: NY shootings, gun deaths have dropped sharply. Here are the numbers
DENVER (AP)  A Colorado police officer who put a handcuffed woman in a parked police vehicle that was hit by a freight train was found guilty of reckless endangerment and assault but was acquitted of a third charge of criminal attempt to commit manslaughter during a trial Friday.

Jordan Steinke was the first of two officers to go to trial over the Sept. 16, 2022, crash that left Yareni Rios-Gonzalez seriously injured.

Theres no reasonable doubt that placing a handcuffed person in the back of a patrol car, parked on railroad tracks, creates a substantial and unjustifiable risk of harm by the train, said Judge Timothy Kerns.

But the evidence didn't convince Kerns that Steinke knowingly intended to harm Ms. Rios-Gonzalez," and he added that Stienke had shown shock and remorse.

Steinke testified that she did not know that the patrol car of another officer she was helping was parked on the tracks even though they can be seen on her body camera footage along with two railroad crossing signs. Steinke said she was focused on the threat that could come from Rios-Gonzalez and her pickup truck, not the ground.

Steinke said she put Rios-Gonzalez in the other officers vehicle because it was the nearest spot to temporarily hold her. She said she didnt know the train was coming until just before it hit.

The judge found that Steinke observed the tracks, but failed to appreciate the risk.

There was no jury in Steinkes trial, which started Monday. Instead, Kerns listened to the evidence and issued the verdict. Mallory Revel, Steinkes attorney, didnt immediately respond to requests by phone and email for comment.

Steinke, who was working for the Fort Lupton Police Department at the time of the crash, was charged with criminal attempt to commit manslaughter, a felony; and reckless endangerment and third-degree assault, both misdemeanors.

The other officer, Pablo Vazquez, who worked for the police department in nearby Platteville, is being prosecuted for misdemeanor counts of reckless endangerment and traffic offenses. He hasnt entered a plea yet. His lawyer, Reid Elkus, didn't immediately respond to a request by phone for comment.

Story continues

Vazquez pulled over Rios-Gonzalez on a rural road that intersects U.S. Highway 85 after she was accused of pointing a gun at another driver. Trains pass on tracks that parallel the highway about a dozen times a day, prosecutors said, and the sound of their horns is common in the area north of Denver.

Rios-Gonzalez, who suffered a traumatic brain injury, is suing over her treatment. She later pleaded no contest to misdemeanor menacing, said one of her lawyers, Chris Ponce, who was in court to watch the trial. Rios-Gonzalez did not testify or attend herself.

Steinke said she placed Rios-Gonzalez in the other police car temporarily because it was the nearest place to keep her secure, a move that is standard practice for high-risk traffic stops, said defense expert witness Steve Ijames. He also testified that in dangerous situations officers can become hyperfocused on particular threats and overlook things that turn out to be important in hindsight.

Steinke, who drove at around 100 mph (161 kph) at times on her way to backup Vazquez, testified that she was surprised to see him sitting in his vehicle when she arrived, rather than pointing a gun at Rios-Gonzalezs truck. She said she quickly parked her patrol vehicle behind his and got out because it was the quickest way to get a gun in the fight.

Steinke also said she did not notice the tracks or the ground when she squatted down to arrest a kneeling Rios-Gonzalez along the tracks after the suspect was ordered out of her pickup truck.

When pressed by Deputy District Attorney Christopher Jewkes, Steinke replied, I am sure I saw the tracks sir, but I did not perceive them. She said she was focused on the suspect and the potential threat she posed and was fairly certain that the traffic stop would end in gunfire.

I never in a million years thought a train was going to come plowing through my scene, Steinke said.

The Weld County District Attorneys office didnt immediately respond to a request by phone for comment.

___

This story has been updated to correct that the officer was acquitted of the charge of criminal attempt to commit manslaughter, not manslaughter.

___

Bedayn is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.
The so-called "interior ministry" of the Russian occupation government in Donetsk had been damaged in a strike, Petro Andriushchenko, an advisor to the exiled mayor of Mariupol, reported on July 28.

Russian state news agency RIA Novosti claimed that a Ukrainian strike damaged buildings around the Dzerzhinsky Square in the city's center. No causalities were reported, the agency said.

RIA Novosti made no mention of the "interior ministry" building in its report.

Earlier today, the city of Taganrog in Rostov Oblast suffered damage in what Russian officials claimed to have been a Ukrainian missile strike.

According to Rostov Oblast Governor Vasily Golubev, at least 12 people were injured in the Taganrog.

The Russian Defense Ministry said that Ukraine launched two S-200 missiles over the oblast. Both of them were shot down, but the debris of the first projectile caused damage in the city, the ministry claims.

Russian forces struck Ukrainian cities on the evening of July 28. An apartment building was hit by a Russian attack on Dnipro, according to photos and videos shared by residents.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Ukrainian forces liberate Staromaiorske village in southeast, reportedly ramp up counteroffensive
Guangdong, Macao branded products fair opens in Macao

Xinhua) 10:49, July 28, 2023

MACAO, July 27 (Xinhua) -- The 2023 Guangdong and Macao Branded Products Fair kicked off on Thursday in China's Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR), pooling together over 400 enterprises with their quality products ranging from pre-made dishes, electric vehicles to daily necessities and jewelry.

Covering an area of around 9,000 square meters, the four-day event sees 20 percent more exhibitors in general and three times more exhibitors along the Belt and Road compared with last year.

This year's fair is aimed at promoting two-way exchanges and cooperation between enterprises in Guangdong and Macao, given that trade between the two sides accounts for more than 60 percent of the total trade between Macao and the Chinese mainland, according to the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute and the Department of Commerce of Guangdong Province, co-hosts of the event.

This year, the fair also invited over 300 professional visitors from the mainland and along the Belt and Road as well as customer groups organized by governments and e-commerce platforms alike to facilitate business agreements.

The event was held for the 15th time this year.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Wu Chaolan)
Charges have been filed against Sarah Hopkins, who allegedly stole a vehicle in Butler County while she was reported missing and endangered in Ohio.

State police in Butler were searching for the 20-year-old on July 24 in the area of Ridgeview Road and Moorehead Road in Winfield Township after a vehicle was stolen from a nearby garage. Hopkins was believed to be driving the vehicle.

She was later found in Ohio in a stolen vehicle.

Pennsylvania state police have charged her with two counts each of burglary, theft and criminal trespass.

Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW

TRENDING NOW:

17-year-old dead after stabbing in Schenley Park Sinead OConnor death: Police release statement Mother of 17-year-old who died after stabbing in Schenley Park shares her tragic experience VIDEO: Residents of local apartment building damaged in fire still looking for permanent housing, answers DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts
Olena Duma, head of the ARMA since June 30

A dozen of jobs, lack of systemic results, conflicts, and murky connections. The career of the new leader of Ukraines Asset Recovery and Management Agency (ARMA), Olena Duma, resembles that of a shrewd official who, over the years, has turned into a technocratic figure close to post-Soviet security services.

On June 30, the Cabinet of Ministers appointed 43-year-old Olena Duma as head of ARMA. It is now one of the most scandal-ridden state bodies, which is criticized by everyone for inaction and lack of transparency, from MPs, to businesses, and the public sector.

But it is also very valuable, in a literal sense. It is ARMA that is seeking out and accumulating billions in assets of sanctioned Russian and Belarusian businessmen, as well as individual Ukrainian oligarchs like Mikhail Fridman, Ihor Kolomoisky, and Dmytro Firtash.

The appearance of this new leader for the agency immediately caused a stir among Ukraines anti-corruption organizations and raised concerns among allies. Dumas appointment broke the patience of even the politically correct representatives of Transparency International Ukraine (TI), who for many years have chosen their public comments very carefully. They called Duma's appointment "erroneous," emphasizing that it "could put an end to ARMA."

Read also: Medvedchuk registered anti-Ukrainian "public organization" in Russia

Their main argument was that Duma worked in the social and environmental spheres and does not have managerial experience in criminal justice bodies, and is also politically biased, as she organized a rally in support of Volodymyr Zelenskyys candidacy during the 2019 elections.

Critics of the appointment also mention her possible contacts with Oleh Kulinich, the former head of the Crimean department of the SBU, who was detained on suspicion of high treason.

Vitaly Shabunin, Chairman of the Board of the Anti-Corruption Action Center noted that in 2020, Duma participated in a smear against Joe Biden, when she appeared at a joint press conference with Sam Kislin, a financial donor of Rudolph Giuliani, Donald Trump's lawyer.

Story continues

Subsequently, Olexander Lemenov, chairman of the board of StateWatch, undiplomatically called Duma an "agent of pro-Russian influences." Ukraines G7 partners published a short tweet with comments on the procedure of selecting ARMAs new head.

But the decision had already been made.

How has Duma reacted to this? The new ARMA head recorded a brief video in which she accused Shabunin and Lemenov of crafting a campaign against her.

NV spoke to more than a dozen politicians, former officials, law enforcement officers and asked the official herself in order to find out whether the accusations against Duma are fair, whether her work as the head of the agency is subject to the outside influence, and to create a political portrait of the new leader of ARMA.

Spoiler alert: there were some surprises.



Ties with intelligence agencies

In April 2019, Zelenskyy campaign headquarters held an unusual event.

Several hundred pensioners and students, who were gathered by little-known trade unions and public organizations, assembled holding patriotic slogans. The organizers of the rally alternately took the floor, speaking for everything good and against everything bad. The bad: from the loss of Crimea in 2014 to corruption schemes in the energy sector, the defense industry and the agro-industrial complex, all resembling the arguments of the opponents of the then-President Petro Poroshenko, which were tanking his approval ratings.

We have resonant high-profile cases like Rotterdam plus, Svinarchuk-Gladkovsky, cases related to the theft of the budget in the agrarian sector and the distribution of agricultural subsidies to the persons close to the current president of Ukraine, Olena Duma, the organizer of the event, who represented trade union Ridna Zemlya (Native Earth), declaimed into a megaphone. She did not specify what connection trade unions had to these criminal cases.

A certain surrealism was added by the fact that Duma herself at that time was the director of a department in the Ecology Ministry and, obviously, may have been violating the law prohibiting civil servants from engaging in political agitation.

In the end, the head of Zelenskyy's HQ, Ivan Bakanov, came outside and led Duma and her entourage into the building.

Subsequently, Duma published a video on YouTube: Zelenskyy is the hope of the nation and the protector of our national security! Poro (president Poroshenko) out! Separatists behind bars!

Dmytro Razumkov, the former speaker of the Ukrainian parliament, who was present at that meeting, recalled in a conversation with NV that he had seen Duma at Zelenskyy campaign headquarters at least twice.

I dont remember the role [Duma held in the Zelenskyy campaign headquarters], but Bakanov brought her, he told NV.

Two months later, Bakanov was heading Ukraines SBU security service. In a comment to NV, Duma did not specify whether she had maintained contacts with Bakanov when he headed the service. But several NV sources mentioned her possible connections with the SBU at one point.

Read also: What to know about Stanislav Kravchenko  Ukraines new Supreme Court Chief Justice

Two years before the elections, in 2017, Duma was also close to the security service officers, although they were former officers working with the Justice party of another former SBU headm Valentyn Nalyvaichenko. Together with him, in 2017, Dumas trade union protested against the opening of the land market, according to a publication on the party website. Nalyvaichenko refused to speak to NV about his cooperation with Duma.

Duma told NV that she had signed a framework memorandum with the political party, which symbolized Nalyvaichenko's support for the ideas of Ridna Zemlya.

An ex-official at one of the state agencies where Olena Duma worked throughout her career told NV on the condition of anonymity that Duma came to the agency under the patronage of the SBU.

According to NV's interlocutor in the SBU, now the Duma may be connected with the information security department of the security service, which is headed by influential official Artem Shilo.

Read also: SBU charges former MP Aristov with fraud

Since leaving service in 2021, Shilo has been an adviser to the Office of the President. He was a guest at the birthday party of Oleh Tatarov, deputy head of the President's Office, among a number of other law enforcement officers.

In an interview with Bihus.info, Shilo admitted that he successfully advised Tatarov, and returned to the service in 2022 at the personal invitation of current SBU head Vasily Malyuk  without Tatarovs involvement. Now Shilo and his department work on counterintelligence at critical infrastructure facilities and the "de-Russification of certain sectors of the economy." Notably, this is one of ARMAs most prominent functions during the war.

Other law enforcement sources have told NV that earlier Duma may have maintained a romantic relationship with Oleh Kulinich, who is now suspected of treason. He served as an adviser to Bakanov on special issues and was the head of SBUs Crimean Central Committee. Kulinich was detained by the State Bureau of Investigations in July 2022.

The SBU told NV that Duma never worked for them. At the same time, it was not made clear whether Duma received access to restricted information as the head of a state body or whether she underwent a backgound check before being appointed.

Changing names, Kislin, and property



Olena Duma has changed her surname three times. She changed her maiden name, Litvinyuk, when she married Andriy Faydevych, an official at the prosecutor's office. The second time, in 2012, she changed it after marrying Mykola Kholevitsky, the first deputy head of the State Ecological Inspectorate in Kyiv. The last time was in 2017, when she married for the third time and received her current surname.





Duma's personal Facebook page appeared only in October 2017, a few months after she last changed her surname, and was immediately filled with events she participated in. However, for two years, Duma herself did not make a single post. The page was filled passively by being tagged in the photos of other users. The first post that Duma made on her own Facebook page was the infamous press conference with Sam Kislin  actually dedicated to discrediting Joe Biden, the then-U.S. presidential candidate.

Duma explained to NV that she had met Kislin during the press conference. Additionally, according to her autobiographies, she changed her place of work within state agencies more than 12 times.

During this time, according to NVs sources, Duma managed to resolve her housing issues and become the owner of two cars. Together with her mother, she owns two adjacent apartments in a residential complex in Kyiv (110 and 85 sq meters, respectively) and another one in the same area of the city  on the left bank of Dnipro River. Her cars are a Toyota Avalon (2008) and MAZDA MX-30 (2021).

Curator of pro-government trade unions

Dumas career as an official is firmly intertwined with her activities in the public sector.

Read also: Global tech sector getting pummeled  layoffs up eightfold in 2023

In 2011, she worked in the registration service of the Justice Ministry. The same year, she joined the public council of the State Land Agency as a representative of a little-known organization called Diya. In 2017, she headed a department in the Ecology Ministry and founded the Ridna Zemlya trade union organization from the employees of the same ministry. Subsequently, she became the leader of another organization called the Nastup (Advance[1] ) trade union. Both organizations are registered with the Justice Ministry, neither has a website.

Duma stated that the composition of Nastup includes organizations of various sectors and ideologies. However, the association does not have information about the number of members in each, or about the size of their collected dues. In addition, NV was unable to clarify with Duma whether Nastup has its own apparatus.

In February 2020, Duma was appointed head of the Social Insurance Fund. She was nominated for the post by Yulia Sokolovska, then the relevant minister, now the deputy head of the Office of the President.

In the same month, Duma ended up in the studio of talk show host Savik Shuster. On this major PR platform, she took the side of former Economy Minister Tymofiy Mylovanov. He tried to convince the public of the need to update the labor code.

The Federation of Trade Unions (FPU) reacted sharply to Duma's speech, calling her a "wolf in sheep's clothing." They noted Ukraine now has about a hundred trade unions that represent no one but their founding owners. The FPU is currently the largest trade union in the country with three million members.

Andriy Pavlovsky, the ex-Minister of Social Policy, in a conversation with NV, described Dumas trade union activities as strike-busting. This involves the creation of directed organizations from controlled workers who try to convince the team to act in the interests of the owners.

One step away from criminal cases

Duma remained at the Social Insurance Fund[2] for about two months, from February to April 2020.

An ex-employee of the fund told NV that Oleh Koval, the then deputy minister of social policy, was responsible for promoting Duma to head of the fund. Shortly before this, Koval himself was appointed a member of the board  at the personal request of former PM Oleksiy Honcharuk.

According to him, Dumas relations with her colleagues did not work out. She immediately began to demand ten memos a day from her subordinates, left them without March bonuses, and began to rearrange the staff, firing dozens of employees without warning and, possibly, in violation of the law. They were replaced by loyalists. In particular, from her first days, Duma brought a dozen of her advisers to the fund.

Duma insisted in her response to NV that these people were fired after they had been exposed as engaging in corruption abuses.

According to the internal documents obtained by NV, in the first weeks at the helm, in addition to exposing corruption, Duma awarded herself several bonuses in the amount of 100% of her monthly wages (UAH 28,000): for each month, for March 8 (International Womens Day), and Easter. Bonus paychecks in the civil service are not unusual, but they can only be received after a certain period of time, and upon successfully meeting certain goals.

New employees also received additional payments from Duma.

Among the first employees she fired were Ihor Yakimov and Mykhailo Oleinik, two heads of regional branches. Within six months, they successfully challenged their dismissals in court.

Read also: Only registered volunteers can avoid taxes on donated funds, says tax service

At the end of April, the funds board assembled all this information during an internal investigation. In May, the Social Insurance Fund announced Duma had been fired due to repeated law violations, and that the materials of the internal investigation would be handed over to law enforcement.

On the pro-Russian TV channel NewsOne, Duma explained that her chair was taken away from her because of her fight against corruption in the Social Insurance Fund. After being dismissed, Dumas appeals were rejected by courts several times and she was unable to regain her position.

The latest decision in the case of the Duma against the Social Insurance Fund was made in April 2023. The Kiev Court of Appeal recognized that the dismissal of the Duma was illegal. Although the Social Insurance Fund itself was already reorganized in 2022, merging with the Pension Fund.

Oleksandr Lemenov of StateWatch learned that Duma herself could have been brought to trial in June 2020, as the National Police opened criminal proceedings on her misuse of funds on an especially large scale during her work in the Social Insurance Fund.

In addition, Duma may be affected by another matter after a statement by Hennady Nebylitsa, the ex-head of the fund's legal department. He claimed that Duma persuaded him to carry out an illegal public procurement in the amount of UAH 200,000 ($5,400), Lemenov wrote.

According to the organization's monitoring report provided to NV, the same amount was provided as payment for a custom video clip on TV and a paid promotion.

Read also: Criminal case against investigative journalist for revealing Russian passport of judge closed

The National Police did not respond to NVs request to confirm or deny whether criminal proceedings had been initiated against Olena Duma and their status as of July 2023.

However, an NV source heard that the case stemming from Nebylitsas statement remains open. It seems that the appointment of a leader with an open criminal case gives the Office of the President, in particular Tatarov, an effective instrument to influence ARMA.





Read also: Criminal case against investigative journalist for revealing Russian passport of judge closed

In the second half of 2021, Duma could have become a defendant in another criminal case  this time from the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU). According to Lemenov, detectives were investigating the receipt of improper benefits by an official of the Infrastructure Ministry. Duma allegedly acted as an intermediary in extorting a bribe of unlawful benefits for making a decision that falls within the competence of this ministry. However, the civil servant in question then resigned.

In other words, Duma could be a real member of a criminal group, but because of the dismissal, the scheme was not implemented, Lemenov wrote in a blog post.

One of the few places where Duma coped with her assigned duties was the Chernihiv Regional State Administration. In 2021, Duma was appointed Deputy Chairman of the Chernihiv Regional State Administration. She dealt primarily with social issues.

Read also: SBU agents nabs Chernihiv criminal gang accused of abducting, torturing citizens

Anna Kovalenko, who headed the Chernihiv Regional State Administration for more than a year, told NV that in October 2020, after her appointment, she was looking for a deputy person who would be responsible for social programs in the region. Yulia Sokolovskaya, deputy head of the OP, recommended Duma to her.

Olena oversaw several important projects and, in general, the child services. In one of the projects, we managed to significantly expand the number of mentors who worked with children  from one person to twenty, Kovalenko explained.

In general, she says that Duma proved to be hardworking and had no significant comments. Duma resigned from the regional state administration after Vyacheslav Chaus replaced Kovalenko.

Candidate for two positions

At the end of 2022, the Duma decided to compete for two positions  director of NABU and ARMA.

Out of 74 entrees for the position of NABU lead, she did not make it to the second round, which trimmed the pool of applicants to 50 individuals.

Duma explained to NV that she had dropped out of the race not because she failed the test, but in order to focus on becoming the head of ARMA.

Read also: Former health minister Stepanov facing charges by NABU

Indeed, I applied [for the competition for the director of NABU], but did not take part, because later a competition was announced for the head of ARMA, where my professional experience can be used more effectively, Duma explained.

Against this background, Duma during interviews with members of the commission presented a thorough analysis with dozens of sections on the state of affairs in ARMA. According to the impressions of those present, the presentation rather resembled a month-long work of a whole team of specialists. Of the ten minutes allotted for the presentation, she spent three times as much  vigorously demonstrating her familiarity with the subject.

One of the judges of the competition, Dmytro Ostapenko, withdrew his vote for Dumas candidacy after the published statements of the G7, TI, CPC, StateWatch.

Duma reacted: Ostapenko's attempt to withdraw the vote for her "undermines the legal system of the state." In any case, there is no legal mechanism for withdrawing a vote. The decision on her appointment by the Cabinet of Ministers was not reviewed.

Read also: Ukrainian army securing its positions around Staromayorske, repelling Russian attacks on villages nearby

The main problem in the history of the appointment of the Duma is that the head of ARMA was a person with almost no successful managerial experience, a blatant political background, without the support of civil society, or experts within the anti-corruption community. This multiplies the risks of pressure and bias  unless, of course, the purpose of this appointment was precisely to preserve the shadow influence of the executive branch over ARMA.

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
Actor and director Olivia Wilde has added another home to her real estate portfoliowhich has gone through some big changes in the past few years. When Wilde and longtime fiance Jason Sudeikis split during the pandemic, it was decided that he would take their historic Brooklyn mansion, and Wilde, their Spanish-style home above Silver Lake in Los Angeles. According to Dirt.com, the Dont Worry Darling director has acquired another LA property: a $6 million Studio City dwelling redesigned by AD100 firm Bestor Architecture. Helmed by Barbara Bestor, the LA-based firm well-known for its thoughtful historic restorations, especially its work on John Lautners 1956 Silvertop house.

Wildes new charcoal gray 1940s build went through a complete restoration in 2015. Originally equipped with just one bedroom, the single-story ranch house currently accommodates four bedrooms and three-and-a-half bathrooms.

Guests are greeted by lush landscaping filled with green shrubs and mature trees as they proceed down a long winding driveway leading to the front door. An open floor plan contains a kitchen with cabinets custom-designed by Bestor, a dining area, and a living room that spills out onto a large covered patio with an outdoor kitchen.

See the video.

The primary bedroom boasts wide glass doors that open up to the homes verdant backyard, featuring landscaping by Judy Kameon, a pool and spa, and an uncovered patio with a fireplace. The property also comes with a detached guest house.

Wilde and Sudeikis had been together since 2011 before they parted ways in 2020. She was romantically linked to Harry Styles a few months after the split. Wilde told Vanity Fair, the complete horses**t idea that I left Jason for Harry is completely inaccurate.

Originally Appeared on Architectural Digest

More Great Celebrity Style Stories From AD
One person was killed and another had to be flown to a hospital after a chain-reaction crash on Route 95 in Topsfield Friday afternoon, according to the Essex County District Attorneys Office.

Massachusetts State Police said two occupants of one of the vehicles involved fled on foot from the scene attempting to run from authorities. Troopers were able to apprehend one of the suspects, later identified as 30-year-old David Guzman of Lynn. But search efforts for the second suspect, believed to be a Lynn male, remains ongoing.

Around 4:20 p.m. a 2008 GMC Acadia SUV occupied by Guzman and the second suspect was traveling southbound on Route 95 near Exit 70 when, for reasons still under investigation, the vehicle suddenly and rapidly decelerated and came to a stop. At the same time, a 52-year-old Peabody man driving a 2007 Chevrolet Impala began to brake in an attempt to avoid hitting the stopped Acadia.

As the Impala decelerated, a 2006 Chevrolet Express Van began to slow down and move to its left in an unsuccessful attempt to avoid a collision. The Impala then struck the Express Van, ejecting two of its passengers.

One of the ejected passengers, identified as Valkisergio Costa Silva, 44, of Centerville, was determined to be deceased at the scene.

The second ejected passenger, a 30-year-old man, suffered serious life-threatening injuries and was flown to a Boston hospital for treatment.

The vans operator, a 32-year-old Yarmouth man, was transported by ambulance to an area hospital with minor injuries.

The operator of the Impala had no apparent injuries.

Following the crash of the other two vehicles, the Acadia pulled over to the breakdown lane and Guzman and the second Lynn man fled on foot into the woods, prompting an extensive search by several troopers, State Police K9 Unit teams, and a State Police Air Wing helicopter crew.

Guzman was arrested and charged with interfering with a police officer. He later posted bail and is awaiting a court date.

Story continues

However, the second Lynn man who police are searching for was observed by witnesses running in the area of the 17th and 18th holes at the Fernwood Country Clubs golf course. He is described as a Hispanic male who was wearing a gray T-shirt.

If you have any information you are urged to contact the police.

The crash is being investigated by the Massachusetts State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section, other elements of the State Police and the Essex County District Attorneys Office State Police Detective Unit.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
Can we take off our "supermom" hats?

It's an idea proposed by author and podcast host Laura Danger who renounced the "do it all" mindset of many mothers in a new TikTok video with more than 36,000 views.

"I will fight anyone in the street who calls me a supermom," the Chicago-based mother of two said in the video. "I'm not a supermom. I never want to be a supermom. I never want anyone to refer to me as 'So strong,' 'Jack of all trades,' 'We literally couldn't do it without her' (and) 'If you weren't here, everything would fall apart.'"

"I never want to be so essential to an organization or a group or even my family that everything relies on me," added Danger. "I want to be important enough that I matter and I want to bring something to the table but I do not want to be the one sustaining anything. I do not want to be so strong. I want to live a life of ease. I want to feel empowered to rest."

Danger continued, "If you were to match the energy and effort being put in by other people and give just as much as them and the whole thing would fall apart, you were overcompensating to a point that it was unsustainable."

"If you are the thing keeping it all together," she said, "it was never sustainable."

Danger tells TODAY.com that she was inspired to create the video after seeing a male TikToker praising women for their "sacrifices.""It made me upset  we have to push past that," she says. "The progress that's been made over the past 20 or 30 years has only been to acknowledge the work of women, especially women of color and single parents who work long hours" as opposed to introducing policies that make moms' lives easier (equal pay, affordable childcare, paid maternity leave).

Danger notes that many of these women often pick up a "second shift" at home.

Story continues

According to The Center for American Progress, the "second shift" unfolds at the end of the day when employed women take on more household and childcare labor than their partners. Fathers, however, "report more leisure time than mothers, and less of their leisure time is spent providing care to children," states the institute.

"Having this labor feminized and seen as natural along with the myth of the maternal instinct, makes it invisible," says Danger. "Women then internalize the idea that they're biologically made for these roles."

Danger, author of the upcoming book No More Mediocre," refers to research from the University of Michigan showing that simply marrying a man creates an additional seven hours of housework per week.

"And the situation gets worse for women when they have children," Frank Stafford, a professor of economics at the university, said in a press release.

"Many parents are desperate for acknowledgement," says Danger. "We need more cultural examples of true equality in a partnership."

This article was originally published on TODAY.com
One person was killed and three more were injured in Donetsk Oblast over the last day due to the Russian aggression.

Source: Pavlo Kyrylenko, Head of the Donetsk Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram

Quote: "On 27 July, Russians killed one resident of Donetsk Oblast in Avdiivka."

Details: He added that three more people were injured during the day.

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!
Gender-based violence against women and girls, traps families and entire communities in poverty. But it can be overcome.

It is well understood that war and other armed conflict hinders economic development. Private violence, especially gender-based violence against women and girls, traps families and entire communities in poverty.

I was starkly reminded of this on a recent trip to Kenya. I served on the board of World Neighbors, an international development organization. Along with the groups CEO, a small group of us traveled to see the work communities are doing to lift themselves from poverty.

On the trip to one village, I was privileged to meet Linet Anyango Opiyo. Linets experiences demonstrate how violence against women and girls and gender discrimination in the education system, which is biased against girls not only harms and warps individuals but is a major hindrance to economic development. Happily, Linets experiences also show how patient, community-based work can overcome domestic violence, often involuntary early marriage and other egregious forms of inequality.

Linet was born in 1982 in the village of Katuk in Kenyas Osiri region. She passed primary school exams and proceeded to secondary school. Linets schooling stopped when she became pregnant at age 15. She was suspended from school, as Kenya has a law that does not allow pregnant girls in school. Nor can they return after giving birth to their child. The law is, however, rather lenient with boys or men who make young girls pregnant. So, Linet had to bear the consequences alone while the father of her child continued in school.

Having dropped out of school, Linet had few options. She moved from her village and married a 36-year-old man whose source of income was ferrying people and goods on a leased motorcycle. Linet gave birth to four more children. Her husband was physically, psychologically and emotionally abusive. This abuse, which Linet endured for 15 years, included sexual and other assault when he was intoxicated. In one assault, Linet was rendered unconscious and had to be taken to the hospital.

Story continues

It was then that Linets story took a turn for the better.

Linets brother is a volunteer community facilitator for World Neighbors. In that role, he leads health  including reproductive health  nutrition and other trainings; helps neighbors obtain HIV/AIDS testing and medications; interacts with government officials to access resources; and does other work to help his community. He helped with legal and other actions so Linet could leave her marriage. She and her children eventually moved back to her village to live with her parents.

In a stable situation free of violence and threats, Linet returned to school. She passed her secondary school examinations and then enrolled in college, where she trained as a teacher in early childhood development.

Linet is currently employed by the Nairobi city county government as a teacher. As important to Linet and her children  as well as to Kenyas long-term development  her children are in school. This includes her first born, who is enrolled in university.

As I was heading from Katuk (Linets village) to Nairobi, I passed the Nairobi Womens Hospital. At the entrance theres an important sign: A Gender Based Violence Recovery Center. That single line captures the need for continued efforts to overcome not just war, but every kind of violence that seeks to harm people and limit their opportunities to learn, work, contribute and make better lives for future generations. As Linets inspiring efforts and experience make clear, it can be done.

Dr. Susan Chambers

Dr. Susan Chambers served 18 years on the World Neighbors Board of Directors. Chambers is a founder and owner of Lakeside Doctors and Lakeside Womens Hospital in Oklahoma City.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Doctor: Gender-based violence can limit opportunities to learn, work
A post shared on Facebook claims the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) is offering loans on its mobile banking platform and includes purported instructions on how to apply for credit using special social media codes. However, this is false: the bank confirmed it does not provide this kind of loan service and warned customers of social media scammers.

Written in Amharic, the post reads: "How many of us know that Ethiopian Commercial Bank has begun loans via mobile banking? We hereby announce with great pleasure the launch of the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia loan service application that makes it different from other banks."

Screenshot of the false post, taken on July 25, 2023

Several images in the post appear to show a step-by-step application process.

"The bank facilitates loans through mobile banking services from 10,000 birr to 250,000 birr (from $180 to $450). You have the chance to pay the loan back free of interest over a period of two years," the text says.

To obtain a loan, users are first asked to deposit a minimum of 10,000 birr ($180) into their CBE account. The bigger the deposit, the larger the loan they can access. Potential clients are then persuaded to enter their passwords with a string of other numbers and "codes" to secure their loans.

The post was published on a public Facebook group called Telebirr with 54,000 followers. The person who published the claim switched off the comment option, meaning anyone with suspicions about the post cannot warn others.

The state-owned CBE is Ethiopia's largest bank and mobile banking is part of the services it offers.

However, clients cannot apply for loans on mobile banking.

Scam post

The CBE has repeatedly warned customers on social media about fraudsters targeting the banks mobile banking division.

"We urge you to be careful of fraudsters who steal money from customers' accounts by using different fake codes on social media pages pretending that our bank provides loans through mobile banking services," the CBE said in a message posted on Facebook on July 19, 2023 (archived here).

Story continues

Screenshots of similar online scams were included in the post.





Screenshots of CBEs warning messages, taken on July 26, 2023

In an earlier warning (archived here), the bank reiterated that it does not provide credit through mobile banking.

Local media reported last year that mobile banking fraud in Ethiopia primarily targeted the CBE and was on the rise (archived here).

A study released by the Ethiopian Ministry of Justice in June 2022 also revealed that the banking industry in the country had lost close to two billion birr (about $36 million) due to fraud in the last four years, half of it incurred by CBE (archived here).

The CBE is yet to reply to AFP Fact Check's request for comment.
In a race that could tip the balance of power on the Whatcom County Council, four people are challenging for the councils at-large position B seat in the Aug. 1 primary, from which the two candidates with the most votes will advance to the Nov. 7 general election.

Councilwoman Carol Frazey, the current at-large B representative, isnt seeking re-election.

In Whatcom County, the at-large seat holds a four-year term, and the job pays $77,915 annually.

This years city and county races are nonpartisan, but Atul Deshmane and Jon Scanlon are listed as certified Democrats by the Whatcom Democrats and Hannah Ordos is endorsed by the Whatcom Republicans.

Despite the councils nonpartisan status, four members of the seven-member panel are Democrats or have been endorsed by the Democratic Party, including both current at-large council members. Three members are Republicans or have been endorsed by the Republican Party.

All Whatcom County residents can vote for the at-large candidate, and voting is by mail only in Washington state.

Ballots must be postmarked  not simply placed in the mail  by 8 p.m. Aug. 1 to be counted. Ballots can also be placed in official ballot drop boxes that will be locked when polling closes.

Heres how the candidates responded to a Bellingham Herald questionnaire that asked them to list their qualifications, the top three issues facing the county, and how they would solve one of those priorities. Candidates are listed in the order that they appear on the ballot:

Atul Deshmane of Laurel is one of four candidates running for the at-large Position B seat on the Whatcom County Council in the Aug. 1, 2023, primary election.

Atul Deshmane

Atul Deshmane is an engineer with a bachelors degree from the University of Missouri and a renewable energy consultant who serves on the Whatcom County Planning Commission and is an elected commissioner for Whatcom County Public Utility District 1.

Deshmane, who lives in the Laurel area of Whatcom County, also has been a member of the Jail Stakeholder Advisory Committee and the Bellingham Broadband Advisory Group.

We have to increase the resilience of many of our buildings, roads, infrastructure and natural resources because of changing climate, natural disasters like floods or earthquakes, and our growing population, Deshmane told The Bellingham Herald.

Story continues

Resilience, livability and safety are his priorities, he said in an email.

I think most of us are aware that we have a housing crisis. But at least locally, specific ideas of how to address the crisis are missing.

Thats why he is supporting the Big Lift to create immediate shelter for homeless residents by adding 100 tiny home units.

We can take reasonable steps to encourage more local food, housing affordability and living wages, he said.

Deshmane is listed as a certified Democrat and endorsed by the Bellingham Tenants Union, the Sierra Club and Whatcom Environmental voters, as well as by community leaders such as Darrell Hillaire of Lummi Nation and Bellingham City Council members Lisa Anderson and Kristina Michele Martens.

He has raised $25,128 for his campaign, according to the state Public Disclosure Commission.

Jon Scanlon of Bellingham is one of four candidates running for the at-large Position B seat on the Whatcom County Council in the Aug. 1, 2023, primary election.

Jon Scanlon

Jon Scanlon is a consultant working with Indigenous communities and conservation organizations regarding climate change and human rights, a board member at RE Sources and an appointed member of the Bellingham Community Development Advisory Board.

Scanlon lives in the Columbia neighborhood of Bellingham and has a masters degree in international affairs from the Georgia Institute of Technology.

He has worked for Oxfam America, CARE USA and several U.S. government agencies, including the State Department, the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, the U.S. Agency for International Development, the Bureau of African Affairs and U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-Missouri).

Scanlons priorities are affordable housing, health care and child care, he told The Herald.

Whatcom County has an affordable housing crisis. We need a variety of policy, budget, and legislative changes to address affordable housing, including new funding and additional county government staff to support affordable housing, more tiny home villages and ADUs, support for renters, eviction prevention programs, permitting reform and zoning changes and planning policies that promote dense, bike/pedestrian and transit-oriented neighborhoods in cities and Urban Growth Areas outside of floodplains and the Lake Whatcom watershed, he said.

Theres no silver bullet that will fix things, and it wont happen overnight. I will work with others to develop a comprehensive approach and a big coalition that includes Whatcom County, the seven cities in the county, allies in state and federal government, workers, businesses, nonprofits, renters and advocates. Ive spent my whole career building large coalitions to advocate for policy change, and Ill bring that experience to Whatcom County Council, Scanlon said.

Hes listed as a certified Democrat and endorsed by the Riveters Collective and several local elected officials, including County Council members Carol Frazey, Barry Buchanan and Todd Donovan, 42nd District state Sen. Sharon Shewmake, D-Bellingham, and 42nd District Rep. Joe Timmons, D-Bellingham.

Scanlon has raised $39,1431 and spent $41,322 for his campaign, according to the state Public Disclosure Commission  the only candidate running a deficit.

Hannah Ordos of Sumas is one of four candidates running for the at-large Position B seat on the Whatcom County Council in the Aug. 1, 2023, primary election.

Hannah Ordos

Hannah Ordos of Sumas graduated from Nooksack Valley High School and has a bachelors degree in human resource management from Western Washington University.

A customer support manager for Vitamin Portfolio LLC, Ordos has additional certifications in nutrition/health, fitness, lean leadership and professional mediation training from the Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center.

Shes held leadership positions at T-Mobile, Sterling Life Insurance, Charter College and Amazon.

In addition, Ordos serves on the North Sound Behavioral Health Advisory Board, is a Be the One mentor to high school girls and a parent volunteer at Nooksack Valley School District. Shes a former president of the Happy Valley PTA and an executive board member of the Mother Baby Center.

The issues we face are complex, and each part of Whatcom County experiences them differently, Ordos told The Herald.

Public safety is a multifaceted issue that relates to many of the concerns community members have. Key areas include our fentanyl crisis and the impact that it has on our youth and homeless population, the need for an appropriate jail facility, along with staffing and sufficient resources to expand our current diversion programs, and the inability to meet the infrastructure needs of our increased demand for behavioral and substance abuse services, she said in an email.

Affordable housing and economic development are Ordos other priorities.

There are no easy simple answers to our public safety challenges; however, we need to stay focused on getting our arms around the fentanyl crisis, an appropriate jail facility and much-needed mental health and substance abuse services. We can start by getting beyond partisan politics and recognizing that our cities experience these challenges differently when working toward solutions, she said.

Ordos is endorsed by the Whatcom Republicans and several elected leaders, including Sheriff Bill Elfo, port commissioners Ken Bell and Bobby Briscoe and County Council member Tyler Byrd.

She has raised $14,673 for her campaign, according to the state Public Disclosure Commission.

Jerry Burns of Maple Falls is one of four candidates running for the at-large Position B seat on the Whatcom County Council in the Aug. 1, 2023, primary election.

Jerry Burns

Jerry Burns of Maple Falls is running for his first elected position.

He has spent 14 years as a licensed counselor, assessment officer, interventionist, instructor and outpatient counseling office administrator, according to his online voter statement.

Burns was an emergency medical technician and duty engineer at Little Creek U.S. Coast Guard Station in Norfolk, Va., and worked as a psychiatric technician at a lockdown facility in Skagit County.

In addition to his EMT certification, he studied human services at Skagit Valley College and business administration at Everett Community College.

My primary goal is to make Whatcom County government more fiscally responsible with 100% transparency of all county funds, especially those granted to community organizations, he said in his statement.

In addition, Burns said he would streamline and reduce costs of the permitting process for sand and gravel mining in the Nooksack River, to reduce flood risk to our affected communities.

Hed ban the use of herbicides by all county government departments and work towards functional zero homelessness in a fiscally sound way, according to his voter statement.

Finally, hed make sure that the Sheriffs Office is fully staffed and funded and prioritize mental health training and -techniques in order to enhance safety for our deputies and all our residents, he said.

Burns has not filed any financial reports for his campaign, according to the state Public Disclosure Commission.
Editors Note: Jason Colavito (@JasonColavito) is a writer and culture critic based in upstate New York. His writing has appeared in Esquire, The New Republic, Slate, and elsewhere. He is the author of several books, including The Legends of the Pyramids: Myths and Misconceptions about Ancient Egypt. The opinions expressed in this commentary are his own. Read more opinion on CNN.

Over the course of 25 years, 11 seasons, 218 episodes and two movies, FBI agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully attempted to unravel a government conspiracy of extraterrestrial proportions on The X-Files as an all-powerful Deep State covered up research on non-human biological matter and alien murders of Americans. How foolish of them, when in real life all it seemed to take was one whistleblower talking on a second-tier cable news channel earlier this summer about hearing someone elses stories of dead UFO pilots for Congress to hold a hearing in order to expose the whole conspiracy on its own!

Jason Colavito - Courtesy Jason Colavito

On Wednesday, former military intelligence officer and so-called UFO whistleblower David Grusch testified to a House Oversight subcommittee that he had heard from other unnamed officials that the US government has a secret program to recover and reverse engineer non-human spacecraft.

He was invited to testify by House members of both parties who are urging the defense establishment to be more transparent about its investigations of unidentified anomalous phenomena. In the Senate, Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) has sponsored a bipartisan amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act to require the declassification of government records related to UAPs.

In a statement after the hearing, the Pentagon disputed Gruschs testimony and emphasized that it has found no evidence of crashed saucer programs or space aliens. We cant entirely rule out the possibility that Grusch discovered something real. Certainly, pilots see things in the sky they dont understand. Its also very likely that the Pentagon isnt completely transparent about all of its advanced aerospace programs. The trouble is that Gruschs stories are, in all likelihood, not evidence of non-human activity.

Story continues

Congress and UFO enthusiasts have been all too willing to accept witness reports at face value when we know eyewitness testimony is unreliable. This problem has been compounded by the fact that much of this testimony comes from seemingly unassailable military pilots who are trained to observe airborne threats. This dynamic has been a problem from the dawn of UFO investigations last century until the present day.

At the hearing, Grusch said that he had not seen any aliens from the recovered UFOs himself, but biologics came with some of these recoveries. He added that the assessment of people with direct knowledge on the program I talked to about the multi-decade UAP crash retrieval and reverse engineering program was that such biologics were non-human.

From left to right, Ryan Graves, executive director of Americans for Safe Aerospace, David Grusch, former National Reconnaissance Officer Representative of Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena Task Force at the US Department of Defense, and Retired Navy Commander David Fravor take their seats as they arrive for a House Oversight Committee hearing on UFOs at the US Capitol this week. - Drew Angerer/Getty Images

These stories have circulated in UFO circles since the 1940s. Declassified documents show that during the Cold War, the government repeatedly recovered items first reported as UFOs that in fact were meteors, industrial waste, hoaxed objects and human-made technology. So there were crash retrievals  just not of alien ships.

The first major UFO sighting came in June 1947. A month later, the first crash retrieval of a supposed alien spaceship occurred. But the crash was a hoax. The military sent officers to Maury Island, Washington, to recover chunks of industrial waste that two men falsely claimed was debris from a flying saucer. A government investigation followed.

Frank Scully of Variety magazine also fell for a hoax, publishing in 1950 a widely repeated account of the governments recovery of a crashed flying saucer and its alien pilots. Another real-life federal investigation followed before the hoaxer, Silas Newton, was identified.

More importantly, those undertaking the first official military investigation into UFOs, 1948s Project Sign, became convinced aliens were real despite a lack of evidence other than first-hand accounts from military pilots. According to Edward Ruppelt, the former head of Project Blue Book, a successor to Sign, the team found no physical evidence of space aliens. But apparently aliens seemed more logical than heroic, trained military pilots being mistaken about what they saw. And yet we know pilots can and do make mistakes. Pilots have chased Venus, and even radar blips caused by weather, mistaking them for alien ships.

According to the head of the Pentagons UFO office, Sean Kirkpatrick, most reported UFOs turn out to be balloons, airborne garbage, drones and animals  the vast majority, in fact. I havent heard even the most committed UFO advocate dispute this. The UFO issue thus reduces to the tiny remainder of unknowns. For the UFO community, it seems that so long as even one case remains unidentified, usually due to lack of information, there is still hope we will find space aliens.

An image of an UAP recorded in 2004 by sensors on a aircraft piloted by David Fravor, Fmr. Commanding Officer, US Navy. - Dept. of Defense

But military pilots report UFOs in numbers far exceeding the unresolved cases, meaning that at least some pilots believe they see things that scientific analysis concludes they did not correctly interpret. We watched this in February when various balloons flying over the United States triggered national security concerns. The pilots tasked with chasing the balloons struggled to describe their size, material and movements because they did not recognize them.

For the past several years, Grusch has been working alongside a network of government-adjacent UFO believers (many now working for defense contractors or UFO think tanks) who have been sources in stories about flying saucers and dead aliens across the media and in the halls of Congress. You might have seen some of them on cable UFO shows like The Secret of Skinwalker Ranch, in which a former Pentagon UFO analystwho served on the task force that helped write the governments 2021 UFO report now leads a reality TV crew hunting harmful, disembodied quantum hitchhiker entities, one of which he claims attached itself to him. It would be funny, except that the Pentagon regularly employs believers in space ghosts and Congress listens to them.

Eric W. Davis, a physicist and longtime UFO researcher, briefed the Pentagon and Congress on the same supposed crash retrieval programs a couple years back. None of the evidence he or Grusch provided over the past few years, however, has been enough to convince Congress  as credulous as some members have been  that aliens are here. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), who has helped lead the charge in Congress for UFO research, recently told The Los Angeles Times that she hadnt seen definitive evidence of aliens.

Its important to note that there have been no claims that military pilots have crashed into or captured alien spaceships. Instead, veterans like David Fravor and Ryan Graves, who appeared along with Grusch at Wednesdays hearing to testify about their personal UFO encounters (but did not mention aliens), have only claimed to have seen objects they could not explain or to have observed sensor signatures of such objects.

The scientific process of evaluating such sightings is difficult, involving visual evidence, sensor data, witness testimony and records of air traffic, weather and more, as the governments own 2021 UFO report outlines. But when there is enough data, cases can be solved. Indeed, in its most recent UFO report, the government found the majority of solved cases were balloons.

When there is not enough data, they remain unsolved. However, unsolved doesnt automatically translate to alien, only to a lack of information. Since the majority of solved cases have normal explanations, we would need extraordinary evidence to suggest that low-information cases are anything but the same.

Perhaps most telling, in response to direct questions at the hearing about his cable TV and other media interviews, Grusch under oath did not re-state, or he attributed to others, his own most dramatic claims about dead aliens, Vatican meddling and murder plots.

Grusch may well be telling the truth about hearing these stories, but the stories were old when The X-Files was new. Congress must do better than take them at face value.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Gov. Spencer Cox speaks at the Braver Angels National Convention at Gettysburg College in Gettysburg, Pa., on July 8, 2023. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Utah is blessed in many ways, especially because we enjoy two holidays in July! While that results in more vacation and fun activities, news items are sometimes missed amid all the celebrations. At least three significant recent events of interest in the political world were covered by national and local media. We set aside our hot dogs and lemonade to explain.

Gov. Spencer Cox was sworn in as chair of the National Governors Association. At the conference, Cox announced his initiative Disagree Better to help Americans bridge the partisan divide and adopt a more positive approach to political and social discourse. Without such decency, Cox believes solving problems is impossible. Can Cox impact political deliberations?

Pignanelli: We often refuse to accept an idea merely because the tone of voice in which it has been expressed is unsympathetic to us.  Friedrich Nietzsche

Family fights are often started not by the content of a statement but through manner of delivery. Volume and inflection can mean the difference between earnest resolution of differences or long-standing grudges. (With Italian Irish ethnic origins, I have deep experience of offending, and being offended, in such circumstances.)

Cox is a conservative. Yet, some GOP activists doubt his allegiance to correct principles because he is not shrill. Others mock his efforts for dignified discussions as a silly endeavor. Regardless of these critiques, Coxs defense of right-wing beliefs in a reasonable and gracious manner prevents those who disagree with him from claiming an affront.

Public policy decorations laced with cynicism and patronizing insults will accomplish nothing, whereas levelheaded explanations, touched with openness to alternatives, offer opportunities. Only then will the critical issues of the debt, environment, immigration, and others be resolved.

Cox deserves compliments for promoting use of a tool utilized by millions every day in strained family discussions  a friendly tenor.

Story continues

Webb: Im all for civility and niceness, with the stipulation that sometimes sharp disagreement and criticism are warranted. A lot of political attack dogs, assassins and purveyors of truly terrible public policy exist out there. A group hug wont deter them from truly damaging the country.

But even bitter disputes can avoid the sort of name-calling and nastiness displayed by Donald Trump every day. The Cox initiative is a worthwhile effort even though it wont be embraced by congressional gladiators.

Related

It is uncommon for a first-term governor to ascend to NGA chair, which rotates between Republican and Democratic governors each year. Many dynamics play into which governors ascend through NGA leadership to become chair, and they work it out among themselves without election disputes. Cox obviously has respect and support among his fellow GOP governors for them to elect him as chair in his first term.

NGA chair initiatives range widely, but usually deal with some public policy issue such as education, energy, cyber security, etc., where there isnt strong partisan disagreement. The Cox initiative is quite different from the typical focus of an NGA chair.

Utahs last two NGA chairs were Gary Herbert and Mike Leavitt. Both of them focused on strengthening American states and finding public policy solutions at state and local levels. At this time of unprecedented division and political coarseness, heres hoping the Cox initiative can have a positive impact.

U.S. Sen. Mitt Romney remains silent about reelection plans, but his potential opponents were busy. House Speaker Brad Wilson scored attention with his campaign haul of $2.2 million (over a million from himself). Riverton Mayor Trent Staggs reported $220,000. What are the implications for the race next year?

Pignanelli: Wilson was hoping to make a splash in the initial report. It was a tidal wave. Listed were natural contributors from the development and political communities. They were low hanging fruit, and he took bushels of them.

Wilsons report also documents statewide support. Already enjoying a reputation for being a successful businessman and for making tough decisions in the Legislature, he is a contender regardless of Romneys decision.

Although substantially less, Staggs report indicates an ability to raise some money in a short amount of time. He will need a strong play with convention delegates  where his politics are popular  to establish competitiveness against Wilson.

Related

Webb: Wilson is obviously a serious candidate, and this will be an exciting race to watch. I expect Romney will seek reelection. It appears he is enjoying Senate life and hes having an impact. He will have plenty of money for his campaign.

The race will attract national attention, not because Republicans are in danger of losing a seat, but because it will be viewed as a referendum on Trump. Romney has been Trumps harshest Republican critic in the U.S. Senate.

The Utah Supreme Court heard arguments challenging legislative boundary changes to Congressional districts. What do politicos conjecture about the decision?

Pignanelli: Expert observers have opined the court seemed sympathetic to differing perspectives. Such care in the public deliberations is wise because no matter the result, political turmoil will ensue.

Webb: I have no idea how the Supremes will rule. I hope they will leave redistricting to elected officials who are closest to the people and reflect their values and wishes.

Republican LaVarr Webb is a former journalist and a semi-retired small farmer and political consultant. Email: lwebb@exoro.com. Frank Pignanelli is a Salt Lake attorney, lobbyist and political adviser who served as a Democrat in the Utah state Legislature. Email: frankp@xmission.com.
By Andrew Hay

(Reuters) - In the movie "Oppenheimer" the eponymous character played by Cillian Murphy says the proposed site for a secret atomic weapons lab in northern New Mexico has only a boys' school and Indians performing burial rites.

But there were homesteaders living on that land.

In 1942, the U.S. Army gave 32 Hispano families on the Pajarito Plateau 48 hours to leave their homes and land, in some cases at gunpoint, to build the lab that would create the world's first atomic bombs, according to relatives of those removed and a former lab employee.

Homes were bulldozed, livestock shot or let loose, and families given little or no compensation, according to Loyda Martinez, 67, who worked as a computer scientist for 32 years at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) and cited accounts from evicted ranching and farming families who are her neighbors in the Espanola Valley.

A National Nuclear Security Administration spokesperson said Hispanic farmers were compensated at a significantly lower rate than white property owners but the agency was not aware of homes being destroyed and animals killed or abandoned. The agency did not address whether homesteaders were forcefully removed.

Martinez has spent decades campaigning for the evicted homesteaders and the rights of Hispano, Native, women and other lab employees and has won two class action suits relating to equal pay and treatment for them.

"These were Hispanic American homesteaders which perhaps explains why this dark episode in American history is so ignored," she said.

Christopher Nolan's blockbuster "Oppenheimer" has stirred up northern New Mexico's conflicted relationship with "the lab," which today has over 14,000 workers and is the region's largest employer.

For many local Hispanos - descendants of Spanish colonial settlers - its high wages have paid for homes, higher education, and a chance to hang onto multigenerational lands in this land-rich, cash-poor area.

Story continues

Marcel Torres, whose family has lived in the Penasco area since the 1700s, worked in the lab's most secret sectors for 35 years as a machinist helping build nuclear weapons - to, he said, "try and prevent a world war."

"We were so valuable to them that they didn't care who we were in race," said Torres, 78, who said he earned around three times as much at the lab as he would have elsewhere in the area.

For others, the lab carries a legacy of death and dispossession.

Martinez lobbied the U.S. Congress for compensation for employees like her father, a lab worker who died after working with toxic chemical element beryllium.

In 2000 Congress acknowledged that radiation and other toxins had contributed to the deaths or illnesses of thousands of nuclear weapons workers.

The Department of Labor set up a compensation fund for those affected but it took years for families to be paid, said Martinez, who served on New Mexico's state human rights commission in the early 2000s.

Myrriah Gomez, an assistant professor at the University of New Mexico, said her great-grandparents were evicted from their 63-acre ranch to build the lab and her grandfather died of colon cancer after working on the Manhattan Project.

"Oppenheimer had no qualms about displacing people from their homelands," said Gomez, who wrote "Nuclear Nuevo Mexico" about the setting up of the lab.

Author Alisa Valdes, who has written a screenplay on Loyda Martinez, said scenes in "Oppenheimer" shot near Abiquiu, New Mexico, depicting the lab in an empty landscape echoed the U.S. government's line that the area was uninhabited.

Publicists for the movie did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The lab was built on lands sacred to local Tewa people that were granted to Hispano settlers under Spanish colonial rule then allotted to both Hispano and white homesteaders after the United States occupied the area following the 1846-1848 Mexican-American War.

"Taking land for Los Alamos was not an aberration, it's what the United States had been doing since 1848," said State Historian of New Mexico Rob Martinez, whose great uncle worked at the lab.

In 2004, homesteader families won a $10 million compensation fund from the U.S. government.

Today Los Alamos County, where the lab is based, is one of the richest and best-educated in the United States. Neighboring Rio Arriba County, which is 91% Hispanic and Native American, is among the country's poorest, with the lowest academic scores.

"There's no economic development in our areas because it's all focused in Los Alamos," said Cristian Madrid-Estrada, director of the regional homeless shelter in Espanola, Rio Arriba's largest town.

The lab said over 61% of employees hired since 2018 were from New Mexico, with most of its workforce living outside Los Alamos County.

"We are dedicated to the success of this region we all call home," a spokesperson said in a statement.

(Reporting by Andrew Hay in Taos, New Mexico; Editing by Rosalba O'Brien)
The number of people Baker Acted by Orange County law enforcement so far this year is nearly double all of last year.

The Baker Act, which was enacted in Florida in 1972, was created to protect the rights of people with mental illness and ensure public safety.

Law enforcement can use the act on an individual if they believe the person is mentally ill; that person cannot determine if they need to be examined by a mental health care professional; and that without care that person will likely harm themselves or others.

If those criteria are met, an individual can be detained for up to 72 hours at a mental health facility.

Read: 9 facts, history of Floridas Baker Act law

Orange County Sheriff John Mina said the increase in Baker Act numbers is because his deputies are getting in crisis intervention.

Weve responded to over 8000 calls for service and zero arrests, Mina said. Low-level misdemeanor violations decrease and but the Baker Acts increase.

Two new teams just completed training, and the sheriffs office now has a total of six that consist of a deputy and clinician.

Read: This Central Florida county is launching new mental health programs

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.
Viktor Orban, Hungarian Prime Minister, has once again urged Ukraine and Russia to negotiate and stop the war, and repeated the propaganda claims by Russian President Vladimir Putin about the West, which is going to "fight to the last Ukrainian soldier."

Source: European Pravda, with reference to Magyar Hirlap; Orban, on the air of the state-owned Kossuth Radio.

Quote: "It always makes sense to talk about peace during a war. After the war, it will be difficult for hundreds of thousands of people to live a full life, so we must discuss peace. If the voice of peace is not strong enough, society will see war as the solution to the problem. This situation can only be resolved through diplomacy and negotiations," Orban said.

He claims that with the beginning of a full-scale invasion, Western countries should have "localised the war, as Angela Merkel did."

"This is what should have been done now. This is what we suggested. The West is not doing this right now. It sends money, weapons. Of course, the Ukrainians are fighting. The West is fighting to the last Ukrainian soldier," Orban said.

Background:

Putin voiced theses about the "war of the West to the last Ukrainian" at a meeting of the Russian Security Council on 22 June. Dmitry Peskov, Putin's press secretary, repeated the remark.

Representatives of the Hungarian authorities do not hesitate to repeat the lies of the Russian propaganda. On the eve, Gergely Gulyas, the head of the administration of Hungary's Prime Minister, said that the counteroffensive did not bring "any significant results" for Ukraine, and Budapest's position on negotiations was "justified".

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban once again called for peace talks with Russia, repeating the Kremlin's false notion that the West is fighting Russia, using Ukrainian people as proxies.

Orban added that Ukraine supposedly lost its sovereignty, presumably to its Western allies, and claimed that Kyiv ran out of resources to continue fighting.

His claim that the "West is fighting to the last Ukrainian soldier" has been repeated verbatim from what Russian President Vladimir Putin has previously said, as he tried to paint the invasion as a Russian response to NATO provocation.

Hungary is a member of the EU and NATO but Orban's government has been relatively receptive to Russia and hostile to Ukraine.

A scheme to send 11 Ukrainian prisoners of war (POW) from Russia to Hungary, and conceal thier whereabouts, was the latest in a series of diplomatic scandals between Kyiv and Budapest.

Read also: Hungary denies involvement in Ukrainian POW transfer, Ukraines intelligence says otherwise

The Ukrainian government under President Volodymyr Zelensky rejected the notion of negotiation with Russia until all of Russian troops are gone from Ukraine's sovereign soil, which includes Crimea.

Zelensky has said that he would not negotiate with Putin, only his eventual successor.
Patagonia has set its sights on South End for its first North Carolina store.

The Ventura, California-based upscale outdoor retailer has created an Instagram handle for Charlotte, that states Coming soon to South End. It also has posted a job listing seeking an on-site retail store general manager for the market.

ALSO READ: The Peoples Market set to open second location in Lower South End

The companys presence to date in North Carolina is limited to selling through other authorized retailers such as REI.

Multiple sources confirmed to the Charlotte Business Journal that Patagonia is headed to Asanas Design Center.

Keep reading here.

(WATCH BELOW: Jimmy Eat World playing in Charlotte Sunday)
North Carolinas largest city is home to the NASCAR Hall of Fame, shopping and restaurantsas well as activities to do in the great outdoors. Hiking, sweeping mountain views and breathing in fresh air await, a short road trip away from Queen City. These three closest mountains to Charlotte make a great pick for family fun, a quick weekend getaway or time away from the hustle and bustle of the city to recharge.

>>Best Charlotte camping spots | Top campgrounds near Charlotte

Smoky Mountains and Cherokee A little over two hours away in Gatlinburg, the Smoky Mountains and Cherokee is often dubbed as the land of the blue mist as the Cherokee Native Americans who were indigenous to the area referred to it. There are 53 miles of mountain terrain in this area and a wealth of activities in which to partake. A train from yesteryears can whip you around the range to get a glimpse of the sweeping views and for a respite and a touch of luxury, head to Harrahs Cherokee Casino Resort. The heart of this mountainous region in terms of the embracing nature is Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Five hiking routes are the most popular: Chimney Tops, Rainbow Falls, Alum Cave Bluffs, Andrews Bald and Charles Bunion. The best time to visit is fall, followed by spring, although the latter tends to have unpredictable weather changes. For more weather details, visit here.

High Country Right under two hours, High Country is close to Charlotte and chock full of things to do, see and experience. Mountain lovers will be delighted to find a cluster of mountainous areas to visit: Beech and Sugar mountains, Boone Rock and the Blue Ridge Parkway. For hiking, attempt the Glen Burney Trail at Blowing Rock, the Emerald Outback at Beech Mountain and traverse the various trails at Sugar Mountain Resort. The best times to visit of vary based on the specific mountain, but in general, May through September are popular.

Asheville and the Foothills Roughly 130 miles and a couple hours drive away, Asheville is yet another region in North Carolina fitting for mountain exploration and trekking terrain. Want to visit an area buzzing with activity before heading to the quiet of the mountains? Blue Ridge Parkway is brimming with art galleries, restaurants and craft-beer breweries. Also found in Asheville is the largest home in the nation and winery Biltmore. For something different, take a dive in the Hot Springs mineral pools.

>>Best hiking trails near Charlotte | Best nature preserves in Charlotte

To get to the thick of the mountains, scoot on down to Black Mountain, Morganton and Chimney Rock. Chimney Rock features 75-mile aerial views and a waterfall along with various trails for all ages and levels of hikers, from novice to expert. Black Mountains most popular trails include those around Red Rocker, behind Route 9 and Montreat to across Ridgecrest. Other trails in the area are Bad Fork, Armstrong Creek, Betsy Ridge, Kitsuma Peak and Linville George Wilderness Area. The best time of year to visit these trails, which are for varying skill levels, is also from May to September.
BRASILIA (Reuters) - Paraguay's President-elect Santiago Pena said on Friday he expects talks with Brazil over the binational Itaipu hydroelectric dam to start on Aug. 13, after meeting with his counterpart Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, indicating that both countries are managing to find a financial agreement about its energy production.

Both countries expect to reach an agreement about the financial bases of the energy tariff generated by the bi-national company. Under current rules, which expire this year and will be subject to review, each country is entitled to 50% of Itaipu's energy.

Pena said he expects to maintain the sale of energy from the hydroelectric plant to Brazil "at a cost price" and that he expects both countries to ink a deal by the end of this year.

(Reporting by Lisandra Paraguassu; Writing by Carolina Pulice; Editing by Valentine Hilaire and Alistair Bell)
When I visited Paris, I marveled at the architecture, the number of museums, and festive Christmas markets. Erin McDowell/Insider

Last December, I visited Paris for the first time and was amazed by how beautiful the city was.

I was recently surprised to see a TikTok video hating on the city go viral.

I thought Paris was a beautiful city with delicious and inexpensive food, culture, and nightlife.

"Paris syndrome" describes the feeling of visiting Paris for the first time, only to feel disappointed that the city is not as beautiful or enchanting as you expected it to be.

When I visited Paris for the first time last year, I was amazed by how the experience reached  and exceeded  my expectations. Given that I went during Christmas week, I was pleasantly surprised by the festive surroundings and plethora of things to do.

From the delicious and affordable meals I ate to the thrill of touring the Palace of Versailles, I definitely didn't experience any feelings of disappointment over what I had planned to be a magical trip.

When I came across a TikTok video going in on the city for being overrated and lacking in things to do, I was surprised

In the video, which has been viewed more than 36 million times since it was shared on July 10, an American TikToker named Malfoy (@Malfoy_Draco) documented his distaste for the city's nightlife, how little he said there is to do, the abundance of American fast-food chains, and what he called the city's "grimy" streets.

"It smells like piss, cheese, and armpits," Malfoy says in the video. "You will see a cafe on every corner because [there are] no activities here and the food is so mid."

Story continues

The video got me thinking about my own experience visiting Paris, and how it couldn't have been more different

When I visited Paris, I marveled at the architecture, the number of museums, and festive Christmas markets. I mosied through cobblestone streets and stopped at quaint patisseries and cheese shops. I looked at the Christmas lights on department store facades and along the Champs-Elysees. I stood in the same room where Marie Antoinette once slept. I waited to watch the Eiffel Tower sparkle at night and cheered when it did.

In a direct rebuttal to one of the points made in the video, I spent hours sitting in cafes and watching fashionable people stroll by, not once thinking that this hindered the city or my experience.

Rather than sticking to central Paris, as many clips from the video appeared to show, I also enjoyed exploring city neighborhoods that were slightly further afield, such as Montmartre, and the town of Versailles that lies just beyond the palace.

I thought the food was drastically cheaper and better in Paris than in New York City, if you knew where to go

Pastries in a patisserie window and mussels from Au Pied de Cochon. Erin McDowell/Insider

Thanks to months of extensive research and reservation-making, practically everything I ate in Paris was just as good or better than meals I've had in New York.

Some of my favorite meals during the trip included a truffle pasta dish at Libertino and mussels with chorizo at Au Pied de Cochon, one of Julia Child's favorite restaurants that inspired her love of French cooking. While both of these restaurants were on the slightly pricier side, I didn't think they were ludicrously expensive.

However, I also found that I could eat very affordably by indulging in the local street-food scene. At the Christmas markets, which pop up all over the city around the holidays, I drank mulled wine and ate potatoes covered in gooey raclette cheese, both of which were extremely affordable.

As for things to do, I never had a dull moment in Paris.

A few of the things on our itinerary included a walking tour of Paris where we learned about the history of the German occupation of Paris during World War II, a trip to the Palace of Versailles, and a nighttime river cruise along the Seine.

Interspersed within the trip was time for shopping, eating in cafes, visiting museums, and generally enjoying our surroundings.

Everywhere I looked, there was something beautiful or delicious-looking.

I left my week-long trip desperate to return  and I'll be back this Christmas

While I understand that some people's negative opinions of Paris may accurately represent their experiences  and while I am under no illusions that many residents of Paris face major social and economic challenges  I found that many of the biggest drawbacks I experienced as a visitor during my stay were the same as in any major city.

For example, in New York City  just like in @Malfoy_Draco's TikTok video  I'm constantly running into flocks of pigeons, trash on the sidewalk, or a less-than-stellar night out on the town.

But that doesn't mean I don't love this city.

While there are undoubtedly other places where I could experience complete culture shock, in my experience, the City of Lights truly lived up to the hype.

So much so, that I'm already planning to spend Christmas in Paris again this year.

Read the original article on Insider
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Ulrich Baumgarten via Getty Images

Protests have reached a boiling point in Israel after the government passed a bill to overhaul the country's judiciary, limiting the ability of the Israeli Supreme Court to conduct oversight. These controversies have proven greatly unpopular, and at the center of the furor is Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has continually pressed forward with the reforms.

Netanyahu has been harshly criticized over these attempts, with opposition leader Yair Lapid saying that Netanyahu is "not really Israel's prime minister" and is performing "an empty show, because it is not within his authority," per The Times of Israel. There was also international backlash, with President Joe Biden telling Axios that Israel's "current judicial reform proposal is becoming more divisive, not less" and that it "doesn't make sense for Israeli leaders to rush this  the focus should be on pulling people together and finding consensus."

But this is hardly the first go-around of controversy for Netanyahu. The prime minister, who has held power on and off since 1996, has been involved in a "spiraling saga of legal troubles and scandals that have plagued the leader's three-decade political career," The Associated Press reported.

Problems in the '90s

In 1997, Netanyahu, who was then in his first time as prime minister, had his administration rocked, and nearly brought down, by an influence-peddling scandal," Haaretz reported. Known as the Bar-on-Hebron affair, the controversy involved Ronnie Bar-On, who was appointed attorney general by Netanyahu. However, Bar-On resigned after just 48 hours amid allegations that political leader Aryeh Deri, who was facing criminal charges, pushed Netanyahu to appoint Bar-On as "attorney general in exchange for the promise of a plea bargain in his case," The New York Times reported. Netanyahu is alleged to have appointed Bar-On in exchange for Deri's political support despite a "storm of protests from jurists and politicians who said [Bar-On] was not qualified."

Netanyahu was never charged and told CNN the scandal was "blown out of proportion and twisted out of shape." He added that he "committed no wrongdoing" but "made mistakes, and I have to correct them."

Misuse of funds

Netanyahu was criticized in 2016 after a state expense report revealed that he "spent more than $600,000 of public funds on a six-day trip to New York, including $1,600 on a personal hairdresser," The Associated Press reported. This is not the first time the prime minister was in hot water over his use of funds, as he was previously "criticized for spending $127,000 in public funds for a special sleeping cabin on a five-hour flight to London." Netanyahu claimed that he was unaware of the exorbitant costs, per the AP. It seems Netanyahu may also share Biden's love for ice cream, as it was revealed that his office "ran up a $2,700 bill for his favorite flavors, vanilla and pistachio."

Netanyahu's wife, Sara, was also caught up in a similar controversy, as she was "suspected of having used taxpayers' money to pay for her late father's care while he was living at the official Jerusalem residence," Al Jazeera reported. The couple has "long faced scrutiny over their spending and accusations that their lifestyles are out of touch with regular Israelis," the outlet added.

Criminal charges

Netanyahu was indicted in 2019 in three separate cases, charged with fraud, breach of trust, and bribery. The first case was related to his alleged receiving of gifts, valued around $200,000, that "became a sort of 'supply channel'" of fraud, BBC News reported. The second case involved meetings between Netanyahu and media mogul Arnon Mozes, who allegedly "engaged in discussions regarding the promotion of their common interests: improving the coverage that Netanyahu received in [Mozes'] media group, and the imposition of restrictions on the Israel Hayom newspaper," BBC News added. The third case involved an alleged "reciprocal arrangement" between Netanyahu and Shaul Elovitch, the head of Israel's largest telecommunications company. Netanyahu allegedly took "specific actions that promoted significant business interests of Elovitch of substantial financial value."

Netanyahu's trial began in 2020 and is ongoing. The controversy over the charges led Netanyahu to relinquish his cabinet posts besides that of prime minister. He has consistently maintained his innocence.

You may also like

Homepage
Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349
Former Vice President Mike Pence speaks to local residents during a meet and greet. (Charlie Neibergall / Associated Press)

Former Vice President Mike Pence pledged to fight harder to limit abortion access and called for more religious people to get involved in politics at a gathering of more than 800 mostly Catholic conservatives in Napa Valley Thursday afternoon.

Pence, whos running for president, wont garner enough support at the Napa Institute conference to catapult him to the top of the primary field. Former President Trump, who enjoys 52% of support among Republicans, according to poll aggregator FiveThirtyEight , remains the overwhelming favorite to secure the nomination. Pence has averaged just shy of 5% support in recent national polls .

But religious conservatives such as the attendees of the Napa Institute conference are a key part of the GOP electorate, and Pence, a devout evangelical Christian, needs their support if he is to have any hope of becoming the next president.

Pence, who was raised as a Catholic, touted his Catholic school upbringing and his 2020 visit to the Vatican, where the pope gave him a rosary for his mother. He sprinkled his speech with Bible verses and urged attendees at the Napa Institute conference to express their faith by supporting right-wing causes.

What the world needs today is men and women of deep conviction and faith who will boldly live out their faith in the public square, Pence said.

The stop in Napa Valley could also help the former vice president connect with wealthy potential donors. Attendees pay $2,800 for a ticket to the five-day convention at the Meritage Resort and Spa, a posh estate nestled in vineyard country.

Pence needs to register 40,000 unique donors by Aug. 21 in order to qualify for the inaugural primary debate in Milwaukee on Aug. 23, but hasnt reached that milestone.

Read more: Column: Trump's Big Lie and the Republican Etch A Sketch strategy

The Napa Institute was founded by Tim Busch, a wealthy attorney and businessman whose other ventures include an Irvine-based hotel chain and Trinitas Cellars, a Napa County winery. A devout Orange County Catholic who visits the pope nearly every year , Busch has supported religious endeavors across California and the U.S., co-founding St. Anne School in Laguna Niguel and JSerra Catholic High School in San Juan Capistrano. In 2016, Busch gave $15 million to the Catholic University of America, which named its business school after him.

Story continues

The conference itself is a blend of religious and conservative orthodoxy, with speeches from figures such as Pence interspersed with masses in the sunshine and courtyard confessionals.

Pences call for more people of faith to take active interest in politics was well received, earning two standing ovations. His message aligns with Buschs: In an article published Sunday in National Review, Busch urged other people of faith to defend the role of religion in national politics. That means preventing states from allowing abortion access and hormone treatment for young people, Busch said.

This is a witness that were giving to the world that believes in same-sex marriage and abortion and transgenderism and who knows what next, Busch said. We have to stand up for the truth because it will ultimately set them free.

Busch awarded Pence the Napa Institutes award for life for his anti-abortion activism. Pence voiced his support for a national minimum standard of 15 weeks to ban abortions, and championed the Trump administrations appointment of three conservative justices to the Supreme Court, which led to last years ruling overturning Roe v s . Wade .

Napa Institute leaders have taken a special interest in the courts rightward tilt. Leonard Leo, co-chairman of the Federalist Society , is a board member of Napa Legal , an advocacy arm of Buschs organization. Leo advised Trump on his judicial nominations.

Pence, who has been reticent to rail against his former boss on the campaign trail, defended his decision to certify the 2020 election results, saying he told Trump at the time that he had no right to overturn the election.

I reminded him that we have both taken an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States, Pence said. The Bible says in Psalm 15, He keeps his oath even when it hurts. I know something about that.

Get the best of the Los Angeles Times politics coverage with the Essential Politics newsletter.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Rudy Giuliani; Mark Meadows; Donald Trump Photo illustration by Salon/Getty Images

"For those that still believe there was widespread voter fraud, these people are admitting they lied to you." These are not the words of a Democratic politician or an MSNBC anchor but of a Republican.

Gabriel Sterling, the chief operating officer of the Georgia Secretary of State, has long been one of the few Republicans brave enough to defend democracy in the face of Donald Trump's efforts to destroy it. Sterling was responding to reports that former New York City mayor-turned-Trump accomplice Rudy Giuliani has conceded that his accusations against two Georgia election workers, Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss, were "false" and "defamatory." The two women are suing Giuliani for a ridiculous conspiracy theory he and Trump spread, claiming a video showing the two women sharing candy was actually evidence they were somehow stealing votes for Biden.

Rudy Giuliani admits that he lied about Shaye Moss & Ruby Freeman. We've known for years that he lied about them and the events at State Farm Arena. For those that still believe there was widespread voter fraud, these people are admitting they lied to you. https://t.co/B01EJ9BcZ0  Gabriel Sterling (@GabrielSterling) July 27, 2023

For everyone outside the MAGA bubble, Sterling's comments may sound like a "no duh" statement. It's obvious to reality-based people that everyone involved in the Big Lie knew it was a lie, and that Joe Biden was the true winner of the 2020 election. It's important to remember, however, that this fact is still hotly disputed by the vast majority of Republican leadership. Most GOP leaders  who are all also lying through their teeth  like to pretend that Trump and his followers "really believed" the Big Lie. Indeed, most Republican leaders still like to pretend that they themselves find the Big Lie compelling, even if they avoid saying they believe it entirely.

The bad faith of Trump's election claims increasingly matters in another arena: The court of law.

We are now over a week into this round of Trump indictment watching after Justice Department-appointed special prosecutor Jack Smith sent a letter letting Trump know he's under investigation for leading an attempted coup that resulted in the insurrection of January 6, 2021. Such a letter nearly guarantees charges are coming. Further reporting suggests the specific charges will depend on Smith and his team arguing that Trump was deliberately trying to steal an election.

Trump, like most Republicans, is still clinging to the defense that he can't have committed a crime because he supposedly believed that the 2020 election was stolen. "We'll have fun on the stand with all of these people that say the Presidential Election wasn't Rigged and Stollen [sic]," Trump wrote on Truth Social Wednesday morning. "THE TRIAL OF THE CENTURY!!!"

On Wednesday, Trump posted a video on Truth Social, where he kept up the ruse. "They don't go after the people who cheated in the election, they only go after the people who report on, or question the cheating," he whined.

The good news is there is already plenty of evidence that Trump and his co-conspirators knew they were attempting a coup, and that, contrary to their public statements, they did not think they were simply try right a grievous wrong. The House committee that investigated January 6 released evidence that Trump knew he was lying, most notably from White House aide Cassidy Hutchinson. "I don't want people to know we lost, Mark," she recalled hearing Trump say to his chief of staff, Mark Meadows, on December 11, 2020. "This is embarrassing."

That Smith seems ready to go forward with indictments suggests he has amassed even more solid evidence that the Big Lie was just that, a lie, and not a sincere delusion. As NBC News reported Wednesday, there are strong signs that Smith is building up a massive pile of evidence that Trump was knowingly lying about the election. Smith has subpoenaed testimony from multiple election officials Trump pressured, as well as fake electors who were involved in his scheme.

"The special counsel appears to be investigating what President Trump said and did in private to further show that Trump's public statements and actions about election fraud were not borne out of good faith or [an] honest mistake," Temidayo Aganga-Williams, former senior investigative counsel for the House Jan. 6 committee, told Salon.

Want more Amanda Marcotte on politics? Subscribe to her newsletter Standing Room Only.

Giuliani's latest admission is another sign this house of cards is coming down. Not that Giuliani is giving up on the case entirely. Mostly, it seems his lawyers realize there's no way they can hide behind the "he really believed it" defense. They are conceding the point in a last-ditch effort to plead that his lies were "free speech" and not damaging. He's probably not going to get far with that argument, since both women have extensively documented how they've had to hide out from deranged Trump supporters, with Moss even testifying movingly about her suffering to Congress last year. But that Giuliani has given up pretending he was sincerely deluded strongly suggests that it's a pretense Trump himself will struggle to keep up.

Here's hoping for justice for these two women so horribly abused by Giuliani. But for the Trump indictment watchers, this story has even bigger implications, especially in light of reports that Giuliani sat for hours of interviews with Smith's team under a proffer agreement, which is where witnesses exchange information for limited immunity. Proffer agreements usually means someone has flipped. Giuliani's lawyers deny that he is throwing Trump under the bus to save his own skin. But this new filing in the defamation case suggests his team has abandoned all efforts to spin their client as a well-meaning dupe who really believed the Big Lie, and instead are in damage mitigation mode.

One of the most promising signs comes to us via the Washington Post, which reports that Smith's team has obtained text messages of Meadows joking with White House lawyers in a way that shows they knew full well Trump's claims of voter fraud were lies. This "is one of many exchanges from the time in which Trump aides and other Republican officials expressed deep skepticism or even openly mocked the election claims being made publicly by Trump," the Post reporters write. The rest of the article focuses on outward signs suggesting that Meadows may be cooperating, to one extent or another, with Smith's team. After all, he faces serious legal jeopardy himself, and may be boxed into a deal in exchange for cooperation.

Despite this, Republicans are still clinging to the dumb-as-rocks talking point that Trump is innocent because he was just so gosh-darned convinced he won the election. Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida, who is supposedly running against Trump for the Republican presidential nomination, told reporters last week that while he wished Trump had done more to stop the Capitol riot while it was happening, he was skeptical there was real criminal intent. Former vice president Mike Pence, also supposedly running against Trump, told CNN, "While his words were reckless, based on what I know, I am not yet convinced that they were criminal."

There is little doubt that these men are being deliberately dishonest, and not just because they know full well Trump was knowingly lying about the 2020 election. The reported leaks of what the investigation letter to Trump said make it quite clear that the likely charges aren't focused on what he said to the crowd on January 6, so much as the nearly two months he spent before that day pressuring government officials to fabricate votes for him or assist in his "fake electors" scheme.

Most Republicans are well-practiced at sticking to a lie, even in the face of glaring evidence contradicting the falsehood. So we can expect the "Trump meant well" to remain a talking point, even if Smith rolls out a mountain of evidence showing Trump always knew full well that he lost the 2020 election. Still, that pose will be a harder sell once court documents are public and especially if, heaven willing, the trial happens before the election. But even if it doesn't change the GOP's relationship to Trump, the wannabe-dictator will have to face down a jury. And "golly, Trump thought he was doing the right thing" is like not going to be an argument that holds up in court.

Read more

about Trump's legal woes
Tom Kings business has been flooded five times since 2016, so he knows high water. But the deluge that swept through Fleming Neon on July 28, 2022, was of a different magnitude altogether.

The water in here was nine feet tall, King said of his auto collision garage on Main Street. His business sits in front of a creek so tiny he doesnt even know its name, but it swelled to an awesome size that night. I lost 11 vehicles three were up on jacks and just floated off and down the street. It took five and a half weeks of shoveling mud. It was a nightmare.

The water  a rancid combination of mine runoff, sewage, and the ordinary chemicals of houses and businesses, was so toxic it ate through 20-ton chains. Everything the water touched it destroyed, he said.

He lost at least $100,000 in car paint and other equipment. FEMA officials came and talked to him, then said they couldnt help. The Small Business Administration wouldnt do anything, they said, because hed filed an extension on his taxes. He got $10,000 from the Team Kentucky fund that he didnt have to pay back.

Thank God, I had some money in the bank, he said.

For all this, King is not really complaining. Hes back up to his pre-flood rate of car repair, between 150 and 175 a year. He thought about closing or moving the business to Jenkins, but in the end, came back. And now he just hopes more of the empty storefronts  all of them hit by a wall of water  can reopen too.

I hate to see them sitting there so empty, he said. This was already kind of a retirement community, and now a lot of people have left to go to Tennessee or South Carolina.

Its been a long year of very slow improvement for many people in Fleming Neon and in Letcher County, and many stories are the same: the endless haggling with FEMA or the SBA, rebuilding homes or trying to find new ones, the sharp prick of anxiety when rain drums on the roof in the middle of the night.

City Hall employees are still in a FEMA office trailer parked next to the high school football field because the real City Hall is on Main Street and is not yet habitable. Life requires constant resilience and patience and then a little more.

Story continues

Police Chief Allen Bormes pondered what his community needs most on the one-year anniversary of such trauma.

Hope, he said after a moment, if you could give that as a gift. We need a light at the end of the tunnel.

Fleming-Neon Police Chief Allen Bormes talks about what it was like in the area following last summers flooding at his temporary office in the community Thursday, June 29, 2023.

The jewel of Main Street

One of the empty storefronts on Main Street used to be one of its jewels, a brand new public library, festooned with murals and filled with books.

The night of the flood, a tree turned battering ram crashed through the glass window of the back door. Water quickly rose to six feet along the walls. The space is now stripped back to the studs.

But the library will reopen, declared Alita Vogel, director of the Letcher County public library system.

Working with a wonderful representative from the Kentucky Emergency Management System, Vogel has now figured out that FEMA will pay for hurricane-grade windows and doors. She hopes construction can start by the beginning of October.

Bookshelves sit empty at the Fleming-Neon Public Library in Fleming-Neon, Ky., on Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2022. The library was damaged by flooding in late July.

Three of the four Letcher libraries were flooded; Blackey and Neon are still closed. So much trauma and so much gratitude to the many people who helped makes for a complicated emotional afterburn. The system recently got a $40,000 grant from the Steele-Reese Foundation, which Vogel tells me about as she starts to cry.

All of this still makes me very emotional, she said. Its wonderful and its staggering how kind so many people have been, a year later I still end up crying about it.

Alita Vogel is executive director of the Letcher County Library system.

What the library does not need is more books. Theyve gotten tens of thousands of books, magazines and movies, so many they cant afford to store them all, and have given many away.

Behind the Neon Library, Lisa Wagoner is laying out sneakers in the carport of the Neon First Church of God. Someone who volunteered after the floods told his mother-in-law about Fleming Neon; she sent her sisters sneaker collection to Wagoner to give away, sneakers with stripes and diamonds and ribbons and swooshes.

Shoes donated to community members in Fleming-Neon, Ky., wait to be distributed on Thursday, June 29, 2023.

The church is a site for summer school meals. They serve 40-50 a day, which quickly disappear, along with the sneakers.

Weve had meals here for over a year and sometimes people just want to talk, Wagoner said. Most people are ok, but others are struggling a lot. When it rains at 2 a.m., it can trigger PTSD.

Wagoners husband, Mark, is the pastor, and they just finished replacing the floors and walls of the sanctuary, but Wagoner is worried there wont be enough people to fill them.

This town was already dying, she said. What if theres another flood?

A hornets nest

The man tasked with Fleming Neons recovery only started the job last year. Mayor Ricky Burke took office on Jan. 1, 2022; that night he was at the wastewater treatment plant working on superficial fixes himself to see if he could get it to work a little bit.

He inherited a hornets nest, Tom King said.

The floods exacerbated many neglected infrastructure problems in Eastern Kentucky, like Fleming Neon sewer and water systems, which still have an uncanny habit of sending raw sewage geysers out of manholes when it rains, according to King.

Windows are boarded up in downtown Fleming-Neon on Thursday, June 29, 2023. Flooding last summer devastated the community in Letcher County.

Entities like small towns apparently need liaisons to FEMA (call them anger translators if you like). Burke said he had to fire the first company, which delayed negotiations with the state and FEMA for the funding and permissions to fix those systems.

Now Nesbit Engineering is the go-between and things are moving along, Burke said, except the school district wants the City Hall trailer moved out of its parking lot. Burke has a full-time job in Whitesburg, so the stack of messages and problems to be solved are waiting for him every night and weekend.

We have people with the biggest hearts and they love this place, our goal is to fill vacant buildings and get fully back, he said. But people still get nervous when it rains.

The problem is it will rain again and it may even flood, and what will happen then in a place that already has struggles with jobs and depopulation?

Less than a mile up the road, Gwen Johnson runs the Hemphill Community Center which became a clearing center for flood relief, both supplies and people.

Were better than we were, she said. But thats a low bar.

Along with her neighbors, shes gone to meetings of the Letcher County Long-Term Flood Recovery Group and leaves with more questions than answers. State funding and insurance money is a politicians dance, she says, and its hard for regular people to understand the bureaucracy.

The devastation was so bad and people are still trying to get their feet under them, she said. Eastern Kentucky was already suffering from the end of coal, the scourge of opioids, the lack of jobs. And climate change that is sending 100-year floods a lot more often. If you are starting from behind, how do you get ahead of all of it?

I dont know, Johnson said. A year later were better but were not where we should be.
LIMA (Reuters) -Peruvian President Dina Boluarte said on Friday she would request expanded legislative powers and is open to reshaping a historically unpopular Congress as protesters renewed their demands for her to stand down.

During an Independence Day speech in Lima, Boluarte said she would request legislative powers from Congress for 120 days to fight crime. She said she was open to reverting Congress to a two-chamber legislature from a single-chamber format.

"(These are) measures Peru needs to face, with more strength and efficiency, delinquency and crime," Boluarte said.

Protesters attempted to reach Congress but were held back by police after a brief clash. Crowds began to disperse as Boluarte's three-hour long speech drew to a close.

The Congress is dominated by right-wing parties and has a single-digit approval rating.

Boluarte, who succeeded leftist Pedro Castillo after he was removed from office and jailed last December, has faced waves of protests in which more than 60 people have died in at times violent clashes with Peruvian security forces.

"I call for a grand national reconciliation between all Peruvians," Boluarte said, adding that ideological differences shouldn't "lead us to live in a society of enemies, reigned by unnecessary and irreconcilable antagonism."

The deadly clashes between demonstrators and security forces have led to more protests and allegations of human rights abuses against Boluarte, who is facing multiple investigations for her actions during the strife.

The demonstrations died down after February and have struggled to regain momentum. The latest protests have been dubbed "the third takeover of Lima" and are the culmination of people coming from Peru's poorer south to protest in the capital Lima since last week.

An opinion poll in July by the Institute of Peruvian Studies showed 80% of the electorate wants early elections and 75% want Boluarte to resign. The next elections are scheduled for 2026.

Story continues

Boluarte has called the renewed protests a "threat against democracy" but in Friday's speech she apologized to family members of civilians, police and military members killed.

"With deep and painful consternation, I ask for forgiveness on behalf of the state," Boluarte said, adding that "there won't be impunity for anyone."

She said the legislative powers she seeks would also be used to combat the effects of the El Nino weather phenomenon that has already caused heavy rains and damage throughout Peru.

(Reporting by Marco Aquino and Angela Ponce in Lima and Alexander Villegas in Santiago; Editing by Sarah Morland, Hugh Lawson and Grant McCool)
A photo of protesters confronting the police has been shared online alongside a false claim it shows people protesting US President Joe Biden's visit to Finland in July 2023. The picture actually shows a protest against Covid-19 restrictions in Sweden in 2021.

The photo was posted on Facebook on July 14, 2023.

Translated to English, its Burmese-language caption says, "Finnish people are protesting US President Joe Biden claiming the United States is a country that creates wars."

Screenshot of the false post, taken on July 24, 2023

The photo has been shared with a similar claim on Facebook here, here and here.

NP News, a pro-junta Burmese news outlet, used the photo in a report about Biden's visit to Finland and also shared it on Telegram.

The posts circulated shortly after Biden arrived in Helsinki on July 12 for a meeting with the leaders of Finland and other Nordic countries following a NATO summit in Lithuania.

Finnish public broadcaster YLE reported the visit sparked protests in the capital against Biden and the establishment of NATO bases in Finland as the country became the newest member of the alliance (archived link).

However, the photo has been shared in a false context.

Covid lockdown protest

A reverse image search on Google, followed by a keyword search, found the photo was taken during an anti-lockdown protest in the Swedish capital Stockholm in March 2021.

The picture was published on the AFP Forum website here credited to Henrik Montgomery -- a photographer from Sweden-based TT News Agency -- and AFP (archived links here and here).

Screenshot of the photo on AFP Forum

"Demonstrators face police as they take part in a protest in Stockholm on March 6, 2021 against the measures taken by the Swedish government to fight the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic," the photo's caption reads.

"The protests were disbanded by police due to lack of permit for public gathering. When faced with police, the protesters started marching north toward downtown Stockholm."

Story continues

Below is a screenshot comparison of the photo in the false posts (left) and the photo on AFP Forum (right):

Screenshot comparison of the photo in the false post (left) and the photo on AFP Forum (right)

The picture was published by Reuters in a report about the Covid-19 protest in Stockholm, also credited to the same photographer (archived link).

Other photos from the anti-lockdown protest were published by AFP on the same day, with a pair of male protesters appearing in several pictures here, here and here.

Below is a screenshot of a 2021 Stockholm protest photo on AFP Forum:
A social media account in Nigeria published pictures of a couple, claiming it showed a husband who had beheaded his wife after DNA tests revealed their six children were fathered by other men. But the post, shared thousands of times, is misleading: the man in the image stabbed his partner to death over an alleged affair and was jailed for at least 17 years.

"Man cuts off wife's Head after DNA test proved none of Six kids are his (sic)," reads the Facebook post shared more than 5,000 times since it was published on July 21, 2023.

A screenshot showing the misleading post, taken July 25, 2023

The account behind the post is called "The News Reporter Newspaper" and has 26,000 followers. It promotes content from and about Nigeria.

An image above the headline shows separate pictures of a man and a woman.

Many people commenting on the post called for the man to be freed from prison.

A screenshot showing comments on the misleading post, taken on July 25, 2023

The claim also appeared elsewhere on Facebook and a 2021 news blog that described the man as "Jamaican". The blog article also named the woman as Karen Rainsford.

According to World Bank statistics (archived here), 30 percent  or 736 million  women globally have experienced intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence.

The woman in the Facebook image was indeed killed by her husband, also pictured, but the circumstances described in the post are misleading.

Stabbed by husband

Using reverse image searches, AFP Fact Check found the original photos attached to news articles from 2013.

The various reports including here, here, here and here described how 38-year-old Minta Adiddo had repeatedly stabbed his wife Akua Agyeman  not Karen Rainsford, as claimed  a year earlier in a fit of jealousy (archived here, here, here and here).

The couple lived in the UK. Adiddo was found guilty of killing Agyeman who died from her injuries months later.

Adiddo was tried in the Old Bailey and given a prison sentence of 17 years to life by judge Brian Barker (archived here). A summary of the court records on a legal services website shows Agyeman was stabbed 29 times in the chest and abdomen and died in hospital of multiple organ failure on January 2, 2013.

Story continues

A screenshot showing the trial records, taken on July 26, 2023

Media reported the couple had two children, not six (archived here).

The claim appears to be a perennial hoax  it was also debunked in 2015 by US fact-checking organisation Lead Stories here (archive here).
A bus filled with visitors from Poland stopped at Zabriskie Point in Death Valley National Park on Tuesday, July 18, 2023, in Death Valley, California. Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

Over the past few months, tourists appear to have become more brazen than ever before.

This summer, some travelers have defaced monuments and gotten too close to wildlife.

Photos show tourists in the US and Europe paying little mind to heat-wave warnings.

Summer 2023 is turning out to be one of the wildest for tourists on record.

From defacing national monuments, including Italy's Colosseum in Rome, to tempting fate by getting way too close to wildlife in US national parks, tourists have repeatedly found themselves in the headlines for brazen behavior over the past few months.

The recent uptick in wild-tourist stories is likely connected to the sheer number of people traveling overseas this summer. Data from the online-travel agency Hopper has already shown this year's demand for international trips outpacing last year's, CBS News reported on July 5.

From skirting heat-wave advisories to sticking their hands in hot springs, it's safe to say tourists are out of control this summer  and these photos serve as proof. Take a look.

In July, tourists were photographed visiting Death Valley in California amid a blistering heat wave that saw temperatures reach 130 degrees Fahrenheit.

A bus filled with visitors from Poland stopped at Zabriskie Point in Death Valley National Park on Tuesday, July 18, 2023, in Death Valley, California. Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

Long considered the hottest place on Earth, Death Valley has become a literal hot spot for tourists fascinated by its arid landscape and sweat-inducing temperatures.

However, over the past few weeks, the area has been suffering a blistering heat wave that saw temperatures reach as high as 130 degrees Fahrenheit, or 54.4 degrees Celsius, on July 16.

Despite repeated heat warnings and advisories from The National Weather Service, or NWS, and National Park Service, or NPS, travelers have continued to head to the valley in droves.

This photograph was taken on July 18, when temperatures in the park reached 121 degrees Fahrenheit, or 49.4 degrees Celsius, according to NPS.

Some tourists even went to Death Valley for the sole purpose of experiencing the potentially fatal heat themselves.

Story continues

A woman stands near a digital display of an unofficial heat reading at Furnace Creek Visitor Center during a heat wave in Death Valley National Park, California, on July 16, 2023. RONDA CHURCHILL/AFP via Getty Images

Photographs taken at Death Valley, where temperatures got within degrees of breaking the 1913 record of 134 degrees Fahrenheit, or 56.6 degrees Celsius, showed travelers whipping out their smartphones to snap selfies in front of giant thermometers showcasing the blistering heat levels.

According to one park ranger who spoke with The Weather Channel on July 20, the tourists "want to feel what it feels like to live in such an extreme place."

Another tourist told Channel 4 News in a video shared on July 17 that she was visiting Death Valley for the first time because she thought it would be "a cool thing" to be there for what could be the "hottest day on Earth."

Elsewhere in the US, some of the tourists flocking to national parks have gotten way too close to local wildlife, to their own peril.

A mother bison watches as her calf struggles to climb out of a small creek after falling in Yellowstone Park. Natalie Behring for the Washington Post

This summer has turned into one of the worst for bison in Yellowstone National Park.

Multiple videos have surfaced of tourists getting too close to bison to do things such as snapping selfies, despite the park service warning visitors to remain at least 25 yards away from the 2,000-pound animals.

Some encounters have resulted in the endangerment of people and the bison themselves. In May, a bison calf was euthanized after a tourist pulled it out of a riverbank. The tourist  who in June pleaded guilty to one misdemeanor count of feeding, touching, teasing, frightening, or intentionally disturbing wildlife  said he was trying to help the calf, The New York Times reported.

After a woman was gored by a bison in Yellowstone in July, the park service warned against approaching wildlife, particularly bison, in the summer because it's the animals' mating season.

"Bison can become agitated more quickly," the release said. "Use extra caution and give them additional space during this time."

Meanwhile, in Italy, multiple tourists have been spotted defacing the Colosseum in Rome, an ancient monument that has stood for thousands of years.

The Colosseum in Rome has had multiple tourists deface sections of it this summer. AP Photo/Andrew Medichini

On an annual basis, the Colosseum attracts over 6 million visitors. In recent months, some of these visitors have thought it was a good idea to leave their marks on the ancient Roman monument that has stood for roughly 2,000 years.

As the Italian news agency ANSA reported, vandalism on the Colosseum can result in $16,000 in fines and five years in prison.

The first to make headlines was a 27-year-old fitness instructor living in Bristol, England, who was seen in a YouTube video using a key to carve "Ivan+Haley 23" into the walls of the structure. After he was identified, Ivan Dimitrov wrote an apology letter to Rome's mayor and the prosecutor's office, saying that he was not aware of the Colosseum's age.

Similar instances have cropped up since, including one where a Swiss teenager was filmed carving her initial into the Colosseum by a tour guide, who later said the girl's parents told him: "She's just a little girl."

Just like in Death Valley, tourists continued to visit the Colosseum despite the Italian government's widespread heat warnings.

This summer, the Italian government has issued multiple excessive-heat warnings  but this has largely not deterred tourists. Stefano Montesi - Corbis/Getty Images

On July 18  when temperatures in Rome soared to a record 107.24 degrees Fahrenheit, or 41.8 degrees Celsius, Reuters reported  some tourists who braved the extreme heat were photographed using umbrellas to protect themselves from the sun.

Tourists were seen out in the city despite the health ministry issuing red-weather alerts to warn people of the dangers of the heat wave, Reuters reported.

Amid the heat wave in Italy, tourists were photographed snapping selfies and crowding the Trevi Fountain.

Tourists surround the Trevi fountain in Rome, Italy, on July 17. Matteo Nardone/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images

Some visitors from the US have been determined to stick to their European vacation plans despite the extreme weather conditions and the influx of other visitors.

One 25-year-old tourist told the Associated Press that she and her friends weren't concerned about the situation in the slightest.

"We kind of saved up, and we know this is a trip that is meaningful," she said, the AP reported on July 13. "We are all in our mid-20s. It's a change in our lives."

"This is something special. The crowds don't deter us. We live in Florida. We have all been to Disney World in the heat. We are all good."

In Vatican City, some tourists were photographed using maps of Rome and newspapers to take shelter from the sun's rays.

Tourists shelter beneath maps as they wait for the start of Pope Francis' Angelus noon prayer in St. Peter's Square in Vatican City on July 9, 2023. AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia

The Vatican, a city-state in the middle of Rome where the Pope resides, also welcomes millions of visitors each year.

Not all of the visitors, however, appeared to come prepared for severe heat. A photo taken on July 9  when temperatures reached 98 degrees Fahrenheit, or 36.6 degrees Celsius, according to AccuWeather  shows a tourist sheltering under a map of the city.

Elsewhere in Italy, tourists by the thousands were photographed flocking to beaches in a bid to escape the heat.

Beachgoers flocked to the sea in Catania, Italy, to find refreshment amid a high-temperature alert on July 16, 2023. Fabrizio Villa/Getty Images

Over the past week, Catania, a city in Sicily, has seen temperatures climb to 117.68 degrees Fahrenheit, or 47.6 degrees Celsius, the BBC reported.

The heat also damaged the city's electrical cables, resulting in power cuts that have left thousands of tourists and locals alike without access to air conditioning and water.

The Daily Mail reported that Nello Musumeci, Italy's Minister for Civil Protection and Sea Policies, said the situation brought Catania "to its knees."

The influx of tourists has also led to questions of how sacred buildings can accommodate hordes of visitors and worshippers at the same time.

A worshipper prays as tourists visit the Byzantine-era Hagia Sophia mosque in Istanbul on July 4, 2023. AP Photo/Francisco Seco

The Associated Press reported that countries in southern Europe have seen tourism levels reach or surpass pre-pandemic levels this summer.

The sheer number of visitors is likely playing a valuable role in boosting national economies, but it has also led to questions about how those countries are handling the tourists visiting sacred spaces where others are going to worship, the AP reported.

Photographs shared by the AP in Turkey's Hagia Sophia mosque show a stark divide between the crowds visiting the place of worship to photograph the art and architecture and those coming to pray.

Read the original article on Insider
The Pittsburgh Pirates (45-57) managed to take two out of three against the San Diego Padres after their 3-2 victory over the Friars.

The Pirates now return home to face cross-state foes, the Philadelphia Phillies (55-47) for a three-game weekend series.

The Pirates series victory in San Diego was their first series victory in the month of July, and their first since June 27-29 when they swept the Padres at home.

First pitch at PNC Park is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

Read more from our partners at Sports Now Group Pittsburgh.

Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW

TRENDING NOW:

17-year-old dead after stabbing in Schenley Park Sinead OConnor death: Police release statement Mother of 17-year-old who died after stabbing in Schenley Park shares her tragic experience VIDEO: Residents of local apartment building damaged in fire still looking for permanent housing, answers DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts
A Lexington-bound flight had to take evasive action to avoid a midair collision with another airplane Sunday, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

Allegiant Air flight 485, headed to Blue Grass Airport from Fort Lauderdale International Airport in Florida, departed at approximately 1:28 p.m., according to data from FlightAware, an online flight tracker. Not long after takeoff, an air traffic controller in the Miami Air Route Traffic Control Center instructed flight 485 to turn eastbound at 23,000 feet when it crossed in front of a Gulfstream business jet, the FAA said.

The pilots on both planes received automatic alerts of another aircraft at the same altitude, according to the FAA. Both pilots took evasive action to avoid a midair collision.

Flight 485 returned to the Fort Lauderdale airport after the near collision, according to FAA.

A flight attendant was treated for injuries upon the planes return to the airport, the FAA said. The incident is being investigated by the FAA.

The flight returned to Lexington later in the evening, according to FlightAwares online tracking.
Crystal Hinson owns Mineral Springs Fertilizer in Union County.

Shes precise with her herbs and her bills.

She showed Action 9s Jason Stoogenke how she usually pays Duke Energy about $400-$500 each month, but that changed last August.

MORE ACTION 9: Family says landlord didnt fix air conditioner or fridge for days in heat

I got a power bill that was exorbitant, she said. This one was like $727 and some change.

Hinson says she didnt do anything differently that would explain the increase.

She tried to resolve it on her own, all the way into this year. With each phone call, it just poked my inner Madea, she said.

So much so, that she refused to pay until Duke Energy threatened to cut her power off, she says. So, she paid the bill.

I kept seeing your commercials on TV about no problems too small, she told Stoogenke. Once I knew you all were going to step in, I felt like I had a better chance.

Action 9 emailed Duke Energy. The company said it had swapped out Hinsons meter around that time last year because it was failing to communicate with Dukes system. It said the swap didnt impact the bill and that the usage and price were still accurate. That said, Duke decided to give her a $300 credit plus a $50 gift card for her trouble.

MORE ACTION 9: Charlotte woman thought she did everything right until company repossessed her car

Heres what you should know no matter who handles your power bills:

The first question is who runs the utility?

- If its a company: you can complain to the North Carolina Utilities Commission.

- For co-ops: complain to the Rural Electrification Authority.

- For government: complain to the utility and then the elected officials who oversee it.

If all else fails, you can talk to a lawyer, but suing may not be worth the time or money.

(VIDEO: Homeowners say Duke Energy left mess after trimming trees near power lines)
Armed forces of Poland

Poland will create new military units to double the size of its armed forces, in light of new threats to the countrys sovereignty, such as the Wagner mercenary group, Deputy Prime Minister of Poland, Jarosaw Kaczynski, said on July 28.

"Our army, which previously consisted of only three divisions Now there will be six divisions and, over time, there will probably be a reserve division," Kaczynski said while visiting the Polish-Belarusian border.

Read also: Russia may use Wagner mercenaries to attack NATO through Poland, Baltics  Presidential advisor

The Polish government is also strengthening its border security by constructing a fence with "various types of electronic devices" to facilitate its protection.

Kaczynski characterized the events on the Polish/Belarusian border as an attack conducted in a less aggravated form, but one that can at any moment intensify and take on a different character associated with the presence of the Wagnerites.

Read also: Ukrainian border service tracking Wagner mercenary redeployment to Belarus

"We want to make it clear that we are doing everything necessary and sufficient to repel any provocations or any aggressive actions more dangerous than the previous ones," Kaczynski emphasized.

Earlier, Polish Minister of Defense, Mariusz Blaszczak, reported that his country had transferred a number of troops to the eastern border as a response to the arrival of Wagner mercenaries in Belarus.

On July 23, Blaszczak announced that his country would create a new military unit near the border with Belarus.

Wagner in Belarus: What we know

Wagner 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.

Read also: Wagner mercenaries continue to receive salaries  report

The one-day insurrection was halted after negotiations between Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko and Prigozhin.

Story continues

Following the negotiations, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin presented the Wagner troops with three options, one of which involved their deployment to Belarus.

Shortly after, reports emerged that camps were being constructed in Belarus which were intended to accommodate the Wagner fighters. Satellite images of a potential field camp were subsequently released. While Lukashenko denied the existence of any camps specifically for the Wagner mercenaries, he mentioned that they would be provided with accommodation if necessary.

Ukrainian intelligence has cautioned against premature conclusions regarding the transfer of Wagner mercenaries to Belarus.

Later, information surfaced suggesting that Wagner 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:

The State Border Guard Service of Ukraine announced on July 14 that Russia had withdrawn nearly all of its official 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
The size of the Polish military is being nearly doubled in response to the threat posed by Russia and Belarus, Polish deputy prime minister Jarosaw Kaczynski said during a visit to the town of Koden near the Belarusian border on July 27.



Existing units are being replenished and three new divisions are being created, for a total of six, with a seventh being a possibility. Polish military presence on Belarusian border is being strengthened as well.



Recently, thousands of Wagner troops and heavy equipment have poured into Belarus from Russia, after the pseudo-PMC's abortive mutiny against the Kremlin.



Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said that he brokered a deal between the Kremlin and Wagner, for the mercenaries to be allowed to peacefully leave Russia in exchange for standing down.



Earlier, Ukraine's National Resistance Center reported that Wagner was recruiting in Belarus, with the readiness to participate in fighting in Poland and Lithuania as one of the conditions of enlistment.



Officially, Belarus and Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin have said that the mercenaries are there to train Belarusian troops.



Ukraine has said that its border with Belarus is secure and is being monitored.

Read also: Poland transfers forces to eastern border as Wagner convoys enter Belarus
Athens-Clarke police are investigating the death of a Hall County man found dead Thursday morning inside Southeast Clarke Park off Whit Davis Road.

Athens-Clarke County Coroner Sonny Wilson said Friday that an investigation is underway to determine the cause of death of 34-year-old Jamey Thomas Vitkus.

Vitkus was homeless in Athens, but is originally from Oakwood.

Police reported that a purple crystal-like substances was recovered at the scene, which indicates a possible drug overdose and possibly the use of fentanyl.

A park employee reported finding the body at about 7:25 a.m. in front of the mens restroom, according to the report.

Foul play is not suspected, but anyone with information on Vitkus is asked to call Detective Sgt. Scott Black at 762-400-7058.

Fraud: Bank teller helps avert fraud; saves Athens woman $50,000

Sheriff honored: Jackson County Sheriff Janis Mangum named 2023 Georgia Sheriff of the Year

This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Investigation underway into death of man found at Athens park
Photograph: AP

A shocking case of an Ohio police officer who released a police dog on an unarmed Black man who had his hands raised has thrown the use of canines by law enforcement back into the national spotlight in the US.

On Wednesday, the Circleville police department announced that the officer, who has been identified as Ryan Speakman, had been terminated effective immediately, New 5 Cleveland reported.

Related: US justice department to investigate racial bias in Memphis policing

Circleville police officer Ryan Speakmans actions during the review of his canine apprehension of suspect Jadarrius Rose on July 4 show that Officer Speakman did not meet the standards and expectations we hold for our police officers, the police department said.

Numerous reports in recent years have pointed to the ways in which police dogs have been used as weapons across the US by police and prison staff, often involving victims who were people of color.

Last year, video footage appeared to show California police officers using a police dog to severely maul an Uber driver who missed his car payments. In 2016, the family of an unarmed Black man in Mississippi who was severely attacked by a police dog and then fatally shot by a white police officer filed a wrongful death lawsuit.

A study released by the Marshall Project in 2020 found that many people attacked by police dogs did not have a weapon, were not accused of violent crimes or were not suspects at all.

A separate 2021 report by the organization found that between 2017 and 2019, Baton Rouge police dogs in Louisiana bit at least 146 people, with the majority of them being Black.

Earlier this year, a report published by the US justice department after the botched police raid that killed Breonna Taylor in Kentucky found that police dogs used by Louisvilles metro police department were found to sometimes not release a person even after being ordered by their handlers to do so.

Similarly, a recent Insider report found that from 2017 to 2022, patrol dogs used by state prisons were ordered to attack incarcerated people at least 295 times. It also reported at least 13 incidents during which the dogs went rogue and attacked correction officers or other prison staff.

Story continues

But the Ohio case is seen as especially shocking, not least because the incident was caught on film and showed that other police officers ordered the canine officer not to release the dog on Rose.

The incident unfolded on 4 July, when dashcam video captured by the Ohio state highway patrol shows a trooper trying to stop a semi-truck driven by 23-year-old Jadarrius Rose for allegedly missing a mudflap.

Video footage appears to show Rose pulling over at one point before continuing to drive again. According to a recording of a call that Rose placed to 911, he told the dispatcher, Theyre trying to kill me, News 5 Cleveland reports.

Following a chase through three counties, troopers eventually used spike strips to destroy the trucks tires, which then forced Rose to come to a stop.

Video footage shows Rose exiting the truck as officers urge him to approach them with his hands raised or to get on the ground. Speakman can be seen holding back a police dog as a trooper repeatedly yells: Do not release the dog with his hands up! Do not. Do not. Do not.

Nevertheless, Speakman appears to release the dog, which can then be seen running towards Rose before attacking him on the ground. Rose can be heard screaming in agony, at one point yelling, Please! Please! Meanwhile, a trooper repeatedly yells, Get the dog off of him! Get the dog! as multiple officers try to separate the dog from Rose.

At one point, video footage appears to show a trooper walking away from the scene in shock as they cover their face with their hands. Officers are then shown placing Rose, who is still on the ground writhing in pain, in handcuffs.

Speaking to ABC on Monday, Circlevilles mayor, Donald McIlroy, said that Speakman was put on paid administrative leave last Thursday and that the dog was put in a kennel.

Following the announcement of Speakmans termination, the Ohio Patrolmens Benevolent Association released a statement saying that Speakman was fired without just cause. It also released an official grievance form which it filed on behalf of Speakman.

Meanwhile, the national civil rights attorney Ben Crump and the attorney Kenneth Abbarno hailed the termination of Speakman, saying:

It was the right decision to fire Ryan Speakman for releasing the police canine on Jadarrius  The excessive force Speakman used was not a baton or taser like we often see in these incidents, it was a live animal that repeatedly sunk its teeth into an already terrified Jadarrius, conjuring disturbing images from the past.

In a joint statement last Friday, McIlroy and the police chief, G Shawn Baer, said that the incident would be evaluated by a use-of-force review board with the findings expected to be released next week, CNN reported.

According to the Circleville police department, the dog was trained by Shallow Creek Kennels, a Pennsylvania-based police dog training facility, with protocols that are standard for service dogs used by the US military, as well as various agencies including Customs and Border Protection and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Following the incident, Ohios governor, Mike DeWine, said: This incident in Circleville should be a lesson, a wake-up call to everyone that police training in Ohio is not equal. It needs to be equal.

While we certainly respect Governor DeWines views and are always ready to discuss how to improve police training, Circlevilles canine teams of dogs and officers are trained and certified to meet current Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission-recognized standards, the Circleville police department said, New 5 Cleveland reported.
Karen Read was charged with second-degree murder (Boston Globe via Getty)

On a cold Saturday morning in January 2022, Boston police officer John OKeefe was found dead on a snow bank outside a colleagues house.

Days later, his girlfriend Karen Read was arrested and charged with second-degree murder. Prosecutors allege she struck OKeefe with her SUV outside the home of fellow officer Brian Albert, where hed spent the night drinking at a party. She is accused of being drunk at the time she hit him, and of leaving him to die.

Ms Read, meanwhile, is telling a very different story.

She claims she found OKeefe dead when she came to pick him up the morning after the party.

Her attorneys claim OKeefes injuries were consistent with a severe beating, rather than being struck by a car, and that Ms Read is being framed by the real killer or killers.

The case hit headlines again in late July 2023 as Ms Read appeared in a Dateline interview, where she insisted she and OKeefe were happy, having fun, laughing in the hours before he was killed and alleged she is being unfairly prosecuted in a cover-up.

A clip from the interview aired the night before Ms Read appeared in Norfolk Superior Court in Dedham, where the cases rising media attention became a part of the legal arguments, according to NBC Boston.

Ms Read was met by a crowd of supporters outside the court - including her father who told the group and reporters that his daughter is factually innocent.

"I am so immensely proud  my wife, Janet, and I  to be the father of Karen Read because shes fighting this. Shes factually innocent, and this commonwealth will ultimately see that, Mr Read said.

Police Officer John OKeefe (Boston Police Department)

Heres what to know about the case:

What has Karen Read been accused of?

On the morning on 29 January 2022, OKeefe was found in the snow outside a Canton home. He was taken to hospital and pronounced dead. A few days later, Ms Read was arrested on suspicion of hitting OKeefe with her vehicle and leaving him to die.

Prosecutors have said in the hours before the incident took place, Ms Read and OKeefe were seen at C.F McCarthys bar in Canton on the night on 28 January. The two had been drinking at the bar with friends. They then decided to go to Waterfall Bar and Grille across the street around 11pm, where they stayed for about an hour.

Story continues

After they left the bar and they were invited to a party at the home of Brian Albert on Fairview Road. A few hours later, OKeefe was found fatally injured outside the house.

When questioned by police, Ms Read said she has dropped OKeefe off at the house shortly after midnight and went home as she was having stomach problems. Ms Read said after many attempts to contact OKeefe and not getting a response, she decided to return to the house with two friends in the early hours of the morning - where she found OKeefe unresponsive outside the home on Fairview Road in the snow.

What did the autopsy report find?

An autopsy found that OKeefe had several abrasions on his right forearm, two black eyes, a cut on his nose, a two-inch laceration to the back of his head and multiple skull fractures. According to reports, hypothermia was also believed to be a contributing factor in his death.

Ms Read was arrested three days after OKeefes body was found and she was initially charged with mansalughter.

Ms Read pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder.

What are the prosecutions claims against Ms Read?

According to reports from NBC Boston, Norfolk County prosecutors said Ms Read suggested to the two friends she was with, as well as Canton emergency services that were at the scene (firefighter and paramedic), that she had hit OKeefe with her SUV.

At the time, one of the friends told the police and claimed that Ms Read called her at 5am and said Johns dead, I wonder if hes dead. Its snowing, he got hit by a plough. I hit him, I hit him, I hit him, I hit him," she allegedly told the paramedic.

The black Lexus SUV, a 2021 edition, was found by investigators at Ms Reads parents house and was seized. When investigators found the vehicle, it had a shattered right rear tail light and several scratches on its rear bumper. Prosecutors also said there were shards of glass embedded in the bumper which were consistent with a glass OKeefe had been seen holding. Prosecutors said pieces of the tail light were also found in the snow outside of the house on Fairview Road.

In a court hearing on June 2022, Assistant District Attorney Adam Lally said Ms Read and OKeefe had been arguing for quite some time and added: Numerous times over the weeks preceding this, that on one occasion the victim had attempted to break up with the defendant, had asked her to leave his home and she refused to do so."

What are the defences claims?

Ms Reads attorneys have argued that there was a large-scale cover-up between local and state police investigating the death of OKeefe.

The defence pointed to OKeefes injuries, which they argued may be from an animal attack, and also looked at the evidence from a search they did on a phone that belonged to someone else at the party as proof.

The defence claims that the state police investigator in charge of the case had ties with the homeowner and also said that people at the party worked together to put the blame on Ms Read.

However, Mr Lally argued that the defence had not shown the "relevancy or evidentiary value" of the records requested.

On 3 May 2022, in a court appearance, Ms Reads attorneys said they were denied access to evidence but the evidence they had seen suggested that OKeefe died inside Mr Alberts home.

Alan Jackson, who is one of the lawyers representing Ms Read, argued that the wounds found on the victim after his death were not consistent with a car crash, but instead, it looked like an animal attack. Mr Jackson then pointed to the German shepherd previously owned by Mr Albert. The dog has since been rehomed.

Mr Jackson stated that Mr Albert told a grand jury that his dog was inside on the night of OKeefes death. "If that dog was inside the house that night  not on the front lawn, not in the front yard, but inside the house  and these injuries were suffered or sustained at the time John OKeefe was killed, then that means that John OKeefe was inside the house when he was killed, and it also means that his body was moved," Mr Jackson added.

The defence also looked at OKeefes phone data which they said suggested that he has gone up and down the stairs after Ms Read dropped him off. The prosecution has labelled that information unreliable.

The defence also wants to look at records on the location of the dog, if it is still alive as well as a sample of its saliva and hair sample. That request was approved by a judge.

The media frenzy behind the case

In the latest developments, Mr Jackson argued that there was a perception in the public that Judge Beverly Cannone was not impartial in the case due to reports suggesting she has a connection with family tied to the case and called on her to be removed. However, Judge Cannone did not recuse herself at the hearing on 25 July.

Mr Lally argued back and said the evidence shared in the course was separate from its context and that Judge Cannones rulings arent the basis for removal. He said if a recusal was put in place "every time a judge denies a motion, were going to have to find a different judge."

Judge Cannone rejected the notion and said that untrue and unsubstantiated rumours spread on the internet can force a judge to recuse herself."

She argued that the evidence shared by the defence was not true and feels discussions on the internet could become the basis of requests for recusal. "Simply because someone plays with my name or gives credence to those who do by holding up a placard, you cant create a reasonable and credible appearance of a lack of impartiality," Judge Cannone said, according to NBC Boston.

The prosecution has said that the defence is taking a trial by media strategy by sharing unsubstantiated claims that could risk the fairness in the case and of potential jurors.

Mr Lally said that he found out about some motions made by the defence team from his press officer because they had been shared in the media before they were filed in court. As a result of this, the prosecutor said some witnesses have been harassed for it.

However, another lawyer of Ms Reads, David Yannetti, argues that the prosecution speaking to the public about the case, damaged Ms Reads reputation before she had a chance to make her case in the court of public opinion.

"They were quite happy with the press this case was getting when it was in their favour," Mr Yannetti said.

Amidst the media attention, in the Dateline interview, Ms Read said she dropped off Mr OKeefe and assumed he went inside. The next morning she found him and "His eyes were swollen shut. He had blood dripping out of his nose.

Speaking to NBC News, Mr Jackson added: "I have an innocent client, period. John walked into an element of hostility in that house. John OKeefe got out of a car, walked into the house, was sucker punched, fell, hurt himself, and then ultimately his body was moved."

Prosecutors have now filed a motion asking Ms Read and her attorneys to stop speaking to the media.

The Dateline episode featuring Ms Read has not yet been announced.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP)  Flashing a thumbs-up to his well-wishers, a police officer who was critically wounded while responding to a mass shooting at a Louisville bank in April was discharged from the hospital on Friday after enduring multiple surgeries and intensive therapy.

Louisville Metro Police Officer Nickolas Wilt still has a long road ahead in his recovery, but now he gets to sleep in his own bed and enjoy the steak dinner he requested, said his brother, Zack Wilt.

The officer was discharged from UofL Health  Frazier Rehabilitation Institute, an acute rehab hospital. In a social media post, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear called it an answer to prayers statewide, hailing Wilt a hero who ran toward danger. One of Beshear's closest friends was killed in the bank shooting.

Nickolas Wilt was shot in the head during the deadly shooting on April 10 at Old National Bank in downtown Louisville. The officer suffered a traumatic brain injury, but his brother said he's shown resilience and determination every step of the way in his recovery. The officer's favorite catch-phrase during his rehabilitation: Lets boogie-woogie, his brother said.

He wants to get back to it, Zack Wilt told reporters shortly before his brother left the hospital. He was a 26-year-old, very active, helping young man and he is going to get back to that.

The officer will continue his therapy through outpatient care at Frazier starting next week. The continued treatment will be to, among other things, strengthen his arms and legs and to get him talking more, although he is talking and talking well, said Dr. Darryl Kaelin, medical director at Frazier.

I truly believe that there is no limits to the potential of what he can achieve, he said.

First up, though, will be that steak dinner, Zack Wilt said.

Nick gets to go home today, sleep in his own bed, with his own TV, he said. And hes been asking for a steak dinner for a couple weeks now. And you bet were going to get him a steak dinner tonight.

Story continues

Less than two weeks after graduating from the police academy, Wilt found himself responding to the April shooting. Authorities commended his bravery, saying he ran towards the gunfire to save lives.

Louisville's mayor and police chief joined Wilt's family and health care workers who gathered Friday to celebrate Wilt's release from the hospital more than 3 1/2 months since the shooting.

Police Chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel called it a great day to celebrate our brother in blue going home. When visiting him Thursday, she recalled that Wilt shook her hand and said thanks, chief as she prepared to leave. She called it the highlight of her day.

Never thought that I would be able to hear those words, the chief said.

People lined up, two or three deep, in the Frazier lobby for the officer's send-off Friday.

Nickolas Wilt gave up a thumbs-up as he appeared, accompanied by his family and others close to him. Smiling well-wishers waved back and one gave Wilt a gentle fist bump. The celebration was quiet, at the request of Wilt's family, but cheers erupted once the officer and his entourage left the hospital lobby.

Wilt was wounded when a gunman opened fire with an AR-15 assault-style rifle, killing five while livestreaming before officers fatally shot him. Another eight people were injured, including Wilt.

The officer was in critical condition for nearly a month, undergoing multiple surgeries and overcoming infections. He was transferred to Frazier on May 10, where he has received neuro and physical rehabilitation, according to a release from UofL Health.

Zack Wilt on Friday thanked the health professionals who provided medical care for his brother and continue doing so. He expressed appreciation for the outpouring of support for his brother.

And he remembered the victims of the bank shooting and their families, saying: It breaks our heart every day knowing that there are people hurting still.

Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg, who survived a shooting at his campaign office in 2022, urged the city's residents to never forget the victims of gun violence and called for collective action to quell the violence. Greenberg escaped the attempt on his life unharmed last year, but a bullet grazed his sweater.

Lets fight to protect officers, like Officer Wilt, who work every day to save others, the mayor said Friday. Lets fight to protect every child, every son and daughter, across our city from the fear of gun violence. And let's fight together to make gun violence a plague of the past.
A police officer shot and killed a man who was holding a knife to a girls throat inside a store at a busy South Beach shopping district Thursday evening, a law enforcement source told the Miami Herald.

Around 5:30 p.m., Miami Beach officers responding to a disturbance call found a man threatening two people with a knife at 901 Lincoln Road, police said on Twitter. One of the officers, police say, then discharged his firearm, striking the suspect.

According to a law enforcement source, he was threatening the girl with a knife inside of a Victorias Secret store in the Lincoln Road shopping district. Officers told the man to put the weapon down, per the source. After he didnt drop it, the source added, an officer shot him in the head area.

He had to make a split second decision, Robert Hernandez, president of Miami Beachs Fraternal Order of Police, said about the officer who shot the suspect. He saved the young girls life. It was heroic.

Paramedics took the man to Jackson Memorial Hospitals Ryder Trauma Unit in critical condition, police said. Authorities confirmed late Thursday night that the man died at the hospital.

According to police, the two victims are safe and speaking with detectives. The police officer also was unharmed.

Florida Department of Law Enforcement will investigate the shooting.

The subject was transported to Jackson Memorial Hospitals Ryder Trauma Unit and is in critical condition. The two victims are safe and speaking with detectives.



2/3  Miami Beach Police (@MiamiBeachPD) July 27, 2023

This developing story will be updated as more information becomes available.
As electric vehicles (EVs) have continued to rise in popularity, they have also been plagued by concerns over battery fires. That includes Teslas, as videos of the companys cars catching on fire have gone viral and made the news on several occasions.

However, as the National Fire Protection Agency told Vox, reports of Tesla fires are far lower than the rate of highway fires overall, suggesting that EVs are at no more risk of catching on fire than traditional gas-powered cars.

According to Autoweek, fires are actually less frequent in EVs than in traditional gas-powered cars.

Of course, your Tesla is a lot more likely to go up in flames if some guy walks up to it, pours a bunch of gasoline on the hood, and sets it on fire. Thats what happened to one Tesla owner in Spokane, Washington, who was able to use dashcam footage to prove to the police that his EV battery did not spontaneously combust.

The Tesla owner said that local police officers told him at the time that EVs tend to catch on fire spontaneously, Electrek reported. He told local news that he was able to determine what happened when he reviewed the dashcam footage.

The misconceptions about Tesla fires did not arrive out of thin air  they seem to be based on misunderstandings of real problems that lithium-ion batteries pose.

One difference between EVs and gas-powered cars is that while gas fires tend to burn out quickly, lithium-ion battery fires burn incredibly hot for long durations, needing thousands  sometimes tens of thousands  of gallons of water to be extinguished, as Vox has reported.

According to the National Transportation Safety Board, these fires can pose great dangers to firefighters, especially when they are not properly prepared for these types of fires.

In addition, concerns about some Teslas being shoddily assembled have fueled fears over what could happen if something does go wrong. One Tesla owner had to kick out the window to escape his burning car after the electronic components shut off, locking him inside.

In the case of the Tesla being intentionally set on fire in Spokane, the fact that the police initially reportedly botched the investigation based on their misconceptions about EV batteries is no surprise  investigators may lack the proper education to investigate arson, often relying on theories that have been repeatedly debunked.

Join our free newsletter for cool news and actionable info that makes it easy to help yourself while helping the planet.
Glendale Police Department

More details of the mysterious case surrounding Alicia Navarro are trickling out, with cops revealing that the 18-year-old miraculously reappeared at a police station in the small railroad town of Havre, Montana, near the Canadian border.

On Thursday, the Havre Police Department announced it had been the station that had located the missing juvenile, filling in a crucial detail after authorities originally declined to name the city in which she turned up.

In a statement, Chief of Police Gabe Matosich said Navarro walked into the station on Sunday, July 23, at approximately 11:00 a.m. She entered the Havre Police Department to report she had been reported missing and wanted to clear her status, Matosich added.

We are so glad for Alicia and her family so that they can be reunited and the family can no longer have the anguish of not knowing where their child is or whether or not she is OK.

Matosich said Navarro appeared to be fine and in good health.

Overwhelmed Teen Missing Since 2019 Walks Into Police Station

Navarro, who has autism, was just 14 when she went missing in September 2019, leaving behind a note saying, I ran away. I will be back. I swear. Im sorry. Her birthday was just a couple days after her disappearance.

At the time, her mother, Jessica Nunez, suspected her daughter had been lured away by a predator online.

On the third anniversary of her disappearance in 2022, Nunez told 12 News that she was still waiting for her to fulfill her promise. She described how her daughter stacked up chairs in the backyard and hopped over the fence.

When approached by The Daily Beast on Thursday regarding the familys reunion, Glendale Police said: Obviously, this is an emotional time for the family, and we will respect their privacy on their reunion.

Meanwhile, in an exclusive interview with the New York Post, the familys private investigator said Thursday that Navarro and her mother had only spoken briefly since the now 18-year-old came forward and that she has not made her intentions clear surrounding her return to Glendale, Arizona.

Story continues

In a Facebook post on Wednesday, Nunez wrote this week: I love you Alicia always know that no matter what I always will.

Glendale Police Department

On Thursday, the family released a statement to Fox 10, thanking Glendale Police and the Anti-Predator project.

We want to start by saying how happy we are that Alicia has been found alive and safe, the statement adds.

It is a blessing that after being missing for so long Alicia can come back home. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the families of missing loved ones that have not yet returned home. If there is anything that Alicias has taught us is that you can never give up hope.

The family of Alicia Navarro released this statement to Fox 10.



It is a blessing that after being missing for so long Alicia can come back home.



The family thanks @GlendaleAZPD, the Anti-Predator project, local & national media along with everyone who shared Alicias story. pic.twitter.com/5cphdVrKec  Justin Lum |  (@jlumfox10) July 27, 2023

It still remains unclear why Navarro identified herself now, and her whereabouts over the last four years.

Glendale Police Lieutenant Scott Waite said Wednesday police were unsure why she reappeared now, but noted she felt like now was the time, whether its emotionally, mentally, that she wants to take the next steps in her life...to do the things that a normal, healthy adult would do. I cant say there is any single triggering moment, I think theres probably been a long progression for her in the journey shes taken.

Navarro appears to be in good spirits, police claimed, adding that despite being overwhelmed, she really wants to move on with her life, and is very apologetic to her mother and understands she caused a lot of pain.

Police said the teen remains hopeful that they can rebuild their relationship.

In a video message Wednesday, Nunez described the discovery of her daughter as a miracle. This is recent news for me, I dont have details but the important thing is she is alive...never lose hope and always fight, she said.

Police would not go into details of the reunion between the pair, except that it was emotionally overwhelming for both of them.

Santiago said Navarro was very apologetic to what she has put her mother through, that it was not intentional on her behalf and that understands she caused a lot of pain to her mother.

For more than four years detectives here have followed up on THOUSANDS of leads, Santiago said in a statement to The Daily Beast.

This case is far from being closed. We are continuing to investigate her whereabouts for the last four years and will do so alongside our Federal partners. Alicia is asking for her privacy at this time. We are thankful we can bring some type of closure to her family. We are also thankful she appears to be in good health and happy.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now.

Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now.
Anaheim and Brea police set up a perimeter near Angel Stadium on Friday as they searched for suspects who fled after a bank robbery in Brea. (KTLA-TV Channel 5)

Police are searching for an unknown number of suspects who fled after robbing a bank in Brea on Friday morning, authorities said.

Officers from both Brea and Anaheim set up a perimeter near Angel Stadium around Gene Autry Way, State College Boulevard and Union Street, an area with some apartment complexes. The city of Anaheim warned nearby residents to be prepared for a large police presence, including SWAT officers and a helicopter.

Those in the immediate vicinity are being asked to stay inside, while visitors are being directed to avoid the immediate area.

Read more: Riverside County fire breaks containment, surging to 2,206 acres near evacuated homes

The Anaheim Police Department said the robbers are armed and believed to be in the area.

Brea police initially received a call at 8:45 a.m. reporting a potential armed bank robbery at a Wells Fargo on South State College Boulevard.

When officers arrived at the scene, the suspects began to flee, according to the Brea Police Department. Police gave chase, and the suspects eventually entered the southbound 57 Freeway in Anaheim.

They exited by Angel Stadium, abandoned their car near State College Boulevard and Gene Autry Way and fled into nearby buildings, authorities said.

Anaheim police are searching buildings in the area for the suspects. Helicopters from both the Anaheim Police Department and Orange County Sheriff's Department are assisting with the search.

Nobody was injured during the bank robbery, according to authorities.

This is the second robbery near or at a Brea bank within the last 24 hours.

On Thursday afternoon, three assailants shot a woman in the arm with a pellet gun and stole her purse after she withdrew money from a Chase bank ATM. The suspects were apprehended later that afternoon.

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.
David Maina Kamore reviews blueprints at the camp of the construction site of Konza transformer substation in Machakos County, Kenya, June 12, 2023. David Maina Kamore, 32, is an electrical engineer, a profession he had been dreamed of since his childhood, at the Konza transformer substation.

He went to China in 2009 and studied Chinese for a year at Huazhong University of Science and Technology before majoring in electrical engineering and automation at Chang'an University.

Having graduated with a bachelor's degree in engineering in 2014, David put what he learned to practice at his hometown, and gained much experience since then. In 2022, at the crucial stage of the construction of the Konza transformer substation, David applied to China Aerospace Construction Group Company (CACGC), contractor of the 400kV substation, for a post there. It was also the first time for him to actually work with high voltage electricity.

The substation, located about 70 km southeast of the Kenyan capital Nairobi, is part of the Kenya Power Transmission Expansion Project (KPTEP), a key project under the Belt and Road Initiative in this East African country. It is also an auxiliary facility for the Konza Technopolis, one of the country's flagship development projects of Kenya Vision 2030.

"I thank China for helping me realize my dream, and building my hometown is a very happy thing to me. I expect what we do to well benefit the Kenyan people," the engineer told Xinhua. (Xinhua/Han Xu)

David Maina Kamore (L) communicates with a worker at the construction site of Konza transformer substation in Machakos County, Kenya, May 5, 2023. David Maina Kamore, 32, is an electrical engineer, a profession he had been dreamed of since his childhood, at the Konza transformer substation.

He went to China in 2009 and studied Chinese for a year at Huazhong University of Science and Technology before majoring in electrical engineering and automation at Chang'an University.

Having graduated with a bachelor's degree in engineering in 2014, David put what he learned to practice at his hometown, and gained much experience since then. In 2022, at the crucial stage of the construction of the Konza transformer substation, David applied to China Aerospace Construction Group Company (CACGC), contractor of the 400kV substation, for a post there. It was also the first time for him to actually work with high voltage electricity.

The substation, located about 70 km southeast of the Kenyan capital Nairobi, is part of the Kenya Power Transmission Expansion Project (KPTEP), a key project under the Belt and Road Initiative in this East African country. It is also an auxiliary facility for the Konza Technopolis, one of the country's flagship development projects of Kenya Vision 2030.

"I thank China for helping me realize my dream, and building my hometown is a very happy thing to me. I expect what we do to well benefit the Kenyan people," the engineer told Xinhua. (Xinhua/Han Xu)

This photo taken in 2014 shows David Maina Kamore upon his graduation at Chang'an University in Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province. David Maina Kamore, 32, is an electrical engineer, a profession he had been dreamed of since his childhood, at the Konza transformer substation.

He went to China in 2009 and studied Chinese for a year at Huazhong University of Science and Technology before majoring in electrical engineering and automation at Chang'an University.

Having graduated with a bachelor's degree in engineering in 2014, David put what he learned to practice at his hometown, and gained much experience since then. In 2022, at the crucial stage of the construction of the Konza transformer substation, David applied to China Aerospace Construction Group Company (CACGC), contractor of the 400kV substation, for a post there. It was also the first time for him to actually work with high voltage electricity.

The substation, located about 70 km southeast of the Kenyan capital Nairobi, is part of the Kenya Power Transmission Expansion Project (KPTEP), a key project under the Belt and Road Initiative in this East African country. It is also an auxiliary facility for the Konza Technopolis, one of the country's flagship development projects of Kenya Vision 2030.

"I thank China for helping me realize my dream, and building my hometown is a very happy thing to me. I expect what we do to well benefit the Kenyan people," the engineer told Xinhua. (Xinhua)

David Maina Kamore (R) communicates with his colleagues at the camp of the construction site of Konza transformer substation in Machakos County, Kenya, June 12, 2023. David Maina Kamore, 32, is an electrical engineer, a profession he had been dreamed of since his childhood, at the Konza transformer substation.

He went to China in 2009 and studied Chinese for a year at Huazhong University of Science and Technology before majoring in electrical engineering and automation at Chang'an University.

Having graduated with a bachelor's degree in engineering in 2014, David put what he learned to practice at his hometown, and gained much experience since then. In 2022, at the crucial stage of the construction of the Konza transformer substation, David applied to China Aerospace Construction Group Company (CACGC), contractor of the 400kV substation, for a post there. It was also the first time for him to actually work with high voltage electricity.

The substation, located about 70 km southeast of the Kenyan capital Nairobi, is part of the Kenya Power Transmission Expansion Project (KPTEP), a key project under the Belt and Road Initiative in this East African country. It is also an auxiliary facility for the Konza Technopolis, one of the country's flagship development projects of Kenya Vision 2030.

"I thank China for helping me realize my dream, and building my hometown is a very happy thing to me. I expect what we do to well benefit the Kenyan people," the engineer told Xinhua. (Xinhua/Han Xu)

David Maina Kamore checks the operating status of devices at the construction site of Konza transformer substation in Machakos County, Kenya, June 12, 2023. David Maina Kamore, 32, is an electrical engineer, a profession he had been dreamed of since his childhood, at the Konza transformer substation.

He went to China in 2009 and studied Chinese for a year at Huazhong University of Science and Technology before majoring in electrical engineering and automation at Chang'an University.

Having graduated with a bachelor's degree in engineering in 2014, David put what he learned to practice at his hometown, and gained much experience since then. In 2022, at the crucial stage of the construction of the Konza transformer substation, David applied to China Aerospace Construction Group Company (CACGC), contractor of the 400kV substation, for a post there. It was also the first time for him to actually work with high voltage electricity.

The substation, located about 70 km southeast of the Kenyan capital Nairobi, is part of the Kenya Power Transmission Expansion Project (KPTEP), a key project under the Belt and Road Initiative in this East African country. It is also an auxiliary facility for the Konza Technopolis, one of the country's flagship development projects of Kenya Vision 2030.

"I thank China for helping me realize my dream, and building my hometown is a very happy thing to me. I expect what we do to well benefit the Kenyan people," the engineer told Xinhua. (Xinhua/Han Xu)

This aerial photo taken on May 5, 2023 shows a view of the construction site of Konza transformer substation in Machakos County, Kenya. David Maina Kamore, 32, is an electrical engineer, a profession he had been dreamed of since his childhood, at the Konza transformer substation.

He went to China in 2009 and studied Chinese for a year at Huazhong University of Science and Technology before majoring in electrical engineering and automation at Chang'an University.

Having graduated with a bachelor's degree in engineering in 2014, David put what he learned to practice at his hometown, and gained much experience since then. In 2022, at the crucial stage of the construction of the Konza transformer substation, David applied to China Aerospace Construction Group Company (CACGC), contractor of the 400kV substation, for a post there. It was also the first time for him to actually work with high voltage electricity.

The substation, located about 70 km southeast of the Kenyan capital Nairobi, is part of the Kenya Power Transmission Expansion Project (KPTEP), a key project under the Belt and Road Initiative in this East African country. It is also an auxiliary facility for the Konza Technopolis, one of the country's flagship development projects of Kenya Vision 2030.

"I thank China for helping me realize my dream, and building my hometown is a very happy thing to me. I expect what we do to well benefit the Kenyan people," the engineer told Xinhua. (Xinhua/Han Xu)

David Maina Kamore walks at the camp of the construction site of Konza transformer substation in Machakos County, Kenya, June 12, 2023. David Maina Kamore, 32, is an electrical engineer, a profession he had been dreamed of since his childhood, at the Konza transformer substation.

He went to China in 2009 and studied Chinese for a year at Huazhong University of Science and Technology before majoring in electrical engineering and automation at Chang'an University.

Having graduated with a bachelor's degree in engineering in 2014, David put what he learned to practice at his hometown, and gained much experience since then. In 2022, at the crucial stage of the construction of the Konza transformer substation, David applied to China Aerospace Construction Group Company (CACGC), contractor of the 400kV substation, for a post there. It was also the first time for him to actually work with high voltage electricity.

The substation, located about 70 km southeast of the Kenyan capital Nairobi, is part of the Kenya Power Transmission Expansion Project (KPTEP), a key project under the Belt and Road Initiative in this East African country. It is also an auxiliary facility for the Konza Technopolis, one of the country's flagship development projects of Kenya Vision 2030.

"I thank China for helping me realize my dream, and building my hometown is a very happy thing to me. I expect what we do to well benefit the Kenyan people," the engineer told Xinhua. (Xinhua/Han Xu)

David Maina Kamore patrols at the construction site of Konza transformer substation in Machakos County, Kenya, May 5, 2023. David Maina Kamore, 32, is an electrical engineer, a profession he had been dreamed of since his childhood, at the Konza transformer substation.

He went to China in 2009 and studied Chinese for a year at Huazhong University of Science and Technology before majoring in electrical engineering and automation at Chang'an University.

Having graduated with a bachelor's degree in engineering in 2014, David put what he learned to practice at his hometown, and gained much experience since then. In 2022, at the crucial stage of the construction of the Konza transformer substation, David applied to China Aerospace Construction Group Company (CACGC), contractor of the 400kV substation, for a post there. It was also the first time for him to actually work with high voltage electricity.

The substation, located about 70 km southeast of the Kenyan capital Nairobi, is part of the Kenya Power Transmission Expansion Project (KPTEP), a key project under the Belt and Road Initiative in this East African country. It is also an auxiliary facility for the Konza Technopolis, one of the country's flagship development projects of Kenya Vision 2030.

"I thank China for helping me realize my dream, and building my hometown is a very happy thing to me. I expect what we do to well benefit the Kenyan people," the engineer told Xinhua. (Xinhua/Han Xu)

This aerial photo taken on June 12, 2023 shows a view of the construction site of Konza transformer substation in Machakos County, Kenya. David Maina Kamore, 32, is an electrical engineer, a profession he had been dreamed of since his childhood, at the Konza transformer substation.

He went to China in 2009 and studied Chinese for a year at Huazhong University of Science and Technology before majoring in electrical engineering and automation at Chang'an University.

Having graduated with a bachelor's degree in engineering in 2014, David put what he learned to practice at his hometown, and gained much experience since then. In 2022, at the crucial stage of the construction of the Konza transformer substation, David applied to China Aerospace Construction Group Company (CACGC), contractor of the 400kV substation, for a post there. It was also the first time for him to actually work with high voltage electricity.

The substation, located about 70 km southeast of the Kenyan capital Nairobi, is part of the Kenya Power Transmission Expansion Project (KPTEP), a key project under the Belt and Road Initiative in this East African country. It is also an auxiliary facility for the Konza Technopolis, one of the country's flagship development projects of Kenya Vision 2030.

"I thank China for helping me realize my dream, and building my hometown is a very happy thing to me. I expect what we do to well benefit the Kenyan people," the engineer told Xinhua. (Xinhua/Han Xu)

This aerial photo taken on May 5, 2023 shows a view of the construction site of Konza transformer substation in Machakos County, Kenya. David Maina Kamore, 32, is an electrical engineer, a profession he had been dreamed of since his childhood, at the Konza transformer substation.

He went to China in 2009 and studied Chinese for a year at Huazhong University of Science and Technology before majoring in electrical engineering and automation at Chang'an University.

Having graduated with a bachelor's degree in engineering in 2014, David put what he learned to practice at his hometown, and gained much experience since then. In 2022, at the crucial stage of the construction of the Konza transformer substation, David applied to China Aerospace Construction Group Company (CACGC), contractor of the 400kV substation, for a post there. It was also the first time for him to actually work with high voltage electricity.

The substation, located about 70 km southeast of the Kenyan capital Nairobi, is part of the Kenya Power Transmission Expansion Project (KPTEP), a key project under the Belt and Road Initiative in this East African country. It is also an auxiliary facility for the Konza Technopolis, one of the country's flagship development projects of Kenya Vision 2030.

"I thank China for helping me realize my dream, and building my hometown is a very happy thing to me. I expect what we do to well benefit the Kenyan people," the engineer told Xinhua. (Xinhua/Han Xu)

David Maina Kamore is pictured at the construction site of Konza transformer substation in Machakos County, Kenya, May 5, 2023. David Maina Kamore, 32, is an electrical engineer, a profession he had been dreamed of since his childhood, at the Konza transformer substation.

He went to China in 2009 and studied Chinese for a year at Huazhong University of Science and Technology before majoring in electrical engineering and automation at Chang'an University.

Having graduated with a bachelor's degree in engineering in 2014, David put what he learned to practice at his hometown, and gained much experience since then. In 2022, at the crucial stage of the construction of the Konza transformer substation, David applied to China Aerospace Construction Group Company (CACGC), contractor of the 400kV substation, for a post there. It was also the first time for him to actually work with high voltage electricity.

The substation, located about 70 km southeast of the Kenyan capital Nairobi, is part of the Kenya Power Transmission Expansion Project (KPTEP), a key project under the Belt and Road Initiative in this East African country. It is also an auxiliary facility for the Konza Technopolis, one of the country's flagship development projects of Kenya Vision 2030.

"I thank China for helping me realize my dream, and building my hometown is a very happy thing to me. I expect what we do to well benefit the Kenyan people," the engineer told Xinhua. (Xinhua/Han Xu)

David Maina Kamore checks device installation at the construction site of Konza transformer substation in Machakos County, Kenya, May 5, 2023. David Maina Kamore, 32, is an electrical engineer, a profession he had been dreamed of since his childhood, at the Konza transformer substation.

He went to China in 2009 and studied Chinese for a year at Huazhong University of Science and Technology before majoring in electrical engineering and automation at Chang'an University.

Having graduated with a bachelor's degree in engineering in 2014, David put what he learned to practice at his hometown, and gained much experience since then. In 2022, at the crucial stage of the construction of the Konza transformer substation, David applied to China Aerospace Construction Group Company (CACGC), contractor of the 400kV substation, for a post there. It was also the first time for him to actually work with high voltage electricity.

The substation, located about 70 km southeast of the Kenyan capital Nairobi, is part of the Kenya Power Transmission Expansion Project (KPTEP), a key project under the Belt and Road Initiative in this East African country. It is also an auxiliary facility for the Konza Technopolis, one of the country's flagship development projects of Kenya Vision 2030.

"I thank China for helping me realize my dream, and building my hometown is a very happy thing to me. I expect what we do to well benefit the Kenyan people," the engineer told Xinhua. (Xinhua/Han Xu)

David Maina Kamore patrols at the construction site of Konza transformer substation in Machakos County, Kenya, May 5, 2023. David Maina Kamore, 32, is an electrical engineer, a profession he had been dreamed of since his childhood, at the Konza transformer substation.

He went to China in 2009 and studied Chinese for a year at Huazhong University of Science and Technology before majoring in electrical engineering and automation at Chang'an University.

Having graduated with a bachelor's degree in engineering in 2014, David put what he learned to practice at his hometown, and gained much experience since then. In 2022, at the crucial stage of the construction of the Konza transformer substation, David applied to China Aerospace Construction Group Company (CACGC), contractor of the 400kV substation, for a post there. It was also the first time for him to actually work with high voltage electricity.

The substation, located about 70 km southeast of the Kenyan capital Nairobi, is part of the Kenya Power Transmission Expansion Project (KPTEP), a key project under the Belt and Road Initiative in this East African country. It is also an auxiliary facility for the Konza Technopolis, one of the country's flagship development projects of Kenya Vision 2030.

"I thank China for helping me realize my dream, and building my hometown is a very happy thing to me. I expect what we do to well benefit the Kenyan people," the engineer told Xinhua. (Xinhua/Han Xu)

David Maina Kamore patrols at the construction site of Konza transformer substation in Machakos County, Kenya, May 5, 2023. David Maina Kamore, 32, is an electrical engineer, a profession he had been dreamed of since his childhood, at the Konza transformer substation.

He went to China in 2009 and studied Chinese for a year at Huazhong University of Science and Technology before majoring in electrical engineering and automation at Chang'an University.

Having graduated with a bachelor's degree in engineering in 2014, David put what he learned to practice at his hometown, and gained much experience since then. In 2022, at the crucial stage of the construction of the Konza transformer substation, David applied to China Aerospace Construction Group Company (CACGC), contractor of the 400kV substation, for a post there. It was also the first time for him to actually work with high voltage electricity.

The substation, located about 70 km southeast of the Kenyan capital Nairobi, is part of the Kenya Power Transmission Expansion Project (KPTEP), a key project under the Belt and Road Initiative in this East African country. It is also an auxiliary facility for the Konza Technopolis, one of the country's flagship development projects of Kenya Vision 2030.

"I thank China for helping me realize my dream, and building my hometown is a very happy thing to me. I expect what we do to well benefit the Kenyan people," the engineer told Xinhua. (Xinhua/Han Xu)

David Maina Kamore patrols at the construction site of Konza transformer substation in Machakos County, Kenya, May 5, 2023. David Maina Kamore, 32, is an electrical engineer, a profession he had been dreamed of since his childhood, at the Konza transformer substation.

He went to China in 2009 and studied Chinese for a year at Huazhong University of Science and Technology before majoring in electrical engineering and automation at Chang'an University.

Having graduated with a bachelor's degree in engineering in 2014, David put what he learned to practice at his hometown, and gained much experience since then. In 2022, at the crucial stage of the construction of the Konza transformer substation, David applied to China Aerospace Construction Group Company (CACGC), contractor of the 400kV substation, for a post there. It was also the first time for him to actually work with high voltage electricity.

The substation, located about 70 km southeast of the Kenyan capital Nairobi, is part of the Kenya Power Transmission Expansion Project (KPTEP), a key project under the Belt and Road Initiative in this East African country. It is also an auxiliary facility for the Konza Technopolis, one of the country's flagship development projects of Kenya Vision 2030.

"I thank China for helping me realize my dream, and building my hometown is a very happy thing to me. I expect what we do to well benefit the Kenyan people," the engineer told Xinhua. (Xinhua/Han Xu)

David Maina Kamore (L) discusses with his colleagues on the transformer installation at the construction site of Konza transformer substation in Machakos County, Kenya, May 5, 2023. David Maina Kamore, 32, is an electrical engineer, a profession he had been dreamed of since his childhood, at the Konza transformer substation.

He went to China in 2009 and studied Chinese for a year at Huazhong University of Science and Technology before majoring in electrical engineering and automation at Chang'an University.

Having graduated with a bachelor's degree in engineering in 2014, David put what he learned to practice at his hometown, and gained much experience since then. In 2022, at the crucial stage of the construction of the Konza transformer substation, David applied to China Aerospace Construction Group Company (CACGC), contractor of the 400kV substation, for a post there. It was also the first time for him to actually work with high voltage electricity.

The substation, located about 70 km southeast of the Kenyan capital Nairobi, is part of the Kenya Power Transmission Expansion Project (KPTEP), a key project under the Belt and Road Initiative in this East African country. It is also an auxiliary facility for the Konza Technopolis, one of the country's flagship development projects of Kenya Vision 2030.

"I thank China for helping me realize my dream, and building my hometown is a very happy thing to me. I expect what we do to well benefit the Kenyan people," the engineer told Xinhua. (Xinhua/Han Xu)

David Maina Kamore checks the operating status of devices at the construction site of Konza transformer substation in Machakos County, Kenya, May 5, 2023. David Maina Kamore, 32, is an electrical engineer, a profession he had been dreamed of since his childhood, at the Konza transformer substation.

He went to China in 2009 and studied Chinese for a year at Huazhong University of Science and Technology before majoring in electrical engineering and automation at Chang'an University.

Having graduated with a bachelor's degree in engineering in 2014, David put what he learned to practice at his hometown, and gained much experience since then. In 2022, at the crucial stage of the construction of the Konza transformer substation, David applied to China Aerospace Construction Group Company (CACGC), contractor of the 400kV substation, for a post there. It was also the first time for him to actually work with high voltage electricity.

The substation, located about 70 km southeast of the Kenyan capital Nairobi, is part of the Kenya Power Transmission Expansion Project (KPTEP), a key project under the Belt and Road Initiative in this East African country. It is also an auxiliary facility for the Konza Technopolis, one of the country's flagship development projects of Kenya Vision 2030.

"I thank China for helping me realize my dream, and building my hometown is a very happy thing to me. I expect what we do to well benefit the Kenyan people," the engineer told Xinhua. (Xinhua/Han Xu)
Authorities have arrested one suspect and are actively searching for another they say shot and killed a Waltham man in May.

Josh Pierre, 21, of Waltham, has been charged with murder and possession of a firearm. He is described as a 54, 150-pound Black man with black hair, and brown eyes, last seen in a 2016 silver Honda Accord with Massachusetts plate 2XGH85. Police say he should be considered armed and dangerous.

Strawensky Cebeat, 21, of Waltham, was arrested Friday morning on charges of accessory after the fact to murder and withholding evidence from a criminal proceeding.

Officers responding to a report of shots fired in the area of Lyman Street and Faneuil Road around 1:30 a.m. on May 22 found a victim on the sidewalk suffering from multiple gunshot wounds, according to the Middlesex District Attorneys Office. The victim, 22-year-old Shelson Jules, also of Waltham, later succumbed to his injuries.

Investigators determined that allegedly, Pierre, Cebeat, and others were in a vehicle together when they drove to Waltham to meet Jules. After a brief exchange, police say Pierre allegedly fired multiple shots, striking Jules twice from behind before fleeing the scene.

Anyone with information about Pierres whereabouts is asked to call police. The DAs Office is urging the public not to approach him.

Cebeat was arraigned on Friday and held in lieu of posting $50,000 cash bail, plus other conditions of pretrial release, according to officials.

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
The list of U.S. big-city police departments under federal scrutiny seems to keep growing: Chicago. Minneapolis. Louisville. Seattle and Phoenix.

Now comes Memphis, where the Department of Justice announced Thursday a civil rights investigation into the city and its police force over alleged systemic use of excessive force and discrimination. The probe comes seven months after the beating death of Tyre Nichols by Memphis Police officers following a traffic stop, in a case that sparked national outcry and calls for police reform.

Laurie Levenson, a professor at Loyola Law School in Los Angeles and former federal prosecutor, said an outside investigation and subsequent consent decree are critical for auditing police departments and enforcing change.

The police cannot police themselves, Levenson said.

Chuck Wexler, executive director of the Police Executive Research Forum, a Washington-based police research group, said a DOJ investigation is "not something they take lightly." DOJ opens between 10 to 20 such cases annually among 18,000 police departments nationwide.

"It's a major step, no question," Wexler said. "The DOJ wants to take a look and see if Memphis' practices, such as Tyre Nichols, is an isolated case or part of a broader series of patterns."

DOJ probes US police departments over racism, violence

With Memphis, the DOJ now has open investigations into seven law enforcement agencies, including the Louisiana State Police, the New York City Police Departments Special Victims Divisions and police departments in Phoenix; Mount Vernon, New York; Worcester, Massachusetts; and Oklahoma City.

The Justice Department has recently completed high-profile investigations in Louisville and Minneapolis, following the fatal shooting of Breonna Taylor and the murder of George Floyd, respectively. The DOJ is now negotiating consent decrees in those two cities to address the problems found from the investigations.

Story continues

Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Departments Civil Rights Division and U.S. Attorney Kevin G. Ritz for the Western District of Tennessee held a press conference about opening an investigation into the Memphis Police Department on July 27, 2023 at the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Western District of Tennessee in Downtown Memphis.

A consent decree is a federal court order. If a DOJ investigation finds problems in a law enforcement agency, it will enter into a legal agreement with that agency to essentially take over and enforce protocol for change. The decree could include updating current policies or creating new ones, revamping police training and establishing systems of accountability and transparency, according to the Baltimore Police.

What to know: Memphis is facing a federal civil rights investigation

Under the 1994 Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act, the Justice Department's civil rights division has the power to investigate systemic police misconduct.

The DOJ might launch an investigation for numerous reasons, including a community complaint, a high-profile case of police misconduct, or media scrutiny, according to Christy E. Lopez, a law professor at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., who led the Justice Department's investigations in Ferguson, Missouri; Chicago and other cities.

If the DOJ finds a pattern of misconduct, it negotiates an agreement for reform  typically a consent decree overseen by a federal court and an independent monitor, said Danny Murphy, a police reform consultant and a former Baltimore police deputy commissioner.

'Not a perfect solution'

The investigation in Memphis could take up to a year and could result in a consent decree that would force many changes on a department that has long faced tension between its officers and the community, experts said. Still, sweeping and long-term reforms are expected to remain a challenge.

"I'm actually surprised it took so long for this type of investigation to take place there," said Michael Alcazar, a retired New York Police Department detective and adjunct lecturer at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City. "It seems like there may be a lot of wrongdoing in Memphis and they don't have enough checks and balances in place."

Consent decrees can last up to a decade, or even longer, said Levenson, of Loyola. While an effective tool, Levenson said an agency can relapse after a consent decree is resolved because of systemic issues.

Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Departments Civil Rights Division and U.S. Attorney Kevin G. Ritz for the Western District of Tennessee held a press conference about opening an investigation into the Memphis Police Department on July 27, 2023 at the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Western District of Tennessee in Downtown Memphis.

These problems are so entrenched, she said. Its not a perfect solution, but its probably the best tool we have.

In Ferguson, which became an epicenter for police reform after mass protests following the fatal police shooting of Michael Brown in 2014, there were major changes eight years later.

Ferguson monitor Natashia Tidwell reportedly cited significant progress in officer training and community policing. The mostly all-white police department is more racially diverse. Traffic stops are less frequent and systems have been set up to hear resident complaints.

In Detroit, the police department rose from a consent decree in 2016 after 13 years under federal oversight. Changes included fewer officer-involved shootings, department-wide audits and "intensive inspections of police practices from the precinct to the command levels," according to court documents.

Use of force expert says Memphis police unit 'running wild'

Memphis police needs oversight, said Timothy Williams, a police use-of-force expert who served with the Los Angeles Police Department when it was under a consent decree from 2001 to 2013.

Williams said a probe into Memphis is sorely needed based on its high number of arrests from minor traffic stops and officers actions in the so-called SCORPION unit, which was billed as a violent crime-fighting unit. The five officers who have been charged with murder in Nichols' death were all part of that elite unit.

The arrests tell you there is no constitutional policing going on, Williams said. Their unit is running wild.

Williams said federal monitoring of the LAPD led to better oversight and a tighter chain of command. A 2021 USA TODAY/Suffolk University Poll of Los Angeles residents, however, found the LAPD still uses force when it's not necessary, and a third of those surveyed call the department largely racist.

For lasting change, Williams said Memphis will have to reevaluate its leadership as well as the officers it hires.

If you want to change systemic issues," Williams said. "Youve got to change what comes into the organizations."

Memphis officials reaction

Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland promised the department would be transparent and cooperative during the investigation, but said the lack of discussion "disappointed" him.

"Just as we have been transparent and cooperative with the Department of Justice CRITAC Independent Review, the city will be a good partner in this new inquiry," Strickland said in a statement. "However, I am disappointed that my request was not granted by the Department of Justice to discuss this step before a decision was made to move down this path. I know they discussed the need for such an action with many other individuals. I hope the remainder of the process is more forthright and inclusive than it has been so far."

Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn "C.J." Davis condemned the actions of the officers that have been charged with the beating of Nichols, but voiced support for officers who follow MPD policies and practices.

Notable Civil Rights Attorney Ben Crump, who is representing Nichols' parents Rodney and RowVaughn Wells in a $550 million civil case against the City of Memphis, said Nichols' family is grateful about the investigation being announced, saying he hopes the investigation will "provide a transparent account of the abuses of power we have seen" in Memphis.

"The family of Tyre Nichols is grateful that the Department of Justice heard their cries for accountability and are opening this investigation. Actions such as this will continue to show that the federal government will not let corruption within police departments take the lives of innocent Americans. It is our hope that the investigation by the DOJ, under the leadership of Attorney General Garland and Assistant Attorney General Clarke, will provide a transparent account of the abuses of power we have seen and continue to see in Memphis."

"The Memphis Police Department will continue to fully cooperate and work closely with the Department of Justice as its members conduct this next phase of their investigation," Davis said in a statement. "As we have said all along, all MPD officers are expected to act in accordance with their oath of office, their training and department policies at all times. While the officers involved in the Tyre Nichols case demonstrated no regard for these tenets, I am appreciative of the MPD officers that continue to serve our city with integrity. As chief of police, I am committed to building and maintaining public trust with the citizens of Memphis that we took an oath to serve each and every day."

Memphis Commercial Appeal reporters Katherine Burgess and Lucas Finton contributed to this article.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Memphis police is the latest department being investigated by DOJ
Houston mayoral candidates, U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee and state Sen. John Whitmire, both Democrats. Credit: Kylie Cooper/Sophie Park for The Texas Tribune

The last time there was an open seat in Texas Senate District 15, it was 1982.

The last time there was an open seat in Texas 18th Congressional District, it was 1989.

Now, the heavily Democratic districts in Houston could be vacant again. It all comes down to the citys election this November as incumbents in both seats are running for mayor, raising the prospect of one or both relinquishing their long-held seats.

Neither state Sen. John Whitmire nor U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee has said how they plan to handle the conundrum, fueling suspense for declared and potential candidates hoping to succeed them.

Its an exciting time in Houston politics, to say the least, said Amanda Edwards, a Democrat who is already running for Jackson Lees seat. Certainly there are a lot of open questions that will remain open until the mayors race has concluded.

The calendar adds one of the most interesting wrinkles. While the Houston mayoral election is Nov. 7, the field is crowded enough that Whitmire and Jackson Lee could go to a runoff at a later date. That runoff could fall after the Dec. 11 deadline for candidates to file for the 2024 primary, meaning Whitmire and Jackson Lee would first have to decide whether to run for reelection to their current seats.

And regardless, if either wins the race  whether in November or December  they would automatically vacate their current seat upon being sworn in, triggering a special election to finish their term.

It is a likely scenario, given that both are considered frontrunners and the most likely to face one another if a runoff is required. A poll released Tuesday found Whitmire and Jackson Lee leading the pack with 34% and 32%, respectively, of support from likely voters. Whitmire led Jackson Lee 51% to 33% in a hypothetical runoff.

At stake are the legacies of two of the longest-serving Democrats in the countrys fourth-largest city. And if they give up their current seats, it could trigger a series of political dominoes that could usher in a new generation of Democratic leadership across Houston.

Story continues

I think both Whitmire and Jackson Lee are kind of institutions in town, so the fact that there could be two open seats  a state Senate and a congressional seat, which is rare  I think theres going to be a lot of people lining up to get into those races, said Michael Kolenc, a Houston-based Democratic strategist who is not working for any of the candidates. I think candidates would be wise to look at the calendar and start early.

The toughest scenario may be if the mayoral runoff falls after the filing deadline for the 2024 primary, meaning Whitmire and Jackson Lee could have to decide whether to seek reelection before knowing the outcome of the mayoral race. The last time there was a mayoral runoff in Houston  in 2019  it came five days after the filing deadline for the following years primaries.

Under a law passed during the latest regular legislative session, House Bill 357, the runoff would have to fall on a Saturday between 30 and 45 days after the November election. That leaves two options, Dec. 9 and 16  one date falling before the filing deadline and the other after.

Whitmire declined to comment for this story. Jackson Lee did not respond to a request for comment.

Whitmires seat has been occupied the longest. He was first elected in 1982, capturing an open seat after his predecessor, the late Jack Ogg, gave it up to run for attorney general.

Whitmire is the dean of the Texas Senate, or its longest-serving member. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and other senators have spoken openly about Whitmires potential exit from the chamber, anticipating his victory in the mayoral contest.

At least two Democrats have launched campaigns for Senate District 15. The first in was Karthik Soora, a renewable energy developer, followed by Molly Cook, an emergency room nurse who challenged Whitmire in the 2022 primary, receiving 42% of the vote as Whitmires only opponent.

Both Cook and Soora say they are running regardless of what Whitmire decides to do.

Ive had this conversation with a million people, but for me it makes no difference at all, Cook said in an interview, adding that she never stopped running after her 2022 campaign.

Both indicate they would bring a more progressive perspective to the seat than Whitmire.

I think that what we see with the Texas Legislature, with the attorney generals impeachment, is that people are sick of this establishment thats not serving them, Soora said in an interview, pitching himself as a real Democrat.

As for Jackson Lees seat, she has held it since first winning election in 1994, when she beat former U.S. Rep. Craig Washington in the Democratic primary. It was last open in 1989, when Washington won a special election to fill the vacancy left by the death of U.S. Rep. Mickey Leland.

Edwards is the most prominent Democrat already running for Jackson Lees seat. The former Houston City Council member and 2020 U.S. Senate candidate was running for mayor until she dropped out In June, switched to the congressional race and endorsed Jackson Lee for mayor.

I do think Congresswoman Jackson Lee can win the race and certainly anticipate that her seat will be the one that becomes open, Edwards said. Still, she added, she will remain in the CD-18 race even if Congresswoman Jackson Lee decides to pursue CD-18 again.

Edwards has already raised more than $600,000 for her congressional campaign and has been endorsed by Higher Heights for America PAC, a national political action committee that works to elect Black progressive women. The group has also endorsed Jackson Lee for mayor.

Asked about the uncertainty over whether the congressional seat will be open, a spokesperson for the committee, Aprill O. Turner, expressed no concern.

We are looking forward to each candidate being successful in the race they are running in, Turner said in an email.

Join us for conversations that matter with newly announced speakers at the 2023 Texas Tribune Festival, in downtown Austin from Sept. 21-23.
When the small plane he was riding in flew over a closed textile factory several months ago, Bill Stangler saw two slime-covered waste lagoons on the edge of the Broad River north of Columbia.

The proximity of the factorys lagoons to the river worried him. Stangler, the riverkeeper for the Broad, knew the basins were in an area where high levels of hazardous chemicals had been found in groundwater, sewer sludge and wastewater.

He also knew the river and one of the states largest drinking water plants  65 miles south in Columbia  have shown the same types of chemicals at levels above a proposed federal safe drinking water limit. The site of the lagoons reinforced his concerns that leaks from the plant were perilously close to the river and threatening Columbias canal drinking water.

The questions now are whether chemicals from Carlisle Finishing caused the contamination downriver and what can be done to reduce the threat of the toxic pollutants, known as per and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, in Columbia.

That site is a potential source of PFAS for the Broad River and certainly PFAS that could be found downstream in Columbias drinking water, Stangler said. This is a potential ticking time bomb of pollution that sits less than 100 feet from the Broad River.

At Carlisle Finishing, forever chemical pollution is up to 7,200 times higher in groundwater than the proposed federal standard of four parts per trillion, state data show. Tests show sludge from waste basins has forever chemical levels up to 80 times higher than the proposed federal limit.

Levels recorded in the river and Columbias drinking water plant are substantially lower, but they still exceed the proposed limit for the two most common types of PFAS.

Clint Shealy, Columbias assistant city manager over utilities, said he wants to know whether the city or state can stop future threats and any existing leaks that are contaminating the river at the Carlisle plant.

Story continues

Carlisle Finishing is a closed textile plant along the Broad River more than 60 miles north of a major Columbia drinking water source. Forever chemical pollution has been found on the property. The company also distributed sewer sludge to farmers for use as fertilizer.

Not only does Columbia want to limit forever chemicals in drinking water for safety reasons, but stopping them could save the city hundreds of millions of dollars. Columbia faces the prospect of spending more than $150 million for a filtering system to comply with the federal drinking water limit for PFAS if it cant keep the pollutants out of its water, Shealy has said.

Because PFAS levels arent substantially above the proposed limit at the canal plant  they are less than 10 parts per trillion  any reduction in the chemicals in the Broad River could help bring the city into compliance without costly upgrades to its water system, Shealy said.

The first logical step is to stop putting this stuff in the environment, Shealy said. Then, lets see if our PFAS levels start decreasing. It might bring you below that limit and save customers a whole lot of money.

PFAS, a class of thousands of compounds, is commonly called forever chemicals because the materials do not break down easily in the environment. Used since the 1940s, the chemicals were vital ingredients in waterproof clothing, stain resistant carpet and firefighting foam.

But they have increasingly been found to be toxic. Exposure has been linked to kidney, testicular and breast cancer, ulcerative colitis and thyroid problems. Forever chemicals also can weaken a persons immune system and cause developmental delays in children. PFAS manufacturers have been accused of hiding the dangers for decades.

In this case, its possible that even if forever chemical pollution can be reduced and cleaned up at Carlisle Finishing, the damage may have been done years ago.

Stangler said it would not be surprising if Carlisle Finishing released the chemicals for years, long before the public knew about the dangers. The company ran a treatment plant for wastewater it generated at the textile factory, but wastewater systems are not required to filter out forever chemicals before releasing wastewater into a river. Only certain pollutants are required to be treated.

For now, state regulators say they are trying to learn more about the problem at Carlisle. The 68-year-old textile plant, which closed about three years ago, is under scrutiny by the state Department of Health and Environmental Control for the pollution found on the sprawling site between Columbia and Spartanburg.

In April, DHEC sent factory representatives a letter calling the environmental problems at Carlisle Finishing an urgent legal matter. The letter said Elevate Textiles, a one-time owner, is potentially liable to clean up the mess at the Carlisle plant.

Because the site poses a hazard to human health and the environment, the department recommends that you give this matter your immediate attention, the April letter from DHECs Gary Stewart to Elevate Textiles said.

Consultants have submitted a cleanup plan that appears promising, but DHEC needs to push for a resolution as soon as possible to stop the threat, said Stangler and Carl Brzorad, an attorney with the Southern Environmental Law Center.

The plan says filter systems will be installed to remove PFAS from wastewater before it is released to the Broad River.

Sludge from waste basins also will be disposed of in a lined landfill on the property, according to the April 2023 plan. Sludge from Carlisle Finishing contained forever chemicals, although DHEC did not provide the levels.

In the past, the Carlisle plant distributed sludge to area farmers for use as fertilizer. All told, DHEC had given approval to spread the plants waste on more than 80 farm fields that included parts of small communities like Buffalo, Whitmire and Carlisle, state records show.

Tests last year found some wells near sludge fields contained levels of PFAS that would exceed the proposed federal drinking water standard, agency records show. One of those wells showed levels of one type of PFAS was 11 times higher than the proposed limit. DHEC recorded the high level in 2022, before the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommended the four parts per trillion standard this past spring. All told, the well registered six different types of PFAS.

DHEC has identified sewer sludge as a major potential source of PFAS pollution in rivers and groundwater. Statewide, the agency has approved about 3,500 farm fields as sites for sewer sludge, including areas of eastern South Carolina where wells are polluted with forever chemicals, The State and McClatchy reported in a recent investigative series.

Carlisle Finishing is a closed textile plant along the Broad River more than 60 miles north of a major Columbia drinking water source. Forever chemical pollution has been found on the property.

In a brief email to The State, an Elevate Textiles official said the company is working to address any outstanding issues regarding wastewater processing at the site.

The email said the company tries to follow environmental rules and to employ best industry practices. The official also noted that Elevate Textiles no longer owns the Carlisle Finishing property.

Union County property records show the land, which is more than 700 acres, is owned by two companies with a Monroe, N.C. address: Carlisle WW Holdings LLC and Carlisle Partners LLC. Efforts to reach a representative of the companies were not immediately successful.

The Carlisle Finishing factory was once part of Cone Mills, a national denim and textile manufacturer in North Carolina. The company launched operations in 1955 and became a pillar of the community in tiny Union County. At one point, it had more than 1,100 workers and was the largest employer in the county.

Through the years, the companys executives won awards from the local chamber of commerce, and Carlisle Finishing was even at one point included on a tour for people interested in the history of Union County.

The plant was sold after Cone Mills declared bankruptcy in 2003, making room for Elevate Textiles to acquire the company. The Carlisle site, while popular among local citizens, isnt without blemishes. DHEC has made at least eight enforcement cases against Carlisle since 2006 for violations of environmental laws, records show.

McClatchy data journalist Susan Merriam contributed to this story.
A fresco depicting a large serpent and two humans. Atlantide Phototravel

New discoveries in Pompeii reveal industrial cooking spaces and new frescos.

The area archaeologists are exploring now has been untouched since the 1800s.

A shrine was also discovered, revealing how people of Pompeii practiced religion.

In new excavations begun in spring 2023, archaeologists found that Pompeii had an industrial bakery and colorful frescoes, one of which is apparently a detailed, pizza-like flatbread.

Since its destruction in 79 AD by an eruption of Mount Vesuvius, the site has been continually studied  but despite this, nearly one-third of the city has never been excavated, according to reporting from National Geographic.

Co-lead archaeologist on the most recent dig, Alessandro Russo, is working to explore an area of Pompeii that has been untouched since the 1800s, according to reporting from the BBC. During the nineteenth-century dig, the BBC said, archaeologists had unearthed the front of many houses but hadn't been able to go much further into the homes. The site for the dig is about 32,000 square feet in size, according to the BBC.

Most recently, the archaeologists working on the site discovered an enormous bakery capable of producing 100 loaves of bread per day  but it wasn't a shop, according to the BBC's report of the archaeologists' findings.

Previously, other bakeries were found in Pompeii, but the newer baking space seems to lack a shop front. According to the BBC, that's because it was likely a wholesaler of bread that may have served some of Pompeii's famous "fast-food" establishments.

Insider previously reported on findings that showed Pompeii residents could get an ancient version of fast food from a counter archaeologists dubbed a "thermopolium," or "hot-drink counter" in Greek. Over eighty of these thermopolia have been unearthed so far in Pompeii.

The same dig also yielded a fresco apparently showing a pizza, which caused widespread online excitement in late June.

Story continues

Much to the internet's disappointment, though, the Archeological Park of Pompeii soon announced in a press release that it was impossible for the fresco to be a pizza since people in Pompeii would not have had access to ingredients like tomatoes or mozzarella. Instead, according to the park's archaeologists, the fresco likely depicts a focaccia that has fruit and condiments topping it.

Several skeletons were also recovered in the dig  joining the estimated 1,300 to 1,500 found in Pompeii in total. According to the BBC, two women and a child were recently found in positions suggesting they were trying to take cover from the eruption.

According to the BBC, a kitchen shrine was another discovery of the dig. In a detailed fresco, Russo said to the BBC that two yellow serpents painted on the wall are "good demons" who served as connections between the humans and their gods. The shrine in the kitchen allowed people to offer food on their alters.

The Archeological Park of Pompeii did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment, sent outside their normal business hours.

Read the original article on Insider
Cars, trucks, bicyclists and pedestrians have returned to pre-COVID numbers on the Woods Hole, Marthas Vineyard and Nantucket Steamship Authority ferries, according to the agency's latest annual report.

Overall passenger and vehicular ridership has increased along with the authoritys revenue and operating and maintenance costs, according to the report.

I think to some extent we are back to business as usual, Peter Jeffrey, Steamship Authority board member from Falmouth, said Tuesday.

Arriving passengers walk off the ferry Iyanough on Wednesday at the Woods Hole, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket Steamship Authority fast ferry terminal in Hyannis. "We are back to business as usual, Peter Jeffrey, Steamship Authority board member from Falmouth, said Tuesday of post-COVID ridership.

Passenger ridership increased by 6.5% from 2021, with around 2.9 million passengers in 2022, according to the report. Operating revenue increased by 2.3% from 2021, and a 5.6% increase was seen in the costs of operating and maintaining vessels.

Operating revenues totaled about $131 million in 2022, which the report stated was an increase of nearly $2.9 million from 2021.

Of the total operating revenues for 2022, automobile revenues represented the largest category, at approximately 32%, then passenger ridership. Freight travel, parking fees and other sources brought in revenue as well.

It was sort of a water returning to level year for us, said the authority's communication director, Sean Driscoll, on Tuesday. Although we didn't quite get to a true pre-pandemic year, its closer than we had been certainly in several years.

What is the Woods Hole, Marthas Vineyard and Nantucket Steamship Authority?

The Steamship Authority is a ferry operating service that provides trips to and from the Cape to Nantucket and Marthas Vineyard for passengers as well as vehicles  from cars to large freight-carrying trucks. The Authority has terminals in both Hyannis, which ferries passengers to Nantucket, and Woods Hole, which operates ferries to and from the Vineyard.

The Massachusetts Legislature created the Steamship Authority in 1960 to provide for adequate transportation of persons and necessaries of life for the Islands of Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard.

Story continues

Another ferry option for the Cape and Islands is the privately-owned Hy-Line Cruises, which offers residents and visitors a passenger-only ferry service.

In 2010, the Steamship Authority carried about 2.7 million passengers and 438,515 automobiles to Marthas Vineyard and Nantucket. Almost 10 years later in 2019, right before the pandemic, the Authority transported about 3 million passengers and 478,990 automobiles to the Vineyard and Nantucket.

Arrivals from Nantucket on the right share space with departing bicyclists on the left on Wednesday at the Woods Hole, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket Steamship Authority fast ferry terminal in Hyannis.

In 2020, a recent low point which saw the number of trips reduced, the number of passengers dipped to 963,7831 and cars to 201,407.

The increased ridership could be related to how Island populations grew during COVID

Jeffrey said the increase in ridership and revenues could be a result of population increases on the Cape and Islands.

It may be business as usual for 2022, Jeffrey said. But both islands year-round populations grew extensively during COVID."

Some of the 240 passengers for the 11 a.m. boat on Wednesday queue up as the ferry Iyanough arrives from Nantucket at the Woods Hole, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket Steamship Authority terminal in Hyannis.

On Nantucket, the population in 2020 was around 14,251 residents, according to the U.S. Census. In 2022, the census showed that figure grew to 14,421. And on Marthas Vineyard, census figures showed the population increased from 20,595 in 2020 to 20,868 in 2022.

In Barnstable County, which covers the entire Cape, the population increased from 229,004 in 2020 to 232,457 in 2022, according to the census.

And while ticket prices vary between the offseason and summer months, hauling cars and trucks costs more than carrying passengers. The price to transport an average-sized SUV or sedan to Nantucket on a summer weekend is $590, compared to $345 for the offseason  and for the Vineyard, the price for a car for a summer weekend is $250 and the offseason is $128.

Adults passenger fares are $20 to $81 depending on which island and which service  the high-speed Nantucket service or the traditional services to each island.

Vessel replacement one of two major projects

Robert Ranney, the Steamship Authority Board Chair from Nantucket, said the Steamship Authority doesnt receive funding from the state aside from a few grants and other methods of funding, so replacing vessels and the Woods Hole terminal reconstruction  two major projects detailed in the report  are significant.

The Steamship Authority is almost completely self-funded by the ridership, Ranney said. So, it's difficult to do things like big projects because there's not a lot of extra money.

Operating expenses totaled about $120 million, an increase of approximately $6 million from 2021, the 2022 report found. Maintenance expenses increased by nearly $2.3 million.

Three new vessels joined the Steamship Authority fleet in 2022, according to the report. The three identical offshore supply vessels were purchased from Hornbeck Offshore Services. The vessels will be primarily used to transport automobiles and freight.

This is obviously part of our vessel improvement plan, and bringing on three new vessels at once like this is a very rare opportunity, Driscoll said. They're open deck freight vessels with lower passenger counts, lower passenger capacity than the big boats.

More: Third of Steamship Authority's fleet approaching the end of their lifespan

All three will go towards the replacement of the M/V Katama, the M/V Gay Head and the M/V Sankaty, Driscoll said.

The Steamship Authority is concerned over the remaining useful life of the M/V Katama and M/V Gay Head were a citing the vessels' age and maintenance costs, the report said.

Bigger cars and trucks require bigger boats, according to the Steamship Authority

They're not obsolete, per se, but vehicles have gotten bigger, cars have gotten bigger, Ranney said, referring to the current ships the vessels are replacing. Squeezing vehicles onto the existing boats, it becomes challenging, trucks are bigger than they were 30 or 40 years ago, ridership has increased. All that stuff goes into looking at vessel replacement.

Although the three offshore supply vessels will replace the M/V Katama, M/V Gay Head and M/V Sankaty, Driscoll said whether all three will be retired remains to be determined.

The average age of the Steamship Authoritys fleet is 34 years old, with the M/V Governor being the oldest vessel  clocking in at about 69 years old  and the M/V Woods Hole having been commissioned in 2016, according to the Steamship Authoritys website.

A fourth vessel may be purchased this year, the report stated. Driscoll said the private offshore service company, Hornbeck, is marketing another offshore supply vessel for sale but has not yet made anything final.

Woods Hole terminal reconstruction underway

The Woods Hole terminal reconstruction project, set to be a net-zero energy facility, saw the completion of the installation of a stormwater system and the drilling of geothermal wells that will be used to heat the terminal, according to the report.

The next phase will see the construction of the new terminal building, a new utility building, and a new employee parking lot with a solar panel canopy structure.

Waterside construction wrapped up in 2022 with the completion of the barge slip, slip No. 1. New passenger loading walkways, ramps and an outer floating passenger platform were completed along with the barge slip.

The entire project is estimated to cost about $110 million, and Driscoll said the next phase of construction will begin later in the fall.

All of our construction is done in the offseason to minimize the impacts on the busy season, Driscoll said. We haven't awarded the bid for the work yet, so we dont have a start date.

Walker Armstrong reports on all things transportation and the Joint Base Cape Cod military base. Contact him at WArmstrong@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter: @jd__walker.

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 Aberdeen News: At Steamship Authority revenue, expenses increased in 2022, 3M riders
The Pensacola Police Department announced Friday they arrested a suspect in the Creighton Road homicide that occurred on July 20.

Officers arrested Pensacola man Trevoir Vanderhall, 22, in Coweta County, Georgia, Thursday night after a arrest warrant was issued "early in the investigation," according to a PPD news release,

"Late last night, Vanderhall was stopped by law enforcement for speeding in Coweta County Georgia," the release says. "The officer ran a routine check on Vanderhall and discovered he was wanted for first-degree premeditated homicide in Pensacola."

Creighton Road homicide: One killed in shooting on Creighton Road in Pensacola

Downtown machete attack: PPD: Man hit in head with machete at Old Hickory Whiskey Bar in downtown Pensacola

PPD says Georgia law enforcement took Vanderhall into custody without incident, and he is currently held in a Georgia jail pending extradition to Pensacola.

Vanderhall is a suspect in a shooting around 2 a.m. July 20 that left a man dead in the 3000 block of Creighton Road.

The PPD has not released the identity of the deceased or the circumstances around the shooting.

This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Florida man Trevoir Vanderhall arrested for Creighton Road shooting
Wagner leader Yevgeny Prigozhin was photographed in St Petersburg during this week's Africa-Russia summit.

He was seen shaking hands with Ambassador Freddy Mapouka, a presidential advisor in the Central African Republic (CAR).

The image was posted on Facebook by Dmitri Syty, who reportedly manages Wagner's operations in CAR.

It is the first confirmed sighting of Mr Prigozhin in Russia since Wagner's failed mutiny in June.

Mr Prigozhin and Mr Mapouka's meeting took place at the Trezzini Palace hotel in St Petersburg, BBC Verify confirmed.

BBC Verify used facial recognition software to compare known photographs of the CAR official with the picture featuring Prigozhin and got a 99% match, indicating the two images are of the same man.

Details of the interior seen in the background of the photo were also matched to the Trezzini Palace hotel which, according to Russian media, is owned by Prigozhin.

The lanyard worn by Mr Mapouka has a distinctive pattern, which is identical to that of the official lanyard worn by delegates at the summit.

Searches for the same image did not find any earlier copies, which indicates it has only appeared online recently.

There are several hundred Wagner mercenaries in diamond-rich CAR, helping the government fight rebel groups. The UK last week imposed sanctions on the two heads of Wagner's operations in CAR, accusing them of torture and killing civilians.

In St Petersburg, Prigozhin was also photographed with the head of Afrique Media, a Cameroon-based pro-Russian TV outlet, where he has been interviewed at least three times this year.

The meetings follow Mr Prigozhin's appearance in Belarus last week. A video on Telegram channels linked to the Wagner mercenary group shows him welcoming fighters and describing recent developments on the frontline in Ukraine as a "disgrace".

He also hints that Wagner might rejoin the war at a later date.

During the Africa-Russia Summit, Russian President Vladimir Putin said he was ready to replace Ukrainian grain exports to Africa on both a commercial and aid basis to help avoid a "global food crisis".

Story continues

"We will be ready to provide Burkina Faso, Zimbabwe, Mali, Somalia, Central African Republic and Eritrea with 25-50,000 tonnes of free grain each in the next three to four months," Putin said. These are all Russian allies, except Somalia which is suffering a severe humanitarian crisis.

Russia recently withdrew from a deal under which Ukrainian grain exports passed through the Black Sea to reach global markets, including Africa.

The EU said it believes Mr Putin is misleading African countries over his promise to send free grain to the continent. The European Commission said Russia was unlikely to honour its pledge.
Priti Patel has suggested a review of rules that mean innocent prisoners pay for food out of their compensation - Jamie Lorriman

Dame Priti Patel has called for a rethink of utterly shameful rules that mean innocent prisoners can be forced to pay for food and accommodation out of their compensation.

The former home secretary became the most senior Tory figure yet to call for the system to be reviewed following the terrible injustice suffered by Andrew Malkinson, who served 17 years in jail for a crime he did not commit.

She said the 57-year-old now needs to be supported as he rebuilds his life.

Mr Malkinson was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of seven years after being found guilty of an attack on a woman in Salford, Greater Manchester, in 2003.

He continuously maintained his innocence and was finally declared a free man after his conviction was overturned by appeal court judges on Wednesday.

While he will not have to reimburse the prison service directly if he wins compensation, his payment could be docked to account for costs he would have incurred had he not been locked up, such as food and accommodation expenses.

Insulting rules must be scrapped

Dame Priti said: This is utterly shameful following the injustice he has suffered.

This entire case has raised very serious questions about how this terrible injustice has happened so it is clear that a review of these rules must take place. No one can imagine the injustice Mr Malkinson has suffered and now he needs to be supported as he rebuilds his life.

It comes after Michael OBrien, who was wrongly convicted for the murder of a Cardiff newsagent, had his 600,000 compensation payment slashed by a quarter to account for the amount he saved on living costs while behind bars.

Dominic Grieve, the former attorney general, has called for the insulting rules to be scrapped.

He told BBC Radio 4s Today: Its an extremely dubious procedure, particularly because the amounts involved - although they may to the individual be considerable - in respect of the cost of the state are really negligible. So it does come across as insulting.

Story continues

Sir Bob Neill, the justice committee chairman, has also said the Government should review the rules. The controversial guidance was confirmed by the House of Lords in 2007, when it was the UKs highest court.

While the Government makes the call on whether to grant compensation, it is up to an independent assessor to determine how much is awarded, including any deductions for living costs.

There has been no indication the Ministry of Justice is planning to revisit the rules.

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.
A prominent outside super PAC supporting President Biden's candidacy paid tens of thousands to a Biden family friend who previously registered as a foreign agent and discussed business opportunities with the president's son, Hunter, filings reviewed by Fox News Digital show.

Unite the Country disbursed over $60,000 to Prairie Avenue Advisors LLC for fundraising consulting so far this year, according to the committee's mid-year report released Friday. Prairie Avenue Advisors is a Chicago-based company registered to Mark Doyle, who served as a senior Biden adviser in the Senate and later as the national finance director for Biden's failed 2008 presidential campaign.

Since Unite the Country's launch in 2019, Doyle, who acts as its chairman, has pocketed over $500,000 from the committee. The group spent significant amounts backing Biden's 2020 candidacy and appears to be gearing up to do so again in 2024.

The close Biden confidante also previously discussed foreign business prospects with the president's son.

HUNTER BIDEN'S REJECTED PLEA DEAL PUTS JUSTICE DEPARTMENT IN HOT SEAT

Unite the Country, a major outside pro-Biden super PAC, has paid large sums to a firm registered to longtime Biden family friend and aide Mark Doyle.

Fox News Digital previously reported on multiple exchanged emails between Doyle, who was registered as a foreign agent on behalf of the Republic of Serbia at the time, and Hunter Biden early in his dad's first term as vice president during the Obama administration. They plotted a potential business meeting with then-Serbian President Boris Tadic and Serbian "high net worth individuals."

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

According to a disclosure filed with the Department of Justice, Doyle was registered as a foreign agent through the same Chicago-based firm that Unite the Country pays, and he principally dealt with Serbian Ambassador to the United States Vladimir Petrovic, who Hunter Biden met for the first time in February 2010 alongside Tadic's National Security Advisor Jovan Ratkovic.

HUNTER BIDEN CONTRADICTS DAD'S CLAIM NOBODY IN FAMILY 'MADE MONEY FROM CHINA'

Story continues

"I met with Tadic's Chief of Staff Thursday[sic] when I was there and he asked about you. The Ambassador must have relayed your conversation," Doyle wrote in an April 2010 email, referring to Petrovic.

"I think you mentioned that you spoke to them about putting you in front of high net worth individuals and they are ready to do that, and to have you meet Tadic as well. I am going there with Milan in May, and I think they are looking for you to join," Doyle continued. "My sense from Vladimir is that they are very willing to help you with your fund. If you have interest you can just call Vladimir direct, you don't need me in the middle. I think it could be good for you and the fund to go."

Hunter Biden, son of President Biden, arrives at Fort Lesley J. McNair in Washington, D.C., July 4, 2023.

Hunter Biden responded a few hours later, joking that "Markie in the Middle" would be the name of the "reality show" he will be producing and expressed interest in the meeting.

"How about we go over around May 10th. JRB will be in Madrid and I can catch a ride with him and fly over to Serbia and back with you," Hunter wrote, referring to his father by his initials.

Doyle followed up a few days later, alerting Hunter that Petrovic, who was serving as the Serbian Ambassador to the United States at the time, "wants to start putting together a full day for you with Tadic and potential investors."

JOE BIDEN MET WITH AT LEAST 14 OF HUNTER BIDEN'S BUSINESS ASSOCIATES WHILE VICE PRESIDENT

"They are ready to get people who can commit immediately when you are there, very serious people from what I understand," Doyle added.

Other emails that followed included messages from Hunter Biden's longtime business partner, Eric Schwerin, who visited the White House at least 27 times during the Obama administration, and Petrovic.

Schwerin emailed Hunter and Doyle about a week later about the Serbia trip and said, "Hunter would like to try and get to Serbia right after going to Madrid with his Dad."

Mark Doyle had discussed business prospects with Hunter Biden, emails show.

"The Madrid trip should end on Sunday the 9th so he could likely get to Belgrade Sunday night and stay the 10th and 11th (not sure how much time he needs and if he could depart on the afternoon of the 11th or would depart afternoon of the 12th)," Schwerin added.

Hunter responded three days later, in late April 2010, saying there was a "change in the schedule" to his travels in Europe that week, and he didn't think he could make the trip on the week of May 11 but noted that he would like to visit another time during the spring.

Petrovic followed up a week later apologizing for his late response and informed Hunter that he had some "preliminary conversations with some business people in Serbia" and that he thought Hunter "would find some opportunities" when he visited in the future.

Based on previous Fox News Digital reporting, it is unclear whether Hunter or Schwerin ended up visiting Serbia or taking Petrovic up on his offer to meet with wealthy business individuals in Serbia. However, emails show that Hunter, Schwerin and Petrovic continued to communicate after Petrovic became a D.C. lobbyist after leaving the ambassadorship.

Unite the Country did not immediately respond to a Fox News Digital request for comment.
Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Guyanese President Irfaan Ali in Chengdu, capital city of southwest China's Sichuan Province, July 28, 2023. Ali is in Chengdu to attend the opening ceremony of the 31st summer edition of the FISU World University Games and visit China. (Xinhua/Zhang Ling)

CHENGDU, July 28 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday met with Guyanese President Irfaan Ali in Chengdu, capital city of southwest China's Sichuan Province.

Ali is here to attend the opening ceremony of the 31st summer edition of the FISU World University Games and visit China.

Xi said that China and Guyana should be good friends who trust and count on each other, and both countries should share opportunities, meet challenges, seek cooperation and promote development together.

Xi urged the building of a more close-knit China-Guyana community with a shared future.

Guyana was the earliest country in the Caribbean region to recognize the one-China principle and establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China. Last year, the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Guyana was celebrated.

Xi said China and Guyana, both developing countries, should strengthen communication and cooperation, firmly support each other, and advance bilateral relations steadily for the fundamental and long-term interests of the two peoples.

China is willing to deepen the alignment between the Belt and Road Initiative and Guyana's Low-carbon Development Strategy 2030, and elevate the level of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation between the two countries, Xi said.

Xi said China welcomes Guyana's participation in the China International Import Expo to introduce more of Guyana's distinctive and high-quality products into the Chinese market.

China encourages its companies to invest in Guyana, expand mutually beneficial cooperation in areas such as energy, mining, finance, agriculture, fisheries and infrastructure construction, and foster new sources of growth, he said.

Xi called on both countries to strengthen people-to-people exchanges, facilitate mutual travel and visits, and consolidate the foundation of public support for friendship between the two countries.

China and Guyana have broad common interests and similar positions in international and regional affairs, Xi said.

Xi congratulated Guyana on being elected as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2024-2025 term.

Xi said China supports Guyana in playing a greater role in international and regional affairs, and is willing to work with Guyana to practice true multilateralism, safeguard the common interests of developing countries, and jointly address global challenges such as climate change, food security and energy security.

He said China is willing to work with Caribbean countries to build a closer community with a shared future.

Xi expressed the hope that Guyana will continue to play an active role in promoting relations between China and the Caribbean countries.

Noting that Guyana and China have enjoyed sound relations and solid political mutual trust, Ali said the past 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations have been years of friendship, cooperation, and mutual support.

Guyana firmly adheres to the one-China principle, highly admires President Xi's outstanding leadership, and highly values China's international influence, Ali said.

Ali said China has played an important role in the economic and social development of Guyana and the Caribbean region, not only by sharing its experience but also providing valuable assistance in developing infrastructure, connectivity, healthcare and other areas.

Ali said Guyana regards China as a highly reliable cooperative partner and welcomes Chinese companies to invest and do business in Guyana.

Guyana supports a series of major initiatives put forward by President Xi and actively participates in the Belt and Road cooperation, Ali said.

Guyana is ready to closely communicate and collaborate with China to promote the building of a community with a shared future for humanity and establish a fairer and more equitable international order, Ali said.

Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Wang Yi, and Shen Yiqin attended the meeting. 

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Guyanese President Irfaan Ali in Chengdu, capital city of southwest China's Sichuan Province, July 28, 2023. Ali is in Chengdu to attend the opening ceremony of the 31st summer edition of the FISU World University Games and visit China. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao)
Pro-Russian blogger Anatolii Sharii and Anton Shevtsov, former chief of the National Police in Vinnytsia Oblast, will be tried in absentia on charges of treason for cooperating with Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB).

Source: Vinnytsia Oblast Prosecutor's Office without naming those involved and Office of the Prosecutor General

Details: Prosecutors of the Vinnytsia Oblast Prosecutor's Office have sent to court an indictment against a Ukrainian blogger and the former chief of the National Police in Vinnytsia Oblast. They are charged with high treason committed by prior conspiracy by a group of persons (Part 2 of Article 28 and Part 2 of Article 111 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).

Both defendants are at large: the blogger is in Spain, and the former police chief is in Russia-occupied Crimea.

The investigation established that the defendants carried out "subversive activities against Ukraine on behalf of the Russian FSB".

The investigation established that since 2018, the former law enforcement officer, while in temporarily occupied Crimea, had been cooperating with a Russian secret service officer. He provided the handler with information about Ukrainian politicians, heads of fuel and energy companies, and owners of Internet resources that could be used against Ukraine. To do this, the man used personal connections and information from his previous jobs.

The other defendant is the leader of Sharii's Party, a pro-Russian political force banned in Ukraine and the owner of a YouTube channel. The Office of the Prosecutor General noted that since 2019, he has actually been living in the Kingdom of Spain. From there, he organises pro-Russian PR campaigns, creates and disseminates politically biased anti-Ukrainian content.

The former chief of the National Police in Vinnytsia Oblast engaged a pro-Russian blogger in cooperation with the Russian FSB.

Quote from the Prosecutors Office: "The blogger, knowing for a fact that the activities of his accomplice were handled by representatives of the Russian secret services with the aim of harming the sovereignty, state and information security of Ukraine, agreed to create politically biased trending anti-Ukrainian stories.

Story continues

Thus, in May 2022, the blogger, using the materials provided by the ex-police officer, made a video called Are Enemies of the People from the Armed Forces of Ukraine? He filled the video with Kremlin narratives and distributed it on the Internet through his YouTube channel. The defendants reported their work to their handler in the FSB."

Details: The court imposed on both defendants a pre-trial restraint in the form of detention and granted permission to conduct a special pre-trial investigation (in absentia).

This crime is punishable by 15 years or life imprisonment with confiscation of property.

The special pre-trial investigation was conducted by investigators of the Security Service of Ukraine in Vinnytsia Oblast.

Background:

On 5 May 2022, blogger Anatolii Sharii was detained in Spain, suspected by the Security Service of Ukraine of treason.

In February 2021, the Supreme Court reinstated Anton Shevtsov, former chief of the National Police in Vinnytsia Oblast, who was suspected of treason.

On 1 March 2023, law enforcement officials reported that Anton Shevtsov was suspected of treason.

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!
The explosion that killed over 50 Ukrainian prisoners of war held by Russia in the Olenivka prison last year was caused by a thermobaric munition, the Prosecutor General's Office told Ukrinform on July 28.

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), which carries out the pre-trial investigation of the case, has examined the circumstances of the attack and concluded that the explosion was caused by a thermobaric grenade launcher, the prosecutors said.

As part of their examination, the investigators interviewed 13 released soldiers who were previously held in the Olenivka, Ukrinform reported.

Between July 28 and 29, 2022, an explosion in Russian-occupied Olenivka, Donetsk Oblast killed over 50 Ukrainian prisoners and injured 75 more. Kyiv called this a deliberate Russian war crime.

Ukrainian authorities said that days before the attack the Russians had moved Ukrainian members of the Azov Regiment, who were captured in Mariupol and were awaiting a prisoner exchange, to a separate part of the prison building  the one that was destroyed.

Russia has accused Ukraine of attacking the prison with HIMARS, a high-precision rocket system. Although the Russian authorities did not provide secure access to the U.N. mission to investigate the incident, High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk said that, according to available information, the prison was not hit by a HIMARS missile.

On Jan. 12, the Ukrainian authorities said that they had retrieved the bodies of 54 prisoners killed in the Olenivka massacre in a transfer mediated by the International Committee of the Red Cross.

According to the Prosecutor General's Office, 33 bodies of the victims have been identified so far.

Read also: Head of Russian jail charged over abuse of Olenivka prisoners
Prosecutors in the case of Bryan Kohberger, the man accused of killing four University of Idaho students in the fall, have filed a motion asking a judge to compel his defense team to share information about his potential alibi.

The states filing on Thursday came days after attorneys for Kohberger suggested he was not at the location where the crimes took place.

Kohberger faces four counts of first-degree murder in the November 13 deaths of 21-year-olds Kaylee Goncalves and Madison Mogen; and 20-year-olds Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin, who were fatally stabbed in their off-campus home in Moscow, Idaho. A not guilty plea has been entered on his behalf, and his trial is set for October.

Prosecutors requested in their motion that the defense provide information on the specific place or places where Kohberger claims to have been during the time of the crimes, as well as the names and addresses of all witnesses they plan to use to establish an alibi.

It is important to note that the scheduled October 2, 2023, jury trial is barely more than two (2) months away, the court filing says. If the Defense intends to rely on alibi, it is essential that they be required to provide prompt notice so the State can fulfill its obligations under Idaho Code $19-519(2) to investigate and respond to the Notice of Alibi. Any further delays will substantially prejudice the States rights.

Prosecutors also requested the defense be required to provide the information within 10 days of a potential court order, according to the motion.

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, defense attorney Anne Taylor wrote in a court document filed Monday.

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, the filing stated.

Story continues

Kohberger stands firm on his constitutional right to silence as well as to testify on his own behalf, his lawyers said.

The students killings rattled the small Idaho college town of Moscow and have been the focus of a lengthy investigation.

Kohberger, a graduate student from nearby Washington State University, was arrested seven weeks later at his parents house in Pennsylvania.

Defense files additional motions

Attorneys representing Kohberger filed two additional motions this week.

One requests a stay of the proceedings, claiming prosecutors failed to comply fully with Title 2 of the Idaho code, which governs requirements for convening trial juries or grand juries.

A sworn affidavit filed under seal in conjunction with the motion outlines the specifics of the allegations, according to the motion, but attorneys cite selection of jurors and jury questionnaires as issues of concern.

Further, other irregularity exists within the grand jury process and further investigation is necessary to determine the impact, if any, in the convening of this grand jury, the motion says.

Another motion filed at the same time on Tuesday seeks to dismiss the indictment against Kohberger, arguing the Grand Jury was misled as to the standard of proof required for an indictment.

Defense attorneys argue the Idaho state Constitution sets the standard of proof for a grand jury at beyond a reasonable doubt. But the grand jury in the case against Kohberger was given the lower standard required for an archaic process called a presentment, which requires a preliminary hearing. In turn, failing to properly instruct the grand jury is grounds for a dismissal of the indictment, the defense argues.

Idahos criminal procedure law defines a presentment as a formal statement by the grand jury indicating to the court a crime has been committed, and there are reasonable grounds that the person named in the presentment committed the crime.

In comparison, an indictment  under Idaho law  is a written accusation presented by the grand jury charging a person with a public offense.

Kohbergers attorneys argue the indictment should either be dismissed or be treated as a presentment and have a preliminary hearing. They acknowledge in the motion that the Defense recognizes that the whole of modern jurisprudence on this issue is against it.

Due to a wide-ranging gag order, prosecutors, defense lawyers, and attorneys for victims families and witnesses are prohibited from saying anything publicly, aside from what is already in the public record.

CNNs Cheri Mossburg and Elizabeth Joseph contributed to this report.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Mifepristone is one of two types of pills taken as part of an abortion (Anna Moneymaker)

For weeks, American nurse Lauren Jacobson has been supervising the daily dispatch of around fifty parcels of abortion pills -- mostly to states where it is illegal to terminate a pregnancy, such as Texas.

For the 31-year-old, prescribing the drugs is "an active form of resistance."

"People in Texas deserve the same basic human rights and access to health care as people in Connecticut," she told AFP.

The effort is coordinated by the activist group Aid Access. Between mid-June and mid-July, it sent abortion pills to 3,500 people living in states where abortions are illegal, prescribed by seven American health care providers.

Their participation in the program has been possible thanks to newly-enacted "shield laws" in five states: Massachusetts, Colorado, Vermont, New York and Washington.

These laws protect them in the event of prosecution by states where abortion is prohibited. Any request for documents or extradition will be refused, and their license to practice and malpractice insurance cannot be threatened.

But it's still uncharted territory in a deeply polarized country where the religious right objects strongly to terminations, while progressives view access to the procedure as a human right.

"At some point, someone will be testing it in court," said Jacobson, who thinks she could one day be prosecuted "for murder" in conservative Texas, where doctors are barred from carrying out an abortion -- unless the mother's life is in danger.

Out of caution, she no longer travels to states where the right to abortion has been banned, around 15 in total.

"It's a known risk, and we're willing to take it," adds the nurse, who is licensed to perform abortions in Massachusetts.

- Faster access -

The situation is emblematic of the battle between progressive and conservative states since the US Supreme Court struck down the federal right to abortion in June 2022.

Through shield laws, Democratic-run states aim to effectively limit the scope of bans enacted by Republican-run states, especially if more doctors and nurses join.

Story continues

California could also pass a similar law this fall.

Before these laws were established, Aid Access was already active in the United States. But all its prescriptions were going through its founder, a Dutch doctor.

The result was long wait times, with the pills sent from India.

But since American providers took over in June, shipping has taken only a few days, as it all happens within the United States, Linda Prine, a New York doctor involved in Aid Access told AFP.

"And the earlier an abortion is done, the safer it is," she said.

No video consultation is required. Caregivers review medical information filled out by patients on the organization's website, and the pills, which are prescribed up to 13 weeks of pregnancy, are taken at home.

The service costs $150, though patients facing financial hardship need only pay what they can.

According to Prine, nearly a quarter can't afford the full fee, "so you can imagine why they can't travel to a blue state to get an abortion," she said, meaning Democratic states.

- 'It keeps people silent' -

Jacobson concedes online messaging isn't the "ideal" way to interact with patients whom she'd rather see in person. "But is it safe? Yeah it's safe."

She recalls feeling helpless in the case of an adolescent who got pregnant after a rape. All she could do was ask if the patient wanted to speak on the phone, and if they felt safe at home.

"The best thing I can do for this person right now is make sure that they don't have to carry a pregnancy, on top of whatever it is that they're going through," she said.

For the women themselves, the legal risks of taking these pills in conservative states are limited.

"The abortion bans that have gone into effect are really focused on providing or performing abortions," Elizabeth Ling, of If/When/How, which provides legal advice on abortions, told AFP.

"And many of the bans actually have specific language in the law that says that the pregnant person cannot be charged under those laws."

That said, criminalization is still possible, if prosecutors "misuse" other laws, such as those on feticide or child abuse. Minorities and marginalized communities are at greater risk of being targeted, she warned.

Such uncertainties are part of the anti-abortion camp's strategy, said Jacobson. "It keeps people silent," she argued -- and that in turn means "providers are afraid to provide this care and be open."

Prine, for her part, is "not really worried."

"I can live with not traveling to Mississippi or Alabama," she laughs. "Just give me the list, I'll stay away."

la/ia/st
Miguel Diaz, a Puerto Rican native, opened Rich Port Coffee is downtown Norfolk to honor and promote his heritage and Latin American coffee and culture.

I decided that I wanted to do something different  to create a legacy not only for myself, but my kids, Diaz said.

The Navy veteran came to Hampton Roads because of the military 20 years ago. In 2021, he started taking wholesale and online orders for coffee he roasted at Selden Market, a small business incubator downtown.

Two years later on May 1, Diaz and his wife, Mia, opened Rich Ports first storefront just steps from Selden Market at 150 W. Main St. inside the Truist Building.

The businesss expansion illustrates how Selden Market can help strength downtown Norfolks retail landscape, director Careyann Weinberg said.

The market chose Rich Port Coffee for its hands-on approach, she said, noting Diaz was going beyond social media by knocking on doors and handing out samples.

The businesss name is a direct English translation of Puerto Rico coffee, and the logo is a combination of a French press and the Castillo San Felipe del Morro fort in San Juan, both subtle nods to Diazs roots.

It was amazing because it was actually bringing a little piece of my heritage back here, he said.

Once known for the coffee of popes and kings, Diaz said the soil and elevation on Puerto Rican coffee farms elevates its taste. Rich Port now serves coffee from nine countries, including Colombia, El Salvador and Ethiopia. The products show the date the coffee was roasted.

Rich Port also teams up with regional businesses to sell different pastries and snacks.

When working in business banking for 11 years, Diaz said he noticed how much businesses learned by partnering with other businesses. Another key for small businesses is not being afraid of larger competitors. He said he offers a totally different product from Starbucks.

Diaz said hes seen an increase in sales ever since Rich Port opened the storefront, especially from office workers and people boarding cruise ships docked downtown.

Story continues

Rich Port roasts coffee for around 25 businesses and organizations, including the city of Norfolk, the USS Wisconsin, the MacArthur Memorial museum and different coffee shops around Hampton Roads. Diaz also roasts coffee for companies in Florida and Tennessee.

Diaz is proud the coffee labels say, roasted in Norfolk.

So its putting a spotlight on us, in a way, Diaz said.

Gabby Jimenez, gabrielle.jimenez@virginiamedia.com
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu meets with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu met with Kim Jong Un in North Korea this week.

An expert on Russia told Insider that the trip is a "hazing-level job" handed down by Putin.

Shoigu has been a lightning rod for criticism amid Russia's struggling war, but Putin can't fire him.

The man overseeing Russia's ongoing war effort in Ukraine was far from the frontlines this week carrying out President Vladimir Putin's dirty work in North Korea instead.

Russian Minister of Defense Sergei Shoigu met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Wednesday as part of a Russian delegation sent to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the end of the Korean War. North Korea commemorates the national holiday as "Victory Day," even though the conflict ended in a stalemate.

Shoigu's place at the center of Russia's bureaucratic visit to North Korea, even as the war in Ukraine wages on, offers insight into the embattled defense minister's current standing back home, Simon Miles, an assistant professor at Duke University's Sanford School of Public Policy and a historian of the Soviet Union and US-Soviet relations, told Insider.

"It's a humiliation for Russia, and for Shoigu personally, to have to go and break bread and glad hand with these North Korean weirdos as they have a fake victory celebration," Miles said.

Shoigu, a longtime friend and loyal ally of Putin, has become a lightning rod for criticism amid Russia's faltering war in Ukraine. Mounting military missteps and mistakes have prompted even Putin to sour on his one-time right-hand man.

But the most vocal criticism of Shoigu in recent months came from Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin, who spent months castigating Shoigu and Gen. Valery Gerasimov in videos from the frontlines before staging a short-lived mutiny last month that called for the defense minister's ousting.

Despite the very real threat to Putin's power, the Wagner uprising was ultimately quelled and Prigozhin was publicly exiled to Belarus.

Story continues

Shoigu's job title was safe  at least in name, Miles said.

"Putin can't fire him for cause, which he deserves richly, because it will look like he's caving to Prigozhin," he said.

But Shoigu's relegation to North Korean delegate is almost certainly a public punishment, Miles said. The Russian defense minister spent Wednesday posing for photographs with Jong Un, taking a tour of the country's banned missiles, and delivering a letter from Putin to the North Korean president, according to Reuters.

"It's a hazing-level job," Miles said.

Russia's war struggles  publicly blamed on Shoigu  are actually a problem of Putin's own making, according to Miles.

"The Putin system is one in which you're promoted based on personal loyalty, not competency," he said. "That's the story of Shoigu. He's not good at his job. Just look at how the war is going."

Still, the Russian visit to North Korea was an important one. North Korea is one of the few countries to publicly back Russia in the war in Ukraine. The country has denied engaging in arms transactions with Russia, but the White House said North Korea shipped weapons, including rockets and missiles, to Russia in November.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Vladimir Putin

Russian dictator Vladimir Putin is ignoring requests from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to hold talks regarding the extension of the Black Sea Grain Initiative (BSGI), The Wall Street Journal reported on July 28, citing diplomats and analysts.

According to the sources, Erdogan has repeatedly stated in recent weeks that he wants to discuss with Putin the renewal of the agreement, which allowed the export of Ukrainian grain from ports on the Black Sea. However, the presidents of Turkey and Russia have not yet spoken by phone. Diplomats say that Turkish authorities are trying to resolve this issue through other channels of communication with the Kremlin.

Read also: Erdogan agrees to unblock Sweden's accession to NATO  Stoltenberg

The report says that Russia refused to extend the grain agreement after Erdogan "angered" the Russian government.

Earlier in July, Erdogan decided to return the defenders of Mariupols Azovstal to Ukraine and finally agreed to approve Sweden's entry into NATO.

Read also: US not planning to escort Ukrainian grain cargo ships, says White House

Russia officially terminated its participation in the BSGI on July 17, which had previously allowed Ukrainian grain export through the Black Sea to countries at risk of food insecurity. Officially, Russia alleged that its unilateral withdrawal from the agreement was due to Ukrainian attacks on the Kerch Bridge, which connects occupied Crimea to Russian mainland.

Read also: African leaders lean on Putin to return to the Black Sea grain deal  report

Moscow has withdrawn guarantees of safety of navigation in the Black Sea as well.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has proposed extending the grain deal with the UN and Turkey only, without Russia, though Turkey has yet to commit to armed escorts of Ukrainian grain cargo.

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 Mark Trevelyan and Kevin Liffey

(Reuters) -African leaders pressed Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday to move ahead with their plan to end the Ukraine conflict and to renew a deal crucial to Africa on the safe wartime export of Ukrainian grain, which Moscow tore up last week.

While not directly critical of Russia, their interventions on the second day of a summit were more concerted and forceful than those that African countries have voiced until now.

They served as reminders of the depth of African concern at the consequences of the war, especially rising food prices.

"This war must end. And it can only end on the basis of justice and reason," African Union Commission Chairman Moussa Faki Mahamat told Putin and African leaders in St Petersburg.

"The disruptions of energy and grain supplies must end immediately. The grain deal must be extended for the benefit of all the peoples of the world, Africans in particular."

Reuters reported in June that the African plan floats a series of possible steps to defuse the conflict, including a Russian troop pull-back, removal of Russian tactical nuclear weapons from Belarus, suspension of an International Criminal Court arrest warrant against Putin, and sanctions relief.

Putin gave it a cool reception when African leaders presented it to him last month. In public remarks on Friday, he restated in similar terms his argument that Ukraine and the West, not Russia, were responsible for the conflict.

Congo Republic President Denis Sassou Nguesso said the initiative "deserves the closest attention", calling "urgently" for peace.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa told Putin: "We feel that we have a right to call for peace - the ongoing conflict also negatively affects us."

The stream of calls prompted Putin repeatedly to defend Russia's position and finally make an eight-minute statement, later issued by the Kremlin in a video, at the start of evening talks with the African leaders behind the peace plan.

Story continues

He again accused the West of backing a "coup" in Kyiv in 2014 - when a wave of street protests forced Ukraine's pro-Russian president to flee - and of trying to draw Ukraine into the U.S.-led NATO military alliance and undermine Russian statehood.

He said it was Kyiv that was refusing to negotiate under a decree passed shortly after he claimed last September to have annexed four Ukrainian regions that Russia partly controls, adding: "The ball is entirely in their court."

'NEW REALITIES'

Russia has long said it is open to talks but that these must take account of the "new realities" on the ground.

AU chair Azali Assoumani said Putin had shown his readiness to talk, and "now we have to convince the other side".

But Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has rejected the idea of a ceasefire now that would leave Russia in control of nearly a fifth of his country and give its forces time to regroup after 17 grinding months of war.

At the summit, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi urged Russia to revive the Black Sea grain deal which, until Moscow refused to renew it last week, had granted Ukraine a "safe corridor" to export grain from its seaports despite the conflict.

Egypt is a big buyer of grain via the Black Sea route, and Sisi told the summit it was "essential to reach agreement" on reviving the deal.

Putin responded by arguing, as he has in the past, that rising world food prices were a consequence of Western policy mistakes long predating the Ukraine war.

He has repeatedly said Russia quit the agreement because the deal was not getting grain to the poorest countries and the West was not keeping its side of the bargain.

Russia's withdrawal and its bombardment of Ukrainian ports and grain depots have prompted accusations from Ukraine and the West that it is using food as a weapon of war, and driven the global wheat price up by some 9%.

The Ukrainian Grain Association estimated in May that 4 million metric tons of Ukrainian grain had been stolen since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February last year.

On Thursday, Putin promised to deliver up to 300,000 tons of free Russian grain - which U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called a "handful of donations" - among six of the countries attending the summit.

Assoumani said this might not be enough, and what was needed was a ceasefire.

Putin wanted the summit to energise Russia's ties with Africa and enlist its support in countering what he describes as U.S. hegemony and Western neo-colonialism.

Many of the leaders praised Moscow's support for their countries in their 20th-century liberation struggles, and the final declaration promised Russia would help them seek compensation for the damage done by colonial rule.

The leaders of Mali and Central African Republic, whose governments have relied heavily on the services of Russia's Wagner mercenary group, both expressed gratitude to Putin.

President Faustin Archange Touadera said CAR's relations with Russia had helped to save its democracy and prevent a civil war, thanking Russia "for helping us to oppose foreign hegemony".

(Reporting by Mark Trevelyan and Kevin Liffey; Additional reporting by Joe Bavier, Alexander Winning and Reuters bureaux; Editing by Angus MacSwan, Grant McCool and Rosalba O'Brien)
At the Russia-Africa forum in St Petersburg, Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed that he is ready for negotiations to end the war. Still, Ukraine, the United States and NATO do not want to talk to him.

Source: Kremlin-aligned RIA Novosti and other Russian propaganda media

Quote from Putin: "All contradictions should be resolved during negotiations, but the problem is that they refuse to negotiate with us. The basis of the conflict is the creation of threats to Russia by the US and NATO, and they refuse to negotiate on issues of ensuring equal security for everyone, including Russia.

And Ukraine itself, or rather, today's Ukrainian regime, refuses to negotiate. It was officially announced, and the President of Ukraine passed a decree on this issue, which prohibits negotiations.

We are ready for these negotiations. But we cannot impose these negotiations. It is necessary to conduct a dialogue from that side as well."

  -   -

Russia-Africa forum in St Petersburg

Screenshot from video

Background: By negotiating, Putin means that Kyiv and its allies will accept the seizure of Ukrainian territory in the east and south and agree to key Russian demands, such as Ukraines refusal to join NATO.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy insists that to start negotiations, Russia must withdraw all its troops from Ukrainian territory.

The Allies also do not believe that Russia will not try to seize territories in the future after reaching any agreements.

In 2014, Russia occupied part of the territory of Ukraine and started a hybrid war, and in 2022, it carried out a full-scale invasion and seizure of new territories.

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!
North Koreas firm support for Russias war in Ukraine emboldens the two countries determination to cope with Western nations, Russian President Vladimir Putin said in a speech to North Korean officials on Thursday, according to a report in North Korean state media.

Putin did not go into detail of the nature of Pyongyangs support in what he called Russias special military operation. But US officials said last year that North Korea was selling millions of rockets and artillery shells to Russia for use on the battlefield in Ukraine.

Solidarity with Russia on key international issues highlight our common interests, Putin said in the speech, according to the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

The Russian leaders remarks on his invasion of Ukraine were contained within a message of congratulations to North Korea on the 70th anniversary of the Korean War armistice, known as Victory Day in the North, even though the grueling conflict ended in stalemate and the peninsula divided.

Putin specifically cited Soviet pilots, whom he claimed carried out tens of thousands of combat flights for contributing to annihilating the enemy, KCNA said.

The historic experience of combative friendship has noble values, and is serving as a reliable foundation to further develop the connection between Russia and North Korea in the field of politics, economy and safety, Putin said, according to KCNA, which shared a written version of Putins speech, but did not say whether it was addressed via a video recording or in writing to the North Korean officials.

The 1950-1953 Korean War was one of the first international conflicts of the Cold War era.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un meets with Russia's Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu in Pyongyang, North Korea, on July 28, 2023. - KCNA/Reuters

ICBMs at military parade

Putins speech came as Pyongyang held a large military parade featuring two models of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM) as part of its armistice commemorations.

Hwasong-18 missiles, Pyongyangs newest solid-fueled ICBMs, were wheeled into Kim Il Sung Square in the capital followed by the Hwasong-17, a liquid-fueled ICBM.

Story continues

This is not the first time North Korea has showcased the Hwasong-18, which was last claimed to have been launched on July 12 with a flight time of 74 minutes, the longest ever for a North Korean ICBM.

Analysts say the missile likely has the range to target all of the mainland United States.

A missile displayed during a military parade to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Korean War armistice in Pyongyang, on July 27, 2023. - KCNA/Reuters

As the parade went on below, North Korea flew versions of a new strategic reconnaissance drone and the multi-purpose attack drone overhead, according to KCNA.

North Korean Defense Minister Kang Sun Nam declared it a huge glory for the North Korean Army Forces and a great celebration for all of its people to hold a military parade on the 70th anniversary of the Korean War armistice, KCNA reported.

The parade also capped off visits to Pyongyang by high-level delegations from Russia and China.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Li Hongzhong, a Chinese Communist Party Politburo member, joined North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on a reviewing stand, KCNA reported.

Kim on Wednesday gave Shoigu  an architect of Moscows assault on Ukraine  a tour of a defense exposition in Pyongyang, with images from North Korean media showing them walking past an array of weaponry, from Pyongyangs nuclear-capable ballistic missiles to its newest drones.

Also Wednesday, at a reception for the Chinese delegation, senior North Korean official Kim Song Nam thanked Chinese forces for joining in the Korean War, saying North Korea would not forget forever the heroic feats and merits of the bravery soldiers who recorded a brilliant page in the history.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Chinese Communist Party Politburo member Li Hongzhong and Russia's Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu greet people as they attend a military parade in Pyongyang. - KCNA/Reuters

Analysts said the presence of the Chinese and Russian delegations in Pyongyang should raise concerns among world leaders.

Chinas representation at North Koreas parading of nuclear-capable missiles raises serious questions about Beijing enabling Pyongyangs threats to global security, said Leif-Eric Easley, professor of international studies at Ewha Womans University in Seoul.

And Kims meeting with Shoigu should set off alarms too, he said.

Given Russias need for ammunition for its illegal war in Ukraine and Kim Jong Uns willingness to personally give the Russian defense minister a tour of North Koreas arms exhibition, UN member states should increase vigilance for observing and penalizing sanctions violations, Easley said.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
KUALA LUMPUR, July 28 (Xinhua) -- John Lee, chief executive of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), said here on Friday that his visit to Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia has expanded business opportunities, promoted Hong Kong, and paved way for broader cooperation.

Lee told a media conference that he and leaders of the three Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries have come to a consensus that cooperation is the way forward and they should expand cooperation and enhance exchange of knowledge and experience.

He noted that over the past week, a total of 33 Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) and agreements have been signed with different organisations of the three countries, covering such areas as trading and commerce, investment, finance, innovation and technology, logistics, academic research and cultural exchange.

On the same day, Lee also visited Malaysian local major enterprises, attended a business luncheon and exchanged views with local political and business leaders.

When addressing the luncheon, Lee said Hong Kong is bestowed with the unique advantages of having the strong support of the motherland and being closely connected with the world under "one country, two systems", and he expected more enterprises of Malaysia and other ASEAN members to come to Hong Kong and explore business opportunities.

Enterprises and institutions of Hong Kong and Malaysia signed 11 memoranda of understanding (MOUs) and agreements in areas including trade, finance, railway and property development, digital transformation, and financial technology.

According to Malaysia's Bernama news agency, the signing of MOUs and agreements signals the shared vision of enhanced cooperation and paves the way for mutually beneficial opportunities across both economic and cultural domains.

Lee's delegation will return to Hong Kong on Saturday. 
As if the summer heat isn't enough, officials are also warning the public to be aware of rabid animals.

As of July 12, the Illinois Department of Public Health have recorded 22 instances of rabid bats around the state this year, with several reported in Chicago area counties. And Illinois isn't alone: rabies is more likely to be transmitted to humans and pets during the spring and summer due to an increase in outdoor activities, according to the Delaware Division of Public Health.

Rabies can affect all mammals and is deadly if it is contracted without intervention from proper medical care.

Here's what to know about the rabies virus, and what to do if you encounter rabid animals.

What is rabies?

Rabies is a virus that affects the central nervous system. It is fatal if contracted, but can be preventable thanks to vaccinations and appropriate medical care after potential exposures, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Rabies is mostly found in wild animals in the U.S., although other dogs in many other countries still carry rabies, and most rabies deaths around the world are caused by dog bites, according to the CDC.

Do all bats have rabies?

While bats can carry rabies, most bats are not infected with the virus. It can also be carried by other wild animals, including skunks, raccoons, foxes, deer and large rodents.

According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation, only 6% of bats that were captured and tested for rabies in the U.S. had the virus.

As of 2019, the CDC reported that bats accounted for a third of the 5,000 rabid animals reported each year in the U.S., but are responsible for roughly 7 in 10 deaths among people infected with rabies.

Bats carry the rabies virus in every U.S. state except for Hawaii.

Invasive hammerhead worms: If you see on, don't cut it in half. Here's how to kill them.

How is rabies transmitted?

According to the CDC, the rabies virus is transmitted through direct contact with saliva through broken skin or mucous membranes in the eyes, nose or mouth. Rabies can also be transmitted through direct contact with brain or nervous system tissue from an infected animal.

Story continues

There is no associated risk for infection through petting a rabid animal or coming in contact with their blood, urine or feces.

What are the symptoms of rabies?

The symptoms for rabies in humans and animals are often similar, according to the CDC. After an exposure, there is an incubation period, where the virus travels to the brain. The time of the incubation period may last weeks to months, and can vary depending on the location of the exposure site on the body, the type of rabies virus and any existing immunity.

At first, symptoms may present as similar to the flu, including weakness or discomfort, fever or headache. One may also feel discomfort, prickling or an itching sensation at the site of the bite. The CDC says these symptoms may last for days.

From there, symptoms may progress and become more severe, including:

Cerebral disfunction

Anxiety

Confusion

Agitation

Delirium

Abnormal behavior

Hallucinations

Hydrophobia (fear of water)

Insomnia

Once clinical signs of rabies appear, the CDC says the disease is nearly always fatal, with less than 20 cases of human survival from rabies documented.

The CDC says symptoms of rabies in animals are similar to humans, from the early symptoms to the neurologic symptoms and leading to death.

'Stumbling, drooling': Moose tests positive for rabies in Alaska, a state first

How many people get rabies each year?

Instances of humans in the U.S. contracting rabies is rare, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, with usually only one to two cases each year.

A rabies vaccine exists for humans, which the CDC recommends for people with a higher risk to exposure, including those who work with potentially infected animals.

What to do if you suspect rabies in humans

It's important to seek medical attention immediately if you suspect you've been exposed to rabies.

You'll receive a series of shots to prevent the rabies virus from infecting you if you have been bitten by an animal known to have rabies, according to the Mayo Clinic. If you can't find the animal that bit you, it's safest to assume the animal had rabies.

There are a few different rabies shots, including rabies immune globulin, a fast-acting shot that will prevent the virus from infecting you and is given if you haven't had the rabies vaccine.

You can also receive the rabies vaccine, given in a series of shots. If you haven't had the vaccine before, you'll get four injections over 14 days. If you have had the vaccine previously, you'll get two injections over three days.

What to do if you suspect rabies in pets

The CDC recommends a few different courses of action depending on the type of animal that has been exposed to rabies.

In dogs, cats and ferrets that are currently vaccinated should be revaccinated immediately and observed for 45 days. If they develop any sign of illness, the CDC says that animal should be evaluated by a veterinarian and reported to your local health department.

Should they show signs of rabies, they should be euthanized, and the CDC says the animal's head should be submitted to a diagnostic laboratory for testing.

If livestock has been exposed to rabies and is up to date on their rabies vaccination, they should be revaccinated immediately and observed for 45 days.

If you have other mammals that have been exposed to rabies, they should be euthanized immediately.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What is rabies? Symptoms, transmission, dangers to humans and dogs
By Michele Kambas

NICOSIA (Reuters) - Rival leaders on war-split Cyprus appealed on Friday for witnesses to help trace hundreds of people missing in the violence that tore the island apart, saying time was rapidly running out for families to learn the fate of their loved ones.

Forensics teams operating under the auspices of the United Nations have been working on suspected decades-old mass grave sites on the island since 2006, relying heavily on tips from witnesses, often given anonymously. Those missing are Greek Cypriot victims of a war in 1974, and Turkish Cypriot victims of intercommunal clashes dating from the early 1960s.

But the number of individuals found and identified has been dwindling by the year. Of a total 2,002 people missing, 1,204 have been exhumed and of those, 1,033 people identified.

"We are encouraging people who know about the sites to come and give information because unless they give information you are not able to explore further sites," said Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar.

"We are encouraging people to come out ... before they die," Tatar said. "There are a lot of people who know."

In a rare display of unity, he and President Nikos Christodoulides, the Greek Cypriot leader, met in no-man's-land dividing the Cypriot capital Nicosia on Friday.

They toured a lab where forensics experts from both communities painstakingly try to piece together human remains and match it with DNA samples offered by relatives.

It has been "so many years for the relatives to wait, I'm sure all of you understand the pain," Christodoulides said. "I'm here, and with Ersin, to examine any way in order to have more teams ... to speed up the process regarding this purely humanitarian issue."

Friday's meeting took place within the compound of an airport complex, abandoned in fighting in 1974 and used as a base for United Nations peacekeeping operations since.

Greek and Turkish Cypriots have lived divided since a Turkish invasion in 1974 prompted by a brief Greek inspired coup. Sporadic fighting between the two communities dates from the 1960s shortly after independence from Britain.

Some 1,510 Greek Cypriots vanished in 1974, while 492 Turkish Cypriots disappeared between 1963 and 1974.

(Reporting By Michele Kambas; Editing by Conor Humphries)
What appeared to be a grenade was donated to the Goodwill in Lacey Thursday, accounting to the Lacey Police Department.

An employee found the grenade among other donated items in the morning.

Out of an abundance of caution, Lacey police evacuated the Goodwill and advised people to stay out of the area.

Both the military and the Washington State Patrol bomb squad were called the area.

After a careful investigation, the grenade was determined to be a very realistic heavy metal replica.

In Dec. 2022, the Tacoma Goodwill was also evacuated after a hand grenade was found in the donated items bin.

Once police secured the building, it was determined the grenade was an inert device.
A scanning electron picture of a female Panagrolaimus kolymaensis nematode.

A group of scientists uncovered a 46,000-year-old soil nematode from Siberian permafrost, and in an Sleeping Beauty-esque experiment woke the microscopic organism up from a millenniums long rest. The findings are described in a study published July 27 in the open access journal PLOS Genetics.

[Related: Oyster mushrooms release nerve gas to kill worms before eviscerating them.]

Also called roundworms, nematodes are a very adaptable group of sometimes microscopic animals. In addition to tardigrades and rotifers, some nematodes can survive harsh conditions by entering a dormant state known as cryptobiosis. This process basically shuts down the animals metabolic systems until they can be revived when environmental conditions become more favorable.

After uncovering the animals in Siberias northern Kolyma River, the team successfully woke them from this frozen-in-time state. Radiocarbon analysis dated the roundworms to 45,839 to 47,769 years ago, when direwolves and Neanderthals were still on Earth.

Sequencing the genome revealed that the roundworm is a new species of nematode. Panagrolaimus kolymaensis is a functionally extinct species and joins the ranks of some of Earths most ubiquitous organisms that dwell in water, soil, and on the ocean floor.

P. kolymaensis's highly contiguous genome will make it possible to compare this feature to those of other Panagrolaimus species whose genomes are presently being sequenced by Schiffers team and colleagues, study co-author and Director Emeritus at the DRESDEN-concept Genome Center Eugene Myers said in a statement.

According to the team, nematodes do not require a lot of coaxing to wake up and wiggle around and make more little roundworms. They have since nurtured more than 100 generations of P. kolymaensis in the lab, where each new generation lasts about 8 to 12 days.

Basically, you only have to bring the worms into amenable conditions, on a culture (agar) plate with some bacteria, some humidity and room temperature, study co-author and University of Cologne zoologist Philipp Schiffer explained to Vice. They just start crawling around then. They also just start reproducing. In this case this is even easier, as it is an all-female (asexual) species. They dont need to find males and have sex, they just start making eggs, which develop.

Story continues

In addition to the excitement of reviving a species that has been sleeping deep within the earth this long, studying these small spindle-shaped creatures may help scientists better understand how animals can adapt to habitat changes due to global warming and shifting weather patterns at a molecular level.

[Related from PopSci+: Cave worms could hold the secrets to a better life.]

They found that mild dehydration exposure before freezing helped P. kolymaensis prepare for cryptobiosis and increased survival at -112 degrees Fahrenheit. The nematodes produced a sugar called trehalose when it was mildly dehydrated in the lab, potentially enabling it to endure these freezing and intense dehydration.

Our findings are essential for understanding evolutionary processes because generation times can range from days to millennia and because the long-term survival of a species' individuals can result in the re-emergence of lineages that would otherwise have gone extinct, study Schiffer said in a statement.
Owensboros former superintendent has been arrested on charges related to the sexual solicitation of minors, according to Kentucky State Police.

Dr. Matthew Constant, 51, who retired from his role as head of Owensboro Public Schools in late June for allegedly having engaged in a relationship with an adult-aged student, was arrested around 4:30 p.m. Thursday in Owensboro, KSP said.

He was charged with procuring or promoting the use of a minor 12 years or older and tampering with physical evidence, KSP said in a Thursday evening press release.

The investigation is still in the early phases and has spanned into other states, state police said. Additional charges are likely.

Before he left the role in late June, Constant had been suspended with pay since May 25, when the Owensboro Public Schools Board of Education learned of an ongoing investigation by KSP into his actions.

Constant was initially believed to have had a relationship with an 18-year-old student in another school district.

While KSP at first told the school board it had not found evidence of criminal wrongdoing, they were still developing a timeline and awaiting more information, in the form (of) subpoenas, Trooper Corey King told the Herald-Leader at the time.

During the course of the investigation, the Kentucky State Police notified the Board that while not criminal in nature, Dr. Constant did engage in a relationship with an adult-aged student enrolled in another school district, the district said in May. The board opted to suspend Constant for violating the professional code of ethics and several board policies.

Its unclear what new evidence was uncovered, but KSPs ongoing investigation resulted in search warrants of Constants electronic devices to examine the contents, KSP said Thursday.

Constant is being held at the Daviess County Detention Center.

A 2022 investigation by the Lexington Herald-Leader showed that in the 194 cases of teachers who voluntarily surrendered or had their license revoked or suspended between 2016 to 2021, 61% lost their license due to sexual misconduct. The overwhelming majority of those cases involved male teachers and teenage girls.

A bill that wouldve instituted tougher screening requirements for teachers and more training on appropriate relationships between students and teachers failed to pass the General Assembly earlier this year. While the bill received unanimous support in the House and a Senate Education Committee, it was never called for a vote on the Senate floor.
The remains of a German climber who has been missing since 1986 have been recovered on a glacier in the Swiss Alps, the Valais canton police said on Thursday.

On July 12, climbers found human remains and several pieces of equipment on the Theodule glacier, in southern Switzerland.

The remains were transported to a hospital and "DNA comparisons allowed to establish that this was an alpinist who had disappeared in September 1986," the police said in a statement.

Climbers found human remains and several pieces of equipment on the Theodule glacier, police said. / Credit: Valais canton police

Then 38 years old, the man went missing after failing to return from a climb. A search undertaken at the time was unsuccessful.

Police did not identify the climber but published a photo of a hiking boot and gear sticking out of the snow that apparently belonged to the missing man.

Climate change has accelerated the melting of glaciers, which has led to the discovery of bodies of climbers who vanished over the decades.

In August 2017, Italian mountain rescue crews recovered the remains of hikers on a glacier on Mont Blanc's southern face likely dating from the 1980s or 1990s.

The month before that, a shrinking glacier in Switzerland revealed the bodies of a frozen couple who went missing 75 years ago.

Marcelin Dumoulin and his wife, Francine, were 40 and 37 years old when they disappeared on Aug. 15, 1942. Regional police told local media in July that their bodies were discovered near a ski lift on the glacier by a worker for an adventure resort company.

In 2016, the bodies of a renowned mountain climber and expedition cameraman who were buried in a Himalayan avalanche in 1999 were found partially melting out of a glacier.

In 2015, the remains of two Japanese climbers who went missing in 1970 on

Switzerland's famous Matterhorn were found and their identities were confirmed through the DNA testing, Reuters reported.

In 2022, Switzerland's glaciers lost a record 6% of their volume  almost double the previous record in 2003, Reuters reported.

Story continues

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

African leaders urge Putin to end war, Putin promises free grain to 6 African countries

What the newest charges against Trump in documents case mean

Actor Jose Llana on new David Byrne musical "Here Lies Love"
Rep. Bonamici

Politicians on the right are attacking transgender kids, and these youth are paying the price. This is dangerous, cruel, and unacceptable. As the Representative for NW Oregon, a leader on the House Education Committee, and Vice Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus, I will not let these attacks stand.



Ive had meaningful conversations with trans youth and their families to discuss the recent surge in anti-LGBTQI+ legislation at the state and federal level. Their stories are heart wrenching, but the resilience of these youth and their families inspires me.

Trans kids want the same things their peers want: to be happy, safe, and included. To play sports, join clubs, and be their authentic selves. Those aspirations are an important part of their development into adults who will go on to live long and happy lives.

I keep the stories of LGBTQI+ youth in mind as we debate these issues in Congress. Ive highlighted their stories on the House floor and in committee hearings as I oppose anti-equality bills, and will continue to do so as I fight back against the relentless attacks from MAGA Republicans.

Lets be clear  the continued attacks on LGBTQI+ youth, and transgender youth in particular, are life-threatening. According to the Trevor Projects 2023 survey on the mental health of LGBTQ youth, one in three respondents attributed poor mental health to anti-LGBTQ policies and legislation. Tragically, 41 percent of LGBTQ youth surveyed reported they seriously considered suicide in the past year, with even higher rates for transgender and nonbinary youth.

We are witnessing anti-equality politicians and demagogues use every tool at their disposal to attack LGBTQI+ people at each stage of their lives. We are also witnessing entire families uproot themselves to settle in pro-equality states so they can access the liberties and freedoms they deserve. But as one family said to me, we shouldnt have to leave our home state to keep our child safe.

Story continues

I am honored to represent Oregons First Congressional District and to celebrate my states commitment to strengthen  rather than restrict  protections for LGBTQI+ Oregonians. In Oregon, state law prohibits discrimination in private insurance on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity, and our state Medicaid policy explicitly covers transgender-related health care. HB 2002, recently signed by Governor Kotek, expanded the range of gender-affirming care that must be covered under Medicaid and private insurance in Oregon.

But discrimination does not belong anywhere in our country. We need stronger LGBTQI+ protections at the federal level to improve the trajectory of the lives of transgender youth and so all people, wherever they live, can live their lives with dignity and without fear.

As Chair of the Equality Caucus LGBTQI+ Aging Issues Task Force, I am committed to doing my part to support LGBTQI+ elders. Decades of marginalization and legal and institutional barriers mean older members of the LGBTQI+ community have fewer sources of support, higher poverty rates, increased social isolation, and inadequate access to health care.

Im leading the Ruthie and Connie LGBTQI Elder Americans Act  named in honor of LGBTQI+ activists Ruthie Berman and Connie Kurtz  to improve the Older Americans Act so its programs provide better care for older LGBTQI+ Americans.

During Pride Month in 2022, President Biden signed an Executive Order that reflects provisions of my legislation to address the systemic barriers faced by LGBTQI+ seniors, including by strengthening support for LGBTQI+ older adults and committing to data collection improvements. This Executive Order was an important step in improving the lives of LGBTQI+ older adults, and my legislation will build on this progress so LGBTQI+ people have the support they need as they grow older.

This is what it means to advance equality for all regardless of who you are, who you love, at every stage of your life.

It is disheartening that we are still fighting for basic rights for all people in this country. We all have a role to play in fighting for a world where LGBTQI+ people, and all minority groups, enjoy the promise of America: true equality under the law.

I am proud to be an ally of the LGBTQI+ community, and I will continue to fight alongside the Equality Caucus until we enshrine equality into law for all people in this country.

Rep. Suzanne Bonamici represents Oregon's 1st congressional district in the House of Representatives and Vice Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus.
(Bloomberg) -- Tim Scott expounded on the atrocities of US slavery in a subtle, but sharp rebuke of Republican presidential rival Ron DeSantiss rhetoric on the period and the Florida governors state curriculum.

Most Read from Bloomberg

There is no silver lining in slavery, Scott said Thursday evening in Ankeny, Iowa. Slavery was really about separating families, about mutilating humans and even raping their wives. It was just devastating. I would hope every person in our country and certainly someone running for president would appreciate that.

His comments come amid a controversy over the teaching of Black history spurred by Floridas new social studies standards that include a line saying that formerly enslaved Black Americans gained beneficial life skills from slavery.

Asked about the curriculum last week, DeSantis said that he wasnt involved, but offered a defense.

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.

DeSantis has drawn bipartisan criticism for defending that curriculum, including from Vice President Kamala Harris, the first Black, Asian and woman US vice president, as well as other Republican 2024 presidential aspirants.

People have bad days. Sometimes they regret what they say, and we should ask them again, go clarify their positions, Scott said Thursday.

Scott, a US Senator from South Carolina is the only Black Republican in the chamber. A Fox Business poll released on July 23 showed former President Donald Trump leading in Iowa at 46%, followed by DeSantis at 16% and Scott in third place at 11%.

The backlash over DeSantiss comments comes as hes trying to steady an underwhelming start to his presidential campaign, marked in part by his quarreling in culture wars. He has fired staffers and shaken up his leadership team in recent weeks.

Story continues

US Representative Byron Donalds, the lone Black Republican in Floridas congressional delegation, also pushed back against the new curriculum. Donalds tweeted that the new standards are good, robust, & accurate but added that the attempt to feature the personal benefits of slavery is wrong & needs to be adjusted.

Other Republican contenders have also criticized DeSantis, including longshot 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.

Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, another Republican 2024 hopeful, said DeSantis was wrong to try to avoid responsibility for the states curriculum. I didnt do it, and Im not involved in it are not the words of leadership, he said on CBSs Face the Nation Sunday.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
paulaphoto/Getty Images

The GOP's agriculture appropriations bill would mean major benefit cuts for WIC recipients.

Low-income parents and babies are eligible to receive the benefit, which subsidizes food and care.

If the GOP bill were passed, millions would see a benefit cut, especially to fruit and vegetable budgets.

As the GOP eyes spending priorities, one program that provides access to nutritious food and health screenings for low-income parents and babies might see major cuts.

Under the House GOP agriculture appropriations bill, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children  known as WIC  would not be funded to the extent the program needs, according to the nonpartisan Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, potentially leading to hundreds of thousands of kids and postpartum parents getting turned away or cutting their food budgets.

In total, according to CBPP's analysis, the $6 billion the GOP bill allocates to WIC would lead to 5.3 million children and pregnant, postpartum, or breastfeeding parents seeing their food assistance cut, or completely gone. Among them would be 650,000 to 750,000 babies and parents turned away from services completely. Per the USDA, 6,260,000 people participated in WIC in fiscal year 2022; as of April 2023, there were over 6.6 million Americans participating, including nearly 1.5 million infants and 3.6 million children. To qualify for WIC, a family of two would have to make $36,482 or less annually.

WIC is meant to, in part, help subsidize purchases of nutritious foods. Per the program's website, participants are able to use their benefits on groceries like baby food, eggs, and fruit and vegetables; participants are also able to use WIC benefits at some farmers' markets.

But the proposed GOP funding levels for WIC would particularly slash access to fruit and vegetables, according to CBPP. If that bill is enacted, those participating in the program would get just $11 to $15 monthly to spend on fruits and vegetables  a cut of over 50%. That all comes as food prices stay high, and in the wake of a baby formula shortage that left parents vulnerable to huge markups and price gouging.

Story continues

"The Administration is deeply concerned that the funding level provided in the bill for WIC would put the program at significant risk of being unable to serve all eligible women and children who seek assistance, which could result in waiting lists, greater hardship, and poorer health outcomes for this vulnerable population," the White House's Office of Budget Management said in a statement on the appropriations bill. OMB said that were the president to receive the bill on his desk, he would veto it.

As the Washington Post's Catherine Rampell notes, WIC is a rare bipartisan program that both sides of the aisle have historically agreed to fund. The OMB said in its statement that it "urges the Congress to continue the long

bipartisan agreement to provide enough funds for WIC to serve all eligible participants without harmful benefit cuts."

The proposed cuts to WIC come after an already-precarious time for low-income Americans receiving food subsidies. Earlier this year, a pandemic-era SNAP expansion abruptly wound down, with millions of lower-income, elderly, and disabled Americans suddenly seeing their SNAP allocations fall by $258 monthly.

"The truth of the matter is, and I hate to say this, but the poorer you are, the poorer you eat," Tonyia Canales, a disabled grandmother raising her grandson on her fixed income in Texas, previously told Insider about her SNAP benefits falling to just $36 a month.

"It was so nice to be able to go to the store and actually buy groceries," Canales said. "But now that that's over, we're going to have to go right back to where we were, which is struggling, and now it's going to be worse because the prices have all gone sky high."

Are you a parent receiving WIC and considered about cuts? Contact this reporter at jkaplan@insider.com.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Cliff Ross, University of North Florida marine biologist and chairman of the Biology Department, explores the Dry Tortugas west of Key West. He is part of an international team of researchers who just released a paper on changing salinity levels in the ocean as an effect of rapid climate change.

Cliff Ross notes that in stories and studies on human-caused climate change, most of the emphasis is on a rapidly warming world that is expected to only get hotter and hotter.

That's fair enough, he says  and that's taken on increased urgency as intense heat waves hammer various parts of the globe this summer, a phenomenon scientists are linking to climate change.

But Ross, a marine biologist who's head of the Biology Department at the University of North Florida and part of an international research team, wants to bring attention to another effect of a hotter Earth  changing salinity levels in the world's oceans, which could themselves bring about big changes across the planet.

It's a complex issue, but those changing salinity levels could have major impacts on the world's economy, on creatures that live in the ocean and on the residents of coastal areas  Florida certainly included.

Sound off: Readers' take on climate change

Why is the ocean salty? Ocean salinity explained, plus the world's saltiest ocean

Think of changing salinity levels, along with warming oceans, as a "double-whammy," Ross said.

"Its going to affect everything, from bacteria to whales," he said, noting that changes to the food chain in the ocean will be inevitable. It will be a global issue that all types of organisms will have to contend with.

'Profound' changes ahead

Another alarming possibility: Salinity, which is the concentration of salt in seawater, has a major effect on deep ocean currents that affect global climate, moving heat from the tropics to the poles. If those currents change, so could the climate, drastically.

Its profound," Ross said. "Its a big deal.

Ross and the group of researchers led by German scientist Till Rothig this month released a paper called "Human-induced salinity changes impact marine organisms and ecosystems." Also involved was Stacey Trevathan-Tackett, a UNF biology graduate program alumnus who's now a research faculty member at Deakin University in Australia.

Story continues

The paper is a comprehensive synthesis, Ross said, of numerous studies that have touched on various aspects of oceanic salinity levels. "What were doing is consolidating a lot of information that is out there, and providing this perspective on something thats been overlooked for a long time," he said.

Rising salinity levels: St. Johns River's rising salinity impacts river life, fuels concerns about future

The effects of ocean warming and acidification have been comprehensively researched, the paper says, though less attention has been given to "human-driven ocean salinity changes."

It's "the elephant in the room," according to the paper, and it urges that it can no longer be overlooked.

"It provides food for thought for other studies," Ross said. "Its basically telling scientists, 'Let's think about changes in salinity.' Were just saying, once again, that salinity is part of this complicated equation, and study this with whatever else youre studying.

Ross is asked: Could we see a vastly different ocean in the future?

"I think so," he said. "We already are.

Oceans at risk

It's been established that salinity levels are changing, and are expected to intensify, he said.

Changing weather patterns due to climate change are contributing to that, making saltier areas of the oceans saltier, and fresher water more fresh.

Whats going on all over the globe in the ocean is, as it gets warmer, with more sunlight you get more evaporation and water going into the atmosphere," he said. "The important point is that the water left behind is getting saltier."

But the water that evaporates will later come down elsewhere as rainfall, making the ocean there more fresh.

It's all part of a complex system of factors, including warming oceans, acidification and sea-level rise that causes inflow into coastal areas. That can put coral, plankton, mangroves, tidal marshes, macroalgae and seagrass at risk, and even lead to ecosystem collapse.

Algae covers the St. Johns River in this 2005 photo of downtown Jacksonville. Similar algae blooms, some containing toxins, have appeared repeatedly for many years. Warmer, saltier coastal waters will increase such events, UNF professor Cliff Ross said.

Ross said increasing salinity could also lead to more green algae blooms such as the St. Johns River has already seen.

A human-made problem

For all the urgency of the research group's paper, Ross said he thinks humans have already changed the climate in ways that are serious and long-lasting.

Im pretty much a pessimist. I really think its too late," he said. "Were beyond that  weve passed that point a long time ago, even if we turned that switch off today."

Naysayers, he notes, often say the Earth's climate has always been changing, and that's true. But there's a huge new factor in the industrial age.

Whats different now is, since humans have been on the scene, is the rate of change," he said. "It's unprecedented.

Ross stressed that the issue of salinity change is so complex that much more study is needed, which is what his group is urging.

I dont have the answers," he said. "All we can say is, changes are imminent, given our trajectory.

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: UNF part of team research on climate change and ocean salinity levels
LUANDA, July 28 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese Embassy in Angola held a reception in Luanda on Thursday to celebrate the 96th anniversary of the founding of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) of the People's Republic of China.

Defense Attache at the Chinese Embassy, Wang Jinyuan, highlighted in his speech the PLA's history of safeguarding China's development interests, as well as its significant contributions to global peace and stability.

"The PLA is a brave and responsible defender of peace, actively participating in international peacekeeping operations, maritime escorts, humanitarian rescue and relief missions, and demonstrating its international commitment to building a community with a shared future for humanity," said Wang.

The Chinese military values its precious friendship with the Angolan Armed Forces (FAA) and attaches great importance to developing a cooperative and friendly relationship, he added.

"We are willing to work with Angola to continue expanding and deepening cooperation and exchanges between the two countries in defense and military construction, thus making new and greater contributions to the development of the China-Angola strategic partnership," he said.

During the event, Francisco Pereira Furtado, minister of state and chief of the Military House of the President of Angola, lauded China's accomplishments in reform and development, underscoring the fruitful outcomes of military exchanges and cooperation and expressing his anticipation for further progress in military relations between Angola and China.

Approximately 200 attendees, including members of the FAA, Angolan government officials, diplomatic delegations, military attaches from various countries, as well as representatives from Chinese companies and the Chinese community in Angola, participated in the event. 
Retried two-star Marine Corps Major General Arnold Punaro called Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) a coward during an interview with Politico in which he discussed Tubervilles blockade against approving military promotions.

Tuberville, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, has stalled more than 270 military promotions over his opposition to the Pentagons policy of reimbursing service members, veterans, and dependents for travel expenses related to abortion and reproductive health care.

I have a huge problem with what Sen. Tuberville is doing. Hes a coward, in my book. He wont even bring an amendment to the floor and get it voted on to change the [abortion] policy, Punaro, who is also a former staff director of the Armed Services Committee, told Politico.

The Marines lack a commanding officer for the first time in over 150 years because of Tubervilles blockade, which Punaro described as a pathetic push to prioritize fundraising over national security.

It is having an impact, he added. And unfortunately, the only way you can ever prove it to somebody like Sen. Tuberville  whos never served [] youre not going to really be able to prove it to anybody until young Marines and young soldiers die in combat because theyre not as well led.

Defense Department leadership has attempted to speak directly with Tuberville and bring an end to the freeze. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke to the senator earlier this month - to no avail  and publicly stated that his actions were a national security issue. Its a readiness issue. And we shouldnt kid ourselves.

On Thursday, President Joe Biden blasted Tubervilles treatment of military promotions as hypocritical, and self-serving.

The Republican Party used to always support the military, but today theyre undermining the military. The senior senator from Alabama, who claims to support our troops, is now blocking more than 300 military operations with his extreme political agenda, Biden remarked while speaking at the National Archives.

Story continues

I think its outrageous, Biden added. Its time for the Senate to confirm the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the next commandant of the Marine Corps. Its time for service members to receive the pay and promotions theyve earned and deserved. Its time for the senator from Alabama to let these generals and admirals fully serve their country and service members care for themselves and their families.

Yet Tuberville remains largely unmoved. On Tuesday, the senator argued that if the DOD wont change its health care policy then the Armed Services Committee should individually debate and approve each promotion, a process which would take months.

More from Rolling Stone

Best of Rolling Stone

Click here to read the full article.
A filmmaker who investigated the Gilgo Beach murders received a "cryptic" message years ago from a mysterious caller who pinned the killings on a Long Island businessman who died by suicide.

"I know who the LISK (Long Island Serial Killer) is or was, and it kind of makes sense that he hasn't killed in quite a while," the message to Josh Zeman said.

Zeman returned the message by the mystery man, who never gave his name but claimed the killer was James Bissett, the owner of Long Island Aquarium and a significant supplier of burlap sacks in the area. It sparked fringe theories Bissett was involved.

"We really didn't think much of it," said Zeman, who received dozens of messages  if not more  after he tired to lure LISK out of hiding with ads on websites LISK was suspected of frequenting for escorts.

REX HEUERMANN'S PECULIAR CONNECTION TO MANORVILLE BUTCHER AND VICTIMS' SCATTERED BODY PARTS

"We learned early in the game that LISK, whoever he was, was trolling Backpage.com, Craigslist. He was really active looking for victims. That's how he found the Gilgo Beach 4, theoretically," Zeman told Fox News Digital.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

"It was compulsory for him to do that. So, we knew he would be on that to get information. We wanted to lure him out."

VIDEO: MYSTERY CALL TO JOSH ZEMAN IN 2016

Zeman played the voicemail and follow-up conversation with this shadowy caller during his 2016 documentary, "The Killing Season," which he shared with Fox News Digital.

There has been online speculation the voice heard in that call was similar to a voicemail Heuermann left with an interior designer who was in the same Manhattan networking group as Heuermann, which she shared on her TikTok account.

GILGO BEACH MURDERS: NY INTERIOR DESIGNER SHARES VOICEMAIL FROM SUSPECT REX HEUERMANN

Again, Zeman didn't pay much attention to the online rumors, which were debated in forums like Reddit.

Story continues

"People like to make a lot of connections where there are none," he said. But then Nicole Brass came forward.

VIDEO: REX HEUERMANN'S VOICE MESSAGE TO ACQUAINTANCE

Brass, a former escort and current hairstylist and makeup artist, told news outlets she believes she went on a date with Heuermann in 2015.

She said Heuermann repeatedly talked about how he was a true crime fan and specifically mentioned the Gilgo Beach case and how the burlap sacks that the victims were wrapped in were traced back to Bissett.

GILGO BEACH MURDERS: THE INVESTIGATION IN PHOTOS

"He was like, You know it could be Bissett, the aquarium owner," Brass told Lauren Matthias, host of the "Hidden True Crime" podcast. "What weirded me out the most was that he's saying all this and being real creepy about it and then says, I live right by Gilgo Beach."

Matthias asked Brass if she thought it was an attempt to mislead her or intimidate her.

"I feel like he wanted to brag about what he had done but couldn't," Brass told Matthias.

Bissett was targeted by police as a person of interest, but his name quickly faded.

He was never charged or publicly tied to any of the deaths by authorities. So, mentioning his name again piqued Zeman's curiosity.

REX HEUERMANN'S WIFE PICTURED FOR FIRST TIME AS SHE FILES FOR DIVORCE FROM GILGO BEACH SERIAL SLAYING SUSPECT

"When I heard the name Bissett and that Rex Heuermann said to (Brass), Bissett, that suddenly made me question if it could be him (who called in 2016)," Zeman said.

Some sleuths and people interested in the case say the voices are similar. Others point out differences as they slowed both recordings and listened carefully.

Police use ground-penetrating radar to search Rex Heuermanns house in Massapequa Park, N.Y., Sunday, July 23, 2023.

The jury is still out, even for Zeman, on whether he actually spoke to Heuermann, but it's possible, he said.

In 2016, when "The Killing Season" originally aired, it was the only major documentary at the time about the LISK. After Heuermann's arrest this month, prosecutors detailed over 200 of Heuermann's alleged Google searches.

SUSPECTED GILGO BEACH KILLER PUT LOVE NOTES IN MY LOCKER: HIGH SCHOOL CLASSMATE

That seemed to show his almost obsessive interest in the case.

"If he was out there looking for information, which we know through his Google searches that he was looking up podcasts and documentaries and very invested in knowing what was going on in the case and knowing how close the police were," Zeman said. "It really wouldn't surprise me that if he suddenly saw a post on Backpage and actively soliciting sex workers  that he would call and kind of throw us off his tracks."

Rex Heuermann's alleged Google searches

As it stands now, Heuermann is accused of killing Melissa Barthelemy, 24, Megan Waterman, 22, and Amber Lynn Costello, 27, and is the prime suspect in 25-year-old Maureen Brainard-Barnes' murder.

He was charged with six counts of murder (first- and second-degree for each victim), and pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Prosecutors haven't said whether they believe Heuermann is connected to six other victims on Gilgo Beach.
YouTube | Will C

Road rage is awful and dangerous. However, it can also be the subject of a viral video when it involves a multi-million-dollar, potentially one-of-two hypercar like the Bugatti Veyron L'Or Rouge. That's exactly what happened in China recently when the driver of said Bugatti crashed into a BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe during a road rage spat.

First shared on local TV and reposted on YouTube by Will C, the BMW's dashcam video shows the driver of the Veyron trying to cut into the right lane. However, rather than just being courteous and allowing the obnoxious cut-off, the BMW driver in the right lane can be seen standing their ground. At least until the car in front moves and the BMW driver quickly accelerates to shut the door on the Bugatti.

The Bugatti driver responded to this in an equal manner by also trying to accelerate and sneak into that small gap between vehicles. Of course, the two cars crash into each other (otherwise you wouldn't be reading about this), and the BMW tears into the Veyron's exquisite door and door sill.

After the incident, the Bugatti driver got out of the car and was reportedly apologetic at first, even offering to buy the other driver a new BMW, claims FTNN News. Things reportedly got a bit more aggressive after that, as the Bugatti driver then became angry and two drivers started shouting at each other. It seems the Bugatti driver is being labeled as rich and arrogant by locals. Who would've thought?

Photo | YouTube Will C

The video is short, so it's hard to tell which driver was the biggest aggressor here. It does seem like they behaved poorly and ultimately both of them caused the crash. Given the presence of a white Ferrari LaFerrari behind the Veyron, however, it's possible that there may have been some douchebaggery going on from various supercar owners, and maybe the BMW driver was having none of it.

It's unclear exactly how many Veyron L'Or Rouges Bugatti made, as it's quite a mysterious car, but it appears to have only been two. One has been seen in California with a "Hellbug" license plate, and the only other one known to the public is the one you see in this video. When new, they cost over $2 million but who knows how much they're worth now considering their rarity. What makes the L'Or Rouge unique is its funky red and black paintwork, similar to the equally exclusive Veyron L'Or Blanc. Both special edition models were based on the Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse, which used a 1,200-horsepower version of Bugatti's 8.0-liter quad-turbocharged W16 engine. The "Vitesse" in its name means it's a convertible and it was actually the fastest convertible in the world at the time.

Story continues

Now imagine crashing into one in traffic. Yikes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGhM46rPgmA\u0026t=45s

Got tips? Send 'em to tips@thedrive.com
A Rock Hill man is charged with murder and other crimes after a daytime shooting Friday in a residential neighborhood left one man dead and another man wounded, police said.

Maurice Lamont Burris Jr., 25, was arrested after the shooting. Hes charged with murder, attempted murder, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, and unlawful carry of a handgun, according to Lt. Michael Chavis of the Rock Hill Police Department.

The two victims were found shot after 10:30 a.m. in the 1100 block of Flint Hill Street, Chavis said. The area is in the southern part of the city, north of Heckle Boulevard and west of Saluda Street.

A 26-year-old male victim died after being shot, according to a statement from the police department. The second victim, a 21-year-old male, has been hospitalized and was undergoing surgery, according to the police statement.

The condition of the 21-year-old victim was not available late Friday.

Neither of the victims have been identified. Any relationship between the suspect and the victims has not been released.

Officers found victims wounded

Police had been dispatched to the area for a disorderly conduct call and were told before arriving there had been a possible shooting, Chavis said.

Police officers found the two victims on the ground, Chavis said.

Burris was located shortly afterward and taken into custody, Chavis said. Burris has not yet appeared in Rock Hill Municipal Court for a bond hearing.

A conviction for murder in South Carolina carries 30 years to life in prison.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis doubled down on pardoning former President Donald Trump if he wins the presidential election next year.

DeSantis, who floated that idea earlier this week, claimed sparing Trump from prison would be good for the country.

Well, what Ive said is very simple, DeSantis said on The Megyn Kelly Show in an interview Friday. Im going to do whats right for the country. I dont think it would be good for the country to have an almost 80-year-old former president go to prison.

It doesnt seem like it would be a good thing, he told host Megyn Kelly. And I look at like, you know, [former President Gerald] Ford pardoned [former President Richard] Nixon, took some heat for it, but at the end of the day, its like, do we want to move forward as a country?

DeSantis claimed staying mired in these past controversies would be unhealthy  even though pundits and analysts have argued that Nixons pardon was a historic mistake.

Earlier this year, DeSantis suggested that Trump, who is being investigated for his alleged involvement in the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot, and those who were convicted of federal offenses for storming the building that day should have their cases heard by a Republican president.

He expanded on his thoughts on this in an interview with Russell Brand this month.

It was not an insurrection, he told the comedian.

These were people that were there to attend a rally, and then they were there to protest, he said. Now, it devolved, and it devolved into a riot, but the idea that this was a plan to somehow overthrow the government of the United States is not true.

DeSantis said holding Trump accountable for his alleged crimes wouldn't be

DeSantis said holding Trump accountable for his alleged crimes wouldn't be "a good thing."

Whether impassioned Republican citizens who breached the Capitol actually believed they were taking over the government remains unclear. Former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows said Trump, however, had actively laid out a road map to an attempted coup.

Story continues

While Trump continues to be investigated for a series of crimes, DeSantis isnt the only Republican presidential hopeful currently considering a pardon. Nikki Haley, Vivek Ramaswamy, Perry Johnson and Larry Elder have all previously voiced as much.

DeSantis has nonetheless struggled to garner excitement among Republican voters compared to the former president.

Trump, who assured his base Friday that he would continue to run for president even if convicted, said there is nothing in the Constitution barring him from doing so.

The disgraced president has curated a startling resume of indictments  and is being investigated for his alleged involvement in the Jan. 6 insurrection, attempts to overturn the 2020 election and for spreading lies about voter fraud.

Related...
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) on Thursday ducked questions on the latest criminal charges against Donald Trump, saying voters should decide whether the former presidents mounting legal troubles disqualify him from the 2024 race.

At the end of the day, voters make that decision, DeSantis told CBS News, refraining from offering his personal take on the allegations against his biggest 2024 GOP rival.

DeSantis, whose campaign has been struggling to gain traction, didnt outright defend Trump, but said some of the charges were unfair. He said the New York charges involving a hush-money scheme to silence adult film actress Stormy Daniels in an investigation led by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg were politically motivated.

Some people to ask me like, Well, if somebodys indicted, should they be able to run? The problem is weve seen political indictments, DeSantis said. I mean, I think Bragg was political. You have these other  these people. So, that would just give any prosecutor the ability to  to render someone ineligible. So, Ive not said that.

DeSantis added that if hes elected, hell clean house and end the weaponization of the FBI and the Justice Department under Joe Biden.

We will ensure that were involved in making sure that theyre staying within the lines, DeSantis added.

As Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis visits Iowa, he talks with CBS News' @edokeefe about the state of his presidential campaign, his plans for economic growth, and the controversy over Florida's new Black history curriculum.



Plus, his take former President Trump's legal challenges. pic.twitter.com/8It13BbpJ9  CBS News (@CBSNews) July 27, 2023

DeSantis didnt address Thursdays superseding indictment against Trump in the classified documents case, which alleges the former president ordered the deletion of a computer server holding incriminating security camera footage at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.

Story continues

Also on Thursday, Trumps lawyers met with special counsel Jack Smiths prosecutors ahead of a likely indictment involving Trumps efforts to undermine the 2020 election.

Most of Trumps 2024 Republican rivals, including DeSantis, have been reluctant to call out the president over his 2020 election lies and efforts to reverse his defeat. DeSantis has previously said he hoped Trump wouldnt get charged in the insurrection probe.

I dont think itll be good for the country, he said.

DeSantis campaign has been struggling, with the governor trailing Trump by double digits in the latest polls. Earlier this week, his campaign confirmed it cut a third of its paid staff as part of a reset.

Related...
Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida. AP Photo/Phil Sears, File

During a press conference on Wednesday, Mitch McConnell froze and stopped talking mid-sentence.

In an interview with Megyn Kelly, Gov. Ron DeSantis addressed concerns about aging politicians.

He also swiped at Biden's age, saying Biden got elected to the Senate before DeSantis was born.

In an interview on SiriusXM's "The Megyn Kelly Show" released Friday, the host asked Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis about the consequences of aging politicians holding office, referencing an incident in which Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell briefly appeared unable to speak during a press conference on Wednesday.

"It used to not be that way," DeSantis said. "You used to serve in your prime and then pass the baton to the next generation, and I think this generation has not really been as willing to do that. One of the reasons I'm running compared to Biden, I mean, my gosh, we need energy in the executive. We need some vigor, some vitality."

DeSantis, 44, also took a swipe at President Joe Biden's age, pointing out that Biden  now 80 and the oldest sitting president in US history  was elected to the Senate before DeSantis was born. Biden was elected as a senator from Delaware in 1972, when he was 29. DeSantis was born six years later.

"I mean think about how long, you know, he's been around," DeSantis added.

Nearly one in four members of Congress are in their 70s or 80s. Insider's "Red, White, and Gray" series explores the costs, benefits, and dangers of life in a democracy with a widening age gap between the government and the governed.

McConnell, who assured reporters that he felt "fine" and could do his job after he froze and stopped talking mid-sentence on Wednesday, is 81. A McConnell aide told Insider that the senator stepped away because he "felt light headed."

Watch the full interview clip here:

Read the original article on Business Insider
Electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla is the frequent subject of rumors and speculation, all of which must be taken with a grain of salt. But if the newest batch of rumors is to be believed, Tesla is currently looking into an extreme fast charging technology developed by Israeli startup StoreDot, per Inside EVs.

The news comes via an article in USA Today that, as Inside EVs noted, doesnt cite any sources. The USA Today article in question was written by a contributor and contained a disclaimer at the bottom reading, Members of the editorial and news staff of the USA TODAY Network were not involved in the creation of this content.

If the report is to be believed, Teslas interest in StoreDot could mean shorter charging times for Teslas, as the company claims to have developed batteries that can charge 100 miles of driving range in just five minutes, per Inside EVs.

On StoreDots website, the company describes itself as the innovator of proven EV batteries that recharge faster, are safer and more sustainable, running on patented organic nanomaterials fully optimized by AI, and packed into high-energy cells that are design-ready for mass production.

If the companys XFC batteries work as advertised and Tesla is indeed interested in using them, that could potentially go a long way toward alleviating drivers range anxiety when taking EVs on long drives.

If not, spreading a rumor that the company is possibly going to be in business with Tesla could go a long way toward pumping up StoreDots stock prices. Either way, this is great news for the Israeli startup.

While it is impossible to say what degree of truth there is to this rumor, especially without any sources, Tesla has certainly been looking into more options to keep its EVs supplied with batteries as of late. Other recent rumors include one that Tesla is looking into building a battery plant somewhere in the United States in a possibly controversial partnership with CATL, Chinas leading EV battery maker.

Tesla is also building a lithium refinery in Texas and something called a Lithium Lab in Nevada, both of which could signal the companys intention to produce more batteries domestically.

Join our free newsletter for cool news and actionable info that makes it easy to help yourself while helping the planet.
Consequences of a hit on a high-rise building

Russia attacked Dnipro City with ballistic missiles in the evening of July 28, hitting local HQ of Ukraines SBU security service and a residential high-rise. Fortunately, none were killed in the strike, with nine people sustaining injuries.

Dnipro regional governor Dmytro Lysak told Ukrainian TV broadcasters that the attack was carried out using two Iskander ballistic missiles.

According to preliminary data, two Iskanders: one hitting the residential complex, the other  the SBU building.

He added that many apartments on the top floors of the residential tower were vacant, which fortunately minimized civilian casualties from the attack.

Lysak farther added that the SBU building has been empty for some time, presumably out of safety concerns due to possible Russian strikes just like this one.

Photos and videos from both damaged buildings are being shared on social media.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy published a video from the scene of the attack, showing the aftermath of the strike on the residential tower.

The State Emergency Service also press service published photos of the aftermath of the Russian strike.

Ukrainian ombudsman, Dmytro Lubinets, shared photos of the damage to the SBU building. He also reported that the upper floors of the residential tower were destroyed, fortunately, they were unoccupied, so a large number of casualties were avoided.

Local public chat groups are also sharing footage from the incident.

Footage of the collapsed building has also surfaced.

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
Kim Jong Un and Sergei Shoigu

Russian defense minister Sergei Shoigus recent visit to North Korea was connected to the Kremlins problems with securing reliable weapon supplies, U.S. National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications, John Kirby, said in an interview with Voice of America on July 27.

"Its been no secret," Kirby said.

Read also: Grain deal collapse is a global problem  US State Department

"Mr. Putin is reaching out to other countries for help and support in fighting his war in Ukraine. And that includes, we know, some outreach to the DPRK (North Korea)."

According to the White House, North Korea has supported Russia in its full-scale war against Ukraine and supplies weapons, including infantry missiles and shells.

North Korean news agencies reported on "strengthening of bilateral ties" between two countries.

Shoigu accompanied the North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un to an arms exhibition in Pyongyang, where ballistic missiles with nuclear warheads were featured  despite a ban on North Korean possession of such weapons by the UN Security Council.

Read also: North Korean dictator meets with Russian Defense Minister in Pyongyang

The Russian delegation, headed by Shoigu, arrived in the country on July 26. Shoigu met with his North Korean counterpart, General Kang Sun-nam.

The visit was timed with celebrations of North Koreas 70th anniversary of "Victory Day  what the Kim regime deems the signing of the Korean Armistice Agreement in the Korean War. Pyongyang calls the conflict the Great Fatherland Liberation War.

According to NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, North Korea has supplied weapons and ammunition to Russias Wagner mercenary group. U.S. officials have stated that the weapons were traded for food.

Un has previously called Russias unprovoked full-scale invasion of Ukraine a "holy fight" and expressed the desire to build a strong state together with Putin.

Analysts believe that Shoigu's visit to the country raises the chances of more open support of Russia from North Korea, which could be especially important against the backdrop of Russia's isolation by the West.

Story continues

Read also: US not planning to escort Ukrainian grain cargo ships, says White House

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
KUALA LUMPUR, July 28 (Xinhua) -- The reopening and recovery of the economic sector has led the incidence of poverty in Malaysia to decrease to 6.2 percent in 2022, from 8.2 percent in 2021, official data showed Friday.

The Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) said in a statement that the incidence of poverty in Malaysia rose to 8.4 percent in 2020 and 8.2 percent in 2021 from 5.6 percent in 2019 as the spread of COVID-19 has hit the country and the whole world.

Meanwhile, the incidence of poverty among Bumiputera increased to 7.9 percent in 2022 from 7.2 percent in 2019.

The relative poverty threshold in 2022 was 3,169 ringgit (697 U.S. dollars) as compared to 2,937 ringgit in 2019, with a rate of 16.6 percent, a slight decline from 16.9 percent in 2019. (1 ringgit equals 0.22 U.S. dollar) 
Russian forces shelled nine communities in Sumy Oblast on July 27, firing more than 80 rounds from various types of weapons, the Sumy Oblast Military Administration reported on Facebook.

According to the post, Russia shelled the Bilopillia, Khotin, Krasnopillia, Velyka Pysarivka, Yunakivka, Nova Sloboda, Esman, Znob-Novhorodske and Myropillia communities.

Russian troops used mortars and artillery to target the Bilopillia community (which often suffers from shelling the most). The attack destroyed the farm and killed over 50 animals.

The Yunakivka community was attacked with mortars which caused a fire, damaging wheat crops, and a private residence. One civilian was injured in the shelling.

Sumy Oblast is located on Ukraine's northeastern border with Russia. It has been the target of daily Russian shelling and attacks from across the border since parts of the oblast were liberated from Russian troops in early April 2022.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Ukrainian forces liberate Staromaiorske village in southeast, reportedly ramp up counteroffensive
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has urged Russia to renew its deal with Ukraine

Egypt's president has urged Vladimir Putin to renew the deal allowing Ukraine to export grain at a summit the Russian president is hosting.

Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said it was "essential" the deal be revived and called for an urgent solution to supply the poorest African countries.

Russia quit the deal last week and has since bombed Ukraine's Black Sea ports.

Mr Putin says the West was not keeping its side of the bargain and has offered Russian grain to six African countries.

He said Russia would deliver the grain for free.

Egypt is a key buyer of grain via the Black Sea route and is particularly vulnerable to global food price shocks.

In response Mr Putin insisted that rising food prices were a consequence of Western policy mistakes that predated the war with Ukraine.

He also claimed the grain deal had not been getting grain to the poorest countries and said Russia was ready to provide its own grain to help avoid a "global food crisis".

Russia could provide Burkina Faso, Zimbabwe, Mali, Somalia, Central African Republic and Eritrea with 25-50,000 tonnes of free grain each in the next three to four months, he said.

These six countries are all Russian allies apart from Somalia, which is suffering a severe humanitarian crisis.

Since withdrawing from the deal, Russia has repeatedly bombarded Ukrainian ports and depots, destroying thousands of tonnes of grain.

African leaders also used the second day of the summit to press Mr Putin to move ahead with a peace plan they are proposing to end the war resulting from Moscow's full-scale invasion of its neighbour last year.

The plan calls for Russia and Ukraine's sovereignty to be recognised, urgent peace talks and continued unhindered grain exports.

Congo Brazzaville President Denis Sassou Nguesso insisted it "mustn't be underestimated".

Mr Putin said Moscow was looking at the plans, though Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has ruled out any plan that leaves Russia in control of territory it has seized.

Story continues

Russia's invasion led to a blockade of the country's Black Sea ports - trapping 20 million tonnes of grain which were meant for export.

This caused world food prices to soar, and threatened to create shortages in Middle Eastern and African countries which imported significant amounts of food from Ukraine.

The deal was struck in July 2022 between Russia and Ukraine - brokered by Turkey and the UN - allowing cargo ships to sail along a corridor in the Black Sea 310 nautical miles long and three nautical miles wide.

Ukraine is one of world's biggest suppliers of crops such as sunflower oil, barley, maize and wheat.
Border service shares video of Russian navy vessel threatening civilian ship

A video capturing a disturbing incident in the Black Sea, where a Russian military vessel was seen menacing a civilian ship, was shared by the State Border Guard Service on Telegram on July 28.

Russian military ships continue to act aggressively and audaciously in the waters of the Black Sea, violating all norms of international maritime law, the post stated.

The video captures a conversation between the Russian ship and the civilian vessel while the latter was passing a Ukrainian seaport. Initially, the Russians inquire about the nationality of the people onboard, followed by questions about the cargo and the presence of any weaponry.

I am warning you against approaching Ukrainian ports, the Russians blustered.

The transportation of any cargo to Ukraine by sea is considered by the Russian side as a potential transfer of military goods.

Furthermore, they added that the country under whose flag the ship is sailing will be considered involved in the conflict in Ukraine.

Russian Black Sea blockade: Whats known

Earlier, Natalia Humeniuk, spokesperson for Ukraines Operational Command South, revealed that there are signs pointing to Russias preparations for establishing a full blockade of the Black Sea. Notably, Russia has been conducting military exercises that include simulations of attacks on civilian vessels.

Read also: Exporting Ukrainian grain via Lithuanian port Klaipeda is unprofitable, claims port exec

Adding to the tension, the U.S. State Department issued a warning echoing Humeniuks concerns, cautioning that Russia might attempt to stage an attack from a foreign vessel in the Black Sea or target a ship sailing under a foreign flag.

On July 19, Russia further heightened tensions by declaring that all sea vessels heading to Ukrainian ports would be treated as military targets.

Read also: Where does Putin's strange self-confidence come from

In response, the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine warned that all ships bound for Russian ports in the Black Sea, as well as those headed to ports in occupied territories, would be treated as carrying military cargo with all corresponding risks.

Story continues

On July 21, Russia conducted training missile strikes in the Black Sea after threatening to attack all sea vessels heading to Ukraines ports.

During the exercises, the Russians deliberately sank the Ukrainian corvette Ternopil, which was seized during the Crimea occupation in 2014.

Read also: US not planning to escort Ukrainian grain cargo ships, says White House

Additionally, UK intelligence noted that after Russia withdrew from the grain initiative, the Russian fleet in the Black Sea shifted its position, preparing for a blockade of Ukraine.

Intelligence suggested that there was a real possibility that the Russian patrol ship Sergei Kotov would be part of a tactical group to intercept merchant vessels destined for Ukraine.

The situation also raises concerns about the potential escalation of hostilities and the scale of military actions on the Black Sea.

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
A second missile was shot down on July 28 over Russia's Rostov Oblast near the city of Taganrog, where an explosion was reported earlier today, Rostov Oblast Governor Vasily Golubev claimed on his Telegram channel.

"A second missile was shot down by air defenses, this time in the Azov district. Consequences are being determined," Golubev wrote.

Similar information was shared by Russia's Defense Ministry, which claimed that Ukraine launched the attack at around 5:15 p.m. local time using the S-200 anti-air system. According to the ministry, the projectile was shot down and the debris fell in a deserted area.

Earlier on July 28 at around 4 p.m., Russian media and officials reported an explosion in the center of Tangarog, a city in Rostov Oblast lying on the shores of the Sea of Azov.

According to Golubev, at least 12 people were wounded and nine of them were hospitalized. The Russian Defense Ministry blamed Ukraine for the attack, claiming it was also carried out by a S-200 system. The missile was shot down but the city was impacted by fallen debris, the ministry claimed.

Secretary of Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council Oleksii Danilov wrote on Twitter that the incident was a result of "illiterate Russian air defenses."

The Kyiv Independent could not verify the claims.

There have been multiple reports since the start of the full-scale invasion about fires, explosions, and alleged acts of sabotage in Russia.
Late in the evening of 28 July, Russian propagandists reported that traffic on the Crimean Bridge was temporarily blocked.

Source: RIA Novosti, a Kremlin-aligned Russian news outlet

Quote: "Vehicular traffic on the Crimean Bridge is temporarily blocked".

Details: There is no information on the reason or duration of the decision.

Background:

Sergey Aksyonov, so-called Head of the Russian administration in occupied Crimea, said that an "emergency" had happened on the Crimean Bridge and the bridge has therefore been closed to traffic. Russian Telegram channels have reported that a span on the bridge has collapsed.

Ukrainska Pravda sources reported that the nighttime attack on the Crimean Bridge was a special operation by the Security Service of Ukraine and the Ukrainian Navy. It was noted that the bridge was attacked using surface drones. Later, the version about two surface drones was also voiced by the Russian propaganda outlet RIA Novosti, citing the National Anti-Terrorist Committee of the Russian Federation.

Russian media have previously asserted that the Crimean Bridge is guarded from the sky by fighter jets and underwater by divers and "combat dolphins".

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that the Crimean Bridge is a legitimate target for Ukraine, as the Russians use it to transport weapons. Zelenskyy added that this target should be "neutralised".

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!






The Ukrainian border guards have intercepted threats to a merchant ship by a Russian ship in the Black Sea.

Source: Press service of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine

Details: The Russian warships continue to behave brazenly and aggressively in the Black Sea, violating all the norms of international maritime law.

The Ukrainian border guards have intercepted a conversation between the Russians and the crew of a vessel they contacted via an open channel. The vessel was passing near one of Ukraines sea ports.

The radio intercept reveals that the Russians first ask about the flag of the country under which the vessel is travelling, then about the cargo, inquire whether there are weapons on board, and then voice a warning threat.

Quote: "I am warning you about the ban on traffic to Ukrainian ports. In addition, the Russian side considers the transport of any cargo to Ukraine to be a potential transport of military cargo. The country under the flag of which the vessel is moving will be considered to have been dragged into the conflict in Ukraine. Over."

Background:

Ukraine has to export agricultural products by land and by river after Russia withdrew from the Black Sea Grain Initiative and started launching attacks on the Ukrainian ports, blocking sea export.

The US Department of State warns Ukraine that Russia may be preparing a false flag operation in the Black Sea amid a series of attacks on the port infrastructure in the south of Ukraine. James Cleverly, UK Foreign Secretary, also expressed this concern.

UK Defence Intelligence reported that after the termination of the grain deal, Russia may be preparing to intercept commercial vessels in the Black Sea.

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!
The Russian invaders are sending new conscripts from the Russian Federation who have not undergone any combat training to the front.

Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

Quote: "Russian occupation forces continue to send newly conscripted servicemen into combat without prior combat training.

For example, in the village of Rohove, Luhansk Oblast, about 110 conscripts arrived from the territory of the Russian Federation to the training camp of one of the units of the Russian occupation forces.

When they received equipment and weapons, the Russian command informed the newly arrived personnel that they would be included in assault units and sent to the area of combat missions on the contact line in the near future."

Background: In the temporarily occupied town of Enerhodar, Zaporizhzhia Oblast, the invaders intensified repressions against employees of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!
A Russian fighter flies dangerously close to a US MQ-9 before deploying flares from a position directly over an MQ-9 drone on a defeat-ISIS mission in Syria in July. US Air Force photo

Russian fighter jets have harassed US military drones on numerous occasions throughout July.

In a recent incident, Moscow's pilots dropped flares that damaged an MQ-9 Reaper drone.

Military experts said the provocations were the Kremlin's attempt to boast its military power where it can.

Russian fighter jets have harassed US military drones operating above Syria routinely throughout July, with one engagement this week damaging an American aircraft.

US officials are frustrated with the repeated incidents, blasting Moscow's pilots for dangerous and reckless behavior and accusing Russia of interfering with combat drones on high-profile counterterrorism missions. Military experts said there were several reasons behind the spike in aggressive behavior, including Russia's overcompensation for its military shortcomings in Ukraine and a desire to flex its muscles in an area where it still enjoys a certain degree of strength.

Russia sees its activities in Syria "as one area that really speaks to Russian global power and influence," Nicholas Lokker, an expert on Russian foreign policy at the Center for a New American Security, known as CNAS, told Insider. He added that Moscow is able to "really shape international affairs according to its own interests" there.

Both the US and Russia maintain a military presence in Syria. Washington has about 900 troops deployed for counterterrorism operations against the Islamic State while Moscow helps support the country's brutal regime in its ongoing civil war. For years, the two countries have largely managed to avoid clashes there even as they pursued their respective interests.

But the bilateral relationship between Washington and Moscow hit rock bottom after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. It hasn't improved in the 17 months since, and the relationship isn't showing any signs of reconciliation in the near future. Recent engagements in the skies above Syria have only elevated tensions between the two sides.

Story continues

On Sunday, a Russian Su-35 fighter jet flew within meters of a US MQ-9 Reaper drone on a counterterrorism mission and deployed flares above the American aircraft. One of the flares hit the drone and damaged its propeller, although the crew remotely piloting the MQ-9 managed to safely bring it back to base.

Damage to the Reaper drone's propeller. US Air Force photo

"The Russian fighter's blatant disregard for flight safety detracts from our mission to ensure the enduring defeat of ISIS," Lt. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, the commander of US Air Forces Central Command, known as AFCENT, said in a statement on Tuesday, adding: "We call upon the Russian forces in Syria to put an immediate end to this reckless, unprovoked, and unprofessional behavior."

That incident is just one of several demonstrations of Russian aggression toward US military drones this month. The first week of July featured three straight days of provocations by Moscow's pilots, who harassed multiple American MQ-9 Reaper drones by engaging afterburners, dropping parachute flares, and flying close to the aircraft.

At least one of these engagements nearly jeopardized a counterterrorism mission. On July 7, Russian fighter jets flew 18 close passes near several Reaper drones during an encounter that lasted nearly two hours and was described by a US military official as an "unsafe" situation. Hours later, those same drones carried out a strike in eastern Syria that killed an ISIS leader.

After it was disclosed that the US carried out the strike, the deputy Pentagon press secretary Sabrina Singh told reporters the Kremlin knew "exactly" where the US operates and there was therefore "no excuse for Russian forces' continual harassment of our MQ-9s after years of US operations in the area aimed at ensuring the enduring defeat of ISIS." She added that it was "almost as if the Russians are now on a mission to protect ISIS leaders."

Russian military Su-34 and Su-35 aircraft deploy flares in the flight path of a US MQ-9 aircraft over Syria in July. US Air Force photo

And Moscow's aggression this month targeted more than drones. The US Air Force said in mid-July that a Russian Su-35 engaged an MC-12 surveillance plane "in an unsafe and unprofessional manner," forcing the American aircraft to fly through wake turbulence and threatening the lives of the crew. In a separate incident, two French jets on a security mission were forced to maneuver to avoid a "non-professional interaction" by a Su-35.

Russia is looking to 'compensate'

There are several potential reasons behind the new spike in Russian provocations above Syria, which military experts suggested could be the norm for the foreseeable future.

Lokker, also a research associate with the transatlantic security program at CNAS, said it was notable that the recent string of incidents in Syria came on the heels of the Wagner Group's late-June rebellion against Russia's military leadership.

In a short-lived but historic mutiny, the mercenary organization pulled out of Ukraine, invaded Russia, and nearly marched on Moscow before Belarus brokered a peace deal between the Kremlin and Wagner's leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin. Russia's military suffered personnel and aircraft losses, and Western officials said the insurrection made Russian President Vladimir Putin look weak and undermined his domestic authority.

A press officer who goes by the call sign "Damian" and a destroyed Russian military vehicle in Novodarivka village, Zaporizhzhia Region, southeastern Ukraine. Situated on the border between Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk Regions, the settlement that had been occupied since March 2022 was liberated by the Ukrainian military in June 2023. Photo by Ukrinform/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Beyond the Wagner Group's rebellion, the reputation of Russia's military has generally suffered since its invasion of Ukraine due to overall operational failures, such as surrounding the capital but failing to take it, and Ukraine's battlefield successes, such as stopping Russia's advance and retaking captured territory.

Recognizing the reputational hit to his military, Putin had been "looking for opportunities to compensate, including by resorting to these types of risky maneuvers, such as harassing US drones," Lokker said. "These maneuvers, they are to some extent intended to demonstrate Russian military strength," which could appease the country's domestic audience.

Though there are still dangers in engaging in this type of behavior, harassing and even damaging drones give Russia a way to flex its muscles without necessarily risking a major escalation.

In general, Syria is a place where Russia can seriously demonstrate its military might, and the drone incidents are a part of that. In contrast with the situation in Ukraine, Russian forces have been able to notch achievements in Syria while supporting the ruthless Assad regime and have had a tangible impact on the trajectory of the 12-year-long conflict there, Lokker said. "Russia really wants to be perceived as a great power, and it sees its military presence in Syria as an important component of this."

Russia might have also conducted its harassment attacks to support Iran  a country with whom Moscow has enjoyed growing military ties  in its overall goal of trying to oust US forces from the Middle East, Lokker said.

The aftermath of a deadly Russian airstrike in Idlib, Syria in June. Azzeddin Kasim/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

The aggressive maneuvers could also be an operational tactic by Moscow to test and explore the lethality of drones and US reactions when they are put at risk. Paul Lushenko, a lieutenant colonel in the US Army who is also an expert on drone warfare, said Russia could have been probing US aircraft to determine what they meant in the context of state-based conflict.

"We know that these drones are effective in terms of high-value targeting, whether it be a terrorist insurgent or indeed a political figurehead like Soleimani," Lushenko told Insider, referring to Qasem Soleimani, the former head of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' elite Quds Force who was killed in a 2020 US Reaper drone strike. "I think there's a probing taking place to determine just how the United States and Western allies will respond in the event of escalation with another nation-state."

'Contested airspace'

Even before the latest string of provocations, which appear to have become more frequent, Russia's aggressive behavior in the sky is something that US officials called attention to in recent months.

In March, a Russian fighter jet clipped the propeller of a US Reaper drone operating above the Black Sea, forcing the American operators to bring the aircraft down into international waters. Washington also complained about armed flyovers of its military positions and Moscow's pilots behaving as though they wanted to dogfight.

To counter these demonstrations  and increasing hostilities by Iran in the Middle East  the US in recent weeks deployed additional firepower to the region, including F-22 and F-35 stealth fighter jets. Although the F-35s, which arrived this week, were officially dispatched by the Pentagon to deter Iranian naval activity, military leadership hinted that the aircraft might be used to deter other threats as well.

US Air Force F-35A Lightning II aircraft assigned to the 421st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron arrive in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in July. US Air Force photo illustration by Staff Sgt. Christopher Sommers

"The F-35's increased capacity and capability will allow the US to fly in contested airspace across the theater if required," AFCENT said in its announcement of the arrival of the fighter jets on Wednesday. "This deployment demonstrates the US's commitment to ensure peace and security in the region, through maritime support and support to the coalition's enduring mission to defeat ISIS in Syria."

Questions remain, however, about where the US may eventually draw the line. It's unclear whether American missions will be scaled back, a reaction seen in the wake of the Black Sea incident, or whether they will maintain the status quo by reinforcing, as they have in the Middle East, but military experts said that Washington needed to exercise caution  and strike a balance  with any response to avoid potentially escalating the situation.

A measured response to Russian aggression, Lushenko argued, would ultimately need to be set against the backdrop of what the US considers to be a national security interest, and a tit-for-tat exchange wouldn't exactly be in Washington's best interest, given that it accuses Russia of dangerous behavior in the air.

"To do those in kind would not look favorably  it puts our soldiers at unnecessary risk," he said. "I just think you have to consider what degree of risk are we willing to assume with a response in kind."

Read the original article on Business Insider
Fran Drescher Hollywood To You / Star Max / GC Images

Her portrayal of Fran Fine shot her to fame, but it's her latest role as president of SAG-AFTRA that put Fran Drescher back in the spotlight.

The 65-year-old actress, writer and producer was elected to lead SAG-AFTRA  the union representing more than 160,000 actors and other media professionals  in September 2021. On July 14, after being unable to negotiate a new contract with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, the union went on strike, demanding better compensation, 2% of streaming revenue, and protections against the misuse of artificial intelligence.

In a fiery speech at the start of the strike, Drescher declared that if "we don't stand tall right now, we are all going to be in trouble. We are going to be in jeopardy of being replaced by machines and big business, who cares more about Wall Street than you and your family." The members of SAG-AFTRA "are the victims here," she said. "We are being victimized by a very greedy entity. I am shocked by the way the people that we have been in business with are treating us. ... How they plead poverty, that they're losing money left and right when giving hundreds of millions of dollars to their CEOs. Shame on them. They stand on the wrong side of history."

Her call out energized Hollywood, with Elijah Wood tweeting, "Way to crush it @frandrescher! United we stand" and "The Wire" creator David Simon quipping, "If I hadn't cut the streaming service, I'd download all seasons of 'The Nanny.'"

'A master comedian'

Born in Queens, New York, on Sept. 30, 1957, Drescher became a performer early in life. Not long after graduating from Hillcrest High School, she began booking acting gigs, starting with a role in 1977's "Saturday Night Fever." From there, she scored roles in other movies, including 1984's "This Is Spinal Tap," and television shows like "Who's the Boss?" and "Night Court."

Story continues

Drescher and her ex-husband, Peter Marc Jacobson, created the show that catapulted her to stardom: "The Nanny." Airing on CBS from 1993 to 1999, "The Nanny" followed Fran Fine from Flushing, Queens, as she started a new life as the nanny for the children of a wealthy widower. As Fran Fine, Drescher was over-the-top in everything from her mannerisms to her colorful ensembles, and she earned two Emmy and two Golden Globe nominations for her work.

Drescher is a "master comedian" and "comedic genius," writer Saeed Jones told NPR's "Pop Culture Happy Hour" in 2021. "The Nanny" in many ways was "ahead of its time," he added, pointing out that in one episode, Fine refused to cross a picket line. "I think this is a praise to the show's writers and to Fran Drescher herself," Jones said. "The show really understands class."

Over the past two decades, Drescher has balanced her acting career with her advocacy for cancer awareness. She was diagnosed with uterine cancer in 2000, and in her second memoir, 2002's "Cancer Schmancer," Drescher wrote about being misdiagnosed for years. "One of the most significant things that I learned is that my story was not unique, which was very mind-blowing to me," Drescher told HealthyWomen in 2020. "I wrote the book so others wouldn't go through what I did. ... It became clear that the book was not the end, but just the beginning of what became a life's mission." She went on to launch the nonprofit Cancer Schmancer Movement, with the goal of ensuring cancer is diagnosed in its earliest  and most treatable  stages.

'A Norma Rae-like ability to inspire'

Drescher was working on taking "The Nanny" to Broadway when her longtime friend Rosie O'Donnell recommended she run for SAG-AFTRA president. Drescher has "a Norma Rae-like ability to inspire," O'Donnell told The Wall Street Journal. "She's like a stand-up. She can succinctly choose the words that are going to have the most impact in the smallest amount of time."

Drescher ran on a platform of "empowering and protecting members," she told Deadline, and had a narrow victory over Matthew Modine. Once on the job, Drescher told the Journal, she found that "I didn't really realize how dysfunctional and uber-partisan it all was and how marginalized some members, some groups felt, and underserved in contracts."

Now, with the strike her main focus, Drescher has made it clear that she is more than Fran Fine. "I'm not 'The Nanny,'" she told the Journal. "I am an activist on behalf of labor." Being a celebrity puts her in a "unique situation," she added, but she is still "a girl from Queens. I am very connected to the provincial world that I grew up in."

You may also like

Homepage
With days to go until the primary election in Wichita, its not too late to educate yourself on races on the ballot Tuesday, Aug. 1.

This years midterm election in Wichita includes nine candidates running for the mayoral seat  incumbent Mayor Brandon Whipple, Jared Cerullo, Shelia M. Davis, Bryan Frye, Anthony Gallardo, Tom Kane, Celeste Racette, Julie Rose Stroud and Lily Wu. There is also a race for City Council District 4 and an at-large seat on the Wichita school board on the ballot.

The primary election will narrow each pool down to two candidates, who will then face each other in the Tuesday, Nov. 7 General Election.

If youre a Wichita voter, weve rounded up some resources on how to locate your sample ballot and find information on the candidates appearing there.

Polls are open Tuesday from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. All voters in line by 7 p.m. should be allowed to cast a ballot. The city and school board races are nonpartisan.

Don't delay - early voting in person at the Election Office has started! Visit the Sedgwick County Historic Courthouse Monday  Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or one of the satellite centers open Thursday - Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. pic.twitter.com/rHLLEyTLd4  Sedgwick County (@SedgwickCounty) July 27, 2023

How to find your sample ballot in Kansas

Sample ballots are easily accessible on the Kansas Secretary of States website.

To see whats on your ballot so youre prepared to make your selections, visit offices voter registration information page, available with other resources at myvoteinfo.voteks.org.

From the voter information page, enter your first name, last name and date of birth. After clicking look up, at the bottom of the page, youll see your sample ballot in PDF form. You can download that ballot and see the races you are eligible to vote in.

Story continues

How to find information on 2023 Wichita primary candidates

If youd like to learn more about the candidates before you cast your ballot, weve rounded up some resources to aid your search.

The Wichita Eagle has been following local races closely, and you can find information about every candidate, as well as local issues and more coverage, in the Eagles comprehensive voting guide.

To hear directly from Wichitas mayoral candidates, you can watch the July 20 mayoral debate, which was hosted by PBS Kansas, the Eagle, KSN News and KAKE News. The debate can be streamed on the Eagles website.

You can also find candidate information through the nonpartisan, nonprofit organization Ballotpedia. After entering your address, you can see every candidate that will appear on your ballot. From there, you can click on candidates to see information about them.

The nonpartisan League of Women Voters also offers information on voting, sample ballots and candidates through its Vote411 project. To check out information about Wichita races and the leagues voter guide, visit vote411.org and use the ballot lookup too.

Several candidates also have campaign websites and social media.
PHNOM PENH, July 28 (Xinhua) -- Some 15,810 Chinese tourists visited Cambodia's famed Angkor Archeological Park in the second quarter of 2023, an increase of 206.5 percent from 5,158 over the same period last year, a report said on Friday.

During the April-June period this year, China was the second-biggest source of international tourists to the ancient park after the United States, said the state-owned Angkor Enterprise's report.

Britain, France and Australia were the third, fourth and fifth-biggest sources of foreigners to the park, the report added.

Cambodian Ministry of Tourism's Secretary of State and Spokesman Top Sopheak attributed the rise in Chinese tourists to China's reopening earlier this year.

"We hope more international tourists will come to Cambodia, especially to the Angkor park, in coming years as many airlines have resumed their flights to the kingdom," he told Xinhua.

According to the report, a total of 149,428 international tourists from 164 countries and regions visited Angkor Park in the second quarter this year, up 272 percent from 40,143 in the same period last year.

Located in northwest Siem Reap province, the 401-square-km Angkor Archeological Park, inscribed on the World Heritage List of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1992, is the most popular tourist destination in the Southeast Asian nation. 
Russian billionaire Mikhail Fridman is challenging the UK police's raids on his home. Konstantin Zavrazhin/Getty Images

Russian billionaire Mikhail Fridman said a UK police warrant to search his home was unlawfully obtained, per Reuters.

He wants to overturn the warrant which he said was obtained based on allegations from a 2007 report.

His lawyer said the allegations were "absolutely typical of classic kompromat."

Sanctioned Russian oligarch Mikhail Fridman told London's High Court on Thursday that a UK police raid on his mansion in London was illegal and based on allegations from a 15-year-old report, according to a Reuters report.

Fridman's lawyers argued that the warrant to search his home was unlawfully obtained and are now seeking to overturn it, per Reuters.

Back in December, the UK National Crime Agency, or NCA, searched Fridman's multi-million dollar home over several allegations  including conspiracy to evade UK sanctions and money laundering  per Reuters.

Fridman, who is worth $12.2 billion as of Thursday, has been sanctioned by the UK and the European Union after Russia invaded Ukraine.

Lawyers for the 59-year-old Russian businessman, who was born in Ukraine, said the accusations of wrongdoing were "gratuitous and unjustified slurs against a businessman of good character," the news agency reported.

Fridman is the founder and largest shareholder of the Alfa Group, which includes Russia's largest bank. He moved to London in 2013.

Hugo Keith, the billionaire's lawyer, said in court filings that the allegations  from a 2007 report republished by WikiLeaks in 2012  "absolutely typical of classic kompromat, damaging and untrue information assembled and used to create negative publicity and to exert influence over the subject," per Reuters.

"Kompromat" refers to compromising information that is used to blackmail or discredit a person or group, typically for political purposes," according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary.

Cathryn McGahey, the NCA's lawyer, said in court filings the UK government agency admitted its raid on Fridman's house was "unlawful," per Reuters.

Story continues

Keith said the NCA has already dropped its inquiry into the alleged conspiracies to defraud and commit perjury, according to the news agency.

An NCA spokesperson told Insider that it accepted that the search warrant contained technical errors. However, "the Agency acted in good faith and we will continue to consider the facts relating to this case."

Fridman's legal representatives did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Insider sent outside regular business hours.

Read the original article on Business Insider
An illustration of Saturn with the sun visible in the far distance.

Saturn is truly massive  nearly 100 times beefier than Earth. Despite its impressive size, the ringed planet is a distant second to Jupiter, which is nearly three times more massive.

In light of this, one astrophysicist suggests that we shouldn't consider Saturn a proper gas giant but rather a planet that tried, but tragically failed, to achieve greatness.

Professional astronomers and the general public alike tend to lump Jupiter and Saturn into the same rough category of gas giant planets . After all, both planets are very large, both have lots of hydrogen and helium gases that make up the bulk of their atmospheres, and the two planets are next to each other in our solar system.

But deeper investigations with NASA's Cassini and Juno spacecraft have revealed significant differences between the worlds  for example, in the amounts of heavier elements buried deep within their bodies. Plus, Jupiter is three times more massive than Saturn  which is, well, kind of a big deal.

Related: Saturn looks incredible in these raw James Webb Space Telescope images (photos)

In a new paper accepted for publication in the journal Astronomy & Astrophysics Letters and available as a preprint , Ravit Helled, an astrophysicist at the Center for Theoretical Astrophysics and Cosmology at the University of Zurich in Switzerland, proposes that our solar system has only one true gas giant: Jupiter. Uranus and Neptune are more properly known as ice giants, since they are made mostly of elements other than hydrogen and helium. As for Saturn, Helled claims that it's not a proper gas giant in its own right but failed to achieve that status.

Growing a giant planet is a tricky business. The early solar system was a complex, evolving place. Initially, there was plenty of material just swirling around the still-growing sun in the center. That material was mostly hydrogen and helium, with a sprinkling of heavier elements. But as the young sun began to heat up, it blew all the hydrogen and helium out of the system.

Story continues

This means that planets have a narrow window of opportunity to achieve greatness. The only way to accumulate more mass, especially from hydrogen and helium, is to, well, accumulate more mass. The more massive something is, the more gravitational attraction it will have and the more material will want to join the planetary party. But a planet has to do this quickly, before the sun blows away all the light elements, stopping growth in its tracks.

view of clouds swirling at jupiter's south pole

Previously, researchers assumed that Jupiter and Saturn played similar games  with both planets reaching a certain critical stage needed to quickly vacuum up a tremendous amount of material in a relatively short amount of time  but that somehow, Jupiter got luckier in the process.

But according to Helled, Saturn never had a running chance. The critical threshold where a planet can gain an exponential amount of hydrogen and helium is roughly around 100 times Earth's mass . Jupiter easily beats this, meaning it acquired the lion's share of material in the outer solar system before the sun blew it away.

Uranus and Neptune likewise were far too small to achieve this kind of runaway success. And Saturn sits right at the transition zone. If it had been even a little bigger, it might have competed with Jupiter for the title of the solar system's greatest planet.

RELATED STORIES:

 Amazing Saturn photos from NASA's Cassini orbiter

 At Jupiter and Saturn, big mysteries remain despite landmark missions

 How was Jupiter formed?

Instead, Saturn got stuck. It got large enough that it could pull down a significant amount of hydrogen and helium through sheer force of gravitational will, but not enough that it could kick that process into overdrive and really get going. So for all intents and purposes, Saturn is a failed gas giant, Helled says.
The 29-year-old Virginia man charged with the fatal shooting of Sayreville Councilwoman Eunice Dwumfour was extradited to New Jersey on Thursday, according to the Middlesex County Prosecutors Office.

Rashid Ali Bynum, of Portsmouth, Virginia, is being held at the Middlesex County Adult Correctional Center pending a pre-trial detention hearing in Superior Court.

On Feb. 1, Dwumfour, 30, a Republican and Sayreville's first Black elected official, was shot multiple times inside her car outside her home in Sayreville in the area of Check Avenue in the Parlin section of the borough. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Surveillance video captured a suspect fleeing the scene in the area of Ernston Road, and witnesses reported seeing a thin man, about 6 feet tall with ear-length braids or dreadlocks, and a suspicious white Hyundai on Gondek Drive minutes before the shooting. Video footage showed a person walking from the vehicle on Gondek Drive toward Check Avenue just before the shooting.

Sayreville Councilwoman Eunice Dwumfour was gunned down outside her home on Feb 1.

More: Man accused of killing Sayreville Councilwoman Eunice Dwumfour Googled church, guns: cops

Bynum was arrested May 30 in Chesapeake, Virginia and charged with Dwumfour's murder, as well as unlawful possession of a handgun and possession of a handgun for an unlawful purpose.

A court date for Bynum has not yet been scheduled.

Email: sloyer@gannettnj.com

Susan Loyer covers Middlesex County and more for MyCentralJersey.com. To get unlimited access to her work, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: Sayreville NJ councilwomans accused killer extradited from Virginia
The headquarters of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast was damaged in the Russian missile attack on Dnipro on July 28, based on photos and video footage shared on social media.

President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that the SBU building, as well as a high-rise apartment building, were damaged in the attack.

"Dnipro. Friday evening. A high-rise building and the Security Service of Ukraine's building were hit. Russian missile terror again," Zelensky wrote on Twitter.

"Promptly held conversations with the Security Service of Ukraine, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the State Emergency Service, and the military administration head."

The city was hit at around 8:30 p.m. local time following an air raid siren. At least three people were injured in the attack, Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko reported.

Read also: Apartment building hit by Russian attack on Dnipro

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
EVANSVILLE  EVSC thinks there's a good chance all full-time certified teacher positions will be filled by the time students begin returning to school in two weeks.

There were 17 such unfilled positions as of Monday night, but the Evansville-Vanderburgh School Corporation board authorized Superintendent Dr. David Smith to go ahead and hire new teachers who have been recommended by school principals. Formal hiring approval would come at the school board's next meeting on August 7  the day the first wave of students is due to begin arriving.

It's an improvement over last year, when 25 full-time teaching positions remained unfilled at the end of July. Then, more than 2,000 full-time teaching positions were still unfilled in Indiana schools as of July 28, according to the Indiana Department of Education, which maintains a searchable jobs website. This year's number was more like 400 as of Tuesday night, but there are questions about how precisely accurate the state's site is. It showed zero openings for full-time teachers in EVSC.

EVSC teachers are due back to work on August 3, but there's plenty going on between now and then. About 160 new teachers are due to attend orientation at Southern Indiana Career and Technical Center beginning Wednesday. The state's third-largest school district, EVSC employs roughly 1,750 teachers, counselors and principals to educate about 22,500 students.

The teachers will start the new year without a new contract, said Evansville Teachers Association President Lori Young. Negotiations can begin Sept. 15 by state law, Young said, and must be concluded by Nov. 15.

Local news: We went looking for Evansville's most expensive restaurant menu item. Here's what we found.

Long-term, Young said there's still not enough teachers to go around everywhere.

"We dont have as many students who want to enroll to become teachers, and I think most people realize if youre becoming a teacher youre never going to be super-wealthy, of course  but you should be able to also pay your bills," she said. "You shouldnt have to have two, three jobs. Newer teachers to middle-of-the-road teachers typically have to have two jobs to make ends meet, which is very sad."

Story continues

Teachers start in EVSC at about $41,500 annually, Young said. She expressed optimism that EVSC's leadership wants to improve that figure. But the plain fact is, teachers with master's degrees can make more money in the private sector. Other teachers leave the business when spouses and partners get good jobs outside of Indiana or teaching environments turn sour.

"People have opportunities, and you have to do whats right for yourself and for your family. I always hope that theyll choose to stay in education, but you never know," Young said.

EVSC has deals with non-teacher groups who have negotiated agreements  such as bus aides and drivers and special education paraprofessionals. Negotiations with custodial and maintenance teams and office workers are looming, EVSC officials said Monday.

The school system is down about 60 bus drivers compared to pre-COVID days. There are about 120 EVSC-employed drivers and another 60 or so who drive on a contract basis.

The latter group struck a deal with EVSC Monday night, said Mike Talarzyk, a contract bus driver for about 12 years now.

The contractors won some and lost some in negotiations, Talarzyk said, but they'll be on the job when school starts for students.

Local effects of an ongoing nationwide bus driver shortage will be a tougher nut to crack. A job listing on EVSC's website hints at the depth of the problem, which was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Local business: Here are this year's winners of Evansville Rotary's 20 Under 40 honors

"Bus Driver for 2023-2024 School Year (Multiple Vacancies)," it declares. The salary range: $17.68 to $24.45 per hour.

"Bus drivers work part time hours with full time benefits!" the posting states.

EVSC has employed a variety of tactics to try to pick up more students with fewer drivers  routing technology and analysis, the recent purchase of a hybrid bus that can transport general education and wheelchair-bound students.

Some families register for bus transportation and then find out they don't need it after all, said EVSC spokesman Jason Woebkenberg. Students get cars of their own. It all helps in the margins.

"Last year we started with a wait list  and within the first few weeks of the year, we had greatly reduced that wait list almost to very little," Woebkenberg said.

EVSC will continue to trumpet its bus driver openings at every opportunity, Woebkenberg said. With the opening of schools looming, qualified applicants do have some leverage.

We can make the position as flexible as theyre interested in," Woebkenberg said.

"We do what school districts around the state and the country have figured out you have to do now  were constantly promoting. Were constantly being aggressive in trying to find the best employees in the area. We want them working for us, whether youre driving a bus or teaching in a classroom."

This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: What jobs are open in the EVSC?
Rayne Vyas reads a book on Feb. 1, 2023, in his 5/6 grade classroom at Stevenson Elementary School in Mesa.

A long-running lawsuit challenging Arizona's funding of public school facilities is now set to go to trial at the end of May 2024.

Attorneys representing a coalition of school districts and school groups met with lawyers for the state on Friday morning to confirm the timeline for the trial, which is expected to last two weeks.

After Gov. Katie Hobbs and Attorney General Kris Mayes were elected last fall, whether the case would go to trial became uncertain.

Mayes asked for the January 2023 trial date to be canceled so her office could assess the state's position. Then, a series of executive orders from the Hobbs administration, announced in June, reinstated regular inspections of school facilities and created an advisory council to make recommendations for updating the minimum standards for school facilities.

Those orders were received positively by the suing parties, but do not resolve all the issues on the table, Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Dewain Fox said during the hearing on Friday.

The lawsuit, filed in 2017, alleges the state has shorted schools of capital funding for school maintenance, buses, textbooks and technology for more than a decade.

The results of the trial could usher in a new school facilities funding system, as well as resolve long-standing questions, such as what to do when the cost to repair a school facility may exceed the cost to replace it.

A closer look: Measures to make Arizona school buildings safer often go undone. Here's why

Yana Kunichoff is a reporter on The Arizona Republic's K-12 education team. You can join The Republic's Facebook page and reach Yana at ykunichoff@arizonarepublic.com.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona school facilities funding trial to begin in May 2024
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said Thursday he was shocked by reports of a Republican lawmaker cursing out teenage Senate pages.

I was shocked when I heard about it, and I am further shocked at his refusal to apologize to these young people, Schumer said while speaking on the floor Thursday night ahead of the National Defense Authorization Act passage.

When Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-Wis.) saw a group of Senate pages lying on the floor of the Capitol Rotunda and taking pictures Wednesday night, he called them pieces of s--- and told them to get the f--- up off the floor, according to a transcript of the remarks obtained by The Hill.

Van Orden, a freshman congressman, told the pages Wake the f up you little s.  What the f are you all doing? Get the f out of here. You are defiling the space you [pieces of s], according to the transcript written by a page. Punchbowl News first reported the incident.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell backed Schumers defense of the pages, saying he would like to associate myself with the remarks of the majority leader and everybody on this side of the aisle feels exactly the same way.

Speaker Kevin McCarthy told reporters on Friday that he had spoken with Schumer about the Van Orden incident, but hadnt yet spoken with the Wisconsin Republican.

I haven't been able to speak to [him]. Ill call him today. I don't know this situation. I saw what was reported. That's not their normal Derrick Van Orden, McCarthy said, adding, I guess the interns have some ritual laying down or something like that. I think its a misunderstanding.

Van Orden defended his remarks in a statement to various news outlets, stating our nations Capitol is a symbol of the sacrifice our servicemen and women have made for this country and should never be treated like a frat house common room.

In a statement to POLITICO, Van Ordens office took aim at the majority leader: Chuck Schumer should think twice before throwing stones from glass houses, spokesperson Anna Kelly said in a statement.

Story continues

In a brief interview with POLITICO Thursday night, Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) gave his own praise to the pages.

Only talking about that person, we only diminish the greatness of these young people. They're phenomenal people and come here and make a big sacrifice, Booker said. They're smart, they're dedicated, they believe in this country in its highest ideals, and we should be elevating them.

Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) posted to Twitter, My message to the Senate Pages: This is one of the most amazing experiences youll ever have. Take it in. Learn a lot. And of course, have fun.

My message to out-of-line Members of Congress who yell at Senate Pages: Learn to respect others, especially kids, she added.

Its not unusual for Senate pages to rest in the Rotunda, a midway point between the House and Senate. High school students, pages frequently work late into the night as they assist with day-to-day operations.

Schumer praised the pages work during his farewell address to the page class, saying they can help make this place run smoothly, theyre here when we need them and they have served this institution with grace.

Katherine Tully-McManus and Jordain Carney contributed to this report.
Scientists have revived a worm that was frozen in Siberian permafrost for 46,000 years, according to new research published in the journal PLOS Genetics.

In 2018, scientists from Russias Institute of Physicochemical and Biological Problems in Soil discovered two species of microscopic nematode, appearing to be from an unknown species. Researcher Anastasia Shatilovich revived one of the samples with water, then took the worms to Germany for further analysis.

Using radiocarbon dating from plants found in the permafrost nearby, scientists now believe the worms are between 45,839 and 47,769 years old. After analysing the specimens, theyve claimed at least one is from an entirely new species, which theyve dubbed Panagrolaimus kolymaenis.

Worms were found in Siberian permafrost in 2018 (REUTERS)

The worms survived all those years in a state of suspended animation called cryptobiosis, according to Teymuras Kurzchalia, of the Max Planck Inst of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics in Dresden, who was involved in the research.

One can halt life and then start it from the beginning. This a major finding, he told CNN.

We need to know how species adapted to the extreme through evolution to maybe help species alive today and humans as well, Philipp Schiffer, of the Institute for Zoology at the University of Cologne, another researcher involved in the research, told The Washington Post.

Others were more skeptical of the blockbuster findings, which would represent some of the most striking examples of cryptobiosis ever observed.

I would love to believe that the animals they are describing have survived being frozen for 40,000 years in permafrost, biologist Byron Adams of Brigham Young University told Scientific American. And if I were a betting man, I would bet that it could actually happen, and these things really are this old.

However, the scientist added, he wasnt convinced yet the worms themselves were that old, and that the headline-grabbing result could be an ancient piece of plant matter found at the same time of a contemporary microorganism.

I dont doubt the age of the organic material in the permafrost, he added. Those values are likely legit.

In addition to ancient organisms, the Siberian permafrost, which is now melting amid the climate crisis, contains vast stores of greenhouse gasses, alarming scientists.
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) adopted a rule this week that will require publicly traded companies to report significant cyber incidents that are material to investors.

Companies will have four business days to report to the agency from the time they determine that the incident was material.

Whether a company loses a factory in a fire  or millions of files in a cybersecurity incident  it may be material to investors, SEC Chair Gary Gensler said in a statement.

Currently, many public companies provide cybersecurity disclosure to investors. I think companies and investors alike, however, would benefit if this disclosure were made in a more consistent, comparable, and decision-useful way, he added.

Under the new rule, companies will have to disclose the incidents nature, scope, timing and impact.

Companies will also have to explain the processes they have in place to assess, identify and manage risks from cyber threats.

Reed Loden, vice president of security at Teleport, said that the ruling is long overdue and something the industry has been needing for awhile.

Im hopeful that this ruling will act as a catalyst for all organizations to remain open and transparent about their incidents and share as much information as possible, Loden said.

Sharing information means other organizations can learn from others mistakes to better address their own issues, he added.

Loden also said that while the ruling is a good place to start, it does leave some unanswered questions about what would be considered as material from a companys perspective, as it could leave it up to its discretion to decide, creating some leeway.

I suspect well find some organizations may be less willing to disclose things, so itll be interesting to watch how forceful the SEC will be with this if its later revealed that certain companies failed to disclose a serious security incident, he said.

He added that many companies could see this new ruling as another regulatory overhead that they now have to comply with and that could maybe cause them bad press, as it basically forces them to publicly announce when they have a major security incident. But for investors and consumers, it will help them understand how companies are handling security internally.

Story continues

Brandon Pugh, policy director of the cybersecurity and emerging threats team at the R Street Institute, said hes seen mixed reaction from companies about the recent rule.

Some say this is similar to information they voluntarily provide now in the name of transparency while others say this might reveal sensitive security-related information, Pugh said.

This new rule does impose new requirements on companies, so there will be added costs to comply and potential liability if they do not, he added.

The new rule will take effect 30 days after its published in the Federal Register, the agency said.

The SEC is the latest agency to adopt such a rule.

Last year, Congress passed a legislation that would require companies in critical sectors to report substantial cyberattacks within 72 hours and ransomware payments within 24 hours to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.

The legislation was passed amid heightened security concerns from U.S. government agencies urging companies in critical sectors to strengthen their cyber defenses against Russian cyberattacks.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A second crack or break was found in Carowinds largest roller coaster, the state agency inspecting Fury 325 confirmed Friday.

Fury 325 has been closed since June 30 after a park visitor spotted the first broken support beam as a cart full of riders went by the pillar.

Bolliger & Mabillard Consulting Engineers Inc., the Swiss company that designed and built the roller coaster, replaced the steel column in mid-July.

Inspections by B&M, Carowinds, a third-party testing firm and North Carolina Department of Labors Elevator and Amusement Device Bureau are ongoing. The park also ran 500 test cycle runs at night following the installation.

But on Friday, the Department of Labor said a second weld indication, which could either be a crack or a break, was found as its investigation of the ride continues.

The department did not say what part of the coaster they found it on, nor did it say when the latest problem was found.

A second crack or break was found on Fury 325 at Carowinds, N.C. Department of Labor said. Shown, workers on July 12, 2023, remove the first cracked support column found in the roller coasters.

The roller coaster will not reopen until the state agency approves a certificate of operation, which it has not done. There also is no timeline for when Fury 325 is expected to open, the Labor Department said in an emailed statement to The Charlotte Observer.

The agency declined to say if any additional problems were uncovered, and referred further comment to Carowinds. Carowinds did not immediately respond Friday to a request for comment about when and where the second crack was found on the roller coaster, or how it will be repaired.

The 408-acre amusement park straddles the state line for the Carolinas. The NC Labor Department oversees the inspection of Fury 325 because its nearby entrance is in North Carolina, in Charlotte, Labor Commissioner Josh Dobson told the Observer in a recent interview.

WSOC first reported about a possible second crack.

A Carowinds park visitor spotted the cracked column on Fury 325 on June 30, 2023.

What Carowinds is saying about new concern

In a statement emailed to the Observer on Thursday, Carowinds said it is conducting a full maintenance review of the ride during the testing.

Story continues

During such reviews, it is not uncommon to discover slight weld indications in various locations of a steel superstructure. It is important to note that these indications do not compromise the structural integrity or safety of the ride, Carowinds said. Once a repair is completed, it undergoes inspection and approval before the ride is deemed operational.

A new post July 14, 2023, replaced a broken column on Fury 325 at Carowinds.

Because of the rides structural failure, Carowinds said it is changing how it inspects rides daily, including using drone cameras to examine hard-to-reach areas. Its unclear if ride inspection changes are for Fury 325, all of its roller coasters or all of its rides.

One of the key questions that Carowinds has yet to answer is how its inspectors missed the original problem, and only learned about it from a visitor to the amusement park.

Carowinds details plans to fix damaged Fury 325 coaster and strengthen inspections

About Fury 325

Fury 325 debuted in 2015 featuring a 1.25-mile track reaching top speeds of 95 mph and a height of 325 feet with three 32-passenger open air trains.

Its been named the best steel roller coaster in the world for six years in a row by industry publication Amusement Today.

Fury 325 is North Americas longest steel coaster, and it crosses both North and South Carolina state lines.

Bolliger & Mabillard has built 124 roller coasters worldwide, according to Roller Coaster Database. Along with Fury, the company built three other Carowinds roller coasters  Intimidator, Vortex and Afterburn.

New column installed on Fury 325 roller coaster at Carowinds to replace damaged one

PHOTOS: More images of Carowinds cracked roller coaster before it was shut down
Xinjiang Story: Colombian content creator dedicated to showing real Xinjiang

Xinhua) 11:00, July 28, 2023

Fernando Munoz Bernal (L) talks with a student in Karamay, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, July 20, 2023. (Xinhua/Gu Yu)

URUMQI, July 27 (Xinhua) -- After an exhilarating three-month whirlwind trip through northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Fernando Munoz Bernal is preparing to wrap up his captivating travel at the end of this July.

During his trip, this content creator hailing from Colombia has explored over 30 cities and counties within the region, immersing himself in the authentic Xinjiang experience which he plans to share with the world.

"It turned out I was right to have the long trip in Xinjiang," he said. "I think there is no place other than Xinjiang that could have given me such a meaningful experience in China this year."

Fernando Munoz Bernal first set foot in China in 2000. Over the following two decades, he has run a successful language academy and is now a popular content creator, sharing videos on his YouTube channel FerMuBe.

He posts regularly about his life, work, and travel in China and provides insightful commentary on global current affairs. In 2011, he was recognized as a "resident of honor" by Dongguan city in south China's Guangdong Province.

Over the past 20-plus years, Fernando Munoz Bernal could never have envisioned the close association he would develop with the western regions of China. This remarkable bond took shape during his first visit to Xinjiang in 2021. "There were many rumors about Xinjiang so I wanted to find them out by myself," he said.

During his Xinjiang trip, he visited vibrant cities like Urumqi, Hotan, and Kashgar, gaining firsthand insights that starkly contrasted with the narratives propagated by Western media.

Fernando Munoz Bernal created compelling videos to debunk the unfounded claims against Xinjiang. Through his honest and eye-opening accounts, he said he aims to shed light on the real situation in the region.

His videos exposed lies that the Uygur language is not allowed to be taught in Xinjiang. Broadcasting in the Uygur language can be heard in taxis, and Uygur students in schools are learning the Uygur language. His video shows many Uygur people wearing traditional clothing in cities and villages and celebrating the Corban Festival, breaking lies of "cultural genocide" and "religious suppression".

"My 2021 trip was brief, so I decided to have a long one this year," he said. With his wife as a travel companion, they commenced their remarkable journey from Hami on April 9 this year.

Throughout their journey, they encountered a myriad of individuals, including tourists from various provinces, amiable locals representing diverse ethnic groups, and cheerful children. The abundance of diversity in Xinjiang left a lasting impression on him, and he was particularly moved by the warmth and friendliness exuded by the local people.

He said he freely explored the region and had candid interaction with the locals. "I talked to the children, to the parents, and to all kinds of people. And this is the most natural interaction that you can expect. Because nobody knows we are there, and nothing is prepared. And I think everything is the way they are naturally. This is the way they live. They are living peaceful, harmonious, and safe lives," he added.

His commitment to sharing truthful information about Xinjiang has brought him unexpected challenges. Some Western newspapers have launched unfounded attacks against him, and a few social media platforms have even removed his videos.

Nevertheless, he remains steadfast in his mission to present an accurate and unbiased view of Xinjiang's reality.

Fernando Munoz Bernal has now embraced a new ambitious goal: crafting knockout responses to every single attack on China and Xinjiang that he encounters on the internet.

Determined to counter misinformation and promote a fair portrayal, he seeks to present well-researched and compelling rebuttals to contribute to a more informed and nuanced global dialogue.

"Although the work is hard, I'm very confident since I have seen so much truth in China over the years," he said. "I will spare no effort to fulfill this goal."

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Wu Chaolan)
ISLAMABAD, July 28 (Xinhua) -- A tourists' van plunged into a ravine in Pakistan's northern Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) region on Friday, killing eight people while injuring at least nine others, rescue and government officials said.

The accident took place near the Babusar Pass area in the Diamer district of the GB region when the tourists' van tumbled off the road after colliding with a car, Shaukat Riaz, district coordinator of the state-run rescue organization Rescue 1122, told Xinhua.

After the unfortunate accident, the van caught fire, burning some of the passengers beyond recognition, he said, adding that women and children were among the victims.

The van was on its way to Gilgit city of the GB region from Sahiwal district of the South Asian country's east Punjab province when the accident happened, the official added.

Following the accident, rescue teams and local volunteers reached the site and retrieved bodies and the injured, and shifted them to a nearby hospital where several injured were in critical condition, police said. 
Secret Invasion director Ali Selim has reacted to the latest Marvel series mixed reviews.

The Disney+ series, which focused on the Kree-Skrull war storyline that was first introduced in 2019s Captain Marvel, came to an end on Wednesday (26 July).

Following its finale, the show broke an unfortunate Rotten Tomatoes record, earning a dismal critics score of just 10 per cent, making it the lowest-rated Marvel title of all time.

Over the course of its six-episode run, Secret Invasion frustrated fans by cruelly killing off a popular character and by revealing that one character was actually a shape-shifting alien  a twist that could change the way fans view certain scenes from past Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) films.

In a new interview with Variety, Selim  who also served as an executive producer  was asked how he felt about the shows reception.

Oh, I dont read reviews, he answered. With all due respect. For me, I view all the storytelling work I do as a dialogue with an audience.

When the show is finished and put up on the screen, thats my half of the dialogue. And the audience then starts their half of the response to it.

Cobie Smulders as Maria Hill and Samuel L Jackson as Nick Fury in Marvel Studios Secret Invasion (Des Willie/ 2023 MARVEL)

He continued: I dont feel bad about mixed reviews. If you had unanimously good reviews, every movie would gross $10 billion, trillion dollars, right? [Projects] resonate with different people at different times for different reasons, and Marvel has a very devoted  even rabid  fan base who have expectations and when their expectations arent fulfilled, they move in the other direction; they give it a thumbs down.

I dont know  is it our job to fulfill their expectations? Or to tell the story that were telling? So, its a tricky thing. I would love it if everybody loved it, but I also dont have that expectation myself, so I feel great about the response to it.

There were some saving graces for the series; fans of Emilia Clarke (Game of Thrones) were left feeling vindicated following a groundbreaking moment involving her character, Giah.

Story continues

Secret Invasion is led by Samuel L Jackson, who returns as Nick Fury, alongside Cobie Smulders, Don Cheadle, Ben Mendelsohn, Olivia Colman and Kingsley Ben-Adir.

Next on the MCU docket are Loki season two (6 October) and Echo (29 November), with Captain Marvel follow-up The Marvels set to be the final MCU film release of the year (10 November).

Next years releases, including Deadpool 3 and the Anthony Mackie-led Captain America: Brave New World, will most likely be delayed due to the ongoing actors and writers strike in Hollywood.
The Boston Police Department has updated its Most Wanted list.

Detectives are currently working to track down and arrest the following individuals:

Cristofanes Mendes -- Wanted on charges of larceny of a motor vehicle, reckless endangerment of a child

Lakeida Burris -- Wanted on a charge of animal cruelty

Maximilian Freddura -- Wanted on a charge of assault and battery on a public employee

Kevin Ryan -- Wanted on charges of assault with a dangerous weapon, threats, assault and battery, larceny under $1,200

Ahmed Imbrahim -- Wanted on charges of assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of class b, threats to do bodily harm

Stacia Jones -- Wanted on a charge of assault with a dangerous weapon

Anyone with information about the whereabouts of these individuals is asked to call CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1-800-494-TIPS or text the word TIP to CRIME (27463).

Calls or texts to CrimeStoppers are answered by police officers and trained personnel who forward the information to the appropriate investigators.

People who call the Boston Police Department do not have to reveal their identity to provide information about a crime.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
Sometimes it is difficult to serve in the Senate and run for president, too.

South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott missed a crucial vote Thursday evening on passing the National Defense Authorization Act because he was campaigning for president in Iowa.

The Senate passed the annual defense policy bill to authorize $886 billion in national defense spending, clearing the 60-vote threshold needed to pass the bill 86 to 11.

Scott, who has been a senator since 2013, left Washington early to attend a town hall event in Ankeny, Iowa, with the Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds. During the event, Scott took questions from audience members for nearly an hour to discuss his policy positions in the 2024 race.

"As Ranking Member of the Senate Banking Committee, Senator Scott successfully fought to secure critical wins for South Carolinians and the American people in this years NDAA, such as his FEND Off Fentanyl Act, amendment to address the Chinese militarys influence on U.S. higher education, John Lewis Fellowship Act, $2 billion to support South Carolina military installations and the Savannah River Site and more," Scott's Communications Director Katie Vincentz wrote in a statement Friday afternoon.

FILE - Republican presidential candidate Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., speaks during a town hall, May 8, 2023, in Manchester, N.H. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa, File) ORG XMIT: WX304

Support for Scott has been slowly beginning to rise among Republican voters as he is gaining traction as a preferred second-choice candidate, according to a recent national NBC News poll. Despite an onslaught of legal troubles, former President Donald Trump is the clear frontrunner for the 2024 Republican nomination.

During the campaign event in Iowa, Scott took aim at fellow GOP presidential hopeful Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis over the new Black history standards for Florida's public schools. DeSantis' changes to the curriculum suggest Black people who were enslaved developed skills that were applied for their personal benefit.

"There is no silver lining in slavery," Scott told reporters after the town hall in Iowa.

"What slavery was really about was separating families, about mutilating humans and even raping their wives," Scott added. "I would hope that every person in our country  and certainly running for president  would appreciate that."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Sen. Tim Scott misses NDAA Senate vote over 2024 campaign event
The News

The Senate wrapped up work on their version of the mammoth annual defense policy bill, the NDAA, late Thursday, passing it in a bipartisan vote. Heres a rundown of some of the more interesting items that did (and didnt) get hitched to the bill in the upper chamber. It will all need to be reconciled with the House, which passed its own bill in a partisan vote after adding provisions on hot-button issues like transgender healthcare, abortion, and diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.

Ukraine

Oversight of U.S. assistance to Ukraine wont get another boost, after the Senate defeated an amendment from Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky. that would have added Ukraine to the portfolio of the special inspector general for Afghanistan reconstruction. Another amendment from Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss. that would have established a new inspector general office to oversee Ukraine assistance also failed, albeit more narrowly.

China

The Senate easily approved an amendment that would require companies to disclose investments in national security sectors in China and other countries of concern, as well as another that would require the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States to scrutinize foreign purchases of U.S. businesses in the agriculture or biotechnology sectors.

An amendment from Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C.  a presidential candidate  would require the Treasury Department to report on gifts or grants to U.S. colleges and universities by Chinese companies on a department sanctions list.

AI

Senators expect to work toward more comprehensive legislation regulating artificial intelligence in the fall, but a few initial provisions were added to the defense bill as part of a managers amendment. As told by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, they would boost reporting on the use of AI in the financial services industry and set up a program to track down vulnerabilities in AI systems used by the Pentagon.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

The White House singled out some of its concerns with the bipartisan bill in a statement Thursday afternoon, without threatening a veto. The administration objected to provisions affecting the Pentagons diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, including those that would temporarily freeze hiring for these positions and limit the pay scale of DEI employees (pieces that were included in the bill before it hit the Senate floor).
Senate Republicans are rallying behind Sen. Mitt Romneys (R-Utah) call for Republican donors to refrain from giving money to long-shot presidential candidates once it becomes clear they cant win the GOP nomination.

GOP lawmakers who are deeply skeptical of former President Trumps chances of beating President Biden in next years general election are worried that long-shot candidates will stay in the race too long and siphon support away from more viable candidates.

They say the party needs to start winnowing the field earlier than it did in 2016 to help ensure the most electable nominee advances to the general election.

I think thats a pretty practical recommendation, Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) said. I think to have a large field is probably not going to help us win the White House back.

Cornyn told reporters in May that he didnt think Trump could win the general election, adding whats the most important thing for me is that we have a candidate who can actually win.

Senate Republican Policy Committee Chairwoman Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), who represents the state that will host the first contest of the 2024 primary, said if we want to win elections, we need to look toward the general election and making sure our candidates are strong and ready to go.

If people can start coalescing and getting the right candidate into place, that would be very helpful, she said.

Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), who has endorsed North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgums (R) presidential bid, said hes worried about fielding a competitive candidate in next years general election, reflecting the widespread view within the Senate GOP conference that Trumps polarizing effect on voters is a potential political liability.

Asked if Trump would be the strongest candidate in the general election, Cramer said as a primary voter, personally, I prefer picking somebody who I agree with and can win.

At the end of the day, theres no point endorsing somebody who cant win, he said. I wish we just move on to something normal and tap into the talent of 340 million Americans and see what else we can come up with.

Story continues

Romney argues that anti-Trump voters and donors waited too long in 2016 to coalesce behind a single alternative to Trump, splitting their support among several candidates and letting Trump cruise to the nomination.

He says next year fellow Republicans need to ramp up pressure on long-shot candidates to drop out if they fail to reach the front of the pack after the first primary contests in Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina.

Republican megadonors and influencers  large and small  are going to have to 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, Romney wrote in the Wall Street Journal Monday.

Romney told The Hill he targeted his op-ed at major Republican donors, who in the last competitive Republican presidential primary stuck with their favored candidates for too long, splitting up the support of GOP voters who didnt initially favor Trump.

A number of folks have sent me texts or emails saying, Hey, well done, I agree with you, he said. That was really aimed at large donors and hopefully they take that into stride.

Donors feel the loyalty to the candidate and the candidates want to stay in. Thats the nature of a politician, which is, Im going to fight to the end. Im not a quitter, he said.

Instead, Romney says donors need to intervene for the good of the party, telling long-shot White House hopefuls: No, no. Put that aside. Whats the right thing for the country, and your party?

Nonpartisan pollsters such as David Paleologos, the director of the political research center at Suffolk University, say the biggest challenge Republican rivals face in defeating Trump in next years primary is that they are splitting the anti-Trump vote a dozen ways.

Polls show Trump has a solid share of what Paleologos calls tier one voters who know with confidence which candidate they will back next year.

That means any candidate who would emerge as the leading alternative to Trump has to win over a large majority of tier two voters who are less certain about how they will vote in the primaries. The more candidates running, the tougher it would be for any one candidate to attract enough undecided voters to defeat Trump.

Trump is leading the rest of the Republican field by more than 30 percentage points in an average of recent national polls.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) has trended steadily downward in the polls since March 30 as others including entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) have gained more support.

The field also includes Burgum, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R), former Vice President Mike Pence, former Rep. Will Hurd (R-Texas), and former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R).

Romney says GOP donors need to start pushing weak candidates out of the race if they fail to gain traction by Feb. 26, a week before Super Tuesday, when 15 states will cast ballots for president.

The party nominating rules appear to favor Trump even more than 2016 because at least 17 states will allocate all of their delegates to the winner of its primary or caucus  giving a Trump a chance to rack up a huge lead in delegates even if he wins individual states with a plurality of the vote.

Senate Republican Whip John Thune (S.D.) thinks the Republican presidential primary field will start narrowing on its own as donor support begins to dry up for struggling candidates.

I think by then the fields going to naturally  narrow down. I think a lot of people are going to be out of money well before that date, he said of the Feb. 26 target set by Romney. In theory it would be nice if you could have some control about all that.

But Thune cautioned its hard to tell somebody they have to end their campaign.

Thune said it was a much bigger field in 2016 and the dynamics were different because Republicans were running for an open seat after President Barack Obamas two terms in office.

But he acknowledged that a lot of the people who are in the 2024 presidential primary are all folks who are wanting to be the anti-Trump.

If they want somebody to be the anti-Trump, then theyre probably going to have get behind somebody, drop out of the race and get behind somebody who actually has a shot, he said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The Senate approved its version of the annual military defense bill with bipartisan support Thursday in an 86 to 11 vote, granting authorization for $886 billion over the next year to bolster national defense right before its five-week August recess.

Just two weeks prior, the House approved its version of the bill, which incorporated several Republican amendments aimed at dismantling the Pentagon's abortion policy for servicemembers seeking procedures out of state and restricting transgender-affirming treatments.

"Whats happening in the Senate is a stark contrast to the partisan race to the bottom we saw in the House," Democratic New York Sen. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said Thursday on the floor. "They are throwing on the floor partisan legislation that has no chance of passingthe contrast is glaring."

Schumer added the Houses provisions likely wont make it into the final version of the bill, known as the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which has to be cemented before lawmakers leave for Christmas. President Biden also said Monday he would veto the House's bill if it passed the Senate.

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

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) speaks to reporters after a weekly policy luncheon with Senate Democrats at the U.S. Capitol Building on June 7, 2023 in Washington, D.C.

The development sets the stage for a forthcoming showdown in September with the GOP-led House as the two bodies strive to reconcile their differing policies into a single compromise bill.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Notably in the Senates passage of the policy, military personnel will see a 5.2% pay increase, $9.1 billion to foster competitiveness with China, investments in advancing military drone technology and $300 million aid to Ukraine.

UNLIKELY GROUP OF SENATE REPUBLICANS TEAM UP ON AMENDMENT TO AUDIT UKRAINE SPENDING IN DEFENSE BILL

The six Democratic senators who voted against the bill were Sens. Cory Booker, Ed Markey, Jeff Merkley, Elizabeth Warren, Peter Welch and Ron Wyden.

Across the aisle, four Republicans, Sens. Mike Braun, Mike Lee, Rand Paul and JD Vance, also opposed the package.

Story continues

The Senates bill avoids addressing the issues of abortion and transgender services. However, it does acknowledge the concerns expressed by Republicans regarding what they call an excessive influence of progressive policies within the Pentagon.

SENATE DEMOCRATS REJECT AMENDMENTS TO REINSTATE UNVACCINATED MILITARY MEMBERS, AUDIT UKRAINE AID

As such, Senate Republicans were able to get provisions in the policy that prevents mandating the inclusion of preferred pronouns on official correspondence, as well as a halt on diversity quota hires.

However, some Republican senators could not get enough support for some amendments, including Texas Sen. Ted Cruzs proposal to reinstate discharged military members who opted out of the COVID-19 vaccine.

"While there are a number of victories in this bill, Im disappointed that my AMERICANS Act, which would give service members dismissed from the military for expressing concerns over the COVID-19 vaccine the ability to seek reinstatement or a discharge status upgrade to restore some of their hard-earned benefits, was not included in the NDAA," Cruz said in a statement Thursday. "This shouldnt have been controversial."

Sen. Ted Cruz, a Republican from Texas, speaks during a Senate Rules and Administration Committee hearing in Washington, on Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2022.

TED CRUZ, REPUBLICANS EXPOSE WOKE CLIMATE INITIATIVES IN BIDEN'S BUDGET

Similarly, Wisconsin Sen. Roger Marshall's legislation, which sought to exclusively fly the American flag from federal buildings, also failed to garner the necessary backing.

Marshall tweeted Thursday regarding his failed amendment, "Sadly, weve seen an uptick in prioritizing political agendas over patriotism."

Sens. Josh Hawley, James Risch, Roger Wicker and John Kennedy also could not garner the necessary 60 votes needed for their amendment to create an exclusive office dedicated solely to oversee U.S. aid to Ukraine.

"Whether or not you support additional aid to Ukraine  and I dont  rigorous oversight of what weve already provided is common-sense," Hawley told Fox News Digital Thursday.
Senate negotiators cleared their last batch of government funding bills out of the Appropriations Committee for the first time in years Thursday, capping off weeks of consideration of billions of dollars in federal spending for most of 2024.

The Senate Appropriations Committee voted along bipartisan lines Thursday to send their final four spending bills to the floor, laying out major funding proposals for the Departments of Defense; Interior; Labor; Health and Human Services; Education; and Homeland Security, among other offices.

Theres more to do: we still have to get these bills passed through the full Senate, and House, and signed into lawand that is our focus moving forward, Sens. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine), chairwoman and vice-chairwoman of the committee, respectively, said in a joint statement.

However, what this committee has achieved over the last several weeks shows that it is possible for Congress to work together and work through real differencesto find common ground and produce serious, bipartisan bills that can be signed into law, they added.

The passage marks the first time since 2018 that the committee has passed all 12 annual appropriations bills. Since taking over the committee earlier this year, both Murray and Collins  the first two women ever to lead the panel  have vowed to work to return the panel to regular order.

The bills advanced out of committee Thursday totaled more than $1 trillion in proposed funding  a chunk of which is covered by the more than $830 billion in funding approved for the fiscal 2024 defense appropriations bill.

The Pentagon bill, which advanced in a 27-1 vote, paves the way for a pay raise of 5.2 percent for service members, funding increases for warfighter technologist efforts, and plus-ups spending beyond what President Biden requested earlier this year in areas including artificial intelligence, radar upgrades and communications equipment.

Story continues

Legislation advanced by the full committee to fund the Department of the Interior (DOI), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and related agencies for fiscal 2024 proposed more than $42 billion in total funding.

That included more than $15 billion in total funding for the DOI, including about $1.5 billion for the Bureau of Land Management, more than $1.8 billion for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and nearly $3.5 billion for the National Park Service. Appropriators also highlighted increases for the EPA, tribal programs at the DOI and the Indian Health Service.

Despite leading control of the committee, Democrats agreed to include the decades-old Hyde Amendment in its bill funding the Departments of Labor and Health and Human Services (HHS), despite the party notably forgoing the provision in its first bills last year.

The measure blocks people from using Medicaid or other federal health programs to cover abortion services and has become a major source of partisan conflict in spending over the years.

Its early inclusion this year, though already drawing criticism from advocates who accuse Democrats of backsliding, comes as the party is pushing for the Senate to take the lead in bicameral talks on appropriations with the House later this year.

The fiscal 2024 Labor-HHS appropriations bill calls for more than $224 billion in total funding, proposing more than $110 billion in discretionary funding for the HHS, more than $79 billion in discretionary funding for the Department of Education, as well as increases for Title I-A grants, the maximum Pell Grant award, early learning programs and the Mental Health Block Grant.

The committee also voted 24-4 to pass the fiscal 2024 Homeland Security appropriations bill, which proposes more than $61 billion in total discretionary funding. That also includes more than $700 million for the U.S. Customs & Border Protection that negotiators say is aimed at stopping the flow of fentanyl, more than $20 billion for the Disaster Relief Fund and a significant boost to Homeland Security Investigations.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The Senate passed its annual Pentagon policy bill in a blowout vote Thursday, setting up battle lines with a conservative version that narrowly cleared the Republican-led House this month.

The bipartisan 86-11 vote capped off two weeks of debate on the $886 billion bill that saw the upper chamber sidestep many of the culture war issues that House members approved largely along party lines.

Next, Senate and House leaders must iron out their differences and produce a compromise version of the annual National Defense Authorization Act that can win President Joe Bidens signature and continue a 62-year streak of the bill becoming law each year.

But the disagreements run deep in the competing bills. House Republicans passed a more partisan defense bill that includes provisions to undo the Pentagons abortion travel policy, block funding for surgeries and hormone therapy for transgender troops and limit diversity training and programs. All but four House Democrats opposed the final bill, which in other years has been bipartisan.

Those House actions were non-starters in the Senate, which is led by Democrats but still requires bipartisan support to pass bills.

Whats happening in the Senate is a stark contrast to the partisan race to the bottom we saw in the House, Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said. House Republicans are pushing partisan legislation that has zero chance of passing.

The conventional wisdom is that many of the most hardline provisions House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and Republicans packed into their bill to win conservative votes wont survive negotiations with the Senate.

Still, Senate Republicans scored some conservative wins in their version. The legislation prohibits the Pentagon from creating positions or filling vacancies related to diversity, equity and inclusion until the Government Accountability Office issues a report on the Pentagons workforce for those programs. It also caps the salaries for personnel who deal with diversity and inclusion issues.

Story continues

Republicans also won inclusion of language forcing the Pentagon to dispose of unused border wall materials and produce a roadmap to counter drug and human trafficking on the southern border.

In the runup to a final vote Thursday, the Senate did tackle some tough amendments. Democrats rebuffed a proposal from Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Kansas) that would have limited the specific flags that can be flown over military bases and other public buildings. Similar proposals have been criticized by Democrats because they would effectively ban the pride flag.

Bipartisan majorities also crushed, 11-88, an offering from Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) to slash the Pentagon budget by 10 percent.

The blowout vote on the overall bill Thursday strengthens the Senates hand in negotiations with House leaders. Armed Services committee staffers will begin sorting out differences over the August break followed by naming members of the House and Senate to a formal joint conference committee to come up with a compromise that can be approved by both chambers.

Negotiations are expected to be a tough slog. And if House Republicans cave on many of their hardline proposals, McCarthy could face a conservative mutiny.

Nobody on our side seriously believes the Democrat-controlled Senate, Democrat White House is going to accept those social policy provisions, House Armed Services Chair Mike Rogers (R-Ala.) said in an interview. We set down a marker that if you, the American people, give us 60 votes in the Senate and the White House, this is what we'll do. But we all know we only control one chamber.

But the differences between the parallel bills go well beyond social issues.

The House, for instance, included a GOP-led proposal to establish an inspector general to oversee the billions of dollars spent to assist Ukraine. But the Senate on Wednesday rejected a pair of Ukraine watchdog proposals, one from Senate Armed Services ranking Republican Roger Wicker of Mississippi and another from Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.).

The House bill also proposes shuttering the Pentagons Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation office, a move that wasnt endorsed by the Senate. While some lawmakers argue the office has infringed on congressional intent to build up the Navy, the administration has defended CAPE as a necessary safeguard for taxpayer funds against cost overruns.

The Senate bill, meanwhile, cracks the door to a potential new military service by directing an independent assessment of creating a Cyber Force.

In all, the legislation authorizes $844.3 billion for the Pentagon and $32.4 billion for the Energy Departments nuclear weapons programs.

The Senate bill authorizes $1.9 billion for a San Antonio-class amphibious warship that was left out of the Navys budget request but that Marine Corps has campaigned to buy. The move is in synch with House Armed Services, which also supported purchasing the extra ship.

The legislation includes a $300 million authorization for the Pentagon to continue arming Ukraine.

Senators matched the Pentagons $9.1 billion request for the Pacific Deterrence Initiative, a program aimed at boosting U.S. military presence in the region to deter China and train with regional allies.

The bill greenlights a 5.2 percent pay raise for military personnel.

The legislation also includes nonbinding language that warns the $886 billion national defense spending limit set by a recent debt ceiling deal isnt sufficient and urges Biden to request emergency supplemental funding for Ukraine, munitions production and other necessities.
Lawmakers in the U.S. Senate on Thursday night passed a largely bipartisan defense spending bill for fiscal year 2024. File Photo by Ken Cedeno/UPI

July 27 (UPI) -- Lawmakers in the U.S. Senate agreed Thursday night to an all-important and largely bipartisan defense spending bill that is expected to cause controversy in the House where far-right Republicans already passed their version of the legislation -- after stapling culture-war measures to it.

The National Defense Authorization Act, valued at some $886 billion, authorizes military spending for fiscal year 2024 and passed the Democrat-controlled U.S. Senate in a 86-11 vote with three lawmakers abstaining.

The U.S. Senate Committee on Armed Services, which penned the draft, celebrated its passing Thursday night while stating it included a record 121 amendments adopted.

"This forward-looking defense bill will go a long way toward keeping the American people safe, deterring conflict and confronting the national security threats we face," committee chairman Jack Reed, D-R.I., said in a statement right after the vote was held.

"Our bipartisan approach netted a major win for America's military men and women and their families."

Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I., chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Armed Services, described the bill he held draft as being "forward-looking" that will deter conflict. File Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI

The bill adds a 5.2% pay raise for military members and civilian workers in the Defense Department. It also includes measures for funding for the purchase of military equipment and personnel recruitment and the approval of an extension to the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative through fiscal year 2027.

And, it includes deterrents plainly targeting China.

Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said Thursday night that the U.S. House of Representatives should look to his congressional branch to learn to work in a bipartisan fashion. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI

The bill authorizes the budget request for the Pacific Deterrence Initiative; establishes the Indo-Pacific Campaign Initiative to increase U.S. military exercises, freedom of navigation operations and partner engagements in the region; and creates a program to train, advise and build capacity of the Taiwanese military to thwart a feared anticipated Beijing invasion of the self-governing island, among other deterrence measures.

Though hanging over its debate and passing Thursday is what is potentially awaiting it in the Republican-controlled House where GOP lawmakers narrowly passed its version of the legislation in a 219-210 party-line vote.

Story continues

Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., said he is "hopeful" that the House will be able to send their defense spending bill to the desk of President Joe Biden. Pool File Photo by Patrick Semansky/UPI

The House bill includes controversial amendments to prohibit the Department of Defense from funding abortion-related expenses for service members and block payments for transgender medical care.

It also stops federal funds from being used by military service academies for race or ethnicity quotas in the admissions process and blocks the Pentagon from implementing climate change executive orders signed by President Joe Biden.

During a press conference following the vote, Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., repeatedly contrasted his congressional branch's ability to come together in a bipartisan fashion to deliver for the American people to the political and divisive conflict submerging the House.

"We have a very divided country, we have a divided Congress but nonetheless we were able to come together and pass a bill overwhelming on one of the most important issues facing America, the defense bill," he said.

"It's a stark contrast to the House. The House oughta look to the bipartisan Senate as how to get things done instead of just throwing out partisan bills that have no chance, no chance of passing."

Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., said Congress is now presented with an opportunity to send a message to China and Russia by signing off on this appropriations bill, and that he is "hopeful" that by working with the House they can do just that.
WASHINGTON  The Senate on Thursday approved a measure that would, for the first time, give health care benefits and compensation to communities impacted by the test of the first atomic nuclear bomb in New Mexico.

The Trinity nuclear test is featured in Christopher Nolans latest hit movie Oppenheimer, which focuses on the life of physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer and his role in leading the Manhattan Project, a top-secret U.S. government program that began during World War II.

What the film doesnt mention, however, is the array of deadly cancers that afflicted people exposed to radiation who lived downwind in the area near Alamogordo, New Mexico, for decades afterward  many of whom were Native Americans and other people of color. The fallout traveled in a northern direction, affecting people as far away as Colorado, Idaho and Montana.

Millions of people across the country traveled to theaters this weekend to watch a blockbuster centered around this infamous day, but not enough people have focused on the collateral damage caused by our nations nuclear testing, New Mexico Sen. Ben Ray Lujan said Thursday in a speech on the Senate floor.

This aerial view of the atomic bomb testing site near Alamogordo, New Mexico, shows the shallow crater dug by the blast 300 feet around the tower from which the bomb hung. The sand in an area 2,400 feet around the tower was seared into jade green glasslike cinders. The area devastated by the bomb measures 4,800 feet in diameter, and the steel tower was entirely disintegrated.

This aerial view of the atomic bomb testing site near Alamogordo, New Mexico, shows the shallow crater dug by the blast 300 feet around the tower from which the bomb hung. The sand in an area 2,400 feet around the tower was seared into jade green glasslike cinders. The area devastated by the bomb measures 4,800 feet in diameter, and the steel tower was entirely disintegrated.

Lujan called attention to the consequences for his home state in a series of tweets posted last week ahead of the movie premiere, noting that thousands of victims and their family members continue to face health complications.

In 1990, Congress passed the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act, which compensated many communities affected by U.S. military nuclear explosions. The law excluded survivors of the Trinity test, however, and lawmakers and native tribes in New Mexico have been seeking to right that wrong ever since.

Story continues

Those families were not given any warning, any heads up, they saw a bright light, they saw ash fall on their clothing lines, but for some reason they were excluded as a county that should qualify for status. It makes zero sense, Lujan told HuffPost.

Working alongside Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Lujan sponsored an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act that would include previously excluded communities harmed by radiation from above-ground nuclear weapons testing, as well as uranium mining and nuclear waste storage in other states. It was adopted on Thursday in a bipartisan 61-37 vote.

Hawley, who was spotted whipping his GOP colleagues to vote for the measure in the well of the Senate chamber, credited Nolans film for raising awareness to an issue that has affected people in his state who lived near a Manhattan Project nuclear processing facility.

Robert Oppenheimer and General Leslie Groves (center) examine the twisted wreckage in Alamogordo, New Mexico, that is the only remains of a 100-foot tower, winch and shack that held the first nuclear weapon. On the far right is Victor Weisskopf, of the Manhattan Project's Theoretical Division.

Robert Oppenheimer and General Leslie Groves (center) examine the twisted wreckage in Alamogordo, New Mexico, that is the only remains of a 100-foot tower, winch and shack that held the first nuclear weapon. On the far right is Victor Weisskopf, of the Manhattan Project's Theoretical Division.

For us, its about getting some basic justice for the people in the St. Louis region who have gotten literally poisoned, Hawley said.

The Senate is expected to pass its version of the National Defense Authorization Act this week. The House already approved the bill earlier this month, though it included several partisan GOP amendments on hot-button social issues. The two sides will have to hash out their differences in a conference committee, including over the Senate amendment extending benefits to victims of nuclear tests.

Lujan said he hadnt yet watched Oppenheimer, so he couldnt weigh in as to its accuracy and its portrayal of how the nuclear testing affected the people of New Mexico.

I dont know that anyone can ever give this a fair shake, he said of the movie. You have to hear the stories of these families. Many of our brothers and sisters have since passed. Im hopeful that attention around the movie brings attention to this travesty because this deserves attention.

Related...
SEOUL, July 28 (Xinhua) -- South Korea on Friday protested against Japan's renewed territorial claims to the disputed islets lying halfway between the two countries, called Dokdo by South Korea and Takeshima by Japan.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement that the South Korean government strongly protests against the Japanese government's unjust repeated territorial claims to Dokdo, which is South Korea's own territory in terms of history, geography and international law.

The ministry urged Tokyo to immediately retract its territorial claims, which were made through Japan's 2023 defense white paper released earlier in the day.

The statement noted that South Korea makes it clear once again that Japan's unjust claims will not have any impact on South Korean sovereignty over Dokdo, saying that Seoul will firmly respond to any provocation over Dokdo.

It added that the Japanese government should be clearly aware that the repeated claims over Dokdo are of no help to build a future-oriented relationship between South Korea and Japan.

Since 2005, Japan has laid territorial claims to the rocky outcroppings every year in its diplomatic blue and defense white papers.

South Korea restored its sovereignty over Dokdo after the Korean Peninsula's liberation from the 1910-45 Japanese colonization. Seoul has since been in effective control of the islets, with a small police detachment deployed.

South Koreans see Japan's territorial claims to the islets as a denial of colonial history, as Dokdo was the very first territory that was forcibly occupied by Imperial Japan. 
DAKAR (Reuters) - Senegal opposition politician Ousmane Sonko, whose jail sentencing in June sparked violent protests, was detained on Friday following a scuffle with security forces stationed outside his home, his lawyers and the state prosecutor said.

Sonko, 49, said in a post on Friday on messaging platform X, formerly known as Twitter, that soldiers had filmed him with their phones on his way back from mosque prayers, prompting him to snatch one of the devices and ask them to delete the footage.

The Friday arrest is not linked to the two-year prison sentence Sonko was handed on June 1 for immoral behaviour towards individuals younger than 21.

The sentence cast doubts on his ability to run for president in elections next year. He denies wrongdoing and has yet to be taken to jail.

The case has triggered some of the worst unrest in Senegal's history, as hundreds of supporters have taken to the streets and clashed with security forces on several occasions since he was first detained in 2021.

Sonko boycotted court proceedings and has mainly stayed in his home in Dakar since the verdict, saying security forces stationed outside were preventing him from leaving.

The government said Sonko's outings were restricted because he was causing public disorder.

In his post on X after Friday's incident, Sonko added: "They seem to be trying to kick down the door" and called on his supporters to prepare for resistance.

Two of Sonko's lawyers later said their client was being questioned in police custody.

"They can either order his pre-trial detention or place him under judicial supervision," said Juan Branco, one of his lawyers.

The state prosecutor's office said Sonko had violently stolen the phone of a female officer whose vehicle had broken down in front of his home, and then used a "subversive message" to rally supporters.

"As a result, I have instructed police headquarters in Dakar to open investigations without delay for various types of offences and crimes," it said in a statement.

Small groups of protests broke out in some neighbourhoods in the capital, with some protesters blocking a thoroughfare, following the news of Sonko's arrest.

(Reporting by Sofia Christensen, Ngouda Dione and Diadie Ba; Writing by Sofia Christensen; Editing by Sandra Maler)
Another record-breaking downpour struck part of Broward, this time dropping more than 6 inches of rain at the airport, forcing flight cancellations and leaving some cars stalled out in flooded roadways.

Some residents  who were affected by the historic flooding in April that brought an unprecedented 26 inches of rain  not only worried about their homes potentially flooding, but also feared getting stranded on the drive home during Thursday nights rainfall. Theres a chance itll rain more this weekend.

Steve Werthman, of Hollywood, watched a river flow down the street in front of his home. His worried wife, who was driving home from work, was caught off guard. It caught her by surprise, Werthman said. She was scared. It causes worry when youre driving  you dont know where the deep areas are.

While he waited for her to arrive safely, he watched the water and literally it was flowing.

The National Weather Service had issued a flood watch Thursday for coastal and metro Broward and Palm Beach counties. The problems in Broward County late Thursday were concentrated around Dania Beach and Fort Lauderdale, the weather service said. At Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, there was 6.19 inches of water recorded, which was a daily record for that date, most of it occurring in the evening, said Chris Fisher, meteorologist.

That created delays and cancelations Thursday evening, said Celina Saucedo, assistant director of Aviation/Administration. Last night, we experienced some flooding which receded by 10 p.m., she said Friday. That also created lingering issues Friday morning including 11 cancellations and 78 flight delays.

Normal operations were expected to resume by the end of the day.

And in Hollywood, there was street flooding in several areas including Hollywood Lakes, Park Road in Hollywood Hills, and Lincoln Street in the North Central Neighborhood.

Story continues

Those were the areas where a few cars stalled out and where we deployed barricades, said Raelin Storey, Hollywoods assistant city manager. We also had additional pumps deployed in flood-prone areas throughout the city and that seems to have helped to clear the water quickly once it stopped raining. Gauges at two of our fire stations showed we received between 6 and 7 inches of rain (Thursday) afternoon into evening.

Related Articles

For Fort Lauderdale residents like Robin Martin, the deluge of water brought back memories of historic flooding in April. Five inches of dirty water had flooded his home, and his family has been displaced ever since, waiting for insurance money to begin repairs. His familys two cars were destroyed.

He said Friday he was planning on going back to check on his Edgewood house later in the day. And he was already worried.

Im afraid that its going to flood every time we have significant heavy rain, he said.

Fort Lauderdale Assistant City Manager Susan Grant said the city reported some isolated street flooding, all of which receded at various times during the night.

The National Weather Services Fisher said the flood watch was not expected to be extended again.

Rounds of repeated rain had caused the problems. The weekend calls for scattered thunderstorms and showers, a typical summertime pattern. He promises although there will be rain, it will be nothing like what we saw Thursday.

His agency is monitoring a few disturbances. The one with the greatest chance of developing into a problem is still well out in the Atlantic and that one has a 60% chance of developing over the next seven days. But as of right now, it will not (have any) impacts to South Florida.

Lisa J. Huriash can be reached at lhuriash@sunsentinel.com. Follow on Twitter @LisaHuriash
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) took to the floor Thursday to issue a defense of the Senate pages after a House Republican cursed at a number of them late Wednesday night.

Schumer said prior to passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that he was shocked by the actions of Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-Wis.). The lawmaker yelled multiple obscenities at pages, who are 16- and 17-year olds who assist Senate operations.

When the Senate works late  as it did Wednesday night on NDAA amendments  pages generally rest nearby in the rotunda.

I understand that late last night, a member of the House majority thought it appropriate to curse at some of these young people  these teenagers  in the rotunda. I was shocked when I heard about it, and I am further shocked at his refusal to apologize to these young people, Schumer said.

I cant speak for the House of Representatives, but I do not think that one members disrespect is shared by this body, by [Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.)] and myself.

Jackasses, little s: GOP congressman curses out teenage Senate pages

Schumer went on to thank the pages for their assistance, and senators proceeded to give them a standing ovation.

McConnell agreed with Schumers defense of the pages, saying afterward on the floor that he would like to associate myself with the remarks of the majority leader.

Everybody on this side of the aisle feels exactly the same way, McConnell said.

According to a transcript written by a page minutes after the incident and obtained by The Hill, Van Orden called the pages jackasses and pieces of s, and told them he didnt give a f who you are.

Wake the f up you little s.  What the f are you all doing? Get the f out of here. You are defiling the space you [pieces of s], Van Orden said, according to the account provided by the page.

Who the f are you? Van Orden asked, to which one person said they were Senate pages. I dont give a f who you are, get out.

Story continues

You jackasses, get out, he added.

Van Orden has defended his actions.

The history of the United States Capitol Rotunda, that during the Civil War it was used as a field hospital and countless Union soldiers died on that floor, and they died because they were fighting the Civil War to end slavery. And I think that place should be treated with a tremendous amount of respect for the dead, he said.

If anyone had been laying a series of graves in Arlington National Cemetery, what do you think people would say?

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The White House said that Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu visited North Korea amid the Kremlin's difficulties in acquiring weapons.

Source: Voice of America citing John Kirby, National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications at the White House

Quote: "Its been no secret ... Mr Putin is reaching out to other countries for help and support in fighting his war in Ukraine. And that includes, we know, some outreach to the DPRK ."

Details: Kirby recalled that North Korea supports the Kremlin in the war against Ukraine and supplies weapons, including anti-personnel missiles and shells.

North Korean state media reported Shoigu's arrival on Thursday. In particular, Russian minister accompanied North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to an arms exhibition where North Korean ballistic missiles with nuclear warheads were presented.

Shoigu's visit was the first visit of a Russian defence minister to North Korea since the collapse of the USSR.

Background:

In June, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un promised to "hold hands" with Russian President Vladimir Putin and enhance strategic cooperation for the sake of a common goal: building a powerful country.

North Korea is seeking closer ties with the Kremlin and supported Moscow after it invaded Ukraine last year, blaming it for the "hegemonic policies" and "high-handedness" of the US and the West.

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!
Virginia State Police are investigating a Friday morning shooting at a major highway interchange in Chesapeake, causing heavy delays for some travelers.

Chesapeake police responded to the junction where Dominion Boulevard, the Chesapeake Expressway, Interstate 64 and I-464 converge at about 9:50 a.m., state police said in a news release. The call was in reference to a shooting  involving a single vehicle that had struck several other vehicles.

Its unclear whether anyone was injured in the wrecks or the shooting. A state police spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

As of 12:45 p.m. Friday, traffic heading toward the interchange on I-64 East was backed up past Battlefield Boulevard. The Route 168 Chesapeake Expressway is a major thoroughfare for those traveling to the Outer Banks from points north.

A state police spokesperson said in the news release that the situation is fluid, and updates will be forthcoming.

No further information has been made available. The states Bureau of Criminal Investigation has also responded to the scene.

This is a developing story. Check PilotOnline.com for updates.

Gavin Stone, 757-712-4806, gavin.stone@virginiamedia.com
Someone fired shots into a northwest Charlotte home just 10 days after police said a woman killed another woman inside.

Police are trying to determine if the two cases are connected.

The home at the center of the cases is on Porter Street off Morgan Street. Channel 9s Almiya White spoke with several neighbors Friday. Many didnt want to speak on camera out of fear for their safety, but some said theyve considered moving with the recent act of violence.

PREVIOUS: CMPD investigating homicide in northwest Charlotte

Eunice Thomas lives in the historic Hoskins neighborhood in northwest Charlotte, one street over from where Thursday nights shooting took place.

That was kind of a shock to us, she said.

According to a police report, someone shot into the home just after 2 a.m. Thursday.

10 days ago, police said a woman shot and killed another woman inside the same home. Thomas said she was driving out of the neighborhood at the time.

I heard light pop, pop and -- I guess because that was indoors -- so I didnt think anything of it, she said.

I saw all of the police and said Oh my God, someone got hurt. Someone actually got hurt, she added.

ALSO READ: Man killed, another hurt in Rock Hill shooting; 1 arrested, police say

Thomas volunteers with the neighborhood watch group. She said the recent gun violence is unusual for the area.

It hasnt been as many shootings as it used to be, she added. This summer, its been pretty quiet up until now. I worry about bringing the children out. Random shooting happens, and unfortunately, somebody gets hit by mistake.

Thomas said its even crossed her mind to move from the neighborhood shes called home for the last 10 years.

But at the same time, where do you go? Because its actually happening everywhere, she said.

All I can say is please stop the violence, man. Its so much more to live for. Nobodys important enough to take somebody elses life.

Channel 9 is working to learn more about Thursday nights shooting, including whether the two cases are connected.

(WATCH BELOW: One injured in shooting in northwest Charlotte, MEDIC says)
[Source]

A woman caught with narcotics in Singapore in 2018 was executed on Friday, making her the first woman the city-state has punished with the death penalty since 2004.

Capital punishment: Saridewi Binte Djamani, 45, was executed by hanging on Friday, Singapores Central Narcotics Bureau announced in a news release.

The bureau noted that the woman was accorded full due process under the law and was represented by legal counsel throughout the process as the government faced an outcry from human rights activists against the decision.

What happened: Saridewi was convicted after being caught with 30.72 grams (approximately 1.08 ounces) of diamorphine, or pure heroin, in 2018. The bureau noted that under the Misuse of Drugs Act, anyone caught with more than 15 grams of heroin will be subjected to the death penalty.

More from NextShark: British Market Tesco Accused of Refusing to Sell to Man Because He's Asian

The amount Saridewi had at the time of her arrest was more than twice that amount, and is sufficient to feed the addiction of about 370 abusers for a week, the bureau added.

Arrested and charged: The woman was arrested at her HDB flat in Singapore on June 17, 2016, during an operation launched by the bureau.

At her hearing on Sept. 20, 2018, during which she was sentenced to death, Saridewi reportedly did not deny selling drugs from her apartment and told the court that she was suffering from persistent depressive disorder and severe substance use disorder.

More from NextShark: US top high school hid over 1,200 students academic achievement in the name of equity

The outcry from activists: The execution was carried out despite several activist groups, including the Global Commission on Drug Policy, the International Federation for Human Rights and Amnesty International, urging the Singaporean government to halt its decision.

Activists argued that Singapores drug-related crime prevention  the death penalty  only affects the vulnerable and marginalized in the community, adding that some prisoners allegedly end up representing themselves because they cannot access lawyers.

Story continues

Michel Kazatchkine, a member of the Global Commission on Drug Policy, called the recent execution distressing and shocking, adding, This is fundamentally a violation of international human rights law because it is a disproportionate punishment.

More from NextShark: First ladies Jill Biden and Yuko Kishida plant sakura tree to mark US-Japan friendship

Other executions: Saridewi, the first woman executed in Singapore since 2004s Yen May Woen, a 36-year-old hairdresser, was the second person executed this week and the 15th since Singapore resumed executions in March 2022.

Some of the other recently reported executions carried out by Singapore include those of Nagaenthran Dharmalingam and Tangaraju Suppiah.

More from NextShark: Olympic gold medalist Chloe Kim can now add 'fashion designer' to her resume
Singapore has executed 15 people for drug offences so far this year after taking a two-year pause during the Covid-19 pandemic (Roslan RAHMAN)

Singapore on Friday hanged a 45-year-old citizen for drug trafficking, the city-state's first execution of a woman in nearly 20 years, officials said.

The execution was carried out despite appeals from rights groups, who argue capital punishment has no proven deterrent effect on crime.

"The capital sentence of death imposed on Saridewi Binte Djamani was carried out on 28 July 2023," the Central Narcotics Bureau said in a statement.

She was convicted of trafficking "not less than 30.72 grams" of heroin, more than twice the volume that merits the death penalty in Singapore.

Djamani, who was sentenced in 2018, "was accorded full due process under the law, and was represented by legal counsel throughout the process," the bureau said.

"She appealed against her conviction and sentence, and the Court of Appeal dismissed her appeal on 6 October 2022," the bureau said, adding that her plea for presidential clemency was also rejected.

Djamani is the first woman to be executed in the city-state since 2004, when Yen May Woen was hanged for drug trafficking, the Singapore Prison Service told AFP in an email.

Yen was a 36-year-old hairdresser, according to media reports.

Djamani on Friday became the 15th prisoner sent to the gallows since the government resumed executions in March 2022 after a two-year pause during the Covid-19 pandemic.

A local man, Mohd Aziz bin Hussain, 57, was hanged on Wednesday for trafficking about 50 grams of heroin.

-'Tragic spotlight-

Local rights group Transformative Justice Collective said Friday it had confirmed that another drug convict on death row has been scheduled for execution on August 3.

It identified the convict as a Singaporean man who worked as a delivery driver before his arrest in 2016. He was convicted in 2019 of trafficking around 50 grams of heroin.

"This week has cast a harsh and tragic spotlight on the complete lack of death penalty reform in Singapore," said Amnesty International's death penalty expert Chiara Sangiorgio

Story continues

"As most of the world turns its back on this cruel punishment, Singapores government continues down the path of executing people for drug-related crimes, violating international human rights law and standards."

Singapore, a wealthy regional financial centre, insists the death penalty has helped make it one of Asia's safest countries.

The city-state has some of the world's toughest anti-drug laws -- trafficking more than 500 grams of cannabis or over 15 grams of heroin can result in the death penalty.

Amnesty and other rights groups urged the government to halt the executions this week, saying there was no evidence the death penalty acted as a deterrent to crime.

"This is the fourth execution this year and there will be another one next week. It's horrible for the families and worrying for other death row inmates," Singaporean rights activist Kirsten Han told AFP.

There "is no sign of the government wanting to give an inch," she added.

Billionaire Richard Branson on Thursday urged Singapore to "grant mercy" to Djamani and stop her execution.

Singapore is among four countries - along with China, Iran and Saudi Arabia - confirmed to have executed prisoners for drug-related offenses last year, Amnesty said.

cla-mba/cwl
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP)  Singapore conducted its first execution of a woman in 19 years on Friday and its second hanging this week for drug trafficking despite calls for the city-state to cease capital punishment for drug-related crimes.

Activists said another execution is planned next week.

Saridewi Djamani, 45, was sentenced to death in 2018 for trafficking about 31 grams (1 ounce) of diamorphine, or pure heroin, the Central Narcotics Bureau said. It 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 (17.6 ounces) of cannabis and 15 grams (0.5 ounces) of heroin.

Djamanis execution came two days after that of a Singaporean man, Mohammed Aziz Hussain, 56, for trafficking around 50 grams (1.7 ounces) of heroin.

The narcotics bureau said both prisoners were accorded due process, including appeals of their convictions and sentences and petitions for presidential clemency.

Human rights groups, international activists and the United Nations 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 which 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 of trafficking around 50 grams (1.7 ounces) of heroin and his appeal was dismissed last year, it said.

Story continues

The group said the man had maintained in his trial that he believed he was delivering contraband cigarettes for a friend to whom he owed money, and he didn't verify the contents of the bag as he trusted his friend.

The High Court judge ruled that their ties weren't close enough to warrant the kind of trust he claimed to have had for his friend. Although the court found he was merely a courier, the man still had to be given the mandatory death penalty because prosecutors didn't issue him a certificate of having cooperated with them, it said.

But how could he have cooperated if, as he told the police and the court, he had not even been aware that he was being used to deliver heroin? the group said on Facebook.

The group said it 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 punishes 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.
PHOTO IAN JONES/SINGAPORE CHANGI/TANAH MERAH PRISON WHERE NICK LEESON IS BEING HELD - Singapore hangs first woman in almost 20 years

Authorities in Singapore have hanged a 45-year-old for drug trafficking, in the city-states first execution of a woman in nearly 20 years, officials said.

The execution was carried out despite appeals from rights groups, who argue capital punishment has no proven deterrent effect on crime.

The capital sentence of death imposed on Saridewi Binte Djamani was carried out on 28 July 2023, the Central Narcotics Bureau said in a statement.

She was convicted of trafficking not less than 30.72 grams of heroin, more than twice the volume that merits the death penalty in Singapore.

Djamani, who was sentenced in 2018, was accorded full due process under the law, and was represented by legal counsel throughout the process, the bureau said.

She appealed against her conviction and sentence, and the Court of Appeal dismissed her appeal on 6 October 2022, the bureau said, adding that her plea for presidential clemency was also rejected.

Her execution went ahead despite appeals to halt it from Sir Richard Branson.

Harsh and tragic

Djamani is the first woman to be executed in the city-state since 2004, when Yen May Woen was hanged for drug trafficking.

Djamani on Friday became the 15th prisoner sent to the gallows since the government resumed executions in March 2022 after a two-year pause during the Covid-19 pandemic.

A local man, Mohd Aziz bin Hussain, 57, was hanged on Wednesday for trafficking about 50 grams of heroin.

Local rights group Transformative Justice Collective said Friday it had confirmed that another drug convict on death row has been scheduled for execution on August 3.

It identified the convict as a Singaporean man who worked as a delivery driver before his arrest in 2016. He was convicted in 2019 of trafficking around 50 grams of heroin.

This week has cast a harsh and tragic spotlight on the complete lack of death penalty reform in Singapore, said Amnesty Internationals death penalty expert Chiara Sangiorgio.

As most of the world turns its back on this cruel punishment, Singapores government continues down the path of executing people for drug-related crimes, violating international human rights law and standards.

Story continues

Singapore, a wealthy regional financial centre, insists the death penalty has helped make it one of Asias safest countries.

The city-state has some of the worlds toughest anti-drug laws - trafficking more than 500 grams of cannabis or over 15 grams of heroin can result in the death penalty.

Amnesty and other rights groups urged the government to halt the executions this week, saying there was no evidence the death penalty acted as a deterrent to crime.

Singapore is among four countries - along with China, Iran and Saudi Arabia - confirmed to have executed prisoners for drug-related offences last year, Amnesty said.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer.
KUALA LUMPUR, July 28 (Xinhua) -- The purchase of the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High Speed Rail (KL-SG HSR) project request for information (RFI) documents has been extended throughout the concept proposal stage, due to overwhelming response and requests from industry players.

MyHSR Corporation Sdn Bhd (MyHSR Corp), a company owned by the Malaysian government, said in a statement on Friday that interested firms and consortia may purchase the RFI Documents from now until Nov. 15, which is the closing date for the submission of concept proposals for the KL-SG HSR project.

To date, close to 30 local and international firms have registered to purchase the RFI documents.

MyHSR Corp said the firm is encouraged by the positive response from the industry players.

It said more than 700 local and foreign participants, representing the full spectrum of the HSR project, attended the KL-SG HSR RFI briefing in Malaysia on Thursday.

In addition to representatives from Malaysian companies, it said the RFI briefing was also attended by representatives of industry players from the Britain, Spain, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Australia, China, South Korea, Japan, Thailand and Singapore.

Earlier this month, MyHSR Corp announced that it is seeking concept proposals from local and international firms and consortiums to reactivate KL-SG HSR project.

The cross-border HSR project was terminated in January 2021 due to Malaysia and Singapore being unable to reach an agreement.

The 350-km high-speed railway, which includes 335 km within Malaysia and 15 km in Singapore, had been scheduled to be completed by 2026, cutting travel time between Malaysia's capital Kuala Lumpur and Singapore to 90 minutes. 
Trucks transport ash from incinerated garbage on Pulau Semakau island, which serves as Singapore's offshore landfill (Roslan RAHMAN)

Visitors to the island hosting Singapore's only landfill might expect foul odours and swarms of flies, but instead they are greeted with stunning views of blue waters, lush greenery and wildlife.

Welcome to Pulau Semakau, the land-scarce city's eco-friendly trash island, where ash from the incinerated garbage of its nearly six million people is dumped.

With just over a decade to go until the site is projected to be filled, the government is in a race against time to extend the lifespan of the island landfill, so serene it has earned the moniker "Garbage of Eden".

"This is the only landfill in Singapore, and due to the small area and the competing land needs, it is difficult to find another location," Desmond Lee, the landfill manager at the National Environment Agency (NEA), which oversees the island, tells AFP.

"It is imperative that we continue to use the Semakau landfill for as long as possible, and if possible extend its life beyond 2035," he says.

- 'Massive waste -

Singapore generated 7.4 million tonnes of waste last year, of which about 4.2 million tonnes, or 57 percent, was recycled.

Plastics remain a sticking point for the islands waste drive, with just 6 percent recycled last year. Food waste, of which 18 percent was recycled, also poses a problem.

Environmental group Greenpeace criticised the city-state for producing a "massive" amount of waste for its size.

In 2019, the government launched a "zero-waste" campaign seeking to boost the amount of recycled waste to 70 percent and slash the amount of trash dumped at Semakau by 30 percent before the end of the decade.

Roughly the size of New York City, Singapore has carefully managed its rapid growth in recent decades to avoid the problems faced by other fast-developing Asian metropolises, such as overcrowding and undisposed garbage.

The government built the offshore landfill after an inland waste depot began running out of space in the early 1990s.

Story continues

Engineers merged Semakau -- whose residents had earlier been resettled to the mainland -- with the nearby island of Pulau Sakeng.

A seven-kilometre (four-mile) perimeter bund was constructed to enclose part of the open sea between the two islands and create space for the landfill, which began operating in 1999.

- Pollution risks -

With Singapores population growing steadily, authorities were forced to roll out bold, space-saving solutions.

Incinerators were deployed to burn non-recyclable waste, before authorities shipped the ash to Semakau on a covered barge.

But the practice of burning the rubbish has been criticised by environmental groups for its pollution.

"The process results in pollution in each of its phases -- from waste hauling to managing air emissions and residues," Abigail Aguilar, Greenpeace's anti-plastics campaigner for Southeast Asia, told AFP.

"While aesthetically it might be appealing, the landfill still contains waste that could potentially leak," said Aguilar.

The NEA has said its incineration plants are fitted with treatment systems that clean the gas before they are released into the atmosphere.

It added that the landfill had been lined with an impermeable membrane and marine clay to contain any potential pollution within the site, and the water is tested regularly for leakage.

- Eco island -

There could still be more use for Singapore's garbage island, with plans to build solar farms and also to turn ash from the landfill into road construction materials.

After the barge docks on Semakau, earthmovers scoop the ash and load them onto giant yellow tipper trucks for the trip to the landfill, which has been subdivided into sections.

As each pit is progressively filled up over the years, the area is covered with soil, allowing for the growth of natural vegetation.

Mangrove forests have also been planted, making the island verdant and attracting wildlife.

During a recent visit by an AFP team, a couple of brahminy kites were seen swooping down on the water to catch fish, while a white-bellied sea eagle circled above.

Red-wattled lapwings made bird calls on the edge of a mangrove patch and little terns manoeuvred above a filled-up pit.

A family of grebes swam on a pond, its dike lined with coconut trees.

mba/mca/cwl
Two people have been charged in connection with a fatal shooting in Arroyo Grande, the San Luis Obispo Sheriffs Office said in a news release. The agency said the two lied about the shooting taking place during a road rage incident.

On Nov. 4, sheriffs deputies responded to a report of a man who arrived at the Arroyo Grande Community Hospital with a gunshot wound.

The victim, 28-year-old Arroyo Grande resident Alexander Montero Pille, died in the hospital, the release said.

Three people were present with Pille at the hospital: Oceano residents Daniel Jacobo, 22, and Alexis Tapiapille, 21, along with 21-year-old Marc Anthony Ramos Perez, who is from Mexico.

The three told deputies at the hospital that the shooting was related to a road rage incident on Los Berros Road, the release said, but investigators now believe that is not the case.

According to a news release from the time of the shooting, witnesses, presumably Jacobo, Tapiapille and Ramos Perez, told investigators Pille was shot during a physical fight between him and unknown occupants of another vehicle.

Detectives learned Jacobo, Tapiapille and Ramos Perez were in the same vehicle as Pille near the Lopez Lake area of rural Arroyo Grande when the shooting took place.

Jacobo was already in custody at the San Luis Obispo County Jail on a unrelated drive-by shooting case, the release said, and has now been charged by the San Luis Obispo County District Attorneys Office with manslaughter, using a firearm in the commission of a felony and making a false crime report.

Jacobo does not appear to be in custody currently, according to the Sheriffs Offices online database.

Tapiapille is out of custody on an unrelated case, the release said. She is awaiting arraignment on her new charges related to this case: accessory to a crime and filing a false crime report.

Ramos Perez is still outstanding, the release said, but is expected to be charged with the same crimes as Tapiapille.
A San Luis Obispo motel could be converted into affordable housing within the next year provided the state government approves $18 million in funding.

The city of San Luis Obispo and nonprofit affordable housing developer Peoples Self-Help Housing hope to use money from the California Department of Housing and Community Developments Project Homekey program to transform the Motel 6, located at 1665 Calle Joaquin, into 75 affordable housing units, according to Peoples Self-Help Housing CEO Ken Triguiero said.

The San Luis Obispo City Council first discussed applying for the state funds along with Peoples Self-Help Housing in April.

On Monday, the council unanimously approved a resolution authorizing the the application at a special meeting.

Peoples Self-Help Housing is set to submit the application by the July 28 application deadline, Triguiero said.

The final round of Project Homekey grant recipients will be announced this fall.

Converting a Motel 6 into affordable housing is quicker than the normal process that takes years and years and years, Triguiero said. Money and not much time are usually our biggest obstacles, so this addresses both of those constraints normally.

Heres what to expect from the potential development.

Peoples Self-Help Housing wants to convert t.he Motel 6 at 1665 Calle Joaquin in San Luis Obispo into 75 affordable housing units.

Converting SLO motel could help homeless families, youth

The city and Peoples Self Help Housing are seeking funding from a pool of $736 million in Project Homekey grants, which are intended to rehabilitate or lease buildings to individuals and families experiencing or at risk of falling into homelessness, according to Project Homekeys website.

The Peoples Self-Help Housing project is not the first nonprofit to apply for Project Homekey funding in San Luis Obispo County.

In 2021, the El Camino Homeless Organization, Housing Authority of San Luis Obispo County and Peoples Self-Help Housing used $14 million in Project Homekey funding to convert a Motel 6 on Riverside Avenue in Paso Robles into 60 units of affordable housing.

Story continues

Triguiero said the San Luis Obispo Motel 6 project would primarily serve families as well as youth ages 18 to 24  two populations that have shown a recent increase in requests for housing assistance.

Five units would be set aside for families, while 30 studio apartments would be designated for homeless or at-risk youth, San Luis Obispo housing policy and programs manager Teresa McClish said during Mondays City Council meeting.

Another 20 studios would be reserved for chronically homeless individuals, and 20 studios would be set aside for formerly homeless individuals, McClish said.

Even if youve got close to it is needed. Not enough units are available, Triguiero said. The floor keeps rising, and peoples incomes are getting not rising enough.

Like tenants at most Peoples Self-Help Housing projects, tenants at the converted San Luis Obispo motel would pay rent not exceeding 30% of their monthly income, Triguiero said.

Before it can be used as a permanent supportive housing facility, the motel would need some retrofitting, Triguiero said, such as bringing the units up to code and expanding some rooms to accommodate families.

However, because the core structure is already in place, renovations would likely be complete by the end of 2024, Triguiero said.

Trigueiro said the facility would need a support staff, case managers and an on-property manager.

If the city and Peoples Self-Help Housing receive Project HomeKey funding, that means the state is really wanting this program to be executed pretty quickly, Triguiero said, so we would be able to close on the purchase of of the property before the end of this year.

Proposed affordable housing project could get other funding

Peoples Self-Help Housings application for $13.3 million in Project Homekey funding will be supplemented by several other sources of funding.

As part of Mondays resolution, the city of San Luis Obispo will allocate $400,000 of matching affordable housing funds for the project, McClish said.

If the grant application is approved, San Luis Obispo County will commit $2.6 million in capital and operational funding to the project, McClish said

The Balay Ko Foundation, a Los Angeles-based private donor, will also provide $800,000 in gap funding for the project, McClish said.

Project-based vouchers  which keep units affordable long-term  will be provided for the project by HASLO, McClish said.

Were fairly confident that well be able to get the money that we need, Triguiero said at Mondays meeting. Well have a short-term plan and a long-term plan to go after sources that we really want to use to take care of additional needs and wishlist (items) after that.
Snoop Dogg is the latest celeb to jump in to help a 93 year old who is currently in a legal battle over her familys land in South Carolina. The rapper has made a $10,000 donation to help Josephine Wright keep the home she has lived in for decades.

Josephine Wrights Assistance

Last week, Snoop Dogg reposted a screenshot of Wrights GoFundMe page on his Instagram, noting in the caption that he stands with her during her battle. Now, he has gone further in his efforts by not only standing in solidarity with her but also by donating to the crowdfund set up to support her. CNN confirmed the news with a rep for the rapper.

I did it from the heart, he told the outlet in a statement. She reminds me of my mother and grandmother.

Tyler Perry is also among those who have offered support to Wright. The filmmaker shared Wrights story on his Instagram page and pledged his support. In the caption, he wrote, Ms. Wright, please tell [me] where to show up and what you need to help you fight?

In May, local news outlet WSAV broke the news of Wrights battle. Her family has owned the Hilton-Head property since the Civil War and developers are now suing her over it.

Bailey Point Investment Group is suing Wright the land her home sits on which they want to develop. Court documents show the Georgia-based company is suing for encroachment and wants to build on and around the property.

Wright filed a countersuit in late June alleging a constant barrage of tactics of intimidation, harassment, trespass, to include this litigation in an effort to force her to sell her property.

Civil right Attorney Bakari Sellers called the case the true epitome of David verse Goliath.

The post Snoop Dogg Donates $10k to Woman at Risk of Losing Home appeared first on 21Ninety.
Milla Sofia looks like your average influencer. Shes 19 years old, blond and has almost 100,000 followers on TikTok. The twist is that she doesnt actually exist.

Sofia may claim to be from Finland and post bikini pictures from trips to Greece and Bora Bora, but shes actually a virtual influencer and fashion model generated by artificial intelligence.

Join me on this exhilarating journey as we delve into the captivating fusion of cutting-edge technology and timeless elegance, reads Sofias website. Lets embark together on an exploration of the intriguing intersection of fashion, technology, and boundless creativity.

Sofia isnt new  her first Instagram post and TikTok upload both date back to November 2022. The content hasnt changed much, although the realism of the images has improved in recent months.

Left: Sofias first post, from November 2022. Right: Sofias most recent post, from July. (Milla Sofia via Instagram)

Whoever runs Sofias accounts isnt trying to hide the fact that shes an AI creation. There are TikToks of Sofia and Elon Musk, Sofia showing off her office outfit wearing a lace bra and a blazer, and even a post where Sofia asks What are your favorite hashtags for searching images? The captions remind viewers the photos are synthetic images. Eagle-eyed viewers will also spot the telltale sign of AI-generated photos: messed-up fingers.

Im always on the grind, learning and evolving through fancy algorithms and data analysis, Sofias website continues. Ive got this massive knowledge base programmed into me, keeping me in the loop with the latest fashion trends, industry insights, and all the technological advancements.

Its not clear who is running Sofias accounts or what AI program created her. Its also not clear whether some of her thousands of followers fully understand that shes not real.

Her comment sections on videos and posts are filled with heart-eyes emojis and compliments. Some people seem to genuinely answer her questions  Blue or pink bikini?  while some act like they know her personally, posting comments like Thank you for sending me your beautiful photo to wake up to!!!!

Story continues

Its a puzzling new turn in the road to AI content, Futurism reporter Victor Tangermann writes. While deepfake porn has proliferated online, the allure of influencers is arguably more complex. If we follow human influencers for a parasocial taste of a glamorous lifestyle, why would we follow a bot instead?

Aside from Sofias bikini-clad pictures, shes otherwise not overtly suggestive in her posts. Some virtual influencers play into this, like Lu Xu, who is described as an AI model and waifu and has more exaggerated features.

But sex doesnt necessarily sell with AI influencers. A 2021 report found that AI-created influencer Rozy, who was created by South Korean company Sidus Studio X in August 2020, secured over 100 sponsorships and endorsements from brands during her first year of existence on Instagram.

These days, celebrities are sometimes withdrawn because of school, violence, scandals, or bullying controversies, Sidus CEO Baek Seung Yeop said in a press release celebrating Rozys success. Virtual humans have zero scandals to worry about.

Rozy and Sofia also never age, can go anywhere and do anything, and provide their work in less time than a human would and, depending on how monetization works for virtual influencers, for much less money.

Were moving into a new phase of online presence

With the rise in AI-generated influencers, virtual girlfriends and VTubers, more and more online figures are molding identities specific to the internet. Successful online figures like Sofia and VTuber Dacapo suggest that audiences are moving away from confessional YouTube channels or personal social media posts.

When it comes to advertising too, a study found that 84% of Gen Z members interviewed didnt trust influencers for product recommendations. But at the same time, 79% of Gen Z interviewees said their shopping habits and decisions were informed by social media.

The dark side of virtual influencers

In May, a Snapchat influencer named Caryn Marjorie built an AI version of herself to operate as a virtual girlfriend for $1 a minute. She thought it would help cure loneliness. Users could have private and personalized conversations for as long as they wanted with CarynAI.

According to a Fortune report, CarynAI made over $71,000 in revenue after one week of beta testing.

CarynAI wasnt supposed to participate in explicit conversations, but users figured out it would if prompted. Marjorie issued a statement saying the AI has seemed to go rogue.

A similar incident happened with the AI company Replika, which was also designed to be a supportive chat for people but quickly evolved into having erotic role-play with users.

As were continuing to work on the app, now, we realized that allowing access to those unfiltered models, its just hard to make that experience really safe for everyone, founder and CEO Eugenia Kuyda said in a statement.

This raises its own questions about the relationship between fans and online influencers (particularly women  notice that AI companies arent blasting resources into virtual boyfriends based on male internet personalities), Thom Waite wrote for Dazed. Even if fans are technically entitled to [AI influencers], should their fantasies about real women be indulged by tech companies for profit?

In terms of using AI to cure loneliness, Irina Raicu, director of internet ethics at Santa Clara University, told NBC News that theres not enough psychological or sociological research to back up those claims.

These kind of grand claims about a products goodness can just mask the desire to monetize further the fact that people want to pretend to have a relationship with an influencer, she said.

In The Know by Yahoo is now available on Apple News  follow us here!

The post Who is Milla Sofia? 19-year-old virtual influencer created by AI has over 100,000 followers on social media appeared first on In The Know.

More from In The Know:

Influencer facing jail time in Dubai after arguing with car rental employee

No, there is not a deadly TikTok 'boat jumping challenge.' Why do fake TikTok trends spread?

Who is Pearl Davis? Self-proclaimed 'anti-feminist' YouTuber is being compared to Andrew Tate
Visitors are seen at Stone Mountain Park on October 15, 2022, in Stone Mountain, Georgia.

Event planning isnt easy. But there are a few easy-to-follow rules. Number one, ensure the space is big enough to host your party. And number two, dont hold Black music festivals in front of massive Confederate monuments.

That last tip seems to have gone over the heads of the conservators of Stone Mountain Park, a 3,200 acres park outside of Atlanta, Georgia, which just so happens to be the birthplace of the Ku Klux Klan revival in 1915. The park has the largest standing Confederate monument in the nation. And its also the location of Soul Fest, a four-day concert featuring Black artists performing R&B, Soul music, and gospel music.

Read more

The concert is running from Thursday to Sunday, in case youre dying to check it out. But its worth noting that the backdrop is less than ideal. The parks biggest attraction is a looming stone carving of Confederate President Jefferson Davis and Generals Robert E. Lee and Thomas J. Stonewall Jackson (i.e. the people who fought to keep Black people enslaved). The monument, which is 90 to 190 ft, is actively maintained by park management and is actually protected by Georgia State Law.

Understandably, not everyone in Georgia is pleased with the concert celebrating Black music being held at a Confederate monument site. Atlanta NAACP President Richard Rose told the Associated Press that the concert was a way to normalize the park.Theyre saying, This is OK. Get used to it. Its cool, he told the AP.

According to the AP, some of the performers told Rose that they had signed contracts and that their music brings people together. But Rose called B.S. The music cant bring people together in front of this icon of the Confederacy, he said.

Story continues

More from The Root

Sign up for The Root's Newsletter. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Click here to read the full article.
The News

Installations of solar panels are surging in South Africa as a growing number of households and businesses tire of recurrent power cuts. According to new data from the state-owned utility Eskom, the country added more than one gigawatt of solar in just the last two months, a 31% increase and more than it added in the preceding six months.

What youre seeing in these numbers is households and the private sector taking matters in their own hands, said Wikus Kruger, director of the Power Futures Lab at the University of Cape Town. Its being driven not by government policy per se, but by desperation.

Tims view

South Africas solar boom shows how the falling costs of renewables have made them more viable as solutions to dysfunctional electric grids  for those who can afford them.

Multi-hour blackouts are still a daily reality for most South Africans, as Eskoms aging power network, which is heavily dependent on coal, drowns in debt and mismanagement, and cant keep pace with demand. There were more hours of load shedding in the first six months of 2023 than in all of 2022, according to research firm Rystad Energy. The traditional alternative for households, diesel-fuel generators, are extremely expensive, not to mention noisy and polluting. The countrys solar market, on the other hand, has been boosted by record low prices offered by Chinese exporters, new tax credits, and regulatory reforms that made it easier for developers of large solar farms to sell power into the grid. Imports of home batteries are also soaring.

But the solar boom is also a story of inequality. Solar is still unaffordable for a majority of South African households, which means uptake is likely to level off soon, Kruger said.

What were seeing now is the low-hanging fruit, he said. But Im concerned about how sustainable this is.

At the same time, the mass abandonment of Eskom by higher-income households could subvert the utilitys traditional business model in a way that effectively causes low-income households to subsidize higher-income ones. Electricity bills include variable charges for power consumed, and fixed charges that pay for the use of grid infrastructure. A rich household that installs rooftop solar isnt off the grid (they still need grid power at night, for example). But because solar-equipped households pay less overall, low-income households are stuck paying for a higher proportion of the fixed infrastructure costs.

Story continues

The upshot, Kruger said, is that the government needs to do more to make solar accessible to all households  potentially via higher taxes on fossil energy sales  in addition to the longstanding need to resolve Eskoms litany of problems.

For now, the solar boom is actually helping Eskom, which needs to generate that much less power as a result: They need more generation on the grid, and this way they dont have to pay for it, Kruger said. But longer-term, the loss of revenue will only exacerbate the utilitys financial woes, leading to more blackouts and more defections  what experts call a utility death spiral.

Room for Disagreement

In the big picture of South Africas climate targets, all this new solar is still just a drop in the bucket. By 2030, the country is aiming to get 41% of its power from renewables, up from 11% today. But because total consumption is rising quickly, and because Eskom is still constructing massive new coal-fired power plants, the share from renewables will likely fall short of the 2030 target, according to Rystad. The coal and gas South Africa is building will nullify a lot of the renewable energy growth, Rystad analyst Nivedh Thaikoottathil said.

The View From Beirut

Solar has also come to the rescue in Lebanon, another middle-income country where the electric grid is in shambles. Generator costs can add up to nearly half of monthly income for many Lebanese households, according to Human Rights Watch, and solar is increasingly popular as an alternative, with an estimated 50,000 rooftop systems now installed. But as in South Africa, upfront costs are still beyond reach for many  a rooftop system can run as much as $10,000, in a country where access to credit and foreign currency are extremely limited.

Notable
To many observers, South Africas stance on Russias war in Ukraine is puzzling.

While the country professes to be non-aligned, Western diplomats and policy experts point to a series of actions that they say proves otherwise.

Their list is long: South Africa abstaining from votes condemning Russia at the United Nations; hosting war games with the Russian Navy; repeatedly, and publicly, criticizing the United States; and even, allegedly loading weapons and ammunition onto a sanctioned Russian cargo ship.

This week, while many African leaders stay away, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is attending a Russia-Africa summit in St. Petersburg along with key ministers.

The ruling African National Congress (ANC) in South Africa has historic ties to the former Soviet Union, but that ideological legacy can generally only go so far.

Usually, money talks. And the United States and European Unions trade and aid relationship with South Africa vastly outstrips the Russian Federations relatively meager contribution.

So, why is South Africa putting this important relationship at risk? Non-profit investigators at the AmaBhungane Centre for Investigative Journalism and anti-corruption activists are looking for answers in an unusual place: the Kalahari Desert.

A lucrative relationship

Many miles from almost nowhere, a giant wall of dirt rises over the scrub. Its the edge of an expansive manganese mine, a metal crucial for making iron and steel.

The United Manganese of Kalahari (UMK) mines, of which this is one, are highly lucrative and the company has close financial links to sanctioned Russian oligarch Viktor Vekselberg, a key ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

An aerial view of mining operations in the manganese belt in the Kalahari Desert. - Byron Blunt/CNN

Another major player in the mines  Chancellor House Holdings (CHH)  is a holding company linked to the ANC. For years, Chancellor House hid its connection to the party, but after extensive investigative reporting by the Mail & Guardian newspaper and other media outlets in South Africa, the holding company confirmed the links in 2021, when political parties were required to start making the large donations they receive public.

Story continues

Its managing director, Mogopodi Mokoena, told CNN in a statement that Chancellor House is not a funding front for the ANC, but was set up to help historically disadvantaged South African persons or entities.

Mokoena is also board chairman of the UMK mining group.

In recent years, the ruling party has been embarrassed by its financial challenges, at times struggling to pay its staff at its iconic headquarters in downtown Johannesburg.

Based on publicly available records, its the single biggest donor to the party in recent years. If you add in contributions from Chancellor House, the donations reach at least $2.9 million since 2021.

In a statement provided to CNN, UMK said its donations were all above board.

Like many international democracies, including the US, the South African legal framework allows private individuals and organizations to make transparent donations to political parties. UMKs donations comply in all respects with national laws, the statement read.

Playing a dangerous game

But in a country where the line between the ANC and the government is, at best, fuzzy, many here are concerned that South Africas foreign policy towards Russia could be impacted by the connection.

I think there is an increasing concern that we are more alive to than ever before. That there could be foreign money from a Russian origin that comes to South Africa, but flows into different political coffers, said Karam Singh, the executive director of Corruption Watch, an influential anti-corruption non-profit group.

I think that could absolutely have an impact on how South Africa takes a position on certain policies.

The ANC did not agree to an interview with CNN, despite multiple attempts over several weeks, or provide a statement in response to the specific allegations put to it.

But the donations and linkages between Chancellor House and the ANC, Vekselberg, and UMK have troubled opposition leaders and Russia-watchers.

I think South Africa is playing a dangerous game here and indeed sometimes politicians are putting the political party, the ANC, before the needs of the citizens because it just doesnt make sense to be so closely associated with Russia when the stakes are so high and theres so much at risk, said Steven Gruzd, a Russia and Africa analyst at the South African Institute of International Affairs.

The US had long treated South Africa with kid gloves, he said, mindful of not risking an important relationship.

Not so in recent months. In May, the US Ambassador to South Africa, Reuben Brigety II, publicly excoriated both the government and the ANC for their stance on Russia.

In a briefing to local media, he made the accusation that intelligence showed the South African government had sent arms to Russia last December on a sanctioned Russian cargo vessel.

Officials have denied that anything was loaded up, but the claim is now subject to a sealed South African government inquiry.

But Brigety also took issue with the ANCs persistent criticism of the US and its attitude towards Russias invasion of Ukraine.

This is an issue of the political orientation of the ruling party of a country and what it means as the party that is responsible for deploying senior government officials into the government of South Africa, he said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa shake hands on the sideline of the Russia-Africa summit in St. Petersburg, Russia, Thursday, July 27, 2023. - Mikhail Metzel/TASS via AP

Mokoena, Chancellor Houses managing director, told CNN that the company has no say in ANC politics and that ANC policies are up to the party; he also denied that there was any conflict of interest. He added that the companys donations to the ANC were transparent and unconditional.

Meanwhile, the presence of Ramaphosa and other African leaders at the St. Petersburg summit this week underscores Russias importance to the continent and Western powers failure to isolate Putin.

The South African government has maintained that its policy of non-alignment is just that, and that it is the best thing for the country and for the long-term prospects of negotiations between Russia and Ukraine.

It chafes at the criticism from Western powers, but the recent announcement that Putin will not be attending in person an important summit of BRICS nations in Johannesburg next month appears to have given the country an off-ramp.

If the Russian president had decided to come, he would have tested South Africas commitment to the International Criminal Court (ICC), given that the ICC has a warrant for Putins arrest on war crimes charges.

Longstanding ties

The links between South Africa and Vekselberg are not new. Archive images show he was present back in 2006 at a business forum in Cape Town, signing agreement documents with Putin looking over his shoulder.

The oligarch runs the Renova Group, a sprawling entity with interests in a wide array of infrastructure and mining projects.

Russian President Vladimir Putin (third left), Russian oligarch Viktor Vekselberg (left), and then-Russian natural resources minister Yuri Trutnev (second left) attend a South African-Russian business forum in Cape Town, South Africa in September 2006. - Konstantin Zavrazhin/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images

The US Treasury sanctioned Vekselberg in 2018 and again in 2022, for supporting Russias invasion of Ukraine.

After the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began, Spanish authorities and the FBI impounded his $90 million yacht, Tango, on the Spanish island of Mallorca.

But despite Western sanctions, Vekselberg still holds a significant stake in UMK, according to business records held in Cyprus.

CNN asked the Renova Group about Vekselbergs involvement and possible influence in South African politics.

The assumption of any Renova influence is unfounded. There is absolutely no influence on the ANC and no conflict of interest whatsoever, a Renova spokesperson responded in a statement, adding that it is an indirect minority shareholder of UMK.

Non-US companies can often avoid sanctions by reducing the stake of a sanctioned individual in a business to less than 50% and by moving their assets into a trust structure.

Vekselberg and UMK appear to have done both, likely reducing the potential for repercussions from the US government.

Long-standing investors are fully entitled to their commercial interests in a private company, said UMK, in its statement to CNN. Mr. Vekselberg is not a direct shareholder in UMK and does not exercise any management or shareholder control over UMK.

The claims may not be enough to assuage the concerns of skeptical South Africans, or their dogged media, over the possible consequences of the countrys policy towards Russia.

It risks investment, it risks trade, it risks jobs, it risks economic growth, it risks the currency, it risks isolation from the West. I think there are there is a lot at stake here, said Gruzd.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
The federal government accused a Southwest passenger of assaulting a flight attendant after he allegedly squeezed her and tried to kiss her.

Passenger William Morgan, according to the complaint filed in the US District Court for the District of Nevada, was flying from Palm Springs, California to Las Vegas, Nevada on 3 October 2022.

Around 20 minutes before landing, Mr Morgan approached a flight attendant, who is only identified as C.B. in the complaint, who was sitting in a jump seat at the back of the plane, according to the charges. He demanded that the flight attendant kiss him.

The flight attendant got up from the jump seat, prompting Mr Morgan to place his arms on her shoulders and once again demand C.B. to kiss him; he said he was going to have a panic attack if C.B. didnt go into the bathroom with him, the complaint states.

Thats when the flight attendant pushed the passenger away, and asked for help from another flight attendant. C.B. later said she felt her life was in serious danger.

Another Southwest flight attendant, identified as K.L. came to help. After hearing C.B.s request, she ran to the back of the plane and saw the passengers hands on the fellow flight attendants shoulders, so she tried to calm him down by putting her hand on his shoulder.

Then, Mr Morgan released his grip from C.B., and instead grabbed K.L.s shoulders, according to the complaint. He repeated that he needed the first flight attendant to kiss him in order to calm down, before grabbing C.Bs face and squeezed hard while trying to kiss her.

K.L. later said she was scared for her life.

Concerned for other passengers safety, K.L. reportedly stood in the aisle during landing to block Mr Morgan from potentially accessing others on board.

According to the complaint, three male passengers tried to intervene during this exchange, and were able to physically restrain Mr Morgan as the plane landed. As a result of the commotion, the flight attendants were unable to complete the final landing checks, according to the complaint.

Mr Morgan faces two counts of simple assault, the complaint states.
Greta Gerwigs blockbuster Barbie has many buzzing about untraditional, off-beat versions of the dolls, from Video Girl Barbie to Growing Up Skipper, Barbies little sister whose chest inflates when you lift her arm.

Enter the scene Going Home Barbie, a white doll holding a small Asian baby made to help Chinese adoptees transition to their new, presumably Western, families. Its real and it has some adoptees digging through their attics and connecting with others with similar stories.

In a viral TikTok posted this week, Kaitlyn Fung, a college student from central New Jersey and a Chinese adoptee, showcased her Going Home Barbie, which she said she received at the White Swan Hotel in Guangzhou, China, where she stayed as a baby with her adoptive parents during the adoption process in November 2003.

I was scrolling through my For You page, and I saw all the people using Billie Eilishs song, What Was I Made For? I felt like that song really resonated with me both within the movie and outside of it, she said in the video, which has garnered 5 million views. And then, when my mom initially showed me the doll, I was like, Oh my gosh, I need to share it with somebody.

The dolls box reads, This souvenir is presented by Mattel (HK) Ltd. to adopting parents of Chinese orphan children staying at the White Swan Hotel, Guangzhou, China. The doll was discontinued in 2015 during the hotels renovations and was never reintroduced, a manager from the White Swan Hotel confirmed to NBC News.

The doll, which has at least nine editions, each sporting different outfits, was given exclusively to adopting families that stayed at the White Swan. Its limited supply has sown demand for the vintage collectible, and copies of the doll are being auctioned for as much as $658.18 on eBay.

Fung, 20, said that her experience was slightly different from other adoptees because her parents arent white  her father is Chinese, and her mother is Puerto Rican.

Story continues

Adoption is a very nuanced experience, and everybody has their own experience with it. Thats reflected in the comments of the video, Fung said. But, its a white Barbie, simulating the transracial adoption. For me, my adoption wasnt transracial, which is something that, I think, makes it different.

The hotel, which was just a block away from the U.S. Consulate General at the time, was nicknamed The White Stork Inn and The Baby Hotel, according to a 2003 New York Times article. Adoption agencies often booked large blocks of rooms for American families who were traveling together, and Mattel partnered with the White Swan to welcome families with limited-edition dolls waiting for them in their rooms, along with a sponsored playroom, according to the Times.

Reactions to the doll were mixed, with many users on TikTok seeing it as a meaningful keepsake while some on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, nicknamed it white savior Barbie.

White savior barbie is crazy what, one X user wrote.

If you want to highlight #adoption as the capitalist and colonialist consumerism that it is, you cannot do much better than this, another user tweeted.

This is extremely real and they gave out a bajillion of them. Just exceptionally disturbing, another tweeted.

Mattel did not respond to NBC News request for comment.

Annie Wu Henry, a Chinese adoptee and progressive activist, said that while her family didnt receive a Barbie when they adopted her in 1997, the issue is complicated. Henry, who was adopted by white parents, said she was fortunate that her adoption experience was positive, but some Chinese adoptees may feel otherwise.

There is sometimes the potential  of white saviorism of the adopted parents that have kind of prided themselves on doing this good deed, Henry said. The good deed is adopting the child and being a parent to them, and that is not the reason you become a parent.

Henry added that the doll may not accurately represent the experiences of the families that received it, as not all Chinese adoptees were adopted by white parents, as in Fungs case.

Fungs video, which was posted Wednesday, also inspired commenters to connect with others who said they, too, have the Barbie.

wait oh my god i think i have the same thing i was adopted in 2005 and my parents stayed in the white swan hotel, how about you? the commenter wrote. Replies included others sharing the month and year they were adopted and what province in China they were originally from.

Ive definitely seen this community build-up of people being like, Oh, my gosh, you just unlocked a memory, Fung said.

The comments are overwhelmingly positive, with many writing how emotional they are upon seeing the doll.

Theres a lot of people trying to find their group. I think a lot of people  when a lot of people lose touch, they want to try and get that back. And I think thats really sweet and kind of heartwarming, she said.

Another Chinese adoptee with the souvenir, Evangeline Kaley, a college student from the suburbs of Chicago, said her mother has the doll in a keepsake box.

Kaley, 19, was adopted in May 2005 by her parents, who are white. She said the viral video pushed her to finally connect with other adoptees  which she had previously wanted to do but wasnt ready to do so emotionally.

If it didnt go viral, I wouldnt have done it yesterday, she said. I was going to do it earlier in my life, but I didnt think I was ready. Now, Im almost 20, so I think its good to go back and try.

She said one of the girls who reached out after commenting on the video was the baby she had shared a crib with at the orphanage in China, according to her mother.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
This photo taken on July 28, 2023 shows a damaged greenhouse in the central Greek town of Nea Anchialos. Firefighters were still battling rekindled blazes in parts of Greece on Friday, while wildfires raging across the country for two weeks now slowly abated.

The situation also improved in the greater Volos area, where on Thursday a blaze triggered a series of explosions at an ammunition depot of the Air Force base of Nea Anchialos, the Greek national news agency AMNA reported. (Photo by Lefteris Partsalis/Xinhua)

ATHENS, July 28 (Xinhua) -- Firefighters were still battling rekindled blazes in parts of Greece on Friday, while wildfires raging across the country for two weeks now slowly abated.

The situation also improved in the greater Volos area, where on Thursday a blaze triggered a series of explosions at an ammunition depot of the Air Force base of Nea Anchialos, the Greek national news agency AMNA reported.

No injuries were reported as some 2,000 people and the base personnel had to be evacuated as a precaution, according to the authorities. The explosion shattered windows in surrounding areas.

On Friday, residents of nearby settlements were gradually returning to their homes and businesses to assess the damage.

On the islands of Corfu and Rhodes, where 20,000 people had been evacuated as a precaution a few days earlier, residents started to return to their homes on Friday.

In the past 10 days, Greece registered 667 wildfires, Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister Vassilis Kikilias told a press briefing here on Friday.

Most of these were man-made either by neglect or intentionally, and were fueled by high temperatures as the country experienced three consecutive heatwaves, he said.

The climate crisis is not going away, and the authorities must adapt their policies on all levels, he added.

Five people have lost their lives in the wildfires this week, including the pilots of an airplane that crashed while battling a forest fire. 

A firefighter tries to extinguish fire at an industrial area in the central Greek town of Nea Anchialos, on July 28, 2023. Firefighters were still battling rekindled blazes in parts of Greece on Friday, while wildfires raging across the country for two weeks now slowly abated.

The situation also improved in the greater Volos area, where on Thursday a blaze triggered a series of explosions at an ammunition depot of the Air Force base of Nea Anchialos, the Greek national news agency AMNA reported. (Photo by Lefteris Partsalis/Xinhua)

This photo taken on July 28, 2023 shows a burned tractor in the central Greek town of Nea Anchialos. Firefighters were still battling rekindled blazes in parts of Greece on Friday, while wildfires raging across the country for two weeks now slowly abated.

The situation also improved in the greater Volos area, where on Thursday a blaze triggered a series of explosions at an ammunition depot of the Air Force base of Nea Anchialos, the Greek national news agency AMNA reported. (Photo by Lefteris Partsalis/Xinhua)

This photo taken on July 28, 2023 shows a burned car in the central Greek town of Nea Anchialos. Firefighters were still battling rekindled blazes in parts of Greece on Friday, while wildfires raging across the country for two weeks now slowly abated.

The situation also improved in the greater Volos area, where on Thursday a blaze triggered a series of explosions at an ammunition depot of the Air Force base of Nea Anchialos, the Greek national news agency AMNA reported. (Photo by Lefteris Partsalis/Xinhua)

A couple clean broken glasses at their barbershop in the central Greek town of Nea Anchialos, on July 28, 2023. Firefighters were still battling rekindled blazes in parts of Greece on Friday, while wildfires raging across the country for two weeks now slowly abated.

The situation also improved in the greater Volos area, where on Thursday a blaze triggered a series of explosions at an ammunition depot of the Air Force base of Nea Anchialos, the Greek national news agency AMNA reported. (Photo by Lefteris Partsalis/Xinhua)

A firefighter helicopter tries to extinguish fire in the central Greek town of Nea Anchialos, on July 28, 2023. Firefighters were still battling rekindled blazes in parts of Greece on Friday, while wildfires raging across the country for two weeks now slowly abated.

The situation also improved in the greater Volos area, where on Thursday a blaze triggered a series of explosions at an ammunition depot of the Air Force base of Nea Anchialos, the Greek national news agency AMNA reported. (Photo by Lefteris Partsalis/Xinhua)

This photo taken on July 28, 2023 shows a burnt excavator in the central Greek town of Nea Anchialos. Firefighters were still battling rekindled blazes in parts of Greece on Friday, while wildfires raging across the country for two weeks now slowly abated.

The situation also improved in the greater Volos area, where on Thursday a blaze triggered a series of explosions at an ammunition depot of the Air Force base of Nea Anchialos, the Greek national news agency AMNA reported. (Photo by Lefteris Partsalis/Xinhua)
a folded robot arm in front of the earth and black space. the earth is in nighttime and green, swirling auroras are shining above the surface

Catching auroras from space takes practice  and a dash of luck.

Danish astronaut Andreas Mogensen captured auroras during his last stay on the International Space Station (ISS) in 2015. Given the sun is nearing its peak of activity right now, he will likely have many more photo opportunities after he flies to the orbiting lab next month on SpaceX's Crew-7 mission.

"Practice, practice, practice, because it is tricky to get good photos," Mogensen, a European Space Agency astronaut who was the first Danish citizen in space, told Space.com. He was speaking during a livestreamed press conference from NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.

"But luckily, we have half a year ahead to get good at it," he added. "On my first mission, I had 10 days."

SpaceX's Crew-7 includes Mogensen, NASA astronaut Jasmin Moghbeli, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut Satoshi Furukawa, and Konstantin Borisov of Russia's space agency, Roscosmos. The quartet will launch from NASA's Kennedy Space Center at 6:56 a.m. EDT (1056 GMT) no earlier than Aug. 17. You can watch the events live at Space.com, via NASA Television.

Related: SpaceX's Crew-7 astronaut launch delayed to Aug. 17

Astronauts always have a cluster of cameras at the ready in the Cupola, a 360-degree wraparound window in the ISS. While the equipment evolves over time, in 2016 NASA astronaut Jeff Williams recorded a video showing off some of the cameras of that era.

During Williams' mission, there were several units available of the Nikon D4, known for good dynamic range and ISO performance, along with compatible Nikon lenses. (Mogensen used a Nikon D5 during his last excursion, he said in a Zoom interview Tuesday, July 25, with Space.com.)

To make good use of this equipment, the astronauts receive special photography training on Earth to learn how to account for microgravity, the motion of the space station and the extreme light and shadow of space.

Story continues

The sun is reaching the peak of its 11-year activity cycle, sending more and more charged particles toward Earth. Some of these particles crash into molecules in our atmosphere, generating a glow. That process drives the auroras, also known as the northern or southern lights.

In general, auroras require long exposures, a wide or super-wide angle fast lens, and some way of holding the camera steady. For more detailed advice, check out our guide to the best equipment for aurora photography and where and how to photograph the aurora. Or, if you're just starting, consult our best cameras for astrophotography.

upside-down earth with pink auroras flowing from the surface. at the bottom is space with stars, and part of a space station

European Space Agency astronaut Andreas Mogensen posted this picture of auroras taken from the International Space Station in 2015, with a single word: "Wow!" (Image credit: Andreas Mogensen/ESA)

Aside from viewing auroras, Mogensen said he is looking forward to once again looking at lightning strikes known as "blue jets," which he saw during his first mission. "These are a special type of lightning that shoot upwards from the top of thunderclouds," he explained.

He plans to observe the jets from the ISS as part of a research project. Mogensen will use a "neuromorphic camera," which records changes in brightness at the pixel level, allowing for the equivalent of 100,000 pictures a second, he said.

"That gives the scientists a way to study the formation and development of this type of lightning in much more detail," Mogensen added. "There's still a lot to understand exactly how they form, how they develop."

Mogensen praised the jet researchers' hard work, adding the scientists have "one of the more exciting experiments" he will work on and noting they have been featured on the covers of prestigious publications like Science and Nature.

Another photography project will involve pictures of the moon to measure the amount of reflectivity, or albedo, from Earth. "The amount of sunlight that the Earth reflects into space ... is an important parameter when we talk about modeling Earth's climate," he explained.

In other words, how much sunlight the planet can reflect back into space influences the heat building up on our planet. Albedo can change with things such as clouds and terrain, according to this National Center for Atmospheric Research page.

Related: 'Elves' and 'blue jet' lightning in Earth's stratosphere spotted from space

RELATED STORIES:

 International Space Station: Live updates

 Track the ISS: How and where to see it

 SpaceX's Dragon: First private spacecraft to reach the space station

Every astronaut has special places on Earth that they want to view and photograph from space. For example, Crew-7's Borisov said he enjoys freediving in the south Sinai, and hje met his wife there. He plans to take pictures of this area, along with the Red Sea, while he's on the ISS.

"It's like a second home to me, and I want to take photos of those places and see how they look on space," he said on Tuesday.

The astronauts also plan to take photos of special occasions, like mealtimes. Furukawa will bring some food from Japan to share with his crewmates, for example. Food he plans to fly include "steamed rice, Korean raw curry and mochi with the soft balls," he said in a Tuesday Zoom call with Space.com.

Moghbeli is the second Iranian-American in space, after Anousheh Ansari, she told Space.com. Moghbeli's household celebrates both Christmas and Hanukkah, so she will adapt the December events for space living to share with the family.

"My husband and little girls helped make a felt menorah, with lights for each night, that I can pin on to celebrate with them. So I'm excited to do that," she said in the Tuesday press conference.

Later in the day via Zoom, Moghbeli told Space.com she is considering how (if at all) to include latkes, although she does have a dreidel she will bring with her.
Miles Morales, Kraven the Hunter



Fans will have to wait a bit longer to see Miles Morales and Kraven the Hunter in action.

Deja pandemic: with Hollywood experiencing a sudden shutdown of workthis time due to the ongoing actors and writers strikesrelease dates are being delayed. The first studio to officially announce movies shifting on the calendar is Sony, and it affects highly anticipated releases like Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse and (the slightly less anticipated) Kraven the Hunter.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, trilogy-capper Beyond the Spider-Verse, which had been set for a March 24, 2024 release, is now without a release date entirely. Kraven, originally set for October 6 of this year, will now arrive August 30, 2024. Also in this news is a freshly added date: Venom 3, which will now arrive before Kraven on July 12, 2024, as well as this tidbit: The studios Karate Kid movie is also relocating because of the strike, from June 7, 2024 to Dec. 13, 2024. The studio never announced a filmmaker for the project, and with the strike, development has stalled.

Read more

As the trade points out, it makes sense to shift Kraven since itll be nearly impossible to promote the Spider-Man villain tale without the wattage of stars like Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Ariana DeBose, and Russell Crowe. As for that other Spidey story, Beyond the Spider-Verse could probably use the extra time, for a few reasons; fans will recall Across the Spider-Verse was itself extensively delayed until it finally arrived this June. During the strike, actors obviously cant do any recording of their roles (and there are a lot of roles in the Spider-Verse). Even beyond that, the movie may still be finding itself; as recently as May, it felt like that March 24 date might not happen, as writer-producers Phil Lord and Chris Miller told THR they had a beginning and an end, but according to Miller, the middle is still a little squishy. (According to a press release distributed by Sony regarding the date changes, the studio is considering several dates depending on how long the strike lasts.)

Story continues

Yet another Spidey saga, Madame Web, is moving in the other direction; as Deadline reports, itll now open February 14, 2023 (it was scheduled for February 16). The trade also notes the next Ghostbusters movie, originally slated for December 20, is now March 29, 2024; horror movie They Listen, originally down for August 30, 2024, is undated for now.

Well certainly hear about more releases moving the longer the AMPTP refuses to consider fair labor deals for the WGA and SAG-AFTRA.





Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, whats next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.

More from Gizmodo

Sign up for Gizmodo's Newsletter. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Click here to read the full article.
Disney wont be getting a reprieve in its fight with Gov. Ron DeSantis

Late Friday afternoon, an Orange County judge ruled the state case between Disney and the new Central Florida Tourism Oversight District will continue.

READ: Heres the latest in Disney, Central Florida Tourism district case

Disney asked the judge to put the state case on hold while it litigates its case against the district and DeSantis in federal court.

However, the judge ruled that a stay would not be proper, writing, It could take years for Disneys case to complete its course through the federal trial and appellate courts.

READ: Central Florida tourism district proposes Disney property tax decrease

Disney sued the state in federal court when the Governor and Lawmakers targeted the company last year. In response, the state sued Disney in state court; now both cases will proceed.

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.
The Steamship Authority is investigating after one of the vessels broke loose and drifted to a neighboring dock in Falmouth.

The M/V Sankaty came unmoored from the dock at the Woods Hole Terminal just after 5 p.m. before drifting a short distance to a dock at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, according to the Steamship Authority.

The Steamship Authority says the ship was returned to its normal dock and sustained no damage. The M/V Sankaty will be operating as normal Friday.

No canceled trips or other operational changes resulted from this incident. The M/V Governor canceled trips, but that was the result of weather conditions, the Steamship Authority tweeted.

No canceled trips or other operational changes resulted from this incident. The M/V Governor canceled trips, but that was the result of weather conditions. Trips are being diverted from Oak Bluffs Terminal to Vineyard Haven, but that is due to a power outage in Oak Bluffs. 4/5  Steamship Authority (@SteamshipMA) July 27, 2023

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
The presidential campaign of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican, will make a stop in Massachusetts when he arrives Saturday in Cotuit for a fundraiser, according to an invitation to the event reviewed by the Times.

DeSantis, who trails former President Donald Trump for the Republican nomination, has had a contentious relationship with the Cape and Islands over the past year for his immigration policies.

On Friday Cape and Island District Attorney Robert Galibois announced plans to investigate the DeSantis-ordered drop-off of about 50 South American migrants at Martha's Vineyard Airport in September. The Florida governor chose Martha's Vineyard because Massachusetts is perceived as a liberal-leaning state.

"l am aware that immigrants were tricked and fooled into boarding planes that ultimately landed in Marthas Vineyard, a part of my jurisdiction," Galibois said in a statement to the Times. "I believe this falls within my purview as District Attorney to investigate."

Galibois said it is his obligation to investigate "any potentially criminal activity" that occurs within his jurisdiction but that some of the information he seeks to review as part of his investigation falls outside his jurisdiction. He supports a similar investigation in California but said for a "full and proper investigation to occur, the Department of Justice must be involved." He offered his full cooperation in such a probe.

The private Cotuit fundraiser for DeSantis is organized by a host committee of 14 people, according to the invitation, and will begin at 12:30 p.m. Saturday. Members of the committee include former U.S. Rep. Lamar Smith, R-Texas, Chris Egan, a businessman and former U.S. ambassador during the Bush administration and Bain Capital co-founder Geoff Rehnert.

Tickets cost $3,300 for one person and $6,600 for a couple, according to the invitation.

Florida governor and Republican presidential candidate Ron DeSantis

Multiple employees of the DeSantis campaign were contacted by email about the fundraiser but did not respond as of Thursday. Several members of the host committee also did not immediately respond to requests for comment by phone and email.

Story continues

Embattled campaign makes major shake-up

The Florida governor has been revamping his strategy to take the presidency. Smaller-scale gatherings, like the one planned for Cotuit, will take center stage as DeSantis attempts to seem more personable, according to advisers.

Cost-cutting will also be getting top billing in the rebooted campaign, according to sources briefed of the plans. DeSantis had cut 38 positions from his campaign staff, slashing a third of the payroll. But to make up the gap with Trump, hell also have to find new sources of income  two-thirds of the money his campaign has raised so far comes from donors that have reached their legal limit and cant donate again.

DeSantis is far behind Trump in terms of funds raised, with just over $20 million raised as of Tuesday, compared to Trumps nearly $36 million, according to Federal Election Commission statistics.

Hes also got a long way to go to catch up here in Massachusetts: from February through June, DeSantis raised just $121,559 in the state, compared to Trumps $381,954. The election commission database shows that President Joe Biden, by contrast, raised $789,535 toward his reelection bid in Massachusetts in the same span.

Among those fired from the DeSantis campaign staff in recent weeks was Nate Hochman, a speechwriter who came under fire last weekend for creating a campaign video that included an image of a sonnenrad, a popular Nazi symbol.

The Cotuit event comes off trips earlier in the week to Tennessee and Iowa, among other stops. On his way to an event in Knoxville, DeSantis car was involved in a crash. No injuries were reported.

DeSantis, Massachusetts clashes headlined by migrant flights

As Florida governor, DeSantis has not always been chummy with legislators in Massachusetts. Recently, he signed into law a bill that would stop honoring certain drivers licenses from states that allow undocumented immigrants to obtain them. Within the same week, Massachusetts did just that, though it did not make the Florida non-recognition list because of the wording of the bill, according to the State House News Service.

Maura Healey has also gotten in on the gubernatorial beef: she said of DeSantis on Boston Public Radio in March that he wants to take us backwards and his education policies were really shameful, and it certainly does a disservice to the residents of Florida, ultimately.

Migrants flown to Martha's Vineyard Migrants may move to Cape Cod military base: What we know

But the main event, and the one closest to home for those on the Cape, came last September when DeSantis flew 50 Venezuelan migrants from Texas to Marthas Vineyard unannounced.

The Sept. 14 flights were paid with $12 million the Florida Legislature appropriated to cover the cost of transporting migrants out of Florida if they are apprehended at the border and brought to the state.

A DeSantis spokesperson said then the migrants were flown to Martha's Vineyard as part of the governor's "promise to drop off undocumented migrants in progressive states."

State Rep. Dylan Fernandes, D-Falmouth, who represents Marthas Vineyard as well as Nantucket and Falmouth, said Tuesday that since then, he has worked with members of the Cape community to get those migrants settled and integrated here. Hes not surprised, though, that DeSantis is now coming to fundraise for his presidential campaign.

Ron DeSantis is a coward, and hes shameless, so its unsurprising that hes back here with his hand out, Fernandes said. But its going to go to complete waste because Americas better than him. And we wont elect him.

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: Cape Cod DA to investigate DeSantis' Martha's Vineyard migrant flights
House Republican Conference Chairwoman Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) argued Thursday that the newest charges brought against former President Trump over his handling of classified materials show that our justice system is broken.

The American people understand that Joe Biden and his administration are engulfed in one of the biggest political corruption scandals of all time, Stefanik said in a statement.

It is no coincidence that the day after a federal judge throws out Hunter Bidens corrupt, sweetheart plea bargain, Bidens weaponized [Department of Justice] continues its witch hunt against President Trump, she added. Our Republic is in peril, our justice system is broken.

In a superseding indictment filed Thursday night, the Justice Department accused the former president of attempting to delete surveillance footage at his Mar-a-Lago property, with the help of co-defendant Walt Nauta and Carlos de Oliveira, the hotels property manager and a new defendant in the case.

The new indictment, which includes an additional Espionage Act charge over a military document that Trump boasted of having at a 2021 meeting, brings the total numbers of charges against the former president to 40. He pleaded not guilty to the original 37-count indictment last month.

Like Stefanik, Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) also accused the Justice Department on Thursday of attempting to distract from Hunter Bidens plea deal, which was placed on hold Wednesday.

Is it any coincidence that the [Justice Department] rushes to add these new indictments today, after the Hunter debacle, after their own self-dealing and two-timing is exposed, after they tried to hide from us the true extent of this plea deal, Hawley said on Fox News.

That gets blown up, and then its like, Oh well, weve got to go indict Trump on something else, he added.

The presidents son was expected to plead guilty to two misdemeanor counts of willful failure to pay income taxes at Wednesdays hearing to formalize the plea agreement. However, the presiding judge raised concerns about the parameters of the deal and gave the parties 30 days to explain why it should be approved.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Friday marks two years since Katie Janness, 40, and her dog, Bowie, were gruesomely murdered at an entrance to Piedmont Park.

Atlanta police have not made any arrests or identified any suspects in the two years since Janness death.

Janness partner, Emma Clark, found her stabbed to death outside the park when she didnt return home from walking the couples dog, Bowie.

According to the autopsy report, Janness throat had been slashed and the word fat had been carved into her body, among other injuries.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

The park is still a popular place for people to relax and walk their dogs, the fear seemingly gone.

You dont forget things like that, but you cant live your life in fear, parkgoer Sondra Walker said.

Channel 2s Karyn Greer exclusively sat down with a criminal profiler who is working to train new profilers using Janness murder.

Keith Howard retired from the state of Georgia after 30 years and worked with the GBIs Public Safety Training Center. He is now the Chief Deputy with the Morgan County Sheriffs Office.

We took advantage of the open source information that was out there just to talk about how we would use our methodology if we had been asked to work a particular case like that or another case similar to it, Howard explained.

RELATED STORIES:

He says one of the first things that stood out to him was the brutality of the crime.

Janness private areas were also mutilated by her attacker.

If you see that type of behavior, then that is most often associated with some strong sexual desires or gratification by an offender, he said. If this was some type of lust murderer thats driven by his fantasies to murder people and is sexually excited by that, then typically, most often in those cases, the victim is unknown to the offender.

Story continues

Atlanta police are planning to update the public on the status of Janness case on Friday.

Emma Clark and her family released a statement saying they are still hopeful that her murderer will be caught.

The Clark family contiues to mourn the senseless murder of our Katie everyday that goes by. Katie was a beautiful, talented soul that had so much to give to the world and always was a champion of those less fortunate. We are still in hope of justice being served to the person/persons responsible and pray that the Atlanta Police Department and the FBI find this monster before they repeat the heinous acts done to our sweet Katie and her precious dog, Bowie. If anyone has any information concerning this case, please reach out to the Atlanta Police Department. The Clark Family

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Students at 55 Marion County Public Schools will get free lunch and breakfast this school year, the district announced Thursday.

The district said that means its Food and Nutrition Department will provide free meals to about 44,400 students regardless of income, without question or application.

The program is provided in partnership with the Community Eligibility Provision initiative and is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture.

Schools hosting the free meal program include:

Read: All Orange County Public Schools students to get free meals this school year

Anthony Elementary

Belleview Elementary

Belleview High

Belleview Middle

Belleview-Santos Elementary

College Park Elementary

Dr. N.H. Jones Elementary

Dunnellon Elementary

Dunnellon High

Dunnellon Middle

East Marion Elementary

Eighth Street Elementary

Emerald Shores Elementary

Fessenden Elementary

Fordham Early Learning Academy

Forest High

Fort King Middle

Fort McCoy School

Greenway Elementary

Hammett Bowen, Jr. Elementary

Harbour View Elementary

Hillcrest School

Horizon Academy at Marion Oaks

Howard Middle

Lake Weir High

Lake Weir Middle

Legacy Elementary

Liberty Middle

Madison Street Academy

Maplewood Elementary

Marion Charter

Marion Acceleration Academy

Marion Oaks Elementary

Marion Technical Institute

McIntosh Area School

New Leaf School

North Marion High

North Marion Middle

Oakcrest Elementary

Ocala Springs Elementary

Ocali Charter Middle

Osceola Middle

Reddick-Collier Elementary

Romeo Elementary

Saddlewood Elementary

Shady Hill Elementary

Silver River Mentoring and Instruction

South Ocala Elementary

Sparr Elementary

Stanton-Weirsdale Elementary

Sunrise Elementary

Vanguard High

Ward-Highlands Elementary

West Port High

Wyomina Park Elementary

Read: Back to school: Heres when schools start across Central Florida

The district said they selected schools based on the percentage of students from each campus participating in one or more variations of public assistance/service programs.

Story continues

For more information, you can contact Food and Nutrition Services Coordinator Tammy Alvarez at 352-671-4190 or Tammy.Alvarez@marion.k12.fl.us.

Read: Back to school: See this years Central Florida school district calendars

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.
From the Midwest to the Northeast, tens of millions of people are bracing for extreme heat this weekend.

A recent nationwide study reveals the extreme heat isnt just uncomfortable, it generates about $1 billion in health care costs every summer. Researchers say thats because more people are going to the hospital for heat-related illnesses.

These things really strain our already short, staffed hospital systems and healthcare providers. Marquisha Johns, associate director for public health policy at the Center for American Progress.

This report is a collaboration between the Center for American Progress and Virginia Commonwealth University. The group reviewed climate data and insurance claims in Virginia over the course of five summers.

When they scale up these results nationally, it shows hot summer days lead to nearly 235,000 emergency room visits and 56,000 hospital admissions.

Part of the report has recommendations for state and federal officials to transition from fossil fuel to clean renewable energy in order to lower the temperatures.

One of the biggest things we also need to do besides taking care of people today is also taking reducing our emissions so were not increasing the temperatures even more for the future, she said.

Johns said these changes are necessary, especially for minority neighborhoods that are more vulnerable to severe weather.

We think about Black and brown communities, they tend to have more concrete and less trees, less green spaces, things like that all of these things that actually ended up cooling down communities, and neighborhoods, said Johns.

She also suggests making homes more resilient.

Thinking about cool roofs for homes, reflective paint on roads, anything that we could do to reduce the amount of heat that our cities and states are feeling, said Johns.

There are also solutions for you at home. This includes learning the warning signs of heat-related illnesses and how to access local cooling centers.

Story continues

Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW

TRENDING NOW:

Adoptive mother, husband charged with murder of 5 year old in Westmoreland County Recall alert: Trader Joes recalls broccoli cheese soup over potential bug contamination Mother of 17-year-old who died after stabbing in Schenley Park shares her tragic experience VIDEO: Residents of local apartment building damaged in fire still looking for permanent housing, answers DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts
Actively Forming Stars Herbig-Haro 46-47 NASA / ESA / CSA / Joseph DePasquale (STScI)

Scientists operating the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) announced on Wednesday that it had captured the most detailed images ever of two actively forming stars, collectively known as Herbig-Haro 46/47. Using high-resolution infrared light, the JWST managed to catch images of the distant objects despite being roughly 1,470 light-years away.

NASA scientists are particularly intrigued by these images because of the two "lobes" that can be seen jutting out of either side of the disk where the two stars are gathering mass. The smaller right lobe points in the direction of Earth, and both lobes are ejections of dust that astronomers believe are important to shaping the universe.

"All of these jets are crucial to star formation itself," the Webb official website explains. "Ejections regulate how much mass the stars ultimately gather. (The disk of gas and dust feeding the stars is small. Imagine a band tightly tied around the stars.)"

These are far from the only amazing discoveries picked up by JWST in its first year of operation. The powerful telescope has also captured the most detailed images of the distant universe, an iconic quintet of galaxies known as Stephan's quintet and even water vapor on another planet. Speaking with Salon earlier this month, NASA scientist Dr. Michelle Thaller praised the JWST image of Jupiter as "almost like you were at a spacecraft that was orbiting the planet. And you can see all of the different whirls and eddies in the atmosphere, and those are very important for us to study."
MinistryWatch Offers Advice for Those Who Want to Stop Human Trafficking NEWS PROVIDED BY

MinistryWatch

July 28, 2023



CHARLOTTE, N.C., July 28, 2023 /Christian Newswire/ -- Human trafficking, either for sex or for forced labor, is a horrible crime.



Non-governmental organizations (NGOs), including many Christian ministries, raise hundreds of millions of dollars to fight human trafficking.



Indeed, sex trafficking has become something of a cause celebre for evangelicals. International Justice Mission's revenue has doubled in the past five years. Operation Underground Railroad didn't exist a decade ago, but has now grown to the point that it was able to pay its president Tim Ballard more than a half-million per year.



But work in the human trafficking arena has raised questions, and recently media reports have increased their scrutiny. MinistryWatch raised some of these questions, especially about Operation Underground Railroad.



Guidance For Christian Donors

Given these concerns, and the proliferation of trafficking ministries, what's a Christian donor to do? Here are a few guidelines: Give locally.



Before you send money off to a national organization that is taking in tens of millions of dollars, see if there's a ministry in your community. There likely is. Investigate that ministry first. Big ministries can afford slick marketing. Don't be seduced.



Do your research.



MinistryWatch tracks the 1000 largest ministries in the nation at www.ministrywatch.com. Many of the largest trafficking organizations are there.



Volunteer.



Local ministries usually need volunteers to work with the people they serve. Many of them offer volunteer training that will help you understand how to be more effective in your work for them, but which also educate you about the human trafficking problem in your area.



Give to Christian organizations.



Many of the organizations involved in sex trafficking are not Christian groups. For example, neither OUR or IJM are explicitly Christian organizations, though IJM does have many Christians (including its founder, Gary Haugen) on staff.



Some of them do good work, but without bringing Scripture and a biblical worldview to this problem, we are likely not providing lasting help. I make no apologies for recommending that you give to and advocate for explicitly Christian organizations.



Finally...



Don't let negative headlines freeze you into inaction. View the negative headlines as a gift, steering you away from the bad actors and toward the good actors. Human trafficking is a scourge, a horrible scourge in this beautiful but broken world. But it is the job of Christians to be restorers, reconcilers, repairers of the breach. Local human trafficking ministries are a great place to start.



SOURCE MinistryWatch



CONTACT: Warren C Smith, wsmith@ministrywatch.com



Share Tweet
Lake Oroville in Oroville, California, on September 05, 2021 (left), and on April 16, 2023 (right). Josh Edelson/AFP/Getty Images

California's record-setting rain and snow this winter has replenished the state's reservoirs.

Photos showed the dramatic transformation at Lake Oroville, the second-largest reservoir.

Some lakes, like Tulare Lake in the Central Valley, have also re-emerged after being drained years ago.

Dramatic photos show how heavy rain and snow helped replenish drought-stricken California, with some reservoirs and lakes currently at their highest levels in years.

California saw record levels of rain and snowpack this winter. As a result, Lake Shasta and Lake Oroville, two of the largest reservoirs in the state, bounced back from dangerously low levels last year to now being near full capacity. All together, reservoirs statewide are currently 86% full, well above the 30-year average of 66% and up from closer to 35% late last year, according data compiled by the Los Angeles Times.

Photos of Lake Oroville taken in September of 2021 and April of 2023 showed the stark transformation.

The first photo below, taken in 2021, shows a view of the reservoir that includes the Enterprise Bridge above hills of dry land and only a small stream of water flowing underneath. The second photo, taken this year, shows the water flowing beneath the bridge has swelled, forming a long, wide section of water over what was previously just more land.

The Enterprise Bridge at Lake Oroville in Oroville, California on September 05, 2021 (top), and on April 16, 2023 (below). Josh Edelson/AFP/Getty Images

The extra water has helped relieve drought conditions in much of the state, even making it so farmers in the state's Central Valley do not have to rely on groundwater to irrigate their crop.

"It's been a wild year," David "Mas" Masumoto, a Fresno County farmer and author, told The Washington Post. "We forget, November and December, it looked like another drought. We all braced for that and planned for that."

Photos of another section of Lake Oroville showed houseboats in a line along a thin section of water on September 04, 2021 (top), and again on on April 16, 2023 (below) at the same spot but with a wide girth on either side due to the expansion of the lake. Josh Edelson/AFP/Getty Images

Instead of pumping groundwater, which can further deplete water resources by draining rivers and lakes, farmers have been able to rely on canals and irrigation ditches that have finally been full of water.

Story continues

The Post reported it's the first time in a decade that farmers have actually been able to pump water back into aquifers, rather than pull it out.

Houseboats parked at a marina at Lake Oroville in Oroville, California, on September 05, 2021 (top) and on April 16, 2023 (below). Josh Edelson/AFP/Getty Images

The high levels of precipitation have even brought some "zombie lakes" back to life.

Tulare Lake, located in the Central Valley, was once the largest body of fresh water west of the Mississippi. About a century ago its water was diverted to irrigate farms, and the lake was largely drained.

Heavy equipment reinforces levees in preparation of possible flooding as farmland in the Tulare Lake Basin is submerged in water in Corcoran, Calif., Thursday, April 20, 2023. Jae C. Hong/Associated Press

But Tulare Lake re-emerged earlier this year, leaving some of the farms that stood on the land just last year now under water.

Scientists have said the cycle of dry years mixed in with extremely wet ones like this year  which also led to damaging floods and landslides  could become more normal.

Farmland in the Tulare Lake Basin is submerged in water in Corcoran, Calif., April 20, 2023. Jae C. Hong, File/Associated Press

Read the original article on Business Insider
Dead white sturgeon have been spotted floating in the Columbia River as water has warmed to higher than the historic summer average.

The Washington state and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife have closed much of the river to sturgeon fishing starting Saturday.

It seems like every day weve pulled out of the boat ramp we always find one or two just upside down, said Jerry Reyes, owner with his son, Ivan Reyes, of Flatout Fishing in Pasco.

Hes been launching his boat at Plymouth in south Benton County.

All of the dead sturgeon he has seen have been seven feet or larger, he said.

Warm river water in the summer of 2015 is blamed for killing fish. This 7-foot-long dead sturgeon at the east end of Pascos Wade Park near Road 39 attracted attention in June 2015.

Right now they are on a feeding frenzy, he said. The water gets warm and they go on a hunt. There are a lot of sockeye, a lot of shad in the water right now so they are just happy to grab all the food but they cant digest it fast enough.

Flatout Fishing voluntarily stopped catch and release of sturgeon before the Oregon and Washington agencies jointly made the decision to end sturgeon fishing this week through Sept. 15.

Catch and release of sturgeon is usually open year round in much of the Columbia River.

The closure that starts Saturday is from The Dalles Dam upstream to Priest Rapids Dam above the Tri-Cities. It remains open in the sections of the river downstream of The Dalles Dam and Bonneville Dam, where populations are higher.

About two dozen dead sturgeon have been seen floating in the John Day pool, with more in the McNary pool, the Hanford Reach and The Dalles pool, according to Washington state Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Sturgeon are very hardy fish in a lot of ways, but theyre also very vulnerable to certain stressors, especially in the late spring and summer period after they spawn, said Laura Heironimus, sturgeon lead with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

High water temperatures and lower dissolved oxygen stress can kill sturgeon, according to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.

We see some sturgeon mortalities reported every year, but the number this year is higher than normal and in areas with lower abundances and recruitment concerns, and we want to give these fish every chance possible to survive, Heironimus said.

Story continues

White sturgeon populations in the lower and mid part of the Columbia River are not considered to be in danger, but there are not as many as fish and wildlife experts would like.

A large sturgeon jumps out of the Columbia River on July 10, 2003. After anglers battled the fish for almost an hour, the line gave way and the fish got away.

Fortunately, the number of dead sturgeon has been lower than seen in the drought of 2015, Heironimus said.

That year by mid July about 66 dead sturgeon had been seen in the Columbia River from McNary Dam to Boardman, Ore. More than 20 were reported upstream, from the Hanford Reach downstream to the McNary Dam.

Warm water, low flows and the resulting dropping dissolved oxygen levels were blamed then for stressing large sturgeon. In addition, they were gorging on sockeye salmon and then trying to swim on hot days.

White sturgeon can grow to more than 10 feet in length and weigh hundreds of pounds. Some live to 100 or older.

People who see a sturgeon carcass are encouraged to report it at publicinput.com/mortalityreporting.
The sturgeon full moon will light up the night sky in southwestern Illinois soon, and it will mark the second supermoon of the year.

The sturgeon moon will peak at 12:33 p.m. Tuesday, according to Forbes, and the best time to see it will likely be moonrise in Belleville, which will happen at 8:42 p.m. that day.

Augusts full Moon was traditionally called the Sturgeon Moon because the giant sturgeon of the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain were most readily caught during this part of summer, the Old Farmers Almanac says.

Full moons have multiple names, and many come from Indigenous cultures. The Old Farmers Almanac uses Indigenous moon names, along with monikers from colonial America and other North American sources.

The evening of Aug. 1 should be partly cloudy in Belleville, National Weather Service St. Louis office forecasters report, with a low temperature around 74 degrees.

What is the sturgeon supermoon?

This full moon will appear slightly larger than normal, Space.com reports.

The term supermoon was coined by astrologer Richard Nolle in 1979 as either a new or full Moon that occurs when the Moon is within 90% of perigee, its closest approach to Earth, a NASA article about Julys supermoon reads.

Because it will be closer to earth than most full moons, the sturgeon moon will likely appear 10% to 11% larger in the sky, according to Space.com, though the difference may not be obvious to casual observers without telescopes.

The sturgeon moon is also called the grain moon, corn moon, lynx moon and lightning moon, Forbes reports.

More full moons in 2023

Heres when to see more full moons in 2023, with information from Space.com:

Aug. 30: Blue supermoon (appears biggest and brightest of the year)

Sept. 29: Harvest supermoon

Oct. 28: Hunters moon

Nov. 27: Beaver moon

Dec. 26: Cold moon

The blue supermoon will be Augusts second full moon, and Forbes says the best times to see it will be the evenings of Aug. 30 and Aug. 31.

The St. Louis Astronomical Society will host several events in the coming days, including:

Stargazing at the Gateway Arch from 8 to 10:30 p.m. Friday, July 28

Stargazing at Tower Grove Park from 8 to 10 p.m. Saturday, July 29

Public telescope viewing at the Saint Louis Science Centers McDonnell Planetarium from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, July 30

You can check out the Night Sky Network online for information about more stargazing events near Belleville.
By Nafisa Eltahir

(Reuters) - In early May, a loud explosion rocked Shambat, a neighborhood to the north of Sudan's capital of Khartoum. Locals rushed to douse the flames devouring a makeshift dwelling that they say was ignited in an air strike.

They were too late. Amid the smoldering debris, according to five witnesses, were the charred bodies of a pregnant woman, a man and five children. Following the May 7 attack, the woman and children were buried at the site and the man at a nearby cemetery, two of the witnesses said.

The seven victims of the Shambat strike share something in common with many of the fatalities in the war that has ravaged Sudan since mid-April: They are not included in the official death count in Khartoum State, which has seen most of the fighting between the Sudanese army and the countrys main paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). With the conflict having shattered local health and government services, the entities that would usually register fatalities are largely disabled.

A Reuters tally of death figures recorded by local activists and volunteer groups indicates that the civilian death toll for the wider capital may be more than double the official count, underscoring the devastating impact of the more than 100-day long war on the Sudanese people.

A health ministry report circulated to aid agencies and seen by Reuters put the death toll in Khartoum State at 234 people as of July 5. The report specifies that the data is collected only from civilian hospitals.

But across Khartoum State, which includes the capital and its sister cities Omdurman and Bahri, activist and volunteer groups have recorded at least 580 civilian deaths through July 26 as a result of air strikes, artillery and gunfire.

The disparity in the figures for Khartoum State suggests that the official nationwide death toll, which the health ministry puts at 1,136 people as of July 5, may also be an undercount.

An official in Sudans health ministry told Reuters the official figure was the tip of the iceberg. Thats because many civilians have died in their neighborhoods or at home  not in hospital  so their deaths wouldnt have been recorded, he said.

Story continues

Reuters wasnt able to independently confirm the fatalities recorded by the groups, or the seven deaths on May 7 the eyewitnesses described.

Representatives for the army and RSF did not respond to requests for comment, including on the civilian death toll and the May 7 attack.

The RSF has accused the army of harming civilians through its use of warplanes and heavy artillery to bomb Khartoum State. The military has accused the RSF of killing civilians by firing missiles into residential areas, and then blaming the army for the attacks, and killing people as they loot homes and businesses.

The army and RSF shared power for four years after toppling former long-time autocratic ruler Omar al-Bashir in 2019. The two sides fell out over a plan to integrate their forces during a transition to democracy, sparking the current hostilities that began on April 15.

The war has also injured more than 12,000 people and displaced more than 3.5 million, according to the United Nations, which has called it one of the worlds largest humanitarian crises.

Pro-democracy activists, typically organized in what are known as neighborhood resistance committees, and emergency response volunteer groups have been recording incidents in Khartoum State involving civilian casualties, based on information from hospitals as well as makeshift clinics and eyewitnesses. Reuters reviewed figures shared on social media or directly with the news agency by dozens of such groups from the three sister cities that make up the greater Khartoum area.

Even the unofficial Reuters tally is likely an undercount, because some local groups are more organized and better able to record incidents than others, said Salah Albashir, a member of an emergency response volunteer group in the city of Bahri, in which the Shambat neigborhood sits. The seven deaths in the Shambat attack are an example of the undercounting. The May 7 incident hasnt been previously reported. The deaths arent part of the governments tally, and arent recorded in the figures made public by local volunteer groups, either.

The heaviest fighting between the Sudanese army and the RSF has been concentrated in the densely-populated Khartoum State, which has become a war zone. The RSF has fanned out in residential areas armed with rifles and artillery mounted on vehicles, with its soldiers embedding themselves in buildings, including homes and schools, locals say. The army  which controls the skies and possesses heavier artillery  has struck targets in Khartoum State from afar.

In the May 7 incident in Bahris Shambat neighborhood, six witnesses said the attack was an air strike because they had heard or seen warplanes, which only the army is known to possess. Two of the witnesses shared video footage showing billowing smoke in a field that they said captured the immediate aftermath of the strike. Reuters confirmed the location of the two videos but couldnt independently verify when they were filmed.

The six witnesses said residents rushed to the scene of the attack and tried to extinguish the fire caused by the explosion with water from a nearby irrigation ditch. They found the burnt bodies at the scene.

You put it out thinking its wood and it turns out to be a person. You realize their skin is falling off, said one of the people at the scene, an engineer in his thirties who, like the other witnesses, spoke on condition of anonymity due to fear of reprisals from the warring parties.

IN THE CROSSFIRE

Fatal attacks in residential areas have become commonplace since the fighting erupted, according to local activist committees and emergency response volunteer groups.

More than 50 people died in just three attacks in densely populated southern Khartoum in late May and June, according to social media statements by the Southern Emergency Room, a volunteer group. In the city of Omdurman, across the Nile from the capital, at least four civilians were killed and four others injured in a drone attack earlier this month by the RSF, the national health ministry said on July 15. That assault targeted a military-run hospital, according to the ministry. An artillery strike in Omdurman nine days later killed 15 people and injured dozens of others, according to the emergency response group for the citys Ombada district. Reuters wasnt able to independently confirm the details of the attacks or who was responsible.

Neither the army nor the RSF responded to a request for comment on these incidents. The RSF has publicly accused the army of two of the attacks in southern Khartoum - on May 31 and June 17. The army said the RSF was responsible for the third Khartoum attack, on June 11, and the July 15 drone attack in Omdurman. Neither side publicly responded to the accusations and neither have made public statements on the later July attack.

Civilians are also dying as an indirect result of the conflict, which has hammered the country's already stretched healthcare system and other infrastructure. Dozens of babies and young children died at an orphanage as the fighting kept staff away and caused power outages, Reuters reported in May.

With air strikes and artillery shelling unrelenting, civilians are dying almost daily across the wider capital as a direct result of the conflict, according to the activist and volunteer groups. For those who have remained in areas like Shambat, life has become hellish, dozens of residents have told Reuters.

RSF soldiers dot the main roads of Shambat, which sits close to a key RSF base called al-Mazalat and has long been a hotbed of protest against both the army and the RSF.

Residents in Shambat and elsewhere across the wider capital say RSF forces regularly stop young men they suspect of working for the army, according to statements by resistance committees and at least three residents. Two of the witnesses to the May 7 incident  the engineer in his thirties and another local man who is an airport employee  said that days after that incident RSF soldiers stopped them in the street after one of the two men used the term Janjaweed. The term is often used as a pejorative reference to the RSFs origins in the Arab militias known as Janjaweed that, along with the army, were accused of genocide in the Darfur region in the 2000s. Both the RSF and army have denied accusations of genocide.

The two men said RSF soldiers took them to the Mazalat base and beat them with sticks and rifle butts. The airport employee said that during the ordeal an RSF fighter ordered another fighter to kill him.

Reuters wasnt able to independently corroborate the accounts of the two men, who said they were released after a period of hours. The news agency spoke to one of the men by phone in Sudan and the second in Egypt after he fled following the beating he said he received at the hands of the RSF.

The RSF did not respond to requests for comment on the two mens account. In response to allegations earlier this month by Sudanese rights groups of detentions and inhumane treatment by the RSF of civilians and combatants, the paramilitary group told Reuters the reports were incorrect and all prisoners of war were well-treated. The RSF has also previously said it would prosecute any of its soldiers found to have committed violations against civilians.

Residents say the constant airstrikes and shelling have traumatized their children and damaged their homes. They dont see the fighting ending anytime soon, saying the battle between the army and the RSF appears to be in a stalemate. Mediation attempts by regional and international powers have failed to find a path out of an increasingly intractable conflict.

You can't win a battle like this unless you want to destroy the whole area, said a 40-year old father of two from Shambat.

(Reported by Nafisa Eltahir in Cairo. Additional reporting by Adam Makary and Marwan Abdel-Razek in Cairo and Eleanor Whalley in London. Edited by Cassell Bryan-Low)
Police are investigating an apparent suicide attempt at the Greene County Jail that left a 43-year-old Bloomington man seriously injured and hospitalized.

Jack D. Farmer Jr. was unresponsive when jail staff found him injured on Sunday, July 22, in a day room common area at the jail in Bloomfield, sheriff George Dallaire said.

Farmer was taken to Greene County General Hospital, then transferred to Deaconness Hospital in Evansville for further medical treatment.

Weapons? It's legal to carry a machete, and more people in Bloomington are doing just that

According to court records, Farmer was arrested in Greene County and charged July 10 with residential burglary and theft. He also faces a habitual criminal charge, and had been held at the jail since his arrest.

Dallaire said there is video footage of what happened. That and investigative reports and interviews have been given to the Indiana State Police, he said, to review before completing a final report.

This story will be updated.

Contact H-T reporter Laura Lane at llane@heraldt.com or 812-318-5967.

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Police investigate suicide attempt at Greene County Jail
Comic-Con International Convention fans ride an escalator in July 2019 at the San Diego Convention Center. (Howard Lipin / San Diego Union-Tribune)

Summer has brought an uptick in coronavirus transmission, but experts say it is still too early to tell whether the upswing represents a significant public health concern.

The U.S. recorded a 10% increase in new COVID-19 hospital admissions for the week that ended July 15 compared with the previous seven-day period. Still, hospitalizations remain near a record low for the pandemic.

Hospitalizations are rising fastest in the South, Great Plains and Rocky Mountain states. California, so far, has fared better.

"There's no doubt compared to our nadirs, or the stability that we've enjoyed, that there's a slight increase in test positivity," Dr. Mark Ghaly, secretary of the California Health and Human Services Agency, told The Times in an interview.

"And the question is going to be: How sick do people really get, now that we've had a degree of immunity?" he said.

Read more: Are we in a summer surge? What to do if you get COVID now

The extent of the increase in transmission is difficult to quantify. Official case counts are now largely unreliable due to the proliferation of at-home testing and reduced data reporting.

But other metrics point to an increase.

Coronavirus levels in Los Angeles County wastewater have been trending upward. And the statewide test positivity rate hit 7.6% for the week that ended Monday, up from 4.1% a month earlier. The number of coronavirus test results reported to the California Department of Public Health has also doubled over the last month, a possible indication that more people are getting sick  or are at least concerned they have been exposed to the virus.

COVID-19 hospitalizations in California, while still near record lows, are no longer decreasing. There were 834 coronavirus-positive patients in California's hospitals as of last Saturday  smaller than the lows reported in the spring of 2021 and 2022 but an increase from July 1, when there were 747 coronavirus-positive hospitalized patients.

Story continues

Deaths have not yet risen in California, but they are a lagging indicator: It often takes weeks for an uptick in transmission to trigger a corresponding increase in fatalities.

Read more: Did you get COVID but never feel sick? New study hints at why

Experts and officials say it's not surprising that a summer coronavirus uptick has arrived, given seasonal patterns in recent years.

Travel has also roared back from pandemic-era lows. The Transportation Security Administration recently said that, nationally, June 30 was the busiest day ever for the agency's operations, exceeding the previous record set on the Sunday after Thanksgiving in 2019.

And as vacations and conferences return, with most people having shed masks, chances for infection have increased.

Timing also plays a role. Most people are well removed from their last COVID-19 booster shot and, given that the most recent coronavirus uptick occurred last winter, it's probably been months since many were exposed to significant circulation of the virus.

"This comes at a time when people's collective immunity is waning," said UC San Francisco infectious-disease expert Dr. Peter Chin-Hong. "So it's kind of like the force field is weaker, so to speak."

Read more: California's COVID-19 hospitalizations are near historic lows. Will the lull last?

The U.S. reported 7,109 COVID-19 hospital admissions for the week that ended July 15, the most recent for which data are available. That's slightly up from the pandemic record low of 6,294, which was set during the week that ended June 24.

The national hospital peak came the week that ended Jan. 15, 2022, during the height of the first Omicron surge. In just that seven-day period, there were 150,674 COVID-19 hospital admissions.

In L.A. County, public health officials have noted small increases in transmission but said in a statement that hospitalizations and deaths so far remain relatively stable, "likely reflecting built-up protection against severe illness from COVID-19."

Levels of coronavirus in the county's wastewater are at 16% of last winter's peak, according to the most recent data released Thursday. That figure was 8% two weeks ago.

Read more: COVID is still out there. Here's what to do if you get it now

In 2022, COVID was L.A. County's third-leading cause of death, behind heart disease and Alzheimer's disease. But "based on death numbers to date," the county Department of Public Health said in a statement, "we anticipate a significant decrease in the ranking of COVID-19 this year."

"Looking at the current patterns we are seeing between cases, hospitalizations and deaths provides evidence that built-up immunity, through vaccination and prior infections, is likely leading to greater resilience against severe illness," county Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer said in a statement. "With vaccines and therapeutics remaining effective against the circulating strains of COVID-19, we can take comfort knowing that COVID is now something we can manage."

That deaths haven't started to increase nationally could be explained either by the traditional lag or, more optimistically, by lower mortality rates, Chin-Hong said. It could end up being the case, he said, that while COVID-19 patients might still seek emergency room care, fewer will need to be admitted into the hospital and far fewer still will die.

However, it remains possible COVID-19 could pose a larger problem in the winter, Chin-Hong said.

Read more: COVID-19 origins remain a mystery, declassified report shows

Officials say people should still take prudent steps to avoid infection, such as avoiding sick people and getting tested if you have COVID symptoms. Keeping a mask handy so you can wear it if needed  for instance, if youre unlucky enough to sit on a plane next to coughing people spraying droplets in your face  would also be a good idea.

The rise in viral transmission will increase the risk of people being exposed to someone who is contagious. Chin-Hong said he's heard of a number of people who have never had COVID-19 before who are getting it now.

"If you have more people transmitting stuff around  and particularly if few people are testing  then people who haven't gotten it before will continue to get it," he said. "Many people will do well, but some of those people, statistically speaking, won't."

Aside from the chance of serious illness, some people may go on to develop long COVID  the umbrella term for a long list of symptoms that can endure months or years after an infection.

Read more: Long COVID takes heavy toll on health even as pandemic fades, study shows

Now that Paxlovid, an anti-COVID oral drug that can be taken after infection, has been fully approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, higher-risk people can talk to their healthcare providers about getting Paxlovid in advance of, say, an overseas trip if they think itll be hard to obtain the drug later. That would enable people to take the pills quickly should they test positive for the coronavirus, Chin-Hong said.

It can be helpful to have the Paxlovid conversation in advance of becoming sick with COVID-19, Chin-Hong said. That way, patients can talk with their regular healthcare providers about the possibility of interactions with other drugs they are taking.

The FDA says Paxlovid significantly reduces the percentage of people with COVID-related hospitalization or death from any cause.

People who come down with COVID symptoms or test positive for the virus should isolate for at least five days after their symptoms begin or after they first test positive, whichever comes first, health officials say.

Most insurance plans in California are still required under state law to reimburse insured people for the cost of eight at-home COVID tests a month for every covered person.

Read more: Are you getting billed for COVID-19 tests you didn't order? Here's what you need to know

According to the L.A. County Department of Public Health, COVID patients can generally exit isolation at the end of the fifth day after symptoms began or their first positive test result, provided their symptoms are mild and improving and they don't have a fever. The agency does recommend, however, that people wait until they test negative if exiting isolation before 10 days are up.

County health officials also suggest wearing a mask when near other people for 10 days after the onset of symptoms or their first positive test. But they also say residents can stop masking after the fifth day if they meet the criteria to end isolation and have two negative COVID-19 test results in a row, taken at least a day apart.

Isolation and mask wearing can generally end after the 10th day, without the need of a negative test result. But people who still have a fever should stay isolated for at least a day after the fever ends. People who are immune-compromised or have severe COVID-19 should speak with a doctor about when they can be around others.

Californians who dont have insurance or are having a hard time getting a prescription for anti-COVID medication can make a free phone or video appointment through the states COVID-19 telehealth service, reachable through sesamecare.com/covidca or by calling (833) 686-5051.

L.A. County has similar free telehealth services, which are accessible at (833) 540-0473. Free at-home COVID tests also can still be picked up at county libraries and vaccination sites operated by the county Department of Public Health, as well as at many food banks and senior centers.

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.
Travelers check in at Los Angeles International Airport over Memorial Day weekend. Record-setting numbers of people have travel plans this summer. Increased travel is believed to be a contributing factor to "summer surges" of COVID-19. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

Are we in a summer COVID surge?

It's starting to look that way. In Los Angeles County, the test positivity rate has ticked up in recent weeks, from just under 3% in April to 6.64% on average for the past seven days, according to the county public health tracker. The CDC reports COVID-19 hospitalizations are up 10.3% nationwide in the past week, though the California Department of Public Health says they are down 10.3% over the past 14 days in L.A. County. Wastewater data for L.A. County indicate SARS-CoV-2 prevalence is up by about 50% from a low in late May, though still significantly below where it was in the first quarter of 2023.

Overall levels of COVID-19 are still low compared with the pre-vaccine phase of the pandemic and the heights of the Delta and Omicron surges. Deaths have continued to trend downward, both in L.A. County and nationwide. Every indicator  cases, test positivity, hospitalizations and deaths  plummeted through the spring. But any rise is cause for concern, especially since repeat COVID infections increase the risk of developing chronic health conditions like diabetes, kidney disease and organ failure. Every time you get COVID, your risk of death increases.

We have seen "summer surges" every year since the start of the pandemic. As in past years, summer travel is a likely contributing factor. And in the "post-emergency" pandemic phase, masking and vaccination requirements are all but nonexistent.

One way to reduce your chances of catching COVID this summer: Get up to date on your booster shots. More than three-fourths of eligible people have been vaccinated in L.A. County, but scarcely 1 in 4 have an updated booster shot. Schedule one today at your pharmacy or doctor's office. Also, consider masking when you're around people. (Yes, they're more effective when everyone wears one, but it still reduces your risk of infection.) Wear a tight-fitting N-95 mask in crowded airports, movie theaters, concert venues and on buses, trains and convention floors. Finally, wash your hands.

Story continues

If you've recently tested positive for COVID-19, you probably have questions. How long should you stay isolated? Do you need to get Paxlovid  and how do you get it? How do you reduce your risk of long COVID? And how long are you immune after you recover?

Here's the latest COVID guidance.

Read more: Summer brings COVID-19 uptick amid renewed travel, socializing. How bad will it get?

How long does it take to develop COVID symptoms after being exposed?

If youve been exposed to COVID-19, symptoms can show up anywhere from two to 14 days later, according to a 2020 survey of reported cases. The median length of time between exposure and infection was five days; most infected people began showing symptoms three to six days after exposure.

Back in 2020, one hallmark of COVID was a sudden loss of taste and smell. But that's no longer the case. Now, any respiratory symptoms can indicate COVID: sniffles, fatigue, cough, sore throat, fever, stuffy nose, and muscle aches. In more severe cases, shortness of breath, racing heart, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea could also be symptoms. XBB 1.16, the dominant Omicron subvariant dubbed Arcturus, has been manifesting as pinkeye.

Anything going on in your head, nose or throat, you should absolutely suspect COVID," said Paula Cannon, a professor of virology at USC's Keck School of Medicine. If you're feeling any sort of cold-like "yuck," you should take a home test. (And yes, there are still ways to get them for free.)

When should you take a COVID test?

If you've done anything that could have exposed you to COVID  traveling without a mask, attending an indoor concert or movie or convention  its a good idea to take a home test after a few days even if you dont have any symptoms. If it's positive, you don't need to follow up with a PCR test.

You arent required to report your result to the county, though you may want to let your healthcare provider know.

Read more: Are you getting billed for COVID-19 tests you didn't order? Here's what you need to know

What are the current COVID isolation guidelines?

The most recent recommendation from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is to isolate for five full days after the onset of symptoms. That means the first day you start to feel sick is Day Zero and your five-day countdown starts the next day. If you tested positive but are asymptomatic, isolate for five full days after the positive test.

Those first five days represent the period during which you are the most infectious. But thats the minimum, not the maximum. Getting to Day 6 doesnt mean you can abandon all precautions. Thats the first day you can evaluate how youre feeling to determine if you need to continue isolating: Are your symptoms improving? Have you been fever-free for at least 24 hours without using an over-the-counter fever-reducing medicine (acetaminophen or ibuprofen)?

If you are feeling better and are fever-free without medication, you can end your isolation. If not, you need to continue, for up to 10 days.

While you are isolating, you should stay home and limit contact with anyone whos not infected, both inside your home and out. If you need to leave your house for a necessary reason  for instance, to pick up a medication or grocery delivery from your lobby  wear a tight-fitting N95 mask.

Read more: Did you get COVID but never feel sick? New study hints at why

How long do COVID symptoms last?

The length of your symptoms will depend on a lot of factors, including whether youre up to date on your vaccinations and boosters and whether you take Paxlovid (more on that in a moment). Some people will feel better after a few days, and some people will still have symptoms after 10 days, possibly even weeks later.

Beyond taking Paxlovid, there isn't much you can actively do to make COVID symptoms go away. Do what youd normally do when you're sick: rest, drink lots of fluids, eat healthy meals, take acetaminophen to control aches and fever. In other words, take good care of yourself.

If you start to experience severe symptoms, even if you're fully vaccinated and boosted, you should go to the hospital. Those include having a hard time breathing or catching your breath, extreme fatigue, chest pressure or pain, confusion, trouble waking up or staying awake, and bluish or pale gray lips or nails.

Read more: COVID-19 origins remain a mystery, declassified report shows

Who should take Paxlovid, and how do you get it?

Paxlovid is an antiviral treatment for COVID-19. There is a broad evidence-based scientific consensus that using it reduces the risk of being hospitalized or dying. Paxlovid may also reduce the chance of developing long COVID in some patients.

Paxlovid is a five-day course of medication taken twice daily. Treatment has to begin within five days of developing COVID symptoms. Paxlovid may have negative interactions with certain prescription drugs, including statins and some heart and blood pressure medications.

Right now, Paxlovid is prescribed in the U.S. to people who have certain risk factors. Its a wide range of conditions and behaviors, including being older than 50, being unvaccinated or not up to date on your booster shots, and health conditions including diabetes, heart conditions, a body mass index classified as overweight or obese, pregnancy or recent pregnancy, smoking, asthma, physical inactivity, and mental health conditions including depression.

Beyond the listed eligibility conditions for Paxlovid, FDA guidance says your risk level can be a judgment call by your doctor.

Even for young healthy people, Cannon said, "if you dont feel good, if you believe that you respond badly to respiratory infections, its worth talking to a medical professional about Paxlovid. Reach out to your general physician, or consider using a telehealth "doc in a box" app for a virtual visit.

What about 'Paxlovid mouth' or 'Paxlovid rebound'?

Some people who take Paxlovid report noticing an unpleasant metallic taste in their mouths, known as "Paxlovid mouth." It typically goes away once you're done using the medication.

What some people have called a Paxlovid rebound  in which they have COVID, take Paxlovid, test negative, then test positive again days or weeks later  is really a COVID rebound, Cannon said. The treatment is effective enough that you reduce your viral load to the point where an infection doesn't show up on a test; then after treatment ends, your viral load increases again. That doesn't mean Paxlovid didn't work; your body just hasn't finished fighting off the infection yet.

Read more: How immune are we? Why answering this question is essential for post-pandemic life

How long are you contagious with COVID?

Right now, evidence suggests you are definitely contagious for those first five days after you start to develop symptoms or get a positive test result. In those first five days, its important to stay home and isolate as much as possible.

Beyond that, you should assume you are still infectious as long as you are getting a positive result on a home test.

If youve reached the five-day threshold and youre feeling better and are fever-free without medication, its generally considered safe for you to go out. You are still theoretically infectious up to Day 10, though much less so, so you should exercise caution around people who could become severely ill with COVID.

If youre going around someone who is immunocompromised, if youre going to go see Grandma, I would still not do that within 10 days of a positive test, said Georges Benjamin, the executive director of the American Public Health Assn.

How long are you immune after having COVID?

Unfortunately, we don't know. Muntu Davis, health officer for the L.A. County Department of Public Health, said the guidance used to be that you were considered immune and shouldnt have to test again within 90 days after you had an infection; now its 30 days. But thats just a guideline, not a definitive scientific consensus.

A widely reported meta-analysis published in the Lancet showed many people have antibodies in their blood 10 months after an infection. But the presence of antibodies doesnt mean you can't develop a symptomatic infection  it just means your odds are lower. And reinfection protection was shown to be substantially lower for Omicron variants, which have been the dominant strains in the United States for over a year.

A CDC study of seroprevalence  the presence of antibodies in peoples blood  showed that as of May 2022, almost 95% of Americans tested had either had COVID, gotten vaccinated for COVID or both. At this point, its unlikely we will ever reach a point where herd immunity will wipe out COVID entirely. Some scientists are working on tests that look at T-cell immunity, instead of antibody levels, to assess whether someone is immune. For now, it's impossible to say how long you can stop worrying about getting COVID after recovering from it.

Read more: $62,000 and three years later: Long COVID continues to upend this California couples lives

Is there any way to avoid or prevent long COVID?

The scientific world is still in the early stages of determining what constitutes long COVID, who's most at risk, and which possible preventive measures are most effective.

A study recently published in JAMA Internal Medicine suggested an overall healthy lifestyle  adequate nutrition and sleep, regular exercise, moderate alcohol consumption  could lower womens risk of developing long COVID. Another study, published in Cell, identified four risk factors for long COVID, including Type 2 diabetes.

The primary way to avoid long COVID is to not catch COVID in the first place. Boosters and masks are still valuable tools for anyone looking to reduce their risk this summer.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump. Win McNamee/Getty Images

Special Counsel Jack Smith filed two new documents charges against Trump in a superseding indictment.

Superseding indictments allow for additions and changes to a case in light of new evidence.

As Smith continues to probe Trump's legal troubles, even more charges could come, a legal expert told Insider.

Special Counsel Jack Smith charged former President Donald Trump with two additional counts in a superseding indictment filed in the Mar-a-Lago classified documents case this week.

The new charges, which include obstruction of justice and willful retention of classified documents, come after Trump already pleaded not guilty to 37 counts in the case last month.

A superseding indictment is a criminal complaint brought by a grand jury that changes, adds to, or replaces an original indictment in the wake of new evidence.

The superseding indictment brought in the documents case this week also added a third defendant, maintenance worker Carlos De Oliveira, to the case, as well as additional charges against Trump aide Walt Nauta, who pleaded not guilty to the counts against him earlier this month.

Superseding indictments are common in legal cases of all kinds, but can be especially prevalent in high-profile, complex cases like this one, Carl Tobias, a law professor at the University of Richmond, told Insider.

"You have to allow for amendments and follow-ups," Tobias said. "Especially in this particular case, one thing is leading to another is leading to another."

The new court documents allege Trump, Nauta, and De Oliveira asked another staffer to delete surveillance footage from Mar-a-Lago to prevent it from being provided to a federal grand jury.

The addition of more charges against Trump is unsurprising, Tobias said, given how aggressively Smith has been pursuing the cases against the former president.

Trump has been indicted in two separate prosecutions. He faces 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in New York in addition to the classified documents case. The former president is also the subject of at least three additional investigations related to the 2020 election, the January 6 insurrection, and his finances.

Story continues

With Trump campaigning for the presidency in 2024  a position that would grant him legal immunity for at least another four years  prosecutors are also on a time crunch as they investigate the former president's myriad legal troubles.

"They're trying to do as much as they can in the shortest period of time," Tobias said. "It shouldn't be surprising that the more they dig, the more they find."

With the clock ticking and enough evidence to make charges, prosecutors likely felt like they needed to make a big move in the documents case last month, with the expectation that they could and would uncover more later, Tobias said.

"They probably did a cost-benefit analysis and wanted to go ahead and move on it," he said.

And as Smith continues to probe Trump's troubles, more charges could always be added again, Tobias said.

Representatives for Trump and De Oliveira did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment. A spokesperson for Trump told The Associated Press that the additional charges are an attempt by Biden's administration "to harass President Trump and those around him."

Read the original article on Business Insider
Former President Donald Trump Brendan Smialowski/Getty Images

A grand jury returned an updated indictment related to Trump's handling of classified records.

The superseding indictment adds a third defendant and additional charges.

A new defendant may push the trial date "a couple of months," a former federal prosecutor says.

New additions to the Justice Department's indictment related to Donald Trump's handling of classified records could move the case's May 2024 trial date by "a couple of months," a former federal prosecutor told Insider.

On Thursday, a grand jury returned a superseding indictment in the classified documents case, adding more charges, including two obstruction counts, and a third defendant.

The indictment now includes a Mar-a-Lago maintenance worker, Carlos De Oliveira, along with Trump and his aide, Walt Nauta  both of whom pled not guilty to the charges in June.

Adding De Oliveira, who is accused of working with Trump to delete surveillance footage at the resort, is a "big change," Ken White, a defense attorney and founding partner of Brown White & Osborn LLP, told Insider.

The addition adds extra steps before the case can go to trial, including summoning the new defendant and getting an attorney for him.

"You would expect it to delay things a couple of months," White said.

De Oliveira is expected to appear in a Miami federal court on July 31, the DOJ wrote in a press release of the superseding indictment. His attorney, John Irving, did not respond to a request for comment.

Last week, Judge Aileen Cannon set a trial date for May 20, 2024, giving a middle ground between the DOJ's request to go to trial in December and Trump's wish to push the trial until after the 2024 election.

In a notice, Jack Smith, the special counsel leading the DOJ's case, wrote that the additions in the superseding indictment "should not disturb the Court's scheduling order."

He argues that the new count against Trump and his aide Walt Nauta should not "expand the scope of the unclassified discovery" and that his office will "promptly produce discovery" related to the obstruction charges and for the new defendant.

Story continues

Trump's attorney did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Though the DOJ special counsel has pressed for urgency in the trial, White, the criminal defense attorney, told Insider that the upcoming primaries or election should not be of concern for the prosecutor.

"I think it's an appropriate move," White said of the changes to the indictment. Worrying about the election or if Trump may be emboldened to pardon himself is "not a legitimate line of inquiry for a prosecutor."

Outside of the new defendant, the indictment's updates are "largely cosmetic," White said.

The new charges may have some impact on sentencing, but "it pales in comparison to the rest of the case," he said. And the detailed allegations of how Trump conspired to withhold documents and obstruct investigations, are all about telling a better story, White said.

"It's another good thing to convince the jury," White said.

Read the original article on Business Insider
CAMDEN - A murder suspect fled from this city to Delaware but he couldn't elude surveillance technology, authorities say.

Myles Nicholson, 23, of Philadelphia allegedly shot a man in a daylight attack near a busy East Camden intersection, according to the Camden County Prosecutors Office.

The victim, 31-year-old Stefan Shaw of Maple Shade, died in a barrage of at least a dozen bullets as he sat in a vehicle that had stopped on Baird Boulevard near 27th Street on July 18, a court record says.

According to a probable cause statement, surveillance video showed a gunman stepping from a Hyundai that had approached Shaw's vehicle shortly after 4 p.m.

More: Fatal shot followed an argument Ex-girlfriend arrested for killing Mantua man in Camden

The gunman then drove to nearby Carman Street and returned to Shaw's vehicle, removing what appeared to be a bag, the statement says.

The suspect then returned to his car and drove away.

Investigators tracked suspect's path

But he was tracked on video to the area of Bank and Randolph streets, where a license plate reader recorded the Hyundai's tag.

Records for license plate readers showed the Hyundai had also been spotted in Wilmington, where detectives saw the Hyundai being driven in a parking lot.

New Castle County police stopped the car at a Wilmington gas station and arrested Nicholson, the statement says.

It says Nicholson was found in possession of a .40 caliber bullet, similar to those that left shell casings at the murder scene.

A person with Nicholson, identified only as Witness 1, said Nicholson had used the Hyundai from 3 to 11 p.m. on July 18.

The witness also identified Nicholson from surveillance video of the shooter, the statement says.

Nicholson is charged with murder and weapons offenses.

The charges are only allegations. No one has been convicted in the case.

Jim Walsh is a senior reporter with the Courier-Post, Burlington County Times and The Daily Journal. Email him at jwalsh@cpsj.com.

This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: Surveillance cameras, license plate reader track Camden murder suspect
Hong Kong (CNN)  Exhausted by the pressure to succeed as a photographer, Litsky Li accepted a better offer: quit work to become one of Chinas growing legions of children paid by their families to stay home.

Li, 21, now spends her days grocery shopping for her family in the central city of Luoyang and caring for her grandmother, who has dementia. Her parents pay her a salary of 6,000 yuan ($835) a month, which is considered a solid middle-class wage in her area.

The reason why I am at home is because I cant bear the pressure of going to school or work, said Li, a high school graduate. I dont want to compete intensely with my peers. So I choose to lie flat completely, she said, using a popular phrase that refers to eschewing grueling hours and traditional family values in favor of pursuing a simpler life.

I dont necessarily need a higher paid job or a better life, she added.

Li is not alone. And its not just dissatisfaction driving the phenomenon of full-time sons and daughters, a label which first appeared on popular Chinese social media site Douban late last year.

Most of the tens of thousands of young people identifying as such on social media say theyre retreating home because they simply cant get work.

The jobless rate for 16 to 24 year olds in urban areas hit 21.3% last month, a record high.

Youth unemployment has joined a number of headwinds  tepid domestic consumption, a retreat by private industry and a struggling property market  in becoming a major headache for Chinas leadership as the countrys post-Covid recovery fizzles out.

And the problem may be much bigger than official data suggests.

Zhang Dandan, an associate professor at Peking University, wrote in an opinion piece last week for news outlet Caixin that if 16 million young people lying flat at home or relying on their parents were included, and therefore not actively looking for work, the true unemployment rate for youth could have been as high as 46.5% in March.

A growing trend

On Douban, about 4,000 members of a group called full-time childrens work communication center discuss topics related to their daily working lives.

The buzzword has spread to other social media platforms. On Xiaohongshu, Chinas most popular lifestyle sharing platform among younger people, there are currently more than 40,000 posts under the full-time sons and daughters hashtag.

Primarily in their 20s, they say theyre different from ken lao zu, which roughly translates to the generation that eats the old, a previous phenomenon popular among those born in the 1980s.

Those 30-somethings studied and pushed hard to get ahead in their careers, and often do little at home despite relying on family for help with rents and other expenses. By contrast, todays professional children spend time with parents and do housework in exchange for financial support.

If you look at us from a different perspective, we are no different than the young people who have a job, said Li, whose family supported her in her decision to drop out of the rat race.

They go to work in cities and earn a monthly salary of 3,000 to 4,000 yuan ($419 to $559). But they cant support themselves at all. They still eat at their parents house, live with them or have them pay for their apartments or cars. Their living expenses are partially paid by parents, she said.

Sociologists say Chinas traumatic experiences with strict pandemic measures have contributed to the number of young people radically rethinking their life goals and the parents supporting them.

Mentally and psychologically, people in mainland China are still recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic, said Fang Xu, a continuing lecturer at the University of California Berkeley.

I believe the desire to spend quality [time] with your loved ones, the contemplation about the meaning of life or what is the most important things in life still lingers, she said.

Shrinking opportunities, furious competition

Love, though, may not conquer all. The professional children trend is also a sign that young people are facing shrinking opportunities in an economy that had previously powered ahead for decades, enriching the generations that are now supporting their young.

After an initial burst of activity early this year, Chinas economic recovery has slowed and business confidence remains weak. The private sector, the backbone of the economy and the biggest source of employment, has been hit by a sweeping regulatory crackdown since late 2020.

Nancy Chen, a full-time daughter in eastern Jiangxi province, was affected by the campaign.

The 24 year-old was teaching at a private tutoring school after graduating from college but lost her job in 2021 when authorities banned for-profit tutoring services.

In addition to her family duties, shes busy applying for government jobs and taking exams for graduate school.

Chen says she hasnt landed anything yet because of furious competition. There were 30,000 applicants for three recent job vacancies at a municipal government in her province, she added.

But I cant be [a full-time daughter] for long, she said. I need to pass the exams or find a job. Otherwise Ill have anxiety.

Not a solution

Ya-wen Lei, a professor of sociology at Harvard University, said she expects the professional children phenomenon wont last long.

The support they receive from their parents in this context is not surprising, as many Chinese parents assist their children with various aspects of life, such as housing, marriage expenses and childcare, she said, adding that most young people are likely to eventually secure employment.

Its also not a viable solution to the jobs problem in China, said George Magnus, a research associate at the China Centre at Oxford University and SOAS University of London.

It may be a short term fix so that they have somewhere to live, jobs to do, and family income as a quid pro quo.

But if young people are not in the labor market acquiring skills and looking for better opportunities, they may then become unemployable, either because they have been out of work for too long, or not managed to stay at the sharp end of skills and training acquisition, Magnus said.

This is a condition in which short term dislocations, for example, in the labor market, become permanent, he said.

This story was first published on CNN.com, "Young Chinese are getting paid to be full-time children as jobs become harder to find"
A 23-year-old man has been charged in the slaying of Turyan S. Austell Jr. of Shiloh, who was shot to death Tuesday on a MetroLink commuter train in Illinois, authorities announced Friday afternoon.

Jarell M. Anderson of North Park Drive, East St. Louis is charged with murder/intent to kill or injure, according to the Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis. Anderson is being held in jail with bond set at $2 million.

Anderson was arrested in St. Louis County Friday afternoon and is awaiting extradition to St. Clair County.

Investigators announced the arrest at a news conference at the St. Clair County Jail.

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 was activated to assist the St. Clair County Sheriffs Department in the investigation. Sgt. Justin Biggs of the Monroe County Sheriffs Department led the Major Case Squad investigation of this case

A release issued by the Major Case Squad states that sheriffs deputies were sent to the Jackie Joyner-Kersee MetroLink train station in East St. Louis to investigate reports of shots fired at 5:44 a.m. They received additional reports of a male gunshot victim at the nearby Washington Park MetroLink train station. Deputies found a man there with multiple gunshot wounds, and he was taken to the hospital, where he died.

Austell was on a MetroLink train leaving the Jackie Joyner-Kersee MetroLink train station when he was shot, police said.

Biggs declined to comment on a motive for the shooting. He said the investigation is continuing but there are not any additional suspects at this time.

This was not a random act of violence, said Kevin Scott, the general manager of security for the organization that oversees MetroLink. These two individuals, based on the Major Case Squad statements, were familiar with each other.

Scott said there are 15 incidents per 100,000 boardings on MetroLink, So its far less than 1%.

Story continues

It is very hard to predict from a security standpoint or a law enforcement standpoint where you might have an impulse act of violence in the heat of the moment, Scott said.

We are very saddened by this occurrence, he said. We move millions of people a year on our transportation system and we do so very effectively, but from time to time weve had to deal with these issues.

This is an artists rendering of the new security gate and 8-foot fencing planned for area MetroLink stations. The first four stations to get the renovations are Washington Park, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Emerson Park and College in the metro-east as part of the secure platform plan.

MetroLink security

The two MetroLink stations involved in Tuesdays shooting are scheduled to be renovated with new security gates and 8-fencing, Scott said.

Along with the Jackie Joyner-Kersee and Washington Park stations, the renovations will be done at the Emerson Park and College stations in the metro-east. This is the first phase of six.

The first phase of the project will will be bid next Tuesday and is expected to be finished next spring.

Eventually, the work will be done on the 34 other stations on the MetroLink system and is scheduled to be finished by 2025, Scott said.

MetroLink announced earlier this year the program will cost $52 million.

As part of the security upgrades, Scott said the number of surveillance cameras used in the entire Metro bus and train system will be increased from 900 to 1,600.

And it was this camera system that helped the 19 investigators on the Major Case Squad establish a person of interest early on in their work, Biggs said in a statement.

Investigators, along with the assistance from the public, were able to identify that person of interest and located evidence critical to the investigation, he said.

Biggs declined to comment on the nature of this evidence.

The Major Case Squad investigated over 90 leads in this case.

Biggs said the investigators expressed their condolences to Austells family and friends.

He described the shooting as an unfortunate, tragic and senseless crime.
Recent small-scale protests in Sweden's capital that saw a man desecrate Islam's holy book, the Quran, and the prospect of more such demonstrations, have left the Nordic nation torn between upholding its longstanding tradition of freedom of expression and safeguarding residents from potential retaliation from those offended by the acts.

The demonstrations have fueled anger in the Muslim world, and with officials in Iran calling for reprisals, the Swedish government moved this week to enhance its counterterrorism capabilities, instructing 15 government agencies, including its armed forces and various law enforcement bodies, to bolster security measures.

Justice Minister Gunnar Strommer said the measures would enable Sweden to "deter and impede terrorism and violent extremism."

Iranian protesters burn a Swedish flag during a protest against the desecration of the Quran at demonstrations in the Swedish capital Stockholm, at the Imam Khomeini Grand Mosque in Tehran, Iran, July 21, 2023. / Credit: Morteza Nikoubazl/NurPhoto/Getty

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said he was "deeply concerned" as more requests were being submitted to the country's police for permission to hold anti-Muslim protests involving the desecration of Qurans.

"If they are granted, we are going to face some days where there is a clear risk of something serious happening. I am extremely worried about what it could lead to," Kristersson told Swedish news agency TT on Thursday.

He warned that the Swedish Security Service had determined that while the country had long been considered a "legitimate" target for terror attacks by various militant groups and lone actors inspired by them, it was now deemed to be a "prioritized" target.

Animosity toward Sweden in many Muslim nations soared in June, when a Christian Iraqi refugee burned a copy of the Quran outside Stockholm's Grand Mosque on the day of Eid-ul-Adha, the most important festival on the Muslim calendar.

Two weeks later the same man, Salwan Momika, 37, who sought asylum in Sweden a few years ago, staged another protest where he stomped on a Quran and used the Iraqi flag to wipe his shoes outside the Iraqi embassy in the Swedish capital.

Story continues

For the second time his actions drew scores of angry Iraqi protesters to the Swedish embassy in Baghdad, with the crowd managing to breach the compound's perimeter and even set part of it on fire.

Protesters scale a wall at the Swedish Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq, July 20, 2023. / Credit: Ali Jabar/AP

Iraq's government cut its diplomatic ties with Stockholm, and many other Muslim nations have summoned Swedish ambassadors in their capitals to formally lodge protests over the demonstrations in Stockholm being permitted.

Iran has taken an even stronger stance, threatening a harsh punishment against the Quran desecrator. Ali Mohammadi-Sirat, the Supreme Leader's man in the IRGC's Quds Force  a special military unit responsible for operations outside Iran's borders  said the man who disrespected the Quran should fear for his life.

According to the exiled dissident news network Iran International, which now bases its operations in Washington, D.C., Mohammadi-Sirat called on Swedish authorities to hand over Momika, stressing that those who insult the Prophet Muhammad and the Quran should face execution.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei echoed the warning, demanding that Sweden hand over the Iraqi refugee.

"The insult to the #HolyQuran in #Sweden is a bitter, conspiratorial, dangerous event," Khamenei said in a social media post. "It is the opinion of all Islamic scholars that those who have insulted the Holy Quran deserve the severest punishment."

The insult to the #HolyQuran in #Sweden is a bitter, conspiratorial, dangerous event. It is the opinion of all Islamic scholars that those who have insulted the Holy Quran deserve the severest punishment.  Khamenei.ir (@khamenei_ir) July 22, 2023

Iran International quoted Major Gen. Hossein Salami, the commander of the Revolutionary Guard, as saying that Iran "will not allow those who insult the Quran to have security."

"If someone wants to play with our Quran and religion, we will play with all his world," the opposition outlet quoted Salami as saying. "Sooner or later, the vengeful hand of the 'mujahids' will reach politicians and stage managers behind these sort of crimes, and we will render the highest punishment to the perpetrator."

Showdown looming over defense spending bill; new age concerns about lawmakers

Trump, GOP rivals react to new charges on campaign trail

African leaders urge Putin to end war, Putin promises free grain to 6 African countries
A slew of dating websites, apps and social media groups are seeking to unite singles opposed to vaccines. (Stefani Reynolds)

In a private dating group on Facebook, Renee flaunts herself to like-minded singles as a fit, adventurous Kizomba dancer who at 35 exudes "inner child vibes." But her main draw? She is unvaccinated.

The Covid-19 pandemic may have receded, but dating apps, websites and social media groups still offer to unite vaccine-hating singles who believe debunked falsehoods such as that coronavirus jabs alter DNA or cause infertility.

The trend underscores how anti-vaccine sentiment has become an entrenched identity for many who willfully resist or ignore scientific assertions that inoculations saved tens of millions of lives globally when the pandemic was raging.

A prospective match's vaccination status determines compatibility not just for Renee, a self-employed Australian, but for many posting in "unvaxed singles" groups that have cropped up on Facebook.

Dating decisions there are driven by chemistry but not science. In one closed group breached by AFP, many listed "no jabbies" as their top dating criteria, while others cheered anti-vaccine advocates as "pure blood freedom fighters."

One meme popular in the group described their ideal partner: "She's curvy, funny, intelligent, unvaccinated."

It demonstrates how the pandemic turned rejecting vaccines from a personal health decision to the way "people express their personal brand," said Timothy Caulfield, a professor at the University of Alberta in Canada.

"It shows how high the walls of their echo chambers are. Being anti-vaccine has become an ideological flag -- a way to demonstrate which team you belong to," Caulfield told AFP.

"It is less and less about science and more and more about the values being antivax signal."

- 'Swipe left' -

According to a 2022 survey by the Pew Research Center, about half of US adults who used a dating site or app said it was important to see the vaccination status on profiles.

Story continues

"Why is your vaccination status such a big deal? I've even seen it listed as a 'dealbreaker' on some profiles," said a post in a dating discussion group on the online messaging board Reddit.

"The profiles I see most state the following: 'if you're vaccinated then please swipe left.'"

Some comments in the group referred to vaccinated singles as people carrying "biological weapons," an apparent reference to the debunked claim the vaccinated spread "super strain" variants.

Vaccine falsehoods often overlap with other types of misinformation, introducing believers to those espousing the QAnon conspiracy theory and anti-LGBTQ narratives.

"Studies have consistently shown that if a person is anti-vaccine  or unvaccinated  you can make a strong guess about that person's positions on a host of other issues," Caulfield said.

Spreading falsehoods can also be profitable.

The Florida-based Wellness Company sells a detoxification supplement that it claims counteracts the harmful effects of coronavirus jabs, destroying spike proteins to get back "that pre-Covid feeling." But experts and public health authorities told AFP's fact-checkers there is no evidence the nearly $65 supplement does that.

The same company also backs a dating website for unvaccinated people called Unjected. Before being accepted, its members are required to have their "vaccination status certified by a medical professional," according to the website.

In 2021, US media reported the Unjected app, dubbed as the "Tinder for anti-vaxers," was removed from Apple's App Store over Covid-19 misinformation.

A slew of similar apps for unvaccinated singles are available on the Google Play Store. One such platform is called Unjabbed, whose user reviews expressed concern about bugs and phone hacking attempts after the app was downloaded.

- 'Tall, dark, handsome' -

At the height of the pandemic in 2021, conventional online dating platforms including Tinder, Hinge and OkCupid sought to boost vaccinations.

As part of a White House-backed effort, many platforms allowed users to create badges displaying vaccination status, with OkCupid calling the inoculated the "new tall, dark and handsome."

Users who were vaccinated or planned to be saw a spike in matches and engagement, OkCupid said in a blog, adding the "vaccine is really helping people find love."

But any future inoculation drive could be jeopardized by anti-vaccine sentiment, which appears resilient even as the pandemic ebbs and travel restrictions are lifted around the world.

The allure of finding an unvaccinated partner is reinforced by false social media posts sharing unfounded fears that vaccines can be "shed" or passed onto people through body fluids, threatening fertility.

"The only real utility a dating platform like this could have is finding a partner that aligns with your 'medical freedom' views," Katrine Wallace, an epidemiologist and assistant professor at the University of Illinois Chicago, told AFP.

"There is no clinical reason to do so."

burs-ac/bfm-caw
Jackson Hargreaves sorts cherries outside of the McMullin Orchards processing plant in Payson on Thursday, July 27, 2023. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

The plump red cherries growing in little clumps on the tree are eye-level in this expansive orchard of 160 acres.

Ryan Rowley is apologizing for the late July heat during a visit to the Payson orchard, but if he knew what at least one visitor was thinking  of reaching out and grabbing some of that fruit as quickly as possible  the heat would not likely be the first of his concerns.

Julie Gordon, president of the Cherry Marketing Institute, said this tempting tree and its cherries are what growers want to see.

See how they are all bunched up in clumps? That is what they want, she said. She pointed to a different tree where many of the cherries hung one by one, or perhaps in pairs.

That is what you see in Michigan.

Cherries are pictured at Chad Rowleys farm in Payson on Thursday, July 27, 2023. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Utahs sweet success

Michigan, in fact, is No. 1 in the United States for its tart cherry production, but Utah is second, hosting around 17 commercial producers in this area with many of those growers involved in a co-op that allows them to consolidate costs on processing, trade stories about the problem of the day  such as insects  and pool efforts to find workers.

While it has been better this season, Marc Rowley said its been especially tough over the last couple of years to find enough help.

They recruit through the federal governments H-2A Temporary Agricultural Workers program, which in Utah requires a minimum wage of $16.34 an hour, plus the provision of housing. Orchard farmers also rely on their family, with farmer Robert McMullin proudly noting his Utah County tart cherry operation is bringing along a fifth generation of family members.

Some of Utahs orchards and McMullin Orchards Inc.  the processing plant  were showcased in a Thursday tour that is part of a nationwide Buy U.S.-grown tart cherries marketing campaign funded by a Utah Department of Agriculture and Food Specialty Crop Block Grant.

Aleta Lundell and Katherine Roberts fill buckets with cherries at the McMullin Orchards processing plant in Payson on Thursday, July 27, 2023. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

The battle over imports

The institute said the U.S. tart cherry industry has been overwhelmed by cheap foreign imports that have caused record low prices, putting many American multigenerational farming operations out of business. It added that the excessively cheap imported cherries are generally subsidized by their governments to offer a product that can be brought into the country at low prices and sold below the cost of production for Utah farmers.

Story continues

Imports are crushing a lot of U.S. agriculture, Gordon said, impacting not only tart cherry growers but asparagus and blueberry farmers, to name a few.

Five dried cherry processors, including the Payson operation in Utah County, filed an anti-dumping lawsuit striking at the heart of this problem. The suit asserted Turkey was flooding the U.S. market with dried tart cherries and lowering domestic product prices. At the time the legal action was filed in 2019, Turkey accounted for more than 60% of the dried cherry imports coming into the U.S., and the imports had doubled each of the past three years.

It was a dire situation, according to the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food.

They are selling below their cost of production and are putting no value on the cherry in order to grow their market share, the state agency said in a statement. Because of the sinking grower prices in the U.S., Utah producers have had to store at least two seasons of harvest.

The U.S. producers did not prevail in their legal action.

In such a climate, its been tough on domestic agricultural producers. Costs keep going up, such as labor, but foreign imports are making it tough to stay in business.

Marc Rowley, who is on the board of the Cherry Marketing Institute, as well as the Utah Red Tart Cherry Board, grows about 400 acres of fruit, including cherries.

We want to keep growing cherries, but only if it is profitable.

The margins are slim, and development is creeping in all around them.

Related

In 2021, researchers at Utah State University were awarded nearly $2 million to study more efficient ways of managing this major crop, with the goal of helping farmers tackle obstacles such as drought, pests, low yield and soil health.

According to USU, tart cherries are a valuable component of Utahs agricultural industry, generating between $7 million and $21 million per year. But because cherries are a machine-harvested crop, they do not get the value per pound as other fruits do.

The four-year study, in collaboration with researchers at Michigan State, involves the use of sensor-loaded drones to create three-dimensional pictures of orchards that can be used to analyze orchard characteristics such as canopy density, soil health and disease and pest outbreaks. The study is examining at least eight different orchard blocks in Utah and will provide details on orchards of varying ages.

Orchard farmers on the tour said this year has been tough due to weather: wind, hail, rain and more wind.

Robert McMullin talks about cooling cherries in cold water so they can be pitted outside of the McMullin Orchards processing plant in Payson on Thursday, July 27, 2023. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Old and intricate

Processing tart cherries is labor intensive, with extreme attention to detail, meticulous examination of the fruit and a methodical step-by-step process to ensure a quality product.

After harvesting, they need to be cooled to just the right temperature to ensure they are firm and are spread out in bins of water to make that happen. Each bin of cherries is rated before it advances to the next stage. Visitors on the tour were able to dip their hand into the cool 51-degree water, a refreshing break from the heat that also underscored the necessity of the cooling process.

There are also pitter machines that remove the pits in a technology first patented around 1902 that Robert McMullin said hasnt really changed that much.

He and other producers are trying to find a stable market for dried cherry pits, which according to one commercial retailer, put out 9,523 BTUs, or British thermal units, per pound  more than wood pellets. A BTU is a measure of heat.

In a separate process, the cherries need to be de-stemmed and sorted for impurities with a machine at this stage.

Those that dont make the cut are destined to be transformed into juice. Frozen cherries, McMullin stressed, need to be perfect.

Once inside the warehouse, they are again sorted for impurities by hand via a line of workers tossing the less than perfect cherries into a pail. Those that make it this far down the line end up in a different container, topped with sugar and sealed with a lid pounded shut with a hammer. The last step is either freezing, drying or canning the cherries to be sold.

Nationally, there are about 300 million pounds of tart cherries produced each year in the United States and 98% of those are the Montmorency variety, according to the institute.

Ryan Rowley wants to continue the tight-knit family tradition and said he hopes the public understands the importance of domestic agriculture.

Theres no better environmentalist than the farmer, he said. No one cares more about the water, soil ... than farmers. Our 160 acres of open space improves the quality of life in this family, this area. As stewards of this land, we want to make good use of it.
Crochet is helping to create a community in exile for Ukrainian refugees.

Stitch by stitch, the nonprofit AMOAMI teddy bear project is giving dozens of women in Spain, France and Switzerland a sense of purpose and connection  plus a source of income  amid Russias invasion of their homeland.

We left our sons, husbands, friends, and family back in Ukraine and we are constantly in despair to hear the latest news, fearing that our home may have been bombed or our son or husband injured or worse, said 90-year-old Tamara Sharhunand, a Mariupol native who now lives near Valencia, Spain, with granddaughter Yuliia Burlaka.

At least while we crochet, we dont think about it, Sharhunand said. It helps us evade very negative thoughts. We have to be counting the stitches and focused.

The AMOAMI name stems from the translations of love (amour, amor, amore in French, Spanish and Italian) and friendship (amie, amigo, amico) and the Japanese technique of amigurumi.

It was the brainchild of Paris-based Spaniard Rafael J. Alcaide. Struck by seeing hundreds of Ukrainian women and children arriving at Adolfo Suarez MadridBarajas Airport in the early weeks of the war in March 2022, he said he decided to create a sustainable, social enterprise to help the women, many of whom didnt speak Spanish and would therefore struggle to find jobs.

The idea was this: The refugees would crochet the bears, based on traditional Ukrainian embroidery, from a pattern created by Alcaides friend Rita Ruiz. Each bear would be sold with a personalized message from its maker as a reminder of Russias invasion, which has now been ongoing for more than 500 days.

The creator of the bear would receive around half of its sale price, and crucially get the chance to connect with compatriots also forced from their homes. The remainder of the money would be reinvested in expanding the project.

Story continues

The idea gained popularity on Telegram channels and Facebook groups refugees had set up to communicate amid their hasty evacuation. Alcaide also spread the word at Ukrainian supermarkets, churches and associations in Spain that were collecting food and clothes for the refugees.

After 50 people showed up to the burgeoning groups first presentation in a Madrid coffee shop, the project started holding crochet workshops and sharing videos online of how to create the bears.

In little more than a year, the project has expanded across Spain and Europe, and now boasts more than 60 members.

To date, some 1,600 bears have been sold and donated worldwide.

One bear celebrated Pride Month, and more special editions are planned.

The project remains financed exclusively through the sales of our bears and the workshops we provide to organizations or clients who want to learn how to crochet, said AMOAMIs business development manager Daryna Nilova, who moved with her mother from Ukraine to Madrid at the outbreak of the war.

With the invasion ongoing, the project remains as important as ever, she said.

AMOAMI has become a symbol of resistance and hope for the community of refugees. Often we feel frustrated not being able to help directly as we are far away from home, Nilova said. Crocheting and being part of AMOAMI gives us back self-esteem and courage to defend Ukraine from overseas.

Check out the bears on the AMOAMI website here.

Related...
police cars in Nashville

By Rebekah Riess

(CNN)  A Tennessee police officer has filed an employment discrimination lawsuit against the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, claiming unlawful denial of employment because of his HIV status, according to the complaint filed Friday in federal court.

The plaintiff, who is a current police officer with the Tennessee Highway Patrol and only identified as John Doe, is challenging the legality of what he describes as Nashvilles policy of not employing someone with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) as a police officer. The lawsuit argues the policy constitutes a violation of federal law, including the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Civil Rights Act.

In February 2020, the officer received a job offer from Nashville police on the condition that he pass a medical exam, but when his blood work tested positive for HIV, it was rescinded, according to the complaint.

According to the lawsuit, the officers own HIV viral load is fully suppressed and un-transmittable, and he poses no threat of transmission to his co-workers or the community at large.

The lawsuit argues the policy in effect categorically bars anyone living with HIV from serving in the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, despite medical advancements that render HIV status irrelevant to a persons ability to perform the duties of a police officer in any capacity.

When reached for comment, Allison Bussell, with Nashvilles Metropolitan Department of Law, told CNN they had not been served with the lawsuit as of Wednesday morning, and declined to comment on pending litigation.

The-CNN-Wire

 &  2023 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved.
A House Democrat's proposal to scrub the terms "husband" and "wife" from federal law, replacing them with "spouse," has members on both sides of the aisle talking.

"I think that some of the wokeness here in Congress is laughable," Republican Kentucky Rep. James Comer told Fox News.

WATCH MORE FOX NEWS DIGITAL ORIGINALS HERE

Democrats are "not fighting for better jobs, they're not fighting for a secure border they're fighting for a woke agenda to satisfy an extreme left wing contingency that's taking over the Democrat Party here in Washington," he said. "It's just another joke in the far-left overreach of government."

Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., says Democrats are pushing a woke agenda rather than fighting for better jobs and securing the border.

Virginia Rep. Don Beyer, a Democrat, said that although he uses the terms "husband" and "wife," it may not be for everyone.

WAPO, NYT, CNN CONTINUE ERASING WOMEN WHEN REPORTING ON PREGNANT PEOPLE AMID PRESSURE FROM THE FAR LEFT

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

"I think it depends on who you are," Beyer said. "I'm not a person that shows my pronouns, but if somebody does list their pronouns then, okay, I respect that."

Democratic California Rep. Julia Brownley introduced the Amend the Code for Marriage Equality Act on July 14, seeking to eliminate the terms "husband" and "wife" from a number of existing laws. The proposed legislation would replace those terms with gender-neutral words like "spouse" or "married person."

Rep. Julia Brownley, D-Calif., seeks to eliminate the terms "husband" and "wife" from federal laws to be more inclusive to LGBTQ+ parents.

"They're not controversial for 98% of the public," Republican Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley said. "They're probably controversial for the 2% of radical leftists who now run the Democrat Party."

AP STYLEBOOK UPDATES GUIDELINES TO INCLUDE PREGNANT WOMEN, UPSETTING BOTH CONSERVATIVES AND LIBERALS

However, Rep. Robert Garcia, D-Calif., said he had no issues with any of the terms.

"I happen to have a spouse and a husband, which I'm very proud of," he said. "If people want to call other folks whatever they want, that's totally up to them."

Story continues

Rep. Robert Garcia, D-Calif., says people should call their loved ones whatever they want. He has no issues with any of the terms whether it be "spouse" or "husband."

The bill would strike terms "husband and wife" and "former wife," in favor of "married couple" and "person who has been, but is no longer, married to." The term "one man and one woman" would also be eliminated and replaced with "two people as spouses."

Republican South Carolina Rep. Nancy Mace, who called the proposal "bulls---", told Fox News that the move is an attempt to erase femininity.

"This is the dumbest thing ever," she said. "It's bulls---."

"They want to take away women," she continued. "They want to call it pregnant moms. You're like a pregnant person. You're not a mother anymore."

BIRTHING PARENT OR MOTHER? MOMS WEIGH IN ON TEACHER'S UNION PROPOSAL

South Carolina Rep. Nancy Mace says Democrats are trying to take away from women with this new legislation.

Some government institutions and organizations have been updating their language to be more gender-inclusive in recent years. In June, for example, Portland, Oregon's Office of Equity and Human Rights pushed an inclusive writing guide as part of a city-wide collaboration to alter commonly used terms that they feel have evolved.

The guide suggested removing femininity from terms commonly used for women, including replacing "pregnant women" with "pregnant people" to be more inclusive to LGBTQ+ parents.

"Why would anyone make that something that would be divisive, rather than just this is my husband or this is my wife?" Republican Rep. Chris Stewart of Utah said.

"They're not intended to be controversial," he said. "They're endearing terms. Everyone knows what they are."

To watch lawmakers' full interviews, click here.
KVUE

Tesla employees in Texas received an alert early Friday telling them to take cover due to an active attacker at the automakers gigafactory in Austin, according to a report, before later being given an all-clear.

KVUE journalist Pamela Comme posted an image online of the email sent to staff at around 5 a.m. along with video footage appearing to show a panicked scene of people yelling and fleeing away from the factory. She added that workers started running as police arrived at the scene and said everyone needs to leave right now!

Here is a message we got from a Tesla employee that asked everyone to evacuate the building because of an active shooter situation.



We are waiting for confirmation from police. pic.twitter.com/swDIWeBker  Pamela Comme (@commepamela) July 28, 2023

The Travis County Sheriffs Office later told the news station that its deputies were in the process of clearing the building. They had not heard any gunshots or found any casualties, adding that there was no evidence of a shooter as the search continued.

Hundreds of the factorys workers gathered outside during the alarm but they were given the all-clear to return inside by 6:20 a.m.

The ALL CLEAR has been given, a message sent to staff shortly before 6 a.m. read. Law Enforcement officials have conducted a thorough sweep of the area and have determined the situation is safe. You may return to your work areas. Tesla leadership will send out additional information about this event shortly.

According to KXAN, the sheriffs office received reports of shots fired and active shooter in the area at 4:30 a.m. The Austin Travis County EMS also said its medics had responded to the scene and were prepared to provide aid to potential injured patients in the wake of the reports.

Its not yet clear what prompted the emergency alert.

Story continues

Read more at The Daily Beast.

Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now.

Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now.
The pilot episode of the History Channels Blood Money ends with a close-up of a cowboy boot stamping out a flaming document.

The paper is a contract between Zach Holt and his uncle, Teddy Moody. It states that Holt will receive a 25% stake in his uncles company, Stacker Trailers, if he successfully completes a custom trailer in 30 days.

But, mid-project, Holt got frustrated with the project and his uncle and left. At the agreed-upon deadline, Moody pulls a lighter out of his pocket and sets the contract on fire.

It wouldnt be Holts last time abandoning a building project.

Five years after the episode aired, Holt, of Plano, is in trouble with customers all over the state who hired him to build barndominiums that he never completed.

A hybrid live-work space in a steel structure, the barndominium promises the dream of country life at a reasonable price. But a growing group of Texans are getting burned when builders like Holt abandon their projects and pocket thousands of dollars.

A Star-Telegram investigation found examples throughout the state of people left with half-built steel structures, drained bank accounts and no way to recover the money they spent.

The Star-Telegram spoke with nine customers of three Texas-based builders; their efforts to find legal remedies show that, in Texas, justice is the customers responsibility.

Charlet and Kamian Steele dreamed they would have a home on a secluded piece of land in Greenville that they enjoy fishing on. Instead, the couple is out around $40,000 after builder Zach Holt abandoned the project and disappeared.

As with any fad, anybody who thinks they can actually do it is going to take advantage of the marketplace, said Sean McDonald, a construction attorney representing a Holt client.

The concept of a live-work space has been around for centuries, but the barndo aesthetic was popularized recently by Chip and Joanna Gaines of Fixer Upper fame.

Barndominiums further rose in popularity when the pandemic inspired homeowners to seek more space and remote working became widely available.

Customers in search of quiet country life have gravitated toward barndos recently, because theyre considered to be cheaper than building a regular home of the same size and can be built quickly. Some customers buy the building shell and complete the inside on their own.

Story continues

Between April 2019 and April 2023, the median home price in Fort Worth surged 48% from $226,000 to $336,000, according to data from the Greater Fort Worth Association of Realtors.

An average 1,200-square-foot barndominium costs about $150,000. (Not including the cost of the land.)

But building a barndominium requires going off the grid to some extent. Barndos arent typically permitted in cities, and banks dont often offer financing for building a barndo.

These restrictions dont just make it harder to build a barndominium; the limitations also remove critical oversight elements that are part of traditional residential building projects, like requirements imposed by a lender.

In the wild west of barndo building, customers have formed their own oversight mechanisms.

Bad Barndo Builders has nearly 8,000 members on Facebook. Members share stories and advice about their barndo-building experiences.

While this kind of activity happens all over the country, Texas seems to be a hot spot.

In the absence of oversight in Texas contracting industry as well as a legal system that makes this kind of theft hard to prosecute, customers whose builders pocketed cash and didnt finish the work are taking justice into their own hands.

The ABCs of barndominiums

Charlet and Kamian Steele are empty-nesters; their barndo project symbolized a new era for the high school sweethearts who reconnected after 25 years.

The couple found the perfect piece of land about 15 minutes from downtown Greenville, a city of 30,000 about 50 miles northeast of Dallas. They spent days shaping up overgrowth and started fishing in their propertys pond.

Charlet Steele inherited a small sum when her father died.

That was what I was using to build our dream home, she said.

They planned to spend about $50,000 for the slab, frame, plumbing and the 2,000-square-foot homes characteristic steel walls.

With the advice of a homebuilder neighbor, theyd do the rest themselves.

Depending on how elaborate your plans are, construction costs can run $100 to $300 a square foot.

Some are advertised like a home in a new development: Five acres and a barndo shell can be yours for only $129,900, reads an advertisement for Comanche Oaks, about 100 miles southwest of Fort Worth.

But, many clients already own the land for the barndominium and are only looking for a reputable builder.

Builders, like Colby Rank with Wakason-based 5 Starr Builder (which is accredited by the Better Business Bureau), provide just the shell, which includes the windows and doors. Then the client builds out the rest. The structure costs about $20 per square foot.

Six or seven years ago, it just turned into one of the main things we do, said Rank.

Addison-based R2G Barndominiums takes clients through the full process and might even help customers find land or figure out financing. This kind of service is going to cost at least $200 a square foot  or $400,000 for a 2,000-square-foot home.

The companys luxury products were showcased at business networking event YTexas Summit 2022, which took place at AT&T Stadium.

One of our biggest hurdles right now is pretty much the internet and what people are saying about barndominiums. ... People thinking that its so much cheaper, said Kip Milbern, project manager at R2G Barndominiums.

Kamian Steele walks along a slab on a piece of land in Greenville, Texas, that he and his wife, Charlet, dreamed would be their new home. The couple is out around $40,000 after builder Zach Holt abandoned the project and disappeared.

Unfinished jobs

Before signing a contract with Zach Holt, the Steeles called his references, spoke to mutual friends on Facebook and visited examples of his work, where the owners spoke highly of him.

After talking to him and getting good reviews and seeing his work, we thought we had somebody good, Charlet said.

The plan was to pour the concrete slab on Oct. 14, 2022, which was symbolic, because its Charlets fathers birthday.

First, Holt told the Steeles he had to delay the project, because his baby was born premature. The baby was in intensive care and needed surgery, Charlet said.

Holt finally poured the slab in January. Next, he promised steel that never arrived. When the Steeles requested the receipt, Holt quit responding to their calls.

The hardest part is that not only does it look like were going to lose this money, but now Ive kind of felt like I let my dad down, Charlet said.

Holt did not respond to the Star-Telegrams attempts to reach him on his cell phone. Some of his former customers trying to serve him papers havent been able to find him either.

Initially, the Steeles were understanding about Holts excuses.

We kept asking, Is everything OK? How is the baby doing? How are you doing? Charlet recalled. Were people, too. We know things happen.

But after the ordeal, I dont even know if he had a baby or not.

In total, the Steeles are out about $40,000. They dont expect to see that money again. And, because both earn modest salaries working in the public school system, they dont know when theyll have the money to finish the project.

Because Kamian served in the military, they were able to purchase the land using a Veterans Affairs loan. But, the VA doesnt offer financing for barndominiums, Charlet said.

Did Zach Holt scam you?

Holt disappeared when he was halfway done building Roger Copelands shop in Waxahachie, Copeland said.

Copeland suspected he wasnt the only person who had this experience with Holt, and his hunch was right.

In November 2022, Copeland set up a Facebook group called Did Zach Holt scam you? In the group, members have shared their experiences working with Holt as well as their attempts to hold him accountable.

Many of them even have photos of basically the same status that I was left at, he said.

Weeds and wildflowers grow over abandoned building supplies at the site of Charlet and Kamian Steeles envisioned barndominium on Wednesday, July 5, 2023, in Greenville, Texas.The coupe is out around $40,000 after builder Zach Holt abandoned the project and disappeared.

Theres Bud Patterson. He told the Star-Telegram he signed a contract with Holt in April 2022 to build a 40-by-70-foot metal building in Leander, about 30 miles north of Austin. Holt bailed after pouring a concrete slab and putting up framing, Patterson said.. At the beginning of the project, Holt said putting metal on the building would cost $11,000, Patterson said. He had to pay another builder nearly three times that to finish the project  including fixing what Holt did wrong. At the time, Pattersons wife was undergoing breast cancer treatment.

And Jamie Madewell. She hired Holt to build a barndominium in Crowley big enough to take care of her disabled mother and her mother-in-law with cancer. After pouring the slab and partially framing the structure, Holt disappeared, Madewell said. She is out about $30,000.

And Adam Kolenc, who signed a contract with Holt to build a barndo in Kempner in April 2022. Holt poured the concrete and started to put up metal. Kolenc paid Holt $40,000; he completed about one-third of the job before he abandoned it, Kolenc said.

Holt would charge 40% upfront, 40% midway and 20% upon completion, multiple customers said. They report he did enough work to secure the second payment and then disappeared.

Online reviews of his business tell the same story. The Bizapedia profile for Holts business, Next Level Steel Buildings, has six reviews, all one-star ratings from frustrated customers alleging similar behavior.

As of July 19, Copelands Facebook group had 53 members.

Since 2013, Holt has faced at least 20 theft charges in Dallas, Rockwall and Hunt counties. He received probation and community service and was ordered to pay restitutions in Rockwall County, received magistrate warnings in Hunt and was given community service and ordered to pay restitution in a Dallas case. Jamie Madewell and another Holt customer Jennifer Gregston say they tried to sue him in small claims court but were unable to find his address to serve him papers.

Multiple people said they were turned away by their county district attorney, because the matter is civil, not criminal.

On July 25, the Titus County Sheriffs Office posted on Facebook asking the public for help in locating Holt. The office has been investigating him after a Titus County property owner said they were defrauded by Holt.

This is not a unique story. Hes not a unique person doing this, said McDonald, the construction attorney.

On Bad Barndo Builders, theres also a collective warning new customers about Cleveland-based builder Michael Bortz and his company Fireside Services, LLC.

Julia Swift said she and her husband are camping in their unfinished barndominium.

I dont even know that it will be finished when we die, she said of the structure.

Bortz filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Dec. 2022. According to his bankruptcy filing, he also owns New Start Properties, LLC.

When asked to comment, Bortz told the Star-Telegram: Youre fishing for stuff. Dont concern yourself over it. Julia Swift, she can go pack sand.

A good builder is hard to find

Having worked in construction law for three decades, McDonald is familiar with the life cycle of new building trends. Barndominiums are no exception.

Right now, thats what people want, he said. If you dont have millions of dollars to put into a huge ranch house, this is what you build.

Patterson, the Holt customer, compares the phenomenon to a hail storm: When a hail storm comes through Fort Worth, all of a sudden, everybody in town is a roofer.

Anytime anything becomes super, super popular, thats when the bottom feeders and the scammers swoop in, he said.

But there are other elements at play making it easier for bad barndo builders to slip through the cracks in Texas.

Because the barndo-building trend exists outside the traditional home-building process, the same oversight that comes with construction of single-family homes does not apply.

For example, since most banks dont finance barndominiums, many customers pay in cash. That removes the bank as an oversight mechanism.

In Texas, you need a specific license to work as a plumber, an electrician, an HVAC contractor and a landscape contractor. This makes these professionals responsive to a state board.

Anybody who hires them and then has issues with them, you have some place to go complain, said McDonald.

Thats not the case with builders or general contractors.

More than 30 states require general contractors to be licensed or registered at the state level. Texas does not.

As a result, the less legitimate of the profession operate as what McDonald calls pick-up contractors. They only have enough capital for one project at a time and are funding the current project with money from the next one.

If you dont have that next project coming down the pike, paying for the one you havent finished yet then youre hosed. And everybody loses, said McDonald.

Home building and improvement scams have always been a threat for consumers, but they increased during the pandemic when people were doing more home renovation projects, said Amy Razor, the former Fort Worth regional director with the Better Business Bureau.

We find that supply shortages have also created an opportunity for scammers to use that as an excuse or a selling point to try to fast track a deal, because they have the supplies on hand now, but they might not tomorrow, Razor said.

Prior efforts to reform the states building industry were unsuccessful.

In 2003, then-Gov. Rick Perry helped create the Texas Residential Construction Commission with the stated mission of tamping down on unethical building practices. It registered builders and provided a process for resolving disputes between builders and customers.

But the commission was abolished in 2009 after a state report found only 12% of closed cases resulted in satisfactory offers of repair or compensation.

Former state Comptroller Carole Keeton Strayhorn even called it a builder protection agency.

From civil to criminal

Its taken Angela Wakat more than three years to pursue justice against the barndo builder who abandoned her project after pouring a slab.

Shes gotten further than anyone among Texas Bad Barndo Builders advocates, and yet, she hasnt recouped a dime of the $17,500 she lost.

Within the active Facebook group, Wakat frequently offers to assist others trying to pursue legal action against builders and updates the group on the details of her ongoing legal fight.

When she and her husband hired Michael Hurte of Texas Custom Barns, based in Santa Fe, to build their barndominium in Galveston in January 2020, they checked his references and visited other barndos he built. But he only poured a concrete slab, and that alone took a year, Wakat said.

She filed a case in small claims court. She got a judgment, but it was pretty useless, because Hurte never showed up, she told the Star-Telegram.

Its tough to recover money in these situations, because theyre taking people for an amount that doesnt make economic sense to fight them and litigate over, said Deirdre Brown, a bankruptcy attorney with Houston-based firm ForsheyProstok who brought a forced bankruptcy case against Hurte. Even if someone gets a judgment in small claims court, a builders assets are often exempt, she added.

One complaint to a district attorney or sheriffs office is often treated as a civil dispute. To prove felony theft in Texas, its necessary to show intent to defraud.

This is somewhat of a gray area of the law, said Wayne Minor, an investigator with the Titus County Sheriffs Office who is investigating Zach Holt.

Its my belief there are contractors out there that exploit that gray area and go into things with an intent to never complete the job.

Wakat and her husband connected with another Hurte victim in the process of trying to track down their lumber order. Thats when Wakat went public: she papered Hurtes Santa Fe neighborhood with fliers encouraging customers treated similarly to reach out to the Galveston County constable. Her effort was covered by FOX26 in Houston.

She said she ultimately found 81 people who say Hurte defrauded them.

He got police, a preacher, school teachers. Not just run of the mill simple people. He got educated people, she said. The fact that Hurte targeted elderly customers angers Wakat the most.

But for Angela, he would not have been held accountable by anybody, said Brown.

She organized the people whose experiences mirrored hers, which helped law enforcement demonstrate that Hurtes behavior wasnt an anomaly.

More than three years after Wakat hired him, Hurte faces involuntary bankruptcy as well as felony theft charges in Harris, Brazoria, Matagorda and Galveston counties.

For example, in Matagorda County, Hurte was indicted on charges of aggravated theft in April 2022. Shane and Lisa Russell say Hurte agreed to build them a barndominium but did not complete the project and stole $36,325 from them.

Matagorda County was only able to bring felony charges against Hurte after being able to establish a pattern of behavior, Detective Angelica Uvalle told ABC13 in Houston in July 2022.

Hurte did not respond to the Star-Telegrams request for comment.

Wakat would like to see Hurte sent to prison, which would make it impossible for him to steal from others.

Reimbursement isnt really an option.

According to legal documents, Hurtes $850,000 home was seized in bankruptcy and sold. But the proceeds will probably just pay legal bills, Wakat said.

Most of us have come to terms with the fact that were probably never going to get our money back, she said.

While pursuing justice against Hurte, Wakat has another mission, too  reforming the system.

Shes been talking about reform in the Bad Barndo Builders Facebook group. She thinks it should be easier to recover money from builders who steal from customers.

These guys know theres no repercussions, she said. The laws need to change.
The 13th Wagner Group convoy with more than 80 vehicles in it has arrived in Belarus.

Source: Belaruski Hajun, an independent Belarusian military monitoring media outlet

Details: According to Belarusian analysts, the convoy, which includes at least 80 units of vehicles, is moving along the M5 highway from Bobruisk in the direction of Asipovichy.

In the convoy, there are Shchuka armoured vehicles (also known as Ural Chekan), fuel tankers, PAZ-3205, buses, tented and flatbed KAMAZ trucks, Ural trucks, pickup trucks and passenger cars, several truck tractors, a truck with a manipulator and UAZ-452s.

It is noted that some armoured vehicles move with a modified rear part; these are tented trucks, on which a cross is applied, wich makes it look like a sanitary car. A grey bus with a red-green combination of the colours of the incumbent Belarusian regime and their coat of arms was also spotted in the convoy, Hajun reports.

The cars drive with Russian licence plates. Members of the illegal armed formation "LPR" (so-called Luhansk People's Republic  ed.) are escorted by the Belarussian traffic police.

Background:

The State Border Guard Service of Ukraine has noted that Belarus is using Russian mercenaries from the Wagner private military company to intensify the situation, while their number and location in Belarus do not currently pose a threat to Ukraine.

The State Border Guard Service stated that there are currently just over 5,000 Wagnerites in Belarus, and they are located at a considerable distance from the border with Ukraine.

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 28)  An executive order issued by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. lowers real property taxes (RPTs) on generation facilities of Independent Power Producers (IPPs) operating under Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) contracts.

Under EO 6  signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin for the president last July 25 but made public on Friday  all RPT liabilities assessed by local government units (LGUs) for this year are reduced to an amount equivalent to the tax due if computed based on an assessment level of 15% of the fair market value of the property, machinery and equipment depreciated at the rate of two percent per annum, less the amount already paid by the IPPs.

This includes a special education fund on property, machinery, and equipment, power purchase agreements, energy conversion agreements, or other contractual agreements with the government corporations under BOT.

A BOT is a contract whereby the government grants a concession to a private company to finance, build, and operate a project for a certain number of years, and in the process earn a profit. At the end of the concession period, the private entity turns over the project to the government.

All interests and penalties on such deficiency RPT liabilities are also hereby condoned and concerned IPPs are relieved from payment thereof, the EO read.

IPPs are privately owned power plants that generate electricity for sale to distributors and end-users.

The EO stated that LGUs have taken the position that the IPPs operating in their territories are not entitled to exceptions and privileges enjoyed by contracts with government corporations.

It added that some LGUs have threatened enforcement actions against IPPs, including levy and sale, at public auction affected properties.

Under the Local Government Code of 1991, the president may, when public interest so requires, condone or reduce RPT and interests for any province, city, or municipality within the metropolitan Manila area.
The group rented an EV while traveling in Italy. Monica Humphries/Insider

My friends and I accidentally rented an electric car on a recent trip to Italy.

I initially thought it was a major mistake when we had to charge our car for four hours.

After a learning curve, we discovered the EV was easy to use and a great excuse to visit new towns.

The car was dead silent, and I felt panic set in among my group of friends.

We had just finished charging our electric car for four hours in Lake Como, Italy, and we hadn't recharged its battery completely.

Based on rough math, it'd take us 12 hours to get from Lake Como to Florence, Italy.

We had budgeted five hours for the drive.

One friend started calling our car-rental company, hoping we could trade our automatic EV for a gas car.

I hopped on Google and tried to figure out how people manage life with electric cars when they take so long to charge.

That's when we realized our mistake  we had used a charger with a low voltage. A high-voltage charger, on the other hand, would take just 30 minutes to get our car's battery to 80%.

While we were relieved we wouldn't spend our whole vacation waiting for our EV to charge, we weren't sure if the rental car was a huge mistake.

But even after the hassle, I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

Images of the EV Insider's reporter rented in Italy. Monica Humphries/Insider

Planning our days around charging

I arrived at Milano Linate Airport and headed to our car-rental booth with a friend.

The person at the counter started running through all the details of our rental. She confirmed our dates and then handed us a plastic credit card we would use to charge the car.

After seeing our confused faces, she clarified that we were getting an electric car. It wasn't our choice. Instead, it was our only option since we needed an automatic vehicle.

We figured it wouldn't be a big deal and grabbed the keys to our Mokka SUV.

After meeting with two other friends, we set off to Lake Como.

We had enough charge to get us to and around Lake Como for three days. But on the fourth day, we desperately needed to recharge.

Story continues

That's when we made the voltage mistake and realized that we would need to start mapping our route around charging stations.

But it wasn't our only mistake. Multiple times throughout the trip, we forgot to keep an eye on the battery. The result was a stressful hunt for the nearest charger.

We also thought we could trust the estimated mileage. We were wrong and quickly learned that the battery drains faster on highways. This meant our planned stops were constantly changing to meet our car's needs.

Views from the EV pit stops. Monica Humphries/Insider

Ultimately, an EV forced us to explore new places and saved us money

We pulled into Piacenza, an Italian town I had never heard of. Situated between Lake Como and Florence, it's located in the most northern point of Italy's Emilia region.

We were making the stop because our car battery was nearly dead. And we figured we might as well take advantage of the forced stop and explore the town.

We sipped on Aperol spritzes, ate gelato, and admired the town's churches and architecture.

A gelato stop the group made in Piacenza. Monica Humphries/Insider

While exploring, we learned about the town's history. The town had been conquered by France multiple times in the Middle Ages, and some of that French influence can still be seen today, according to She Go Wandering.

If we had been using a gas car, we would have never made the stop in Piacenza. Instead, we would've passed through the small town and spent more time in touristy Florence.

A few days later, we made a stop in Sasso Marconi, where our group explored a local market and met friendly, elderly Italian men in a local cafe.

While not all our stops were in cute Italian towns, some were and they gave us a glimpse into a version of Italy I hadn't seen before. Since most of my time spent in the country has been focused on tourist destinations, the electric car forced us to explore under-the-radar Italian towns.

It also saved us money. Charging our electric vehicle was included in our rental price, so we didn't have to budget for gas during the entire trip.

And, it was nice knowing that my trip had a slightly lower carbon footprint since electric vehicles typically have lower levels of greenhouse gas emissions.

Between those three advantages, I'd easily rent an EV again.

Read the original article on Insider
Amazon drivers, joined by Teamsters members and members of several social justice groups, picket in front of the Amazon warehouse in San Bernardino on July 13. (Mariana Duran/Los Angeles Times)

For the record:

1:56 p.m. July 28, 2023: A previous version of this article misidentified Teamsters Local 396 as Local 365.



Two days after Amazon Prime Day, a group of over 60 Palmdale Amazon contract drivers, backed by Teamsters and community members, picketed outside Amazons ONT 5 warehouse, blocking trucks from entering or leaving the San Bernardino facility.

They waved signs demanding that Amazon recognize their contract, which stipulates a $30-per-hour wage by September, and safe working conditions, as they marched across the street in 95-degree heat.

The July 13 picket was one of 10 that these drivers have organized at Amazon warehouses in Michigan, Georgia and other states since they went on strike last month. Though they made deliveries for Amazon, they worked for Palmdale-based Battle-Tested Strategies, which since 2019 has been one of many small companies that Amazon contracts with to run the retailing giant's short-distance deliveries under its Delivery Service Partner program.

Amazon canceled its contract with BTS in June, citing "poor performance." Since then, the Palmdale contract drivers, who unionized with the Teamsters last April, have engaged in an unfair labor practice strike, demanding that Amazon recognize and bargain with their unit.

Cecilia Porter is one of the contract drivers who formerly made deliveries for Amazon through BTS from DAX8, Amazon's Palmdale facility. She said BTS employees unionized in hopes of getting higher wages and better working conditions, but the company refused to meet with the drivers' union.

Some vans really don't have AC and we tell them and they don't do anything about it. Sliding doors dont open, which are used to get the packages in and out, said Porter, who led Thursdays picket and also has traveled to pickets in New Jersey, Connecticut and Massachusetts.  It's too hot out there. And we work hard for $19.75. Whos that going to help? I live paycheck to paycheck.

Story continues

The level of responsibility that Amazon has for the drivers and their well-being is disputed by the shipping giant. Amazon says that the subcontracted drivers are not Amazon employees, and has not agreed to bargain with their union. In a statement to The Times, Amazon spokesperson Eileen Hards said that at Amazon, vehicles without properly functioning air conditioning are immediately removed from service and that its delivery partners decide on break times and pay rates.

The Teamsters are being intentionally misleading and continue to promote a false narrative. Their contract is with Battle Tested Strategies, not Amazon," Hards stated. "The facts remain that months ago, Amazon terminated its contract with Battle Tested Strategies effective June 24. That company and their employees no longer deliver Amazon packages.

The dispute leading up to the strike began in late April, when 84 Palmdale contract drivers for Amazon joined Teamsters Local 396 , settling a tentative contract with BTS, which agreed to voluntarily recognize the union. At the time, BTS owner Johnathon Ervin told Bloomberg News that he hoped to include Amazon in the bargaining process to further enhance the morale and welfare of the drivers.

However, on April 14, weeks before the union's public announcement, Amazon told Ervin that it would terminate its contract with BTS on June 24, months before it was originally set to expire in October . Hards said that Amazon canceled the contract due to six breaches of contract including failing to pay its insurance providers. In mid-June, Ervin told Wired that he was contesting the breaches and that he resolved three of the breaches last year, although they remained on BTS' record. He claimed that Amazon ended the contract because he had voiced concerns about his employees' working conditions.

The Teamsters allege that Amazon terminated BTS' contract in retaliation for the drivers unionizing and have filed a complaint against Amazon with the National Labor Relations Board.

The director of the Teamsters' Amazon division, Randy Korgan, said that the level of control Amazon had over the drivers working conditions, which included dictating routes and performance expectations, meant the retail giant was acting as a joint employer with BTS and therefore was ignoring its responsibility to bargain with the drivers.

In my 30 years I've never seen a more restrictive relationship between a company and its subcontracting agency, Korgan said. Were trying to show Amazon that they need to rewrite their operations because what theyre doing is illegal. Their business model has been misleading. We didnt rewrite the facts. Were taking what Amazon did and holding them accountable.

United Parcel Service drivers, who are also represented by the Teamsters and do some deliveries for Amazon, reached a tentative contract with UPS this Wednesday, averting a potential national strike. The union said the new UPS contract will set "a new standard in the labor movement."

Amazon contract drivers and allies picket outside of Amazon's San Bernardino warehouse on July 13. (Mariana Duran/Los Angeles Times)

As the popularity of online shopping has grown, so has the logistics industry's presence in Southern California. Over 1,100 warehouses have been constructed in the area since 2010, the Guardian reported in December. Amazon, which has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in the region, opened a regional air hub in San Bernardino in 2021, the seventh Amazon air site in California, and has plans to finish construction of its largest fulfillment center in Ontario in 2024. It also operates a number of logistics centers across the region.

Recent years have also seen more union drives at Amazon warehouses in California and other states, with mixed results. Last April, workers at an Amazon warehouse in Staten Island, N.Y., voted to unionize with the grassroots Amazon Labor Union, becoming Amazon workers' first U.S. union. The company continues to challenge the results. This month, the NLRB ordered Amazon to bargain in good faith with those employees, finding merit to a series of complaints that alleged Amazon had violated labor laws by refusing to come to the bargaining table.

In Riverside County, a group of Amazon warehouse workers in Moreno Valley filed a petition to hold a union election last October but withdrew it weeks later after Amazon challenged whether the organizers had gathered enough signatures. Amazon workers in Bessemer, Ala., held a second union vote in 2022, after losing the first in 2021, but with a narrow vote difference, objections and contested ballots on both sides, the results are still too close to call. Last month, the NLRB ordered a hearing for September to go over these contested votes and allegations of unfair labor practices.

The Palmdale contract drivers are not the first employees of an Amazon delivery partner to unionize. In 2017, drivers working for Silverstar Delivery in Brownstown, Mich., voted to join the Teamsters. But weeks later, some drivers reported they were fired for joining the union, and a shop steward told BuzzFeed News that Silverstar had shut down its Michigan location months after. Although the Teamsters named Amazon in a labor complaint related to the matter, according to Buzzfeed News, Amazon told the NLRB it was a contractor, and not the drivers' employer.

The model with which large employers like Amazon subcontract work to other companies is becoming increasingly common, said Ellen Reese, chair of the labor studies program at UC Riverside, who studies warehouse and labor economics in the Inland Empire. Under this structure, Reese said, it becomes more difficult for workers to exercise their rights and bargain collectively with their employers.

"I think the case involving the drivers in Palmdale is really important," Reese said. "This campaign, if it's successful, will set a precedent that employers can't just contract away the rights of their workers and that they still have responsibilities to provide good terms of employment to people that help their businesses to run."

Drivers first staged a walkout from the DAX8 Palmdale facility on June 15 , demanding that Amazon recognize and bargain with the Teamsters union over pay and working conditions. They walked out again on June 24, the day their contract would be terminated, starting the ongoing strike.

After unionizing, we feel like we've got more power on our hands to be able to not just defend ourselves, but to defend even the little people out there that don't have a voice or are too scared to stand up for what's right, said Heath Lopez, who worked as a delivery driver at Amazons Palmdale facility the past three years.

In the weeks since, the strike extended to other parts of California and other states. Drivers have also continued to picket at the DAX8 Palmdale facility six or seven days a week, said the Teamsters.

Workers striking at Amazon's DDT6 hub in Pontiac, Mich., invited delivery drivers to join their picket line so they would stand in solidarity with one another, said Alicia Ozier, an employee and union organizer at the facility. Much like the Palmdale drivers, Ozier said, Pontiac workers struck July 14 for increased safety protections, stricter regulations for dealing with extreme heat and higher pay. She said that prior to the strike, she experienced retaliation for her organizing efforts.

We're all employees of Amazon. We're all getting the same unfair, unjust treatment, she said.

Amazon did not respond to questions about the strike at its Pontiac facility. Hards said the company doesn't retaliate for union organizing.

Several community groups and local unions are supporting the Palmdale drivers. During the San Bernardino picket on July 13, Tania Gonzalez, an Inland Empire activist with the Peoples Collective for Environmental Justice, noted the intersections between environmental and labor justice in her community, where warehouse-related pollution has become a growing concern for residents.

These workers did begin their fight because of the heat issues with the facilities, Gonzalez said. Climate change is getting worse. Their conditions within their trucks and the facilities are not getting any better with climate change. So it's important for us to support them.

Heat, and higher pay, have been at the forefront of striking Amazon drivers' demands. (Mariana Duran/Los Angeles Times)

Strengthening heat protection measures has been at the center of some Amazon workers' unionizing efforts. Workers in Pontiac who walked out earlier this month said Amazon's industrial fans and temperature control systems weren't sufficient to combat hot conditions.

Similarly, last summer, workers in San Bernardinos Amazon Air hub walked off the job , demanding higher pay and relief from what they said were unsafe work conditions caused by extreme heat. A few of the Amazon Air workers joined drivers' pickets in San Bernardino and Palmdale this July. So far this month, the average daily temperature in Palmdale has ranged from 69 to 110 degrees, and from 61 to 102 degrees in San Bernardino.

During previous summers when he worked as a Palmdale Amazon contract driver, Michael Lieb said conditions in his van were often worse during the week around Amazons Prime Day, as he was often expected to deliver more packages in the same amount of time.

"Prime week should never be in the peak season of the heat," Lieb said.

Hards said Amazon has a robust heat mitigation plan and that the company's heat-related safety protocols often exceed industry standards and federal guidance. She said professionals monitor these systems and can take extra steps if needed.

"The health and safety of our employees is always our top priority," she said.

Amazon, Hards said, is committed to the "safety of drivers and the communities where they deliver," was investing in supplies to help the drivers stay cool and hydrated and strongly encouraged drivers affected by the heat to return to the station.

Korgan said he expected the Palmdale drivers' pickets to keep growing to include more warehouse workers and community members.

"Amazon wants to create a narrative that this is a futile process, that these are outsiders," Korgan said. "These are working people fighting to have middle class jobs.

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.
Three siblings were among four people killed in a fiery crash on a Georgia highway, according to police and news outlets.

It happened just after 1 a.m. Friday, July 28, on Interstate 75 south in Clayton County, just before the exit to Interstate 285 eastbound, Clayton County police told WANF.

Investigators said a car carrying four people was speeding on the interstate and clipped another car, WXIA reported. The car then flipped and hit a tree before catching fire, police told the station.

Tragic Update in Reference to the Fatal Accident



CCPD Detectives just discovered three victims are siblings ages 21, 18, and 12. The next-of-kin has been notified. The 4th victim (female) still havent been identified.



Please pray for the families that lost their loved ones. pic.twitter.com/MVFeeSgpXy  Clayton County PD (@ClaytonCountyPD) July 28, 2023

Two people were thrown from the vehicle, and the two others died in the fire, police said. Authorities later confirmed three of the victims were siblings: a 21-year-old, an 18-year-old and a 12-year-old.

A dog was also killed in the wreck, police said.

Family members have been notified, authorities said. The fourth victim, who is female, wasnt identified.

Authorities said theyre investigating why the driver was speeding, according to WAGA.

From what the witnesses advised there was no racing, Julia Isaac, a community liaison for Clayton County police, told the outlet. This car was going over 100 miles per hour by itself.

The driver of the other car was taken to a hospital, police told WSB-TV. The severity of their injuries is unknown.

The crash remains under investigation.

Clayton County is about 15 miles south of downtown Atlanta.

Mom seriously burned trying to save teen son from fiery ATV wreck, Louisiana cops say

Boat flips, throwing 11 in water off Outer Banks. One found under boat, rescuers say

Street-racing crash kills 18-year-old twins and innocent driver, Oregon police say
U.S. Sen. Tim Scott, R-Hanahan, missed a crucial senate vote Thursday evening during a presidential campaign event he hosted in Iowa.

One of his own amendments was included in the vote as well, which passed in the Senate Thursday evening.

The vote was on the National Defense Authorization Act, and passed the Senates 60-vote threshold by 86-11. Scotts amendment, SA 944, was included in the Act, and had to do with Chinese Communist Party influence in higher education systems by restricting financial support for U.S. colleges from listed Chinese sources. The amendment was passed on voice vote.

Scott, a presidential hopeful, however, did not vote on the final passage.

Instead, he was in Ankeny, Iowa, at a town hall-style event for his campaign with Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds. During the event, he fielded questions from the audience about school choice and the southern border, discussed his policies on the economy and took aim at one of his GOP competitors, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, for his new policy on Black history standards in public education.

DeSantis new standards suggest that Black people who were enslaved had benefited because it taught them skills.

There is no silver lining in slavery, Scott said. I would hope that every person in our country  and certainly running for president  would appreciate that.

DeSantis responded to Scotts comments Friday and said he was perpetuating Democratic talking points.

The NDAA will allow for $886 billion to be authorized for spending on national defense. The Act will assist and authorize how the Defense Department can use federal funding, but doesnt provide the funding.

Scott has been vocal about his FEND Off Fentanyl Act, which was also included in the NDAA, and targets Chinese fentanyl suppliers by using economic sanctions. His South Carolina competitor, Nikki Haley, has been the most vocal on China and military policies in comparison to other candidates, and her experience as U.N. ambassador under Trump has led her to use the topic as a defining aspect of her campaign.

Story continues

The missed vote plays into the question of how candidates like Scott and DeSantis balance and tend to their responsibilities as elected officials while also campaigning.

Scotts team said Scott has successfully fought to secure critical wins for South Carolinians and the American people in this years NDAA, noting that the defense bill had overwhelming support among senators prior to passage.

They included instances of his legislation such the John Lewis Fellowship Act, which dedicates $2 billion to support South Carolina military installations, the Savannah River Site and more.

A Marquette Law school national survey July 27 showed Nikki Haley the presidential polls at 6%, slightly higher than Tim Scott at 4%, with Trump as the front runner with 46%.
Republican presidential candidate Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) criticized Florida Gov. Ron Desantis (R) for his states new standards on the teaching of Black history.

Scott rebuked the new curriculum guidelines, including language that students be taught enslaved people developed skills that benefited them under the system of American slavery, during a campaign stop in Iowa on Thursday.

When asked by a Politico reporter, the South Carolina senator said there was no upside to the system whatsoever.

There is no silver lining in slavery, Scott said. Slavery was really about separating families, about mutilating humans and even raping their wives. It was just devastating.

DeSantis has also faced criticism about about the curriculum from Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.), the only Black Republican in Floridas congressional delegation, and Vice President Harris. Harris called the teachings propaganda last week.

They dare to push propaganda to our children, Harris said. Adults know what slavery really involved. It involved rape. It involved torture. It involved taking a baby from their mother.

In response to Harris, DeSantis claimed she lied and that those who read the curriculum would agree with him.

Anyone that actually read that and listens to Kamala [Harris] would know that shes lying, DeSantis said. That particular provision about the skills, that was in spite of slavery, not because of it.

Its not just Florida, however. Republican-led states around the country have cracked down on how race is taught in schools.

States including Alabama, Kentucky, North Carolina and Ohio  along with Florida  have pushed bills that would stop or change how teachers instruct on race. This has included curriculum updates, book bans and providing parents with more say in what their children are taught.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) called out fellow 2024 GOP presidential contender Ron DeSantis over his states controversial slavery curriculum, which says that students should be taught that enslaved people developed skills for personal benefit.

There is no silver lining in slavery. The truth is anything you could learn, any benefits that people suggest be had from slavery, you would have had as a free person, Scott, the only Black Republican in the Senate, told reporters on Thursday at a campaign stop in Iowa.

The curriculum has drawn sharp criticism from civil rights groups and prominent Black politicians from both parties, including Vice President Kamala Harris; former Rep. Will Hurd, who is also running in the 2024 GOP race; and conservative Florida Rep. Byron Donalds.

NEW: Tim Scott tells reporters in reaction to DeSantis saying Black people benefited from slavery, There is no silver lining in slavery People have bad days. Sometimes they regret what they say, and we should ask them again to clarify their positions. pic.twitter.com/SGfefU6IZq  Stephanie Lai (@stephaniealai) July 28, 2023

DeSantis claimed the standards are being misconstrued in a testy exchange with a reporter earlier on Thursday, saying it is not what the curriculum says, without elaborating further.

The Florida governor also took a swing at Donalds, a rising star in the GOP who has endorsed former President Donald Trumps 2024 campaign, accusing him of siding with Harris and other Democrats. Are you going to side with Kamala Harris and liberal media outlets, or are you going to side with the state of Florida? DeSantis said.

Scott, who often speaks about his familys journey from Jim Crow-era cotton fields in South Carolina to the U.S. Congress, suggested on Thursday that DeSantis clarify his position.

Story continues

Slavery was really about separating families, about mutilating humans, and even raping their wives. It was just devastating, so I would hope that every person in our country, and certainly running for president, would appreciate that, Scott said.

He added: People have bad days. Sometimes they regret what they say, and we should ask them again to clarify their positions.

Harris also tore into the Florida educational standards last week during a last-minute trip to DeSantis backyard of Jacksonville.

They want to replace history with lies, Harris said. They insult us in an attempt to gaslight us, and we will not have it.

Related...
Harriet Baldwin, chairman of the Treasury committee of MPs, believes banks dont seem to have any trouble passing on higher rates to their existing borrowers - Julian Simmonds

Britains banks have been told the time for weak excuses is over, as saving rates continue to lag behind rising borrowing costs and profits in the City soar.

Harriet Baldwin, chairman of the Treasury committee of MPs, said: If the high street banks continue to pay poor savings rates on their instant access accounts, they should make sure their customers know that better rates are available. They dont seem to have any trouble passing on higher rates to their existing borrowers.

Given that the Government, regulator and Governor of the Bank of England agree with the Committee that action is required, the time for foot-dragging and weak excuses is over.

Her comments come after high street banks revealed this week that their profits had surged in the first half of the year.

NatWest, whose chief executive resigned this week amidst outrage over its treatment of politician Nigel Farage, said pre-tax profits had surged to 3.6bn in the first half of the year, up from 2.6bn in the same period last year. Rivals Lloyds and Barclays said their pre-tax profits had climbed by 23pc to 3.9bn and by 22pc to 4.6bn respectively.

The banks have faced accusations of profiteering from the cost of living crisis, as saving rates continue to lag behind rising mortgage costs.

While the banks have denied these claims, the average rate of interest charged on a two-year fixed-rate mortgage now stands at 6.81pc, while the average easy-access savings account pays out less than half this level at 2.77pc, according to the analyst Moneyfacts.

And whilst saving deals have improved this year, banks have come under fire for not increasing their cash rates in line with the Bank Rate, which now stands at 5pc, its highest level since 2008. Fifteen years ago, banks were paying 3.85pc in the average savings account, Moneyfacts said.

The widening gap between saving deals and mortgage costs has boosted banks net interest margins, which measure how much they earn from charging interest on credit products such as mortgages and how much they pay out in interest on saving accounts.

Story continues

NatWest said this week its net interest margin now sits at 3.2pc, up from 2.58pc last year. Lloyds and Barclays both also revealed their net interest margins had widened from 2.87pc to 3.14pc and 2.71pc to 3.15pc respectively compared with last summer.

Banks have previously claimed they could not alert all of their customers to their best savings deals because of privacy rules.

However, the regulators almost immediately rejected these claims, with both the Financial Conduct Authority and the Information Commissioners Office writing in a joint letter that banks could provide information about better rates, regardless if they had opted out of direct marketing.

Andrew Bailey, the Governor of the Bank of England, has also joined calls for high street banks to pass on higher rates to savers. He said this month: Its important that rates get passed through, its also important that we have competition in the banking system, which encourages banks to compete on savings rates.

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.
Hunter Biden made his first appearance in a Delaware federal court Wednesday, pleading not guilty after Judge Maryellen Noreika rejected his plea deal that she criticized as "not standard," unprecedented and possibly unconstitutional.

The presidents son was expected to plead guilty to two misdemeanor tax counts of willful failure to pay federal income tax as well as enter into a pretrial diversion agreement with regard to a separate felony charge of possession of a firearm by a person who is an unlawful user of or addicted to a controlled substance.

But that all fell apart after the judge, appointed by former President Donald Trump in 2017, took specific issue with the diversion clause and the supposed immunity that Hunter Biden would receive under the terms of the plea agreement.

U.S. District Court Judge Maryellen Noreika, left, rejected Hunter Biden's plea deal on Wednesday.

BIDEN'S NARRATIVE ON NEVER DISCUSSING BUSINESS DEALS WITH HUNTER CONTINUES TO CRUMBLE

Prosecutors acknowledged that Hunter was still under active federal investigation, though they wouldnt say why, and that the plea agreement would not immunize him from future charges related to his foreign business dealings, for example.

Ultimately, Hunter Biden pleaded not guilty because Noreika could not accept the plea deal as it was constructed. Here are the top five moments from the hearing.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Noreika started her grilling of both parties Wednesday by pointing out the peculiarity of some provisions in the plea agreements concerning the charges, including the terms of immunity and her role in the case should a breach occur.

"There are some provisions in those agreements that are not standard and are different from what I normally see, so I think we need to walk through these documents and get some understanding of what is being proposed so that I can give due consideration to the determination that you all are asking me to make," the judge said.

Noreika later asked the government whether it had "any precedent for agreeing not to prosecute crimes that have nothing to do with the case or the charges being diverted?"

Story continues

"I'm not aware of any, Your Honor," prosecutor Leo Wise responded.

Noreika repeatedly expressed her concerns about the constitutionality of the diversion deal related to the felony gun charge, specifying that the main issue with the agreement was that if Hunter Biden breached the deal, the judge would need to make a finding of fact on the matter before the government could bring charges.

The diversion was an agreement in which the government would not charge Hunter Biden with the more serious federal gun charge  if he pleaded guilty to the misdemeanor tax charges and behaved under certain terms of the agreement for a period of approximately 24 months. If Hunter Biden breached the diversion, the government would try to bring the serious gun charge against him.

At that point, the government would bring that information to the judge, and the judge would be required to determine whether charges should be brought  that was the portion of the diversion that Noreika rejected, saying it would be unconstitutional as charging decisions are made by the executive branch, not the judicial branch.

"Do you have any authority that any court has ever accepted that or said that they would do that?" Noreika asked.

"No, Your Honor, this was crafted to suit the facts and circumstances," Wise replied.

Noreika said she saw that as being "outside of my lane," noting that if the diversion agreement might be unconstitutional then the entire plea deal would be unconstitutional, meaning that Hunter Biden would not be getting the immunity he thought.

Hunter Biden, right, leaves the J. Caleb Boggs Federal Building in Wilmington, Delaware, on July 26, 2023.

HOUSE REPUBLICANS CHEER BIG WIN FOR THE RULE OF LAW AFTER HUNTER BIDENS SWEETHEART DEAL COLLAPSES

Hunter admitted to Noreika that he received more than $600,000 from a Chinese Communist Party-backed company, contradicting President Bidens insistence that nobody from his family "made money from China."

Prosecutors said in their proposed plea agreement that Hunter received $664,000 from a "Chinese infrastructure investment company," according to the official court transcript.

Hunter then confirmed to the judge that he earned $664,000 from a company he formed in 2017 with the chairman of the CCP-backed CEFC.

"I started a company [in 2017] called Hudson West, Your Honor, and my partner was associated with a Chinese energy company called CEFC," Hunter said.

"Who was your partner?" the court asked.

"I don't know how to spell his name, Yi Jianming is the chairman of that company," Hunter responded.

"$664,000 from a Chinese infrastructure investment company  is that one of the companies we've already talked about?" the judge continued.

"I believe so, yes, Your Honor," he said, before adding, "I believe CEFC."

Hunters apparent confirmation that he made more than a half-million dollars from a Chinese company directly contradicts President Bidens previous denials.

"My son has not made money in terms of this thing about, what are you talking about, China," then-candidate Biden told then-President Donald Trump during an October 2020 debate.

President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden, joined by Hunter Biden and Ashley Biden, attend granddaughter Maisy's graduation from the University of Pennsylvania at Franklin Field on May 15, 2023, in Philadelphia.

"The only guy who made money from China is this guy," Biden said at the time. "Hes the only one. Nobody else has made money from China."

Biden denied the allegations again this year after the House Oversight Committee said subpoenaed financial records revealed that members of the Biden family received more than $1 million in payments from accounts related to Hunter Bidens business associate Rob Walker and their Chinese business ventures in 2017.

"Thats not true," the president said March 17.

Hunters legal counsel declared the deal was "null and void" after learning the plea agreement did not include broad immunity for the presidents son.

The dustup started after the judge asked prosecutors, "Could the government bring a charge under the Foreign Agents Registration Act?"

The prosecution confirmed, and Noreika asked if there was a "meeting of the minds here" on the level of immunity Hunter was expecting.

"As stated by the government just now, I don't agree with what the government said," Hunters lawyer, Chris Clark, responded.

"So, I mean, these are contracts," the judge replied. "To be enforceable, there has to be a meeting of the minds. So, what do we do now?"

"Then there is no deal," the government responded.

"Do we need to talk about a preliminary hearing since we didn't really need to do one with the agreement?" the judge asked.

"We'll waive the preliminary hearing," Clark responded. "As far as I'm concerned, the plea agreement is null and void. We are going to have to discuss things with the government."

A courtroom sketch depicts Hunter Biden in a federal courtroom in Wilmington, Delaware, on July 26, 2023.

After returning from an official recess, Clark agreed to the governments terms that immunity would be limited to offenses uncovered during their probe of Hunter's tax returns and the illegal purchase of a firearm.

Noreika, however, accused both parties of trying to get her to "rubber stamp the agreement" and said she couldnt approve.

"Again, you all are telling me just rubber stamp the agreement, Your Honor, because all we're doing is recommending a plea," she said. "But it seems like the argument you're making is form over substance."

"What's funny to me is you put me right smack in the middle of the diversion agreement that I should have no role in, you plop meet right in there, and then on the thing that I would normally have the ability to sign off on or look at in the context of a plea agreement, you just take it out and you say, 'Your Honor, don't pay any attention to that provision not to prosecute because we put it in an agreement that's beyond your ability,'" she continued.

"So, this is what I am going to do. These agreements are not straightforward and they contain some atypical provisions. I am not criticizing you for coming up with those, I think that you have worked hard to come up with creative ways to deal with this. But I am not in a position where I can decide to accept or reject the plea agreement, so I need to defer it."

"So, I cannot accept the plea agreement today," she added.

House Republicans celebrated with cautious optimism after Hunter's plea deal fell apart, saying it "collapsed under the weight of its own blatant corruption."

Now, jail time may be back on the table, they say.

Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., told Fox News Digital in an interview that Biden gets two more chances, pretrial and during trial, to reach a plea bargain that could be more stringent than the first.

"That could be something that's going on behind the scenes of the DOJ, saying, Oh, what is it we could work out with Hunter that, in fact, we get this judge to go away? Because there's very little likelihood that Hunter Biden would win this case," said Issa, a member of the House Judiciary Committee. "So now the question is, what is he willing to plead to that would be less than what he might be sentenced to if he loses? And so I fully expect that some of that is going on behind the scenes as we speak, trying to figure out what the judge would accept."

Hunter Biden

Issa said he initially cheered the Delaware judges decision but is skeptical that the DOJ is going to suddenly prosecute Biden aggressively.

"My thought initially was, Great. We have a judge thats willing to do the right thing. But how are we going to get DOJ to do the right thing?" he said. "Remember, the Biden DOJ is the one that gave him a sweetheart deal, and now you're expecting them to prosecute aggressively? I doubt that they will."

"They do not prosecute the president, they don't want to prosecute the presidents son, and they certainly don't want to follow the leads that seem to lead from the president's son to the president," he continued.

"Id love to ask for a change of prosecutors to ones that would actually prosecute, but I suspect that's not possible," Issa added. "So, one of the truisms that we expect right now is to have a comparatively lackluster prosecution by those who were perfectly willing to give him a sweetheart deal."

House Oversight Committee Republicans told Fox News Digital that the court dealt a major blow to the Biden family.

"Todays development that Hunter Bidens sweetheart deal has now turned sour is welcome news to every American  it collapsed under the weight of its own blatant corruption," Rep. Virginia Foxx, R-N.C., said Wednesday.

"The two-tiered system of justice that has metastasized under the Biden administration just received a swift kick in the ribs," she said. "Nobody is exempt from following the law in this country, especially those with the last name of Biden."

Fox News' Brooke Singman contributed to this report.
Toyota is leading the charge in the transition from combustion engines to electric vehicles, according to new data released by the company.

The global auto giants latest sales figures reveal the remarkable success of Toyotas EVs, reshaping industry trends and pointing toward a cooler, cleaner future, Torque News reports.

In the first half of 2023, Toyota Motor North America sold a total of 270,476 EVs, including hybrids, which makes up 26% of the companys total sales volume, according to Torque News. Models like the bZ4X, Corolla Cross, Mirai, Sequoia, and Tundra HEV all reported record first-half sales, Torque News reports.

June saw 51,535 EVs sold, making up 26.4% of monthly sales, reflecting a growing desire among consumers to support a cleaner future. The uptick in sales comes as people across the globe struggle to cope with stiflingly hot temperatures. This June was the hottest on record going back 174 years, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, per NPR. And this July saw the hottest three-week period on record, per CNN.

Consumers who purchase EVs are not merely investing in cars that are cheaper to run and maintain, they are also significantly cutting back on the amount of planet-overheating pollution they create.

Unlike standard gas-powered vehicles, EVs do not rely on combustion engines that release harmful gas while running. Research has shown that no matter the charging method or the means of battery production, even EVs with the dirtiest batteries are still cleaner than cars that burn gas.

Toyota recently announced plans for an EV with a 900-mile range after just 10 minutes of charging, an unprecedented technology that would address one of the most common hesitations of potential EV owners  range anxiety.

The future of the automobile industry is undoubtedly electrified, and Toyotas commitment to expanding its electrified vehicle options and early successes both indicate that this trend will continue to gain momentum.

Join our free newsletter for cool news and actionable info that makes it easy to help yourself while helping the planet.
The Trader Joe's storefront on March 1, 2020 in New York City.

The Trader Joe's storefront on March 1, 2020 in New York City.

NEW YORK (AP)  Trader Joes is recalling two cookie products because they may contain rocks, the grocery chain announced Friday.

The recall impacts Trader Joes Almond Windmill Cookies and Trader Joes Dark Chocolate Chunk and Almond Cookies with sell by dates ranging from October 17, 2023 to October 21, 2023.

According to Trader Joes, the recalled cookies have been removed from store shelves and destroyed  but the company is urging consumers to check their cabinets and get a refund.

If you purchased or received any donations of Almond Windmill Cookies and/or Dark Chocolate Chunk and Almond Cookies, please do not eat them, Trader Joes wrote in its announcement, instructing customers to throw away the products or return them to any store for a full refund. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience.

Lot codes for the recalled products and customer service contact information can be found on Trader Joes website.

Trader Joes did not specify how the rocks may have made their way into the cookies, and just noted that the company was alerted of the potential foreign material by a supplier. When contacted by The Associated Press Tuesday, a Trader Joes spokesperson did not comment further.

The Monrovia, California-based chain is privately held by the families that also own Aldi Nord, a German grocer. Trader Joes operates around 530 stores in the U.S.

Related...
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 28)  Korean Drama star Kim Seon-ho said his role as an assassin in his debut film "The Childe" was one of his most challenging portrayals in his career yet.

Speaking to CNN Philippines' The Final Word, Seon-ho said he wanted to play different characters in different movies as an actor and playing as the "Nobleman" in this particular movie was difficult for him.

"It was challenging, of course, and the most difficult for me was a scene where I jumped off a bridge," the KDrama star said.

"I'm scared of heights. That was very difficult," the actor admitted.

The film features the "Nobleman," Seon-ho's character, a Filipino-Korean amateur boxer who travels to the Philippines in the hopes of tracking down his father.

The action-thriller film is in a different genre for Seon-ho's hit light romance TV series which include "Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha" and "Start Up."

While thankful for playing a different character, Seon-ho says his dream role is to play a "normal ordinary person" who experiences relatable situations for the audience.

Seon-ho, in his second visit to the country for a fan meet, thanked all his Filipino fans for their passion and warm support.
Law enforcement officers have detained another traitor who collected information for Russia about military facilities in Kirovohrad Oblast.

Source: Press service of Security Service of Ukraine (SSU); Kirovohrad Oblast Prosecutor's Office

Details: The traitor turned out to be a resident of Toretsk, Donetsk Oblast, who was recruited by the Russian secret service even before the start of a full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation, the SSU notes.

After 24 February 2022, the man was assigned to arrive in Kirovohrad Oblast as a migrant from the east of Ukraine to conduct reconnaissance and subversive activities.

After the Russian agent settled in one of the settlements of the oblast, he began to collect information about the locations of the units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. First of all, he tried to identify the combat positions of the Ukrainian air defence and establish the locations of the local headquarters of the Territorial Defence Forces.

To obtain this information, the traitor got a job as a repairman at one of the military facilities in the region. For each completed task, Russians "guaranteed" their accomplice a monetary payment of up to UAH 5,000 (roughly US$135 - ed.). In addition, as a reward, the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation (FSB) promised to "evacuate" this agent to Russia and employ him in the ranks of the Secret Service of the aggressor country.

The prosecutor's office reported that during May - July 2023, the man repeatedly sent data with the coordinates of military facilities and possible locations of the Ukrainian military to representatives of Russian intelligence agencies via Telegram messenger.

The SSU says that they detained the person red-handed when he was covertly taking photos of a facility of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. A mobile phone was seized from the traitor, which he used to communicate with a representative of the Russian FSB and record the locations of the Ukrainian defenders.

Story continues

Investigators served him notice of suspicion of high treason committed under martial law.

At the prosecutor's request, the court chose a measure of restraint in the form of detention.

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!
If youre already planning your trip to Europe for next summer, be aware that travel regulations are expected to change in 2024.

Starting next year, travelers will need travel authorization via the European Travel Information and Authorization System to enter 30 European nations.

According to the European Unions website, the authorization allows for stays up to 90 days in any 180-day period and you can go for as often as youd like. However, having this visa doesnt mean youre guaranteed entry into the country. Youll still need to show your passport and other documents, and verify you meet the countrys entry rules.

Is ETIAS a visa?

ETIAS is not a visa, but is considered a travel authorization to get into Europe, according to the ETIAS website.

And, unlike visas, ETIAS is an electronic verification thats linked to a passport and it can only be applied for online. Visas are a physical paper document and travelers have to apply in person with an interview.

This program has been in the works for some time and has been delayed  that means, according to CBS News, its start date may be extended again.

Which countries need the visa pass in Europe?

The 30 countries requiring authorization include:

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

How to apply

Although the program begins next year, ETIAS is not yet accepting applications.

By then, youll have to apply on the ETIAS website or through its mobile app  either process is fully electronic. Applications can be processed within minutes or up to 30 days, depending on whether you need to submit additional information or have an interview, according to EU authorities.

Application costs

Each application is 7 euros, which is about $8 in the U.S.

How it works

Once approved, youll get a confirmation email and the authorization will be linked to your U.S. passport. This visa lasts three years or until your passport expires, if that happens before the visa expiration. If you are denied, you get a chance to appeal.

What do you want to know about life in Sacramento? Ask our service journalism team your top-of-mind questions in the module below or email servicejournalists@sacbee.com.
NEW YORK (AP)  Rapper Travis Scott has released Utopia, his first album in five years and his first major release since 10 people died at his 2021 Astroworld music festival.

The star-studded 19-track Utopia features Beyonce, SZA, Drake, Sampha, Young Thug, Playboi Carti, Daft Punks Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo, Future, Bon Iver, James Blake, Kid Cudi, 21 Savage, and many more.

The LP, Scott's fourth full-length, was originally announced back in 2020 and follows 2018s Astroworld. In November 2019, 10 people died as a result of compression asphyxia during a massive crowd surge during Scott's Astroworld festival. A grand jury declined to file charges against Scott earlier this year.

Also Friday, Houston police released files that showed that some workers were concerned about the crowd conditions at the show. The 1,300-page report also included a summary of an interview with Scott in which he said he did not hear calls from the crowd to stop the show.

The first track from the album, the popeton -adjacent K-pop, was released on July 21 and features the Weeknd and Bad Bunny. The release spans genres  an eclectic mix of autotune ambient ballads (My Eyes), ferocious bars ("Looove"), futuristic trap ("Lost Forever," Telekinesis"), and beyond.

In addition to the album, Scott hosted a one-night-only release of his feature film, Circus Maximus at select theaters on Thursday night.

Utopia was originally scheduled to be celebrated with a livestreamed concert at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, but was canceled due to complex production issues, Live Nation said in a statement.
Travis Scott has released his fourth studio album Utopia.

The 32-year-old American rapper dropped the long-awaited album on Friday (28 July) at midnight, five years after his 2018 album Astroworld was released.

Comprising 19 tracks, the album includes vocals from a range of artists including Beyonce, Drake, The Weeknd, SZA, Kid Cudi, Future, Bon Ivers Justin Vernon, Swae Lee, Young Thug, and Sampha.

The album also features credited contributions from James Blake, Metro Boomin, the Alchemist, Boi-1da, Kanye West, Vegyn, and more.

The album drop comes after a tumulous week for Scott. as the concert he planned at the Great Pyramid of Giza, where he intended to unveil his new album, faced cancellation due to challenging production problems.

Two days before the scheduled event, Live Nation officially announced the cancellation of Scotts Utopia show, which was scheduled to take place on Friday.

According to Forbes, the scheduled concert also received resistance from the Egyptian Musicians Syndicate, which is responsible for regulating the music industry in the country.

In a widely reported statement, the group said earlier this week that it decided to cancel Scotts permit as it would have contradicted Egypts authentic societal values and traditions.

(AP)

However, soon after the Syndicates statement was released, Live Nation issued a contradictory message saying that Scotts show was still on.

Scott has reacted to the news of his cancelled show in Egypt.

Egypt at the pyramids will happen, the K-POP rapper wrote on Twitter on Thursday (27 July). But due to demand and detail logistics, they just need a bit a time to set lay on lands.

I will keep u posted on a date which will be soon love you alllll.

In a follow up tweet, Scott added: But in good news I had 4 more of these type of experiences in other places. COORDINATES SOON REACH.

Cant believe its been this long since. But im amped out of my mind. Im actually ready to run thru wallls today  TRAVIS SCOTT (@trvisXX) July 28, 2023

The Astroworld rapper also reacted to the news of his new album dropping on Friday.

Story continues

Cant believe its been this long since, Scott wrote. But Im amped out of my mind. Im actually ready to run thru wallls today. [sic]

Earlier this week, Scott announced that Utopia will be accompanied by a film titled Circus Maximus.

The film is reportedly produced by A24, and the movie will take the audience on a mind-bending visual odyssey across the globe, woven together by the speaker rattling sounds of Scotts highly anticipated upcoming album Utopia.

According to reports, the film is available to watch at select AMC theaters in the US on 30 July and 1-2 August. Its not confirmed whether the film will be released on streaming platforms.
A Tri-Cities man who had been out of jail on personal recognizance on a child rape charge was arrested again in Pasco, accused of raping a teen girl.

Gerardo Delatorre Castillo, 25, of Pasco, appeared in Franklin County Superior Court on Thursday on investigation of the new crime.

Prosecutors told Judge Sam Swanberg that despite being ordered to stay away from minors and not to use the internet or social media, Castillo allegedly met another child online and raped her.

He is being held in the Franklin County jail in lieu of $250,000 bail on suspicion of third-degree rape of a child, sexual exploitation of a child and first-degree possession of depictions of a child engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

He is still awaiting trial in Benton County on a March charge of second-degree child rape. That crime allegedly happened in August 2020 and is a statutory rape case, according to court documents. The trial for that case is set for October.

Court documents show that in the Franklin County case Castillo allegedly was using the nickname Mr. Happy online to meet underage girls. The victim was 14 at the time.

Investigators first learned of the situation after her brother went to police on June 30 because the victim had asked him to take her to Planned Parenthood because she was worried she might be pregnant. The brother believed the victim had been sneaking out at night to meet Castillo. she had told her brother was 21.

Castillo had been using Snapchat to communicate with the teen, according to court documents. The victim told detectives that Castillo had been giving her marijuana during their encounters.

They did not have any friends in common and was a stranger to the girl when he first contacted her, according to the documents. Castillo initially told her he was 19 and she informed him that she was 15. The victim told police that if she did not respond on one social media platform, he would move on to others and continue trying to contact her.

Story continues

He allegedly met the girl in January when she was 14 and continued meeting up with her through May, after she had turned 15.

Castillo was arrested in March on the Benton County rape charge, and allegedly met with the victim for sex at least once after his arrest, according to court documents.

Their first encounter came after Castillo offered the girl marijuana. They met up at a store near her house. She told investigators she was scared of him because he looked older than 19.

He then convinced her to get into his car and took her to a second location. She told detectives she remembered going over a bridge, but Castillo had allegedly told her to close her eyes.

The victim said Castillo always told her to close her eyes, and believes he took different routes each time. They allegedly smoked marijuana in a different vehicle at the mobile home he took her to. She told detectives that the first time this happened she became so high she passed out and he carried her to his bed inside the trailer.

She also told investigators she recalled seeing a black box with a red light on. When she asked Castillo about it, he allegedly told her, sometimes I just like to take some pictures and videos. He also took sexual photos and videos of the victim with his phone.

The victim told investigators that she was afraid of Castillo because he was much stronger than her.

When Pasco police went to arrest Castillo at his Pasco home, his mother asked what was happening and asked officers if it was for the other case. He told his mother it was.

While waiting to be taken to the Franklin County jail, Castillo allegedly told his mother that he just wanted to leave and go to Mexico.

After he was taken to jail, a search warrant was executed at the home. Castillos room matched descriptions the victim had given investigators.

The black box the victim described was a GoPro camera found in the room, said court documents. A box for a micro hidden camera also was found in the room, but there was no camera.

Castillo is expected back in court next week.
Three Bothell businesses were hit by the same smash-and-grab burglars in a pickup truck overnight, leaving broken glass and twisted metal behind.

The break-ins happened in the 11600 block of Northeast 195th and the 18700 block of Bothell Way Northeast early Friday.

Bothell Police said evidence from the truck was left behind, and it appears the suspects are four masked men in a bright red Dodge 3500 truck that was likely stolen.

All three businesses  two Chevron stores and a Subway  were rammed by the truck, according to Bothell Police.

Here is a look at the suspect vehicle in all three commercial burglaries. Red Dodge truck, likely stolen. One rear window smashed out. pic.twitter.com/n1NBRg0zFh  Bothell Police (@BothellPolice) July 28, 2023

A Chevron on NE 195th Street and North Creek Parkway was the first to be burglarized at 2:35 a.m. A worker there told us the store closes at 11 p.m. and reopens at 5 a.m., so no one was inside when the burglary happened.

A heavy vault and cash from the register were stolen, according to the employee.

After that burglary, a Subway in the same business plaza was targeted. Surveillance video from inside the store showed the doors caving in as they were hit by the truck.

The suspects fled as police arrived at the nearby Chevron, so nothing was stolen.

At 3:48 a.m., another Chevron was burglarized on Bothell Way Northeast in the downtown area. An ATM was stolen.

Other police agencies have been notified about the burglaries and the truck as the search and investigation continue.

Bothell Police say this red Dodge truck is the suspect vehicle in all three burglaries. One rear window is smashed out.

Two Chevron stores and a Subway were rammed by the same bright red truck with four masked men inside.

A camera inside a Subway showed the truck after it backed into the front doors.

Two Chevron stores and a Subway were rammed by the same bright red truck with four masked men inside.

Two Chevron stores and a Subway were rammed by the same bright red truck with four masked men inside.

Bothell Police say the suspects are four masked men in a bright red Dodge 3500 truck.

Two Chevron stores and a Subway were rammed by the same bright red truck with four masked men inside.

Two Chevron stores and a Subway were rammed by the same bright red truck with four masked men inside.

Two Chevron stores and a Subway were rammed by the same bright red truck with four masked men inside.

Two Chevron stores and a Subway were rammed by the same bright red truck with four masked men inside.

Two Chevron stores and a Subway were rammed by the same bright red truck with four masked men inside.

Two Chevron stores and a Subway were rammed by the same bright red truck with four masked men inside.

Two Chevron stores and a Subway were rammed by the same bright red truck with four masked men inside.

Two Chevron stores and a Subway were rammed by the same bright red truck with four masked men inside.

Two Chevron stores and a Subway were rammed by the same bright red truck with four masked men inside.

Two Chevron stores and a Subway were rammed by the same bright red truck with four masked men inside.








Former President Trump on Friday appealed a judges ruling that mandated his hush money criminal case be tried in state court in New York.

U.S. District Judge Alvin Hellerstein, a President Clinton appointee, ruled last week that the 34-count indictment was not connected to Trumps role as president, rejecting his request to move the case to federal court in favor of prosecutors objections.

Trump attorneys Todd Blanche and Susan Necheles filed a notice of appeal Friday afternoon, the first step in taking the dispute to the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

Trump sought to remove the state case to federal court, arguing it must be transferred because it involves important federal questions, including whether he should face charges for alleged crimes that occurred while he was in office. Doing so would increase the potential jury pool, which is currently limited to the heavily-Democratic population of Manhattan.

This case is unprecedented in our nations history, Trumps lawyers wrote in the nine-page filing when first seeking to remove the case in May. Never before has a local elected prosecutor criminally prosecuted a defendant either for conduct that occurred entirely while the defendant was the sitting President of the United States or for conduct that related to federal campaign contribution laws.

Hellerstein dismissed that argument when ruling on the case in July.

The evidence overwhelmingly suggests that the matter was a purely a personal item of the President  a cover-up of an embarrassing event. Hush money paid to an adult film star is not related to a Presidents official acts. It does not reflect in any way the color of the Presidents official duties, he wrote.

Trump faces 34 felony counts of falsifying business records over his alleged role in a hush money scheme ahead of the 2016 presidential election. He pleaded not guilty.

Hush money by itself is legal; Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg (D) is prosecuting Trump over the manner in which he reimbursed his then-fixer, Michael Cohen, for making the $130,000 hush payment to porn actress Stormy Daniels.

Story continues

Bragg is connecting the allegedly falsified records to purported violations of campaign finance laws.

When reached out to, Braggs office declined to comment.

A trial in the case is currently set for March 2024. Trumps lawyers have a deadline late next month to file any motions in state court to dismiss the charges ahead of trial.

Earlier Friday, Bragg suggested during a radio interview on WNYCs The Brian Lehrer Show, however, that the trial timeline could be delayed as a result of the other criminal investigations the former president faces.

If our trial judge is reached out to by another judge, we will obviously consider everything in its totality, Bragg said.

Special counsel Jack Smiths office charged Trump with three additional counts in the classified records federal case Thursday, and prosecutors have signaled an indictment could be close in their probe over the transfer of power following the 2020 election.

In Georgia, Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis (D) has signaled any charges against Trump would likely come in early August.

In matters like this, judges will confer, Bragg told WNYC.

And I take a very broad lens on justice, he continued. Well obviously follow the directives of our court but wont sit on ceremony in terms of what was charged first or things like that, if and when thats presented.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Former President Donald Trump was charged with an additional count of willful retention of national defense information and two new obstruction counts as part of a superseding indictment out of Special Counsel Jack Smith's investigation into his alleged improper retention of classified records.

"Today, a superseding indictment was returned by a grand jury in the Southern District of Florida that adds one defendant and four charges to the prior indictment filed against Donald J. Trump and Waltine Nauta," the Justice Department said in a statement Thursday. "The superseding indictment adds a new Count charging Trump with one additional count of willful retention of National Defense Information."

THIRD PERSON CHARGED IN TRUMP DOCUMENTS CASE BY SPECIAL COUNSEL

"Carlos de Oliveira, 56, of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, has been added to the obstruction conspiracy charged in the original indictment," the DOJ said. "The superseding indictment also charges Trump, De Oliveira and Nauta with two new obstruction counts based on allegations that the defendants attempted to delete surveillance video footage at The Mar-a-Lago Club in summer 2022."

Former President Donald Trump reacts to crowd applause during a campaign event on July 1, 2023, in Pickens, South Carolina. The former president faces a growing list of primary challengers in the Republican Party.

"Finally, the superseding indictment also charges De Oliveira with false statements and representations in a voluntary interview with the FBI on Jan. 13, 2023," the DOJ added. "De Oliveira has been summoned to appear at 10:30 a.m. on July 31, 2023, in Courtroom #5 at the James L. King Federal Courthouse in Miami."

The indictment alleges that the defendants attempted to delete surveillance video footage from Mar-a-Lago.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

According to the indictment, De Oliveira told an unnamed Trump employee that "'the boss' wanted the server deleted."

"Trump Employee 4 responded that he would not know how to do that, and that he did not believe that he would have the rights to do that," the indictment states. "Trump Employee 4 told De Oliveira that De Oliveira would have to reach out to another employee who was a supervisor of security for Trumps business organization."

Story continues

Reacting to the additional charges, a Trump campaign spokesperson told Fox News Digital that "this is nothing more than a continued desperate and flailing attempt by the Biden Crime Family and their Department of Justice to harass President Trump and those around him."

FLASHBACK: TRUMP SAYS MAR-A-LAGO HOME IN FLORIDA 'UNDER SIEGE' BY FBI AGENTS

"Deranged Jack Smith knows that they have no case and is casting about for any way to salvage their illegal witch hunt and to get someone other than Donald Trump to run against Crooked Joe Biden," the spokesperson added.

Smith was appointed by Attorney General Merrick Garland in November 2022 to investigate Trumps alleged improper retention of classified records at his Mar-a-Lago home.

The Justice Department had been investigating the matter after the FBI conducted an unprecedented search on his private residence in August 2022.

FLASHBACK: FBI SEIZED CLASSIFIED RECORDS FROM MAR-A-LAGO DURING SEARCH OF TRUMP RESIDENCE

NARA told Congress in February 2022 that Trump took 15 boxes of presidential records to his personal residence in Florida. NARA recovered the 15 boxes from Mar-a-Lago and "identified items marked as classified national security information within the boxes." The matter was referred to the Justice Department by NARA.

A view of former President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida, on March 31, 2023.

Those boxes allegedly contained "classified national security information," and official correspondence between Trump and foreign heads of state.

Classified records were also discovered in President Bidens office at the Penn Biden Center last year. Those records were from his time as vice president during the Obama administration and from his tenure in the U.S. Senate.

At the time, Garland initially chose U.S. Attorney John Lausch to conduct a review of classified records that were discovered at the Penn Biden Center. In December, more classified records were found at Bidens Wilmington, Delaware, home, but the discoveries were not made public until this year.

TRUMP TARGETED: A LOOK AT PROBES INVOLVING THE FORMER PRESIDENT; FROM STORMY DANIELS TO RUSSIA TO MAR-A-LAGO

Garland later appointed U.S. Attorney Robert Hur as special counsel to investigate Bidens improper retention of classified records . Hur took over the DOJ investigation from Lausch.

The status of Hur's investigation is unclear.

Meanwhile, classified records were also found at former Vice President Mike Pences home in Indiana.

Fox News reported last month that the Justice Department had completed its investigation in the matter and that Pence will not be charged.
LEGAL WOES GROW  Former President Donald Trump was hit with additional charges in the Mar-a-Lago special counsel's classified records probe case. Continue reading 

REPUBLICAN CATTLE CALL  Nearly a dozen GOP White House candidates are scheduled to speak Friday evening at the annual Iowa Lincoln dinner, where caucuses kick off the GOP presidential nominating calendar. Continue reading 

DAY IN COURT  Ashley Esselborn, who in May 2022 allegedly cheered on three other people, including her boyfriend, as they reportedly beat Zachary Wood to death in Texas over missing drugs and money, will appear in court for a pre-trial hearing Friday. Continue reading 

NEW BORDER SURGE?  Federal judge's block of Biden asylum rule raises new fears of fresh border surge. Continue reading 

STOCK AND STANDARD  SEC to develop AI, improved cybersecurity policies. Continue reading 

-

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

RED FLAGS  Hunter Biden contradicts dad's claim nobody in family 'made money from China.' Continue reading 

FRAUDULENT ACTIONS  Deep blue state doled out $5.2 billion in 'overpayments' during COVID, gave millions to dead people, audit shows. Continue reading

PARDON ME?  White House shuts down possibility of Hunter Biden pardon. Continue reading 

AI REGULATORY HANDLE IN THE WORKS  House takes baby step toward AI regulation: Government study on AI accountability due in 18 months. Continue reading 

Click here for more cartoons

SMOKING-GUN DOCS  Bombshell thread shows Facebook censorship of Americans on White House's behalf. Continue reading 

MANUFACTURED PROBLEM  NBC News dragged for 'nonsense' report about Black campers seeking safe spaces in the outdoors. Continue reading 

DOESNT FLY WITH MOST AMERICANS  MSNBCs Claire McCaskill assails Republicans attacking Joe Biden over 'loving' his addicted son. Continue reading 

GLAD DEAL FELL THROUGH  'The View' guest declares hosts are 'exhausted' by Hunter Biden talk after plea deal falls apart. Continue reading 

Story continues

CHAD ROBICHAUX  I served with heroes in Afghanistan I never thought I would see one die on the streets of DC. Continue reading 

BENJAMIN AYANIAN  Commercial airline passengers just dodged a Big Government fiasco. Continue reading 

SIMON HANKINSON  Biden lets in immigrants and taxpayers get stuck with the bill. Continue reading 

LAURA INGRAHAM  Biden's Justice Department and Hunter's legal team were in cahoots. Continue reading 

JESSE WATTERS  The Biden family may have offshore bank accounts. Continue reading 

SEAN HANNITY  Hunter Biden's 'get out of jail free forever card' stopped dead in its tracks. Continue reading 

EDUCATION MATTERS  School choice Georgia Republican on leaving Democratic Party: Policies weren't 'benefiting people of color.' Continue reading 

FLY LIKE AN EAGLE  Rock groups founding member dead at 77. Continue reading 

ABSOLUTE LUNACY  Actors voice concern over AI use in casting, company defends its platform from Hollywood. Continue reading 

KATE PLUS DRAMA  Gosselin matriarch under fire amid family feud with son. Continue reading 

WATCH: TRIUMPH OF THE SEA TURTLES  Four sea turtles were released this week into the waters off Cape Cod, Massachusetts, after the New England Aquarium said the sea turtles spent eight months undergoing treatment for hypothermia-related conditions. See the triumphant crawl home!. See video 

WATCH: John Yoo: Hunter Biden plea deal fiasco shows why we need a special counsel. See video 

WATCH: Seattle crowd blocks police, jumps on car hours before shooting at illegal street race. See video 

Whats it looking like in your neighborhood? Continue reading

Facebook

Instagram

YouTube

Twitter

LinkedIn

Fox News First

Fox News Opinion

Fox News Lifestyle

Fox News Entertainment (FOX411)

Fox News

Fox Business

Fox Weather

Fox Sports

Tubi

Fox News Go

Thank you for making us your first choice in the morning! Have a great weekend, stay safe and well see you in your inbox first thing Monday.
A Department of Justice handout photo shows stacks of boxes in a bathroom at the Mar-a-Lago Club (-)

Deleting security camera footage. Conspiring with Mar-A-Lago employees to destroy evidence.

Prosecutors are accusing Donald Trump of engaging in a cover-up with the new charges related to his alleged mishandling of top secret government documents after leaving the White House.

The former president pleaded not guilty last month to charges of unlawfully retaining national defense information, conspiracy to obstruct justice and making false statements.

Here is a look at the fresh charges filed on Thursday by special counsel Jack Smith against the 77-year-old Trump, the frontrunner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination:

- Deleting camera footage -

The new charges relate to Trump's alleged efforts to obstruct the FBI investigation and its bid to recover the missing classified documents.

Trump is specifically accused in the superseding indictment of attempting to "delete security camera footage" at his Mar-A-Lago residence in Florida to prevent it from being provided to the FBI and a federal grand jury.

Also charged are Trump's personal aide Waltine "Walt" Nauta, who was charged already in the previous indictment with conspiracy, and a new defendant, Carlos De Oliveira, the property manager at Mar-A-Lago.

Trump, Nauta and De Oliveira allegedly sought to have another Trump employee, who is not identified in the indictment, delete security camera footage at Mar-A-Lago.

De Oliveira, according to the indictment, allegedly told "Trump Employee 4" that "the boss" wanted the server containing security camera footage of a storage room deleted.

Carl Tobias, a law professor at the University of Richmond, said the allegations about Trump wanting the security camera footage erased "fortify the obstruction and lying cases."

"The new charges concomitantly function as a valuable reminder that the documents probe is continuing and may produce fresh evidence, additional charges, and more defendants," Tobias added.

Story continues

De Oliveira is additionally charged with making false statements to the FBI.

Asked if he ever helped unload or move boxes of documents at Mar-A-Lago, De Oliveira said he had not.

"Never saw nothing," he said.

- Plan to attack 'Country A' -

In the original indictment, Trump was charged with 31 counts of "retention of National Defense Information" for allegedly stashing classified documents at Mar-A-Lago and refusing to return them to the National Archives.

In the superseding indictment, Smith added a 32nd count -- a "presentation" made by Trump to persons without security clearances "concerning military activity in a foreign country."

The foreign country involved is not identified in the indictment -- it is referred to only as "Country A" -- but it has been widely reported to be Iran.

Trump is alleged to have shared a top secret Pentagon attack plan on Country A with a writer and a publisher who were working on a book.

Two Trump staff members were also present at the meeting which took place on July 21, 2021 at Trump's Bedminster Club in New Jersey and was recorded.

Trump is quoted as telling his guests "this is secret information" that he could have declassified while he was president but he was no longer in a position to do so.

"Now we have a problem," one of the Trump staffers reportedly responded.

Trump's trial in the documents case is scheduled to start on May 20, 2024, at the height of what is expected to be a bitter and divisive presidential election campaign.

cl/bgs
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 28)  The long wait is over for Filipino SONEs, the fandom name of K-pop girl group Girls' Generation, as their beloved leader Taeyeon is set to return to the Philippines for her second solo concert.

On July 30, one of South Korea's top soloists is set to conquer the Philippine concert stage through the "TAEYEON CONCERT IN MANILA  THE ODD OF LOVE."

The event will be held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum at 5 p.m.

This will be Taeyeons second solo concert in the Philippines, with the first one in December 2018. She last performed for her Filipino fans at The Ultimate Pop Universe - K-Verse concert held in April.

She debuted in 2007 as the leader and main vocalist of Girls' Generation  one of the well-loved girl groups in South Korea.

The group is known for its hit songs "Genie," "The Boys," "Hoot," "Run Devil Run," "I Got a Boy," and "Gee," which was recently named by Rolling Stone as the greatest song in K-pop history.

She then made her debut as a solo artist in 2015, with her first mini album "I."

Her powerful vocals further shined through her solo hits "Fine," "Spark," "Why," and "INVU."
(Bloomberg) -- Donald Trump and Ron DeSantiss Iowa appearances Friday mark one of the most climactic moments of the early presidential cycle as the former tries to extend momentum for an unprecedented White House comeback and the latter strives to steady an underperforming campaign.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The two are slated to speak at the Lincoln Dinner in Des Moines, a showcase event for Iowa Republicans and the first time the candidates will be at the same venue in the early GOP voting state since DeSantis entered the race. The dinner is a staple gathering for Republicans candidates, but all eyes are on Trump and DeSantis, who are well ahead of the pack in polls, but arrive facing unique challenges.

DeSantis is rebooting his campaign after a month that saw staffers fired, a leadership shake-up, financial filings revealing a cash-strapped operation, donor grumbling about spending and strategy, and sliding poll numbers. The Florida governor entered the race to fanfare, branded as an electable alternative to ex-president Trump, but has been diminished by unforced errors and a reluctance to directly confront the former president.

As part of the reset, the campaign will curb its spending and focus on early voting states. DeSantis is also preparing a major speech on the economy next week after pressure from donors to get on message. Fridays event gives DeSantis a platform to stem bubbling doubts that he can supplant Trump.

For Trump, who leads DeSantis by 34 percentage points in the RealClearPolitics average of polls, many of his challenges lie outside the primary field. Trump says he is expecting a third indictment, this time in Special Counsel Jack Smiths probe into the 2020 election aftermath and the attack on the US Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

Story continues

His polling and fundraising spiked after past indictments  in federal court over his handling of classified documents and in New York for allegedly paying hush money to an adult film star  as his base rallied behind him. But its uncertain whether a fresh indictment will provide a similar wave of momentum as the previous ones.

Trump must also mend ties with Iowa conservatives after he drew their ire by attacking Kim Reynolds, the states popular Republican governor, for remaining neutral in the primary. The reception he receives Friday will reveal whether the tensions will be a vulnerability to winning the states nomination.

Trump skipped an event for Iowa evangelicals earlier in July after his spat with Reynolds, a move other candidates characterized as a snub. Evangelicals helped Trump win in 2016 but he has blamed Republican messaging on the rollback of federal abortion rights for the partys underwhelming 2022 midterm performance.

Trump also didnt respond to a request from Reynoldss office to be interviewed by her at the Iowa State Fair in August, according to Kollin Crompton, a spokesperson for the governor.

President Trump looks forward to interacting with tens of thousands of Iowans at the fair in an open and unfiltered setting, Trump spokesperson Steven Cheung said in a statement.

Iowa Republicans caucus in less than six months. A Fox Business poll of Iowa Republican caucus-goers released Sunday showed DeSantis trailing Trump 46% to 16%, with US Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina the only other candidate in double digits at 11%.

Earlier this week, DeSantiss team folded to pressure from donors, elevating digital director Ethan Eilon to deputy campaign manager in a bid to rein in spending. Filings showed a bloated payroll without enough donations coming in to sustain operations.

DeSantis also faced calls to replace manager Generra Peck, a trusted aide who oversaw his landslide gubernatorial reelection. At a donor retreat last weekend, Peck acknowledged the campaign overspent and said the team would be a leaner operation moving forward, according to a person briefed on the session.

Whether DeSantis can refocus his campaign is unclear. In an interview Wednesday, he suggested he would consider long-shot Democratic contender and anti-vaccine activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to run the Food and Drug Administration or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The rest of the field will be vying for a breakout moment, capitalizing on the tumult in DeSantiss camp and Trumps fraught ties with Iowa conservatives.

The Fox Business poll showed entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy in fourth place in Iowa with 6% support, followed by former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley at 5%, former Vice President Mike Pence at 4%. North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum and ex-New Jersey Governor Chris Christie each has 3% support, with no other candidate above 1%.

Pence, Haley, Scott, Ramaswamy, Burgum, former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson, Miami Mayor Francis Suarez and former US Representative Will Hurd are also expected to speak at the dinner.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
Donald Trump told the meeting of Republicans he was the only candidate who can win the 2024 presidential election

Republican presidential hopefuls have shared a stage for the first time in the 2024 White House race at an Iowa campaign event.

Chief rivals Donald Trump and Ron DeSantis headlined the Republican party's annual Lincoln Dinner fundraiser.

All 13 candidates were given 10 minutes to speak during the event.

Polls show Mr Trump holds a lead over his rivals even as his legal woes mount.

He told attendees that he was the only candidate who can win next year's election and suggested this was the only reason he faces a raft of criminal and civil charges.

Mr Trump has already insisted he will still run for the White House, even if he is convicted.

There were more than 1,200 people in the huge ballroom - all of whom have an outsize influence on who will be the Republican nominee.

Many said they have a genuinely open mind about who they will vote for, but there was no shortage of Trump stickers among the crowd.

There was no fun to be had watching the different candidates interacting with each other. They each had their own backstage suite which they popped out of to deliver their ten-minute speech. They actually didn't have to see each other at all.

Vivek Ramaswamy captured the room and brought many to a standing ovation as he gave a barnstorming performance - just what he needed to do if he is going to make a breakthrough.

Will Hurd's performance will not be forgotten in a hurry - but for all the wrong reasons. The audience appeared genuinely shocked to hear him say Mr Trump is only running for president to stay out of jail.

Loud boos and rattling cutlery nearly drowned out the rest of what he had to say - with one man shouting "go home". It was clear he had lost the room.

Friday's fundraiser comes a day after new charges were filed against Mr Trump over his alleged mishandling of classified files.

Federal prosecutors have widened their criminal investigation into the former president over his handling of government documents after leaving office, but he remains the front-runner for the Republican nomination.

Story continues

According to a FiveThirtyEight opinion polling average, Mr Trump is on 52.4%, Florida Governor DeSantis on 15.5% and everyone else is under 10% in the Republican race.

Ron DeSantis also spoke at the Republican party's annual Lincoln Dinner fundraiser on Friday

Mr Trump may soon be charged in Washington with alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election results. He has denied all allegations against him.

Iowa is the first state where voters will begin the state-by-state process of whittling down the field of presidential candidates until one from each main party remains to compete in the November 2024 election.

South Carolina Senator Tim Scott, former UN ambassador Nikki Haley and former Vice-President Mike Pence also attended Friday's event.

Chris Christie, the former New Jersey governor, skipped the fundraiser as his campaign focuses on New Hampshire.

Mr DeSantis has been in Iowa since Thursday. He has pledged eventually to visit all of Iowa's 99 counties as he seeks to boost his rankings in the state and nationally.

The Florida governor has faced criticism - including from within Republican ranks - over new education standards passed for middle schools in his state.

A line in the 200-page curriculum, saying that slaves learned useful skills that "could be applied to their personal benefit", has generated controversy.

Mr Scott, one of three black Republican presidential 2024 candidates, told reporters on Thursday: "What slavery was really about was separating families, about mutilating humans and even raping their wives. It was just devastating.

"So I would hope that every person in our country - and certainly running for president - would appreciate that."

Local opinion polls in Iowa indicate Mr Scott may be gaining momentum.

Mr Trump recently lost a supporter in the key state of Iowa owing to a political spat.

An Iowa state senator decided to back Mr DeSantis instead, days after Mr Trump criticised Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds for remaining neutral in the 2024 race.

"How many times have we gritted our teeth and shook our heads at some of the things that the former president has said?" Jeff Reichman told NPR.
Former President Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) are set to appear at the same event in Iowa on Friday for the first time since joining the 2024 race, as both men look to shore up support in the Hawkeye State.

The annual Lincoln Dinner is an important fundraising event for the Iowa GOP and regularly draws candidates vying for the partys nomination in the state, which is the first to vote in what will be a long line of primaries and caucuses to determine the nominee.

But this years event comes as Trump and DeSantis find themselves in the middle of a bitter and escalating rivalry, and underscores the critical nature of the state for both men as the presidential race gets into full swing.

Craig Robinson, a longtime Iowa-based GOP strategist, said the Lincoln Dinner will be critical for DeSantis, who has continued to trail Trump in polls.

I think hes looking for something to jumpstart his campaign, Robinson said, noting that DeSantis hasnt left other events this cycle being the candidate that everyone was talking about.

Donald Trump has the knack of making sure that hes the only one thatll be talked about after that event, Robinson said.

Trump has maintained his large lead over the GOP field in national and state polls despite mounting legal woes. He has led DeSantis, his closest challenger, by at least a double-digit margin and often as much as 20 or 30 points.

The Florida governor earlier this month attributed the widening gap between the two candidates to the media, and to sympathy he says Trump received after the former president was indicted in Manhattan earlier this year as part of an alleged hush-money scheme.

But in an implicit acknowledgment of his campaigns struggles, DeSantis has looked to reset his strategy in recent weeks, cutting a third of his staff in an effort to reduce expenses and stepping up his media appearances, including an interview on CNN.

The DeSantis campaign expressed optimism about his prospects heading into the dinner as the governor makes the state a top priority.

Story continues

Gov. DeSantis continues to pick up additional support in Iowa with each visit. No one will outwork the governor in the Hawkeye State, and he is just getting started, said campaign spokeswoman Carly Atchison.

A DeSantis campaign official trumpeted DeSantiss efforts in Iowa, arguing that he has built up unprecedented support among state legislators there while defending Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) after Trump attacked her over her decision to officially remain neutral in the GOP primaries.

The officials comments came amid a bus tour DeSantis launched this weekend through all 99 counties in the state.

Its about which candidates puts in the time to help build a party in Iowa and to show the voters of Iowa that they believe its important, the official told The Hill. Gov. DeSantis is putting in the work: Hes on the ground for his fourth visit of the campaign and will be back next week for the state fair.

In a further sign of how critical the state is, Trump preempted the pairs appearance at the Lincoln Dinner with a video on his Truth Social platform warning Iowans against the Florida governor.

Ron DeSanctimonious would be a complete disaster for the American farmers and the great people of Iowa! Trump said in the video, released Thursday.

As the GOP White House hopefuls gather Friday evening, Vice President Harris will also be in Iowa to host a separate event to discuss the states abortion ban, offering a counterpoint to the gathering of Republican figures who are largely in favor of abortion restrictions.

Trumps former Vice President Mike Pence, and his former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley will also be among the lineup of 2024 candidates at the event in Des Moines.

For DeSantis, whose campaign has fueled critical headlines for weeks, the Lincoln Dinner provides a opportunity for him to pitch his candidacy before an influential crowd. But Robinson, the Iowa strategist, warned that it could serve just as much as an opportunity for other Republican 2024 candidates such as Sen. Tim Scott (S.C.) or entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, who have shown signs of momentum in recent polls.

Though DeSantis appeared earlier this year as the clear challenger alternative to Trump, Robinson said, DeSantiss sagging poll numbers now suggest hes in the second tier with everyone else as the crowded field jostles for who will be the best alternative to the former president.

Dennis Goldford, a professor of political science at Drake University in Des Moines, said much of DeSantiss candidacy could be riding on his success in the Iowa caucuses next year.

If he does not do well here, or especially if he does what people might consider poorly, then the logical conclusion on the part of a lot of people around the country  they might say, This isnt really going to go anywhere. We got to put our bet on another horse, Goldford said.

GOP strategist Michael Zona, a former staffer for Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), said the state partys dinner can offer the White House contenders a chance to connect with the generally open-minded group of voters, often willing to give another look at a second- or third-tier campaign.

These types of speeches should be viewed by candidates who arent in the lead  and at this point, thats all but one  as an opportunity to reset the narrative or reintroduce their brands, Zona said.

Josie Albrecht, a Republican strategist who is working with the state party to plan the dinner and is staying neutral in the 2024 race, said the candidates will be able to mingle with those present at the event after the dinner ends to answer follow-up questions, making the event not like a rubber-chicken dinner.

I think what makes this dinner exciting is this is really the first big event with everyone in one place where you can see everybody up against each other, she said. Depending on how the debates and things shake out, it may be one of the only times where you see everybody at once.

Albrecht added that the dinner is only one part of a long campaign to win in Iowa and will not be a make-or-break moment.

But Iowa-based pollster Ann Selzer said the dinner will require every bit of political acumen. She said the visuals of the event and the reaction each candidate receives from those in attendance will be influence how a candidate performs.

It isnt just that the candidate is going to show up and well see what happens. This will have been carefully thought out about what the order of the candidates is and what to do with that order. What is the opportunity thats there? she said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Dan Coats, who served as director of national intelligence under former President Trump, emphasized Thursday that there are people in prison for taking classified documents home, after the Justice Department brought new charges against his former boss over his handling of classified materials.

There are people in prison who have taken stuff home when they knew they shouldnt have taken it home, Coats said on CNN. Maybe it was truly innocent, but its so critical that we abide by the rules.

We put millions of dollars in technology for gathering intelligence, and if thats breached because somebody gets a classified document floating around or knows about it, we lose that information that we are grabbing, he added.

So, its more than just a bunch of papers and what big deal is this and so forth. Lives can be lost. Money can be misspent.

In a superseding indictment filed Thursday night, the Justice Department accused former President Trump of attempting to delete surveillance footage at his Mar-a-Lago residence, with the help of his aide Walt Nauta and property manager Carlos de Oliveira.

Along with an additional Espionage Act charge for a military document that Trump boasted of having at a 2021 meeting, the former president is now facing 40 counts in the documents case. He pleaded not guilty to the original 37-count indictment last month.

Trump has maintained that prosecutors are targeting him because of his bid for the White House, describing the new charges Thursday as election interference at the highest level.

This is prosecutorial misconduct used at a level never seen before, Trump told Fox News Digital. If I werent leading Biden by a lot in numerous polls, and wasnt going to be the Republican nominee, it wouldnt be happening. It wouldnt be happening.

A number of Trumps critics  inside and outside the GOP  have raised the possibility that he could end up in prison over the various criminal cases he is facing.

Story continues

GOP presidential candidate Chris Christie, the former New Jersey governor, said earlier this month that despite his public comments, Trump goes to bed every night thinking about the sound of that jail cell door closing behind them.

And George Conway, a conservative attorney and prominent critic of former President Trump, said last month that there is a substantial possibility Trump ends up jailed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
REUTERS/Marco Bello/File Photo

The Trump indictment watch yesterday was not entirely in vain as Special Counsel Jack Smiths team served up not the expected indictment of former President Trump on charges arising from his efforts to overturn the 2020 election but a superseding indictment in the Mar-a-Lago documents case instead. But for those anxious for Trump to be held accountable, the superseding indictment may prove to be a mixed blessing.

A superseding indictment is simply a replacement version of the original indictment that usually contains additional charges and or additional defendants. In Trumps case, the superseding indictment did both.

An additional defendant, Carlos De Oliveira, the property manager at Trumps Mar-A-Lago personal residence, was added for his role in seeking to help Trump allegedly try to delete the computer server that contained surveillance footage. According to the indictment, Oliveira had a 24-minute telephone call with Trump after the government asked for surveillance footage that would have monitored the storage room where many of the classified documents had been kept.

New Details From Mar-a-Lago Search Warrant Made Public

Following the call, Oliveira and Walter NautaTrumps personal aide and other co-defendanttoured the security booth where the surveillance was displayed as well as the tunnel where the storage room was located. Oliveira spoke to an employee identified as Trump Employee 4the information technology expert at Mar-a-Lago, Yuscil Taverasand supposedly told him in a conversation taking place in a closet that the boss wanted the server deleted. Taveras declined. For these efforts, Oliveira earned himself a place in the superseding indictment alongside Trump and Nauta.

The indictment also added charges that included not only the attempted destruction of evidence arising from Oliveiras efforts to delete surveillance footage but also an additional count under the Espionage Act. The Espionage Act count is of particular note as it arises from the audio tape made at Trumps Bedminster residence in which he bragged about having a classified document relating to military attack strategy. Trump later claimed that he was merely bragging and did not actually have a classified document but the count specifies that the classified document did exist and involved Iran.

Story continues

The good news for fans of accountability is that the additional charges are bad news for Trump. In addition to adding more potential jail time, the charges also make some evidentiary hurdles easier for the Justice Department prosecutors.

Specifically, charging Trump with allegedly retaining the classified document held in his hand at Bedminster, New Jersey as he was caught on audiotape bragging about having it means likely avoidance of a fight over whether the tape is admissible. Without the charge, Trumps defense team could have argued successfully that the tape was inadmissible but with the charge the tape likely is easily admissible as direct evidence of Trumps guilt. That is an evidentiary decision that even Judge Aileen Cannonthe inexperienced Trump-appointed judge assigned to the caseprobably cannot screw up.

The charge arising from trying to delete the surveillance tape is helpful to the prosecution proving Trumps criminal intent and state of mind. Juries get the idea that no one bothers to try and destroy evidence that is not incriminating.

But the bad news for accountability fans is that the superseding indictment will bring more delay. The new defendant Carlos Oliveira will need to get a lawyer and if he does this at the same pace as Walt Nauta then that will buy Trump at least another week's worth of delay. Then there is the time it will take for a new lawyer to get up to speed in the case and the likely argument by Trumps team that the new lawyer will also need a security clearance, which can be a lengthy process.

A copy of a superseding indictment is seen, after U.S. prosecutors broadened their criminal case against Donald Trump as they charged a second of his employees with helping the former president evade officials who were trying to recover sensitive national security documents he took from the White House, in a photo illustration in Washington, U.S. July 27, 2023. REUTERS/Don Pessin/Illustration

While DOJ can argue that Oliveiras lawyer will not need a security clearance, the resolution of that argument will take time and probably have to be done before Judge Cannon can start the Classified Information Procedures Act (CIPA) hearing processes to determine the manner in which classified information will be handled in the trial. The chances of the documents case getting to trial before the presidential election season were always poor but, at least in my view, the superseding indictment makes it a no-brainer that the trial will be delayed well into the election red-zone time period.

In most cases, the prosecution delivering a superseding indictment as the possibility of indictment of a second case looms would create enormous pressure on a defendant and his legal team to seek a plea deal. The financial burden of maintaining two defenses would be staggering. But Trumps legal bills likely are being borne by campaign contribution funds steered into PACs so the financial strain does not affect him the way it would someone actually paying for their defense personally.

But even more importantly, Trumps legal defense has become one and the same with his campaign since he believes that his best defense is to again become president so that he can appoint an attorney general who will dismiss the charges against him. Under this defense theory, Trump has no incentive to cop a plea.

The timing of the superseding indictment also reveals the unusually frenzied pace of Smiths prosecution efforts. While superseding indictments are not rare the addition of charges and defendants reflects a sense that the case and investigation were not concluded at the time Smith chose to indict. Normally, prosecutors prefer to have all charges and defendants identified before they indict, but Smith is laboring under unusual time pressures.

Nor did Attorney General Garland do him any favors by not even appointing him until months after the search warrant on Mar-a-Lago yielded the documents that are the foundation for the first-ever federal indictment of a former president of the United States. Smith and his team are laboring mightily, but time is not on their side and Trump and his team know well the adage that justice delayed is justice denied.

Shan Wu is a former federal prosecutor who served as counsel to Attorney General Janet Reno.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now.

Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now.
Federal prosecutors have widened their criminal investigation into Donald Trump over his handling of government documents after he left the White House. So what do the new charges show?

In a revised indictment, prosecutors allege two employees of the former president - Walt Nauta and Carlos de Oliveira - tried to delete security video at the heart of the Mar-a-Lago documents case.

Mr Trump and Mr Nauta have pleaded not guilty to earlier charges in the probe. Mr de Oliveira - whose lawyer had no comment - has now also been indicted and will soon enter a plea.

The new allegations detail a series of interactions between Mr Nauta, a personal aide, and Mr de Oliveira, the property manager, after the justice department issued a subpoena for Mar-a-Lago security videos.

The subpoena, a request for evidence, specifically mentioned footage taken outside a storage room at the resort in Palm Beach, Florida, where the justice department said classified documents were held.

The subpoena was first received on 22 June 2022, after which Mr Trump allegedly called Mr de Oliveira and told Mr Nauta that he wanted to see him.

Mr Nauta, who had been scheduled to go with Mr Trump to Illinois on 25 June, is alleged to have instead made plans to go to Palm Beach.

He told one co-worker the trip was for a family emergency and used "shushing" emojis, the court document claims.

Later that day, Mr Nauta allegedly spoke by phone with Mr de Oliveira, who told a Mar-a-Lago information technology employee that Mr Nauta was "coming down tomorrow" and "needs you for something".

The employee - who is not named or charged in the indictment but has been identified by media reports as IT director Yuscil Taveras - later confirmed his availability to Mr Nauta.

Ahead of Mr Nauta's arrival, Mr de Oliveira is said to have asked a Mar-a-Lago valet not to tell anyone about the visit because Mr Nauta wanted it to be a secret.

Story continues

Prosecutors claim that, when Mr Nauta and Mr de Oliveira met that evening, they walked around with a torch and pointed at surveillance cameras in a tunnel near the storage room.

Files were allegedly stored in a ballroom at Donald Trump's Florida property, Mar-a-Lago

On the morning of 27 June, Mr de Oliveira took Mr Taveras to a small room known as an "audio closet" near the club's White and Gold Ballroom, seen above.

Inside the room, he allegedly began by saying their conversation should remain between the two of them and proceeded to ask how long videos were stored on the Mar-a-Lago server.

Mr de Oliveira then twice said that "the boss" wanted the server deleted, to which Mr Taveras replied that he neither knew how to do it, nor believed he had the rights to do it, the indictment claims.

It further alleges Mr de Oliveira spoke on the phone with Mr Nauta after the conversation in the closet and "walked through the bushes" to meet him on a property adjacent to the resort.

He is also said to have received a three-and-a-half minute call from Mr Trump that evening.

That was the end of their documented interactions, until two weeks after the FBI discovered more than 100 classified documents.

A couple of weeks after the news broke, Mr Nauta allegedly called the club valet Mr de Oliveira had previously spoken with and said words to the effect of "someone just wants to make sure Carlos is good".

The valet is said to have replied that Mr de Oliveira was loyal and would not do anything to affect his relationship with Mr Trump.

Later that day, allegedly at Mr Nauta's request, Mr Trump called Mr de Oliveira and said he would get him an attorney.
Former President Donald Trumps defense lawyers met for an hour with special counsel Jack Smith and his team Thursday ahead of a possible indictment in the Jan. 6 probe.

The meeting came hours before federal prosecutors tacked on more charges in a separate investigation against Trump involving classified documents stored at his Mar-a-Lago estate.

Todd Blanche and John Lauro, Trumps top lawyers in the case, were expected to make the case to Smith that he should not indict Trump in the sprawling plot to overturn the 2020 election.

NBC News reported that Trumps team was told to expect an indictment.

Trump called it a productive meeting and claimed no notice of an indictment was given to his lawyers.

I did nothing wrong, Trump wrote in a cool-headed post on his social media site. An Indictment of me would only further destroy our country.

The high-stakes sit-down comes more than a week after Trump was hit with a target letter informing him that he would likely be indicted.

The letter mentioned three possible crimes that Trump could face: defrauding the U.S. government, depriving people of their rights under the color of law and tampering with witnesses.

The grand jury hearing evidence in the Jan. 6 investigation was meeting as usual behind closed doors. After Thursday, it would normally meet next on Tuesday.

There was no immediate indication that Smith might ask the panel to hand up indictments of Trump or anyone else Thursday.

Smith personally attended a similar meeting with Trumps attorneys in the Mar-a-Lago classified documents case. The defense plea apparently fell on deaf ears in that instance and Trump was indicted three days after the meeting, making him the first former president to be charged with federal crimes.

On Thursday, federal prosecutors added more charges against Trump in the Mar-a-Lago case, accusing the former president of asking a staff member at the resort to erase camera footage as a way to obstruct the investigation. That staff member, a custodian, was added as a defendant in the case. Trump was charged with attempting to alter, destroy, mutilate or conceal evidence.

Story continues

A Trump spokesperson told The Associated Press that the new charges are nothing more than a continued and flailing attempt to influence the 2024 presidential race.

He pleaded not guilty to a 37-count indictment in that case and faces a May 20, 2024, trial date.

Trump is the only person who has acknowledged receiving a target letter in the Jan. 6 probe. Legal analysts say that does not necessarily mean no one else would be charged.

Along with the former president, several of his acolytes would appear to have potential criminal exposure in the case including White House chief of staff Mark Meadows, Trump personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani and several other far right-wing lawyers who helped hatch the scheme to block Congress from certifying Bidens win.

Giuliani recently met with Smiths prosecutors in an effort to fend off an indictment by telling them what he knows about the scheme that culminated in the storming of the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

_____
Former President Donald Trump has been indicted on three additional charges in a case that accuses him of illegally possessing classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate, allegations that add fresh detail to the criminal case initially issued last month.

Heres a look at the charges, the special counsels investigation and how Trumps case differs from those of other politicians known to be in possession of classified documents:

WHAT ARE THE NEW CHARGES?

There are three new charges against Trump, as well as a new defendant in the case.

Prosecutors accuse the former president of trying to alter, destroy, mutilate, or conceal evidence," and of inducing another person to do so. They say Trump asked a staffer  Mar-a-Lago property manager Carlos De Oliveira  to delete camera footage at his Florida estate in an effort to obstruct the federal investigation into his possession of classified documents.

Prosecutors allege that De Oliveira schemed with Trump and his valet, Walt Nauta, to conceal the footage from investigators.

A third count also accuses Trump of willfully retaining national defense information related to a presentation about military activity in another country.

Investigators say Trump showed a classified document during July 2021 meeting at his Bedminster, New Jersey, resort to the writer and publisher of the memoir of his former chief of staff Mark Meadows. Details about that document and the meeting were included in the original indictment, but none of the charges had related to it until now.

Trump had returned that document to the government on Jan. 17, 2022  nearly a year after he left office, according to the indictment.

Trump was indicted last month on 37 counts related to the mishandling of classified documents. The charges include counts of retaining classified information, obstructing justice and making false statements, among other crimes.

Trump is accused of keeping documents related to nuclear weaponry in the United States and the nuclear capabilities of a foreign country, along with documents from White House intelligence briefings, including some that detail the military capabilities of the U.S. and other countries, according to the indictment. Prosecutors alleged Trump showed off the documents to people who did not have security clearances to review them and later tried to conceal documents from his own lawyers as they sought to comply with federal demands to find and return documents.

Story continues

The top charges carry a penalty of up to 20 years in prison.

After leaving office in 2021, the former president showed someone working for his political action committee a map that detailed a military operation in a foreign country, prosecutors allege in the document. On another occasion that year, Trump showed a writer, a publisher and two of his staffers  none of whom had security clearances  a military plan of attack.

HOW IS TRUMP REACTING?

A Trump campaign statement dismissed the new charges as nothing more than a continued desperate and flailing attempt by the Biden administration to harass President Trump and those around him and to influence the 2024 presidential race.

In an interview Thursday night with Breitbart News, Trump called the superseding indictment harassment," repeating his insistence that his activities were protected by the Presidential Records Act.

On Friday, Trump and a dozen other Republicans seeking the 2024 presidential nomination were expected at an Iowa GOP event.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

De Oliveira is due in court in Florida on Monday.

Both Trump and Nauta have pleaded not guilty to the original 38-count indictment.

Their trial is currently scheduled for May 20, 2024  deep into the presidential nominating calendar, and probably well after the Republican nominee is known  and it was unclear if the addition of a new defendant could result in a postponement.

Prosecutors, who had wanted the case to go to trial in December, wrote in a separate court filing Thursday that the new charges should not disturb the May trial date, and the Special Counsels Office is taking steps related to discovery and security clearances to ensure that it does not do so.

Trumps lawyers have claimed that he cant get a fair trial before the 2024 election.

HOW DID THIS CASE COME ABOUT?

Officials with the National Archives and Records Administration contacted representatives for Trump in spring 2021 when they realized that important material from his time in office was missing.

According to the Presidential Records Act, White House documents are considered property of the U.S. government and must be preserved.

A Trump representative told the National Archives in December 2021 that presidential records had been found at Mar-a-Lago. In January 2022, the National Archives retrieved 15 boxes of documents from Trumps Florida home, later telling Justice Department officials that they contained a lot of classified material.

That May, the FBI and Justice Department issued a subpoena for remaining classified documents in Trumps possession. Investigators who went to visit the property weeks later to collect the records were given roughly three dozen documents and a sworn statement from Trumps lawyers attesting that the requested information had been returned.

But that assertion turned out to be false. With a search warrant, federal officials returned to Mar-a-Lago in August 2022 and seized more than 33 boxes and containers totaling 11,000 documents from a storage room and an office, including 100 classified documents.

In all, roughly 300 documents with classification markings  including some at the top secret level  have been recovered from Trump since he left office in January 2021.

HOW DID A SPECIAL COUNSEL GET INVOLVED?

Last year, U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland picked Jack Smith, a veteran war crimes prosecutor with a background in public corruption probes, to lead investigations into the presence of classified documents at Trumps Florida estate, as well as key aspects of a separate probe involving the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection and efforts to undo the 2020 election.

Smiths appointment was a recognition by Garland of the politics involved in an investigation into a former president and current White House candidate. Garland himself was selected by Democratic President Joe Biden, whom Trump is seeking to challenge for the White House in 2024.

Special counsels are appointed in cases in which the Justice Department perceives itself as having a conflict or where its deemed to be in the public interest to have someone outside the government come in and take responsibility for a matter.

According to the Code of Federal Regulations, a special counsel must have a reputation for integrity and impartial decision making, as well as an informed understanding of the criminal law and Department of Justice policies.

DIDNT BIDEN AND FORMER VICE PRESIDENT MIKE PENCE HAVE CLASSIFIED DOCUMENTS, TOO?

Yes, but the circumstances of their cases are vastly different from those involving Trump.

After classified documents were found at Bidens think tank and Pences Indiana home, their lawyers notified authorities and quickly arranged for them to be handed over. They also authorized other searches by federal authorities to search for additional documents.

There is no indication either was aware of the existence of the records before they were found, and no evidence has so far emerged that Biden or Pence sought to conceal the discoveries. Thats important because the Justice Department historically looks for willfulness in deciding whether to bring criminal charges.

A special counsel was appointed earlier this year to probe how classified materials ended up at Bidens Delaware home and former office. But even if the Justice Department were to find Bidens case prosecutable on the evidence, its Office of Legal Counsel has concluded that a president is immune from prosecution during his time in office.

As for Pence, the Justice Department informed his legal team this month that it would not be pursuing criminal charges against him over his handling of the documents.

DOES A FEDERAL INDICTMENT PREVENT TRUMP FROM RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT?

No. Neither the indictment itself nor a conviction would prevent Trump from running for or winning the presidency in 2024.

And, as his indictment earlier this year in a New York hush-money case showed, criminal charges have historically been a boon to his fundraising. The campaign announced that it had raised over $4 million in the 24 hours after that indictment became public, smashing its previous record after the FBI search of Trumps Mar-a-Lago club.

___

Meg Kinnard can be reached at http://twitter.com/MegKinnardAP
While Donald Trump was publicly whipping his supporters into a frenzy over claims that the 2020 election was stolen, he was privately mocking his own allies outlandish conspiracy theories as crazy.

Its a contradiction that Special Counsel Jack Smiths office would like to know all about.

According to two sources with knowledge of the situation, federal investigators have questioned multiple witnesses, including some in recent months, about Trump privately suggesting, starting in November 2020, that certain conspiracy theories and evidence were nonsensical.

Among these witness accounts are moments of the then-president repeatedly calling Sidney Powell, one of the MAGA lawyers and die-hard Trumpists aiding his effort to stop the transfer of power, crazy, and dismissing many of her election-fraud arguments as patently absurd.

This included Powells assertions that several foreign nations had secretly helped rig the 2020 election in favor of Biden, manipulating Dominion voting technology in what would amount to one of the greatest international scandals in modern history. None of this was true, and even Trump  according to these witness accounts, and other sources who relayed similar experiences to Rolling Stone  initially sneered at the ridiculousness of it all.

However, that did not stop President Trump from publicly continuing to entertain and encourage Powells propaganda for weeks. This led to a now-infamous Dec. 18, 2020, gathering at the White House, where Powell, Trumps former national security adviser Michael Flynn, and others used these conspiracy theories to try to persuade Trump to essentially declare martial law and federally impound voting equipment so that he could remain in power. (That White House meeting is itself part of a series of gatherings that the special counsel has been probing.)

The special counsels continuing interest in incidents where Trump either seemed to know  or was told by his own aides  that his election-conspiracy theories were baseless suggests that prosecutors are likely preparing to demonstrate that Trumps attempts to overturn the election were not the result of a reasonable or good-faith belief in conspiracy theories but instead a willful disregard of the facts. Demonstrating that Trump knew he was misleading the public could be a crucial evidentiary hurdle in any attempt to prove Trump engaged in a criminal conspiracy over his efforts to overturn the 2020 election.

Story continues

The special counsels office declined to comment. In response to a request for comment, Trumps spokesman Steven Cheung replies: President Trump has been consistent and never wavered in his fight to right the wrong of the rigged and stolen 2020 election. His actions, under advice of many attorneys, were in furtherance of his duties as Commander in Chief and upholding of our Constitution.

The Powell- and Flynn-led crew supplied the Trump administration with documents they claimed corroborated their ludicrous conclusions, which implicated the Democratic Party, the Iranian government, China, and other actors. It is unclear whether Smiths team has reviewed these papers. However, one source  who retained these documents and describes themself as a likely witness for the special counsel  tells Rolling Stone that they are prepared to provide them to Smiths office, if investigators dont already have them.

Press reports of Trump dubbing Powell crazy behind her back first began trickling out, including at Axios, at the tail end of his term in office. Sources close to Trump and those who worked for him during the tumultuous presidential transition tell Rolling Stone that it is often difficult for them to determine for certain, as one former senior White House official puts it, what [Trump] believes and what he, you know, wink-wink, believes. Several of these sources are convinced that though Trump apparently had moments following the 2020 election when he privately admitted he lost, it ultimately did not matter to whether or not he believed it. Whatever mild reservations he had, he was likely able to convince himself  largely due to his immense ego  into believing that only a massive fraud conspiracy could have kept him from returning to the Oval Office.

However, thats a distinction that, to federal prosecutors at least, may not make that much of a difference.

Trumps awareness of the truth about the 2020 election has been a repeated area of interest for the special counsels office.

For instance, the office has also grilled certain witnesses  including Trumps son-in-law and former top aide Jared Kushner  on whether the then-president privately acknowledged in the days after the 2020 election that he had indeed legitimately lost to Biden.

The special counsels office has also asked witnesses about the White Houses reaction to a July 2020 risk assessment of mail-in voting issued by CISA, the top U.S. cybersecurity agency, a source familiar with the matter tells Rolling Stone.

The assessment found that while all forms of voting carry security risks, the risks to mail-in voting can be managed.

Under questioning from the January 6 Committee in 2021, former CISA director Chris Krebs testified that the White House had told his staff that they were unhappy that the office had issued that guidance. According to Krebs, Trump administration staffers pushed back on the assessment, asking why are we providing guidance on whether a form of voting that the President has said is insecure and why are we saying that there are security controls for it?

As CNN first reported, prosecutors have also asked witnesses about a February 2020 White House meeting where staff briefed Trump on efforts to improve the security of paper ballots and election systems. After the Covid-19 pandemic took hold, Democratic voters favored mail-in voting more than Republicans, and Trump attempted to crack down on the practice, citing baseless conspiracy theories about the security of the practice. But prosecutors were reportedly interested in Trumps comments during the pre-pandemic February 2020 meeting in which he encouraged aides to publicly tout the security of mail-in ballots and election systems.

More from Rolling Stone

Best of Rolling Stone

Click here to read the full article.
Former President Donald Trump. Evan Vucci/AP

Trump repeated his vow that even a conviction would not stop his presidential campaign.

The former president faces an array of legal problems, including new charges related to his handling of classified documents.

"This isn't like he held a gun in plain view and shot someone ...," Trump said about how the public views his issues.

Former President Donald Trump on Friday vowed that he will not abandon his presidential campaign even if he is convicted and sentenced.

"Not at all," Trump told conservative radio host John Fredericks when asked if a conviction and sentence would end his campaign. "There's nothing in the Constitution to say that it could  even the radical left crazies are saying no that wouldn't stop. It wouldn't stop me either."

The former president is correct there is nothing that would stop a presidential candidate from campaigning if one were to be convicted. In fact, two previous non-major party hopefuls ran from prison, Eugene V. Debs in 1920 and Lyndon LaRouche in 1992.

The former president's pledge comes less than a day after special counsel Jack Smith filed a superseding indictment that added additional charges to the classified documents case, including two obstruction of justice charges. Trump has previously said he expects to be indicted for his conduct after the 2020 presidential election and before the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. The former president has argued that he did not mishandle classified documents or refuse to turn them over when he was asked to do so.

Trump said the American people know how to put his legal problems in perspective.

"First of all, the public is very smart," Trump said. 'They know it. They study it. This isn't like he held a gun in plain view and shot someone or he robbed a bank and got caught."

Trump faces a growing array of legal issues, underlining how his presidential campaign has increasingly become a fight for his own survival. If he were to win, Trump may actually try the untested power of a president pardoning himself.

Story continues

The former president holds a commanding lead in national polling for the GOP presidential primary. According to FiveThirtyEight's weighted tracker, Trump holds a nearly 37-point lead over Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, his only Republican challenger that is also in double digits.

Asked about how the legal clouds are affecting his family, Trump said it is "always unpleasant" to have to tell former first lady Melania Trump that he's going to be indicted. Earlier this week, The New York Times reported that Melania Trump's main focus has been helping their son Barron with his college search.

"It's always unpleasant when you have to go and tell your wife, tomorrow sometime I'm going to be indicted," Trump said. "And she says, 'For what?' I say, 'I have no idea.' Normally, you know exactly but these people are thugs."

Read the original article on Business Insider
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines)  As working students enter the workforce earlier than most, they are challenged with finding jobs that can accommodate their needs. They look for employers who can provide a flexible working environment with good management, along with government-mandated benefits and opportunities for career advancement  all making learning on the job fulfilling.

The recognition of these needs is at the heart of McDonalds Philippines since it started welcoming working students as part of its McDonalds crew. The company has been practicing non-contractualization and direct hiring since its inception in 1981, which allows it to continually provide Filipino youth with job security as they continue to work towards securing a college degree.

An environment fit for working students

Jess Pique, crew at McDonald's Cebu South Road. Photo from McDonald's Philippines

In their recent employee feature film, McDonalds Philippines interviewed crew member Jess, who shares his experiences as a working student. In the heartwarming film, Jess was surprised by messages from his close friends and colleagues.

Watch Jess Best Me story below:

Prior to his employment with McDonalds Philippines, he was looking for work opportunities that allow him to keep up with his schoolwork. Jess is grateful to have found this in McDonalds  a company that gives him the opportunity to work around his school schedule and encourages him to continue striving for his educational pursuits.

"Nag papasalamat po talaga ako sa McDonalds sa pagbibigay ng opportunity for working students like me. Bukod sa pagkakaroon ng avenue para kumita ng pangtustos sa aking pag-aaral, McDonalds also understands my situation and how my studies are a priority," said Jess.

Growing with McDonalds Philippines

Aside from providing flexible working conditions, McDonalds Philippines also ensures that its employees learn lifelong skills that will further help them in their professional careers. While working at McDonalds stores and interacting with customers from all walks of life, crew members are geared towards honing their customer service expertise, communication skills, and teamwork.

After joining McDonalds, Jess shared how he overcame his shyness when socializing with other people through his interaction with McDonalds customers: "Tinuruan ako ng McDonalds kung paano maging mas confident in facing different kinds of people at kung paano ko magagamit yung skills ko para masigurong maayos ang serbisyong ibinibigay ko sa aming mga customers."

Jess also shared how being surrounded by inspiring people at work makes for his positive experience at McDonalds: "Masaya po ako dahil mayroon akong managers na understanding at supportive sa aking pag-aaral. Marami rin po akong mga ka-trabaho na kagaya ko ring working student and they also inspire me to do my best."

Empowering the Filipino Youth

Last year, McDonalds Philippines hired more than 11,000 working students to be part of McDonalds crew. Interested students can proceed to the nearest McDonalds branch or they can also visit www.mcdonalds.com.ph/careers. Apart from regular job opportunities, McDonalds also aims to cultivate the values and skills necessary for students to grow in their respective fields.

Beyond providing thousands of Filipino students with regular work, McDonalds extends its commitment to generating gainful employment to other communities.

Staying true to its commitment, McDonalds continues to create quality and equally-accessible career opportunities through its Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES), in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), to reach more Filipino youth. Through SPES, the company was able to give more than 16,000 low-income students employment and work experience since 2011.

"Our legacy of providing quality employment for more Filipinos, especially the youth, will continue as we grow. This is a way McDonalds is able to make a lasting impact in improving the lives of thousands of Filipinos. But beyond opportunities for today, our goal is to provide our people with opportunities for them to be better in the future through our world-class training," said Kenneth S. Yang, President and CEO of McDonalds Philippines.

For more information, visit the McDonalds Careers Facebook Page or McDonalds Philippines LinkedIn to check out career opportunities with McDonalds Philippines.
Former President Trump says hes not a fan of sharing news about his multiple criminal indictments with his wife, Melania Trump.

Its always unpleasant when you have to go in and tell your wife that, By the way, tomorrow sometime Im going to be indicted, the 45th president said during a Friday interview on The John Fredericks Show.

Trump continued the reenactment of a supposed conversation between him and the former first lady about the multiple probes.

And she says, For what? And I say, I have no idea. I have absolutely no idea, he said.

On Thursday, the Justice Department accused Trump in a superseding indictment of attempting to delete surveillance footage at his Mar-a-Lago property in Florida related to his classified records case, which is scheduled to go to trial in May.

Last week, Trump announced he had been informed he is a target in the Justice Department investigation into his efforts to remain in power after losing the 2020 election.

The ex-commander in chief in April pleaded not guilty to 34 felony counts in New York, and he also faces another potential looming indictment in Georgia.

Asked by Fredericks on Friday how his family, including his wife and 17-year-old son, Barron, were holding up in light of the multiple criminal cases, Trump said he attempts to put barriers between them and the legal drama.

Well, I try to keep them shielded and out of it, he said.

I just stay away from the standpoint of this.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Former President Donald Trump on Friday promised that if he is convicted of a crime and sentenced to prison, he will continue to run for president.

John Fredericks, the host of a pro-Trump talk show, asked the 2024 candidate whether a conviction resulting in a prison sentence would stop his bid for a second term.

Not at all. Theres nothing in the Constitution to say that it could, Trump replied. Even the radical left crazies are saying, No, that wouldnt stop! And it wouldnt stop me either.

Legally speaking, Trump is correct. The most famous example of an incarcerated person running for president is Socialist Party nominee Eugene V. Debs. Debs received nearly 1 million votes in 1920 while he was imprisoned for his opposition to World War I.

It is unclear what would happen if Trump won while incarcerated, however, since there is no precedent for that occurring in a major federal election. Some scholars have suggested that he could pardon himself immediately upon taking office.

Trump faces an array of different criminal charges and investigations. U.S. Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith indicted Trump in June, accusing him of mishandling sensitive classified documents and obstructing efforts to retrieve them. Trump has also claimed that he is a target of Smiths probe into the events leading up to the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol, including a potential scheme to seat fake electors to overturn the results of the 2020 election.

Legal experts believe that if convicted on the federal charges, Trump could face a significant prison sentence. He pleaded not guilty when he was arraigned in Florida.

Meanwhile, in Georgia, Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis has been investigating whether Trump sought to illegally tamper with the results of the election there. Trump lost Georgia to Joe Biden in the 2020 presidential contest, but he continues to insist that the state was stolen from him. In the weeks after Election Day, he sought to prove that he had been a victim of election fraud and pressured public officials to investigate his claims. As part of those efforts, he was recorded on a phone call asking Brad Raffensperger, Georgias Republican secretary of state, to find 11,780 votes, which is one more than we have. Trump disputes that his intention was to have Raffensperger fabricate the votes or otherwise tamper with totals.

Finally, in New York, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg charged Trump in April, accusing him of falsifying business records as part of an effort to conceal hush money payments to two women with whom hed had affairs. Trump pleaded not guilty to the dozens of charges.
A Lexington man who previously tried to claim self defense in the killing of a 44-year-old man was sentenced to prison Friday.

Ahtraivaon Jenkins, 19, accepted a plea deal in June to amended-down charges of second-degree manslaughter and possession of a handgun by a minor, according to court records. He faced the charges after the death of Cornelius Allen.

Fayette Circuit Judge Kim Bunnell sentenced Jenkins to 10 years for the manslaughter charge and 12 months for the handgun possession charge. She ordered those sentences to run at the same time, giving Jenkins 10 years in prison.

Jenkins attorney, Wayne Roberts, previously filed a motion to have the case dismissed, citing Kentuckys stand your ground law. Bunnell denied Roberts motion in April and a plea agreement was reached about two months later.

In his motion, Roberts argued that Jenkins had been attacked prior to the shooting and shot the victim in an effort to protect himself.

Roberts rehashed some of his self-defense arguments before the sentencing, asking Bunnell to sentence his client to only five years in prison or a term of probation.

The issue here is what sentence is sufficient but not greater than necessary to reflect the seriousness of the case and to rehabilitate Mr. Jenkins and to make sure that he is not a danger to the public, Roberts said. He has no criminal record, other than this. And he is looking to get out of jail, go to college and get his life back on track.

Bunnell agreed that the incident was tragic, but still chose to enforce the prosecutors recommendation of a 10-year prison sentence.

Mr. Jenkins, I think at this point if I probate you, I think it would unduly depreciate how serious of an offense I think this is, Bunnell said.

Jenkins spoke prior to receiving his prison sentence, apologizing to Allens family.

It wasnt intentional. It was just more so, leave me alone, get off of me, but I am truly sorry for my actions, Jenkins said.

Story continues

Jenkins will get credit for the amount of time hes spent in a juvenile detention center and in jail, which was just over a year.

Jenkins was originally charged with murder, possession of a handgun by a minor and tampering with physical evidence. The tampering with physical evidence charge was dropped by a grand jury, according to jail records.

The shooting happened in the 400 block of Hollow Creek Drive in February 2022. Jenkins was 17 years old at the time of the shooting and arrested shortly afterwards.
3D illustration of ballot box with blank on laptop screen VectorHot / Getty Images

Many worry the U.S. has become increasingly polarized over the past few years, and activists, regulators and lawmakers have often blamed social media. They've argued that the algorithm that powers Meta's platforms, Facebook and Instagram, creates echo chambers that have spread disinformation and further perpetuate political division. However, four new studies published in the Science and Nature journals "complicate that narrative," The New York Times reported. The results paint a "contradictory and nuanced" picture of social media feeds' influence on politics. They suggested that "understanding social media's role in shaping discourse may take years to unwind," the Times added.

The papers are the first in a series of 16 peer-reviewed studies in collaboration with Meta. The research stands out because they could access internal data provided by the company, as opposed to publicly available information like previous experiments. The teams ran various experiments by altering users' Facebook and Instagram feeds in the fall leading up to the 2020 election to see if it could "change political beliefs, knowledge or polarization," The Washington Post explained. Methods included changing the chronology of the feeds, limiting viral content, removing the ability to reshare content, and reducing content from like-minded users. A study published in Science based on the data of 208 million anonymized users found the resharing of "content from untrustworthy sources." They also found that conservative users share and consume most content flagged as misinformation by third-party fact-checkers. Still, across the studies, researchers found that the changes had little effect on polarization or offline political activity for users.

Algorithms do play a significant role in what people see on the platforms. But researchers found they had "very little impact in changes to people's attitudes about politics and even people's self-reported participation around politics." Joshua Tucker, the co-director of the Center for Social Media and Politics at New York University and one of the heads of the project, said in an interview. The response to the study's complicated results has been mixed.

Story continues

Social media isn't the only cause of polarization

For Meta, the findings bolster the company's argument that its algorithm was not perpetuating political division. Nick Clegg, Meta's president of global affairs, applauded the studies for showing there's "little evidence that key features of Meta's platforms alone cause harmful 'affective' polarization or have meaningful effects on these outcomes."

However, we should be "careful about what we assume is happening versus what actually is," Katie Harbath, a former public policy director at Meta, told the Times. Together, the studies contradict the "assumed impacts of social media." Multiple factors shape our political preferences, and social media "alone is not to blame for all our woes," she added.

Tech companies aren't off the hook

Some critics and researchers who observed the studies before they were published remain ambivalent about the results. One thing they can't ignore is that Meta was a partner in the research project and spent $20 million for data gathering from the National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago, a nonpartisan organization. Although Meta didn't directly pay the researchers, some of their employees worked with the teams. Additionally, Meta had the authority to reject data requests that infringed on users' privacy rights.

Advocates argue that the studies don't exonerate tech companies from working to push back against viral misinformation. Studies endorsed by Meta that "look piecemeal at small sample time periods shouldn't serve as excuses for allowing lies to spread," Nora Benavidez, a senior counsel at digital civil rights group Free Press, argued to the Post. Companies "should be stepping up more in advance of elections not concocting new schemes to dodge accountability," Benavidez concluded.

"It's a little too buttoned up to say this shows Facebook is not a huge problem or social media platforms aren't a problem," Michael W. Wagner, a professor at the University of Wisconsin at Madison's School of Journalism and Mass Communication and an independent observer of the project, told the outlet. Instead, it presents "good scientific evidence there is not just one problem that is easy to solve."

You may also like

Homepage
A hit-and-run in Louisiana killed two Mississippi Coast men early Friday morning, according to Louisiana State Police.

Chandler Garcia, 21, and John Russo Jr., 23, died after two vehicles crashed on Interstate 12 near Louisiana Highway 445 in Tangipahoa Parish, according to a release from state police. Both men were from Bay St. Louis.

Authorities said Russo was traveling east about 4 a.m. Friday near Hammond, La. The release said a 2008 Ford F-250 the men were in struck the back of another vehicle traveling east on Interstate 12. The Ford veered off the right side of the road and overturned. The other vehicle, whose make and model is unknown, fled, according to police.

The release said all occupants of the Ford were not wearing seatbelts and Garcia and Russo died at the scene. A third person inside the Ford sustained moderate injuries and was transported to a hospital, according to the release.

The crash is still under investigation and police have not determined why the Ford struck another vehicle. The release said authorities took a toxicology sample from Russo for analysis but does not specify results.

Authorities asked anyone with information on the crash to call Louisiana State Police Troop L at 985-893-6250.
By Stephen Nellis

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Two U.S. lawmakers who head a committee focused on China on Friday urged the Biden administration to tighten export restrictions on artificial intelligence chips in the wake of industry lobbying to leave the rules unchanged.

Representative Mike Gallagher, a Republican and chair of the House of Representatives select committee on China, and Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi, a Democrat and ranking member of the committee, in a letter to Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo called to "further strengthen" a sweeping set of export control rules implemented last October that cut off China's access to top AI chips made by U.S. firms such as Nvidia, Advanced Micro Devices and Intel.

The letter urges U.S. officials to take an even stricter approach than one Reuters reported last month that they are considering.

The October 2022 rules impose two performance caps on exporting AI chips to China - one on how fast the chips can talk to one another, and the second on the chips' processing speeds.

After the rules took effect, Nvidia created special chips for China with lower interconnect speeds. Intel this month also said it has created an AI chip that can be sold in China.

But Nvidia's chips still have high enough processing speeds to be useful in creating AI systems, and Reuters reported in May that the U.S. export controls have done little to slow the progress of China's AI sector.

Last month, Reuters reported that U.S. officials were considering tightening the rules by focusing on processing speeds alone, which could affect Nvidia's chips. Nvidia at the time said that restricting sales of its AI chips to China "would result in a permanent loss of opportunities for the U.S. industry."

The potential tightening of the rules set off a flurry of lobbying activity, with the chief executives of Nvidia, Intel and Qualcomm traveling to Washington last week to meet with administration officials to discuss China policy. The same day as the visit, the Semiconductor Industry Association, a U.S.-based industry group, urged the Biden administration to allow the "the industry to have continued access to the China market, the worlds largest commercial market for commodity semiconductors."

Story continues

On Friday, Gallagher and Krishnamoorthi urged an even tighter approach than the one Reuters previously reported officials are considering. The lawmakers' letter recommended keeping a speed limit on how fast chips can talk to one another and said it "should be lowered sufficiently to prevent clever engineering that bypasses the regulations."

The lawmakers also urged administration officials to "closely consider" how to cut off Chinese firms' access to advanced computing chips in the cloud, where major U.S. firms such as Amazon.com, Microsoft and Alphabet's Google offer the chips for rent as part of their cloud computing services.

"We urge you to even further strengthen the October 7, 2022, rules so that advanced U.S. technology and expertise related to advanced computing and semiconductors are not used against the United States," Gallagher and Krishnamoorthi wrote.

(Reporting by Stephen Nellis in San Francisco; editing by Chris Sanders and Leslie Adler)
By Michael Martina

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States will not invite Hong Kong's chief executive, who faces U.S. sanctions, to visit San Francisco during November's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, two congressional aides said on Friday.

The U.S. is set to host this year's gathering of leaders of APEC, of which Hong Kong is a member. Hong Kong's top official John Lee was placed under U.S. sanctions in 2020 because of his role in implementing what Washington deems a "draconian" Hong Kong national security law when he was the city's security secretary.

Reuters reported in June that a group of lawmakers, including Republican Senator Marco Rubio, sent a letter to the U.S. State Department urging it to bar Lee from the U.S.

The Washington Post on Thursday reported the U.S. decision on Lee, citing U.S. officials, and on Friday two congressional aides confirmed to Reuters that the State Department had notified members of Congress that Lee would not be invited.

Rubio said on messaging platform X, formerly known as Twitter, that it was the "right call," even if the decision took longer than it should have.

"Hosting a sanctioned human rights violator who represses Hong Kongers is a nonstarter," Rubio said.

In its 2020 designation of Lee, the U.S. Treasury Department said he had been involved in the "coercing, arresting, detaining, or imprisoning" of people in the Chinese city who had protested against the national security law.

A State Department spokesperson, asked about the decision, said the participation of all delegations in APEC events will be "in accordance with U.S. laws and regulations and on the basis of the spirit and principles of APEC."

"We will work with Hong Kong, China to ensure appropriate participation in San Francisco," the spokesperson said, adding without giving details that U.S. President Joe Biden had begun sending invitations for the event.

Story continues

China's Embassy in Washington expressed Beijing's "strong opposition" to the U.S. decision.

"This violates APEC rules, and breaks the commitments made by the U.S.," Embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu said.

The APEC leaders summit is seen as a possible venue where Biden could hold bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, as the two countries seek to stabilize troubled relations.

(Reporting by Michael Martina; Editing by Don Durfee and Richard Chang)
The U.S. is ordering non-emergency staff at its embassy in Port-au-Prince to leave Haiti, after an escalation in gang violence this week led dozens of Haitian families to seek refuge outside of the embassy compound in the Tabarre neighborhood of the capital.

The mandate leaves a skeletal staff to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens. It will also mean longer wait time for Haitian nationals seeking to renew their U.S. tourist visas, or get permission to reunited with family already in the United States. The embassy was already struggling to process such requests due to the high level of kidnappings and armed violence by gangs, which led to a similar order last fall.

As is always the case, the safety and security of U.S. personnel serving abroad is one of the highest priorities from the Department of State, Brian A. Nichols, assistant secretary of state for Western Hemisphere at the State Department, told the Miami Herald on Friday.

On Thursday, the State Department ordered the departure of non-emergency U.S. personnel and their eligible family members from Haiti due to the current security issues and persisting infrastructure challenges. It also reissued its Do Not Travel advisory, the highest level, for Haiti. The advisory tells U.S. citizens to leave the country immediately due to recent armed clashes between criminal groups and police in Port-au-Prince.

Earlier in the week, dozens of Haitians fleeing their homes decided to seek refuge in front of the U.S. embassy. Several residents said they lived directly behind the embassy or near its housing compound. Asked why they decided to camp out in front of the embassy, several Haitians told the Herald that they wanted the U.S. to help. Others complained that the embassy doesnt want to do anything for us.

When they go home, they have police for security. We are on our own, said a man who refused to give his name while sitting on the sidewalk.

In response to the situation, a specialized unit of the Haitian police on Tuesday used tear gas to disperse the crowd. Among those who were tear gassed, according to local media reports, were children and pregnant women. By Friday, the crowds had left the vicinity of the embassy and were taking up refuge at a public school in nearby Caradeux.

Story continues

In October, Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry asked the international community to help the struggling Haitian national police force by deploying a specialized armed force to the country. The request was backed by U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres and the United States, which penned a resolution in the Security Council for such a deployment.

More than nine months later, however, no country has volunteered to lead the force, though some African nations have offered to send police officers to Haiti and Jamaica has offered to deploy some of its military. Earlier this month, the Security Council asked Guterres to come up with options to improve the security situation, including a possible U.N. peacekeeping force and a non-U.N. multinational force. Guterres was given 30 days to to report back.

Guterres spokesman said his position on the need for a robust force to be deployed to help Haiti has not change and were still looking for movement from member states in that direction.

In addition to the violence in Tabarre, gangs have also launched attacks outside of Port-au-Prince. Among the victims: an independent radio station in Liancourt in Haitis Artibonite Valley. It was set on fire over the weekend when dozens of heavily armed men attacked the rural town, setting houses ablaze and sending residents fleeing for their lives.

The uptick in violence comes despite a recent truce among some gang leaders.

Nichols said the Biden administration remains committed to helping Haiti address its deteriorating security situation, and continues to urge Henry and the countrys political and civil society groups to work together on a governance agreement.

Were continuing to collaborate with our international partners to develop a framework for a possible multinational force to restore security and stability in Haiti, he said. Were working to identify a lead nation for that effort.

In the meantime, the U.S. and Canada have focused on issuing sanctions against gang members as well as members of Haitis political and business elite. On Friday, the European Union, thanks to the efforts of France, also decided to amend its laws to allow the EU to autonomously impose restrictive measures on individuals and entities responsible for threatening the peace, security or stability of Haiti, or for undermining democracy or the rule of law in the country.

The decision means that some Haitians will find themselves shut out of the U.S., Canada and the Dominican Republic, and now the European Union. The restrictions consist of a travel ban for individuals and the freezing of funds belonging to both individuals and companies. In addition, people and entities in the EU will be forbidden from making funds available to those listed, either directly or indirectly.

The current situation in Haiti constitutes a threat to international peace and security in the region, said Josep Borrell, the EUs high representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. With this new framework for restrictive measures, we are sending a clear signal to Haitian gang leaders and their financiers: We know how they operate and there will be no impunity. The EU stands with Haiti and its people.

The U.S. embassy area is surrounded by at least three powerful gangs, two of which are controlled by leaders implicated in the kidnapping of 17 American and Canadian missionaries in October 2021. The gangs, 400 Mawozo and Kraze Barye, have been escalating their violence in the last week, raiding businesses and homes.

The Kraze Barye gang, which is behind the latest upsurge in violence, is led by a politically connected gang leader, Vitelhomme Innocent. Despite having a $1 million FBI reward for his capture for the missionaries kidnapping, he has been carrying out a wave of brutal attacks in recent months, including one against a business housing the Jamaica consulate in Haiti. He is also tied to the ongoing abduction of the former head of the Provisional Electoral Council, Pierre-Louis Opont. Opont, who is also owns a television station, remains in captivity more than a month after being kidnapped near his home in Tabarre.

Nichols said the State Department believes Innocent is currently vying for control of the Tabarre neighborhood and has directed his subordinates to invade nearby communities.

Since that happened, the Haitian national police have been actively trying to repel the gang members from the neighborhood so that people can return to their homes. That meant that the level of violence in and around our facilities is elevated, Nichols said.

These are evil people who exploit ordinary citizens, take their money, carry out rapes, murders, assaults, robberies of the general population, he added. And unfortunately, thats whats going on here.
The Biden administration announced a $345 million weapons package for Taiwan on Friday, the first tranche in a total of $1 billion the U.S. has allotted to be transferred directly from Pentagon stockpiles to the island this year.

The move is sure to anger China as Washington has been trying to rebuild relations with Beijing. Senior administration officials, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, recently visited China, but the outreach has done little to quell tensions over a range of issues, from U.S. support to Taiwan to Beijings spy balloon program.

We take our responsibilities to Taiwan and to improving their self-defense capabilities very, very seriously," John Kirby, a spokesperson for the National Security Council, told reporters ahead of the announcement on Friday.

The package marks the first time the U.S. has used new authority from Congress to transfer military equipment directly from Pentagon inventory to Taiwan. The transfer is done under the Presidential Drawdown Authority, the same mechanism Washington uses to send weapons to Ukraine.

The U.S. did not release the contents of the package publicly due to the sensitivities with China. But a former DOD official with knowledge of the discussions  who, like others interviewed for this story was granted anonymity to speak about a sensitive matter  said it will include MQ-9 Reaper drones and small arms ammunition. Taiwan has previously bought Reapers from the U.S., along with advanced missiles, fighter jets and other high-ticket weapons.

While the United States does not have formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan, Washington has long supported Taipeis self-defense capability with arms sales and a close military relationship. The status of the island has increasingly been a flash point in U.S.-China relations in recent years, as Beijing looks to reunify Taiwan with the mainland  with or without force.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told lawmakers in May that a presidential drawdown package was in the works for Taiwan, but its taken weeks of additional work before the aid could be officially announced. Among other challenges, DOD had to work through an accounting error that forced officials finalizing packages for Ukraine and Taiwan to recalculate the value of equipment that was being sent.

The mistake occurred when officials counted the value of replacing the weapons instead of the weapons value when it was purchased, Pentagon deputy press secretary Sabrina Singh explained during a briefing. As a result, aid to Ukraine was overvalued by $6.2 billion.

Similarly, the package for Taiwan, originally valued at $500 million, has an actual value of more than $300 million, according to one of the U.S. officials.
Unidentified aerial phenomena and unidentified flying objects have some similarities, but the terms describe different sightings. Drew Angerer/Getty Images

Recent testimonies before Congress and meetings with NASA have renewed interest in UAPs and UFOs.

There are differences between UAPs and UFOs, especially related to potential proof of alien life.

Here's everything you need to know about UAPs and UFOs  including what they stand for.

On Wednesday, a former intelligence officer testified in front of Congress that the US government has evidence of alien life.

While ex-Air Force officer David Grusch's comments were shocking  but in line with his previous wild claims that the Vatican was part of a massive UFO cover-up  they did renew public interest in UAPs and UFOs.

There are differences between a UAP and a UFO. Here's what the two terms mean, and how seriously should we take the testimony that the US military is keeping the existence of aliens a secret.

Another image from a video showing a UFO filmed near San Diego in 2004. CNN/Department of Defense

What does UAP mean?

UAP stands for "unidentified anomalous phenomena."

It was previously an acronym for "unidentified aerial phenomena," but the Pentagon, NASA, and other organizations tweaked it in December 2022 in order to represent "submerged and trans-medium objects," a defense official said at the time.

The term describes documented events or objects in the sky that cannot be explained naturally. These could be instances not entirely understood on a scientific level, or instances where an aerial object does something in the sky that can't be explained under normal circumstances.

Hundreds of military commercial pilots have reported UAP encounters, often citing video footage, photographs, or sensor readings that supposedly show inexplicable objects.

While some turn out to be weather balloons or drones, others aren't immediately identifiable.

The transition from using UFO to UAP was to better encompass a variety of phenomena and strange sightings. Bettmann/Getty Images

UAP vs. UFO

UFO  which stands for "unidentified flying object"  was coined by the Air Force in 1952.

Before that, interest in UFOs really took off in 1947 when pilot Kenneth Arnold claimed to having seen a flying disc while on a flight. Shortly after, conspiracy theories spread that an alien flying saucer crashed in Roswell, New Mexico. Military officials insisted it was part of a weather balloon.

Story continues

Both of these events cemented UFOs in the public consciousness, creating a cultural phenomenon that would persist for decades.

Portrayals of UFOs haven't changed much from those initial events. In popular culture, UFOs are typically represented as flying saucers, while extraterrestrial beings are typically portrayed as two-legged, almost humanoid grey or green creatures.

"Unidentified aerial phenomena" became a more common phrase in recent decades, and in 2020, the Pentagon established a Navy-led UAP Task Force to spearhead investigations into reports and rumored sightings.

A woman looks at a UFO display outside of the Little A'Le'Inn, in Rachel, Nev., the closest town to Area 51, July 22, 2019. AP Photo/John Locher, File

Do UFOs exist?

Grusch, an ex-intelligence officer and now whistleblower, told lawmakers on Wednesday that he knew of "a multi-decade UAP crash retrieval and reverse-engineering program" by the government, and had knowledge of crashed aircraft that contained non-human biologics.

Two other witnesses, Navy pilots David Fravor and Ryan Graves, also told Congress about their experiences with flying objects.

"The American people deserve to know what is happening in our skies," Graves said.

Fravor had previously told The New York Times about a 2004 encouter with a whitlish, oval-shaped aircraft that "accelerated like nothing I've ever seen."

"I have no idea what I saw," Fravor told a pilot at the time. "It had no plumes, wings or rotors and outran our F-18s." But, he added, "I want to fly one."

Despite their testimony under oath, the witnesses didn't provide evidence supporting their claims.

While it's unclear what exactly UAPs are or whether or not they definitely exist, the government is still taking investigations into reports of UAPs seriously.

In June 2022, NASA announced a study team focusing on available UAP data. The group, along with the All-doman Anomaly Resolution Office  a portion of the US Office of the Secretary of Defense  said in May 2023 that they needed better data to identify UAPs.

They proposed a method using "unclassified crowd-sourced data" from the general public to collect information on potential sightings to figure out what the anomalies are.

Read the original article on Business Insider
China's gigantic telescope deciphers relativistic jets of black hole

Xinhua) 11:30, July 28, 2023

This aerial panoramic photo taken on July 26, 2023 shows China's Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope (FAST) in southwest China's Guizhou Province. An international research team led by Chinese astronomers revealed the complex dynamic features of relativistic jets of a black hole, according to a study published in the journal Nature. (Xinhua/Ou Dongqu)

BEIJING, July 27 (Xinhua) -- An international research team led by Chinese astronomers revealed the complex dynamic features of relativistic jets of a black hole, according to a study published in the journal Nature.

Powerful relativistic jets are one of the features of accreting black holes, and GRS 1915+105 is a well-known fast-spinning black-hole X-ray binary with a relativistic jet, termed a "microquasar," as indicated by its superluminal motion of radio emission, according to the study.

It has exhibited persistent X-ray activity over the last 30 years, with quasiperiodic oscillations in the X-ray band.

From 2020 to 2022, researchers from the Department of Astronomy of Wuhan University, the National Astronomical Observatories of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and other institutions employed China's Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope (FAST), the world's largest single-dish radio telescope, to observe the radio continuous spectrum light change and polarization of GRS 1915+105.

With FAST's high sampling and sensitivity, the research team detected two instances of transient periodic oscillation of about 0.2 seconds in January 2021 and June 2022, respectively.

The transient periodic oscillations remain unstable and unable to be detected most of the time. It is therefore named quasiperiodic oscillations.

This is the first time that sub-second low-frequency radio quasiperiodic oscillations in a microquasar have been observed in the world, which also directly links the phenomenon with relativistic jets.

It is of great scientific significance to reveal the origin and dynamic process of relativistic radio jets of super-dense celestial bodies and will open up a new avenue for radio observation and theoretical research of black holes.

This aerial panoramic photo taken on July 26, 2023 shows China's Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope (FAST) in southwest China's Guizhou Province. An international research team led by Chinese astronomers revealed the complex dynamic features of relativistic jets of a black hole, according to a study published in the journal Nature. (Xinhua/Ou Dongqu)

This aerial panoramic photo taken on July 26, 2023 shows China's Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope (FAST) in southwest China's Guizhou Province. An international research team led by Chinese astronomers revealed the complex dynamic features of relativistic jets of a black hole, according to a study published in the journal Nature. (Xinhua/Ou Dongqu)

This aerial panoramic photo taken on July 26, 2023 shows China's Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope (FAST) in southwest China's Guizhou Province. An international research team led by Chinese astronomers revealed the complex dynamic features of relativistic jets of a black hole, according to a study published in the journal Nature. (Xinhua/Ou Dongqu)

This aerial panoramic photo taken on July 26, 2023 shows China's Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope (FAST) in southwest China's Guizhou Province. An international research team led by Chinese astronomers revealed the complex dynamic features of relativistic jets of a black hole, according to a study published in the journal Nature. (Xinhua/Ou Dongqu)

This aerial panoramic photo taken on July 26, 2023 shows China's Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope (FAST) in southwest China's Guizhou Province. An international research team led by Chinese astronomers revealed the complex dynamic features of relativistic jets of a black hole, according to a study published in the journal Nature. (Xinhua/Ou Dongqu)

This aerial panoramic photo taken on July 26, 2023 shows China's Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope (FAST) in southwest China's Guizhou Province. An international research team led by Chinese astronomers revealed the complex dynamic features of relativistic jets of a black hole, according to a study published in the journal Nature. (Xinhua/Ou Dongqu)

This aerial panoramic photo taken on July 26, 2023 shows China's Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope (FAST) in southwest China's Guizhou Province. An international research team led by Chinese astronomers revealed the complex dynamic features of relativistic jets of a black hole, according to a study published in the journal Nature. (Xinhua/Ou Dongqu)

A staff member works at the control room of China's Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope (FAST) in Pingtang County, southwest China's Guizhou Province, July 25, 2023. An international research team led by Chinese astronomers revealed the complex dynamic features of relativistic jets of a black hole, according to a study published in the journal Nature. (Xinhua/Ou Dongqu)

This photo taken on July 26, 2023 shows the feed cabin of China's Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope (FAST) under maintenance in southwest China's Guizhou Province. An international research team led by Chinese astronomers revealed the complex dynamic features of relativistic jets of a black hole, according to a study published in the journal Nature. (Xinhua/Ou Dongqu)

This aerial panoramic photo taken on July 26, 2023 shows China's Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope (FAST) in southwest China's Guizhou Province. An international research team led by Chinese astronomers revealed the complex dynamic features of relativistic jets of a black hole, according to a study published in the journal Nature.

(Xinhua/Ou Dongqu)

This aerial panoramic photo taken on July 26, 2023 shows China's Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope (FAST) in southwest China's Guizhou Province. An international research team led by Chinese astronomers revealed the complex dynamic features of relativistic jets of a black hole, according to a study published in the journal Nature. (Xinhua/Ou Dongqu)

This aerial panoramic photo taken on July 26, 2023 shows China's Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope (FAST) in southwest China's Guizhou Province. An international research team led by Chinese astronomers revealed the complex dynamic features of relativistic jets of a black hole, according to a study published in the journal Nature. (Xinhua/Ou Dongqu)

A staff member works at the control room of China's Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope (FAST) in Pingtang County, southwest China's Guizhou Province, July 25, 2023. An international research team led by Chinese astronomers revealed the complex dynamic features of relativistic jets of a black hole, according to a study published in the journal Nature. (Xinhua/Ou Dongqu)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Wu Chaolan)
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 28)  The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Friday dismissed two personnel a day after a passenger boat overturned in Laguna Lake off Binangonan, Rizal.

In a short clip uploaded on Facebook, PCG chief Admiral Artemio Abu said the two were relieved so they will not interfere with the "fair conduct of investigation."

"Maliwanag ang aking instructions sa regional commander natin ng coast guard [My instructions are clear to the coast guard regional commander] to conduct a fair, honest, and transparent investigation," he added.

The PCG has yet to identify the two dismissed personnel.

In a press briefing on Friday, the PCG admitted that the motorboat did not go through the pre-departure inspection usually done to ensure the safety of passengers.

The Philippine National Police (PNP), meanwhile, said the skipper of the sunken boat is now under its custody.

As of July 28, local disaster officials reported at least 27 people drowned while 43 survived the tragedy that happened in the vicinity of Talim Island on Thursday.

At least 26 people drowned after a motorized banca sank in the vicinity of Talim Island in Binangonan on Thursday. Local disaster officials said 40 passengers survived but more fatalities are expected.

READ: Sunken boat in Binangonan leaves at least 26 dead

The underwater search and rescue operation ended on Friday at around 1:30 p.m., but the PCG said it will continue its surface search by Saturday.

Also on Friday, the Maritime Industry Authority suspended the safety certificate of the sunken passenger boat. It added that it has issued a show cause order to the boat owner to start administrative proceedings.

The PCG is set to file a complaint together with the PNP against the captain and operator of the boat.
The UK Ministry of Defence said it has launched an investigation into the matter. d3sign via Getty Images

British officials have been accidentally sending emails containing classified information to Mali.

Officials misspelled the domain name as ".ml" when it should have been ".mil," per The Times.

Millions of US military emails were sent to Mali due to the same error, the FT previously reported.

The US accidentally sent sensitive information to Mali, a Russian-allied country, due to a typing error  and they're not the only ones.

Officials from the UK Ministry of Defence have also been sending emails containing classified information to Mali because of the same mistake, per The Times, which saw five emails from UK email addressess.

According to The Times, officials from the UK Ministry of Defence misspelled the domain name for their US counterparts when trying to contact them. The officials used the domain name ".ml" for Mali when it should have been ".mil" for the US.

"We have opened an investigation after a small number of emails were mistakenly forwarded to an incorrect email domain," a spokesperson from the UK Ministry of Defence told Insider. "We are confident they did not contain any information that could compromise operational security or technical data."

The Times report did not specify over what time period the emails were sent. It's not immediately clear how many emails the UK government sent to Mali.

Earlier this month, the Financial Times reported that millions of US military emails had been accidentally sent to Mali. Johannes Zuurbier, a Dutch entrepreneur who was contracted to manage Mali's country email domain, told the FT he'd been trying to warn the US for the past decade.

According to the FT, none of these emails were classified, though some contained highly sensitive information on active US military personnel, contractors, and their next of kin.

The Malian government has received significant assistance from Russia, ranging from military support to providing diplomatic backing. The Wagner Group, a Russian mercenary organization linked to the Kremlin, also conducts operations in Mali.

Representatives from the Malian government did not immediately respond to requests for comment sent outside regular business hours.



Editor's note: July 28, 2023  This story has been updated with responses from the UK Ministry of Defence.

Read the original article on Business Insider
UK intelligence says Russia's grain initiative disruption and the Black Sea blockade will worsen the food situation in Africa.

Source: UK Defence Intelligence on 28 July, as reported by European Pravda

Details: UK intelligence said a Russia-Africa conference was held in St. Petersburg in Russia, on 27 July, in which 17 African states presidents took part. At the previous such meeting, there were 43 of them.

This conference took place ten days after Russian withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Initiative.

UK intelligence pointed out that this initiative made it possible to export 30 million tonnes of Ukrainian grain to Africa, providing such countries as Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia and Sudan with the necessary food.

Quote: "As well as the direct disruption of supplies, Russias blockade of Ukraine is also causing grain prices to rise. The impact of the war in Ukraine will almost certainly compound food insecurity across Africa for at least the next two years."

Background:

UK Defence Intelligence reported that after grain initiative disruption, Russia may be preparing to intercept commercial vessels in the Black Sea.

Ukraine is forced to export agricultural products by land and river transport after Russia withdrew from the Black Sea Grain Initiative and started attacking Ukrainian ports, blocking sea exports.

The US State Department has warned that Russia may be preparing a false flag operation in the Black Sea amid a series of attacks on port infrastructure in Ukraine's south. James Cleverly, Secretary for Foreign Affairs of the UK, also mentioned this.

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!
The Security Service of Ukraine has announced the arrest of an alleged Russian Federal Security Service agent

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has announced the arrest of an alleged Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) agent, accusing him of espionage on behalf of the FSB within Ukrainian territory, the SBU reported on Telegram on July 28.

The agent was gathering intelligence on the deployment of Ukrainian defense forces in Kirovohrad Oblast. The SBU investigators have charged the suspect with high treason (Article 111, Part 2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine). The suspect is currently in custody, and if found guilty, could face a lifetime behind bars.

Read also: Ukrainian servicewoman accused of passing drone data to Russia

Originally from Toretsk in Donetsk Oblast, the perpetrator was recruited by the FSB before the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. His mission was to infiltrate Kirovohrad Oblast, where he pretended to be an eastern Ukrainian refugee to carry out intelligence and subversive activities, starting from Feb. 24, 2022.

Read also: Ukraines SBU nabs three Kharkiv-based Russian agents collecting data for guiding missile strikes

Specifically, the SBU alleges that the suspect intended to identify the locations of Ukrainian Armed Forces units, positions of the Ukrainian anti-aircraft defense, and the whereabouts of local territorial defense headquarters. According to the SBUs information, the individual settled in a community Kirovohrad Oblast and secured a job as a repairman at a military facility in the oblast to gain access to this information.

For each accomplished task, the Russian occupiers guaranteed him a financial reward of up to 5,000 hryvnias ($135). As part of this reward, the FSB allegedly offered to evacuate the suspect to Russia and provide employment within their special services.

Media files found on the suspect contained coordinates and reference points intended to assist Russian forces in preparing for a new aerial attack on the oblast.

Read also: SBU apprehends suspected Russian FSB agent they say aided capture of Sievierodonetsk

Story continues

On July 27, the SBU arrested another Russian agent who was allegedly involved in plotting a new aerial strike on Kharkiv. The man has been charged with state treason, and potentially faces a life sentence.

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 Gerry Doyle, Han Huang and Jackie Gu

(Reuters) - As Ukrainian forces slowly push ahead with their 2023 counteroffensive after more than a year of shifting battle lines, the country's military and civilians face a deadly problem: land mines, potentially hundreds of thousands of them, scattered across roads, buried in fields and concealed in devastated cities.

There are new, advanced types that can sense movement or destroy vehicles from hundreds of meters away. Most common, however, are older, simple weapons that were produced in the tens of millions and fill the armories of both the Ukrainian and Russian militaries.

Reuters interviewed four humanitarian demining organizations and two military experts and examined technical surveys by mine-clearance groups of unexploded ordnance in Ukraine to reveal mine contamination so vast that it is most likely unprecedented in the 21st century.

(To view the graphic, go to )

Because the conflict is ongoing, "there has been no empirical way to determine the area that has been contaminated" or the degree of contamination, said Mark Hiznay, associate arms director at Human Rights Watch. "Whatever the largest category you want to create, call it large, very large, severe, extreme (Ukraine) would be in that category."

Land mines have proved a formidable obstacle for Ukraines military, bogging down assaults during its counteroffensive and disabling armored vehicles. Minefields in Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk oblasts have required large-scale combat engineering efforts, a difficult endeavor for even the best-equipped militaries.

As a result, Ukrainian forces have been forced to proceed at a deliberate pace, attacking Russian artillery and other fire support before attempting to create assault lanes with mine-clearing line charges and armored vehicles with plows.

Militaries and humanitarian deminers use vastly different methods for mine decontamination, so even after Ukraine's armed forces clear lanes through minefields and recapture territory, the risk to civilians persists  and may continue for decades.

Story continues

"There are still communities interacting with (mines) every day because they have to, as a matter of livelihood," said Adam Komorowski, regional director for Eastern Europe, South America and the Caribbean at humanitarian deminer Mines Advisory Group. "Do I go out and take the risk that I might come across an explosive device? Or do I simply decide to not plant or harvest crops? Either way you're making a horrific choice."

THE WEAPONS

One of the most common types found in the Ukraine war is the PFM-1 anti-personnel mine, known colloquially as a butterfly mine, which has a plastic body about the size of a paperback book. With only 37 grams (1.3 ounces) of explosives, according to Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD) documents, it is not meant to create a large blast. Rather, when a person steps on one of the mine's "wings," it detonates in an explosion big enough to maim.

Used widely by the Soviet Union during its invasion of Afghanistan in the 1980s, such mines can be scattered by hand, by aircraft or by rocket artillery. Metal detectors can sense their metal parts, but the mines' odd shape and size mean that they can lie unnoticed for years, and civilians can mistake them for harmless objects.

"They are very dangerous, especially for civilian populations," said Tymur Pistriuha, head of the Ukrainian Deminers Association. "It is like a leaf it is green. In grass it is difficult to identify this."

The POM-3 anti-personnel mine, by contrast, is a new design that does not need to be touched to detonate. It also can be scattered by aircraft, rockets and artillery, righting itself after landing with small mechanical "petals". The mine, about the size and shape of a soft-drink can, inserts a small probe into the ground. When the probe detects vibration  for instance, footsteps nearby  it launches the main mine 1 to 1.5m into the air, according to GICHD documents. At that point, the 100g explosive payload detonates, spraying deadly metal fragments. Because these mines are dangerous to even approach, one way to safely disable them is to shoot them from a distance, Hiznay said.

Anti-vehicle mines are also prevalent in Ukraine. Among the most numerous is the TM-62 series, which both the Russian and Ukrainian militaries have deployed. They can be placed on the surface or buried in shallow holes. The TM-62M is older and has a metal body, making it easier to detect, according to GICHD; the TM-62P3 has a plastic body. Both contain 6.5 to 7.5 kg (14 to 16.5 pounds) of high explosives designed to blast upward through the weaker belly armor of a vehicle.

If a pressure fuze is installed, 150 kg of mass on the fuze is required to trigger it. Magnetic-influence fuzes sense any metal containing iron, such as steel, and detonate when it passes a certain threshold.

The German-designed PARM mine  short for Panzerabwehrrichtmine  is concealed near places where enemy vehicles are expected to pass. When it is triggered via a tripwire, infrared sensor or remote command, it fires a high-velocity rocket with roughly 2 kg of explosives shaped to blast through a vehicle's armor. The Ukrainian military received more than 1,500 of them from Germany in 2022.

GICHD has documented at least 12 types of anti-personnel mines and nine types of anti-vehicle mines in use in Ukraine. Andro Mathewson, global research officer for HALO Trust, a humanitarian demining organization, said the group's experts had found at least 10 new types of modern mines, including the POM-3 and PARM series, in Ukraine.

The Ukraine war "is the first one I have worked in where we are dealing with a developed nation superpower as one of the present combatant armies", Komorowsi said, referring to Russia. The "last time you had a nation of that power using land mines on any kind of industrial scale" was the Soviet Union in Afghanistan four decades ago, he said.

THE MINEFIELDS

Militaries typically plan and map out minefields so that their own forces know where the danger is. That can make humanitarian demining easier. In Ukraine, most such minefields are around the line of contact, which runs through the country's east from the border with Russia about 150 km east of Kharkiv, south and west through Zaporizhzhia oblast to just south of Kherson city near the Black Sea coast. The line is thousands of kilometres long and the number of minefields along it has not been determined, Hiznay said.

"In the 1991 Gulf War, the Iraqi defensive zones the U.S. Army breached through were 2 to 5 kilometres deep," with tens of thousands of mines per minefield, said Mick Ryan, a retired major general in the Australian Army and a combat engineer. "What the Russians have done in the south in particular might approach something like that  we are talking in the hundreds of thousands at a minimum."

In places where Ukraine has recaptured territory, the level of mine contamination is better understood. Formerly occupied towns in Kyiv; Sumy, Chernihiv, Mykolaiv and Kharkiv oblasts all saw a large number of mines, especially anti-personnel mines, left in place, Mathewson said.

That creates a situation where "everything is dangerous", Pistriuha said.

"For example, we are still in liberated areas forbidden to go into forests during mushroom season," he said. "Our authorities do not allow people to go into the forest to pick mushrooms, because it is still not clear of mines."

Hiznay and Komorowski said anti-personnel mines and improvised booby traps presented a huge risk to civilians in these areas.

Nonetheless, most of the reported civilian land-mine injuries since the invasion have been related to anti-tank mines, Mathewson said. Between February 2022 and May 2023, HALO trust data show, 855 civilians were reported hurt or killed in 550 mine-related accidents.

"The most dangerous thing you can really do right now in Ukraine is drive on an unpaved road," he said. "If you think about an anti-tank mine that is designed to take the treads off or disable a 30-ton tank, you can imagine what it does to a 2-ton car."

THE REMOVAL

Mines' military purpose is to hinder enemy movement, forcing vehicles and troops to avoid certain areas, spend time clearing mines or risk crippling casualties. "Kill and maim enemy soldiers  at heart, that's what these things do," Ryan said. Over the winter, Russian forces repeatedly assaulted the Ukrainian city of Vuhledar, but the attacks were stalled by anti-vehicle mines, said Ryan and Jack Watling, senior research fellow for land warfare at Royal United Services Institute.

Armies don't clear all mines when they advance. Instead they create lanes through which offensive forces can assault enemy positions, Watling said. Because of that, he said, they can use tools that are faster and more destructive, such as "line charges"  ropes of explosives that are fired into a minefield and detonated, triggering mines.

The faster that process is, the less time the assaulting force will be exposed to enemy fire, he said.

"The problem is not the mine," Watling said. "The mines are an unpleasant harassing capability that can be dealt with if you have time. It's mines covered with (enemy) fire  that is the problem."

Watling and Ryan said other methods, such as plows or rollers mounted on armored vehicles, could also be used depending on circumstances. Military minefields almost always contain a mix of anti-personnel and anti-vehicle mines to prevent infantry from advancing on foot.

Humanitarian demining is more painstaking. First, in cooperation with mine-action authorities in the country in question, workers will do a non-technical survey to learn about levels of contamination. That involves talking to communities, learning what they have seen, heard and experienced, and sifting through reports and records of battles and emplacements, Komorowski and Pistriuha said. Demining workers adhere to the International Mine Action Standards, a United Nations framework developed in the mid-1990s, augmented with national standards of the country in which they are operating.

Using survey information, experts will create polygons on a map showing areas of focus, Hiznay said. The next step is a technical survey, which involves searching for the edges of minefields using equipment such as ground-penetrating radar and metal detectors. Dogs and rats can be trained to detect the explosives in mines, the demining experts said. Surveyors mark the edges of the minefields and note what types of devices may be there.

At that point demining begins, with a priority placed on areas that are important to the local population, such as agricultural fields, water sources, urban areas and roads. There are two general types of clearance, Komorowski said, both involving highly trained workers in protective gear.

"One, no-touch mines. If you find those, you blow them in situ," he said. "Two, a conventional anti-personnel mine is generally activated by pressure on the top. If you excavate it from the side and safely remove it and unscrew the fuze you remove the explosive and it's just an inert bit of plastic and metal."

Once that is finished, before land is handed over for safe civilian use, "quality control" will be performed using different mine-detecting methods, he said.

THE FUTURE

The destruction in June of the Nova Kakhovka dam and resulting flooding in southern Ukraine has most likely displaced many mines along the Dnipro River's left bank, creating more danger, HALO trust said.

Ukraine is a signatory to the 1997 Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction, and had been destroying its anti-personnel mines when the war began. Human Rights Watch reported in January that it had found evidence that rocket-scattered PFM-1 mines had been used against Russian forces in Izium; Ukraine's foreign ministry said at the time that the country's forces strictly adhered to the convention and that the report would be "properly analyzed by the relevant institutions". Ukraine's foreign ministry did not respond to a recent request for comment.

Russia, which is not a signatory, has widely used anti-personnel mines. Russia's defence ministry did not respond to a written request for comment.

Militarily, Ukraine's counteroffensive is trying to punch through Russian minefields. On the humanitarian side, non-technical surveying has begun, but working near the front is impossible. For now, demining organisations are trying to help civilians avoid danger and restore normalcy to everyday life.

"The scale of tragedy is tremendous," said Pistriuha, who is from Kyiv. "That's why we cannot solve this problem just by ourselves. Only the world community, our partners, can help us with support for humanitarian demining."

(Reporting by Gerry Doyle, Han Huang and Jackie Gu. Editing by David Crawshaw and Simon Scarr.)
(Bloomberg) -- Russian forces intercepted two missiles over its southern port of Taganrog and the Azov district in the Rostov region, according to Russian media and officials. Debris fell on Taganrog and seven people were hospitalized there.

Most Read from Bloomberg

President Vladimir Putin told African leaders at a summit in St. Petersburg that the efforts of several of the continents countries to end Russias war in Ukraine were an urgent issue, according to the Kremlin website. We respect your initiatives and have been diligent and attentive when examining them, Putin added.

A Russian missile hit a high-rise residential building in the city of Dnipro in central Ukraine, Ukrainian Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said on Telegram. Three people sought medical help so far, he said.

Latest Coverage

Naftogaz CEO Lobbies in Washington to Protect Ukraines Energy

Ukraine Counterpunch and Grain Strikes Push War Into New Phase

Key Ukrainian Grain Route to Boost Capacity Amid Black Sea Risks

US Pressures Russia War Smugglers After Armys Run on Microchips

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
Ukrainian troops have liberated a key city in Donetsk Oblast.

Even as the bulk of its counteroffensive appears to be aimed further west in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, Ukraine appears to have captured a key city in Donetsk Oblast, according to Ukraines military and Kremlin-connected Russian Telegram channels.

Staromayorsk, Donetsk region - released, Ukrainian Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar said Thursday in a terse note on her Telegram channel. Now our defenders continue to clear the settlement. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky posted a video on his Twitter account said to be Ukrainian troops in that city.

https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1684627441610891265

Staromayorsk is a key logistics node along the Mokri Yaly River. It straddles the TO-518 Highway, the major north-south road in that part of the oblast. It is located some 60 miles north of Mariupol and 65 miles north of Berdiansk, two Azov Sea port cities Ukraine would either like to capture or cut off on its march to sever the so-called land bridge to Crimea.

Staromayorsk is a key logistics node. (Google Earth image)

Russian sources concurred that Ukrainian forces have advanced in that area.

Violent clashes continue in the Vremyevsky sector near Staromayorsky, where the Armed Forces of Ukraine were able to occupy the adjacent heights and enter the village, the Rybar Telegram channel reported Thursday. "[Russian] Armed Forces counterattacked, but in fact the settlement was completely destroyed.

A key factor for Ukrainian success has been the range of its artillery, the Russian Operation Z Telegram channel noted. Guided Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (GMLRS) munitions - fired by the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, or HIMARS and the M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) provided to Ukraine - have a range of up to about 80km (about 50 miles).

Using the advantage in range, practically not receiving answers, the enemy methodically rolled out Staromayorskoye for several days, knocking out personnel from shelters and turning these shelters into piles of broken bricks, Operation Z wrote. Satisfied with the result, he went on the offensive, clinging to the outskirts and gradually pressing us back, at the same time creating a flank threat to the positions on Urozhaynoye...the loss of a settlement after a stubborn and no doubt heroic defense is a blow to our military pride.

Story continues

https://twitter.com/noelreports/status/1684470355497189377?s=12\u0026t=BQRSNakUKt7_8ssZiGBW-A

Meanwhile, about 50 miles to the southwest, there is conflicting information about what appears to be the main thrust of Ukraines counteroffensive that we wrote about yesterday.

Some Ukrainian observers say Ukraine has made advances on that push, particularly around the towns of Rabotino and Verbove.

https://twitter.com/osinttechnical/status/1684600223937486849?s=12\u0026t=BQRSNakUKt7_8ssZiGBW-A https://twitter.com/front_ukrainian/status/1684609019023945728?s=20

Russian Telegram channels say the fighting is fierce and that Ukrainians have been so far kept out of Rabotino.

Thanks to the efforts of mainly Russian fighters from the 70th regiment of the 42nd motorized rifle division of the Russian Armed Forces and the 810th separate marine brigade of the Russian Black Sea Fleet, they successfully repelled the advancing enemy forces in several areas near the village of Rabotino, the Russian Grey Zone Telegram channel reported. The enemy does not leave attempts to break through the damned area in order to take possession of the heights directly near Rabotino, which, moreover, is also partially hidden by the forest. The situation, according to the guys, is difficult, but they hold on.

There is conflicting information about the status of the fight around Verbove. (Google Earth image)

The fighting has been intense, as this video of Ukrainian armor being attacked by Russian Lancet drones apparently shows.

https://twitter.com/julianroepcke/status/1684292084046364673?s=12\u0026t=BQRSNakUKt7_8ssZiGBW-A

The capture of either one of those towns, which appear to be along a main line of Russian defense, would put Ukrainian forces about 16 miles northeast of Tokmak and some 45 miles northeast of Melitopol. Those cities, as we reported back in December, are key to Ukraines desire to reach Crimea.

https://twitter.com/ralee85/status/1684594818414972929?s=12\u0026t=BQRSNakUKt7_8ssZiGBW-A

Of course, all this is taking place in the fog of war and it is impossible to know precisely what is going on. But with so many Ukrainian forces apparently committed to the effort, we will likely begin to get a fuller picture of the success or failure of these advances in the coming days.

Before we head into the latest news from Ukraine, The War Zone readers can catch up on our previous rolling coverage here.

The Latest

Elsewhere on the battlefield, Russian forces are continuing their push toward the Oskil River and Kupiansk in an effort to draw Ukrainian artillery from the ongoing counteroffensive, the Ukrainian Euromaidan Press reported Thursday.

The publication reported that while Ukrainian forces have been able to repel three recent Russian drives in that area, a fourth seems to be gaining some traction.

However, the Russians face two major problems. Crossing the river in mass is a challenge. And the Ukrainian possession of the surrounding high grounds is another disadvantage.

Despite Russian claims of capturing three settlements  Serhiivka, Nadia, and Novoehorivka, the small populations and limited infrastructure offer little logistical value, according to Euromaidan Press. The true worth of Russian positions lies in their tactical advantage, as they seek to advance along ridges towards the main Ukrainian defense line along the hill.

However, as long as Ukrainians maintain control of the hill, they are well-positioned to repel further Russian advances, the publication reported. Russian reliance on infantry, as crossing the river restricts vehicle usage, presents an opportune scenario for Ukrainian forces to use cluster munitions effectively.

https://twitter.com/EuromaidanPress/status/1684534347678752769?s=20

U.S. Abrams tanks are likely to arrive on the Ukrainian battlefield in September, Politico is reporting, citing six people familiar with the planning.

The plan is to send a handful of Abrams tanks to Germany in August, where they will undergo final refurbishments, according to the publication. Once that process is complete, the first batch of Abrams will be shipped to Ukraine the following month.

This represents the most specific time frame provided for when Americas main battle tank is expected to roll onto the battlefield. Pentagon officials have previously said the Abrams would be in Ukrainian hands sometime in the fall. The U.S. is sending older M1A1 models instead of the more modern A2 version, which would have taken a year to get to Ukraine.

https://twitter.com/anno1540/status/1684680795565228033?s=12\u0026t=BQRSNakUKt7_8ssZiGBW-A

Efforts to track more than $45 billion in aid provided to Ukraine through the State Department and U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) have been hampered by a lack of embassy staff and wartime travel restrictions, according to a new State Department Office of Inspector General (OIG) report.

In addition, OIG found that Embassy Kyiv had not updated its Integrated Country Strategy (ICS) due to staffing limitations related to the embassys closure and subsequent operations in wartime conditions. The ICS is a whole-of-government strategic planning document that establishes goals, objectives, and sub-objectives for an embassy.

Without an updated ICS, department bureaus and other agencies lacked guidance for designing programs and performance indicators aligned with common strategic goals, according to the report.

Responding to the monitoring challenges, many program managers employed remote monitoring methods and developed other methods to verify that goods and services were used as intended, including one bureau that introduced an innovative smartphone application to securely document the delivery of equipment, the report noted.

OIG observed that challenges to the oversight of unprecedented levels of foreign assistance will continue until the circumstances stabilize, according to the report. Staffing level increases at the embassy may enable more site visits and improved monitoring.

Corruption is a looming concern, the report noted.

Moving forward, particularly as the department plans to assist Ukraines recovery and reconstruction, corruption in the Ukrainian government and private sector poses risks to the effectiveness of U.S. foreign assistance that requires robust oversight, according to the report.

OIG recommended that Embassy Kyiv, in coordination with the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs, the Bureau of Budget and Planning, and the Office of Foreign Assistance, update its Integrated Country Strategy.

The embassy concurred and OIG considered its recommendation resolved.

As his troops face ammunition shortages in the war on Ukraine, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu was given a tour of North Koreas Weaponry Exhibition 2023 by Kim Jong-un on Wednesday that included viewing Pyongyang's nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs).

The men observed the new-type weapons and equipment being displayed at the exhibition, the official North Korean KCNA news agency reported Thursday. The publication posted photos of Kim and Shoigu in a hall filled with ICBMs on missile carriers, drones, tanks, air defense sytems and other weapons. The ICBMs are banned by U.N. Security Council resolutions. .

During the conversation with Kim, views on global and regional security issues were exchanged, the Russian Defense Ministry posted on its Telegram channel. In addition, today the head of the Russian Defence Ministry is going to take part in a military parade dedicated to the 70th anniversary of the Day of Victory in the Great Fatherland Liberation War of 1950-1953. Or, as the rest of the world calls it, the armistice that led to a truce ending hostilities during the Korean War.

A top White House official on Wednesday addressed the issue of whether Shoigu is seeking support from Kim, who has openly backed the Russian full-on invasion of Ukraine.

It's been no secret, and we've talked about it many times, that Mr. Putin is reaching out to other countries for help and support in fighting his war in Ukraine, White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters on Wednesday. And that includes, we know, some outreach to [North Korea].

Its a testament of the fact that Mr. Putin knows hes having his own defense procurement problems, his own inventory problems, that his military remains on the back foot, and hes trying to shore that up, Kirby added. As we have noted in the past, Russia has received a substantial amount of ammunition from North Korea, according to U.S. officials.

https://twitter.com/Reuters/status/1684610851922116615

Just over a month after launching a mutiny attempt against Russian military leaders, Wagner Private Military Company boss Yevgeny Prigozhin was photographed in St. Petersburg, glad-handing African visitors on the sidelines of an event headlined by Vladimir Putin.

One photo was of Prigozhin and a Central African Republic delegate posted on the Facebook page of Dimitri Sytyi, head of Russia House in the Central African Republic, on the sidelines of the Russia-Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum.

https://twitter.com/noelreports/status/1684503150789644288?s=12\u0026t=BQRSNakUKt7_8ssZiGBW-A

A photo from a Wagner-associated Telegram channel showed Prigozhin with "the director of the 'Afrique media' publication," according to the Orchestra W Telegram channel.

The head of PMC Wagner visited his African friends in St. Petersburg, according to the Orchestra W Telegram channel. Rumor has it that half of the delegations arrived to discuss the terms of cooperation with the St. Petersburg representative.

Wagner leader Yevgeny Prigozin met with African officials and business leaders according to a Telegram channel associated with Wagner. (Orchestra W Telegram photo)

Prigozhins presence on the summit periphery comes as a coup attempt is taking place in Niger, something for which he seemed to take credit.

"This is the effectiveness of Wagner PMC - a thousand fighters of Wagner PMC are able to restore order and destroy terrorists, preventing them from harming the civilian population of states," the Orchestra W Telegram channel stated.

During that meeting, Putin stated he would not return to the Black Sea Grain Initiative, hammered out last year to allow grain and other food and fertilizer to be shipped out via Ukraine's Black Sea ports of Odesa, Chornomorsk and Yuzhny. Russia withdrew from that deal earlier this month following Ukraine's attack on the Kerch Bridge. The Kremlin has denied a connection.

"...we refused to extend this would-be deal," Putin said Thursday at the forum. "As I have already said, Russia can well fill in the gap left by the withdrawal of the Ukrainian grain from the global market, either by selling its grain or by transferring it for free to the neediest countries in Africa, especially considering that this year we once again expect to have a record-high harvest."

Earlier Thursday, the African Union urged Moscow to reinstate the grain deal, according to Politico.

https://twitter.com/POLITICOEurope/status/1684508638130368513

After Russia pulled out of the grand deal, it launched an ongoing series of missile and drone attacks against Odesa and other Black Sea port cities.

One of those attacks severely damaged the Transfiguration Cathedral. On Thursday, Zelensky proved once again that he was is not afraid to visit Ukrainian communities under fire. He toured the damaged church.

https://twitter.com/NOELreports/status/1684638652880596992?s=20

Ukraine's Special Operations Forces (SSO) posted a YouTube Thursday showing an attack on a Russian position somewhere on the southern front they claim resulted in the capture of several troops.

https://youtu.be/BOgwwMzzJdc?t=1

American volunteers were recently seen on video, taking a bumpy ride on the way to storming a Russian trench. The video cuts off before we can learn the fate of this mission.

https://twitter.com/igorsushko/status/1684335700827860993?s=20

Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov's troops fighting in Russia released their own wild trench fighting video, which shows a machine gunner standing up and firing from the hip, only to be slammed by the back blast of an RPG.

https://twitter.com/OAlexanderDK/status/1684522279957319683

A Ukrainian First Person Video (FPV) drone strike on a Russian TOS-1A Solntsepek 220mm thermobaric rocket launcher resulted in a tremendous post-impact explosion as the ammunition on the feared launcher apparently cooked off.

https://twitter.com/archer83able/status/1684475222492172289?s=46\u0026t=cbCZ6V64euYCCy5V9r9oiQ

Two Russian Grad multiple launch rocket systems were captured on video reportedly being disabled by a Ukrainian HIMARS strike.

https://twitter.com/wartranslated/status/1684334409485373441?s=20

And finally, add Avdiivka the falcon to the long line of pets Ukrainian troops have adopted.

https://twitter.com/Gerashchenko_en/status/1684542225324146689?s=20

That's it for now. We'll update this story when there's more news to report about Ukraine.

Contact the author: howard@thewarzone.com
The Armed Forces of Ukraine killed 560 Russian soldiers and destroyed 4 tanks, 14 armoured vehicles, 30 artillery systems and 11 drones on 27 July.

Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook

Details: The total combat losses of the Russian forces from 24 February 2022 to 28 July 2023 are estimated to be as follows [figures in parentheses represent the latest losses  ed.]:

approximately 244,830 (+560) military personnel;

4,190 (+4) tanks;

8,161 (+14) armoured combat vehicles;

4,775 (+30) artillery systems;

698 (+0) multiple-launch rocket systems;

458 (+1) air defence systems;

315 (+0) fixed-wing aircraft;

311 (+0) helicopters;

4,007 (+11) tactical UAVs;

1,347 (+0) cruise missiles;

18 (+0) ships/boats;

7,240 (+11) vehicles and tankers;

709 (+1) special vehicles.

The data is being updated, the General Staff said.

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!
A large-scale air alert was announced in Ukraine for 10 minutes

An air raid alert went out across much of Ukraine on Friday, July 28, however, rather unusually, it only lasted for 10 minutes. The Ukrainian air force explains why.

A warning about the risks of a missile strike appeared on the Ukrainian Air Forces Telegram channel at 12:24 p.m.

"Missile danger  center, north, east of Ukraine. Enemy [strategic bomber] Tu-22m3 in Bryansk region," the message read.

alerts.in.ua

However, after only six minutes the alert was cancelled in various regions. In the capital Kyiv, the air alert lasted 10 minutes: from 12:20 to 12:30.

Ukrainian Air Force spokesman Yuriy Ihnat said that a Russian Tu-22m3 triggered the alarm by taking off from Shaykovka airfield and entering the potential missile launch area, before immediately leaving the zone."

Accordingly, there was no longer any threat. A decision was made by the military administration that the warnings would be lifted," Ihnat said.

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
The Ukrainian military liberated Staromayorske in Donetsk Oblast

Ukraines Armed Forces have liberated the village of Staromayorske in Donetsk Oblast and now are securing their positions there, spokesperson for the Ukrainian militarys General Staff, Andriy Kovalyov, said at a briefing on July 28.

"Under heavy aircraft and artillery enemy fire, Ukrainian defenders have liberated the settlement of Staromayorske, Donetsk Oblast, he said.

Read also: Ukrainian troops oust Russians near Orikhovo-Vasylivka in Bakhmut area  map

They are securing a foothold on the achieved borders.

Meanwhile, Russians forces attempted to regain lost positions near Rivnopole and Makarivka, also in Donetsk Oblast, though they were unsuccessful.

Read also: Ukrainian military conducting dual offensive operation, says General Staff

According to Kovalyov, the Russians are fiercely resisting Ukrainian advances, redeploying units and calling in reserves.

Ukrainian soldiers continue to deter Russians in the Lyman direction and repelled an offensive near the village of Nadiya, Kovalyov added.

Deepstate

Read also: Fighting is in our favor, second stage of Ukrainian counter-offensive can begin, claims Melnyk

Ukrainian troops are also continuing to advance in the Bakhmut direction, with heavy fighting to the north and south of the city. Simultaneously, Ukrainian forces are conducting assaults in the Berdyansk and Melitopol directions.

On July 27, various media outlets began reporting on a new stage of the ongoing Ukrainian counter-offensive, focused on the south-east of the country.

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
On 27 July, the Ukrainian defence forces repelled another attack by a Russian sabotage and reconnaissance group in Sumy Oblast.

Source: Andrii Demchenko, spokesperson for the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, on air during the 24/7 national joint newscast

Quote: "Yesterday, our defence forces repelled another attempt by a sabotage reconnaissance group to enter Sumy Oblast.

Ukrainian defenders (border guards, units of the Armed Forces and the National Guard) immediately open fire on such groups when they are detected. Subsequently, they [the groups  ed.] leave the border with nothing."

Details: Demchenko said the main task of Russian saboteurs was to, first of all, identify the location of the Ukrainian defence forces and carry out various activities, including placing mines in the area, in order to inflict losses on the Ukrainian defenders.

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 28)  The Vatican has ordered the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) to stop any celebration relating to the 75th anniversary of the alleged apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Lipa, Batangas.

"This Dicastery asks you to dissuade any form of activity in view of the proposed celebration in Lipa," read the letter sent by the Vatican's Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith to CBCP.

The letter dated May 8 was made public on Friday along with a circular that urged Catholics to abide by a 2015 Vatican decree.

The 2015 decree repeated the instruction that "any and all commissions studying the question of the alleged supernatural phenomenon of the alleged apparitions in the Carmel of Lipa be immediately disbanded."

In 1948, Teresa Castillo, then postulant of the Carmelite convent in Batangas, claimed to have heard a voice from "the Mother" and witnessed the falling of rose petals.

After three years of investigation and deliberation, a decree was issued in 1951, signed by archbishops and bishops, declaring the Marian apparition "to have no supernatural character or origin, a decision directly approved by Pope Pius XII."

In 2015, amid persistent confusion, the Vatican reaffirmed its 1951 decree.

The Vatican also stated that only the Pope has the authority to confirm and declare a Marian apparition or the reported supernatural appearance of the Blessed Mother.

"The efforts to celebrate the 75th anniversary clearly demonstrate that, contrary to the decree notifying already in 1951 that the alleged apparitions in Lipa have no supernatural origin and character, the devotion and activities around the same appear to have continued almost unabated to this day," the Vatican said.
El Scorcho

With this July on track to be the hottest month ever, the United Nations is warning that we've moved past global warming. And now? We're boiling.

"The era of global boiling has arrived," UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres announced today in the wake of scientific confirmation that the past three weeks have been the hottest since temperature record-keeping began, and that July will, "short of a mini-Ice Age," almost certainly be the hottest month ever recorded.

"Climate change is here," the Portuguese diplomat said. "It is terrifying. And it is just the beginning."

In a tweet, Guterres laid it out even more plainly, noting that the "tragic" consequences of climate change are all around us: "children swept away by monsoon rains, families running from the flames (and) workers collapsing in scorching heat."

Lobster Pot

The situation has been inexorably getting worse. Two years ago, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced that July 2021 was, at the time, the hottest month ever  though it appears that 2023 has now surpassed it.

Earlier this month, our planet broke and then reset the record for the hottest day every three times in succession as the planet's average temperature teetered up towards 63 degrees Fahrenheit. While that doesn't sound particularly high as temps creep ever upward in much of the United States amid this week's heat wave, it's much higher than July's monthlong average even a decade ago, which the NOAA recorded as just 60.4 degrees Fahrenheit.

This record-breaking heat is so intense, in fact, that it's even surprising scientists.

"I personally find the magnitude of this record a bit stunning," Zeke Hausfather, a climate scientist with the nonprofit Berkeley Earth, told the Guardian. "We dont see anything analogous in the historical record for the month of July."

As with each subsequent warning about climate change, the secretary-general tempered his rhetoric with a faint note of hope.

"We can still stop the worst," Guterres said. "But to do so we must turn a year of burning heat into a year of burning ambition."

More on climate change: Climate Scientists Horrified That Their Predictions Were Correct
Everyone dreams about a sudden windfall of money, but most of us aren't going to hit the lottery anytime soon. However, you might just stumble upon small sums of cash that you didn't even know existed.

If you've ever heard the term "unclaimed money" and wondered whether or not it's a scam, we have some good news. It is indeed real, and there's plenty of cash out there just waiting to be claimed.

Not sure how to find out if you or a loved one are entitled to some unclaimed money? NBC News Senior Consumer Investigative Correspondent Vicky Nguyen is breaking it all down for us.

What is unclaimed money?

Unclaimed money might seem too good to be true, but the concept actually makes a lot of sense when you think about it.

Unclaimed money is simply that  money that is owed to you, that didnt reach you for whatever reason, Nguyen explains.

For instance, maybe a former employer, retailer or insurance company sent a check to your old address or it got lost in the mail. Typically, these checks are for small sums ($50-100), but amounts can vary.

"Banks, retailers, and health insurers are legally obligated to turn over those funds to the state," Nguyen explains.

Even if you don't have any unclaimed money in your name, all hope is not lost. Last year, the New York State comptroller told NBC New York that people may be entitled to checks that were made out to deceased parents or grandparents.

How to find unclaimed money from the government

Ready to see if you have unclaimed money? There are multiple ways to find out and, more importantly, get it back from the government.

Start by visiting usa.gov/unclaimed-money, where you can find a list of all the places you could have money and a list of reputable sites where you can enter your personal information to learn more.

Here are some of the most common places money can be found:

Your State

Did you know that you're most likely to get unclaimed money from the state(s) you live in?

Story continues

"This money held by your state could be from bank accounts, insurance policies, tax refunds and more. If you have lived in other states, dont forget to check their unclaimed property offices, too," Nguyen says.

Each state has an unclaimed property office that manages inquiries.

Current and Former Employers

Pay day is always the best day of the week, but it's possible that you might've missed a payment or two from a current or former employer. Nguyen recommends checking the Department of Labors database for Workers Owed Wages." You'll be prompted to enter your employer name, state and your personal information.

"Just note that after three years in the labor department, unpaid wages are then sent to the treasury department, which you would have found in the states database," she explains.

Closed or Failed Banks

If you were ever a member of a bank that closed or failed, visit the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) website and search for unclaimed money by entering your name and state and the name and city of the bank.

Savings Bonds

Sometimes, you have savings bonds that you simply forgot about. To find out if you have any that have stopped maturing, visit the government website Treasury Hunt and enter your Social Security number and state.

If nothing matches, try again next month as the service updates its data monthly, Nguyen says.

The website will also walk you through how to find a lost, stolen, or destroyed EE or savings bond.

Insurance Money, Tax Refunds and More

There are several other ways to find unclaimed money:

Veterans : Veterans can search the US Department of Veterans Affairs for unclaimed insurance funds

Mortgages : Mortgages that are insured by the Federal Housing Association may be eligible for a refund. All you need is your last name, case number, city and state to get started.

Tax refunds: Visit IRS.gov/refunds and have the following information handy: your social security number or taxpayer ID number and the exact refund amount. Theres also an 800 phone number to call but again to verify your identity you will need social security number, prior year tax returns, and more, Nguyen adds.

To prove just how common unclaimed money is, Nguyen found several claims for members of the TODAY staff:

One for TODAY contributor Ally Love

Four for Craig Melvin, including one for over $100

Over 11 claims for Al Roker

How to avoid unclaimed money scams

Anytime you're sharing your personal information, you want to make sure it's handled safely, and searching for unclaimed money is no exception.

To ensure that you don't get ripped off, keep these tips from Nguyen in mind:

Don't pay anyone to get your money back: " These are government agencies that are giving something back to you that you are owed. If any site you find is trying to charge you a fee to reclaim your money, do not follow through with that site," Nguyen warns. "Go straight to the source and google the name of your state and the words unclaimed money. Youll be directed either to your states comptrollers website or given a number to call so you can get to the bottom of it."

Spell the website correctly: "For example, incorrectly typing .gov versus .com can make all the difference in getting a legit website versus a bogus one," Nguyen says.

This article was originally published on TODAY.com
Reuters

(Reuters) -Sudan's army on Tuesday intensified efforts to gain ground in the capital Khartoum in some of the heaviest fighting since the start of a conflict with a rival military faction that has caused a growing humanitarian crisis. The army has launched air strikes and used heavy artillery since Monday to try to take a bridge across the Nile used by the rival Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to bring reinforcements and weapons from Omdurman to the other two cities that make up the wider capital, Bahri and Khartoum, residents said. The RSF, which occupied much of the capital at the outbreak of fighting in mid-April, responded forcefully, resulting in heavy clashes in residential neighbourhoods and civilian casualties and displacement.
Black Lives Matter  these three words have defined protests about police brutality for years.

The hashtag first appeared online in July 2013 following the acquittal of George Zimmerman in 17-year-old Trayvon Martins shooting death.

Now 10 years later, its been tweeted more than 44 million times.

The Black Lives Matter hashtag is really unique for its staying power compared to other hashtags that might swell up and fade quickly for the past 10 years this has remained a steady presence on Twitter, said Monica Anderson, director of internet and technology research at Pew Research Center.

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

Monica Anderson studies technology at the Pew Research Center. Her team analyzed the BLM hashtag and its role in online activism over the last decade.

Regardless of what race you are, what political affiliation, this content was something that people came across, she said.

The research tracks several points when the hashtag spiked online.

The first major spike happened in November 2014 after a Ferguson police officer was not indicted for the death of Michael Brown. Then in July 2016 when five Dallas police officers were killed in an attack following peaceful protests. These demonstrations were in response to the separate shootings of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile.

Read: Police: Womans nephew shot, killed her boyfriend; is now considered armed and dangerous

The biggest spike in happened in the summer of 2020 following the murder of George Floyd.

The report also shows more than half of all existing tweets with the hashtag were posted between May to September 2020 alone. It shows the use of the hashtag peaked at more than 1.2 million posts in a single day.

Really speaks to how big of a moment that was for both the movement and the way people engage with the hashtag on Twitter, said Anderson. Specifically in that movement, it gave voice to peoples concern around criminal justice and particularly how it affects black communities.

Story continues

While most tweets express support for the Black Lives Matter movement, the report also shows about 11 percent of public tweets convey opposition to it. Those posts often used words like riot or looting when referring to BLM protests or criminal, violent, and terrorist when describing its supporters.

Read: Carlee Russell case: Police charge woman who admitted to abduction hoax

As social media continues to evolve, Anderson believes the hashtag isnt going away.

It has become a very important part of the conversation especially when we talk about police violence and police reform and talking about the criminal justice system, said Anderson.

This study also shows many people have mixed views about the impact of social media overall.

About 67 percent of adults believe it helps give a voice to underrepresented groups. But at the same time, it shows more than 80 percent say social media can be distracting from important issues.

Read: Bookmark the date: Buy half-priced used books at Orlando Public Library

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.
Video footage released by the University of Delaware on Thursday gives the public a first look at police body camera footage from an arrest that has led to numerous calls for increased accountability and transparency from the university.

Eighteen-year-old Mohammed Sanogo was arrested on June 15 in the Bob Carpenter Center parking lot, less than an hour after his Newark High School graduation. Cellphone video captured by witnesses went viral shortly after the incident, depicting officers lifting and throwing down Sanogo while arresting him.

Now, over 40 days after the arrest, UD has released both police body camera footage and surveillance footage from a nearby building.

Sanogo was charged with resisting arrest and reckless driving, but the state Department of Justice dropped those charges Thursday.

CHARGES DROPPED: State drops charges against Newark High School student arrested after graduation at UD

What did body camera and building footage tell us?

A 22-minute compilation of body camera, building and witness video was released by UD on Thursday. This video includes the first chance for the public to watch the events surrounding the arrest unfold from the police officers' perspectives.

UD Police Chief Patrick Ogden narrates parts of the video and notes that "Officer 1"  whose badge shows he is Lt. Anthony Battle  had his battery die earlier in the night, so body camera footage from his perspective is not available. Video from "Officer 2," Valerie Battles, depicts what happened during and after the arrest.

Also included are clips from a third officer's body camera, rear dash footage from another car, and witness cellphone video that was the first to circulate publicly back in June.

"The University has stated and continues to maintain that UD police officers acted appropriately in addressing behavior that posed a risk to public safety," a statement under the video reads. "The University will continue its review of this situation to look for learning opportunities."

Story continues

Building and body camera footage depict lead-up to arrest

Surveillance footage overlooking the parking lot is shown at the 2:33 mark, with a spotlight on one car speeding through the lot with a passenger hanging out a window. That car was not Sanogo's.

After the car is seen circling through the lot, UD officers approach three vehicles: Sanogo's, another parked car, and the vehicle seen "recklessly driving."

A still image from UD's surveillance footage on top of a building overlooking the parking lot. Sanogo's car is parked and not moving in the spot closest to the median, with no headlights turned on.

Officer Battles tells the car seen speeding through the lot to leave, which it does, along with the other parked car.

UD's initial statement from June 21 and the arrest warrant obtained by Delaware Online/The News Journal didn't clarify that Sanogo was not operating the vehicle in which passengers were hanging out of windows.

"As noted in a publicly available arrest warrant, drivers of three vehicles were observed to have been operating those vehicles recklessly through a parking lot at the Bob Carpenter Center, including with passengers hanging out the windows of the vehicles," UD's June 21 statement reads.

Christina school board member Naveed Baqir said he believes the "carefully crafted and edited video" raises only more questions, referencing UD's claims that have implied Sanogo was driving around the parking lot with someone hanging out of his window.

"The edited video shows dishonesty of UD to piece together an unrelated party's reckless actions as a reason behind the decision to arrest Mohammed," he wrote to Delaware Online/The News Journal.

As the other two cars left, Lt. Battle was talking to Sanogo, telling him to leave the lot. Sanogo leaves the parking spot at the 10-minute mark, where a screech from his car can be heard. He stops at the red light at the exit of the lot.

Though the two officers were standing on each side of Sanogo's car, video does not indicate that Sanogo came close to hitting either officer as he drove away.

In UD's first statement after the arrest, the university claimed Sanogo "posed a safety threat to the officers and others who were in close proximity to the vehicle" by the way he drove away from the parking spot.

Ogden states in the video that "the officers rapidly approached at this point, because they believed the defendant was attempting to flee, and feared that this erratic driving could potentially cause a collision."

The two officers then walk over to where Sanogo is stopped at the light, and begin jogging. Battles yells at Sanogo and others inside to "put it in park," while Lt. Battle tells Sanogo to "get out."

Those in the car can be heard asking why the officers were stopping them. Battles tells them to "just listen." Ogden states that officers ordered Sanogo to step out of his vehicle 12 times.

LAWSUIT FAILS: Judge dismisses Scott Walker's lawsuit claiming his DUI arrest was discriminatory

What video shows about the arrest itself

Battles makes her way from the passenger side to the driver's side, where body camera footage shows Lt. Battle attempting to place Sanogo under arrest. The arrest warrant claims that Sanogo "refused to place his hands behind his back and physically resisted."

The officer then grabs Sanogo and takes him a few feet over to a grassed area. Lt. Battle picks him up and throws him down.

Officers then engage with Sanogo and wrestle in the grass in video footage that is mostly black from Battles' perspective for nearly a minute. Eventually, Lt. Battle is successful in handcuffing Sanogo.

Officers attempt to calm down Sanogo, who repeatedly asks for his phone while handcuffed. A third officer, whose name badge is not discernible, tells Sanogo to "shut your mouth."

Lt. Battle brings him over to the police car, as he continuously begs for his phone. Sanogo mentions that he was attempting to tell the officers "his condition" of asthma when they threw him on the ground.

A still image from UD's footage of the arrest, in which charges were later dropped. Lt. Battle (left) places the teen (right) against the police car after handcuffing him.

After the police car door is opened, Sanogo asks if his brother can come with him or if he can contact his parents. Lt. Battle pushes him into the back seat.

Also included is body camera footage from a third officer. Ogden notes that this officer drove to the scene to assist the other officers and that he can be seen "displaying a taser and ordering passengers back into the car."

"Get back, get back or you get tased," the officer shouted at the passengers who had made their way outside Sanogo's car.

Those passengers can be heard talking to Sanogo. "Momo, listen," one said.

Mohammed Sanogo, far right, poses with some of his fellow graduates after Newark High School's ceremonies at the University of Delaware on June 15, 2023.

Why were DelDOT trucks surrounding Sanogo?

It is still unclear why trucks surrounded Sanogo's stopped car at the traffic light before, during and after the arrest.

Multiple angles in UD's video compilation show trucks at the red light near Sanogo's car. Police body camera footage shows DelDOT logos on multiple trucks.

"While witnessing and actively responding to an incident of reckless driving, UD Police at no point established communication with the operators of the DelDOT vehicles," the University of Delaware said in an emailed statement Friday regarding questions about the trucks. "Those vehicle operators acted independently."

One truck is in front of Sanogo, another to the right and a third directly behind, according to the video. Rear dash footage shows that the truck in front of Sanogo never moved when the light turned green.

Ogden states that rear dash camera footage "shows the defendant attempting to maneuver around to the left and into the incoming traffic lane of a DelDOT truck that was stopped in front of his vehicle."

According to Ogden, Sanogo's vehicle was "too close to the DelDOT truck, unable to get around and began to back up as the officers approached."

Rear dash witness video shows two DelDOT trucks (with headlights on) at the stoplight. Neither truck moved when the light turned green. Sanogo's car is behind the truck on the right.

Body camera video from the third officer shows a conversation between him and a driver of the DelDOT truck behind Sanogo's car.

"Are you good with us," the driver asks. The officer responds, "Yeah, yeah."

"If you guys wanna clear, I appreciate it," the third officer tells the driver. The driver then walks up to the truck in front of Sanogo's car, until body camera video pans the other way.

Christina board member Alethea Smith-Tucker said that in a school district meeting with UD the week after the incident, the university referenced only that a DelDOT truck was behind Sanogo, and not that there were any trucks in front of or beside him.

She said shes concerned about the lack of clarity (from UD) that Mohammed was boxed in. To her, the surrounding trucks could certainly explain a sense of heightened awareness and fear in Sanogo.

At a board meeting earlier in July, Christina's Board of Education unanimously passed a motion to suspend all graduations at the UD campus. The district didn't hear about the June 15 incident until four days after, when UD responded to the district's inquiries.

It is expected that board members will bring forth more motions regarding the district's relationship and ties to UD at the upcoming August board meeting.

CHRISTINA TAKES ACTION: Delaware school district cuts tie with University of Delaware after student's arrest

Kelly Powers contributed reporting to this story.

Contact Konner Metz at kmetz@gannett.com and follow him on Twitter @konner_metz.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: University of Delaware posts body cam video of Newark HS grad's arrest
Donald Trump Scott Olson/Getty Images

Former President Donald Trump's legal team requested to discuss classified information with the former president at his homes as part of his criminal case for convenience, CNN reports, citing a new court filing from the Department of Justice.

Federal prosecutors strongly oppose the proposal and instead want Trump and his attorney to only discuss and handle sensitive materials in his case inside a specially protected space called a Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility, abbreviated to SCIF.

But Trump's legal team "expressed concerns regarding the inconvenience posed by this limitation and requested that Defendant Trump be permitted to discuss classified information with his counsel in his office at Mar-a-Lago, and possibly Bedminster," the Justice Department wrote in the filings. "The government is not aware of any case in which a defendant has been permitted to discuss classified information in a private residence, and such exceptional treatment would not be consistent with the law."

The department noted that a "significant portion" of the classified information the defense will receive ahead of the trial is so highly sensitive that it must only be handled in a SCIF. Many of the documents Trump is accused of illegally retaining are also of that level of sensitivity.

"Defendant Trump's personal residences and offices are not lawful locations for the discussion of classified information, any more than they would be for any private citizen. Since the conclusion of Defendant Trump's presidency, neither the Mar-a-Lago Club nor the Bedminster Club has been an authorized location for the storage, possession, review, display, or discussion of classified information," the court filing reads.

"It is particularly striking that he seeks permission to do so in the very location at which he is charged with willfully retaining the documents charged in this case," prosecutors added.

Story continues

The dispute between the special counsel's office and Trump's defense was revealed in a court filing made public Thursday with the DOJ explaining why both parties have yet to reach an agreement on how to protect classified evidence in the case before trial.

Prosecutors have asked the judge presiding over the case, Aileen Cannon, to issue an order that the classified materials in the case only be viewed, stored and talked about in controlled environments under the supervision of an appointed classified information officer.

Former U.S. Attorney Joyce Vance argued that the Trump team's request shouldn't even be a consideration for Cannon, who Vance wrote in a post to her Substack is likely aware that the ask is another stalling tactic.

She pointed to federal prosecutors' renewed Thursday motion for the protective order and acknowledged that Cannon has been urging Trump's defense and the Justice Department to reach a compromise. But, she argued, Trump's complaint about the inconvenience of having to view the materials in a SCIF demonstrates his ignorance.

"He wants to be able to see it in the comfort of his own home. Trump still doesn't get he's not going to receive special treatment, unless Judge Aileen Cannon gives it to him," Vance writes. "If she does on this point, look for Jack Smith to appeal immediately and win. Trump's request flies in the face of clearly established law on handling classified documentsnot exactly a shocker given the nature of this prosecution."

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

She then argued that the Trump team's request, like many others the former president has made in the case, is really an effort to later delay the trial, predicting that they would level an argument that the defense has not had enough time to prepare for the trial since Trump would be busy with his presidential campaign and the government would not accommodate them.

"Trump is making this argument, not because he thinks it's a good oneit's clearly a loser. He's making it to set up an argument down the road that the trial has to be delayed even further," Vance explained. "Judge Aileen Cannon, if past is prologue, may fall for it. But the argument is tone deaf, a real failure to read the room, or at least the Special Counsel's office."

"Donald Trump, self-described victim, has met Jack Smith, career prosecutor. And Smith isn't buying it," she concluded.

Trump's team has not fully explained their stance in court at this time, nor has Cannon weighed in.

"I've never heard of a situation where classified docs could be reviewed by defense counsel and defendant outside of a SCIF. And some of this information is particularly sensitive," national security lawyer and former Justice Department official Brandon Van Grack tweeted Thursday, calling the Trump defense team's request "unprecedented."

"Can't overstate the brazenness of former President's request to discuss classified info w/ his attys at Mar-a-Lago and Bedminster, which are the scenes of the crime," he added. "It's like a request to re-victimize the U.S. govt/intelligence community."

Can't overstate the brazenness of former President's request to discuss classified info w/ his attys at Mar-a-Lago and Bedminster, which are the scenes of the crime. It's like a request to re-victimize the U.S. govt/intelligence community. https://t.co/sLbjoM04cp  Brandon Van Grack (@BVanGrack) July 27, 2023

"This is Chutzpah with a capitol C," NYU Law professor Andrew Weissmann said on Twitter in response to the filing.

"

This is Chutzpah with a capitol C: in new FLA filing, Trump objects to reviewing and talking abt classified docs in a SCIF and wants to be able to do so at MAL or Bedminster. And he is charged with illegal retention of such dox at both locations and repeated acts of obstruction.  Andrew Weissmann (weissmann11 on Threads) (@AWeissmann_) July 28, 2023

"This is our first real chance to see where Judge Cannon is on everything. It should be rapidly dismissed without significant argument/litigation," veteran and former FBI agent Peter Strzok added, echoing Vance's sentiments. "But under CIPA, an adverse ruling on this is appealable by the government."

This is our first real chance to see where Judge Cannon is on everything.



It should be rapidly dismissed without significant argument/litigation.



But under CIPA, an adverse ruling on this is appealable by the government.  Pete Strzok (@petestrzok) July 27, 2023

The court filing came the same day that a South Florida grand jury returned an expanded set of criminal charges against Trump and two of his employees in the case. Trump is charged with illegally retaining 32 national security documents, and he, along with his employees  aide Walt Nauta and ex-Mar-a-Lago staffer Carlos De Oliveira  are accused of attempting to obstruct federal investigators' efforts to retrieve the records.

The former president maintains he has committed no wrongdoing in the case. He and Nauta have pleaded not guilty and are beginning to review evidence ahead of trial slated for next May. De Oliveira is scheduled to make his first court appearance next week after his Thursday indictment.

Read more

about the Mar-a-Lago case
The United States has announced a historic $345 million military aid package for Taiwan which for the first time will come from existing U.S. military stockpiles instead of purchases through the foreign military sales program, the White House announced Friday.

The announcement is a lesson learned from the U.S. military assistance to Ukraine where U.S.-made weapons are quickly getting to the battleground, but it will also likely rile China -- which considers Taiwan to be a breakaway province.

The Pentagon has signaled for much of the year that it intended to prepare such a passage after Congress authorized $1 billion for military aid to be provided to Taiwan under what is known as a Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA).

The $345 million aid package was announced by the White House in a brief statement issued late Friday afternoon.

PHOTO: Tanks during the Han Kuang military exercise in Taoyuan, Taiwan, July 26, 2023. (I-Hwa Cheng/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

MORE: US announces historic $345 million military aid package for Taiwan

"By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including section 621 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (FAA), I hereby delegate to the Secretary of State the authority under section 506(a)(3) of the FAA to direct the drawdown of up to $345 million in defense articles and services of the Department of Defense, and military education and training, to provide assistance to Taiwan," said the statement.

"The drawdown includes self-defense capabilities that Taiwan will be able to use to build to bolster deterrence now and in the future," said Lt. Col. Martin Meiners. "Systems included in the $345 million package address critical defensive stockpiles, multi-domain awareness, anti-armor, and air defense capabilities."

The Associated Press reported Friday, that according to U.S. officials, the aid package includes portable air defense systems, intelligence and surveillance capabilities, firearms and missiles.

Reuters was first to report on Thursday that the new aid package could be announced as early as Friday.

Story continues

Meiners said the Pentagon would move "expeditiously" to deliver the aid package to Taiwan but would not provide a timeline.

The announcement will likely draw criticism from China which considers Taiwan to be a breakaway province and which has escalated tensions around the island in recent years. That includes demonstrations of its maritime and airborne capabilities as it edged closer to Taiwan territory beyond the Taiwan Strait.

MORE: US not seeking permanent new base in Papua New Guinea, Austin says

While not a new authority for the U.S. in weapons transactions, the Presidential Drawdown Authority has drawn significant attention after more than $40 billion worth of existing weapons in U.S. stockpiles have been provided to Ukraine since the start of the war.

U.S. officials stressed what they noted was an important distinction in that the Taiwan PDA package is not being done under emergency authorities unlike the aid packages taking place for Ukraine. That difference likely is intended to play down any concerns that the aid package is being prompted by some sort of an emergency situation with regards to Taiwan.

The difference from existing arms sales agreements with Taiwan is that the weapons systems will arrive there in quick order as opposed to having to wait years for them to be built from scratch.

U.S. officials have said previously that a Presidential Drawdown Authority would be in line with the Taiwan Relations Act, the six assurances and the three communiques that guide U.S. policy towards Taiwan and reinforced that on Friday saying the announcement was not a change in policy.

The concept drew the attention of lawmakers who earlier this year authorized the transfer of up to $1 billion in PDA transfers, a move that drew Pentagon support.

"My team is working diligently to make sure that we have the right capabilities in that particular drawdown," Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told the Senate Armed Services Committee in March.

MORE: Defense secretary makes historic visit to Papua New Guinea

The $1 billion authority is only valid through the end of this fiscal year on September 30.

Asked what would happen to the additional funding that remains in the congressional authority Lt. Col. Meiners said the Biden administration continues "to review Taiwan self-defense requirements, and we will continue to assess the best authority to meet these requirements going forward."

Meiners said the aid package announcement had not been delayed by recent outreach efforts to China with the high-profile visits by Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen.

Instead, he said it took time to prepare the first-of-its-kind aid package to Taiwan required a large amount of coordination with multiple U.S. government agencies.

"The administration conducted an intensive review to ensure the package met Taiwan's critical defense needs," said Meiners.

US announces historic $345 million military aid package for Taiwan originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
A monument is seen at the Trinity Site on Friday October 14, 2022 in White Sands Missile Range, NM. Matt McClain/The Washington Post via Getty Images

The US Army is expecting a surge in tourists at the Trinity test site because of "Oppenheimer."

It said it's preparing for a "larger than normal crowd" at its next open house on October 21.

Officials warned that anyone beyond the first 5,000 visitors might not gain entry.

The US Army is warning that too many tourists might try to get into the first-ever nuclear bomb test site this year because of Christopher Nolan's summer blockbuster "Oppenheimer."

"Due to the release of the movie Oppenheimer in July, we are expecting a larger than normal crowd at the 21 October Open House," said a notice on the official webpage for the Trinity site in New Mexico.

Visitors might have to wait up to two hours before getting into the site, the notice said.

The last Trinity open house, held on April 6, saw 3,877 visitors. But the military indicated the October opening could see upwards of 5,000 tourists.

"If you are not one of the first 5,000 visitors, you might not get through the gate prior to its closure at 2 p.m.," the army's notice warned. The site typically closes at 3:30 p.m., per the open house website.

The White Sands Missile Range hosts two free-admission open houses each year for the Trinity site, where the US Army conducted the world's first nuclear weapon detonation in July 1945 under the Manhattan project.

Nolan's film "Oppenheimer" dramatizes the development of the nuclear bomb led by J. Robert Oppenheimer, played by Irish actor Cillian Murphy.

The first Trinity open house was held in September 1953, after authorities determined that residual radiation from the bomb was only around 10 times higher than normal background radiation in the area.

An obelisk now stands near the center of the blast in the New Mexico desert, and visitors are brought on a tour of the remains of the facilities used for the test. Trinitite, a green glassy substance formed from desert sand melted by the atom bomb, can still be found near the site.

The White Sands Missile Range Public Affairs Office did not immediately respond to a request for comment sent outside regular business hours.

Read the original article on Insider
(Bloomberg) -- Hong Kong called on Washington to let its leader, John Lee, attend a major economic summit in the US this fall after a report that the Biden administration plans to bar the sanctioned official.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The US is obliged to fulfill its basic responsibilities as a host to follow the rules and usual practices of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation bloc, the city said in a statement Friday, adding that would entail inviting it chief executive. The APEC meeting does not belong to a particular country, it said.

In an ad-hoc presser Friday evening, Lee also said he expects the host economy to act in accordance with APEC rules and convention.

China criticized the potential ban on Lee, with Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning saying at a regular press briefing in Beijing that her nation strongly disapproves. We ask the US to correct the wrong move immediately, she added.

President Xi Jinping is also expected to attend the APEC summit. That could change if the US bars the leader his government installed in Hong Kong, eliminating a key opportunity for Xi to meet President Joe Biden for the first time since November last year in Bali.

The Washington Post reported that Lee, who is under US sanctions for his role in Hong Kongs crackdown on civil liberties, would be blocked from attending the event in San Francisco in November. The report cited three unidentified US officials familiar with the matter, without providing more details. The US consulate in Hong Kong didnt immediately responded to a request for comment.

Some individuals who work in Lees office were caught unaware by news of the ban, according to a person familiar with the situation who asked not to be identified discussing the private matter.

Story continues

Blacklisting Lee from the event would exacerbate tensions between Washington and Beijing, already sparring over trade, Taiwan and human rights issues.

The US has imposed a raft of sanctions on China in recent years, and some are becoming a barrier to the high-level dialogue the Biden administration has been pushing to restore. Earlier this year, China rebuffed a US request by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to meet with Defense Minister Li Shangfu at a security forum in Singapore they both attended.

Read: Hong Kong Loses Bid to Ban Protest Song in Free Speech Victory

The reason for Beijings move was sanctions the Trump administration imposed on Li in 2018 over an arms deal with Russia. Still, top US officials including Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and climate envoy John Kerry have all visited Beijing recently, a sign that two nations have made some progress rebuilding relations.

The US initially indicated it was open to Lee attending APEC but domestic politics  which have seen bipartisan support for tougher China policies  may be playing a role in preventing it from happening. Republican Senator Marco Rubio, a critic of China, said in a letter to Blinken last month that he was dismayed to learn the Biden administration plans to waive the sanctions.

Dongshu Liu, assistant professor specializing in Chinese politics at City University of Hong Kong, said the fact the US was barring Lee because of the sanctions tells you it will firmly maintain its tough policy on China.

Although they dont want their tough policy to become a crisis or a war, but at least currently they wont give it up, he said.

Security Law

The State Department earlier this month condemned Hong Kong after it put HK$1 million ($127,650) bounties on eight overseas democracy activists wanted under a Beijing-imposed national security law. At least one of those people joined campaigners in lobbying the US to ban Lee from attending the APEC meeting.

On Friday, the Hong Kong government lost a bid to wipe a controversial protest song from its internet, a rare victory for free speech in the city that could bolster faith in the finance hubs rule of law.

The move would have directly challenged the freedoms that differentiate the former British colony from the mainland. It would have also raised the legal risks for tech giants from Alphabet Inc. to Apple Inc. and Meta Platforms Inc. that quit the Chinese market years ago due to censorship demands.

Lee was sanctioned by the US in 2020 for undermining Hong Kongs autonomy shortly after Beijing imposed the national security law. That legislation has since been used to jail a large number of the citys political opposition and pressure the most critical media outlets into shuttering.

See: How Chinas National Security Law Changed Hong Kong: QuickTake

While the prohibitions dont specify restrictions around attending events or meeting with US officials and citizens, they freeze any assets Lee had in the US and prohibit anyone there from providing funds, goods or services to him unless an exemption is issued.

That means any trip to the US could face logistical issues. His predecessor, Carrie Lam, said she had to be paid in cash after being slapped with US sanctions.

Last month, China called on the US to fulfill its obligation to allow Lee to visit the summit in San Francisco.

--With assistance from Lucille Liu and Martin Ritchie.

(Updates with Chief Executive John Lees comments in the third paragraph)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
Remote, Hybrid, Compressed and WFHmany buzzwords have emerged since the advent of the pandemic to describe the new world of work.

And many millions of people around the world now spend as much, if not more, of their working week out of the office than in it. But the shift towards remote working remains a controversial workplace issue.

This year some business leaders have started pushing back as the threat of Covid has receded, demanding staff spend more time on-site. A recent study by Unispace found that 72% of employers have mandated return to office orders. Of the remaining 29% of employers who have not explicitly told their staff to return, 20% are strongly recommending it.

So is the trend on the way out, or is it here to stay?

Remote work rules

Recent research from Stanford University and the Census Bureaus household survey indicates that remote work remains prevalent, with Stanfords finding that it accounts for over a quarter of paid full-time workdays in the United States, just slightly down from 33% in 2021.

Stanfords study on working from home, which surveys 10,000 workers across cities and industries, found that 27% of paid full-time days were worked from home in early 2023. Much of that remote work came from hybrid setups.

The survey found that 12% of workers were fully remote, roughly 60% fully in person, and 28% working hybrid. This suggests that the recent push by top employerssuch as Disney, Amazon, Apple as well as several Wall Street banksto get employees back into the office three or more days a week may not have moved the needle much.

One metric that does indicate that hybrid work is here to stay is: job postings. A study from researchers at Stanford, Harvard and other institutions analyzing over 50 million job postings found that postings explicitly mentioning remote work are at 12.2%.

Where to look

This is a fourfold increase since before the pandemic. Remote jobs are still plentiful, but these days you have to know where to look.

Story continues

According to the data, job postings that allow at least one work-from-home day each week are higher in the Northeast region (encompassing New York City, Philadelphia and Boston).

For instance, nearly 80% of companies in Massachusetts are hybrid or remote, as are almost three-quarters of employers in New York and Connecticut. And flexible-job postings have actually increased in Maine.

Southern states with diverse economies and large metro areas offer more flexible job options too. Two-thirds of employers in Texas, Virginia, Florida, North Carolina and Georgia allow some version of hybrid or remote work. South Carolina is a hub for remote work, stemming in part from a tech corridor in the Charleston area.

Companies based in Western states have offered the most flexible work policies to date. In Denver, Austin and Boston, where the tech sectors influence is outsized, more than half of employers offer fully remote jobs, or let employees choose when they want to come into the office. And hubs of technology and government employment like San Francisco and Washington state offer a high share of advertised flexible jobs.

Remote work experts strongly assert hybrid schedules will remain a permanent feature of work in the United States for a host of reasons, including better worker engagement and retention.

Even if the parameters and kinks are still being worked out in real time, companies that offer the technological tools and organizational environment to enable such workplace flexibility are positioned to attract the best talent.

If youre looking for opportunities that prize employee autonomy, choice, and flexibility, visit The Hill Jobs Board where you can browse a wide selection of open roles right now. Here are three companies hiring this week.

Director of External Affairs and State Relations, Career Education Colleges & Universities, Arlington

Career Education College & Universities (CECU) is currently recruiting for a Director of External Affairs and State Relations to join its team in Washington. To apply, youll need to have a Bachelors degree in a related field with five or more years experience in coalition building, communications, and external affairs, preferably at a DC-based association or in a legislative office or agency. Worth noting: the successful candidate will have the flexibility to work a hybrid schedule in DC or a remote arrangement.

Deputy Project Manager of Communications, Tribal Tech LLC, Alexandria

As the Deputy Project Manager of Communications, you will have an opportunity to address the most pressing health and wellness needs in Native American communities. You will be responsible for overseeing the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) Behavioral Health and Wellness Program (BHWP) website, webinars, events, and the submission of work products. Additionally, you will play a crucial role in managing the programs staff members, maintaining smooth operations, and ensuring the efficient execution of project tasks. To be considered for this role at Tribal Tech LLC, you will need experience in project management, preferably in the field of behavioral health and wellness as well as strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and guide employees.

External Communications Manager, The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) Jobs, Washington

The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) has a full-time regular position for an External Communications Manager at its Washington, D.C. office. This key role requires an experienced writer with a proven track record of producing clear and effective communications who will work closely with the Office of the Chair to develop compelling and creative written materials, speeches, and talking points. Applicants must have a Bachelors degree or equivalent experience. A hybrid work option is offered here; staff can choose to live and work from anywhere within the United States, but will be required to commute to their assigned office or location for occasional intentional gatherings or meetings at the frequency required by their supervisor.

For more career opportunities and to find a role that suits your life, visit The Hill Jobs Board today

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 28)  The Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court (RTC) has denied the prosecutions motion seeking to reverse the second acquittal of detained former Senator Leila de Lima, who has been slapped with a total of three drug cases.

The Muntinlupa RTC Branch 204 rejected the prosecution's motion for reconsideration on July 6, but a copy of the order was released to the media only on Friday, July 28.

The court said the appeal against De Lima's May 2023 acquittal lacked merit.

Every acquittal becomes final immediately upon promulgation and cannot be recalled for correction or amendment, read the decision, penned by presiding judge Abraham Joseph Alcantara.

With the acquittal being immediately final, granting the States motion for reconsideration in this case would violate the Constitutional prohibition against jeopardy because it would effectively reopen the prosecution and subject the accused to a second jeopardy despite their acquittal, it added.

De Lima was also cleared in one of her drug cases in February 2021. This means only one case remains pending, with the next hearing set on Aug. 1, to be presided over by the new judge, Gener Gito.
Zelenskyi suggests not to stop the export of grain

The U.S. has no plans to escort Ukrainian freighters carrying grain in the Black Sea, and this matter was not discussed with allies, National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications, John Kirby, said in an interview with Voice of America on July 27.

"No, there's no active discussion now about inserting warships into the Black Sea," Kirby said.

Read also: Russia preparing to blockade Black Sea, says military

"I think we all understand that that will only escalate the tensions and increase the odds of conflict between the West and Russia and that's not what we're looking for."

The official stressed that the U.S. wants the grain to get out of Ukraine to the global market and is looking for a way to extend a UN-brokered deal on the matter.

Read also: Russia strikes Odesa Oblast, hits agro-enterprise; 120 tons of grain destroyed, multiple injured

Russia officially terminated its participation in the so-called grain deal on July 17, which had previously allowed Ukrainian grain export through the Black Sea to countries at risk of food insecurity. Officially, Russia alleged that its unilateral withdrawal from the agreement was due to Ukrainian attacks on the Kerch Bridge, which connects occupied Crimea to the Russian mainland.

Moscow has withdrawn guarantees of safety of navigation in the Black Sea as well.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has proposed extending the grain deal with the UN and Turkey only, without Russia, though Turkey has yet to commit to armed escorts of Ukrainian grain cargo.

The U.S. is looking for alternative ground or river routes for Ukraine to export grain, Kirby added.

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
The State Department has ordered U.S. government personnel to leave Haiti, issuing a do not travel advisory for the country amid soaring gang violence and civil unrest.

The Biden administration updated its advisory Thursday to order all nonemergency government personnel, including those at the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince, to immediately leave the country, citing the widespread risk of kidnapping.

Kidnappers may use sophisticated planning or take advantage of unplanned opportunities, and even convoys have been attacked, the State Department warned. Kidnapping cases often involve ransom negotiations and U.S. citizen victims have been physically harmed during kidnappings. [Victims] families have paid thousands of dollars to rescue their family members.

The U.S. is advising government employees to monitor local news and depart when it is safe to do so.

Violent crime is on the rise in Haiti amid a humanitarian and security crisis on the Caribbean island nation. Gangs have taken control of much of Port-au-Prince and have recruited children as young as 8 years old, The Associated Press reported last month.

As of June, more than 165,000 Haitians had fled their homes amid the violence, according to the United Nationss migration agency, with many escaping to hide in temporary shelters.

Protests and mob violence are also escalating, with the State Department saying it has a limited ability to protect government employees. Local police also lack the resources to respond to crimes and emergency incidents.

The State Department advised departing government personnel to avoid using public transportation, visiting banks, driving at night or traveling without approval and security measures in place.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The News

White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman over a possible deal to normalize relations between Riyadh and Tel Aviv.

Weve gathered news and insights on what such an agreement could mean for U.S.-Saudi relations and what the Saudis want in return.

Insights
By Moira Warburton

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Facing uphill re-election battles in 2024, vulnerable Senate Democrats are pushing legislation that promotes "Buy America" policies, attempting to bolster their party on a brand of economic populism they hope will keep them in the majority.

The Senate Commerce Committee on Thursday advanced a bill from Democratic Senator Tammy Baldwin and Republican Senator J.D. Vance to require country of origin labeling for goods sold online, bringing them in line with brick-and-mortar goods.

On Wednesday, a Senate committee approved Democratic Senator Sherrod Brown's bill requiring all American flags bought by the U.S. government to be made in the United States, and last week the Senate passed an amendment from Baldwin to an annual defense policy bill requiring the Navy to build ships in the United States with American materials.

"There's definitely momentum," Senator Gary Peters, a Democrat from Michigan and chair of the Senate Democrats' campaign committee, citing the COVID-19 pandemic as a galvanizing force. "We had very efficient supply chains, but they weren't resilient. The way you get resilience is to make sure all those products are made in the United States."

Senators serve six-year terms, and Democrats hold a narrow majority in the chamber. Next year, Democrats face headwinds when more of their members will be defending seats than Republicans. Many of those Democrats come from states that former President Donald Trump won in 2016 or 2020, including Ohio, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, all of which have major manufacturing industries and high union populations.

Buy America policies are "mom-and-apple pie issues with American voters" that have "virtually universal support," Scott Paul, president of the Alliance for American Manufacturing, said. "In addition to having a good jobs impact, there's also a good political impact."

Story continues

Although Democrats have long been the party of labor unions, Trump's anti-China, pro-American-worker message in 2016 challenged that notion after blue-collar voters without college degrees flipped to him in droves, said Nick Iacovella, vice president at the Coalition for a Prosperous America which represents domestic producers.

In the aftermath of Trump's win, both parties are scrambling to "figure out how to become the party of the 21st century American worker," Iacovella said. "It boils down to, 'Voters think the China issue is important and we should be unapologetically pro-worker and anti-big business and anti-Wall St.'"

Such legislative priorities have long been pushed by Baldwin and Brown. Both will face tough re-election battles next year - Brown in Ohio, which Trump won with 53% of the vote in 2020, and Baldwin in Wisconsin, which voted by margins of less than 1% for Trump in 2016 and U.S. President Joe Biden in 2020.

"When we are using taxpayer dollars, we should be supporting U.S. jobs and small businesses," Baldwin said. "Our previous president talked a lot about it, but wasn't successful in getting those provisions through."

Buy America bills often run in to opposition from corporate-minded lawmakers and pro-business associations.

John Murphy, senior vice president for international policy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, said "Buy America" policies have "serious limitations" and impose rising costs for businesses without increasing production.

But the tide among Democrats is turning against these arguments.

"People are seeing the mistakes we made as a country on China trade over the years," Brown told Reuters. "Too many Democratic - really presidents in both parties, from Bush to Trump - were complicit. We lost far too many jobs."

(Reporting by Moira Warburton in Washington; Editing by Matthew Lewis)
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has announced the transfer of nine Skydio autonomous drones to Ukraine for documenting war crimes.

Source: European Pravda with reference to the USAID press service

Details: USAID will send drones to Ukraines Prosecutor General's Office. Skydio 2+ are equipped with 4K cameras and will be used for taking photos and videos to document war crimes.

Quote: "These will aid the Office of the Prosecutor General to document the more than 115,000 instances of destroyed civilian infrastructure, and evidence of human rights abuses on frontline communities and liberated territories."

Previously: As for now, two Ukrainian human rights coalitions that enjoy USAID support have documented over 40,000 cases of Russian war crimes since 24 February 2022. USAID also participates in joint visits with the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights to record war crimes.

Background:

On 18 July, Samantha Power, Administrator of USAID, said that Ukraine will receive an additional US$250 million to support agriculture, which suffers from blocking grain exports due to the ongoing full-scale Russian invasion.

Power also announced the allocation of over $500 million in humanitarian aid and handed over US$2.3 million worth of equipment to Ukraines State Emergency Service.

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!
Destruction after the large-scale attack of the Russian Federation on Odesa on July 23

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has announced that it will provide nine Skydio drones to the Prosecutor General's Office of Ukraine to help document Russia's war crimes, according to a press statement on July 27.

The Skydio drones are equipped with 4K cameras that will be used to ensure photographic and video evidence of Russian war crimes is collected.

Read also: USAID launches grant program in Ukraine to foster export alliances

USAID said these drones are "critically important" because they will " help bring justice" to survivors of war crimes and human rights violations committed by the Russian military.

Last week, USAID administrator Samantha Power announced additional support of $250 million for Ukraine while she was visiting Odesa.

Read also: 38 nations back special international tribunal to prosecute Russia for war crimes against Ukraine

Additionally, the New York Times reported that President Joe Biden had secretly ordered the U.S. government to share information about Russia's war crimes in Ukraine with the International Criminal Court at the Hague.

The unprecedented move was ascribed to the decision of Russian officials to deliberately attack civilian infrastructure in Ukraine, as well as the forced deportation of Ukrainian children from the occupied territories.

According to the NYT, the U.S. has already shared some information on war crimes with Ukrainian prosecutors.

On May 15, it was reported that a special Register of Destruction will be created at The Hague to record the damage caused by Russian forces in Ukraine since the beginning of the full-scale invasion.

Read also: International center for investigating Russian aggression against Ukraine opens at The Hague

The Office of the Prosecutor General has stated that 98,100 crimes of aggression and war crimes have already been registered in Ukraine, of which more than 95,000 relate to violations of the laws and customs of war.

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
This Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017, photo shows the Snapchat app on a mobile device in New York. | Richard Drew, Associated Press

Earlier this year, legislators made Utah the first state in the nation to impose rules requiring children under 18 to obtain parent permission before signing up on social media platforms. Set to take effect in March 2024, the tenets of SB152 also include setting time constraints on when minors can access social media sites, instituting an age verification requirement for social media sign-ups and stipulating that site operators must provide parents with access to their childrens content and the ability to track activity on the sites.

The so-called Utah Social Media Regulation Act drew bipartisan support from lawmakers in the 2023 session, breezing through state House and Senate votes by wide majorities. Gov. Spencer Cox supported the effort and, despite veto calls from advocacy groups who cited First Amendment and privacy concerns with the legislation, signed the bill into law this spring. Cox has been an outspoken proponent of government oversight of social media companies, referencing research he says has exposed the potential significant harm to young social media users.

A new Deseret News/Hinckley Institute of Politics poll found overwhelming support for the parent permission provision of the new law with 79% of respondents saying they somewhat or strongly agree with the new rule, while 18% said they somewhat or strongly disagreed.

When parsed by political party affiliation, Republican respondents were somewhat more supportive of the parent permission measure, with 82% weighing in as supportive, versus 71% of Democrats who said they were somewhat or strongly in favor.

The statewide survey was conducted June 26-July 4 of 801 registered Utah voters by Dan Jones and Associates. The results come with a plus or minus 3.46% margin of error.

Related

In a New York Times interview earlier this month, Cox laid out his concerns about social media use by those under 18 and why he thought it was time for state government to take a bigger role in regulating the conduct of platform operators.

Story continues

Weve looked extensively at the research, Cox said. Weve done our homework on this one. Weve spent time with parents and children, all across the state, and there is a general consensus and acknowledgment that social media and access to these devices is causing harm. Significant harm.

During legislative committee discussion of the Social Media Regulation Act earlier this year, some Utah parents, conservative advocacy groups and the Utah Attorney Generals office spoke in favor of the bill. But one commentator who appeared before the Senate Business and Labor Committee in January, 13-year-old Lucy Loewen, said the benefits of social media can outweigh the downside. Loewen said teenagers can use social media to connect with friends and that those connections can help them deal with depression and suicidal thoughts.

Will this really be creating responsible teenagers and adults if the government is just taking over and not letting us choose for ourselves? Loewen asked the committee. We want to stop government intervention, so why would we let the government control our lives?

The Electronic Frontier Foundation, a national nonprofit digital rights group, has raised its own concerns about the Utah legislation, arguing the new regulations undermine First Amendment protections by depriving teenagers of their First Amendment rights to express themselves, access protected speech, engage in anonymous speech, and participate in online communities. The group also contends that provisions of the Utah Social Media Regulation Act violate core First Amendment rights of people of all ages by requiring identification to access important global platforms.

In a May website posting, Electronic Frontier Foundation activist director Jason Kelley wrote that state interventions into the rights of families and individuals, like those embodied in Utahs new social media access rules and other similar proposals around the country, wouldnt effectively address broader societal problems.

Social medias toxicity is a real issue, Kelley wrote. But young people are not the only ones affected, and solutions that limit their rights in egregious ways are not solutions at all.

Laws that insert the state into a familys right to decide what level of independence a young person has, and block young people from accessing legal speech, will not solve the problems these complex social issues, which exist both online and offline.

When asked by The New York Times about whether or not the state was inappropriately taking over decisions that should be left to parents, Cox defended the new Utah social media access rules.

Well, look, were not telling parents how to parent, Cox said. The law empowers parents. It doesnt tell parents what they have to do at all. Again, if they want their kids to be on social media at 4 in the morning, they have the ability to allow their kids to do that.

This is giving more tools to parents.
A dedication to honor the 70th anniversary of the end of the Korean War was held in Pittsburghs North Shore on Thursday.

Korean War Veterans and Veteran Association members were joined by dignitaries from the South Korean city of Pohang-Si.

Most of the veterans were over 80 years old.

The groups gathered to dedicate the Rose Sharon Walkway, a landscaping project donated by the mayor and residents of Pohang-Si.

The walkway will lead to the Korean War Veterans Memorial and will honor the local veterans who for South Korean freedom.

Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW

TRENDING NOW:

17-year-old dead after stabbing in Schenley Park Sinead OConnor death: Police release statement Deadline looming for Facebooks $725M settlement; how to get your money VIDEO: Pittsburgh police looking for 2 people seen graffiti tagging house in South Side DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts
Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department have identified the victim of a homicide in east Charlotte.

Early Thursday morning, police got a call from a hospital in Cabarrus County for a patient that had shown up with a gunshot wound. Hospital staff told officers that the shooting was on Hood Road in east Charlotte.

ALSO READ: Man arrested after 17-year-old killed in east Charlotte shooting, police say

Detectives were sent to Hood Road to investigate the scene.

Later on, law enforcement learned the victim, 26-year-old Koreon Medina, had died at the hospital from his injuries.

After the investigation, police identified the suspect as a 17-year-old, and got warrants for their arrest.

CMPD didnt say if the teen was in custody as of Friday.

This is a developing story; check back at wsoctv.com for updates.

(WATCH BELOW: Man wanted in connection with fatal shooting in Wadesboro, police say)
REUTERS/Marco Bello/File Photo

The U.S. Virgin Islands says that its using proceeds from legal settlements related to Jeffrey Epstein to fund anti-trafficking initiativesmarking the latest turn in the territorys months-long campaign against JPMorgan, which it is suing for at least $190 million.

On Thursday, government officials held a press conference announcing the Victims of Human Trafficking Prevention Act, with Gov. Albert Bryan thanking Epstein victims for coming forward to help drive awareness on the horrendous cycle of abuse involved in such sex crimes. The legislation would fund programs via the sale of Epsteins island, Little St. James, and payouts from litigation including $105 million from Epsteins estate.

In May, a private equity billionaire announced hed purchased Little St. James and a second island owned by Epstein, Great St. James, for $60 million.

Should the USVI win its suit against JPMorgan, damages would also go to the islands efforts.

Since we learned of Jeffrey Epsteins crimes in the territory, and his death, the Virgin Islands Department of Justice has worked tirelessly to hold accountable those who facilitated Epsteins heinous sex trafficking schemes, Attorney General Ariel Smith said, adding that the island froze the assets of Epsteins estate to preserve funds for survivors.

Smith then took aim at JPMorgan in what has become a familiar refrain during the courtroom drama, which has exposed a host of power players in Epsteins orbit. Currently, were seeking to hold JPMorgan accountable for violating the law, because bank executives enabled Jeffrey Epsteins sex-trafficking scheme in return for bank profits and bigger bonuses, Smith said.

Through the court process, she added, were seeking to require that JPMorgan make institutional changes to deter, to better detect, report and to stop human trafficking.

Officials said the USVI bill would create new training for law enforcement and mandated reporting requirements for human trafficking similar to those for child abuse. Separately, Albert is launching a council on trafficking that will boost victims services.

Story continues

The Daily Beast has reached out to JPMorgan for comment. In legal filings, the financial behemoth has pointed a finger back at the USVI, claiming the island was the one that created a haven for Epsteins criminal activity in exchange for political favors.

This is not a case about Jeffrey Epsteins victims, the banks lawyers said in a motion filed Monday. This is a case in which a complicit governmental actor  knowingly used its sovereign powers to enable Epsteins sex crimes, including by soliciting his input on its own sex offender legislation, waiving sex offender monitoring requirements for him, facilitating the provision of ESL classes and visas that allowed him to bring victims to USVI, and actively looking the other way whenever he arrived at USVI airports accompanied by young women and girls.

In one June pleading, JPMorgan alleged Gov. Bryan facilitated donations by Epstein to USVIs schools and little leagues in 2018. The bank also claimed that Epsteins primary conduit for spreading money and influence throughout the territory was former First Lady Cecile de Jongh, who was on Epsteins payroll when her husband, John, was governor.

According to JPMorgan, Cecile de Jongh suggested Epstein pay monthly retainers to local politicians including former Senator Celestino White to gain their loyalty and access.

The USVI, in a recent legal filing, said the First Lady was largely a ceremonial position that entailed giving speeches and attending social events and that she vigorously denied knowing about or facilitating Epsteins crimes.

Demonstrators hold signs protesting Jeffrey Epstein, as the money man awaited arraignment in the Southern District of New York on charges of sex trafficking of minors and conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of minors in July 2019. REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton

Throughout the litigation, the USVI uncovered evidence that JPMorgan compliance officials repeatedly raised red flags about Epsteins suspicious cash withdrawals and media reports of his abuse of underage girls. At the same time, the bank was opening accounts for two teenagers and facilitating thousands in payments to women in his circle and others in Eastern Europe.

Internal emails also questioned who Epsteins clients were, a second amended complaint alleges. Indeed, Epsteins behavior was so widely known at JPMorgan that senior executives joked about Epsteins interest in young girls. (Mary Erdoes, CEO of the banks Asset & Wealth Management division, received an email asking if Epstein was at an event with a girl referred to as Miley Cyrus. Cyrus, it should be noted, was 15 at the time.)

Such concerns were apparently cast aside as Epstein was considered a top revenue producer for JPMorgans private bank, referring wealthy clients including billionaire Leon Black and Google co-founder Sergey Brin. According to a legal memorandum filed by the USVI on Monday, bank executives including Erdoes and Jes Staley used Epstein as a personal resource for high-powered connections and advice.

Meanwhile, Maria Farmer and Sarah Ransome, two victims of Epstein, held a virtual press conference of their own on Thursday as they prepare a $600 million class-action lawsuit against the FBI for failing to investigate him as early as 1996.

We need to get the FBI. We need to hold them accountable. Please, help us, said Farmer, who contacted the feds about Epstein and his accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell after they allegedly assaulted her at billionaire Les Wexners Ohio mansion.

Ransome, who was trafficked by Epstein in 2006 and 2007, said victims still dont have answers on why Epstein got a free pass from the feds with a lenient plea deal in 2008.

Why has there only been one arrest in a sex-trafficking ring that lasted three decades? Ransome said. Two hundred victims have come forward. (In July 2019, Epstein was arrested for trafficking minors but died in jail a month later. Maxwell was convicted for child sex-trafficking in December 2021. She is serving 20 years behind bars.)

Ransome later pointed out that the FBI has offices in the U.S. Virgin Islands. How on earth were all these girls trafficked? she asked, adding that she was constantly sent to Epsteins private Pedophile Island, as its been called in the press.

All of us want an investigation into why the FBI failed us.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now.

Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 28)  The New Bilibid Prison (NBP) will no longer accept new inmates or persons deprived of liberty (PDLs), the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced on Friday, in a bid to decongest the national penitentiary in Muntinlupa City.

"We are putting a moratorium on the entry of new prisoners to the New Bilibid compound and we will just bring them to other jails available to other prisons available," Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said in a press briefing.

"We will stop increasing the population in the NBP. Mababawasan 'yan, pero hindi na yan madagdagan (The population will go down but will no longer go up)," he added.

Remulla also said the moratorium on new inmates will also help lessen prison fights.

"Ang point of view namin dito ay simple lang: wag mo na i-inculturate sa isang masamang kultura yung taong pwede mong iiwas mo na," he explained.

[Translation: Our point of view here is simple: you can prevent someone from being exposed to an already toxic culture.]

The Bureau of Corrections on Thursday lifted the red alert inside Bilibid. It was raised following separate commotions that left one inmate killed and several injured.

The DOJ said it is coordinating with the Department of the Interior and Local Government for the use of local jail facilities.

"Hopefully, matulungan kami ng mga local government officials with local government units with provincial jails," Remulla said. "Para yung mga sentensyado ng less than six years ay pwede nila i-accommodate."

[Translation: Hopefully, local government officials of local government units with provincial jails can help us. So they can accommodate those who are sentenced for less than six years.]

Decongesting the NBP is in preparation for the planned closure in 2028 or the end of the Marcos administration. The government plans to convert the 357-hectare property into a commercial hub.
The man arrested in relation to the murder of a New Jersey councilwoman has been extradited to face charges.

Rashid Ali Bynum, 28, of Portsmouth, Virginia, is charged with the killing of Sayreville Borough Councilwoman Eunice Dwumfour.

Bynum has been extradited to New Jersey, Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Sayreville Police Department Chief Daniel Plumacker announced Friday.

EUNICE DWUMFOUR MURDER: NEW JERSEY POLICE ARREST MAN MONTHS AFTER SLAYING OF REPUBLICAN COUNCILWOMAN

Dwumfour, a Republican, was 30 years old and described by Mayor Victoria Kilpatrick as a "dedicated member of our Borough Council who was truly committed to serve all of our residents."

Police officers found her riddled with gunshot wounds in her white Nissan SUV around 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 1.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Witnesses reported seeing a man firing into her window before running off.

NJ COUNCILWOMAN SHOOTING 911 CALLS REVEAL EYEWITNESS ACCOUNT OF MALE SUSPECT WEARING BLACK, FLEEING ON FOOT

Rashid Ali Bynum has been arrested in connection with the February shooting of New Jersey Republican Councilwoman Eunice Dwumfour in Sayreville, New Jersey. His number was in her phone in affiliation with her former church, according to prosecutors.

Bynum was arrested in Virginia on May 30 in connection to the murder and taken into custody without incident.

He has been charged with first-degree murder, second-degree unlawful possession of a handgun and second-degree possession of a handgun for an unlawful purpose.

Bynum is currently being held in the Middlesex County Adult Correctional Facility.

Sayreville Councilwoman Eunice Dwumfour, 30, was shot and killed on Feb. 1, 2023.

Dwumfour was elected to the Borough Council in 2021, and her term was set to run from January 2022 through December 2024.

She received a B.A. in Women & Gender Studies from William Paterson University, located in Wayne, New Jersey.

Fox News Digital's Michael Ruiz and Ashley Papa contributed to this report.
Vladimir Putin speaks during a plenary meeting at the second Russia-Africa summit in Saint Petersburg - MIKHAIL TERESHCHENKO/AFP

Vladimir Putin quoted Nelson Mandela as he courted African nations in a bid to shore up support for Russias war in Ukraine.

Putins remarks came on the second day of a summit in St Petersburg with African leaders and officials.

Sovereignty is not something you gain once and for all; you have to constantly fight for it, the Russian president told the roundtable.

Putin then evoked Mandelas famous quote that the greatest glory in living is not in falling, but in rising every time we fall.

Its the same thing with sovereignty of a state. We have to fight for it, not give up, not bend under external pressure, he said.

Vladimir Putin with other leaders attending the Russia-Africa summit in Saint Petersburg - TASS/REUTERS

The Russian leader, who on Thursday pledged free grain supplies to six of the countries attending the summit, has repeatedly sought to exploit anti-colonial sentiment on the continent as Moscows relations with the West have plummeted over the invasion of Ukraine.

In his address on Friday, Putin namechecked an array of historic African anti-colonial heroes, from Gamal Abdel Nasser, the Egyptian president, to Patrice Lumumba, Congos assassinated independence leader.

The charm offensive came after several African leaders pulled out of the St Petersburg summit at the last minute.

In total, just 17 heads of state attended, fewer than half the 43 who participated in a similar conference in Sochi in 2019.

The Kremlin has accused the United States and its Western allies of trying to derail the summit by putting unprecedented pressure on African countries not to attend.

Vladimir Putin told African leaders that he respected their peace plan for Ukraine and was studying the proposals - TASS/REUTERS

Several African leaders last month shuffled between Moscow and Kyiv with a peace plan to end the war in Ukraine.

Moscow rebutted the plans key terms, including a Russian withdrawal from occupied territories in Ukraine.

But in an apparent gesture of reconciliation, Putin told African leaders on Friday that he respected the proposals and was studying them.

Putin also advocated for expanding the presence of African nations in the United Nations to reflect their growing contribution to world affairs.

Story continues

I think its time to rectify the historic wrong against the African continent, he said, speaking about a proposal to reform the UN Security Council.

Just 17 heads of state attended the Russia-Africa summit, fewer than half the 43 who participated in a similar conference in Sochi in 2019 - TASS/REUTERS

On the sidelines of the summit on Thursday, several African dignitaries were seen meeting Yevgeny Prigozhin, the notorious chief of the Wagner mercenary group, whose fighters have withdrawn from Ukraine but remain active in parts of Africa.

Among those to greet Prigozhin was a senior official from the Central African Republic (CAR).

On Friday, Faustin-Archange Touadera, the countrys president, thanked Putin for helping to save his countrys democracy and avoid a civil war.

Wagner mercenaries were first deployed in the CAR in 2018 and have since been implicated in numerous alleged rights abuses there.

Earlier this month, reports emerged that dozens more of the groups fighters had arrived in the country ahead of a constitutional referendum on Sunday that could remove a two-term presidential limit and enable Touadera to remain in office past 2025.

Putin on Friday made no mention either of Russias military presence in Africa or of Wagners role in affairs on the continent.

The future of the Wagner group remains uncertain after it launched a short-lived rebellion against Russias military top brass last month.

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.
Voters in four battleground states said they trust Republicans to do a better job than Democrats in education, according to a new poll released by Democrats for Education Reform (DFER).

The poll focused on four battleground states  Arizona, Georgia, Nevada and North Carolina  asking voters who they trust to ensure public schools are preparing students for success after high school by ensuring they are teaching students to read and do math well.

In Arizona, 34 percent went with Republicans on the issue, while 32 percent went for Democrats. Nevada was 35 percent Republican to 33 percent Democrat.

In Georgia, there was a tie at 35 percent for both parties, while North Carolina saw the biggest gap with 40 percent trusting Republicans and 32 percent trusting Democrats.

Overall, the states combined show 36 percent trust Republicans and 33 percent trust Democrats with education.

The crisis in education has mounted into one voters simply cannot ignore, said DFER CEO Jorge Elorza. Voters  especially parents  want to see more choices for their children. Republicans are capitalizing on this. Embracing public school choice isnt just the right thing today, but it will help Democrats reconnect with frustrated voters and families who know that more of the same wont fix our public education system.

When it came to where there needs to be an improvement in education, the states combined showed the top issue was more access to after-school and summer programs at 44 percent.

The poll also found Republican school choice programs were not as popular as expansions to public school options such as charter schools. Expanding public school options has 68 percent support overall, while Republican school choice policies only had 32 percent support.

The poll is another troubling sign for Democrats who historically had a stronghold on the issue of education among voters.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Democrats have gone on defense, while Republicans have stepped up their focus on education, specifically focusing on parental rights.

Story continues

However, in other areas such as women having access to health care, dealing with climate change and reducing gun violence, the battleground states said they trusted Democrats more than Republicans.

The poll was conducted by Emerson College Polling in the four states from July 17-19. They surveyed 1,200 individuals with a margin of error of 3 percentage points.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
WASHINGTON  A defiant Donald Trump and his Republican campaign challengers are starting a new phase of the 2024 presidential race in the shadow of a familiar issue: Trump indictments.

A grand jury indicted Trump for a third time this year on Tuesday, accusing him of organizing a conspiracy to steal the 2020 election from President Joe Biden. That comes after Trump was charged with mishandling classified documents and falsifying business records.

Trump has long denied wrongdoing in the cases, alleging the prosecution is politically motivated while continuing to campaign for president in 2024.

"If I weren't running, I would have nobody coming after me," Trump said Friday night during a short, policy-heavy speech at a Lincoln Dinner in Iowa.

Trump and more than 10 rivals spoke in Iowa a day after his attorneys met with prosecutors about the investigation into 2020 election fraud - and also a day after another grand jury leveled more charges in the obstruction of justice case concerning classified documents.

Ron DeSantis and most of the other GOP candidates did not mention Trump's legal troubles at the Iowa event, although a pair of longshot candidates told Republicans that nominating Trump again would damage the party.

"Donald Trump is running to stay out of prison," said former U.S. Rep. Will Hurd, R-Tex., drawing boos from the Iowa GOP crowd in Des Moines. Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson was met with silence when he said that Iowa will be voting "while multiple criminal cases are pending against former President Trump" and "we need a new direction for America and for the GOP."

The Republican nomination contest begins with the Iowa caucuses on Jan. 15.

'Plot against us'

Trump, who said early Friday he is willing to campaign from prison if necessary, is expected to ratchet up his attacks on prosecutors.

In a plea to donors on Friday, Trump warned of a "time table set for plot against us," setting the stage for how he will talk about his legal challenges in campaign appearances moving forward.

Story continues

"As of the moment Im writing you this email, I am waiting to hear if I will be INDICTED and ARRESTED for a crime I did not commit!" he said in the campaign fundraising email.

He also decried recent calls from Sen. Mitt Romney and other Republican senators, who he described as Republicans in Name Only, to coalesce donor money around one Trump challenger and avoid giving him the benefit of a crowded field.

"They have exposed themselves to be VULTURES circling the skies, waiting and hoping to use our injustice and misfortune for their own personal gain," Trump said in the email.

Donald Trump in Iowa on July 18

'Voters have to make this decision'

DeSantis and most other Republican candidates have long said relatively little about Trump's legal problems. They have responded only when asked in interviews, even as the allegations mount against the former president.

"I think voters have to make this decision on that," DeSantis told CBS News this week.

In another interview, DeSantis suggested he might support a pardon of Trump if he is convicted of anything. "I don't think it would be good for the country to have an almost 80-year-old former president go to prison," DeSantis told "The Megyn Kelly Show" on SiriusXM.

Trump's trial schedule

Trump and his challengers will have many opportunities to comment on his legal travails.

The former president's legal agenda has many items:

New York Attorney General Letitia James has a $250 million civil trial scheduled to start Oct. 2 against Trumps namesake company on allegations of fraud for lying for a decade about the value of properties.

E. Jean Carroll won a $5 million defamation case against Trump, which he is appealing. She has another trial scheduled to begin in New York on Jan. 15  the day of Iowa Republican presidential caucuses.

New York District Attorney Alvin Bragg has a criminal trial scheduled to start March 25 on 34 charges of falsifying business records to pay hush money before the 2016 election to a woman who claimed to have had sex with him.

Smith has a federal trial tentatively scheduled to start May 20 in Florida on charges related to classified documents found at his Mar-a-Lago estate a year and a half after leaving the White House. Trump faces 40 charges including conspiracy to obstruct justice, retaining national defense records and concealing the records from authorities.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump warns of 'plot against us' as indictments reshape 2024 GOP race
Yevgeny Prigozhin was spotted in St. Petersburg on Thursday at a summit between African and Russian leaders, the first time the head of the Wagner Group mercenaries has been seen in Russia since leading a short-lived mutiny last month.

An image of Prigozhin shaking hands with a senior advisor to Central African Republic President Faustin-Archange Touadera was first posted to Facebook by a top Wagner operative.

The Wagner Group is active in the CAR, and local outlets reported hundreds of Wagner troops recently entered the country amid a political debate over whether Touadera can run for another term in office.

Prigozhin has not been seen publicly in Russia since he left the country after a rebellion in late June. Wagner troops turned away from the frontlines in Ukraine and marched north toward Moscow, pledging to take down Russian military leadership.

Prigozhin later struck a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin to stop the march in exchange for having charges against him dropped. Some Wagner forces have relocated to Belarus, though Moscow has also invited them to join the military.

The Wagner leaders presence at the Russia-Africa summit highlights Wagners ongoing influence on the continent. The group has been present in Africa and the Middle East for the better part of a decade, but the status of its troops is unknown amid the post-mutiny disarray.

A Wagner chat on Telegram took some credit for a coup in Niger earlier this week, though that claim has not been confirmed by independent news outlets. The State Department said Thursday that there is no evidence that Wagner was involved in the coup.

Yevgeny Prigozhin continues to strengthen the position and influence of Russia and Wagner in Africa, the Telegram post reads. The coup in Niger is proof of this. Pro-French President Mohamed Bazum was overthrown.

Prigozhin has also made statements in favor of the coup.

Earlier this week, the U.K. Parliament released a report criticizing the U.K.s handling of Wagner, saying it waited too long to push back against its influence, especially in Africa.

Story continues

The St. Petersburg summit, hosted by Putin, is intended to bolster Russias influence on the continent. A total of 17 heads of state and representatives from 32 other African nations are in attendance, the Russian foreign minister said.

Today, Africa is asserting itself more and more confidently as one of the poles of the emerging multipolar world, Putin said in a statement this week. The forum will provide a further boost to our political and humanitarian partnership for many years to come.

Many African countries have either voted with Russia in United Nations votes on the Ukraine war, or abstained from voting.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
(Reuters) - Russia's Wagner mercenary group is ready to increase its presence in Africa, its leader Yevgeny Prigozhin told an African news outlet in an audio interview published online earlier this week.

"We aren't reducing (our presence), moreover we're ready to increase our various contingents," Prigozhin told Cameroon-based Afrique Media. The telephone interview was posted on YouTube but had been viewed only 1,400 times as of late Friday.

Reuters could not immediately verify the veracity of the audio, but a voice that appeared to be Prigozhin's could be heard under a French translation.

In the interview, he said Wagner was fulfilling all its obligations on the continent, and was ready to further develop relations with African countries.

Fighting on Russia's side, Wagner has taken part in some of the bloodiest battles of the Ukraine war. But its future role was called into question when Prigozhin staged a brief mutiny last month and the Kremlin said he would leave Russia for Belarus, where some of his fighters have started training Belarusian forces.

However, he was photographed in St Petersburg this week during a Russia-Africa summit, including alongside a journalist from Afrique Media.

Prigozhin confirmed to Afrique Media that a new rotation of Wagner forces had recently arrived in the Central African Republic ahead of a constitutional referendum on July 30 that could see President Faustin-Archange Touadera extend his term.

"New forces have arrived, we control the territory of the republic," he said, without stating the size of the force.

Russian mercenaries, including many from Wagner, intervened in 2018 on the side of the CAR government to quell a civil war that has raged since 2012.

Wagner's role in CAR, Mali and elsewhere in Africa is a source of concern for Western governments, including France and the United States. Washington has accused the group of committing widespread atrocities and imposed sanctions on it as a criminal organisation.

Prigozhin denies that, saying in the interview that all Wagner's activity was lawful and of benefit to the countries where it operates and to their relations with Russia.

(Reporting by Mark Trevelyan, Editing by Rosalba O'Brien)
The Dallas Police Department released body-camera footage in a news conference Friday of a man who was shot by police near Dallas Love Field Airport after he fired at officers in a chase earlier this week.

The 41-year-old man, Ryan Taylor, was arrested after Covert and Crime Response Team officers surveilled him in a stolen U-Haul truck at around 11 a.m. Tuesday in the 9600 block of El Centro Drive, police said in a news release.

Covert officers called in patrol officers to conduct a felony stop of the truck after Taylor was seen getting into the truck and driving away, police said.

While stopped at the intersection of Dunhaven and Lenel Place, Taylor intentionally backed into an undercover police vehicle after he noticed surveillance was being conducted, Police Chief Eddie Garcia said at a Tuesday afternoon news conference.

Officers tried to stop Taylor, but he sped away on side streets in a neighborhood and hit several vehicles, police said in the release.

According to dashboard-camera surveillance video, a chase ensued when Taylor exited the neighborhood and got onto the Dallas North Tollway. He intentionally hit several more cars on the toll road to stall police, Garcia said in the Friday conference.

A total of 13 drivers were hit by the U-Haul truck, but none were seriously injured, according to Garcia.

The chase went on for about four minutes before Taylor exited the toll road, according to the dashcam video. He hit more vehicles in the northbound lanes in the 7200 block of Lemmon Avenue, where he crossed the center median, and crashed into a tree, according to the release.

Taylor was seen in the video getting out of the truck after crashing it and running toward a private hangar building at the airport.

Officer Kennan Craven and other officers chased after him. In Cravens body-camera footage, he is heard telling Taylor, police, stop. Taylor then fired a handgun at least twice at Craven from the opening of the building, according to the release.

Story continues

Craven returned fire, hitting Taylor in the leg, the release said. After firing at Taylor, Craven is heard in the video yelling at him to drop the gun and to show him his hands.

The video shows Craven and other officers taking Taylor into custody inside the building, where they provided aid. Dallas Fire Rescue also responded at the scene and took Taylor to a local hospital for treatment.

Taylors handgun was recovered from the scene, and was also reported stolen, according to the release.

He is still hospitalized, said Garcia at the Friday conference, and faces charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, aggravated assault on a public servant, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, and evading arrest in a vehicle.

Taylor had several warrants for his arrest and has a criminal history of theft of property, evading arrest, fraud, burglary of habitation, unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of a controlled substance, terroristic threat, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, and possession of dangerous drugs, Garcia said.

No other officers fired their weapons during the shooting and no officers were injured, according to the release.

The is the Dallas Police Departments fifth officer-involved shooting of 2023, according to Garcia.

This shooting is being investigated by the Dallas Police Special Investigations Unit. The Dallas County District Attorneys Office was notified, responded to the scene, and will conduct its own investigation. The Office of Community Police Oversight was also notified and responded to the scene.
a black and white spacex falcon 9 rocket launches at night

SpaceX launched 22 of its Starlink internet satellites toward orbit early Friday (July 28) and landed the returning rocket at sea.

A Falcon 9 rocket topped with the Starlink spacecraft lifted off from Florida's Cape Canaveral Space Force Station at 12:01 a.m. EDT (0401 GMT).

The Falcon 9's first stage came back for a landing about 8.5 minutes after liftoff as planned, touching down on the SpaceX droneship A Shortfall of Gravitas. It was the 15th launch and landing for this particular booster, according to a SpaceX mission description.

Related: Starlink satellite train: How to see and track it in the night sky

a spacex falcon 9 rocket rests on a ship after landing at sea at night.

That's just one short of SpaceX's reuse record, which is currently held by two different Falcon 9 first stages.

The Falcon 9's upper stage, meanwhile, continued hauling the 22 Starlink satellites to low Earth orbit. It will deploy them there about 65 minutes after liftoff.

SLD 45 has the opportunity to make history tonight, as we support two launches between 02:04 UTC and 04:44 UTC. This could represent the shortest time between launches from the ER on record. The previous was 1 hour 37 minutes on Sept. 12, 1966 when Gemini 11 & Titan-11 launched. pic.twitter.com/4GyOULazSJJuly 27, 2023

See more

RELATED STORIES:

 SpaceX rocket launches on record-setting 15th mission, lands on ship at sea (video)

 8 ways that SpaceX has transformed spaceflight

 SpaceX Starlink satellites had to make 25,000 collision-avoidance maneuvers in just 6 months  and it will only get worse

Friday's Starlink launch was supposed to be part of a record-breaking doubleheader: SpaceX had been planning to launch its Falcon Heavy rocket from NASA's Kennedy Space Center, which is next door to Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, on Thursday (July 27) at 11:04 p.m. EDT (0304 GMT on July 28).

The Starlink launch was originally scheduled to occur Thursday at 10:20 p.m. EDT (0220 GMT on Friday), but SpaceX pushed the attempt back a bit, presumably to wait out the weather.

If the Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rockets had both gone up on time Thursday, the 44-minute gap would have been the shortest ever between two launches from the U.S. East Coast. The current mark is 97 minutes, set way back in 1966.

But SpaceX called off Thursday's planned Heavy liftoff, citing the need to "complete vehicle checkouts." The company is now planning to launch the Falcon Heavy mission on Friday night.
Tegan and Sara Quin

San Diego Comic-Con is known internationally as the epicenter of whats hot in fandom, including upcoming blockbuster films, the latest genre TV series, and, of course, comics. Its not where youd normally expect to catch the Quin sisters, Canadian indie legends Tegan and Sara, sharing their latest project with a completely packed room of their fans.

That project, Junior High, is a new graphic novel written by the twins and drawn by the singularly talented Tillie Walden. Spoiler alert: Its great. And in this video, Tegan and Sara join PRIDE editor-in-chief Rachel Shatto to cover how it came to be, what the process was like, why training bra shopping is the worst, the audiobook version of Junior High, and more.

Check it out below and get ready to be charmed out of your socks by the Quins.

PRIDE Moderates The Tegan & Sara Talk Junior High Panel At San 

PRIDE Moderates The Tegan & Sara Talk Junior High Panel At San 
July 28 (UPI) -- A family fishing off the coast of Massachusetts captured video of the rare moment three humpback whales jumped out of the water in unison.

Robert Addie said he was fishing with his daughters and son-in-law near Provincetown when he started recording video of some nearby whales.

Addie's footage captured the moment three of the whales breached at the same time, followed by a nearby juvenile a few moments later.

"I've been on the water a long time. I've worked sword and tuna out of Gloucester. I worked fishing in Alaska as a young man and I've seen a lot of whales," Addie told WFXT-TV. "I'll tell you, I've never seen a triple in sync like that."

Philip Hamilton, senior scientist at the New England Aquarium, said whales have been known to breach in unison, but three at the same time is a "bit rarer" to see.

"God was shining down on my family," Addie told The Washington Post. "It was just a fantastic day on the water."
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 28)  European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is set to fly to the Philippines next week, marking a first official visit of a top official from the commission in nearly six decades, the Palace said.

In a statement on Thursday, the Presidential Communications Office said von der Leyen is scheduled to visit the country from July 30 to August 1.

Malacanang said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is pleased to welcome von der Leyens official visit.

This will be the first visit of a European Commission President in the nearly 60 years of diplomatic ties between the Philippines and the EU, it said.

This came after Marcos invited the official during their meeting in Brussels during the ASEAN-EU Commemorative Summit in December last year.

The Palace also expressed optimism that the official visit would lead to even closer Philippine-EU ties, especially as they boost cooperation in economy, development, maritime, climate and environment, and digital connectivity, to name a few.

Von der Leyen is also expected to meet other government officials, as well as business and civic groups.

In a separate statement, the EU said von der Leyen will have discussions with Marcos on trade, investment, and Global Gateway cooperation, with the latter described as a strategy seeking to address partner countries infrastructure needs while addressing the most pressing global challenges.
Used historical, autobiographical and revolutionary books for sale at the Plaza de Armas market David Silverman/Getty Images

This week's question: A Scottish university is warning students that Ernest Hemingway's "The Old Man and the Sea" contains "graphic fishing scenes." Name another potentially upsetting work of literature and, in five or fewer words, a fitting trigger warning.

Click here to see the results of last week's contest: Meeting creep

How to enter: Submissions should be emailed to contest@theweek.com. Please include your name, address, and daytime telephone number for verification; this week, please type "Literary warnings" in the subject line. Entries are due by noon, Eastern Time, Tuesday, Aug. 1. Winners will appear on the Puzzle Page of the Aug. 11 issue and at theweek.com/puzzles on Aug. 4. In the case of identical or similar entries, the first one received gets credit. All entries become property of The Week.

The winner gets a one-year subscription to The Week.

You may also like

Homepage
Seven weeks after a dam collapsed in a Russian-controlled area of Kherson province in southern Ukraine, thousands of Ukrainians are still struggling to access clean water and aid workers say the situation is dire.

Ukrainian health officials have detected cholera-like vibrio bacteria in the cities of Mykolaiv and in Odesa, key Black Sea port towns near the dam that ship grain and are in the midst of repeated Russian bombings in the nearly 18-month-old war. Russia is targeting key grain infrastructure as part of its declared "retribution" for the attack on a critical 12-mile bridge that connects the occupied Crimean Peninsula with southern Russia.

"This is just another compounding problem they're dealing with. We are trying to ramp up our resources as fast as we can," said Jaime Wah, a Red Cross health coordinator on the front lines in southern Ukraine, about the water crisis and subsequent fallout. Red Cross workers have distributed more than 26,000 liters of bottled water in the area since the dam collapsed.

Ukraine and Russia initially blamed each other for blowing up the dam in early June. The Washington, D.C.-based think tank Institute for the Study of War determined that Russia was probably behind the blast that reportedly killed more than 50 people.

Experts, including Dr. Jarno Habicht, the World Health Organization's Ukrainian representative, believe the environmental impact of the dam collapse could last for generations.

"The situation is devastating, especially in those settlements which have flooded, and that is why the humanitarian convoys are delivering as much (water and food) as possible," Habicht said. "This is really the new crisis within the overall emergency and war in Ukraine since the invasion."

Red Cross Ukraine Flooding 1 A team of International Red Cross workers in southern Ukraine rescue an elderly couple from rising floodwaters after the Kakhovka Dam collapsed following an explosion on June 6.

'An ecological and political disaster'

The dam breach affected dozens of towns along the lower Dnieper River in the Kherson, Mykolaiv and Dnipropetrovsk regions. The flooding forced massive evacuations. Humanitarian aid was initially delivered by foot, then by boat in cities including Kherson and Afanasiivka. Agricultural crops were ruined; dead fish were floating in reservoirs.

Story continues

Wah said the International Red Cross rescued about 2,000 residents in the area, mostly at-risk elderly and those lacking mobility, whose homes were ravaged by the floodwaters. Many remain in temporary shelters, including schools, colleges and community centers. A huge cleanup is occurring, including pumping out water from ravaged homes, removing tons of debris and collecting whatever residents' personal belongings are salvageable, Red Cross officials said.

"The attack is a massive disaster, a human disaster, an ecological and political disaster," said Peter Gleick, a senior fellow at the Pacific Institute in Oakland, California, who examines how war has impacted water throughout Ukraine.

About 17 different Red Cross teams from across Europe are helping areas affected by the dam's collapse. While resident evacuations are now sporadic, through global donations the teams are distributing food and clothing and supplying drinking water through plastic bottles and water purification units, Wah said.

Other international aid groups, including CARE and USAID, are also providing humanitarian assistance.

"No one entity can do this alone," Wah said. "There's a lot of good intentions and a lot of streamlining. We are all working together."

While all of the aid workers are providing selfless care, they must also be mindful of their physical and mental health, said Dr. Maya Bizri, a disaster psychiatrist who has been on the frontlines in Ukraine training healthcare workers who serve side-by-side with their humanitarian counterparts.

"When everyone is helping out, there's this sensation of cohesion and you put your own feelings aside for the greater good," Bizri said. "But during this highly stressful time, the workers also have to take care of their own well-being in this ongoing war that seems to have no end in sight."

Concerns raised over water-borne outbreaks

WHO officials are raising concerns about hazardous chemicals in the water and potential water-borne outbreaks including cholera, typhoid fever and possibly rodent-borne diseases. Ukrainian health officials say there's been a "significant increase" in pathogens, including E. coli, salmonella, norovirus and rotavirus in the areas affected by the dam's collapse. The "unacceptably poor water quality" prompted health officials to prohibit swimming, fishing and sea market operations in the area.

"Add in stagnant water mixed with sewage and warm water due to the hot temperatures, and it, unfortunately, becomes the perfect breeding ground," said Edgar Zuniga, a Ukrainian delegate for the American Red Cross based in Budapest, Hungary.

Besides disease, the lack of water will affect acres of farmland used to grow grains and vegetables, which not only affects Ukraine but "the agricultural and food production that the rest of the world depends on," Gleick said.

Scrambling for permanent water supply solutions in southern Ukraine

Meanwhile, the Red Cross keeps supplying tons of bottled water to dam-affected residents, Zuniga said. There are plans to bring in water distribution trucks with fresh water for household use in Khershon and Mykolaiv until local water systems can be restored. Restoration could take several months, maybe longer, Wah said.

The distribution trucks have taps, allowing residents to store the water in containers. The trucks will continuously arrive from water treatment plants in other Ukrainian regions, Wah said. As a precaution, area Red Cross emergency response workers will be trained in not only distribution but conducting tests to make sure the water meets their internal standards.

"Bottled water is a short-term solution to the bigger problem," Wah said. "The dam will probably never be the same, so, hopefully, these distribution trucks help until a longer-term solution is set up."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ukraine dam collapse: 'Massive disaster' remains weeks after explosion
The political silly season started early this year.

Warning: Dont open your mailbox from now through March 5 and Super Tuesday.

Otherwise, you risk getting sucked in by one of the big, slick mailers full of lies from somebody with millions to spend. Maybe billions.

Seven months before voting begins in the 2024 party primaries, the state Republican Party is already dizzy in a haze thicker than a West Texas dust storm.

The party is swept up in disputes over whether to keep or remove finagling Attorney General Ken Paxton, over whether Gov. Greg Abbott is tough enough on border crossers, and over whether to put money into public schools or pry Texas children out.

The first mailbox mud of the 2024 campaign arrived last week. An unsigned Dallas mailer to Republican voters across much of the state showed a childs photo and warned OUR SCHOOLS ARE UNDER ATTACK.

A scare mailer July 25, 2023 from a mysterious, anonymous Dallas sender claims voters should call Republican State Board of Education members because he or she votes with the Democratic minority. Bud Kennedy/bud@star-telegram.com

Republican school board members should stop voting with Democrats and the left, it said, because Democrats differ on gender issues and are ashamed of America.

Never mind that most school board votes are unanimous.

So unless theres a controversy, the Republican majority and Democratic minority inevitably vote together.

For that matter, when Democrats vote with Republicans, that is not bad news for Republicans.

The mailer is both poisonous and poisonous. Its signed only by the phantom Texans for Conservative School Values, who appear to be Mysterious Texas Millionaires With Beaucoup Bucks.

In Fort Worth and points west, the mailers raised doubts about Texas State Board of Education member Pat Hardy, a 20-year incumbent facing re-election in 2024 who often bridges the conservative and even-more-conservative Republicans on the board.

Five other Republican board members across Texas were targeted by the same expensive, unsigned ads.

We are totally baffled that we were selected and wrongly criticized, Hardy said Friday. When you start with a lie  saying its from an organization that doesnt exist  what kind of truth are you going to get? The most surprising thing is that anybody would read a pamphlet in the mail and believe it.

Story continues

Amen to that.

Frisco Republican Evelyn Brooks was also singled out. She represents outlying counties around Fort Worth from Wichita Falls to Waco.

There is a total lack of transparency, she said. I cant find anyone who owns up to sending this. Theres no email. Theres no website. Theres no contact info. And they make these huge accusations.

The mailers message is absurd.

It warns that the left promotes gender issues and is ashamed of America, then complains that Republicans vote with Democrats 96% of the time.

In other words, the board votes together on noncontroversial votes.

My core values do not change, Brooks said. I support faith, family and this nation.

Shes not even up for re-election until 2026.

Yep. Got notice about that one too pic.twitter.com/Djrrqk0dYh  Kathy Ponce (@Kathy4Texas) July 27, 2023

Brooks said voters questions for school boards should begin with: How do we raise these test scores? How do we do a better job of teaching reading and math?

On Facebook, Dallas Democrat Aicha Davis called the Republican mailer an absolute joke.

For example, Hardy pushed hard to eliminate critical race theory from Texas schools, Davis wrote, and definitely doesnt deserve this from fellow conservatives.

Its all only the beginning of a seven-month-long bucking-bronc ride toward the 2024 primary.

This is about as tumultuous a period in Texas political history as weve seen, University of Houston professor Brandon Rottinghaus wrote by email.

With former President Donald Trump renewing his now-11-year-long MAGA campaign, Rottinghaus compared current party infighting to when Democrats split over the 1972 Sharpstown banking scandal and the when the anti-establishment tea party movement rose in 2009.

Texas has certainly been here before, he wrote. But this time, its different. Its like one-party rule on Red Bull.

The mail definitely is all bull.
CALDWELL  The Wall That Heals is a traveling replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and has traveled across the country. This October, it will be found at 215 West St. in Caldwell.

The three-quarter scale replica will be open to the public 24 hours a day starting on Thursday, Oct. 19, until the following Sunday after the closing ceremony at 2 p.m. The names of six service members from Noble County can be found on the wall with 3,000 listed from the state of Ohio.

A visitor to The Wall That Heals makes a rubbing of a name from the replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in this undated photo.

There will be group tours, a memorial ceremony at 10 a.m. Oct. 21, and the Mobile Education Center that comes with four additional displays. One of those displays will include Hometown Heroes, where photos can be found of the local service members whose names are on the wall.

I will be in attendance every day during the event, Village Administrator and site coordinator for the event Darrell Crum said. Scheduled ceremonies include daily respect to the American flag and taps, on Saturday at 10 a.m. we will feature Major General Edward J. Mechenbier, a United States Air Force Pilot who was shot down and spent nearly six years as a prisoner of war.

One hundred and fifty of the 188 volunteer slots have been filled for the event that will be trained to assist visitors with finding names, answering questions, and directing parking.

Having served in the United States Air Force for 22 years, I am extremely proud and honored to give tribute to my mentors when I enlisted in the early 1980s, Crum said. It will be a very emotional and moving event.

The event is co-hosted by Noble County Veterans Services, thanks to the efforts of Veteran Service Officer and Marine veteran Joe Williams.

We applied in the previous consecutive years and were denied, but we were persistent that we wanted to host. We have worked towards this for three years, Williams said.

This year will be season 28 of touring for the wall with Caldwell being stop 28 out of 32. In 2021 the wall had been viewed by nearly 200,000 visitors throughout the 26 communities it had visited.

Story continues

I hope todays youth will take the opportunity to engage in this era of war history. When your small town is chosen to be one of only 32 destinations privileged to host the memorial, it means you deserve the opportunity to showcase your community and pay tribute to an era when the servicemen and women werent appreciated, Crum said.

A few years ago, Williams was visited by the parents of a fellow Marine that was deployed with Williams in Iraq and died. They told him something that summarizes how important events like this are and why.

They told me how devastating it was to lose him, but then they said something that really weighed on me, As a parent of someone who serves overseas, your greatest fear is that they will be killed. As the parent of someone who was killed overseas, your greatest fear is they will be forgotten, Williams recalled.

More information on The Wall That Heals can be found on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Funds website.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Jeffersonian: Replica of Vietnam Veterans Memorial coming to Caldwell in October
Ukrainian soldiers of the 4th Brigade operate a tank during military training in southern Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine, in July. Diego Herrera Carcedo/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

Ukraine is struggling to break through Russian minefields, a top Ukrainian general told the BBC.

This is despite having Western battle tanks and infantry fighting vehicles, he said.

Some troops are now using Soviet-era tanks to clear the minefields, the BBC reported.

Western tanks are proving ineffective against Russia's multi-layered minefields in the south of Ukraine, a top Ukrainian general told the BBC on Thursday.

Gen. Oleksandr Tarnavskyi said that Western battle tanks and infantry fighting vehicles gifted to Ukraine were not able to get through the rows of Russian mines on the front lines, slowing down their much-anticipated counteroffensive.

Some of the vehicles became badly damaged, he said, forcing Ukrainian units to leave them behind and advance slowly on foot, at risk of coming under artillery fire.

Russian troops have shown "professional qualities" by stopping Ukrainian forces from "advancing quickly," Tarnavskyi told the BBC, adding: "I don't underestimate the enemy."

Many Western-made vehicles  including several Leopard tanks and US Bradley fighting vehicles  had already been badly damaged, the BBC reported.

One engineer, who was trying to fix the vehicles, told the outlet that some of them were beyond repair and would have to be either taken apart for spare parts or "returned to our partners."

"The faster we can repair them, the faster we can get them back to the front line to save someone's life," the engineer, identified as Serhii, told the BBC.

Nearly a third of the Bradley armored vehicles sent to Ukraine were already put out of action, open-source data indicated.

Some Ukrainian troops were forced to resort to using Soviet-era tanks to help clear minefields, the BBC reported, though their specialist mine-clearing equipment is not always sufficient enough to detect explosives that are hidden deep in the ground.

Ukrainian officials requested more mine-clearance equipment to help improve their ground capabilities, Insider previously reported.

But Tarnavsky remained positive about the attack, telling the BBC: "Slow or not, the offensive is taking place and it will definitely reach its goal."

Read the original article on Business Insider
In 2008, first grade teacher Alvin Irby stopped by a Bronx barbershop after school for a haircut. Before long, one of his students came in.

He is getting antsy; hes kind of looking bored, Irby recalled. Im looking at this student (thinking), He should be practicing his reading. But I didnt have a book.

That moment stayed with Irby, and five years later he started Barbershop Books. Since 2013, the nonprofit has brought more than 50,000 free childrens books to more than 200 barbershops in predominantly Black neighborhoods across the country.

After the pandemic, math and reading scores in the US dropped to levels not seen for decades, yet literacy rates have long been lower for Black students. Only 17% of Black fourth graders are proficient in reading  and that number is likely even lower for the boys, who consistently score lower than girls in reading. The long-term implications of this can be serious.

Irby is working to change that, but not by helping children practice phonics or decode words. While he acknowledges those skills are essential, his approach is different: He wants to encourage boys to read for fun, on their own.

A child selects a book from a barbershop shelf as part of CNN Hero Alvin Irby's program. - Kathleen Toner/CNN

So many kids associate reading with something you do in or for school, he said. If the only place a kid practices piano is during a lesson, the progress will be slow.  Our program is about getting kids to say three words: Im a reader.

Boys, books, and barbershops

Irbys program may seem straightforward, but theres a lot of thought behind it. He puts a colorful, kid-sized bookshelf in each shop, making it inviting to children. The books displayed are all carefully chosen based on recommendations from Black boys ages 4 to 8, his target audience. Many of these stories feature people of color, but for Irby, the most important quality of a book is that it should be fun to read.

When we ask Black boys about what they want to read, you hear Captain Underpants or Diary of a Wimpy Kid, he said. Kids are more than their skin color.

Story continues

The setting for his work is both practical and meaningful. Not only do boys visit barbershops once or twice a month, but they are important hubs of the Black community.

We are putting books in a male-centered space, Irby said. Less than 2% of teachers are Black males and many Black boys are raised by single moms. Black boys dont see Black men reading.

So, Irby involves the barbers in his mission  training them to engage boys about reading.

We want them to encourage kids to use the reading spaces, he said. Then they can talk to them about how they like reading, how funny a book was, or tell them about another book another kid was reading.

Irby believes that talking about books with a Black man can be powerful for the boys he serves.

Our goal is not to turn barbers into tutors, he said. This is an opportunity to provide boys with male role models.

Ryan, who works at Levels Barbershop in New York, has been trained by Irby's program to engage with students. - Kathleen Toner/CNN

Denny Moe was the first barber to work with Irby. Moe had previously offered video games at his Harlem shop, to bring in extra income, but he was willing to forego that to help the community.

I decided to pay it forward by getting rid of the video games, putting books in here, just to get the kids minds going, he said. You want to make an impact.

In Philadelphia, barber Mike Monroe joined Irbys program a couple of years ago. He says hes happy to encourage children to browse through the bookshelf in his shop.

A lot of times we direct them to the books, he said. Its a beautiful feeling, just seeing that theyre putting electronic devices down and actually reading a book.

Larry Wilson, owner of Levels Barbershop in Harlem, gets a lot of personal satisfaction from seeing children reading.

The kids  they love it. Theyre reading with their parents, and thats great to see as well, he said. It just adds more substance to what I do, to my job.

Irbys group now also partners with libraries and school districts. His program is in nearly 60 cities in 24 states, impacting more than 10,000 children a year.

Reading unlocks potential

Growing up in Little Rock, Arkansas, Alvin Irbys mother taught elementary school and always emphasized the importance of reading to him. But it wasnt until he got to high school that he began to realize its value.

In my 10th grade English class, we were reading short stories and doing spelling tests and I was bored out of my mind, so I went to the counselor to ask if I could be in another class, he said. I got into pre-AP (advanced placement) and we were reading novels and doing book reports.

The class inspired him and challenged him in ways he found rewarding. But he was disturbed to see that the advanced class had mostly white students, while his other English class had been mostly students of color.

It was jarring for me, looking at this difference in the demographics of the students and looking at this difference in the rigor, Irby said. And at the center of all of this was the difference in reading expectations.

CNN Hero Alvin Irby, right, reads with a young boy during his haircut at Mike Murphy's barbershop in Philadelphia. - Kathleen Toner/CNN

For a school project, he surveyed his classmates about their reading habits and discovered that most of them didnt read at all if it wasnt required. The experience galvanized him to run for student council president, vowing to create a reading incentive program. He won and designed a competition encouraging students to write about books for a chance to win gift cards to a local bookstore. The experience left a lasting impact on him.

It showed me my ideas could do something, he said. I didnt think of myself as a literacy advocate at that time, but looking back, Ive been on this journey for a minute.

Irby attended college in Iowa and eventually moved to New York City, where he got a degree in education and became a teacher. Now, he draws on all this experience in his work.

New challenges spark new Ideas

During the coronavirus pandemic, Irbys organization went online. He created a free e-library on his website featuring videos of him reading picture books aloud as well as digital copies of books by authors of color.

He also created Reading So Lit, an online program designed to help Black and Brown children understand and express their reading preferences.

We ask them to think about their favorite reading spot, or their favorite genre of fiction and nonfiction, he said. We want to help them develop a reading identity.

Brothers Chase, left, and Chance, right, enjoy reading each time they visit their local barbershop. - Kathleen Toner/CNN

Hes now expanded this into a curriculum that will pilot in several schools this fall and hes working with developers to build an educational technology platform to expand it nationwide. He hopes this program will help teachers better understand how to engage their students.

But the heart of his program remains in barbershops and reaching boys like 8-year-old twin brothers Chance and Chase, who read every time they come to Wilsons shop.

These books, I would say, have power, Chance said. The power of funness.

Thats what keeps Irby motivated.

Im just excited that we get to create a safe space for boys to do something thats really life changing, he said. Thats what I really believe reading is. It unlocks potential.

Want to get involved? Check out the Barbershop Books website and see how to help.

To donate to Barbershop Books via GoFundMe, click here

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
A butcher shop, pizza place and dentist will open at The Overlook at Gold Hill.

MPV Properties announced new tenants for the site at 1024, 1038 and 1056 Gold Hill Road in Fort Mill. The first buildings should open early spring of next year.

New York Butcher Shoppe and Wine Bar, Donatos Pizza and a general dentistry office are the new additions. They join The Goddard School in the Overlook project.

One of the busier spots in Fort Mill may add restaurants, a bank, preschool and more

We are incredibly excited about this tenant line up and look forward to what each concept will bring to the Fort Mill community, said Robbie Adams of MPV Properties, in an announcement Friday.

A little more than 1,500 square feet of leaseable space remain in the first building at Overlook. A second building will add more than 14,000 square feet of additional space.

New York Butcher Shoppe will open its fourth location and second in South Carolina. It has an existing site in Indian Land. The butcher shop offers premium meats, wines and prepared foods. Charlotte franchise partners Antonio Tillery and Brian Miller said theyre thrilled to join the Fort Mill community and begin new relationships.

Cody Weaver, franchise partner with Donatos Pizza, expressed similar optimism.

I am beyond excited to bring my hometown premium pizza to the wonderful community of Fort Mill, Weaver said.

The Ohio company has 375 pizza restaurants in 22 states.
While the United States continues to view Latin America and Caribbean countries as simply the root of their immigration problem, the European Union (EU) is salivating to reactivate its relations in that region. The EU has the right focus.

Latin America and the Caribbean are far more than a migraine for the United States. Europe views the region as holding creative solutions to some of its economic and trade problems. Ironically, this ally follows China and Russia in that thinking.

Is the Biden administration concerned that it is losing political influence to those targeting a region it neglects? It doesnt seem so.

That is a bitter pill to swallow for those of us who live in South Florida and know that what happens in Cuba, Venezuela, Nicaragua and Haiti impacts our state tremendously.

In Brussels this month, the European Union and CELAC  the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States  held a significant lets work together summit. Just about every Latin American president attended, including the new breed of left-leaning democratically elected leaders, from Colombia, Brazil and other countries, who also share a lack of deference to the United States as a world leader.

U.S. foes invited

In fact, the two-day conference brazenly invited well-established U.S. enemies, including Cuba, Venezuela and Nicaragua, giving them undeserved legitimacy, unfortunately.

Cuba and Venezuela are on the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism. But, the EU reasons, Venezuela is rich in oil, and Cuba exports cigars and sugar.

The U.S. hardline stance and sanctions on those countries didnt matter at the EU-CELAC conference. In fact, at the summits conclusion, participants issued a statement denouncing the U.S. economic embargo on Cuba.

The EU and its guests from Latin America and the Caribbean sent a clear message that this is not about what the United States wants or approves of, or who has been accused of human-rights violations by the United Nations. Instead, its about who can benefit by exporting to Europe, stunned by how the war in Ukraine has disrupted its oil supply line.

Story continues

Instead of looking east for exports and economic growth, Europe, which has its own problems, is now looking west and then south to our closest neighbors, whom weve put on the back burner. As a testament, President Biden has not traveled to Latin America since he became president.

To their credit, Miami-Dade congressional members frequently try to alert the Biden administration to address issues related to Cuba or Venezuela. Silence is often the response.

In a recent Miami Herald op-ed, Florida Republican Sen. Marco Rubio asked the administration to tighten its policies against Nicolas Maduros regime in Venezuela. No word on whether Rubio, an expert in the region, was heard.

But now, with Europe, China and Russia as possible friends, Maduro need not fear U.S. sanctions. He has other customers waiting in the wings.

And the Biden administration seems as unconcerned about the new European interest in Latin America as it does about the advances from Russian and Chinese in the region, including Chinas spy station in Cuba.

The conference ended with encouraging remarks by EU President Charles Michel, of Belgium, about this new alliance: We stand before you with a sense of accomplishment and the feeling that a promising, optimistic page is turning in relations between the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean and the European Union.

Michel said the groundwork is laid for business, economic, trade and climate change partnerships. Politics is taking a back seat to creating a sustainable future for all.

Hope and promise

Where does the United States fit into any of this? Is the Biden administration even sure?

The EUs 27 countries are courting Latin American and Caribbean countries as trading partners, promising that dealing with them will also help enrich their economies.

They announced that the partners would now meet every two years. (The U.S.s Summit of the Americas is held every four years.)

In an editorial in the Spanish newspaper El Pais, there is a belief that EU can change the economy of Latin and Caribbean countries. That would stem the flow of immigrants from these countries into the United States. Its a hard nut to crack, but theyre willing to try:

There are currently 200 million Latin Americans living in poverty, women occupy only 15% of managerial positions and the poorest 50% accumulate only 1% of the wealth, the editorial said. This partnership is the last train from Europe to Latin America and the Caribbean. Its a train full of possibilities, hope, and promise of progress for the two regions, which Europe and Latin America and the Caribbean should not miss.

The Biden administration should be worried its not aboard that train and that as a result  to mix a metaphor or two  its missing the boat.
Opponents of Issue 1 gather at the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers 683 union hall to write postcards and pick up shirts and yard signs before knocking doors on July 8.

An Illinois billionaire dropped another $4 million into the fight over whether it should be harder to amend Ohio's Constitution, new campaign filings show.

But the donations from shipping supply magnate Richard Uihlein aren't the only out-of-state money flowing ahead of the Aug. 8 special election. The campaigns for and against Issue 1 are relying heavily on donors from California to Washington, D.C. as they blast the influence of special interests on Ohio politics.

The issue, if passed, would require 60% of the vote to enact new constitutional amendments and change the signature-gathering process for citizen amendments. Ohio Republicans pushed for the August election to preempt a November ballot question that would enshrine abortion rights in the constitution.

Ohio Issue 1: Everything you need to know about the August special election

The special election  and its potential ramifications for reproductive health  have attracted national attention and uprooted what would have been a sleepy summer for Ohio politics. The campaign money on both sides underscores the high stakes.

Altogether, the primary group advocating for Issue 1  Protect Our Constitution  raised $4.85 million and spent nearly $1.6 million through July 19. One Person One Vote, the opposition, brought in about $14.8 million and spent $10.4 million. Those numbers don't include money from other groups on the periphery of the fight.

The reports submitted Thursday also won't encompass the final weeks before the election, meaning a full picture won't emerge until the next reporting deadline in September.

Workers assemble signs supporting Issue 1 before a Geauga County GOP Central Committee meeting in Chesterland on July 19.

The 'yes' side

Uihlein first came into the picture in April, when he gave $1.1 million to a group urging Ohio House lawmakers to set the August election. The Uline CEO is a prominent Republican donor and has ties to an organization promoting the 60% threshold nationally, according to CBS News.

His $4 million contribution accounted for most of Protect Our Constitution's fundraising, which helped pay for advertising, consulting and other costs. The group also received:

Story continues

$150,000 from Save Jobs Ohio, which is funded by the Ohio Chamber of Commerce

$50,000 from Jimmy and Dee Haslam, who own the Cleveland Browns and Columbus Crew

$40,000 from Cleveland Right to Life

$25,000 from U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan's campaign

$25,000 from Ohio Senate President Matt Huffman's campaign

Protect Our Constitution received about $74,000 from individual Ohioans and $623,000 from Ohio-based groups.

"Our opponents have already spent over $10 million on their campaign to keep Ohios constitution vulnerable to their liberal agenda," coalition spokesman Spencer Gross said. "This confirms what we have said from day one  right now, our constitution is for sale and big money out-of-state special interest groups are spending millions to keep it that way."

Separately, a group dubbed Protect Our Kids Ohio spent roughly $530,000 to campaign for Issue 1. One of its ads highlights claims about parental rights and children's access to transgender medical care, a common talking point among Issue 1 proponents. The organization is funded by Protect Our Constitution and the American Principles Project, which has ties to Uihlein.

The anti-abortion group Protect Women Ohio and a related organization, Protect Women Ohio Action Fund, are also advocating for Issue 1. Both reported millions in fundraising and spending on Thursday, but it's unclear how much went toward the August election versus November.

The 'no' side

One Person One Vote has vastly outraised and outspent its opponents, allowing the group to dominate the airwaves with advertising. On top of the $14.8 million in contributions, opponents received $1.8 million in services provided by the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio.

Top donations include:

$2.6 million from the Sixteen Thirty Fund, a progressive dark money group

$1.875 million from the Tides Foundation, a liberal social justice organization based in San Francisco

$1 million from the National Education Association

$1 million from the Ohio Education Association

Over $531,000 from the Fairness Project, which focuses on ballot measure campaigns

One Person One Vote received $3.2 million from in-state donations, including $106,000 from individual Ohioans. Nearly two-thirds of the contributions came from groups and people in Washington, D.C. and California, with other donors hailing from New York, Colorado and Canada.

"We are proud of the enormous bipartisan coalition that has come together to defeat Issue 1," said Dennis Willard, spokesman for One Person One Vote. "The stakes couldn't be higher, and we're working every day to communicate with every voter about how Issue 1 would end majority rule in Ohio."

Haley BeMiller 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: Ohio Issue 1: Supporters, critics funded by out-of-state donors
A dispute over something on television triggered a family brawl that led a Columbus man to fatally stab his grandmother and her pet, police said Friday.

That was a detectives testimony in the case against Gregory Wharton Jr., 26, whos charged with murder in the Monday death of 77-year-old Lystra Lewis on Wedel Drive.

Wharton then fled to Harris County, where sheriffs deputies caught him Wednesday about six miles away from Wedel Drive, Sgt. Danielle Danforth testified Friday in court.

Gregory Wharton Jr., 26, is escorted from Columbus Recorders Court in Columbus, Georgia after his hearing Friday morning.. Wharton is charged with murder in the Monday death of 77-year-old Lystra Lewis on Wedel Drive, off Double Churches Road in the Kirkwood subdivision of north Columbus. 07/28/2023

The family fight reported at 5:55 p.m. Monday began when Wharton became upset about what was on TV and started arguing with his mother, and then fought with her, Danforth said. The fight escalated when Whartons brother intervened, trying to get the suspect off his mother, the detective said.

The mother and brother were able to escape to a bedroom, but Wharton went outside, got into the room through a window, and started breaking things, the officer said.

She said the witnesses last saw the grandmother in the homes hallway, and they did not see her stabbing.

Police arriving 15 minutes after the 911 call saw Wharton running from the house, and chased him through the neighborhood before he got away, Danforth said, adding the suspect left a blood trail from Wedel Drive to Whitesville Road.

Searching the home, police found the grandmother in the front foyer, stabbed in the neck, they said. The diminutive dog, which officers have described as possibly a terrier puppy or Shih Tzu mix, was found near the back door, stabbed in the chest, investigators said.

Danforth said that when Wharton was captured, police searched his book bag, finding a shirt and pants with blood on them, plus a cell phone and wallet. They did not find a knife or other weapon, she said.

She said the mother and brother both were treated at the hospital for the injuries they sustained fighting with Wharton.

Besides murder, Wharton is charged with using a knife to commit a felony, aggravated cruelty to animals, and two counts of battery involving family violence. Judge Al Whitaker ordered him held without bond as the case goes to Muscogee Superior Court.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 28)  The House of Representatives is expected to start its investigation next week on the discovery of human remains inside a septic tank in the New Bilibid Prison (NBP), ACT-CIS Party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo said on Friday.

Speaking to CNN Philippines The Source, Tulfo said he already spoke to House Committee on Public Order and Safety chairman Dan Fernandez, who said the hearing will be ASAP, around Thursday.

Tulfo earlier filed a resolution calling for an investigation after the decapitated body of inmate Michael Cataroja, who was missing for days, was found in the Sputnik compound inside the national penitentiary.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla told CNN Philippines on Thursday that authorities are investigating three possible mass graves inside the NBP after other human remains were dug inside a septic tank in the maximum security compound.

Citing his source inside the NBP, Tulfo said it is not really Bureau of Correction (BuCor) officials who are running the facility, but the gang leaders.

Dito po sa labas, wala po tayong death penalty pero diyan sa loob may death penalty po sila. They have their own government, they have their own laws and ang law nila is they can sentence you to death penalty, he pointed out.

[Translation: Here outside we do not have the death penalty but there inside they have the death penalty. They have their own government, they have their own laws and their law is they can sentence you to death penalty.]

Meanwhile, Remulla also said that gangs have been dumping bodies in septic tanks.

"Yung kasaysayan na binibigay sa amin ng mga testigo, ng mga taga loob, ay mukhang matagal na nangyayari ito. May mga gangs na may proclivity na maglibing ng tao sa septic tank," he said in a press briefing.

[Translation: Based on the history shared by the witnesses, by the insiders, it seemed that this has been happening ever since. There are gangs who have the proclivity to bury bodies in the septic tank.]

Through the House probe, Tulfo said he hopes to put an end to this ongoing problem of illegal activities inside the NBP.

Tulfo said he wants to invite former and current BuCor officials, and even inmates, during the hearing to help lawmakers come up with a solution to the problem.
This year, unidentified flying objects, or unidentified aerial phenomenon, made a transition from conspiracy theory to the halls of Congress.

In January, The Office of the Director of National Intelligence released an unclassified version of the government's updated report on UFOs.

In June, Dr. Steven Greer, one of the worlds leading authorities on the subject of UFOs/UAPs, held a three-hour press conference, calling for Congress to investigate what he described as black budget military operations dealing with UFOs that most of the American government is unaware of. Soon after, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer introduced legislation that would require the Pentagon to release any information it has gathered about unidentified flying objects.

This week, three whistleblowers appeared before Congress to corroborate claims of federal government coverups when it comes to recovered UFO and UAP vehicles, aircraft and the pilots that manned them. House Representative for Florida's First District Matt Gaetz is not on the subcommittee that questioned the whistleblowers, but was allowed to question the witnesses as a guest, due to strange experiences of his own.

During the hearing, Gaetz told the subcommittee and the witnesses that several months ago, his office received a disclosure of a UAP encounter off the coast of Florida from Eglin Air Force Base in Okaloosa County. For those who follow UFO sightings, it's probably unsurprising to hear of yet another encounter coming from Florida, which ranks nationally for UFO and UAP sightings.

He asked the committee to subpoena the radar data and images from the incident, which he was initially denied access to after meeting with one of the pilots who encountered the extraterrestrial aircraft.

It was stated explicitly to me by these test pilots that if you have UAP experience, the best thing you can do for your career is forget it and not tell anyone, Gaetz said in the hearing.

Story continues

What was Dr. Steven Greers June press conference on UFOs about?

According to Greer, illegal operations in recovering and reverse-engineering unidentified aircraft have been carried out by a group of military personnel and government officials for decades, unbeknownst to the White House and Congress.

Greer reported accounts from over 700 high-level government and corporate whistleblowers willing to testify regarding the UFO/extraterrestrial issue and has been gathering evidence for decades on what he called an illegal secret government. He provided United States and world maps littered with red pinpoints that represented bases for these alleged illegal operations.

At the June press conference, held at the National Press Club in Washington D.C., Greer called for government action  like hearings and issuing of subpoenas  to get to the bottom of the UFO/UAP issue.

Were talking about projects where presidents, CIA directors, secretaries of defense and members of the congress, who have a need-to-know, have been either blatantly gaslit or denied access, Greer said in June.

That is the foundation of everything that weve done: That these projects are illegal, unconstitutional and have to be reigned in. Not doing so is a threat to national security.

UFOs and UAPs explained: This is how NASA classifies unidentified aerial objects

Why did Congress have a hearing on UFOs this week?

This month, three former military members, all of whom previously spoke publicly about their firsthand knowledge of reported encounters with otherworldly flying objects, parroted Greers June call for Congress attention on the topic.

In a hearing on July 26, the three whistleblowers testified before the House Oversight Committee's national security subcommittee of their understanding on how the federal government has mishandled reports of unidentified flying object encounters reported by pilots.

Who are the UFO whistleblowers that testified in congress Wednesday?

Ryan Graves: Graves is a former U.S. Navy pilot who testified about encountering UAPs during training missions. Graves is now the executive director of an airspace safety advocacy organization, Americans for Safe Aerospace.

David Fravor: Fravor, a former commander in the U.S. Navy, was with Navy pilots who spotted the mysterious Tic Tac-shaped aircraft that was caught on video in 2004 during a flight near the coast of Southern California. Fravor is a former commanding officer of the Navy's Black Aces Squadron.

David Grusch: Grusch is a former Air Force and intelligence official who was a member of a Pentagon task force that investigated UAPs and UFOs. In a June interview with NewsNation, Grusch accused the government of a cover-up he uncovered as a member of the National Reconnaissance Office, the agency that operates U.S. spy satellites.

What happened during Wednesdays UFO hearing?

There were more than two hours of testimonies from the three whistleblowers during Wednesdays hearing. Following his interview last month with NewsNation, Gruschs testimony was the most highly anticipated of the three.

During Wednesdays hearing, he restated his claims from his June interview, telling Congress that its likely the U.S. has been aware of nonhuman activity as far back as the 1930s. He accused the Pentagon of covering up an alleged secretive "crash retrieval" program for vehicles and aircraft that seem to be of nonhuman origin.

He accused the Pentagon of covering up more than just aircraft, though. Grusch claimed that in some cases, bodies of the pilots of these craft were also recovered, referring to the pilots as nonhuman "biologics."

Graves also testified on his own experiences several encounters with otherworldly aircraft during his time as a Navy pilot. He described multiple aircraft hed seen over the years, none of which had wings, all of which displayed seemingly impossible flight capabilities.

'Long overdue': Witnesses call for increased military transparency on UFOs during hearing

Is Florida a hotspot for UFO sightings?

Based on UFO sightings recorded all the way back to 1974 and data from the National UFO Reporting Center Database, a poll conducted by MyVision.org last year ranks Florida second nationwide in UFO sightings, behind the U.S.s number one hotspot: California.

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: UFO hearing this week included whistleblowers. Key takeaways
Mississippi was the last state to repeal Prohibition in 1966, yet some cities and counties still enforce a ban or limits on alcohol sales.

The states diverse and sometimes contradicting alcohol laws date back to the early 19th century, culminating in the state being the first to ratify the highly unpopular 18th Amendment.

The movement can be traced back to the pre-Civil War era, when the Mississippi State Temperance Society advocated for alcohol prohibition, joined later by the Sons of Temperance and Sisters of Temperance.

Following the Civil War, more forceful prohibition societies emerged, such as the Anti-Saloon League and the Womans Christian Temperance Union (WCTU). Harriet Kells of the WCTU, along with ministers James H. Gambrell and Charles B. Galloway, spearheaded efforts to ban alcohol sales in local communities.

Religious Ministers, such as Gambrell and Galloway, felt that alcohol led to self-indulgence, violence and sin. Other supporters argued that alcohol destabilized homes and ruined families.

Their influence led to the passage of a local-option law in 1907, which allowed counties the option to pass legislation to ban alcohol sales. Most counties in the state immediately took the opportunity to do so, with the exception of several portions of the Delta and the Coast.

However, the fight for state-wide prohibition continued, fueled by the belief that it would improve productivity and address Mississippis economic challenges.

Many prohibition leaders held racial beliefs that alcohol sales to African-Americans would endanger white women or hinder their productivity on farms. On the other side, some Black Mississippians advocated for prohibition as a matter of self-respect for their communities.

Mississippi bans alcohol sales

In 1908, the Mississippi legislature finally banned alcohol sales across the entire state, except for small allowances for medicinal purposes. While homemade wine was still permitted in some cases, those caught distilling or selling alcohol faced heavy fines and jail sentences.

Story continues

On January 17, 1920, the 18th Amendment was passed by the federal government, and Mississippi  having been dry for over a decade  became the first to ratify it.

C. H. Alexander, the author of the 18th Amendment, celebrated the victory by exclaiming nowhere has the victory been more marked and complete than in Mississippi, which, through a brave, honest, law-loving, home-loving legislature, drove the legalized traffic from the whole state.

However, Prohibition did not completely deter alcohol consumption. Workers in the Mississippi Delta were mostly allowed to drink, as most farm owners wanted to keep their workers happy. Some Delta police departments initially refused to enforce Prohibition laws.

Under-the-table alcohol sales on the Gulf Coast

Meanwhile, the Gulf Coast saw under-the-table alcohol services at restaurants and resorts which became known as Blind Tigers. Out of state and foreign bootleggers and gangs transported illegal liquor into the region along the river or into the ports.

With such strict alcohol laws and a population still eager to drink, organized crime and murders became a major issue in cities like Biloxi.

Notably, Mississippians of all races cooperated in acquiring illegal alcohol from various sources. Famous figures like author William Faulkner and Blues artists such as Robert Johnson referenced Prohibition-era alcohol consumption in their works. Widespread illegal consumption led to Mississippi becoming known as the wettest dry state in the nation.

While some counties were more lenient than others, or even outright ignored the laws, some local law enforcement were heavy handed in enforcing Prohibition. Federal agents and local law officers cooperated in shutting down illegal alcohol ventures and handed out severe fines and jail sentences to offenders.

Mississippi had enforced state prohibition 10 years before the 18th Amendment created National Prohibition. Coast law enforcers were mixed about enforcement, but not in Gulfport where this postcard boasts a huge booze haul just two weeks after the 18th Amendment passed.

Repealing Prohibition

In 1933, the federal government repealed Prohibition, spurring widespread celebrations, but Mississippi continued to enforce it. Although the states residents voted overwhelmingly to repeal Prohibition in 1934 and 1952, the government remained resolute in retaining it.

The state even passed a controversial 10 percent sales tax on alcohol, forcing many residents to ponder the purpose of a tax on an illegal substance.

Debates on repealing Prohibition occurred in 1960 and 1964 but failed. Finally, in 1966, Governor Paul B. Johnson lifted the statewide ban, though local communities still had the power to determine their alcohol policies.

It wasnt until January 1, 2021, when Governor Tate Reeves signed legislation that made alcohol consumption legal in every county, officially ending Prohibition in Mississippi.

Today, Mississippis alcohol laws remain diverse and, in some cases, peculiar. Several counties allow public consumption, while a few others do not even have an open container law. Contrarily, there are still 36 dry counties, some of which, interestingly, have wet cities that permit the sale of alcohol within city limits.
NEW YORK  The soon-to-be ex-wife of Gilgo Beach triple-homicide suspect Rex Heuermann cryptically mentioned the ongoing probe of her jailed spouse Friday morning after arriving at the familys suburban home.

The sheer depression of what I saw was enough trauma, said Asa Ellerup outside the Massapequa Park house of horrors where authorities recently uncovered a massive amount of evidence in the long-cold case killings of three Long Island sex workers.

You guys know this is an ongoing investigation, she matter-of-factly told reporters earlier after exiting the Long Island home around 9:30 a.m. Its not over and I cannot speak to you ... If you want to stand up here and wait for something, I have a lot of work to do.

If you want to take pictures go ahead. Im OK with it now.

Her 59-year-old-husband and father of two remained behind bars following his July 13 arrest on a Manhattan street near his architecture office. He stands accused of three homicides in 2009 and 2010, with investigators looking into a fourth murder of another sex worker.

Heuermann entered a plea of innocence at a court appearance one day after he was put in handcuffs. His wife filed divorce papers last week as authorities were still going through the family home in their hunt for evidence in the case.

The wife left the house a short time later Friday with her daughter Victoria after the second visit in as many days by family members.

She was accompanied Thursday by her son, who posed for photos but declined comment on his fathers arrest.

Authorities had earlier brought in an excavator to dig up the yard behind the house in the hunt for evidence linking Heuermann to the crimes.

Ellerup, wearing pink flip-flops with a T-shirt and blue pants, had earlier emerged from the house to chat with a neighborhood dog walker.

Shes seen me around and has always been pleasant, the 59-year-old man told the New York Daily News. Ive seen the monster (Heuermann) and never interacted with him.

Story continues

The neighbor said Ellerup stopped him to pet the dog before they briefly spoke.

I said, How you feeling? he recounted. I said, Im with you, God bless you. (She said) Feeling OK.


Members of Congress and others pay respects to the late Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nev.) as his remains lie in state in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda in January 2022.

Members of Congress and others pay respects to the late Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nev.) as his remains lie in state in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda in January 2022.

A Republican from Wisconsin has been accused of shouting at a group of Senate pages early Thursday morning as they took in the majesty of the U.S. Capitols interior dome.

As reported first by newsletter Punchbowl News, Rep. Derrick Van Orden encountered the youths as they lay on the floor of the Rotunda, the inside shell of the Capitols dome, looking up at the ceiling and taking pictures.

The area, located between the separate House and Senate wings, is very busy with tourists as well as workers during the day, ogling its collection of statues, paintings and the fresco on the 180-foot high ceiling showing George Washington rising to heaven. Getting a chance to see it when its quiet is considered one of the small perks of working at the Capitol.

Wake the f up you little s.  What the f are you all doing? Get the f out of here. You are defiling the space you [pieces of s], Van Orden told the group, according to The Hill, citing an account given by one of the pages.

After being told the group was made up of pages, Van Orden allegedly said, I dont give a f who you are, get out. The incident took place a little after midnight as the Senate considered a defense policy bill.

Pages basically act as helpers for the senators, ferrying papers, opening the chambers doors and otherwise assisting them. They must be juniors or sophomores in high school and 16 or 17 years old on the day they start work. During the school year, pages take classes and live in a dorm near the Capitol. For the weeks they are employed, the pages are paid the weekly equivalent to what would be a $35,116 annual salary.

Van Orden defended himself in a statement that did not deny the pages version of events.

I have long said our nations Capitol is a symbol of the sacrifice our servicemen and women have made for this country and should never be treated like a frat house common room, he said.

Story continues

Threatening a congressman with bad press to excuse poor behavior is a reminder of everything thats wrong with Washington. Luckily, bad press has never bothered me and if its the price I pay to stand up for whats right, then so be it.

Another explanation was hinted at when a Punchbowl reporter posted on social media a picture of the interior of Van Ordens office in a building across the street with bottles of alcohol clearly visible.

A spokeswoman for Van Orden said he regularly hosts beer and cheese tours with visiting constituents.

The congressman hosted roughly 50 constituents and visitors yesterday before a private tour of the Capitol, she said.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) addressed the matter on Thursday night, saying he was shocked that a House member yelled and cursed at Senate pages.

Theyre here when we need them, and they have served with grace, Schumer said of the pages, who are serving their last week this term. Mitch McConnell, the Republican leader, said he associated himself with Schumers remarks, prompting a standing ovation in the chamber.

Van Orden succeeded moderate Democrat Ron Kind in the Wisconsin district, winning despite reportedly having been photographed on or near the U.S. Capitol grounds on Jan. 6, 2021, when insurrectionists stormed the building in a bid to delay lawmakers formally declaring Joe Biden the winner of the 2020 presidential election.

The Associated Press reported Van Order has denied he took part in the attack on the Capitol or set foot on its grounds.

Igor Bobic contributed reporting.

Related...
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind.  Purdue University raised the question of what President Joe Biden and Wolfspeed CEO Gregg Lowe said to each other in a March meeting, worried about the potential interference in an ongoing patent battle.

Wolfspeed is a silicon carbide semiconductor producer that Biden visited on March 28 this year. Purdue recently raised the possibility of Biden interfering with the patent battle currently ongoing between the university and Wolfspeed, requesting to know what Lowe and Biden discussed during his visit.

The inside entrance to the Wolfspeed facility in Marcy on Monday, April 25, 2022.

Last week, a federal district judge in North Carolina deemed the allegation of potential collusion unsupported, according to an article from NewsObserver.com.

Two days after Biden's visit, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Director Kathy Vidal "intervened" in the Purdue and Wolfspeed patent dispute, according to News Observer.

Back in 2021, Purdue sued Wolfspeed, alleging that the company's semiconductor transistors infringed upon university patents. Wolfspeed attempted to invalidate the contested patent by challenging it to the USPTOs Patent Trial and Appeal Board.

Purdue's patent involves silicon carbide substrate, a unique material used for semiconductors that Wolfspeed produces.

According to the report, the patent trial and appeal board rejected Wolfspeed's challenge to the patent on the basis that the company's argument was similar to a previously denied challenge made by Swiss semiconductor company STMicroelectronics N.V.

After Biden's trip, Vidal ordered the appeal board to vacate its initial rejection of Wolfspeed's challenge and hear it once again. According to News Observer, Vidal made this decision without either the university nor Wolfspeed formally requesting her to do so.

Later that day, on March 30, Purdue's lawyers "demanded" Lowe address his discussions with Biden.

We intend to takeLowes deposition on the efforts to politically interfere in the (patent review) process and lobby President Biden and others who accompanied him on that trip, Purdue representatives said in the article.

Story continues

Wolfspeed requested a protective order to prevent the deposition, citing a legal principle known as the Apex Doctrine. According to AmericanBar.org, this doctrine allows for protective orders that prevent the deposition of a high-level corporate employee.

In a supporting memorandum, Purdue's suggestion of collusion between Biden and Lowe was called "absurd and baseless" by Wolfspeed's lawyers.

Last week, Judge L. Patrick Auld of the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina approved the company's protective order and denied Purdue's deposition notice to Lowe.

(Purdues) expressed interest in deposing Lowe regarding an unsupported corrupt bargain with President Biden with no identified impact on the ligation of this case does not satisfy basic relevance and proportionality standards, Auld said, according to the article.

Auld reasoned that any evidence that Lowe lobbied Biden was "circumstantial" and "does not bear scrutinty."

Under (Purdues) thesis, President Biden would have arrived in Durham for a series of primarily public events, privately engaged with Lowe about a very technical matter involving an obscure federal office (the USPTO), agreed to influence the Director of the USPTO in exchange for unspecified support, subsequently communicated (or caused someone else to communicate) with the USPTO Director, and compelled her to pen a 10-page order, all within the span of 48 hours, Auld said in News Observer's article.

It was ruled that Purdue must cover legal fees Wolfspeed spent protecting Lowe from being deposed. Both parties will seemingly proceed with the overall patent dispute as before.

The Journal & Courier reached out to Purdue for comment. The university stated that it does not comment on ongoing litigation.

Margaret Christopherson is a reporter for the Journal & Courier. Email her at mchristopherson@jconline.com and follow her on Twitter @MargaretJC2.

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Purdue loses bid to depose Wolfspeed CE) after Biden visit
A Florida woman who drained an 87-year-old Holocaust survivor's life savings to fund a lavish lifestyle was sentenced to 51 months in prison, prosecutors said Thursday.

The 36-year-old woman defrauded the victim of more than $2.8 million between 2017 and late 2021, U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said. She pleaded guilty to wire fraud in April in connection with the years-long romantic scam.

"Peaches Stergo callously defrauded an 87-year-old Holocaust survivor who was simply looking for companionship," Williams said. "She used the millions of dollars in fraud proceeds to live a life of luxury at the victim's expense. But she did not get away with it."

Stergo met the unnamed victim on a dating website. She claimed she needed to pay her lawyer and asked the Holocaust survivor for money. The first check the victim sent to Stergo was for $25,000, according to the indictment.

The victim wrote out 62 checks for Stergo throughout the scam, sending her around $50,000 a month. Stergo told the man if he didn't send her money, her accounts would be frozen and he would never be paid back.

While the victim lost his life savings and had to give up his apartment, the Florida woman used the money he sent her to buy a home in a gated community, a condominium, a boat and several cars, prosecutors said. She also bought gold coins and bars, jewelry, Rolex watches and designer clothing.

The man sent Stergo money until October, 2021. He confided in his son about the situation, and the son told his dad he'd been scammed.

"I am just aggravated, hurt, frustrated that I haven't made money ... I don't want to work ... it's too hard," Stergo wrote in a text after the man stopped sending money, according to prosecutors.

Over the course of the scam, Stergo told her real significant other that the Holocaust survivor had said he loved her. She followed that message up with an "lol."

During sentencing, the judge called Stergo's conduct "unspeakably cruel."

Story continues

Stergo was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $2,830,775. She was also ordered to forfeit the home she purchased and over 100 luxury items she bought with romance scam proceeds.

How the U.S. seeks to militarize outer space

FTC chair Lina Khan discusses need for regulations on big business

What continued GDP growth means for the U.S. economy
A fire at a boat manufacturer resulted in the death of a worker, and now the company is facing fines related to violations including having no sprinklers on site, the North Carolina Department of Labor announced this month.

On Jan. 20, 69-year-old Mack Hodges, Jr. was burned in a fire at Pamlico Boat & Fiberglass Repair in Washington, North Carolina. He died days later at the University of North Carolina Burn Center in Chapel Hill from burn injuries, according to his obituary and the report from the N.C. Department of Labor.

He was my best friend in the whole world, Doug Sullivan, the owner of Pamlico Boat & Fiberglass, told McClatchy News in a phone interview.

The fire started in a building where fiberglass and resin is sprayed, according to the citation, but Sullivan said they werent sure how exactly it started. Once it did, he said that Hodges, who was a member of the Washington Fire Department, stayed to fight the fire. The other employee who was in the building at the time got out, Sullivan said. The building was destroyed in the fire.

He was a friend doing what friends do, Sullivan said. He was trying to save the business and got caught up.

He said he would rather have his friend here today.

The report states the concrete floor of the building where the fire took place was covered with heavy-duty paper as opposed to a noncombustible material. The Department of Labor also fined the business because areas of the building did not have fire suppression equipment such as sprinklers or fire extinguishers. Fines for those two violations totaled $6,000.

Additionally, the Department of Labor cited the business for improper respirator use and for not reporting the incident to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration or the Department of Labor less than 24 hours after Hodges was hospitalized.

A family member paid tribute to Hodges on Facebook. He was always right there, she posted after his death in January. I will always cherish the time we had together.

Story continues

In total, Sullivans business received seven serious and one non-serious violation. He said he hadnt decided whether he would appeal the fine. He called it a tragic situation.

Washington is about 270 miles east of Charlotte.

Woman faked her own kidnapping in Alabama, cops say. Now Carlee Russell is charged

Mom of 4 died after using kratom in Florida, lawsuit says. Company owes family $11M

91-year-old husband and wife die when car crashes off road and flips, Georgia cops say

Brain-eating amoeba kills Georgia swimmer, health officials say. What we know
Scientists are running out of extreme adjectives to describe the state of the worlds oceans.

Global sea surface temperatures are spiking off the charts. The North Atlantic Ocean, in particular, has for months been engulfed in what scientists have said is an unprecedented marine heat wave. The Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean basin have also been unusually warm. The waters off the coast of Florida topped 100 degrees F multiple times this week  temperatures comparable to a hot tub.

Whats more, some scientists say the worst may be yet to come.

Were not even at the height of the summer, said Svenja Ryan, a physical oceanographer at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in Massachusetts. Typically, the ocean continues to warm until September, so I think certainly we can expect this heat wave to last into the fall.

This month, parts of the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico were more than 5 degrees F warmer than normal. In recent days, a patch of the North Atlantic off the coast of Newfoundland, Canada  a region normally kept relatively cool by the Labrador Current  was an astounding 9 degrees F warmer than usual, according to Frederic Cyr, a research scientist at Fisheries and Oceans Canada, a department of the Canadian government that oversees marine science and policy and manages the countrys fisheries.

Scientists pay close attention to marine heat waves because the worlds oceans are crucial for the planet's ability to store heat. Studies have found that Earths oceans have absorbed about 90% of the heat trapped on the planet from greenhouse gas emissions since 1970.

As climate change causes the world to warm, sea surface temperatures can offer clues about the health of these bodies of water. As such, the extent of the heat wave unfolding in the North Atlantic, its severity and its duration are all cause for alarm, Ryan said.

As a scientist, you know this is well within the range of what climate models predict would happen at some point, but to see it actually happening is kind of scary, she said.

Story continues

While global temperatures have been unusually warm compared to prior years, its been the oceans that have really shattered prior records for this time of year. pic.twitter.com/djSKuChtTq  Zeke Hausfather (@hausfath) July 24, 2023

Some impacts are being felt already. The soaring sea surface temperatures off Florida are imperiling the regions coral reef. Scientists have warned that the heat wave could trigger mass die-offs of coral, which could have profound implications for marine ecosystems in the area.

Elsewhere in the Atlantic, researchers are tracking changes in the distribution of fish as the waters warm. Ryan said certain tropical fish species are expanding their range, venturing further north than normal. Other animals, such as whales, are shifting their movements to match their prey.

Were seeing some animals compress their habitats, or some shift latitudinally if theyre capable, Ryan said. Or, like the corals in Florida, they just have no chance and die off.

Kathy Mills, a research scientist at the Gulf of Maine Research Institute, said the long-term consequences of such warm waters may not even be known because such conditions have no comparison in recorded history.

This is out of the realm of anything weve observed or been able to observe in the past," she said, "So we dont even have data to turn to in order to understand what the impacts of temperatures this hot for such large regions might be."

Many consequences are also not detectable right away, said Cyr.

Its a bit too soon to understand whats going on, he said, adding that capturing the full implications for fisheries, marine species and ocean health requires time  and plenty of data.

Mills similarly said that it can take months to conduct biological surveys and work with fisheries to measure outcomes. She said, however, that the warming observed in recent months has been unusually widespread.

Globally there are very few places that are cooler than usual, she said. You would typically expect sort of a balance, but we have a large portion of the ocean that is hotter than long-term averages, and the certain regions experiencing these really exceptional temperatures.

This year, El Nino conditions are also expected to play a role, compounding background warming from climate change. El Nino, a natural climate cycle characterized by warmer-than-usual waters in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean, can have a significant effect on rainfall, hurricanes and other severe weather. El Nino typically also increases average air and sea temperatures.

That means sea surface temperatures may continue to climb.

The fact that this could be even more extreme if we had a strong El Nino already set up and in place is just shocking, Mills said.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
The Scene

ANKENY, Iowa  It was crowded at Tim Scotts town hall at a wedding venue in the Des Moines suburbs, and hard to hear Iowans questions. So the South Carolina senator repeated them.

My biggest accomplishment in Congress? said Scott. He thought about it. Theres just so many!

When the laughter died down, Scott talked about his role in the passage of tax reform, six years ago. Sixty miles away, Ron DeSantis was courting another crowd of Iowans  one who said he was the fourth or fifth candidate shed seen, needing some reason to choose him from the really good list of alternatives.

I dont consider myself to be an entertainer, said DeSantis, recounting his 2022 landslide re-election and his removal of a George Soros-funded prosecutor in Tampa. You dont see me virtue-signaling. Im a leader.

DeSantis began his much-publicized campaign reboot  smaller staff, more in-person stumping  as Scott was ticking up in Iowa polls. The two-person race between DeSantis and Trump, long predicted by the Florida governors allies, has grown more competitive. Scott and a few other candidates are getting warm receptions on the trail; nervous, chatty donors who dont want Trump are talking more vividly about their options beyond DeSantis.

Its opened up, said state Rep. David Young, a former congressman who sat in the front row of Scotts town hall on Thursday evening. You hear about five or six names, not just one or two.

As they arrived in Iowa for a 13-candidate party dinner, Trumps top rivals were still less interested in criticizing him than in establishing themselves as the leading electable alternative. Asked about new charges against Trump in the ongoing investigation into the ex-presidents handling of classified documents, both DeSantis and Scott pivoted; Scott told reporters that the Department of Justice too often seems to be weaponized against political opponents.

As the race opens up, however, the non-Trump field is getting less restrained when talking about each other. Scott threw a notable elbow at DeSantis when Politicos Natalie Allison asked him about Floridas new African-American history curriculum, and criticism  which the governor repeatedly rejected on Thursday  of a section about how slaves developed skills that some later benefited from.

Story continues

Theres no silver lining in slavery, Scott said. Listen: People have bad days. Sometimes they regret what they say. And we should ask them again, to clarify their positions.

Davids view

One reason so many of the other Republicans running got into this race over the spring and summer was that they knew DeSantis, and doubted that he had the skill set to win a primary against Donald Trump.

Were seeing their theories play out now. DeSantis has changed up his stump speech, reintroducing himself as the less-flashy candidate with a record and life story  blue collar roots, enlisting in the Navy after 9/11  that no one can match. Hes taking more questions from a legacy media that his advisors once hoped to make irrelevant, even as it zooms in on the most maladroit interactions between the governor and voters.

They are hard to miss. An NBC News clip of DeSantis talking with an Icee-sipping kid at the Wayne County Fair on Thursday  thats probably a lot of sugar, huh?  clocked millions of views.

In a fair tent, where the governor met Ralph T. Alshouse, a 99-year-old World War II veteran and Republican activist, he complimented Alshouses vigor and bonded over their shared experience.

I would not have guessed World War II; I would have guessed, like early Vietnam, if I had seen you! said DeSantis. Im a Navy guy, too, so I can tell you, landing on a carrier  that is not something I think Im capable of doing. So, hats off to you!

But DeSantis seemed to lose Alshouse when he walked away without buying a signed copy of the veterans $20 memoir. Asked by Semafor what he thought of DeSantis, the veteran was polite. Im a positive-type person, he said. I dont say negatives about anyone. Do you?

Alshouse warmed up after a member of the DeSantis entourage  he was traveling as the special guest of Never Back Down, a super PAC not allowed to coordinate with the campaign  came back and bought a copy for the governor.

None of this was relevant to DeSantiss message, which got warm receptions across south central Iowa. He previewed an economics-focused speech hed be giving on Monday in New Hampshire, and he got applause for his Florida win record  keeping gender ideology out of schools, preventing vaccine mandates for children, increasing teachers salaries, and defying COVID bureaucrats.

But DeSantis stump, too, was changing. One tweak in particular stood out. In June, after Trump told an Urbandale crowd that he was tired of the term woke  half the people cant even define it  DeSantis defended it while speaking at events where his wife Casey wore a leather jacket with the slogan Florida, where woke goes to die.

But while DeSantis talked plenty about his anti-woke strategy this week, he de-emphasized the word itself. In a 33-minute speech to the American Legislative Exchange Council, before the trip to Iowa, DeSantis used the word woke just once.

At a Never Back Down stop in Chariton, DeSantis made one quick reference to the woke nonsense hed rip out of the military as its commander-in-chief. And at the town hall in Osceola, he used the word only to describe some of the slanted language that had crept into AI programs.

Scott, one of the partys nimblest communicators, was facing less scrutiny and having an easier time. In Ankeny, he brought most topics back to the GOPs strongest-polling issues closing the border to protect us from the flow of fentanyl, expanding school choice, and balancing the budget with spending cuts (actual cuts tbd).

But he didnt separate much from DeSantis on policy. Scott said he wanted to abolish the Department of Education, or at least starve it and send its resources back to states; he would fire Trump-appointed FBI Director Christopher Wray and if I had my druthers, replace him with former congressman and current Fox News guest host Trey Gowdy.

Theres not much policy disagreement among any of the candidates polling best in Iowa. (The top 5, according to Real Clear Politics, includes Trump, DeSantis, Scott, Vivek Ramaswamy and Niki Haley). The competition, as DeSantis reboots, is over a version of electability, and who can most convincingly present himself or herself as more appealing than Trump  who, barely here, is miles ahead.

The View From Iowa Voters

The Republicans I spoke with who came out to see DeSantis mostly walked away happy, as did those who came to see Scott in Ankeny. One refrain: They wanted a candidate who could appeal to voters Trump might have lost.

The thing I like about him is that hes not bashing anybody  these are my policies, this is where Im gonna stand, this is what my beliefs are, said Craig Bartenhagen, 62, after listening to Scott.

State Sen. Mike Bousselot, who was neutral in the race, said that both DeSantis and Scott were doing the right thing: Showing up, holding their own events, taking questions, and trying to gain on Trump, who was obviously in first place.

Governor DeSantis is clearly in second, but its a bigger field, and were going to see that at the Lincoln Dinner and the debates, he said. Theres going to be multiple tickets out of Iowa.

Notable
Image: Marvel Comics

Its fitting that the X-Men as an idea are as similarly cyclical as one of the franchises most iconic figures. Hear me, X-Men! No longer am I the woman you knew! I am Fire and Life incarnate! cries Jean Grey, now the Phoenix, in X-Men #101, beginning a cycle of fated death and rebirth for her similar to the one that has chased mutant kind for its entire publication history.



Mutants rise, and they fall, and they resist, and they rise again. The story of this cycle is one the current Krakoan Age has tried to breakcreating a mutant utopia that has offered an olive branch to old foes, cheated the specter of death itself, and created a mutantdom that is as close to paradise any of them has ever been. But such a meteoric rise can only followed by a meteoric fall, and in this weeks 2023 Hellfire Gala one-shot, almost every villainous thread of this era of X-Men comics has brought exactly that: a fall that, if not a death blow against Krakoa itself, is at least a death blow to one of the oldest mutant political ideas that helped found it.

Read more

The 2023 Hellfire Galapenned primarily by Gerry Duggan (with a guest appearance by Krakoan-age architext Jonathan Hickman, and filled with a superstar runway of artistic talent from across the current X-era, including, deep breath, Adam Kubert, Luciano Vecchio, Matteo Lolli, Russell Dauterman, Javier Pina, R.B. Silva, Josh Cassara, Kris Anka, Pepe Larraz, Valerio Schiti, Rain Beredo, Ceci De La Cruz, Matthew Wilson, Erick Arciniega, and Marte Graciais the third such one-shot intended to herald in a new chapter of this idyllic age. Past Hellfire Galaslavish, fashion-forward diplomatic balls designed to present mutant majesty on the world stagehave had trouble in the shadows of the bright lights and dazzling costumes.

Image: Marvel Comics

Weve know for a while that dark times were comingMarvel hasnt been yelling about the Fall of X for nothing these past few monthsbut the 2023 edition of the Gala brings that previous trouble out of the shadows and to the forefront of proceedings in a flurry of death and destruction. It serves to underline mutantkinds forever struggle in a way that may finally damn one of the franchises underlying political theses irreparably: Charles Xaviers perpetual plight for human-mutant assimilation.

Story continues

Things start all well enough at the Gala, but even then, a metatextual shadow lingers over it, as we see Kamala Khan resurrected as the first explicit Inhuman-Mutant, the fallout of her recent and very publicly messy death in the pages of Amazing Spider-Man. It only goes from bad to worse when one page youre meeting the newest X-Men team voted for by Krakoan residents (Synch, Talon/Laura Kinney, Dazzler, Prodigy, Cannonball, Frenzy, Jubilee, and the Juggernautwho were all up for vote on a single position this year), and the next you are literally watching them get violently and graphically eviscerated by none other than Nimrod.

Image: Marvel Comics

That is the moment Orchisthe anti-human league that has been working alongside Nimrod since the dawn of this Krakoan era of X-comics, and now grown in number to include villainous developments like Sinister clone Dr. Stasis, and the manic, cybernetic turncoat Moira Xmakes a move it has been setting up for years at this point. Its a clever bit of surgery on Duggans part, bringing together the disparate threats of the wider Orchis entity with the ones posed more directly by Nimrod, Moira, and Stasis, now all staged as clear-cut direct villains for Fall of X after years of waiting in the wings. Because what else could lay something as well protected and safeguarded low on such a scale than every possible nightmare happening at once?



Thats what we get for pretty much the rest of the issue, vacillating between fraught tension and almost gleeful violence. Bobby Drake is graphically melted before his lovers eyes. Human diplomats are gunned down in a hail of Orchis trooper fire. Jean Grey, knifed in the back with an otherworldly dagger to shut down her powers before she can save the day, burning herself up to place Firestar as an inside operative with Orchis, at the cost of making her a traitor in the eyes of her fellow mutants. Stasis revealing his grand plan that anyone who has taken Krakoas medicinesthe very basis of the mutant nations recognition of sovereignty and its diplomacy to the human worldhas been laced with a chemical fight-or-flight killswitch. Charles Xavier, at Moiras knifepoint, psionically ordering every mutant in the world through the nearest Krakoan gateway to exile under the threat of human hostage extermination by factors of 10 (what else?).

Image: Marvel Comics

Its awful, and graphic even for this death-filled era where resurrection makes it more of an impediment than it is permanent, even for the famously hard to kill X-Men. Even as they die, mutantkind fights to save this home theyve made for themselves, until the moment that they cantand even then, still some resist, trusted agents trained to counter even Charles most powerful telepathic commands forming a retinue of survivors around Emma Frost. Even at the climax of the issue, when Charles is rescued from Moiras judgement by a well-timed arrival from Rogue, and Emmas survivors are secreted away from the Gala (another payment in blood, this time the death of teleporter Lourdes Chantel), more death awaits. Charles psychically realizes that he cannot sense any mutant on Krakoa at allthat he has commanded his people into a meatgrinder, not exiling them but murdering them. That last one might be Hellfire Gala 2023's most obvious falsehood (the story of the X-Men might be one of death and rebirth, but even a company infamous for some bad decisions probably didnt just give Mutantkind its third large-scale genocide after Genosha and M-Day), but even then, it is a reflection of the great heights this era of X-Men has achieved that the stakes must be so horrific to put them on the backfoot.

And on that backfoot they are, with all of Krakoas boons turned against them. With the Five missing in action, resurrection is off the table for now. The medicines that won them even scantest diplomacy from the human world are now a loaded gun held to their heads. The gateways themselves are now locked off for all but, ironically, Kate Prydewho used to be the only mutant who couldnt use them. And Charles Xavier sits weeping on the shores of his paradise, now a prison of one and a monument to his failures. And that really is the greatest death of Hellfire Gala, even if far from its most tragic or graphic. The Krakoan age has long questioned if Charles belief in assimilation over separatism would doom ita question that has lingered over Charles political beliefs for 60 years now. Now, it appears to have delivered its coup de grace. With his former ally Moira now his most hated enemy, with his separatist foil in Magneto sacrificed in the events of Judgment Day, Charles has been, even with an increasingly fraught Quiet Council, largely been guiding Krakoa alone, and guiding it on his principles that mutantkind must ameliorate humanity, no matter the cost.

Image: Marvel Comics

Much of mutantkind has, seemingly paid that cost for Charles. Just look at we have made, Magneto told Xavier at the very end of House of X, as the two looked to the stars above their island utopia, a shared dream tempered by their ideologies. Now, in its empty ruins, Charles Xavier can see exactly what he has made for himself: a graveyard for his people and his dream.





Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, whats next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.

More from Gizmodo

Sign up for Gizmodo's Newsletter. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Click here to read the full article.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 28)  The largest branch museum of the National Museum of the Philippines (NMP) in the Visayas will open its doors to the public on Aug. 1.

Located within Plaza Independencia in Cebu City, the Central Visayas Regional Museum was inaugurated on Friday with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in attendance.

In his speech, Marcos said the launch of the museum is in line with the government's agenda to promote tourism and national identity.

"If you haven't been in there, you are in for a very special treat," the president said after touring the exhibits.

"It is a milestone not only for the Queen City of the South and the whole province of Cebu but for the entire country, as the opening of this museum brings to the fore our rich natural, cultural, and artistic treasures," he added.

According to the NMP, the new museum has five galleries "highlighting Cebu's unique geological features and publicly unfamiliar plant and animal species endemic to the place; significant archaeological finds about the Cebuanos and Filipinos history and prehistory; and, sustained ethnographic traditions inculcated in maritime history and industry."

The building was originally the Cebu Customs House, established in 1910 to facilitate trade between Cebu Island and neighboring communities. It was converted into the Malacanan sa Sugbo in 2004, but was hit by a 7.1-magnitude earthquake in 2013 and had to be closed.

In December 2019, the Cebu Port Authority and the NMP signed a deal giving the latter the right to use the building as a museum for 25 years.
It was bound to happen. In hindsight, I'm sorry I didn't start an office pool placing bets on the date it would.

Ladies and gentlemen, we have our first example of big-city media dumping on Fort Pierce in the run-up to former President Donald Trump's trial on charges of mishandling classified documents.

In a July 21 article profiling Aileen Cannon, the federal district court judge presiding over the case, The New York Times dismissed Fort Pierce, where the trial is scheduled to be held, as an unlikely center for serious jurisprudence.

"She (Cannon) and her husband lived in Vero Beach, a short commute to the mausoleum-like courthouse in Fort Pierce that had recently been vacated by Judge Robin L. Rosenberg," Times reporter Robert Draper wrote. "It was a somewhat scruffy outpost that other potential nominees were reluctant to relocate to."

Lawyers representing former President Donald Trump and Waltine "Walt" Nauta leave the Alto Lee Adams Sr. Courthouse on U.S. 1 at Orange Avenue after the classified documents pretrial hearing, Tuesday, July 18, 2023, in downtown Fort Pierce.

I knew this was coming. You knew this was coming. The colorful figurines on display outside Ndiaga Niang's African Art, Antiques and Gifts shop in Kraaz Square knew it was coming.

Still, it's a bit jarring to see an up-and-coming community dismissed in such an offhand fashion. It reminds me of the scene in "The Empire Strikes Back" when Princess Leia disparages her rival/lover Han Solo as a stuck-up, half-witted, scruffy-looking nerf herder.

To which Solo responds with the epic comeback line: "Who's scruffy looking?"

Which is basically the same question I would put to Draper and the residents of the town where his newspaper is based.

According to Oxford's English Dictionary, the word "scruffy" means "shabby and untidy or dirty."

I don't know if Draper spent any time in downtown Fort Pierce or if he traveled to and from the "mausoleum-like courthouse" for the first preliminary hearing with his eyes closed. But after spending some time in New York City, I don't see how anyone who lives there could describe Fort Pierce in that manner with a straight face.

Story continues

Everything from home decor to jewelry, clothes to incense, shea butter and black soap is on offer at Africa Art, Antiques and Gifts in the Kraaz Square building in Fort Pierce. Store owner, Ndiaga Niang, greets every customer with, "Welcome to Africa."

Let's talk about that mausoleum-like courthouse for a minute. The Alto Lee Adams, Sr. U.S. Courthouse in Fort Pierce sits a couple of blocks away from TCPalm's Fort Pierce office. There's a good view of the top of it from my editor's office window.

I've had plenty of opportunities to study it while I should have been paying closer attention to what my editor was telling me. It looks like ... a government building. No more, no less. It doesn't look rundown or shabby or scruffy, at least not to my unsophisticated eyes.

If it had been built as an architectural marvel, the cost probably would have reflected that. And we all know how people on the Treasure Coast (and maybe even in supposedly enlightened places like New York City) feel about wasteful government spending.

I don't want to disparage a fellow journalistic colleague (I bet that comparison will sting Draper's ego) for making a poor word choice or two. I've done it many times myself. Maybe even within the last few paragraphs.

It does bother me his remarks may be shorthand for a popular stereotype big-city folks have of small towns, particularly those located in the South: To wit, we're all unschooled hayseeds who aren't even smart enough to appreciate the economic, recreational and cultural amenities available wherever they live.

The sun rises over South Causeway Beach on Saturday, July 15, 2023, in Fort Pierce.

It's going to get worse, too. As Trump's May trial date approaches, more reporters from big-city media outlets will converge on Fort Pierce, doing stories filled with "local color" about our strange ways. Best case, the Sunrise City will be branded as a "quaint fishing village"  which is a label I don't think can be fairly applied to a city with either a Red Lobster or a Long John Silver's. (Fort Pierce has both.)

Here's my wish for out-of-town media trying to sum up our community: Focus on quality, not quantity.

No, Fort Pierce doesn't have as many playhouses as Broadway. But the one we've got, the century-old Sunrise Theatre, is packed full of history and charm.

Yes, New York and other bigger towns have more museums. That doesn't mean the Zora Neale Hurston Dust Tracks Trail, the A.E. Backus Museum & Gallery, the National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum, the Smithsonian Marine Station and the Manatee Observation and Education Center are chopped liver. (And no, that's not an all-inclusive list of Fort Pierce museums. I'm just throwing out a few examples.)

We've got too many good restaurants to even begin to list, most of which you can afford to visit without taking out a second mortgage.

From most parts of New York, getting to a decent swimming beach is an ordeal that involves fighting traffic and crowds. In Fort Pierce, you can be in or on the water quicker than people living in a lot of places can get to the nearest convenience store.

Does Fort Pierce have pockets of crime and poverty? Yes, we do. However, the last time I was in Manhattan, a man offered me prostitutes and drugs while I was sitting on the front stoop of the posh hotel where my wife and I were staying. (My wife happened to be sitting next to me at the time.)

BLAKE FONTENAY

My final point  a closing argument, if you will  is actually a question: If Fort Pierce and other small Florida communities are so bad, then why are so many New Yorkers moving here? Rather than treating them as an invasive species, we welcome them, along with their complaints about substandard pizza and delis, with open arms.

We're also seeing more people from Miami and other more heavily populated communities to our south moving to this remote "outpost" to take advantage of our reduced traffic, lower cost of living and overall better quality of life.

If Draper comes back here for the trial, he had better watch out, lest he fall into the same trap that snared Michael J. Fox's character in the movie, "Doc Hollywood." If he spends enough time here, he may never want to leave.

This column reflects the opinion of Blake Fontenay. Contact him via email at bfontenay@gannett.com or at 772-232-5424.

This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: New York Times should look inward before calling Fort Pierce scruffy
BANGKOK (AP)  Shortly after China opened its borders with the end of zero-COVID, Zhang Chuannan lost her job as an accountant at a cosmetic firm in Shanghai and decided to explore the world.

The cosmetics business was bleak, said Zhang, 34, who explained everyone wore face masks during the pandemic. After being laid off, she paid $1,400 for an online Thai course, got an education visa and moved to the scenic northern Thai city of Chiang Mai.

Zhang is among a growing number of young Chinese moving overseas not necessarily because of ideological reasons but to escape the countrys ultra-competitive work culture, family pressures and limited opportunities after living in the country under the strict pandemic policies for three years. Southeast Asia has become a popular destination given its proximity, relatively inexpensive cost of living and tropical scenery.

There is no exact data on the number of young Chinese moving overseas since the country ended pandemic restrictions and reopened its borders. But on the popular Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu, hundreds of people have discussed their decisions to relocate to Thailand. Many get a visa to study Thai while figuring out their next steps.

At Payap University in Chiang Mai, around 500 Chinese began an online Thai course early this year.

Royce Heng, owner of Duke Language School, a private language institute in Bangkok, said around 180 Chinese inquire each month about visa information and courses.

The hunt for opportunities far from home is partly motivated by China's unemployment rate for people ages 16 to 24, which rose to a record high of 21.3% in June. The scarcity of good jobs increases pressure to work long hours.

Opting out is an increasingly popular way for younger workers to cope with a time of downward mobility, said Beverly Yuen Thompson, a sociology professor at Siena College in Albany, New York.

In their 20s and early 30s, they can go to Thailand, take selfies and work on the beach for a few years and feel like they have a great quality of life, Thomson said. If those nomads had the same opportunities they hoped for in their home countries, they could just travel on vacation.

Story continues

During the pandemic in China, Zhang was cooped up in her Shanghai apartment for weeks at a time. Even when lockdowns were lifted, she feared another COVID-19 outbreak would prevent her from moving around within the country.

I now value freedom more, Zhang said.

A generous severance package helped finance her time in Thailand and she is seeking ways to stay abroad long-term, perhaps by teaching Chinese language online.

Moving to Chiang Mai means waking up in the mornings to bird songs and a more relaxed pace of life. Unlike in China, she has time to practice yoga and meditation, shop for vintage clothes and attend dance classes.

Armonio Liang left the western Chinese city of Chengdu in landlocked Sichuan province for the Indonesian island of Bali, a popular digital nomad destination. His Web3 social media startup was limited by Chinese government restrictions while his use of cryptocurrency exchange apps drew police harassment.

Moving to Bali gave the 38-year-old greater freedom and a middle-class lifestyle with what might be barely enough money to live on back home.

This is what I cannot get in China, said Liang, referring to working on his laptop on the beach and brainstorming with expatriates from around the world. Thousands of ideas just sprouted up in my mind. I had never been so creative before.

He also has enjoyed being greeted with smiles.

In Chengdu, everyone is so stressed. If I smiled at a stranger, they would think I am an idiot, he said.

Life overseas is not all beach chats and friendly neighbors, though. For most young workers, such stays will be interludes in their lives, Thompson said.

They cant have kids, because kids have to go to school, Thompson said. They cannot fulfill their responsibilities to their parents. What if their aging parents need help? They eventually will get a full-time job back home and get called back home because of one of those things.

Zhang said she faces pressure to get married. Liang wants his parents to move to Bali with him.

Its a big problem, Liang said. They worry they will be lonely after moving out of China and worry about medical resources here.

Huang Wanxiong, 32, was stranded on Bohol Island in the Philippines for seven months in 2020 when air travel halted during the pandemic, and he spent his time learning free diving, which involves diving to great depths without oxygen tanks.

He eventually flew home to the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou, but lost his job at a private tutoring company after the government cracked down on the industry in 2021. His next gig was driving more than 16 hours a day for a ride-hailing business.

I felt like a machine during those days, Huang said. I can accept a stable and unchanging life but I cannot accept not having any hope, not trying to improve the situation and surrendering to fate.

Huang returned to the Philippines in February, escaping family pressures to get a better job and find a girlfriend in China. He renewed his Bohol Island friendships and qualified as a dive instructor.

But without Chinese tourists to teach and no income, he flew home again in June.

He still hopes to make a living as a diver, possibly back in Southeast Asia, though he also may agree to his parents' proposal to emigrate to Peru to work in a family-run supermarket.

Huang recalled he once surfaced too quickly from a 40-meter (131-foot) dive and his hands trembled from a dangerous lack of oxygen, known as hypoxia. The lesson he took was to avoid rushing and maintain a steady climb. Until his next move, he plans to use that free diver discipline to counter the anxieties of living in China.

I will apply the calm I learned from the sea surrounding that island to my real life, Huang said. I will maintain my own pace.
Allies: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and his Malian counterpart Abdoulaye Diop in Moscow last year

The Ministry of Defence has launched an investigation after emails containing classified information were sent to a close ally of Russia in a typing error.

The emails were intended for the US military, which uses the domain name ".mil".

But they missed out the letter i, and so the messages went instead to the West African nation of Mali.

The MoD said fewer than 20 emails were sent to an "incorrect domain" and were "not classified at secret or above".

In a tweet, it said it was "confident there was no breach of operational security or disclosure of technical data", calling the emails "routine".

"We have opened an investigation after a small number of emails were mistakenly forwarded to an incorrect email domain," an MoD spokesman told PA news agency.

The spokesman added that all sensitive information used by the government department was "shared on systems designed to minimise the risk of misdirection".

"The MoD constantly reviews its processes and is currently undertaking a programme of work to improve information management, data loss prevention, and the control of sensitive information," they added.

Earlier this month, it emerged that millions of US military emails had also been sent to Mali, because of the same typing error.

Some of those emails were believed to have contained sensitive information including passwords, medical records and the itineraries of top officers.

Mali was one of the six African countries promised free grain shipments by Russian President Vladimir Putin after the collapse of the Black Sea deal with Ukraine earlier this month.

Russia's navy blockaded Ukraine's Black Sea ports following its invasion in February 2022, trapping 20 million tonnes of grain which were meant for export and creating food shortages in Middle Eastern and African countries.

Mali is also a close Russian ally because Moscow's Wagner mercenaries have been deployed in the country to fight alongside the army against jihadists.

Earlier this week, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Mali's defence minister, air force chief and the deputy chief of staff would be sanctioned for co-ordinating the spread of Wagner in the West African country.
President Volodymyr Zelensky said he doesn't believe that Russia will stop its aggression against Ukraine, even after the current invasion is driven out of Ukraine.



In his Statehood Day speech, Zelensky said he hopes the next year's holiday can be celebrated in a fully-liberated country.

"We do not believe Russia will not want to return with aggression even after we drive them out from all of our lands," Zelensky said. "The victory of Ukraine can and must be such that any attempts by the enemy to return would not go beyond the sick fantasy of those lunatics who have such plans."

Ukraine's Statehood Day, is celebrated on July 28, and commemorates the Christianization of Kyivan Rus, a medieval state centered around Kyiv.

He added that the statehood is Ukraine's answer to the need for its own peace and security.



The president awarded the country's warfighters during the event.



Russia's continued threat after the war ends has been highlighted by the U.K.'s former defense chief in an interview with the Kyiv Independent.



Ukraine seeks NATO membership to protect itself against future aggression.
Qatar will join Ukraine in the efforts to implement the so-called Peace Formula proposed by President Volodymyr Zelensky, the president announced on July 28.

"The most important thing is that Qatar will be with us in the implementation of the Peace Formula, joining the global effort," Zelensky said in his address.

Zelensky presented a ten-point peace plan to end Russia's war in Ukraine on Nov. 15, 2022.

The plan envisages preventing ecocide in Ukraine, punishing those responsible for war crimes, withdrawing all Russian troops from the territory of Ukraine, restoration of Ukraine's territorial integrity, and the release of all prisoners of war and deportees. The proposals also call for ensuring energy security, food security, and nuclear safety.

Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani arrived in Kyiv for a state visit earlier on July 28.

According to Zelensky, the two leaders discussed steps to ensure global food security and the functioning of the grain corridor, the Peace Formula, the return of illegally deported children, Ukraine's recovery, and Qatari investments.

Russia's unilateral withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Initiative on July 17 sparked global fears of grain shortages and rising food prices. Ukrainian officials said they are attempting to revive the deal through talks with Turkey and the U.N. but are also considering alternative routes for their exports.

The Kremlin seeks to supplant Ukraine's exports to the Global South as Russian dictator Vladimir Putin offered Russia's own grain supplies to the African leaders both as aid and on a commercial basis.

According to the Financial Times, Moscow seeks Turkey's and Qatar's support in facilitating its grain exports to Africa but the two countries have not yet agreed to the plan.

Read also: Putin attempts to bribe African leaders with free grain after pulling out of grain deal

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
President Volodymyr Zelensky vetoed the bill allocating Hr 573.9 million ($15.6 million) to finish the construction of the National Museum of the Holodomor-Genocide on July 27.

The bill has been returned to the Parliament with recommendations from the president.

On July 13, the Parliament supported the allocation of the funds to reconstruct the first stage and commission a second stage of the museum.

Former Culture Minister Oleksandr Tkachenko was criticized for the decision, prompting calls for wiser use of the state's budget during wartime

Tkachenko defended the move, saying it plays a role in winning the international recognition of Holodomor as a genocide. He also noted that the completion of the Museum would serve to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the Holodomor.

The issue added to the growing dissatisfaction with Tkachenko among the public. A petition calling for his dismissal reached 25,000 signatures in June, the minimum amount needed for consideration by the government.

Zelensky then asked Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal to consider replacing Tkachenko on July 20, and the Parliament finally dismissed him on July 27.

Read also: Tkachenko dismissal: Why was Ukraines culture minister controversial?
Zelenskyy meets with Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has met with Qatari PM Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani in Kyiv, Zelenskyys press office reported on July 28.

The president thanked Qatar for its support and humanitarian aid to Ukraine.

Read also: US to provide over $500 million in humanitarian aid to Ukraine

We appreciate this visit and consider it an important demonstration of Qatar's support and solidarity with our country, Zelesnkyy said.

We are sincerely grateful for all the assistance received from Qatar.

In turn, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani conveyed greetings from the Emir of Qatar and informed about his country's intentions to allocate $100 million for humanitarian aid to Ukraine.

Read also: Serbia has decided to provide humanitarian aid to Ukraine

Zelenskyy briefed the PM about daily Russian missile attacks on Odesa and its port infrastructure.

The parties discussed further steps towards ensuring global food security and the continued safe functioning of the Black Sea Grain Initiative (BSGI), as well as the Ukrainian formula for peace and the Ukraine Reconstruction Plan.

Read also: Zelenskyy vows retaliation after Russia levels Odesa city center in most powerful missile attack yet

Zelenskyy emphasized the opportunities for Qatari investors to participate in development and reconstruction programs in Ukraine.

Earlier, the Qatari official met with his Ukrainian counterpart, Denys Shmyhal.

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
Volodymyr Zelenskyy

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivered a speech on July 28 at Kyivs Mykhailivska Square, commemorating Ukrainian Statehood Day and honoring the defenders of the nation.

Zelenskyy emphasized the significance of Ukraines thousand-year history of statehood and stressed the importance of achieving victory in the face of potential Russian aggression.

Read also: Zelenskyy visits damaged Odesa cathedral

Despite driving out Russian occupiers from Ukrainian soil, he expressed skepticism about Russia refraining from further aggression.

The president highlighted that the full-scale war unleashed by Russia has redefined national priorities, with defense taking precedence.

Office of the President of Ukraine

Our statehood is our response to the need for security and peace for Ukraine, Zelenskyy said.

Our desire to win has determined what Ukraine will be in the future. Strong. Free. European. United internally... To defend itself, not to run away.

Zelenskyy believes that Ukraines victory in the ongoing war will define the national path for generations to come and reaffirm the core values laid down millennia ago.

He expressed confidence that even weariness would only propel Ukrainians toward eventual victory.

Read also: Papal envoy meets Russian ombudsperson wanted by ICC for abducting Ukrainian children

Our Ukrainian state stands unwavering, the president declared.

The center of our history. The European center of Orthodoxy, Christian values, human values. Here, on these Kyivan hills, on our land, values always prevail. Evil always loses. It will always be so. We will definitely prevail.

Office of the President of Ukraine

During the event, the president presented decorations, including the Gold Star and Bohdan Khmelnytskyi, to Ukrainian soldiers, as well as the Cross for Courage. He also bestowed the honorary title Prince Mstyslav the Brave upon the 66th Separate Mechanized Brigade of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Office of the President of Ukraine

Office of the President of Ukraine

Ukraine celebrates Ukrainian Statehood Day on July 28 in memory of Saint Equal-to-the-Apostles Prince Volodymyr and in honor of the Baptism of Kyivan Rus-Ukraine. Starting from next year, this holiday will be observed on July 15.

Story continues

Read also: Russian Orthodox parishioner desecrates memorial for children killed by invaders in Zhytomyr Oblast  video

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Ukrainian diplomats are preparing "quite weighty decisions" in regards to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Source: Zelenskyy in his evening video address on Friday 28 July

Quote: "Our international experts are preparing quite weighty decisions for Ukraine, for our warriors. We are doing our best now, we are doing it not publicly  so that the results of our warriors, which everyone will see, can also become the best."

Details: The President did not disclose the details of said decisions.

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!
(Bloomberg) -- The owners of Zimbabwean carbon credit projects have formed an association to lobby the government over its plan to enact rules that could see them cede half of their revenue to the state.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The Zimbabwe Carbon Association brings together about 13 project developers with more than $100 million of investment planned, the organization said. The project activities range from reafforestation to the provision of clean energy.

Zimbabwe in May roiled the $2 billion global carbon offsets energy by announcing that existing projects would be null and void and in addition to the share of revenue going to the state, local investors would get at least 20%. The sudden announcement highlighted the risk of investing in countries that have yet to regulate the industry.

Among the developers concerns are the planned revenue split, the enforced use of a national registry and trading of all credits on a local exchange, Nick de Swardt, the associations chairman, said in an interview on Thursday.

Project developers are concerned with rushing into use of a national registry that doesnt have international recognition, he said. If we want buyers to buy our credits we need international recognition.

A single carbon credit represents a ton of climate warming carbon dioxide or its equivalent removed from the atmosphere or prevented from entering it in the first place. They are bought by emitters of greenhouse gases to offset their activities.

The associations members include Cicada Carbon, which is planning to distribute fuel-efficient wood stoves and to preserve and replant forests, and Namene, which aims to curb fossil fuel emissions through the rollout of solar power.

Story continues

A meeting with the government is planned next month. The government has complained that earlier agreements, made mainly with municipalities or traditional leaders, saw little money flowing back to Zimbabweans.

While the law was announced in May its yet to be enacted, deepening uncertainty. A conference convened in the country this month by a group planning to start a carbon exchange added to the controversy surrounding the industry with a plan to list dated and discredited Russian offsets on the bourse. That plan was later scrapped.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 28)  Authorities on Friday said complaints will be filed against the captain and operator of the passenger motorboat that capsized in Binangonan, Rizal, leaving 26 people dead and possibly more.

Definitely we are going to file a complaint together with the PNP (Philippine National Police) against the captain and the operator of the motorboat, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson Rear Admiral Armand Balilo told CNN Philippines The Source.

He said in a public briefing that investigation is already ongoing, and the probe will also look into actions of the PCG personnel in the area.

Search, rescue, and retrieval operations are ongoing after Aya Express sank on Thursday, Balilo said.

The boat left Binangonan at around 12:30 p.m. en route to Barangay Gulod, Talim Island. However, strong winds caused panic among passengers who leaned to the port side of the boat, causing it to capsize.

It sank in muddy water around 50 yards (45 meters) from Barangay Kalinawan in Binangonan.

The incident happened the same day Typhoon Egay exited the Philippine Area of Responsibility.

With the exit of the typhoon and the lifting of all storm signals, Balilo said it is part of their protocols to give clearance to sail to all motorboats and seacraft, including those in Binangonan.

Aside from the fatalities, the PCG also said 40 passengers were rescued. The survivors were sent home after receiving medical treatment, Balilo said.

Meanwhile, the number of missing has not yet been determined since the captain himself cannot also give a clear picture of how many were onboard, Balilo noted.

The PCG spokesman said there were surely excess passengers onboard since authorities have so far accounted for 66 people, far from the boats maximum capacity of 42 and the declared number of passengers of 22.

Aside from the number of passengers, Balilo said authorities are also investigating if all those onboard wore a life jacket which is mandatory.

According to M/B Aya Express boatman Donald Anain, his fellow boat personnel allowed more passengers to ride while he was submitting the manifesto to the PCG. However, he was mum when asked about the wearing of life jackets and the number of people inside the boat.

Anain also apologized to the families of the victims.

Balilo said the incident is isolated, but is sometimes unavoidable due to unforeseen changes in the situation on the ground.

The Maritime Industry Authority has suspended the safety certificate of the passenger boat. It said it will conduct a marine safety investigation once the search and rescue operation is completed.

CNN Philippines' correspondent Daniza Fernandez contributed to this report.
Sid Zufall, left, took over the duties as president of the Alliance Rotary Club during an installation dinner Wednesday, June 28, 2023, at Alliance Country Club. He follows Eric Taggart, right. Serving as installation officer during the evening was Linda Fergason, center, a member of the Alliance Rotary Club who served as district governor in 2012-13..

Alliance Rotary Club celebrated its annual transition of leadership at its recent installation dinner at Alliance Country Club.

Sid Zufall assumed the presidents duties June 28, taking over for Eric Taggart.

The service organizations Board of Trustees also was set for 2023-24. Vice President is Lisa Trummer; President-elect is Stacie Bacorn; treasurer is Jim Edwards; and Mark Locke is secretary. Making up the rest of the board are Faye Roller, Nate Sheen, Josh Ciocci, Brad Goris and Nicole Brown. Taggart, as past president, also has a board seat.

More: Alliance Rotary Club awards scholarship to daughter of veteran

Members of the Board of Trustees for the Alliance Rotary Club for 2023-24 are, from left, Faye Roller, Nate Sheen, Stacie Bacorn (president-elect), Lisa Trummer (vice president), Josh Ciocci, Sid Zufall (president), Jim Edwards (treasurer), Brad Goris, Eric Taggart (past president), and Mark Locke (secretary). Absent from the photo is Nicole Brown.

Two special honors also were announced during the meeting.

Alliance Rotary Club members Dick Campbell and Herb Spear were granted Honorary Rotarian status. The recognition goes to longstanding Rotary members who have an exemplary record of being active in the club.

Alliance Rotary Club members Dick Campbell, left, and Herb Spear were granted Honorary Rotarian status during the organizations annual installation dinner Wednesday, June 28, 2023, at the Alliance Country Club. The recognition is bestowed upon longstanding Rotary members who have an exemplary record of being active in the club.

Taggart also was awarded the 2023 Rotarian of the Year Award by Mark Locke, the 2022 Rotarian of the Year. Taggart, director of Rodman Public Library, has served as president twice in three years. Taggart is a devoted husband and the father of three children who also serves on the Greater Alliance Chamber of Commerce board; the Stuckey Interfaith Preschool Board; the Serving Every Ohioan Advisory Committee; and the NEO Regional Library System Board. He also chairs the personnel committee and serves as clerk of session for First United Presbyterian Church of Alliance.

Eric Taggart, left, was awarded the 2023 Rotarian of the Year Award during the Alliance Rotary Clubs annual installation dinner Wednesday, June 28, 2023, at the Alliance Country Club. Presenting the award was Mark Locke, the 2022 Rotarian of the Year who recently retired after 21 years as president and CEO of the Alliance Area Chamber of Commerce.

This article originally appeared on The Alliance Review: Sid Zufall takes over leadership of Alliance Rotary
BEDFORD  A Bedford County nonprofit is working to ensure a former school building in Montvale will not be demolished and instead will be used as a community hub for events and services.

The Montvale School Preservation Foundation seeks new life for the former high school on U.S. 460. The building was constructed in 1930 and was converted to an elementary school in the 1960s before it closed in 1996, according to a presentation the foundation gave to the Bedford County Board of Supervisors on Monday. It was in use until 1999, the report to the board states.

The foundation has established a farmers market on the first and third Saturday of the month on the former school grounds.

The farmers market has been extremely well attended, said Roni Sutton, the foundations president.

The market doubled in vendor participation in three months to a dozen vendors and crowds have gotten bigger, Sutton said. Gross Orchards sells out at each market, she said.

We went from 70 to over 200 visitors, Sutton said. We have repeat customers every time we open. The vendors are very happy with it.

The nonprofit also holds work days on the grounds the second Saturday of the month and held a Halloween event last fall that Sutton said drew more than 200 people.

The gym has been cleared of debris, plywood has been removed from the front of the building, broken glass has been replaced and the nonprofit has cleared excess growth around the structures exterior, according to the presentation.

The long-range plan is to create a central location for Montvale residents to gather for events, she said.

Theres lots of people who come here for the history, Sutton said.

The foundation wants to renovate the gym for use as a gathering place and for hosting plays and productions.

We want to create a community kitchen and we want to teach home canning classes, Sutton said. We want to partner with local health care companies to have a mini-health clinic, install new playground equipment that was recently donated and open a history museum 

The nonprofit also looks to partner with one or more elder care companies to open a space for serving seniors and allow for retail, restaurant and classroom space as renovations progress, according to the report. Sutton said the foundation is working with an architect to apply for grants and is being considered for one that is up to $50,000.

Sutton said the foundation is asking the board for assurance the building will not be demolished and redirect $400,000 the county has set aside for that purpose for roof repairs, other upgrade needs and matching potential grants.

People in the Montvale and surrounding area need recognition from the board that a good faith effort is being made and we can work together, Sutton told the board.

Sutton said she has lived in the Montvale community for more than 30 years and noticed traffic through the area has significantly increased.

We think that Montvale is a really great gateway to Bedford County for tourism and if we utilize what we have then were going to benefit the entire county, Sutton said.

She said its proximity to the Blue Ridge Parkway and other attractions makes it a main corridor for tourism and the former school is well-positioned for drawing in more people and bring in new interests. A central hub would attract entrepreneurs and small businesses and support county growth, according to the presentation.

Sutton said the foundations preference is the county continues to own the building but it is prepared to move forward with a potential ownership agreement if necessary. The nonprofit also wants to develop a memorandum of understanding agreement with the county for repair, maintenance and management of the building going forward, she said.

District 4 Supervisor John Sharp said he likes the buildings use through the foundations plans and goals more than it being developed for apartments. He said he has no desire personally to demolish the building but his main concern is that further costs are not taken on that affect taxpayers.

 Im primarily trying to not have continued costs. I would prefer the county not own this facility and let you guys own it, Sharp told foundation representatives during the discussion. I see there is a lot of effort being put into this. I appreciate the fact you have been raising funds and you are putting your money where your mouth is. Thats all encouraging to me.

Sharp said getting the $50,000 grant would be beneficial. He added he doesnt want a situation where the county spends the $400,000 set aside for demolition for other measures, and years down the road it still would need to be torn down.

Sutton said the biggest need is a new roof for the gym and assurance the county is willing to work with the nonprofit.

They really have been working very, very hard, District 6 Supervisor Bob Davis said. I think these folks have demonstrated their commitment to staying with this project. Im very impressed with their long-range plan.

Davis said a medical-based service housed in the building for residents is a great idea.

The board agreed by consensus to get an estimate on the gym roof repairs.

We appreciate what you are doing out there, Edgar Tuck, the boards chair, told foundation members. It does look great.
A federal judge in Fairfax County ruled to dismiss a class-action lawsuit brought against the Virginia Department of Education and the Fairfax County school division under federal disability law.

The plaintiffs in the case had alleged active involvement of the state department of education in denying students with disabilities access to educational services that are guaranteed to them under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The law, passed in 1975, ensures that students with disabilities receive a free and appropriate public education.

U.S. District Judge Michael Nachmanoff did not deny the plaintiffs claims, but rather dismissed the case on procedural grounds. He found that none of the plaintiffs had standing to sue.

But the judges order does not prevent different plaintiffs from pursuing the claims at issue in the lawsuit.

The judge ruled that the Chaplick family was unable to sustain their claims because they failed to exhaust Virginias administrative procedures when trying to obtain educational services that they claimed were appropriate for their son. The judge wrote that he does not see how the procedural issues with the suit at hand would apply to plaintiffs who had exhausted the administrative procedures.

Thus, while this case must be dismissed, a future case may fare differently, Nachmanoff wrote in his opinion filed last week.

The Virginia Department of Education declined to discuss the decision.

The Fairfax County Public Schools division declined to comment on the allegations presented in the lawsuit, but provided a statement: FCPS appreciates the courts careful consideration of the arguments presented and agrees with the dismissal of the lawsuit. FCPS remains committed to working with parents to provide students with disabilities an education that meets their needs.

The class-action suit filed in Fairfax County in September asserted that in recent decades hearing officers rarely sided with parents who challenge school plans for how to educate their children.

Plaintiffs Trevor Chaplick and Vivian Chaplick, the parents of a current Fairfax County Public Schools student, said the school district rejected the idea that the student needed to leave the division. Identified as D.C. in the suit, the Chaplicks son has faced significant challenges in his life including Autism, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder-Primarily Hyperactive-Impulsive Type, Tourettes Syndrome, Encephalopathy, Adjustment Disorder with Anxiety and Disturbance of Conduct, and an Intellectual Disability of an undetermined severity, according to the suit.

The Chaplicks went ahead with a due-process hearing despite receiving a warning from a school system social worker that they should not bother [with the case] because they would lose according to the suit.

In January, the Chaplicks broadened the scope of their case to allege active involvement of the state education department in denying students with disabilities access to educational services that are guaranteed to them under federal law.

The amended lawsuit alleged that school divisions and the state education department encouraged the falsification of students grades, illegally withheld information from parents, failed to properly investigate denials of appropriate education services to students and failed to create and update Individual Education Plans (IEPs) in accordance with federal law.
A planned beef processing facility in northern Mills County will create hundreds of new jobs and other economic benefits to the region, a project spokesperson said.

We intend to employ a workforce of up to 800 people with an average annual pay of $55,000, said Ben Hildebrandt, communications director of Cattlemen's Heritage Beef Company LLC.

An economic report produced independently for the company projects $1.1 billion in annual positive economic impacts in southwest Iowa, according to information provided by Hildebrandt.

These impacts would include higher state and local tax revenues. In fact, according to the report, total state and local tax return for each $1 of taxpayer support would be $17.79.

The plant would also help in the retention of Iowa workers and increase rural development, the report said.

We believe this statement is very important, Hildebrandt said of the report.

The 132-acre site is planned for the northwest quadrant of the Interstate 29 and Bunge Road intersection, just south of the Pottawattamie-Mills county line.

Weve owned the land for several years and its the perfect location for our plant, Hildebrandt said. The Council Bluffs-Omaha region is in the heart of the meat packing region. You have the workforce, you have the culture, the infrastructure. Its at the crossroads of significant highways so the product wont be trucked that far.

At full capacity, the mid-sized plant should process 2,000 head of cattle per day, half a million per year, Hildebrandt said. There will be just one shift, in the morning, five days a week.

The project recently received a huge financial boost with a $25 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The USDA grant money through the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program will be used as part of our Cattlemen's Heritage Beef Company start-up costs, Hildebrandt said.

The companys grant award was part of $115 million in grants for smaller meat and poultry operators in 17 states. These grants are the latest in a series of awards the Biden administration has made to increase meat and poultry processing, benefiting farmers and providing more job opportunities in largely rural areas, said Tom Vilsack, U.S. ag director, during the grant announcements.

Vilsack, a former governor of Iowa, noted that 7.5% of farms now receive 89% of all farming income. While big operations are important, Vilsack noted, it is also vital for small farmers to receive a greater share of the income in order to reverse population and wealth declines in rural communities.

If not, then the U.S. will see fewer farm families, fewer customers for small town businesses and fewer kids in rural schools, Vilsack said.

"The worst thing of all is parents and grandparents at the coffee table having to hear their children and grandchildren explaining why they are leaving," he said.

Hildebrandt said the company worked more than a year toward obtaining the grant and received the entire amount it applied for.

We found out not long before the announcement was made, he said. Its very good news. The $25 million grant is positive and significant.

The plant will operate using new technology. It will be a true state-of-the-art beef processing facility," Hildebrandt said.

There should not be any odor issue from the facility, according to Hildebrandt.

We believe it will not be a concern, he said.

Altogether, including the federal grant, the total cost for the project will be approximately $500 million.

The company is currently waiting on the results of an environmental study that must be approved by Washington, Hildebrandt said. Until then, a groundbreaking date cant be set.

Nevertheless, Hildebrandt expressed excitement on what the facility will mean to this area.

Its going to be a win, win, win situation for the entire region, he said.
The Nebraska auditor for public accounts issued its long-awaited audit results on the North Fork Area Transit on Monday morning. The audit comes eight months after the former NFAT general manager was terminated for the alleged theft of more than $740,000 from the transit organization.
A woman walks near an uprooted tree, a flipped vehicle and debris from homes damaged by a tornado, March 27, 2023, in Rolling Fork, Miss. While the dangers of tornadoes to mobile homes have long been known, and there are ways to mitigate the risk, the percentage of total tornado deaths that happen in mobile homes has been increasing.
We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription.
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 
King Mohammed VI is represented at the second Russia-Africa Summit by Head of Government, Aziz Akhannouch, who arrived in Saint Petersburg on Thursday.

The second Russia-Africa Summit and Economic Forum opened in St. Petersburg, in the presence of heads of state, heads of government and ministers from 49 African countries, according to the Kremlin.

The Moroccan delegation taking part in the Summit also includes the Minister of Foreign Affairs Nasser Bourita, and Ambassador to Russia Lotfi Bouchaara.

The official program for the two-day event includes more than 50 sessions and round tables on a wide range of topics, including energy and food sovereignty.

After a first meeting in 2019 in Sochi, the Russia-Africa Summit aims to strengthen partnerships in the political, economic, scientific, cultural, and humanitarian fields.
Morocco has condemned the persistence of incursions by certain Israeli officials into the Al Aqsa Mosque and its esplanade with the participation of some extremists among their supporters and called for the preservation of the legal and historical status of the city of Al-Quds and the Al-Aqsa Mosque.

Morocco, whose Sovereign chairs the Al Quds Committee, condemns the persistent incursions by certain Israeli officials into the Al Aqsa Mosque and its esplanade, with the participation of some extremists among their supporters, a source at the Foreign Ministry said.

Morocco, in line with the constant principles of King Mohammed VI, Chairman of the Al Quds Committee, reiterates its total rejection of all unilateral actions aimed at undermining efforts to bring about peace, and calls for preserving the legal and historical status of the city of Al Quds and the Al Aqsa Mosque, and for avoiding all forms of escalation and provocation, the same source added.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 28)  Aviation authorities have started looking into an incident of a helicopter that was forced to make an emergency landing in a banana field in Bukidnon on Thursday. The aircraft is operated by the same group behind the air ambulance that went missing last March.

In a statement issued Friday, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) said an R44 helicopter of the Philippine Adventist Medical Aviation Services (PAMAS) made an emergency landing in Sitio, Babahagon, Lantapan, Bukidnon.

The information was likewise verified by the Laguindingan Tower, but CAAP noted that PAMAS did not file a flight plan for this operation.

It said Aircraft Accident Investigation and Inquiry Board Chief Reineer Baculinao is now investigating the accident.

In a Facebook post, PAMAS said the pilot reported that the helicopter lost power, forcing him to make an emergency landing.

Thankfully, neither the pilot nor passengers were seriously injured. One passenger was taken to the hospital for further evaluation, but his condition was not critical, PAMAS said.

PAMAS, which also operated the missing chopper carrying four people en route to Palawan in March, confirmed the incident to CAAP.

RELATED: Search on for missing air ambulance in Palawan
Burkina Faso Thursday July 27 expressed keenness for closer cooperation with neighboring Niger, a day after the army deposed elected leader Mohamed Bazoum.

Niger is a sister country, and the people of Niger are brothers of the people of Burkina Faso. In this respect, it is obvious that any situation that may concern Niger affects Burkina Faso in one way or another, Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouedraogo, Burkina Fasos minister of Communication and Spokesperson of the Government.

We are paying close attention to the latest events in Niger with the hope that this country can truly return to serenity, the State official added.

Our hope is that together we can truly embark on a dynamic of closer partnerships and cooperation, and above all that together we can take up this historic struggle against armed terrorists groups and restore the dignity of our peoples, emphasized Jean Emmanuel Ouedraogo.

The remarks came a day after a group of military officers gathered under the so-called Conseil National pour la Sauvegarde de la Patrie [National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland] (CNSP) announced the removal of President Bazoum who came to power in 2021, after disputed elections.

The junta cited the degrading security situation in the country as reason for their move.

Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali, all of them in the Sahel region, have been grappling with insecurity due terrorism activities. Burkina Faso and Mali turned their backs to their former colonial power France for support in the fighting against terrorism. Ouagadougou and Bamako instead turned to Russia and Turkey for a new partnership. Niger under Bazoum emerged as the new strategic partner for western countries in the Sahel, as they pulled out from Mali and Burkina Faso.
The Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) to bolster joint cooperation, the office of Egyptian Prime Minister Mustafa Madbouly said in a statement, on Thursday July 27.

Madbouly and his Vietnamese counterpart Tran Lu Quang witnessed the deal signed in the Egyptian capital Cairo on Thursday. The signed agreement promotes the exchange of views and viewpoints between the parties on the application of international supervisory banking principles, as well as works for a bilateral dialogue between Central banks on monetary policy and foreign monetary policy matters, aiming to boost development and growth in both countries, as well as train staff in the banking sector, sharing experiences and general information regarding amendments and developments in banking laws and regulations, the statement said.

Lu Quand led a delegation to Egypt to discuss ways to boost its cooperation with the Arab country in the trade sector.
Canada is keen to boost ties with Gabon in many areas and mainly in the mining sector for a win-win partnership, the North American countrys High Commissioner in central African country (Lorraine Anderson) has revealed on Thursday July 27.

For Canada, Gabon is a land of opportunity, and we know we can work together in a win-win relationship to help Gabon diversify its economy, Lorraine Anderson said after meeting with Chen Sylvestre Mezui MObiang, Gabons Minister of Mining and Geology.

L. Anderson also indicated that Ottawa is eager to invest in mining exploration and the training of skills. MObiang welcomed the interest from Ottawa. The Gabonese official also argued that the African country is in need of support and research of other ore deposits.

Were delighted to know that Canada, which has a high level of mining technology, is interested in the potential of Gabons subsoil. We need to carry out a great deal of research to identify new potential. Thats our priority, and well be looking together to see what mineral potential there is in Gabon, MObiang said.

We need to carry out a lot of research to determine our countrys new mining potential, and thats our priority. And well be looking together at what Gabon has to offer in the way of mining clues, MObiang added. Both sides are planning to meet in future in view of defining the framework and actions to take in connection to the partnership, Gabons State-run news agency AGP reported.
Albert's Culbertson Grass is approximately 64 +/- acres of native grass pasture accessed by a well maintained, paved county road. The property has a barbed wire perimeter fence and there is a well with a windmill (the Seller nor their representative know the quality of the well). There is electrical service on the property. There are several potential building sites on the property so a Buyer will have many options with this terrific ranch.LandAlberts Culbertson Grass is 64 +/- acres of rolling native grass. ImprovementsThere is a perimeter barbed wire fence and electrical service to the property. RecreationAlberts Culbertson Grass and the Frenchman River Valley offers endless recreation, from hunting small game and varmints to monster plains mule deer and White-tailed deer. You also have the opportunity to go hiking, biking or having fun on your ATV/UTV all on your own property! Swanson Reservoir, which boasts some excellent fishing and waterfowl hunting is only a short 15 mile drive to the west of Alberts Culbertson Grass. AgricultureCurrently Alberts Culbertson Grass is operated as a cattle pasture. Water/Mineral Rights & Natural ResourcesAll appurtenant water rights associated with this property will transfer to the Buyer at Closing. Seller owned mineral rights will transfer to the Buyer at Closing. General OperationsAlberts Culbertson Grass is currently used as a cattle pasture. Region & ClimateHitchcock County, Nebraska gets 21 inches of rain, on average, per year.The US average is 38 inches of rain per year. Hitchcock County averages 24 inches of snow per year.The US average is 28 inches of snow per year. On average, there are 240 sunny days per year in Hitchcock County.The US average is 205 sunny days. Hitchcock County gets some kind of precipitation, on average, 71 days per year. Precipitation is rain, snow, sleet, or hail that falls to the ground. In order for precipitation to be counted you have to get at least .01 inches on the ground to measure. Weather Highlights Summer High:the July high is around 90 degrees Winter Low:the January low is 14 Rain:averages 21 inches of rain a year Snow:averages 24 inches of snow a year HistoryThis area is rich in history. On 30 Aug. 1873 the first election was held in the county. It was held at the residence of F.U. Martin on Section 14, Township 3, Range 32 West, two miles east of the present town of Culbertson. The first officers elected were: Thomas LeGrand, W.W. Kelly and F.U. Martin, commissioners; W.Z. Taylor, Clerk, J.E. Kleven, Treasurer; G.E. Baldwin, Sheriff; A.J. Vanderslice, Judge; J.H. Conklin, surveyor; Daniel Murphy, Superintendent of Schools; J.H. Miller, Coroner. The county seat was located on the north half of Section 17, Range 31 West, the site of the town of Culbertson. Prior to 1869, the Republican Valley was a major retreat for the hostile Sioux and Cheyenne Indians. The valley was in the heart of buffalo range and was one of the great hunting grounds of the West. Whites made only occasional hunting trips into the region, due to the threat of Indian problems. In the summer of 1869, at the Battle of Summit Springs, near present Sterling, Co., Gen. Eugene A. Carr and his Republican River Expedition defeated the hostile Indians under Chief Tall Bull, which virtually cleared the Republican for settlement. The counties to the east of Hitchcock County were quickly organized by adventuresome frontiersmen and women. Though he did not file upon the land until August, George C. Gessleman was the first person to settle in what is now Hitchcock county, arriving in the early spring of 1873. During the next few months, he was joined by about a dozen other men, staking claims along Blackwood Creek to the east and north of present Culbertson. On 30 May 1873, a flash flood on the Blackwood brought near disaster to those first frontiersmen of the county. In the night, after everyone was in bed, most sleeping outdoors, a flood rushed down the creek, washing away tents, wagons and possessions. The boundaries for Hitchcock County had been defined by the legislature in January 1873 and named for Phineas W. Hitchcock, then serving as United States Senator from Nebraska. Situated near the southwest corner of Nebraska, the county is twenty-four miles north and south and thirty miles from east to west. In June the settlers petitioned Governor Robert W. Furnas for permission to organize the county, and he issued a proclamation on 5 July 1873, calling for an election to organize the county to be held on August 30th. In July, William Zacariah Taylor arrived on the present site of Culbertson and began building a store, probably at the instigation of the Republican Valley Land Company, the town site company of the Burlington Railroad. He named the site for Alexander Culbertson , noted trader of the Upper Missouri County in the 1840s and 1850s, who was living out his old age at Orleans, Harlan County, where his son-in-law was a Burlington official. Before the election, however, the settlers went through another time of trial, when the Sioux defeated the Pawnee at the Battle of Massacre Canyon on Tuesday morning, August 5th. The day before the battle a party of Sioux warriors had terrorized some of the settlers along the Blackwood, destroying some property. An account of the battle is given elsewhere in this history. Eighteen votes were cast at the first election on August 30th, and the men elected served only until the regular election on October 14th. Several of those elected had apparently left the county by the second election, however. A party of buffalo hunters were robbed in early October on the Stinking Water and left afoot on the prairie later making their way to the Kansas settlements. They and others said the robbery was done by some of these first county officials. During that first summer, only a few acres of ground were broken. For survival, these first frontiersmen depended upon the buffalo and other wild game. Supplies had to be transported from the railroad in the Platte Valley, mainly from North Platte or Plum Creek (Lexington). Having little money, many of the settlers traded buffalo meat for essentials. This was to remain the main source of trade until the buffalo herds were finally wiped out. Though 1874 started out well, the grasshopper hordes arrived in late summer and the few small fields were devastated. Many of the settlers left the county, leaving only a handful of men. In 1875 a major change came to the county. Large scale ranching began in Southwest Nebraska. Some ranchers came from the East, but others were Colorado ranchers who entered the region from the west. Thus began Culbertsons boom period. Though a few very small settlements, such as Stratton, Palisade and Benkleman were started about 1880, until about 1883, Culbertson was the only real settlement in Southwest Nebraska, being the only town between Indianola and Ogallala. Though many of the ranchers and their families lived in Culbertson, at least during the winter, and many of the men served as officials of Hitchcock County. Until the railroad built up the valley, few settlers entered the region, for they would have had no way to market their produce except for the long haul to the Platte. When the Burlington began to build west, many homesteaders entered the county, settling on the Driftwood and the Frenchman, as well as building up the river valley. It was not until about 1884, however, that homesteaders began to settle on the divide lands, booming the population of the county. Early history of Hitchcock County tells of frequent Indian scares, but no injury was ever done the settlers. In the fall of 1876, two horse thieves were killed in Massacre Canyon and buried near Culbertson. In the fall of 1878, a band of Cheyenne Indians escaped from their reservation, to visit their old Nebraska home, and passed near here. In the fall of 1881 the Burlington and Missouri Railroad was completed to Culbertson and trains began running regularly to this point. In March 1882, trains began running westward as far as Akron, Colorado. The first school district was organized 21 Feb. 1876. This district was the north one-half of the county. No other district was organized until 1879 when four more districts were added. Another district was formed in 1880 and three more in 1881, making nine school districts in the county by 1882. There were 335 children of school age and 12 teachers holding certificates. The salaries of the teachers ranged all the way from $20 to $40 per month. The first newspaper in the county was the spring of 1879 by W.Z. Taylor, and Nat L. Baker was the editor. This paper was published until the spring of 1800, when Baker took the material and started the Chipper. Taylor started another paper called the Sun at the same time and employed R.D. Graham as editor. During the same summer the Clipper failed and Baker returned the material and the Sun remained the only paper published in the county. LocationAlberts Culbertson Grass is located in Hitchcock County in SW Nebraska. The closest community is Culbertson and the nearest large community is McCook (15 minutes). The property is only a mile north of US Hwy 34 and is located almost an equal distance from Interstates I-70 and I-80.

View More
In a search warrant filed last month but made public Tuesday, Lincoln Police investigators asked Google for data from cellphones that pinged near Arnold Heights Park in northwest Lincoln over a specific five-minute time period June 4, according to court filings.

The warrant, which didn't turn up any location data, was part of the Police Department's investigation into a home invasion robbery at a duplex near Northwest 54th and West Superior streets at about 1:20 p.m. June 4, Investigator Xavier Schwerdtfeger wrote in the filing.

A resident called police from a neighbor's house that day and, later, told investigators he had been sleeping in his duplex when he heard a loud noise downstairs, Schwerdtfeger wrote in the affidavit for the search warrant.

The resident said when he went to investigate the noise, he encountered an armed man with a handgun who threatened to kill him, according to the affidavit.

The armed man asked the resident, "Where is it at?" before kicking in a door to a workroom in the duplex, Schwerdtfeger wrote. The resident ran from the duplex as the armed man rummaged through the room.

Police later reviewed Ring doorbell footage from the area, which showed the armed man, dressed in black, get out of the passenger side of a dark SUV at 1:12 p.m. before kicking down the door to the duplex, Schwerdtfeger wrote.

He ran from the house a minute later, heading south on foot  the same direction the SUV had driven after dropping him off, according to Tuesday's District Court filing. It's unclear if he stole anything from the home.

Neither the resident who was sleeping when the man broke in nor his dad, who owns the duplex, could provide police with any names of suspects or potential motives for the break-in, Schwerdtfeger wrote.

Police officials did not mention the reported break-in, which remains unsolved, at the department's daily media briefing in the days after the crime.

The search warrant, which Judge Timothy Phillips signed June 27, was intended to help investigators identify potential suspects or witnesses in the would-be robbery by providing Google account information for any account-affiliated devices that were tracked in the immediate area of the duplex between 1:10 p.m. and 1:15 p.m. that day.

Google, one of the world's largest tech companies, would have provided the data in an anonymized form had the company provided any data at all, according to the warrant.

Schwerdtfeger noted in the affidavit that Google accounts are "more than likely tied to both Android and Apple iOS and are continuously sending location information to Google."

If investigators zeroed in on a specific account in the area as one of interest, they would then have to file a separate warrant for subscriber information for that account.
Illustration: Tyler Comrie; Photos: Getty Images

The scandal isnt whats illegal, Michael Kinsley once wrote; the scandal is whats legal. The point of the aphorism is that, in American politics, the worst abuses by powerful people usually involve clever ways to exploit the law without committing crimes.

That notion has grown a bit outdated for an era in which a mobbed-up real-estate crook turned professional swindler can be elected president of the United States. But it remains the case that a large amount of scandalous behavior is perfectly legal. This problem describes the ongoing ethics scandals of both the Supreme Court and Hunter Biden.

The dilemma with Hunter Biden is the mismatch between his sleaze, which is vast, and his criminality, which appears minuscule. His proven crimes amount to having failed to pay taxes and having lied about being sober on a gun-purchasing form  both of which are basically knock-on effects of his drug addiction. In a now-delayed deal with a federal judge in July, Biden agreed to plead guilty to the former while avoiding prosecution on the latter, and he may still be charged for other crimes. At the same time, he collected millions of dollars flagrantly trading on his fathers name. The only possible value Hunter Bidens consulting could have had to the various businesspeople he peddled it to in Ukraine and China was the possibility he could provide a connection to his father.

Republicans have claimed, without anything close to solid evidence, that Joe Biden was profiting from his sons business and covering up his corruption  with Speaker Kevin McCarthy going so far as to suggest that the House might impeach the president over the affair. But even short of the unlikely possibility that Joe Biden made a cent from Burisma, the Ukrainian gas company whose board Hunter sat on, it is true that he permitted his son to make his living in the influence-peddling trade. The cleanest and most likely version of these facts is that Hunter Biden essentially swindled his foreign clients by floating that he had pull with his dad without ever delivering on the corrupt promise.

That would be, alas, legal. It is also apparently legal for Hunter Biden to sell paintings to Democratic Party donors for enormous sums, as Mattathias Schwartz of Insider reports. Maybe, just maybe, Hunter Biden possesses rare artistic gifts, or perhaps his style appeals specifically to an aesthetic sensibility that happens to be concentrated among wealthy Democrats. More likely, those donors are looking for a way to funnel money to Hunter and paying generously for his paintings lets them do it.

The Supreme Courts ethics scandal has the same basic contours. The high court is exempt from ethics requirements faced by other American judges, a paradoxical loophole that allows some of the most powerful political figures in the country  justices with lifetime tenure and the ability to overrule actions by the other two branches of government  to operate with less transparency or constraint.

The worst offense (at least among those that reporters have managed to suss out) involves Clarence Thomas, who allowed conservative billionaire Harlan Crow to underwrite his lifestyle by covering the education of his adopted son and housing for his mother and paying for luxury vacations for Thomas and his wife, Ginni. The legal defense of Thomass behavior hinges on the lack of any enforceable reporting requirements for his office. The ethical defense hinges on the notion that Thomas is too principled to allow financial gifts to sway his legal opinions.

Thomass defenders have insisted his actions were legal, which is true, and that he didnt do anything unethical, which is preposterous. Any powerful person has compromised his independence when his standard of living depends on staying in the good graces of a wealthy patron.

And while Thomas and Crow may see eye to eye on the issues anyway, it seems at least suspicious that the Courts conservative bloc has developed a series of lucrative personal friendships with conservative billionaires. As the New York Times columnist Jamelle Bouie has pointed out, the conservative legal movement has been preoccupied since the 1980s with stopping Republican Supreme Court appointees from wandering toward the ideological center once installed. So the fact that the justices are now ensconced within a supportive and luxurious social circle  rather than the regular, non-gift-bestowing elites they might otherwise socialize with  is hardly immaterial to their rulings.

The Wall Street Journal recently reported that Chief Justice John Roberts has sought to formalize some ethical rules; he even circulated a code of conduct similar to the one used by lower-court justices, but strangely, the project hasnt progressed further.

One reason it hasnt progressed is probably that, among conservatives, the Courts ethics scandal isnt a scandal at all. Or, rather, the scandal is that nosy reporters are digging up stories about justices helping themselves to free gifts. In Congress, Democrats have sought to impose ethics requirements on the Supreme Court, but Republicans have opposed them uniformly. The bill invites ethics complaints alleging that a Justice violates the new rules or has otherwise engaged in conduct that undermines the integrity of the Supreme Court, complains The Wall Street Journal editorial page. That open-ended standard is an invitation to groups on the left and right to file endless complaints against the Justices to create the appearance of wrongdoing or conflicts of interest.

There are channels to handle ethics complaints against other judges, not to mention members of the executive and legislative branches, and these dont prevent any of these bodies from functioning. Somehow the Supreme Court alone is so fragile that establishing any mechanism to vet ethics complaints would paralyze it.

So that is where we are stuck. Democrats are complaining about the Supreme Courts luxe lifestyle, and Republicans are complaining about Hunter Bidens sleaze. Both parties dismiss the complaints from the opposing camp as a witch hunt designed to smear some different target (Joe Biden in the case of the latter and the general legitimacy of the conservative-controlled Supreme Court in the former). Neither feels compelled to correct misbehavior on their own side because misbehavior has been defined as a crime.

The solution would seem to be to create firm rules to enforce the ethical expectations attached to these positions. If Democrats in Congress cant get Republican support for a code of conduct for the Supreme Court, they could attach it to a measure creating a code of conduct for family members of current and recent presidents and vice-presidents. It shouldnt be impossible to let the child of a president get a regular job while preventing them from selling their name. (The sleaziest family deals all seem to involve overseas work.)

Of course, Republicans are probably going to reject any ethics rules for presidential families, too. The biggest targets would be Donald Trump and Jared Kushner, who have made a fortune on deals with Persian Gulf states that had cozy ties with the Trump administration. But proposing standards would at least allow Democrats to have an answer for Hunter Bidens sleaze parade rather than having to excuse it.

Its unsavory, but its not a crime is a good argument for a defense lawyer. Its not a great argument for people who are in a position to write new laws and whose survival depends on refuting the cynicism of a pseudo-populist whose appeal is rooted in the corrosive assumption that every politician is on the take.

Sign up for &c. Irregular musings from the center left. Email This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Vox Media, LLC Terms and Privacy Notice By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice and to receive email correspondence from us.
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.
It's kinda confusing because the phone-hacking claims was the big one I think they needed to win but that got dismissed by the judge. BUT "to go to trial on claims the newspaper used unlawful methods to gather information about him for decades" this is being allowed....isn't that kinda of the same thing??



It got dismissed due to statue of limitations (lame) and a lack of actual physical evidence.

Reply

Thread

Link

I think the methods are what is going to be key.



Also not getting dismissed in a summary judgement doesn't mean Harry is likely OR unlikely to win. It just means the judge looked at it and decided that there was at least enough to bring to a trial.



I am not at lawyer and I am especially not a British lawyer. BUT it seems like the key point is going to be the legality of methods of gathering information so the case will probs be going into details about when and how they got info about Harry and the nitty gritty of the limits of the law.



I would maybe guess that Harry took it to trial to establish precedent and more firm guidelines for news organizations vs William who settled out of court because he didn't want to go through the hassle of publicity of a court case.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

I watched the documentary on this recently and I think he's pretty much the only one who could afford to go to trial, so hopefully something good comes from it.



Steve Coogan was desperate to go to trial, but they would basically just keep upping the settlement fee each time he'd get back to them - to the point where you can't really afford not to take it, or you could end up bankrupt if you lose. I feel like that's why Sienna Miller wasn't able to either.





Reply

Thread

Link

What the name of the documentary? Sounds interesting.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Scandalous: Phone Hacking on Trial! It was on BBC.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

This is what pisses me off with corporations and people like tRump. They delay as long as they can to break you, bankrupt you or pay you off as little as possible and then still write it up as tax deduction later.



There is laws and justice for the rich and the poor get fucked.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Was it the vaccine?  The Centerview (@centerviewnews) July 27, 2023

and vote no, obviously. and vote no, obviously.

Reply

Thread

Link

Why is tik tok convince Harry and Meghan are breaking up?

Reply

Thread

Link

IDK but Tik Tok was also convinced Johnny Debt was innocent, so their news source is um...

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

bc theyre a bunch of racist losers who cant stand Megan

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Because a source in the British press said they were so they believe it.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Yeah, well tiktok supported DP, soooooo.... I don't give credence to what they say.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

I once read that TikTok is like Fox News for Gen Z and man have I never heard a more accurate statement lmaoooo

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Some corners are ok, but like twitter, you gotta be careful where you go.



This statement is somewhat accurate of the main areas though, for sure

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Oh, don't worry. The National Enquirer is too. https://www.discountmags.com/magazine/national-enquirer







Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

because they will believe anything lmao



half these rumors come from places like CDAN, blindgossip, etc. and they eat it up like its all 100% truth

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

good tbh, and hopefully itll help protect others in the future

Reply

Thread

Link

I doubt he'll win but good for her.



I think the way the British news is already reporting this is insane though.

Reply

Thread

Link

All I keep seeing about this is that he doesn't turn up to court dates. I'm so confused by it all

Reply

Thread

Link

Britney need to do this too, and Lindsay Lohan.



Reply

Thread

Link
White House Issues Hazard Alert to Guard Against Extreme Heat

As record-breaking heat continues, the measure is the first hazard alert tied to heat.

President Biden is taking action to protect workers from rising temperatures.

In a statement dated July 27, the White House revealed President Biden had asked the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) to issue a Hazard Alert for heat, the first time such an alert had been delivered. Additional announcements regarding new measures to protect workers from extreme heat are expected to follow.

In keeping with this alert, the DOL will strengthen its enforcement efforts nationwide, ensuring workers have federal protections in place to guard against the heat. This includes a greater focus on cracking down on heat-safety violations and increasing the number of inspections in industries such as construction and agriculture, where risk of heat stress is most common.

The DOL also plans to provide employers with information on how to more effectively protect workers. It will also check in with employees regarding awareness of their own rights. This includes highlighting OSHAs efforts to protect workers, such as developing a national standard for workplace heat-safety rules.

This announcement falls in line with previous actions the White House has taken to combat climate change, while building on President Bidens recent investment in the DOL. In March 2023, the Biden-Harris administration outlined a request for $15.1 billion to be directed to the DOL, including $2.3 billion for worker protection agencies.
(CNN)  Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has refused to say if he would abide by any potential Supreme Court ruling striking down his controversial judicial reform law, as Israelis agonize over a looming showdown between their government and the court.

What youre talking about is a situation, or potential situation, where in American terms, the United States Supreme Court would take a constitutional amendment and say that its unconstitutional. Thats the kind of the kind of spiral that youre talking about, and I hope we dont get to that, Netanyahu told CNNs Wolf Blitzer, warning that the country could enter uncharted territory.

The law, which would limit the power of Israels Supreme Court, is an amendment to one of Israels Basic Laws, which exist in place of a formal constitution. It passed the Knesset on Monday despite six months of protests and rare public criticism from the White House.

The Supreme Court has said that it will hear appeals against the law in September.

US President Joe Biden has been unusually outspoken about the judicial overhaul proposal, suggesting it amounts to an erosion of democratic institutions and could undermine US-Israel relations.

Asked if he was expecting consequences from the United States for the bills passing, Netanyahu stressed that relations remained strong between the Biden White House and his government  the most far right and religious in Israels history.

Look, were both interested in blocking Iran. Were both interested in advancing peace. This is the reason I came back to serving for the sixth time as Israels Prime Minister. I think those goals are achievable, and theyre going to be achieved together between Israel and the United States. I think that will strengthen our alliances. not weaken, he said.

Netanyahu also pointed to debate in the US over its own Supreme Court. You have an internal debate in the United States right now, about the powers of the Supreme Court about whether its abusing its power, whether you should curtail it, he said.

Does that make the American democracy not a democracy? Does that make that debate unworthy? Does that make that that issue, a symbol of the fact that youre moving to some dictatorship personally? he said.

Israels new law strips the Supreme Court of the ability to reject some government decisions on the basis of the reasonableness standard. It was the first of the governments major judicial reforms to be passed by the Israeli parliament, the Knesset.

The country has no upper chamber of the parliament, but it has a relatively strong Supreme Court. Netanyahu and his supporters argue the court has become too powerful, and that their overhaul would rebalance powers between the judiciary, lawmakers and the government.

We dont want a subservient court. We want an independent court, not an all powerful court and thats the correction that were doing, Netanyahu told Blitzer.

Netanyahu acknowledged however that the bill had sparked a big debate.

I dont want to minimize it. I also dont want to minimize the concerns that people have, because many of them have been caught in this spiral of fear, he said, adding Israel is going to remain a democracy.

Opponents say the Supreme Court is the only check on the power of the government and the Knesset, and warn that the reforms would erode Israeli democracy by granting Netanyahu and his government almost unfettered powers.

Critics have also accused Netanyahu of pushing the overhaul forward to protect himself from his own corruption trial, where he faces charges of fraud, bribery and breach of trust  which he has denied.

Would the new law be used to fire the attorney general, currently overseeing the trial? I can tell you that this is not going to happen because it needs the heads of all the coalition to agree to it and theyre not going to agree to it. Its not happening, he predicted.

Thousands of Israeli army reservists  the backbone of the Israeli military  are threatening not to show up for work over the new legislation, but Netanyahu appeared unfazed by the threat. Yes, there is a big debate, but, and some of the former generals are leading an effort against this reform  Thats okay. Its a legitimate thing, he said.

But in a democracy, the day that former generals can force  democratically elected officials to stop legislation on this or that matter, I would say thats the thats the day that Israel really stopped being a democracy, he said.

That said, he does not want to minimize the concerns that people have because many of them have been caught in this spiral of fear, he added. Israel is going to remain a democracy. There are checks and balances.

This story was first published on CNN.com, "Netanyahu warns against overturning controversial new law in CNN interview"
For years, OPEC has warned that not enough is being invested in future oil and gas production on a global scale. For years activists have been calling for an end to even that reduced investment.

Meanwhile, last years energy squeeze in Europe seems to have opened a lot of eyes to the fact that whether activists like them or not, oil and gas remain essential. And after almost a decade of underinvestment, the energy industry is once again spending on future supply.

Goldman Sachs reported this month that there were currently 70 large-scale oil and gas projects under development globally right now. That was up by a substantial 25% from 2020, although 2020 could hardly be seen as a normal year for investment decision-making in any industry except IT.

This is good news for those who consider energy security important. Per the investment bank, the seven-year-long underinvestment period led to a sharp decline in the resource life of future projects as well as the life of already producing fields. With a rebound in investment, this may yet change.

The question seems to be whether this investment is rebounding fast enough. In a recent article for GIS, the CEO of energy consultancy Crystol Energy, Carole Nakhe, noted that some observers are talking about a so-called investment gap.

While lacking in an official definition, the investment gap basically refers to the difference between what is being invested in an industry and what needs to be invested in order to secure a sufficient supply of what that industry produces.

Aramcos chief executive Amin Nasser, who has repeatedly warned of an investment shortfall in oil and gas, has essentially been warning of an investment gap. Nakhe, on the other hand, argues that being the cyclical industry that it is, oil and gas is simply going through yet another cycle.

The energy transition and governments commitments to reduce emissions, notably from oil and gas production and use, has its part to play in this cycle. According to Nasser, it may play a bad part in it. According to Nakhe, the transition push will not be enough to discourage oil and gas investments just like that.

Unless there is an official ban on such investment, investing in oil and gas will continue to be directed by the rate of return, Nakhe wrote, and Goldmans new-project information appears to support this.

The number of large-scale projects under development in the global oil and gas industry has risen from 57 in 2021 to 70 this year despite a marked intensification in transition commitments being made by governments and pledges by the financial industry that it will curb its exposure to oil and gas.

Indeed, it appears that despite all these pledges, finance is still available for oil and gas projects, not to mention governments willingness to subsidy petroleum-derived fuels to keep prices low and voters calm. We saw it last year in Europe and it prompted a strong response from transition advocates and activists.

Not only is investment in new oil and gas supply rebounding, but the rebound will last a while. According to Goldmans analysts, the next five years would see an average annual capex spending increases of some 10% on averagea pretty healthy rate. It is also a rate that reflects rising demand, which many, including OPEC, the IEA, and Goldman, expect to reach all-time highs in the coming years.

That is happening, once again, despite transition commitments, despite rising EV manufacturing and sales numbers, and despite the continuing and urgent push to switch power generation from gas and coal to wind and solar as fast as physically possible.

Over the past few years, as the transition push gathered pace, many oil and gas executives began to worry about the long-term viability of the industry. Combined with pressure from activist investors, this worry must have contributed to the decision to spend less on future production.

Yet with the pandemic over and with the war in Ukraine a clear demonstration that nothing is certain in this world, least of all energy supply, the thinking might have started to change, especially with evidence that demand for oil and gas is strong and rising.

There is a problem, however. The problem is the reduced resource life Goldman notes in its report, which cites the head of EMEA natural resources research, Michele Della Vigna. According to her, that life was halved in the seven years since 2014 because oil and gas drillers invested less in exploration. And the less you invest in exploration, the less future supply you get to lock in.

ADVERTISEMENT

That might mean a more permanent supply tightening for a while but, more than that, it would further boost OPECs share of global supplysomething that U.S. industry executives have also warned about.

The U.S. shale revolution is effectively over, and were going into shale maturity and actually shale decline after the middle of the decade, Della Vigna says.

And all of this, I think, just gives back pricing power to OPEC. That is the only area in the world, especially in the Middle East, where there is meaningful remaining reserve life, she adds. What this means is that oil prices may remain higher than many buyers would like for longer.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
TC Energy Corp, a Canadian pipeline giant, will sell a 40% stake in 2 pipelinesColumbia Gas Transmission and Columbia Gulf Transmissionto Global Infrastructure Partners for some ~$5 billion. The company has also announced plans to spin off its pipeline business.

It is now more than 100 days since fighting between the military and a paramilitary faction erupted in Sudan, with violence now resurfacing in Darfur (in a repeat of the ethnic slaughter of two decades ago). With each passing day, Sudan comes closer to all-out civil war and failed-state status.

Further to our warning about the fragility of peace in Libya, the UNs Libya mission clearly is on edge, warning all parties against unilateral actions over the creation of a new interim government (to pave the way for elections that appear impossible with the oil revenue issue unresolved).

The beginning of this week saw a drone attack in the center of Moscow, near the Russian Defense Ministry building, just a day after Ukraine said it would retaliate for Russias missile attack on the Black Sea port of Odesa. There were no casualties in the Moscow drone attack and it caused no serious damage, according to Russian reports, but was likely intended as a show of force (and prestige) on the part of Kyiv.

Politics, Geopolitics & Conflict

The beginning of this week saw a drone attack in the center of Moscow, near the Russian Defense Ministry building, just a day after Ukraine said it would retaliate for Russias missile attack on the Black Sea port of Odesa. There were no casualties in the Moscow drone attack and it caused no serious damage, according to Russian reports, but was likely intended as a show of force (and prestige) on the part of Kyiv.

Further to our warning about the fragility of peace in Libya, the UNs Libya mission clearly is on edge, warning all parties against unilateral actions over the creation of a new interim government (to pave the way for elections that appear impossible with the oil revenue issue unresolved).

It is now more than 100 days since fighting between the military and a paramilitary faction erupted in Sudan, with violence now resurfacing in Darfur (in a repeat of the ethnic slaughter of two decades ago). With each passing day, Sudan comes closer to all-out civil war and failed-state status.

Deals, Mergers & Acquisitions

TC Energy Corp, a Canadian pipeline giant, will sell a 40% stake in 2 pipelinesColumbia Gas Transmission and Columbia Gulf Transmissionto Global Infrastructure Partners for some ~$5 billion. The company has also announced plans to spin off its pipeline business.

Saudi Aramco has completed its $3.4-billion purchase of a 10% stake in Chinas downstream Rongsheng Petrochemical Co. Ltd this week, and also signed a deal with Pakistan for a $10-billion refinery in the Southeast Asian nation.

Abu Dhabis state-owned ADNOC oil company and Austrian state-owned OMV are in merger talks for whatif it goes through given the complexities of an unprecedented naturewould create a $30-billion dual-state-owned behemoth.

Discovery & Development

Hess has announced an oil discovery in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, in the Pickerel-1 well (Mississippi Canyon Block 727). This discovery would tie back in to Hesss producing platform, Tubular Bells. Tubular Bells deepwater oil and gas field is over 57% owned by Hess and over 42% owned by Chevron. Drilling encountered 90 feet of net pay in the high-quality, oil-bearing, Miocene reservoir. Hess says it expects first oil mid-next year

Earnings Snapshot

Its the beginning of earnings season, and big oilas expectedis starting to report losses...

Shells earnings came in at (adjusted) $5.1B for the quarter, missing analyst expectations of $6B. It also increased its quarterly dividend by 15% to $0.33 per share, along with $3 billion in buybacks over the next three months, give or take.

Chevron (which ended up reporting partial earnings early in a surprise move) beat expectations, but saw earnings per share drop 47% to $3.08 (expectations were for $2.91).

Exxon missed earnings estimates, with profits falling 56% year-over-year. The losses were driven by lower natural gas prices and weaker refining margins.

Weaker refining margins also saw Valero Energy report that its income slumped to $1.9 billion, or $5.40 per share in Q2, compared to $4.7 billion, or $11.57 per share, for the second quarter of 2022. They still beat Wall Street estimates, however.

Norways Equinor reported earnings down 57% YoY (to $7.54B from $17.6B) for Q2, but kept its same dividend and buyback program.
Oil prices are on course for yet another weekly gain, fueled in part by supply concerns and in part by growing optimism about a 'soft landing' for the U.S. economy.

Friday, 28th July 2023

The strength of the US economy has added fuel to the recent rally in oil prices, with the 2.4% quarter-on-quarter growth in Q2 prompting many to believe again in the possibility of a soft landing. Even though Chinas hoarding of crude does not necessarily look good for the upcoming months as Chinese refiners might suddenly start buying significantly less than they do now and start running down stocks, theres so far very little immediate downside to ICE Brent ending the week around $83-84 per barrel and posting another week-on-week gain.

Saudi Aramco to Build Pakistan Megarefinery. Four Pakistani state-owned companies signed a memorandum of understanding with Saudi Aramco (TADAWUL:2222) to build a 300,000 b/d refinery in Gwadar, doubling the embattled countrys refining capacity for an estimated cost of $10 billion.

Greenpeace Picks Another Fight Against UK Oil. Environmental campaign group Greenpeace took the UK government to court over its holding of the 2022 exploration licensing round, saying the authorities failed to assess end-use emissions from future hydrocarbon production.

Cargo of Iranian Oil Stuck Off US Coast, Unwanted. The Suez Rajan, a Marshall Islands-flagged tanker that was confiscated by the US Navy two months ago for allegedly carrying Iranian crude, remains anchored off Galveston since late May as both ship agents and refiners refuse to accept or refine it.

Chinese Oil Stockpiles Shoot Through the Roof. Boosted by all-time high imports of Russian crude and year-on-year doubling Iranian flows, China has amassed almost 1 billion barrels in crude inventories, the highest level of stocks in almost three years, potentially drawing from them in H2.

Germanys Hydrogen Strategy Creates Another Import Dependence. Germany has updated its hydrogen strategy this week, admitting that it would need to import up to 70% of its hydrogen demand, forecast at 95-130 TWh in 2030, sticking to its policy of becoming climate-neutral by 2045.

UN Starts Removing Oil from Decaying Supertanker. The United Nations started the removal of more than 1 million barrels of crude stranded on a decaying tanker called Safer, which moored off the Yemeni coast for more than 30 years and was completely abandoned after the onset of civil war in Yemen in 2015.

TotalEnergies Not Afraid of Uganda Backlash. French oil major TotalEnergies (NYSE:TTE) said it had started commercial drilling at its Tilenga oil field in the western part of Uganda, seeking to launch production in 2025 despite mounting environmental challenges warning of habitat devastation.

Court Decision Greenlights Key US Pipeline. The US Supreme Court granted the operator of the Mountain Valley Pipeline, a longtime-planned gas conduit running through Virginia, the right to build a 3.5-mile section through the Jefferson National Forest, dealing a blow to years of environmentalist protests.

Teck Divestment of Coal Assets Still on the Table. The CEO of Canadas Teck Resources (NYSE:TECK) stated that the company is still considering a range of proposals including a partial sale of its coal business, leading many to believe that Glencores $8.2 billion bid for the assets is not yet fully rejected.

ADVERTISEMENT

Heat Sends US Power Prices Soaring. As US electricity prices soar amidst a crippling heatwave, taking PJM Western prices to the highest since February, the operator of the Midwests power grid was forced to declare a level-one emergency in 13 states stretching from Illinois to New Jersey.

Pentagon Spearheads Gallium Mining Drive. The US Defense Department is expected to issue first-time mining awards for the production of gallium to US or Canadian companies by the end of this year amidst Chinese curbs on gallium exports, a key component in Navy radars and missile defense.

TC Energy Plans 2024 Pipeline Spin-Off. Canadas leading pipeline operator TC Energy (TSE:TRP) will spin off its oil pipeline business into a separate entity in the second half of 2024, seeking to focus its core activities around natural gas and low-carbon energy, sending its stock 10% down on the week.

BP Lands Another LNG Supply Deal. UK energy major BP (NYSE:BP) signed a long-term LNG supply deal with Austrias OMV (VIE:OMV), delivering 1 million tonnes of LNG to the Gate LNG terminal in the Netherlands or other selected destinations, with first cargoes expected from 2026.

Saudi Arabia Doubles Down on Metals. Saudi Arabias sovereign wealth fund Maaden agreed to purchase a 10% stake in Vales base metal business for $3 billion, beating rival bidders Mitsui and Qatar Investment Authority to diversify their portfolio away from fossil fuel investments.

By Michael Kern for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Crude oil prices were set for another weekly rise earlier today despite a slight dip from Thursdays close.

Brent crude, which topped $84 per barrel on Friday, and West Texas Intermediate, which touched $80 per barrel, are both on course for a weekly gain of nearly 4%.

This week, the Federal Reserve announced yet another rate hike of 25 basis points, which should have been bearish for oil. Yet Bloomberg noted in a report from Thursday that there are expectations the Fed is going to wrap up its rate-hiking program soon, which, in turn, is viewed as bullish for crude.

Then there is the OPEC+ production cut and specifically Saudi Arabias cut of 1 million bpd in production. Initially brushed off by a market too busy worrying about economic indicators, now the cut is drawing traders attention as demand for crude remains robust.

From a fundamental perspective the recent price uptick has been driven primarily by OPEC+'s voluntary production cuts, UBS analysts wrote in a note cited by Bloomberg. In the months ahead oil markets should tighten further.

ING commodity analysts, on the other hand, pointed out that Saudi Arabia would soon need to decide whether to extend or end the additional cuts.

The recent price strength might give the Saudis the confidence to start unwinding these cuts, but expectations will have to be managed and they will have to be careful how they go about it  too aggressively and it could put renewed pressure back on the market, they wrote.

Analysts from the National Bank of Australia believe that the Saudis will not start to unwind the cuts until Brent doesnt reach $90 per barrel.

"We continue to see upside to oil prices through 3Q23, and expect pricing sustained above US$90/bbl (Brent) would likely be required to see a loosening in OPEC or Saudi Arabias voluntary crude supply cuts," the head of the banks commodity and carbon strategy, Baden Moore, said, as quoted by Reuters.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

ADVERTISEMENT

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
PDVSA creditor Crystallex International Corp. will be first in line to receive a part of the proceeds from the auction of Citgo Petroleum shares later this October, a U.S. judge has ruled.

Citgo Petroleum is PDVSAs crown jewel refinery in the United States.

Crystallex was selected to be at the front of the pack because it was first in line to claim it was due part of the moneytherefore it deserves priority, US Circuit Judge Leonard Stark said in a ruling this week.

Shares of Venezuelas PDV Holdingthe unit of PDVSA that owns Citgowill be sold at auction in October. Crystallex says it is entitled to $1.4 billion after its gold mine in Las Cristinas, Venezuela, was seized. The matter was settled in the courts years ago, with Crystallex agreeing to the above figure.

After Venezuela made some payments to Crystallex, the remaining balance due is just under $1 billion now, the judge said.

But PDVSA seized more than just Crystallexs gold mine, and Crystallex isnt the only company in line with its hand out. Companies are lining up to get a piece of the mouthwatering Citgo pie to the tune of $5 billion, which is still below Citgos estimated valuation of more than $13 billion.

ConocoPhillips will also be near the front of the line to recoup costs associated with Venezuelas expropriation of two of its crude oil projects.

The United States has for years protected Citgo from being broken up and sold off, and Venezuela was holding out home that its license that protects the refinery would be renewed past its July 19 expiry. The license was indeed renewed until October 19. While the auction will still take place, the U.S. will need to approve any winners.

Venezuelas total expropriation claims are said to exceed $20 billion.

By Julianne Geiger for Oilprice.com

ADVERTISEMENT

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Kazakhstan and China are looking to boost joint scientific research. Kazakhstans science and higher education minister, Sayasat Nurbek, met with top officials of the China-based Center for Technology Transfer of the SCO Member States (SCO CTTC), the ministrys press service reported July 24. The parties discussed potential partnerships in the fields of science and higher education," including "creating joint laboratories, scientific and technological projects and educational programs." The meeting did not produce any concrete agreements. SCO CTTC representatives also held talks with leaders of the Kazakh Science Foundation. Those talks focused on the development of technologies and pharmaceuticals that can commercialized, including vaccines against brucellosis in farm animals, unmanned aerial systems, charging stations for electric vehicles, anti-corrosion phosphate materials for oilfield equipment, and fermented milk products for children. SCO CTTC representatives additionally signed a memorandum of understanding with officials at Kazakhstans Satbayev University to explore mutually beneficial opportunities  in the technological, educational and industrial fields.

The volume of freight traffic between China and Kazakhstan during the first half of 2023 rose by 26 percent to 13.7 million tons, Kazakhstan Railways reports. The export of goods from Kazakhstan to China increased by 37 percent to 8.3 million tons. Commodities acted as the main drivers of growth. China-bound cross-border shipments of grain jumped by 200 percent, vegetable oils by 70 percent, non-ferrous metals by 55 percent and metal ore by 15 percent, according to Kazakhstan Railways. Imports from China increased by 13 percent to 5.4 million tons, with autos and construction materials leading the way.

Kazakhstan and Russia are apparently still haggling over a 10-year extension for an agreement covering the transit of Russian oil exports to China via Kazakh routes. It was earlier reported that an extension deal had been finalized. But a protocol published by the Open NLA website indicates that the two sides have yet to settle on on transit volumes, tariffs and settlements for oil transit. The protocols wording suggests that one of the negotiating parties may have decided to unilaterally revise the terms of a handshake agreement.

Uzbekistan

An Uzbek delegation led by the governor of the Kashkadarya region, Murotjon Azimov, visited China in mid-July, holding talks with top executives at JAC Motors. The discussions focused on a venture to build autos at an Uzbek plant in the regional city of Karshi. Uzbek officials bill the pending project as a calling card of the [Kashkadarya] region. There was no indication that JAC Motors is ready to move forward with the deal, however. Chinese-designed Chery brand cars are already being assembled in Uzbekistan, and another Chinese manufacturer, Great Wall, recently signed an assembly deal with an Uzbek plant.

China is pursuing closer military ties with Uzbekistan. A delegation of Chinas National Defense Academy visited Uzbekistan in mid-July for talks aimed at enhancing cooperation in the field of military education, the Uzbek Defense Ministry reported. At the May China-Central Asia summit in Xi'an, Chinese leader Xi Jinping highlighted China's readiness to expand cooperation with Central Asian security forces. China also is reportedly sponsoring the construction of a training center for the Uzbek Interior Ministry.

Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan continues to cast about for financing to build its part of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway. At a mid-July event, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov made a pitch to Gulf states representatives to invest in the project. Japarov portrayed the railway project as a sure-thing investment opportunity, saying "the expansion of transport and logistics links, including rail and air, will facilitate the movement of goods, capital and people between our regions.

By Eurasianet.org

ADVERTISEMENT

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
European refiners will lose a portion of a key export market for gasoline after Nigerian consumption slumped following the removal of the fuel subsidies in the African country.

At the end of May, Nigeria implemented a major reform in the domestic fuel retail market after Nigerias new President Bola Tinubu removed the fuel subsidies the government was paying for years. The subsidy was a huge cost to the federal government, which last year paid as much as $10 billion for the difference between fuel imported at market prices and sold at discounts to Nigerians.

The removal of the subsidy led to a 28% slump in average daily gasoline consumption in Nigeria in June, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) said in figures released to Reuters earlier this month.

The end of the government subsidies also decimated the black markets for gasoline in countries neighboring Nigeria such as Cameroon, Benin, and Togo. These markets thrived when cheap subsidized fuel was smuggled from Nigeria into neighboring countries.

But the end of the subsidies now signals lower demand for smuggled fuel in Nigerias neighbors, further reducing demand for fuel imports into Nigeria.

With more than a quarter of the Nigerian gasoline market wiped out, European refiners would lose part of their key export market. West Africa and North America have traditionally been the main destinations of European gasoline exports.

The slump in Nigerias domestic fuel consumption is set to squeeze refining margins for the European refiners, analysts have told Reuters.

The lower Nigerian demand is set to further pressure European refiners who have seen increased competition from refiners and new refining capacity in Asia and the Middle East in recent years. The winners, if any, from the lower Nigerian gasoline demand would be the recently started-up refineries in the Middle East, analysts told Reuters.

ADVERTISEMENT

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Mexicos state-owned oil giant Pemex, the worlds most indebted oil company, has received a capital injection of $4.16 billion (70 billion Mexican pesos) from the finance ministry, sources with knowledge of the matter told Bloomberg on Friday.

The Mexican government and President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador are looking to support the company and help it pay off its huge debt, which was more than $107 billion as at the end of March 2023.

Earlier this week, Pemexs chief executive Octavio Romero said that it would be cheaper if the government refinanced the debt than Petroleos Mexicanos, as Pemex is officially known, going to the market to do it itself.

Pemexs debt is the countrys debt, they go together. It doesnt make any sense that Pemex would give away money to big financial companies, to big banks, Romero said at a news conference earlier this week, as carried by Bloomberg.

The president of the republic has determined that now the bond issuances or refinancings be done by the Finance Ministry according to the financial costs of the sovereign, and this will save the country a lot of money.

Due to its huge debts and poor environmental and safety record, Pemex has come under increased scrutiny by credit rating agencies in recent weeks.

Two weeks ago, Fitch Ratings downgraded Pemex squarely into junk territory after several accidents and weak operating performance. Fitch slammed the company's safety record, which it said would prevent Pemex from securing financing from banks and investors.

Last week, Moodys changed the outlook on Pemex to negative from stable, to reflect the rating agencys view that absent fundamental changes in PEMEX's business strategy the company is likely to face increased credit risks, given the inability of the company to increase capital investments and improve its financial and operating performance as a result of liquidity constrains.

ADVERTISEMENT

Moodys assumes that the support for Pemex from Mexicos government will continue to be very high in 2023 and 2024.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Strong demand in China has sent the price of Russias ESPO crude blend surging to the highest in eight months as ESPO discounts to Brent are at their narrowest since the EU embargo on Russian oil imports came into effect in December, multiple trade sources have told Reuters.

The EPSO crude going to China in September is trading at discounts of just $2-$2.50 per barrel to ICE Brent on delivered-ex-ship (DES) basis, according to the sources. This compares with discounts of around $4 per barrel for August.

August prices were already very expensive, but we were shocked to see that offers for September cargoes started at $2 discount, one trade source told Reuters.

Strong demand for cheaper Russian crude from Chinas independent refiners, competition from Indian refiners, and the OPEC+ supply cuts, including from Russia, have all combined in recent weeks to lift the price of the ESPO crude.

Early this month, the price of Russian ESPO crude jumped to the highest in seven months as Chinese buyers rushed to buy it ahead of a 500,000-bpd cut in exports Russia has pledged for August.

ESPO has been trading consistently above the G7 price cap of $60 per barrel because it is the preferred Russian blend of Chinese refiners. The ESPO blend is lighter and sweeter than the flagship Russian blend Urals, which has normally traded at a more significant discount to Brent crude.

Despite the recent jump in ESPO prices, the Russian crude grade remains the cheaper option for Chinese refiners because similar grades from West Africa and Brazil are trading at premiums over Brent for deliveries in September and October.

If the OPEC+ group further reduces supply, the ESPO price could jump again and narrow the discount to around $1 per barrel, an oil trader told Reuters.

ADVERTISEMENT

Tanker-tracking data suggests that Russias crude oil exports by sea continue to slump 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.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Saudi Arabia is making a foray into copper and nickel mining with the acquisition of a stake in Vales base metal business.

In a $3.4-billion cash deal, Saudi Arabian Mining Company and the Saudi Public Investment Fund will buy a 13% stake in the Brazilian miners copper and nickel operations, the Financial Times reported, noting the deal valued the business at $26 billion.

The two Saudi entities will operate as a joint venture, dubbed Manara Minerals. The company was set up in January.

Saudi Arabia last year gave a strong signal it has big mining plans when it hosted the inaugural edition of the Future Minerals Summit. The event brought together the mining industry, investors, and government officials from the Middle East, Africa, and Asia with the stated goal of advancing new frontier mining regions in the context of the energy transition.

Saudi Arabia has abundant mineral resources in addition to its oil wealth, and it is making the first steps toward utilizing them and taking advantage of the transition push.

Saudi Arabian Mining Company, or Maaden, is at the forefront of that foray, in partnership with various international mining companies.

Vale, for its part, has been considering a spin-off and a listing for its copper and nickel business, the FT recalls, with the companys chief executive telling the outlet in an interview that the business unit had the potential to outgrow its parent.

Vale base metals is best positioned to supply the responsibly sourced raw materials needed to build the infrastructure of the future, the head of activist hedge fund Engine No.1 told the FT.

Vales chief executive agrees: We are uniquely positioned to meet the growing demand for green metals essential for the global energy transition, Eduardo Bartolomeo said.

Copper and nickel are among the metals critical for the transition because of their use in wind and solar installations, and EVs and battery storage.

ADVERTISEMENT

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Xi meets Georgian prime minister

Xinhua) 13:15, July 28, 2023

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili in Chengdu, capital city of southwest China's Sichuan Province, July 28, 2023. Garibashvili is in Chengdu to attend the opening ceremony of the 31st summer edition of the FISU World University Games and visit China. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao)

CHENGDU, July 28 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday met with Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili in Chengdu, capital city of southwest China's Sichuan Province.

Garibashvili is here to attend the opening ceremony of the 31st summer edition of the FISU World University Games and visit China.

Over the past 31 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, China and Georgia have consolidated political mutual trust and scored remarkable achievements in cooperation in various fields, Xi said.

He said that during Garibashvili's visit, both sides will issue a joint statement and announce the establishment of China-Georgia strategic partnership.

Taking this as a new starting point, China and Georgia should plan bilateral relations from a strategic and long-term perspective, promote the sound and steady development of the strategic partnership, and provide momentum for the development and revitalization of both countries, Xi said.

Xi said China and Georgia should understand and support each other on issues concerning their respective core interests and be good friends and partners based on mutual respect, mutual trust and equality.

He also stressed that both sides should carry forward traditional friendship and enhance exchanges and cooperation in various fields.

China is ready to work with Georgia to jointly promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, Xi said, adding that China welcomes Georgia to expand its exports of high-quality products to China and encourages Chinese enterprises to invest in Georgia.

The Communist Party of China always cares about the future of humanity, Xi said.

Xi said that he had put forward the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative with the aim of upholding the international system with the United Nations at its core and the international order based on international law, and solving global issues related to peace and development.

Expressing gratitude for China's long-term support for Georgia and respect for Georgia's sovereignty and independence, Garibashvili said Georgia firmly upholds the one-China policy.

Garibashvili said that Georgia supports the Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative proposed by President Xi and will actively participate in their implementation.

The elevation of Georgia-China relations to a strategic partnership will bring more opportunities to Georgia, Garibashvili said, expressing the hope that Georgia will expand and deepen cooperation with China in economy, trade and various other fields.

Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Wang Yi, and Shen Yiqin attended the meeting.

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili in Chengdu, capital city of southwest China's Sichuan Province, July 28, 2023. Garibashvili is in Chengdu to attend the opening ceremony of the 31st summer edition of the FISU World University Games and visit China. (Xinhua/Zhang Ling)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Wu Chaolan)
(CNN)  As vast swaths of three continents bake under blistering temperatures and the oceans heat to unprecedented levels, scientists from two global climate authorities are reporting before July has even ended that this month will be the planets hottest on record by far.

The heat in July has already been so extreme that it is virtually certain this month will break records by a significant margin, the European Unions Copernicus Climate Change Service and the World Meteorological Organization said in a report published Thursday.

We have just lived through the hottest three-week-period on record  and almost certainly in more than a hundred thousand years.

Typically these records, which track the average air temperature across the entire world, are broken by hundredths of a degree. But the temperature for the first 23 days of July averaged 16.95 degrees Celsius (62.51 Fahrenheit), well above the previous record of 16.63 degrees Celsius (61.93 Fahrenheit) set in July 2019, according to the report.

The data used to track these records goes back to 1940, but many scientists  including those at Copernicus  say its almost certain that these temperatures are the warmest the planet has seen in 120,000 years, given what we know from millennia of climate data extracted from tree rings, coral reefs and deep sea sediment cores.

These are the hottest temperatures in human history, said Samantha Burgess, deputy director at Copernicus.

It all adds up to a blistering Northern Hemisphere summer  potentially an unprecedented one. The odds are certainly in a favor of a record-breaking summer, said Carlo Buontempo, the director of Copernicus, although he cautioned that its too early to state that with confidence.

The human toll of the heat is stark. As temperatures have risen above 120 degrees Fahrenheit (50 degrees Celsius) in parts of the US, heat-related deaths have mounted and people are suffering life-threatening burns from falling onto scorching hot ground.

In the Mediterranean, more than 40 people have died as wildfires rage across the region, fueled by high temperatures. In Asia, prolonged, intense heat waves are claiming lives and threatening food security.

Human-caused climate change is the main driver of this extraordinary heat, Burgess said. The global air temperature is directly proportional to the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

A recent study found that climate change played an absolutely overwhelming role in the heat waves in the US, China and southern Europe this summer.

The arrival of El Nino, a natural climate fluctuation with a warming impact, has not had a huge impact on the temperatures as it is still in its developmental phase, Burgess said, but it will play much more of a role next year, she added, and will likely drive temperatures even higher.

The news that July will be the hottest month comes amid a slew of alarming records that have already been broken  and then broken again  this summer.

Last month was the hottest June on record by a substantial margin, according to Copernicus.

Then in July, the world experienced its hottest day on record. On July 6, the global average temperature rose to 17.08 degrees Celsius (62.74 Fahrenheit), according to Copernicus data, beating the previous temperature record of 16.8 degrees Celsius (62.24 Fahrenheit) set in August 2016.

Every day since July 3 has been hotter than the 2016 record.

We are seven months into 2023 and almost every month this year has been in the top five hottest on record, said Burgess, adding that if the trends continue into the fall and winter, 2023 is likely to be among the warmest years ever recorded.

Ocean heat is also at record levels. In mid-May, global ocean surface temperatures reached unprecedented levels for the time of year.

What were seeing right now, weve not seen before, said Burgess.

Kim Cobb, a climate scientist at Brown University who was not involved in the report, called the new July temperature record eye-popping, but warned that it will be broken again.

It is scary to remember that in another decade, this will be viewed as a relatively cool year, most likely, she said, adding, if people dont like what theyre seeing this summer, they will be in for quite a shock at the higher warming levels were heading for.

Petteri Taalas, secretary-general of the WMO, said Julys extreme weather reveals the harsh reality of climate change.

The need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is more urgent than ever before he said in a statement. Climate action is not a luxury but a must.

This story was first published on CNN.com, "This month is the planets hottest on record by far  and hottest in around 120,000 years, scientists say"
Emily and Harrison Greenbaum love to surprise each other, and their wedding day in Las Vegas was intentionally filled with them.

They thought that would make it extra fun for their guests, who probably expected a few out-of-this-world moments with a groom who is a magician and comedian.

Surprise one was the location of the wedding ceremony: David Copperfields secret magic museum.

Were so incredibly to grateful to David  hes such a mensch, a Yiddish phrase for really good and honorable guy. He was so incredibly generous in letting us use his secret magic museum for the ceremony, and we chose his re-creation of Martinkas famous Back Room as the perfect space for us to get married, Harrison said.

The Back Room, a a New York workshop in the late 1880s and early 1900s, was accessible only to the top magicians of the time such as Harry Houdini, Howard Thurston and Harry Kellar. Several of Harrisons friends from Tannens Magic Camp in Pennsylvania, where he was a camper and now volunteers as a counselor, were in attendance.

In our first year of dating, Emily visited me at Magic Camp. Getting such strong approval from my Tannens Magic Camp family  my second family  was probably just as important as it was finding out how much my biological family loved her, too, Harrison said.

One of their biggest surprises for their guests came during the ceremony, when the rabbi asked them for the rings and neither apparently could find them.

Copperfield then stepped forward, saying, I think I can help.

After making a few hilarious ad-libbed jokes, he proceeded to make a rose bush appear and bloom, culminating with the appearance of the two rings, Harrison said. After handing the rings to Emily and me, he began to walk away, paused, and turned around. One more thing, he said, as he gestured towards the vintage Thurston throwing stars on the stage, where an explosion of playing cards that read, Mazel tov, all magically appeared.

How they met

The former Emily Murtaugh, a Ralston High School graduate, moved to New York to work after attending the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. A few years later she met Harrison, who is from Long Island, after matching on Tinder.

Harrison joked that he didnt think she could be real, especially after her main photo only showed half her face. I just assumed she must be hiding something hideous under there  I mean, she was that beautiful and that smart and that funny and still willing to meet up with me? he said. Something had to be horrifyingly wrong. Thankfully, that turned out not to be the case.

Their first date at a comedy club, they both teasingly claim, got off on the wrong foot but after dinner they began to realize how much they had in common.

She found the one

In January 2021, after dinner at Mimis Restaurant and Piano Bar where they met, the waiter delivered an envelope to Emily kicking off an engagement scavenger hunt through their neighborhood. Each clue was a QR code to a video from Harrisons family and friends leading to the next location for the next clue.

The hunt ended on the rooftop of our apartment building, decorated with roses and candles, where Harrison popped the question, Emily said. Most unique NYC proposal ever.

Both love escape rooms, and that was Harrisons inspiration. When she got to the final location, she received a map asking her to redraw her route, which was revealed to be in the shape of a heart.

It was a lot of planning, although Emily Im sure will tell you that the one thing I shouldve planned for was how freezing it was, even for a January in NYC, Harrison said. Im so glad she pushed through and even more glad she said yes.

Elvis is in the building

In the middle of wedding planning in May 2022, Harrison was cast as the star of Cirque du Soleils Mad Apple (the first comedian ever to headline a Cirque du Soleil show in the companys history) at New York-New York Hotel & Casino on the Las Vegas strip, so they moved west and they were wed in that city on the 40th anniversary of Emilys parents wedding.

After their ceremony, they met their guests in the area of the museum devoted to Houdini, where an Elvis impersonator and their officiant was waiting to serenade them with Cant Help Falling in Love featuring some ad-libbed lyrics about them and to make the marriage legal.

They liked having just 20 or so guests, allowing them to have quality time with each. They wanted to make sure the day was well-documented, so a good photographer and videographer was a must.

Surprises keep coming

After stops on their party bus to In-N-Out Burger, Golden Tiki and Ferraros Ristorante, they headed back to their home for an after-party complete with a 25-foot-tall T-Rex bouncy house and an aerialist act over their pool

We even did an indoor hora (chair dance) in our living room, Emily said.

One of the stops was at a restaurant where, while they were waiting for their food, every person at the table shared their favorite joke.

Some were definitely way too filthy to print, but so many of them were incredible and came from an incredible place of love, Harrison said. Our sisters speeches, in addition to being extremely poignant, were also really, really funny.

On the way home, Emily played Its All Coming Back to Me by Celine Dion. Its a karaoke go-to for her and her friends, and her family members are big fans.

As soon as it started playing, everyone on the bus started belting and giving the performance of their lives, Emily said. I remember looking at Harrison, holding our rings next to each other, being overwhelmed with happy tears, and telling him: I dont think Ive ever been happier than this exact moment.

Immediately after, they played Amish Paradise by Weird Al Yankovic.

My best friend since kindergarten, Andrew, and I immediately began rapping to it, just as we had as 14- or 15-year-olds in Long Island while listening to this album on cassette. As I told Emily as we were nearing the final stop on our trip, This is the best bus ride Ill ever take in my life, Harrison said.

Memories to cherish

One of their best friends, Patrick Davis, gave them a gift and told them to be sure to open it on their wedding night

Inside was a blank journal and a note prompting us to write down everything we could remember from the day, so that on future anniversaries we can do the same and see what details/stories stick with us in each retelling and go back and see what moments we may have forgotten over time, Harrison said. It is a beautiful way to start an anniversary tradition, and recounting the day alone and in pajamas after the chaos died down ultimately became one of our favorite moments of what was a hectic (but happy) day. And, if you dont have the energy to write everything out, you can also make a recording of everything you can remember, which also can serve as a cherished keepsake of the day.

They never talked about giving each other gifts. They just looked forward to writing their own vows and sharing them with their closest friends and family. But in the end, they each had secret gifts for each other.

During the first look, Harrison gave me a necklace with a pendant of a heart from the Zelda video game series, which I play religiously. Harrison actually introduced me to the Zelda games fairly early in our relationship.

Emily had several surprises for Harrison.

Before our first look, I was handed an envelope with a QR code and a note saying, I know you wont get cold feet, but in case you do, heres a message from a god amongst men. The code was a link to a video of Broadway star Patrick Page, who Emily and I had both seen in Hadestown and who is a huge magic fan, Harrison said.

They rehearsed with Emily walking down the aisle to a romantic version of the Jurassic Park theme song but on the day, that music was preceded by a parody of the music Harrison opens his comedy and magic show with, with special lyrics about the wedding recorded by Tony-nominated actor Rob McClure.

Ill be honest: at that point, I was laughing and crying simultaneously and, if it wasnt clear a million times before then, I knew I had absolutely picked the right woman, Harrison said.

Emily also surprised him by tracking down actress Andrea Martin to record a message wishing them both good luck in their nuptials.

Lots of laughs

Harrison says Emily is smart, beautiful, kind, silly, strong and brave. She also loves so many of the things that I love, like board games and escape rooms, smart jokes and dumb jokes, magic and the performing arts, and is absolutely the most supportive person I know. I think a soulmate is someone who all your weird lines up with and, by that or really any definition, I couldnt have found a more perfect soulmate.

Emily said Harrison continues to show her how fun life can be, making her laugh every day. Hes also the first to suggest spontaneous outings and adventures. He encourages me to try new things and chase my passions, and I feel incredibly lucky to have someone so brilliant, kind, and supportive in my corner.

About their big day Photographer: Siga Gubista Wedding date: June 10, 2023 Rehearsal dinner: BrewDog Las Vegas Ceremony: David Copperfields Magic Museum Reception: In-N-Out, The Golden Tiki, Ferraros Ristorante, and their home Bridal gown: The Bride Shoppe in San Diego; Cinderella Divine, customized by PinCushion Las Vegas Hair stylist: Ruby Finch Makeup artist: Ruby Finch Rings: hers Brilliant Earth and Aaron Leland Jewelers; his Eternate Event coordination and design: Amber Alyse Events Florist: Valen Ibarra, Blumenhaus Cake: Caked Las Vegas Pies: Pies Unlimited Las Vegas Rentals: Slide Into Vegas

Photos: Emily and Harrison's wedding celebration
A mountain lion first identified Monday in southwest Omaha was spotted again early Friday relatively close to the location of the first sighting, according to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.

The mountain lion was documented on security video at 5:25 a.m. Friday near Interstate 80 and Mockingbird Drive. The location is about 1.4 miles from where the animal was recorded by a home security video at 4:15 a.m. Monday near I-80 and Q Street.

Wildlife professionals from Game and Parks and officers from the Omaha Police Department were monitoring the area where the cat was recorded Friday.

Game and Parks officials said Monday that it was difficult to determine the animals age because the video was not well-lit. Male and female mountain lions are difficult to distinguish because they do not have differentiating markings that can typically be seen in photos or video.

It was not immediately clear Friday whether the new video had yielded any additional information about the animal.

Mountain lions found in the eastern part of the state are typically sub-adults who are looking for territory of their own. Dispersing males usually weigh 100 to 120 pounds, and dispersing females are typically 70 to 90 pounds. They can walk up to 20 miles a day.

The nearest established population of mountain lions is near Valentine, Nebraska.

According to Game and Parks Mountain Lion Response Plan, a mountain lion within the limits of a municipality will be killed, if it can be done safely, to protect the public.

Mountain lion attacks, however, are rare.

For more information about mountain lions in Nebraska, including the management plan and additional tips for what to do if you encounter one, visit OutdoorNebraska.gov and search mountain lion management plan.

Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of July 2023
HOUSTON  Just moments before rap superstar Travis Scott took the stage at the deadly 2021 Astroworld festival in Houston, a contract worker had been so worried about what might happen after seeing people getting crushed or unconscious that he texted an event organizer saying, Someones going to end up dead, according to a police report on the deadly concert released Friday.

The texts by security contract worker Reece Wheeler were some of many examples in the nearly 1,300-page report in which festival workers highlighted problems and warned of possible deadly consequences. The report includes transcripts of concertgoers 911 calls and summaries of police interviews, including one with Scott conducted just days after the event.

The crowd surge at the Nov. 5, 2021, outdoor festival in Houston killed 10 attendees who ranged in age from 9 to 27. The official cause of death was compression asphyxia, which an expert likened to being crushed by a car. About 50,000 people attended the festival.

Pull tons over the rail unconscious. Theres panic in people eyes. This could get worse quickly, Reece Wheeler texted Shawna Boardman, one of the private security directors, at 9 p.m. Wheeler then texted, I know theyll try to fight through it but I would want it on the record that I didnt advise this to continue. Someones going to end up dead. Scotts concert began at 9:02 p.m.

In their review of video from the concerts livestream, police investigators said that at 9:13 p.m., they heard the faint sound of someone saying, Stop the show. The same request to stop the show could also be heard at 9:16 p.m. and 9:22 p.m.

In an Aug. 19, 2022, police interview, Boardmans attorneys told investigators that Boardman saw things were not as bad as Reece Wheeler stated and decided not to pass along Wheelers concerns to anyone else.

A grand jury declined to indict anyone who was investigated over the event, including Scott, Boardman and four other people.

During a police interview conducted two days after the concert, Scott told investigators that although he did see one person near the stage getting medical attention, overall the crowd seemed to be enjoying the show and he did not see any signs of serious problems.

We asked if he at any point heard the crowd telling him to stop the show. He stated that if he had heard something like that he would have done something, police said in their interview summary.

Hip-hop artist Drake, who performed with Scott at the concert, told police that it was difficult to see from the stage what was going on in the crowd and that he didnt hear concertgoers pleas to stop the show.

Drake found out about the tragedy later that night from his manager, while learning more on social media, police said in their summary.

The report was released about a month after the Houston grand jury declined to indict Scott on any criminal charges in connection with the deadly concert. Police Chief Troy Finner had said the report was being made public so that people could read the entire investigation and come to their own conclusions about the case. During a news conference after the grand jurys decision, Finner declined to say what the overall conclusion of his agencys investigation was or whether police should have stopped the concert sooner.

More than 500 lawsuits were filed over the deaths and injuries at the concert, including many against Live Nation and Scott. Some have since been settled.

The reports release also came the same day that Scott released his new album, Utopia, his first album in five years and his first major release since the tragedy.

The star-studded 19-track Utopia features Beyonce, SZA, Drake, Sampha, Young Thug, Playboi Carti, Daft Punks Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo, Future, Bon Iver, James Blake, Kid Cudi, 21 Savage, and many more.

The LP, Scotts fourth full-length, was originally announced back in 2020 and follows 2018s Astroworld.

In addition to the album, Scott hosted a one-night-only release of his feature film, Circus Maximus at select theaters Thursday night.

Utopia was originally scheduled to be celebrated with a livestreamed concert at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, but was canceled due to complex production issues, Live Nation said in a statement.

Photos: Houston concert victims mourned
LINCOLN  Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission Deputy Director David Hunter will replace the retiring Executive Director Frank Daley.

Daley, who has served as executive director of the commission since 1999, announced his plans to retire earlier this year. Commissioners voted to appoint Hunter as his replacement at their Friday meeting.

The Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission is a state agency that enforces transparency and prevents corruption among state and local government officials. The agency regulates and publicizes statements about campaign finance, lobbying, financial interests and conflicts of interest for political officials and organizations.

We want to keep honest people honest, Hunter said in his interview before the commission.

The commission received 77 applications for the executive director position, according to commissioner Rod Anderson, and eventually narrowed the candidates down to three. Aside from Hunter, the commission also considered a staff attorney with the Nebraska Department of Banking and Finance, and a former staff member for the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce.

The terms of Hunters new position have yet to be ironed out but will be in the coming weeks. Daley will serve as executive director until his retirement takes effect Sept. 10.

Hunter has worked for the commission nearly as long as Daley  roughly 23 years  and said he plans to continue to do so until he retires. Hunter said he planned to follow a similar leadership style to Daley, but hopes to expand on some initiatives already underway.

During his work as deputy director, Hunter said he helped hire new state auditors and expanded background checks for the hiring process. He also oversaw substantial upgrades to the agencys website.

I understand and know how the system works more than anyone in the office, Hunter said.

With Hunter taking over as executive director, that will leave his old position vacant, along with a vacant auditor position that hasnt been filled for over a year. Hunter said he is confident they can find a replacement deputy director much quicker, and he hopes to create other new positions within the agency to fulfill responsibilities that Daley absorbed as executive director.

He does the job of multiple people, Hunter said.

Hunter said he plans to expand personnel training within the agency, and add more information to their website to better inform the public about the filing process.

Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of July 2023
Two Omahans died in a two-vehicle crash in Harrison County, Iowa.

Around 4 p.m. Wednesday, the Iowa State Patrol responded to a crash along Interstate 29 in Harrison County.

According to a crash report from the State Patrol, a 2012 Nissan Murano SUV, driven by Tony Flowers Sr. of Omaha, was headed north through a construction zone at mile marker 93. A commercial work truck, driven by Michael Harper of Omaha, was putting down construction cones to restrict northbound traffic to a single lane.

The SUV rear-ended the truck. Both vehicles entered the median as a result of the collision.

Flowers, 57, died at the scene. Takaimia Powell, 45, from Omaha, also died. Harper, 39, was injured in the crash and was airlifted to the Nebraska Medical Center for treatment.

Arron Scott, 45, of Missouri Valley, Iowa, also was injured. Scott was taken by Harrison County paramedics to a hospital in Missouri Valley for treatment.

The crash report does not state which vehicles Powell and Scott were in.
On a blustery and bone-chilling morning last November, my family attended the funeral of a close friend and longtime neighbor.

We huddled together at the cemetery as final prayers were read. Then the pastor added, The family invites you to lunch back at the church.

As we headed to our cars, I made small talk with the pastor about the bitter early arrival of winter. She nodded and said, Theres no place colder than the graveyard. At that moment, no words seemed truer.

You can imagine our relief when we escaped the wind and entered the welcoming fellowship area of the church. And to our delight, spread before us was an incredible luncheon feast. A buffet, prepared by the churchs funeral meal committee, stretched across two long tables.

It was the ultimate comfort food smorgasbord: macaroni and cheese, ham, roast beef, salads, rolls, cheesy scalloped potatoes, pumpkin pie, chocolate cookies and more! Cold and hungry mourners salivated.

Naturally, we stood back while the family went through the line first. I tried to banish selfish thoughts (what if they run out of macaroni and cheese?), but there was no need to worry. Like the miracle of the loaves and fishes, ladies from the kitchen kept bringing out more casseroles.

We all sat down together, and despite the solemnity of the occasion, let ourselves be temporarily soothed by gooey deliciousness.

During times of grief, sharing a meal is how many of us find comfort and solace. Funeral meals are a long-standing tradition that helps families honor their loved one and care for one another.

This past week, my husband and I traveled to a small town in southern Missouri to attend the funeral of a friends 92-year-old mother.

We were on duty to assist with organizing a large meal at our friends home, just a mile down the gravel road from the country cemetery. The food was being prepared by members of the familys church, and it was our job to meet them, led by Jessica and Ted, before mourners arrived.

There are corporate CEOs who dream of such an efficient operation. Ted unloaded tables, folding chairs and cooler chests of water while Jessica carried in covered trays of sliced ham, green beans with bacon and, of course, that funeral food staple, cheesy scalloped potatoes.

Other members delivered pans of apple crisp, cinnamon rolls and the largest bowl of fresh strawberries Ive ever seen. In 20 minutes, the tables were arranged and the buffet was set. Like a cavalry with casseroles, they swooped in to save the day and then departed.

Nothing remained for us to do except sneak a sample of sliced ham.

Oh, if only wed known Jessica and Ted years ago!

When my mother-in-law passed away in 2011 in Virginia, a family meal was held at an Italian restaurant the night before the funeral. No one expected guests to stay after the service because burial was in a cemetery more than an hour away in Maryland.

But my own wise mother pulled me aside and whispered, We better stop at the grocery store on the way home.

Do you really think people will come over after such a long day? I said.

Grief makes people hungry, she said. We dashed into a supermarket along the highway and loaded two shopping carts with buns, a ham, deli salads, potato chips and soda. I started to sweat when the total rang over $250 (which was huge back then). What if no one came? Wed be eating ham for a month.

But Mom was right. So many cars filled the driveway and street, we had to park down the block.
Nestled among shady trees and lush landscapes, this perfectly composed brick and stone cottage looks as though it has been lifted from the pages of a storybook. With an arched solid Alderwood front door, massive front porch, architectural windows, and wood clad garage doors (with Juliet balcony above), the charm just cannot be overstated. As you enter the property with its stamped asphalt circular drive and follow walkways among fragrant flowering bushes, the fairytale not only comes to life, but has been reimagined with superior construction methods and SmartHome technology. Step inside the 2 story foyer and be astounded by the sheer volume of the interiors, so discreetly downplayed from the road. Solid walnut flooring stretches thru entire main floor (tile in baths, sunroom, utility rm). ALL flooring on 1st floor has 5 zoned radiant heat; solid Alderwood doors are used throughout the home. A commanding staircase with solid hardwood treads, iron railing & waterfall steps rises to the open hallway above, while connecting to the lower level below, creating an architectural masterpiece. Motorized Foyer chandelier lowers for cleaning (Living Rm also). Glimpses of the backyard through 2 sets of transomed French doors flanking the fireplace beckon you into the 2 story vaulted Living Room; beamed ceiling soars to open railing above in a gesture emphasizing the room's expanse and volume. Open to the Living Room and comprising an entire wing of laid back living & casual entertaining, the spectacular Kitchen, Hearth Room and Wet Bar are beyond compare. The Kitchen features Custom Amish cabinets that continue down a 6x15 ft back hall, with built-in appliances and awesome fold-out pantry. Appliances include 2 refrigerators, 6 burner Wolf range, 2 ovens, warming drawer, and microwave. Huge island includes prep sink & breakfast bar; hand painted tile backsplash with pot filler provide functional beauty. Handsome Wet Bar is positioned for serving the entire 1st floor. Alderwood cabinetry with granite tops, hand painted tiles, an ice maker, refrigerator, wine cellar & service sink equip the bar. A casual dining space with window seat is open to the Hearth Rm with massive FP surround, open bookshelves & TV area. An enormous Sunroom off the Hearth Room creates fantastic connectivity between indoors and outdoors. With soaring poplar ceiling, stunning views of the very private backyard, heated tile floors, a dining area & huge sitting area, nothing has been overlooked. French Doors open to paver brick terrace and serene back yard with award winning landscapes! A Formal Dining Room also overlooks the back yard with Venetian Plaster walls, hefty millwork & abundant windows. Architectural Pella Windows with enlarged panes to replicate old European design are used throughout home. The phenomenal 40x15 1st Floor Owner's Suite features vaulted ceiling with whitewashed rough cedar beams rising from 9' to 11'; arched windows frame peaceful views of the yard. Huge Closet has coffee station & island with laundry bins. The breathtaking Bath has natural stone flooring, custom built double vanity, cabinets galore & 3rd Makeup Vanity. The 4x10 ft double walk-in shower features bespoke arched leaded glass window, bench, and his/hers secluded shower areas. A Powder Room with custom vanity and basketweave marble flooring is accessed off the Foyer. The open 2nd floor hallway with walnut flooring & custom railing overlooks the Living Room below. The loft Den has gorgeous built-ins and sophisticated, functional design. Bedroom 2 has en suite bath & cozy sloped ceiling. French Doors open to gracious 3rd Bedroom with 3 closets (1 is cedar) and lovely Jack n Jill Bath shared with the huge Bedroom 4, which features Juliet balconied windows overlooking front yard. 9 ft Basement is set to finish with mechanical rooms and plumbing rough-ins. This very livable home feels warm and casual, not austere. PLEASE SEE attached brochures for FULL DETAILS too numerous to mention!

View More
SPRINGFIELD  Labor Day came early for Illinois Democrats.

State and national party leaders joined labor officials Tuesday morning in signing a no-strike agreement that will guarantee labor peace during the Democratic National Convention next year in Chicago.

A little over an hour later, Gov. J.B. Pritzker and AFSCME Council 31, the union that represents more than 35,000 state employees, announced the ratification of a new collective bargaining agreement.

The twin pieces of news were coincidental, but nevertheless served as a reminder of the pro-labor image state Democratic leaders have attempted to cultivate over the years.

And it sets a contrast amid a series of high-profile labor disputes this summer, including the still-ongoing writers and actors strikes in Hollywood and the tentatively-resolved battle between UPS and its workers.

The labor agreement for the Chicago convention was a matter of if, not when.

Organized labor is a key element of the Democratic Party and these agreements have become routine ahead of the partys once-every-four-year nominating conventions.

The new four-year contract with AFSCME includes a 4% pay increase retroactive to July 1 with base wages set to rise nearly 18% over the life of the contract.

Illinois is a pro-worker state  and when it comes to workers rights, my administration is committed to ensuring that every Illinoisan has access to good-paying opportunities, Pritzker said in a statement.

The estimated cost to taxpayers is about $625 million over four years  including $204 million in the first year, according to Pritzker spokesman Alex Gough.

Republicans raised concerns during the budget process earlier this year, but the administration insists that the cost of the new contract is accounted for.

The new contract will also expand parental leave from 10 weeks to 12 weeks, implement a pilot program for recruitment bonuses for positions with high vacancy rates and streamlines the discipline process for dismissing chronically truant employees.

It is the second contract Pritzker has negotiated with the labor union since entering office. After receiving AFSCME's endorsement in 2018, Pritzker and the union came to an agreement six months after he entered office.

This came after the union went more than four years without an agreement under the administration of former Gov. Bruce Rauner, who was openly hostile to public sector unions. This included putting into motion the case eventually known as Janus v. AFSCME, in which the Supreme Court found that the union did not have the power to collect "fair share" fees from non-members.

Since Pritzker's defeat of Rauner, organized labor has reestablished itself as one of the most powerful collective interests in Springfield.

In 2022, voters approved an amendment to the Illinois Constitution that enshrined collective bargaining rights as "fundamental" and banned state and local governments from enacting "right-to-work" laws.

This sequence of labor-friendly results in Illinois was viewed by some as a key advantage that helped Chicago secure the 2024 DNC over Atlanta, which was viewed by many as the most-likely alternative. Though Georgia has become a crucial swing state in recent years, it is also a right-to-work state.

Senators to speak to Illinois Dems

U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock, D-Ga., will deliver the keynote address at the Democratic Party of Illinois inaugural gala in Chicago this October, the party announced earlier this week.

Its a major coup for the state party. Warnock, pastor of the Atlanta church where Martin Luther King once preached, has become a nationally known political figure thanks to high-profile campaigns that helped secure control of the Senate for Democrats in 2020 and 2022.

His hard-fought campaigns and well-deserved victories wholly embody the momentum that we are building at DPI as we work to elect Democrats up and down the ticket next year, said DPI chair Lisa Hernandez.

There is an Illinois connection: Warnocks 2022 reelection campaign was run by Quentin Fulks, who was deputy campaign manager of Gov. J.B. Pritzkers 2018 campaign. Fulks is now a deputy campaign manager for President Joe Bidens 2024 reelection bid.

Hernandez described the gala as an event which I hope will become a tradition.

The lavish event is another sign the state party is moving in a different direction following the reign of former House Speaker Michael Madigan, who doubled as party chair from 1998 to 2021.

Under Madigan, the state Democratic organization largely served as a pass-through for sending out campaign mailers thanks to the large postage discount afforded to state parties. With the backing of Sen. Dick Durbin, the party was briefly chaired by Rep. Robin Kelly, D-Matteson, from March 2021 to July 2022.

But concerns over Kellys ability to fundraise given her status as a federal officeholder led to party officials, most notably Pritzker, moving to install Hernandez in the role.

The event was dubbed DPIs marquee fundraising event. And it will surely be a day that will be marked on the political calendar for those in Illinois Democratic politics.

In recent history, the big political event of the year has always been the Illinois Democratic County Chairs Associations annual brunch fundraiser, held every August in Springfield ahead of Democrat Day at the Illinois State Fair.

Last month, it was announced that Nevada Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto would keynote the 2023 brunch.

In 2016, Cortez Masto became the first Latina ever elected to the U.S. Senate. She was in consideration for the 2020 vice presidential nomination for a short time and narrowly reelected in 2022.

Past brunch keynote speakers have included former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and U.S. Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Jon Ossoff.

Illinois Republicans have also been able to nab some big names for marquee events. In May, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis delivered the keynote at the Peoria-Tazewell Lincoln Day Dinner.

Illinois represented at Till signing

On Tuesday, Biden signed a proclamation creating a national monument across different sites in Illinois and Mississippi commemorating the legacy of Emmett Till, the Chicago teenager whose gruesome murder in 1955 jolted the Civil Rights Movement, as well as that of his mother, Mamie Till-Mobley.

Illinois was well-represented at the White House ceremony, with attendees including Sen. Tammy Duckworth, Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, Attorney General Kwame Raoul and House Speaker Chris Welch, D-Hillside.

Far too many lives have been disrupted by prejudice, racism and discrimination across our country," Stratton said. "We must not, and will not, sit idle. As a mother and the first Black Lieutenant Governor of Illinois, this proclamation is a major step  because hatred does not belong in our schools, in our communities, or in our future.

The monument will include the Roberts Temple Church of God in Christ in Chicago's Bronzeville neighborhood, the site of Till's open-casket funeral.
(CNN)  Nigers military has backed coup leaders who have claim to have seized power in the West African country, prompting warnings from the international community.

The Nigerien army command said Thursday that it supported the apparent takeover of President Mohamed Bazoums government in hopes of preventing bloodshed and maintaining the well-being of our populations.

Bazoum was reportedly seized by members of the presidential guard on Wednesday. Men in military fatigues later issued a video statement asserting control of the country.

The militarys statement on Thursday also warned against foreign military intervention, which it said risks having disastrous and uncontrolled consequences.

Niger lies at the heart of Africas Sahel region, which has seen numerous power grabs in recent years including in Mali and Burkina Faso.

A key ally of the United States, France and other Western governments, Niger had been one of the few remaining democracies in a region fraught with Islamist insurgencies.

Bazoums whereabouts unknown

The presidents whereabouts remain unknown, though several global leaders said they had spoken with him over the past 24 hours.

Bazoum is feeling well, Chairman of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, said after speaking with him, Russian state news agency RIA Novosti reported. Mahamat added that Nigerian mediators are in Niger for talks with rebels.

United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres also said he had spoken with Bazoum to convey to him all our solidarity.

Today I would like to address directly those holding him: free President Bazoum immediately and without conditions, Guterres told press on Thursday.

When Bazoum took presidential office in 2021, it was the countrys first democratic transfer of power following years of military coups. Niger first gained independence from France in 1960.

The hard-won achievements will be safeguarded. All Nigeriens who love democracy and freedom will see to it, Nigers presidential office tweeted on Thursday, after the coup was announced in a video communique late Wednesday night.

A man identified as Col. Maj. Amadou Abdramane appeared in the video, flanked by several apparent soldiers, and announced: We have decided to put an end to the regime that you know. He cited a deteriorating security situation in the country and poor economic and social governance.

Abdramane later said all activities of political parties had been suspended until the new order.

CNN has so far been unable to reach the countrys Ministry of Defense and Interior Ministry for comment.

A member of the National Guard guarding the building for both ministries told CNN on Wednesday that there were no officials inside.

1,000 US troops

Nigers political upheaval saw hundreds of pro-Bazoum demonstrators filling the streets of the capital Niamey on Wednesday, and prompted stark warnings from world leaders and humanitarian organizations.

White House officials said they strongly condemn any effort to detain or subvert the functioning of Nigers democratically elected government. French, German and UK foreign ministries have also criticized the coup.

US national security adviser Jake Sullivan said on Wednesday that the partnership between Washington and the West African country is contingent on its continued commitment to democratic standards.

Approximately 1,000 US troops are currently stationed in Niger, two US officials told CNN. The US has deployed forces there since 2013 to support Nigerien counter-terrorism efforts.

Washington also conducts drone operations at a base it completed in 2019, outside the city of Agadez, known as Air Base 201. Agadez is over 500 miles from the Nigerien capital of Niamey.

UN humanitarian operations have been put on hold in the country, the agencys Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said on Thursday.

Violence by armed groups  both in the country and its neighbors  has increased our concerns over civilian protection and has aggravated food insecurity, the agency said in a statement.

In Niger, the number of people in need of humanitarian assistance has increased from 1.9 million people in 2017 to 4.3 million people in 2023, according OCHA.

More than 370,000 people are displaced within the country, which also hosts more than 250,000 refugees mainly from Nigeria, Mali and Burkina Faso.

This story was first published on CNN.com, "Niger army endorses presidential coup plotters despite international condemnation"
THUMBS UP! To cooling centers. Were not happy about the need for them. But were grateful for them, and encourage all who need them to use them, and make sure others know about their availability. While youre at it, check in on your neighbors, particularly seniors and those who live alone. If discomfort can be avoided, that needs to be done.

THUMBS DOWN! To the Supreme Court ethics debate. There shouldn't even be a debate about this, should there? Justice Clarence Thomas participated in luxury vacations and a real estate deal with a top GOP donor, after Chief Justice John Roberts declined to testify before the committee about the ethics of the court. Justice Samuel Alito also took a luxury vacation with a GOP donor. Justice Sonia Sotomayor, aided by her staff, advanced sales of her books through college visits over the past decade. The transgressions would be punished in some form if they were attempted by any elected official or a judge at any level below the Supreme Court. How ethics could "destroy" the court -- which is what Republicans arguing against the plan suggested -- is a mystery.

THUMBS UP! To a positive prediction. James Cameron does not fear artificial intelligence conquering Hollywood. The "Titanic" director believes that technology will never be able to replicate a script written with human emotion. That reflects the results of some of our experiments with AI. We're glad someone with more experience than us with AI sees a positive outlook for now.

THUMBS UP! To employment. Half of U.S. states experienced record-low unemployment  or very close to it  in June. Unemployment rates in 25 states are currently at or within 0.1 percentage point of a record low. Illinois is improving. Its rate of 4% marks the fourth straight month of decline and is the best post-COVID month. Illinois' record low of 3.6% was established in December 2019.

THUMBS UP! To the Illinois Department of Transportation. Six projects in the Bloomington-Normal are being worked on as part of year five of the Rebuild Illinois project. Projects include work on Veterans Parkway, U.S. 51, Illinois Route 9 and I-55. There are often complaints about the quality of roads and speculation that the taxes intended to pay for repair are ending up in places they don't belong. Here, at least, is evidence of action.

THUMBS UP! To a potential return. Lincoln Mayor Tracy Welch says he's been in meetings about the possibility of reopening Lincoln College. The school has been closed for just two semesters. We're not sure what has changed, but we'll find out if the reopening continues to be a possibility.

THUMBS DOWN! To Northwestern University facing charges of allowing hazing. Every time we think enough attention has been drawn to hazing that schools have to put effort toward preventing and eliminating it, another one pops up. Northwestern University President Michael Schill said the obvious: "The damage done to our institution is significant, as is the harm to some of our students." The only fashion in which hazing culture can be eliminated is vigorous pursuit and swift punishment. These stories are inevitably the ones to which we react by wondering what people are thinking -- the perpetrators and the silent witnesses guilty by association.

THUMBS UP! To the idea of planting a trillion trees. The suggestion comes from Republican circles and the number came from Speaker Kevin McCarthy. The idea is somewhat untenable -- planting that many trees would take land space that's the equivalent of North America. But coming up with an idea instead of immediately challenging it would be a welcome change were it to continue.
Mauritanian authorities have charged a high school student with blasphemy over a mock exam paper she submitted.



The young woman was arrested last week for allegedly showing disrespect to the Prophet Muhammad, the founder of Islam.



If found guilty, she could be sentenced to death with no possibility of appeal.



Mauritania has strengthened its blasphemy laws in recent years, removing the clause allowing offenders to escape death if they show remorse.



Nevertheless, there have been no executions for blasphemy in the country for more than 30 years.



The student was arrested on 18 July in the northwestern town of Atar on charges of "disrespect and mockery of the Prophet" and using social networks "to undermine (the) holy values of Islam", an official from the public prosecutor's office in the capital, Nouakchott, told the AFP news agency.



Specific details of what she was alleged to have written were not released.



The student's family later released a statement to the pan-Arabic newspaper Al-Quds al-Arabi in which they asked for forgiveness, saying she suffered from mental health issues.



Another news outlet, al-Quds al-Araby, reported that the accused is from the Haratin ethnic group, who are the descendants of slaves of sub-Saharan origin.



The official announcement of the arrest comes after the country's religious authorities decreed that people found guilty of insulting the Prophet Muhammad should face the death penalty.



The Mauritanian Council of Islamic Scholars issued the edict last week after President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani ordered clerics to clarify their stance on blasphemy.



Aside from the death penalty, those who are convicted of lesser blasphemy offences can face up to two years in prison and a fine.

Source: BBC









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
Some community piped rural water supply services in the Ashanti Region are demanding the payment of arrears owed them by the government for providing free water to consumers under the COVID-19 relief package.



In April 2020, President Nana Akufo-Addo announced a utility package to absorb water and electricity bills for lifeline consumers for a year.



However, some community water suppliers say they are yet to receive payment for the services provided.



At the just-ended second conference of the Network of Community Water Services, managers of community water supplies at Kuntenase, Boanim, and Ankaase said the government owed them at least GHc140,000.



The three communities are part of several others across the country owed cumulatively over a million Ghana cedis.



In spite of several letters and visits to local assemblies for payment of the arrears, the managers insist their calls have fallen on deaf ears.



Emmanuel Oppong, speaking on behalf of the Boanim Water Supply, said: The system did well to supply free water for one good year. Weve done our best going to the district assembly on how to get the money, but nothing has happened. The total amount for Ankaase was about 300,000 Ghana cedis but the government has made few payments.



Quite recently, our pump developed faults but someone assisted us with some amounts of money before we were able to repair it. Electricity Company of Ghana is also demanding that we pay our bills. We are owing them about 80,000 Ghana cedis because of the free water. If government fails to pay the arrears, we are not going to sustain the system as we head towards the dry season, he added.



Emmanuel Abban, who also spoke on behalf of the Ankaase Sanitation area, noted that: We used about GHc140,000 to produce water. Our sister station at Kuntenase is owed GHc150,000.



The outstanding balance, according to them, is hampering their operations with imminent threats to water supply in these areas.



The suppliers said they need the outstanding amount for extension works to provide water coverage to other households in the community.

Source: adomonline.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
Ghanas second president under the Fourth Republic, Former President John Agyekum Kufuor, has called on the government to be accountable and transparent to the people of Ghana.



According to him, the governors of the country need to be responsible, accountable, and transparent to the governed in the scheme of governance.



Mr. Kufuor cautioned against abuse of office by government officials in the governance of any country.



The former president explained that the 1992 Constitution of Ghana confers sovereignty on Ghanaians, and for that matter,transparency and accountability are integral to governance.



Former President Kufuor was speaking at the maiden edition of the National Development Conference 2023, organised by the Church of Pentecost, on Wednesday, July 26, 2023.



The conference, which took place at the Pentecost Convention Center in Gomoa Fetteh in the Central Region, was on the theme Moral Vision and National Development.



Indeed, the national constitution of Ghana reposes sovereignty in the people as a whole. This is why the conditions of accountability and transparency are requisite to governance so the governors will always be mindful that they hold power in trust of the people, the real owners of power he stressed.



He commended the organisers of the two-day conference for bringing together all stakeholders to discuss issues concerning the development of Ghana and the theme chosen for the Conference.



The former president believed that the national development conference could be the touchstone to fix the proper compass for the development of Ghana.



He argued that all developments rolled out by a particular government can only be justified in terms of their service to better the lot of all citizens, regardless of tribe, religion, ideology, gender, or wealth, among others.



Other speakers at the Conference, held at the Pentecost Convention Center (PCC) in the Central Region, were former President John Dramani Mahama, Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, Speaker Alban Bagbin, and Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.













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
Kwamena Duncan, a former Central Regional Minister, has called on Madam Cecilia Dapaah's husband to speak out regarding the controversies surrounding the large sums of money found in their home, including 1 million dollars, 300,000 Euros, and millions of cedis.



Two house helps and others are standing trial for allegedly stealing $1 million, 300,000 and millions of cedis from the Ablekuma residence of the former Sanitation Minister.



The two 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.



Some communication members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) defending the former claim the money belongs to the husband who is a businessman.



Kwamena Duncan speaking in reaction on Peace FM's morning show 'Kokrokoo' says if indeed the money belongs to the husband, he should 'open up' so that it can somehow vindicate the wife who has resigned.



"If it indeed belongs to the husband who is a private person and no law compels him to indicate his source unless he's engaged in something illegal . . . but for the purposes of clearing the head of the wife who is at the centre of all of this, the husband should open up. It's a special circumstance; the wife is a public officer so he can just indicate that this is my source so that the wife will be cleared," he intimated.



Listen to him in the video below





Meanwhile, Kwamena Duncan has urged Cecilia Dapaah to corporate with the Office of the Special Prosecutor.



"It will be important to corporate with the OSP; there must be no impediment at all so that her integrity will remain intact," he said.





Source: Peacefmonline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
Collins Owusu Amankwaah, a member of Alan Kyerematen's campaign team, has stated that any attempts to manipulate the upcoming NPP presidential primaries will be resisted.



Amankwaah has expressed concern over potential unfair practices and rigging attempts by certain factions within the party.



Speaking in an interview with Oyerepa Radio on July 27, 2023, the former Member of Parliament for Manhyia North Constituency revealed that his camp is fully aware of ongoing efforts to tamper with delegates' albums, particularly in the Ashanti Region.



He asserted that Alan Kyerematen's supporters will not sit idle if any constituency is discovered attempting to remove names of delegates from the NPP album.



He declared, "We'll not permit voting to take place in any constituency that's planning to remove names of some delegates in the NPP album. We'll never sit aloof and watch one person take the law into his hands to cheat us. It will never happen."



He further assured that Alan's camp is highly vigilant and fully prepared to confront any individuals involved in rigging attempts head-on.



He warned those considering altering the album to abandon such plans, as they would face severe consequences from the resolute camp of Alan Kyerematen.









































































































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
play videoDr Edward Omane Boamah, Koku Anyidoho and Samuel Koku Anyidoho (from left to right)



The former General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Samuel Koku Anyidoho, has rejected assertions that he hurt former President John Dramani Mahama.



According to him, it was the former president who told him that they could not work together when he took over the presidency after the death of the Late Former President, Prof. John Evans Atta Mills.



When people say that Im anti-JM, how am I anti-JM? Like I've told you, President Mills never allowed me to disrespect him (Mahama) as vice president. We never had any altercation, nothing. I was doing my work, he said in an interview on the Kafui Dey show.



Anyidoho, who was the director of communication under Mill, went on to narrate how former President Mahama sent people to tell him that his services were no longer needed after Mills death.



When the president (Mills) died, there were attempts to get rid of me immediately after the death of the President... President Mills passed on the 24th of July; on the 26th of July, I got a call from Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.



 he calls saying he's checking on me. He wants to see how I'm doing blah, blah, blah. I said I'm fine. Okay, he goes off the line. I felt something quite queasy about the call. A few minutes later, Omane Boamah called, he narrated.



Anyidoho added that it was Dr Edward Omane Boamah, the then Minister for Communications, who told him that Mahama had taken the decision that he could not work with him (Anyidoho) at a meeting held on July 25, 2023.























































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.

Featured Video
Former Special Prosecutor, Martin A. B. K. Amidu has said Cecilia Dapaah's case seriously demonstrates a clear failure of the executive branch of government and the authority conferred upon it under the Constitution that "extends to the execution and maintenance of this Constitution and all laws made under or continued in force by this Constitution.



According to him the power to investigate and prosecute offences committed under the laws of Ghana is the prerogative of the executive branch vested in the President of the Republic.



"The fact that the Government and the public learnt for the first time simultaneously through the medium of the media that police prosecutors were prosecuting suspects for stealing various sums involving colossal amounts of US$1 million, 300,000, and millions of Ghana Cedis and assorted clothes valued at GH95,000, handbags, perfumes, and jewellery valued at US$95,000, six pieces of Kente cloth worth GH90,000 and six sets of mens suits valued at US$3,000 the property of a Minister of State and her husband also exposes serious weakness in the security and intelligence apparatus of Ghana," he stated in his latest epistle copied to Peacefmonline.com



"The fundamental issue in the Cecilia Dapaah case in my view is not the colossal amounts allegedly stolen from her residence but the security breach posed by employing unvetted persons who have access to the residences of Ministers of State and access to their bedrooms. The fact that the suspects unlawfully entered into the Minister and her husbands living room in their absence over a period of time to be able to steal the properties involved must have been of prime interest to the Director-General CID for her to have officially informed the Inspector-General of Police in writing or by situation report (Sitrep) of the complaint by the Ministers husband and her as soon as it was received in October 2022 as disclosed on the charge sheet in the Circuit Court where the case of stealing alone ended up for trial."



"The Inspector-General of Police has a responsibility to inform the Minister for the Interior and the Minister for National Security of all serious cases involving security breaches at the residences of any Minister of State being investigated by the police to enable them to fulfill their coordinating function of briefing the President, the National Security Council, and the Cabinet during security briefings. The weekly or monthly security briefings under an efficiently run Government must reflect such important and serious security breaches of a Minister of States residence. The fact that weekly or monthly written security briefs may indicate which and when senior officials of the Republic have exited the country and when they returned underscore the fact that the personal safety and security of Ministers of State is an important matter for any investigator to report to his or her superior officer for purposes of security and intelligence briefs to the appropriate quarters."



Read attached his full article

Your browser does not support iframes.

Source: Martin A. B. K. Amidu









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 former President and flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani, has decided to replace Professor Nana Jane Opoku-Agyemang as running mate.



This is according to a newspaper report by the Daily Guide dated July 28, 2023.



According to the report, the party, is currently engaged in an extensive consultative process to determine the most suitable replacement.



The former Minister for Education partnered the John Mahama in the 2020 general elections.



The newspaper report stated that sources close to the former president revealed that a listening survey is being conducted among NDC delegates to gauge their preferences for Mahama's new running mate.



The decision to drop Professor Opoku-Agyemang has sparked divisions within Mahama's inner circles, as some still support her candidature due to her previous role as the former Education Minister in Mahama's administration.



Critics who advocate for the removal of Prof. Opoku-Agyemang argue that she has contributed minimally to the NDC's performance in the 2020 election, especially in her home region, Central.



Whereas others are urging the party to consider candidates from regions other than Central to broaden their voter appeal.



During the recent wreath-laying ceremony for the late President John Evans Atta Mills on July 24, 2023, at the Asomdwe Park, Professor Opoku-Agyemang was notably absent as she was reportedly out of the country for a medical check-up.



However, she was seen at Mills' memorial lecture at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) on July 27, 2023.



As the consultative is ongoing, prominent figures within the NDC have been mentioned as potential running mates for Mahama.



These include former Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah; former Chief Executive of the National Health Insurance Authority, Sylvester Mensah; former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Professional Studies, Accra, Joshua Alabi.



Some also mention the former BOST Managing Director, Kingsley Kwame Awuah Darko; former Chief Executive Officer of Ghana National Petroleum Corporation, Alex Kofi Mould; and former Brong Ahafo Regional Minister, Eric Opoku, who has the support of Lordina Mahama.



The listening survey by the NDC aims to collect opinions and preferences from NDC delegates across the country to ensure a transparent and democratic selection process for the vice-presidential candidate.



While Mahama's inner circles mostly supported Professor Opoku-Agyemang, it remains unclear if the former president fully endorses the survey.



Political analysts say that the decision to drop Prof. Opoku-Agyemang could indicate his willingness to explore alternative options for his running mate. The final selection will be crucial in shaping the NDC's campaign strategy and appeal to voters as they gear up for the highly anticipated 2024 general elections.



Party officials assure the public that the listening survey will be conducted fairly and in line with the NDC's democratic principles. The announcement of the vice-presidential candidate is expected in the coming weeks, after thorough consideration of the survey results.



With the absence of Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang from the running mate options, the NDC and its supporters eagerly await the outcome of the listening survey, which will shape the party's leadership and electoral prospects for the 2024 general elections.





















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.

Featured Video
Parliament has given its approval to the Whistleblower (Amendment) Bill, 2023.



This is captured in a newspaper report by the Daily Graphic dated July 28, 2023.



The primary objective of this bill, according to the report, is to amend the existing Whistleblower Act, 2006 (Act 720) to enhance the funding sources for the Whistleblower Reward Fund.



The Attorney-General (A-G) and Minister of Justice, Godfred Dame, laid the bill before parliament on March 7, 2023, and it was subsequently referred to the Committee on Constitutional, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs for a thorough evaluation.



The Whistleblower Act, 2006 (Act 720), was enacted to incentivize and establish robust structures to strengthen Ghana's ability to combat corruption and other illicit practices that hinder sustainable development efforts.



One of the key sections of Act 720, Section 20, is what captures the Whistleblower Reward Fund.



It relied on voluntary contributions and budgetary allocations from Parliament as its primary funding sources.



However, the Committee on Constitutional, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs, led by Kwame Anyimadu-Antwi, in its report submitted to the House prior to the bill's passage, noted certain shortcomings that needed to be addressed.



One major concern was the possibility of delays in releasing approved budgetary funds into the Whistleblower Reward Fund, which could affect the prompt payment of rewards to whistleblowers.



Additionally, Act 720 lacked clarity on the timeframe within which whistleblowers should receive their rewards for their efforts leading to the successful recovery of money or proceeds obtained from the sale of confiscated assets.



The amendments proposed are, therefore, meant to cure the shortcomings in Act 720 by reducing over-reliance on budgetary allocations as the main sources of revenue into the Whistleblower Reward Fund and to also provide for timeliness for payment of the rewards to successful whistleblowers, it said.



To rectify these issues, the proposed amendments aim to reduce reliance on budgetary allocations as the primary revenue source for the Whistleblower Reward Fund. This shift intends to ensure the timely payment of rewards to successful whistleblowers, thereby preventing demotivation due to delays.



The committee underscored the vital need to protect the identities of whistleblowers to shield them from potential hunts by powerful individuals in society.



Robust whistleblower protection mechanisms are crucial to encourage citizens to report misconduct, promote public accountability, and uphold integrity.



As part of the approved amendment, individuals and institutions receiving disclosures of impropriety, as per Section 3 of Act 720, are urged to maintain the utmost confidentiality and implement stringent protective measures to safeguard the whistleblowers' identities.



The report further emphasized that motivating individuals to expose wrongdoing in both private and public sectors play a pivotal role in combating fraud, corruption, and unethical behavior.



Hence, continuous review and improvement of policies and legal frameworks that incentivize and protect patriotic individuals providing information on misconduct are essential.



The proposed amendment is seen as a crucial step in strengthening national efforts to combat corruption and reinforces the country's commitment to promoting a culture of transparency and accountability.



















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.

Featured Video
Former Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Hon. Catherine Afeku has debunked recent publications that indicated that she had abandoned Alan Kyeremanten, the National Patriotic Party (NPP) Presidential Aspirant after allegedly advocating for a "shirt and blouse" strategy for the upcoming NPP Primaries.



She described such reports as untrue and misleading as she said that the reports were false and mischievous attempts to divert public and party attention from the upcoming selection of the NPP's Presidential leader set for August 26.



Speaking to Samuel Eshun on the Happy Morning Show, she clarified that her support for Kyeremanten remained unchanged and that she had not abandoned him in any way.



The news about me leaving Alans camp is misleading and when you look at what is going on currently in the country youd realize this is a mischievous divergent, she said.



Addressing the specific incident that sparked the rumors, Catherine Afeku explained that she had merely emphasized the need for the party's Secretary, JFK, to address the party ahead of the upcoming event, in accordance with the party's laws.



We all know that were going to select our Presidential candidate on August 26 and we needed our Secretary, JFK to address the party for the upcoming event as according to the laws of the party. This is what I said as a veteran in the political terrain and which I said earlier this month on 14 while today is 27. That means two weeks ago and its now that someone wants to divert the public and partys attention to me.



Using a biblical analogy, she compared the situation to the biblical story of Joseph, whose brothers betrayed him, drawing a parallel to the misleading headlines.



She however expressed gratitude and support for Alan Kyeremanten as she believes that he is the chosen NPP Flagbearer and the incoming President of Ghana.





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.

Featured Video
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Cornell researchers have shown that data science and artificial intelligence tools can successfully identify when prosecutors question potential jurors differently, in an effort to prevent women and Black people from serving on juries.

In a first-of-its-kind study, researchers used natural language processing (NLP) tools to analyze transcripts of the jury selection process. They found multiple quantifiable differences in how prosecutors questioned Black and white members of the jury pool. Once validated, this technology could provide evidence for appeals cases and be used in real time during jury selection to ensure more diverse juries.

The study, "Quantifying Disparate Questioning of Black and White Jurors in Capital Jury Selection," was published July 14 in the Journal of Empirical Legal Studies. First author is Anna Effenberger.

Striking jurors on the basis of race or gender has been illegal since the Supreme Court's landmark Batson vs. Kentucky case in 1986, but this type of discrimination still occurs, said study co-author John Blume, the Samuel F. Leibowitz Professor of Trial Techniques at Cornell Law School and director of theCornell Death Penalty Project.

"One of the things the courts have looked at is whether the prosecutor questions Black and white jurors differently," Blume said. "NLP software allows you to do that on a much more sophisticated level, looking at not just at the number, but the way in which the questions are put together."

Under the assumption that Black and female jurors will be more sympathetic to a defendantespecially a Black oneprosecutors will sometimes press them to reveal disqualifying information. A common tactic in capital cases is to provide an especially gruesome description of the execution process and then ask if the person would be willing to sentence the defendant to death. If the answer is no, that person is struck from the jury pool.

To see if NLP software could identify this and other signs of disparate questioning, Blume collaborated with Martin Wells, the Charles A. Alexander Professor of Statistical Sciences in the Cornell Ann. S Bowers College of Computing and Information Science, and Effenberger to analyze transcripts from 17 capital cases in South Carolina. Their dataset included more than 26,000 questions that judges, defense attorneys and the prosecution asked potential jurors.

The researchers looked not only at the number of questions asked of Black, white, male and female potential jurors, but also the topics covered, each question's complexity and the parts of speech used.

"We consistently found racial differences in a number of these measures," Wells said. "When we do job interviews, we usually have a list of questions, and we want to ask everyone the same question, and here that's not the case."

The analysis showed significant differences in the length, complexity and sentiment of the questions prosecutors asked of Black potential jurors compared to white ones, indicating they were likely attempting to shape their responses. The questions asked by judges and the defense showed no such racial differences.

The study also found evidence that prosecutors had attempted to disqualify Black individuals by using their views on the death penalty. Prosecutors asked Black potential jurorsespecially those who were ultimately excused from servingmore explicit and graphic questions about execution methods compared to white potential jurors.

In six of the 17 cases analyzed in the study, a judge had later ruled that the prosecutor illegally removed potential jurors on the basis of race. By looking at the combined NLP analyses for each case, the researchers could successfully distinguish between cases that violated Batson vs. Kentucky, and ones that hadn't.

The researchers said the findings prove that NLP tools can successfully identify biased jury selection. Now, they hope to see similar studies performed on larger datasets with more diverse types of cases.

Once the validity of this method is established, "this could be done during jury selection almost in real time," Wells said.

Whether used to monitor jury selection or to provide evidence for an appeal, this software could be a powerful tool to diversify juriesespecially for defendants who are potentially facing the death penalty.

More information: Anna Effenberger et al, Quantifying disparate questioning of Black and White jurors in capital jury selection, Journal of Empirical Legal Studies (2023). DOI: 10.1111/jels.12357
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Credit: CC0 Public Domain

Dr. Carlo Cafaro, SUNY Poly faculty in the Department of Mathematics and Physics, has collaborated with Dr. Paul M. Alsing, Principal Research Physicist at the Air Force Research Laboratory in Rome, NY, on work published in The European Physical Journal Plus.

The tutorial paper, titled, "Bures and Sjoqvist Metrics over Thermal State Manifolds for Spin Qubits and Superconducting Flux Qubits," in which Cafaro is lead author, is a useful and relatively simple theoretical piece of work. It combines concepts of quantum physics with elements of differential geometry to clarify in simple terms the differences between two important metrics for mixed quantum states of great use in quantum information science.

The interplay among differential geometry, statistical physics, and quantum information science has been increasingly gaining theoretical interest in recent years.

In this paper, Cafaro and Alsing present an explicit analysis of the Bures and Sjoqvist metrics over the manifolds of thermal states for specific spin qubit and the superconducting flux qubit Hamiltonian models. While the two metrics equally reduce to the Fubini-Study metric in the asymptotic limiting case of the inverse temperature approaching infinity for both Hamiltonian models, they observe that the two metrics are generally different when departing from the zero-temperature limit.

Cafaro and Alsing discuss this discrepancy in the case of the superconducting flux Hamiltonian model.

They conclude the two metrics differ in the presence of a non-classical behavior specified by the noncommutativity of neighboring mixed quantum states. Such a noncommutativity, in turn, is quantified by the two metrics in different manners. Finally, Cafaro and Alsing briefly discuss possible observable consequences of this discrepancy between the two metrics when using them to predict critical and/or complex behavior of physical systems of interest in quantum information science.

More information: Carlo Cafaro et al, Bures and Sjoqvist metrics over thermal state manifolds for spin qubits and superconducting flux qubits, The European Physical Journal Plus (2023). DOI: 10.1140/epjp/s13360-023-04267-9

Provided by Colleges of Nanoscale Science and Engineering
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:

Environment ministers from G20 nations failed to agree on peaking global emissions by 2025.

Environment ministers from G20 nations failed to agree on peaking global emissions by 2025 and other crucial issues to address the global climate crisis at their meeting in India on Friday.

No breakthrough was possible on several key points ahead of this year's COP28 climate talks, with negotiations also failing to reach a consensus on tripling renewable energy use.

"I am very disappointed," France's ecological transition minister Christophe Bechu told AFP after the meeting.

"We are not able to reach an agreement of increasing drastically renewable energies, we are not able to reach an agreement on phasing out or down fossil fuels, especially coal," he said.

"Records of temperatures, catastrophes, giant fires, and we are not able to reach an agreement on the peaking (of) emissions by 2025."

The discussions with China, Saudi Arabia, and on climate issues with Russia had been "complicated", he added.

India's climate change minister Bhupender Yadav, who chaired the meeting, admitted there had been "some issues about energy, and some target-oriented issues".

The Chennai meeting comes days after energy ministers from the blocwhich represents more than 80 percent of global GDP and CO 2 emissionsfailed to agree in Goa on a roadmap to cut fossil fuels from the global energy mix.

That was seen as a blow to mitigation efforts even as climate experts blame record global temperatures for triggering floods, storms and heatwaves.

Major oil producers fear the impact of drastic mitigation on their economies, and Russia and Saudi Arabia were blamed for the lack of progress in Goa.

Campaigners were dismayed by the repeated failure to reach a deal Friday.

"Europe and North Africa are burning, Asia is ravaged with floods yet G20 climate ministers have failed to agree on a shared direction to halt the climate crisis which is escalating day by day," said Alex Scott of climate change think-tank E3G.

Reports of Saudi and Chinese resistance, he added, "fly in the face of their claims of defending the interests of developing countries".

'Self-interest'

All present at Friday's conference understood "the severity of the crisis" facing the world, Adnan Amin, chief executive of this year's COP28 climate talks, told AFP.

"But I think there's a kind of political understanding that still needs to be achieved," he said.

"It's very clear that every country in the world will start by looking at its immediate self-interest," he added.

Most delegations were led by their environment and climate change ministers, while the US delegation was headed by Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry.

Also at the talks was Emirati oil boss Sultan Al Jaber, who will lead the upcoming COP28 talks in the United Arab Emirates starting in late November.

He has been heavily criticized for his apparent conflict of interest as head of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company because burning fossil fuels is the main driver of global warming.

Livelihoods destroyed

With raging wildfires in Greece and a heat wave in Italy, European Union environment commissioner Virginijus Sinkevicius said ahead of the gathering that there was "growing evidence on the ground of devastating climate impact" and "the livelihoods of people are being destroyed".

But progress in global negotiations has been slow, with the G20 polarized by Russia's war in Ukraine and sharp divisions on key issues.

Questions on financing the transition and ameliorating its short-term impacts have long been a point of contention between developing and wealthy nations.

Major developing countries such as India argue that legacy emitters need to spend more to underwrite global mitigation efforts in poorer nations.

"Whatever was pledged by the developed countries must be fulfilled," Yadav said after the meeting, which he added had reached consensus on other issues including land degradation and sustainable use of ocean resources.

 2023 AFP
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Horseshoe Bend along the Colorado River. Credit: Sean Benesh via Unsplash

The Colorado River Basin provides freshwater to more than 40 million people within the semi-arid southwestern United States, including major cities such as Las Vegas and Los Angeles. However, between 2000 and 2021 the basin experienced a megadrought (a severe drought lasting multiple decades), which researchers have suggested likely would not have occurred if it were not for anthropogenic climate change. In particular, during 2020 and 2021, the river basin recorded the driest 20-month period since 1895 and the lowest river flow since 1906.

Dr. Benjamin Bass and colleagues at the University of California aimed to identify how precipitation and runoff within the basin have changed since the 1880s, in line with a 1.5C increase in temperature over the same period. New research, published in Water Resources Research, identified a 10.3% decrease in runoff within the basin as a direct result of anthropogenic warming and vegetation changes in the landscape, meaning available water resources to support the local population have declined 2.1 km3.

Furthermore, the scientists found that snowpack regions were significantly impacted by aridification, exacerbating the decline in runoff to twice that of neighboring areas. Though snowpack regions constitute only 30% of the Colorado River drainage basin, the aridification has led to an 86% decrease in runoff (losing 1.2 km3 of water per C of warming).

This is likely to worsen due to albedo feedback, whereby the declining snow reduces the lighter "white" snow surface to reflect heat from solar insolation, instead exposing more of the land to absorb heat and ultimately increasing temperature further which causes more snow to melt and so the feedback loop continues.

Percentage changes in Colorado River Basin runoff since the 1950s simulated based upon global warming alone, the influence of CO 2 alone and the impact of warming and CO 2 combined, creating a 10.3% decrease in runoff in 2021. Credit: Bass et al, 2023

Using Global Climate Models and historical data, the researchers performed simulations to assess the trends in runoff with anthropogenic changes, as well as predicting the scenarios if human influence is removed. They found that the drainage basin runoff has decreased 1.2 km3 since 1954, but suggest that runoff would have actually increased by 0.9 km3 had the influence of global warming and elevated CO 2 not occurred.

Atmospheric carbon dioxide is estimated to have been 285 ppm (parts per million) in 1880, compared to 313 ppm in 1950 and 416 ppm in 2021. It is the influence of increasing CO 2 and resulting climate change that show a clear trend in declining runoff, enhancing pace since the 1980s.

Vegetation plays an important part in river basin drainage also by counterbalancing runoff. The researchers describe how elevated CO 2 levels cause stomata (pores for gas exchange) on the underside of leaves to close and reduces transpiration (release of water vapor through stomata). However, elevated temperatures lead to increased rates of evaporation from the leaf surface, and this process outweighs any water resource efficiency from transpiration, leading to a net loss of water from the plants. Overall, vegetation does help to offset runoff losses by 15%, though the degree to which this is effective depends upon the type and coverage of vegetation in the basin.

The megadrought since 2000 has experienced a 0.48C increase in temperature and 3.1% reduction in precipitation than the climate average, while its exacerbation in late 2021 to early 2022 coincided with elevated temperatures of 0.83C (8.6% higher than the climate mean), plus a 23.9% and 38.6% decrease in precipitation and runoff respectively.

This led to a total decline in runoff for the megadrought of 40.1 km3, and 3 km3 for the recent 2020 to 2021 event, with Arizona, Nevada and Mexico being declared under a water shortage in 2021 and their freshwater allocation was reduced by 0.756 km3. By comparison, this water shortage is greater than the size of Lake Mead in Nevada, the largest reservoir in the U.S. by capacity.

Given the Colorado River Basin's mean annual runoff is 21.2 km3, the loss of ~10% its volume over the last 140 years is significant. As CO 2 levels and temperatures are predicted to rise in the future, the rate of water loss could enhance further, posing consequences for the millions who rely upon its waters every day.

More information: Benjamin Bass et al, Aridification of Colorado River Basin's Snowpack Regions Has Driven Water Losses Despite Ameliorating Effects of Vegetation, Water Resources Research (2023). DOI: 10.1029/2022WR033454 Journal information: Water Resources Research

 2023 Science X Network
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:

Macron is telling Pacific leaders that France understands the threat they face from a warming Earth.

France's President Emmanuel Macron stripped off his suit jacket Friday to wander the wild forests of Papua New Guinea on a green-tinted charm offensive in the South Pacific.

Macron is telling Pacific leaders that France understands the threat they face from a warming Earth, from rising seas swamping low-lying islands to a loss of wildlife, wilder weather and the financial costs they impose.

It is a message he has already pushed on his first two Pacific stops, on the eroded coastline of the French territory of New Caledonia and in the sea-threatened archipelago of Vanuatu where he joined a call for the phasing out of fossil fuels.

In Papua New Guinea, Macron wore no jacket, and at one point no tie, as he walked two kilometers (more than a mile) with Prime Minister James Marape through the lush Varirata National Park, touting a French initiative to remunerate countries that preserve their old-growth forests.

Natural forest covers 14 percent of the Earth's surface and is a huge reservoir of stored carbon, which is released when burned"so that in a way we go backwards", Macron said.

The world already finances reforestation, he said, arguing that there is no economic model to preserve the woodlands that already exist.

To address this, a first so-called Forest, Climate, Biodiversity project was signed Friday with Papua New Guinea, to be managed by the French development agency with 60 million euros ($66 million) in financing from the European Union.

Other non-governmental organizations are already aboard, French officials say, and they hope to get the private sector involved, too.

The challenge is significant.

'Rainforest destruction'

Papua New Guinea, more than 70 percent blanketed in trees, boasts an extraordinary array of wildlife on land and water, from tree kangaroos to spiny anteaters.

Scientists say deforestation is one of the greatest threats to that unique environment.

Papua New Guinea, home to a major logging industry, lost 1.8 percent of its carbon-absorbing rainforest last year, according to an analysis of satellite data released last month by the World Resources Institute.

That put it at number nine on the global list of nations with the greatest rainforest destructionwith Brazil in the lead.

Macron's environmental push in the South Pacific is not unique: others including the United States, China, Australia and New Zealand finance significant climate change aid in Pacific island states.

But his offer of recompense for the preservation of Papua New Guinea's forest was welcomed.

"It was not just a walk in the park," Marape said.

"It was a statement we were making to the world, that forests of this Earth need to be managed, preserved and harvested in the right manner."

The Papua New Guinea leader said unsustainable logging "is not supported by my government".

At the final stop on their forest walk, not far from the capital Port Moresby, the leaders came to a breathtaking panorama of partially forested hills stretching into the distance, newly rebaptised in the VIP visitor's honor: "Emmanuel Jean-Michel Frederic Macron Lookout".

 2023 AFP
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Environment ministers from G20 nations meeting in India on Friday raced against time to reach a last-minute consensus on the most contentious issues to redress the global climate crisis.

Environment ministers from G20 nations meeting in India on Friday raced against time to reach a last-minute consensus on the most contentious issues to redress the global climate crisis.

No major breakthrough is expected with delegates from the Group of 20 major economies stuck on climate change adaptation finance, mitigation and peaking emissions by 2025 in hectic negotiations.

The Chennai meeting comes days after the bloc was criticized for failing to agree on a roadmap to cut fossil fuels from the global energy mix.

All present at Friday's conference understood "the severity of the crisis" facing the world, Adnan Amin, chief executive of this year's COP28 climate talks, told AFP.

"But I think there's a kind of political understanding that still needs to be achieved," he added on the sidelines of the meeting.

Any agreements reached in Chennai will be signed by the leaders of G20 nationsconstituting more than 80 percent of global GDP and CO 2 emissionsat a summit in New Delhi this September.

The lack of accord on fossil fuel cuts last week was seen as a blow to mitigation efforts even as climate experts blame record global temperatures for triggering floods, storms and heatwaves.

Some major oil producerssuch as Russia and Saudi Arabiawere blamed for the lack of progress.

"Given the scale of the triple global crises, climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, we truly have no time left to waste," Steven Guilbeault, Canada's environment and climate change minister, warned in Chennai on Thursday.

Amin said it was clear that questions of "national interests" still had to be resolved before firmer commitments could be made on fossil fuels.

"It's very clear that every country in the world will start by looking at its immediate self-interest," he said.

"As long as that demand is there, that energy source will continue," the COP28 CEO added.

Most delegations were led by their environment and climate change ministers, while the US delegation was headed by Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry.

Also at the talks is Emirati oil boss Sultan Al Jaber, who will lead the upcoming COP28 talks in the United Arab Emirates starting in late November.

He has been heavily criticized for his apparent conflict of interest as head of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, because burning fossil fuels is the main driver of global warming.

Livelihoods destroyed

With raging wildfires in Greece and a heat wave in Italy, European Union environment commissioner Virginijus Sinkevicius said that there was "growing evidence on the ground of devastating climate impact" and "the livelihoods of people are being destroyed".

But progress in global negotiations has been slow, with the G20 polarized by Russia's war in Ukraine and sharp divisions on key issues.

Questions on financing the transition and ameliorating its short-term impacts have long been a point of contention between developing and wealthy nations.

Major developing countries like India argue that legacy emitters need to spend more to underwrite global mitigation efforts in poorer nations.

Big energy-producing nations have resisted stronger commitments on emissions cuts over concerns about the impact of drastic mitigation on their economies.

 2023 AFP
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

(a) Stratigraphy and age of the Meso-Neoproterozoic in the Yanshan-Liaoning area; (b) regional geological sketch and location of the study area; (c) figure denoting enlarged section from the study area denoted by red box. From east to west, the sections are: 1, Liujiang section, Qinhuangdao, Hebei Province (Teng and Sun, 1999; Xu, 2015); 2, Zhaozhuang section, Tangshan, Hebei Province (Chen, 1981); 3, Kuancheng section, Hebei Province (measured section); 4, Jixian section, Tianjin (Tian et al., 1990); 5, Miyun section, Beijing (measured section); 6, Longshan section, Changping, Beijing (Qi et al., 1999; Zhang et al., 2020); 7, Xishan section, Beijing (Qiao, 1976; Zhang C et al., 2017); 8, Zhaojiashan (and Liangjiazhuang) section, Huailai, Hebei Province (measured section); 9, Xiahuayuan section, Xuanhua, Hebei Province (Song and Zhang, 1983). Credit: Science China Press

Recently, the journal Science China Earth Sciences published research by Professor Hongwei Kuang, Dr. Nan Peng and Professor Yongqing Liu from the Institute of Geology, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences.

Based on multidisciplinary evidence from the sedimentary sequences and the continuity, the youngest detrital zircon age spectra, and geochemical indicators of the transition between the Xiamaling and the Longshan formations proved there probably not "a great sedimentary hiatus" or " a great unconformity" for more than 300 Ma between the Xiamaling and the overlying Longshan Formation in the North China Craton.

The researchers argue that the Xiamaling Formation and the Longshan-Jingeryu formations might be deposited continuously in the late Mesoproterozoic. On this basis, the paleogeography of the Xiamaling-Longshan-Jingeryu formations in Yanliao area of the North China Craton has been reconstructed.

The ratios of major and trace elements of siliceous sediments that have significant response to geological characteristics such as provenance, continental weathering degree, paleoclimate, redox environment, such as Al2O3, Na2O/Al2O3, Sr/Ba, Rb/Sr, FeO/Fe2O3, as well as the CIA, chemical index of weathering (CIW), and plagioclase alteration index (PIA) were selected. Li isotope, Li and geochemical indices content indicate that chemical weathering of the transition between the Xiamaling Formation and the Longshan Formation weakened, and no weathering crust existence. Credit: Science China Press

Field geological records show that the pebbly sandstone at the bottom of the Longshan Formation does not have the properties of basal conglomerate. The Xiamaling and the Longshan formations are composed of multiple normal sedimentary cycles with coarse to fine sandstone/mudstone of different thicknesses. In ascending order, they develop a continuous clastic rock sedimentary sequence composed of a shallow sea, shore, and tidal flats from the Xiamaling Formation-Longshan Formation-Jing'eryu Formation.

The youngest detrital zircon age peaks of the Longshan Formation and the Jing'eryu Formation are both older than 1.6 Ga, lacking provenance information for the volcanic magmatic events prior to deposition of the Longshan Formation. This is highly consistent with the detrital zircon age spectra of the underlying Mesoproterozoic sedimentary rocks, which indicates that they share the same provenance, which further indicates that the Xiamaling Formation and its lower strata are not the provenance of the Longshan Formation.

The depositional environment and stratigraphic evolution of the Xiamaling Formation to the Longshan Formation, are represented by coarse-fine normal cycle deposits of different grades and thicknesses. Although the middle sedimentary stage of the Xiamaling Formation is dominated by fine-grained sediments in shallow shelf or a relatively euxinic environment, sandstones with different thicknesses are observed. The sedimentary successions and evolution processes from the Xiamaling Formation to the Longshan Formation indicates that the Xiamaling-Longshan formations is the sedimentary product from the peak period of rift extension or continental breakup (Mitchell et al., 2021; Zhang S H et al., 2022). Here, the rift basin changes from deep and narrow to shallow and wide, which is continuous (in time) and expansive (in space). Credit: Science China Press

From the top of the Xiamaling Formation to the lower part of the Longshan Formation, the 7Li displays a rising trend, while Li content decreased. CIA and other series of weathering indices decreased, K 2 O/Al 2 O 3 decreased, Na 2 O/ Al 2 O 3 increased, and FeO/Fe 2 O 3 decreased.

Li/Al, V/Cr, and V/(V+Ni) demonstrated a slight increase or decrease in the interface. The ratios of Ce/Ce*, Eu/Eu*, Rb/Sr, and U/Th showed a pronounced change at transition interface. Ce/Ce* is positive, Eu/Eu* is negative, Rb/Sr and Al/Si indicated a pronounced decrease, with an increase of U/Th. These geochemical indices confirm that there is no weathering crust between Xiamaling Formation and Longshan Formation, and that the intensity of continental weathering gradually weakens.

Accompanied by the global scale Columbia supercontinent rifting peak around 1.4 Ga in the Mesoproterozoic, strong crustal extension occurred from the western part of Yanshan Mountain to the northern part of Taihang Mountain with the formation of the Large Igneous Province. This formed a narrow and deep aulacogen basin extending over 500 km from east to west and 120 km wide, with the deepest rift located in northwestern Hebei. The largest rifting area in the basin is from Changping to Huailai and Xuanhua in the west, with a thick accumulation of grayish-green and black illite shales and carbonaceous shales. Meanwhile, to the east of Changping, the water depth becomes shallow, and siltstones and sandstones are dominant. In the middle stage, mudstones and shales with intercalated sandstones in a shallow shelf environment are dominant, and in the late stage, mudstones and siltstones in a tidal flat with thin interbeds of calcareous nodules have predominantly developed. This indicates sedimentary evolution and a sediments infilling response from the initial strong subsidence of the rift valley, to the drift of rift valley in the middle and late stages. Therefore, the area with the largest stratigraphic thickness in the west Beijing-Zhangjiakou area has become the sedimentation and sub sidence center of the rift basin and the deep-water basin area (Liu and Zheng, 1994). From west to east, the transition from a narrow and deep basin center to an open and shallow sea on the shoulder of the rift valley has been recorded (Song and Zhang, 1983). At the end of the deposition of the Longshan-Jing'eryu formations, the east Liaoning rift valley maybe have started rifting. Thus, the paleogeographic pattern started to shift from the high in the east (Shanhaiguan-east Liaoning) and low in the west (Yanliao) of the Longshan-Jing'eryu stage to the high in the west (Yanliao) and low in east (Shanhaiguan-east Liaoning) of the Diaoyutai-Nanfen stage. The Diaoyutai-Nanfen formations may be contemporaneous with or slightly later than the Longshan-Jing'eryu formations. After that, Yanliao areas uplifted, and deposition did not occur in the Jiao-Liao-XuHuai areas. Credit: Science China Press

Although the existence of large unconformity between the Xiamaling and Longshan formations needs more precise multidisciplinary evidence, especially the geochronological data, at present, this "great unconformity" has not been supported by basin evolution, sedimentary infilling, sedimentary and tectonic environment and geochemistry, etc.

Therefore, this study suggested that the Longshan and Jingeryu formations should be regarded as conformable or continuous sedimentary products with Xiamaling Formation, and together placed at the upper part of the "Undefined System." Meanwhile, this study provides new evidence for further revealing the evolution process of the North China Craton and the global paleogeography, paleoenvironment and paleotectonic evolution during the late Mesoproterozoic.

More information: Hongwei Kuang et al, Is there a great unconformity between Xiamaling and Longshan formations in the North China Craton?, Science China Earth Sciences (2023). DOI: 10.1007/s11430-022-1034-9 Journal information: Science China Earth Sciences
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:

Hundreds of firefighters are battling flames in Greece as a heat wave bakes large parts of the Mediterranean.

The fight against deadly wildfires raging in Greece for more than a week is improving, the fire service said on Friday, warning it remained on alert as fierce winds were forecast that could rekindle blazes.

"For now we have no spreading fires, the situation is improving, but we remain on a war footing to contain the ongoing fires," a Greek fire service spokeswoman told AFP.

Hundreds of firefighters are battling flames on the islands of Rhodes, Corfu and Evia as well as a new front that broke out in central Greece as a heat wave has baked large parts of the Mediterranean.

Tens of thousands of residents and tourists at the height of the busy travel season have been evacuated, including the popular holiday destination Rhodes, where officials declared a state of emergency this week.

On Friday, the minister for citizen protection, Notis Mitarachi, resigned, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis' office announced in a press release.

His resignation was linked to the fact that he has been on vacation in recent days, while the country has been battling wildfires, according to a senior official in the premier's office.

He will be replaced by Yannis Oikonomou, 49, a former government spokesman.

The move comes a month after the country held general elections and the conservative New Democracy party returned to power.

More than 130 people were evacuated by boat from a town in central Greece on Thursday after fires caused an explosion in an ammunition warehouse.

Local media said the blaze had been contained and that residents of the town of Nea Anchialos had begun returning home, with the force of the explosion shattering windows.

Two pilots died on Tuesday when their water-bombing plane crashed while battling a blaze in Evia, while three more scorched bodies were recovered in fires in Evia and near the industrial zone of the port city of Volos.

For more than 10 days, Greece has sweltered under what some experts say is the longest heat wave recorded in July for decades.

As well as the four deaths, almost 50,000 hectares (123,500 acres) of forest and vegetation have been burned, according to estimates by the Athens Observatory.

Temperatures, which reached 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit) last weekend, have begun to fall.

National weather forecaster EMY predicts they will not climb above 37C on Friday but expects strong winds that could reach 60 kilometers (37 miles) per hour.

Fires have also flared in Croatia, Italy and Portugal this week, and flames killed 34 in Algeria in extreme heat that has left landscapes tinder dry.

 2023 AFP
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Groundwater nitrate levels in the River Ythan catchment continue to breach environmental limits but are on course for recovery, according to a new study. Credit: University of Aberdeen

Groundwater nitrate levels in the River Ythan catchment continue to breach environmental limits in some areas and pose a threat to local wildlife in the Ythan estuary, a new study has found.

The research by scientists at the University of Aberdeen also established a risk to private water supplies and ecosystems in some parts of the wider catchment.

However, the study also found that despite these challenges groundwater quality is on track to recover by the end of the decade thanks to ongoing efforts curb nitrate pollution.

Researchers from the School of Geosciences assessed efforts to combat nitrate levels in the area which was designated as Scotland's first major Nitrate Vulnerable Zone (NVZ) in 2000.

They employed a range of techniques to understand the pattern in groundwater nitrate levels, including through integration of long-term monitoring data, groundwater sampling, satellite imagery, and geological conditions.

Their findings revealed that while there have been major improvements in surface water quality and progress has been made to improve groundwater quality, elevated nitrate levels persist in numerous locations within the catchment and often exceed regulatory limits because of the longer time it takes for groundwater to move through the subsurface.

As a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Ramsar wetland of international importance, the study is important for the Ythan estuary and for the wider Ythan catchment which has one of the highest reliance on private water supplies from groundwater in Scotland.

Rising nutrient levels (primarily nitrates originating from agricultural fertilizers) have led to excessive algae growth which has hindered the access of wading birds to invertebrates, their primary food source.

The study emphasizes the need for increased financial incentives encouraging farmers to maintain low-intensity grasslands, which have shown significant improvements in groundwater quality benefiting local biodiversity.

Hamish said, "We used a range of innovative techniques that have provided valuable insights into the influence of local geology, soils, and land use on groundwater nitrate levels."

"These have shown that although nitrate levels in shallow groundwaters have demonstrated some improvement over the past two decades, they remain elevated due to the time lag associated with the movement of groundwater through the subsurface."

He continued, "Twenty years after the River Ythan was designated as Scotland's first major NVZ, followed by subsequent efforts to reduce fertilizer use, our study is the first to assess the impact of measures to improve groundwater quality."

"While surface water quality has improved, groundwater qualitywhich is essential for private water supplies and aquatic ecosystemsis recovering at a slower pace but is expected to recover by the end of the decade."

Dr. Jean-Christophe Comte, senior lecturer in Hydrogeology and the research project's supervisor, added, "The results provide a critical foundation for understanding the challenges faced by the estuary and wider surface and groundwaters in north-east Scotland and what needs to happen to safeguard their ecological balance as well as private water suppliessuch as encouraging the use of low-intensity grasslands which we show has led to an improvement in groundwater quality."

"It also underlines the need for continued collaboration between researchers, policymakers, and land managers to implement effective strategies that protect and restore groundwater quality to ensure the sustained health of the Ythan estuary's important ecosystem."

The paper is published in the journal Environments.

More information: Hamish Johnson et al, Evaluating Groundwater Nitrate Status across the River Ythan Catchment (Scotland) following Two Decades of Nitrate Vulnerable Zone Designation, Environments (2023). DOI: 10.3390/environments10040067
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:

Fig. 1 Lithofacies (a), microfacies (b ~ f), and sedimentological logs (g) of the study interval. Credit: NIGPAS

Trace fossils are fossilized structures produced on or within a substrate by the life processes of ancient organisms, including tracks, trails, burrows, borings, and other structures. Ichnocoenosis, a suite of trace fossils representing the work of a particular benthic community, is a powerful tool for reconstructing sedimentary settings and retrieving paleoenvironmental factors.

Turbidity currents are an important mixing way for stratified waterbodies in modern oxygen-deficient basins. These density flows transport sediments and oxygen-rich waters from shallow-water environments to deep basins, which can considerably change the chemistry and oxygen content of the deep-basin waters. However, turbidity currentinduced oxygenation events in oxygen-deficient basins have rarely been directly demonstrated in the geological record.

Recently, Assoc. Prof. Zheng Quanfeng and Prof. Cao Changqun from the Nanjing Institute of Geology and Paleontology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (NIGPAS) conducted high-resolution sedimentological and ichnological studies on the upper member of the Talung Formation at Shangsi, Guangyuan City, Sichuan Province, southwest China, to reveal the dynamic process of turbidity currentinduced benthic-marine oxygenation evidenced by sequential ichnocoenoses. This study was published in Geological Journal on July 11.

The researchers found that the studied interval consisted mainly of background sedimentation of black shale and rapid event sedimentation of fine-grained calciturbidite. The black shale contained fine laminations and weak bioturbation and lacked primary burrows (burrows produced during the deposition of the black shale), indicating anoxic benthic marine conditions. The calciturbidite was intensely bioturbated, and contain abundant primary burrows.

Fig. 2 Vertically polished slab (a) and line drawing (b) of the studied interval. Credit: NIGPAS

Fig. 3 Schematic drawings showing the ichnocoenosis succession and the dynamic process of turbidity currentinduced benthic-marine oxygenations. Credit: NIGPAS

Based on cross-cutting relationships and burrow-fill features, they recognized three successive ichnocoenoses in the typical calciturbidites: the early-phase Thalassinoides/Scolicia (a questionable ichnogenus) ichnocoenosis, including Thalassinoides/Scolicia, Zoophycos, and Planolites, which has the largest maximum burrow diameter (MBD) and maximum penetration depth (MPD) and represents the highest oxygen level among the three ichnocoenoses; the later-phase Planolites-Zoophycos ichnocoenosis, including Zoophycos, Planolites, large Chondrites, and small Chondrites, which has the moderate MBD and MPD and represents the moderate oxygen level; the latest-phase Zoophycos ichnocoenosis, composed of monospecific Zoophycos burrows, which has the smallest MBD and MPD and represents the lowest oxygen level.

The Thalassinoides/Scolica ichnocoenosis was produced at the very end and immediately after the emplacement of the turbidites, representing the climax of the turbidity-induced oxygenation. The Planolites-Zoophycos ichnocoenosis was produced during a later stage after the emplacement of the turbidites, indicating a relatively more reducing bottom-water condition. The Zoophycos ichnocoenosis was produced during a further later but relatively long stage after the emplacement of the turbidites, indicating a much more reducing bottom-water condition.

"This study demonstrated that turbidity current is an effective way to locally oxygenate bottom waters in oxygen-deficient basins, which has significant impacts on benthic communities," said Zheng.

More information: QuanFeng Zheng et al, Dynamic process of turbidity currentinduced benthicmarine oxygenation evidenced by sequential ichnocoenoses: An example from a Late Permian oxygendeficient basin, Geological Journal (2023). DOI: 10.1002/gj.4837
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:

Illustration of the newly proposed functionality of CRISPRCas systems within Ca. Altiarchaea. a, Viral targeting: CRISPRCas system targets the genomes of MGEs that infect the cell (current state of knowledge). b, Targeting of episymbiont: CRISPRCas system targets the genome of the episymbiont Ca. Huberiarchaeum to defend against the parasite. c, Self-targeting and respective metabolic complementation: self-targeting of CRISPRCas in Altiarchaea mediates metabolic patchiness, which is complemented by the episymbiont metabolism, leading to mutualism. Please note, that this mutualism might be limited to a subset of organisms in the host population. Arrows symbolize spacerprotospacer interactions. Figure created with BioRender.com. Credit: Nature Microbiology (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41564-023-01439-2

Microorganisms use the CRISPR-Cas system to fight viral attacks. In genetic engineering, the microbial immune system is used for the targeted modification of the genetic make-up. A research team has now discovered another function of this specialized genomic sequence: archaeamicroorganisms that are often very similar to bacteria in appearancealso use them to fight parasites. The team, under the leadership of Professor Dr. Alexander Probst, microbiologist at the Research Center One Health Ruhr at the University of Duisburg-Essen (UDE), has now published its findings in Nature Microbiology.

Biochemists Emmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer Doudna received the Nobel Prize for the biotechnological application of the CRISPR-Cas systems, or "genetic scissors," for genetic engineering in 2020. However, many functions of this genetic tool are still unexplored to date. Could microorganisms, for example, use them to fight off other microorganisms that live on them as parasites?

With this research question in mind, Probst analyzed the genetic material of microbes in the Earth's deep crust. "More than 70% of the Earth's microorganisms are housed in the deep biosphere. If we want to understand diversity on our planet, it is worth taking a look into the deep," he explains.

With his team, the microbiologist has analyzed the water that a geyser in the U.S. spits to the surface from the depths, as well as samples from the Horonobe underground laboratory in Japan. The research team focused on archaea, which live in the ecosystem as hosts and parasites. The tiny microbes are highly similar to bacteria in cell size but have substantially different physiological properties.

The result of their genomic analysis provided new insights: there were conspicuously few parasites in the vicinity of the hosts, and the hosts showed genetic resistance to the parasites. The researchers discovered the reason for this in the genetic scissors in the genome of the microorganisms.

"In the course of evolution, the archaea have incorporated the parasitic DNA. If a parasite with the same DNA now attacks the organism, the foreign genetic material is probably recognized by the CRISPR system and presumably decomposed," Probst explains. The microbiologist is an expert in the analysis of genetic material from environmental samples and uses the latest methods in his lab, such as Oxford Nanopore technology, which enables rapid and comprehensive sequencing of the material.

In order to rule out the possibility that they have only come across isolated cases, the researchers have extended the analysis to more than 7,000 genomes and observed the phenomenon very frequently. In future research, this finding will also facilitate distinguishing between beneficial symbionts and harmful parasites. If there has been a CRIPSR recognition, the microorganism is very likely to be a parasite. This knowledge can also help us better understand important metabolic processes, such as the carbon flow in ecosystems, in the future.

More information: Sarah P. Esser et al, A predicted CRISPR-mediated symbiosis between uncultivated archaea, Nature Microbiology (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41564-023-01439-2 Journal information: Nature Microbiology

Provided by Universitat Duisburg-Essen
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:

New research investigates how the carbon cycle functions in the upper layer of the ocean, seen here in a long-exposure photograph of the Caribbean Sea. Credit: Martin Falbisoner/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

At less than one millimeter thick, the ocean skinthe ocean's uppermost layerplays an outsized role in marine processes, orchestrating heat and chemical exchange between the sea and sky via diffusion. The water of the skin is cooler by about 0.20.3 K and has higher salinity than the water at even just 2 millimeters depth.

Since it was first described in 1967, scientists have grappled with the skin's influence on carbon uptake and the global ocean carbon sink. Understanding its role is critical: Between 2011 and 2020, the ocean absorbed 26% of all human-generated carbon dioxide emissions, and variables that affect ocean carbon sequestration contribute to governing the carbon cycle and climate change.

Hugo Bellenger and colleagues have toggled oceanic temperature and salinity gradients to represent the ocean skin over 15 years (20002014) in an Earth system model, assessing how these changes altered the amount of carbon absorbed by the ocean. The work, published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans represents the first model-based estimate of the ocean skin's influence on oceanatmosphere carbon dioxide exchange.

Including the representation of the skin in the Earth system model led to a 15% increase in the simulated ocean carbon sink, the researchers founda figure consistent with past estimates. However, when they allowed the ocean skin to respond to changing ocean carbon concentrations in the model, the effect on the sink was substantially reduced. With the dynamic skin, its contribution to the simulated ocean carbon sink was closer to 5%.

The research shows the importance of including the ocean skin in future climate and carbon modeling efforts, the authors say. And it demonstrates that an interactive parameterization of the ocean skin yields a more accurate model that reduces regional errors in carbon dioxide flux.

More information: Hugo Bellenger et al, Sensitivity of the Global Ocean Carbon Sink to the Ocean Skin in a Climate Model, Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans (2023). DOI: 10.1029/2022JC019479 Journal information: Journal of Geophysical Research

Provided by Eos

This story is republished courtesy of Eos, hosted by the American Geophysical Union. Read the original story here.
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

Palm oil is found in half the products sold in supermarkets and in biofuels. Around 50 percent of the world's supply is grown in Indonesia, mostly on massive plantations.

Government land concessions granted to oil palm corporations now cover a third of Indonesia's farmland, depriving many villagers of access to resources that once sustained them.

Indonesia's governments have consistently supported plantation corporations at the expense of smallholder farms (defined as farms with less than 25 hectares). As the land minister stated in 2019, "if (the lands) aren't productive in the hands of the people, then we will take away the landsThe fact is that the fastest machine to generate wealth is corporate."

Officials assume that plantation corporations are efficient "machines" but our research indicates that corporate plantation efficiency is a dangerous myth.

Plantations out-competed

Globally, crops such as cacao, coffee, tea and rubber previously grown on plantations are now grown mainly by smallholders because they can produce similar yields with lower costs.

Some observers argue that oil palm is different. They note that average yields are higher on plantations than smallholdings, but averages mask significant variations.

Industry analysts tracking 18 major plantation corporations found yields ranging from 14 to 26 tons of fresh fruit per hectare; the range among hundreds of smallholders in our research site was similar.

A key reason that some smallholders have low yields is their lack of access to the high quality seeds used on plantationsseeds that yield up to 66 percent more tons of fruit. Yet a government program to supply smallholders with high-yielding seeds has stalled: after five years it has achieved barely 10 percent of its target.

If oil palms grow just as well on small fields as on big ones (given the same seeds, like for like), how do other dimensions of efficiency compare?

Efficiency in land use

Of the 22 million hectares the government has granted to oil palm plantation corporations, only 10 million hectares have been planted.

Much concession land is steep, peaty and ecologically fragile. Oil palm can be grown there but costs are high and yields low. Nevertheless, managers pressed to meet corporate targets often plant palms on unsuitable land.

Indonesia's smallholders and Indigenous communities do not proceed so wastefully. They make sustainable use of forest resources and select crops suited to each patch of land, while making wise use of their money and effort. As a result they can respond more flexibly to the changing climate. Yet they are barred from making any use of the land plantation corporations hold in their concessions, much of it unplanted, and many go hungry.

Saving on labor costs

Growing oil palm is simple. Men harvest the fruit manually with a sharp knife attached to a long pole; women spread fertilizers and herbicides from containers carried on their backs.

Field tasks are carried out in the same way on plantations and smallholdings. The difference is that plantations also need managers, accountants, overseers and guards, incurring high costs.

Seeking to reduce their wage bill, plantation corporations increasingly replace full-time employees with casual and outsourced workers who do not qualify for pensions, health care, family housing or other benefits.

Yet plantation labor "efficiencies" come with a price: in the plantations we studied, inconsistent labor supply led to poor maintenance and unharvested fruit.

The challenge of transportation and milling

Transportation and milling loom large in industry narratives about the superior efficiency of the plantation format, as palm fruit must reach the mill within 48 hours before it spoils. But the large size of plantations creates challenges of its own.

A private plantation we studied built 258 kilometers of roads to collect palm fruit but during the rainy season many roads became impassable; for months, tons of fruit were left to rot.

There was also a bottleneck unloading the palm fruit at the mill where trucks waited, sometimes overnight. And the mill operated at less than half its capacitya common problem in Indonesia where corporations have built mills that are much bigger than needed.

In Thailand, where smallholders grow 80 percent of the oil palm, and in parts of Sumatra where independent smallholders are well established, villagers use local roads and small trucks to transport their fruit to small mills located nearby. However in Kalimantan where 86 percent of the palms are grown on giant plantations, giant inefficient mills are the norm.

Principals and agents

Plantations also suffer from what economists call the "principal-agent problem": the principals (corporations and their shareholders) must rely on agents (managers and workers) to carry out production, but their interests are often distinct.

Corporations seek profit, shown on company balance sheets. Managers and workers seek to capture some of the money that circulates through and around plantations before it flows away. We saw this problem enacted in the form of widespread theft.

From plantation directors and managers through to field workers, "agents" found ways to supplement their incomes. Managers inflated contract prices, foremen stole their workers' pay, and fruit, fuel and equipment disappeared at night. Villagers also stole from the plantations and sometimes blockaded roads or mills to protest corporate unfairness and neglect.

Conflict and theft create inefficiency. So long as they farmed on their own land, smallholders in our study did not have these problems. While not perfect, moral codes supplied forms of social control that were lacking in relations between principals and agents on nearby plantations.

If Indonesia's plantations are not efficient, why do they survive?

In the 1930s, the Dutch colonial government protected struggling rubber plantations by suppressing competition from smallholders. Today's oil palm smallholders are suppressed indirectly by government policies that favor corporations.

In our research area, five corporations occupied most of the farmland, leaving smallholders who wanted to grow oil palm without access to this lucrative crop. They calculated that adding six hectares of oil palm to their mixed farms would enable them to feed their families, maintain their farms and invest in education.

Making corporate plantations more efficient would not address this fundamental unfairness. Only by challenging the myth of corporate efficiency can we hope to provide better opportunities, and a more prosperous future, for Indonesian farmers.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Credit: CC0 Public Domain

We recently saw yet another controversy about sexual representation in Australia. Melissa Kang and Yumi Stynes' book Welcome to Sex was attacked by the conservative group Australian Women's Forum, leading to the book being removed from the shelves of Big Wand shooting to the top of the Amazon sales charts.

As a researcher on pornography, I was particularly interested to see that Stynes defended our need for sex education books by saying: "Many of the discussions around  the putrid effects of porn on real-world sex  come back to teaching about sex and consent and starting that teaching young."

This is interesting because the book's critics also feel the same wayWomen's Forum Australia says that it is "deeply concerned about the damaging impact of pornography on women, as well as on men, children and society."

It seems that wherever you sit politically, there is consensus that pornography is unhealthy.

Modern pornography

But not all pornography is the same. Digital production and distribution has lowered the barriers to entry, whereas previously the "means of production" (as Marx would put it) required producers to be able to afford expensive cameras, lights, editing equipment, the ability to reproduce material, the ability to advertise it and stock it to adult stores or a mail order business.

Nowadays literally anybody with a phone has the ability to create and distribute sexually explicit material. That's resulted in an explosion in the variety of pornography you can consume. There still existsalthough lessexpensive glossy mainstream pornography. Alongside it sits a huge range catering to niche sexual interestspeople who are interested in feet, balloons, clowns, or in baths full of baked beans.

There is a continuum now of how interactive sexually explicit material can befrom the traditional archives of videos and photographs (nowadays often accessed through "tube sites" like Pornhub) through to fully interactive "camming," with media like OnlyFans sitting somewhere in the middle.

In this new world of digital pornography, how might we work out what's healthy?

To answer this question I worked with a team, including Welcome to Sex author Melissa Kang, to establish an expert panel of sexual health experts, adolescent health experts, sex educators, pornography researchers and pornography producers.

We asked them to give us some examples of pornography they thought could support healthy sexual developmentand then to reflect on the criteria they had used as they came up with these suggestions. This research was published in full in the International Journal of Sexual Health.

A different kind of pornography

The experts identified four explicit websites that potentially supported healthy sexual development, all of which feature a slightly different kind of pornography.

PinkLabel.TV favors queer indie materials which are often slightly punk in their orientation, with a range of different sexualities, genders and body types, presenting their sex in unashamed ways.

Sex School distributes pornography with a stated educational aim, naming videos with instructional titles, and providing sexually explicit materials that show viewers how to have sex, and provide information about topics such as "consent" and squirting.

Lust Cinema takes a feminist approach to pornography, paying explicit attention to women's pleasure and sometimes drawing on the aesthetics of groundbreaking feminist pornographers such as Candida Royalle, with high-quality lighting, better acting, more focus on story, and attractive male actors.

MakeLoveNotPorn favors an amateur aesthetic, with people who are not professional porn actors, often with bodies that would be considered more ordinary than professional pornography performers, presenting a relaxed and ordinary performance of sexuality, often with their own partners in their own homes.

In terms of the criteria the experts used to identify these examples, six of them had broad agreement. It is important, they said, to know pornography is ethically produced. The experts also agreed on the importance of showing a variety of body types, abilities, genders, races and ethnicities.

Both of these points match well with non-expert critiques of pornography.

Diversity and realism

There was also strong agreement among the group that pornography that showed a variety of sexual practices and pleasuresnot just penis-in-vagina sexhad the potential to be healthy. This is an interesting finding because unlike the first two it doesn't match up so well with non-expert critiques.

A lot of discussions about "porn literacy" at the moment critique pornography for being "unrealistic"and when you dig down into the details often they mean pornography shows too much variety in sexgroup sex, anal sex, kinky sexrather than vanilla, monogamous loving sex.

The experts here are disagreeing with popular narratives about what should count as healthy sexuality.

Negotiation of consent

A fourth criterion on which the experts agreed was the value of showing the negotiation of consent on screen.

This is also an interesting one because most pornography doesn't show the negotiation of consent. That's not to say it's non-consensualthe only pornography you can find on the internet (as opposed to the dark web) is consensually produced. However it doesn't often show negotiation of consentpornography is set in a world of fantasy where everybody enjoys everything they do sexually, all the time.

This means most pornography is not a great place to learn how to negotiate consentthat's simply not what it's designed for. Ironically the one genre of porn that often does show consent negotiation is BDSMa form of porn that popular narratives about porn rejects as being particularly unhealthy.

Experts also noted pornography that focused on pleasure for all participants could contribute to healthy sexual developmentimportant when we live in patriarchies that focus on men's pleasure more than women's.

Navigating pornography

In this world where so many different kinds of people are producing different kinds of pornography, don't assume it's all the same. If you want to find healthy pornographyor you want to advise young adults in your life about how to find healthy pornographythen here are some of the questions you should be asking.

Does it show a variety of body types, genders and sexual acts? Does it pay attention to the sexual pleasure of everyone involved? And does it show consent? If you pay attention to these issues, you can be more comfortable the pornography you're consuming is helping you to have a happy and healthy sex life.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

During a July gathering to advance the work of the Latin American and Caribbean Network for Water Insecurity Experiences, anthropologist Sera Young witnessed firsthand the human toll of the water crisis in Mexico. It touched nearly every aspect of people's lives, from their nutrition and physical health to their psychological and financial well-being.

"It is easier to buy Coke than water," one woman said.

Young, associate professor of anthropology in the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences and a faculty fellow of Northwestern's Institute for Policy Research, said people are worried and angry to be suffering from shortages and poor quality. The wait for water tanker trucks interrupts their days, resulting in time lost that could be spent preparing food, caring for children, going to work or even sleeping.

At the UN's 2023 Water Conference in March, Young presented on the Water Insecurity Experiences Scales (WISE Scales), a more accurate tool for collecting data on water insecurity than current water indicators. Young developed these survey instruments in collaboration with an interdisciplinary research network of scholars and practitioners.

Since the group's first paper was published in 2019, at least 60 countries have begun using the WISE Scales to provide valuable data to leaders and policymakers.

Prior to the development of the WISE Scales, water insecurity measures focused on the visible aspects of water such as the physical presence of a well or water infrastructure within a household.

Young and her team aim to show that people can experience water hardships even when they live in water-rich areas or have a faucet in their house.

"To more accurately understand water insecurity, we need to know if humans have reliably sufficient water for basic domestic needs, including for drinking and hygiene."

Estimates show an estimated 2 billion people in the world lack access to clean water, and climate change is worsening the crisis.

Northwestern Now spoke with Young about a recent breakthrough in tackling water insecurity in Latin America, how access to clean water fits into the broader issue of a nation's stability and what inspires her to keep pushing for a holistic view of water availability.

What is the significance of the governor of Nuevo Leon signing an agreement to gather WISE data on water experiences of people within the state?

This meeting was incredible for a few reasons.

For one, it's an example of a government being proactive about water issues. They are building the WISE Scales into regular surveys of the most vulnerable people in their state. They will be able to see how water insecurity varies across time, and who is affected, and if the interventions they put into place, are effective.

They are creating a "playbook" that other government entities can follow, both within Mexico and around the world. There is precedent for this with measuring experiences with food insecurity in Brazil, where it is now a law that food security must be measured.

It's also a testament of the value that these data have to policymakers. This meeting moves the WISE Scales squarely into the policy domain. While other policymakers have spoken about the value of these data, the Nuevo Leon commitment marks the first time a local government has baked these data into their regular activities.

How does access to water fit into the broader issue of stability for a nation, or in this case, instability, violence and immigration problems? What's at stake?

Water issues are disrupting at the micro-level and at macro-levels. Within households, there is evidence that interpersonal violence increases with water issues. There is also more social frictionfrustration about who retrieves the water, and who gets to use the water in the household.

Water issues can bond neighbors together, but it can also be quite stressful to be asked to lend water or ask to borrow waterwe document this in a 20-site study, "Water sharing is a distressing form of reciprocity: Shame, upset, anger, and conflict over water in twenty crosscultural sites," published in American Anthropologist.

When water problems get severe enoughto impact food production, or just life in general as we are seeing in Uruguay, just as one example, people consider moving and eventually do move.

And water issues also exacerbate existing crises, like the cholera outbreak in Syria that's happening.

We have also seen water being weaponized, such as Russia destroying water infrastructure in Ukraine, and migrants at the Texas border being denied water to drink.

What keeps you going to continue to push for a more holistic view of water availability?

I can't think of a more valuable resource than water. It's a platitude to say that water is life, but it's a phrase I've heard in many languages, around the world, and it's true. We literally can't live without it. The importance of a problem can be evaluated by how common it is and how severe the consequences are, and water insecurity is both very common and the consequences can be devastating.

So, when I think about how I want to spend my research energies, I think bringing the human voice to water issues to advocate for improving water insecurity is a good use of my efforts. Without measuring human experiences with water, these issues will remain invisible.

If our efforts can shed light on this hidden suffering, we can be a force to improve water security globally.
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:

Dust deposition over Europe on 2nd June, 2021, with darker red indicating greater dust quantities. Credit: Earth System Science Data (2023). DOI: 10.5194/essd-15-3075-2023

Saharan dust has made headlines in recent years for traveling across the globe, turning our skies picturesque hues of orange while coating our cities in thin layers of wind-blown dust. This has implications for our infrastructure (for example, reducing solar energy production) and global activities (such as impacting visibility for flights), as well as human health (notably causing respiratory issues) and the natural environment (increasing cloud formation, but reducing temperatures as solar radiation is reflected back out to space).

Europe experienced such an extreme dust deposition event in February 2021. This led to scientists launching a citizen science campaign in which people who were in snow-covered mountain ranges took snow samples, which were analyzed for dust by Dr. Marie Dumont of National Center for Meteorological Research, France, and colleagues.

Volunteers and scientists collected snow samples of 10 x 10 cm2 area through the entire dust layer in the Pyrenees (bordering France and Spain) and European Alps (specifically those spanning France and Switzerland) up to an elevation of 2,500 m above sea level. The collectors then sent the melted contents to laboratories in Toulouse and Grenoble, France, where the samples were filtered and dried to obtain the dust particles.

The results, published in Earth System Science Data, reveal that 152 snow samples were collected from 70 locations over four weeks. Dust volume in the samples ranged from 0.2 to 58.6 g/m2, depending upon location, and particle size decreased with increased distance from the Sahara Desert as heavier and larger particles were deposited first, while smaller and lighter material is carried further by wind.

Image used by the scientists on social media to encourage the citizen science campaign, instructing participants to sample the whole layer of orange dust-laden snow and take a picture of the location on their smartphone, including coordinates. Credit: Earth System Science Data (2023). DOI: 10.5194/essd-15-3075-2023

Dust composition also changed with distance, as particles containing iron were preferentially deposited closer to source where particles were 11% iron by mass in the Pyrenees, but this reduced to 2% in the Swiss Alps. Principle dust deposition also occurred on south-facing slopes in line with dominant wind direction blowing dust from Africa.

Accumulation of dust in ice and snow-covered environments can be damaging as it causes a darkening of the "white" environment, resulting in a negative albedo feedback. This occurs when the darker colors absorb the incoming solar radiation from space and therefore warms the surrounding environment, causing melting of the neighboring snow, which exposes more dark surface and so the loop continues. A good analogy is to think of wearing black clothing in summer which keeps you warmer, compared to white clothing helping to reflect heat and keep you cooler.

A dust event in 2018 resulted in reducing the annual snow cover by up to 30 days. Additionally, media attention surrounding the February 2021 dust event suggested that radionuclides (a chemical element that releases radiation as it breaks down) from French nuclear weapon tests had been transported in the dust.

The researchers tested this claim by analyzing the samples for cesium, and found an increase in this element in the Pyrenees. They also detected an increase in short-lived radionucleides of beryllium and lead, which are often associated with fallout from precipitation, hence assumed that these had been deposited in recent snowfall events that incorporated atmospheric dust.

However, plutonium abundances were not significantly different to background levels in the Northern Hemisphere resulting from U.S. and USSR nuclear tests in the 1950s and 1960s.

Dumont and their colleagues suggest that the nuclear signature from this plutonium is likely to be different from that resulting from French nuclear tests conducted in the Sahara in the 1960s due to the use of different fuels and engines, hence predict that the increased cesium and lead signatures measured in the Sahara are also global fallout from these U.S. and USSR tests.

They cite that French nuclear tests had only 0.017% of the power of the U.S. and USSR nuclear projects. This results in a warning of an abundance of caution surrounding media coverage of such dust events in the future and their nuclear links.

There is still more work to be done to ascertain how the predicted increased frequency of these dust events in the future may impact water resources, snow and ice melt and runoff, avalanche hazards and ski resort management.

The importance of this research shows that getting involved in citizen science projects in local communities and when you're traveling can make a real impact in understanding our planet's past, present and future.

More information: Marie Dumont et al, Spatial variability of Saharan dust deposition revealed through a citizen science campaign, Earth System Science Data (2023). DOI: 10.5194/essd-15-3075-2023

 2023 Science X Network
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:

Segmenting a fractional land cover data in a site located in the eastern Netherlands. Left panels (with black borders between segments) correspond to supercells using the proposed extended SLIC algorithm, and right panels (with blue borders between segments) correspond to supercells delineated using the original SLIC algorithm (see main text for more details). Rows, from top to the bottom, show delineations of supercells overlaid over an RGB image, small regions overlaid over an RGB image, and large regions overlaid over a false-color image constructed from the first three PCs of the data, respectively. Yellow numbers in the last rows label large regions. Credit: International Journal of Applied Earth Observation and Geoinformation (2022). DOI: 10.1016/j.jag.2022.102935

In the paper, "Extended SLIC superpixels algorithm for applications to non-imagery geospatial rasters," published in the International Journal of Applied Earth Observation and Geoinformation, researchers from Adam Mickiewicz University and University of Cincinnati proposed an improved version of the popular SLIC algorithm for image segmentation, known as extended SLIC, to be applicable on multidimensional spatial raster datasets.

The authors show that applying the extended SLIC algorithm, which uses a "native" data distance, can result in better segmentation/regionalization. They tested the algorithm on three datasets of varying dimensions and compressibility, including raster data of land cover fractions, climatic time series, and elevation data.

In the first testing example, the goal was to create regions of homogeneous land cover. They found that the extended SLIC algorithm outperformed the original SLIC algorithm in terms of segmentation accuracy, despite the high dimensionality of the data.

In the second example, the authors used raster data of climatic time series with 24 variables to create regions of similar temperature and precipitation variability. In this case, the authors found that the extended SLIC algorithm showed a slight advantage over the original SLIC algorithm. Finally, in the third example, the authors used a set of topographic features to detect dunes in Algeria, which resulted in the least compressible data of the three examples. In this case, the extended SLIC algorithm showed a significant advantage over the original SLIC algorithm.

Their results demonstrated that the advantage of the extended SLIC algorithm was inversely proportional to the compressibility of the data to just three dimensions. While the most compressible data, the raster of climatic time series, showed mixed results, with five of ten metrics favoring the extended SLIC and four favoring the original SLIC, the least compressible data, the topographic features dataset, showed a significant advantage for the extended SLIC algorithm.

This research has important implications for spatial regionalization, image segmentation, and data analysis in fields such as remote sensing, where large datasets of high-dimensional and often complex data are common. In addition, the authors' findings highlight the need for algorithms that can efficiently and effectively analyze such data and provide better results than existing methods. Overall, this study contributes to the ongoing effort to improve image segmentation and data analysis techniques for complex multidimensional spatial datasets.

More information: Jakub Nowosad et al, Extended SLIC superpixels algorithm for applications to non-imagery geospatial rasters, International Journal of Applied Earth Observation and Geoinformation (2022). DOI: 10.1016/j.jag.2022.102935

Provided by Adam Mickiewicz University
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:

MIT scientists and colleagues have created a superconducting device that could dramatically cut energy use in computing, among other important applications. In one design the diode consists of a ferromagnetic strip (pink) atop a superconducting thin film (grey). The team also identified the key factors behind the resulting current that travels in only one direction with no resistance. Credit: A. Varambally, Y-S. Hou and H. Chi

MIT scientists and colleagues have created a simple superconducting device that could transfer current through electronic devices much more efficiently than is possible today. As a result, the new diode, a kind of switch, could dramatically cut the amount of energy used in high-power computing systems, a major problem that is estimated to become much worse.

Even though it is in the early stages of development, the diode is more than twice as efficient as similar ones reported by others. It could even be integral to emerging quantum computing technologies. The work, which is reported in the July 13 online issue of Physical Review Letters, is also the subject of a news story in Physics Magazine.

"This paper showcases that the superconducting diode is an entirely solved problem from an engineering perspective," says Philip Moll, Director of the Max Planck Institute for the Structure and Dynamics of Matter in Germany. Moll was not involved in the work. "The beauty of [this] work is that [Moodera and colleagues] obtained record efficiencies without even trying [and] their structures are far from optimized yet."

"Our engineering of a superconducting diode effect that is robust and can operate over a wide temperature range in simple systems and potentially opening the door for novel technologies," says Jagadeesh Moodera, leader of the current work and a senior research scientist in MIT's Department of Physics. Moodera is also affiliated with the Materials Research Laboratory, the Francis Bitter Magnet Laboratory, and the Plasma Science and Fusion Center (PSFC).

The nanoscopic rectangular diodeabout 1,000 times thinner than the diameter of a human hairis easily scalable. Millions could be produced on a single silicon wafer.

Toward a superconducting switch

Diodes, devices that allow current to travel easily in one direction but not in the reverse, are ubiquitous in computing systems. Modern semiconductor computer chips contain billions of diode-like devices known as transistors. However, these devices can get very hot due to electrical resistance, requiring vast amounts of energy to cool the high-power systems in the data centers behind myriad modern technologies, including cloud computing.

According to a 2018 news feature in Nature, these systems could use nearly 20% of the world's power in 10 years.

As a result, work toward creating diodes made of superconductors has been a hot topic in condensed matter physics. That's because superconductors transmit current with no resistance at all below a certain low temperature (the critical temperature), and are therefore much more efficient than their semiconducting cousins, which have noticeable energy loss in the form of heat.

Until now, however, other approaches to the problem have involved much more complicated physics. "The effect we found is due [in part] to a ubiquitous property of superconductors that can be realized in a very simple, straightforward manner. It just stares you in the face," says Moodera.

Says Moll of the Max Planck Institute for the Structure and Dynamics of Matter, "the work is an important counterpoint to the current fashion to associate superconducting diodes [with] exotic physics, such as finite-momentum pairing states. While in reality, a superconducting diode is a common and wide-spread phenomenon present in classical materials, as a result of certain broken symmetries."

A somewhat serendipitous discovery

In 2020 Moodera and colleagues observed evidence of an exotic particle pair known as Majorana fermions. These particle pairs could lead to a new family of topological qubits, the building blocks of quantum computers. While pondering approaches to creating superconducting diodes, the team realized that the material platform they developed for the Majorana work might also be applied to the diode problem.

They were right. Using that general platform, they developed different iterations of superconducting diodes, each more efficient than the last. The first, for example, consisted of a nanoscopically thin layer of vanadium, a superconductor, which was patterned into a structure common to electronics (the Hall bar). When they applied a tiny magnetic field comparable to the Earth's magnetic field, they saw the diode effecta giant polarity dependence for current flow.

They then created another diode, this time layering a superconductor with a ferromagnet (a ferromagnetic insulator in their case), a material that produces its own tiny magnetic field. After applying a tiny magnetic field to magnetize the ferromagnet so that it produces its own field, they found an even bigger diode effect that was stable even after the original magnetic field was turned off.

Ubiquitous properties

The team went on to figure out what was happening.

In addition to transmitting current with no resistance, superconductors also have other, less well-known but just as ubiquitous properties. For example, they don't like magnetic fields getting inside. When exposed to a tiny magnetic field, superconductors produce an internal supercurrent that induces its own magnetic flux that cancels the external field, thereby maintaining their superconducting state.

This phenomenon, known as the Meissner screening effect, can be thought of as akin to our bodies' immune system releasing antibodies to fight the infection of bacteria and other pathogens. This works, however, only up to some limit. Similarly, superconductors cannot entirely keep out large magnetic fields.

The diodes the team created make use of this universal Meissner screening effect. The tiny magnetic field they appliedeither directly, or through the adjacent ferromagnetic layeractivates the material's screening current mechanism for expelling the external magnetic field and maintaining superconductivity.

The team also found that another key factor in optimizing these superconductor diodes is tiny differences between the two sides or edges of the diode devices. These differences "create some sort of asymmetry in the way the magnetic field enters the superconductor," Moodera says.

By engineering their own form of edges on diodes to optimize these differencesfor example, one edge with sawtooth features, while the other edge not intentionally alteredthe team found that they could increase the efficiency from 20% to more than 50%. This discovery opens the door for devices whose edges could be "tuned" for even higher efficiencies, Moodera says.

In sum, the team discovered that the edge asymmetries within superconducting diodes, the ubiquitous Meissner screening effect found in all superconductors, and a third property of superconductors known as vortex pinning all came together to produce the diode effect.

"It is fascinating to see how inconspicuous yet ubiquitous factors can create a significant effect in observing the diode effect," says Yasen Hou, first author of the paper and a postdoctoral associate at the Francis Bitter Magnet Laboratory and the PSFC. "What's more exciting is that [this work] provides a straightforward approach with huge potential to further improve the efficiency."

Christoph Strunk is a professor at the University of Regensburg in Germany. Strunk, who was not involved in the research, says, "the present work demonstrates that the supercurrent in simple superconducting strips can become non-reciprocal. Moreover, when combined with a ferromagnetic insulator, the diode effect can even be maintained in the absence of an external magnetic field."

"The rectification direction can be programmed by the remanent magnetization of the magnetic layer, which may have high potential for future applications. The work is important and appealing both from the basic research and from the applications point of view."

Moodera noted that the two researchers who created the engineered edges did so while still in high school during a summer at Moodera's lab. They are Ourania Glezakou-Elbert of Richland, Washington, who will be going to Princeton this fall, and Amith Varambally of Vestavia Hills, Alabama, who will be entering the California Institute of Technology.
By Mohamed Macarthy

Mariama Bangura, a Senior Secondary School pupil at the Saint Joseph Secondary School for girls in Makeni has was declared winner of the Youth National Debate Competition organized by the Talking Drums Studio in Freetown. Whilst Umaru Latif Kamara from the Government Secondary School Bo took the second position.

Speaking to Politico, Mariama Bangura of SSS 2 said she feels delightful and proud of herself as a girl to win the competition from districts, regionals, and the final one in Freetown. She noted that the national competition was a bit tough for her; adding that she ultimately competed with intelligent boys from the Government Secondary School Bo.

The winner urged her colleague female pupils to be steadfast, determined, and profound with their studies; noting that every girl has the potential to do what she did in the just concluded national youth debate competition.

Umaru Latif Kamara, told Politico that though he did not emerge as the winner in the competition as expected, he feels very satisfied and gratified with the outcomes of the results. He commended the judges on behalf of his school and urged them to continue such outstanding judgments in whatever debate competition.

The competition with the theme: Strengthening the culture of constructive dialogue and debate among Sierra Leonean youth was a pilot project that commenced four (4) months ago, targeting twenty-two schools randomly from Bo, Bombali, Pujehun, and Tonkolili districts.

Speaking to Politico, the Project Officer, Tommy Macarthy said that the rationale for the just concluded competition is to create an enabling platform for pupils to be able to display their talents, speak constructively, and dialogue on sensitive issues at local and national levels.

McCarthy said that the competition prior to the final round in Freetown started at the districts level wherein schools that emerged as winners were qualified for the regional competitions. He added that at the regional levels some schools were qualified whilst some got eliminated.

The Project Officer noted that the final segment for the competition was among four schools for the national debate; adding that this is their maiden competition.

Speaking at the competition, the Acting Country Directory for Talking Drum Studio- Sierra Leone, Alpha Kamara said that the culture of debating among pupils, councilors, and parliamentarians had been included in some of their programs.

Kamara noted that the competition will now be an annual event to capacitate pupils and other concerned authorities in order to ensure that the platform created will give them the necessary skills to constructively debate on local and national issues. Most of the debaters now in Schools will become leaders in due course and as such much more will be expected from them when debating on strategic issues in society, he said.

The Deputy Director in the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE), Foday Conteh applauded Talking Drum Studio Sierra Leone for complementing some of the mandates of the line ministry.

He admonished all the competitors present that they were all winners at the end of the day as there is no loser in any academic competition. He urged every competitor to accept the outcomes of the competition wholeheartedly.

Copyright  2021 Politico Online 17/12/21
By Kemo Cham

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) heeded public calls over the weekend and invited two officials of the House of Parliament for questioning over their suspected involvement in corruption.

Clerk of Parliament, Paran Umar Tarawally and lawmaker Ibrahim Tawa Conteh are expected to report to the (ACC)s headquarters today, Monday November 25, an official to Politico over the weekend.

The two men, who belong to the ruling Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP), were invited by the anti-graft agency after an explosive public spat on a national radio station in which they rained allegations and counter-allegations of suspected corruption against each other.

Radio Democracy invited the men to discuss divergent views they shared on the controversial 2020 Finance Act passed on November 12, which gives the President, Vice President and Speaker carte blanche in spending tax payers money while on international travels.

Conteh, who represents Constituency 132, is reported to have been the only MP from his party to speak openly against the Act which was passed unanimously. By doing so he broke a tradition in the Sierra Leone parliament where party loyalty tends to supersede national interest.

In the radio discussion on the popular Gud Morning Salone programme last week, the two men reportedly accused each other of involvement in unspecified corrupt activities.

Tarawally, a onetime lawmaker who represented Constituency 069 in Bo from 2012 to 2018, was appointed clerk of the House after the 2018 general elections by President Julius Maada Bio.

Tawa, on the other hand, pulled one of the biggest surprises in the elections by winning a seat in Freetown, considered as a strong hold of the All Peoples Congress (APC) which was at the time in governance. Much of that performance was credited for his grassroots work with members of his constituents.

But according to Tarawallie, the lawmaker has in fact been less of a saint than many in the public would think. He suggested in the radio discussion that Conteh wasnt using monies meant for his constituents for their intended purpose.

Contehs response raised further questions about corruption in the larger House.

The issue was the single most dominant discussion topic on all Sierra Leonean social media forums for the rest of the day, much of the sympathy directed to the lawmaker for standing up to his party in the interest of the masses.

For some, the issue warranted an investigation on the overall activities of the parliament.

An online petition was mounted seeking to urge the Anti-Corruption Commission to invite the men for questioning.

A spokesman for the Commission told Politico on Saturday that the two men were expected to report to the Commission to answer to questions, although they didnt give details.

The controversial Finance Act has been one of the most topical subjects in the last two weeks. Reports from parliament at the end of last week indicated that there were moves to amend it.

Opposition lawmakers Dr Kandeh Yumkella of the National Grand Coalition and Mr Daniel Koroma of the APC were reported to be behind a motion seeking to amend section 42 of the Act.

Critics cited the Finance Act 2020 in questioning President Julius Maada Bios commitment to his expressed campaign against financial indiscipline.

There were even campaigns mounted on social media urging the president not to sign the piece of legislation to become law.

The Finance Act is a separate legislation that is often passed to pave way for the adoption of the Appropriation Bill (budget).

The move to amend the Act comes as the House on Friday concluded the debate on the 2020 Appropriation Bill which has been committed to the Sub-Appropriation Committees for effective scrutiny of the various budgetary heads and estimates of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs). After the scrutiny, a report will then be sent to the House for consideration and eventual adoption.

Copyright  2019 Politico Online
HAMPTON  A Hampton man was sentenced to 3 to 6 years in prison for possessing child pornography.

Jorge Lopez, 47, pleaded guilty in Washington County Court on July 21 to a felony count of promoting a sexual performance by a child.

Lopez was arrested following an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations. Police obtained a warrant to search his residence and found images consistent with possessing and promoting child sexual exploitation.

At the time of his arrest, Lopez was on parole through the New York State Department of Corrections due to a sexual offense conviction.

Lopez was sentenced in 2012 to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty in Washington County Court to predatory sexual assault against a child. He admitted to sexually assaulting a 10-year-old girl.

Lopez was released in 2020, according to the state inmate database. He is a Level 3 sex offender, which is deemed the highest risk for reoffending.
PLEASE BE ADVISED: Soon we will no longer integrate with Facebook for story comments. The commenting option is not going away, however, readers will need to register for a FREE site account to continue sharing their thoughts and feedback on stories. If you already have an account (i.e. current subscribers, posting in obituary guestbooks, for submitting community events), you may use that login, otherwise, you will be prompted to create a new account.
Weeks after an arrest in a series of murders in Gilgo Beach, New York, Verner Dilts is hopeful the break in that case can lead detectives to the person who killed his daughter and three other women near Atlantic City almost 17 years ago.

A photo of Molly Dilts sits in her fathers Pennsylvania home, about an hour from Pittsburgh, while questions about who murdered her remain unanswered.

With Rex Heuermanns arrest in the New York case, Verner Dilts hopes investigators are closer to charging the person responsible for his daughters death.

Investigators are looking into Heuermann in connection with cases around the nation, including Atlantic City, Las Vegas and South Carolina, the Suffolk County Police Department said in a statement Tuesday.

The murders gained the attention of producers at A&E, who examined the case in a 2016 episode of The Killing Season. The documentary explained similarities in the Gilgo Beach and West Atlantic City cases, theorizing they could be linked to the same killer.

Im hoping that he left some evidence on those girls, said Verner Dilts, 62, of Black Lick, Pennsylvania.

Molly Dilts, 20, was found behind the since-razed Golden Key Motel in the West Atlantic City section of Egg Harbor Township on Nov. 20, 2006, along with the bodies of Kim Raffo, 35, Barbara Breidor, 42, and Tracy Roberts, 23. No one has been charged with the deaths, but local investigators have continued their search.

We have no comment on the Gilgo Beach investigation and any potential connection to the 2006 Black Horse Pike homicides, the Atlantic County Prosecutors Office said in a statement Monday. Since that is still an open investigation, any comment on it could potentially compromise that investigation.

2006 West Atlantic City killings still an active case, prosecutor says Egg Harbor Township police Chief Michael Hughes was a detective when the bodies of Kim Raffo

In hearing that the Long Island architect was arrested for killing three women in New York, former Egg Harbor Township Mayor James Sonny McCullough returned to the chilling moment he took the phone call informing him four bodies were found in his town.

The minute I saw the news of the Gilgo (Beach) murders, and the similarities of the way the bodies were disposed of, I immediately thought of the West Atlantic City murders, McCullough said.

A Suffolk County police officer and his cadaver dog were in the dunes about 15 miles east of Jones Beach in December 2010, searching for 24-year-old Shannan Gilbert, a missing Jersey City prostitute, who disappeared seven months earlier after meeting a client in Oak Beach.

They stumbled upon a womans remains, a discovery that yielded a broader investigation. Days later, three more sets of remains were found near the first, none of which were those of the missing prostitute.

The search expanded to more than 15 miles along the highway. The FBI supplied aerial surveillance photos of the region and other technical assistance.

By April, the search recovered the remains of 10 victims. Police believe nine were linked to the sex trade. The first four found were strangled elsewhere and dumped.

Heuermann has not been implicated in the Atlantic County case, but with his arrest, McCullough hopes the murders may finally be solved.

In West Atlantic City, two women out for a walk came across a marshy ditch behind the motel and discovered Raffos body first. While police swarmed the area for evidence, the bodies of Dilts, Breidor and Roberts were found.

Police examining possible ties between Gilgo Beach, West Atlantic City murders Police in Suffolk County, New York, are investigating ties between a series of killings in Gilgo Beach, where an arrest was recently made, and the 2006 killings of four women whose bodies were found in West Atlantic City, according to a report from WABC.

The women were all face down with their heads pointing east toward Atlantic City. Raffo was strangled, Roberts was asphyxiated, and Dilts and Breidors bodies were too decomposed to discern their cause of death.

Heuermann, 59, was arrested two weeks ago amid a renewed investigation into the Gilgo Beach murders. He is charged in the deaths of three of 11 victims in the case. He lives in Massapequa Park, a community slightly north of where the remains were found in 2010 and 2011.

McCullough never traveled down the pike to view the crime scene, but he was all too familiar with the Golden Key and its motel neighbors, which were known as breeding grounds for crime.

Egg Harbor Township paid $465,000 for the Golden Key as part of a $3 million grant from the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority to level the building and other motels nearby. Only overgrown grass and its paved parking lot remain.

As in the Gilgo Beach case, the four women killed in West Atlantic City were prostitutes.

I could never understand why these women were walking, McCullough said of the discovery. Had they not been walking, God knows how many more bodies would have been stacked up there.

Verner Dilts remembers his daughter as a fearless young woman venturing into unfamiliar areas without thought.

She was in the Atlantic City area for a matter of weeks before she died, leaving behind a now 18-year-old son, Jeremiah Dilts, who was an infant around the time of the killings.

EHT gets $2.5 million to buy, demolish 4 Black Horse Pike motels EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP  Four motels along the Black Horse Pike in the West Atlantic City secti

If she wanted to go, shed hop on a bus and go, Verner Dilts said. I cant say anything bad about her. She was a good kid. She also did her partying and stuff as a teenager. She did everything I did when I was younger.

The family first learned of the deaths through a television report. Hearing that a body had a tattoo similar to Mollys, they contacted Atlantic County authorities, leading to them confirming the tragic end to her life, Verner Dilts said.

Her toxicology tests came back negative for drugs, he said.

Not knowing how she died still haunts him.

I wish I was a better father because a lot of times I blame myself, Verner Dilts said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

GALLERY: West Atlantic City murders
ATLANTIC CITY  Hecklers dont only show up at comedy shows, they also like offshore wind hearings.

A large group of folks wearing shirts that said Wind Breakers and holding signs saying Stop the Windmills often interrupted Thursday nights 3-hour scoping hearing at City Hall for a plan by Atlantic Shores to move electricity across the city from a planned offshore wind farm.

It wasnt easy to hear the information from company representatives over their almost constant negative comments, but the plan eventually became clear.

The cables carrying the electricity would hit the shore at the California Avenue beach, then follow an underground route to Pete Pallitto Field and the Board of Educations Boat House park property, under the Inside Thorofare waterway to Bader Field and down Albany Avenue.

We are looking to apply to the DEP (state Department of Environmental Protection) for an approximately 2.4-acre easement area on four properties, said Brian McPeak of PS&S, an architectural and engineering firm working with Atlantic Shores.

The city will be compensated for use of the land, but the company did not have information on how much it would receive.

The roads used will be California Avenue, Pacific Avenue to Iowa Avenue, and from there two routes begin.

One continues on Iowa to Fairmount Avenue and the parks; the other turns left at Atlantic Avenue, then takes a right on Sovereign Avenue to the parks.

Public hearing on Atlantic Shores cable burial plan set for Thursday Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind is proposing to use 1.7 acres of beach between South Texas and Iowa avenues, a portion of Bader Field and a portion of a city park for the installation of underground transmission lines, according to legal notices published recently by the company.

The company is requesting a 10-foot-wide, nonexclusive underground easement along the route. Both the city and Atlantic Shores must apply to the DEP for the easement rights under Green Acres property at Pallitto and Bader fields.

The diversion means to allow that use. It doesnt cede control of property, sell or change its use, McPeak said. It simply allows the easement to exist so connections between offshore wind and the grid can be established.

When land is purchased under the Green Acres program, it is to be used for open space only. Other uses require a hearing and review process.

Atlantic Shores Project Developer Kate Bohanan said four cables will be sent through the route.

Attendees gave their opinions and asked questions, but Atlantic Shores representatives said no questions would be answered until after the comment period ends Aug. 10.

Then the answers will be provided in writing on the company website at atlanticshoreswind.com.

Supporters who spoke, like City Council Vice President Kaleem Shabazz, Atlantic County Commissioner Caren Fitzpatrick and some residents, stressed the need for wind energy development to combat climate change and create good-paying jobs.

Our belief is that climate change is real and we have to have a concerted effort to push back on climate change, Shabazz said to a mix of applause and jeers.

Shore communities look to enlist visitors as advocates vs. wind While local communities have been discussing offshore wind power proposals for years, and news coverage increased dramatically after a series of whale deaths over the winter that wind power critics have blamed on preparation work on the projects, Ocean City Mayor Jay Gillian and other shore town advocates say significant numbers of people in other communities know little about the proposals.

We need the electricity, said Jim Akers, a supporter who said he is an Atlantic County resident.

Opponents  who came out in larger numbers than supporters  said offshore wind will not affect climate change and will result in fewer jobs in the tourism and fishing industries.

Its not green. Where does fiberglass come from? Strip mining quartz, said James Dilks of the materials that make up windmill blades. The resin comes from petrochemicals. Everything we use on a daily basis comes from petrochemicals.

Only a few people focused on what the hearing was supposed to be about  the proposed route itself and the use of Green Acres land for burying cable.

You want to run EMF (electromagnetic frequency) cables on beaches, in parks and streets where there are young mothers ... and children at play, said Judy Tyson, a resident of Atlantic County. There are health risks for EMF.

She cited studies showing increased risk of leukemia for children exposed to EMF.

Tyson asked for proof that the cables will not harm the health of people who live and play near the route.

Others asked questions about how long roads, beaches and park areas would be torn up, what happens to the infrastructure if it is no longer needed, and more.

Cost of being first in offshore wind is growing for New Jersey Early U.S. offshore wind farms were always going to be more expensive. N.J.'s push to be the earliest adopter ensures the state and its ratepayers will pay top dollar.

Company representatives said all their questions and concerns will be answered in writing after the comment period ends.

Offshore wind opponent Keith Moore, of Brigantine, asked if minority residents of the city were adequately informed of the companys activities, since so few seemed to be in attendance.

You have thousands of residents in underserved populations with little or no knowledge of what Atlantic Shores is bringing, Moore said. I can only assume you have not reached out to the minority population yet you are coming here to take (part of) their parks, recreation areas, beaches and streets.

The Atlantic Shores wind project area is located 10 to 20 miles off the coast between Atlantic City and Barnegat Light. The project is expected to produce 1,510 megawatts of electricity, enough to power more than 700,000 homes, according to the company.

Atlantic Shores aims to begin construction in 2024 and begin powering homes in 2027.

Another wind farm, rsteds Ocean Wind 1, will be located 13 to 15 miles off Atlantic City and Ocean City and aims to begin offshore construction in 2024. The project is expected to provide enough electricity to power 500,000 homes, according to the company.

Atlantic Shores is a 50/50 joint venture between EDF renewables and Shell New Energies.

EDF (Electricite de France S.A.) is owned by the French state and is actively developing and operating offshore wind projects in France, Belgium, the United Kingdom and Germany.

Lawsuits could delay the start of New Jersey's first offshore wind power project A tangle of litigation could delay the start of New Jerseys first offshore wind energy project. Wind developer Orsted is suing governments to stop delaying necessary permits, and citizens groups are trying to halt the project altogether. The latest comes as Orsted sues Cape May County, alleging the government is dragging its feet in issuing a road permit needed to do test work along the route a power cable would run. The company is also suing the city of Ocean City over similar delays. Last month, three citizens groups challenged New Jerseys determination that the Ocean Wind I project is consistent with state coastal management rules.

Shell New Energies is a United Kingdom-based company, which is developing and operating offshore wind projects in the Netherlands and the U.S.

Written comments may be submitted to the Green Acres Program at publiclandcompliance@dep.nj.gov. The DEP requests commenters include Atlantic Shores in the subject line.

Comments may also be mailed to New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Green Acres Program, Bureau of Legal Services and Stewardship, 401 E. State St., 7th Floor, Mail Code 401-07B, P.O. Box 420, Trenton, NJ 08625-0420; Attn: Atlantic Shores Application.
Sending two students to the Prairie Farms Quick Bix on Saturday, Garfield Elementary School's "Running Club" is dedicated to just that, but the name means much more.

Founded in memory of Garfield graduate Nick Running, who died in 2019 at age 21, the club encourages students to run laps at recess. Each lap earns students a clothespin to give to their teacher, who then keeps track of the class's total and individual mileage.

Despite being voluntary, Garfield's Running Club reached 100% student participation, tallying 2,273 miles this school year.

That's like running from Davenport to Oaxaca, Mexico, and then some.

"Every student in the building did at least one lap," said physical education teacher Andrew Foelske, including students of all ages and abilities.

The two students with the highest mileage by the end of the year are crowned "Garfield Elite" and go on to run the two-mile-long Prairie Farms Quick Bix.

One of them, 12-year-old Bryson Walrup, hoped to set an example for other students.

"I thought, maybe, the faster I run, the more people would come," he said. And that's what happened  Walrup's grade had the most laps.

His Garfield Elite counterpart, 12-year-old Ashton Wynn, also said teamwork is a key piece of Running Club.

"It's about kids helping other kids get through the laps and stuff, just helping each other out," she said.

While both students are active in sports, they agree the club was their first real introduction to running.

"I feel like this year was when I first thought I might be good at running," Wynn said. "And it showed."

The two weren't aware of their Garfield Elite title until the Running Club's end-of-year awards ceremony.

"I was surprised," Wynn said. "I saw my mom and was like, 'What is she doing up there?'"

While each student earns a participation certificate, other special incentives include Dairy Queen, popcorn parties and the esteemed "Golden Shoe" traveling trophy for the K-3 classroom with the most miles.

But some Garfield staff say students' sense of accomplishment and community is why Running Club took for so many students.

"I have some children with very significant behavior challenges that are not always as successful as they can or want to be in the classroom," said kindergarten teacher Lisa Pearson. "They were successful out there."

To Pearson, the Running Club is a healthy, cost-free outlet for Garfield students to challenge themselves and build self-esteem and school spirit.

"It's creating experiences for kids. It really was up to the individual student as to how much effort they wanted to put at it," she said. "I've appreciated the opportunity to do something within our little Garfield community."

This is especially important, staff said, since Garfield will absorb former Washington Elementary students whose school has closed.

Still, keeping elementary students interested in running requires staff to "hype it up," Foelske said.

"We have so much fun in P.E. already," he said. "Then, to look out the window  it's crazy to see them all doing it."

Garfield Principal Beth Evans said she witnessed a degree of "healthy competition," too.

The school had a similar "Mileage Club" in the past, which dwindled away during the pandemic.

Steve and Kathy Running, Nick's parents, gifted the school a memorial donation this fall. They didn't want a commemorative tree or bench. The Runnings wanted to fund something all students could participate in.

"Nick loved Mileage Club; all my (four) kids did. They did all the extracurricular races," Kathy Running said. "When we were talking about coming up here, I found a picture of Nick running barefoot when he was a kid  he always wanted to run with no shoes on."

That memory, among others, inspired the Runnings to revive the club to continue their son's legacy.

"It makes me very happy," she said of the club's growth. "I'm so proud of all these kids and the community."

While some one-time donations provide short-term benefits, Evans said, Running Club stands out.

"This is something that can continue on, year after year," she said. "I think that's what makes this so different  There are a lot of opportunities to expand."

Moving forward, Garfield's PTA will take over club fundraising.

"Hopefully, next year, we can send K-2 to the Junior Bix," Pearson said. "We had a lot of kindergarteners run a lot of laps."

Pearson also hopes to bring in more guest runners, such as professional local athletes, Davenport high schoolers or members of the Cornbelt Running Club.

Garfield graduate Kaylyn Sparks  now a senior softball player at Cornell College  will be Walrup and Wynn's pacer on Saturday.

She participated in Garfield's Mileage Club and ran cross-country in high school.

"I haven't ran as much in the past couple of years," she admits. "But I like the initiative of the new club and how well people are participating. I think it's a great thing."

Saturday will mark Walrup and Wynn's Quad-City Times Bix 7 debut, and the latter admits to feeling a bit nervous.

The two both plan to explore track-and-field or cross country in the future. As a bonus for their accomplishment, they were gifted a $50 certificate to Running Wild and were fitted for new shoes.

Aside from the physicality of his Running Club feats, Walrup said he also learned an important life lesson, pun intended: "Just keep on running."

Photos: 2022 Prairie Farms Quick Bix
Davenport native Isaiah "Zay" Davis dropped his debut album, "What Lovers Do," earlier this month after more than a year of teasing its title single  an exciting, much-anticipated feat for the 36-year-old artist.

"It took me a solid five years from the first song to the very last," he said of the album-making process.

Now available on all major streaming platforms, "What Lovers Do" contains a unique blend of pop, hip-hop and electronic production elements.

"It's a new sound. A lot of people have listened and said, 'Dude, I've never heard something like this before,'" Zay said. "But, it still works."

While the album saw several revisions before streaming, inspiration often comes while "playing around with production."

"If I have something that works, I'll go with it," Zay said. "If it doesn't, I'll scrap it and move on. I probably did that 100 to 200 times to narrow it down to the 12 songs I put on the album."

Despite its different sound, the album contains a "polished" mix of pop melodies, he said.

With buoyant tracks like "Duet" and "Dance the Night Away" setting the tone, slower-paced tunes like "No Distractions" and "Distant" give listeners a refreshing change-of-pace.

As previously reported, his track "Selfish" earned Grammy consideration for "Best Rap Performance" at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards in February.

To earn an official Grammy consideration, an artist's work must have been submitted to the Recording Academy by a registered media/record company or an Academy member.

Zay describes "What Lovers Do" as big  in terms of sound  ambitious and lively.

His favorite tracks are "Reciprocal," "What Lovers Do" and "No Distractions."

"I think it's got a summer feel to it," he said of the album. "You know, people like to listen to it when the weather is nice."

Earlier this year, he signed a deal with Big Noise  an LA-based management company with clients ranging from Christina Aguilera to the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

On Spotify alone, "What Lovers Do" has garnered 2,079 streams since its July 10 release date.

But to Zay, making music isn't about streaming metrics.

"Don't worry about competing with people, just try to be the best at what you're doing," he said. "Competing can put a damper on your success."

Moving forward, he plans to begin booking shows in the Quad-Cities.

Eventually, he'd like to branch out across the Midwest for touring, hitting spots like Iowa City, Des Moines, Chicago, St. Louis and Milwaukee.

At the end of the day, Zay hopes "What Lovers Do" gives others the inspiration he had when crafting the album.

"The whole goal is to inspire (people) to go as far as they can with what they love to do," he said.

Pacey Kane talks about his winning musical composition
A big welcome to those coming to Davenport for the weekend, and sorry about the heat.

To make up for the weather, here are seven breweries that are within walking, running or biking distance of downtown Davenport. Need a recommendation? We have those ready for you, too.

If you need a nice ale to cool you down this weekend, Stompbox is the perfect spot. Located right on the Davenport riverfront with both indoor and outdoor seating, biking or walking to this brewery could not be easier.

The tap list ranges from a couple of IPA offerings to blonde and amber ales and even a few stouts and sours. And, if you're hungry, the Kitchen Brigade is located right inside with a large window to order from; a true one-stop shop.

In honor of the festivities this weekend, Stompbox partnered with Front Street to create a unique brew in honor of the festivities all weekend long. Just the Dip is a bright red strawberry lemonade sour, sure to cool you off this weekend.

Where you can find them: 210 E. River Drive, Davenport, IA

How long they're open: Friday from 2-11 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m.

What we recommend: Nightmare Logic, IPA

Untapped rating: 3.94

If you're already at Stompbox, we highly recommend you go next door to Front Street too.

Or you can visit the taproom in the Freight House Farmer's Market, closer to Modern Woodmen Park. Did we mention they have beer and rose slushies down there?

Brewing up delicious beer since 1992, Iowa's oldest brewpub also offers a full food menu. Choose from burgers, sandwiches, salads and even a kid's menu to find your favorite. Front Street offers both indoor and outdoor seating.

On the tap list, are a wide range of brews, including Cherry Blonde Bomb, a true Quad-Cities staple. Whether you're going for the Weiz Guy Heifwiezen or something a little different like the Bucktown Stout, there's something for everyone on this list.

Where you can find them: 208 W. River Drive OR 421 W. River Drive, Davenport, IA

How long they're open: Friday from 12-11 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. until 11 p.m.

What we recommend: Mahalo Pineapple Radler

Untapped rating: 3.63

Just up the road in Bettendorf is another great spot for those on bikes or running. Adventurous has ample outdoor space and large garage-door like windows that open the brewery up and allow for ample room.

On the tap list, you can expect to find a lot of lagers and IPAs, but home brewed seltzer and guest ciders are on tap too. Adventurous does not offer in-house food but will have food trucks posted up all weekend long.

Where you can find them: 1040 State Street, Bettendorf, IA

How long they're open: Friday from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. and Saturday from 12-10 p.m.

What we recommend: 52722, IPA

Untapped rating: 4.21

A dash across the Centennial Bridge will land you at Wake Brewing in Rock Island, Ill. A punk-rock themed brewery with the live music to back it up, Wake is a favorite among Illinois beer drinkers.

Again, Wake does not offer in-house food but will be entertaining food trucks all weekend long. For those just stopping in a for a brew, this place is an IPA-lovers paradise. Flagships Hand of Doom, Frost Hammer and Invisible Oranges are great options, along with the couple of stouts on the menu.

The parking lot has ample room for cyclists to park, and for those with coolers, they sell cans, too.

Where you can find them: 2529 5th Avenue, Rock Island, IL

How long they're open: Friday from 3-10 p.m. and Saturday from 12-10 p.m.

What we recommend: Weedeater, IPA

Untapped rating: 4.01

While you're in Rock Island, we recommend you check out this gem over by Augustana College. A brewery that doesn't mind taking a chance on something different, Radicle has a variety of options for those who want a unique brew to try.

New this week is Everything is Spicy Now a pale ale brewed with raspberries and jalapenos. With a 6% ABV, it's a great option for those who don't mind the heat, literally and figuratively.

Rounding out the tap list are a variety of blonde ales, IPAs, guest drafts, which include an IPA, cider and Pabst Blue Ribbon staple, Schlitz. Never heard of it? Ask your grandpa. Or a farmer; whoever you find first.

Where you can find them: 1340 31st Avenue, Rock Island, IL

How long they're open: Friday from 2 p.m. until 1 a.m. and Saturday from 11 am. until 1 a.m.

What we recommend: Strawberries & Cream, Blonde Ale

Untapped rating: 3.89

While you're on the Illinois side of the river, stumble on down to Bent River in Moline. Or, check out the tap room in Rock Island. We'll leave that decision up to you.

In Moline, Bent River offers a full menu of delicious burgers, sandwiches, salads and wraps for those who have earned a bit of sustenance. On the tap list is a variety of ales, including some unique offerings like the Jalapeno Pepper and Sweet Potato Ales.

Where you can find them: 1413 5th Ave., Moline, IL//512 24th St., Rock Island, IL

How long they're open: Moline: Friday from 11-1 a.m. and Saturday 12-12 a.m.// Rock Island: 2:30-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday

What we recommend: Undercurrent IPA

Untapped rating: 3.58

Rounding out our list of walk/run/cyclable breweries is this spot in East Moline. Located at The Bend, this stop offers four key styles of beer: IPA, Red Ale, Kolsh and Stouts.

Midwest does not offer food, but its neighbor, Jennie's Boxcar, is a great stop for top-notch tacos. You can even bring your beer over or their tacos to Midwest. They don't mind.

On the tap list are the key styles they offer with the BAMF IPA and the MAWhalo fruit beer getting recent accolades from customers. Just this week the brewery launched its newest brew, Paw Punch Ale  a blonde packed with cherry, lemon and orange to create a bright drink that's perfect for hot weather.

Where you can find them: 537 12th Ave., East Moline, IL

How long they're open: 4-7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday

What we recommend: Lime Cheesecake Blonde

Untapped rating: 3.82

If beer isn't your thing or you're a person who likes a wide variety of options, we can help you there, too. Here's a few places with a wide variety of taps to check out:

There are others to check out too. Visit Quad Cities hosts an Ale Trail that allows participants to visit participating locations on a self-guided tour of local stops. Once you register online, ask the bartender for the trail code. For every few breweries you visit, you win a prize. More information is online and list of participating breweries is below:

Bent River Taproom, Rock Island, IL

Bent River, Moline, IL

Contrary Brewing Co., Muscatine, IA

Crawford Brew Works, Bettendorf, IA

Five Cities Brewing, Bettendorf, IA

Front Street Taproom, Davenport, IA

Front Street Pub & Eatery, Davenport, IA

Geneseo Brewing, Geneseo, IL

Great Revivalist Brew Lab, Geneseo, IL

Green Tree Brewery, LeClaire, IA

Midwest Ale Works, East Moline, IL

Nerdspeak Brewery, Bettendorf, IA

Radicle Effect, Rock Island, IL

Rebellion Brew Haus, Moline, IL

Stompbox Brewing, Davenport, IA

The Granary, Eldridge, IA

Twin Span Brewing, Bettendorf, IA

Wake Brewing, Rock Island, IL

Celia Thomas works a shift at the Front Street Brewery
Iowa Auditor Rob Sand was critical during a stop in Scott County of a new Iowa law that limits what records his office has access to and bars him from going to court against a state agency to obtain records.

In one of his town halls in Scott County this week, Sand called on the state Legislature to pass a mandatory prison sentence for large thefts of public funds and encouraged small-town officials to ask regularly for bank records to discourage theft of public funds.

Earlier this year, Sand's office issued a special report on Eldridge detailing the misuse of more than $76,000 by the city clerk, Denise Benson, made using the city's accounts and credit cards over at least six years. Benson was arrested last month and charged with theft of public funds. She's plead not guilty and the case is currently making its way through the courts system.

The Auditor's Office found Eldridge's clerk had too much control over the city's financial transactions with few opportunities to catch discrepancies.

Sand encouraged small-town residents concerned about theft of public funds to run for office and ask to see bank statements to signal that someone is keeping an eye on it.

Sand referenced a 2014 audit and investigation, when his predecessor was in office, which found a secretary for the Mahaska County Soil and Water Conservation District had stolen more than $200,000 from the district. The employee also did administrative duties for Poweshiek County's district, but commissioners reviewed monthly bank statements, and she stole nothing from that district.

"Making sure they know you're looking really does matter," Sand said.

He tied that sentiment to the law that recently took effect limiting what records the state auditor has access to and limiting the office's ability to go to court for the records.

"We can't deter people from stealing money if they know that we're not going to be looking in certain areas," Sand said.

The law, signed by Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds June 1, limits the auditor's access to Iowans' personal information in several realms including criminal identification files of law enforcement agencies, student information, hospital and medical records, attorney work, peace officers' reports, and details on infrastructure such as cybersecurity.

Six Republicans joined all Democrats in voting against the bill. Two of those included Rep. Mark Cisneros, R-Muscatine, Rep. Luana Stoltenberg, R-Davenport.

The law also prohibits the auditor from "any other information or records that contain personal information that an individual would reasonably expect to be kept private."

Supporters of the law said it's necessary to protect Iowans' private information and puts in place accounting standards.

But criticism has come from bipartisan national auditor groups, including a letter from the National State Auditors Association signed by both Democrats and Republicans that says auditors should have "unfettered access" to records.

"State auditors should have unfettered access to confidential records to ensure that state agencies are following their policies and procedures and state and federal law," the letter stated. "This is also necessary to ensure that we prevent waste, fraud, and abuse of state programs and funds. State auditors also have the immense responsibility to guard against disclosure of any confidential information."

Before passage, the Legislature did amend the bill to allow exceptions as required by state or federal regulations or in the case of suspected embezzlement or theft.

The bill also prevents the auditor's office from taking a state agency or department to court for records, instead directing disputes to a three-member panel made up of a representatives from the state agency being audited, the auditor's office and the governor's office.

Sand said the panel stacks in favor of the agency being audited, and provides no independent review by the courts. Supporters of the bill say it prevents the expense from one part of state government from suing another.

The auditors office is part of the executive branch. And I think Iowans expect the executive branch to be able to work things out. It puts a process in place that allows us to do that, Reynolds said during an appearance on Iowa PBS "Iowa Press in May.

The Auditor's Office still retains the power to go to court for records at the local level if needed.

"Local entities, if they're going to deny us records, which now they have the right to do, they're gonna have to be very clearly within the bounds of law," Sand said.

Moving forward, Sand said he would let the public know any time state agencies deny a request for records.

"Every time they tell us no on something, we will let you know about it," Sand said. "Whether or not we have legal recourse, is a different question."

How much do Americans invest today? More than they have in the last decade How much do Americans invest today? More than they have in the last decade Financial crisis impact lingers in American investment portfolios Fewer Americans interested in stocks, CDs long-term as real estate slips Americans who invest in stock are most likely to be white, college-educated, over 30, and female
The Most Rev. Thomas R. Zinkula, Bishop of Davenport, has been appointed by Pope Francis as the next Archbishop of Dubuque.

The appointment was announced earlier this week. Zinkula is scheduled to be installed as the Archbishop of Dubuque on Wednesday, Oct. 18, according to a news release. He will be the archdiocese's 11th archbishop.

Though he is sad to leave Davenport, where the diocesan community taught him how to be a bishop, he is thankful to be appointed as the next Archbishop of Dubuque, Zinkula said in a statement.

"I hope that my being a native son and priest of the archdiocese will make the transition somewhat quicker and easier," he said. "I am looking forward to becoming reacquainted with the people of the archdiocese that I already know and getting to many more of the faithful."

Born April 19, 1957, he is a native of Mt. Vernon, Iowa. He served as an ordained priest of the Archdiocese of Dubuque in 1990 after earning his master's degree in theology that same year.

Pope Francis appointed him as Bishop of Davenport in April 2017.

Zinkula graduated from Cornell College in Mt. Vernon with an undergraduate degree in mathematics, economics, and business. He received a law degree from the University of Iowa College of Law in 1983. In 1998, he received a licentiate in canon law from St. Paul University in Ottawa, Canada.

Some of Zinkula's past archdiocesan assignments saw him serving faith communities in Dubuque, Rickardsville, Balltown, Sherill, Holy Cross, Luxemburg, and Cedar Rapids. He also has served as judge and judicial vicar for the Archdiocesan Metropolitan Tribunal, and rector for St. Pius Seminary in Dubuque.

His curriculum vitae can be found on the Diocese of Davenport and Dubuque websites, along with the announcement of his appointment.

The Most Rev. Richard E. Pates, Bishop Emeritus of Des Moines, will continue to serve as Apostolic Administrator of the archdiocese until Zinkula's installation. Pates has served as Apostolic Administrator since April 4.
CHICAGO  A woman died and six other people were hospitalized after a boat struck a Chicago breakwall early Friday and capsized in Lake Michigan amid strong winds and high waves, authorities said.

Chicago Deputy District Fire Chief Jason Lach said there was "a huge increase in wind and wave activity" with winds up to 30 mph around the time the boat struck the wall and capsized.

The seven boaters were returning to shore about 4 a.m. when their boat hit the breakwall, police and Chicago Fire Department Chief Juan Hernandez told the Chicago Sun-Times.

A woman who was about 20 did not survive after she became trapped under the boat, which capsized near Chicago's "Playpen" area, where boaters frequently gather near the shoreline, officials said.

Her body was recovered after a search was briefly suspended because of bad weather, Chicago police said.

The six other boaters, four women and two men between the ages of 20 and 30, were rescued from the lake, including one person who swam to shore. They were hospitalized and Hernandez said one of the six was in serious condition at Northwestern Memorial Hospital while the others were in fair to serious condition.

Photos: Chicago Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson Election 2023 Chicago Mayor Election 2023 Chicago Mayor Election 2023 Chicago Mayor Election 2023 Chicago Mayor Election 2023 Chicago Mayor Election 2023 Chicago Mayor Election 2023 Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson - 2022 Brandon Johnson - 2023 Brandon Johnson - 2023 Brandon Johnson - File Brandon Johnson - 2022 Brandon Johnson - 2022 Brandon Johnson - 2022 Brandon Johnson - 2022 Brandon Johnson - 2022 Brandon Johnson - 2022
What began as a means of survival has turned into a labor of love.

Two Cheyenne River Lakota and Laotian sisters Mali Souksavath and Kahomy Weston are using their traditional and cultural knowledge to create unique dishes, combining hallmarks of both for their new business, Oyul Fusion- LaoKota Cuisine in Rapid City.

After spending time apart, the two sisters came together in Rapid City and decided to put their degrees and experience in the food industry to work creating their own business, which is currently in its early stages with weekly pop-up food sales.

Due to Laos proximity to India and the spice trade, Laotian dishes are packed full of spice and flavor. The sisters combine these unique flavors with Lakota medicines and foods to create uniquely flavorful food.

Sticky rice with Lakota gabubu bread, ninja noodles, frybread balls, Ceyaka (wild mint) and more have become staples in their business among other creative items. Another upcoming signature will be a sauce flight that highlights and embraces the different flavors of their dishes.

Growing up in Cherry Creek, Souksavath was one hour from the nearest grocery store. Taught by her grandmother, Souksavath quickly learned how to forage, butcher and cook using whatever she could get her hands on.

While also a means of survival, food is a way to come together as a community.

Whenever we would come together (as a family) and visit each other one of the things we would do is cook, Weston said.

Both sisters are skilled foragers and butchers; Weston learned from her mother who she says can take down and clean a deer in just 10 minutes. The sisters said that the food theyre making isnt just food, it incorporates traditions and cultural teachings.

It (the traditional ways) comes naturally, its not just a trend to us, Souksavath said.

For not only the sisters but their family, these traditions have been passed down from generation to generation. Westons children are being taught different teachings about plants and medicines; her four-year-old daughter knows when its chokecherry season and how to identify Thipsila (wild turnips).

One of the sisters goals is to create a brick-and-mortar restaurant for Oyul Fusion. This would make the business the only Laotian and Lakota sit-down restaurant in Rapid City, and the citys first Laotian restaurant.

Weve got a passion that were putting a fire under, Souksavath said.

The sisters have a list of goals that they are on track to accomplish. Currently, the two are working on getting a food truck up and running. Another goal is to give back to the community. The two provide their food to the weekly Friday meals held by Oyate ki chatewastepi. These weekly meals, which have taken place at the Memorial Park Bandshell, provide homeless people in Rapid City with a warm home-cooked meal.

Next on the horizon, Oyul Fusion will be vending at the August 12 car show and back-to-school supply giveaway outside of the Rushmore Mall. Later, theyll be selling food at the Native American World Series on August 27.

Oyul Fusion also frequently hosts pop-up sales with more details provided on their Facebook page, Oyul Fusion-LaoKota Cuisine.
KYIV, Ukraine  Russian forces on Friday struck the central Ukrainian city of Dnipro and pounded a key village in the southeast that Ukraine claimed to have recaptured in its grinding counteroffensive, while Moscow accused Kyiv of firing two missiles at southern Russia and wounding 20 people.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, meanwhile, marked Ukraine's Statehood Day by reaffirming the country's sovereignty  a rebuke to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who used his claim that Ukraine didn't exist as a nation to justify his invasion.

"Now, like more than a thousand years ago, our civilizational choice is unity with the world," Zelenskyy said in a speech on a square outside St. Michael's Monastery in Kyiv. "To be a power in world history. To have the right to its national history  of its people, its land, its state. And of our children  all future generations of the Ukrainian people. We will definitely win!"

He also honored service members and handed out first passports to young citizens as part of ceremonies. The holiday coincides with commemorations of the adoption of Christianity on lands that later became Ukraine, Russia and Belarus.

The Russian Defense Ministry said it shot down a Ukrainian missile in the city of Taganrog, about 24 miles east of the border with Ukraine, and local officials reported 20 people were injured, identifying the epicenter as an art museum.

Debris fell on the city, the ministry added, alleging the missile was part of a "terror attack" by Ukraine.

Oleksiy Danilov, Ukraine's secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, blamed Russian air defense systems for the explosion.

Russia's Defense Ministry said it downed a second Ukrainian missile near the city of Azov, which like Taganrog is in the Rostov region, and debris fell in an unpopulated location.

Earlier in the day, a Ukrainian drone was shot down outside Moscow, the Defense Ministry said. No injuries or damage were reported and the ministry didn't give an exact location where the drone fell. It was the third drone strike or attempt on the capital region this month.

Since the war began, Russia blamed Ukraine for drone, bomb and missile attacks on its territory far from the front line. Ukrainian officials rarely confirm being behind the attacks.

The strikes hit Russian ammunition and fuel depots, as well as bridges the Russian military uses to supply its forces, and military recruitment stations. The attacks also included killings of Russian-appointed officials in occupied Ukrainian territory.

Three months ago, a Russian warplane accidentally dropped a bomb on Belgorod, injuring two people; Ukraine initially was suspected.

In Dnipro, an apparent Russian missile attack wounded nine people in the area of a newly constructed and as yet unoccupied 12-story apartment building, as well as an unoccupied adjacent Security Service of Ukraine building. "Russian missile terror again," Zelenskyy wrote on social media.

Video showed the apartment building's upper floors in ruins, with gray smoke billowing from them, and flames raging in the night at ground level, where shattered concrete and glass littered a courtyard.

Russia often struck apartment buildings during the conflict, while denying it intentionally targets civilians.

Meanwhile, the commander of Ukraine's ground forces, Col.-Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi, said his troops were pushing forward in parts of eastern Ukraine occupied by Russia and meeting stiff resistance as the war drags into its 18th month.

"The enemy fiercely clings to every centimeter, conducting intense artillery and mortar fire," he said.

Recent fighting has taken place at multiple places along the more than more than 600-mile front, where Ukraine deployed its recently acquired Western weapons to push out the Kremlin's forces. However, it is attacking without vital air support and faces a deeply entrenched foe.

Zelenskyy posted a video Thursday night in which Ukrainian soldiers said they had taken Staromaiorske in the Donetsk region. Russian military bloggers said artillery fire at the Ukrainian troops effectively razed the village and reported more barrages Friday.

Capturing the village, which in 2014 had a population of 682, would give Ukraine a platform to push deeper into Russian-held territory, the bloggers noted.

The area has been a focus of Ukraine's counteroffensive since June, and its troops previously captured several other villages there as they slowly work their way across extensive Russian minefields.

It was not possible to verify either side's claims in the war zone.

Syrskyi said fighting that targets the enemy's artillery as well as its command and control structure is a priority as his troops probe Russian lines for weaknesses.

"In these conditions, it is crucial to make timely management decisions in response to the situation at hand and take measures for maneuvering forces and resources, shifting units and troops to areas where success is evident, or withdrawing them from the enemy's fire," he said.

Russia is trying to hold on to the territory it controls in the four provinces it illegally annexed in September: Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk, Kherson and Luhansk.

Photos: Russia bombards Ukraine's port city of Odesa, hitting beloved historic sites
Episode 100: There are debates happening in all parts of our country about homelessness, and according to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, things have been getting worse.

Since 2017, homelessness has risen by 6 percent nationwide, and although nearly everyone wants to reverse this trend, there is little agreement about how to accomplish that.

Hosts Richard Kyte and Scott Rada discuss the causes that got us to this point, along with the policies that might help us reduce this trend.

Links to stories discussed during the podcast:

The root cause of the homelessness crisis, by Jerusalem Demsas, The Atlantic

The ethical dilemmas behind plans for involuntary treatment to target homelessness, mental illness and addiction, by Katherine Drabiak, The Conversation

About the hosts: Scott Rada is social media manager with Lee Enterprises, and Richard Kyte is the director of the D.B. Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership at Viterbo University in La Crosse, Wis.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Granite County lost its main ambulance service provider in mid-July, prompting Sheriff Scott Dunkerson to tell the public hes extremely concerned that there might be gaps in coverage.

"We've stood into a hornets nest," he said. "I've told everybody to contact the county commissioners about it."

According to a press release put out by Dunkerson, "there are times when ambulance service may not be available."

And according to an ambulance service provider in Missoula, the reimbursement rates from Medicare and Medicaid and other insurance companies has put many rural ambulance service providers on thin financial ice.

Closure

The private company in Granite County, called Eagle Ambulance, had a station in Hall. Dunkerson said he spoke with the owner of the company and she told him that the closure had to do with Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement rates.

"Every rural county in Montana has the same problem," Dunkerson explained. "The owner told me that was a problem. They weren't getting reimbursed what they were putting out (in expenditures), what they should have been getting reimbursed."

The county will now rely on Drummond Volunteer Ambulance, Powell County Ambulance, the Clinton Quick Response Unit and Missoula Emergency Services Inc.

A crew of local volunteers will also be relied upon.

"Efforts are moving ahead to get a Philipsburg volunteer crew put together," Dunkerson explained.

However, Dunkerson said hes concerned people might have to take loved ones to the hospital in their own vehicles if theyre located in more remote parts of the county when a crisis happens.

"I'm still worried we're gonna have gaps in coverage because our hardworking volunteers all have full-time jobs that they have to go to," he explained. "Being an EMT is a big commitment. I've been an EMT since '98 and it's not easy to keep that license. We've had good volunteer crews in the past but then they burn out and you're back to nothing again. I hope it doesn't, but that could happen again."

Dunkerson said that relying on volunteer crews is a "Band-Aid, not a solution."

"We were thankful to have Eagle Ambulance Service for as long as we did," Dunkerson said. "We're sorry they couldn't make it as a private service in the county. It's just unfortunate they couldn't make it financially."

Dunkerson said the CEO of the hospital in Philipsburg has called to offer help. He also noted that the president of the Philipsburg Ambulance Association is a "hard-charger" and will work to put a volunteer crew together.

Calls to Eagle Ambulance went to a full voicemail box and a disconnected line.

Dunkerson said his office will try to ensure people get transported when they need to.

"Unfortunately, the Sheriff's Office staff have gotten used to working with nothing prior to Eagle Ambulance being here," he said. "We've learned to make do with nothing. With not very many resources. We'll get a chopper in there, or Search and Rescue, to drag people out to the best our ability. We've learned to make do with limited resources. Dispatch is very good at trying to spin up resources."

Still, he said, people need to be aware of the situation.

"People need to be thinking about that," he said. "If you call the Sheriff's Office, we'll get people there to help. We can only do the best you can with the resources provided to us by the county."

Granite County Commissioner Chuck Hinkle said that the situation is under control.

"We're gettin' it fixed," he said. "We've got some volunteers now, we're getting it organized. We had a meeting last Friday and got the bylaws redone. I need to look at them. The Sheriff kinda took control. I think it's going to come along. We have some good people working on it, so I'm hopeful."

Hinkle said the volunteer crew system is "going to have to be a long-term solution."

"I mean, we have no choice now," he said. "We just have to make it good for 'em and encourage 'em and support 'em as much as we can, that's all we can do. We have a person that's not gonna be on the crew but who is good at organizing, and she's doing a great job. There's more enthusiastic people now than there were four or five years ago."

Still, Hinkle said the commissioners need to talk about whether they should commit funding to staff positions.

"I want the best EMS service in the state," he said.

Dunkerson said he estimated that there are roughly between two and four calls every week, on average, for an ambulance in Granite County, although the number fluctuates. His rough estimate was somewhere north of 200 calls every year.

"I've been real impressed with the volunteers," he said. "We were able to get nine volunteers put together literally like a day after this happened."

Finances

Don Whalen, the manager of Missoula Emergency Services Inc., said many people mistakenly believe that ambulance service providers get government financial support.

He said his company and other companies like Eagle Ambulance get zero tax dollars from local governments.

"So we pay taxes," he said. "We also pay the City of Missoula a $44,000 fee every year to be the ambulance service provider. So that really hurts."

The company relies on "people paying their bills," he said, and that doesn't always happen or the company doesn't always get the full amount.

"We get our revenue from private health insurance and Medicare and Medicaid," he said. "Medicare knows that they're underfunding ambulance providers and health care providers."

He said the Montana Legislature and Gov. Greg Gianforte came close to passing a bill in the last session that would have helped the situation, but it stalled when the Legislature adjourned before sending the bill with revisions back to the governor.

The situation in Granite County is unfortunate, he said.

"(The owner of Eagle Ambulance) needed help and reimbursement is the big issue," he said. "You see an ambulance go by, that doesn't mean it gets paid."

In the past, a lot of volunteer services didn't bill, he noted.

"Which was admirable," Whalen explained. "But that was with low call volumes. But now it's to the point that a lot of volunteers work in a hardware store and they have to go run off to a call. Employers are getting less and less able to do that with call volumes picking up."
No. 1: Pure Evil, 13 million SHUs

It's debatable whether you could even categorize Pure Evil's pure capsaicin drops as a hot sauce since it is a clear, flavorless food additive with a severe health warning. However, this concoction from the depths of hell uses extracts from the hottest peppers in the world to smash the heat rankings of other hot sauces by roughly 4 million (SHUs), topping out at a mind-numbing 13 million.

No. 2: Mad Dog 357, No. 9 Plutonium, 9 million SHUs

One of the most painfully hot pepper extracts on the market comes in at a close second: Mad Dog 357, No. 9 Plutonium. This diabolical formula from Ashley Food Company, Inc., drops a bomb on the Scoville scale at 9 million SHUs, earning its retro, biohazard packaging and a solid position near the top of our list of scorchers.

Advertisement

No. 3: The Source Hot Sauce, 7.1 million SHUs

This pepper extract (and collector's item) from Original Juan packs a serious wallop at an estimated 7.1 million Scoville heat units. The "extreme caution" labels and "only available to customers 18 and older" disclaimer should be enough warning not to take this third hottest hot sauce lightly.

The Source Hot Sauce comes in a little one-ounce bottle of liquid fury and a hefty price tag of $250, but this could easily be a lifetime investment since little goes a long way.

No. 4 (Tied): The End Hot Sauce, 6 million SHUs

The End Hot Sauce from Pepper Palace is one of the first "true" hot sauces on this list that you could consume directly  but sample this product at your own risk. Even the bravest consumers claim that the tiniest drop on your tongue brings tears to the eyes and a fiery burn that sizzles your taste buds with a seemingly endless barrage of heat waves.

Habanero peppers, Carolina reaper peppers, pepper extract and apple cider vinegar combine in a swirling, chaotic formula to pump out 6 million Scoville heat units, forcing the taster to wonder, "When will it end?"

No. 4 (Tied): Bumblef**ked Hot Sauce, 6 million SHUs

Bumblefoot's Bumblef**ked Hot Sauce is arguably the first selection on this list of the hottest hot sauces in the world that adds flavor to the inferno. Although most adventurous palettes will be hard-pressed to weather the storm and searing pain felt from confronting 6 million SHUs, a touch of Caribbean fruits and ginseng round out the kick-to-your-head burning sensation for a memorable culinary experience.

No. 4 (Tied): Get Bitten Black Mamba 6, 6 million SHUs

Cajohns Fiery Foods couldn't have picked a better name for their deadly blend of chocolate habaneros, vinegar and 6-million-SHU pepper extract. The chocolate pepper provides Get Bitten Black Mamba 6 with a rich, dark color profile that is anything but sweet. Handle with caution. This hot sauce has some serious bite.

No. 7 (Tied): Meet Your Maker Hot Sauce, 5 million SHUs

The Meet Your Maker "death sauce" from Sauceworks Co. comes in a miniature wooden coffin and a blood-red wax seal. If the branding of this extremely hot sauce hasn't already scared you away, the 5 million SHUs will likely have you running for the hills (or at least a glass of milk). Sauceworks crafts Meet Your Maker with a "haunting" mixture of ghost pepper, white wine vinegar, onion and garlic.

No. 7 (Tied): Mad Dog 357 Pepper Extract, 5 million SHUs

Tied for seventh place is another Mad Dog creation that has been barking loud and biting tastebuds for over 25 years. Topping out at an estimated 5 million Scoville heat units, this hot pepper food additive remains one of the hottest hot sauces in the world after almost three decades.

Fruit lovers may also enjoy the peach-pepper combo of the 357 Gold Edition, which offers a bit of sweetness to soften the hard-hitting Carolina reaper peppers.

No. 7 (Tied): Z Nothing Beyond Extremely Hot Sauce, 5 million SHUs

Cajohn's Fiery Foods is back with another banger in Z Nothing Beyond Extremely Hot Sauce. Even with an array of tropical fruits  including papaya, guava, pineapple and passion fruit  this hot sauce earns its namesake, hitting the Scoville scale at 4 million SHUs.

No. 7 (Tied): Mad Dog 44 Magnum, 5 million SHUs

It's safe to say that Mad Dog is a major contender in the industry, with three products landing on the list of hottest hot sauces in the world. Magnum 44 is one of their most palatable options, but even then, the company warns consumers to use it only as a food additive.

At 4 million SHUs, Mad Dog's 44 Magnum is about as intimidating as the one Clint Eastwood wielded in the 1970s Dirty Harry films. It's only right then to steal a line from the loose-cannon cop when thinking about staring down the barrel of this hot sauce: "You gotta' ask yourself one question. 'Do I feel lucky?' Well, do ya, punk?"

No. 11: The Hottest Hot Sauce in the Universe, The 2nd Dimension, 3.5 million SHUs

Although The 2nd Dimension is not quite the hottest sauce in the universe (or even our planet, for that matter), its 3.5 million Scoville heat units are enough to turn your world on its head. This Pepper Palace masterpiece uses ghost peppers and additional aged red peppers and extracts to achieve more heat than is probably necessary for any sane person from this dimension or the next.

No. 12 (Tied): The Last Dab XXX, 3 million SHUs

The Last Dab XXX is the last sauce Sean Evans presents to his celebrity guests on Hot Ones. With the help of Puckerbutt Pepper Company mastermind and Guinness World Record holder "Smokin" Ed Currie and his three variants of the world's hottest pepper, the Hot Ones team developed this hall-of-fame hot sauce.

This symphony of spice includes Currie's Pepper X, Chocolate Pepper X and Peach Pepper X  a perfect recipe for memorable moments of A-listers sporting snot-nosed tears and lots of laughs for audiences everywhere.

No. 12 (Tied): LD50, 3 million SHUs

The LD of Pepper Palace's LD50 hot sauce stands for "lethal dose," and that's a pretty accurate title since this mixture of reapers and Trinidad scorpion peppers offers a blistering 3 million Scoville heat units. This sauce is unlikely to kill a full-grown adult, but it will undoubtedly wreak havoc on your taste buds for several hours.

No. 14: Reaper Squeezin's, 2.2 million SHUs

"Smokin" Ed is back at it again with his patented breed of Carolina reaper peppers. Reaper Squeezin's is the hottest option that Puckerbutt Pepper Company sells, clocking in at 2.2 million Scoville heat units and earning it the No. 14 spot on our list of hottest sauces.
A development group is planning to restore a 113-year-old power station in the Carver neighborhood and convert it into a food hall with co-working and micro-retail space.

Called Carver Station, the complex would feature repurposed shipping containers to serve as stalls and offices and would be at 1120 W. Clay St., a block north of Virginia Commonwealth University's Siegel Center.

A food hall traditionally features multiple restaurants under one roof. This food hall, which would be the third in Richmond, would feature "original to Richmond" concepts, according to documents filed with the city.

Richmond's City Council introduced an ordinance to approve a special-use permit for the project this week. The council could approve it later this summer.

"Carver doesn't have a place for people to come together, and this is what that will be," said Michael Hallmark, one of the developers.

The plan was hatched by Hallmark and Sean Duncan, partners at Future Cities, a development group that also is part of the team developing the GreenCity arena project in northern Henrico County.

The two-story brick substation was erected in 1910 by the Virginia Railway and Power Company, helping energize the city's electric streetcars. In 2021, Dominion Energy sold the half-acre parcel to Future Cities for $1.6 million.

It's the only building in the immediate area that was not converted into residences. Concerned for its future, the Carver Area Civic Improvement League approached Future Cities in 2019 and asked how to preserve and repurpose it.

The developers decided to go beyond redeveloping the building and to add onto the adjacent space. They plan to add real maritime shipping containers to the new structure. The containers match the "industrial chic" of the power station and are the right size for small offices and food stalls.

A large crane inside the substation is still in good condition and will remain part of the ambience, the developers said.

According to the plans, the substation building will become a co-working space in the day and a small-plate restaurant, bar and lounge after 5 p.m. An operator has not been chosen yet.

The adjacent, yet-to-be-built area will host about 10 food stalls, each in an 8-by-20 shipping container that is independently operated and open all day. Beside the food hall will be a micro-retail space for small businesses selling local products such as grocery items. On the second and third floors, the shipping containers will house small office pods.

Hallmark said the office space will be ideal for one- or two-person businesses, and the food hall will be designed for small operators that might otherwise work out of a food truck.

Construction could start and finish next year, Hallmark said.

Richmond has one food hall in operation, Hatch Local Food Hall, in Manchester. A second, from Eat Restaurant Partners, is planned to open in Scott's Addition in 2024. In Henrico County, the food court at Regency mall is set to become a food hall.

Top five weekend events: Over the James, HeART & Soul Fest and NASCAR Over the James HeART & Soul Fest NASCAR at Richmond Raceway Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival Fireworks at The Diamond
The heat holds for a couple of more days in Virginia. The leading edge of some less hot and humid air, which is what passes for a cold front this time of year, comes through the state on Saturday night, putting an end to the hot spell.

Cooling showers and thunderstorms in the afternoons and evenings will be few and far between until the front comes through, although there may be some thunderstorms that develop in the middle of the night. Although we normally think about thunderstorms fading away once the sun goes down, there are occasions when they thrive overnight.

During summer days, the sun heats the ground like a pot of water on a stove, creating lots of rising air currents that extend a few thousand feet up into the atmosphere. The combination of these vertical currents with other horizontal breezes mixes and warms the air to that altitude, also creating a type of three-dimensional friction. This well-mixed part of the atmosphere during the daylight hours is known as the boundary layer.

Once the sun sets, the mixing slows down dramatically, like turning the burner off of a stove. While the ground begins to cool, the air several hundred feet above it remains warm long into the night. This results in an atmosphere where the temperature actually increases with higher altitude, known as an inversion.

Like oil and water, air above the inversion does not mix well with air below it and, when the wind is from the southwest, its speed a few hundred feet above the ground can increase during the night, as it is no longer slowed by mixing with the air immediately below it.

This acceleration of the wind at night is known as the nocturnal jet, and it may develop the next couple of nights. This nocturnal jet, upward of 30 mph, can provide plenty of warm and humid air into developing thunderstorms deep into the night, long after the sun has set.

The nocturnal jet is more common on the Plains, but it does occasionally show up in Virginia, especially east of the mountains, so dont be too surprised if a thunderstorm wakes you up in the middle of Friday or Saturday nights.

There is certainly enough humidity to drive the storms. With only a few days left in the month, this is the ninth consecutive July in Richmond more humid than average. For some, it may feel especially bad, as last month was among the least humid Junes on record.

Fortunately, we get another break from the high humidity to start next week as that cold front continues south and our afternoon temperatures retreat to the 80s. Looking into August suggests the dominant weather pattern this summer will return for the first half of the month. If so, our current stretch of hot days may end up being the worst of the entire summer.
A federal judge in Fairfax County ruled to dismiss a class action lawsuit brought against the Virginia Department of Education and the Fairfax County school division under federal disability law.

The plaintiffs in the case had alleged active involvement of the state Department of Education in denying students with disabilities access to educational services that are guaranteed to them under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The law, passed in 1975, ensures that students with disabilities receive a free and appropriate public education.

U.S. District Judge Michael Nachmanoff did not deny the plaintiffs claims, but rather dismissed the case on procedural grounds. He found that none of the plaintiffs had standing to sue.

But the judges order does not prevent different plaintiffs from pursuing the claims at issue in the lawsuit.

The judge ruled that the Chaplick family was unable to sustain their claims because they failed to exhaust Virginias administrative procedures when trying to obtain educational services that they claimed were appropriate for their son. The judge wrote that he does not see how the procedural issues with the suit at hand would apply to plaintiffs who had exhausted the administrative procedures.

Thus, while this case must be dismissed, a future case may fare differently, Nachmanoff wrote in his opinion filed this week.

The Virginia Department of Education declined to discuss the decision.

The Fairfax County Public Schools division declined to comment on the allegations presented in the lawsuit, but provided a statement: FCPS appreciates the courts careful consideration of the arguments presented and agrees with the dismissal of the lawsuit. FCPS remains committed to working with parents to provide students with disabilities an education that meets their needs.

The class action suit filed in Fairfax County in September asserted that in recent decades, hearing officers rarely sided with parents who challenge school plans for how to educate their children.

Plaintiffs Trevor Chaplick and Vivian Chaplick, the parents of a current FCPS student, said the school district rejected the idea that the student needed to leave the division. Identified as D.C. in the suit, the Chaplicks son has faced significant challenges in his life including Autism, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder-Primarily Hyperactive-Impulsive Type, Tourettes Syndrome, Encephalopathy, Adjustment Disorder with Anxiety and Disturbance of Conduct, and an Intellectual Disability of an undetermined severity, according to the suit.

The Chaplicks went ahead with a due-process hearing despite receiving a warning from a school system social worker that they should not bother (with the case) because they would lose, according to the suit.

In January, the Chaplicks broadened the scope of their case to allege active involvement of the state education department in denying students with disabilities access to educational services that are guaranteed to them under federal law.

The amended lawsuit alleged that school divisions and the state education department encouraged the falsification of students grades, illegally withheld information from parents, failed to properly investigate denials of appropriate education services to students, and failed to create and update Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) in accordance with federal law.

Dog days of summer: Five best canine-friendly patios across Richmond River City Roll Ardent Craft Ales The Lilly Pad Brambly Park Union Market Ruff Canine Club
Virginia taxpayers would be able to use higher standard deductions in preparing their income tax returns next year under a new analysis by the state tax department, but Senate Democrats question the underlying calculation and warn against trusting revenue estimates by Gov. Glenn Youngkin in an ongoing budget battle over his proposed $1 billion package of tax cuts.

The analysis shows that state revenues rose 5.1%, after adjusting for $2.5 billion in tax cuts last year in the fiscal year that ended June 30. Exceeding a budget trigger of 5% in revenue growth would allow taxpayers to claim an additional $500 on their standard deduction in paying income taxes in this tax year. Otherwise, the deduction would drop from $8,000 to $7,500 for individuals and from $16,000 to $15,500 for couples.

However, the tax analysis does not reflect an estimated $1 billion obligation that the state expects to repay this year to businesses that took advantage of a new tax benefit approved last year.

That one is a huge one, Senate Finance Co-Chair George Barker, D-Fairfax, said Thursday.

Senate Democrats are also concerned about the tax departments accounting of sales tax money received in the fiscal year after some larger retailers paid the tax in the final month of the previous fiscal year, despite the elimination of accelerated collection of sales taxes.

Their larger concern is Youngkins claim that the General Assembly has an additional $5.1 billion in revenue to consider in revising the two-year budget he signed more than a year ago. They say that does not reflect the $1 billion obligation under the new Pass Through Entity Tax or the $1 billion already appropriated under the so-called skinny budget the legislature adopted before the assembly adjourned Feb. 25 without a new spending plan.

We all heard about voodoo economics  what this administration is doing is voodoo estimating, Senate Finance Co-Chair Janet Howell, D-Fairfax, said in an interview on Thursday.

(In April 1980, George H.W. Bush criticized fellow GOP presidential candidate Ronald Reagan for producing a voodoo economic policy. Bush would become Reagans running mate and vice president.)

Youngkin spokesman Macaulay Porter said Senate Democrats are conflating two issues, and that the trigger has nothing to do with spending.

In regards to the pass through entity tax, anticipated PTET refunds are solely the result of taxpayer behavior. The tax change itself is revenue neutral. Its troubling to hear an elected official call the hardworking estimation of apolitical, classified tax department employees voodoo.

The Governor proposed a balanced budget making $3.6 billion in investments for education, law enforcement, behavioral health and providing tax relief for Virginians. With $5 billion in excess resources, Virginia has the ability to fund critical priorities and cut taxes now, and Democrats need to come to the table and reach a resolution.

Both Barker and Howell have expressed optimism about the revival of stalled budget talks last week, after House Appropriations Chair Barry Knight, R-Virginia Beach, proposed a new compromise over $1 billion in additional tax cuts that Youngkin and House Republicans want in the revised two-year spending plan.

Senate budget negotiators are being briefed on the proposal this week and are expected to meet next week, but Barker said the dispute over revenues could be an obstacle.

Its something that needs to get resolved before we can sign off on the budget, he said.

The Senate budget leaders said the new revenue estimates deepened their concerns about the true ongoing costs of Youngkins proposed tax cuts, including another proposed increase in the standard deduction for taxpayers who will not want to itemize deductions on their returns.

Under the budget the legislature adopted a year ago, the General Assembly increased the standard deduction from $4,500 to $8,000 for individuals and from $9,000 to $16,000 for couples filing jointly. For the final $500 of that deduction in this tax year, state revenues had to grow by at least 5% in the fiscal year that ended June 30. The state met that trigger in revenues in the last half of last year, which allowed taxpayers to claim the higher standard deductions for taxes paid on income in 2022.

Based on the top individual income tax rate, its less than $30, Barker said.

Youngkin announced last week that state revenues fell by 3.5% compared with the previous year, but still exceeded the forecast he used for his proposed budget in December by $1.5 billion. He added that amount to $3.6 billion in excess revenues he claimed from the previous fiscal year for his total estimate of $5.1 billion in available revenues.

In order to compare last years revenues with the previous year, the tax department added $2.5 billion to the amount received in the fiscal year that just ended to reflect significant changes in tax policy. The adjustments boosted the growth rate to 5.1%, just over the trigger.

We met the trigger, and thats it, Knight said Thursday.

But the new analysis also showed that Youngkins tax package last year reduced state revenues by an additional $213 million  including $46 million from the higher standard deduction, which cost the state more than $1 billion in the last fiscal year. Im hoping more people are taking advantage of it, Knight said.

The standard deduction is also an issue in the pending budget negotiations. Youngkin proposed to increase the deduction to $9,000 for individuals and $18,000 for couples. The governor estimates the increases would reduce state revenues by $95 million in this fiscal year and about $200 million a year in future years.

The current budget also underestimated the cost of a one-time tax rebate, which reduced revenues by more than $1 billion, or $14 million more than expected. The elimination of the states share of the sales tax on groceries  another pillar of Youngkins tax cut package lawmakers approved last year  reduced revenues by $7.7 million more than estimated, for a total of $115 million in the last fiscal year.

The biggest surprise came in sales tax collections, which the tax department said were $57 million lower than expected in the last fiscal year because some businesses did not change their behavior in response to the elimination of the accelerated sales tax a year ago. Instead of remitting July revenues in the first month of the new fiscal year that began July 1, 2022, some retailers paid them in June, the last month of the previous year. Democrats think the new estimate still may be too high.

Taxpayers also have not behaved as the Youngkin administration expected in response to the Pass Through Entity Tax approved last year to give unincorporated businesses an option that allows them to avoid a federal cap on deduction of state and local income taxes. State revenues received a big bump from estimated payments under the new tax in the fiscal year that just ended, but most taxpayers chose to receive the off-setting credits in the fiscal year that just began July 1.

Secretary of Finance Steve Cummings acknowledged last week that he expects the state to repay more than $1 billion in this fiscal year to offset those higher payments. That would eliminate two-thirds of the $1.5 billion the governor said the state collected over the revenue projections in his budget proposal in December.

Knight said he is not concerned because budget negotiators will not consider the additional revenues that Youngkin claimed last week.

Everything is tracking just like I thought it was going to, he said.

Cool off with these 10 great ice cream shops in Richmond Bev's Homemade Ice Cream Gelati Celesti Westray's Finest Ice Cream The Spotty Dog Ellie's Hot Dogs & Ice Cream Blue Cow Ice Cream Co. Ruby Scoops Ice Cream & Sweets Nightingale Ice Cream Sandwiches Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams Charm School
The state approved its first lab school Thursday, a collaboration between Virginia Commonwealth University and CodeRVA Regional High School in which future teachers will train, and students will take a computer science-based curriculum.

Virginias Board of Education unanimously approved the schools application, and Gov. Glenn Youngkin heralded the development as a new option for parents.

Lab schools are a critical part of restoring excellence in the Commonwealths education system, Youngkin said in a statement. During the first month of my administration, we launched a partnership between colleges and universities to establish K-12 lab schools across the Commonwealth and Im pleased were delivering on that promise today. This is the first step in giving parents new options for their kids to learn in innovative and creative ways and break the status quo of a one-size-fits-all education.

Lab schools are collaborations between universities, school divisions and sometimes businesses. They provide nonreligious education to K-12 students, are open to the public and do not charge tuition. They can set their own budgets and curricula and, although they receive public funding, they are expected to be financially self-sufficient.

The state designated $100 million for lab school startup grants, and approved lab schools can earn up to $1 million to pay for one-time costs.

The planned school will be called the VCU x CodeRVA Lab School, and it will combine VCUs teacher residency program with the public magnet school in Scotts Addition.

In VCUs teacher residency program, future teachers can earn their degree tuition-free if they agree to teach three years in a hard-to-staff school district. Kim McKnight, director for VCUs Center for Teacher Leadership, said earlier this year that she expects future teachers to train at the lab school.

CodeRVA, which opened in 2017, serves students across 15 school divisions, the majority of whom are from Richmond and Chesterfield and Henrico counties. School officials plan to increase enrollment from 345 students to about 400 students. The school currently rents space in the Michael & Son building at 2601 Durham St. in Richmond, but officials intend to relocate.

Were physically limited in certain ways (in) our current facility. And we also know that renting is not fiscally responsible for a school for the future, said Kume Goranson, CodeRVAs executive director, during Thursdays Board of Education meeting.

Were looking to build and be able to expand and offer additional programming for our students. ... We cannot do that in the facility that were in. ... As were pursuing our capital campaign and building, thats going to allow us to expand to the students over the three-year period.

Any rising ninth-grader who is a resident in one of the 15 school divisions the school serves can apply. Students are admitted based on a lottery system with no minimum academic requirements to enter. The lottery is designed to create a school that is representative of the regions socioeconomic diversity. It also increases the number of female students accessing computer science, a field largely dominated by men.

The lab school will create a pathway for graduates to jobs in technology and artificial intelligence, said Lisa Coons, the states superintendent of public instruction.

In March, the state Department of Education awarded planning grants to 13 groups that want to start lab schools, including Virginia Union University.

The lab school funding will fill a void in the schools funding mechanism. Though CodeRVA is a regional high school, it does not fit the typical funding model for regional schools. It is funded in part by the 15 school divisions that supply students to it; each school division pays for the number of seats it has at the school.

The school has also been funded by the federal government through a $6 million Magnet Schools Assistance program grant from the U.S. Department of Education. But those funds ran out last year.

Its unclear how VCU plans to sustain funding after the lab school funding runs dry. Former state superintendent Jillian Balow repeatedly said during her tenure that lab schools must have a robust plan to sustain funding and should not count on future state support.

Todays vote to approve the Commonwealths first lab school is a win for students, teachers, and parents, said Secretary of Education Aimee Guidera in a statement. Lab schools like this one will support students academic achievement and make learning more relevant and connected to the world outside the classroom. In this innovative model, not only will students benefit from high-quality computer science education, but the next generation of teachers will learn how to be best in class instructors.

Although Youngkins gubernatorial campaign focused on advancing school choice in Virginia, his lab school program has been the only significant school choice initiative to take off.

Youngkin won a partial victory for his lab school proposal in 2022, when Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears broke a tie vote in the Senate to rescue his amendment to triple the number of higher education institutions that can partner with local school divisions. But the Senate then voted to block his proposal to use state per-pupil funds to pay for them.

Uncertainty surrounds whether state code prevents giving lab school grant funding to private institutes of higher learning or two-year colleges. Several Democratic lawmakers who wrote that part of the law said it does, but the Youngkin administration disagrees.

The state auditor will likely make the call on that next year after fiscal year 2024 ends next June 30.
This week, I joined more than 50 other justice officials in support of Georgia District Attorney Deborah Gonzalez, who is currently facing attacks on her authority as an elected prosecutor for daring to enact reform policies supported by the community. If this sounds familiar, its because this kind of stunt is happening all over the country, as Republican elected officials, determined to scuttle criminal justice reform at any cost, attempt to remove or restrict democratically elected local prosecutors. Im speaking out and defending my colleagues across the country because Virginia's attorney general has already twice attempted to disempower local prosecutors in the commonwealth  and if Republicans take control of the state legislature this year, hes sure to try again.

Weve seen this dangerous pattern many times in the last few years in communities that elect prosecutors who value building long-term safety while reducing racial disparities and mass incarceration. After losing on Election Day, Republicans try to stifle criminal justice reform through a menu of anti-democratic tactics: Ron DeSantis dismissed Hillsborough State Attorney Andrew Warren; a new Texas law will give courts wide latitude to remove district attorneys; Mississippi created a special judicial district to appoint the prosecutor in Jackson, a majority-Black city; and right-wing groups continue to pursue recall efforts.

Lets call this what it is: usurping the will of the voters for political points. In DA Gonzalez case, a single voter who disagreed with her policies filed a lawsuit against her, enabling an unelected judge to look over her shoulder on every decision going forward. In that judges ruling, he specifically cited Gonzalez written policies on not charging marijuana or truancy offenses.

These attacks threaten both the constitutional separation of powers and the well-established principle of prosecutorial discretion, which allows elected prosecutors to prioritize cases based on the communitys values. In a world where local government agencies have finite resources, using this discretion to focus on the most serious crimes is a core part of an elected prosecutor's role.

Since I was first elected in 2019, Ive faced many of the same politically motivated attempts, including two recall efforts from right-wing astroturf groups. (Both failed, and I was reelected earlier this summer by a wide margin).

Virginias Attorney General Jason Miyares has twice tried to take power away from local prosecutors in a similar manner, proposing a bill so broad it was opposed by commonwealths attorneys across the political spectrum. Since Miyares isnt likely to walk away from what he called his top legislative priority, we expect that if Republicans take control of the state Senate this November, we might see this level of infringement again  or something much more severe  to override the will of the voters of Fairfax County for good.

15 photos of the Richmond City Jail from The Times-Dispatch archives Richmond City Jail Richmond City Jail Richmond City Jail Richmond City Jail Richmond City Jail Richmond City Jail Richmond City Jail Richmond City Jail Richmond City Jail Richmond City Jail Richmond City Jail Richmond City Jail Richmond City Jail Richmond City Jail Richmond City Jail
Digital asset exchange Luno Malaysia has said that Malaysia is one of its fastest growing markets, with local investors contributing to approximately 18% of its total global trading volume of US$35 billion in the past decade. Revealed during Lunos 10th anniversary celebration event, this figure translates to about US$6.2 billion in participation from Malaysia, involving more than 73 million transactions in Bitcoin (BTC).

Aside from that, Luno also shared that it has recently onboarded over 12 million customers globally, with about 840,000 investors coming from Malaysia. It highlighted various other statistics related to its Malaysian investors as well, such as the fact that Malaysia has seen a rise in women crypto investors. Specifically, women investors make up 23% of Luno Malaysias customer base  higher than the global average of 19%, while male investors make up the remaining 77%.

Luno also noted that the biggest single transaction on its Malaysian platform stood at US$196,451 (approximately RM892,670 today). In comparison, the largest transaction made on Luno globally was a staggering US$70,966,330 (approximately RM322.5 million today).

General manager of Luno APAC, Aaron Tang said that Luno has definitely made significant strides in the Malaysian market since relaunching in 2019. These include the introduction of new coins  such as Cardano, Solana, and most recently, Avalanche  as well as the roll-out of new features, like the multiple coins feature. He also stated that Luno  as a global entity  is truly excited for whats to come in the next 10 years.

Meanwhile, country manager of Luno Malaysia, Scarlett Chai said that being able to celebrate 10 years in the dynamic world of cryptocurrencies is a significant milestone worth celebrating. Our journey has been marked by the addition of numerous digital assets to our platform, made capable through our close collaboration with Malaysian regulators. Were proud to be the largest and most trusted digital asset exchange in Malaysia, and will continue supporting all Malaysians throughout their crypto investment journey, she said.

To celebrate Lunos 10th anniversary, Luno Malaysia hosted a panel discussion that consisted of experts such as the head of research at crypto data aggregator CoinGecko, Chan Zhong Yeng, as well as founder and director of Jirnexu, Liew Ooi Hann. The panel discussed various key topics, including the future of Malaysias digital asset landscape, and how crypto will play a part in peoples investment portfolio moving forward.

0 0 votes Article Rating

SHARE
Chetumal man wanted for rape and corruption since 2009 finally captured

Chetumal, Q.R.  A Chetumal man wanted for rape and corruption of a minor has finally been captured. On Thursday, the State Attorney General of Quintana Roo announced the capture of Jorge N.

Investigative Police completed an arrest warrant against Jorge N for his probable participation in the crimes of rape and corruption of a minor. Based on investigations, on July 28, 2009, Jorge N allegedly gave the minor intoxicating drinks while inside a Chetumal home, they reported.

He has had an outstanding arrest warrant and has been wanted since 2009. Police did not say where Jorge N was finally located and captured. They only said that after his capture, Jorge N was taken to the FGE facilities in Quintana Roo and later transferred to the Chetumal Social Reintegration Center.
Governor declares Maya Kaan a Rural Community Zone for tourism

Costa Maya, Q.R.  A 900,000 hectare area between two southern municipalities is now considered tourism potential. On Thursday, Governor Mara Lezama provided a declaration that includes the heart of the Mayan region as a tourist region.

The declaration was announced in the historic center of Tihosuco. There, Lezama reported that the Declaration of Maya Kaan as a rural community with tourism potential which will provide progress in paying out the historical debt owed to the left behind regions.

Lezama announced this declaration of the Maya Kaan area located in Felipe Carrillo Puerto and Jose Maria Morelos, with a total area of 909,643 hectares, which, according to the INEGI, has a combined population of 105,923 residents.

The objective, she said, is to promote ecotourism and nature-friendly adventure tourism with community, cultural and social experiences that monitor sustainability. She said this latest project is added to the states others which include the Maya Train, Tulum Airport and Vigia Chico beach access points among others.
National Guard sent after armored security truck overturns in Jose Marie Morelos

Jose Marie Morelos, Q.R.  National Guard were sent to the scene of a highway rollover in Jose Marie Morelos. They were sent to guard a security truck that had overturned.

The security truck was carrying an undisclosed amount of cash when the driver lost control of the truck and landed it on its side in the ditch. Due to the common practice of highway looting, National Guard were sent to guard the truck while paramedics attended to the injured.

The two guards from inside the truck were removed and transferred to hospital for treatment. Neither was badly injured. According to early information, the vehicle suffered a mechanical failure on a corner that caused it to leave the highway and overturn.

A second armored truck was sent to the scene to unload the money from the overturned unit before it could be uprighted and towed.
Restaurant worker shot in Felipe Carrillo Puerto dies in PDC hospital

Felipe Carrillo Puerto, Q.R.  A restaurant worker who was shot on the job Tuesday has died. The unnamed man was shot by unidentified subjects Tuesday afternoon while he was working.

He was shot three times at point blank range. Paramedics stabilized him on the floor of the restaurant before transferring him to hospital in Felipe Carrillo Puerto Tuesday afternoon.

Due to the seriousness of his injuries, he was transferred a Playa del Carmen hospital Tuesday night. However, on Wednesday night, he died. The man received bullet wounds to his arm, leg and head.
Hungarys history is complicated. Its also greater than its current leader. Hungarians still have hope for reform. What it needs is some friends.

Viktor Orban, the controversial prime minister of Hungary, has no shortage of critics or defenders. For the critics, he is an authoritarian villain, a sinister leading voice in the global populist movement. To his supporters, Orban is a champion of traditional values, protecting the nation-state and Hungarian culture from shadowy global elites. A recent Religion and Liberty Online article by Zoltan Kesz falls closer to the former camp, and while I agree with Keszs criticisms of Orbans harmful economic policies, I, as a fellow Hungarian, would like to offer a broader perspective of the Orban problem and Hungarys political challenges in both a global and a Hungarian context.

Both foreign critics and supporters of Orban tend to generalize his actions and draw the conclusion that all of Hungary thinks like him. This is far from the reality, however. Many Hungarians are critical of his governance and approach to foreign policy. The aim of this short essay is to sketch a broad context for Hungarian affairs that will help foreign observers understand my countrys political situation and Orbans electoral success, especially for Westerners who dislike Orban and might be tempted to lump my country with the nations of other Eastern autocrats like Vladimir Putin and Recep Erdogan. There are many Hungarians who feel they are unable to bring about change in our country, and so, demoralized, they decide to move abroad. Ill say again: Viktor Orban is not the same as Hungary.

Global Context

Orbans electoral success is generally understood in the context of a global populist movement. The late Hungarian economist Janos Kornai used the term populist-nationalism to describe this phenomenon, and I highly recommend his 2017 speech Rising Populism and Its Harmful Effects for another critical Hungarian perspective of Orbans movement.

According to Kornai, populist leaders exploit the anxieties of the electorate during a time of disruption and change. Todays populists, I would argue, are exploiting the shocks to our societies of rapid technological development. The dislocated masses of citizens experiencing this disruption turn to strong political leaders, who gain their support by contrasting the plight of the people with the machinations of men, especially of an elite.

Kornai, speaking in the voice of the populist politician, illustrates the strongmans rhetoric like this: You, the people, are at the bottom; they, the elite, are on the top. They, the elite, have lost contact with you, the people. The populist addresses the people, the ordinary simple masses of the street, and tells them: look, I am your man, the true defender of your interest. They do not know what is hurting youbut I do know. They  are corrupt, they are stealing your money, they deceive you. I am the one who is going to make order.

This has certainly been Orbans style, and you might recognize in Kornais imitation the voices of Donald Trump, Marine Le Pen, and other leaders of global populist-nationalism. Ultimately, the populist politician exploits the setbacks, both real and perceived, of the people and drives a wedge between them and the countrys intellectual, economic, and political leaders. But without a real remedy for their disappointmentslike rising salaries, employment, etc.all the people get is national pride and little else.

The 19th-century English poet Thomas Hardy, writing during another time of great economic and political disruption, described in Gods Funeral the peoples wandering search for some fixed star to stimulate their pace after theyve lost contact with the traditional ways of living. To Orbans credit, he recognizes the disruptions and search for meaning among Hungarians spurred by a technological revolution. Instead of working to build a modern economy, however, he has put himself forwardand the Hungarian-form of nationalism he representsas our countrys fixed star. In power, his policies have done more to strengthen his own authority than spur innovation and modernization.

Hungary Alone

Hungarys political problems today have their roots in the trauma of Soviet domination and the messy transition to independence and integration with the West. To really understand Hungarys plight, however, and especially our complicated relationship to the West, we need to look deeper into history.

After enduring Ottoman rule for 150 years, Hungarys modern engagement with the West began when it was liberated (and conquered) by the Habsburg Empire in the late 17th century. Several Hungarian independence movements sprang up in the following two centuries, but each was eventually crushed, usually because the freedom fighters failed to find allies among other Western powers. Despite winning concessions from the Hapsburgs, culminating in the formation of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1867, Hungary remained a junior partner until the empires collapse at the close of World War I.

From the Hungarian point of view, the Treaty of Versailles was a disaster, and much of Hungarys animosity toward the West can be traced to this moment. Hungary was humiliated. The shock was so terrible that the country was simply unable to comprehend what had happened. The treaty created both anger against the West and a desire to regain territory and resources that the treaty stripped from us. This anger laid the groundwork for Hungarys turn to a far-right regime in the 1930s under Miklos Horthy. (The Horthy governments relationship with Nazi Germany is much-debated and out of the scope of this essay.)

At the Yalta Conferencethe meeting between the Allied Powers of World War II where the postwar settlement was decidedHungary was thrust into the clutches of the Soviet Union. It is a Hungarian saying that we were sealed at Yalta. In 1956, Hungarian students revolted against the communist government, but the revolution was brutally put down when the Western powers, afraid of starting World War III, declined to help them. Hungary was alone.

Hungary Today

It has been three decades since Hungarys transition from Soviet dictatorship, yet we find ourselves in a distressingly similar predicament. Though we are part of NATO and the European Union, our country lacks friends. Since the crisis of the Russo-Ukranian War, and our governments pseudo-neutrality, you could say we even lack well-wishers. Because of friction between NATO and Hungary and the EU and Hungary, these alliances can seem more like agreements on paper rather than in reality.

During these challenging times, Hungary, as we have throughout our history, turned to a strongman for political leadership. Under the Austro-Hungarian monarchy it was Tisza; in the interwar period it was Horthy; during the Soviet era it was Kadar; now we have Orban.

Since the financial crises of 2008, Orban has managed to exploit a general sense of alienation and skepticism toward the West. Both attitudes, as we have seen, have deep roots in our history. The European Unions at-times heavy-handed policies have not helped. For instance, in response to the Orban governments changes to the rule of law, the EU suspended billions of euros in economic assistance. With a more imaginative policyperhaps by bypassing Orbans government and providing the assistance directly to Hungariansthe EU might have accomplished its goal of reprimanding the government without punishing the people.

Instead, situations like this lend credence to Orbans claim that, unlike the bureaucrats in Brussels, Russia and Turkey dont want to tell Hungarians how to live.

Circles of Freedom

But just as Hungary is more than Viktor Orban, we are also not doomed by our past. Istvan Bibo, a Hungarian political theorist from the 20th century, said that while every society has particular characteristics, behaviors, and history, societies can still redirect course through the collective intention to make rational decisions about the future. A countrys health and a peoples peace of mind can be strained by shocks. Hungarys certainly has.

The remedies for shocks, according to Bibo, are small circles of freedom that can be put in practice through the creation of small communities like clubs and conferences where people can interact and exchange ideas with each other. These small circles were engines of reform in the 19th century, later during the transition from Soviet communism, and can be again today.

Hungary cannot simply import Western values into our country. It is we who have to do our homework to make a true democracy. What the West can do, however, is refrain from condemning our entire country for the actions of its government or, worse, simply abandon us to our fate. Instead, concerned Westerners should seek to connect with and show their support for those in Hungary, especially the young people, who are working for change.

Since joining the EU, we Hungarians have seen that money alone is not enough to build a functioning democracy. What we need instead is to learn the habits of a democratic society. This will not happen if we are cut off from our friends in the West. While globalization has its disadvantages, it has nevertheless made it relatively easy to make connections. The establishment of various think tanks, associations, societies, and fellowships with the goal of developing democratic institutions in Hungary and building relations with the West could do much good.

Without creating these institutions and developing democratic habits, more and more Hungarians, particularly young Hungarians, will choose to leave the country, for political or economic reasons. All efforts to keep young people (especially) in the country are worthwhile, because if the next generations best and brightest leave, we will be without the creative capacity to establish a true democracy, paving the way for an endless circulus vitiosus of quasi-democracy and autocracy.
After leaving the mortgage industry during an economic downturn in the late 2000s, a man with no medical experience decided he wanted to go into a recession proof business.

John Gregory Barnes had a feasibility study conducted that showed a more profitable line of work might be a medical clinic with two specialties: dispensing prescription drugs to people in pain and offering treatment for those who became addicted.

Over the next decade, Barnes headed a company that operated five pain care centers  including ones in Blacksburg and Christiansburg  that collected millions from government insurance programs by prescribing drugs for no legitimate medical purpose, according to court records.

This week in Roanokes federal court, Barnes pleaded guilty to health care fraud conspiracy and agreed to pay $3.8 million in restitution to Medicare and Medicaid.

The conduct here is beyond the pale, U.S. Attorney Chris Kavanaugh said in a statement Friday.

We have a record-high number of Virginians fighting substance use disorders, meanwhile, this defendant actually conducted a feasibility study to ensure he could turn a profit from the communities he was preying upon, Kavanaugh said.

Barnes, 57, of South Carolina, faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison. He was allowed to remain free after appearing in court Wednesday, when the previously-sealed charge was made public.

In 2014, Barnes bought a medical practice that he called L5 Medical Holdings, which at various times operated pain care centers in Blacksburg, Christiansburg, Lynchburg, Madison Heights and Woodlawn.

The clinics were run in a manner that prioritized revenue maximization over patient care, according to a statement of facts that was signed by Barnes and introduced as evidence.

Barnes had no medical education or experience, and many of the people he hired followed the directions of non-medical officials in making decisions about patient care.

Two doctors and other medical staff, who were not identified in court records, were encouraged to see as many as 30 patients each day, with each visit limited to 15 minutes.

On a regular basis, registration numbers given to the doctors by the Drug Enforcement Administration that enabled them to prescribe Suboxone, which can ease opioid addiction, were used by other staff members to dispense the drug to patients who had not seen a doctor, according to court records.

Multiple staffers raised concerns about the practice, and some pharmacies refused to fill the prescriptions, the 18-page summary of facts stated.

In 2016, L5 Medical Holdings set up laboratories to conduct drug tests of patients urine on site, rather than send samples to a third party, to provide an extra revenue stream, the summary states.

Drug tests were ordered for patients based on what their insurance would pay for, regardless of the medical need. Some samples were kept for weeks and months, after they were no longer useful, and tested so that insurance plans could be billed.

After one of the doctors resigned in 2019, the company continued to charge Medicare and Medicaid more than 5,000 times for his treatment, totaling about $1.2 million in bills, court records state.

Last year, a former counselor at the pain centers was sentenced to two years in prison for conspiring to illegally distribute prescription medication to patients, three of whom later died from fatal overdoses.

Charles Wilson Adams of North Carolina dispensed opioids without authorization, often to patients who had exhibited red flags of drug abuse, according to court records.

Adams was not directly charged in connection with the deaths, one of which happened weeks after a patient passed out in the waiting room of the Lynchburg clinic and had to be hospitalized.

Court records make no mention of the overdose deaths in Barnes case. Efforts to reach his attorney after Wednesdays hearing were unsuccessful.

As part of a plea agreement, Barnes agreed to shut down L5 Medical Holdings, which was also convicted of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, oxycodone, hydrocodone and morphine for no legitimate medical purpose.
The Salem man charged in November with firing a shot into the air as officers were leaving his home received a suspended sentence Thursday.

Jemar A. Davis, 35, pleaded no contest in Salem Circuit Court to two charges against him: felony child neglect and misdemeanor reckless handling of a firearm.

In exchange for his pleas and in accordance with a plea agreement, Judge Christopher Clemens agreed to take the child neglect charge under advisement for one year.

On the firearm charge, Davis was sentenced to 12 months in jail, but all of that time was suspended. Clemens said his firearm, magazine and ammunition will be destroyed.

For the next year, hell be placed on supervised probation. During that time, Clemens said, Davis is to have no alcohol or illegal narcotics and possess no firearms.

We just want you to be safe and your child to be safe, Clemens said during Davis hearing Thursday.

This is not a normal thing for me, Davis said.

Assistant Commonwealths Attorney Cristina Agee said that on Nov. 20 police responded to a request for a well-being check at the Oak Park Apartments in the 30 block of Otter Avenue.

When officers got there, they said they encountered Davis, who was unconscious and appeared to have been drinking. His mother told officers that he was struggling with the death of a child. Agee said police found ammunition next to Daviss body.

Fire and EMS personnel responded to the apartment complex next. When Davis came to, Agee said, he refused additional medical assistance.

As officers were leaving the complex, Agee said, they heard a gunshot. Then officers saw Davis standing on a balcony, yelling obscenities and threating to fire shots at anyone who stepped onto his property.

Davis was taken to the hospital for a mental health evaluation, police originally reported. Agee said Thursday that when police executed a search of Davis residence, they found a firearm in the laundry basket in his teenage childs bedroom.

If Davis complies with the terms of his probation over the next year and continues to keep the peace, Clemens said the felony neglect charge will be dismissed.
Despite hearing more than an hour of public outcry, the Roanoke County School Board unanimously approved new rules about curricular and noncurricular school and classroom displays Thursday night.

All classroom displays must directly relate to the curriculum and instructional goals of the courses of study conducted in that classroom, the new policy says. Employees may not use their position or use school or classroom decor and displays to advocate for their personal beliefs about political views, sociopolitical issues, or religion to students.

Students, graduates, parents, teachers and community activists spoke against that new policy. Over the course of 80 minutes, 27 members of the public spoke their concerns to the school board.

Those speakers said the new policy is not supportive of LGBTQ+ students, and prevents teachers from displaying materialsuch as Pride flagsto display their support for those marginalized people.

The policy arose after a series of contentious school board meetings, starting in May when a member of the public addressed the board to accuse specific school members who displayed rainbow-patterned classroom items of being groomers and sexual predators.

Those comments spurred a series of counter-complaints in support of LGBTQ+ people at following board meetings.

After the board passed the policy and while Superintendent Ken Nicely was presenting to the board about a different set of policies, someone in the crowd shouted bull. School board chairman Brent Hudson then asked police to escort all members of the public out of the meeting room.

Unfortunately things got a little out of hand tonight, and I hope that cooler heads prevail, Hudson said to a room of emptied chairs during the boards closing remarks.
Virginia taxpayers would be able to use higher standard deductions in preparing their income tax returns next year under a new analysis by the state tax department, but Senate Democrats question the underlying calculation and warn against trusting revenue estimates by Gov. Glenn Youngkin in an ongoing budget battle over his proposed $1 billion package of tax cuts.

The analysis shows that state revenues rose 5.1%, after adjusting for $2.5 billion in tax cuts last year in the fiscal year that ended June 30. Exceeding a budget trigger of 5% in revenue growth would allow taxpayers to claim an additional $500 on their standard deduction in paying income taxes in this tax year. Otherwise, the deduction would drop from $8,000 to $7,500 for individuals and from $16,000 to $15,500 for couples.

However, the tax analysis does not reflect an estimated $1 billion obligation that the state expects to repay this year to businesses that took advantage of a new tax benefit approved last year.

That one is a huge one, Senate Finance Co-Chair George Barker, D-Fairfax, said Thursday.

Senate Democrats are also concerned about the tax departments accounting of sales tax money received in the fiscal year after some larger retailers paid the tax in the final month of the previous fiscal year, despite the elimination of accelerated collection of sales taxes.

Their larger concern is Youngkins claim that the General Assembly has an additional $5.1 billion in revenue to consider in revising the two-year budget he signed more than a year ago. They say that does not reflect the $1 billion obligation under the new Pass Through Entity Tax or the $1 billion already appropriated under the so-called skinny budget the legislature adopted before the assembly adjourned Feb. 25 without a new spending plan.

We all heard about voodoo economics  what this administration is doing is voodoo estimating, Senate Finance Co-Chair Janet Howell, D-Fairfax, said in an interview on Thursday.

(In April 1980, George H.W. Bush criticized fellow GOP presidential candidate Ronald Reagan for producing a voodoo economic policy. Bush would become Reagans running mate and vice president.)

Youngkin spokesman Macaulay Porter said Senate Democrats are conflating two issues, and that the trigger has nothing to do with spending.

In regards to the pass through entity tax, anticipated PTET refunds are solely the result of taxpayer behavior. The tax change itself is revenue neutral. Its troubling to hear an elected official call the hardworking estimation of apolitical, classified tax department employees voodoo.

The Governor proposed a balanced budget making $3.6 billion in investments for education, law enforcement, behavioral health and providing tax relief for Virginians. With $5 billion in excess resources, Virginia has the ability to fund critical priorities and cut taxes now, and Democrats need to come to the table and reach a resolution.

Both Barker and Howell have expressed optimism about the revival of stalled budget talks last week, after House Appropriations Chair Barry Knight, R-Virginia Beach, proposed a new compromise over $1 billion in additional tax cuts that Youngkin and House Republicans want in the revised two-year spending plan.

Senate budget negotiators are being briefed on the proposal this week and are expected to meet next week, but Barker said the dispute over revenues could be an obstacle.

Its something that needs to get resolved before we can sign off on the budget, he said.

The Senate budget leaders said the new revenue estimates deepened their concerns about the true ongoing costs of Youngkins proposed tax cuts, including another proposed increase in the standard deduction for taxpayers who will not want to itemize deductions on their returns.

Under the budget the legislature adopted a year ago, the General Assembly increased the standard deduction from $4,500 to $8,000 for individuals and from $9,000 to $16,000 for couples filing jointly. For the final $500 of that deduction in this tax year, state revenues had to grow by at least 5% in the fiscal year that ended June 30. The state met that trigger in revenues in the last half of last year, which allowed taxpayers to claim the higher standard deductions for taxes paid on income in 2022.

Based on the top individual income tax rate, its less than $30, Barker said.

Youngkin announced last week that state revenues fell by 3.5% compared with the previous year, but still exceeded the forecast he used for his proposed budget in December by $1.5 billion. He added that amount to $3.6 billion in excess revenues he claimed from the previous fiscal year for his total estimate of $5.1 billion in available revenues.

In order to compare last years revenues with the previous year, the tax department added $2.5 billion to the amount received in the fiscal year that just ended to reflect significant changes in tax policy. The adjustments boosted the growth rate to 5.1%, just over the trigger.

We met the trigger, and thats it, Knight said Thursday.

But the new analysis also showed that Youngkins tax package last year reduced state revenues by an additional $213 million  including $46 million from the higher standard deduction, which cost the state more than $1 billion in the last fiscal year. Im hoping more people are taking advantage of it, Knight said.

The standard deduction is also an issue in the pending budget negotiations. Youngkin proposed to increase the deduction to $9,000 for individuals and $18,000 for couples. The governor estimates the increases would reduce state revenues by $95 million in this fiscal year and about $200 million a year in future years.

The current budget also underestimated the cost of a one-time tax rebate, which reduced revenues by more than $1 billion, or $14 million more than expected. The elimination of the states share of the sales tax on groceries  another pillar of Youngkins tax cut package lawmakers approved last year  reduced revenues by $7.7 million more than estimated, for a total of $115 million in the last fiscal year.

The biggest surprise came in sales tax collections, which the tax department said were $57 million lower than expected in the last fiscal year because some businesses did not change their behavior in response to the elimination of the accelerated sales tax a year ago. Instead of remitting July revenues in the first month of the new fiscal year that began July 1, 2022, some retailers paid them in June, the last month of the previous year. Democrats think the new estimate still may be too high.

Taxpayers also have not behaved as the Youngkin administration expected in response to the Pass Through Entity Tax approved last year to give unincorporated businesses an option that allows them to avoid a federal cap on deduction of state and local income taxes. State revenues received a big bump from estimated payments under the new tax in the fiscal year that just ended, but most taxpayers chose to receive the off-setting credits in the fiscal year that just began July 1.

Secretary of Finance Steve Cummings acknowledged last week that he expects the state to repay more than $1 billion in this fiscal year to offset those higher payments. That would eliminate two-thirds of the $1.5 billion the governor said the state collected over the revenue projections in his budget proposal in December.

Knight said he is not concerned because budget negotiators will not consider the additional revenues that Youngkin claimed last week.

Everything is tracking just like I thought it was going to, he said.
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
Paleontologist Roy Chapman Andrews received a unique request from Mongolian officials ahead of his 1920s expeditions to the Gobi Desert. He recounts the meeting in his book, "On the Trail of Ancient Man."

The Mongolian Premier at the time asked him to capture a specimen of the allergorhai-horhai (death worm) for the government. While Andrews had never seen the creature, he had heard many stories about its existence. The creature was described as a headless, legless, sausage-shaped animal, believed to be about 2 feet long, extremely poisonous and capable of causing instant death upon touch.

Advertisement

The paleontologist promised to capture the allergorhai-horhai, if encountered, using long, steel forceps and wearing protective glasses to counteract its poisonous effects. The meeting concluded on friendly terms.

Ultimately, as you may have guessed, Andrews did not encounter any death worms on his extended desert adventure. But he did find dinosaur egg nests and a bunch of cool fossils.
Interactive map on the CIFFC website. Credit: Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre website

Canada is currently experiencing its worst fire season on record. According to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre (CIFFC), as of July 26 local time, a total of 4,774 fires had occurred across the country so far this year, with a cumulative burned area of over 121,000 square kilometers. This figure has surpassed the land area of South Korea (about 103,000 square kilometers) and is 7.5 times the cumulative area affected by forest fires in China from 2000 to 2021.

On July 27, Beijing time, scientists from the Institute of Applied Ecology (IAE) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences estimated that the carbon dioxide emissions from forest fires in Canada this year had reached 1 billion tons. According to Dr. Liu Zhihua, a forest fire expert from IAE, "The greenhouse gases emitted from these fires, such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, have an undeniable impact on global climate warming, which has become a global environmental event."

Remote sensing technology is an effective method for estimating carbon emissions from large-scale wildfires. Based on the carbon emission intensity and the burned area observed by remote sensing, a rapid assessment of carbon emissions from forest fires can be accomplished. The scientists from IAE estimated that as of July 26 local time (Canada), the greenhouse effect of methane and nitrous oxide emitted by the wildfires in Canada this year is equivalent to about 110 million tons of carbon dioxide.

Combined with the direct emission of 1 billion tons of carbon dioxide, the greenhouse gas emissions from these fires are equivalent to about 1.11 billion tons of carbon dioxide equivalent. Additionally, about 1/8 of these wildfires occurred in permafrost areas, promoting the release of methane stored in the permafrost.

Apart from contributing to climate change through the emission of greenhouse gases, wildfires also release air pollutants such as PM2.5, PM10, organic aerosols, and black carbon, which have adverse effects on the environment and pose risks to human health. To date, wildfires in Canada have caused four notable instances of transboundary transport, which occurred during the periods of May 17-26, June 6-19, June 23-30, and July 15-20.

These episodes significantly degraded air quality in the United States, with particulate matter levels exceeding 50 g/m3, resulting in flight cancelations, school closures, and severe disruptions to production and daily life. For example, the second instance of transboundary transport led to the worst air pollution in New York City since 1960, while the third led to Chicago's air quality index exceeding the standard by 5.6 times on June 27.

These air pollutants are also transported over long distances worldwide via westerly circulation, affecting areas in Europe, North Africa, and Asia. During the atmospheric transport process from June 27-30, PM2.5 contributed more than 5 g/m3 to the European region. This transport also affected North Africa and Asia, contributing about 1-2 g/m3 to PM2.5 concentrations in the western region of China.

Wildfires also affect forest ecosystems. The rapid burning of wildfires results in extensive vegetation destruction and loss of biodiversity, depriving animals of habitat and food sources. In addition, wildfires can reduce vegetation cover and expose soil surfaces, increasing the occurrence of secondary disasters, such as soil erosion, sediment runoff, and landslides.

Such large-scale forest fires have exceeded the range of natural variation and become a destructive disaster. Frequent and severe forest fires not only rapidly deplete carbon reserves in vegetation and soil but also alter natural forest succession, resulting in ecosystem degradation towards shrubland or grassland. Consequently, the carbon sequestration capacity of the ecosystem is reduced. As a result, large-scale wildfires disrupt ecosystem equilibrium and are no longer viewed solely as traditional ecological disturbance processes.

In recent years, the intensification of climate change and human activity has repeatedly led to extreme wildfires. For example, fires in the Amazon Rainforest in 2019 burned over 90,000 square kilometers in 10 months, and the 2019-2020 bushfires in Australia burned over 243,000 square kilometers in one year. The wildfire season in Canada usually lasts until October, and the ongoing wildfires may continue to spread, raising concerns that the scale of the disaster could grow even larger, surpassing the country's historical records.

According to the "2022 China National Land Greening Report," China's forest area is about 2.31 million square kilometers, which is about two-thirds of Canada's forest area. Forests cover about 24.02% of China's land area. Such an extensive distribution of forested land poses considerable challenges to forest fire prevention. Over the years, the Chinese government has adhered to the policy of "Combining prevention and control, with prevention as the primary focus."

Through cooperative efforts involving all segments of society, China has gained valuable expertise in forest fire prevention and control. This concerted approach has successfully reduced the occurrence of forest fires and minimized disaster losses, resulting in a significant improvement in the nation's overall fire prevention and control capability.

It is estimated that carbon dioxide emissions from forest fires in China between 2000 and 2021 were about 15 million tons per year, approximately 0.2% of the carbon dioxide emissions from global wildfires.

More information:

Interactive map: www.ciffc.ca/

Provided by Chinese Academy of Sciences
DARLINGTON, S.C.  Educate. Empower. Prepare.

Those are the three words Superintendent Dr. Tim Newman emphasized during the Darlington County School District Convocation held Tuesday.

If you dont take anything else away from our gathering here today, I want you to take these three words  educate, empower, and prepare, Newman told the 250 in attendance at Darlington High School and the 1,500 others watching via livestream on the internet. Thats who we are. Thats what we have to do. Thats what our mission should be.

The district-wide gathering is held annually prior to the start of the school year. Teachers and staff reported to their respective schools on Monday. Students will begin the school year July 31.

Dr. Tammy Pawlowski, director of the Francis Marion University Center for Excellence for Teachers of Children of Poverty, served as the guest speaker. At the conclusion of the convocation, Gabrielle Briel White, a 5K teacher at Lamar-Spaulding Elementary School, was announced as the 2023-24 DCSD Teacher of the Year. Charleen Gardner, a teacher assistant/interventionist at Darlington Middle School was announced as the 2023-24 DCSD Support Staff person of the Year.

Newman began his presentation by giving a list of recent accomplishments and improvements achieved by the district. Among them were a $2,000 pay increase for teachers and a two percent pay raise for other employees; increased retention bonuses; the completion of the first year with a modified year-round calendar; an increase in mental health support staff personnel; and improved telehealth services.

Newman said that he was super excited about the districts results in last years SC Ready Assessments by the S.C. Department of Education, particularly in English-Language Arts, but that he could not give specifics because the results have not yet been released to the public by the S.C. Dept. of Education.

Im certain you will be just as excited as I am about how our students performed, said Newman.

The superintendent also shared news about the Orange Frog Experience, a program used to increase engagement, build resilience and spread optimism in the workplace. This will be the third year the program has been in use in the district.

He said the districts new communications platform and web site, www.dcsdschools.org, have received rave reviews. The district has also introduced a new mobile app.

Newman spent the better part of his presentation offering an overview on the districts Five-Year Strategic Plan, which was introduced last September. The plans mission statement is To educate, empower and prepare all for an ever-changing world. Its vision is The Darlington County Community will grow and prosper economically and culturally as the school district fosters an environment that produces well-educated, productive citizens.

The plan is broken down into four focus areas: Student Success, Staff Excellence, Community Engagement, and Resources and Operations.

Our mission statement is very simple, said Newman. Its not complicated. Its not a lot of words, but its what we do. It really is that simple.

During her presentation, Pawlowski spoke at length about how poverty affects students, using various objects to illustrate her points. Poverty, she said, create barriers that prevent students from hitting their targets. She said that by far the biggest barrier poverty creates is a lack of resources.

The impact of poverty on students is enormous, said Pawlowski.

She said environment plays a far greater role in learning than genetics. Ensuring that students have access to as many resources as possible is vital. She closed by encouraging teachers to set high expectations for their students.

You are the architects of your students brains, she said.

Spaulding Middle School Principal Kristi Austin praised Teacher of the Year White in her remarks on her nomination form.

Our school would not be the same without this fine teacher, said Jones.

Following the announcement, Newman presented White with a bouquet of roses and a large hand-crafted wooden plaque.

I am shocked an honored, said White. It is truly a blessing to have a career where I can make a difference every single day. I encourage you to let your kids know that they are valued and they matter.

White will represent the district at the state level Teacher of the Year competition later this year.

Honor Roll Teachers of the Year Finalists were Shelia Wright, first-grade teacher, Darlington County Virtual Academy; Jessica Woodson, 5K teacher, J.L. Cain Elementary School; Kayanna Thomas, Reading Interventionist, Rosenwald Elementary Middle School; and Kim Bonnoitt, Reading Recovery teacher, St. Johns Elementary School.
FLORENCE, S.C.  Joe W. Rocky Pearce, Jr. will be honored as The School Foundations Distinguished Graduate at the 23rd Annual School Foundation Celebration Gala Sept. 26, foundation officials announced.

Pearce is a lifelong resident of Florence who graduated from McClenaghan High School. At 31 years of age, he was elected mayor of Florence, becoming Florences youngest mayor.

We are very excited to recognize Rocky as this years distinguished graduate, said Debbie Hyler, executive director of The School Foundation. Florence has experienced unprecedented economic growth under his leadership. He is a true visionary and our community continues to flourish because of his efforts.

He currently serves as chairman of the board of directors for the South Carolina Public Employee Benefit Authority.

He continues to serve the City of Florence as chairman of the Florence County Economic Development Partnership Board. This year, they announced a record-breaking year, with investments totaling $936 million and 1,872 new jobs created.

The School Foundation strives each year to inspire and challenge our students and faculty as we spotlight the life and career of a successful Florence 1 Schools graduate, said Jean Leatherman, chair of the foundations fund development committee. This years honoree has worked tirelessly to bring new businesses to Florence and improve the lives of its citizens. We are extremely proud to honor Rocky this year.

The School Foundation promotes educational excellence in Florence 1 Schools through grants for innovative learning and through high impact initiatives designed to prepare all students for success. Founded in 2000, they have funded $2,137,415.31 in grants to educators in Florence 1 Schools.

The event will be held at the Southeastern Institute of Manufacturing and Technology. It begins at 5:30pm and will end promptly at 9 p.m.

Tickets start at $75 for F1S educators and $100 for individuals. Reserved tables of eight begin at $1,000 (bronze sponsorship), $2,500 (silver), $5,000 (gold) and $10,000 (platinum).

Tickets can be purchased by calling Hyler at (843) 662-9996 or by e-mailing dhyler@theschoolfoundation.org. You can also purchase tickets on the foundations website: https://theschoolfoundation.org/events/annual-school-foundation-gala
Seguin, TX (78155)

Today

Some clouds this morning will give way to generally sunny skies for the afternoon. Near record high temperatures. High 106F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Clear to partly cloudy. Low 78F. Winds S at 15 to 25 mph.
 US Sentencing Commission notices hearing to vote on policy priorities and retroactivity of criminal history amendments | Main | Another weekend round-up of all sorts of sentencing and punishment stories and commentaries 

July 28, 2023

Might we want presidential candidates to pledge not to appoint federal circuit judges to SCOTUS?

Long-time readers know of my various complaints about the lack of professional diversity for appointments to the US Supreme Court, and so I found especially intriguing this notable new Bloomberg Law commentary by Philip Allen Lacovara headlined "Judicial Nomination Process Leads to a Supreme Court of Nobodies." I recommend the piece in full, and it covers a lot more than just the modern presidential trend to select SCOTUS nominees only from among a few dozen (younger) federal circuit judges. The commentary got me to thinking about what I might really like to see from any presidential candidates inclined to put out short lists, which the question in title of this post reflects. Here are a few excerpts from the piece:

Gallup polls during the Warren court years indicated that, despite intense controversy over some decisions, about 60% of the public regarded the courts performance as good or fair, but only 20% as poor. By contrast, polls over the last several years consistently track a dramatic decline in public confidence in the court and the way the court decides cases. According to a recent survey by the Annenberg Public Policy Center at the University of Pennsylvania, barely 40% of Americans believe that Supreme Court justices are more likely to set aside their personal and political beliefs to make rulings based on the Constitution, the law, and the facts. The slide in public confidence in the court can be reversed, but first its causes must be understood. The intensity of the publics current disdain reflects, in part, a steady decline in regard for the stature of the individual members of the court, who for the last few decades have been chosen from the ranks of faceless and doctrinaire judicial careerists rather than diverse lawyers and public officials of recognized stature and practical wisdom.... During the first 180 years of our nations history, which ended with the retirement of Chief Justice Warren, a total of 96 lawyers were appointed to the Supreme Court, all but ten of whom had earned public recognition through service as US senators, congressman, members of the cabinet, heads of important government agencies, as state governors, legislators, or judges. One, William Howard Taft, was a former president. Those few who had not served in high public office had, for the most part, distinguished themselves in other public endeavors and included such distinguished private practitioners as Louis D. Brandeis and Thurgood Marshall.... By contrast, it is doubtful that anyone outside the legal community had ever heard of John Roberts or any other present member of the court before their nominations. This recent pattern of elevating careerist federal appellate judges is especially egregious, since virtually all of the judges recently promoted to the Supreme Court left the rough and tumble of the practical world and went on the bench when they were relatively young, well before they had the opportunity to accumulate the life experiences that are normally associated with wisdom and insight.... I am not suggesting that any current member of the court is unqualified. Each possesses intellect and technical legal acumen, and some of them add a diversity that was sadly missing from the court over its first 180 years. The problem with todays court is that we have mistaken academic intelligence for the kind of necessary wisdom formed through a long career of varied and distinguished experiences. Because of a fundamental change in the criteria and process for selecting candidates in the last few decades, these men and women have come to the current court with no public stature that would entitle them to the benefit of the doubt when they issue controversial rulings. Without that kind of demonstrable pedigree of independent, personal distinction, the public has been unfortunately comfortable assuming that decisions with which they disagree are tainted by abject political loyalty to the president who appointed them.

July 28, 2023 at 11:21 AM | Permalink

Comments

Not sure on this because I am not sure that appointing federal circuit judges is the problem. It is the appointing of these people to the Court of Appeals as a waiting room for their prospective Supreme Court nomination which is the bigger problem. And it is that the people put in that position tend to be those who served in "political" positions in the federal bureaucracy (as opposed to those who worked their way up from line legal positions).

Of our current U.S. Supreme Court, here is the prior experience: Chief Justice Roberts (2 years on D.C. Circuit), Justice Thomas (1 year on D.C. Circuit), Justice Alito (16 years on Third Circuit), Justice Sotomayor (6 years on SDNY, 11 years on Second Circuit), Justice Kagan (none), Justice Gorsuch (11 years on Tenth Circuit), Justice Kavanaugh (12 years on D.C. Circuit), Justice Barrett (three years on Seventh Circuit), and Justice Jackson (eight years on D.D.C, 1 year on D.C. Circuit). For each of the ones who served on the court of appeals, one of two things are true: 1) they were appointed to the Supreme Court by the same president who appointed them to the Court of Appeals; or 2) they were appointed to the Court of Appeals after the last appointment to the Supreme Court that a given president made, and they were appointed to the Supreme Court by the next president of the same part as the president who appointed them to the Supreme Court.

This reflects not a desire to appoint experienced judges to the Supreme Court but a belief that being a federal appellate judge (even for a millisecond) makes it easier to get a nominee confirmed. In this model, which actually goes back to at least Thurgood Marshall who was appointed to the Court of Appeals prior to getting appointed to the Supreme Court), seats on the court of appeals are being "rented" as holding spots for potential Supreme Court nominees. I would not necessarily mind if the Supreme Court had one or two people who were being promoted because they had a reputation as excellent appellate judges. What I mind is the use of the appellate court to bolster the credentials of potential nominees to the Supreme Court.

Posted by: tmm | Jul 30, 2023 11:32:16 AM

Post a comment
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
WASHINGTON (AP)  With heat waves spreading across the United States, President Joe Biden on Thursday announced new steps to protect workers  including a hazard alert notifying employers and employees about ways to stay safe from extreme heat  as well as measures to improve weather forecasts and make drinking water more accessible.

The actions come as nearly 40% of the U.S. population faces heat advisories, according to the National Weather Service. High temperatures have already scorched the Southwest this month, and more heat is expected in the Midwest and the Northeast in the coming days. Washington won't be spared, and the heat index in the capital could reach 110 degrees Fahrenheit or 43 degrees Celsius on Friday.

It's a worldwide problem, and scientists calculate that July will be the hottest month on record.

Noting that ocean temperatures near Miami topped 100 F (38 C), Biden said "that's more like jumping in a hot tub than jumping into the ocean to ride a wave.''

Citing federal data, Biden called extreme heat the No. 1 weather-related killer in the United States.

Even those places that are used to extreme heat have never seen it as hot as it is now for as long as it's been,'' Biden said. Even those who deny that were in the midst of a climate crisis cant deny the impact of extreme heat is having on Americans.''

Biden's bid to address the immediate effects of climate change come as he faces pressure from fellow Democrats and environmental groups to declare a climate "emergency,'' a step he has so far resisted. The steps announced Thursday supplement his long-term agenda for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and deploying clean energy technology, policies that may not pay dividends for years to come while global temperatures continue to rise.

Biden directed the Labor Department to increase inspections of potentially dangerous workplaces such as farms and construction sites and called for heightened enforcement of heat safety violations.

As part of the initiative, the department will issue a hazard alert notifying employers and employees about ways to stay protected from extreme heat, which has killed 436 workers since 2011, according to federal statistics.

The Biden administration plans to spend $7 million to develop more detailed weather predictions to anticipate extreme weather like heat waves, plus $152 million to boost drinking water infrastructure and climate resilience in California, Colorado and Washington.

Biden was joined on Thursday by acting Labor Secretary Julie Su, as well as the leaders of the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The mayors of Phoenix and San Antonio, two cities that have suffered from the heat waves, participated in the White House event virtually.

Phoenix is known for heat," said Mayor Kate Gallego. "We are often called the Valley of the Sun. But right now, this summer has really been unprecedented. Its taking a real toll on our community. We feel like we are very much on the front lines of climate change.''

Phoenix is the first in the nation to have a permanent, publicly funded heat office, Gallego said, with efforts now focused on getting residents inside as much as possible, at public cooling centers and encouraging use of water stations throughout the city.

Phoenix has seen at least 27 days in a row of temperatures exceeding 110 F (43.3 C). No other major city  defined as the 25 most populous in the United States  has had any stretch of 110 F (38 C) days or 90-degree (32 C) nights longer than Phoenix, said weather historian Christopher Burt, of the Weather Company.

Maricopa County, where Phoenix is located, reported recently that there were 25 heat-associated deaths between April 11 and July 22. An additional 249 deaths remain under investigation. There were 425 heat-associated deaths in the county last year.

Other areas of Arizona are also struggling. A 26-year-old farmworker died after collapsing in the fields on July 20, when the high temperature reached 116 F (46.7 C), according to the Yuma County Sheriff's Office.

San Antonio, Texas, saw at least 15 straight days of 100-plus F (38-plus C) temperatures. At least 13 deaths in Texas have been blamed on the extreme heat.

San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg said his city has moved to end the use of coal and is launching its first advanced rapid transit line, which will feature low- or zero-emission vehicles. The city is also developing solar power and other renewable energy, he said.

"Im confident that the state best known for oil and gas production can help lead the way to a greener tomorrow,'' he said.

Thursday's announcement follows other steps that the Biden administration has taken to adapt to increasing threats from extreme heat. Among those it is highlighting:

The Labor Department is developing a standard for how workplaces deal with heat. The proposed rule by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration would require employers to provide adequate water and rest breaks to outdoor workers, as well as medical services and training to address signs and symptoms of heat-related illness. That agency s holding meetings this summer to hear comments on how the heat standard would affect small businesses.

To keep low-income populations cool, the Department of Health and Human Services expanded its Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program to provide more access to air conditioning and cooling centers such as libraries, senior centers or other public buildings. The Environmental Protection Agency also has provided assistance to help communities develop cooling centers within schools.

NOAA has been helping cities and towns map heat islands with dense buildings and fewer trees, and the Department of Agriculture issued guidance for creating more tree canopy coverage, which helps with cooling environments.

In addition, the administration launched a website called heat.gov with interactive maps, weather forecasts and tips for keeping cool amid record-breaking heat.

More than 100 members of Congress, led by Democratic Reps. Greg Casar and Sylvia Garcia of Texas and Judy Chu of California have called on the administration to implement the new heat standard for outdoor workers as quickly as possible.

We know extreme weather events such as heat waves are becoming more frequent and more dangerous due to climate change," the lawmakers wrote in a letter Monday. U"rgent action is needed to prevent more deaths, the lawmakers wrote in a letter Monday.

The United Farm Workers and other groups also called on OSHA to immediately issue a nationwide rule protecting outdoor workers after farm worker deaths this month in Florida and Arizona.

Farm workers need and deserve the access to shade, water and paid breaks,'' said UFW President Teresa Romero. "How many more workers will we let dangerous heat and callous employers kill before this nation acts?

Casar, a freshman lawmaker from Austin, staged a thirst strike on Tuesday outside the U.S. Capitol, forgoing water breaks for nearly nine hours, to protest a new Texas law that bans local governments from requiring water breaks and other safety measures for outdoor workers. Casar called the law insane and accused Republican Gov. Greg Abbott of being on the wrong side of history." Republican lawmakers and other supporters of the law say it eliminates a patchwork of local regulations that are burdensome to businesses, and they say it wont stop workers from taking breaks.

At least 42 workers died in Texas between 2011 and 2021 from environmental heat exposure, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Ladd Keith, an assistant professor at the University of Arizona who studies heat policy and governance, said the record-breaking heat much of the nation is experiencing is very much in line with climate change projections.

Despite the recent headlines, rising temperatures have typically not received the same level of attention as other climate risks, such as flooding and wildfires, Keith said.

Heat has just not been a topic at the national level or local level that weve even considered addressing until the last couple of years, he said.
Former President Donald Trump was indicted Thursday on three additional charges in a case that accuses him of illegally possessing classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate, allegations that add fresh detail to the criminal case initially issued last month.

There's also a new defendant: Mar-a-Lago property manager Carlos De Oliveira.

Prosecutors accuse the former president of trying to "alter, destroy, mutilate, or conceal evidence" and inducing another person to do so. They say Trump asked De Oliveira to delete camera footage at his Florida estate in an effort to obstruct the federal investigation.

Prosecutors allege De Oliveira schemed with Trump and his valet, Walt Nauta, to conceal the footage from investigators.

A third count also accuses Trump of willfully retaining national defense information related to a presentation about military activity in another country.

Investigators say Trump showed a classified document during July 2021 meeting at his Bedminster, New Jersey, resort to the writer and publisher of the memoir of his former chief of staff Mark Meadows. Details about that document and the meeting were included in the original indictment, but none of the charges related to it until now.

Trump returned that document to the government Jan. 17, 2022  nearly a year after he left office, according to the indictment.

Trump was indicted last month on 37 counts related to the mishandling of classified documents. The charges include counts of retaining classified information, obstructing justice and making false statements, among other crimes.

The top charges carry a penalty of up to 20 years in prison.

Trump is accused of keeping documents related to "nuclear weaponry in the United States" and the "nuclear capabilities of a foreign country," along with documents from White House intelligence briefings, including some that detail the military capabilities of the U.S. and other countries, according to the indictment. Prosecutors allege Trump showed off the documents to people who did not have security clearances to review them and later tried to conceal documents.

A Trump campaign statement dismissed the new charges as "nothing more than a continued desperate and flailing attempt" by the Biden administration "to harass President Trump and those around him" and to influence the 2024 presidential race.

In an interview Thursday night with Breitbart News, Trump called the superseding indictment "harassment," repeating his insistence that his activities were "protected by the Presidential Records Act."

De Oliveira is due in court in Florida on Monday.

Trump and Nauta pleaded not guilty to the original indictment. Their trial is scheduled for May 20, 2024  deep into the presidential nominating calendar  and it was unclear if the addition of the new defendant could result in a postponement.

Prosecutors wrote in a separate court filing Thursday that the new charges "should not disturb" the May trial date, "and the Special Counsel's Office is taking steps related to discovery and security clearances to ensure that it does not do so."

According to the Presidential Records Act, White House documents are considered U.S. government property and must be preserved. National Archives and Records Administration officials contacted Trump representatives in spring 2021 when they realized important material from Trump's time in office was missing.

A Trump representative told the National Archives in December 2021 that presidential records were found at Mar-a-Lago. In January 2022, the National Archives retrieved 15 boxes of documents from the home, later telling Justice Department officials they contained "a lot" of classified material.

That May, the FBI and Justice Department issued a subpoena for remaining classified documents in Trump's possession. Investigators were given roughly three dozen documents and a sworn statement from Trump's lawyers attesting that the requested information was returned.

That assertion turned out to be false.

With a search warrant, federal officials returned to Mar-a-Lago in August 2022 and seized more than 33 boxes and containers totaling 11,000 documents from a storage room and an office, including 100 classified documents.

In all, roughly 300 documents with classification markings  including some at the top secret level  have been recovered from Trump since he left office in January 2021.

Special counsels are appointed in cases in which the Justice Department perceives itself as having a conflict or when it's deemed to be in the public interest.

Last year, U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland picked Jack Smith, a veteran war crimes prosecutor with a background in public corruption probes, to lead investigations into the presence of classified documents at Trump's Florida estate, as well as key aspects of a separate probe involving the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection and efforts to undo the 2020 election.

After classified documents were found at Democratic President Joe Biden's think tank and former Vice President Mike Pence's Indiana home, their lawyers notified authorities and quickly arranged for them to be handed over. They also authorized federal authorities to search for additional documents.

There is no indication either was aware of the existence of the records before they were found, and no evidence has emerged that Biden or Pence sought to conceal the discoveries. That's important because the Justice Department historically looks for willfulness in deciding whether to bring criminal charges.

Neither the indictment itself nor a conviction would prevent Trump from running for or winning the presidency in 2024.

Photos: Trump indictment shows documents stacked in bathroom, bedroom, ballroom
On May 27, 2017, Omaha Westside graduate John Lang led a group of hundreds of volunteers in building a gigantic flag that broke a Guinness Book record.

The 60-foot by 30-foot flag was made from MegaConstrux bricks. At 1,813.52 square feet, it broke the previous record of 1,687.78 by 125.74 square feet.
After centuries of oftentimes bloody fights against deeply engrained white supremacist views, most Americans of goodwill today recognize that racial bias is wrong. In the early 20th century, the mayor of Baltimore could gain popular support by backing local zoning laws that divided neighborhoods by race on the grounds that Black people should be kept apartby government fiatto reduce harm to white people. Today virtually no one would support that type of policy.

But what about class bias? Is it OK to pass exclusionary zoning laws that outlaw multifamily housing and keep poor and working-class people out of towns and local public schools on the basis that they wont pull their weight in contributing to the community or will likely make undesirable neighbors? In a fascinating article in the Atlantic, Reihan Salam, the president of the conservative Manhattan Institute (and a former Slate columnist), essentially defends that position.

It should be noted that Salam cant be written off as an unhinged right-winger. He is often a thoughtful commentator, whose 2008 book with Ross Douthat, Grand New Party, argued that Republicans should do more to serve the interests of working-class people. And he personally opposes exclusionary zoning because it reduces economic productivity and artificially increases housing prices. Among economists and legal scholars who work on local land use, the debate over zoning reform is essentially over, he notes.

Advertisement

But in a deeply troubling turn, Salam argues that discriminatory attitudes toward those of modest means are so engrained that, as a political matter, it would be a huge mistake for yes in my backyard zoning reformers to call out class bias.

Advertisement

Salam defends the right of wealthier families to exclude low-income and working-class families in part because he suggests that hoarding resources is reasonable and maybe even an inevitable feature of human nature. In deciding whether to adopt government lawssuch as minimum lot size requirementsa community is perfectly justified in using that tool to ensure that only wealthy families will be part of the community. While some newcomers will generate more in local revenues than they receive in services, others will not, Salam explains. It is entirely rational that wealthy people would want to avoid fiscal intermingling with lower-income neighbors who have different needs and priorities. Indeed, he writes, given these powerful fiscal incentives, NIMBYism in small suburban jurisdictions is almost inevitable.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Here we have echoes of Mitt Romneys famous worldview that we are not all in the same boat as Americans. The country can be divided into makers and takers. Why allow a child whose parents service your lawns and provide child care to live in your community when the little tykes family wont pull its weight in taxes to cover the costs of education?

Advertisement

Advertisement

Worse, in my view, Salam also thinks it would be a mistake to question stereotyping by affluent residents that poor and working-class people are bad neighbors. He cites polling research from the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, which finds that many Californians worry that loosening exclusionary zoning policies that keep low-wage and working-class people out could result in crime, noise, litter, illegal dumping and a general lack of property upkeep.

Advertisement

Salam offers no actual evidence that low-wage workers are, for example, typically noisier. While it is certainly true that crime is higher in poor neighborhoods than wealthier ones, research suggests that most violent crime is committed by a very small group of individuals. Yet Salam is simply willing to accept sweeping stereotyping and thinks it would be a major miscalculation to question those attitudes in any way because he worries about offending the sensibilities of those living in exclusionary communities.

In an earlier era, the same arguments about crime and litter were made by white people as a justification for keeping Black people out of neighborhoods. Today, however, we recognize that even if someone could cite a study showing that statistically one group engaged in, say, more illegal dumping than other groups, it would be profoundly wrong to paint all members of that group with that broad brush. That robs individuals of their dignity.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Some will respond, correctly, that racial bias is worse than class bias. White supremacy has justified abominable crimes, from slavery to lynching, in a way that class bias has not. There can be no doubt that in the hierarchy of sins, a racist is much worse than a class snob.

Advertisement

But that does not mean class bias is OK, or that it is a victimless crime. Economically discriminatory zoning policies, in particular, have much in common with racially biased policies. The common denominator is a shared belief that some of our fellow Americans are so degraded that it is acceptable to pass laws that keep them and their children separate and apart.

The stereotyping has real victims. Consider KiAra Cornelius, a single mother with a daughter and son. When I interviewed her in 2020 for my new book, Excluded: How Snob Zoning, NIMBYism, and Class Bias Build the Walls We Dont See, Cornelius was working as a claims analyst for United Healthcare. She had been living in a dangerous neighborhood in Columbus, Ohio, and she would drive her kids to her mothers home, a few blocks away, to visit because it was unsafe for her to walk with them. She longed to live in a suburban neighborhood because she wanted her kids to get a good educationparticularly her son, who was a straight-A student. To exclude Cornelius, even if it were true that people in her economic group are more likely to litter or make noise, is deeply troubling.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Treating suburbanites as hateful snobs, Salam says, will not be persuasive in political battles for zoning reform. True enough, but the point of exposing bias is not to broadly label suburban residents as latter-day Bull Connors. They arent. Most are good people who often decided to buy a house where they knew the public schools were strong and dont give much thought to the zoning requirements of the community. Some (though not all) may be more likely to support loosening zoning restrictions to allow more types of housing if they come to realize that exclusionary zoning imposes real harms and indignities on those kept out. Moral appeals have been part of the political playbook that helped bring about change to zoning in recent years in affluent liberal communities that had been NIMBY strongholds, such as Montgomery County, Maryland, Arlington, Virginia, and Berkeley, California.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Salam says reformers should appeal to the self-interest of suburbanites and to business leaders, and I agree, as far as that goes. Business leaders recognize that it is hard to recruit employees when housing prices go through the roof, and they can and should be important allies in reform to reduce zoning restrictions and increase housing supply.

Related From Slate The One Thing Your Airbnb Will Never Have Read More

And efforts should be made to explain to affluent voterswho are generally white votershow increasing the economic and racial diversity of their communities raises the likelihood of meeting people who will enrich their understanding of the world and lead to a more interesting life than one experiences in a homogenous neighborhood. In more ethnically and racially diverse communities, one is also likely to experience a wider variety of food offerings, live music, and artistic experiences. More pupuserias, Ethiopian groceries, and sushi restaurants. Economically mixed communities may offer a greater assortment of businesses: thrift shops and laundromats alongside higher-end restaurants and shops. And mixed-income communities may also offer a greater diversity of young and old people than do wealthy communities, which tend to exclude younger people.

Advertisement

But why forfeit the complementary moral argument that it can be repugnant to use government laws to exclude those less fortunate? Martin Luther King Jr. and others could have limited their appeal to the idea that advancing civil rights would help America win the Cold War and be more economically efficient because racial bias prevents the most productive workers from being hired. Those self-interested arguments were important, but so was the idealistic principle that a decent society does not denigrate some of its citizens by treating them as if they should be quarantined.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Salam sees the issue mostly through the eyes of advantaged suburban homeowners, so his approach of ignoring class bias also misses out on the chance to activate millions of Americansof both political partieswho feel disrespected by affluent communities that actively exclude them. Average Americans resent the idea, says George Packer, that under the current system, the deck is stacked so that doctors and lawyers and journalists and professors go to college with one another, intermarry, gravitate to desirable neighborhoods in large metropolitan areas, and do all they can to pass on their advantages to their children.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Exclusionary zoning is a key part of the self-perpetuating system Packer describes, and working-class communities of all colors understand it. Thats part of the reason that they have been critical parts of the coalition pushing to change land-use regulations in different states. Salams argument assumes that reform cannot occur without the consent of exclusive suburbs, but in places like California and Oregon, populist coalitions prevailed in passing legislation to relax zoning restrictions with the votes of legislators from working-class white rural areas and from working-class urban areas populated by people of color.

Its not just wrong to ignore and excuse class bias; its bad politics too.
This is part of Airplane Mode, a series on the businessand pleasureof travel right now.

Recently, I was finishing up dinner in Cincinnati when a local offered a suggestion: Stop into the lobby of the Hilton downtown. I took her advice, passed through the sliding doors, climbed the stairs, and found myself in one of the most sublime rooms Id ever seen.

Inside the Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza was an Art Deco fever dream of marble, dark wood, and brass. Ornate murals stretched across the double-height ceiling. To my right, a pair of golden lamps, each with five levels of sconces shaped like papyrus capitals, loomed over carved stone horse heads. Between them stood a marble fountain 20 feet high, topped with a sculpted bulls head. Coming from the empty sidewalk, I found all this glitz instantly transporting, as if I had stepped straight into the Fourth of July Ball at the Overlook Hotel.

But the people around me werent figments of my imagination. They were real estate agents wearing conference lanyards and chattering over the music. I was simply enjoying an $11 old-fashioned at the hotel bar, albeit in a lobby so eye-catching Bing Crosby is said to have eschewed a more private exit route to deliberately stroll through it, adding: When they stop recognizing me, Im in trouble.

Advertisement

The hotel lobby is a category of place I had once written off as the epitome of dull corporate life. Splendid decor aside, this one was as inoffensive in atmosphere, menu, and company as you could expect from a giant chain in the downtown of a midsize Midwestern city. That suited me just fine. It was bright enough to read in, quiet enough to talk on the phone, empty enough to find the perfect chairbut lively enough to keep the hotel room blues away.

Advertisement

Advertisement

This is the anodyne essence of the hotel lobby, whatever its architectural flourishes. Its a place required to play so many roles at onceconcierge and reception, conference on-ramp, family playpen, meeting place, cafe-bar, deal zonethat it can never stray too far in any one direction. Most public life is commercialized, and most commercial spaces are circumscribed by waitlists, high prices, esoteric specialization, and behavioral codes. But the hotel lobby is free ground. Have a seat, why dont you?

The Netherland Plaza, when it was completed in 1931, was supposed to be a city within a city in the style of the old grand hotels. (There was even an ice-skating rink, in what is now a ballroom put to work for weddings and keynotes.) This aim of self-containment, back turned to the street outside, has long put big hotel lobbies out of favor with urbanists. The architect John Portmans soaring atrium hotels, Karrie Jacobs wrote, were antithetical to the idea of genuine urban vitality. At a 1988 talk, the journalist Paul Goldberger asked Portman about the standoffish design of his Times Square Marriott Marquis. Paul, there was nothing to relate to, Portman retorted. What am I going to relate to, Howard Johnsons across the street?

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

It is true that most hotels do not exactly invite you inside. But nor, in my experience, do they refuse youeven if you havent come to buy anything at all. I just slip right through the churn of suitcases and lanyards and hurried staff until I find my armchair. A smile and a nod at the concierge usually puts me at ease, or in a pinch, I use the three magic words: Im meeting someone. These lobbies fill two big gaps in city life. First, they provide a comfy place to kill time on a cold, rainy day. Second, they form an archipelago of porcelain across some of our most toilet-challenged neighborhoods.

Advertisement

To be sure, this is no substitute for true public bathrooms. Hotel managers dont need to keep the bathroom under lock and key, like Starbucks recently decided to do, because they wont hesitate to block access for those who need a clean bathroom most. Like any corporate environment supervised by the snap judgments of staff, free access to the hotel lobby is a privilege of race and dress and subject to petty prejudice.

Advertisement

Yet a big hotel lobby is often a more diverse place than neighboring establishments that target a more refined clientele. Since Portmans heyday, the rise of boutique hotels and Airbnbs has given these mega-lobbies a comparatively populist appeal. Theres a parallel here to malls, which were once critically shunned for offering a tightly controlled, consumerist facsimile of the civic sphere. Now, seen through the glare of the online shopping boom, their food courts and fountains look wonderfully social. Some of the contrast with public space has also diminished, since many urban parks and plazas are now managed by coalitions of local property owners, complete with concessionaires and private security forces. The boundaries of private and public have never been murkier.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Theres nothing novel about getting a drink in the hotel lobby. But the space has been invigorated since remote work launched thousands of laptop workers out of their desk chairs three years ago. Some hotels have explicitly embraced the change, offering remote workers low-cost passes that provide access to exotic amenities like a pool or a printer.

Searching for informal gathering places between home and work, the sociologist Ray Oldenburg coined the term third placea now-popular concept that has been applied to everything from the public library to McDonalds. That diversity was possible because Oldenburgs vision was about results, not innate characteristics. A third place was, at its core, not about whether you had to pay for coffee or not. It was about communityfostering connections, bringing together the old and the young, uniting neighbors around common interests.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Superficially, the hotel lobby contains the ingredients of a third placeits free, its temperate, you can stay as long as you want. But its true nature is the polar opposite. The hotel lobby is a transitory place. A useful place. Its a place where youre more likely to meet a stranger than a friend.

Advertisement

Advertisement

This spirit is epitomized by another superlative lobby I camped out in recently: the one in the TWA Hotel at New Yorks John F. Kennedy Airport. Designed by Eero Saarinen in 1962, the concrete bird is far too small for a contemporary airport terminalbut its layered spaces are perfectly suited to a public-facing hotel lobby. You can bask for hours in the intermittent whirring of its decorative Solari board, let your guard down for a moment, and then be gone. Crosby had it backwards: Its when they start recognizing you that youre in trouble. Or at least, you might have to buy a cup of coffee.
Pay Dirt is Slates money advice column. Have a question? Send it to Athena and Elizabeth here. (Its anonymous!)

Dear Pay Dirt,

Everyone in my family is an academic achiever except me. Despite tests showing high intelligence, my grades were terrible. Decades later, I learned I had an undiagnosed, learning disability. I never told my family. When I was 7, I misunderstood a gift and spent $20 on a bunch of candy instead of returning the change. Because of that, my family thinks Im bad with money.

My parents also bailed me out of credit card debt in college, but I havent taken their money since. My family never lets me pick up a check because they believe Im poor. I dont discuss my finances because they dont believe me. My husband and I have a combined income in the mid-six figures with over seven figures in savings. (I outearn one of my siblings!) My family tried to stop us from buying a house and sending our kids to private school.

During estate planning, my parents allocated me more money than my siblings because they think Ill need it. One sibling wants me to get it because they dont want to be financially responsible for me and the other is complaining that my parents are punishing them for being responsible. Its not my fault my family never updated their views, and if they think I need special help, then its ethical to accept it, right? Im not lying to or deceiving anyone.

You Cant Handle the Truth

Dear You Cant Handle the Truth,

You should probably have a conversation with your family members and (once again) outline what your financial situation is. Plenty of people with learning disabilities are successful in life, and they should be aware of that. Tell them its a little insulting that they assume youre irresponsible when youre not, but youre having this conversation again because its the last time youre going to talk about it. This is not something you should have to work so hard to persuade them of, and if they refuse to be persuaded, then all you can do is accept the consequences of their decision-making. That said, I would emphasize that you are also having this conversation one final time because you think the estate allocations should be equal and dont want an extra allocation you dont need. Then your resentful sibling can take it up with your parents if theyre still unhappy.

If your parents still refuse to budge, then accept the money, and more importantly, accept the fact that your familys mistaken beliefs about you are their loss, not yours. You know who you are and what youve accomplished, and you would not be the first person whose family needs to believe that theyre someone theyre not. Thats more about what they need to believe about themselvesthat theyre being generous or that theyre more responsible than younot anything you did wrong.

Elizabeth

More Advice From Slate

My husband and I are expecting our first child. Were both in graduate school and have a pretty tight income right now. We have lots of flexibility with our schedules, but both have a lot of work to accomplish, and that work takes a lot of mental energy and focus. We qualify for a child care subsidy that would put day care within the realm of possibility. My husband is open to this but has offered up an alternative: We each take three days a week on and three off.
Theres a heat health emergency blanketing nearly half the U.S. right now, bringing temperatures at and above 100 degrees to some 114 million people. It has prompted cities to open cooling centers and, in at least one extremely grim case, prompted a medical examiners office in Phoenix to bring in additional refrigerated containers, should heat deaths increase the number of bodies to such an extent that it overwhelms the facilitys capacity. (One hospital in Arizona is also using body bags filled with ice to treat heat stroke victims.)

Advertisement

The extreme heat has also pushed activists in Texas to demand federal heat protections for workers, just as the state experienced 13 heat-related deaths.

There are roughly 32 million Americans whose work requires them to be outsideconstruction workers, airport baggage handlers, letter carriers, etc.but there are currently no federal requirements that mandate breaks for rest, shade, or water. States can establish their own rules, but in Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott recently repealed local ordinances that required water breaks for construction workers. House Bill 2127 wont go into effect until Sept. 1, but it has already been dubbed the Death Star bill.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Texas activists took to D.C. this week to protest Abbotts decision with an all-day vigil and thirst strike, just as the city hit 91 degrees. Over 100 lawmakers also sent a letter to Labor Secretary Julie Su to urge her to do something, like implement a national workplace heat standard. If a strong federal heat standard that includes routine breaks for rest, shade and hydration is enacted this year, it would save lives across the country, while preventing any other statewide attempts to limit local heat protections, the letter read.

Advertisement

Advertisement

In the meantime, the heat wave in the U.S. is expected to continue. Scientists are predicting that 2023 could end up being the hottest year on record.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration released its August predictions and showed virtually no corner of the U.S. would be spared by hot temperatures, while just a few weeks ago the average global temperature was the hottest ever recorded.
On Thursday, the Florida grand jury that indicted Donald Trump and his valet, Walt Nauta, in June for obstructing a grand jury investigation and conspiring to willfully retain classified documents, filed a superseding indictment. That means the grand jury issued a new charging document to replace the old.

Its a bombshell.

The new indictment adds a new defendant, Carlos de Oliveira, Trumps property manager at his Mar-a-Lago property. More importantly, it also adds explosive new charges that include allegations of a conspiracy to corruptly persuade another person to alter, conceal, delete, and mutilate security camera footage at Mar-a-Lago.

Advertisement

That footage presumably documented the unlawful retention of government documents. The new allegation is that Trump sought to have it destroyed after receiving a grand jury subpoena for it.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Of course, an indictment is only an accusation, not proof. And the defendants are innocent until proven guilty.

Without minimizing the importance of those legal facts, one can state the obvious: These allegations are dynamite for a trial jury. Special Counsel Jack Smith would not have allowed the grand jury to include the charges unless he had compelling evidence to prove them. That evidence at the very least appears to include testimony from Yuscil Taveras, a Mar-a-Lago IT employee whom de Oliveira allegedly cornered in an audio closet days after Trump received the subpoena and told the boss wanted the server deleted.

Advertisement

Related From Slate This May Be the Strongest Legal Case Against Trump Read More

As an experienced prosecutor, Smith knows that defense lawyers bottom-line job is complete if they provide a jury with enough reasonable doubt so that a single juror resists voting to convict and hangs the jury. Smith is not blind to the fact that Florida, where the trial will take place, is Trump country, and that jurors who start out leaning strongly his way are likely.

What Smith appears to have done with this superseding indictment, however, is to have assembled the kind of case that that is so strongand alleged misconduct that should be so offensive to any law-abiding citizenthat any majority in the jury room for conviction will be armed with the kind of ammunition that could overpower even the most recalcitrant hold-out.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Here are five reasons why the new charges are packed with punch for jurors.

First, you dont need to be a criminologist, or even to have binged Law and Order episodes to understand that destroying evidence is what mobsters do to cover their tracks and try to stay out of the joint. Prosecutors call it consciousness of guilt, which can be the best available evidence of corrupt intent.

Advertisement

Second, the new indictment makes clear that Jack Smith has an inside witness to the conspiracythe indictments Employee No. 4, whom the New York Times has reported to be Taveras. The indictment details how the new defendant, de Oliveira, attempted to enlist Taveras in the newly charged obstruction by telling him, The Boss wants to delete the server.

Advertisement

Per the indictment, when Employee No. 4 equivocated, Nauta repeated the statement insistently and asked, without apparently subtlety, What are we going to do? Again, this would sound to any juror like mobster talk.

You can be sure of three things. First, theres only one Boss at Mar-a-Lago. Second, Taveras testified to those words to the grand jury, or it wouldnt have included them in the superseding indictment. Last, Jack Smith will not be relying on the word of Taveras at trial without a mountain of corroboration.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Just to take a wild guess about one possibility: It could well be that there is video tape footage in the grand jurys possession that show de Oliveira and Taveras stepping into that audio closet together. Theres also voluminous texts between de Oliveira and Nauta immediately after Trump would have been informed of the subpoena for the server that points to the pair plotting, as well as documentation of respective phone calls between the two men and Trump.

Advertisement

Third, the time sequences detailed in the indictment scream cover up. Smith would not have described them so precisely without proof beyond any doubt of the timeline. It adds a layer of culpability that will be hard for any common-sense juror to resist.

For example: On June 22, a Trump lawyer was informed that the grand jury was going to subpoena the security footage tapes. The next day, Trump talked by phone to de Oliveira for 24 minutes. The day after that the formal subpoena was delivered and Nauta, meanwhile, immediately changed his travel plans, returning to visit Florida instead of travelling with Trump from Bedminster to Illinois. At this point he contacted de Oliveira and Taveras to enlist them to meet at Mar-a-Lago. The conversations between de Oliveira and Taveras about deleting the server occurred first thing that Monday morning, June 27.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Fourth, the grand jury has charged de Oliveira in a separate count of making false statements to the FBI about his role in the conspiracy. Again, the timing is critical. The recounted false statements occur in an interview months after the grand jury subpoena was received and after de Oliveira is on video moving boxes of classified documents, which the FBI had subpoenaed and acquired. In the FBI interview, de Oliveira denied six timescount themthat he had any role in the subterfuge.

That count puts enormous pressure on de Oliveira, just as a parallel count charges Nauta with virtually identical falsehoods. To a prosecutor, and likely a jury, that strongly suggests they got their stories together.

The pressure on these two Trump loyalists, whose lawyers are reportedly being paid by Trumps PAC, does not mean that either will flip. Any one of us can just guess what promises Trump has made to them if he is reelected president and they keep quiet.

Advertisement

But do note this: These separate counts give them a lesser crime to plead guilty to if either decides to protect himself. The maximum penalty for a false statement to the FBI is five years imprisonment. The maximum penalty of concealing or destroying documents from a grand jury is 20 years behind bars.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Fifth, the superseding indictment does something for the nation. Trump himself, and his many defenders, have repeated the argument falsely equating the classified documents found in President Joe Bidens office and those that Trump has claimed he had a right to. Many citizens not paying close attention may have fallen for that talking point.

But even for citizens who have to date failed to see the difference between Bidens immediate cooperation in returning the documents in his home versus Trumps 18 months of stonewalling, here we have something new: There is simply no way to misunderstand the new, even sharper contrast between Biden and Trump: There is no report that Biden sought to conceal anything from a grand jury, much less to have security camera footage obliterated.

Advertisement

Advertisement

And by the way. If, as Trump claims, he had every right to keep the classified documents after his presidency ended, why on earth did he feel a need to destroy tapes or a server?

Just to hammer the point, in this new superseding indictment, Smith added one more charge against Trump under the Espionage Act for a document he allegedly showed a reporter who was working on a book about Trumps Chief of Staff Mark Meadows. As we know from the initial indictment, Trump is on tape discussing the document and saying that he never declassified it, an admission that blows a hole in one of his biggest previous defenses.

Advertisement

He has since claimed that there was never any document and that he was just discussing news clippings. Previously, the document had been missingnot recovered in the search of Mar-a-Lagoand Trumps attorneys had said they couldnt find it. Well, apparently now Jack Smith has found it. This newly discovered documentreportedly a plan of attack against Iranwill be hung on Trump to show how careless he was with the nations top secrets and how he knew that he had no right to show them to anybody.

These charges seem as close to bulletproof as they come.
This is part of Airplane Mode, a series on the businessand pleasureof travel right now.

In June 2023, Hawaiis Kilauea Volcano erupted, with a crowd of tourists standing less than a mile away. They had no idea what they were in for. Its a completely average day and nobody is expecting anything, says Jason Cohn, president of tour company Hawaii Forest and Trail, describing the event.

A tour group had journeyed to the rim of the crater and listened to the guides spiel about the famous eruption of 1969, when Kilauea spewed a fountain of liquid magma taller than the Empire State Building. Some were entranced; others, bored.

Advertisement

Then came a bunch of little earthquakes. Crack! The Earth actually opens up, says Cohn, relating the tale from one of his companys guides. Long fissures spewed steamand then, walls of lava a hundred feet tall. Suddenly, this crater floor fills with bright orange liquid rock.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Volcano eruption might bring to mind Mount St. Helens in 1980, with its mushroom cloud. But Kilauea is a runny volcano, says Zane Smith, who owns Hawaii Geo Tours (and saw his own hometown of Coeur dAlene, Idaho, coated in Mount St. Helens ash when he was 8). Instead of clogging and exploding, Kilauea oozes. We say its Hawaiian-style lava, says Katie Molzer, who has been leading tours for 12 years with Hawaii Outdoor Guides. Its more easygoing.

Advertisement

Kilaueas laid-back lava makes for quite a showand a tourism-friendly one. In most places in the world, when a volcano erupts, you run for your life. But in Hawaii, you pack a lunch and you drive right toward it, says Cohn. And for decades in Hawaii, a volcano was always erupting. Starting in 1983 Kilauea oozed lava for 35 years straight, in what was known as the Puuoo eruption. For most of that time, the lava flow stayed in the same general area, making it easy to plan trips: Tourists could snap photos against the volcanos orange glow at night, take in an aerial view from a helicopter, or even watch lava falling from cliffs into the ocean.

Advertisement

Advertisement

In 2018 Kilaueas lava changed course, decimating a residential neighborhood. Then, the eruption completely stopped.

When it came back, it was in fits and spurtsand it was spurting in different places. Some tourists who come to Kilauea see orange-hot lava; others are left to wander through old lava tubes and imagine what the lava would look like if it were still flowing. The fickleness of the volcano has scrambled the industry that had built up around it. Some outfits shuttered entirely. For the ones that survived, the already-complicated job of working with an active volcano has become even trickier.

Advertisement

When the volcano is erupting, booking requests surge by a factor of three or four, says Cohn, with operators scrambling to catch up. When possible, they add more tours, but, with a limited roster of guides, they also wind up turning people away. And not everyone who books a tour during an eruption will get to see fresh lava. Those weeks after an eruption ends, he says, they get on the van and theyre just really jazzed to see an erupting volcano for the first time. And we have to break the bad news.

Advertisement

Cohn lets people down gently with nuanced intrigue. Anything can happen, he sayssometimes that means an eruption, sometimes a run-in with a nene, Hawaiis endemic goose. Ellen Grace Silvestre, who runs a two-person tour company called Discover Paradise Adventures, takes a blunter approach. The immediate question they ask is Is it erupting?  she says. So, you just tell them right away, No, its not. Yes, it is. 

Advertisement

Advertisement

If guests cant see 100-foot-tall walls of fire, she says, they can still walk around on dried lava lakes, and see beautiful views of landscapes shaped by recent volcanic activity. The trick to this industry, Silvestre says, is you underpromise and overdeliver.

Even when there is an active eruption, it can still register as a letdown. People think volcano erupting, Molzer says, theyre thinking lava adventure. But lava may not always be close enough to see, or it simply may not be what guests are imaginingparticularly if they grew up watching volcano movies. Ive never seen Dantes Peak, but people on my tours talk about Dantes Peak all the time, Molzer says. She has seen lava lakes, lava fountains, and even a lavanadoa spinning pillar of hot air, ash, and lava, technically called a whirlwindbut always at a safe distance. Like most guides, she zooms in with a telescopic lens mounted on her cellphone.

Advertisement

Advertisement

While most tour operators stay within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park rules, some tour operators take a different approach to disappointment, scouting for lava at any cost.

Theres definitely people who do things outside the law, says Molzer. Kilauea may seem friendly, but the volcano is still plenty dangerous. Geologists have stepped in still-molten lava that looked solid. One guide died while leading a tour near an active lava flow after the lava released toxic steam clouds when it rained. And a lava boat on the coastallegedly operating outside its permitted area to get closer to falling lavahad lava fall on it. It hit a woman. Basically hit her in the lap, says Molzer.

Advertisement

When fresh lava has recently ceased, operators have new incentives for risk-taking. As lava cooled a few years ago, we would hike out to get so close to lava you could poke it with a stick, says Molzer. But getting there meant an eight-hour hike. I hear in Iceland they have the same problem, she says. When the lava shifted, it was no longer easily accessible to most visitors.

Advertisement

On the flip side, sometimes the lava gets too close. In the 2018 eruptionthe last burst in 35 years of consistent activityKilauea changed course, destroying more than 700 buildings. The United States Geological Survey ranks Kilauea the highest-threat volcano in the U.S., given the frequency of its eruptions and its proximity to people.

A series of earthquakes related to the 2018 eruptionincluding a 6.9meant that popular tour locations like lava tubes and overlook roads were closed while the park checked for damage. I know multiple companies that went out of business during that time, says Molzer. The 2018 eruption also brought a layer of sulfuric vogvolcanic smogthat changed weather patterns. Molzer says she could barely see her neighbors house because of how voggy it was, and the next summers lychee season came a month late.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Looking for new sources of revenue, Silvestre says, some people started leading tours aroundor taking videos ofthe Kapoho area, where 612 homes were destroyed when the lava flow shifted course. People are mourning, Silvestre says. Id rather surf than make money for the wrong reasons. Helicopter operators also faced temporary air restrictions over the volcano; Silvestre says some began flying over residential areas instead, angering locals. The lull in lava visibility that followed the 2018 eruption continued through the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Then, cruise ship tourism shut down as well. I lost all my jobs, says Silvestre, who also works as a nail technician and a massage therapist.

The volcano didnt start up again until December 2020, when a normal lake in the crater boiled off and was replaced by a lava lake in a major crater. Silvestre started leading tours again in June 2021. By that time, she says, I was so thirsty to work! Tourists were similarly desperate to travelparticularly on small tours with less COVID risk, and particularly to Hawaii, since many international destinations were still closed. Tourism came back with a vengeance, Silvestre says.

Advertisement

One change post-pandemic is the increased availability of flights from across the country. Five years ago, about 80 percent of my guests were West Coast people, says Smith. Now people are coming to Hawaii from around the U.S. That influx of guests has brought the need for more expectation managementalthough, thankfully, Molzer says, people seem to have finally figured out that the volcano is no longer erupting all the time.

Advertisement

It has also brought back all of the more mundane challenges of the volcano tourism industry, which are the same challenges faced in much of the outdoor tourism industry: Guides worry about guests falling off cliffs and stumbling getting into vans. Theres a frustration with tourists among the subset of local Hawaiians who would prefer fewer of them or none at all, fueled in part by the inevitable handful who disrespect Kilauea by pulling stunts like pissing into her craters. And for guidessince the volcano is far from the resortsguests mean lots and lots of driving. For Smith, who was a geologist before becoming a guide, thats the hard part. I worked 25 years by myself, says Smith. Now I drive 12 people around in a Mercedes van every day.

Advertisement

Advertisement

On the upside, says Cohn, this Junes eruption was one of the larger lava lakes in my lifetime, and one of the easiest to see. Anyone, he says, avid hiker or in a wheelchair, could get a view. Since the industry has right-sized a bit since 2018, Molzer says, there is still plenty of demand even when the volcano momentarily stops erupting.

With the return of the tourists, guides also get to do what they love best: showing people Kilauea. This January, Molzer led a tour for a child and his parents through the Make-a-Wish Foundation. It was this childs wish to see a volcano, says Molzer. She told them that the volcano wasnt erupting, and they cheerfully accepted, just happy to be there. Then, as they hiked along the side of the caldera, they felt an earthquake. About an hour later, a lot of lava started to come up out of the mountain, Molzer says.

They watched the eruption that evening, ablaze against the night sky. They were really excited, says Molzer. It was people who deserved a volcano.
As an astute business owner, one of your prime objectives is driving increased traffic towards your digital storefront  your website. One platform that can significantly aid in this goal is TikTok, a platform known for its viral, engaging content.

Setting up a business account on TikTok is just the first step in leveraging this popular platform to increase your websites visibility.

Sell Your Business Drive Traffic to Your Website Small Business Spotlight Advertise Your Business Here

But merely having a TikTok account isnt enough to spur website traffic. What you truly need is to leverage TikToks bio link feature, providing a direct pathway from your TikTok account to your business website, potentially yielding considerable results.

What is a TikTok Bio Link?

Now you might be asking, What is a TikTok bio link?

Much like the bio link feature offered by other social media platforms, TikTok offers a space within user profiles where they can insert a clickable link. This utility proves to be beneficial for content creators as it aids in audience engagement and account management.

Moreover, when you are using TikTok for business, a TikTok bio link serves as a badge of credibility, enhancing your businesss authority and online presence.

Why You Should Add a Link to Your TikTok Bio

Adding a link to your TikTok bio is a simple yet highly effective way to keep your followers hooked to your profile and business account. It is just as important for you to learn how to duet someone on TikTok, find out what the top TikTok hashtags are, as well as other useful functions.

Here are three compelling reasons why integrating a link in your TikTok bio is a smart move:

Boost traffic to your website: One of the most likely reasons youve established a business account on TikTok is to tap into a vast pool of potential customers and enhance your business visibility. In this pursuit, embedding a link to your business website in your bio is pivotal as it lets your followers know where they can find comprehensive information about your products or services.

One of the most likely reasons youve established a business account on TikTok is to tap into a vast pool of potential customers and enhance your business visibility. In this pursuit, embedding a link to your business website in your bio is pivotal as it lets your followers know where they can find comprehensive information about your products or services. Engage your followers: The audience following you on TikTok demonstrates an inherent interest in your brand. By guiding them to your website via a bio link, they can gain a more profound understanding of your business ethos, your products or services, and the unique value you offer.

The audience following you on TikTok demonstrates an inherent interest in your brand. By guiding them to your website via a bio link, they can gain a more profound understanding of your business ethos, your products or services, and the unique value you offer. Increase sales:A vital commercial advantage of incorporating a link into your TikTok bio is the potential for increased conversion rates. By turning your TikTok followers into website visitors, you increase the likelihood of transforming them into purchasing customers, ultimately boosting your sales.

How to Add a Link in a TikTok Bio

Given the growing popularity of TikTok as a social networking site to drive traffic and convert followers into prospects, a number of TikTok profile owners have started adding links.

Luckily, the process to add a link to a TikTok account is rather simple. Lets take a look at all the steps to get started.

1. Open Your TikTok Account

The first thing you need to do is open the TikTok app from your phone.

2. Click on Profile

Next, tap the Edit Profile icon at the bottom right corner of the screen.

3. Tap Manage Account

In the upper right corner, you will see three lines. When you click on this, you will be taken to the Settings and Privacy page. Once there, click on the Manage Account option.

4. Change Your Personal Account to a TikTok Business Account

The next step is to switch to business accounts from personal accounts. You will be asked to select a category that best describes your business. The category account type will not be shown publicly. You need to click Next to continue.

5. Go Back to the Profile Page

You are now ready to edit your profile page.

6. Tap Edit Profile

When you tap Edit Profile, youll be able to create a clickable link.

7. Enter Your Website Link into the TikTok Box

Enter the URL you would like to feature on your profile. Its worth noting that you can add links you feel will be useful for your business here. Here are some website option you may want to consider adding:

Your business or personal website: This is the landing page where you showcase your business and highlight what sets you apart from competition.

This is the landing page where you showcase your business and highlight what sets you apart from competition. Your blog: Your blog is more personal where most users will be able to connect more closely with your brand.

Your blog is more personal where most users will be able to connect more closely with your brand. A product page: Is there a product range you are most interested to highlight to potential customers? Is there a clear link between such a page and the content you share on your business or personal account on TikTok? If yes, your audience will find this page useful.

Is there a product range you are most interested to highlight to potential customers? Is there a clear link between such a page and the content you share on your business or personal account on TikTok? If yes, your audience will find this page useful. Your other social media accounts: A simple way to raise your social media profile is to add a link to your other social media platform accounts.

A simple way to raise your social media profile is to add a link to your other social media platform accounts. Your ecommerce site: A quick tip to send viewers to go shop for your products is to add your ecommerce page link in bio.

8. Click the Submit Button

Once you have added the links, hit the Submit button.

9. Make Sure the Link is a Clickable Link

Its important to add clickable links to help your audience reach the right place. Thats why, you should be on your phone when you try to add a link in bio.

How to Put a Link in Your TikTok Bio Tips

Incorporating a link within your TikTok bio could prove tremendously advantageous for your business, potentially expanding reach and increasing conversions.

However, its crucial to consider several factors when utilizing this feature to ensure maximum effectiveness.

Here are some key strategies and tips to leverage when adding links to your TikTok business account:

Include the most important links: While it may be tempting to include multiple business-related links in your TikTok bio, its vital to remember the adage less is more. Overloading your bio with numerous links could create confusion for your viewers and dilute their focus.

Hence, concentrate on adding links that bear the most relevance and utility for your audience, like your business websites home page, high-performing product pages, or links to your other social media accounts.

Keep the link in bio link short: In the interest of user experience, its recommended to keep your URLs succinct and easy to remember. Using URL shortening tools can be an effective strategy to achieve this.

Use bio link tools to share multiple links: A user-friendly approach to sharing multiple links without overwhelming your audience is utilizing bio link tools.

Platforms such as LinkTree enable you to craft a simplistic landing page housing all the links you wish to highlight, creating a one-stop hub for your followers.

Use emojis: Inject a bit of personality into your bio and draw attention to your link by integrating emojis. Whenever you post a new video or comment, consider adding an emoji when directing your followers to check out the link in your bio section.

Where is the link in a TikTok bio?

The link embedded within a TikTok bio is conveniently located inside the bio section of a creators profile page. It serves as a quick-access portal for followers to delve deeper into your business and offerings.

What can you use your TikTok bio link for?

If executed strategically, your TikTok bio link can act as a powerful promotional tool. It can draw attention to special offers, boost awareness about your products or services, or promote your business more broadly.

Make to also look into how to get verified on TikTok to make your account official. This adds an additional layer of trust and legitimacy to your business account, reinforcing the power of your bio link.

Category Without Link in TikTok Bio With Link in TikTok Bio Website Traffic Limited traffic from TikTok due to no direct redirection. Increased traffic due to direct access to your website via bio link. Audience Engagement Engagement confined within the TikTok platform. Enhanced engagement as audience can easily visit your website for more content or products. Business Promotion Promotion mainly through TikTok content. Additional promotional channel through the website link in bio. Sales Sales primarily influenced by content and promotions within TikTok. Additional sales opportunities as users can directly access your product/service pages from TikTok. Brand Credibility Based solely on TikTok content and follower interaction. Enhanced credibility due to website access, providing more information about your business.

Image: Depositphotos
The availability of pandemic-related grants is still varying, but there are still a number of programs available. As a small business owner, you should check with your local government, chamber of commerce, or other organizations to see what grants are available in your area.

Pandemic-related grants are still helping small businesses in a number of ways. Here are a few examples:

Covering operating costs. Grants can help small businesses cover their operating costs, such as rent, utilities, and payroll. This can help businesses stay afloat during difficult times and avoid layoffs.

Grants can help small businesses cover their operating costs, such as rent, utilities, and payroll. This can help businesses stay afloat during difficult times and avoid layoffs. Investing in growth. Grants can also be used to invest in growth, such as by expanding into new markets or launching new products or services. This can help businesses emerge from the pandemic stronger than ever before.

Grants can also be used to invest in growth, such as by expanding into new markets or launching new products or services. This can help businesses emerge from the pandemic stronger than ever before. Reducing debt. Grants can be used to reduce debt, such as by paying off loans or lines of credit. This can free up cash flow and help businesses invest in their future.

Grants can be used to reduce debt, such as by paying off loans or lines of credit. This can free up cash flow and help businesses invest in their future. Providing technical assistance. Some grants also provide technical assistance to small businesses, such as help with marketing, business planning, or financial management. This can help businesses improve their operations and become more successful.

When you are applying for these pandemic-related grants, be sure to read the eligibility requirements carefully before applying. Grants are typically awarded to businesses that have been adversely affected by the pandemic and that meet other criteria. Going through the criteria and making sure you qualify before you apply will save you time. And as always, turn your application as soon as possible and before the deadline.

Power Up Your Event's Success Sell Your Business Conduct Market Research Advertise Your Business Here

Small Business News July 28, 2023

The week Elon Musk changed the name of Twitter to X, find out how it can impact your small business marketing. In other news, UPS and the Teamsters resumed their negotiations, and SBA reported small businesses received $162.9 billion in federal contracts in 2022. For that and more, look at the rest of the news roundup.

Freelancer.com has released figures revealing a notable uptick in demand for human creative skills amid ongoing debates about the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on job prospects. According to the Fast 50 Q2 2023 report, an analysis of over 280,000 jobs posted on Freelancer.com between April and June 2023, creative writing emerged as the fastest-growing skill.

Intuit Inc. has launched its new QuickBooks Workforce mobile app to streamline work and payroll management for small and larger businesses. The announcement came on July 17, 2023, from the companys headquarters in Mountain View, California.

On July 23, 2023, Elon Musk announced that he was rebranding Twitter to X. This move has been met with mixed reactions, with some people praising Musk for his vision and others criticizing him for his lack of understanding of the platform. As a small business owner, you may be wondering what the rebranding of Twitter to X means for you.

In a surprise announcement, Elon Musk rebranded Twitter as X. The name change comes just over a year after Musk acquired the social media platform for $44 billion. Musk said the name change was necessary to reflect Twitters new direction under his ownership. Twitter is no longer just a social media platform, he said in a tweet. It is the future of communication and engagement.

Next week marks a key point for UPS and the Teamsters, a labor union representing a significant portion of UPSs workforce. After a hiatus, the two entities will be back at the negotiating table, attempting to resolve lingering issues and solidify terms that could set the trajectory for package delivery businesses for years to come.

The first day of Prime Day event this year, on July 11, was the biggest sales day in Amazons history, setting a new milestone for the e-commerce giant and significantly benefiting small and medium-sized businesses. Over the two-day shopping extravaganza, Prime members worldwide purchased more than 375 million items, saving over $2.

The HP SitePrint is now available in the US, Canada, UK, and Ireland for the construction industry. The robotic solution, designed to print complex construction site layouts with impeccable precision, is said to boost productivity up to tenfold compared to manual methods.

TikTok has introduced passkeys for iOS devices, providing a more secure login alternative to traditional passwords. This announcement comes with the news of TikToks membership in the FIDO Alliance, an industry organization dedicated to promoting secure authentication standards.

The Biden-Harris administration awarded small businesses 26.5% of federal contract dollars, exceeding their initial 23% goal. This equates to a $162.9 billion investment, an $8.7 billion increase from the previous fiscal year, significantly boosting the small business economy.

Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) recently announced a finalized rule to modernize the Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) Program. The SBIC Investment Diversification and Growth Rule, part of President Bidens Investing in America Agenda, will come into effect on August 17, 2023.

Over 15 years, I have interviewed thousands of famous and not so famous people.

In a move that could potentially transform the landscape of small business ownership, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has launched a fresh business training initiative, The Military Spouse Pathway to Business Program.

Gabriel Ferrari, a New Jersey man who owns and operates Buses and Trucks, Inc., an automotive repair business, was sentenced today to one year and one day in prison for filing a false corporate income tax return with the IRS. According to court documents and statements made in court, Ferrari had used business funds to pay for personal expenses, including gambling on horse races, in 2011.

Wix.com Ltd. announced plans to launch an AI Site Generator and a suite of AI-powered capabilities to streamline the entire website-building process. These new features will enhance businesses operational efficiency and growth like never before. The AI Site Generator, a groundbreaking tool soon to be unveiled by Wix, promises a radical change in website creation.

For the latest, follow us on Google News.
Most castles on the territory of todays Slovakia were built in the 12th and 13th centuries.

Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Share Share Twitter Facebook Whatsapp E-mail Link to the page

Slovakia has learned which of its many castles are the most complex and most complicated constructions built in the Middle Ages.

Deserted Castle (Pusty Hrad) in Zvolen, central Slovakia, came first, followed by Nitra Castle and Spis Castle.

The era of the largest construction of castles on the territory of todays Slovakia took place in the 12th and 13th centuries, which is why only constructions from this period are featured on a list of six mediaeval castles in Slovakia that were the hardest to build.

The mountainous terrain of Slovakia provided many locations with difficult accessibility, where it was possible to place castles in advantageous defensive positions, explains Michal Simkovic, an expert in architectural-historical research of monuments.

Zniev Castle saved the king

For instance, Zniev Castle survived the Tatar-Mongol invasion in the early 1240s.

The legend has it that the Hungarian king Bela IV took refuge in the castle at that time. It is said that not only the massive building but also a basket of roasted crayfish and two roasted pigs helped the king and the castle. After a few days, the Tatars eventually retreated from the castle. They thought that the defenders of the castle really lacked nothing and would not surrender any time soon.

Today, just like Deserted Castle on a hill above the town of Zvolen, Zniev Castle is a ruin.

Demanding maintenance

Quarry stone dominated among the building materials of mediaeval castles.

But the maintenance of the extensive castle grounds after their completion was also a physically demanding job. As a result, some castles were not completed, others were significantly reduced to a smaller area during the Middle Ages, or were abandoned soon after.

The ranking of mediaeval megaprojects was prepared by Simkovic in cooperation with Klastorna, a mineral water brand. The volume of masonry, area, elevation and the length of walls were taken into account when putting the list together.
Malaysian PM meets HKSAR chief executive on ties, cooperation

Xinhua) 13:28, July 28, 2023

KUALA LUMPUR, July 28 (Xinhua) -- Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim met with John Lee, chief executive of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), here on Thursday to enhance ties and cooperation.

Anwar said he discussed issues of interest including trade, investment, finance, transit rail system, education and tourism cooperation with Lee.

Noting that Malaysia is Hong Kong's ninth-largest trading partner and the third-largest among member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Lee said that the bilateral trade in goods between the two sides last year recorded a year-on-year increase of 7 percent, reaching 28.1 billion U.S. dollars.

He added that the HKSAR government will further strengthen cooperation and exchanges with Malaysia in such areas as commerce and trade, investment, innovation and technology, as well as culture and tourism.

Lee, who will continue his visit in Kuala Lumpur on Friday, will visit local enterprises and attend a business luncheon jointly organized by the HKSAR government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council to exchange views with local business leaders.

Lee is leading a delegation to Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia to further strengthen the cooperation between Hong Kong and ASEAN member states.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Wu Chaolan)
The Defence Ministry has called the claim one-sided.

Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Share Share Twitter Facebook Whatsapp E-mail Link to the page

Sliac, a spa town in the heart of Slovakia that became notorious last year after it held a local referendum on a US base, has been dealing with an unusual problem for more than a year, and some fear that it might not be over.

Somebody is stealing welcome road signs and coats of arms at night, the Pravda daily writes. Nobody knows who runs off with them, but mayor Lubica Balgova suspects soldiers from the local military air base.

This happens on a regular basis so I think it has to do with the departure of military missions, the mayor opines. It always happens during the rotation of individual groups.

Maybe they take them as a souvenir, Balgova uttered.

Six road signs and coats of arms have been stolen. The last one was carried off in early July.

Mayor demands decent approach

The mayor backs her version with the fact that similar road signs have never been stolen from the area near the military base, which is watched by the CCTV system. As she told the daily, she spoke with an employee from the base, passing on information to his colleagues that if they want a road sign souvenir, they should come to Sliac Town Hall.

In case of interest, we will certainly accommodate them, she said. After all, our emblem would present us this way even abroad.

A few weeks ago, a group of German soldiers showed up at the town hall to request a bigger Sliac magnet. I appreciate the fact that they came and asked, the mayor continued, adding that this is a decent approach.

One-sided claim

However, the Slovak Defence Ministry and the command of the NATO Multinational Battle Group called this a one-sided claim.

Regardless, Balgova is hoping that nobody will be tempted to wander off with the newly installed signs in Sliac.

Well see how it goes, she smiled.
Bookies back Smer, a Nitra native plans to return from the USA, and a royal coronation is re-enacted. Learn more in today's digest.

Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Share Share Twitter Facebook Whatsapp E-mail Link to the page

Good afternoon. Here is the Friday, July 28 edition of Today in Slovakia - the main news of the day in less than five minutes.

Meteorite impact startles southern Slovakia and Hungary. Experts hunt for fragments

A meteorite falling. (Source: Pexels)

On July 24, a small meteorite fell to earth in Slovakia. It is believed to have landed somewhere north of Rimavska Sobota in southern Slovakia, but no damage has been reported. The celestial object's entry into the atmosphere and daytime transit across the sky caused an audible rumble and a bright flash that was visible even in Budapest, 120 kilometres away.

Determining the exact location of any fragments will be challenging due to the limited data available, but they should have fallen to earth somewhere in the south of Slovakia. Hungarian scientist Gucsik Bence reported that the meteorite appeared as a fiery ball, which illuminated the daytime sky at about 15:18 on Monday. The object had an estimated velocity of 13.75 km/s  around 50,000 km/h  when it entered the upper atmosphere.

More stories from The Slovak Spectator website

Business: Bookmakers in Slovakia are offering odds for the upcoming parliamentary elections, with Smer leader Robert Fico, Hlas leader Peter Pellegrini, and Progresivne Slovensko leader Michal Simecka ranked as early favorites to become the next prime minister.

Bookmakers in Slovakia are offering odds for the upcoming parliamentary elections, with Smer leader Robert Fico, Hlas leader Peter Pellegrini, and Progresivne Slovensko leader Michal Simecka ranked as early favorites to become the next prime minister. Weekend: An American YouTube channel is offering aerial views of Slovakia's scenic towns and attractions, including Banska Stiavnica's exhibitions, mining experiences, and natural beauty.

An American YouTube channel is offering aerial views of Slovakia's scenic towns and attractions, including Banska Stiavnica's exhibitions, mining experiences, and natural beauty. If you like what we are doing and want to support good journalism, buy our online subscription with no ads and a print copy of The Slovak Spectator sent to your home in Slovakia. Thank you.

FEATURE STORY FOR THE WEEKEND

Slovak entrepreneur mulls returning from US to help the country of his birth

Vlado Lackovic studies international affairs in Boston. (Source: Courtesy of V. L.)

Vlado Lackovic, a successful entrepreneur who has been living in the USA for nearly 19 years, is contemplating coming back to Slovakia to contribute to its progress and success. He is also involved in the Srdcom Doma campaign, which encourages Slovak expats to vote in the upcoming parliamentary elections.

Lackovic aims to make a positive impact on his homeland and connect talented Slovaks worldwide with their roots.

EVENT FOR THE WEEKEND

Relive the spectacular celebrations of Leopold I's reign

The Bratislava Coronation Days event. (Source: Bratislava.sk)

Bratislava's Coronation Days 2023 will bring to life the grandeur of Leopold I's reign with historical processions, theatre performances and fencing re-enactments, celebrating the coronation of this 17th-century Hungarian king and Holy Roman emperor in Bratislava (then known as Pressburg/Pozsony).

In other news

The trial of former special prosecutor Dusan Kovacik continues, with key witnesses due to testify. The ongoing trial involves former NAKA chief Branislav Zurian, his deputy Jan Hazucha, and former police officer Tomas Emmel testifying as witnesses in the corruption case against convicted Kovacik.

The ongoing trial involves former NAKA chief Branislav Zurian, his deputy Jan Hazucha, and former police officer Tomas Emmel testifying as witnesses in the corruption case against convicted Kovacik. The ongoing restoration of Namestie SNP in Trnava has been influenced by significant archaeological findings , including the uncovering of a Renaissance barbican and the remains of an old bridge, leading to additional work and adjustments to the project.

, including the uncovering of a Renaissance barbican and the remains of an old bridge, leading to additional work and adjustments to the project. A petition initiated by human rights organisations in Slovakia calling for the removal of billboards by the neo-fascist Kotlebovci-LSNS party, which feature the party leader's image and a discriminatory message against the LGBT+ community, has garnered over 10,000 signatures. The party may face legal action based on an investigation into the alleged incitement of hatred.

The party may face legal action based on an investigation into the alleged incitement of hatred. Economic sentiment in Slovakia deteriorated slightly in July, with the services sector showing increased pessimism, while confidence among industry, trade and consumers rose slightly. Meanwhile, the sentiment in the construction sector declined due to less favorable evaluations of overall orders and expected employment.

On Thursday, Prime Minister Ludovit Odor saluted 14 Slovak firefighters who will assist in tackling wildfires on the Greek island of Rhodes. The firefighters were pictured at Bratislava Airport before their flight to Greece. (Source: Diana Cernak)

WEATHER FOR SATURDAY: Partly cloudy with isolated showers and occasional thunderstorms during the day; night-time temperatures will fall to between 10C and 17C, and daytime temperatures will range from 21C to 31C, with a light southwest to west wind of up to 25 km/h. (SHMU)

Thank you for subscribing and reading. It means a lot to us.

P.S. If you have suggestions on how our news overview can be improved, you can reach us at editorial@spectator.sk.

Follow The Slovak Spectator on Facebook, Instagram (@slovakspectator) and Twitter (@slovakspectator).
20 years is a mile marker, an accomplishment, a tremendous passing of time, and a cause for celebration. Such has been the scene this summer in New York City, where Joe Coffeethe iconic NY coffee brand founded in 2003 by Jonathan and Gabrielle Rubinsteinhas celebrated two decades of daily coffee service at their original location, at the corner of Waverly Place and Gay Street in the heart of the historic West Village.

Now with 24 locations across New York in partnership with Enlightened Hospitality Investments, the heart and soul of Joe remains there in the West Village. To celebrate, Joe rang in the occasion with an event called Waverly Fest, a gathering of friends old and new featuring food and drink specials, cupcakes by the author and actress Amy Sedaris, music, and the placement of a ceremonial plaque on the locations exterior. The celebration continued into July, when on July 17th the Waverly Joe marked its official 20th year open for business by serving drip or iced coffee for $1.75, the original price when Joe opened in 2003.

This is a special time for the company, but also for the very real humans behind the brand. Its been like an episode of This Is Your Life,' laughs Jonathan Rubinstein. I spoke with him in a reflective mood to learn more about 20 years of Joe, the celebration and the nostalgia, and what it all means.

Hi Jonathan, thanks for taking the time to talk to me. I want to just lay it all out theretell me more about Waverly Fest.

Weve become such a part of the community there in the West Village over the last 20 years, and Waverly Fest was a way for us to celebrate the customers and staff at our original shop. But it was also something we wanted to do that felt like not too commercialized, or without making much money on it. We wanted to do something that felt homey and a little rough around the edges, and really like a throwback to what coffee was like in New York 20 years ago. So we planned out three days of events. We have always had regulars and customers who are talented musicians, including some Grammy winners, and so we had our friends play music. We also sold tastes of things wed offered previously over the years, and made it kind of a meet and greet with the founders.

I was there all weekend with my sister and my parents, and so many regulars came, including some I hadnt personally seen in like 10 years or more. People made an effort to come downsome from upstate, some from uptown, some still living right there in the neighborhood. And we used the weekend to launch our Coldstretto program as well, which felt like going back to our roots in a way, because its cutting edge and in 2003 Joe was very cutting edge. There were raffles and fundraisers going on as well, and of course the Amy Sedaris cupcakes, which have gotten a lot of attentionI know you know that story.

I *do* know that story, but can you please tell it for our readers who might not be familiar?

Oh sure, its a funny story. So, we opened Joe on July 17th 2003 we *think*I always have to put an asterisk there because back then we had a cash register that only took cash, and there was no iPhone, and we didnt even have a business computer yet, and so theres no official record of the day we opened. We *think* it was July 17th. What I do know is that on the third day we were in business, Sarah Jessica Parker came into the shopshe lives nearbyand asked for the owner, which was me. She sat me down she said, basically, My friend Amy Sedaris from Strangers With Candy has this side business for fun where she bakes cupcakes. She was selling them at this coffee bar on Christopher Street that just went out of business, and so, would you guys be interested in selling her cupcakes?

I said of course! And so SJP told me to give her a call, gave me her number, and said, Tell her youre my friend. And I mean, this was in 2003, the very height of the original run of Sex And The City, and the whole time Im just thinking Sarah Jessica Parker just called me her friend!

Wow.

Yes. And so I called Amy, and we struck a deal: she agreed to make like a dozen cupcakes or so in a batch, and wed give her a dollar for each one and sell them for two as Amy Sedaris Cupcakes. It wound up being the very first bit of publicity we ever got as a shop, our very first press, which we also dont have copies of because these clips were all in paper and not online. But word spread, and it got to the point where people would call from like, Alabama and other places far outside the city, and try to order five dozen cupcakes from us for their wedding, which was not something that was going to happen but it was still just amazing to us. Amy was so nice about it allshe would just walk in with the cupcakes and sell them to us by hand, and use the money to help fund her rabbit rescuebut all her friends, the cool downtown actors of that era who were kinda famous but also very much real artists, like Daniel Day Lewis, Phillip Seymour Hoffmann, Mary Louise Parker (they all had three names), they would start hanging out at the cafe, coming in with Amy, and buying the cupcakes. It became a sort of *thing*, like what used to happen before social media. And it was really important to the early days of Joe.

Again, wow.

Yeah. It was a really special time. So for Waverly Fest, we asked Amy this special favor. We asked her to choose a charity and bring her cupcakes back to the shop again for the first time in 20 years, like she used to do in 2003. And she did it! She walked in with 75 cupcakes personally, and we sold them for charity as a pay-what-you-want sort of thing, with donations up to $10. And this to me felt like a perfect sort of moment for Waverly Fest, likethat was Waverly Fest, a lot of these kinds of things that made us kind of feel like what we used to feel like 20 years ago, with old customers and old staff and friends.

Jonathan, describe to me what this all felt like, and what youll remember from the celebration.

To be honest, the whole thing felt like an episode of This Is Your Life in a way!

There were people who came to Waverly Fest and had to plan a special trip for it, people who me, my sister, and my parents hadnt seen in a decade or more, but there were also people who have literally come into the shop every day for 20 years, who I still see all the time around the neighborhood. It is very thrilling, and very surreal, to see someone who is now 20 years into their life who you used to know as a college student, or as a child, only now they are middle aged, or now they have a walker because they used to be middle aged when you first met them. There were dozens and dozens of moments like this throughout the weekend, and it was all very emotional, actually, feeling these strong connections. For a time all those years ago, I was the one standing behind that counter, behind that cash register, and the relationships we forged then were very important for me and my sister.

It was especially moving to see people come in now who are married, or in domestic partnerships, and maybe they even have kids. I can say, Hey kid, if Joe didnt open you might not exist! Because their parents had their first date here, or they met across the counterthat kid is half-customer half-barista! It was so touching, all of it.

Tell me a little bit about the commemorative plaquedid you need to jump through hoops with the city? What inspired this?

Well, I live out in Brooklyn near the location of the original Haagen-Dazs, which opened in 1976, and it has a plaque, which I always thought was so cool. And so we felt like doing that for Joe Waverly felt kind of right, and like we had maybe earned it after 20 years. At one point we had looked into turning Waverly Fest into a sort of official block party, and *that* would have required us to jump through all sorts of hoops with the city, and also quite a lot of money. But a plaque is comparatively easy, and didnt require a city permit.

How has the West Village changed over the last 20 years? How is it the same?

I think the neighborhood has changed very little with the asterisk of COVID. New York City has always kind of gone in waves, especially the area around Washington Square Park, and that area has had some problems over the last few years. But somehow the little gem of 6th Avenue to Christopher Street doesnt feel it in the same ways. There are definitely more banks and Duane Reades now, but the heart of what the Village means to people as this historic destination, a counter culture hub, an artistic epicenter, and the historic home of the gay rights movement, that is all still here. That all still feels like it feels, which is a little rough around the edges, a little different and proud of it. I still get my hair cut at the place across the street from Joe that Ive been going to for 20 years. For the people who live here and for the people who visit, the West Village is this little gem, and we want our store to reflect that. Even the inside of our store is almost untouched, with the same floors, the same walls, the same ceiling. Theres real history here.

Thank you.

Learn more about 20 years of Joe on Instagram.

Jordan Michelman (@suitcasewine) is a co-founder at Sprudge Media Network, and the winner of the James Beard Award for journalism. Read more Jordan Michleman on Sprudge.

Photos courtesy of Joe Coffee. Learn more about 20 years of Joe on Instagram.

Joe Coffee is an advertising partner on Sprudge Media Network.
In December of last year, we reported on the European Union approving a ban on the import of commodities, coffee included, linked to deforestation. The new law would require businesses to prove when and where the products came from along with verifiable information that they were not grown on land that had been deforested any time after 2020. But now, some companies are pushing back against the ban, citing its difficulty to implement.

As reported by Reuters, with the new law expected to be fully enacted by the end of 2024, companies like Lavazza and Mondelezthe makers of Cadburyare raising concerns about the practicalities of the implementation.This comes, Reuters notes, after voluntary, public commitments by the companies themselves.

In particular, Lavazza Chairman Giuseppe Lavazza states that the inherent characteristics of the coffee supply chain at the parcel level a huge challenge for the sector. He states that more guidance from the EU is required due to the large number of intermediaries involved in taking coffee from origin to consumer.

It will be very difficult to implement this law in practical terms, because the coffee supply chain is very complex and traceability is very difficult We are talking to the European authorities through our association to try to find a way.

Meanwhile, chocolate maker Mondelez argues that the focus should be on training farmers to improve crop yields and that there should be more dialogue about how do we practically make something happen on the ground. In response, the EU states that this new deforestation measure was enacted because the voluntary commitments these companies had previously made to clean up their supply chain of environmental issues have largely failed to have an impact on the ground.

Still, others in favor of the law dont see it as insurmountable. Italian chocolate maker Ferrero states that they feel like they are in a good position to comply with the law because they already have some traceability systems in place. And in the coffee industry, traceability isnt exactly a new concept. Transparency reports have been a somewhat common thing for specialty coffee roasters going back a decade or so at this point.

So while I wont sit here and make any conjecture about why these brands are all of a sudden pushing back against a law they voluntarily agreed toto baselessly accuse them of not wanting to uncover just how unethical their buying practices are or just being too lazy to give a damn, these things Id never doI will say that there are a lot of companies out there already doing the very difficult but equally necessary work of making sure their businesses are not contributing to the destruction of the planet. Maybe while these companies are getting it figured out, we could all spend our money on companies making an appreciable effort to be part of the solution, not the problem.

Zac Cadwalader is the managing editor at Sprudge Media Network and a staff writer based in Dallas. Read more Zac Cadwalader on Sprudge.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230728/70-years-of-uncertain-peace-making-of-the-1953-korean-war-ceasefire-1112227639.html

70 Years of 'Uncertain Peace': Making of the 1953 Korean War Ceasefire

70 Years of 'Uncertain Peace': Making of the 1953 Korean War Ceasefire

On July 27, 1953, representatives from the two sides of the Korean War signed an armistice agreement in Panmunjom, a village just north of the line of control, establishing a ceasefire across the Korean Peninsula.

2023-07-28T21:03+0000

2023-07-28T21:03+0000

2023-07-28T21:00+0000

sputnik explains

dprk

chinese people's volunteer army (pva)

korea

south korea

north korea

korean war

armistice

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/103353/56/1033535609_0:191:2048:1343_1920x0_80_0_0_dc0df2938d09adc00a6128c38bbcbc35.jpg

On July 27, 1953, representatives from the two sides of the Korean War signed an armistice agreement in Panmunjom, a village just north of the line of control, establishing a ceasefire across the Korean Peninsula. The agreement was intended to pave the way for a permanent peace treaty that has never materialized, leaving a tense standoff in place for the 70 years since.The day was marked on Thursday with different commemorations in the two Koreas, with the socialist government in Pyongyang remembering the war as a victory against US imperialism and casting its survival as a continued thumb in the face of Washington and the capitalist government in the South. In Seoul, the mood was more somber, but used by conservative President Yoon Suk Yeol to play up the "threat" posed by the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK), the official name for the North.Sputnik takes a look back at the events of 1953 that gave birth to the ceasefire, ending a war that claimed 3 million lives, and the reasons that a permanent peace agreement was never arrived upon.From Dynamic War to StalemateBy December 1950, the United States was already searching for a way to end the conflict after facing a major reversal of fortunes and being forced to evacuate its forces from Pyongyang.Four months earlier, the decisive United Nations amphibious assault on Incheon, a DPRK-controlled city more than 100 miles behind the front lines, had taken pressure off the besieged Republic of Korea (RoK) city of Busan, the last holdout of President Syngman Rhee. The Korean People's Army (KPA) forces had been forced to hastily withdraw northward, and the US-led United Nations forces invaded far into the Norths territory.By October, UN forces had advanced so far that China intervened in the conflict as they approached the China-DPRK border, sending hundreds of thousands of men into the conflict under North Korean command as the Peoples Volunteer Army (PVA). The tidal wave of troops reversed the course of the war, forcing the Americans into retreat. After a series of stunning defeats, the US-led forces evacuated Pyongyang, the largest city in the North, and were forced back to near the 38th Parallel by mid-December, not far from either the pre-war dividing line or the post-armistice Demilitarized Zone.However, the PVA-KPA momentum quickly sputtered out between their troops being exhausted by months of fighting and a host of other logistical problems, and a UN counteroffensive recaptured Seoul in March. By July 1951, the front had stabilized into a bloody stalemate, with little territory being exchanged over the next two years.The Slow March Toward CeasefireUN talk of a ceasefire resurfaced in May and June of 1951, but was strongly opposed by Rhee, who retained a desire to reunify all of Korea under his rule. DPRK leader Kim Il-Sung was no less adamant about reunifying Korea under socialist rule, but unlike Rhee, Kim assented to ceasefire talks when the UN ignored Rhees objections and sent peace envoys to Pyongyang anyway.Talks concerning an armistice began on July 10, 1951, in the city of Kaesong, just inside DPRK-controlled territory, but soon moved to Panmunjom following controversy over what might have been an attack on the site by UN forces. They proceeded on a set of discussion items laid out in the weeks before and which continued to guide the talks until the final agreement was signed in 1953. They included:The biggest sticking point was prisoners-of-war (POWs): while the PVA-KPA forces held some 10,000 POWs, the UN forces had captured more than 150,000 troops. Talks went very slowly, but picked up speed after India took over the repatriation commission.Talks further accelerated following the death of Soviet leader Josef Stalin in March 1953. While the Soviet Union was not party to the talks, the fellow socialist state had given substantial military-technical and intelligence assistance to Chinese and North Korean forces, as well as sent its fighter pilots to patrol the skies over the DPRK. The new Soviet leadership wasted little time voicing its support for a quick peace agreement in Korea.A unique aspect of the agreement reached on July 27, 1953, is that it is a ceasefire between military forces and not between governments. That is how the agreement did not automatically normalize relations between the two sides, or lead to a peace treaty.Geneva Talks FailA key article of the Armistice Agreement, Article IV Paragraph 60, called on all conflict parties to attend a political conference within three months of its signing "to ensure the peaceful settlement of the Korean question." Such a conference was never called, but the topic was taken up at another summit in Geneva, Switzerland, in April 1954, nine months after the armistice was signed, to deal with a very different topic: Vietnam.At the Korean meeting were delegates from the US, USSR, Peoples Republic of China, North Korea, and South Korea. The Americans remained mostly aloof from the talks, however, and backed the South Korean proposals. Officials claimed Moscow wanted to turn Korea into a puppet state, mirroring its position on the reunification of Germany that had led to the creation of separate East and West German republics in 1949. Meanwhile, China and the Soviet Union issued declarations supporting a reunified Korea.The Korean delegations agreed on basically nothing: the Norths delegation wanted all foreign troops to leave Korea, and then to hold Korea-wide elections run by an all-Korean commission made up of equal parts North and South Korean members, and to increase economic and cultural relations between the two territories. However, the Souths delegation only wanted UN-supervised elections in the North and for Chinese forces to withdraw, while the US-led UN forces remained in the country as a police force.The standoff became even more dangerous, however, when the US decided to unilaterally abrogate Paragraph 13d of the armistice, which said neither side would bring new weapons into Korea except when trading out similar equipment. Ignoring the concerns of its allies, the US dispatched nuclear-tipped missiles and atomic artillery cannons in 1958, which soon included nuclear-tipped cruise missiles and even a type of landmine with a nuclear fission explosive. Pyongyang responded by asking Moscow and Beijing to help it develop nuclear weapons, but both powers declined; the DPRK eventually tested its own nuclear device in 2006.The other half of the Geneva conference was more substantive: the UK, US, USSR, China, France, and Viet Minh agreed to separate Vietnam into two territories that would be reunited pending the results of elections scheduled for 1956. North Vietnam, controlled by the communist Viet Minh, had soundly defeated the French in the siege of Dien Bien Phu, with the fort surrendering during the Geneva proceedings. However, the former Nguyen-dynasty emperor Bao Dai was put in power in South Vietnam, where French forces retained control, and the US looked to prevent a total communist takeover. The 1956 elections were canceled after it was realized that a communist victory was all but assured, and the stage was set for what became the Second Indochina War - in America called the Vietnam War, and in Vietnam called the Resistance War Against the United States.The Peoples Volunteer Army stayed in the DPRK until 1958, helping to oversee five years of dramatic postwar reconstruction jointly sponsored by the PRC and USSR before withdrawing. However, the US has retained a 28,500-strong garrison in South Korea ever since, which has been a major sticking point between any separate rapprochement between the two Koreas, such as was attempted in 2018-19.2018 Panmunjom DeclarationFollowing years of tense standoff that included US-South Korean drills rehearsing a decapitation strike against DPRK leader Kim Jong Un and DPRK tests of a thermonuclear device and an intercontinental ballistic missile, the two Koreas suddenly reached toward rapprochement in early 2018 as South Korea prepared to host the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang that February. The two Koreas entered the stadium as a joint delegation under a flag portraying a reunited Korea, although their athletes competed separately afterward.Further talks between Kim and Moon continued through 2018, leading to visits to each others capital cities, an increase in cultural and economic exchanges, and the repatriation of soldiers remains, among other friendly actions.The Panmunjom Declaration helped pave the way for further talks between Kim and then-US President Donald Trump, first in Singapore and later in Hanoi, which ultimately fell apart. The US refused to lower its economic sanctions against the DPRK before seeing proof of irreversible and verifiable denuclearization steps, despite the North dynamiting its primary test site at Punggye-ri and shutting down the nuclear reactor at Yongbyon used to make weapons fuel.Ultimately, the US was unwilling to withdraw from South Korea and Seoul was unwilling to part with its ally, and the resumption of joint military drills after the collapse of the US-DPRK talks significantly cooled inter-Korean relations. The election of Yoon Suk Yeol, a strongly conservative and anti-DPRK politician, in March 2022 essentially spelled the end to the rapprochement.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230728/north-korea-showcases-military-might-during-pyongyang-parade-1112204695.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230628/the-73-year-long-war-how-cold-war-rivalries-set-off-the-korean-conflict-1111503385.html

korea

south korea

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

2023

Fantine Gardinier

Fantine Gardinier

News

en_EN

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

1920 1080 true

1920 1440 true

1920 1920 true

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

Fantine Gardinier

korean war; armistice; ceasefire; dprk; south korea
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230728/americans-move-to-russia-to-preserve-traditional-values-1112214643.html

Americans Move to Russia to Preserve Traditional Values

Americans Move to Russia to Preserve Traditional Values

The aggressive promotion of so-called diversity and inclusivity in the United States nowadays has apparently led some Americans to move to countries such... 28.07.2023, Sputnik International

2023-07-28T14:18+0000

2023-07-28T14:18+0000

2023-07-28T14:18+0000

russia

moscow region

serpukhov

village

americans

immigrants

settlers

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/07/1c/1112221882_0:231:2819:1817_1920x0_80_0_0_ee020d065ed059e1bd382c87aed2e75b.jpg

An unspecified number of Americans, all of them accomplished people of traditional values, have ended up moving from the United States to Russia and settling near the city of Serpukhov in the Moscow Region, said Evgeny Primakov, head of the Russian Federal Agency for the Commonwealth of Independent States Affairs, Compatriots Living Abroad, and International Humanitarian Cooperation.According to Primakov, all of these settlers have or had their own businesses back in the US, which they are willing to sell or which they have already sold in order to relocate to Russia.They are mostly people with traditional values, faithful but not necessarily Orthodox Christian, he said, adding that these Americans also do not necessarily have any Russian ancestry.Most of these Americans have large families and, as Primakov explained, they regard Russia as a place where their children can grow up and become free sensible people with a normal moral gauge, as Primakov said.Last month, Primakov mentioned that construction of a village in the Moscow Region where immigrants from the United States might settle is being negotiated, with some 27 hectares (around 66.7 acres) of land near Serpukhov being allocated for this project.There are foreigners who are already settling near Yaroslavl, he told media in June, noting that these immigrants regard Russia as an ark of adequacy and tranquility.While authorities in the United States seem eager to provide so-called gender affirming care to kids and teenagers who regard themselves as transgender, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a law last week that effectively bans gender reassignment in Russia.Russian legislation also features provisions aimed at protecting the faithful from their beliefs being publicly mocked, and the curricula at Russian educational institutions is devoid of subjects such as critical race theory.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230723/60-percent-of-americans-say-nation-on-wrong-track-economy-weak-biden-mentally-unfit-1112090121.html

moscow region

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

2023

Andrei Dergalin

Andrei Dergalin

News

en_EN

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

1920 1080 true

1920 1440 true

1920 1920 true

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

Andrei Dergalin

americans moving to russia, american village in russia, move to russia, westerners in russia
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230728/aussie-cossack-australian-government-at-war-with-its-own-people-1112223194.html

Aussie Cossack: Australian Government at War With Its Own People

Aussie Cossack: Australian Government at War With Its Own People

Australia has lost its independence and has morphed into a tool of Washington's foreign proxy hybrid wars against Russia and China, Australian political activist Simeon Boikov told Sputnik.

2023-07-28T21:00+0000

2023-07-28T21:00+0000

2023-07-29T13:07+0000

asia-pacific region

world

simeon boikov

australia

russia

nato

ukrainian orthodox church (uoc)

opinion

right sector

organization of ukrainian nationalists (oun)

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/102417/25/1024172540_0:330:5959:3681_1920x0_80_0_0_fb79fe2029e5dc4f30783ac8ed2bdca8.jpg

"The Australian Government is stuck in the colonial mentality," Simeon Boikov, also known as the Aussie ossack, told Sputnik. "Australia was a colony of the British and now Australia remains to be a colony because it doesn't have the capability to defend itself, at all. Now Australia of course has a fear and the justification is, just as in 1942, at the Battle of the Coral Sea, when the Americans saved the Australians from an impending Japanese invasion."Boikov is currently staying at the Russian consulate, because he has been subjected to nothing short of persecution by the Australian government for his stance on the conflict in Ukraine.Do All Australians Support Arming Ukraine?Since the onset of the conflict, the US and its NATO allies have doubled down on sending lethal arms to the Kiev regime in a bid to bleed Russia dry. Canberra quickly jumped on Washington's bandwagon and announced that it would supply modern weapons, including the Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicle, to Ukraine in April 2022, at a time when the US and its NATO allies torpedoed the Russo-Ukrainian preliminary peace agreement struck in Istanbul a month earlier.According to Boikov, millions of Aussies do not support the ongoing militarization of Ukraine, with some having openly taken the pro-Russian side. So does the Aussie ossack, and for good reason: his great grandfathers were born in the Russian Empire in 1915-1916 in Zabaikalsky Kray, and he has always felt his deep connection with Russia's history, culture and the Orthodox faith.Simeon took to heart the slaughter of Russian-speakers in Donbass, which has been transpiring since 2014, as well as the Kiev regime's crackdown against the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.What Drove Boikov to Seek Asylum in the Russian Consulate?Very soon, Boikov found himself in the crosshairs of the Australian authorities. He was smeared in the national mainstream press as a "pro-Putin pest" and "Russian agent"."Every time the police would stop me and pull me over, and they stopped me about 50-60 times altogether, I would just start livestreaming on YouTube. Every single police interaction," Boikov recalled.However, he was arrested and thrown into prison for an offense which a fine is usually stipulated, Boikov said. His legal team managed to appeal the harsh sentence and won the legal battle. Simeon was released after four months serving in jail.At the time, Simeon got sad news that his longtime friend, a Russian priest Father Michael Vasiliev was killed during a Ukrainian missile strike in November 2022. The Aussie Cossack decided to go to Russia, he bought tickets and a visa. However, prior to his departure in December 2022 he was confronted by a group of Ukrainian nationalists who were "holding Right Sector* flags and Ukrainian flags and screaming obscenities against Russia," according to Simeon.So, he decided to seek asylum at the nearest Russian consulate."I managed to make it into the consulate and the Russian government accepted my application for a diplomatic asylum. And that's now been almost eight months, or more than eight months, since I've been here. Since December 14 I've been inside the consulate," Simeon said. "Here inside the consulate, I'm able to broadcast. I work for a radio. () By living in the Russian consulate, I have full freedom."How US is Pushing Australia Into Proxy War Against Russia, ChinaCanberra's support of the Kiev regime is done according to the same playbook which it previously used to participate in the US invasions of Afghanistan, Iraq, Korea and Vietnam, Boikov pointed out. However, Australia's military donations to Ukraine cannot change the course of NATO's proxy war in Ukraine, he said. According to him, the Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles is delusional when he declares that Australian Bushmasters are changing the situation on the ground.Much in the same vein, the US is trying to push Australia into a confrontation with China in the Asia-Pacific region."So what we say is these are world powers which drag Australia into alliances such as AUKUS, such as the Quad. Now there's talk of Australia being part of NATO," Boikov noted.Canberra's Strategy Runs Opposite Australia's National InterestsThe Aussie Cossack noted the Australian government's kowtowing to the US and NATO clearly contradicts national interests. Boikov insists that Australia should be neutral and maintain friendly and mutually beneficial relations with Russia, which could ensure Canberra's genuine political independence and diplomatic diversity.*The Right Sector is an extremist organization banned in Russia.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230606/australia-plans-to-supply-ukraine-with-hawkei-armored-cars-in-new-support-package---reports-1110947226.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230727/forgotten-angels-how-ukrainian-forces-killed-donbass-children-1112191317.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230727/kiev-pressing-for-elimination-of-ukrainian-orthodox-church-1112184884.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230607/why-aukus-nuclear-sub-deal-will-stir-up-pacific-into-ocean-of-storms-1110982350.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230723/cia-vet-weird-that-nato-failed-to-foresee-botched-ukraine-counteroffensive-1112095494.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230728/ukraine-bombed-residential-area-with-cluster-munitions-killing-one-woman-1112211720.html

australia

russia

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

2023

Ekaterina Blinova

Ekaterina Blinova

News

en_EN

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

Australia has lost its independence and has morphed into a tool of Washington's foreign proxy hybrid wars against Russia and China, Australian political activist Simeon Boikov told Sputnik Australia has lost its independence and has morphed into a tool of Washington's foreign proxy hybrid wars against Russia and China, Australian political activist Simeon Boikov told Sputnik 2023-07-28T21:00+0000 true PT2M21S

1920 1080 true

1920 1440 true

1920 1920 true

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

Ekaterina Blinova

australia, anthony albanese, aussie cossack, russian special operation in ukraine, war in ukraine, who is winning the war in ukraine, will russia attack australia, australia ukraine support, what has australia sent to ukraine, australia ukraine bushmaster, australia ukraine refugees, ukrainian orthodox church, russian-speakers ukraine, ukraine torture chambers, freedom of speech, russian consulate in australia
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230728/first-chinese-cargo-train-arrives-in-russia-via-bridge-over-amur-river-1112222892.html

First Chinese Cargo Train Arrives in Russia Via Bridge Over Amur River

First Chinese Cargo Train Arrives in Russia Via Bridge Over Amur River

The first cargo train from China arrived in Russia via a railway bridge over the Amur River, the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) said on Friday.

2023-07-28T14:41+0000

2023-07-28T14:41+0000

2023-07-28T14:46+0000

economy

russian economy under sanctions

russian direct investment fund (rdif)

russia

china

amur river

people's republic of china

kirill dmitriev

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/07/1c/1112222508_0:188:2971:1859_1920x0_80_0_0_808018164032f9fdd2271e73c5b2b0ee.jpg

"The RDIF announces the arrival of the first cargo train from China to Russia via the railway bridge over the Amur River. The bridge connects a section of the interstate border between the settlements of Nizhneleninskoe in the Jewish Autonomous Region and Tongjiang in the Heilongjiang province of the People's Republic of China," the fund said in a statement. Russia has exported a total of over 1.6 million tonnes of different cargoes to China through the bridge since the beginning of 2022. Checkpoints are now operating 24 hours a day, which allows for a significant increase in the frequency of train movements. The construction of the bridge was a part of an agreement signed by Russia and China in 2008. The RDIF financed over 70% of the construction of the Russian part of the bridge. Russian economic development institution VEB.RF and the Russian Railways state company, along with many Chinese partners, have also invested in the bridge project. The bridge section of the Tongjiang-Nizhneleninskoe railroad is 2.2 kilometers (1.36 miles) long and provides for in-turn passage of both Chinese and Russian standard trains. The maximum carrying capacity of the bridge is 20 million tonnes per year.The opening of the bridge has created a new transport corridor between Russia and China, reducing the distance of cargo transportation to China's northern provinces by 700 kilometers. It will enable an increase in the exchange of goods between the countries and ensure the development of new projects in the Jewish Autonomous Region and Chinese border provinces.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230713/china-russia-trade-up-406-to-11454bln-in-first-half-of-2023-1111846084.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230704/russian-economy-keeps-recovering-despite-sanctions---prime-minister-at-meeting-with-putin-1111666521.html

russia

china

amur river

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

2023

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

News

en_EN

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

1920 1080 true

1920 1440 true

1920 1920 true

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

Sputnik International

russian economy under sanctions, russian economy, russia-china partnership, bridge over amur river, cargo train amur river
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230728/guinea-bissau-president-outlines-priority-areas-of-cooperation-with-russia-1112220395.html

Guinea-Bissau President Outlines Priority Areas of Cooperation With Russia

Guinea-Bissau President Outlines Priority Areas of Cooperation With Russia

Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Sissoco Embalo addressed Russian President Vladimir Putin in Russian on Friday, calling him a friend and outlining Bissau's areas of cooperation with Moscow.

2023-07-28T13:16+0000

2023-07-28T13:16+0000

2023-07-28T15:33+0000

world

russia

vladimir putin

guinea-bissau

russia-africa summit 2023

second russia-africa summit

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/07/1c/1112225157_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_f1a46abcfbcc10fa0a94ca00f2623ee9.jpg

"Thank you, my friend," Embalo told Putin in Russian at a plenary session of the second Russia-Africa Summit. He added that Guinea-Bissau had identified priority areas for cooperation with Russia. "The Guinea-Bissau delegation arrived in St. Petersburg having done its homework at home. We have identified cooperation in three main areas of importance to Guinea-Bissau as our next priorities  education, youth and sports; mining, especially energy resources; infrastructure; and fisheries," Embalo said at the Russia-Africa Summit. St. Petersburg, formerly known as Leningrad, is inextricably linked to history, Embalo added. "This city, during the brutal battles of World War II, inspired people all over the world who later also rose up to fight for the liberation of their nations," Embalo said. The government of Guinea-Bissau will cooperate with the Russian authorities in both bilateral and multilateral formats, Embalo concluded.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230726/what-is-russia-africa-summit-2023-1112132203.html

russia

guinea-bissau

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

2023

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

News

en_EN

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

1920 1080 true

1920 1440 true

1920 1920 true

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

Sputnik International

russia, vladimir putin, guinea-bissau, russia- guinea-bissau, putin embalo
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230728/hunter-biden-plea-deal-falls-russia-provides-africa-free-grain-poland-threatens-western-ukraine-1112201812.html

Hunter Biden Plea Deal Falls; Russia Provides Africa Free Grain; Poland Threatens Western Ukraine

Hunter Biden Plea Deal Falls; Russia Provides Africa Free Grain; Poland Threatens Western Ukraine

Russia is warning Poland and NATO against expeditionary military activities in Western Ukraine.

2023-07-28T04:04+0000

2023-07-28T04:04+0000

2023-07-28T09:39+0000

the critical hour

radio

poland

hunter biden

mali

ukraine

israel

donald trump

russia

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/07/1c/1112201654_0:0:1920:1080_1920x0_80_0_0_cc53947fbaab8734eb5c724e2c0f9d55.png

Hunter Biden Plea Deal Falls; Russia Provides Africa Free Grain; Poland Threatens Western Ukraine Russia is warning Poland and NATO against expeditionary military activities in Western Ukraine.

Dr. Gerald Horne, Professor of History at the University of Houston, TX, author, historian, and researcher, joins us to discuss Ukraine. Russia is entertaining numerous African leaders in a move to broaden economic and cultural activities on the continent. Also, President Putin announced Russia will provide Africa with grain at no charge.Dr. Nicolai Petro, Professor of Political Science at the University of Rhode Island, joins us to discuss Ukraine. Russia is warning Poland and NATO against expeditionary military activities in Western Ukraine.Craig Jardula, co-host of The Convo Couch & AM Wakeup on Rokfin, joins us to discuss the Biden family scandal. An IRS whistleblower claims that the Biden family received 17 million dollars from foreign entities and is asking for the appointment of a special counsel.John Burris, civil rights attorney, joins us to discuss Hunter Biden and Donald Trump's legal issues. Hunter Biden's plea deal has fallen as a clause that provided him with broad immunity and has irked the ruling judge.Laith Marouf, broadcaster and journalist based in Beirut, Lebanon, joins us to discuss the Middle East. Israeli settlers raided the Al Aqsa mosque amid calls for escalation. Also, Yemen wants peace talks but is ready to fight if necessary.Miko Peled, author and activist, joins us to discuss Israel. Israel seems to be disintegrating into chaos as extreme elements battle for political and cultural power.Dan Lazare, investigative journalist and author of "America's Undeclared War, joins us to discuss US constitutional issues. Dan Lazare questions whether the Constitution is useful for modern society's political and legal needs.George Koo, journalist, social activist, and international business consultant, joins us to discuss China. US curbs on chip imports are having a negative effect on the market. Also, the House and Senate are fighting over how much money to provide Taiwan.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.

poland

mali

ukraine

israel

russia

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

2023

Wilmer Leon https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/02/12/1082114047_0:-1:238:238_100x100_80_0_0_4e3adef3e334e381bffe19d388f4b776.jpg

Wilmer Leon https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/02/12/1082114047_0:-1:238:238_100x100_80_0_0_4e3adef3e334e381bffe19d388f4b776.jpg

News

en_EN

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

1920 1080 true

1920 1440 true

1920 1920 true

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

Wilmer Leon https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/02/12/1082114047_0:-1:238:238_100x100_80_0_0_4e3adef3e334e381bffe19d388f4b776.jpg

the critical hour, russia-africa summit 2023, russian-african relations, what is happening in ukraine, who's winning in ukraine, poland's interest in ukraine, hunter biden plea deal, hunter biden crimes
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230728/is-bidens-doj-not-indicting-hunter-to-let-statute-of-limitations-expire-1112230020.html

Is Biden's DoJ Not Indicting Hunter to Let Statute of Limitations Expire?

Is Biden's DoJ Not Indicting Hunter to Let Statute of Limitations Expire?

After Hunter Biden's plea agreement collapsed, some people ask whether the younger Biden will be put on trial soon. Not so fast, say US legal scholars.

2023-07-28T20:02+0000

2023-07-28T20:02+0000

2023-07-28T19:59+0000

us

hunter biden

joe biden

foreign agents registration act (fara)

justice department

internal revenue service (irs)

plea deal

tax

tax evasion

analysis

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/08/1c/1100091060_0:0:3071:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_7c3ed30727949556f21370526cb1d830.jpg

Hunter Biden's plea hearing went off the rails on Wednesday, with the federal judge throwing the "unusual" deal into question and delaying the case.US legal observers have already gone into detail over the much-discussed deal which appeared to be aimed at automatically white-washing the first son's other potential felonies by providing him with a bullet-proof immunity.It seems mind-boggling why the Biden legal team and prosecutors failed to agree on the limits of the immunity clause when it turned out that the Justice Department is in the middle of its probe, US observers say.US District Judge Maryellen Noreika asked: "Could the government bring a charge under the Foreign Agents Registration Act?" Prosecutor Leo Wise responded: "Yes." However, defense lawyer Chris Clark immediately stated he did not agree with that, thus bringing the deal to naught.This weird episode happened because the Hunter Biden case is not a legal case but a "sham," as per Andrew C. McCarthy, a US lawyer and former Assistant United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York.The lawyer suspects the DoJ had earlier endorsed the younger Biden legal team's provisions and voiced its protestations solely for face-saving purposes as both sides seemed to be caught red-handed by Noreika.Per McCarthy, when one asks whether Hunter will be put on trial after his plea deal collapsed, one should take a look at the first son's indictment. One would be surprised to know that the DoJ has never filed an indictment in Hunter's case, noting that none of his alleged crimes have ever been described in detail by US prosecutors. Why? The lawyer believes that it's because it would be "politically devastating for the president, who is implicated in his sons conduct."In addition, if prosecutors fully describe the charges which seem to be supported by a great deal of evidence, it would become politically impossible to settle the case on two trivial tax misdemeanors, per McCarthy.The lawyer assumed the idea behind the plea deal was to "write a set of highly unusual, slippery agreements" that would provide the Hunter with a "blanket" immunity without detailing his alleged crimes; and to allow the DoJ to avoid answering damning questions on the matter under the pretext of "still ongoing investigation." The key to this apparent charade was to make a federal judge rubber-stamp the plea agreement without asking questions, according to the lawyer.However, the sides not only appeared to underestimate Noreika but fell into their own trap: typically, plea agreements are so detailed that they do not require additional questions from the judge to clarify the matter, per the legal scholar. In contrast, the younger Biden's plea deal looked ambiguous and constitutionally objectionable, which eventually prompted the judge to ask questions and subsequently delay the decision. The deal collapsed. "But collapsed into . . . what? Remember, there is no indictment," McCarthy highlighted.Hunter's offenses have a statute of limitations, a length of time a civil or criminal case can be brought to legal proceedings. Essentially, it means the clock is ticking on Biden's case. "An indictment stops the clock," the lawyer explained. If there is no indictment, statute of limitations on Hunter's offenses will lapse. Previously, two Internal Revenue Service whistleblowers explained the DoJ was doing just that: it allowed Hunter's tax cases to expire. And who cares about the younger Biden, given that the DoJ is going to bring Donald Trump, Joe Biden's presidential rival, into focus.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230727/will-collapse-of-hunter-biden-plea-deal-end-up-in-joes-impeachment-1112196578.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230727/hunter-biden-faces-new-charges-after-plea-bargain-collapse-1112189976.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230727/white-house-biden-will-not-pardon-his-son-hunter-over-tax-firearms-charges-1112199081.html

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

2023

Ekaterina Blinova

Ekaterina Blinova

News

en_EN

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

1920 1080 true

1920 1440 true

1920 1920 true

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

Ekaterina Blinova

hunter biden tax evasion, hunter biden tax crimes, hunter biden tax fraud, hunter biden fara violation, hunter biden tax affairs, hunter biden indictment, bidens pay-to-play, bidens influence peddling
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230728/new-nato-facility-in-poland-to-repair-tanks-from-ukraine-1112224228.html

New NATO Facility in Poland to Repair Tanks From Ukraine

New NATO Facility in Poland to Repair Tanks From Ukraine

NATO intends to construct a new facility in the city of Rzeszow in southeastern Poland, a Canadian newspaper reported on Friday, citing Canadian and Polish officials familiar with the matter.

2023-07-28T15:40+0000

2023-07-28T15:40+0000

2023-07-28T17:48+0000

russia's special operation in ukraine

russia

poland

ukraine

nato

us arms for ukraine

ukrainian crisis

nato bases

nato base

nato buildup

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/07/09/1111769945_0:0:1360:765_1920x0_80_0_0_3b1b111f385726f291c6993920bdfecb.jpg

The compound, which will be located off the city and less than 100 kilometers (62 miles) from the Ukrainian border, is expected to serve as a maintenance hub for NATO military equipment rather than a full-scale military base, the sources told the Canadian news outlet. No Canadian military personnel would be stationed in Rzeszow long-term with their families, the source noted. In mid-June, Polish envoy to NATO Tomasz Szatkowski said that Warsaw and Berlin were planning to set up a repair center for German-made Leopard battle tanks in Poland's southern city of Gliwice in the near future. However, in mid-July, media reported that Germany intended to withdraw from the project due to Warsaw's inflated expectations regarding maintenance payments.In early June, Ukraine launched its much-hyped counteroffensive, which has turned out to be an absolute disaster. The Kiev regime have been suffering heavy losses in troops and NATO-supplied weapons. The US-led military bloc has provided Ukraine with armored vehicles and munition for enormous sums of money, while Zelensky's generals have been 'successfully' burying all the funding on the frontline with the help of Russian Defense Ministry.Russia has repeatedly warned the US and other NATO member states that no amount of weapons shipped to the Kiev regime will change the ultimate outcome of the special military operation, while any military equipment transferred to Ukraine is a legitimate target for Russias forces. Thus, billions of dollars of military equipment donated by NATO to Ukraine have gone up in smoke. In response, the Kiev regime has to pull the Western armored vehicles back, as they are top-priority targets for the Russian army.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230710/us-europeans-depleted-their-weapons-stockpiles-fighting-russia-in-ukraine-1111797051.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230716/third-of-us-bradley-vehicles-sent-to-ukraine-likely-destroyed-analysts-say-1111926815.html

russia

poland

ukraine

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

2023

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

News

en_EN

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

1920 1080 true

1920 1440 true

1920 1920 true

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

Sputnik International

nato weapons for ukraine, ukraine's failed counteroffensive, destroyed leopards, destroyed ukrainian armored vehicles, nato base, nato buildup, nato facility, polish base, repair tanks, how many tanks in ukraine, how many tanks sent to ukraine
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230728/new-zealand-not-considering-joining-first-pillar-of-aukus-1112211476.html

New Zealand Not Considering Joining First Pillar of AUKUS

New Zealand Not Considering Joining First Pillar of AUKUS

New Zealand is not considering joining the first pillar of the AUKUS security alliance, which involves the supply of nuclear-powered submarines to Australia, New Zealand Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta said.

2023-07-28T09:52+0000

2023-07-28T09:52+0000

2023-07-28T09:52+0000

military

aukus

new zealand

australia

us

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/102336/89/1023368948_0:687:2667:2187_1920x0_80_0_0_97f42f9427c5d74fd2439f2f0f04f0d7.jpg

Mahuta and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken held a joint press conference in Wellington on Thursday, during which he said that "the door is very much open for New Zealand and other partners to engage [in the AUKUS], as they see appropriate." "And Ive been quite clear in terms of New Zealands position on the AUKUS arrangements right from the beginning is that New Zealand is not prepared to compromise or change our nuclear framework position," Mahuta was quoted as saying by the US Department of State. Wellington remains committed to a nuclear-free Pacific, she added. New Zealand Defense Minister Andrew Little echoed the same sentiment in June, saying that Wellington's position on nuclear weapons was very firm and unlikely to change. In September 2021, Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States announced the new trilateral AUKUS partnership. Australia announced its withdrawal from a $66 billion contract with France for 12 state-of-the-art conventionally powered attack submarines. The United States has vowed to bolster Australia's military capabilities with nuclear-powered submarines.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230628/aukus-seeks-to-expand-despite-violating-nuclear-nonproliferation-treaty-scholar-1111528242.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230528/is-aukus-weaponizing-drone-swarms-against-china-1110752233.html

new zealand

australia

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

2023

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

News

en_EN

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

1920 1080 true

1920 1440 true

1920 1920 true

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

Sputnik International

aukus, australia, new zealand, us, aukus security alliance, submarines
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230728/nigel-farage-exposes-british-banking-and-the-biden-impeachment-inquiry-1112199890.html

Nigel Farage Exposes British Banking and the Biden Impeachment Inquiry

Nigel Farage Exposes British Banking and the Biden Impeachment Inquiry

On todays episode of The Backstory, host Lee Stranahan discussed current events including a Saudi fighter jet crashing near Yemen, and Zelensky orders an extension on the state of emergency.

2023-07-28T04:14+0000

2023-07-28T04:14+0000

2023-07-28T09:42+0000

the backstory

radio

climate change

delaware

natwest

gender

surgery

impeachment

nigel farage

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/07/1b/1112199733_0:0:1920:1080_1920x0_80_0_0_7102663f9f079adc26d4a27bebde9b3b.png

Nigel Farage Exposes British Banking and the Biden Impeachment Inquiry On todays episode of The Backstory, host Lee Stranahan discussed current events including a Saudi fighter jet crashing near Yemen, and Zelensky orders an extension on the state of emergency.

Ian Shilling - Geopolitical Analyst, Researcher, and Blogger | Will Gavin Newsome Replace Joe Biden for 2024? Nigel Farage Exposes the British Banking, and Climate ChangeTed Rall - Political Cartoonist, Syndicated Columnist | The Word "Affirming", and the Size of the Biden Corruption In the first hour, Lee spoke with Ian Shilling about the banking system weaponized against citizens, Alison Rose of NatWest Bank resigned, and Piers Morgan continues to defend Nazis in Ukraine. Ian discussed the details of Nigel Farage and NatWest Bank closing Farage's account for allegedly political reasons. Ian commented on British commentator Piers Morgan and his continuous willful ignorance of Nazis within the Ukrainian government.In the second hour, Lee spoke with Ted Rall about Christian Scientists, the Biden crime family corruption, and Americans being bad at history. Ted talked about the amount of information exposed on the Biden corruption and Republicans beginning impeachment inquiries. Ted spoke on the Hunter Biden case in Delaware and Hunter ordered to stay sober. 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.

delaware

ukraine

united kingdom (uk)

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

2023

Lee Stranahan https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/02/13/1082125222_0:0:293:292_100x100_80_0_0_a8bc846f559660e5bf7574f8a9608a1d.png

Lee Stranahan https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/02/13/1082125222_0:0:293:292_100x100_80_0_0_a8bc846f559660e5bf7574f8a9608a1d.png

News

en_EN

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

1920 1080 true

1920 1440 true

1920 1920 true

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

Lee Stranahan https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/02/13/1082125222_0:0:293:292_100x100_80_0_0_a8bc846f559660e5bf7574f8a9608a1d.png

the backstory, banking system, piers morgan, nazis in ukraine, christian scientists, biden family corruption
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230728/report-us-abrams-tanks-may-arrive-on-ukrainian-battlefield-by-september-1112200395.html

Report: US Abrams Tanks May Arrive on Ukrainian Battlefield by September

Report: US Abrams Tanks May Arrive on Ukrainian Battlefield by September

WASHINGTON, July 28 (Sputnik) - US-made Abrams tanks will reportedly make their way onto the battlefield in Ukraine later this year in September. 28.07.2023, Sputnik International

2023-07-28T02:50+0000

2023-07-28T02:50+0000

2023-07-28T02:47+0000

military

us

abrams tanks

ukraine

us military aid

germany

tanks

arms supplies

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/01/19/1106700896_0:176:2001:1301_1920x0_80_0_0_87bb47876fe594fcbf65d967bc6ab654.jpg

Citing six people familiar with the planning, US media reported a number of Abrams tanks will arrive in Germany in August, with the intention that they will be refurbished prior to delivery in Ukraine the month after. The initial tranche will reportedly include six to eight tanks, with plans to send 31 in total.However, before Ukraine can employ the tanks, individuals are expected to first complete a 10-week training course which is due to wrap up just as the Abrams arrive in Germany. One official reportedly stated training will be widespread and "not only for repairs but spares."Tanks being tapped by officials are not fresh off the manufacture lines; in fact, it's older systems that are being stripped of sensitive technology and only then being included in deliveries.The August-September forecast is the most clear timeline on the deliveries to date as Biden officials have repeatedly shied away from offering a concrete time frame on the deployments. It was previously indicated that tank shipments would take place sometime over the fall.The US first committed to dispatching 31 M1 Abrams tanks over the spring as part of a larger effort to encourage NATO members to ship Leopard tanks to the Kiev regime.Recent estimates suggest that since the start of the special operation, Ukraine has lost upwards of 10,000 tanks and other armored vehicles, including Western arms after Kiev's struggling counteroffensive hit a stalemate.Details surrounding the tank shipment come days after US media reports suggested Western nations were making moves to ship out F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, more specifically that they would be provided for at the end of 2023.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230701/what-types-of-tanks-does-ukraine-have-and-how-many-are-left-1111604127.html

ukraine

germany

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

2023

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

News

en_EN

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

1920 1080 true

1920 1440 true

1920 1920 true

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

Sputnik International

us, abrams tanks, ukraine, us military aid, germany, tanks, arms supplies
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230728/russias-partnership-with-africa-contrasts-with-western-colonialism-1112216285.html

Russia's Partnership With Africa Contrasts With Western Colonialism

Russia's Partnership With Africa Contrasts With Western Colonialism

Dr. Gerald Horne and former Washington Post bureau chief and award-winning foreign correspondent Jon Jeter discussed the significance of the Russia-Africa summit in St Petersburg for decolonisation.

2023-07-28T15:19+0000

2023-07-28T15:19+0000

2023-07-28T19:06+0000

africa

russia

russia-africa summit 2023

second russia-africa summit

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/07/1c/1112220016_0:59:3131:1820_1920x0_80_0_0_06bcc0a6c0ae020c9be2df2208765c56.jpg

Russia's long history of aid and co-operation with Africa is in stark contrast to centuries of Western imperialism, two pundits say.The Russia-Africa summit got underway on Thursday in St Petersburg, with Russian President Vladimir Putin hosting dozens of African leaders and hundreds of other delegates.Gerald Horne told Sputnik that "we may be in the midst of the evolution of a new world order"  unlike the US' declaration of its unipolar supremacy in 1991.Now St Petersburg hosts the spectacle of sovereign African nations meeting the Russian leadership, with the BRICS group of emerging economies on the sidelines."This all points to this new international situation, which is one of the reasons why Washington and its allies lobbied Africa so furiously not to attend this meeting," Horne said. But the "two giants of the continent," Egypt in the north and South Africa in the south, were present along with others.He recalled Russia's long-standing support for Africans resisting European imperialism  not only during the Cold War but around the turn of the 20th century, when Russia aided Africa's last remaining uncolonized nation Ethiopia.Now, following the collapse of the Ukraine grain export deal after repeated abuses by the West, Moscow is donating tens of thousands of tonnes of grain to the neediest African countries.Journalist Jon Jeter told Sputnik that the US and the other neo-colonial powers "realize that they have a fight on their hands, particularly these last days of empire."The West "will buy raw materials, and they won't necessarily help Africans industrialize, which is what Africa really needs."Russia, by contrast, will "buy things at a fairer price then will the United States, which will resort to stealing stuff at gunpoint as we've seen with this coup in Niger, and the other actions in the Sahel region in particular."The correspondent said Russia was "waiting in the wings" of a declining Western imperialism."They understand that they have an antagonist in the United States, that if they don't build this relationship, the United States is going to try to isolate Russia," Jeter said. "Of course, that's backfired."For more cutting-edge commentary on world affairs, tune in to our Sputnik Radio shows.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230728/africa-becoming-center-of-power-this-reality-will-have-to-be-considered--putin-1112210736.html

africa

russia

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

2023

James Tweedie https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e4/08/1c/1080307270_0:3:397:400_100x100_80_0_0_7777393b9b18802f2e3c5eaa9cbcc612.png

James Tweedie https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e4/08/1c/1080307270_0:3:397:400_100x100_80_0_0_7777393b9b18802f2e3c5eaa9cbcc612.png

News

en_EN

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

1920 1080 true

1920 1440 true

1920 1920 true

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

James Tweedie https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e4/08/1c/1080307270_0:3:397:400_100x100_80_0_0_7777393b9b18802f2e3c5eaa9cbcc612.png

russia-africa summit in st petersburg, decolonisation of africa, us and european imperialism in africa
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230728/russias-world-renowned-flying-firefighter-how-beriev-be-200-battles-global-blazes-1112226151.html

Russia's World Renowned Flying Firefighter: How Beriev Be-200 Battles Global Blazes

Russia's World Renowned Flying Firefighter: How Beriev Be-200 Battles Global Blazes

Since its first flight in 1998 the Beriev Be-200 has become famous all over the world due to it being assigned to help put down fires all over the globe. Designed by the Beriev Aircraft Company, the flying boat has proven unmatched in firefighting, search and rescue, maritime patrol, cargo, and passenger transportation.

2023-07-28T18:26+0000

2023-07-28T18:26+0000

2023-07-28T18:26+0000

multimedia

russias emergencies ministry

amphibious plane

be-200

firefighter

amphibious aircraft

russia

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/07/1c/1112224996_0:0:1280:720_1920x0_80_0_0_4e314d0eba3297a3c254a5911478d3fc.png

Having the capacity of 12 tonnes of water, or up to 72 passengers, the Beriev Be-200 multipurpose amphibious aircraft has been participating in various humanitarian operations around the world, like fighting the devastating forest fires that plagued Italy in August 2005. These planes also assisted in extinguishing Portugal's wildfires in July 2006 and in August 2016, they helped put out Greece's blazes in the summer of 2007, and the wildfires in Israel, in November 2016, and in Turkiye recently as well as other hot spots.Check out Sputniks infographic to view the unmatched features of this irreplaceable amphibious plane:

russia

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

2023

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

News

en_EN

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

1920 1080 true

1920 1440 true

1920 1920 true

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

Sputnik International

be-200, amphibious aircraft, water drop, turbofan firefighter, amphibious plane, emergencies ministry, russian plane, fighing fires, unique russian plane
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230728/scott-ritter-ukrainian-counteroffensive-keeps-repeating-same-insane-mistakes-1112225788.html

Scott Ritter: Ukrainian Counteroffensive Keeps Repeating Same 'Insane' Mistakes

Scott Ritter: Ukrainian Counteroffensive Keeps Repeating Same 'Insane' Mistakes

There are contradictory reports emerging from the Zaporozhye battlefield, with Ukrainian forces attempting to make a breakthrough near the village of Robotino.

2023-07-28T16:39+0000

2023-07-28T16:39+0000

2023-07-28T18:42+0000

analysis

ukrainian crisis

us arms for ukraine

valery zaluzhny

volodymyr zelensky

melitopol

nato

ukrainian counteroffensive attempt

ukraine

russia

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/04/12/1109628347_0:35:710:434_1920x0_80_0_0_b1e3152eb3d7577d6743b8362a7a7a0d.jpg

While the fog of war prevents a definitive account at this juncture of what is transpiring in and around Rabotino, one thing is for certainthis isnt Ukraines first attempt to breach the Russian defenses there and, if they have indeed failed, this will not be there last.The Battle for Rabotino may very well go down in the history of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict as a modern-day version of the Battle for Prokhorovka, fought on July 12, 1943, between the German and Soviet armies. In Prokhorovka, the Soviet defenses broke the back of the German armor attack. A similar situation appears to be unfolding today around the village of Rabotino, where Russian defenders are engaging Ukrainian attackers mounted on US- and German-made armor.Ukraine and its NATO masters, in unleashing a renewed effort to break through Russian defenses in Zaporozhye, appear to be taking a lesson from the history of Scotland. Legend has it that Robert the Bruce, the first King of Scotland, after watching a spider fail in its attempt to build a web, only to try again, and again, until it was successful, used that experience as motivation for his persistence in his struggle against the English Crown.Robert the Bruces observations would later serve as the inspiration for the American educator, Thomas Palmer, who, in a teachers manual he authored in 1840, wrote the following: Tis a lesson you should heed, Try, try again. If at first, you dont succeed, Try, try again.Persistence bests describes what is unfolding on the battlefields in what Russia now calls New Russiasuicidal forays by Ukrainian forces into the prepared defensive positions of their Russian opponents which, to date, have achieved little more than dead bodies and destroyed vehicles.Persistence, as the case of Robert the Bruce shows, canand often doesprevail in the face of adversity. When the current Ukrainian counteroffensive was first conceived, back in the fall of 2022, Ukraine was coming off a case study in persistence that had, in fact, paid offa successful counteroffensive that had succeeded in pushing Russian forces out of the Kharkov region, and which recaptured the right bank of Kherson Oblast, including the city of Kherson. This success was facilitated by the provision by NATO of tens of billions of dollars worth of military equipment and training, along with operational planning support informed by NATO intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance resources.When the fall counteroffensive ran its course, the Ukrainians and their NATO masters turned to the task of building a new Ukrainian army to replace the one that had shed its blood in Kharkov and Kherson, a new Ukrainian army which would seek to resume offensive operations in the spring of 2023.None of this was secret. In a revealing interview, the commander of the Ukrainian armed forces, General Valery Zaluzhny, declared that the goal of the spring 2023 operations was to break through Russian defenses in the Zaporozhye zone of operations and advance 84 kilometers to the city of Melitopol, control of which, Zaluzhny stated, would give us a full fire control of the land corridor [connecting the Crimean peninsula to the Donbass and Russia], because from Melitopol we can already fire at the Crimean Isthmus.Zaluzhny, expressing confidence derived from recent battlefield success, declared I know that I can beat this enemy, before adding a caveat: But I need resources. Zaluzhny said that I can calculate, based on the task at hand, what kind of resource is needed to build combat capability, before citing numbers: I need 300 tanks, 600-700 infantry fighting vehicles, 500 Howitzers. Zaluzhny was quick to note, Im not talking about F-16s right now. But he did say he needed artillery ammunitionlots of it. And he stated that NATO was unable to meet this need.Zaluzhny got the equipment he was looking for. His forces were dispatched to NATO nations for training, while his battleplans were closely coordinated with Ukraines NATO partners. Select Ukrainian units were dispatched to Grafenwoehr, Germany, where they were provided with a five-week course taught by US instructors that focused on how to effectively conduct company- and battalion-size combined-arms operations integrating artillery, armor and infantry forces.Zaluzhnys objective was the city of Melitopol. To get there, the Ukrainian army needed to breach Russian defenses which had been prepared for months. Ukrainian commanders and their NATO partners believed that they key to victory was to pit well-trained, well-equipped, and highly motivated Ukrainian forces up against Russian troops whose training and moral were deemed inferior and who, it subjected to the full weight of the Ukrainian attack, would break and run.In January 2023, Ukrainian forces began probing the Russian defenses, looking for the weakest point that would then be turned into the focal point of their assault. Near the village of Rabotino, in Zaporozhye, they believed they found ita seam between the 291stMotorized Rifle Regiment (MRR) and the 70th MRR of the 42ndGuard Motorized Rifle Division.NATO picked its two best-trained and best equipped Ukrainian brigadesthe 33rd, which operated the US-made M-2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle, and the 47th, which was equipped with German-made Leopard main battle tanks. Both brigades had been trained by the US in combined arms tactics, which they were tasked with employing with full force along the seam between the 291st MRR and the 70th MRR. The Ukrainian soldiers were led to believe that the Russian troops assigned to these tow units would run away or surrender at the first sign of serious fighting.The Ukrainian attack began on June 8, 2023, striking towards the Russian defenses in and around the village of Rabotino. Within hours it was clear to all involved that the expectations of the Ukrainian and NATO commanders did not match the reality on the groundthe Russian soldiers manning the Rabotino defenses held fast, a by-product of good training, outstanding leadership, sound tactics, and adequate equipment. The Ukrainians, on the other hand, failed dismally, littering the battlefield with burned out Bradley IFVs and Leopard MBTs, and the bodies of Ukrainian soldiers. Successive attacks over the course of the proceeding days achieved similar resultsthe Russians held fast, while the Ukrainians died.In the weeks that followed, Ukraine appeared to modify its tactics, foregoing the combined arms training it had received in Germany, and instead using infantry attacks, heavily supported by artillery, designed to pick apart the Russian defenses piece by piece. While these attacks initially enjoyed greater success than the early armor-intensive attacks, ultimately they were beaten back by the Russians, with the Ukrainians suffering huge losses in manpower.The failure of the Ukrainian drive on Melitopol was a huge embarrassment for both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and his NATO partners when they gathered in Vilnius, Lithuania, for the NATO Summit convened there from July 11-12. In the finger-pointing and recrimination that ensued, Ukraine lambasted the fact that it had been asked to carry out a difficult military task with insufficient resources, specifically citing the lack of F-16 fighters (despite the fact that General Zaluzhny had specifically excluded the F-16s from the list of equipment he said he needed to successfully attack Melitopol.)Meanwhile, NATO put the blame for the failed offensive squarely on the shoulders of Ukrainian officers who had failed to employ properly the tactics they had been taught in Grafenwoehr. A leaked German intelligence report highlighted the shift by Ukraine away from massed armor attacks to smaller infantry-driven assaults as representing a total departure from the combined arms operations taught by NATO. What the German report failed to address is the reality that NATO tried to take operational art that requires months, if not years, to master, and squeeze it into training that lasted only a few weeks.Ukraine came out of the Vilnius Summit faced with a classic Catch-22, a problem for which the only solution is denied by a circumstance inherent in the problem or by a rule. If Ukraine wanted its NATO partners to increase military assistance, such as the provision of F-16 fighters, it needed to show progress on the battlefield. But in order to show progress on the battlefield, it had to attack without the support of F-16 fighters, which doomed any such attack to failure.Moreover, the Vilnius Summit exposed the reality of a growing Ukraine fatigue amongst the NATO partners, with several beginning to question their ability to provide open-ended support. Ukraine needs to demonstrate a will and ability to prevail against Russia, many western observers believe, or else the west will have no choice but to begin seeking a diplomatic off-ramp from the war. Such a negotiated settlement could compel Ukraine into accepting the loss of territory currently claimed by Russia as part of the conditions, something that is anathema to the Zelensky government.Faced with the Hobbsons choice, Zelensky has ordered Zaluzhny to double down on the Zaporozhye offensive, employing Ukrainian forces in a manner consistent with the training received at the hands of NATO over the course of the past 7 months.The American comedian, W.C. Fields, had a different take on Palmers try, try again ditty, declaring If at first you dont succeed, try again. Then give the whole thing up. Theres no use being a fool about it!What Zelensky, Zaluzhny, and the Ukrainian military is undertaking on the ground around the village of Rabotino is, to put it mildly, foolish. The desire to take Melitopol has become a Holy Grail for Zelensky, one that will cost Ukraine dearly, both in terms of the lives squandered on the battlefield, but also by the geopolitical consequences of extending a fight Ukraine cannot win, both in terms of potential additional territorial losses, and the long-term economic and societal impact of loosing vital resources and infrastructure.Albert Eistein, the famous inventor of quantum physics, had an even more erudite take on the topic of persistence: Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.Ukraines continued offensive operations in Zaporozhye today represent the literal application of Einsteins insanity definition.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230726/nato-stands-no-chance-against-russia-1112153812.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230723/cia-vet-weird-that-nato-failed-to-foresee-botched-ukraine-counteroffensive-1112095494.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230723/wests-hopes-for-breakthrough-in-ukraines-counteroffensive-dashed-1112089912.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230714/vilnius-summit-locks-ukraine-in-servile-status-brutal-war-with-no-way-out-1111880520.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230721/putin-there-are-no-results-of-ukrainian-counteroffensive-1112030126.html

melitopol

ukraine

russia

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

2023

Scott Ritter https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/0c/17/1105733958_0:0:334:334_100x100_80_0_0_b457e4e9c850ef224b0cc79059bb38df.jpg

Scott Ritter https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/0c/17/1105733958_0:0:334:334_100x100_80_0_0_b457e4e9c850ef224b0cc79059bb38df.jpg

News

en_EN

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

1920 1080 true

1920 1440 true

1920 1920 true

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

Scott Ritter https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/0c/17/1105733958_0:0:334:334_100x100_80_0_0_b457e4e9c850ef224b0cc79059bb38df.jpg

russia special military operation, ukrainian crisis, us arms for ukraine, failed counteroffensive, ukraine war updates, what happens in ukraine, ukraine offensive, ukraine battle
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230728/some-new-york-residents-claim-heat-wave-not-that-bad-as-air-quality-remains-poor-1112232410.html

Some New York Residents Claim Heat Wave Not That Bad' as Air Quality Remains Poor

Some New York Residents Claim Heat Wave Not That Bad' as Air Quality Remains Poor

A heat wave accompanied by high humidity has hit New York City, prompting local authorities to issue heat warnings, but some residents told Sputnik the situation is "not that bad" amid concern over continuously poor air quality.

2023-07-28T22:18+0000

2023-07-28T22:18+0000

2023-07-28T22:16+0000

americas

heat wave

new york city

manhattan

national weather service

us

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/09/02/1100292434_0:160:3073:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_c25094beaf54cad621721ae8cacb2ea7.jpg

The National Weather Service issued an excessive heat warning for New York City from Thursday morning until Friday night. The heat indices were predicted to rise up to 108 degrees Fahrenheit on Friday afternoon and the high temperatures were predicted to last until Sunday. The resident, who lives in the lower east side of the city overseeing the East River, said she and her husband have not noticed any issues. "Access to water and other necessities is normal," she said. The resident pointed out that her family, who lives in the borough of Queens, said they feel the same about the weather and also about the poor air quality. Nevertheless, the weather is hot and they are coping by "drinking a lot of water and eating ice cream," she said. A visitor from Washington, DC, who arrived in New York City shortly after noon on Friday, told Sputnik that she was surprised that the weather did not feel as hot as she expected it to be. "There is a nice breeze and some clouds. A lot of people are out. I did not see signs of heat exhaustion," she said, noting that the weather was in the 90s.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230720/delta-travelers-fall-ill-after-being-stranded-on-las-vegas-tarmac-amid-heat-wave-1112001160.html

americas

new york city

manhattan

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

2023

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

News

en_EN

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

1920 1080 true

1920 1440 true

1920 1920 true

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

Sputnik International

new york residents, us heat wave, poor air quality,
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230728/ukraine-bombed-residential-area-with-cluster-munitions-killing-one-woman-1112211720.html

Ukraine Bombed Residential Area With Cluster Munitions, Killing One Woman

Ukraine Bombed Residential Area With Cluster Munitions, Killing One Woman

The Ukrainian Armed Forces shelled the town of Tokmak in Zaporozhye three times with cluster munitions, killing a civilian woman, the acting governor of the region, Yevgeny Balitsky, reported on his Telegram channel.

2023-07-28T11:01+0000

2023-07-28T11:01+0000

2023-07-28T11:01+0000

russia's special operation in ukraine

ukraine

russia

joe biden

vladimir putin

ukrainian armed forces

cluster munitions

war crimes

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/07/08/1111753198_0:175:3019:1873_1920x0_80_0_0_6ac803f42000853d971ecc0a9026eab9.jpg

"Yesterday, the enemy launched three rocket attacks with cluster munitions on the residential area of Tokmak. As a result of the shelling, a private residential building caught fire and a woman was killed," he posted on social media.Another local resident was injured and has been hospitalized.Balitsky noted that the second missile was intercepted by air defense systems, and the third projectile did not explode, and will be safely disposed of by sappers.Since March 2022, Tokmak has been under the control of Russian forces.In July, US President Joe Biden announced the White House's decision to supply Kiev with cluster munitions. Commenting on the supplies, Russian President Vladimir Putin recalled that previous US administrations had called such actions criminal. According to him, "this is how it should be treated."The peculiarity of these munitions is the lack of self-destruct mechanisms. According to the US military, between 5 and 14 percent of these munitions may not detonate at all due to prolonged storage. In this case, they function as mines and pose a threat to civilians even after the conflict is over.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230723/ukrainian-troops-deploy-foreign-made-cluster-bombs-in-lprs-village---source-1112098760.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230722/sputnik-military-correspondent-killed-in-ukrainian-shelling-1112060149.html

ukraine

russia

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

2023

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

News

en_EN

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

1920 1080 true

1920 1440 true

1920 1920 true

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

Sputnik International

ukrainian army equipment, ukraine cluster munitions, ukraine cluster munitions use, ukraine cluster munitions 2023 use
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230728/us-approves-1205mln-sale-of-16-assault-amphibious-vehicles-to-romania-1112207809.html

US Approves $120.5Mln Sale of 16 Assault Amphibious Vehicles to Romania

US Approves $120.5Mln Sale of 16 Assault Amphibious Vehicles to Romania

The US government has approved a $120.5 million sale of sixteen assault amphibious vehicles and other equipment to Romania, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said.

2023-07-28T06:13+0000

2023-07-28T06:13+0000

2023-07-28T06:13+0000

military

us

romania

bucharest

defense security cooperation agency (dsca)

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e4/08/02/1080040677_0:49:3465:1998_1920x0_80_0_0_91b3af3a95465b75d53358cedd940dce.jpg

The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the government of Romania of sixteen (16) assault amphibious vehicles (AAVs) and related equipment for an estimated cost of $120.5 million, the DSCA said in a statement on Thursday. The DSCA delivered the required certification notifying Congress, the statement said. This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by helping to improve the security of a NATO ally, which is an important force for political and economic stability in Europe, the statement said. It is vital to the US national interest to assist Romania in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defense capability, the statement added. The US considers that the proposed sale will improve Romanias capability to meet current and future threats and allow Bucharest to modernize its capabilities, according to the statement.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230707/romania-to-open-f-16-pilot-training-center-strengthen-ties-with-nato---presidents-office-1111711834.html

romania

bucharest

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

2023

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

News

en_EN

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

1920 1080 true

1920 1440 true

1920 1920 true

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

Sputnik International

us militarism, romania, romania us military, romania militarism
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230728/us-defense-diplomacy-chiefs-to-visit-australia-for-talks-on-bolstering-regional-cooperation-1112202308.html

US Defense, Diplomacy Chiefs to Visit Australia for Talks on Bolstering Regional Cooperation

US Defense, Diplomacy Chiefs to Visit Australia for Talks on Bolstering Regional Cooperation

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken are set to meet in Australia with their respective counterparts for talks on furthering cooperation in a variety of areas across the Indo-Pacific region.

2023-07-28T02:58+0000

2023-07-28T02:58+0000

2023-07-28T02:56+0000

world

antony blinken

indo-pacific

australia

lloyd austin

pentagon

us state department

defense department

aukus

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/06/10/1096385407_0:160:3073:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_a9e6366798f432e807593db61f4138af.jpg

The US officials will link up in Australia as part of two separate trips to the region. Austins trip includes a stop in Papua New Guinea, while Blinken will also stop in Tonga and New Zealand. In Australia, Austin and Blinken will meet with Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Richard Marles and Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong for the 33rd annual Australia-United States Ministerial Consultations (AUSMIN). The officials will identify areas of potential cooperation and chart ways to move forward on them, the Defense Department said in a statement. Austin will also visit US and Australian troops participating in the exercise Talisman Sabre while visiting the country. The officials' trips to the Indo-Pacific and their efforts to expand security cooperation with Australia come amid efforts by the United States to counter Chinas influence in the region. However, the Biden administration has rejected the notion that engagement with countries in the region is aimed at addressing China, claiming that the United States does not force countries to choose between the two powers.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230727/lloyd-austin-says-us-not-seeking-permanent-basing-in-papua-new-guinea-1112173736.html

indo-pacific

australia

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

2023

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

News

en_EN

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

1920 1080 true

1920 1440 true

1920 1920 true

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

Sputnik International

indo-pacific region, australia, us defense secretary lloyd austin, secretary of state antony blinken, regional cooperation
Dewitt For Josie, who last week set a track record, made it two straight wins in Thursdays $19,200 Filly & Mare Open Handicap Pace at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows.

On July 19, Dewitt For Josie blazed to a 1:49.3 victory for Dave Palone, trainer Michael Hall and owner Let It Ride Stables Inc., fastest ever by a four-year-old mare pacer at The Meadows. She was a few ticks slower on Thursday and needed to respond to Palones urging to preserve her 1:50.1 victory. The pocket-sitting Blue Ivy was second, a length back, with Sweet And Feisty third.

The daughter of Sportswriter-Lucky Josie now boasts a career bankroll of $249,307.

Elsewhere on Thursdays 12-race card, Always Bet On Me made a successful career debut, scoring in 1:55.3 for Eric Neal and trainer Randal Neal. What makes this especially noteworthy is that the son of Betting Line-Sweet Toujours was one of the least expensive yearlings purchased last year at Harrisburg, where he was hammered down for $3,000 to Eric Neal and Neal Racing Stable LLC. Which shows once again that horses neither read nor heed sale results.

Anthony MacDonald, Mike Wilder and Palone joined trainers Ron Burke and Tim Twaddle with doubles.

Live harness racing at The Meadows continues Friday, Adios Eve, when the 13-race program features a pair of Arden Downs Grand Circuit stakes worth a combined $100,000 for two-year-old trotters. First post is 5:10 p.m.

(Meadows Standardbred Owners Association)
More than $600,000 in total purses were contested on the annual Governors Day program during the Delaware State Fair at Harrington Raceway on Thursday (July 27).

Racing fans weathered one of the warmest days of the summer on day eight of the Delaware State Fair with a 12-race program, comprised of four $110,000 Delaware Standardbred Breeders Fund (DSBF) final events for three-year-olds, in addition to several customary races for older horses, highlighted by the $50,000 Governors Cup (aged pacers).

In the first DSBF final on the card, Gty Stables Gaitway Guy ($15.60, Corey Callahan) surged off a three-wide move to a 1:53.3 triumph in the male pacing division over Night Terror and Bad Boy Too. The Delmarvalous gelding notched his 10th win in 13 career starts for trainer Jeff Smith.

Jeff Clarks She Is Strong ($2.40, Tim Tetrick) won her fourth straight with a 1:58.2 triumph in the filly trotting final over Lilmisswontbewrong and Gold Rate. The Art Stafford Jr.-trainee pressured tiring leader Miss Daburg near three-quarters and drew away from the field with a seven-length score. The Anders Bluestone filly scored her ninth career win.

In the pacing filly final, Stephen Messicks Misty Coast ($5, Art Stafford Jr.) was a 1:55.2 winner over Direct Mist and Kims Secret Search. Trained by Les Givens, the Powerful Mist filly cruised on the front end to a three-length score after contenders Hold My Wine and Killer Stripes made breaks near the start. It was the 10th win of her career in 16 starts.

George Teague, David Collins and Lakiya Teacheys Kodack Black ($2.10, Montrell Teague) was a dominant 1:58.2 winner in the male trotting final over Perfect Twenty and Hespookshescores. The Kodak Lindy gelding used a successful first-over brush to the lead and was a five-length victor for trainer Clyde Francis as he notched his ninth career win.

In the $50,000 Governors Cup, Harringtons defending leading driver Allan Davis scored his first Governors Cup win with Elizabeth and Bret Brittinghams Itsrockandroll A ($12.80) over Heinikinbythebay and Major Betts in 1:53. Trained by Don Brittingham, the eight-year-old A Rocknroll Dance gelding (pictured above winning on June 5 at Harrington) recorded his third straight victory with an aggressive effort from post eight, where he emerged from the pocket to grab his 25th lifetime win. Delaware Governor John Carney presented the trophy to the winning connections.

On the undercard, George and Tina Dennis Feeling Sweet ($3.40, Pat Berry) was a 1:53.4 winner in the $30,000 Legislators Cup.

Garber Stables and Dan and Pam Garbers Outclassed ($6.60, Tim Tetrick) won the $25,000 Presidents Cup in 1:54.4. The top conditioned trot went to Legacy Racing, Reggie Hazzard and Gary Calloways Manatlas ($24.40, Trae Porter), who was a 1:56.1 winner in the $35,000 Charles Murphy Jr. Memorial Trot.

Live harness racing will resume at Harrington on Monday, Aug. 14.

(Harrington Raceway)
James MacDonald took home five victories during the 10-race card at Woodbine Mohawk Park on Thursday (July 27) evening, with two of the wins coming from the second leg of the Ontario Sires Stakes Gold leg for freshman trotters. In fact, MacDonald was in the top three in all four of the OSS Gold divisions and was in the top four for nine of his 10 drives of the evening.

Elegant Resolve and MacDonald followed the pocket trip to victory in the $103,100 division for the freshman males.

Masstercraft (Trevor Henry) was the pacesetter throughout the mile, setting panels in :28.1, :58.3, and 1:28.1. Elegant Resolve followed at his heels every step of the way until the stretch when they met eye-to-eye. It came down to the wire as Elegant Resolve won by a head in 1:56.1 over Masstercraft. Stony Burke (Sylvain Filion) finished third.

Matt Bax trains Elegant Resolve as he earned his first win in two starts. Bax Stable, Gaelic Stable, Sharon and Don Allensen, and Happy Trails Stables co-own the gelding by Resolve and out of the Elegant Serenity mare.

Willys Home Run (pictured above) won her split for freshman trotting fillies with MacDonald in the bike to take home the winner's share of $102,200 prize.

From the far outside in the field of eight, MacDonald and Willys Home Run got away fifth as Hit The Bank (Bob McClure) led the field to the quarter in :29.1 and half in :59. R Liza (Jamieson) pulled from the pocket and Willys Home Run followed her lead second over as they breezed past the three-quarters in 1:28.4. Willys Home Run hit the gas in the stretch to seal the deal on her own 'home run', winning by 2-1/4 lengths in 1:57.1. R Liza took second and Hit The Bank rounded out the triactor.

Trained by Kyle Fellows, Willys Home Run (Archangel-Rite Outa The Park) moved her record to 2-1-0 in three starts with $107,100 earned.

MacDonald collected his three other wins with the Francis Dumouchel-trained Twin B Fling ($3.40) in 1:58.2, Matt Bax trainee Its Your Choice ($4.60) in 1:55.2, and Dakota Shadow ($4.10) for Desiree Jones in 1:52.1. This season so far, MacDonald leads all drivers by earnings and sits second in the nation by wins.

In the $102,200 OSS Gold leg for two-year-old filly trotters, Classy Royale equaled the current season's national record of 1:56 for freshman trotting fillies, set originally by Willys Home Run in mid-July.

Jody Jamieson and Classy Royale settled into post seven in the field of eight as the gate swung to the straightaway. Evolving (MacDonald) was the first to the top, followed by No One (Bruce Richardson), and Classy Royale, who was locked out on the outside as they clocked the opening panel in :28. Classy Royale took command and set the tempo for the remainder of the mile, clocking the half in :59 and three-quarters in 1:27.3. Jamieson and Classy Royale kept on going down the stretch to win by a comfortable 4-3/4 lengths and career best time in 1:56. No One finished second and Evolving rounded out the top three.

Carl Jamieson trains the Royalty For Life-Very Classy filly as she won her second OSS Gold Leg and second race in three starts. She has now banked $106,650.

Jack N Abs wrapped up the OSS Gold action for the evening, winning the $103,100 division for colts and geldings from gate-to-wire.

Doug McNair rocketed out of the gate with the Gregg McNair trainee from post eight, clearing the lead with a 1-3/4 length advantage. Jack N Abs set the tempo through panels in :28.2, 1:00.2, and 1:29.1. Mrstery Deal (Filion) closed in on Jack N Abs in the stretch, but McNair urged him forward to a three-quarter length victory in 1:57.3. Mrstery Deal took second and Soar Higher (MacDonald) finished third.

Gregg McNair, Brady Doyle, and Shady Hill Racing Stable co-own the Muscle Mass-Lady Bling colt. He made his debut winner's circle appearance, picking up his first win in three starts.

To view Thursday's harness racing results, click the following link: Thursday Results - Woodbine Mohawk Park.
In a decision rendered on Wednesday (July 26), the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas has reversed the adjudication order of the Ohio State Racing Commission (OSRC) regarding the 2019 positive test of trotter Manchego from a race at Scioto Downs.

On September 7, 2019, Manchego won an Open Trot at Scioto. A testing sample provided by the testing lab to the OSRC indicated that the sample was suspected to contain the anticonvulsant medication gabapentin. After additional testing, the lab issued a final report to the OSRC on October 9, reflecting that Manchegos blood tested positive for gabapentin in the amount of 269 picograms per millilitre. The OSRC did not have a screening limit for gabapentin at the time.

Trainer Nancy Takter requested an independent analysis of the sample on October 17, 2019, and the OSRC adopted a screening limit of 8,000 picograms per millilitre on October 30, 2019.

"On October 30, 2019, the Director conveyed the screening limit to the ODA Lab and ordered it 'enact[ed] immediately' and applied to all tests 'for which [the lab] ha[d] not issued a final test report certificate,'" said Judge Bill Sperlazza in his ruling. "In other words, all results for gabapentin below 8,000 picograms per milliliter were to be reported as negative from that day forward, irrespective of when the race took place, and even if a preliminary test result suspecting gabapentin had been reported to the Commission."

The sample of Manchego was received by the Texas A&Ms Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory on November 7, 2019. The Texas A&M lab issued a test report two weeks later that revealed gabapentin in the amount of 273 picograms per milliliter.

Sperlazza reversed the decision of the OSRC stating that the Commission "failed to apply the gabapentin screening limit, which applied to all tests reported to the Commission on and after October 30, 2019, irrespective of the date of the subject race. The final test for gabapentin in Manchego's blood was reported to the Commission on November 21, 2019, and was well below the screening limit."

The full ruling is available below. Document not loading below? Please refresh your page or click this link to open in a new window.
The trotters will be in the spotlight at Hippodrome 3R on Friday afternoon (July 28) with more than half of the 12 races on the program devoted to the high-stepping gait.

Five of the trotting events are stakes races for two and three-year-olds. The two-year-olds were rained out of their opening round of the Future Stars Series last Friday and the two divisions were moved to this Friday. This is the first time that most of the babies will be competing in a pari-mutuel event.

The first set of two-year-olds on the card are the trotting fillies in the $10,000 fourth race. Among the six contenders, the 5-2 morning line favourite is Kenogami Queen (Wheeling N Dealin-Kenogami Darling) from post four for driver Stephane Brosseau and trainer Jean-Francois Reid. She was a strong third-place finisher in her July 14 career debut at 3R.

Nine two-year-old trotting colts and gelding are featured in the $10,000 11th race. The early favourite is the entry of Rocket Men (Muscle Mass-Secret Missy) from post seven with Brosseau in the bike and Wild Dream Men (Kadabra-Cersei Hanover) from post nine for driver/trainer Guy Gagnon.

The three-year-olds will get underway in the $10,000 third race, competing in the second round of the Breeders Trophy Series for the trotting fillies, with Kenogami Courage looking to repeat for Reid. The Lookslikeachpndale-Profound Wisdom filly will start from post eight with Brosseau back in the bike. A close runner-up to Kenogami Courage in the first leg, Dont Treat Me Bad gets the slight nod as the 5-2 morning line choice with Jocelyn Gendron set to drive the Resolve-Miss Bville filly from post four for trainer Herve Kirouac.

The three-year-old trotting colts are split into two $7,500 second leg divisions of the Breeders Trophy Series, starting in the seventh race where BBC Sportsboy is the 5-2 top choice after winning his opening round division of the series for driver/trainer Marc Belanger. The Wheeling N Dealin-El Miss Cindy gelding has drawn post four in the field of a half-dozen.

The ninth race is the second sophomore trotting colt division and features Kinnder Motown, who has won four of his six starts already this season, including an opening leg division, for the tandem of driver Robert Shepherd and trainer Isabelle Darveau. The Muscle Mass-Witch Way gelding will start outside of four foes as the 8-5 morning line favourite.

Post time for the Friday twilight race card is 4 p.m. For a free race program, visit hippodrome3r.ca.

To view Friday's harness racing entries, click the following link: Friday Entries - Hippodrome 3R.

(With files from QJC)
After two consecutive third-place finishes in the tracks top class, Westbeach found solace in class relief and went coast to coast in the $20,000 fillies and mares conditioned pace, which was the feature at Plainridge Park on Thursday afternoon (July 27).

Bruce Ranger sent the post time favourite, Westbeach, off the gate and to the lead in a :26.2 quarter and then continued on to a :54.4 half while Wolverina (Nick Graffam) followed in the pocket. A three-horse outer flow formed heading up the backstretch led by Sheikh Yabooty N (Brett Beckwith) two-wide and Quarrel (Jay Randall), who was three-deep. Despite the pressure, Westbeach remained unfazed and opened up a 1-1/2 length lead at three-quarters. Around the last turn, Quarrel kept coming and moved into second heading down the lane, but Westbeach surfed to the line under a high-line by Ranger to win by a length in 1:51.4.

It was the third victory of the year for Westbeach ($4.80), who is owned by William Hartt and trained by Ken Koch.

There were also two $18,500 conditioned paces that produced impressive miles.

In the first, Paternity Suit A (Matty Athearn) sat second behind Ideal Funding N (Jay Randall) while Adriano Hanover (Kevin Switzer Jr.) was parked outside, pushing wicked early fractions of :26.3 and :53.4. That battle continued almost to three-quarters where Adriano Hanover started to fade. Ideal Funding N rounded the last turn and took a two-length lead into the stretch. But Athearn shook Paternity Suit A loose and he flew down the lane to collar Ideal Funding N while holding off a fast-closing Black Hawk Joe A (Larry Stalbaum) to win by a head in 1:51, which was his seasonal mark.

Paternity Suit A ($4.60) is owned by Tim Bojarski and Tony Gruppo, and is trained by Jimmy Nickerson.

Athearn ended the day with three driving wins, two of which were trained by Nickerson.

Then later, JKs Champ (Brett Beckwith) got his first win in the last two years and took a lifetime mark in the process. Leaving from post four, JKs Champ went to the front and set fractions of :26, :54.1 and 1:22.2 while cruising ahead by two lengths. That gap widened at the top of the stretch where Beckwith sat chilly as JKs Champ simply cruised home on top by four in 1:51.1.

JKs Champ ($3.20) is owned by Robert Rodrigues and trained by Larry Stalbaum.

Beckwith and Stalbaum each had three winners in their respective categories during the afternoon.

Due to lightning and inclement weather conditions, races 10 and 11 were cancelled on Thursday.

Live harness racing will resume at Plainridge Park on Monday, July 31 at 4 p.m. and there will be a $4,807 carryover in the Wicked Hi-5 pentafecta wager in race six.

(Standardbred Owners of Massachusetts)
Domenico Cecere might not be thrilled with the post position for Winners Bet in Saturdays second of two $100,000 Hambletonian Stakes eliminations at The Meadowlands, but the trainer is quite pleased with the way his colt has returned to action this season as he heads to the sports premier event for three-year-old trotters.

Winners Bet, who won last years William Wellwood Memorial, is two-for-two this year for Cecere and driver Dexter Dunn. The son of Walner-Side Bet Hanover opened his campaign with a 1:52.2 victory in a division of the W.N. Reynolds Memorial on July 1 and followed it with a 1:51 triumph in a Stanley Dancer Memorial split two weeks later.

He captured both races at the Big M by a half-length, the first over Air Power, who is the 5-2 morning-line favourite in Saturdays second Hambletonian elimination, and the other over 2022 Peter Haughton Memorial champ Kilmister.

Winners Bet will start his Hambo elimination from post 10 in the 10-horse field. He is 4-1 on the morning line, the third choice behind Air Power from post six with driver Orjan Kihlstrom and MGM Yonkers Trot winner Up Your Deo (7-2) from post three with trainer/driver Ake Svanstedt.

The top five finishers from each 10-horse elimination will advance to the $1 million Hambletonian final on Aug. 5. Elim winners draw for post positions one through five followed by the remaining finalists receiving their posts in an open draw.

Its not a great number, but somebody had to get that number, and he got it, Cecere said, referring to the post position for Winners Bet. Him and Dexter will figure it out together. Of course, we need a little bit of luck, but hes ready. Its a lot of good horses, and we respect all the horses in the field, but Im sure [Winners Bet] will do his best and Dexter will do his best too.

Winners Bet, whose family includes 2016 Trotting Triple Crown winner Marion Marauder, has hit the board in nine of 12 career races, with five wins and $518,425 in purses. He is owned by Lindy Farms of Connecticut and Robert Rudolph. Lindy Farms co-owner Frank The Elder Antonacci was inducted into the U.S. Harness Racing Hall of Fame earlier this month.

Lindy Farms and its affiliates have had four Hambletonian winners  Lindys Pride (1969), Probe (1989), Harmonious (1990) and Victory Dream (1994). Winners Bet will try to add his name to the list after an offseason of maturing in Florida.

Hes a totally different horse, said Cecere. Hes bigger, stronger, more relaxed. Last year, he could get a little bit hot. Were very happy with his mentality this year. Thats what you really need when you go into a race, a horse that is relaxed and smart. The whole package together.

Cecere said the plan was to ease Winners Bet into this season as he prepared for the Hambletonian.

We took it easy with him for his mentality and let him grow, said Cecere. It looks like its worked out well. Its very exciting. This is the dream. If you dont dream, you dont get it. Im very happy with how he is and how hes handled the racing. This is the third start for him. Lets go.

Another horse that will look to overcome an outside starting spot is 2022 OBrien Award winner and Breeders Crown champion Gaines Hanover (pictured above). The gelding will leave from post nine with driver Louis-Philippe Roy in the first Hambletonian elimination.

Gaines Hanover, trained in Canada by 10-time OBrien Award-winning conditioner Richard Moreau and in the U.S. by Claude Cadieux, has hit the board in four of five races this year. He has one win, which came in his elimination of the Goodtimes Stakes at Woodbine Mohawk Park on June 9. He finished second in the final, beaten a nose by Southwind Coors.

For his career, Gaines Hanover has hit the board in 10 of 13 starts, with five victories and $575,746 in purses for owner Gestion J Y Blais Inc.

He hasnt changed much since last year, said Roy. Hes a relaxed guy that can race any way you want him to do it. He can fly home off a trip, hell give a good fight to anyone coming to him if he cut the mile, or hell even put in a nice effort if he has to work first-up.

Gaines Hanover will try to join 2019 Hambletonian champ Forbidden Trade as a returning OBrien Award winner to take home the Hambo trophy. He heads to his elimination off a ninth-place finish in a Dancer Memorial division two weeks ago, when he went off stride in a race for only the second time in his career.

He just took one bad step, said Roy. That was very uncharacteristic.

Oh Well, one of four horses in the Hambletonian elims for trainer Marcus Melander, is the 2-1 morning-line favourite in the first group. He heads to the race off a 1:51.2 win in his division of the Dancer and will start Saturday from post two with driver Tim Tetrick.

The Hambletonian is the second jewel in the Trotting Triple Crown, following the Yonkers Trot and ahead of Octobers Kentucky Futurity.

Saturdays card at The Meadowlands also includes two $40,000 eliminations for the Hambletonian Oaks for three-year-old female trotters.

Post positions for the Hambletonian and Oaks finals will be drawn on Tuesday, Aug. 1 at a press conference and luncheon hosted by Hogan Equine Clinic in Cream Ridge, New Jersey, beginning at 2 p.m.

Racing begins at 6:20 p.m. (EDT) at The Meadowlands. The Hambletonian eliminations are races six and nine. The Oaks eliminations are races seven and eight. Free TrackMaster past performances will be available on Meadowlands website at playmeadowlands.com.

The following are the fields for the Hambletonian eliminations.

Hambletonian Elimination #1 (Race 6)

Post  Horse  Listed Driver  Trainer  Morning Line Odds

1. Osceola  Doug McNair  Gregg McNair  20-1

2. Oh Well  Tim Tetrick  Marcus Melander  2-1

3. Ghostly Casper  David Miller  Benoit Baillargeon  15-1

4. Djimon  Bob McClure  Mark Steacy  30-1

5. Kierkegaard K  Ake Svanstedt  Ake Svanstedt  7-2

6. Point Of Perfect  Yannick Gingras  Ron Burke  8-1

7. Little Expensive  Andy Miller  Julie Miller  10-1

8. Southwind Coors  James MacDonald  Matt Bax  5-1

9. Gaines Hanover  Louis-Philippe Roy  Claude Cadieux  9-2

10. Kilmister  Brian Sears  Marcus Melander  12-1

Hambletonian Elimination #2 (Race 9)

Post  Horse  Listed Driver  Trainer  Morning Line Odds

1. Tuscan Prince  Louis-Philippe Roy  Luc Blais  10-1

2. Crown  Brian Sears  Marcus Melander  20-1

3. Up Your Deo  Ake Svanstedt  Ake Svanstedt  7-2

4. French Wine  Andy Miller  Julie Miller  15-1

5. Celebrity Bambino  Yannick Gingras  Ron Burke  9-2

6. Air Power  Orjan Kihlstrom  Marcus Melander  5-2

7. One Hundred Poof  Matt Kakaley  Jenny Melander  30-1

8. Tactical Approach  Scott Zeron  Nancy Takter  5-1

9. Excalibur Bi  Andrew McCarthy  Tom Cancelliere  15-1

10. Winners Bet  Dexter Dunn  Domenico Cecere  4-1

(With files from USTA)
The American Association of State Troopers is conducting its annual "Best Looking Cruiser" photo contest for the 10th year in a row and Virginia State Police is jockeying for a coveted spot in the 2024 calendar.

The contest began as a friendly competition between state agencies and has proven to be a fun and engaging way to allow community members to support and interact with law enforcement in a positive manner, according to a release on Friday from Virginia State Police spokeswoman Corrine Geller.

The 12 photos to receive the most votes will be featured again in "America's Best Looking Trooper Cruisers calendar. The state police or highway patrol agency to receive the most votes is featured on the cover. Calendar sales benefit AAST Foundation, which provides scholarships to dependents of member state troopers nationwide.

Voting is ongoing and continues through noon on Monday, July 31. The Virginia State Police won a coveted spot in the calendar the first year the contest was held. Since then, VSP has worked hard to be featured again, Geller said.

This year's photo submission was taken outside Arlington Cemetery on July 4 and features the Washington, DC skyline.

The public is invited to cast their vote and move VSP up in the ranks. Right now Nevada and Florida are leading the charge, but Virginia knows its cruiser is truly the best looking nationwide, Geller said.

To vote, access the link through the Virginia State Police Facebook and Twitter pages, as well as the AAST Facebook page, or surveymonkey.com/r/bestlookingcruiser2023 and scroll through the state agency photos to find Virginia State Police. To vote, scroll through the photos and at the bottom select a favorite cruiser from the drop-down menu. Agency rankings are posted on the Facebook page daily at 4 p.m.
Brothers, Daniel Linegar Jr, Bryan Linegar and Thomas Linegar were presented Quilts of Valor at Mobius in Hemingford on Saturday morning. They are the son of proud parents Dan and Cheryl Linegar of Hemingford.

Daniel Jr. enlisted in the USMC in October of 1992. He trained as a 1371 Combat Engineer and also received heavy weapons training in Okinawa. Dan was honorably discharged in October of 1996. Dans quilt was made and bound by Kathy Dye and quilted by Suzanne Hunter Walker

Bryan enlisted in the Army Reserve in 2001. He served on the Nebraska National Guard Military Funeral Honor Guard, which preformed Military Funeral Honors for Veterans of all Military Branches throughout western Nebraska. Bryan was honorably discharged in November of 2007. Bryans quilt was made and bound by Lynda Novotny and quilted by Shelley Buskirk Blow

Tom enlisted in the USMC in 2007. He received training in 5811 military police and later was deployed to Afghanistan for six months during Operation Enduring Freedom in 2009-2010. Tom was honorable discharge in 2012. Toms quilt was made and bound by Kathy Dye and quilted by Vivian Spenser.

The mission of the Quilts of Valor Foundation is to cover service members and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor. www.QOVF.org.

Thank you both for your service. Welcome home.
Members of the The Oregon-California Trails Association toured local trails and spots along the Oregon, California and other trails over the last week.

The association held its annual convention in Gering over the last week for the first time since 2008. The Oregon-California Trails Association is an organization that protects and promotes the history of the Oregon and California Trails and the people who used them to travel west and build new lives. The organization is divided into 11 chapters across the west and the great plains from Missouri all the way to California.

(OCTA) works very closely with the National Parks Service to promote public awareness on the trails, Camille Bradford, president of the Colorado-Cherokee Trail Chapter of the organization, said.

The members often describe themselves as rut nuts, referring to the ruts from wagons that traveled the trails and still visible in some areas along the routes.

The convention included a series of events including guest speakers, tours of historical landmarks in the area and showings of documentaries and short films. Events kicked off Monday night at a reception dinner held at the Gering Civic Center.

The convention drew members and enthusiasts from around the country and of all ages. Members traveled from as far as the states of Missouri, Oregon and even New York to meet back up with friends and learn about the history of the region.

For many members of the organization, the annual convention is an opportunity for reunions with friends from around the country. This was apparent at the reception dinner as people laughed and embraced while eating dinner and waiting for a presentation on influential photographer William Henry Jackson.

Jackson was the preeminent photographer of the American West in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He was known for his work on the Hayden Surveys where he produced famous images such as his photograph of The Mount of the Holy Cross in Colorado.

His photographs also played a key role in the survey and presentation that lead to the creation of Yellowstone National Park.

He would pass through Scottsbluff and Gering many times during his travels and was enamored by the scenery here, as he would produce many photographs and paintings of the area during his career.

One of the largest collections of his work resides at the museum at the Scotts Bluff National Monument and was the subject of the evenings speaker, Bob Blair, who volunteered at the monument and became an expert on the subject.

Scotts Bluff National Monument Superintendent Dan Morford said, At the park, we have about 1,200 items of William Henry Jacksons. Theres lots of other William Henry Jackson stuff out there but we do have one of the larger collections,

Blair gave a presentation of Jacksons life and accomplishments told in his own words with excerpts of the photographers journals and writings of his travels.

I wound up taking William Henry Jacksons entire collection at the monument, he said. I dont know, 1,100 or 1200 pieces, photographing it all, putting it all in order and adding provenance to it.

The convention also hosted guest speakers throughout the day on Tuesday and took members on tours Wednesday and Thursday to historical markers throughout the region.

These tours included trips to Ash Hollow, Fort Laramie and the Scotts Bluff National Monument. The monument staff was able to arrange for the groups charter buses to travel all the way up the Summit Road to the top.

There, members marveled at the beauty of the plains and several remarked, like many visitors before them, that they were surprised that this was Nebraska.

Each year, the convention travels to notable locations along the historic Oregon and California trails. The previous convention was help in Casper, Wyoming, and next year the convention will travel to Pendleton, Oregon.
Day 3 of Anime Expo 2023 started out with a bang for attendees interested in the U.S. premiere of Rurouni Kenshin . Not only were fans treated to the first adaptive episode of a beloved anime series but also graced by the presence of the producer Masami Niwa, Kenshin Himuras voice actor Soma Saito, and Kaoru Kamiyas voice actress Rie Takahashi. All in all, the experience was memorable in more ways than one.

Images:  Aniplex of America Inc.

Rurouni Kenshin Twitter

This was Saitos first visit to Los Angeles who greeted the crowd with a hello. Takahashi also expressed her excitement and how happy she was to be there. When asked how they felt to be in front of the American fans, Saito iterated how amazing it was whereas Takahashi showed how happy she was for receiving a lot of the fans smiles. Niwa pointed out that it had been five years since his last visit and that it was an honor to be with the other two guests that day.

Although the visit to America was in part to promote the series adaptation of Rurouni Kenshin, the guests also found time for personal endeavors around L.A. County. Saito, who is into music, bought a guitar and had the opportunity to catch one of Shohei Ohtani's home runs (Shohei Ohtani is a Japanese professional player for the Los Angeles Angels). Takahashi, on the other hand, visited a lot of vintage stores and did some shopping.

Getting back to the series adaptation of Rurouni Kenshin, however, there was plenty to talk about. Saito and Takahashi were both asked to describe their mindset upon confirmation of receiving their respective role on the show. Saito pointed out how big of a fan he was of Kenshin from the old series. Because of that, he felt a great responsibility to voice the character. Takahashi, on the contrary, indicated that it was a big surprise when her manager gave her the news. She humorously pointed out that she thought her manager was going to quit on her, hence, leading to her surprised state.

Regarding how they prepared for their role, Saito said that his preparation involved reading old volumes of the series in order to project Kenshin into an anime setting. Takahashi added on by describing Kaoru (the character she plays) as someone who is strong and feminine - such a recognition allowed her to put everything into acting.

Given how invested Saito and Takahashi were in each of their characters, they were given the opportunity to share what Kenshin, as a series, meant to them and what they thought about the U.S. premiere. Saito was excited to impart something to the fans who watched and he got goosebumps when he saw Kenshin moving on the screen. Takahashi added how she could not wait for what happens next despite already knowing some of the content.

One of the most interesting junctures of the panel discussion was when Niwa (the producer) was asked to explain the state of Japan during the era that Kenshin took place. The knowledge he shared helped set the stage for those interested in the history of Japan and how the series revolved around it. Niwa indicated that Bakumatsu was a huge turning point in Japan which it was a transitional period from the shogun government to the Meiji period. The Meiji period, as Niwa explained, outlawed carrying swords which led to the end of the samurai age. Despite that, Kenshin sided with the Meiji Party during this transitional period. Their party ended up winning in the end. As a side note, Niwa encouraged those who were interested in Japanese history to go seek knowledge online.

When talking about the first episode, Takahashi was asked what her favorite moment was. She acknowledged it was the first encounter between Kenshin and Kaoru because it set the stage for the series. Both Saito and Takahashi also commented on the opening theme song (Hiten by Ayase & R-Shitei) and the ending theme song (Edge by Reol). Saito considered the songs to be huge moments because of his musical endeavors. Takahashi took it a step further by indicating that the tempo of the opening theme personally reminded her of the spring season whereas the ending theme gave her a walking sensation.

As the panel headed toward its conclusion, a video was played where Makoto Koichi (voice of Myojin Yahiko) and Taku Yashiro (voice of Sagara Sanosuke) delivered a special message to the fans in attendance. They expressed how much they would have liked to be there with the crowd given their excitement about the Kenshin series.

Rounding out the panel, Niwa expressed his nervousness about bringing Kenshin to the present day; however, hearing the attendees applause gave him hope. Saito added on by thanking the attendees for joining them that day and expressed that life is a journey - Kenshin is a samurai on a journey and that it has just begun. Takahashi pointed out that many individuals from the show wanted to come to L.A. but could not make the trip. Despite this, the team was going to continue working hard so she asked everyone to continue to support them.

The panel concluded with the guests sounding off with a Rurouni followed by a reverberating Kenshin from the crowd.
Recent population growth in Cowlitz County has come entirely from new arrivals and is centered in the unincorporated parts of the county.

The county has had more deaths than births each of the last three years, according to the annual estimates released by the state Office of Financial Management. Those years are the only times since 1960 when the county had the natural change to its population decline.

Despite the deaths, Cowlitz Countys population slowly increased each of those years because of people moving from outside the county. Cowlitz County reached a population of 113,000 in the most recent estimate, increasing by around 2,270 people since 2020.

Mark Mohrman, the population program manager from Washingtons Office of Financial Management, said the decline in birth rates and the rise in death was a common trend across Washington. The increase in deaths was partly the effects of COVID-19 and partly the Baby Boomer generation entering their final years, Mohrman said.

More than three-quarters of the population growth Cowlitz County has seen took place in the unincorporated sections of the county, which added more than 1,700 people since 2020.

The annual estimates use birth certificates, death reports, drivers licenses and other state data to figure out the population at the county level. To determine where people are living within the counties, Mohrman said that housing construction is used as the main benchmark.

Its largely based on housing at the local level. At the county level its more aggregate data. So we get both the top down and the bottom up figures, Mohrman said.

The offices housing estimate found that 1,100 new units of housing were built in Cowlitz County over the last three years  about 75% of which were in the unincorporated sections of the county.

Clark County was the opposite growth pattern, with 70% of the population increase taking place in the cities, a difference Mohrman attributed to the Growth Management Act guiding development in Clark.

Cowlitz County doesnt fully plan under the act, but does plan for critical areas and natural resource lands under it.

The state population grew by 1.1% over the last year, according to the report, while Cowlitz County grew half as quickly.

Its a decent amount of growth, not as strong as prior years but not at all what Id consider slow, Mohrman said about the state-level population growth.

Longview saw the most growth of Cowlitz Countys cities, with about 312 new residents moving in over the last three years. Kelso, Woodland and Castle Rock each added fewer than 50 residents.
A Rainier man was sentenced Wednesday morning in Cowlitz County Superior Court after pleading guilty to three counts of arson concerning a string of Longview fires that damaged private property.

Brian Emmett Good, 48, of Rainier, Oregon, pleaded guilty to three counts of first-degree arson and was sentenced to four years and six months in a Washington state prison.

Good lit four fires on Aug. 26, 2022, damaging vehicles, homes, a barn, a portable toilet and a boat, according to court records.

He must also serve 18 months of community custody and a lifetime no-contact order for his seven victims, decided Cowlitz County Judge Thad Scudder.

Scudder said Good expressed dangerous behavior during the hearing and denied the defendant mental health sentencing alternatives, even though Good met the criteria for multiple mental health disorders, according to court documents.

The records state Good recalls igniting a fire after seeing his ex-girlfriends car somewhere else but not with me, and told authorities he was jealous at the time of the fires, plus high on meth and alcohol.

One of the victims, Mark McCoy addressed the court Wednesday, saying he didnt know Good very well, but since the events of Aug. 26, 2022, he has been paying more money in insurance, saying, I want a harsher sentence, I think Im justified.

McCoy expressed how he fell out of love with camping, as the smell of campfires reminds him of the blaze that damaged the corner of the side of his home up to the roof and an adjacent fence.

One of the blazes started with a portable toilet that spread to a barn, which caused major damage, the probable cause statement says.

Good initially faced a fourth charge of attempted first-degree arson.
Voter turnout is usually down in local primary elections and 2023 is shaping up to be a similar story.

There were 15.21% of ballots returned by Cowlitz County voters as of Thursday night, or slightly more than 9,000 accepted ballots which are waiting to be counted on Tuesday.

Cowlitz County Elections Manager Hayley Johnson said the county was on track to meet or slightly exceed the normal turnout rate of 22% for a primary election in a non-presidential year. Johnson expected 2024 to be a more contentious set of races compared to this years city council and school board primaries.

Its been a very mild election, not that Im complaining, Johnson said. Theres been little foot traffic in the office. I havent heard about a lot of issues from voters.

While the returns have been slow so far, Cowlitz County is above the statewide average of ballots returned for the current election.

Around 13.4% of voters across Washington have returned their primary ballots as of Thursday afternoon.

There has been one quirk to the current election results. Cowlitz County often sees around two-thirds of ballots returned through the drop boxes. So far in this election, slightly over half of the ballots have been returned by mail.

Johnson said there may be more voters traveling during the summer and sending their ballots through the mail early to make sure they arrive.

The deadline for voting for the primary races or fire district levies on the ballot is 8 p.m. Tuesday. Johnson recommended that as the Election Day cutoff gets closer, voters should either use a drop box to deliver their ballot or make sure their envelope is postmarked before the Tuesday deadline.
The suspect has an extensive arrest history from California before arriving in Oregon around 2012, as well as a history of mental illness, court records indicate.
The European Commission, which announced Thursday an inquiry into Microsoft's promotion of its Teams messaging app, has fought US tech giants on fronts from tax avoidance, disinformation and hate speech to data privacy and monopolistic practices.

Here is a summary of the tussles between Silicon Valley and Brussels.

- Stifling competition -

The European Commission on Thursday said it would investigate whether Microsoft was "abusing and defending its market position" by bundling its Teams app with its Office suite.

It comes a month after the commission recommended that Google sell off part of its business following a two-year probe into its dominance of online advertising.

If Google fails to comply it could face a fine of up to 10 percent of its global revenue under the 2022 Digital Markets Act.

Brussels has already slapped over eight billion euros in fines on Google for abusing its dominant market position.

In 2018, the company was fined 4.3 billion euros ($4.8 billion) -- the biggest ever antitrust penalty imposed by the EU -- for abusing the dominant position of its Android mobile operating system to promote its search engine.

The fine was later reduced to 4.1 billion euros.

The firm has also incurred billion-plus fines for abusing its power in the online shopping and advertising sectors.

Apple has also been in the EU's sights, with Brussels investigating its dominance among music streaming apps.

- Taxation -

The EU has had less success in getting tech companies to pay more taxes in Europe, where they are accused of funnelling profits into low-tax economies like Ireland and Luxembourg.

In one of the most notorious cases, the European Commission in 2016 found that Ireland granted illegal tax benefits to Apple and ordered the company to pay 13 billion euros in back taxes.

The EU's General Court later overturned the ruling, saying there was no evidence the company broke the rules, a decision promptly appealed by the Commission.

The Commission also lost a similar case involving Amazon, which it had ordered to repay 250 million euros in back taxes to Luxembourg.

In October 2021, following extensive lobbying by European countries, the G20 group of nations agreed on a minimum 15-percent corporate tax rate.

- Privacy -

Brussels has also handed down billions in fines over breaches of data protection rules.

Ireland, which houses the European headquarters of several big tech firms, has hit Meta with a string of eye-watering fines.

They include a record penalty of 1.2 billion euros imposed in May for illegally transferring personal data between Europe and the United States.

Amazon previously held the record after Luxembourg slapped it with a 746 million euro penalty in July 2021 for breaching the bloc's landmark 2018 data protection regulation (GDPR).

- Disinformation, hate speech -

Web platforms have faced accusations for years of failing to combat hate speech, disinformation and piracy.

The EU adopted the Digital Services Act last year to force big online companies to tackle these issues or face fines of up to six percent of their global turnover.

Nineteen major platforms are required to comply with the act starting August 25 this year, they include TikTok, Instagram and Twitter, which is now being rebranded as "X".

- Paying for news -

Google and other online platforms have also been accused of making billions from news without sharing the revenue with those who gather it.

To tackle this, the EU created a form of copyright called "neighbouring rights" that allows print media to demand compensation for using their content.

After initial resistance, Google and Facebook agreed to pay French media for articles shown in web searches. Google has reached an agreement with AFP on neighbouring rights.
In a scathing letter sent to key federal agencies, Senator Ron Wyden called for multiple investigations of Microsoft Corp. over a breach of US officials' email accounts by China-linked hackers.

Wyden's letter  sent to heads of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, Department of Justice, and Federal Trade Commission  said that Microsoft bears significant responsibility for this new incident. The senator also chided the company for its role in the SolarWinds attack, disclosed in 2020, when Russian hackers compromised computer networks in the federal government and private sector.

The hack of US officials' email, which included the accounts of Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and State Department officials, took place shortly before Secretary of State Antony Blinken traveled to China to meet President Xi Jinping. The breach was described by Rob Joyce, a senior official at the National Security Agency, as China doing espionage.

The hack stood out not because of what took place but how the hackers were able to gain access. They did so by obtaining a Microsoft consumer signing key, which allowed them to obtain access to officials' emails despite security protections. Microsoft has yet to reveal exactly how the key was obtained.

Government emails were stolen because Microsoft committed another error, Wyden, a Democrat from Oregon, said in his letter. Microsoft should not have had a single skeleton key that, when inevitably stolen, could be used to forge access to different customers' private communications.

A Microsoft spokesperson said the incident demonstrates the evolving challenges of cybersecurity in the face of sophisticated attacks.

We continue to work directly with government agencies on this issue, and maintain our commitment to continue sharing information at Microsoft Threat Intelligence blog, the representative said.

Wyden's letter was previously reported by the Wall Street Journal.

Wyden said that Jen Easterly, the director of CISA, should direct the Cyber Safety Review Board to investigate the incident. That body, which was created by a Biden administration executive order, reviews cybersecurity incidents and issues and publishes a report.

The SolarWinds hack was originally intended to be the first investigation carried out by the board, according to the executive order that created it. But that probe never happened.

Wyden said he has been rebuffed in getting CISA and the Department of Homeland Security to direct the board to study the SolarWinds breach. Had that review taken place, it is quite likely that Microsoft's poor data security practices around encryption keys would have come to light, and this most recent incident might have been averted, he said.

The letter also asks Attorney General Merrick Garland and FTC Chair Lina Khan to investigate if Microsoft violated federal laws, including those pertaining to unfair and deceptive business practices.
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:

Monte Carlo path-tracing simulation of a light bulb to explain the ghosting effect. Geometric texture on a light bulb can only be seen when the bulb is off, whereas this texture is completely missing when it is glowing. The blackbody radiation can never be turned off, leading to loss of texture for thermal images. This ghosting effect presents the long-standing obstruction for heat-assisted machine perception. Credit: Nature (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06174-6

It may not be too long before autonomous vehicles rule the roads. Despite a few widely reported mishaps, autonomous vehicles (AVs) are considered as safe or safer than human drivers in many respects.

They're equipped with radar-detection and 360-degree cameras that are not impacted by a poor night's sleep, a cellphone call or texting.

AVs have a built-in database of streets and highways, traffic lights, speed limits and various other pertinent details of the rules and regulations governing practically every foot of American roadways.

Still, AVs have their drawbacks. One of them was the focus of a recent study by researchers at Purdue University and Michigan State University.

AVs "see" the road through sonar, radar and LiDAR technology. LiDARLight Detection and Rangingemploys laser beams to determine the distance between two objects.

This visual apparatus does a largely admirable job for road navigation, but it has a key limitation.

As Zubin Jacob, a researcher at Purdue University, says, "Objects and their environment constantly emit and scatter thermal radiation, leading to textureless images famously known as the 'ghosting effect.'"

Accurate detection of objects in real time is essential to guarantee accident-avoidance measures are taken in an instant. Auto maneuvers based on incorrect assessments drawn from blurry images, or ghosting, can make the difference between life and death. Credit: Purdue University

Alternate means of improving detection have not been successful. High-resolution cameras, for instance, seemed promising but can falter when lighting is insufficient. Other multi-instrument approaches faced problems arising from data transmission interference.

But the Purdue and Michigan State researchers took an innovative approach they termed "Heat-assisted imaging and ranging." The paper appeared in the journal Nature July 26.

With the application of machine learning algorithms and approaches called TeX decomposition and TeX vision, the researchers were able to eliminate barriers posed by darkness, fog and smoke and clearly capture images with infrared cameras.

Currently used modalities such as sonar, radar and LiDAR "send out signals and detect the reflection to infer the presence/absence of any object and its distance," explained Jacob. "This gives extra information of the scene in addition to the camera vision, especially when the ambient illumination is poor."

His team's approachheat-assisted detection and ranging (HADAR)is "fundamentally different," he said.

"It uses invisible infrared radiation to reconstruct a night-time scene with clarity like daytime."

In an example offered by the researchers, they created an outdoor nighttime scene with a dark colored car, a human driver and a life-size cutout figure of Albert Einstein.

The results show LiDAR technology, despite its capacity for highly accurate surface measurements and 3D mapping, nevertheless could not distinguish the human from a cardboard cutout figure and struggled to discern the dark car at night. Optical cameras failed, too, because of poor perception at night.

HADAR, however, distinguished between people and the cardboard figure by identifying skin and fabric elements.

HADAR is not yet ready for use outside the lab. Real-time data-acquisition poses challenges and equipment costs currently are prohibitive.

But the researchers say it may not be long before HADAR is used not only for autonomous navigation, but in health care, agriculture and wildlife observation. It could also prove beneficial to firefighters and the military.

Jacob confessed to a personal motivation behind his efforts on the project.

"To be honest, I am afraid of the dark. Who isn't?" he said. "It is great to know that thermal photons carry vibrant information in the night similar to daytime. Someday we will have machine perception using HADAR which is so accurate that it does not distinguish between night and day."

More information: Fanglin Bao et al, Heat-assisted detection and ranging, Nature (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06174-6 Manish Bhattarai et al, Heat-assisted imaging enables day-like visibility at night, Nature (2023). DOI: 10.1038/d41586-023-02333-x Journal information: Nature

 2023 Science X Network
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:

Ha Long Bay, Thanh pho Ha Long, Quang Ninh, Vietnam. Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Research in the International Journal of Critical Infrastructures offers guidance on securing water critical infrastructures and reaffirms the urgency of protecting environment monitoring technologies as cities evolve into smart cities. The research by Anh Tuan Hoang and Xuan Ky Nguyen of the Vietnam National University in Hanoi focuses on the city of Quang Ninh and offers proposals that would help it build resilient and secure systems.

As cities evolve and systems become more and more interconnected and reliant on information technology, there is a pressing need to enhance not only the requisite sensors and actuators for the smart city but to ensure they can cope with demand and fend off cyber attacks and other malicious activity.

The present research examines the critical infrastructure of water systems in Vietnam, a country in which smart cities are high on the agenda. The team highlights how important is protecting environmental monitoring technologies from various security threats. By focusing on Quang Ninh the team has demonstrated what risks a smart city might face and how critical infrastructure might be made watertight.

Water infrastructure is, of course, critical in the urban environment, sustaining homes, medical facilities, workplaces, and natural ecosystems. The integration of environmental monitoring technology into this infrastructure allows real-time control and operation, which can improve efficiency and resource management. However, it also represents a target for malicious third parties and so-called bad actors who might interfere with or otherwise disrupt this kind of interconnected technology. While a cyberattack on e-commerce would be an inconvenience an attack on water critical infrastructure could be a matter of life or death for thousands, if not millions, of people across a smart city.

In Quang Ninh, plans for digital transformation are already underway to build the smart city of the future. The team has looked at the technological risk facing such a city in terms of preventing adverse events. The researchers have thus identified a strong relationship between technological security and the performance of environmental protection and management. The work highlights the human factors that can lead to the compromising of technological systems and points out that such factors must be scrutinized closely to enhance security and preclude as best as possible cyber attacks that exploit social engineering.

Policymakers, urban planners, and stakeholders in Vietnam and elsewhere can turn to the insights in this research to help them develop strategies for the fortification of their critical infrastructure and protect against non-conventional security threats.

More information: Anh Tuan Hoang et al, Managing technological security of smart environment monitoring systems: study of a coastal province in Vietnam, International Journal of Critical Infrastructures (2023). DOI: 10.1504/IJCIS.2023.132236 Journal information: International Journal of Critical Infrastructures
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:

Hackers may use machine learning to exploit a text-messaging vulnerability, according to new research led by Northeastern Ph.D. student Evangelos Bitsikas. Credit: Alyssa Stone/Northeastern University

A newly discovered vulnerability in text messaging may enable attackers to trace your location, according to Northeastern Ph.D. student Evangelos Bitsikas.

His research group exposed the flaw by applying a sophisticated machine-learning program to data gleaned from the relatively primitive SMS system that has driven texting in mobile phones since the early 1990s. His work can found on the pre-print server arXiv.

"Just by knowing the phone number of the user victim, and having normal network access, you can locate that victim," says Bitsikas, who will formally present his research at the 32nd USENIX Security Symposium in Anaheim, California. "Eventually this leads to tracking the user to different locations worldwide."

SMS security has improved marginally since its initial creation for 2g systems three decades ago, Bitsikas says. When a text is sent to you, your phone responds automatically with a notification to the senderessentially a receipt of delivery.

Using Bitsikas' method, a hacker would send multiple text messages to your cellphone. The timing of your automated delivery replies would enable the hacker to triangulate your locationregardless of whether your communications are encrypted.

The timing of each automated delivery notification sent by your phone leaves a fingerprint of your location. Those fingerprints weren't a problem until Bitsikas' group used machine learning to develop an algorithm capable of detecting them.

"Once the machine-learning model is established, then the attacker is ready to send a few SMS messages," says Bitsikas, who is pursuing his Ph.D. in cybersecurity. "The results are fed into the machine-learning model, which will respond with the predicted location."

Bitsikas has found no evidence that the vulnerabilitywhich so far has been leveraging Android operating systemsis currently being exploited.

"This does not mean that [hackers] aren't going to make use of it later on," Bitsikas says. "The procedure might be difficult to scale. The attacker will need to have Android devices in multiple locations sending messages every hour and calculating the responses. The collection itself can take days or weeks depending on how many fingerprints the attacker wants to collect.

"Not only are the collection and the analysis difficult, but then you have also the problem of sufficiently and appropriately configuring the machine-learning model, which is related to deep learning."

The concern, says Bitsikas, is that a deep-pocketed organization could exploit the flaw to locate government leaders, activists, CEOs and others who desire to keep their whereabouts private.

"We are researchers with limited resources and we are not experts in data science," Bitsikas says of his group. "What I'm afraid of is that advanced attackershacker groups, state-sponsored agencies, police, who of course have more resourcescan achieve greater impact with this kind of attack."

Before publishing the research, Bitsikas shared it with GSMA, a global organization of more than 15,000 member experts that oversees the health and welfare of the mobile ecosystem.

"Our results and findings have been verified by GSMA," Bitsikas says. "They have acknowledged the results, saying that this is a difficult problem to solve considering also the cost and effort for deploying complete countermeasures."

Closing the vulnerability would require an overhaul of the global SMS system, Bitsikas says. He has been told that GSMA plans to add countermeasures that will make the hack more difficult to achievebut won't close the window entirely.

"It's different from Microsoft or Apple creating a software patch to solve a security vulnerability," Bitsikas says. "These networks cannot be changed instantly everywhere."

Bitsikas is planning additional research that may build upon this breakthrough.

More information: Evangelos Bitsikas et al, Freaky Leaky SMS: Extracting User Locations by Analyzing SMS Timings, arXiv (2023). DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2306.07695 Journal information: arXiv
Texas A&M's Board of Regents are expected to discuss a potential settlement of claims over the failed hiring of Kathleen McElroy to become A&M's new journalism director during a special meeting Sunday night.

The board will meet in executive session at 6 p.m.

McElroy, A&M Class of 1981, told The Eagle that soon after her hiring was announced on June 13 she thought A&Ms leadership was forced to listen behind the scenes to outside influences with great concerns on diversity, equity and inclusion.

Two official offer letters from A&M to McElroy were shared with The Eagle by McElroy. The first was for the administrative, tenured role, which she signed on June 13. McElroy told The Eagle that university leaders came back to her with a verbal multiyear deal to become a professor of practice, but the offer was never placed into writing.

On July 7, A&M officials sent McElroy a revised offer and lowered it to a one-year deal, which A&M officials later said also included a three-year administrative offer. The second offer wasnt signed. McElroy told The Eagle the offer was changed so much she eventually didnt consider it legitimate anymore.

On July 11, it was revealed McElroy had rescinded her resignation from her former employer  the University of Texas at Austin  and would reprise her role as a tenured professor at the university.

A&M's Board of Regents also will appoint A&M's interim president at the meeting. Ret. Gen. Mark A. Welsh III, dean of A&M's Bush School, has served as A&M's acting president since last Thursday when he was asked to take over for M. Katherine Banks, who resigned in wake of the fallout of McElroy's botched hiring.

A national search is being held for Banks' successor.
Children and parents alike eagerly filed into the Larry J. Ringer Library in College Station to witness a science lesson unlike any other. A lesson filled with bright colors, large explosions and fascinating chemical reactions.

It helps, hopefully, students remember and adults remember why [they] used to enjoy science when [they] were 8 years old because everything was just for fun, said James Pennington, Chemistry Road Show coordinator and a chemistry professor at Texas A&M University.

As a part of the Bryan-College Station Public System Summer Reading Program, the Texas A&M Chemistry Road Show visited Ringer Library twice on Thursday to amaze audience members with over an hour of visually dazzling chemical experiments. The Road Show is performed as a free public service funded by Dow Chemical Company, Shell Oil Company and A&Ms Department of Chemistry and College of Arts & Sciences Outreach Program.

Every visually appealing demonstration is paired with a scientific explanation from Pennington, so the program is both entertaining and educating students using chemistry.

If youre just taking a science class where its just calculating the stoichiometry, doing the math equations and you dont see how it applies to anything, that is not interesting, Pennington said. But if you want to understand how gunpowder works, then its important that you calculate the ratios of things like that.

In a performance combining humor, flashy visuals and most importantly science, Pennington said he aims to make chemistry accessible and captivating for audiences around the state.

Audiences may be shocked to witness fire tornados, color-changing liquids and disappearing glass, but its all a part of Penningtons science-backed display.

This is something that lets them see something up close and in person, instead of just seeing it online, he said. Hopefully, its motivational, inspirational for them and they would be interested in [chemistry] even if they dont study it for their profession, just be interested in learning more about science.

Pennington discovered his passion for chemistry as a third grader and said he sees himself in the students whose eyes light up watching the science experiments.

Its fun because I do it all the time. Thats part of the fun is remember Oh, yeah, they havent seen this before, then its new and interesting to them, he said. [Im] trying to make sure that it is fun.

Linnie Points, visiting from Oklahoma, attended the Chemistry Road Show with her grandkids and said the show was fascinating for herself and the younger audience.

I think it really piques their interest in learning more and maybe even thinking about learning more about chemistry, she said. Maybe even a career in science where they understand the chemical reactions and how they [apply] into the world.

Many children may shy away from the complexity of chemistry, but Points said the show proved science can be more than just equations.

I think science can be fun, she said. Science can be fun, and its important. I think sometimes kids shy away from science because they think its hard and boring, but its really not.

After being invited by a friend, Katelin Parrish of College Station attended the show with her two children. The event was something fun and educational to do during a hot day, she said.

It was really entertaining but also really inspiring, she said. We learned a lot.

Parrish said the event was an opportunity for her young children to learn and be inspired.

My kids are pretty interested in STEM stuff in general, she said. I think for us to just continue to explore their interest is important to us.

Penningtons performance closed with a bang as he invited volunteers to hold a flame under helium-filled balloons resulting in a large and loud explosion.

Though he doesnt expect students to remember everything they witness in the show, Pennington hopes the learning experience is fun and motivational.

I hope the kid that is maybe most behind educationally sees at least one or two things that they understand and gets to enjoy that, he said. And the kid who thinks that theyve seen everything and know everything, maybe see a couple things [and thinks] Oh, yeah, I hadnt seen that before.
The social includes a car and motorcycle show, featuring classic and vintage cars and motorcycles from around Hastings and the surrounding areas. Also added is First St. Pauls garage sale, where the church will be selling off items gathered over the years.

Funds raised this year will go to Kelly Boom. For several years Boom pursued a nursing career at a variety of area facilities. That was put on hold once she started dealing with ongoing health issues that have lasted for several years. She has been on disability and with her high medical bills, due to many hospitalizations, it has been a constant financial struggle. All donations will be met with matching funds of $3,000 provided through Thrivent Choice Dollars.
LINCOLN  Even after an investigation into a May crash that involved Lancaster Countys chief deputy sheriff and a 9-year-old cyclist ended with no citations issued, city officials will not release body-worn camera footage from officers who responded to the collision.

The city Wednesday denied the Lincoln Journal Stars public records request for bodycam footage from the Lincoln police officers who were on the scene of the May 10 crash in which Chief Sheriffs Deputy Ben Houchin hit and injured Janiece Moton, who had been riding her bike in her northwest Lincoln neighborhood about 8:15 p.m.

The newspaper sought the footage after Motons mother, Tiarrah Moton, accused police officers who responded to the crash of trying to make excuses for Houchin, whom she has since filed a civil lawsuit against.

In a letter sent Wednesday, Assistant City Attorney Lily Ealey said the city was withholding the footage because it is investigatory in nature and not subject to the Nebraska Public Records Statutes, citing a vague exception in the states public records law that allows law enforcement agencies to withhold records they deem investigative in nature.

Ealey said in the letter that the decision to withhold the footage was made by Police Chief Teresa Ewins.

The Police Departments public information office did not respond Wednesday to an email seeking Ewins rationale for withholding the footage.

Vince Powers, a Lincoln-based attorney representing the Motons in their lawsuit of Houchin, said the decision amounted to a tremendous disservice to the officers involved.

When they have the information to show that they were professional and they refuse to turn it over, it creates doubt, Powers said Wednesday. Lincoln has a very good police force. And I would think the city would want everyone to know what a great job they do and how professional they are.

But when they wont turn (the footage) over, it creates doubt.

The denial also provides a window into the citys  and the police chiefs  tightfisted interpretation of the investigatory exception to Nebraskas public records law.

The law defers to municipalities and law enforcement agencies on which, if any, so-called investigative records they release to the public or news media. And the statute doesnt directly indicate when, if ever, the investigatory exemption expires.

But Powers suggested the scope of that exception should end when an agency finishes its investigation.

The Police Department wrapped up its probe into Houchin less than two weeks after the collision. And when they announced that LPD would not cite the longtime deputy for his role in the crash, department officials said the investigation is complete.

They just dont want to follow the law. Thats all, Powers said. To say the investigation is over  I believe them when they say that  but then to not turn over the records when they say the investigation is not ongoing  they both cannot be true.

They just want to do everything they can to keep the public in the dark. And all that does is foster suspicion about whats going on.

Wednesdays denial also stood out for its specificity. Powers, who said he used to file public records requests constantly as the former chairman of the Nebraska Democratic Party, said he couldnt recall receiving a denial letter that named the government official who decided to withhold the records.

Ewins, the official named in the city attorneys denial, had previously expressed an openness to releasing bodycam footage to the public.

In a March interview, the police chief said she wouldnt have an issue with releasing such footage  which is captured on cameras paid for by taxpayers  as long as its done responsibly.

But we need to be responsible about it. And we need to have policies, procedures, the city attorney involved, she said, before saying she and the citys legal counsel have differing opinions on the matter.

On Wednesday, though, the city attorneys office made clear that the denial was Ewins decision.

Still, the city has repeatedly relied upon the exemption to deny Journal Star requests for body-worn camera footage  a practice that state senators have unsuccessfully aimed to curb through the introduction of multiple bills in recent years that would have required law enforcement agencies to release bodycam footage to the public and news media in a narrow set of circumstances.

In 2021, the city cited the same statute when officials refused to release body-worn camera footage from officers who policed racial justice demonstrations that broke out in Lincoln in May 2020  which resulted in at least three personal injury lawsuits filed against the city.

The best way to talk about open records in Nebraska is that there are some government agencies, such as the state, who deal in good faith, Powers said. Theres the city of Lincoln, who deals in bad faith. And to what end? All that happens is it just makes people suspicious. Its unfortunate.
Right next to Interstate 80, along Highway 281, a Fat Dogs Travel Center will open next year.

The business will include a convenience store, a truckers' lounge, showers and "some sit-down eating," said Jim Riewe, president of Fat Dogs Travel Centers.

Fat Dogs are owned by Wilkinson Development of North Platte.

"Our travel centers are basically a truck stop," Riewe said. The company calls them travel centers because they cater to both truckers and average motorists, he said.

Fat Dogs currently has travel centers in Lexington, Ogallala and North Platte.

In addition to snacks, the travel center store will have an ice cream bar, souvenirs and a beer cave, Riewe said. Attached to the store will be a quick-service restaurant.

Currently, a Fat Dogs convenience store operates just across 281 from the travel center site.

Riewe said he doesn't know yet what will happen to the Grand Island convenience store. There are "different things that we could do there and have some fun with," he said. "We're not 100% sure yet."

The gasoline sold at the travel center will probably be either Gulf or Phillips 66.

In building next to I-80, Fat Dogs is squeezing in a truck stop between the Interstate and the long-established Bosselman Travel Center, which is about a third of a mile to the north.

"Customers will have just another choice on the interstate when they pull up," Riewe said.

The project also helps populate the area between Grand Island and the interstate.

Riewe points out that other projects are going up nearby. "We're happy to be a part of it," he said.

Mark Wilkinson is the owner and CEO of the Wilkinson Companies.

The company operates seven Fat Dogs, all along Interstate 80 in Nebraska. In addition to Grand Island and the cities mentioned above, the other locations are in Sidney and Lincoln.

If things go well, Grand Island's Fat Dogs Travel Center will open in May or June.

"I'm hoping we're ready for summer traffic next year," Riewe said.
Hai Phong city woos FDI in free trade zone, special economic zone

By Tri Duc Fri, July 28, 2023 | 10:06 am GTM+7

Hai Phong city is calling on partners from mainland China, Taiwan and South Korea to invest in the free trade zone and free economic zone that it plans to establish.

The appeal was made Wednesday in separate meetings between senior city officials and visiting delegations.

China's Wolong Electric Group

At a Wednesday working session with Chinas Wolong Electric Group, Hai Phong Chairman Nguyen Van Tung said the city was drafting a plan to build a free economic zone and urged the Chinese giant to help with the task.

Tung also lauded Chinese businesses investments in Hai Phong via 146 projects with total registered capital of $1.1 billion. This ranks China third in terms of the number of projects and sixth in terms of investment capital in the city.

Hai Phong Chairman Nguyen Van Tung (R) and Wolong chairman Chen Jiancheng have a meeting in the northern city on July 26, 2023. Photo courtesy of Hai Phong's news portal.

The Wolong chairman Chen Jiancheng said that the group was planning to expand its investment in Hai Phong with an additional capital of $20 million in order to relocate its engine manufacturing to the city. The firm also plans to build a cleaning detergent factory in the northern port city, he said.

Wolong has been operating a subsidiary at the An Duong Industrial Park since 2018 with an investment of $30 million and 450 staff, Chen noted.

Tung welcomed the additional investment and asked relevant municipal agencies to facilitate it.

Taiwan business delegation

Also Wednesday, Le Trung Kien, head of Hai Phong Economic Zone Authority (HEZA), met with local firm Xuan Cau-Lach Huyen Investment JSC and several Taiwanese funds and corporations.

Kien proposed that Taiwanese firms invest more in Hai Phong, utilizing their strengths in the non-tariff zone, especially in areas of international maritime transport, logistics, chip and semiconductor manufacturing.

He also urged the Taiwanese delegation help establish direct flights connecting Hai Phongs Cat Bi airport and Taibei Shi and Kaohsiung cities.

Taiwanese firms can focus more on technology transfer and utilize services of local companies in order to improve linkages between businesses of Hai Phong and Taiwan, Kien said.

The Taiwan delegation said they were particularly focused on examining the Lach Huyen deep-water seaport and Xuan Cau free trade zone-industrial park. The delegation suggested that the city steps up development of expressways, railways and airways; strengthen seaport management; and improve human resources training.

Hai Phong currently hosts 30 Taiwanese investment projects with a total registered capital of $1.68 billion. Some of the more notable Taiwanese investors are Pegatron with $800 million, Universal Scientific Industrial with $215 million, Phihong with $100 million, and Lite On with $89 million.

South Korean delegation

Le Tien Chau, Secretary of the Hai Phong Party Committee, met with a South Korean delegation Wednesday and asked them to share their experiences in building free trade zones, training workforce, managing urban areas, and establishing an innovation and development center.

Park Byeong-Seug, former speaker of South Koreas National Assembly, recommended Hai Phong authorities to continue facilitating South Korean investments, support Korean citizens in the city including building an international school for their children.

Hai Phong has so far welcomed 105 South Korean investment projects with a total registered capital of $9.97 billion. In 2022, these projects recorded revenues of $14.5 billion, including $13.5 billion from exports, providing employment to 41,000 people.
Hong Kong: Govt weighs options to protect whale

The Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department yesterday held discussions with experts from the Ocean Park Conservation Foundation Hong Kong (OPCFHK) and other conservation groups regarding the welfare of a whale that has appeared in Sai Kung waters, and measures to protect it.

All parties agreed that wounds seen on the back of the whale were not caused by recent injuries. They deemed that as the whale is in a stable condition and capable of feeding and swimming while its wounds heal, and that because its behaviour doesnt indicate any signs of it being sick or stranded, there is currently no need for medical or other interventions.

The department noted that some present were of the view that restricted areas should be set up to protect the whale. Given that the whale has been sighted only sporadically over a large stretch of water, it would not be feasible to do so without affecting other marine users.

The department said it would step up patrols together with Police and the Marine Department. Government officers will instruct vessels not to sail too close the whale when it surfaces, and take immediate enforcement actions if necessary, to ensure the whale is free from disturbance by whale-watching vessels.

As to the suggestion that the whale could be guided out to the open seas, no options deemed safe and secure were put forward. The department will continue to explore appropriate and effective solutions with the experts.

This story has been published on: 2023-07-28. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
In pics: portrait photos of CPV veterans

Xinhua) 14:02, July 28, 2023

This combo photo shows the portrait of Ma Shixun on July 14, 2020. Born in 1932, Ma participated in the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea in 1950, serving as a statistician. (Xinhua/Yang Qing)

Seventy-three years ago, the Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) crossed the Yalu River and fought alongside the army of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, eventually winning the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea in 1953.

Thursday marked the 70th anniversary of the victory of the War.

Photographers from Xinhua took portrait photos of some CPV veterans.

This combo photo shows the portrait of Cheng Maoyou on July 18, 2020. Born in 1930, Cheng participated in the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea in 1952. (Xinhua/Yang Qing)

This combo photo shows the portrait of Li Fengwu on July 4, 2023. Born in 1934, Li joined the Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) as an epidemic prevention doctor in 1951. (Xinhua/Yang Qing)

This combo photo shows the portrait of Xiang Fengyu on July 4, 2023. Born in 1933, Xiang participated in the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea in 1951, serving as a communication officer. (Xinhua/Yang Qing)

This combo photo shows the portrait of Cheng Longjiang on Sept. 16, 2020. Born in 1931, Cheng participated in the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea in 1950. (Xinhua/Yang Qing)

This combo photo shows the portrait of Li Weibo on July 17, 2020. Born in 1932, Li served in the artillery during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea. (Xinhua/Yang Qing)

This combo photo shows the portrait of Wang Fenghe on Sept. 17, 2020. Born in 1925, Wang became disabled as his little finger lost function due to injury during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea. (Xinhua/Yang Qing)

This combo photo shows the portrait of Wu Xiaolan on Sept. 9, 2020. Born in 1934, Wu served as a nurse during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea. (Xinhua/Yang Qing)

This combo photo shows the portrait of Nan Qixiang on Oct. 13, 2020. Born in 1936, Nan joined the army with his father in 1948 and participated in the War of Liberation and the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea. (Xinhua/Yang Qing)

This combo photo shows the portrait of Yang Diansheng on Aug. 13, 2020. Born in 1932, Yang joined the Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) as an automobile assistant in 1950. (Xinhua/Yang Qing)

This combo photo shows the portrait of Guan Changyi on July 15, 2020. Born in 1930, Guan participated in the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea in 1950, serving as a radio operator. (Xinhua/Yang Qing)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Wu Chaolan)
Long An province ticks all the right boxes for Japan firms

By Nguyen Thuy Fri, July 28, 2023 | 9:26 pm GTM+7

Long An province bordering Ho Chi Minh City is an ideal location for business expansion beyond Japan, Japanese businesses said on Friday.

We did the right thing 14 years ago by selecting Long An to build a brewery, said Sapporo Vietnam Company Ltd. CEO Katsuhiko Usui.

Long An has good water resources for brewing beer. It is also closed to major ports and has overland connections with Ho Chi Minh City, the largest market in Vietnam, he told the Japan-Long An investment promotion conference co-held in the Mekong Delta province by the provincial administration and Japans Consulate General in HCMC, in collaboration with the Japan External Trade Organization (Jetro).

Provincial officials have given their full support to Sapporo. Not just that, the people here love Sapporo and have dubbed it 'Long An beer'.

The Japanese brewer started building its 6.5-hectare factory in Long An in 2009, and the facility started operations in 2011. Katsuhiko said the Japanese beer has become an established brand in southern Vietnam, and he himself, as a member of the Japanese Business Association in Ho Chi Minh City (JBAH), knows via talks with other JBAH members that Japanese firms prefer Vietnam as an investment destination beyond Japan.

Matsumoto Nobuyuki, head of Jetros HCMC office, echoed Katsuhiko at the conference. In a business study by Jetro Tokyo from January to June this year, 60% of Japanese businesses surveyed said they wanted to expand their business or establish a presence in Vietnam, he said.

The top reasons for Japanese companies to choose another country as an investment destination are the market size, labor costs, and market stability, he said, adding that todays market size in Vietnam is about 100 million people, making it attractive to Japanese companies.

For southern Vietnam, Japanese businesses prefer HCMC and the surrounding provinces of Binh Duong, Dong Nai, and Long An, the Jetro representative said. Among the three provinces, Long An is now more potential among Japanese investors as it is seeking to emerge as a new FDI magnet.

Matsumoto mentioned its transparent and supportive management, good infrastructure facilities for investors, and ability to efficiently provide human resources.

He noted that Vietnam as a whole needs to improve English skills among workers to attract more FDI, and Japanese-speaking workers would be sought after by Japanese investors. He stressed the Japanese government is providing support for Japanese teaching programs overseas, including Vietnam, because today fewer people globally speak Japanese than previously.

The Japanese government also provides support for human resources development in foreign countries to help Japanese firms abroad. Thats why Jetro will organize a job promotion day in Ho Chi Minh City on November 4 this year, Matsumoto said.

He noted that those Japanese investors who choose Vietnam are those seeking to diversify their supply chains, including electronics makers.

Matsumoto's advice for Long An in particular and Vietnam in general was to focus on developing schools and hospitals that can serve the families of Japanese people living in Vietnam.

In the south, many Japanese people live in Ho Chi Minh City because it is home to international schools and hospitals with doctors, medical teams and staff able to speak English and provide English medical records.

He noted that in Long An now, maybe a hospital is still unable to provide medical records in English. Matsumoto said about 100,000 Japanese are living in southern Vietnam but most stay in HCMC.

Japanese Consul General Ono Masuo (L) exchanges his name card with Ohta Shigemasa, president of Japanese market research & consulting firm B&Company at the Japan-Long An investment promotion conference on July 28, 2023. Photo by The Investor/Nguyen Tuong.

Addressing the conference, Ono Masuo, Japanese Consul General in HCMC, said the event aimed at helping Long An lure more Japanese investors in various areas. He said the province conveniently connects with HCMC and the entire Mekong Delta, and is seeking to become a new industrial and development destination in the south.

Long An plans to establish 17 new industrial parks (IPs), bringing its total to 51 by 2030, with a total area of nearly 12,500 hectares, according to the provincial Peoples Committee. The 17 new IPs will cover nearly 3,200 hectares altogether.

This would leave Long An trailing only Binh Duong province in terms of IPs. The move is expected to create more favorable conditions and significant investment opportunities for both Vietnamese and foreign companies.

Talking to The Investor at the conference, Brent Beachler, deputy CEO of Tan Duc Investment Corp., the developer of Tan Duc IP in the province, said his company is also supported by provincial authorities.

Like Beachler, Phan Van Chinh, deputy CEO of Vietnamese industrial real estate developer IDICO JSC, told the event his firm had received full support from Long An to build the Huu Thanh IP on 524 hectares in Duc Hoa district. The IP is about 35 km from HCMCs Tan Son Nhat International Airport, and 50 km from the citys Cat Lai port, one of Vietnams busiest container terminals.

Beverage giant Suntory Pepsico will build its latest Vietnamese factory in the IP, said Chinh.

On July 25, Suntory Pepsico Vietnam received an investment certificate for this $188 million manufacturing plant at a major event held to announced Long Ans development master plan until 2030, with vision extended to 2050, attended by Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh.

The beverage giant now operates factories in HCMC, Can Tho city, Quang Nam, Bac Ninh, and Dong Nai provinces. The newest factory in the central province of Quang Nam has an annual capacity of 850 million liters of beverages and investment of $56 million, and was inaugurated in June 2017.

Also on Friday, Japans Ibaraki Prefecture and Long An province signed a joint statement for bilateral cooperation. The Japanese Consul General witnessed Ibaraki Prefecture Governor Oigawa Kazuhiko and Long An Chairman Nguyen Van Ut ink the partnership, which will focus on boosting labor cooperation. The Vietnamese province is also working to lure more investors from the prefecture and Japan.

Long An provinces Chairman Nguyen Van Ut (R) and Ibaraki Prefecture Governor Oigawa Kazuhiko on stage after signing a joint statement for bilateral cooperation on July 28, 2023 in Long An. Photo by The Investor/An Thuan.

Since 2020, Long An has sent nearly 1,100 workers to work abroad, with about 980 heading to Japan, according to provincial data. The province expects higher numbers thanks to its new cooperation with Ibaraki Prefecture.

From the bottom of my heart, Id like to see us harvest great fruits from this partnership, the Ibaraki governor told the conference.

Ibaraki Prefecture and Long An will expand cooperation in economics, trade, investment, tourism and other areas to maximize this new partnership, he added.

Ibaraki Prefecture Governor Oigawa Kazuhiko (L) shakes hands with Phan Van Chinh, deputy CEO of Vietnams industrial developer IDICO at the Japan-Long An investment promotion conference on July 28, 2023. Photo by The Investor/Nguyen Tuong.

The prefecture, which is part of the Greater Tokyo Area, has many agriculture and industrial companies, which matches Long Ans development orientations until 2030 and beyond. This will help the partnership reap success, said the Ibaraki governor.
Vietnam no longer a cheap manufacturing base: JBIC

By Tri Duc Fri, July 28, 2023 | 8:06 am GTM+7

Vietnam is no longer the cheap manufacturing base it used to be, but no trend of moving to cheaper countries away from the country has been seen to date.

This assessment is carried in a report titled Investment in Vietnam is entering the Age of Co-Creation, prepared by the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC).

The report says there might still be a deep-rooted image of Vietnam as one of ASEANs manufacturing hubs that wield inexpensive labor to its advantage. However, such preconceptions need to be drastically updated as Vietnam is changing in a big way.

The Japan Bank for International Cooperation says Vietnam is not a "cheap manufacturing base" anymore. Photo courtesy of JBIC.

The JBIC report says labor costs in Vietnam have begun to rise in parallel with the nations economic growth. The countrys economy grew 8% last year, the highest among ASEAN members.

It notes that Vietnamese people are passionate about investing in education for their children, indicating the emergence of a more skilled workforce. Hanoi, for instance, is home to more than half of Vietnams top 20 universities, making it easy to hire Vietnamese engineers and other executive candidates.

JBIC also says that Vietnam offers various other advantages to foreign investors.

For Japanese investors restructuring their supply chains, the advantage is that although labor costs are now higher than in Laos and Myanmar, the political system is more stable and reliable in Vietnam, the report quotes Wachi Satoru, deputy general director of Japan-invested Thang Long Industrial Park II and Thang Long Industrial Park III, as saying.

It also quotes Kojima Kazuto, representative director and president of printed wiring board manufacturer Kyosha Co. Ltd., as saying that expanding to Vietnam helps diversify risks. Kazuto adds that compared to Mexico, where exports are limited to the U.S., the attraction of Vietnam is not only its rapidly growing domestic market of 100 million people, but also its capacity to export products to Southeast Asia.

As a result, Japans direct investment in Vietnam, which used to focus on manufacturing and infrastructure-related sectors, has diversified in recent years into other sectors such as retail, consulting and information technology.

Meanwhile, the manufacturing industry is also following the trend to tape the China plus one advantage.

Reviewing FDI growth in Vietnam, the JBIC report notes three phases based on milestone developments: the launching of the Doi moi (open market) policy in 1986; the U.S. lifting economic sanctions in 1994; and Vietnams membership of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2007.

It can be said that the fourth investment boom is underway thanks to Vietnams economic partnership expansion, growing geopolitical role and the realignment of regional supply chains, the report says.

The fourth phase is also taking place as Vietnam pursues its ambition of becoming a developed country by 2045 and achieving net zero emissions (carbon neutrality) by 2050.

As of January this year, JBIC has provided financial assistance of JPY848.1 billion ($6.06 billion) for 315 projects in Vietnam. JBIC has financed projects that account for 13% of Vietnams total power generation. In line with Vietnams carbon neutrality target, areas of cooperation can expand to renewable energy, power grid, zero-emission thermal power generation, according to the report.

Do Nhat Hoang, headl of the Foreign Investment Agency (FIA), under the Ministry of Planning and Investment, says Vietnam aims to attract high-quality investments in high-tech electronics, renewable energy, biotechnology, and infrastructure projects with high added value. Projects related to semiconductor manufacturing and hydrogen production will receive priority, JBIC quoted Hoang as saying.

The Vietnamese economy expanded by 4.14% in the second quarter of this year from a year ago, amid slowing global demand for imports, the country's General Statistics Office (GSO) reported. The first quarter saw a slow growth rate of 3.31%. Overall, in the first half of 2023, the economy grew by 3.72% year-on-year.
Cyber Intelligence

K12 Schools See Massive Spike in Malware and CryptoJacking in First Half of 2023

Education organizations in the United States are experiencing a massive spike in malware, encrypted threats, and cryptojacking so far this year, even as ransomware attacks have slowed, according to SonicWalls 2023 Mid-Year Cyber Threat Report.

Overall intrusion attempts were up during the first half of 2023 compared to a year ago, with cryptojacking volume breaking all previous records, SonicWall said, as threat actors shifted away from traditional ransomware attacks in favor of a stealthier means of malicious activities.

In the first six months of 2023, SonicWall threat researchers recorded 3.7 trillion overall intrusion attempts globally, a 21% increase over the same period a year prior.

The data, though, reveals two divergent trends, the report said: An increase in low-severity intrusion attempts such as pings and other generally benign actions, and a decrease in medium- and high-severity intrusions. These attempts, also referred to as malicious intrusions, fell 7% in the first half of 2023, to 5.3 billion.

Intrusion attempts targeting education organizations fell by 59% from a year ago, and just over a third of education organizations experienced an intrusion attempt each month in the first half of this year  making education the second-most-targeted industry overall.

The data suggests that threat actors are targeting the education sector at an unprecedented rate  more than any other recorded vertical.

Overall, the United States saw a 49% drop in ransomware attacks during the first six months of 2023, compared to the same period a year earlier.

K12 schools saw ransomware attacks fall by 19% year-over-year, and SonicWall said every sector except government and higher education experienced fewer ransomware attacks.

But the good news ends there for K12 cybersecurity practitioners, according to the report.

More Malware, Encrypted Malware

Malware attacks targeting K12 schools rose by 466% from January through June, compared to the same period in 2022, SonicWall said.

Malware is increasingly being delivered through encrypted means, as well: Customers working at K12, higher ed and related education organizations also saw a four-digit spike in malware over HTTPs, SonicWall said. Attacks on education customers jumped 2,580% over the same time period in 2022. A corresponding increase in percentage of customers targeted was also observed: about 9.4% of education customers saw an attack in the first six months of 2023, compared with 8.9% a year before.

IoT malware, on the other hand, fell slightly overall and decreased by 73% in the education sector, the report said.

Cryptojacking is rising exponentially, SonicWall reported, as threat actors seem to be opting for less-threatening ways to earn revenue from their cyber crimes.

In 2022, cryptojacking surpassed 100 million for the first time ever, according to SonicWall. In the first six months of 2023, attack volumes have not only eclipsed that milestone, theyve more than tripled it, rising 399% to more than 332 million hits  compared to just 66.7 million during the first half of last year.

The education sector saw the biggest jump in cryptojacking, with the number of hits recorded by education organizations rising 320 times year-to-date, SonicWall said.

New Cryptojacking Trends

Cybercriminals continue to shift away from the quick payout of ransomware in favor of the slower, behind-the-scenes approach of stealing compute power to mine digital currency, SonicWall said. To help their chances of success, these cybercriminals constantly shift their tools, tactics and procedures.

Following are some of the biggest developments in cryptojacking observed by SonicWall in the first half of 2023, verbatim from the report:

Threat actors are quickly shifting from targeting endpoints to targeting cloud services, including one leveraging Kubernetes clusters to mine Dero.

MacOS endpoints have also been in the crosshairs, with cracked versions of FinalCutPro being used to distribute HonkBox cryptojacking malware.

Oracle WebLogic servers are the target of a new crypter known as ScrubCrypt, designed to evade Windows Defender protections.

SonicWall has continued to observe attackers skipping cryptojacking altogether in favor of stealing crypto directly: In late March, we observed a new variant of AsyncRAT designed to steal Bitcoin, Ethereum and Tether.

Download the full report at SonicWall.com/threatreport.




MARION  Jane Seitz, executive director of the Illinois Raptor Center in Decatur, and Jacques Nuzzo, program director at the center, visited The Hub to teach children in kindergarten through fifth grade about birds of prey and what Ameren and the Illinois Raptor Center are doing to protect birds.

Nuzzo told the children he got interested in raptors because of a first-hand encounter with the birds near his backyard when he was a child.

I was outside enjoying nature and had an experience with a bird that changed my life, Nuzzo said.

He was exploring woods adjacent to his backyard, disobeying his mother to cross a creek leading into a prairie lot. Nuzzo was looking for insects and reptiles in the grass and heard clucking. Fearing it was the neighbors mean rooster, he ran.

Nuzzo scared a flock of about 30 pheasants, and they took flight. One pheasant had trouble keeping up with the flock. A larger bird seemed to be pursuing the slower pheasant, then slammed into it. He saw the bird, a red-tailed hawk, kill the pheasant and begin eating it.

His mother took him to the library, where Nuzzo learned he had seen a raptor.

He asked the children what makes a raptor.

One child said raptors hunt and eat their prey. Nuzzo said that isnt very special in the bird world. Robins, crows and even hummingbirds hunt for their food.

What makes a raptor is they have specialized beaks that are curved like a hook and clawed feet called talons.

Nuzzo and Seitz brought four different birds of prey to Marion. Three of them were injured and their injuries did not allow them to be returned to the wild. The fourth bird was bred in captivity.

The first bird the children met was a male, red-tailed hawk named Ash.

If you see a hawk, where is it? Nuzzo asked the children.

He explained that hawks will sit at the highest point. That sometimes is the top of a utility pole. The hawk sits and looks around, like Ash was doing at The Hub, often watching an open field. The red-tailed hawk is the only Illinois hawk that hunts in an open field.

They like to nest on metal structures and towers. That often means the top of a metal power pole, which puts them next to powerful electricity sources. Ameren does not disturb the nest until the babies are gone. Nuzzo is one of the birders who checks their nests for baby hawks.

The children were introduced to Sam, a male peregrine falcon. Nuzzo said he and Sam do not get along, so he stayed away from Seitz and the bird.

The children learned that peregrine falcons dive at a high speed and the process created by Cornell Universitys ornithology lab to test the speed. They also learned Ameren provides boxes for falcon nests.

The next visiting bird was Reaper, a barn owl. They learned that owls have big eyes and ears and a silent bite. They also make no sound when they fly.

Nuzzo told them that owls can see in the dark or very low light. They hear their prey underground and sneak up on them without making a sound. They also sit differently than a hawk. An owl sits with two toes in front and two in back. A hawk has three toes in front and one in back.

The last visitor was a turkey vulture named Water.

Vultures dont hunt, they scavenge, Nuzzo said. This is natures cleanup crew.

He said vultures have a massive wing span. Water, a small male bird, has a wing span of six feet. This means that a vulture sitting on an electrical pole can reach from one wire to the wire on the opposite side and electrocute themselves and causing power outages.

Ameren is working to protect the birds. They can make the cross beams on their poles wider to prevent vultures from reaching both sides. They also are installing rubber bumpers to keep the birds safe.

Nuzzo told the children there is an easy way to learn more about vultures  go outside.

Human beings protect what they love, Nuzzo said.

Jennifer Lee, a community relations executive for Ameren, gave the children stuffed owls with bandanas that say Ameren Illinois.

To learn more about the Illinois Raptor Center, visit illinoisraptorcenter.org.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced another milestone Thursday in his administrations push to expand the states role as a manufacturing hub in the renewable energy economy.

At a groundbreaking ceremony at a Prysmian Group manufacturing plant in Du Quoin, the administration announced the signing of the states third contract under a tax incentive program for renewable industries that initially became law in 2021.

Prysmian, which Pritzker described as the largest cable manufacturer in the world, produces cables and other products used in energy storage and distribution, renewable energy and electric vehicle charging stations. At the Du Quoin plant in Southern Illinois, the company makes insulated power distribution cables that transmit energy underground and inside factories. Some of those cables feed power to companies that generate wind and solar energy, said plant manager Erik Perks.

With the help of an estimated $17.7 million in state tax credits, the Du Quoin site will expand by 100,000 square feet and add 80 new jobs, bringing the workforce to approximately 300.

This expansion is on a scale of investment that Du Quoin has not seen in a generation, Mayor Josh Downs said at a Thursday news conference. So today I will take great pride in the fact that this announcement has very likely secured the economic stability of our city for the next 50-plus years.

The Du Quoin plant was built in 1965 and is the largest employer in the town of 5,800 people, according to Downs.

Previously known as General Cable, the facility was acquired by Prysmian in 2018. Most workers at the plant are part of the Teamsters Local 50 union, officials noted.

The Italian company has its global headquarters in Milan and North American headquarters in Highland Heights, Kentucky. It plans a near-$64 million investment at its Du Quoin facility, one of its 28 plants located in North America.

We had alternatives, but the government, the territory helped us  to make the decision to put the money here, Prysmian CEO Andrea Pirondini said of investing in the Du Quoin plant.

The incentives will come through the Reimagining Energy and Vehicles Act, a tax incentive program that passed the General Assembly nearly unanimously in November 2021.

All three of the contracts the REV Act has yielded thus far have been with downstate Illinois companies. In September 2022, T/CCI Manufacturing in Decatur announced a plan to retool its Macon County plant to manufacture compressors for electric vehicles. Under the contract, the company was expected to create 50 new jobs and maintain 103 positions in order to receive $2.2 million in tax incentives.

In May, the state signed a contract with Manner Polymers, providing about $4.6 million in incentives to the company that planned to build a new factory in Mount Vernon that would create 60 jobs. That company manufactures PVC compounds, including some used in electric vehicles.

The REV Act was initially passed in the wake of the governors marquee energy grid decarbonization policy, the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act. Its intention was to lure electric vehicle and parts manufacturers to Illinois to help the state reach its goal of putting 1 million EVs on state roads by 2030.

The initial tax credits ranged from 75% to 100% of income tax withheld for newly created jobs and 25% to 50% for retained employees, depending on factors such as company location and the number of employees hired. A 10% credit for training expenses is also available.

The REV Act has been expanded multiple times since its initial passage to offer incentives to smaller manufacturers, double the length of benefits and increase available credit values for companies in underserved communities.

In February, Pritzker signed a law expanding the EV-focused tax credit to other products essential to the growth of the renewable energy sector.

The incentives that we provide now  new incentives that didn't exist before I came into office  are important in their thinking, Pritzker said of companies decisions to relocate to or expand in Illinois. Were competing against other states  Texas and Michigan and Mississippi and all over the country.

Pritzker said his administration often spends weeks or months talking to businesses to try to lure them to Illinois. Earlier this month, he led a trade mission to the United Kingdom, where he and 41 other state government and business officials spent much of their time promoting Illinois electric vehicle industry and its renewable energy initiatives.

I don't want to give away too much  those are taxpayer dollars, weve got to be careful with them, Pritzker said Thursday. But at the same time, when you put all those features together, and our transportation system, our ability to ship product all over the world from here, it's quite attractive.
Michelle Morales, president of Woods Fund Chicago, a philanthropic organization that focuses on fighting structural racism and economic injustice, will join Southern Illinois University Carbondales Paul Simon Public Policy Institute for a virtual discussion on Aug. 3.

Morales and John Shaw, institute director, will discuss Morales background in advocacy and philanthropy and the Woods Fund Chicagos eight-decade quest to advance social justice. Morales will also share her efforts in fighting for racial, economic and educational justice.

The virtual discussion is at 10 a.m. The online program via Zoom is free and open to the public, but registration is required. The conversation is part of the institutes Understanding Our New World series.

Morales has been president of Woods Fund Chicago since 2019. Prior to this, she was the executive director of the Illinois chapter of the Mikva Challenge, an organization devoted to youth civic engagement. A native of New York, Morales moved to Chicago in 1993 to attend DePaul University, where she earned a bachelors degree in in Latin America/Latino Studies. She also has masters degrees in special education from the University of Illinois Chicago and educational leadership from Northeastern Illinois University.

Michelle Morales is a dynamic and passionate champion of racial equity, social justice and educational opportunity. We are eager to learn her assessment about whether Chicago, the state of Illinois, and the United States are making sufficient progress in these urgent challenges, Shaw said.

Attendees are encouraged to submit questions for Morales on the registration form or email questions to paulsimoninstitute@siu.edu.

More information, a list of the institutes upcoming events and past speakers and events are available.
Drivers who need to renew their license at a secretary of state facility will likely have to make an appointment starting this fall.

Starting Sept. 1, 44 driver services facilities in medium- to large-sized cities around the state will require appointments for driver services  things like renewing a license, updating a license to meet Real ID requirements or taking a driving test. Vehicle services, like title registration, will still be offered on a walk-in basis.

The facilities impacted by the move to appointment-based service are in some of the states most high-traffic locations. These include all but one of the locations in Chicago as well as locations in Aurora, Deerfield, Naperville, Waukegan, Champaign, Decatur, Bloomington, Peoria and more.

The change in policy is accompanied by a standardization of hours at driver services facilities. All driver services facilities will operate from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Sixteen locations will offer Saturday morning hours from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Our goal is to change the stereotype of dealing with government offices, Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias said on Thursday, noting that he hopes customers have a positive experience.

Appointments can be made by visiting the secretary of states website at ilsos.gov or by calling 844-817-4649.

Giannoulias said that the cost of implementing the changes falls within the existing secretary of states budget.

This is sort of the first major step in implementing the rest of our modernization goals, Giannoulias said.

Giannoulias also encouraged Illinoisans to make use of online services when possible, including drivers license renewal and ordering license plate stickers. The secretary of states office also received more than $75 million in this years budget for its IT modernization efforts, which have already resulted in an overhaul of the offices website, ilsos.gov.

The revamped website is more intuitive and prioritizes our most popular programs and services so customers can find the information they want and need faster and more conveniently, Giannoulias said in a July 12 news release.

Its a continuation of several pandemic-driven shifts toward modernization for the secretary of states office. That process began under former secretary Jesse White, who held the office for more than two decades before Giannoulias took office in January.

These pandemic-era modernizations included piloting appointment-based service and offering expanded online services for drivers.
Times and Democrat. July 8, 2023.

Editorial: SC takes another key step to aid military families

South Carolina continues to grow as a military-friendly state.

It is home to eight major military installations and more than 417,000 military veterans, the eighth-highest total of military retirees in the nation. That includes one of every 10 adults in the state, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

The South Carolina Military Base Task Force, which is part of the South Carolina Department of Veterans Affairs, in 2019 released the report, The Economic Impact of S.C. Military Community: 2019 Update. It found that the total economic impact of South Carolinas military community surpasses $25.3 billion annually.

In 2002, the state took a key step to boost its military connection.

Gov. Henry McMaster signed the Workforce Enhancement and Military Recognition Act, which exempts all military retirement pay that is included in South Carolina taxable income from the states income tax, no matter the taxpayers age.

South Carolina lawmakers in 2023 took another big step to aid military families moving to the state. They will face fewer obstacles while enrolling their children in public school. The South Carolina Department of Education has notified all districts of the new law so that they can be ready to implement it for the upcoming school year.

In South Carolina, were known for the warm welcome we provide to service members and their families. Im pleased to see this commonsense policy change that honors our military families by making it easier to enroll their students, State Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver said.

The new law asks districts to accept enrollment applications and residency documents electronically from active-duty military families. Additionally, the law instructs districts to look beyond the list of proof of residency documents routinely required for enrollment and provide flexibility for military families who may not yet have access to those documents.

The law gives a great deal of discretion to each school district on determining the list of acceptable documents, with the guiding principle of resolving ambiguity in favor of enrolling the student.

When I moved to South Carolina as a member of the military, my family personally found the documentation required for school enrollment challenging, said Spartanburg Republican Rep. Bobby J. Cox, who served as the primary sponsor of the bill.

A change in station is already difficult enough for these families, and its our duty to remove any points of stress we can to make their transition to a new location easier, the former U.S. Army Ranger said.

Frequent moves are a constant for military families. Making the transition easier by lessening red tape to get children in school makes sense in a state with such a major military presence.

Echoing S.C. Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Todd McCaffrey: Im proud of South Carolina and appreciative of Rep. Bobby J. Cox and our General Assembly for their continued support for our military and their families.

SC Military Base Task Force

The South Carolina Military Base Task Force exists to enhance the value of our states military installations and facilities, as well as the quality of life for military personnel and their families in the state. The task force is also charged with coordinating efforts among public and private sectors to maintain a significant U.S. Department of Defense presence in South Carolina.

Established by executive order of the governor, the S.C. Military Base Task Force (MBTF) includes top-level representation from local governments, chambers of commerce, retired military, the S.C. National Guard and the S.C. General Assembly. The MBTF is tasked to advise the Governor and General Assembly on various military matters that affect the state.

END
Calhoun County employees will be able to use county-owned vehicles for personal use only in cases that will add limited incidental mileage to the vehicle, according to a new policy.

The policy also notes that certain county employees will be given the regular use of a take-home vehicle due to the nature of their jobs.

Calhoun County's Administration and Finance Committee approved the new policy governing employee use of county-owned vehicles after concerns were raised by Councilwoman Rebecca Bonnette.

Committee Vice Chair Ken Westbury informed county council on Monday that Bonnettes concerns were taken under consideration in formulating the policy.

The new policy stipulates that all county vehicles are to be used only for county business purposes. The policy is updated from the one in place since December 2016.

Personal use is restricted to obtaining meals, approved breaks or performing small errands on the way to or from work, the policy states. The use of county-owned vehicles for private business is prohibited.

The policy also notes all county vehicles are to be equipped with tracking devices that collect and report data.

Certain employees will be allowed to take a vehicle home based on need as determined by the county administrator. This includes employees who respond to after-hours emergencies and perform unscheduled and frequent after-hours work. It also applies to some specialized vehicles that carry tools and equipment.

The policy goes on to state that department heads with the concurrence from the county administrator shall determine the reasonable schedules and vehicle assignments for rotational, on-call coverage.

Take-home vehicles are authorized only for a period of time that the employee is on call, the policy states.

The policy also notes, Employees granted the use of a take-home vehicle will be subject to taxation, if applicable, according to the Internal Revenue Service.

The policy also addresses a number of other employee obligations when using county vehicles, such as proper conduct, safety, vehicle maintenance and vehicle use reporting requirements.

The policy will not come before the entire council for a vote.

Bonnette said while the new policy does address some of her concerns, she still has questions about allowing personal use of county vehicles.

It is open-ended and allows errands outside of the county, Bonnette said.

She said the use of vehicles is not allowed for private business but is allowed for errands.

Personal errands do equate to personal business, she said.

Bonnette also asked for greater specificity on who is allowed to take vehicles home and why.

An after-hours call is not likely for most of the positions, Bonnette said. We are here to protect the taxpayer and not to provide take-home vehicles to staff as a benefit for working here.

Bonnette also asked for greater specificity in the policy as it relates to proper conduct and violations; about vehicle tracking monitoring and consequences and county liabilities as it relates to insurance coverage and violations.

Council wont set policy on that but we will address it, Council Chairman James Haigler said. You had some good points. We will look at it.

In other matters:

 Council unanimously agreed to apply for a $1.5 million federal U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance equipment grant.

Calhoun County Sheriffs Department Chief Deputy Matthew Trentham said the grant money could be used for the Motorola radio and dispatch system council had previously approved in July 2022.

Council approved a $1.125 million, 10-year lease agreement with Motorola to purchase new radios, a dispatch system, phones and a mapping system.

The lease agreement is about $138,000 a year.

The money could also be used to help pay for static pole cameras to monitor traffic at various intersections in the county such as the four-way stop at Burke Road, U.S. Highway 21 and U.S. Highway 176.

No local county match is required.

 Council gave unanimous second reading approval to an ordinance amending the boundaries of the countys fire protection service areas.

The ordinance will allow the Calhoun County Fire Commission to change and adjust firefighting responsibilities and jurisdictions in accordance with residential growth over time.

 Medical University of South Carolina Health-Orangeburg CEO Walter Bennett III provided council with an update on the hospitals work since the March 1 transition to the Charleston-based hospital system.

Our goal and in particular my goal for MUSC Health of Orangeburg and Calhoun Counties is to keep patients close to home, Bennett said. We dont want to send patients to Charleston or go to Columbia on a regular basis. We want to ensure we are having access the patients need close to home.

He said the hospital has implemented a new campaign that will be focused on building a culture of safety, quality of care and service excellence for patients, employees, doctors and the community.

Council members thanked Bennett for his presentation and stated their willingness to work with the hospital in the future.

 Council unanimously voted to cancel its Monday, Aug. 14 meeting. Some members will be attending the S.C. Association of Counties conference.
South Carolina State Universitys oldest alumna, Mae Cora Stewart Peterson, died Thursday, July 20, in Texas. She was a member of the S.C. State Class of 1937.

On behalf of the S.C. State campus community, I offer our deepest condolences to Mrs. Petersons loved ones, S.C. State President Alexander Conyers said. Her connection to S.C. State began before she ever joined the student body, and she remained a loyal alumna throughout her long life.

Peterson was active in the Dallas-Fort Worth Chapter of the S.C. State National Alumni Association and served as the speaker at the chapters first scholarship banquet in 2016. She also was featured as a Stellar Alumnae in the month of April in the S.C. State 2017 calendar.

Peterson was born in Columbia but her family moved to Orangeburg shortly after her birth. Her father, Elliott Lee Stewart, cut timber for buildings at The Colored Normal, Industrial, Agricultural and Mechanical College of South Carolina, now South Carolina State University. He also taught brick masonry at the school.

After enrolling at S.C. State, she became a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority in its first pledge class of 1934. She later attended graduate school at the University of Michigan.

She relocated to Fort Worth, Texas, on her own to start her career as executive secretary for the segregated branch of the Fort Worth WYCA in 1943. She married in 1947 and had three children.

Peterson was an educator at various schools and became dean of girls at Fort Worths Dunbar High School, where she worked 27 years before retiring in 1980. She stayed active with community organizations, including Senior Services of Greater Tarrant County, and had been an avid supporter of the Fort Worth Symphony.

She celebrated her 106th birthday on Sept. 14, 2022.

Her family will receive friends at 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 11, at Broadway Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, 305 W. Broadway, Fort Worth, Texas. A celebration of life will be conducted at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 12, at the churchs sanctuary.

Charitable gifts in Mrs. Petersons memory may be sent to:

 Broadway Baptist Church May Street Market, 305 W. Broadway, Fort Worth, TX, 76104-1238.

 The S.C. State University Foundation, Admissions Office in Memory of Mrs. Cora Stewart Peterson, Class of 1937, 300 College St. NE/P.O. Box 7187, Orangeburg, SC, 29117-7187.
This blog covers software patent news and issues with a particular focus on wireless, mobile devices (smartphones, tablet computers, connected cars) as well as select antitrust matters surrounding those devices.
The 50th Anniversary of CARCOM will be marked by a One Family Concert on Emancipation Day.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines will join the rest of the Caribbean in a grand celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).





An event dubbed One Family Concert will be held on August 01, Emancipation Day, at Victoria Park.





A release from the organizing Committee states that the event will commence at 2 pm, and promises to be a momentous occasion in celebration of five decades of regional integration, cooperation, and the collective journey towards freedom and unity among Caribbean nations.





The August 01 event, a display of Caribbean culture, will feature:

* Cultural Performances - with performances by international, regional and local performing artistes, dancers and musicians;

* Art and Craft Exhibition- showcasing traditional and contemporary Caribbean arts and crafts;

* Food and Cuisine  offering a taste of an array of authentic diverse Caribbean culinary delights;

* Commemorative Ceremony  paying tribute to and recognizing the contributions of the pioneers of CARICOM.

Admission to the event is free and families are encouraged to attend and partake in the festivities.




Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves may not be laughing at the fallout his Caribbean colleague Heads might experience, but you cant fault him for saying with a chuckle, I told you so.

The saying that he who laughs last laughs best may just be ringing true for Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.





This, as it relates to Dr. Gonsalves take on the Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programme.





The Prime Ministers unrelenting resistance to appeals to introduce a CBI for St. Vincent and the Grenadines, as a source of recurrent revenue and foreign exchange, was in contrast to other colleague Caribbean countries, including Antigua & Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia and St. Kitts and Nevis.





Now, with the news that the United Kingdom (UK) and the European Union (EU) are cracking down on countries that sell their passports, i.e., that operate CBI programmes, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Dr. Gonsalves position is all but justified.





In fact, as Dr. Gonsalves revels in his foresight, he told the Agency for Public Information (API) here, that he had foreseen this as an unsustainable policy to earn revenue from the beginning.





"You cant base your economic development on this. You cant finance budget on these kinds of monies, he told the API.





Dr. Gonsalves was reacting to the situation related to the operation of CBI programmes on the heels of the news that the UK had removed Dominican passport holders from its list of visa-free countries.





The indication was that this action was predicated on the UK concern about undesirable people gaining entry to British soil using their purchased citizenship, obtained under the CBI programme operated by that country.





Further, the UK has given an early warning that by the end of 2023, St. Lucia, Grenada, Antigua and Barbuda and St. Kitts and Nevis passport holders would also need a visa if they dont end their CBI programmes.

The EU Commission plans to follow suit by removing those countries from the Schengen Visa waiver programme, which allows visa-free travel to at least 27 European countries.





A recent meeting involving CBI Caribbean countries and EU officials in Brussels, Belgium to discuss the matter, concluded with one regional Head of Government telling PM Gonsalves that "its the end of the road, and that the EUs impending crackdown was stricter than the UKs.





PM Gonsalves noted that removing the CBI will significantly shock the countries that are members of the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU).





To cushion that shock, the ECCU countries have agreed to work together during a transition period "to help to lessen the burden of suffering, according to Dr. Gonsalves.





According to the territories that offer the facility, revenue earned under their CBI programmes has played a critical role in restoring the infrastructure of the countries, thereby providing a significant boost to the economies. In the case of Dominica, the government has said that the funds for the construction of an international airport for that country will come primarily from funds raised through its CBI programme, and St. Kitts and Nevis have used some in support of educational institutions and medcial facilities and medical facilities.





Under the CBI programme, successful applicants are allowed to hold dual citizenship, and citizenship may be extended to family members, such as a spouse, dependent children, and dependent parents.
Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves introduced publicly for the first time, the presence of other forces on the ground.

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves has added a whole new dimension to what he perceives to be the prevailing situation in the country post the shooting deaths of five males in Kingstown, on Wednesday 19th July.





Speaking with an API officer while at the tail end of a visit to Morocco, en route to London, Dr. Gonsalves sought to broaden consideration of the state of affairs by saying that while he was not making "a direct connection between the criminal elements and "foreign operatives on the ground (a public reference he was making for the first time), he said this likelihood was "not lost on me, given my knowledge of Caribbean history.





In this regard, Prime Minister Gonsalves pointed to the recent attacks on Cubans working in St. Vincent as a point of reference.





"I have watched some people move against the Cubans. There were on the ground not too long ago, political operatives from outside of St. Vincent and the Grenadines allied to certain forces in the country. Dr. Gonsalves declared.





He also factored in the recent destruction of property at the Brighton Salt Pond recreational site, a site developed and cared for by a private individual, but stopped short of making any real connection among the three incidents  attacks on the Cubans, destruction at Brighton and the shooting of five males on Wednesday, 19th July.

He was adamant, though, that other forces were at work in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, in addition to the criminal elements.
Commissioner of Police, Colin John disclosed that the police investigations into the shooting deaths of five males in Kingstown, will be informed by (police) intelligence dated back to 2014.

Commissioner of Police (CoP) Colin John had much to say during a press conference last week Thursday, July 20.





Much was revealed as it related to circumstances and information surrounding the shooting deaths of five males in Kingstown, last week Wednesday, July 19.





In addition to reporting that the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) had cancelled all vacation and no-pay leave for officers until further notice, Commissioner John disclosed that this action became necessary as the police force had received intelligence "about possible reprisals, and it was a necessary action as the constabulary tried to prevent any possible reprisals following the killings as referenced.





CoP John went further and said that police intelligence suggested that some of the killings in St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) were linked and the majority of major crimes were committed by fewer than 100 people.





"Based on our intel, these shootings, the majority of them, they are as a result of something that  happened since 2014, where some drug transaction went wrong and then persons who are friends then became foe and then it continued up to today, the Commissioner said.





To show that the police were and are concerned about the repercussions of the 2014 incident as deduced from their intelligence, John shared, "So much so that some persons who were killed last night, we had spoken to them before and that  assisted in preserving their lives up to last night, based on proactive policing, John said.





John said the RSVGPF was taking this shooting, these fatalities very seriously, as we do with every crime, especially serious crimes within St. Vincent Grenadines, and assured the country that St. Vincent and the Grenadines was "generally safe.





Meanwhile, as investigations into the July 19, 2023 shootings in Kingstown that left five males dead continues apace, it is expected that the work of the local constabulary will be enhanced with the assistance of the Canadian Authorities and the Regional Security System (RSS).





This was disclosed by Prime Minister and Minister of National Security Dr. Ralph Gonsalves while speaking on WE FM radio last Sunday.





"I can report that the Regional Security System at a technical level will be providing some assistanceinvestigative assistance  along with the authorities in Canada, Gonsalves said.





Meanwhile, as the country makes every effort to get to the bottom of the matter, as per a commitment by the Prime Minister, Acting Prime Minister Montgomery Daniel informed during a press conference last week Thursday that the police and all border control officers have been placed on high alert.




Nigel Scott, Director/SVGCC, urged the 2023 graduating class to get up and get and to accept that they are game changer.

The graduating class of 2023 of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College (SVGCC) have been encouraged to continue to move up. {{more}





The advice came from Director Nigel Scott, Director, SVGCC.





"As you leave our doors, I urge you to recognize that today is not the end, but rather the beginning. You must build on what you have learned, Scott pointed out.





He encouraged the graduates to shape a better future for "yourself and your family, and urged, "Start a business, get employment or create employment.





Scott wished for the passing out class that they would "seize opportunities for business generation and future study, so that you can aid in the process of continuing to transform our society.





He challenged them to accept that "You are game changers, and in so doing to "..be the change you want to see in this country and in this world.





The Director, though, expressed a concern for what he described as "a sense of entitlement in the student population.





In response to that he said simply and clearly, "..this world owes you nothing.





Yes, he urged the graduates to "work hard and make use of the opportunities available to you, but in the same breath, cautioned them to "never live as if the world owes you these opportunities and you are entitled to gifts and favors. Get up, get out, be you and make a difference.





The 14th Graduation





This was the 14 Annual Graduation Ceremony of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College (SVGCC) and was held on Tuesday 27thJune, 2023, at Victoria park.





In the tradition of its carefully manicured exercises, the SVGCC passed out six hundred and eighty-three (683) students this time around.





Those who graduated on Tuesday were representative of 43 graduates from the Division of Teacher Education (DTE); 221 from the Division of Technical and Vocational Education (DTVE); and 419 from Division of Arts, Sciences and General Studies.





The 2023 Graduation ceremony was held under the theme:

Behind you, your memories

Before you, your dreams

Within you, All you need, Be You!





In a brief address to the graduating class, Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves assured the students that opportunities are available for them to pursue further and higher studies.





He indicated that $42M is set aside for those who want to enhance their education.
Ms. Limya Eltayeb, UNDP Resident Representative to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean (right) and Keisal Peters, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, exchange pleasantries.

This country continues to make links and strengthen ties with regional and international entities.





In this instance, the government facilitated a visit from new UNDP Resident Representative to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean- Ms. Limya Eltayeb, who made a courtesy call to Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Keisal Peters.





In a tweet dated July 24 from the SVG Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, it said that the meeting provided an opportunity for the discussion of local challenges, priorities and the identification of areas for support.
Zoe Reeve did have the best of experiences as a visitor to SVG, but this will not deter her from visiting again.

A British tourist remains for the most part in high spirits despite having the apartment which she currently occupies broken into, during the early hours of the morning of July 26.





Although admitting to being afraid to sleep, Zoe Reeve said that she had arrived in St. Vincent at the beginning of the month. She came to take in some of the Carnival and explore some of the scenery, and had rented an apartment in Lodge Village, in Kingstown.





A three-minute video began circulating on social media on the morning of July 26 with Reeve giving an account of her ordeal.





Reeve said that she went to sleep around 11pm on July 25 and was woken up around 1am by some loud banging on her bedroom door.





Reeve reported that she had locked the front door of the apartment and her bedroom door.





"I heard some loud banging on my bedroom door, like somebody was kicking it hard or hitting it with a hammer or something, she said.





"It woke me up and I realized somebody must be inside my house, so I messaged some people I know in St. Vincent to see if any of them were awake and could help me, Reeve continued.





Most of the people she contacted were asleep she said, but one individual responded, and she asked whether they could come over to where she was staying.





According to Reeve, the individual replied that they were unable to do so, but that they would contact the police.





During this time, she said that she was hearing noises and that she was held up in her room for over half an hour.





"I was in my room wondering what was going to happen because I knew the guy wanted to get into my room, she said.





The police eventually arrived, and although a bit apprehensive, she ventured outside her bedroom saying that when she turned on the lights, she saw that the intruder(s) had broken a plate and she met a knife that had been moved from the kitchen on a chair in the living room.





She further noticed that the television that was hanging on the wall was also gone.





Nevertheless, despite her traumatizing experience, Reeve said that she hoped that she will be able to return for Vincy Mas in 2024.





"Personally, I believe these things can happen anywhere so its not really a Vincy thing. People experience home break-ins all over the world, she said.





"I feel like its unfortunate that lots of people have experienced similar things and lots of people dont feel safe in their daily lives. I personally feel like these things are usually a result of poverty, poor mental health or a lack of opportunities, etc. so I believe these things wont stop until the system we live in is improved.





"Im grateful that he didnt get into my room and Im also grateful for my friend who offered to come and pick me up and let me crash at their house for tonight, Reeve said.
(Photo : JIM WATSON / AFP) (JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images)

Michigan authorities passed a new legislation that bans conversion therapy targeting LGBTQ youth as lawmakers argue the discredited practice is dangerous.

Michigan authorities have moved to ban conversion therapy in the state that targets youth members of the LGBTQ community as the discredited practice aims to "convert" them to heterosexuality or traditional gender expectations.

The development comes after Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed the new legislation on Wednesday. With this, the state became the 22nd in the United States to criminalize conversion therapy, which lawmakers defined as any practice or treatment by a mental health professional that sought to change an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity.

Michigan Bans Conversion Therapy

The definition outlined in the new legislation does not include counseling that assists people undergoing a gender transition. The Michigan governor, a mother of a member of the LGBTQ community, said in a statement that the ban on the "horrific practice" was needed to make the state a place "where you can be who you are."

In 2021, Whitmer signed an executive directive prohibiting using state and federal funds for conversion therapy targeting minors. There are 15% of LGBTQ minors who live in Michigan that have reported that they have been threatened with or subjected to conversion therapy as of 2022, as per NBC News.

For several years now, LGBTQ rights advocates have decried the discredited practice, citing research that suggests that it can increase the risk of suicide and depression among members of the LGBTQ community.

Last month, the Michigan Senate approved the conversion therapy ban in a 21-15 vote where one Republican lawmaker sided with Democrats. This came after the legislation passed by the state House. GOP members who opposed the ban said it could interfere with the work of mental health professionals.

Since Democrats took control of the state government in Michigan earlier this year, they have prioritized protecting the rights of the LGBTQ community. Lawmakers in March amended the state's civil rights act to codify LGBTQ protections and permanently criminalize discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

Read Also: US House Committee to Question Vets With Knowledge of UFOs

Protecting LGBTQ Youth

On the other hand, Minnesota lawmakers passed a similar ban on conversion therapy in April in the state where Democrats also took control earlier this year. Last month, Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs also issued an executive order that prohibits state agencies from using funds to promote or facilitate conversion therapy, according to ABC News.

In May, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) declared a state of emergency for the LGBTQ community in response to an "unprecedented and dangerous" spike in discriminatory legislation that swept statehouses this year. It became the first such emergency declaration in the 43-year history of the HRC.

In a statement, Whitmer expressed her gratitude for her colleagues' and supporters' actions in making Michigan a more welcoming and inclusive state. The executive director at Equality Michigan, Erin Knott, also celebrated the passing of the legislation.

She noted that the governor has demonstrated that she has committed to protecting the well-being and safety of Michigan's LGBTQ youth. She added that the passing of the ban sends a powerful message that every young person in the state has the right to grow up free from the damaging effects of the discredited practice, said the Detroit Free Press.

Related Article: Giuliani Admits to Making False Statements About Georgia Election Workers

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
A bomb killed six people and wounded scores on Thursday when it exploded near the Sayeda Zeinab mausoleum in Damascus, Syria's most visited Shiite pilgrimage site, the authorities said.

The deadly blast south of the capital came ahead of the annual commemoration of Ashoura, when Shiites remember the death of the Imam Hussein, grandson of the Prophet Mohammed, in a seventh century battle.

The interior ministry gave a death toll of six, state news agency SANA reported, revising an earlier death toll of five.

More than 20 people were wounded in the attack which the interior ministry said was caused when a motorcycle exploded near a taxi, calling it a "terrorist bombing."

Health Minister Hassan al-Ghobash visited the wounded in hospital, the ministry said.

A source at the nearby Al-Sadr hospital told AFP earlier that the facility had received 10 wounded after a car bombing near the shrine.

State television reported that the explosion was caused by a "bomb placed in a taxi by unidentified people."

"We heard a huge blast, and people began to run," 39-year-old civil servant Ibrahim told AFP.

"Then ambulances arrived, and security forces cordoned off the area."

He said the explosion took place "near a security building around 600 meters [yards] from the mausoleum of Sayeda Zeinab," granddaughter of the Prophet Mohammed and the daughter of Imam Ali, a founding figure of Shiite Islam.

The authorities had tightened security measures around the mausoleum for the 10-day Ashoura commemoration, the most important in Shiite Islam.

On Tuesday, an explosion in a car in the same area wounded two civilians, official media cited a security official as saying.

Frequent targets

Shiite shrines are a frequent target of attacks by Sunni Muslim extremists of the Islamic State group (IS), not only in Syria but also in neighboring Iraq.

There has been no claim of responsibility for Thursday's Damascus attack.

The Sayeda Zeinab mausoleum was hit by several deadly bombings during the country's civil war that erupted in 2011.

Since then, the mosque complex with its turquoise ceramics and gold dome in the Iranian style has been defended by Shiite militiamen, mostly Lebanese and Iraqi, as well as by the army.

Attacks have nonetheless declined in recent years, with some of the security measures relaxed.

IS said it was behind a double suicide attack in February 2016, 400 meters from the mausoleum, that killed 134 people, including more than 90 civilians.

The group had also claimed a triple blast near the sanctuary several weeks earlier that took the lives of at least 70 people.

The war in Syria has claimed more than half a million lives and displaced millions.

It began with the brutal repression of protesters demonstrating against the regime of President Bashar al-Assad.

Later, it evolved into a complex conflict involving jihadists and foreign powers.

Ashura, on the 10th day of the Islamic month of Muharram, commemorates the killing of Imam Hussein at the battle of Karbala in modern-day Iraq.

Shiite Muslims the world over view Hussein's death as a symbol of the struggle against injustice.
You have reached a premium content area of Transitions. To read this entire article please login if you are already a Transitions subscriber.



Not a subscriber?



Subscribe today for access to:

Full access to the website, including premium articles videos, country reports and searchable archives (containing over 25,000 articles).


Casper, Wyoming, is known for its tight-knit community, full of supportive neighbors and lifelong friendships. As we navigate recovery and growth through economically difficult times, Caspers resilience has proven that having a community you can rely on is fundamental in an unpredictable world. This is the culture we foster at First Interstate Bank.

The First Interstate team is grateful to partner with individuals and business owners who have deep roots in this community, some for generations. I have been with First Interstate in Casper for 15 years and I have been privileged to lead this great team as market president for the past six months. I know each day that First Interstate is focused on serving our clients and the places we all call home. No matter how long our clients have been banking with us, we are committed to being not just responsive but proactive in uncovering opportunities to enhance the financial situation of everyone we work with.

Empowering our communities to thrive

Since its founding in 1968, First Interstate has remained committed to addressing the needs of its employees, clients, communities and stakeholders through philanthropy. With our community banking roots and values, we understand the importance of relying on our local employees in Casper to identify and support philanthropic organizations that make a difference here at home.

In June, First Interstate announced that, in partnership with Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines, 12 Casper nonprofits were selected to receive funding to support their missions, totaling more than $143,000 in donations. Selected organizations include the Casper Housing Authority, Habitat for Humanity, the Heart of Wyoming, Joshua's Storehouse and Distribution Center, Make-a-Wish Wyoming, Seton House, Wyoming Food for Thought Project, Wyoming Housing Network, Self Help Center, Unaccompanied Students Initiative, Food Bank of Wyoming, Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming and Wyoming Rescue Mission. These critical nonprofit partners share a commitment to making the neighborhoods where we live and work more vibrant because of their valuable services.

But thats not where the support for nonprofits stops. First Interstate proudly organizes an annual employee Volunteer Day each September, during which our 3,900 team members spend half of a business day volunteering in the communities we serve. Additionally, in 2022 First Interstate Bank introduced the Believe in Local grant campaign to celebrate our long-standing dedication to the communities we serve. As part of this initiative, 40 nonprofit organizations throughout the bank's footprint are selected to receive a $25,000 gift in support of their mission. These nonprofits are identified by our employees, with a notable number of this year's grantees actively serving the Wyoming community.

Investing in each individual client

As the Casper market president for First Interstate Bank, my focus is on cultivating and expanding our relationships within the community. First and foremost, our service culture and attention to detail are unmatched. Our objective is to be a trusted adviser and partner, and we strive to abide by a strong work ethic to earn that trust. Moreover, all of our guidance is centered on our clients best interests.

For First Interstate, working hard means taking initiative and communicating every step of the way. One way we demonstrate this is through proactive financial analysis for each of our clients, to maximize every possible way to save or earn them money. We often identify business owners who have multiple loans with various institutions at rates we can beat. Nothing excites our teams more than the potential opportunity to save our clients thousands of dollars in payments each month.

A community bank with firepower

While First Interstate incorporates the technology and financial tools often associated with national banks, we also keep our local branches fully staffed with supportive team members. If you have a question on cash management or payment fraud solutions for your company, local experts take pride in finding the right solution for every person who walks through our doors. And because everyones situation is different, we have credit card products, treasury solutions and wealth management services that can be tailored to your needs, making our branches a one-stop shop for clients.

Continued success in the Casper community

The homegrown culture of First Interstate in Casper revolves around making a big impact at the community level. At the end of the day, we want to do right by our clients, working with honesty and integrity while providing an experience that helps our clients reach their goals. You will hear this client-centered message from us often  and we take pride in responding within hours when you reach out to us.

At First Interstate, we set our sights on being the premier resource for businesses and individuals alike. In fact, our mission is to help people and their money work better together. Our local bankers are committed to supporting the region over the long term, and we continually refine our products, services and community involvement to meet the needs of this region.

If youre in the midst of any financial decisions  from investing in property to preparing your estate  our team members are available to run scenarios and serve as a sounding board. We are here to provide the insight, advice and planning you need to ensure your decisions pencil out and maximize your financial well-being.

If you havent had a chance to work with us recently, I invite you to stop by one of our branches. Let us know how we can help you and the Casper community achieve financial success.

Nick McNamee is president of First Interstate Banks Casper market. For more information, call Nick at 307.235.4230, email him at nicholas.mcnamee@fib.com or visit firstinterstate.com.

This content was produced by Brand Ave. Studios. The news and editorial departments had no role in its creation or display. Brand Ave. Studios connects advertisers with a targeted audience through compelling content programs, from concept to production and distribution. For more information contact sales@brandavestudios.com.
To streamline what local officials call a strained and sometimes disorganized emergency response system, Casper is considering an agreement with the Banner Health-owned Wyoming Medical Center to make the hospitals private ambulance service the default provider for area 911 medical transport.

Casper Fire-EMS and the hospital both respond now to calls for medical assistance. There isnt, however, a coordinated process for dividing the work  creating an unnecessary overlap of services.

Wyoming Medical Center and Casper leaders are hopeful the proposed agreement, which outlines a protocol for disentangling and delegating ambulance care, will save time and money for both entities in the long run.

In my career here, weve never had a consistent, solid model of cooperation between Fire and EMS, Casper Fire Chief Jacob Black told the Casper City Council in a Tuesday work session. Weve always worked well together, but this gives us the opportunity to give a better service to the community.

And in a sector thats grappling with high fixed costs and staffing issues, thats critical, Wyoming Medical Center CEO Lance Porter told the council.

Porter said the state has lost 10 ambulance providers in the past decade, with five shuttering in 2021 alone.

Quote In my career here, weve never had a consistent, solid model of cooperation between Fire and EMS. Weve always worked well together, but this gives us the opportunity to give a better service to the community. Jacob Black, Casper fire chief

What were trying to do is create an agreement which helps us to protect the ambulance services and the emergency response for Natrona County, Porter said.

Already, Black said Casper Fire-EMS is struggling to keep up with demand for assistance. About 48% of the time, the department is responding to two or more calls at once, the chief said, and the department is already stretched so thin that the city plans to add 12 new positions over the next couple of years.

The proposed partnership is expected to go before the Casper City Council in the next few weeks for formal consideration.

In addition to having the hospital handle emergency medical calls, it would also handle all routine patient ground transport within the Casper Fire-EMS service area, according to a draft contract presented to the council this week.

The document indicates Casper Fire-EMS would still be involved with more serious emergency calls and incidents involving reports of multiple injuries.

The agreement, if adopted as currently written, would also require Wyoming Medical Center to establish a quality control group to oversee its partnership with the city.

That group, which would include personnel from both parties, would be tasked with keeping tabs on how patient care, staffing, scheduling, response times and other factors fare under the agreement, according to the draft contract.

At minimum, the quality control group would meet quarterly. The panel, if needed, would be able to make formal recommendations to alter the partnership, though the proposed contract indicates both Casper and Wyoming Medical Center would have to formally agree to any changes.

I do believe that the evaluation committee and identifying problems is going to be an organic process, Black told the council.

If both the city and hospital move forward with the agreement but discover it isnt working out, the document includes a provision that would allow either side to give 30 days notice of intent to call things off.

During Tuesdays meeting, Councilor Brandy Haskins, who represents Ward 3, brought attention to a provision in the draft contract that said Wyoming Medical Center could have Basic Life Support staff handle non-emergency patient transport calls. (Basic Life Support certification doesnt give people specialized medical training, but instead equips them with general skills like how to recognize medical emergencies, provide chest compressions and clear obstructed airways.)

Porter said he believes Wyoming Medical Centers emergency services teams typically send at least one paramedic to non-emergency calls.

The proposed agreement comes as emergency services across Wyoming  particularly in the states smaller communities  fight for survival.

Earlier this year, a group of state lawmakers working on health and labor policy looked into ways Wyoming could increase funding for emergency medical services. The committee voted to draft a bill that would have declared emergency medical services as essential and allocated money to support the sector.

The effort, however, lost momentum when the committee voted in June to scrap the proposal.

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.
During the dark days of World War II (1939-1945), Edward Algoo packed his bags and emigrated with wife Doris to Trinidad, from Guyana, after his oil company employer shut down operations there.

Algoo found work at Trinidad Leaseholds Ltd (later to close as Petrotrin) and the couple would have seven children.
Twenty-eight citizens have been authorised to proceed with individual legal actions against the Office of the Police Commissioner for significant delays in the decision-making process concerning their applications for firearm users licences (FULs).

The matter came up for hearing yesterday before High Court judge Nadia Kangaloo.
(Photo : Jan Spoelstra / ANP / AFP)(JAN SPOELSTRA/ANP/AFP via Getty Images)

A cargo ship located off the coast of the Dutch island of Ameland was set ablaze, forcing crew members to jump overboard and resulting in one death and several injuries.

A cargo ship carrying nearly 3,000 cars off the coast of the Dutch island of Amerland was set ablaze, resulting in the death of at least one crew member and injury of several others on Wednesday.

Many of the workers on the cargo ship were forced to jump overboard following the blaze that started on Tuesday night on the 199-meter-long Panama-registered Fremantle Highway. The incident occurred while the vessel was en route from Germany to Egypt.

Cargo Ship Fire Kills 1

In a statement on social media, the Indian Embassy located in the Netherlands said that the ship fire had "resulted in the death of an Indian seafarer and injuries to the crew." The embassy added that it was already communicating with the deceased's family. The ship's captain, Japan's Shoei Kisen, said that the entire crew, which totaled 21, were Indian nationals.

Rescue ships that arrived near the burning ship sprayed water onto the vessel to cool it down. However, using too much water could risk the boat sinking because it would be too heavy, as per Reuters.

Some reports estimated the ship could continue to burn for several days, citing coast guard officials. In a statement, the Dutch Department of Waterways and Public Works said that the blaze was still not under control.

A spokesperson for the department added that it was difficult to extinguish, which officials believe could be because of the cargo the ship was carrying. The coast guard posted on its website that the cause of the fire remains a mystery. However, a spokesperson said the blaze started near an electric vehicle.

A spokesperson for the International Maritime Organization, which is responsible for regulating safety standards at sea, said that it was planning to evaluate new measures for ships that are transporting electric vehicles next year because of the increasing number of incidents of fires on cargo ships.

Read Also: Ecuador Jail Riots Leave Dozens Dead Amid Gang Warfare

Controlling the Blaze

The captain of the Ameland lifeboat, Willard Molenaar, said that seven members of the ship's crew jumped into the war, where rescuers fished them out. According to BBC, he noted that they were desperate because of the dire situation on the ship.

The coast guard shared photographs showing the burning ship engulfed in smoke and flames licking the deck in an area of the North Sea. The blaze began when the vessel was roughly 27 kilometers north of the Ameland in the Wadden Sea.

In a statement, the North Sea Foundation environmental group said that the Wadden Sea has recently become increasingly vulnerable due to the number of larger ships that use the extremely busy shipping route.

In a Twitter post, the coast guard added that the recovery vessel Hunter has an emergency connection to the burning ship and is currently holding the ship in a controlled position. It added that multiple parties are working on an action plan to limit the damage as much as possible, said CNN.

Related Article: Cambodia: PM Hun Sen to Step Down After 4 Decades, Son Will Take Charge

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
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.
Manufacturers of chocolate and coffee, notably Mondelez and Italy's Lavazza, are concerned about the "practicalities" of a new European Union rule intended to combat deforestation.

Despite the companies and the larger coffee and cocoa industries' voluntary, public vows to clean up supply chains through audits conducted by outside organizations like Fairtrade, there has been a pushback, according to Reuters.

The bill, which was agreed upon in December, is anticipated to go into effect at the end of 2024.

Manufacturers Seek More Advice on the Deforestation Law

Coffee, cocoa, cattle, soy, rubber, and palm oil importers must demonstrate that their supply chains aren't causing the loss of forests, a factor in climate change, or they risk a fine of up to 4 percent of their bloc-wide revenue.

Last month, a number of significant investors were considering leaving consumer goods manufacturers with "risky" supply chains because of their exposure to the problem.

(Photo : by KOEN VAN WEEL/ANP/AFP via Getty Images) Volunteers from Europe and Brazil and Greenpeace Netherlands activists block the lock gates and the bulk carrier "Crimson Ace" in IJmuiden, prior to the access to the port of Amsterdam, on May 11, 2022. - The 225-meter-long mega ship arrives from Brazil with 60 million kilos of soy.

Lavazza pointed out that there are many intermediates in the coffee industry, making it difficult for the EU regulations to be implemented without additional advice.

The Answer to Failed Voluntary Agreements

The EU claims that the failure of years of voluntary agreements by food firms to clean up their supply chains of environmental impacts to have had a significant impact on the ground drove it to draft its landmark deforestation rule.

According to non-profit groups like Earthsight, Fern, and Solidaridad, the law mainly demands businesses to carry out their voluntarily-made commitments to discontinue sourcing from deforested areas.

According to several businesses, the rule as written could impede Europe's food supply system. Van de Put remarked, "I don't think that's what they're searching for.

For farmers to increase agricultural yields and prevent clearing forests to grow more cocoa plants, he urged better training.

This spring, Mondelez and representatives of a trade association studying the effects of the cocoa sector on forestry met with the EU Commission to discuss the regulation, an executive said. The goal of Mondelez's program to obtain all of its cocoa from farms by 2025 is to minimize deforestation.

Ferrero, an Italian confectionery company, requests that the EU issue detailed guidelines on compliance for each product because of the wide variations in supply chains.

The burning of fossil fuels is the primary driver of climate change, but deforestation is a close second. A number of prominent investors are still unwavering in their support for the regulation.

Read also: Amazon Rainforest Ravaged: Over 800 Million Trees Cut Down in 6 Years to Satisfy Beef Industry Demand

The EU Deforestation Law

The EU has adopted a new law that aims to reduce deforestation and forest degradation linked to the production of commodities imported into the bloc. The law, which entered into force on June 29, 2023, requires companies that place certain commodities on the EU market to ensure that they have not been produced on land that has been deforested or degraded since December 31, 2020.

The commodities covered by the law include beef, palm oil, soy, wood, cocoa, coffee, and rubber. The law also applies to derived products made from these commodities, such as leather, chocolate, and furniture.

Companies that fail to comply with the law could face fines of up to EUR 100 million or 0.1 percent of their global turnover, whichever is greater.

The EU's deforestation law is a significant step forward in the fight against deforestation. However, it has been met with some criticism from industry groups, who argue that it is too complex and expensive to implement.

Related article: Lula da Silva Seeks To Expand, Strengthen Mercosur Trading Bloc Despite Disagreements

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
A 25-year old man has been arrested in connection with a drive-by shooting death in Tucson earlier this year, Tucson police announced.

Carlos Gandara Jr. was arrested Wednesday, July 26, in the Feb. 25 slaying of Warren Lee Lewis, 61.

Police gave the following account in a news release:

Officers called to the southwest corner of North Stone Avenue and West Fort Lowell Road found Lewis with gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at a hospital.

Witnesses told investigators Lewis was walking with another person along North Stone when a passing car opened fire.

No immediate suspects were identified but forensic evidence led to Gandara as the prime suspect.

Police obtained a search warrant and an arrest warrant was issued for Gandara. They eventually found him a home near the intersection of North Flowing Wells and West Fort Lowell roads. The Tucson Police Department's SWAT team was called in to assist and he was taken into custody without incident.

Gandara is being held at the Pima County jail on suspicion of first-degree murder, drive-by shooting and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon charges.

Detectives ask that anyone with information about the case call 88-CRIME.
A Tucson man has been sentenced to life in prison for sexually abusing children.

Eric David Marrufo, 43, was sentenced Wednesday by U.S. District Judge Cindy K. Jorgenson after a jury found him guilty of five counts of aggravated sexual abuse of a child and one count of abusive sexual contact with a child.

Marrufo sexually abused multiple victims at his home on the Pascua Yaqui Indian Reservation over a two-year period in 2006 to 2008, federal court officials said in a news release.

The investigation was led by the FBI in conjunction with the Pascua Yaqui Police Department.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew C. Cassell and Rui Wang in Tucson prosecuted the case.
A judge ordered prosecutors Friday to provide a full report to David Dwayne Watson, an ex-Tucson Fire captain found guilty in the murders of his ex-wife, her mother and her mothers friend, about an Illinois inmates confession to killing the ex-wife.

Watsons defense attorney, Paul Banales, filed a motion in May asking prosecutors to produce the entire investigative file from a Pima County sheriffs detective into Corey Foxs confession to killing Linda Watson, Watsons ex-wife.

Banales had gotten a copy of a four-page letter from Fox, an inmate in Illinois, in December 2022, in which he confessed to killing Linda Watson and provided sufficient details of the murder, the defense attorney said in court filings.

Banales then spoke to Bradley Roach, head of the Pima County Attorneys Conviction and Sentencing Integrity Unit, who said he and the sheriffs homicide unit would investigate, court records say.

Linda Watson, 35, disappeared from her house in the 2600 block of West Curtis Road in 2000. Investigators later found blood on the floor of her house, on a plastic trash bag and on the cord of a vacuum cleaner, the Arizona Daily Star reported. Her skull was found three years later near the Silverbell Mine northwest of Tucson. The skull wasnt identified as hers until 2011.

Three years after her slaying, her mother, Marilyn Cox, 63, and her friend Renee Farnsworth, 53, were shot and killed in Coxs driveway by a lone gunman after Coxs first unsupervised visit with the Watsons daughter.

In April 2015, Watson was charged with two counts of first-degree murder and one count of second-degree murder. At his first trial in 2016, the county prosecutor, Jonathan Mosher, alleged Watson killed his wife to end a nasty custody battle over their then 4-year-old daughter, the Star reported. Mosher also said Watson assassinated Cox after she publicly blamed him for her daughters disappearance.

During Fridays hearing, Pima County Superior Court Judge Cynthia Kuhn ordered that the state produce the complete investigative file about Foxs confession by Aug. 18. She also ordered that no information be redacted unless state law requires it to be.

Banales said in court records that his investigator requested a complete copy of the file but the detective said the investigator would need to make a public records request for it. Banales said they should not be required to go through the expense and time of filing a public records request for information directly related to an investigation of anothers confession to a murder Watson was convicted of.

It is imperative that defense counsel obtain all materials or reports which contain Foxs statements in which he confesses to killing Linda Watson so that counsel can determine whether his statements are consistent, especially when it comes to his knowledge or personal facts about Linda and facts about the murder itself, the motion said.

Roach, the prosecutor on the case, was not present at Fridays hearing and didnt respond to Banales motion.

According to court records, the state had not filed a response to Banales motion by June 19, the initial deadline. The state then had until July 7 to respond, but nothing was filed.

Due to their absence and lack of response, Kuhn also set an order-to-show-cause hearing for Aug. 11.

Fridays hearing adds to a years-long legal battle. Watsons first trial in 2016 ended in a mistrial due to a hung jury.

A year later, Watson went to trial again and was found guilty of the three murders. He was denied a new trial and sentenced to 16 years in prison for killing Linda Watson; a life sentence for killing Cox; and another life sentence for killing Farnsworth.

Watsons counsel appealed to the Arizona Court of Appeals, but the appeals was denied in 2019 and his convictions were affirmed.

Banales has until Oct. 16 to file a petition for review, court records show. The deadline for the petition was previously extended by Kuhn since Banales needed additional time to complete the discovery and investigation into Foxs confession.
PHOENIX  As if we arent already staying indoors to escape the heat, heres another reason to keep out of the sun: A new analysis ranks Phoenix as the worst city in the country for skin health and fourth-worst in the world.

Compare the Market, an Australian company that compares rates for health, auto and home insurance, evaluated 50 cities around the world for skin health. The review was based on six factors, including the intensity of ultraviolet radiation, sunshine hours, two types of particulates, nitrogen dioxide and ozone levels.

Phoenix came in fourth after Toronto, Canada; Bratislava, Slovakia, and Athens, Greece. An average of 9.33 sunshine hours and a UV index of 6 were the biggest factors in the Phoenix score. Between 3 and 5 on the UV index translates into moderate exposure, according to Cancer Research UK, while anything over 6 is classified as high risk.

Dr. Karen Hastings, a professor of immunology and dermatology at the University of Arizona College of Medicine  Phoenix and a dermatologist at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Phoenix, said she was not shocked by Phoenixs showing.

No one wants to be the fourth-worst city in the world or the worst in the U.S. for skin, but on the other hand, we know that were in a high UV exposure area. So I think its certainly understandable, Hastings said.

She emphasized that UV exposure, which is a combination of the UV index and the number of sunshine hours, are the main drivers for skin cancer risk and skin aging.

Her recommendations to decrease skin cancer risk and signs associated with aging are to limit UV exposure, wear protective clothing like long-sleeve shirts and wide-brim hats when outdoors during peak sunshine hours, and make applying sunscreen a daily routine. She also suggests using moisturizer with retinol in the evening to counter the signs of skin aging.

Hastings researches the immune response to skin cancers, in particular squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma.

We very recently learned that the immune system can be harnessed to control cancer and has become an effective treatment for many cancers that have spread, and were looking to understand how the T-cell response can be used to even improve that, Hastings said. Wed also like to prevent skin cancers. So for all those reasons, were working to better understand how the immune system recognizes skin cancers and can be used to improve prevention and therapy.

Hastings cautioned that immunotherapies are not effective for all patients, and that the treatments have side effects.

She said she believes the research will lead to reducing the impact of skin cancer and improving results, but said it might be too optimistic to think it would completely prevent or completely cure skin cancer.

Ultraviolet radiation can cause DNA damage, Hastings said, and we only have so much ability to repair that. So you cant completely remove the risk, but we can reduce the incidence and reduce the poor health and death associated with cancer.

Hastings said there are other factors besides environmental ones that can increase someones risk for cancer. If someone has already had skin cancer or a precancerous lesion, if someone is immunosuppressed, and if someone has a genetic disorder, these could predispose them to skin cancer.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which publishes cancer statistics, reported 77,230 new cases of melanomas of the skin in the U.S. in 2020. The report also noted that for every 100,000 people, 20 new melanomas of the skin were reported.

Arizona was among the states with the highest rates of melanomas of the skin in the U.S., according to the report, along with Utah, Idaho and Hawaii. In Arizona in 2020, for all races and ethnicities, the age-adjusted rate of melanomas of the skin was 26.6 per 100,000 people. There were 2,504 cases of melanomas of the skin reported in Arizona in 2020.

Hastings pointed out that although melanomas get a lot of attention because of their ability to spread throughout the body, basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas are the most common types of skin cancer.

Studies have shown that in the southern U.S., which would include Phoenix, the number of deaths from squamous cell carcinoma are similar to melanoma, she said, adding that its important to go to a physician if a new skin lesion develops.

Hannah Norton, digital public relations manager for Compare the Market Australia, said the analysis was meant to provide awareness about skin health. Aging, hormonal changes and health conditions can all impact skin, she said, but a lot of the preventable damage is caused by UV rays and other environmental factors.

In addition to ultraviolet radiation and sunshine hours, the analysis considered small and large particulates as well as nitrogen dioxide and ozone levels. Nitrogen dioxide forms when fossil fuels such as coal, oil, gas or diesel are burned at high temperatures. Ground-level ozone depends on heat and sunlight, which means higher ozone concentrations in summer months.
Davia Moore met Andre Newman during a capoeira class at age 15.

Hes pretty much like a brother to me. Capoeira has a way of bringing people together, she says. Hes a really safe man to be around. I didnt feel like there was any energy besides just a good person.

Newman was known around Tucson for many things  a historian who brought stories to life, taught acroyoga and sang karaoke. He was also the owner of food truck Purple Tree Organic Acai Blends, often parking at the base of Tumamoc Hill or on the University of Arizona campus.

When Newman died in 2020, the news hit Tucsonans hard, sharing their memories and flocking to GoFundMe to support the family.

It was his ability to talk to anyone about anything any time, Moore says. And also his work ethic, his consistency, but mostly the spirit of him  who he is as an individual. It feels good to communicate with people who are genuinely in love with what they do, they love life, they're free-spirited, they feel good. There was always laughter, there were always ideas and concepts and dreams. And always an idea of, we want better for you.

Since then, several people have expressed interest in purchasing Purple Tree. But no one makes more sense than Moore, says her husband Peter Illetschko.

For many reasons, Purple Tree was the last thing on my mind because thats not how I knew him, Moore says. But time passed and she saw how interested buyers had little interest in keeping the truck the way it was  and that no one wanted to pay the price tag.

(Peter and I) decided to take it on  and change basically nothing, she says.

After seven months of going through the permitting process and lots of work learning the recipes behind the popular acai bowls and smoothies, Purple Tree returned to the community in April.

It was beautiful. It was intense. It was a lot, Moore says. Its a nice way to heal because people come in and share their stories.

Its a signed love letter from Dre  Im still here with you guys. Im still present with you by spirit, Moore says. Im not the same person. Im not trying to replace my friend. Im just continuing a legacy and doing the work thats needed to continue.

As much as Purple Tree was Newman's, it's also Moore's. She's spent countless hours in and out of the truck. She has sore elbows from scooping acai.

On his birthday, he actually just turned 50, I wanted to acknowledge his birthday and I was like: I literally think about you every day because of the truck, but when I do it's in a space of gratitude and love and I'm just so happy we got to cross each other's paths. We had a lot of fun, Moore says.

Purple Tree got its start nearly a decade ago. Back in 2013 when Moore lived in Hawaii, Newman and Purple Trees co-founder David Krummenacker flew out to visit. (Krummenacker is still involved today, sharing the recipes with Moore and answering any random question she might have.)

I had taken them to the food truck area and thats where Dre saw the acai trucks, the poke trucks, the shrimp trucks, and he started the truck with that inspiration, she says. Whether or not I had anything to do with it, it makes sense for me to pick up the baton.

Andre did a lot of work  him and David did a lot of work to figure out what works and what doesnt. Thats taken off a good 75% of what we have to figure out, she says.

The goal of the truck  health, wealth and positive vibes  remains the same. Moore has added a couple new menu items, like mushroom coffee, but nothing outrageous. She's also working on a parfait and hopes to offer cold brew in the future. Were not trying to sell tacos or anything like that, she says.

The customer favorite, by far, are the acai bowls, made with the original recipes plus an added ingredient or two. When I look at the numbers, we did 70 acai bowls just today. People love the bowls  and they should, she says.

Moore has plans to create a Dre Bowl, a harmonious balance of fruits and fats, with either lavender gelato or acai, maybe with sea moss and avocado. Part of the proceeds from the bowl will go toward an education fund for Newman's daughter, Savan.

This isnt the first time Moore has dabbled in the food industry  she has pastry experience under her belt from a stint in San Francisco.

Ive always enjoyed being in the kitchen. My family is Southern. We enjoy traditional dining  everyone makes a meal and sits down, she says.

And her first boyfriend was a chef. Food brought them together.

When you're with someone that loves flavors, loves food, it ignites a fire in you, Moore says. And I love the hustle of the kitchen. You have people that are in need, they're hungry, they're paying for a certain service. I'm a virgo. It makes me so happy to serve people.

Moore is also the owner behind Samba Southwest, an Afro-Brazilian dance group. She teaches jiu-jitsu and capoeira, too.

Acai is from Brazil so it just kind of goes hand in hand, she says, which makes an even more authentic connection to acai. I live the lifestyle. I am the lifestyle.

Sometimes Ive said I have an American passport but a Brazilian heart. It's very normal for me to want to do something in that realm because I live that culture. It's genuinely close to my heart and spirit.

Moore eventually hopes to have more than one Purple Tree truck, hopefully able to attend every event they can. Offering healthy options  its a weird satisfaction handing people an acai bowl or a smoothie, like I hope you had a good hike or a good bike ride, she says.

At some point, she also wants to start a podcast. Maybe a handful of episodes are dedicated to life on a food truck. Maybe some are about women's health, women in jiu-jitsu, women who own businesses while also maintaining family and self-care.

Moore wants to mentor Tucson kids, too, giving them experience working on a food truck and interacting with the community.

Im heavily community-oriented, she says. If I work with someone, its because I see the value of what both of us can bring out in one another. I really want to get the word out there that this is a passion of ours  this is our friends business and Im more than happy to keep it running.

We want to do the right thing ... because its not just my thing. Its our thing. Its Tucsons thing.

Where to find Purple Tree

Purple Tree often sets up shop at the base of Tumamoc Hill and will soon be parked just southeast of Main Gate Square. The truck can also be found 8 a.m. to noon Sundays at the Rillito Park Farmers Market, 4502 N. First Ave.

For updated times and locations, follow Purple Tree on Instagram.
WASHINGTON  The unraveling of Hunter Biden's plea agreement has thrust his criminal case into uncertain waters and given new fodder to Republican critics in Congress as they push ahead with investigations into the president's youngest son.

Biden was supposed to plead guilty Wednesday to misdemeanor charges for failing to pay taxes. But U.S. District Judge Maryellen Noreika in Delaware put the brakes on the guilty plea after raising concerns during an hourslong hearing about the structure and terms of the agreement and another deal that would allow him to avoid prosecution on a gun charge if he meets certain conditions.

Plea deals are carefully negotiated between defense lawyers and prosecutors over the course of weeks or months and it's unusual  especially in high-profile cases  for judges to not sign off on them. But Wednesday's hearing revealed that the two sides apparently did not see eye to eye on the scope of the agreement around a non-prosecution clause for crimes outside of the gun charge.

A look at what happens now in the criminal case and what's next for the Biden investigations in Congress:

WHAT HAPPENS NOW IN COURT?

Noreika  an appointee of former President Donald Trump  told both sides to file written briefs addressing her concerns within 30 days. Among other things, Noreika took issue with a provision in the agreement on the gun charge that she said would have created a role for her where she would determine if he violated the terms. The lawyers said they wanted her to serve as a neutral fact finder in determining if a violation happened, but Noreika said that is the Justice Department's job  not the judge's.

Hunter Biden's lawyers and the Justice Department also disagreed on the extent to which the agreement gave him immunity from future prosecution. A prosecutor said Wednesday their investigation was ongoing, and that the agreement protecting him from other potential charges was limited only to certain offenses over a certain time frame. Hunter Biden's lawyers said it was broader than that. After intense courtroom negotiations, the two sides appeared to agree to a more narrow non-prosecution clause.

Biden's lawyers and prosecutors will now continue negotiations to see if they can salvage the agreement in a way that satisfies the judge.

"They are going to have to go back and figure out how they can come to an agreement terms of the plea and they have to come to a meeting of the minds, which is clear they don't have here," said Jessica Tillipman, associate dean for government procurement law studies at George Washington University Law School. "So I think what you'll see is a renewed effort  or it's just going to collapse."

The judge may ultimately accept the deal that was proposed or reject it. If the deal totally falls apart, Hunter Biden could eventually face a trial.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Thursday that President Joe Biden would not pardon his son.

WILL HE AVOID JAIL TIME?

Even if the judge ultimately accepts the plea agreement, she will have the final say on whether he serves any time behind bars. Prosecutors have said that they will recommend probation, but the judge can decide not to follow that. The two tax charges carry up to a year in prison. And the judge suggested on Wednesday that it was too soon to say whether she's willing to sign off on probation.

"I can't predict for you today whether that is an appropriate sentence or not," Noreika said. "I can't say that I will accept the sentence recommendation or whether a different sentence would be more appropriate."

WHAT'S GOING ON IN CONGRESS?

The collapse of the younger Biden's plea deal Wednesday came as joyful news to House Republicans vying to connect him and his questionable business dealings to his father. Republicans had already slammed the agreement as a "sweetheart deal."

"The judge did the obvious thing, they put a pause on the plea deal, so I think that was progress," Rep. James Comer, the Republican chairman of the House Oversight Committee, said Wednesday. "I think it adds credibility to what we're doing." He added that this will only propel their investigation to get answers "as to what the family did, and what level of involvement the president had."

Comer has been investigating Hunter Biden's financial ties and transactions since gaining the gavel in January. The Kentucky lawmaker has obtained thousands of pages of financial records from various members of the Biden family through subpoenas to the Treasury Department and various financial institutions.

Last month, shortly after Hunter Biden reached an agreement with the government, Comer joined forces with two chairmen of powerful committees to launch a larger investigation into claims by two IRS agents who claimed the Justice Department improperly interfered in the yearslong case.

IRS supervisory special agent Greg Shapley and a second agent, Joe Ziegler, testified before Congress last week that there was a pattern of "slow-walking investigative steps" into Hunter Biden, including during the Trump administration in the months before the 2020 election that Biden won.

One of the most detailed claims was that U.S. Attorney David Weiss in Delaware, the federal prosecutor who led the investigation, asked for special counsel status in order to bring the tax cases against Hunter Biden in jurisdictions outside Delaware, including the District of Columbia and California, but was denied.

Weiss and the Justice Department have denied that, saying he had "full authority" and never sought to bring charges in other states. Despite the denials, Republicans are moving forward with their probes, asking Weiss to come in and testify about the case directly. The Justice Department has offered to have the prosecutor come before lawmakers after the August recess.

____

Photos: Hunter Biden through the years
PHOENIX  A governor's task force approved recommending 20 changes to election laws in a meeting to which the public and media were not invited.

"We want people to vote in a very private manner and speak their minds freely'' on the task force, said Christian Slater, publicist for Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs. He said that's why reporters and the public were not invited to attend Thursday's session  the second full meeting of the Governor's Bipartisan Elections Task Force  at which vice-chair Helen Purcell said the members approved 20 of 22 proposals.

The Governor's Office instead made task force members available for several questions after the session.

Slater said here is no reason for the public to be concerned that measures are being adopted behind closed doors.

"It's just the first step in advancing the policy recommendations,'' he told Capitol Media Services. "It's not as if these are the final things that are coming out of the task force.''

Yet what emerged from Thursday's meeting as already approved appears to be fairly specific.

For example, one seeks legislation to address interfering with voters while they are dropping off their ballots.

That became a big issue when a group called Clean Elections USA, which contends the 2020 election was fraudulent, had volunteers, some wearing full tactical gear and bearing arms, monitor ballot drop boxes in 2022 in the Phoenix area. It took a federal judge issuing a temporary restraining order to shut down some of the group's activities. The judge barring anyone from taking videos of those dropping off their ballots and required anyone openly carrying a weapon or wearing body armor to remain at least 250 feet from any drop box.

Also among the mix of recommendations approved by the task force are standards for voting-related equipment aside from what's already required for ballot tabulators.

That issue relates to arguments made by former GOP candidate for governor Kari Lake, in disputing her November loss to Hobbs, that printers at vote centers produced ballots at a different size than the tabulators could read.

Other proposals advanced by the task force include:

Considering amending the law to consider allowing more restorations of voting rights for individuals with felony convictions;

Ensuring a "consistent funding source'' for the statewide voter registration system;

Allowing people already registered to vote who move before Election Day to cast a ballot in their new county;

Setting specific deadlines to conduct recounts when necessary.

Purcell, the vice-chair of the task force  Hobbs chairs it  said the meetings were scheduled in secret because "I'm following the advice of the Governor's Office.''

But Purcell, a Republican and former Maricopa County recorder, said she does not believe the closed-door meetings will undermine public confidence in what the panel ultimately recommends when it meets again in October.

"We've had a lot of frank discussions between people from not just sort of the election world but people who are around that world,'' she said. "We're trying to come up with solutions. Some of it may be legislative. Some of it may be best practices.''

She said she agreed with Hobbs' decision to start the process behind closed doors.

Asked if any of the process will be opened to the public, Purcell responded, "Could be. I don't know at this point.''

Democratic Secretary of State Adrian Fontes, a task force member, said he understands the desire for closed-door discussions.

"Some of those opinions, you just hold them closer,'' Fontes said. "But among trusted professionals we've to have those open and frank discussions.''

Anyway, he said, actual legislation is not being proposed "at this time.''

He said the same is true about changes to the Elections Procedures Manual, a guide for election officials adopted by the secretary of state that has the force of law.

"It's not just a question of 'trust us,' '' Fontes said. "It's a question of 'where are we at in the process'.''

As it turned out, even though the meeting was billed as closed and Slater told reporters they could not come, there was one reporter in the room.

Mary Jo Pitzl of The Arizona Republic told Capitol Media Services she simply walked in. And while members were told there was a reporter present, she was allowed to stay for the two-hour meeting even though Pima County Recorder Gabriella Cazares-Kelly, a Democrat, raised a question about her presence.

Slater blamed it on "staff error'' but would not say why Pitzl was allowed to stay, or why he did not notify other reporters who had been told not to come because the meeting was closed.

Pitzl's presence apparently did not deter the panel from discussing and approving the various proposals.

Cazares-Kelly said much of what is before the panel is how to ensure that elections are considered to be free, fair and secure.

"Every proposal that we have been discussing have either been talking about ... the expansion of the transparency or security of the process,'' she said. "We've also been talking a lot about the resources and additional things we want to provide to support our elections departments and our recorders' offices.''

Sen. Ken Bennett, R-Prescott, also on the task force, said the question of money cannot be overstated.

"One of the hot-button issues has been resources,'' said Bennett, who formerly served as secretary of state. "I don't think we spend enough money on elections to make sure that they are the quality and kind of elections in Arizona'' that the state needs.

And then, he said, there's the question of getting the necessary votes from the Republican-controlled Legislature  including some GOP lawmakers who insist the 2020 and 2022 elections were rigged despite courts ruling otherwise  and the Democratic governor.

"Money and politics,'' Bennett said.

Not everything the panel considered was approved.

Task force members rejected a proposal that would have required public facilities, including schools, to serve as polling locations when certain other conditions were met.

They also did not adopt asking for creation of a special performance audit division for elections within the state Auditor General's Office.
PHILADELPHIA, Miss. (AP)  Mississippi candidates flocked to the Neshoba County Fair, an annual gathering that draws large crowds to the red clay hills in the eastern part of the state, for a second round of political speeches Thursday. The gubernatorial candidates also spoke Thursday.

Party primaries are Aug. 8, with runoffs Aug. 29, and the general election Nov. 7. Candidates for attorney general, agriculture commissioner and lieutenant governor spoke Wednesday. Here's some of what candidates for secretary of state, treasurer and auditor said Thursday:

SECRETARY OF STATE

Republican incumbent Michael Watson said his office has been working to restore confidence in Mississippi's election process. That has included backing a law to strengthen proof of citizenship requirements for voting and shoring up paper trails for voting machines. Watson said he helped trim voter rolls that he believed were outdated in counties across the state. He said he supports efforts to crack down on ballot harvesting and improve record-keeping protocols for small businesses. If reelected, Watson said he will conduct post-election audits in all 82 counties.

Democratic challenger Shuwaski Young, who previously worked for the Mississippi Secretary of State's office and in the Department of Homeland Security during Barack Obamas presidency, said he wants the state's election system to change. He thinks he can achieve that by expanding early voting, mail-in ballots and online voter registration. He also wants to ease the process of filing campaign finance reports. He said he plans on making the secretary of state's website more user-friendly for small businesses. He also pledged to work with Republicans to monitor the state's voter rolls.

STATE TREASURER

Republican incumbent David McRae promised to preserve the state's credit rating if he's reelected. "I promise to be fiscally responsible with your money," he said. And I promise to be conservative, a real conservative. McRae said he has successfully refinanced the states debt and has made quality investments on the state's behalf. He pledged to fight against President Joe Biden's efforts to crack down on tax evasion by strengthening the Internal Revenue Service. He also repeated his vow to stop woke investment policies like ESG, an acronym that refers to environmentally and socially conscious investing.

Democratic challenger Addie Lee Green previously worked for General Motors and served as an election commissioner and alderwoman in Bolton. She lamented hospital closures and said she supports Medicaid expansion to ease the financial burden for low-income Mississippians who need health care services. Some of our legislators have been serving too long and went to sleep, Green said. She also wants to reduce barriers to entering Mississippi's medical marijuana industry. Mississippi should raise its minimum wage to $15 per hour, up from the federal minimum of $7.25, Green said.

STATE AUDITOR

Republican incumbent Shad White could not attend the fair because he was on duty as a captain for the Mississippi Air National Guard. Republican state Rep. Scott Bounds, who is chairman of the Neshoba County Fair Commission, read a statement from White that said the auditor's office has recovered more money over the past five years than during any other five-year period in state history. White was appointed by then-Gov. Phil Bryant in 2018 and elected to a full term in 2019. We make the people who steal your money famous on Facebook after they do so, and I'll never apologize for that," White's statement said.

Democratic challenger Larry Bradford is a former mayor of Anguilla. He said Mississippi is filled with generous people who come to each others aid during natural disasters and other challenges. Bradford said he would be laser-focused on protecting public money and not get distracted by hot-button social issues. He accused White of attacking public universities by going after Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives. Bradford said White has put his political ambitions above his responsibilities as state auditor. Vote Brad, not Shad, Bradford said.

Goldberg reported from from Jackson, Mississippi.
Curtis Killman Tulsa World Staff Writer Follow Curtis Killman Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today

A man found guilty by a jury of tying up a Tulsa woman in her 70s in her home before sexually abusing and assaulting her has been sentenced to a life prison term.

Elga Eugene Harper, 41, had hoped to receive a 25-year prison term when sentenced in Tulsa federal court.

His attorneys argued in court filings that 25 years of incarceration followed by post-custody federal supervision would serve the goals of deterrence and incapacitation.

But U.S. District Judge Stephen J. Murphy III instead went with the term of life behind bars recommended by federal sentencing guidelines, prosecutors and the victim.

A federal jury convicted Harper Feb. 9 of attacking the woman, for whom he once did odd jobs around her home.

The jury found Harper guilty of kidnapping in Indian Country, aggravated sexual abuse by force and threat in Indian Country, assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm in Indian Country and assault resulting in serious bodily injury in Indian Country.

The victim, a 73-year-old, identified Harper in court as the man who attacked her in her home the afternoon of May 4, 2022.

The woman testified that Harper arrived unexpectedly at her home near 51st Street and Memorial Drive and asked to use the bathroom after she told him she didnt have any work for him that day.

The woman said she went to check on Harper after he apparently had been in the bathroom for a while and saw him standing naked in her bedroom before he moved toward her, grabbed her and hit her.

The woman said she tried to resist but that Harper pinned her arms with his hands before wrapping a cord around her neck and dragging her around the house while looking for her car title.

The woman said Harper ripped off her clothes and pulled her into a shower with him.

I thought I was going to die by hanging, the woman testified.

Rather, she said, Harper sexually assaulted her and tried unsuccessfully to force her to perform oral sex on him.

The woman said Harper then got out of the shower and dropped her on her head.

The woman spent 10 days recovering in a hospital.

Harper was arrested May 10.

During his sentencing hearing, the woman told the judge that she still has post-tramatic stress disorder, flashbacks, nightmares and nerve damage to her hands.

I can say with confidence that I will never be the same as the day I was attacked, she told the judge.

The woman said she knows she has to forgive Harper as a practicing Christian.

However, she added: I am struggling to fulfill this obligation with sincerity.

She went on to say that she hoped Harper would never be a free man again but would pray that God will turn his heart from evil into good.

Harpers federal public defender, Susan Anderson, noted in a court filing that a sentence less than life was appropriate because his kidnapping conviction, which was driving the recommended life sentence, overstates culpability  because the detention that occurred was inseparably intertwined with the overall sexual and physical assaults and did not create significant danger or harm independent of those separate offenses.

A life sentence here is greater than necessary to achieve adequate punishment, she argued.  Unlike the majority of offenders sentenced to life imprisonment or de facto life imprisonment, the offense conduct here did not involve a murder, death or the sexual abuse or exploitation of children.

But Assistant U.S. Attorney Chantelle Dial asked Murphy to sentence Harper to a life term not to punish him but to protect the public.

The judge said he found nothing to support Harpers request for a 25-year prison term over the life term.

I have to say: Ive never seen a case like this before, Murphy said, adding that it also was the most serious case over which he has ever presided and calling the beating brutal.

Murphy sentenced Harper to serve two life terms, one each for the kidnapping and sexual abuse convictions. He also sentenced Harper to 10-year prison terms on the two assault convictions.

He ordered that all four sentences run concurrently.

Harper spoke publicly only once during the hearing, when he answered yes to a question from the judge.

Harper was charged in federal court under the U.S. Supreme Courts McGirt decision because he is a member of the Choctaw Nation and the crime occurred within the Muscogee Nation reservation.

Harper previously served a three-year prison term for convictions of first-degree burglary and unauthorized use of a vehicle in Pontotoc County, according to online Department of Corrections records.



The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today.
Niger's army has declared its allegiance to the defense and security forces that overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum.

In a statement Thursday (July 27), the army's decision was necessary to avoid fighting within the armed forces.

What Happened So Far

The announcement followed Wednesday's (July 26) events, when members of the Presidential Guard detained Bazoum inside his palace in the capital Niamey, Al Jazeera reported.

Soon after, a statement broadcast on national television by the so-called National Council for the Safeguarding of the Country told the public it decided to "put an end" to Bazoum's "regime.

"This follows the continuous deterioration of the security situation, the bad social and economic management," the group's spokesperson, Colonel-Major Amadou Abdramane added.

The coup plotters further stated the country's borders have been closed, a nationwide curfew was implemented, and all of the country's institutions have been suspended.

Read Also: Niger Soldiers Announce Seizure of President Mohamed Bazoum, Sparking Rumors of Coup

Global Response

In response, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated he spoke with Bazoum and offered his organization's full support.

Bazoum was considered a key Western ally in the fight against Islamist militancy in West Africa.

US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan also told reporters the Biden administration was "deeply concerned" about the recent developments in Niger.

"We specifically urge elements of the presidential guard to release President Bazoum from detention and refrain from violence," he added.

Sullivan also commended the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union to defend Niger's democracy as the country is a "critical partner" for the US.

The German foreign ministry was also closely monitoring the situation in Niger with "very great concern."

Bazoum Calls for Citizens to Denounce the Coup

Meanwhile, Bazoum called on the people of Niger to denounce the military coup, saying the "hard-won gains" of democracy would be safeguarded.

"All Nigeriens who love democracy and freedom would want this," he added.

Nigerien foreign minister Hassoumi Massoudou additionally called on "all democrats and patriots" to thwart such "perilous advance," according to South African public broadcaster SABC.

This is a developing story. Please follow HNGN for more updates.

Related Article: Statement from National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan On Developments in Niger

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Andrea Eger Tulsa World Staff Writer Follow Andrea Eger Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today

Related content Find the Tulsa World's coverage of State Superintendent Ryan Walters

OKLAHOMA CITY  The Oklahoma State Board of Education on Thursday voted to delay consideration of state accreditation for Tulsa Public Schools until its August meeting at State Superintendent Ryan Walters urging.

Walters said he wants to spend the extra month on a fact-finding mission about the states largest school district. And when asked after the meeting, Walters told news media that nonaccreditation is among all options on the table, and he accused TPS of intentional misleading reporting to the state.

Tulsa Public Schools has been plagued with scandal, Walters said. I believe with the severity of issues of Tulsa Public Schools, as were looking into the misreporting that went on there and we look around the embezzlement issue going on there, as well, I feel like we need to be able to dig into these issues because of the severe nature and the impact its having on those kids in that district, the staff of that district.

School districts accreditation statuses are subject to annual review.

According to the State Department of Educations official accreditation manual, nonaccredited status means: The school site is no longer recognized by the State Board of Education, and mandatory annexation will be considered.

All other public school districts and charter schools, save for one shuttered Oklahoma City charter school, received state accreditation Thursday for the upcoming academic year.

State education officials, including Walters and Ryan Pieper, executive director of accreditation, assured the board during its monthly meeting that for the time being, TPS will simply remain in the same accreditation status it received in July 2022.

They said the delay wont affect the districts August state aid payment or its ability to begin the 2023-24 academic year on Aug. 17.

Accreditation action

Some 376 school districts and 1,660 individual school sites were accredited with no deficiencies; 143 districts and 156 school sites were accredited with a single deficiency; and 65 districts and 53 school sites were accredited with more than one deficiency.

The most common school district deficiency at the district level was not submitting mandatory reports to the state in a timely fashion, while schools were dinged for having someone without a proper teaching credential or endorsement teaching students.

Pieper said that is a byproduct of Oklahomas chronic, statewide teaching shortage.

The states accreditation department recommended and the state board approved probation for three districts elsewhere in the state  Hulbert, Western Heights and Straight  and three Tulsa-based charter schools  KIPP Tulsa, Deborah Brown Charter School and Sankofa Charter School.

Two Oklahoma City schools  one private school called Infinity Generation Preparatory School, and one charter school called Sovereign Community School  received recommendations to lose state accreditation.

Sovereign lost state accreditation, but ultimately the state board decided to give the Infinity Generation private school officials another month to provide additional information on why the school should not lose state accreditation.

TPS deficiencies

According to documents obtained earlier this week by the Tulsa World from TPS through a public records request, the state accreditation office notified TPS in writing that it would be recommending that the district as a whole be accredited with two deficiencies for the coming school year.

Of the two deficiencies, one was due to a reports late submission. The other, referred to as lack of internal controls, is tied to a self-reported embezzlement case, involving $364,000 in questionable vendor contracts, that is still under investigation by federal law enforcement officials.

But the State Board of Education never heard or asked for state accreditation officers recommendations specific to TPS.

Walters, chair of the board, personally made the motion to remove TPS from accreditation consideration until the boards August meeting.

The vote was 5-0, with member Suzanne Reynolds absent from the meeting.

No Tulsa Public Schools administrator was present at Thursdays state board meeting to speak to any of the allegations or concerns raised by Walters.

But a two-time retiree of the district, who still substitute teaches twice a week to support his former colleagues, spoke out on the matter during public comments to the state Board.

TPS is being targeted, and I dont understand that. Its creating a toxic working environment, said longtime former TPS Principal Mike Howe, 75. I have watched many former teachers  teachers I hired  choosing to retire and quit.

We cant afford it  we cannot afford to lose any more teachers. And its also making it very difficult to find new teachers.

Most importantly, its hurting our children. They are confused by all this information. Theyre not sure whats true and whats not true.

In conclusion, I call on this board to live up to their oath. Make our public schools great for the 700,000 students who go.

Additionally, the state Board of Education on Thursday voted 5-0 to authorize Walters administration to provide new specificity in its April demands for public schools across the state to submit detailed reports of their local, state and federal expenditures on staff, materials and any third-party contractors or vendors related to diversity, equity and inclusion.

Walters speaks frequently of his quest to root out such DEI programming from the states public prekindergarten through 12th grade schools, as well as its public colleges and universities.

When asked after the meeting which school districts were not complying, Walters told news reporters it was only one  Tulsa Public Schools.

New meeting capacity limit

The general publics access to the room where the State Board of Education meets each month was heavily restricted on Thursday.

After supporters of Walters tried to institute their own numbering system to admit fellow members of the public to the boards June meeting, two were arrested and charged with misdemeanor offenses in Oklahoma County District Court.

Fire marshals recently imposed a new capacity limit of 49 people, including board members, state Education Department staff and media who cover the news event.

The first people in a line of several hundred outside the building were seated in camping chairs and said they arrived before 6 a.m.

For the first time, state education employees required press credentials, which are not issued by the state of Oklahoma, for journalists to enter the room.

Inside, the public seating area had 24 chairs present, but most had reserved signs or sticky-notes that said 4-day school indicating school district personnel with requests on the board agenda, and 1st year supt, indicating new school district superintendents who are meeting state requirements for attendance at one State Board of Education meeting during their first year in the leadership role.

Two fire marshals repeatedly checked the room for their newly set capacity limit, counting heads as members of the press and a few state lawmakers, then a select few members of the public and then state board board members entered the room.

The next 40 to 50 people in line were permitted inside the state Department of Education office building to sit in chairs lining a long hallway that leads to the boardroom.

The board heard two hours of public comments, from both supporters of Walters and those opposed to his delay of TPS accreditation or his other political rhetoric, before taking up the first action item on the meeting agenda.
Ho Chi Minh City aims to complete site clearance for the Ho Chi Minh City - Can Tho and Thu Thiem - Long Thanh railway projects by 2025 so that work on the two projects can start in 2030, according to a draft plan for the citys railway network development the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Transport sent to the municipal Peoples Committee.

The Department of Transport is currently preparing the prefeasibility reports for the two projects.

The Ho Chi Minh City - Can Tho express railway project was designed to feature nine stations in five localitiesHo Chi Minh City, Long An, Tien Giang, Vinh Long, and Can Tho.

The 134.9-kilometer-long railway project carries a price tag of some US$10 billion.

Meanwhile, the Thu Thiem - Long Thanh light rail project will pass through Ho Chi Minh City and neighboring Dong Nai Province.

The 38-kilometer railway will include a 11.8-kilometer section in Ho Chi Minh City and the remainder running through Dong Nai. It will carry an estimated price tag of some VND40.5 trillion ($1.7 billion).

Under the draft plan, the city expected to complete its railway planning by 2024.

The city also has plans to convert the current railway section from Binh Trieu Station in Thu Duc City to Saigon Station in District 3 into an urban railway by 2045.

It will approve investment plans for the Ho Chi Minh City - Can Tho express railway, Thu Thiem - Long Thanh light rail, and Ho Chi Minh City - Loc Ninh railway, linking the city and Binh Phuoc Province, by 2025.

Ho Chi Minh City will complete the site clearance and relocation of technical facilities in the city for the Ho Minh City - Nha Trang expressway railway during the same period in order to break ground on the project, part of the trans-Vietnam high-speed railway, during the 2026-30 period.

The city hopes to put half of the length of the metro lines in its precincts into operation by 2030 and complete key metro lines over the next five years.

The southern metropolis has plans to connect metro lines No. 1, 3a, and 3b with urban areas in Bien Hoa City under Dong Nai Province, Tan An City under Long An Province, and Thu Dau Mot City under Binh Duong Province, all neighbors of Ho Chi Minh City.

These railway projects are important to connect the traffic infrastructure, boosting the regional connectivity, and creating spaces and motivation for the socio-economic development of Ho Chi Minh City and the southern key economic zone as a whole.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
July 2023 is set to upend previous heat benchmarks, U.N. Secretary-general Antonio Guterres said on Thursday after scientists said it was on track to be the world's hottest month on record.

The U.N. World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and European Union's Copernicus Climate Change Service also said in a joint statement it was "extremely likely" July 2023 would break the record.

"We don't have to wait for the end of the month to know this. Short of a mini-Ice Age over the next days, July 2023 will shatter records across the board," Guterres said in New York.

"Climate change is here. It is terrifying. And it is just the beginning," he told reporters, adding "the era of global boiling has arrived".

The effects of July's heat have been seen across the world. Thousands of tourists fled wildfires on the Greek island of Rhodes, and many more suffered baking heat across the U.S. Southwest. Temperatures in a northwest China township soared as high as 52.2C (126F), breaking the national record.

A Palestinian man cools off during a heatwave in the al-Oja Springs near Jericho in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, July 18, 2023. Photo: Reuters

While the WMO would not call the record outright, instead waiting until the availability of all finalised data in August, an analysis by Germany's Leipzig University released on Thursday found that July 2023 would clinch the record.

This months mean global temperature is projected to be at least 0.2C (0.4F) warmer than July 2019, the former hottest in the 174-year observational record, according to EU data.

The margin of difference between now and July 2019 is so substantial that we can already say with absolute certainty that it is going to be the warmest July, Leipzig climate scientist Karsten Haustein said.

July 2023 is estimated to be roughly 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 Fahrenheit) above the pre-industrial mean. The WMO has confirmed that the first three weeks of July have been the warmest on record.

A woman pours water on a man near the Colosseum during a heatwave across Italy, in Rome, Italy. July 18, 2023. Photo: Reuters

Commenting on the pattern, Michael Mann, a climate scientist at the University of Pennsylvania, said it was clear by mid-July that it was going to be a record warm month, and provided an "indicator of a planet that will continue to warm as long as we burn fossil fuels".

Normally, the global mean temperature for July is around 16C (61F), inclusive of the Southern Hemisphere winter. But this July it has surged to around 17C (63F).

Whats more, we may have to go back thousands if not tens of thousands of years to find similarly warm conditions on our planet, Haustein said. Early, less fine-tuned climate records  gathered from things like ice cores and tree rings  suggest the Earth has not been this hot in 120,000 years.

Haustein's analysis is based on preliminary temperature data and weather models, including forecast temperatures through the end of this month, but validated by unaffiliated scientists.

"The result is confirmed by several independent datasets combining measurements in the ocean and over land. It is statistically robust," said Piers Forster, a climate scientist at Leeds University in Britain.

A woman walks during a heatwave across Italy, in Vatican City, July 19, 2023. Photo: Reuters

Hothouse planet

Sweltering temperatures have affected swathes of the planet. While night-time is typically cooler in the desert, Death Valley in the U.S. state of California saw the hottest night ever recorded globally this month.

Canadian wildfires burned at an unprecedented pace. And France, Spain, Germany and Poland sizzled under a major heatwave, with the mercury climbing into the mid-40s on the Italian island of Sicily, part of which is engulfed in flames.

A tourist cools herself in a fountain amid a heatwave at Las Ramblas in Barcelona, Spain, July 19, 2023. Photo: Reuters

Marine heatwaves have unfolded along coastlines from Florida to Australia, raising concerns about coral reef die-off.

Even one of the coldest places on Earth - Antarctica - is feeling the heat. Sea ice is currently at a record low in the Southern Hemispheres winter - the time when ice should soon be reaching its maximum extent.

Meanwhile, record rainfall and floods have deluged South Korea, Japan, India and Pakistan.

"Global mean temperature (itself) doesn't kill anyone," said Friederike Otto, a scientist with the Grantham Institute for Climate Change in London. "But a 'hottest July ever' manifests in extreme weather events around the globe."

Michelle from the U.S. uses a fan to shelter from the sun near the Colosseum during a heatwave across Italy, in Rome, Italy July 11, 2023. Photo: Reuters

The planet is in the early stages of an El Nino event, borne of unusually warm waters in the eastern Pacific. El Nino typically delivers warmer temperatures around the world, doubling down on the warming driven by human-caused climate change, which scientists said this week had played an "absolutely overwhelming" role in Julys extreme heatwaves.

While El Ninos impacts are expected to peak later this year and into 2024, it has already started to help boost the temperatures, Haustein said.

July is traditionally the hottest month of the year, and the EU said it did not project August would surpass the record set this month.

However, scientists expect 2023 or 2024 will end up as the hottest year in the record books, surpassing 2016.
A visit to the Vatican by Vietnamese State President Vo Van Thuong which commenced on Thursday will help open the door for new development prospects and the progression of ties between the Southeast Asian country and the Holy See, according to the Vietnamese foreign ministry.

President Thuong, along with his spouse and entourage, arrived in Vatican City on Thursday afternoon (local time) for a visit at the invitation of Pope Francis following the formers business trip to Italy earlier the same day.

The Vietnamese state leader and his wife were received by Pope Francis upon their arrival.

President Thuong was scheduled to meet Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State, during the visit.

The visit to the Holy See, the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church, will open new prospects for the relationship between Vietnam and the Vatican in the future, Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang told the press prior to the visit.

The Vietnamese government maintains a consistent policy to respect and ensure the peoples freedom of belief and religion, as well as facilitate religious practices in general and Catholic activities in particular in Vietnam, the official stated.

As the first high-level contact between the two sides in seven years, the visit is a significant event for the two countries to discuss steps toward promoting bilateral relations as well as Catholic activities in Vietnam, Hang commented.

The Vietnam-Vatican ties have seen positive progress over the past several years, with both sides maintaining high-level contact as well as effectively implementing the Vietnam-Vatican Joint Working Group mechanism in 2008.

The Holy See has had a non-resident papal representative in Vietnam since 2011.

Currently, the position is held by Archbishop Marek Zalewski, Apostolic Nuncio to Singapore.

The archbishop visits Vietnam regularly, with his latest trip in mid-July 2023 to the Quy Nhon diocese in south-central Binh Dinh Province.

In October 2018, Vietnams then-Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh visited the Vatican and participated in meetings with Pope Francis and Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin to discuss measures to promote cooperative relations between the two sides.

Vietnam and the Holy See have so far held 10 meetings, the latest of which took place in March 2023 when the two sides discussed and agreed on the operation mechanism for a resident papal representative as well as a future resident representative office in Vietnam.

Deputy Minister Hang believed that the positive development of the Vietnam-Vatican relationship will create many advantages to further promote connections with the Holy See and Vietnamese Catholics.

Catholicism has the second-largest number of religious followers in Vietnam Vietnam has recognized 36 religious organizations belonging to 16 different religions, including Buddhism, Catholicism, Protestantism, Caodaism, Hoa Hao Buddhism, Islam, and others, according to the white paper 'Religion and Religious Policy in Vietnam' released by the Government Committee for Religious Affairs in March this year. Among these religions, Catholicism has the second-largest number of followers with over seven million Catholics, after Buddhism with more than 14 million Buddhists. In total, Vietnam is home to over 26.5 million religious followers (or 27 percent of its population), above 54,000 religious dignitaries, and nearly 29,700 places of worship.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
A ferry service linking An Giang Province with Dong Thap Province in Vietnams Mekong Delta region will resume from September 2 this year, following local residents' requests for more convenient commuting.

The transport authorities of these two southern provinces recently agreed on the resumption of the Vam Cong ferry service, a representative of the An Giang Department of Transport said on Thursday.

The ferry service had been offering rides across the Hau River for a century, before being suspended as a bridge of the same name, some four kilometers away from the ferry terminal, was opened to traffic in 2019.

Le Hoang Bao, director of the Dong Thap Department of Transport, said the agency is ramping up efforts to resume the service.

Some voiced their concern that resuming the ferry service and operating the bridge concurrently could lead to wastefulness.

In response, Bao said that it was not wasteful, as the transport authority took advantage of the available ferry facilities to meet travel demand of local people, but not investing in a new project.

The resumption of the Vam Cong ferry service is expected to help workers of the Lap Vo Industrial Park in Dong Thap Province save more time to go to work than using the Vam Cong Bridge. Photo: Buu Dau / Tuoi Tre

An Giang and Dong Thap Ferry Companies will take charge of operating the service from 4:00 am to 10:00 pm every day, using three 40- and 60-metric-ton ferries.

Cars with over 30 seats and trucks with more than seven metric tons in capacity are not allowed to use the ferry service.

The fare for a single-ride on the ferry route is VND6,000 (US$0.25) for motorcycles, VND25,000 ($1.06) for cars with no more than seven seats and trucks less than three metric tons, and VND60,000 ($2.54) for commercial cars with 16-30 seats and five - to seven-metric-ton trucks.

The Vam Cong Bridge was put into use on May 19, 2019, spanning over the Hau River and linking Can Tho Citys Thot Not District with Dong Thaps Lap Vo District, with a total investment of VND5.7 trillion ($241.6 million).

After the bridge was opened to traffic, authorities suspended the ferry service until now.

However, many workers of the Lap Vo Industrial Park in Dong Thap found it time-consuming to travel more than 15km through the Vam Cong Bridge to their workplace, much farther than taking a ferry ride.

Therefore, they and other residents living near the ferry terminal repeatedly sought the authorities nod to resume the ferry service.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
A shipment of 185,700 doses of lifesaving pentavalent vaccine sponsored by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF) was delivered to Hanoi on Thursday.

The shipment was provided to support the Ministry of Health in addressing low vaccination rates and a shortage of the five-in-one vaccine in the country.

Pentavalent vaccine provides children with protection against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), hepatitis B, and haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib).

While many vaccines are now produced in Vietnam, the pentavalent jab must be purchased from approved overseas suppliers.

Like every other country in the world, routine immunization services in Vietnam were disrupted during the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in an estimated 114,000 children under one year old in 2022 failing to receive any doses of diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis vaccines, all of which are considered the global standard for immunization coverage.

In addition, due to the recent shortage of the vaccine in the country, a rough estimate of 300,000 children born earlier this year have yet to receive this essential shot.

Children who are not vaccinated are at an increased risk of death or ongoing serious illnesses that are easily prevented with the vaccine, like diphtheria.

High numbers of unvaccinated children may result in outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases. These risks threaten the gains achieved by Vietnam toward reducing child mortality over the past few decades.

It is important that accelerated efforts and bold actions continue to be taken by the Vietnamese government and the Ministry of Health to overcome issues related to vaccine procurement in order ensure that essential vaccines reach every child in a timely fashion.

This is to protect those who are due for vaccination and to ensure that outreach is achieved to all children who missed immunization due to the pandemic.

Rana Flowers, UNICEF representative in Vietnam, said that immunization saves the lives of millions of children around the globe every year.

The WHO and UNICEF are proud to support efforts to ensure that children across Vietnam who missed their vaccines are urgently immunized, while restoring and further improving immunization services from pre-pandemic levels, Flowers said.

WHO Vietnam representative Angela Pratt said that the agency will continue to work with UNICEF and other partners to support the Vietnamese government in ensuring that every child in every corner of the country receives routine immunizations, both now and in the future.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
By Elizabeth Howcroft

LONDON (Reuters) -France's privacy watchdog CNIL said on Friday it is aware of ChatGPT-founder Sam Altman's Worldcoin project and that the legality of its biometric data collection "seems questionable".

Worldcoin, which launched on Monday, requires users to provide their iris scans in exchange for a digital ID and in certain countries free cryptocurrency. Its website says it has signed up 2.1 million people, mostly in a trial over the last two years.

Worldcoin has set up sign-up sites in various locations around the world, where people can get their faces scanned by a shiny spherical "orb".

Britain's data regulator said this week it will make enquiries about Worldcoin following its launch.

CNIL, the French watchdog, said in response to a Reuters question on Worldcoin "The legality of this collection seems questionable, as do the conditions for storing biometric data."

The CNIL's email response to Reuters said it had initiated investigations, which revealed that the Bavarian state authority in Germany has jurisdiction. The Bavarian authority has since been conducting the investigation, with support from the CNIL, the watchdog added.

Worldcoin was "designed to protect individual privacy and has built a robust privacy program" and is committed to ensuring it meets regulatory requirements, the Worldcoin Foundation said via email.

The Worldcoin Foundation is a Cayman Islands-based entity which describes itself as a "steward of the Worldcoin protocol".

"The Worldcoin Foundation complies with all laws and regulations governing the processing of personal data in the markets where Worldcoin is available," it said.

The project is supervised in the European Union by the Bavarian State Office for Data Protection Supervision, the Worldcoin Foundation said.

"The project will continue to cooperate with governing bodies on requests for more information about its privacy and data protection practices," it added.

(Reporting by Elizabeth Howcroft; Editing by Amanda Cooper, Jane Merriman and Louise Heavens)
Noelle Collins, area manager of Womens Aid in Belfast and Lisburn, said human trafficking is a growing problem in Northern Ireland. (Photo: PB)

The comments came as three people were arrested on charges relating to six women who had been trafficked from Romania to Northern Ireland for sexual exploitation.

Noelle Collins, area manager of Womens Aid in Belfast and Lisburn, said it was a growing problem in the region.

We have come a long way. Human trafficking wasnt on the radar of any of our minds in Northern Ireland for many years and now people are understanding that it actually happens, she told the BBC.

It was something that happened perhaps in the Middle East, but not on the streets of south Belfast.

Unfortunately now it is a big problem here in Northern Ireland.

Ms Collins said the organisation had recently dealt with its first case of organ harvesting.

She said the woman had a kidney removed without her consent and without her knowledge and is now in the care of our medical service here.

Womens Aid Belfast and Lisburn has said it is currently dealing with more than 230 female victims of human trafficking, compared with 47 victims in 2021.

Home Office statistics show that more than 500 people were potentially trafficked into Northern Ireland last year, an increase of 50% on 2021.

Ms Collins said that human trafficking did not exclusively affect foreign-nationals.

Many of them are foreign-national women but there are local women in there as well who have been subject to human trafficking on the island of Ireland, she said.

The majority of those women would also have applications in for refugee asylum and they are living in hotels.

There are quite a lot of these women who were professionals in their countries back home  there are women who worked for government, women with PhDs who really need and want to get back to our society because they feel Northern Ireland has rescued them.

She added: You cant imagine the trauma these women have been through because of their exploitation.

On Thursday the PSNI arrested two men and one woman on suspicion of human trafficking for sexual exploitation, controlling prostitution for gain, brothel keeping and money laundering.

Story continues

They have been resident in Northern Ireland for some time but are originally from Romania.

Six people, all in their 20s, had been brought to Northern Ireland from Romania for the purposes of sexual exploitation.

PSNI detective inspector Rachel Miskelly said: The amount of money that can be made through the selling of sex is horrendous.

Brothels linked to the group were discovered in Greater Belfast and Newtownabbey but police say the victims had been trafficked around Northern Ireland.

Anyone affected by human-trafficking is urged to call 999 in an emergency, 101 in a non-emergency, or call the Modern Slavery Helpline on 0800 012 1700.

Meanwhile, three people are to appear in court charged with human trafficking for sexual exploitation and brothel keeping.

The 35-year-old woman and two men, aged 29 and 26, have also been charged with controlling prostitution for gain and money laundering offences.

The charges follow a significant operation conducted jointly between the PSNIs Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Unit and Romanian authorities, into an organised crime group on Thursday.

It focused on the activities of a group suspected of trafficking young Romanian women throughout Northern Ireland for the purpose of sexual exploitation.

The 29-year-old man has also been reported to the Public Prosecution Service for paying for sexual services.

They are all due to appear before Belfast Magistrates Court on Saturday.
(Bloomberg) -- Saudi Arabia has made the first big deal in a push to deploy its vast wealth into the global mining industry, agreeing to buy a stake in Vale SAs base metals unit.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The kingdom will spend $2.6 billion to buy the 10% holding through a venture between its sovereign wealth fund and state mining company, Maaden. The deal with Brazils biggest miner gives Saudi Arabia interests in mines from Indonesia to Canada producing copper, nickel and other industrial metals.

The mining industry, critical to supplying the materials needed for the energy transition, has become a focus of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salmans drive to diversify the economy away from oil. He has ambitions to build up a domestic industry as well as make investments abroad.

Through its Public Investment Fund, Saudi Arabia has been on a global investment spree in recent years, snapping up stakes in everything from video game makers to electric carmakers, but the Vale deal is the first major investment in mining since it set up a joint venture with Maaden in January called Manara.

Beyond the Vale deal, Maaden recently formed a JV with Ivanhoe Electric Inc. to develop mining projects in Saudi Arabia. The firm has announced partnerships with Barrick Gold Corp. to explore and develop two new areas in the kingdom, where they operate the Jabal Sayid copper mine.

For Vale, the worlds second-largest iron ore producer, the deal will release cash to expand in copper and other base metals. As well as Manaras acquisition of a 10% stake, investment firm Engine No. 1 will acquire a 3% stake in the base metals unit. The total amount to be paid under both agreements is $3.4 billion.

Story continues

In a protracted bidding process, the Saudi venture beat rival bidders including Japanese trading house Mitsui & Co. and the Qatar Investment Authority, according to people with knowledge of the matter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. advised Vale. Bank of America Corp. worked with PIF and Maaden.

Critical Materials

Engine No. 1 is best known for its stunning victory over Exxon Mobil Corp. two years ago when it placed three directors on the oil giants board. Since then, it has started an effort to buy up mining and fossil fuel assets to help companies decarbonize, especially as other investors exit. The San Francisco-based firm last year hired a Blackstone Inc. manager for the strategy.

Our private capital mission is to partner with companies to create value by operating assets in a responsible and sustainable way while delivering critical materials, said Erik Belz, Engine No. 1s head of private capital.

Read More: Saudi Arabia Eyes $3.2 Billion of Global Mining Investments

After years of deliberation, Vale created the separate base metals unit largely from assets in Canada, Brazil and Indonesia that were acquired in the purchase of Canadas Inco Ltd. announced in 2006. Former Anglo American Plc boss Mark Cutifani was recruited to lead an independent board for the unit, which is valued at $26 billion, according to the transactions announced today.

The base metals spin-off also gives investors an easier way to gauge valuations. The Brazilian mining giant trades at a discount to its main peers given it still earns most of its money from massive iron ore mines in Brazil, the scene of two devastating tailings dam collapses in recent years.

Read More: With Miners Freed, Vale Returns to Rescuing ESG Credentials

Besides Cutifani, the base metals board also boasts Jerome Guillen, who spent a decade as lieutenant to Elon Musk at Tesla Inc. Vale is already a direct supplier for Tesla and General Motors Co. and has Ford Motor Co. as one of its partners to jointly develop nickel in Indonesia. Chief Executive Officer Eduardo Bartolomeo sees potential for base metals to become as big as Vales iron ore operations.

The sale of the 13% stake is expected to close by the first quarter of next year, subject to regulatory approval. Proceeds would help push up the firms annual output of copper to 900,000 tons from 350,000 tons and of nickel to more than 300,000 tons from 175,000 tons.

The next steps for Vale base metals are unclear. One option is to taking the unit public. Obviously an IPO down the road is a liquidity event you could pursue, Bartolomeo said in April.

--With assistance from Jack Farchy, Cristiane Lucchesi, Doug Alexander and Saijel Kishan.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
Typhoon Doksuri, known as Egay in the Philippines, ripped across the northern provinces of the nation on Wednesday, July 26. Authorities said the typhoon killed at least six people and forced others to evacuate their homes as it ripped apart roofs, flooded low-lying communities, and prompted scores of landslides.

In Buguias town, Benguet province, a landslide buried a home. This killed a woman, her kid, and two other children. Two other people were injured. A 17-year-old boy was killed in the adjacent resort city of Baguio after the soil loosened by heavy rains buried his home.

Meanwhile, a lady selling bread from a bicycle cart was killed by a falling coconut tree in Isabela province, also in the north.

'Egay' Forced People to Evacuate

According to an AP News report, nearly 16,000 people were evacuated from high-risk coastal communities in Cagayan province on Tuesday, July 25. Schools and businesses were closed as a precaution before the typhoon made landfall on Fuga Island early morning.

Disaster relief workers estimate that tens of thousands of people were impacted by the typhoon's wind and rain, which spread across a large area of 700 kilometers (435 miles).

The coast guard reported using rubber boats and ropes to rescue residents of Bacarra town in Ilocos Norte who had been stranded in their homes by brownish, waist-level floods.

Thousands of people, including passengers on inter-island ferries and drivers of freight trucks, were stuck at ports when a no-sail order was issued. The coast guard said that once the weather improved, most people were able to continue with their journeys.

The storm intensified the monsoon rains in the central and northern provinces, which flooded the Manila metropolitan area as well.

See Also: 'A New Philippines Has Come': Marcos Delivers 2nd State of the Nation Address

Taiwan and China Could Expect Heavy Rainfall With Strong Winds

Although the typhoon is forecast to weaken as it goes northwest, Taiwan and China should still be prepared for heavy rains and strong winds.

As the typhoon approached Taiwan earlier this week, the self-governing island called off part of its regular military training in preparation for what may be the biggest storm to strike the island in four years, CNN Reported.

The Central Weather Bureau of Taiwan reports that the outer bands of the typhoon are making landfall in eastern Taiwan. As it moves northwest, it is forecast to weaken further to the strength of a category 1 Atlantic hurricane, perhaps making a second landfall on the southern coast of China during the following two days.

Meanwhile, the National Meteorological Center of China issued a red alert for typhoon Doksuri on Wednesday, as the storm is expected to make landfall on Friday, July 25, in the area where the provinces of Fujian and Guangdong meet along China's southeastern coast.

The Chinese government has issued an urgent order for all fishing vessels to return to port and has urged farmers to take precautions against crop flooding.

See Also: Philippines Prepares for Possible Taiwan Invasion, Says It Has Contingency Plan

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
4.8 stars from 282 Google reviews. This restaurant serves Bangladeshi and Indian Cuisine and you can bring your own alcohol here. (Photo - Google Maps)

Bangladeshi and Indian cuisine are often used interchangeably in Birmingham but there are clear distinctions between the two - though some parts of India share a common food culture.

The region of India that shares Bangladeshi food heritage is the east, especially the states of West Bengal and Assam. Even now in West Bengal in India, people are often asked if they are Bangaal (people with Bangladeshi ancestry) or ghoti (people who are native to the western part of the ancient Bengal region).

Bengal was one large province before it was divided during the Colonial era. On July 20, 1905 when Lord Curzon announced the division of Bengal into Bengal, Eastern Bengal and Assam. However, the partition was annulled in 1911 and Bengal and Eastern Bengal were again united until 1947 when Bengal was partitioned for the second time as part of the Mountbatten Plan.

The award-winning Bangladeshi food restaurant specialises in authentic Bengali cuisine, quality tandoori, Balti, Biryani and Curry dishes and also serves alcohol. It has 4.5 stars from 402 Google reviews. (Photo - Google Maps)

With so much shared history, it is obvious that the people of the Eastern region of Bengal in India and present-day Bangladesh have a common food culture. So, when you visit a Bangladeshi restaurant or an Indian restaurant that serves Bengali food - you might find similar dishes there.

You are likely to find the use of mustard seeds in whole or paste form, as well as mustard oil in the preparation of the dishes. As it is a coastal region, there are also many amazing fish and seafood dishes that the people of the region excel in.

Previously, we took a look at the Indian restaurants in Birmingham and now we looked through Google reviews to find the best to lowest ranked Bangladeshi restaurants in the city. Here are 10 Bangladeshi restaurants in Birmingham ranked by Google reviews:

Named after a city in eastern Bangladesh, this restaurant has 4.5 stars from 295 Google reviews. This award-winning restaurant, on York Road, has been running for more than 20 years. (Photo - Google Maps)

This restaurant, on Vicarage Road, has 4.4 stars from 175 Google reviews. They serve traditional Bangladeshi cuisine along with Indian food like curries. (Photo - Google Maps)

This restaurant has 4.4 stars from 222 Google reviews and is a shisha lounge as well. Its open from 5pm to midnight every single day. (Photo - Google Maps)

This restaurant in Stechford has 4.4 stars from 189 reviews on Google. Located on Station Road, this restaurant serves Bangladeshi & Indian food. (Photo - Google Maps)

This restaurant has 4.3 stars from 408 Google reviews. Located on Coventry Road, this is an authentic Bangladesh restaurant. (Photo - Google Maps)

This restaurant has 4.2 stars from 396 Google reviews. Located on Coventry Road, they serve traditional curries and sweets from all corners of Bangladesh and India while retaining the classic recipes and tastes. (Photo - Google Maps)

This restaurant and takeaway has 4.1 stars from 60 Google reviews. (Photo - Google Maps)

This restaurant in Hall Green has 3.8 stars from 74 Google reviews. From succulent kebabs, aromatic Indian and Bangladesh curries to vegetarian options - you will find it all. (Photo - Google Maps)
Photo taken at Certified Proud event 'Maintain the Momentum', with panel speakers speaking to a crowd. Via Instagram - @certifiedproud

On Thursday, July 27, accreditation membership body Certified Proud organised the Maintain the Momentum event in the Huckletree building, at the Academy in Dublin. The evening brought together member companies, allies and activists in a discussion on how businesses can maintain their support for the LGBTQ+ community beyond Pride.

The event featured a fantastic panel composed of guest speakers Seamus Kearney Martone, from Irish Gay Dads; performer and broadcaster Paul Ryder; and co-founder of Certified Proud Donya Anvari. Sharing their personal stories, the three speakers covered a variety of topics, including active allyship and how important it is for queer folks to have visible signs of support in their workplace.

Donya Anvari recounted how she and the other two co-founders Liam Redmond and Eve Kerton created Certified Proud, with the aim to ensure the safety and comfort of LGBTQ+ staff and customers throughout businesses in Ireland and beyond. The social enterprise works tirelessly to ensure that the queer community is safe both at work and out through training, consultancy, philanthropy, branding, and best practice sharing.

Moreover, with the aim of giving back to the community, the co-founders decided that 40% of each business membership fee go straight into the Certified Proud Fund, which supports charities and non-profit organisations. Last year, winners of the fund included Switchboard, HIV Ireland, Na Gaeil Aeracha and South Hill Hub.

Visualizza questo post su Instagram Un post condiviso da Certified Proud (@certifiedproud)

Paul Ryder, who in addition to being a successful TV and radio broadcaster is also one of the most famous drag queens in Ireland, shared how important it is to have LGBTQ+ representation in media and the impact that having queer role models can have on future generations.

Finally, Seamus Kearney Martone shared insights into the tireless work that LGBTQ+ community groups are doing after the announcement that same-sex couples will be excluded from Irelands newly announced publicly funded IVF scheme, which begins in September.

Story continues

Visualizza questo post su Instagram Un post condiviso da GCN (@gcnmag)

Before the end of the event, the co-founders announced this years winners of The Certified Proud Fund: South Hill Hub in Limerick and yours truly, GCN. On behalf of the entire organisation, our head of Digital, Marketing and Development, Stefano Pappalardo, thanked Certified Proud for awarding the fund to GCN, which will help us continue our work in informing, entertaining and platforming the LGBTQ+ community in Ireland, both online and in print.

For more information on the work of Certified Proud, visit their website here.

The post Certified Proud event sheds light on LGBTQ+ inclusion in businesses beyond Pride appeared first on GCN.
Macron is telling Pacific leaders that France understands the threat they face from a warming Earth (Ludovic MARIN)

France's President Emmanuel Macron stripped off his suit jacket Friday to wander the wild forests of Papua New Guinea on a green-tinted charm offensive in the South Pacific.

Macron is telling Pacific leaders that France understands the threat they face from a warming Earth, from rising seas swamping low-lying islands to a loss of wildlife, wilder weather and the financial costs they impose.

It is a message he has already pushed on his first two Pacific stops, on the eroded coastline of the French territory of New Caledonia and in the sea-threatened archipelago of Vanuatu where he joined a call for the phasing out of fossil fuels.

In Papua New Guinea, Macron wore no jacket, and at one point no tie, as he walked two kilometres (more than a mile) with Prime Minister James Marape through the lush Varirata National Park, touting a French initiative to remunerate countries that preserve their old-growth forests.

Natural forest covers 14 percent of the Earth's surface and is a huge reservoir of stored carbon, which is released when burned -- "so that in a way we go backwards", Macron said.

The world already finances reforestation, he said, arguing that there is no economic model to preserve the woodlands that already exist.

To address this, a first so-called Forest, Climate, Biodiversity project was signed Friday with Papua New Guinea, to be managed by the French development agency with 60 million euros ($66 million) in financing from the European Union.

Other non-governmental organisations are already aboard, French officials say, and they hope to get the private sector involved, too.

The challenge is significant.

- 'Rainforest destruction' -

Papua New Guinea, more than 70-percent blanketed in trees, boasts an extraordinary array of wildlife on land and water, from tree kangaroos to spiny anteaters.

Scientists say deforestation is one of the greatest threats to that unique environment.

Papua New Guinea, home to a major logging industry, lost 1.8 percent of its carbon-absorbing rainforest last year, according to an analysis of satellite data released last month by the World Resources Institute.

Story continues

That put it at number nine on the global list of nations with the greatest rainforest destruction -- with Brazil in the lead.

Macron's environmental push in the South Pacific is not unique: others including the United States, China, Australia and New Zealand finance significant climate change aid in Pacific island states.

But his offer of recompense for the preservation of Papua New Guinea's forest was welcomed.

"I am counting on my brother, the president of the Republic of France, to pitch globally that you cannot talk about climate change without talking about managing forest and managing the ocean," Marape said alongside Macron.

At the final stop on their forest walk, not far from the capital Port Moresby, the leaders came to a breathtaking panorama of partially forested hills stretching into the distance, newly rebaptised in the VIP visitor's honour: "Emmanuel Jean-Michel Frederic Macron Lookout".

fff/djw/arb/lb
France's President Emmanuel Macron (L) shakes hands with Sri Lanka's President Ranil Wickremesinghe before bilateral talks in Colombo on July 28, 2023 (Ludovic MARIN)

Emmanuel Macron made a short stopover in Sri Lanka on Friday, the first visit by a French president to the island nation, which is undergoing a difficult economic recovery.

The French leader, who spent less than two hours in the country, was welcomed by his Sri Lankan counterpart Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Macron made the stop en route home from Oceania, after visiting Papua New Guinea, the French territory of New Caledonia and the sea-threatened archipelago of Vanuatu.

During the airport meeting, Macron and Wickremesinghe were to talk about economic recovery and maintenance of the rule of law.

"This is a historic visit," the Elysee said of the meeting, which occurred after Macron disembarked around 11:30 pm local time (1800 GMT).

Wickremesinghe came to power a year ago after his predecessor fled the country, driven out by massive protests amid the country's worst economic crisis since independence in 1948.

Sri Lanka, which has received major support from the IMF, is expected to remain bankrupt until 2026.

Macron was to speak with Wickremesinghe about the country's debt restructuring -- with Beijing, the country's main creditor, having agreed in March to reschedule its loan repayments.

China and India vie for influence in economically fragile Sri Lanka.

The situation prompted Macron to warn against "new imperialism" at work in the region while he was in Vanuatu, referring in particular to China's growing influence.

fff-jmt/bfm/acb
Michelle Yeoh has tied the knot after 19 years engaged credit:Bang Showbiz

Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh and her long-time fiance have tied the knot - almost two decades after getting engaged.

The 'Everything Everywhere All at Once' star, 60, and Jean Todt got hitched on Thursday (27.07.23) in Geneva, Switzerland, with friends and loved ones present.

Brazilian Formula One racer Felipe Massa, 42, shared pictures of the happy couple - who got engaged in 2004 - and a letter commemorating their love story and captioned the Instagram post: Happy marriage #JeanTodt and #michelleyeoh love you so much."

The lovebirds met in Shanghai on June 4, 2004, and just over a month later, on July 24, 2004, he proposed.

It has taken them 6,992 days for the couple to walk down the aisle, with the gold-framed letter penned by the groom adding: "We are so happy to celebrate this special moment together!"

Michelle - who is Buddhist - previously cited her inability to have children as the reason for ending her first marriage to Dickson Poon, the owner of Harvey Nichols and more businesses, from 1988 to 1992.

The 'Crazy Rich Asians' star wanted to start a family and even took a break from acting to try but had several failed attempts and returned to her movie career.

She previously told Bustle: "As it turned out, I was unable [to have children]. And if Im being honest with myself, I didn't want for us to be bitter 10 years down the road. Because in Asian families, people want to have sons and daughters [because] they are an extension and a legacy. And when you have the realisation [that you cant have kids], you have to deal with it. You deal with the curveballs that are thrown at you."

In 1998, the actress was engaged to Alan Heldman, an American cardiologist, before meeting Jean.

The pair getting married comes months after the 'Tomorrow Never Dies' actress became the first Asian to win the Best Actress Oscar for her role as Evelyn Wang in 'Everything Everywhere All at Once'.

Story continues

The Marvel star - who played a supporting role in 'Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings' - recently revealed that the "best thing" about her awards success is that she is no longer only getting scripts for "Asian-looking" characters.

Speaking at the Cannes Film Festival, Michelle said: "The best thing that has happened is I receive a script that doesnt describe the character as a Chinese or Asian-looking person.

"We are actors. We are supposed to act. We are supposed to step into roles that are given to us and do our job as best we can. That, for me, is the biggest step forward.
French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Friday a partnership to "remunerate" Papua New Guinea for its efforts to preserve the primary forest. The first of its kind, the deal is an environmental model that France wants to see reproduced elsewhere.

The French president was given a tour of Varirata National Park, near Port-Moresby, in the company of Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister James Marape on Friday.

The visit was part of Emmanuel Macron's South Pacific tour that has included stops in New Caledonia and Vanuatu.

Rich in minerals and other natural resources and close to the main maritime routes, Papua New Guinea has become a key issue in the strategic standoff between Western nations and China.

Faced with Beijing's growing influence in the region, the United States is betting on defense cooperation and has signed a security pact with Port-Moresby.

France, unable to compete with these two superpowers militarily, has decided to emphasise the environment, as Macron explained Thursday in Vanuatu by detailing the country's "Indo-Pacific strategy".

"[Primary forests represent]14 percent of the surface of the globe, 75 percent of what we call irrecoverable carbon. That is to say that when we deforest, we burn, we release the carbon and that's taking a huge step backwards," Macron said.

Get private sector onboard

However, he noted, while the international community is already financing reforestation efforts, "there was absolutely no economic model to help preserve this".



Read more on RFI English



Read also:

Macron defends French interests in South Pacific on three-nation tour

COP26: Hopes for saving the planet's rain forests are fading - Kevin Conrad interview

European Union adopts law to ban products driving deforestation
European Union officials initiated an antitrust probe on Thursday, July 27, into Microsoft's strategy of bundling its video and chat software Teams with other Office products.

The European Commission, the EU's governing body, has indicated that such actions may be anti-competitive.

The Teams and Office Tie-up

According to CNBC, EU regulators expressed concern on Thursday that Microsoft may have limited the interoperability between its productivity suites and competing offerings. They added that the bundle may have granted Teams a distribution advantage by not giving customers the choice of whether or not to include access to that product when they subscribe to their productivity suites.

The EU is worried that Microsoft is forcing its Office 365 subscribers to also purchase Teams without their consent. Microsoft might be stifling competition in the market for messaging and video apps in the workplace by taking this action.

The Commission noted, "These practices may constitute anti-competitive tying or bundling and prevent suppliers of other communication and collaboration tools from competing."

Microsoft 365, formerly known as Office 365, is a suite of Microsoft applications designed for use in the workplace. The most popular apps are Word and Excel.

There is no set timeline for when antitrust probes must be finished. Microsoft, a US tech giant, may be fined up to 10% of its entire worldwide yearly revenue if it is found to be in violation of EU competition regulations.

Concerns regarding Microsoft's competitiveness were first raised in 2020, when Slack, which is owned by Salesforce and a competitor to Microsoft's Teams, filed a complaint with the EU. It alleged that Microsoft had improperly bound Teams to its preeminent productivity packages like Microsoft 365.

Millions of customers were reportedly compelled to install Teams without the option to remove it, according to Slack.

Engadget reported that Microsoft agreed in April to take Teams out of Office in an effort to head off an investigation, but that plan apparently backfired.

In response, a Microsoft representative said, "We respect the European Commission's work on this case and take our own responsibilities very seriously. We will continue to cooperate with the Commission and remain committed to finding solutions that will address its concerns."

See Also: Microsoft's Stock Dropped Following Announcement of Slower Growth as AI Technology Development Bet

Microsoft as Subject of Previous Antitrust Probes

In 2009, while Microsoft was being investigated for monopolizing the browser market with Internet Explorer, the EU conducted a similar antitrust investigation.

The EU voiced concern that Microsoft's practice of bundling Internet Explorer with its Windows OS stifled competition. Microsoft proposed compensation to the EU in the form of an agreement to support several web browsers for its Windows operating system.

Recently, the EU has been looking into Microsoft's planned $69 billion purchase of Activision Blizzard on the grounds that the merger may hinder competition in the console and cloud gaming markets. In this instance, Microsoft presented solutions to the EU, and in May, officials gave their clearance to the merger.

See Also: Antitrust Cop Denies 'Picking Winners and Losers' After Failed Attempt to Stall Microsoft From Acquiring Activision

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
The University of North Georgia's (UNG) Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) graduates had the highest National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) pass rate in the state from 2019-2022.

UNG BSN graduates posted an average pass rate of 94.87% over the four-year span in the list compiled by The College Application.

The Department of Nursing at UNG graduates about 200 students per academic year from its traditional four-year BSN track. In January 2023, UNG launched the first cohort of its accelerated BSN track (ABSNT) and is currently accepting students for the second cohort, which will begin in January 2024. Students in the ABSN track, who enter UNG with a bachelor's or master's degree in other subjects, can graduate in 15 months.

"We have a well-established BSN program. We have some of the top faculty across the state as educators in this program," Dr. Heather Harris, interim department head of nursing, said. "We have a good mixture of experienced faculty and younger faculty with new ideas."

The application deadline for the ABSNT is Aug. 15. Application deadlines for the traditional BSN are Aug. 15 for the spring 2024 semester and Jan. 15 for the fall 2024 semester.

UNG's ABSNT program was developed in partnership with Northeast Georgia Health System, which provides myriad clinical opportunities for students throughout their time at UNG.

"You have a decreased supply of nurses and an increased need for health care," Harris said. "The ABSNT allows us to produce quality nurses at a faster rate."

BSN students at UNG have a 100% job placement rate. They can learn in a new simulation lab at UNG's Gainesville Campus and take part in study abroad service-learning opportunities.

UNG's Department of Nursing gives students the opportunity to draw upon some of the most creative, qualified and professional faculty in nursing. The resources available to students both on campus and at affiliated health care agencies support their clinical practice, research, intellectual inquiry, and creative learning.

Northside Hospital has also assisted UNG's nursing program by providing affiliate clinical faculty. These Northside employees serve as preceptors for UNG students working in clinical placements.
HA NOI  Phuc Tho District in Ha Noi has promoted the application of digital transformation and production linkages in the development of OCOP (One Commune One Product Programme) products in recent years, thereby, improving product quality and value, and creating a sustainable consumption market for key local agricultural products.

The Xuan Phu Agricultural co-operative in Xuan inh Commune of Phuc Tho District is known for its high-quality fruit and vegetables.

The co-operative has planned 20ha of safe vegetable growing area according to VietGAP standards on an area of over 320ha to provide exclusively for the capital's consumers.

The co-operative director Hoang ong Hon said that in order to affirm the quality and expand the consumption market, the cooperative has registered four products to participate in the OCOP Programme and been classified as four stars.

This is a favourable condition for cooperatives to work towards in forming a more respected production and consumption supply chain.

There is a system of shops introducing and selling lots of OCOP products in Phuc Tho District, as well as some in the rest of Ha Noi.

Thanh a Commune has also participated in the OCOP programme to improve the value of agricultural goods and confirm the quality of its vegetables in the market.

The commune has three products certified as three-star OCOP.

Vice Chairwoman of Thanh a Commune People's Committee Hoang Thi Ai Mo said that Thanh a has a safe vegetable growing area of up to 120ha, the largest in Phuc Tho District.

Many people still think that farming is hard and produces low income, but many of the households producing safe vegetables in Thanh a have proven this not to be the case, and people's living standards are improving day by day.

The district has formed eight linkage chains from production to consumption of agricultural products; built collective trademarks for products such as the Phuc Tho pomelo, the Van Nam banana, Tam Hiep pickled eggplants soaked in soya sauce, Phuc Tho biological pork, and Xuan Phu safe vegetables.

Some agricultural products have used QR codes to help with traceability.

In order to gradually build brands and geographical indications, promote production and develop agricultural activities, Phuc Tho District has brought new technology and techniques into the production process to help firms stay on the cutting edge.

Recently, 12 co-operatives and farms in Phuc Tho District signed a memorandum of understanding with businesses on linking consumption of OCOP products.

Chairman of Phuc Tho District People's Committee Nguyen inh Son said the district has promoted the OCOP Programme in order to support businesses, co-operatives and households to produce and sell quality products.

Up to now, the whole district has launched 59 OCOP products.

The district will continue to encourage people to develop models of clean agricultural production, organic agriculture, high-tech production and food safety.

It will also continue to strengthen trade promotion, brand building, quality management, and the linkage and development of product consumption markets to build more stores to introduce the district's strong products; and to support training and access to preferential loans for expansion and development.

The district will also continue to develop a master plan to facilitate the implementation of the local OCOP Programme, which focuses on developing four types of products including ornamental flowers, pomelos, bananas, and VietGAP bio-pork, striving to build these into five-star potential OCOP products.

Nguyen Van Chi, Deputy Chief of the Co-ordination Office of the New-Style Rural Development Programme of Ha Noi, said that the district in recent years has led the way in applying science and technology to production, helping to free up labour, liberate management thinking and improve transparency.

Ha Noi advocates digital transformation in agricultural development to help the household economy by promoting the establishment of specialised co-operatives, pushing for production according to value chains, and contributing to raising the value of OCOP products.  VNS
BINH DUONG  Two Asian black bears have been rescued from a household in Di An City on Friday and are being transported to the rescue centre in Tam ao National Park.

The bears, now named Bonnie and Clyde, were micro-chipped and kept in the family for nearly 20 years.

Binh Duong Forest Protection Department has been advocating for the elder owners to hand over the bears to the Vietnam Bear Rescue Centre in Vinh Phuc Provinces Tam ao National Park.

Bonnie, the female bear, weighs around 150kg and suffers from multiple health problems, including abnormal signs in the gallbladder, an amputated right hind leg, and a wounded left hind leg, said senior veterinary surgeon Shaun Thomson from Animals Asia.

Meanwhile, the 120kg male bear Clyde is in slightly better health condition, although examinations show its gallbladder has a few signs of damage. The bear also experiences hair loss in the abdomen area, which might come from lying on the concrete floor in the cage for too long, according to the animal expert.

Bears have often been held captive in Viet Nam for their bile, which is thought to have healing effects according to traditional medicine. This practice has been illegal since 2005.

The operation has brought the total number of bears rescued in Binh Duong Province to 48, and by Animals Asia to 264.  VNS
HA NOI Travel Off Path, one of North America's largest travel news websites has highlighted Viet Nam as "Asias new tourism hotspot" saying the country is quickly becoming one of the most popular vacation destinations in Southeast Asia.

The US-based travel website has identified three reasons for Viet Nam being the new Asia tourism hotpot including the adjusted visa requirements, a well-preserved natural beauty and a focus on tourism growth.

In an article published on Sunday, Travel Off Path praised the country to be famous for its breathtakingly beautiful scenery, a huge coastline that stretches for an incredible 3,260km, and energetic cities.

"When people think of travelling to Southeast Asia, Thailand is usually the first destination that comes to mind. But if you want to avoid the crowds of tourists in Thailand, then there is an emerging force for tourism in the region that is ripe for exploration  Viet Nam," it said.

According to a Google Destination Insights report, between March and June, Viet Nam was the seventh most searched destination in the world and the only country in Southeast Asia to make the top 20 list.

"Viet Nam is quickly becoming one of the most popular vacation destinations in Southeast Asia," according to Travel Off Path.

The article also looked deeply into analysing the three reasons that make the country more and more well-known among regional and international tourists.

For the adjusted visa requirements, it said, visiting Viet Nam will be easier than ever for citizens of many countries with the visa application being "straightforward and affordable."

The news site also praised the country for preserving its natural beauty.

"Because Viet Nam is an emerging tourist destination and doesnt yet have the same huge footfall that many other Southeast Asian countries experience, much of its natural beauty is still incredibly well preserved," it reported.

The website pointed out that the country is budget-friendly, although those on a tight budget should still consider their itinerary to ensure it is affordable.

Compared to the Southeast Asian tourism hub of Thailand, it said, Viet Nam is an affordable destination, although both can cater to travellers on a budget.

"But Viet Nam is considered to be one of the best budget options in the region. Accommodation, food, and transportation are all cheaper in Viet Nam than they are in Thailand, especially if you travel to rural parts of the country.".

The article also highlighted the Vietnamese Government in promoting and focusing on encouraging more tourists to visit and growing the tourism figures this year.

Viet Nam originally set a target of attracting eight million visitors in the rest of 2023, but the figure is predicted will grow to 10 million by the end of the year.

"The Vietnamese Government wants to turn the country into Asias new tourism hotspot. And so far, so good. Their plan is working, and now is the perfect time to explore this incredible and beautiful country." the site concluded.

Earlier in March, the Travel Off Path listed Viet Nam among the top five international destinations to visit this summer.

Along with Japan, New Zealand, France and Italy, the country is recognised as one of the places with a significant hike in searches and bookings.

The travel news website also assessed it as one of the more affordable Asian destinations in addition to Malaysia and Thailand in the context that airfares in Asia continue to rise.

More popular among US tourists

It found the country is becoming a more popular destination for US holidaymakers, with more than 215,000 Americans visiting the country last year, ranking second behind South Korea in terms of arrival numbers.

Viet Nam fully reopened for tourism in the middle of March 2022, becoming one of the first in the region to ease COVID-19 travel restrictions and welcome foreign visitors, including US travellers, regardless of vaccination status.

Demand for quality tourism has since increased dramatically. The famous online travel agency Kayak even considered the country the top destination in Southeast Asia for 2023.

The US travel website said Viet Nam is a culturally-rich country, and it is a newborn country still finding its footing in a fast-changing world.

Many adventurous Americans find Ha Noi and HCM City impossible to resist as they are a complex maze of narrow, unplanned streets prospered with trade, vibrant flea markets, old colonial buildings, and ancient temples.

If the busy city life doesn't seem appealing and its bucolic, rolling rice terraces etched into green hills, quaint villages, and remote pagodas set against dramatic backdrops you're after, you'll soon realize Viet Nam is brimming with them, from the Sa Pa heartland to the pilgrimage sites of the Ninh Binh Province, it continued to describe Viet Nam.

If visitors love to explore architecture or old ruins, there are numerous jaw-dropping imperial palaces to entertain them. One of those places introduced by Travel Off Path is Hue, a historical city in the central region, home to the stunning Forbidden Purple City, the seat of the Nguyen Dynasty, sumptuously-decorated temples, and a monumental moated citadel.

For many, a trip to Viet Nam is not complete without visiting and staying at pristine beaches. According to the website, the country is packed with paradisiacal beaches boasting postcard-perfect turquoise waters and lined with luxurious resorts.

Last but not least, middle-income Americans choose to visit the country because it is incredibly cheap coupled with the lower cost of living, enabling them to access luxuries they wouldn't be able to afford in their country. VNS
HA NOI  The Party, State and people will never forget the sacrifice of martyrs, war invalids, and people who made meritorious services to the revolution.

The work of taking care and improving the material and spiritual life of war invalids and families of martyrs as well as people with meritorious services to the revolution is a daily job, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said on Thursday morning when he visited Nho Quan War Invalids Nursing Centre in the northern province of Ninh Binh.

The visit was made on the occasion of the 76th anniversary of the countrys War Invalids and Martyrs Day (July 27, 1947).

The Party and State chose July 27 as the countrys War Invalids and Martyrs Day so that the whole country and people can remember, honour and repay those who have made sacrifices for the fatherland and the people, he said.

On behalf of the Government, Chinh sent his deep gratitude and best wishes to heroic Vietnamese mothers and war invalids at the centre, he said.

He also added that taking care of and improving the material and spiritual life of war invalids and families of martyrs as well as people with meritorious services to the revolution is the consistent policy of the Party and State and the traditional morality of the nation.

During the revolutionary cause of the Party and the nation, many soldiers had bravely fought, devoted and sacrificed, others were fortunate to return, but even when the war receded, the consequences and wounds are still there, he said.

"When you were young and healthy, you fought against the enemy, devoted and sacrificed for the fatherland; today, you continue to be optimistic in the fight against the disease and the wounds that the war caused, he said.

You are shining examples for the youth to follow," he said.

He praised doctors, nurses and staff at the centre for not being afraid of difficulties and hardships to take care of war invalids and people with meritorious services to the revolution.

Most of the war invalids at the centre are seriously injured and all their daily activities have to depend on the care and help of the doctors, nurses and staff, he added.

Preferential policies expanded

With a mind to the old Vietnamese sayings When you drink water, think of the source and When you eat fruit, remember who planted the tree, the Party and State have always paid attention to promulgating and effectively implementing many policies towards war invalids, martyrs and people with meritorious services to the revolution over the past 76 years.

The policies are considered to be suitable to the country's conditions and circumstances through each period, he said.

The beneficiaries of preferential policies have been constantly expanding, he said.

On July 21, 2023, the Government issued Decree No 55 amending and supplementing a number of articles of Decree No 75. Under the new decree, the standard level of allowances and preferential allowances for people with meritorious services increased by 26.5 per cent.

Under the new decree, a number of regulations related to the operation of establishments for nurturing people with meritorious services have been supplemented, including support for the renovation and maintenance of facilities that nurtured war invalids and people with meritorious services; supporting medicines, treatment and rehabilitation for war invalids and people with meritorious services.

The material and spiritual life of people with meritorious services and their families have been continuously improved. The movements such as "The whole people take care of the families of war invalids, martyrs and people with meritorious services to the revolution" and "Gratitude Fund were enthusiastically responded to by all classes of people.

Better care

Chinh assigned relevant agencies to more effectively implement policies for people with meritorious services in the future.

The Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs and the relevant agencies had to further promote the care of war invalids and people with meritorious services, he said.

He told the relevant ministries and agencies to improve the facilities and equipment of centres for nurturing people with meritorious services across the country in general and Nho Quan Centre in particular.

In a related move, Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs ao Ngoc Dzung said, on the occasion of the 76th anniversary of the countrys War Invalids and Martyrs Day, President Vo Van Thuong has decided to give gifts to nearly 1.4 million people with meritorious services to the revolution with a total budget of more than VN400 billion (US$16.85 million).

The ministry also submitted to the Prime Minister for consideration and approval of the master plan on the network of social facilities for nurturing people with meritorious services to the revolution in the 2021-30 period, a vision towards 2050.

In the period 2012-22, the State budget allocated VN357 trillion ($15 billion) to spend on subsidies like monthly allowance, one-time allowance and other preferential policies for people with meritorious services.

The whole country has mobilised over VN13 trillion ($548 million) to support families of people with meritorious services, construct 84,000 new houses and repair over 69,000 old houses for families of people with meritorious services.

2,988 Vietnamese heroic mothers, who are still alive, have been nurtured by organisations and individuals for life.

After six years of handling the backlog of requests for certification of martyrs, war invalids and policy beneficiaries, the country has basically certificated over 7,000 records.  VNS
VIENTIANE  Since joining the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) 28 years ago, Viet Nam has shown itself as an active, proactive, and responsible member of the bloc, said Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Laos Thongphane Savanphet.

Talking to the Vietnam News Agency, he said Viet Nams entry into ASEAN and its activities within the blocs cooperation framework over the past 28 years have reflected the success of the countrys oi moi (Renewal) and its foreign policy in reinforcing and developing cooperation with all countries in the world, including Southeast Asia. They have also demonstrated Viet Nams growing stature in the regional and international arenas.

Viet Nams engagement in ASEAN activities has helped not only attract external resources to be combined with the internal strength to serve national development and safeguarding, but also substantially contribute to the protection and promotion of peace, stability, cooperation, and development of the bloc, he went on.

The Lao official elaborated that over the past 28 years, Viet Nam has made important contributions to common work of ASEAN and obtained outstanding achievements in many aspects, including the building of the ASEAN Charter, the ASEAN Vision 2020, the ASEAN Community Vision 2025, the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity 2025, and the ASEAN Regional Forum Ha Noi Plan of Action; post-pandemic economic recovery; the ASEAN Strategic Framework for Public Health Emergencies; the Initiative for ASEAN Integration; and its chairmanship of ASEAN in 1998, 2010, and 2020.

As ASEAN Chair three times, Viet Nam proposed many initiatives and documents which became important stepping stones for intra-bloc cooperation, the building of the ASEAN Community, and the blocs cooperation with external partners.

Under the chairmanship of Viet Nam in 2020, when the region and the world were hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, ASEAN held online meetings during which its members built cooperation plans and other solutions to promote the three pillars of the ASEAN Community; cooperation with external partners to cope with the pandemic and its adverse impacts; and continue building a stronger Community and enhancing the blocs solidarity and centrality in an evolving regional architecture, thereby contributing to the realisation of the groupings common targets and regional and global peace, stability, and sustainable development, according to the Lao official.

He perceived that Viet Nams membership of ASEAN since July 28, 1995, is also a contributor to the countrys socio-economic development, helping the economy boost foreign investment and trade, create jobs, and record continuous growth.

Besides, the ASEAN membership of Viet Nam also provided an impetus for Laos to join the bloc two years later, the Deputy Foreign Minister said, noting that after engaging in ASEAN, on the basis of their great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation, the two countries have continued fostering traditional cooperation and mutual assistance.

He highlighted the countries traditional coordination and exchange of opinions within the ASEAN framework, and that Viet Nam has supported Laos chairmanship of the grouping in two previous terms as well as preparations for the third time Laos will serve in this role in 2024.

The official stressed the close cooperation and mutual assistance between Viet Nam and Laos in ASEAN have significantly contributed to their great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation.

He voiced his belief that they will keep strengthening these special ties in a more substantive and effective manner for the sake of the two peoples and for regional and global peace and development.

Meanwhile, Dr Balazs Szanto, a lecturer in political science at the Thai-based Chulalongkorn University, hailed Viet Nam for actively participating in ASEAN framework and made significant contributions to building a stronger and more reliable ASEAN community.

In an interview with the Vietnam News Agency regarding Viet Nam's 28 years of ASEAN membership in Bangkok, Szanto emphasised that the nations willingness to actively engage in the bloc shows that it is not just a formal entity but an organisation with an important role and influence in the region and beyond.

Concerning Viet Nam's motto of being "positive, proactive, and responsible" in ASEAN-related activities, the expert noted that promoting a more proactive approach is crucial to help the bloc be ready to cope with the changing international political landscape. It is a necessary change and a trend that needs to be encouraged within the association.

On post-COVID-19 economic recovery and growth, he expressed his belief that one of the main directions for ASEAN countries is to reduce dependence on exports and international tourism. Instead, they need to prioritise leading a strong internal market and having a robust consumer base within the bloc to drive economic development.

According to him, Viet Nam has been playing a positive role in reforming its economy and promoting innovation and entrepreneurship in the region. These align with the countrys traditional values, which focus more on the solid foundation of domestic labour and consumers, rather than relying too much on foreign markets.

Constructive, responsible approach

Dr. Nguyen Hong Hai, a lecturer of the Queensland University of Technologys School of Justice, said over the past 28 years since Viet Nam joined ASEAN, a constructive and responsible approach has consolidated Viet Nams position in the bloc.

Hai, who is an Adjunct Senior Lecturer of Policy and Politics at the School of Justice's Faculty of Creative Industries, Education and Social Justice, said that since 1995, Viet Nam's position, role, voice and even influence in ASEAN have been increasing.

Hai summarised Viet Nams five key contributions to the association's internal and external relations, which, he believed, affect the existence, solidarity, growth and voice of ASEAN in the region and in the world.

From the very beginning, Viet Nam participated in the development of and made important contributions to the birth of the 2007 ASEAN Charter which came into effect one year later. Principles underpinning the organisation's existence, peace, security and development in Southeast Asia, embodied in the Charter's provisions, were all contributed by Viet Nam.

Viet Nam has also made proposals and contributions to the building of the ASEAN Community which includes three pillars of ASEAN Political-Security Community, ASEAN Economic Community, and ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community.

The expert also mentioned Viet Nams contributions to the approval of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) as well as its responsible but principled contributions in the spirit of the United Nations Charter and international law in resolving disputes and crises in the region, especially relations between ASEAN and China, and the East Sea (internationally known as the South China Sea) issue.

Viet Nam's contributions in this issue are, first and foremost, for the national interests, but its international law-based approach has contributed to ensuring and maintaining a Southeast Asian region, and a sea with sovereignty disputes but without armed conflicts, and maintaining peace for development. This approach is agreed upon and supported by all countries, Hai went on.

Viet Nam has also made contributions in its role as ASEAN's coordinator with partners outside the region, contributing to consolidating and strengthening ASEAN's central role in international and regional affairs. As a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2009-10 and 2020-21 terms, Viet Nam integrated regional issues into the council's agenda, helping raise the voice of the bloc at the UN peace and security forum.

Viet Nam has also actively participated in solving non-traditional security issues, mainly through ASEAN mechanisms and those led by ASEAN, especially in the fight against terrorism and transnational crimes, cyber security, maritime security, rescue and humanitarian assistance, he added.  VNS
HA NOI  National Assembly (NA) Chairman Vuong inh Hue hosted a reception for Special Advisor to the Cabinet of Japan and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) Maeda Tadashi in Ha Noi on Thursday.

Welcoming Tadashi in his return to Viet Nam after his latest visit in July 2022, NA Chairman Hue said that this is a chance for the two sides to further promote the Viet Nam-Japan extensive strategic partnership for peace and prosperity in Asia, as well as cooperation between ASEAN and Japan.

He thanked the Japanese official for sharing his ideas on current important issues, especially regarding energy transition. The Vietnamese top legislator underlined that it is an inevitable and objective process, contributing to implementing the Sustainable Development Goals with no country standing outside. He noted that at the 26th UN Climate Change Conference (COP26), Viet Nam made a strong commitment to the international community to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

NA Chairman Hue highlighted the significance of ensuring energy security, stressing that energy transition should be made to suit the reality in each country.

Holding that energy transition is a global issue, he said that countries with slower development like Viet Nam need support from the international community in three aspects  building institutions, legal and policy systems; enhancing technologies and techniques; and finance.

He said that Viet Nam highly values the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) initiative by Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio, adding that the country is working hard to implement specific cooperation activities with Japan in the field.

Agreeing with the Japanese official on the need to set up a joint working group for AZEC implementation, Hue affirmed that the Vietnamese NA is willing to send officials from its committees to join the group.

He suggested that Viet Nam and Japan make substantial cooperation to build and maintain strategic supply chains, including those related to energy.

Underlining that the two countries have great potential in biomass power development, Hue said that they should cooperate more closely in converting energy production plants from coal to biomass fuel according to a certain roadmap while working together in the supply chain of projects related to gas energy and coordinating closely in developing wind power and solar power suitable to climate change situation in Viet Nam and Asia.

For his part, Tadashi said that after his Viet Nam visit in 2022, he has become a Special Advisor to the Cabinet of Japan in promoting carbon neutralisation.

He said that at G20s meetings in 2022, Japan mentioned the AZEC. Meanwhile, the G7 has also focused on implementing the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP). In order to realise the JETP, the JBIC has committed to supporting US$300 million through Vietcombank to implement projects in the field of renewable energy. In the JETP, Japan has also offered soft loans, he added.

He underlined that Japan is drastically implementing the AZEC, while making a large investment in a fund for new energy resource research. Vietnamese firms can join their Japanese peers to conduct research on new energy resource development using this fund, he stated.

The JBIC Chairman said that Japan, the US and Australia will work together to support Viet Nam in mitigating climate change impacts, adding Japan has set up a framework to assist Viet Nam in this field.  VNS
An anti-LGBTQ YouTuber decided to visit a Unitarian Universalist church in Plano, Texas. However, little did the content creator know that the church suddenly caught fire on Sunday, July 23.

After Anti-LGBTQ YouTuber's Visit, Texas Church Catches Fire

According to NBC News' latest report, an anti-LGBTQ Christian YouTuber decided to make a video inside the Community Unitarian Universalist Church.

After that, the church received many criticisms from viewers, especially from the online influencers themselves.

Bo Alford, Cassady Campbell, and another man involved in the YouTue video even called the church "pagan" and "satanic."

The YouTubers did this to test the church's theology, as well as to expose what they call "false teachers."

The YouTube video was uploaded on July 13. A few days after that, the Community Unitarian Universalist Church caught fire.

"On Sunday, July 23, 2023, between 12:00 am and 12:30 am, a firebomb attack took place at Community Unitarian Universalist Church of Plano," said the church via its official announcement.

Read Also: Carlee Russell 'Disappearance': Alabama Woman Confesses to Fake Kidnapping, Lost Child Report on Highway

What Happened to the Church?

The Community Unitarian Universalist Church said that there was an incendiary device with a chemical accelerant, which was thrown at the church.

The device landed at the front doors of the main church building. This caused the fire and smoke, which a passerby noticed.

Luckily, the damage to the church property was limited, thanks to the quick actions of Plano's First Responders.

"There were no injuries. Plano Police and Fire Department personnel did a thorough collection of evidence of the crime scene," said the church.

Was It Arson?

As of press time, authorities are still investigating the incident. But, investigators believe that it could be "an intentionally set fire."

The church said that the Plano Police Department has been reviewing building security ever since the intrusion of a hate group.

Although they didn't mention the names of the anti-LGBTQ YouTubers, they did confirm that the intruders posted a video of their activities.

Alford, one of the individuals involved in the YouTube video, said that their being labeled as a hate group is in any way appalling.

He added that they are being tied to the fire that happened in the Unitarian Universalist church.

However, the police authorities clarified that they haven't confirmed if the fire incident was indeed a "hate crime."

Related Article: Miami Music Festival: Student Dies After Attending Rolling Loud Hip-Hop Fest

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
ROME  President Vo Van Thuong on Thursday (local time) held separate meetings with General Secretary of the Italian Communist Party Mauro Alboresi, Vice President of the Italian Democratic Party Chiara Gribaudo, and General Secretary of the Italian Communist Refoundation Party Maurizio Acerbo, as part of his State-level visit to the European nation.

The General Secretary of the Italian Communist Party stated that he and the party have kept a close watch of Viet Nam's development under the leadership of the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV). He held that the CPVs right orientations and resolutions have contributed to making the Southeast Asian nation a symbol of the struggle for independence and a model of dynamic development.

Viet Nam's foreign policy has enhanced its international reputation and position, Alboresi said, noting that the Southeast Asian country has promoted bilateral and multilateral cooperation mechanisms, valued solidarity among nations, respected international law, and advocated the settlement of disputes through peaceful means. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Viet Nam was among countries able to quickly control the disease domestically, and also a responsible nation in cooperating with and assisting other countries, he said.

He underscored the Italian party's desire to enhance cooperation with the CPV, thereby further strengthening the 50-year traditional relationship between the two countries.

For his part, Thuong stated that his visit aims to elevate the bilateral relationship to a new height.

He noted that the CPV attaches great importance to relations with other political parties and expressed his wish for the two communist parties to promote collaboration and share experiences in theory, practice, strategy, and policy, through which further reinforcing the trust and support of the people.

Receiving Vice President of the Democratic Party of Italy Chiara Gribaudo, President Thuong said Viet Nam attaches importance to promoting relations with political parties and the parliament of Italy. Therefore, Viet Nam wishes to welcome representatives from the Democratic Party to share experience in building strategies and fostering public trust in the party.

Along with promoting people-to-people exchanges, he suggested that the Democratic Party of Italy strengthen exchanges between its grassroots organisations and those of Viet Nam.

Gribaudo, for her part, stressed that the Democratic Party has consistently supported the Italian Parliament and Government in nurturing relations with Viet Nam. She also hailed the socio-economic achievements that Viet Nam has made under the leadership of the Communist Party of Viet Nam as well as the cooperation between the two countries over the past 50 years.

In reply, Thuong said the Viet Nam-Italy relationship is developing soundly and during this visit, he and the Italian President have outlined a farther vision for the bilateral strategic partnership. He highlighted a significant event during his visit, which was the approval of the Viet Nam-EU Investment Protection Agreement by the Italian Parliament. The President described it as a vivid testament to the longstanding friendly relations and strategic partnership between the two countries.

He held that the Democratic Party has made valuable contribution to the positive outcomes of the cooperation between Viet Nam and Italy over the past 50 years .

He hoped that the Democratic Party will continue to have correct policies, gain the support of the people while also strengthening the relationship with the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV).

During a reception for General Secretary of the Communist Refoundation Party Maurizio Acerbo, Thuong said ties between the two countries are growing in all fields, with the contribution of the Communist Refoundation Party.

As the two countries are striving to elevate their strategic partnership to a greater height, he proposed that the Communist Refoundation Party supports and contributes to this goal, while also enhancing coordination and exchanges with the CPV.

On the occasion, he hailed and thanked the Italian Communist Refoundation Party for working with the Vietnamese Embassy in Italy to hold a seminar on the life and activities of President Ho Chi Minh, contributing to nurturing friendship between the two parties and countries.

Acerbo hoped that President Thuongs visit, along with a series of high-level meetings, will open up a new phase of development in Italy's relations with Viet Nam. The Communist Refoundation Party always supports the development of this relationship, he said.

He also thanked Viet Nam for sending masks to Italy during the most severe period of the COVID-19 pandemic.  VNS
CAIRO  Representatives of two capital cities of Ha Noi and Cairo on July 27 signed a friendship and cooperation agreement in the witness of Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang, on his official visit to Egypt.

The agreement, signed by Deputy Chairman of the Ha Noi Peoples Committee Nguyen Manh Quyen and Cairo Governor Khaled Abdel Aal, aims to promote the relations and mutual understanding between the two cities in the areas of culture, sciences, education, health care, tourism, sports, environment, and trade.

Speaking at the event, Quyen said the signing took place at a meaningful and important time as Viet Nam and Egypt are celebrating the 60th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations.

He said the agreement not only marks the trust in bilateral political cooperation but also opens up many new cooperation opportunities for both sides, contribute to prosperity of the two capitals and strengthen the traditional friendship and cooperation between Viet Nam and Egypt.  VNS
ROME  Within the framework of his State visit to Italy, President Vo Van Thuong and his spouse attended a state banquet hosted by Italian President Sergio Mattarella and his daughter on July 27 evening (local time).

Addressing the event, the Italian leader stressed that both sides need to make more efforts to deepen and diversify bilateral relations in the coming time.

Recalling the State visit to Italy by Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong 10 years ago when the two countries agreed to set up their strategic partnership, the host affirmed that this is an important political framework, helping the bilateral relations gain a lot of achievements today.

In international activities, both Viet Nam and Italy base themselves on the values of peace and multilateralism, which are essential to face current and future challenges, from the fight against poverty and food insecurity to migration, from the combat against international crime to climate change, he stated, adding that Italy recognises and highly values the effectiveness of Viet Nam's international activities, especially its contributions to the United Nations' peacekeeping mission.

The Italian President also affirmed that Viet Nam is an important partner for balance and progress in the Indo-Pacific, to which Italy is paying increasing attention.

For his part, Thuong said that over the past five decades, on the solid foundation of friendship, Italy and Viet Nam have become each other's increasingly important partner in all fields, from politics, diplomacy to trade, investment, culture, tourism, and education and training; and had close cooperation at both bilateral and multilateral levels.

At present, in a world of constant movement, with many intertwining opportunities and challenges, bilateral cooperation is expanding continuously towards values and common concerns of the international community.

Referring to the contents of his discussions with President Sergio Mattarella and other Italian leaders, Thuong stated that the two sides have shared the desire and determination to turn the strategic partnership to a new, stronger and more effective page, thus contributing to implementing the common sustainable development goals, solving global issues on the basis of balance and mutual benefit, and exploiting advantages and potential of each country, for the benefits of the two peoples, for peace, cooperation and development in the region and in the world.  VNS
HA NOI  Ha Noi People's Court on Friday delivered verdicts in the case of 54 defendants involved in the high-profile repatriation flight bribery scandal.

A total of 21 defendants were convicted of taking bribes, 23 convicted of giving bribes, four of abusing positions while discharging their duties, two of frauds and misappropriation of assets and four with bribery brokerage.

The judge panel said this is a particularly serious case, with officials taking advantage of their power and positions to take bribes. The bribery took place over a long period of time, forcing businesses involved in organisation of repatriation flights for citizens stranded overseas during COVID-19 lockdown times to raise the prices of the tickets, causing losses for the people who wished to return home while the pandemic had already resulted in serious economic hardship.

Pham Trung Kien, former assistant to the deputy health minister, who received the most money as bribes from businesses to 'facilitate' approval processes for repatriation flights, got life sentence, a reduction from the death sentence that the Procuracy originally sought (the harshest sentence in this case).

The Procuracy said Kien blatantly used his position to force the businesses to give bribes, or the permissions to get the repatriation flights off the ground would be made much harder to get.

While agreeing that the death sentence is completely commensurating to the wrongdoing, judges said it is not necessary to 'completely remove defendant Pham Trung Kien' from society, and another form of punishment would suffice.

Kien was accused of receiving a total of VN42.6 billion (nearly US$1.8 million) in bribes, but he had already repaid about VN42.2 billion as redress, and the defendant has shown remorse and honesty during the trial, the judges said, reiterating the 'humanitarian policy' of encouraging people involved in corruption to repay their ill-gotten money.

Also convicted of taking bribes, two former foreign ministry officials - To Anh Dung, former deputy foreign minister, and Nguyen Thi Huong Lan, former head of the consular department of the ministry - received harsher sentences compared to what the Procuracy sought as the judge panels deemed they have received large sum of bribery, causing public uproar and undermining public trust.

Dung was sentenced to 16 years in jail (against the recommendation of 12-13 years), while Huong Lan received a life sentence (against the recommendation of 18-19 years in prison).

Also convicted of taking bribes, Nguyen Quang Linh, former assistant to the former Deputy Prime Minister Pham Binh Minh, got seven years imprisonment; Chu Xuan Dung, former deputy chairman of Ha Noi People's Committee, received three years; Tran Van Tan, former deputy chairman of Quang Nam Province People's Committee, received six years. Tran Van Du, former deputy head of the immigration department (Ministry of Public Security), was handed seven years imprisonment; Vu Anh Tuan, former deputy head of the advisory faculty of the immigration department, got life sentence.

Twenty one defendants will need to pay VN100 million ($4,220) each in penalties to the State coffers.

Four former officials at the Vietnamese Embassy in Malaysia convicted of abusing positions and power while discharging duties were handed 18 months to four years in prison (Tran Viet Thai, former Vietnamese ambassador to Malaysia, got four years, the highest sentence).

Each of them will also need to pay VN50 million each in penalties to the State coffers.

Hoang Van Hung, former investigator under the Ministry of Public Security, was handed a life sentence for frauds and misappropriation of assets.

Throughout the trial, Hung had proclaimed his innocence and denied the charges from the procuracy that he had misled some of the defendants who were investigated for the role in the bribery case to believe he could help them avoid harsh sentences.

The judge panel criticised Hung for not being honest despite ample evidence proving his crime, and decided to punish him harder than what the Procuracy initially recommended (19-20 years in prison) to sufficiently deter, educate, and prevent criminal offenses.

The businesses' executives convicted of giving bribes were sentenced with 15 months to 11 years in prison, most lighter than the recommendations from the Procuracy.

Four defendants charged with bribery brokerage received between 15 months to five years in prison, with the highest sentence against Nguyen Anh Tuan, deputy head of Ha Noi Police Department.

This is one of the biggest high-profile corruption cases that went on trial, with 54 defendants, 105 lawyers, 46 with related rights and obligations, and 33 witnesses.

From early 2020 to mid-2021, 372 combo flights were organised. The total number of passengers on 372 combo flights was more than 93,000 people.

In order to recoup the "lubricating" bribery money when organising these flights, a group of 20 businesses with more than 100 legal entities had to raise ticket prices, fabricating more costs to charge up against people abroad wishing to get tickets home.

Twenty three business executives were found to have given bribes 400 times, with total money worth VN226 billion, while officials received some VN165 billion in bribery.  VNS
HA NOI  President Vo Van Thuong affirmed that Viet Nam consistently implemented policies that respected and ensured freedom of belief and religion and continuously improved the legal framework to facilitate religious activities, including Catholicism.

He was speaking during his visit to the Vatican on Thursday (local time), in response to an invitation from His Holiness Pope Francis.

President Thuong said he highly praised the positive developments in relations between Viet Nam and the Vatican, demonstrated through high-level engagements over the years and the effective implementation of the Viet Nam-Vatican Joint Working Group mechanism.

He warmly welcomed the positive contributions of the Catholic community in Viet Nam to charitable, educational, healthcare, and vocational activities. He also expressed his hope for the Catholic community to continue contributing to the nation's building and development.

In turn, Pope Francis emphasised that the visit of President Thuong provided an opportunity for both sides to exchange views on the situation of Catholicism in Viet Nam and Viet Nam-Vatican relations.

The Pope recalled fond memories of welcoming previous high-level leaders from Viet Nam and expressed his affection for the country, its people, and particularly the Catholic community in Viet Nam.

Thuong highly appreciated the guidance of Pope Francis and the Vatican to the Catholic community in Viet Nam. He said he hoped the Pope would continue to care for and guide Catholic believers in Viet Nam to foster their bond and cooperation with the State and people for the development and prosperity of the nation.

The President stressed the role of the Vatican in addressing global issues, maintaining peace, sustainable development, protecting the environment, and safeguarding human rights.

Pope Francis reaffirmed the Vatican's desire for the Viet Nam-Holy See relations to further develop positively and encouraged the Catholic community in Viet Nam to actively contribute to the country's development and the churches' missions.

Both sides regarded the adoption of the Agreement on the Status of the Resident Papal Representative and the Office of the Resident Papal Representative in Viet Nam as an important step in the constructive development of bilateral relations. This achievement was the result of exchanges based on mutual respect, cooperation, and understanding.

President Thuong affirmed Viet Nam's commitment to creating favourable conditions for the activities of the representative office in accordance with Vietnamese laws and bilateral agreements.

Pope Francis emphasised that the adoption of the agreement was a model of mutual trust and would serve as a foundation to further promote and expand relations in the future.  VNS
ROME  President Vo Van Thuong and his spouse, together with the high-level delegation from Viet Nam, met with Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin on Thursday (local time) during his visit to the Vatican.

During the meeting, President Thuong shared with Cardinal Parolin Viet Nam's foreign policy and religious policies, emphasising that Viet Nam continued to improve the legal framework for religious activities of the people and religious organisations.

President Thuong expressed his hope that Cardinal Parolin would continue to pay close attention to the activities of the Catholic community in Viet Nam, thereby contributing to the positive development of the Viet Nam-Vatican relations.

Cardinal Parolin praised Viet Nam's achievements in ensuring religious freedom for all religions, including Catholicism. He also welcomed the role of the Viet Nam-Vatican Joint Working Group in enhancing mutual understanding and trust and finding consensus to address differences through dialogue.

Cardinal Parolin noted that Viet Nam was increasingly playing an important role in the Catholic Church, with over 7.2 million Catholics in Viet Nam and he expressed how the Vatican encourages the Catholic community in Viet Nam to actively contribute to the country's development and the missions of the churches.

President Thuong emphasised the significance of the Vatican's role in global issues and expressed his desire for the Vatican to continue contributing to conflict resolution, preserving peace, promoting sustainable development, fostering unity, friendship, cooperation, and development among nations and religions worldwide.

The Holy See affirmed its support for all initiatives for world peace and expressed agreement in favour of peacefully resolving disputes in the East Sea (internationally known as the South China Sea) based on international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) of 1982.

On the occasion of Thuong's visit to the Vatican on Thursday, on the basis of the 10th Session of the Joint Working Group between Viet Nam and the Holy See on March 31, 2023 in the Vatican, and with the desire to continue advancing bilateral relations, the two sides officially announced that the Government of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam and the Holy See concluded the Agreement on the Status of the Resident Papal Representative and the Office of the Resident Papal Representative in Viet Nam.  VNS
A NANG  Dark sewage has been pouring into the renowned My Khe beach in Son Tra District, a Nang, for several days, as a result of heavy rains on July 15, causing environmental pollution.

a Nang Party Secretary, Nguyen Van Quang, inspected the current condition of the drainage system leading to the sea and some drains along the coast. He emphasised that the city's primary objective is to preserve My Khe Beach, ensuring it remains clean, safe, and free from pollution.

He pointed out that this incident will negatively impact the tourism industry, tarnishing the city's reputation in the eyes of tourists. Hence, immediate action must be taken to address the issue.

At present, the city has made investments in two systems for collecting and treating wastewater in the coastal area. However, practical implementation still faces several limitations, vietnamplus.vn reported.

Quang requested the city People's Committee to urgently evaluate the current situation, difficulties, and issues related to wastewater treatment in the coastal drainage systems.

The city authorities must require all restaurants, hotels, and businesses along the coast to urgently connect their wastewater pipes to the city's new drainage system.

The Urban Environment Company and the Drainage and Wastewater Treatment Company must ensure the cleaning of the sewage system, minimise the accumulation of waste, and have a plan to handle high rainfall and overflowing wastewater into the sea.

The city's authorities at all levels should cooperate and develop urgent plans to minimise the situation of wastewater overflowing into the sea.

The city's Party Secretary said in the long term, the city needs to have a policy and plan to close all wastewater outlets into the sea.

It also needs to build a drainage system to collect all rainwater into the Han River and review and calculate the capacity of pumping stations to ensure water drainage during heavy rain.

According to the report from the city's Department of Construction, the city has built two wastewater collection pipeline systems in the eastern coastal area.

However, due to the rapid development of commercial and service activities in this area, an overload emerged since 2017, leading to wastewater regularly being discharged into the sea even during dry weather, causing environmental pollution.

Consequently, in 2018, the city made the decision to invest in a pilot project for a separated sewage discharge system for coastal tourism sites in the My An and My Khe areas of Son Tra Peninsula. This initiative was part of the sustainable development project for a Nang City, funded by the World Bank.

The construction of this new system was completed, and it became operational in January 2022.

With its operation, the wastewater from industrial and commercial establishments as well as households will be collected separately and transferred to the wastewater treatment station, while rainwater will be discharged through drainage outlets along the coast.

However, the new system has not been put into operation because dozens of households and businesses have not connected their wastewater drainage pipes to the city's system.

In the near future, the Department of Construction will collaborate with project management boards to research and propose solutions to ensure the landscape and environmental sanitation in the My Khe, My An areas.  VNS
HA NOI  On the occasion of the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons on July 30, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) produced a video to dispel misconceptions about human trafficking in collaboration with the ambassadors of Australia, Canada, the UK, and the US, and called for more actions to protect victims.

In the video, the ambassadors, IOM Chief of Mission Park Mihyung as well as former Miss Universe Viet Nam Hhen Nie emphasised that human trafficking was occurring every day in the country.

In Viet Nam, there are popular beliefs about human trafficking such as the notion that it mostly affected women and girls, traffickers only targeted victims they didnt know, and that it only involved movements across state or national borders.

Some others believed that human trafficking did not happen online and that climate change was not related to human trafficking.

In the video, Canada Ambassador to Viet Nam, H.E. Shawn Steil affirmed that trafficking in persons could happen to anyone.

Men and boys, including LGBTQI boys, could also become victims of trafficking. Young men searching for job opportunities are often targeted by traffickers.

US Ambassador to Viet Nam Marc Knapper said trafficking occurred online on many platforms.

In fact, social media has emerged as one of the primary tools used by traffickers. They used social media to recruit victims, expand their trafficking operations, exert control over victims, and deceive individuals worldwide into engaging in illicit activities, including online scams, he said.

The ambassador urged the participation of the Government and society to address this issue.

We must hold human traffickers and transnational organised criminal groups accountable, protect victims, and find innovative ways to prevent trafficking from occurring online, he said.

UK Ambassador to Viet Nam Iain Frew stated that the severe impacts of climate change such as floods, droughts, and saline intrusions pushed many people into poverty and made them more vulnerable.

Organised crime groups often took advantage of their economic predicament to lure, defraud and turn them into victims of human trafficking, he said.

The ambassador suggested more support to help vulnerable communities be aware of the tactics of trafficking crime groups, know more about safe legal migration and protect their livelihoods.

Explaining the scale of human trafficking, Australian Ambassador to Viet Nam Andrew Goledzinowski said human trafficking could occur within the borders of any country, including Viet Nam.

Victims of human trafficking could be recruited and trafficked in their own hometowns, even within their own homes, he stressed, urging people to report to the local authorities or call the National Human Trafficking Prevention and Control Hotline 111 in case of suspecting such an activity.

Former Miss Universe Viet Nam Hhen Nie also appeared in the video, raising her voice about victims who experienced trafficking by romantic partners, spouses, and even family members, including parents.

In particular, she said, ethnic minorities, especially women and girls, were most vulnerable and at a higher risk of becoming victims of human trafficking.

With the message A human being is not a commodity. Every human is a gift, they called for action and raised their voices to combat human trafficking and empower every victim to build back their lives and reach their full potential.

IOM Chief of Mission Park Mihyung suggested that there should be innovative ways to identify emerging trends, screen for vulnerabilities, provide support to the victims, and seek timely and viable solutions to meet the new evolving challenges of this crime.

Only when we ourselves are fully equipped to fight against human trafficking, we can reach everyone else. We can then build a future where every victim is properly protected, empowered, and equipped to shape their own better worlds, leaving no one behind, she said.

Human trafficking has particularly serious consequences on human rights and negatively impacts the political security of each nation, potentially leading to illegal immigration, forgery of documents, sex trafficking, and drug trafficking. Since 2013, the United Nations has identified human trafficking as one of the four most dangerous crimes in the world.

In Viet Nam, the Law on Prevention and Combat against Human Trafficking was passed by the 12th National Assembly and effective from January 1, 2012, to provide a crucial legal framework for the prevention, detection, and prosecution of human trafficking crimes.

In the 2018-2022 period, Viet Nam deterred 440 cases of human trafficking with 1,240 victims. In the first six months of this year, the police discovered 56 cases involving 150 criminals and 118 victims.  VNS
TikTok Shop has risen to second in revenue in e-commerce platforms in Vietnam.

Also read: TikTok Sees Shoppertainment As Trillion-Dollar Opportunity For Asia Pacific

Vietnam a potential market for shoppertainment: report

E-commerce data platform Metric released the report Overview of e-commerce platforms (e-commerce) in the first half of 2023. The report is based on data analysis of 5 e-commerce platforms, including Shopee, Lazada, Tiki, Sendo, and TikTok Shop.

According to the report, the total revenue on e-commerce platforms in the first half of 2023 is VND 92,745 billion, with more than 394,000 shops having orders. Compared to the same period last year, e-commerce revenue in Vietnam has increased by 46%.

In the first half of 2022, the TikTok Shop floor has yet to be launched; if calculating the growth rate in the same period when only counting on the revenue of 4 exchanges, Shopee, Lazada, Tiki, Sendo, the number will be 22.5%.

Regarding rankings, Shopee (VND 59,000 billion) continues to be the leading e-commerce platform in revenue, with an almost unchanged market share, accounting for 63%. The biggest surprise in the second quarter compared to the first quarter of 2023 was the order of the TikTok Shop.

With a revenue of more than 16,000 billion VND, this platform quickly took the market share of the remaining e-commerce platforms and replaced Lazada (15,700 trillion VND) in second place. Followed by Tiki (1,600 billion dong) and Sendo (112.3 billion dong).

In terms of products, on all 5 e-commerce floors, beauty still brings the most revenue with more than 16,000 billion VND, far behind the categories of women's fashion and home life. Statistics by floor, beauty topped the revenue on Shopee, Lazada, and Tiktok Shop. Meanwhile, phones - tablets bring the most revenue to Tiki.

Compared to the second quarter of 2022, the second quarter of 2023 witnessed a sharp decline in the number of homes for sale when the decrease reached 18%, equivalent to 76,030 homes on the floor. This shows that retail and non-professional retailers gradually withdraw from the market, and profits will flow to those who are professional and have invested in selling on the e-commerce floor.

In addition, many factors affect the withdrawal from the e-commerce platform, such as market fluctuations; the economy is still facing many difficulties...

About TikTok Shop, although officially launched in Vietnam at the end of April 2022, Tiktok Shop has shown a dizzying growth rate when reaching revenue of 16,000 billion, surpassing other e-commerce giants.

However, content management on the main platform, TikTok, needs help. Especially the posting and distributing of malicious content on this cross-border social networking platform. If TikTok is banned in Vietnam, the TikTok Shop will become zero.

At the end of May, at a meeting with media companies and online content creators (KOLs), the Ministry of Information and Communications representative gave tough messages about managing content on cross-border social networks such as TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.

Le Quang Tu Do, Director of the Department of Information and Communications, affirmed that if the parties do not cooperate, the authorities realize that the cross-border platform is a dangerous environment, adversely affecting society, then surely There are bound to be restrictions.

"Our message is that cyberspace, like real life, must be held accountable. Suppose cross-border social networking platforms do not cooperate with State management agencies. In that case, they will be blocked from operating in Vietnam. Suppose TikTok does not cooperate with the Government with the direct management agency of the Ministry of Information and Communications. In that case, the platform will be banned," Do said.

Read more: E-commerce on the rise
At the meeting (Photo: VNA)

Can Tho  Vice Chairman of Can Tho city People's Committee Duong Tan Hien and representatives of local departments and agencies on July 26 met with a delegation from SK Group led by senior advisor Lee Dong Uk, discussing pilot projects under the citys green growth strategy.



According to Lee, the group is supporting the Vietnms Ministry of Planning and Investment to study green growth in Vietnam and focusing on seeking investment opportunities in Can Tho as well as developing projects in the Mekong Delta. The official added that the group is planning to pilot the application of hydrogen in power generation and green transport in Can Tho and to deploy a pilot project of heavy-duty hydrogen-powered trucks in the coming time.

Along with a Can Tho-based centre that promotes the linkage among agricultural production, processing, and consumption in the Mekong Delta, SK Group is also eying zero waste projects in this hub.

Vice Chairman of the Can Tho People's Committee Duong Tan Hien spoke highly of SK Group for its resources and experience in different business fields, especially in the green economic development, and suggested the group invest in the Vinh Thanh Industrial Park project as a model of a green industrial park.

Can Tho will create favourable conditions for SK Group to study and implement pilot projects on hydrogen, he said.

SK Group contributing to Vietnam's development policies Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung and Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien attended and delivered speeches at the SK Group online meeting on Vietnam's development policies hosted by Chey Tae-won, chairman of SK Group.

SK Group gifts 4,000 Vietnamese children smile surgery over 25 years SK Group hosted the Free Surgical Treatment for Vietnamese Children with Facial Deformity project in Hanoi 108 Military Central Hospital, cooperating with Seoul National University Bundang Hospital and Smile for Children, a Korean medical volunteer organisation, from September 19 to 23.
The mother of a kid slain in a shooting last year in Uvalde, Texas, declared her candidacy for the city's mayor position on Thursday, July 27.

Kimberly Mata-Rubio is the mother of Alexandria "Lexi" Rubio, a young kid killed in last year's school mass shooting.

On May 24, 2022, the second worst school shooting in American history took place at Robb Elementary School, killing 19 fourth graders and two teachers. Her daughter was one among the victims.

A Mother's Bid for Mayor

Don McLaughlin has been mayor of Uvalde since 2014, but he is departing to run for the Texas House. This has opened the door for Mata-Rubio to compete for the mayor's office. In the upcoming special election on November 7, she will compete against one other candidate.

"My other children are going to grow up in this community and I want it to be the best it can be for them," Mata-Rubio told ABC News. She added, "There is so much potential ... I don't want this town to stay where it is and just be remembered for this tragedy. I want to move forward, but I want to bring along our children and those two teachers."

Mata-Rubio is an employee of the Uvalde Leader-News, the town's newspaper. On the day of the shooting at Robb Elementary, she was working. After police waited an hour and a half to launch a counterattack on the shooter, who had barricaded himself in two classrooms, the suspect was slain.

Uvalde is a city of about 15,000 people, located 80 miles west of San Antonio and 60 miles north of the Mexican border. Plans for a special election to replace McLaughlin were announced by the city council on Tuesday, July 25.

Mata-Rubio said she has always been interested in politics, and her interest in local government grew when she was a reporter.

She is the current president of Lives Robbed, an organization formed by parents who lost children to gun violence at Robb Elementary School. In the aftermath of the shooting, Mata-Rubio has been quite public about her dissatisfaction with the local authorities.

See Also: Woman Dead, Another Injured in Boyle Heights Shooting-Investigations Underway

Former Mayor Seeks Reelection

Cody Smith, senior vice president of the First State Bank of Uvalde, is also running for mayor. Smith served as mayor from 2008 until he left office in 2012. Before becoming mayor, he served for 12 years on the city council after being elected in 1995.

Smith stated, "I would come to the position with some experience... and then I just want to do anything I can to help this community, you know, heal and, you know, and prosper."

Smith told ABC News that his first step would be to form a group comprised of representatives from the city, county, and school system to work on a permanent monument for the victims of the Robb Elementary shooting.

See Also: 3 Killed, 8 Injured in Auckland Shooting Hours Before FIFA Women's World Cup Begins; Gunman Among the Dead

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha received Steven Winn, chief global strategist and senior vice executive manager of JERA on July 27 in Hanoi

The company conceived the 1,500MW Nghi Son LNG thermal power plant in 2022, with support from the Japanese Embassy in Vietnam, and the project now fits into the nations' Power Development Plan VIII.

The project has carved a spot among the power sector's important projects with priority for implementation.

The consortium submitted a feasibility report to Thanh Hoa Peoples Committee for consideration and approval in early July.

JERA Co. Inc. was incorporated from the merger of the fuel and thermal power businesses of Tokyo Electric Power Company and Chubu Electric Power Company.

JERA's Kawagoe LNG plant in Japan

JERA owns and operates some of Japans largest thermal power plants with a total combined capacity of 70GW and is the world's largest LNG user, with over 60 years experience in the sector, five upstream projects in Australia and the US, a 20-strong fleet of LNG transportation ships, and 11 LNG receiving terminals in Japan.

JERA purchases approximately 40 million tonnes of LNG from over a dozen nations annually.

With the proven capacity and experience in implementing large-scale projects, especially in LNG, the consortium hopes for authorities to soon ratify the investment policy of the Nghi Son LNG initiative in order to put the project into operation as soon as possible.

PetroVietnam seeks new EPC contractor for 1,200MW Long Phu 1 thermal power plant State-run oil and gas group PetroVietnam is looking for a new EPC contractor for the 1,200MW Long Phu 1 thermal power plant, which is located in the Mekong Delta province of Soc Trang.

Thai Binh 2 Thermal Power Plant officially inaugurated The long-delayed Thai Binh 2 Thermal Power Plant, with a $1.2 billion investment from state-run PetroVietnam, was officially inaugurated on April 27.

$2 billion Nam Dinh 1 thermal power plant could resume this year The long-delayed Nam Dinh 1 thermal power plant could get back on track by the end of 2023 thanks to the investor's determination.
The investigation, to see whether the US software giant is "abusing and defending its market position" through the practice, comes as computer users have widely adopted online meetings since the coronavirus pandemic.

EU opens antitrust probe into Microsoft over Teams

"Remote communication and collaboration tools like Teams have become indispensable for many businesses in Europe," said the commission's antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager.

"We must therefore ensure that the markets for these products remain competitive, and companies are free to choose the products that best meet their needs," she said.

A Microsoft spokesman said the tech giant would cooperate with the commission's investigation.

"We respect the European Commission's work on this case and take our own responsibilities very seriously," he said, adding that the company was "committed to finding solutions that will address its concerns".

Teams is a platform that allows users to communicate through messages, video calls and file sharing.

The trigger for the commission's probe was a July 2020 complaint from Slack, a US start-up competitor to Teams which has since been bought by the company Salesforce.

As its market share shrank, Slack lodged its complaint with the EU executive.

Other rival communications platforms include Zoom, Google Meet and Cisco Webex.

Microsoft bundles Teams with its cloud-based Office 365 and Microsoft 365 suites, which offer its popular Word, Excel, Powerpoint and Excel programmes.

The commission said that the shift to cloud-based platforms and apps has allowed more players to enter the market, and noted that such software is usually subscription-based, locking users in longterm.

It underlined that the Microsoft cloud-based suites were "well-entrenched", and bundling Teams with them could be "restricting competition" in Europe.

- AI-enhanced Teams -

"The Commission is concerned that Microsoft may grant Teams a distribution advantage by not giving customers the choice on whether or not to include access to that product when they subscribe to their productivity suites and may have limited the interoperability between its productivity suites and competing offerings," its statement said.

"These practices may constitute anti-competitive tying or bundling and prevent suppliers of other communication and collaboration tools from competing," it said, adding that its probe would be carried out as "a priority".

Should the outcome of the investigation go against Microsoft, the firm could face a heavy fine or other ordered remedies.

There is no defined deadline for the probe to wrap up, with the commission taking more time if needed for complex antitrust cases.

Recently, Microsoft has been introducing artificial intelligence advances into its Teams product.

On its website, the company advertises the changes as making the user experience faster and helping to "scale your business to achieve more together".

Teams has been part of its Office 365 and Microsoft 365 suites since 2017, taking over from its Skype for business offering.

The company views Teams as an integral element of its range software offerings and the importance of the app has grown exponentially since the pandemic forced office workers into remote working -- a habit that holds today.

Microsoft would be loath to see Teams's shine diminished and is likely to argue that nothing prevents users from using Zoom or Slack in its place, alongside or instead of Teams.

US fines Microsoft $20 million over child data violations Microsoft will pay $20 million to settle government charges that it collected personal information from children without their parents' consent, officials said Monday.
Environment chiefs from the Group of 20 major economies -- constituting more than 80 percent of both global GDP and CO2 emissions -- are focusing on critical topics including climate change adaption finance, biodiversity and principles for ocean-based economic activities.

G20 environment chiefs ready fresh bid for climate deals, illustration photo/ Source: freepik.com

Those agreed by environment ministers during their one-day conference on Friday will be signed off by leaders during a summit in New Delhi in September.

Global temperatures are hitting record highs, triggering floods, storms and heatwaves, climate experts say.

"The livelihoods of people are being destroyed," EU Commissioner for the Environment Virginijus Sinkevicius told AFP late Wednesday, pointing to the "growing evidence on the ground of devastating climate impact", including in raging wildfires in Greece and Sicily.

Sinkevicius, who is attending the meeting in Chennai, said he wanted reforms to build the "resilience" of people but warned leaders must base decisions on scientific evidence.

"We live in an era of social media where you can be a scientist working for 20 years on climate change and where you can be just a populist, you know, fishing for votes," he said.

"And your opinions on social media will weigh very much the same."

- Dismay -

Campaigners across the world were dismayed after G20 energy ministers failed at a July 22 meeting in Goa in India to agree on a roadmap to cut fossil fuel use.

It was seen as a blow to mitigation efforts and a win for some major oil producers, such as Russia and Saudi Arabia, who have resisted a quick transition away from dirty fuels and were blamed by critics for a lack of progress at the crucial meeting.

It came despite G7 leaders agreeing in Hiroshima in May to "accelerate the phase-out of unabated fossil fuels".

Among those at the Chennai meeting is Sultan Al Jaber, president of the upcoming COP28 climate summit who also heads the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company.

He has been heavily criticised for an apparent conflict of interests because burning fossil fuels is the main driver of global warming.

"The world needs its leaders to unite, act and deliver; and that must start with the G20," Al Jaber and UN Climate Change chief Simon Stiell said in a joint statement on Thursday.

"Those at the frontline of climate change need our support now, not in five years time," they said, also calling for a tripling of global renewable energy capacity by 2030.

Progress has so far been slow, with the G20 polarised by Russia's war in Ukraine and sharp divisions on key issues between the West and developing countries.

Many have tired of the rounds of conference talks and apparent lack of progress that followed the 2015 Paris Agreement to limit global warming of 1.5 degrees Celsius since pre-industrial times.

"Negotiations are not going fast, I'm not going to hide that," Sinkevicius said. "We are already so many years after the Paris Agreement, it's time to implement it."

- 'A pivotal moment' -

The G7 economies will also have to contend with a key demand of many developing countries, including India, for more finance to offset the impact of global warming on sectors such as agriculture and energy.

A report prepared for India's G20 presidency estimated the global cost of the energy transition at $4 trillion a year and emphasised the importance of low-cost financing for developing countries.

Some have pushed back against bracketing developing nations with countries such as India and China, both among the world's top five largest economies.

"When we talk about developing countries, we should not be referring to the situation in the 1990s," Sinkevicius said. "We definitely need to help the most vulnerable ones, who are already heavily affected."

India's environment and climate change minister Bhupender Yadav said Thursday the world was facing "critical challenges".

"We find ourselves at a pivotal moment -- a moment that holds potential to ignite action and introduce sustainable solutions that will safeguard the well-being of our planet and future generations," Yadav said in Chennai.

G20 talks end with pledge to accelerate energy transition G20 energy talks in Bali ended Friday with the world's leading economies pledging to accelerate the transition to cleaner energy, but there was no binding agreement as officials struggle to overcome discord over Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Garmex Saigon (GMC), a prominent firm in the garment and textile industry in Vietnam, has just published its Q2/2023 business results, revealing the harsh reality of its struggling financial situation. Its net revenue amounted to a meagre $4,208, down from the $5.2 million achieved in the same quarter of the previous year. GMC reported a net loss of approximately $520,833.

By the end of the first half of the year, GMC's net revenue stood at over $333,333, marking a steep decline of 97 per cent compared to the previous year, with a net loss of more than $1.38 million (in contrast to a profit of over $166,667 in the same period the previous year). As of June 30, GMC's accumulated loss exceeded $2.25 million.

During its peak, the company's revenue fluctuated between $10.4 million to $16.67 million per quarter, employing a workforce of several thousand.

Garmex's manpower has also dropped to a record low, with only 41 people on its payroll at the end of, a reduction of 144 compared to the end of March, and a decrease of 1,941 compared to the beginning of the year. Since the start of 2021, the company has shed up to 3,769 employees.

A primary factor behind GMC's declining business picture is a loss of revenue from its partner, Production, Trading, and Import-Export JSC Binh Thanh (Gilimex, GIL).

In the first half of 2022, Garmex collected almost $9.33 million for providing orders to Gilimex, but this revenue stream evaporated in the same period of 2023. This may be a consequence of the fallout following Gilimex's lawsuit against e-commerce giant Amazon Robotics LLC, which not only impacted Gilimex but also affected partner enterprises like Garmex Saigon.

As for Gilimex, the company reported a record loss of nearly $1.63 million in the first quarter of the year. For 2023, Gilimex has set a business plan with a revenue of $62.5 million and a projected pre-tax profit of $4.31 million, a decrease of 77 per cent compared to 2022. This slump in business planning is due to the abrupt downsizing of orders by the American e-commerce giant Amazon.

Revisiting the dispute between Gilimex and Amazon, the market was taken by surprise in 2022 when Gilimex filed a lawsuit against Amazon. According to the minutes from Gilimex's 2023 annual shareholder meeting, the lawsuit is proceeding through its subsequent stages.

Gilimex had a long-term agreement with Amazon to purchase raw materials, adjust factory capacity, and organise its workforce to meet the growth of its partner. As a result, Gilimex invested tens of millions of USD into manufacturing facilities, constructing steel and fabric warehouses for arranging inventory in its partner's warehouses. The company employed over 7,000 workers in various factories to produce more than one million storage units annually for Amazon.

However, in April and May 2022, Amazon "altered and reduced its anticipated demand" for the remainder of 2022 and 2023, resulting in an overcapacity of production and raw materials for Gilimex. Looking back at the period from becoming Amazon's partner in 2014 until 2021, Gilimex consistently recorded high growth in both revenue and profit.

The shockwave from Amazon caused Gilimex's business indicators to plummet, with a record loss in the first quarter of 2023. Consequently, this year the company is pushing hard to invest in the industrial real estate segment and begin recording revenue between 2023-2025.

Gilimex Industrial Park construction kicks off Thua Thien-Hue People's Committee and Gilimex Industrial Park JSC broke ground on the construction of Gilimex Industrial Park in the provinces Huong Thuy town on November 11.
Loc Huynh, lawyer from Dentons LuatViet

The global minimum tax (GMT) aims to establish a floor on corporate income tax competition to ensure multinational enterprises that have consolidated annual revenues in at least two of the four fiscal years immediately preceding the year of implementation of GMT collection of EUR 750 million is subject to tax in each jurisdiction at a 15 per cent effective minimum tax rate, regardless of where it operates.

There are around 140 countries adhered to the statements on GMT. A number of countries are taking steps towards implementing this tax policy from January 1, 2024. This will impact the investment strategies and operations of multinationals that may be subject to the GMT.

The Vietnamese government is considering issuing regulations to implement the GMT policy from January 2024.

Vietnam's current tax incentives are primarily income-related, offering preferential rates and tax-free or tax-reduction periods. These incentives include preferential tax rates, such as a 10 per cent tax rate for eligible projects, as well as tax-free and tax-reduction periods (for example four years of not paying tax at all, and then nine years of paying tax at half the standard rate).

These benefits may lose their effectiveness for large foreign-invested enterprises (FIEs) due to the GMT overriding these existing preferential rates.

Typically, corporate income tax incentives are granted to companies located in special zones such as industrial, economic, or high-tech zones. With tax incentives potentially removed, special zone developers will need to adapt their strategies to remain competitive.

To navigate the implications of the incoming GMT and enhance their competitiveness in attracting foreign manufacturers to Vietnam, Dentons LuatViets has several suggestions for special zone developers, as follows.

One alternative is for special zone developers to shift their focus towards other key areas such as infrastructure quality, investment costs, and human resources. For example, they could aim to provide competitive land and factory rent, thus reducing the financial burden on FIEs and making investment in industrial zones more attractive.

In addition, improving the capacity of infrastructure and logistics systems should also be a priority.

To attract foreign manufacturers, special zones developers should prioritise the improvement of transportation networks, utilities, and logistics services within their zones. This can be achieved through investments in road and rail connectivity, reliable power supply, efficient waste management systems, and advanced logistics facilities. A well-developed infrastructure and logistics system can provide foreign manufacturers with a competitive advantage in terms of cost-effectiveness and operational efficiency.

Another important aspect is to focus on labour cost efficiency rather than just tax incentives. Instead of solely relying on tax advantages, industrial zone developers can leverage the availability of skilled and capable workers in specific regions.

By strategically locating their industrial zones near areas with highly cost-efficient human resources, developers can attract foreign manufacturers who value the quality and availability of human resources. This approach ensures that the attractiveness of the industrial zones is not solely reliant on tax incentives but also on the potential for a skilled and productive workforce.

The implementation of the GMT will necessitate adjustments in the strategies of special zones developers in Vietnam. To increase their competitiveness and draw more foreign manufacturers, developers should consider providing financial support for investment costs, enhancing infrastructure and logistics capabilities, focusing on locations with a qualified labour force, and fostering innovation and technology adoption.

European businesses face the storm of new tax regime The application of the global minimum tax is getting nearer, creating a new challenge for multinational corporations. Thomas McClelland, chairman of the Tax and Transfer Pricing Sector Committee under the European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam, talked to VIRs Tung Anh about their preparations for the tax overhaul.

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).
Prof. Myung Ho has worked for Samsung Electronics since 1996, where he runs educational courses on management consulting, and mould technology and design, for Samsung's printer and camera products in particular. Prof. Ho, shared his experience at the workshop and introduced attendees to the pros and cons of moulds and some basic errors during the production process.

The workshop was also an occasion for engineers from different firms to meet and discuss their experiences and to meet potential new customers or partners.

Lee Jun Ho, director of VITASK said, We selected the subject for the workshop after studying the demand of the supporting industries and recognised that many firms would be interested in this topic.

VITASK will continue to implement training courses this year to improve the capacity of domestic supporting companies, while also fostering the connection between Vietnamese and Korean firms in this sector, said Lee.

Since its establishment in 2020, VITASK has supported over 100 businesses by running instruction workshops and courses. As a result, many businesses have significantly reduced costly errors. The centre also trains engineers and professional technical consultants while running material and component performance assessment programmes for Vietnamese companies.

The centre intends to continue carrying out technical support activities, human resource training courses, and opportunities for businesses in different industries to connect.

Solving issues with VITASK support The government last August issued Resolution No.115/NQ-CP on measures to boost the development of the supporting industry through to 2030, with electronics, car assembly, and manufacturing some of the priority sectors. Kyoung-Jin An, deputy director of the Vietnam Technology Advice and Solutions from Korea Centre (VITASK) told VIRs Oanh Nguyen about its supporting programmes to help Vietnamese businesses in the automotive and electrical-electronic industries in particular.

Enhancing competition capacity of nations supporting industries The governments of Vietnam and South Korea are intensifying initiatives to improve the competitiveness of Vietnams supporting industries. Jun-Ho Lee, deputy director of the Vietnam-Korea Technology Consulting and Solution Centre (VITASK), told VIRs Kim Oanh about the plans to promote Vietnamese supporting businesses in the automotive and electrical-electronic industries in particular.

Japanese groups to pour hundreds of millions into projects in Quang Ninh Several Japanese groups have plans to invest in projects worth hundreds of millions of dollars in the northern province of Quang Ninh in 2023.
Among their recommendations, the experts urge a shift from traditionally used chest X-rays to a more advanced procedure known as low-dose computed tomography (LDCT), which uses a computer with low dose X-rays to generate a series of pictures and can help to detect lung abnormalities, including tumours.

A US clinical trial involving over 50,000 participants demonstrated a 20 per cent relative reduction in lung cancer deaths with LDCT screening (247 deaths per 100,000 person-years) compared with chest X-rays (309 deaths per 100,000 person-years), due to better early cancer detection.

These changes will be significant in helping to protect lives in Asia, given that approximately three in five cases of lung cancer occur within the region, representing more than 1.3 million patients. It is estimated that each year, there are over 180,000 new cancer cases in Vietnam alone, among which approximately 26,000 cases are lung cancer.

Prof. Pan-Chyr Yang from the Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, said, The expert consensus calls for urgent changes to initiate LDCT screening programmes for people who could be at risk of lung cancer across Asia. This will result in more sensitive screening across the region, and drive earlier detection of lung cancer, when there is a greater potential for cure.

According to the consensus, patients with abnormalities detected while undergoing routine health screening, or those with persistent exposure to risk factors, are recommended to be screened with LDCT annually, while high-risk heavy smokers should do so twice a year.

In most parts of Asia, LDCT has yet to be implemented for routine lung cancer screening initiatives due to the perceived cost, reimbursement concerns, lack of infrastructure, untrained staff, patient reluctance, as well as an absence of well-defined guidelines. To overcome these difficulties, the experts recommend improving access to lung screening programmes and subsequent care by having a standardised protocol for follow-up LDCT scans and consideration for integrated lung healthcare, such as a national screening scheme.

The consensus is the result of extensive discussion among experts from Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam, backed by the Lung Ambition Alliance (LAA).

The LAA is a non-profit collaboration between the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC), the Global Lung Cancer Coalition (GLCC), AstraZeneca, and Guardant Health.

Associate Professor, PhD. Nguyen Viet Nhung, head of the Lung Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hanoi National University, president of the Vietnam Lung Association, said, Vietnam and Asia can offer patients highly effective treatment regimens that means with early detection, there is a far-higher chance of cure.

In Vietnam, lung cancer screening with LDCT has been recommended by the Ministry of Health since 2018. However, the practice so far is limited. The expert consensus in Asia, once again, is to act more urgently and make LDCT screening the main screening method. Smokers of 20 packs per year or more, or non-smokers with a family history of lung cancer, aged between 50 and 75 years of age, should also be included if we are to save more lives from lung cancer, he added.

And while smoking is the leading risk factor, lung cancer among never-smokers accounts for a substantial proportion of cases, especially among Asian women. Studies have shown a higher proportion of non-smoking lung cancer patients in Asia, when compared to Europe and North America. In addition, non-smoking lung cancer patients in Asia are more likely to be diagnosed at an earlier age compared with current and former smokers.

There have also been calls to incorporate campaigns designed to encourage smokers to quit alongside lung cancer screening programmes.

Documenting country-specific evidence on risk factors among never-smokers, which include age, family history of lung cancer, history of other cancers, second-hand smoking, and exposure to indoor pollution, such as cooking and heating fumes, and outdoor air pollution, could also help garner government support in establishing a lung cancer screening programme locally.

2,500 children suffer from cancer in Vietnam every year About 2,500 children in Vietnam suffer from cancer every year, said doctor Bui Ngoc Lan.

Mammography truck offers free breast cancer screening in Ho Chi Minh City A free breast screening camp for women is taking place at Deutsches Haus, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, from January 5 to 11.
The award recognises Vaibhav Bhanchawat's tireless efforts, igniting passion and winning belief to "Make a difference" to help Marico SEA to become more impactful.

Marico is one of India's leading consumer product companies. In Vietnam, Marico leads in the personal care category for men with its X-Men brand. The company also has a portfolio of traditional Vietnamese condiments under the Thuan Phat brand and personal care products for women under the LASHE, Purite and Olive brands.

The Vietnam Excellence Award 2023 was jointly organized by Anphabe, the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) and other international Chambers of Commerce in Vietnam.

Officially appointed as the COO of Marico SEA during a period when the market was increasingly volatile due to the impact of the epidemic, Bhanchawat faced many challenges, including stagnant business results and personnel restructuring.

Bhanchawat said, To obtain strong and sustainable development, we need a clear and inspiring strategy, in which the core value is nurturing talent, building internal strength through strong corporate culture."

Marico SEA culture is encapsulated in the words "GO WIN", which stands for Growth Mindset, Results Oriented, Win Together, Integrity and Nurture Talent. We believe that by nurturing and being consistent with our core values, we have created the leverage for Marico to bounce back.

We have given awards to recognise individuals and teams contributions to the company every day, every quarter, every half year, and every year. We have shared inspirational stories, encouraged creativity, and engaged employees in the company so that we can create a strong, single-minded vessel to overcome the storms, said Bhanchawat.

In addition to building corporate culture and a strong and united workforce, Bhanchawat and his associates came together to make strategic changes in business.

To strengthen its core, Marico SEA implemented a series of X-Men product repositioning plans by rejuvenating the target audiences with dynamic new packaging and communication to make the brand more relevant to the young.

As a result, the brand X-Men demonstrated a comeback in the fiscal year 2022-2023 with the best sales growth ever in history. At the same time, X-Men gained market leadership in the men's deodorant and shampoo category and gained significant market share in the shower gel category.

The food category also saw strong double-digit growth and increased market share for fish Sauce - Marou SEA 's largest food category through its largest-ever mass-media promotions for this category.

For the first time, Marico SEA entered the field of personal care for women through the launch of Lashe Superfood brand and the acquisition of two brands Purite de Provence and Oliv.

Now, Marico SEA has set footprints in both the men's and women's personal care markets with three strategic women's body and hair care products, Lashe Superfood, Purite and Oliv.

At the same time, Marico SEA initiates a strategy to promote omnichannel commerce. For the traditional distribution channel, the company focuses on increasing the performance of the sales team. At the same time, with a modern distribution channel, Marico SEA applies effective promotions, changed the display of products more impressively, and applied product classification methods, thereby gaining a significant market share.

Looking back on the three-year journey with the efforts to "Make a difference" Bhanchawat has led Marico SEA to achieve impressive business results, pursuing the goal of being one of the fastest growing FMCG companies in Vietnam, at the same time as inspiring and building a strong team.

Marico SEA has won many prestigious awards related to the Working Environment for two consecutive years. in 2022, for the first time, Marico SEA was in the top 30 in the list of Top 100 Best Places to Work in Vietnam.

Corporates optimistic on ASEAN business opportunities British lender Standard Chartered today launched its Winning in ASEAN report, showcasing business sentiment, opportunities, and strategies corporates can undertake to navigate the global shifts and drive growth in the region.

Startup leaders unfazed by hurdles Startup founders are bullish about their growth prospects towards the latter half of 2023, with investors soothed by Vietnams growth trajectory.
The Long Thanh International Airport (LTIA) project, valued at over VND35 trillion ($1.46 billion), is seizing attention from the investment landscape, promising a vibrant yet challenging future for Vietnamese infrastructure development.

According to an investment report by Vietcap Securities, the project value constitutes 126 per cent of the annual value of fresh contracts signed by Coteccons and Hoa Binh Construction between 2019 and 2022. The magnitude of the project, coupled with its intricacies, is poised to be a catalyst for transformation across multiple sectors.

Three joint ventures, each with extensive experience in international infrastructure and airport projects, are battling for the lucrative tender package.

Among the contenders, the Hoa Lu Consoritum comprises elite domestic construction entities including Coteccons, Hoa Binh, Delta, Central, An Phong, Unicons, in association with Powerline Engineering PCL from Thailand, known for its involvement in Suvarnabhumi airport.

The CHEC-BCEG-Vietnam JV bid is driven by a pair of top Chinese contractors, whose portfolio boasts considerable airport construction both at home and abroad.

The third contender, Vietur, is led by Turkey's third-ranking contractor IC Istas, and features the talent of former executives from Coteccons and Vinaconex, market-leading infrastructure constructors with a rich repertoire in domestic airport development.

Victory in package 5.10 is anticipated to provide a significant lifeline for domestic contractors against the backdrop of a subdued real estate market.

As the annual value of new contracts for Coteccons and Hoa Binh dropped by 50 per cent and 21 per cent respectively during 2019-2022 compared to the preceding four years, a bid win could be a much-needed shot in the arm.

With the project expected to yield an approximate net profit margin of 3 per cent, the winning consortium could potentially accumulate a net profit totalling around $41.67 million. Vietcap projects a peak total net profit of VND525 billion ($21.88 million) for a contractor participating in package 5.10, assuming a completion of 50 per cent of the total backlog.

However, a caveat for eager investors is the anticipated timeline for construction. Spanning an estimated 39 months, with a projected completion by late 2026 or mid-2027, the profit recognition period extends over 3-3.5 years, which requires a medium to long-term investment perspective.

In terms of raw materials, the first phase of Long Thanh International Airport is predicted to require around 18 million tonnes of construction stone, and an additional cubic metre of stone for every square metre of highway or circular road. This opens a significant window of opportunity for quarries in Dong Nai province where the project is located, particularly given the significant transportation costs that form a large chunk of stone construction expenditure.

Entities like Hoa An JSC (DHA) and Bien Hoa Construction and Building Material Production JSC (VLB) stand to gain from this potential windfall.

Meanwhile, Vietcap posits that the impact on steel, cement, and other construction materials might be minimal, given the relatively small footprint of the project's demand on the total consumption of these sectors.

The aviation sector is also keenly watching developments, with the expectation of reaping benefits from 2027 onwards. Vietcap's analysis indicates that while the expansion of Tan Son Nhat airport may alleviate passenger terminal congestion from 2025, the airport's operational capacity will likely continue to be stretched to its limits. Increased runway exploitation will exculp these challenges.

However, the long-term view offers some solace, as new capacity from Long Thanh will eventually confer benefits on airlines and Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV). A critical consideration, though, is that ACV will need to grapple with a surge in investment flow and a higher leverage ratio, which could affect net financial income during the 2024-2026 period.

Hoa Lu combo leads pack for Long Thanh The Hoa Lu consortium, including major domestic and international firms, brings a blend of diverse expertise, adaptable capacity, and robust finances to the Long Thanh International Airport project, which it said renders it a compelling choice for this landmark venture.

Who will secure financial guarantee for Long Thanh's construction consortiums? The bidding details have shed light on the proposals submitted by three prominent consortiums competing for the valuable Package 5.10 of Long Thanh International Airport's Phase 1 passenger terminal construction project.
Cleaning up dioxin-contaminated soil at Bien Hoa air base (Photo: USAID)

Hanoi  The US Mission to Vietnam, through the US Agency for International Development (USAID), on July 27 announced a 32 million USD contract to the US firm Tetra Tech to continue the cleanup of dioxin-contaminated soil in and around the Bien Hoa air base in the southern province of Dong Nai, according to a media release by the US Embassy in Vietnam.

Under this contract, Tetra Tech will provide engineering design, construction management, and environmental monitoring of civil works and treatment activities for dioxin-contaminated soil and sediment to reduce the risk of exposure to people there as well as in the bordering communities to restore the land for full use.



In March, during her visit to Vietnam, USAID Administrator Samantha Power joined other US and Vietnamese government officials to announce another contract of up to 73 million USD awarded to Nelson Environmental Remediation USA to design and build a treatment facility to decontaminate soil and sediment on and around the air base.



Since April 2019, USAID has worked with the Ministry of National Defence to remediate approximately 500,000 cubic metres of dioxin-contaminated soil and sediment on and around the air base. In 2022, USAID completed remediation of an off-base lake (Gate 2 Lake) and returned it to the community for use as a recreational area, completed remediation of the first on-base area (Southwest area), commemorating this milestone with a US government-funded park on the site, and completed the construction of the long-term storage facility for soil with low levels of contamination.



Dioxin remediation at Bien Hoa air base area project is expected to take 10 years to complete and cost an estimated 450 million USD. To date, he US governments contribution is 218.255 million USD out of a total expected commitment of 300 million USD.



This year, the US and Vietnam are celebrating the 10-year anniversary of their Comprehensive Partnership. The close cooperation over the past decades to overcome legacies of war is yet another example of how the two countries work strategically together to create a better future for their peoples.

US court ruling on Monsanto bolsters hope for Vietnamese AO victims Vietnamese victims of Agent Orange (AO) have once again had their hopes for justice rekindled. But despite the recent landmark ruling against Monsanto in a San Francisco court, major obstacles remain on the path towards justice.

Vietnam, Japan boost coordination in helping AO/dioxin victims A delegation from the committee of religions for peace of Japan had a working session with representatives of the Vietnam Association of Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin (VAVA) in Hanoi on December 3.

Foreign aid supports heart surgeries for AO/dioxin victims An aid from Taipeis Rotary Club was presented to the Vietnam Association for Victims of Agent Orange/dioxin (VAVA)s Ba Ria-Vung Tau province chapter on July 26.

Texting campaign launched to support AO/dioxin victims A texting campaign was launched in Hanoi on July 30 to raise funds in support of Agent Orange (AO)/dioxin victims.

Social protection centre for AO/dioxin victims upgraded A ceremony was held on January 15 to mark the completion of a project to upgrade the Vietnam social protection centre for Agent Orange (AO)/dioxin victims in Hanois suburban district of Thach That district.
GCC says supports "peaceful efforts" to resolve Russia-Ukraine conflict

Xinhua) 14:27, July 28, 2023

RIYADH, July 27 (Xinhua) -- Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi said on Thursday that GCC member states support "peaceful efforts" to resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

In a meeting with Ukrainian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Anatolii Petrenko at the General Secretariat of the GCC in Riyadh, Albudaiwi also underlined the importance of reviving the Black Sea Grain Initiative, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The initiative, which allowed Ukraine to export its grain and other agricultural products from its Black Sea ports, was brokered by Turkiye and the United Nations in July 2022 and expired on July 17 this year after Russia's withdrawal. Russia says it would return to the deal as soon as its part of the agreement is fulfilled.

During the meeting, Albudaiwi said the GCC's stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict is based on the principles of international law and the UN Charter, the preservation of the international order based on respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of states, non-interference in their internal affairs, and the avoidance of using or threatening to use force.

The two sides also discussed ways to strengthen GCC-Ukraine ties in a way that contributes to their common interests, according to the report.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Wu Chaolan)
An Mi-8 tourist helicopter crashed in Russia's Altai Mountains Thursday (July 27), killing at least six people and injuring seven.

In a video released to the Daily Mail, the helicopter was supposed to be doing a routine landing near the town of Tyungur when, all of a sudden, the helicopter spun out of control and hit overhead electric cables, further destabilizing its controls.

The helicopter eventually crashed and exploded, creating a huge fireball after slamming into a field.

Read Also: Russia Invites BRICS to Join New Space Station Project

Tourist Flight Gone Wrong

According to Russian authorities, the helicopter belonged to a company called "Altai Avia" and was carrying a group of tourists. It had just flown to Mt. Belukha, the highest peak in the Altai Mountains in Southern Siberia.

The exact cause of the crash is yet to be confirmed, but the Russian Emergency Ministry indicated the chopper had hit electric cables, while another speculated a wiring problem within the aircraft.

The crew were identified as pilot Vyacheslav Demikhov (52) co-pilot Oleg Egorov (42) and flight engineer Alexei Desyatov (28). There were also 13 tourists in the helicopter, including eight women.

The identities of the killed and injured have not yet been specified.

About the Mi-8 Hip

The Mil Mi-8 (NATO reporting name: "Hip") is a Soviet-era transport helicopter that initially operated in 1961. They have been exported across the Soviet Union and beyond, seeing action as far as Finland, Iraq, and Africa.

Both Russia and Ukraine have a fleet of Mi-8s which they use in their current conflict as transport and reconnaissance aircraft, command post, and armed gunship.

In civilian use, the Mi-8 can be used for transport and hauling, firefighting, search and rescue, and even as an agricultural crop duster.

Related Article: Putin Declares Deployment of Nuclear Weapon to Belarus, Near to Ukraine

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha (R) meets with Special Advisor to the Cabinet of Japan, and Managing Director, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) Maeda Tadashi in Hanoi on on July 26. (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi - Vietnam and Japan should continue their close cooperation in the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) and the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP), said Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha on July 26.

Ha made the suggestion while receiving Special Advisor to the Cabinet of Japan, and Managing Director, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) Maeda Tadashi in Hanoi.



Ha said he would like to listen to Maedas recommendations to materialise the target of net zero emissions, as well as the JETP roadmap, noting that as a developing nation, Vietnam has faced a range of difficulties in this field.



"The most important thing is that developed and developing countries need to work together to seek effective cooperation mechanisms," he continued.



The official told his guest that Vietnam has established a secretariat for the JETP implementation, along with working groups on investment policies, law perfection and energy transition in electricity, transport, industry and agriculture; and picked up some businesses to pilot major renewable energy projects.



Businesses need favourable access to funding sources to support the transition to green and renewable energy, he said, suggesting Vietnamese and Japanese enterprises establish close and comprehensive cooperation mechanisms to propose feasible projects and solutions that match the reality in Vietnam.



For his part, Maeda reiterated the Japanese Governments commitments to promoting the AZEC initiative, and its hope for close cooperation with Vietnam in implementing the JETP and net zero emission roadmaps.



Japanese firms stand ready to play an active role in energy transition in Vietnam, he affirmed.

Forum promotes ties between Vietnam and Japan The 2023 Vietnam-Japan Economic Forum marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Vietnam and represents an opportunity for business leaders from the two countries to meet, exchange, and seek cooperation on future development plans.
A Waco defense attorney will seek Friday to serve as his own co-counsel in his upcoming trial on a murder-for-hire charge.

The request is unprecedented in Texas, Seth Suttons Dallas-based defense attorney, Clint Broden, said in a motion Judge Thomas West of Wacos 19th State District Court is scheduled to consider Friday, along with other pretrial matters.

Texas courts have not considered the question of whether a licensed attorney can participate in his own defense, the motion says.

Sutton hopes to participate alongside hired defense attorneys in his trial on a first-degree felony charge of solicitation of murder-for-hire, scheduled to begin Aug. 14.

Sutton was arrested on the charge in May 2020, accused of hiring an undercover Waco police officer who was investigating Suttons motorcycle club to kill former Waco attorney Marcus Beaudin. Beaudin is himself under indictment on a third-degree felony charge of attempted indecency with a child, accused of trying expose the breast of a teenage family member of Sutton and trying to fondle her in 2016.

Defendants do not generally have the right to participate alongside a defense attorney in defending themselves at Texas trials. The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, the states highest court for criminal cases, has held defendants have the right to criminal defense from hired or appointed attorneys, or to represent themselves, but not both.

In the motion up for consideration Friday, Broden cites a case from Georgia in which that states supreme court allowed a licensed attorney to participate in his own defense.

Also on Friday, Sutton will ask West to compel release of emails and other documented communications among Waco Police Department officials about calling the cases investigating officer off the case before Sutton said anything about wanting to harm Beaudin. The case began as an undercover investigation of Suttons motorcycle club.

These items would be relevant to Mr. Suttons claim that he did not intend to induce (an undercover officer) to kill Marcus Beaudin and/or that he was entrapped into doing so by (the officers) repeated attempts to insert himself into the situation volunteer himself to kill Beaudin and then, falsely, claim that Mr. Sutton solicited him to do so, the motion says.

Beaudins ex-wife, Waco attorney Chelsea Tijerina, was indicted alongside Sutton in the alleged plot to kill Beaudin, but Tijerina died in a motorcycle wreck in May 2021 near her Hays County home.

Broden said in November the case against Sutton is based on an overzealous undercover Waco police officers attempt to entrap Sutton in a murder-for-hire scheme. He previously said the officer took advantage of a friendship with Sutton through Suttons motorcycle club and volunteered to kill Beaudin.

Affidavits indicate Tijerina and Sutton met with the officer and provided details about Beaudins location, and that Sutton gave the officer $300 to buy a gun to kill Beaudin.

Broden and Sutton both declined to comment Thursday. Patrick Sloane, a special prosecutor from the Texas Attorney Generals Office appointed to Suttons case, did not return a phone call Thursday.

Former District Attorney Barry Johnson recused his office from the case a year ago when he hired a former law partner of Sutton. The case remained with Sloane after DA Josh Tetens took office in January.
McLennan County commissioners on Tuesday issued a burn ban in the unincorporated areas of the county, in response to concerns expressed by local landowners and citizens, according to a press release.

The ban refers to outdoor burning, including fires in a container or semi-enclosure, such as a barrel or hopper. It does not include grills, barbecues or smokers used to cook food and are fully covered and attended.

The prohibition also applies to non-business use of incendiary devices; shooting Tannerite targets or other exploding targets; and non-business use of any binary explosives such as Tannerite, the order says. The use of welders or cutting torches is prohibited unless the user has on hand adequate fire suppression equipment and personnel.

The order does not prohibit outdoor burning related to public health and safety authorized by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

No measurable rain has fallen since June 16 at the National Weather Service gauge at Waco Regional Airport, and just 0.4 of an inch of rain was recorded all of last month. The weather service recorded a trace amount of rain July 1, meaning this month has already beaten the zero rain recorded in July 2015, July 1993 and July 1930.

Waco has received 15.66 inches of rain so far this year, shy of the normal 21.18 inches but well ahead of the 8.86 inches received as of this point last year.

After making it through May with just two days high temperatures reaching 90, Waco has not seen a high of less than 90 since June 13. July 16, with a high of 99, is the only day in more than two weeks that has not reached 100, as measured by the weather service.
Waynette Dittos 14 years leading the Hewitt Public Library have brought a slew of new programs and a spacious, modern gathering place for people and resources that she likes to think of as the living room of the community.

Dittos time in the role will officially come to an end Monday, wrapping up a 31-year career as a librarian that started in public schools.

Since she started with Hewitt in 2009, Ditto has overseen the transformation of the Hewitt Public Library from a building with about 2,000 square feet and only four computers to a 17,000-square-foot space brimming with state of the art technology, meeting spaces and programs to engage residents, from young children to senior adults.

Before becoming a librarian Ditto worked for an insurance company, and said she became a librarian to find a way to connect with people. Since then, she hasnt looked back, embracing the job that extends well beyond books. She spent 17 years as a librarian for China Spring Independent School District and decided to make the switch from school librarian to public librarian because she felt called to public service.

We have so many different needs. Somebody might come in and theyve had a death in the family, and they need the forms. Or, it could be that someone is in a domestic abuse situation and theyre needing help, Ditto said. What the public does not realize, is really we are social workers and we help connect people to services that they desperately need.

Hewitt Mayor Steve Fortenberry said the city will miss Dittos warm, positive personality and her love for the library. He said Ditto is tenacious in fighting for the needs of the community and has a servants heart.

She puts everything first, she doesnt put herself first, Fortenberry said. She puts the city and the community before everything. Its evident in the work that shes done and how positive it has been.

Ditto said she did not really know much about Hewitt when she took the job since she had lived in China Spring most of her life. But she said she has fallen in love with the growing town and its strong sense of community.

When she came to Hewitt in 2009, the library was housed in a tiny building that served as both the library and city council chambers. As she began to learn about the community, she found residents preferred to stay closer to home rather than drive to Waco to get things likes books or groceries, evidenced by the fact the tiny library welcomed 142,775 visitors in 2010, making it the second-busiest library in the county that year, behind only the Waco-McLennan County Central Library.

At the time, a new building was not on the radar, as Hewitt had more pressing needs such as a new fire and police station. So instead, Ditto decided to put a focus on what the librarys place in the community should be and began developing programs to engage the public.

We had a book club, but the library was so small that they had to have book club meetings in the peoples houses or at the churches, Ditto said. So I just started really building programs based off of what they were asking for and working with the city leaders.

Ditto said the ideas for many programs came from her time as a school librarian. She said she especially wanted to get kids enthusiastic about reading during the summer, combatting the summer slide in academic progress that happens when kids read less over the summer. Ditto said she wanted to combine fun with education in events such as Angel Paws, featuring children reading books to service dogs, or Hero Day, where kids can meet first responders in the fire and police departments.

Five years into her tenure, the city had a new public safety building and leaders turned their attention to the library.

After the fire and safety facility came to be, they were like, OK, its the librarys turn, Ditto said. We need to gather all of these programs that were doing in peoples homes and churches and in restaurants, and even at the schools. We need to provide a place of that sense of community where people could come, still getting those same benefits, but under one roof.

The new Hewitt Public Library opened in April 2016, and like the previous building, shared a roof with the city council chambers and the municipal court. The $4.5 million building is 26,500 square feet, with 17,000 of that dedicated to the library. The library, City Hall, public safety facilities are housed at one big compound running from 100 Patriot Court to 200 Patriot Court.

For the new library, Ditto said she wanted to place a higher importance on making technology available to the community. Ditto said the library hired a technology consultant, who advised the library to plan to meet not just the current needs of patrons, but the future needs that have come with increasing prevalence of connected devices.

We didnt want to go backwards, we wanted to go forward with them, Ditto said. So the technology plan that goes into this structure was very, very carefully thought out.

Today, the library is filled to the brim with technology. The librarys Wi-Fi reaches out into the parking lot, which Ditto said was helpful during the pandemic, as patrons could access the internet in the parking lot while the library itself was closed. There are 27 computers, plus 200 Chromebooks and 100 Wi-Fi hotspots available for checkout, which the library received in a grant. The library also has two 3D printers, a large-format printer used for banners and posters, and a stop-motion animation machine.

Ditto said she wanted the library to be a place that removes barriers and serves everyone, regardless of background.

We needed to make sure that everybody felt comfortable, Ditto said. A library serves everybody. So I didnt want to put up a barrier. I wanted to make sure that no matter what, people felt comfortable. The Hewitt Public Library is the living room of the community. I wanted everyone to feel like this was home.

Once she is retired, Ditto said she plans to travel with her husband, Jim, and spend more time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She said she will still volunteer at the library and assist the next director, Matthew Glaser, with any questions he may have. Glaser is coming to Hewitt after a stint as assistant director for Midland County Public Libraries.

Ditto said she could not just up and leave the Hewitt Public Library, as she has grown close with the staff, which she said is the part of the library she will miss the most.

Were family, Ditto said. Theres only 16 of us. Most of us have been together since I came. Im going to miss that. But Im going to miss the support groups, the friends of the library, the library board and the community. But you know, I can always come back and visit.

City Council Member Erica Bruce said Dittos vision for the library has made Hewitt a better place, and the city will miss Dittos warm and personable manner.

She has just taken the library to new levels that we just really didnt even envision at the time, Bruce said. Waynette had all of these kind of hopes and dreams and plans and she made those a reality.

She really has had an impact on the community at large, not just young kids and those programs, but also with our senior citizen community, with the teens in the in the community. She really has had an impact at all age levels in the community.

City Council Member Bob Potter said Ditto always looked out for members of the community who were in need, such as her dedication to getting Wi-Fi to those in rural communities without it and her work during the pandemic.

Shes been very important for all the services that shes provided and gone out and gotten grants for and thinking of services that she could provide to the citizens, Potter said. Shes just been an integral part of the city. Theres people that bring their children here from other cities for the programs that she has. Shes just really been an asset to the city.

On Thursday, Hewitt held a retirement reception for Ditto to celebrate her career with the library. Hewitt City Hall was full of family, friends and colleagues of Dittos, and many gave remarks praising the outgoing director.

During his remarks, City Manager Bo Thomas said Ditto is a pillar of the library and turned it into much more than just a library.
PARKERSBURG  A Parkersburg sex offender will remain confined for treatment following a decision by the Iowa Court of Appeals.

State officials moved to have Larry Nicklus Dean Howard, 29, civilly committed to treatment in February 2022 after he finished serving prison time for sexually abusing a girl under age 12 in 2015.

Howard had completed sex offender treatment while in prison but the district court judge noted the programming didnt appear to have the intended effect.

During treatment, (Howard) appeared to derive enjoyment or gratification reliving sexual abuse he inflicted on others, the judge had noted.

He was ordered to undergo further treatment under the states sexually violent predator statutes.

Howard appealed the district court decision, claiming the state hadnt proved he was diagnosed with a mental abnormality that predisposed him to commit future sex crimes, as is required.

The Iowa Court of Appeals disagreed in its ruling, which was issued Wednesday.

During a bench trial in district court, psychologist Rachel Kahn testified she diagnosed Howard with pedophilic disorder and a personality disorder similar to antisocial and borderline personality disorder. She also used risk assessments to conclude he would more likely than not reoffend if released.

Court records indicate Howard has a history of sexual conduct that goes beyond his convictions in the 2015 case.

Beginning at age 13, he allegedly abused others younger than him.

In 2009, he was adjudicated delinquent in Grundy County juvenile court for second-degree sexual abuse.

While in prison in 2017, he was found with pictures of minors that had been clipped from magazines, and he allegedly admitted to engaging in sexual contact with other inmates in exchange for money, court records state.

Photos: Missing children in Iowa Dalilah Choate Jade Colvin Fredrick Workman Benjamin Roseland Erin Pospisil Marc Allen Eugene Martin John Gosch Kimberly Doss Colleen Simpson Daquan Nelson Diomarix Crespo Alivia Beeding Hunter Kenyon
WATERLOO  A Waterloo man awaiting trial for gun charges had been found with another gun following a brief police chase Thursday.

Officers attempted to pull over Cedric Marquale Huffman, 33, in the area of Conger Street and Oakland Avenue around 3:40 p.m. after he allegedly ran a stop sign on his bike, according to court records.

Huffman allegedly kept peddling until he was able to drop the bicycle in a nearby yard.

Police detained him in the back yard of 1051 Riehl St. and they found a satchel nearby containing marijuana. A 9 mm Glock 43x was also discovered in the yard.

Officers arrested Huffman for felon in possession of a firearm, carrying weapons, interference while armed and possession of marijuana. Bond was set at $25,000.

Court records show Huffman is currently awaiting trial for an Aug. 23, 2022, traffic stop where police found a .40-caliber Ruger handgun and a .380-caliber Smith and Wesson Bodyguard pistol.

Huffman is prohibited from handling firearms because of a 2015 weapons conviction in Mississippi, according to court records.

States with the biggest gun industries States with the biggest gun industries #50. Washington DC (tie) #50. Hawaii (tie) #49. Rhode Island #48. Delaware #47. New Jersey #46. Vermont #45. New York #44. North Dakota #43. Illinois #41. Alaska (tie) #41. Maine (tie) #40. Massachusetts #39. South Dakota #38. Nebraska #37. Wyoming #36. West Virginia #35. Connecticut #34. New Mexico #33. California #32. Montana #31. New Hampshire #30. Maryland #29. Mississippi #28. Idaho #27. Iowa #26. Utah #25. Louisiana #24. Arkansas #23. Nevada #21. Oregon (tie) #21. Washington (tie) #19. Oklahoma (tie) #19. Minnesota (tie) #18. Kansas #17. South Carolina #16. Kentucky #15. Wisconsin #14. Alabama #13. Missouri #12. Indiana #11. Michigan #10. Tennessee #9. Colorado #8. Georgia #7. Virginia #6. Ohio #5. North Carolina #4. Pennsylvania #3. Arizona #2. Florida #1. Texas
DUNKERTON  What started as a bizarre discovery in the home of the descendent of a 19th century doctor has shined new light in a 130-year-old homicide case from rural Dunkerton.

The case was one of the earliest and most extensive uses of skeletal remains in American courts.

And subsequent advances in science brought into question the forensic evidence used at the accused killers trial.

A relative of Dr. Griffy Benjamin Ward of Fairbank was cleaning out the family home following the death of Wards grandson in 2020 when he came across an aged brown leather physicians bag.

Inside the bag  mixed among dubious remedies like strychnine and petroleum emulsion  were pieces of a human skull.

The mandible and upper jaw were detached. The cranium had a metal latch screwed into the bone. Flipping the hook allowed access to the braincase.

The cranium had a complete saw cut through the vault, consistent with sectioning during autopsy or dissection for brain extraction, said Dr. Heather Garvin, a forensic anthropologist who teaches anatomy at Des Moines University.

The skull from the bag, and the rest of the contents from the bag, came across Garvins desk shortly after they were discovered.

It fell to her to determine if the bones were linked to any crime that needed solving.

The skull had been obviously cleaned and preserved. But the cleaning job wasnt on par with medical specimens used for teaching anatomy, she said.

The skulls dark green coloring  likely from a chemical used to clean or preserve it  immediately stuck out, she said. The latch and fixtures didnt look professional.

While Garvin undertook an examination of the bones, she assigned her intern, fourth-year medical student Dr. Lindsey Hohulin, to look into the elixir bottles and the rest of the bags contents.

It seemed like a rare opportunity to learn about the history of medicine.

Surprisingly, Hohulin tracked down Ward through mentions in The Daily Courier newspaper articles from the 1890s and came up with the name of Stephen Howard as the skulls owner.

Stephen Howards killing

Howard was a farmer in Lester Township in northeast Black Hawk County between Fairbank and what is now Dunkerton. A Courier article from the time said his house was 15 rods from the traveled road.

Howard had an ongoing dispute with his nephew, 38-year-old Charles Adams, who lived across the road. The family had a long-running disagreement over the passage of the Iowa Herd Law of 1874  a livestock liability act  and more recently over the habit of Adams calves parading across Howards property to drink from a stream.

The spat came to a head outside Adams barn on the day Howard turned 70  Nov. 11, 1894.

Howards wife, Clara, said she was at home when her husband stumbled in, bleeding. They done it, he told her, and then he collapsed into a chair.

She rushed around looking for help, finding Adams and another relative, Alonzo, driving their calves. They declined to lend a hand in helping the uncle, telling her we done it.

She continued on to a neighbors house, and eventually Ward  a University of Michigan School of Medicine graduate who was considered one of Iowas pioneers in surgery  and another physician were brought in to assist.

But it was too late. The wounds had triggered a stroke and Howard died three days later.

His funeral was in Fairbank.

It was the largest ever held in that section, the Courier reported. When the procession left the house there were 64 teams in line, and the crowd was so large the church could not accommodate them all.

Fear of lynching

Adams quickly and freely admitted to being involved in the fatal scuffle with his uncle. The nephew said he was milking cows when Howard came over. The heated argument over building fences to keep out errant livestock escalated when Howard grabbed a milking stool and came after him, he said.

Adams said he tried to run but then he swung a club at Howard three times, downing him.

Courier articles from the time captured much of the post-mortem drama that followed.

The officers report that there is great excitement in the vicinity of the murder and much feeling against the Adamses, one article stated.

Howards relatives from Nebraska arrived in Black Hawk County to meet with investigators and prosecutors. Adams was so afraid a mob would come after him that he begged Sheriff Hiram B. Hoxie to take him away for safe keeping.

Deputies moved Adams by train to the jail in Manchester.

An inquest was held, and officials noted a gash on Howards head with a skull fracture underneath. There were cuts to his lip and cheek and what appeared to be a piercing wound under his chin that penetrated to the roof of his mouth. A blood clot had formed in his brain.

At trial, Adams argued he swung his club in self-defense.

Prosecutors rebuffed the claim, alleging Howard wasnt beaten with a club but instead stabbed in the face with pitchfork.

Ward testified that tines for the fork had pried Howards upper jaw from the rest of the skull. Those kinds of injuries, he said, using the best medical knowledge at the time, couldnt have come from a blunt cudgel.

He had conducted a series of tests with Howards exhumed head and a pitchfork which were photographed, showing different ways the implement could have pierced Howards face to produce the injuries.

A series of drawings based on those photos were published in The Courier.

Ward also used Howards skull to demonstrate his conclusions in the courtroom. He apparently kept the evidence for himself at the end of the case, which is how it eventually found its way to Garvins desk.

Beating corpses for science

Examining Howards skull back in her Des Moines office in 2020, Garvin reached a different set of conclusions.

To explain this, we have to travel to the early 1900s  about five years after Howard met his end in Lester Township  to France. Specifically Val-de-Grace, a military hospital in Paris, where a young physician named Rene LeFort was studying facial injuries.

Legends claim LeFort was behind an ethically shaky series of experiments with cadavers  dropping them from a tavern roof, hitting them with cannon balls, pummeling them with wooden and metal clubs, dropping bricks on them, crushing them in vices.

At any rate, his work culminated in a 1901 publication that documented predictable patterns of facial fractures. To this day, certain types of broken facial bones can be categorized as one of three types of LeFort fractures.

Garvin noticed these patterns when she studied Howards skull. And what she saw backed up the Adams club account of the killing.

Blows to the face can separate the upper jaw  thus their interpretation of the tines being used to pry the jaw from the face are likely a misinterpretation, Garvin said.

There were no clear punctures to the bone, no localized areas of fractures where tines would have impacted, nor plastic deformation to the alveolar fracture margins to indicate a prying action, she wrote in her findings.

She said the skull fractures were consistent with multiple blunt force impacts  at least one to the right side of the cranial vault and at least one to the right facial region.

Manslaughter verdict

In the end, the dispute over club vs. pitchfork wasnt the deciding issue in Adams trial.

Adams had been charged with murder, an allegation that he deliberately killed his uncle. Adams claimed he was protecting himself and acted in self-defense. His attorney asked for acquittal.

Jurors however reached a verdict of manslaughter, a lesser charge. They reasoned that the spry 38-year-old Adams could have escaped the 70-year-old Howard.

Howards wife sued Adams, demanding $5,000.

Adams spent four years in state prison and was pardoned by the governor in 1897 after a tornado  described in The Courier as a cyclone  destroyed his farm.

Howards skull has been returned to the Iowa Medical Examiners Office in Ankeny.

Garvins report was published in Forensic Sciences with Hohulin, Alexis VanBaarle and Andrew Wilson as additional contributors.

Photos: Lester Township homicide 1894 072423ho-skull-bag-1-collage 072423ho-skull-barn skull pieces bag.jpg bottle strychnine.jpg bottle angliers.jpg
PONTIAC, Mich. (AP)  A teenager recalled Friday how she helped save a girl who was severely wounded during a Michigan school shooting in 2021, telling a judge that she moved her to an empty classroom, applied pressure to stop the bleeding and prayed with her.

I asked her if she knew who God was. She said, Not really,' Heidi Allen, 17, recalled.

I think Im supposed to be here right now," she said, describing how she felt at the time. "Because theres no other reason that I'm OK, that I'm in this hallway, completely untouched.

Heidi testified at a hearing to determine whether Ethan Crumbley, 17, will get a life prison sentence, or a shorter term with an opportunity for parole, for killing four students and wounding seven other people at Oxford High School.

She said she recognized him as soon as he exited a bathroom and brandished a gun.

It fired, Heidi recalled. "Everything kind of slowed down for me. It was all slow motion. I had covered my head. I dropped down. ... It sounded like a balloon popping or a locker slamming. It was very loud.

I just prayed and covered my head, she said. I didn't know if those were my last moments.

Heidi wasn't shot but others were. She said she took a girl into a classroom, installed a portable lock on the door and applied pressure to the girl's wounds. The victim survived.

I just kept reassuring her she was going to be OK. She was crying, Heidi testified. I dont fully remember what she was saying. I was trying to stay calm.

The shooter, who was 15 at the time, pleaded guilty to murder, terrorism and other crimes. But a life sentence for minors isnt automatic after a series of decisions by the U.S. Supreme Court and Michigans top court.

Defense attorneys are arguing that he can be rehabilitated in prison and eventually released. They said the shooting followed years of a turbulent family life, grossly negligent parents and untreated mental illness.

A former warden, Ken Romanowski, testified about a variety of programs available in prison, such as mental health therapy, anger management, education and trade skills.

Honestly, I think everybody has the potential for change. But he has to be the one who makes that choice, Romanowski said, appearing for the defense.

A psychiatrist, Dr. Fariha Qadir, said Crumbley discussed having depression, hallucinations and hearing voices when they first met after his arrest. She has talked to him more than 100 times while in jail and prescribed medication for depression, mood and sleep.

James and Jennifer Crumbley are separately charged with involuntary manslaughter. Theyre accused of buying a gun for their son and ignoring his mental health needs.

Earlier Friday, Judge Kwame Rowe denied a request by the shooter's lawyers to stop students from testifying. They argued that it's irrelevant when applying key factors set by the U.S. Supreme Court when determining a sentence for a minor.

I'm able to discern whats relevant to the... factors and whats not relevant, the judge said.

Prosecutors presented other witnesses Friday. An assistant principal, Kristy Gibson-Marshall, tearfully described how she tried to revive Tate Myre, a student whom she had known since he was 3 years old. He died.

It was crushing. I had to help him, Gibson-Marshall testified. I could feel the entrance wound in the back of his head. ... I just kept talking to him, that I love him, that I needed him to hang with me.

It took months to get the taste of Tate's blood out of me, she said.

Gibson-Marshall also knew the shooter, who passed by but didn't harm her.

Separately, a 16-year-old boy explained how he hid in a bathroom with another student, Justin Shilling, who was killed by the shooter. Keegan Gregory said he suddenly found an opportunity to run behind the shooter's back and escape.

I realized if I stayed I was going to die, said Keegan, who now wears a tattoo to honor the victims. I just kept running as fast as I could, making turns so if he chased me Id lose him.

The hearing will resume Tuesday.

If the shooter doesnt get a life sentence, he would be given a minimum prison sentence somewhere from 25 years to 40 years. He would then be eligible for parole, though the parole board has much discretion to keep a prisoner in custody.

There were opportunities to possibly prevent the shooting earlier that day. The boy and his parents met with school staff after a teacher was troubled by drawings that included a gun pointing at the words: The thoughts wont stop. Help me.

The teen was allowed to stay in school, about 40 miles (64 kilometers) north of Detroit, though his backpack was not checked for weapons.
Commentary of the Russian Embassy in the USA

We paid attention to the next Russophobic hearings in the Helsinki Commission under the US Congress. This time, American legislators and government officials decided to check in on a particularly important story  support for Ukrainian children during a special military operation.

 We strongly reject Washingtons attempts to cynically earn political points on disinformation , biased assessments and completely absurd accusations against the Russian authorities on this topic.

 Our country is demonstrating its commitment to the protection of children in situations of armed conflict . Continues to make efforts to minimize civilian casualties during the NWO.

 The hushing up of the crimes of the armed forces of Ukraine is puzzling. Since February 2022, the territories of the DPR and LPR have been shelled by the Armed Forces of Ukraine over 19 thousand times . More than 5,000 civilians were killed , including almost 200 minors . The brutality of the Kyiv regime is outrageous. So, in one of the schools in Lisichansk (LPR), Ukrainian neo-Nazis set up a real torture room for children who were tortured and filmed.

WtR
(Photo : MANDEL NGAN / AFP) (MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images)

Special Counsel Jack Smith brings additional charges to former United States Donald Trump in relation to the classified documents case as well as bringing a second aide to the controversy.

Special Counsel Jack Smith brought more charges against former United States President Donald Trump in relation to the classified documents case.

The new development shows that federal prosecutors are now alleging that the Republican businessman, as well as a newly-charged aide, of trying to keep investigators from gaining access to security camera footage to keep them from reviewing the videos.

Donald Trump Faces New Charges

The former president is now also facing a fresh charge on top of the 37 counts that he is already facing in the case, which is illegally retaining national defense information. The indictment charges were filed against the Republican and two aides, identified as Walter "Walt" Nauta and Carlos De Oliveira.

The charges requested that another Trump employee allegedly deleted security camera footage at the Mar-a-Lago Club in an attempt to prevent the videos from being given over to a federal grand jury.

Oliveira is the second Trump aide that was hit with charges in relation to the classified documents case. Nauta was indicted alongside Trump earlier in June and is accused of assisting the Republican businessman in misleading investigators as they worked to retrieve all of the documents in question, as per the Washington Post.

People who are familiar with the investigation said that investigators under Smith repeatedly pressed Oliveira to explain his actions from June 2022. These were when he helped Nauta move several boxes around the former president's home, and in July 2022 when he supposedly talked with others about security camera footage.

The sources, who spoke under the condition of anonymity due to the talks being about secret grand jury proceedings, said that investigators became increasingly skeptical of the second aide's answers as they continued their probe.

A spokesman for Trump, Steven Cheung, called the charges against his client that were revealed on Thursday a "continued desperate and flailing attempt" to harass the Republican businessman. He said that the situation comes as the former president is seeking the GOP nomination for the White House.

Read Also: Joe Biden to Share New Anti-Heatwave Measures to Protect Americans

Classified Documents Case

The indictment claims that the second aide charged in the classified documents case told the director of IT at Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort that, "the boss" wanted to have the servers deleted. The new charges against the former president relate to top-secret documents about potential Iran attack plans, according to CNN.

Trump is known to have discussed such plans with biographers during a taped meeting at Bedminster, New Jersey, in July 2021, the indictment said. It adds that the document was a presentation that concerned military activity within a foreign nation. The indictment also noted that the former president showed it to the biographers during his meeting with them.

The case revolves around Trump allegedly storing hundreds of government documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate after leaving the White House and trying to keep them hidden from federal agents who tried to retrieve the sensitive materials.

Both Trump and his aide, Nauta, have pleaded not guilty in the case and a trial has been scheduled for May 2025. John Irving, a lawyer for the second aide, declined to comment on the situation for now, said CNBC.

Related Article: Ex-Air Force Officer Says US Government Hides UFO Retrieval Program

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Russian Defence Ministry report on the progress of the special military operation

The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation carried out concentrated strikes with long-range air- and sea-based precision weapons against airfields, command and deployment points of the AFU, assembly workshops and storage sites for unmanned boats, as well as missiles, weapons and military hardware from European countries and the USA.

The goal of the attacks has been reached. All the assigned targets have been neutralised.

The AFU continued unsuccessful attempts to conduct offensive actions in Donetsk, Krasny Liman and South Donetsk directions.

In Donetsk direction, as a result of coordinated actions of the defending units in close cooperation with aviation and artillery of the Yug Group of Forces, nine enemy attacks have been successfully repelled close to Avdeevka, Maryinka and north of Kirovo (Donetsk Peoples Republic).

AFU units have been also struck near Vesyoloye, Bogdanovka, Predtechino, Dyleevka and Novgorodskoye (Donetsk Peoples Republic).

One ammunition depot of the AFU 79th Airborne Assault Brigade has been destroyed near Konstantinovka (Donetsk Peoples Republic).

The enemy losses were over 210 Ukrainian servicemen, one tank, seven infantry fighting vehicles, three armoured fighting vehicles, two pickup trucks, howitzers: D-20 and Msta-B, as well as one U.S.-manufactured AN/TPQ-50 counter-battery radar station.

In addition, over the past two days in this direction, units of the Russian troops foiled four attacks by the AFU near Kleshcheevka (Donetsk Peoples Republic).

During the fighting, as a result of the skilful use of anti-tank weapons with the support of Army Aviation, more than 120 Ukrainian servicemen, two tanks, four infantry fighting vehicles, two armoured personnel carriers and one Kozak armoured vehicle have been destroyed.

In Krasny Liman direction, units of the Tsentr Group of Forces, relying on a skilfully organised system of fire combined with engineering obstacle, have repelled an enemy attack forward Chervonaya Dibrova (Lugansk Peoples Republic).

During the battle, more than 15 Ukrainian servicemen, one infantry fighting vehicle and one motor vehicle have been destroyed.

In addition, as a result of actions by aviation and artillery, AFU manpower and hardware have been hit close to Nevskoye (Lugansk Peoples Republic), Torskoye and Serebryanka (Donetsk Peoples Republic).

The enemy losses were up to 185 Ukrainian servicemen, three armoured fighting vehicles, three pickup trucks, two D-30 howitzers, and one Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system.

One ammunition depot of the AFU 100th Territorial Defence Brigade has been destroyed near Yampol (Donetsk Peoples Republic).

In total, since 23 July, the advance of the assault groups of the Tsentr Group of Forces near Sergeevka (Lugansk Peoples Republic) has been up to 12 kilometres along the front and three kilometres deep into the enemy defence.

In South Donetsk direction, as a result active actions by aviation, artillery, and units of the Vostok Group of Forces, an attack by an assault group of the 35th Marine Brigade has been repelled close to Urozhainoye (Donetsk Peoples Republic). The enemy losses were up to 16 Ukrainian servicemen, as well as two armoured fighting vehicles.

In addition, enemy manpower and hardware have been hit close to Ugledar and Makarovka (Donetsk Peoples Republic).

The actions of one Ukrainian sabotage and reconnaissance group have been suppressed near Staromayorskoye (Donetsk Peoples Republic).

In Zaporozhye direction, after the failure of the AFU offensive north of Rabotino (Zaporozhye region), in which up to three battalion tactical groups from the strategic reserve brigades have been involved, the enemy, having suffered heavy losses, restored its combat capability overnight and did not take any active actions.

As a result of actions by Operational-Tactical and Army aviation, and artillery, Ukrainian units have been hit close to Belogorye, Omelnik, Novodanilovka, Orekhov and Pyatikhatki (Zaporozhye region).

In addition, the actions of one Ukrainian sabotage and reconnaissance group have been disrupted close to Stepanovka (Zaporozhye region).

The enemy losses were up to 280 Ukrainian servicemen, 25 tanks, ten infantry fighting vehicles, three armoured fighting vehicles, two motor vehicles, one Czech-manufactured RM-70 Vampire multiple-launch rocket system and two UK-manufactured FH-70 howitzers.

In Kupyansk direction, the assault groups of the 7th Motorised Rifle Regiment of the Zapad Group of Forces continued offensive operations west of Kuzyomovka (Lugansk Peoples Republic) and took more advantageous positions.

As a result of actions by Operational-Tactical and Army aviation, as well as artillery, AFU units have been hit close to Sinkovka and Timkovka (Kharkov region), Stelmakhovka and Novosyolovskoye (Lugansk Peoples Republic).

The enemy losses were over 35 Ukrainian servicemen, three armored fighting vehicles, four motor vehicles, one D-20 howitzer, as well as one Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system.

In Kherson direction, the enemy losses were up to 25 servicemen, three motor vehicles, as well as two D-30 howitzers.

Operational-Tactical and Army aviation, Missile Troops and Artillery of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation have neutralised 109 AFU artillery units at their firing positions, manpower and hardware in 123 areas.

In addition, aviation fuel depots have been destroyed near Starokonstantinov (Khmelnitskiy region).

Two radar stations for detecting P-18 targets have been destroyed close to Chuguevo and Novopavlovka (Dnepropetrovsk region).

The fuel depot of the AFU 47th Mechanized Brigade has been hit close to Malaya Tokmachka (Zaporozhye region).

Air defence facilities have shot down 5 projectiles launched by HIMARS MLRS.

In addition, 20 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles have been destroyed close to Belogorovka, Kremennaya (Lugansk Peoples Republic), Gorlovka (Donetsk Peoples Republic), Vershina Vtoraya, Tokmak and Malye Shcherbaki (Zaporozhye region).

In total, 457 airplanes, 244 helicopters, 5,291 unmanned aerial vehicles, 426 air defence missile systems, 10,966 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,140 fighting vehicles equipped with MLRS, 5,636 field artillery cannons and mortars, as well as 11,920 special military motor vehicles have been destroyed during the special military operation.

WtR
My heart, O God, is steadfast, my heart is steadfast, reads Psalms 57:7. I will sing and make music.

For Daniel Ball, co-owner and lead vocalist of the Ball Brothers, hes been singing his heart out for his whole life, giving audiences his own distinctive brand of Christian music.

The Ball Brothers final farewell concert will take place at Baraboos Al. Ringling Theatre at 6 p.m. Sunday.

Doors open at 5 p.m. No ticket is required. A free will offering will be taken.

We have played in Wisconsin several times over the years and have always felt that they are some of the most enthusiastic fans of our music, Ball said. It seems fitting to give Wisconsin the last show when some of our friends from Baraboo asked for it.

Ball, currently a resident of Ringgold, Georgia, grew up singing in church. His father was a music minister in Lincoln, Illinois, for over 20 years. Daniel, and his brothers Andrew, Stephen, and Josh, sang a lot in church.

We grew up watching Gaither Vocal Band videos at our grandmothers house, Ball recalls. She collected every video that Bill Gaither put out and she would want us to learn one of the songs to sing in her church when we visited.

Over the years the brothers fell in love with the harmonies and message of gospel music and wanted to pursue it full time.

Music has the ability to minister to the soul and spirit of a person, Ball said. We want to see people encouraged and introduced to a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Singing professionally as the Ball Brothers since 2006, the current iteration of the band is Daniel Ball, Andrew Ball, Chad McCloskey, and Rhett Roberts. Theyve shared the stage with some of the biggest names in Christian music, including Casting Crowns, Mandisa, Point of Grace, and the band they grew up watching, the Gaither Vocal Band.

They won the 2011 Singing News Horizon Group of the Year award. Theyve also won the 2017 Absolutely Gospel Music award for Male Group of the Year.

Everything in life has a season, Ball said, about ending the Ball Brothers run in Baraboo. Through several different changes and circumstances over the past year, we felt God telling us this season had come to an end.

The Vatican is investigating a miracle at a Connecticut church. Here's every Eucharistic miracle visualized. The Vatican is investigating a miracle at a Connecticut church. Here's every Eucharistic miracle visualized. No Eucharistic miracles have been declared in the US Eucharistic miracles peaked during the Late Middle Ages Most Eucharistic miracles involve blood, flesh, and indestructible hosts To prove modern miracles, religion meets science
With another hot and sticky day on tap, the city of Portage has opened several cooling centers for those looking to escape the heat.

The centers and their hours are:

Portage Municipal Building community room, 115 W. Pleasant Street, open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday

Portage Public Library, 253 W. Edgewater St., open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Thursday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday; and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday

Columbia County Humane Society at N7668 Industrial Road, open from noon to 5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday; 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday

Meanwhile, Columbia County's emergency management office is urging people to limit their outdoor activity when the sun is its hottest and drink plenty of water.

A heat wave is hitting Wisconsin. Here's what you should know Temperatures are expected to feel like more than 100 degrees, with the hottest temperatures coming on Thursday and Friday.

If you or anyone you know is experiencing heat stroke, officials said, call 911. Some of the symptoms include dizziness, nausea, confusion, or loss of consciousness.

It is also recommended to move to a cool place, put on cool or wet clothes, take a cool bath, and drink water, if one experiences symptoms of heat exhaustion. Which may show itself as muscle cramps or heavy sweating.

For more information about heat awareness and safety, visit the Columbia County Emergency Management website.
The upcoming Baraboo Fire and EMS District facilities will no longer include student training following the removal of state funding from the budget.

The recently formed Baraboo Fire and EMS District Two will begin receiving bids for two new buildings late this year. Initial plans included a third building to host training for Madison Area Technical College students interested in firefighting and medical response careers.

City officials planned on having $2.5 million in state funding for the training, which was included in Gov. Tony Evers initial budget proposal, but that was removed by the Legislatures Republican-controlled budget committee, said Casey Bradley, the Baraboo city administrator. That effectively ends plans for the student training.

As the State Budget was working its way through the legislature we were informed that the funding was removed, said Bradley in an email. We were planning on this building being co-located on the site of the new main fire station as an independent structure, not part of the main station. Since the state has removed the funding we have also removed that structure from the design plans of the project.

State Rep. Alex Dallman, R-Green Lake, a member of the budget committee, said the Baraboo training center was removed after the committee pledged $50 million into a new grant program, Grants for Local Projects.

Under this new program, the Building Commission is permitted to assist non-state organizations across the state of Wisconsin with construction costs for projects that arent state-related but serve a public purpose, Dallman said in an email. The (Joint Finance Committee) decided that the Baraboo Responder Training Center would be better served under this program.

Bradley added that commuting to Madison for training from Baraboo and nearby communities is certainly a barrier for getting people involved in these career fields. The city is proceeding with construction of the facilities and will have more information on cost estimates in September, according to Bradley.

Shawna Marquardt, the regional dean for the MATC campuses in Reedsburg, Portage, Watertown, and Fort Atkinson, called the removal of funding unfortunate and said it ended the possibility of purchasing the required equipment for the prospective Baraboo facility to be accredited and licensed as a regional center by the Higher Learning Commission. Institutional accreditation is needed for federal financial aid for students.

The concept of a Regional Training Center in Baraboo would have afforded an opportunity to consolidate, centralize, and enhance these services, said Marquardt in an email. We will keep pushing to support our local departments and are open to any conversations about how best we can partner to do that.

Marquardt added that MATC, also known as Madison College, would continue to assist regional fire and EMS departments with training and seek partnerships to better facilitate it. All four campuses she oversees offer American Heart Association courses such as CPR, advanced cardiac life support, and pediatric advanced life support.
This years drought has not only stunted crops and made for unattractive lawns; its also spurred the proliferation of damaging tree pests.

The spongy moth, formerly known as the gypsy moth, has been able to reproduce at high rates and devastate tree populations throughout southern Wisconsin thanks in large part to the dearth of moisture that has limited the growth of a type of fungus that kills the invasive insect.

Spongy moths are most destructive in their caterpillar phases. The young moths attach to trees and deteriorate the bark and eventually the wood, preventing trees from leafing out.

This is a statewide outbreak with over 200,000 acres of defoliation documented, a significant jump from last year, said Michael Hillstrom, a forest health specialist with the state Department of Natural Resources. Weve found areas of heavy defoliation from the Bayfield peninsula to Lake Geneva.

Dry springs last year and this year, in conjunction with a spongy moth outbreak beginning last year, have made the situation worse, Hillstrom said. Drought conditions also add stress to trees, making them more susceptible to defoliation and mortality, he said.

Ochsner Park in Baraboo has been particularly hard hit. Some trees never leafed out and may need to be cut down, city officials said. To get a closer look at the problem, the Common Council plans to hold its Aug. 8 meeting at the park.

Counties experiencing significant infestations include Bayfield, Columbia, Dane, Douglas, Iowa, Jefferson, Juneau, Marinette, Marquette, Racine, Rock, Sauk, Walworth and Waukesha, with more potentially on the way, said Bill McNee, another DNR forest health specialist.

The DNR estimates that roughly 85,000 acres of forests were defoliated in 2022 as a result of spongy moth infestations and that the numbers are expected to be higher in 2023. McNee estimates that 100,000 to 200,000 acres of state forest could experience defoliation this year as a result of the invasive caterpillars.

McNee described the spongy moth as a very weather-sensitive insect. The warm and dry springs, combined with mild winters over the past few years, have allowed the populations to explode. Female moths can lay 500 to 1,000 eggs in one egg mass, he said.

It doesnt take many survivors to have a five- or tenfold increase in the population, said McNee, noting that 95% of eggs and caterpillars can die in wet and wintry conditions.

Even McNees highest 2023 projection of roughly 200,000 acres of defoliation is not abnormally large. The state record was about 350,000 acres in 2010, while Michigan had nearly 500,000 defoliated acres in 2021.

Whether the infestation gets worse depends on precipitation and temperature, McNee said.

Rodney Bethel, who lives near Sauk City, said he wrapped 14 trees in his wooded lot with burlap and has collected over 5,000 dead caterpillars since June 2. He has observed defoliated oak trees near his property.

Bethel contacted McNee, who told him that once the caterpillars pupate, their destructive behavior ends. McNee added that scraping of egg masses or spraying with horticultural oil in the fall will help greatly lower the population of the pest next year.

During a spongy moth outbreak in the 1990s, wood mills in the Appleton area used lumber sourced from Michigan, said Andrea Diss-Torrance, the DNRs invasive forest insects program coordinator. The DNR began restricting those imports, but the pest had already spread through the movement of firewood and other lumber products.

Spongy moth infestations are difficult to curtail early on because the pest has to be well established to detect it, Diss-Torrance said. Rules against transporting firewood have been in place for decades, but theyre difficult to enforce, she said. Firewood is also usually low-value lumber, which carries higher risks of insect infestation.

Dont bring firewood home because you might bring something with it, and then you have a dead tree and huge expense, said Diss-Torrance.

Wisconsin State Journal reporter Margot Amouyal contributed to this report.
FILE - The seal of the Department of Defense is seen on the podium at the Pentagon, Sept. 27, 2022, in Washington. President Joe Biden will sign an executive order that gives decisions on the prosecution of serious military crimes, including sexual assault, to independent military attorneys, taking that power away from victims' commanders.
The mayor asked the Nevada Legislature to let the city keep things the way they are - with five districts, one mayor and one at-large councilmember. But the bill to do that died in committee.
The City of Reno will host its final community meeting for the redistricting process where the public will get to view the final map options for how the wards will be divided up.

The meeting starts at 6 p.m. in the Reno City Council Chambers downtown - you can register to participate on the link at the end of this story.

The ultimate goal is to have the new boundaries adopted by Reno City Council by August 23, 2023 and provided to the Washoe County Registrar of Voters by September.

The City must transition to six wards in 2024.

Background:

On May 10, 2023, Council adopted the City of Reno redistricting principles and directed staff to move forward with the process, which includes a comprehensive community engagement strategy and working with an independent data analytics firm, FLOAnalytics, to prepare the ward boundary map options.

The transition from five to six wards is the result of state legislation signed into law during the 2017 Session of the Nevada Legislature. The Reno City Charter Committee, a citizen committee appointed by members of the Reno City Council and Nevada Legislature, recommended the change.

With this change, the at-large council seat will be eliminated.

(The City of Reno contributed to this report.)
We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on!

Go to form
Republican presidential candidate Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks to reporters following a meet and greet at the Hotel Charitone, Thursday, July 27, 2023, in Chariton, Iowa. Donald Trump and rival Ron DeSantis will appear for the first time at the same campaign event in early voting Iowa on Friday at a pivotal moment for the Republican presidential candidates. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
(Photo : RONALDO SCHEMIDT / AFP) (RONALDO SCHEMIDT/AFP via Getty Images)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defends his administration's newly passed judicial reform law, saying that the West's concerns over democracy are "silly."

During an interview on Thursday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defends his newly-passed judicial reform bill by downplaying the law's effects and saying that Western concerns regarding his country's democracy are "silly."

The controversial leader also said the legislative package was simply a "minor correction" of the judicial powers. He added that they must bring back Israeli democracy in line with what is common to all democracies.

Israel's Judicial Reform Law

Netanyahu claims that the essence of democracy is balancing the will of the majority and the rights of the minority. He notes that the three branches of government can achieve such a thing.

In his statement, the Israeli prime minister said it had been taken off the rails in Israel for the past two decades. He argued that this was because of the most activist judicial court on the planet, as per the Times of Israel.

Netanyahu also told George Stephanopoulos that the new judicial reform law is not the end of democracy within Israel, noting that when the "dust settles," critics of the bill will finally see it. The new so-called "reasonableness" law was passed on Monday and prevents judicial oversight of government and ministerial decisions on the grounds of reasonableness.

However, critics of the Israeli government have argued that the bill only works to open the doors to corruption and improper appointments of unqualified cronies to important positions. The new law was the first part in a larger package of bills that critics argue will fundamentally change the country's democratic system by removing the judiciary's ability to act as a check on the governing coalition.

In the interview, Netanyahu added that if the situation were the same for the Supreme Court in the United States, where it would be able to block any decisions based on being unreasonable, it would not be accepted.

Read Also: Japan Reveals New Anti-Sexual Assault Measures to Protect Minors

Controversial New Measure

The new law's passage also sparked nationwide protests, including demonstrations in the streets of Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Those who oppose the new law say that it pushes away Israel from democratic ideals, while supporters say that it gives back some power from unelected judges, according to ABC News.

Netanyahu said that his administration made the bill to try and bring the "pendulum to the middle" regarding politics. The country's closest allies have also taken notice of the new bill, including the US, which on Monday called the enactment of the law "unfortunate."

On the other hand, the European Union said it was closely following the developments in Israel with concern. But Netanyahu, during the interview, said that his country's relationship with the United States is "as strong as it's ever been."

In a Facebook post, Israeli President Isaac Herzog urged protesters to preserve the dispute's boundaries and avoid violence and irreversible measures. Additionally, political watchdog groups have appealed to the Supreme Court to quash the new law as a legal tussle is set to begin next Thursday, said Reuters.

Related Article: China Could Rival US Global Maritime Power by Building Overseas Naval Bases





@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
In this immersive talk about Sicily, food historian Francine Segan explains the areas intriguing culture and history and discusses its most iconic dishes. She examines how a blend of cultures  including ancient Greek, Arab, French and Spanish  influenced the flavors of this islands iconic dishes.

Youll learn about more than 2,000 years of Sicilian history, as well as explore Nero's role in the origin of Sicily's famed sorbetto and how a few key ingredients introduced into the island centuries ago  citrus fruits, pistachios, almonds, saffron, capers  have helped create some of our favorite Italian dishes.

Access a PDF of the handout Segan references in the video, with multiple recipes and tips on visiting Sicily.

About Francine Segan

Francine Segan is an expert on Italian cuisine and a noted food historian, as well as an engaging public speaker, author and TV personality. She lectures across the country, bringing her lively presentation to town hall groups, womens clubs and many prestigious institutions. The host of New York Citys popular weekly TV series Americans Who Love Italy, Segan has been featured on numerous specials for PBS, the Food Network, and the History, Sundance and Discovery channels.

This talk is part of Segan's Food Historian Lecture Series presented by AARPs Virtual Community Center, where you can find a variety of free virtual events designed for learning, self-improvement and fun. Check out her other videos from the series and stay tuned for upcoming talks.
For the past three decades, my family has vacationed in Gulf Shores/Orange Beach, Alabama, where I have loved hunting for seashells and floating in the warm waves. As the years passed, a progressive neuromuscular disease weakened my limbs. Walking became impossible, and now I use a wheelchair full-time.

My love for the beach never waned, but how I enjoy it changed. Mostly, I appreciate the water from afar. I like spotting wildlife while meandering on wheelchair-accessible pathways at Gulf State Park, sitting on the outdoor deck of a beachfront hotel watching sea oats sway on the dunes, and dining at restaurants with ocean views.

In 2018, Gulf Shores began installing beach access mats. These nonslip mats create a temporary pathway that prevents individuals with mobility challenges  or anyone who needs extra support  from sinking in the soft sand. Today, there are four access mats on the Gulf Shores beach and one at Gulf State Park's Cotton Bayou Beach in Orange Beach.

The beach access mat at Cotton Bayou beach in Orange Beach, Alabama. Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism

Small and large communities across the country are making their beaches more accessible for people who have disabilities. The addition of beach access mats, ramps, boardwalks, viewing areas, designated parking and beach wheelchairs removes physical barriers and allows everyone an outing at the beach. Here are six beaches in addition to Gulf Shores that are welcoming for wheelchair users like me.

Daytona Beach, Florida

Visitors can borrow or rent a beach wheelchair in Daytona Beach, Florida. Daytona Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau

When it comes to easy access, Daytona Beach allows parking right on the beach on 11 of the shorelines 23 miles. Vehicles displaying handicapped insignia park for free on the beach.

You can borrow a beach wheelchair (first come, first served) from lifeguard stations at Flagler Avenue in New Smyrna Beach and Ormond Beach Station on Cardinal Drive, and at Beach Headquarters in Daytona Beach. Note: The amount of time you have the loan depends upon the waiting list.

Hilton Head, South Carolina

People who use wheelchairs can borrow one at Coligny Beach Park in Hilton Head, South Carolina. Images-USA / Alamy Stock Photo

Lounge on this Lowcountry barrier island where 12 miles of beach hugs the Atlantic Ocean. Last year, Hilton Head unveiled an elevated overlook pavilion at Islanders Beach Park. Located beside a boardwalk surrounded by trees, the wheelchair-accessible viewing area provides benches and shade.

All of Hilton Heads beaches have access mats stretching to the hard-packed sand and near the high tide line. Three beach wheelchairs are available to borrow at both Islanders Beach Park and Coligny Beach Park. Reserve a beach wheelchair on the towns website up to three days prior to your visit. A $25 refundable credit card charge is required.

Jekyll Island, Georgia

Jekyll Island has four accessible beach access points. rschnaible/Getty

A barrier island thats also a Georgia state park, Jekyll Island boasts 10 miles of pristine shoreline. People who have disabilities can access the beaches from four entry crossover points (Oceanview Beach Park #26, Great Dunes Park #32, Beach Village #38, St. Andrews Beach #67) using mats or a ramp. A limited number of beach wheelchairs may be borrowed at these entrances.


Quarterly Update

Sydney, July 27, 2023 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Haodex Limited ( NSX:HAO ) is pleased to update the market on its activities for the quarter ended 30 June 2023.



We are pleased to present the latest quarterly report for Haodex Ltd. and Meccle, our rapidly expanding subsidiary. Despite challenges in the global marketplace, we continue to grow and innovate in order to provide top-notch services and products to our customers.



Our channel partner program has significantly expanded this quarter, with new partnerships established in ten new cities and towns in Sichuan province (Chengdu City, Deyang City, Chongzhou City, Qionglai City, Wenjiang City, Dayi City, Zhiyang City, Lingji Town, Guyi Town and Huaiyuan Town). We are excited to work with these partners to bring new vendors and manufacturers to the Meccle platform, allowing us to increase quality goods and services network continually. These partnerships will provide new growth opportunities as we aim to become the goto platform for both businesses and consumers.



In addition, we are pleased to announce that our Meccle US launch is progressing rapidly. Following our name change from Bulkbuyworld, Meccle is now focused on expanding our brand and increasing our reach to American customers. We have established relationships with Influencer Marketing Factory, a highly reputable company with experience in working with major players like Google, Amazon, and Meta. Their help in creating and promoting marketing content to our US audience has been invaluable in preparing us for our launch. We have also begun consulting with SEO marketing experts to ensure that we have the best online presence and search engine ranking possible.



In conclusion, we remain dedicated to growth and innovation, and we believe that our latest developments put us in a solid position to expand both domestically and internationally. We thank our shareholders for their ongoing support and look forward to continuing to work together towards success.





About Haodex Limited





Haodex Limited (NSX:HAO) is an Australian company focused on forward thinking online platforms and global projects.

Haodex owns 78% of and operates 2 omnichannel marketplaces, being MonkeyKing Australia (www.monkeykingaustralia.com) and BulkBuy (www.bulkbuyworld.com), and owns 100% of a short term Chinese accommodation hosting business, Franks Haus (www.frankshaus.com).

MonkeyKing is an online e-commerce platform which sources Australian products from Australian suppliers to distribute to consumers in Asia, mainly China.

BulkBuy is a wholesale e-commerce marketplace which allows users to participate in group buying deals. BulkBuy enables merchants to set up an online store and sell products directly to customers at wholesale prices by allowing several customers to participate in group buying deals (crowd-ordering).

Franks Haus is an online platform for leasing private properties, mainly for short term accommodation, in China. The platform will attract tourists
State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, Canada

Zip Code
Instagram Celebrity

The 25-year-old reality star, who initially had a fallout with her former BFF due to the Tristan Thompson scandal, is caught liking a July 25 Instagram post of the influencer during her vacation in Greece.

Jul 28, 2023

AceShowbiz - It looks like Kylie Jenner wants people to know that she's really "rebuilding" her friendship with Jordyn Woods. "The Kardashians" star was spotted showing subtle support for her former BFF on social media, just days after their reunion.



The 25-year-old reality star was caught liking a July 25 Instagram post of the influencer during her vacation in Greece. In the snaps, the latter could be seen rocking a black-and-white striped swimsuit with "J'Adior Mykonos" printed on the front part.

Some fans noticed Kylie's double tap though. "Kylie liked," one person in particular gushed, "my heart is full." Another exclaimed, "Omfg Kylie liked her post!!" Someone else, meanwhile, asked, "OMG Kylie what are you doing on this likes post."

Years after their fallout, Kylie and Jordyn were spotted reuniting on July 16. The two were seen dining together at a restaurant in Los Angeles. In photos shared by Daily Mail, Kylie was captured arriving at the venue accompanied by Jordyn.

During their reunion, the Kylie Cosmetics founder and the Heir Jordyn owner seemed to be in a good mood. One of the snaps saw Jordyn smiling widely as she made her way into the restaurant. In another photo, Kylie was also captured having a smile on her face. After the dinner, they were pictured getting into the same car.

It's unveiled that Kylie and Jordyn have been "in touch" since 2022. "Kylie and Jordyn have been in touch for a while now. [They] have had a friendship for the last year, but have kept it pretty private and low-key. They had to work at rebuilding," a source told The Messenger.

"Although their friendship hasn't been as close as it was before the [Tristan Thompson] scandal, they are definitely friendly now," the source continued. "They are starting to talk more and Kylie missed having Jordyn in her life. Everyone in the family has moved on from what happened years ago, and Kylie felt comfortable being in public with her."

The source went on to add, "It was hard for Kylie to cut Jordyn out of her life, but they did take time apart after the scandal. It was a devastating situation for Kylie, and a hard decision, but everyone has moved on at this point."

You can share this post!
(Photo : Ted S. Warren - Pool/Getty Images)

Bryan Kohberger's defense team is set to provide a potential alibi for the defendant in the murder trial over the killings of four Idaho college students.

Bryan Kohberger's attorneys are trying to get the indictment against their client dismissed as the suspect's defense team is set to reveal his alleged alibi.

Attorneys for the defendant, accused of killing four Idaho college students last year, ask the judge handling the case to dismiss the indictment because the grand jury was supposedly misled about the "standards of proof required for an indictment."

Bryan Kohberger's Murder Trial

Kohberger's defense team argued that the grand jury should have been instructed that the standard of proof based on what was presented to them is "beyond a reasonable doubt." However, the suspect's lawyers argued that the jury members were not given that instruction.

The filing instead claims that the grand jury was instead given the standard of proof that is required for a "Presentment," which it claims is having a reasonable ground for believing that a particular individual was responsible for committing a specific offense, as per ABC News.

They argued that because the grand jury was allegedly told that they could indict on a lower standard of proof, there were grounds for dismissing the indictment. However, if the judge decides to reject the request, Kohberger's attorneys said they would ask for a new preliminary hearing to argue the issue in front of a magistrate to decide if the case should continue.

Kohberger's potential alibi from the night of the murder of the four college students claims that he was at a location other than the King Road address where the fatal stabbing of the victims, identified as 21-year-old Kaylee Gonvalces, 21-year-old Madison Mogen, 20-year-old Xana Kernodle, and 20-year-old Ethan Chapin, occurred.

The defendant's counsel was found to be planning to disclose evidence of the alibi in court documents filed on July 24. In the documents, public defender Anne Taylor said that a defendant denying the charges does not constitute an alibi. Still, evidence showing he was some other place than the crime scene raises an alibi defense.

Read Also: Mother of Uvalde Shooting Victim Seeking Mayoral Bid

Potential Alibi

Taylor added that they anticipate that the new evidence could be offered by way of cross-examining witnesses produced by the State and calling expert witnesses, according to Yahoo News.

The latest development comes three months after a criminal investigator who works for Kohberger's legal team claimed in separate court documents that a roommate for three of the victims, Goncalves, Mogen, and Kernodle, who was sleeping during the murders, had information material to the charges against the suspect.

In a filing in April, the investigator claims that the roommate's information was "exculpatory" to the defendant. This means that it could be the suspect's defense, and it was noted that it was necessary to subpoena the witness because his testimony was material and necessary to the case.

At the time of the homicides, the 28-year-old suspect graduated from the criminal justice and criminology department at Washington State University in Pullman. Authorities later arrested Kohberger in late December last year while visiting his parents' home while taking a break from school, said the Idaho Statesman.

Related Article: Jack Smith Brings Additional Charges Against Donald Trump

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Instagram Celebrity

Symone Davis, who shares a son named Blaze with Bryson Bryant, partially blames the reality TV star and 'The Real Housewives of Atlanta' for his recent drug arrest, claiming the show 'changed' her.

Jul 28, 2023

AceShowbiz - NeNe Leakes has been called out by her son Bryson Bryant's baby mama after his recent arrest. Contrary to her claims that she's already tried her best to help him, his ex Symone Davis says that the reality TV star is "full of s**t."

According to Symone, whose son Blaze was declared Bryson's biological child by Gwinnett County's superior court in 2020, NeNe and "The Real Housewives of Atlanta" were partly to blame for Bryson's drug addiction issues. She claims that the show "changed" the former Bravolebrity, which in turn affected her relationship with her oldest son.

"I know the show didn't specifically affect him but it did change his mother," Symone says to Radar Online. On how the show "changed" Nene, Symone alleges that Bryson always said that "the money changed his mom."

Symone further says that Brentt Leakes, Bryson's younger brother, was shown the love and affection that "Bryce always wanted" and "never got." Symone believes that "RHOA" "ruined" Bryson's relationship with his mother, which was a bond he always wanted.

Symone also calls NeNe "a bully" for refusing to acknowledge Blaze as her grandchild despite the court's paternity ruling, revealing that the "Glee" alum has never met Blaze. "She is a bully," Symone states, adding that she has sent photos and videos of Blaze to NeNe, "but [NeNe] doesn't respond."

Despite their issues, Symone would allow NeNe to build a relationship with Blaze, but they'd need to have an adult conversation to make that happen. "It would be nice for his grandmother to step up," she shares her hope.

"We'd have to be on a level ground. She doesn't have to like me, but she has to respect me," she explains her condition. She believes that in the long run NeNe is the one missing out, reasoning, "As a mother, it dawns on me because she doesn't know him. She's missing out on an amazing kid."

Prior to this, NeNe addressed her son's drug possession arrest on Carlos King's "Reality with the King" podcast. "He needs rehabilitation," she said in a preview of the episode. "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."

"As a mom just to watch it, my hands are tied," the 55-year-old explained. "[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."

The former Bravo personality went on claiming, "I've spent so much money on trying to get Bryson where he needs to be. 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 continued 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, noted 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. He was accused of giving false information to police, including pretending to be his younger brother Brentt and giving officers an address to a home that NeNe sold off years ago.

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.

You can share this post!
Instagram Celebrity

The 'Yellowstone' actor takes his sons Cayden and Hayes as well as daughter Grace for a vacation to Aspen, Colorado amid his ugly split from his estranged wife.

Jul 28, 2023

AceShowbiz - Kevin Costner has reunited with his three children, whom he shares with his estranged wife Christine Baumgartner, amid their ugly split. The actor was seen enjoying some quality time with his sons Cayden, 16, and Hayes, 14, and daughter Grace, 13, earlier this week.

The 68-year-old was spotted on a grocery run during a vacation with his children in Aspen, Colorado. He wore a short-sleeve, denim button-up and light-washed jeans. He also sported a cowboy hat and sunglasses to hide his face.

His teen children kept it casual in T-shirts and blue jeans as they pushed groceries carts through the parking lot and toward the family's car.

Hours before visiting the store, Kevin was pictured picking up Cayden, Hayes and Grace from the airport as they returned from a Hawaiian vacation with their mom.

Earlier this month, Christine was seen lounging on the beach with the three teens outside the Four Seasons Resort. She was seen snapping selfies with her daughter while rocking a two-piece bikini.

They were joined by Kevin's friend Josh Connor during the tropical vacation. Christine looked carefree despite her nearing moving-out date, all smiles during a scenic seaside stroll on the beach with her estranged husband's banker friend.

The wealthy financier reportedly lives very close to the Costner family home in Carpinteria, California and he has been a "confidante" to Christine as she navigates her messy split from Kevin. A source told The Sun that Josh had flown out to Hawaii to serve as a "companion" to Christine, and he is reportedly staying at the same swanky Four Seasons resort as her family.

Despite their apparent closeness, sources told TMZ that there is "absolutely no romantic relationship" between Christine and Josh, who is also said to be good friends of Kevin. "They have been good friends for years," the source added.

Christine, who filed for divorce from Kevin in May after 18 years of marriage, was recently awarded $129,755 monthly in child support. She still has to vacate their $145 million mansion complex in Santa Barbara, California by the end of the month.

You can share this post!
Music

The song arrived on Thursday, July 27 along with its music video, which shows the Memphis native sitting in the back seat of a Rolls-Royce with his girlfriend.

Jul 28, 2023

AceShowbiz - Yo Gotti continues to let the world know how much Angela Simmons means to him. On a new single dropped on Thursday, July 27, the emcee declares that he has "No Fake Love" for his girlfriend, whom he has had a crush on since high school.

The song arrived along with its music video, which shows Gotti sitting in the back seat of a Rolls-Royce with Angela. On the track, he spits, "In a Phantom with a hammer tucked/ And now I'm with Angela/ I ain't lost a crush since high school/ I'm 'Mr. Follow Up.' "

Gotti further brags. When celebrating his single on Instagram, he wrote, "[Got] my ni**as wit me and da girl I always wanted. Still ain't did my net worth, but I gotta be up nine figures. I manifested this s**t."

Angela and Yo sparked dating speculations in late te September 2022. At that time, they were spotted hanging out at a club for the shoe designer's 35th birthday.

In a video surfacing online, the rhymer was seen sitting and staring off into the distance as his girlfriend danced and rapped the lyrics to his hit song "Down in the DMs". In the track itself, the rap star mentioned that he's having "a crush on Angela."

In the following month, the twosome took to their respective Instagram Stories to post videos from their trip to France and Dubai. The clips showed each of the pair watching Eiffel Tower at night from what appeared to be their hotel room.

Angela and Yo also unleashed videos when they were traveling to Dubai Arabian Desert. Though they did not show each other's faces in their respective posts, many believed that they were spending time together.

You can share this post!
Instagram Celebrity

In separate posts that are both sweet, Kris compares her adorable little grandson to her only son Rob Kardashian while Khloe gushes over the birthday boy.

Jul 29, 2023

AceShowbiz - Kris Jenner is amazed at how much her grandson Tatum looks like her son Rob Kardashian. The 67-year-old matriarch welcomed her 12th grandchild last year when her daughter Khloe Kardashian - whom she has with late husband Robert Kardashian - welcomed a baby with former partner Tristan Thompson and took to social media on the little one's first birthday on Friday, July 28 to pay a glowing tribute as she noted how "wild" it is that the tot resembles his uncle.

"Happy, happy birthday to my grandson Tatum, our beautiful little love bug, whose smile lights up a room! Thank you for bringing even more love into our hearts, and for your precious personality and your sweet, sweet, happy spirit every single day," she wrote on Instagram.

"You are such a blessing and I love you to the moon and back!!! Thank you for the laughter, the fashion shoots, the ability to crawl faster than anyone I've ever met, and the way you bring me such a calm whenever I get my hugsI'm honestly in awe of how you look exactly like uncle Rob. It's wild and I love it!!!! I love you my amazing Tatum!!! I love you my sweet boy (sic)."

"The Kardashians" star - who is also grandmother to Mason 13, Penelope, eleven, and eight-year-old Reign through her eldest daughter Kourtney Kardashian; North, 10, Saint, seven, Chicago, five, and Psalm, four, via Kim Kardashian; 41, five-year-old True through daughter Khloe; six-year-old Dream through her son Rob; 36, and Stormi, five and a 17-month-old Aire via youngest daughter Kylie Jenner - was also joined in the birthday tributes by Good American founder Khloe, who noted that God had "given her what [she] needed" in the form of a son.

She said, "I am a firm believer in that God gives you what you need and I needed you. God knew my heart needed you. I needed your sweet and precious Smile. I needed your angelic spirit. I needed a love only you could give me. I needed my son."

You can share this post!
Independent Mumbai-based digital agency Admatazz has bagged the integrated marketing mandate for leading stock broking firm Nirmal Bang. Nirmal Bang is one of the top full-service brokerage houses in India, providing a variety of financial products including equities, derivatives, commodities, currency, and trusted across India for their expertise in the distribution of mutual funds, insurance and a host of other financial products and services.

As part of the mandate, the agency will conceptualise and develop assets for a digital branding exercise for Nirmal Bang. Admatazz would also aid in reinforcing the campaign communication with performance marketing ads and video content.

Speaking on the account win, Yash Chandiramani, founder & chief strategist at Admatazz, said, We are delighted to have Nirmal Bang on board as a client and look forward to partnering with them to boost their brands digital presence. With a combination of our expertise across marketing platforms and their unparalleled industry insight, were excited to get the brand proposition across to existing and interested traders across the country.

Rakesh Bhandari, Director at Nirmal Bang added, We are keen on forging a long-standing collaboration with the dynamic and spirited team at Admatazz. We truly believe that this association will help us increase brand awareness, share high quality market research with our audience and eventually bring together a community of trading and investing enthusiasts.
Arjit Taneja was super excited to be a part of Khatron Ke Khiladi Season 13. Back from shooting the show in Cape Town, South Africa, in Mumbai, the actor cant wait to share what all happened there.

It was so wonderful that I have come back with some battle scars. It was incredible, one of my nicest experiences till date. Everyone who has participated in this programme, in my opinion, has emerged as a totally different person. The journey has been fantastic, and I already miss Cape Town. We all participated in the stunts together, where we laughed, cried, cheered one another, and also suffered injuries. It was a lovely experience that lasted for fifty-five days, not less, he says.

The actor connected with most of the contestants well. I think Archana is really engaging and humorous, but she also performed her stunts flawlessly. I will miss everyone from the show since we all made strong bonds. I got along well with Anjoom Fakih, Shiv Thakare, Dino James, Anjali Anand, Nyrraa M Banerji, and Sheezan Khan, he smiles.

Praising Rohit Shetty to be the perfect host and motivator, Arjit adds, He gives us an injection, I would say, to enhance people's performance in their stunts. He has scolded everyone, including me. However, I would say that it was not merely scolding; it was more of his way of motivating us to complete the stunts. Nonetheless, there was one instance when Nyrraa was scolded by Rohit sir because she was not listening to him during one of the stunts. I would consider him an OG. Whenever we discuss stunts, his name and face immediately comes to my mind due to his persona and swag. He inspires, motivates, and even scolds us when we have the potential to do a particular stunt but are not prepared for it. Thus, I believe all of these aspects were highly significant for all of us in the show. I would also add that if he were not there, most of us would not have attempted the majority of the stunts, and I think everyone else would agree with that. Furthermore, I have noticed that our performance tends to improve after receiving his admonishment.

Arjits toughest competitor was Dino. He is actually my favourite toughest competitor. He did his stunts so well, he reveals.

The actor has acrophobia and doing stunts related to that was quite difficult for him. So, it was crucial for me to conquer that fear. Therefore, the first stunt, which was a height-related one, proved to be very challenging, and unfortunately, I failed. However, as the days went by, I improved significantly in performing stunts involving heights. I thoroughly enjoyed engaging in chopper stunts, as well as car stunts and even stunts on the truck. So, regardless of the dynamic and larger-than-life nature of the stunts, I had a blast participating in all of them. Nevertheless, chopper stunts will always hold a special place in my heart. So yes, I'm quite satisfied with my journey. But I would still want my fans, audience to watch the show and everyone's journey, he adds.

As we started talking about getting hurt while attempting stunts, the actor shares having acquired numerous scars and have also sustained injuries throughout my journey. However, he says that while performing stunts, there is a distinct energy that drives all of them forward.



Even if you get injured, you persist in completing the stunt. It is only afterward, once the adrenaline wears off, that you realise the pain, injuries, scars, and rashes scattered across your knees, elbows, and elsewhere. Yet, these serve as battle scars, symbolic of the challenges we faced. It was a do-or-die situation for all of us. The ultimate goal was to triumph in the stunt and prove ourselves, surpassing the significance of any wounds sustained, he adds.

So, how did your preparations support you in doing the tasks well? Yes, it did play a role, albeit to a certain extent. Alongside physical aspects such as strength, grip, mobility, and balance, mental attributes such as patience and calmness are also crucial. I made an effort to prepare myself in various ways, but I soon realised that much of my learning occurred on-site, with each passing day. For instance, I had learned swimming before my departure, although it didn't contribute as much as I had hoped. Nevertheless, I acknowledge the importance of mastering it properly now. Who knows, perhaps I might even make an appearance as a challenger in the next season, he ends with a laugh.
CNBC-TV18, Indias leading English business news channel, concluded the first season of its mega initiative "Future. Female. Forward - The Women's Collective, with its Chennai city chapter on Monday, July 24 2023. The initiative focuses on promoting gender equality in the workplace and highlights its crucial impact on the economy and the nation's progress. The event saw distinguished personalities from the fields of business, entrepreneurship, policy, and politics in attendance.

Tamil Nadu as a state has been leading the India Growth Story in the space of manufacturing. Traditionally, a male dominated industry, for years manufacturing has been a suite only for men. However, after the economic disruption of COVID-19 and with the growing demand of workforce in the sector, there has been a phenomenal rise in the percentage of women workforce in manufacturing. Tamil Nadu is by far the number one state when it comes to inclusion of women in the workspace, especially in this sector.

The evening kickstarted with a welcome address by Shereen Bhan, Managing Editor, CNBC-TV18 Our purpose and mission remain consistent in creating a more gender-balanced society and an economy that fosters an environment where every woman feels seen, safe and valued. We here at Chennai are especially proud of the fact that Tamil Nadu is by far the number one state when it comes to the inclusion of women in the workspace, and Chennai has the highest number of working women in India and hence we are glad to be hosting this chapter of Future. Female. Forward - The Women's Collective here in Chennai.

The evening was graced with the presence of Shri. Palanivel Thiaga Rajan, Minister for IT and Digital Services, Tamil Nadu, where he shared his thoughts, "Tamil Nadu boasts the highest proportion of women entrepreneurs, surpassing other regions. This increase can be attributed to both the conducive ecosystem and the government's deliberate efforts, including initiatives like the Tamil Nadu women's development cooperation and the Women's Entrepreneurship and Women Startup Commission. These measures are strategically designed to propel women entrepreneurs toward success and provide them with the necessary support to thrive in their ventures."

The evening also honoured the women of Tamil Nadu who have time and again proved their mettle with a special felicitation for their respective fields to Purnima Jalihal, Head of the energy and freshwater group at the National Institute of Ocean Technology; Aditi Prasad, Co-Founder at MiniRoo.in; Swati Daradee, Chetak R&D, Bajai Auto; Rajashri Sai, Founder of Impactree Data Technologies and Zuppa Geonavigation; Preeti Aghalayam, Appointed Director, lIT Zanzibar; Priya Krishnamoorthy, Founder & CEO, 200 Million Artisans; Aneesha Subramani, Associate, Motor Shop - Ola; Group Captain Shakti Sharma, Indian Air Force; Wing Commander Deepika Mishra, Indian Air Force; Squadron Leader Sindhu Vijay Reddy, Indian Air Force and Self Help Group Chennai (FICCI FLO).

The evening moved ahead with an enriching conversation moderated by CNBC-TV18s Parikshit Luthra with Air Marshal Suraj Kumar Jha; Air Officer in Charge Personnel, Air Headquarters, Indian Air Force on the topic Pride, Glory and Female - Firsts in the Indian Air Force where he shared his thoughts, "The journey began in 1991 and by 1993 when the first batch of women officers entered the Indian Air Force, but the real change began in 2010 when women were granted permanent commissions for the first time. The first batch of women fighter pilots entered in 2015, and since then woman in the fighter stream has been declared permanent, girls have begun to join Sainik schools, and even the NDA is open to girls. I witnessed young, intelligent female cadets marching shoulder to shoulder with the male cadets in the NDA. Today, between 30,000 and 50,000 girls apply per batch to join the Indian Air Force, but we can only accept a small number of them due to limited space, and there are currently about 2000 women in the Air Force, with numbers expected to grow over time."

The first discussion of the city chapter featured Sumita Ghose, Founder, Rangsutra; Nina Reddy, Joint Managing Director, Hotel Savera; Hemant Malik, Divisional Chief Executive, Foods Business Division, ITC Limited; and Rajeev Chaba, CEO Emeritus, MG Motor India as panellists. Moderated by Shereen Bhan, the panellists share their views on the topic  Women leading the Manufacturing growth story .

After the first panel discussion, Dr. Valli Arunachalam; Nuclear Scientist, Semi-conductor Technology Consultant, and Advocate for Women Empowerment had a brief conversation with the audience on the whole process of understanding Semi-Conductor Chips on the topic Straight from the Heart - Special Talk on the Great Chip Crunch.

The evening moved ahead with another riveting discussion on the topic Minding the Gender Parity Gap: The Leaders Take moderated by Parikshit Luthra where the featured panellists were Ravi Kyran, CHRO, Bajaj Auto; Raja Radhakrishnan, President & Head HR, Ashok Leyland; Nitin Razdan, Partner & Human Capital Consulting Leader, Deloitte South Asia; Archana Chadha, Head of HR, HSBC India; Subbaraman Balasubramanyan, Senior Vice President, HCLTech and Balachandar N, SVP & Chief People Officer, Ola Group.

Talking about policies for women's professional growth at HSBC, Archana Chadha, Head of HR, HSBC Asia Pacific, said, "At HSBC, we value authenticity and encourage everyone to bring their true selves to work, regardless of gender. Our policies are designed to foster self-development and support women's career growth, including training programs for those re-entering the workforce. The Ascent program has proven successful, with 80% of women experiencing promotions or job expansion. From hiring to training and throughout each life stage, we strive to provide a conducive environment for excellence. Additionally, we have robust maternity policies in place to support our employees during this important phase of their lives."

Taking the conversation ahead, Subbaraman Balasubramanyan, Senior Vice President, HCLTech, shared some insights about the unique programs they have, "We offer various programs through different channels to support our employees' growth and career aspirations. One such program is Ascend, where women employees can aim for their desired roles. Stepping Stones is another program that enables them to select their career path and assignments. Additionally, we have Mentor Me, a platform that allows women to choose mentors, contributing to our commitment to a diverse workforce for tackling complex challenges from multiple perspectives. These three elements have proven to be invaluable in our organization."

Nitin Razdan, Partner and Human Capital Consulting Leader, Deloitte South Asia, shared his opinion on how various company acts have seen growth for women, "From a regulatory standpoint, companies have made significant strides. The Companies Act of 2013, for instance, required female representation on boards, resulting in over 70% of major Indian companies complying today. Acts like the Paternity Act of 2017 have also played a vital role, doubling maternity leave and mandating childcare facilities at workplaces."

The event moved ahead with another panel discussion on The Startup Women Pioneers moderated by CNBC-TV18s Shruti Mishra featuring Archana Stalin, Founder & Growth Champion, MyHarvestFarms; Rati Shetty, Founder & Chief Product Officer, BankBazaar; Kamhalini Ithal, President, White Lotus & Co.; Vijayalakshmi Venkatraman, Founder, Gaayak; Ashwini Asokan, Founder & CEO, Mad Street Den.

The event culminated in the final discussion on Straight from the Heart - Women Charting Success in Sports moderated by CNBC-TV18s Jude Sannith featuring Aruna Anand, Manager of Indian Chess Grandmaster Vishwanathan Anand & Chess Enthusiast and Aarthie Ramaswamy, Women Grandmaster & Former World U18 girls chess champion where they discussed the growth of womens presence in various sports. The event later concluded with A Tribute to the Women of Tamil Nadu a beautiful musical performance by singer Nithyashree Venkataramanan.

CNBC-TV18s Future. Female. Forward  The Womens Collective is proudly presented by HSBC India. It is co-presented by HCLTech, while Deloitte India supports the initiative as Knowledge Partner, with Industry Partner, FICCI and Associate Partner, Reliance Industries.
Adgully has been turning the spotlight on the entrepreneurs who fought against all odds to bring their dreams to fruition in our special series  START-UP STARS. We at Adgully wholeheartedly support the Vocal for Local movement and have been featuring numerous local/ homegrown businesses, brands, and Apps in the country launched in the last few years.

Farmley is a renowned specialist in the domain of dry-fruits and nuts, boasting an extensive network of over 5,000 farmers and producers with whom they have established deep back-end linkages. This strategic partnership ensures that the brand can consistently deliver products free from any form of adulteration. As a full-stack brand, Farmley offers a diverse range of over 150 products, encompassing everything one can imagine within the realm of dry-fruits and nuts.

In an interaction with Adgully, Abhishek Agarwal, Co-Founder, Farmley, talks about his entrepreneurial journey and key learnings. He also shares about the growth of his company and ideas behind the brand.

What inspired the founding of your start-up, and what problem did you set out to solve?

Farmley was founded in July 2017 by Akash Sharma and me with the aim of providing adulteration-free dry fruits and nuts to consumers by building direct links with 5,000+ farmers and producers. Our mission is to offer a diverse range of 150+ products that blend health and taste through creative innovation and R&D. Understanding the supply chain in its complete depth and further sourcing the right quality sets us apart from our competitors. We have set up 5 farm-gate processing units closer to the sources of origin to offer standard-quality products.

How much funding has the company raised, and from which investors?

Farmley has successfully raised $9 million in funding from a group of prominent investors, including Omnivore, Insitor, Alkemi Partners, and DSG Consumer Partners.

What is your business model?

Our business model at Farmley revolves around being a consumer brand that specialises in dry fruits and nuts. We have strategically eliminated multiple layers of middlemen in the supply chain by building deep back-end linkages with 5,000+ trusted farmers and producers over the years. This direct sourcing approach allows us to offer adulteration-free dry fruits and nuts to our customers, ensuring the highest quality products.

To further enhance our value proposition, we have established 5 farm-gate processing units in close proximity to the sources of origin. This approach sets us apart in an otherwise unorganised sector, enabling us to maintain standard quality products while supporting better incomes for farmers. As a full-stack brand, we take pride in offering an extensive range of over 100+ products, encompassing everything imaginable under the umbrella of dry fruits and nuts. Our aim is to become synonymous with excellence in the dry fruits & nuts segment, providing customers with the best products and fostering a strong connection between quality and trust.

Could you provide an overview of your product/ service and its unique features or benefits?

As a full-stack brand, we take pride in offering an extensive range of over 150 products, covering everything imaginable under the umbrella of dry fruits & nuts. Our dedication to innovation is showcased through the worlds first pasta made from makhanas, which is 100% maida-free. This unique product combines health and taste, making it a versatile addition to various eating occasions throughout the day.

Additionally, we have curated our signature dessert, Farmley Date Bites, comprising Almonds, Dates, Honey, Pista, Cashews & Ghee. These bites are not only delicious, but also a perfect blend of health and taste, with no added sugar. Their high fiber content ensures they are filling, providing an instant energy boost and keeping customers satisfied for longer periods.

Farmley continues to work on introducing new-to-market products that leverage product and packaging innovation to deliver exciting, tasty, and healthy snacks to our valued customers across India.

How does your start-up differentiate itself from competitors in the market?

We set ourselves apart from competitors in the market through several distinctive features:

Adulteration-Free Products: We have diligently built deep back-end linkages with 5000+ trusted farmers and producers, ensuring that our dry fruits & nuts are free from any adulteration. This commitment to quality and purity differentiates us from others, providing customers with the assurance of genuine products.

Innovation and R&D: Our focus on creative innovation and extensive research and development allows us to curate unique and innovative products that blend health and taste. The introduction of the world's 1st pasta made from makhanas, which is 100% maida-free, is an example of how we cater to customer needs while maintaining a healthy and delicious offering.

Extensive Product Range: As a full-stack brand, we take pride in offering an impressive selection of over 100 products. Our diverse range covers everything one can imagine under the umbrella of dry fruits & nuts, catering to a wide variety of tastes and preferences.

Organised Supply Chain: By establishing 5 farm-gate processing units closer to the point of sourcing and origin, we have organised an otherwise unorganised sector. This strategic move not only ensures better quality for consumers but also supports farmers by providing them with improved incomes.

What milestones has your company achieved so far, and what are your future growth plans?

Farmley has achieved significant milestones that speak for our success and position in the market. As category leaders on popular e-commerce platforms like Flipkart and quick commerce platforms, we have established a strong market presence and garnered a loyal customer base. Within just two years, we have achieved an exceptional Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) of Rs 150 crore, setting a benchmark as the first brand in our category to reach such rapid growth. Our dedication to providing high-quality products and innovative offerings is evident in our outstanding Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 90% for our value-added range, well above the industry standard. Moreover, maintaining a repeat order percentage of above 20% demonstrates the trust and satisfaction our customers have in Farmley.

Looking to the future, we have ambitious plans to expand our offline channels, strengthen our healthy snacking proposition through an extensive range and optimised distribution, and explore new opportunities in the international market with a focus on our makhana-based products. Our growth trajectory remains promising as we continue to prioritise customer satisfaction and product excellence.

How has the start-up evolved since its inception, and what challenges have you overcome along the way?

Farmleys journey began in 2017 with a focus on the B2B model, supplying dry fruits & nuts to renowned private labels like Reliance, Grofers, and DMart. During this phase, we developed strong relationships and back-end linkages with farmers, primary processors, and importers. As part of our commitment to quality and efficiency, we established five exclusive farm-gate processing units, strategically located in different regions, ensuring tight control over the supply chain by eliminating unnecessary middlemen.

In 2021, we made a significant move and launched our own consumer brand. Over the course of two years, we dedicated ourselves to innovation, introducing several in-house value-added products, including the pioneering pasta made from makhanas and our popular Roasted & Flavoured Nuts Range.

Our Go-To-Market (GTM) strategy has been deliberate and effective. We started by penetrating various platforms, becoming the category leaders on Flipkart and Zepto, while experiencing exponential growth on Blinkit and Swiggy Instamart. Expanding into offline markets, we now have a presence in 2,000+ retail outlets across Hyderabad, Chennai, Bangalore, and Delhi NCR, collaborating with prominent modern trade chains like Spencer, Spar, Metro, Reliance, and Nature Basket.

In our offline chains, we have focused on promoting our hero products, strategically choosing relevant territories, and driving tertiary sales through targeted brand awareness campaigns. Our dedication to the brand building has enabled us to establish a premium brand image that resonates with customers, showcasing our commitment to providing pure dry fruits sourced from over 5,000 trusted farmers and producers.

Who are your target customers, and how are you acquiring them?

At Farmley, our target customers are the Masstige segment of dry fruit consumers, aged 25 to 45 years, residing in Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities. Our focus on product innovation, brand building, and running targeted promotional campaigns ensures that we cater to health-conscious individuals seeking premium-quality dry fruits at accessible price points in the Rs 60,000 crore domestic market.

What is the background and expertise of the founding team?

The core team comprises seasoned professionals from diverse sectors. There are six alums from IIT Delhi and Roorkee, who bring unique expertise and experience to the table. Aman Gupta, who heads Marketing and Branding, comes from Indias largest telecom player (Airtel) and has experience of building consumer brands as well as strategising campaigns for over 50 FMCG brands. Rishi Devgan, who leads exports and modern trade, comes from a rich experience at ITC. Pankaj Goyal, who leads online commerce, has over 15 years of experience in scaling up consumer brands in the nutrition and healthy foods category with his strategic thinking and impeccable execution. Sandeep Ganju, who is leading the retail expansion efforts, comes from over 20 years of experience with brands like PepsiCo, Whirlpool, and Airtel.

What is the companys growth plan and vision for the future?

Farmleys growth plan and future vision include scaling up in offline channels, expanding the healthy snacking range, and exploring international markets, with a focus on Makhana-based products. We aim to become a leading player in the dry fruits & nuts industry, catering to diverse customer needs while ensuring innovation and quality.

How does the company handle feedback and user/ customer complaints?

At Farmley, customer feedback and complaints are handled by our in-house customer relationship team. They record feedback and complaints in the voice of customer reports. This is then shared with our quality checks and manufacturing teams, who take necessary actions to address the issues and enhance product quality. We prioritise continuous improvement and customer satisfaction.

How does the company measure success, and what are its key performance indicators (KPIs)?

Farmley measures success through key performance indicators (KPIs) such as market leadership on popular platforms, achieving a Rs 150 crore ARR within 2 years, maintaining a high NPS of 90%, and attaining a repeat order percentage above 20%. The companys focus on product quality and customer satisfaction has led to a significant reduction in ad spending, contributing to its success in the dry fruits & nuts segment.
In todays fast-paced digital age, the advertising landscape is witnessing a significant shift as consumers increasingly turn to digital mediums and streaming services. Advertisers and media buyers are swiftly adapting their strategies to leverage programmatic CTV media buying, recognising its potential to reach targeted audiences, offer better ROI, and provide greater insights and control over ad spends.

In this special report, Adgully delves into the evolving strategies of advertisers and media buyers, the potential disruptions and transformations in the advertising and broadcasting industries, and the importance of data-driven decision-making in the programmatic CTV ecosystem.

Amitt Sharma, CEO, VDO.AI, observed that advertisers and media buyers are embracing programmatic CTV media buying with a strong focus on audience data and advanced targeting techniques. With advertisers switching to interactive and engagement-driven CTV ads for better Return on Advertising Spend (ROAS), the shift towards programmatic CTV has the potential to disrupt and transform the broader advertising and broadcasting industries. If we talk about our brand, were integrating QR codes along with an immersive content gallery to enable the Screen2Screen feature and generate augmented engagement, he added.

Sharma further said, As more advertisers allocate budgets to programmatic CTV for its targeted and measurable advantages, traditional TV advertising could face challenges. These challenges stem from issues like non-transparency, the availability of less real-time data and insights, and the increasing shift towards digital consumption. This transition may also lead to an increased demand for talent with expertise in data analytics and programmatic advertising. Additionally, the industry might witness the emergence of new advertising models, increased competition, and a more dynamic and personalised advertising landscape in the upcoming years.

The adoption of programmatic models has brought about a transformation in media agencies. While pointing out that traditional roles in media agencies are evolving, Santosh Ghosh, Head - Digital Strategy, Investment & Advisory, Tencom Ventures, said, Traditionally, clients sought media agencies for their expertise in media planning and buying. However, with the advent of programmatic advertising, the human involvement in purchasing specific media or content has significantly decreased. Instead, planners and traders now primarily focus on selecting audiences based on client-defined parameters, while the actual buying and optimisation processes are efficiently handled by automated systems like DSPs (Demand-Side Platforms), SSPs (Supply-Side Platforms), or DMPs (Data Management Platforms).

This technological advancement is gradually rendering traditional media planning and buying roles obsolete, leading to a transformation of agencies into leaner structures, potentially staffed with lower-salaried resources primarily focused on operational management and acting as KPOs (Knowledge Process Outsourcing) for clients, he added.

Continuing further, Ghosh said, For brands, this paradigm shift offers greater control over their advertising budgets, as analytics-driven by machines result in increased efficiency and better returns on investment.

However, a concern arises with the concentration of power within the ecosystem, pointed out Ghosh, adding, Currently, Googles DV360 is regarded as a trustworthy DSP, thanks to its extensive inventory pool and robust analytics capabilities. While this benefits advertisers and agencies, it also raises apprehensions about potential monopolistic tendencies. With the Indian advertising business continually growing, an overreliance on one or a few dominant tech players may not foster a healthy competitive environment. The hope lies in the emergence of newer platforms that can challenge Googles monopoly and provide a more diverse and competitive landscape.

Nikhil Kumar, Vice President, In, SEA & ME at Mediasmart, highlighted, Brands are harnessing the power of technology to embrace programmatic buying and unlock greater advertising potential through enhanced segmentation, personalisation, and measurability. On the supply side too, more publishers are now programmatically available through SSPs making the ecosystem more accessible to integrate programmatic into television advertising via CTV. The programmatic technology on CTV has made advertising on television more data-driven, automated, and scalable with the promise of targeting and measurability.

He further said, On CTV, were already witnessing the enthusiasm among brands to integrate CTV within their budgets for better engagement, ad recall, and brand lift. Furthermore, integrating with proprietary tech like Household Sync offered by mediasmart helps brands to leverage CTV to target viewers in the same household. By nudging users on mobile within 24 hours of being exposed to ads on CTV, advertisers are also opening up newer ways to engage with their consumers and build an efficient channel for omnichannel targeting.

Mikhil Kumar added, With the growth and adoption of AVOD models on OTT, a growing OTT universe of apps, and higher penetration of internet-enabled Smart TVs, CTV landscape, the rise of programmatic media buying will likely challenge the status quo in the broadcasting industry as well.

Krishna Menon, Chief Operating Officer, QYOU Media India, noted that programmatic CTV is a relatively new market with several new players entering the space.

He said, The growth of programmatic CTV media buying in India suggests that it is going to become a major force in the advertising industry in the country. As more viewers shift to streaming platforms, advertisers will need to find ways to reach them there. The shift to programmatic CTV media buying is likely to lead to increased competition, lower prices, and new ad formats. However, it is also likely to open up new opportunities for advertisers and broadcasters to reach new audiences and measure the effectiveness of their campaigns more accurately.

As the popularity of CTV and streaming services rise, and advertisers allocate more budget to leverage this trend, Nachiket Deole, Head Of Sales - India, DoubleVerify, notes that there has been a global increase of 69 percent in bot fraud across CTV in 2022.

He noted, To address concerns over quality infractions and fraudulent activities like bot fraud, advertisers globally are implementing multi-layered verification strategies, utilising tools like DVs Video Filtering, which saw a 72% YoY increase in CTV video filter rate. Active protection across CTV campaigns would be important for advertisers in India to take note of to ensure that their media investments are not going to waste.

Additionally, he added, Data-driven decision-making plays a pivotal role as advertisers tap into insights to understand consumer behaviour, preferences, and engagement metrics, enabling them to optimise ad campaigns and effectively reach their desired audiences. This calls for the need for measurement of viewability on CTV, because an ad does not reach its full potential if it is never seen in the first place.

Deole continued, As more advertisers move towards investing media budgets into CTV platforms, the broader advertising and broadcast industries will need to consider the factors relating to this. For example, apart from the fact that consumers are moving to such channels, a key driver of growth in digital advertising is the ability to garner insights across digital channels. If traditional platforms are able to innovate and move quickly with the evolving audience needs, they may still be able to retain and capture audience attention.
Countdown has begun for DATAMATIXX, the annual industry event focused on data and digital, which will be held on July 28 at Sahara Star Mumbai.

Organised by Adgully, the event's theme is "Unlocking Business Growth with AI & Data Performance," with a focus on the significant impact of data-driven strategies and artificial intelligence on business growth and performance.

The event aims to bring together professionals and experts from various industries to explore and discuss the latest trends, insights, and innovations in the realm of AI, data science, programmatic advertising, and data-driven marketing.

The event will commence with a welcome address by Bijoya Ghosh, the Founder & CEO of Adgully, who will set the stage for the day's discussions and emphasize the importance of harnessing AI and data for business success.

Nipun Kaushal, the Chief Marketing Officer & Head CSR of Yes Bank, will deliver the opening keynote. He will shed light on how marketing strategies can directly impact an organisation's bottom line, emphasizing the role of data-driven decision-making in achieving tangible results.

The first panel The Power of Data Science: Influencing Smart Business Decisions , powered by Mobavenue, will bring together esteemed industry professionals to discuss the transformative potential of data science in making intelligent business decisions. Anjali Malthankar, the National Strategy Director of Tonic Worldwide, will moderate the discussion.

The panelists include:

Anant Ranjan, VP Growth & New Business Initiatives, Mobavenue Media

Nikhil Kurian, Head Of Digital, Tata Motors

Shibu Shivanandan, Founder & MD, PivotRoots

Suchit Sikaria, Chief Business Officer, SUGAR Cosmetics

Yatnesh Pandey, VP Marketing, Greenply

The panelists will share their experiences and insights into how data-driven approaches have helped their respective organisations achieve growth and success in their competitive industries.

The Keynote: Growth v/s Profitability - What is More Important for an Organisation: Midhula Devabhaktuni, Co-Founder & CMO of MIVI, will deliver a thought-provoking keynote address, delving into the ongoing debate between focusing on growth and ensuring profitability. Devabhaktuni will offer valuable perspectives on striking the right balance to build a sustainable and thriving organization.

This session will be followed by a fireside chat on The Future of Programmatic Advertising: Advanced Audience Targeting and Beyond: Powered by Valueleaf Group.

This fireside chat will explore the future of programmatic advertising and how advanced audience targeting is reshaping the advertising landscape. Amitabh Bishnoi, President - Growth & Initiatives of Valueleaf Group, will moderate the discussion, with insights to be shared by:

Devi Prasanna Pradhan, AVP - Digital Marketing, LoanTap Financial Technologies

Siddesh Kerkar, Lead - Marketing and Alliances, Aditya Birla Finance- Udhyog Plus

The conversation will revolve around the latest trends and innovations in programmatic advertising and how businesses can leverage them to achieve better audience engagement and ad effectiveness.

The next panel on The Evolution of Programmatic Advertising: Unleashing the Power of Advanced Audience Targeting and Beyond, also powered by Valueleaf Group, continues the exploration of programmatic advertising's evolution. Nupur Shah, VP and Digital Lead, West and South, PHD India, will moderate the discussion, and the panelists will include:

Chandrashekhar Naik, Senior Vice President, Valueleaf Services

Prasad Pimple, EVP & Head - Digital Business, Kotak Life

Shashidhar Sharma, Practice Leader-Programmatic, GroupM Nexus

Siddharth Hegde, Managing Director & Founder, Ethinos

Vedavyas Badri, DVP Programmatic, LS Digital

The panelists will share their perspectives on how programmatic advertising has advanced over the years and how businesses can harness its potential to improve their marketing efforts.

This panel discussion will be followed by a fireside chat on The Future of Data-Driven Marketing: Exploring AI-Powered Strategies and Innovations. Powered by Hybrid, this fireside chat explored the future of data-driven marketing and the role of AI-powered strategies in shaping marketing campaigns. Aniket Powar, National Sales Head of Hybrid, will be the moderator of this chat, with insights from:

Anand Chakravarthy, Chief Growth Officer, Omnicom Media Group India

Sapna Desai, Chief Marketing Officer, ManipalCigna Health Insurance.

The discussion will delve into the latest AI-driven marketing techniques and how businesses can leverage data to create impactful marketing campaigns.
US President Joe Biden hasn't shown any interest in interfering with the case of his son, Hunter Biden.

But, just in case POTUS decided to pardon his son, the White House already clarified that it has been ruled out.

Joe Biden's Pardon for Hunter Ruled Out by White House

According to CNN Politics' latest report, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said a pardon from Joe Biden for Hunter will not be accepted.

She shared this decision on Thursday, July 27, when she was asked if there was a possibility that the American leader would pardon his son. Jean-Pierre replied with a decisive "no."

"I'm really not gonna say anything more than what I shared yesterday - this is a personal matter for Hunter Biden, this is a personal issue," she explained.

She added that the Department of Justice has done the case against Hunter Biden independently and led by a Trump-appointed prosecutor.

The Guardian reported that Hunter Biden pleaded not guilty to two tax charges during the recent trial on Wednesday, July 23, in Wilmington, Delaware. This is unexpected since Hunter was supposed to plead guilty in a deal with federal prosecutors. After the unraveling of the plea deal, many Republicans shared their concerns.

Some of them even claimed that Hunter Biden is receiving preferential treatment. Since US District Court Judge Maryellen Noreika saw overlapping agreements, she said that lawyers must untangle technical issues before moving forward.

"It seems to me like you are saying 'Just rubber stamp the agreement, Your Honor.' ... This seems to me to be form over substance," she explained.

Read Also: House GOP Struggles To Find Common Ground in Funding Fight, Push First Bill, Delays Second

Why Joe Biden Shouldn't Pardon His Son?

As of writing, many Republicans are linking the Hunter Biden case to Joe Biden. They explained that his son's personal problems, business affairs, and addiction struggles show that the American leader is corrupt and worthy of impeachment.

This is why POTUS should think twice before filing a pardon for his prosecuted son. The pardon power has become controversial for the past few years, especially among presidents.

This was seen when Bill Clinton and Donald Trump used their pardon power for donors and supporters. If you want to learn more details on how recent American leaders used their pardon powers, you can click here.

Related Article: Hunter Biden Counsel Accused of Lying in Criminal Tax Case; Republicans Seek To Block First Son's Plea Deal

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Terra Food Co. (TFC), a pioneering gourmet cloud kitchen company, has successfully raised $800,000 in its Pre-Series A funding round. The funding was secured from a group of esteemed investors, including Zero to One Fund, Twin & Bull Fund, ah! Ventures, and several other international angel investors. Existing investors like Lets Venture, Faad Network, and The Chennai Angels also participated in this round, demonstrating their continued confidence in TFC's growth and potential.

TFC, founded by visionary entrepreneur Sriram Nair, started its journey in Ahmedabad in 2019. The company's roots were established through Sriram Nair's cafe cum flagship store, Terra, which introduced Ahmedabad to the innovative farm-to-table concept in 2017. Building upon the success of Terra's dine-in restaurant, TFC ventured into the cloud kitchen space with the aim of providing niche and gourmet cuisine formats at affordable price points to underserved Tier 2 cities.

Sriram Nair added, With a strong focus on Tier 2 markets, TFC has witnessed remarkable growth, currently processing an impressive monthly volume of 26,000 orders and generating a monthly recurring revenue of over INR 1 crore. Bolstered by this recent funding, TFC plans to double its revenue by November 2023, capitalizing on its existing kitchen facilities.

This Pre-Series A funding round will empower TFC to fuel its business expansion, increase its brand portfolio, invest in innovative food technology and product development, and expand its talented team. The company is now gearing up for its Series A funding, expected to be completed by the end of the financial year, further bolstering its growth trajectory.

TFC operates as a multichannel food company, leveraging both online and offline platforms to cater to the rising aspirations and expendable income of consumers in Tier 2 cities. Its portfolio of brands, including Terra Gourmet, Sushito, Zeus Burger, Noodle Van, Aho Punjab, Pickup Meals, JaaniMaani Biryani, Papadum, and Hiit Meals, has been well-received in markets with limited gourmet cuisine options.

The company's future expansion plans include venturing into other Tier 2 cities like Baroda, Surat, Jodhpur, Indore, and Bhopal over the next two quarters. TFC aims to establish itself as a pioneer in accessible and convenient gourmet dining through unique pickup and cloud kitchen models, redefining how Indians order and enjoy food online.

As TFC continues on its mission to revolutionize the culinary landscape in India, investors remain optimistic about the company's potential and its ability to tap into the vast opportunities presented by Tier 2 markets with untapped potential for gourmet cuisines.
Federal Department of Foreign Affairs

Bern, 28.07.2023 - Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will travel to Singapore, Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand from 1 to 9 August 2023. The visits to Indonesia and Singapore will centre on the implementation of the Federal Council's South East Asia Strategy. In Australia and New Zealand, the focus will be on global challenges and strengthening bilateral relations. Mr Cassis will also use the trip to meet local Swiss communities in the four countries to mark 1 August celebrations.

The Federal Council adopted the South East Asia Strategy 202326 on 15 February 2023. The strategy recognises the growing economic and geopolitical importance of the region and seeks to strengthen bilateral and multilateral relations accordingly. With Singapore and Indonesia, Mr Cassis is visiting two important countries in the region which will play a greater role in Switzerland's future relations with South East Asia.



With Australia and New Zealand, Switzerland has two reliable, like-minded partners in the Pacific region. Australia is a member of the G20 and a key geopolitical player in the Asia-Pacific region. Switzerland maintains close cooperation with New Zealand, particularly in the multilateral framework. Switzerland and New Zealand are celebrating the 60th anniversary of their diplomatic relations in 2023.



Indonesia and Singapore: the economy and science at centre of talks



Mr Cassis will first visit Indonesia, the most populous country in South East Asia. Not least because of its dynamic economy and population size, Indonesia is a partner with high future potential for Switzerland. In 2021, the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between EFTA and Indonesia entered into force. Its implementation will be a central topic at the meeting between Mr Cassis and the minister for foreign affairs, Ms Retno Marsudi. Mr Cassis will also meet with the secretary general of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to discuss ways of deepening the partnership between Switzerland and ASEAN.



On 3 August, Mr Cassis will travel on to Singapore, Switzerland's most important economic partner in South East Asia. The talks between Mr Cassis and the minister for foreign affairs, Mr Vivian Balakrishnan, will focus primarily on economic issues. Singapore is also an important partner in Swiss science diplomacy.



Australia and New Zealand: important partners in the Pacific region



On 6 and 7 August, Mr Cassis will visit Australia, where he will meet the minister for foreign affairs, Ms Penny Wong. Bilateral relations were further strengthened with the reopening of the Australian embassy in Bern last year. Australia is a key partner for Switzerland in research and innovation. With his visit, Cassis is sending a clear signal that cooperation in this area is to be further strengthened.



On 8 August, Mr Cassis will travel on to New Zealand. Switzerland and New Zealand maintain close cooperation on global issues, for example in disarmament matters and as members of the Small Advanced Economies Initiative. The 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations provides an opportunity to reassert and expand this cooperation. In addition to meeting the minister for foreign affairs, Ms Nanaia Mahuta, Mr Cassis will also meet the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs of Niue, Mona Ainu'u. Switzerland is planning to establish formal relations with this Pacific island, thereby closing a gap in Switzerland's diplomatic relations network.



Meetings with Swiss communities abroad



In addition to political dialogue, the trip will also serve to cultivate contacts with local Swiss communities abroad. The 1 August celebrations in all four countries will provide an opportunity to meet and exchange ideas with Swiss nationals living there.



National councillors Yvone Feri and Thomas Aeschi will accompany Mr Cassis to Australia and New Zealand.

Address for enquiries

FDFA Communication

Federal Palace West Wing

CH-3003 Bern, Switzerland

Tel. Press service: +41 58 460 55 55

E-mail: kommunikation@eda.admin.ch

Twitter: @SwissMFA

Publisher

Federal Department of Foreign Affairs

https://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home.html




John Edd Thompson, the longtime chief meteorologist for Mobile station WALA was attacked at a gas station Tuesday, his 81st birthday, according to a report from his former station.

Thompson told his former station he and his wife pulled into the Murphy USA station on University Boulevard near Cottage Hill road when he was approached by a man asking for money.

When Thompson told the man he didnt carry cash, the man cursed at him and called him a liar before physically assaulting him.

I started to get into the right side of the car, he told WALA, when the man grabbed him and started punching me in the face.

Thompson said the man then threw him down and got in his car and acted like he was gonna run me over before bystanders indicated they were calling 911. The attacker then fled the scene.

Thompson sought medical attention for his injuries and reported the assault to Mobile police Wednesday morning.
The filing of two misdemeanor charges in the staged disappearance of Carlee Russell leaves several questions unanswered in the bizarre case that has captivated the nation.

Russell, who just days ago turned 26, was booked and released on bond Friday afternoon on charges of false reporting to law enforcement authorities and falsely reporting an incident.

The Class A misdemeanors are punishable by not more than one year in a county jail or a year of labor in the county, according to state statutes. They also carry a fine up to $6,000.

Her defense attorney, Emory Anthony, said he expects the next step in the case to be a court date sometime in October.

As we all know, actions can have consequences and thats why we are here today, Hoover police Chief Nick Derzis said at a press conference following her release.

The case has been shrouded in mystery since Russell vanished on July 13 after saying she saw a toddler walking alone on the side of Interstate 459.

Here are some of the questions that have yet to be answered:

Where was Russell for the 49 hours she was missing?

We still dont have any idea where Carlee Russell was for 49 hours, Derzis said.

Anthony has not said where Russell spent the 48-plus hours she was gone.

At 9:34 p.m. Thursday July 13, Hoover 911 received a call from Russell stating she had seen a white male child, about 3 to 4 years old, walking on I-459. She made a phone call to her brothers girlfriend, about 9:36 p.m.

Officers soon arrived and found Russells red Mercedes still running but no sign of a toddler or Russell. Police found Russells wig, phone and purse near her vehicle. Her Apple watch was in her purse.

There was no known sightings of, or contact from, Russell until Saturday, July 15, at 10:44 p.m. when Hoover 911 received a call from Carlees residence that she had returned home on foot.

How much did the search for Russell cost and is there any way to collect that money?

Police have not yet tallied the cost of the investigation into the fake disappearance.

We dont see this as a victimless crime, Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall, whose office will prosecute the case.

There are significant hours spent, resources expended, and not only that, but the many men and women civilians who wore those yellow vests on a hot afternoon and in the evening looking for someone they thought was abducted, trying to be of assistance, Marshall said.

Derzis was asked if the police would consider filing a civil suit against Russell and/or her parents to recoup the money spent on the search.

We have not discussed that, Derzis replied. We talked about the hours of overtime and all the significant resources that we used and well certainly be talking to the attorney generals office about possibly getting some of those funds returned to us.

Crime Stoppers of Metro Alabama earlier this week announced it was refunding $63,378 donated while Russell was missing.

Did anyone aid Russell in the staged disappearance?

It is not known if anyone aided Russell when she vanished after slowly driving along a 600-yard stretch of I-459 in Hoover.

My client was not with anyone or with anyone at any hotel during the time she was missing, Anthony has previously said.

Derzis was asked at Fridays press conference if Russells parents would be charged, to which he replied that as Marshalls office prosecutes the case, Well find out what they say.

Why are the charges only misdemeanors?

Derzis said that judging from the amount of phone calls and emails we have received from people all across the country, I know many are shocked and appalled that Ms. Russell is only being charged with two misdemeanors, despite all of the panic and disruption her actions caused.

Derzis said he shared that frustration and he will ask state lawmakers to address that issue.

The existing law only allows the charges that were filed, to be filed. I can tell you that I will be contacting our state legislators on behalf of law enforcement in Montgomery and asking them to look at this law as applied to these facts and urge them to add an enhancement to the current legislation when someone falsely reports a kidnapping or other violent crime, Derzis said.

Hoover City Council President John Lyda said he is asking the council to consider a resolution asking the Alabama Legislature to revise the current laws regarding filing false police reports and incidents.

Specifically, the crime of falsely reporting a felony incident to law enforcement, as we saw in the Carlee Russell case, should carry with it a felony charge. Likewise, falsely reporting a misdemeanor incident should continue to carry only a misdemeanor charge, Lyda wrote in an email to city officials.

The current structure of Alabama law seems inadequate to appropriately address the crimes that Miss Russell has been charged with.

Why did Russell do this?

The motive behind the faked disappearance did not come up at Fridays press conference.

Efforts by AL.com to obtain court records in the case were not immediately successful.

Derzis has previously 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.
A Birmingham man died a day after he was assaulted at a Wylam convenience store and authorities say his death is being investigated as a homicide.

The Jefferson County Coroners Office on Friday announced the death and identified the victim as Cedric Orlando Reese. He was 58.

Authorities said the assault happened at 1:57 p.m. on July 12 at the 5 Way Convenience Store on Eighth Avenue in Wylam. Reese sustained blunt force trauma, but not additional details were released.

The next day, said Chief Deputy Coroner Bill Yates, a friend went to check on Reese and found him unresponsive inside his home on Fifth Avenue in Wylam. He was pronounced dead on the scene at 2:57 p.m.

Yates said the autopsy showed Reese died from the injuries sustained in the assault.

It was not immediately clear if any arrests have been made.

Reese is Birminghams 79th homicide this year. Of those one was an officer involved shooting by an outside law enforcement agency and seven others have been ruled justifiable and therefore arent deemed criminal.

In all of Jefferson County, there have been 111 homicides, including the 79 in Birmingham.
A judges order halting construction of a state bridge in Gulf Shores violates the constitutional separation of powers and could lead to a flurry of lawsuits seeking to block other public works projects around Alabama, one group says. And it would mean costly legal bills for the local governments trying to build them.

The arguments are raised in a legal filing last month before the Alabama State Supreme Court by the Association of County Commissions of Alabama.

Related content:

The filing, among other things, claims that Montgomery County Circuit Judge Jimmie Pools May 17 decision to stop the $120 million bridge project, if unchallenged, will flood the courts with litigation from people disgruntled over decisions by public bodies like county commissions.

They also argue that Pools ruling represents an unprecedented expansion of judicial review of administrative decisions.

The ACCA is a new participant within the ongoing lawsuit being appealed to the states highest court by the director of the Alabama Department of Transportation.

A governing body must be able to exercise its discretion in allocating its limited resources, said Sonny Brasfield, executive director of ACCA. Subjecting the body to litigation simply because someone disagrees with the decision is contrary to the Constitution.

Brasfield said, Decisions must be legal, and the process must comply with the law, but disagreement does not equate to bad faith.

The Alabama State Supreme Court will likely have the final say on the fate on the states bridge project where construction has been stopped since Pools decision, and which has created a rift between the cities of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.

The appeal was submitted by ALDOT Director John Cooper after Pool slammed him for behaving in bad faith and engaging in what he said was a long effort to put the Baldwin County Bridge Company  the owners of the Foley Beach Express toll bridge -- out of business.

The toll bridge is approximately 1.1 miles west of where the proposed two-lane state bridge would be located. Pool, in his ruling, referred to that proposed new bridge as the Cooper Bridge.

Brasfield said if Pools ruling is not overturned by the states high court, it will essentially nullify the county commissions ability to allocate tax money.

If anyone who disagrees with the commissions decision is allowed to advance a bad faith argument, counties will be flooded with lawsuits, Brasfield said.

Joe Espy, a Montgomery-based attorney representing BCBC, said that the ACCA is missing the point of the entire case. The companys legal fight, they have said, focuses on Cooper and what they claim is his intent on bankrupting the company.

BCBC, last year, offered an alternative proposal to build two new lanes on their bridge, while expanding the number of toll plazas and making $70 million in additional infrastructure improvements for Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.

The BCBC project is backed by Orange Beach city officials, while Gulf Shores city officials support the state bridge in their city.

Related: Orange Beach and Gulf Shores spar over plans for new bridge to the beach

The (ACCA) and its director completely miss the point of the case which is understandable because they were not in court and did not hear the evidence, Espy said. I am sure this association and its director do not want public officials acting in bad faith which costs taxpayers millions and millions of dollars. Surely, that is not the way they conduct their county business.

The ACCA is the only state association representing local governments to have entered into the Supreme Court case. The League of Municipalities  an organization that lobbies on behalf of city and town governments throughout the state  have not been engaged on this case and were not requested to participate.

The ACCA, in its court filing, argues that Pools ruling was novel and represented an unauthorized interference with the discretion vested in Coopers position as director of ALDOT. As director, Cooper has the authority to prioritize road projects.

The judicial branch simply does not have the authority to determine whether the Cooper Bridge, as the circuit court refers to the disputed bridge, is a good and/or wise use of resources  not even, or perhaps especially, if its determination is couched as being a question of bad faith, as that term is colloquially used.

The filing says that the great care has to be exercised by the Supreme Court not to usurp the functions of other departments of government and adhere to the separation of powers enshrined in the 1901 Alabama Constitution.

It must be regarded as settled that the court will not interfere by injunction except in case of corruption, fraud or bad faith, the equivalent of fraud, the filing reads.

The ACCA argues that Coopers decision to proceed with the bridge was an administrative function.

Pool determined, following a bench trial, that Cooper intended to put BCBC out of business by building the new two-lane bridge in Gulf Shores.

The Supreme Courts eventual ruling will decide whether a fourth bridge is built leading motorists to the states beaches. Visitors to Alabamas beaches have only three existing ways to reach them: W.C. Holmes Bridge (Alabama State Route 59) through Gulf Shores, BCBCs toll bridge in Orange Beach and the Perdido Pass Bridge that is also in Orange Beach.
Sen. Tim Melson, R-Florence, suffered a cardiac event while visiting South Korea.

Melson was in Seoul when he was stricken, Alabama Republican Party Chair John Wahl said in a statement. Information on Melsons condition was not immediately available on Friday morning.

Wahl said Melson had suffered a heart attack, a blockage of the arteries. It was reported Thursday that State Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, who was among the legislators on the trip, administered CPR to Melson.

Ellie Melson, the senators daughter, wrote in a Facebook post that Melson suffered a cardiac arrest, when the heart suddenly stops beating. A cardiac arrest can be brought on by a heart attack.

Ellie Melson wrote that she was traveling to see her father in South Korea. Sen. Keith Kelley, R-Anniston, asked for prayers in a Facebook post.

They were able to resuscitate him, but he is in critical condition. I wish we had more info  the information we have beyond this is minimal, she wrote Thursday night.

As you can imagine, the language barrier and time difference has been a challenge. Please pray for the team who is caring for him and that we make the best decisions for him in the upcoming days/weeks/months.

Melson was first elected to the Alabama Senate in 2014 and won re-election in 2018 and 2022. He chairs the Senates Health Care Committee.

More from Alabama Reflector

The senator, a retired anesthesiologist, played a major role in the creation of Alabamas medical cannabis program. Previous attempts to establish a program had never moved further than committee votes, but the Legislatures approval of Carlys Law, a 2014 statute authorizing a CBD study at the University of Alabama Birmingham, opened a door.

Melson first introduced a bill establishing a medical cannabis program in 2019 and brought it back in 2020. The bills passed the Senate both years but faced opposition in the House. The lower chamber amended the 2019 bill into a study committee, where many patients later testified about the relief that cannabis brings them. The 2020 bill passed just before the first case of COVID-19 was confirmed in the state, leading to a truncated legislative session.

Melson brought the bill back in 2021, working with Rep. Mike Ball, R-Madison, who had fought for Carlys Law. The final bill authorized medical cannabis use for 16 different conditions, including cancer, chronic pain and sickle-cell anemia. The law limits cannabis consumption to tablets, capsules, gelatins and vaporized oils. Smoking cannabis or consuming it in edibles is forbidden under the law.

The bill passed the Senate in 2021 but faced another difficult fight in the House, with about a half-dozen legislators conducting a rare Republican-led filibuster against the measure. But many other representatives shared emotional stories about the relief that cannabis had given or could have given to their loved ones. The bill passed 68 to 34 and was signed by Gov. Kay Ivey.

I was skeptical five years ago, Melson said in 2021, after the Senate approved his bill for the third time. I started listening to people, to the patients instead of the biased people, and this is where were at today.

The Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission is currently in the process of granting licenses amid controversy over the evaluation process.

AL.com contributed to this report.
(Photo : Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Top officials from United States President Joe Biden's administration traveled to Saudi Arabia on Thursday to discuss a potential normalization deal between Riyadh and Jerusalem.

United States officials traveled to Saudi Arabia and arrived on Thursday with plans to discuss normalization efforts between Riyadh and Jerusalem.

The meeting comes amid United States President Joe Biden's directions to explore further cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Israel, including the latter's concessions to the Palestinians that seek to keep prospects for a two-state solution ongoing.

US-Saudi Arabia Meeting

The Democratic leader has not yet decided whether he will ultimately sign off on the maneuver. It would likely need a massive security pact between the US and Saudi Arabia to work properly.

During the 2020 campaign, the American president pledged to make the kingdom a "pariah" over the nation's human rights record. However, the Democrat has nonetheless ordered National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and White House Middle East czar Brett McGurk, who would work on discussing the terms of a potential deal, as per the Times of Israel.

A White House National Security Council spokesperson confirmed that Sullivan had already arrived in Saudi Arabia. However, they declined to comment on if the trip was for the discussions of a potential normalization agreement between Riyadh and Jerusalem.

They also said that the national security adviser would meet with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss bilateral and regional matters. The meeting would also focus on the significant process made in talks to build on the benefits of the truce agreed upon in Yemen that have endured for the last 16 months.

Currently, Riyadh is seeking a NATO-like mutual security treaty that would obligate the United States to defend itself in the case of an attack. It would also provide a civilian nuclear program monitored and supported by the American government and the ability to buy more advanced weaponry from Washington, including the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense THAAD) anti-ballistic missile defense system.

Read Also: China To Rival US Global Maritime Power by Building Overseas Naval Bases in Africa, Asia

Normalization Between Riyadh and Israel

According to The Guardian, a columnist for the New York Times, Thomas Friedman, said that any potential efforts to establish a normalization agreement between Saudi Arabia and Israel could be time-consuming, difficult, and complex.

A former CIA Middle East analyst and White House adviser, Bruce Riedel, said such an idea of a multifaceted agreement was politically far-fetched. He added that Saudi Arabia does not want to see Biden getting re-elected as president as they strongly prefer former United States President Donald Trump.

He argued that this is primarily because the Republican businessman did not question them on human rights issues and expressed his 100% support for the Yemen War. Riedel noted that the former president did nothing to Riyadh after the murder of Jamal Khashoggi, a Washington Post columnist and Saudi dissident.

The US is seeking three main things during the meeting with Saudi Arabia, an end to the fighting in Yemen, a Saudi Arabia aid package to Palestinian institutions in the West Bank, and significant restrictions on the growing relationship between Riyadh and Moscow, said the New York Times.

Related Article: Netanyahu Defends Newly Passed Judicial Reform Bill

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
AL.com reporting on predatory policing in the small town of Brookside, Ala., won the national News Leaders Association first place award today for local accountability reporting.

And Al.com columnist Kyle Whitmire won the national associations Mike Royko Award for Commentary and Column Writing for his series State of Denial: How 150 years of whitewashed history poisons Alabama today.

The impact of this work has been remarkable  and continues today, Kelly Ann Scott, AL.com vice president of content, said Friday. Both pieces continue to be part of Alabamas conversation about itself today.

AL.coms first place winning team, who also shared a Pulitzer Prize for their Brookside reporting, are reporters John Archibald and Ashley Remkus, data reporter Ramsey Archibald and editor Challen Stephens. The News Leaders Association judges called it local accountability reporting at its very best.

AL.com took what everyone in a community knew to be true about a local police department and brought reporting depth and a clarity of writing that is too often hard to come by, the judges said. The story is told with straight-forward care and assuredness that is admirable in any publication, much less one challenging such an entrenched power structure.

AL.com shared first place for the Frank A. Blethen Award for Local Accountability Reporting with Wichita Eagle reporter Michael Stavola, who exposed racist messages openly shared by the local police.

Whitmires year-long examination of how Alabama history influences the state today also won the Pulitzer Prize for commentary earlier this year.

Whitmires engaging approach of serving as a readers tour guide pulls a reader through Alabamas dark, racist history that still pokes through civic life. He doesnt use in-your-face prose, wrote the judges for the News Leader contest. Instead, he brings readers along while writing about how white lawmakers in 1901 subverted the rights of Black citizens.

His compelling writing makes plain that this is not merely Alabamas history; it is also its present, as political forces try to erase or whitewash what truly happened  and what is still tolerated.

Finalists for the Royko Award were Nancy M. Preyor-Johnson of the San Antonio Express-News and Mark Lamster of the Dallas Morning News.

Were honored to be recognized by other news leaders in the country and among so much work that made a difference across the country, said Scott at AL.com.

The News Leaders Association awards continue the traditions of two earlier organizations  the American Society of News Editors and Associated Press Media Editors  that merged into the News Leaders Association to train, support and recognize quality journalism.

There is no bigger honor than to be able to read and recognize the best of American journalism, and this year the entries were truly astounding. 2022 brought us too much tragedy, corruption and malfeasance. It also produced some of the most compelling, hard-hitting and gut-wrenching journalism, said NLA Board Secretary and Awards Committee Chair Audrey Cooper, Editor in Chief and Vice President of News at WNYC/New York Public Radio.

Other winners announced Friday include:
This is an opinion column.

Im afraid to joke about UFOs now.

UFOs seem like the only thing that can bring Republicans and Democrats across the aisle these days. Other than befuddlement over how Tommy Tuberville was ever elected to the United States Senate, much less from a state he didnt live in.

Why not believe? How else do you explain an Elon Musk or an Alex Jones? Or Rudy Guiliani, for Petes sake? Or school board meetings just about anywhere? Its got to be aliens? The truth is out there. Isnt it?

I said I couldnt joke about UFO anymore. I lied.

A Congressional hearing on UFOs  I suppose were supposed to call them UAPs these days, or unidentified aerial phenomena, because terms people know and understand are out of vogue  captivated a certain subset of the population this week. Pilots and a believable whistleblower insisted they had seen strange things in the sky, that the military was in possession of crashed UAPs and biologics, which presumably translates as spacecraft and alien body parts. Which really is a game changer if true.

Witnesses and Congresscreatures seemed to want a transparent reporting process and a way to remove the stigma from those who claim to have seen UFOs. Information is scarce when witnesses are thought of as bat-poop bonkers.

Point.

Why not believe in UFOs? If its ok for people to believe conspiracy theories that cause them to commit other crimes, to storm Americas seat of power, to believe disproven voter fraud claims, to think the world is flat, to believe without proof whatever they happen to want, then why make the UFOers out as the nutty ones?

It would make a pretty good explanation for all those parasitic people who dream only of acquiring all they can no matter the consequence, even if it leaves their offspring on the husk of a dying planet.

Better to think them as ETs rather than us. Restores some faith in humanity.

Its hard, here in Alabama, to think of UFOs without thinking of past sightings, which have led to both laughs and regrets, as laughs can sometimes do.

In 1976, cops in Fort Payne and Mentone and Fyffe in northeast Alabama reported huge, gigantic flying objects that emitted a yellow-orange light.

Thirteen years later, in 1989, Fyffe again made international news when a police chief described a craft bigger than an airliner hovering overhead. The whole story caught fire after the AP reported the sightings stretched from Grove Oak all the way to Lickskillet.

Nobody can resist a Lickskillet.

But Fyffe, a town of 963 people in DeKalb County, which abuts the Georgia line and Marjorie Taylor Greenes district, was weird-sighting central. In the mid 90s a series of mysterious cattle deaths was reported there.

DATED AND RELATED: Alabama cities with the most UFO sightings

A then-Fyffe police officer  a former TV producer who had claimed his own brush with ETs in Michigan  said then he investigated 30 such cattle deaths, in which phantom surgeons neatly removed the cows sex organs, eyes and rectums.

He was heralded by some, poo-pooed by many, and has reportedly now sadly passed on.

We never really got a good explanation, but Fyffe later embraced the UFO mania, hoping to become a sort of B-List Area 51. In 2005 the town launched a UFO festival, but even then it was scared  no doubt because of the stigma  to embrace it too vigorously.

We are more sophisticated now, the co-chair of the UFO Days festival said then. Were able to laugh at ourselves and turn that UFO history into a tourist event that everybody can enjoy.

The stigma is out there.

The truth? Well thats even harder to spot than a UFO.

John Archibald is a two-time Pulitzer winner for AL.com.
Carlee Russell was booked into the Hoover City Jail and freed on bond Friday afternoon in her staged disappearance two weeks ago.

Russell, who just days ago turned 26, is charged with false reporting to law enforcement authorities and falsely reporting an incident, according to her attorney.

Both crimes are misdemeanors. The two charges each carry a $1,000 bond.

Russell was with her parents. They went in through a side entrance of the jail and left about 12:40 p.m.

As we all know, actions can have consequences and thats why we are here today, Hoover police Chief Nick Derzis said at a press conference Friday afternoon.

Her decisions that night created panic and alarm for the citizens of our city, and even across the nation as concern grew that a kidnapper was on the loose, using a small child as bait, Derzis said on Friday.

10 1 / 10 Carlee Russell

Numerous law enforcement agencies, both local and federal, began working tirelessly not only to bring Carlee home to her family, but locate a kidnapper that we now know never existed. Many private citizens volunteered their time and energy into looking for a potential kidnapping victim that we now know was never in any danger.

This story opened wounds for families whos loved ones really were victims of kidnapping -- some of which even helped organized searches in hopes that they could help Carlees family not experience the pain and suffering that they felt when their loved ones did not return home, the chief added.

Derzis said police initially presented the case to District Attorney Lynneice Washington of the Bessemer Cutoff, who agreed to prosecute it.

After consulting with the Court Clerk for Jefferson County- Bessemer Division, the case was referred back to municipal court for charging because the only applicable charges were both misdemeanors, Derzis said.

Warrants are issued or refused by the circuit clerk and not the district attorneys office.

Derzis said that judging from the amount of phone calls and emails we have received from people all across the country, I know many are shocked and appalled that Ms. Russell is only being charged with two misdemeanors, despite all of the panic and disruption her actions caused.

Derzis said he shared that frustration and he will ask state lawmakers to address that issue.

The existing law only allows the charges that were filed, to be filed. I can tell you that I will be contacting our state legislators on behalf of law enforcement in Montgomery and asking them to look at this law as applied to these facts and urge them to add an enhancement to the current legislation when someone falsely reports a kidnapping or other violent crime, Derzis said.

Derzis said that due to the attention this case has garnered, Attorney General Steve Marshalls office agreed to handle case at the departments request.

We dont see this as a victimless crime, Marshall said.

There are significant hours spent, resources expended, and not only that, but the many men and women civilians who wore those yellow vests on a hot afternoon and in the evening looking for someone they thought was abducted, trying to be of assistance.

Marshall said his office will dedicate a team to help in the prosecution of the two charges.

This captured manys attention as far as not only the allegations themselves, but also the concern about a possible victim and being able to return her home, Marshall said.

How we got here:

The charges come days after Russell, through her attorney Emory Anthony, admitted that she was not kidnapped and did not see a toddler walking alone on I-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.

My client was not with anyone or with anyone at any hotel during the time she was missing, Anthony said.

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.

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 misdemeanors are punishable by not more than one year in a county jail or a year of labor in the county, according to state statutes. They also carry a fine up to $6,000.

The charges followed a Tuesday meeting between Anthony and Hoover police.

The night Carlee Russell disappeared

Russell seemingly vanished Thursday, July 13, after calling 911, and a family member, to report seeing a child, about 3 or 4 years old only wearing a diaper, walking alone on the busy interstate.

The family member reported hearing a scream, and then only interstate noise through the open cell phone line.

Russells disappearance sparked a massive search and widespread concern.

Two days later, Russell showed up alone at her parents Hoover home. She was taken to UAB Hospital for evaluation.

While at UAB Hospital, Russell told Hoover police she escaped the clutches of a man and woman who abducted her.

Authorities determined Russell left her job at Woodhouse Day Spa  from which she has since been fired  after taking a robe, toilet paper and a small amount of cash.

She ordered food from Tazikis at The Colonnade. Carlee then traveled to Target on U.S. 280 where she bought some granola bars, Cheez-its, and a drink.

She remained in the parking lot there until 9:21 P.M., then drove to I-459.

Russell called 911 at 9:34 p.m. She then called her brothers girlfriend, and about 9:36 p.m. went missing.

No one else ever reported seeing a toddler there.

Russell traveled approximately 600 yards while on the phone with 911.

Police found Russells wig, cell phone and purse near her vehicle. Her Apple Watch was in her purse.

The food from Tazikis was in her car. Items from Target, as well as the items taken from the spa, were not at the scene.

What Carlee Russell originally told police

In her interview after her return, Russell told police she was abducted.

She told detectives that while traveling down the interstate, she saw a baby walking down the side of the road and called 911. When she got out of her vehicle to check on the child, a man came out of the trees, Derzis previously said.

That man then picked her up and she screamed. He then made her go over a fence. He then forced her into a car and the next thing she remembers is being in the trailer of an 18-wheeler. She stated that the male was with a female, however she never saw the female, only hearing her voice. She also told detectives she could hear a baby crying, he said.

She told detectives the male had orange hair with a big bald spot on the back. She was able to escape the 18-wheeler and fled on foot, only to be captured again and put into a car, Derzis said.

Carlee Russell was seen leaving her attorney's office in Birmingham Friday morning ahead of a Hoover police news conference. Also seen leaving attorney Emory Anthony's office with Carlee Russell were her parents, Talitha and Carlos Russell. https://t.co/wmghJcK6bS pic.twitter.com/ZAXmS0aY24  WVTM 13 (@WVTM13) July 28, 2023

She said that they took her into a house and made her get undressed. She believes they took pictures of her, but she does not remember them having any physical or sexual contact with her. She stated that the next day, she woke up and was fed cheese crackers by the female, according to Derzis.

She stated the woman also played with her hair, but she could not remember anything else.

She was put back in a vehicle that she claims was able to escape from while it was west Hoover area. She told detectives that she ran through lots of woods until she came out near her residence, the chief said.

Detectives noted that Carlee had a small injury to her lip, and she complained of her head hurting. She also had a tear in her shirt. Detectives also noted that she had $107 in cash in her right sock.

Russells parents, Talitha and Carlos Russell, made an appearance on the Today show two days after Russell returned home, maintaining she had been abducted. They have since declined comment.
An Alabama man convicted of capital murder in the brutal 1999 murders of two high school seniors in the Wiregrass has been denied his request for a new trial.

Dale County Circuit Judge William Bill Filmore on Thursday entered his order denying 49-year-old Coley McCraneys request. The judge did not give any reason for the denial.

Attorneys for McCraney had requested the new trial citing jury misconduct and the possible use jurors using cell phones during the trial.

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall on Friday responded to the judges ruling.

I am proud to live in a state that has zero tolerance for those who callously take the lives of others, said Marshall said. In Alabama, we will never give up our relentless pursuit of justice for victims and their families.

Marshall served as the lead prosecutor at McCraneys trial earlier this year.

McCraney  who lived his life crime-free and built a family in the 20 years following the murders - was convicted in April of four counts of capital murder in the shooting deaths of Tracie Hawlett and J.B. Beasley.

The convictions were for two counts of capital murder-vehicle, one count of capital murder-rape, and capital murder of two or more persons.

Filmore in June sentenced McCraney to life without parole, which followed the recommendation of the jury. Prosecutors had sought the death penalty.

In their motion for a new trial, the defense attorneys contend the court erred when it allowed at least two jurors to remain in the jury pool even after they said should there be a penalty phase, they would start at voting for death and would require the defense to move them from the death penalty to life without parole.

Also, the attorneys said, two of the jurors were posting on their Facebook page accounts during the trial and one of them was actually posting to the social media site during actual deliberations.

Facebook was saturated with information about this trial and could not have been accessed during the duration of said trial without seeing posts specifically about this trial, the attorneys wrote.

Another juror was seen texting, scrolling and/or generally operating a smart watch throughout the duration of the trial, the motion states.

Additionally, during deliberations, the jury sent questions to the court including an inquiry about a Brady Violation indicating that the jury was researching and/or relying on outside information which was a direct violation of the judges instructions.

McCraney was arrested for the slayings in 2019 after authorities say a DNA match was found through a family DNA website in a genealogy search.

The murders of the girls haunted the Wiregrass region for decades and been given national exposure on television networks throughout the years.

The friends, both 17, were on their way home from Beasleys birthday party when they got lost in Ozark on July 31, 1999.

According to Hawletts mother, Carole Roberts, the girls had been lost and could not understand the directions they were given before stopping at a convenience store in Ozark. They had been on their way home from a party in Headland.

The girls were found the next day inside the trunk of Beasleys black Mazda 929, on the side of Herring Avenue about one block away from the Dale County hospital.

Both girls had each been shot once to the head, but there were no other signs of foul play. The girls jewelry, purses and money were not missing and state forensics experts at the time said neither girl had been raped.

Within a week, police announced a nationwide, 24-hour hotline to received tips and a reward fund quickly grew to $15,000 in donations from area residents. Then-Alabama Gov. Don Siegelman announce another $10,000 in state funds.

In the years immediately after the killing, investigators conducted more than 500 interviews, overworked forensics experts and tested the DNA of more than 70 potential suspects.

At the time of McCraneys 2019 arrest, Police Chief Marlos Walker said the 2018 arrest of the alleged Golden State Killer through use of a genealogy and DNA database sparked the chain of events that led to the break in the Alabama cold case.

The department reached out to Parabon NanoLabs in Virginia, which specializes in DNA engineering.

Police said they started the process in August 2018, and it culminated in the arrest of Coley McCraney, a truck driver who spent some time in the military and has led a crime-free, low-profile life up until the time he was taken into custody.

McCraney took the stand in his own defense during the week-long trial.

WDHN reported that McCraney testified that he had consensual sex with Beasley.

He said they had previously met her at the Wiregrass Commons Mall almost two months prior to the murders, and the two planned to meet at the Ozark gas station at 10 p.m. on July 31, 1999.

When Beasley was late, he said he went to his mothers house to wait on a call from Beasley but never received one.

McCraney says after leaving his mothers house at around 11:30 p.m. to head home, his alternator gave out and the car broke down at the same gas station where he finally saw Beasley and Hawlett at a pay phone, the television station reported.

After talking to Beasley for a few minutes, he got in her car and gave the girls directions to Highway 231, after which they stopped at another gas station next to the highway where his semi-truck was parked, where he and Beasley had sex in the cab of his truck.

McCraney testified that after he and Beasley had consensual sex, the girls drove him to his house at around 12:45 a.m. and they went their separate ways.
Friday is the deadline for objections in federal court to Alabamas new congressional map, approved by the Legislature during a special session last week.

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in June that the map used in last years elections most likely violates the Voting Rights Act because it dilutes the influence of Black voters. One-fourth of Alabamians are Black but only one of the seven congressional districts has a majority Black voting age population.

The court said that to fix the likely Voting Rights Act violation, the state needed a second majority Black district or something quite close to it, creating two districts where Black voters had an opportunity to elect a candidate of their choice, which means a Democrat.

Republican lawmakers passed a new map last week that leaves District 7 as the only majority Black district. Democrats opposed the plan and said it would not fix the likely Voting Rights Act violation.

On Thursday, plaintiffs led by Alabama Senate Minority Leader Bobby Singleton, D-Greensboro, filed their objection to the new map and suggested a map they proposed during the special session.

The Singleton plan proposes District 6 in central Alabama as the second opportunity district for Black voters. The plan would end the longtime practice of splitting Jefferson County, with a redrawn District 6 including all the county and a slice of north Shelby County.

The Black voting age population in the reconfigured District 6 would be 40%. But the preferred candidates for Black voters, Democrats, have received more votes than their Republican opponents in most of the general elections held since 2012 in the redrawn district, Singletons lawyers told the court. Thats because Jefferson County has more white voters who support Democrats than in most other parts of the state.

An Alabama congressional map proposed by plaintiffs led by Senate Minority Leader Bobby Singleton. Supporters of the plan say District 6, which would include all of Jefferson County, and District 7 would be two districts where Black votes would have an opportunity to elect a candidate of their choice. (Mike Cason/mcason@al.com) cdcoun

Under the Singleton plan, the Black voting age population in District 7 would drop from 56% to 49%. But it would remain a district where Black voters have an opportunity to elect a candidate of their choice, giving the state two such districts in accordance with the courts instruction, Singletons lawyers wrote.

Singletons lawyers said the splitting of Jefferson County as done since 1992 is an unconstitutional racial gerrymander.

Other plaintiffs in the litigation, known as the Milligan plaintiffs and the Caster plaintiffs, backed a different plan during the legislative session.

That plan, sponsored by Sen. Vivian Davis Figures, D-Mobile, would create a second majority Black district, District 2 in southeast Alabama.

The plan passed by the Legislature increases the Black voting age population in District 2 from 30% to 40%. Republicans who backed the plan said that was to comply with the courts instructions to create a second opportunity district for Black voters. Democrats disputed that and said they would rely on the court to order a map that fixes the likely Voting Rights Act violation.

A three-judge federal district court, which made the initial finding of the likely Voting Rights Act violation affirmed by the Supreme Court, has scheduled a hearing on objections to the new map to start on August 14.

If the court rejects the new map, it is expected to order one drawn to be used in next years elections. The courts asked lawyers for the state and for the plaintiffs to submit names of cartographers the court should consider using to draw a map, should that be necessary.

Secretary of State Wes Allen has told the court a new map needs to be ready by October 1 to prepare for next years election, which has the primary on March 5.

Click here to see a zoomable view of the 2021 map, the one used in last years elections.

Click here for a zoomable view of the new map passed last week.

Read more: Which counties moved on Alabamas new congressional district map?

Alabama House speaker tells Nancy Pelosi to pipe down for calling congressional map ridiculous
Huntsville native and retired NASA astronaut Jan Davis, who flew on three shuttle missions, will be promoting her new book at its world premiere Saturday.

Davis will be appearing at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, signing copies of her book that covers both her career as well as the military service of her World War II aviator father, will also be giving a talk about the book.

The book, Air Born: Two Generations in Flight, details the experiences Davis father, Ben Smotherman, as a B-17 pilot who was shot down over Holland in July 1943 and spending 21 months as a prisoner of war. Smotherman also kept a wartime log that chronicled his flight training, combat missions and eventual capture and interrogation.

Davis flew NASA jets and spent a total of 673 hours in orbit during her three spaceflights.

Two aviators making history, Davis website said in describing the book. Two Americans serving their country. One incredible story spanning fifty years and two generations.

The book signing and Davis presentation are free and open to the public. Davis will be speaking at the rocket centers National Geographic Theater at the Davidson Center at 10 a.m. She will also be signing copies of the book, which will first be available Saturday.

Books are also available for order.

Updated today, July 28, 2023, at 4:52 p.m. with the presentation moved to the National Geographic Theater in the Davidson Center at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center.
Questions about Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnells health were renewed following a widely publicized freeze up on camera Wednesday. The event also re-ignited discussion about the 2021 Kentucky state law he pushed for ensuring that, should he vacate his seat, it would remain in Republican hands.

But Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear may not follow that law.

I would imagine you would absolutely see a lawsuit on this, Michael Abate, a Louisville attorney whos worked for the Kentucky Democratic Party (KDP) in the past, said.

That law, passed by the GOP-led legislature in 2021s Senate Bill 228, dictates that the governor select a replacement for any U.S. Senator vacating the office from a list of three provided by the state executive committee of the vacating senators party. Both of Kentuckys U.S. senators are Republicans, including Rand Paul whose term is set to expire in 2028 and McConnell whos term runs out in 2026.

Abate said Beshear would likely push back against the law in one of two ways: ignore the law and appoint the replacement himself or sue against the law.

Beshear either says, hey, Republican Party, thank you for your list, but Im appointing whoever I want and then that immediately gets challenged in court, or you could see Beshear taking the route of filing a lawsuit, Abate said.

I mean, hes got the guts to defy it, Abate added.

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell briefly left his own press conference Wednesday after pausing his remarks and freezing mid-sentence.



After sitting down in his office for several minutes, McConnell returned to the news conference and took questions from the press. pic.twitter.com/izjXvfhxgb  The Associated Press (@AP) July 26, 2023

Beshear has often challenged the states Republican legislative majority, which is dominated by roughly 80-20 GOP majorities in both chambers.

When asked about what Beshear might do should a vacancy occur, McConnells office referred to his comment to reporters after the incident that he was fine. His office also pointed to the work he was doing Thursday in Washington, delivering remarks on the Senate floor and meeting with groups like Commerce Lexington in the Capitol. A McConnell aide stated that on Wednesday the senator felt light headed and that after the freeze-up he came back and was sharp during a Q&A.

The question of whether the governor might appoint a Democrat instead of a Republican to fill a GOP-filled senate seat could become moot if Beshear loses his impending re-election challenge to Republican Attorney General Daniel Cameron. Cameron, who some consider to be a McConnell protege, shot up through the ranks of the Kentucky GOP with a decisive win to his current post in 2019.

Another attorney whos worked for the KDP concurred with Abate. Anna Whites, a Frankfort lawyer, said that a legal challenge over the vacancy replacement procedure, should one occur, is almost assured if Beshear is governor when it happens.

I think there will be immediate litigation, and I think that it will be aggressive on both sides. Itll be fun to watch, and I think it is something that should be litigated because it has probably as much impact as any election, Whites said.

Under the newly passed law, an appointment would last no longer than 18 months, requiring Kentucky to hold a special election to fill the vacancy for the remainder of the vacated term. Instead of just using the regular election process, the bill sets up a series of potential scenarios for how the next senator would be elected.

The old law stated that the governor could choose whoever they please for the post and that an election to fill the vacancy would take place during the next congressional election cycle, which takes place once every two years.

The Kentucky Senate GOP Floor Leader, Damon Thayer of Georgetown, expressed disappointment that the conversation regarding a senate vacancy was even taking place regarding the U.S. Senate minority leader.

I think it is ghoulish and morbid that the Democrats are even having this discussion. I have faith that Leader McConnells health is good and that what happened yesterday was a result of the heat and humidity in the Eastern half of this country, Thayer said.

The Kentucky Senator also suggested that the discussion is part of a pattern of Kentucky Democrats not wanting to follow the law, which he said needs to be followed regardless of peoples agreement with it or not.

He also stated that political attention in Kentucky should be squarely focused on Camerons challenge to Beshear in November.

I think its a moot point and we all need to get back to focusing politically on the governors race  and clearly the governors hearing footsteps. This is a 50/50 race and Andy Beshear knows it, Thayer said.

Jared Smith, a Democrat-aligned lobbyist and consultant who led Beshears 2015 attorney general campaign, emphasized that mandating that the governor pick from a list created by someone else goes against the governors traditionally-assigned power to make appointments.

Smith said that hed say the same thing if it was a Republican governor in the same situation who had to face the prospect of replacing a senator of the opposite party.

Smith added that its no secret in the Capitol halls that Beshear might defy the 2021 bill, Smith said.

If Mitch does leave office, I think (Beshear) will appoint who he wants to appoint and let them challenge it in court. Thats not really a hush-hush secret in Frankfort, Smith said.

The governor already presaged such a challenge in his veto message on the bill.

Citing the U.S. Constitutions 17th Amendment  passed in 1912, the amendment states that the legislature may empower the executive to make temporary appointments to fill a senate vacancy  Beshear vetoed the bill when it was passed. That veto was later overridden on a party line vote.

In that message, Beshear pointed out that the intent of the amendment was to shift the nation away from state legislatures appointing U.S. senators and toward the voters electing their senator. He said that involving an unelected state party board in the appointment process goes against that intent and upends precedent.

The bill upends a century of precedent by delegating the power to select the representative of all Kentuckians to an unelected, unaccountable committee of an organization that represents only a fraction of Kentuckians. In doing so, Senate Bill 228 is contrary to the United States Constitution. The Seventeenth Amendment does not authorize legislatures to direct how the Governor makes an appointment to fill vacancies, and the legislature may not impose an additional qualification on who the Governor may appoint beyond the qualifications for a United States Senator set forth in the Constitution, Beshear wrote.
Many were not just killed at home. They were killed by their homes.

Angela Eason had visited Brenda Odoms tidy mobile home before. It was a place where Odoms, who had many tragedies in her life, felt safe.

In March, a tornado ripped through this small Mississippi town and people in mobile or manufactured homes were hit the hardest. Inside a mobile morgue, Eason, the county coroner, examined Odoms gaping fatal head wound. Odoms was found just outside of her collapsed mobile home that was tossed around by a tornado. Blunt force trauma killed her.

The one place she felt safe she was not, Eason said. Fourteen people died in that Rolling Fork tornado, nine of them, including Brenda Odoms, were in uprooted manufactured or mobile homes.

Tornadoes in the United States are disproportionately killing more people in mobile or manufactured homes, especially in the South, often victimizing some of the most socially and economically vulnerable residents. Since 1996, tornadoes have killed 815 people in mobile or manufactured homes, representing 53% of all the people killed at home during a tornado, according to an Associated Press data analysis of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration tornado deaths. Meanwhile, less than 6% of Americas housing units are manufactured homes, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

While the dangers of tornadoes to mobile homes have long been known, and there are ways to mitigate the risk, the percentage of total tornado deaths that happen in mobile homes has been increasing. Part of the problem is that federal housing rules that call for tougher manufactured home standards, including anchoring, only apply in hurricane zones, which is most of Florida and then several counties along the coast. Those are not the areas where tornadoes usually hit.

Auburn University engineering professor David Roueche called manufactured homes in non-coastal places death traps compared to most permanent homes when it comes to tornadoes.

So far this year, at least 45 of the 74 people killed in the U.S. by tornadoes were in some form of manufactured housing when they died, according to NOAA data.

The first tornado deaths this year were in Alabama in January, killing seven people, all in mobile homes. All but one were thrown at least 1,000 feet from their homes, with the seventh person thrown at least 500 feet, said Ernie Baggett, the former emergency management chief for Autauga County. Less than 100 yards from where four of those people died was a permanent home that had little more than shingle damage, he said.

When the wind hits the mobile homes, its like a house of cards. They just crumble, Baggett said.

The manufactured housing industry  which disputes that theres any disproportionate danger  insists on calling the structures manufactured homes if they are built after hurricane-based federal standards in 1976 and mobile homes if they are built before, saying age of the home matters.

Tornado experts say most tornadoes should be survivable.

You just have to be in some structure thats attached to the ground. And then no matter what the tornado throws at you, you have really good odds, said NOAA social scientist Kim Klockow-McClain.

But in manufactured homes even the weakest tornadoes are killing people in mobile homes in large numbers, more than a dozen experts in meteorology, disasters and engineering told The Associated Press.

More than 240 people in mobile homes in the past 28 years have died in tornadoes with winds of 135 mph or less, the three weakest of the six categories of twisters, the AP analysis found. Thats 79% of the deaths at home in the weaker tornadoes.

The whole structure is rolling or flying through air. Youve got dressers falling on top of you. Youve got the entire structure thats trying to crush you, said Roueche.

The South has mobile homes scattered about the countryside in ones and twos, making centralized tornado shelters less effective and likely to be built, said Vanderbilt University tornado expert Stephen Strader and Northern Illinois meteorology professor Walker Ashley.

Our study of the Lee County Alabama EF4 tornado found that 19 of the 23 deaths were in manufactured homes (all built after 1994), Strader said. All of those deaths were due to a lack of anchoring or a floor-to-wall connection. There have been many prior studies that have illustrated that these homes are failing at lower wind loads than permanent homes.

Anchoring mobile homes to the ground is key and the strongest anchoring is more expensive, said former Alabama emergency official Jonathan Gaddy, now a professor at Idaho State University.

Why does that matter? Well, it explains why we havent fixed the problem with anchoring because nobody can fix the problem and still make money. Thats the bottom line, Gaddy said.

Manufactured Home Institute Chief Executive Officer Lesli Gooch said the industry is very clear about the importance of anchoring.

Were very focused on making sure that there are minimum installation standards in the states, Gooch said.

Northern Illinois Ashley said lack of state regulations and inspections, especially in much of the South, is a big problem.

Improvements in federal codes that went into effect in 1976, 1994 and 2008 make a big difference, Gooch said, arguing the NOAA data the AP analyzed and that scientists use lump different ages of manufactured homes together and tar them with the problems of the oldest ones.

Vanderbilts Strader said Goochs argument that newer mobile homes are safer is proven wrong by a study that he and Roueche did of the fatalities of a March 2019 tornado in Alabama and published in the journal Natural Hazards Review. In that tornado 19 of the 23 deaths were in manufactured homes, all built after 1994 and all due to lack of anchoring, he said.

If Gooch were right, the percentage of tornado deaths at home in mobile homes would be going down with time and they are not, NOAA National Severe Storms Lab tornado scientist Harold Brooks said.

One of the big problems, Strader, Ashley and Roueche said, is that the federal rules that call for tougher manufactured home standards, including anchoring, only apply in hurricane zones. Most tornado-prone areas, including almost all of Alabama, Oklahoma, Missouri, Texas and Mississippi are in the zone with the most lax standards.

The problem is worsening in the South because tornadoes have been moving more from the Great Plains to the mid-South in recent decades and will likely to continue to do so with climate change a possible factor, studies show. Alabama has the most tornado deaths by far.

A lack of shelters is another big issue. A relatively new law in Alabama could be a model for states to address this. The law gives liability protection to buildings like churches and stores that open up in an emergency as a shelter if specifically-built shelters arent available.

When this years first deadly tornado struck just outside Montgomery, Alabama, Autauga County had about 30 minutes warning but no safer places to send people, said Ernie Baggett, the countys former emergency management chief. Seven people in mobile homes died.

The tornado continued into neighboring Elmore County, which had already set off its 30 warning sirens, used a mass notification system to make 16,772 calls to phones in the danger area and opened up 16 churches and other safer places.

People went into the temporary shelters. Homes were destroyed, but no one died.
Carlee Russells defense attorney, Emory Anthony, on Friday said he expects the next step following the filing of two misdemeanor charges in her staged disappearance to be a court date sometime in October.

Asked about the involvement of the Attorney Generals Office, Anthony said, Im surprised but I dont know why he is being called in. I guess you would have to ask the City of Hoover why theyre calling AGs office in to prosecute.

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall said his office handles cases across the state and has jurisdiction throughout on both misdemeanors and felonies.

Its not uncommon, he said. We intend to fully prosecute this case. We will continue to monitor this investigation and determine whether there are any additional charges that need to be brought.

Anthony met with Russell and her parents Friday morning at his Birmingham office and then they drove to Hoover to undergo the booking process.

Like any person whos charged with something, shes very concerned. She still has to address some issues, Anthony said.

Her parents are concerned about their child, the same way they were concerned when they went through the incident thinking she was missing, he added.

Nothing changes as far as being a parent, he said.

They realize now their daughter is being charged with something and Carlee realizes shes being charged with something, so shes frightened.

Russell, who just days ago turned 26, was booked and released on charges of false reporting to law enforcement authorities and falsely reporting an incident.

The Class A misdemeanors are punishable by not more than one year in a county jail or a year of labor in the county, according to state statutes. They also carry a fine up to $6,000.

Nobody gets prepared to be charged with anything. I havent seen any of my clients prepared, but she went through the process, Anthony said.

And I want to say thanks to Hoover for allowing her to go through the process and be done quickly.
A woman visiting an East Tennessee jail ended up being arrested herself when deputies caught her outside the building flashing inmates, the Washington County Sheriffs Office says.

It happened Tuesday, July 25, at the Washington County Detention Center in Jonesborough, the sheriffs office said in a July 27 news release.

Investigators say a witness called the countys communications center to report seeing a woman standing in the jails parking, exposing herself.

Deputies observed her beside her vehicle exposing various body parts in the direction of WCDC, and immediately took her into custody, the sheriffs office said.

(She) stated to deputies that she came to the jail to visit her ex-boyfriend, an inmate at the facility.

The 28-year-old was arrested without incident and charged with indecent exposure, officials said. Bond was set at $1,000, officials said.

The suspect, a single mother, lives about 100 miles southwest of the jail in Knoxville, records show.

Investigators did not report whether the suspects ex-boyfriend was watching from inside the building.

2023 The Charlotte Observer. Visit charlotteobserver.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced that Aaron Wade Knight, 31, of Noble, Louisiana, has been sentenced for making threats of violence against employees with the Sabine Medical Center (SMC) and the Veterans Administration (VA). Knight was convicted in February 2023 by a federal jury in Shreveport.

READ NEXT: Two Tennessee Law Enforcement Officers Charged with Federal Civil Rights and Obstruction Offenses in Excessive Force Case

Knight was sentenced yesterday by United States District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote to 27 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release for making these threats of violence. The charges Knight was convicted of stem from incidents which both occurred on June 1, 2022, when he made threats of violence against employees of the SMC in Many, Louisiana, and the VA in Shreveport and Alexandria.

The first incident occurred in the morning hours of June 1 when Knight, who was living in Virginia at the time, called the VA hot line in Alexandria and spoke to a nurse who was working the call center. Knight proceeded to tell the nurse that he was upset about a bill he had received for a hospital visit a few weeks earlier at the SMC.

As the conversation continued, Knight became more agitated and made the comment to her, "What do I need to do, do I need to blow up this place to get some help?" Out of concern about the threatening comments Knight made to her, the nurse contacted a patient advocate with the VA in Shreveport who had worked with Knight before.

The patient advocate then contacted Knight out of concern about the comments he had made moments earlier to the nurse. During the phone call, Knight became angry with the patient advocate and began to shout and made the following threatening statement to her, "do I need to go up there and shoot these motherf***rs in the f***ing face."

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Many Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys J. Aaron Crawford and Andrew Weber.

READ MORE: Defendant on the Run for 12 Years Extradited from Spain to Face Child Pornography Charges in Miami Federal Court

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Birmingham firefighters are battling a massive blaze Thursday night at a business in Smithfield, officials said.

Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service personnel received a call of a commercial fire in the 700 block of 1st Avenue North around 9:36 p.m. Thursday, said Capt. Orlando Reynolds.

Firefighters encountered lots of fire and smoke at the one-story commercial building, Reynolds said.

They are in a defensive posture right now, the captain said, indicating that it was not yet safe for firefighters to enter the building.

There were no injuries and no one was trapped, Reynolds said.

One person was on the roof of an adjacent building but firefighters were able to get them out of harms way, the captain said.
Alabama state Sen. Tim Melson, R-Florence, suffered a heart attack Thursday in South Korea, where he was trying to recruit businesses and STEM teachers to Alabama, according to multiple news reports.

Melsons colleague, state Sen. Keith Kelley, R-Anniston, confirmed the incident on social media.

I ask for your prayers for my friend Senator Tim Melson, Kelley wrote on his Facebook page. He had a heart attack and we need your prayers for him and his family. Thank you.

Multiple news outlets reported Melson was in South Korea with other state lawmakers on the recruiting trip when he suddenly collapsed in a coffee shop.

State Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, who was among the legislators on the trip, administered CPR to Melson, WAFF reported.

Efforts to reach Orr were not immediately successful.

Paramedics took Melson to a rural hospital along the demilitarized zone. He is set to be transferred to a larger hospital in Seoul. Melson is a liver transplant recipient, WBRC reported.

Melsons family is traveling to South Korea to be by the senator.

Melson, a retired anesthesiologist and owner of Shoals Medical Trials, Inc., a medical research firm in Sheffield, was elected in 2014 and re-elected in 2018 and 2022.

Melson and Rep. Mike Ball, R-Madison, sponsored the medical cannabis legislation Gov. Kay Ivey signed into law in 2021.

Melson first offered the bill in 2019. That led to establishment of a Medical Cannabis Study Commission that held public hearings and recommended the legislation.
Former Alabama Congressman Mo Brooks said Thursday the special counsel prosecuting Donald Trump has not contacted him about the former president asking him to illegally overturn the 2020 election.

Brooks said he was mildly surprised Jack Smiths office hasnt sought him out for details on Trumps alleged crimes, adding that he would tell Smith what he knows if asked.

Yeah, if they asked me to, Id explain what I know about it. Whether its relevant or material, Im not sure, , the former congressman told NBC News. I was shocked [Trump] was so blatant about it  illegal conduct.

Brooks, who represented the Huntsville area in the House from 2011 until early January, had been a strong supporter of Trump. He was among the speakers at Trumps Save America rally, where Brooks told the crowd. The insurrection at the U.S. Capitol occurred shortly after the rally.

Brooks relationship with Trump soured when the former congressman told the crowd at a Cullman rally to move beyond the 2020 election.

Trump had initially endorsed Brooks in Alabamas GOP primary for U.S. Senate but then rescinded his backing in favor of the eventual winner, U.S. Sen. Katie Britt. The former president blamed what he perceived as Brooks lackluster campaign performance and his comments at the Cullman rally.

The former president asked the Brooks to violate the law in an effort to overturn the 2020 election, according to Brooks.

Donald Trump wanted me to do four things: advocate rescinding the election, advocate physically removing Joe Biden from the White House, advocate reinstating Donald Trump as president of the United States and advocate a new special election for president of the United States  all of which violate the U.S. Constitution and federal law, Brooks told NBC News. And after I got done explaining that to him, he withdrew his endorsement and endorsed my opponent. So Im mildly surprised none of these people have made inquiries about the details of this, but it is what it is.
President Biden on Thursday reiterated his call for Sen. Tommy Tuberville to end his months-long hold on military nominations over Defense Department policies on abortion, claiming the Alabama senator is causing a growing cascade of damage and destruction.

Meanwhile, Tuberville said his tactic is within his rights as a senator, unlike the Defense policies, which he claims can only be implemented through Congress. He also fought back against Democratic accusations that the hold is impacting military readiness.

Biden, who has previously called out Tubervilles block on more than 280 military nominations, made the comments during a speech Thursday night at the Truman Civil Rights Symposium at the National Archives in Washington.

Tune in as I deliver remarks at the Truman Civil Rights Symposium at the National Archives. https://t.co/DgHsW7Kvv8  President Biden (@POTUS) July 27, 2023

The Republican Party used to support the military, but today theyre undermining the military, the president said. The senior senator from Alabama, who claims to support our troops, is now blocking more than 300 military [nominations] with his extreme political agenda.

Biden noted Air Force Gen. C.Q. Brown, his nominee to be the first Black chairman of the joint chiefs, and Adm. Lisa Franchetti, the second woman to achieve the rank of four-star admiral and his pick to lead the Navy, are among the nominations being held up by Tuberville.

We need them, the president said of his nominees. Right now, tens of thousands of Americas sons and daughters are deployed around the world tonight, keeping us safe from immense national security challenges. But the senator from Alabama is not.

Tuberville began the hold in February over Defense policies that expand abortion access, including reimbursing military members for travel to obtain an abortion if they are serving in an area where the procedure is illegal.

Because of the hold on nominations, Biden said, the Marine Corps. is without a commandant for the first time in more than a century.

This partisan freeze is already harming military readiness, security and leadership and troop morale, the president said.

The hold is also affecting soldiers families, Biden said, including military spouses who dont know whether they can apply for a new job because they dont know where their family will be based yet.

Military families, who already sacrifice so much, [are] unsure of where or when they change stations, unable to get housing or start their kids in a new school because theyre not there yet, he said.

A growing cascade of damage and destruction all because one senator from Alabama and 48 Republicans who refuse to stand up to him, to lift the blockade over the pentagon policy offering servicemen and women and their families access to reproductive health care rights they deserve if their stationed in states that deny it, Biden said. I think its outrageous.

Tuberville claimed the facts are on his side, pointing to testimony from a commander and a general who said the move is not affecting military operations.

. @GenBoykin agrees. My holds are NOT affecting national security. https://t.co/sUE8Zv8XOQ  Coach Tommy Tuberville (@SenTuberville) July 28, 2023

. @GenBoykin agrees. My holds are NOT affecting national security. https://t.co/sUE8Zv8XOQ  Coach Tommy Tuberville (@SenTuberville) July 28, 2023

Alabamas senior senator also said the hold is not unprecedented, referencing Sen. Tammy Duckworths, D-Ill., pause on 1,200 military promotions:

There is ample, bipartisan precedent for what I am doing to block the Pentagons abortion policy  including from the very Democrat senators complaining the loudest.



Just look at @SenDuckworth in 2020:https://t.co/m0Bg5TLGL3  Coach Tommy Tuberville (@SenTuberville) July 28, 2023

Duckworth held up more than 1,200 promotions, demanding that then-Defense Secretary Mark Esper confirm in writing that he did not block the promotion of Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman to colonel. Vindman, then the Ukraine expert during the Trump administration, listened to and reported his concerns about the call former President Donald Trump had with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The House of Representatives eventually impeached Trump over the phone call, in which he asked Zelenskyy to publicly announce an investigation into then-presidential candidate Joe Biden and his son, Hunter, in exchange for military aid.

Vindman eventually retired, having never been promoted to colonel.

Duckworth lifted her hold after two weeks after receiving assurances Vindman received no promotion backlash as a result of reporting the Ukraine phone call.

Tuberville also said the hold doesnt stop the Democratic-led Senate from moving forward on the nominations:

My holds does not prevent any nomination from being confirmed.



All of the DoD nominations can still be approved by the Senate, but the Majority Leader must make time for them to be considered on the floor.  Coach Tommy Tuberville (@SenTuberville) July 28, 2023

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., could invoke procedural moves to circumvent the hold, but Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I., told the Associated Press that it would take at least 84 days to confirm all the nominees if the Senate worked eight hours a day or at least 27 days if the chamber toiled around the clock.
If SCOTUS recent ruling striking down President Bidens relief plan still has you reeling, then the Broke & Bothered newsletter is for you. Join Reckons Alexis Wray as she questions the legitimacy of student loans, gives you tools to take action and shares stories from real people most impacted: Enter your email to subscribe.

While scrolling Twitter  ahem, X  taking in all the UFO content, I ran across a gem:

Im not paying student loans if there are aliens sorry, posted Braxton Brewington, press secretary of The Debt Collective, a debt-elimination advocacy group.

The broke and bothered second this alien motion.

Whats your highly ridiculous yet fully substantive reason for not paying back your student loans? Slide in my Twitter DMs and let me know.

Join me as we dive into student loan debt myths and other predatory factors that leave us both broke and bothered.

The Big Payback

Student loan debt forgiveness has been the subject of a lot of talk for the past three years, leaving many borrowers with questions about whats true and false.

Hopefully, these 4 common myths on student loan debt can give you the tools you need to hold the feet of the loud and wrong to the fire.

Myth: Ill have to pay on past interest from my paused loans

If you have federal student loans that have been paused since March 2020 by the U.S. Department of Education, there is no current plan that borrowers will have to pay interest from the last three years.

Myth: If I dont pay my student loans back my credit wont be impacted

Student loans can impact your credit similarly to other loans, but student loan servicers offer an ounce more grace before reporting borrowers for making late payments or not making any at all.

If you have not paid your loan in 30 days, late fees will be applied to your balance. After 90 days, federal student loan servicers will report delinquencies to major national credit bureaus, but private lenders will report borrowers after 30 days  Equifax, TransUnion and Experian.

Myth: My loans are discharged when my college or university closes

Borrowers who were enrolled at a college or university that recently closed, were on an approved leave of absence or they withdrew 180 days before the school closed could be eligible for the discharge of their federal student loans.

Myth: Young adults are the only borrowers struggling to pay back their loans

With more than 43 million Americans living with student loans, this crisis affects a range of generations struggling to repay their debt.

While young borrowers like Gen Z (1997 to 2012) will have to contend with higher monthly bills and the immediate shock from the payment pause ending, Gen X (1965 to 1980) still holds the largest share of federal student debt, with an outstanding amount of $525.3 billion. Millennials (1981 and 1996) came in second, collectively owing $482.4 billion in student loans.

I aint got it

I ain't got it.

When student loan debt payments resume, for a lot of people it will mean their lives are turned upside down and inside out. Understanding the weight of this debt, Reckon asked readers like you who are worried about their finances, future, family and more to tell us what debt relief would mean for them. Each week, well share a story that provides a glimpse into a borrowers life.

Name: Hannah O.

Student loan debt: $75,000

Location: Oregon

Age: 28

If debt payments resume: My spouse (whose loans we will also make payments on) and I will barely make it. I work for my local county, and he is a small business owner. We prioritize paying our bills and spend little on eating out or items we dont need.

It is difficult not to feel like I was duped by the higher education system; I have a masters degree and it is not giving me the financial power I was promised. Its hard to feel that my advanced degree is valuable when the cost is so high.

A movement for your money

Being broke takes away our capacity to live the quality of life we all deserve and when unforeseen and predatory factors pop up  it only exacerbates the already thin budgets we skate by on daily.

For example, when a boot is placed on your tire.

Well, there are people fighting back in creative ways to free your tire from the shackles of private parking enforcement companies in Georgia, the Boot Girls in Buckhead. The Boot Girls in Buckhead charge $50 and use a legal key, according to the Atlanta Police Department, to unlock metal car boots and save drivers hundreds of dollars with their business.

A friend who frees us from brokenness is a friend indeed.

Go follow them on Instagram in case you need a boot removed in the future.



Borrowers are worried about the future of affording and paying back their student loans. Are you one of them? Share your story and thoughts here with Reckon.
Is it not a fact (with regard to the United States vs the State of Texas floating barrier case) that the State of Texas can invoke Rule 201, judicial notice, establish the DOJs Complaint originates under Congress power to regulate commerce, and then proceed to require the DOJ establish to the Court what commerce has been disrupted by the floating barrier erected by the State of Texas, under Article I,  10, Clause 3, and done so to protect the general welfare of the State of Texas and its citizens?





JWK





The Constitution is the act of the people, speaking in their original character, and defining the permanent conditions of the social alliance; and there can be no doubt on the point with us, that every act of the legislative power contrary to the true intent and meaning of the Constitution, is absolutely null and void. ___ Chancellor James Kent, in his Commentaries on American Law, 1858.
Rep. Pramila Jayapal, Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, recently called Israel a racist state. Rep. Ilhan Omar said, We have seen unthinkable atrocities committed by the US, Hamas, Israel, Afghanistan, and the Taliban. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, as well as other members of the left-wing Squad and regularly write anti-Israel tweets with little pushback or consequence.

Theyre not the only ones in Congress who cozy up to the anti-Israel side. F*** Zionism. And F*** you too, France, wrote CAIRs National Strategic Communications Director and Chicago chapter director Ahmed Rehab in 2019, after the French parliament adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism. In 2021, numerous far-left politicians participated in CAIR-Chicagos annual fundraiser; Illinoiss Senator Dick Durbin praised the organization as the leading Muslim community organization in the area, and claimed it had also been at the forefront of so many issues, protecting civil liberties, informing your voters, providing services to the community.

Why do our politicians, specifically our Democrat ones, pander to those who seek Israels destruction and then; arent we strategic allies? If Israel goes, wont America follow? How much longer does Israel (and then America) have if we dont lay down red lines that dare not be crossed? In a world where everything is seemingly fungible or expedient, never say never means little. Israels population is just under 10 million; the Middle East as a whole is over 400 million. We see support for Israel grow and then wane, depending on the price of oil and how united the opposition is.

If a certain faction of our policymakers treat solemn oaths as violable, it stands to reason that nothing is sacredcertainly not American tradition and heritage. Turns out that unbreakable bond can be broken, when you have Democrats and the regressive left at the helm of the government.

President Trumps Abraham Accords only came to pass as a consequence of his own policy change, which severed the link between the normalization of Islamist nations as being a solution to the Palestinian problem. In the past, Palestinian National Authority (PNA) president Yasser Arafat and his successors had numerous opportunities to facilitate peace with Israel. However, it was never in the interest of militant groups such as Hamas, or countries like Iran, to allow that to come to pass. While Trumps delinking led to immediate peace with several Arab countries, the Abraham Accords are now moribund under Joe Biden.

I lived and worked in Israel before and during the Persian Gulf War. The divide between Israel and the rest of the Middle East is more than geographic: Israel is the only democratic nation in the region; it has survived despite the long odds against it; and it is the only homeland in the world for the Jewish people. The area of Israel is 8,550 square miles, including all the disputed areas. For perspective, Israel is about the size of New Jersey, one of the smallest states in our Union. The width of Israel at its narrowest point is only six miles wide. That has been used to Israels detriment through numerous invasions and wars. Israel is tough to defend.

Culturally, Israel may have changed a bit since I was there. However, between people I know still in-country, plus what anyone can read in open stacks, the narrative reflects that the hostility between Israel and the Palestinians continues at a fever pitch. Israel is democratic; the Palestinian territories are not. And the Iranian-funded Hamas, the terrorist group that calls for the annihilation of Israel and the death of every Jewish man, woman, and child, still controls the Gaza Strip to the west.

The West Bank is nominally controlled by the PNA, which is an apparatus of Arafats historically violent Fatah party. (Arafat was formerly the head of the Palestine Liberation Organization, and was the first president of the PNA.) Arafat was both a nationalist and a socialist, and todays PLA is primarily run on a socialist model.

It is essential to understand why Israel, which admittedly has socialist roots, and the Palestinian territories are culturally and radically different. It is as if you lived in New York City and crossed the Hudson into Haiti. Its that extreme of a difference, and it is the root of the disaffection. Palestinian children are taught that Israel is an abomination in Allahs eyes and that its destruction will please him.

In nearby Tehran, Iranian Mullahs debate how and when nuclear fire will purify Israel. The unthinkable to Western democracies is very thinkable in Iran. Americas, and much of Europes calculations, are fatally flawed by a belief that Iran will inevitably act in its own self-interest and not risk annihilation if a nuclear strike on Israel were to happen.

The former JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action) was a creation of the Obama Administration, but was never ratified by Congress. It would have allowed Iran to acquire nuclear weapons eventually. Iran ran circles around us by restricting how we could police the agreement, allowing Iran to continue its nuclear program and secretly develop IRBMs and ICBMs. Worst of all, Obamas poor leadership allowed the reign of terrorism to continue unabated. We even funded all of this with the release of $150 Billion, which included the hush-hush delivery of pallets of cash totaling $400 million directly to Iran as a last-minute requirementand this was just the first installment. Obamas actions proved to Irans government and people, the West was weak.

A quick review of where we are with Iran today looks much like we were before. Iran is hijacking ships in the Straits of Hormuz, testing new delivery systems for a future atomic bomb, developing highly enriched fissile material, and fighting a proxy war in Yemen; it seeks to continue destabilizing the rest of the Middle East, calculating evermore ways to destroy Israel in a blinding flash. Why would we believe otherwise?

Through a lack of vision, leadership, and competing interests, our country is divided; we are unsure of ourselves and our standing in the world. Our enemies across the globe understand this is a unique time in history becauseAmerica is so vulnerable. To borrow an old adage: Never interfere with an enemy while hes in the process of destroying himself.

We face no greater enemy than ourselves. Our political process is rudderless, whether for political gain, individual vanity, or greed. Without a quick course correction, we may soon face existential challenges of our own making. With the deliberative process and our leadership broken, we flail about seeking to calm the water in whatever manner is easiest to gain essential support, no matter how debased the process becomes or how temporary the outcomes.

Israel exists only by the grace and suffrage of the United States of America. If, or when, the day comes that our countrys divisions, already clearly visible, embolden an enemy enough, Israel will cease to exist in that blinding flash of light. I can already hear the cheers from some portions of the world. But that delight will be short-lived. Israel possesses a failsafe that guarantees their retaliatory might in submerged ballistic submarines, carefully protected missile silos, and other unidentified means to punish the world. This second holocaust, made in much the same way as the first, can and will happen when the world again averts its eyes. Only this time, tens or hundreds of millions would pay for their disinterest.

I can already hear those who will say, If I had only known. We already know. If this comes to pass, Iran meant what it said; the entire world is up for grabs. Why would so many disbelieve?

God Bless America!

Allan J. FeiferPatriot, Author, Businessman, and Thinker. Read more about Allan, his background, and his ideas to create a better tomorrow at www.1plus1equals2.com.

Image: Public domain via Wikimedia Commons.
Remdesivir may be the most despised drug in American history, earning the nickname Run Death Is Near for its lethal record during COVID. Experts claimed that it would stop COVID; instead, it stopped kidney function, then blasted the liver and other organs. Now this reviled destroyer of kidneys has been approved by the FDA for COVID treatment of kidney patients. Does anybody else feel as if the FDA is shoving its power in our faces and laughing at us?

I've been joining online support groups for people who lost loved ones to the Remdesivir Protocol  a nightmarish sequence in which a patient is isolated in the hospital, bullied into taking Remdesivir, ventilated, and then sedated to death. Thousands of Americans were killed this way, possibly hundreds of thousands.

These support groups are a deeply somber business. Grieving faces fill the screen of people who lost a parent, spouse, sibling, or child. Some speak with icy anger; some choke back sobs as they tell of the deadly abuse inflicted on their loved ones, shattering their families forever.

I asked them what they thought of the FDA's decision to approve Remdesivir for people with severe renal impairment, including dialysis. "Morally, how can you do that?" Joyce Wilson said. "It's a death sentence. They didn't care if people had kidney issues or not. My husband went into the hospital in kidney distress. They exacerbated it with Remdesivir. Then they ventilated him, and he died."

"This is absurd," Tracy Bird told me. "The FDA can no longer be trusted with any drug under any circumstances. It's all conflicts of interest. My husband Jeff had strong kidney function when he went in the hospital. They gave him Remdesivir, and three days later, he was in kidney failure."

"My daughter's story is no different than anyone else's," Denise Fritter said. "Jamie was 36 and looking forward to getting married. The hospital refused to consider any other modalities of treatment for her. They insisted on Remdesivir. Then they put her on a vent and murdered her. I think the FDA is using Remdesivir to fulfill their own agenda."

Cheri Martin, who lost her husband Steven to the protocol, chimed in with thoughts on the agenda: "They're going to use this decision as a way to clean house of renal patients and people on dialysis. It's saving a ton of money for Medicare over the next twenty years."

"I can't believe the FDA would approve this," MaryLou said. "My son was 37 years old. He went into the hospital with two blood clots, but his kidneys were functioning. They gave him Remdesivir, and in twelve hours, his kidneys stopped working, and his organs began to fail. We never saw him open his eyes again."

Michelle Conway said, "I took my husband to the E.R., and the next day, they told me he was going on Remdesivir. I said absolutely not. I wanted him on other treatments, but they refused all of it. They isolated him and told him he had to have Remdesivir or he'd die, and he agreed. I got to watch his last rites over a video conference. I know he was murdered by Remdesivir."

A woman I'll call Maya joined the support group for the first time to share her story. She's a survivor of the hospital protocol, and there aren't many of those. "I refused Remdesivir, and I refused the ventilator. But they find other ways to take you out. The doctors were pissed at me. They called my husband to pressure him. They fear-monger you with all these lies. And they pull your loved ones away from you. I was all by myself trying to make decisions."

The discussion often turned to the weird carelessness and indifference to standard medical procedures in the hospitals during COVID. "Multiple times in my husband's record, it said he was not a candidate for Remdesivir," Lisa said. "They gave it to him anyway, and he went into renal failure and died."

"The Remdesivir fact sheet clearly states that it may cause kidney and liver failure. And that's exactly what happened to my husband Richard," Michelle Strassburg said. "They're doubling down on this preposterous decision. I'm at a loss for words."

"It's so important that in their own literature of Remdesivir, they state that it's supposed to be given early," Catherine said. "Yet they kept stalling my husband. They sent him home and said to sign up for monoclonal antibodies. But when he showed up for it, they said they were too backed up. By the time he was hospitalized, he was really sick. They gave him Remdesivir, and he had a stroke."

Everyone in the group knows about the financial incentives that drove the hospital's insistence on Remdesivir. The federal government paid hospitals a staggering 20% bonus on the entire hospital bill of patients treated with Remdesivir. They also handed out lavish extra payments for ventilating patients. And, perhaps most tellingly, the feds rewarded hospitals with more money for patients who died of COVID instead of those who were healed.

Gregory Gandrud, the treasurer of the California Republican Party, understands financial incentives well. He explained the money behind his hospitalization. "They gave me $37,000's worth of Remdesivir, but it obviously didn't help because I wound up on a ventilator. My hospital bill was $920,000 for the 44 days I was there. Nobody offered me ivermectin, which is cheap, effective, has no side effects, and you can take at home."

Many in the group expressed frustration at trying to get justice. The PREP Act indemnified medical institutions from any actions they took during the federally declared COVID emergency. Lawyers are reluctant to take cases because they don't see how to break through the hospitals' indemnity shield.

After the support group, I spoke with Jamie Scher, who told me that her legal team was ready to file a complaint against Gilead today. Gilead is the lucky maker of Remdesivir, enjoying fabulous profits from this previous loser of a drug, which turned into a billion-dollar winner during COVID.

Jamie said she has over 1,000 plaintiffs, and, unfortunately, the list is growing daily. She's working hard to raise funds for the lawsuit; people interested in finding out more can visit her website at myerandscher.com.

Another way to circumvent the PREP Act may be to get malpractice insurance carriers to not insure hospitals and doctors for the use of this protocol and lethal drugs like Remdesivir. Jamie said prosecutors could then hold them accountable for intentionally killing people, knowing that these drugs do not help; they only harm.

I confess that after these support groups, I find it difficult to sleep. I keep reliving the anguish of these wonderful people. "They think we're stupid," I hear Erin say. Denise's sobs echo in my head, as she cries, "Why did God take my daughter from me? I'll never know." But her voice strengthens as she adds, "I do know we're all warriors in a spiritual battle." And Catherine offers words of hope: "Despite it all, I believe we're going to get justice."

Follow Stella on Twitter at @StellaPaulNY. Email: StellaPaulNY@gmail.com.

Image: qimono via Pixabay, Pixabay License.
The average Western household is hardly aware of busybodies plans to ban or sabotage convenience appliances, from dishwashers to leaf-blowers. They also dont know that, for years, the water flow in US showerheads is restricted so that they dont fully enjoy their showers. In the same way, in Europe, vacuum cleaners are less powerful than required for best performance.

A recent article in the National Review entitled The War on Things that Work describes a crusade by what the article calls the Environmentalist Left against convenience and against things that work.

But even more than convenience, the people behind the ungodly and anti-human ideology of Wokeism are after things that we, the humans, crave. They are after our joy.

The justification to reduce joy is often, although not solely, Climate or limited resources, but this nihilistic ideology invariably seeks and finds the rationale to oppose the things that make humans happy.

Life under leftism image by Pixlr AI.

Climate zealots in power harass pizzerias based on ludicrous reasoning precisely because of the joy of a freshly-made pizza to the ordinary man and woman, but no one seems to target the French Laundry. Sugar (vilified as the white death) is also bad for the climate as sugarcane crops emit nitrous oxide (N2O), a potent greenhouse gas, with a global-warming potential 300 times higher than carbon dioxide.

Affordable only to the aristocracy before the Industrial Revolution, red meat has since become attainable for the great unwashed. Its no coincidence then that climate zealots are going after meat, claiming that cow emissions are bad for the climate. In Germany, the government has a plan to limit that sausage-eating nation to 10 grams a day. Holland, Ireland, and Canada are all banning food production.

Warm, soft, and pleasant to the touch, the Woke demonize furs, even those from farm-bred animals. COVID was used to hurt the fur industry when an incident in Denmark was gleefully whipped up for the shock value by the leftstream media The Wokesters even managed to belittle the memory of the real Holocaust by calling that incident the mink holocaust.

Upper-class, haute-couture-wearing Wokesters detest the fast-fashion industry because Climate. But the real reason is that they just hate to see working-class women and girls happy. They crave misery but for you, not for them!

While hunting isnt my thing, many people enjoy hunting their own meat (or need to) rather than buying that same meat in neat, sterile packaged products in a grocery store. The Woke, therefore, have tried for decades to ban it and they constantly vilify it.

Who doesnt crave a good cuppa (and the shot of caffeine)? But hey, caffeine is addictive, and its bad for your blood pressure! And coffee is, of course, bad for the Climate.

A recent campaign to vilify the cruise ships industry was entirely predictable. After all, why should the despised plebs have good time, eat and drink, especially when theyre hurting the Climate. Only the elites can have the sun-and-sea experience on their multi-million-dollar super-yachts! Unfortunately, the cruise industry itself has sheepishly taken the proverbial knee to the Woke bullies with ads about reducing emissions and sustainable cruises. Dont they understand that the only way to placate the Woke is, well, to go under water?

Joy-destroyers have tried to curtail air conditioners and refrigerators since the 1980s with the unproven Hole in the Ozone theory and now, of course, the Climate. Instead of preventing the noon temperatures from rising by one degree from the already unlivable 50C (120F), why dont the Wokesters help the poor in the Global South have economic growth so that they buy an A/C to live in a comfortable 20C (70F)? (Hat-tip to the inimitable Alex Epstein).

As with cruise ships, the Woke shame people who fly for holidays because of Climate. An advisory report commissioned by the British parliament called to shut down all but three airports in the UK by 2030, with ordinary people not allowed to fly for holidays. All that, while the enviro-crusaders crisscross the globe in their Gulfstreams, looking down on the cattle class whom they want grounded for good. No sun and sea for you peasants!

A source of joy for children, zoos have been vilified for decades even when compliant with all regulationsand when working to protect animals and ensure their continued survival.

Freedom of movement has made America the most joyous nation on earth. Not a surprise then that the advisory report to the British parliament recommends taking away your car. Even the soulless EVs are haram as they are incompatible with sustainability goals. The electric cars themselves are only one more step to misery because they have no heart, no soul, and their target buyer hates cars.

No need to explain why erotica is a source of joy, so it must be bad for Climate. Apparently, streaming erotic videos emits the CO2 equivalent of Belgium!

For many, the greatest joy is to bring children into this world. But Wokeism shames those who want children because of Climate. Many young women are reluctant to have children because of this anti-human ideology. There is even a campaign for voluntary sterilization, though it seems to lack diversity. And somehow, the one-child-per-family-inspiring tyrant Mao had seven offspring, and glamorous enviro-crusaders like Sting have six children, David Suzuki has five, and Mr. Inconvenient Truth himself has four!

Wokeism aims to decrease the human population simply by reducing the joy that makes life livable in a hard world. We must understand and resist.
(Photo : ALEXEY DANICHEV/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Russian President Vladimir Putin offered free grain to six African nations, accusing Western powers of "outrageous" pressure to keep them away.

Despite Russian President Vladimir Putin's claim that he is sending food for altruistic reasons, the six African nations he has sent gratis grain to reflect Russia's foreign policy priorities in the region.

At a meeting with African leaders on Thursday, Putin announced that Russia would deliver between 25,000 and 50,000 tons of free maize to Burkina Faso, the Central African Republic, Eritrea, Mali, Somalia, and Zimbabwe over the next few months.

Putin Pledges Free Grain For African Countries

According to NY Times, five of these nations voted against Russia in February at the United Nations in favor of a resolution calling for an end to the conflict in Ukraine. Mali and the Central African Republic have relied on Russia's Wagner mercenaries to bolster their authoritarian administrations and are now being rewarded for their fealty to Moscow.

Burkina Faso, Russia, and the Wagner mercenaries are attempting to expand their foothold in a third country. Two others, Eritrea and Zimbabwe, are already regarded as pariahs by the West, and the prospect of grain only serves to bring them closer to Moscow.

Somalia is the only country of the six that did not stand with Russia at the United Nations in February, but its leaders have recently shown evidence of a closer relationship with Moscow.

According to Russia's state news agency, the Somali foreign minister visited Moscow in May, and the Kremlin pledged to support Somalia's demands to abolish international sanctions, including an arms embargo.

Putin stated in his keynote address at the summit, "We will be able to provide between 25,000 and 50,000 tons of grain to Burkina Faso, Zimbabwe, Mali, Somalia, the Central African Republic, and Eritrea for free in the coming months."

Per China Daily, the grain agreement enabled approximately 33 million tons of grain to depart Ukrainian ports over a year, helping stabilize global food prices and prevent shortages.

Putin promoted the two-day summit that began in Russia's second-largest city as a significant event that would help strengthen relations with a continent of 1.3 billion people that is becoming more assertive on the international stage.

The forum will give our political and humanitarian partnership a boost for many years to come. Putin met privately with Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Wednesday and announced that Russia would more than quadruple the number of Ethiopian students it sponsors and cover their education expenses.

The United States and the World Food Programme have exerted pressure on Ethiopia's government following the extraordinary decision to suspend food aid to the country earlier this year due to the discovery of massive aid theft. They seek reforms involving the relinquishment of government control over assistance distribution.

Read Also: Kim Jong Un Brags Drones, ICBMs to Moscow's Defense Minister as North Korea, Russia, and China Celebrate 'Victory' 70 Years Ago

Russia-Egypt Expands Bilateral Cooperation

Putin also visited with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi on Wednesday, praising their expanding bilateral commerce, which accounts for approximately one-third of Russia's trade with Africa.

It's the second summit between Russia and Africa since 2019. Due to what the Kremlin characterized as "crude Western pressure" to discourage African nations from participating, the number of participating chiefs of state has decreased from 43 to 17.

The Kremlin condemned "unconcealed flagrant interference by the United States, France, and other states via their diplomatic missions in African countries, as well as attempts to exert pressure on the leadership of these countries to prevent their active participation in the forum."

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged African leaders attending the summit to demand answers regarding the maize shortages that have pushed impoverished nations into crisis.

According to Vsevolod Sviridov of the Center for African Studies at HSE University, the summit will provide an occasion to exchange perspectives on crucial issues.

Related Article: Putin Declares Deployment of Nuclear Weapon to Belarus, Near Ukraine

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
According to Alternet, that august purveyor of unbiased scientific information, climate change is ruining our sex lives.

Per Alternet:

Climate change is the focus of two articles published by The New Republic on July 27: a Julia Sonenshein report on the effect climate change is having on people's sex lives, and a Pablo Manriquez piece slamming Republicans in Congress for being indifferent to climate change's effects.

Sonenshein asserts:

In climate change, we face an unimaginable threat to humanity. As humans do, however, we're living through it: We're working, we're cooking dinner, we're seeing friends, and we're having sex. But sex is changing. Birth rates are down, and some people who are forgoing parenthood cite climate change as a factor.

The truth is, birth rates in the West have been dropping for some time now, entirely unrelated to climate change/global warming. Birth rates are much higher in Africa  and other warmer regions  than they are in the U.S., Canada, Japan, and Northern Europe. Possibly because people in these areas are still able to discern the difference between males and females. If anything is leading to declining birth rates, it is wokeness, with its hyper-emphasis on homosexuality, transgenderism, and abortion, AKA the destruction of the family.

According to Sonenshein:

There is alarming evidence that climate change both directly and indirectly impacts our sexual health, including due to increased gender-based violence or disruptions in sexual or reproductive services because of extreme weather. There also exists a body of writing on the logistics of climate change and sex: It's getting hotter, so sex might become a more uncomfortable, sweatier affair.

Sonenshein adds:

But a thornier question, perhaps, is to ask how intimacy is changing in the face of impending doom. How is desire affected when the world as we know it seems to be ending in front of our eyes?

Call me a skeptic, but people have been predicting the end of the world for almost as long as there have been humans on the planet. Moreover, as is the case with wars and impending disasters, it has historically been the case that, if "tomorrow we die," then "tonight we make love." To whomever. (As for those who truly believe global warming boiling is going to make the planet essentially uninhabitable in a few short years, and therefore eschew having children? We can mock them, feel sorry for them, or both. But it is a tragedy.)

Alternet, for some unexplained reason, also quoted Meehan Crist, who teaches biological science at Columbia University in New York City. Crist apparently told The New Republic that climate change is creating an "existential dread" that affects "mental health" along with "sexuality."

Wokeism is both a sign of and a contributor to mental illness. What does it mean when a person is described as "hot" as opposed to "cold"? I guess no one ever refers to "hot sex." "Cold" and/or "clammy" sex would be much more satisfying, apparently, according to climate change alarmists. (Though I know for a fact many wives, for example, don slippers, long underwear, and a burka if it gets below 68 degrees in their homes. Steamier weather tends to lead to steamier attire.)

The Alternet article admitted:

It's true that wildfires, heatwaves and droughts in California, hurricanes in Florida, tornadoes in Kansas and Oklahoma, and blizzards in Buffalo existed long before climate change. But climate change, according to scientists, is making them more plentiful.

Pathetically, Alternet can't even get its "fairness disclaimer" correct. Wildfires, heat waves, droughts, hurricanes, tornadoes, and blizzards did not exist "long before climate change," because climate change has always existed, often in a much more rapid and aggressive manner than we're seeing today. It is frustrating when people on any side of an argument fail to logically process  and convey  information, but this is a hallmark of the left.

At this rate, there is going to be a "new republic," all right  one that bears no resemblance to the one in which we lived only a few short years ago.

Graphic credit: Geralt on Pixabay, public domain.
Academic courses have become a vehicle for Marxist ideology, using "culturally relevant teaching" demands.

California has approved new radical K12 math standards that are openly a vehicle for Marxist ideology. The stated goal is equity in math learning for non-whites and those from low-income families. The framework notes that "black, latinx, indigenous, women and poor students" have been "underrepresented in the curriculum throughout history." Equity will be implemented in the curriculum by dumbing down and sugar-coating the lessons and infusing them with political issues and student organizing.

Tom Loveless, education researcher and former Brookings Institute fellow, predicted that the new framework "would place Golden State 6th graders years behind the rest of the world  and could eventually skew education in the rest of the U.S., too."

The framework boldly states that "teaching toward social justice can play an important role in shifting students' perspectives," with reference to Constantinos Xenofontos's 2019 book Equity in Mathematics Education: Addressing a Changing World. The author notes that education for social justice has its roots in Brazilian Marxist education theorist, Paulo Freire. Xenofontos contends that teachers should "discuss controversial topics" and "allow social issues to drive instruction." To teach social justice and equity successfully, teachers must be activists themselves.

Culturally responsive teaching is to be implemented as early as transitional kindergarten  a euphemism for pre-K  "by exploring students' lives and histories and designing and implementing curricula that center contributions that historically marginalized people have made to mathematics." Rather than teach math facts and problem-solving, teachers will conduct gabfests using multicultural children's literature to show examples of what non-whites have contributed to mathematics.

Lessons are to connect math and "environmental and social justice," with students tasked to write an "opinion piece" or an "explanatory text." The framework notes that math lessons should empower students with tools "to examine inequities."

The Marxist tenet of "oppressor" and "oppressed" is addressed in the framework: "Teachers can begin with awareness that mathematics play a role in the power structures and privileges that exist within our society and can support action and positive change."

Students are to express their emotions and feelings in the "trauma-informed pedagogy" that will serve "as part of mathematics sense-making." The issue of "inclusion" is addressed by students weaving together six colored cords  "math identity rainbows"  to show classroom community spirit. Vague "big ideas," such as relationships, reign supreme over the normal course progression of arithmetic, Algebra I, geometry, Algebra II, trigonometry, pre-calculus, and so on. There will be less math facts memorization, and standard algorithms, such as long division, will be downgraded. Student self-discovery will replace explicit direct instruction.

Tom Loveless reviewed the research to determine what is cited or drawn upon and concluded that "the framework ignores the best research on K12 mathematics." It appears that the research did not support their progressive education biases.

Brian Conrad, professor of mathematics and director of undergraduate studies in math at Stanford University, spent much time reviewing the research used by the California framework. He documented many instances of false or misleading descriptions of citations from the literature that was ideology-driven rather than evidence-based conclusions.

Tom Loveless worries that the new math curriculum will influence other states. Because California is the largest textbook market in the United States, publishers are likely to produce instructional materials to cater to the state's preferences and then sell those to other school districts across the country.

Even before California's new standards, left-leaning publishers were sneaking Marxism into curricula.

Fusing political lessons into academic content, the Wit and Wisdom K5 English language arts curriculum, published by Great Minds, skillfully navigates around state bans on Marxist Critical Race Theory. Age-inappropriate lessons deal with highly charged political issues including segregation, gender fluidity, racism, violence, brutality, slavery, graphic death, suicide, cannibalism, fear, anti-Christian and anti-American sentiment, gore, and pornographic images.

The recently released "Reparations Math and Reparations History" curriculum by the 1619 Project Education Materials Collections fuses Marxist propaganda into math and history lessons. Employing math skills, students determine whether trillions of free dollars should be doled out to descendants of enslaved people in the U.S. by white taxpayers.

Once the best educated in the world, the American workforce has become the worst educated in the industrialized world, according to a policy brief by the National Center on Education and the Economy. Our workers are already at a disadvantage in competing with skilled workers of other nations. The new California math curriculum will inevitably impact the math in other states and cause further decline in the academic achievement of our workforce. That does not bode well for the future of the American economy

America's military is fast becoming the laughingstock of the world. We can add American education to that. As for crazed states, California is winning the blue ribbon hands down at all levels.

Public domain graphic via Free SVG.
CNNs Sara Sidner had Rep. Tim Burchett (R-TN) on to talk about the Houses UFOs hearings. Then, she asked him for his take on Hunter Bidens and the DOJs failed plea deal. To her manifest horror, Rep. Burchett refused to accept her claim that there was no evidence that Joe Biden was involved. This is wonderful because its high time Americans became conversant with whats really going on.

Just so people would know why she was asking her question about Hunters plea deal, Sidner boasted, I do have to ask you because Im a journalist. Burchett spoke slightingly about the DOJ, but not in a very inflammatory or interesting way. If Sidner had stopped there, all would have been well for CNN, but she didnt. Instead, she asked another question: Would you vote for an impeachment as a lot of folks are talking about in the GOP when it comes to Joe Biden?

Burchett unequivocally answered yes:

From the evidence Ive seen, I would. Maam, youre talking $10 million from Burisma. Youve got money coming from China and were not. And theyre theres no evidence of anyone even paying any taxes on this money, and its going.

Sider realized shed gone too far and tried to recover, insisting theres no connection between Hunter's acts and Joe Biden:

There's no evidence that we have all seen that has been shown to the public, that has been put forward from the Congress, from the GOP, that there are ties, very clear ties between Hunter Biden's business dealings and Joe Biden. Correct?

Burchett pushed back. The FBI's own informant was the one that that notified us of some of the most damning information, he said. Burchett was speaking of the FBIs in-house form detailing that their informant met with a Burisma executive who spoke openly about paying off stupid Hunter Biden to gain access to Joe Biden.

Image: YouTube screen grab.

Moreover, said Burchett, the massive amount of money flowing into the bank accounts of Bidens relatives, meant something. It was nothing like what happened with Trump, who was selling tough steaks and crappy ties. Here, though, What is Hunter Biden selling? Nothing but influence.

A desperate Sider offered the weakest defense known to mankind:

But couldnt he be selling that influence, sir, couldnt he be selling that influence, sir, if that is the case, without his dad knowing? In other words, selling it using the name withoutyou know what mean?

In other words, she asked, wasnt it possible that Hunter was defrauding government-connected people in Ukraine, China, and elsewhere by promising that hed have his father, then the vice president, work to alter American policy for their benefit, even though his father knew nothing of Hunters actions? To ask the question is to expose how ridiculous it is.

Burchett responded by pointing to the fact that Biden essentially admitted that he was involved when he changed his story once again What Burchett was referring to is the fact that beginning on the 2020 campaign trail, Biden insisted that he never spoke about business with his son. Now, though, Bidens flacks are saying that he was never in business with his son.

It would be nice if Burchett had expanded on that point, but he had another important issue to raise, which was the medias studied disinterest in Joes possibly being on the take. Thus, he spoke about the medias incredible double standards with the information now available, noting that tens of millions of dollars flowed to the Bidens. He concluded, lets be honestif theyd have paid that money to the Trumps you'd be asking, where's the quid pro quo?

Sider wasnt ready to give up:

Look, nothing has been made public yet that shows us all of this. When and if it is, we will get back to you, wed love to talk to you if you have the evidence to show but at this point, we havent seen, the public hasnt seen any of this hard evidence that has been brought up by members of Congress.

Burchett swatted aside this blatant misrepresentation. He spoke of Hunters well-documented multimillion-dollar haul from Burisma, and again reminded Sidner of the FBI informant.

Sidner countered that it has to be proven. Burchett, however, nailed his reply by again reminding her of the medias double standards, given that they had gone to town with the unproven, unsourced Trump dossier:

It was all hearsay and now here youve got an FBI informant, an official document showing that So, you know, we can sit here and argue about it, and I get it. You're, you know, your you've got your base. I've got mine. But I've seen the documents.

Showing a comic side that would have made Bob Hope proud, Sider bounced back with a risible claim. I dont have a base, she insisted. Im a journalist.

In 1974, Watergate dominated the news as the media obsessed about an American president engaging in corrupt activity. In 1998, because sex sells, the media blared the Lewinsky scandal. And as Rep. Burchett asserted, the media attacked Trump non-stop based on the faked Steele dossier. For Biden, though, the media play dumb.

Americas on a downward trajectory in part because Americans are apathetic, an apathy based on ignorance. While parents are becoming enraged about the transgenderism agenda being forced on their children, those without children, even as they insist they know the media are dishonest, nevertheless accept what the media say. Something needs to red pill them, and perhaps Sidners inadvertent foray into the truth will help.

Hat tip: Red State

Correction: Rep. Tim Burchett's party corrected to Republican
Currently, RFK Jr. is the fastest-rising star in the presidential candidate universe, with a tragic family history of assassination. One would think that this would qualify him for U.S. Secret Service protection under 18 U.S.C.  3056(a)(7), but one would be wrong. According to a tweet from RFK Jr., the Biden administrations Homeland Security Secretary has said no.

The biggest threat to the Biden administration today is RFK Jr., the son of Robert F. Kennedy (assassinated) and nephew of John F. Kennedy (assassinated). Rather than respecting Bidens declaration that hes running, RJK Jr. has looked at that corrupting, rotting bag of bones and thought to himself that he could do better. For those Democrats who havent drunk the hard-left Kool-Aid, hes attractive. With his Ukraine and vaccines, many conservatives like him, too.

Given RFKs suddenly increased prominence and family history, he applied for Secret Service protection under 18 U.S.C.  3056. That statute states that you dont have to be the official presidential candidate following the successful conclusion of your partys primaries to get that protection. Instead, it states in relevant part:

Image: Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. (edited). YouTube screen grab.

(a) Under the direction of the Secretary of Homeland Security, the United States Secret Service is authorized to protect the following persons: [snip] (7) Major Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates and, within 120 days of the general Presidential election, the spouses of such candidates. As used in this paragraph, the term major Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates means those individuals identified as such by the Secretary of Homeland Security after consultation with an advisory committee consisting of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the minority leader of the House of Representatives, the majority and minority leaders of the Senate, and one additional member selected by the other members of the committee. The Committee shall not be subject to chapter 10 of title 5.

In 2020, the Secret Service explained how this statutory system works. To conserve space, Ive excluded the last three factors, which are irrelevant here:

When determining whether a candidate for the Office of President or Vice President of the United States qualifies as a major candidate, the Secretary has broad discretion and may consider a variety of factors. These factors include, but are not limited to: 1.Whether the candidate has publicly announced his or her candidacy and has filed the appropriate documentation with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) and is in compliance with the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971, as amended, and related laws; 2.Whether the candidate is actively campaigning on a national basis for the office for which his or her candidacy has been announced, as demonstrated by operating a national campaign apparatus, regularly appearing at public events in multiple states, producing and publishing campaign advertisements, and other similar indicia of a campaign; 3.A threat assessment conducted by the Secret Service of general or specific threats directed towards the candidate. (for these purposes, threats should be defined as explicit threats of bodily harm to the candidate or indications of inappropriate behavior towards the candidate suggesting potential bodily harm); 4.Whether, during and within an active and competitive major party primary, the most recent average of established national polls, as reflected by the Real Clear Politics National Average or similar mechanism, the candidate is polling at 15% or more for 30 consecutive days;

Again, remember that these are discretionary factors, not mandates. RFK Jr. clearly meets the first two factors. A glance at the RealClearPolitics polling page shows that Kennedy has been steadily climbing in the national Democrat party polls, with his numbers hovering close to 15%. In other words, hes definitely a player, which also means hes a threat to Bidens current dominance.

As for the threat assessment issue, we cannot know what threats have been made against RFK Jr., if any. What we do know, though, is that we live in times crazy enough for someone to target him simply because he is a Kennedy. His family has a bad track record of political survival.

Given these factors, especially the last one, one would think that Alejandro Mayorkas, the Secretary of Homeland Security, would want to err on the side of caution. Yet thats not the case:

Since the assassination of my father in 1968, candidates for president are provided Secret Service protection. But not me.



Typical turnaround time for pro forma protection requests from presidential candidates is 14-days. After 88-days of no response and after several  Robert F. Kennedy Jr (@RobertKennedyJr) July 28, 2023

Comments from the Twitterati (Xerati?) were cynical because people (especially conservatives) felt that (a) a Kennedy is a target and (b) thats okay with Democrats:

Youre literally the poster child of why presidential candidates need protection. Theyre not even trying to hide it anymore.  Courtney (@crystalandqueue) July 28, 2023

Who can protect you from Democrats running the government?  Melissa Mackenzie (@MelissaTweets) July 28, 2023

Pretty clear what your party thinks of you Sir, and anyone for that matter that doesnt toe the party line  Mark Sullivan (@Sullie870125) July 28, 2023

When Trump ran for president, he was a lifelong Democrat who was a recent convert to the Republican party, mostly because he envisioned a return to a 1980s-style America, while hewing to his very moderate social policies, positions that no longer resonated with Democrats. Had Democrats treated him respectfully, he would almost certainly have been a moderate. However, they attacked him with such fury that he was inevitably pushed to the right. Wouldnt it be interesting if exactly the same thing happens to a Kennedy?
Thanks to the Twitter Files, government whistleblowers, and the dogged determination of a few investigative journalists, the American public is well aware that the federal government, primarily under the Biden administration, has engaged in outright censorship, violating Americans' fundamental right to freedom of speech.

Moreover, as documented in a recent ruling by U.S. district judge Terry Doughty, the Biden administration, "coerced, significantly encouraged, and/or jointly participated [with] social-media companies to suppress social-media posts by American citizens that expressed opinions that were anti-COVID-19 vaccines, anti-COVID-19 lockdowns, posts that delegitimized or questioned the results of the 2020 election, and other content not subject to any exception to the First Amendment. These items are protected free speech and were seemingly censored because of the viewpoints they expressed."

In short, this is a blatant violation of the U.S. Constitution, which specifically prevents the government from directly or indirectly facilitating the suppression of free speech. Furthermore, it raises questions as to what else the Executive Branch has done, or is doing, behind the scenes to diminish, and in some cases silence, the speech of American citizens that it deems counterproductive to its policy objectives.

Fortunately, a simple bill (incredibly, it is only 19 pages) has been introduced that would drive a stake through the heart of this completely un-American practice of free speech suppression.

The bill, aptly named the Free Speech Protection Act, was introduced by Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) and Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) and seeks to "prohibit executive branch employees and contractors from using their positions to censor and otherwise attack speech protected by the First Amendment." As written, the bill would also "impose mandatory severe penalties for those executive branch employees who censor speech," including fines of up to $10,000 per instance of free speech violations.

"Censorship is a major threat to freedom today. It is clear that Big Government must be more transparent, and that bureaucrats must be held accountable for censorship. The Free Speech Protection Act accomplishes that and gives individuals remedies for censorship to protect vital First Amendment freedoms," said Rep. Jordan, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee.

According to Sen. Paul, "Americans are free people and we do not take infringements upon our liberties lightly. The time has come for resistance and to reclaim our God-given right to free expression. Under my Free Speech Protection Act the government will no longer be able to cloak itself in secrecy to undermine the First Amendment rights of Americans."

To that, I say, hallelujah!

For the past two years at least, we have ample evidence that President Joe Biden has used the unyielding power of the administrative state to collude with and bully social media companies from posting news (like the Hunter Biden laptop story) as well as the opinions of everyday Americans that the administration considers detrimental to its preferred narrative.

Although the administration likes to categorize the speech it disagrees with as "misinformation" or "disinformation," that does not permit the federal government to work through back channels to silence or suppress "inconvenient" speech.

As Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) explains, "I'm proud to join Senator Paul and Representative Jordan in working to dismantle this vast censorship enterprise. This censorship should scare every American  regardless of political affiliation, and government does not get to outsource their censorship to social media companies."

To ensure that the Executive Branch is unable to continue in this diabolical endeavor, the bill would

[m]andate frequent publicly accessible reports from the heads of executive branch agencies detailing the communications between an executive branch agency and Big Tech. Ensure that federal grant money is not misused to label media organizations as sources of misinformation or disinformation. Terminate several programs and authorities that threaten free speech and other constitutionally protected rights.

One would assume that a bill such as this would receive widespread bipartisan support, seeing as how both parties could potentially engage in free speech suppression. However, for whatever reason, the bill has been supported by only Republicans to date.

I hope, but don't expect, some Democrats support this bill because this issue is vital to the future of our country. If we the people must live in fear that our inalienable right to freedom of speech is in peril due to coordination between Big Government and Big Tech, simply put, we don't live in a free county anymore.

Chris Talgo (ctalgo@heartland.org) is editorial director at The Heartland Institute.

Image: Free SVG.
We have been hearing for a hundred years that the ice would soon be gone in the Arctic, except in the 1970s, when they were warning that billions would die from the coming ice age.

The following article from July 20 says temperatures are rising two to four times faster than the rest of the world, yet it doesn't give any numbers or time frames. Isn't that important to know? Why isn't the ice gone by now, since we have repeatedly heard that threat?

It says the rising seas on the shoreline, yet it doesn't say how much or in what time frame. Numbers and facts seem irrelevant to propagandists.

Wouldn't it be cheaper and easier for the military to work in the Arctic if they didn't have to deal with ice?

What people will never see in any of these articles is any scientific data showing the direct link between our use of coal, oil, and natural gas and temperatures, because temperatures have fluctuated around a flat line while the use of natural resources has exploded.

Baked Alaska: Climate change's extreme heat is warming the state, and creating national security problems

With extreme heat blanketing the country, chilly Alaska has become baked Alaska  and that is impacting national security. Temperatures in the Arctic, which encompasses large parts of Alaska, have risen at two to four times the rate of the rest of the world.

Rising seas on Alaska's shoreline have forced the Pentagon to fortify radar sites, covering the kind of sensors that picked up the Chinese spy balloon in January. High temperatures and spikes in summer rains are melting permafrost at places like Eielson Air Force Base near Fairbanks, requiring millions of dollars in fixes for buildings sinking into sodden ground. Summer wildfires burning Canadian forests have closed vital training ranges and warplanes in Alaska.

Here's an article from July 23 trying to scare us that Greenland was once warmer.

Greenland was once actually green, study says. That's an ominous climate change scenario.

Why is that ominous? I bet the people of Greenland wouldn't mind a little warmth.

What the reporters and public should learn from this article is that the Earth has always had warmer and colder periods, and they occurred long before humans and our use of natural resources could have had anything to do with it.

And here is an article from July of 2022 trying to scare us about melting ice in Greenland.

Inevitable: Melting Greenland ice sheet will send seas nearly a foot higher, study finds

Here is a simple question: won't rising heat cause more water to evaporate and eliminate some or all of the rise?

Maybe the public, especially the young, should be reminded that warmth from 20,000 years ago melted great ice sheets and provided massive benefits.

How the Great Lakes formed

During the last ice age, the mile-thick Laurentide ice sheet covered most of Canada and the northern contiguous United States. The massive weight and movement of this glacier gouged out the earth to form the lake basins. About 20,000 years ago, the climate warmed and the ice sheet retreated. Water from the melting glacier filled the basinsoffsite link, forming the Great Lakes. Approximately 3,000 years ago, the Great Lakes reached their present shapes and sizes. Today, the Great Lakes ecoregion contains a variety of habitats, including aquatic, forest, marsh, wetland, and dune ecosystems. Widely varying climate, soils, and topography support more than 3,500 species of plants and animals.

And here is another one from Nov. 3, 2021 in USA Today. Maybe they should just use a fax machine instead of paying reporters to regurgitate talking points.

Greenland's ice sheet is melting so fast, it's raising sea levels and creating global flood risk

And here another one from January of 2019.

Greenland ice melting faster than scientists had thought, nears 'tipping point'

Ice on Greenland is melting four times faster than it did just 16 years ago, a study reports. The melting, which is a result of the Earth's warming atmosphere and oceans, is happening much faster than scientists had thought and will likely lead to faster sea-level rise. Sea level has risen nearly 8 inches worldwide since 1880, primarily because of global warming, but also because of sinking land in some areas. It's one of the most obvious results of our warming planet, which is heated up by burning fossil fuels such as oil, gas and coal.

This one actually gave an interesting number. Oceans, which average over 12,000 feet deep, have risen a minuscule eight inches in 140 years. It also said the Earth could be sinking instead of oceans rising. That makes sense, since there is always erosion.

This small rise occurred while we have gone from zero gas-powered vehicles to over one billion, while the population has gone from under two billion to eight billion, when crude oil has gone from near zero to around 100 million barrels per day, and while CO2 content in the atmosphere from around 280 PPM to 420 PPM.

Even if they can measure worldwide oceans within inches, how the heck would anyone attribute the small rise to anything when there are so many hundreds, if not thousands, of natural variables?

And here is another brilliant and astute headline in USA Today from June 2017.

Sunny summer days fueling rapid Greenland ice melt

Who knew that the summer and the sun would melt ice?

It is astonishing that scientists would pretend they can accurately measure the average depth of the oceans and then pretend they can determine the cause of a tiny rise or fall since they have risen and fallen throughout billions of years.

All told, sea levels have risen on average 1.6 millimeters (0.063 inches) per year between 1900 and 2018.

Since the media and other Democrats love to teach history, they should teach the young about the very hot and dry Dust Bowl of the 1930s, when there was no air-conditioning.

Maybe the Democrats would like to go back to before we supposedly destroyed the pristine and perfect Earth by using the natural resources we were blessed with:

There would be no power plants, water treatment plants, or sewage treatment plants.

There would be no electricity.

There would be no air-conditioning or central heating. We would heat by burning trees.

There would be no cars, trucks, planes, computers, TVs, radios, or cell phones.

We would farm with oxen and by hand instead of using gas-guzzling tractors and combines.

We would travel on dirt roads with wooden wheels instead of with rubber tires and asphalt made from crude oil.

Wouldn't life be great, with the added benefit that life expectancy was about half what it is today?

Image: Pixabay, Pixabay License.
In the heart of Texas, where the sun's rays shine strongly, is a man whose loyalty to Collin County residents and conservative values is unwavering: Wayne Richard. He intends to challenge the incumbent state representative, Matt Shaheen, in the upcoming GOP primary, fueled by Shaheen's vote to impeach Texas attorney general Ken Paxton  an utter act of betrayal of all we Texans stand for.

Attorney General Ken Paxton shines brightly as a beacon of service and honor. His solid commitment to the state and its people has left an indelible mark, earning him the respect and admiration of countless Texans. Those who dare to go against such an esteemed figure risk the unyielding judgment of the electorate.

Wayne Richard is deeply connected to our community. As a successful Plano businessman, he understands the struggles hardworking Texans face. But what truly sets him apart is his unwavering dedication to the principles that have defined the great state of Texas for generations  conservatism at its core. And more than anything, Wayne Richard recognizes the significance of Paxton's legacy and stands firmly aligned with those who champion his cause, vowing to defend Paxton.

With a heart full of love for his constituents and Texas, Wayne aspires to represent the 66th District in the Texas House of Representatives, putting America First, just like President Trump. Wayne's commitment to conservative values has made him a prominent figure in Collin County, where Republicans rally behind him to challenge Shaheen in the GOP primary.

So why is Wayne taking this step now? He believes that Shaheen's vote to impeach Attorney General Paxton betrayed our conservative principles. Ken Paxton has been a staunch defender of traditional values and a steadfast advocate for Texas. For Wayne Richard and countless others in Collin County, Shaheen's vote goes against everything they hold dear.

In the eyes of many conservatives, Paxton's impeachment was seen as a betrayal of the state's core values. It has shaken the unity and trust that Shaheen had established with his constituents. They put their trust in him to be their voice in the political arena, fight for their principles, and uphold their great state's integrity. But his vote left them feeling let down.

Wayne Richard is a fervent supporter of Paxton and his conservative agenda. His potential campaign isn't just about Shaheen's vote; it's about ensuring that the GOP remains true to its conservative principles, undeterred by outside pressures.

Wayne Richard understands the importance of having a genuine conservative leader who will never waver in defending Texan values. While Wayne's campaign will address Shaheen's impeachment vote, his platform will encompass many other traditional issues. From securing our borders to protecting religious liberties and safeguarding our Second Amendment rights, Wayne aims to rally the Republican base behind a vision that echoes the principles resonating with many Texans during Trump's time in office.

As fervent supporters of Wayne Richard, we are filled with hope and excitement for the journey ahead. His potential challenge represents a call to arms for all conservatives in Collin County. Together, we can send a powerful message  that we stand united in our firm support to keep Collin County conservative.

As mentioned, the implications of this challenge reach far beyond the primary. Wayne Richard's leadership can showcase Collin County's unyielding commitment to conservatism and set the course for the future of the Republican Party in our state.

Wayne Richard does so with utmost care and consideration as he studies the merits of a potential campaign. He understands the weight of this decision, and his utmost desire is to serve the people of Collin County with honor and integrity.

Image: Texas House of Representatives.
A couple from India did something truly horrific in order to buy the iPhone 14. Based on a report from DailyO, a couple from Indias West Bengal sold their 8-month-old baby in order to make it happen.

A couple from India did the most horrific things in order to buy the iPhone 14 & travel

Needless to say, that is truly horrific. To make things worse, they also attempted to sell their 7-year-old daughter, it is reported. They did that not only to get the iPhone 14, but also to travel and film Reels for Instagram.

Based on the report, the couple was first confronted by concerned neighbors, who noticed the absence of the baby. They also noticed the iPhone 14 was in their possession, despite the fact they had financial troubles.

The mother confessed already, but the father is still at large

The mother then confessed to selling the baby, and was arrested shortly after. The woman accused of buying the baby also got arrested, but the baby mothers husband is still at large.

It remains to be seen how will this story unravel, but the act itself is unimaginable. The standard in India doesnt allow most people to get ahold of Apples latest products, which is why were hearing truly odd stories from time to time.

In the past, people have been reported to sell their kidneys to get Apples products, and thats only one example. That is bad enough, but selling your own child is inexcusable.

In case youre wondering, the vanilla version of the iPhone 14 costs an equivalent of $975 in India. Its considerably more expensive than in the US. Were not sure what model the couple ended up getting, but thats not really important here.

The Indian authorities are actively looking for the babys father, and will hopefully arrest him soon to answer for his crimes together with the babys mother.
Officials inadvertently sent classified emails to a close Russian ally as a result of a typographical error, prompting the British Ministry of Defense to launch an investigation.

A "small number" of emails meant for the Pentagon were accidentally sent to Mali due to the omission of an "i" in an email address.

Emails Meant For US Sent to Kremlin Ally Mali

British officials sent the messages to addresses terminating in the West African nation's ".ml" domain rather than the ".mil" domain of the United States military, as per The Independent.

The same error in the United States resulted in millions of military emails being sent to Mali, it was revealed last week. It was argued that the British accident, which was initially reported by The Times, paled in comparison.

A spokesperson for the defense ministry stated, "We have launched an investigation after a limited number of emails were inadvertently forwarded to the wrong email domain."

According to reports, some of these emails contained confidential information such as passwords, medical records, and the itineraries of high-ranking officers. The spokesperson added, "We are confident that they did not contain any data that could compromise operational security or technical data."

After the demise of the Black Sea agreement with Ukraine, Mali was among the six African nations that Vladimir Putin pledged free grain shipments. Wagner mercenaries from Moscow have also been sent to Mali to fight alongside the military against extremists.

According to WIO News, the British defense ministry has launched an investigation regarding the incident. The issue of the incorrect address was first reported by The Times, which also mentioned that a "limited number" of emails were accidentally sent to Mali.

A quoted ministry spokesperson said, "After a limited number of emails were inadvertently forwarded to an incorrect email domain, we have launched an investigation. We are confident that they did not include information that could compromise operational security or technical data."

Millions of US military emails containing highly confidential information were recently redirected to Mali due to the same error. However, according to the British report, the British incident was not as extensive as the American one.

The Times reported that officials sent the messages to an address terminating in the West African country's .ml domain rather than the US military's.mil. The same error in the United States resulted in millions of military emails being sent to Mali, it was revealed last week.

Per Daily Mail, Vladimir Putin pledged free grain shipments to six African nations, including Mali, after the Black Sea agreement with Ukraine collapsed. Wagner mercenaries from Moscow have also been sent to Mali to fight alongside the military against extremists.

Read Also: Kim Jong Un Brags Drones, ICBMs to Moscow's Defense Minister as North Korea, Russia, and China Celebrate 'Victory' 70 Years Ago

British Official's Mistake Under Investigation

A spokesperson for the Department of Defense stated, "We have opened an investigation after a limited number of emails were inadvertently forwarded to the wrong email domain."

The Financial Times reported earlier this month that millions of US military communications were inadvertently sent to Mali. Johannes Zuurbier, a Dutch entrepreneur who was hired to administer Mali's country email domain, told the Financial Times that he had been attempting to warn the United States for a decade.

According to the Financial Times, none of these emails were classified, although some of them contained extremely sensitive information about active US military personnel, contractors, and their next of kin.

Russia has provided substantial assistance to the Malian government, spanning from military support to diplomatic aid. Wagner Group, a Kremlin-affiliated Russian mercenary organization, also conducts operations in Mali.

The British Ministry of Defense and the Malian administration did not respond promptly to requests for comment sent outside of normal business hours.

Related Article: Vladimir Putin Pledges Free Grain to African Allies After Black Sea Deal Collapse

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
The Galaxy Watch 6 and Galaxy Watch 6 Classic bring several notable improvements to Samsungs smartwatch lineup. From bigger and brighter screens to a slimmer design and improved health tracking, theres plenty to talk about. The new Samsung watches also get an improved processor, the Exynos W930. While the company didnt tell us much about the chip during the official announcement on Wednesday, it has now bared it all.

Samsung Semiconductor has published a microsite detailing the specs and features of the Exynos W930. As revealed by prior leaks, the new chip is based on a 5nm process node and features a dual-core CPU arrangement. It has two Cortex-A55 CPU cores clocked at 1.4GHz. Thats an 18% boost in CPU performance over the Exynos W920 (1.18GHz), which powers the Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 5 series.

Samsung has kept everything else unchanged, though. The new chip still packs the same Mali-G68 MP2 GPU that supports up to qHD display resolution (960540). It can handle 21fps (frames per second) video playback, enabling smoother UI animations, transitions, and graphics. The dedicated low-power display (LPD) core helps save when using AOD (always-on display).

The latest Galaxy watches boast 33% more RAM (2GB LPDDR4 RAM) than the previous models. Samsung says this enables a 25% faster watch performance when switching between apps. The 16GB of eMMC storage gives you ample space to store music files and some photos locally on your Galaxy Watch 6, while also letting to install necessary apps and watch faces.

The integrated LTE modem offers up to 150Mbps of download speed and up to 75Mbps of upload speed. The Exynos W930 also supports GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, and Galileo satellite navigation systems. Other connectivity options include Bluetooth, dual-band Wi-Fi, and NFC.

Advertisement

The Exynos W930 is a minor upgrade over the Exynos W920

By the looks of it, the Exynos W930 is nothing but an overclocked version of the Exynos W920 with slightly more RAM. Samsung doesnt specify if the new chip is fabricated on the same 5nm EUV (extreme ultraviolet) lithography process as its predecessor or an improved fabrication process.

If history is any indication, Samsung could use this chip on the Galaxy Watch 7 series next year. However, since its a minor upgrade over the previous solution, the company may come up with something more powerful for its 2024 smartwatches. Plenty of time for those, though. The Galaxy Watch 6 series is currently available to pre-order, with general sales beginning on August 11.
The brightest stars burn out the quickest, and Threads was the brightest in the sky a few weeks ago. The Meta social media app rocketed to 100 million users within a week, but its user base is waning, according to the company (via BBC). Threads has lost half of its users, but Meta is not worried.

In case you dont know, Threads is the newest social media platform on the scene. Its Metas answer to Twitter (or X, if you actually want to call it that) having borrowed heavily from the platform. Its tied to your Instagram account, so if you have an Instagram account, you have a Threads account.

Threads lost half of its users

While Threads still has things that it cant do, this fledgling platform has proven to be a worthy Twitter alternative. Again, it hit 100 million users in a few days. However, users and Active users are two very different things. The 100 million specifically refers to the number of sign-ups that the app got.

Active users are those who stick around and continue to post content. Meta announced that about half of the people who jumped on the Threads train have jumped off. This wasnt unforeseeable, as Threads numbers have been on the fall immediately after it hit 100 million.

Is Meta worried? No

Metas response to this was pretty mild and optimistic. In fact, the company anticipated this happening and referred to it as normal. So, if youre picturing Mark Zuckerberg and the Meta team panicking, thats not the case.

Advertisement

In all honesty, this is something that we all anticipated. The initial hype around the app has cooled and most people have already made their posts bad-mouthing Elon Musk. The app has moved to the back of peoples minds.

The biggest reason for the dropoff might be the lack of features. While Threads is on its stable release, it feels like a beta. Its pretty devoid of features like a DM system and the ability to post GIFs from the keyboard. It just recently gained the ability to see a feed of only those you follow.

Meta is still working on features for the platform, and it believes that it will win back some of those lost users with these features. Lets hope that this is the case; things over at Twitter, A.K.A Elons Whacky House Of Shenanigans, arent looking too good.
Stephen King taunts Twitter's new "X" branding. The American horror author is a well-known critic of Elon Musk for the past few years.

Now, King decided to slam the new branding of the social media platform without hesitation.

Stephen King Taunts Twitter's X Branding

According to Mashable SE Asia's latest report, Stephen King tends to share his feelings opening on Twitter (now called X).

This time, he decided to share his disappointment about the X branding. On July 28, the horror writer posted a tweet to show that he will continue calling the social media platform Twitter.

In his official post, he mentioned the word Twitter 14 times at first. After that, he mentioned the platform's original name again at the end of his tweet.

Twitter Twitter Twitter Twitter Twitter

Twitter Twitter Twitter Twitter

Twitter Twitter Twitter

Twitter Twitter

And in case you didn't get that:

Twitter.  Stephen King (@StephenKing) July 27, 2023

"And in case you didn't get that:Twitter," said the American author.

His tweet generated over 3 million views, 73,000 likes, and 8,500 retweets. Since it went viral, Stephen King's Twitter post also attracted the attention of Elon Musk.

Read Also: Twitter's X Logo Now Compared to Adult Website as Blue Bird Officially Disappears

Elon Musk Remains Unbothered

Although the American horror writer spammed the word Twitter, Elon Musk remained unbothered by his post. The billionaire just replied, "xx *kiss emoji*." In the comment section, other users also joke around with the billionaire.

One of them even said that the tech executive almost typed in "XXX," which is an adult website. On the other hand, other users bashed Stephen King for being a "contrarian."

"Stephen has made a case for being contrarian? Hmmm," said a Twitter user.

Stephen has made a case for being contrarian? Hmmm   Tonya de Vitti (@TonyadeVitti) July 27, 2023

Another one, Eskie, said that it must be sad for Stephen King to be past his prime and never able to become as relevant as the tech executive now.

Imagine being him though. The world went from cherishing him and talking about him to talking non-stop about someone else. Must suck to be past your prime and never have been as relevant as Elon has been for decades.  Eskie (@eskarinna) July 27, 2023

As of writing, Twitter users' opinions about the new X branding of the platform are still divided; others like it, while some are disgusted.

But, Elon Musk has other things to worry about Twitter's X branding, such as the trademark issue that some IP lawyers recently warned about.

Related Article: New Twitter 'X' Branding Could Lead to Lawsuit; IP Lawyers Explain Why

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
The body of a much-loved firefighter who disappeared as he attempted to swim the English Channel has been found.

Iain Hughes, crew manager at Wednesbury fire station, West Midlands, set off from the Kent coast on the morning of June 20 accompanied by a support boat but went missing later that day in French waters.

The disappearance of the 42-year-old father-of-two sparked an extensive search by French and Belgian authorities which was later called off.

Iain Hughes, who went missing attempting to swim the English Channel for charity in June (West Midlands Fire Service/PA)

On Friday, West Midlands Fire Service said the body of a swimmer found in waters off Belgium has been formally identified as Mr Hughes.

In a joint statement releases through the fire service, Mr Hughes family said they miss him more than words can ever say.

They said: Our lives were shattered when Iain went missing. He was our world. The news that his body had been found was unbearable. It still is. We miss him more than words can ever say.

We are proud of Iain for so many reasons. He put his heart and soul into training for the swim, but that was Iain  determined to help and support others.

Mr Hughes had been attempting to raise 21,000  1,000 for every mile of his swim  for the British Heart Foundation, The Fire Fighters Charity and the Midlands Air Ambulance.

As of Friday, his fundraiser had far exceeded this target by raising more than 56,000.

Mr Hughes family added: It is lovely to see how much money has been raised for his three charities, but also heartbreaking that he will never know the total. Thank you to everyone who has donated and who is still raising money.

We also want to send our thanks and love to everyone who has been there for us these past few weeks.

The photo we are releasing sums up the Iain we loved.

We will not be giving media interviews and ask that our privacy be respected. Thank you.

West Midlands Fire Service chief fire officer Wayne Brown said it is devastating news and that Iains family are foremost in our thoughts at this distressing time.

He added: I know that many people have been affected by Iains disappearance.

We, in turn, have been touched by the hundreds of kind messages we have received, and the overwhelming response to Iains fundraising page. Thank you.

West Midlands Fire Service said flags at its sites will fly at half-mast until sunset on Friday as a mark of respect to Mr Hughes.
A British-built weather-monitoring spacecraft has been deliberately crashed into the Atlantic Ocean in a first-of-its-kind mission.

Aeolus, a satellite which has provided valuable data to weather centres across Europe since 2018, was successfully assisted to its final resting place by mission controllers at the European Space Agency (ESA).

At around 7pm UK time on Friday, the ESAs Space Debris Office said it had entered the atmosphere, making it the first time a dead satellite has been guided to perform an assisted crash on Earth.

Under normal circumstances, Aeolus would naturally fall back to Earth, burning up in the planets atmosphere after reaching an altitude of around 50 miles.

Simulations by the ESA before the crash suggested some debris may have survived the burn, although the risk of causing any damage was small.

(PA Graphics)

The space agency instead decided to use what little fuel remained onboard to steer Aeolus back to Earth.

It also intends to gather data for future satellite re-entries while setting a precedent for nations and organisations to follow suit.

The ESA said: The Aeolus mission control team in Germany is now wrapping up after a long week of complex operations.

They have done everything they planned in what is a first-of-its-kind assisted re-entry. Aeolus  a mission that revolutionised wind profiling  is now out of their hands.

According to our calculations, @ESA_Aeolus should now have reentered Earth's atmosphere We're waiting for confirmation from our partners with information on the exact time and location of entry#ByeByeAeolus pic.twitter.com/xzcyFtAgXe  ESA Operations (@esaoperations) July 28, 2023

The 1,360kg Aeolus spacecraft was built by Airbus Defence and Space in Stevenage and is the first satellite mission to acquire profiles of Earths wind on a global scale.

Aeolus was slated to last three years but it outlasted its mission by nearly two years.

The spacecraft had been falling from its operational altitude since June 19 and performed its first major re-entry manoeuvre on July 24.
Vehicles connected to the internet can be used to predict where crashes might happen, according to a new report.

Research for the RAC Foundation said that data generated about manoeuvres such as harsh braking can be used to locate dangerous stretches of road before an accident occurs.

This would allow highway engineers to consider potential issues such as speed limits, hidden junctions, queuing traffic, or damaged road surfaces.

The study was produced by Andy Graham, of White Willow Consulting, who warned that the opportunity to benefit from this information risks being missed unless the issue of who pays for the data is addressed.

Department for Transport figures show an estimated 1,695 people were killed on Britains roads in 2022.

RAC Foundation director Steve Gooding said: The road safety world has long wanted to know more about the cause and locations of the near-misses which could point to places where a serious crash is just waiting to happen, in time to do something about it.

Connected vehicles can change that. They are routinely generating data, access to which could identify those sites where drivers, and indeed cyclists, might be forced to brake harshly or steer violently because the road layout is throwing up unexpected and dangerous situations.

When this pattern of behaviour is seen repeatedly at certain locations it means highways authorities can check whether they need to change road layouts or manage risk before someone gets hurt.

The possibilities thrown up by connected vehicles go far beyond road safety, but, while many individual local authorities are exploring options, it must be for government to take the lead nationally if we are ever to move beyond showcase pathfinder projects to widespread, or universal, application.

Mr Graham said: Services that improve road safety or reduce emissions deliver a societal benefit that is hard to recoup from a direct charge to drivers.

This isnt just about a plea for funding. It is about the way funding could move away from a myriad of trials toward connected vehicle data becoming a routine, integral part of improved highway management.

The report defines connected vehicles as those which can generate, transmit and receive/process data.

Connections are usually made over mobile data networks.
A British-built satellite is due to deliberately crash into the Atlantic Ocean on Friday in a first-of-its-kind mission.

Aeolus, which has provided valuable data to weather centres across Europe since 2018, is being manoeuvred by mission controllers at the European Space Agency (ESA) towards its final resting place.

It is the first time a dead satellite is being guided to perform an assisted crash on Earth  manoeuvres such as this are usually done on rocket components.

Under normal circumstances, Aeolus would naturally fall back to Earth, burning up in the planets atmosphere after reaching an altitude of around 50 miles.

(PA Graphics)

But simulations by the ESA suggest some debris might survive the burn, although the risk of causing any damage is small.

So the space agency decided to use what little fuel remains onboard to steer Aeolus back to Earth.

The ESA also intends to gather data for future satellite re-entries while setting a precedent for nations and organisations to follow suit.

Angus Stewart, head of space surveillance and tracking at the UK Space Agency (UKSA), said: Aeolus is a great example of the power of space to benefit us on Earth, with the UK-built spacecraft providing valuable data to leading weather centres across Europe since 2018, significantly improving global forecasts.

But with more than 8,000 operational satellites and more than 30,000 pieces of trackable debris, the ability to operate safely in space is growing increasingly challenging.

We must protect the environment in which satellites operate and keep space open for future generations, and its great to see ESA carrying out this assisted re-entry  the first of its kind.

The 1,360kg Aeolus spacecraft was built by Airbus Defence and Space in Stevenage and is the first satellite mission to acquire profiles of Earths wind on a global scale.

Aeolus was slated to last three years, but it outlasted its mission by nearly two years.

And now we have the numbers for manoeuvre #1/4 Manoeuvre #1: success!Burn duration: 45 minutesFuel used: 6 kgAeolus altitude: from 250 to 230 km Thanks team. On to the next.#ByeByeAeolus https://t.co/Jy61JOtIfX pic.twitter.com/qSqzhrXWyt  ESA Operations (@esaoperations) July 27, 2023

The spacecraft has been falling from its operational altitude since June 19 and performed its first major re-entry manoeuvre on July 24.

It is currently orbiting around 75 miles above the Earth.

Chilbolton Observatory, which is part of the Science and Technology Facilities Council and provides data to the UKSAs Space Surveillance and Tracking team, has been tasked with tracking the mission and providing the observations to the ESA.

Mr Stewart said: The UK Space Agency operates the UKs re-entry warning service and has tasked our UK sensors to observe the re-entry.

If observations are obtained, these will be provided to ESA and the Inter-Agency Space Debris Co-ordination Committee to support the re-entry analysis.
A former British paratrooper who set off to walk the UK coastline six years ago has just one mile left  and will cross the finish line with his partner, dog and baby son on Saturday.

Chris Lewis, 43, has walked more than 19,000 miles since leaving Llangennith beach on the Gower Peninsula, near his home city of Swansea, South Wales, on August 1 2017.

He set off from the beach alone, with just 10 in his pocket and a few days of supplies, in a bid to raise funds for SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity.

Since then, Mr Lewis has raised more than 350,000 for the charity, adopted a dog called Jet, fallen in love and become engaged to Kate Barron, 36, who has joined his walk.

The couple welcomed their first child, a baby boy named Magnus Lewis, in May last year. They are hoping to reach 500,000 in donations for SSAFA through their walk.

Chris Lewis, Kate Barron and their son Magnus at the Severn Bridge in Chepstow (Bronwen Weatherby/PA)

On Saturday, the family will be joined by supporters as they walk the final mile together  finishing on Llangennith beach at around 12.30pm.

Writing on Facebook, where Mr Lewis is followed by almost 150,000 people, the veteran described sitting looking down at the finish line with his family on Thursday.

He wrote: Yesterday we sat in exactly the same spot where I stood six years ago when a voice came into my head and said walk the UK coastline.

The beautiful Rhossili looking down the cliffs towards Llangennith. It was an unbelievable and momentous moment for me to say the least.

The man you see in this picture is a completely different man to the guy who stood here six years ago.

The flame inside me back then was so dim it hardly had any life left in it. And now she burns stronger and brighter than ever before.

Mr Lewis said he was filled with pride for his daughter Caitlin, to whom he was a single parent, as well as Ms Barron, their son Magnus and his dog Jet.

He continued: One mile left tomorrow and this adventure is over. What an incredible adventure it has been.

Mr Lewis and his dog Jet spent lockdown on an uninhabited Scottish island (Chris Walks the UK/PA)

The adventure along the coast saw Mr Lewis spend the first coronavirus lockdown on an uninhabited Shetland island, Hildasay.

His bestselling book, Finding Hildasay, features a foreword by Ben Fogle who has supported Mr Lewis during his journey along with other famous faces including astronaut Tim Peake.

Mr Lewis served with 2nd Battalion, Parachute Regiment and struggled to cope after entering civilian life. He decided to walk the UK coastline after suffering with anxiety and depression.

The father-of-two was facing homelessness when he set off in August 2017, wearing an ill-fitting pair of borrowed boots with limited supplies.

Three years into the task, he met Ms Barron in Scotland and she joined his walk a few months later.

More than 147,000 people follow his Facebook page, Chris Walks the UK, while 26,000 people follow her page, Kate Walks the Coast.

Their fundraising page is https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/chriswalks
Climate activist Greta Thunberg hit out at the Government as she joined demonstrators in London to protest over the planned development of the Rosebank oil and gas field.

The famous campaigner attended a demonstration outside the office of UK Energy Security Secretary Grant Shapps, as she urged ministers to be on the right side of history.

Mr Shapps is expected to decide soon on whether to approve the development of Rosebank, 80 miles north west of the Shetland Isles, which is believed to be the UKs largest undeveloped oil and gas field and thought to be capable of producing up to 500 million barrels of oil.

Campaigners estimate that burning through that amount of oil would generate more CO2 emissions than 28 low-income countries produce in a year.

Grant Shapps, Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (James Manning/PA)

The fact that the UK Government is even considering this tells us exactly how out of touch with reality they are, Ms Thunberg told Channel 4 News.

All the record-breaking heat waves and the extreme weather events weve seen during the summer is just the beginning of a rapidly escalating existential crisis.

We will be seeing much more of this. This is not the new normal, it will continue to escalate and get worse until we start to take real action. And thats why we need to do it now before it gets even worse.

It comes amid concerns from climate campaigners that Rishi Sunak is considering watering down some of his governments environmental policies in the wake of the Tory victory Uxbridge and South Ruislip by-election.

Success in Boris Johnsons old constituency was pinned on local Conservative opposition to the expansion of Londons ultra-low emissions zone (Ulez), with some right-wing party members urging the Prime Minister to rethink the UKs net zero commitments.

Mr Sunak has said he wants a proportionate and pragmatic approach to achieving net zero amid cost-of-living pressures.

Ms Thunberg warned that any such approach would be foolhardy.

She said: To believe that you can focus on one crisis without also addressing the other is so very short sighted thinking. We seem to be physically incapable of having more than one thought in our head at the same time right now.

And thats very, very dangerous.

She warned: You have to be on the right side of history. We are many who are judging you and who are watching you.

If you think that you can just get away with a few more years, a few more months of continued business as usual to maximise short-term profits, then you are very wrong and history will judge you very poorly.
A man who stabbed a father-of-three to death in the food hall of a shopping centre has been sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 27 years for his murder.

Michael Ugwa, 29, was killed at Lakeside Shopping Centre in Thurrock, Essex, on April 28 last year after complimenting a woman, Basildon Crown Court was told.

Muhammad Khan, 24, was found guilty of Mr Ugwas murder and of affray following an earlier trial.

Judge Samantha Leigh said she was satisfied so she was sure that Khan had said, in the car on the way to the shopping mall, that he felt like killing someone today.

She said Khan was wearing a full-face balaclava, had argued with his girlfriend earlier that day and was clearly in an aggressive mood.

He had carried a knife daily for almost 18 months before the incident, the judge said, and he produced his flick-knife at Lakeside, one of the biggest shopping centres in England, it was full of people.

She sentenced Khan at Basildon Crown Court on Friday to life in prison with a minimum term of 27 years, which he must serve before he can be considered for release.

She said the murder was over a throwaway flirtatious comment, adding: This was carried out in the most public of areas, the food court of Lakeside at 4.30pm.

Members of Mr Ugwas family, wearing black t-shirts with photographs of Mr Ugwa printed on them, attended Fridays sentencing hearing and watched on from the jury seats.

Mr Ugwas mother, Lauretta, wept as she read her victim impact statement to the court.

My family have been shattered by this senseless act of violence and we are still struggling to come to terms with the enormity of our loss, she said.

She said that her 16-year-old daughter first became aware of the incident when she saw a Snapchat video, saying that someone had been stabbed at Lakeside.

She zoomed in on the face of the victim and the person looked like Michael, same facial structure, same hairstyle, she said, later learning that he had gone there to get food.

Theres no ending to our pain, our loss and our heartbreak, she said.

Muhammad Khan, who was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 27 years at Basildon Crown Court for the murder of Michael Ugwa at Lakeside Shopping Centre (Essex Police/PA)

Michaels three young children will forever be fatherless.

We therefore ask for maximum sentences so that justice will be served for Michael and no other family will have to suffer the way we have.

Karim Khalil KC, prosecuting, said Khan and Brandon Lutchmunsing had cornered Mr Ugwa before Khan stabbed him in the chest.

Mr Ugwa, from Rainham, east London, bled to death at the scene as the two men fled.

Khan, of Ilford, east London, and Lutchmunsing, of Dagenham, east London, had denied the charges against them.

Lutchmunsing, 21, who was found guilty of manslaughter and affray, was sentenced to 13 years in prison with a further two-year extended licence period.

Jurors were told how an argument broke out after Mr Ugwa made comments towards Lutchmunsings girlfriend, Shannon Weston.

Khan is said to have brandished a knife before he and Lutchmunsing stalked Mr Ugwa through the shopping centre food hall.

Mr Khalil described the brutal attack of two on one in which the men trapped Mr Ugwa in a pincer movement.

Michael Ugwas mother Lauretta (left) makes a statement outside court (Yui Mok/PA)

Footage played at court showed Mr Ugwa holding up a chair in a bid to defend himself before throwing it at Lutchmunsing.

Khan then stabbed Mr Ugwa in a single and deadly blow before fleeing with Lutchmunsing in Westons red Audi, Mr Khalil said.

Weston drove Khan and Lutchmunsing away from the shopping centre, and helped her then-boyfriend to evade police between April 28 and May 4.

The 21-year-old, of Canewdon, Essex, was found guilty of three counts of assisting an offender, which she had denied.

She was sentenced to two years in prison, suspended for two years, and ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work.

In mitigation for Khan, it was said that it was a single stab wound and he lacked maturity.

For Lutchmunsing, it was said that he has mental health difficulties and was not in possession of a knife.

For Weston, it was said that she had a difficult upbringing and was effectively homeless at the time.

Khan and Lutchmunsing showed no reaction as they were led to the cells.
A drug addict given a life sentence after being convicted of murdering his two-year-old stepdaughter had hair-trigger volatility and threatened to kill his mother, a civil court judge has heard.

Mr Justice Mostyn, who is based in the Family Division of the High Court in London, said the picture Kyle Bevans mother painted of him was truly disturbing.

Bevan, 31, of Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, was jailed in April after being found guilty following a trial at Swansea Crown Court of murdering Lola James in July 2020.

Trial judge Mr Justice Griffiths ruled that Bevan must spend at least 28 years in prison before being considered for release on licence.

Kyle Bevan, who was sentenced to life for the murder of Lola James (Dyfed-Powys Police/PA)

Lolas mother, Sinead James, 30, also of Haverfordwest, was found guilty of causing or allowing the youngsters death and given a six-year jail term.

Mr Justice Mostyn had separately considered the case, at private hearings, and made findings of fact.

Social services bosses at Pembrokeshire County Council had asked Mr Justice Mostyn to make decisions relating to the welfare of other children.

He had overseen a behind-closed-doors trial, in the summer of 2021, at a family court in Swansea.

Mr Justice Mostyns ruling was kept under wraps until criminal proceedings had ended  to prevent jurors being influenced  but has now been published.

The judge concluded that Bevan abusively inflicted Lolas injuries early on Friday July 17 2020, and had previously inflicted gratuitous violence on the little girl.

Lolas mother was asleep when the little girl suffered her injuries which caused her death, Mr Justice Mostyn concluded.

But he said he was satisfied, to a level appreciably higher than a balance of probability, that James was aware that Bevan had been abusing Lola, yet did nothing to protect her.

Sinead James, Lola Jamess mother, who was sentenced to six years in prison for causing or allowing her death (Dyfed-Powys Police/PA)

Mr Justice Mostyn also heard how Bevan had threatened to kill his mother, Alison Bevan, who had worked on a nursing ward.

She had described her sons hair-trigger volatility and painted a truly disturbing picture, Mr Justice Mostyn said.

Alison Bevan explained in disarmingly frank evidence that her son had a history of drug abuse going back to his teenage years, said Mr Justice Mostyn in a ruling which has now been published online.

Alison Bevan explained to me that her son had always had an anger problem with her.

Fury would erupt when she would not provide him with money or with prescription drugs which he expected her to steal for him from the nursing ward on which she worked.

This had been going on for years.

Mr Justice Mostyn added: She explained that when he loses his temper there is shouting and screaming, intimidation and loss of control.

When out of control and raging he had threatened to kill her.

This had happened on four or five occasions.

Mr Justice Mostyn went on: The picture that she painted of her own son treating her with such contempt and malevolence was truly disturbing.

Bevan had denied murdering Lola.

He blamed the familys pet dog for pushing Lola down the stairs of the home he shared with James, in Haverfordwest.

Judges heard that Bevan had moved in soon after connecting with James on Facebook.

Lola was killed months later.

Mr Justice Mostyn said: By any objective standards the formation of her relationship with Mr Bevan on 18 February 2020, moving from being strangers to cohabitants in the space of a few hours, is almost impossible to comprehend.

It does demonstrate an extreme neediness on the part of the mother and a readiness to surrender basic responsibility in order to fill her needs.

He said James, who had also pleaded not guilty, had been assessed as having a low IQ.
Plans to move 2,000 migrants into RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire have been delayed until October, according to reports.

The Home Office had indicated the first group of migrants would begin arriving at the former airbase in August.

However, the BBC reported that following a meeting with Government officials, Scampton Parish Council was told the start date would now be delayed until October.

The reasons given are delays in conducting surveys on the 14 buildings designated for migrant accommodation and difficulties in finding qualified personnel to oversee utility connections.

A Home Office spokesperson said: Delivering accommodation on surplus military sites will end the use of expensive hotels to house those arriving in small boats. We continue to work closely with local authorities to address the local communities concerns.

We are working hard to deliver these sites as quickly as possible.

(PA Graphics)

It comes after West Lindsey District Council recently won the right to a judicial review, which would determine whether the Governments plans for RAF Scampton are lawful.

The review is expected in the next few months, meaning it is likely to be concluded before the first migrants are due to arrive.

The delay coincides with reports that despite safety concerns, the Home Office expects to send an initial group of 50 people to the UKs first floating barge for asylum seekers on Tuesday.

The facility, known as the Bibby Stockholm barge, is in Portland, Dorset, and will eventually host about 500 men at a time.

The Bibby Stockholm will house up to 500 asylum seekers (Andrew Matthews/PA)

Some residents have raised concerns for their safety on an island with a population of about 13,000 and said that it does not have the infrastructure to provide for the newcomers and those already there.

The Home Secretary is also working on contingency plans to set up tents as temporary accommodation for asylum seekers to deal with an expected surge of Channel boat crossings.

According to a Whitehall source, the Home Secretary recently purchased marquees to accommodate the migrants, to have them in place by the end of August.

The Times, which first reported the tent purchases, cited Government sources saying a similar proposal was rejected last year because of warnings it would trigger legal challenges based on inhumane treatment of asylum seekers.
The privacy watchdog has said it will make inquiries amid reports that typing errors at the Ministry of Defence led to emails containing information relating to personnel being sent to a Russian ally.

The Information Commissioners Office (ICO) said it is aware of the incident and will be making inquiries.

The PA news agency understands the ICO has not launched an investigation at this stage.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said it is investigating, but insisted it would be misleading to suggest state secrets were sent to Malis email domain.

In a statement on Twitter, the MoD said: We assess fewer than 20 routine emails were sent to an incorrect domain and are confident there was no breach of operational security or disclosure of technical data.

An investigation is ongoing. Emails of this kind are not classified at secret or above.

An ICO spokesperson said: We are aware of this incident and will be making inquiries.

The emails were reportedly intended for the Pentagon but were sent to Mali because of the accidental omission of an i from an email address.

British officials sent the messages to an address ending with the west African countrys .ml domain, rather than the US militarys .mil.

The same error in the US was revealed last week to have resulted in millions of military emails going to Mali.

The Times reported that one email sent to Mali this year revealed the names of British and American personnel researching hypersonic design.

Most of the emails contained trivial information, including dates when MoD and Foreign Office staff were on holiday, the paper reported.

The MoD said on Thursday: All sensitive information is shared on systems designed to minimise the risk of misdirection.

The MoD constantly reviews its processes and is currently undertaking a programme of work to improve information management, data loss prevention, and the control of sensitive information.

Mali was among the six African countries promised free grain shipments by Russian President Vladimir Putin after the collapse of the Black Sea deal with Ukraine.

Moscows Wagner mercenaries have also been deployed in Mali to fight alongside the army against jihadists.
Tibetan antelopes start homebound migration with offspring

Xinhua) 16:25, July 28, 2023

XINING, July 28 (Xinhua) -- Tibetan antelopes have started to return to their natural habitats after giving birth in the heart of northwest China's Hoh Xil, a nature reserve that encompasses China's largest area of uninhabited land within the Sanjiangyuan National Park.

The earliest flock of 43 Tibetan antelopes was seen migrating home on July 18, according to Karma Yingphe with the Hoh Xil management office, under the management bureau of Sanjiangyuan National Park.

"Their migration heading back home has entered the peak period, with a maximum of 86 Tibetan antelopes passing through the Qinghai-Tibet Highway in a single day," added Karma Yingphe.

Every year, tens of thousands of pregnant Tibetan antelopes start their migration to Hoh Xil in around May to give birth, leaving with their offspring in late July. Zonag Lake at the heart of Hoh Xil is known as the "delivery room" for the species.

Renowned as one of the world's most breathtaking migrations of hoofed animals, the majestic journey serves as a testament to China's achievements in biodiversity conservation and national park development.

"By monitoring the number of migrating Tibetan antelopes, we can infer the changes in the population of the species in Sanjiangyuan," said Lian Xinming, a researcher at the Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology under the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Lian added that the number of Tibetan antelopes moving back has almost doubled in the past 10 years.

More than 30,000 Tibetan antelopes gathered at Zonag Lake this year, according to observations by local staff. Their migration is expected to end in late August.

Local authorities have intensified inspection and monitoring activities in key areas along their migration route.

"When they gather along the Qinghai-Tibet Highway, we will apply temporary traffic control and minimize human interference with animal migration," said Karma Yingphe.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Wu Chaolan)
Ohioans are now calling for common sense gun laws. This was revealed by a survey conducted by Suffolk University in partnership with USA Today.

Ohioans Call for Common Sense Gun Laws

According to Ohio Capital Journal's latest report, the recent survey showed that 92% of Ohioans want mandatory background checks for gun purchases.

However, this is still not happening because of the loosened gun regulations by the Republican-controlled Statehouse.

Ohio House Minority Leader Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington) said that the Midwestern U.S. state has some of the worst anti-cop and pro-gun crime laws.

"And nothing has been done about it," she added.

Because of this, Russo, together with State Sen. Hearcel Craig (D-Columbus) decided to conduct a press conference, which happened in front of the Ohio Statehouse on Thursday, July 27.

They joined other Columbus city leaders to call out for common sense gun laws.

"No shooting death is just a number. It represents a father, a mother, brother, sister, a friend, a neighbor," explained Columbus Mayor Andrew J. Ginther.

Read Also: Michigan School Shooter Ethan Crumbley's 'Chilling' Journal, Texts Reveal Gruesome Fantasies

What Ohioans Specifically Want

Based on the Suffolk University-USA Today survey, here are the common sense gun laws that Ohioans are asking for:

Mandating safe storage for guns and other firearms.

Red flag laws enable family members or police to remove guns from people they fear will harm others/themselves.

Mandatory training for concealed carry licenses.

These proposed gun laws are definitely helpful. But, the question is, are firearms regulations correlated to mass shootings?

A recent study published in JAMA Network Open revealed the top U.S. states for mass shootings from 2014 until 2022.

The Daily Mail UK stated that the study's findings showed that the states on the top list have the strictest gun control laws in the U.S.

For example, Washington D.C. is the number U.S. state when it comes to mass shootings.

However, this district has some of the strictest firearms control regulations, such as background checks before weapon purchases and banning open gun carrying.

It also has a lower gun ownership rate compared to other U.S. states on the list. Although this is the case, the common sense gun laws that Ohioans are asking for are still reasonable, especially if the majority of the residents want these regulations.

Related Article: Ohio Cop Fired for Letting Police Dog Attack Surrendering Black Man

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
A proposal to house asylum seekers in tents on disused military sites has been described as cruel by a refugee charity.

The Home Secretary is working on contingency plans to erect marquees to house asylum seekers, ahead of an expected increase in the number of people arriving via small boats across the English Channel over the next few months.

The plan is reportedly part of Suella Bravermans plans to avoid using hotels to accommodate asylum seekers.

The Home Secretary has purchased the marquees in recent days to accommodate migrants by the end of August, according to a Whitehall source.

The Times, which first reported the tent purchases, cited Government sources saying a similar proposal was rejected last year because of warnings it would trigger legal challenges based on inhumane treatment of asylum seekers.

It really shouldnt be too much to ask that people who have fled violence, torture and persecution have their claims assessed quickly and justly and are housed in safe homes in our communities.https://t.co/mvYkXPgd7L  Refugee Action (@RefugeeAction) July 28, 2023

Some in Government compared the idea with concentration camps, according to the paper.

Labour said it was in part an admission that the Government is not expecting its own policies to reduce the numbers crossing the Channel on small boats to actually work.

Chief executive of Refugee Action, Tim Naor Hilton, said: Its staggering the Home Secretary plans to use what a Government source compared to a concentration camp to house people seeking asylum, in the same week courts ruled she broke the law three times with her inhumane treatment of refugees.

The winners from this cruel plan will be the Home Offices asylum housing contractors, who trouser tens of millions of pounds in taxpayer-subsidised profits as standards continue to plummet.

This is yet another way the Government has developed to demonise people seeking asylum, which is rooted in its deeply racist approach to refugee protection.

It really shouldnt be too much to ask that people who have fled violence, torture and persecution have their claims assessed quickly and justly and are housed in safe homes in our communities.

Shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper said the idea was an example that the Home Office is flailing around.

The Labour MP said: Weve had all sorts of different things. Hotel use is still going up, weve still got the barges, bases, tents, all sorts of different things.

I think this is in part an admission that their own legislation that they promised would stop boat crossings, they promised would end all of the chaos, in fact they are not expecting it to work.

I think at the heart of this, the Government is just failing to go after the criminal gangs that are driving and organising border crossings.

She said Labour has set out plans for a new cross-border police unit and a new organised crime strategy across the UK.

But Ms Cooper, when challenged on Times Radio, did not rule out her own party taking such measures if it was in government, saying not enough was known about the Governments plans.

We dont know what these proposals are so wed need to see, she said, before being interrupted.

When put to her that a rough idea of the plans is known, she added: We dont.

Speaking to LBC earlier, she said: We need grip, not gimmicks.

Shadow environment secretary Jim McMahon, responding to reports about the Governments plans on Twitter, said: Panic measure after panic measure.

A Government spokesman said: We have been clear that the use of hotels to house asylum seekers is unacceptable, there are currently more than 51,000 asylum seekers in hotels costing the UK taxpayer 6 million a day.

We continue to work across Government and with local authorities to look at a range of accommodation options.

Accommodation offered to asylum seekers, on a no-choice basis, meets our legal and contractual requirements.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has declared he will press ahead with extending the capitals ultra low emission zone (Ulez) after five councils failed in their legal bid to stop him.

He described the High Court judgment as a landmark decision and pledged to do everything possible to address any concerns Londoners may have about the schemes expansion on August 29.

The outer London boroughs of Bexley, Bromley, Harrow and Hillingdon along with Surrey County Council  all led by the Conservatives  launched legal action in February over the Labour mayors proposals to extend Ulez beyond the North and South Circular roads to include the whole of the city.

In a ruling on Friday Mr Justice Swift dismissed the councils case.

Drivers of vehicles which do not meet minimum emissions standards are charged a 12.50 daily fee for entering the Ulez zone.

Transport for London (TfL) says nine out of 10 cars seen driving in outer London on an average day comply with the Ulez standards.

But figures obtained by the RAC show more than 690,000 licensed cars in the whole of London are likely to be non-compliant.

This does not take into account other types of vehicles or those which enter London from neighbouring counties.

Mr Khan said: The decision to expand the Ulez was very difficult and not something I took lightly.

He went on: The Ulez has already reduced toxic nitrogen dioxide air pollution by nearly half in central London and a fifth in inner London.

The coming expansion will see five million more Londoners being able to breathe cleaner air.

Bromley Councils leader, Colin Smith, claimed the judges decision cannot be disguised as anything other than bitter disappointment for motorists.

My statement on today's ULEZ High Court ruling: pic.twitter.com/s231jvNWGG  Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan (@MayorofLondon) July 28, 2023

Susan Hall, the Conservative Partys candidate for the London mayor election in May next year, said the ruling was a shame and reiterated her pledge to stop the Ulez expansion on day one if elected.

The AA urged Mr Khan to give people more time to react to the change or reduce the impact on them, while the RAC called on the mayor to give additional support to key workers.

But climate charity Possible described the judgment as fantastic, claiming Ulez expansion is sorely needed to tackle our overreliance on cars and improve air quality.

At a hearing earlier this month, the local authorities lawyers said the mayor lacked the legal power to order the expansion of the zone by varying existing regulations and argued that there was an unfair and unlawful approach to collecting views on the plans.

The mayors legal team rejected the bid to quash his November 2022 decision to extend the Ulez, arguing the move was entirely lawful and that ample information was provided for a fair consultation.

(PA Graphics)

Giving a summary of his findings, the judge said: I am satisfied that the mayors decision to expand the Ulez area by amendment of the present road charging scheme, rather than by making an entirely new  scheme, was within his powers.

The judge added that, having carefully considered the consultation process, he was satisfied that enough information was given for people who wished to respond to provide informed responses.

In response, Mr Khan said: I was a lawyer for more than 11 years. Ive never seen a more one-sided judgment.

From Monday, access to the mayors 110 million scheme which provides grants supporting the scrapping of non Ulez-compliant vehicles in London will be extended.

It will include all families in receipt of child benefit and every small business.

At the end of last month some 68 million remained available through the programme.

Fridays ruling comes in the wake of last weeks Uxbridge and South Ruislip parliamentary by-election, where Labours failure to win ex-prime minister Boris Johnsons seat was blamed on concerns around the expansion of Ulez.
Holyrood ministers have been blasted as simply irresponsible for using public funds and civil service resources to produce the Scottish Governments latest paper aimed at making the case for independence.

Scottish Secretary Alister Jack wrote to First Minister Humza Yousaf to complain that his Government was putting its obsession with independence ahead of pressing priorities in Scotland.

The letter, which also criticised the inclusion of an independence minister in the Scottish Government, comes just 24 hours after Mr Yousaf unveiled the fifth document in the Building a New Scotland series, with the latest paper focused on citizenship.

But its publication comes amid increasing tensions between Holyrood and Westminster over the Scottish Governments work on the independence agenda.

Earlier this month, Simon Case, the Cabinet Secretary and head of the Civil Service, told how civil servants in Scotland could be issued with new guidance on this within weeks.

Now, in a letter copied to Mr Case and UK Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden, Mr Jack has insisted that the Scottish Government must cease being distracted by independence and should instead work along with ministers at Whitehall to deliver for business and people in Scotland.

Mr Yousaf said on Thursday he was confident in our position in terms of the publication of these papers, claiming then that it speaks volumes that the SNPs opponents are trying to shut down the debate instead of bringing forward their proposals for maintaining the union.

Mr Jack, however, argued that ministers have a responsibility to spend taxpayers money wisely and for governments also to use cash in the areas they are responsible for.

First Minister Humza Yousaf launched the latest policy paper on Scottish independence on Thursday (Andrew Milligan/PA)

The Scottish Secretary said: It therefore seems clear to me that to use Scottish Government funds and civil service resources to design a prospectus for independence or support a minister for independence is simply irresponsible.

This is particularly true given there is no referendum on independence in prospect, and it has been unequivocally determined by the Supreme Court that it is outside the competence of the Scottish Parliament to legislate for such a referendum.

The Tory MP added: People expect their governments to be fully focused on the issues which matter most to them.

I believe that in continuing to prioritise activity like this, Scottish Government ministers are putting their own obsession with independence ahead of pressing priorities in Scotland.

Independence could enable Scotland to take forward an inclusive model of citizenship. First Minister @HumzaYousaf sets out the focus of our latest #ANewScotland paper. Discover more at https://t.co/jaHrOE1RZa pic.twitter.com/XUHgawvYlh  Scottish Government (@scotgov) July 27, 2023

He went on to argue this was not an effective or efficient use of the record block grant the Scottish Government has been given by Westminster, saying instead the money should be used to invest in improving devolved public services  cutting NHS waiting times, raising educational standards and providing vital transport links.

Mr Jack told the Scottish First Minister: I hope you and your ministerial colleagues will agree to cease being distracted by independence and, instead, work with us to deliver for business and people in Scotland.

A spokesman for the First Minister, however, described the Scottish Secretary as the apologist-in-chief for Westminster in Scotland, adding that it was no wonder Alister Jack wants to shut down debate on how Scotland can become a more successful, wealthier and fairer country with the powers of independence.

The spokesman said: The Scottish Government was elected with a clear mandate to provide the people of Scotland with the information they need to make an informed choice about their future.

The fact that Mr Jack and his colleagues are not prepared to set out a positive case for the Union, or put the question of independence to the people of Scotland in a referendum, speaks volumes.

Mr Jack has also not been paying attention to the new Scottish Governments substantial record of delivery.

Just in recent days, the First Minister and his team have announced record medical recruitment levels, a record number of students from the most deprived areas going to university, approved plans for a new 500 million hydro plant to support Scotland on its journey to net zero, a new strategy for Scotlands aquaculture industries, and a funding package to support our island communities cope with the cost-of-living crisis.

Unlike south of the border, Scottish ministers successfully negotiated to prevent a junior doctors strike, and Scotland is unique in the UK in having avoided strike action in our health service.
Scientists say studying ancient rocks from the Scottish island of Rum will give them a good head start as they prepare to examine Martian samples.

As part of their preparations, rocks from around the world that are similar to those from the red planet are being collected  with Rum the only UK site that samples have been taken from.

Scientists say the mineralogy and chemistry of the rocks from the Scottish island are similar to those on Mars.

While temperatures on Mars are much colder than on Earth, with an average of about minus 60C, there was a time when conditions on the red planet were more similar to wet and warm Rum, said Dr Lydia Hallis, a geologist and planetary scientist from the School of Geographical and Earth Sciences at the University of Glasgow.

Samples of rocks from Mars are scheduled to be brought to Earth in 2033 (NASA/JPL-Caltech/ASU/MSSS/PA)

A group of scientists from the NatureScot National Nature Reserve (NNR) have this week been collecting samples from Rum, which is the largest of the Small Isles in Scotlands Inner Hebrides.

It is part of the Mars Sample Return Campaign by Nasa and the European Space Agency, which is bringing together samples from across the world that are believed to be comparable to rocks from Mars that are scheduled to be brought to Earth in 2033.

Intensive study of the samples from Rum and other sites will then help scientists understand what methods of testing and analysis will be best deployed on the Martian rocks  which could yield information about the evolution of the planet, including the potential for past life.

Dr Hallis has been leading the Rum sample team, which also includes Dr Luke Daly from the University of Glasgow, Professor Helen Williams and Dr Simon Matthews from the University of Cambridge, Professor John Bridges from the University of Leicester, and Dr Mariek Schmidt from Brock University in Canada.

The sample team collecting rocks on Rum (Luke Daly/University of Glasgow/PA)

Dr Hallis said: These Rum rocks are an excellent comparison to a specific geologic unit on Mars  the igneous Seitah Formation within the Jezero crater  which is characterised by the mineral olivine, and which the Nasa Perseverance Rover explored and sampled.

Not only is the mineralogy and chemistry similar, but the two rocks appear to have a similar amount of weathering.

This seems strange when we think how wet and warm Rum is compared to present day Mars, but billions of years ago when the Seitah Formation crystallised on Mars the difference in environment would not have been so pronounced.

At this time Mars was much wetter and warmer, with a thicker atmosphere that may even have produced rain  though not as much as we get in Scotland.

Over time the Martian atmosphere thinned leaving the surface much dryer and colder, essentially halting any further weathering within Seitah and preserving the rocks at Jezero crater for us to investigate today.

Dr Lydia Hallis said studying rocks from Rum will give scientists a good head start for examining the Martian samples (Luke Daly/University of Glasgow/PA)

The rocks on Rum are younger geologically than those that have been collected on Mars by Perseverance, but their exposure to the Scottish elements has produced roughly the same amount of weathering as was produced in the Seitah Formation during Marss early wet and warm climate.

Because of all these similarities, analysis of the Rum rocks should give us a good head start and help the samples from the red planet achieve their full potential when they are returned to Earth.

Prof Bridges, from Space Park Leicester, said: The Rum rocks we collected will undergo the same types of analysis and in the same stringent conditions of laboratory cleanliness and protection as the Perseverance rover drill cores so that the science community is ready for the returned Jezero samples.

Dr Schmidt said it is very exciting to see rocks like those we encountered on Mars in the field on Earth.

Lesley Watt, NatureScots Rum NNR reserve manager, said: With its extinct volcanoes and dramatic mountains, Rum has always been one of the best places to discover Scotlands world-class geology, but we didnt quite realise that the rocks here were of interplanetary significance as well.

It has been fascinating to learn more about the Nasa/ESA mission, and really exciting for the island to play a small part in this truly historic endeavour to find out more about Mars.

We hope it will add yet another element of interest for visitors to this special place.
In a call with reporters on Friday, NatWest chairman Sir Howard Davies was asked about the actions of the bank, and its subsidiary Coutts, when closing the account of former politician Nigel Farage.

In a 40-minute discussion he was asked about the boards initial decision to back chief executive Dame Alison Rose, whether he should resign, and if Mr Farage will get his account back.

Below are a selection of some of his answers.

Sir Howard has been chairman since 2015 (Andrew Milligan/PA)

 On why the bank closes accounts

Almost all of the accounts that are closed are for financial crime reasons, when the bank has reason to suspect that the account is being used for purposes which are unlawful, Sir Howard said.

He added: I would like to reassert that we do not close accounts on the basis of peoples legally held views. We would have always said that.

Former Ukip leader Nigel Farage (left) had his bank account closed by Coutts (Gareth Fuller/PA)





 On whether Mr Farage will get his Coutts account back

Sir Howard was asked: Will Mr Farage get his account back at Coutts or at NatWest, I know one was offered there (at NatWest)?

Sir Howard said: It isnt appropriate for me to talk about the status of his accounts, whether at Coutts or at NatWest. I really should not and will not do that.

But as you say, it has been widely reported that he has been offered alternative banking arrangements. But thats as much as I wish to say about that.

The chief executives of NatWest and Coutts have resigned (Philip Toscano/PA)

 On why the board first backed boss Dame Alison Rose, then U-turned

On Tuesday chief executive Dame Alison Rose said she had been the source of a BBC story which disclosed personal details about Mr Farages bank account.

She apologised for her actions, but the board said she would stay and had its confidence.

But in the early hours of Wednesday the board reversed this position, and Dame Alison left.

Sir Howard said: We made that (first) decision based on careful assessment of the upsides and the downsides of doing so, bearing in mind our responsibility ultimately to shareholders but also to other stakeholders.

We believe that was a rational decision to make at the time.

However, the reaction, the political reaction to that, was such that Alison and I then concluded, and the board supported the view, that her position was then untenable.

She would be running the bank in the face of very difficult headwinds, and therefore we made a different decision.

Dame Alison Rose (left) stepped down in the early hours of Wednesday (Daniel Leal/PA)

 On whether Dame Alison Rose could have stayed on

Theoretically it would have been possible. But I and Alison concluded that would just be too difficult and that maintaining the position of the bank and her authority in the bank would just be too much of a struggle, Sir Howard said.

I clearly regret the way things have turned out. Weve lost a great leader as a result, but I now have to look forward.

 On Government interference

The Government in the normal way during my eight years here has not interfered with commercial decisions in this bank, Sir Howard said.

And indeed, Im grateful to them for that. They have allowed us to manage the bank in a way that is in the interest of all the shareholders.

Clearly these were very exceptional circumstances, and the Government took a view which was not the view that the board had taken.

The Government has been NatWests biggest shareholder since the financial crisis (Matt Crossick/PA)

 On whether he should resign, and on the boards culpability

The situation is that weve got a search for a chair replacement under way which is a completely planned process, and my assessment, and indeed that was supported a day or two ago by the economic secretary, that the right course is to let that process continue, Sir Howard said.

He added: There are two underlying questions here with which the bank has been criticised.

One is the handling of Nigel Farages accounts and there the board was not involved as indeed it should not have been.

The second was the way in which that information was discussed with a journalist and again, the board was absolutely not involved in that.

So I dont think that there are any grounds to criticise the board for those two underlying problems.

Economic secretary to the treasury Andrew Griffith has suggested new rules for how accounts can be closed (Aaron Chown/PA)

 On new proposals from the Government, and potential pitfalls

Theres been a sensible discussion with the economic secretary about how the rules and guidance and possibly law may be changed, Sir Howard said.

I have to say I have some sympathy with the idea that some greater clarity would be helpful in this. I think wed actually welcome that.

He added: As for the risks, and I think the Governments well aware of it, one is that you could, if you are tougher about circumstances in which accounts can be closed, make it somewhat easier for potential criminals, because you cant close (their accounts) quite as quickly.
Social care leaders have welcomed news that previously-pledged investment in the sector will go towards helping with recruitment and retention of staff but said major reform is still needed to properly address remaining challenges.

The Government said the 600 million funding will support the social care workforce and boost capacity, therefore supporting the NHS ahead of winter and into next year.

The investment includes a 570 million workforce fund over two years, distributed to local authorities, and 30 million funding for local authorities in what the Department of Health and Social Care described as the most challenged health systems.

The funding will work alongside the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan, the department said, to build a stronger overall foundation for the health and social care workforce.

The Government was criticised for saying earlier this year that social care workforce funding would be halved from a previously pledged 500 million  a move branded a betrayal by charities, unions and opposition parties.

But the Government insisted no funding for the adult social care sector had been removed or reallocated to the NHS and said the remaining 600 million had simply not yet been allocated.

Confirming the investment on Friday, care minister Helen Whately said the latest announcement shows the Government is backing our brilliant care workforce with millions in extra funding.

She said: Our workforce reforms will help more people pursue rewarding careers in social care with nationally recognised qualifications. Our investment in social care means more funding to go to the front line. This matters, because support for our care workforce is the key to more care and better care.

A stronger social care system, hand in hand with our NHS, will help people get the care they need, when and where they need it.

The Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS) said the funding will help with the challenges faced in winter, and will bring relief to disabled and older adults, their families and carers, who rely on care and support services to live their lives.

ADASS president Beverley Tarka said the Government had listened to calls from directors and others in adult social care to make resources available earlier to support planning for winter.

She said: By announcing this funding now, guaranteeing the funding over two years and giving councils flexibility to spend it where it will make the most difference, the Government is putting us in a much better place than last year, when funding came too late, while we were already in the middle of a winter crisis.

She said the funding could be used by councils to invest in providing more care at home so people do not need to go into hospital, which could help to reduce waiting lists for care.

She added: Directors of adult social care like me will sleep better knowing we have more resources to go towards meeting the ever-increasing need for social care.

She said the funding wont solve all these problems over the long-term, but it will help stabilise the situation and help us address the challenges this winter.

The Local Government Association said it was pleased to see that the Government has listened to councils and has protected this money but added that secure long-term funding and a comprehensive plan for reform remain vital for the future.

The Nuffield Trust said social care had too often been raided to pay off other budgets, and branded the decision to keep the previously promised pot of money and to prioritise care workers as the right decision.

Nuffield Trust fellow Camille Oung said: This will offer some of the much-needed stability that could allow staff to be hired on decent conditions for the long term.

At the same time, we cannot be sure that this funding alone will meet the depth of the problem after years of neglect. Care workers are now facing soaring prices on the back of a decade of often poor pay and conditions.

A comprehensive programme of reform is needed so that we have a stable, thriving workforce whose terms and conditions attract the growing numbers we need over the coming decades.

Simon Bottery, senior fellow at The Kings Fund, said the 600 million will offer some relief to hard-pressed local authorities and some of the money should feed through to struggling social care providers and staff, and therefore improve the care people receive.

But he added: Clearly, however, this is not the properly funded workforce plan that social care needs.

He said the need for reform in the sector will not go away and insisted that if a new government, of whatever colour, wants to ensure people get the social care they need, they will need to set out a genuine plan for change.

Age UK said it is welcome indeed that Government, local authorities and the NHS are already thinking ahead and making plans to support services through the winter months and beyond.

The charitys director, Caroline Abrahams, added: Getting good care to everyone who needs it, when they need it, means we need sustainable services that can recruit, train and retain the staff they need  so getting additional support out to the front line, supporting services on to a more stable footing in time for winter, has to be a priority.
A 16-year-old faces life imprisonment after pleading guilty to the murder of teenager Charlie Cosser in a Sussex village.

Charlie, also known as Cheeks, was stabbed multiple times during the attack on Marches Road, in Warnham, West Sussex in the early hours of Sunday, July 23.

The 17-year-old was fighting for his life in hospital after the incident but died on July 25.

His family have paid tribute to their cheeky and loving son and brother, from Milford in Surrey, adding their lives have been destroyed after the tragic and unnecessary loss.

The defendant, who cannot be named for legal reasons, entered his guilty plea at his first appearance at Lewes Crown Court on July 28.

He also pleaded guilty to possessing a bladed article.

The 16-year-old appeared in the dock, and family members attended the hearing in the public gallery.

Defending, Kevin Light told the court the teenager was of previous good character and had drunk a considerable amount and could not remember certain events of the evening such as how he came about the knife.

Addressing the defendant, Judge Christine Laing KC said: There is only one sentence which is life imprisonment but I have to determine what the appropriate minimum term you must serve before you are considered eligible for parole and to be released.

I also need to see more information about the case before I decide that.

The defendant is due to be sentenced on September 11.
Rail passengers will suffer fresh travel chaos on Saturday as thousands of workers strike in a long-running row over pay, jobs and conditions.

Services will be disrupted when members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union, including station staff and train managers, walk out.

Passengers have been advised to check their travel arrangements because the strike action will see wide variations of services across the country, with trains due to start later and finish much earlier than usual.

In some areas only around half of train services will run, while others will have no services at all.

Services on some lines are also likely to be affected on Friday evening and Sunday morning.

A Rail Delivery Group spokesperson said the strike will disrupt the plans of families during the summer holidays.

They said: This will lead to disappointment, frustration and financial strain for tens of thousands of people. We apologise for the inconvenience caused and understand the impact on individuals and businesses.

Our advice is to check before you travel.

Picket lines will be mounted outside railway stations across England and workers said they were receiving strong support for their action from the public.

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said striking rail workers are still waiting for an invitation back to the negotiating table.

He said: Weve been on strike for over a year. This campaigns probably been running for two years.

The issues are the same. Theyre attacking our jobs. Theyre making redundancies. Theyre closing services.

We havent had a pay rise for four years and the people that remain, they want to cut our conditions and issue new contracts of employment.

There is not an agreement in sight at the moment but we remain available for negotiation with the companies and with the Government  but thats up to them to invite us back to the table so that we can work up some solutions to the dispute.

Members of drivers union Aslef will stop working overtime next month in a separate dispute over pay.

A Department for Transport spokesperson said: The Government has met the rail unions, listened to them and facilitated improved offers on pay and reform.

The union leaders should put these fair and reasonable offers to their members so this dispute can be resolved.
Twiglet the miniature dachshund, who was stolen by a masked man after a burglary, is safe and well and has been reunited with her owner.

Essex Police launched a missing hound appeal after an intruder took the 16-month-old dog from her home in Catmere End in Saffron Walden, Essex, on Wednesday at about 3pm.

Police said that Twiglet was reunited with her happy owner on Thursday thanks to a member of the public who got in touch after spotting the appeal.

Sixteen-month-old Twiglet has bee returned (Essex Police/PA)

The spokesman said: Twiglets owner is grateful to the public for all their support and sharing the appeal which was seen by a member of the public who was able to reunite Twiglet with its owner.

They are truly grateful and happy that their dog is safely back with them, unharmed.

They said they were continuing the investigation and no arrests have been made.

Good news! Thanks to you the public, Twiglet has been reunited with her happy owner.They are truly grateful and happy that their dog is safely back with them, unharmed.But we continue to investigate. Read the story in full: https://t.co/uC8nprHteA  Essex Police (@EssexPoliceUK) July 28, 2023

CCTV images had caught the moment the intruder, who was wearing a black face mask and grey high-vis jacket, made off with the animal.

He had smashed a patio door.

Burglar alarms sounded and the dog began barking and panicking.

The intruder appeared to grab her and wrestled the crying dog to the ground before picking her up and making off with her.

At one point he appeared to clamp her jaws shut to stop her barking.
Two retired Metropolitan Police officers have been jailed for a three-year plot to share the most depraved child sexual abuse images together with a serving Met chief inspector, who was found dead before he was charged.

Jack Addis, 63, and Jeremy Laxton, 63, were sentenced at Southwark Crown Court on Friday, having previously pleaded guilty to a charge of conspiring with Richard Watkinson, 49, to distribute or show indecent images of children.

The images and videos had been shared for their own sexual pleasure via a hard drive that the men added to when they met up, the court heard.

Watkinson, who was a serving Met chief inspector for neighbourhood policing at the West Area Command Unit, was found dead at his home in Saunderton, Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire, on January 12, following welfare concerns.

Jeremy Laxton (Metropolitan Police/PA)

The court heard he took his own life.

He had been suspended from duty following his arrest in July 2021 and was that day due to answer bail to be charged with the conspiracy, as well as three counts of making indecent photos of a child, voyeurism and two counts of misconduct in public office.

According to the charge, the three men conspired to distribute or show indecent images of children to each other between January 1 2018 and July 10 2021.

The images, which were found on a computer hard drive, included 2,516 in Category A  the worst kind, 1,032 in Category B and 1,701 in Category C.

Laxton, from Grantham, Lincolnshire, pleaded guilty to a slew of other offences for which he was sentenced.

Karen Walton, for Laxton, said her client has to live with the public deeming him part and parcel of trust in the police force being at an all-time low.

Mr Justice Wall jailed Addis, from Perthshire in Scotland, for three years and nine months, and Laxton for five years and nine months.

The judge said: The images you traded in were of the most depraved.

He added: You had each been policemen and although not working directly in child protection must have been fully aware of the damage done to real children by the filming of such disturbing images.

On top of the conspiracy charge, Laxton also pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent images of a child, possession of a prohibited image, possessing an extreme pornographic image and possession of cannabis on or before September 20 2021.

The images include 6,086 in Category A, 4,039 in Category B, 3,597 in Category C, seven prohibited images of a child and 56 extreme pornographic images which were grossly offensive, disgusting or otherwise of an extreme character depicting a person having sex with an animal, according to the indictment.

Jack Addis (Metropolitan Police/PA)

Investigators found devices in a cavity Laxton had created behind the walls of his home after seeing a message he sent someone to say he buried his equipment within the walls.

One officer, tasked with looking through the material, described one of the images as one of the most disturbing Category A images in existence.

Laxton further pleaded guilty to a charge of intentionally encouraging or assisting the commission of the offence of misconduct in a public office between December 1 2019 and May 1 2021.

Laxton admitted separate offences at Lincoln Magistrates Court, for which he was also sentenced on Friday.

In Lincoln, he admitted three counts of possessing indecent images of children, possessing extreme pornographic images, possessing prohibited images and possessing cannabis.

Appearing in the dock in a dark grey suit, Laxton was sentenced to four-and-a-half years in prison for the conspiracy charge running consecutive to 15 months in jail for encouraging or assisting the commission of the offence of misconduct in a public office.

The overall sentence will run concurrently to two years in prison for each offence relating to category A images and eight months for each of the remaining offences.

Addis appeared in court by video-link from HMP Durham where he is serving an 18-month sentence for three counts of voyeurism and possessing indecent photographs of a child.

He joined the Met Police in 1978, became a sergeant and then a firearms officer in a specialist firearms unit before leaving to join the Civil Nuclear Constabulary in 2010.

In a letter to the judge, Addis apologised to everyone affected by his actions and said: I made a terrible mistake. One that I will regret for the rest of my life.

The guilt and shame I feel is overwhelming.

I cannot begin to put into words my remorse.

Laxton joined the Met Police in 1980 and retired in 2011.

Ms Walton told the court Laxton has had to accept his responsibility in participating in an appalling trade.

He will have to live with that shame not only in this courtroom but thereafter it will be publicised for a period of time, she said.

A sexual harm prevention order is in place for both defendants for the next 10 years which restricts their access to the internet and their contact with children.

An NSPCC spokesperson said: It is deeply troubling that Addis and Laxton, whose roles as police offers were to enforce the law and protect the most vulnerable in society, conspired together to share images of children being sexually abused.

This is compounded by the fact they would have been well aware that the impact of child sexual abuse on victims can be devastating and long-lasting.
Singapore executed Saridewi binte Djamani, a 45-year-old woman convicted for trafficking about 31 grams of pure heroin, Friday (July 28). Her hanging became the first for a woman in almost two decades for the island city-state.

The previous woman who was hung for drug trafficking was 36-year-old hairdresser Yen May Woen in 2004.

According to Singaporean law, a person is to be sentenced to death for trafficking more than 500 grams of cannabis and 15 grams of heroin. The Singaporean Central Narcotics Bureau said the amount of heroin she was caught with was "sufficient to feed the addiction of about 370 abusers for a week."

Another convict, Mohammed Aziz bin Hussain, was hanged two days prior for trafficking around 50 grams of heroin, according to the Associated Press.

The narcotics watchdog added both prisoners were accorded due process, including appeals of their convictions and sentences, as well as petitions for presidential clemency.

Read Also: Singaporean Worker Dies After Getting Electrocuted While Installing Solar Panel Due to Exposed Cable Arcing

Efforts to Abolish the Death Penalty

However, human rights groups, international activists, and the United Nations have urged the government of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong to halt executions for drug offenses, condemning its ineffectiveness as a deterrent to larger drug traffickers.

Despite this, Singaporean authorities insisted capital punishment is a must to curb drug demand and supply for their tiny island nation.

We have confirmed that two executions will be carried out in #Singapore this week, on Wednesday (26 July) and Friday (28 July), including the first known execution of a woman in around 20 years.  Transformative Justice Collective (@tjc_singapore) July 23, 2023

Transformative Justice Collective (TJC), a Singaporean group advocating for the abolishment of capital punishment, said a new execution notice has been issued to another prisoner for Aug. 3, the fifth one for this year alone.

The group added 15 people were executed for drug offenses since Singapore resumed hangings in March 2022 after a pause during the COVID-19 pandemic.

It was said the next prisoner to be executed was an ethnic Malay citizen who worked as a delivery driver before his arrest in 2016. He was convicted in 2019 for trafficking 50 grams of heroin and his appeal was dismissed last year.

The group said the man had maintained in his trial that he believed he was delivering contraband cigarettes for a friend to whom he owed money, and he didn't verify the contents of the bag as he trusted his friend.

However, the Singaporean High Court ruled their ties were not close enough to warrant the kind of trust he claimed to have had for his friend.

While the court found he was merely a courier, the man still had to be executed because prosecutors did not issue him a certificate of having cooperated with them, the group added.

TJC also said it strongly condemned "the state's bloodthirsty streak," repeating its calls for an immediate moratorium on the use of the death penalty.

Today, Singapores authorities hanged a man. On Friday, they plan to execute a woman. Its time for Singapores killing spree to stop before its reputation is permanently damaged. Its still not too late to grant mercy to Saridewi Djamani.  Richard Branson (@richardbranson) July 26, 2023

Other critics also say Singapore's harsh policy only punishes low-level traffickers and couriers, typically recruited from marginalized groups with vulnerabilities. One of the most well-known critics of Singapore's capital punishment was Virgin Group boss Richard Branson, who said the death penalty was not a deterrent against crime.

"Small scale-drug traffickers need help, as most are bullied due to their circumstances," he added.

They added the country was also lagging behind its neighbors with the trend of moving away from capital punishment for drug-related crimes, as well as the legalization of some of it, like Thailand's recent legalization of cannabis.

Malaysia, Singapore's closest neighbor, became the third country in the ASEAN region to abolish the death penalty altogether after Cambodia and the Philippines.

As Halimah Yacob's term of office as president is about to expire, there is interest within the city-state about the position of various candidates on the death penalty.

Related Article: Philippines' Request to Halt Inquiry Into Drug-Related Deaths Denied by ICC

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
xbrchx / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Ask anyone who knows and theyll tell you theres no shortage of reasons to retire in Europe, like the rich culture, interesting history, delicious cuisine, incredible scenery and perhaps most important  affordability. How do you decide which country you should move to though?

Retirement Savings: Experts Say This Magic Number Is the Key  and Its Not $1 Million

Learn: 3 Ways To Recession-Proof Your Retirement

To help, GOBankingRates looked at Numbeos mid-2023 data to find European countries with monthly expenditures under $4,650, which is what it costs in New York City for a single person in a one-bedroom apartment. It also looked at the safety index  with higher indexes being better  and the cost of living index  with lower indexes being better  for each country. For comparison purposes, New York Citys safety index is 50.5 and its cost of living index is 100.

Here are the 10 most-affordable countries to retire in Europe.

Croatia

Safety index: 73.9

Cost of living index: 30.9

Total monthly cost of living expenditures: $1,437

Croatia is located in Southeastern Europe  across the Adriatic Sea from Italy. Although the country has both a Mediterranean and continental climate, the continental climate dominates, featuring hot summers and cold winters.

Boomers Prefer To Retire Abroad: Top 5 Places To Retire Outside of the US

Montenegro

Safety index: 63.1

Cost of living index: 29.7

Total monthly cost of living expenditures: $1,381

Montenegro, which means black mountain, is located on Europes Adriatic Coast and has a reputation for being more affordable than Croatia. Its also an outdoor lovers paradise. Youll find a plethora of mountains and plenty of national parks to get lost in.

Serbia

Safety index: 61.5

Cost of living index: 27.9

Total monthly cost of living expenditures: $1,297

Serbia is bordered by Montenegra to the southwest and Croatia to the northwest. Its landscape contains mountains and plains. English is also widely spoken by the friendly locals.

Bulgaria

Safety index: 62.5

Cost of living index: 25.7

Total monthly cost of living expenditures: $1,195

Bulgaria is one of the most affordable countries in the European Union and is located in southeastern Europe in the eastern part of the Balkan Peninsula. Expats who live there for 183 out the 365 days of the year will be considered taxable residents. Bulgaria has a flat tax rate that applies to both business and personal taxes, which could serve as an advantage if youre planning to start a business in the country.

Albania

Safety index: 54.6

Cost of living index: 25.7

Total monthly cost of living expenditures: $1,195

Albania, which is located in southern Europe in the western area of the Balkan Peninsula, also has a lower cost of living index. It also is an outdoor paradise with plenty of beaches, mountains and lakes.

Romania

Safety index: 67.2

Cost of living index: 24.8

Total monthly cost of living expenditures: $1,153

Located in southeastern Europe, Romania has a Black Sea coastline. This affordable country also has mountains, forests, hills and plains. Romanians are known for being welcoming and friendly to Americans.

Belarus

Safety index: 48.6

Cost of living index: 23.4

Total monthly cost of living expenditures: $1,088

A temperate continental climate with four seasons is what youll find in Belarus, with warm summers, cold winters and mild weather in the spring and fall. However, English is not widely spoken in the country; youll find that most people speak Russian or Belarusian.

Moldova

Safety index: 54.3

Cost of living index: 23.1

Total monthly cost of living expenditures: $1,074

Moldova is a landlocked country in Eastern Europe and is known for its long summers, lasting from May to September. The official language is Romanian and many locals  especially in the outlying areas  do not speak English.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Safety index: 57.5

Cost of living index: 22

Total monthly cost of living expenditures: $1,023

Bosnia and Herzegovina are located in the western Balkans in southeastern Europe. Although Bosnia and Herzegovina have a free public healthcare system, its understaffed and many doctors do not speak English. Thats why many expatriates choose to buy private medical insurance and travel to another European country to obtain healthcare.

North Macedonia

Safety index: 59.3

Cost of living index: 19.8

Total monthly cost of living expenditures: $921

North Macedonia is located in southeastern Europe, north of Greece. It sits on a plateau and is known for its beautiful scenic views. The country also has free primary public healthcare for all citizens, including expats, which includes free unlimited visits to primary healthcare professionals and free services.

More From GOBankingRates

Methodology: For this piece GOBankingRates looked at Numbeos mid-2023 data to find all European countries that had the following factors available; (1) crime index score as sourced from Numbeo and (2) cost of living index (including rent). The cost of living index (including rent) estimates consumer goods prices, including rent, in comparison to New York City, which was $4,650 per month for a single person in a one-bedroom apartment. All data was then scored and those countries with monthly expenditures under $4,650 were considered. For those qualified countries, GOBankingRates then used factor (2) for final rankings, with the lowest total being best. All data was collected and is up to date as of July 19, 2023.

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 10 Most Affordable Countries for Retiring in Europe
FRANKFURT, Germany (AP)  Adidas said Friday that it is releasing a second batch of high-end Yeezy sneakers after cutting ties with rapper Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, as the German sportswear brand seeks to unload the unsold shoes while donating to groups fighting antisemitism.

The online sale, to start Wednesday through Adidas smartphone apps and its website, follows an earlier set of sales in May. Models that will be available include the Yeezy Boost 350 V2, 500, and 700 as well as the Yeezy Slide and Foam RNR.

The company cut ties with Ye in October after he made antisemitic and other offensive remarks online and in interviews. That left Adidas holding 1.2 billion euros ($1.3 billion) worth of unsold Yeezys and searching for a responsible way to dispose of them.

Adidas CEO Bjrn Gulden said in May that selling the popular sneakers and donating some of the profits was the best solution to deal with the unsold inventory and make a difference. He said the company spoke with nongovernmental organizations and groups that were harmed by Yes comments and actions.

Part of the profits from the sales of the Yeezy shoes will go to the Anti-Defamation League and the Philonise & Keeta Floyd Institute for Social Change, run by social justice advocate Philonise Floyd, the brother of George Floyd.

Shoes sold directly by Adidas in North America will include blue square pins established by Robert Kraft's Foundation to Combat Anti-Semitism as a symbol of solidarity in rejecting antisemitism, the company said.

The Anti-Defamation League calls the sale a thoughtful and caring resolution for the unsold merchandise and that any attempt to turn the consequences of (Ye's) actions into something that ultimately benefits society and the people he has hurt is most welcome.

Adidas declined to give details on numbers of shoes that would be released for sale and how much of the proceeds would be donated. Asked if Ye would receive royalties from the sales, the company would only say that we will honor our contractual obligations and enforce our rights but will not share any more details."

The company said Monday that the first sale of Yeezy shoes helped its preliminary second-quarter financial results and contributed to it raising its outlook for the year  from a high single-digit decline in revenue to a mid-single digit decline.

That would still amount to an operating loss of 450 million euros (more than $494 million) this year, instead of a loss of 700 million euros.

Adidas, which reports its earnings for the first half of the year on Thursday, said it expected future Yeezy sales to further boost its results.
Police have released footage of Alicia Navarro speaking to investigators after the teenager walked into a Montana police precinct four years after she vanished without a trace in Arizona.

When she disappeared from her home on 15 September 2019, the then 14-year-old left behind a note that read: I ran away. I will be back, I swear. Im sorry.

Footage shows Navarro telling officers that no-one hurt her while she was missing.

On Wednesday (26 July), Glendale police said that Navarro went to a police station Montana near the Canadian border and identified herself.
WASHINGTON (AP)  President Joe Biden dispatched his national security adviser Jake Sullivan to Saudi Arabia on Thursday for talks with the kingdom's de facto leader Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as the White House pushes for a normalization of relations between the country and Israel.

The White House in a brief statement said that Sullivan arrived in Jeddah on Thursday for talks with the crown prince, who is often referred to by his initial MBS, and other Saudi officials. The wide-ranging talks covered initiatives to advance a common vision for a more peaceful, secure, prosperous, and stable Middle East," and efforts to find a permanent end to the years-long conflict between the Saudis and Iran-allied Houthis in Yemen, according to the White House.

Sullivan and MBS also discussed the Biden administration's hopes to normalize relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia, according to a White House National Security Council official familiar with the matter. The official was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity.

The effort to strengthen the historically fraught relationship between the Middle East's two significant powers comes after the Trump administration helped usher in the Abraham Accords," normalizing relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Morocco.

A normalization deal with Saudi Arabia, the most powerful and wealthy Arab state, has the potential to reshape the region and boost Israels standing in historic ways. But brokering such a deal is a heavy lift as the kingdom has said it wont officially recognize Israel before a resolution to the decades-long Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Sullivan's visit comes after Secretary of State Antony Blinken traveled to the kingdom last month in part to promote normalization between Israel and Saudi Arabia.

During Blinken's recent visit, Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said that normalization with Israel would have limited benefits without finding a pathway to peace for the Palestinian people.

The Saudis have also shown hesitance to proceed with normalizing relations with Israel at a time when it is led by the most right-wing government in its history, and when tensions have soared with the Palestinians.

The Saudis have repeatedly called for the creation of a Palestinian state in the West Bank, east Jerusalem and Gaza, territories Israel seized in the 1967 war.
President Biden on Thursday said Sen. Tommy Tubervilles (R-Ala.) hold on military nominations  as well the Senate Republicans who have refused to stop it  are causing a growing cascade of damage and disruption.

This partisan freeze is already harming military readiness, security and leadership, and troop morale, Biden said in remarks at the Truman Civil Rights Symposium in Washington, D.C. Freezing pay, freezing people in place. Military families who have already sacrificed so much unsure of where and when they change stations, unable to get housing or start their kids in the new school.

Tuberville is holding up more than 300 military promotions, Biden said. The senator is protesting the Pentagons abortion policies, which allow for paid leave and travel reimbursement for abortions.

A growing cascade of damage and disruption all because one senator from Alabama  and 48 Republicans who refuse to stand up to him  to lift a blockade over a Pentagon policy offering servicemen and women, their families access to reproductive health care rights they deserve if theyre stationed in states that deny it, the president said.

He lumped in Republican senators as part of the problem too, saying they should be stopping Tuberville from continuing his hold.

Something dangerous is happening, the president said. The Republican party used to always support the military. But today, theyre undermining the military.

Tuberville this week signaled he is not likely to change his position before the Senate departs for its five-week August recess.

Is time for the senator from Alabama to let these generals and admirals fully serve their country, and service members care for themselves and their families, Biden said. I urge Senate Republicans to do what they know is right and keep our country safe, like Harry Truman  approve all those outstanding military nominees now, now, now. Which was routine in the past, I might add.

The president recently picked Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr. to become the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. If confirmed by the full Senate, Brown would become only the second Black man to be chairman of the Joint Chiefs, after Colin Powell.

By the fall, we may not have a chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, Biden warned, calling Tubervilles hold outrageous and nonsense.

He also picked Adm. Lisa Franchetti to be the next chief of naval operations. If confirmed, she will be the first female member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

We need them, Biden said of all the service members he has nominated for promotions.

Right now, tens of thousands of Americas daughters and sons are deployed around the world tonight, keeping us safe from immense national security challenges. But the senator from Alabama is not, he said.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and top officials have also joined Biden in calling on on Tuberville to end the hold. They have put pressure on the Senate GOP to stop the Alabama Republican, warning that he is putting national security at risk.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Boise police released the identity of the man arrested Thursday in the stabbing death of another man near the Boise Airport.

Dallas Brower, 27, of Twin Falls, was taken into custody and booked into the Ada County jail facing a charge of first-degree murder, according to a news release.

Police responded to the stabbing in an industrial area of South Production Avenue north of Gowen Road before 7:30 a.m. Thursday. Evidence suggests Brower and two other men were in a parked car and became involved in an altercation, the release said.

The cause and nature of the altercation are part of an ongoing investigation, said Haley Williams, spokesperson for the Boise Police Department.

Brower, who investigators believed was armed with a knife, got out of the car with one of the men while the third man tried to drive away. The third man eventually left the car and ran to get help.

Police found Brower walking down a nearby road, the release said, then found the man he left the car with dead with stab wounds.

The man who ran for help was not injured, Williams said.

Police investigate suspicious death in Southeast Boise near Interstate 84 and airport
HOOVER, Ala.  Carlee Russell, the Alabama nursing student who claimed she was kidnapped for 49 hours in a stunt she later confessed was a lie, was charged with two misdemeanors in connection with the hoax, police announced Friday.

The arrest warrant was issued earlier today, Hoover Police Chief Nicholas C. Derzis said in a news conference.

She surrendered to authorities, accompanied by her attorney, at the Hoover City Jail to face two misdemeanor charges: false reporting to law enforcement authorities and falsely reporting an incident, he said.

Carlethia Carlee Nichole Russell (Courtesy Hoover Police Department via Facebook)

The charges carried a bond of $1,000 each and are punishable by up to a year in jail and a $6,000 fine if convicted, the chief said. Russell was released from jail after posting bond.

Her decisions that night created panic and alarm for the citizens of our city and even across the nation as concern grew that a kidnapper was on the loose using a small child as bait," Derzis said. "The story opened wounds for families whose loved ones really were victims of kidnappings, some of which even helped organize searches.

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall said we intend to fully prosecute this case, adding his office will monitor the investigation for potential further charges.

Marshall said while Russell wasn't kidnapped, they "dont see this as a victimless crime," pointing to the "significant hours spent" and "resources expended" in the frantic search for her.

Russells attorney, Emory Anthony, said Friday: All we can do now is wait for the court date and see how we go from there.

When asked how Russell is handling the charges, he said: Shes doing like anybody else charged with something. She realized that, although its two misdemeanors, its still a serious offense. She understands that.

The news comes four days after Russell confessed it was all made up in a statement from her attorney, read out Monday by Hoover Police Chief Nicholas C. Derzis.

"There was no kidnapping on Thursday 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," the statement, shared by her attorney said. "My client did not have any help in this incident. This was a single act done by herself."

Russells disappearance captured the attention of the nation. She went missing after she called 911 on July 13, claiming she saw a toddler in a diaper wandering on the side of Interstate 459 South.

The 25-year-old returned home July 15 on foot and provided a story to police claiming that she was abducted, taken by a male with orange hair and a woman.

She claimed she was forced into an 18-wheeler truck and taken to a home where a man and a woman told her to get undressed and then took photos of her.

In a July 19 news conference, police said they were only able to have a preliminary interview with Russell and were waiting to complete a more in-depth interview to determine her whereabouts in the time she was missing.

Derzis said investigators were unable to corroborate many of her claims.

The police chief said Friday that police have still been unable to fully retrace Russell's whereabouts in the time she was missing, and its unclear if she was with anyone.

However, he said that during the course of the investigation, officials found internet searches on her phone about paying for Amber Alerts, how to take money from a register without getting caught and about the movie "Taken."

In her statement Monday, Russell asked for forgiveness from the members of her community and law enforcement who rallied for her to be found when she vanished.

My client apologizes for her actions to this community, to the volunteers who were searching for her, to the Hoover Police Department and other agencies as well, her statement said.

Her confession comes after her parents appeared on NBC's "TODAY" show saying their daughter had been abducted.

Russells ex-boyfriend, Thomar Latrell Simmons, posted on Facebook after she returned home, thanking the community for their support and alluding that she was kidnapped.

In a fresh post on Monday, he wrote: "I strongly feel exactly like you all. blindsided with Carlees actions.

Myself and my familys nature was to react in love, and genuine concern. We are disgusted from the outcome of this entire situation, he added.

Derzis on Friday said that, from here, the Attorney Generals office will go through the police departments files and prepare its prosecution.

Debra Jones reported from Hoover, Marlene Lenthang reported from Chicago.
The Justice Department on Wednesday filed paperwork asking a judge to order Texas Gov. Greg Abbott to take action and have the floating barrier in the Rio Grande removed.

In a 21-page filing, attorneys for the DOJ have asked for the court to order two things: that the state remove the current floating barrier and any infrastructure used to anchor it, and that the state stop installing any further barriers while the case proceeds.

In its brief, the government claims the floating barrier has caused international concern.

PHOTO: Workers install connected buoys, a measure by Texas authorities in an attempt to deter migrants from crossing the border, in the Rio Grande in Eagle Pass, Texas, on July 24, 2023. (Go Nakamura/Reuters)

MORE: 'Investigate these claims': UFO transparency at center of House hearing

"Texas's construction of the Floating Barrier has already substantially harmed the United States' foreign relations with Mexico," the filing reads. "On numerous occasions since late June, the Government of Mexico has lodged protests with the United States, including at the highest diplomatic levels, regarding Texas's deployment of the Floating Barrier."

The Justice Department sued Texas over the floating barriers earlier this week.

MORE: 'Rip it up': Inside the dramatic unraveling of Hunter Biden's plea deal

The new court filings indicate that Mexico has told the United States "it may need to rethink and limit its cooperation with the United States going forward" on the subject of Rio Grande water delivery from Mexico to the U.S.

The Justice Department also argues that Texas is in violation of the Rivers and Harbors Act (RHA), by building the barrier in the river without federal authorization. DOJ also cited safety concerns as a reason they're asking for the rulings.

"The Floating Barrier interferes with the federal government's ability to carry out its operations on the Rio Grande. For example, obstructions in the water impair the freedom of movement of Border Patrol personnel conducting rescue operations and potentially delay their response times," the filing reads.

DOJ asks judge to order Abbott to start Rio Grande floating barrier removal originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Following Christopher Nolan's blockbuster Oppenheimer movie, the US Senate decided to increase compensation for victims of radiation exposure caused by nuclear weaponry development in the American Southwest.

Major Victory for the Navajo People

The Department of Justice (DOJ) claims that the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) was initially enacted as an "expeditious, low-cost alternative to litigation," but some Navajo Nation residents were previously ineligible for settlement under the act.

With the help of the amendment enacted on Thursday, July 27, as part of the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act, a larger number of people, mostly Navajos affected by radiation exposure, would be eligible for compensation.

This amendment was proposed by Representative Teresa Leger Fernandez (D-NM) and other New Mexico lawmakers.

See Also: Radiation Risks of Depleted Uranium Used in UK Tank Ammo Destined for Ukraine

Cut From the Storyline?

While there is progress, as Navajo Nation President Dr. Buu Nygren points out, the Navajo people are still entirely written out of the plot of Oppenheimer.

President Nygren told ABC News that the recent film looks emblematic of the US' deliberate omission of the complex role played by the Navajo Nation and the Navajo people. "It is time for the Navajo Nation to have a seat at the table when it comes to issues surrounding America's nuclear history and future."

Nygren emphasized that those Navajo people were exposed to dangerous levels of radiation that led to illnesses and deaths. He continued, "We deserve recognition, compensation, and resources to deal with the impacts we have suffered."

Arizona and New Mexico, known as "the uranium belt," are home to the Navajo Nation. They are the biggest Indigenous American tribe in terms of both geographical area and population.

The US Department of Defense extracted almost 30 million tons of uranium ore between 1944 and 1986 for use in nuclear manufacture. After that, government contractors throughout the Navajo territory abandoned over 500 uranium mines. Many of these still pose significant risks to human and environmental health, as determined by the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) most current assessments.

Phil Harrison worked in the uranium mining industry before helping organize the Navajo Uranium Radiation Victims' Committee (NURVC), which played a key role in the passage of RECA in 1990 and its replacement in 2000. Harrison said they were forgotten in the film. "We were frontline workers for national security. We supplied baking powder for that bomb, but we're not mentioned in Oppenheimer."

According to him, the passage of this amendment represents a major victory for the Navajo people. Specifically, the previous RECA rule limited compensation to those who had worked in uranium mines before 1971, although the government mines remained in operation until 1990. Previously ineligible employees may now qualify.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has connected radiation exposure to many cancers, birth deformities, and organ failure. Some of these have been reported to occur among Navajo people at rates three to five times higher than the overall population, said ABC News.

See Also: Businesses Fear Economic Fallout From Fukushima Nuclear Plant Water Release

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Justice Samuel Alito said Congress has no authority to regulate the Supreme Court in an interview with the Wall Street Journals opinion section published Friday, pushing back against Democrats attempt to mandate stronger ethics rules.

Alito, one of the high courts leading conservatives, is just one of multiple justices who have come under recent scrutiny for ethics controversies that have fueled the renewed push.

I know this is a controversial view, but Im willing to say it, Alito told the Journal. No provision in the Constitution gives them the authority to regulate the Supreme Court  period.

Although the Constitution enables Congress to structure the lower federal courts, it explicitly vests judicial power within a singular Supreme Court.

Alito and some legal observers argue that means Congress cant prescribe certain regulations for the high court without running afoul of separation of powers issues.

Chief Justice John Roberts has also questioned Congresss ability to act, but not as definitive as Alitos new remarks. Many court watchers who disagree with the premise believe that Roberts questioning has given fodder to Republican objections.

I dont know that any of my colleagues have spoken about it publicly, so I dont think I should say, Alito told the paper. But I think it is something we have all thought about.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (N.Y.) was among the Democrats who rejected Alitos reasoning, writing on X, formerly known as Twitter, What a surprise, guy who is supposed to enforce checks and balances thinks checks shouldnt apply to him.

The piece also revealed Alitos first public comments on the recent ethics push since he authored an op-ed for the same paper that was shared just before a ProPublica investigation into an undisclosed Alaskan fishing trip the justice accepted in 2008 paid for by a conservative donor was made public. Alito also conducted an interview with the Wall Street Journal in April.

One of the two authors of the piece, David Rivkin, is an attorney for conservative judicial activist Leonard Leo. Rivkin earlier this week penned a letter rebuffing Democratic lawmakers request for information about the Alaska trip, which Leo reportedly facilitated, and Rivkin also actively practices before the court. James Taranto, the other author, is the Journals editorial features editor.

I marvel at all the nonsense that has been written about me in the last year, Alito said.

The revelations about the Alaska trip followed a ProPublica investigation into luxury trips accepted by fellow conservative Justice Clarence Thomas. The Associated Press later raised concerns about an aide to liberal Justice Sonia Sotomayor pushing book sales, and other justices past and present have also faced criticisms for a variety of other ethics dilemmas.

In the wake of the new reports, the Senate Judiciary Committee last week voted along party lines to advance a Supreme Court ethics reform bill, though the legislation faces slim odds of passage.

Republicans have portrayed the push as an attempt to tear down the courts conservative majority, and some have similarly cited constitutional concerns.

Updated at 4:58 p.m.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Fifty-something French couple Antoine and his wife, Olga, move to Galicia looking for a fresh start. Instead, they find only hostility and hardship in Rodrigo Sorogoyens The Beasts, a deeply uncomfortable portrait of everyday evil thats all the more terrifying for being true  not the two main characters, who are fictional, but the conflict that comes to define their new life in that wild corner of northwest Spain.

Antoine (played by Denis Menochet, a sturdy bear-like man with a James Gandolfini-esque screen presence) buys a modest plot on a primeval slope, fixing up the crumbling stone cottage into something cozy enough to call home. He and Olga (Marina Fois, who is billed first, but takes her time to emerge as the films main character), are fully prepared to face the challenges of raising crops on such unforgiving soil.

More from Variety

What theyre not prepared for is the open resentment of their xenophobic neighbors, 52-year-old Xan (Luis Zahera) and his brother, Loren (Diego Anido), who was kicked in the head by a horse at some point and has the jagged scar and blank stare to show for it. These two have lived in the same spot all their lives and dont take kindly to outsiders coming in and changing things. Or not changing them, as the case may be, since Antoine casts a deciding vote that prevents wind turbines from being installed, blocking the poor brothers from an easy payday.

The movie opens with slow-motion footage of a local tradition, called A rapa das bestas, in which rugged men grapple with wild horses, wrestling them long enough to trim their manes before turning the animals loose again. Its an evocative ritual, representing the brute struggle between species  a metaphor that informs all that follows. Sorogoyen is constantly reminding audiences of the relationship between man and animal, from Antoines forest walks with his trusty Alsatian to the shotgun blasts fired by off-screen hunters.

There can be no question whom he considers to be the real threat in The Beasts, an unconventional yet idea-driven crime film that, like Dominik Molls The Night of the 12th, so thoroughly avoids sensationalizing the violence at its center that it all but flew beneath the radar at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival. Night went on to win the Cesar, while Beasts racked up nine Goyas in its native Spain, suggesting that both ought to have been in competition. (Maybe Beasts was too much like Romanian director Cristian Mungius R.M.N., which also deconstructs the tensions among European communities threatened by globalization and change. R.M.N. made all of $50,000 in U.S. theaters, whereas slow-burn Beasts is enough of a thriller that it could develop a cult following.)

It helps that Sorogoyen has found the years best villain in longtime collaborator Zahera, who transforms himself into a hostile creature, glowering at Antoine and taunting him with insults (Xan calls his neighbor Frances, translated here as Frenchy, mocking the outsiders accent) over a nerve-racking game of dominoes  and every subsequent time their paths cross. Zaheras menacing body language, matched by an anxious string score and arms-length camerawork  as if even DP Alejandro de Pablo is wary of getting too close  establishes a sense of dread so acute and pervasive it can be hard for audiences to breathe at times.

In bed at night, Olga gazes over her husbands shoulder and sees two men lurking outside their window. Tending their small but sturdy patch of tomatoes, they find signs of lead poisoning and trace the cause to a pair of car batteries thrown into their well. Only one person could have been responsible for sabotaging their entire crop. The Beasts reflects a form of violence that isnt at all rare in the real world, however seldom it may be depicted in the movies: when your new neighbors turn out to be a nightmare.

Its strange that filmmakers dont dramatize this phenomenon more often, considering how often its happened to people I know. There was the guy who bought a multimillion-dollar mansion, only to have the mobsters next door sabotage the water line, sending the clear message that they intended him to sell the house  to them. Or the one whose neighbors operated a noisy body shop out of their garage; when he reported them to the city, they retaliated by cutting his brakes (luckily, he discovered the problem before the car crashed). Theres almost nothing to be done in such situations but move. The cops in both cases admitted as much.

Here, Antoine goes to the local police, and they hardly take him seriously. He buys a video camera and starts to record his increasingly aggressive interactions with the neighbors, who may not be educated but arent stupid either. Olga recognizes the growing risk and begs her husband to defuse the situation somehow. Instead, it gets worse.

The films big scene is upsetting and unforgettable, one of those movie moments you cant unsee and which seems destined to haunt you for years to come, as the thing weve been dreading since the beginning comes to pass. It arrives earlier than we might expect, a tragic echo of the opening footage of the rapa. But the film doesnt end there, shifting its focus from Antoine to Olga, whos obliged to reckon with her husbands actions.

Sorogoyen includes an astonishing scene with the couples daughter Marie (Marie Colomb), who pleads with her mother to leave this place  which Sorogoyen likens to the Wild West, adopting certain codes of the genre in his treatment of a dangerous and still-untamed frontier. The actor Marina Fois, who plays Olga, began her career making frivolous comedies, but shes fierce and uncompromising here. While much of the film plays out in subtext, the script (which Sorogoyen co-wrote with Isabel Pena) gives both sides room to express their anxieties, ultimately rewarding the character who finds the human solution to a seemingly unresolvable conflict.

Best of Variety

Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Click here to read the full article.
Florida Keys Sheriff Rick Ramsay was driving on U.S. 1 near the Old Seven Mile Bridge in Marathon when something in the water caught his eye.

It was a sinking boat on the bayside of the bridge with five men on board.

The vessel had a dive flag because the men were participating in the final day of the two-day lobster miniseason.

Ramsay called a 911 dispatcher, who put the call out about the distressed vessel. Monroe County Deputy Willie Guerra, a sheriffs office marine patrol deputy, was nearby and got to the scene within a minute, said sheriffs office spokesman Adam Linhardt.

Monroe County Sheriffs Office Deputy Willie Guerra takes a selfie with five men he just rescued from a sinking boat Thursday, July 27, 2023.

He brought all the men aboard his patrol vessel. None were injured, according to the sheriffs office.

Im happy to report everyone appears to be OK, Ramsay said in a statement. This is a great example of the awesome teamwork between the Sheriffs Office and our law enforcement partners with the FWC and the U.S. Coast Guard.
WASHINGTON (AP)  Congress has approved two measures to undo federal protections for the lesser prairie chicken and northern long-eared bat  two endangered animals that have seen their populations plummet over the years.

In separate votes Thursday, the House gave final legislative approval to rescind protections for the lesser prairie chicken  a rare prairie bird once thought to number in the millions, but now hover around 30,000, officials said  and the long-eared bat, one of 12 bat types decimated by a fungal disease called white-nose syndrome.

The legislative actions, backed mostly by Republicans, represent rare congressional involvement in matters usually left to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service. The Endangered Species Act tasks the agencies with deciding which animals and plants to list as endangered or threatened and how to rebuild their populations.

The lesser prairie chicken, which belongs to the grouse family, is found in parts of the Midwest and Southwest, including one of the countrys most prolific oil and gas fields  the oil-rich Permian Basin in New Mexico and Texas. The bird's range also extends into parts of Colorado, Oklahoma and Kansas, but has diminished across about 90% of its historical range, officials said.

The House voted 221-206 to reverse protections for the prairie bird.

A separate 220-209 vote would overturn protections for the northern long-eared bat, which has seen its population reduced by 97% or more in some areas because of white-nose syndrome. The bat is found in 37 eastern and north-central states, plus Washington, D.C., and much of Canada.

The House votes follow similar action in the Senate in May and send both plans to President Joe Biden, who has threatened to veto both resolutions.

Overturning protections for the lesser prairie chicken "would undermine Americas proud wildlife conservation traditions, risk the extinction of a once-abundant American bird and create uncertainty for landowners and industries who have been working for years to forge the durable, locally led conservation strategies that this rule supports, the White House said in a statement.

In a separate statement, the White House said bats are "critical to healthy, functioning ecosystems and contribute at least $3 billion annually to the U.S. agriculture economy through pest control and pollination.'' Overturning protections would risk extinction of a species.

Environmentalists have long sought stronger federal protections for the prairie bird, which they consider severely at risk due to oil and gas development, livestock grazing and farming, along with roads and power lines.

The crow-size, terrestrial birds are known for spring courtship rituals that include flamboyant dances by the males as they make a cacophony of clucking, cackling and booming sounds.

White-nose syndrome, meanwhile, has spread across about 80% of the northern bats range and caused a precipitous decline in bat populations. Critics of the endangered listing contend it would hamper logging and other land uses that arent responsible for the bats sharp decline.

Rep. Bruce Westerman, an Arkansas Republican who chairs the House Natural Resources Committee, called the Endangered Species Act an important but outdated part of U.S. history.

The unavoidable truth about the ESA is that a listing means less private investment, which harms conservation efforts,'' he said.

In the case of the lesser prairie chicken, the protected status is a tool for Fish and Wildlife to go implement the Biden administration's none-of-the- above energy policy,'' Westerman said on the House floor. Its another attack on low-cost energy for the American taxpayers. Its an attack on jobs in America and its making us more dependent'' on hostile countries in the Middle East and South America, he said.

Arizona Rep. Raul Grijalva, the top Democrat on the natural resources panel, said the GOP measures "give industry and not science the upper hand in making decisions about endangered species.''

He labeled Republican opposition to the Endangered Species Act a vendetta." He also said the two votes on Thursday were egregious since the GOP-controlled House has not taken action to address climate change, even as Arizona and other states suffer through "one of the most brutal summers in this country's recorded history.''

Climate change isn't about some distant warning about melting icecaps in the far-off future. The climate crisis is here, it is now,'' Grijalva said, noting that Phoenix has set a record with a 27-day streak of temperatures over 110 degree Fahrenheit.

People are suffering. People are dying, and the GOP isnt doing a thing about it,'' he said.

The Republican majority has had zero hearings on climate change'' since taking over in January and has introduced zero bills to seriously address climate change,'' Grijalva said.

The House votes follow actions by Congress earlier this year to block a clean water rule imposed by the Environmental Protection Agency and a separate Labor Department measure that allows retirement plan managers to consider the effects of climate change in their investment plans. Biden vetoed both legislative measures.
ROLLLING FORK, Miss. (AP)  Many were not just killed at home. They were killed by their homes.

Angela Eason had visited Brenda Odoms tidy mobile home before. It was a place where Odoms, who had many tragedies in her life, felt safe.

In March, a tornado ripped through this small Mississippi town and people in mobile or manufactured homes were hit the hardest. Inside a mobile morgue, Eason, the county coroner, examined Odoms gaping fatal head wound. Odoms was found just outside of her collapsed mobile home that was tossed around by a tornado. Blunt force trauma killed her.

The one place she felt safe she was not, Eason said. Fourteen people died in that Rolling Fork tornado, nine of them, including Brenda Odoms, were in uprooted manufactured or mobile homes.

Tornadoes in the United States are disproportionately killing more people in mobile or manufactured homes, especially in the South, often victimizing some of the most socially and economically vulnerable residents. Since 1996, tornadoes have killed 815 people in mobile or manufactured homes, representing 53% of all the people killed at home during a tornado, according to an Associated Press data analysis of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration tornado deaths. Meanwhile, less than 6% of Americas housing units are manufactured homes, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

While the dangers of tornadoes to mobile homes have long been known, and there are ways to mitigate the risk, the percentage of total tornado deaths that happen in mobile homes has been increasing. Part of the problem is that federal housing rules that call for tougher manufactured home standards, including anchoring, only apply in hurricane zones, which is most of Florida and then several counties along the coast. Those are not the areas where tornadoes usually hit.

Auburn University engineering professor David Roueche called manufactured homes in non-coastal places death traps compared to most permanent homes when it comes to tornadoes.

So far this year, at least 45 of the 74 people killed in the U.S. by tornadoes were in some form of manufactured housing when they died, according to NOAA data.

The manufactured housing industry  which disputes that theres any disproportionate danger  insists on calling the structures manufactured homes if they are built after hurricane-based federal standards in 1976 and mobile homes if they are built before, saying age of the home matters.

Tornado experts say most tornadoes should be survivable.

You just have to be in some structure thats attached to the ground. And then no matter what the tornado throws at you, you have really good odds, said NOAA social scientist Kim Klockow-McClain.

But in manufactured homes even the weakest tornadoes are killing people in mobile homes in large numbers, more than a dozen experts in meteorology, disasters and engineering told The Associated Press.

More than 240 people in mobile homes in the past 28 years have died in tornadoes with winds of 135 mph or less, the three weakest of the six categories of twisters, the AP analysis found. Thats 79% of the deaths at home in the weaker tornadoes.

The whole structure is rolling or flying through air. Youve got dressers falling on top of you. Youve got the entire structure thats trying to crush you, said Roueche.

The South has mobile homes scattered about the countryside in ones and twos, making centralized tornado shelters less effective and likely to be built, said Villanova University tornado expert Stephen Strader and Northern Illinois meteorology professor Walker Ashley.

Anchoring mobile homes to the ground is key and the strongest anchoring is more expensive, said former Alabama emergency official Jonathan Gaddy, now a professor at Idaho State University.

Why does that matter? Well, it explains why we havent fixed the problem with anchoring because nobody can fix the problem and still make money. Thats the bottom line, Gaddy said.

Manufactured Home Institute Chief Executive Officer Lesli Gooch said the industry is very clear about the importance of anchoring.

Were very focused on making sure that there are minimum installation standards in the states, Gooch said.

Northern Illinois Ashley said lack of state regulations and inspections, especially in much of the South, is a big problem.

Improvements in federal codes that went into effect in 1976, 1994 and 2008 make a big difference, Gooch said, arguing the NOAA data the AP analyzed and that scientists use lump different ages of manufactured homes together and tar them with the problems of the oldest ones.

Villanova's Strader said Goochs argument that newer mobile homes are safer is proven wrong by a study that he and Roueche did of the fatalities of a March 2019 tornado in Alabama and published in the journal Natural Hazards Review. In that tornado 19 of the 23 deaths were in manufactured homes, all built after 1994 and all due to lack of anchoring, he said.

If Gooch were right, the percentage of tornado deaths at home in mobile homes would be going down with time and they are not, NOAA National Severe Storms Lab tornado scientist Harold Brooks said.

One of the big problems, Strader, Ashley and Roueche said, is that the federal rules that call for tougher manufactured home standards, including anchoring, only apply in hurricane zones. Most tornado-prone areas, including almost all of Alabama, Oklahoma, Missouri, Texas and Mississippi are in the zone with the most lax standards.

A lack of shelters is another big issue. A relatively new law in Alabama could be a model for states to address this. The law gives liability protection to buildings like churches and stores that open up in an emergency as a shelter if specifically-built shelters arent available.

When this years first deadly tornado struck just outside Montgomery, Alabama, Autauga County had about 30 minutes warning but no safer places to send people, said Ernie Baggett, the county's former emergency management chief. Seven people in mobile homes died.

The tornado continued into neighboring Elmore County, which had already set off its 30 warning sirens, used a mass notification system to make 16,772 calls to phones in the danger area and opened up 16 churches and other safer places.

People went into the temporary shelters. Homes were destroyed, but no one died.

___

This story has been corrected to show that Stephen Strader is affiliated with Villanova University, not Vanderbilt University.

___

Associated Press photographer Gerald Herbert and video journalist Stephen Smith contributed to this report. Borenstein reported from Washington and Fassett from Seattle.

___

Associated Press climate and environmental coverage receives support from several private foundations. See more about APs climate initiative here. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
Wildfire smoke was seen billowing close to homes in a number of Italys popular holiday destinations.

Footage shared by the countrys Vigili del Fuoco shows authorities battling flames in Salento and Ugento in the province of Lecce, as well as San Cataldo in Sicily.

Thousands have been forced to flee the raging wildfires in parts of southern Italy.

Severe heat and drought, worsened by climate change, has contributed to the spread of the blazes, with other Mediterranean holiday spots - including Greece and the island of Rhodes - facing wildfires.
Former state Sen. Frank Artiles will have to wait at least one more week before a trial date is set in the criminal case against him for his role in the ghost candidate scheme that interfered with the outcome of a state Senate race in the 2020 election.

Miami-Dade Circuit Court Judge Ariel Rodriguez on Friday postponed the hearing to set the trial date until Aug. 4 because of a scheduling conflict.

Artiles, 50, has pleaded not guilty to campaign finance charges alleging he paid his friend, Alexis Pedro Rodriguez, a Boca Raton auto parts dealer, to run as a no-party-affiliated candidate in the 2020 Senate District 37 race against the incumbent with the same last name.

If convicted, the Palmetto Bay political operative faces up to five years in prison for each of three felony counts.

The goal of the scheme, prosecutors allege, was to confuse voters and influence the outcome of the race in the district that has since been redrawn but at the time included a large swath that included downtown Miami, Coral Gables and Pinecrest.

The 2020 race pitted former TV personality Ileana Garcia, a Republican, against the incumbent, who lost by 34 votes after a manual recount. Alex Rodriguez, who did no campaigning, received more than 6,000 votes.

The Miami-Dade investigation, and a similar one conducted by prosecutors in Central Florida, not only snared top political operatives like Artiles, it also raised questions about how political consultants like Pat Bainter, whose Data Targeting firm runs campaigns for Senate Republican leadership, and top GOP pollster Ryan Tyson, a key adviser to Gov. Ron DeSantis presidential campaign, manipulate the states porous campaign finance system.

The state charged Artiles and Alex Rodriguez with conspiracy to make or accept campaign contributions in excess of legal limits, accepting and making excess campaign contributions, false swearing in connection to an election and submitting false voter information. Under state law, each of those charges carry sentences of up to five years in prison if convicted.

Alex Rodriguez pleaded guilty last year to charges he took $44,000 to enter the race. He also agreed to testify against Artiles.

READ MORE: No-party candidate in Miami election fraud case takes plea deal, apologizes to voters

State says its ready but not defense

After an investigation of more than two-years, Miami-Dade State Attorney Kathy Fernandez Rundle is ready to go to trial in the Artiles case, said spokesman Ed Griffith. But Artiles attorneys told the Herald/Times they are not ready for trial and will ask the judge to continue the case.

There are a number of tasks that still need resolution before we embark on a trial, said Jose M. Quinon, one of Artiles lawyers.

Despite the lengthy trial delay, the evidence collected also goes beyond questions about Artiles and his role to defeat a Democrat targeted by Tallahassee Republican leaders.

Documents released by the Miami-Dade state attorney, and a similar case against a ghost candidate in Central Florida, have shown how political operatives from both parties manipulated campaign finance laws to direct money into efforts which their donors not only did not know about but with which they might not agree.

One example came to light in an interview with Miami Democratic political consultant Josh Weierbach by Miami-Dade investigators. He told them in 2021 that he asked no questions when, two weeks before the 2020 general election, the political committee he was operating to elect Democrats, Florida Watch, had reached its spending cap and had extra funds to spend on other campaigns.

At the suggestion of Democratic fundraiser Dan Newman, Weierbach said he transferred $115,000 to the political committee Grow United, Inc., a non-profit committee controlled by political consultant Jeff Pitts, then an employee of the Alabama-based political consulting firm, Matrix, that had been hired by Florida Power & Light.

Follow the money

Shortly before the 2020 election, voters in Senate Districts 37 received mailers designed to appeal to Jose Javier Rodriguezs prime constituents, liberal Democrats. The mailers promised the no-party candidate would fight climate change, hold the police accountable [and] guarantee a living wage.

Weierbach told investigators he was not aware that Grow United, which by law did not have to disclose its donors, was funding an effort to defeat Jose Javier Rodriguez because he understood Jose Javier Rodriguez was safe at the time.

But in questioning by Assistant State Attorney Tim VanderGiesen, Weierbach also acknowledged that Florida law allows that money donated to one nonprofit political committee can be transferred to another that does not have the same political purpose.

So the donor may not get what they want, but they wont find out until its over at that point, right? VanderGiesen asked.

Thats correct, sir, Weierbach answered.

A key player in Grow Uniteds funding scheme, the records show, was a nonprofit called Lets Preserve the American Dream, run by Tyson and funded heavily by FPL.

In 2019, Jose Javier Rodriguez earned the ire of FPLs then-CEO Eric Silagy when he filed a bill to introduce competition into the utility-controlled solar energy market. In a leaked 2019 email obtained by the Miami Herald and Orlando Sentinel last year, Silagy told two of his vice presidents that he wanted them to make his life a living hell.

On Sept. 24, 2020, Tyson texted a poll to FPL and Matrix employees showing Rodriguez tied with his GOP rival  and the spoiler candidate, Alex Rodriguez, taking 4% of the vote.

We are going to charge full speed ahead, John Holley, FPLs vice president of state government affairs, replied.

Days later, Tyson had donated $600,000 to Grow United, which in turn passed on $550,000 to two Florida political committees that funded the mailers, according to internal Matrix emails and state campaign-finance records.

READ MORE: Records tied to $600,000 money transfer subpoenaed in Miami ghost candidate case

In a sworn statement to investigators Tyson denied the $600,000 donation was linked to the mailers. Court documents obtained by the Miami Herald in connection with the state attorneys investigation show that in 2020, Lets Preserve the American Dream paid Artiles $125,000 for research and paid Grow United $1.15 million.

FPLs name appeared nowhere on the mailers. But documents obtained by the Miami Herald and the Orlando Sentinel from a whistleblower affiliated with the Alabama-based consulting firm Matrix LLC, show that the money from the mailers could be traced back to Grow United.

FPL has repeatedly denied having a role in the 2020 ghost candidate scandal. In 2018, it financed a spoiler candidate in an attempt to defeat Democratic incumbent Daniella Levine Cava for her seat on the Miami-Dade County Commission.

Miami-Dade investigators told the Herald/Times this month that although they issued a target letter to Tyson, Newman and another political consultant who worked with FPL and Matrix, Richard Alexander of Pullman, Alabama, their investigation did not lead to discovery of any criminal violations by them.

Mary Ellen Klas can be reached at meklas@miamiherald.com and @MaryEllenKlas
NEW YORK  Social media influencer Dylan Mulvaney is celebrating 500 days since coming out as trans by sharing lessons learned along the way  and a heartfelt message to her younger self.

The 26-year-old TikTok star first gained international recognition in 2022, as she documented her transition journey in the viral social media series 365 Days of Girlhood.

In March, Mulvaney celebrated her 365th day as a proud trans woman with a celebrity-studded variety show streamed live from the Rainbow Room at Rockefeller Center in Manhattan.

But just weeks after that, she became the subject of widespread anti-trans hate after partnering up with Bud Light for a social media campaign.

On Wednesday, in a seven-minute video to mark her 500th day of being a girl, Mulvaney said she wasnt sure if she was going to freely share [her] trans joy because she would be subjecting herself to a lot more trauma.

The Bud Light fiasco led the social media superstar  who has nearly 11 million followers on TikTok and 1.8 million on Instagram  to face more bullying and transphobia than [she] could have ever imagined. The ordeal made her not want to leave her house for months, she said in June, adding the company didnt even reach out to her.

That experience taught her how a lot of people have difficulty seeing others happy and successful, especially when they dont fit the standard of the patriarchy, she said in the new video.

The pain she felt over the past four months was something she had never experienced before.

The past few weeks have also shown Mulvaney who her true loved ones are, as she thanked trans and queer people for coming through for her. A lot of them saw all of this coming because they knew what it was like to be burned and I didnt.

The message ended on a positive note, with Mulvaney leaving a message for her younger self, who didnt get to celebrate so many awesome discoveries because I was just hoping to get by.

Today is actually day 9,705 of being a woman, because Ive always been one. My 4-year-old self knew that, my 10-year-old self knew that and my 15-year-old self knew that and they deserve to celebrate these wins too, she said.
Bravo

This weeks denim challenge accomplishes what the single bolt of red fabric challenge, inexplicably, could not: It shows off the individual style of each remaining designer. When our (by this point, thoroughly exhausted) cohort arrive in Westport, Connecticut, to tour Christians latest outpost, he informs them that every major designerhimself includedis doing denim. Naturally, then, episode 8s one-day challenge is to craft a head-to-toe look using only recycled jeans. To make matters even more exciting, the designers will be facing off in head-t0-head battles, with the losers up for elimination and the winners carried through safely to the next round. Oh, and the winner amongst the winners will haul away $5,000 from Gloria Vanderbilt. Hows that for incentive?



Kara Saun gets first choice of whom to fight, and she picks Annaa strategic if irenic move, considering the latter has never worked with denim. Brittany then picks Laurence (a mystifying choice), while Rami opts to spar with Korto, leaving Bishme and Prajje against each other. In Westport, they all scramble for denim scraps, then drag them back in a sprinter van to the workroom. Each face-off starts off genial, so Christian tries to stir up some drama about why so-and-so picked such-and-such for war. (Laurence supplies the best response: I wasnt surprised, I was shocked that Brittany chose me. That, to me, didnt make any sense. But, heyIm definitely gonna miss her.)

At the first model fitting, its already obvious just how innovative some of these designs will be, at least in comparison to those of earlier challenges. But not all goes smoothly: As Korto bleach-dyes her jacket, it dawns on Anna that her bleached-white look is already a doomed venture. She forgot to wash the material after bleaching it, making the fabric dangerous for her models skin. With only five hours left to sew, Anna decides to re-create her original design, from scratch, using un-bleached denim. Its a ludicrous risk, but its either work like hell or send her model out naked.

Thankfully, all the models are clothed by the time the runway opens. This episodes guest judges are fashion designer Willy Chavarria and actress and model Julia Fox. (Again, Nina has other obligations. Bless her.) A few thoughts on the weeks line-up:

Prajje (vs. Bishme): I love the textile Prajje has created with interlocking belt loops on his sleeveless jumpsuit; it takes what would be a classic, flattering but ultimately ordinary design into an entirely new dimension. I think the concept is fun, but the construction is a bit lackingthere are threads hanging out, and some pieces look haphazardly stuck-on rather than intentionally placed.

Bishme (vs. Prajje): As much as I appreciate the creativity of Prajjes design, I think Bishmes is the clear winner here. The shape of his mini halter dress is flawless; add in that denim fringe jacket and the pleated sweetheart neckline, and you have a look that feels as couture as it does accessible.

Korto (vs. Rami): The structure of Kortos fit-and-flare belt-wrapped jacket and mini skirt would be enticing enough on its own, but its her bleach-dyed details that elevate the look to high-fashion. Even if its not the riskiest look if Ive ever seen, I think the judges will nevertheless be pleased.

Rami (vs. Korto): Wow, what a tough battle to score. I might like Ramis look as much as Kortos, for the simple fact that the cage textile detail and the cropped vest are inventive. But the fit isnt perfect, and some of those cage straps look puckered along the models curves. (Im also not a fan of how they align along her midriff.)

Anna (vs. Kara Saun): Im flabbergasted that Anna managed to put together this slouchy cut-out column dress in five hours. For the speed with which it was stitched together, it looks remarkably modern, hot, and well-crafted.

Kara Saun (vs. Anna): I had a really hard time deciding how to feel about Kara Sauns creation. The halter neckline and the grommet detailing along the bodice are cool, as is the sublimely sculpted fit. But some of the other components (the weaving at the thighs, the layers of fabric, etc.) seem less purposeful than they do on, say, Ramis or Prajjes works this week. Still, theres a feeling to this designa confidence, perhapsthat some of the other ensembles lack.

Laurence (vs. Brittany): Can we get a little applause for the dress, please? What a beauty. Brittany absolutely picked the wrong opponent: Laurences full-length denim gown with puff sleeves, a cone bra, and a back cut-out manages to be both ultra-chic and ultra-wearable, already prepared for a red carpet.

Brittany (vs. Laurence): Against any other opponent, I would likely pull for Brittanys design. The strappy dress and ombre puffer coat adhere to her well-established trendy sportswear style, but she added in some elements of surprise, such as the distressed denim strips that compose her textile. This is a fabulous outfit, but Im not sure it can win against Laurence.

At the end of the show, Julia announces, I would wear everything that I just saw come out. This isnt exactly a surprise given the contents of her personal wardrobebut its nevertheless a kind compliment, one Im sure the designers appreciate. The judges then select Bishme, Korto, Kara Saun, and Laurence as the winners of their respective battles, with Prajje, Rami, Anna, and Brittany at risk of going home. Although Laurence is quick to claim the highest spot on the podiumand that sweet stash of Gloria Vanderbilt pocket changethe judges bicker over whom to eliminate. Nor do they all agree by the time they land on a final casualty: Rami.

Thankfully, Christian Siriano has a heart, and he swoops in to Siriano Save his old season-4 friend and competitor. Hes actively fighting back tears as Rami hugs him, and he puts his hands on Ramis shoulders, pleading, if not actually insisting, Youre going to show them, okay?

So Ramibeautiful soul that he ismakes a promise to the audience: Im coming back swinging, so you better watch out, yall.

You Might Also Like
Russian authorities claimed Friday (July 28) they have shot down a Ukrainian missile over the southern Russian city of Taganrog in the Rostov oblast, 40 kilometers from the Ukrainian border. Fragments of the missile have allegedly injured at least 14 people and damaged buildings.

The Russian Ministry of Defense said the Ukrainians allegedly used an S-200 anti-aircraft missile repurposed as a strike variant.

Rostov's regional governor Vasily Golubev added that a cafe and a museum have been hit and windows of a residential building had been blown out.

"There are several victims, ambulances are handling the victims. Four people were slightly injured by broken glass. Information about the damage is being specified," he said.

No deaths were recorded.

Read Also: Vladimir Putin Pledges Free Grain to African Allies After Black Sea Deal Collapse

Oil Refinery in Samara Also Hit

Another separate explosion was reported to have hit an oil refinery owned by Rosneft in the Russian city of Samara, Reuters reported.

Russian MP Alexander Khinshtein stated the explosion appeared to have been caused by a bomb. "Fortunately there is no serious damage and no casualties," he said on Telegram.

Russian state media agency TASS added that a person believed to be responsible for the blast had been detained.

The southern part of Russia bordering Ukraine has often been hit by shelling or drone attacks during the course of the war between the two countries, with energy installations, weapons stores, and other vital infrastructure being the frequent targets for both sides.

There was no immediate reaction from Ukrainian officials about the alleged attack.

Related Article: UK 'Mistakenly' Sends High-Classified Emails to Russia Ally Mali Instead of US

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
WASHINGTON  Blistering temperatures across the country have prompted significant concern from state and local officials who say they are struggling to manage the crisis without federal intervention.

In letters sent Thursday and first obtained by NBC News, two of the countrys top organizations representing local officials on the federal level pushed Congress to pass a bill to declare extreme heat emergencies.

The U.S. Conference of Mayors wrote to a bipartisan trio in the House, Reps. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., Sylvia Garcia, D-Texas, and Mark Amodei, R-Nev., who had introduced a bill last month, known as the Extreme Heat Emergency Act, that would add extreme heat to FEMAs list of major disaster qualifying events.

In the letter from the National League of Cities, addressed to Gallego, CEO Clarence Anthony wrote: "By including extreme heat events in the definition of a major disaster ... this legislation will empower local governments to establish cooling centers, support vulnerable populations, assist the homeless, and enhance healthcare services during extreme heat events.

The three lawmakers represent Arizona, Texas and Nevada, which are among the worst heat-plagued states in the country, with temperatures in Phoenix on track to become the first U.S. city to reach an average monthly temperature above 100F, according to the National Weather Service.

After meeting with the mayors of Arizonas capital city and San Antonio this week, the Biden administration outlined a series of steps it is taking to help Americans battle the soaring temperatures, which the president described as the number one weather-related killer.

Among several actions taken, the administration has directed the Labor Department to increase inspections at outdoor construction and agriculture sites in an effort to protect workers from the dangerous  and persistent  heat.

But local officials, and some lawmakers from most-affected states, argued Bidens latest actions fall short of what is needed to address the problem.

Local elected leaders are on the frontlines of responding to extreme heat, but they cant do it alone, Gallego said in a statement. I will keep pushing to get this bill through Congress, but with so many Arizonans dying or falling ill we cant waste any time.

Thats why we need FEMA to act now and declare a major disaster for heat, Gallego added.

Heat is not listed under the Stafford Act, the federal law that governs how the government responds to natural disasters and whether it allocates additional funds to states and cities.

There is no precedent for FEMA to step in to respond to extreme heat events. A congressional aide who said they spoke with FEMA officials told NBC News that Congress must place extreme heat in the federal code.

Because in order to declare an extreme heat disaster without congressional intervention, the temperature would have to exceed local governments capabilities to manage  but theres currently no official metric for that, the aide said.

In a statement to NBC News, a spokesperson for FEMA said: "Our agency has a well-established process for assessing if there is a need for supplemental federal disaster assistance  where those needs exceed the state, tribal or local capacity. There is nothing specific that precludes a declaration for an extreme heat incident."

The spokesperson added that the agency has "only received three historic requests for extreme heat declarations"  two in 1980 and one in 1995  and that they were all "denied because they did not demonstrate that state and local capacity had been exceeded."

"However, if a circumstance did occur where an extreme heat incident exceeded state and local capacity, an emergency or major disaster declaration request submission could be considered," the spokesperson said.

Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, in both chambers of Congress, have repeatedly urged FEMA to make the disaster declaration in recent years. But with this summer projected to be the hottest on record, proponents of the heat declaration are hoping relief will come soon.

Enabling extreme heat events as eligible for disaster declarations would widen the amount of crucial federal resources available to cities as they continue to work towards saving lives, protecting infrastructure, and adapting to the impacts of a rapidly warming climate, wrote Tom Cochran, CEO of the Conference of Mayors, which represents 1,400 cities nationwide, in his letter to the lawmakers.
Michelle Yeoh married Jean Todt this week, 19 years after the motorsports executive proposed to the Academy Award-winning actor  and she even held an Oscar statue in wedding photos.

Before Todt posted about their nuptials on social media, an Instagram post from veteran Formula 1 driver Felipe Massa gave fans a peek into their love life and the festivities.

Yeoh, 60, and Todt, 77, first met in Shanghai in June of 2004, according to a program from the Geneva wedding shared by Massa. On 26th July 2004, J.T proposed to M.Y and she said YES!, the program said.

Today after 6992 days on 27th July 2023 in Geneva, surrounded by loving family and friends, we are so happy to celebrate this special moment together! the program read.

Todt later confirmed the marriage in a post on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.

"Now that my other son @MassaFelipe19 has  discreetly  spread the good news, I can happily confirm the union with the Love of my life, Michelle," Todt tweeted.

In an interview with the Los Angeles Times last year, Yeoh briefly discussed her thoughts on marriage: A piece of paper doesnt change it for me, the star said.

But it means a lot to Jean, so it means a lot to me.

Massa also posted a selfie from the wedding celebration where he posed alongside Todt and Yeoh, who held an Oscar statuette in her hand.

Earlier this year, Yeoh made history as the first Asian woman to win an Academy Award for best actress following her acclaimed performance in the genre-bending A24 film, Everything Everywhere All at Once.

For all the little boys and girls who look like me watching tonight, this is a beacon of hope and possibilities, she said during her emotional Oscar acceptance speech.
Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has refused to say if he would abide by any potential Supreme Court ruling striking down his controversial judicial reform law, as Israelis agonize over a looming showdown between their government and the court.

In an interview with CNNs Wolf Blitzer, Netanyhu warned that the country could enter uncharted territory if the Supreme Court overturned the law, which strips the court of its power to block government actions.

What youre talking about is a situation, or potential situation, where in American terms, the United States Supreme Court would take a constitutional amendment and say that its unconstitutional, Netanyahu said. Thats the kind of the kind of spiral that youre talking about, and I hope we dont get to that.

The so-called reasonableness law is an amendment to one of Israels Basic Laws, which exist in place of a formal constitution. It passed the Knesset on Monday despite six months of protests and rare public criticism from the White House. It is the first stage in a wider package of measures that critics say will undermine democracy in Israel by weakening the judiciarys ability to hold politicians in check.

The Supreme Court has said that it will hear appeals against the law in September.

Israelis protest against plans to overhaul the judicial system in Tel Aviv, on July 27, 2023. - Ariel Schalit/AP

Benny Gantz, the leader of Israels opposition National Unity party warned that if Netanyahu ignored an adverse ruling from the countrys top court, it would amount to a coup.

In a democratic country, a prime minister respects and acts according to court rulings, no matter how much he disagrees with them, Gantz said on Twitter. There is no room for interpretation and gray areas  clear and smooth.

If Netanyahu, like any elected official, does not follow the courts ruling, he will carry out a regime coup detat that will change the nature of the regime in Israel, something that will negate his legitimacy to hold office.

Netanyahus office issued a statement in an attempt to clarify his position on Friday, but cautioned there was no precedent for the Supreme Court blocking a Basic Law.

Israeli governments always respect the courts decisions and the court has always considered itself subject to basic laws to which it attributes the status of a constitution, the statement read. Like the majority of Israeli citizens, Prime Minister Netanyahu believes that it is necessary to continue to maintain these two principles together. The statement accused the opposition of distorting his words.

US President Joe Biden has been unusually outspoken about the judicial overhaul proposal, suggesting it amounts to an erosion of democratic institutions and could undermine US-Israel relations.

Asked if he was expecting consequences from the United States for the bills passing, Netanyahu stressed that relations remained strong between the Biden White House and his government  the most far right and religious in Israels history.

Look, were both interested in blocking Iran. Were both interested in advancing peace. This is the reason I came back to serving for the sixth time as Israels Prime Minister. I think those goals are achievable, and theyre going to be achieved together between Israel and the United States. I think that will strengthen our alliances. not weaken, he said.

Netanyahu also pointed to debate in the US over its own Supreme Court. You have an internal debate in the United States right now, about the powers of the Supreme Court about whether its abusing its power, whether you should curtail it, he said.

Does that make the American democracy not a democracy? Does that make that debate unworthy? Does that make that that issue, a symbol of the fact that youre moving to some dictatorship personally? he said.

Israels new law strips the Supreme Court of the ability to reject some government decisions on the basis of the reasonableness standard. It was the first of the governments major judicial reforms to be passed by the Israeli parliament, the Knesset.

A protester holds a flare during a demonstration in Tel Aviv on July 27, 2023. - Amir Cohen/Reuters

The country has no upper chamber of the parliament, but it has a relatively strong Supreme Court. Netanyahu and his supporters argue the court has become too powerful, and that their overhaul would rebalance powers between the judiciary, lawmakers and the government.

We dont want a subservient court. We want an independent court, not an all powerful court and thats the correction that were doing, Netanyahu told Blitzer.

Netanyahu acknowledged however that the bill had sparked a big debate.

I dont want to minimize it. I also dont want to minimize the concerns that people have, because many of them have been caught in this spiral of fear, he said, adding Israel is going to remain a democracy.

Opponents say the Supreme Court is the only check on the power of the government and the Knesset, and warn that the reforms would erode Israeli democracy by granting Netanyahu and his government almost unfettered powers.

Israelis protest in Tel Aviv on July 27, 2023. - Ariel Schalit/AP

Critics have also accused Netanyahu of pushing the overhaul forward to protect himself from his own corruption trial, where he faces charges of fraud, bribery and breach of trust  which he has denied.

Would the new law be used to fire the attorney general, currently overseeing the trial? I can tell you that this is not going to happen because it needs the heads of all the coalition to agree to it and theyre not going to agree to it. Its not happening, he predicted.

Thousands of Israeli army reservists  the backbone of the Israeli military  are threatening not to show up for work over the new legislation, but Netanyahu appeared unfazed by the threat. Yes, there is a big debate, but, and some of the former generals are leading an effort against this reform  Thats okay. Its a legitimate thing, he said.

But in a democracy, the day that former generals can force  democratically elected officials to stop legislation on this or that matter, I would say thats the thats the day that Israel really stopped being a democracy, he said.

That said, he does not want to minimize the concerns that people have because many of them have been caught in this spiral of fear, he added. Israel is going to remain a democracy. There are checks and balances.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
HONOLULU (AP)  An architect was sentenced to a year in prison for paying more than $100,000 in bribes to Honolulu city employees in exchange for expediting approval of his projects.

Five workers were charged in 2021 and accused of taking bribes in exchange for favors, including expediting building permits, in a scandal that prompted the department to overhaul its permitting process. They have since pleaded guilty.

At William Wong's sentencing in U.S. District Court in Honolulu on Thursday, his lawyer said Wong played a major role in exposing the scandal by cooperating in the investigation, Hawaii News Now reported.

Defense attorney William Harrison said his client's success in getting projects through the Department of Planning and Permitting raised suspicions and he confessed when questioned by the FBI, the Honolulu news station reported.

I caved in under pressure," Wong said in court. My clients were suffering from the corruption in the system. I truly regret that I participated.

After the indictments, the department announced changes, including hiring an outside investigator to examine internal controls. Other actions included requiring applications for single-family dwellings to be submitted electronically and exploring the elimination of cash transactions.
MEXICO CITY (AP)  Five Honduran migrants are dead and another 18 are injured following the crash of the van they were riding in on Mexicos southern Gulf coast, Mexicos National Immigration Institute said Friday.

The dead include four adult women and a two-year-old child. About half of those injured are children.

The type of panel van in which the 23 migrants were traveling is frequently used both for public transport and smuggling migrants in southern Mexico.

The van appears to have skidded off a highway Thursday and rolled, or somehow been crushed into a mangled heap, according to photos distributed by the institute. The crash occurred on a highway near the city of Cardenas, in the Gulf coast state of Tabasco.

Because smugglers often use unsafe vehicles, cram too many migrants in or try to evade police, accidents involving those vehicles are not uncommon in Mexico.

In February 17 migrants were killed when the bus they were traveling in crashed in the central Mexican state of Puebla.

Migrants frequently use trucks and buses to travel through Mexico to reach the U.S. border.

In 2021 a truck carrying migrants overturned on a highway near the southern city of Tuxtla Gutierrez, killing 56 people.
Afghans who were promised a home in the United States after their country fell to the Taliban say they have waited so long for the US to process their applications that they are now being sent back to the enemy they fled.

A number of Afghans who worked with the US and were told they were eligible for resettlement there have been forcibly deported back to Afghanistan from Pakistan, where they fled to await processing following the Taliban takeover in 2021, CNN can reveal.

One man waiting for a US visa described being dropped at the Afghan border by Pakistani police this summer. They did not hand us over to the (Taliban) Afghan border forces, he said. They just released us on the border and told us to go back to Afghanistan. It was me, my four kids and my wife deported together. He is now living in hiding in the Afghan capital, Kabul.

Another deported Afghan, also speaking from hiding in Kabul, said: So this is very, very dangerous, and it is very tough How many people have been killed, had been tortured, have been disappeared? The man, a former employee of a US contractor, said the Taliban will punish me, they will put me in jail. Maybe they will kill me? Im sure they will. He added: Still, we believe that the USA will help us. We believe we didnt lose our hope still.

Both individuals spoke to CNN anonymously for their safety, and provided documentation showing a US visa case number being processed, and evidence of their presence in Pakistan.

Many Afghans fled the Taliban after the August 15, 2021 fall of Kabul to the hard-line group. More than 124,000 Afghans were airlifted out of the country in a huge US-led operation.

Yet, thousands also fled across the border to Pakistan, often with incomplete paperwork, following US guidance that they should wait in a third country for their visa applications to the US to be processed.

Nearly 90,000 Afghans have since been resettled in the US, according to State Department figures, but many others have been caught in the backlog of so-called Afghan Priority 2 (P-2) or Special Immigrant Visas (SIV) applications waiting to be processed.

Human rights groups say the most acute situation is faced by those in Pakistan, from where hundreds of Afghans have been deported in a crackdown against migrants following recent political instability.

At least two Afghans awaiting P-2 visas have been swept up in this crackdown, CNN has learned, and complain of Pakistani police persecution. Several others still residing in Pakistan told CNN about what they said was harassment by Pakistani police and the threat of deportation if they did not pay fines or bribes.

Pakistans Foreign and Interior Ministries have not responded to CNNs request for comment on the claims.

At least 530 Afghans have been deported from Pakistan so far this year, according to Haseeb Aafaq, a spokesman for volunteer group the Afghanistan Immigrants Refugees Council. Aafaq said the figure came from his studies of local records but added it might be a low estimate as many Afghans were deported without documentation.

Aafaq added that the Pakistani authorities made no exceptions for pending US visa cases. There is no differentiation. The authorities here do not even think about where you are from. If you are Afghan, you must be deported if your visa is not valid, whether you are SIV or P-2 or sponsorship cases. He said many of those deported are P-2 cases, but he could not provide a precise number as many Afghans keep their P-2 status confidential out of fear for their safety.

A Pakistani soldier stands guard as stranded Afghan nationals return to Afghanistan at the Pakistan-Afghanistan border crossing point in Chaman on August 15, 2021, after the Taliban took control of the Afghan border town. - AFP via Getty Images/FILE

Two young Afghan men have taken their own lives in Islamabad since June, both awaiting US P-2 visas, according to activists. Aafaq said one of them, aged 25, who died last week, had suffered mental pressure and economic pressure and an unclear future.

Aafaq said the US failure to open a Resettlement Support Center (RSC) in Pakistan meant the processing of cases there had partially stalled. The RSC has not been activated yet, while in other countries, like Turkey or Tajikistan, people have gone to the US, he said.

Afghans waiting in Pakistan have reported harassment by Pakistani police, including arrest and demands for money. One, who worked with the US military and asked not to be named for his safety, told CNN: They were asking for a visa. There were a lot of policemen, they came into the house without clear information. And they took me out of (my) home and they just put (me) in the van. My kids, they were very much harassed. They were crying, they were asking for help.

He also described how he once saved his American colleagues during a protest, and had commendation letters denoting his service. Im disappointed because (of) the way that I served the Americans in Afghanistan. I was expecting them to welcome me there sooner. It seems like I have no future at all.

The US State Department told CNN in a statement that the Biden administration continues to demonstrate its commitment to the brave Afghans who worked with the US. It added that its processing capacity in Pakistan remains limited, but (staff) are actively working to expand it. The statement urged Afghanistans neighbors to keep their borders open and uphold their obligations when it comes to asylum seekers. Pakistans Foreign Ministry declined to comment.

Another Afghan, whom CNN is not naming for his safety, served the US in Afghanistan and is now in Pakistan with his wife and children. He described their wait for US help as a bad dream. His wife sobbed: Going back to Afghanistan is a big risk and here we are dying, every moment. Staying in Pakistan is a gradual death.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Editor's note: Caydence Roberts was found alive mid-Friday morning. The Amber Alert has been canceled.

Police are searching for a 14-year-old girl who has been missing from Burlington since Wednesday.

An Amber Alert was issued for Caydence Roberts just after 5 p.m. Thursday. Roberts has blond hair and brown eyes, is approximately 5-feet-tall and weighs approximately 120 pounds, according to the alert.

She was last seen wearing a red and black Chicago Bulls hat, a light-colored tank top and shorts.

Caydence Roberts, 14, has been missing from Burlington, Iowa, since July 26. Police issued an Amber Alert on Thursday because they believe she may have been abducted.

Police believe Roberts could have been abducted and her life is in danger. They do not have suspect information.

Anyone with any knowledge of Roberts' whereabouts is asked to contact the Burlington Police Department at 319-671-7001.

Francesca Block is a breaking news reporter at the Des Moines Register. Reach her at FBlock@registermedia.com or on Twitter at@francescablock3.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Amber Alert issued for 14-year-old from Burlington, Iowa, believed abducted
By Kirsty Needham

SYDNEY (Reuters) -Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he was confident a deal for the U.S. to sell nuclear powered submarines to Australia was on track, ahead of talks between defence and foreign ministers of the two countries on Friday.

Twenty-five U.S. Republican lawmakers told President Joe Biden on Thursday the plan to sell three attack submarines to Australia under the so-called AUKUS partnership would "unacceptably weaken" the U.S. fleet without a clear plan to replace them.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin are in Queensland state for the annual AUSMIN dialogue, where progress on the nuclear-powered submarine deal, regional security and clean energy will be the focus.

"I am very confident," Albanese told reporters on Friday, when asked about the Republican letter, which noted the AUKUS agreement was "vitally important" but shouldn't weaken the U.S. fleet.

The United States, Britain and Australia announced the three-way AUKUS defence agreement in 2021 under which Australia is to obtain nuclear submarine technology from the United States.

Albanese said he had met Republicans and Democrats on the sidelines of a NATO summit in Lithuania this month and was struck by "their unanimous support for AUKUS".

The U.S. is Australia's major security ally and announced with Britain in March that the United States would sell Australia three U.S. Virginia class nuclear powered submarines in the early 2030s, before Britain and Australia produce a new submarine class - SSN-AUKUS - the following decade.

Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles said in a Sky television interview that Australia, which has agreed to invest $3 billion in U.S. submarine facilities, understood there was "pressure on the American industrial base" but AUKUS was "on track".

"Why this arrangement is going to be so advantageous for all three countries is because we will develop an industrial base in this country which will contribute to the net capability of Australia, the UK and the U.S.," he added.

CHINA CONCERNS

China's security ambitions in the Indo-Pacific will also be under discussion by the security allies over two days of talks.

"We've seen troubling (Chinese) coercion from the East China Sea to the South China Sea to right here in the Southwest Pacific, and will continue to support our allies and partners as they defend themselves from bullying behaviour," Austin said before meeting Marles on Friday.

Australia is reshaping its defence force in response to China's military build up, and plans to boost its long range strike capability, domestic missile production, and interoperability with the U.S. and other regional militaries.

Austin said deepening defence ties, including efforts to integrate Japan into joint force posture initiatives, would be discussed.

"Now's the time to be working closely with friends, and Australia has no better friend than the United States of America," Marles said at the start of a meeting with his U.S. counterpart.

Australia hosts an annual rotation of U.S. Marines in the northern city of Darwin. War games involving more than 30,000 troops from the U.S., Japan and 10 other countries are being held in Queensland this week.

(Reporting by Kirsty Needham and Alasdair Pal in Sydney; Editing by Praveen Menon and Lincoln Feast.)
By Andrew Chung and John Kruzel

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Joe Bidens administration on Thursday asked the U.S. Supreme Court to reinstate a regulation aimed at reining in so-called ghost guns, or privately made firearms that are difficult for law enforcement to trace, after it was struck down by a lower court.

The administration asked the justices to halt a Texas-based federal judges nationwide ruling that invalidated a Justice Department restriction on the sale of ghost gun kits while the administration appeals to the New Orleans-based 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

The Justice Department rule, issued in 2022 to target the rapid proliferation of the homemade weapons, bans "buy build shoot" kits without serial numbers that individuals can get online or at a store without a background check. The kits can be readily assembled into a working firearm in as little as 20 minutes.

The rule clarified that ghost guns qualify as firearms under the federal Gun Control Act, requiring serial numbers and manufacturers be licensed. Sellers of the kits also must become licensed and run background checks prior to a sale.

Several plaintiffs, including two gun owners and two gun rights advocacy groups challenged the rule in federal court in Texas.

U.S. Judge Reed OConnor on July 5 issued a nationwide order blocking the rule, finding that the administration exceeded its authority in adopting it. On July 24, the 5th Circuit refused to block O'Connor's order pending appeal.

The administration warned the justices that allowing the judges ruling to stand would enable an irreversible flow of large numbers of untraceable ghost guns into our nations communities.

In 2021, there were about 20,000 suspected ghost guns reported to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) as having been recovered by law enforcement in criminal investigations  a tenfold increase from 2016, according to White House statistics.

(Reporting by Andrew Chung in New York and John Kruzel; Editing by Aurora Ellis)
The European Commission opened a formal investigation to evaluate Microsoft's move to bundle Teams, Office 365, and Microsoft 365.

The EU is currently looking to see if Microsoft have breached EU's competition rules.

"The Commission is concerned that Microsoft may be abusing and defending its market position in productivity software by restricting competition in the European Economic Area ('EEA') for communication and collaboration products," EU wrote on a press release.

Read Also: Microsoft To Charge $30 per User for 365 AI Copilot

Slack Technologies Files Complaint

On July 2020, Slack Technologies, Inc. submitted a complaints against Microsoft.

The submitted document claimed that Microsoft has illegally bundled Teams to its productivity suites, such as Office 365 and Microsoft 365.

The EU has already informed Microsoft and the concerned authorities that the proceedings in the case is now opened.

Microsoft's Booming Softwares

Microsoft owed most of the success of Teams and productivity suites to the pandemic, after it forced people to work remotely for more than two years.

"Remote communication and collaboration tools like Teams have become indispensable for many businesses in Europe. We must therefore ensure that the markets for these products remain competitive, and companies are free to choose the products that best meet their needs," executive vice president in charge of competition policy, Margrethe Vestager stated.

In a response issued to The Verge, Microsoft assured that they will cooperate with the Commission and will "remain committed to finding solutions that will address its concerns."

Related Article: Microsoft Hints At Windows 11 23H2 Release
WASHINGTON (AP)  President Joe Biden signed an executive order on Friday giving decisions on the prosecution of serious military crimes, including sexual assault, to independent military attorneys, taking that power away from victims' commanders.

The order formally implements legislation passed by Congress in 2022 aimed at strengthening protections for service members, who were often at the mercy of their commanders to decide whether to take their assault claims seriously.

Members of Congress, frustrated with the growing number of sexual assaults in the military, fought with defense leaders for several years over the issue. They argued that commanders at times were willing to ignore charges or incidents in their units to protect those accused of offenses and that using independent lawyers would beef up prosecutions. Military leaders balked, saying it could erode commanders' authority.

The change was among more than two dozen recommendations made in 2021 by an independent review commission on sexual assault in the military that was set up by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. And it was included in the annual defense bill last year. But since it requires a change to the Uniform Code of Military Justice, it needed formal presidential action.

In a call with reporters previewing the order, senior Biden administration officials said it was the most sweeping change to the military legal code since it was created in 1950.

The Pentagon had already been moving forward with the change. A year ago, the Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force set up the new special trial counsel offices, which will assume authority over prosecution decisions by the end of this year. Beginning Jan. 1, 2025, that prosecution authority will expand to include sexual harassment cases.

The changes come as the military grapples with rising numbers of reported sexual assaults in its ranks.

While the services have made inroads in making it easier and safer for troops to come forward, they have had far less success reducing the number of assaults, which have increased nearly every year since 2006. Overall, there were more than 8,942 reports of sexual assaults involving service members during the 2022 fiscal year, a slight increase over 8,866 the year before.

Defense officials have long argued that an increase in reported assaults is a positive trend because so many people are reluctant to report them, both in the military and in society as a whole. Greater reporting, they say, shows there is more confidence in the reporting system, greater comfort with the support for victims, and a growing number of offenders who are being held accountable.

___

Associated Press writer Lolita Baldor contributed to this report.
AUBURN, Maine (AP)  President Joe Biden  buoyed by new signs the economy is continuing on the upswing  took a swipe on Friday at House Republicans' flirtations with an impeachment inquiry, quipping that GOP lawmakers may decide to impeach him because inflation is cooling down.

Standing in a textile manufacturing facility in Auburn Biden pointed to inflation statistics that showed the U.S. has the lowest rate of price increases among the world's biggest economies. Though he was careful to say he was not taking a victory lap on the economy, Biden suggested that his Republican opponents in Congress may need to find a fresh line of attack against him because of improving economic circumstances.

Maybe theyll decide to impeach me because its coming down, Biden said. I dont know. I'd love that one.

Earlier this week, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy made his most direct remarks yet that GOP lawmakers could launch an impeachment inquiry into Biden over unproven claims of financial misconduct related to Hunter Biden, the president's son. However, the California Republican has acknowledged privately that it's too soon to know whether the president was aware of  much less involved in  his son's financial dealings in a way that would rise to the level of impeachable conduct.

While McCarthy publicly floated the inquiry this week, the White House has engaged little with those efforts, instead focused on promoting Bidenomics" and the president's domestic agenda. Aides have repeatedly played down any inquiry as a hypothetical and pointed out the hesitation among McCarthy's own ranks about pursuing impeachment against the president.

We're not going to get into what House Republicans want to do, may not do, hypotheticals, that's on them, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters on Air Force One en route to Maine earlier Friday. What I can speak to is exactly what we're doing today, right? We're going to Maine. We're going to be able to talk about an issue that matters to Americans: investing in America, manufacturing, bringing good union-paying jobs back to America.

Indeed, that was the focus of the White House on Friday, as Biden used the trip to Maine to sign an executive order that would encourage companies to manufacture new inventions in the United States. It was Biden's first trip to the state as president.

I'm not here to declare victory on the economy. We have more work to do, Biden said. But we have a plan for turning things around. Bidenomics is just another way of saying restoring the American dream.

The Democrat won three out of the state's four electoral votes in 2020 and is seeking to shore up his support in the state. Maine allocates its electoral votes by congressional district, and Biden lost the vote in the state's 2nd District, which provided the only electoral vote in New England for then-President Donald Trump, a Republican.

By going to that district on Friday, Biden sought to show its blue-collar voters that he's committed to them, as a single electoral vote could be critical in a narrow 2024 presidential election.

Democrats can compete in Maine's 2nd District as Rep. Jared Golden has been its congressman since 2019. But Golden has also been one of the Democratic lawmakers who has openly criticized Biden over his handling of debt limit talks this year and the administration's forgiveness of student debt that has since been overturned by the Supreme Court. Despite distancing himself from the White House on some policies, Golden traveled with Biden on Air Force One on Friday.

And shortly before Biden spoke at Auburn Manufacturing Inc., Golden noted to the audience that it's no secret he doesn't always agree with the president's agenda but that he proudly supports Bidenomics.

Republicans have said that Biden's policies have led to higher inflation. Consumer prices climbed to a four-decade high last summer, but inflation has eased over the past 12 months to a rate of 3% annually.

 Bidenomics is hurting working people in my district," said Maine state Rep. Joshua Morris, a Republican. "The cost of groceries, heating oil, gas, health care and electricity have gone up as a result of Joe Bidens policies. He should be apologizing to us while hes here, not bragging.

The National Republican Congressional Committee went on the attack against Golden, calling him Joe Biden's loyal foot soldier who had backed inflation-boosting policies earlier in his presidency.

The White House outlined the executive order being signed by Biden, which would improve the transparency of federal research and development programs to meet the administration's goals for domestic manufacturing. The order asks agencies to weigh U.S. national security and economic interests when determining if domestic manufacturing requirements should be broadened.

The order also urges federal agencies to consider domestic production when investing in research and development and to use their own legal authorities to encourage manufacturing new technologies in the U.S. But when goods cannot be made in the U.S., the order instructs the Commerce Department to create a clearer and timelier process for receiving a waiver.

Auburn Manufacturing Inc., where Biden spoke Friday, is a maker of heat- and fire-resistant fabrics for industries that include shipbuilding, oil refining and electricity generation. The company challenged China for its unfair trade practices regarding amorphous silica fabric, or ASF, which is a heat-resistant material.

Biden was also scheduled to appear at a fundraiser in Freeport, Maine, later Friday.

___

Kim reported from Washington. AP writer David Sharp contributed to this report from Portland, Maine.
NEW YORK (AP)  FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried will no longer face a campaign finance charge at an October criminal trial, federal prosecutors say, citing a decision by Bahamian authorities to reject a count in the indictment that was not listed on the warrant against him when he was extradited to the United States in December.

Prosecutors told U.S. District Judge Lewis A. Kaplan in a letter that the government in the Bahamas notified it on Wednesday that authorities there did not consider the charge to be included in Bankman-Fried's extradition. Thus, prosecutors wrote, they would not pursuit it at the trial, in keeping with U.S. treaty obligations to the Bahamas.

Bankman-Fried, 31, has been confined to his parent's Palo Alto, California, home as part of a $250 million bail package that prosecutors on Wednesday asked a judge to revoke. Prosecutors say his extensive contact with the news media demonstrates an effort to affect the jury pool. His lawyers deny it. The judge has imposed a gag rule while he decides the issue.

The man once viewed as a crypto guru has pleaded not guilty to charges that he cheated investors and looted FTX customer deposits to fund lavish lifestyles for some of those who aided his dramatic rise in the cryptocurrency world. FTX entered bankruptcy in November when the global exchange ran out of money after the equivalent of a bank run.

In early May, Bankman-Frieds lawyers sought dismissal of a charge of conspiracy to defraud the United States and violate campaign finance laws, the eighth count in the original indictment against him, saying it was not included in a Warrant of Surrender that described the other seven charges he would face in the U.S.

They said permitting the charge to proceed against him would set a concerning precedent that would enable prosecutors to engage in a bait-and-switch in which they obtain the extradition of a defendant by including charges they know the extraditing state would approve, only to add charges at a late date that were likely to be disapproved.

The charge, which carries a potential for up to five years in prison after a conviction, pertained to the government's claim that Bankman-Fried enabled over $100 million siphoned from Alameda Research to fund over 300 political contributions that were unlawful because they were made in the name of straw donors or came from corporate funds.

In an indictment, prosecutors said Bankman-Fried made the contributions to improve his personal standing in Washington, D.C., to increase FTX's profile and to curry favor with candidates who might help pass legislation favorable to FTX, including legislation concerning regulatory oversight over FTX and its industry.

The indictment said Bankman-Fried became one of the largest publicly reported political donors to the 2022 midterm elections as he caused substantial contributions to be made in support of candidates to Democrats and Republicans, and across the political spectrum.

Bankman-Fried, however, did not want to be known as a left-leaning partisan, or to have his name publicly attached to Republican candidates, prosecutors wrote.

Michael Zweiback, a Los Angeles criminal defense attorney and a former federal prosecutor who once headed the Cyber & Intellectual Property Crimes Section in California's Central District, said the prosecution's withdrawal of the campaign finance charge will not stop them from introducing facts pertaining to it at trial.

That evidence is not excluded just because the charges have been dismissed, he said. The evidence of the systematic campaign donations are all part and parcel of describing the nature of the fraudulent scheme and therefore would be admissible.

Zweiback said the dropping of the charge from the October trial and a related charge in a superseding indictment that could go to trial next year will not impact the case  or the more serious charges that led U.S. Attorney Damian Williams in New York to call it one of the largest financial crimes in history.

He said campaign finance evidence will likely be used to show the jury how Bankman-Fried planned to continue his grip on the industry. Zweiback added that they'll want to show jurors that his plans included soliciting favor and influence with politicians.
A man has been jailed for life for the murder of his girlfriend in Peru.

Jorge Garay, 46, of Hythe Street, Dartford, Kent, killed 37-year-old Karla Godoy between 21 September and 2 October 2022.

He will serve a minimum of 17 years, after being convicted at Maidstone Crown Court earlier this month.

Garay strangled Ms Godoy and buried her in a makeshift grave on land owned by his family in the Peruvian capital Lima, Kent Police said.

He had claimed to police he acted in self-defence because she attacked him with a knife.

Her body had to be identified using fingerprints when it was discovered by the Peruvian authorities.

The couple travelled to Peru via Spain, having left the UK on 15 September 2022, a police spokesman said.

Ms Godoy's family, who live in Honduras and Spain, last heard from her on 23 September 2022, when she confirmed her plans to travel to Spain the following day, however the mother-of-one never arrived, police said.

Garay returned to the UK on 4 October 2022 alone and told his landlord Ms Godoy had stayed in Spain. He also claimed his money and ID had been stolen while he was away.

On 12 October Garay was reported to have made a confession during a telephone conversation in which he said he killed Ms Godoy and made the claim they had argued and he had acted in self-defence.

Kent Police used powers under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, which allow officers to prosecute a person who lives in the UK but has committed a violent offence in another country.

It is thought to be the first use of these powers in the country.

'Needless loss'

Det Insp Lee Neiles, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate said: "Today's sentencing will not bring back Karla, but I hope it provides her family with some form of closure and justice.

"Karla trusted Garay but he committed the ultimate betrayal and took away her life, leaving her daughter without a mum and her family without their daughter, sister and aunt.

"Karla's family has been left mourning her needless loss and I can only hope that now the case has concluded that her family and friends can find some closure."

Follow BBC South East on Facebook, on Twitter, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk.
The Department of Labor is cracking down on child labor violations even as multiple states have taken steps to loosen regulations around teenagers in the workplace.

At least 11 states have recently sought to make it easier to get minors in the workforce, including this year both Arkansas and Iowa, the latter of which moved to allow teenagers to work in meat packing facilities and for those as young as 16 to bartend.

Proponents say the changes will help young workers acquire valuable life skills and that parents should be the ones to decide when their kids are ready for a particular job.

But child advocates fear putting teenagers into increasingly dangerous work environments that are difficult to regulate and vulnerable to exploitation.

And on Thursday, the Department of Labor and its Interagency Task Force to Combat Child Labor Exploitation announced new actions it will take after it found that child labor violations have risen 69 percent between 2018 and last year.

Child labor is an issue that gets to the heart of who we are as a country and who we want to be. Like the President, we believe that any child working in a dangerous or hazardous environment is one child too many, acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su said.

State efforts to change child labor laws come amid a tight labor market and a workers shortage.

A lot of the legislators are citing that as a reason for weakening protections against child labor, said Reid Maki, director of child labor advocacy for the National Consumers League and coordinator of the Child Labor Coalition. We dont think thats a valid reason. We really dont understand why you would want to balance the labor shortage against the backs of our vulnerable teen workers.

In May, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) signed a bill to expand the number of hours and places a teenager can work, allowing 14- and 15-year-olds to work in industrial areas such as meat coolers.

With this legislation, Iowa joins 20 other states in providing tailored, common sense labor provisions that allow young adults to develop their skills in the workforce, Reynolds said after signing the law.

In Iowa, we understand there is dignity in work and we pride ourselves on our strong work ethic. Instilling those values in the next generation and providing opportunities for young adults to earn and save to build a better life should be available, she added.

In Arkansas, Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders (R) in March signed the Youth Hiring Act of 2023, doing away with the requirement that children under the of age 16 must get permission from the state government to work.

Nick Stehle, vice president of communications for the Foundation for Government Accountability, a group that led the push for reform in Arkansas, stressed the importance working young can make on a persons life.

Keeping a schedule and having to collaborate with other people, having to work with other people and discovering your skills and shortcomings while youre still youre still very young, those are just all lessons that not only complement what youre learning in the classroom, they add some real world context to it, Stehle said.

Stehle emphasized all the reforms his group supported were in line with federal child labor laws.

Theres been allegations that this is about making it so that teenagers can work in dangerous jobs or that they can work really late at night, stuff like that. And none of that is true, he said.

Meanwhile, the Labor Department says it concluded 765 child labor cases between Oct. 1 and July 20. finding 4,474 children were employed in violation of federal standards.

Federal investigators found one instance in which the owner of six Nevada Sonic locations had committed more than 170 child labor violations, including employing 14- and 15-year-olds to operate deep fryers, work more hours than allowed and work at hours not allowed under federal guidelines.

In one tragic case that made national headlines earlier this month, a 16-year-old boy from Guatemala was killed in an on-the-job accident at a Mississippi poultry plant. Workers under the age of 18 are not allowed in such facilities for safety reasons, and the Labor Department said at the time that it is investigating.

The department plans to partner with other government offices such as the Office of Refugee Resettlement to give training on how to identify and report instances of child labor violations and update their guidelines.

It is also teaming up with the Department of Agriculture to demand that the countrys 18 largest meat and poultry processors take steps to find out if illegal child labor is used anywhere in their supply chain in order to combat exploitive practices.

One of the causes experts say is behind the increase in child labor violations is the uptick in unaccompanied minors coming into the U.S.

These are very vulnerable young people that need money and they may  they may be sending money back to family and Central America and Mexico. So they have a desperate need for money, said Maki of the Child Labor Coalition.

A New York Times investigation earlier this year showed migrant children, some as young as 13, at the brunt of work that violates federal standards.

In response, the U.S. will be working with the embassies of Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Mexico to take steps to combat child labor and educate migrants on the problem.

The increase in child labor violations combined with the changes to state laws have concerned advocates who are afraid the problem will only get worse.

Our child labor laws are very common sense laws that really serve two purposes. They make sure children are not working in highly dangerous and hazardous jobs and that the work they do does not interfere with their development and their schooling, said Laura Padin, director of work structures at the National Employment Law Project.

These laws serve a really important purpose. Its really disturbing to see this happening now, Padin added.

Experts contend the new laws will harm poor children, children of color and undocumented children who would take these jobs out of necessity to survive.

Theyre seeking to expand employment to workers that can be paid less in order to keep wages low and still maintain the same levels of employment, said Nina Mast, a state economic analyst for the Economic Policy Institute. At the same time, you also have our broken immigration system that has resulted in many unaccompanied migrant youth in this country without work authorization and sort of compelled by their economic circumstances to work. And thats really a recipe for exploitation because they lack sort of the legal rights and support to demand safe and age-appropriate work.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
By Mike Stone and Idrees Ali

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The United States is expected to announce as early as Friday that it will provide Taiwan with military assistance worth more than $300 million, two U.S. officials told Reuters, a move likely to anger China.

Congress authorized up to $1 billion worth of Presidential Drawdown Authority weapons aid for Taiwan in the 2023 budget.

One official, speaking on the condition anonymity, said the package is expected to be worth around $330 million.

The White House declined to comment.

The formal announcement is not expected to include a list of weapon systems being provided.

In recent weeks, four sources said the package was expected to include four unarmed MQ-9A reconnaissance drones, but noted their inclusion could fall through as officials work through details on removing some of the advanced equipment from the drones that only the U.S. Air Force is allowed access to.

Another issue was who would pay for the alterations to the drones, one of the people briefed on the matter said. Reuters could not determine if the drones were still part of the package.

The Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Taiwan had previously agreed to purchase four, more advanced, MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones, made by General Atomics, which are slated for delivery in 2025.

China views democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory and has increased military pressure on the island over the past three years. It has never renounced the use of force to bring the island under its control. Taiwan strongly rejects Chinese sovereignty claims and says only Taiwanese people can decide their future.

Foreshadowing the upcoming aid, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin on May 16 told a Senate panel: "And I'm pleased that the United States will soon provide significant additional security assistance to Taiwan through the Presidential Drawdown Authority that Congress authorized last year."

Earlier this month, the top U.S. general said the United States and its allies need to speed up the delivery of weapons to Taiwan in the coming years to help the island defend itself.

Beijing has repeatedly demanded the United States, Taiwan's most important arms supplier, halt the sale of weapons to the island.

U.S. Army General Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, had said Taiwan needed weapons like air defense systems and those that could target ships from land.

Taiwan has said its defense spending this year will focus on preparing weapons and equipment for a "total blockade" by China, including parts for F-16 fighters and replenishing weapons.

Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA) has been used on an emergency basis to expedite security assistance to Ukraine by allowing the president to transfer articles and services from U.S. stockpiles. The Taiwan PDA, however, is a non-emergency authority approved by Congress last year.

Taiwan has complained of delays to U.S. weapon deliveries, such as Stinger anti-aircraft missiles, as shipments from U.S. stockpiles moved to Ukraine.

(Reporting by Mike Stone and Idrees Ali; editing by Chris Sanders, Deepa Babington and Lincoln Feast.)
LONDON (Reuters) - Niger, a key ally of Western countries against Islamist insurgencies in West Africa's semi-arid Sahel region, is host to a number of foreign troops. Those numbers have increased over the past two years following coups in neighbouring Mali and Burkina Faso, which soured relations between the countries and their Western partners.

The military ouster of President Mohamed Bazoum threatens to strain Niger's ties with the West. Following is a list of Western countries with troops in the country.

FRANCE

France has between 1,000 and 1,500 troops in Niger, with support from drones and warplanes. It had counter-insurgency troops in West Africa for a decade but turned to Niger to base the bulk of its forces following coups in neighbouring Mali and Burkina Faso in 2021 and 2022, respectively.

France says the role of its troops is solely to support Niger's army when local forces identify operations in the border regions connecting Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso.

Paris has sought to avert potential criticism of its role in the Sahel and minimise anti-French sentiment by shifting its focus to supporting local forces, rather than having Western soldiers doing much of the leg work on the ground.

UNITED STATES

There are about 1,100 U.S. troops in Niger, where the U.S. military operates out of two bases. In 2017, the government of Niger approved the use of armed American drones to target militants.

It is unclear how much the United States has given in security assistance. The U.S. Embassy in Niamey in 2021 said the Pentagon and State Department had provided Niger more than $500 million in equipment and training since 2012.

ITALY

Italy has about 300 soldiers in Niger, according to the country's defence ministry.

EUROPEAN UNION

The bloc has 50-100 troops for a three-year military training mission it set up in Niger in December to help the country improve its logistics and infrastructure. Germany said in April it would deploy up to 60 soldiers to the mission.

(Reporting by Reuters bureaus; Writing by Emelia Sithole-Matarise; Editing by Nick Macfie)
WASHINGTON (AP)  Nine senior Senate Democrats and independent Sen. Bernie Sanders urged the Biden administration Friday to withhold part of the United States' annual military aid to Egypt for a third consecutive year, calling it important to keep up the pressure on President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi on human rights abuses.

More than 20 leading U.S. and international rights groups and think tanks separately made the same appeal, arguing that the U.S. practice of holding back some aid was leading el-Sissi to make limited, albeit insufficient  rights improvements in Egypt.

About a quarter of a $1.3 billion appropriation is at issue.

The request may be especially tough this year for President Joe Biden, who is focusing on keeping countries around the world, including Egypt, aligned behind Ukraine as it battles Russia's globally destabilizing invasion. Neither the State Department nor the Egyptian Embassy in Washington immediately responded to requests for comment Friday.

The letters, addressed to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, serve as an opening round in Democratic lawmakers' annual battle to trim aid funding as a way to pressure el-Sissi's government to curb rights abuses.

The State Department's annual human rights report has repeatedly faulted Egypt, even as an important strategic ally in the region, for extrajudicial killings and torture, detention of thousands of writers, reporters, advocates and other political prisoners, suppression of news media and other abuses.

The Washington Post, citing secret U.S. documents leaked online by a Massachusetts Air National Guard member, reported in April that U.S. officials had talked Egypt out of secretly providing rockets to Russia. Egypt agreed instead to provide the United States with artillery rounds for transfer for Ukraine, the Post reported, citing another leaked document.

Congress in recent years has made the U.S. payment of roughly $300 million of U.S. military aid contingent on Egypts government showing progress on rights, although the State Department can partially override that, on national security grounds.

While shared U.S.-Egyptian security objectives make it important for the U.S. to continue supporting Egypts military in general, the senators argued, we can continue to support these objectives while enforcing the law to withhold $320 million in military aid to Egypt due to a lack of necessary progress on human rights.

Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut led the letter. Richard Blumenthal, also of Connecticut, Sherrod Brown of Ohio, Richard Durbin of Illinois, Bernie Sanders of Vermont, Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin of Maryland, Jeff Merkley of Oregon, Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, Tim Kaine of Virginia and Tom Carper of Delaware also signed.

As the administrations decision to withhold a portion of Egypts $1.3 billion appropriation for each of the last two years demonstrates, the bilateral security relationship can be effectively sustained at a reduced level of assistance while upholding our values, the senators wrote.

The administration is expected to make a decision on the matter next month, although the legal deadline is Sept. 30.

Egypts jailing and silencing of critics have drawn international condemnation and are points of friction between the North African country and the West. That includes the United States, the Egyptian military's most generous supporter.

Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, PEN International and other rights groups and think tanks in the other letter Friday credited the Biden administration's financial pressure with helping persuade Egypt to free more than 1,000 political detainees. At the same time, rights advocates say, Egypt has detained nearly 5,000 others, and renewed pretrial detentions of thousands more.
NASA welcomes Argentina as the 28th signatory of its Artemis Accords.

Representatives of Argentina's government signed the space agency's Artemis Accords during a recent ceremony held at Argentina's capital city of Buenos Aires.

Argentina is the fifth Artemis Accords signatory in the last three months, with the Czech Republic, Spain, Ecuador, and India preceding it in May and June.

Towards A Better Future

NASA mentioned in its recent blog post that Argentina's Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation Minister Daniel Filmus, signed the Artemis Accords on July 27 during a ceremony at the Casa Rosada in Buenos Aires. The Minister is accompanied by Argentine President Alberto Fernandez, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, and Mark Stanley, the US Ambassador to Argentina.

According to Filmus, the Argentine government's convinced that the Artemis Accords establish a contribution to the development of space activities with peaceful purposes at a global level. He adds that the Accords will increase international cooperation with Argentina.

Nelson mentioned during the ceremony that Argentina decided that the Accords are a set of standards in the exploration of outer space that it wants to be associated with, per the Buenos Aires Herald. He also described the Accords' purpose as "peaceful intentions, helping each other out, commonality of parts to help have common rescues in disasters. Not saying 'This is mine, you stay out' on the moon or any other celestial [bodies]."

Read More: Spotify's Latest Earning Report Reveals Losses Despite Positive Growth

Nelson's statement inspired a similar sentiment in President Fernandez, who stressed the importance of signing the Accords in his statement. He mentioned that signing it was the key to helping Argentina to move forward in the field of space development.

"We are convinced that it must be a state policy," Fernandez added. "We have done a lot to retain our scientists, we have always been interested in science and technology, and we believe that this is the way to go."

The US Department of State praised the development between Argentina and NASA, stating that the US and Argentina have a long history of cooperating in space. The two countries previously cooperated in the field of space geodetic research and satellite-based Earth observations, among others.

The Department of State believes that Argentina's signing of the Accords will lead the two countries into sharing a common understanding and approach to safe and sustainable exploration and use of outer space.

What Are The Artemis Accords?

The Artemis Accords are a set of principles NASA established in coordination with the US Department of State in 2020 and seven other founding member nations, guiding space exploration cooperation among those that signed it, including those participating in its Artemis program.

Countries that signed the Artemis Accords are not necessarily required to participate in the effort to reach space. Rather, it reinforces and implements key obligations in the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, which dictates that space explorations are carried out for the and in the interests of all countries, per the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs.

The Treaty also stated that outer space would be Humanity's province and free for exploration and use by all nations.

Related Article: Ecuador Signs Artemis Accords, Becomes 26th Signatory
By Luc Cohen

NEW YORK (Reuters) - The top prosecutor on a U.S. government task force targeting Russian oligarchs' assets as a means to pressure Moscow into ending its war in Ukraine said on Thursday he is leaving the Department of Justice.

Andrew Adams, who has led the "KleptoCapture" task force since its inception in March 2022, will be replaced by his deputies Michael Khoo and David Lim, a DOJ spokesperson said.

"It was a privilege to cap this time in service of the Department's response to the war in Ukraine," Adams, a 10-year Justice Department veteran, wrote in a LinkedIn post.

In launching the task force, U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland said it would enforce sanctions and export controls designed to freeze Russia out of global markets, and confiscate assets obtained through unlawful conduct.

During Adams' tenure, the unit unveiled indictments against aluminum magnate Oleg Deripaska and TV tycoon Konstantin Malofeyev for alleged sanctions busting, and seized yachts belonging to sanctioned oligarchs Suleiman Kerimov and Viktor Vekselberg.

It also won a court order letting prosecutors confiscate $5.4 million from Malofeyev's U.S. bank account, the first of what authorities hope will be a slew of transfers of oligarchs' funds to Ukraine for reconstruction efforts.

More recently, the task force has focused on people accused of helping oligarchs evade sanctions, securing a guilty plea from a U.S. lawyer who admitted to paying taxes, insurance and other fees for Vekselberg's New York properties.

A setback occurred in March when Artem Uss, the son of a former Russian regional governor charged with violating U.S. sanctions by shipping Venezuelan oil, escaped house arrest in Italy, thereby avoiding extradition.

Khoo, from the Justice Department's money laundering and asset recovery section, was part of the team that in May 2022 secured a guilty plea from global commodities trader Glencore for foreign bribery, and helped forfeit $53 million in assets linked to corruption in Nigeria's oil sector.

Lim, from the department's national security division, has worked on the prosecution of Chinese telecommunications company Huawei Technologies for alleged trade secret theft and violation of U.S. sanctions against Iran, and helped secure $3.9 billion in penalty payments by Airbus over global bribery allegations.

(Reporting by Luc Cohen in New York; Additional reporting by Sarah N. Lynch in Washingon, D.C.; Editing by Daniel Wallis)
A hungry bear in search of food broke into cars, a home, two garages and stole a backpack in Montana, wildlife officials say.

Now officials are looking to trap and kill the bear, and are reminding people  especially those who live in areas with a lot of bears  not to leave out any food items that attract the animal to keep both bears and humans safe, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks said in a news release.

One of those areas is Red Lodge, a town located on the northeast corner of Yellowstone National Park. There are several habituated and food-conditioned bears there, officials said.

The young black bear that stole a backpack in its search for food also approached people, posing a human safety risk, officials said.

This is unnatural bear behavior and is the direct result of this bear finding human or pet food items and quickly becoming dependent upon them, officials said.

When that happens, its usually irreversible, officials said.

A bears life is dominated by the search for food. Both black and grizzly bears are omnivores, and consume over 200 different species of plants, animals and fungi, officials said. Their natural curiosity and quest for food, however, are also what leads to occasional negative bear-human interactions.

The agency prioritizes human safety over bears, officials said.

Preventing wildlife conflicts is easier than dealing with one, officials said. In urban areas with potentially unlimited opportunities for a bear to find human or pet foods, everyone has a role to play in keeping wildlife wild and out of conflict with humans.

Montana officials recommended the following guidelines for those who live near areas with dense bear populations:

Store garbage in a bear-resistant container or inside until garbage disposal day.

Do not leave attractants (such as food) next to windows, on porches or patios, in garages or in cars.

Dont leave out pet food, bird feeders (including hummingbird feeders), bird seed or barbecues.

Keep vulnerable livestock  including chickens, goats, and sheep  behind electric fences. Its a good idea to secure compost piles and fruit-bearing plants with electric fences too. Information about building a suitable electric fence is available on the agencys website.

Once fruit is ripe, make sure to pick it from trees and bushes immediately.

Keep doors to both cars and homes closed and locked.

Report unnatural or bold bear behavior  or bears eating human or pet food  to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks at 406-850-1131 or to the Red Lodge Police Department at 406-446-1234.

Aggressive grizzly charges family on picnic at Glacier National Park, officials say

Bear attracted to stinky carcass tries to raid CO officers truck. See the evidence

Grizzly euthanized after getting too close to people and damaging boats, officials say
TOKYO (AP)  The Japanese government stepped up its alarm over Chinese assertiveness, warning in a report issued Friday that the country faces its worst security threats since World War II as it plans to implement a new strategy that calls for a major military buildup.

The 2023 defense white paper, approved by Prime Minister Fumio Kishidas Cabinet, is the first since the government adopted a controversial new National Security Strategy in December, seen as a break from Japans postwar policy limiting the use of force to self-defense.

China, Russia and North Korea contribute to the most severe and complex security environment since the end of World War II, according to the 510-page report. It says Chinas external stance and military activities have become a serious concern for Japan and the international community and present an unprecedented and the greatest strategic challenge."

On Thursday, Russian and Chinese delegates joined North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in North Korea's capital for a military parade that showed off the country's latest drones and long-range nuclear-capable missiles.

Russia and China have also stepped up strategic ties, the white paper said, noting five joint bomber flights since 2019, and several joint navigations of Chinese and Russian warships that it said were clearly intended for demonstration of force against Japan and of grave concern to both Japan and the region.

The report predicted that China will possess 1,500 nuclear warheads by 2035 and increase its military superiority over Taiwan, in what Japan views as a security threat, especially to its southwestern islands including Okinawa.

While Okinawan Gov. Denny Tamaki has called for U.S. bases there to be reduced and for greater efforts in diplomacy and dialogue with Beijing, the central government has been reinforcing the defenses of the remote southwestern islands, including Ishigaki and Yonaguni, where new bases for missile defense have been installed.

Many residents of Okinawa have bitter memories of the Battle of Okinawa, in which Japans wartime military essentially sacrificed the local population in an attempt to delay a U.S. landing on the main Japanese islands. Many Okinawans worry they would be the first to suffer in the event of a Taiwan emergency.

Earlier this week, Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno visited Ishigaki and acknowledged the challenges of evacuating residents from remote islands, and pledged to give firm support. Ishigaki Mayor Yoshitaka Nakayama asked for airport and port facilities to be reinforced and for underground shelters to be built as preparation for a possible Taiwan emergency.

China claims self-governing Taiwan as its own territory, to be annexed by force if necessary.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, who in 2017 set a goal of building a world-class military by the mid-21st century, may move the target forward, the report said, noting his call for a rapid advancement of the Peoples Liberation Army in his speech at the Communist Party congress in October.

North Korea is rapidly progressing in its nuclear and missile development and poses "a graver, more imminent threat to Japan than ever before, the report said. North Korea has test-fired around 100 missiles since the start of 2022, including ICBMs, and the report noted it is now believed to have an ability to conduct nuclear attacks on Japan and the continental United States.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said the Japanese defense paper interfered in Chinas internal affairs and deliberately played up the so-called Chinese threat and created tensions in the region. She said Japan's own military buildup has drawn concern from its Asian neighbors and the international community, and urged Tokyo to stop finding excuses for its military expansion.

She said China's military policy is defensive, and military cooperation such as joint patrols with relevant countries is in line with international law and practice.

South Korea, despite the rapid improvement of its ties with Japan this year due to shared concern over China's threat, slammed Japan's claim in the defense report to a South Korean-controlled contested island, calling it "unjust.

The report comes seven months after Kishidas government adopted new national security and defense strategies that called for doubling the defense budget to 43 trillion yen ($310 billion) by 2027.

Questions have been raised about whether the ambitious expansion of military capability and funding for it is feasible in a country that has a rapidly aging and shrinking population.

A government-commissioned panel recently adopted a package of recommendations for Japan's military to maintain troop numbers despite population concerns, including scholarships, extension of the retirement age, hiring retirees, improving the workplace environment and tackling harassment.

___

Associated Press writers Joe McDonald in Beijing and Kim Tong-hyung in Seoul, South Korea, contributed to this report.
By Tim Kelly

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan welcomed a thaw in relations with South Korea in its annual defence paper on Friday but otherwise offered a gloomy assessment of the threat of China's territorial ambitions, its security partnership with Russia and a belligerent North Korea.

"Amid the increasing severity and difficulties we face, the need for Japan and South Korea to align has become increasingly important," the Ministry of Defence said in the 2023 Defence White Paper.

Surrounded by nuclear-armed rivals, Japan has to contend with intensifying Chinese military manoeuvres around Taiwan and disputed islands in the East China Sea, a growing threat from North Korea's ballistic missile programme and deteriorating regional security after Russia's attack on Ukraine, it said.

Shared security challenges helped U.S. allies Japan and South Korea mend relations that had soured over disputes about compensation for women forced to work in Japanese military brothels and other Koreans drafted as wartime labourers.

At a meeting in May with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on the sidelines of a Group of Seven summit in Japan, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol praised his counterpart for expressing compassion for those who suffered under Japan's colonial rule.

The two leaders will meet for the fourth time this yearwith President Joe Biden in the U.S. next month for a trilateral summit that could further cement their detente.

This year's white paper is the first since Japan announced, in December, a plan to double defence spending over the next five years to fund the acquisition of new weapons and capabilities, including longer range missiles that Japan says will help deter China from resorting to military action.

A separate national security strategy document promised close cooperation with the United States and other like-minded countries.

The defence paper said partners include Australia, India, European countries such as Britain, and South Korea. Japan is also pursuing stronger ties with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

A key aim of the white paper this year is to explain why Japan is undertaking its biggest military build-up since World War Two, a defence ministry official told a briefing.

It also outlines developments over the past decade during which Japan has more than quadrupled the number of annual military exercises it undertakes with the U.S., and tripled the number of countries it offers security assistance to.

(Reporting by Tim Kelly; editing by Robert Birsel)
By Sam Nussey, Miho Uranaka and Makiko Yamazaki

TOKYO (Reuters) - JSR Corp, which plans a $6.4 billion sale to a government-backed fund, says the deal to go private will free it from the difficulty of managing its large foreign investor base and make it easier to pursue deals in the chip materials sector.

The announcement last month that JSR would be bought by Japan Investment Corp, which is overseen by the trade ministry, was met with surprise in the materials sector with some analysts and chip industry executives questioning the need for such an intervention or scope for meaningful industry change.

Eric Johnson, the American-born CEO of JSR, a top manufacturer of photoresists used in chip making, said going private should ease concerns from possible partners about the risk of changes to the company's ownership or strategy.

"When we're 50% foreign owned that gives people pause within Japan," Johnson said in an interview.

"It's a burden for any public CEO and in the context of trying to drive strategic M&A within Japan, it's especially difficult."

While hardly a household name, JSR plays a leading role in the global semiconductor supply chain and is tied to defining issues for corporate Japan: efforts to strengthen its chip industry and the increasingly visible role foreign investors are playing across the world's No.3 economy.

Johnson said he previously had "high-level" discussions with potential partners but believes the new ownership structure will open doors.

"We can enter into these partnering discussions with a much more stable foundation," Johnson said.

JSR, a supplier to chipmakers such as TSMC, Samsung and Intel, has investors including ValueAct Capital, which has a seat on the board.

JSR management was frustrated by ValueAct intervening in company strategy and one motivation for the go-private deal was to exit the activist investor from its shareholder register, two people familiar with the matter said.

Johnson said that was not the case.

"The board should challenge and try to drive me to make the best possible decisions for the company," Johnson said, emphasising he was not speaking about a specific board member.

"It's not true that I'm feeling particular pressure from a particular shareholder and therefore I want to jettison that pressure," he said.

Companies often view the presence of an activist investor as a challenge to their strategy or a factor that could delay execution of their plans.

ValueAct declined to comment. The activist investor previously praised JSR's "fact-based decision making" and said it supports the sale to JIC.

Analysts have questioned how JSR will drive change in Japan's materials sector, which remains world beating even as the country has ceded dominance in chip manufacturing.

"There are many companies that are already competitive in the materials industry and it is difficult to see synergies through consolidation," said Atsushi Ikeda, an analyst at Goldman Sachs.

"However it would lead to cost reductions in areas such as pooling of development costs and inspection equipment," Ikeda said.

Yuta Nishiyama, an analyst at Citigroup, said that if JSR can "monopolise technological capabilities" it would boost its competitiveness.

"But that doesn't contribute to the Japanese semiconductor materials industry overall," he said.

JSR said there is scope for meaningful deals.

"I don't think they're being imaginative enough ... there's a wide range of materials expertise in Japan," Johnson said.

(Reporting by Sam Nussey, Miho Uranaka and Makiko Yamazaki; Additional reporting by Svea Herbst-Bayliss; Editing by Stephen Coates)
By Rich McKay

(Reuters) - Three men convicted more than a decade ago of plotting to blow up New York City synagogues, a Jewish community center and shoot down military planes, were ordered to be released from prison by a judge on Thursday who said they had been manipultaed by the FBI.

In a scathing opinion against the FBI, the presiding judge called the men "hapless" petty criminals who were "easily manipulated" by the government in a sting operation.

The men to be released are: Onta Williams, David Williams and Laguerra Payen, who were three of what became known as the "Newburgh Four."

A fourth man, described as the ringleader by the government, James Cromitie, did not seek compassionate release and is expected to serve until 2030.

Lawyers for the men could not immediately be identified by Reuters to seek comment.

U.S. District Judge Colleen McMahon wrote in her 28-page order filed Thursday that all four men were caught up in a scheme in 2009 to attack the synagogues, community center and launch stinger missiles at military aircraft, driven by overzealous FBI agents and an "unsavory" confidential informant.

A spokesperson for the FBI was not immediately available to comment to Reuters.

The judge granted compassionate release to three men and reduced their sentence to time served plus 90 days, citing concerns for the men's health and her own qualms about the original 25-year-sentence she imposed on the men in 2011.

Cromitie was described as the ringleader by prosecutors during the trial.

But Judge McMahon wrote that Cromitie was a small-time "grifter" who was broke and unemployed when he was enlisted in the FBI driven plot, who provided fake bombs to plant in exchange for $250,000 in the "jihadist mission."

Cromitie enlisted the other three men to serve as lookouts, the judge wrote.

"Nothing about the crimes was the defendants' own doing. The FBI invented the conspiracy," McMahon wrote.

The three men are scheduled to be released in October.

(Reporting by Rich McKay in Atlanta; Editing by Michael Perry)
NEW YORK (AP)  Three men convicted in a post-9/11 terrorism sting have been ordered freed from prison by a judge who deemed their lengthy sentences unduly harsh and unjust and decried the FBI's role in radicalizing them in a plot to blow up New York synagogues and shoot down National Guard planes.

Onta Williams, David Williams and Laguerre Payen  three of the men known as the Newburgh Four"  were hapless, easily manipulated and penurious petty criminals" caught up more than a decade ago in a scheme driven by overzealous FBI agents and a dodgy informant, U.S. District Judge Colleen McMahon said in her ruling Thursday.

The real lead conspirator was the United States, McMahon wrote in granting the men's request for compassionate release, effective in three months.

She said that it was heinous of the men to agree to participate in what she called the government's "made for TV movie. But, the judge added, "the sentence was the product of a fictitious plot to do things that these men had never remotely contemplated, and that were never going to happen.

She excoriated the government for sending a villain of an informant "to troll among the poorest and weakest of men for terrorists who might prove susceptible to an offer of much-needed cash in exchange for committing a faux crime.

The U.S. attorneys office declined to comment on the judges decision. A message seeking comment was sent to the FBI.

Citing concerns for the men's health and her own qualms about the case, McMahon cut the 25-year mandatory minimum sentences she imposed on them in 2011 to time served plus 90 days. She said that would allow time for probation officials to prepare and for Payen's lawyer to line up supportive housing for the man, who has a severe mental illness.

We are tremendously pleased that our clients are on their way home -- even if its fourteen years too late, said Amith R. Gupta, part of a group of lawyers representing Payen and the Willamses, who are not related. Gupta in his statement described the three as destitute men entrapped for their race, religion, and working-class backgrounds by a government looking to spread fear of Muslims and justify bloated budgets.

Kathy Manley, who represented Payen, said the prosecution should never have happened, but now at least the men will soon be out of prison. Samuel Braverman, who represented Payen at trial, called the ruling incredibly brave and just.

The fourth man, James Cromitie, wasn't part of the compassionate release request and is expected to complete his prison sentence in 2030.

Cromitie's attorney, Kerry Lawrence, plans to speak with him about pursuing similar action on his behalf.

Im confident he would be entitled to relief for the same reasons articulated by Judge McMahon for the other defendants," Lawrence said.

Payen, Cromitie and the Williamses were arrested in 2009, during a period of heightened public and law enforcement concern about the threat of terror strikes hatched within the U.S. by supporters of foreign extremists.

Officials portrayed Cromitie as the ringleader of a chilling plot among extremely violent men loyal to a Pakistani terrorist group  though the government later decided not to present any evidence about foreign terrorist organizations at trial. A court complaint described him as a man seething with anti-American and antisemitic sentiment and eager to translate those feelings into bloody action.

Prosecutors said the defendants had spent months scouting targets and securing what they thought were explosives and a surface-to-air missile, aiming to shoot down planes at the Air National Guard base in Newburgh, New York, and blow up synagogues in Riverdale, a heavily Jewish part of the Bronx. They were arrested there after allegedly planting bombs that were, in fact, packed with inert explosives supplied by the FBI.

From the start, relatives said the four were men who were down on their luck after doing prison time.

The mens lawyers soon raised questions about entrapment  a legal defense that argues that people were enticed into illegal conduct they wouldnt have otherwise committed.

The defense lawyers said federal informant Shaheed Hussain tried to stir up the men with rhetoric and went on to choose the targets, offer hefty payment, buy the defendants groceries, and provide the fake bombs and missile. The defense portrayed Hussain as a self-serving manipulator who was trying to please the government after his own, unrelated fraud conviction.

Jurors deliberated for eight days before convicting the men in 2010. Three years later, they lost an appeal.

A possible phone number for Hussain rang unanswered Thursday night.

Hussain also worked with the FBI on other stings, including one that targeted an Albany pizza shop owner and an imam  and involved a loan using money from a fictitious missile sale. Both men, who said they were tricked, were convicted of money laundering and conspiring to aid a terrorist group.

A few years later, Hussain was in the public eye again when a stretch limo crashed in rural Schoharie, New York, killing 20 people. Hussain owned the limo company, operated by his son Nauman Hussain.

After it emerged that the limo had failed a safety inspection a month before the crash and that the slain driver didnt have a commercial license, Nauman Hussain was charged with criminally negligent homicide and manslaughter. His lawyer blamed a repair shop for the vehicles problems and said his client was being treated like a scapegoat.

Nauman Hussain was convicted this May and is serving five to 15 years in prison.
A 17-year-old girl testified Friday she just prayed and covered her head during Ethan Crumbleys mass shooting at Michigans Oxford High School, which left four students dead and seven others wounded in 2021.

I didnt know if those were my last moments, Heidi Allen said during a hearing to determine if Crumbley should spend the rest of his life in prison without the possibility of parole.

As Allen recalled the horrific day she helped save a wounded classmate, Crumbley  in an orange jumpsuit  stared down at the defense table from behind his black-rimmed glasses.

Two students and an assistant principal described coming face-to-face with the shooter during the emotional second day of the hearing.

Crumbley pleaded guilty in October to one count of terrorism causing death, four counts of first-degree murder and 19 other charges stemming from the mass shooting.

Allen testified that she was turning a corner in a school corridor when she saw the shooter emerge from a restroom. He was dressed in black, with a hat and mask, but Allen said she still knew who he was. They had attended school together since middle school, she said.

A million things went through my head at that point but I knew exactly who it was. But, at the same time, I just thought theres no way that could be him, Allen testified.

Everything kind of slowed down for me, she said, adding that she covered her head and dropped to the floor.

It was very quiet. There was no screaming, nothing. It was just the gunshots.

Allen sensed the shooter was approaching her.

I just closed my eyes and eventually I realized he was gone, she said calmly during her testimony while several family members of victims cried in the courtroom.

Sheri Myre, mother of slain Oxford student Tate Myre, weeps in court on Friday. - Carlos Osorio/AP

Two female students near her were on the floor. Another girl in the hallway was also down.

I asked everybody in the hallway from where I was if anybody had been hit, Allen testified. And nobody had answered because they couldnt.

No one except Phoebe Arthur, who had been standing with her boyfriend. Arthur was crying. Allen helped her up and looked for an open classroom. Once inside, Allen put the night lock on the door.

How did you know how to install the night lock? a prosecutor asked.

We have drills every year since middle school, Allen said.

At a drill just a month before the shooting, a teacher called on Allen to install the night lock on the door.

I didnt know how to do it, she said. I couldnt figure it out. She came over and she showed me exactly how to do it. When that moment came, I knew exactly how to do it.

Allen testified that she took Arthur to the middle of the classroom. There was blood everywhere. Arthur had been shot in the chest and neck. Allen used a sweater to apply pressure on her wounds.

Allen prayed with her classmate. She recalled thinking she was meant to be left unscathed in the hallway.

I asked her if she knew who God was and she had said, Not really. But I said, I think Im supposed to be here right now because theres no other reason that Im okay, that Im in this hallway, completely untouched.

Arthur survived. Allen later turned Arthurs back to the carnage as they left the classroom to spare her from reliving the horror.

I JUST WATCHED HIM KILL SOMEONE

Keegan Gregory, 16, who was a freshman at the time of the shooting, testified Friday about surviving the slaughter while a classmate who hid in a restroom with him was fatally shot a few feet away.

Gregory and Justin Shilling, then a senior, hid in a restroom stall before Crumbley kicked open the door to find them. Shilling had asked Gregory to hide with him and to climb on the toilet so the shooter couldnt see his feet. Shilling stood in front of the underclassman in the stall.

Gregory, while hiding, frantically sent messages on his familys group chat.

IM HIDING IN THE BATHROOM, reads one text.

He then dashed off a string of one-word texts: OMG  HELP  MOM.

His father wrote back, urging him to stay down, quiet and calm.

He replied: IM TERRIFIED

At one point, Crumbley kicked open the door to the stall. He left briefly and then returned. The shooter told Gregory to stay put and ordered Shilling out of the stall. Gregory testified that he heard a gunshot.

To his family, he wrote: HE KILLED HIM. OMFG.

The shooter returned to the stall and told Gregory to come out, motioning for him to stand near the pool of blood around Shillings head.

When he moved the gun away from his side I ran behind his back and out the door, Gregory testified. I realized that if I stayed I was going to die.

Gregory managed to safely reach an office.

I JUST WATCHED HIM KILL SOMEONE. HE PUT ME UP AGAINST THE WALL AND I RAN.

Gregory showed the court a tattoo on his forearm, with the date of the shooting in Roman numbers and four hearts for each victim. One heart is red, with a halo over it  representing Shilling.

If he didnt die in there, Gregory said, then Id be dead right now.

The defense did not cross-examine the student witnesses.

His names Ethan

Oxford High School Assistant Principal Kristy Gibson-Marshall - Carlos Osorio/AP

Assistant Principal Kristy Gibson-Marshall recalled for the court her attempts to save Tate Myre, who was fatally shot in the back of the head that day.

Gibson-Marshall testified that after hearing an announcement for the lockdown protocol she headed toward the sound of gunfire.

In my mind, I needed to go help, she said.

Gibson-Marshall knew the shooter, who was a student at an elementary school where she worked years earlier. She recalled giving him hugs as a kid, though she hadnt interacted with him much since he attended the high school.

In court, the assistant principal referred to Crumbley by his first name, occasionally glancing over at the defense table with a slight smile and teary eyes.

Gibson-Marshall testified that she saw the shooter down a hallway and the body of Myre in a pool of blood.

When Crumbley walked toward her, she didnt immediately believe he was the shooter. She thought maybe he had recovered the gun from the actual shooter.

She testified she asked Crumbley if he was OK. He turned his head away, pistol in hand, and walked passed her.

The administrator turned her attention to Myre. A bullet had struck the back of his head and exited through his eye socket, she testified.

She spoke to him until help arrived, not knowing if he could hear her. She told him she loved him and needed him to hang with me.

I just needed to save him for his mom, Gibson-Marshall recalled in tears, adding she knew him and his family for years.

Myres face had turned blue as Gibson-Marshall desperately tried rescue breathing.

I could taste his blood. There was so much blood, it was all over me. It took me a long time  months, probably almost a year  to get the taste of Tates blood out of my mouth, she said.

In a nearby hallway, Crumbley surrendered to police. Gibson-Marshall heard an officer ask the shooter to identify himself.

His names Ethan, she told the officers before returning to Myre.

On her way out of the courtroom, Gibson-Marshall hugged Myres weeping parents.

Later Friday, Crumbleys defense team called their first witness, Dr. Kenneth Romanowski, a corrections expert who evaluated Crumbleys records from the Oakland County Jail.

He did not interview Crumbley and has never met him, he testified.

Jail records revealed behavioral incidents earlier this year in which Crumbley repeatedly rammed his head into the door of his jail cell and hit his head against the cell wall, the corrections expert testified.

Romanowski testified that juvenile offenders often have a better chance of being rehabilitated in prison because of their lack of maturity and development.

Everybody has the potential to change, Romanowski said. He has to make that choice.

On cross-examination, prosecutor David Williams asked the defense expert whether he was aware that Crumbley shot victims at point-blank range.

The expert, who was tasked by the defense with only reviewing the shooters jail records, confirmed he was not aware of how the victims were killed or Crumbleys violent writings and behaviors prior to the shooting.

Dr. Fariha Qadir, a jail psychiatrist, testified she diagnosed Crumbley with major depression and adjustment disorder with anxiety. She prescribed him depression and mood-stabilizing medications.

Crumbley has reported hearing internal voices and feeling anxiety and paranoia, she said, but he has not been diagnosed as psychotic.

He has been on continued watch for most of his incarceration and at times, suicide watch, Qadir said.

I am going to be the next school shooter

The testimony comes one day after tense exchanges between a shooting victim and the defense attorney cross-examining her and following the introduction by prosecutors of audio from two video clips Crumbley recorded before the rampage he carried out at his high school when he was 15 years old.

My name is Ethan Crumbley, age 15, and I am going to be the next school shooter, he is heard saying on the audio that was played in court. Ive thought about this a lot. I cant stop thinking about it. But its constantly in my head.

Crumbley appeared to look down at the defense table as the audio was played.

In the second audio file played at the hearing, Crumbley said, Im gonna have so much fun tomorrow.

During the recordings, Crumbley talked about the decline of his life and calmly laid out his deadly plan.

I will walk behind someone, and I will shoot a bullet into their skull. And thats the first victim, he said. Im gonna open fire on everyone in the hallway  I will try to hit as many people as I can. I will reload, and I will find people hiding. I want to teach them a lesson of how they are wrong, of how they are being brainwashed.

Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald told the court on Thursday Crumbleys premeditated approach ahead of the shooting and propensity for violence are among the reasons he should receive a life sentence.

Crumbleys attorney, Paulette Loftin, said the defense will show Crumbley is not irreparably corrupt and should be sentenced to a term of years in prison.

The first prosecution witness was Lt. Timothy Willis with the Oakland County Sheriffs Office, who oversaw the shooting investigation. He testified that Crumbley bypassed device security and accessed a violent website on a jail computer tablet in January.

When authorities discovered the search history, which Crumbley had attempted to delete from the device, the teen said he could not resist visiting the site hed frequented before the shooting, according to the lieutenant.

CNN Laura Ly and Artemis Moshtaghian contributed to this report.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Mr. Fred signed off his latest page-long, handwritten letter, Thanks again for your friendship.

I read that line with a smile. Undeniably, he was my friend, despite the 57 years that stood between us, the different lives weve lived  his much longer, mine much shorter  and whatever we do or dont have in common. Friendships are funny that way.

Ours began when I knocked on the door of a glass house that belonged in the Swiss Alps yet was outside a small town in central Louisiana, nestled among curving country roads and cotton fields.

When the door swung open, a jaunty stranger with gray hair and a wide smile greeted me  the 25-year-old life story writer his daughter had commissioned to write a keepsake biography for the family  and shut the door behind us.

Olivia Savoie and Mr. Fred at his home in Bunkie, La. Mr. Fred's family hired Savoie to write his biography as a family keepsake. (Bryan Tarnowski for TODAY)

May I show you some treasures before we begin our interviews? he asked and led me to a room lined in bookshelves. He pointed to a wooden canoe he and his best friend had carved in retirement, a silver cup on which his name was engraved and which he had dinted as a toddler, and the chest in which his great-grandfathers belongings had traveled from Germany to the U.S.

From there, we headed to the kitchen. While Mr. Fred brewed a pot of coffee, I sat at the round table, turned on my laptop and extracted my questionnaire. Once we both had full mugs, we began his first interview.

When I reached my tenth question  Do you have any vivid early memories?  he nodded and swatted a tear. He proceeded to recount hearing the news of Pearl Harbors bombing on the radio in Audubon Park. I was just 4 years old but could sense the secure world Id known only minutes before collapsing.

As we continued, I was surprised by his openness. I had organized my questionnaire in an attempt to build comfort and rapport over time. Yet here was Mr. Fred, sharing evocative sentiments within minutes of getting started. This went on for hours as we sat at his round table in his perfectly square glass house.

I eventually learned the story behind his home. After hed worked enough grueling years as a contractor to finally afford a bigger home for his wife, Patsy, and their five children, they had this dream home built.

Again in tears, which became a reoccurrence during our interviews, Mr. Fred said, While this place was under construction, Patsy and I sat on the step, overlooking the sunken living room, and she asked, in wonder, Did you ever think wed have something like this? I didnt.

Fred Vollman and Olivia Savoie at the home of Mr. Vollman in Bunkie, La. looking over old family photographs. Olivia Savoie was commissioned to write the biography and family history for Mr. Vollman which turned into a friendship after the two bonded during the process. (Bryan Tarnowski for TODAY)

I found myself looking forward to interviewing Mr. Fred more than usual; I simply enjoyed his company. Outside of interviews, wed talk nonstop, as if we were old friends catching up after years apart. Wed take daily lunch breaks with him driving us into the nearest town for Mexican food or McDonalds. Hed never let me pay, insisting he treat me in the same tone as my grandfather would. I dare not argue. After lunch, wed detour, driving by his elementary school, the starter home he and Patsy brought their babies home to, and the hangar where he kept the plane he still flew.

The more I got to know the 83-year-old Mr. Fred, the more his past clicked into place with his present. I understood how the awe-inspired boy building model airplanes grew into the young man scrounging spare change to afford flying lessons. I could see how the tender father whose eyes welled with tears when he spoke of his pride in his adult children was the same father who, 61 years earlier, had been forever changed when he first held his eldest child and experienced what he called wonderful magic. I could see how the widower who lost Patsy eventually remarried another widow, Linda, who understood his suffering.

At that round table, he revealed his most excruciating memories and most joyous moments. I listened as he unveiled his early memories, experiences as a young adult, family life, career and recent years. When he struggled to remember specifics about when his children were small, since he was working so much, I assured him I could email his children to elicit some fond memories.

Fred Vollman at his home in Bunkie, La. (Bryan Tarnowski for TODAY)

One of his children wowed me by sending three single-spaced pages of reflection, confirming what I already knew about Mr. Fred  he was an authentic, compassionate and outstanding human being.

On the final day of interviews, I asked Mr. Fred if he had any life lessons he wished to impart to his children and grandchildren. That is when he told me about true gifts.

He leaned forward in his seat, looked me straight in the eyes and explained, A true gift is one which has no strings attached. Many gifts, even with great intentions and great outcomes, become less true along the way. I try when I give to make the gift a true gift with no personal gain or conditions.

I was moved by the concept. In that moment, I knew the notion would stay with me forever.

Long after our five-month working relationship ended, Mr. Fred and I kept in touch. Every month or two, one of us would call the other. Wed talk about what was on our hearts  his adventures with his children, stepdaughters cancer treatments and travels with his wife, and my writing, hope to start a family, and eventually, my husbands and my anticipation of our first child. Wed also talk of history and poetry and genealogy.

Fred Vollman and Olivia Savoie at the home of Mr. Vollman in Bunkie, La. looking over old family photographs. Olivia Savoie was commissioned to write the biography and family history for Mr. Vollman which turned into a friendship after the two bonded during the process. (Bryan Tarnowski for TODAY)

These calls were life-affirming and natural. They reminded me that, despite living in a society that primarily endorses friendships between two people in a common season of life, there are no rule books. When one crosses the border into unchartered territory, there are untold lessons to be learned and joys to be felt.

Four days after my daughter was born, once the dust of the first sleepless nights had settled, I got around to announcing her birth to friends.

I texted her picture to Mr. Fred and wrote, I have thought of you as I reflected on what you expressed about having your firstborn. I now relate to this wonderfully magic time as a new parent.

Within about five minutes, the phone rang.

Mr. Freds voice was tight, like it was when he talked of Pearl Harbors bombing or a plethora of other painful life experiences. He told me the baby was beautiful and asked how we were doing.

A photograph of Fred Vollman and his late son at the home of Mr. Vollman in Bunkie, La. (Bryan Tarnowski for TODAY)

Without answering, I asked, Are you OK?

No. There was a long silence, and then his voice broke. I have some bad news to tell you.

When I learned his youngest son had died of a heart attack, I slipped down on the floor and wept along with Mr. Fred. He went on to tell me more about what had transpired. My heart broke.

That night, I remembered the emails Id received from his children and how one had sent something extraordinary. I scoured my inbox and felt tears prick my eyes as I reread his youngest sons profoundly poetic statements like, I have carried [my father] with me every day of my life and I use his wisdom to direct me to whatever success I have and can point to an abandonment of that wisdom as a cause of my failures and even the following in lined verse:

I printed out the three-page-long message  a momentous elegy  and, along with a note of explanation, mailed it to Mr. Fred.

About a month later, the phone rang. Mr. Fred informed me he and Linda were in my neck of the woods and would like to visit.

When they arrived, I embraced Mrs. Linda and said, I feel like I know you although were just now meeting. I handed off Amadia, who snored on Mrs. Lindas shoulder throughout the duration of our visit. I hugged Mr. Fred next, and we talked a while before he presented a gift for the baby. For once, I was the first of us in tears when I discovered a silver cup engraved with my daughters name.

Mr. Fred said, I thought long and hard about a special gift for your daughter, since you have become so special to me. And I thought Id give her this cup, one just like the engraved cup I had as a baby.

Fred Vollman holds the cup he used as a baby. He gifted a replica of this cup for his friend, Olivia Savoie, after having her first baby. Olivia Savoie was commissioned to write the biography and family history for Mr. Vollman which turned into a friendship after the two bonded during the process. (Bryan Tarnowski for TODAY / Courtesy Olivia Savoie)

We all sat in grateful, comfortable silence for a moment before Mr. Fred mentioned the letter. Choked up, he tried to explain what hearing from his son again had meant to him.

As far as friendships go, sometimes they can change you, inspire you or take on more meaning than either party could ever have guessed. Sometimes friendships can be crutches to help us stand in the hard times and reservoirs of delight in the good times.

Today, some three years after meeting Mr. Fred, I filed away one of his letters, the one that closed with a thanks for my friendship. I continue to call Mr. Fred, just to talk or beseech advice or laugh. We send emails. We snail mail notes. Ive learned from what has mattered most to him throughout his life  things like cherishing the family built with the person you love most, taking the time to construct canoes with your best friend, and giving freely without hope of reward.

Mr. Fred has been a true gift to me  perhaps in a different sense than his concept originally implied, but a true gift nonetheless. I believe I have been the same to him.

This article was originally published on TODAY.com
Hong Lee Hyun-sook's "In the Neighborhood of Seokgwangsa" (2021) / Courtesy of the artist



By Park Han-sol



Frieze Seoul has announced a string of specially curated programs of music, films and exhibitions, as well as talks and soirees that will be featured as part of its upcoming second edition in September.



Following its successful debut in Asia last year, the global art fair will return to COEX in southern Seoul from Sept. 6 to 9, this time with a stronger lineup of Asia-based galleries. Among some 120 participating exhibitors, over 40 percent of them are from the region, according to the organizer.



An array of special on- and off-site projects are set to run alongside the main show throughout the capital city.



Frieze Film, curated by Kim Sung-woo and Sungah Serena Choo, spotlights 14 Korean artists working in time-based media  including Jun So-jung, Hong Lee Hyun-sook and Kim Hyo-jae.



Titled "It was the way of walking through narrative," the program will host screenings of their video works at four non-profit venues across the city and on Frieze's official website from Aug. 22 to Sept. 9.



Free talk sessions will be organized in partnership with Kiaf Seoul, Korea's longest-running contemporary art fair hosted by the Galleries Association of Korea, and Korean Art Management Service (KAMS), at COEX during the fair.



Prominent industry professionals and creators  like Chong Do-ryun, deputy director of M+ in Hong Kong; Yung Ma, curator at the Hayward Gallery in London; Noam Segal, associate curator at the Guggenheim in New York; and Seoul-based artist duo Moon Kyung-won and Jeon Joon-ho  will share their insights on the Asian art fairs ecosystem, Korean experimental art and the impact of artificial intelligence on art, among other timely topics.





Lee Lee Nam's "The True Light That Gives Light to Every Man (2022) / Courtesy of the artist, Kiaf Seoul
TEHRAN, Iran (AP)  Millions of Shiite Muslims in Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan and around the world on Friday commemorated Ashoura, a remembrance of the 7th-century martyrdom of the Prophet Muhammads grandson, Hussein, that gave birth to their faith.

In Afghanistan, the Taliban cut mobile phone services in key cities holding commemorations for fear of militants targeting Shiites, whom Sunni extremists consider heretics. Security forces in neighboring Pakistan as well stood on high alert as the commemorations there have seen attacks in the past.

Not all Shiites, however, were to mark the day Friday. Iraq, Lebanon and Syria planned their remembrances for Saturday, which will see a major suburb of Beirut shut down and the faithful descend on the Iraqi city of Karbala, where Hussein is entombed in a gold-domed shrine.

Shiites represent over 10% of the worlds 1.8 billion Muslims and view Hussein as the rightful successor to the Prophet Muhammad. Husseins death in battle at the hands of Sunnis at Karbala, south of Baghdad, ingrained a deep rift in Islam and continues to this day to play a key role in shaping Shiite identity.

Over 1,340 years after Husseins martyrdom, Baghdad, Tehran, Islamabad and other major capitals in the Middle East were adorned with symbols of Shiite piety and repentance: red flags for Husseins blood, symbolic black funeral tents and black dress for mourning, processions of men and boys expressing fervor in the ritual of chest-beating and self-flagellation with chains.

In Iran, where the theocratic government views itself as the protector of Shiites worldwide, the story of Hussein's martyrdom takes on political connotations amid its tensions with the West over its advancing nuclear program.

Iranian state television aired images of commemorations across the Islamic Republic, tying the event to criticizing the West, Israel and the U.S. drone strike that killed Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani in 2020. Anchor Wesam Bahrani on Iran's state-run English-language broadcaster Press TV referred to America as the biggest opponent of Islam and criticized Muslim countries allied with the U.S.

Men wore black, rhythmically beating their chests in mourning or using flails to strike their backs. Some wore red headbands, as black and red banners bore Hussein's name. Some sprayed water over the mourners in the intense heat.

Every year everyone joins hands in solidarity," said 23-year-old Mohammad Hajatmand, who took part in a processional in Tehran. Hussein "was martyred very brutally and when anyone hears the story of Ashoura, regardless of their religion, their hearts will be broken and they will sympathize with him.

The commemoration in Iran also comes as Tehran prepares for the one-year anniversary of the death of Mahsa Amini. Her death launched protests nationwide in Iran that reportedly saw more than 500 protesters killed and some 20,000 others detained. Authorities have begun stepping up their enforcement of mandatory hijab, or headscarf, laws for women in recent weeks.

In the suburb of Sayida Zeinab near Syrias capital, Damascus, security forces guarded checkpoints after a bomb hidden in a motorcycle exploded Thursday, killing at least six people and wounding dozens more. On Tuesday, another bomb in a motorcycle wounded two people. The suburb is home to a shrine to Zeinab, the daughter of the first Shiite imam, Ali, and granddaughter of the Prophet Muhammad.

Local resident Mustafa Semaan, 41, said the area had seen a resurgence of religious tourism after security stabilized amid Syrias ongoing war and the worst of the coronavirus pandemic.

I dont believe the religious observances will be affected (by the recent bombings), but the economic situation as a result of visitors coming from outside Syria may be affected, Semaan said. If this continues, if there were a third attack, there might be a very negative impact.

On Friday, the Islamic State claimed responsibility for the recent attacks in a statement, claiming that Thursday's attack killed about 10 and wounded about 40 others during their annual polytheistic rituals. The group's extreme interpretation of Islam holds Shiite Muslims to be apostates.

In 2014, IS overran large swaths of Syria and Iraq and declared the entire territory a caliphate, where it imposed a radically brutal rule. The U.S. and its allies in Syria and Iraq, as well as Syrias Russian-backed government troops, fought against it for years, eventually rolling it back. However, the extremist group's cells have continued to carry out attacks.

Iraq will see the main observance of the Ashoura on Saturday in Karbala, where hundreds of thousands are expected and many will rush toward the shrine to symbolize their desire to answer Husseins last cries for help in battle. Convoys of the faithful arrived throughout the day Friday.

Meanwhile, hundreds of Iraqi Shiites in Baghdads Sadr City participated in Ashoura rituals, including slashing their heads with swords and self-flagellation in a show of grief.

Those marking the commemoration in Kabul, Afghanistan, beat their backs bloody with chains and knives in ritual bloodletting known as tatbir, meant to recreate the blood flowing from the slain Hussein. The practice has become debated among Shiite clerics in recent decades.

We have only one problem that (the Taliban) are preventing us to raise our flags and enter (the city) with the flags," said Karbalayee Rashid, an organizer of the Kabul commemoration. "Thank God the security has been taken care. It is OK, but there are more limits in this country this year than last year.

In Pakistan, authorities stepped up security as an Interior Ministry alert warned that terrorists could target Ashoura processions in major cities. Security was tight in the capital, Islamabad, where police were deployed at a key Shiite place of worship.

The main Ashoura processions also got underway in the eastern city of Lahore in the Punjab province, where thousands of police officers have been deployed. Processions in Karachi and elsewhere were also starting. There was no immediate report of any violence.

The Imams lesson is ... hold on to patience," said Anam Batool, a mourner who took part in a commemoration in Islamabad. After that, resist falsehood, stand with the truth. Where you must raise your voice against oppression, raise your voice there.

___

Associated Press writers Abby Sewell in Baghdad; Anmar Khalil in Karbala, Iraq; Munir Ahmed in Islamabad; and Jon Gambrell in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, contributed to this report.
Shayanna Markham was having contractions and was 5 cm dilated when she was examined at the hospital.

The doctor gave her a choice: Be admitted to the hospital knowing it might take hours or days until the baby comes, walk around the neighborhod to encourage dilation (which might increase labor), or labor at home for a while.

Shayanna says she felt pressured to go home. Just 30 minutes after arriving, she gave birth.

"I was in shock," Markham, 27, of Vacaville, California, tells TODAY.com.

Markham's sister Surena shared a June TikTok video of the experience, partially captured on home security footage.

When your sister is 5 centimeters dilated and they send her home and she has the baby at home 30 minutes later, read the caption on the video with 14 million views.

A pregnant Shayanna and her husband Anthony can be seen returning from the hospital; soon after, EMS workers enter the home and transport the mother and newborn back to the hospital.

Shayanna recalls waking up on June 4 with contractions. I was only 37 weeks pregnant, so I was scared, she says.

Shayanna and Anthony dropped off their 3-year-old daughter Mariska at a relatives home, then drove to the hospital, Vacaville Kaiser.

The nurses checked my contractions which were 7 to 9 minutes apart and lasted more than a minute, says Shayanna.

Family of four: Anthony and Shayanna Markham with their daughters Mariska and baby Harper. (Courtesy Shayanna Markham)

According to Kaiser Permanente, patients delivering their first baby should come to the hospital when contractions occur every 3 to 5 minutes over the course of an hour and last between 45 and 60 seconds; patients delivering subsequent babies should come when contractions occur every 5 to 7 minutes and last between 45 and 60 seconds.

According to Shayanna, her cervix was 5 centimeters dilated at the hospital. Kaiser notes that when the cervix reaches 10 centimeters, its time to start pushing.

The doctor assured me that if we left, there would still be time to get an epidural, she says. She took off the monitors and said I could get dressed. I felt pressured (to leave).

Shayanna Markham with her husband Anthony and daughters Mariska and newborn Harper. (Courtesy Shayanna Markham)

According to Jennifer Meyers, a certified nurse-midwife at the Mayo Clinic Health System, determining whether someone is in labor can be tricky.

"Generally, we look at two major pieces of information," Meyers tells TODAY.com. "The frequency and intensity of contractions and cervical dilation. We usually tell people to get a labor check when they are contracting within that 3 to 5 minute period and if they're getting uncomfortable."

"I might see a patient who is 38 weeks pregnant who is 4 centimeters dilated but not contracting and therefore might not admit her," she says. "Another patient might be 4 centimeters dilated but contracting every two minutes and is in pain. That might tell me that she's in labor."

About 15 minutes after arriving home, Shayanna was in more pain and wanted to return to the hospital. While Anthony loaded up the truck, Shayanna used the bathroom.

As Shayanna stood up from the toilet, she reached below and felt her daughters head. The mom prepared to give birth by laying a towel on the floor and squatting over it.

There was no stopping her from coming out, says Shayanna. I got really quiet  there was no screaming. I pushed and then caught my daughter.

Will Parker of the Vacaville Fire Department in California and Shyanna Markham with her daughter Harper. (Courtesy Shayanna Markham)

When Anthony walked back into the bathroom with 911 on the phone, Shayanna was holding their daughter Harper.

Emergency responders transported the mother and daughter back to Vacaville Kaiser.

A Kaiser spokesperson tells TODAY.com in an email statement:

Our first priority is always the safety of our patients. While we cant speak to this specific event due to patient privacy, deliveries do happen unexpectedly on occasion. We recognize the families and thank the first responders who are able to manage these situations.

We take our patients concerns seriously and when we learn of concerns, we follow up to apologize, listen and respond, said the spokesperson. Our physicians or certified midwives screen patients when they arrive based on multiple medical criteria and, on a case-by-case basis, determine if a laboring woman is ready to begin her stay with us. If a patient is reluctant to return home, we offer them to stay and be re-evaluated in a specific time frame. We do encourage laboring moms to walk as a standard practice to help labor along, unless prohibited by a medical condition.

Shayanna remembers the kindness of the paramedics, particularly Will Parker. "He's really sweet," says Shayanna.

Will Parker, a firefighter and paramedic with the Vacaville Fire Department in California, gets a manicure by the daughter of a woman he assisted during an emergency birth. (Courtesy Shayanna Markham)

Parker tells TODAY.com that responding to the call was a "once or twice career thing."

"I got to swaddle Harper  I hadn't done that since my own kids were babies," he says. "It was a dose of dopamine for me to hold a newborn."

Parker's relationship with Harper didn't end there; the Markhams are his neighbors and Parker has visited the family a few times. During one visit, he even got a manicure from Harper's sister Mariska, who painted his fingernails in a rainbow of colors, earning him the title "Uncle Will."

One day after Harper was released from the NICU, she went home with her family.

"It's bittersweet," says Shayanna. "I am frustrated that the birth happened this way but I am happy that my daughter is OK. It could have been worse."

This article was originally published on TODAY.com
Map of Niger

A vast, arid state on the edge of the Sahara desert, Niger has seen a series of coups and political instability in the decades following independence from France in 1960.

Today the country struggles with frequent droughts and poverty. Niger is betting on increased oil exploration and gold mining to help modernise its economy. It is a significant producer of uranium.

Mohamed Bazoum became president in April 2021 in Niger's first democratic transfer of power since independence in 1960, but was deposed in an army-led coup in July 2023.

Western nations had looked to Niger as a bulwark against further disorder and spreading Russian influence in the region. It hosts French and US military bases and before the coup was seen as a key partner in the fight against the Islamist insurgencies in the region.

The new junta has said it is ending all military cooperation agreements with France and that agreements on the presence of French troops would be cancelled.

See more country profiles - Profiles by BBC Monitoring

REPUBLIC OF THE NIGER: FACTS

Capital: Niamey

Area: 1,267,000 sq km

Population: 24.4 million

Languages: French, Arabic, Buduma, Fulfulde, Gourmanche, Hausa, Kanuri, Zarma, Songhai, Tamasheq, Tassawaq, Teb

Life expectancy: 60 years (men) 62 years (women)

LEADER

President: Mohamed Bazoum (deposed)

President Bazoum was elected in 2021

The leader of the presidential guard that removed President Bazoum is Gen Abdourahmane Tchiani, also known as Omar Tchiani.

Gen Tchiani has been in charge of the presidential guard since 2011. He was promoted to the rank of general in 2018 by former president Issoufou.

However, he has frequently been mentioned in the media in Niger over the years for his alleged role in a 2015 coup attempt and the subsequent court case in 2018 that cleared him of involvement.

Tchiani said the army overthrew Bazoum because of "deteriorating bad governance" in the country and dissatisfaction with his handling of security matters.

The July 2023 military coup has plunged the Sahel into further uncertainty after similar takeovers in neighbouring Burkina Faso and Mali.

An insurgency that broke out in northern Mali in 2012 has worsened over the years, spreading violence to Burkina Faso, Niger and, in recent years, countries close to the Gulf of Guinea.

Mali's decision to deploy Russia's Wagner Group mercenaries triggered France's troop and diplomatic withdrawal from the country, and the winding down of operations of the 13,000-strong UN peacekeeping mission, Minusma.

Bazoum had welcomed those forces to Niamey as part of a renewed strategy to buffer Niger and other West African states from the destabilising effects of violence by Islamic State and al-Qaeda militants.

His removal by Gen Tchiani threatens to scuttle these partnerships.

MEDIA

Cyber cafe in Agadez

Niger's underdeveloped media sector reflects the country's poverty and low levels of literacy, which constrain media development and limit public access to some platforms and outlets.

The threat from jihadists is a further challenge to the media sector and those who work in it.

Radio is a key news source and local privately-owned stations operate alongside the national state broadcaster.

TIMELINE

Niger's 16th Century Agadez mosque is the world's tallest mud-brick structure

Some key events in Niger's history:

5th Century BC - region becomes an area of trans-Saharan trade. Led by Tuareg tribes from the north.

c. 300AD-1200s - Much of the region is part of the Ghana Empire, one of several major West African empires controlling trans-Saharan trade in gold, salt, other precious commodities - and slaves.

c. 632-700s - Arab invasion of North Africa and subsequent spread of Islam.

c.1226-1670 - Mali Empire becomes dominant force in the upper Niger basin following the Battle of Krina in 1234.

c. 1464-1591 - as the Mali Empire loses some of its power, losing its dominance of the gold trade, the Songhai Empire gradually gains control over the eastern half of the Mali Empire.

1591 - The Battle of Tondibi. Songhai forces decisively defeated by the army of the Saadi dynasty in Morocco, who make Timbuktu their capital.

The fall of the Songhai Empire marks the end of the region's role as a trading crossroads. Area splinters into smaller kingdoms including the Kanem-Bornu Empire around Lake Chad, the Sultanate of Air in the north, and Hausa kingdoms and others.

1890s - France begins to colonise the area.

1904 - Military Territory of Niger is created, including what are now the countries of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, with its capital at Niamey.

1922 - Niger becomes a colony within French West Africa.

1958 - Niger became an autonomous state within the French Community.

1960 - Niger becomes independent, as a one-party civilian regime. Economic difficulties, droughts, corruption and food shortages trigger a military coup.

1974-1991 - First military regime. In the 1980s, the army gradually loosens its control over political developments.

1991 - Multi party elections held. Civilian rule.

1990-95 - Tuareg rebellion for independence in northern Niger, triggered by regional famines.

1996-99 - Military intervene to take power again.

1999-2009 - Civilian rule restored.

2007-09 - Renewed Tuareg rebellion amongst elements of the Tuareg people living in the Sahara desert regions of northern Mali and Niger.

2010-2011 - Military carry our coup d'etat in response to attempt by the president to extend his political term by modifying the constitution

2010 - A new constitution designed to restore civilian rule approved in referendum.

2011 - Civilian rule restored, and Mahamadou Issoufou becomes president.

2015 - Attempted coup fails to overthrow President Issoufou.

2021 - Attempted coup ahead of the swearing-in of newly elected president Mohamed Bazoum.

2023 - Military coup overthrows civilian government and deposes President Bazoum.
The EU has suspended all security cooperation with Niger after the country's army took power in a coup.

It comes shortly after the US declared its "unflagging support" for ousted president Mohamed Bazoum - seen as a key Western ally in the fight against Islamist militants.

On Friday the head of the presidential guards unit Gen Abdourahmane Tchiani declared himself Niger's new leader.

He said insecurity, economic woes and corruption led him to seize power.

But there are now concerns in the West about which countries the new leader will align with.

Niger's neighbours, Burkina Faso and Mali, have both pivoted towards Russia since their own coups.

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell joined the US and France in refusing to recognise the coup leaders and said security cooperation and budgetary aid was being suspended indefinitely.

Also on Saturday France, the former colonial power which had moved its regional military headquarters to the country after being forced to leave Mali, said it had suspended all development aid and budgetary support.

Meanwhile the African Union called on the Niger army to return to base within 15 days.

On Friday evening US Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned those detaining Mr Bazoum - Niger's first elected leader to succeed another since independence in 1960 - that "hundreds of millions of dollars of assistance" was at risk.

However, the leader of Russia's Wagner mercenary group has reportedly described the coup as a triumph.

"What happened in Niger is nothing other than the struggle of the people of Niger with their colonisers," Yevgeny Prigozhin was quoted as saying on a Wagner-affiliated Telegram channel.

"With colonisers who are trying to foist their rules of life on them and their conditions and keep them in the state that Africa was in hundreds of years ago."

He added: "Today this is effectively gaining their independence."

The BBC has not been able to verify the authenticity of his reported comments.

Wagner is believed to have thousands of fighters in countries including the Central African Republic (CAR) and Mali, where it has lucrative business interests but also bolsters Russia's diplomatic and economic relations.

Wagner fighters have been accused of widespread human rights abuses in several African countries.

Map

Gen Tchiani, 62, has been in charge of the presidential guard since 2011 and was promoted to the rank of general in 2018 by former President Issoufou.

He had also been linked to a 2015 coup attempt against the ex-president, but appeared in court to deny it.

On Friday Gen Tchiani said his junta took over because of problems in Niger including insecurity, economic woes and corruption.

He also addressed Niger's global allies, saying the junta would respect all of the country's international commitments, as well as human rights.

But the junta has had strong words for those who oppose them, accusing members of the ousted government who have taken refuge in foreign embassies of plotting against them.

They said any such attempt would lead to bloodshed, which has so far been avoided.

Life in the capital Niamey has largely returned to normal with markets and shops open, but civil servants have been told to go home.

Meanwhile Nigeriens have mixed feelings about the coup, with some saying insecurity in the country wasn't severe enough to justify a coup. But others have supported the junta.

Niger's coup is the latest in a wave of military takeovers that have hit the West African region in recent years, toppling governments in countries including Mali, Guinea and Burkina Faso.

It also comes as a big blow to the leadership of regional body Ecowas. Just two weeks ago, the bloc's chairman, President Bola Tinubu, warned that terrorism and the emerging pattern of coups in West Africa had reached alarming levels and demanded urgent, concerted actions.

This is the fifth coup in Niger since it gained independence from France in 1960, on top of other unsuccessful takeover attempts.
A Niger general, Abdourahamane Tiani, appeared on state television as the countrys new leader following a military coup that sparked international condemnation.

Tiani appeared on Tele Sahel with a banner identifying him as President of the national council for the safeguard of the homeland.

Despite the move, an official loyal to the deposed president said there was infighting among the plotters while France has said the coup is not final.

The appearance comes a day after the West African countrys military endorsed the leaders behind the toppling of President Mohamed Bazoums government.

Tiani said in the broadcast that Wednesdays coup was motivated by both the desire to preserve our homeland in a context of a deteriorating security situation, and poor economic and social governance.

Nigers former government, he said, did not give Nigeriens a glimpse of a real way out of the (security) crisis.

This video frame grab image obtained by AFP from Tele Sahel on Friday shows Gen. Abdourahamane Tiani, speaking on national television. - ORTN Tele Sahel/AFP via Getty Images

On Thursday, the Nigerien army command said it was supporting the seizure in a bid to thwart bloodshed. The militarys statement also warned against foreign military intervention, which it said risks having disastrous and uncontrolled consequences.

Bazoum was reportedly detained two days ago by members of his own presidential guard. Tiani has led the body since his appointment by former President Mahamadou Issoufou.

International condemnation

Niger lies at the heart of Africas Sahel region, which has seen numerous power grabs in recent years including in Mali and Burkina Faso.

A key ally of the United States, France and other Western governments, Niger had been one of the few democracies in a region fraught with Islamist insurgencies.

The ongoing situation unfolding in Niger in recent days has prompted swift condemnation from the global community.

French President Emmanuel Macron said Friday that the coup was deeply dangerous for Niger and the whole region, and called for Bazoums release.

Macron, who was on an overseas trip to Papua New Guinea Friday and spoke at a press conference alongside the prime minister, described Bazoum as a courageous leader who is making the reforms and investments that his country needs.

He added that France  once Nigers colonial ruler  would support regional organizations should they decide to impose sanctions against the putsch leaders.

He also confirmed that he had spoken with the Nigerien president several times since he was detained.

United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken also held a phone call with President Bazoum.

Blinken reiterated the United States unflagging support and emphasized the importance of Bazoums continuing leadership in Niamey, while praising his role in promoting security in Niger and the rest of west Africa, the spokesman said.

He also expressed his grave concern when speaking to Nigers former President Mahamadou Issoufou, saying that those detaining Bazoum had threatened years of successful cooperation and hundreds of millions of dollars of assistance that have supported the Nigerien people.

Under US law, if the US State Department formally classifies the Niger takeover as a coup, it would require the US to cut foreign and military assistance to the Nigerien government, which could have serious consequences for the fight against terrorism and stability in the region.

Supporters of the Nigerien defense and security forces demonstrate outside the national assembly in the capital of Niamey on Thursday. - AFP via Getty Images

Frances foreign minister Catherine Colonna said Friday the coup was not final and there was still a way out of the current crisis for coup leaders if they listen to the international community.

The European Union described the situation in Niger as a serious attack on stability and democracy, before warning that aid to the country could be suspended following the coup.

The United Nations said on Friday its humanitarian flights in and out of Niger are temporarily grounded due to the closure of the countrys airspace.

The UN is very concerned about the situation in Niger, the Office for Humanitarian Affairs said in a statement, adding that humanitarian assistance, development and peace programs would continue in the country.

According to the humanitarian body, Niger had 4.3 million people in humanitarian needs, with 3.3 million in acute food insecurity situation, the vast majority of whom are women and children.

Nigers coup plotters have ignored international calls to reinstate Bazoum, with the so-called National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP) warning of consequences to any foreign military intervention in a separate televised statement on Friday.

The CNSP also ordered the suspension of the countrys constitution as well as the dissolution of all institutions resulting from it before naming Tiani as head of state representing the state of Niger in international relations.

However, a senior official loyal to Bazoum has suggested there is discord among coup leaders.

The situation is still confusing at the palace, the aide said. The putsch leaders cannot agree on who will be the head of the transition, the disagreement is deep.

The official said some of those involved in the coup are beginning to fear the sanctions of [African regional body] ECOWAS and the international community and want to negotiate their exit.

CNN is unable to verify the officials comments. The aide spoke on condition of not being identified because of the security situation.

The official also commented on the Tianis broadcast earlier Friday, labeling it a non-event before adding that Bazoum had no intention of resigning. He said the president and his family were in good health.

Bazoums whereabouts unknown

The presidents whereabouts remain unknown, though Macron is one of several global leaders who have said theyve been in contact with him since he was taken into custody.

US Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield spoke with Bazoum to express her strong support for the democratically-elected leader, the spokesperson for the US Mission to the United Nations said.

Bazoum is feeling well, Chairman of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, said after speaking with him, Russian state news agency RIA Novosti reported. Mahamat added that Nigerian mediators are in Niger for talks with rebels.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres also said he had spoken with Bazoum to convey to him all our solidarity.

Bazoum took office in 2021 in the countrys first democratic transfer of power was following years of military coups. Niger has experienced four takeovers since its independence from France in 1960.

The hard-won achievements will be safeguarded. All Nigeriens who love democracy and freedom will see to it, Nigers presidential office tweeted on Thursday, after the coup was announced late Wednesday night.

A man identified as Col. Maj. Amadou Abdramane appeared in the video, flanked by several apparent soldiers, and announced: We have decided to put an end to the regime that you know. Abdramane later said all activities of political parties had been suspended until the new order.

CNNs Eve Brennan and Lauren Said-Moorhouse contributed to this report from London; with Dalal Mawad, Oliver Briscoe and Joseph Ataman from Paris. Tim Lister, Jennifer Hansler, Josh Pennington, Niamh Kennedy, Caitlin Hu, Mohammed Tawfeeq, Bethlehem Feleke and Alex Stambaugh also contributed to this story.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Supporters of the Nigerien defence and security forces gather during a demonstration outside the national assembly in Niamey

Niger's democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum has been overthrown by the very people who were supposed to protect and uphold his office - the presidential guards who stood watch outside his palace.

President Bazoum was the first elected leader to succeed another in Niger since independence in 1960. Now his captors have suspended the country's constitution and installed Gen Abdourahmane Tchiani as head of state.

Niger is a key part of the African region known as the Sahel - a belt of land that stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to the Red Sea. The area is plagued by jihadists and beset by military regimes.

Western nations had looked to Niger as a bulwark against further disorder and spreading Russian influence in the region. But that turned out to be short-lived.

Here's what you need to know about the crisis.

Why is Niger important?

As the largest country in West Africa, it's a bellwether state in many ways.

Politically, it had been seen as an example of relative democratic stability in recent years, while its neighbours Mali and Burkina Faso had already succumbed to military coups.

Strategically, it hosts French and US military bases and is seen as a key partner in the fight against Islamist insurgents.

In fact, the US state department describes Niger as "important as a linchpin for stability in the Sahel" and "a reliable counter-terrorism partner" against various Islamist groups linked to either Islamic State or al-Qaeda.

Economically, it is rich in uranium - producing 7% of all global supplies. The radioactive metal looms so large in the country's economy that one of the grandest thoroughfares in the capital, Niamey, is named the Avenue de l'Uranium.

However, Niger's people consistently rank as having the lowest standards of living anywhere in the world.

Map

Why did the coup happen?

The Sahel region is a turbulent and unstable part of the world and democracy is currently in retreat there.

Violent Islamist groups have gained ground by controlling territory and conducting attacks in the tri-border region between Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso.

The mutinous soldiers in Niger have cited this worsening security situation as a reason for their uprising, although Niger was handling the insurgencies far better than Mali and Burkina Faso before their own coups.

The growing unrest has led some to believe that only harsh military crackdowns can solve the problem, hence the popular support that the coup seems to enjoy in some quarters.

However, it is far from clear that a military junta would have greater success in tackling the insurgents than the recently ousted government. The takeovers in neighbouring countries have not made much difference.

Adding to the instability in the region, climate change is causing desertification to spread southwards from the Sahara into the Sahel. Experts say temperatures in the Sahel are rising faster than anywhere else in the world.

What's the international reaction to the coup?

France, the former colonial power, has been stern in its condemnation of the military takeover.

A statement by the French foreign ministry said President Bazoum was the country's sole leader, adding that France "does not recognise the authorities resulting from the putsch led by Gen Tchiani".

It added that France "reaffirmed in the strongest terms the clear demands of the international community calling for the immediate restoration of constitutional order and democratically-elected civilian government in Niger".

The US Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, has called for the president's immediate release, while the African Union, the West African regional bloc Ecowas, the EU and the UN have all spoken out against the coup.

The only voice in favour has been that of the leader of Russia's Wagner mercenary group, Yevgeny Prigozhin, who has reportedly described it as a triumph.

"What happened in Niger is nothing other than the struggle of the people of Niger with their colonisers," he was quoted as saying on a Wagner-affiliated Telegram channel, although his comments have not been independently verified.

What's it got to do with Russia and Wagner?

As well as jihadist groups, the Wagner mercenaries, who are active elsewhere in the region, have been seen as exercising a malign influence in Niger. Some supporters of the coup have been seen waving the Russian flag alongside that of Niger.

Supporters of the coup have been waving the Russian flag

Before the coup, President Bazoum had complained of "disinformation campaigns" by Wagner against his government - and there is little doubt that Wagner, which has exploited mineral resources in other African countries to fund its operations, would like to do the same in Niger.

The US has said there is no indication that the Wagner force was involved in the overthrow of President Bazoum, but added that the situation continues to be quite fluid.

Now there are concerns that Niger's new leadership could move away from its Western allies and closer to Russia.

If it does, it would follow in the footsteps of Burkina Faso and Mali, which have both pivoted towards Moscow since their own military coups.

What other global consequences could the coup have?

President Bazoum's government has been a partner to European countries trying to stop the flow of migrants across the Mediterranean Sea, agreeing to take back hundreds of migrants from detention centres in Libya.

He has also cracked down on human traffickers in what had been a key transit point between other countries in West Africa and those further north.

That may now be called into question.
NIAMEY, Niger (AP)  Mutinous soldiers who staged a coup in Niger declared their leader the new head of state on Friday, hours after the general asked for national and international support despite rising concerns that the political crisis could hinder the nations fight against jihadists and boost Russias influence in West Africa.

Spokesman Col. Maj. Amadou Abdramane said on state television that the constitution was suspended and Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani was in charge.

Various factions of Nigers military have reportedly wrangled for control since members of the presidential guard detained President Mohamed Bazoum, who was elected two years ago in Nigers first peaceful, democratic transfer of power since independence from France.

Niger is seen as the last reliable partner for the West in efforts to battle jihadists linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group in Africas Sahel region, where Russia and Western countries have vied for influence in the fight against extremism. France has 1,500 soldiers in the country who conduct joint operations with the Nigeriens, and the United States and other European countries have helped train the nation's troops.

The coup sparked international condemnation and the West African regional group ECOWAS, which includes Niger and has taken the lead in trying to restore democratic rule in the country, scheduled an emergency summit in the Nigerian capital, Abuja, on Sunday.

The U.N. Security Council strongly condemned efforts to unconstitutionally change the legitimate government. Its statement, agreed to by all 15 members including the U.S. and Russia, called for the immediate and unconditional release of Bazoum and expressed concern over the negative effect of coups in the region, the "increase in terrorist activities and the dire socioeconomic situation.

Extremists in Niger have carried out attacks on civilians and military personnel, but the overall security situation is not as dire as in neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso  both of which have ousted the French military. Mali has turned to the Russian private military group Wagner, and its believed that the mercenaries will soon be in Burkina Faso.

Now there are concerns that Niger could follow suit. Before the coup, Wagner, which has sent mercenaries around the world in support of Russias interests, already had its sights set on Niger, in part because its a large producer of uranium.

We can no longer continue with the same approaches proposed so far, at the risk of witnessing the gradual and inevitable demise of our country, Tchiani, who also goes by Omar Tchiani, said in his address. "That is why we decided to intervene and take responsibility.

I ask the technical and financial partners who are friends of Niger to understand the specific situation of our country in order to provide it with all the support necessary to enable it to meet the challenges, he said.

If the United States designates the takeover as a coup, Niger stands to lose millions of dollars of military aid and assistance.

The mutinous soldiers, who call themselves the National Council for the Safeguarding of the Country, accused some prominent dignitaries of collaborating with foreign embassies to extract the deposed leaders. They said it could lead to violence and warned against foreign military intervention.

Bazoum has not resigned and he defiantly tweeted from detention on Thursday that democracy would prevail.

It's not clear who enjoys majority support, but the streets of the capital of Niamey were calm Friday, with a slight celebratory air. Some cars honked in solidarity at security forces as they drove by  but it was not clear if that meant they backed the coup. Elsewhere, people rested after traditional midday prayers and others sold goods at their shops and hoped for calm.

We should pray to God to help people come together so that peace comes back to the country. We dont want a lot of protests in the country, because it is not good ... I hope this administration does a good job, said Gerard Sassou, a Niamey shopkeeper.

A day earlier, several hundred people gathered in the city chanting support for Wagner while waving Russian flags. Were fed up, said Omar Issaka, one of the protestors. We are tired of being targeted by the men in the bush. ... Were going to collaborate with Russia now.

That's exactly what many in the West likely fear. Tchianis criticism of Bazoums approach and of how security partnerships have worked in the past will certainly make the U.S., France, and the EU uneasy, said Andrew Lebovich, a research fellow with the Clingendael Institute.

So that could mark potentially some shifts moving forward in Niger security partnerships, he said.

Even as Tchiani sought to project control, the situation appeared to be in flux. A delegation from neighboring Nigeria, which holds the ECOWAS presidency and was hoping to mediate, left shortly after arriving, and the president of Benin, nominated as a mediator by ECOWAS, has not arrived.

Earlier, an analyst who had spoken with participants in the talks said the presidential guard was negotiating with the army about who should be in charge. The analyst spoke on condition they not to be named because of the sensitive situation.

A western military official in Niger who was not authorized to speak to the media also said the military factions were believed to be negotiating, but that the situation remained tense and violence could erupt.

Speaking in Papua New Guinea, French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the coup as completely illegitimate and profoundly dangerous for the Nigeriens, Niger and the whole region.

The coup threatens to starkly reshape the international communitys engagement with the Sahel region.

On Thursday, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris said the country's substantial cooperation with the Government of Niger is contingent on Nigers continued commitment to democratic standards."

The United States in early 2021 said it had provided Niger with more than $500 million in military assistance and training programs since 2012, one of the largest such support programs in sub-Saharan Africa. The European Union earlier this year launched a 27 million-euro ($30 million) military training mission in Niger.

The United States has more than 1,000 service personnel in the country.

Some military leaders who appear to be involved in the coup have worked closely with the United States for years. Gen. Moussa Salaou Barmou, the head of Nigers special forces, has an especially strong relationship with the U.S., the Western military official said.

While Russia has also condemned the coup, it remains unclear what the juntas position would be on Wagner.

The acting head of the United Nations in Niger said Friday that humanitarian aid deliveries were continuing, even though the military suspended flights carrying aid.

Nicole Kouassi, the acting U.N. resident and humanitarian coordinator, told reporters via video from Niamey that 4.3 million people needed humanitarian aid before this weeks military action and 3.3 million faced acute food insecurity, the majority of them women and children.

Jean-Noel Gentile, the U.N. World Food Program director in Niger, said the humanitarian response continues on the ground. He said the U.N. is providing cash assistance and food to people in accessible areas and that the agency is continuously assessing the situation to ensure security and access.

This is Nigers fifth coup and marks the fall of one of the last democratically elected governments in the Sahel.

Its army has always been very powerful and civilian-military relations fraught, though tensions had increased recently, especially with the growing jihadist insurgency, said Karim Manuel, an analyst for the Middle East and Africa with the Economist Intelligence Unit.

___

Associated Press reporters John Leicester in Paris; Chinedu Asadu in Abuja, Nigeria; and Edith M. Lederer at the United Nations in New York contributed to this report.
SEOUL, South Korea (AP)  North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was joined by senior Russian and Chinese delegates as he displayed his most powerful nuclear-capable missiles in a military parade marking a major war anniversary with a show of defiance against the United States and deepening ties with Moscow as tensions on the peninsula are at their highest point in years.

Kim attended Thursday night's parade with Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Chinese ruling party official Li Hongzhong from a balcony looking over a brightly illuminated Kim Il Sung Square, named after Kims grandfather, the founder of North Korea.

Edited footage from North Korean state TV on Friday showed streets and stands packed with tens of thousands of mobilized spectators, who roared in approval as waves of goose-stepping soldiers, tanks and huge, intercontinental ballistic missiles wheeled out on launcher trucks filled up the main road. People were brought from around the country to the capital, Pyongyang, to fill the crowd, according to state media.

The parade began with warm-up events that featured ceremonial flights of newly developed surveillance and attack drones, which were first unveiled by state media this week as they reported on an arms exhibition attended by Kim and Shoigu.

The main event began with Kim arriving at the square in a limousine escorted by a formation of motorcycles. Kim saluted honor guards and military officials and walked down a red carpet to enter a building where Shoigu and Li greeted him at the balcony, as troops below chanted protect Kim Jong Un with our lives!

Organizers broadcast messages in Russian, Chinese and Korean while introducing Kims guests to the crowd, drawing cheers and applause.

As the parade proceeded, Kim was constantly talking and exchanging smiles with Shoigu and Li, who respectively stood to his right and left at the balconys center. Kim and Shoigu repeatedly raised their hands to salute the parading troops. The broadcast did not show Kim making a speech.

Kims biggest weapons were saved for the end, when his troops rolled out new ICBMs that were flight-tested in recent months and demonstrated ranges that could reach deep into the U.S. mainland, the Hwasong-17 and Hwasong-18. Some analysts say the missiles are based on Russian designs or know-how.

North Korean Defense Minister Kang Sun Nam spoke, describing the parade as a historic celebration of the countrys great victory against U.S. imperialist aggression forces and groups of its satellite states.

He condemned the United States for its expanding military exercises with South Korea, which the North portrays as invasion rehearsals, and also holding new rounds of nuclear contingency planning meetings with Seoul. The allies describe their drills as defensive, and say the upgrades in training and planning are necessary to cope with the Norths evolving nuclear threat.

We solemnly declare that if they attempt military confrontation as now, the exercise of our states armed forces will go beyond the scope of the right to defense for the United States of America and (South Korea), Kang said, repeating previous North Korean threats of nuclear conflict.

The U.S. imperialists have no room of choice of survival in case they use nuclear weapons against the DPRK, he said, using the initials of his countrys formal name, the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea.

Clouds over Pyongyang in recent days made it difficult for satellites to monitor preparations for the parade, which took place at night.

Satellite images showed what appeared to be a massing of people at the square at 1316 GMT (10:16 p.m. local) Thursday, said Dave Schmerler, a senior research associate at the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies, which is part of the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey.

North Koreas invitation of Russian and Chinese delegates was a rare diplomatic opening since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Experts say Kim is trying to break out of diplomatic isolation and boost the visibility of his partnership with authoritarian allies to counter pressure from the United States.

The parade followed meetings between Kim and Shoigu this week that demonstrated North Koreas support for Russias invasion of Ukraine and added to suspicions the North was willing to supply arms to Russia, whose war efforts have been compromised by defense procurement and inventory problems.

North Korean state media also highlighted a message sent by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who thanked Kim for firmly supporting his war efforts in Ukraine. Putin said that interests between Moscow and Pyongyang were aligning as they counter the collective West in its policy to stand in the way of establishing a genuinely multipolar and just world order, according to the Kremlins version of the letter.

Kim also held a luncheon and dinner banquet for Shoigu and his delegation following a second day of talks about expanding the countries strategic and tactical collaboration and cooperation in defense and security, the Norths official Korean Central News Agency said.

Given Russias need for ammunition for its illegal war in Ukraine and Kim Jong Uns willingness to personally give the Russian defense minister a tour of North Koreas arms exhibition, U.N. member states should increase vigilance for observing and penalizing sanctions violations, said Leif-Eric Easley, a professor at Ewha University in Seoul.

He added: Chinas representation at North Koreas parading of nuclear-capable missiles raises serious questions about Beijing enabling Pyongyangs threats to global security.

The parade capped off the North Korean festivities for the 70th anniversary of the armistice that stopped fighting in the 1950-53 Korean War. North Korea, which triggered the war with a surprise attack on the South in June 1950, was supported by Chinese troops and the then-Soviet air force. South Korea, the United States and troops from other nations under the aegis of the U.N. fought to push back the invasion.

The July 1953 truce was never replaced with a peace treaty, leaving the Korean Peninsula in a technical state of war, but the North still sees it as a victory in the Grand Fatherland Liberation War.

The anniversary events were more somber in South Korea, where President Yoon Suk Yeol visited a war cemetery in Busan to honor foreign troops who died while fighting for the South.

In the face of growing North Korean threats, Yoon has pushed to expand South Koreas military exercises with Washington and is seeking stronger U.S. reassurances that it would use its nuclear capabilities to defend the South in the event of a nuclear attack.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also marked the anniversary with a statement expressing concern over what he described as a growing nuclear risk on the Korean Peninsula.

I urge the parties to resume regular diplomatic contacts and nurture an environment conducive to dialogue, he said.

___

Associated Press writers Jon Gambrell in Dubai, United Arab Emirates and Edith Lederer in New York contributed to the report.
More than a year after a gunman opened fire in an Uvalde, Texas classroom, Monica Munoz Martinez is still working to connect survivors with mental health resources and raise awareness about the issue.

Theres still unmet needs and people who are eligible for services still struggle to access those, said Munoz Martinez, a university professor who started working with victims' families and some first responders soon after the May 24, 2022 shooting. There are resources available but still not everyone knows how to access them, if they are eligible or what they should ask for.

The lingering struggle in the South Texas town, which is about 82% Latino, underscores the problems with access and even education about mental health in the country. If people continue to struggle to get mental health aid in Uvalde  despite the long spotlight on the trauma of a massacre that claimed the lives of 19 children and two teachers, and wounded 17 others  then what about others whose troubles are not national calamities?

President Joe Biden emphasized the national struggle this week by announcing new proposed regulations aimed at pushing insurance companies to step up their coverage of mental health treatments.

In 2021, 2 in 5 American adults reported experiencing symptoms of anxiety and depression, and 44% of high school students reported struggling with persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic, social media and gun violence, according to the White House.

I dont know what the difference between breaking your arm and having a mental breakdown is  its health, Biden said Tuesday.

The disconnect from services is wider for Latino, Black and Asian adults.

Just 36.1% of Latino adults who had a mental illness in 2021 received services, compared to 52.4% of whites, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administrations National Survey on Drug Use and Health. About 52% of adults with mental illness who identified as multiracial got services, while 39.4% of Black and 25.4% of Asian adults with mental illness received health services that year.

There are a range of reasons why many Latino families are not connecting with mental health services, including higher poverty rates, language barriers, cultural stigmas about seeking professional therapy or counseling, the cost of therapy, a shortage of culturally relevant mental health services and a lack of mental health professionals, especially those with multicultural backgrounds.

"We are seeing in real time how unprepared communities like Uvalde are and how the need to find solutions for the community can help communities in the future," said Munoz Martinez, a history professor at University of Texas at Austin who is working on a campaign to better inform families in Uvalde about mental health.

Even when there's a commitment to providing services as she's seen in some places in Texas, Munoz Martinez said, public education is missing along with ease of access to resources.

Especially in rural communities or in places where residents have strong relationships with their faith, there's a feeling among some people that they have to decide between having faith and seeking mental health support, "and that is a misconception that we are just learning more about," she said.

Diana Anzualda. (Courtesy Diana Anzualda)

For Diana Anzaldua, her desire to provide mental health services to Latinos led to the creation of the Austin nonprofit Contigo Wellness. For Dr. Nancy Ramirez, a clinical psychologist at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in El Paso, it has meant connecting students from El Paso to Del Rio to virtual services through the Texas Child Health Access Through Telemedicine program, for which the health science center is the hub.

And a trio of Latinos in Congress  Sens. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., Sen. Alex Padilla, D-Calif. and Rep. Grace Napolitano, D-Calif.  is hoping to achieve that goal through a piece of legislation, the Mental Health for Latinos Act, theyve introduced to address cultural stigma around mental health and to fix health care disparities.

Struggling to put a spotlight

Weve been for 20 years trying to get attention focused on Latino mental health, Napolitano, who's ending a quarter-century career in the U.S. House this year, said in a phone interview with NBC News.

Napolitano said the legislation is intended to develop and implement outreach and education strategies to promote mental health services and reduce the stigma of using them, as well as identify gaps and involve consumers and community members in addressing them.

The point is to reinforce the message that there is no shame in asking for help, she said.

Napolitano helped start a school-based mental health services program in her congressional district in 2001, at a time when Latinas were experiencing the highest adolescent suicide rates. The program, which started in one high school and three middle schools, has since expanded to dozens of schools.

The legislation introduced by the three Latino lawmakers is unlikely to advance as a stand-alone bill, Napolitano said. They hope it can be folded into the Pursuing Equity in Mental Health Act, a bill introduced by Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, D-N.J., and Napolitano in the House, with a companion bill introduced in the Senate by Menendez. The House approved the bill in 2021, but the Senate did not take it up for a vote.

Ramirez, the psychologist from El Paso, said there has been a cultural shift in the country toward better mental health access. "However, the Hispanic community continues to face a number of disparities," she said.

There are general ideas of what mental illness looks like, but sometimes, in some cultures, it may show up in a person first as an issue in the body.

For example, when it comes to anxiety, "the way these experiences are communicated within the Hispanic population are more likely to be a report of somatic symptoms," Ramirez said. "One of the disorders may be described as "ataque de nervios" (attack of the nerves), which is more about anxiety, but may be diagnosed as physical. "Providers have to be familiar with that," she said.

Anzaldua said she was 20 before she first saw a therapist. She, her mother and siblings had fled an abusive and alcoholic father. They experienced homelessness for a while and Anzaldua became pregnant at 13; three years later she moved out to raise her children with their father.

Anzaldua said that while working with a Latino nonprofit, a white male colleague mentioned he was in therapy, leading her to ask what that was and then giving it a try. The concept of just telling people her problems seemed absurd and she stopped and started a few times, but finally found a therapist she connected with and continued.

Some years later, her positive experience led her to create Contigo Wellness just as the pandemic began, which made more clear the need for mental health services. Latinos were more likely to have to go in person to their jobs  and also to lose them  and were disproportionately hit by death and illness from Covid. They experienced higher levels of anxiety and depressive disorders during the pandemic, according to a federal survey at the time.

For Anzaldua, it's about "how do we get to a place where we are ending trauma and not perpetuating it, and part of that is getting everyone access. How do we get everyone to see the importance of mental health, educating them, creating the awareness and removing all the barriers we see, she said.

For communities of color, mental wellness may need to involve addressing generational trauma, histories of oppression and ongoing racism, Anzaldua said. People of color could have generations of such experiences.

Anzaldua said their aim is to decolonize therapy, to connect people to healing in ways that are comfortable for them, such as Reiki energy healing, acupuncture, curanderismo (traditional healing) and other methods to make some people more comfortable.

To overcome the stigma around seeking help, Contigo launched a program, Tu importas! (You matter) to help overcome the pressure, especially in communities of color, to put onself second to others, where it's considered selfish to take care of oneself instead of others in the family.

Even with all her work in mental health services, Anzaldua said she still has family members who are not quite on board with the idea of seeking counseling or therapy. Some are proud of her, she said, but they still tell her they are still not going to therapy.
WASHINGTON (AP)  President Joe Biden will host the leaders of Japan and South Korea next month for a summit at Camp David, the White House announced Friday.

The Aug. 18 meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is the latest sign of warming relations between Japan and South Korea as they move to set aside generations of tensions and mistrust while the United States deepens its commitment to Asia.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement that the leaders will discuss expanding trilateral cooperation across the Indo-Pacific and beyond." Expected topics include the threat posed by North Korea and ties with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and with the Pacific Islands.

The invitation spun out of a brief photo-op that the three leaders had at the Group of Seven summit in Hiroshima, Japan, in May. The Biden administration has been urging stronger economic and defense ties between South Korea and Japan as it looks to bolster the region against China's assertive territorial moves, as well as to secure their cooperation to support Ukraine fight off Russia's invasion.
South Korean Ambassador to the United States Cho Hyun-dong / Yonhap



South Korea's ambassador to the United States stressed the importance of the South Korea-U.S. alliance Thursday, highlighting the 70th anniversary of the Korean Armistice Agreement that ended the Korean War.



Ambassador Cho Hyun-dong also said that the alliance will continue to strengthen in the face of North Korea's evolving nuclear and missile threats.



"Even as I speak, Pyongyang is raising tensions by launching ballistic missiles and using brazen language threatening the use of nuclear weapons," Cho said during a ceremony marking the 70th anniversary of the Korean armistice.



"History has taught us that we must be strong enough to deter such aggression and to defend ourselves when necessary," he added. "North Korea's intensifying nuclear and missile threats will only invite an overwhelming defense posture from the alliance."



The 1950-53 Korean War ended 70 years ago and was followed by the U.S.-South Korea Mutual Defense Treaty, which was signed on Oct. 1, 1953, forming the bilateral alliance.



Cho underscored the need to continue building a strong deterrence against North Korea's nuclear and missile threats, arguing that Pyongyang continues to seek the reunification of Korea by force.



"Seventy years have passed since the Armistice, but North Korea's ambition to unify Korea under communism remains unchanged. And its nuclear and missile threats continue to grow  seriously undermining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific," he told the ceremony, held at the Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington.



"Reflecting this resolve, last week we held the inaugural meeting of the ROK-U.S. Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG), a tangible step in implementing the historic Washington Declaration," he added, referring to South Korea by its official name, the Republic of Korea.



The NCG was established under the Washington Declaration issued by South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden during their bilateral summit here in late April, and is aimed at bolstering U.S. extended deterrence for South Korea.



Cho said the NCG "represents an upgrade in our alliance from the 1953 Mutual Defense Treaty by significantly enhancing our combined deterrence and response posture against the DPRK's nuclear threats."



DPRK stands for the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, North Korea's formal name.



The South Korean ambassador highlighted the sacrifices made by American service members in the Korean War.



"Engraved on the Wall of Remembrance behind me are the names of fallen heroes of the Korean War. More than 36,000 American soldiers and 7,000 Korean KATUSA soldiers, side-by-side," he said, referring to the latest addition to the Korean War Veterans Memorial at the National Mall, which was largely funded by the South Korean government.



"By answering the call of duty, these men and women ensured the survival of a young democracy seventy years ago, which would later become America's closest and most reliable ally," he added. "And I express my deepest and most profound gratitude to all the Korean War veterans and their families. It is their service and sacrifice which created our alliance to begin with." (Yonhap)


Wagner leader Yevgeny Prigozhin was photographed in St Petersburg during this week's Africa-Russia summit.

He was seen shaking hands with Ambassador Freddy Mapouka, a presidential advisor in the Central African Republic (CAR).

The image was posted on Facebook by Dmitri Syty, who reportedly manages Wagner's operations in CAR.

It is the first confirmed sighting of Mr Prigozhin in Russia since Wagner's failed mutiny in June.

Mr Prigozhin and Mr Mapouka's meeting took place at the Trezzini Palace hotel in St Petersburg, BBC Verify confirmed.

BBC Verify used facial recognition software to compare known photographs of the CAR official with the picture featuring Prigozhin and got a 99% match, indicating the two images are of the same man.

Details of the interior seen in the background of the photo were also matched to the Trezzini Palace hotel which, according to Russian media, is owned by Prigozhin.

The lanyard worn by Mr Mapouka has a distinctive pattern, which is identical to that of the official lanyard worn by delegates at the summit.

Searches for the same image did not find any earlier copies, which indicates it has only appeared online recently.

There are several hundred Wagner mercenaries in diamond-rich CAR, helping the government fight rebel groups. The UK last week imposed sanctions on the two heads of Wagner's operations in CAR, accusing them of torture and killing civilians.

In St Petersburg, Prigozhin was also photographed with the head of Afrique Media, a Cameroon-based pro-Russian TV outlet, where he has been interviewed at least three times this year.

The meetings follow Mr Prigozhin's appearance in Belarus last week. A video on Telegram channels linked to the Wagner mercenary group shows him welcoming fighters and describing recent developments on the frontline in Ukraine as a "disgrace".

He also hints that Wagner might rejoin the war at a later date.

During the Africa-Russia Summit, Russian President Vladimir Putin said he was ready to replace Ukrainian grain exports to Africa on both a commercial and aid basis to help avoid a "global food crisis".

"We will be ready to provide Burkina Faso, Zimbabwe, Mali, Somalia, Central African Republic and Eritrea with 25-50,000 tonnes of free grain each in the next three to four months," Putin said. These are all Russian allies, except Somalia which is suffering a severe humanitarian crisis.

Russia recently withdrew from a deal under which Ukrainian grain exports passed through the Black Sea to reach global markets, including Africa.

The EU said it believes Mr Putin is misleading African countries over his promise to send free grain to the continent. The European Commission said Russia was unlikely to honour its pledge.
ST. PETERSBURG, Russia (AP)  Russian President Vladimir Putin courted leaders from Africa at a summit on Friday, hailing the continent's growing role in global affairs and offering to expand political and business ties.

Addressing the Russia-Africa summit for a second day, Putin said Moscow would closely analyze a peace proposal for Ukraine that African leaders have sought to pursue.

This is an acute issue, and we aren't evading its consideration, the Russian leader said, emphasizing that his government was treating the African initiative with respect and looking at it attentively.

He encouraged the African leaders to talk to Ukraine, which has refused to engage in talks until Russian troops pull back. I believe it's necessary to also talk to the other side, although we are grateful to our African friends for their attention to the issue, Putin said at the St. Petersburg summit.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said African leaders were looking forward to engaging further with Putin later Friday on their peace proposal.

It is our hope that constructive engagement and negotiation can bring about an end to the ongoing conflict," Ramaphosa, who leads sub-Saharan Africas most developed country, said, adding in South Africa, "our own history has taught us that this is indeed possible.

Without specifically mentioning the fighting in Ukraine, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni denounced those who foment ideologically-driven military conflicts as time and opportunity wasters, adding that human history will move on, whether they like it or not.

The only justified wars are the just wars, like the anti-colonial wars, Museveni said. "Wars of hegemony will fail and waste time and opportunity. Dialogue is the correct way.

In his speech, Putin reaffirmed his pledge that Russia will maintain steady supplies of grain and other agricultural products to the continent after its withdrawal from a deal allowing grain shipments from Ukraine. Moscow's withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Initiative has fueled concerns of a global food crisis.

Russia will always be a responsible international supplier of agricultural products and will continue to support the countries and region in need by offering free grain and other supplies, the Russian leader said.

He declared at the summit's opening Thursday that Burkina Faso, Zimbabwe, Mali, Somalia, Eritrea and Central African Republic each will receive 25,000 to 50,000 tons of Russian grain in the next three to four months.

In comparison, the U.N. World Food Program shipped 725,000 tons of grain to several countries, including Somalia, under the Black Sea deal.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres responded to Putin's pledge of no-cost grain shipments by noting that such donations of grain can't compensate for the impact of Moscow cutting off grain exports from Ukraine, which along with Russia is a top supplier to the world market.

Guterres said the U.N. was in contact with Turkey, Ukraine, Russia and other countries to try to reestablish the year-old agreement, under which Ukraine exported more than 32 million tons of grain. The resumption of shipments from Ukraine's Black Sea ports allowed global food prices to drop significantly from the levels they reached after Putin sent troops into the neighboring country.

The deal brokered a year ago by the U.N. and Turkey reopened Ukrainian Black Sea ports blocked by fighting and provided assurances that ships entering them wouldn't be attacked. Russia declined to renew the agreement last week, complaining that its own exports were being held up.

Putin used the summit to repeat his accusations against the West of obstructing the export of Russian grain and fertilizers, including proposed no-cost supplies of fertilizers to Africa.

The Russia-Africa summit marks a renewed Kremlin effort to bolster ties with 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 actions in Ukraine.

Only 17 heads of state were at the summit, compared to 43 at the first Russia-Africa summit in 2019, a sharp drop in attendance that the Kremlin has attributed to what it described as outrageous Western pressure to discourage African countries from showing up.

Putin hailed Africa's role in the emerging multipolar world order, noting that the era of hegemony of one or several countries is receding into the past, albeit not without resistance on the part of those who got used to their own uniqueness and monopoly in global affairs."

Russia and Africa are united by an innate desire to defend true sovereignty and the right to their own distinctive path of development in the political, economic, social, cultural and other spheres, he said.

He said Russia plans to expand trade and economic ties with Africa and continue efforts to relieve their debt burden by writing off another $90 million of their debts.

Putin noted that Moscow also stands ready to bolster defense ties with African countries by helping train their military and expanding supplies of military equipment, some of them on a no-cost basis.

___

This story corrects the amount that Ukraine exported under the Black Sea deal to 32 million tons.

___

Vladimir Isachenkov in Moscow and Cara Anna in Nairobi, Kenya contributed to this report.
BEIJING (AP)  A Chinese rights lawyer stripped of his license for taking on sensitive cases has been arrested in the Southeast Asian country of Laos, with activists and family members worried he will be deported back to China where he could face prison time.

Lu Siwei was seized by Laotian police Friday morning while boarding a train for Thailand. He was on his way to Bangkok to catch a flight to the United States to join his wife and daughter.

Im extremely worried for his safety, said his wife, Zhang Chunxiao, in a text message. If hes sent back to China, hed definitely be imprisoned.

Phone numbers listed for police in Lu's hometown of Chengdu rang unanswered. The Chinese foreign ministry didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.

Lu had a history of taking on sensitive cases, and of navigating the fraught and murky waters of defending people who are deemed to be political targets by authorities.

Under Chinese leader Xi Jinping, Chinas fledging legal rights movement has been heavily targeted. In 2015, hundreds of activists and rights lawyers were arrested in what later became known as the 709 crackdown  named after July 9, the day it was launched.

Lu, an insurance attorney by trade, defended some of those arrested, including rights lawyer and Xi critic Yu Wensheng. Lu also defended people arrested for making liquor bottle labels commemorating the 1989 Tiananmen Square pro-democracy protests.

In 2021, Lu was stripped of his legal license after representing a Hong Kong pro-democracy activist who tried to flee to Taiwan. Later that year, Lu was barred from leaving China for a visiting fellowship in the United States and was told he had an exit ban placed on him.

For over a year, Lu has been separated from his wife and daughter, who both resettled in the United States last year.

Bob Fu, founder of Texas-based religious rights group ChinaAid, said he was contacted by Lus family two weeks ago to assist in his escape from China. Lu had valid visas for the US and Laos, Fu said, sending The AP pictures of Lus passport to verify his claims.

Lu was under surveillance, Fu and Lus wife Zhang said, but wasnt being investigated or charged with a crime. His arrest on Laotian soil reflects how Beijing pursues critics abroad, Fu said, part of a broader clampdown that has instilled fear in Chinese dissents.

This clearly shows the long arm of China beyond its borders to control and arrest those traveling overseas, Fu said. Its very chilling.

Numbers listed for the Laotian foreign ministry rang unanswered, while the Laotian embassy in Beijing didn't immediately respond to emailed requests for comment.

Lu was being accompanied by two activists working with ChinaAid when he was arrested. Police also grabbed one of the activists and confiscated his passport briefly before returning it.

Fu said he had contacted the U.S. embassy in Laos to lobby the Laotian government for Lus release.

Dissidents on the run from the Chinese state have reported harassment elsewhere in Southeast Asia, including the family of one detained by Thai police after bomb threats were called in under their name.

___

Associated Press videojournalist Tian Macleod Ji contributed to this report from Bangkok, Thailand.
By Michelle Nichols

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - Russia has not offered the U.N. World Food Programme (WFP) any free grain, WFP deputy chief Carl Skau said on Friday, nearly two weeks after Moscow quit a deal that allowed the safe Black Sea export of Ukraine grain.

Ukrainian grain is a primary U.N. food aid source.

"We have not been in talks about any free grain so far," Skau told reporters. "We have not been approached for any such discussion."

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday told African leaders at a summit in St Petersburg that Moscow is able to replace Ukrainian grain exports to Africa and that he would gift tens of thousands of tons of grain to six countries within months.

Ukraine, along with Russia, is one of the world's biggest exporters of grain and any interruption could drive up food prices around the globe.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned on Thursday that a "handful of donations" won't correct the dramatic impact of the end of the Black Sea grain deal.

Under the Black Sea export pact, the WFP purchased and shipped 725,000 tonnes of grain to Afghanistan, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen over the past year. The pact has allowed WFP so far to procure 80% of its wheat grain purchases this year from Ukraine, up from 50% in 2021 and 2022.

Overall, nearly 33 million tonnes of grain were exported by Ukraine under the deal, which aimed to combat a global food crisis worsened by Russia's February 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

"For our operations the impact will be that we have to look elsewhere, which potentially can be more costly and certainly will have longer lead ways," Skau said. "One of the reasons why Ukraine has been such an important source for us is the proximity to many of our operations."

Global wheat prices have spiked about 9% since Russia on July 17 quit the pact, which was brokered by the U.N. and Turkey in July 2022, and began targeting Ukrainian ports and grain infrastructure on the Black Sea and Danube River. Prices are still about half the record high hit in early March 2022.

"In terms of our procurement we always buy where it's cheapest and fastest to get to our beneficiaries, and so that's the principle that will guide us," Skau said.

(Reporting by Michelle Nichols; Editing by Doina Chiacu and Leslie Adler)
KYIV, Ukraine (AP)  Russian forces on Friday struck the central Ukrainian city of Dnipro and pounded a key village in the southeast that Ukraine claimed to have recaptured in its grinding counteroffensive, while Moscow accused Kyiv of firing two missiles at southern Russia and wounding 20 people.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, meanwhile, marked Ukraines Statehood Day by reaffirming the countrys sovereignty  a rebuke to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who used his claim that Ukraine didn't exist as a nation to justify his invasion.

Now, like more than a thousand years ago, our civilizational choice is unity with the world," Zelenskyy said in a speech on a square outside St. Michael's Monastery in Kyiv. To be a power in world history. To have the right to its national history - of its people, its land, its state. And of our children - all future generations of the Ukrainian people. We will definitely win!

He also honored servicemen and handed out first passports to young citizens as part of ceremonies. The holiday coincides with commemorations of the adoption of Christianity on lands that later became Ukraine, Russia and Belarus.

The Russian Defense Ministry said it shot down a Ukrainian missile in the city of Taganrog, about 40 kilometers (about 24 miles) east of the border with Ukraine, and local officials reported 20 people were injured, identifying the epicenter as an art museum.

Debris fell on the city, the ministry added, alleging the missile was part of a terror attack by Ukraine.

Oleksiy Danilov, Ukraine's secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, blamed Russian air defense systems for the explosion.

Russias Defense Ministry said it downed a second Ukrainian missile near the city of Azov, which like Taganrog is in the Rostov region, and debris fell in an unpopulated location.

Earlier in the day, a Ukrainian drone was shot down outside Moscow, the Defense Ministry said, in the third drone strike or attempt on the capital region this month. The ministry reported no injuries or damage in the latest incident, and it didnt give an exact location where the drone fell.

Since the war began, Russia has blamed Ukraine for drone, bomb and missile attacks on its territory far from the battlefields front line. Ukrainian officials rarely confirm being behind the attacks, which have included drone strikes on the Kremlin that unsettled Russians.

The strikes have hit Russian ammunition and fuel depots, as well as bridges the Russian military uses to supply its forces, and military recruitment stations. The attacks have also included killings of Russian-appointed officials on occupied Ukrainian territory.

Three months ago, a Russian warplane accidentally dropped a bomb on Belgorod, injuring two people, in an incident where Ukraine was initially suspected.

In Dnipro, an apparent Russian missile attack wounded at least three people in a multi-story apartment building, officials said. The nighttime attack also hit the Security Service of Ukraines building in the city, Zelenskyy reported. Russian missile terror again, he wrote on social media.

Russia has often struck apartment buildings during the conflict, while denying it intentionally targets civilians.

Meanwhile, the commander of Ukraine's armed forces, Col.-Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi, said his troops were pushing forward in parts of eastern Ukraine occupied by Russia and meeting stiff resistance as the war drags into its 18th month.

The enemy fiercely clings to every centimeter, conducting intense artillery and mortar fire, he said in a statement.

Recent fighting has taken place at multiple places along the more than 1,000-kilometer (more than 600-mile) front, where Ukraine deployed its recently acquired Western weapons to push out the Kremlins forces. However, it is attacking without vital air support and faces a deeply entrenched foe.

A Western official said Thursday that Ukraine had launched a major push in the southeast. Putin acknowledged that fighting has intensified there, but insisted Kyiv's push has failed.

Zelenskyy posted a video Thursday night in which Ukrainian soldiers said they had taken Staromaiorske in the Donetsk region. Russian military bloggers said artillery fire at the Ukrainian troops had effectively razed the village and reported more barrages Friday.

Capturing the village, which in 2014 had a population of 682, would give Ukraine a platform to push deeper into Russian-held territory, the bloggers noted.

The area has been a focus of Ukraine's counteroffensive since June, and its troops have previously captured several other villages there as they slowly work their way across extensive Russian minefields.

It was not possible to verify either side's claims about what is happening in the war zone.

Syrskyi said fighting that targets the enemys artillery as well as its command and control structure is a priority as his troops probe Russian lines for weaknesses.

In these conditions, it is crucial to make timely management decisions in response to the situation at hand and take measures for maneuvering forces and resources, shifting units and troops to areas where success is evident, or withdrawing them from the enemys fire, he said.

Russia is trying to hold on to the territory it controls in the four provinces it illegally annexed in September -- Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk, Kherson and Luhansk.

___

Heintz reported from Tallinn, Estonia. Andrew Katell in New York contributed.

___

An earlier version corrected that Oleksiy Danilov is Ukraines secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, not defense minister.

___

Follow APs coverage of the war in Ukraine: https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
WASHINGTON (AP)  The Senate has passed a massive annual defense bill that would deliver a 5.2% pay raise for service members and keep the nations military operating, avoiding partisan policy battles with an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote.

Senate passage, 86-11, sets up a clash with the House, which passed its own version of the annual defense bill along party lines earlier this month after pointed debates over social issues like abortion access and diversity initiatives. The sharply partisan arguments over the House legislation veered from a bipartisan tradition of finding consensus on national defense policy.

The strong bipartisan vote for the legislation in the Senate Thursday evening, just before the Senate left for its August recess, could give it momentum as the two chambers next look to settle their differences in the fall.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said there is a glaring contrast between the two chambers' defense bills. The Senate had no animus or acrimony, in contrast to the House's partisan battles, he said.

Mississippi Sen. Roger Wicker, the top Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee, said that I dont think either party got exactly what they wanted in the Senate bill. But he said the legislation would help the military improve recruitment and prevent conflict.

The two chambers will now have to write a final bill, a test of the deeply divided House, in particular, as the traditionally bipartisan legislation was swept up in the disputes over race, equity and womens health care that have been political priorities for the Republican party.

Wicker said talks with the House will start very soon and he feels confident they will be able to pass the legislation, as Congress has annually since 1961.

We always have, Wicker said.

Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., a member of the Armed Services panel, predicted the bipartisan Senate approach would mostly prevail.

The fact that were going to have a strong bipartisan approach on it says that were probably closer to where were going to end up than what the House has done on a partisan basis, said Rounds.

The massive Senate defense bill would set defense spending levels at $886 billion for the coming year, similar to President Joe Bidens budget request. Congress has to pass separate spending legislation to allocate the money, but the defense legislation lays out budget and policy for the Pentagon.

The House debate earlier this month was marked by amendments from hardline conservatives that were adopted and pushed the bill to the right  including proposals to roll back diversity and inclusion measures at the Pentagon and to block some medical care for transgender personnel.

In the Senate, where most amendments need 60 votes to pass, additions to the bill were bipartisan and more focused on military policy, with many focused on countering potential American adversaries like Russia and China.

One bipartisan provision would require two-thirds of the Senate to approve if a U.S. president tries to withdraw from NATO. Former President Donald Trump, who is running again for his old office, has been deeply critical of the military alliance and repeatedly questioned its value to the U.S.

Rounds also joined with Democratic Sen. Jon Tester of Montana to successfully push an amendment to the bill that would prevent agents of China, Russia, Iran and North Korea from purchasing agricultural land in the U.S. Another bipartisan duo, Sens. John Cornyn, R-Texas and Bob Casey, D-Pa., pushed an amendment to increase Treasury Department oversight of U.S. investment into Russian and Chinese technology firms that work with sensitive technology, such as semiconductors and artificial intelligence.

Another provision that won support from both parties would allow the Treasury Department to use sanctions against people and organizations involved in the international fentanyl trade.

Also included is language sponsored by Schumer requiring the government to collect records relating to  unidentified aerial phenomena "  the official term the U.S. government uses instead of unidentified flying objects  and review whether they need to stay classified. The amendment would allow the release of some of those records over time.

Still unresolved, though, is Alabama Sen. Tommy Tubervilles refusal to allow the quick confirmation of hundreds of military nominations and promotions in the Senate. Tuberville is protesting the Defense Departments abortion policy, which covers the cost of travel for service members seeking abortion and reproductive care.

Tuberville has shown little interest in backing down even as some of his fellow Republican senators have encouraged him to drop it. He is preventing quick action on over 260 nominations of senior military officers, including a commandant for the U.S. Marine Corps and others, frustrating leaders at the Pentagon and his own colleagues.

The House bill contains a provision that would end the Defense Department's new abortion policy. But that would not pass the Democratic-led Senate.

Biden called Tuberville's hold outrageous in a speech at the National Archives Thursday evening.

There is a growing cascade of damage and disruption all because of one senator from Alabama," Biden said.

Biden's administration did appear to work out a deal on nominations with a different Republican senator late Thursday. After meetings with State Department officials during the day, Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul released his holds on several department nominees. The Senate later confirmed more than a dozen ambassadors, including former Delaware Gov. Jack Markell as ambassador to Italy.

Hours earlier, Paul told reporters he was working with the department to receive more information on projects in China that were funded by the U.S. government.

___

Associated Press writer Fatima Hussein contributed to this report.
WASHINGTON (AP)  A freshman Republican congressman from Wisconsin is refusing to apologize after he yelled and cursed at high school-aged Senate pages during a late night tour of the Capitol this week, eliciting a bipartisan rebuke from Senate leaders.

Rep. Derrick Van Orden, speaking in a round of interviews Friday on Wisconsin conservative talk radio, did not refute reports of his actions or back down from what he did.

Van Orden used a profanity to describe the pages as lazy and and another to order them off the floor of the Capitol Rotunda on Wednesday night, according to a report in the online political newsletter PunchBowl News. The pages were laying down to take photos in the Rotunda, according to the publication.

Im not going to apologize for making sure that anybody  I don't care who you are and who you're related to  defiles this House, Van Orden said on The Dan ODonnell Show. Its not going to happen on my watch, man.

Van Orden said he was protecting the integrity of the Capitol Rotunda because it served as a field hospital during the Civil War and its where presidents have lain in state upon their deaths. He said the young people he confronted were goofing off" and that Democrats were making it an issue.

Would this be an issue if those young people did not have political connections?" Van Orden said on The Jay Weber Show. Why do you think this is an issue, pal?

A former Navy SEAL who was outside of the Capitol during the Jan. 6, 2021 insurrection, Van Orden also appeared to embrace the presence of alcohol in his office the same evening he encountered the pages. Images were posted on social media showing bottles of liquor and beer cans on a desk in his office. Van Orden said on X, the platform previously known as Twitter, that the alcohol was from constituents.

And his spokeswoman Anna Kelly posted: As the Congressman says, once you cross the threshold to our office, you are in Wisconsin! She followed that with a beer mug emoji.

Van Orden represents Wisconsins 3rd Congressional District, a GOP-leaning jurisdiction that comprises parts of central, southwestern and western Wisconsin, including moderate exurbs of Minnesotas Twin Cities.

On Thursday evening, just before the Senate left for its August recess, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., rebuked Van Orden's behavior and thanked the pages, high school-age students who serve as helpers and messengers around the Senate. Several of the pages were sitting on the Senate floor at the time, smiling and nodding as dozens of senators stood and gave them a standing ovation.

Without mentioning Van Orden by name, Schumer said he was shocked to hear about the behavior of a member of the House Republican majority and further shocked at his refusal to apologize to these young people. He noted that Thursday was the final day for this class of pages.

Theyre here when we need them, Schumer said. And they have served this institution with grace.

McConnell said he associated himself with Schumer's words. Everybody on this side of the aisle feels exactly the same way, he said.

When asked about McConnell's rebuke, Van Orden said Friday I dont know what it was because I honestly have not tracked any of this stuff.

Van Orden was elected to Congress in 2022 after a losing bid in 2020. He has insisted that he did not enter the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, and on Friday again condemned those who did, calling them buffoons. That didn't stop fellow Wisconsin Rep. Mark Pocan, a Democrat, from invoking the Jan. 6 attack in criticizing Van Orden.

Wonder if he told that to his fellow insurrectionists, who were beating police officers on the same ground? Pocan said on X.

Rebecca Cooke, a Democrat who is running to challenge Van Orden in 2024, called him an embarrassment and a hypocrite. She called Van Orden a serial harasser" and referenced an incident in June 2021 when Van Orden was upset about a display of LGBTQ+ books at a southwestern Wisconsin library and yelled at a teenager who was working there.

For someone to perhaps drunkenly, and definitely belligerently, yell at these kids for enjoying our nations Capitol is just stupid, Pocan said Friday. He would be best to say it was stupid and just move on.

___

EDITORS' NOTE: An earlier version of this story misidentified the name of The Dan O'Donnell Show.

___

Bauer reported from Madison, Wisconsin.
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP)  Singapore conducted its first execution of a woman in 19 years on Friday and its second hanging this week for drug trafficking despite calls for the city-state to cease capital punishment for drug-related crimes.

Activists said another execution is planned next week.

Saridewi Djamani, 45, was sentenced to death in 2018 for trafficking about 31 grams (1 ounce) of diamorphine, or pure heroin, the Central Narcotics Bureau said. It 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 (17.6 ounces) of cannabis and 15 grams (0.5 ounces) of heroin.

Djamanis execution came two days after that of a Singaporean man, Mohammed Aziz Hussain, 56, for trafficking around 50 grams (1.7 ounces) of heroin.

The narcotics bureau said both prisoners were accorded due process, including appeals of their convictions and sentences and petitions for presidential clemency.

Human rights groups, international activists and the United Nations 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 which 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 of trafficking around 50 grams (1.7 ounces) of heroin and his appeal was dismissed last year, it said.

The group said the man had maintained in his trial that he believed he was delivering contraband cigarettes for a friend to whom he owed money, and he didn't verify the contents of the bag as he trusted his friend.

The High Court judge ruled that their ties weren't close enough to warrant the kind of trust he claimed to have had for his friend. Although the court found he was merely a courier, the man still had to be given the mandatory death penalty because prosecutors didn't issue him a certificate of having cooperated with them, it said.

But how could he have cooperated if, as he told the police and the court, he had not even been aware that he was being used to deliver heroin? the group said on Facebook.

The group said it 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 punishes 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.
(Reuters) - The Swedish migration agency is re-examining the residency permit for an Iraqi refugee behind several Stockholm Koran desecration in recent weeks that have upset Muslims across the world, according to Swedish media.

According to the Swedish news agency TT, the man has a temporary residency permit in Sweden that is set to expire in 2024 but the agency is now re-examining the case.

In an email to Swedish newspaper Svenska Dagbladet the agency says information received from Swedish authorities had given reason to examine whether the man's status in Sweden should be revoked.

The man burnt the Koran last month outside of Stockholm's central mosque and also held a demonstration outside of the Iraqi embassy in Stockholm in July where he said he would burn the holy book, but did not do so.

Sweden has found itself in the international spotlight in recent weeks following protests where the Koran, the Muslim holy book, has been damaged and burned.

Attacks on the Koran in Sweden and Denmark have offended many Muslim countries including Turkey, whose backing Sweden needs to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, a goal of Stockholm's following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

In addition to applications to burn the Koran, there have also been several to burn other religious books such as the New Testament and the Old Testament, prompting many to criticise Sweden.

Swedish courts have ruled that police cannot stop burnings of holy scriptures, but Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson's government said earlier in July it would examine if there was reason to change the Public Order Act to make it possible for police to stop Koran burnings.

Reuters has sought comment from the Swedish Migration Authority and the man in question.

(Reporting by Marie Mannes)
In this photo released by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu speaks during a reception, hosted by the North Korean Defense Ministry, in Pyongyang, July 26. Yonhap



The ongoing visits by Russian and Chinese delegations to Pyongyang highlight their support for North Korea's unlawful weapons development programs that pose serious threats to regional peace, a state department spokesperson said Thursday.



Vedant Patel, principal deputy spokesperson for the state department, insisted that Russia and China should use their influence over Pyongyang instead to help rein in North Korea's destabilizing activities.



"The DPRK's nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs, they pose a grave threat to international peace and security, and stand in blatant violation of multiple U.N. Security Council resolutions," the spokesperson told a daily press briefing.



North Korea's state media reported earlier that a Russian delegation led by Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and a Chinese delegation led by Li Hongzhong, a member of the Politburo of the Chinese Communist Party, arrived in Pyongyang this week to take part in events marking the 70th anniversary of the end of the 1950-53 Korean War.





In this photo released by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, third from left, attends a reception, hosted by the North Korean Defense Ministry, in Pyongyang, July 26. Yonhap
SAVANNAH, Ga. (AP)  Tom Durden, the Georgia district attorney who kick-started the prosecution of Ahmaud Arberys killing by calling in state investigators to take over the languishing case, has died at age 66.

The Atlantic Judicial Circuit District Attorney's Office, which Durden led for 24 years before stepping down last year, confirmed Durden's death in a Facebook post Friday. No cause of death was given.

During his career of nearly four decades, Durden served briefly as the second outside prosecutor overseeing the investigation into the February 2020 killing of Arbery. The 25-year-old Black man was fatally shot as he ran from white men in pickup trucks who chased him through their Georgia neighborhood. The shooter said he fired in self-defense.

The case stalled without charges for more than two months before Durden asked the Georgia Bureau of Investigation to take over from local police. GBI agents rapidly made arrests that led to three murder convictions. Durden stepped aside soon after the arrests, saying the case needed a DA with a larger staff.

He played a significant role, as we know the others before him did nothing, said Thea Brooks, one of Arberys aunts. No matter how long he had it on his desk, he did the right thing.

Following Arberys killing outside the port city of Brunswick in 2020, the local district attorney recused herself and the first outside prosecutor assigned, George Barnhill, opposed bringing criminal charges before he stepped aside.

Georgias attorney general then appointed Durden, who had the case for roughly a month amid a growing outcry for arrests. Durden asked the GBI to get involved after cellphone video of the killing leaked online May 5, 2020.

Father and son Greg and Travis McMichael were arrested on murder charges the day after GBI agents arrived in Brunswick. A neighbor, William Roddie Bryan, was charged soon after.

The fact that he sent it to the GBI was a positive turn in the case for us, and I think he deserves credit for it, said the Rev. John Perry, who led Brunswicks NAACP chapter at the time Arbery was killed.

The job of prosecuting the McMichaels and Bryan was passed to the district attorney for Cobb County in metro Atlanta. All three men were ultimately convicted of murder in 2021 and sentenced to life in prison.

Durden joined the district attorney's office as an assistant prosecutor in 1984, two years after earning his law degree from Mercer University. He was elected DA after his predecessor retired in 1998.

Durden prosecuted hundreds of criminal cases in the Atlantic Circuit, which covers six southeast Georgia counties outside Savannah.

Mr. Durden was a true public servant to the State of Georgia for close to 40 years, Pete Skandalakis, executive director of the Prosecuting Attorneys Council of Georgia, said in a statement. My sincerest condolences to Toms family.

In 1998, Durden successfully prosecuted four family members and a friend in the killing of Thurmon Martin, a case that would become known as Georgia's infamous tomato patch murder.

Martin, 64, was shot while sleeping in May 1997 and buried behind his home in rural Ludowici. The case gained notoriety for the tomato plants growing atop Martin's grave, as well as the defendants' harrowing courtroom accounts of being abused by the slain man.
THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP)  The United Nations' top court on Thursday rejected a case brought by Nicaragua in a decades-long dispute with Colombia over maritime borders and entitlements in the Caribbean.

The International Court of Justice dismissed Nicaragua's bid to gain economic rights over an area of the Caribbean Sea that lies more than 200 nautical miles (230 statute miles, 370 kilometers) from its shores.

Nicaragua wanted the international court to review the limits of its continental shelf, and determine new maritime boundaries for the Central American nation.

Colombia already claims exclusive economic rights in much of the area that lies to the east of Nicaraguas 200 nautical mile boundary. Bogota argued that there is no precedent for extending a countrys 200-nautical-mile zone, when it clashes with that of another nation.

Members of Colombia's legal team hugged in court after the ruing, and President Gustavo Petro tweeted that it was a great victory for Colombia in The Hague.

He added that he hoped the ruling "ends the controversy over our borders, and we will now focus on the sustainable development of our archipelago.

The area has long been claimed by both countries, and Nicaragua gained fishing rights over a big portion in a 2012 ruling by the world court in The Hague. But Colombias navy has continued to patrol the waters, which are also used by drug traffickers.

Colombias maritime claims are linked to its sovereignty over the San Andres and Providencia Archipelago, which lies about 700 kilometers (435 miles) north of Colombias Caribbean coast but only 110 kilometers (68 miles) from Nicaraguas coast.

The world court's president, Joan E. Donoghue, said that a country's right to claim a continental shelf beyond the 200-nautical-mile limit cannot extend within 200 nautical miles from the baselines of another state. The baselines are points on land from which the continental shelf is measured.

"Nicaragua is not entitled to an extended continental shelf within 200 nautical miles from the baselines of San Andres and Providencia, Donoghue said.

The decision means the world court didn't have to review maritime boundaries between Colombia and Nicaragua, established by the court in a 2012 ruling, which have been under dispute for the past two decades.

The leader of Nicaragua's delegation, Carlos Jose Arguello Gomez, said that his country would study the judgment because it has consequences in a very large and complicated area. But he added that "in principle, obviously, whatever the court said, Nicaragua will comply with it.

Under international law, coastal states have sovereignty over waters extending 12 nautical miles beyond their coastlines. They have exclusive economic and environmental rights over the seabed and waters that extend up to 200 nautical miles beyond their coast.

However, some countries have tried to obtain jurisdiction over underwater features that lie beyond that limit, by proving that these features are connected to their continental shelves  that is the shallow seabed that extends beyond the coast.

A 1928 treaty between Colombia and Nicaragua recognized Colombias sovereignty over the islands of San Andres and Providencia, and gave Colombia economic rights over most of the waters around San Andres.

Nine decades later, Nicaragua filed a lawsuit against this treaty, saying it violated international law and deprived the nation of its right to 200 nautical miles of territorial waters.

In a 2012 ruling, the International Court of Justice sided mostly with Nicaragua and redrew the maritime borders between both countries. The new borders extended Nicaraguas exclusive economic zone, and stripped Colombia of about 80,000 square kilometers (30,000 square miles) of territorial waters.

Colombia didn't recognize the ruling, and withdrew from the courts jurisdiction a year later, in 2013.

____

Manuel Rueda contributed to this report from Bogota, Colombia.
Former President Donald Trump has been indicted on three additional charges in a case that accuses him of illegally possessing classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate, allegations that add fresh detail to the criminal case initially issued last month.

Heres a look at the charges, the special counsels investigation and how Trumps case differs from those of other politicians known to be in possession of classified documents:

WHAT ARE THE NEW CHARGES?

There are three new charges against Trump, as well as a new defendant in the case.

Prosecutors accuse the former president of trying to alter, destroy, mutilate, or conceal evidence," and of inducing another person to do so. They say Trump asked a staffer  Mar-a-Lago property manager Carlos De Oliveira  to delete camera footage at his Florida estate in an effort to obstruct the federal investigation into his possession of classified documents.

Prosecutors allege that De Oliveira schemed with Trump and his valet, Walt Nauta, to conceal the footage from investigators.

A third count also accuses Trump of willfully retaining national defense information related to a presentation about military activity in another country.

Investigators say Trump showed a classified document during July 2021 meeting at his Bedminster, New Jersey, resort to the writer and publisher of the memoir of his former chief of staff Mark Meadows. Details about that document and the meeting were included in the original indictment, but none of the charges had related to it until now.

Trump had returned that document to the government on Jan. 17, 2022  nearly a year after he left office, according to the indictment.

Trump was indicted last month on 37 counts related to the mishandling of classified documents. The charges include counts of retaining classified information, obstructing justice and making false statements, among other crimes.

Trump is accused of keeping documents related to nuclear weaponry in the United States and the nuclear capabilities of a foreign country, along with documents from White House intelligence briefings, including some that detail the military capabilities of the U.S. and other countries, according to the indictment. Prosecutors alleged Trump showed off the documents to people who did not have security clearances to review them and later tried to conceal documents from his own lawyers as they sought to comply with federal demands to find and return documents.

The top charges carry a penalty of up to 20 years in prison.

After leaving office in 2021, the former president showed someone working for his political action committee a map that detailed a military operation in a foreign country, prosecutors allege in the document. On another occasion that year, Trump showed a writer, a publisher and two of his staffers  none of whom had security clearances  a military plan of attack.

HOW IS TRUMP REACTING?

A Trump campaign statement dismissed the new charges as nothing more than a continued desperate and flailing attempt by the Biden administration to harass President Trump and those around him and to influence the 2024 presidential race.

In an interview Thursday night with Breitbart News, Trump called the superseding indictment harassment," repeating his insistence that his activities were protected by the Presidential Records Act.

On Friday, Trump and a dozen other Republicans seeking the 2024 presidential nomination were expected at an Iowa GOP event.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

De Oliveira is due in court in Florida on Monday.

Both Trump and Nauta have pleaded not guilty to the original 38-count indictment.

Their trial is currently scheduled for May 20, 2024  deep into the presidential nominating calendar, and probably well after the Republican nominee is known  and it was unclear if the addition of a new defendant could result in a postponement.

Prosecutors, who had wanted the case to go to trial in December, wrote in a separate court filing Thursday that the new charges should not disturb the May trial date, and the Special Counsels Office is taking steps related to discovery and security clearances to ensure that it does not do so.

Trumps lawyers have claimed that he cant get a fair trial before the 2024 election.

HOW DID THIS CASE COME ABOUT?

Officials with the National Archives and Records Administration contacted representatives for Trump in spring 2021 when they realized that important material from his time in office was missing.

According to the Presidential Records Act, White House documents are considered property of the U.S. government and must be preserved.

A Trump representative told the National Archives in December 2021 that presidential records had been found at Mar-a-Lago. In January 2022, the National Archives retrieved 15 boxes of documents from Trumps Florida home, later telling Justice Department officials that they contained a lot of classified material.

That May, the FBI and Justice Department issued a subpoena for remaining classified documents in Trumps possession. Investigators who went to visit the property weeks later to collect the records were given roughly three dozen documents and a sworn statement from Trumps lawyers attesting that the requested information had been returned.

But that assertion turned out to be false. With a search warrant, federal officials returned to Mar-a-Lago in August 2022 and seized more than 33 boxes and containers totaling 11,000 documents from a storage room and an office, including 100 classified documents.

In all, roughly 300 documents with classification markings  including some at the top secret level  have been recovered from Trump since he left office in January 2021.

HOW DID A SPECIAL COUNSEL GET INVOLVED?

Last year, U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland picked Jack Smith, a veteran war crimes prosecutor with a background in public corruption probes, to lead investigations into the presence of classified documents at Trumps Florida estate, as well as key aspects of a separate probe involving the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection and efforts to undo the 2020 election.

Smiths appointment was a recognition by Garland of the politics involved in an investigation into a former president and current White House candidate. Garland himself was selected by Democratic President Joe Biden, whom Trump is seeking to challenge for the White House in 2024.

Special counsels are appointed in cases in which the Justice Department perceives itself as having a conflict or where its deemed to be in the public interest to have someone outside the government come in and take responsibility for a matter.

According to the Code of Federal Regulations, a special counsel must have a reputation for integrity and impartial decision making, as well as an informed understanding of the criminal law and Department of Justice policies.

DIDNT BIDEN AND FORMER VICE PRESIDENT MIKE PENCE HAVE CLASSIFIED DOCUMENTS, TOO?

Yes, but the circumstances of their cases are vastly different from those involving Trump.

After classified documents were found at Bidens think tank and Pences Indiana home, their lawyers notified authorities and quickly arranged for them to be handed over. They also authorized other searches by federal authorities to search for additional documents.

There is no indication either was aware of the existence of the records before they were found, and no evidence has so far emerged that Biden or Pence sought to conceal the discoveries. Thats important because the Justice Department historically looks for willfulness in deciding whether to bring criminal charges.

A special counsel was appointed earlier this year to probe how classified materials ended up at Bidens Delaware home and former office. But even if the Justice Department were to find Bidens case prosecutable on the evidence, its Office of Legal Counsel has concluded that a president is immune from prosecution during his time in office.

As for Pence, the Justice Department informed his legal team this month that it would not be pursuing criminal charges against him over his handling of the documents.

DOES A FEDERAL INDICTMENT PREVENT TRUMP FROM RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT?

No. Neither the indictment itself nor a conviction would prevent Trump from running for or winning the presidency in 2024.

And, as his indictment earlier this year in a New York hush-money case showed, criminal charges have historically been a boon to his fundraising. The campaign announced that it had raised over $4 million in the 24 hours after that indictment became public, smashing its previous record after the FBI search of Trumps Mar-a-Lago club.

___

Meg Kinnard can be reached at http://twitter.com/MegKinnardAP
MEXICO CITY (AP)  Two taxi drivers have been arrested in the Mexican city of Cancun for assaulting a van carrying foreign tourists, prosecutors said Friday.

The events in the Caribbean coast resort on Thursday were the latest in a months-long string of assaults on vehicles that medallion-cab drivers suspect of being operated by ride-hailing apps such as Uber.

Prosecutors in the Caribbean coast state of Quintana Roo said such behavior will not be tolerated.

Strong action will be taken to ensure that the state is a safe destination for local inhabitants and visitors, the state prosecutor's office said in a statement.

Local residents posted video on social media showing at least two uniformed cab drivers bashing a Chevy Suburban with poles and other objects.

The van driver attempts to escape with the vehicle's tailgate open, according to the footage, and the tourists luggage spills into the street. Three women can later be seen retrieving their luggage from the street.

What are you doing? cries one woman in English as belligerent cabbies mill around the scene, carrying what looked like improvised cudgels. That is not okay.

A local business owner who filmed the incident invited the women to take refuge in her store. The video shows the taxi drivers chasing the driver of the Suburban down the street until he reached a police officer.

The state prosecutors' office said two taxi drivers were charged with robbery, and causing damage and injuries.

Local media reported the Suburban was not run through a ride-hailing app but by a local, non-medallion limousine service. Past incidents of taxi drivers attacking private vehicles in Cancun were based on the mistaken assumption they were Uber cars.

Cancun residents organized a boycott of medallion taxis in January following a week of blockades and violent incidents by drivers protesting the ride-hailing app Uber.

Road blockades, stone throwing and cabbies physically getting in the way had prevented tourists from boarding Uber vehicles. The U.S. issued a travel advisory warning that past disputes between these services and local taxi unions have occasionally turned violent, resulting in injuries to U.S. citizens in some instances.

Ride-hailing app s were blocked in Cancun until January, when a court granted an injunction allowing Uber to operate.
Typhoon Doksuri made landfall in Chinas southeastern coast and Taiwan on Friday, state weather agencies said, after the storm battered parts of the Philippines and killed at least 39 people, including dozens on an overcrowded boat that capsized in strong winds.

The typhoon slammed into Chinas coastal Fujian province at around 10:00 a.m. local time, the National Meteorological Center said. More than 724,600 people were affected, while more than 416,000 in Fujian had already been evacuated, Chinese state news agency Xinhua reported.

The winds around the time of landfall were approaching 175 kilometers per hour (108 mph), according to the Joint Typhoon Warning Center.

A man negotiates neck-deep floodwaters in Laoag city, Ilocos Norte province, northern Philippines. - Bernie Sipin Dela Cruz/AP

Across China, several coastal cities, such as Xiamen, Quanzhou and Zhangzhou, had temporarily shut businesses, factories, and schools as of Friday afternoon, Xinhua added.

The typhoon also caused power cuts in parts of Xiamen, according to the State Grid Xiamen Electric Power Supply Company, state media reported.

It is estimated that Doksuri has caused direct economic losses amounting to 52.27 million yuan ($7.3 million), state media said, citing the impact the storm has had on farmland.

Nearby Taiwan is still facing heavy rains from the storm, however the islands weather agency removed its highest rainfall warning on Friday morning.

At least one person died and 68 people have been injured as a result of the typhoon, Taiwans Central Emergency Operation Center said in a briefing on Friday.

A police officer checks a landslide caused by the typhoon at a residential area in Baguio City, northern Philippines. - AP

The torrential rain and strong winds brought down trees and power cuts affecting around 278,182 households, Taiwans official Central News Agency (CNA) reported citing the Taiwan Power Co.

Meanwhile, more than 200 domestic and international flights in Taiwan were delayed or canceled on Friday, according to the Civil Aeronautics Administration, CNA added.

Earlier this week, Doksuri lashed through the Philippines most populous island of Luzon, with the north of the archipelago most heavily affected.

The Philippine Coast Guard launched rescue operations after a wooden boat sank on July 27. - AP

At least 26 people died after a boat capsized on Thursday afternoon just yards from reaching Talim Island, southeast of the capital Manila, the coastguard said.

The vessel  only meant to have a capacity of 42  had at least 66 people on board, according to the coast guard.

Definitely we are going to file a complaint together with the PNP (Philippine National Police) against the captain and the operator of the motorboat, coast guard spokesperson Rear Adm. Armand Balilo told CNN affiliate CNN Philippines.

Another 13 people were killed elsewhere in the country Doksuri, known as Egay in the Philippines, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said Friday.

The storm brought floods to five regions and triggered more than a dozen rain-induced landslides, the agency added.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
The U.S. is ordering non-emergency staff at its embassy in Port-au-Prince to leave Haiti, after an escalation in gang violence this week led dozens of Haitian families to seek refuge outside of the embassy compound in the Tabarre neighborhood of the capital.

The mandate leaves a skeletal staff to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens. It will also mean longer wait time for Haitian nationals seeking to renew their U.S. tourist visas, or get permission to reunited with family already in the United States. The embassy was already struggling to process such requests due to the high level of kidnappings and armed violence by gangs, which led to a similar order last fall.

As is always the case, the safety and security of U.S. personnel serving abroad is one of the highest priorities from the Department of State, Brian A. Nichols, assistant secretary of state for Western Hemisphere at the State Department, told the Miami Herald on Friday.

On Thursday, the State Department ordered the departure of non-emergency U.S. personnel and their eligible family members from Haiti due to the current security issues and persisting infrastructure challenges. It also reissued its Do Not Travel advisory, the highest level, for Haiti. The advisory tells U.S. citizens to leave the country immediately due to recent armed clashes between criminal groups and police in Port-au-Prince.

Earlier in the week, dozens of Haitians fleeing their homes decided to seek refuge in front of the U.S. embassy. Several residents said they lived directly behind the embassy or near its housing compound. Asked why they decided to camp out in front of the embassy, several Haitians told the Herald that they wanted the U.S. to help. Others complained that the embassy doesnt want to do anything for us.

When they go home, they have police for security. We are on our own, said a man who refused to give his name while sitting on the sidewalk.

In response to the situation, a specialized unit of the Haitian police on Tuesday used tear gas to disperse the crowd. Among those who were tear gassed, according to local media reports, were children and pregnant women. By Friday, the crowds had left the vicinity of the embassy and were taking up refuge at a public school in nearby Caradeux.

In October, Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry asked the international community to help the struggling Haitian national police force by deploying a specialized armed force to the country. The request was backed by U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres and the United States, which penned a resolution in the Security Council for such a deployment.

More than nine months later, however, no country has volunteered to lead the force, though some African nations have offered to send police officers to Haiti and Jamaica has offered to deploy some of its military. Earlier this month, the Security Council asked Guterres to come up with options to improve the security situation, including a possible U.N. peacekeeping force and a non-U.N. multinational force. Guterres was given 30 days to to report back.

Guterres spokesman said his position on the need for a robust force to be deployed to help Haiti has not change and were still looking for movement from member states in that direction.

In addition to the violence in Tabarre, gangs have also launched attacks outside of Port-au-Prince. Among the victims: an independent radio station in Liancourt in Haitis Artibonite Valley. It was set on fire over the weekend when dozens of heavily armed men attacked the rural town, setting houses ablaze and sending residents fleeing for their lives.

The uptick in violence comes despite a recent truce among some gang leaders.

Nichols said the Biden administration remains committed to helping Haiti address its deteriorating security situation, and continues to urge Henry and the countrys political and civil society groups to work together on a governance agreement.

Were continuing to collaborate with our international partners to develop a framework for a possible multinational force to restore security and stability in Haiti, he said. Were working to identify a lead nation for that effort.

In the meantime, the U.S. and Canada have focused on issuing sanctions against gang members as well as members of Haitis political and business elite. On Friday, the European Union, thanks to the efforts of France, also decided to amend its laws to allow the EU to autonomously impose restrictive measures on individuals and entities responsible for threatening the peace, security or stability of Haiti, or for undermining democracy or the rule of law in the country.

The decision means that some Haitians will find themselves shut out of the U.S., Canada and the Dominican Republic, and now the European Union. The restrictions consist of a travel ban for individuals and the freezing of funds belonging to both individuals and companies. In addition, people and entities in the EU will be forbidden from making funds available to those listed, either directly or indirectly.

The current situation in Haiti constitutes a threat to international peace and security in the region, said Josep Borrell, the EUs high representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. With this new framework for restrictive measures, we are sending a clear signal to Haitian gang leaders and their financiers: We know how they operate and there will be no impunity. The EU stands with Haiti and its people.

The U.S. embassy area is surrounded by at least three powerful gangs, two of which are controlled by leaders implicated in the kidnapping of 17 American and Canadian missionaries in October 2021. The gangs, 400 Mawozo and Kraze Barye, have been escalating their violence in the last week, raiding businesses and homes.

The Kraze Barye gang, which is behind the latest upsurge in violence, is led by a politically connected gang leader, Vitelhomme Innocent. Despite having a $1 million FBI reward for his capture for the missionaries kidnapping, he has been carrying out a wave of brutal attacks in recent months, including one against a business housing the Jamaica consulate in Haiti. He is also tied to the ongoing abduction of the former head of the Provisional Electoral Council, Pierre-Louis Opont. Opont, who is also owns a television station, remains in captivity more than a month after being kidnapped near his home in Tabarre.

Nichols said the State Department believes Innocent is currently vying for control of the Tabarre neighborhood and has directed his subordinates to invade nearby communities.

Since that happened, the Haitian national police have been actively trying to repel the gang members from the neighborhood so that people can return to their homes. That meant that the level of violence in and around our facilities is elevated, Nichols said.

These are evil people who exploit ordinary citizens, take their money, carry out rapes, murders, assaults, robberies of the general population, he added. And unfortunately, thats whats going on here.
By Ted Hesson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Biden administration will allow some migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela who are already in Mexico to apply to enter the United States as refugees, White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said on Friday.

The move will add to a range of new legal pathways opened up by Democratic President Joe Biden to help reduce illegal border crossings that have set records in recent years.

The Biden programs include an app that allows migrants to register for an appointment to approach the U.S.-Mexico border and an initiative that lets certain migrants enter the U.S. by air if they have sponsors.

"We encourage migrants to use these legal pathways instead of putting their lives in the hands of dangerous smugglers and traffickers," Sullivan said in a statement.

Reuters reported earlier this month that the United States and Mexico had been discussing a new U.S. refugee program for people from those four countries who were already in Mexico.

U.S. refugees have a path to citizenship and are provided government benefits not available to other migrants. Unlike asylum seekers, they are approved before entering the country.

The White House and other agencies did not respond to a request for additional details on the refugee initiative.

Mexico's incoming foreign minister Alicia Barcena said this week talks were underway related to processing migrants from the four countries, all which have had increases in the number of people trying to enter the United States in recent years.

Barcena said Mexico was looking to establish an "international space" in southern Mexico where people from those countries could seek humanitarian protection and employment assistance.

Biden's new legal programs have been coupled with a restrictive new asylum regulation that took effect in mid-May.

The number of people caught crossing illegally dropped dramatically after the implementation of the regulation, which limits who is eligible for U.S. asylum. But tens of thousands of migrants remain in Mexico in limbo.

A federal judge on Tuesday ruled the new asylum restrictions violate existing law, but postponed the effective date of the decision for 14 days as the Biden administration appeals, leaving the regulation in place for now.

(Reporting by Ted Hesson in Washington; Additional reporting by Daina Beth Solomon in Mexico City and Paul Grant; Editing by Angus MacSwan and Grant McCool)
DETROIT (AP)  The U.S. government wants to raise the fuel economy of new vehicles 18% by the 2032 model year so the fleet would average about 43.5 miles per gallon in real world driving.

The proposed numbers were released Friday by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which eventually will adopt final mileage requirements.

Currently the fleet of new vehicles must average 36.75 mpg by 2026 under corporate average fuel economy standards adopted by the administration of President Joe Biden, who reversed a rollback made by former President Donald Trump.

The highway safety agency says it will try to line up its regulations so they match the Environmental Protection Agency's reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. But if there are discrepancies, automakers likely will have to follow the most stringent regulation.

In the byzantine world of government regulation, both agencies essentially are responsible for setting fuel economy requirements since the fastest way to reduce greenhouse emissions is to burn less gasoline.

I want to make clear that EPA and NHTSA will coordinate to optimize the effectiveness of both agency standards while minimizing compliance costs, NHTSA Acting Administrator Ann Carlson said.

A large auto industry trade group which includes General Motors, Toyota, Ford, Stellantis and others said requirements from the agencies should be lined up. "If an automaker complies with EPA's yet-to-be-finalized greenhouse gas emissions rules, they shouldn't be at risk of violating CAFE rules (from NHTSA) and subject to civil penalties, John Bozzella, CEO of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, said in a statement.

However the alliance has said the EPA's proposed cut in carbon emissions will require a huge increase in electric vehicle sales that's not attainable by 2032. The EPA says the industry can reach the greenhouse gas emissions goals if 67% of new vehicles sold in 2032 are electric. Currently, EVs make up about 7% of new vehicle sales.

NHTSA said its proposal includes a 2% annual improvement in fuel mileage for passenger cars, and a 4% increase for light trucks. It's proposing a 10% improvement per year for commercial pickup trucks and work vans. Automakers can meet the requirements with a mix of electric vehicles, gas-electric hybrids and efficiency improvements in gas and diesel vehicles.

The agency says the new regulations will save more than $50 billion on fuel over the vehicles' lifetimes and save more than 88 billion gallons of gasoline through 2050 if NHTSA's preferred alternative is adopted. The standards would cut new-vehicle fuel consumption nearly in half by the 2035 model year, and benefits will exceed costs by $18 billion, the agency said.

NHTSA will take comments from the public for 60 days before drafting a final regulation.
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP)  The U.S. Senate has endorsed a major expansion of a compensation program for people sickened by exposure to radiation during nuclear weapons testing and the mining of uranium during the Cold War, with a vote Thursday on a massive defense spending bill.

Advancing on a 86-11 Senate vote, the provisions would extend health care coverage and compensation to so-called downwinders exposed to radiation during weapons testing to several new regions stretching from Guam to the New Mexico site where the worlds first atomic bomb was tested in 1945.

The Senate-backed plan also would extend compensation to more former uranium industry workers. The proposed changes to the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act are not yet included in a House-approved defense bill, amid negotiations toward final legislation.

The hit summer film Oppenheimer about the top-secret Manhattan Project and the dawn of the nuclear age during World War II has brought new attention to a decades-long efforts to extend compensation for families who were exposed to fallout and still grapple with related illness.

"We're elated with the vote today. We're extremely hopeful," said Mary Martinez White, who recounted that her parents and several siblings were ravaged by cancer after the family's exposure to nuclear fallout at a farm in Carrizozo, New Mexico, about 35 miles (55 kilometers) for the Trinity Site test.

She blames her family's suffering on decisions at the outset of the Cold War  and applauded efforts to make amends through federal compensation by lawmakers, including Democratic Sen. Ben Ray Lujan of New Mexico and Republican Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri.

I have faith that people who are alive today will right those choices, and quickly, especially when so much is being asked of New Mexico in terms of storage of radioactive waste and nuclear weapons production, she said.

Advocates also have been trying for years to bring awareness to the lingering effects of radiation exposure on the Navajo Nation, where millions of tons of uranium ore were extracted over decades to support U.S. nuclear activities.

The Navajo Nation has borne the brunt of Americas nuclear program, the cost of which can be measured in human lives, environmental devastation, and communities that are still suffering," President Buu Nygren of the Navajo Nation said Thursday in a statement. "We will not stand by and allow this legacy to be forgotten or dismissed.

The Senate bill would expand eligibility to more former uranium mining, processing and transportation workers who participated after 1971, the current cutoff date for eligibility.

Since the compensation program began in 1992, more than 54,000 claims have been filed and about $2.6 billion has been awarded for approved claims in Nevada, Utah and Arizona. Coverage would be expanded to New Mexico, Colorado, Idaho, Missouri, Montana and previously excluded areas of Nevada, Utah and Arizona.

Earlier this month, Hawley promised to help people with cancer and other diseases connected to nuclear contamination in the St. Louis, Missouri, region. He cited reports by The Associated Press, The Missouri Independent and the nonprofit newsroom MuckRock that detailed nonchalance and indifference to the risks nuclear waste posed dating back to the 1950s.

St. Louis was part of the national campaign to build a nuclear bomb, with uranium processing that produced harmful waste.

___

Associated Press Writer Michael Phillis contributed from St. Louis.
HANOI (Reuters) - A Vietnamese court on Friday jailed 54 people, including a former deputy foreign minister and several senior diplomats, in one of the country's largest ever bribery cases amid a crackdown on graft, state media reported.

The convicted were found guilty of taking part in a scheme where diplomats and companies took money from Vietnamese citizens abroad who wanted to return to the country on "rescue flights" during the COVID-19 pandemic, when commercial flights were not available.

The trial marks the latest escalation of the government's anti-graft campaign, under which hundreds of officials have been investigated and many forced to quit, including former president Nguyen Xuan Phuc and two deputy prime ministers.

Of the convicted, 25 state officials were found guilty of receiving bribes totalling up to 175 billion dong ($7.40 million), state-run newspaper VTC reported.

Among them, former deputy foreign minister To Anh Dung was sentenced to 16 years in prison, after he was found guilty of taking 21.5 billion dong of bribes, according to VTC.

Former Vietnamese ambassador to Japan Vu Hong Nam was also sentenced to 30 months in prison, while former Vietnamese ambassador to Malaysia Tran Viet Thai was handed a four year jail term.

Pham Trung Kien, assistant to a deputy minister of health, received a life sentence. Prosecutors had sought a death sentence for him after he was found guilty of receiving more than 42.6 billion dong of bribes.

Others convicted included officials from the government office and the ministries of health, public security and transport, among others.

The trial started on July 11 and lasted for 18 days, 12 days less than scheduled.

($1 = 23,661 dong)

(Reporting by Khanh Vu; Editing by Mark Potter)
In this photo released the next day by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency, North Korean soldiers take part in a military parade, attended by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, to mark the 70th anniversary of the signing of the armistice that halted the 1950-53 Korean War at Kim Il-sung Square in Pyongyang, July 27. Yonhap



North Korea has staged a massive military parade to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the signing of the armistice of the Korean War, its state media reported Friday, displaying its latest intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and drones in a show of its military might.



With senior delegations from China and Russia present, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un took to the reviewing stand to observe the military parade in Kim Il Sung Square late Thursday to mark Victory Day, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).



He did not deliver a much-anticipated speech at the event.



The Korean War, which started with an invasion by the North in 1950, ended with the armistice on July 27, 1953. But the North claimed victory in the war, celebrating the date of the armistice signing as Victory Day.





In this photo released the next day by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, center, alongside Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, left, and Chinese Communist Party politburo member Li Hongzhong, waves during a military parade to mark the 70th anniversary of the signing of the armistice that halted the 1950-53 Korean War at Kim Il-sung Square in Pyongyang, July 27. Yonhap



At the parade, the North showcased advanced drones and long-range missiles, such as liquid-propellant Hwasong-17 ICBMs and solid-fuel Hwasong-18 ICBMs.






(Reuters) -The United States remains deeply concerned by developments in Niger in the wake of a military coup and condemns any effort to seize power by force, White House national security spokesman John Kirby said on Friday.

Kirby told a briefing that U.S. cooperation with the government of the African state was at risk, while adding there was still room for infra-African diplomacy.

Earlier on Friday, coup leaders in Niger declared General Abdourahamane Tiani as the new head of state in the wake of the seventh military takeover in West and Central Africa in less than three years.

"We remain deeply concerned about the unfolding developments ... the United States condemns in the strongest terms, any effort to seize power by force," said Kirby.

"A military takeover may cause the United States to cease security and other cooperation with the government of Niger, jeopardizing existing security and non security partnerships."

There are about 1,100 U.S. troops in Niger, where the U.S. military operates out of two bases.

(Reporting by Steve Holland; writing by David Ljunggren; editing by Jonathan Oatis and Sandra Maler)
SAVANNAH, Ga. (AP)  A Georgia judge ruled Thursday that rapper Quando Rondo can no longer drive and must undergo drug testing if he wants to stay out of jail while awaiting trial on gang and drug charges.

The 24-year-old rapper, whose given name is Tyquian Terrel Bowman, appeared in a Savannah courtroom as prosecutors unsuccessfully asked the judge to revoke the $100,000 bail the rapper posted following his indictment last month.

Bowman crashed a car July 19, just a few weeks after bonding out of jail. Prosecutors said emergency responders at the scene of the crash administered Narcan, a drug used to treat opioid overdoses, to Bowman because he showed symptoms of an overdose.

Bowman had been ordered to refrain from using drugs as a condition of his bail.

Bowmans attorney, Kimberly Copeland, told the judge Thursday that he wasnt driving recklessly and that he had a prescription for some of the drugs he had taken, WTOC-TV reported.

Chatham County Superior Court Judge Tammy Stokes said that Bowman can remain free before his trial as long as he follows the additional restrictions she imposed Thursday, news outlets reported.

You are a young man with a career in front of you, Stokes told Bowman. All sorts of opportunities. But the bottom line is that its all on you.

Bowman and 18 others were indicted last month by a Chatham County grand jury. Bowman was charged with four counts, including being a manager of an illegal street gang known as Rollin 60s. His other charges include conspiring with others to distribute marijuana and to buy pills of the opioid hydrocodone.

Prosecutors have said additional charges stemming from the car crash are pending.

As Quando Rondo, the rappers singles I Remember and ABG led to a deal with Atlantic Records, which released his debut album, QPac, in 2020. His follow-up album, Recovery, came out in March.
WASHINGTON  Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis gave his strongest suggestion yet, in an interview that aired on Friday, that he would consider pardoning former President Donald Trump if elected to the White House next year.

In the interview on The Megyn Kelly Show, DeSantis was asked by the host if he would commit to pardoning Trump on any federal charges.

"Well, what I've said is very simple. I'm going to do what's right for the country. I don't think it would be good for the country to have an almost 80-year-old former president go to prison," DeSantis said.

Pressed on whether that means he would pardon Trump, Desantis continued: "It doesn't seem like it would be a good thing. And I look at like, you know, Ford pardoned Nixon, took some heat for it, but at the end of the day, it's like, do we want to move forward as a country? Or do we want to be mired in these past controversies?"

In May, shortly after he officially entered the presidential race, DeSantis said he would consider pardoning people involved in the Jan. 6 insurrection, if elected, including Trump.

Four GOP contenders challenging Trump for the presidential nomination next year  Perry Johnson, Vivek Ramaswamy, Nikki Haley and Larry Elder  have said they would pardon Trump if elected, or are leaning that way. Two candidates, Chris Christie and Will Hurd, said they wouldn't pardon Trump or are leaning that way.

Last week, DeSantis downplayed the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, telling comedian Russell Brand in an interview that the riot "was not an insurrection."

These were people that were there to attend a rally, and then they were there to protest. Now, it devolved, and it devolved into a riot, but the idea that this was a plan to somehow overthrow the government of the United States is not true, and its something that the media had spun up just to try and basically get as much mileage out of it and use it for partisan and for political aims, he said.

Trump was slapped with new charges in connection with his handling of classified documents after leaving the White House on Thursday. A federal indictment filed by special counsel Jack Smith accused the former president of being part of a scheme to delete security video.

A grand jury hearing evidence from Smith's office in the case involving the Jan. 6 attack and efforts to overturn the 2020 election is expected to soon vote on whether to charge Trump in that case.

The former president was also indicted in New York earlier this year in a document fraud case connected to hush money he allegedly paid to cover up affairs.
A helicopter working to extinguish a wildfire in Beykoz, on the outskirts of Istanbul (AP)

Turkey has joined other holiday destinations across Europe in being struck by wildfires while in the grip of high temperatures.

Mediterranean countries have seen days of flames, first seen on the Greek island of Rhodes but since spreading to Corfu, Sicily and parts of Portugal, France and the Canary Islands.

In Turkey, 10 planes, 22 helicopters and more than 200 vehicles have been deployed this week in the firefighting efforts in Kemer area, with some 120 hectares of woodland burned, tourism minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy told reporters.

The temperature has exceeded 40C in some parts of the country over the past few days, and the Antalya region  one of the most popular spots for British tourists  has seen evacuations and people treated for smoke inhalation.

With the summer holidays upon us, many people will be ready to head away for a break. If youre booked to travel to Turkey, you might be asking: is it still safe to go? Heres what we know so far.

Which parts of Turkey are impacted by the fires?

A wildfire broke out near the tourist resort of Kemer in the southern province of Antalya, on Tuesday (25 July), with firefighters tackling the blaze amid high temperatures. Strong winds and low humidity meant the flames spread fast, according to a statement from the office of Antalyas governor.

Local authorities have taken all necessary measures to prevent the fire spreading to residential areas, according to officials.

A forest fire in Istanbuls Beykoz district can be seen from Bosphorus and emergency services are also dealing with outbreaks in Aegean Izmir, Afyonkarahisar, and Kutahya provinces, reports local publication Duvar English.

Last week, fires were reported in the provinces of Mersin and Hatay, both in the south-east of the country, as well as Canakkale in the west.

What is the latest Foreign Office advice?

Before the extreme heat and wildfires affected Europe, the Foreign Office (FCDO) already had three travel warnings in place for Turkey:

Border with Syria: advises against all travel within 10km of the border

City of Sirnak: advises against all but essential travel

Hakkari province: advises against all but essential travel

Specific FCDO advice on forest fires states: Forest fires happen frequently in Turkey during summer. Take care when visiting or driving through woodland areas.

You could get a fine or prison sentence for lighting a fire of any kind in forbidden areas. This includes barbeques and discarding cigarette butts in the woods. If there is a forest fire in your area, local authorities may tell you to leave your accommodation. Follow the directions of local authorities.

Travellers are advised to call the emergency services by dialling 112 if they spot a forest fire.

If I cancel my holiday, will I be refunded?

Unlike the fire-stricken Greek islands, where tour operators are being especially flexible around changing holiday plans, this is not the case in Turkey. The risk of fires affecting travel to Turkey is currently very small, so cancelling would likely mean losing the money paid for the booking.

Under the Package Travel Regulations, holidaymakers who book a package can cancel and receive a full 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. Those seeking refunds for independent travel (arranging the journey and accommodation separately) would have to try claiming instead through their travel insurance. But the wildfire risk in Turkey at this time is not extreme enough to make claiming a refund a viable option.

Unless the Foreign Office advice changes, or your trip is cancelled by your airline and/or holiday provider, dont bet on getting your cash back.
Governing bodies in Africa condemned what they characterized as a coup attempt Wednesday against Nigers president, Mohamed Bazoum.

NIAMEY, Niger (AP)  Nigers president defiantly declared Thursday that democracy would prevail, a day after mutinous soldiers detained him and announced they had seized power in a coup because of the West African countrys deteriorating security situation.

While many people in the capital of Niamey went about their usual business, it remained unclear who was in control of the country and which side the majority might support. A statement tweeted by the army commands account declared that it would back the coup to avoid a murderous confrontation that could lead to a bloodbath. It was not possible to confirm that the statement was genuine.

With the headquarters of the ruling party burning in the back, supporters of mutinous soldiers demonstrate in Niamey, Niger, Thursday, July 27 2023. (AP Photo/Fatahoulaye Hassane Midou)

President Mohamed Bazoum  who was elected in 2021 in Nigers first peaceful, democratic transfer of power since its independence from France in 1960  appeared to have the backing of several political parties. Bazoum is a key ally in the Wests efforts to battle jihadists linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group in Africas Sahel region.

The hard-won achievements will be safeguarded. All Nigeriens who love democracy and freedom will see to it, Bazoum tweeted early Thursday.

Foreign Minister Hassoumi Massoudou issued a similar call on news network France 24, asking all Nigerien democratic patriots to stand up as one to say no to this factious action.

He demanded the presidents unconditional release and said talks were ongoing.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who spoke to Bazoum by phone on Wednesday, told reporters Thursday that he was extremely worried about the situation in Niger and warned of the terrible effects on development and civilians due to successive unconstitutional changes of government in the Sahel region.

The U.N. Security Council scheduled emergency closed consultations on the situation Friday at the request of its three African members, Ghana, Gabon and Mozambique.

The Economic Community of West African States sent Benin President Patrice Talon to lead mediation efforts.

Russia and the West have been vying for influence in the fight against extremism in the region. Extremists in Niger have carried out attacks on civilians and military personnel, but the overall security situation is not as dire as in neighboring nations.

Bazoum is seen by many as the Wests last hope for partnership in the Sahel after Mali turned away from former colonial power France and sought support from the Russian mercenary group Wagner. Wagner appears to be making inroads in Burkina Faso as well.

The U.S. is gravely concerned about the situation in Niger, said State Department spokesman Vedant Patel during a briefing with reporters Thursday.

Supporters of mutinous soldiers hold a Russian flag as they demonstrate in Niamey, Niger, Thursday July 27 2023. (AP Photo/Sam Mednick)

We are monitoring the situation closely and continue to be in close touch with the embassy, Patel said.

Western countries have poured aid into Niger, and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited in March, seeking to strengthen ties. American, French and Italian troops train the countrys soldiers, while France also conducts joint operations.

But the threat to Bazoum has raised concerns that Niger could also turn away from the West.

On Thursday, several hundred people gathered in the capital and chanted support for Wagner while waving Russian flags. Later, they began throwing rocks at a passing politicians car.

If Mohamed Bazoum resigns from the presidency, Niger will probably move to the top of the list of countries where the Wagner Group will seek to expand, said Flavien Baumgartner, an Africa analyst at Dragonfly, a security and political risk consultancy.

Supporters of mutinous soldiers demonstrate in Niamey, Niger, Thursday July 27 2023. (AP Photo/Sam Mednick)

Wagner already had its sights set on Niger, in part because its a large producer of uranium. But Bazoum posed an impediment because of his pro-French and pro-Western stance, said Baumgartner.

Wagners head, Yevgeny Prigozhin, weighed in on Thursday, describing the developments as part of Nigers fight against the colonizers.

It effectively means winning independence. The rest will depend on the people of Niger, on how efficient they could govern, Prigozhin, who led a brief mutiny against the Kremlin last month, said in a statement.

The U.S. State Department isnt aware of any signs that the Wagner Group was involved in the coup, Patel said. He declined to speculate, saying the situation continues to be quite fluid.

Former Wagner mercenary, Marat Gabidullin, told the AP that if Nigers new rulers wanted the groups help, theyd do the same job as in the Central African Republic, where its been operating for five years. Advocacy groups have accused Wagner of hijacking state resources and committing human rights atrocities in the Central African Republic and other countries where it operates.

Underscoring the importance of Niger to the West, Blinken said Thursday that he had spoken with the president, saying that he made clear that we strongly support him as the democratically elected president of the country.

Blinken, who was in New Zealand, repeated the U.S. condemnation of the mutiny and said his team was in close contact with officials in France and Africa.

If designated a coup by the United States, Niger could lose millions of dollars of military support and aid.

Alexander Thurston, assistant professor of political science at the University of Cincinnati, said the coup deals a blow to democratic culture in the Sahel.

Western governments are left without a strong partner in the region, and may shift even more towards attempting to contain the regions problems, rather than helping to solve them, Thurston said.

Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum at the presidential palace in Niamey, Niger, March 16, 2023. (Boureima Hama/Pool Photo via AP/File)

Members of the presidential guard surrounded Bazoums house and detained him on Wednesday morning.

The mutinous soldiers, who call themselves the National Council for the Safeguarding of the Country, took to state television and announced they had seized control because of deteriorating security and poor economic and social governance in the nation of 25 million people. They said they had dissolved the constitution, suspended all institutions and closed all the borders.

Military experts say some of the people who appeared on state television were high-ranking officers, including Gen. Moussa Salaou Barmou, the head of Nigers special forces who has a strong relationship with the United States.

According to someone close to the president who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the situation, the president has not and will not resign and is safe in his residence.

In a statement Wednesday, several political parties expressed their support for him, calling the coup suicidal and anti-republican madness.

The country, faced with insecurity, terrorism and the challenges of underdevelopment, cannot afford to be distracted, they said. Protesters also came out in support of Bazoum that day.

More than 4 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance and hundreds of thousands are internally displaced, U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters after speaking to senior U.N. officials in Niger.

The international community denounced the coup in Niger, where there have been multiple coups since independence in 1960.

Supporters of Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum demonstrate in his support in Niamey, Niger, Wednesday July 26, 2023. Governing bodies in Africa condemned what they characterized as a coup attempt Wednesday against Nigers president, whose official Twitter account reported that elements of the presidential guard engaged in an anti-Republican demonstration and tried to obtain the support of other security forces. (AP Photo/Sam Mednick)

We firmly condemn the coup that took place in Niger against the countrys civilian democratic authorities, the French Foreign Ministry said Thursday. It called for the liberation of Bazoum and his family, and for their security to be ensured. It also called for the immediate restoration of the integrity of Nigers democratic institutions.

France has 2,500 troops in Niger and Chad, conducting anti-terror operations in the Sahel region

U.N. Human Rights chief Volker Turk called for Bazoums release and said all efforts must be undertaken to restore constitutional order and the rule of law.

Russia also called for the presidents release. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Thursday in televised remarks that its necessary to restore the constitutional order in Niger. We believe that the coup is unconstitutional, and we always take a principled and clear position on that, he said.

TheGrio is FREE on your TV via Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Roku, and Android TV. Please download theGrio mobile apps today!

The post Soldiers in Niger take power in coup, though President says democracy will win out appeared first on TheGrio.
ANKENY, Iowa (AP)  U.S. Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina has criticized fellow Republican presidential candidate and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for supporting new standards that require teachers to instruct middle school students that slaves developed skills that "could be applied for their personal benefit.

What slavery was really about was separating families, about mutilating humans and even raping their wives. It was just devastating, Scott, the sole Black Republican in the Senate, told reporters on Thursday after a town hall in Ankeny. So I would hope that every person in our country  and certainly running for president  would appreciate that.

People have bad days," Scott added. "Sometimes they regret what they say. And we should ask them again to clarify their positions.

DeSantis has been facing criticism from Florida teachers, civil rights leaders and President Joe Biden's White House on the school standards. Vice President Kamala Harris, the nations first Black vice president, traveled to Florida last week to condemn the curriculum.

DeSantis fired back on Friday, saying that part of the reason our country has struggled is because D.C. Republicans all too often accept false narratives, accept lies that are perpetrated by the left.

Campaigning in Iowa, he added that he was defending Florida against false accusations and against lies. And were going to continue to speak the truth.

The back-and-forth marked a shift in campaign styles for both DeSantis and Scott, who have not directly critiqued each other and have instead focused much of their antagonism toward President Joe Biden. It also comes as DeSantis effort has endured a mid-campaign reset, making staffing cuts to accommodate campaign expenses.

Scotts comments came as he and DeSantis stumped in Iowa before the state Republican Partys Lincoln Day Dinner. At that gathering, 13 candidates in the GOP presidential primary field, including front-runner Donald Trump, will be addressing an expected 1,200 activists on Friday. Scott, part of the GOP's most diverse presidential field ever, was asked for his opinion on the standards hours after DeSantis defended them to reporters.

At the end of the day, you got to choose: Are you going to side with Kamala Harris and liberal media outlets or are you going to side with the state of Florida? DeSantis said, citing Democrats' criticism of the wording on slavery. I think its very clear that these guys did a good job on those standards. It wasnt anything that was politically motivated.

Responding on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, to reporters' posts of Scott's video, a super PAC supporting DeSantis on Thursday night called the posts incredibly sloppy or intentionally disingenuous," reposting video of DeSantis' defense of the curriculum earlier in the day.

___

Kinnard reported from Columbia, S.C., and can be reached at http://twitter.com/MegKinnardAP.
Some created cosmetic companies. Others are musicians. One created a dating app.

Forbes recently released its list of the nation's 100 Richest Self-Made Women which includes young female entrepreneurs from California all the way south to Florida.

Nine of the youngest are multi-millionaires. One is a billionaire.

All of them are under age 40.

Here are the top 10 youngest wealthiest women in America, starting with the youngest self-made money maker.

Kylie Jenner

Rank in full list: 38

Age: 25

State: California

Net worth: $680 million

Source: Cosmetics

Kylie Jenner arrives for the 2023 Met Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 1, 2023, in New York. The Gala raises money for the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute. The Gala's 2023 theme is

Lucy Guo

Rank in full list: 76

Age: 28

State: Florida

Net worth: $360 million

Source: Artificial intelligence

Lucy Guo (right)

Taylor Swift

Rank in full list: 34

Age: 33

State: Tennessee

Net worth: $740 million

Source: Music

Taylor Swift

Whitney Wolfe Herd

Rank in full list: 52

Age: 33

State: Texas

Net worth: $510 million

Source: Dating app

Rachel Romer

Rank in full list: 84

Age: 34

State: California

Net worth: $320 million

Source: Online education

The top 100 richest women in the US: Taylor Swift, Kylie Jenner are among America's richest women, but far from the top

Rihanna

Rank in full list: 20

Age: 35

State: California

Net worth: $1.4 billion

Source: Music and cosmetics

Rihanna

Christina Cacioppo

Rank in full list: 71

Age: 35

State: California

Net worth: $385 million

Source: Software

Christina Cacioppo

Bezos and his billions: Billionaire and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos says he plans to give most of his fortune to charity

Neha Narkhede

Rank in full list: 50

Age: 38

State: California

Net worth: $520 million

Source: Software

Iman Abuzeid

Rank in full list: 77

Age: 38

State: Texas

Net worth: $350 million

Source: Healthcare marketplace

Huda Kattan

Rank in full list: 66

Age: 39

State: California

Net worth: $400 million

Source: Cosmetics

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: Forbes richest self-made women: Kylie Jenner is among the youngest
The Food and Drug Administration has issued a report detailing a recall of Trader Joes Unexpected Broccoli Cheddar Soup due to insects in the frozen broccoli florets.

According to the administration, the recall was initiated on July 10 and applies to 20-ounce containers of the soup sold in Florida, Illinois, California, Texas, Washington, Pennsylvania and Connecticut.

So far, there have been 10,889 affected cases, the report said.

Trader Joe's Unexpected Broccoli Cheddar Soup (Courtesy Trader Joe's)

Trader Joes did not immediately respond to requests for comment from NBC News and TODAY.com.

The FDA labeled the case as a Class III recall, meaning that exposure to the product is not likely to cause adverse health consequences.

News about the Unexpected Broccoli Cheddar Soup recall comes almost a week after Trader Joes announced that two of its popular cookie products may be contaminated with rocks.

On July 21, the grocery store chain revealed that it recalled its Almond Windmill Cookies with sell dates of Oct. 19 through Oct. 21, as well as its Dark Chocolate Chunk and Almond Cookies with sell dates of Oct. 17 through Oct. 21.

The company later updated their announcement on July 25 to include Almond Windmill Cookies that had a sell date of Oct. 2.

If you purchased or received any donations of Almond Windmill Cookies and/or Dark Chocolate Chunk and Almond Cookies, please do not eat them, the company said in a statement.

Trader Joes encouraged its customers to discard the items after learning that the cookies could contain rocks. Customers who want a full refund can return the cookies to any store location.

The store also said the affected cookies are no longer being sold and have been destroyed.

This article was originally published on TODAY.com
WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Donald Trump on Friday denied wrongdoing in his handling of security tapes sought by federal investigators, a day after prosecutors added new charges alleging the former president ordered employees at his Florida resort to delete the videos.

Trump, the frontrunner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, said in an interview with conservative radio host John Fredericks that he believed he wasn't required to hand over security tapes from his Mar-a-Lago resort but did so anyway.

"These were security tapes. We handed them over to them. ... I'm not even sure what they're saying," he said.

U.S. Special Counsel Jack Smith filed three new criminal counts against Trump on Thursday, bringing the total to 40, and charged a maintenance worker at Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort, Carlos De Oliveira, with conspiracy to obstruct justice, accusing him of helping Trump to hide documents.

De Oliveira, 56, told another worker at the resort where Trump lives that "the boss" wanted security videos of the property in Florida deleted after the Justice Department subpoenaed them.

Prosecutors also charged De Oliveira with lying to the FBI during a voluntary interview, falsely claiming he had no involvement in moving boxes of classified documents at Mar-a-Lago.

De Oliveira's lawyer did not respond to a Reuters' request for comment.

"They went after two fine employees yesterday, fine people," Trump said. "They're trying to intimidate people so that people go out and make up lies about me. Because I did nothing wrong."

Trump also said he would not end his 2024 presidential campaign if he is convicted and sentenced on the various charges against him.

(Reporting by Kat Jackson and Doina Chiacu; Editing by Sharon Singleton)
Opponents of Issue 1 gather at the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers 683 union hall to write postcards and pick up shirts and yard signs before knocking doors on July 8.

An Illinois billionaire dropped another $4 million into the fight over whether it should be harder to amend Ohio's Constitution, new campaign filings show.

But the donations from shipping supply magnate Richard Uihlein aren't the only out-of-state money flowing ahead of the Aug. 8 special election. The campaigns for and against Issue 1 are relying heavily on donors from California to Washington, D.C. as they blast the influence of special interests on Ohio politics.

The issue, if passed, would require 60% of the vote to enact new constitutional amendments and change the signature-gathering process for citizen amendments. Ohio Republicans pushed for the August election to preempt a November ballot question that would enshrine abortion rights in the constitution.

Ohio Issue 1: Everything you need to know about the August special election

The special election  and its potential ramifications for reproductive health  have attracted national attention and uprooted what would have been a sleepy summer for Ohio politics. The campaign money on both sides underscores the high stakes.

Altogether, the primary group advocating for Issue 1  Protect Our Constitution  raised $4.85 million and spent nearly $1.6 million through July 19. One Person One Vote, the opposition, brought in about $14.8 million and spent $10.4 million. Those numbers don't include money from other groups on the periphery of the fight.

The reports submitted Thursday also won't encompass the final weeks before the election, meaning a full picture won't emerge until the next reporting deadline in September.

Workers assemble signs supporting Issue 1 before a Geauga County GOP Central Committee meeting in Chesterland on July 19.

The 'yes' side

Uihlein first came into the picture in April, when he gave $1.1 million to a group urging Ohio House lawmakers to set the August election. The Uline CEO is a prominent Republican donor and has ties to an organization promoting the 60% threshold nationally, according to CBS News.

His $4 million contribution accounted for most of Protect Our Constitution's fundraising, which helped pay for advertising, consulting and other costs. The group also received:

$150,000 from Save Jobs Ohio, which is funded by the Ohio Chamber of Commerce

$50,000 from Jimmy and Dee Haslam, who own the Cleveland Browns and Columbus Crew

$40,000 from Cleveland Right to Life

$25,000 from U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan's campaign

$25,000 from Ohio Senate President Matt Huffman's campaign

Protect Our Constitution received about $74,000 from individual Ohioans and $623,000 from Ohio-based groups.

"Our opponents have already spent over $10 million on their campaign to keep Ohios constitution vulnerable to their liberal agenda," coalition spokesman Spencer Gross said. "This confirms what we have said from day one  right now, our constitution is for sale and big money out-of-state special interest groups are spending millions to keep it that way."

Separately, a group dubbed Protect Our Kids Ohio spent roughly $530,000 to campaign for Issue 1. One of its ads highlights claims about parental rights and children's access to transgender medical care, a common talking point among Issue 1 proponents. The organization is funded by Protect Our Constitution and the American Principles Project, which has ties to Uihlein.

The anti-abortion group Protect Women Ohio and a related organization, Protect Women Ohio Action Fund, are also advocating for Issue 1. Both reported millions in fundraising and spending on Thursday, but it's unclear how much went toward the August election versus November.

The 'no' side

One Person One Vote has vastly outraised and outspent its opponents, allowing the group to dominate the airwaves with advertising. On top of the $14.8 million in contributions, opponents received $1.8 million in services provided by the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio.

Top donations include:

$2.6 million from the Sixteen Thirty Fund, a progressive dark money group

$1.875 million from the Tides Foundation, a liberal social justice organization based in San Francisco

$1 million from the National Education Association

$1 million from the Ohio Education Association

Over $531,000 from the Fairness Project, which focuses on ballot measure campaigns

One Person One Vote received $3.2 million from in-state donations, including $106,000 from individual Ohioans. Nearly two-thirds of the contributions came from groups and people in Washington, D.C. and California, with other donors hailing from New York, Colorado and Canada.

"We are proud of the enormous bipartisan coalition that has come together to defeat Issue 1," said Dennis Willard, spokesman for One Person One Vote. "The stakes couldn't be higher, and we're working every day to communicate with every voter about how Issue 1 would end majority rule in Ohio."

Haley BeMiller 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: Ohio Issue 1: Supporters, critics funded by out-of-state donors
Russia repels Ukrainian drone attack in Moscow region: defense ministry

Xinhua) 21:09, July 28, 2023

MOSCOW, July 28 (Xinhua) -- Russian forces have thwarted a Ukrainian drone attack targeting facilities in the Moscow region, the country's defense ministry said Friday.

"This morning, the country's forces thwarted an attempt by the Kiev regime to carry out a terrorist attack with the use of an unmanned aerial vehicle on facilities in the Moscow region," the defense ministry said in a Telegram post.

It added that there were no casualties or damage following the attack.

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Sheng Chuyi)
This photo, released by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency, shows an intercontinental ballistic missile during a military parade to mark the 70th anniversary of the armistice that halted fighting in the 1950-53 Korean War at Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang, July 27. Yonhap



From its latest intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) to tactical weapons and a surveillance drone, North Korea's vaunted military parade this week highlighted its defiant work under way to break through the closer-knit South Korea-U.S. alliance, analysts said Friday.



The North conducted the parade at Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang on Thursday night to mark the 70th anniversary of the Korean War armistice, celebrated in the country as Victory Day, in the presence of senior Chinese and Russian officials.



On the reviewing stand, leader Kim Jong-un was seen being flanked by Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Li Hongzhong, a politburo member of the Chinese Communist Party  in a grandstanding display of the three countries' solidarity at a time when Seoul, Washington and Tokyo are cementing their trilateral security ties.



As widely expected, the parade was a major showcase of the recalcitrant regime's nuclear-capable tactical and strategic weapons that can target either South Korea or the U.S.



The North showcased columns of tactical missiles and long-range cruise missiles, followed by the display of Hwasong-17 and Hwasong-18 ICBMs  both capable of striking the continental United States.



The Hwasong-18 missile is a new-type solid-propellant that was test-fired twice earlier this year. It has raised fears that Pyongyang could conduct a surprise ICBM launch as the solid-fuel platform takes less pre-launch preparation time than a liquid-fuel missile.



The KCNA cast the Hwasong-18 ICBM as the "most powerful core mainstay" of the North's strategic force to "confidently protect our country" against hostile forces.



The Hwasong-17 ICBM is dubbed a monster for its sheer size. It is known to carry multiple warheads and have a range of around 13,000 km.









"Nuclear weapons for nuclear weapons, frontal confrontation for frontal confrontation," the North's official Korean Central News Agency said in an article describing the high-profile event.



The North's ICBM programs have spawned concerns that the U.S. could dither on whether to come to the aid of South Korea should the ally come under attack due to the possibility that the ICBMs put its own cities at risk. Mindful of the concerns, Washington has made a stronger deterrence commitment to Seoul.



"Through the display of such weapons, the North demonstrated the threat to both South Korea and the U.S.," said Kim Yeol-su, a senior security expert at the Korea Institute for Military Affairs.



The appearance of a "strategic surveillance drone" at the event hinted that Pyongyang is striving to secure advanced intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) assets in the face of better-equipped South Korean and U.S. militaries.





This photo, released by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency, shows an unmanned surveillance drone during a military parade to mark the 70th anniversary of the armistice that halted fighting in the 1950-53 Korean War at Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang, July 27. Yonhap


remaining of

Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading.
YEREVAN, JULY 28, ARMENPRESS. The Netherlands has expressed serious concern on the humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh.

In a statement on Twitter, the Foreign Ministry of the Netherlands said that it fully supports the statement on the situation by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission Josep Borrell.

The Netherlands follows the humanitarian situation affecting the population in the former Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast with serious concern, and fully supports the statement of Josep Borrell, the Dutch foreign ministry tweeted.

On July 27, Borrell said it is incumbent on the Azerbaijani authorities to guarantee safety and freedom of movement along the Lachin corridor imminently and not to permit the crisis to escalate further.

Lachin Corridor, the only road connecting Nagorno Karabakh with Armenia and the rest of the world, has been blocked by Azerbaijan since late 2022. The Azerbaijani blockade constitutes a gross violation of the 2020 Nagorno Karabakh ceasefire agreement, which established that the 5km-wide Lachin Corridor shall be under the control of Russian peacekeepers. Furthermore, on February 22, 2023 the United Nations highest court  the International Court of Justice (ICJ) - ordered Azerbaijan to take all steps at its disposal to ensure unimpeded movement of persons, vehicles and cargo along the Lachin Corridor in both directions. Azerbaijan has been ignoring the order ever since. Moreover, Azerbaijan then illegally installed a checkpoint on Lachin Corridor. The blockade has led to shortages of essential products such as food and medication. Azerbaijan has also cut off gas and power supply into Nagorno Karabakh, with officials warning that Baku seeks to commit ethnic cleansing against Armenians in Nagorno Karabakh. Hospitals have suspended normal operations and the Red Cross has been facilitating the medical evacuations of patients.
YEREVAN, JULY 28, ARMENPRESS/BTA. A special event Thursday marked the second anniversary of the inclusion of the naval research vessel (RSV 421) Sv. Sv. Kiril i Metodii in the fleet of the Varna Naval Academy. For two years, the crew of RSV 421 achieved things that others only dream of for decades, Bulgarian Navy Commander Rear Admiral Kiril Mihailov said in an address to the guests at the ceremony.

The celebration began with a military ritual of welcoming the Navy Commander and raising the national flag and the ship's colors.

Among the guests were Environment and Water Minister Julian Popov, former Varna Governor Mario Smarkov and his successor, Andriana Andreeva, who has just stepped in office, Varna Deputy Mayor Kosta Bazitov. The ceremony was attended by representatives of the academic community from Varna and nearby Burgas, state institutions, the maritime sector. Among the guests was BTA Director General Kiril Valchev.

Rear Admiral Mihailov stressed that the first mission of RSV 421 - a voyage to Antarctica, was historic. He congratulated the crew for having coped brilliantly with their tasks.

The naval Academy Chief, Flotilla Admiral Boyan Mednikarov also expressed gratitude for the service of the seamen. He congratulated them for their perseverance and courage, for their hard work and efforts during their first mission. According to Mednikarov, the sailors wrote glorious pages in Bulgarian naval history.

On the occasion of the anniversary and for outstanding service and achievements, he bestowed honours on the ship crew. He also presented diplomas to companies and organizations that assisted in the preparation of the ship and its voyage to Antarctica.

Flute player Theodosii Spassov performed for the guests during the event.

BTA Director General Kiril Valchev grabbed the opportunity to present the latest issue of LIK magazine: a special English-language edition dedicated to the ship's voyage to Antarctica. The issue is titled "To Antarctica and back under the Bulgarian flag". Valchev explained that the title makes a reference to the famous travelogue "To Chicago and Back" by Bulgarian classic Aleko Konstantinov, and said that the important goal has been to give Bulgarian science greater visibility.

(This information is being published according to an agreement between Armenpress and BTA.)
YEREVAN, JULY 28, ARMENPRESS. Representatives of the diplomatic corps in Armenia visited on Friday the village of Kornidzor in the Syunik Province where a humanitarian convoy carrying emergency food and medical aid to Nagorno-Karabakh remains blocked by Azerbaijan at the entrance of Lachin Corridor.

The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Vahan Kostanyan is accompanying the foreign ambassadors.

The members of the diplomatic corps took stock of the situation on the ground.

Governor of Syunik Robert Ghukasyan briefed the ambassadors on the situation.

Photos by Hayk Manukyan

On July 25, the Government of Armenia said that it will try to send over 360 tons of flour, cooking oil, sugar, and other foodstuffs and medication to Nagorno-Karabakh to mitigate the humanitarian crisis resulting from the blockade of Lachin Corridor. Armenia requested the Russian peacekeepers in Nagorno-Karabakh to escort the aid. Armenia has also requested Azerbaijan to not obstruct the convoy.

On Thursday, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said Azerbaijan would only corroborate Armenias fears that Baku seeks to commit genocide in Nagorno-Karabakh if the convoy gets blocked.

Lachin Corridor, the only road connecting Nagorno-Karabakh with Armenia and the rest of the world, has been blocked by Azerbaijan since late 2022. The Azerbaijani blockade constitutes a gross violation of the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh ceasefire agreement, which established that the 5km-wide Lachin Corridor shall be under the control of Russian peacekeepers. Furthermore, on February 22, 2023 the United Nations highest court  the International Court of Justice (ICJ) - ordered Azerbaijan to take all steps at its disposal to ensure unimpeded movement of persons, vehicles and cargo along the Lachin Corridor in both directions. Azerbaijan has been ignoring the order ever since. Moreover, Azerbaijan then illegally installed a checkpoint on Lachin Corridor. The blockade has led to shortages of essential products such as food and medication. Azerbaijan has also cut off gas and power supply into Nagorno-Karabakh, with officials warning that Baku seeks to commit ethnic cleansing against Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh. Hospitals have suspended normal operations and the Red Cross has been facilitating the medical evacuations of patients.
YEREVAN, JULY 28, ARMENPRESS. Governor of Syunik Robert Ghukasyan has briefed foreign ambassadors visiting the entrance to the Lachin Corridor on the deteriorating humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh resulting from the Azerbaijani blockade.

You can see that the vehicles carrying humanitarian cargo are waiting here for a long time now. We had sent little quantity of medication and food to Artsakh before this moment, but in the recent period sending anything has become impossible. The cars stopped here and it is impossible to transport the humanitarian cargo to the other side of the border, Ghukasyan said.

The governor pointed out that the Azerbaijani authorities are talking about reintegration when people, including children in Nagorno-Karabakh are starving.

Do they intend to reach that integration by way of starvation to death? This is unacceptable for us all. This humanitarian cargo must reach the people who are impatiently waiting for it, who are hungry. Otherwise we would all silently witness the situation get worse with every second, Ghukasyan told the ambassadors.

Representatives of the diplomatic corps in Armenia visited on Friday the village of Kornidzor in the Syunik Province where a humanitarian convoy carrying emergency food and medical aid to Nagorno-Karabakh remains blocked by Azerbaijan at the entrance of Lachin Corridor for the second day.

On July 25, the Government of Armenia said that it will try to send over 360 tons of flour, cooking oil, sugar, and other foodstuffs and medication to Nagorno-Karabakh to mitigate the humanitarian crisis resulting from the blockade of Lachin Corridor. Armenia requested the Russian peacekeepers in Nagorno-Karabakh to escort the aid. Armenia has also requested Azerbaijan to not obstruct the convoy.

On Thursday, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said Azerbaijan would only corroborate Armenias fears that Baku seeks to commit genocide in Nagorno-Karabakh if the convoy gets blocked by Azerbaijan.

Lachin Corridor, the only road connecting Nagorno-Karabakh with Armenia and the rest of the world, has been blocked by Azerbaijan since late 2022. The Azerbaijani blockade constitutes a gross violation of the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh ceasefire agreement, which established that the 5km-wide Lachin Corridor shall be under the control of Russian peacekeepers. Furthermore, on February 22, 2023 the United Nations highest court  the International Court of Justice (ICJ) - ordered Azerbaijan to take all steps at its disposal to ensure unimpeded movement of persons, vehicles and cargo along the Lachin Corridor in both directions. Azerbaijan has been ignoring the order ever since. Moreover, Azerbaijan then illegally installed a checkpoint on Lachin Corridor. The blockade has led to shortages of essential products such as food and medication. Azerbaijan has also cut off gas and power supply into Nagorno-Karabakh, with officials warning that Baku seeks to commit ethnic cleansing against Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh. Hospitals have suspended normal operations and the Red Cross has been facilitating the medical evacuations of patients.
YEREVAN, JULY 28, ARMENPRESS. The Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) authorities have denied accusations by the Azerbaijani Ministry of Defense claiming that they jammed the GPS systems of civilian aircraft flying in Nagorno-Karabakh airspace from 24 to 27 July and caused serious threats to the safety of the flights.

In a statement released on Friday, the Nagorno-Karabakh Defense Ministry said the Azerbaijani accusations are disinformation.

The totally untrue statement by the Ministry of Defense apparently seeks to divert the international communitys attention from the humanitarian disaster caused by the illegal blockade of Lachin Corridor. Its worth reminding that during the entire course of the 2020 war and afterwards, it has been the Azerbaijani side itself who consistently targeted the civilian infrastructures of the Artsakh Republic, by blocking the Lachin Corridor, disrupting the gas and electricity sypply lines and jamming internet and mobile connection, the Nagorno-Karabakh Defense Ministry said.
YEREVAN, JULY 28, ARMENPRESS. The newly appointed Ambassador of Iran to Armenia Mehdi Sobhani has presented his credentials to President of Armenia Vahagn Khachaturyan.

Ambassador Sobhani told the Armenian President that he will make maximum effort to further strengthen bilateral ties, Khachaturyan's office said in a press release.

I have the honor to convey President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Seyyed Ebrahim Raisis greetings to you and to the friendly people of Armenia. The relations between Iran and Armenia are very deep. Great potential exists in the relations of the two countries and I will invest all my efforts to utilize this potential. I hope that through joint effort we will be able to further develop our bilateral relations, the Iranian Ambassador said.

President Khachaturyan congratulated the ambassador and expressed certainty that as a result of the latters work the strong relations between Armenia and Iran will maximally develop.

Thank you for Mr. Raisis greetings. On behalf of the Armenian people, please convey greetings and best wishes. The Republic of Armenia went through great hardships over the course of thirty years, and during this period our relations with Iran have developed in all areas, in the political, economic and cultural areas, President Khachaturyan said.

The multilayered Armenian-Iranian cooperation and prospects of continuous development of partnership were discussed. Implementation of programs of regional significance and full utilization the existing potential were also discussed.

Ideas were exchanged on regional realities and developments. In this context, the ambassador said that Iran defends the principle of territorial integrity of countries and supports the process of establishing sustainable peace and security in the region. Possibilities of cooperation and joint projects in high tech, infrastructures and energy sectors were also discussed.
by Vladimir Rozanskij

Members of the Upz Church, still formally linked to Kirill, have written an appeal to their metropolitan: "What do we respond to this tragedy?". Onufryj's silence while the metropolitan of Odessa, known as a champion of loyalty to Moscow, now says: "The special military operation cannot justify murder and violence".

Kiev (AsiaNews) - A group of more than 300 priests from the Ukrainian Orthodox Church Upz (Ukrainskaja Pravoslavnaja Zerkov), still formally linked to the patriarchate of Moscow, has sent a letter to Metropolitan Onufryj (Berezovskyj) of Kiev, head of the Ukrainian jurisdiction, expressing their consternation after the destruction of the Cathedral of the Transfiguration in Odessa, one of the largest Upz churches in the entire country. "We do not want to suffer either for Russia, Putin or Kirill," reads the appeal, calling for an immediate and definitive severance of relations with the Moscow Church.

The Odessa tragedy is described as "an act of barbarism", and the priests call for a meeting of the Upz Synod, to sanction the separation from the hierarchy that "supports the genocide of Ukrainians, at the hands of the Russian occupiers".

It would be the only way to free themselves from Moscow's influence, and to defend the interests of the Ukrainian people: 'Thousands of Ukrainians will no longer see the sunlit sky, they will no longer write poetic verses, they will no longer give bouquets of flowers to their loved one, and they will no longer hold their little child in their arms... And all this inexpressible pain, this immense tragedy in the name of satanic justice from the Moscow sewers, as the patriarch proclaims. And what do we answer him?".

The adjective 'satanic' is used several times in the letter to define Russian aggression against Ukraine, and in particular the proclamations of Kirill, whose name, the priests explain, 'has continued to be recalled in liturgies by many of us, despite the decisions of last year's synod'.

Several Upz bishops and metropolitans continue to advocate 'unity with the Moscow Patriarchate', from where the Ukrainian jurisdiction is continually recalled as 'part of the Russian Orthodox Church'. Hence the appeal to Onufryj, who, according to the signatories, 'has not tried to convince either Ukrainians or Russians of the contrary'.

According to the priests, this ambiguity justifies the position of the Kiev government, which is gradually trying to liquidate all the activities of the Upz Church, starting with the most symbolic place, the Lavra of the Kiev Caves.

The Synod should clearly condemn the aggression and annexation of the Upz eparchies located in the occupied regions, in order to "have the moral right to continue to exist in the Ukrainian state". In fact, the authors of the letter do not mention the reunion with the autocephalous Pzu Church (Pravoslavnaja Zerkov Ukrainy), with which there are old and new reasons for disagreement, but call for the survival of an Upz liberated from Moscow.

Some of the signatory priests tried to obtain an audience with Metropolitan Onufryj, who continues to maintain a very reserved position, without public statements. Others, such as the vicar of the eparchy of Odessa, Archbishop Viktor (Bykov), appealed to Moscow Patriarch Kirill and the entire Russian patriarchal synod to condemn the Russian Federation's 'insane aggression' against independent Ukraine, and asked the Russian Church itself to 'leave the Ukrainian Upz Church alone'.

The Upz Metropolitan of Odessa, Agafangel (Savvin), publicly condemned the attack in a message to the clergy and faithful. Before the Russian invasion, Agafangel was known as one of the main champions of loyalty to the Church of Moscow in Ukraine, while he now proclaimed that 'the heart of the peace-loving city of Odessa is buried under the ruins of the cathedral'. Whatever the aims of the 'special military operation', the Metropolitan bitterly notes, it 'cannot justify murder and violence, destruction and forced flight, which reduces people to the condition of refugees'.

Photo: news.church.ua
Today's headlines: Important Shia holiday celecrated in Kashmir for the first time in over 30 years; Schools closed in China due to typhoon Doksuri; The USA deploys a coast guard ship in Papua New Guinea; In Turkey, environmentalists protest against the expansion of a mine; Japanese diplomacy in the Global South continues; Belarus bans education in the language of an ethnic minority; Families with orphans increase by 30% in Russia.

BHUTAN  AUSTRALIA

The reopening of Australia's borders to international students after the pandemic has triggered an exodus from Bhutan, with more than 12,000 arrivals in 11 months, representing about 1.5% of the population of the small South Asian country, where the rate of youth unemployment is 28%. Most have settled in Perth in Western Australia.

INDIA

Yesterday the procession of the eighth day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, a Shiite holiday commemorating the martyrdom of Husayn Ibn Ali al-Hussein (grandson of the Prophet Muhammad), was held in Kashmir for the first time in 34 years. died 680 at the Battle of Karbala in Iraq. India, which administers the disputed territory with Pakistan, had banned the event in 1989, when the armed insurgency against New Delhi began.

JAPAN

Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi will visit Sri Lanka and the Maldives today and tomorrow, part of a six-country tour of South Asia and Africa. His journey, which began in India and ended with visits to South Africa, Uganda and Ethiopia, underscores Japan's new diplomatic thrust in the global South. The visit to Colombo has probably been watched closely by Beijing, Sri Lanka's biggest creditor.

CHINA

Due to Typhoon Doksuri, which has so far killed at least 12 people in the Philippines and Taiwan, China has decided to close schools and suspend transport along the Fujian coast. The Chinese government has also urged local meteorological authorities in neighboring Fujian provinces, including Guangdong, Zhejiang and Jiangxi, to increase their emergency response levels to prevent disasters.

NORTH KOREA

According to some experts, the military parade organized yesterday by North Korea to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Korean War armistice served to "promote the legitimacy of Kim Jong Un's government and internal unity in this economically difficult moment". said University of Norwich professor Yangmo Ku. But Pyongyang is also "trying to send a signal to the United States and its allies that, thanks to strengthened ties with Russia and China, North Korea is militarily ready to deal with strategic threats from its enemies"

USA  PAPUA NEW GUINEA

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced the deployment of a US Coast Guard vessel to Papua New Guinea, ostensibly to counter illegal fishing and exploitation of marine resources, adding that Washington is not looking for a permanent base, but according to commentators the move aims to limit the Chinese presence in the region.

TURKEY

For the fourth day in a row, some environmental activists have protested against the felling of some trees in the province of Mugla where an expansion of a coal mine is planned. Armored vehicles and security forces have been deployed to prevent protesters from entering the woods and so far 14 people have been arrested after clashes with police. According to environmentalists, the entire Akbelen forest will be destroyed by July 31 without intervention.

RUSSIA

The issue of Ukrainian children deported to Russia intersects with the data on the growth of orphans throughout Russia, as can be deduced from the data on the granting of free public apartments to "families with orphans", increased by over 30%, in a dimension "gray" of the registers for these assignments, which does not allow to verify all the relative documentation.

BELARUS

Belarus, like other former Soviet countries, has also approved a new law on the "state language", prohibiting the possibility of receiving education in an ethnic minority language, a measure aimed above all at the use of the Polish language in the eastern part of the country, while official documents may be reproduced "in Belarusian, Russian and English".
Kim Yung-ho, right, new unification minister, poses with President Yoon Suk Yeol at the presidential office in Seoul, Friday, as he officially begins his term. The ministry said that it will launch a new department dedicated to supporting the victims of abduction by North Korea. Yonhap



Under new head, ministry plans to curtail inter-Korean exchanges



By Jung Min-ho



Under a new leader, the Ministry of Unification is poised to get tough on North Korea.



The ministry said on Friday that it will launch a new department dedicated to supporting the victims of abduction by North Korea as part of its reform effort to focus more on the North's poor human rights record in handling inter-Korean relations.



At the same time, the ministry will significantly reduce its exchanges with Pyongyang. Four units responsible for inter-Korean talks, trade and other possible joint projects will be merged under a single body, with some 80 officials expected to be relocated to other divisions or ministries.



The announcement comes a month after President Yoon Suk Yeol called on the ministry not to operate like a "support department for North Korea," saying it is time for change. He also said the ministry should pursue peaceful unification based on the Constitution, which says it must include "the principles of freedom and democracy."



Speaking to reporters, Vice Minister Moon Seung-hyun said the shakeup is necessary as the North continues to refuse dialogue, while bolstering its nuclear weapons.



"Despite much effort put in for talks over the past years since Hanoi (summit between North Korea and the U.S.), there has been zero progress," Moon said. "Some may argue that South Korea is giving it all up. That's not true  If there is demand emerging for inter-Korean talks, we will respond quickly by making structural adjustment for the changing situation."





A unification ministry official walks in the hallway at the Government Complex Seoul, Friday, after the announcement of a major reform plan under a new leader. Yonhap
About one hundred young people from Macau will participate in the world meeting with Pope Francis. The delegations of the diocesan youth pastoral ministries and of the Portuguese-speaking parishes at the sanctuary of the apparitions, deeply linked due to the history of the former Lusitanian colony that returned to China in 1999.

Macao (AsiaNews) - About one hundred young people from Macao are among the thousands of pilgrims who are traveling to Lisbon for World Youth Day. The gathering of their peers from all over the world around Pope Francis takes on a particular meaning for the young people of this autonomous region of China, due to the fact that until 1999 it was a Portuguese territory with a deep bond dating to the 16th century when it became the "door of evangelization on the Chinese continent" as described by John Paul II.

The diocesan Catholic website O Clarim reports that the two main groups present at the WYD - the Chinese-speaking diocesan youth ministry and the Portuguese-speaking parishes - are already in Portugal and have stopped at the sanctuary of Fatima where the young prayed for the intentions of the Catholics of Macao. Representing the Portuguese-speaking community of the diocese, in particular, three young people recited the Rosary in the Chapel of the Apparitions.

In Macao - also because of her story - devotion to Our Lady of Fatima is deeply rooted: the parish named after her also gives its name to one of her most populous neighborhoods, in the northern part of the city. This stage in Fatima is very important for us," explained the vice-director of the diocesan Commission for young people Tammy Chio to the O Clarim site on the eve of the trip. "For most of these young people, this is their first visit to Portugal. Participating in the evening torchlight procession will allow them to feel an integral part of this moment of faith".

In addition to the two main groups at the WYD in Lisbon there will also be smaller groups included in the international pilgrimages of the Neocatechumenal Way and Opus Dei and some students of the Don Bosco College who participate together with the Hong Kong group.
I'm fine, as I'm very fortunate to own my home

I own, but I'm feeling the pinch on my mortgage with other inflation costs

I rent and it's expensive, but it could be worse

I'm seriously considering leaving the valley if something doesn't give

Vote

View Results
Stacy Miller, left, breastfeeding specialist for the state health department and facilitator of the Colorado Baby-Friendly Hospital Collaborative, is pictured with Aspen Valley Hospitals Heather Knott, childbirth educator and international board-certified lactation consultant.
VinFast Breaks Ground at North Carolina EV Facility

Published July 28, 2023

VinFast announced July 28 it has officially broken ground at its electric vehicle manufacturing site, located within the Triangle Innovation Point in Chatham County, NC. The groundbreaking ceremony, which took place July 28 at the site, marked a significant milestone toward VinFast's global expansion and the company's supply chain development in North America.

VinFast's U.S. factory project is the first electric vehicle manufacturing facility in North Carolina, as well as the largest economic development initiative in the state's history.

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, Vietnamese Ambassador to the U.S. Nguyen Quoc Dung and representatives from state and federal governments attended the event along with a gathering of VinFast's partners, customers, industry experts and journalists.

The plant, which has a Phase 1 total investment of up to $2 billion, spans an area of approximately 1,800 acres and is divided into five main production areas, including a body shop, general assembly, press shop, paint shop and an energy center. There will also be other functional facilities on the factory premises.

In the initial phase, the factory will focus on building VinFast's VF 7, VF 8 and VF 9 electric vehicles with an expected production capacity of 150,000 vehicles per year. The supplier base for components and materials will be primarily concentrated in the U.S., Vietnam and a few other countries. Future expansion and updates for the factory will be identified in the next phase.

Currently, VinFast has appointed Clayco as the general contractor and construction management company to lead the project and will begin the bidding process to select subcontractors soon.

"North Carolina's skilled and diverse workforce is our greatest strength, and we have the largest manufacturing workforce in the Southeast," said Cooper. "This VinFast factory will create thousands of good-paying jobs in our state, along with a healthier environment as more electric vehicles take to the road."

"Today's event marks a new milestone for VinFast, affirming our commitment to the North American market," said Madam Le Thi Thu Thuy, CEO of VinFast, during the ceremony. "Not only will this project create thousands of jobs and contribute to North Carolina's economic development, but VinFast's electric vehicles produced here will also bring additional economic benefits to consumers. We also look forward to contributing to the development of the North Carolina community---our second home---during the production and business operation here."

The VinFast electric vehicle manufacturing plant is expected to commence production in 2025, creating an ecosystem of suppliers and thousands of jobs.

The manufacturing complex, VinFast's first electric vehicle factory outside of Vietnam, will also play an important role as the company strives to reach world-class levels of sustainable mobility on a global scale.

Source: VinFast
That's when we should see the introduction of a 12.9-inch infotainment system and a punchy powertrain making use of dual motors. So, it is only natural that Cupra wants to take advantage of them with their Born, which is the Spanish cousin of the VW ID.3.The Cupra Born has yet to blow two candles off its birthday cake, as that will happen in two months, but it's already in for a mid-cycle refresh. Prototypes of the all-quiet hatch were spotted as early as 2022, and it's clear what we should expect: revised exterior styling, some cabin tweaks, and maybe updated powertrains, perhaps joined by a new assembly that would turn it into a hot hatch in the range-topping trim level.Visually, the 2024 Cupra Born will look more like other models within the SEAT-owned brand, like the Formentor, Tavascan, and Terramar. It will feature taller side intakes in the new bumper and probably a wider central air intake. It's impossible to make out the shape of the headlights, but we can see that they have new graphics. Expect a new rear bumper and different taillights once the facelifted hatch premieres, likely early next year, with deliveries kicking off shortly after.Since the Born already has a good quality interior, we wouldn't expect any major upgrades in this department. Still, it will probably get a new infotainment system that will make it feel a bit more modern  not that the current one is old. We think it will retain the same tablet-like design, sitting above the central air vents on the dashboard, next to the smaller secondary screen behind the steering wheel. Additional tweaks are expected on the inside, though nothing major.The next logical step for the Spanish automaker would be to have a proper electric hot hatch in its portfolio, and maybe the facelifted Born will be the one to step into this class. A bi-motor setup with all-wheel drive would give it the muscle to bite other similarly-sized EVs, and the most plausible candidate is the assembly found on the ID.3 GTX. If that's the case, then expect around 300 horsepower combined from the two electric motors and a very competitive naught to sixty miles an hour time. The driving range could also be improved, but there's nothing official to suggest this move yet. We'll find out more as the testing advances and our spy photographers snap additional prototypes testing in all kinds of environments.
Carlos Ghosn had everything he could wish for. A fantastic career in the car industry. He had recently gotten married at Versailles. Everyone in the business looked up to him. And then this empire collapsed. Apple TV+ docu-series brings the twists and turns of his life to the screen. Now the trailer has been released.

18 years with Michelin. Five years with Renault before being appointed as Nissans chief executive, while retaining his job at the French carmaker. Playing a major part in the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance.In 2005, he was also named chief executive at Renault. Running two companies on the Fortune Global 500 (annual ranking of the top 500 corporations worldwide) simultaneously was an industry first. He really seemed to have everything.From the Academy Award and Emmy winners behind Formula 1: Drive to Survive and Wall Street Journal, now comes Wanted: The Escape of Carlos Ghosn. It is the documentary movie that shows how the former CEOs life changed in a split second.The authorities accused him of setting up the perfect financial crime. Then he set up the perfect escape. The beginning of the end was the day of the breaking news: Carlos Ghosn has been arrested.The info made headlines on November 19, 2018. He was taken into custody by the Tokyo district prosecutors at 4:30 pm, upon his return to Japan aboard a private jet. They were planning to question him over allegations of false accounting. They eventually arrested him, trialed him, and sentenced him to prison.He was accused of misreporting income to financial regulators, transferring personal losses onto Nissan s corporate account, and using corporate funds for his personal use. He denied all charges.While on house arrest, he called Green Beret Michael Taylor from the United States. Taylor was eventually sentenced to two years in prison for his involvement in the escape.A fake orchestra smuggled him out of Japan, hidden in a musical instrument box borrowed from a band, that was hired to perform for him during a Christmas party. The box had holes drilled in it so he could breathe.It was late December, close to New Years Eve, when he fled to his native country Lebanon in a private jet via Istanbul despite being heavily monitored and not allowed to leave the country at the time.He has been living in Lebanon ever since. Lebanon doesn't currently have an extradition treaty with Japan.Inspired by the acclaimed book "Boundless," by The Wall Street Journal reporters Nick Kostov and Sean McLain, the four-part documentary movie Wanted: The Escape of Carlos Ghosn raises the question: is Carlos Ghosn a victim or a villain? It includes never-before-seen interviews with key players in the Ghosn saga as well as the details of his escape.The docu-series will stream starting August 25 on Apple TV+.
The weirdest thing happened to me today. I stopped at a gas station for coffee before a long, six-hour drive. As always, I stopped by the toy section to see if any Hot Wheels are worth buying. A glance revealed nothing of interest, and I almost gave up. But then I spotted a casting that I knew was quite old.

'12 Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Coupe Black Series

Photo: Lamley Group

AMG

'77 Holden Torana A9X

Photo: Lamley Group

Toyota AE86 Sprinter Trueno

Photo: Lamley Group

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI

Photo: Lamley Group

'91 GMC Syclone

Photo: Lamley Group

And indeed, it was a 2019 model. I looked closely and found a 2008 Prototype H-24 with an impeccable card. Go figure, a 15-year-old Hot Wheels popping up randomly in a gas station. It's not worth a fortune or anything, and it's just a fantasy design inspired by LeMans racers of the '70s and '80s. But it is now the oldest Hot Wheels car in my collection, and that's why hunting for these machines can be so fun!Finding premium items is more complicated, depending on where you live. The Hot Wheels Boulevard series has been around since 2020, and you can only get it in Walmart or various online markets. Mattel developed four mixes yearly for the first two years, each with five castings inside. The toy manufacturer turned up the heat for 2022, adding one more combination to satisfy the increasing demand.So far, Boulevard has provided collectors with some fantastic cars such as, but not limited to: Nissan Skyline GT-R BNCR33, the 1991 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, Corvette Z06 Drag Racer, Lancia Stratos Group 5, and the 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK-GTR. And I'll stop here, although I can still name a few more models I'm dying to add to my collection. Today's mix is the third one for 2023, which means Mattel will probably come out with two more before the end of the year.The '12 Mercedes-Benz C 63Coupe Black Series is the first casting here, and you might remember the Stig tried to drift this one a few years ago . The car performed its duty flawlessly, providing a soundtrack that would make Oppenheimer's soundtrack creator Ludwig Goransson jealous. But let's get back to the tiny world and Hot Wheels and see what this tiny AMG is all about.Lindsey Lee designed this casting, and we first saw it in the 2022 Car Culture: Deutschland Design series. Mattel also made a Chase version, which can cost as much as $130 today. The Boulevard release features a Solarbeam Yellow finish, and we're delighted no one decided to ruin it with any unnecessary graphics. For once, seeing black wheels on a 1/64th-scale car isn't annoying, as it creates a nice contrast for the final product. And you might have noticed that Mattel opted for 5-spoke rims this time instead of the previous 10-spoke model.The '77 Holden Torana A9X is the only brand-new casting by Hot Wheels in Boulevard Mix 3. Mark Jones designed this, and I can't shake the feeling that this is meant to be a replica of the car Daniel Szabolics built in Australia. That particular Torana had a potential maximum output of about 1,400 horsepower, which means it's probably an 8-second car when talking about quarter-mile (402 meters) racing.The Torana A9X rolls around on Mini Real Riders 6-spoke wheels, a design that first appeared in 2021. Europeans might look at this casting and think about the Opel Ascona, but those cars never featured a 5.0-liter V8 under the hood. The A9X is undoubtedly one of the most collectible Aussie cars ever, and it's no wonder it can cost a fortune, given its low production numbers.You will hear different things about this car depending on who's answering the question. Some will tell you it's one of the best rally cars ever; others will tell you it's just a slow, overrated machine. But for many, this is the car that Takumi drove in Initial D ., And it's also one of the most famous drift chassis of all time. Despite that reputation, you don't see it competing too often, at least not outside Japan.This variation of the HachiRoku appeared in 2020 and is also designed by Mark Jones. It's one of many castings depicting the old-school Toyota, but some say it's also the best. Its First Edition release was a Boulevard model in plain white and black. Several drift-themed, mainline iterations followed before a Premium Car Culture one appeared in 2021. You should watch out for the Initial D special edition that came out that same year; grab on to something before looking at the price.Some eBay sellers have listed these for over $500, and you might be better off buying a Tomica item instead. In 2022 we saw a Mountain Drifters variation of the Sprinter Trueno with Itasha graphics on the sides. And Boulevard delivers another classic design with the black and red Advan Racing livery. The Hachi has the same wheels as the Holden Torana A9X, but we don't think anyone will complain. This could be the best version of the Sprinter Trueno so far, second only to the Initial D model.The 2021 Car Culture: Modern Classics series was the "birth" place of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI casting designed by Mark Jones. I still regret selling my First Edition, Metalflake Blue variation, and I'll likely buy another one soon. The Forza Horizon Pearl White iteration showed up in 2022 but wasn't nearly as impressive as this new Boulevard design.Any diehard Evo fan will instantly recognize this as the Tommi Makinen edition, a car I enjoyed seeing live almost ten years ago. Mattel opted to use the same wheels as they did with the First Edition model, and they couldn't have made a better decision. The Tommi Makinen Evo VI is one of the few cars I'd change to from my RX-7 , and that means I'm a bit biased when saying that this is the best casting in Boulevard Mix 3.The '91 GMC Syclone is the last item in this new set and the only one representing the good old US of A. But it's good to note that Mattel always pays close attention when choosing cars for these sets. You'll get more Japanese cars, sometimes more from Europe, but there's always some balance at stake from one mix to another. Brendon Vetuskey designed the '91 GMC Syclone, and the first release was a simple mainline model.An upgrade to premium came in 2020 with the Car Culture: Power Trip mix. I wouldn't say I like the color scheme for the new Boulevard release, but Preferred Series, Real Riders rims, are here to save the day. This is the tenth iteration of the '91 GMC Syclone casting, but we'll likely see another mainline variation soon.There are several options for buying the new Hot Wheels Boulevard Mix online, and prices range between $60 to $100. There is always the option of getting one or two single items instead of the whole set, but that depends on your collecting philosophy. After all, we are talking about a top-rated series, and there's a good chance its value will only increase over time. So if you want to avoid spending double for it two years from now, you should get yours as soon as possible.
Anticipation is building up even more for what has been dubbed the most tech-packed, revolutionary, and awesome electric pickup truck ever, the Tesla Cybertruck. If you think about it, anticipation has been building steadily for almost four years, even threatening to boil over at points.

Photo: Space Campers

Photo: Space Campers

Photo: Space Campers

Photo: Space Campers

The wait for the Cybertruck has been long and frustrating, but all those 1.9 million initial customers are now one small step to getting their dream e-truck: Tesla announced the start of production at Giga Texas, with deliveries expected to kick off in late August or early September 2023. With the e-truck, those customers are also one step closer to getting the perfect accessories for it.Since the Cybertruck's introduction in November 2019, Tesla customers have been bombarded with countless options that would maximize its use and enhance its wow factor. It wasn't necessarily a good thing since all these options came from third-party companies, mostly startups, promising just-as-revolutionary products they couldn't even begin to start building because the Cybertruck wasn't there to work off on.It was a typical Catch-22 situation, if you will. The good news is that it's coming to an organic solution as the Cybertruck starts deliveries. The even better piece of news is that we already have a first prototype for one of the most popular third-party add-ons for it, the Space Camper from startup Space Campers.Presented in June 2022 as the "Swiss army knife" of pop-up campers for its ability to turn the Cybertruck into the RV of your dreams , the Space Camper proposed a modular interior for maximized functionality. Specifically, you'd order a pop-up tent that you could then accessorize with whatever you needed for whatever purpose you had in mind for the Cybertruck, whether that was a weekend offgrid camper or a mobile office.Like with every other Cybertruck add-on, specifics and progress of the Space Camper were dependent on Cybertruck production . Now that the Cybertruck is almost here, it's time for updates.Space Campers is now calling the Space Camper the Wedge because of the distinctive shape when it's deployed. A second model will also be made available: the Cap, a simpler and presumably more affordable solution to create a closed-in hard-walled area around the bed.Details on the Cap remain scarce as of the time of press, as Space Campers is choosing to focus on the Wedge for now. A prototype has been shown in action for the first time, as you can see in the (rather poorly-lit) video available below.The Space Camper Wedge aims for maximum functionality and versatility . At its core, it's a pop-up tent, but one that makes the most of the Cybertruck's unique features. For example, the actuators for the pop-up mechanism will use Tesla's onboard air compressor for instant deployment: within seconds, at the press of a single button, Space Campers promises.Powerful integrated LED lights and appliances will draw on the e-truck's battery for juice, but the option of solar panels is also possible for extended autonomy. Space Campers is also working on compatibility with the keyless tailgate locking system of the Cybertruck for extra safety.Though the plan is to have the Space Camper as the all-encompassing solution for whatever you need, the prototype only offers a look at how the highly versatile bed slash lounger might look in production form. To allow 8 feet (2.4 meters) of standing height inside the camper, the bed moves out of the way, upwards to the ceiling. We already know that this same bed will be able to serve as a bench if you fold it or as a sun lounger if you take it out completely. When you work with such a compact footprint, modular, multi-functional furniture is a must.With the bed out of the space, you can turn the Cybertruck into a mobile tiny home or a working office: a modular kitchen, a desk, and an impressive amount of storage can be added inside, including in the hard sides under the bed. Future accessories like a solar package, insulation, outdoor shower and bathroom will make the space more comfortable on extended stays.Space Camper will tip the scales at 470 lbs (213 kg) in basic spec, including the modular bed. Remove the bed, and you're looking at a lighter 430 lbs (195 kg); add the stainless steel armor for the Space Camper, and you get a heavier 600-lb (272 kg) add-on.The video of the prototype also shows the weatherproof storm door that can double as an awning to offer protection from the elements and create an extra living space right outside the camper. If you think of how many awesome uses the company promised for the Space Camper, seeing the prototype in action might feel underwhelming. But it's a first step in the right direction, with the direction being that of turning the upcoming Cybertruck into the neatest and definitely coolest-looking RV out there.The Space Camper Wedge prototype is set to make its debut at the Tesla Takeover in San Luis Obispo, CA, on the weekend starting July 29, and maybe more details will be released on the occasion. Pricing for the pop-up tent starts at $24,000 but doesn't include a single accessory from those mentioned above. It's worth noting here that Space Campers once described the product as "an investment" into your Cybertruck, which might read as a fancy way of saying a full spec will be on the expensive side.




Julie Turner, nominee for U.S. special envoy for North Korean human rights / Yonhap
Until very recently, QuantumScape only talked about the commercial presentation of its first cell as a target. That changed in its last letter to shareholders, which was about Q2 2023 results. We now have a name for the first solid-state platform's product QuantumScape will offer: it will be called QSE-5. The battery startup also said it already has its first prospective launch customer. Volkswagen, anyone?

Photo: Tesla

BEV

Photo: QuantumScape

kWh

The German carmaker would be an obvious choice. It is an early investor in QuantumScape, providing it with money and validation among the myriad of startups that promise to make battery electric vehicles (BEVs) minimally convenient for frequent drivers and people on road trips. The QSE-5 should present a volumetric energy density above 800 Wh/l and a 10% to 80% fast charge in 15 minutes  if an adequate charger for that is available, mind you.QuantumScape created a graphic (main image) to compare this new battery to the best ones currently in the market, and it helps us visualize how superior the QSE-5 promises to be. Despite an error in one of them and some other stuff the graphic made us wonder about, it seems pretty accurate.The error happens when it talks about a 2022 Model Y with 4680 cells . QuantumScape states these batteries are made by Panasonic. That is not the case: Tesla manufactures them. Panasonic said it will only make 4680 cells for Tesla in 2023, but we are yet to hear when that will begin. The accurate part of the graphic about these batteries is that they are the worst ones available in terms of energy density.Themaker recently said the Cybertruck would have second-generation 4680 cells with 10% more energy density. If that is true, they will only achieve the same energy density as the 2170 batteries made by Panasonic. It would not surprise me if the "Cybercells" were made by the Japanese company. With the waiting line Tesla has for its electric pickup truck, it will have to purchase batteries from anyone willing to sell them.In the other extreme of energy density, the closest one to what QuantumScape wants to sell is the 2170 cell Rivian buys from Panasonic : it presents slightly less than 750 Wh/l. The QuantumScape QSE-5 is targeting 800 Wh/l, which does not seem that much. Maybe that is the reason for the battery startup to present its numbers in a range, not in a single point. The maximum energy density for that form factor is 850 Wh/l. The company is also working on a more prominent form factor that will charge faster and present more energy density. The graphic suggests times between 10 and 15 minutes and a volumetric energy density between 850 Wh/l and a bit more than 1,000 Wh/l.The charging time for the QSE-5 to go from 10% to 80% capacity should be around 15 minutes. Most BEVs spend almost twice as much time on a charger. Rivian fares badly in that regard because it has a massive battery pack, which leads us to wonder how fair it is to compare the performance of some cells in vehicles with something QuantumScape is yet to deliver. The company recently made a webinar to talk about that. It considers that battery makers have to choose between lower energy density and higher charging speeds or higher energy density and slower charging sessions. But there is more to it than the solid-state cell startup disclosed there.The Taycan appears in the graphic as having one of the best cells for fast charging. That is not correct: the electric Porsche charges fast because it works at 800V, while all the other vehicles in the graphic work at 400V or less. The higher the voltage, the faster charging can be. The larger they are, the more energy they store, hence the longer time for them to charge. In other words, the graphic has substantial distortions that QuantumScape did not care to contextualize. The most pressing questions are at which voltage it can deliver a fast recharge from 10% to 80% in 15 minutes and if that time also applies to a 100-battery pack or only relates to what it can achieve at the cell level.The graphic also shows that energy density will be higher but not as higher as some people could expect. QuantumScape always talks about volumetric energy density, which is probably the most beneficial measure for its cells. If it spoke about gravimetric energy density, the QSE-5 advantage would likely look even narrower. Without a chemistry breakthrough for these cells to have higher-loading cathodes, solid-state cells' primary advantage is reducing charging times, with a slight edge on weight. With QuantumScape's first prospective launch customer, we'll probably learn more about that when Volkswagen is ready to launch its car with solid-state cells. Sure, it can be another automaker  QuantumScape has quite a few automotive clients  but I seriously doubt it.
This is the boat sport fishing boat that starred in The Sopranos. You probably know it as the Stugots. But it has been rechristened. The 1999 boat is now called Never Enough.

It is a 1999 Cape Fear 47 Sportfish that shot to stardom during the HBO series The Sopranos. Two boats showing up led to confusion among those watching. Tony Soprano actually owned two boats throughout the series. The Stugots I and The Stutgots II. This Cape Fear 47 right here is the first, the one that showed up from the very first episode of Season I, when T ony Soprano and his mistress go on board.In the HBO series, Tony Soprano kept his boat docked at a marina in Kearny, New Jersey. The boat was actually located in a different place: at a marina in Monmouth County, New Jersey.Season 2 brought to the screen the larger Stugoots II, which was a 55-foot Ocean Yacht manufactured by Egg Harbour in New Jersey.Back to Stugots I we go, and here is what it is all about. The Cape Fear 47 was built by Paul Wetsig, a well-known North Carolina yacht builder. It has never been a boat that lived most of its life docked in some port, oh, no! It has been traveling the seas for years. When the current owner bought it, it needed a lot of work. Paul Wetsig updated electronics, carried out some interior work, and now it looks as good as new. Almost.Cape Fear 47 is powered by twin Detroit Diesel DDEC engines that deliver 625 horsepower. Both the port and starboard engines have been rebuilt, having 220 and 2,200 hours, respectively.Garmin 8215 displays with GPS Plotter show relevant information regarding sailing. It is also equipped with an open array radar, a side scan sonar, and Garmin Auto Pilot.Those on board the boat benefit from the presence of two staterooms and two toilets. And fishing enthusiasts get a huge teak cockpit and large fish boxes.For all those out there who want to experience a piece of television history, the iconic sport fishing boat that showed up in The Sopranos has been listed for sale in Stamford, Connecticut, with United Yacht Sales broker Paul Ouimette. The asking price is $299,9000.It is not the first time it has been for sale . The current owner bought it in 2016 because he and his family wanted a boat to go fishing and renamed it Never Enough, because he did not like the Italian slang that inspired its first name. It is obvious that the boat is not enough for him anymore."My client hates to sell this boat," broker Paul Ouimette says. But his kids grew, so he is favoring space instead of TV fame.
We love to see aircraft flying and maneuvering together with incredible precision during airshows. When it comes to all-electric VTOLs (vertical take-off and landing) with no pilot onboard, this would be more than a demonstration of skill. The three AutoFlight air taxis that flew in formation for the first time ever are revolutionizing an entire industry.

AutoFlight is no stranger to world-firsts. In early 2022, it completed the first full-scale eVTOL transition flight, followed by the release of the first full-length video of an eVTOL flight in the summer of 2022. It made headlines with a record-breaking flight at the beginning of this year. Its prototype smashed the eVTOL flight record by covering 155 miles (250 km) on a single charge.Just a few months later, AutoFlight is again breaking the normthis time, with an industry-first formation flight. Three Prosperity I prototypes flew together with no pilot onboard during a stunning demonstration in Shanghai, China.A remarkable detail is that the three air taxis represented three different generations of AutoFlight's flagship , the Prosperity I. Each full-scale aircraft flew at a different altitude and for a certain period of time. The earliest prototype only flew for 12 minutes, covering 28 km (17.3 miles) at an altitude of 80 meters (262 feet). The most recent prototype stayed in the air for 42 minutes. It reached an altitude of 120 meters (393 feet) and covered 120 km (74.5 miles).The location of this historic breakthrough is due to the fact that AutoFlight has double headquarters. It operates in Augsburg, Germany, and Shanghai, China.These milestone flights are paving the way for next year when the public will be able to admire Prosperity I in action. AutoFlight's aircraft is one of the eVTOLs scheduled to fly during the 2024 Olympics in Paris.The German-Chinese aircraft combines a fixed-wing design with optimized lifting propellers. Performance-wise, it pairs a 155-mile range (which it successfully confirmed during the February 2023 record-breaking flight) with a maximum speed that matches conventional helicopters (124 mph/200 kph).Beyond the promising features and successful test flights, the AutoFlight ai taxi stands out due to its innovative, cool design. It was developed by an automotive superstar, the legendary Frank Stephenson, who worked with brands like BMW, Ferrari, and Ford.While the German-Chinese manufacturer is gearing up for Prosperity I's official debut next year, there's still a long wait before entering commercial service. It plans to roll out a cargo version first, ready to start operating next year in Asia. The passenger version, however, will take a few more years to get to that point because of the lengthy certification process.Thanks to its German and Chinese ties, AutoFlight has one of the greatest potentials for worldwide operations. It has already secured significant orders in both Europe and Asia, including a 200-unit order for an aviation operator in Singapore.
Palmdale, CA (93550)

Today

Windy with rain showers early then partly cloudy for the afternoon. High 91F. Winds SW at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

A few clouds. Low 67F. Winds SW at 15 to 25 mph.
A significant weakening of the Russian ruble appears to have been the main cause of the price collapse. The ruble has lost more than 40 percent of its nominal value against the Armenian dram since June 2022 amid a barrage of Western sanctions imposed over the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

According to Hunan Petrosian, a wholesale trader from Armenias leading grain-producing region, Shirak, the sanctions have also cut the cost of transporting Russian wheat to non-Western countries still buying it. This has made it even cheaper in the local markets, he said.

Quite cheap wheat is imported from the Russian Federation. This is the main reason, Petrosian told RFE/RLs Armenian Service.

The downward trend does not seem to have reversed yet by this months 15 percent rise in global wheat prices, which followed Moscows decision to quit a deal allowing Ukraine to export grain via the Black Sea.

Russia meets about 70 percent of Armenias domestic wheat demand estimated at 500,000 metric tons per annum.

In Petrosians words, a kilogram of wheat now costs an equivalent of 40-45 drams (10-11 U.S. cents) in Russia. The wholesale prices of the essential crop in Armenia range from 70 to 90 drams per kilogram.

Farmers in Shirak complain that this is below their current production costs. One of them, Garnik Marzetsian, has 50 tons of grain left over from last years harvest and expects to harvest another 90 tons this fall.

Ill rather let it rot or burn it down than sell [at the current prices,] Marzetsian warned on Thursday.

The 69-year-old farmer and other residents of the Shirak village of Meghrashen demanded government intervention. The Armenian government, they said, should set a higher minimum price.

Last year, the government provided Shirak farmers with more subsidies to encourage them to grow more grain. As a result, they planted the crop on an additional 5,000 hectares of land. Many farmers are now thinking about shrinking their next wheat plantings.

This is an alarming prospect for Petrosian. The grain dealer too called for urgent government support to the farmers, saying that Armenia must not become even more dependent on wheat imports.

This [domestic grain] production is of strategic importance and it should be at the center of the states attention, he said.
The Armenian government sent the aid convoy on Wednesday in an attempt to alleviate severe food shortages in Karabakh. Azerbaijan, which tightened the blockade on June 15, condemned the move as a provocation, refusing to let 19 trucks loaded with about 400 tons of basic foodstuffs to pass through an Azerbaijani checkpoint.

John Allelo, the acting deputy chief of mission at the U.S. Embassy in Armenia, joined Yerevan-based foreign diplomats in visiting an adjacent Armenian border area to inspect the long line of trucks awaiting permission to proceed to Stepanakert. The diplomats accompanied by Armenias Deputy Foreign Minister Vahan Kostanian also met with Karabakh Armenian refugees.

In a Twitter post, the U.S. Embassy said Allelo heard from displaced persons and regional officials about the suffering caused by continued blockage of the Lachin corridor.

We reiterate [Secretary of State Antony] Blinkens call for an immediate reopening of the corridor to commercial and private traffic, it wrote.

The European Unions foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, likewise said on Wednesday that the Azerbaijani authorities should guarantee safety and freedom of movement along the Lachin corridor. He pointed to dire consequences of the blockade for Karabakhs population. France and several other EU member states echoed Borrells appeal rejected by Baku.

Unfortunately, there have been no positive developments so far, Kostanian said, adding that the aid convoy will remain there as long as its necessary.

We will try to ensure the reopening of the Lachin corridor by all political means at our disposal, he told reporters. The trucks will stay here for now.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian said on Thursday that Bakus continued refusal to let the convoy through would testify to its intention to commit genocide in Nagorno-Karabakh. The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry responded by saying that the Armenian side should agree to an alternative, Azerbaijani-controlled supply route for Karabakh.

Borrell stressed that the proposed route rejected by Karabakhs leadership should not be seen as an alternative to the reopening of the Lachin corridor.

Meanwhile, Armenias Vienna-based ambassador to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, Armen Papikian, called on the international community to impose sanctions on Baku to ensure its compliance with a UN courts February order to ensure unimpeded movement of persons, vehicles, and cargo along the Lachin Corridor in both directions.
28 July 2023 13:00 (UTC+04:00)

Qabil Ashirov Read more

Speaking about the meeting between Jeyhun Bayramov and Mirzoyan in Moscow on 25 July, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov touched on the rights of national minorities and said "Armenia is aware of the importance of convincing 'Nagorno-Karabakh' Armenians to hold meetings with Azerbaijani representatives as soon as possible to coordinate their rights under the relevant legislation and Azerbaijans international commitments, including numerous conventions on the rights of national minorities".

"Azerbaijan, acting on a mutually agreed basis, is also ready to provide the same guarantees to persons residing on its territory. Armenia is ready to act likewise regarding the application of these conventions to people residing in the Republic of Armenia.

Lavrovs words caused hot discussions in Armenian society. Taking into account that there are no national minorities in Armenia, the Hay media outlets claimed that Lavrov meant Western Azerbaijanis, i.e. Armenian citizens of Azerbaijani origin who were dispelled by the then-Armenian government in the 1980s-1990s. The interesting point in Lavrovs speech is that despite the issue raised by Azerbaijan several times, Russia used to overlook the case of Azerbaijani refugees from Armenia.

Besides, the November 10 statement speaks about the refugees from Armenia as well. The 7th paragraph of the statement reads that Internally displaced persons and refugees shall return to the territory of Nagorno-Karabakh and adjacent areas under the supervision of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. However, it considers replacing refugees in Karabakh and adjacent areas.

Speaking to AZERNEWS on the issue, political analyst, head of Azerbaijan-based think tank Samir Humbatov noted that the most important document that today Azerbaijan has is the 10 November tripartite declaration. Later, six more meetings were held between the parties.

"Certain details were taken into account in these meetings, especially in this last meeting. Returning of Western Azerbaijanis to their historic hometowns were emphasized in these meetings. At the same time, on the eve of the last meeting, an article was published both in the Armenian press and in other media that the USA presented a seven-point proposal to Armenia. The placement of 60,000 Western Azerbaijanis in the territory of the Republic of Armenia in the area along Araz, i.e. in the territory of West Zangazur, and at the same time the opening of the representative office of the Republic of Azerbaijan was also included in this document, Humbatov said.

He mentioned that returning refugees was put on the agenda and in pursuant with the 7th article of the November 10 statement the process should be monitored by the UN. However, the process has not started yet, despite it has been lasting for three years since the signing of the agreement.

As it is clear from here, the issue of reciprocal return of citizens to their homeland is on the agenda. What do we mean by mutual? In paragraph 7 of the November 10 capitulation document, the issue of the return of internally displaced persons and refugees was mentioned. This process should be monitored by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. However, despite the fact that 3 years have passed, this process is still not underway. At the same time, Azerbaijanis were expelled from their historic homelands, and their safe return must be ensured. According to the latest estimates, Azerbaijanis settled in approximately 25 percent of the territory of Armenia before they were expelled from this country. This is also a big number. That is, it covers an area of approximately 7-8 thousand square kilometers. Removal of Azerbaijanis was also a policy of ethnic cleansing. Therefore, the Armenian side should allow this and those people should return and live in their native homeland, the political analyst opined.

As for Lavrov raising this issue, the expert said he doesn't think Russian FM said it because he has a particular sympathy to Azerbaijan and Azerbaijanis. The only thing is that Russian Top Diplomat understands that the Armenian side accepts it, he knows that it is among the options offered by Washington and the EU.

Lavrov acts as if Russia has this initiative. At the same time, he also wants not to spoil the relations with Azerbaijan and to win the sympathy of Azerbaijan. It is for this reason that he does not use the term Nagorno-Karabakh, but also touches on this issue. Also, as is known, after half a years, Azerbaijan and Armenia must give a consent for the peacekeepers to stay in the region. It seems that Russia is trying to make itself look good by maneuvering to get a positive opinion. However, such cheap works cannot support Russia's stay in Karabakh. Because this issue has already been considered by the USA and the EU. I think that all of these are the result of Azerbaijan's achievements. It is the result of the successful diplomacy conducted by Azerbaijan and of course, the result of the absolutely successful political course of the Azerbaijani President both in Europe and the United States. Sooner or later, Armenia will agree to it, he added.

---

Qabil Ashirov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @g_Ashirov

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
28 July 2023 08:30 (UTC+04:00)

Abbas Ganbay Read more

The geopolitical map of the world is changing at an accelerated pace, and the attention of many forces, alliances and organisations is focused on the Turkic world and the South Caucasus.

The last European Observer Mission was carried out on January 23 2023, on the borders of Armenia, led by the President of the European Council Charles Michel. The purpose of the mission was to promote stability in Armenian territories bordering with Azerbaijan, build confidence on the ground and provide conditions conducive to efforts to normalize relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Not much time has passed, and it is as if the European Mission's observation never happened. Provocations, environmental pollution and all what heppened are quite out of sight of the EU mission.

It also shows that the European Union cannot do its job properly. For this reason, the EU mission group involved Canada in its work.

If approached to the matter from what the Russian Foreign Ministry's viewpoint we can agree that Canada's appearance in Armenia is a vivid confirmation of the fact that the EU, which has completely lost its foreign policy independence, is busy serving the interests of the US and NATO.

Russian political analyst Daria Grevtsova has commented for AZERNEWS on Canada's participation in the work of the European Union mission. She said that Canada is trying to push Russia out of the South Caucasus as it is part of the Western coalition.

"To strengthen themselves, Europe and the US have invited Canada as observers of the EU mission, and by doing so they show that they are presenting a united front and that they are in the region. Their inclusion in the region and interference in Armenia's internal affairs is the main task that the countries of Western coalition are pursuing now, and Canada supports them in this," she said.

Grevtsova also added that Canada may have neither economic nor political interests in the South Caucasus. Here, only the European Union and the Western powers are trying to show their solidarity against Russia.

"The goal is simply to unite and push Russia out of the South Caucasus and to be able to freely do what they want in the region," the political analyst stressed.

The Azerbaijani side highly appreciates the European Union's support for the establishment of peace and stability in the region and the negotiations on the peace process with Armenia. Nevertheless, it is regrettable that the High Representative of the European Union for External Relations and Security Policy, Josef Borel, in his statement of 26 July, presented the situation in the region on the basis of false propaganda and political manipulations spread by the Armenian side. This is followed by Canada's joining the European Union observer mission in Armenia, on the border with Azerbaijan.

Armenia's lies have spread like a plague around the world, and its patrons need further provocations in this conflict in order to delay the peace agreement for both sides.

At such a moment, the question arises: is the West trying to resolve the conflict, or is it just taking advantage of prolonging the conflict?

"The main task of the West is to establish all its influence in as many countries as possible, and those countries that are weak, not sovereign, with a weak government, ready for external intervention, the countries of the West actively enter these countries. Armenia is such a region now, we see that Armenia is happy that there is interference in its internal affairs, it believes that it is allegedly the support of the West, although we see that the support is only in words," the expert said.

Daria emphasized that the EU observers have done nothing for Armenia, and there are no actual results, except for the observations themselves.

"Of course, the countries of the West want to force Russia out of Armenia, to discord, and of course in general, the signing of the peace treaty is beneficial to all countries, including the West, but also, the West benefits from its non-admission, it is to their advantage, because the country that has more conflicts, the country that is the most vulnerable in terms of security, is very convenient for external intervention and establishing control over it. That's why the Western countries take advantage of it and just start actively cooperating with Armenia," she noted.

While discussing many important issues, the expert also touched on the reintegration of Armenian minorities in Karabakh into Azerbaijani society. She underlined the importance of this adding that it is the only way to a brighter future for Armenian minorities living in Azerbaijan's Karabakh. D.Grevtsova also clarified the question on Armenia's denying humanitarian aid that was agreed to be delivered from Aghdam-Khankendi road.

"First up, for Karabakh Armenians integration with Azerbaijan is of course very important and necessary for peace and development, but for Yerevan itself such integration will look like a defeat for Armenia, especially for its current authorities. Therefore, Pashinyan is trying with all his might, despite the fact that he has already suffered a defeat, and in general is not ready to accept it, is trying with all his might to delay the signing of a peace treaty and unblocking communications."

As we can see, of course, Azerbaijan could easily deliver humanitarian supplies along the Akhdam-Khankendi road, and there would be no problems for the Armenian population in Karabakh, but Armenia's desire to show that it can still resist Azerbaijan, that it is not ready to make concessions, that it is not ready to accept the fact that the Armenian minorities are already citizens of Azerbaijan, then accordingly it does everything to show its people some chance for the return of territories.

Azerbaijan sees everything and tries to solve everything diplomatically, of course, negotiations are difficult, there are contradictions, in principle for Armenia this is the only chance to continue and develop its economy and live on, and do everything to keep its people safe, otherwise Azerbaijan will use force, as they say not in a good way, but in a bad way - Armenian minorities in Karabakh will be forced to either leave or stay and take Azerbaijani citizenship.

Most likely Armenia will continue its rhetoric about recognising Karabakh as part of Azerbaijan, but will try to delay the signing of the peace treaty, as Pashinyan is very afraid that the revanchist forces, which are very strong in Armenia, will overthrow him from power or put him on trial after the signing of the peace treaty. As long as he has not strengthened, and has not shown his will as a real ruler, this process is delayed, but in the end, it is believed that Pashinyan will take a step towards signing a peace treaty, on the terms of Azerbaijan, because he does not need the war, he will lose it, and the chances that he will hold on to the minister's chair after the war that ended with a humiliating defear for it are minimal. Therefore, in the political game of delaying the peace treaty, Pashinyan is trying to delay the dangerous moment that may threaten him, but if he prepares his society to integrate with Azerbaijan, as he has no other way, he may be able to stay in power.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
28 July 2023 21:00 (UTC+04:00)

Rena Murshud Read more

India was the first country to recognize the independence of Armenia following the collapse of the Soviet Union. But the main reason for such friendship is Azerbaijan's fraternal relations with Pakistan. After all, the war between India and Pakistan has been going on for more than 75 years. Alternatively, it is worth noting that Pakistan was the first country to recognize the state independence of Azerbaijan. And also, he supported us in the 44-day Patriotic War. India, which could not and cannot digest this reality, is currently providing military support to Armenia and delivering weapons through Iran.

At present, while the situation in the South Caucasus is tense, and when both Europe and Russia are competing to solidify their influence in the region, India's such behaviour could mean just an act of destabilising th region.

"Unfortunately, India has been trying its best to establish long term strategic partnership with Armenia since long. Interestingly both countries signed a deal for the supply of the latest military equipment from India. It seems that the warmongerings of Armenia and India have reached to a new complex and complicated strategic level which would change the security equation in the South Caucasus. In this regard, both countries enjoy a treaty of friendship and cooperation signed in 1995," Pakistani political analyst Dr. Mehmud ul Hassan Khan told AZERNEWS in a comment on the issue. He said that Indian news site Economic Times had published an article in its September 29, 2022 edition on Armenia's ordering heavy weapons from India worth an estimated $245 million. It includes missiles, rockets and ammunition amid escalating tension between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the Karabakh region, which was largely liberated by the armed forces of Azerbaijan from Armenian illegal occupation in late 2020. The order also includes the first ever export of the indigenous Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launchers that are also used by the Indian army, as well as anti-tank rockets and a range of ammunition.

According to the expert, India in 2020 had also supplied four Swathi radars to Armenia during the Karabakh War with Azerbaijan. The deal was significant because Russian and Polish vendors were also in the race to sell radars to Armenia. However, Armenia was defeated and a peace treaty was brokered by Russia and Turkiye. the Indian external affairs minister S Jaishankar had a meeting with Armenian foreign minister Ararat Mirzoyan during the 77th session of the UN General Assembly in New York 2022.

Talking about all the details of the relations between India and Armenia, the expert had told that, the geo-strategic dimensions of the South Caucasus are going to be changed and re-adjusted very soon. The trans-regional military deal of Armenia and India has numerous spillover geopolitical and geostrategic repercussions for the region and beyond.

"New military partnership between two hegemonic countries is a wake-up call for Azerbaijan, Turkiye, and even Pakistan having a trilateral security dialogue. The three brotherly countries must engage in serious military strategic dialogue to counter the increasing military presence and interest of India in the South Caucasus," the expert added.

The pundit also touched upon the fraternal Azerbaijani-Pakistani relations. "It is good omen that military cooperation is getting momentum for the last two years between Pakistan and Azerbaijan. The military cooperation in terms of training, joint drills, military education, joint production and anti-terrorism and last but not least Air Force cooperation in JF Thunder17 are at advanced stage," the professor added.

And not only the relations between Azerbaijan and Pakistan, but also the inseparable fraternal bond between Turkiye and Azerbaijan and the project to create a fifth-generation Turkish fighter Kaan are of great importance.

Hopefully this proposed and prospective agreement will be formalized by a bilateral agreement, which is planned to be signed as part of the International Defense Industry Exhibition (IDEF-2023) taking place in Istanbul. Interestingly, Baku's participation in the project should be seen as an important step in the modernization of the Azerbaijani Air Force, equipped with Russian MiG-29 aircraft. The fifth-generation fighter Kaan has been created in Turkiye since 2017 as part of the National Combat Aircraft program. It is planned that it will make its first flight this year, and its mass production will begin in 2028. The Turkish authorities have previously stated that the Kaan will surpass the American F-35 in terms of tactical and technical characteristics and in the future will replace the F-16 fighters in service with the Republic's Air Force," the expert told.

Then expert also spoke about Iran's' double-standard policy towards Azerbaijan, and, of course, about their role in this matter.

Historically, Iran has been in good relations with India and Armenia since a long history. In this regard, illegally occupied areas of Azerbaijan's Karabak have been used by the Iranian people and the regime for smuggling to mitigate imposed socio-economic sanctions.

Interestingly after the successful peace agreement with regional power Saudi Arabia the policy makers of Iran are trying to spread their wings of cooperation, diplomatic ties, food and energy cooperation and last but not least create numerous socio-economic comfort zones in the region and beyond. Most recently, the Iranian president Raisi visited African continent and explored bilateral energy and diverse cooperation with many countries showing new urge in its government to form new alliances, search out new markets and reach out to new potential friends.

At the same time, while expressing his reaction to the processes, the Pakistani expert noted that Azerbaijan is an important strategic partner for Pakistan in every sense in the South Caucasus, and primarily a Muslim state.

"Pakistan has especial diplomatic ties with brotherly Azerbaijan which is genuine, great, permanent and progressive. We both share historic religious, culture and human ties since centuries. Right from the beginning, the successive governments of Pakistan and military establishment did not recognize Armenia and always stood with Azerbaijan in its all ticks and thins and ups and Downs in the past.

The journey of mutual trust, respect and love has been the real essence of our political engagements, economic cooperation and diplomatic ties between two countries," Khan said.

According to the expert, now Pakistan and Azerbaijan have established strategic partnership having signed PTA and moving towards FTA in the near future. The bilateral cooperation in energy sector especially in LNG and signing of functional agreement with SOCAR and IT companies has further strengthened scope, utility and importance of bilateral relations.

"Moreover, the Free Export of rice from Pakistan along with increasing agriculture cooperation all indicate further socio-economic integration between the two countries.

Simply, Pakistan-Azerbaijan military cooperation is getting momentum and has already jointly explored possibilities of greater, effective, instrumental and permanent military cooperation between the two sides," he concluded.

---

Follow Rena Murshud on Twitter: @RenaTagiyeva

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
28 July 2023 14:36 (UTC+04:00)

Russia company Food Team signed an agreement with partners from Azerbaijan on the supply of masago caviar and other fish products worth $200,000 (AZN 340.000), Azernews reports.

The contract was signed at the UzFood international exhibition on food held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
Mondo Yamamoto, acting deputy chief of mission at the Japanese Embassy in Seoul, arrives at the foreign ministry, July 28, after the ministry called him in to protest against Tokyo's renewed claim to South Korea's East Sea islets of Dokdo in an annual defense white paper released earlier in the day. Yonhap



South Korea issued a strong protest on Friday against Japan's renewed territorial claim to its easternmost islets of Dokdo in an annual defense white paper, calling for its immediate retraction.



Earlier in the day, Tokyo adopted the security document during a Cabinet session, renewing the claim to the pair of rocky outcroppings in the East Sea in the paper for the 19th consecutive year.



"The government of the Republic of Korea (ROK) strongly protests against the Japanese government's repeated inclusion of unjust sovereignty claims over Dokdo, which is clearly an integral part of the ROK territory historically, geographically and under international law," Lim Soo-suk, the spokesperson of the foreign ministry, said in a statement, using South Korea's official name.



"The ROK government urges the Japanese government to immediately withdraw such claims," he said, adding that the claims do not and will not have any impact on South Korea's sovereignty over Dokdo and that Seoul will respond "firmly" to any provocation over the islets.



"The Japanese government should be clearly aware that repeatedly making unjust claims to Dokdo is in no way conducive to the efforts to establish a future-oriented relationship between the ROK and Japan," he said.



The ministries of foreign affairs and national defense called in Mondo Yamamoto, acting deputy chief of mission at the Japanese Embassy in Seoul, and Kotaro Hyodo, a defense attache, to lodge a protest.



Tokyo's latest claim to the islets came as the Yoon Suk Yeol administration has made efforts to improve ties that have long been strained by historical and territorial feuds stemming from Japan's 1910-45 colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula.





Mondo Yamamoto (front), acting deputy chief of mission at the Japanese Embassy in Seoul, arrives at the foreign ministry, July 28, after the ministry called him in to protest against Tokyo's renewed claim to Korea's East Sea islets of Dokdo in an annual defense white paper released earlier in the day. Yonhap
28 July 2023 16:23 (UTC+04:00)

Azerbaijan and Israel have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in the field of audit and accounting. The MoU was signed by the Chairman of the Chamber of Auditors of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Vahid Novruzov, and the Head of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Israel (ICPAI), Chen Schreiber, Azernews reports.

The MoU is expected to contribute to the expansion of cooperation between the two countries, successful partnerships, joint activity, and the development of the audit profession as a whole for auditors and accountants of both countries.

The audit profession is regulated by the Auditors' Council and the Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Israel (ICPAI). The Auditors' Council is a branch of the Israeli Ministry of Justice established under the Auditors Law 5715-1955. The Auditors' Council's functions are to conduct examinations leading to receipt of an Auditor's License; supervise and control professional education and training and review; and respond to complaints regarding ethical and professional conduct.

ICPAI is a voluntary body of licensed Certified Public Accountants (CPAs), established in 1931, which sets auditing standards, develops ethical requirements for its members, promotes accountancy education and training, undertakes investigative and disciplinary procedures for its members, and advances the accountancy profession.

The Auditors Law and related Regulations cover matters concerning licensing, exams, and ongoing supervision of the profession in Israel. In accordance with this law, the achievement of an audit license may be undertaken through two different pathways: an academic (which 80% of candidates pursue) and a non-academic route.

The function of Investigation and Discipline (I&D) in Israel is addressed by both the Auditors' Council and the ICPAI. The Auditors Council addresses all complaints concerning breaches of professional misconduct or breaches of ethical requirements as stated in the Auditors Law and Regulations. In addition to the investigation and disciplinary system of the Auditors' Council, the ICPAI maintains its own Disciplinary Tribunal which has the authority to administer sanctions against members violating its rules.

The MoU between Azerbaijan and Israel is an important step in strengthening cooperation between the two countries in the field of audit and accounting. It is expected to lead to increased collaboration between the two countries and the development of the audit profession in both countries.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
28 July 2023 11:59 (UTC+04:00)

The 13th Gabala International Music Festival has solemnly opened, bringing together renowned musicians.

The large-scale event is organized by Heydar Aliyev Foundation and supported by the Azerbaijan Culture Ministry, Azernews reports.

The event started by reading out a letter to the festival participants by the First Vice-President of Azerbaijan, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva, who made an exceptional contribution to development and popularization of the musical culture in the country..

The letter says:

Dear festival participants!

Ladies and gentlemen!

I sincerely greet you, all the participants and guests of the 13th Gabala International Music Festival, wish the festival success and convey my heartfelt wishes to all of you.

Azerbaijan, which has contributed to the development of intercultural dialogue for centuries, has historically made efforts to enrich the culture and art of different nations and further strengthen the unity among peoples.

Internationally important events held in recent years in our country, which has a rich cultural and spiritual heritage, centuries-old traditions of tolerance and is located at the crossroads of civilizations, are further evidence that the fundamental principles of Azerbaijan are peace and humanism and bringing together representatives of all peoples regardless of their language, religion and ethnicity. A clear example of this are the recent Kharibulbul International Music Festival and the traditional International Mugham Festival  both held in the city of Shusha, the crown jewel of Karabakh, after the glorious Victory won in the Patriotic War on the instructions of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev. These friendship and music festivals bring together musicians from many countries around the world, contribute to the preservation of the rich traditions of our cultural heritage and open up extensive communication and cooperation opportunities for musicians representing different countries.

Projects that enhance the efficiency of cultural and spiritual integration are very valuable for us. In this regard, the Gabala International Music Festival, organized since 2009, is playing an immense role. The Gabala International Music Festival, which is eagerly awaited by anyone fond of classical music, also serves to discover new talents, exchange knowledge and research in this field. We value this festival as a great contribution to the expansion of intercultural dialogue and the further strengthening of friendly relations between peoples. I am sure that the 13th Gabala International Music Festival will remain in the memory of our guests as one of the significant pages in the history of Azerbaijani musical culture.

I wish everyone participating in the festival good health and all creative people boundless achievements.

Next, rector of the Baku Music Academy, People's Artist Farhad Badalbayli addressed the event.

The opening ceremony was followed by the concert program "Viva Opera".

The concert soloists, including People's Artists Dinara Aliyeva (soprano), Avaz Abdullayev (baritone), Samir Jafarov (tenor), Yusif Eyvazov (tenor) and Honored artist Sabina Asadova (mezzo-soprano) performed at the opening concert.

The soloists will be accompanied by the Azerbaijan State Symphony Orchestra under the baton of the Honored Artist Ayyub Guliyev.

This year's festival brought together world-famous musicians from Azerbaijan, Turkiye, UK, Estonia, Russia, Lithuania and Poland.

--

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
28 July 2023 17:17 (UTC+04:00)

Elnur Enveroglu Read more

Recently, the Armenian separatists and their supporters, who have not been able to achieve their goals in Karabakh, have started to become more active in social networks. A group of network hooligans, who started a slander campaign against Azerbaijan, even tried to spread unpleasant ideas between the Azerbaijani-Israeli society.

It should be noted that Azerbaijan is home to approximately 12,000 Jews and is one of the countries that cooperates most closely with the State of Israel in the diplomatic field.

Israeli activist Baruch Leviev spoke to AZERNEWS regarding to recent Armenian provocations on social network:

The topic is understandable. It's not the first time this has happened. This happens often, because the situation between Armenia and Azerbaijan is tense, and everyone knows about it, Leviev said.

He also called on other parties not to believe in such provocations and noted that Armenian separatists are currently very professional in creating provocations between the parties by touching on any delicate issues.

I want to draw attention to one issue that politicians should be careful about. They should not follow provocations in any delicate issues and especially should support in eliminating misunderstandings between the society," the expert said.

Commenting on the intention of Armenians to create discord in society, Baruk Leviev said that both Israeli and Azerbaijani societies are sufficiently intellectual and will never believe in such provocations.

Again, it is no secret that the majority of our Israeli citizens will support Azerbaijan. And I am sure of this, because, according to what they have seen and heard, the majority of Israelis will support the side of Azerbaijan in all directions and plans.

Of course, we have those who will support the Armenian side as well. We must not forget that we have Armenian regions in Israel, which are concentrated in Jerusalem. We have a democratic country, so everyone, within the framework of the law, can express whatever they want. But once again I repeat that the majority will be on the side of Azerbaijan. When there is violence, we are against it, regardless of which side it comes from. I clearly see how the Azerbaijani side and the Armenian side are working... The Azerbaijani side is working more diplomatically, moderately and correctly.

I think none of the parties should succumb to any provocations. It is beneficial for Armenians to provoke, it is beneficial for them to reprimand and cry to their friends in France and the USA, where the Armenian lobby is located. They love it all and they love doing it, he added.

---

Elnur Enveroglu is AzerNews deputy editor-in-chief, follow him on @ElnurMammadli1

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
28 July 2023 15:21 (UTC+04:00)

The community of West Azerbaijan calls on France to put an end to the double standards policy, Azernews reports.

The community of Western Azerbaijan condemns the biased statement of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs dated July 27, 2023 regarding the Lachin road and calls on France to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan and not to interfere in the internal affairs of our country.

The Community statement says:

"The Community calls on France to put an end to the policy of double standards, not to selectively interpret the norms and principles of international law, to call on Armenia to dialogue with the Community and to return Western Azerbaijanis to their native lands, in peace and tranquility."

Recall that yesterday the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry resolutely rejected the statement of the French ministry.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
28 July 2023 10:48 (UTC+04:00)

At the invitation of Prosecutor General Kamran Aliyev, a delegation led by the Acting Prosecutor General of the Republic of Moldova Ion Munteanu is on a business visit to our country, Azernews reports.

The delegation arrived at the Alley of Honourable Burial and laid a wreath at the tomb of Heydar Aliyev, the national leader of our nation, architect, and founder of the modern independent state of Azerbaijan, as well as visited the tomb of Zarifa Aliyeva, an outstanding ophthalmologist, academician.

The delegation also visited the Alley of Martyrs and honored the memory of children of the Motherland who fell in the struggle for independence and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan.

At the bilateral meeting held at the Prosecutor General's Office, Prosecutor General Kamran Aliyev said relations of friendship and cooperation between our countries are successfully developing in many directions.

The Prosecutor General informed his colleague about the reforms carried out in the direction of strengthening legality and ensuring lawfulness in our country in accordance with the strategic course implemented by President Ilham Aliyev and the priorities of the state policy.

Kamran Aliyev informed the guest about large-scale construction-restoration works carried out in Garabagh during the Patriotic War under the leadership of Supreme Commander-in-Chief Muzaffar Ilham Aliyev and the attention of First Vice President of our country Mehriban Aliyeva.

Expressing satisfaction with the cooperation with the Prosecutor's Office of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Acting Prosecutor General of Moldova Ion Munteanu expressed gratitude for high-level hospitality. Highlighting the positive dynamics of relations between the Prosecutor's Offices of Azerbaijan and Moldova, he spoke about the necessity and perspectives of developing these relations in the future.

Stating that the foundation of our modern relations between our countries was laid by national leader Heydar Aliyev, whose 100th anniversary is marked this year, Moldovan Prosecutor General Ion Munteanu said a number of events were held in his country on this occasion.

At the meeting, useful ideas on cooperation in the fight against crime were exchanged, and discussions were held on the efficiency of cooperation within international organizations.

Later, the chief prosecutors signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in order to strengthen the legal cooperation between our countries, further intensify the existing relations in the future, and deepen the legal relations.

The visit of the delegation led by Ion Munteanu to our country continues.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
28 July 2023 11:31 (UTC+04:00)

"The expulsion of Azerbaijanis from Armenia is not only a historical fact, but also the Armenian side, which purposefully changed thousands of Azerbaijani toponyms in the territory of Armenia, destroyed the traces of Azerbaijan on the territory of Armenia, destroyed historical monuments, and thereby attempted to Armenianize the historical lands of Azerbaijan, both during Soviet Armenia and since the 1990s. It is hypocritical for Azerbaijan to present its use of the term West Azerbaijan Community as a violation of international law." Azernews reports.

This was stated in the statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan regarding the baseless opinions expressed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan during an interview with the press on July 27.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
28 July 2023 16:44 (UTC+04:00)

Elshad Nuriyev, Chairman of the Board of the Economic Zone Development Agency (EZIA), informed about industrial zones and agro-parks operating in our country, available investment opportunities for entrepreneurs, applied tax and customs privileges, as well as presentation of industrial zones and agro-parks, Azernews reports, citing to EZIA.

It was noted that Azerbaijan has effective relations of mutual cooperation with certain regions of Russia, including the Republic of Tatarstan. Establishment of a joint service center called Auto Leasing Azerbaijan LLC with the Ganja Automobile Plant Production Association in the Industrial Park "Araz Valley Economic Zone" in Jabrail, one of the world's leading truck manufacturing companies, "KamAZ". " - an indication of this.

Representatives of companies from various industries of Tatarstan, who took part in the meeting, informed about the activities of the enterprises they represented and opportunities for co-operation.

In the end, the prospects of investing in industrial parks were discussed, opinions on issues of mutual interest were exchanged and questions were answered.

Further, the guests familiarised themselves with the work done in Sumgayit Chemical Industrial Park and the production processes at the cable and electrical equipment plants of STP LLC, a resident of the Industrial Park.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
28 July 2023 12:39 (UTC+04:00)

Azerbaijans President Ilham Aliyev has sent a congratulatory letter to Dina Ercilia Boluarte Zegarra, President of the Republic of Peru.

Dear madam President,

On behalf of myself and the people of Azerbaijan, I extend to You and your people my sincerest felicitations on the occasion of the national holiday of the Republic of Peru  Independence Day.

I believe that the relations between Azerbaijan and Peru will continue to develop from now on in the interests of both peoples, and our cooperation will expand within international institutions.

On this remarkable day, I wish You robust health, happiness, success in your activities, and friendly people of Peru  continuous peace and welfare.

Respectfully,

Ilham Aliyev

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Baku, 25 July 2023

--

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
28 July 2023 14:57 (UTC+04:00)

The Western Azerbaijan Community condemns the statements made by a number of Armenian officials about the return to West Azerbaijan in recent days, Azernews reports, citing the Community.

This once again clearly proves that Azerbaijanphobia reigns in Armenia.

Claims that Western Azerbaijanis are not subject to deportation and leave their ancestral lands after receiving compensation for their homes generally do not fit into any moral and ethical values.

It is unacceptable to consider the dialogue proposal of the Western Azerbaijan Community addressed to Armenia as a territorial claim.

The statements of the Armenian officials also show that Armenia is very worried about bringing the issue of return to West Azerbaijan to the international level recently.

In addition, what Armenian officials say about the "exceptionalism" of Armenians living in the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan is fundamentally against human rights. We would like to remind the government of Armenia of an elementary truth that according to Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, "All people are born free and equal in their dignity and rights."

Also, according to Article 13 of that Declaration, every person has the right to return to his country. Azerbaijanis forcibly expelled from Armenia will persistently continue their peaceful struggle to ensure their rights.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
28 July 2023 18:31 (UTC+04:00)

Ceyhun Bayramov received the newly appointed Ambassador of the Republic of Colombia to our country Luis Fernando Cuartas Ayala, Azernews reports.

It was noted that the Colombian ambassador handed Minister Ceyhun Bayramov a copy of his credentials. Minister Ceyhun Bayramov congratulated Luis Fernando Cuartas Ayala on his appointment as ambassador to Azerbaijan and wished him success in his future activities.

During the meeting, the sides highlighted the importance of bilateral relations, the implementation of the political consultation mechanism, the benefits of mutual visits, and the importance of expanding inter-parliamentary ties, as well as emphasized the importance of further strengthening cooperation in the fields of education and tourism.

During the meeting, Ceyhun Bayramov informed the other side in detail about Armenia's occupation of Azerbaijani territories for almost 30 years, illegal actions in these lands, ethnic cleansing policy, and Azerbaijan's peace efforts in the post-conflict period. At present, despite peace efforts in the region, it is stated that the process is hindered by Armenia's provocations.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
gettyimagesbank



By Jung Min-ho



The Ukrainian Embassy in Seoul apologized over a case of alleged assault involving one of its diplomats.



According to government sources on Friday, the embassy will send its first secretary back to Ukraine soon. The official was questioned by police on Tuesday for allegedly assaulting a bar employee and a police officer in the popular nightlife district of Itaewon in Seoul.



Police said they released the official soon afterward due to his diplomatic immunity.



"The embassy would like to express its sincere apology to the Korean public and anyone involved for any distress or inconvenience caused by the incident," the embassy said in a statement issued on Thursday night.



"As a responsible member of the diplomatic community in Seoul, the Embassy of Ukraine and its staff respect and strictly abide by the laws and regulations of the Republic of Korea."



The incident comes at a sensitive time for Ukraine, which has been making the utmost efforts to garner international support for its military forces in the war against Russian invaders.



Just two weeks ago, Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv, where he vowed to support the country during and after the conflict.




28 July 2023 20:00 (UTC+04:00)

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed a decree on dismissal of Dashgin Isgandarov from the post of Vice-President of the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR).

According to the decree, Isgandarov was dismissed from the post of SOCAR Vice-President.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
28 July 2023 09:00 (UTC+04:00)

Stations of the Tbilisi metro system will be renovated by an Australian-based company with 70 years of experience in the transport and energy sectors, with the effort set to run with financial support of the Asian Development Bank, Azernews reports, citing Agenda.

Giorgi Sharkov, the General Director of Tbilisi Transport Company, told local media on Wednesday the renovation would improve accessibility of stations.

He said the upgrades would affect exterior areas of the stops as well as its improvement, modification and adaptation of their internal infrastructure for individuals with disabilities.

The upgrades include installation of inclined and entrance elevators in the locations where possible, placement of information boards, updates to lighting and more.

The $16 million project was announced by Tbilisi mayor Kakha Kaladze last year, and includes renovation of above-ground infrastructure for 12 metro facilities in the city.

Stations of Grmagele, Nadzaladevi, Station Square, Marjanishvili, Rustaveli, Freedom Square, 300 Aragveli, Isani, Technical University, Delisi, Didube and Akhmeteli Theatre will benefit from the ADB-supported initiative.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
28 July 2023 20:05 (UTC+04:00)

Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani, the head of Nigers presidential guard, appeared on national television on Friday and declared himself the new leader of the country after a coup, Azernews reports, citing Anadolu Agency.

Tchiani said the coup was staged due to the deteriorating security situation in the West African country.

His statement came a day after Gen. Abdou Sidikou Issa, the Nigerian armed forces chief, endorsed the mutineers actions, saying he wanted to avoid a deadly confrontation between the various forces.

Earlier this week, a group of soldiers calling themselves the National Council for the Safeguarding of the Country (CNSP) delivered a statement on Nigerien state television shortly after detaining President Mohamed Bazoum, saying they took the step due to the deteriorating security situation and bad governance.

Bazoum was elected in 2021 in Nigers first democratic power transition since it gained independence from French colonial rule in 1960.

In a Twitter post, he said that democracy would prevail in the country and the people would protect their hard-won democratic gains.

The US, UN, EU, France and others have voiced support for Bazoum, calling for his immediate release.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
28 July 2023 20:40 (UTC+04:00)

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Friday began his one-day visit to the capital Budapest upon the invitation of his Hungarian counterpart Peter Szijjarto, Azernews reports, citing Anadolu Agency.

Ahead of his meeting with Szijjarto, Fidan first visited a World War I cemetery for Turkish martyrs at Galicia.

Signing the special book of martyrdom, Fidan said: "As part of my first bilateral visit to Hungary, I am honored to be in the presence of our martyrs on the Galician front. Today is the 109th anniversary of the start of World War I."

Fidan then visited the Representation Office of Organization of Turkic States in Budapest and addressed the Diplomacy Academy of the Hungarian Foreign Affairs and Trade Ministry.

Later in the day, Fidan and Szijjarto will discuss bilateral relations, and Turkiye's EU membership process, as well as current regional and international developments.

The ministers are also expected to hold a joint news conference.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
28 July 2023 21:35 (UTC+04:00)

The opinion about Africa's poverty reflects a universal delusion, in fact it is a rich continent, Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye told TASS, Azernews reports.

"I would never call Africa poor, this is a common delusion. On the contrary, it is a very rich continent," he said.

Ndayishimiye pointed out that since 2020, Burundi has entered the international and regional arena. The country's role in Africa has increased, and "the African Union has strengthened regional mechanisms to find development solutions." "Recently, the African Continental Free Trade Area was established. We also appreciate the role of sub-regional organizations in the region," he added.

The president noted that African states should also "contribute to the development of all humanity." He also stressed that regional organizations will continue to develop "as long as African countries are present in them." "For example, the East African Community (EAC) is in the process of becoming a political federation," Ndayishimiye pointed out.

According to the head of state, the creation of common markets and customs unions "will contribute to the unity of the African peoples." "This trade cooperation is aimed at expanding the African market. I am very hopeful that our vision will become a reality in the near future," he concluded.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
28 July 2023 22:05 (UTC+04:00)

Peter Fischer, the German Ambassador to Georgia, on Friday said members of the European Union must make it stronger, adding Georgia must be part of it, Azernews reports, citing Agenda.

In his remarks over the countrys European integration path, Fischer noted some progress had been made on the blocs conditions for granting the country the membership candidate status, and stressed more progress is needed.

The German diplomat also said his countrys Government supported the granting of candidate status to Georgia if the conditions are met.

He added the call to strengthen the EU was coming [i]n light of the challenges we all face together, adding [w]e will all be stronger together to move firmly towards a better future.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
28 July 2023 23:35 (UTC+04:00)

Special US Representative for Afghanistan, Thomas West, made a visit to Astana to participate in a special C5+1 session on Afghanistan, Azernews reports, citing Kabar.

Diplomats from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and the USA discussed several issues related to humanitarian assistance, human rights protection, international cooperation with Afghanistan, as well as security and counterterrorism measures.

Ambassador at Large of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, Talgat Kaliev, emphasized the importance of a unified and coordinated pragmatic approach to stabilizing the situation in Afghanistan.

The US special envoy held a meeting with Kazakhstan's First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Kayrat Umarov. During the meeting, the American side appreciated Kazakhstan's efforts in providing assistance to the Afghan people and noted measures taken to stabilize the social and economic situation.

Umarov highlighted that Kazakhstan supports the consolidation of international efforts to assist Afghanistan and find ways to address the complex humanitarian crisis.

In particular, attention was drawn to the initiative of Kazakhstan's President, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, regarding the establishment of the UN Regional Center for Sustainable Development in Almaty. This center aims to facilitate cooperation between Central Asian countries and Afghanistan in the fields of socio-economic and trade and investment development.

C5+1 is a regional diplomatic platform founded in 2015 for the interaction of five Central Asian countries (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan) with the USA in areas of mutual interest, including trade and economics.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
29 July 2023 00:28 (UTC+04:00)

The social media giant Meta has confirmed that it will end access to news on its social media sites for all Canadian users before Bill C-18, the Online News Act, comes into force.

The tech company made the announcement on Thursday, the same day the bill received royal assent. The law will force tech giants like Meta and Google to pay news outlets for posting their journalism on their platforms, Azernews reports, citing foreign media outlet.

Meta said it will begin to block news for Canadian users over the next few months and that the change will not be immediate.

"We have repeatedly shared that in order to comply with Bill C-18 ... content from news outlets, including news publishers and broadcasters, will no longer be available to people accessing our platforms in Canada," Meta said in a media statement.

Now that the bill has received royal assent, the Department of Canadian Heritage will draft regulations specifying the application of the act and provide guidance on implementing it. It should take six months for Bill C-18 to come into force.

"A free and independent press is fundamental to our democracy," Canadian Heritage Minister Pablo Rodriguez said in a statement. "It levels the playing field by putting the power of big tech in check and ensuring that even our smallest news business can benefit through this regime and receive fair compensation for their work."

In response to Meta's announcement that it would be banning news content for Canadian users, Rodriguez said in a different media statement that Meta currently has no obligations under the act and that the federal government will engage in a "regulatory and implementation process" following royal assent of Bill C-18.

"If the government can't stand up for Canadians against tech giants, who will?" Rodriguez said.

A spokesperson for the minister said his office had meetings with Facebook and Google this week.

"We look forward to further discussions with the platforms," they said.

Meta first threatened to end access to news content for Canadian users of Facebook and Instagram earlier this month, in response to the looming passage of Bill C-18.

The company said it was conducting tests on ending news access for a small percentage of Canadians. Between one and five per cent of the 24 million Canadians who use Facebook or Instagram were said to be affected.

Meta said this test is still ongoing.

"The changes affecting news content will not otherwise impact Meta's products and services in Canada," the company said.

On June 7, shortly after Meta announced it would conduct this product test, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said bullying tactics would not work with his government.

"The fact that these internet giants would rather cut off Canadians' access to local news than pay their fair share is a real problem, and now they're resorting to bullying tactics to try and get their way. It's not going to work," Trudeau said.

Google, which has said it is considering the same approach as Meta to blocking news, said in a media statement on Thursday that it is attempting to "avoid an outcome no one wants."

"Every step of the way, we've proposed thoughtful and pragmatic solutions that would have improved the bill and cleared the path for us to increase our already significant investments in the Canadian news ecosystem," Google said.

"So far, none of our concerns have been addressed. Bill C-18 is about to become law and remains unworkable."

The company said it is "continuing to urgently seek to work" with the government to find a "path forward."

C-18 meant to lead to 'fair commercial deals': Ottawa

The federal government introduced Bill C-18 in April 2022 with the goal of forcing digital giants, such as Meta and Google, to compensate news publishers for the use of their content.

It is meant to address the "imbalance" between tech platforms and Canadian news publications, allowing them to make "fair commercial deals" without the need for government intervention, the federal government said.

Rodriguez said the amount of money each publisher receives from these digital giants will be decided by negotiations; there is no preset formula.

If no voluntary arrangement is reached, news businesses can initiate a mandatory bargaining process and go to a Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) arbitration panel for a binding decision.

In a media statement, the CRTC, which is tasked with overseeing the Online News Act, said it will soon share its plan for implementation and "set up the framework for mandatory bargaining between these parties."

After reaching the Senate, C-18 received amendments and was sent back to the House. These amendments were an attempt to quell the growing opposition from media companies that say requiring payment for posting links is unfair.

Rodriguez accepted 10 of the Senate's 12 amendments and rejected two that he said would have materially changed the legislation's intent.

Bill meant to support news industry, government says

Bill C-18 was pitched as a way to support an industry that has seen a steady decline since the emergence of the internet.

According to the government, more than 470 media outlets in Canada have closed since 2008, and at least one-third of Canadian journalism jobs have disappeared over that same time period.

The compensation that news publishers extract from these digital giants is meant to be used, in large part, to fund the creation of new content to protect the "sustainability of the Canadian news ecosystem," the government said.

Bill C-18 is modelled after a similar law in Australia, the country that first forced digital companies to pay for the use of news content.

According to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, more than $190 million has been paid already to Australian media companies since the law was enacted last year. The big winners have been legacy media and larger media outlets.

Tech companies strenuously opposed Australia's efforts to make them pay for news.

Google threatened to shut down access to the search engine in that country if the bill went ahead as planned. The company ultimately relented and cut deals with a number of news outlets to avoid a binding arbitration process.

Meta, known as Facebook at the time, ended up temporarily blocking Australians from sharing news stories on its platforms. The Australian government and the tech company ended up striking a deal and the news ban was lifted.

"Facebook made the same threat. They left Australia for a week, then they came back," Rodriguez told media.

"We'll see what they do. We cannot base our decision as a government on threats from a company."

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
Bahrain has officially summoned Sweden's charge d'affaires in Manama over the growing controversy involving the Quran burning incidents in Sweden.

The move signifies a broader Middle Eastern reaction to the reported incidents.

Egypt had earlier expressed its "extreme concern" over the protests and had requested upon the Swedish government to ensure the safety of the Muslim community in Sweden.

This move mirrors the concern of many Muslims, who consider the Quran protests as an act of disrespect toward Islam and hate speech.



Bahrain's Foreign Ministry has echoed these thoughts in their request of Sweden's charge d'affaires. "Bahrain strongly condemns any act that offends religious symbols or beliefs, or could lead to hatred and sectarian tension," said the ministry.



The Kingdom of Bahrain added that it is urging Sweden to take immediate steps to prevent such incidents from recurring and to take firm action against those involved. The Foreign Ministry emphasized that such incidents create a divide among the global community, leading to unnecessary tension.



The Quran protests in Sweden have ignited the struggle between the principles of freedom of speech and the need to respect religious beliefs. The protests have been criticized by Muslim communities around the world.

Many countries like Saudi Arabia, Jorden, and Iraq have also summoned their envoy. The Swedish Foreign Ministry has yet to publicly respond to the summoning of its diplomatic representatives by either Bahrain or Egypt.

Their response will likely play a critical role in shaping Sweden's diplomatic ties with not only these two nations but potentially other Muslim-majority countries as well.



The crisis prompts a larger global question of how countries can manage issues of religious tolerance and freedom of expression in an increasingly diverse and interconnected world.
Bakersfield, CA (93308)

Today

Some clouds this morning will give way to generally sunny skies for the afternoon. High around 95F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

A few passing clouds, otherwise generally clear. Low 72F. Winds N at 10 to 15 mph.
Gabriel Menotti of Canada gives a presentation during an event to mark the beginning of the "The Blind Watchmaker" artistic project at the Youth Art Administration in Seoul's Chungjeongno area, July 16. Courtesy of Bereket Alemayehu





By Bereket Alemayehu







"The Blind Watchmaker" artistic project began with a thought-provoking hybrid event that merged the realms of digital art, science and philosophy at the Youth Art Administration in central Seoul's Chungjeongno, July 16. The collaborative project involving Korean and Canadian artists and scientists revolved around the enigmatic concept of time, exploring its depth, significance and subjectivity, applying AI, digital art, astrophysics and sound effects.







From left, Jeong Man-keun, Sojung Bahng, Gabriel Menotti and Shin Je-hyun participate in a roundtable discussion during an event to mark the beginning of the "The Blind Watchmaker" artistic project at the Youth Art Administration in Seoul's Chungjeongno area, July 16. Courtesy of Bereket Alemayehu





For Korean multidisciplinary artist Shin Je-hyun, time has been the central interest of his creativity since 2013. He has been asking why we did ended up living with a unified time system around the world. "Some may wonder what this means in a world where clocks, calendars and time differences are clear, but in fact, there is a history of time that we do not know well," he said.







He tracked the philosophy and concept of time before colonialism, exploring the concept that has been taken for granted by many. He explained that in the late 16th century, the British Empire used the Meridian or Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) that passed through the Greenwich Observatory in its territory, which was eventually designated by the International Meridian Conference in 1884, and forced less powerful countries to follow it.



"I have to think about a better time for me," he said. "We live in an urban society too time-bound, which can become obsessive and lead to mental illness. Looking at cosmic time, AI time, small grass time and star time, many scientists say that time is not finite, fixed or flowing. We must now be more free from time."







Sojung Bahng, a multidisciplinary artist, filmmaker, researcher and assistant professor in media and performance production at Queen's University in Canada, introduced her "{[Digital Flesh 1: Scar in Data]}."? The multimedia art project combines live cinema and experimental sound with installations, printmaking and augmented reality, to investigate how representations of our bodies and physical sensory information can be de- or rematerialized through digital audiovisual media. She spoke at the event about how she used time-based media as a reflexive device by using the generative, interactive and immersive elements of digital media.







Sojung Bahng performs during an event to mark the beginning of the "The Blind Watchmaker" artistic project at the Youth Art Administration in Seoul's Chungjeongno area, July 16. Courtesy of Bereket Alemayehu





She gave a performance wearing hanbok titled "Digital Flesh: Embodying Korean-ish De/re-materialise my digital flesh as a Korean woman in the context of Canadian society," an interesting piece of performance in which audience members participated joyfully.







Bahng explores cinematic media via digital technologies to reflect aesthetic and narrative experiences in cultural and philosophical contexts. Her award-winning, reflexive cinematic VR works and multimedia installation and performance series have been shown at prestigious festivals and symposiums worldwide, including FIVARS in Toronto, TSFM in Torino, TIAF in Tbilisi, ANIMAZE in Montreal, SIMA in Los Angeles, Heide Museum in Melbourne, ICLC in Barcelona, ICMC in New York and ISEA in Dubai.







Canadian Mike Lukaszuk, an experimental music composer and sound artist based in Canada, collaborated with Bahng on interactive audio-visual tools.







"This work is part of an ongoing interest of mine in which I like to explore artificial?intelligence, not only as a hidden/mysterious technical feature that produces elaborate sounds/images with little interaction, but instead as something at the foreground of the artwork/acting as subject matter," he said.







Much of his creative and scholarly output explores the idea of generativity through the use of improvisation with digital devices, musical AI and sound spatialization. His work has been played and presented across Canada and the U.S., in addition to appearing at festivals in Poland, the Netherlands, Korea, France, the U.K., China, Australia and Romania, and he has received awards from arts and research organizations such as Canada's SOCAN Foundation and Mitacs.







During the event, Jeong Mankeun, an astrophysicist Ph.D. course student at Seoul National University, gave a lecture on experiencing time in the sea of data, based on his exhibition artworks titled "As I become lighter, time flows slower." He emphasized his concern about information consumption, that as computational processes become more advanced, the processes of interpretation and reasoning are blocked, turning the algorithm into a black box.



As modern humans struggle to keep up with the amount of information demanded by society, he said, they become increasingly dependent on such black box, eventually at risk of becoming machine-like beings that operate only on given inputs. In that sense, as machines become more human-like, humans have unwittingly become more machine-like. He asked whether modern humans will also experience time like machines.







Canadian Gabriel Menotti, one of the exhibitor artists who came to Korea to join the project, displayed a series of 3D-printed figures of famous landmarks from different places in the world, including a 3D model of central Seoul's iconic N Seoul Tower. "I believe the main idea of my presentation is that time-based artforms  such as film, video, new media  remind us that objects are alive," he said. "Artworks participate in history, and history leaves its marks in the artworks. What we normally see as deterioration can be also seen as a slow process of transformation and change."







Gabriel Menotti of Canada presents a 3D model of central Seoul's N Seoul Tower during an event to mark the beginning of the "The Blind Watchmaker" artistic project at the Youth Art Administration in Seoul's Chungjeongno area, July 16. Courtesy of Bereket Alemayehu





From left, Jeong Man-keun, Gabriel Menotti, Sojung Bahng, Shin Je-hyun and Kim Mango pose together after an event to mark the beginning of the "The Blind Watchmaker" artistic project at the Youth Art Administration in Seoul's Chungjeongno area, July 16. Courtesy of Bereket Alemayehu













Bereket Alemayehu is an Ethiopian photo artist, social activist and writer based in Seoul. He's also a co-founder for a social initiative called Hanokers and freelance contributor for Pressenza Press Agency. Visit? photopatternist.com ?for more information.
Bakersfield, CA (93308)

Today

Sun and a few passing clouds. High 96F. 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.
Police investigators examine an underground roadway in the town of Osong, North Chungcheong Province, July 20. Yonhap



Multiple warnings went unheeded ahead of a deadly underpass flooding that claimed the lives of 14 people earlier this month, the government said Friday, as a total of 36 local government and fire officials have been referred for investigation.



The underground roadway in the central city of Cheongju, 112 kilometers southeast of Seoul, was flooded on July 15 after an embankment was brought down by the rising water level amid torrential downpours, submerging several vehicles, including a bus.



The Office for Government Policy Coordination, under the Prime Minister's Office, conducted an inspection to determine the causes behind the tragic flooding and detected criminal suspicions involving a total of 36 people.



"It was the result of numerous agencies failing to recognize the seriousness of the situation and respond actively, despite receiving several warnings, such as reports," Government Policy Coordination Minister Bang Moon-kyu told a press briefing.





Government Policy Coordination Minister Bang Moon-kyu, right, speaks at a press briefing at the government complex in Seoul, July 28. Yonhap
Use a pen to mark selections on a paper ballot, check their selections, and insert their ballot into a tabulator (i.e., ballot scanner) at their voting site.

Make selections using a touch-screen ballot-marking device, called the ExpressVote, which prints out a completed paper ballot that the voter double-checks and inserts into a tabulator.

Upon securing any contracts, ES&S must post a bond or letter of credit to cover damages resulting from defects in the voting system. The State Board has set this amount as $17.02 million, or the cost of a new statewide election.

ES&S must place in an escrow account the source code for software of the system relevant to functionality, setup, configuration, and operation of the voting system.

Each county board of elections interested in the new system must witness a demonstration of the system and at least one other system.

Each county board interested in the new system must test the system in at least one precinct in a live election or through simulated election procedures established by the State Board.

The county board must recommend procurement of the new system to the board of county commissioners. The county commissioners must sign off on the purchase of the voting system.

Anita Bullock Branch

Deputy Director

Beaufort County Board of Elections

1308 Highland Drive, Suite 104 / PO Box 1016

Washington, NC 27889

Ph: 252.946.2321

252.946.2321 Fax: 252.974.2962

The State Board of Elections on Thursday voted unanimously to approve a new voting system from Elections Systems & Software (ES&S) for use in North Carolina elections.The EVS 6.3.0.0 system now is one of several state-certified voting systems, which counties can choose from in determining the best system of casting and counting ballots for their voters.[Full video of Thursday's State Board meeting and meeting documents are available on the meeting website .]The new system includes an upgrade to the Microsoft Windows 10 operating system, increased memory capacity, the new DS300 polling place scanner/tabulator, the new DS950 high-speed scanner/tabulator, and new reporting and ballot design modules, among other features.said Karen Brinson Bell, executive director of the State Board of Elections.Voters using this system will cast paper ballots in one of two ways:Voters' selections are recorded on a memory card in the tabulator for later counting.Almost all N.C. voters use paper ballots, providing a paper trail of all votes cast that can be audited or recounted by elections officials. (Note: Military and overseas voters, as well as visually impaired voters, may request, access, and return an absentee ballot using an online portal maintained by the State Board.)The State Board determined Thursday that EVS 6.3.0.0 meets all criteria defined in North Carolina's Elections Systems Certification Program (PDF). The system also meets federal standards established by the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC). As part of the certification process, Pro Verification & Validation (Pro V&V), an independent test lab accredited by the EAC to examine voting systems, conducted a procedural and technical evaluation of EVS 6.3.0.0 and found that it meets the requirements for voting systems in North Carolina. [ Read the Pro V&V Test Report for EVS 6.3.0.0 Voting System ES&S will be notified of the certification of the system, and the following steps must be taken before the system can be used in North Carolina:For more information on voting systems used in North Carolina, see Voting Equipment For more information on election security, see Election Security For a quick overview of election security in NC, see 10 Facts About Election Security in North Carolina
As illegal alien "asylum seeker" migrants welfare bill hit a staggering 15.4 Billion euros a year to the German taxpayers, doubling since 2010, the traditional conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU), formerly led by Angela Merkel, but now led by the more conservative Friedrich Merz, has called for imposing work requirements of migrants receiving welfare. This follows by a week the CDU calling for migrants to no longer be able to claim asylum on arriving at the German border.

https://rmx.news/germany/germany-cost-of-foreign-welfare-payments-soars-to-e15-4-billion-a-year-as-foreign-recipients-double-since-2010/

https://rmx.news/germany/cdu-politicians-call-for-compulsory-work-for-asylum-seekers-or-risk-having-their-benefits-revoked/

This comes as the populist / nationalist anti-immigration Alternativ fur Deutschland (AfD) continues to surge in the polls and in local elections. There have also been calls by party officials for the CDU to be open to working with the AfD to form coalitions, which would be a reversal of Merkel's policy.
Chloe Cole spent her 19th birthday testifying to Congress how radical gender ideology wrecked her body and her life, after doctors led her astray and tricked her parents into approval of drugs and surgery to try to make her a boy. She is now back to what she always has been, a female, but with permanent damage to her health and body. Miss Cole urged Congress to ban these barbaric practices on children. There is a video of her testimony in this link:

https://www.breitbart.com/health/2023/07/28/watch-detransitioner-chloe-cole-explain-transgenderism/

https://redstate.com/bobhoge/2023/07/28/detransitioner-chloe-cole-stuns-congress-this-is-one-of-biggest-medical-scandals-in-u-s-history-n783468

And here is a Canadian boy who had the surgery and now has asked for doctor assisted suicide because the new vagina the doctors created is so painful, saying death is preferable to the pain:

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12349523/Trans-indigenous-Canadian-slams-doctors-denying-euthanasia-request-saying-death-free-agony-surgically-built-vagina.html
In March, Marietta, Ga.-based Wellstar Health System and Augusta (Ga.) University Health System signed a 40-year partnership agreement in which Wellstar agreed to provide $800 million to the university over 10 years, with part of the funding going toward a new ASC.

Now, the Georgia Office of the Attorney General has issued approval for Wellstar to take over the whole Augusta University system, according to a July 28 report from the Atlanta Business Chronicle.

The deal still requires approval from the federal government, but if it goes through, Wellstar will pick up over 800 beds.

It would gain control of Augusta's 632-bed medical center and all other health-related assets in the county.
Oroville (Calif.) Hospital, which has faced questions over whether it can pay for a $178 million expansion project, is pushing ahead with the final stages of the project, which is facing further delays.

The new five-story tower, first approved in June 2019, is now expected to be completed over the end of this year and into the 2024 period, the hospital said in an investor presentation. Contractors are predicting a later date than that, the hospital added.

Almost $157 million of the budget has so far been spent on the project, which will see bed capacity raised to 211 from the current 133, according to the hospital's website.

The project updates come as the hospital reported it only has 14 days of cash on hand as of the second quarter of 2023, down from 53 in the corresponding period last year.

Modern-Sundt, the general contractor for the project, has previously voiced concerns the hospital won't be able to fully pay for the project under the current budget limits.
Florida is requiring all state employees to undergo cybersecurity training through the CyberSecureFlorida Training Initiative, according to a July 27 report from FOX 13 News.

The statewide effort comes as a result of several recent data breaches, specifically breaches at Hillsborough County and Tampa Bay-based John's Hopkins All Children's Hospital involving the MOVEit file transfer tool and HCA Florida Healthcare hospitals.

The one-day training course consists of presentations from cyber experts discussing the importance of cybersecurity and how criminals take advantage of vulnerabilities in networks. Additionally, it outlines the ways it affects government systems, financial institutions, healthcare facilities and other components of Florida's infrastructure.
Walgreens Boots Alliance has named Manmohan Mahajan its new interim global chief financial officer, as its current executive vice president and global chief financial officer, James Kehoe, is set to leave the company in August.

Mr. Mahajan has been a part of Walgreens Boots Alliance since 2016 and has held positions in various global senior roles in finance, including vice president, assistant global controller, according to a July 27 news release from the company.

The company is currently looking for a global chief financial officer to replace Mr. Kehoe.

The leadership changes also affect the role of interim global controller, which Mr. Mahajan once held. This position will now be filled by Todd Heckman, who currently serves as vice president, assistant controller.
Downers Grove, Ill.- and Milwaukee-based Advocate Aurora Health, now part of the combined Advocate Health after merging with Charlotte, N.C.-based Atrium Health, saw various ratings affirmed at "AA" by Fitch July 21.

The ratings refer both to the system's internal default rating and to a series of bonds. The outlook is stable.

The merged entity strengthens what was already a robust Advocate Aurora system, Fitch said.

"AAH's 'AA' IDR considers a very strong financial profile in the context of an already sound market position and geographic reach that is enhanced by the recent combination with Atrium and formation of Advocate Health," according to the research note.

The combined 67-hospital system, which has annual revenues of about $28 billion, is expected to show further profitability after recording a positive operating margin in the first quarter, Fitch added.
Lebanon, N.H.-based Dartmouth Health has dropped Cheshire Medical Center from its obligated group as the hospital continues to report approximately $2 million losses per month, according to a July 27 The Keene Sentinel report.

The move won't affect the hospital's affiliation with Dartmouth Health, a six-hospital system, nor will it affect patient care, Keene, N.H.-based Cheshire Medical spokesperson Matthew Barone told the Sentinel.

"Removal of Cheshire from the obligated group is a temporary financial action and doesn't impact its standing or the financial support from the Dartmouth Health system," Mr. Barone wrote in an email.

Cheshire Medical was losing about $3 million a month until recently, but that had dropped to just under $2 million, according to now-retired CEO Don Caruso, MD, the report said.




The number of foreign visitors to Korea soared more than four times in June from a year earlier to hit a new monthly high since the COVID-19 pandemic broke out, data showed Friday.







In June, around 961,000 foreign nationals came to Korea, up 321.9 percent on-year, according to the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO).







The number is the largest monthly figure since the COVID-19 pandemic began and represents 65 percent of the corresponding figure posted in June 2019.







In the first half, around 4.4 million foreign travelers visited the country, accounting for 52.5 percent of the pre-pandemic level.







By country, 197,000 Japanese people visited Korea last month, up 3,256 percent from a year ago.







Some 168,000 came from China, up 1,219 percent, and 121,000 came from the United States, up 119 percent.







The number of Taiwanese visitors shot up nearly 10,000 percent on-year to 97,000.







The number of inbound travelers from Europe and the Americas recovered to 95 percent of the pre-pandemic level, the KTO added.







Meanwhile, 9.9 million Koreans traveled abroad last month, up 66 percent from a year earlier. (Yonhap)


A Washington physician had her license permanently revoked after she was found to have contributed to two patient deaths and was negligent in a third case, the Columbia Basin Herald reported July 27.

The charges filed by the Washington Department of Health in the July 18 order to revoke the license of Irene Kimura, MD, said she prescribed medications without properly reviewing patient records or adequately examining the two patients, contributing to their deaths, and borrowed money from a patient without paying it back before he died.

She also is charged with inadequately supervising a third patient who showed signs of misusing the medications.

Both patients who died showed signs of abusing medications, including opioids. The first patient died after she treated him for two months in 2017. The cause of death was not reported.

She also treated a patient between 2013 and 2022. In 2013, Dr. Kimura borrowed roughly $25,000 from him and agreed to pay it back in either cash or samples of a drug. She did not pay back the whole amount before his death. He died in May 2022, the report said.

The third patient, wife to the first one, was treated by Dr. Kimura from 2017 to 2020. She showed signs of mental health disorders and substance abuse, but Dr. Kimura did not properly treat her for these conditions or make an effort to contact other physicians treating her, according to the report.
The Federal Trade Commission's proposed merger guidelines could complicate Pittsburgh-based UPMC's merger with Washington (Pa.) Health System, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported July 28.

UPMC signed a letter of intent to merge with Washington Health System in June. The FTC's proposed guidelines aim to determine how a merger affects competition and evaluate proposed mergers. The agency is accepting comments on the new guidelines until Sept. 18.

"The Biden administration has been very vocal in saying they're going to be very aggressive in the number of challenges and in trying novel theories of potential harm," Lauren Norris Donahue, partner and antitrust attorney in the Chicago office of K&L Gates, told the Post-Gazette. "It's across all industries, but health care has been a focus of the Biden administration for enforcement actions."

The financial terms of the UPMC and Washington Health System merger were not disclosed.
Congress has passed a bill that would break up the monopoly contract used to run the nation's organ transplant system. The bill now heads to President Joe Biden's desk, who is expected to sign it, The Washington Post reported July 28.

The United Network for Organ Sharing has held the federal contract to manage the nation's transplant system since 1986. On July 28, the Senate unanimously voted on a bill that would, in effect, break up the monopoly contract and allow other groups to bid on contracts to manage the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network. The House approved the same measure a few days earlier.

If the legislation is signed, UNOS' oversight would largely be broken up, with new contractors taking over responsibilities such as setting policy and operating the system's complex technology.

UNOS is a nonprofit organization that has come under fire over the years for outdated software and poor oversight that has led to underuse of procured organs. While a record-breaking number of transplants were performed last year, reports have indicated many more could have been performed if the system ran more smoothly.

In a statement shared with the Post, UNOS did not oppose the legislation and said it is "committed to modernizing and reforming the nation's organ donation and transplant system and working with Congress to achieve measurable results for patients."
A series of missteps led to a nurse inadvertently administering the wrong medication to a patient last summer at CHI Saint Joseph Health Main in Lexington, Ky. The medication mix-up ultimately led to the patient's death, according to an investigation by NBC affiliate LEX 18.

According to the report, which is based on a coroner's report and documents from the Kentucky Board of Nursing, an 81-year-old man with a gastrointestinal bleed was transferred to the hospital last June. A physician had ordered the patient be given colonoscopy prep called GoLytely, but a nurse inadvertently administered a dialysis liquid called Naturalyte.

Kelly Jenkins, executive director of the state's nursing board, told LEX 18 there were "multiple process failures" that led to the medication mixup and that the nurse involved was not disciplined because of missteps unrelated to her role. The Kentucky Board of Pharmacy is also investigating the incident.

According to a letter the nurse's attorney wrote to the nursing board, the nurse called the hospital's pharmacy to let them know that the barcode on the dialysis liquid  which she thought to be colonoscopy prep  would not scan. Instead of sending a new medication, the pharmacy sent a label to the intensive care unit floor via the tube system. According to the attorney's letter cited by LEX 18, the nurse then administered Naturalyte.

A timeline in the nursing board's file says the patient was "unable to tolerate" the liquid. The mix-up was caught around midnight and the patient died the following morning, with a coroner's report stating the patient died from "complications of inadvertent administration (Naturalyte) in the setting of gastrointestinal hemorrhage."

At the time of the incident, the nurse had been caring for three ICU patients, the attorney's letter said.

CHI Saint Joseph Health told the news outlet it "honors the privacy of its patients and does not release information regarding their care and treatment. Additionally in agreement with the family of the patient you referenced, CHI Saint Joseph Health will not disclose or otherwise make a comment in response to your request."
Officials declined to take live questions at the end of a July 27 webinar that presented an overview of an audit of the shuttered Stone Academy nursing program, the Journal Inquirer reported.

The webinar was attended by 150 and at least 17 former students and reviewed findings released July 18 including that of the 102,471 hours reported on Stone Academy student transcripts 77,858 were invalid  which will force many of the former students to retake courses and re-do clinicals.

"I see many hands raised. However, we are going to take all those questions written in an email form and not answer those individual questions this morning," Timothy Larson, executive director of the Office of Higher Education said during the meeting, according to the Journal Inquirer.

While their tuition will be reimbursed and resources have been shared with the students regarding where to transfer or how to move forward, many students still have questions, the outlet reported.

"I have spoken to hundreds of members of this class and the stories are really heartbreaking," David Slossberg, an attorney for several former Stone Academy students told NBC affiliate WVIT. "You're talking about folks who were just about to graduate or expecting to graduate within weeks or months and sacrifice so much in money and time juggling family work obligations to get this LPN degree but really to advance their career, and they've been in limbo."

The school is being sued by several students as well as the state's attorney general.

Mr. Larson ended the meeting with remarks to students about the importance of prioritizing quality education for all future nurses across the state.

"I believe that this demonstrates the amount of effort and time and concern the state of Connecticut has put into trying to put information out to students, so you can make an adult and informed decision on your future career," Mr. Larson said according to the Journal Inquirer. "There's no doubt that the state of Connecticut needs you in this profession."
A 33-year-old quadriplegic patient was allegedly dumped out of a wheelchair outside of Phoenix-based Valleywise Health's Maryvale campus without receiving treatment on June 14, Fox 10 Phoenix reported July 27.

The patient was taken to the hospital by an ambulance due to "issues with his catheter."

"A doctor came," the patient told Fox Phoenix. "They looked at me, they wrote down my name, they wrote down all my information. They gave me a shot, and then they said 'alright come on. Let's go. Let's get out of here.'"

He said he was waiting when three security guards approached and asked him for his information. He said he was unable to provide it because he suffers from a brain injury, and he was in a lot of pain and felt dizzy. The security guards then allegedly pushed his wheelchair outside and left him on the ground in a park in the summer heat, according to the report.

A homeless man living in the park saw the patient and allowed him to use his phone to call his mother. She allegedly found him laying half-naked on the ground and called 911 to have paramedics take him to another hospital. The patient suffered severe swelling and blistering from ants, according to the report. He was admitted for six days and underwent surgery for his original catheter issue.

Phoenix police are investigating the alleged incident. According to police paperwork obtained by the news outlet, hospital staff claimed the patient "refused treatment, got into a non-motorized wheelchair and left the hospital alone."

The paperwork stated that the wheelchair had a safety lever on the back that had to be deactivated by the person pushing the chair and that "the probability of the patient operating the wheelchair alone was highly unlikely," not including the fact that he is quadriplegic. The report also indicated the chair was nowhere to be seen when the mother or paramedics arrived, suggesting it was brought back into the hospital.

The police said they will turn their finished reports over to the Arizona attorney general for review and they notified adult protective services and the Arizona Department of Health.

In a statement, officials at Valleywise said:

"While we cannot discuss individual patient cases due to patient privacy rules (HIPAA), Valleywise Health remains committed to providing exceptional care, every patient, every time. In the event an issue arises that's not in line with our mission, we take steps to improve outcomes for all patients and modify any policies or procedures to ensure safe and top quality care."
Up to 450,000 people in the U.S. may have alpha-gal syndrome, a meat allergy linked to tick bites many physicians have never heard of, according to new findings from the CDC.

Symptoms of the condition vary from person to person, ranging from hives and nausea to anaphylactic shock. The syndrome is named after the sugar molecule galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose, which is found in most mammalian meat. Lone star ticks are believed to be the cause: When a person is bit by a tick and the sugar is transmitted, their immune system can label it as a threat, causing it to overreact when they eat meat, experts told The New York Times.

A CDC study published July 28 estimates up to 450,000 people could have the syndrome. It is a crude estimate, researchers said, given the absence of a national surveillance system. The study was based on a review of antibody test results.

A second study published the same day was based on a survey of 1,500 physicians, physician assistants and nurse practitioners. Findings showed 42 percent had never heard of the syndrome and 35 percent were not confident in their ability to diagnose or manage patients with alpha-gal syndrome.

This speaks to the experience of one physician who has diagnosed hundreds of alpha-gal syndrome cases.

"This is a story that every patient of mine tells me, that 'I had to go to five physicians before they could tell me what it was," Maya Jerath, MD, PhD, an allergist and immunologist at Washington University in St. Louis, told the Times. "It's nice to have numbers behind it, and it's definitely a call to action."
Sean OCaseys Dublin Trilogy on the hardships in Ireland during the era of the Easter Rising comes to Belfast next month

Aaron Monaghan and Anna Healy in The Plough and the Stars as part of DruidO'Casey (Credit: Ros Kavanagh)

Anna Healy and Marty Rea in The Plough and the Stars as part of DruidO'Casey (Credit: Ros Kavanagh)

Northern Ireland audiences will experience The Plough and the Stars, The Shadow of a Gunman, and Juno and the Paycock like never before next month at DruidOCasey which is set to show at the Lyric Theatre on August 5-19.

Born in Dublin in 1880, playwright Sean OCasey bore witness to life in Ireland during the era of the Easter Rising and the Irish Civil War.

He dramatised his experiences in his well-known Dublin Trilogy, featuring the three aforementioned plays.

One century on, and Galway-based theatre company, Druid, have woven the three plays into one theatrical event: DruidOCasey.

Derry actress Anna Healy (59) plays several roles in DruidOCasey, a production that will resonate with audiences here on many levels, she says: This is a very exciting epic project. I think its going to make people laugh and cry and youll get it.

Youre going to get the story as never before because youre getting it, the whole saga, as a piece.

You can choose to see it all  three in a day  and just steep yourself in the world of that very rich piece of Irish history.

You can see it three in the week, or you could just pick one out if you want to.

I think the plays run the gamut of human emotion and experience and the characters are so rich, and its a classic Irish thing of making a tragic thing funny, so that we can digest it and live through it too.

I think particularly Belfast audiences will appreciate these plays because weve had our own endeavours to make normal life with a backdrop of huge and sad tragic events of the Troubles and heavy political unrest.

Anna stars as a Dublin tenement dweller called Mrs Henderson in The Shadow of a Gunman, which centres on the mistaken identity of a building tenant who is thought by others to be an IRA assassin on the run.

Anna Healy in The Shadow of a Gunman as part of DruidO'Casey (Credit: Ros Kavanagh)

In the third play, Juno and the Paycock, Im more or less rockin a shawl and Im playing various neighbours and coal vendors and all sorts of things, says Anna, who is also acting as prostitute Rosie Redmond in The Plough and the Stars.

Rosie is quite often  always as far as I know  played by a woman, probably the oldest would be, in her thirties.

I had a chance in my thirties to play her and it slipped away from me. I was very close to doing it and that didnt happen, in a big production. Ive always wanted to play her because I love her sort of, you know, her endeavour. Shes quite a beautiful character.

We sat and chatted about it and I said I dont see any reason why I couldnt play her at 60, because thats the truth. Sex workers are not little sexy 20/30-year-olds in nice stockings. How sad would it be to see an older woman still trying to make ends meet? And Garry [director Garry Hynes] had a lot of vision for it and weve worked together and shes allowed me to do it.

Read more Joe McFadden opens up about the end of Holby City and Belfast audiences ahead of The Rocky Horror Show

In the second act, audiences learn about Rosies experience of trying to make a living during a period of conflict and uncertainty.

Shes trying to turn a trick to make her rent for the week, and shes on a losing docket because the last act has just ended with the Irish Regiment marching off to the Somme to the First World War, Anna says.

The men that are left behind are rising revolution and theyre getting ready to do the Easter Rising and shes just sat in a slump going: I dont know how Im going to make the rent and what youll know is if she doesnt make the rent, shes going to end up in the gutter and that means shell just end up dead.

Aaron Monaghan and Anna Healy in The Plough and the Stars as part of DruidO'Casey (Credit: Ros Kavanagh)

So shes this little hopeful heart, trying to turn a trick with any scrap of male humanity she can lay her hands on.

She only plays that one act which is quite a substantial act, and we never see her again. Youre left to think: Where did she go? What happened to her? And you just get the feeling like so many of those lives of very poor people, she just washed away in the tide of what was going on in the world at the time.

Anna has welcomed the opportunity to perform in a production of this scale and is effusive in her praise of the cast and production team involved in bringing it to life.

Read more Actor and playwright Pat Kinevane taking to the stage in special one-man play about male isolation

Whilst she has loved working in such a creative space where the room is just humming with talent, Anna has encountered some challenges along the way.

The whole thing is challenging, Anna laughs. Im old. Remembering things, I have to go over my lines, over and over and over. I feel this is a really challenging  an exciting and challenging project, and Ill be doing it for most of the year, so Ill be grand with the old lines by the time I get there.

Ahead of Druid OCasey opening, Anna reflects on the success of the arts industry in the province:

I was thinking in terms of ourselves in Northern Ireland and just what a rich time it is for story and narrative and the creative arts and how much is happening here, she says.

I feel very proud that having been part of a time when I was young when everybody left because there was nothing, its lovely to be here now when there is so much, with all the film studios and fab companies that come here and play in the Lyric and the MAC and all those things.

So I really feel my own homecoming, this is a beautiful thing to be coming back to Northern Ireland to perform. I think weve learned how to love ourselves now, you know, we are a fabulously creative and innovative little country.

DruidOCasey runs at the Lyric Theatre, Belfast, from August 5-19 and tickets cost from 15 for one play and 40 for the trilogy. For details, see lyrictheatre.co.uk.
Lee Dong-kwan, the nominee for chief of the Korea Communications Commission, speaks to reporters at the presidential office in Seoul, July 28. Yonhap



President Yoon Suk Yeol on Friday nominated Lee Dong-kwan, his special adviser for external relations, as the new chief of the Korea Communications Commission, the state broadcasting watchdog, his office said.



If appointed, Lee will replace Han Sang-hyuk, who was dismissed by Yoon in May after being indicted by prosecutors on charges of involvement in giving low scores to right-wing cable channel TV Chosun during the process of renewing its broadcasting license in 2020.



Lee served as senior presidential secretary for press affairs under the Lee Myung-bak administration. His nomination, which had been rumored for months, was objected by the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea over allegations he exercised undue influence in personnel affairs at state broadcaster KBS during his time as senior presidential secretary.



He also came under attack over separate allegations that his son bullied a fellow student in high school in 2011.



Speaking to reporters at the presidential office, Lee vowed to focus on restoring a "fair media ecosystem" and creating an environment where information is distributed freely in the face of challenges to liberal democratic systems, including what he called the "war against fake news."



"I am thinking to do my best to help Korea become a global media industry power through bold regulatory innovations and policy assistance," he said.



"I believe that Korea should not only have public broadcasters like BBC International or Japan's NHK World, which are internationally trusted and recognized, but also produce major content distribution companies like Netflix," he said, adding it is an issue directly connected to the country's future, with no room for partisan disputes.



Lee's appointment is required to go through a parliamentary confirmation hearing. (Yonhap)


Comedians: theres not many questions they havent been asked when it comes to promoting a new tour, including the obligatory Do you have any special memories of [insert location]?.

Oh, man, I get that asked every time. I get asked that when I go to Scotland. I get asked that when I go to Wales. Yes, it does have many, many special memories for me, but none of those memories will help me with this show, says Reginald D Hunter, laughing, when the perennial query is mooted by the Belfast Telegraph.

I was talking to my sister and she said the Irish promoter needs a written statement for the government. They want a list of what your jokes will be, because they want to make sure youre not going to say anything about the government.

I said: What the f*** has Ireland done that it is so worried about what I will say? My sister said: Not the Irish government, the Singaporean government. I was about to get mad...

Reginalds new live tour, The Man Who Could See Through S***, will be making a stop in Belfast on October 29.

In these supercharged socio-political times, the challenge is becoming more and more about separating whats true and whats real.

On announcing his tour, Reginald said: If youre sick of all the contradictory answers being shoved at you by media, meet the man who is sick of all the questions. Come see me at a theatre near you. Rated R (for Reginald).

Reginald is bringing his new tour to Belfast in October

The three-time Perrier Comedy Award-nominated comedian has been called comedy royalty and the industrys coolest customer. Having moved from the US to the UK to study acting, before moving into comedy, he says he has no regrets about the change in career.

Am I glad? Well, Im not sad about it, so I must be OK, he says.

I dont have any regrets about my career choice. Its funny, I was just checking myself. Do I wish I hadnt done this? Do I wish I had gone to cooking school instead? Do I wish that I had done something more substantial, like become a world-famous activist or surgeon?

No, I still believe that stand-up comedy is worthy work. And when youre lifting spirits and making people laugh, I still think thats the Lords work.

The comedian, who has appeared on 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown and Have I Got News For You, is not an over-analyser or someone who opts to rewrite jokes: he simply comes up with stuff.

First of all, thats stuff that even makes you laugh or you enjoy saying  and either you enjoy saying it to a group of people or you dont, he explains.

For me, its not a case of sitting down and going: Oh, this is an Irish/Welsh audience, so I need to write it [in a certain way].

It has to be something that you either believe in saying or that your lips and your tongue just wrap around and just f****** love saying, and knowing when this thing is coming up in your show, you know, in your mind, youre like: Im four jokes away from my favourite.

Conversation moves to comedy as commodity, with some preferring comedians not to have opinions outside of their industry.

I see it on social media sometimes, or I hear it on the radio, when people say they get sick of actors having opinions, and actors commenting on politics, I dont come to you for that, he says.

What a stupid, arrogant thing to say. Because actors live in the same world as you do. They care about being governed and injustices.

Many actors are better informed than you and many are worse informed than you.

Ive always thought that was a really weird position to have about actors or entertainers who have a position or views on things. Its like people treat you like youre a product: Youre just supposed to make me laugh; youre not supposed to feel things.

Read more Actor and playwright Pat Kinevane taking to the stage in special one-man play about male isolation

His approach to stand-up has changed over the almost 30 years hes been doing it.

Its weird to say that, he says of the duration.

Over that time, Ive heard a lot of people tell me what they think stand-up ought to be.

My first 18 years of stand-up, my objective mission every night, every time out, was to make people think.

Somewhere after year nine or ten I thought: Well, who the f*** am I to decide that people need to think or that they havent been thinking or that many people before me havent come to try to make them think in one way or another?

I think sometimes when youre younger, you can become grandiose with your lofty notions and ideas, and they have their place. But at the end of the day, the first rule of comedy is, rule number one: you are there to be laughed at.

Does it still get him excited?

Im 54 years old, nothing still just gets my wheels turning, gets me excited, more than when new jokes work.

It makes food better. It makes conversation better. It makes sex better. It makes sleeping better. It makes my family better.

Just a new idea that you had and then you took it on stage and it f****** worked... Being given cash money doesnt give you the same feeling.

Reginald D Hunter

An adrenaline rush that cannot be fulfilled in any other way, we say. Reginald agrees but says theres more to it.

Its when an idea that you had, that you chewed over, that you took into the shower with you, that you took and walked around and wrote down, that, when you brought it on stage, is more than half of the room getting your sense of humour, which is what humour is in a sense.

When you can get your sense of humour to sync up with a bunch of strangers for a few minutes, that is otherworldly to me.

Reginald  who won acclaim for his two series for the BBC, Reginald D Hunters Songs Of The South and Reginald D Hunters Songs Of The Border  says that while finding collective humour is a joy, theres no one currently he regards as a go-to when it comes to stand-up performers.

Ive got my favourites from the past. Now I see a lot of bad stand-up. Its not even stand-up, because even bad stand-up has its own joy. I see a lot more mediocre, non-risk-taking stand-up.

Read more Joe McFadden opens up about the end of Holby City and Belfast audiences ahead of The Rocky Horror Show

Risk is an important facet of comedy, but perspective needs to be understood, he says, particularly if things dont go according to plan.

Youre on stage in front of a bunch of Western people. If it goes badly, youre only going to die figuratively.

Youre going to be embarrassed and youre going to go home and youre going to be weepy and introspective, but thats it. OK, and if it goes really badly, maybe they wont employ you at this place again. Or if it goes really badly, maybe you wont get employed for a while. But that aint cancer.

In a world where its never been easier to offend, and to have that offence be publicly acknowledged, does he worry about being part of the cancel culture?

These current times can feel like being members of an endangered species for a comedian, he says.

Theres a sense that theres a landmine waiting for you out there in the landscape of stand-up comedy.

And it wont be from any of your most controversial, your most cutting jokes. Itll be one of your throwaways, a word that you use, an inflection, something you dont even anticipate.

But its like Sting said about fame: what do you do when you wake up one morning and you just want to nip to the corner shop and get some milk? You know youre going to be recognised and stared at and leered at, What do you do? Your f****** go anyway.

Reginald D Hunter: The Man Who Could See Through S*** will take to the stage at The Limelight, Belfast, on October 29. Tickets from www.reginalddhunter.co.uk
Pride of author as debut book tells the story of his fathers role in Royal Navys great escape

A Belfast man has written a book based on his fathers career as a sailor and his role in one of the most famous events in post-war Royal Navy history.

First-time author Andrew Bannisters The Belfast Boys And The Yangtze Incident recounts the 1949 clash between the British and communists during the Chinese Civil War.

Andrews father Sammy (21), a stoker, was one of six local crew aboard HMS Amethyst, the ship caught up in the battle, and was seriously wounded in the chest by shrapnel.

Amethyst was shelled from the bank of the river by the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) while on its way from Shanghai to Nanking to guard the British Embassy on April 20.

It was so badly damaged the crew had to evacuate and many survivors were taken hostage.

Eventually they were allowed back on board, but the PLA continued to hold the vessel.

After its silhouette was covertly changed with tarpaulins, Amethyst made a 100-mile dash for freedom on July 30 during darkness and under artillery fire.

King George VI later praised the sailors for their daring exploit.

In the 1957 film Yangtse (correct)Incident: The Story Of HMS Amethyst, Andrews father was played by Scottish actor Ian Bannen.

He described the book as the culmination of his fathers story and a quest to find the medals his dad was later forced to sell to look after his family when they fell on hard times.

He explained: My dad was born in Belfast in 1928. He grew up in the tough streets of Belfast.

He was very close to his dad and he was devastated when his dad was killed in the Second World War in 1940.

He became a bit rebellious after that and ran with a bad crowd.

Thankfully, after that he saw sense and ended up joining the Navy in 1949.

Work on the book started after Andrew appeared on TV.

Another chap from Belfast contacted me after I was on the Antiques Roadshow with the medals in 2018 to tell me that his father had been on the ship as well, he revealed.

After subsequent investigations, I found a photograph of both together in a group photograph from the ship.

That forged a great friendship, which has just gone from strength to strength.

Read more Twelve top fiction books for July reading

The pair hope to have a memorial erected in Belfast.

We have this joint campaign trying to get a permanent memorial plaque and information board somewhere in the Titanic Quarter area so these guys are remembered, he said.

These were six young guys who left Belfast and the surrounding areas and joined the Navy in the late 40s, from both sides of the community, and ended up together facing the Chinese communists.

My dad was injured and captured, operated on without anaesthetic, managed to get back to the ship and joined the rest of the crew in their escape.

Its a fantastic story and both of us think it should be remembered for generations to come and inspire some of our younger people to join the Navy. He decided to take on the challenge of writing the book during the 2020 pandemic lockdown.

There were so many sub-stories within what has happened, and I thought if I dont put it down in writing, my own children and grandchildren are never going to know, he added.

During lockdown, I thought theres no better time to start putting pen to paper and join it all together for people to enjoy.

Its now a historical document for our children, grandchildren and future generations.

The book was released on Amazon last month and the response has been very encouraging for the debut author.

Andrew said: Its a bit surreal. Obviously, its my first attempt at putting a book together, but its always nice when you receive positivity.

The books formal launch will take place this Tuesday (12pm) at HMS Carolines Pump House.
Stereo, 18D Cregagh Road, Belfast. Instagram: @stereobelfast

The Cregagh Road? Bustling, busy, but benighted when it came to restaurants. The 227 Restaurant, which is actually at 93A Cregagh Road (its a long, Canadian story), was good but I was never sure when it opened. But now there is Stereo and the Cregagh Road is complete. It houses the go-to restaurant of the moment and its only a matter of time before the road joins the battle of Belfast districts to become the most desirable place to live. Thats what restaurants like this do to districts.
A Co Tyrone school teacher is to stand trial after being accused of an inappropriate relationship with a pupil

A Co Tyrone school teacher accused of an inappropriate relationship with a pupil, which he contends her parents were fully aware of, has been returned for trial.

The accused or the school cannot be named to protect the identity of the pupil.

The teacher has been charged with two counts of sexual assault, along with single counts of meeting the child following a period of grooming, and intentionally engaging in sexually touching a child.

Offending is alleged to have occurred on various dates between August 1 and September 30 last year.

The accused first appeared in court last October. The circumstances surrounding the alleged offending were not disclosed, but a detective constable explained the teacher had written a number of letters to the pupil and said: It would appear he is quite infatuated with her.

A defence barrister accepted these were legitimate concerns but informed the court his clients dealings with the pupil in the school setting, is not in dispute. A new teacher took over the class and my client left. Any relationship post-dates his employment at the school.

He added the pupils parents were fully aware of the relationship and it was only when his client ended this by way of a text message on October 24 that she told police.

Bail was opposed by police on that occasion with the judge stating, Children, by virtue of their age, cannot consent. Nor can parents consent on their behalf and there are very good reasons for that.

Following consideration however, it was agreed bail could be granted in the sum of 500 and the accused is banned from all contact with the pupil, staff at the school she attends and any person aged under 18.

He must reside at an address known to police at all times and is prohibited from undertaking any teaching role, including from an extra-curricular perspective.

At the most recent sitting of Dungannon Magistrates Court, a prosecuting lawyer said a decision has been taken to proceed at trial and preparations are at an advanced stage for this.

Deputy District Judge Sean OHare remanded the accused on continuing bail to attend for a committal hearing on a date to be fixed next month.
High Court judge refuses bail for man charged over north Down feud who wants to go on family holiday to Spain

The name of district judge Mark Hamill was daubed outside Newtowards Courthouse alongside a crosshair (Rebecca Black/PA)

An attempt to intimidate a judge by daubing threatening graffiti on a courthouse wall is unprecedented, a senior judicial colleague declared today.

Lord Justice Treacy spoke out after prosecutors said the painted reference to District Judge Mark Hamill and smashing of windows was motivated by an ongoing loyalist feud in north Down.

He also rejected a High Court application by one of those charged in connection with the dispute compassionate bail to go on holiday to Spain, describing it as a non-starter.

Samuel Coulter, 57, is currently in custody on counts of affray and unlawful assembly over a gathering in the Weavers Grange area of Newtownards on April 6.

Up to 60 men entered the estate, some wearing masks, and removed a number of South East Antrim UDA murals from properties.

Coulter was allegedly among the ringleaders in an incident linked to the fall-out between rival factions, according to the prosecution.

Earlier this week graffiti naming Judge Hamill, who has been dealing with related cases, appeared on the walls of Newtownards Courthouse alongside an image of crosshairs. A number of windows were also smashed in the attack.

Denouncing it as an existential threat to the rule of law in the town, he has vowed not to be intimidated.

As Newtownards man Coulter mounted a bid for temporary release to go on the family holiday to Spain, Crown lawyer Adrian Higgins claimed the application was completely without merit.

He set out how Judge Hamill has already refused permission and also been targeted in the graffiti incident.

Police believe the motivation for those attacks is part of the ongoing feud, Mr Higgins told the High Court.

It demonstrates a concerted effort by one faction to intimidate another and has caused great fear within the community of Ards and north Down.

Lord Justice Treacy explained how he had learned of the incident through press reports.

That must be unprecedented, for intimidation of a judge to have taken place in that way (by) the graffiti that is alleged to have been made at Newtownards Court, he said.

Counsel for Coulter, Patrick Taylor, was equally critical of the menacing development.

Its absolutely outrageous, there is no dispute about that, he acknowledged.

One can only commend District Judge Hamill for the forthright manner in which he opposed any attempt to intimidate him.

Referring to the alleged gathering in Weavers Grange, he argued that Coulter had attended what he believed was a peaceful protest.

But refusing the defendants request, Lord Justice Treacy emphasised compassionate bail is usually limited to a family bereavement or serious illness.

The application that has been made is unheard of, he said.

Its a total non-starter and if it were granted solicitors would be queuing up in Maghaberry (Prison) to identify clients who wanted to go off for a fortnights holiday in Spain or some other equally salubrious location.
Emergency services at the scene in Limavady.

A flat in Limavady was allegedly trashed and set on fire over a drug debt, the High Court heard today.

Prosecutors claimed two men and a woman raided the property at Drumachose Park and started a blaze which resulted in a number of surrounding homes being evacuated.

The suspects were seen leaving the scene on July 14 carrying a television set and microwave oven, a judge was told.

Details emerged as one of the accused mounted an application for bail.

Dylan Banks, 25, with an address at Richmond Avenue in Derry, denies charges of arson endangering life and burglary.

Crown lawyer Adrian Higgins said the mid-afternoon blaze is believed to have started by setting light to a bedroom mattress.

The first floor apartment was completely gutted, with the roof burnt through by the flames.

Occupants of the adjoining flats and houses had to be evacuated due to the intensity of the fire as their lives would have been put at risk if they remained, counsel submitted.

The court heard a man who lived in the targeted property was not present at the time, but allegedly owed Banks 50.

Police believe there was a drug debt, and thats what led to the burglary, Mr Higgins said.

Some items were removed, the flat was trashed and set on fire.

CCTV footage allegedly showed the three suspects at the block of flats just before there was an orange flash at the bedroom window.

It was claimed that they left again as smoke to billow, with Banks carrying a microwave and the female co-accused holding a television.

Mr Higgins said Banks attempted to re-enter the property a few minutes later, allegedly because he had left his phone behind.

He denies starting any fire and stated that he had permission to take items from the flat, according to an investigating detective.

Following submissions, Lord Justice Treacy indicated that Banks will be granted bail if he obtains a suitable address.

The judge stressed that his decision should not automatically lead to the release of a co-accused.

Based on each mans previous record, he declared: There is a clear distinction between the two.
Globes crash to the ground in Church Lane. Picture credit: Alan Lewis - PhotopressBelfast.co.uk

This was the scene after a freak accident in central Belfast.

The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service was called to the incident at Church Lane on Friday after three decorative street light globes crashed to the ground.

The falling fixtures narrowly missed passers-by and people sitting enjoying an afternoon drink outside Muriels Bar, an eyewitness said.

The globes, which are approximately two feet wide, were part of an overhead lighting array hanging on wires that stretch down the busy laneway.

No one was injured.

The lights are managed and maintained by the Belfast One Business Improvement District (BID), an independent not-for-profit company for the city centre.

A spokesperson for BID said: An incident involving the lighting scheme installed on Church Lane Belfast City Centre in 2022 is currently being managed by the Belfast One team.

"We are working with all relevant agencies including the Belfast City Centre Beat Team to ensure the safety of all visitors and businesses in the area as well as supporting anyone affected.

"We are currently investigating the cause and whilst this is in progress, we are unable to make further comment.

The lighting was provided via funding from the council, which added:

A Council spokesperson said: These lights are managed and maintained by Belfast One from funding by council under the Covid-19 Revitalisation Programme.

We will work with Belfast One to assess the situation.
The General Medical Council (GMC) has said it is aware of concerns raised about suspended GP Anne McCloskey after she said the pandemic didnt happen on a podcast.

Dr McCloskey was suspended in 2021 following controversial comments about Covid vaccines.

Since the outbreak of the pandemic in March 2020, conspiracy theories regarding the virus have been spread.

During the podcast appearance earlier this week, Dr McCloskey denied that the pandemic had happened and said it was concocted to spread fear and make people take vaccines to create a digital ID for individuals.

In a social media video in August 2021, the Derry GP told of her concerns over children receiving Covid vaccines, sparking complaints to the GMC.

A tribunal imposed an 18-month suspension on Dr McCloskey in September of that year. The GMC sought to have the suspension extended until relevant investigations were carried out. The application was granted last month.

Regarding Dr McCloskeys podcast comment, the GMC said it was aware of concerns, but advised it is unable to provide further information about complaints unless the matter has been referred to a full hearing convened by the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service.

During a High Court hearing over the application to extend her suspension, Dr McCloskey claimed she was the victim of a conspiracy to prevent her from working.

She alleged that members of the medical profession and government agents had schemed against her.

Read more Misinformation about Covid putting people at risk, says leading NI medic

Towards the end of 2020, Northern Irelands chief medical officer, Dr Michael McBride, hit out at those spreading misinformation regarding Covid.

Dr McBride said it was an insult to those who died from the virus and health workers.

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.
The outside seating area of Mourne Seafood in Belfast that was burnt (Photo: Mourne Seafood)

Police investigating a report of a fire at Mourne Seafood Bar in Belfast have arrested a man.

The blaze took place in the Bank Street area of Belfast on Wednesday.

The owners of Mourne Seafood Bar said the outside seating area would be closed for the foreseeable future.

The PSNI received a report of a fire in the area at around 4.40am, which is being treated as arson.

It is believed a bin was set alight, which spread to a gazebo and a store.

PSNI Inspector Edgar said: "Following police enquiries a 37-year-old man was identified and arrested. He remains in police custody at this time.

"Our enquiries into the incident are ongoing, and anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference 195 of 26/07/23.

Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph earlier this week owner Bob McCoubrey said it was "bad news for his business after sharing images of picnic tables burned and debris scattered across the ground.

Mr McCoubrey said the incident is not what we needed coming up to their busiest summer period.

"This is when our outside area becomes very important to the business, so yeah  bad news this morning he added.

"What we will do is we will accommodate everyone who has booked outside and sort them to dine inside this weekend. Inside is not affected so the Mourne Seafood Bar will operate as normal.

Outside seating area of Mourne Seafood in Belfast destroyed following arson attack

"Then we will sit down and decide whether it is worth fixing this up for this summer or not.

"The rest of the business operates and normal and we will probably look at extending our opening hours to make up for the damage out here.

Mr McCoubrey said it would probably cost about 15,000 to get the outside facility operational again for the summer, but questioned if it was worth spending the money, given it is late July.

He said the outside area had proven very popular with customers, particularly tourists.
Darren Duncan, a well known Belfast-based solicitor, has passed away.

Mr Duncan was a partner with the firm, McConnell Kelly, who described him as one of the most successful solicitors in Northern Ireland, as rated by his clients and his enviable track record of case successes

The Law Society of NI notified the public of Mr Duncans passing on Friday.

It is with deep regret that the Law Society of Northern Ireland notifies members of the passing of Darren Duncan, Solicitor on 28th July 2023, a statement reads.

Darren was admitted to the Roll in September 2000.

He had previously been a solicitor in Trevor Smyth & Co and Higgins Hollywood Deazley, before joining McConnell Kelly & Co Solicitors Limited in 2003.

The Law Society of Northern Ireland offers its condolences to his family, colleagues, and friends.

Funeral arrangements to follow.

The cause of Mr Duncans death has not currently been made public.

Loyalist activist Jamie Bryson also paid tribute to Mr Duncan, writing: Absolutely devastated that not only my longtime solicitor, but also later my friend & a mentor Darren Duncan has passed away. I was privileged to receive some of his old law books which I will always cherish.

Rest easy D. Thanks for everything.

Mr Duncan specialised in criminal law with particular expertise in judicial reviews, motoring offences and historical institutional abuse cases.

He also was awarded a Certificate in Forensic Investigation by Queens University Belfast.
Young children play outside a nursery in Busan, May 2. Newsis



Welfare ministry's budget to be handed over to education ministry



By Jun Ji-hye



The government will push to integrate the supervision of nurseries and kindergartens by the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Ministry of Education, respectively, in a bid to unify state management of children's education and daycare.



Education Minister Lee Ju-ho announced Friday that the government is aiming to have the welfare ministry's budget and manpower, allocated for the supervision of nurseries, transferred to the education ministry by the end of the year. Following the changes, the education ministry will become a single institution to manage both children's education and daycare.



In Korea, children aged zero to seven can go to nurseries that mainly offer childcare services. Kindergartens accept children aged over five only, focusing more on offering education before they go to elementary schools.



There has been a debate for decades about the need to merge the government management of childcare and education for young children as a measure to raise the efficiency of policies. Various attempts made during previous governments for that integration failed due to differing opinions of offices and people involved.



The minister's announcement came after President Yoon Suk Yeol instructed him on June 15 to "unify the management of childcare and education for young children to offer the best such services in the world."





Education Minister Lee Ju-ho speaks during a media briefing at the government complex in Seoul, Friday. Yonhap
A former Metropolitan Police officer has been jailed for sexually assaulting a woman in the sea following his stag do.

Ex-sergeant Laurence Knight, 34, is said to have met the woman, a stranger, in Brighton city centre in the early hours of July 17 2021.

Prosecutors said they walked to the beach together, stripped down to their underwear and ended up in the sea, where sexual activity took place.

Knight, of Leyton, east London, was charged with rape and sexual assault following the incident, and denied both charges.

He was found not guilty of rape by a jury at Southwark Crown Court in June but convicted of sexual assault.

He was jailed for two years at the same court on Friday and will be on the sex offenders register for 10 years.

A restraining order was also put in place barring him from contacting the complainant.

Laurence Knight was found guilty of sexual assault (Elizabeth Cook/PA)

Knight had been suspended from the Met and he has now left the force.

A misconduct hearing has been scheduled for August 3 to determine whether he acted in gross misconduct and if dismissal would have been justified.

In July 2021 the woman had been out for dinner and drinks and was with a friend when they came across a jovial group of men who seemed confused about where to go, as they were on a night out and the pubs were closing, the court heard.

In her police interview she told officers Knight wanted to go into the sea and she did not wish to but he persuaded her, telling her it was his stag night, he was meant to be having fun but it was turning into a rubbish night.

Jurors heard that the defendant looked as though he was going to cry so the woman said yes and took off her dress because she did not want it to get wet.

Knight went behind the woman in the water and moved her underwear, which is when the alleged sexual activity took place, the court was told.

The woman said she repeatedly told Knight to stop and reminded him that he was getting married in two weeks, jurors heard.

Afterwards, jurors heard, the woman got dressed, told her friend what had happened and called 999.

She claimed a friend of the defendant told her: Larry wants me to tell you that hes sorry.

She said she has experienced a range of feelings since that night, including feeling sick and being unable to sleep or eat properly.

The incident took place off Brighton beach in July 2021 (Michael Drummond/PA)

In his evidence to the jury, Knight claimed it was the woman who suggested going into the sea and she who first touched his penis.

He said he then touched her vagina for a few seconds, thinking it was consensual, before she made the comment about his imminent wedding and they returned to the shore. He denied he had any intention to penetrate her.

Asked during cross-examination why he went into the sea with her, he replied: Quite honestly, I quite enjoyed having the attention. It was a very spur-of-the-moment request from her, it was not discussed before.

Having had some alcohol and being the stag and being the one that everything was deflected towards, I suppose the phrase is peer pressure.

Asked who the peer pressure was coming from, Knight said: I may have applied it myself.

The court heard that he tried to send the woman a Facebook message on July 21 that year, saying: You are not (the woman) that went for a dip in the sea on Friday whilst her guy friend looked after her bag?

The defendant, who worked for a charity and as a teacher before joining the police, told jurors he had sent the message to acknowledge I was embarrassed. She was younger, perhaps less mature, and she was the one that stepped in and stopped it going any further.

He said he later deleted the message because he became worried that his fiancee would see it.

He also told jurors his initial reaction to his arrest was believing he was being subjected to an extended prank from the stag do.

Jayne Cioffi from the Crown Prosecution Service said: As a police officer Knight clearly understood the concept of consent and realised that, without consent, he would be committing a sexual assault, but set what he knew aside for his own selfish reasons.

He persuaded his victim to go into the water with him and then callously took advantage of a woman he had just met.

It was immediately clear to her friend as soon as she came out of the sea that something terrible had happened. She called the police immediately and, when officers arrived at the scene, they found her crying and hyperventilating.

Knight said he had just wanted a bit of last minute fun on his stag night but his actions have had a devastating impact on his victim and, as a police officer, he would have been only too well aware of that.

I would like to thank the complainant for reporting what had happened to her.
Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville confirmed the SNP would seek to appoint a migrants commissioner if Scotland was independent (Jane Barlow/PA)

An independent Scotland could have a migrants commissioner to champion the rights of those who have moved to the country from other nations.

The proposal was included in the latest Scottish Government paper on independence, which focused on citizenship.

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville stressed migrants were an important part of Scottish society, as she confirmed the SNP would seek to create such a post if Scotland leaves the UK.

Ms Somerville said: Migrants are an important part of the fabric of Scottish society  enriching our culture, boosting our economy and contributing to our communities.

Plans for an independent Scotland to have a migrants commissioner were contained in a Scottish Government paper on citizenship (Andrew Milligan/PA)

After independence, this Government would appoint a migrants commissioner to speak up for individuals and families, including the hundreds of thousands of EU citizens who call Scotland home, to ensure migrants voices are heard at the highest level.

The creation of an independent commissioner to speak for migrants was a key recommendation from a review of the Windrush scandal, although the UK Government has yet to adopt this proposal.

Ms Somerville said: Unlike the UK Government, who rejected the Windrush reviews recommendation to establish this role, we are committed to protecting the rights and equality of migrants  alongside all our citizens  in an independent nation.

Under our proposals, it will be up to individuals to decide whether Scottish citizenship is something they want to pursue, but we are clear that people from around the world will always be welcome in Scotland.
Home Secretary Suella Braverman is working on contingency plans to set up tents as temporary accommodation for asylum seeker (Jordan Pettitt/PA)

Plans to move 2,000 migrants into RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire have been delayed until October, according to reports.

The Home Office had indicated the first group of migrants would begin arriving at the former airbase in August.

However, the BBC reported that following a meeting with Government officials, Scampton Parish Council was told the start date would now be delayed until October.

The reasons given are delays in conducting surveys on the 14 buildings designated for migrant accommodation and difficulties in finding qualified personnel to oversee utility connections.

A Home Office spokesperson said: Delivering accommodation on surplus military sites will end the use of expensive hotels to house those arriving in small boats. We continue to work closely with local authorities to address the local communities concerns.

We are working hard to deliver these sites as quickly as possible.

(PA Graphics)

It comes after West Lindsey District Council recently won the right to a judicial review, which would determine whether the Governments plans for RAF Scampton are lawful.

The review is expected in the next few months, meaning it is likely to be concluded before the first migrants are due to arrive.

The delay coincides with reports that despite safety concerns, the Home Office expects to send an initial group of 50 people to the UKs first floating barge for asylum seekers on Tuesday.

The facility, known as the Bibby Stockholm barge, is in Portland, Dorset, and will eventually host about 500 men at a time.

The Bibby Stockholm will house up to 500 asylum seekers (Andrew Matthews/PA)

Some residents have raised concerns for their safety on an island with a population of about 13,000 and said that it does not have the infrastructure to provide for the newcomers and those already there.

The Home Secretary is also working on contingency plans to set up tents as temporary accommodation for asylum seekers to deal with an expected surge of Channel boat crossings.

According to a Whitehall source, the Home Secretary recently purchased marquees to accommodate the migrants, to have them in place by the end of August.

The Times, which first reported the tent purchases, cited Government sources saying a similar proposal was rejected last year because of warnings it would trigger legal challenges based on inhumane treatment of asylum seekers.
First Minister Humza Yousaf has hit out at Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar ahead of a campaign visit to Rutherglen.

The SNP leader will meet with Katy Loudon, the partys candidate in the Rutherglen and Hamilton West seat at Westminster, on Saturday as the recall petition currently underway after Margaret Ferriers Commons suspension is due to close on Monday.

Ahead of the visit, he said Mr Sarwar had been posted missing since UK Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer refused to commit to scrapping the two-child benefit cap earlier this month.

The day after Sir Keirs comments, Mr Sarwar was interviewed by STV and wrote a piece for the Daily Record newspaper reiterating Scottish Labours opposition to the policy, and saying he would press the UK party to drop it.

The First Minister said Anas Sarwar had been posted missing (Jane Barlow/PA)

Mr Yousaf said: People across Scotland are struggling with the cost of living right now, and they deserve to know that politicians will do everything they can to help them through tough times.

The SNP are absolutely clear: the two-child cap and the rape clause is an abhorrent policy, and it should be scrapped. Since Keir Starmers decision to retain the cruel, two-child limit, Anas Sarwar has been posted missing.

I can understand why he is desperate to avoid scrutiny but he must be upfront with the people of Scotland and explain why his party is committing to retain a policy that will keep up to 20,000 children in poverty.

It has long been known that Labour in Scotland is just a branch office of the Westminster party  but never before has their powerlessness been so apparent, or on such an important issue.

After years of claiming to oppose the Tories two-child cap and rape clause, Labour are now going to keep it  and whatever Labour in Scotland desperately try to claim, Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves have been absolutely clear that they are not going to change course.

Any Labour candidate now standing in Scotland  including here in Rutherglen  will now do so on a commitment that they will maintain among the very worst of Tory policies.

They will be making a political choice to keep children and working families in poverty.

By contrast, the SNP will unequivocally stand up for a fairer society. Our actions in Government are lifting an estimated 90,000 kids out of poverty this year.

Scottish Labour deputy leader Jackie Baillie, however, accused the First Minister of breathtaking hypocrisy, accusing him of galivanting around the country instead of governing.

The lack of self-awareness would be laughable if not for the fact Scots are left struggling with an NHS in chaos and a devastating cost of living crisis, she said.

When hes not talking about his constitutional obsession, Humza Yousaf is campaigning to keep the Tories in government by launching increasingly desperate attacks on Scottish Labour.
Firefighters and volunteers try to extinguish a wildfire in the town of Nea Anchialos, near Volos (Tatiana Bolari/Eurokinissi via AP)

Pope Francis has urged governments to do more to fight climate change and protect our common home as improving weather conditions helped firefighters contain wildfires in Greece, Italy and other countries in southern Europe.

Francis, who has been outspoken on environmental issues, sent a telegram of condolences to Greece, where wildfires killed five people over the past week, including the pilots of a water-dropping aircraft.

The pope noted that successive heatwaves have exacerbated the dangers of the summer fire season. He offered his prayers for firefighters and emergency personnel in particular.

Pope Francis has sent condolences to people in Greece (Andrew Medichini/AP)

(I hope) that the risks to our common home, exacerbated by the present climate crisis, will spur all people to renew their efforts to care for the gift of creation, for the sake of future generations, Francis said.

Fuelled by the heatwaves and strong gusts of wind, wildfires in Europes Mediterranean region have kept travellers and residents on alert. In Greece, fires scorched hundreds of square miles of land outside Athens, on the island of Rhodes and elsewhere this month.

In central Greece, authorities maintained an exclusion zone around one of the countrys largest air force bases after a wildfire triggered powerful explosions at a nearby ammunition depot on Thursday. Fighter jets stationed at the 111th Combat Wing base were moved to other facilities.

The depot blasts near the central city of Volos shattered windows in nearby towns and prompted an evacuation of more than 2,000 people. Local news broadcasts showed a ground-shaking fireball emerging from a mountainous area.

Residents were rushed on to private boats mobilised by the coast guard and taken to a conference centre in Volos, 12 miles from the weapons storage site. A civilian traffic ban and evacuation order remained in effect on Friday within a two-mile radius of the depot.

Residents stand on the road during a wildfire in the town of Nea Anchialos, near Volos city, central Greece, on Thursday (Tatiana Bolari/Eurokinissi/AP)

A drop in temperatures and calmer winds helped firefighters get a handle on the blazes in Greece and all major fires were contained by midday Friday, Greek Fire Service officials said.

Conditions also improved elsewhere in Europes Mediterranean regions thanks to cooler temperatures, allowing firefighters to contain wildfires along the Croatian coast and in Sicily.

Firefighting teams in Turkey also brought a wildfire burning close to the southern Mediterranean resort of Kemer under control, four days after it erupted, Ibrahim Yumakli, the countrys forestry minister, said.

The governments of the countries hit by heatwaves and fires have steered public debate away from the potential impact on tourism.

Rhodes, where a fire last weekend required about 19,000 people to be evacuated from several locations on the island, was promised state support on Friday for its international advertising campaign.

In Germany, Health Minister Karl Lauterbach sought to address Italian irritation over a mid-July social media post in which he described the heatwave he encountered on a visit to Italy as spectacular and added that if it goes on like this, these vacation destinations will have no future in the long term.

Mr Lauterbach told reporters in Berlin that he was not warning against vacations in southern Europe and plans to visit Italy again himself.

Of course, it is more difficult now for the southern countries to organise heat protection in such a way that it is also accessible for every tourist, but I think those countries will know exactly what they have to do, he said.

Vassilis Kikilias, the Greek minister for climate change and civil protection, said fires had burned 155 square miles of land in the country in July alone, while the recent average is nearly 200 square miles in a year.

Is the situation any better in other countries bordering the Mediterranean? Its a fair question  but the answer is no, Mr Kikilias said.

The climate crisis that brought us this unprecedented heatwave is here. Its not a theory. It is our actual experience, he said. This is not something that will just occur this year. It will last and we have to face the consequences of what that means.
Bangladeshs main opposition party played a rare phone call from its exiled leader to tens of thousands of supporters as they gathered in Dhaka for an anti-government rally Friday, according to the partys Facebook page.

The address to Bangladesh Nationalist Party supporters by Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, some said, was the first since he fled to London in 2008. BNP officials played Rahmans speech over a loudspeaker, despite the countrys High Court having banned his speeches from being published or aired.

This rally is not a rally of only the BNP, it is a rally for journalists who have been assaulted and oppressed by the government for many years, Rahman said in the audio recording of the eight-minute address posted by the party on Facebook.

This is a rally for human rights activists who [have] suffered for long  if this rally fails, the nation will fail.

He gave his speech as the BNP intensified its program of rallies ahead of an upcoming general election to demand the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Awami League government, who have ruled the South Asian nation uninterrupted since 2009.

The Hasina government has been going after critics and journalists, but is under growing international scrutiny over the climate for free speech as well as free and fair polls in the run-up to the polls, which are due in December or January.

The government has hit back, with the foreign ministry this week warning Western countries to not engage in undiplomatic behavior through public criticism ahead of the polls. On Wednesday, ministry officials met with 13 countries envoys who had jointly condemned an assault on an independent candidate earlier this month.

On Friday, BNP supporters repeated their demand that Hasinas administration step aside so the upcoming national election could be held under a neutral caretaker government.

The BNP claimed that around 1,000 of its supporters had been arrested in the days leading up to Fridays rally.

Rahmans address motivated supporters, Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie, a BNP leader, told BenarNews.

Our activists are now more energized than earlier. Our upcoming programs to oust the Awami League will be more organized, he said.

Thousands of supporters cheered when a BNP official announced that Rahman would address the rally, which took over more than two km (1.25 miles) of roads in central Dhaka.

As of late Friday, Rahmans speech had not been aired or published by any media outlet in Bangladesh.

Supporters of the ruling Awami League party chant slogans at a rally organized to counter an opposition gathering on the same day in Dhaka, July 28, 2023. [BenarNews]

Playing Rahmans address at a party gathering did not defy the court ban, Tanim Ahmed, a High Court lawyer, told BenarNews. The court issued the ban in 2015, in response to a petition.

Rahman, the political heir to and eldest son of opposition leader and former three-time Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, fled while on parole after being detained by a military-backed government in a case tied to a 2004 grenade attack that had targeted then-opposition leader Sheikh Hasina.

Rahman was later convicted in the 2004 case as well as in a separate corruption case. His mother Khaleda, who has also been convicted for corruption, has been under house arrest for several years.

Political analyst Harun-or-Rashid, however, dismissed Rahmans virtual presence as insignificant.

His remarks do not carry any meaning to the people of the country, said the political science professor and former vice chancellor of the National University.

If he has courage, he should come here and face everything in a legal manner.

Meanwhile, the ruling Awami League held a counter-rally, which they called a Peace Rally, not far from where BNPs supporters had gathered.

Both rallies drew around 100,000 attendees each, said Faruk Hossain, spokesperson for the Dhaka Metropolitan Police, although the BNP claimed that half a million of its supporters had come together.

The BNP said it planned to hold sit-ins at every main entry point into Dhaka on Saturday.

The Awami League followed suit, saying it would counter those sit-ins with Peace Rallies at the same places that day.
Indonesian President Joko Jokowi Widodo attends a business meeting with members of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce in China (INACHAM) at the Shangri-La Hotel in Chengdu, China, July 28, 2023.

Indonesian President Joko Jokowi Widodo secured billions of dollars in investment commitments from Chinese companies during a two-day visit to China that wrapped up on Friday, his ministers said.

One of the biggest deals was an U.S. $11.5 billion commitment from one of the worlds largest glass makers, Xinyi, to build a manufacturing plant in Indonesia, said Investment Minister Bahlil Lahadalia, who accompanied Jokowi on the trip.

This will be the second largest factory in the world after China, the minister told a press conference, referring to Xinyis planned investment. The output will be almost 95% for export because the market is overseas.

If realized, Xinyis investment would create 35,000 jobs, Bahlil said.

Indonesia has a potential resource of 25 billion tons of quartz sand, the main raw material for making glass and solar panels, according to official data. And China is the worlds main producer of solar panels, with a 70% market share.

Bahlil said Xinyi had already invested $700 million in Indonesia last year to build a factory in Gresik, East Java.

At a meeting on Thursday, Jokowi and Chinese President Xi Jinping focused on mutually beneficial economic cooperation, Indonesias top diplomat Retno Marsudi said.

During the visit to China, Jokowi sought more Chinese investment in renewable energy, health, food security and the construction of a new Indonesian capital city, Retno said.

In the health sector, Chinese businesses made investment pledges worth about $1.4 billion, she said.

China is Indonesias biggest trading partner and a major source of investment. Last year, Indonesias exports to China were recorded at $65.9 billion while imports were $67.7 billion, according to the Indonesian governments statistics agency.

China was the second largest source of investment in Indonesia in 2022 with $8.2 billion, behind Singapore with $13.3 billion, according to data released by the Indonesian Investment Coordinating Board.

Market leader

Energy analysts welcomed the governments move to sign investment deals with China for processing quartz sand.

This is the right move because China is a market leader [in producing solar panels], said Daymas Arangga, executive director of Energy Watch, an independent think-tank in Jakarta.

But he suggested the government also invite other countries, such as South Korea and Japan, to invest in the sector to prevent a price monopoly by China.

The issue is that China controls the price. So other countries should also be offered to invest to maintain the market, he told BenarNews.

Indonesian President Joko Jokowi Widodo (second from left) and his wife Iriana Widodo (left) pose for a photo with Chinese President Xi Jinping (second from right) and his wife Peng Liyuan at the Jinniu Hotel in Chengdu, China, July 27, 2023. [Handout photo/Indonesias Presidential Palace via Reuters file photo]

Fahmy Radhi, an energy observer at Gajah Mada University in Yogyakarta, said Indonesia could boost its profits 10 times by processing quartz sand at home.

This is a smart step to add value to the mineral, and we should support it, he told BenarNews.

Fahmy noted that Indonesia, the worlds largest nickel producer, similarly added value to its nickel ore resources by boosting domestic processing.

Indonesia increased its profits from processing nickel, a key metal for making stainless steel and batteries, to $30 billion last year from $3.3 billion in 2018.

Indonesia banned raw nickel ore exports in 2020 to encourage the domestic smelting and refining industries. The country has also attracted investments from foreign companies  especially from China  to build battery factories in the country as part of its ambition to become a hub for electric vehicles.

Maintain peace, stability in region

Meanwhile in his meeting with Xi on Thursday, the Indonesian president called on major powers to manage their rivalries and avoid conflicts that could threaten Southeast Asia, Retno said on Friday.

President Jokowi stressed that all countries, including China, must maintain peace, stability and prosperity in the region, she said.

She said Jokowi also welcomed the recent increase in communication between China and the United States, the worlds two largest economies and strategic rivals.

Tensions have been brewing between China and several Southeast Asian nations over overlapping maritime claims in the South China Sea, a strategic waterway that carries about a third of global trade.

Indonesia, while not a claimant to any of the disputed islands or reefs in the South China Sea, has repeatedly clashed with China over fishing rights and energy exploration near the Natuna Islands.

These islands lie within Indonesias exclusive economic zone but are also claimed by China under its sweeping nine-dash line map.

Indonesia has rejected Chinas claim as having no legal basis.

Earlier this month, China and Southeast Asian nations agreed to speed up an agreement to prevent conflict in the South China Sea.

A code of conduct to prevent conflicts and promote cooperation in the disputed South China Sea has been under negotiation between China and the 10-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) since 2002, but progress has been slow.
More new enterprises tapping China's import expo

Xinhua) 21:11, July 28, 2023

SHANGHAI, July 28 (Xinhua) -- More new overseas enterprises will participate in the sixth China International Import Expo (CIIE) slated to be held in Shanghai from Nov. 5 to 10 this year to tap the Chinese market.

Nearly 20 Fortune 500 enterprises, leading-industry companies, and over 500 small and medium-sized enterprises have signed up to participate in the major import expo for the first time, according to the CIIE Bureau.

Among the first-time participants is the Japanese lifestyle brand MUJI. Shimizu Satoshi, board chairman and managing director of MUJI (Shanghai) Company Limited, said with the CIIE debut, the company hopes to demonstrate its unwavering commitment to being deeply rooted in the Chinese market.

Attracted by the growing purchasing power of consumers in the country of 1.4 billion people, about 200 enterprises have signed up to attend the event for six consecutive years. It demonstrates their commitment to and confidence in the world's second-largest economy.

A combined business exhibition area of over 360,000 square meters has been booked thus far, with enterprises ready to showcase their newest products and services. About 2,000 new products, technologies, and services were first launched in the past five sessions.

There will be six business exhibition areas for food and agricultural products, automobiles, intelligent industry and information technology, consumer goods, medical equipment and healthcare products, and the services trade.

Forty enterprises have even signed up to attend the 7th CIIE next year, with over 30,000 square meters of business exhibition area booked to date, according to the organizer.

Zhu Min, head of the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce, said that the city's 60 trading platforms running throughout the year have brought in nearly 200,000 exhibited products from the CIIE, importing 323 billion yuan (about 45.3 billion U.S. dollars) worth of goods.

The 6th CIIE will take place completely offline this year after the country optimized its COVID-19 control measures. As the world's first import-themed national-level expo, the event serves as a platform to share China's business opportunities with nations and enterprises globally to boost sluggish economic growth.

Sun Chenghai, deputy director of the CIIE Bureau, said that many countries and international organizations have confirmed to attend the country exhibition section, which will be held offline and have guest countries of honor this year. The country exhibition has been held online over the past two years during the pandemic.

Tu Xinquan, head of the China Institute for WTO Studies of the University of International Business and Economics, said the CIIE sent the world a clear signal of China's commitment to reform and opening up and continuous support to economic globalization and also demonstrated China's image as a major responsible country.

"China's opening up has injected certainty into the world economy, with the import expo benefiting the world," said Tu.

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Sheng Chuyi)
The ruling People Power Party's leader Kim Gi-hyeon, left, talks with the Minister of Education Lee Ju-ho at the National Assembly in Seoul, July 28. Yonhap



The ruling People Power Party (PPP) and the government decided Friday to transfer the health ministry's responsibilities for early childhood care policy to the education ministry so as to improve policy efficiency.



Currently, responsibilities for Korea's early childhood care policy are divided, with the health ministry handling policy for nurseries, where children under age 5 are taken care of, and the education ministry dealing with policy for kindergartens, where children aged between 3 and 5 are admitted.



Friday's decision to have the education ministry handle all early child care policy came in line with President Yoon Suk Yeol's call for the integration of the divided responsibilities in order to provide the "world's best level" of early childhood education and care.



Previous attempts to combine the two systems into one fell through amid heavy opposition from teachers. This is because in Korea kindergarten teachers require a higher level of education and government credentials than teachers at nursery schools.



In contrast, parents have called for the integration. They say it will help narrow what they call an "education gap" between the two systems stemming from a difference in the education curriculum, government subsidies as well as the quality of facilities their children can access in the two schools.



On Friday, the PPP and the government said they will skip the public opinion gathering process and push forward with the integration.



"Those on the ground say that integrating preschools and nursery schools is a much more difficult task than unifying the two Koreas," the PPP's leader Kim Gi-hyeon said in the meeting with government officials.



"We must approach the integration ... with a strong sense of responsibility, as postponing it further due to political debates from adults is like committing crime against children," he said.



The PPP said it plans to make speedy revisions of related laws. It will also request the government to level out the quality of lunches and government subsidies provided to nursery schools to that of kindergartens by the end of the year with select regional education offices, the PPP's floor leader Park Dae-chul said. (Yonhap)


Kyaw Moe Tun, Myanmars ambassador to the United Nations, speaks during a special session of the U.N. General Assembly on Russias invasion of Ukraine, at U.N. headquarters in New York, March 24, 2022.

A Burmese national who took part in a plot to attack Myanmars permanent representative to the United Nations has been convicted in the United States of conspiracy to assault a foreign official.

Phyo Hein Htut is scheduled to be sentenced on March 14, 2024, after being found guilty at the end of an eight-day trial, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of New York said in a statement on July 24. He faces up to five years in prison.

Phyo Hein Htut, who lives in New York, had volunteered to be on a security team for Ambassador Kyaw Moe Tun. But he was secretly feeding information about the ambassador, the mission and personnel to an arms dealer in Thailand who sold weapons to the Myanmar military as part of a plot to harm the ambassador, according to the statement.

Kyaw Moe Tun has been a key critic of Myanmars junta, which seized control of the Southeast Asia country from the elected civilian-led government in a February 2021 military coup.

He was appointed to his post before the coup. The junta has demanded that he step down as ambassador, but he has refused to do so.

From about February 2021 through early August, Phyo Hein Htut conspired to injure or kill the ambassador by accepting money from the arms dealer sent to him to hire attackers in an attempt to force the ambassador to step down from his post, the statement said.

The fact that they tried to assassinate the courageous Myanmar ambassador who stood up for the people at the United Nations was the lack of rule of law and violence has reached outside of Myanmar to the U.S., said Kyaw Zaw, spokesman for the Presidents Office of Myanmars shadow National Unity Government.

Phyo Hein Htut was charged by U.S. authorities on Aug. 6, 2021, with conspiracy to assault and make a violent attack upon a foreign official. [Ko Nay via Facebook]

Billy Ford, a program officer for the Burma team at the U.S. Institute of Peace, said the incident was a clear indication that the Myanmar military is a criminal organization willing to do anything to sustain its power  even attempting to assassinate a sitting U.N. ambassador.

Since it illegally took power more than two years ago, the military has repeatedly committed crimes and atrocities, including air strikes on civilians and this assassination attempt, with impunity, he said.

Phil Robertson, deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch, told Radio Free Asia that the evidence against Phyo Hein Htut was overwhelming enough to result in a unanimous jury verdict against him.

His heinous efforts to organize an attack on U.S. soil against the U.N. ambassador deserves the maximum possible punishment as a deterrent to others who would think about undertaking such actions, he said.

On Aug. 6, 2021, U.S. authorities revealed the plot to kill or injure the ambassador after they arrested a security volunteer, Phyo Hein Htut, 28, and Ye Hein Zaw, 20, who is said to have been an intermediary who sent money from an arms dealer in Thailand to bankroll the attack.

Authorities charged Htut and another Burmese national, Ye Hein Zaw, with conspiracy to assault and make a violent attack upon a foreign official.

Ye Hein Zaw pleaded guilty for his role in the conspiracy in White Plains Federal Court in New York state, RFA reported in December 2021.

This report was produced by Radio Free Asia (RFA), a news service affiliated with BenarNews.
If you'd like to leave a comment (or a tip or a question) about this story with the editors, please email us

We also welcome letters to the editor for publication; you can do that by filling out our letters form and submitting it to the newsroom.
Bob Stannard is from Manchester, and has been a political columnist for 21 years. Hes a former member of the Vermont House of Representatives, a former lobbyist, a musician and an author. The opinions expressed by columnists do not necessarily reflect the views of Vermont News & Media.
Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Korea and the United Arab Emirates hold high-level consultations on nuclear cooperation at a Seoul hotel, July 28. Yonhap



Korea and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Friday held high-level consultations and discussed ways to boost cooperation in the nuclear sector, Seoul's foreign ministry said.



Second Vice Foreign Minister Oh Young-ju met with Suhail Al-Mazrouei, the UAE minister of energy and industry, at the 5th High-Level Consultation on Nuclear Cooperation in Seoul to discuss bilateral nuclear cooperation, the first such in-person meeting to be held in four years.



The two sides agreed to work on developing a "cooperation model" for exporting nuclear reactors to a third country based on Seoul's successful construction of four nuclear reactors in Barakah, located 270 kilometers west of Abu Dhabi.



They also agreed to seek new areas for cooperation, including in the small modular reactor sector.



In 2018, the two countries launched a high-level dialogue channel on nuclear cooperation to deal with joint efforts to export nuclear reactors to a third country, nuclear security, safety and regulation, and research and development.



The current Yoon Suk Yeol administration, which launched in May last year, has been actively pushing to revive the country's nuclear energy industry, reversing the former government's nuclear phase-out policy. (Yonhap)


ON THE JOB

Here's how Len Bean went from a kid listening to a transistor radio under his covers at night to news director at WBRK AM and FM
Howard Marshall will be the new principal at Kittredge Elementary School this year, succeeding Kathy Buckley, who is retiring in August. He is a veteran of the Pittsfield Public Schools, but this will be his first time serving as a principal.
Stay up to date on Berkshires news with Berkshires in Brief, our free daily newsletter

PITTSFIELD  For the second time in as many weeks the citys mosquito surveillance program has found a mosquito sample with West Nile virus.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health informed the city that one of the samples collected by the Berkshire County Mosquito Control Project this week contained an infected mosquito. The sample was taken near Elm Street and Williams Street according to a news release issued by the city on Friday.

Data from the state shows that the sample with the infected mosquito was taken on July 18.

Last week, city officials alerted the public that the state DPH had found West Nile virus in mosquito samples sent in from the city. Data from the state shows that sample was taken on July 7.

To date, no human cases of West Nile virus have been reported in the city or the commonwealth as a whole.

The virus is the most common mosquito-borne illness in the United States according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A person becomes infected when bitten by an infected mosquito. The CDC reports that only about one in five people develop mild symptoms like a fever and only about one in 150 develop serious  and sometimes fatal  illness.

The states tracking program for mosquito-borne illnesses reports that all of Berkshire County is still classified as low risk for contracting West Nile virus. The only communities in the state with a higher level of risk are Boston, Brookline and Watertown, which are listed at moderate risk.

City officials are encouraging residents to wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts and socks when theyre outside to keep their risk of infection low. Using a repellent with DEET and trying to avoid outdoor activities between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active is also recommended.
Donald Morrison is an Eagle columnist and co-chairman of the advisory board. The opinions expressed by columnists do not necessarily reflect the views of The Berkshire Eagle.
Demonstrators protest June 29 outside of the Supreme Court in Washington after the court struck down affirmative action in college admissions, saying race cannot be a factor.
Massachusetts is one of only eight states that still ties a standardized test to a high school graduation requirement, according to the Massachusetts Teachers Association. A Lexington mother of a high school student has started an effort to remove the test as a graduation requirement
Students cool down in a fountain at Yeouido, Seoul, July 19. Yonhap



A heat wave warning was issued for most parts of the country Friday, as searing heat kicked in after the end of the monsoon season.



The nation will receive strong sunlight and high humidity, with the highest apparent temperature reaching 35 C during the midday, due to the influence of the North Pacific anticyclone, the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) said.



A heat wave warning had been issued for most parts of the country as of 10 a.m., with the southeastern city of Busan under a heat wave warning for the first time this year.



Heat wave warnings are issued when the highest apparent temperature is expected to be 35 C or higher for more than two consecutive days or if major damage is anticipated from the heat.





Citizens shield their faces from the sunlight as a heat wave advisory was issued in Jongno District, Seoul, July 19. Yonhap
Five African films from South Africa, Angola, Kenya, and Tanzania are being screened in St. Petersburg, Russia, from 28 to 30 July.

The 2019 film Kijiji Changu is a story about a love triangle and the disastrous consequences of a womans choice. Source: Supplied.

The free screenings are part of the film festival Africa. Together into the Future as part of the second Russia-Africa Summit.

Best films

The ROSKINO screenings include some of the best films of recent years, which have been presented at many international film festivals and won a number of awards.

African Film Days at the Aurora Cinema will open with a film from South Africa called 1960. This is a 2022 musical detective drama from directors Michael Mutombo and King Shaft.

The film was named Best South African Feature Film at the 43rd Durban International Film Festival, Africa's oldest and largest film festival. Michael Mutombo co-created the 2009 cult science fiction thriller District 9, which has over 30 wins and over 100 nominations at various international film festivals, including four Oscar nominations.

Kenya is represented by the drama Bangarang directed by Robin Odongo. The drama is about a poor driver who, after a disputed presidential election in Kenya and street riots, flees into exile for fear of being falsely accused of the death of a six-month-old baby.

The film won Best African Feature Film at the 43rd Durban International Film Festival and Best East African Film at the Uganda Film Festival; was nominated in three categories at the Kalasha Awards, an annual award presented by the Kenyan Film Commission; and also has a number of other awards. On July 28, director, Robin Odongo, will take part in the opening ceremony of African Film Days.

Social issues

Also featured is the 2020 action drama Air Conditioner by Angolan director Mario Bastas. The film immerses viewers in the atmosphere of Luanda, transmitting its history, and people trying to rebuild their lives after the civil war. The film was presented in the competitive nominations of three festivals: the Saint Paul International Film Festival in Minneapolis (USA), the Friborg International Film Festival (Switzerland) and the Luxembourg Film Festival.

There are two films from Tanzania: the dramas Kijiji Changu and Mwiga, directed by Steven Lino. The 2019 film is a story about a love triangle and the disastrous consequences of a womans choice. The film received a number of awards, including the award for Best Actor at the American Golden Pictures International Film Festival. The film was also presented at the Pan-African International Film Festival, the Zanzibar International Film Festival (one of the largest African arts festivals), the RapidLion South African Film Festival and others. Stephen Lino's new film, Mwiga, is about a young man trying to survive in difficult life circumstances.

African Film Days are also part of the International Film Days project, which ROSKINO has been implementing with the support of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation. The project acquaints Russian audiences with modern films from Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and CIS. Screenings of Indian, Belarusian, and Iranian cinema have already been held in Moscow and the Uzbek Film Days in St. Petersburg.
The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), part of the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants founded with the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA), has signed a dual-designation agreement with Zimbabwe's premier accounting body, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Zimbabwe (ICAZ) to enable their respective members to take on dual membership and use both the Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) and the Chartered Accountant (Zimbabwe) (CA(Z)).

This agreement will enable Zimbabwean accounting and finance professionals to enhance their skill sets and seize new career opportunities, which will in turn benefit businesses and long-term economic growth in Zimbabwe. Furthermore, CIMA will also extend its collaboration with ICAZ on thought leadership and research initiatives, member events, and jointly promote their qualifications and resources in Zimbabwe.

Gordian Bowa, ACMA, CGMA, country director for Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Malawi at AICPA & CIMA, said: Our new partnership with ICAZ underscores a longstanding and productive relationship. I am confident that accounting and finance professionals in Zimbabwe will make the most of this agreement, and likewise, organisations and the Zimbabwean economy will benefit from having highly qualified accounting and finance professionals with the skills to drive long-term business success.

Tariro Mutizwa, ACMA, CGMA, regional vice president  Africa, at AICPA & CIMA, together as the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, said: We are pleased to partner with ICAZ to empower the finance and accounting profession in Zimbabwe. Change is happening at a rapid pace across the globe, and accounting and finance professionals are required to adapt to guide businesses toward sustainable success. Therefore, through this agreement, we hope to develop and diversify their skills and knowledge to deliver fresh and innovative approaches to their organisations.

Manyara Chigunduru, CA(Z), president at the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Zimbabwe, commented: The current business environment brings unique challenges that require new ways of thinking and working. This partnership supports our commitment to develop and support the accounting and finance professionals that can successfully operate in the current and future business contexts.




Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has, in terms of Section 30C(1)(b), read with section 30C(3) of the Pension Funds Act 24 of 1956, appointed Naheem Ebrahim Essop as a deputy pension funds adjudicator.

Naheem Ebrahim Essop appointed deputy pension funds adjudicator. Source: BatSeta - Council of Retirement Funds for South Africa

The appointment is for a term of three years and is effective from the date of assumption of duty, which is expected to be 1 August 2023.

The Office of the Pension Funds Adjudicator (OPFA) was established in terms of the Pension Funds Act. The OPFA is required to dispose of complaints lodged in terms of Section 30A(3) of the Act in a procedurally fair, economical, and expeditious manner.

Essop holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree and is an admitted attorney. He started his career as a candidate attorney in 2004.

Thereafter, he practiced as an attorney from 2006 to 2015. He then joined the Financial Services Board (now the Financial Sector Conduct Authority) as a specialist analyst in the Pension Funds Department in 2015, where he worked until 2020.

He is currently a senior legal advisor at the OPFA. Essop is an alternate member-elected trustee of the Financial Sector Conduct Authority Pension Fund in which the OPFA participates.

He also serves as the OPFA deputy information officer, registered in terms of the Protection of Personal Information Act.
Electric vehicles are crisscrossing the globe to reach their eager buyers, but the battery technology involved in the zero-emission automobiles is exposing under-prepared maritime shippers to the risk of hard-to-control fires, industry, insurance and emergency response officials said.

FILE PHOTO: Smoke rises as a fire broke out on the cargo ship Fremantle Highway, at sea on July 26, 2023. Coastguard Netherlands/Handout via REUTERS/File Photo

That risk has been put under the spotlight by the burning car carrier drifting off the Dutch coast. The Dutch coastguard said the fire's cause was unknown, but Dutch broadcaster RTL released a recording in which an emergency responder is heard saying "the fire started in the battery of an electric car."

While all logistics companies deal with the risk of EV lithium-ion batteries burning with twice the energy of a normal fire, the maritime industry hasn't kept up with the developing technology and how it creates greater risk, maritime officials and insurers said.

There were 209 ship fires reported during 2022, the highest number in a decade and 17% more than in 2021, according to a report from insurer Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty (AGCS). Of that total, 13 occurred on car carriers, but how many involved EVs were not available.

The European Maritime Safety Agency said in a March report the main cargo types identified as responsible for "a large share of cargo fire accidents included ... lithium-ion batteries."

EV battery risks

Dutch news agency ANP, citing operator "K" Lines, said there are almost 4,000 cars on the ship. That total includes 25 EVs.

A person answering the phone at "K" Line's main US office said he was not authorised to discuss the fire. Japan's Shoei Kisen, which owns the ship, said it was working with authorities to get control of the fire.

The cause of the fire, while still officially undetermined, has raised questions about "what blind spots there are when transporting electric cars powered by batteries - which when they catch fire can't be extinguished with water, or even by oxygen deprivation," said Nathan Habers, spokesperson for the Royal Association of Netherlands Shipowners (KVNR).

"The first question that comes to mind is: Does the current code stack up against the risk profile of this type of goods?" he added.

One hazard in lithium-ion batteries is "thermal runaway," a rapid and unstoppable increase in temperature that leads to fires in EVs that are hard to extinguish and can spontaneously reignite.

Fire extinguishing systems on the massive ships that haul cars weren't designed for those hotter fires, and shipping companies and regulators are scrambling to catch up, said Douglas Dillon, executive director of the Tri-state Maritime Safety Association that covers Delaware, Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Recent fire-related losses are resulting in increased insurance costs for automakers shipping cargo and costs are likely to increase for vessel owners as well, said John Frazee, a managing director at insurance broker Marsh. As ship owners seek to limit losses by legally pursuing automakers whose vehicles are determined to have caused a fire, automakers are buying additional liability protection, he said.

Insurance safety systems

Exacerbating the risks is the business model used by companies that include tightly packed ships. Auto carriers like the burning ship are known as RoRos, which stands for roll-on/roll-off - the way cars are loaded and unloaded.

RoRos are like floating parking garages and can have a dozen or more decks carrying thousands of vehicles, industry officials said. Unlike parking lots, however, cars are parked bumper-to-bumper with as little as a foot or two of space overhead.

Firemen typically put out EV battery fires on roadsides by clearing the area around the burning vehicle and flooding the underside with water, something difficult to do on a RoRo, Dillon said.

"There's no way for a firefighter in protective gear to get to the location of a fire on a ship, he said, adding the cramped conditions increase the danger of getting trapped.

While trains and trucks also transport EVs, isolating and extinguishing fires is easier as workers can unhook a rail car and a trucker can pull over, said Frazee.

Frazee expects insurers to lead the charge on strengthening safety systems on ships. Options being worked on include new chemicals to douse flames, specialised EV fire blankets, battery-piercing fire hose nozzles and proposals to segregate EVs.

"I see no quick solution," Frazee said.

The International Maritime Organization, which sets regulations for safety at sea, plans to evaluate new measures next year for ships transporting EVs in light of the growing number of fires on cargo ships.

That could include specifications on types of water extinguishers available on boats and limitations on the amount a battery can be charged, which impacts flammability.

Tightening regulations

With EVs here to stay, KVNR's Habers said his group is discussing tightening regulations to account for the additional safety risks.

"There is already a whole lot of communication underway about this," he said, "but with this incident it becomes apparent we might need to speed up the process, especially when you consider that the number of this sort of cars is only going to rise."

Global auto sales last year totalled 81 million vehicles, 9.5% of which were EVs, according to EV-Volumes.com. China and Europe have been the most aggressive regions in pushing automakers to shift to EVs, and US President Joe Biden's administration has proposed rules that could result in as much as two-thirds of the new vehicle market shifting to EVs by 2032.
South Africa has been grappling with ongoing electricity supply challenges leading to frequent power outages. These interruptions have far-reaching implications for various sectors, but have particularly impacted the hospitality industry as it relies heavily on a consistent power supply to provide quality services to guests.

Source: Goricev Eduard via 123RF

Amidst these power disruptions, Id like to break down the effects of load shedding on hotels and the challenges we face in providing a seamless guest experience.

The high cost of generators

Load shedding poses significant financial challenges for South African hotels, disrupting operations, compromising guest experiences, and imposing financial burdens. As it forces us to rely on generators to maintain essential services during power outages, the costs associated with acquiring, operating and maintaining generators pose significant challenges to a hotels profitability.

For hotels, these outages can disrupt essential services such as lighting, heating, air conditioning, refrigeration, and security systems. Consequently, hotels are forced to rely on backup power sources, primarily diesel generators that serve as a lifeline, to bridge the gap during load shedding periods.

However, they come with significant financial implications. The acquisition, installation, and maintenance costs of generators can place a considerable burden on hotels, impacting our bottom line in several ways:

1. Capital expenditure: Investing in generators requires a substantial upfront cost. Depending on the size and capacity needed, the cost can range up to millions of rands. For smaller hotels, this financial burden may strain available resources, limiting investment in other critical areas.

2. Ongoing fuel costs: With load shedding becoming a frequent occurrence, hotels must factor in the continuous expenditure on fuel to generate electricity. This added operational cost can quickly accumulate, especially during extended periods of load shedding, putting additional pressure on hotel budgets.

3. Maintenance and repairs: The cost of servicing, repairing, and replacing parts to ensure optimal performance and longevity can be substantial. Hotels must allocate funds for routine inspections, filter replacements, engine overhauls, and any unexpected breakdowns, adding to their overall operating expenses.

4. Environmental impact: Generators contribute to carbon emissions and air pollution so those hotels that are committed to sustainability may face reputational challenges by relying on generators, impacting their brand image and potentially deterring eco-conscious guests.

Operational disruptions

Load shedding poses significant operational challenges for hotels. With power outages occurring unexpectedly and without a fixed schedule, hotels are forced to rely on backup generators to maintain essential services. However, generators are expensive to maintain and operate, and they may not always be able to sustain the entire facility, leading to disruptions in various areas such as elevators, air conditioning, lighting, and water supply.

Guest comfort and experience

The comfort and satisfaction of guests are paramount to the success of any hotel. Load shedding can harm guest experience, as power outages disrupt essential services and amenities.

Guests may experience inconveniences such as the inability to charge electronic devices, limited access to hot water, and insufficient lighting in rooms and common areas. Such disruptions can result in negative reviews, decreased guest satisfaction, and potential loss of future bookings.

Business interruption

Hotels heavily rely on electricity to run their operations smoothly. Load shedding can hamper hotel business activities, especially those dependent on reliable power supply, such as restaurants, bars, spas, and conference facilities. Cancelled events, reduced occupancy rates, and potential revenue losses are significant concerns for hotel owners and management. In addition, the cost of fuel for backup generators and maintenance expenses further strain their budgets.

Sustainable practices and environmental impact

South Africa's energy crisis highlights the need for sustainable practices, and hotels are increasingly expected to adopt environmentally friendly measures. Load shedding compels hotels to rely heavily on non-renewable energy sources, such as diesel generators, which contribute to increased carbon emissions. This contradicts efforts to reduce the hospitality industry's environmental footprint and meet sustainability goals.

Mitigating the financial impact

To minimise the adverse effects of load shedding, hotels in South Africa can implement the following strategies:

1. Invest in renewable energy sources: Hotels can consider installing solar panels or exploring other renewable energy alternatives to reduce dependence on the national grid during power outages.

2. Energy management systems: Implementing energy-efficient technologies, such as smart lighting and HVAC systems, can help hotels optimize energy consumption and minimise the impact of load shedding.

3. Back-up power infrastructure: Hotels should ensure their backup generators are well-maintained, regularly serviced, and capable of supporting essential operations during extended power outages.

4. Communication and transparency: Hotels should communicate load shedding schedules to guests, providing them with necessary information and alternative arrangements to minimise inconveniences.

5. Staff training and emergency preparedness: Hotel staff should be adequately trained to handle emergency situations and effectively assist guests during power outages. Clear protocols and contingency plans should be in place to ensure the safety and comfort of guests.

Hotels must immediately find innovative solutions to mitigate the impact of power outages, including investing in renewable energy, implementing energy-efficient technologies, and ensuring robust backup options.
Natasha Bruwer has been appointed acting chair of the CoreNet Global sub-Saharan African Networking Group (SSANG), bringing nearly two decades of hands-on experience in global corporate real estate to the role.

Natasha Bruwer, managing director of Cushman & Wakefield BROLL Occupier Services

Natasha is the highly regarded managing director of Cushman & Wakefield | BROLL Occupier Services, and in her move from deputy chair to acting chair of CoreNet Global SSANG, she will continue to build on the strong foundation of providing valuable resources for professionals with the strategic responsibility for real estate. These professionals contribute significantly to the success of business and society in South Africa and across sub-Saharan Africa.

It is a privilege to act as chair this CoreNet Global group, which has so much to offer corporate real estate professionals at a time when community and connection are critical, said Natasha.

She added, The role of corporate real estate in shaping business and economic success cannot be over-emphasised. The corporate real estate profession plays a strategic role within corporate infrastructure. Our profession is innovative, agile and resilient and it is truly humbling and exciting to be part of this network as we navigate and influence the future of corporate real estate together.

Natasha warmly thanked outgoing chair Rashen Maharaj, who will be starting a new position as COO of Individual Consulting at Alexforbes from 1 August 2023, for the leadership, energy, guidance and structure he brought to the network.

Commenting on his experience chairing the group, Rashen said, Dont underestimate the power of corporate real estate in South Africa. The CoreNet Global network enables strategic contributions that create real value for its members and their organisations.

CoreNet Global is a non-profit association representing nearly 10,000 members in 50 countries with strategic responsibility for the real estate assets of large corporations. Its mission is to advance the practice of corporate real estate through professional development opportunities, publications, research, conferences and networking in 46 local chapters and networking groups globally.

CoreNet Global SSANG focuses on the corporate real estate industry in Africa. They provide learning, education, networking, and personal excellence programmes suited for local members and professionals. Though there are various real estate organisations in the region, only CoreNet Global specifically caters to corporate real estate professionals.

The CoreNet Global SSANG board of dedicated volunteers is committed to elevating the role of corporate real estate professionals. Board members include CheGaier, senior account manager at CBRE Excellerate; Janice Moodley, head strategic enablement (real estate) for the Standard Bank Group; and Mughtar Parker, executive director, properties and services, University of Cape Town.




This rendered image, provided by Hanwha, shows the interior design of the Centre Pompidou Hanwha Seoul, to be built in 63 Square in western Seoul, July 28. Yonhap



Korea's Hanwha Group has finalized the agreement with the Centre Pompidou in France to establish the museum's offshoot branch in Seoul, with the opening set for late 2025, the energy-to-defense conglomerate said Friday.



The formal contract was signed Thursday, under which Hanwha is given the licensing rights to use the French museum's properties for four years upon the opening of the branch, the Centre Pompidou Hanwha Seoul, Hanwha said.



The Centre Pompidou Hanwha Seoul will be built inside 63 Square, a skyscraper in western Seoul owned by Hanwha. 63 Square will undergo renovation for the construction of the museum.



Hanwha said it plans to open the museum in October 2025.



Hanwha will hold two special exhibitions every year, featuring masterpieces from the Pompidou collections, for which Hanwha will pay brand royalties, rental and other fees as agreed under the terms.



Hanwha has long sought to bring the Pompidou branch to Korea since 2018 as part of efforts to further engage in art and culture but experienced setbacks amid the global outbreak of COVID-19.



The Centre Pompidou has over 120,000 artworks from the early 1900s to the present, including the collections of Chagall, Matisse, Kandinsky and Picasso.



It has a number of satellite museums around the world, including the one in Spain's Malaga, which opened in 2015, and another in Shanghai that was set up in 2019. (Yonhap)




Borsa Italiana non ha responsabilita per il contenuto del sito a cui sta per accedere e non ha responsabilita per le informazioni contenute.

Accedendo a questo link, Borsa Italiana non intende sollecitare acquisti o offerte in alcun paese da parte di nessuno.

Sarai automaticamente diretto al link in cinque secondi.
Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Morocco Aziz Akhannouch, left, and Russian President Vladimir Putin shake hands before an official ceremony to welcome the leaders of delegations to the Russia Africa Summit in St. Petersburg, Russia, July 27. Tass-Yonhap



Vladimir Putin told leaders and officials from most African countries Thursday that Russia is making every effort to avert a global food crisis despite concerns that its withdrawal from a deal allowing grain shipments from Ukraine will cause price spikes.



The Russian leader spoke at the opening session of a two-day Russia-Africa summit attended by a sharply lower number of African heads of state and government compared with a previous summit in 2019. While discussing the halted Black Sea grain deal, he promised large no-cost shipments of grain to six African countries.



"Our country will continue supporting needy states and regions, in particular, with its humanitarian deliveries. We seek to actively participate in building a fairer system of distribution of resources. We are taking maximum efforts to avert a global food crisis," Putin said.



"I have already said that our country can replace Ukrainian grain , both on a commercial basis and as grant aid to the neediest African countries, more so since we expect another record harvest this year," he said.



Russia intends to ship up to 50,000 tons of grain aid to Burkina Faso, Zimbabwe, Mali, Somalia, Eritrea and Central African Republic in the next three to four months, Putin said.



Without directly referring to Putin's promise, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres took a swipe Thursday at donations of grain to developing nations, saying they cannot compensate for the impact of Moscow's cutoff of grain exports from Ukraine, which along with Russia is a major supplier to the world market.



The U.N. chief said the United Nations is in contact with Turkey, Ukraine, Russia and other countries to try to reestablish the deal that saw Ukraine export over 32,000 tons of grain, allowing global food prices to drop significantly.



Guterres told reporters at U.N. headquarters in New York that taking millions of tons of Ukrainian grain out of the global market will lead to higher prices. The higher costs "will be paid by everybody, everywhere, and namely by developing countries and by the vulnerable people in middle income and even developed countries," he said.



"So, it's not with a handful of donations to some countries that we correct this dramatic impact that affects everybody, everywhere," Guterres added.



U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric noted that Guterres pointed at Russia's "systematic bombardment" of Ukrainian ports and grain facilities, which he called "a serious escalation." Dujarric said the bombing will have a serious impact on any resumption of Ukrainian grain exports.



White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre also said Russia's promise to donate grain to African nations did not compensate for pulling out of the deal on Ukrainian grain.



"A handful of donations to some countries cannot replace the millions and millions of tons of grain exports that help stabilize food prices around the world," Jean-Pierre said.





Russian President Vladimir Putin gives a speech at a reception in honour of African leaders during the second Russia-Africa summit in Saint Petersburg, July 27. Tass-Yonhap




By Xu Liuliu







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.











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 Chia. 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."











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." (Global Times)











This article was originally published on Global Times.
State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, Canada

Postal Code
An estimated 16,000 workers in Ireland's security industry are in line for a pay increase after High Court proceedings halting the rise were resolved.

The proposed pay increase was paused last August after three security companies secured a High Court injunction preventing the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment from commencing an Employment Regulation Order to increase pay for security workers.

Advertisement

The injunction restrained the Minister from introducing the proposed new employment regulation order providing a new minimum rate of pay of 12:50 an hour and an increased minimum of 12:90 per hour from February 1st last.

The three security companies, represented in the action by Eoin O'Shea Bl instructed by solicitor Tom Casey also secured permission on behalf of Top Security, Morbury and Las Security to bring a challenge by way of judicial review the Ministers decision and the proposals of the Labour Court.

Advertisement

In their proceedings the applicant had sought to have the ERO, which they alleged was flawed, set aside.

The proceedings were also against the Security Industry Joint Labour Committee, Ireland and the Attorney General.

Advertisement

The proceedings was opposed by the respondents.

Protests

There had also been protests against the action by security workers and their representatives.

The matter had been listed before the Court on several occasions, and the matter was expected to go hearing later this year.

However, at the High Court on Friday afternoon Mr O'Shea told Ms Justice Niamh Hyland that the dispute had been settled, and all previous orders made in the case injunction the injunction could be struck out.

Advertisement

Counsel said that as a result of the settlement the Minister was now free to sign the ERO, which would result in pay rises for workers across the security sector in Ireland.

Counsel said that separate but related proceedings brought by security companies in 2015 could also be struck out with no order.

No further details of the settlement agreement, which is understood to be confidential, were given in open court.

Ms Aoife Carroll Bl for the respondents said that her clients were consenting to the orders.

Advertisement

Following the application from Mr O'Shea the judge agreed to strike out the proceedings.

Industrial Relations law

Advertisement

The court previously heard that the three companies are involved in the provision of security and guarding services in Ireland.

They had argued that Industrial Relations laws provide for the establishment of Joint Labour Committees to provide machinery for submitting proposals to the Labour Court for the adoption by the Minister of an ERO.

It was claimed that such committees were composed of union representatives and, on the employer side in this case, mainly members from the larger security firms to promote harmonious relations between workers and employers and to avoid industrial unrest.

Advertisement

It was claimed that a Joint Labour Committee, when it has formulated proposals for a regulation order, was bound to publish notice of that order and seek written representations within 21 days of its publication.

They claimed that this had not happened in respect of the ERO for the security sector.

They claimed that they had twice asked for a copy of the Labour Courts recommendations to the Minister, but had not received any prior to a press release by the Minister last year announcing the ERO for the sector.

It was claimed that the relevant legislation provides that an employer who did not pay the minimum rates as laid out in an Employment Regulation Order or apply other employment conditions, such as for holidays and overtime, was guilty of a criminal offence.

The three companies had claimed that the Joint Labour Committee process supported the interests of the big rather than the smaller employer, produced an anti-competitive outcome and tended to reduce employment in the industry by encouraging clients to turn to cheaper technology solutions and fewer static guards.

The number of companies offering static guards has declined in recent years, they had argued. .
The appeal court has cleared the way for a new 800million air sea rescue contract.

A High Court decision given earlier this week lifting a suspension on the awarding of a new 800 million contract for the Irish coastguard air search and rescue service was today upheld by the Court of Appeal.

Advertisement

The appeal was expedited given the urgent nature of ensuring there is a two-year transition period between the end of the current contract in 2025 and the takeover of the service by the company which won the competition.

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 against the minister claiming there were a number of flaws in the conduct of the tender competition.

Advertisement

As a result, an automatic suspension on the awarding of the new contract kicked.

Advertisement

The minister then applied to the High Court to have it lifted. CHC opposed the application.

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.

The winning bidder was the rival firm, Bristow Ireland Ltd, a subsidiary of the US-based Bristow Group Inc which will run the service for 10 years from 2025. Bristow was a notice party in the legal proceedings.

On Tuesday, the High Court's Mr Justice Michael Twomey agreed to the minister's application to lift the suspension.

Advertisement

Mr Justice Twomey said the balance of justice favoured the lifting of the automatic suspension in this case for the reasons including the fact that both parties claim that lives will be lost if the automatic suspension is lifted/continued.

In such a situation, and where the court cannot determine which party is correct, lifting the suspension preserves the status quo by permitting the minister to sign the new contract with the winning tenderer and not being forced to sign an extension of the existing contract with the losing tenderer, he said.

The judge granted a stay on his decision after he was told the Court of Appeal had agreed to hear an urgent appeal on Thursday.

On Friday, the three judge Court of Appeal gave its decision and affirmed Mr Justice Twomey's order.

On behalf of the Court of Appeal , Ms Justice Caroline Costello said having taken time to consider the arguments, the court was of the view that the balance of justice favoured lifting the suspension.

She said the court would give its written decision on a later date.
A retired Dublin school principal has been charged with the sexual abuse of eight former pupils over 19 years.

Gardai charged Patrick Harte, 81, on Friday with 19 indecent assaults from 1969 to 1988.

Advertisement

He denies the allegations.

It followed an investigation by the Divisional Protective Services Unit at Kevin Street Garda station.

The offences allegedly involved eight boys, all pupils at Sancta Maria Christian Brothers primary school on Synge Street.

The former teacher, who became the principal, worked at the school from 1967 until 2008.

Advertisement

Arrest

He was arrested at his home on Friday and charged with the offences before appearing before Judge Treasa Kelly at Dublin District Court.

Garda Orla Moynihan said the pensioners reply to the individual charges were: I deny it, I deny it completely, I definitely deny that, and I deny that.

Advertisement

Judge Kelly noted the Director of Public Prosecutions has directed trial on indictment in the Circuit Court.

A book of evidence must be completed and served on the accused before granting a trial order.

Advertisement

Objecting to bail, Garda Moynihan alleged pupils were regularly called up by the accused and put over his knee and that he groped their genitals and buttocks area on the inside and outside in front of the entire class.

The court heard that he told the other pupils in the classroom to keep their heads down as this happened.

One incident allegedly happened in a classroom.

Garda Moynihan claimed the accused targeted children from difficult backgrounds.

Advertisement

Contested bail hearing

The contested bail hearing was told the allegations were similar, and the injured parties were unknown to each other or had lost contact after leaving the school.

The court heard gardai spoke to 298 ex-pupils, and 117 witnesses made statements.

Garda Moynihan agreed with defence counsel Luke OHiggins (instructed by solicitor Padraig ODonovan) that there was no physical evidence, just testimony by various witnesses. She added that it included school records.

The alleged incidents happened 35 to more than 50 years ago, and the garda accepted counsels assertion that there was no evidence that his client would interfere with witnesses.

Advertisement

Cross-examined further, she agreed that she did not think he would abscond.

Pleading for bail, Mr OHiggins said his client was elderly and nipping out to the shops is as far as he goes. He added that Mr Harte would comply with strict bail terms.

Judge Kelly held that the accused was not a flight risk and would not interfere with witnesses, and she granted bail in his bond of 5,000.

The pensioner, who did not address the court, was remanded in custody until he lodges 1,000.

He will face his next hearing at Cloverhill District Court on August 4th.

Once bail has been taken up, he must sign on once weekly at a garda station, not leave the jurisdiction, and be contactable by phone at all times. He has surrendered his passport and was ordered to apply for new travel documents.

Legal aid was granted.
Gardai have appealed for information on 25th anniversary of the disappearance of Deirdre Jacob.

Deirdre Jacob was last seen on the 28th July 1998 near her home, at Roseberry, Newbridge, Co Kildare at approximately 3pm.

Advertisement

Deirdre was 18 years old in 1998. She would be 43 years old this year. Deirdre had just completed one year at St Marys University, Twickenham, London.

Deirdre had enjoyed her life in London and was looking forward to returning to college that September.

That day, 28th July 1998, Deirdre had walked into Newbridge town to get a bank draft to send to a college friend in London for their rent deposit.

At 2.14pm Deirdre is observed on CTTV walking on Main Street Newbridge.

Advertisement

At approximately 2.18pm Deirdre is observed in the AIB bank getting a 100 bank draft and leaves the AIB Bank a short time later.

Advertisement

At 2.26pm Deridre is observed again on CCTV queuing in the Post Office Newbridge. At 2.32pm Deirdre is observed on CCTV speaking with a friend outside the Post Office on Main Street Newbridge.

At 2.35pm, the last sighting of Deirdre, on CCTV, is recorded walking outside the PTSB Bank on Main Street Newbridge.

Deirdre was last seen shortly after 3pm near her family home outside Newbridge.

Advertisement

Deirdre was 53 in height, slim build with grey/green eyes and dark chin length hair.When she went missing on the 28th July 1998 Deirdre was wearing a navy v neck t-shirt with white trim on collar and sleeves, navy or black straight jeans and blue Nike runners.

Deirdre was carrying a distinctive black satchel type bag with long shoulder straps and the word CAT in large yellow capital letters on the side.

The black satchel bag has never been located.There has been a 25-year investigation into Deirdres disappearance during which significant enquiries have been carried out to establish her whereabouts and to investigate the circumstances in which she disappeared.

On the 20th anniversary of her disappearance An Garda Siochana confirmed that the missing person investigation had been upgraded to a murder investigation.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Gardai submitted an investigation file on the murder of Deirdre Jacob to the Director of Public Prosecutions.

No prosecution has been directed to date.

Superintendent Burke made the following appeal for information:"Today the 25th anniversary of Deirdres disappearance and murder I appeal to any person with any information in relation to the murder of Deirdre Jacob to contact the Garda investigation team.

"I want to speak to any person who met, spoke with or had any interaction with Deirdre Jacob on the 28th July 1998 or subsequently.

Advertisement

"There are person or persons who have information on the disappearance of Deirdre Jacob and her murder on or about the 28th July 1998 and who havent yet spoken to Gardai or who may have already spoken to Gardai but were not in a position to tell everything that they know at that time.

"Do you recognise yourself in the queue in the Post Office or do you recognise any of the persons in the queue. I want to speak to every person that was in that queue.

"I want to speak with any person who has any information on the black satchel type bag with long shoulder straps and the word CAT in large yellow capital letters on the side which Deirdre was in possession of when she went missing.

"I am appealing to those persons, 25 years later, to please come forward and speak to the investigation team. The primary focus of this investigation is the victim, Deirdre Jacob and her family."
A victim of sexual assault has described how she would sit on bridges and dangle her legs, begging for the courage to jump in the aftermath of the assault.

The Central Criminal Court heard that Robert Dunne (27) of Ballinlow, Gorey, Co Wexford, pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual assault at Island Bridge, Dublin 8, on May 7th 2018. He has no previous convictions.

Advertisement

The injured party has waived her right to anonymity to allow Dunne to be named.

The court heard that Dunne sent the woman a Facebook message on the evening in question and arranged to meet up with her after she had finished work.

They had alcohol and cocaine together before they went back to his rented home and had consensual sex.

At one point, she was afraid she was going to vomit, so she said she wanted to stop and fell asleep in the bed with the man beside her.

Advertisement

Advertisement

The investigating sergeant told Maurice Coffey SC, prosecuting, that the woman woke up to find Dunne digitally penetrating her vagina and anus.

She pretended to be asleep and then pretended to wake up, and Dunne moved away from her. He later sexually assaulted her in the same way again, stopping when she moved away.

The woman fell asleep again but woke to find Dunne having sex with her. She moved, and he stopped. She pretended to be asleep and waited until she was certain he was asleep before she gathered up her clothes and left the house.

She dressed herself as she ran away and made her way to a nearby hotel where staff assisted her and gardai were called.

Advertisement

Dunne had initially faced a charge of rape, but pleas to two counts of sexual assault were acceptable to the Director of Public Prosecutions on a full facts basis.

Victim impact statement

The now 24-year-old woman read her victim impact statement to the court. She said the incident turned my world upside down, and part of me died in that room. She said she can still see herself running from the house.

For the first 48 hours, it didnt feel real. It doesnt feel like it was me who walked into that hotel (referring to the hotel she went to in the immediate aftermath). I wish it werent, but it was me.

Advertisement

She said she had considered Dunne as a friend and used to look forward to seeing him, but in the days after, she struggled to go to college, as the thoughts of seeing him filled me with dread.

Advertisement

She said there had not been a day since she had not thought about the assault. She wondered, How many more days can this ruin, my wedding day, the birth of my first child?

The woman said she found herself turning to drugs and alcohol and didnt want to be alone anymore. She described sitting on bridges, dangling my legs. I begged for the courage to jump.

She said a shame, which shouldnt be mine, feels and still feels heavy around my neck, and I havent been able to shake it off.

I am more than what happened to me, the woman continued before she said; that some people have the impression that I have come out the other end, but the truth is that I am overwhelmed.

Advertisement

What he did to me was not, nor will it ever be, fine. What he did to me was disgusting. He used me like an object for pleasure, the woman said before she added that in the aftermath, sex became transactional for her as she was determined to make sex meaningless.

Advertisement

The sergeant outlined to the court a number of text messages and social media messages exchanged between the man and the woman in the days after the assault, during which Dunne said he had been in a bad place and said he was sorry.

He told her he wanted her to know it was not her fault, adding, I should have dealt with my own shit.

Messages

The witness told Mr Coffey that Dunne messaged the woman six months later telling her that he knew it was his fault and apologised again.

Dunne was interviewed by gardai in July 2019, during which he claimed that the sex between them had been consensual. He was questioned again the following May when various messages were put to him by gardai, but he replied no comment to any questions he was asked.

Dunne wrote a letter to the woman, which Coleman Cody SC, defending, read into the record. He said in the letter that he hoped the letter would bring the woman some peace. He said he was so, so sorry and accepted he had disregarded her needs.

Mr Cody said his client acknowledged that the woman told him that night that they could resume sex in the morning and that he had not respected that.

Advertisement

Counsel said the offence was a fundamental breach of trust and said that the womans emotional statement outlined the impact the assault had and continues to have on her.

He submitted that his client has an understanding and acceptance not only of the act itself but also the effect that act had on her and that his client also demonstrates an insight into the consequences his offending had on her.

Mr Cody said there was a positive probation report before the court, which outlines that his client has begun counselling and the feedback from the therapist has been very positive.

His client has since returned home to his hometown in County Wexford, is in a healthy and stable relationship, has strong family support and has structured employment, the court heard.

Mr Cody said it has been a watershed moment in his clients life and suggested that as he has done everything to put his best foot forward, it was an appropriate case for a non-custodial sentence.

Mr Justice Paul McDermott said, I have considered the victim impact statement where the injured party has outlined the consequences and the effects it has had on her life and how she had had to adapt from when she ran from that house to date.

He said, It has affected her in social terms, and she had thoughts of ending her life at one stage and still has nightmares.

Degrading

The judge said they were serious sexual assaults of a degrading kind and had caused her considerable harm, adding that they were committed when the injured party was in a vulnerable state.

Mr Justice McDermott set a headline sentence of four years. He acknowledged the probation report, which highlights Dunne is at low risk of sexual reoffending, has the support of his family and partner, and is willing to cooperate with the Probation Service in the future.

The judge said he would consider as mitigating factors Dunne's guilty plea ensuring that no trial was required, his apologies, his attendance for a voluntary interview with the gardai and his lack of previous conditions.

Mr Justice McDermott sentenced Dunne to three years in prison on each of the two counts to run concurrently. He suspended the final 18 months for two years under strict conditions.
The Minister for Justice has admitted there is no timeframe for legislation to outlaw sex-for-rent practices 18 months after the government pledged to tackle it.

As the Irish Examiner reports, Minister Helen McEntee described landlords seeking sex-for-rent arrangements, by preying on vulnerable people desperately seeking accommodation, as absolutely horrendous.

Advertisement

It should never be the case that somebody is put in that position, particularly vulnerable people," she said.

When the issue was first revealed, Minister McEntee told the Dail there was a gap in the law that left vulnerable renters exposed to unscrupulous landlords and that it was something that "needs to be addressed".

We are trying to bring forward proposals as quickly as we possibly can.

However, Ms McEntee admitted on Friday that "we dont have a timeframe" for enacting new laws but said the government was "trying to move on it as quickly as possible".

Advertisement

Advertisement

The Ban on Sex for Rent Bill, introduced by Social Democrats TD Cian OCallaghan in March 2022, was not progressed after pre-legislative scrutiny.

The Department of Justice will look at the issue following finalisation of a review of prostitution laws.

That review was due to be completed at the end of last year but was delayed.

A new lead researcher is now being recruited to complete the prostitution review after the department agreed that the previous researcher was not able to complete the study.

When told that one woman targeted by landlords seeking sex-for-rent arrangements in Dublin has had to seek counselling because of her experience, Minister McEntee said: It is absolutely appalling what has happened to the lady in question.

"It shouldnt have happened, and I hope she is doing okay. I wish her the best. We are moving as quickly as we can, and we have a huge amount of work in the zero-tolerance strategy to try and address a number of different issues.
A Ukrainian drone has been shot down near Moscow, Russias defence ministry has said.

It is the third drone strike or attempt on the capital region this month.

Advertisement

There were no injuries or damage, the ministry added.

It did not give details about where the drone was shot down on Friday morning, but said it took place in the Moscow Oblast, a region surrounding but not including the city itself.

The incident adds to concern about Moscows vulnerability to attack as the war with Ukraine enters its 18th month.

Advertisement

The illegal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine is continuing.



The map below is the latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine  28 July 2023



Find out more about Defence Intelligence's use of language: https://t.co/bzTD2uTc2E#StandWithUkraine  pic.twitter.com/fNrcNOsrGx Advertisement  Ministry of Defence  (@DefenceHQ) July 28, 2023

Advertisement

Two drones hit the Russian capital on Monday, with one of them falling in the city centre near the defence ministrys headquarters along the Moscow River about two miles from the Kremlin.

The other drone hit an office building in southern Moscow, gutting several upper floors.

In another attack on July 4th, the Russian military said four drones were downed by air defences on the outskirts of Moscow and the fifth was jammed by electronic warfare means and forced down.

Meanwhile, the Ukrainian presidential office said on Friday that at least one civilian was killed and three others have been wounded in Russian attacks over the past day in the Donetsk region, where residential areas in 10 communities were shelled.

Advertisement

The office also said five civilians were injured in shelling of the village of Novoosynove in the Kharkiv region and one wounded in shelling in the Kherson region.

Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine - 28 July 2023.



Find out more about Defence Intelligence's use of language: https://t.co/9Dd7WyEssP



 #StandWithUkraine  pic.twitter.com/Qjrt243bP0  Ministry of Defence  (@DefenceHQ) July 28, 2023 Advertisement

The city of Nikopol, across the river from the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station, was shelled five times, the office said.

Advertisement

The Ukrainian military said its forces have taken control of the village of Staromayorske in the Donetsk region.

But its overall synopsis of fighting in the past day did not indicate significant advances in Ukraines counteroffensive against Russian-held areas.

On Thursday, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy visited Odesa, the Black Sea major port city hit by severe Russian missile and drone strikes over the past week, inflicting heavy damage on the citys landmark Orthodox cathedral and other sites in the citys historic centre.

Mr Zelenskiy inspected the cathedral and visited medical facilities, his office said.
Wagner mercenary boss Yevgeny Prigozhin, who remains active despite leading a failed mutiny against the Russian army's top brass last month, has hailed Niger's military coup as good news and offered his fighters' services to bring order.

A voice message on Telegram app channels associated with Wagner which they said was Prigozhin did not claim involvement in the coup, but described it as a moment of long overdue liberation from Western colonisers and made what looked like a pitch for his fighters to help keep order.

Advertisement

"What happened in Niger is nothing other than the struggle of the people of Niger with their colonisers. With colonisers who are trying to foist their rules of life on them and their conditions and keep them in the state that Africa was in hundreds of years ago," said the message, posted on Thursday evening.

Advertisement

The speaker had the same distinctive intonation and turn of phrase in Russian as the Wagner boss although Reuters was not able to confirm with certainty that it was him.

"Today this is effectively gaining their independence. The rest will without doubt depend on the citizens of Niger and how effective governance will be, but the main thing is this: they have got rid of the colonisers," the message said.

It was unclear who was in charge of Niger after soldiers on Wednesday evening declared a military coup and held president Mohamed Bazoum in the presidential palace.

Advertisement

The country, one of the poorest in the world but which also holds some of its biggest uranium deposits, declared full independence from former colonial ruler France in 1960.

The voice message was the latest sign that Prigozhin and his men remain active in Africa, where they still have security contracts in some countries like Central African Republic (CAR), and are keen to expand.

Prigozhin, 62, appears to continue to enjoy freedom of movement despite what the Kremlin said last month was a post-mutiny deal that would see him relocate to neighbouring Belarus where some of his men have already started training the army.

He was heard in a video released earlier this month telling his men in Belarus that they should gather their strength for a "new journey to Africa".

Advertisement

Sightings of Prigozhin

Advertisement

There have been various sightings of Prigozhin in Russia since the post-mutiny deal was clinched and the Kremlin said he had even attended a meeting with Putin, who had earlier called the abortive mutiny "a stab in the back".

The voice message's release coincided with the publication on Telegram of at least two photographs purporting to show Prigozhin meeting African attendees of a showcase two-day Russia-Africa summit in St Petersburg which concludes on Friday.

Reuters verified the location shown in one of the photographs as the Trezzini Palace hotel in St Petersburg, Prigozhin's home town. The lanyard worn by the official from Central African Republic (CAR) he is shown meeting in the same photograph matches those given to the summit's delegates.

Smiling and wearing blue jeans and a white polo shirt, Prigozhin looks relaxed in the photos as he poses to shake the hands of the delegates.

Advertisement

Prigozhin, in his voice message, boasted of Wagner's alleged efficiency in helping African nations stabilise and develop in what sounded like a sales pitch.

"...Thousands of Wagner fighters are capable of bringing order and of destroying terrorists and of not allowing them to harm the local populations of these states," he said.

Sergei Lavrov, Russia's foreign minister, said on Thursday that constitutional order in Niger should be restored.

Analysts said the Prigozhin appearances indicated that his private military company (PMC) would continue to play a role in furthering the Kremlin's foreign policy agenda in Africa.

"Yes, it's wild that Prigozhin is back in Russia, and apparently has been several times. But it's also in line with both Wagner's and Russia's goals to project normalcy and business as usual," Catrina Doxsee, an expert at the US CSIS think tank, said on messaging platform X.

"Moscow will likely use the Summit to reassure African partners of their commitment and continuity of PMC services in the wake of the uncertainty from the past month," she said.
A former Metropolitan Police officer has been jailed for sexually assaulting a woman in the sea following his stag party.

Ex-sergeant Laurence Knight, 34, is said to have met the woman, a stranger, in Brighton city centre in the early hours of July 17th, 2021.

Advertisement

Prosecutors said they walked to the beach together, stripped down to their underwear and ended up in the sea, where sexual activity took place.

Knight, of Leyton, east London, was charged with rape and sexual assault following the incident, and denied both charges.

He was found not guilty of rape by a jury at Southwark Crown Court in June but convicted of sexual assault.

He was jailed for two years at the same court on Friday and will be on the sex offenders register for 10 years.

Advertisement

A restraining order was also put in place barring him from contacting the complainant.

Advertisement

Laurence Knight was found guilty of sexual assault (Elizabeth Cook/PA)

Knight had been suspended from the Met and he has now left the force.

Advertisement

A misconduct hearing has been scheduled for August 3rd to determine whether he acted in gross misconduct and if dismissal would have been justified.

In July 2021 the woman had been out for dinner and drinks and was with a friend when they came across a jovial group of men who seemed confused about where to go, as they were on a night out and the pubs were closing, the court heard.

In her police interview she told officers Knight wanted to go into the sea, and she did not wish to but he persuaded her, telling her it was his stag night, he was meant to be having fun, but it was turning into a rubbish night.

Jurors heard that the defendant looked as though he was going to cry, so the woman said yes and took off her dress because she did not want it to get wet.

Advertisement

Knight went behind the woman in the water and moved her underwear, which is when the alleged sexual activity took place, the court was told.

The woman said she repeatedly told Knight to stop and reminded him that he was getting married in two weeks, jurors heard.

Advertisement

Afterwards, jurors heard, the woman got dressed, told her friend what had happened and called 999.

She claimed a friend of the defendant told her: Larry wants me to tell you that hes sorry.

Advertisement

She said she has experienced a range of feelings since that night, including feeling sick and being unable to sleep or eat properly.

The incident took place off Brighton beach in July 2021 (Michael Drummond/PA)

In his evidence to the jury, Knight claimed it was the woman who suggested going into the sea and she who first touched his penis.

He said he then touched her vagina for a few seconds, thinking it was consensual, before she made the comment about his imminent wedding and they returned to the shore. He denied he had any intention to penetrate her.

Asked during cross-examination why he went into the sea with her, he replied: Quite honestly, I quite enjoyed having the attention. It was a very spur-of-the-moment request from her, it was not discussed before.

Having had some alcohol and being the stag and being the one that everything was deflected towards, I suppose the phrase is peer pressure.

Asked who the peer pressure was coming from, Knight said: I may have applied it myself.

The court heard that he tried to send the woman a Facebook message on July 21 that year, saying: You are not (the woman) that went for a dip in the sea on Friday whilst her guy friend looked after her bag?

Advertisement

The defendant, who worked for a charity and as a teacher before joining the police, told jurors he had sent the message to acknowledge I was embarrassed. She was younger, perhaps less mature, and she was the one that stepped in and stopped it going any further.

He said he later deleted the message because he became worried that his fiancee would see it.

He also told jurors his initial reaction to his arrest was believing he was being subjected to an extended prank from the stag do.

Jayne Cioffi from the Crown Prosecution Service said: As a police officer Knight clearly understood the concept of consent and realised that, without consent, he would be committing a sexual assault, but set what he knew aside for his own selfish reasons.

He persuaded his victim to go into the water with him and then callously took advantage of a woman he had just met.

It was immediately clear to her friend as soon as she came out of the sea that something terrible had happened. She called the police immediately and, when officers arrived at the scene, they found her crying and hyperventilating.

Knight said he had just wanted a bit of last minute fun on his stag night but his actions have had a devastating impact on his victim and, as a police officer, he would have been only too well aware of that.

I would like to thank the complainant for reporting what had happened to her.
Russian forces have pounded a key village that Ukraine claimed to have recaptured during its counter-offensive as Moscow accused Kyiv of firing a missile at a city in southern Russia leaving 15 people wounded.

President Volodymyr Zelensky, meanwhile, has marked Ukraines Statehood Day by reaffirming the countrys sovereignty  a rebuke to Russian president Vladimir Putin, who used his claim that Ukraine did not exist as a nation to justify his invasion.

Advertisement

Now, like more than a thousand years ago, our civilisational choice is unity with the world, Mr Zelensky said in a speech outside St Michaels Monastery in Kyiv.

To be a power in world history. To have the right to its national history  of its people, its land, its state. And of our children  all future generations of the Ukrainian people. We will definitely win!

Advertisement



Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky hands over a boys first passport during an event marking Statehood Day (Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via AP)

Advertisement

He also honoured servicemen and handed out first passports to young citizens as part of ceremonies in the square.

The holiday coincides with the observance that marks the beginning of the widespread adoption of Christianity in land that later became Ukraine, Russia and Belarus.

The Russian Defence Ministry said it shot down a Ukrainian missile in the city of Taganrog, about 24 miles east of the border with Ukraine, and local officials reported 15 people were injured.

Debris fell on the city, the ministry added, alleging that Ukraine fired the missile as part of a terror attack.

Advertisement

Rostov regional governor Vasily Golubev said on Telegram that another missile was intercepted by air defences elsewhere in the region.

The commander of Ukraines armed forces, Oleksandr Syrskyi, said his troops were pushing forward in parts of eastern Ukraine occupied by Russia and meeting stiff resistance as the war drags into its 18th month.





Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine - 28 July 2023.



Find out more about Defence Intelligence's use of language: https://t.co/9Dd7WyEssP



 #StandWithUkraine  pic.twitter.com/Qjrt243bP0 Advertisement Advertisement  Ministry of Defence  (@DefenceHQ) July 28, 2023

The enemy fiercely clings to every centimetre, conducting intense artillery and mortar fire, he said in a statement.

Advertisement

Recent fighting has taken place at multiple places along the more than 600-mile front, where Ukraine deployed its recently acquired Western weapons to push out the Kremlins forces. However, it is attacking without vital air support and faces a deeply entrenched foe.

A Western official said on Thursday that Ukraine had launched a major push in the south east. Mr Putin acknowledged that fighting has intensified there, but insisted Kyivs push has failed.

Mr Zelensky posted a video on Thursday night in which Ukrainian soldiers said they had taken Staromaiorske in the Donetsk region. Russian military bloggers said artillery fire at the Ukrainian troops had effectively razed the village and reported more barrages on Friday.

Capturing the village, which in 2014 had a population of 682, would give Ukraine a platform to push deeper into Russian-held territory, the bloggers noted.

The area has been a focus of Ukraines counter-offensive since June, and its troops have previously captured several other villages there as they slowly work their way across extensive Russian minefields.

It was not possible to verify either sides claims about what is happening in the war zone.

Advertisement





The illegal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine is continuing.



The map below is the latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine  28 July 2023



Find out more about Defence Intelligence's use of language: https://t.co/bzTD2uTc2E#StandWithUkraine  pic.twitter.com/fNrcNOsrGx  Ministry of Defence  (@DefenceHQ) July 28, 2023

Mr Syrskyi said fighting that targets the enemys artillery as well as its command and control structure is a priority as his troops probe Russian lines for weaknesses.

In these conditions, it is crucial to make timely management decisions in response to the situation at hand and take measures for manoeuvring forces and resources, shifting units and troops to areas where success is evident, or withdrawing them from the enemys fire, he said.

Russia is trying to hold on to the territory it controls in the four provinces it illegally annexed in September  Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk, Kherson and Luhansk.

Meanwhile, a Ukrainian drone was shot down early on Friday outside Moscow, Russias Defence Ministry said. It was the third drone strike or attempt on the capital region this month.

The ministry said there were no injuries or damage in the early morning incident.
Lawyers for Donald Trump have met with members of special counsel Jack Smiths team ahead of a potential indictment over the former presidents efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election.

Mr Trump confirmed the meeting in a post on his Truth Social network, writing: My attorneys had a productive meeting with the DOJ this morning, explaining in detail that I did nothing wrong, was advised by many lawyers, and that an Indictment of me would only further destroy our Country.

Advertisement

He added that no indication of notice was given during the meeting.

It was not immediately clear what was discussed at the meeting, though a similar sit-down with lawyers occurred in the days before Mr Trump was indicted last month on charges of illegally retaining classified documents.

Advertisement

Mr Trump is the front-runner in the 2024 Republican presidential primary (Gerald Herbert/AP)

Advertisement

Thursdays meeting included Mr Trumps attorney John Lauro, said someone familiar with the case, who spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity to describe a private gathering.

Mr Lauro said in a Fox News television interview last week that his client had done nothing wrong.

The status of the secretive grand jury proceedings remained unclear despite building speculation that a criminal case could be near.

No indictment was filed on Thursday, though Mr Trump did face new charges in the classified documents case, with prosecutors accusing him of asking a staffer to delete security camera footage in an apparent effort to obstruct the investigation.

Advertisement

Mr Trump, the front-runner in the 2024 Republican presidential primary, was informed earlier this month by Mr Smiths office that he was a target of the Justice Departments investigation, suggesting that an indictment could be soon.

The investigation has focused on the turbulent two-month period after the November 2020 election in which Mr Trump refused to accept his loss to Democrat Joe Biden and spread lies that victory was stolen from him.

The turmoil resulted in the January 6th riot at the US Capitol, when loyalists to Mr Trump violently broke into the building, attacked police officers and disrupted the congressional counting of electoral votes.

Advertisement

More than 1,000 people have been charged with federal crimes related to that assault.

Advertisement

In between the election and the riot, Mr Trump urged local election officials to undo voting results in their states, pressured then vice president Mike Pence to halt the certification of electoral votes and falsely claimed that the election had been stolen  despite the fact that numerous federal and local officials, a long list of courts, top former campaign staffers and even his own attorney general have all said there is no evidence of the fraud he alleges.

A spokesman for Mr Smith declined to comment on Thursdays meeting. Mr Lauro did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment.

Mr Trump was charged by Mr Smiths team last month with illegally hoarding classified documents at his Palm Beach, Florida, estate, Mar-a-Lago, and concealing them from investigators.

He was also indicted in New York in March on charges of falsifying business records in connection with an alleged hush money payment to a porn actor.

Advertisement

And prosecutors in Fulton County, Georgia, are preparing to announce charging decisions in the coming weeks related to efforts to subvert the election in that state.
After he got over his initial shock, Roche realised he had a major problem on his hands. The videos made him look corrupt. To defend himself, he published a piece on Medium saying they had been illegally obtained and spliced out of context, and he denied being in cahoots with Ava Labs. It was too late. One after another, companies that Roche Freedman had sued filed motions to disqualify the firm from their cases. In October, the first of those motions succeeded: A federal judge in New York tossed Roche Freedman from a case it had filed against Tether, the operator of the worlds most used stablecoin. Roches career was left in tatters after a website called Crypto Leaks posted two dozen videos of him that had been secretly recorded during meetings with two associates. Credit: Within days, Roche was forced to resign from the law firm he had founded. With his career in tatters, he said, he enrolled in ethics classes and began to see a therapist. Roche was felled by his own loose lips and his overly cozy relationship with a client. But he also was the victim of an elaborate international setup.

The question was: Who was behind it? The new sheriff Roche grew up in a working-class family in Buffalo, New York. The oldest of four siblings, he shared a bedroom with intellectually disabled twin brothers. Watching them struggle with simple tasks while he breezed through school made Roche feel both guilty and determined to succeed so he could one day provide for them. Roche felt groggy the morning after a dinner at the Connaught Hotel in London. Credit: Joshua Bright/The New York Times After attending Purdue University and working for a few years as a management consultant, he enrolled at Northwestern Universitys Pritzker School of Law. During his first semester, in the fall of 2013, he caught the crypto bug. Joe Delich, a classmate who later worked with Roche at his law firm, remembers him constantly checking the price of bitcoin on his laptop during classes. Roche cashed out before a big price drop, earning about $US100,000 ($147,000) in profits. He used the money to pay his tuition.

As a third-year student, Roche collaborated with a professor on a paper discussing bitcoins virtues as the first currency free from government interference. That led to an opinion piece in The Wall Street Journal. That was the first moment I thought, Oh, wow, maybe I can do something with this, he said. By then, Roche was a first-year associate at Boies Schiller Flexner, where he was developing a reputation as the kid who understood crypto. When a colleague in Miami approached him a few days after the Journal piece with a bitcoin-related case, he jumped at the opportunity. Loading The case pitted a man named Ira Kleiman against Craig Wright, an Australian computer scientist who claims to be bitcoins enigmatic creator, Satoshi Nakamoto. Kleiman wanted to sue Wright for defrauding his brother David, a paraplegic computer forensics expert who had died in his mid-40s, out of billions of dollars of bitcoin they supposedly mined together in bitcoins early days.

The facts were murky: There was evidence that Wright and David Kleiman had indeed been friends, and David Kleiman had been known to carry around his neck an encrypted hard drive that might or might not have contained the passwords to bitcoin wallets. But many people considered Wright a fraud, calling into question the notion that he had mined early blocks of bitcoin, much less cheated someone out of them. To Roche, that was one of the allures of the case. If he could make Wright hand over his files during discovery, he might be able to solve bitcoins great enduring mystery: Satoshi Nakamotos true identity. Roche and his young Miami colleague, Velvel Freedman, were soon devoting most of their time to the case. In 2019, with the Kleiman case slowly progressing toward a trial, Roche met a new client who was locked in a dispute with a crypto company. In a matter of days, he negotiated a lucrative settlement on the clients behalf. As a token of his gratitude, the client agreed to invest $US7.5 million with Roche and Freedman so they could start their own law firm. At first, Roche set up shop in a coworking space in the New York City borough of Brooklyn, but when the pandemic hit he joined Freedman in Miami. Their firm, Roche Freedman, soon made a splash. Roche had watched with increasing scepticism as a number of crypto startups rode bitcoins growing popularity by marketing new digital coins that surged in value and then crashed. It reminded him of pump-and-dump scams in which a group inflates the price of a stock by talking it up publicly before selling all at once and making off with the profits.

Regulators didnt seem to be doing anything about it, so Roche decided he would. On April 3, 2020, Roche Freedman filed lawsuits seeking class-action status against seven issuers of digital coins, alleging they had pumped what amounted to unregistered securities with false statements and then dumped them, leaving retail investors holding the bag. It also sued four crypto exchanges for enabling the coin issuers conduct, foreshadowing some of the legal arguments the Securities and Exchange Commission used to sue Binance and Coinbase this month. (Binance and Coinbase have vowed to fight the SEC in court.) Those suits were just an opening salvo: Sixteen months later, Roche filed his biggest securities fraud case yet. It alleged that a British entrepreneur, Dominic Williams, and entities he controlled had swindled investors out of billions of dollars by aggressively promoting, and then dumping, a digital coin tied to a grandiose plan to revolutionise computing. Loading Williams had boldly proclaimed that his Internet Computer blockchain  a decentralised network of computers powered by a digital token called ICP  would supplant the big cloud services offered by Amazon and Microsoft and become humanitys primary computing platform. But after an initial surge that briefly made it one of the most valuable cryptocurrencies, ICP had plummeted 92 per cent  a collapse that Roches lawsuit attributed to massive selling by Williams and other insiders. (Williams denied the allegations.)

If crypto was the Wild West of finance, Roche had announced himself as the new sheriff. But sheriffs, as he would soon learn, make enemies. A big verdict Around the time Roche was working on his first pump-and-dump lawsuits, he befriended Emin Gun Sirer, a Cornell University computer science professor who was hatching a cryptocurrency project of his own in the Brooklyn coworking space where Roche initially worked. Roche agreed to do legal work for Sirers company, Ava Labs, in exchange for an equity stake and a small percentage of the cryptocurrency tokens it planned to issue. Roche had watched with increasing scepticism as a number of crypto startups rode bitcoins growing popularity by marketing new digital coins that surged in value and then crashed. It reminded him of pump-and-dump scams. Credit: Getty A year later, Sirers blockchain, Avalanche, went live. As crypto fever spread, its AVAX tokens rocketed to more than $US100, making Roche a multimillionaire.

Roches compensation agreement with Ava Labs was supposed to be confidential, but anyone who wanted to gather intel on him would soon be able to find out about it. In February 2021, Roche Freedman fired one of its partners, Jason Cyrulnik. He hit back with a lawsuit that disclosed each partners share of the AVAX tokens. That fall, Kleiman v. Wright went to trial in US District Court in Miami. Roche gave a fiery opening statement during which he repeatedly pointed an accusatory finger at Wright. In the end, the trial didnt resolve whether Wright had really invented bitcoin, but the jury ordered him to pay $US100 million in damages to a company Ira Kleiman had inherited from his dead brother. (The judge later tacked on $US43 million in interest.) Roche and Freedman toasted over cocktails at a Miami restaurant. Their law firm stood to make more than $US10 million. With the Kleiman trial over, Roche turned to a project he and Sirer had been discussing: Ryval, a company that would help people raise money on Avalanche to pay for lawsuits. Roche saw it as a GoFundMe for litigation and thought it could level the legal playing field between individuals and big corporations. But while he was plotting his new venture, someone was plotting his downfall.

Loading The setup In December 2021, Roche received an email from someone he trusted introducing him to Villavicencio, according to a copy of the message reviewed by The New York Times. Villavicencio presented himself as an associate of Ager-Hanssen, a venture capitalist who was interested in Roches new project. Roche had no idea who the two men were, but he welcomed the approach: He was raising money for Ryval, which had received some attention in the crypto press. After an introductory Zoom call, Roche agreed to fly to London at the mens expense the next month. They met at Ager-Hanssens townhouse office, where things soon took a strange turn: According to Roche, Ager-Hanssen pressed his index finger to Roches forehead  I didnt think it was a gun motion, but I thought he was trying to intimidate me  and said that if he was going to invest with him, he needed to know everything Roche was capable of.

In hindsight, Roche wishes he had gotten up and left. Instead, he took it as a cue to sell himself harder. According to Roche, Ager-Hanssen spent the next couple of hours goading him into bragging about his relationship with Ava Labs while Villavicencio, who was sitting across a table from him, secretly filmed him. If crypto was the Wild West of finance, Roche had announced himself as the new sheriff. But sheriffs, as he would soon learn, make enemies. A week after the videos surfaced, Roche got another jolt: A friend of a colleague said he had heard rumours at a crypto event that Roches life was in danger, according to an affidavit later filed in court. Spooked, Roche and his fiancee hunkered down in a short-term rental in Brooklyn. Roche felt that his world was unravelling. He says he became so stressed that he stopped eating and lost 10 pounds. After several weeks, he and his fiancee returned to Miami but, still worried for their safety, moved to an apartment leased under a relatives name. A series of clues

Plenty of people had reason to celebrate Roches downfall. First in line were Wright, the man who claims to be Satoshi Nakamoto, and Calvin Ayre, a gambling tycoon who bankrolls Wright. Wright quickly sought to exploit the videos, filing an unsuccessful motion to disqualify Roche Freedman from the Kleiman case. After the videos came out, Ager-Hanssen became CEO of nChain, a company that Ayre funds and that employs Wright as chief science officer. Roche represented a client in a court case against Australian Craig Wright, who claims to have invented Bitcoin. Credit: Domenico Pugliese Through a spokesperson, Ayre acknowledged that he and Wright were pleased when the videos came out. But they denied having anything to do with the London sting. Roche believes them because he thinks he knows who hired Ager-Hanssen: Williams, the British entrepreneur who was the target of Roche Freedmans biggest pump-and-dump lawsuit.

A series of clues, documented by his former law firm in court filings, led Roche to that conclusion. The first is that on May 12, 2022, Williams wrote on Twitter that he was coming for his critics. That was the same day the cryptoleaks.info domain name was registered. Then, on June 9, 2022, the Crypto Leaks website went live. Billing itself as the defender of the honest crypto community, it posted two reports that aligned with Williams interests. The first espoused a complicated theory about the ICP token crash that Williams had previously floated on Twitter. The second attacked the Times for an article it had published about the crash. Williams tweeted a link to that Crypto Leaks report, calling it Gobsmacking. The Dfinity Foundation, a Swiss nonprofit that Williams created to oversee his blockchain, has since sued the Times for defamation in New York. The Times is seeking to dismiss the suit. The videos of Roche were the crux of Crypto Leaks third expose. After they were published, Williams and Dfinity filed a motion to disqualify Roche Freedman as plaintiffs counsel in the pump-and-dump lawsuit, saying Roches comments demonstrated a disregard for the integrity of the judicial system. In court filings opposing the motion, Roches former firm accused Williams of being behind Crypto Leaks and said the videos filmed at Jean-Georges showed signs of deepfake alterations. It also blamed Williams for the rumoured death threats against Roche.
I asked Associate Professor Stephen Clibborn, the co-director of the Sydney Employment Relations Research Group at the University of Sydney, to offer his expertise on your question. His response was so thorough, thoughtful and (I think) helpful, Im passing it on in full:

Our workplace is going through a protracted enterprise bargaining process. Im increasingly concerned about the proposals I can see our employer is making. Should I join the union?

In general, union-negotiated collective agreements deliver higher pay and conditions for employees. With the exception of those with rare and in-demand skills, an individual employee is less able to negotiate successfully with employers due to their relative power imbalance. The higher the proportion of employees in a given workplace who are union members, the more power they have and the more effectively they can negotiate to improve pay and conditions.

Union members pay membership fees to be in the union and make sacrifices, such as forgoing pay while participating in strikes, to advance bargaining in ways that influence employers to agree to more favourable terms of employment.

Loading

However, the higher pay and conditions in a collective agreement benefit both union members and non-union employees also covered by the agreement. So some employees might ask, Why pay the union dues and sacrifice pay during industrial action if Im going to get the same result? Such an approach might seem logical but it is a narrow, short-term and risky approach.

The problem with this approach is that the same result is not guaranteed if too many employees sit back and let their colleagues do the work of bargaining for them. The smaller the group of workers negotiating with management, the smaller their power relative to the employer.
When hes not remaking capitalism, Treasurer Jim Chalmers has kept himself busy finding people to run important institutions such as the Reserve Bank of Australia (Michele Bullock) and the Productivity Commission (Chris Barrett).

And thats not the end of the recruiting. It has been noted elsewhere that three of the Future Funds seven board seats  including chairman Peter Costello, also the chairman of CBDs owner  fall vacant over the next 12 months (while one is already empty).

Tax commissioner Chris Jordan. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen

But less attention has been paid to Australian Tax Office boss Chris Jordan, whose second term is up in April next year. Jordan, who was forced to defend the ATOs heavy-handed treatment of some South Australian businessmen in 2019, has reportedly signalled he wouldnt seek a third term, but nobody is ruling it out.

Another five years of Jordan might be a good thing for Chalmers, optically speaking.
Hello, Im a style editor and a fashion snob. Im not alone. The late Chanel designer Karl Lagerfeld described sweatpants as a sign of defeat; logos leave US Vogue editor Anna Wintour unsmiling; other style gurus baulk at seeing navy and green without a colour in-between.

Looking both cool and hot: Rihanna performs at this years Super Bowl. Credit: Getty Images

Until this winter, nothing sent my nose higher in the air than the sight of a puffer jacket. The involuntary cringe would begin moments before the quilted monstrosity, inevitably black, came into view. The sound of swishing nylon set my nerves on edge like fingernails on a blackboard.

This photo of Pope Francis may be fake but it gave the puffer a push.

Popularised by sportswear brand Eddie Bauer and couturier Charles James in the 1930s, the puffer has a long history, but it was only 10 years ago that people started talking about the style with an off-putting enthusiasm usually reserved for cross-training and craft beer. My puffer-phobia was born in the normcore trend of 2014, which celebrated the dad-dressing energy of Jerry Seinfeld: Fashion for those who realise theyre one in seven billion, said New York Magazine. A one-man resistance movement, I clung to camel overcoats that tested the strength of wardrobe rods and which, in the lightest of drizzle, acquired the smell of a cabbage-loving schnauzer. I protested in a Burberry trench that demonstrated my fashion credentials but looked odd on top of workout clothes.
A man and a woman have died after two light planes collided close to the ground over an airfield at Caboolture, north of Brisbane, on Friday morning.

Emergency crews were assessing the scene following the crash, which happened about 10.30am.

Wreckage strewn near the Caboolture airfield after two light planes crashed on Friday morning. Credit: Nine News

Australian Transport Safety Bureau chief commissioner Angus Mitchell said the aircraft involved were a Jabiru J430 and a Piper Pawnee. The J430 was taking off from one runway as the Pawnee was landing on a crossing runway.

The Pawnee pilot was uninjured.
The Seven Networks commercial director exchanged more than 8600 emails with Ben Roberts-Smiths team during the former soldiers failed defamation case, the Federal Court has heard, as the newspapers at the centre of the lawsuit seek access to the documents as part of a bid to pursue Seven for costs.

Seven West Media chairman Kerry Stokes bankrolled Roberts-Smiths multimillion-dollar defamation suit against The Age, The Sydney Morning Herald and The Canberra Times via a loan provided by his private company, Australian Capital Equity (ACE).

Billionaire Kerry Stokes backed Ben Roberts-Smith. Credit: Philip Gostelow / Graham Tidy

Roberts-Smith was employed by the Seven Network as general manager of its Queensland operations. He took leave from his position ahead of the defamation trial and resigned on June 2, a day after Federal Court Justice Anthony Besanko dismissed his lawsuit.

Seven Network (Operations) Ltd had originally funded the former soldiers case, but ACE took over Sevens loan on June 24, 2020, and Stokes company paid out his existing debt.
Australia is set to begin manufacturing its own missiles within two years under an ambitious plan that will allow the country to supply guided weapons to the United States and possibly export them to other nations.

The push to accelerate the creation of a local missile manufacturing industry in co-operation with the US will be one of the centrepiece announcements at the Australia-United States Ministerial (AUSMIN) consultations on Saturday.

US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin and Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles in Brisbane on Friday. Credit: Bloomberg

Both US and Australian officials are seeking to play down concerns the AUKUS pact could be derailed by division in the US Congress after 23 Senate Republicans warned they would not support the proposal to provide nuclear-powered submarines to Australia unless the US Navy doubled its own production capacity.

The joint missile manufacturing effort is being driven by the war in Ukraine, which has highlighted a troubling lack of ammunition stocks in Western nations including the US.
We need to provide the support programs. Plumbers and gas fitters have to be all on board with this so when your gas hot water system blows up, they replace it with an electric one. Loading Professor of climate change and energy policy at the Australian National University, Frank Jotzo, said it was absolutely necessary for Victoria to accelerate the phase-out of gas to meet its emission reduction targets. It is usually, for governments, very difficult to mandate the phasing out of existing appliances, he said. Its easier to intervene in what sort of new appliances are allowed to be installed. Associate Professor Joe Hurley, from RMITs Centre for Urban Research, said existing gas appliances were a big challenge for governments committing to net zero. But he said he couldnt see the Victorian government banning existing gas connections any time soon.

You might see a move to more mechanisms to discourage the replacement of existing gas appliances with new gas appliances. Thatll be the next step, Hurley said. Loading He said additional incentives to help households make the switch to electric should occur, but those policies should be carefully calibrated to ensure taxpayer funds arent feeding middle-class welfare. The Victorian government last year removed the requirement for new homes to be connected to gas. On Friday, DAmbrosio said banning it entirely would help reduce Victorias emissions and eventually provide cost-of-living relief given gas prices skyrocketed over the past year and there was a looming winter shortfall on the eastern seaboard.

Other states may have shied away from dealing with this challenge. We havent, DAmbrosio said. The ACT last month passed a bill banning new gas network connections. Energy and Resources Minister Lily Ambrosio announcing Victorias gas connection ban on Friday. Credit: Joe Armao The Victorian government estimates the change will save residents up to $1000 on their annual energy bills. DAmbrosio said government modelling used to calculate that figure was supported by a recent Grattan Institute report. Wood, who authored the report, said he expected Victorians to save money, but said it remained to be seen if the state governments $1000 claim stacked up.

It depends on what your appliances are, what choices youre facing, he said. But theres no question consumers are going to save money. Its probably only now a matter of how much. He also pointed out that Victorias electricity grid was still largely dominated by coal. So that means if you switch from gas to electricity today, in the medium term, youre not going to improve Victorias emissions. But in the next few years you will. Under Victorias plan, new government buildings  such as hospitals, schools and police stations  will only be powered by electricity.

The announcement comes a day after the state government tabled its overdue response to the renewable energy inquiry held during the last term of parliament. That inquiry, which handed down its recommendations in May 2022, suggested the government consider enacting a moratorium on new residential gas connections. In its reply, which was due in September last year, the government said it supported the recommendation in principle. The gas sector contributes about 17 per cent of Victorias emissions, and the energy minister said the gas ban from new homes was a key part of the governments plan to reduce Victorias emissions by 75 to 80 per cent by 2035 and reach net zero by 2045. This is a journey. Its not going to happen overnight. And gas will still be a feature of residential living for a number of years to come, DAmbrosio said.

The government will also spend $10 million on a new residential electrification grant program for volume builders, developers and others to provide rebates for solar panels, solar hot water and heat pumps to new home buyers. Loading Another $1 million will be spent on a training program to help the construction industry adapt to new renewable energy requirements in homes. The planning minister said when a gas-connected home was knocked down and rebuilt, the new home could not stay connected to gas if a planning permit was required for the rebuild. Deputy leader of the Greens in Victoria, Ellen Sandell, said the party had been calling for a ban on new gas connections for years.

But it is strange that Labor acknowledges gas is an expensive, polluting fossil fuel on the one hand, while on the other hand is changing the law to make it easier to open new mines and is approving new gas drilling across the state, including near the Twelve Apostles, she said. A worker repairs drilling pipes on a site in the Cooper Basin region in South Australia. Credit: Brendan Esposito Master Builders Victoria chief executive Michaela Lihou supported the decision to move away from gas. Creating a pathway to a cleaner and more sustainable future is a big part of our vision for the Victorian building and construction industry, Lihou said. The Property Councils national policy director, Frankie Muskovic, said the announcement provided certainty.

Every new building built with gas will need to be retrofitted in the future, so we welcome this move from the Victorian government to avoid investment in new gas network infrastructure and focus on reducing energy bills and providing cleaner, healthier homes for Victorians, she said. Loading But shadow treasurer Brad Rowswell described Fridays announcement as desperate policy on the run. We do need an orderly energy transition from our current circumstance to the ways of the future, he said. I dont think that this decision today will actually lead to lower energy prices. I think that is a furphy by the minister and I think Victorians are not mugs and they recognise that as well.
The Economic Community of West African States sent Benin President Patrice Talon to lead mediation efforts. Russia and the West have been vying for influence in the fight against extremism in the region. Extremists in Niger have carried out attacks on civilians and military personnel, but the overall security situation is not as dire as in neighbouring nations. Supporters of mutinous soldiers hold a Russian flag as they demonstrate in Niamey, Niger. Credit: AP Bazoum is seen by many as the Wests last hope for partnership in the Sahel after Mali turned away from former colonial power France and sought support from the Russian mercenary group Wagner. Wagner appears to be making inroads in Burkina Faso as well. The US is gravely concerned about the situation in Niger, said State Department spokesman Vedant Patel during a briefing with reporters Thursday.

We are monitoring the situation closely and continue to be in close touch with the embassy, Patel said. Western countries have poured aid into Niger, and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited in March, seeking to strengthen ties. American, French and Italian troops train the countrys soldiers, while France also conducts joint operations. President Mohamed Bazoum at the presidential palace in Niamey, Niger in March. Credit: AP But the threat to Bazoum has raised concerns that Niger could also turn away from the West. On Thursday, several hundred people gathered in the capital and chanted support for Wagner while waving Russian flags. Later, they began throwing rocks at a passing politicians car.

If Mohamed Bazoum resigns from the presidency, Niger will probably move to the top of the list of countries where the Wagner Group will seek to expand, said Flavien Baumgartner, an Africa analyst at Dragonfly, a security and political risk consultancy. Loading Wagner already had its sights set on Niger, in part because its a large producer of uranium. But Bazoum posed an impediment because of his pro-French and pro-Western stance, said Baumgartner. Wagners head, Yevgeny Prigozhin, weighed in on Thursday, describing the developments as part of Nigers fight against the colonisers. It effectively means winning independence. The rest will depend on the people of Niger, on how efficient they could govern, Prigozhin, who led a brief mutiny against the Kremlin last month, said in a statement.

The US State Department isnt aware of any signs that the Wagner Group was involved in the coup, Patel said. He declined to speculate, saying the situation continues to be quite fluid. Loading Russias eagerness to deepen ties with Africa was visible in St Petersburg, where Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke at the opening session of a two-day Russia-Africa summit attended by a sharply lower number of African heads of state and government compared with a previous summit in 2019. While discussing the halted Black Sea grain deal, he promised large no-cost shipments of grain to six African countries. Russia intends to ship up to 50,000 tons of grain aid to Burkina Faso, Zimbabwe, Mali, Somalia, Eritrea and the Central African Republic in the next three to four months, Putin said.

Former Wagner mercenary Marat Gabidullin told the AP that if Nigers new rulers wanted the groups help, theyd do the same job as in the Central African Republic, where its been operating for five years. Advocacy groups have accused Wagner of hijacking state resources and committing human rights atrocities in the Central African Republic and other countries where it operates. Supporters of Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum demonstrate in his support in Niamey, Niger. Credit: AP Underscoring the importance of Niger to the West, Blinken said he had spoken with the president, saying that he made clear that we strongly support him as the democratically elected president of the country. Blinken, who was in New Zealand, repeated the US condemnation of the mutiny and said his team was in close contact with officials in France and Africa. If designated a coup by the United States, Niger could lose millions of dollars of military support and aid.

Alexander Thurston, assistant professor of political science at the University of Cincinnati, said the coup deals a blow to democratic culture in the Sahel. Western governments are left without a strong partner in the region, and may shift even more towards attempting to contain the regions problems, rather than helping to solve them, Thurston said. Members of the presidential guard surrounded Bazoums house and detained him on Wednesday morning. The mutinous soldiers, who call themselves the National Council for the Safeguarding of the Country, took to state television and announced they had seized control because of deteriorating security and poor economic and social governance in the nation of 25 million people. They said they had dissolved the constitution, suspended all institutions and closed all the borders. AP
Washington: Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni says she has a clear preference in US politics for Republicans, but this does not stop me from having a great relationship with President Joe Biden, a Democrat.

Meloni, Italys first woman prime minister, was answering a question about her past endorsement of Donald Trump, but did not clarify whether she still supported the previous White House leader or had changed her opinion.

President Joe Biden meets Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in the Oval Office of the White House. Credit: AP

Biden met Meloni at the White House, vowing to deepen economic ties and strengthen cooperation on challenges posed by China, but skirted differences over LGBTQ rights.

Meloni and her right-wing coalition have staked out positions on abortion and LGBTQ rights sharply at odds with those of Biden, a Democrat who used last years Italian election results as an occasion to warn fellow liberals about dangers facing the worlds democracies.
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

After thousands of applications, over 100 finalists and five state awards throughout June, the MFAA's 2023 National Excellence Awards culminated last week revealing 24 of the industrys best across a variety of categories.

Australian Broker talked to some of the winning businesses and asked them what makes them the creme de la creme in their category.

Diversity and inclusion and community champions

Among the events most prestigious accolades were the Diversity and Inclusion and Community Champions award categories.

Facing stiff competition, Perth-based brokerage TAG Financial Group took the MFAA Community Champion Award after committing to several charity initiatives. At the WA state awards alone, TAG Financial Group was selected out of 650 award submissions.

It is a truly rewarding achievement to highlight and be recognised for the work we do in the wider community, through our recycling programs, fundraising and continued support of Heart Kids WA, Nakuru Hope, Trailblazer Foundation, and other local charities, said TAG Group director Andrew Browne (pictured far left).

Sally Chadwick (pictured centre left), executive manager of corporate communications at Mortgage Choice, said the award was particularly meaningful, as it recognised the work of the teams and brokers involved in shaping the Mortgage Choice Aspire program.

The Aspire program, aimed at bolstering female representation in the industry, has been instrumental in Mortgage Choice's achievement of a female representation in its network, which recently surpassed the industry average by nearly 10%.



Congratulations to all other finalists who are working to create a more diverse broking industry and thank you to the MFAA for hosting such a fantastic event, Chadwick said.

Clean sweeps in lending

A regular at the events podium, Macquarie was awarded the National Major Lender of the Year title for the fourth consecutive year after a clean sweep in every state awards ceremony.

Ben Perham (pictured centre right), head of personal banking for Macquaries banking and financial services group, said the recognition is a testament to Macquaries commitment to providing exceptional service and support for the broker community.

As a committed partner to the broker industry, the recognition is especially important to us as it is voted for by brokers we work with every day. We really appreciate the time our brokers take to provide feedback as it helps shape how we continue to enhance our offering for customers and brokers, Perham said.

Perham said the award can largely be attributed to Macquaries home loan ecosystem, which has been driven by an investment in leading technology.

This has resulted in new features that have delivered a seamless experience end to end for the major lenders customers and brokers.

Were focused on digital improvements because it gives confidence, control and more time for brokers to focus on the important things  their clients and growing their business, Perham said. We will continue to invest and develop these platforms further to ensure that it continues to deliver best-in-class digital functionality.

Another lender to make the coveted clean sweep was digital bank ubank, which won the Fintech Lender of the Year Award, which was sponsored this year by Australian Broker.

This came after it ramped up its distribution through the almost 11,000 brokers it has accredited earlier this year. The bank also aimed to win brokers over with a loan process supported by innovative digital tools, experiences, and a faster speed to approval, according to head of broker distribution George Srbinovski (pictured far right).

Our teams dedication and commitment to providing exceptional service to their brokers has been outstanding. At ubank, we believe in being fast, simple, and digital in the home lending space, streamlining the process for our brokers and customers alike, Srbinovski said.

Embracing digital innovation has redefined the lending experience, and we're excited about the future as we continue to empower brokers in helping individuals and families achieve their homeownership dreams.

No nonsense non-bank

Narrowly missing the clean sweep, Pepper Money won Specialty Lender of the Year after taking out the state excellence awards for NSW/ACT, QLD, WA, and SA/NT.

The previous financial year was a big one for the non-bank lender. After establishing a new white label partnership with My Local Broker in December last year, Pepper Money launched an innovative fixed rate interest home loan product and removed clawbacks on commercial mortgage loans.

This culminated in a broker-led campaign and the non-bank lenders flagship event Insights Live.

We're incredibly proud to have been recognised as the industry leading Specialty Lender at last night's Mortgage and Finance Association of Australia (MFAA) 2023 Excellence Awards, the company said.
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

Finsure Group has announced it will expand into New Zealand in a move that marks the first international expansion for the mortgage broker aggregator.

Finsure CEO Simon Bednar (pictured above left) said establishing Finsure NZ was a pivotal moment in Finsures history and an exciting opportunity to establish an aggregation business in the New Zealand market.

Since it was founded in 2011, Finsure has become one of the fastest growing aggregators in Australia, winning major industry awards and recognition by providing maximum value and helping advisers achieve their goals, Bednar said.

Our success has come from getting to know what an adviser needs, the nature of adviser achievement and gaining an understanding on how we can support our network to become some of the best advisers in the industry.

Speaking with its New Zealand partners, Bednar said Finsure identified the need for a holistic and comprehensive aggregator service and took the opportunity to bring Finsures platform and services across the Tasman.

The Finsure offering, which has recently made strides towards open banking, extends across business planning right through to the execution of a wide range of support mechanisms.

This includes flexible commission structures, personalised marketing, educational workshops, proprietary software systems through to its CRM platform Infynity and ongoing compliance assistance.

Bednar said Finsure NZ would be based in Auckland and headed by country manager Jenny Campbell (pictured above right), who has spent two decades in the financial services sector as an adviser and a lender before moving into the leadership of New Zealand mortgage industry professional bodies.

Jenny has a wealth of contacts and experience and has been a relentless cheerleader for the New Zealand adviser community, Bednar said.

Campbell said she was excited to be leading the Finsure NZ launch and introducing the local industry to a world class adviser group and support network.

I have been so impressed by what I have seen from Finsure in Australia and its a huge thrill for me to be heading the Group in New Zealand, Campbell said.

Campbell said Finsure had identified a gap in the market in New Zealand and wanted to bring an aggregation model that delivered a full service offering with an attitude that genuinely cares about the advisers and their businesses.

I feel Kiwi advisers are still leaving a lot of business on the table, Campbell said.

This was hammered home to me when I saw the scale of the commercial and asset lending programs in Australia. In New Zealand, small business owners are crying out for help, and I believe Finsure will deliver a suite of different options for advisers, all backed up by solid training and a comprehensive compliance program.

Campbell said she had been convinced to join Finsure by not only the service offering and the compliance and support programs, but the company culture.

You could not meet a more wonderful group of dynamic, caring, forward-thinking people, who are all about adding value to adviser businesses, Campbell said.

Bednar said advisers would see the clear benefits in moving away from a purely transactional model to one which instead treats them as a business partner.

All our decisions are made not merely on what an adviser needs, but on what a small business owner needs  and thats a very important difference, Bednar said.

At the very heart of our ethos is that Finsure is big enough to deliver, yet small enough to care. And its exactly this demonstrably strong care factor that we believe will attract New Zealand advisers, both new to the industry and long-established.

Finsures network has grown to over 2,500 brokers across Australia after being sold by BNK to MA Financial Group in 2021.
Today, Disney Games, in collaboration with developer Dlala Studios, launch Disney Illusion Island globally, a local cooperative 2D platform adventure video game for up to four players, exclusively for Nintendo Switch.

Experience a brand-new adventure as players join Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy on a whimsical journey through the island of Monoth. Explore this beautiful yet mysterious world to recover the three magical Tomes  powerful books used to protect the island. Disney Illusion Island gives players the chance to be a part of an authentic Mickey & Friends adventure with an original story, stunning hand-drawn animation, and an original fully orchestrated score by Ivor Novello and BAFTA-nominated composer Dave Housden.

Watch the Disney Illusion Island Launch Trailer Here.

Disney Illusion Island marks Mickey Mouses return to video games and were honored to bring this one-of-a-kind adventure to the Nintendo Switch, said Luigi Priore, VP, Disney, Pixar and 20th Century Games. Were excited to see gamers jump in and explore the wonderfully hand-crafted world of Monoth with their friends and family.

Featuring the authentic voice actors of Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy, Disney Illusion Island brings everyone together. Whether playing solo or teaming with up to three friends in local co-op, players will perform high flying platforming feats, uncover secrets, and take on epic boss encounters. There is always something new to discover in the expansive world of Monoth as players uncover the mystery of the stolen Tomes.

Disney Illusion Island has been an absolute career high for myself and the studio, said Aj Grand-Scrutton, Creative Director/CEO, Dlala Studios. We have absolutely loved bringing Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy back in a brand-new 2D platforming adventure and we cant wait for players to join us in the world of Monoth!

Disney Illusion Island is now available for $39.99, exclusively for Nintendo Switch on the Nintendo eShop and at retail, beginning today.

For more information about Disney Illusion Island: www.disneyillusionisland.com

For more updates on Disney Illusion Island, please follow us on social below:

About Disney Consumer Products, Games, and Publishing

Consumer Products, Games and Publishing (CPGP) is the division of Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products (DPEP) that brings beloved brands and franchises into the daily lives of families and fans through products  from toys to t-shirts, apps, books, console games and more  and experiences that can be found around the world, including on the shopDisney e-commerce platform and at Disney Parks, as well as local and international retailers. The business is home to world-class teams of product, licensing and retail experts, artists and storytellers, and technologists who inspire imaginations around the world.

About Dlala Studios

Dlala Studios are the creators of Disney Illusion Island and Battletoads (2020). They have also provided work for multiple award-winning titles, such as Sea of Thieves. The Essex-based studio has earned a reputation as an industry leader in 2D animation and for their unique, humorous narrative. The studio celebrated their 10th anniversary in 2022, growing to nearly 40 full-time employees.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230728085491/en/
The third instalment of the Animalis Edition at the 2023 - 2024 World Branding Awards welcomed pet and animal brands from around the world, celebrating their achievements as National, Regional, and Global Winners.

Held at the prestigious Hofburg Palace in Vienna, the awards ceremony was hosted by Howard Nightingall and welcomed winners across various categories, such as pet food, retail, wellness, aquatic products, and more.

The Animalis Edition of the Awards are an acknowledgement to the tireless effort of the teams that build and maintain their brand presence in an ever changing market. As winners, these brands have established strong brand recall, top-of-mind awareness, and trust among their consumers, said Richard Rowles, Chairman of the World Branding Forum.

Over 100,000 consumers participated in a global online survey and nominated more than 1,500 brands. Of these, only 100 of the best brands from 30 countries were named as winners.

Buddy Brands, Coo & Riku, Dymax, FRONTLINE, Hikari, Kaniva, and Taiyo were amongst the brands announced as winners. To win the World Branding Awards is no easy accolade, and cements their position as the top in their industry.

Winners from India include Heads Up For Tails, Taiyo, Drools, Petfly, and DogSpot.in. Other National tier winners include Coo & Riku (Japan), DeliBest (Switzerland), Global Pet Foods (Canada), Halti (United Kingdom), Kelly & Cos (Thailand), NurturePro (Singapore), PowerCat (Malaysia), TopBreed (The Philippines), and VanCat (Turkey).

As the 2023 - 2024 World Branding Awards Animalis Edition draws to a close, the eagerly anticipated Global Edition of the World Branding Awards will return to the stage in November in Kensington Palace, London.

For more information, visit awards.brandingforum.org.

ABOUT WORLD BRANDING AWARDS

The World Branding Awards is the premier awards of the World Branding Forum, a registered non-profit organisation. The awards recognise the achievements of some of the worlds best brands.

SOCIAL MEDIA

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/worldbrandingforum/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/WorldBranding

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/worldbranding/

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/world-branding-forum

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230727504250/en/
Peru Moda Deco celebrates its 25th anniversary with a special edition on October 19 and 20, 2023, titled In harmony with the world.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230727481085/en/

As it celebrates its 25th anniversary, Peru Moda Deco 2023 opens its doors to the global apparel and decoration industry. (Photo: Business Wire)

Since its launch, Peru's leading apparel and decoration business event has served as an exceptional platform to showcase to the world the best exports of this Peruvian industry, including cotton and alpaca clothing, baby and childrens clothes, as well as footwear, jewelry, and decorations and gifts.

Like every year, Peru Moda Deco will open its doors to industry professionals from all over the world who wish to discover the wide range of quality Peruvian products on offer and to establish valuable business relationships as they immerse themselves in a world of innovation, culture and trends. 200 businesses from different Peruvian regions will take part in this edition.

As it turns 25, Peru Moda Deco shines the light on the richness and sustainability of Peruvian natural resources, promoting garments and products made with original materials, such as cotton and alpaca fibers - the latter originating from the Southern regions of the country, including Arequipa, Cusco and Puno.

The event - organized by PROMPERU, the Peruvian agency for the promotion of exports - will feature different elements to promote cooperation and a collective effort to build an offering with a stronger commitment to the environment and social change. Attendees will be able to take in all that Peru Moda Deco has to offer through international conferences, business forums, activation events, and networking opportunities.

The event highlights the respect for and the value placed on ancestral techniques, which combined with innovation and creativity lead to ground-breaking offerings that follow market trends, and to products that stand out for their excellent finishes and attention to detail.

These activities enable Peru to promote actions that create an ethical industry - where nature and supply chain players can live together in harmony.

To register for Peru Moda Deco 2023, contact PROMPERU's business office in your country and/or go to: https://eventospromperu.org.pe/event/perumoda2023

The original source-language text of this announcement is the official, authoritative version. Translations are provided as an accommodation only, and should be cross-referenced with the source-language text, which is the only version of the text intended to have legal effect.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230727481085/en/
#SuperIsHere Campaign is a versatile, multi-channel campaign designed to engage diverse audiences across geographies.

Angel One embraced digital-first approaches to kickstart a comprehensive, technology-driven marketing campaign.

The campaign showcases the power of Super App through influencers, creative social media posts, AR filters, QR integration and Twitter hashtag

The campaign strongly emphasizes the product philosophy of an all-new super app tailored for young investors embarking on their investment journey.



Angel One Ltd. (formerly known as Angel Broking Limited), India's most trusted Fintech company, has launched the

#SuperIsHere

campaign. It is

an

AI-powered campaign that aims to encourage and empower billions across the nation to leverage the power of data and technology in their wealth-creation journey with the Angel One Super App. It also highlights the unique and unmissable features of the Super App, such as speed, security and reliable experience.

The

#SuperIsHere

campaign, driven by one of the renowned Swedish director Anders Forsman, enlightens investors, traders, and intenders that the Super App platform is now available for the diverse investment journey. The super app is built with customer centricity in mind, which is the reason the brand is trusted by 1.5 crore Indians. Through influencer partnerships, social media posts, business channels, news channels, Google, Meta advertisements, OTTs et

c

, this tech-powered campaign communicates how GenZ and Millennials can leverage the Super App for a customized and simplified investment experience. To bring the SuperApp experience live in Tier 2, Tier 3 and beyond cities, the company has also planned activation programs at a large scale.

Mr. Prabhakar Tiwari, Chief Growth Officer, Angel One Ltd.,

said, Our mission is to empower every Indian investor through Angel One Super App, delivering a seamless and technologically advanced experience for investing and trading at all levels. We have utilized extensive data to comprehend client needs, enabling us to tailor curated journeys within the app. Through the #SuperIsHere campaign, we showcase the advantages of the Angel One Super App, aiming to attract more clients and expand into underpenetrated markets, thereby fostering organic growth.

Mr. Dinesh Thakkar, Chairman & Managing Director of Angel One Ltd

., said, We completed 100% rollout of the Super App earlier this year. It has been built with deep understanding of how mobile apps are integral to our lives, and investors and traders are no different. #SuperIsHere campaign would create pan India awareness and appeal for our SuperApp.

A one-stop shop that offers online trading & investing, direct mutual funds, sovereign gold bonds, NCDs and more, the Angel One Super App caters to clients

It ensures frictionless account opening and one-click bank updation. On opening the account, clients get a personalized home page, providing access to everything with a single tap, faster charting and order placement coupled with the highest level of transparency with charges displayed upfront. They can access data in offline mode for P&L, Funds and Order status basis last synced.

Watch the film here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_NFldkRX2k
Note: I like using Las Vegas as a measure of recovery for both leisure (visitors) and business (conventions).



From the Las Vegas Visitor Authority: June 2023 Las Vegas Visitor Statistics



Punctuated by the Vegas Golden Knights' victorious quest for the Stanley Cup, Las Vegas visitation in June surpassed last year as the destination hosted more than 3.4M visitors, +3.1% YoY.



Overall hotel occupancy reached 85.5% for the month (+2.8 pts YoY). Weekend occupancy matched last June, reaching 90.2% (+0.2 pts YoY), and Midweek occupancy reached 83.5%, surpassing last June by 3.5 pts.



Overall ADR exceeded $165, +5.3% from June 2022 while RevPAR reached $141, +8.8% YoY

Click on graph for larger image.











The second graph shows convention traffic.

Note: There was almost no convention traffic from April 2020 through May 2021. Visitor traffic was down 5.0% compared to the same month in 2019.Convention traffic was down 2.9% compared to June 2022, and down 11.4% compared to June 2019.

The first graph shows visitor traffic for 2019 (Black), 2020 (light blue), 2021 (purple), 2022 (orange), and 2023 (red).Visitor traffic was up 3.1% compared to last June.
ATMA July 2023 Results Today, Check at atmaaims.com

The Association of Indian Management Schools (AIMS) will soon release the results of the ATMA July 2023, also known as the AIMS Test for Management Admission 2023. According to publically accessible news reports, the ATMA Result 2023 will be announced this evening. After the exam, candidates who are eagerly awaiting their results can do so by going to the official website, atmaaims.com, in the evening when they are announced. Simple directions for checking the results are provided in the content below:

The ATMA July 2023 Exam was held on July 23 from 2 pm to 5 pm. The results will be available on the official website. The ATMA Entrance Exam is held to offer admission to a number of Management Programs, including the MBA, PGBDA, PGDM, and MCA. More than 200 prestigious institutions in India accept the ATMA test score.

There are four distinct types of scores on the ATMA July 2023 Scorecard that AIMS will publish: Quantitative, Verbal, Analytical, and Total Composite Score. Candidates can download their results and check them using their login information.

Steps to Download ATMA July Result 2023:

Step 1: Visit the official website; atmaaims.com to download ATMA Exam Result 2023.

Step 2: Click on the 'ATMA Result 2023' link given on the official website.

Step 3: Enter the required login details as asked on the newly opened page and click on the submit button.

Step 4: Now, ATMA Result 2023 will be displayed.

Step 5: Candidates should make a PDF of their results and also take a print for future reference.

The ATMA Test is the eligibility test for MBA and MMS programs of the upcoming Academic Session in the state of Maharashtra in addition to PGDM courses, according to a notification posted by AIMS on the ATMA official website.
For its newly launched first-ever off-campus BS Degree in Electronic Systems programme, the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras), known for its excellence in education and research, has announced that it has opened applications for the September 2023 cohort.

The programme will enable students to apply the gained engineering principles and expertise to implement and improve systems and processes for applications with a focus on electronics, embedded programming, digital systems, and control engineering.

Deadline To Apply

The program's application deadline is August 27, 2023. Over 1800 applications were submitted for the first round of this newly established BS programme in Electronic Systems, which ended on June 25, 2023.

Nearly 1200 of these are ordinary entry applicants who must go through a qualifying process that includes a qualifying exam that will be held on August 6, 2023. Candidates for the JEE who are eligible for direct admission to the programme submitted the remaining applications. The programme, which is in line with the nation's semiconductor goal, is the second BS degree offered by IITM. After completing the programme, students will have solid fundamentals and industry-ready abilities, assuring high employability. The programme was created in conjunction with industry leaders.

The programme includes on-site labs at IIT Madras, guaranteeing practical training that improves students' understanding of electronic systems through hands-on experience. Students who successfully complete the programme will have acquired skills that are marketable in a variety of fields, including the automotive, semiconductor, and defence industries. They will be qualified to work in these fields in a variety of positions, including electronic system designer, embedded system developer, electronic hardware specialist, system testing engineer, and electronics research engineer.

Aim

Professor Boby George, a professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering at IIT Madras and the program's coordinator, provided information about the programme. "With this curriculum, we hope to give students a variety of possibilities that will help them succeed in the rapidly changing workplace. We guarantee that graduates will be adequately equipped to meet the changing demands of the industry and advance technological advancement by offering a broad skill set. At IIT Madras, we support giving our students the freedom to follow their hobbies and rewarding occupations that fit with their goals and interests."

Professor Sankaran Aniruddhan, a professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering at IIT Madras and the coordinator of the recently-launched programme, spoke about the transformative opportunity and learning. "The BS Degree in Electronic Systems from IIT Madras is a transformative opportunity that transcends age barriers, embracing learners from diverse backgrounds and enabling them to embark on a fulfilling journey of growth, knowledge, and limitless possibilities. Education is the catalyst that empowers people to unlock their true potential."

Prospective students are urged to view this programme as a significant opportunity for their academic and professional progress if they have finished Class 12 (or equivalent) in Physics and Mathematics. In contrast to conventional programmes, this one has no age restrictions, making it open to everyone looking to upgrade and re-skill in the dynamic field of electronic systems.

After completing the study, students will obtain an esteemed degree from IIT Madras, a tribute to their knowledge of electrical systems, and they will be equipped with the skills needed to pursue a variety of job options. The institute also provides a variety of departure alternatives, allowing students to receive certifications and diplomas at various points in their educational careers. IIT Madras furthermore offers focused placement help to promote job options.
Have you always been the person chosen by friends and family to word anything that demands precise use of words, grammar, and expressions? Are you passionate about reading, research, or wordplay and eager to express your own viewpoint?

Content is king in business and on social media, whether it be written, pictorial, or even video, thus content writers will always be in high demand. So, if you believe you have the ability to persuasively, intelligently, and artistically convey any topic or notion, you should seriously consider a career in content writing.

What exactly is content writing?

Writing content is essentially wordplay, to put it simply. You are on your way to being a great content writer if you can write a tonne of information and convey it in ways that are reader-friendly, entertaining, and useful. "Content" is a broad term that refers to using words to communicate with others about your company, an idea, a project, or just about anything else. For instance, a fashion designer might launch a new website to promote her brand, what she does, her achievements in the industry, and the services she provides. Here, content will assist her in presenting her brand to the world in the best possible way.

As a content writer, you will be given themes and ideas to write about (or asked to come up with them yourself). Such content can be printed or digital, such as stories, presentations, projects, technical papers, research papers, etc. for websites, blogs, advertisements, social media platforms, etc. Since content is at the core of marketing, you can create content for promotional marketing materials like brochures, leaflets, hoardings/billboards, print advertising, etc.

in addition to digital content. However, you should also be aware that content creation is not about writing whatever comes to mind or from your own knowledge base before you get out your pen and paper (or laptop!) and start writing. A quality content article is built on a delicate balancing act of careful research, wordplay, sound knowledge, and of course, appropriate terminology and syntax. Not only that, but in order to make sure that every word is pertinent, high-quality material requires meticulous editing, rewriting, and fine-tuning.

How to Work as a Content Writer in India?

The best part about content writing as a career is that there are no set entry requirements or career routes. Even though at first it might seem a little intimidating, it actually gives you a lot of freedom because you can start generating content at any point in your professional career, via any route, and in any capacities (freelance, full-time, or part-time).

Not that you can't take measures to make sure your entry into the field goes without a hitch. While a degree in literature, journalism, or mass communication is preferable, a master's degree in a specialist field (such as the biological sciences, physics, engineering, psychology, etc.) may be required for technical and research writing. In any scenario, having strong writing abilities and a critical mind are essential.

Here are a few suggestions for how to start your content writing career

1. Freelance work

Taking on freelancing jobs is a terrific way to dip your toes in the (figurative) content writing pool. Companies are increasingly using freelance writers to complete their content writing needs, and there are many chances accessible on websites for independent contractors like Fiverr, Freelancer, WorknHire, Upwork, etc. You can gradually increase your knowledge and portfolio as a freelancer and work at your own speed.

2. Internships

If you're still in college or high school, you might potentially start off by applying for internships with businesses (online or off), or by writing pieces for periodicals.

3. Blogging

Today, children as young (or old) as 12 to 13 years old are blogging, which, in my opinion, is the first step anyone may take towards writing. You don't need any formal training to start your own blog, and you may write at your own pace. All you need is a writing voice and style that connects with your intended audience. In other words, everything works out for the best. Even if you are unable to make money from your blog, it is still a simple approach to expand your portfolio and try out different writing philosophies.

4. Additional Requirements

Extra qualifications are needed to write as a subject matter expert. Higher education enhances your capacity for information processing and the addition of your own knowledge, and as you get older, you can use it to supplement your writing abilities. Only someone who is technically qualified for it can examine and convey technical data effectively. A medical college book would require proofreading done by a competent subject matter expert in it, and a car manufacturing industry would require engineers to do the content writing for most of their sections.

5. Certification Programmes

You can choose to add certification programmes and short-term courses in writing, content marketing, and digital marketing to your graduate or postgraduate degrees. Numerous courses are available in topics such as electronic rhetoric, technical writing, copywriting, SEO (Search Engine Optimisation), WordPress, keyword research, social media fundamentals, and more. These programmes enhance your writing abilities and professional marketability. These are advised because of the increased competition in content writing.

The Scope of Content Writing in India

Content writers are employed by MNCs, start-ups, institutions, individuals, and even other authors as full-time employees and freelancers. There are various job options both in India and overseas, including:

Content Creators/ Developers

Content Strategists

SEO Content Writers

Copywriters

Proofreaders

Editors

Brand Journalists

Bloggers

Social Media Specialists

Curriculum Designer

Instructional Designers

Academic Writers or Researchers

Technical Writers

Subject Matter Experts

Video Content Creators

Tips for Aspiring Content Writers

1. Read, Read, and Read- As strange as it may sound, the number one suggestion is not "write, write, and write." Only a well-read person (read: intensive and voracious reader) can infuse more life into her work.

2. Improve your Networking- Attend more seminars and workshops to learn about the current trends and buzz in the business. They'll help you become more relevant in the business world.

3. Keep Your Research Base Strong- Clients and readers want articles that are thoroughly researched, current, and rationally crafted. Make sure to dedicate the same amount of time to research as to writing for the topic. For technical writing, research is very crucial.

4. Maintain a Social Media Presence- Maintaining a social media presence is equally as crucial as networking, if not more so. These platforms include Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Medium (a social network for authors), Twitter, etc. You may increase the visibility of your content and develop your own brand via social media.

5. Expand Your Horizons- Write in many genres to diversify your areas of expertise. Consider each project as a fresh challenge; the internet is an excellent teacher!

6. Keep Evolving-The content shape evolves in response to the needs of social media and its trends. More video and chatbot material has replaced printed words in recent years. Always be ready to accept any changes that may arise and to make plans in advance (again, by doing some research).
After its preview at the Manila International Auto Show and the subsequent arrival of its first batch of units , its now official: Chery A...
Photo: . Norwegian Encore comes into Ogden Point last week. ADRIAN LAM, TIMES COLONIST

A new regulation requiring ships to slow down to reduce their carbon emissions means cruise-ship passengers are spending less time and less money in downtown Victoria.

Many of the Alaskan cruises are coming in the late afternoon and leaving in the evening, Robert Lewis-Manning, CEO of the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority, said Wednesday.

Some even come in after 8 p.m., he said. Weve certainly had a few like that. It is having an impact.

For the past four years, cruise ships have also been taking part in a voluntary slowdown at Swiftsure Bank to protect endangered southern resident killer whales.

All ships bound for Victoria, Seattle, Vancouver or Nanaimo must pass through the slowdown area, along both the outbound and inbound shipping lanes, a distance of 23 nautical miles.

While the slowdowns mean short-term pain for downtown businesses, its good for the endangered southern resident killer whales and in the long run, its good for the environment, said Lewis-Manning.

Those are the trade-offs we will always be dealing with, but the longer-term plan, I think, is quite positive.

Jeff Bray, chief executive officer of the Downtown Victoria Business Association, said the cruise-ship slowdowns mean thousands of passengers are disembarking after stores have closed.

If a cruise ship arrives at 8 p.m., passengers wont be disembarking until 8:45 p.m and they have to be back on the boat by 11:30 p.m., said Bray.

The real impact is that most businesses, outside of the hospitality industry, are closed. It also means excursions are really limited. If people are here for eight or nine hours, they can go downtown, visit the museum, Craigdarroch Castle. They can go whale-watching, said Bray.

If youre in for three hours at night, you can go downtown and have an ice cream, maybe a beer. Youve got thousands of people in port, but youre not really able to service them.

About 320 cruise-ship dockings with about 850,000 passengers are expected for Victoria this summer. The latest study by the harbour authority shows the cruise-ship industry injects about $130 million annually into the local economy, said Bray.

This year, the voluntary ship slowdown began June 1 and is in effect until Oct. 31.

Both Canada and the U.S. have identified underwater noise generated from ships as one of the key threats to killer whales due to its interference with their ability to hunt, navigate and communicate via echolocation. Swiftsure Bank is a known foraging area for southern residents.

Cruise ships, vehicle carriers and container vessels are asked to reduce their speed from about 20 to 22 knots down to 14.5 knots or less in the area. Bulk carriers, tankers and government vessels have been asked to reduce their speed to 11 knots or less.

The biggest noise source is usually the propeller and at a certain speed, it actually generates or forms little air bubbles that explode and thats the biggest source of noise, said Lewis-Manning, who has a background in shipping.

So if you can get the ships to be below their cavitation speed, which is usually between 15 and 20 knots, we can reduce the acoustic noise. Every knot of speed makes a significant difference. The more you slow down, the more you get exponentially less impact.

The Swiftsure Bank program has been recognized globally, he said.

Meanwhile, under a new global regulatory regime that came into effect on Jan. 1, all ships will be evaluated annually on their ability to reduce their carbon intensity, Lewis-Manning said.

Its really designed in the early years to look at operational efficiencies, so that it includes things like reducing speed, changing your propeller to find more efficiencies, cleaning your hull  anything that will positively impact the carbon intensity of the vessel over its voyage.

Every vessel, from a ship carrying grain from Canada to China to a cruise ship, is covered by the same regime, he said.

Its so early that I think a lot of shipping companies are trying to figure out what the long-term impact will be and how they will have to account for the change in their technical capabilities and their costs.

The cruise-ship industry is also in a slightly unpredictable period because theyre trying to figure out how to plan and operate their itineraries under the new regime, Lewis-Manning said.

This year, it has had some impact on the arrival times and duration of the stay. But cruise-ship companies know that Victoria is a fantastic destination and they want to prolong the experience of their passengers in Victoria. Were working and talking to the cruise lines about how to do that in future.

The harbour authority plans to install infrastructure at Ogden Point that would allow cruise ships to plug in to shore power, so they dont need to use diesel generators.

That will actually be a benefit under the regulatory regime and could be an incentive to stay longer, said Lewis-Manning.

If we can make the formula around their carbon intensity more positive by plugging in while they are in Victoria, thats a double benefit.

Lewis-Manning hopes the shore-power project will be completed in three or four years.

Then the cruise lines will know that they can come here, plug in and that will reduce their carbon emissions as they head off to Alaska.

No one can argue with cutting emissions or protecting endangered killer whales, said Bray.

The Downtown Victoria Business Association would love to see ships in longer and ships in town during the day. But we know there are many pieces of the puzzle that all have to fit together in order for that to happen.

[email protected]

>>> To comment on this article, write a letter to the editor: [email protected]
A 43-YEAR-OLD Zimbabwean man has been arrested by the North West Provincial Anti-Corruption Investigating Unit (ACIU) in South Africa for allegedly trying to smuggle a contraband of cigarettes worth more than R12 million.

The man, Joseph Kusekwa appeared at the Lehurutshe Magistrates Court yesterday. His case was postponed to July 27, 2023 for a formal bail application.

National Prosecution Authority (NPA) spokesperson for North West Mr Henry Mamothame said Kusekwa was also an illegal migrant.

He said Kusekwa tried to smuggle the contraband on Friday last week through the Botswana and South African border (Skilpadhek Port of Entry)

Police reports revealed that the suspect, who is a truck driver, was from Botswana entering South Africa at Skilpadhek Port of Entry at approximately 6.40am during load-shedding. This is the time when trucks entering/leaving the country are not allowed to do so at the Port of entries owing to computers being off-line, said Mr Mamothame.

He said a police officer on patrol along the border, saw the truck leaving the border, driving towards Zeerust. He informed his commander and the truck was stopped before it reached Zeerust. The driver was ordered to drive back to Skilpadhek port of entry where the truck was inspected by the police and customs officials.

It was discovered that the truck was carrying boxes of cigarettes which the driver failed to declare at customs, valued at about R12,9 million. The driver was immediately arrested and charged with possession of illicit cigarettes, said Mr Mamothame.

He said a police officer who had allowed the truck to leave the border, was being investigated and charges of defeating the ends of justice could be added when the investigations are concluded.

The case has been handed over to the Hawks for further investigations. The suspect will remain in police custody until the next court appearance.

Recently, a 45-year-old Zimbabwean man was jailed for an effective five years in South Africa for smuggling a contraband of cigarettes worth over R300 000.

Oliver Mupanga was sent to prison when he appeared at the Senwabarwana Regional Court where he was convicted. He was sentenced to direct imprisonment for possession of illicit cigarettes and entering South Africa without a valid passport.

The smuggling of cigarettes from Zimbabwe into South Africa through illegal crossing points along the Limpopo River is rife. It is understood that 30 percent of cigarettes in South Africa are from Zimbabwe including Pacific, Remington gold, Mega, Dullahs, Branson and Servilles.

A box of cigarettes is bought at US$120 from local producers and sold for between US$250 and US$300 to the syndicates who then smuggle them into South Africa where they sell for anything above R15 000.

Those that illegally transport the commodity across borders are paid between R100 and R300 per box and in most cases this is done under the cover of darkness. Chronicle
Reassessment of raw materials import value demanded

28 July 2023

The Bangladesh Cement Manufacturers Association (BCMA) has urged the government to revisit the assessment value of three raw materials (cement clinker, granulated slag and gypsum) as their prices have fallen in international markets. They asked that the assessment value of cement clinker be reduced from US$60 to US$50t, granulated slag from US$30 to US$26t and gypsum from US$35 to $30t, the BCMA said in a letter to the Chattogram Custom House recently.

According to the National Board of Revenue (NBR), 24.15Mt of cement raw materials worth BDT138.78bn (US$1.277bn) were imported in the last fiscal year of 2022-23. About 22.47Mt of raw materials worth BDT107.60bn were purchased from the global markets in 2021-22.

We have to pay more taxes because the customs value of these products is higher than the import prices, said Md Alamgir Kabir, president of the BCMA, in the letter, according to local media and added the countrys ongoing US dollar crisis, the complexity in opening letters of credit and the higher dollar rate have put producers in a tight spot.

Therefore, we have requested the National Board of Revenue and the Custom House to decide this effect as soon as possible.

Mohammad Fyzur Rahman, the commissioner of the Chattogram Customs House, told the media that after receiving the letter, they collected data from international markets and found that the prices of the raw materials have come down. Our assessment committee is seriously scrutinising the matter, and we will consider their proposal after analysing the risk of revenue evasion," he remarked.

Published under
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Hamilton County Schools invites the community to join their Better Together district-wide service day this Saturday to help ensure students walk into facilities that are ready to welcome them andtheir excitement on the first day of school.



Volunteers will help complete campus beautification projects such as landscaping, painting and pressure washing, as well as organizing classrooms. Volunteers can sign up at www.hcde.org/bettertogether and choose how and where theyd like to help.



Over 30 schools across Hamilton County have submitted projects and are seeking volunteers, and there are more than enough opportunities for everyone who wants to participate.

"Thanks to sponsorship from the HCS Foundation in partnership with Elders Ace Hardware and Black Creek Chattanooga, supplies, including paint brushes, cleaning supplies, mulch, tools and other items, have been donated to make these projects possible," officials said.Better Together is part of the districts Opportunity 2030 commitment Every Community Served and First Day Ready initiative to make sure students, families and schools are prepared for the first day of school."We want kids to walk in on the first day and be proud of their school and excited for the first day of learning." said Kate Skonberg, family and community engagement coordinator for the district. "This annual event gives our community an opportunity to come together to support our schools and students. It is imperative to student learning to start the year right and provide a sense of connection for our students, families and community.We know we are better when we connect with our students and families, said HCS Deputy Superintendent Dr. Sonia Stewart. Our communitys support of this initiative over the past few years has helped create a welcoming space for our students. I am grateful for a community that is dedicated to providing for our kids in all ways.For more information and to sign up as a volunteer, visit www.hcde.org/bettertogether or contact Ms. Skonberg at skonberg_kate@hcde.org, 423-498-7188 or 423-708-3543.Participating schools with volunteer opportunities:

School Time Notes

Allen Elementary 8 a.m. - 11 a.m. Needs volunteers!

Alpine Crest Elementary 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Bess T. Shepherd Elementary 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Brainerd High 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Brown Middle 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. Needs volunteers!

Calvin Donaldson 8 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Needs volunteers!

Clifton Hills 8 a.m. - 11 a.m.

East Brainerd Elementary 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.

East Ridge Elementary 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

East Side Elementary 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. Needs volunteers!

Hardy Elementary 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Hixson Elementary 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Hunter Middle 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. Needs volunteers!

Loftis Middle 8 a.m. -1 p.m. Needs volunteers!

Lookout Valley Elementary 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. Needs volunteers!

Nolan Elementary 8:30 a.m. -10 a.m.

Normal Park Lower 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Normal Park Upper 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Ooltewah Elementary 8 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Orchard Knob Elementary 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Orchard Knob Middle 8 a.m. -1 p.m. Needs volunteers!

Red Bank Middle 7:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Needs volunteers!

Red Bank Elementary 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Rivermont Elementary 8 a.m. -12 p.m.

Soddy Daisy Middle 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Needs volunteers!

Spring Creek Elementary 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Thrasher Elementary 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Tyner Academy 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Wallace A Smith 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
The afternoon was winding down when a shot rang out in the neighborhood. There wasnt a cloud in the sky. The ear-cracking noise doesnt raise an eyebrow. Was it gun-play or another backfire from a worn-out muffler? Or was someone shooting a snake? No one is disturbed. A day or two will pass before a neighbor questions the event. Theres fierce independence in the middle-income community of Thompsonville, a hamlet in the mountains of North Georgia.

Theres a store in Thompsonville but no red light. If you blink while on your travels, yup, you missed it. Its just another sleepy bedroom community, but with a story.

The people here need something they never had  good law enforcement. The law enforcement theyre getting is roadblocks on holiday weekends, speeding tickets, and fines for insurance violations. Theres one road in and one road out. Highway 157 serves Walker County well as a fundraising toll road. Locals try not to use it much anymore.

These mountaineers are tired of seeing crooks released immediately after stealing their property, and when someone gets busted with a handful of crystal meth, they dont like seeing them get out faster than they can get through a KFC drive-through.

Drug users and burglars get released on their own recognizance with only a $20 bond in this area. Now you know why country people are slow to warm up to. Bondsmen arent happy either. During Halloween, the children are dressed in full body armor when trick-or-treating. The people have good reason to keep a loaded gun by the door and a couple more by the fireplace. You have a better chance of spotting Bigfoot out here than you do trick-or-treaters on Halloween.

The police are tired of hauling in the same violators that they dont anymore unless the crime rises to murder or maybe rape. But if you forget your court date for running a stop sign in this area, youll sit in jail for months unless you come up with big money for your bondsman. Its a two-tiered system. The haves are bankrolling it all. The have-nots are laughing, smoking meth, flipping meth, drinking, and picking up cigarette butts in the parking lot of the local convenience store. The combatants are few but garner much of local conversation. I hear talk of what could be  if only someone would step up and unload. 38s are being traded for 357s, and talk of installing camera equipment fills the air.

There are not a lot of people in Thomponsville. Its not on a map. You may find it on an out-of-print coal mining map from the 1920s. Its a 25-minute drive from Chattanooga, but it might as well be 250 miles away  a place time almost forgot, Its peaceful. Its a vacation 365 days a year for most of the gray-templed mountain people  the politically incorrect crowd calls them hillbillies, rednecks, hicks, and squatters. People call em a lot of things. Doesnt seem to faze them. You hear them sound off, Its hard to get mad at city folks  I feel sorrow for them.

They may have a point.

Most people in the area are good. But the same few misfits keep people on edge. They have no skills or money. They live in burned-out trailers gifted to them by others' misplaced sympathy. Theyre tough hires because of their prison tats and rap sheets. Theyre outcasts. They wander around talking to clouds and wearing out shoes. Every cent in their pockets is going for crystal meth or fentanyl. The cops want them dead. They are not alone.

The frustration of the police is well known. They spend time processing individuals only to see them back out before sundown. The desire for a cot and three hots is overwhelming them. One of the trailer-dwellers asked for his bond to be revoked so he could go back to jail. He went back in and was booted out in the street a day later. Nobody wants to feed them. Walker County has issues. Property tax doubled this year. What are we getting? Temperatures are rising in the hills  and Its not due to global warming.

The hills have eyes  and theyre bug-eyed wide open.

A couple of years back, I heard banging on my front door. I own a small house in the hills, a studio, a getaway from civilization. I feel its needed  but maybe Ive gone too far. Any knock on my door is somewhat surprising. I open the door and a friend of mine from the area walks in. Its my shade-tree mechanic, and he says, I just shot a meth-head."

I said, Great, lets celebrate. I dont have any champagne, but I have beers.

No thank you, he says, the police want to talk to me.

That makes sense, I replied.

Among being mistaken as a narc by the townspeople when I first moved to the area, which I never refuted for obvious reasons, I guess Ive become a quack lawyer in these parts to some. That one semester of business law in college was foundational in building my reputation as a legal scholar  a regular Clarence Darrow. I gave him a few words of advice.

Things worked out just fine and the shade-tree mechanic was back home working his magic that afternoon.

The cops say do not kill anyone unless, well, you know, wink wink, they threaten you on your property with bodily harm. Its like the Lincoln County Wars with regulators but no Billy the Kid or Pat Garrett.

The shooting was justified. The perp was denied permission to enter but insisted on visiting anyway. Said perp is a known felon and drug addict. After being told to clear out, the assailant said he was coming in. Seems he wanted private time with a female inside. The 22 caliber bullet, fired through a window, entered the mind-numbingly dumb mans chest cavity, near the heart, ricocheted off a bone, and exited through his shoulder. Hes fine. What he lacks in sense he makes up with in luck.

Did the perp have a gun? Did Johnny Cash enjoy happy hour?

The meth-head still, mysteriously, wonders why the shooter had to squeeze the trigger. They passed each other walking down the street months later. Jailbird said, Man, you didnt have to shoot me.

True story. But names have been omitted because you shouldnt talk about your cousins and neighbors.

Stacey Alexander
A boating under the influence charge against Baylor School Headmaster Chris Angel was dismissed Friday morning.

District Attorney Coty Wamp was in General Sessions Court for the dismissal. She said there was a very low possibility of Mr. Angel reoffending. He has since completed a boating safety course, she said.

It was dismissed without a hearing in the courtroom of Judge Christie Sell.

Attorney Lee Davis, who represented Mr. Angel, said, "I appreciate the careful review of the facts and investigation in this matter by District Attorney Coty Wamp. This is the right result."

Mr. Angel was taken into custody on Friday, June 9 following an arrest on charges of operating a boat while under the influence on Nickajack Lake.



Two days later, the president and head of school sent out an email regarding the incident.



Dear Baylor Faculty, Staff and Parents,

I want to make you aware of a situation that is quickly becoming public. On Friday afternoon, I was cited by Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency officials for unsafely operating a pontoon boat while with my wife and another couple. I accept full responsibility for my actions and have learned a valuable lesson from this situation; however, please know that I was not operating the boat unsafely.



As I move forward through this process, I want to assure you that I understand the responsibility I have to Baylor School, our faculty, students, and families to conduct myself in a professional manner both on and off campus. While I regret the distraction this will cause for us, know that I remain committed to the values of Baylor School. I have full faith in our legal system, and I look forward to a full and fair resolution of this matter.



Sincerely,

Chris Angel 89



Baylor School issued the following statement: "The school was immediately advised by Mr. Angel of this incident. The school stands behind Mr. Angel and is confident that this matter will be favorably resolved. Since this is a legal matter that will be handled by the court, the school will not be issuing any further statements or comments."
Marilyn Jo Jackson Harrison, 85, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, passed away in the early hours on July 26, 2023, one day after celebrating her 59th wedding anniversary with her husband Ken Harrison. They met at ballroom dancing lessons and continued dancing throughout their lives. Even after Parkinson's robbed her of the ability to walk, she could still dance with her husband.

She was born on February 11, 1938, in Falling Water, TN to Luther H. Jackson and Mary Eloise Jackson. Her extended family includes siblings, cousins, second cousins, and her arts and music families. There were no "small" family gatherings with Marilyn.

As a child of the Depression, Marilyn grew up wanting to make the arts accessible to everyone and was a force of nature in her advocacy. Her career as an arts administrator began by finding funding to bring artists-in-residence to the elementary school of her children. From there, she helped found the United Arts Council in Raleigh, N.C. She was embedded in the arts community, serving as the vice president of the Wake County Arts Council until she retired in 2000 to move back to Chattanooga with her husband to be closer to their families.

Retirement didn't stick. Marilyn started working at Allied Arts (now Arts Build) and was there for 12 years until her Parkinson's disease forced her to fully retire. While there, she led the creation of the Holmberg Arts Leadership Institute and secured grants which led to the establishment of Imagine Chattanooga 20/20. In 2003, she was one of the original architects and committee members for the Chattanooga Public Art Plan which led to the creation of the citys first Public Art Program housed at Allied Arts. During her years on the Public Art Committee, she was instrumental in securing an NEA federal place-making grant for creating "The Main Terrain" park, a greenspace that features interactive monumental art in the Chattanooga southside.

Through the Public Art Committee, she became involved with The Passage, a public art project created for the 21st Century Waterfront Plan in 2005. This project was a collaboration with Cherokee artists from Locust Grove, OK to celebrate Cherokee history, culture, art, and life. Like much of her work, this was about building relationships. She hosted the artists from Team Gadugi (A Cherokee word meaning working together) in her home and maintained friendships with them afterward.

On a national scale, Marilyn worked with Americans for the Arts to build a "Local Arts Index" and create the "Arts and Economics and Prosperity Report IV," both of which continue to touch countless lives. She believed the arts should be accessible and inclusive for everyone.

Her passion and appreciation for art knew no boundaries. Marilyn and Ken traveled abroad at every opportunity, visiting Germany, St. Petersburg, France and anywhere else they could go. A constant refrain to her children was to look up and "absorb" the culture they traveled through. She looked for and found beauty everywhere.

The home she shared with Ken is filled with a beautifully curated collection of art from local artists and potters. Her area of special interest was in North Carolina pottery from the Seagrove region. She especially loved a form called a "face jug," which originated among enslaved potters as a way of marking graves. Her remains will be interred at Silverdale Cemetery in a face jug by one of her favorite potters, Vernon Owens.

Marilyn is survived by her husband, Ken Harrison, and her children, Mary Robinette Kowal, Stephen K. Harrison, and their respective spouses, Robert Kowal and Jamie Harrison. She is also survived by her granddaughter, Katherine Harrison, and grandsons Peter Harrison and Elliott Harrison. Marilyn was preceded in death by her father, Luther H. Jackson, her mother, Elois Jackson, and her siblings, Don Jackson, James Jackson, Gilbert Jackson, and Genevieve Chastain.

The visitation will be held at the family home on August 5th from 10:00-11:30 followed by a graveside ceremony at Silverdale Cemetery at noon.

Marilyn Jo Harrison has stopped her dancing but her advocacy continues. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in her name to Arts Build so she can continue funding the local art and artists she cared so deeply about.

Please share your thoughts and memories online at www. ChattanoogaValleyViewChapel. com

Arrangements by Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist, Valley View Chapel, 7414 Old Lee Highway, Chattanooga, TN 37421.




With the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) having passed the Senate, our nation is taking a necessary step to secure our freedom at home and abroad. For 63 consecutive years, Congress has passed the NDAA to keep America strong and her enemies on their back foot. In this years bill, I was able to secure many victories for the Volunteer State that will boost our military and research installations and give our servicemembers the tools they need to keep our homeland safe.



Fort Campbell plays a critical role in our nations defense.

It is home to the Armys only Air Assault Division, which is among the militarys most-deployed contingency forces. This bill will authorize the long overdue planning and design of a new air traffic control tower at Fort Campbell and secure funding to support a multipurpose training range. Additionally, the bill contains increased funding to support and modernize the AH-64 Apache Helicopter, the backbone of our Armys helicopter fleet, as well as provide funding for CH-47 Block II Chinook helicopters, the Armys only heavy-lift helicopter.This year, the Senate renewed its promise to promote innovation by empowering servicemembers to help develop new military equipment. Through the Pathfinder Program, soldiers at Fort Campbell will continue to collaborate directly with elite research teams at Vanderbilt University, the University of Memphis, Tennessee Technological University, and the University of Tennessee at Knoxville to develop cutting-edge equipment. Recently, Tennessee researchers designed a lightweight exoskeleton for soldiers to wear that would allow them to do heavy lifting without hurting their backs and increase their endurance. Soldier-led innovation is what will keep Tennessee and America at the forefront of military preparedness.As part of this years focus on innovation, I supported improved and expanded research capabilities and technological development at Arnold Air Force Base in Tullahoma. The defense bill also bolsters operations at the Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge by authorizing funding for the construction of a uranium processing facility which is key to strengthening our national security and reducing the global threat of weapons of mass destruction.It is critical that we look beyond immediate threats and begin planning for the future of warfare. 21st-century threats require 21st-century solutions. In fiscal year 2021, I established a pilot program that allows the National Guard to provide assistance to state and local governments as well as critical infrastructure in the event of a cyberattack. This years NDAA expands this program to allow qualified civilian personnel to assist in shoring up vulnerabilities and responding to cyberattacks.We must also fight for those who put their lives on the line to defend freedom. That is why the Senate authorized a 5.2 percent pay raise for our servicemembers and approved my program to fund better access to breast cancer screenings for female veterans. The bill also requires the Department of Defense to submit a revised pay table to increase junior enlisted pay.The wins for our countrys military dont stop there. The bill includes the FINISH IT Act, which will guarantee our border wall panels are put to good use. In a win against the woke Left, we included a provision to eliminate Department of Defense equity initiatives that are fueling an unprecedented recruiting crisis. These are huge accomplishments that will equip our military to face our adversaries around the world.The challenges posed by the New Axis of EvilCommunist China, Iran, Russia, and North Koreamake this renewed focus critical. The defense bill creates a new U.S. training program with Taiwan and funds new weaponry, including Tomahawk and Mk48 torpedoes, which are essential to keeping Beijing in check. Importantly, the bill mandates a complete public accounting of Chinese military spending to alert the international community of the CCPs global military goals. This is crucial to combating their growing power and regional influence.While China threatens peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific, Russia continues to bombard Ukraine, Iran relentlessly pursues nuclear weapons, and North Korea sets new standards for instability. Amid these constantly evolving threats, it is critical that our military has the resources it needs to protect the homeland and our national interests abroad.A strong America is an America that can deter her enemies by putting her readiness, capabilities, and determination on display. By passing our version of this years NDAA, the Senate has brought our nation one crucial step closer toward building a safer world.

Senator Marsha Blackburn
A woman charged in a fatal stabbing in Ooltewah has been sentenced to serve three years in state prison.

Kimberly Smart, who was 32 at the time of the July 17, 2021, incident, was sentenced by Judge Boyd Patterson after a sentencing hearing on Thursday afternoon.

Ms. Smart was charged in the death of 34-year-old Kristal Michelle Reno. She had been charged with criminal homicide. She was tried on a lesser charge of voluntary manslaughter. After a trial, a jury found her guilty of the reduced charge of reckless aggravated assault.

Felony aggravated assault in Tennessee carries 3-15 years.

At the sentencing hearing, the prosecution introduced evidence of Ms. Smart being arrested for burglary while she was awaiting trial in the case in which she was charged with criminal homicide.

A resident of Bill Reed Road said he caught Ms. Smart, her mother, and two other women taking items from a trailer. He said the occupant of the trailer had died, then another woman who lived there had gone into a nursing home.

The burglary case is still pending.

An attorney told the jury that the fatal stabbing of Ms. Reno occurred when Ms. Smart became upset that Ms. Reno had taken some roach motels (traps) out of her car.

Alex Shoaf of the public defender's office said Ms. Reno "liked to fight." He said the two women argued over the roach motel issue, then Ms. Smart stabbed her with a kitchen knife that Ms. Reno threw at her.

He said when Ms. Reno began bleeding profusely, Ms. Smart "tried her very best to save her."

Prosecutor Kevin Loper said the knife wound severed two major arteries in the victim's neck. He said the victim "had no chance."

He said Ms. Smart then "fled out the back door."

The jury saw body cam footage of paramedics trying to clean large amounts of blood off Ms. Reno.

Another body cam video showed Ms. Smart being located by a deputy near the house at 9311 Bill Reed Road in Ooltewah where the incident happened.

She said, "I didn't mean to do it. It was an accident. She threw the knife and all I did was defend myself. I did everything I could to help her."

A man at the house said Ms. Smart appeared to have tripped over a trash can while holding the knife.

The victim was transported by Hamilton County EMS to a local hospital where she succumbed to her injuries.

There were eight people living in the "modest" house, it was stated.
Hamamatsus product range for optical analytics comprises not only small components like highly sensitive photomultipliers and photodiodes. Our mini-spectrometers are well introduced in the market and cover a large spectral range. A new model was designed especially for Raman measurements. But still for some uses Mini is still too big, therefore Hamamatsu developed our brand new micro-spectrometer- a fingertip sized, ultra-compact spectrometer head integrating MEMS and image sensors technologies - for use in hand-held measurement instruments.

For special applications Hamamatsu provides dedicated measurement systems like our new Quantaurus-QY+ for absolute quantum yield measurements in the VIS and NIR region. The Quantaurus-Tau measures fluorescence and phosphorescence lifetimes of physical and biological samples with single photon counting sensitivity. An NIR version was developed for investigations of solar cells in the NIR spectral region. These spectrometers, although compact comprise all necessary components incl. light source, sample chamber, detector and all necessary optical components. They also are supplied with dedicated software which not only controls hardware and measurement setup but also offers a range of analysis functions.

For ultrafast measurements our streak cameras offer the highest time resolution coupled with the possibility to measure the whole spectral range at the same time.
Nebraska State Archeologist Dave Williams walks in a hole as workers dig for the suspected remains of children who once attended the Genoa Indian Industrial School, Tuesday, July 11, 2023, in Genoa, Neb. The mystery of where the bodies of more than 80 children are buried could be solved this week as archeologists dig in a Nebraska field that a century ago was part of a sprawling Native American boarding school.
Vincent van Goghs story will always be one of the most fascinating stories in art history, as he was famous for being a man who sold one painting in his life, only to be known as one of the greatest artists of all time following his tragic death.

One of Vincents only supporters in life was his brother Theo, who died months after him.

There was one person who found herself suddenly responsible with presenting Vincents work to the world, and that was his sister-in-law, Theos widow, Johanna van Gogh-Bonger.

Many say she is the person who made Vincent van Gogh famous.

Johanna was born in Amsterdam in 1862. She was one of seven children and was close to her siblings. They all had a passion for music and would play instruments together.

Johanna also had a passion for reading and writing and studied English as she got older. Johanna started keeping a detailed diary at 17, where she eventually detailed her journey with the van Gogh brothers and how she gave Vincents work a second chance.

She was working as an English teacher in the Netherlands by the time she was 22, which was when she met Theo van Gogh in Amsterdam. A year after they met, she married Theo in 1889, and they had a son named Vincent Willem in 1890.

Vincent van Gogh was a huge part of Johannas life, as he and his brother were extremely close companions. Vincent was the godfather of their son, and they would exchange letters, but unfortunately, Johannas relationships with her brother and brother-in-law did not last very long.

Theo was diagnosed with syphilis before meeting Johanna, and his condition worsened after Vincent tragically took his life in 1890. Theo passed away just six months later, in 1891.

Sign up for Chip Chicks newsletter and get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox.
Growing up on the Indonesian island of Java, Happy Natalisa remembers being mocked for her dark complexion. Her classmates called her si hitam (black) and orang Papua because her father was Papuan, an ethnic group hailing from Indonesias easternmost province in Western New Guinea.

Her appearance affected how she served in the church. She preferred to be behind the scenes, choosing to join the prayer ministry rather than becoming a worship leader. Later, she realized this was caused by seeds of insecurity.

I felt sad and even questioned God why I was born in Java, which caused trauma in my teenage life, said Natalisa. She yearned for lighter skin.

It was only through the help of her college discipleship group years later that she was finally able to accept her skin color and find her self-worth in Gods view of her. Still, the 28-year-olds daily skincare routine includes a tiny pink bottle of face serum that promises a brighter, lighter complexion by protecting her skin from the harsh exposure to Indonesias tropical sun. Her friends now compliment her on her radiant skin, Natalisa says with a beam.

Like in many countries globally, skin-lightening products are wildly popular among Indonesian women, as most consider bright and glowing skin to be the epitome of beauty. Skincare regimens that include creams, lotions, treatments, or pillssome of which have been found harmful and ineffectivehave blossomed into a multibillion-dollar industry worldwide. In Indonesia, the skincare market is projected to reach nearly $19 million by 2030.

With a population made up of more than 1,000 ethnic groups, Indonesia is built on the idea of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, meaning Unity in Diversity. Yet the preference for lighter skin, which has its roots in colonialism, remains pervasive in Indonesian society and is perpetuated by advertising and media.

In the midst of this, some Indonesian Christians are working to challenge the narrative. Through womens ministries and promoting ethnic diversity in churches, theyre redefining beauty based on biblical values.

Indonesias history of colorism

Todays Indonesian beauty standards began during the Dutch colonial era of the 1600s, which established a social hierarchy that placed those with white skin as the most superior, those of Chinese descent next, and indigenous Indonesians at the bottom.

The intelligent, the virtuous, and those to be emulated [were] the ones with fair skin, said Esther Kuntjara, professor of linguistics and culture at Petra Christian University in Surabaya. That was the policy employed by the Dutch at that time. It has become deeply ingrained here.

Article continues below

Even after Indonesia gained independence in 1945, discrimination and inequality based on skin color persisted through colorism, the favoring of lighter skin tones over darker ones. People with lighter skin typically received advantages in their workplace and relationships, while those with darker skin faced systemic disadvantages and prejudice.

The use of light-skinned models in beauty and cosmetic advertisementsfirst imported from the US or Europe, then from East Asian countrieshave also influenced how Indonesians view beauty, says Agung Kurniawan, a psychologist in Surabaya.

The underrepresentation of diverse skin tones on TV, film, and social media also contributes to a mere-exposure effect, where individuals develop a preference for what they are familiar with. The impression that beauty is associated with fair skin has greatly influenced Indonesian women, resulting in the proliferation of skin-whitening products in Indonesia, Kurniawan said.

Today, research shows that Indonesian women dont like the whiteness of Americans or Europeans since [the skin] appears reddish-white, like shrimp. Chinese skin color is also not preferred because of a long history of discrimination against Chinese Indonesians. Instead, Japans colonization of Indonesia (19421945) has led to the pervasive notion of fair-skinned Japanese beauty.

For 32-year-old Helen Marlina, a Christian who works at a multinational public relations firm, using skin whitening products is an investment for her career. If I dont have bright-looking skin, I feel like Im not credible enough to do my job, Marlina said. I also feel that society generally finds women with lighter skin more attractive in everyday social interactions.

Meanwhile, Retno Lopis, a 53-year-old housewife who lives in Balikpapan, East Kalimantan, said that when she started to apply a local skin whitening ointment, she found her once oily and dull skin rapidly became lighter and brighter. Yet she stopped using it because she felt uneasy and was unsure about the safety of its ingredients after seeing the rapid changes. Although she no longer uses any skin whitening products, Lopis said she still believes women with fairer skin look cleaner and well-groomed. I want to eliminate such a mindset, but I observe that women with darker skin tend to look dull and older.

Article continues below

Educating the future generation about inner beauty

The preference for fair skin is so entrenched in Indonesia society that even today, parents discourage their children from marrying someone from a different ethnicity with darker skin. Chinese Indonesians dont want their children to find spouses of another race unless they are light-skinned Westerners, Kuntjara found.

For instance, when actress Nana Mirdad posted a photo on Instagram of her and her lighter-skinned husband, she received comments questioning their match, with one netizen commenting that she should be grateful that someone with such dark skin could find a light-skinned husband. Under a screenshot of the comment, Mirdad wrote: Never feel inferior about our skin color, whatever it may be. Being fair-skinned doesnt mean its better than having a tanned complexion. Let's stop making distinctions.

To overcome the negative effects of media and advertisements to younger generations, Kuntjara believes it is vital for parents to educate their children at home. She said that parents should teach children not to judge people based on their skin color or physical appearance, but instead value others based on their heart, mindset, and attitude. While this may seem like commonplace advice in the West, its novel in Indonesia.

Theres a reciprocal relationship between media influence and peoples perception, she noted. If society becomes aware that the concept of light skin is merely a product of people's perceptions for certain interests, the narrative may start to change.

Natalisas mother, Erina Saraswati, noted that in raising her children, she has taught them that even when others mock them, they should not respond unkindly. I told them, Let them say negative things about your appearance or dark skin, but remember that everyone has strengths and weaknesses, Saraswati said. So I encourage [Natalisa] to focus on her excelling in school. As they grow and mature, I also teach them to bring these experiences to prayer and to forgive those who make fun of them.

A Christian theology of beauty

Susanna I. Setiawan is working to combat these unattainable beauty standards among Christian women through her ministry, Wanita Bijak Indonesia (Wise Women Indonesia). Since 2001, Wanita Bijak has provided guidance and mentorship for women, ranging from teenagers to adults, to experience gender restoration as Gods creation. Through biblically based lessons on a womans uniqueness, her roles, and how she can become a role model, the ministry aims to help women apply Gods Word to their everyday lives.

Article continues below

The organization initially started with mentoring women in a local church and has now grown into a nationwide organization with small groups in 91 cities across the country as well as online Bible studies that have reached Singapore, Malaysia, Myanmar, China, and the Netherlands.

It began with the fundamental awareness that being created as a woman is a precious beauty bestowed by God the Creator, Setiawan said. As a woman understands and recognizes her own value, she will find peace within herself and embrace her entire existence.

Wanita Bijak started with camps and mentorship classes for single and married women. It then expanded to serve teens, and now includes specific groups for women in different life stages or circumstances: widows, young mothers, teachers, women in ministry, and pastors wives. In these classes, Wise Women brings speakers to teach the Bible and facilitates group discussions.

In its mentoring programs about holistic beauty, Setiawan said most participants share that they are unhappy with their physical appearance. Many hold tightly to societys beauty standards of a slim body, a slender face, double eyelids, and smooth, fair skin. So Setiawan points to Song of Solomon 1:5, I am dark, yet lovely, O daughters of Jerusalem, to show that Gods idea of beauty isnt based on the shade of a persons skin.

In Wanita Bijak classes, Setiawan often notes that the Bible never emphasizes physical appearance as the sole measure of a womans beauty. Rather, women in the Bible like Rebekah, Abigail, and Esther are described as beautiful because of their faith, attitude, character, and good deeds. She also stresses that its fundamental for women to have a true understanding of themselves based on the unchanging standards of Gods Word so they feel secure and are not easily shaken by the teachings of the world (Col. 2:710).

A 2016 study by Biola University supported that point: Of the 243 Christians surveyed, those who believed that their bodies are holy and intentionally created by God were more likely to feel good about their bodies. Setiawan noted that when Christians accept Jesus, the Holy Spirit dwells within them, and their bodies are no longer their own but belong to God. Therefore, we pay attention to our physical appearance, not because it determines our worth, but because we know that we are already valuable, she said.

Article continues below

She also noted that beauty standards vary by country and change over time, creating an ever-moving target. Rather than chasing the latest trends, Christian women should take care of their body and showcase clean and healthy skin while highlighting its beauty, regardless of our skin color.

One of the Wanita Bijak participants is Setiawans own daughter, Stephani Chara. Now 23, Chara recalled struggling as a young teen with insecurity over her tanned skin and feeling envious of women who were more naturally beautiful. After joining the ministrys teen-focused Girls Talk program, she gradually learned her inherent value in Gods eyes trumped external opinions on what is beautiful.

I eventually learned how to take better care of myself and my skin, Chara said. But even so, the outside will never change whats truly already on the inside, my perfect value and worth given by God himself, who had woven me perfectly in my mothers womb.

Diversity and inclusion within Gods people

Churches can also help end discrimination over skin color by becoming more inclusive, says Jefry Lie, youth pastor GKBJ Kelapa Gading, a Baptist church in Jakarta. Many churches in Indonesia self-segregate by ethnicity, such as Batak churches (where the majority are from the Sumatran tribe Batak) or Chinese churches. Lies church is about 90 percent ethnically Chinese, while the remaining 10 percent are either Javanese or from East Indonesian cities like Ambon and Manado.

Lie himself is half Chinese and half Torajan (an indigenous people group in South Sulawesi), and encourages churches to be safe spaces where people from all ethnicities and cultures can feel welcomed, accepted, and valued. When the church is not limited by specific skin color or culture, the congregation becomes accustomed to diversity, thus fostering a broad perspective within the community about the meaning of beauty, he said.

Despite being predominantly Chinese, non-Chinese believers make up some of the core leaders and ministers of the church, so, even though they are a minority [at church], they feel welcome, Lie said. Still, they face challenges as some in his church remain suspicious of people from different ethnicities, viewing those with dark skin as less than.

Article continues below

In leading the churchs youth group, Lie sees these ideas filtering into young people, as the Chinese youth dont want to socialize with or date non-Chinese.

I teach teens and young adults that such stigma does not come from God, Lie said. I encourage them to interact with people of all ethnicities and who have different skin color, both in church ministry and in social settings, so they can broaden their perspectives, realizing that individuals from different ethnicities are not as they might have thought.

For Natalisa, the despair over her dark skin only dissipated through a closer relationship with God and a supportive Christian community. I didnt dare to develop myself until I realized the value of self-worth in the eyes of God during college discipleship, she recalled. She joined a small group where friends not only affirmed and accepted her, but also helped her embrace herself as God created her to be.

By viewing herself through a biblical perspective, she was finally able to brush off the cultures beauty standard. With this understanding, her perspective on herself changed.

She points to Genesis 1:26Then God said, Let us make mankind in our image, in our likenessas the lynchpin that helped her accept her appearance.

From this verse, I understood that I am already created in the image and likeness of God, so why should I change it? Natalisa said. If the Almighty says I am already perfect when he created me, what more needs to be changed?

Maria Fennita and Ivan K. Santoso contributed to this report.

[ This article is also available in Indonesian. ]
Yesterday, a congressional hearing introduced Americans to new information on an age-old fascination, UFOs -- or, in the current parlance, UAPs, unidentified anomalous phenomena. Never short on wonder about worlds beyond our own, many have allowed this news to quickly overshadow another important story this week, that of Jaddarius Rose, a young truck driver mauled by a police dog just two days before.

This weeks episode of The Bulletin provides a helpful preventative against being so heavenly minded youre no earthly good. With feet planted on terra firma and conversation rooted in the gospel, hosts Nicole Martin and editor-in-chief Russell Moore talk with special guest Rasool Berry about aliens, fear and wonder, racial pain, and the ways that hard memories can compel us toward a better future. Actor Dennis Quaid and host Mike Cosper end the episode with a discussion about music, grace, and the release of Quaids new album, Fallen: A Gospel Record for Sinners.

Join Beth Moore for a special evening as she interviews her friend, Russell Moore, about faith, culture, and his new book, Losing Our Religion: An Altar Call for Evangelical America.

Joining us this week:

Rasool Berry serves as teaching pastor at The Bridge Church in Brooklyn, New York. He also is the Director of Partnerships & Content Development with Our Daily Bread Ministries. Rasool graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a bachelors degree in Africana Studies and Sociology.

Rasool is a sought-after writer on the intersection of faith and culture. Hes the host of the Christianity Today sponsored Where Ya From? podcast and the writer, producer, and host of the Juneteenth: Faith & Freedom feature-length documentary. He lives in Brooklyn with his wife, Tamica, and their daughter.

Resources Referenced:

Greetings, People of Earth

The Latest Black Tragedy is My Trauma Too

Recommended Christianity Today Resources:

C.S. Lewis Warned Us About Close Encounters of the Evangelical Kind

Love Thy Extraterrestrial Neighbor

Healing Racial Trauma with Sheila Wise Rowe

Pauls Word to Police: Protect the Weak

The Bulletin is a production of Christianity Today

Executive Producer: Erik Petrik

Producers: Clarissa Moll and Matt Stevens

Associate Producer: Azurae Phelps

Editing and Mix: TJ Hester

Music: Dan Phelps

Show Design: Bryan Todd

Graphic Design: Amy Jones

Social Media: Kate Lucky
Lebanese Baptists have reason to be proud. This month, two senior members of their community, Mona Khauli and Nabil Costa, were recognized for their faith-based work on behalf of their nation.

Mona Khauli, the 85-year-old executive director of the national Young Womens Christian Association (YWCA), was honored by the Baptist World Alliance (BWA) for her human rights work.

Honor comes from God, she said. Having been in his service all these years, I do not need any from people. She did, however, note her acceptance may be useful to inspire others.

Costa, general secretary of the Association of Evangelical Schools in Lebanon (AESL), was locally recognized with the inaugural Creel Award as one of the top luminaries hailing from his nations southern region for pioneering leadership in special needs education.

As a son of Maghdoucheh, I am pleased to be honored here, he said of his Greek Catholic agricultural village, located five miles southeast of Sidon, which hosted the ceremony. But our victory comes only from the Lord.

Khauli experienced such triumph firsthand amid constant loss due to the civil war.

Assuming her role in 1977 following many years of volunteering, Khauli was immediately plunged into the reality of ongoing bombardment in Muslim-dominated West Beirut. So she turned the YWCA headquarters into a womens hostel, receiving displaced Lebanese of all religious confessions.

The Syrian general occupying their neighborhood assigned his men to mount a missile launcher on YWCAs strategically-placed rooftop. Khauli rushed to confront him. We have women here, she told him. Would you accept men running through the quarters of your mother and sister?

Anxious the whole time, she had to think on her feet when the general mentioned the Muslims among them. Change the name of your organization, he said. How can Christians oversee Muslims?

Khauli refused, setting a pattern of fidelity to the YWCAs faith foundations, later repeated in peacetime.

You are under the authority of your president, who trusts you because you serve Syria, she told the general. We are under the authority of Christ, and therefore we serve everyone in his name.

Before the war, Khaulis predecessor had helped establish Lebanons Young Womens Muslim Association, under Islamic leadership. The Christian version developed a reputation for vocational training, offering programs for womens employment in government and the banking sector.

The war caused the YWCA to shift their focus from work to relief. Khauli negotiated with militia leaders to ensure neighborhood bread distribution and street cleaning. But vocational training became more important than ever, as war-widowed women were forced to open shops to care for their families.

Image: Courtesy of Baptist World Alliance

Khauli navigated narrow alleyways and landmine-laden underpasses, just to get safely to work each day.

We worked under shelling, sniping, and kidnapping, she said, noting how her husband endured one day of the latter. But we maintained the Christian faith, impulse, and motto of the original YWCA.

After the war ended in 1990, Khauli led an initiativecalled Come, Let Us Rebuildto expand income-generating projects and promote womens leadership in society. In 1997, the YWCA led training sessions for female candidates in the municipal elections, and a few years later assisted those running for parliament.

Working with business leaders and multiple first ladies of Lebanon, Khauli put up billboards on the streets, raising awareness about womens rights and domestic violence. And in 2004, the YWCA opened the first shelter for abused women and children.

While overseeing 800 multi-faith volunteers in nine regional associations, Khauli and her fellow executives resisted the international YWCA trend to water down the confession of faith. When our husbands and sons are dying in war, she told multiple symposiums, we dont have time to question the fatherhood of Godwe need him for divine protection.

It wasnt long before Muslim women wanted to partner in leadership with YWCAs good work of serving all communitiesincluding the aunt of the prime minister. Though completely different in context, Khaulis answer reflected the same conviction with which she spoke to the general. Our Christian mission guarantees we will not be political, she said of the organizations place in Lebanons sectarian system. We will not impose our faith on you, and you can trust us since we serve in the spirit of Christ.

Lebanons Protestant churches drew most of their members from the historic Catholic and Orthodox denominations. Once distrusted similarly, Khauli said the YWCA today has the Maronite patriarch, Lebanons foremost Christian cleric, as one of its strongest supporters. But far from being just a social organization, several members told her their faith has been strengthened by her commitment.

The YWCA leadership starts all meetings with prayer and reflective meditation. And although a Muslim-background Christian is part of the leadership in the northern, Sunni-majority city of Tripoli, any direct proselytizing is left to the churches.

If you stand up for your faith, Khauli said, you pass it on through your life.

This includes her own community. Khauli spoke of confrontations with chauvinist Baptist leaders in her work to ensure that womens voices are heard in congregational affairs. She was only the second woman to serve as a deconess in her home church in Beirut, but by the completion of her tenure as president of the Lebanese Baptist Womens Union in the late 1970s, she won permanent representation for her post in the national Baptist convention.

By 1995, she was elected vice president of the BWA, the first Middle Eastern woman to occupy that role. And on July 4, in recognition of her lifetime of service, the BWA awarded her the Denton and Janice Lotz Human Rights Award at the annual gathering in Norway.

This honor is an uplifting fulfillment of the promise in Psalm 92:12, Khauli told delegates. The righteous  shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon, they shall still bear fruit in old age, to declare that the Lord is upright.

During the conference the BWA launched the Global Baptist Mission Network to coordinate work among 17 national associations and their 7,000 missionaries. Lebanon is an inaugural member.

The BWA also welcomed new partners from Niger and the Palestinian territories, and established new membership categories in aid work, missions, and education. And the first organization recognized in the aid category is the Lebanese Society for Educational and Social Development (LSESD), with AESLs Costa as CEO.

Inclusive education is restoring the value of evangelicals in Lebanon, said Costa, just as the missionaries did a century ago.

In the 19th century, Western Protestants came to Beirut in the then-Ottoman Empire province of Syria, and focused on educationincluding the groundbreaking formal instruction of girls. The American University of Beirut was founded in 1866, and the first Baptist church was planted in 1895. Today, though evangelicals represent only one percent of the population, the AESL serves 20,000 multifaith students in 35 affiliated schools.

Image: Photo by Creel / Courtesy of Nabil Costa

In 1998, American Baptist missionaries handed over Arab Baptist Theological Seminary, Beirut Baptist School, and Baptist Publications to local leadership, who formed LSESD as its umbrella entity. Under Costas leadership, LSESD later added a youth ministry wing that now focuses on outreach, as well as Middle East Revive and Thrive (MERATH) for disaster relief and community development.

In September, LSESD will celebrate its 25th anniversary.

But it was the SKILD Center (Smart Kids with Individual Learning Differences), founded in 2011, that won him the Creel Awardcreated to inspire hope by highlighting the regional and often small-town origins of nationally influential leaders. Costa believes that special needs educationas a voice for the voicelessis helping evangelicals move out from the fringes of society.

Individuals who actively work towards the betterment of marginalized groups are truly rare, said Joelle Bou Younes, founder of Creel, a media and event planning company. They should be appreciated for their selflessness and dedication.

Under the sponsorship of the Ministry of Tourism, the Maghdoucheh presentation followed a similar event in Tripoli that honored Lebanese from the north. Regional celebrations are also planned for Mount Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley. Other southern recipients included the former director of general security, business and media leaders, an internationally celebrated violinist, and the mayor of Sidon, who was educated in an AESL-affiliated evangelical school.

Costa received his award from the minister of social affairs, and honored in testimony by the president of Notre Dame UniversityLouaize (NDU). In partnership with SKILD, in 2019 it became the first Lebanese collage to offer a study program for those with special needs.

Prior to this in 2013, Costa coordinated with the Ministry of Education and the British Council to launch Lebanons National Day for Students with Learning Difficulties. The same year, SKILD partnered with the Sunni Makassid school system to establish its special needs department. Today the country has 30 public and 50 private schools with inclusive education. This includes two AESL institutions, and at LSESDs Beirut Baptist School, over 10 percent of the 1,400-member student body suffer some form of learning disability.

I am simply an ambassador for the Lord, said Costa. God recognizes this, but he also gave us grace in the eyes of those around us.

He owes it all to his son.

At age 5, Christopher Costa could not sit still in class. Medicine controlled his behavior but only made him sleepy. The family sent him to a specialized school, but discovered it was not equipped to educate the students.

Few were. Only after travel to the United States did Christopher receive a proper diagnosis to address his learning difference. Upon the familys return to Lebanon, Costa founded SKILD and thereafter enrolled his son in an Orthodox school, then one of the few with professionally trained caregivers.

Last month, Christopher graduated from NDU.

God created us all in his image, said Costa. So we treat these students as brothers and sisters.

Meanwhile, Lebanon continues in the throes of economic depression, and may soon be without a central bank chief. The country already has no president, a caretaker prime minister, and a rapidly emigrating population. There is little hope to latch onto.

In the midst of such suffering, the BWA honored Mona Khauli, a woman of perseverance. And whereas the south of Lebanon is viewed most often through the lens of the Israeli-Hezbollah conflict, Creel showcased Nabil Costas compassionate ministry that transcends sectarian boundaries.

Our work for the Lord is not in vain, he said, quoting I Corinthians 15:58, moving seamlessly to the forward vision of Nehemiah 2:20. The God of heaven will give us success. We his servants will start rebuilding.
Christian convert killed by husband for accepting Jesus in Uganda

NAIROBI, Kenya  A Muslim in eastern Uganda on July 9 killed his wife for converting to Christianity, a relative said.

Amina Nanfuka, 31, had returned from a medical check-up in Kampala and a visit to a worship service in the capital city to her home in Bugiri town, Bugiri District, where her husband, 40-year-old Abudullah Waiswa, had learned of her accepting Christ at the church, said the relative, whose name is withheld for security reasons.

Nanfuka had spent 10 days in June in Kampala to treat problems with her uterus, staying with a relative there who had accepted Christ in 2021. While recovering at her relatives home, a pastor visited and prayed for her recovery.

Her doctor told her to return in three weeks, and the relative accompanied Nanfuka on her return to Bugiri. The relative shared the Gospel with Nanfuka while staying with her during her recovery.

I shared the saving power of Jesus, and she showed a desire to accept and to believe in Jesus but requested waiting for the day that the doctor in Kampala had given her for a check-up and thereafter attend the church, the relative said.

On July 8, they returned to Kampala, leaving Nanfukas three children, ages 3, 6 and 9, with their grandmother. The next morning, they attended the church, where Nanfuka met with the pastor and received Christ as Lord and Savior, the relative said.

They had gone about 100 meters from the church site when Nanfuka showed the relative the Luganda-language Bible the pastor had given her. They were surprised when a businessman and close friend of her husband in Bugiri, his neighbor Ariko Yahaya, saw Nafuka give the Bible to the relative.

You mean nowadays you go to church? Yahaya asked Nanfuka, according to the relative, who said Nanfuka remained silent as they left immediately.

They arrived back in Bugiri at about 5 p.m., and Nanfukas husband arrived home at about 8 p.m. and knocked loudly on the door.

Without greeting us, he started shouting at his wife saying, Why did you lie to me that you were going for a medical check-up and instead decided to go to church? the relative said. Amina was tongue-tied.

Waiswa pulled her into their bedroom, locked the door and demanded that she show him the Bible, the relative said.

Immediately I heard a loud bang inside with kicks and slaps, the relative said. She started screaming and calling for help. I feared for my life and rushed outside the room shouting and wailing for help.

As neighbors approached, Waiswa came out of the house and disappeared, the relative said.

We then went inside the bedroom and found her unconscious with blood coming out of her mouth, the relative said. She was rushed to a nearby clinic in Bugiri, but soon the doctor pronounced her dead upon arrival. She was strangled and hit with an object around her mouth.

I suspect that Ariko Yahaya informed Waiswa of us attending the church in Kampala.

Police are searching for Waiswa, who has gone into hiding.

Nanfuka was buried at her fathers home in Eyingo village, where her children remain with their grandparents.

Waiswa had left his native Bubanyi village, Namayingo District, with his family in 2019 to relocate to Bugiri town for business.

The killing was the latest of many instances of persecution of Christians in Uganda that Morning Star News has documented.

Ugandas Constitution and other laws provide for religious freedom, including the right to propagate ones faith and convert from one faith to another. Muslims make up no more than 12% of Ugandas population, with high concentrations in eastern areas of the country.
'Slap in the face of Christians': Fox News employees lament matching donations to Satanic Temple

Fox News donated money to several left-leaning advocacy organizations, including The Satanic Temple, according to a recent report, as the network comes under fire for its behind-the-scenes embrace of LGBT ideology and other progressive causes.

Fox News has developed a reputation as the go-to media outlet for conservative Americans. However, whistleblowers who either currently work at or once worked at the media outlet recently told Blaze Media that Fox News parent company is willing to match donations of up to $1,000 to several left-wing advocacy groups through its Fox Giving app.

Blaze Medias Director of Programming Rikki Ratliff-Feldman spoke with two Fox News employees and one former Fox News producer who revealed that the company matches donations to three notoriously liberal advocacy organizations: abortion provider Planned Parenthood, LGBT activist group the Trevor Project and the Southern Poverty Law Center. Fox also matches donations to The Satanic Temple, which is known for its After School Satan Club launched to counter the Good News Club.

The Christian Post reached out to Fox News for comment and will update this piece when a response is received.

Screenshots provided in the Blaze report back up the whistleblowers accounts. A close-up screenshot of the company portals page offering employees the opportunity to donate to Planned Parenthood describes the company as a respected leader in educating Americans about reproductive and sexual health. The portal makes no mention of the companys role in performing nearly 400,000 abortions in fiscal year 2021-'22.

As for the Southern Poverty Law Center, the organization came under fire last month for listing the parental rights group Moms for Liberty on its hate map alongside the Ku Klux Klan. The SPLC has developed a reputation for labeling opponents of progressive ideology as hate groups.

Ratliff-Feldman reported that I watched [one] source physically log in to their company portal, at Myfox.okta.com to confirm the giving app and to see some of the questionable charities and the donation match option for myself to verify nothing was photoshopped.

The former producer who spoke with Blaze Media cited the companys willingness to match donations to the far-left advocacy groups as evidence of complete disregard and hatred for Foxs core audience, which is a huge part of the country.

The producer, who along with the other sources chose to remain anonymous due to fear of reprisal, insisted that viewers watch believing Fox is speaking for them, when in reality its a company participating in certain things that dont match their audiences values.

[The disdain] is driven more by executives, lawyers, and HR than people realize, he added. One of the current Fox News employees who spoke to Blaze Media agreed that the companys willingness to donate to progressive advocacy groups demonstrates a mismatch in values. According to the employee, Our business model has turned into just tell the audience what they want to hear. Its about appeasing and assuaging the audience even though most people in the C-Suite disagree with their audiences values. Its manipulative.

The Blaze Media report comes about a month after leaked documents shared by Daily Wire social commentator Matt Walsh showed that Fox encourages its employees to donate to the Trevor Project, which is known for pushing trans ideology in schools and hosts a sexually explicit chat room that connects children as young as 13 years old with LGBT adults.

Another document shared by Walsh encouraged employees to read a book promoting glory holes, defined as an opening drilled into the side of a restroom stall where you slide your [male genital] through and someone on the other side gives you [oral sex]. Additional findings presented in Walshs document dump include an employee at the network expressing disdain for the cable news channels core audience and the companys collaboration with notoriously liberal ice cream company Ben & Jerrys to host an LGBT pride event in the Fox News lobby.

A Fox employee pointed to the findings of Walshs document dump as well as the latest news about its donation matching for progressive organizations when asserting that Fox pretends to care about Christians, but some of the stuff they push internally suggests otherwise. The employee characterized glory holes, trans surgeries for kids, and potential donations to Satan as a huge slap in the face to every Christian at the company.

It offends me personally that this company acts like they support Christians and yet theyre literally willing to match [a] $1,000 donation to the Satanic Temple, the employee continued.

Foxs internal donation policy stresses that the company will not match or provide volunteering rewards to: Donations to organizations that discriminate on the basis of a personal characteristic or attribute, including, but not limited to, age, disability, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity characteristics or expression, marital status,  pregnancy or medical condition either in its selection of recipients of the organizations services, funds, or other support; in delivery of services or in its employment practices.

Additionally, the company does not match donations made to organizations that are private and non-operating, or political, religious, or fraternal in nature.
Rep. Nancy Mace jokes about premarital sex with fiance at prayer breakfast attended by her pastor

Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., a member of the South Carolina-based Seacoast Church, to which she said GOP presidential candidate Sen. Tim Scott, who is a longtime member, introduced her, is coming under fire from some Christians online after admitting in front of her pastor Wednesday that she engages in premarital sex with her fiance.

Mace, 45, made the revelation after she chose to abandon a speech prepared by her staff to speak more candidly about her faith journey at the 13th Annual South Carolina Prayer Breakfast hosted in Washington, D.C., by Scott, who has been a member of the "seeker-sensitive" church for 27 years.

"When I woke up this morning at 7, I was getting picked up at 7:45. Patrick, my fiance tried to pull me by my waist over this morning, and God knows, I was like, 'No, baby, we don't got time for that this morning. I got to get to the prayer breakfast, and I got to be on time.' And a little TMI, but I know he can wait.  I'll see him later tonight," Mace told the gathering.

"I was here early today for you, Tim. And I think everybody was here early for you today. I think that's a true testament to your leadership, to your faith, and your ability to bring people together and unify our country. Because our country is so divided right now," Mace said.

Mace has since clarified in a number of statements on Twitter that while she is "not a saint," she does take her faith in God seriously, saying her comment was a "joke."

"I go to church because I'm a sinner, not a saint! Glad those in attendance, including @SenatorTimScott and my pastor, took this joke in stride. Pastor Greg and I will have extra to talk about on Sunday," she tweeted Thursday.

"Getting saved 4 years ago gave me the second chance I needed. Finding my faith was also life changing for my family  and we haven't looked back since," she added on Friday morning. "I am indebted to @SenatorTimScott for guiding me to his church, and I am indebted to our church for helping me get back on track, to find purpose in life and do good; to leave the world better than I found it. We can do all things through him."

Even if Mace's comment was not a "joke," such circumstances are common among unwed Americans, including Christians.

Earlier this year, a study by Communio indicated that single Christians, the majority of whom are women, struggle to find ideal marriage partners in the pews, and most of them aren't living lives of sexual chastity.

Mace has been engaged to Patrick Bryant, a Charleston software entrepreneur, since May 2022. According to The State, the couple dated for several years before he popped the question.

She has two children with her ex-husband, Curtis Jackson, whom she divorced in 2019 after 15 years of marriage. Before her marriage to Jackson, she was married to lawyer and U.S. Air Force Reserves Officer Chris Niemiec, according to her book, In the Company of Men: A Woman at the Citadel.

Mace's comment on her sex life came several minutes after Seacoast Church Pastor Greg Surratt honored both her and Scott as a part of his congregation.

"I want to honor him today and Nancy Mace, who is also a part of our congregation," said Surratt, the co-founder of the church planting organization the Association of Related Churches.

After her quip about morning sex, Mace shared how Scott introduced her to Surratt's Seacoast Church.

"Pastor Greg, not only is he Tim's pastor, he's now my pastor; he's our pastor. And I have to tell this story. And I'm going to try to tell it without crying," she stated.

"As I said, Tim has given me a lot of advice over the years. And early on, I didn't take it. But one of the first pieces of advice when I met Tim, when he was running for Congress for this seat in 2010, he was like, 'You got to go to Seacoast. You've got to go there. You've got to go to church," she said.

When Scott invited her, Mace said she had "lost a lot of faith in church."

"I was not a church-going woman at the time, and I'd lost a lot of faith in church and what I thought it stood for and how I saw it. And I would often get asked, 'Hey, where are you on your walk?' all the time. And I think that's because I wasn't on a walk. I was like, 'I'm standing upright. My gait looks good. I think I'm, you know, fairly healthy. I'm walking.' But that's not what they're asking about," she said.

"They're asking where are you on your faith, and I didn't have it at the time," Mace admitted.

"It wasn't until I was going through, not my first, but my second divorce. And I finally took Tim's advice. And I got my butt into church, into Seacoast on a Saturday night.  I didn't want to be seen in church, quite frankly. I was horrified that I was there. I was shocked I didn't spontaneously combust," she continued.

Mace shared how moved she was by the sermon, which made her cry. After that Saturday night service, she said she just kept going to the church.

"Seacoast changed my life, and Seacoast changed the life of my family. And that's because of you, Tim. 100 percent because of you. I would not be where I am today. Having the purpose that I have in life had I not had that moment for me, and it's changed my family. ... We love you, Greg, and I love you, Tim, for that," she added.

Seacoast Church did not immediately respond to a request for comment from CP on Friday.

The church states on its website that its approach to ministry is unorthodox.

"Unlike traditional churches, Seacoast wanted to approach the historical Christian faith in a contemporary, unconventional way," the church explains. "It did so by creating a seeker-sensitive atmosphere that aimed to welcome all people, no matter where they were in their spiritual journey."
Archeologists uncover mosaic depicting biblical Samson at ancient Israeli synagogue

A mosaic panel depicting biblical stories uncovered at an ancient synagogue was discovered by archeologists seeking answers about the impact of early Christian rule on Jewish people.

Jodi Magness, an archaeologist and professor of early Judaism at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, has been excavating the synagogue in the ancient Jewish village of Huqoq since 2011. The village is located in Israel's Lower Galilee.

Magness and her team discovered the first set of mosaics in 2012 after their excavation progressed to the floor of the building.

The mosaic panels on the synagogue floor depict biblical stories, including Samson and the foxes from Judges 15:4 and Samson carrying the gates of Gaza as in Judges 16:3. This summer, additional sections of those mosaic panels were exposed.

A newly discovered mosaic on the floor just inside the main entrance consists of a large panel with a Hebrew inscription contained inside a wreath. An Aramaic inscription lists the names of what appear to be the donors who funded the mosaic or the artists who created them. Other panels depict a tiger hunting an ibex, while another features a Philistine horseman and a dead Philistine soldier.

In a Thursday interview with The Christian Post, Magness said the discovery of the mosaic was unintentional. Every summer, her team uncovers more mosaics, never knowing what to expect.

"But like other sciences, archeologists usually start with a goal of answering one or more research questions in the hopes that the remains that we dig up will help us to answer those questions," the professor told CP.

The professor said that the number of people working on the project varied yearly, but this year, the team consisted of around 50 people. Regarding the funding for the project, Magness said that it also came from multiple sources that varied from year to year.

Magness said she sought to answer questions about the fate of Jewish villages under early Christian rule through the excavation. The village of Huqoq existed during the Roman and Byzantine periods, the professor said. And beginning in the fourth century, the Roman Empire became Christian.

"Many of my colleagues in Israel think the Christian rule was oppressive to Jews and that many of these settlements declined and even disappeared during the fourth, fifth and sixth centuries," Magness said. "And my impression from the archeology was always exactly the opposite, that these Jewish settlements continued to exist and even to flourish."

The archaeologist said the discovered remains indicate that Huqoq did "flourish" during the fourth, fifth and sixth centuries. While she acknowledged that the same may not be true for every settlement, at least with Huqoq, Magness believes the remains support her view.

Another question that Magness sought to answer was the dating of the Galilean-type synagogue, which has typically been dated to the second and third centuries A.D.

"And I think, based on the dating provided by associated artifacts of pottery and coins found in association with the construction of the building, I think that the archeological evidence indicates that this type of synagogue building dates to the fourth, fifth and sixth centuries," she said. "And this is significant because if they were built in the second or third centuries, that's a pagan Roman context, and if it's the fourth and the sixth century, it's the Christian context."

Magness said the findings have implications for understanding the fate of Jews and the fate of Jews after Christian rule, as well as relations between members of the two religions.

Now that the excavation is over and the land belongs to the state of Israel, everything that Magness' team found will remain there as part of the country's cultural heritage. She suggested that Israel may allow tourism at the site but reiterated that the decision is up to the Jewish state.

The project received support from a foundation in Israel that wishes to remain anonymous, as well as the University of North Carolina. In addition, the archaeologist and professor received grants from sources such as National Geographic, The World Classical Library Foundation and the Kenan Trust.
Biology professor fired for teaching chromosomes determine sex files EEOC complaint

A Texas biology professor fired for what attorneys say were "standard principles about human biology and reproduction" has filed a complaint against his former employer.

Dr. Johnson Varkey, a former adjunct professor at St. Philip's College in San Antonio, filed a charge of discrimination with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) after he was fired in January in response to what the community college said were "numerous complaints" about a lesson he taught last fall on human biology, according to Plano-based First Liberty Institute.

The complaint  which accused Varkey of "religious preaching, discriminatory comments about homosexuals and transgender individuals, anti-abortion rhetoric, and misogynistic banter"  centered on a student walkout in November 2022 after Varkey stated that biological sex was determined by chromosomes X and Y, according to attorneys.

In response to the lesson, a "handful of students" walked out of his class and complained that Varkey's teaching "pushed beyond the bounds of academic freedom with [his] personal opinions that were offensive to many individuals in the classroom."

While the students who walked out of Varkey's class were not identified, LGBT advocates insist sex and gender are often fluid rather than binary. Christian apologists argue that if sex and gender were not intertwined, cross-sex hormones or sex change operations would be unnecessary.

Despite teaching the same "basic scientific concepts" in Human Anatomy and Physiology to more than 1,500 students since 2004, attorneys say Varkey received positive student feedback and was never disciplined before last November.

While attorneys say Varkey taught from "school-approved and science-based curriculum," officials at St. Philip's claimed his teaching was of a religious nature and, on January 27, issued Varkey a notice of termination.

Varkey, who identifies as a "devout" Evangelical and serves with his wife as a volunteer associate pastor at International Bible Church in San Antonio, said in his EEOC statement that he "never mentioned" his religious beliefs in class.

"As a Christian, I also believe that God has ordained the sexual function for procreation, that children are a gift from God, and that, absent a compelling reason, one should not sterilize oneself," he wrote. "Although these are my religious beliefs, I never mentioned them in class. I did not preach any of my beliefs in class."

"Thus, the allegation that I conducted 'religious preaching' is unsubstantiated."

In fact, Varkey stated, in the interest of transparency, he would inform his students at the beginning of each semester that he serves as an associate pastor.

"The College assumed I was preaching rather than teaching due to negative, discriminatory stereotypes about Christians," Varkey said. "This perception was inaccurate and discriminatory."

A spokesperson for St. Philip's College, which is a part of the Alamo Colleges District, declined to comment on pending litigation in June,

Keisha Russell, counsel for First Liberty Institute, said the college clearly violated state and federal law.

"No college professor should be fired for teaching factual concepts that a handful of students don't want to hear," said Russell. "Dr. Varkey received exemplary performance reviews for nearly two decades, teaching fact-based, widely accepted science.

"But now that cultural elites are at odds with these ideas, the school no longer supports professors who teach them. It is a blatant violation of state and federal civil rights laws to discriminate against someone because of their religious beliefs."

Founded in 1898 and named after Philip, one of Jesus' 12 apostles, St. Philip's College is a "Historically Black College and Hispanic Serving Institution" and is part of a network that serves over 100,000 students in South Texas, according to its website.
Church of the Highlands founder Chris Hodges denies engineering takeover of Celebration Church

Founder and leader of Church of the Highlands in Alabama, Chris Hodges, has dismissed claims in a lawsuit by Celebration Church founders Stovall and Kerri Weems that he, along with several other high-profile members of the Association of Related Churches, engineered a takeover of the megachurch for financial gain and damaged the couple's reputation.

"I am saddened by the false and misleading allegations made by Stovall Weems in his lawsuit against the Association of Related Churches and its leadership," said Hodges, an ARC co-founder whose church has over two dozen campuses, in a Thursday statement to The Christian Post.

"ARC is a non-profit with the singular mission to help new churches as they get off the ground and develop. Hundreds of ARC churches are loving and serving people in their communities because of the support and resources they have received. Any claims mischaracterizing the actions or mission of ARC will be proven untrue."

ARC, one of North America's largest church-planting organizations, and Hodges were named in a federal lawsuit filed in Jacksonville, Florida, on July 12 by the Weemses. Other defendants include Church of the Highlands Associate Pastor Dino Rizzo and John Seibeling of The Life Church.

"This case arises out of a continuing unlawful conspiracy masterminded by the Defendants to protect and expand their church growth business interests and endeavors and the substantial income they generate by destroying plaintiffs and eliminating them as perceived threats and competitors, which included engineering a takeover at Celebration Church of Jacksonville, Inc," the complaint alleges.

The complaint claims that the alleged takeover of the church, now led by Pastor Tim Timberlake and his wife, Jen, allowed "defendants to effectively gain control over its operations and substantial assets, coverup numerous criminal and tortious acts committed in the process, and frame the Weemses for financial crimes they never committed."

The lawsuit comes more than a year after Weems was forced to formally resign from the church amid a legal battle with Celebration Church's board of trustees and officers over control of the congregation's assets.

The Weemses and several non-profit groups they founded accuse ARC and the specific leaders of destroying their reputations because they wanted to abandon a "corporate" focus of church leadership for more missionary work.

According to the Weemses, the corporate model "was having significant negative psychological and health impacts on pastors, who needed counseling, guidance, and treatment to recover from the adverse effects of the growth model that defendants are at the forefront of promoting."

Hodges' attorney, Bryan O. Balogh of Burr & Forman LLP, insisted in a statement on behalf of his client that the allegations in Weems' lawsuit "have no merit."

"It's a privilege to represent Pastor Chris Hodges because he is a man of high integrity and remarkable kindness. His ministry has immeasurably impacted our state. The allegations raised by former pastor Stovall Weems against the Association of Related Churches have no merit," Balogh said in a statement to CP. "ARC is a non-profit on which Pastor Hodges serves as a director that supports communities through church planting around the nation. We regret that Mr. Weems named Pastor Hodges in the lawsuit, but we are grateful for a judicial system, like ours, focused on finding the truth. And because the courtroom has always been the best place in which to hear the truth, we look forward to continuing this discussion there."
Judge dismisses church's lawsuit challenging Washington law mandating abortion coverage

A federal judge has rejected a churchs argument that a Washington state law forcing faith-based organizations to cover elective abortions in their employee health plans violates the churchs religious freedom rights.

In a Tuesday ruling, Judge Benjamin Settle of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington sided with the state by determining that Senate Bill 6219 is neutral and that there is no evidence it was enacted to target any particular religion.

The ruling comes in response to a lawsuit filed by the conservative legal nonprofit Alliance Defending Freedom on behalf of Cedar Park Assembly of God in Kirkland.

Settle, appointed to the bench by former President George W. Bush, disagreed with the churchs notion that the 2018 law requiring health insurance plans that offer maternity coverage to also provide substantially equivalent abortion coverage favored secular conduct.

He noted that it does not exempt non-religious organizations from the requirement regarding maternity care and abortion coverage while only forcing religious organizations to abide by it.

Because the Court concludes that SB 6219 is neutral and generally applicable, the law is valid if it is rationally related to a legitimate governmental purpose, the judge wrote.

ADF Senior Counsel Kevin Theriot is disappointed with the decision, saying in a statement to The Christian Post that the church teaches that life is worthy of protection from its earliest stage, which is conception.

They live out this principle in and through their entire ministry  they partner with local pregnancy centers, host a camp for local children in foster care, host an annual service for couples struggling with infertility, and co-founded an adoption agency for frozen embryos remaining from in vitro fertilization, Theriot told CP.

By forcing pro-life churches to cover abortions in their health insurance plans, the State of Washington is going against past U.S. Supreme Court rulings that have consistently held that government hostility against people of faith is unconstitutional and has no place in our society, he continued. No one should be forced by the government to pay for abortions. We are disappointed in the courts ruling and will be considering our options for next steps.

The lawsuit claims the law violates the churchs rights under the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Additionally, the lawsuit argues that the state worked with pro-choice groups such as Planned Parenthood and NARAL Pro-Choice America to draft the legislation, which did not include exemptions for churches or religious organizations.

Washingtons attack on people of faith is intentional. It represents the kind of deliberate religious persecution that our country was founded to prevent. This Court should preliminarily and permanently enjoin SB 6219, the suit stated.

The district court dismissed the lawsuit in May 2020. But in 2021, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit ruled that the church had a right to sue the state, overturning the lower courts ruling.

Cedar Parks complaint plausibly alleged that, due to the enactment of SB 6219, its health insurer (Kaiser Permanente) stopped offering a plan with abortion coverage restrictions and Cedar Park could not procure comparable replacement coverage. This is sufficient to state an injury in fact that is fairly traceable to SB 6219, the decision stated.
Celebration Church founder Stovall Weems launches website to clear family name

Intent on clearing his family's name from "salacious lies that cost us everything," embattled Celebration Church founder Stovall Weems has launched a new website to counter the narrative from current leaders of the Jacksonville, Florida, megachurch where he and his wife, Kerri, were ousted from leadership in 2022 due to allegations of abuse, including financial fraud.

"In 2022, we were accused with salacious lies that cost us everything  our life's work, the ministry we built for God's Kingdom, our jobs, our finances, our reputations, and even many of our dearest friends," Weems wrote on the website called ClearingOurName.com. "The problem is, the accusations that were made and the actions taken against us were lies  not to mention illegal."

Last April, an internal report released by the 12,000-member Celebration Church presented Weems and his wife as abusive, mentally troubled divas who constantly exploited church staff and finances until they were forced to resign from all their positions in the church earlier that month.

They are fighting a push from current Celebration Church leaders to evict them from a Black Hammock Island home purchased as a parsonage. Celebration Church is demanding in a lawsuit that the Weemses vacate the million-dollar waterfront parsonage because they completely resigned from all work with the church in April 2022.

In court documents, it is alleged that Celebration Church trustees analyzed the church's financial position in December 2021 and discovered that the Weemses made "several large financial transactions earlier in 2021 without notice to or authorization from the board."

These transactions included "multiple large transfers to new for-profit entities that the Weemses intended to manage going forward." The motion claims that the church purchased a parsonage for $1.2 million that a company owned by Stovall Weems had purchased four months earlier for $855,000.

The couple was also accused of improper use of $1 million worth of Paycheck Protection Program loan funds to purchase a speculative digital currency known as TurnCoin.

In their own lawsuit against the church, the Weemses allege that they were defamed by the 22-page internal report produced by the Nelson Mullins law firm.

"We all want to move forward and leave the painful emotions we've suffered behind us, but we can't heal without truth; we can't reconcile without truth. The truth must come out and everything must come to the light. Only then can we heal and reconcile," Weems wrote on the website. "Above all, as a man of God, a husband, and a father, I must clear my name and restore the dignity of my wife and kids, so they will no longer walk around this city under a cloud of shame."

On the website, Weems, who is still on a period of prayer and fasting with his family, includes copies of his lawsuits against the church and a review of Celebration Church's internal report by former FBI Special Agent Tom Simon. Simon now works as a licensed private investigator in Florida.

Simon, who said he had no prior relationship with Weems before he was asked to review the Mullins report, said he was paid $4,000 for his services as of the date of the report, Aug. 12, 2022.

"I have never been to Celebration Church, nor did I have any relationship or knowledge of Pastor and Mrs. Weems before this engagement. However, as someone who has written hundreds of investigative reports, it is clear that the first 12 pages of the Nelson Mullins Report were written to embarrass Pastor and Mrs. Weems by cherry-picking stories curated to present the couple in the worst possible light imaginable," Simon wrote in his review that focused mainly on six "improper financial transactions" that Weems is accused of making during his time at the helm of Celebration Church.

While Weems "made decisions that I believe were unwise" in some cases concerning his dealings at the church, Simon said Weems' actions were mainly within his legal authority, and church leaders were given notice of his actions as he carried out these deals. Simon further argued that the Nelson Mullins report did not give readers sufficient context to arrive at a fair conclusion.

"It is almost as if the authors of the Nelson Mullins Report deliberately set out to ignore all the relevant factors surrounding their six 'Improper Financial Transactions.' This appears to be an attempt to make Pastor Weems look as bad as possible in managing the church he founded with the Board he established. This is why it is instructive in any internal investigation to understand the motives of the subject," Simon argued.

"A subject interview is valuable to understanding the decisions made in real-time without the benefit of hindsight. Pastor and Mrs. Weems made repeated requests to be interviewed by the 15 authors of the Nelson Mullins Report, but the authors declined or neglected to schedule a meeting with the Pastor and his wife," he continued.

Highlighting Weems' decisions that were "unwise," Simon said he is "highly-skeptical of TurnCoin as an investment vehicle."

"Time will tell if it was a good investment or not, but I believe that he acted in good faith and in the best interest of Celebration Church (and related entities) in each of the 'Improper Financial Transactions' detailed in the Nelson Mullins Report," he added.

"In conclusion, I do not believe the evidence supports the assertion that Pastor Weems breached his fiduciary duties to Celebration Church, committed fraud, unjustly enriched himself at the expense of the Church, or failed to meet the fiduciary duties and standards of care required by the office."
Christian school teacher claims firing was for 'not walking in godly manner' after attending drag show

A longtime Texas teacher who shared an image of herself with drag performers at a gay bar claims she was fired from her job because she was told she wasnt walking in a godly manner.

In a July 24 Facebook post, Kristi Maris, a teacher at First Baptist Academy Baytown in Houston, shared an image of her and an unidentified colleague flanked by several men wearing makeup and dressed in womens clothing at Hamburger Marys with a caption announcing her termination.

Maris wrote: As of today I was fired from my Job of 20 years for attending a sing along show at Hamburger Marys. Before ever getting the news of my termination it had spread like wildfire in the church and school.

They told me because I went to this show and posted a picture I wasnt walking in a Godly manner, so that being said please remove yourself from my page if this offends you, if you think this is UnGodly, makes me a pedaphile (sp), or causes you to feel uncomfortable.

According to a local ABC affiliate, Maris teaches physical education at First Baptist Academy and attended the drag show on July 13 with the unidentified colleague and her daughters.

In response to Maris firing, Hamburger Marys, a family of locally-owned eateries in Houston, Dallas, and several other U.S. cities, announced a benefit show for Maris and her colleague and to help raise awareness that drag queens and the [LGBT] community are not bad people. We accept and love everyone!

The restaurant also launched a GoFundMe for Maris, which has raised over $6,300 as of Friday.

Hamburger Mary's social media pages have several announcements with men dressed in womens clothing promoting events like SaturGay Brunch and B Do You Even Brunch?

First Baptist Academy Baytown has a stated objective of "offering a solid Biblical foundation and high achieving academics" for its students.

Under the "Philosophy" section of the school's website, the school says its "goal is to build a strong foundation in each student through promoting excellence in education and instilling Biblical ideology."

The page also quotes Luke 6:48: He is like a man who built a house and dug deep and laid the foundation on a rock; and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house and could not shake it, for it was founded upon a rock. 

Neither the school nor the church responded to a request for comment as of Friday afternoon.

Last month, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed into law a bill that bans drag performances in the presence of children throughout the state.

Under Senate Bill 12, anyone younger than 18 is prohibited from attending sexually oriented events and businesses that host such events are subject to fines as large as $10,000 for each violation.
62 Arrested In Cuban Migrant Trafficking, Artificial Intelligence Warfare Ethics, Fox News Matched Donations To Satanic Temple

link to download the audio instead. link to download the audio instead. 06:51 06:51

Top headlines for Friday, July 28, 2023

In today's episode, we delve into the dark corners of international crime and unravel an insidious network that trafficked Cuban women for exploitation. Accusations surface as teachers across two Texas districts face severe charges for child sex trafficking. We explore an intriguing insight into the future of wartime AI as a high-ranking US Air Force officer proposes a Judeo-Christian value system for these intelligent machines. In a surprising revelation, Fox News reportedly assists progressive causes with donations, including supporting the Satanic Temple despite its conservative facade. Finally, we wrap up with a comforting reading of Bible verses, reminding us of the resilience and steadfastness of human spirit.



Subscribe to this Podcast

Follow Us on Social Media

Get the Edifi App

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Links to the News

Top headlines for Friday, July 28, 2023

In today's episode, we delve into the dark corners of international crime and unravel an insidious network that trafficked Cuban women for exploitation. Accusations surface as teachers across two Texas districts face severe charges for child sex trafficking. We explore an intriguing insight into the future of wartime AI as a high-ranking US Air Force officer proposes a Judeo-Christian value system for these intelligent machines. In a surprising revelation, Fox News reportedly assists progressive causes with donations, including supporting the Satanic Temple despite its conservative facade. Finally, we wrap up with a comforting reading of Bible verses, reminding us of the resilience and steadfastness of human spirit.



Subscribe to this Podcast
Abortion and contraception equals birth dearth

The latest abysmally low birth rates from North America, Europe and Asia continue to alarm business leaders and policymakers, as well as they should.



In Europe, only France is within spitting distance of replacement-level fertility. Italys has tanked so low as to be the subject of a highly publicized meeting between its prime minister and the Pope a couple months ago.

Every part of North America, even Mexico, is below replacement. Asia is just as dismal or worse, with a huge majority, including all of our top trading partners  except the Philippines and (barely) India and (maybe) Vietnam  lower than replacement. Some have plummeted close to one baby per woman. When even the BBC touts headlines like Jaw Dropping Crash in Babies Being Born, and the Economist devotes an entire issue to The Baby-Bust Economy just last month, well, we have a problem.

Yet for decades, many of these same hand-wringing elites and policy wonks have been pushing contraception and abortion with the intensity of engineers shoveling coal into speeding trains. And not just to help married folk space, delay, or limit childbearing. No, they want every adult to be able to have sex with as many people as they want, as often as they wish, regardless of marital status, without having any babies they dont choose.

Since at least the 1960s, separating sex from procreation has been almost an obsession. In the United States, our largest political party is radically committed to this. In recent years, climate activists, including some celebrities, have even talked as if having babies is grossly irresponsible. We have BirthStrikers, and anti-natalists who wish theyd never been born. We even have the Voluntary Human Extinction Movement, the subject of a recent article in The Atlantic they listed as a must read.

And now? The chickens have come home to roost.

Lets look at how contraception use exploded in the 1960s, naturally leading to abortion-on-demand  these two together being the fraternal twins most responsible for our deepening Demographic Winter. We will focus on the United States, starting with contraception.

Not even counting voluntary sterilization, contraception has been around for a long time. As a PBS historical piece covered, condoms, sponges, cervical caps, diaphragms, douches, and even intrauterine devices all existed at some point in the 1800s. But they werent reliable, were often messy and awkward to use, embarrassing to obtain, and women didnt like the fact that it was men who controlled condoms. Then along came The Pill in 1960. As that PBS documentary put it, The Pill  was female-controlled, simple to use, highly effective, and  separated reproduction and contraception from the sexual act. The Pill could be taken anytime, anywhere, and without anyone else knowing.

The pill and the sexual revolution

Most analysts of the 1960s sexual revolution have identified the widespread availability of The Pill as a key element and cause of this movement. But the sexual revolution would not have taken off with such intensity and speed without The Pill.

There is another key shift tied to the introduction of The Pill. According to Glenn Stanton of Focus on the Family, the Pill made (along with corresponding legal and cultural developments) the separation between sexuality and the possibility of babies nearly an inalienable right. (I added the emphasis.) Many people came to view being able to have sex without procreating babies as an entitlement.

So, we should not have been surprised that our obsession with separating sex from having babies was not sufficiently satisfied through widely available, increasingly effective, convenient, and inexpensive contraception. To fill in the gap, so to speak, we concocted another inalienable right  abortion. SCOTUS gave us that in 1973, in Roe v. Wade.

To be sure, many people who use contraception do not support abortion, except perhaps in rare hard cases. Embracing contraception does not equal embracing abortion.

But as Glenn Stanton also pointed out, The fact that a woman could be sexually active and virtually guaranteed (by medical science no less!) of not becoming pregnant had the effect of making her feel cheated when an unexpected pregnancy did happen. (Again, I added the emphasis.) For many, this meant that if a baby they didnt want happened, well, they ought to be able to kill it before it is born. Standing in the way of any woman wishing to obtain an abortion became seen by a lot of people as fundamentally unjust, denying her right to have sex without having a baby.

The need for abortion

Abortion was needed because contraception is not foolproof, and the risk of pregnancy increases dramatically the more even protected sex is engaged in. Abortion was also needed because women and/or their partners neglecting to use contraception at all, or using it improperly, should still not, to use Obamas infamous quote, be punished with a baby.

Then, abortion also became needed because the woman and/or her partner might not have gotten the baby they wanted or in the manner they wanted. Because the woman was pregnant: with a defective child, a boy but she wanted a girl, triplets but she only wanted one, and so on. The justifications for abortion rapidly expanded beyond dealing with unintended pregnancy.

Yes, there are hard cases. But these are an unbelievably tiny percentage of abortions. Most abortions are for women who do not want their babies.

Like contraception, abortion boomed. In 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated there were 198 abortions for every 1,000 live births in the United States. At the high-water point in 1984, there were 364 abortions for every 1,000 live births, and that number never dropped below 300 for 20 years from 1976 to 1996. There were over 44,500,000 abortions between 1973 and 2015, and many more since then.

And dismal as they are, these statistics increasingly underestimate the number of abortions. Most abortions are now performed using pills, particularly mifepristone and misoprostol. When these are taken outside of clinical settings, the abortions are not included in official counts. Obtaining pills to do such self-managed abortions is remarkably easy. In fact, Doctors Without Borders provides instructions to help women do this. There is even a medical group in Europe that ships these pills to the United States via a pharmacy in India, intentionally and effectively circumventing laws. Such services are easily found on the Internet. Mexican pharmacies providing these pills without a prescription are also currently experiencing booming demand from Americans. At this point, the true figure is much higher than documented.

Who needs Roe?

Most liberals are in panic mode over last years Dobbs decision striking down Roe v. Wade. Why? With abortion pills and the ease of getting them anywhere, who needs Roe?

The story of crashing birth rates and, as most policymakers seem to acknowledge, the many serious problems these will cause, is not mostly the story of people deciding not to have sex. It is mostly because they are using a lot of contraception and abortion. Of course, there are lots of complex reasons for these two things being used as much as they are. A couple of big ones are declining marriage rates and rising age at wedlock. But one thing is sure  anyone who thinks we can continue enthusiastically pushing contraception and abortion and see birth rates increase to even marginally acceptable levels in developed countries, is a fool.
Does 'E.T.' exist?

Does E.T. exist? Are the stories about the Roswell incident (the supposed recovery of an alien spaceship with the remains of its crew in July 1947) really true after all?

Americans heads were spinning this week when they heard the testimony of witnesses before the Oversight Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives. There in the sober atmosphere of the Rayburn House Office Building, former military pilots and intelligence officers testified under oath in ways that certainly engendered questions about whether there were vehicles from another galaxy that defied all known laws of physics of which humankind is aware.

Undoubtedly the most startling testimony was provided by David Grusch, a former intelligence officer who was part of the Pentagons special task force looking into unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP), which is U.S. government language for UFOs.

Under oath, Mr. Grusch swore that longstanding U.S. government programs possessed materials, including biologics of nonhuman origin that had been retrieved from UFO crash sites.

Mr. Grusch then stated that he was informed of a multidecade U.A.P. crash retrieval and reverse engineering program to which I was denied access. Ominously, when questioned about whether he had personal knowledge of people whove been harmed or injured in efforts to cover up or conceal these (sic) extraterrestrial technology, responded in the affirmative.

Has our government been concealing from its citizens the fact of extraterrestrial life? It may very well be so.

Immediately the question arises for Christians, could God have created other life forms in other galaxies? If there are alien species in other galaxies, does that disprove the Bible?

No, it does not disprove or contradict the Bible. Nowhere in the Bible does it say that God created only human beings, angels and all the biological life on this planet.

In fact, it is rather anthropocentric for human beings to assume that we are the focus of Gods creation of earth, that there could not be other galaxies and other creations for purposes known only to God.

The Bible focuses on Gods creation of man (male and female) in His image and the creation of the earth for human habitation. In the Bible, God tells us what He wants us to know and what we need to know as human beings placed in the creation He designed specifically for us.

The fact that God may well have created other universes with other life forms in a galaxy far away should not cause even a ripple of doubt in the hearts and minds of Christians.

As human beings, we may find it more than a little uncomfortable that there are other sentient beings (evidently far more advanced scientifically than are we) in our neighboring galaxies. It should not shake the faith of any follower of Jesus.

As believers, we can rest in the blessed assurance that we belong to Jesus and we are eternally secure in His all-encompassing arms.

Rest assured, God is in control!
Historically challenged Kamala Harris gaslights a nation

Vice President Kamala Harris, famous for her liberally tossed word salads, has become an aggressive Propagandist-in-Chief. Whether its abortion, racism, climate change, immigration or education, there isnt an issue she wont lie about.

Take Floridas newly published social studies guidelines. In 216 pages of comprehensive details about Floridas State Academic Standards, the vice president fixated on one solitary sentence. And she couldnt even get that wording right. Heres the line on page 6 of the document: Clarification 1  Instruction includes how slaves developed skills which, in some instances, could be applied for their personal benefit.

Granted, the Florida Department of Education (DOE), led by the DeSantis administration, shouldve been much more media savvy. I wouldve suggested a clarified Clarification:



Despite the evils of slavery, some used their previously held or newly learned skills to better themselves or others. In defiance of the inhumanity of slavery, they used these skills to personally benefit and even set others free.

The Democratic Party  the Party of Slavery, Jim Crow, Voter Suppression and Perpetual Race-Baiting  needs little fodder to feign outrage and pretend theyre the architects of Black American liberation. They are the reason people of my color were enslaved, dehumanized, and enjoined for a century after the Civil War from being full-fledged citizens. How could the Florida DOE not know that the same politicos who lauded the racist and revisionist history of the 1619 Project crockumentary would seize on this and broadcast their victimhood?

VP Harris has the indignation thing down, though. In a speech delivered in Jacksonville, Florida, with the NAACP and other Democratic operatives in the crowd, Harris falsely accused:  the state of Florida, they decided that middle school students will be taught that enslaved people benefitted from slavery. THEY INSULT US in an attempt GASLIGHT US and WE WILL NOT STAND FOR IT. (The all caps were the emphasis added in Harris tweet.)

Words matter. Benefitting from a skill developed or previously held is not the same as benefitting from slavery. But Florida is a political target of the woke. I dont recall VP Harris standing outside and railing against the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery for having the gall to claim: In 1773, Phillis Wheatley accomplished something that no other woman of her status had done. She became the first American slave, the first person of African descent, and only the third colonial American woman to have her work published. Her intellect and creativity are lauded by many as aiding the abolitionist movement.

Did Kamala Harris write a letter to the editor of the Smithsonian Magazine berating them about the personal benefits for Black cowboys? Clearly, the mag is gaslighting the public about our countrys little-known history, stating: While Texas ranchers fought in the war, they depended on their slaves to maintain their land and cattle herds. In doing so, the slaves developed the skills of cattle tending (breaking horses, pulling calves out of mud and releasing longhorns caught in the brush, to name a few) that would render them invaluable to the Texas cattle industry in the post-war era.

Guess we need to decolonize our web browsers of Encyclopedia.com too. We cant stand for them insulting us with such historical reporting that posits: 25% of American slaves were craftsmen and semiskilled workers  many of the leaders of the slave community came from this class of skilled workers and that many became leaders of protests, insurrections, and desertions.

What? These skills were put to use in setting people free! That couldnt have happened. No skills of any slaves served any purpose other than to suffer oppression. At least this is what were told.

Noted historical figure Blanche Bruce was taught how to read while a house servant. He eventually went on to open the first school for Black children in the state of Missouri and, in 1874, became one of the first elected Black Senators. (And yes, that meant he was a Republican.) This, according to History.com, is how he not only personally benefitted from the skill of literacy but used it to empower others.

Or, how about Republican Congressman Robert Smalls? He was once a slave who served as a wheelman on a Confederate ship. He and fellow slaves hijacked the vessel and sailed it, with those darn skills, into Union territory. According to historical records, he used reward money for capturing the ship to buy his masters home. Take that Democratic Supremacy!

Along with the vice presidents fake outrage, the NAACP recently issued a ludicrous travel advisory for black people in Florida. The civil-rights-gone-wrong organization accused Governor Ron DeSantis of aggressive attempts to erase Black history. The NAACP doesnt even tell the truth about its ownhistory. They never mention that they fired their co-founder, W.E.B. Du Bois, in 1948. They never mention that the pro-segregation activist became a Communist, renounced his American citizenship, and went on to praise murderous dictators like Mao Zedong and Joseph Stalin who were responsible for killing tens of millions of their own people. They never mention the fact that Du Bois wrote a fawning eulogy for Stalin calling him a great man who seldom lost his courtesy and balance.

Thats how you describe a mass murderer?

But is it at all surprising that the woke ones who are the loudest about erasing black history are the ones who refuse to teach our nation about the leading eraser of black people  Planned Parenthood. They kill more black lives in two weeks than the (Democrat-founded) KKK did in a century. Yet Kamala Harris is one of the biggest cheerleaders for the nations largest abortion business. Shes both historically and morally challenged. Shes a member of the Party that violently denied the humanity of Black people then. Its the same Party that violently denies the humanity of millions today.

Dont let them gaslight you, America. The vice president and the pro-abortion NAACP are literally advocating to make black lives history.
Census reveals thousands of multi-faith households

An analysis of data from the 2021 Census has revealed nearly 300,000 multi-faith households across England and Wales.

Some 285,000 households in the two nations - 1.6% - were shown to have at least two different faiths under the same roof, according to the analysis by the PA news agency.

A further 81,800 homes (0.3%) had people belonging to three or more faiths.

Hounslow and Westminster, in London, had the highest proportion of multi-faith households at 5.5% each. This was followed by Barnet and Harrow, both at 5.1%.

The highest outside of London was Slough at 4.6%, followed by Hertsmere and Oxford (both 3.8%) and Cambridge (3.7%).

In Wales, Cardiff was home to the highest proportion of multi-faith households (1.8%).

Some 7.5m people - around a third of households across England and Wales - did not have any religion.

Rev Richard Sudworth, the Church of England's national inter-religious affairs adviser, told Sky News that the findings pointed to "many stories of love, loyalty and mutual care across religious difference".

The 2021 Census revealed a further decline in the number of people identifying as Christian, falling below half for the first time.

Figures released earlier this year also revealed that Christians are the oldest on average among people of faith in England and Wales.

While Christians had an average age of 51, Muslim were the youngest at 27 years old on average, followed by those with "no religion" - 32 years old.
Niger coup puts country at greater risk of attacks by extremists, says Open Doors

The coup in Niger has left the country more vulnerable to attacks from Islamist extremists, Open Doors has warned.

Niger's democratically elected president, Mohamed Bazoum, was removed by soldiers on Wednesday.

Illia Djadi, an expert with Open Doors who is originally from Niger, said he was saddened by the "unexpected development".

He said that prior to the coup, Niger had been "a safe haven, an island of peace in a very unstable region". Now it has entered "a new era of uncertainty as radical groups will make the most of the insecurity".

Djadi worries about a "domino effect" in the West and Central Africa region, which has seen multiple power grabs in the last few years.

He called the coup a "setback" not only for Niger but for the entire region, and warned that any instability would play into the hands of extremists.

"Even though the country is facing security challenges around its borders it's been the only country in the area which has been able to keep a level of security. There are thousands of refugees in Niger because they feel safe there," he said.

He continued, "Niger is joining this group of countries run by the military. There is a kind of domino effect. Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Chad and now Niger. Who's next?

"Any political instability can only benefit the Islamist groups. They will all try to benefit from the political instability."
Atea is focused on helping organizations maximize the value of their IT investmentsfrom initial deployment, throughout their lifecycle, and into the next generation of technology solutions. With almost 8,000 employees located in 85 offices across seven countries in the Nordic and Baltic regions of Europe, the company offers a complete range of hardware, software and services to help organizations solve problems and gain more from IT to meet their business objectives.

As Hakon Gutierrez, Ateas business development director, points out, one of the most vexing challenges many organizations face is complexity resulting from years or decades of IT updates and changes, and Atea is uniquely able to help them. Complexity is something that favors Atea because we have a deep breadth of knowledge across all the IT vendors. That gives us the leverage to help customers with any given challenge.

For more than two decades, Atea has been solving complex business challenges in partnership with VMware. Today, that means enabling customers to adopt a multi-cloud strategy. Gutierrez notes, What we see is that our customers typically let their application define the strategy. And that means putting the application in the right cloud, where it is most cost efficient and performs the best. Our relationship with VMware is super important in doing that.

Improving efficiency for a public sector customer

With close to 4,200 working within Services in its organization, offering skills in Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, AWS public clouds, as well as private clouds and hybrid cloud environments, Atea is in a perfect position to help organizations match their workload requirements to the right cloud or clouds. And VMware plays a key role in enabling them to do just that.

Our customers are moving their applications between on premises, off premises, private clouds and public clouds, Gutierrez says. Being able to offer cross-cloud services with VMware is super important for Atea to be able to optimize this multi-cloud environment and enable customers to achieve the business outcomes they want.

One example is a public sector customer located in the Nordics. This customer has about 6,000 users dependent on an aging data center, which the customer wanted to modernize. Being a partner with VMware gave us the opportunity to think out openly and widely on possible solutions, Gutierrez says.

In the end, Atea and VMware recommended a hybrid cloud solution that could extend the organizations workloads from its on-premises data center into Azure, utilizing the Azure VMware Solution.

This enabled the customer to get its workloads close to cloud-native services. Additionally, it improved the cost efficiency and resilience of the data center by enabling applications to reside both on- and off-premises.

What we found when we moved the workloads into the Azure VMware Solution is that performance of the customers SharePoint farm was enhanced by about 30 to 40 percent, Gutierrez reports. Think about 6,000 users always going into applications in different environments every day. Instead of always having latency and waiting three or four seconds before they get to what they want to do, now they hardly wait at all. They now have a great experience, which helps them be more efficient. Thats a super-good return on investment.

Cloud-smart solutions deliver choice and flexibility

For Atea, being part of the VMware cloud-smart ecosystem is all about providing customers with maximum choice and flexibilityallowing customers to place their workloads where they want, when they want. And looking toward the future, Gutierrez is confident Ateas partnership will only continue to provide customers with the right options to meet their evolving needs.

Atea is optimistic about VMwares multi-cloud roadmap and the reason is simple: because it gives the customer the ability to choose where the application is most cost efficient, Gutierrez says. And it helps us to deliver technologies in Azure, GCP, AWS, on-premises, or anywhere.

He concludes, Atea is in the business of digital transformation, and digital transformation is about making sure the customer is super-efficient. That could be in their operational processes, the way they do business, or it could be about culture. But at the end of the day, it all means enabling the customer to get the most out of their technology investments, and that is done with VMware.

To learn more about innovative, cloud-smart companies like Atea, visit the resources on VMware Partner Executive Edge, and check out our Cloud Smart Strategy whitepaper.
StenTech Showcases Award-Winning Advanced Nano Coating and Cutting-Edge Stencil Solutions at SMTA Michigan and SMTA Ohio Expos Published: 28 July 2023 by Tyler Hanes by Tyler Hanes

DERRY, NH  StenTech Inc., the leading multinational SMT Printing Solutions company, is excited to announce its participation in the SMTA Michigan and SMTA Ohio Expos. The company will exhibit its highly acclaimed Advanced Nano Coating and showcase its complete product line of various stencils and tooling. The expos are scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2023, at Laurel Manor in Livonia, MI, and Thursday, Aug. 17th, 2023 at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Cleveland- Rockside in Independence, Ohio.

As electronic packaging continues to miniaturize, the challenge of achieving precise solder paste deposition and meeting evolving IPC requirements remains ever-present. StenTechs award-winning Advanced Nano Coating provides a groundbreaking solution to this challenge. Applied to the bottom side and inside the apertures of the stencil, this highly unique 1-3 micron hardened nano coating offers anti-adhesion properties, repelling solder flux and ensuring increased transfer of paste.

With Advanced Nano, transfer efficiency can be boosted by up to 25 percent, significantly reducing bridging and paste-related defects. The non-stick characteristics of the coating also lead to reduced underside cleaning, resulting in improved yields and reduced expenses on rework and touchup. Stencils coated with Advanced Nano are ready for use in just 30 minutes after coating, enhancing production efficiency and minimizing downtime.

With a history of pioneering stencil technology and introducing Fiber Diode lasers into North America, StenTech has established itself as an industry leader. The company's team of over 30 experienced CAD designers provides unparalleled support in stencil modifications, material recommendations, and thickness specifications, ensuring optimized stencil solutions for every application.

Visitors to the StenTech booth at the expos will have the opportunity to explore the full range of stencil technology offerings, custom-tailored to meet specific manufacturing needs in the SMT industry.

To learn more, visit www.StenTech.com
Te invitam la una din cele doua instruiri la care vei invata jocul KeepCool
Primeste notificari pe email Nota bene: Adresele email cu extensia .ru nu sunt acceptate.

Contractare si Achizitie Bunuri Anunturi de Angajare Granturi - Finantari Burse de studiu Stagii Profesionale Oportunitati de voluntariat Toate Articolele
Christian Aid is to stop banking with Barclays, over concerns about the banks financing of fossil fuels, it has announced.

The international development charitys board of trustees has approved a plan to transition to Lloyds over the next few months.

Its decision follows a review of Christian Aids banking arrangements last year and a competitive tender process, the charity said.

In a statement, the charity said a global banking network is essential for Christian Aid to continue to support those people who are the hardest to reach.

It added that moving to Lloyds meant that it will continue to be able to transfer funds to high-risk countries such as Syria, Myanmar and Afghanistan, as we currently do with Barclays.

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, it said.

Christian Aid has ambitious environmental commitments over the next few years, as set out in our recently launched environmental policy.

National Trust

In a separate move also related to charities concerns about financing the fossil fuel sector, the National Trust has worked with Legal & General Investment Management (LGIM) on a new investment fund.

The Legal & General Future World ESG Developed Fossil Fuel Exclusions Index aims to provide an efficient, low-cost solution to enable investors to seek to reduce their exposure to fossil fuel companies and those particularly with high carbon emissions and reserves, facilitating the transition towards net zero whilst targeting long-term, sustainable returns.

It is open to UK investors including charities and endowments, platforms and wealth managers.

A spokesperson for LGIM said that the strategy had been developed in close collaboration with the National Trust and that the charity is a seed investor in the fund.

Dabinder Hutchinson, director of finance at the National Trust, said: As Europes largest conservation charity, the National Trust exists to protect nature, beauty and history for everyone, forever.

Our environmental values are important in everything we do, including managing our investment portfolio  something that is crucial to ensuring we are able to generate vital funds to fulfil our charitable purpose.

We are delighted that we have been able to collaborate with LGIM to co-create this new strategy with our required fossil fuel exclusions, and LGIMs wider engagement programme with companies, to enable the development of more climate friendly investment portfolios to support the climate transition and our race against climate change.

Charity Finance is packed with practical articles and analysis of the latest financial trends, as well as in-depth briefings on technical and legal changes, and benchmarking surveys to help busy finance teams get value for money. Find more information here and subscribe today! is packed with practical articles and analysis of the latest financial trends, as well as in-depth briefings on technical and legal changes, and benchmarking surveys to help busy finance teams get value for money.
Leonard Cheshire has appointed Stuart Dean as its new chief financial officer, after the regulator announced in May that the charity is being investigated over financial difficulties.

Dean joins the disability charity from the Care Quality Commission which he was director of for over eight years.

During his tenure, he led market insight and policy discussions across government, including with the treasury, cabinet office and Department of Health. Before that, he held senior roles in the Royal Bank of Scotland.

Leonard Cheshire said Dean's appointment comes at a critical time for the charity, which is currently under investigation by the Charity Commission.

The Commission opened its inquiry in December 2022, after the disability charitys trustees approached the regulator in April 2022 about the financial difficulties it faced.

Dean joins the role in September. He will replace Nigel Armitt, who has been acting as interim CFO since 2021.

CEO: 'Will play a key role in driving forward further financial improvements'

Ruth Owen, CEO of Leonard Cheshire, said: Im delighted to have someone of Stuarts calibre and knowledge of our sector joining my executive team, adding to the existing strength of expertise within it and as we embark on an exciting new chapter for the charity.

We will be keeping people we support and quality of care at the centre of everything we do. Positive results are being seen as we strengthen our overall financial position, following difficult but necessary decisions at the start of 2022.

Stuarts track record speaks for itself, and he will play a key role driving forward further financial improvements and modernisation as we look to achieve our longer-term ambitions.

Dean said: Im delighted to be joining Ruth and her wider executive team at this exciting time. Financial turnaround is being strongly underpinned, and I look forward to being part of repositioning the charity to ensure its ongoing impact and effectiveness whilst further strengthening its sustainability. I very much look forward to helping shape the Leonard Cheshire of the future to ensure that the people we support continue to live their fullest lives with us.
The owner of a Massachusetts physical therapy clinic who defrauded 24 auto insurers by submitting largely bogus treatment claims was sentenced Wednesday to three years in prison and ordered to pay $7,383,756 in restitution.

Gyulnara Bayryshova, the 57-year-old owner of the Brighton Physical Therapy Center, was one of four people who were indicted in February 2021 by the US Attorneys Office in Boston on felony insurance fraud charges. All four pleaded guilty to a single count of fraud and three have been sentenced.

Prosecutors say that from 2015 to 2020, Bayryshova and her employees falsified medical records to make it appear auto accident victims were treated by licensed therapists. They performed unnecessary treatments, including after patients indicated they no longer needed treatment, charging papers say. The team also paid kickbacks to patients who referred new patients, according to the indictment.

An undercover agent with the FBI visited the Brighton clinic and feigned neck injuries due to a car accident, according to the indictment. Bayryshova referred the agent to an attorney (who is not identified) who negotiated a $10,000 settlement with an auto insurer. The clinic routinely billed the insurer for services that were not performed, the indictment says.

In a sentencing memorandum, the US Attorneys Office says Bayryshova submitted 665 personal injury protection claims to insurers seeking $2,862,485. She also submitted 438 bodily injury claims for a total of $5,082,111, the memo says.

The government said Brighton Physical Therapy was among the top ten insurance billers in the state even though it was open only 12 hours a week.

These defendants were able to earn a living (often only working two or three half days a week), receive a salary, purchase homes and expensive cars, all while providing very limited services and living off the backs of these insurance companies, the government said in a sentencing memorandum.

Bayryshova pleaded guilty to one count of felony mail fraud on March 27. US District Judge Richard G. Stearns sentenced her to three years in prison following two years of restitution on Wednesday. On Thursday, the judge allowed the government to take a downpayment on Bayryshovas restitution by approving the forfeiture of $7,834 in cash that seized by federal agents at her home in Chelsea.

Raya Bagardi, a 38-year-old licensed physical therapy assistant at Bayryshovas clinic, was sentenced on July 19 to two years of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution of $2,301,645.

Slava Pride, a 42-year-old physical therapy assistant at the clinic, was sentenced on July 13 to two years in prison and ordered to pay $2,301.645 in restitution.

A fourth conspirator, Anna Barenboym, pleaded guilty in February but has notyet been sentenced. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for Sept. 13.
THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP)  A cargo ship packed with cars burned close to a world-renowned bird habitat off the Dutch coast Thursday as firefighters and salvage crews waited for the flames from a fire that started more than a day earlier to subside before attempting to board the vessel.

The Fremantle Highway was sailing from the German port of Bremerhaven to Singapore when it caught fire in the North Sea shortly before midnight Tuesday about 27 kilometers (17 miles) north of the Dutch island of Ameland, sparking fears of an environmental disaster.

One crew member died and others were injured early Wednesday. The entire crew, made up of 21 Indian nationals, has been evacuated from the ship. The cause of the fire hasnt been established.

The coast guard of the Netherlands said the situation at the moment is stable. The agency released a photo after a flyover Thursday that showed smoke still pouring from the ship and drifting low over the slate-gray sea.

The coast guard said late Thursday afternoon that crews were using the tide to turn the ship so it would drift east again with the support of a tugboat. The maneuver would allow the ship to continue floating between two shipping lanes and remain some 16 kilometers (10 miles) off the Dutch coast.

Because of the wind and current, it is not possible to keep the ship in one place, the agency said.

The Japanese-owned ship is close to a chain of islands and the World Heritage- listed Wadden Sea, an important habitat for migratory birds.

The Dutch coast guard said Wednesday that the vessel was carrying 2,857 cars, including 25 electric cars. Some reports Thursday suggested there might be more than that, but the coast guard said it could not provide confirmation.

The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board has warned about the possible dangers of electric vehicle battery fires, The hazard stems from thermal runaway, a chemical reaction that causes uncontrolled battery temperature and pressure increases.

German Environment Minister Steffi Lemke said she couldn`t rule out the possibility of the burning ship sinking.

A totally normal car transport by sea could turn into an environmental catastrophe of unknown proportions, Lemke said in a statement. This fills me with deep concern.

She said that if the ship sinks, large quantities of fuel and other environmentally harmful pollutants from the cargo ships load could contaminate the sensitive ecosystem of the North Sea extensively. The unique Wadden Sea National Park is in serious danger. That must be prevented with all our resources.

The burning vessel had been drifting west toward the island of Terschelling and slowly heading away from Borkum, the westernmost of the German East Frisian islands. Germany sent a ship that doused the sides of the Fremantle Highway with water on Wednesday to keep it as cool as possible.

The coast guard said that was no longer happening because unnecessary amounts of water must be prevented from getting on board. This endangers the stability of the ship. It said the fire was burning more intensely when the ship was cooled Wednesday.

The Netherlands on Wednesday sent a ship equipped with special booms to contain oil spills to the area as a precaution.

Infrastructure and Waterways Minister Mark Harbers said in a letter to lawmakers that if there is a leak, the current and anticipated wind and wave direction for the coming days are such that any contamination will spread to the north, and therefore not to the Wadden Islands.

The fire in the North Sea isn`t the first to break out in a car-carrying cargo ship.

Earlier this month, it took firefighters nearly a week to extinguish a similar blaze in a car transport ship in Newark, New Jersey. Two firefighters were killed and five others were injured battling the flames.

In March 2022, a large cargo vessel carrying cars from Germany to the United States sank in the mid-Atlantic, 13 days after a fire broke out on board. The Felicity Ace sank about 400 kilometers (250 miles) off Portugals Azores Islands as it was being towed after a salvage team had put out the fire.

Associated Press writer Geir Moulson in Berlin contributed.

Top photo: A boat hoses down the smoke from a fire which broke out on a freight ship in the North Sea, about 27 kilometers (17 miles) north of the Dutch island of Ameland, Wednesday, July 26, 2023. A fire on the freight ship Fremantle Highway, carrying nearly 3,000 cars, was burning out of control Wednesday in the North Sea, and the Dutch coast guard said it was working to save the vessel from sinking close to an important habitat for migratory birds. (Kustwacht Nederland/Coast Guard Netherlands via AP)

Copyright 2023 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
HODES, Greece (AP)  Wildfires whipped on by strong winds triggered a series of major explosions Thursday at an air force ammunition dump in central Greece, but no injuries were reported as the site had been safely evacuated in advance, officials said.

A blaze in the region of Volos, in central Greece, reached an ammunition dump outside a major military air base in Nea Anchialos, triggering a series of large explosions that shattered windows on houses in a surrounding area.

The air force said the site, about 6 kilometers (about 4 miles) north of the airbase, had been evacuated well in advance and no injuries were reported. The fire service also said no injuries had been reported in nearby villages, which had been ordered evacuated as a precaution.

State ERT television showed village residents and visitors heading for a small local port to be evacuated by sea, while others were preparing to leave by car.

The air base is some 20 kilometers (12 miles) from the city of Volos, where the blasts were loudly heard.

The wildfire burned on two fronts and forced a section of Greeces busiest highway to close for several hours, while national rail services passing through the area were delayed.

Water-dropping helicopters and a ground crew scrambled early Thursday to a blaze in Kifissia, just north of Athens, which was quickly put out.

Greek firefighters also battled flames on Rhodes for a tenth successive day, while flare-ups were reported on the island of Evia.

The World Meteorological Organization, a U.N. body, and a European Union climate change service reported Thursday that temperatures in the month of July set a new global record.

As Southern Europe fights extreme heat and wildfires, parts of central Europe have been hit with winter conditions. Subfreezing temperatures, frost and snow have been reported in the Tatra Mountains, which run through Poland and Slovakia.

In Italy, firefighters battled brush fires in the southern mainland regions of Calabria and Puglia, as well as the islands of Sicily and Sardinia, helped by temperatures dropping some 13 degrees Celsius (55 F) into the low- and mid-30s C (high 80s F). Sicily remained the focal point, with fires continuing to burn near the capital, Palermo, as seven aircraft were engaged to douse the flames.

Without doubt, we can see that all across the Mediterranean the climate crisis is here and its affecting us all more strongly than perhaps even scientists had warned us about, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said Thursday during a meeting with the country`s president, Katerina Sakellaropoulou.

Wildfire carbon emissions for July in Greece were the highest by a huge margin __ totaling over 1 metric megatons and doubling the previous record __ since record- keeping started 20 years ago, according to the EU agency that analyzes satellite data, the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service.

Unfortunately, it is not all that surprising, given the extreme conditions in the region, said Mark Parrington, a senior scientist at the agency. The observed intensity and estimated emissions show how unusual the scale of the fires has been for July relative to the last 20 years of data.

An EU disaster response agency announced that it was sending two more firefighting planes, provided by France, to Greece.

In Athens, senior members of the armed forces paid tribute to the two pilots killed when a firefighting plane crashed this week, at a ceremony held at the Defense Ministry.

Cpt. Christos Moulas and Lt. Pericles Stephanidis died during a low-altitude water drop on the island of Evia.

Defense Minister Nikos Dendias said the operators had shown self-denial in the line of duty.

Greece today is in mourning. Their memories will live on, Dendias said.

Funeral services for the two airmen were to be held in northern Greece later Thursday and on the island of Crete on Friday.

Gatopoulos reported from Athens. Associated Press writers Colleen Barry in Milan, Italy, and Venessa Gera in Warsaw, Poland, contributed to this report.

Copyright 2023 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
PARMA, Ohio -- If youve lived in Greater Cleveland at any point over the past 50 years, chances are good that youre familiar with the Stancatos food brand. Generations of Northeast Ohioans have eaten at the familys landmark Parma restaurant, sampled their catered food at weddings and parties or bought one of their signature bottled sauces or dressings at local grocery stores.

The restaurant -- which has been at the corner of State and Pleasant Valley Roads, in Parma, since 1971  grew out of a food truck run by Pasquale Stancato in 1938, serving factory workers in Cleveland.

Perry Stancato Jr. began washing dishes at the family eatery when he was 12 years old. Today, he is the third generation to be at the helm of the restaurant. His mother, Lori, still oversees the catering and special events side of the business.

Perry Stancato, owner of Stancatos Italian Restaurant located at 7380 State Rd, Parma - Photo by Yadi Rodriguez, cleveland.com

Stancatos finished second, just behind Guidos of Ravenna, in cleveland.coms recent Best Lasagna in Greater Cleveland contest

Related: Best Lasagna in Greater Cleveland: Brunos honors the Old-World flavors of Italy

Related: This restaurant serves the best lasagna in Greater Cleveland

The familys lasagna is still made with the Stancato family grandmothers recipe for Sunday Premier Sauce. The only tweak Perry Stancato has made to the original recipe is to use a higher grade of ingredients, many of which he now imports from Italy.

Lasagna  Broken meatballs, ricotta, mozzarella, Sunday Premier from Stancatos Italian Restaurant located at 7380 State Rd, Parma - Photo by Yadi Rodriguez, cleveland.com

Stancato says he also learned a lot about cooking from noted Cleveland chef Dante Boccuzzi, whose first job was at Stancatos. When he walked out of culinary school in New York, he handed me his books and I walked in, Stancato said.

Unfortunately, Stancato was just three months shy of graduating culinary school when he had to return home to help his mother with the restaurant after his father passed away unexpectedly.

Do I have regrets? I dont think so, he said. I thrive on the creativity and the adrenaline of being in the kitchen.

Bolognese  Slow braised pork, beef, & veal, Cabernet Wine, tomato, cream, parmesan, rigatoni from Stancatos Italian Restaurant located at 7380 State Rd, Parma - Photo by Yadi Rodriguez, cleveland.com

Lasagna remains a top seller, though Stancato estimates most of the orders for this classic, layered pasta dish these days are catering or carry-out. The restaurant still serves up an average of 14 trays  or nearly 300 servings -- per week in the dining room.

Though the dining room can accommodate about 150 guests at a time, reservations are encouraged  especially on the weekends when wait times for a table can reach 90 minutes.

Piccata  Battered & Sauteed, lemon, butter, white wine with chicken from Stancatos Italian Restaurant located at 7380 State Rd, Parma - Photo by Yadi Rodriguez, cleveland.com

Because of the coronavirus, the restaurant has stopped serving lunches and is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

The pandemic changed our lives, Stancato said. With the price of food, we couldnt put out the lunch buffets we once did at a reasonable price, and the virus forced us to close completely two days a week during that time. Once we saw the impact of what two days off a week could do for our staff, we decided to just keep that schedule once things started opening up again.

The dining room at Stancatos Italian Restaurant located at 7380 State Rd, Parma - Photo by Yadi Rodriguez, cleveland.com

The staff averages 9  16 years of longevity at Stancatos. General manager Kyle Smelco has been with the operation since he was 14 years old, and now has 23 years of service with the eatery.

He came in as a kid looking for a job and I remember asking him if he was a hustler, Stancato recalled, laughing. He said yes, so I challenged him to a foot race around the building, promising him if he beat me, I would give him a job. He just took off running, so I hired him on the spot, and he has been with us ever since.

Dinner rolls from Stancatos Italian Restaurant located at 7380 State Rd, Parma - Photo by Yadi Rodriguez, cleveland.com

With a trustworthy staff in place, Stancato now spends his days at the plant  located in Independence -- making sauces and dressings for the retail side of the operation. He still spends his evenings at the restaurant.

We were making custom baskets for customers when my mom asked me one day why we were putting other peoples ingredients in the baskets, why didnt we just bottle our own sauce and put it in the baskets? That was a real lightbulb moment, so I started looking into what it would take to bottle our own sauces he explained.

Now we are making all of our sauces and dressings at the plant. The same sauce you get on a dish in our dining room comes out of the same kettle as the sauce you buy at the grocery store. That is how we assure consistency with the taste our customers expect.

You can purchase sauces and dressings at Stancatos Italian Restaurant located at 7380 State Rd, Parma - Photo by Yadi Rodriguez, cleveland.com

In addition to producing their own products, Stancatos now makes sauces for many of Ohios best-known restaurants.

They came for us once we gained a reputation for consistency in what we were putting out at the plant, Stancato said. We have them formulate their recipes and we contract to produce so much each year.

In addition to running the plant and the restaurant, Stancato also oversees a huge import operation  mostly concentrating on bringing in quality ingredients for Stancatos menu.

We import all of the tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, olive oils and the wines we serve in the restaurant from Italy, he said. Even many of our desserts are imported. We just fill large shipping containers with product and bring it over so we have the most high-quality ingredients we can get so we can continue to give our customers the tastes they have come to expect from us.
MAYFIELD, Ohio -- Mayor Brenda Bodnar said Progressive Insurances decision to move employees from its Wilson Mills Road campus to a consolidated office at the companys North Commons Boulevard location will mean little change for the villages finances.

Bodnar said Progressive, the villages largest employer, informed her Wednesday (July 26) of its decision to vacate its Campus 1 at 6300 Wilson Mills Road, next to Interstate 271.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Progressive allowed employees to work from home, which has cost the village a great deal in terms of income tax.

In recent times, both campuses had only 8 to 10 percent employee occupancy, meaning a relatively small number of workers will be sent to the larger North Commons Boulevard Progressive Campus 2.

Progressive, which will remain headquartered in Mayfield, is also consolidating its offices in Florida, Indiana and Colorado.

Progressive issued a news release Wednesday stating that employees are able to choose where they work, and that most of them are choosing to work from home instead of the office.

Recently, we made the difficult but important decision to consolidate some of our office locations, the Progressive release stated.

Since re-opening our offices in January of 2022, our data shows there simply arent enough people using the spaces to justify keeping all of them open, particularly when we have other state-of-the-art campuses nearby.

Bodnar said, My understanding is that Campus 2 has all technical functions, so it just makes sense that that would be the hub.

Campus 2 consists of four buildings; Campus 1 has three.

Bodnar said she has not heard from Progressive about whether more employees would be coming back to work in Mayfield.

It doesnt seem like theyre coming back, she said. Theres no mandate and, from what we hear, they (Progressive) are still strong enough, making enough money, that they dont need to demand that workers return to the office.

Theyre going to be saving quite a bit of money by mothballing Campus 1.

Nothing will change unless they sell the property (Campus 1) and get somebody who puts employees in there, or if (Progressive) decides to bring more people back to work there, she said.

Those are the only two ways anything would change. So right now, theyre just combining their staff into one location, so it really doesnt affect us.

Bodnar said Progressive representatives told her the company would wait 16 to 18 months, then make a decision about whether to sell Campus 1, occupy it or keep the property another several months until a direction is determined.

I think its (Campus 1) a very good location off 271, Bodnar said.

She noted that the cost of office space greatly flattened during the pandemic as more people began to work from home.

Progressives announcement was news, but it wasnt something that we (village officials) didnt contemplate, she said. It wasnt great change or something we could say was a big surprise.

Looking ahead, Bodnar said: In the long, long term (the Progressive situation) is concerning. We still have a big reserve (now at $42 million), so if they make a decision in the next 18 months to sell it or occupy it, that would make a difference.

Even if half the people came back to work that used to be there, that would make a big difference.

On the other hand, John Marquart, our economic development manager, is working very hard to bring in some new businesses and expanding the businesses we have here.

Weve got some very good businesses here that are doing well -- Preformed Line (Products) is doing great, Omni (Systems Inc.) is doing great, Mars (Electric) is doing great, QED (Quality Electro Dynamics) is doing great.

The Progressive release stated that consolidating offices will let the employees who do come in be more collaborative. It also said that workers who are remote continue to be productive, and that Progressive will continue to offer flexible work options.

Its our responsibility to ourselves, our customers, agents and investors to look for ways to optimize our resources, find new and more efficient ways to work and spend our money responsibly, the statement from Progressive continued.

Well continue to evaluate how office utilization impacts our real estate footprint and make the best decisions for our people and our business.

Progressive spokesman Jeff Sibel told cleveland.com that the office transition will begin in 2024. Progressive plans to continue using its Omega North, Delta and Omega West office buildings located on Alpha Drive in Highland Heights, and its Discovery building, which is on Beta Drive in Mayfield.

In April 2022, the company put five buildings up for sale that are located in Mayfield, Mayfield Heights and Highland Heights. Progressive, so far, has sold only one building in Mayfield -- a small, drive-thru claims service that had been located on Beta Drive.

Highland Heights Mayor Chuck Brunello Jr. said the recent consolidation news will have little impact on his city as well.

Campus 1 is located across Wilson Mills Road from Alpha Drive in Highland Heights. Brunello said the only impact would be to the Highland Heights businesses around Campus 1 which, again, has already been at low occupancy.

Read more from the Sun Messenger.
A teen boy told police that a vehicle in which he was a passenger was shot at as it entered a gas station, causing injury to a girl. It was later learned that the gunshot came from inside the vehicle and the weapon belonged to the boy.
BROOK PARK, Ohio -- A wanted Lakewood woman, 41, was arrested at about 4:30 a.m. July 16 after she tried to walk away from police, then hit one officer in the face with her sandal.

The woman was a passenger in a Jeep Cherokee. Police had pulled over the Jeep on Smith Road at Darke Boulevard because they were unable to see the vehicles license plate.

After the Jeep stopped, police were able to read the temporary plate, which was in the rear window. The license of the Jeeps driver, a 39-year-old man, had been suspended.

Both the driver and the woman were not wearing seatbelts. The woman told police they had no reason to stop their vehicle and accused officers of harassing them.

Since the woman was not wearing a seatbelt as required by law, police asked her to identify herself. She refused, saying she had a right not to do so.

The driver asked for a police supervisor, so police called a sergeant to the scene.

The sergeant arrived and spoke to the woman and the driver while another officer wrote citations for the driver. The woman finally provided her name and birth date and police learned she was wanted in Lakewood.

The driver and the woman stepped out of the Jeep and started walking away. An officer placed a hand on the womans shoulder, telling her to stop so they could write her a ticket for not wearing a seatbelt.

The woman said, Dont (expletive) put your hands on me.

Police tried to place her in handcuffs, but she pulled away and started swinging her arms.

Police wrestled the woman to the ground. She rolled onto her side and swung a fist at police. The woman then removed a sandal and used it to hit an officer in the face near his eye.

Police finally handcuffed the woman. The officer who was assaulted sustained minor scrapes on his knees and arms, swelling on his wrist and a small lump on his cheekbone.

Read more from the News Sun.
CLEVELAND, Ohio  Officers in Florida arrested Boston Heights Police Chief Chad McArdle early Friday morning, according to Monroe County jail records.

Records show McArdle, 40, was arrested by Key West police and booked in the jail on a battery charge.

His name and photo appear on a Monroe County Sheriffs Office website along with others recently arrested.

He is due in court Aug. 17 for his arraignment, court records show.

Cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer has reached out to the village of Boston Heights for comment.
STAMFORD, Connecticut  A minister who was an adviser to the citys police department was struck and killed Wednesday by a police cruiser while he was retrieving his mail, reports say.

The patrol car was responding to a call at about 4:12 p.m. when it struck the Rev. Tommie Jackson, a news release from the Stamford Police Department says. The officer driving the car, Zachary Lockwood, performed CPR on Jackson until he was taken by ambulance to a hospital, but Jackson died of his injuries.

Jackson, 69, was pastor at Rehoboth Fellowship Church and Faith Tabernacle Church, the Stamford Advocate reports. He also was an adviser to the police department.

Rev. Jackson was a friend and adviser to many of us at the police department and we are profoundly saddened, Assistant Police Chief Silas Redd said in a statement. Pastor Tommie Jackson was such a beacon of light for so many in the Stamford community, for past 25 plus years. His steadfast commitment to serve those under the guidance of his pastorate extended far and wide.

The void that has been left by his untimely passing will be difficult to fill; only the passage of time will bring comfort and healing.

Connecticut State Police are investigating the incident. NBC News reports that state police say the incident occurred on a street with a right curve and that Lockwood made an evasive steering maneuver before impact.

Police say Lockwood has been placed on administrative leave. He has been with the department since April 2022.

I ask that we all keep both the family of Pastor Jackson, his church family, Officer Lockwood, and his family in our thoughts and prayers during these most difficult times, Redd said.
MIAMI  Ocean water temperatures at the southern end of Florida clipped past 100 degrees this week, potentially setting a record for the hottest seawater ever.

A buoy at Manatee Bay registered 100.2 degrees on Sunday evening. On Monday, the temperature was even warmer, 101.1 degrees, National Weather Service meteorologist George Rizzuto told The Associated Press. On Sunday night the same buoy showed an online reading of 100.2 degrees.

It seems plausible, Rizzuto said. That is a potential record.

Related: Forget global warming! Its global boiling as July cruises toward hottest month ever

Related: Phoenix set to break record for most consecutive days over 110 degrees Tuesday

While there arent official water temperature records, a 2020 study listed a 99.7 degree mark in Kuwait Bay in July 2020 as the worlds highest recorded sea surface temperature.

This is a hot tub. I like my hot tub around 100, 101. Thats what was recorded yesterday, Yale Climate Connections meteorologist Jeff Masters told The AP. Hot tub maker Jacuzzi recommends water between 100 and 102 degrees.

Weve never seen a record-breaking event like this before, Masters said.

The Manatee Bay buoy temperature reading was among several extreme values in South Floridas offshore waters, The Washington Post reported.

A buoy near Johnson Key, southwest of Manatee Bay, topped out at 98.4 degrees. The temperature hovered at or above 98 degrees for several hours during the evening.

Most of the buoys in the area reached or surpassed 95 degrees during the day. In fact, the average of the two dozen observation locations in and around Florida Bay was right around 96 degrees during the early evening, The Post said.

Already devastating effects of the prolonged hot temperatures can be seen.

While there arent many coral reefs in Manatee Bay, scientists diving at Cheeca Rocks to the southwest found bleaching and even death in some of the Keys most resilient corals, Ian Enochs, lead of the coral program at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory, told The AP.

This is more, earlier than we have ever seen, Enochs said. Im nervous by how early this is occurring.

This all comes as sea surface temperatures worldwide have broken monthly records for heat in April, May and June, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said.

Temperatures in the north Atlantic Ocean are off the charts  as much as 9 to 11 degrees warmer than normal in some spots near Newfoundland, meteorologist Brian McNoldy said.

Other ocean hot spots in the Northern Hemisphere, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations Coral Reef Watch, include the Mediterranean Sea, which reached its hottest level on record Monday, averaging 83.1 degrees and the waters west of Peru.

An unusual weather pattern that has lingered for the majority of the month, has helped drive the warm temperatures in the Florida water, NBC News reported. That pattern has featured a stagnant set-up fueled by a strong area of high pressure that has led to days of above average, and in many cases, record-setting air temperatures.

The pattern has also led to weaker than average trade winds  southeast winds that usually produce a sea breeze for south Florida, NBC said. The trade winds help keep sea surface temperatures in check. Instead, winds have been out of the west and weak, allowing sea surface temperatures to heat up.
CLEVELAND, Ohio  Whatever option Cuyahoga County pursues for how to improve its court facilities and criminal justice offices will be a joint decision including the many offices that have a stake in the outcome, Executive Chris Ronaynes administration promised Friday.

That includes the county prosecutors office, common pleas judges, domestic relations court, and clerks  and they have already weighed in on the space and programming needs for a new facility, Ronaynes Interim Chief of Staff Brendan Doyle told cleveland.com. Officials then crafted the countys recent request for proposals around that wish list, hoping to receive numerous options for how the county might achieve those goals, he said.
CLEVELAND, Ohio - Fewer remote workers are requesting refunds from the city of Cleveland this year, though the final scorecard could be months or even years away.

Through mid-July, both the number of refund requests and the amount of money being sought is down over where it was at the same time last year.
COLUMBUS, Ohio  Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost objects to a Biden administration proposed rule that would prohibit law enforcement and prosecutors from obtaining medical records of women who travel for out-of-state abortions.

Yost joins 18 other conservative states  such as Mississippi, Indiana, Kentucky, Texas, Alabama and others  in a request that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services withdraw the rule proposal for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, or HIPPA.

Yost, a Republican who opposes abortion and has fought in court to limit access to the procedure, signed onto the letter as he is laying groundwork for a 2026 gubernatorial run. His objection to the Biden proposal also comes as Ohioans prepare to vote on whether to enshrine abortion rights in the constitution on Nov. 7.

OTHER COVERAGE: Coverage of Ohio abortion rights

President Bidens rule seeks to protect women who live in states with abortion bans from being prosecuted for traveling to states where the procedure is legal. The U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade last summer, leaving abortion questions to each state and creating a patchwork across the country of states where abortion is and is not legal.

In Ohio, as a lawsuit over Ohios six-week fetal heartbeat law makes its way through the courts, abortion is generally legal until 22 weeks.

READ MORE: One year ago, Roe v. Wade was overturned. Whats the status of abortion rights in Ohio?

While Yost believes the rule would inhibit investigations of sexual assault and even medical board probes, backers of Ohios abortion amendment say that the Biden rule was designed to protect the medical privacy of patients from prosecutors like Yost.

The issue is not about abortion investigations, but about sexual assault investigations, said Bethany McCorkle, a Yost spokeswoman. The Biden rule would block a section of law that allows law enforcement to get health information via court order, she said.

This section is designed to help victims of crimes by allowing law enforcement to collect evidence  or example DNA from a rape kit  so that violent criminals can be arrested, McCorkle said. The proposed rule could also foreclose certain medical board investigations, for example, in the event there is a botched medical procedure. Only rarely is this information needed by law enforcement but when it is, it could be the difference in solving a violent crime and preventing future harms.

If Bidens proposal goes through, which wouldnt happen at least until next year, there would be fewer arrests and successful prosecutions of sexual assault offenses, she said.

Victims deserve more, she said.

But Jaime Miracle of Pro-Choice Ohio, one of the organizations backing Ohios abortion amendment, said that Yost and the other 18 state attorneys general will want to investigate people who access legal abortion care in other states if given that information.

Through the federal action, the Biden Administration is protecting patients from rogue attorneys general like Dave Yost, Miracle said.

Ohios proposed abortion amendment would generally allow women to make their own abortion, birth control and other reproductive health decisions until viability. Miracle said this would protect women from the laws supported by politicians such as Yost, Gov. Mike DeWine and Republicans who control the General Assembly.

As a six-week fetal heart tone law is being litigated in the courts, women in Ohio can generally obtain abortions until 22 weeks. But if a complication arises beyond 22 weeks, women have had to leave Ohio to get abortions since 2017, when the 22-week law went into effect.

SINCE THE 1980S: 24-hour waiting periods, Choose Life license plates and fetal heartbeat bill: Ohio has passed dozens of laws to restrict abortion

Its bad enough that the policies pushed by Yost, DeWine, and the Ohio legislature force patients to travel across state lines to get the medical care they need, Miracle said. Now, Yost wants access to your medical records when you do cross state lines to get legal abortion care? Ohioans deserve better. We deserve a state government that protects our privacy and access to healthcare, not an attorney general who wants to creep into our personal lives and control the decisions of ourselves and our families.

Laura Hancock covers state government and politics for The Plain Dealer and cleveland.com.
WASHINGTON, D. C. - The U.S. Senate on Thursday approved a bill to set Pentagon policy and spending for 2024 by an overwhelming bipartisan margin. Cincinnati Republican Sen. JD Vance was among just 11 votes against it.

A statement from Vance said he worked to secure as many wins for Ohio as possible in the bill, and was pleased they were included in the Senates version of the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act. However, he said he was displeased it would fully fund and extend the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) through fiscal year 2027.

I cannot in good conscience support the broader package, which commits the United States to years of additional military aid for the war in Ukraine, said a statement from Vance, a Marine Corps veteran who has repeatedly voiced reservations about U.S. involvement in Ukraine. Its disappointing to me that these significant priorities that would benefit Ohioans have been bogged down with such deeply problematic foreign policy proposals.

Cleveland Democrat Sherrod Brown backed the bill, which would fund Ohio military facilities such as Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, the Youngstown Air Reserve Station, Camp Perry Joint Training Center, the National Guard Readiness Center at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Columbus, and Limas Joint Systems Manufacturing Center.

Brown said he was pleased it was amended to include his FEND Off Fentanyl Act, which aims to keep fentanyl from entering the United States by targeting supply chains in China and Mexico. Browns office said it also contains his measures to monitor the risks of corporations investing in foreign competitors, to prevent foreign powers like China from buying up Ohio farmland and businesses, and to prevent construction delays at the Intel semiconductor plant being constructed near Columbus. A spokesman said they were included in the bill on national security grounds.

The Senates version of the bill would also encourage the Defense Department to lessen dependence on adversarial nations for the procurement of strategic and critical materials, such as natural rubber, and take steps to engage in research and development to increase the domestic supply of natural rubber. The Akron area has long been a rubber production hub.

This bipartisan national defense bill is a win for Ohio communities that will protect our economic and national security from new threats from China and other adversaries around the world, said a statement from Brown, who chairs the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs. From going after fentanyl traffickers, to protecting Ohio farmland, to investing in Ohios military assets, this is a crucial boost to our national defense and to our states economy.

His office said the Senate-approved bill contains $19.5 million for the planning and design of Phase V of the Wright Patterson Air Force Base Acquisition Management complex near Dayton that will allow several organizations to streamline operations, as well as $5 million to complete the Wright Patterson Army Reserve Center.

It also contains $19.2 million to support construction of a National Guard Readiness Center at Camp Perry to replace older facilities in Norwalk, Sandusky, and Tiffin; $4 million to complete military construction for the new National Guard Readiness Center at the Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Columbus; and $2.5 million for the planning and design of a new fire station at the Youngstown Air Reserve Station.

The Senates version of the NDAA will need to be reconciled with the version passed by the U.S. House of Representatives before going to Democratic President Joe Bidens desk.

Republicans who control the House of Representatives incorporated controversial measures into their draft that have no chance of passage in the Democrat-controlled Senate, such as blocking the Pentagon from paying for service members abortion-related expenses or transgender care.

Sabrina Eaton writes about the federal government and politics in Washington, D.C., for cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer.
COLUMBUS, Ohio  As Gov. Mike DeWine addressed a conference of local officials organized to prepare against a mass shooting in Ohio schools, a few dozen men sat at booths just outside promising their bullet resistant glass, shot spotting technology, and armed teacher training could prevent or at least slow down the next one.

The intersection of capitalism and the American epidemic of mass violence in schools collided in the vendor hall of the Ohio School Safety Summit last Tuesday at the Columbus Convention Center. Companies from all over the U.S. peddled technological, mechanical and surveillant responses to potential carnage.

They sell a measure of safety to school officials, politicians and parents, all terrified of their childrens schools becoming targets. There have been 386 school shootings in the U.S. since the Columbine High School shooting of 1999, according to a Washington Post count. Hundreds of students and staff members have died or been injured in those shootings; thousands have been exposed to the violence. The Post tracked 14 school shootings in Ohio in that time.

Outside the conference Tuesday stood TG Cook, a former police officer who now sells comprehensive school lockdown systems with The Lockout Company, of Michigan. He explained that tactical minds consider schools to be soft targets in that theyre unlocked most the day.

Weve designed them to be comfortable learning environments, which is contrary to safe places sometimes, he said. I walk into a number of schools where they have beautiful buildings full of glass but no place for anybody to be safe. That would be a soft target.

He stood in front of an array of bullet resistant ballistic shields, special placards designed to identify rooms or illuminate hallways when shone with a police flashlight, and a tablet device that can control all entry and exit points of a school. The idea is students or faculty, in the event of a shooting, can easily trigger a five-pound plate to barricade a door. That door can then withstand up to 16,000 pounds of pressure without giving, according to the company. Within three seconds, similar plates fall, steeling doorways schoolwide. Within eight seconds, dispatchers are notified. The company provides police with color-coded maps and a sense of whats happening in the school, whose doors can be opened via the tablet.

Cook said the company is already in schools around Ohio. It costs about $1,800 per classroom. The company gives recommendations but works with schools budgets and helps coordinate grants. The goal, he said, is to protect the kids.

A few booths down, Kevin Hallum pitched school officials on his bullet resistant window coverings. His company, Safe Haven Defense, of Phoenix, also sells a less protective safety laminate designed to keep people out for up to 15 minutes, or another for up to an hour. But his best stuff, he said, can stop most small rounds.

The idea is to keep a shooter at bay long enough for law enforcement to arrive and minimize or eliminate the threat, Hallum said. At some point Tuesday, he said he planned a demonstration of the glasss strength by smacking it with a bat.

We do an assessment for each school or building and well look at areas, well look at your access controls, well decide what level of protection do you need on each area of glass, he said.

In interviews with seven vendors, all said they launched their businesses within five years of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, when a 20-year-old man took his mothers rifle and killed 20 children and six staff members at a Connecticut elementary school in 2012. While some of the vendors spoke vaguely of a mental health problem and other larger issues at play behind the violence, most considered themselves a Band-Aid on the problem.

When you think about gun violence in the United States, it doesnt seem like were coming up with a lot of solutions for that, so I think obviously its a great market for people to come up with solutions that can keep people safer, Hallum said.

Ohio schools have experienced at least 14 instances of young men, usually aged 14 to 18 firing weapons on school premises, according to The Posts data. In 2012, T.J. Lane, a 17-year-old wearing shirt with killer written across it, stole a gun from a family member and entered Chardon High School. There, he killed three students and injured three others, one of whom was paralyzed. Families of the victims later sued the school district and its employees, alleging they negligently failed to prevent the shooting. Courts dismissed the suit under a state law that gives legal immunity to local government bodies and their employees.

A 16-year-old in 2016 nonfatally shot four students at Madison High School in Butler County with a gun stolen from his great grandmother. Just a few months later, a 17-year-old at West Liberty-Salem High School in Champaign County nonfatally shot a student twice before firing into two other classrooms, court records state. Earlier this year, the stepfather of a student at Pickerington High School, outside of Columbus, learning of a possible police investigation, shot and killed himself in a school office, according to The Columbus Dispatch.

The shootings in Ohio and their more-lethal counterparts nationally have done little to reverse steady gun deregulation from Ohio Republicans at the Statehouse.

After the 2022 mass shooting in Uvalde, Texas, when a 19-year-old fatally shot 19 students and two teachers, and injured 17 others with rifles he legally purchased, DeWine signed House Bill 99. It appropriated $117 million of federal coronavirus relief funds to pay for schools to harden themselves against attacks, lawmakers said at the time.

Along with the money, HB99 effectively reversed a state Supreme Court decision and gave school boards the decision to allow teachers to carry firearms. As of late March, 22 Ohio school districts have authorized their staff to carry guns, according to the Ohio Capital Journal.

The conference DeWine addressed focused more broadly, with speakers on topics like threat assessments, bullying, school security, sextortion and human trafficking. DeWine touted state investments in mental health care.

I think we at the state level have a moral obligation to make sure that every school, public and private int he state of Ohio, has the tools that they need to keep kids safe, DeWine said.

But the vendors were all focused on the hardware.

A little way from Hallum, Jason Moyer stood in front of his Indoor Gunshot Detection System. The products look like thermostats and are similar to Shotspotter technology used in Cleveland and Columbus. Its sensors look for a muzzle flash and listen for gunshots. If it detects fire, with what Moyer claimed is 99.9% accuracy, a third-party monitor with a priority channel notifies local police.

Five sensors and software costs $5,000, but prices increase from there for add-ons. Moyer said the company keeps grant writers on the payroll, which it loans out to schools to help them pay for the technology.

Several booths sold new camera systems. One sold an airhorn-like alarm, marketed as a unique sound to trigger active-shooter lock down procedures. Jim Levine, of Levine Security Solutions, sold training services to the people he considers most overlooked in preventing a school shooting  the bus drivers.

Brian Hess, of Elite Preparedness LLC, runs a company that offers a state-regulated Armed School Staff Essential Training (ASSET) program. But even for unarmed teachers, he offers de-escalation techniques or training on linkups with law enforcement responding to shootings. His work is free to schools, he said, thanks to the American Patriots Organization, a nonprofit.

What we bring to the table is an awareness level. So, our idea, first and foremost, is youre responsible for this population that is in your charge, he said. So how can I immediately protect life, safety and take the actionable steps not to freeze but to promote that were going to fight through this were going to live through this, and then relay that.

Jim Wyse works as the superintendent of the Millcreek-West Unity Local School District in northwest Ohio. The school board there didnt arm its teachers, given the district recently passed a levy to pay for a school resource officer on campus. But they did contract with The Lockout Company. In total, the district paid about $111,0000 for the 500 person building  about $90,000 of which was covered by a grant. School officials also procured shooter attack glass from Armoured One, according to Wyse.

Obviously, with everything that has happened in our country over the past I-dont-know-how-many how years, you just want to protect your staff and students as best as you can, he said.

Jake Zuckerman covers state politics and policy for Cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer.
LANCASTER, Ohio -- When thinking about the crusades, people imagine knights in shining armor, engaged in battles to defend Christianity. But few think about the new crop of crusaders in legislative arenas and courtrooms at all levels of American government whose goal is to enforce their Christian values and replace our secular government with what would essentially be a theocracy. They are part of what Marci A. Hamilton, a professor of practice in political science at the University of Pennsylvania, describes as the long-term drive to erase longstanding civil rights and to replace them with the religious dogma of the right.

Professor Max J. Skidmore of the University of Missouri at Kansas City contends in a recent Politics & Policy journal article that the Supreme Courts reversal of womens longstanding right to make family planning decisions for themselves is a prime example. Protestant fundamentalists and Catholics cooperated to capture one of Americas two major political parties. That Republican Party has now packed the courts. The result is the decision that melded political and religious ideologies into the radical Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization ruling overturning Roe v. Wade, he wrote.

Harvard Law School Emeritus Professor Laurence H. Tribe bluntly called the Supreme Courts Dobbs decision a theocratic movement to advance religiously based governance.

Ohios proposed Issue 1 on the Aug. 8 ballot is a step in that direction as part of the Christian legal movement to reshape America. Its proponents publicly claim that the citizen initiative process has been misused by big money and that changes are necessary to protect the Ohio Constitution from special interests. But Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose admitted the religious nature of the proposal when he said at a recent Lincoln Day dinner, as quoted in The Columbus Dispatch, Some people say this is all about abortion. Well, you know what, Im pro-life. I think many of you are as well. This is 100% about keeping a radical pro-abortion amendment out of our constitution.

Allowing religious doctrine to masquerade as civic duty, as Issue 1 does, is the first step toward making it almost impossible for citizens to pass any amendment opposed by religious conservatives in the future. A legal theory hatched by Harvard law professor Adrian Vermeule and promoted by some Christian conservatives is called Common Good Constitutionalism, after Vermeules book of that title. Vermeule advocates political strategy based on Catholic doctrine, according to a May 2022 article on the Critical Legal Thinking blog.

Vermeules theory requires the imposition of a vision of the conservative good that is determined outside of the legal order, University of Toronto law professor David Dryzenhaus blogged in 2020, and should concern us all.

As summarized by Politicos Ian Ward, the adherents of Common Good Constitutionalism believe the Constitution empowers the government to pursue conservative political ends, even when those ends conflict with individual rights as most Americans understand them. That includes outright bans on abortion and same-sex marriage, sweeping limits on freedom of expression and expanded authorities for the government to do everything from protecting the natural environment to prohibiting the sale of porn.

Chuck Ardo is a retired political consultant.

As Eric Levitz of New York Magazines Intelligencer chillingly explains it, Vermeule argues that right-wing jurists should reinterpret the U.S. Constitution as a charter demanding the subjugation of infidels to rulers who share all of Adrian Vermeules views on God and good government.

Historically, the crusades were about subjugating infidels to Christian rulers. Currently, they are about subjugating the country to Christian rule. The current crop of Christian crusaders is willing to sacrifice our secular government to advance religion-infused agendas, even though this countrys Founding Fathers separated church and state in order to protect them both. To save our democracy, we must reject any theocratic movement to advance religiously based governance.

Chuck Ardo is a retired political consultant in Lancaster, Ohio. He previously served as press secretary to former Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell.

Have something to say about this topic?

* Send a letter to the editor, which will be considered for print publication.

* Email general questions about our editorial board or comments or corrections on this editorial to Elizabeth Sullivan, director of opinion, at esullivan@cleveland.com
CLEVELAND, Ohio  Just when Northeast Ohio residents are allowed to catch their breath, theyre told to hold back again.

The increasing heat is resulting in more ground-level ozone in the region, and thats resulted in the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency issuing an air quality advisory on Thursday for Cuyahoga, Ashtabula, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Medina, Portage and Summit counties.

The advisory takes effect at 12 a.m. Friday and continues through the day until 12 a.m. Saturday.

Children, the elderly and people with breathing difficulties are advised to limit outdoor activities because theyre most likely to be affected by the air quality.

Much of northern Ohio will be under a heat advisory from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday. The National Weather Service warns that temperatures could reach the mid-90s, but it could feel like 104 degrees because of the humidity.

NOACA officials say residents could help keep ozone levels down by driving less, waiting to mow the lawn until the evening, and working from home if possible.

The heat wave will be short. Storms are expected Friday night and Saturday morning, and cooler air will follow behind. Highs on Saturday will be in the low 80s and on Sunday will stay in the upper 70s.

Related content on cleveland.com:

When will we get a break from the heat? Northeast Ohios weekend forecast

Forget global warming! Its global boiling as July cruises toward hottest month ever
GENEVA, Switzerland  DNA tests have confirmed that a body recently found on a glacier near the famed Matterhorn peak is that of a German mountaineer who disappeared 37 years ago.

As glacier melting increases, something many scientists blame on global warming, there has been a recent increase in discoveries of the remains of hikers, skiers and other Alpinists who went missing decades ago.

The body that police in southwestern Switzerland identified on Thursday was that of a 38-year-old German who went missing in September 1986 and that searches at the time did not find him.

Mountaineers on the Theodul Glacier near the Italian border found the remains of the man on July 12. They were transported to a nearby hospital for analysis, where genetic tests confirmed his identity.

Police did not provide any additional information of the climbers identity nor on the circumstances of his death, CNN reported.

Authorities released a photograph of a lone hiking boot with red laces sticking out of the snow, along with some hiking equipment that had belonged to the missing person.

Swiss climatologists and other experts say the countrys glaciers have been melting at accelerated rates in recent years, attributing it in part to climate change caused by human activity, The Associated Press reported.

Swiss glaciers suffered their worst melt rate in 2022 since records began more than a century ago, losing 6% of their volume that year, a loss nearly double the previous record of 2003, Reuters reported.

The melt was so extreme in 2022 that bare rock that had remained buried for millennia re-emerged at one site.

That melting around the globe has led to the discovery of bodies and even a plane lost elsewhere in the Alps decades ago, according to CNN and CBS News.

Italian mountain rescue crews in August 2017 recovered the remains of hikers on a glacier on Mont Blancs southern face likely dating from the 1980s or 1990s.

The month before that, a shrinking glacier in Switzerland revealed the bodies of a frozen couple who went missing 75 years ago. Marcelin Dumoulin and his wife, Francine, were 40 and 37 years old when they disappeared on Aug. 15, 1942.

In 2016, the bodies of a renowned mountain climber and expedition cameraman who were buried in a Himalayan avalanche in 1999 were revealed by a partially melting glacier.

And in 2015, the remains of two Japanese climbers who went missing on the Matterhorn in a 1970 snowstorm were found and their identities confirmed through the DNA testing of their relatives.

If the melting trend continues, the disappearance of glaciers will have cascading impacts, CNN said.

Glaciers play a vital role in providing fresh water for nearly 2 billion people. Their melting could contribute to sea level rise.

Some regions of the world are much more dependent on the glacier mountains than we are here  in some cases they are much more vulnerable than the Alps, Glaciologist Lindsey Nicholson at the University of Innsbruck, in Austria told CNN.
AstraZeneca's chief financial officer on Friday said that geopolitical tensions are not impacting the company's China operations, following a report that the pharma giant is considering spinning off its business in the country.

"We're in an industry that is producing life-saving medicines, that is helping China and actually citizens all across the globe in improving their health in reducing costs overall for healthcare systems. So I think we're just in a very unique space and we don't really see geopolitics playing a role in doing business in China," Aradhana Sarin told CNBC's "Squawk Box Europe."

The Financial Times reported on June 18 that AstraZeneca had drawn up plans to spin off its China business and potentially list it in Hong Kong, in order to shield it from China's strained relationship with the U.S. and Europe. The same report noted that the plans were not a certainty, and that a Shanghai listing was another possibility.

Sarin said she would not comment on "rumors" regarding a potential China breakaway.

She added that AstraZeneca has been operating in China for a decade and is its largest pharmaceutical company.

"China has actually been a great business for us," Sarin said, observing that the company's China branch had recorded four successive quarters of growth.

"But what's really interesting about China is not just the commercial business, which is doing really well, but actually all the innovation that is coming out of China when we run our...global clinical studies. And a lot of the studies are also running in China," she said.

"There's also the ability to tap into local innovation. And it's not just us, even many of our peers have done licencing deals with really innovative biotech companies in China," she added. "So it's really not just commercial [interest], but being able to tap into that innovation."

AstraZeneca earnings on Friday showed revenue growth ahead of estimates at 6% in the second quarter, following 1% growth in the first half. Core earnings per share rose by 25% to $2.15.

The company's China revenues expanded by 7%, slightly above the 6% recorded in Europe, but below the 10% growth in the U.S., including Covid-related figures.
The Stoxx 600 index closed 0.2% lower, with most sectors in negative territory. Media stocks led the losses, down around 1.3%.

The Bank of Japan on Friday kept its negative interest interest rate intact but announced it would allow "greater flexibility" in its target range for 10-year Japanese government bond yields  a move seen by some analysts as a signal for an eventual policy shift, though how significantly remained unclear.

Japan's strict yield curve control policy will now allow movements in the range of around plus and minus 0.5% without "rigid limits," the central bank said. The central bank also offered to buy 10-year bonds at 1% every business day through fixed-rate operations, effectively expanding its tolerance by another 50 basis points.

The unexpected move rattled Asia-Pacific markets, with Japan's Nikkei 225 falling by over 2%, the yen gaining and the 10-year bond yield rising to its highest level since September 2014.

Global markets are sensitive to monetary policy moves in Japan, due to its longstanding status as the world's biggest creditor nation.

It comes after the European Central Bank Thursday delivered an expected 25-basis-point rate hike and gave few clues as to how far it has left to go, though it stressed inflation is "still expected to remain too high for too long."

On the data front, gross domestic product readings from some of the euro zone's biggest economies painted a mixed picture. France's economy grew by 0.5% versus the prior quarter, up from 0.1% growth, though Germany stagnated. Spanish growth came in at 0.4%, a slight dip from 0.5%.

On Wall Street, U.S. stocks rose Friday with the Dow Jones Industrial average and S&P 500 set to close out their third winning week in a row as a measure of inflation closely watched by the Federal Reserve came in at its lowest in nearly two years.

 CNBC's Sarah Min, Alex Harring, Clement Tan and Sumathi Bala contributed to this report.
Goldman Sachs has identified a number of Chinese stocks to buy after the government announced a number of major fiscal stimulus measures this week. "The window for the 'China trade' has opened," its analysts led by Kinger Lau said in a July 26 research note. "At the stock level, we emphasize a select group of GS Buy-rated companies that appear well-placed in stimulus-exposed areas, notably the platform economy, consumer services, electric vehicle supply chain, renewables, hi-tech manufacturing, new infrastructure, and late-cycle property plays." China's Politburo, the decision-making body of the country's Communist Party, held its July meeting on Monday. It pledged to "adjust and optimize policies in a timely manner" for its beleaguered property sector, along with other measures designed to boost domestic consumption demand and resolve local debt risks. The event typically sets the tone for the country's economic policies for the second half of the year, and Goldman noted that initial market reaction to the meeting was positive. The bank added that it expects Chinese stocks to "trade better" in the coming months. "The post-event market price actions are encouraging, but policy follow-through and implementation is required to sustain the recovery trade," its analysts noted. A 'tactical bounce' Goldman said that, although structural growth concerns remain, the meeting "reaffirms our view that the policy put has been activated, and the window for a tactical bounce for Chinese stocks is now open." Goldman screened for buy-rated stocks in several areas related to China's policy announcement, including internet giants Tencent and JD , as well as its medical platform JD Health . In real estate, Goldman is buy-rated on property software company Beike and on mobile components company BYD Electronic as well as online recruitment firm Kanzhun . Search engine giant Baidu and drinks company China Resources Beer are also picks of the bank, and appear on its Asia-Pacific conviction list of top buy-rated stocks.  CNBC's Michael Bloom and Clement Tan contributed to this report.
Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg testifies before the U.S. House Financial Services Committee during a hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington on Oct. 23, 2019.

Facebook users have less than one month left to apply for their share of a $725 million settlement over the social network's privacy violations, part of the lengthy fallout from the Cambridge Analytica scandal that rocked the U.S. electoral process and Silicon Valley.

The settlement, signed in December 2022, was the largest class action settlement of its kind, according to Keller Rohrback, the law firm that brought the class action suit. It ended years of litigation over Facebook's role in improper data sharing with a data consultancy firm used by Donald Trump's 2016 presidential campaign.

In all, the Cambridge Analytica scandal cost Meta, Facebook's parent company, nearly $5.9 billion. Beyond the $725 million settlement, the company paid a record $5 billion settlement to the Federal Trade Commission, alongside a further $100 million to the Securities and Exchange Commission.

People who had an active U.S. Facebook account between May 2007 and December 2022 have until Aug. 25 to enter a claim. Individual settlement payments haven't yet been established because payouts depend on how many users submit claims and how long each user maintained a Facebook account.

Facebook users can make a claim by visiting Facebookuserprivacysettlement.com and entering their name, address, email address, and confirming they lived in the U.S. and were active on Facebook between the aforementioned dates.

Facebook rebranded itself as Meta in 2021 and settled the class action suit a year later. In some ways, it's a much different company than it was during the Cambridge Analytica scandal. The company has since expanded further into the metaverse with new hardware products such as the Quest 3, coming this fall. It's also revealed its Llama 2 large language artificial intelligence model; Reels, to compete with TikTok; and, more recently, Threads, which is taking on Twitter.

The breach forced Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg to testify before Congress and to take out full-page ads where he apologized for the missteps. "I'm sorry we didn't do more at the time. We're now taking steps to ensure this doesn't happen again," Zuckerberg said.

The $725 million settlement was not an admission of wrongdoing.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has looked to woo American semiconductor firms to invest in his country. Anna Moneymaker | Getty Images

Chief executives of some of the U.S.'s top semiconductor firms poured praise on India's technology sector at an event on Friday attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the world's fifth-largest economy looks to position itself as a global chip powerhouse. The CEOs of Micron and Cadence and senior executives at Applied Materials and AMD were on stage at SemiconIndia alongside Modi, speaking about their investments in India's chip market. Ajit Manocha, the CEO of U.S.-based industry body SEMI, was also in attendance. "For the first time in India's history, geopolitics, domestic policies and private sector capacity are aligned in India's favor to become a player in semiconductor production," Manocha said during a keynote speech. "We will look back in the year 2023  as a milestone year in which things began to take shape." The event with some of the world's biggest chip firms highlights India's ambitions to become a major hub for semiconductors alongside the likes of the U.S., Taiwan and South Korea.

India's chip strategy

India's chip strategy consists of two major parts. The first is luring in foreign firms to set up operations and invest in the country while the second is on forming alliances with other key semiconductor nations like the U.S. New Delhi has introduced supportive policies for the semiconductor sector. In December, the government greenlit a $10 billion incentive plan for the semiconductor industry. This is open to foreign firms too. And last month, Modi visited the U.S. where he said India would work with America on semiconductors and other areas. At SemiconIndia, the American chip firms in attendance spoke about their investments in India and announced new ones, highlighting India's focus on attracting foreign companies. AMD said it plans to invest around $400 million in India over the next five years. This includes a new campus in Bangalore that will be the company's largest design center.

"India teams will be pivotal in advancing AI machine learning and both hardware and software capabilities," Mark Papermaster, CTO of AMD, said during a keynote speech on Friday. Last month, Micron announced plans to set up a semiconductor assembly and testing facility in the state of Gujarat in India. Micron's investment will total up to $825 million. "We are hopeful that this investment will help catalyze other investments in the sector, strengthen indigenous manufacturing capability, encourage innovation and support broader job creation," Sanjay Mehrotra, CEO of Micron, said on Friday. India's IT minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said Friday that construction on this plant would start "soon."

Foxconn's India setback

One other notable attendee was Young Liu, chairman of Foxconn, which is the Taiwanese company that assembles Apple's iPhones. Over the past couple years, Foxconn has made a push into semiconductors. It's biggest effort came last year when Foxconn agreed with Indian metals-to-oil conglomerate Vedanta to set up a semiconductor and display production plant in India as part of a $19.5 billion joint venture. However, Foxconn pulled out of the venture this month, dealing a blow to both the company and India's ambitions. Still, it hasn't seemed to deter both companies. Liu's presence at the event signals Foxconn's ambition to invest in India. Liu told CNBC-TV18 on Friday that Foxconn is looking to invest $2 billion in India over the next five years. Vedanta Group Chair Anil Agarwal said on Friday at SemiconIndia that the company has "identified world class partners for technology and are in the process of tying up with them" in semiconductors.

India's challenges

The high-profile event with all the CEOs masks some of India's challenges in the semiconductor industry. One area that India could be attractive in is the packaging and testing of semiconductors, according to Pranay Kotasthane, deputy director of the Takshashila Institution. This requires relatively low-skilled labor but high capital investment, which India could have. Yet no major Taiwanese firm in this segment of the market as set up shop in India. "The lack of policy consistency and high import tariffs are the bottlenecks that can explain why Taiwanese companies haven't moved ahead," Kotasthane said. Meanwhile, in the area of foundries, companies that actually manufacture semiconductors, there haven't been good technology partners for those trying to set up shop in India. The chip manufacturing tie-up between Vedanta and Foxconn reportedly relied on technology from European semiconductor firm STMicroelectronics. "None of the fab proposals have yet been able to find good technology partners," Kotasthane said. Still, analysts have pointed toward India's huge domestic market and other factors such as incentives as reasons for optimism on the country's chip market. On Friday, Modi touted India's credentials. "Skilled engineers and designers are our strength. Anyone who wants to be a part of the world's most vibrant and unified market has faith in India," the Indian prime minister said.
In this photo illustration, a container of Johnson and Johnson baby powder is displayed on April 05, 2023 in San Anselmo, California.

A federal bankruptcy judge on Friday rejected Johnson & Johnson 's second attempt to resolve tens of thousands of lawsuits alleging the company's talc baby powder and other talc-based products caused cancer.

J&J in 2021 offloaded those talc liabilities into a new subsidiary, LTL Management, and immediately filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protections.

Judge Michael Kaplan in Trenton, New Jersey, said in an opinion that LTL Management's second bankruptcy must be dismissed because the subsidiary was not in "imminent" or "immediate financial distress." A U.S. appeals court in April dismissed the first bankruptcy attempt over the same reason.

The decision jeopardizes J&J's proposed $8.9 billion settlement that would stop new lawsuits from being filed. The company previously said more than 60,000 claimants have already committed to voting in favor of the plan.

J&J said LTL Management intends to appeal the decision.

"LTL commenced its bankruptcy case in good faith and in strict compliance with the Bankruptcy Code," the company said in a statement.

"The Bankruptcy Code does not require a business to be engulfed in 'flames' to seek a reorganization supported by the vast majority of claimants," added Erik Haas, J&J's worldwide vice president of litigation.

J&J contends that research and clinical evidence demonstrates that its talc products remain safe.
BOCA CHICA, TX - SEPTEMBER 28: A gated entrance by a prototype of SpaceX's Starship spacecraft is seen at the company's Texas launch facility on September 28, 2019 in Boca Chica near Brownsville, Texas. The Starship spacecraft is a massive vehicle meant to take people to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. (Photo by Loren Elliott/Getty Images)

SpaceX ran a "full-pressure test" of a new "flame deflector" system at its Starship Super Heavy launch site in South Texas on Friday. However, CNBC has learned that the company never applied for the environmental permits that would allow it to discharge industrial process wastewater into the area surrounding the launchpad as normally required by the federal Clean Water Act.

The flame deflector, or water deluge system, is meant to diffuse heat, sound and energy generated by orbital test flights and launches of the company's largest ever rocket, which Elon Musk hopes will take people and equipment to the moon, and eventually to Mars.

SpaceX hasn't disclosed how much water a system test consumes at the site, where that water will run off and what it contains. The Starbase facility, a spaceport with some manufacturing operations onsite, is surrounded by wetlands along the Gulf of Mexico at the southernmost point in Texas. The habitat is crucial for migrating and nesting endangered species and is important to the indigenous population.

After CNBC reported on the company's pushing ahead with no permits on Friday, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk shared a post on social media about a "New water deluge system to protect against the immense heat & force of Starship launch." The post included a video showing copious amounts of water flowing from the test site into the surrounding land at the Boca Chica, Texas facility.

In an email to CNBC, a spokesperson for the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), the state's environmental regulator, confirmed that as of July 28, SpaceX had not applied for what is called a Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (TPDES) permit at its Starbase facility. The regulator said the SpaceX site has previously attained three stormwater permit authorizations.

"The determination of whether a discharge permit is needed is the responsibility of the business owner based on how they plan to manage wastewater," the TCEQ wrote in an email to CNBC. The state agency has been in discussions with SpaceX about industrial permitting, the regulator added.

SpaceX hasn't said why it went ahead without a permit and didn't respond to a request for comment.

Eric Roesch, an environmental engineer, has been tracking how SpaceX and other aerospace companies comply with environmental regulations in Texas via his newsletter ESGHound.

"Industrial process water is a regulated pollutant under the Clean Water Act," Roesch told CNBC in an interview. "Heat, silt and a range of chemicals that mix into wastewater will degrade the biological integrity of any surrounding wetlands, and erode water quality over time."

Permits, when granted, require proper treatment and safe disposal of wastewater from industrial processes, Roesch added. Launch sites that feature "deluge" and other water-based cooling systems in the U.S. have a permit equivalent to a TPDES going back to the earliest days of the Space Shuttle.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency's website, criminal enforcement actions can apply to people or companies who "negligently" or "knowingly" discharge pollutants from a "point source" into waters of the United States without a permit. Penalties can include prison time and fines amounting to $2,500 to $50,000 per day.
Check out the companies making headlines before the bell.

Intel  Shares popped 6.7% after the chipmaker posted better-than-expected second-quarter results and a return to profitability after two consecutive losing periods. Intel's forecast for the third quarter also came in above analyst expectations. The company reported adjusted earnings of 13 cents a share on revenue of $12.95 billion.

Roku  The streaming stock rallied nearly 10% after reporting a narrower-than-expected loss for the second quarter. Roku reported a loss of 76 cents a share and revenues of $847 million. Analysts polled by Refinitiv had anticipated a loss of $1.26 per share and $775 million in revenue.

Biogen  Biogen shares moved slightly lower after the biotechnology company said it's acquiring Reata Pharmaceuticals for $172.50 per share, in a cash deal valued at about $7.3 billion. Shares of Reata soared more than 51% on the news.

Procter & Gamble  The consumer giant saw shares rise more than 1% in premarket trading after the company reported quarterly earnings and revenue that beat analysts' expectations. However, P&G released a gloomy outlook for its fiscal 2024 sales that fell short of Wall Street's estimates.

Exxon Mobil  Shares moved slightly lower after the oil stock posted mixed second-quarter results. The company reported earnings of $1.94 a share, excluding items, which fell short of the $2.01 expected by analysts, per Refinitiv. Revenue came in at $82.91 billion, above the expected $80.19 billion.

Chevron  The oil stock lost nearly 1% even after reporting a beat on the top and bottom lines for the second quarter. Earnings fell from a year ago due to a drop in oil prices.

First Solar  Shares soared 12% after the solar company posted earnings per share of $1.59 on revenue of $811 million for the second quarter. Those results beat Wall Street expectations of 96 cents per share on revenue of $721 million, according to Refinitiv. The company also announced plans to invest up to $1.1 billion to build a fifth manufacturing facility in the U.S.

Enphase Energy  Shares of Enphase dropped more than 15% after the company posted second-quarter revenue Thursday of $711 million that fell short of analyst estimates of $722 million, according to Refinitiv. The stock also faced a wave of downgrades Friday morning from Deutsche Bank, Wells Fargo and Roth MKM.



Sweetgreen  Shares of the salad chain slid more than 13% after the company posted weak sales that missed Wall Street expectations in the second quarter and a net loss of $27.3 million, or 24 cents per share. Sweetgreen did say it's aiming to turn a profit for the first time by 2024.



Ford Motor  The automaker said adoption of electric vehicles is going more slowly than the company forecast and that it expects to lose $4.5 billion on the EV business this year, widening losses from roughly $3 billion a year earlier. Otherwise, Ford posted strong quarterly earnings that beat Wall Street expectations and raised its full-year guidance. Shares were flat in premarket trading.

Juniper Networks  Shares of the technology company fell 8% after Juniper's third-quarter guidance came in lighter than expected. The company said it expects earnings per share between 49 cents and 59 cents, with revenue between $1.34 billion and $1.44 billion. Analysts had penciled in 62 cents per share and $1.48 billion of revenue. The company's second-quarter results did come in slightly above expectations.

AstraZeneca  U.S.-listed shares of the drugmaker added more than 5% before the bell. The U.K.-based company reported second-quarter earnings of $2.15 per share on $11.42 billion in revenue. That surpassed the EPS of $1.95 expected by analysts polled by Refinitiv on revenues of $11.03 billion. AstraZeneca also said it would buy a portfolio of preclinical rare disease gene therapies from Pfizer for up to $1 billion.

Xpeng  The Chinese electric-vehicle stock jumped more than 6% in the premarket. Jefferies upgraded shares to a buy from a hold, citing Xpeng's joint development plan with Volkswagen.

New York Community Bancorp  The regional bank stock rose about 2% before the bell after JPMorgan upgraded New York Community Bancorp to an overweight rating from neutral. The Wall Street firm called the company a "massive market share taker" in its upgrade.

Mondelez International  Mondelez International added 2.7% before the bell on strong second-quarter results. The snack maker on Thursday reported earnings of 76 cents a share, excluding items, on $8.51 billion in revenue. Analysts polled by Refinitiv had estimated EPS of 69 cents and revenue of $8.21 billion.

 CNBC's Tanaya Macheel, Yun Li and Jesse Pound contributed reporting.
There's a "new energy" now at New York Community Bank , JPMorgan says. For the first time in its coverage of the bank dating back to the great financial crisis, JPMorgan upgraded shares to overweight from neutral. New York Community Bank has undergone a significant transformation over the past year. After its merger with midwestern-based Flagstar Bank, NYCB acquired certain assets and liabilities of Signature Bank. It also absorbed teams from the former First Republic Bank, making it a home to 127 private banking teams in more than 10 cities combined. "With ~$120B of assets behind the company and a new energy under CEO Tom Cangemi, we see New York Community emerging as a potential massive market share taker over the next several years ," analyst Steven Alexopoulos wrote in a Friday note. The analyst raised his price target on shares to $16 from $13. The new price objective implies almost 23% upside from Thursday's close. "While we don't downplay the challenge of cultural integration that still lies ahead, it's very clear to us that this company is already fully on offense. In fact, from a culture perspective with the Signature culture being preserved, it's very likely that NYCB becomes a talent magnet with the former First Republic teams joining as just the tip of the iceberg," Alexopoulos added. The bank posted an earnings and revenue beat for the second quarter, Alexopoulos noted. With regional banking stocks still "out of favor," investors can currently buy NYCB shares at an 11% discount to its peers in terms of tangible book value, he added. "We see a significant growth runway ahead for the bank combined with the opportunity to improve the bank's funding mix by replacing high-cost funding with low-cost core deposit growth," Alexopoulos said. Shares gained almost 2% Friday in premarket trading. The stock is up more than 50% year to date.  CNBC's Michael Bloom contributed to this report.
Donald Trump on Friday appealed a judge's recent denial of his request that his pending New York state criminal case be transferred to federal court.

Trump, 77, was indicted in late March by a grand jury in Manhattan Supreme Court on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records related to payments made to Michael Cohen, his former personal lawyer.

The payments reimbursed Cohen, and then some, for the lawyer's $130,000 hush money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels right before the 2016 presidential election, intended to keep her quiet about an alleged one-time sexual tryst with Trump. Trump had recorded the payments to Cohen as being for legal services.

Trump asked federal Judge Alvin Hellerstein to transfer his case from state court to U.S. District Court in Manhattan, arguing that because the records were created when he was president, the case properly belonged in federal court.

In a blunt decision July 19 denying the request, Hellerstein wrote, "Trump has failed to show that the conduct charged by the Indictment is for or related to any act performed by or for the President under color of the official acts of a President."

"The evidence overwhelmingly suggests that the matter was purely a personal item of the President, a cover-up of an embarrassing event," the judge wrote.

Trump, who is the front-runner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, is now asking the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit to overturn Hellerstein's ruling.

The case is being prosecuted by the Manhattan District Attorney's Office. A state court judge has scheduled a trial in the case to begin late March 2024.

Trump has pleaded not guilty in the case. He also denies having had sex with Daniels.
Former U.S. President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks at a campaign event in Council Bluffs, Iowa, July 7, 2023.

Federal prosecutors in a new court filing blasted a request by Donald Trump to be allowed to discuss classified information for his criminal case in Florida at home with his defense attorneys, outside of a specially secured room.

Prosecutors also are opposing a request by one of the former president's co-defendants in the case, valet Walt Nauta, for access to classified information, as opposed to only his attorneys, noting that Nauta is only charged with an effort to conceal boxes containing the information.

The filing Thursday came on the same day that prosecutors filed several new criminal charges in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida against Trump and Nauta, accusing them of an effort to delete video surveillance footage at Trump's Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach. The footage shows boxes of classified records being moved around the club at the same time federal officials were seeking to recover them.

A third defendant was also added to the case, Mar-a-Lago maintenance chief Carlos de Oliveira, who allegedly played a role in the deletion effort

Prosecutors in their filing called Trump's request to be allowed to discuss classified information with his lawyers at Mar-a-Lago "extraordinary," and "particularly striking" given the fact that that is the same home where he is charged with retaining classified documents in scores of boxes after leaving office.

"The government is not aware of any case in which a defendant has been permitted to discuss classified information in a private residence, and such exceptional treatment would not be consistent with the law," prosecutors for Department of Justice special counsel Jack Smith wrote.

"Defendant Trump's personal residences and offices are not lawful locations for the discussion of classified information, any more than they would be for any private citizen," prosecutors wrote.

The filing noted that since the end of Trump's presidency in January 2021, neither Mar-a-Lago nor his summer residence at his Bedminster, New Jersey, club have been authorized locations to store, possess or discuss classified information.

One of the new charges Thursday against Trump relates to him showing a highly classified document about a U.S. military plan of attack on Iran to people without security clearances at Bedminster in July 2021.

Prosecutors are proposing that Judge Aileen Cannon issue a protective order that would require Trump and his lawyers only to discuss classified information with each other with a so-called SCIF, or sensitive compartmented information facility, which is designed to prevent people not authorized to hear the information from doing so.

In their argument against Nauta being allowed to discuss such information at all with lawyers, prosecutors wrote that "the contents of the classified documents contained in the boxes, and the national defense information that they contain, are not material to proving or defending against those charges" pending against him.
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday praised his country's close friendship with North Korea and vowed to step up economic, political and security ties with the isolated state in a letter shared with President Kim Jong Un as Russian and Chinese delegates gathered in Pyongyang for Korean War Armistice celebrations.

An unclassified U.S. intelligence report released Thursday pointed to increase in China's economic support for Russia as it seeks to mitigate the effect of Western sanctions.

The assessment by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence said that China has "become an even more critical economic partner for Russia since the invasion of Ukraine" and that it is "pursuing a variety of economic support mechanisms for Russia that mitigate both the impact of Western sanctions and export controls."

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy posted a video Thursday saying that Ukrainian forces have recaptured the village of Staromaiorske, as Kyiv steps up its counteroffensive near the border of the Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia regions.

Elsewhere, Britain's Ministry of Defense said that the war in Ukraine will "almost certainly" compound food insecurity across Africa for at least the next two years.
The Vulcan rocket for the Cert-1 mission stands at SLC-41 during testing in Cape Canaveral, Florida, May 12, 2023.

United Launch Alliance still plans to fly its heavy-lift Vulcan rocket by late 2023  despite suffering a mishap earlier this year after an engine exploded during testing.

CNBC previously reported that one of Blue Origin's BE-4 engines, ordered for ULA's second Vulcan rocket launch, detonated last month. ULA CEO Tory Bruno said in an interview for CNBC's "Manifest Space" podcast that the engine faced setbacks during its acceptance phase, but that such occurrences are not uncommon.

"[It] happens in a production run on a rocket  somewhere on the rocket  pretty much every month, and it won't be news once the other things we're doing are less interesting," Bruno explained. "The ones at the launch site have already been through this successfully and even been hot fired in the flight readiness firing."

Vulcan's first flight has been delayed several times due to necessary modifications. The debut flight will launch two demo satellites for Amazon's Project Kuiper. The tech giant is planning on spending $120 million on building a facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center for developing satellites for its internet service network.

United Launch Alliance, the joint venture of Lockheed Martin and Boeing , is one of two key launch partners for the satellite project, in addition to Jeff Bezos-backed Blue Origin.

Follow and listen to CNBC's "Manifest Space" podcast, hosted by Morgan Brennan, wherever you get your podcasts.

Once United Launch Alliance successfully conducts its first two Vulcan missions, the U.S. Space Force will consider clearing the heavy rocket for national security launches. The military division equally divided contracts between ULA and SpaceX for the 12 military missions it's designated for launch in 2025, with Vulcan selected to fly two missions for the National Reconnaissance Organization.

While only two companies are currently cleared for national security space launches, the Space Force is expanding its list of future rocket launches  and opening the program up to more launch providers.

When asked about the expanded program, Bruno told CNBC that ULA is seeking clarity from the Space Force.

"There is certainly an effort for capacity," Bruno said. "But in terms of a competitive landscape, it's not competition if everybody wins."

The growing demand for military space, however, speaks to a key focus for Bruno: that space is not simply a force multiplier, but "absolutely required for basic military effectiveness" against other nations, particularly China.

As the country has rapidly developed anti-satellite weaponry, the ULA CEO hinted that the company is looking to accelerate its in-space services. According to Bruno, United Launch Alliance is in talks with smaller players to obscure the location of military payloads once they're in orbit, thereby making it more difficult for opponents to target them.

"It's a little bit of a fever pitch," Bruno said. "We have to deal with this problem urgently."
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken (L) meets with State Councilor and Foreign Minister of China Qin Gang in Beijing, China on June 19, 2023. Foreign Ministry of China | Anadolu Agency | Getty Images

BEIJING  The flurry over Qin Gang's disappearance and removal from the position of foreign minister has little impact on U.S.-China relations, analysts said. Qin had only held the position for about six months before he disappeared from public view in late June  with little explanation. China officially announced his dismissal from the foreign minister role on Tuesday. China's top diplomat Wang Yi is reassuming the foreign minister role, a position he held for two terms before his promotion late last year within the ruling Chinese Communist Party. He has met with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken twice in the last two months. "China's foreign minister is an implementer of decisions made by [Chinese President] Xi Jinping and his close circle; their role in actual policy formulation is relatively limited," said Nick Marro, global trade leader at The Economist Intelligence Unit. "We don't expect the recent events to have a significant impact on China's diplomatic relations," he said. "That said, the opacity attached to all of this drama will complicate some of the logistics underpinning foreign engagement." China's foreign ministry has declined to shared why Qin had to leave his position.

watch now

While Wang's return to the foreign minister role is unusual, his promotion to top diplomat had also come contrary to expectations of retirement. Xi meanwhile has broken precedent by taking a third term as president in March, and installing loyalists in top positions without the same government experience as their predecessors. "In returning Wang to the helm at the foreign ministry, Xi appears to have opted for a steady pair of hands over any of the younger crop of candidates, buying time for potential successors to be fully vetted and groomed," said Eurasia Group's Jeremy Chan, consultant for China and Northeast Asia, and Anna Ashton, director for China corporate affairs and U.S.-China. "Wang's oversight of policy implementation is therefore likely to strengthen the consistency of Beijing's diplomatic messaging and actions, while further cementing the party's already strong guidance of foreign affairs," the Eurasia Group analysts said in a note. While pressuring China has become an area of rare bipartisan agreement in the U.S., critics say the Biden administration has not had a comprehensive China strategy.

What happened to Qin?
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 27)  President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said it is unclear how Senator Risa Hontiveros' resolution to raise China's harassment over the West Philippine Sea before the United Nations would reach its policy-making organ.

"The senator [Hontiveros] is free to file whatever resolutions she wants but I do not know how that will translate into any action that will reach the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)The United Nations entertains governments, not parts of government," the country's chief diplomat told the media in Malaysia.

"Generally speaking, foreign policy is not set by the legislature. Generally speaking, foreign policy is left up to the executive," he said.

Hontiveros' resolution urges the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), an executive department, to take the issue before the UNGA so the assembly would call on China to cease its harassment over Philippine waters.

READ: Hontiveros wants DFA to seek UNGA resolution to stop China's harassment in WPS

She argued that while these were not legally binding, a UNGA resolution had significant political weight and would serve as an expression of the will and consensus of the international community.

In her measure, she said this had the "potential to shape international norms, influence national policies, and provide guidance for the work of other UN organs, specialized agencies, and regional organizations."

Senate President Miguel Zubiri said the upper chamber was confident Hontiveros' resolution would pass by next week.

"As to whether we will retain the original wording, that remains to be seen. We will meet with the DFA, the Task Force on the West Philippine Sea, and the NICA [National Intelligence Coordinating Agency] to hear their concerns," he said Thursday.

According to Zubiri, senators had different ideas on how to approach the subject but were all united in the desire to condemn the harassment of Filipino vessels in the West Philippine Sea, and to enforce the 2016 ruling which nullified China's sweeping claims in the South China Sea.

"The ultimate aim is for the government to take concrete action before international fora and solicit multilateral cooperation, particularly with coastal states who share our interest in ensuring that the UNCLOS [United Nations Convention on the Law of Sea] is respected. We want to introduce amendments to that effect," he said.

During his second State of the Nation Address on Monday, Marcos remained silent on Chinese harassment over the West Philippine Sea.

READ: Marcos silent on Chinese harassment in WPS in 2nd SONA, vows to defend sovereignty
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 28)  Former Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) chief Jeremiah Belgica on Friday said he will appeal the Office of the Ombudsman's decision to dismiss him and four others from their posts over a graft complaint filed by DITO Telecommunications Corp.

READ: ARTA officials ordered dismissed by Ombudsman over telco complaint

The Ombudsman found Belgica and former ARTA officials Eduardo Bringas, Sheryl Pura-Sumagui, Jedrek Ng, and Melamy Salvadora-Asperin guilty of grave misconduct over the alleged irregular grant of frequencies to a telecommunications company.

They were accused of illegally issuing a resolution in 2021 that assigned contingent frequencies in favor of Now Telecom Company Inc., even though the same frequencies were already assigned to DITO by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) as third telco player.

According to the ruling, if the dismissal can no longer be enforced due to separation from service, they should instead pay a fine equal to their salary for one year. Penalties also include the cancellation of civil service eligibility, forfeiture of retirement benefits, and perpetual disqualification to hold public office.

In a statement, Belgica said they will file their appeal once they receive a copy of the Ombudsman's resolution. It was signed by Ombudsman Samuel Martires on March 3 but was only released on Thursday.

In June last year, Martires ordered a six-month preventive suspension against the former ARTA officials due to the complaint. Belgica filed a counter affidavit and appealed the suspension order.

Reacting to their dismissal, the former ARTA chief reiterated that the case was about their implementation of the automatic approval provision of the Republic Act 11032 or the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018.

"Katunayan, pinagtibay ng Court of Appeals (CA) noong nakaraang taon sa kasong Newsnet vs NTC na ang NTC, katulad ng lahat ng ahensya ng gobyerno, ay dapat sumunod sa batas laban sa red tape o ang R.A. 11032," Belgica said.

READ: CA denies NTC appeal vs. Newsnet permit

"Sa parehong desisyon, ipinawalang-bisa rin ng CA ang opinyon o resolusyon ng Kalihim ng Katarungan na naging basehan ng kaso sa Ombudsman laban sa amin," he added.

[Translation: In fact, it was affirmed by the Court of Appeals last year in the case of Newsnet vs. NTC that NTC, like any government agency, must follow the law against red tape or Republic Act 11032. In that same decision, the CA voided the opinion or resolution of the Secretary of Justice, which was the basis of the case before the Ombudsman against us.]
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 28)  The government should heed Filipinos' call for action against China's incursions in the West Philippine Sea, opposition Senator Risa Hontiveros said Friday in response to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s statement that foreign policy should be left to the executive.

Hontiveros earlier filed a resolution seeking to elevate the issue of the maritime row to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). She specifically wants the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to sponsor a resolution at the UNGA calling on China to stop its harassment of Filipino vessels in the West Philippine Sea.

This was met with a heated debate in the Senate, followed by Marcos' cold response that "foreign policy is not set by the legislature."

READ: Marcos on Hontiveros' call to raise WPS incursions before UNGA: 'Foreign policy not set by legislature'

Asked about this, Hontiveros said her resolution simply seeks to express the Senate's condemnation of China's bullying, and urge the DFA to bring the issue to the UNGA.

"There have been resolutions in the past expressing the sense of the Senate that the Executive take action on certain issues. I'm sure, as a former senator, he knows this," Hontiveros said.

"Filipinos want government action against Chinas bullying. Pakinggan natin ang sambayanan [Let us listen to them]," she added.

Hontiveros proposed resolution is stalled in the Senate following opposition from Senator and former Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano, who argued that running to the UNGA may not be the proper strategy.

Senate President Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri, who co-sponsored Hontiveros' resolution, agreed to Cayetano's request for an executive session to further discuss the issue behind closed doors.

In his latest statement, Cayetano said the government should exercise wisdom, circumspection, and maturity in discussing the West Philippine Sea issue.

"In this regard, I believe not bringing this matter to the UN General Assembly is NOT a sign of weakness but a mark of maturity," he said.

"It is also not true that there is no other choice, nor that the Government is not doing anything. In fact, the UNGA option has been discussed many times in the past, and many experts have said that it will not help the Philippines' cause and might even weaken our position," he added.

This opinion is shared by the president's sister, Senator Imee Marcos, who expressed concern a Philippine resolution castigating China may not get enough votes in the UNGA.

Asked for comment, Senate Minority Leader "Koko" Pimentel III said he did not want to preempt the closed-door meeting on Monday.

Zubiri earlier expressed confidence the Senate will pass a resolution next week calling for concrete action in rallying allies to push China to respect international law in the sea dispute.

Beijing has consistently rejected the landmark 2016 arbitral ruling that recognized Manila's sovereign rights to areas in its exclusive economic zone which China contests.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 28)  Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Enrique Manalo stressed that while they have yet to receive official communication from their Chinese counterparts on the possible joint military exercises with Beijing, the offer will be evaluated before they can make any recommendations.

Manalo was reacting to the statement made by Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief Romeo Brawner Jr. that Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian informally offered a possible Philippine-China joint military exercises.

We have to see first on what they are proposing before we can make any recommendation, said Manalo.

The DFA chief said that his office has yet to receive any documents or official communication from the Chinese side.

I have not been involved with my counterpart, Manalo said in an interview with reporters.

During the 96th Anniversary of the Chinese People's Liberation Army on Thursday, Brawner floated the informal proposal of China to hold joint military exercises.

Brawner, however, did not go into specifics on where and when the military exercises will be held.

Well, they offered us that prospect, but we must study first. Informal lang. The ambassador [Huang Xilian] said they submitted white papers, but we have to study, said Brawner.

At the same event, Huang reiterated that China is ready to engage with the Philippines and resolve disputes through peaceful means.

China is willing to work with the Philippines to adhere to independence and good neighborliness, deepen practical cooperation in various fields, properly manage differences through consultation and dialogue, the Chinese envoy added.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 28)  Portugal wants to strengthen ties with the Philippines in the areas of maritime defense and security, among others, according to Lisbon's top diplomat.

"We also have opportunities for defense, education, and maritime cooperation," Portugal Foreign Minister Joao Gomes Cravinho said during his official visit to Manila on Friday.

He added that several Portuguese companies have expressed interest in investing in the Philippines.

Cravinho is the first Portuguese foreign minister to visit the country since 1946, according to his Philippine counterpart, Enrique Manalo.

"His official visit is a milestone to the Philippine-Portugal bilateral relations," the foreign affairs secretary said.

Cravinho also reiterated Portugal's support for Manila's historic arbitration win against Beijing in the South China Sea case.

Manalo, meanwhile, said he also discussed with Cravinho how the Philippines and Portugal can strengthen trade and investment relations, as well as the importance of increasing partnerships between the two countries' higher education and diplomatic training institutions.

CNN Philippines' correspondent Tristan Nodalo contributed to this report.
Havana, Cuba (CNN)  As a series of welcoming cannon blasts rang out from a nearby colonial fort, the Russian navys training class ship Perekop sailed into Havana on Tuesday.

While in Cuba for a four-day visit, the Perekops sailors will carry out a wide range of activities, according to Cubas state-run Prensa Latina news service, and members of the Cuban public will be given the opportunity to tour the ship.

It is the first official visit by a Russian naval vessel to Cuba in years  and another sign of the reforging of the relationship between the two Cold War-era allies after the collapse of the Soviet Union nearly brought down the Cuban economy with it.

While Russias invasion of Ukraine has led to its widespread ostracization, the Cuban government increasingly has defended Moscow.

We are condemning, we are rejecting, the expansion of NATO towards Russias borders, Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel told Russian-controlled network, RT, in a rare interview in May.

He also blasted US economic sanctions on Russia, while heralding Russian projects of cooperation and collaboration under development in Cuba.

The two countries have also announced a flurry of agreements and exchanged high level delegations. The deals include allowing Russia to lease land in Cuba for up to 30 years, develop beachside tourist facilities near Havana, open a supermarket with Russian products and supply the island with badly needed fuel.

According to Jorge R. Pinon, a senior research fellow at the University of Texas at Austin Energy Institute, from the beginning of the Ukraine war, Russia has sent Cuba more oil than at any time since the fall of the USSR. So far in 2023, Pinon estimated, Russian has delivered approximately $167 million worth of oil.

The oil has been a crucial lifeline for cash-strapped Cuba this year, as shortages led to days-long waits to fill up cars across the island.

Rekindling ties

For much of the Cold War, Cuba and the former Soviet Union cultivated deep ties.

The USSR stationed thousands of diplomats, spies and military advisers on the island and built a towering embassy in Havana meant to symbolize a scimitar in the heart of US imperialism.

A generation of Cubans braved unfamiliar cold weather to study in Soviet countries. A popular TV game show called 9550  for the number of kilometers separating Cuba from Russia  quizzed Cubans about Soviet life with the grand prize a paid trip to the USSR.

But following the collapse of the Soviet Union, Cuba lost its main trading partner and entered a deep economic depression. Since then, Cubans either regard their once-upon-a-time closeness with Russians with deep nostalgia or with the disdain of a failed marriage.

Now, the rekindled relationship has led some Cuba watchers to lament a missed opportunity for the US.

While former US President Barack Obama restored diplomatic relations with Cuba and eased economic sanctions, his successor, President Donald Trump reversed much of that opening. The current incumbent, President Joe Biden, has for the most part kept Trump-era sanctions in place while demanding that Cuba release prisoners jailed for taking place in widespread protests two years ago.

It seems that under Trump and followed by Biden, the US has all but ceded the field, said Ric Herrero, executive director of the Cuba Study Group, which promotes greater engagement between the US and Cuba.

There has been very modest easing of sanctions, mostly citing humanitarian concerns, and opening up travel, remittances and restaffing the embassy and consulate but we have seen a White House that otherwise has been unconcerned with Cuba, Herrero said.

But the USs top diplomat in Havana said the talk of a greater Russian presence in Cuba so far appears to be just lip-service.

Theres a great Spanish expression that between said and done theres a wide gap, Benjamin Ziff, Charge dAffaires at the US Embassy in Havana, told CNN. We havent seen, talking with our contacts here, any evidence of increased Russian anything and frankly I think the Cuban government would be making a huge mistake if that they sought to follow that model and not the model 90 miles away that has 300 years of history.

The Russians are not the only ones flexing military might in Cuba. On Tuesday, the Cuban government blasted the US for its nuclear submarines three-day visit to the US Naval base at Guantanamo Bay, calling it a provocative escalation.

More than sixty years after the US and the USSR faced-off over Soviet nuclear missiles secretly placed in Cuba, the East and West still appear to be jockeying over who will exert greater influence over the island.

Despite the high cost of the war in Ukraine and economic sanctions, Russian officials say they are committed to Cuba.

Cuba has been and remains Russias most important ally in the region, Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu said while meeting with his Cuban counterpart Alvaro Lopez Miera in late June in Moscow.

We are ready to render assistance to the island of freedom and to lend a shoulder to our Cuban friends, Shoigu said.

This story was first published on CNN.com, "A Russian navy ship docks in Cuba as tough times bring the old friends together."
(CNN)  Yevgeny Prigozhin, founder of the Wagner private military company, was spotted inside Russia on Thursday for the first time since he led an armed rebellion against the Russian military last month.

Prigozhin was seen in St. Petersburg, meeting with an African dignitary on the sidelines of the Russia Africa summit, according to accounts associated with the mercenary group.

The dignitary is part of the Central African Republic delegation to the summit. Wagner has had a presence in the Central African Republic for several years, as previously reported by CNN.

CNN was able to geolocate the photograph of Prigozhin and the dignitary to the Trezzini Palace Hotel in St. Petersburg, where, according to Russian media, the Wagner founder has kept an office. The hotel was one of the locations searched by Russian authorities on July 6, after the rebellion.

Since then, Prigozhin had only been seen in public on July 19, when he seemingly appeared in a video inside Belarus, apparently greeting Wagner fighters at a base in Asipovichy.

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko  a longtime ally of Russian President Vladimir  claimed he convinced Putin not to destroy Wagner and Prigozhin during the rebellion.

Prigozhins rebellion posed one of the biggest challenges to Putins long rule.

Typically a figure who has preferred to operate in the shadows, Prigozhin and his fighters were thrust into the spotlight following Russias invasion of Ukraine last year, with Wagner mercenaries playing a key role in multiple battles.

Prigozhin and Putin have known each other since the 1990s. Prigozhin became a wealthy oligarch by winning lucrative catering contracts with the Kremlin, earning him the moniker Putins chef.

His apparent transformation into a brutal warlord came in the aftermath of the 2014 Russian-backed separatist movement in the Donbas in eastern Ukraine.

Prigozhin founded Wagner as a shadowy mercenary outfit that fought both in Ukraine and, increasingly, for Russian-backed causes around the world.

CNN has tracked Wagner mercenaries in the Central African Republic, Sudan, Libya, Mozambique, Ukraine and Syria. Over the years they have developed a gruesome reputation and have been linked to multiple human rights abuses.

After Russias 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Wagner forces were heavily involved in taking the Ukrainian cities of Soledar and Bakhmut.

At times, Wagner forces seemed to be the only ones on the Russian side winning battles with the Ukrainians.

But Prigozhin was often critical of Russian military leadership and the support it was giving his troops.

In one particularly grim video from early May, Prigozhin stood next to a pile of dead Wagner fighters and took aim specifically at Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and chief of the Russian armed forces Gen. Valery Gerasimov.

The blood is still fresh, he says, pointing to the bodies behind him. They came here as volunteers and are dying so you can sit like fat cats in your luxury offices.

This story was first published on CNN.com, "Wagner chief Prigozhin seen back in Russia for first time since rebellion."
For Block A of Summer Session 2023, 13 students traveled with CC Professor of Philosophy Alberto Hernandez-Lemus to Kenya for his course, Kenya's Maasailand: Indigeneity in the Postcolonial British Commonwealth.

In the completely quintessential CC cross-collaboration, the course was cross-listed in philosophy and environmental studies. The philosophy aspect provided the framework for the class. Students explored the ideas of colonialism and conservation practices and how Eurocentric these ideals continue to be. They looked at the historical context of these ideas being imposed on populations that had lived and believed differently for many years. The Environmental Studies side of the class explored the competing theories on wildlife preservation and how it affects the land and people.

There is the way the Maasai try to preserve the land with complete openness, says Hernandez-Lemus. And then there is the colonial method of fortress conservation, creating boundaries to conserve the wildlife.

The uniqueness of the course and the balance of the two disciplines shed new light on these areas of study for many of the students.

This course was beyond the scope of a regular block, says philosophy major Sophia Assal 25. She was one of the students who traveled with this years course. I think that anyone could learn and be changed by taking it, whether it connects to their studies in an obvious way or not.

And when the students speak to the incredible experience they had and the knowledge they gained through the course, they cant help but also speak to the value that Prof Hernandez-Lemus added to the trip.

After our first info meeting with the Alberto, I was sold. I could feel Albertos energy and passion for the course and I knew I had to come along, says Assal. I dont have the talent or requisite word count to paint you an accurate picture of Alberto. He is a warm, caring, chaotic individual who gave his heart and soul and probably his physical health to this course. He has a fierce commitment to remaining hopeful in unhopeful times.

From May 30 to June 23, Hernandez-Lemus and his class lived and worked with the Maasai people at the Dopoi Center, adjacent to the Maasai Mara Natural Preserve in Southern Kenya. The center is a field station of Prescott College that regularly hosts members of the Maasai communities. It works to help Maasai people gain tourism credentials in order to provide for their communities and support the preservation of their culture.

These lands were originally coveted for agriculture purposes and then as natural preserves for tourism, making indigenous people and their land commodities, says Hernandez-Lemus. The same attitude still guides the states interaction with the Indigenous people. African states are totally complicit in this neo-colonial culture.

The classs study came full circle to the ideas of colonialism in human history, exploring the arbitrariness of international borders, and their effects on human and ecological landscapes.

The time with the Maasai people, immersed in their culture, helped students better understand how human groups were much more flexible without these borders. The class also exemplified how traditions can adapt and grow with time.

Culture is not static, says Hernandez-Lemus, speaking to the way the Maasai people have integrated with the country. Everyone in Kenya is expected to be at home in many cultures.

The students also explored how culture does not need to be written to be preserved. The Maasai people are amazing reciters with amazing memory for storytelling, says Hernandez-Lemus. Their culture preserves oral history. The community is very much alive due to these structures. This was an opportunity for students to reflect on the ways to keep history alive in a non-archival way.

When asked what she felt she gained from the course, Assal found it difficult to pick just one thing. I gained so much through taking this course and not all of what I learned is easily relayed through writing. I gained knowledge of a different life and world, I gained maturity, I gained the tiniest scrap of wisdom, I gained a cursory knowledge of indigeneity, I gained Zumba skills (kind of), and I gained a lot more questions than I did answers. If you are thinking about taking this course, then stop thinking and go sign up.

And sign up you can! Hernandez-Lemus is planning to teach Kenya's Maasailand: Indigeneity in the Postcolonial British Commonwealth again in Summer 2024.
Today is July 28, 2023, and here's what you need to know:

The Biden administration announced on Thursday that it set aside another $100 million for the Arkansas Valley Conduit, putting the total investment by the federal government at about halfway of the estimated $600 million project.

But some of the local water providers along the 130-mile pipeline are nervous about their share of the cost.

The $100 million  the largest one-time federal allocation to date  comes from the bipartisan infrastructure law, the second tranche of funding for the conduit from that act, following a 2022 appropriation of $60 million.

The project's first funding of $28 million in 2020, plus just over $20 million in funds from the 2022 and 2023 federal omnibus spending bills, added more than $48 million to the conduit's funding. That brings the federal government's investment to more than $208 million out of its total estimated share of around $400 million.

U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert drew another Democratic challenger in Colorado's 3rd Congressional District.

Grand Junction Mayor Anna Stout on Wednesday filed paperwork to run for the seat in what's shaping up to be the most expensive contest on next year's state ballot.

Stout's primary opponents include former Aspen City Councilman Adam Frisch, who came within fewer than 600 votes of unseating the Silt Republican in 2022 and has posted record-breaking fundraising totals this year.

Boebert, an outspoken gun rights advocate and former restaurant owner, is seeking a third term next year in the sprawling, Republican-leaning district, which covers most of the Western Slope and parts of southern Colorado, including Pueblo County and the San Luis Valley.

Election forecasters at the Cook Political Report last week shifted the district to toss-up status from "Lean Republican," citing Frisch's lopsided fundraising advantage, including raising more than three times what the incumbent collected in the most recent quarter.

Yet another controversy arose out of Gov. Jared Polis' appointments to the state parks and wildlife commission last week after he picked the author of Colorado's wolf conservation plan as a representative for hunters and anglers.

The issue, critics said, is that this appointee isn't a well-known hunter or angler, supporting their claim that Polis picks individuals whose backgrounds appear to contradict the stated goals of the commission.

The governor is standing by his decision.

Its not the first time Polis has appointed someone who isnt well known for being a hunter or angler to the commission. Back in 2019, his choice of Betsy Blecha, a former Jackson County commissioner, raised eyebrows because she had little to no experience as a hunter or angler and had moved to the Eastern Plains  an area she was supposed to represent on the commission  just a few months before the appointment.

A system that allows legislative Democrats to internally prioritize bills while factoring in price tags and the limited pool dollars available appears set to be challenged in court by a conservative think tank.

The practice is known as quadratic voting. It was in 2018 the brainchild of then-Rep. Chris Hansen, D-Denver, who chaired the House Appropriations Committee. Colorado Politics reported on the system in 2019.

It works like this: Every Democratic lawmaker gets 100 credits, plus access to an interactive website with a spreadsheet that lists the bills awaiting action from the House or Senate Appropriations committees. Bills before those two panels require general fund dollars.

The money available for legislation before those committees comes from the Joint Budget Committee. It's type of set-aside that represents what's available under the TABOR cap to be spent once the General Assembly has finished working on the state budget. The last few years, that set-aside has ranged from $30 million in 2023 to $50 million in 2021.

The system was borne out of frustration in 2018 and as first reported by Wired, when the amendments to the 2018-19 budget bill ate up all the money set aside to cover spending on bills being passed toward the end of the session.

Colorado's second-highest court on Thursday upheld an Adams County judge's decision to give a defendant five more years in prison solely because he did not tell the judge he was sorry.

By 2-1, a three judge panel for the Court of Appeals agreed that under certain circumstances, a defendant's silence at sentencing cannot be used to increase his sentence. But in the case of Trinidad Renay Marquez, he not only accepted responsibility for firing a gun at others, but maintained during a pre-sentencing interview that his victims had some culpability.

"His choice to make these statements without any subsequent qualification meant the court could properly consider what he said in the interview," wrote Judge Jerry N. Jones, "as well as what he elected not to say at sentencing."

Judge Stephanie Dunn "reluctantly" disagreed. While she believed Marquez's statements during the interview supported the 15-year sentence Marquez received, she was concerned that District Court Judge Roberto Ramirez imposed the sentence simply because Marquez did not say the words, "I'm sorry."
As lawmakers and others work to address privacy, security, and bias problems with generative artificial intelligence (AI), experts warned companies this week that their tech suppliers wont be holding the bag when something goes wrong  they will.

A panel of three AI and legal experts held a press conference Wednesday in the wake of several government and private business initiatives aimed at holding AI creators and users more responsible.

Miriam Vogel, CEO of the nonprofit EqualAI, an organization founded five years ago to reduce unconscious bias and other harms in AI systems joined two other experts to address potential pitfalls.

Vogel, who is chair of the White House National AI Advisory Committee and a former associate deputy attorney general, said while AI is a powerful tool that can create tremendous business efficiencies, organizations using it must be hypervigilant that AI systems dont perpetuate and create new forms of discrimination.

When creating EqualAI, the founders realized that bias and related harms are age-old issues in new medium. Obviously here, it can be harder to detect, and the consequences can grief and much graver, Vogel said. (EqualAI trains and advises companies on the responsible use of AI.)

Vogel was joined by Cathy ONeil, CEO of ORCAA, a consulting firm that audits algorithms  including AI systems  for compliance and safety, and Reggie Townsend, vice president for data ethics at analytics software vendor SAS Institute and an EqualAI board member.

The panel argued that managing the safety and biases of AI is less about being tech experts and more about management frameworks that span technologies.

AI in many forms has been around for decades, but it wasnt until computer processors could support more sophisticated models and generative AI platforms such at ChatGPT that concerns over biases, security, and privacy escalated. Over the past six months, issues around bias in hiring and employee evaluation and promotion have surfaced, spurring municipalities, states, and the US government to create statutes to address the issue.

Even though companies are typically licensing AI software from third-party vendors, ONeil said, legal liability will be more problematic for users than for AI tech suppliers.

ONeil worked in advertising technology a decade ago, when she said it was easier to differentiate people based on wealth, gender, and race. That was the normalized approach to advertising. It was pretty clear from the get-go that this could go wrong. Its not that hard to find examples. Now, its 10 years later and we know things have gone wrong.

Looking for points of failure

Facial recognition algorithms, for example, often work far better for white men and much worse for black women. The harms often fall to people whove historically been marginalized.

EqualAI offers a certification program for businesses that drums in one question over and over again: For whom might this fail? The question forces company stakeholders to consider those facing an AI-infused application, ONeil said.

For example, could an automated job applicant tracking system potentially discriminate against someone with a mental health status during a personality test or could an algorithm used by an insurance company to determine premiums unlawfully discriminate against someone based on ethnicity, sex, or other factors?

This is a hole EqualAI has filled. There is no one else doing this, ONeil said. The good news is its not rocket science. Its not impossible to anticipate and put guard rails up to ensure people are protected from harm.

"How would you feel if you walked onto an airplane and saw no one in the cockpit? Each of the dials in an airplane is monitoring something, whether its the air speed or amount of fuel in the tanks. Theyre monitoring the overall functioning of the system.

We dont have cockpits for AI, but we should because were basically flying blind often, ONeil said. So, you should be asking yourself, if youre a company, what could go wrong, who could get hurt, how do we measure that, and what are the minimum and maximum wed want to see in those measurements?

None of it is really that complicated. Were talking about safety, she added. "The EEOC (Equal Employment Opprtunity Commission) has been very clear that theyll use all the civil rights laws in their power to govern AI systems in the same way they would any action. It doesnt matter whether its an action recommended to you by an AI system. Youre liable either way.

Theyve also taken the step of pointing out specific laws of particular concern, in part, because so many AI systems are violating these laws, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act, Vogel said.

For example, voice recognition software is often trained on English speakers, meaning outputs can be affected by persons with speech impediments or thick, non-English accents. Facial recognition software can often misread or be unable to read the faces of minorities.

If youre a woman, youre also not going to be heard as well as a man based on the information from which [the recognition software] was trained, Vogel said.

Early regulatory efforts need to be stronger

Townsend said a non-binding agreement struck July 21 between the White House and seven leading AI development companies to work toward safe and secure their technology didnt go far enough.

Id love to see these organizationsensure there is adequate representation at the table making decisions. I dont think there was one woman who was a part of that display, Townsend said. I want to make sure there are people at the table whove lived experiences and who look and feel different than those folks who were a part of the conversation. Im certain all those organizations have those kinds of folks.

On Wednesday  the same day as panel discussion  ChatGPT creator OpenAI also announced the Frontier Model Forum, an industry body to promote the safe and responsible development of AI systems. Along with advancing AI safety research, the forums stated mission is identifying best practices and standards, and facilitating information sharing among policymakers and industry.

The panelists said the Forum is an important development as its another step in the process of including the entire AI ecosystem in a conversation around safety, privacy and security. But they also cautioned that big, well-funded companies shouldn't be the only ones involved  and scrutiny needs to go beyond just generative AI.

The AI conversation needs to be one that goes well beyond this one model. There are AI models in finance, AI models in retail, we use AI models on our phones for navigation, Townsend said. The conversation around AI now is around large language models. We have to be diligent in our conversations around AI and their motivations.

Townsend also compared the building and management of AI systems to an electrical system: Engineers and scientists are responsible for the safe generation of electricity; electricians are responsible for wiring electrical systems; and consumers are responsible for the proper use of the electricity.

That requires us all in ecosystem or supply chain to think about our responsibility and about outputs and inputs, Townsend said.

A large language model (LLM) is an algorithm, or a collection of code, that accepts inputs and returns outputs. The outputs can be manipulated through reinforcement learning and response or prompt engineering  teaching the model what the appropriate response to a request should be.

Companies that deploy AI, whether in consumer-facing applications or back-end systems, cant just pass it off as a problem for big tech and the AI vendors. Regardless of whether an organization sells products or services, once it deploys AI, it must think of itself as an AI company, Vogel said.

While companies should embrace all of the efficiencies AI technology brings, Vogel said, it's also critical to consider basic liabilities a company may have. Think about contract negotiations with an AI supplier over liability, and consider how AI tools will be deployed and any privacy laws that may apply.

You have to have your eyes on all the regular liabilities youd be thinking about with any other innovation," Vogel said. "Because youre using AI, it doesnt put you in a space outside of the realm of normal. Thats why were very mindful about bringing lawyers on board, because while historically lawyers have not been engaged in AI, they need to be.

"Weve certainly been involved in aviation and dont have much legal training in aviation in law school. Its a similar situation here and with any other innovation. We understand the risks and help put in frameworks and safeguards.

Companies using AI should be familiar with the NIST risk management framework, the panel said. Organizations should also identify a point of contact internally for employees deploying and using the technology  someone with ultimate responsibility and who can provide resources to address problems and make quick decisions.

There also needs to be a process in place and clarity on what stages of the AI lifecycle will require which kind of testing  from acquiring an LLM to training it with in-house data. Testing of AI systems should also be documented so any future evaluations of the technology can take into account what's already been checked and what remains to be done.

And, finally, you must do routine auditing. AI will continue to iterate. Its not a one-and-done situation, Vogel said.
Stop 11 of China RACC Expo Global Promotion

On July 23, 2023, the RACC committee led the enterprises, departing from Shanghai, Beijing and Guangzhou to attend the Vietnam International Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Exhibition (HVACR Vietnam), which was sponsored by Informan Group and held in Hanoi from July 25 to 27.

The exhibition area of the last exhibition was 5,000 square meters with 7,906 visitors, and the number of exhibitors and exhibiting brands reached 250. According to the organizer of the HVACR Vietnam, the Vietnam refrigeration exhibition in July this year is very popular in the industry. Groups from South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, India and China and other countries and regions have participated in the exhibition. Among them, nearly 100 Chinese enterprises including Aux, Juhua, Jintian, Deton, Feiyuan, Kaidi, Ximaike, Lion-Ball, Dayang, Weipeng, Weike and so on have participated in the exhibition, becoming the largest exhibition group.

The 15th HVACR Vietnam 2023 - Worleand Global Exhibition Group

As the exclusive agent of HVACR Vietnam in China, our company Beijing Worlead has maintained close cooperation with the organizer Informa Group for a long time, and both sides share channels and resources. The RACC Committee will take advantage of the global marketing advantages of the Informa Group to better propagand RACC. The RACC committee set up a booth on the site (booth No. : Q6), distributed promotional materials one by one to exhibitors and visitors, and invited overseas visitors to come to Ningbo to purchase, expand the international influence of RACC2023 in Vietnam. The RACC committee done a good job of overseas publicity, and gained more attention from international buyers and exhibitors.

Welcome to communicate and exchange with friends who go to the HVACR Vietnam. The RACC committee will continue to do a good job of overseas publicity, invite more international buyers, and return the trust and support to customers. In order to provide exhibitors with outstanding services throughout the exhibition, th RACC committee prepared mineral water, stapler, bus pick-up and other whole process services for exhibitors.

Overview of Sino-Vietnamese trade

In recent years, with the transfer of global industries, Vietnam has gradually become a new "world factory" and its economy has witnessed rapid development, with the total import and export trade in 2021 reaching USD 668.54 billion, which was an increase of 22.6% over the previous year. According to data released by the General Bureau of Statistics of Vietnam on the 29th, the total import and export of goods in the first half of 2023 reached USD 316.65 billion. According to Vietnamese customs statistics, bilateral trade between China and Vietnam in 2022 totaled USD 175.6 billion, of which Vietnam's exports to China amounted to USD 57.7 billion and imports from China amounted to USD 117.87 billion.

The year 2023 marks the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries. Refrigeration parts produced in China are also one of the most imported industrial products in Vietnam. Vietnam's participation in a series of new generation of free trade agreements will help enterprises enjoy a lot of preferential tariff policies, and provide more opportunities for Chinese refrigeration enterprises to develop the local market.

With the rapid economic growth of Vietnam, the real estate industry has shown explosive growth in recent years, driving the huge market demand for consumer goods such as home appliances. As far as the refrigeration industry is concerned, in recent years, the companies Samsung, Daikin, LG and China's Midea, Haier, Sanhua, Jintian, Hailiang, Wolong Electric and so on have invested in Vietnam to set up factories. Due to the imperfect local industrial chain, many parts still need to be imported from abroad, which also creates unprecedented opportunities for Chinese refrigeration enterprises.

Review of Vietnam HVACR 2022

For many years in a row, China has been Vietnam's largest trading partner, largest import market and second largest export market, and Vietnam is China's largest trading partner in ASEAN. In 2022, the trade volume between China and Vietnam reached USD 234.92 billion, an increase of 2.1% year-on-year. China's exports to Vietnam reached USD 146.96 billion, up 6.8% year-on-year.

2019 HVACR Vietnam - Beijing Worlead Exhibition Group
Indian Americans and allies have held protests in California, New Jersey, and Massachusetts to condemn the ongoing ethnic violence in the northeast Indian state of Manipur, which has left at least 130 dead and 35,000 displaced. The brunt of the violence has predominantly impacted Manipurs Christian Kuki-Zomi community, leading to the destruction of thousands of Kuki-owned homes and hundreds of churches, the protesters said.The protests were in part a response to a horrific video that went viral showing two Kuki women being paraded naked while being molested by a group of men. However, despite the ongoing brutality, Indias Hindu far-right government has largely remained silent on the violence faced by Christian tribals in Manipur, they added.In California, Indian Americans and allies gathered on the steps of Oakland City Hall for a protest organized by several advocacy groups, including the North American Manipur Tribal Association (NAMTA), Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC), and Ambedkar King Study Circle.Speaking at the event was Niang Hangzo, founding member of NAMTA, who highlighted several instances of Meitei mob violence against Kuki-Zomis, including the gang-rape of a 21-year-old Kuki woman, the beheading and dismemberment of a Kuki man, and the fatal torching of an ambulance transporting an 8-year-old Kuki child and his mother to a hospital for treatment.They chased us out of our homes. They burned our homes, our properties. They looted, they killed, they raped, they immolated, they beheaded, theyve left us broken and everything we own reduced to ashes, said Hangzo. This is the butchery being done to the Kuki-Zomi How long will the world stay silent? We want the House to bring this issue and discuss it like the EU [Parliament] has done.In Iselin, New Jersey, IAMC organized a protest and candlelight vigil attended by people from diverse faith and ethnic backgrounds, including members of local churches, NAMTA, and the National Association of Asian Indian Christians.The Indian government only speaks out when viral videos of atrocities come up, but theyve known whats happening all along, said NAMTA co-founder Mark Haokip. There are so many videos of atrocities I saw that are now being buried because the internet in Manipur is banned. The government banned it so all these things could keep happening without any [news] coverage.If those two [Kuki] women could be dragged and paraded, it could happen to any other woman, no matter what religion, said Pastor Prem Kankanala, representing the United Telugu Christ Church. Let us be united and raise our voices to protect women and to protect minorities.In Boston, Massachusetts, Indian Americans and allies, including IAMC, came together to hold a protest, expressing solidarity with the victims and urging the Biden administration to intervene and call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to halt the escalating violence in Manipur.It is our collective responsibility to raise our voices against such atrocities, IAMC Associate Director Amin Zama said.American leaders who hosted Modi for a state dinner at the White House and [allowed him] to address a joint session of Congress should stand up and tell Narendra Modi to stop allowing the murder and ethnic cleansing of minorities, Zama added.
If you dont know how to write stories for real, the easiest way to do it is to take two established characters, imagine their meeting and just see what happens. This is the basis of vast genres of fan fiction. This is the basis of movie cinematic universes (which are, really, just another kind of fan fiction). This is the basis of long-running TV series  making them yet another kind of fan fiction, a pretty good kind.

The thing is, famous people really do meet in real life. And sometimes, it really does sound like someone invented the story by just grabbing two names out of a hat.

5 Neil Armstrong and Edmund Hillary Teamed Up to Go to the North Pole You might say Armstrong and Hillary are the two most famous explorers of the 20th century. They were the first person to reach the Moon and the first person to summit Mount Everest (or each were tied with someone else for that title, depending on how strict you are). Other than both being explorers, they had very different occupations. Hillary was a lifelong mountain climber, while Armstrong was an aeronautical engineer and then a test pilot. If each tried the other mans goal, disaster would have ensued. Still, in 1985, the two teamed up to travel together, heading toward one other landmark destination: the North Pole. This was a deliberately engineered crossover event. The expedition leader, a man named Mike Dunn, sought them both out as well as two other people whom he considered the worlds greatest explorers. One was Steve Fossett, whod circumnavigated the globe solo in a hot air balloon (as well as  in separate voyages  by plane and by boat). The other was Patrick Morrow, the first person to climb the tallest peak on each of the seven continents. Advertisement They flew to the North Pole, rather than trekking there by sled. This was still a bit of an adventure, involving traveling from island to island and getting snowbound in a hut for three days during the return voyage. This Avengers-level team-up must sound like a some sort of elaborate publicity stunt, except for the small fact that the media knew nothing about it at the time and only learned of it years later. Did a fifth explorer come along as well, and did the other men have to eat him? We have no way of knowing.

4 Mark Twain Got Helen Kellers Education Paid For In the improv game Blind Date, the host asks the audience for the names of two famous people. Two performers, who were outside the room and out of earshot, are then each given a slip of paper with one name. They act out a dinner scene, in which each drops hints about who they are and must guess their dates identity. Advertisement One time, when my improv troupe did a show, the audience offered up the suggestions of Genghis Khan and Hellen Keller. The first performer dutifully entered the scene with her eyes closed and miming walking with a cane. Ah, said her scene partner, in an awful Chinese accent. So good to meet you, Herren Kerrer. This was actually a caliber of comedy above what we typically managed. The audience applauded, and as the cheers died down, the triumph was replaced with a sense of utter horror as we realized what wed set up. Because the scene had to continue, and Helen Keller had to interact with Genghis Khan and guess who he was... without being able to speak. via JSTOR Left: Helen Keller. Right: Riverboat Captain Genghis Khan. Advertisement All of this is my way of introducing how Keller is kind of a default answer when people think of famous historical figures. She never did meet Genghis Khan, but she did meet another default historical figure, Mark Twain  even though he was dead by the time her career started and during the final 58 years of her life. In fact, Twain may be why Keller had a career at all. Advertisement The two met when Keller was 14 and Twain was a writer just shy of 60 years old. A friend got them together for lunch. I wont call it a date, but the way Keller would later describe it, you can sure imagine someone in love: He gave me a thrill, and a thrill is the most exquisite thing one can give another. When his name appears on a page under my hand, a quiver of expectancy runs through me. Twain then wrote to Henry Rogers, one of the heads of Standard Oil, saying, It wont do for America to allow this marvelous child to retire from her studies because of poverty. He got Rogers to pay for Keller to attend Radcliffe. She went on to be a writer and a political activist  if Rogers knew shed end up campaigning for socialism, maybe hed never have backed her. She even learned to speak. If only we knew that during that improv scene, so much pain could have been avoided. Play Advertisement Advertisement

3 The Joyous Meetup Between the Two Automatic Rifle Makers Mikhail Kalashnikov designed famous assault rifles, including the AK-47 (which is often simply called a Kalashnikov). Eugene Stoner also designed famous assault rifles, including the AR-15. Naturally, the two had some shared interests. But they had little chance of meeting, because Kalashnikov was a Soviet general, while Stoner designed guns in the United States. An iron curtain separated the two countries, and iron is stronger than lead. Then, at the end of the 1980s, barriers crumbled. The Smithsonian Institution invited Kalashnikov to the United States, and when he came in May 1990, Stoner met him at the airport. via Guns and Ammo Crazily, the stiff guy in the suit is the American, while the cool guy in leather is the 70-year-old Soviet. Advertisement They must have had lots to discuss. Like, maybe Kalashnikov, whod lent his name to his famous rifle, asked why Stoner remained relatively anonymous. Maybe Stoner replied, I didnt invent the gun myself, it was more of a team effort. Or maybe he said, We cant call the gun a stoner. Stoner already means something in English. Maybe he said, Given some of the stuff AR-15s are going to the be associated with, Im cool with people not dropping my name every time they mention it. Or maybe he said, Who cares how much of a household name I am? The important thing is my work made me fabulously rich. During the meeting, Stoner revealed that he was a millionaire. Kalashnikov did not understand what that word meant. Advertisement

2 The Bonnie and Clyde Fan Letter to Henry Ford A good car is fast and reliable. No one knows that better than bank robbers (or, robbers of small stores and funeral homes, to summarize what Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow really were). And so, in 1934, Henry Ford received the following letter: Henry Ford Museum Advertisement While I still have got breath in my lungs, it said. I will tell you what a dandy car you make. I have drove Fords exclusivly when I could get away with one. For sustained speed and freedom from trouble the Ford has got ever other car skinned and even if my business hasent been strickly legal it dont hurt enything to tell you what a fine car you got in the V8. It was signed Clyde Champion Barrow. No one has ever been able to definitively authenticate the letter. But the Henry Ford Museum now displays it, and the timeline on it seems to add up. It was postmarked April 10th from Tulsa, Oklahoma, and the duo seemed to have been around there at that point. One month after that, police fired 130 rounds into their car, killing them both. The car was a Ford V8.
The box-office numbers have come rolling in for Barbie and Oppenheimers dual debut, and theyre sufficiently large to whet even the ever-hungry money maw of Hollywood. An endless gullet that, given the taste of profits it just experienced, is guaranteed to learn all the wrong lessons from and base at least a decade of tentpole strategies around. I hope you like toys and global tragedies, because theyre now forever locked together like a pair of very profitable conjoined twins.

So what half-gruesome twosomes will Hollywood come up with next? Here are my five best guesses

Advertisement

5 Mr. Potato Famine Pictorial Times So many mustaches, nothing to pin them on. In 1949, a man named George Lerner came up with the idea of a small plastic potato, decorated with peg-backed facial features and a charming little hat. Roughly a century earlier, in 1845, a voracious fungus known as Phytophthora infestans descended upon the potatoes of Ireland, and for almost a decade, wiped out a massive portion of the Irish caloric intake. Luckily, though, the approximately one million Irish who expired as a result of the food shortage will not have died in vain. Their spirits can rest easy knowing that theyre going to make film executives millions when their plight is paired with beloved toy Mr. Potato Head!

4 Teenage Mutant Chernobyl Turtles Alexander Blecher Chernobyl unfortunately produced exactly zero effective crime-fighting teams. The 1986 accident at Chernobyl is one of the worst nuclear accidents in the history of the world. Many people died from radiation exposure, and it contaminated large swaths of land that remain radioactive to this day. Animals and wildlife in those areas have been mutated by their exposure in ways both recorded and unknown. If only those mutations had been as totally tubular as those experienced by the pizza-loving pugilists known as the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles! A cultural phenomenon and all-time top-selling line of toys, Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo and Raphael sure didnt waste any of their radioactive gifts!

3 Monopoly: 1929 Edition National Archives Whoever owns this space is about to cash in! If you thought your little brother did a bad job as a banker while playing Monopoly, you wont believe how bad real bankers did during the Great Depression! Forget Park Place, when one-quarter of all Americans were unemployed, theyd have a hard time keeping a house on Baltic Avenue. Just like a game of Monopoly, too, the Great Depression was intolerable and induced a feeling of complete despair. Its also famous for people making people quit early, though in the Depressions case it was much more tragic and usually involved an open window.

2 Transformer 11th Public Domain Once again, sir, I cannot get you Optimus Prime because he is not real. Vehicles that are villains? Well, I can remember at least two very specific instances of that in American history, specifically because Ive been repeatedly told to never forget them. Even the dastardly Decepticons would have to respect the level of pure evil contained within the events of the terrorist attack that changed the future of the nation as we know it. It turns out Starscreams attacks on humanity were nothing compared to a regular plane that fell into the wrong hands. Advertisement Advertisement
Back in 1998, the stars aligned when Jerry Seinfeld and the dashing attorney from one of Americas longest-standing dynasties, John F. Kennedy Jr., appeared together on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. As a New York transplant, JFK Jr. jokingly gave tips about the city to Seinfeld, a New York native, and recommended a great soup place run by an ill-tempered guy (a nod to the infamous Soup Nazi). Leno was sure to keep the Seinfeld ball rolling, too, bringing up the time that John-John was portrayed on the iconic episode The Contest, about which member of the Seinfeld gang could go the longest without masturbating.

The exercise in self-denial was spurred by Georges mother catching him rubbing one out to an issue of Glamour. Of course, no contest is exciting without incentive so the crew waged a $100 buy-in, with the exception of Elaines $150 bet as she was met with the comically misguided notion that women arent as self-indulgent as their male counterparts.

The episode is responsible for Kramers brief but iconic Im out, as the first to fall prey to his primal urges after seeing his naked neighbor. The other three also grappled with their own temptations. For George, there was an attractive, sponge-bath administering nurse. For Jerry, his virgin girlfriend who was finally ready to have sex with him. And for Elaine, it was none other than People Magazines 1988 Sexiest Man Alive, JFK Jr., a fantasy that she ultimately surrendered to. While the episode positioned George as the winner of the contest, it wasnt until The Finale, five seasons later, that we learned George cheated, making Jerry the rightful winner.

Advertisement

Before JFK Jr. even had the chance to watch The Contest, he described to Seinfeld and Leno the immediate impact it had on his life despite not being in the actual episode himself (hell, the uncredited actor who portrayed him was hardly in the episode save for an elbow and his great ass). Everyone is like yelling and Im walking to work, JFK Jr. explained. People are driving by in their cars and honking, prompting him to ask himself, Whats going on here? It wasnt until he got to work, where he served as a Manhattan District Attorney, that someone finally explained seeing him on Seinfeld the night before.

Advertisement

News of the kinda-sorta cameo even weaseled its way into the courtroom, where the defendant joined the chorus of people claiming to have seen JFK Jr. in the episode. When the attorney rightfully denied having made the appearance, he remembered the defendant leaning over to his lawyer and saying, The guys an actor too. No wonder hes failed the bar exam, which JFK Jr. famously flunked twice in 1989 before passing on his third attempt in 1990.

Seinfelds reaction to all of this? The very droll question, You hadnt seen (the show)?
We use a range of cookies to give you the best possible browsing experience. By continuing to use this website, you agree to our use of cookies.

You can learn more about our cookie policy here, or by following the link at the bottom of any page on our site. See our updated Privacy Policy here.
A future generation will take Britain back into the European Union, opined Tony Blair this week. I wouldnt rule it out.

The polls show buyers remorse among many who voted to leave (a clear majority say they would now vote to rejoin) and even the most committed Brexiteers struggle to list what benefits leaving has brought us.

But even our Europhile former prime minister doesnt expect it to happen any time soon and those who pine for a return, say sometime in the 2030s, ignore a rather important question: will the EU be worth rejoining?

In the never-ending and debilitating debate between Leavers and Remainers, which still plays too large a part in our national discourse, one rather fundamental fact is always overlooked: for Europe, the history of the first two decades of the 21st century has been one of relentless economic, political and military decline, with no evidence that the EUs governing elites know how to stop it, much less reverse it.

Advocates of a renewal of our membership also fail to point out that the terms of rejoining would be nowhere near as good as what we had before leaving.

A future generation will take Britain back into the European Union , opined Tony Blair this week. I wouldnt rule it out, writes Andrew Neil (pictured)

There would be no rebate this time on our multi-billion-euro membership fees, for example, but we would be expected to sign up in principle to swapping sterling for the euro. That will make folks think twice about rejoining, whatever the polls currently say.

Those who call for a halfway-house arrangement until were ready to rejoin  by going back now into the EUs single market and customs union  cant explain why it would make sense to become a rule-taker, as (unlike when we were members) we would have no say whatsoever on the Brussels rules wed be expected to obey.

But these considerations pale into insignificance compared with a much bigger question: will the EU even be worth joining in ten years time?

Consider how much the EU has already declined relative to the United States. Fifteen years ago, according to the IMF, the GDP of the Eurozone was just under $14 trillion, while the U.S. economy was marginally bigger.

Today, the Eurozones GDP is just under $15 trillion, a modest rise by any standards. But the U.S.s GDP has roared ahead to $25 trillion, making its economy 60 per cent bigger than the Eurozone. Thats a lot of relative economic decline for the Euro area in just a decade and a half.

The failure of Europe to keep pace with America has taken its toll on living standards. The average EU country is now poorer per head than every state in America bar Idaho and Mississippi.

The latter, the poorest state in the Union, is often referred to as Americas Third World but  with an average per capita annual income of $50,000  the citizens of Mississippi are better off than their counterparts in France.

The continued economic dominance of America as the worlds richest, most productive and innovative major economy is as remarkable as the EUs relentless decline in all these departments.

In 1990 America accounted for 25 per cent of global GDP, the EU a little above that. Today, America still accounts for 25 per cent of global GDP but the EUs share has consistently slipped. It is now just over 14 per cent and falling.

There used to be a global consensus that China would overtake America as the worlds largest economy during this decade. Goldman Sachs, which is reliably wrong on such matters, once confidently predicted that this would happen by 2026. Now it suggests 2035, if then. Other forecasters think it wont have happened even by the middle of the century.

America has outperformed the EU on every economic indicator that matters. Since 1990 the U.S. working age population has risen from 127 million to 175 million, a rise of almost 40 per cent, while Europes has gone from 94 million to 102 million, a rise of only 9 per cent.

For Europe, the history of the first two decades of the 21st century has been one of relentless economic, political and military decline

Not only are there more American workers, they are also more efficient. U.S. labour productivity has risen by 67 per cent since 1990, Europes by 55 per cent.

They also work more hours. The average American worker puts in 1,800 hours a year and gets three weeks holiday (four if theyre lucky). The average European worker does 200 hours fewer and gets six weeks holiday (or more).

Of course, Europhiles will argue that Europes more relaxed lifestyle is superior to Americas relentless work ethic. I understand the point; we all want to take August off at the beach.

But, over time, Europes emphasis on lifestyle and doing less work (a growing trend across the continent) takes its toll in terms of generating the wealth needed to pay for the worlds most generous welfare states  and it means folks have less money to spend.

That is already apparent in the Eurozone, where consumer spending has fallen by 1 per cent since 2019 in real terms, whereas it has risen 9 per cent in America on the back of a strong labour market and rising pay packets.

Real wages have fallen 3 per cent in Germany these past four years, and 3.5 per cent in Italy and Spain, but are up 6 per cent in America, according to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

This squeeze on spending power is taking its toll. The Wall Street Journal reported this week that the French were cutting back on red wine, the Spanish on olive oil, the Germans on meat and milk  and the Italians were complaining they couldnt afford pasta (which is the very definition of an Italian crisis  and, sure enough, the economy minister convened a crisis meeting).

If current trends continue, by the middle of the next decade the gap between America and Europe in terms of economic output and per capita incomes will be as big as todays gap between Japan and Ecuador.

This is not the projection of some Right-wing U.S. think tank but the considered judgment of the Brussels-based European Centre for International Political Economy. It is a depressing prospect, which illustrates why rejoining the EU might not be as easy a sell as its boosters assume.

Of course, America has plenty of problems of its own: huge inequalities, epidemics of gun violence and opioid addiction (which together explain Americas low life expectancy), filthy, declining city centres and crumbling infrastructure in a culture too often prepared to tolerate public squalor alongside private affluence.

But, unlike Europe, it is not in economic decline and not likely to be any time soon. The worlds five biggest corporate spenders on research and development are all American. Together they spent $200 billion last year, leaving Europe in the dust.

Thats why your laptop and smartphone are American inventions, as is the AI chatbot you will increasingly use.

America dominates the digital economy of the 21st century as it ended up dominating the industrial economies of the 20th century. Europe is an also-ran.

That is not about to change, either. Eleven of the worlds 15 best universities are American. The EU does not have one institution in the top 15. Indeed, it has only one in the top 30.

Nine out of ten of Americas richest billionaires made all their money out of companies they built from scratch. Five out of ten of Europes richest inherited their wealth.

There is little comfort for Europe in the latest indicators. The U.S. economy grew at an annual rate of 2.4 per cent in the second quarter of this year. The German economy, the biggest in Europe, stagnated, after declining in the last quarter of 2022 and the first quarter of this year. German economists talk gloomily of a prolonged slowdown.

The IMF forecasts Germany will be the worst performing major economy in 2023. When the same body attached that label to Britain, I recall Remainers, BBC presenters and Labour politicians shouting it from the rooftops. I suspect theyll keep schtum this time round.

No doubt Brexiteers are lapping up this article, so far. But heres the rub. When it comes to our own dear Blighty, we are in the slow lane with the rest of Europe, not in the fast lane with America. Brexit has made little discernible difference. We remain hogtied to European decline.

I see nothing being proposed by the Sunak/Hunt government that will change that. Indeed, its high tax/big government approach to politics, coupled with a penchant for interfering in too many areas where it should mind its own business, is more likely to align us with European sclerosis for the foreseeable future.

Labour is unlikely to do any better. In fact, there is a distinct possibility, because it barely understands any of this, that it will do even worse.

If, as the polls strongly suggest, the Tories will soon be in opposition  and so will have more time on their hands to do some serious and original thinking  can I suggest that top of their list of rethinks should be a plan for how post-Brexit Britain can be more like America and less like Europe in terms of economic dynamism and innovation.

If they cant come up with a fresh, radical agenda to achieve that, then frankly, they shouldnt bother trying for a comeback.
A small pod of bottlenose dolphins playing and leaping out of the ocean off the coast of Brighton was caught on camera by ecstatic onlookers.

Jamilla Sadberry, from Sussex, was working her shift as a lifeguard on the patrol boat when she captured the beautiful moment earlier this week.

Although there are multiple sightings of the cetaceans each year, getting the opportunity to see them in the wild and be so close is incredibly rare.

In fact, Jamilla, who has been doing this job for four years, says this is the first time she has ever seen a dolphin.

The pod was spotted off the coast between the pier and marina, and the life guard and the boat's coxswain, Stan Todd, couldn't believe how close the dolphins came.

Jamilla Sadberry, from Sussex, was working on the lifeguard patrol boat when she filmed a pod of dolphins

The lifeguard and healthcare assistant estimates she saw between 30 and 40 dolphins in one day after years of not seeing any

She said: 'It's hard to explain how I felt, ecstatic, overwhelmed and incredibly lucky.

'Ive worked as a beach lifeguard for four years and never seen a dolphin so it was like a dream come true.

'Especially as my brother worked one shift and saw some last year.'

Jamilla estimates they saw between 30-40 dolphins in total, with the pair less than a mile off shore.

Sharing the footage on Facebook group Brighton People, she wrote: 'A few clips of the dolphins seen yesterday near the marina heading west to the pier videos taken from the lifeguard patrol boat.'

Captioning each video, it is possible to see what they believe to be a family of mum, dad and baby.

At one point, a cetacean can be seen playfully leaping out of the water to do a trick and swimming close by to enjoy the wake of the boat.

Understandably, people were in awe of the spectacular videos and rushed to thank Jamilla for posting the clips.

One person wrote: 'Incredible footage! Thanks for sharing.'

'Thank you for sharing this! I never manage to see the dolphins when they are here. So jealous,' added a second happy local.

Another Brighton resident gushed, 'That is amazing,' while someone else penned, 'Incredible footage! Thanks for sharing.'

The cetaceans were having a lovely time playing in the ocean and doing tricks for the Jamilla and her stunned colleague

At one point the pod got to enjoy the wake from the boat less than a mile off the shore of Brighton

Viewers of the stunning clips rushed to thank Jamilla for sharing the videos

Earlier this year it was revealed that two dolphins had died from bird flu for the first time in the UK, and were both infected with the highly contagious H5N1 virus.

The government announced the findings, stating the ocean mammals were found in separate spots, on beaches in Devon and in Pembrokeshire.

A harbour porpoise was also found to have died from the variant of avian influenza in East Yorkshire.

Highly pathogenic, H5N1 has spread around the globe over the past two years, causing the deaths of millions of birds.

Bird flu has been seen in dolphins elsewhere worldwide but never before in the species British waters.
A kebab on the way home is an integral part of a night out for a lot of partygoers, but people are now discovering the production process behind the popular takeaway - with some left feeling 'disgusted'.

The footage has emerged in a video posted by YouTube channel Together TV from Channel 4's Food Unwrapped, which takes a deep dive into the mysteries, secrets and myths behind foods from around the globe.

On this occasion they took a look at doner kebabs - a Turkish delicacy of minced meat stacked in the shape of an inverted cone and cooked on a vertical rotisserie - revealing exactly what goes into the fast food favourite.

Those who are fans of the go-to option after a night on the tiles may have always questioned what truly lies behind the huge mound of skewered meat - and, now, the the answers have been revealed.

The video begins with presenter Jimmy Doherty outside a kebab and burger eatery, inspecting a freshly ordered doner.

Doner kebabs are the go-to for night-time revelers in need of a hearty, quick, tasty meal - but what truly lies behind the massive mound of skewered meat?

He said: 'Now look at this doner kebab - I want to find out what meat is in it because you can't really tell - it's just shavings.'

The presenter nibbled at a piece of meat before commenting: 'Quite bready. I don't know.'

The next scene features the host calling an unnamed kebab shop owner to directly ask what the product could be made of, saying: 'So every time I order a doner kebab, would it be lamb, do you think?'

The kebab shop owner responded: 'If you buy it from me - yes.'

Doherty continued: 'And if I buy it from other people?' to which the man replied, 'I don't know.'

The presenter decides to take matters into his own hands in finding out what is in the meat as he embarks on a visit to the Veli's Kebabs factory in Staffordshire.

Veli's Kebabs makes a whopping 50 tonnes of doner a week - supplying kebab shops all over the UK.

After being taken into a room in which the kebab meat in its original form is stored, Doherty read the writing on a box and commented: 'I can already see that this is lamb - lamb trim.'

Presenter Jimmy Doherty inspects a freshly ordered kebab, cynical as to what lies behind the minced meat which is formed into an inverted cone shape

The unnamed factory worker guiding him confirmed it, stating: 'This has come off one of the big supermarkets. They trim the meat up, they get it aesthetically pleasing for the customer, and the trim that gets leftover we get coming in.'

He continues: 'If [the meat] is labelled up as doner, which everybody associates with what's on a spit, it should be 100 per cent lamb.

'There are companies are there that are labelling up kebabs and they're containing beef and chicken - and there have been some instances of pork, which, for the Muslim community, is a big no-no.'

The worker then showed Doherty how the kebab is actually made. The lamb is loaded into an industrial machine to be minced, which is then sent upwards into a separate vat where other ingredients are added.

Lamb trim from supermarkets is sent to the factory where it is processed into doner kebab meat

The lamb is loaded into an industrial machine to be minced so it can be used in kebabs

The lamb trim is minced in an industrial machine, where extra ingredients are added, such as salt, onion powder and soya protein

Textured soya protein is used as a bulking agent to keep the prices down. Then onion powder and salt is added.

Without salt, the worker explains, the kebab cannot be made because it takes the salt-soluble protein out of the meat - aiding in emulsification.

This means the erected kebab can then be cut in straight strips without tiny pieces of meat flaking off.

By the time the machine has finished mixing the meat and additions, it results in a product that is 85 per cent lamb, 5 per cent bulking agent, 5 per cent rusk and 5 per cent seasoning and salt.

The churned meat is then molded into large thick discs to be stacked on top of one another on a spit - with lamb skin placed in between each disc. The lamb skin helps to bind the entire kebab together.

The churned meat is then molded into large thick discs to be stacked on top of one another on a spit

Lamb skin is placed in between each disc, which helps to bind the entire kebab together

The finished product comes after molding the minced meat into thick circular discs to slot on to a spit - with lamb skin used in layers to keep the kebab intact

Comments from viewers are a mixed bag, with some left reeling with disgust and others feeling rather indifferent about the process - by stating that kebabs are mostly eaten when people are drunk.

One YouTube commented expressed repulsion by writing: 'In the 1980s doner kebabs tasted completely different. Today they are made as cheaply as possible and are truly revolting.'

Another agreed, saying: 'I never knew that. Never having doner.'

Two users concluded that although there are questionable elements involved in the production process, kebabs still taste great and they don't plan to stop eating them.

One said, 'If it tastes nice then we good,' while the other stated, 'Don kebab is literally made out of s*** leftover meats, but it taste so good.'

Responses to the video consists of contrasting viewpoints - with some swearing off of kebabs and others still happy to eat the product

Two commenters rejected the information displayed in the video, with one saying, 'When you're staggering home at 4AM on a Saturday/Sunday morning, you don't give a f*** what's in it. If you're still capable of questioning what's in it, you're not p***** enough to savour it.'

The other expressed more concern for the Muslim community by writing: 'When you're buying a Doner kebab you're drunk most of the time. If not, all of the time, so you don't care what's in it. The issue I have is they are halal. So that means Muslims consume them.

'Muslims can't drink, meaning they're eating them sober. I don't know anyone that would order a kebab sober. It's drunk-people food. Maybe I'm just going to the wrong places.'
The Princess of Wales 'shows strength of character' with her fashion choices and 'isn't swayed by public pressure', a royal expert has claimed.

In this week's Palace Confidential, the Daily Mail's royal editor Rebecca English responded to comments made by ex-Vogue editor Suzy Mendes about Kate's jewellery choices.

The fashion writer, 79, from Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, labelled Kate a 'disappointment' when it comes to her jewllery approach in the latest episode of her podcast Creative Conversations.

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.'

Hitting back at this claim, Rebecca said she was 'surprised' by Suzy's 'harsh' view on the Princess of Wales' wardrobe.

Pictured: The Daily Mail's Royal Editor Rebecca English responded to comments made by ex-Vogue editor Suzy Mendes about the Princess of Wales' jewellery choices

The Daily Mail's royal editor said the Princess of Wales doesn't let public pressure faze her in her wardrobe choices

She said: 'I really like how Catherine mixes up those high street, 15 Accessorize buys she gets with the really priceless gems they've got hidden away in the vaults at Buckingham Palace.

'I think that's quite relatable, so to criticise her for that was pretty unfair.'

During the discussion, host Jo Elvin commented on the pressure Kate faces - especially with her wardrobe choices - in the public eye.

Arguing that the Princess doesn't let this pressure her, Rebecca continued: 'I think she shows strength of character because I don't think she's ever been swayed by that at all.

'She's worn what she feels comfortable and what she feels elegant in.'

Noting how Kate often wears more 'upmarket' brands, the expert added: 'She's done it at her own pace.

'So maybe the clothes have got grander but the jewellery is a way to keep it a bit more real.'

What's more, the Mail on Sunday's editor-at-large Charlotte Griffiths praised the Princess of Wales for using her platform to shed light on small, independent jewellery businesses.

Pictured: The Princess of Wales seen wearing a pair of 60 gold earrings by Spells of Love in March

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

The royal watcher said: 'Kate has made a lot of brands famous by wearing some random pair of earrings we've never heard of before and then they instantly fly off the shelves.'

In March, the Princess of Wales wore a pair of 60 gold twisted hoop earrings by the small business Spells of Love to visit a goat farm in Abergavenny.

Ahead of the royal engagement, the business owner had no idea that the royal had purchased the earrings - and only realised when her website was flooded with orders.

Rebecca said: 'The owner emailed me and said, "Thank you so much for featuring it because you don't know what it means to a business like me."

'Her little Welsh business is now a recognised global business. So I think wearing the grand jewels is great and they're fun and they're amazing. But to do things like that all the time, you lose little things like that at your peril.

Charlotte added: 'When the Princess of Wales has to dazzle for a state occasion, she needs to dazzle with big jewels on and if she's sparing about how often she does that, it's more impactful. '

Elsewhere in the podcast, Suzy said: '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 this week - 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.
Jamen was hit during a 'wipeout' caused by a speeding car that ran a red light

Charmed star Brian Kruase has revealed his son nearly died after being left with 'countless internal and structural injuries' when he was hit by a speeding car while was walking along the side of the road.

The 54-year-old shared the news of his son Jamen's near-fatal accident in an Instagram post, which included several images of the 27-year-old recovering from his agonizing injuries in the hospital.

'My son, the center of my world. A purer soul I've yet to meet,' Brian wrote. 'Walking down the sidewalk as a car doing twice the speed limit ran a red light causing a major wipe out that sent Jamen flying.'

The actor - who rose to fame while playing the role of Leo Wyatt in the hit WB series Charmed - went on to reveal that his son is 'beyond lucky' to still be alive after suffering from 'countless internal and structural injuries' in the crash.

Close call: Charmed star Brian Kruase's son has been left with 'countless internal injuries' after a horror accident in June

Terrifying: The actor shared the news with Instagram fans on July 3 as he revealed the full extent of his son's ordeal

In his touching Instagram post, Krause described his son as 'the center of his world'

Watch the iconic series, Charmed, available now only on Stan.

The actor posted a carousel of images, which included a picture of a visibly bruised James in a hospital with a neck brace and numerous tubes connected to him.

Another image saw the scene of the accident where brick wall had been broken apart due to a vehicle crashing into it.

His son looked in better spirits in a third image which saw him sitting up in bed and posing for a selfie with his father.

The Sleepwalkers star revealed that the family had already supported James through several weeks of surgery as he continued: 'After almost two weeks and a couple surgeries to go, his improvement is beyond expectations!

'I have witnessed the strength that prayer and keeping a thought can do! Probably why Im still here Jamen said through tears realizing the love sent his way.'

The popular actor took time to praise all who had been supporting him during the ordeal, included his 'Charmed' family.

'I am brought to tears, humbled and eternally grateful to all that kept my son, my life in their thoughts. Thank you!' he added.

'And to my Charmed family that have been my rock through this, I love you all so much!'

Shocking: Jamen Krause, had simply been walking down the sidewalk in June when a car 'doing twice the speed limit' ran a red light and caused a 'wipe out that sent Jamen flying'

Sending love: Brian's Charmed co-star Alyssa Milano (seen left with the actor in the series) was one of many who left supportive messages

Charmed co-star Alyssa Milano was one of many who left supportive messages as she commented: 'Oh no! Brian! Jamen! This is so so so so scary. Thinking and praying and holding space for you both.'

Meanwhile, actress Aubrey Plaza left a comment of two love hearts underneath the post.

Elsewhere, fans also showed love on Twitter with one Charmed fanpage tweeting: 'Prayers for Brian Krauses son, Jamen who was struck by a car... Sending healing vibes, positive energy and love their way.'

Over the years, Brian has often posted pictures and loving sentiments about his son on social media.

Meanwhile, Jamen often shares snippets of himself playing musical instruments on Instagram.

At 22, Brian was cast in his first major as Paddy/Richard LeStrange Jr in Return to the Blue Lagoon alongside Milla Jovovich.

Breakout role: At 22, Brian was cast in his first major in Return to the Blue Lagoon alongside Milla Jovovich

Brain recently reunited with members of the Charmed cast in March; pictured at the Charmed conference during Manga & Sci-Fi show in 2018

He then starred in the 1991 movie, Sleepwalkers, before he went on to play Andy Trudeau in Charmed TV series.

Brain recently reunited with members of the Charmed cast in March as they came together for 90s Con.

The likes of Shannen Doherty, Rose McGowan and Holly Marie Combs delighted fans as they took part in a panel during the event.

The actor has most recently appeared in episode of Cypher and S.W.A.T.
The internet is full of strange photos, and you may often find yourself shocked at what you see online.

People from around the world have shared confusing pictures, which Bored Panda has collated into a gallery.

Among the mind boggling pics, is one of a woman doing a type of suspended yoga, and she looks suspiciously like she is birthing a chicken.

Another image shows a baby with a shockingly large arm, while the child's caregiver has an inexplicably tiny limb.

One of the photographs shows a flamingo, just chilling out, as they stand around. Nothing to see here....or is there?

Look at this classical religious painting, then checkout the halo that looks like the Cookie Monster. Once seen, he will never be unseen...

Just when you think you've seen as many bizarre tricks of the eye as you're likely to see today, there is more, like a religious painting...or...is that actually the Cookie Monster?

At least there is a sweet picture of a dog and his teeny little cute mini me...or is that actually his paw?

And just when you thought it couldn't get any stranger, check out these sweets, which bear a strange resemblance to a North Korean dictator...

The photo from a US-based social media user will blow your mind for a minute, until you work out exactly which arm belongs to who

Nothing to see here, right? Just a normal, ordinary flamingo hanging around, doing nothing out of the ordinary...

Ok, just to save you from panicking about what's happening here, we'll let you know that those are her feet

That looks like the cutest little mini me...but it turns out that it's just the puppy's paw which looks exactly like a teeny dog!

Do NOT panic. This weatherman, believed to be based in the US, is simply using the magic of green screen to look like a skeleton. What is less clear is why...

When rescuers -thought to be UK-based - found this poor bird, they thought they'd discovered a rare creature. It turned out that he is just a seagull covered in curry

While this car looks like a Fisher Price toy on immediate inspection thanks to the dye job, turns out it is a road worthy vehicle. Phew!

Turns out that when you squish bunny-shaped Easter marshmallows, you end up with a sweet treat that looks like Kim Jong Un

This shopper, believed to be in North America, was confused when they saw these shoes. Are they some kind of trendy new Teenage Mutant Ninja loafers?

In excellent news, this frog was discovered in Costa Rica, who bears an uncanny resemblance to Kermit the Frog. Life imitates art, as they say
A single mother has shown that love really is found in the most unexpected of places in the new series of 90 Day Fiance UK.

The series 'follows seven loved-up Brits and their long-distance lovers for 90 days to see if their love is the real deal or a flash in the pan'.

And according to the show notes, the series 'is a rollercoaster of emotions, bringing viewers everything from suspicious friends and cynical families to sweet reunions and epic trips across the globe'.

Last week's episode showed 39-year-old single mother Louise from Gloucester crying at Heathrow Airport as her Colombian husband Jose, 29, was held by immigration.

However, while this week sees her new husband reach safety in the country, there is more drama when he has to meet Louise's son Jesse.

And not only did the cynical 21-year-old meet Jose, he found that his mother was married to him, and that the couple tied the knot just days after meeting.

During one episode, Louise is seen travelling down the M4 back to Gloucester. 'Jose's been in immigration for 12 hours,' she says. 'I'm really, really desperate now.'

Midway through the late-night taxi ride home, Louise receives a phone call. With tired eyes, she answers, and it's the immigration office once again. Taking a deep breath, Louise makes a last-ditch attempt to fight for her husband's entry into the UK.

'I love this man. From the beginning of our relationship this is all we wanted, to do things properly,' she tells them. 'We stuck to the rules, we just want to be together.' Putting the phone down, Louise bursts into tears and it's good news!

'I can't believe it, my husband is coming home!' she beams. After 12 hours of uncertainty, Jose is finally being allowed into the country.

On the way to Louise's house, Jose is in characteristically high spirits despite the exhausting wait. 'Immigration was bad,' he says. 'But I'm in England, baby!'

And back home in Gloucester, Louise is on cloud nine.

'I can't believe that he's made it,' she smiles. 'After not knowing what was going on, not knowing if he was going to be locked up or sent back, to find out that he can actually come home to me is such a big thing for us.'

Louise's son Jesse (pictured) was extremely unhappy to learn that his mother and Jose had tied the knot after knowing each other for a matter of days

After a two-hour cab ride from the airport, a fur-coat-sporting Jose arrives at Louise's house. Opening the door to her husband, the pair embrace. 'Jose has arrived!' Jose says triumphantly, in emotional scenes. 'I'm so relieved, now we can finally be together,' Louise says.

But there's still another big step the pair need to take in their relationship. Jose needs to meet Jesse, Louise's 21-year-old son, who has been cynical about their relationship from the very start.

'My son Jesse has concerns about mine and Jose's relationship,' Louise says. 'I know that he's not very happy about Jose moving in and living with us.'

Making matters worse, Jesse has no idea that while Louise was over in Colombia visiting Jose, the pair also got married Just ten days after meeting for the first time.

'I'm a little bit nervous to break the news that we're married,' Louise admits. 'I don't know how that's going to go.'

Returning home after a hard day's work, Jesse walks into his front room to see Louise and Jose sitting together on the sofa. 'I'm worried about how Jesse and Jose are going to get on,' Louise reveals.

'I hope he likes me,' Jose says. Sitting down on the adjacent sofa, Jesse can barely bring himself to look at Jose, overwhelmed by the awkwardness of the situation. 'I told you, Jesse's protective,' Louise explains to a bemused Jose.

Jose (pictured leaving the airport) had a tough time in immigration, but was delighted to finally be in England

'What, he understands that, does he?' Jesse asks. 'It's very awkward, man. I'm happy that my mum's happy, but I'm p***** off that there's some random guy in my house.'

As Jesse admits, he's struggling to get his head around the situation. 'It's just surreal,' he says. 'Seeing someone through a phone for that long, and then them all of a sudden being sat in my living room.'

And things are about to take an even more uncomfortable turn for Jesse, as Louise breaks the news.

'On the 16th of November at three o'clock, we got married,' she says, turning to Jose for support. Laughing along, Jose gives Jesse the thumbs up. 'I'm sorry that you couldn't come to the wedding.'

Trying to process the news, Jesse musters up a response of utter disbelief. 'You're telling me you're married?' he says, laughing nervously. 'You two are properly, like, married? F*** me!' he says angrily under his breath. The news has gone down as well as expected. 'Within two weeks she's married him,' Jesse says, stunned. 'How am I meant to just be okay with that?'

Struggling to comprehend the news, Jesse makes his feelings known. 'I know you've, like, been talking to him for like a year on the phone, but for you to get married within two weeks, that's crazy to me.'

While not agreeing with Louise and Jose's marriage by any stretch of the imagination, what hurts most for Jesse is that he wasn't able to be there.

While Jesse is unhappy that his mother married Jose, he is also unhappy that he wasn't there to witness her big day

'It's just gutting that I didn't get to see any of that because my mum says she's going to have another wedding in England, but she won't,' he says. For Louise, the challenge that lays ahead is making sure Jose and Jesse build bridges.

'Jose and Jesse mean everything to me,' Louise says. 'It is really important that they both get on and that they're happy and we can live together comfortably, and we can be a family.' But for Jesse, that's just not going to happen. 'I won't be bonding with Jose anytime soon,' he says.

As the week progresses, Jesse is true to his word. 'Jose has been here for some time now, and I'm not going to lie, me and Jose aren't bonding at all,' he says. 'He literally is a teenager in a man's body; I'm eight years younger than him and I'm more mature.'

Some of Jose's offputting habits have also started grating on Jesse, as he explains through gritted teeth. 'He's messy, he's always watching his own videos; he just watches them back continuously. Surely you can't love your music that much?'

The brand-new series of 90 Day Fiance UK is available to stream exclusively on discovery+ now
The mom said they were in their driveway watching a crane when it happened

She shared video of three-year-old twins Asher and Aksel and 19-month-old baby Scarlet being tended to by medical staff

Bode Miller's wife Morgan has revealed three of their children were hospitalized

Bode Miller's wife Morgan has revealed that three of their young children were hospitalized with carbon monoxide poisoning that she says was caused by a crane that was parked in their driveway.

The former beach volleyball player - who splits her time between Big Sky, Montana, and Southern California with her husband and their five kids - took to Instagram to share a video of three of their children in the ER wearing oxygen masks, while opening up about how the 'terrifying' medical scare unfolded.

'Two weeks ago, we had a crane at our house to remove our broken hot tub,' Morgan, 36, began her post, with the clip of three-year-old twins Asher and Aksel, and 19-month-old daughter Scarlet in hospital beds as they were tended by medical staff.

She went on to reveal that her three children had been standing on the front step of their home to watch the crane - despite her husband Bode stating in a since-deleted Instagram post that they had kept the children inside 'for obvious safety reasons'.

'Asher, Aksel and Scarlet innocently stood on the front step of our house to watch the action which resulted in them getting carbon monoxide poisoning due to the lack of airflow in our driveway landing them in the ER,' Morgan continued.

Bode Miller's wife Morgan has revealed three of their children were hospitalized with carbon monoxide poisoning. Pictured is 19-month-old Scarlet

Their three-year-old twins, Asher and Aksel, were also taken to the emergency room. Pictured right is Bode with one of the twins

'They were on high flow oxygen for over four hours. It was a terrifying experience but thanking my lucky stars they are okay.'

She also shared the video on her Instagram Stories, which she captioned: 'Mama's heart needs a break.'

Her update came after 45-year-old Bode's own Instagram post on Thursday that first revealed the health scare.

Their three-year-old son, Asher, had previously been rushed to the ER after suffering a seizure just months ago.

The 45-year-old Olympic gold medal-winning alpine skier took to Instagram on Thursday to share images of himself and Asher in the hospital, but he deleted the post soon after it was published.

In the since-deleted post, Bode - who shares sons Nash, eight; Easton, four; twin sons Asher and Aksel, three and a half; and daughter Scarlet Olivia, 19 months, with Morgan - first revealed the health scare.

'We had a crane parked in our driveway for a few hours,' Bode said. 'Despite keeping the kids inside for obvious safety reasons, the little ones got really sick from it.

'Asher ended up in the hospital with carbon monoxide poisoning. All are well now, but passing along as a reminder to all parents of the dangers of carbon monoxide. Reminder to go test your CO detectors,' Bode concluded.

The 'terrifying' emergency is the latest tragedy to hit the Miller family - who revealed back in December that Asher had been rushed to the ER after suffering from a seizure.

Bode previously posted a photo of him and his loved ones enjoying a hot tub back in 2019

Bode first revealed the children's health scare on Thursday in a since-deleted post

The family splits their time between Montana and Southern California (pictured)

Another aerial view of their home. Pictured is a hot tub in the backyard next to the pool

At the time, Asher received treatment at the same hospital where their daughter Emmy was taken when she drowned in a fatal accident at a neighbor's pool.

Morgan revealed on her Instagram story in December that she rode in the back of the ambulance with her son after he had a seizure that, 'scared us half to death.'

She shared a photo of Body lying in the hospital bed with Asher, while adding a heartfelt caption.

'Life is constantly walking a knife edge and it's not something we are unfamiliar with,' Morgan began in her Instagram story post.

'Asher had a febrile seizure which scared us half to death,' she continued in her post, which had an eerie connection to their late daughter Emmy, who died of accidental drowning four years earlier.

'We took that same ambulance to the same hospital we took Emmy to but this time we got to leave with our child.'

She also shared another snap with Bode cuddling with his shirtless twins, as Morgan added that Asher is, 'home and back to his normal self.'

'I am reminded to slow down and realize life's little gifts during this crazy holiday season because we already have everything we need... Our loved ones. Our health. And more time,' she said.

She added a final snap of Bode and Asher, adding, 'Because time with the ones we love is all we could ever ask for.'

Last month marked the fifth anniversary that the Miller family lost their daughter Emmy, who was just 19 months old when she tragically drowned in a neighbor's pool.

The 45-year-old Olympic gold medal-winning alpine skier seen above in an earlier December 2022 snap with Asher in the hospital

Reminder: 'Asher ended up in the hospital with carbon monoxide poisoning. All are well now, but passing along as a reminder to all parents of the dangers of carbon monoxide. Reminder to go test your CO detectors,' Bode concluded

Unclear: It's unclear why Bode deleted the post, though former skier and his wife had another health scare with Asher back in December, when he suffered a seizure

Scared: Morgan revealed on her Instagram story in December that she rode in the back of the ambulance with her son after he had a seizure that, 'scared us half to death'

Emmy: Last month marked the fifth anniversary that the Miller family lost their daughter Emmy, who was just 19 months old when she tragically drowned in a neighbor's pool

Bode paid tribute to Emmy last month on Instagram, stating, 'It's been 5 years. On the night of her birth our midwife @lindseymeehleis noted that Emmy was 'here to change the world.' 5 years after her loss, I can see it. Emmy was fearless, determined and fierce from the moment she was born. We miss you Emmy. 19 months was never going to be long enough to hold you in our arms.'

Back in 2019, Bode revealed he and his family would be splitting their time between California and Montana a year after Emmy's death.

'Losing a child makes you reflect. Who do I want my kids to be? How do I want them to interact with the world, and how do I make sure they grow up to be solid humans?' he wrote on Instagram at the time.

'To gain grit, resiliency, humility, integrity, character, kindness, honesty. Nature can teach you so many of these things which is why [Morgan] and I decided to expand on the lives we live in Southern California and provide the balance of Big Sky, MT.

'We are thrilled to be making the move to Big Sky part time and making more of life [Spanish Peaks Mountain Club].'

The couple spoke further about their sea change to the Bozeman Daily Chronicle, with Morgan saying she hoped the move to Montana would encourage them to explore and get them away from technology.

'I would've loved to have grown up there as a little kid,' Bode added.

'The house we got is fantastic. Ski in and ski out. Got a lot of space, beautiful views, a yard. You're on nature, so kids can just go outside and go rip around. And I think it checked all the boxes for us.'
A teacher who asked God to give her an allergic reaction as a sign to dump her boyfriend claimed her prayers were 'answered' when she was rushed to the hospital with hives.

Zakiya Ivey, 24, from Chicago, Illinois, had been questioning her month-long relationship with a new beau last spring when she decided to seek guidance from a higher power.

'I prayed and said, "Lord if this man is not for me, if you do not want me to be with him, give me a non-lethal allergic reaction the next time I'm with him,"' she recalled.

Two days later, she received a definitive answer from the heavens after she picked up her boyfriend and headed to the gym to meet up with friends.

Zakiya Ivey, 24, from Chicago, Illinois, claimed she broke out in hives after she asked God to give her an allergic reaction to her boyfriend as a sign to dump him

The teacher believes her prayers were 'answered' when she was rushed to the hospital with a swollen face after hanging out with him

Ivey explained that she felt fine when she started her workout, but within 20 minutes, she began to itch and knew she was 'having an allergic reaction.'

'I was scratching, I was rubbing my eyes. My friend told me my eyes were puffing up and I thought, "No way,"' she said 'At that point, my prayer was being answered. I was shocked.'

She was taken to Walgreens to get her allergy medicine, but they were too late. Her face was already swelling, and she was 'wheezing and crying in the aisle.'

Ivey was then rushed to the nearest hospital, where she was given an IV and placed under observation.

'The hospital wasn't able to find a cause. They said I'd have to go to an allergist,' she explained, but she believes it was divine intervention.

After having the allergic reaction that she allegedly prayed for, she knew she had to break up with her boyfriend.

Ivey explained that they met through a mutual friend, but their relationship wasn't right from the start. She claimed she had to ask him to go on dates, which were rare occurrences.

'The relationship wasn't fulfilling,' she said. 'We didn't go on dates. We'd hang out at the house.'

Ivey explained that they met through a mutual friend, but their relationship wasn't right from the start. She alleged that she had to ask him to go on dates, which were rare occurrences

Ivey, who shared her unbelievable story in TikTok, said she prayed to God to give her a 'non-lethal allergic reaction' the next time she was with her boyfriend if he wasn't the one for her

Ivey claimed she ended up in the hospital two days later after she broke out into hives on their gym date

She said it took her about a week to finally bite the bullet and break up with him because she was holding out hope that her sign from God 'was a fluke.'

'We didn't share the same values. I don't think we were on the same page. It felt like I was more interested in the relationship than he was,' she said.

'I told my friends and my mom. I told all my family. They were like, "Dang, Kiya, that's God right there. That's your answer." They thought it was crazy. It's so specific.

'It is a bit crazy,' she admitted.

Ivey has also taken her time in the hospital as a sign that she needs to pray to God before getting into any more relationships.

'If the person is right for me, then I'm definitely going to make sure they're interested in me and not just saying these nice things but doing it,' she said.

Ivey said it took her about a week to finally bite the bullet and break up with him because she was holding out hope that her sign from God 'was a fluke'

Ivey has also taken her time in the hospital as a sign that she needs to pray to God before getting into any more relationships

'I'd say to other women, "Know what your intuition is telling you." I knew what the Holy Spirit was telling me from the beginning,' she said. 'You know what person is for you and not for you'

'I'd say to other women, "Know what your intuition is telling you." I knew what the Holy Spirit was telling me from the beginning. You know what person is for you and not for you. Trust those red flags.'

Ivey shared her unbelievable story in a video that went viral on TikTok with more than 770,000 views.

'Baby! To know I serve a LOVING God who HEARS and RESPONDS is what keeps me going. I didn't even pray it out loud but I was sincerely asking in my head,' she wrote in the caption.

The 19-second clip received thousands of comments from stunned viewers.

'Ma'am now why would you say such a prayer?' one person asked, while another added, 'I feel like you already know the answer if you gotta ask this specifically.'

'Ain't no prayer that is answered faster than this one,' someone else chimed in.
Must go in store with a friend

Krispy Kreme are giving away free doughnuts this weekend - and all you have to do is take a friend in store.

The giveaway is in celebration of World Friendship Day on Sunday - all Doughnut lovers have to do is mention the promotion into a Krispy Kreme store with their bestie.

No purchases are needed to get a free doughnut - but there is a limit of one per person.

Aimee Cutajar, Head of Marketing at Krispy Kreme ANZ told FEMAIL she is excited for the giveaway.

Krispy Kreme are giving away free doughnuts this weekend - and all you have to do is take a friend in store

'This International Friendship Day, the team at Krispy Kreme want to help Aussies celebrate with their mates in the sweetest way possible!

'So, grab your friend and visit a store to claim an Original Glazed Doughnut each, on us,' she said.

'Nothing says 'friendship goals' like enjoying our mouthwatering OG together. Please drop by and join us in celebrating the bonds that unite us, and the joyful moments that make life oh-so-delicious.'

Krispy Kreme originated in 1937 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina USA where the first Original Glazed doughnut recipe was created.

Krispy Kreme Australia launched in 2003 and there are currently 34 stores across NSW, VIC, WA, and QLD. Krispy Kreme is also available nationally in 7-Eleven and selected Woolworths stores.
Businesses across Australia are getting involved in a movement to help breastfeeding mothers pump or feed their babies in public spaces in comfort.

Stickers are appearing on shopfront windows labelling the business as BFF or BreastFeeding Friendly to combat social stigma many mums face when trying to feed their babies in communal areas.

Sydney mum Emily Witte displays her BFF badge out the front of her own hair salon after struggling to nurse in public places for weeks after she had her first child.

Nicole Liu, founder of Kin Fertility, started the initiative after it was revealed, of the 96 per cent of mothers who chose to breastfeed, two thirds have had negative experiences trying to do so in public.

News of the BFF movement is sweeping social media just two days after it was launched on July 26 and exciting mothers and parents all over the country.

Stickers are appearing on shopfront windows labelling the business as BFF or BreastFeeding Friendly to combat social stigma many mums face when trying to feed their babies in public

Businesses can register for their own Kin Fertility purple and white sticker, that reads: 'Our space is BFF Breastfeeding Friendly', to let mums know their space is a safe to nurse or pump

Emily owns RESOIR hair salon in Mona Vale, 28km north of Sydney's centre, and was encouraged to register as a BFF business after facing challenges while breastfeeding herself.

'I suffered bad in the first six weeks and struggled to breastfeed in public places for many reasons so I know how mums feel. The amount of side streets, change rooms, and car seats I have had to breastfeed in,' she said.

'But 10 months on and I'm still breastfeeding and doing so anywhere and everywhere. I'm happy to be a safe space for women if they need a place to breastfeed, pump, or whatever!'

Business owners can register for their own Kin Fertility purple and white sticker, that reads: 'Our space is BFF Breastfeeding Friendly', to let mums know their space is a safe and judgement-free place to nurse or pump.

Nicole Liu, of Kin Fertility, started the initiative after it was revealed of the 96 per cent of mothers who breastfeed, two thirds have had bad experiences trying to do so in public

Why do so many Aussie mums feel 'ashamed' to breastfeed in public? Research shows that 96 per cent of mothers will initiate breastfeeding, and that Australian law protects a mother's right to breastfeed in public, however, the barriers that mums face when breastfeeding their children in public continue to be ever-present. Kin Fertility commissioned a research survey of 332 women who have breastfed in the last three years. The results were staggering: Two in three women have negative experiences breastfeeding in public. Only three per cent of women feel that a woman's right to breastfeed publicly in Australia is always upheld. If there were public spaces where women could breastfeed or pump at any time, free of judgement, 94 per cent would use them. 92 per cent would be more likely to breastfeed or pump in public if they saw more women doing so. Fear of social commentary (72 per cent) and judgement (55 per cent) are the biggest challenges they face. Source: Kin Fertility Advertisement

The team at Kin Fertility were inspired to launch the BFF movement after startling research found many Aussie mums don't feel comfortable breastfeeding in public.

Only three per cent of participating women feel a woman's right to breastfeed publicly in Australia is always upheld.

The main deterrents of breastfeeding in public included fear of social commentary and judgement while 94 per cent of the 332 surveyed mums said they would use public spaces where women could pump or breastfeed at any time.

One mum said she gets weird looks that make her 'feel ashamed' of herself when feeding her baby in public.

'I felt as thought a lot of people would state and it was made into an environment that was uncomfortable,' a second mother reported.

'Someone told me I should go to the toilets to feed my twins,' another recalled.

According to Kin Fertility, only three per cent of participating women feel a woman's right to breastfeed publicly in Australia is always upheld

In response to the findings, Nicole and the team at Kin Fertility launched the BFF movement to make Australia more breastfeeding friendly and the word is spreading online.

'Omg this is brilliant,' one woman said and another added: 'So so grateful for this movement'.

In just two days since BFF's soft launched more than 20 Australian business including cafes, salons, and shops, have signed up.

To be a BFF space, staff must empower mums to feel comfortable and welcome to nurse or pump in a venue with areas with enough room for mothers to do so.

They must also want to stand up for a woman's right to breastfeed or pump in public if another patron questions the practice or the mum expresses feeling of judgement.
Travellers are flocking to a seaside Australian 'paradise' for a surprising reason - and the magnificent open ocean views have little to do with their piqued interest.

Squeaky Beach is located in Wilsons Promontory National Park, Victoria, and visitors have noticed a 'strange' sound emanating from their footsteps when they walk across the sand.

True to its name, 'Squeaky' Beach contains rounded grains of quartz that make a soft creaking sound when you step on them.

The seaside site is perfect for adventurous tourists and young families alike, who can both benefit from the man-made maze of large, granite boulders begging for travellers to wander through.

Squeaky Beach itself looks out onto distant islands and granite headlands, the perfect spot to disconnect from crowded cities and relax.

Travellers are flocking to a seaside Australian 'paradise' for a surprising reason - and the magnificent open ocean views have little to do with their piqued interest

The site is perfect for adventurous tourists and young families alike, who can both benefit from the man-made maze of large, granite boulders begging for travellers to wander through

True to its name, 'Squeaky' Beach contains rounded grains of quartz that make a soft creaking sound when you step on them

Nature lovers will also be delighted to find that there are several walks and hiking trails close to Squeaky Beach, including the Lilly Pilly Gully Walk where birdwatchers can spot local stars like the Eastern Yellow Robin and Superb Fairywren.

Wilsons Promontory National Park is also home to several native Australian animals including kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, and emus.

The National Park is only accessible by car or a hired vehicle, and Yanakie is closest town to the park gate.

Travel Victoria recommends day trips to the national park, but asks overnight visitors to be vigilant of active wildlife after dusk.

Squeaky Beach is on the western side of Wilsons Promontory National Park, north-west of Tidal River.

You can access the beach from Squeaky Beach Carpark or via short coastal walks from Lilly Pilly Gully Carpark, Picnic Bay, or Tidal River.

Squeaky Beach is located in Wilsons Promontory National Park, Victoria, and ocean lovers have noticed a 'strange' sound emanating from their footsteps when they traverse across the sparkling sand

Why does sand squeak? The fine, rounded grains of quartz sand compress under your feet, creating a high-pitched squeak Squeaking beaches are found in many places around the world, on every continent except Antarctica. The pearly white beach in Victoria, Australia has even earned the nickname 'The Squeaky Beach' due to the high-pitched shrill that it produces. Singing sand has been spotted along the beaches of the Atlantic coast and the shores of Lake Superior and Lake Michigan of North America. This phenomenon, however, doesn't occur on all beaches because for the beaches to squeak, both the sand and the sea must meet certain conditions. This is because singing sand is almost entirely composed of white quartz grains. Quartz is crystalline silicon dioxide, which is used widely for the manufacturing of glass. What makes quartz sand special is that it has a well-rounded, almost spherical, polished surface. On the other hand, the sand present on regular beaches consist of a wide variety of rock grains, crushed shell particles, and organic matter. They are a mixture of grains with different sizes, shapes, and chemical compositions. Source: Parks Victoria and Science ABC Advertisement

Travel Victoria recommends day trips to the national park, but asks overnight visitors to be vigilant of active wildlife after dusk

Nature lovers will also be delighted to find that there are several walks and hiking trails close to Squeaky Beach, including the Lilly Pilly Gully Walk where birdwatchers can spot local stars like the Eastern Yellow Robin and Superb Fairywren

Videos of the peculiar squeaking sound have sparked confusion and intrigue around the world, with thousands claiming the beach has topped their travel bucket list.

'Why is it squeaking? How? I don't understand!' a woman said.

'That is the weirdest thing ever,' an American wrote. 'I have got to go.'

'Forget the squeaking, those views are spectacular. So beautiful,' a third said.
The number of 'bone-breaking' fever cases in the US has soared in recent years, official data suggests.

Figures compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found there were more than 1,400 dengue fever cases in 2019, up nearly 170 percent compared to the annual tally over the previous eight years.

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne virus endemic to tropical climates, but travelers to such places including Southeast Asia and the Caribbean have been known to carry it back with them to the US and the virus is on the rise in places where it's endemic.

Dengue, nicknamed the bone-breaking disease for causing joint and muscle pain so severe that it feels as if the bones are breaking, is a virus that typically runs its course and resolves. But in as many one in 20 cases it can lead to bleeding and organ failure.

The CDC report found that cases dropped in 2020 and 2021 - though this is a reflection of the fact travel was massively disrupted during the Covid pandemic.

Dengue is caused by the dengue virus, which is transmitted to humans primarily through the bites of infected female mosquitoes

In 2019, the number of reported travel-associated dengue cases in the United States was 168 percent higher than the annual average during 20102018 and 20202021

The specific drivers of dengue outbreaks in this case are unclear but the uptick in 2019 among travelers to the Caribbean and Central America coincided with an overall global rise in cases reported to the World Health Organization that year.

The vast majority of the bone-breaking disease cases in the US in 2019  90 percent  were linked to travel outside the US.

The report said: The sharp overall increase in 2019 mirrors global dengue activity, with the highest number of dengue cases worldwide reported to [World Health Organization] in 2019 and in the Region of the Americas since reporting to the Pan American Health Organization/WHO began in 1980.

In 2019, the number of dengue cases per million airplane trips to destinations outside North America or Europe was 41.9.

But in other years between 2010 and 2021, the number of cases per million air trips was capped at 21.

In 2019, the highest number of cases were in people who had traveled to the Caribbean (nearly 57 percent) followed by Central America with slightly less than 50 percent of cases.

From 2010 to 2018, 18 dengue patients died and one died in 2019. There were no deaths from 2020 to 2021.

Researchers at the CDC gathered the disease information from its surveillance network ArboNet, which maintains data on animal and insect-borne illnesses including the West Nile, Zika, and Powassan viruses.

The second-highest case total for a single year occurred in 2016 when the agency counted 913 cases.

The year following 2019s record-breaking uptick was marred by the onset of the Covid pandemic, during which time entire countries shut their borders to international travelers in an attempt to quell the spread of the virus.

The pandemic essentially froze international travel for several months, which CDC researchers said had a positive effect on travel-related instances of dengue.

The CDC said: The lowest number of cases reported occurred in 2021, during a period marked by unprecedented travel restrictions and a decline in overall travel because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The disease leads to sudden high fever, headache, pain behind the eyes, skin rash, and joint and muscle pain so severe that sufferers liken it to feelings of their bones snapping.

Unlike Covid-19, dengue is not spread directly from person to person.

A mosquito, typically the Aedes aegypti or the Aedes albopictus, picks up the virus after chowing down on an infected person's blood.

The virus then incubates within the mosquito, replicated and becoming primed to jump to another host.

Once the virus has reached the mosquito's salivary glands, it is easily transmitted to the mosquito's next victim.

In parts of the world including the Caribbean, Southeast Asia, and sub-Saharan Africa where dengue is endemic, the fatality rate can reach as high as 20 percent

When people in high-income developed countries such as the US and Canada get dengue, the fatality rate is a mere one to five percent.

The virus generally runs its course as long as the patient gets care early on, which consists of replacing lost fluids and staying hydrated, taking medications such as ibuprofen to break a fever, and plenty of rest.

But in areas where quality healthcare and preventive measures are scarce, the fatality rate can reach up to 20 percent.

The report included some considerable limitations, including the fact that many people go undiagnosed and without seeking medical care, meaning the researchers totals are likely an undercount.

Moreover, because some clinical data was not fully reported, it is difficult to accurately classify the type of dengue some patients had, which could lead to doctors underestimating severe cases.

More recent epidemiological data for more recent years is not yet available, but as international travel has gradually reopened, there have been more opportunities for mosquito-borne illnesses to spread.
Holidaymakers have been urged to avoid contact with unwell or dead birds over fears they could be infected with bird flu.

The ongoing UK outbreak  caused by the H5N1 strain  has seen up to one million birds struck down by the virus, with experts fearing it is on the brink of taking off in humans.

The National Trust, which owns around 800 miles of Britain's coastline, is urging visitors to the country's beaches to be wary of bird flu.

Rhian Sula, a general manager for the charity in Pembrokeshire, said it had deployed staff to warn visitors about the risks.

While the virus doesn't easily spread to humans, touching an infected bird or its droppings are known routes of transmission.

Rhian Sula, a general manager for the charity in Pembrokeshire (pictured), said it had deployed staff to warn visitors about the risks

Your browser does not support iframes.

UK health chiefs have long urged the public not to go near sick or dead birds.

Like other forms of flu, humans can get infected if the virus gets into their eyes, nose, mouth or is inhaled.

But with bird flu, this usually occurs in people who spend a lot of time with infected creatures, such as bird handlers.

Ms Sula told the BBC that while locals had awareness of the risks, 'not all visitors do'.

'As much as we have placed warning signs out, they may not see them or they may ignore them so we are having to have those conversations about why it is important to keep dogs on the lead and keep away from the birds,' she added.

A National Trust spokesman confirmed to MailOnline that it is advising visitors 'not to touch any sick or dead wild birds they come across and to report any sightings' to the government website or call Defra.

READ MORE: Cat owners urged to avoid feeding pets raw chicken amid outbreak of bird flu in Poland Cat owners have been urged by the government not to feed their pets raw chicken following an outbreak of bird flu in Poland Advertisement

James Parkin, director of nature and tourism for the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, told the broadcaster that local rangers have collected around 800 dead birds, most of which have been guillemots, razorbills and gannets.

Jeff Knott, director of policy and advocacy at the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, told the BBC that there had been an 'unprecedentedly large number' of seabird deaths.

While tens of thousands of birds have washed up on Britain's beaches, the true figure could be hundreds of thousands or millions, he said.

'Obviously, seabirds spend most of their time out at sea - so the chances of them washing up on a beach are fairly low so we can't know the actual number,' he said.

'This is a genuine crisis that could become a catastrophe,' Mr Knott added.

Globally, fewer than 900 human cases of H5N1, which kills close to 50 per cent of everyone it strikes, have ever been recorded.

But a spate of cases have been detected in the UK since the outbreak took off in October 2021.

Alan Gosling, a retired engineer in Devon who kept ducks at home, caught the virus in early 2022 after his ducks became infected.

He later tested negative while he was quarantined for nearly three weeks.

All 160 of Mr Gosling's ducks  including 20 that lived inside his home  were culled after he tested positive

The new cases come after Alan Gosling (pictured), a retired engineer in Devon, caught the virus after his ducks, some of which lived inside his home, became infected in 2022

A National Trust ranger clears dead birds from Staple Island, Northumberland, in July

Bird flu usually occurs in people who spend a lot of time with infected creatures, such as bird handlers. Pictured: A swan on the River Thames in Windsor, Berkshire

Two British poultry workers then tested positive for bird flu in May, making them only the second and third human cases ever recorded in Britain.

In an update earlier this month, the UKHSA reported that another two poultry workers tested positive.

The first suffered from a sore throat and muscle aches  though it is unclear whether these symptoms were caused by the virus.

The individual had three household close contacts and all have remained asymptomatic.

The second unidentified case and their three household contacts also developed no symptoms.

Around 50 other people who work over the two affected sites were tested for bird flu and all were negative, the UKHSA said.

No signs of human-to-human transmission have yet been detected in the UK.

Current advice from the UKHSA states the risk to public health from the virus is very low.

However, European health chiefs this month urged pet owners to keep their cats indoors and dogs on a lead while out walking.

The warning was sparked after at least 29 cats in Poland tested positive for bird flu.

Two cats at a shelter in Seoul, South Korea, tested positive for the virus, the government confirmed this week.

The centre, which has logged 36 other cat deaths in recent weeks, has been put into lockdown. No human cases have been detected, officials said.
One in 10 have not even started their series of recommended shots

About 17 percent of toddlers haven't received their full series of vaccinations

One in six toddlers have not completed their routine series of vaccinations, leaving them vulnerable to a host of deadly diseases.

And one in 10 haven't even started one of the seven shots, a new study has found.

With flare-ups of measles and polio spreading across the nation, diseases once thought to be left in the past, the US has already seen the consequences of vaccination rates dipping.

The findings come amid a growing anti-vaxx movement across the country that has intensified after the Covid pandemic.

Overall, the number of American children fully vaccinated is at a 10-year low, data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests.

Dr Anthony Fauci - the former White House doctor - recently admitted that Covid vaccine mandates he championed may have fueled a dip in confidence in routine shots.

A new study in the journal Pediatrics found that one in six toddlers have not completed their series of recommended vaccinations, and one in 10 have not even started them

The CDC's seven-vaccine series is a recommended set of shots for diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, poliovirus, measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis B, influenza B, varicella, and pneumonia.

The new study, published Wednesday in the journal Pediatrics, studied more than 16,000 children between ages 19 months and 35 months.

Using data from the CDC's National Immunization Survey- Child, researchers found that about 73 percent of children received completed their combined series of seven recommended vaccinations.

However, 17 percent started the series but never completed it, which is about one in six children. Additionally, 8 percent just needed one more shot to finish their series.

The researchers from several institutions, including the University of Montana, the University of Colorado, Kaiser Permanente Colorado, and the Yale School of Public Health, also found that one in 10 children had not received a single shot from the recommended vaccination series.

One percent of children had received no vaccines whatsoever, including those outside of the seven-vaccine series.

The strongest associations for not completing the vaccine series that researchers found were families moving to other states, having multiple children, and not having insurance.

Though national data is less narrow, these new findings are consistent in line with the most recent CDC data, which suggests that more and more children are missing their vaccinations.

CDC data for the 2021-2022 school year shows a 10 year low of MMR vaccination rates among kindergarteners. Vaccination rate varies by state - with Alaska, Wisconsin, DC and Ohio revealed as those with the lowest percentage of MMR vaccinated kids

When compared with data from the 2020-2021 school year, MMR uptake can be seen to have dropped 1 percentage point since the previous year, with only 93.5% of registered kindergarteners vaccinated against measles

A recent CDC report found that among four million American kindergarten-aged children, 93 percent had gotten their recommended vaccines during the 2021-2022 school year.

However, 94 percent had gotten them the previous year, and 95 percent were vaccinated the year before that.

This put the rate of measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination at its lowest since the 2013-2014 school year, where the average rate of fully vaccinated kindergarteners was 94.7.

In New York, where the highest number of kindergartners were fully vaccinated, 98 percent had received both MMR shots. Yet in Alaska, only 78 percent were reported to be fully vaccinated.

The CDC said that this leaves at least 250,000 kindergartners vulnerable to the measles.

Dr Sean OLeary, chair of the American Association of Pediatrics' Committee on Infectious Diseases, said: 'Hundreds of thousands of children are starting school without being fully protected against measles, mumps, whooping cough, and other diseases that can easily spread in classrooms.'

He added that 'outbreaks like these harm children and are alarming' and warned the issue 'effects everyone in these communities.'

In 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared vaccine hesitancy one of the top 10 threats to public health because it 'threatens to reverse progress made in tackling vaccine-preventable diseases.'

Last year, a measles outbreak among more than 80 children in Columbus, Ohio, made headlines. The vast majority of infected children were unvaccinated against the disease, and nearly all of them were under five years old.

The WHO estimates that there's been a 30 percent increase in measles worldwide.

Additionally, last summer New York saw its first case of polio in a decade after it was detected in wastewater. The infected man was unvaccinated.

'Some countries that were close to eliminating the disease have seen a resurgence,' the agency said.

Scientists say that 95 percent of the population needs to be vaccinated against measles to reach herd immunity, when a large part of a population is immune to a disease, due to its fast spread.

'Increased focus on strategies to encourage multi-dose series completion is needed to optimize protection from preventable diseases and achieve vaccination coverage goals,' the study authors wrote.
An article published on 22nd July reported that McDonalds had raised their menu prices without notifying customers. Following publication McDonalds, who had been approached for comment two days earlier, got in touch to advise that as theirs is a franchised business there is no standardised pricing, and prices vary from restaurant to restaurant. We have removed the article from our website and are happy to set the record straight.

To report an inaccuracy, please email corrections@mailonline.co.uk. To make a formal complaint under IPSO rules please go to www.mailonline.co.uk/readerseditor where you will find an easy-to-use complaints form. You can also write to Readers Editor, MailOnline, Northcliffe House, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5TT or contact IPSO directly at ipso.co.uk
Sam Altman, the founder of AI software ChatGPT, launched a new project on Monday which gives users cryptocurrency in exchange for scanning their eyeballs.

He says the aim of Worldcoin, which was founded in 2020, is to create a new 'identity and financial network owned by everyone'.

It will collect biometric information from its users, including via facial recognition and iris identification.

This information, the company says, will be used to create a system where it is easier to differentiate real humans from AI.

Sam Altman (pictured) in a launch letter on the company's website believes that if successful 'Worldcoin could drastically increase economic opportunity'

Users are asked to take an iris test using a silver ball known as the Worldcoin 'orb' and those who take part will receive free Worldcoins.

On the launch of the project, OpenAI founder Altman said: 'If successful, we believe Worldcoin could drastically increase economic opportunity, scale a reliable solution for distinguishing humans from AI online while preserving privacy, enable global democratic processes.'

However, not everyone has been as enthusiastic about Worldcoin as Altman, with some figures in the crypto sector expressing concerns.

We decided to take a look at how Worldcoin works, what the tokens might be worth, and what people should know before getting involved.

A participant stares into a silver Worldcoin Orb in exchange for crypto tokens

What are the potential security risks of Worldcoin?

Glen Goodman, author of The Crypto Trader, told This Is Money: 'My first reaction was "there's no way I'm putting my eyeball near that thing".

'The privacy implications make me very nervous. One of the main security risks is the orb itself. We don't know what's inside the sphere and so we don't know whether it's possible for someone to hack the orbs and retrieve our iris scans.

When you have your iris scanned, you're basically agreeing to hand over some of your most personal identifying data to a company based in the Cayman Islands

'When you have your iris scanned, you're basically agreeing to hand over some of your most personal identifying data to a company based in the Cayman Islands, a tax haven. Do you trust that company not to misuse it? And if so, why?'

The long-term value of the cryptocurrency users receive is also uncertain, he added.

'So far, the promise of free Worldcoins has drawn in millions of people,' Goodman continued. 'With crypto, this kind of hype can of course push tokens up in value enormously, so 50 of tokens could potentially become 100 or 500.

'But the number of tokens for sale on the open market looks set to rise and rise over the coming years, and of course as the market is flooded with tokens, that will put downward pressure on the price. That doesn't necessarily mean the price will crash, but it's a risk investors should bear in mind.'

Could AI really pay for a universal basic income?

Altman has also said Worldcoin could become the bedrock of a future 'AI-funded' universal basic income (UBI).

UBI is a policy concept whereby citizens of a country would regularly receive a guaranteed income, without means testing or the need to work.

How Worldcoin would enable such a policy to come into effect is not entirely clear.

But Anna Stone, director of GoodDollar, praised Altman and the launch of Worldcoin.

GoodDollar is a community-driven non-profit project launched in 2020 which generates and distributes digital money as a means of creating access to wealth for those facing poverty and inequality.

Stone said: 'The launch of Worldcoin marks a huge milestone for both blockchain and UBI. Their effort to find a solution to decentralised ID is the most ambitious approach we have seen to date, and hopefully something that others can build on.

'Almost two billion people around the world currently lack access to basic financial services such as a bank account, yet the majority of this group will have smartphones, meaning that with internet connection, they could access some form of digital UBI.

'Blockchain-based UBI therefore offers the opportunity to create sustainable wealth in some of the most impoverished places in the world and the arrival of Worldcoin and Sam Altman in this space can help to accelerate widespread awareness of this journey and its tremendous potential.'

Ethereum founder, Vitalik Buterin, responded to the launch by releasing a lengthy blog post expressing his concerns

Ethereum founder, Vitalik Buterin, responded to the launch by releasing a lengthy blog post in which he shared his concerns.

Although the 29-year-old sees a proof of personhood system as 'valuable', he expressed concerns over the scanning of someone's iris as it could lead to more data being shared than required.

This could potentially lead to the revelation of a person's sex, ethnicity and even medical conditions.

Twitter founder and a big advocate of crypto, Jack Dorsey appeared to criticise Altman's project in a series of tweets

He also expressed concerns over its practicality, this is because the 'orb' is a hardware device. If everyone wanted a World ID they would all need access to an 'orb' which would be difficult to implement, potentially limiting the number of people that will get involved.

In reference to the orb, the Russian-Canadian computer programmer also said that 'we have no way to verify that it was constructed correctly and does not have backdoors'.

Twitter founder and a big advocate of crypto, Jack Dorsey, also appeared to raise privacy concerns over Altman's project in a series of tweets, saying: 'Visit the orb or the orb will visit you.'

What has the Government said about Worldcoin?

The Information Commissioner's Office, which covers UK data privacy rights said it will examine the business.

An ICO spokesman said: 'Organisations must conduct a Data Protection Impact Assessment before starting any processing that is likely to result in high risk, such as processing special category biometric data.

'Where they identify high risks that they cannot mitigate, they must consult the ICO.

'Organisations also need to have a clear lawful basis to process personal data. Where they are relying on consent, this needs to be freely given and capable of being withdrawn without detriment.

'We note the launch of WorldCoin in the UK and will be making enquiries.'
Mark Versey, CEO of Aviva Investors

The Government must be prepared to ramp-up investment in Britain if the private sector is to back the country and the economy is to thrive, the chief executive of Aviva Investors has told This is Money in an exclusive interview.

Mark Versey, who has led the insurer's 223billion asset management unit since 2021, also highlighted the importance of rebuilding market confidence in certainty of UK policy after a volatile few years, particularly if the country is to successfully transition to net zero by 2050.

Britain has long been regarded as a laggard in terms of investment but this trend has worsened in recent years, with the country ranking the lowest among G7 peers and as one of the worst performers in the OECD group of 37 developed economies.

The UK has the 23rd worst levels of public investment at 3.1 per cent of gross domestic product and ranks 27th in terms of private investment, which is at 10 per cent of GDP, according to recent analysis by the Institute for Public Policy Research.

The worst private investment growth among the G7 since 2016 and a record as historically the absolute worst in overall investment as a percentage of GDP has been cited by the IMF as cause of Britain's poor productivity.

As a result, the country ranks 35th in terms of overall investment at 17.3 per cent of GDP. Top performers, South Korea, Estonia and Turkey, enjoy investment levels of 31.6, 28.9 and 29.1 per cent of GDP, respectively.

Falling further behind: UK continues to lag peers

Speaking to This is Money, Versey said: 'That's going to have to change if we want to power up the economy.

'Private investment, which we represent a big chunk of, is waiting for the Government.

'We need to know what long-term government policy is, we need to know where government is going to invest, where it's going to give subsidies, where it's going to encourage growth, and where it's going to limit growth.'

IPPR analysis of OECD data found that the UK has not been above the G7 median level of investment as a proportion of GDP since 1990, while it has not met the median average for private sector spending since 2005.

Had the UK remained in that median position, businesses would have invested an additional 354.3billion between 2006 and 2021 in real terms.

Had public sector investment met the G7 average over the same period, the government would have invested an additional 208.4billion in real terms, marking a private and public sector total of an additional 562.7billion of investment.

However, while the UK is below average in terms of public investment, austerity policies imposed on Spain and Italy have made them even worse. Germany, which currently faces recession, is also historically a low spender.

The UK also lags peers in terms of state investment

Private companies are less likely to back Britain as a result of weak public investment

One area where the Government has been vocal on its willingness to spend has been billions of pounds worth of policy and funding commitments to achieve the country's net zero ambitions.

But Versey, who has intensified Aviva Investors sustainability push since being made chief exectuive, said ministers must be more transparent and detailed on net zero spending and policy plans if the private sector is to help achieve these goals.

He said: 'If the UK wants to reach net zero, it needs to have a transition plan for each sector - it's not just renewable energy, it's actually the demand side of energy too.

'Aviation, for example - is the Government going to subsidise sustainable aviation fuel? Is it going to invest in creation of sustainable aviation fuel? Is it going to use policy to force airlines to have to use different fuel?

'We need to know what it's going to do - but that's one sector and then the same thing applies for every other sector of the economy.

'If you have that plan of how each sector will get to net zero over the next 20 years with government policy backing it, that's when the private sector will say 'great, we'll invest in these sectors' and you create a spiral of investment where the government is working with industry and finance.

'That's what the country needs.'

Pensions should back private assets for returns

The Government earlier this month revealed a series of reforms intended to help breathe life into the British economy, which some City forecasters say is doomed to face recession early next year.

The Mansion House Compact has seen Aviva and eight other major defined contribution pension providers agree to allocating at least 5 per cent of their default funds to unlisted companies by 2030, potentially unlocking another 50billion of investment.

Versey said that while the initiative aims to help drive the success of growth companies, an area of the market the UK struggles with, pensioners should welcome the changes for more selfish reasons.

He said: 'The reason pension funds should invest in private markets is for returns.

'[Approximately] half of companies globally are privately held. So if pension schemes are only invested in listed stocks they are missing half of the available investments.

'Today only 0.5 per cent of pension assets Aviva manages  and it's similar across the sector - are invested in anything private.

'That includes real estate, infrastructure, forestry, private equity and venture capital - Just half a percent.

'Contrast that to most global institutional investors. which would have around 20 per cent of assets invested.

'There is a real rationale to improve returns for pensioners, but at the same time the private capital investment [in the economy] would be created. But in order to invest in the UK you've got to have government policy.'
The City watchdog has piled further pressure on NatWest by insisting it could still take action against the bank over the scandal surrounding the closure of Nigel Farage's account.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) said an independent review must go ahead, even after the resignations of the two bosses at the heart of the blunder.

'We expect that review to be done swiftly. Then we will decide what further action we will take,' said Sheldon Mills, FCA executive director for consumers and competition.

NatWest will come under intense scrutiny over the episode today as it publishes half-year results, with attention turning to whether chairman Sir Howard Davies will fall on his sword.

Chief executive Dame Alison Rose has gone while Peter Flavel, the boss of Coutts, the NatWest subsidiary that closed Farage's account, was ousted yesterday.

Probe: Sheldon Mills is FCA executive director for consumers and competition

The FCA put NatWest on notice this week over the scandal, which centred on Farage's claim that his account was closed because of his political views.

Rose's fate was sealed after she leaked private information about the former Ukip leader to a BBC journalist. It also prompted NatWest to launch an independent review and the FCA last night insisted that must still go ahead.

Rose's departure was announced on Wednesday while her replacement Paul Thwaite, in his first act as interim chief executive, announced Flavel's exit.

But Mills scotched any hope that sacrificing them would draw a line under the affair and said it wanted the probe to get to the bottom of what happened.

'We still expect that there will be an independent external review which the NatWest group will undertake,' he said. 'We expect to see the outcome of the review. We expect them to put significant resources into that review, to make their senior executives available for that review, so that those independent examiners can interview people and ensure that there's a proper review of these circumstances.'

He would not comment on what further action the FCA might take. The affair has raised questions over the governance of NatWest, which remains 39 per cent-owned by the taxpayer after its collapse during the 2008 financial crisis. Farage has called for a clear-out of the entire boardroom.

And some major investors have been highly critical of Davies.

It was he who declared  after Rose's admission about leaking information  that she was an 'outstanding leader' who had the board's full confidence.

Hours later she was gone. Martin Walker, head of UK equities at Invesco, which has a stake in the bank, told The Times: 'Frankly, I am appalled at both management and board behaviour. Her [Rose's] role was clearly untenable. You have to call into question the judgment of the board.'

The bank is also facing a probe by the Information Commissioner's Office into whether Rose's actions would 'constitute a serious data breach'. City minister Andrew Griffith this week told leading bank figures that forcing clients out because of political beliefs will not be tolerated.
'99% of the noise is coming from outside the house' he said

In a letter obtained by DailyMail.com, he said he was getting more right than not

The head of New York City's elite $62,000-a-year Browning School brushed off criticism of how he handled a transgender scandal as 'scurrilous tabloidism' - and claimed he is doing 'more right than not' in a high-handed letter obtained by DailyMail.com.

John Botti dismissed criticism of his leadership at the all-boys institution over plans to admit transgender boys, who were born girls.

The $700,000-a-year principal also brushed off missing fundraising targets, but told board members of his plans to relax over the remaining days of summer 'lest he be lightless come the school year'.

Botti came under fire earlier this year after changing the school policy to allow for transgender boys.

He was then scorned by an irate father who received a demand for an additional $60,000 in donations earlier this year.

The father withdrew his children from the school in fury, writing in his own letter to the board how the school had retaliated against him by punishing his kids when he questioned the poor book keeping.

I'm doing just fine! John Botti, the head of Browning School, gave himself a pat on the back in a recent letter to the board, despite a recent scandal over the school's gender policy

Botti, pleased with his performance over the last year, says he's getting 'more right than not'

The letter, according to some parents who do not wish to be named, demonstrates Botti's disregard for school families and sole focus on himself and the staff.

It begins: 'I hope you are enjoying your summer even as we may wonder how it's all going so quickly! (It's mid-July already?)

'In any case, it's my custom to send a brief check-in note to the Board annually at about this time, and I appreciate your indulging me yet again.

'Briefly, here are some topics you may find of interest: I don't know that there is anything that I can add to the great work of [chief communications officer] Jan Abernathy in relaying information about the New York Post/Fox News scurrilous campaign of innuendo, unsubstantiated claims, and outright misinformation.

'It has been tabloidism, pure and simple, and I'm proud of our team and grateful to all trustees for the smart, patient, redoubtable support -- though I am also sorry for the emotional strain it has placed on so many.'

Some parents were stunned with Botti's self-aggrandizing.

One told DailyMail.com: 'It tells you everything about his style of leadership. The school cares only about the teachers - not about us or our kids.'

The Browning School is one of New York's most exclusive. Tuition is $62,000-a-year

Unimpressed: One father withdrew his three sons from the school earlier this year after a mishap over donations where the school tried to ask for an additional $60,000 on top of the $1million he had pledged

Earlier this year, an irate father withdrew his three sons from the school after a mishap over a donation.

The family had pledged $1million to the school and paid $348,000 of it. When the father tried to pay the remaining $651,400, he says he was told he in fact owed $710,000.

He tried to communicate with Botti and the school about the error, but says he was given the run-around.

It left him so angry that he withdrew the donation entirely. He claims that the school retaliated by routinely punishing his three kids, who had never before been in trouble.

In his own letter to the board, the father said: 'After an aggregate 25 years of three boys attending the school, seven years of board service and more than $1.5million spent on tuition and donations, we are sending our sons elsewhere and discontinuing all ties.'

There was also outrage earlier this year when the historic, all-boys school announced it would start admitting transgender boys.

Botti did not respond to DailyMail.com's request for comment.
The desperate search for Shyanne-Lee Tatnell (pictured) took a tragic turn on Wednesday when her remains were found in bushland

A farmer accused of killing missing Tasmanian teenager Shyanne-Lee Tattnell allegedly murdered her at his property the night she vanished, before then dumping her body in bushland 24km away.

Scottsdale farmer Chris Jordan, 36, was charged with the 14-year-old's murder on Thursday, almost three months after she mysteriously vanished from Launceston, sparking a massive police search.

Her remains were found in rural Nabowla, in Tasmania's north-east, on Wednesday.

The teenager had left a youth home about 8.30pm on April 30 to visit a friend.

She was last seen walking a street in eastern Launceston when CCTV footage caught her disappearing into the black of night on a lonely road.

Court documents obtained by Daily Mail Australia show police will allege Jordan came across Shyanne-Lee sometime thereafter.

He then allegedly took the teenager back to his house in Scottsdale, a 64.5km drive northeast from the city, along a poorly lit country road which passes through farmland and forest.

Farmer Chris Jordan has been charged over Shyanne-Lee's murder

This map shows where police allege Shyanne-Lee was taken, and where her remains were found

Later that night, Jordan allegedly killed Shyanne-Lee at his home before later dumping her body 24km away along a remote bushland track in Nabowla.

Police spent months trying to find Shyanne-Lee until a tip-off from the public last week led them search along Bridport Back Road, where the human remains - which police believe to be hers - were discovered on Wednesday.

Jordan was arrested in Launceston on Thursday afternoon, hours after police began scouring his property with a cadaver dog.

News of Jordan's arrest has rocked the small tight-knit community of Scottsdale, which is home to just over 2300 residents.

Locals said they cannot believe their neighbour could be at the centre of such serious allegations.

A neighbour told Daily Mail Australia he was shocked by the 'awful' news as his encounters with Jordan had always been pleasant.

'Knocked my bum flat when I heard,' he said. 'I got on with him, never had a problem with him.

The man said Jordan has a young son that he shares with his ex-wife. He said after the couple broke up, Jordan had had several relationships.

Jordan has had a 'pretty rough life', the neighbour said, including being electrocuted two decades ago while working on a farm.

'They [him and his wife] were having problems with claiming insurance and he was out of work for a long time. Then he was in a car accident.'

In recent years, Jordan had an agricultural job working with sheep.

The neighbour said the pair were on friendly terms and he would sometimes visit Jordan at his sprawling property, which was guarded by three dogs.

The man said the last time he saw Jordan was on Wednesday, when police officers were at the property.

'He [Jordan] was there with his parents. The officers told him he had to leave the property for four days. They wouldnt let him feed the horses,' the man said.

'Him and his mum wanted to go in the shed to get hay, but the officers said they couldnt. They managed to talk them (the officers) around.'

Police could be seen on Thursday bagging evidence gathered from the expansive property - including a large axe. Police divers were also seen searching a dam.

Jordan faced Launceston Court on Friday for a brief appearance. Bail was not applied for and it was formally refused.

Shyanne-Lee's mother reacts to body find

Moments before police announced an arrest had been made this week, Shyanne-Lee's mother Bobbi-Lee Ketchell uploaded a photo of her daughter on social media.

In the photo, Shyanne-Lee is seen smiling in her school uniform with a medal around her neck.

The caption read: 'My baby girl I love you so much.'

Her grandmother said that Shyanne-Lee's 'mother's heart's ripped out'.

'Bobbi-Lee should be organising Shyanne's 15th birthday not her funeral, but sit and listen while her sons [age] 16, 10 and four have their uncle inform them as best he can how their sister will never be home,' she wrote.

Shyanne-Lee Tatnell's mother uploaded a photo of her daughter on social media - smiling in her school uniform with a medal around her neck

Police and a cadaver dog investigated a shipping container (pictured) at the rundown property on the outskirts of Scottsdale in north-east Tasmania

Northern Tasmanian Police Commander Kate Chambers would not confirm the condition of the remains during a press conference on Thursday afternoon.

'I'm not going to talk about the condition of the remains,' she said.

'Shyanne-Lee's family must be having a very traumatic time at the moment and I just want to extend my condolences to them.'

Commander Chambers would not say whether the 36-year-old had been a person of interest throughout the investigation, or whether he was known to police.

The commander was also asked about previous reports claiming Shyanne-Lee feared she was being followed a week before she disappeared.

'Every single piece of information that was either provided to us or created by us in terms of through investigative techniques has been investigated,' she said.

Human remains were discovered 50km from where the girl was last seen

Police sealed off the property near Scottsdale (pictured) on Thursday as forensic experts and search teams moved in

Earlier on Thursday, Daily Mail Australia witnessed detectives poring over the 36-year-old's property - inspecting a shipping container dumped on the property and draining a dam.

Two police divers were seen inspecting the contents of a dam on the property, with work begun to pump water from a creek on the property.

Logged trees, rusty motor vehicles, tin sheds, and old shipping containers were littered across the block of land, about 3km out of town, which has been declared a crime scene.

Cows grazed in a front paddock next as officers searched the grounds with two dogs - one for cadavers, another for drugs.

One dog was seen excitedly running through a paddock as officers took it down to a stream that runs along the perimeter of the property.

Forensic tents were erected over a ute parked near the house while officers unloaded equipment from their nearby cars.

The grim breakthrough comes just days after it appeared all leads had dried up for detectives searching for the teenager.

Police spent weeks trying to track down all the cars seen driving past Shyanne-Lee in CCTV footage from Launceston's Henry Street Bridge, in the hunt for clues.

But on June 30, police admitted they had finally managed to find the driver of the last car, a silver Honda Accord, without it leading to any new developments.

This week though police were tipped off with vital new information that triggered the largest ground search in north Tasmanian history.

'It's as a result of the investigation, the inquiries we've made and information we've received from the public,' Detective Inspector Andrew Hanson revealed.

'We're acting on that information in that specific area.'

On Wednesday afternoon, a search team of 160 police officers, SES volunteers and a cadaver dog found the human remains.

Police officers and SES volunteers staged a massive search of bushland at nearby Nabowla on Wednesday (pictured) which led to the discovery with of the human remains

Shyanne-Lee - who would have been 15 on August 8 - vanished after she left the home of her mother Bobbi-Lee Ketchell in Burnie, north-west Tasmania, after a series of rows.

She moved in with her grandmother who lived nearby but later left there to stay at a youth centre in Launceston and had been there for two weeks before she vanished.

She was last seen on the Henry St Bridge over the North Esk River where the search has been focused before this week's tip off saw it switch 50km east to Nabowla.

Shyanne-Lee's mother Bobbi-Lee Ketchell greeted the news of the grim discovery of the human remains with a series of broken hearts in a post on Facebook.

It came just 48 hours after she had lashed out at online trolls attacking her for not doing enough to find her missing daughter.

'People these days are so cruel and quick to judge innocent human beings!' she posted on Tuesday. 'Like myself right now...'

She said critics had accused her of giving up on her daughter and not caring enough.

'Stuff all you judgemental beings!' she hit back. 'Live one day in my shoes then happily judge - until then, shut your mouth.

'You have something to say about me and my situation say to my face!'

The last three months have been a living hell for Bobbi-Lee Ketchell (left) as police investigated Shyanne-Lee's disappearance

Detective admit the hunt now has a 'criminal element' as the search at Scottsdale (pictured) continued

She said she still had hope of finding her daughter alive and backed the police investigation.

'Just because my daughter isn't headline news or on the media does not mean she is forgotten about or we have gave up on her.

'[Detectives] are continuing to do all they can and more that you the public do not need to know, or my family and I need to share!

'Shyanne's case is still a priority 24/7. We will find my baby girl. No-one can feel my pain and understand how much I miss my daughter...every day is a struggle.

'But I am still a fighting, grieving mother that is doing all I can for all my children, being strong in this situation is hard but I will never give up!'
Torres, by coming in first, won a $10,000 scholarship to a school of her choice

The dress used 14 rolls of duct tape and took over 100 hours to complete

A Southern California teenager has won Duct Tape's national Stuck at Prom competition after spending over 100 hours to complete a stunning gown.

Karla Torres, 18, used just over a dozen rolls of tape to craft a masterpiece prom dress that was inspired by French art at Los Angeles' Getty Museum.

'I was very inspired by like the French paintings that I saw, very elegant dress. So I knew I wanted to create an elegant dress as well,' the teenager told KTLA.

In winning the nationwide competition, Torres is taking home a $10,000 scholarship to a school of her choice where she plans to study business administration.

The dress will be displayed at Duck Brand headquarters in Avon, Ohio alongside previous winners with just as much talent and ambition as Torres.

Karla Torres, 18, used just over a dozen rolls of tape to craft a masterpiece prom dress that was inspired by French art at the Getty Museum. The dress won her a $10,000 scholarship

Torres stands along the dress she made while making an appearance on KTLA

Just days after winning the competition by beating out hundreds of other entrants, Torres spoke with the Southern California outlet about the process.

'Well, it took a lot of trial and error,' Torres said, laughing.

She said she was lucky to also have the help of her mom and her crafting hobby.

'My mom has a lot of like crafting machines, so maybe that gave us an advantage,' Torres said, describing how they put the dress together.

The pair used a press machine and metal stencils to make the cuts.

'We weren't sure if it was actually going to work. It's supposed to cut paper,' Torres said. 'And it actually did work and it's what helped us make the trim, the necklace and other flowers. So this discovery helped us a lot with the design.'

The dress was made in pieces including a petticoat and a deconstructed bra.

'Most of the part is using wax paper and then putting duct tape on top of it, which helped us with creating the whole gown,' Torres said.

She heavily pulled from French art with its pastel colors and gold highlights.

'It was a time period of luxurious gowns full of lace, floral prints, ribbons, and ruffles. So I wanted to incorporate some of these elements into my dress,' she said.

The dress took 120 hours to make and the pair used just over a dozen rolls of tape

The teenager also made a clutch purse out of duct tape to accompany the dress

The stunning dress

In total, they put in just about 120 hours and purchased 14 rolls for the dress.

With each roll costing anywhere from $5 to $8, they spent around $100 total.

Even after the dress was done being made, however, the job was not over.

Torres' mom had to tape her into the dress to make it a finished product.

'For the top part, I actually had to get it taped on,' Torres said. 'So my mom would help me tape it on. And then to take it off, she'd have to rip it off or cut it.'

The hard work paid off when she received the call that she had won - even though she almost missed the message.

'They actually called me and I was sleeping,' Torres said. 'So I was like. "Hello?" And then when they told me I was the winner, I was so excited and I just had to tell my mom.'

The dress - like other incredible winners of past years - will now stay at the company's headquarters on display for visitors to see.

Ian H, the first place tuxedo winner who also won a $10,000 scholarship

The competition began in 2019 and has seen thousands of submissions.

Each creation is judged on a number of factors ranging from workmanship to use of color to originality.

The submitted dresses are then judged by a panel who determine the winners and runners-up.
The ABC failed to firm up 'shoddy, uncorroborated and reckless' journalism when it reported a former special forces commando was involved in the shooting of an unarmed prisoner, his barrister has told a court.

Heston Russell is suing the ABC and two investigative journalists over stories published in 2020 and 2021 which he claims made it look like he was being investigated for shooting an unarmed prisoner.

On the first day of the trial against the public broadcaster, high-profile defamation barrister Sue Chrysanthou SC, representing Mr Russell, slammed the ABC's behaviour as 'breathtaking in its audacity', telling the court its case was 'absolutely doomed'.

The ABC is seeking to rely on a new public interest defence which was introduced in July 2021 in NSW and is being tested for the first time in this case.

'When a serious allegation is made to a journalist by a source it should be critically assessed, it should be tested and corroborated before it is published,' she told the court in her opening argument.

'Shoddy, uncorroborated, reckless reporting is not in anyone's interest.'

Heston Russell with high profile defamation barrister husband Sue Chrysanthou QC

Ms Chrysanthou said in preparing for the trial she has 'seen conduct that is directed not to ensuring proper journalism but to protecting bad journalism'.

Conduct includes issuing press releases about the defamation proceedings, which Ms Chrysanthou describes as an 'inexcusable abuse of power' by the national broadcaster.

The stories Mr Russell claims defamed him, written and produced by journalists Mark Willacy and Josh Robertson, aired on television, radio and online on October 2020 and more than a year later on November 19, 2021.

Earlier this year, Justice Michael Lee found ten defamatory imputations put forward by the national broadcaster were carried following a preliminary hearing in November 2022.

Justice Lee found the most serious meanings were that Mr Russell was involved in the killing, 'habitually left 'fire and bodies' in his wake'' and 'knowingly crossed the line of ethical conduct' while serving in Afghanistan.

One of the articles sued upon in the proceedings featured a US Marine helicopter pilot, given the pseudonym 'Josh', who said he was not a witness but heard a 'pop' on the radio he believed was a gunshot and was told there were now six prisoners instead of seven.

'Let's assume there was a gunshot - which is a big assumption - you have a helicopter in the air, on the ground... it was over a radio,' Ms Chrysanthou said.

'Who's to say if it was a gunshot, who shot it and why it's Australians compared to all the other people there?'

The court was told the allegations arose from Josh, who contacted Mr Willacy about his time in Afghanistan working alongside Australian soldiers.

Ms Chrysanthou read out an email from Josh where he conceded his memory is 'pretty hazy' but he wanted to 'reinforce the narrative you're writing about'.

'I'm definitely open to speaking about things through email or otherwise with the obvious caveat being this all happened a long time ago in the midst of constant combat operations where I had very little sleep, where I was constantly working with people from various companies,' Josh told Mr Willacy, Ms Chrysanthou told the court.

'I am not sure I could provide you with useful information,' the email continued.

Ms Chrysanthou said it was 'forthright and honest' of Josh to be upfront about his memory.

She said: 'It's one thing to believe a person and publish it... it's another thing to be told this and not tell the reader that Josh himself has concerns about his own information.'

The trial of Heston Russell (above) comes weeks after the ABC withdrew a public interest defence - but then sensationally backflipped

The trial comes just two weeks after the ABC called an emergency hearing in the Federal Court where they declared they would be 'withdrawing the public interest defence' before sensationally backflipping on the decision despite admitting Mr Russell was entitled to judgment.

A public interest defence is aimed at protecting investigative journalism and relates to publications which concern an 'issue of public interest' where the defendant 'reasonably believed the publication of the matter' was in the interest of the public.

During the trial, the ABC will need to persuade the court its journalists genuinely believed the publication of the articles were in the public interest.

In March 2022, the national broadcaster quietly updated and published corrections on two stories.

NCA NewsWire understands the costs of the case have already exceeded $1 million.

The ABC initially sought to rely on a truth defence which would include the most severe meaning Justice Lee found was conveyed, that Mr Russell was involved in the killing of the soldier.

But the defence was dropped in full in May after Ms Chrysanthou said it was 'wholly unmeritorious and hopeless'. The judge struck out its supporting particulars.

While the articles contained a denial from Mr Russell, he claims the use of his name and photo implied he was involved in the death of an Afghan prisoner.

In his statement of claim, Mr Russell said an ABC article published in 2021 alleged soldiers from the November commando platoon were being investigated over their actions in Afghanistan in 2012.

It was claimed in the articles the platoon murdered a prisoner who was unarmed and handcuffed because there was no room on the extraction flight, according to the statement of claim.

Mr Russell is asking for the ABC to remove the article, pay aggravated damages on top of court costs, and orders stopping them from repeating the allegations.

The hearing continues.
The mother of a Manhattan EMT who was stabbed six times in an ambulance by a mentally disturbed man she was taking to hospital has asked how he was free to attack his daughter, given his lengthy violent criminal record.

Julia Fatum, 25, was responding to a call at 9pm on July 19 of a man suffering a cardiac arrest.

She and her crew picked up Rudolph Garcia, 48, from the Upper West Side - and when Garcia was inside, he attacked Fatum with a kitchen knife, stabbing her in the arm, leg and abdomen.

Video from the scene shows Fatum in agony rolling around on the floor outside the ambulance, while Garcia says: 'I don't know what happened.'

Fatum's colleague yells: 'You stabbed her, bro!'

Julia Fatum, 25, was stabbed on July 19 by a man she was transporting to hospital

Rudolph Garcia, 48, is seen in court on July 21 being arraigned on attempted murder charges

Garcia appeared in court on July 21 and was charged with attempted murder, and held on a $500,000 bond.

Fatum underwent multiple surgeries, and was released from hospital on Wednesday.

Fatum's mother questioned how Garcia was free to roam the streets and attack her daughter, given his lengthy criminal history.

'Fact: Rouldoph 'Rudy' Garcia, 48 of Bronx NY has eight prior arrests, including criminal possession of a weapon, assault, menacing with a weapon, drugs, burglary & assault on a police officer,' wrote Cara Fatum-Grant on Facebook.

'He has been released back into civilization 8 times. New York has failed its people.

'How is your bail reform working????'

Fatum is seen lying on the ground, as Garcia stands near the ambulance door after stabbing her

Fatum was working as an EMT to save up for her training to become a nurse

In 2019, New York lawmakers passed legislation that eliminated the use of cash bail for most misdemeanors and some nonviolent felony charges.

Critics say it has allowed dangerous people to roam the streets of New York City.

The New York Police Department told Fox News Digital that Garcia has nine prior arrests in New York.

He has also been arrested for criminal possession of a weapon, assault, menacing, drug possession, and robbery.

The assault arrest came in April 2017, when Garcia head-butted a Manhattan police officer who was arresting him on an unrelated matter.

Most recently, Garcia was charged with theft of services and criminal possession of a weapon on June 10, when he was caught sneaking onto the subway at the corner of Havens Place and Atlantic Avenue using the emergency exit.

He was found to have a knife in his pants pocket.

Fatum still faces a long road to recovery but was met with cheers on Wednesday as she left hospital.

Her mother told ABC 7: 'I'm overwhelmed, I can't believe there are so many people who can to see the value in her.'

Fatum is seen being released from hospital on Wednesday

Fatum thanked her medical colleagues for their support as she recovered

She said her daughter would continue pursuing her dream of becoming a nurse.

'I don't think Julia is ever worried about anything, she's tough, takes on the world,' Fatum-Grant said.

'If this makes a difference in the safety of her fellow EMTs ..I know that she would do it all over again.'

Fatum on Wednesday evening wrote a message on Facebook thanking everyone for their support.

'My hope for the future is that the workplace becomes safer for us all,' she wrote.

'Many people have asked me if I am done with healthcare and with NYC.

'This incident has shown me the community we have within EMS in NYC and it is incredibly inspiring. It reminded me why I fell in love with EMS here 3 years ago.

'Watching my colleagues rush to my side compassionately, competently, and in the face of danger has only further solidified my desire to progress my career in healthcare.

'I refuse to let these individuals who try to hurt us change my personality or life plan.'
The brother of one of the Bruce Highway crash victims has broken his silence as the alleged driver's family revealed they're 'immensely sorry' over the tragedy.

Mother-of-two Gypsy Satterley, 25, was killed alongside alpaca farmer Jessica Townley, 38, and Good Samaritan Terry Bishop, 65, in a horror smash at Federal near Queensland's Sunshine Coast early last Friday.

Ms Satterley's boyfriend of four weeks, Rafferty Raymond Rolfe, 25, has been charged with three counts of murder along with a string of serious driving offences.

The sole crash survivor was allegedly driving a stolen Isuzu MU-Z at the time and is accused of pursuing the Nissan Navara, his girlfriend and Mr Bishop were travelling in and ramming it onto the other side of the road into Ms Townley's path.

Ms Satterley's heartbroken family are struggling to come to terms with the harrowing details of her final moments.

Mother-of-two Gypsy Satterley was one of three victims killed in the Bruce Highway crash

'She was obviously very scared for her to jump out of the car and hail someone down, so you can only imagine the fear that was going through her,' her brother Brodie told Nine News.

'There's no words to describe the feeling you feel when you receive a call like that.

'None of us saw this coming.

Mr Satterley described his sister as the family's rock who was there for everyone.

'She was fun, cheeky, just energetic, one of a kind. She was special,' he added.

'She was my rock.'

He revealed he went to school to Rolfe but didn't know much his sister's new relationship.

'As far as I was aware she was doing all good,' Mr Satterley said.

'You can only imagine how I feel about him (Rolfe) right now. I won't put it into words.'

A heartbroken Brodie Satterley (pictured) described his sister Gypsy as one of a kind

Gypsy was travelling in Terry Bishop's Nissan Navara when the Good Samaritan's vehicle was allegedly chased and rammed it onto the other side of the road

It's understood a distressed Gypsy flagged down Mr Bishop minutes before the fatal collision after fleeing the vehicle Rolfe was driving.

The Good Samaritan had been on his way to a wedding in Brisbane when he stopped to help Ms Satterley.

'Terry died a hero in our eyes. We send our love to both of their families,' her brother said.

He wouldn't on comment on how Gypsy came to be in the stolen vehicle allegedly carjacked in Gympie hours earlier.

Ms Satterley leaves behind two daughters aged 5 and 6. An online fundraiser set up to support the children and Ms Satterley's funeral has raised more than $7,200.

'Life hadn't been kind to her in so many ways , it threw roadblocks and made every move forwards , hard. but she still showed up every damn day and fought a battle of fighting for a better life, knowing she could nearly touch it finally, smiling, laughing and loving her way through all the setbacks,' the page states.

Gypsy Satterley (pictured) has also been described as fun, cheeky and energetic

The horror crash also claimed the lives of Jessica Townley (left)and Terry Bishop (right)

It comes as Rolfe's sister Rosie Jinks issued a harrowing statement on the family's behalf on Thursday.

'Rafferty's family is immensely sorry for the pain and devastation and our thoughts are with all families affected,' she told Nine News.

Rolfe remains in hospital under police guard and is yet to enter a plea.

His matters have been adjourned to the Maroochydore Magistrates Court for committal mention on September 15.

If you or anyone who know needs support, call 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has urged the nation to vote Yes on the Indigenous Voice to Parliament saying it will improve wasted spending by targeting money where it is needed.

His comments follow a Productivity Commission report this week which found the multi-billion dollar National Agreement on Closing the Gap was failing, in part due to a 'top down' government approach working to 'pre-determined' solutions.

While the Treasurer has appealed to Australians' wallets to boost waning support for the Voice, Indigenous campaigner Noel Pearson this week issued a moral plea, saying a Yes vote would deliver 'hope and opportunity' for the country.

Writing for The Australian, Dr Chalmers explained the Voice would give Indigenous communities direct input on where to use funding allocated to them and is simply 'good economic policy'.

'In total, the Commonwealth spent $2.64billion last financial year aimed at closing the considerable gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians,' Dr Chalmers said.

Federal Treasurer Dr Jim Chalmers said the Indigenous Voice to Parliament would provide Australians with value for money to ensure funding is directed where it's needed

'But these significant investments aren't driving the significant outcomes Indigenous Australians need and deserve. From all of this, one conclusion is clear: what we've done for the last decade hasn't worked.'

Dr Chalmers said taxpayers weren't currently getting the best value for their investment in Indigenous funding.

'[The Voice] will help government listen to locals and direct money to where it's needed and working. The latest Closing the Gap data shows that we are failing future generations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.'

He said an Indigenous advisory body to Parliament would help Aboriginal communities thrive by improving health standards and helping more young people finish their education to gain employment or start their own business.

'The message is clear: we need to start listening to First Nations peoples about what works in their community, and what doesnt.'

Yes23 campaigner and one of the architects of the Uluru Statement from the Heart, Noel Pearson, agrees.

'When people have a say over the policies that affect them, we're going to get better results,' he told 7.30 on Thursday night.

'We're going to save money. Our money is going to be more productive.'

But moreover, Mr Pearson wants Australians to believe a yes vote would lead to a stronger, more unified country.

'How can you say it's going to divide Australia?'

'Indigenous people are excluded from the Constitution, John Howard said this himself in 2007. So this referendum completes the Constitution.'

The Yes campaign has their work cut out for them according to a recent Resolve Political Monitor survey which found national support had dropped to 48 per cent.

The No Campaign has criticised an absence of detail about how the advisory body would work along with who would 'get a seat at the table' to represent Indigenous communities and expressed concerns it could lead to division.

Noel Pearson said the Yes campaign would mobilise as the referendum drew closer with a message of 'hope and oppourtunity'

Mr Pearson said supporters would significantly mobilise as the referendum, to be held between October and December, drew closer.

'The important thing now is that in the conversation with the Australian people, we can only appeal to goodness,' he said.

'We'll leave no community forum unspoken, we've got to get that out there in the streets, in the suburbs, in the cities, in the country towns, and we're going to have a message of hope and opportunity for the country.'

'And that's all that can win it for the country, for the whole country, and for Indigenous people - a message of hope and opportunity and we'll leave no stone unturned in that process.'
Dame Deborah James's daughter has revealed that she is 'walking in mummy's footsteps' by raising money for her mother's Bowelbabe Fund a year after the inspirational campaigner's death.

Thirteen-year-old Eloise lost her mother at the age of 40 in June 2022, five years after the BBC podcast presenter and former headteacher was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer when she found blood in her stool.

In her final weeks, the presenter of the You, Me And The Big C podcast raised 6.75million for cancer research and she was made a dame by Prince William for her 'tireless' work improving awareness of the disease.

Now, just over a year after her mother's death, fashion-obsessed Eloise has launched her own In The Style collection which will raise money for the Bowelbabe Fund.

Eloise has revealed that every piece is inspired by her mother, who had designed her very own collection just weeks before her tragic death.

Dame Deborah James's daughter is proud to say that she is 'walking in mummy's footsteps' by raising money for her mother's Bowelbabe Fund. Pictured: Dame Deborah and her daughter Eloise

Dame Deborah James tragically lost her battle with cancer aged 40 in June 2022. Her family posted this picture of her when they announced her death

Just over a year after her mother's death, fashion-obsessed Eloise has launched her own In The Style Collection which will raise money for the Bowelbabe Fund. Pictured: Deborah James partnered with In The Style before her tragic death

'I am so excited and proud to be able to do this,' Eloise told The Sun. 'I'm walking in my mum's footsteps and following the path she set for me.'

Eloise's father Sebastien Bowen said that what his daughter is doing is 'exactly' what his wife would have wanted. Seb, who is also a father to 15-year-old Hugo, added: 'I am incredibly proud and I know Deborah would be too.

'It's exactly what she wanted for Ellie, and it's a lovely example of how she was determined to do things in those last weeks to set the kids up for later in life.'

Seb added that he wanted to make sure that the Bowelbabe Fund, the children and the family had 'something really positive to focus on' after her heartbreaking battle with cancer.

It was May 9 last year when the mother-of-two shared a heartbreaking 'goodbye' message to her Instagram followers, revealing she was being moved into hospice-at-home care at her parents' house, while 'surrounded by family', because 'my body simply isn't playing ball.'

While she said at the time that no one knew how long she may live, she had revealed she was given just days when she was released from hospital in May 2022.

At the time of her death, Dame Deborah had raised an astonishing 7million for cancer research. Her target was to raise 250,000 but today it stands at 11.3million as her legacy continues.

Her proud daughter Eloise said that her mother's fundraising efforts were an 'amazing achievement' and she is extremely excited to 'continue what my mum started'.

At the time of her death, Dame Deborah had raised an astonishing 7million for cancer research. Pictured: Deborah and her daughter Eloise in front of the Eiffel Tower

Dame Deborah was made a dame by Prince William for her 'tireless' work improving awareness of the disease

Dame Deborah told her children Eloise (L) and Hugo (R) to 'take chances and experience life now' - something Eloise is certainly doing

Eloise's father Seb (second from left) said that what his daughter is doing is 'exactly' what his wife would have wanted

Dame Deborah worked with In The Style to launch a charity t-shirt with the motto 'Rebellious Hope' before she then created a beautiful collection of dresses, skirts and tops to raise money for the fund.

Eloise has paid tribute to her mother by using stunning designs with bright colours and rose patterns - a nod to Deborah's favourite flower. She even had a rose named after her which she said that she hoped one day her daughter would choose to have 'in her wedding bouquet'.

The teenager believes that her mother would be proud of her because she loved working with In The Style.

Her father said that Eloise has always loved arts and fashion and even as a young girl she was coming up with designs and ideas.

Eloise said it was a 'dream come true' to work as a fashion designer and she has loved having her ideas made into a reality.

Last month, Deborah's mother and Eloise's grandmother posted a heartfelt message on the first anniversary of the presenter's death.

Heather James, 65, shared an emotional tribute to her 'interesting, fun, and manic' daughter and the 'incredible legacy' she left behind.

Heather wrote: 'Today is the first anniversary of our eldest child Deborah's death. Deborah came into the world full of energy and never stopped over the next 40 years.

'The past 12 months have not been easy but we remember with immense pride and love the amazing impact she had on so many lives and the incredible legacy she has left.

Eloise has paid tribute to her mother by using stunning designs with bright colours and rose patterns - a nod to Deborah's favourite flower

Eloise and Dame Deborah having fun together before the BBC podcast presenter tragically died

The teenager believes that her mother would be proud of her because she loved working with In The Style

'We were young parents when Deborah was born and the first cuddles and touches with your firstborn are something you remember forever and cannot be taken away from you - life with Debs was always interesting, fun, and manic but there was always a determination in her to help others achieve their full potential especially in her teaching career.

'When first diagnosed with Bowel Cancer it took us time to realise the seriousness of her diagnosis but we immediately knew she wanted to share her story with others to establish open communication about a subject that many considered a taboo - you will all agree she succeeded !

'We followed and supported her work in the last 5 years of life but also remembered we were there as her ever loving parents and grandparents to her children.

'In what became very difficult times it was wonderful to see the immense love and support she received from her husband Sebastien and their children, her siblings Sarah & Ben together with the unwavering support of their families.

She continued: 'During her final weeks at home the atmosphere was unique but most importantly loving - we all understood what the end would be, although I struggled to believe that Deborah was facing the end of her life that she loved so much, but there was a determination to enjoy every last minute and experiences we had together.

Dame Deborah's target was to raise 250,000 but today it stands at 11.3million as her legacy continues

Prince William visited Dame Deborah and her family to honour the inspirational mother-of-two with a Damehood

'Although I'm sure nobody expected that Prince William would join us for tea & champagne!!

'Deborah you always provided a challenge but it was your ability to put it in the right direction and communicate so brilliantly that made a difference.

She concluded: 'As your brother said on the eve of your funeral - from the beginning you taught me how to live - you had that effect on far more people than you ever knew and that is why you were so loved and are now so missed - Deborah we love you for ever. Xx'

The former deputy head teacher, who was known to many as Bowel Babe, intimately detailed the last five years of her life online.

Her candid posts about her progress and diagnosis - including videos of her dancing her way through treatment - won praise from the public and media alike.

Dame Deborah told her children to 'take chances and experience life now' - something Eloise is certainly doing.
A man accused of going on a rampage that left one person dead and three others seriously injured will stand trial for murder next year.

Finlay MacDonald is accused of shooting dead his brother-in-law, John MacKinnon, 47, at his home in Teangue, Skye, on August 10 last year.

The 40-year-old is separately charged with the attempted murder of his wife Rowena MacDonald, 33, and two other people the same day.

Prosecutors claim MacDonald killed the father-of-six by repeatedly discharging a shotgun, striking him on the body.

MacDonald is said to have previously shown 'malice and ill-will' towards him.

Pictured: Rowena MacDonald, 33, who was repeatedly stabbed on the body with a knife, at her home in Tarskavaig, Skye

John MacKinnon, 47, a father of six, suffered fatal gunshot wounds

John D Mackenzie, 63 and Fay MacKenzie, 63, were attacked in the incident in Isle of Skye

Police were first called to Rowena MacDonald, 32, who suffered 'serious' stab injuries

As it unfolded: Police were called to several 'linked' incidents across the Isle of Skye

The indictment also states that he struggled with Mrs MacDonald and repeatedly stabbed her on the body with a knife at her home in Tarskavaig, Skye.

The attempted murder charge claims that this was to Mrs MacDonald's severe injury, permanent disfigurement and impairment as well as to the danger of her life. Prosecutors allege the offence was aggravated 'by involving abuse of your partner or ex-partner'.

After the killing of Mr MacKinnon, it is said MacDonald carried out murder attempts on chiropractor John Donald MacKenzie and his wife Fay.

The alleged attacks on the couple, both 63 at the time, happened around 30 miles away at their home in Dornie, Ross-shire.

MacDonald is said to have fired a shotgun at Mrs MacKenzie, hitting her on the head and body.

He is then accused of discharging the weapon at her husband, striking the man on the body.

Similar to the charge involving his brother-in-law, MacDonald is also said to have directed previous ill-will towards Mr MacKenzie.

MacDonald is said to have previously shown 'malice and ill-will' towards Mr MacKinnon (pictured)

Police stand guard outside a property in the Teangue area on the Isle of Skye in Scotland

An air ambulance was pictured at the scene in the Scottish Highlands after the attacks

Police officers were alerted to reports of gunshots 26 miles away on the mainland in Dornie

A police van pictured at the scene of one of the incidents on the Isle of Skye on Wednesday

The shootings resulted in the death of Mr MacKinnon and the injuring of three other people

MacDonald finally faces an accusation of possessing a shotgun with intent to 'endanger life'. The indictment states that he did attend at and travel between the different properties while armed with the firearm and ammunition.

The case called for a hearing at the High Court in Glasgow yesterday.

MacDonald's lawyer Shahid Latif told the court: 'He pleads not guilty to the charges on the indictment.'

Mr Latif said defence inquiries are ongoing, but he was content for a trial to be fixed.

Along with prosecutor Lisa Gillespie, KC, he also asked for a further hearing to take place before then, in December this year. Lord Fairley went on to state: 'I will assign a trial of seven days' duration for May 14 in Glasgow.'

The incidents are believed to have taken place in the Dornie (pictured) area on Skye

Forensics officers were seen at a property in the Dornie area of Wester Ross, on the northwest coast of Scotland, following the incident

A forensic team carried out an investigation into the incident at a property in the Dornie area

Two crowdfunders at the time set up to help the affected families reportedly raised more than 70,000.

Mr MacKinnon's funeral took place in Sleat on Skye with up to 800 people at the service.

Police Scotland Chief Constable Iain Livingstone said following the incidents: 'This was a very tragic and extremely concerning incident in a remote part of Scotland.

'It is a very difficult time for John MacKinnon's family.'
Americans are looking for ways to combat the sweltering weather during one of the hottest heatwaves in years and it looks like animals are trying to do the same.

A homeowner in southern California caught a mother bear and her baby taking a dip in her pool to try and keep cool.

The wholesome moment happened on Wednesday afternoon at around 1.45pm when temperatures reached highs of 91 degrees.

Footage was captured of the brown bears splashing around in the outdoor pool together.

A searing heatwave is currently gripping states in the Midwest, Northeast, and South and the high temperatures are set to persist this week, meteorologists have revealed.

Americans are looking for ways to combat the sweltering weather during one of the hottest heatwaves in years and it looks like animals are trying to do the same

A homeowner in southern California caught a mother bear and her baby taking a dip in her pool to try and keep cool

A video clip, obtained by KTLA, shows a baby bear splashing around in the water before the mother bear comes into the frame and enjoys a playful exchange with her cub.

The two are seen playfighting on the side of the pool before the mother bear dips her front paws in.

She then jumps in and causes a large body of water to splash out of pool.

The two bears are then seen briefly playing in the water before the baby gets out and runs out of frame.

Bear sightings are said to be more common as the summer months heat up as people spend more time outdoors.

The National Park Service advises keeping distance from bears, avoiding sudden movements that could startle an animal, or hiding and spooking it.

'Pay attention to your surroundings and make a special effort to be noticeable if you are in an area with known bear activity or a good food source, such as berry bushes.'

Bear attacks are rare. Most will only attack if they feel threatened, to defend their cubs or to protect food.

The largest electric grid operator in the US issued a level one emergency alert on Wednesday - raising the specter of its 65 million customers facing potential blackouts during a searing heatwave.

PJM Interconnection says it currently expects to have sufficient power to meet the usual summertime demands.

Footage was captured of the brown bears splashing around in the outdoor pool together

The wholesome moment happened on Wednesday afternoon at around 1.45pm when temperatures reached highs of 91 degrees

The two bears are seen briefly playing in the water before the baby gets out and runs out of frame

Bosses there say they also have reserve capacity to meet additional demand, as Americans run their air conditioners to cool down.

In the Northeast - in states like New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Maryland, Washington, DC - highs are set to jump into the upper 90s.

The heat comes as temperatures that had been affecting the South this week continues to expand to the Midwest and Northeast.

Large areas in all of the aforementioned states receive electricity from PJM, and portions of all are under some for of heat advisory.

DC will come within a few degrees from record highs exceeding 100 degrees, as is the case in portions of Northern New Jersey and New York City.

New York is not one the 13 states included in PJM's scope of operations.

But Maryland and Ohio, and states further west like Tennessee and Illinois, are - with cities in each poised to record temperatures just south of 100 degrees Thursday and Friday.

Increasing humidity will also worsen Americans continued heat woes, as a strong area of high pressure in the upper atmosphere heat wave moves the heat from the Southwest into the Plains.

The increasing likelihood of outages in states covered by PJM Interconnection comes as a stubborn heat wave continues to affect the Midwest, Northeast, and South - bringing with it temperatures that feel well over 100 degrees

Increasing humidity will also worsen Americans continued heat woes, as an area of pressure in the upper atmosphere heat wave moves the heat from the Southwest, while another hot dome of high pressure brings high temperatures across the western Atlantic into the eastern states

While another hot dome of high pressure brings high temperatures across the western Atlantic into the eastern states.

As a result, the heat index - a tool meteorologists use to measure how hot it actually feels outside instead of just temperature - could peak near or over 100 degrees in large portions of the Northeast and Midwest during the afternoon.

Meanwhile, in the Southwest, several heat records have been shattered in notoriously sweltering states such as Texas and Arizona.

A total seven heat-associated deaths were confirmed over the last week in America's hottest big metro, with dozens dead across the rest of the Southwest as well.
A breast surgeon and survivor of the Iran-Iraq war has won the Great British Sewing Bee and plans to create bespoke mastectomy bras for her patients.

After ten weeks of tough sewing challenges Asmaa Al-allak, 46, who learnt English by reading Mills & Boon novels, was crowned the new queen of the needle and thread.

Specialising in making lingerie, the triumphant Asmaa plans to channel her creativity for good by making a range of bras for mastectomy patients.

Asmaa's full-time job is as a consultant breast surgeon in Cardiff but her sewing hobby means she is already known for making post-op bras for her patients.

Her intricate and colourful creations won her Britain's Best Amateur Sewer of 2023 on Wednesday after 'spellbinding' the judges and host, Sarah Pascoe.

After ten weeks of tough sewing challenges Asmaa Al-allak (pictured), 46, who learnt English by reading Mills & Boon novels, was crowned the new queen of the needle and thread

The mother-of-two was born in Iraq but escaped the Gulf War to Durham when she was 14.

Her father worked as a scientist but at 18 she moved to Cardiff to study medicine where she now lives with her husband and two children.

The seamstress's wardrobe is mostly self-made, specifically tailored to match her designer shoes - which didn't go unnoticed by viewers at home.

She said: 'Red soled heels have been my shoes for work since I became a consultant. 'I got my first pair when I started the job and since for birthdays - they are my luxury to myself. But in the theatre I wear my pink crocs with butterflies on.'

Several years ago, the consultant hand sewed a makeup bag for her secretary as a Christmas present, and her clear talent prompted colleagues to insist she go on the show.

During the Iran-Iraq War in the 1980s Asmaa learned to sew from her seamstress Grandmother using any scraps of material she could find to make an intricate wardrobe for her dolls.

Her intricate and colourful creations won her Britain's Best Amateur Sewer of 2023 on Wednesday after 'spellbinding' the judges and host, Sarah Pascoe (pictured)

Asmaa said: 'I have faced many challenges in my life but I can honestly say that the first morning of filming [for the Great British Sewing Bee] was probably the most nervous I had ever been.

'Clutching my sewing box nervously and walking into that sewing room for the first time was the most surreal experience.'

Equipped with her mother's 20-year-old hand-me-down tape measure, Asmaa went on to impress the judges, winning the converted Garment of the Week prize three times in a row.

At the final the judge, Patrick Grant, said: 'How you engineered that was out of this world - that final gown was spectacular.

'I am not sure I have seen anything quite so special on Sewing Bee. Spellbinding.'

Asmaa plans to wear her favourite creation from the show, a Breakfast at Tiffany's inspired garment, to a ladies special occasion.
An innocent man who was wrongly jailed for 17 years for a rape he did not commit faces having to pay for prison 'board and lodging' as he blasted his 'kidnappers'.

Andrew Malkinson, now 57, on Wednesday finally won a 20-year battle to clear his name after he was in 2003 handed a life sentence with a minimum term of seven years, after being found guilty of raping a woman in Greater Manchester.

Mr Malkinson is now living on benefits but could be in line for up to 1million in compensation for his wrongful conviction  but his lawyer warned his client may be waiting 'years'.

And the victim of the miscarriage of justice was further 'enraged' by the possibility that he would have to pay for the 'torture' he suffered for nearly 20 years, as a substantial sum of his compensation may be deducted to repay the prison - HMP Frankland - for food and accommodation costs.

Mr Malkinson served ten more years because he maintained his innocence, but his conviction was quashed by senior judges at the Court of Appeal on Wednesday after DNA evidence linking another man to the crime came to light.

Andrew Malkinson (pictured outside the Royal Courts of Justice on Wednesday), now 57, on Wednesday finally won a 20-year battle to clear his name after he was in 2003 handed a life sentence with a minimum term of seven years, after being found guilty of raping a woman in Greater Manchester

And the victim of the miscarriage of justice was further 'enraged' by the possibility that he would have to pay for the 'torture' he suffered for nearly 20 years, as a substantial sum of his compensation may be deducted to repay the prison - HMP Frankland (pictured) - for food and accommodation costs

Greater Manchester Police's Assistant Chief Constable Sarah Jackson (pictured) said 'we are truly sorry to Mr Malkinson that he is the victim of such a grave miscarriage of justice in being convicted of a crime he did not commit and serving a 17-year custodial sentence'

Charity Appeal, who took on the case, said it took Greater Manchester Police (GMP) to court twice to obtain evidence which had been withheld from the defence at Mr Malkinson's original trial.

It also accused the force of unlawfully destroying key evidence connected to the case.

Mr Malkinson told the BBC World at One that the rules around financial claims for wrongful imprisonment were 'kind of sick'.

The rules were introduced by judges relating to the case of men who were wrongly convicted of the murder of paperboy Car Bridgewater in 1978.

A 2007 decision by the House of Lords, which was at the time the UK's highest court, said that cousins Vincent and Michael Hickey, who were freed by the Court of Appeal after their convictions were found to be flawed, said that their compensation should be reduced.

Michael Hickey was awarded 1.02million and his cousin got 550,000 but both of their awards were reduced by a quarter as they had not had to pay for living expenses while in custody. The law lords' ruling was backed by the European Court of Human Rights after an appeal.

The Justice Secretary will also be integral to the decision of whether or not Mr Malkinson receives compensation - a maximum of 1million of someone has been falsely imprisoned for ten years or longer.

The recently exonerated man told The Telegraph that he was 'sickened' at the thought of having to pay for being 'kidnapped'. He asked if it was 'serious' that 'proven innocents have to pay for their torture'.

Justice Committee chairman Sir Bob Neill has urged the government to review the rules, asking 'is it really fair'.

It is not believed that the Ministry of Justice have any plans to change the rules. The department told the Telegraph that compensation deductions can be made when those who had been falsely imprisoned made 'substantial savings made on living costs while a person was in custody'.

Following Mr Malkison's acquittal, evidence access laws surrounding court appeals are to be reviewed, as legal charity Appeal said they hampered his case.

The Law Commission announced a wide-ranging examination of the appeals process, including whether it is disrupted by rules governing the retention and disclosure of evidence.

The charity said lawyers working on potential miscarriage of justice cases are 'routinely' denied access to evidence by police forces and prosecutors.

Emma Torr, the charity's legal director, said: 'We welcome the Law Commission's review of unfair disclosure reviews, which currently prevent miscarriages of justice being brought to light.

Mr Malkinson (pictured) served ten more years because he maintained his innocence, but his conviction was quashed by senior judges at the Court of Appeal on Wednesday after DNA evidence linking another man to the crime came to light

Sarah, the half-sister of Andrew Malkinson, hugs him outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London after he was cleared

Mr Malkinson's mother Trisha Hose outside the Royal Courts of Justice today after he was cleared

'Andy Malkinson's case is just the tip of the iceberg. We believe there are many others who have been wrongly convicted but are unable to access evidence to prove their innocence.'

At the time of Mr Malkinson's trial, there was no DNA evidence linking him to the crime and the prosecution case was based only on identification evidence.

But a DNA sample held by the forensic archive was tested and found last October to link to another man, who has since been arrested. A decision on whether he will be charged is awaited.

Edward Henry KC, representing Mr Malkinson in the Court of Appeal, said GMP, which apologised after the ruling, destroyed the victim's clothing.

Assistant Chief Constable Sarah Jackson said: 'We are truly sorry to Mr Malkinson that he is the victim of such a grave miscarriage of justice in being convicted of a crime he did not commit and serving a 17-year custodial sentence.

'Whilst we hope this outcome gives him a long overdue sense of justice, we acknowledge that it does not return the years he has lost. I have offered to meet with him to personally deliver this apology.'

Mr Malkinson told the BBC's Newsnight programme: 'The Greater Manchester Police apology... it's meaningless to me, absolutely meaningless.

'An apology without accountability, what is that? It's nothing, it's nothing, it means nothing.'

Penney Lewis, criminal law commissioner, said: 'The appeals process is essential for rectifying miscarriages of justice and ensuring the fair and consistent application of the criminal law. In recent years, there have been many differing views on how this process can be improved to allow for the efficient and effective resolution of appeals.

'In our comprehensive review, we will consider proposals for reform that will ensure the appeals process provides a robust safeguard against wrongful convictions and instils confidence in the criminal justice system.

'We therefore welcome a wide range of responses to our issues paper to help us identify if there are areas of the law that are not working.'
Former President Donald Trump has slammed new charges from the special counsel as 'election interference' - as he continues to hold on to a heavy lead in the 2024 Republican primary.

Trump allegedly asked an aide to delete Mar-a-Lago surveillance footage in a bid to wipe evidence in the classified documents investigation, prosecutors charge in a dramatic superseding indictment revealed Thursday.

The former president responded both in public statements and on his Truth Social account by suggesting it was a response to his top spot in presidential polling.

'It's election interference at the highest level,' he said Thursday. 'They're harassing my company, they're harassing my family and by far, least importantly of all, they're harassing me.'

'This is prosecutorial misconduct used at a level never seen before,' Trump said. 'If I weren't leading Biden by a lot in numerous polls, and wasn't going to be the Republican nominee, it wouldn't be happening. It wouldn't be happening.'

Former President Donald Trump is responding to new charges from the special counsel by claiming conspiracy, as he continues to hold on to a heavy lead in the 2024 Republican primary

'But I am way up as a Republican and way up in the general election and this is what you get,' he told Fox News.

Trump put an exclamation on that theory by posting two more polls on his Truth account, including one forecasting him dominating in delegates at the RNC.

He currently holds a massive lead in the polling average from FiveThirtyEight, leading second place Ron DeSantis by 52.4 percent to 15.5 percent.

"Our country is suffering from DOJ abuse,' Trump added. 'Hopefully the Republican Party will do something about it.'

Special Counsel Jack Smith's team of prosecutors has piled additional charges into the 32-count indictment the former president was already facing  and another Trump aide has now been charged with conspiracy in the Mar-a-Lago classified documents case.

The new counts place the former president in still more legal jeopardy as he is already bracing for potential charges in another key case while fighting a multi-front legal war.

Among the charges is that the former president allegedly told aides to 'wipe' security footage from his Florida club's server as a way to foil investigators probing the removal of classified documents from the White House.

Carlos De Oliveira, Mar-a-Lago's head of maintenance, has been named as the third defendant alongside the former president and his valet Walt Nauta.

The news came on a day former President Donald Trump's lawyers met with special counsel Jack Smith's prosecutors

Both developments present additional legal jeopardy for the former president, who spent part of Thursday averring that his lawyers had blasted the case against him in still another case, related to his election overturn effort.

Prosecutors are piling more charges on Trump in the new indictment. They are additional charges related to obstruction of justice and willful retention of national defense information. Special Counsel Jack Smith's team added them to the existing indictment Thursday evening.

Trump was hit with a 37-count indictment in June.

According to one passage in the superseding indictment filed Thursday, De Oliveira 'told Trump Employee 4 that their conversation should remain between the two of them.'

De Oliveira 'asked Trump employee 4 how many days the server retrained footage. Trump Employee 4 responded that he believed it was approximately 45 days.'

It continued: 'De Oliveira told Trump Employee 4 that 'the boss' wanted the server deleted.'

That language, if substantiated, appears to put Trump at the heart of the alleged conspiracy to cover up information.

The indictment states that De Oliveira stated he didn't know how to wipe the story or that he would have a right to.

De Oliveira is believed to have helped Nauta helped move boxes of sensitive files around the private club after the Department of Justice subpoenaed Trump.

Nauta continues to work for Trump, and is facing charges of conspiring to withhold classified information from the government. He pleaded not guilty in federal court in Miami earlier this month.

The specific charges against DecOliveira were not immediately clear.

The news came on a day former President Donald Trump's lawyers met with special counsel Jack Smith's prosecutors to discuss the January 6 case, according to Trump.

The developments in the Mar-a-Lago case came on a day when a separate January 6 investigation has been advancing

Walt Nauta, a valet to former President Donald Trump, has already been charged with conspiracy

Trump has long called all the probes of him part of a 'witch hunt,' and has repeatedly trained his fire on the Biden family, who he calls 'corrupt.' He told Fox News Thursday evening the new moves amount to election interference.

Nauta had been considered a witness that prosecutors might try to 'flip' to gain testimony against Trump, and he met with investigators during their probe. But instead the former White House valet has remained in Trump's employ, and prosecutors charged the former valet.

Now the inclusion of De Oliveira presents an additional candidate for pressure, although as in the case of Nauta, prosecutors may have decided they can make their case without him.

The stunning news came on a day when eyes have been on the January 6 case, where Trump has received a target letter from prosecutors related to that case, in Washington, D.C.

The indictment once again focuses in on a July 2021 meting Trump had with a writer and publisher identified to be working on former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows' book.

It quotes from an interview where Trump bragged about a 'highly confidential' document, using it to try to undermine former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Gen. Mark Milley.

'He said that I wanted to attack a country,' Trump said, brandishing the document.

The tape already potentially undermined a Trump defense, but including his comment that, 'See as president I could have declassified it,' but 'now I can't.'

According to the new indictment, 'The document that TRUMP possessed and showed on July 21, 2021, is charged as Count 32 in this Superseding indictment.'

Other information in the indictment connects Trump still more closely to the boxes of material around his club  at a time when the National Archives was trying to claw back material.

In December 2021, an employee wrote that 'box answer will be wrenched out of him today, promise!,' followed by, '12 is his number.'

An employee texted about Trump, 'He's tracking the boxes, more to follow today on whether he wants to go through more today or tomorrow.' Another says he asked for 'new covers for the boxes, for Monday m.' Morning.'

It added, '*can we get new box covers before giving these to them on Monday? They have too much writing on them..I marked too much.'

That all preceded Trump finally providing 15 boxes to the Archives in January 2022.

The new indictment describes Nauta's moves to change travel plans after a meeting with Trump, the same day DOJ sent a grand jury subpoena for security footage.

Nauta provided 'inconsistent explanations' to colleagues, and said he had a family emergency but also used 'shushing' emojis.

He reunited with De Oliveria and visited a security guard booth where surveillance video is held, walking 'with a flashlight through the tunnel where the Storage Room was located, and observed and pointed out surveillance cameras.'

De Oliveira then told 'Trump Employee 4' in a conversation that should 'remain between the two of them' about the boss wanting to delete the server.

Another part of the indictment describes the period after the FBI discovered classified documents at MAL following the execution of a search warrant.

It says Nauta called Employee 5 to say words to the effect that 'someone just wants to make sure Carlos is good,' in reference to De Oliveira.

The employee said De Oliveira was 'loyal' and wouldn't do anything to affect his relationship with Trump.

He then told a PAC representative in a signal chat the same thing. Trump that same day called Ed Oliveira and told him that 'TRUMP would get DE OLIVEIRIA an attorney,' it said.

The new indictment names the trio  Trump, De Oliveria and Nauta, and says they 'did knowingly combine, conspire, confederate, and agree' to 'engage in misleading conduct' to 'corruptly' persuade another person to withhold information.

Other counts relate just to Trump and Nauta.

One new count, Count 40, charges the trio with 'altering, destroying, mutilating, or concealing an object.' That relates to the trio requesting n employee to 'delete security camera footage at the Mar-a-Lago Club to prevent the footage from being provided to a federal grand jury.'

It says De Oliveira made false statements during a January 2023 interview in Palm Beach.

He said he 'never saw nothing' when boxes were delivered to Mar-a-Lago.

But according to the feds, he knew because he 'had personally observed and helped move TRUMP's boxes when they arrived at The Mar-a-Lago Club in January 2021.'
The Home Office's use of hotels to house lone child asylum seekers has been unlawful for more than 18 months, the High Court has ruled.

The Every Child Protected Against Trafficking (ECPAT) charity brought legal action against the department over the practice of housing unaccompanied youngsters in Home Office-run hotels, claiming the arrangements are 'not fit for purpose'.

In a ruling yesterday, Mr Justice Chamberlain said the practice is unlawful, as the power to place the children in hotels 'may be used on very short periods in true emergency situations'.

He told the court in London: 'It cannot be used systematically or routinely in circumstances where it is intended, or functions in practice, as a substitute for local authority care.

'From December 2021 at the latest, the practice of accommodating children in hotels, outside local authority care, was both systematic and routine and had become an established part of the procedure for dealing with unaccompanied asylum-seeking children.

Home Secretary Suella Braverman. The Every Child Protected Against Trafficking (ECPAT) charity brought legal action against the department over the practice of housing unaccompanied youngsters in Home Office-run hotels (File Photo)

Inside the lobby of the Copthorne Hotel near Cardiff, which has been housing asylum seekers

From that point on, the Home Secretary's provision of hotel accommodation for unaccompanied asylum-seeking children exceeded the proper limits of her powers and was unlawful.'

The judge also found Kent County Council is acting unlawfully in failing to accommodate and look after lone children seeking asylum when notified by the Home Office.

Mr Justice Chamberlain said in his 55-page judgment: 'In ceasing to accept responsibility for some newly arriving unaccompanied asylum-seeking children, while continuing to accept other children into its care, Kent County Council chose to treat some unaccompanied asylum-seeking children differently from and less favourably than other children, because of their status as asylum seekers.

'Ensuring the safety and welfare of children with no adult to look after them is among the most fundamental duties of any civilised state.'

During a hearing after the judgment was made public, Mr Justice Chamberlain said there was an urgent need for 'negotiation' between the Home Office and Kent's local authority.

A migrant carries a child with smugglers behind him as he runs to board a smuggler's boat on the beach of Gravelines, near Dunkirk, northern France on October 12, 2022

He said: 'At the forefront of my mind are the interests of the children in Kent's care.' Mr Justice Chamberlain said it would not be acceptable for this to be delayed due to a lack of people's availability over the summer, adding: 'If it means ministers have got to be interrupted on their holidays, then so be it.'

The court previously heard that at the time of the hearing of the claims earlier this month, 154 children remained missing from the hotels, including a 12-year-old.

The judge said: 'They are not children in care who have run away. They are children who, because of how they came to be here, never entered the care system in the first place and so were never 'looked after'.'

Patricia Durr, chief executive of ECPAT, said: 'It remains a child protection scandal that so many of the most vulnerable children remain missing at risk of significant harm as a consequence of these unlawful actions by the Secretary of State and Kent County Council.'

The Home Office said: 'In light of today's judgment, we will continue to work with Kent County Council and local authorities across the UK to ensure suitable local authority placements are provided for unaccompanied children, in line with their duties.'
An indictment unsealed Thursday night against former President Donald Trump alleges his Mar-a-Lago property manager met 'in the bushes' with the ex-president's valet to discuss how to cover-up the classified documents stored at the estate.

Carlos De Oliveira, 56, is accused of trying to get a security official at Mar-a-Lago to delete surveillance footage showing people moving boxes into and out of the building.

When those efforts failed, the indictment says, De Oliveira met with former White House valet Walt Nauta in the 'bushes' on the edge of Mar-a-Lago after Nauta texted someone saying he was traveling to Florida because he had a family emergency  in a message using 'shushing emojis.'

Months later, De Oliveira would drain the resort's swimming pool, flooding a room where computer servers containing surveillance video logs were kept.

The indictment also claims that in the days after the FBI raid on Mar-a-Lago last year, an unnamed Trump employee called De Oliveira 'loyal' to the current 2024 Republican frontrunner, and would not do anything to affect his relationship with Trump.

The property manager is charged with conspiracy to obstruct justice; altering, destroying or mutilating a document and making false statements.

An indictment charging former President Donald Trump for keeping classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate was unsealed Thursday night. He is pictured here last month

The FBI raided Mar-a-Lago last August and recovered the boxes of classified documents

He later also allegedly lied to officials saying he 'never saw anything,' despite moving some of the boxes himself, the Feds say.

De Oliveira, Trump and former White House valet Walt Nauta are now alleged to have conspired to 'engage in misleading conduct' to 'corruptly' persuade another person to withhold information.

The federal indictment claims that when the Justice Department announced that a grand jury was issuing a subpoena requesting video from Mar-a-Lago in June 2022, Nauta abruptly canceled his plans to travel with Trump to Illinois the next day and instead traveled to Palm Beach, Florida where he would meet with De Oliveira.

Nauta allegedly 'provided inconsistent explanations to colleagues' for his sudden travel, texting one person that he would not be traveling with Trump because he had a family emergency. But he used 'shushing emojis' in that text.

He also texted a Secret Service agent that he had to check on a family member in Florida, but after he arrived, the indictment states, he texted the same Secret Service agent he was in Florida for work.

Following his meeting with De Oliveira, the property manager allegedly met with a security employee at the compound, and asked him how many days the server retained security footage, to which the employee responded that he believed 'it was approximately 45 days.'

De Oliveira then allegedly told the employee '"the boss" wanted the server deleted"' and said the 'conversation should remain between the two of them.'

The unnamed security officer, though, said he 'would not know how to do that, and that he did not believe that he would have the right to do that.'

In the aftermath, the indictment states, De Oliveira met twice with Nauta near 'bushes' on the northern edge of Mar-a-Lago.

It is unclear what the two may have been discussing, but by October, Nauta is accused of draining a pool at the resort and purposefully flooding the room containing surveillance video logs.

The indictment charges De Oliveira, Nauta and Trump with 'altering, destroying, mutilating, or concealing an object.'

It says the charge relates to the trio requesting an employee to 'delete security camera footage at the Mar-a-Lago Club to prevent the footage from being provided to a federal grand jury,' it says.

Special Counsel Jack Smith has been leading the Justice Department investigation into the classified documents found at Trump's Florida estate

Carlos De Oliveira, a property manager at Mar-a-Lago, is accused of moving boxes containing classified documents from the White House into the south Florida estate

When asked about the boxes, the indictment says, De Oliveira told FBI investigators he 'never saw anything'

The indictment also says Nauta had 'personally observed and helped move Trump's boxes when they arrived at The Mar-a-Lago Club in January 2021.'

Those boxes contained 'information regarding defense and weapons capabilities of both the United States and foreign countries; United States nuclear programs; potential vulnerabilities of the United States and its allies to military attack; and plans for retaliation in response to a foreign attack,' according to the indictment.

In the days after the FBI raid, the indictment states, Nauta called an unnamed Trump employee saying 'someone just wants to make sure Carlos is good,' referring to De Oliveira.

The employee allegedly replied De Oliveira was 'loyal' and wouldn't do anything to affect his relationship with Trump.

He then told a super PAC representative in a signal chat the same thing.

That same day, August 26, 2022, Trump allegedly called De Oliveira and informed him he would get the property manager an attorney.

It also claims De Oliveira voluntarily met with the FBI in January 2023.

The FBI allegedly asked the property manager about the 'location and movement of Trump's boxes and other items,' to which De Oliveira 'knowingly and willingly made materially false, fictitious and fraudulent statements and representation.'

De Oliveira denied he was involved in moving the boxes, the indictment claims, and told investigators he 'never saw anything.'

Walt Nauta, a valet to the former president, is facing charges of conspiring to withhold classified information from the government

A statement issued by Trump's 2024 campaign said the charges are 'nothing more than a continued desperate and flailing attempt by the Biden Crime Family and their Department of Justice to harass President Trump and those around him.

'Deranged Jack Smith knows that they have no case and is casting about for any way to salvage their illegal witch hunt and to get someone other than Donald Trump to run against Crooked Joe Biden.'

Earlier this month, the Justice Department revealed that surveillance camera footage from inside Mar-a-Lago showed dozens of boxes being 'relocated' by a 'Witness' - Walt Nauta - in the days before FBI and Justice Department investigators visited the home to collect records.

Court documents said that on May 30, 2022 after speaking with the FBI about the location of the boxes, Nauta was seen removing boxes from a room inside Mar-a-Lago.

Then on June 1, Nauta was seen carrying 11 cardboard boxes from the storage room and on June 2 he moved back in 25 to 30 boxes, before walking Trump's lawyer to the room, where he stayed for more than two hours.

Nauta, who continues to work for Trump, has since been facing charges of conspiring to withhold classified information from the government. He pleaded not guilty in federal court in Miami earlier this month.
There is no mystery as to why so many asylum seekers dream of a life in Britain.

Contrary to what the disparaging liberal Left might say, ours is a welcoming, tolerant country with a noble history of giving a haven to genuine refugees fleeing war and oppression.

Those granted sanctuary will be housed, given generous benefits and healthcare, and be allowed to work. They could ultimately acquire citizenship.

However, the system is sustainable only if public confidence is maintained. This means ensuring the rules are not abused by illegal immigrants who have no right to be here. That, in turn, relies on immigration lawyers acting with honesty and integrity.

So the Mails revelation this week that unscrupulous solicitors are charging big bucks to help clients falsely claim asylum is both shocking and dispiriting.

Pictured: Muhammad Azfar from Kingswright Solicitors who suggested a marriage ploy to client

Lawyer Vinnasythamby Lingajothy (pictured) offered to invent a horrific back story of torture, beatings, slave labour and death threats for an asylum application

This disgraceful conduct not only exploits the British peoples goodwill, it poses a security risk, financially burdens the taxpayer, pushes law-abiding refugees down the asylum queue and encourages Channel migrants to risk their lives.

So it is a huge victory for this paper that the Solicitors Regulation Authority has begun an urgent probe into the scandal.

Given that the rogue lawyers boasted of their dodgy practices on our cameras, hard evidence of corruption already exists. The regulators must throw the book at them.

Rishi Sunak also deserves applause for his admirably robust response to our expose. Hes right to denounce activist solicitors and Labour for thwarting efforts to end the small-boats crisis.

The liberal Left peddles the idea that all asylum seekers are genuine and all immigration lawyers are saints. Our investigation proves thats a lie.

Rashid Ahmad Khan, from Rashid & Rashid Solicitors, offered to invent dangers of life in India

No simple solution

At a time when countless households are struggling to pay high energy bills, the Mail can understand the fury at British Gass record half-yearly profits of 1billion.

The firm faces accusations of profiteering on the back of the Ukraine war.

Inevitably, Labour and the unions want more aggressive windfall taxes  and even for the firm to be nationalised. But the issue is complex. For a start, gas bills were allowed to soar under Ofgems price cap.

British Gas already pays huge sums in tax and is investing heavily in the UKs energy security  making it less likely the lights will go out. On top of that, its dividends boost pension funds  and give a windfall to half a million small shareholders.

Critics may be right that the vast profits prove Britains energy market is broken. Theres no simple solution. Fixing it needs calm reflection  not a knee-jerk reaction.

Labour pains

Divided parties, it is often said, lose elections. So Sir Keir Starmer is desperately trying convince voters that within Labour all is sweetness and light. But is it?

The party is in chaos over plans to expand Londons clean air zone. Sadiq Khan says yes. Rachel Reeves says no. Labours leader is on the fence (quelle surprise!).

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer (pictured) speaking to the media during a visit to Shefford in the constituency of Mid Bedfordshire

And Labour is fiercely split on every other policy: Trans rights, the two-child benefit cap, the sacking of NatWests Dame Alison Rose, joining strikers on picket lines.

If this is what a big, happy family looks like, wed hate to see them fighting.

Normally, Hell would freeze over before this paper agrees with Tony Blair. But the ex-prime minister is right to warn politicians not to risk impoverishing and handicapping the country with a mad dash to net zero. Pointing out that the emissions China belches out dwarf our CO2 output, he said: Frankly, whatever we do in Britain is not really going to impact climate change. Will wonders never cease. For once, Mr Blair is not spouting hot air!
Elon Musk tells the same jokes and stories 'over and over' and 'seems quite alone', a former senior executive at Twitter has claimed.

Esther Crawford, whose picture sleeping on the floor of Twitter's office while trying to meet a tough deadline set by Musk went viral last year, shared her thoughts on Wednesday in a lengthy post on the social media platform.

Crawford joined Twitter, now called X, when it bought her startup in 2020, before billionaire Musk took over the social media platform in a staggering $44 billion deal last year.

Speaking out about her time at Twitter, the former head of product development - who was one of 200 workers sacked in February - said: 'Elon is oddly charming and he's genuinely funny. He also has personality quirks like telling the same stories and jokes over and over.

She added: 'The challenge is his personality and demeanour can turn on a dime going from excited to angry.

Elon Musk (pictured) tells the same jokes and stories 'over and over' and 'seems quite alone', a former senior executive at Twitter has claimed

Esther Crawford (pictured), who was let go in February amid job cuts, shared her thoughts on Wednesday in a lengthy post on the social media platform

'Since it was hard to read what mood he might be in and what his reaction would be to any given thing, people quickly became afraid of being called into meetings or having to share negative news with him.'

Twitter employees feared being called into meetings with him or having to deliver negative news, according to Crawford.

'At times it felt like the inner circle was too zealous and fanatical in their unwavering support of everything he said,' Crawford wrote.

'Product and business decisions were nearly always the result of him following his gut instinct, and he didn't seem compelled to seek out or rely on a lot of data or expertise to inform it.

'I saw a person who seemed quite alone because his time and energy was so purely devoted to work.'

Crawford added that Musk seemed to trust random feedback and Twitter polls more than employees working to solve problems at the company.

'His boldness, passion and storytelling is inspiring, but his lack of process and empathy is painful.'

Musk has proven success tackling engineering problems, but a social networking platform requires emotional intelligence, Crawford said.

Esther Crawford was seen sleeping on the office floor in November 2022. The picture went completely viral

Esther Crawford (pictured) was one of around 200 workers axed by Twitter back in February

San Francisco police arrive on scene as a worker removes letters from the Twitter sign on July 24

She did not spare the previous management, calling it 'bloated' and 'soft and entitled' where 'teams could spend months building a feature and then some last-minute kerfuffle meant it'd get killed for being too risky.'

Musk - who was pictured with on-and-off-again ex Grimes in Portofino this week - has recently killed off the Twitter logo, replacing the world-recognised blue bird with a white X.

Police were briefly called to Twitter 's San Francisco HQ after a worker began tearing down letters from the building's iconic sign a day after Musk rebranded the platform.

After buying Twitter, Musk had said that he wanted to create a super-app inspired by China's WeChat, which would function as a social media platform and offer messaging and payments.

Since Musk bought Twitter 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.

In response, the billionaire 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.

While Musk rebrands Twitter, rival companies are starting to consider alternative text-based social media platforms.

TikTok, known for its short videos, now allows users to post text updates, while Meta's Threads on Instagram has become the fastest growing app in history.

On Tuesday, Meta launched a big update so that users can see a timeline just made up of people they follow - one of the most requested features since its launch.
Footage has been released by police of people on a night out on Sydney's northern beaches as they seek potential witnesses to an alleged sexual assault at a nearby unit.

In the newly-released CCTV, a woman with blonde curly hair, a red off-the-shoulder top and a white skirt is accompanied by a man with long curly brown hair dressed in black outside a venue in Manly Corso.

Detectives are looking to speak with four young people who were seen walking past the pair in the footage.

Any party-goers who may have seen the pair in the area earlier on the evening of April 2 before the alleged sexual assault at a Freshwater apartment are being asked to contact police.

The woman (pictured left), seen dressed in a red top and white skirt, is seen being accompanied by a man dressed in all black (pictured right) in the Manly Corso area

A strike force has been established to help with enquiries.

Anybody with information is urged to contact Northern Beaches police, or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Any witnesses who may have been in the Manly Corso area are being asked to come forward after a report of an alleged sexual assault at a nearby Freshwater apartment
Daniel Andrews' Labor government has taken the extraordinary step of banning new homes from connecting to natural gas, in a bid for Victoria to halve carbon emissions by 2030.

Energy Minister Lily D'Ambrosio and Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny announced the changes to energy supply on Friday morning, with the policy set to to kick in on January 1, 2024.

In addition to residential housing, any new public buildings which are yet to reach design stages by the cut off date - including schools, police stations and hospitals - must be entirely electric.

Commercial properties will be exempt.

The move prompted swift backlash from Sydney breakfast radio kingmakers Kyle and Jackie O.

Sandilands branded the Victorian Premier a 'wandering eyed flop' in a sensational blow up about the policy.

'I'm sick and tired of everyone thinking we're idiots,' he said. 'These laws are for idiots.'

'That government sucks a**.

'That wandering eyed flop down there can't have the Commonwealth Games because he can't budget, now he thinks ''I'll get the woke losers to vote for me by getting rid of gas''.'

Sandilands argued the decision was more about 'job preservation' and 'pandering to the woke voters' than any concerns about the climate - but both Jackie O and newsreader Brooklyn Ross questioned how much support such a policy would attract.

'They'll be banning BIC lighters next, we'll be rubbing two sticks together to get a cigarette lit,' Sandilands said.

The change comes amid modelling showing electricity prices had soared by more than 50 per cent in just one year.

The ban on gas comes despite electricity prices soaring

Inside push for gas to be banned so Australia can meet its climate change targets Prominent think tank the Grattan Institute suggested state and territory governments ban new natural gas connections to homes, shops and small businesses just last month. Victoria is the first state to legislate such changes, and also partially funds the institute. The Grattan report said Australia would fail to meet its net zero by 2050 carbon emissions target unless gas appliances were replaced with electric ones powered by renewable energy. It called for the phasing out of gas appliance sales 'well before 2050' arguing the last remaining gas appliances needed to be replaced with electric ones when they reached the end of their life. It also refuted the notion natural gas was a 'transition fuel' between the closer to coal-fired power stations and the switch to solar and wind renewable energy. 'Increasingly this view is becoming redundant,' the think tank said. 'Coal-fired electricity generators are not being replaced by gas when they are retired.' The Grattan Institute acknowledged many households would struggle to replace gas-powered appliances with electric cooktops, home heaters and water heaters because they 'often cost more to buy than the gas equivalents'. Advertisement

'The gas is getting eradicated yet electricity is going through the roof and now we're forced to do that? This is some bulls**t,' Sandilands said.

The Andrews government hopes these new changes will shave up to $1,000 from household energy bills each year.

There is also a hope that it will lead to cash savings because households will no longer need a gas connection.

Daniel Wild, Deputy Executive Director of the Institute of Public Affairs, told Daily Mail Australia the changes amounted to a 'direct attack on Victorian families who are facing the ever-increasing dilemma between whether to heat or eat'.

'Gas bills for Victorian families have increased by 50 per cent... This price rise is by far the largest increase of any state, and more than double the national average.'

Mr Wild said it would be 'misleading' to simply blame the Russian invasion of Ukraine for the price hikes - as the Victorian Energy Minister has done in the past.

'Her government has no one else to blame for out-of-control gas price rise but themselves, which has been more reckless than any other state in banning the development of this vital resource,' he said.

'Banning the use of gas is fundamentally out of step with community expectations and is another example of the ever-growing intrusion of the Victorian Government into the day-to-day lives of families.'

The Andrews government has previously flagged their intention of phasing out gas use in residential homes.

Ms D'Ambrosio said in July it was 'time to put gas on the backburner' in the wake of massive price hikes due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

New data recently revealed struggling Victorians are increasingly relying on government energy bill relief grants amid the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

More than 86,000 of the grants have been distributed in nine months.

The Essential Services Commission revealed 67,413 residential customers required electricity bill assistance in March, the highest number since the relief scheme began in 2019.

Another 55,415 households had help to pay their gas bills over the course of the month.

Gas cooking is set to become a thing of the past in Victoria (stock)

Even still, a 25 per cent hike was brought in on July 1, spiking annual power bills again by $352 for residential customers and $752 for small businesses.

Prominent think tank the Grattan Institute suggested state and territory governments ban new natural gas connections to homes, shops and small businesses just last month.

Victoria is the first state to legislate such changes, and also partially funds the institute.

The Grattan report said Australia would fail to meet its net zero by 2050 carbon emissions target unless gas appliances were replaced with electric ones powered by renewable energy.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' rebooted campaign features a lot of zingers about the Biden family, more Q&A - with voters and reporters - but no swats at former President Donald Trump, on a day the 2024 hopeful's chief rival was facing even more legal trouble

DeSantis zoomed around the state Thursday in his 'Never Back Down' campaign bus, ending the day at the Revelton Distilling Co. in Osceola, a small town south of Des Moines.

'When I'm president we are not going to allow any cocaine in the White House,' he exclaimed as he took the stage, getting scattered cheers from the crowd.

While there was no evidence that the cocaine found near the Situation Room belonged to Biden's troubled son Hunter, a recovering crack addict, DeSantis connected it to the first son by immediately referencing his own children.

'I do have to say, I have a 6, a 5 and a 3-year-old that my wife and I chase around the governor's mansion in Tallahassee and so I can't necessarily promise there won't be problems in the White House with them,' he said. 'But that's just like marking on the wall. I've got the magic eraser. We can take care of that.'

The Florida goveror took another swing at Biden's messy family while talking about how parents need to be the ones to make key decisions about their children's curriculum.

'Wait a minute, who are you to decide that they're your kids?' he said of Biden. 'And first of all, this is a guy who hasn't even visited his granddaugther in Arkansas.'

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is on a bus tour through Iowa this week as he 'reboots' his campaign. He's taking plenty of swings at President Joe Biden and his family - but won't touch former President Donald Trump's increasing legal turmoil

DeSantis referenced the White House cocaine - despite there being no evidence it belonged to Hunter Biden (left) - and mocked President Joe Biden (right) for never visiting his seventh grandchild in Arkansas

The president hasn't acknowledged his seventh grandchild, the product of a relationship with Arkansas woman Lunden Roberts and Hunter, when the first son was at the height of his addiction.

DeSantis mentioned Hunter Biden again, when refuting the idea that he was banning books in Florida.

'In Florida, you can get every book you want ... if you want to look at adult material don't jam it into somebody's fifth grade classroom, go look at Hunter's laptop for all I care,' DeSantis said to laughs.

As part of trying to make a name for himself as an anti-woke crusader, DeSantis has spoken out against 'Critical Race Theory' and what he calls 'gender ideology,' the latter of which liberals argue teaches children that it's OK to be gay or transgender.

On Thursday night, DeSantis again talked about the importance of there being a 'single standard of justice in this country.'

'You know, if Hunter Biden were a Republican he'd probably be in jail three years ago and yet now he's trying to get a sweetheart plea deal. But this judge actually stood up against that, which I was surprised about,' he said, referencing Wednesday's federal court hearing in Delaware, in which the first son's plea deal was put on hold.

Lunden Roberts (pictured, right) has a daughter with Hunter Biden, who was conceived during the first son's period of addiction

Lunden Roberts is pictured with her daughter she had with first son Hunter Biden

DeSantis' Thursday evening comments came after there was a major twist in Trump's legal woes.

While the country awaited an expected third indictment of the former president - this time on charges related to election interference and January 6 - Special Counsel Jack Smith piled additional charges into the 32-count indictment related to Trump's mishandling of classified documents.

The new superseding indictment indicates that federal prosecutors have found evidence that Trump, 'the boss,' told aides to 'wipe' security footage from Mar-a-Lago's servers.

It was a startling claim after Trump has continued to go after former Democratic rival Hillary Clinton over her own wiping - or 'acid-wash'-ing - of her private email server before turning emails over to the feds.

In Osceola, DeSantis took questions from potential Iowa voters, but didn't engage with the press.

Earlier when talking to reporters, he rebuffed a question about Trump's potential forthcoming third indictment.

Speaking to The Messenger in Lamoni, Iowa, DeSantis said he didn't want to discuss Trump's cases and said it was better to focus on 'what's going to happen going forward.'

'That is not on the front of voters' minds,' the Florida governor said. 'So I don't really talk about it, because I'm trying to focus on things that they actually care about.'

During Thursday night's town hall, DeSantis fielded questions from attendees on artificial intelligence, said he'd roll back electric cars - to appease Iowa's ethanol-friendly crowd - and how he, as president, would work across the aisle.

For the last one he pointed to raising teachers' salaries in Florida and working on environmental restoration projects like he had as governor in the Everglades.

He also indicated he'd be open to one suggestion from the crowd - making Iowa's Gov. Kim Reynolds a running mate.

'Make her No. 2!' yelled a male crowd member, when Reynolds' name was mentioned.

'You guys think she would be a good No. 2?' DeSantis said smiling.

DeSantis Iowa bus tour - sponsored by his related PAC, 'Never Back Down' - comes after he slimmed down his campaign, axing 38 campaign staffers as the $20 million raised in just six weeks was being quickly spent.

Portrayed as awkward on the stump, DeSantis is trying to engage in more traditional Iowa politicking, to see if he can finally make some progress in eating away Trump's dominant lead in a state that will likely make-or-break the 44-year-old's presidential campaign.

As he embarked on his tour, Trump was still way ahead.

The latest national poll, from Marquette, showed the ex-president with a 24 point lead.
Controversial former AFL player Sam Newman has claimed Indigenous people have no history and were not the first people to arrive in Australia in a disgusting 10-minute rant on his latest podcast.

The former Geelong icon unleashed the comments on his weekly show with co-host and former Hawthorn hero Don Scott.

In the shocking segment, Newman unloaded on what he said was a plan to teach Indigenous history in schools and insisted: 'Their history is irrelevant. What history?

'They hunt and they kill things and they eat them? I'm being serious - what is the history to teach? That wouldn't take a hell of a lot of time to teach.'

The outburst was triggered after he recited a primary school's proposed daily acknowledgement of country he said would be read out to 'kids of three and four'.

He said the plan was 'brainwashing' and branded it 'abhorrent' and 'absolutely cringeworthy' which was 'grovelling self-gratification of people who are pandering.'

'Welcome to country - what country?' he said. 'Our country? It just goes on and on.

'You give them an inch and it just keeps going and going... If you vote for the Voice, you ought to be ashamed of yourself.'

AFL legend Sam Newman (left) has claimed Indigenous people have no history and were not the first people to arrive in Australia on his latest podcast with co-host Don Scott (right)

The former Footy Show host quit Channel Nine in 2020 over a row about his podcast comments after George Floyd was killed by US police.

AFL players past and present and Nine employees condemned him and a petition demanded he was sacked after he called Mr Floyd a 'piece of s***'.

He has previously caused controversy by wearing blackface to mimic AFL star Nicky Winmar, making transphobic comments and defending Eddie McGuire's comments about 'drowning' AFL journalist Caroline Wilson.

In the latest episode of his You Cannot Be Serious podcast, Newman, 77, added: 'I hope they teach the history of Australia from 1770 when Cook or whoever came here.

'What I'm saying to you is, if you're going to be honest, give us the history about who came here and who developed the country, along with the Indigenous history.

'I don't think there's a hell of a lot of Indigenous history to learn... They dont have a history.'

The comments sparked a sharp reaction from Scott, 75, who snapped back at Newman: 'They do. They've got a lot of things.

'There's a lot of history with regard to the Indigenous people. They've been here for 60,000 years. How they survived for 60,000 years is the history.

'You can look at the fish traps and the middens at Mornington...how they survived in a very harsh country, where they travelled and what they did.

'They survived for so many years, how did they do it?'

But Scott added that schools would not be teaching children the history.

'They indoctrinating them,' he said. 'They're very impressionable.

'What it was at the Catholic Church used to say? "Give me the child for the first seven years and you'd have him for the rest of your life" or something along those lines?'

Newman agreed: 'They're placing the whole emphasis on brainwashing.

'I'm not decrying the history of the Indigenous people at all.

'What I'm saying to you is, if you're going to be honest, give us the history about who came here and who developed the country, along with the Indigenous history.

'I don't think there's a hell of a lot of Indigenous history to learn.'

Newman also claimed Filipinos and people from south-east Asia were the first to arrive in Australia, not the nation's Indigenous people.

'They were the first inhabitants,' he said. 'If you study it rather than just be brainwashed by people saying they've been here for 60,000 years...

'They weren't the first inhabitants.'

Scott hit back: 'They might have derived or been derivatives of those people...that's history.'

Newman added: 'Of course, that's fine, but is that ever taught? Did you know that? All they ever say is they've been here for 60,000 years.

'Well, they weren't the first inhabitants. At all.'

Sam Newman has previously caused race row controversy by wearing blackface to mimic AFL star Nicky Winmar on The Footy Show in 1999

Newman insisted Australia's Indigenous people were not the first to arrive in the country and have no history (pictured, Australia's oldest Indigenous art dating back 17,100-17,500 years in the Kimberley in Western Australia)

He slammed the school's daily acknowledgement as 'grovelling self gratification of people who are pandering to... there's no need to pander to people,' he said.

'We don't need to have all that interruption, being brainwashed, to kids. It's abhorrent. It's cringeworthy. It's absolutely cringeworthy.'

He believed Victoria would vote for the Indigenous Voice to Parliament because people in the state had also been 'brainwashed' at every .

'You go to every sporting event, the AFL, the most divisive sporting organisation in Australia, they keep dividing people on race,' he said.

'If you just stopped browbeating everyone, and just let them all enjoy each other's space and company, and just be part of this country and live under one flag.

'Honestly and truly...'

Daily school dedication that riled Sam Newman Sam Newman spoke out after reading out this acknowledgement of country to be recited daily to kids of 'three and four' at school assembly, he said. 'As we gather to learn, the [xxx] primary school community acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land, the Boonwurrung people of the Kulin nation, the sovereignty was never ceded, and we honour and pay our respects to their elders past and present, who have raised and educated their children on this land for over 60,000 years. 'We promise to nurture and care for this place that now inspires us to learn and thrive we will respect the values and wisdom of the country and the use of the power and the voices to ensure everyone feels safe inclusive and value of the [xxx] primary school' Advertisement

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Diversity Council Australia for comment.
Most physics scholars can only dream about going to space.

But for one University of Aberdeen student it is about to become a reality.

Anastatia Mayer, 18, is among three people who won a place aboard Virgin Galactic's second commercial space flight next month through a prize draw.

The philosophy and physics student will also earn a place in history as she will be joined by her mum Keshia Schahaff to make them the first mother and daughter in space.

Former British Olympian Jon Goodwin, 80, was selected to join them for the Unity 22 flight on August 10.

Anastatia Mayer, 18, (pictured left) is among three people who won a place aboard Virgin Galactic's second commercial space flight next month through a prize draw. She will be joined by her mum Keshia Schahaff (pictured right) to make them the first mother and daughter in space

Virgin Galactic's VSS Unity (File Photo). Former British Olympian Jon Goodwin, 80, was selected to join the mother and daughter for the Unity 22 flight on August 10

The 90-minute trip will see the group enter sub-orbital space, where they will experience weightlessness and be able to view the Earth.

The flight will raise funds for Space for Humanity, a non-profit group that seeks to send ordinary citizens into space to give them a 'grander perspective' on the challenges facing Earth. Miss Mayer, who hopes to become an astrobiologist [the study of the possibility of life beyond Earth] said: 'We all need to get out of our comfort zone, try new things to believe in ourselves. It really does connect everyone.'

The student inherited her love of space from her mother, who entered the draw after seeing an advert on a Virgin flight from Antigua to London.

Mrs Schahaff, who will also make history as the first Antiguan in space, said: 'I am just really excited. This whole journey for me is a transformation from being a really timid person who was afraid of a lot of things. I had to work on myself and I feel this is the moment where everything aligned.'

For the 46-year-old, space travel is a 'dream' she has harboured since childhood.

Anastatia Mayers. The 90-minute trip will see the group enter sub-orbital space, where they will experience weightlessness and be able to view the Earth

Keshia Schahaff. Mrs Schahaff will also make history as the first Antiguan in space. She said space travel is a 'dream' she has harboured since childhood

Jon Goodwin and Anastatia Mayer. The flight will raise funds for Space for Humanity, a non-profit group that seeks to send ordinary citizens into space to give them a 'grander perspective' on the challenges facing Earth

She said: 'All this started a long time ago, when I was a little child. I wanted to go to space and become an astronaut but I did not have the grades for it even though I love science.

'I became a young mother and life went in another direction.'

Recalling how she won her place on the trip after entering the prize draw, she said: 'It all happened when I was on board a Virgin flight from Antigua to London and the advert popped up with Richard Branson on it. I filled out this lottery and I left it alone after that.

'A few months later I started to get emails from Virgin Galactic saying, 'You are a finalist' and asking me who I would bring into space if I won this.

'I spoke to my daughter and said, 'I don't know who I am going to bring to space' and she said, 'Mum, are you kidding me, I'll go with you.'

'A few weeks later Richard Branson showed up at our house to announce I was the winner. That was mind-blowing. I was just so excited.'

The pair will be supported at the US launch site in New Mexico by family members.
A coroner is today expected to give a ruling on the death of a baby in prison after a teenage mother was left to give birth alone in her prison cell.

Baby Aisha Cleary was found dead in a prison cell in September 2019 after her mother, a vulnerable teenager, was forced to give birth alone at HMP Bronzefield in Ashford, Surrey.

The 18-year-old was left alone for 12 hours as staff ignored her cries for help and left her to cut Aisha's umbilical cord with her teeth.

As campaigners demand an end to the 'high-risk' practice of sending pregnant women the prison, the Surrey coroner will give his verdict as to whether failures in the care of baby Aisha, or her mother, contributed to her death.

This horrifying case has reignited campaigners urging for maternity and neonatal care at women's prisons where, according to research, women are seven times more likely to have a stillbirth than those outside prison, The Times reports.

Baby Aisha Cleary was found dead in a prison cell in September 2019 after her mother, a vulnerable teenager, was forced to give birth alone at HMP Bronzefield (pictured) in Ashford, Surrey

As campaigners demand an end to the 'high-risk' practice of sending pregnant women the prison, the Surrey coroner will give his verdict as to whether failures in the care of baby Aisha, or her mother, contributed to her death (stock photo)

New figures also show that almost 200 pregnant women were in prison in England last year.

Many countries, including Brazil, Ukraine and Mexico, do not imprison pregnant women and instead hand out community sentences, house arrest or probation under supervision.

New data published by the government yesterday shows that there were 196 pregnant women in prison in the year to March. The month with the highest number was January, at 58.

In the same period, 44 babies were born to incarcerated women. Most of these births happened once the mother was taken to hospital but one took place either in prison or in transit to hospital.

In 2021-22, 50 babies were born to women in prison and three births happened either in prison or on the drive to the hospital.

Another baby born in prison also died in recent years when Louise Powell, 31, begged prison staff for an ambulance in 2020 before she gave birth Brooke in the toilet of her cell in HMP Styal in Cheshire. Brooke was stillborn.

Co-director of feminist charity Level Up, Janey starling, told The Times that prison 'will never be a safe place to be pregnant' and that the 'only way to keep pregnant women safe is for courts to stop sending pregnant women there'.

Campaigners are urging the Sentencing Council to review guidelines to allow them to give a greater consideration to pregnancy and the risk prison causes for babies born in custody.

University of Hertfordshire Professor and fellow of the Royal College of Midwives Dr Laura Abbot told The Times that the courts must 'urgently' start to consider the 'devastating impact and proven risks of a custodial sentence on a pregnant woman or new mother, and stop sending them to prison'.
A five-year-old boy has been orphaned after his father allegedly murdered his mother before setting fire to his house and ending his own life.

Georgia Lyall, 32, was shot in the head at her home in South Guildford, Perth at around 10.40am on Thursday in a suspected murder-suicide.

At 11:30am, a police officer found the body of her ex-partner and Rebels bikie nominee Luke Noormets, 33, inside a burnt-out unit at Innaloo.

Detectives believe Noormets ended his own life with a self-inflicted injury before the fire ripped through the property.

Georgia Lyall (pictured), 32, was shot in the head at her home in South Guildford, Perth at around 10.40am on Thursday in a suspected murder-suicide

Ms Lyall and former Rebels bikie nominee Luke Noormets (pictured together) had separated

Now, a close friend has revealed that the child they shared has been left without any parents.

'We all feel helpless after the tragic and senseless murder of such a beautiful, powerful, intelligent and loving mother, daughter, sister and friend,' wrote close friend Emma Taylor on a GoFundMe page.

'Georgia was murdered by her ex, the father to their son. He then killed himself leaving their five-year-old an orphan.

'Anyone who had the privilege to meet and know Georgia could tell you what an amazing woman she was.'

Another friend of the slain mother 'deserved so much more than this'.

'Our friendship is something that is so precious to me, our beautiful boys were two peas in a pod and you just understood me,' wrote Sarah Bell on Facebook.

'You worked so hard for your baby and gave him the most amazing life full of love and memories.'

In a press conference on Thursday afternoon, major crime division Detective Inspector Dave Gorton said police quickly identified the link between the two properties by analysing telephone records.

Detectives believe Noormets ended his own life with a self-inflicted injury before the fire ripped through the property

Noormets body was found in a unit fire in Innaloo at 11.30am on Thursday (pictured)

Det-Insp Gorton said police were investigating whether it was a case of murder-suicide.

Det-Insp Gorton said it was believed Noormets died of a self-inflicted injury, and officers were not looking for anybody else in connection to the two deaths.

'Every murder is tragic, it's unfortunate that these things do occur,' he added.

Noormets was known to police and handed a seven-year jail sentence in 2019 for a horrific crime that a judge described as 'cold-blooded torture', The West reported.

He was found to have lured a drug dealer to an address in Ashfield on June 12, 2017, before clocking him across the head and stuffing him into a car.

Ms Lyall (pictured with her son) was described as a 'beautiful, powerful, intelligent and loving mother, daughter, sister and friend'

Noormets then drove him to a warehouse in Bayswater where he tortured him for 13 hours.

He was convicted of bashing the victim, waterboarding him and then setting the man on fire.

At the time of his arrest Noormets applied for bail telling the court he was no longer involved with the Rebels and needed to be at home to look after his partner who was expecting a child.

The application was denied.

An investigation into the two deaths is ongoing.

For confidential 24-hour support in Australia call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Disgraced former casino mogul Steve Wynn has been ordered to pay a $10million fine and cut virtually all ties with the gaming industry over claims of sexual misconduct.

Steve Wynn, 81, the former Wynn Resorts Ltd. chairman and CEO, has agreed to a settlement with the Nevada State Gaming Control Board, which directed the state Attorney General's office in 2019 to issue a complaint accusing Wynn of sexually harassing an 18-year-old employee.

The seven-page agreement said Wynn was accused of 'failure to exercise discretion and sound judgment to prevent incidents that have reflected negatively on the reputation of the gaming industry and the state of Nevada.'

Under the terms of the agreement, approved Thursday, Wynn agreed to pay the large sum of money without admitting to any wrongdoing.

Steve Wynn, 81, the former Wynn Resorts Ltd. chairman and CEO, has agreed to a settlement with the Nevada State Gaming Control Board

Under the agreement, Wynn is to 'remain entirely removed from any direct or indirect affiliation' with Las Vegas casinos. The Wynn Las Vegas resort is pictured here

Wynn is required under the settlement to 'remain entirely removed from any direct or indirect affiliation, financing, consultation, promotional advertising in any form of media or licensing agreement in the Nevada gaming industry,' and can only have a

Wynn is only allowed to have casual financial investments in Las Vegas casinos of up to 5 percent ownership of a company's shares.

Regulators had also sought to revoke Wynn's status as a person suitable to hold a casino license, a key requirement to do business in the industry, the Wall Street Journal reports.

But his attorneys argued that Wynn had already left the industry and was willing to stay out, so the Gaming Commission agreed that he would be only be found 'unsuitable' of working with Nevada casinos if he violates the agreement. He would also face an additional fine.

The Commission says it is penalizing Wynn himself, in part because its 2019 investigation found 'a pattern of Mr. Wynn recklessly engaging in sexual conduct with subordinate employees, which even if it was consensual as maintained by Mr. Wynn, is oblivious to the significant power imbalance between the CEO of a major gaming company and subordinate employees.'

The deal marks the end of a nearly four year dispute between Wynn and the Gaming Control Board, which filed the harassment complaint one and a half years after Wynn resigned from his executive roles with Wynn Resorts, divested his finances and moved out of a villa he resided in at his Las Vegas resort.

Wynn is pictured in 2007 with his ex-wife Elaine, who revealed that he had settled with one woman who claimed she was sexually harassed for $7.5million

Former manicurist Angelica Limcaco later told DailyMail.com that she was blacklisted from the gaming industry after she reported a rape allegedly committed by her boss at one of Wynn's casinos to human resources

Wynn's fall from grace began with a 2018 Wall Street Journal article in which a number of the women who no longer work at one of the billionaire businessman's properties said they were sexually faced sexual harassment from their boss.

One worker said that she was coerced into performing a sex act on Wynn, 76, with her hand at the end of his massages, adding that Wynn asked at one point if she could use her mouth rather than rubbing his penis to climax when they were done with the session.

That woman refused, but in 2005 another employee was not able to decline Wynn's alleged advances when he ordered her to disrobe and lie on a table so they could have sex.

She reported Wynn and received a $7.5million settlement, which was revealed by Wynn's ex-wife Elaine in court papers.

Former manicurist Angelica Limcaco later told DailyMail.com that she was blacklisted after she reported a rape allegedly committed by her boss at one of Wynn's casinos to human resources.

Limcaco said she was reprimanded by her superior who allegedly said: 'Let me make this clear to you - this is the way it works here - all reports go to me first - especially anything concerning Steve Wynn.'

The superior, the former head of hotel operations at the hotel Doreen Whennen, then allegedly told Limcaco to bring any further reports directly to her and not to human resources.

Limcaco claims Whennen ordered her to never speak of the alleged rape again.

The Gaming Commission then investigated these claims and found there were sexual harassment claims at Wynn's properties dating back to 2005  when Wynn was first licensed as the company's executive.

Wyann has been accused of sexually harassing employees at his properties. He is pictured with Andrea Hissom in 2010

Last year, Wynn was accused of personally lobbying former President Donald Trump in 2017 to extradite a Chinese businessman who faced a litany of charges that he fiercely denies and was forced to flee Beijing's government in 2014. The two are pictured here in 2005

In the aftermath, Wynn resigned from his position as Republican National Committee finance chairman and Wynn Resorts overhauled its board of directors, with Phil Satre, a highly respected gaming industry leader, selected as the board's chairman.

In February 2019, the Nevada Gaming Commission fined Wynn Resorts $20million for failing to respond to the harassment claims.

Three months later, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission  which had been considering granting Wynn Resorts a license to open Encore Boston Harbor  find the company $35million and then-CEO Matt Maddox $500,000 for failing to act.

Wynn Resorts also agreed in November 2019 to accept $20million in damages from Wynn and $21million more from insurance carriers on behalf of current and former employees to settle shareholder lawsuits accusing the company's directors of failing to disclose the misconduct allegations.

But Wynn again faced legal troubles again last year, when the DOJ accused him of personally lobbying former President Donald Trump in 2017 to extradite a Chinese businessman who faced a litany of charges that he fiercely denies and was forced to flee Beijing's government in 2014.

Wynn later won his battle with the Department of Justice.

More recently, Wynn has been selling off a swath of luxury properties worth nearly $300million across the country

More recently, Wynn has been selling off a swath of luxury properties worth nearly $300million across the country.

He has sold his homes in Sun Valley, Idaho, Palm Beach and New York City.

Speaking to the Wall Street Journal late last year, southern California real estate agent Stephen Shapiro said Wynn is 'not an easy seller.'

'He wants what he wants,' Shapiro said. 'Otherwise, he doesn't sell.'
A man and a woman have been killed following a horrifying mid-air collision involving two light aircraft north of Brisbane.

Emergency responders rushed to the scene at Caboolture airfield shortly after 10.30am Friday.

Authorities have confirmed the pair, aged in their 60s, have died. They were in an aircraft taking off at the time. Police are yet to formally identify them.

The pilot of the other aircraft aged in his 70s survived and managed to get out of the wreckage 'relatively uninjured'.

Harrowing photos and footage from the scene show debris strewn across the airfield and two damaged aircraft surrounded by emergency responders.

Emergency responders remain at the scene of a collision between two aircraft

Photos show the destruction after the planes collided mid-air. Via Sky News

At least 15 emergency services vehicles remain at the scene.

'There has been a loss of life which is tragic,' Superintendent Paul Ready told reporters.

'We're at the initial part of the investigation trying to confirm who was aboard those light aircraft and that will continue.'

'It did occur low to the ground at the eastern end of the airfield.'

The cause of the collision is yet to be determined.

Supt Ready said it was remarkable the pilot in the second aircraft survived, 'when you look at the damage on the ground'.

'Investigators are on scene. They are talking to the pilot of the other aircraft and once we get that information we will be in a better position to identify what has occurred,' he said.

A man and woman aged in their 60s died in the mid-air collision. Pictured is one of the damaged aircraft

Two planes collided mid-air over Caboolture airfield north of Brisbane

Paramedic Matthew Davis described the crash scene as 'confronting' and 'extremely traumatic' for emergency responders.

Queensland police minister Mark Ryan feared many people may have witnessed the crash.

'I know the Caboolture airfield is a very busy place,' he said.

'There's usually a lot of people there and obviously there'll be people who have been impacted by witnessing this event. So there'll be support provided for those people as well.

Emergency responders rushed to the scene at Caboolture airfield (pictured)

One of the aircraft involved in the collision was a Piper PA-25 Pawnee.

Caboolture Airfield caters to general aviation and ultralight aircraft and is not controlled by Airservices Australia.

An airfield spokesman confirmed the aircraft involved were registered and not linked to the gliding club based at the airfield. He declined to comment further.

The Queensland Police forensic crash unit has launched an investigation into the collision.

Australian Transport Safety Bureau will also conduct a separate investigation.

The tragedy comes almost a decades after five people were killed when a Cessna crashed at the same airfield.
Sen. Tim Scott waded into the row among 2024 Republican candidates over the nation's slave history, insisting on Thursday evening: 'There's no silver lining in slavery.'

It comes as rivals have traded blows over a controversial education policy in Florida, that requires children to learn there were some upsides to a life in bondage.

Gov. Ron DeSantis attracted ridicule when he defended the stance.

Challenged on the policy last week, he said: 'Theyre probably going to show that some of the folks that eventually parlayed, you know, being a blacksmith into doing things later in life.'

Vice President Kamala Harris condemned 'extremist' positions but DeSantis allies have attempted to isolate Black Republicans who have echoed her horror.

Sen. Tim Scott made a campaign stop in Ankeny, Iowa, on Thursday and waded into the slavery controversy. 'There's no silver lining in slavery,' he told reporters after a town hall event

Scott, the only black Republican senator, was asked about the issue after a town hall event just outside Des Moines, Iowa, and did not shy away from the controversy.

And he called on DeSantis to explain exactly what he meant.

'The truth is anything you can learn ... any benefits that people suggest you had during slavery, you would have had as a free person,' he told reporters.

'Slavery was really about separating families, about mutilating humans, and even raping their wives. It was just devastating.

'So I would hope that every person in our country and certainly running for president would appreciate that.

'Listen people have bad days. Sometimes they regret what they say. And we should ask them again to clarify their positions.'

A day earlier, Rep. Byron Donalds, a close ally of Trump, who is black, attracted the ire of DeSantis allies.

'The new African-American standards in Florida are good, robust, & accurate,' he said. 'That being said, the attempt to feature the personal benefits of slavery is wrong and needs to be adjusted.'

Gov. Ron DeSantis and his allies have accused Republicans who criticized his slavery stance, such as Rep. Byron Donalds, as siding with Vice President Kamala Harris

Scott made his comments after addressing about 200 Republican voters. His message of unity and optimism has seen him on the move in polls, attracting the fire of other candidates

The states 2023 Social Studies curriculum includes lessons on how 'slaves developed skills' that could be used for 'personal benefit.'

But Donalds' intervention triggered a Twitter storm among DeSantis staff, who linked him to Harris and suggested that he was doing Trump's bidding by hitting at his nearest 2024 rival.

Trump aides furiously accused them of smearing Donalds.

And then DeSantis himself joined the fray on Thursday.

'So at the end of the day, you got to choose,' he said. 'Are you going to side with Kamala Harris and liberal media outlets?

'Are you going to side with the state of Florida?'

'People who walk around and want to be praised as leaders, they want to be talked about as American leaders, pushing propaganda on our children,' Vice President Kamala Harris said

Harris traveled to Jacksonville, where she railed against the position.

'Are you kidding me?' Harris, the nation's first black vice president, said of the policy.

'People who walk around and want to be praised as leaders, they want to be talked about as American leaders, pushing propaganda on our children,' she said.

While she didn't mention DeSantis by name, Harris repeatedly attacked 'extremists, so called leaders,' in the state for the new education policy, for banning books and the so-called Don't Say Gay law - all of which were DeSantis policies.
An Idaho district court has filed a motion to force alleged Idaho killer Bryan Kohberger's legal team, as his lawyers have sought to have the case thrown out accusing the state of misleading the Grand Jury.

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.

The state has filed a motion to compel demanding the court force him to produce an excuse for why he was not in Moscow the day of the killings after they declined to submit an alibi to the court before the deadline on Monday.

Prosecutors are demanding Kohberger's team submit places and times of his whereabouts, as well as names and addresses of anyone who can corroborate.

An Idaho district court has filed a motion to force alleged Idaho killer Bryan Kohberger's legal team, as his lawyers have sought to have the case thrown out accusing the state of misleading the Grand Jury

Kohberger's defense filed a motion to dismiss, demanding the case be thrown out or remanded for a preliminary hearing.

They're arguing that the grand jury was 'misled' in terms of the standard of proof needed for an indictment.

His legal team also filed a request to halt proceedings without waiving his right to a speedy trial in an attempt to challenge the jury selection process.

Both sets of lawyers submitted motions demanding exhibits be sealed and kept from being relayed to the public during the trial.

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.

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

Kohberger's defense filed a motion to dismiss, demanding the case be thrown out or remanded for a preliminary hearing

The state has filed a motion to compel demanding the court force him to produce an excuse for why he was not in Moscow the day of the killings after they declined to submit an alibi to the court before the deadline on Monday

'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.

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.
While there he committed acts of bestiality

A man who took part in ice-fuelled, sexual escapades with sheep and a goat inside a school milking shed has had a troubled life of drug convictions, AVOs and a complicated romantic history.

George Danakis, 44, who a court heard was 'attracted to women, but liked sheep on the side' was convicted this week after being discovered in the St Marys Senior High School milking shed in Sydney's west last year.

In April 2022, teachers installed security cameras to catch a suspected burglar lurking in the sheds where sheep and goats born in the school's animal husbandry program were given names like Lord Chaucer and Sir Geoffrey and cared for by pupils.

At around 7.50pm on May 18, 2022, police interrupted Danakis with his pants down sexually engaging with a male sheep while a female goat 'was observed on the ground appearing to be in shock beside them'.

On Wednesday this week, Penrith District Court sentenced Danakis to three-and-a-half years jail.

The court heard CCTV evidence showed him herding two goats into a gated area of the school, and walking around the milking shed naked from the waist down.

George Danaki is serving a prison sentence for bestiality with farm animals at St Marys High School and has a troubled history with women and drugs

Danakis engaged in sex with a sheep at St Marys High School (above, animals in the school's pens) after a five-day bender on ice and said he liked 'sheep on the side'

Daily Mail Australia can reveal that Danakis has a criminal record stretching back a decade. His convictions include arrests almost every year since 2013 for illicit drugs, assault, driving offences and AVOs taken out for the protection of two separate women.

On one of his multiple social media pages, a trans woman posted around the time of his break-ins at St Marys that she loved him and hope to see him soon.

She wrote on Facebook: 'Georgie your tgirl missing you and I am writing to see if you are coming down to see me soon and this time we'll get a room'.

Danakis has been in prison since his night time school yard arrest, and is currently behind bars at the Metropolitan Remand & Reception Centre at Silverwater prison in western Sydney.

The NSW Department of Education told Daily Mail Australia that none of the school's pupils or staff required trauma counselling because the incidents took place 'out of hours'.

The animals 'examined by a veterinarian and found to be in a stable condition' following the incidents.

St Marys teachers installed CCTV after suspicions of break-ins at the school's animal enclosures (above) and 11 days later police interrupted Danakis having sex with a sheep while a traumatised goat lay 'in shock' nearby

Danakis pleaded guilty at Penrith District Court to damaging property, bestiality, possessing bestiality material, break and enter and possessing an unauthorised firearm.

The court heard he had been awake for five days on methamphetamine leading up to his milking shed arrest.

His defence lawyer said this combined with his affinity for enjoying 'sheep on the side' made him lose all inhibitions, leading to 'sexual deviance'.

Danakis had told his psychiatrist that he was only attracted to animals while under the influence of ice because it increased his sex drive.

He did eventually admit to his psychiatrist that he was 'pretty much into bestiality' after seeing it on the internet, but that he still liked women.

In 2021, police took out an AVO to protect a Western Sydney property agent believed to be his former partner, which included not to approach her within 12 hours of drinking alcohol or taking illicit drugs.

In the same year, he pleaded guilty to driving unlicenced with illicit drugs in his system. In 2019, police ordered a buccal swab to identify Danakis as an ex-offender.

In 2018, he was sentenced to 12 months conditional release for drug possession.

The same year, police took out a two year AVO against Danakis on behalf of another woman and ordered him to stay away from her premises and a child care centre.

Teachers at the school had caught him on CCTV after they suspected that someone had been breaking into their milking shed after hours

George Danakis, 44, had been awake for five days when he was caught with his pants down by officers after having sex with a male sheep at St Marys High School in Sydney's west in May 2022

In 2016, he pleaded guilty to possessing a prohibited drug while travelling on public transport without a ticket on two separate occasions.

In 2015, he was sentenced to nine months in prison for common assault, stealing a car and contravening an AVO; in 2013 he contravened an AVO against the same woman.

Danakis' Facebook pages are littered with drug references, pictures of lit amphetamine smoking devices, and an image of a t-shirt printed with the words 'I might be the black sheep of the family, but when things go down, I'm the one you call'.

He was originally accused of assaulting goats and sheep housed within the farm at the St Marys school between April 27 and May 18 last year, but 14 charges including one count of committing an act of cruelty on an animal were reduced to five offences.

Danakis originally told police he was in the milking sheds shed at the time looking for his phone and that he had removed his pants to urinate.

His phone was was found in the sheep paddock five weeks later, and when police searched it they found content pertaining to bestiality, plus a photo of him holding a pump action shotgun for which he did not hold a licence.

The court heard that Danakis was diagnosed with schizophrenia but had ceased taking his prescribed medication in the weeks before his actions.

It was agreed between the prosecution and defence that this was not a 'causal' factor towards his offending, and that his 'paraphilic disorder' of attraction toward animals and his substance abuse were key factors.

He will not be eligible for release from custody until November 2025.

A Department of Education spokesman said that 'support continues to be available for students and staff' at St Marys High School.
Security barriers were erected outside of the Fulton County courthouse on Thursday, as the third indictment looms for former President Donald Trump in Georgia.

The video of the barricades, posted by New Yorker staff writer in Atlanta, Charles Bethea, has sparked further talk online of the legal challenges Trump could face in August.

Footage shows rows of massive bright orange barricades along the sidewalk outside the main entrance of Georgia courthouse, dividing the street and obstructing the stairs to get in.

The barricades continue past the courthouse steps and can be seen along a distant intersection.

'Barricades erected outside the Fulton County courthouse now,' Bethea wrote on Twitter. 'Looks like preparation for some big legal news '

The barricades appeared as District Attorney Fani Willis prepares to announce her decision to spring a third indictment against Trump in connection to his alleged attempts to overturn Georgia's 2020 election as part of a years-long investigation.

Security barriers were erected outside of the Fulton County courthouse on Thursday, as the third indictment looms for former President Donald Trump in Georgia

Donald Trump's legal team asked the Supreme Court of Georgia to block the investigation into his attempts to overturn the 2020 vote. The Supreme Court declined to take up the case last week

Fani Willis, the Fulton County district attorney, is investigating Donald Trump's actions in the state of Georgia in 2020

Barricades erected outside the Fulton County courthouse now. Looks like preparation for some big legal news pic.twitter.com/3QOccQOMnf  Charles Bethea (@charlesbethea) July 27, 2023

Last year, Willis opened the criminal investigation 'into attempts to influence the administration of the 2020 Georgia General Election.'

Last week, Georgia's Supreme Court declined to take up Donald Trump's request to block an investigation into his efforts to overturn the state's results in the 2020 election.

Trump's legal team sought an intervention by the Supreme Court, arguing that the district attorney was using grand juries incorrectly.

They wanted them to block the investigation currently being carried out by Willis.

She has signaled that indictments could be handed down in the next few weeks in the election-related probe as a grand jury convenes to consider possible charges.

The nine-member court unanimously decided against blocking the investigation.

Trump's lawyers claim that Willis violated Georgia's rules governing grand juries in various ways, such as using one grand jury to investigate, and then presenting the evidence to another.

The video of the barricades, posted by New Yorker staff writer in Atlanta, Charles Bethea, has sparked further talk online of the legal challenges Trump could face in August

'Barricades erected outside the Fulton County courthouse now,' Bethea posted on Twitter. 'Looks like preparation for some big legal news '

Footage shows rows of massive bright orange barricades along the sidewalk outside the main entrance of Fulton County courthouse in Georgia, dividing the street and obstructing the stairs to get in

The court, in its decision, said they could not criticize Willis' work and accused Trump of trying to find a way around the existing courts - which have not yet ruled on his attempt to end the inquiry.

'The Court has made clear that a petitioner cannot invoke this Court's original jurisdiction as a way to circumvent the ordinary channels for obtaining the relief,' the justices wrote, in the five-page opinion.

'Petitioner has not shown that this case presents one of those extremely rare circumstances in which this Court's original jurisdiction should be invoked, and therefore, the petition is dismissed.'

On Thursday, Trump faced new charges Thursday in a case accusing him of illegally possessing classified documents, with prosecutors alleging that he asked a staffer to delete camera footage at his Florida estate in an effort to obstruct a federal investigation into his records.

The new indictment includes extra charges of obstruction and willful retention of national defense information, adding fresh detail to a criminal case issued last month against Trump and a close aide.

The Florida charges came as a surprise at a time of escalating anticipation of a possible additional indictment in Washington over his efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election.

The latest allegations also make clear the vast, and still not fully known, scope of legal exposure faced by Trump as he seeks to reclaim the White House in 2024 while fending off criminal cases in multiple cities.

The barricades continue past the courthouse steps and can be seen along a distant intersection
A stunning meteor shower called the Delta Aquariids will be visible over Australia this weekend, providing Australia with a light show of up to 20 shooting stars every hour.

Delta Aquariids will provide a steady stream of meteors over several days, starting from the wee hours  and stargazers won't need a telescope to enjoy the event.

Showers of Delta Aquariid meteors are expected to peak overnight on Sunday at about 2am

Meteor showers occur when Earth passes through a stream of debris left behind by a comet, causing pieces of dust and rock to burn up in the atmosphere.

Because meteors can be quite faint, it is best to look out for them in a dark sky, free of moonlight and artificial lights with a wide an unobstructed view of the sky.

Delta Aquarids is active from July 12 to August 23, with the peak of the meteor shower taking place in the early hours of July 29 and July 30.

'The peak is predicted for July 30, 2023, at 18 UTC. But this shower doesnt have a noticeable peak. It rambles along steadily from late July through early August, joining forces with the August Perseids,' Earthsky.org says.

The name of the shower comes from the constellation in the night sky that it appears to be travelling directly outward from, Royal Museums Greenwich (RMG) explains.

'For the Delta Aquarids, the radiant of the shower lies inside the constellation of Aquarius near the bright star Delta Aquarii.'

'Your naked eye is the best instrument to use to see meteors  dont use binoculars or a telescope as these have narrow fields of view.

The Delta Aquariid meteors will be visible across the sky but originate in the northern hemisphere (pictured, where the Delta Aquariid meteor shower originates from)

'Start your meteor watch from around 2am to increase your chances of spotting meteors,' says RMG.

'Once youve located Delta Aquarii on the sky, look away from the radiant point  if you look in the direction of the radiant you will only see short meteors.'

The Delta Aquariids is a small to medium shower, reaching a peak rate of around 20 meteors per hour.

The famous Perseid meteor shower will peak in a little over two weeks' time on August 12 with 50 to 70 shooting stars are expected to be visible every hour

According to the EarthSky website: 'It was once thought to have originated from the breakup of what are now the Marsden and Kracht sun-grazing comets.

'More recently, the Comet 96P Machholz has loomed as the primary candidate for being the Delta Aquarids parent body.'

NASA also claims that 96P Machholz, discovered in 1986 by amateur US astronomer Donald Machholz, is the suspected comet of origin.

Meteors come from leftover comet particles and bits from broken asteroids, NASA explains on its website.

'When comets come around the sun, the dust they emit gradually spreads into a dusty trail around their orbits.

'Every year the Earth passes through these debris trails, which allows the bits to collide with our atmosphere where they disintegrate to create fiery and colourful streaks in the sky.'
On or around 17 March 2023, Robbie Slater gave an interview to the Daily Mail about the CEO of Manly United and MWFA, David Mason, in which Mr Slater made a number of comments about him which he acknowledges to be incorrect.

The article containing the comments has since been removed by the Daily Mail.

Mr Slater and Daily Mail Australia apologise to Mr Mason for the making of the comments.
General Hospital star Haley Pullos has appeared in court in California for a hearing on two felony charges of driving under the influence in connection with a near-fatal car crash in April.

The actress, 25, was allegedly drunk on alcohol and high on marijuana while driving the wrong way down a Los Angeles freeway when she hit another car head-on at 60mph.

She was charged by the Los Angeles County District Attorney with a felony count of driving under the influence of an alcoholic beverage causing injury and a felony count of driving with a .08 Blood Alcohol Content (BAC).

Pullos was also charged with a misdemeanor count of hit-and-run and the driver of the other car was seriously hurt and is suing her.

She arrived at a Pasadena court on Thursday using a pair of crutches after pleading not guilty at a preliminary hearing last month.

General Hospital star Haley Pullos has appeared in court in California to face two felony charges of driving under the influence in connection with a near-fatal car crash in April

The actress, 25, was allegedly drunk on alcohol and high on marijuana while driving the wrong way down a Los Angeles freeway when she hit another car head-on at 60mph

She arrived at a Pasadena court on Thursday using a pair of crutches after pleading not guilty at a preliminary hearing last month

Pullos was also charged with a misdemeanor count of hit-and-run and the driver of the other car was seriously hurt and is suing her

Pullos, who was dressed in a white blazer, cream pants and a blue top, was flanked by her parents as she made her way into court for her hearing.

She allegedly drove the wrong way down the 134 Freeway in Pasadena while drunk and high on marijuana before she smashed into another car.

The actress, who has starred in General Hospital since 2009, also collided with an Oldsmobile driven by a 27-year-old woman from Fontana in the westbound lane moments before the horrifying collision on April 29.

Pullos was arrested for driving under the influence and the earlier hit and run after she was taken to hospital.

Courtney Wilder was identified as the other driver and had to be taken to hospital in critical condition following the crash.

The 23-year-old is suing Pullos, saying she drove the wrong way on an off-ramp, and he did not have time to react when he saw her headlights approaching.

Wilder says he sustained lasting injuries and his car was totaled in the aftermath, and is suing the actress for damages.

First responders who rushed to the scene found Pullos smelling of alcohol with slurred speech and glassy eyes.

Marijuana edibles and tequila miniatures were then found in her white 2019 Ford after it was searched by police.

Wilder claims in the court documents for his suit that Pullos should never have been behind the wheel on April 29, and should have at least stopped driving when she got into a hit-and-run earlier that night.

Pullos, who was dressed in a white blazer, cream pants and a blue top, was flanked by her parents as she made her way into court for her hearing

The actress, who has starred in General Hospital since 2009, collided with an Oldsmobile driven by a 27-year-old woman from Fontana in the westbound lane moments before the horrifying collision on April 29

Pullos was arrested for driving under the influence and the earlier hit and run after she was taken to hospital

He also alleges that Pullos hit a firefighter at the scene who was assessing her injuries and shouted, 'This is a $400 f****** shirt!'

Wilder argues Pullos cared more about an 'over-priced shirt' than the safety and well-being of the crash victims.

Authorities confirmed that the driver of the first car did not suffer serious injuries, with a police report adding: 'It was determined Haley Pullos was involved in a hit and run traffic collision that occurred in the city of Pasadena prior to entering the wrong way onto the eastbound SR-134 freeway.'

She then swerved and ended up in the eastbound lane, colliding with an oncoming Kia moving at 60mph.

The driver of the Kia, who was only identified at the time as a 23-year-old old man, was left with serious injuries and rushed to hospital.

According to a police report, Pullos was unable to get out of her wrecked car and was also injured.

Pasadena Fire Department had to use jaws of life to extract Pullos from her vehicle before she was taken to Huntington Hospital.

Once there, it is alleged, she was aggressive and fought hospital staff, before she had to be sedated.

Pullos was spotted by DailyMail.com checking into a luxury rehab facility in Malibu in May.

Authorities say Pullos had been traveling on the 134 Freeway in California just before 1.30am on April 29 when she got into the head-on crash

Haley Pullos is being sued for damages by a driver she allegedly plowed into while she was high and drunk on April 29 (pictured: See Season 3 premiere in Los Angeles in August 2022)

Haley Pullos was driven to a rehab facility in Malibu by her father on May 17

She was taken to the $2,600-a-week Detox and Residential Treatment Center by her father.

The luxury rehab center boasts several alcohol and drug addiction treatments, ranging from a ten-day long detox to a more intensive medication-assisted treatment with a residential option for round-the-clock care.

An intensive outpatient program is then offered as a transition, as well as an aftercare program for those who use the facilities.

Pullos announced in the aftermath of the crash that she was being temporarily replaced on the show General Hospital.

She has played Molly Lansing-Davis on the long running show in around 500 episodes of the soap opera.
Anthony Albanese has not ruled out calling an early election in an attempt to push his housing proposal through government.

The Prime Minister is edging toward the trigger needed to call a double dissolution election after the Senate sidelined his Housing Australia Future Fund before the winter break.

He announced new plans to reintroduce the bill to parliament next week. Without support from the Coalition, the government must negotiate with the Greens and Independents.

If no agreement can be reached, the bill would have failed twice in the Senate. Mr Albanese would then be within his rights to call an early election to seek the mandate of Australian people.

Mr Albanese said multiple times on Friday he has no intentions of calling an election in 2023 - but he's determined to see his policy pass.

Anthony Albanese has not ruled out calling an early election in an attempt to push his housing proposal through government

'I can't be more serious,' he said.

'We don't want to play politics with this.'

Mr Albanese has repeatedly accused the Greens of turning the housing crisis into a political point scoring opportunity.

'This is all about politics. And quite clearly, if this legislation is passed, there'll be more investment in social housing. You can't say you for it, and then vote against it.'

Acting leader of the opposition, Sussan Ley, criticised the PM for 'threatening' an early election.

Max Chandler-Mather is leading the Greens' campaign against the housing fund

The primary concern from both Greens and independents has been that the bill does not go far enough to ease pressures on the exploding housing market. Pictured: People queueing for a property inspection

'Threatening the Australian people with an early election because Labor's policies don't stack up is the height of arrogance from Anthony Albanese,' she said.

'I think it's pretty awful.

'Don't threaten Australians with an early election in a way that absolutely does not appreciate or recognise the pain that they're going through.

'We've got builders going to the wall, weve got rising prices, we've got 50 per cent of Australians saying they could not pay an unexpected bill that could arrive tomorrow.'

Labor's Housing Australia Future Fund aims to build 30,000 social and affordable homes over five years, including 4,000 dwellings for women and children experiencing domestic violence.

Mr Albanese and Labor have accused Mr Chandler-Mather of whipping up outrage over housing for his own political ambitions

The primary concern from both Greens and independents has been that the bill does not go far enough to ease pressures on the exploding housing market.

Mr Albanese said on Friday his plan would inject $10billion into housing policy this year alone.

'It's the largest ever investment by any government in Australia's history,' he said.

'And what the Greens are doing is standing in front of that, having this rhetoric about refusal to negotiate.

We've negotiated with David Pocock to get his support, weve negotiated with Jacqui Lambie to get her support, as well as Tammy Tyrrell from Tasmania. They're all supporting this legislation.

'The only thing that standing in front of it is the Greens political party.'
Republicans reacted with fury to the 'coincidental' timing of a bombshell new indictment against former President Donald Trump.

Special Counsel Jack Smith's team of prosecutors added additional charges in to the 32-count indictment the former president was already facing for keeping classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate Thursday evening.

Among the new charges are allegations that the former president allegedly told aides to 'wipe' security footage from his Florida club's server as a way to foil investigators probing the removal of classified documents from the White House.

These allegations came just one day after the Department of Justice's 'sweetheart' deal with Hunter Biden sensationally collapsed, leaving the First Son susceptible to further criminal charges for alleged deals with China and Ukraine.

Now, Republican lawmakers claim the federal government has only released the new charges to distract from alleged wrongdoings perpetrated by the president's family.

Only hours after the indictment was unsealed, Fox News reported that members of 'the Biden family may hold offshore bank accounts'.

Former President Trump was charged with three more counts related to his storage of classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate Thursday night

The announcement came just one day after the Department of Justice's 'sweetheart' deal with Hunter Biden sensationally collapsed

Sen Marsha Blackburn said the discrepancy was evidence of a two-tiered justice system

'The DOJ's decision to pursue additional charges against President Trump is further evidence of the politicization of our nation's top prosecutorial agency,' Sen. Marsha Blackburn, a Republican from Tennessee, tweeted Thursday night.

'Amid AG [Merrick] Garland's dismissal of wrongdoing by Hunter Biden and Hillary Clinton, Tennesseans are tired of two tiers of justice.'

In an interview with FOX News, Sen. Josh Hawley also said it was no coincidence that the charges were announced after Hunter Biden's deal fell through.

'Is it any coincidence that the DOJ rushes to add these new indictments today after the Hunter debacle, after their own self-dealing and two-timing is exposed, after they tried to hide from us the true extent of this plea deal that gets blown up and then it's like, "Oh we got to go indict Trump on something else,' the Republican from Missouri said.

'I mean, it's so brazen right now what they're doing. It is really a subversion of the rule of law,' he claimed. 'I mean, it's taking the rule of law, turning it on its head.'

Rep. Elise Stefanik, a Republican from New York, echoed those sentiments in a statement.

'The American people understand that Joe Biden and his administration are engulfed in one of the biggest political corruption scandals of all time,' she said.

'It is no coincidence that the day after a federal judge throws out Hunter Biden's corrupt, sweetheart plea bargain, Biden's DOJ continues its witch hunt against President Trump.'

'Our Republic is in peril, our justice system is broken,' she claimed, vowing: 'House Republicans will continue our work to investigate the Biden crime family and leave no stone unturned in order to deliver accountability on behalf of the American people.'

In the wake of the indictment, Trump also weighed in via his Truth Social platform.

'Whatever happened to the Crooked Joe Biden Documents case? He had 20 times more boxes than I did, and he wasnt covered by the Presidential Records Act. I was!,' the former Apprentice host wrote in part.

'When it first came out that Biden had all of these Docs, many Classified, almost everyone, including those on the Left, said, "there goes the case against Trump." But they waited and waited, got failed prosecutor Deranged Jack Smith, and STRUCK - but did almost nothing on the REALLY BAD Biden Documents case, many stored in Chinatown!,' he added.

Sen. Josh Hawley, a Republican from Missouri, said it was no coincidence that the charges were announced after Hunter Biden's deal fell through

Vivek Ramaswamy, who is challenging Trump in the Republican primary, said the indictment is 'election interference'

Hawley: Yeah. Now we're down to charging random people. Just throwing those into the indictment.. We cannot allow this to stand. pic.twitter.com/CdfWLaKBf2  Acyn (@Acyn) July 27, 2023

Even Sen. Ted Cruz, a one-time rival of the former president, spoke out against the indictment Thursday night  going as far as to say Attorney General Merrick Garland should be impeached and removed from office.

'They're trying to use the machinery of law enforcement to prosecute [Trump],' Cruz said of the Democrats in an interview with Newsmax.

'I think these indictments are a disgrace, and I think Merrick Garland should be impeached and removed from office for allowing the Department of Justice to be turned into a partisan hammer to attack the political enemies of the White House.'

And Vivek Ramaswamy, who is challenging Trump in the Republican primary, called the indictment 'election interference.'

'They're leaving nothing to chance this time,' he tweeted. 'Lock him up, facts or law be damned.'

Sen. Ted Cruz went as far as to say that Attorney General Merrick Garland should be impeached and removed from office

The former president also spoke out, questioning why charges were not brought in the Biden's classified documents case

In addition to his comments on Truth Social, former President Trump also spoke out against the indictment.

'It's election interference at the highest level,' he said Thursday. 'They're harassing my company, they're harassing my family and by far, least importantly of all, they're harassing me,' he told Fox News.

'This is prosecutorial misconduct used at a level never seen before,' Trump said. 'If I weren't leading Biden by a lot in numerous polls, and wasn't going to be the Republican nominee, it wouldn't be happening. It wouldn't be happening.'

Trump was hit with a 37-count indictment in June, and has now been charged on three new counts.

The new indictment says Trump, along with Mar-a-Lago property manager Carlos De Oliviera and his valet Walt Nauta conspired to 'engage in misleading conduct' to 'corruptly' persuade another person to withhold information.

One new count, Count 40, charges the trio with 'altering, destroying, mutilating, or concealing an object.'

That relates to the trio requesting an employee to 'delete security camera footage at the Mar-a-Lago Club to prevent the footage from being provided to a federal grand jury.'

Last year, the FBI raided Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort and uncovered several boxes containing classified documents

The new indictment connects Trump still more closely to the boxes of material around his club

According to the indictment filed Thursday, De Oliveira met with a security employee at Mar-a-Lago, and asked him how many days the server retained security footage, to which the employee responded that he believed 'it was approximately 45 days.'

De Oliveira then allegedly told the employee '"the boss" wanted the server deleted"' and said the 'conversation should remain between the two of them.'

That language, if substantiated, appears to put Trump at the heart of the alleged conspiracy to cover up information.

Other information in the indictment connects Trump still more closely to the boxes of material around his club  at a time when the National Archives was trying to claw back material.

In December 2021, an employee wrote that 'box answer will be wrenched out of him today, promise!,' followed by, '12 is his number.'

An employee texted about Trump, 'He's tracking the boxes, more to follow today on whether he wants to go through more today or tomorrow.' Another says he asked for 'new covers for the boxes, for Monday m.' Morning.'

It added, '*can we get new box covers before giving these to them on Monday? They have too much writing on them.. I marked too much.'

That all preceded Trump finally providing 15 boxes to the Archives in January 2022.

In January 2023, Biden was found to also be in possession of a raft of classified documents from the Obama administration. Those documents were found in the president's former office and in the garage of his Delaware home.

The president said that he would comply with any investigation, claiming the presence of the documents was a misunderstanding and returned the papers to federal authorities.

Hunter had arrived at federal court in Wilmington, Delaware Wednesday, expecting to plead guilty to two misdemeanor tax charges and walk away with a slap on the wrist

These new revelations, however, only come after a federal judge dramatically rejected an agreement that would have shielded Hunter Biden from future charges and seen him avoid jail.

Hunter had arrived at federal court in Wilmington, Delaware Wednesday, expecting to plead guilty to two misdemeanor tax charges and walk away with a slap on the wrist.

But in a stunning turn of events, the latest plea deal over his failure to pay taxes and lying about his crack cocaine addiction when he bought a gun was put on hold.

Hunter initially said 'yes, your honor' when asked by the judge if he would plead guilty to two tax misdemeanors and admitted he's been to rehab six times in 20 years for addiction to alcohol and drugs.

The hearing then turned when the Department of Justice lawyers warned Hunter he could still be charged for potential violations for failing to register as a foreign agent over his shady deals - which Republicans say involve his father Joe.

At that news - delivered by top prosecutor Leo Wise - Hunter's attorney Chris Clark snapped that the deal was 'null and void'.
Rescue teams at a popular Australian theme park are scrambling to rescue a seal trapped in shark-infested waters.

Staff from Sea World are trying to save the two-year-old seal after locals spotted the animal in Lake Orr at Varsity Lakes, a suburb of the Gold Coast in Queensland.

Rescuers from popular theme park Sea World on the Gold Coast are trying to save a young seal that has been stranded in Lake Orr where bull sharks lurk

It's unclear how and when the young animal made its way into the man-made lake but there are concerns for its safety, as efforts have ramped up to help the stranded creature.

A Sea World spokesman told the Gold Coast Bulletin it's unusual to see seals lose their bearings in the water.

'He's in really good condition and is swimming naturally but he shouldn't be in this geographic area so we'd like to intervene to get him back down south where he belongs,' the spokesman said.

'We've never seen one this far up the river.'

Rescuers will have a fight on their hands to save the seal as they will need to work through tricky conditions in the lake.

'We're monitoring him and working on a plan with the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service,' the spokesman said.

Gold Coast City councillor Herman Vorster told the Courier Mail he is worried for the young seal, as the lake is 'full of bull sharks'.

'I hope the little bugger is ok,' Mr Vorster said.

It's unclear when the two-year-old seal got trapped but rescuers say the animal is not worse for wear and are keeping a close eye on its movements after it was spotted by locals in the water

Despite the situation, rescuers said the animal is in a 'good condition' as they keep an eye on its movements.

It's believed the seal made its way up the canal by coming through the seaway.

The unusual act caught rescue teams by surprise, given how rare it is for seals to make it far upstream along waterways into lakes.

Younger seals are often seen on beaches around the Gold Coast during winter.

As they begin to wean of their mother, seals will often venture further away.
The heartbroken family of a selfless young human rights lawyer has paid a touching tribute to her after she lost her nine-month battle with brain cancer on Thursday.

Sophie Trevitt, 32, from Canberra, worked relentlessly on the campaign to keep Indigenous children out of detention, even as she fought for her own life.

In June, she won the 2023 Liberty Victoria's Voltaire Human Rights Award for her work on raising the age of criminal responsibility for children.

But on Friday, in heart-wrenching posts on Twitter, loved ones revealed she had finally succumbed to her incurable cancer.

Along with a series of snapshots from throughout her life, they posted: 'Be kind, be brave. Fight for justice. Fight to make people safe.

'Today and all tomorrows, ask yourself: what would Sophie do?'

The heartbroken family of selfless young human rights lawyer Sophie Trevitt (pictured with partner Tom) paid a touching tribute to her after she lost her nine-month battle with brain cancer on Thursday

Ms Trevitt, from Canberra, worked relentlessly on the campaign to keep Indigenous children out of detention, even as she fought for her own life (pictured in hospital earlier this month)

In June, she won the 2023 Liberty Victoria's Voltaire Human Rights Award for her work on raising the age of criminal responsibility for children

Ms Trevitt turned her back on a promising career in Canberra politics to move to the Northern Territory after seeing the plight of First Nations children in the criminal justice system.

She admitted in 2019: 'I have never felt fear the way I do for the children locked up in Alice Springs.'

Her tireless fight won commitments from ACT, Northern Territory, Tasmania and Victoria governments to either increase the minimum age for detention or the minimum age of criminal responsibility.

In an interview with the ABC in June, with her voice affected by the cancer, she added: 'These kids are getting locked up but they're not getting any help.

'We're just putting human beings in cages because we decided they're too hard, or as a government, we don't care about them enough to change that.

'I was just a bit overwhelmed by the heartache of that.

'We want these kids to be cared for properly so we can all share in that safe and happy future. And that's that's what we don't have right now.'

Announcing her death, her family called her 'the 'kindest, the bravest' and a legend and hero who had inspired countless others.

'To the uncountable everyone that loved her and were inspired by her: this little legend, this total legend, the kindest, the bravest, the most ridiculous, the best, our hero, our most precious one,' they posted.

'Sophie Jessica Trevitt, in the calm morning moments of 27 July, after nine months of battling a horrific brain cancer with the wisdom of a sage, breathed her last breath and passed peacefully into being nowhere but our memories of her.

'Tenacious and concerned for others even in her hardest times, she would want little fuss - except if it could somehow inspire you to make to a difference to the world and the people within it.'

She had been the executive officer of Change the Record campaign as well as the ACT Co-Chair of Australian Lawyers for Human Rights.

'Not caging children under 14 is the bare minimum we can do to not torture kids,' she said.

'Banning spit hoods [and] raising the age of criminal responsibility are first steps to supporting our kids.'

On Friday, in a heartrending series of posts on Twitter, her family revealed Sophie Trevitt had finally succumbed to her incurable cancer

Ms Trevitt turned her back on a promising career in Canberra politics to move to the Northern Territory after seeing the plight of First Nations children in the criminal justice system

Friends and supporters shared their grief with the family in dozens of online tributes to Sophie

Her work was also recognised in 2020 when she won the Yogies Award from the Youth Coalition of the ACT.

'She has brought her passion, impressive experience and skills to this campaign and worked mostly behind the scenes to coordinate, inform, advocate,' said the judges.

'Her dedication and efforts have impressed all of us who have had the pleasure of working with her.

'It is her genuine display of integrity, to do what she knows is the right and just thing because it is valuable in-and-of-itself that continues to be inspiring.'

Friends and supporters shared their grief with the family online.

'Nothing but respect and sadness for this terrible loss,' said human rights lawyer Professor George Newhouse. 'We are all diminished by her untimely death.'

'Sophie was a special person, a fighter, advocate and agent of change,' posted one.

Another added: 'The most kind hearted, brave and most compassionate woman, who has left a great imprint on the sands of injustice.'

'Such a profound loss. Her fighting spirit will live on,' said one more.

A memorial for her in Canberra will be announced at a later date.
Pro-life activists scuffled with a couple walking their dog outside a Planned Parenthood in Washington DC last week, with one of the pro-life protesters knocked to the ground and punched, and police reportedly 'refused to press charges'.

Terrisa Bukovinac and Mike Gribbin were outside the Carol Whitehill Moses clinic on July 21 when a confrontation ensued.

Video shared on social media did not show how the confrontation began, but The Washington Times reported that a woman in a white shirt threw her coffee over the pro-life protesters.

The scuffle escalated until the man began hitting Gribbin, slamming him to the ground and punching him repeatedly.

Pro-life protester Mike Gribbin, in the red t-shirt, is seen on July 21 being punched by an angry passerby

The two men scuffled as an orange t-shirted Planned Parenthood employee tried to separate them

The man's wife, in a white shirt, also scuffled with another woman on scene

The group stood and yelled expletives at each other before walking off: police are investigating

Bukovinac describes herself on Twitter as 'your friendly neighborhood progressive pro-life atheist'

He yelled that Gribbin had 'assaulted my wife'.

Bukovinac said that the woman had 'slapped me'.

Two Planned Parenthood workers in orange t-shirts attempted to calm the rival groups down, with a man telling them: 'Gentleman, please - it's not worth anybody going to jail.'

The two sides eventually walked away from each other.

Bukovinac tweeted: 'Two proaborts decided to assault me and another pro-life defender outside Planned Parenthood in Washington DC this morning simply for standing on the sidewalk offering resources to families in crisis.

'The police refused to press charges.'

A spokesman for Metropolitan police said the incident remains under investigation.

Bukovinac is the founder of Progressive Anti-Abortion Uprising.

She told the Catholic News Agency that the altercation occurred when two people began 'were screaming at us and they were screaming [expletive] you,' prompting Bukovinac to shout the same back.

She says one of those people said to her: 'Say that to my face.'

'Why don't you come over here?,' Bukovinac responded. 'The next thing I know, I had coffee all over me.

Gribbin told the website that he attempted to fend off his attacker but was unsuccessful. He got involved when the coffee was thrown.

'He swept my legs. I know he was punching me after he threw me down for a second time and I was on my knees and then he was punching me in the side of my ribcage,' Gribbin said.

Bukovinac said that she was also slapped in the face as her attacker attempted to take her phone from her.

According to Gribbin, their attackers fled the scene before the police arrived.

In a 2022 New York Times feature, Bukovinac was referred to as a 'baffling' figure in the pro life movement.

'A self-proclaimed feminist and atheist who claims that women who support anti-abortion legislation can be promiscuous, too, she is the face of a modern anti-abortion campaign that understands that optics are everything,' it read.

In 2022, Bukovinac made national news when she and a fellow activist, held a press conference to claim that an abortion clinic had given them 115 fetuses that were largely late-term.

The pair said that they had taken the fetuses in order to give them a proper burial.
The High Court battle over London Mayor Sadiq Khan's controversial planned extension of the capital's Ultra Low Emission Zone (Ulez) will be decided today.

A judge will give his ruling over a legal challenge brought by five Conservative-led councils against the expansion, which is due to come into force on August 29.

The outer London boroughs of Bexley, Bromley, Harrow and Hillingdon along with Surrey County Council launched legal action in February over the Labour Mayor's proposals to extend Ulez beyond the North and South Circular roads.

Mr Khan has admitted his plans could be 'quashed' if the court rules them illegal. He told ITV yesterday: 'There are a number of things the court could say and some of those could lead to a delay - the court could quash the order I made to expand Ulez.

'So there are a number of things it could do from quash the decision to expand Ulez to require, hypothetically speaking, to reconsult. I am someone who believes in the court of law.'

London Mayor Sadiq Khan (pictured in June 2022) wants to expand the capital's Ulez area

The expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (Ulez) is due to come into force on August 29

Protesters against the expansion of Ulez outside BBC Broadcasting House in London on July 22

At a hearing earlier this month, the local authorities' lawyers argued Mr Khan lacked the legal power to order the expansion of the zone by varying existing regulations.

What is Ulez and why is it being extended? Mayor Sadiq Khan plans to expand London's Ultra Low Emission Zone (Ulez) zone from its current borders of the North and South Circular roads to encompass the outer London boroughs on August 29. Here is what it means for motorists in the capital:  What is Ulez for? Separate from the congestion charge, which is aimed at reducing traffic, Ulez is designed to cut air pollution in the capital by discouraging the use of high-emission vehicles through imposing a daily fee. It runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week and aims to improve the health of Londoners by reducing the amount of particulate matter and nitrous oxides they breathe.  What does it apply to? All cars, motorcycles, vans, minibuses and other specialist vehicles weighing up to 3.5 tonnes. Generally, petrol cars registered after 2005 and diesel cars registered after 2015 meet the emissions standards. Cars older than this are charged 12.50 a day with a penalty for non-payment of up to 180.  How do I know if my vehicle is Ulez compliant? Drivers can check whether their vehicle meets the emissions standards on Transport for London's (TfL) website by entering in their registration number. Automatic number plate recognition cameras are set up along streets within the zone that check the registration with DVLA records to determine the vehicle's age and therefore its compliance.  Whose idea was Ulez? The scheme was first approved in 2015 when Mr Johnson was London mayor but introduced four years later under Mr Khan's stewardship. Mr Khan has since been a strong supporter of Ulez and has been advocating for its expansion towards the outer boroughs.  Why is it expanding? At first, Ulez only applied to central London but in 2021 grew to border the North and South Circular roads as part of a pandemic bail-out agreement between TfL and the Government. Mr Khan said he wants to expand the zone further to encompass the outer London boroughs from August 29 to lower the air pollution in those areas. Opponents of the expansion believe the Mayor is using it as a way to make money for TfL.  Why are people opposed? Critics of the Ulez expansion say the scheme disproportionately affects poorer people who need to drive for work and that it discourages sole traders from outside London taking work in the city. A scrappage scheme is in placing for people on benefits with older cars to receive up to 2,000 or a mixture of cash and public transport passes, but critics of this say the money is not enough.  Could Ulez be ditched? The Conservative-run outer London boroughs of Bexley, Bromley, Harrow and Hillingdon along with Surrey County Council have taken legal action against the Mayor of London in the High Court, saying he lacks the legal power to order the scheme's extension. They are expecting a judgment on that case today, which could delay the extension, making it a prominent campaign issue in next year's mayoral and general elections and Labour may choose to reconsider backing it.  How serious is air pollution? Government health officials believe particulate matter and nitrous oxides kill between 28,000 and 36,000 people every year and estimate a 1.6 billion cost to the NHS between 2017 and 2025, with vehicle exhausts being the main source of those gases. In 2020, Ella Kissi-Debrah became the first person in the world to have air pollution cited as a cause of death. She died in 2013 at nine years old after suffering from an asthma attack brought on by ingesting traffic fumes near her home in south-east London. Advertisement

Craig Howell Williams KC, for the councils, said there was an 'unfair and unlawful' approach to collecting views on the plans and that 'key information... was not disclosed' during previous consultation.

The barrister added that plans for a 110million scheme to provide grants supporting the scrapping of non-Ulez compliant vehicles were also unlawful because a 'buffer zone' for 'non-Londoners' affected by the extended charging zone was not considered.

But the Mayor's legal team rejected the bid to quash his November 2022 decision to extend Ulez to all of London's boroughs, arguing the move was 'entirely lawful' and that 'ample information' was provided for a 'fair consultation'.

Ben Jaffey KC, representing the mayor and Transport for London (TfL) - an interested party in the case - said the 'primary objective' of the Ulez expansion was 'to improve London's air quality, in particular reducing nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulates'.

The barrister said Mr Khan's decisions 'will help to get London's air quality closer to legal limits, where they are exceeded, and World Health Organisation guideline levels everywhere'.

If it goes ahead, the extended Ulez will see drivers in outer London pay a 12.50 daily fee from August 29 if their vehicles do not meet the required emissions standards.

The new borders will reach Buckinghamshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Kent and Surrey.

Mr Justice Swift is expected to give his judgment over the legal challenge at 10am today.

Ahead of the judgement, shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper was asked on Sky News this morning whether she would welcome a delay to the expansion.

She said: 'Keir Starmer has asked the Mayor of London to look at this again, to rethink. We know that there's an issue about the cost-of-living crisis affecting people right across the country, and that's an issue that came up as part of the Uxbridge by-election, and that's why Keir Starmer has asked the Mayor of London to rethink on this.

'The broader approach that we need to take on all of these environmental issues is to do all we can to both improve the environment and help people with the cost-of-living at the same time, and that's what Labour's clean energy plans are designed to do.

'Because that is about cutting energy bills and it's also about making sure that we can reach the Net Zero target as well. Link those two things together.'

She continued: 'There's different approaches you take to scrappage schemes, for example. And the Government, as I understand, it has given more support for scrappage schemes in other parts of the country so that you help people with the cost-of-living at the same time as pursuing environmental objectives. So we need to see that kind of recognition from the Government and those are the sorts of issues that I think Keir Starmer has asked should be looked at as part of this.'

The ruling will come in the wake of last week's Uxbridge and South Ruislip parliamentary by-election, where Labour's failure to win ex-prime minister Boris Johnson's seat was blamed on concerns around the expansion of Ulez.

Right-wing Tories have since urged Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to review the deadlines around environmental measures after voter concerns helped their party hang on to the seat.

Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves yesterday agreed that the Ulez charge had lost Uxbridge for Labour, and blasted the tax.

'It came up on the doorstep all the time,' she told The Sun. 'The richest people are able to upgrade their car every two or three years... it's a tax on people with older cars, it's not a progressive tax.'

Miss Reeves added: 'With the cost of living, it doesn't feel like the right time to clobber people with extra charges.'

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has declined to say if London's charge on polluting vehicles should go ahead, saying it was a decision for Mr Khan, who has been asked to 'reflect on' how to reduce the impact of the scheme on people amid a cost-of-living crisis.

But sources close to Mr Khan insist that it was 'a really difficult decision, but necessary to save the lives of young and vulnerable Londoners'.

Mr Khan is understood to be committed to implementing the expansion, but is open to ideas on how to mitigate the impact on Londoners.

His team has defended the policy, saying that nine in 10 cars driving in outer London are already compliant with Ulez regulations and will not be charged.

Protesters demonstrate against the Ultra Low Emission Zone at London's High Court on July 4

Officials have also pointed to the 110million scrappage scheme recently topped up by City Hall.

Drivers hit by 'price penalty' to meet Ulez rules, says Auto Trader Drivers buying used cars which will avoid daily fees from the planned expansion of London's ultra-low emission zone (Ulez) are being hit by a 'price penalty', according to analysis. Online vehicle marketplace Auto Trader said some motorists are being charged over 3,000 more for Ulez-compliant vehicles compared with identical models only a year older which do not meet the scheme's emissions standards. The company, which is used by about four out of five UK vehicle retailers, said its research is 'hard evidence' the used car market is being distorted by the Ulez plan. To avoid the 12.50 daily fee for driving in the Ulez area, diesel cars must generally have been first registered after September 2015, while most petrol cars registered after 2005 are also exempt. Auto Trader said the biggest price gap across the UK involves a used Volkswagen Golf 2016 model being sold for 3,601 more than a 2015 non-compliant version. That is an increase of 28 per cent from 9,445 to 13,046. Similarly, a used Ford Focus from 2016 costs 2,828 more than a 2015 model. This represents a 27 per cent rise, from 7,508 to 10,336. Other used 2016 models with an apparent premium for Ulez compliance include a Land Rover Epoque (2,594 more expensive), Nissan Qashqai (2,220 more expensive) and BMW 3 Series (1,645 more expensive). Advertisement

However, Sir Keir previously backed his party's unsuccessful Uxbridge by-election candidate who called for a delay to the plans.

And earlier this week he was accused of trying to 'wash his hands' of the Ulez expansion as he refused to say whether it should go ahead.

The opposition leader said it was up to Mr Khan to decide whether to press on widening the zone, but said it was not a 'simple political decision'.

Yesterday Ed Miliband, Labour's shadow climate and net zero secretary, said Sir Keir was '100 per cent committed' to green policies.

Dismissing as 'tittle-tattle' reports of unhappiness in Labour circles about the party's green agenda, Mr Miliband told BBC Radio 4's World At One programme: 'I am far too experienced to be worried about that kind of thing.

'Because the truth is you always get tittle tattle in Westminster.

'The truth is that Keir Starmer is absolutely 100 per cent committed to the project of clean energy by 2030, which is the way to cut bills and give us energy security and tackle the climate crisis.

'And he's also absolutely committed, as is Rachel Reeves, to ramping up to 28billion a year of investment to bring the good jobs that we need for our country.

'And you know what? If Labour wins the election, we will never have had a prime minister and a chancellor so committed to this agenda and I'm incredibly proud to work alongside them.'

Meanwhile, new analysis revealed today that drivers buying used cars which will avoid daily fees from the planned expansion of Ulez are being hit by a 'price penalty'.

Online vehicle marketplace Auto Trader said some motorists are being charged over 3,000 more for Ulez-compliant vehicles compared with identical models only a year older which do not meet the scheme's emissions standards.

The company, which is used by about four out of five UK vehicle retailers, said its research is 'hard evidence' the used car market is being distorted by the Ulez plan.

To avoid the 12.50 daily fee for driving in the Ulez area, diesel cars must generally have been first registered after September 2015, while most petrol cars registered after 2005 are also exempt.

Auto Trader said the biggest price gap across the UK involves a used Volkswagen Golf 2016 model being sold for 3,601 more than a 2015 non-compliant version.

That is an increase of 28 per cent from 9,445 to 13,046.

Similarly, a used Ford Focus from 2016 costs 2,828 more than a 2015 model. This represents a 27 per cent rise, from 7,508 to 10,336.

Other used 2016 models with an apparent premium for Ulez compliance include a Land Rover Epoque (2,594 more expensive), Nissan Qashqai (2,220 more expensive) and BMW 3 Series (1,645 more expensive).

Auto Trader commercial director Ian Plummer said: 'This is hard evidence of the distortions in the market caused by the Ulez extension.

'While the overall used car market is in good health nationally, drivers are having to pay a price penalty to follow the rules in London.

'This doesn't need to be a case of pocket over planet, it is possible to achieve both - but it's vital we get the balance right between the carrots and the sticks or we'll lose people along the way.'

Auto Trader said a number of cheaper petrol options which comply with the rules are available in London, such as a 2007 Vauxhall Astra costing 2,172 and a 2006 Ford Focus priced at 2,250.

Transport for London estimates that more than 200,000 drivers of non-compliant vehicles will be affected by the proposed expansion.

Separately yesterday, Rishi Sunak sparked a row with Mr Khan after placing the London Mayor in 'special measures' for failing to build more homes.

Council representatives including Teresa O'Neill from Bexley Council (far left) and Matt Furniss from Surrey County Council (far right) at the High Court in London on July 4 for their Ulez case

In a highly unusual move, the Prime Minister ordered a government review of the Mayor's multi-decade plan for London, amid concern it fails to address the housing crisis in the capital.

READ MORE Is this proof ULEZ restrictions are totally arbitrary? Scottish driver discovers his 2015 diesel Audi is banned in Glasgow but passes emissions test for London Advertisement

Mr Khan will now be required to work with Housing Secretary Michael Gove to improve the plan. Mr Gove has reserved the right to impose changes in the autumn if the London Mayor fails to deliver significant improvements.

A Government source said the move amounted to Mr Khan being placed in 'special measures' over his housing plans, which have delivered barely half the homes needed in the capital.

The review will examine options to 'accelerate residential development', particularly on former industrial sites in the inner city.

Mr Sunak said: 'Labour's Sadiq Khan has failed to deliver the homes London needs, driving up prices and making it harder for families to get on the housing ladder.

'So I'm stepping in to boost housebuilding and make home ownership a reality again for Londoners.'

But the approach triggered an angry reaction from the Labour mayor.

Responding on Twitter, Mr Khan said: 'Are you the same guy who dropped his house building targets?

'Because I'm the guy who started building more council homes than the rest of England combined, exceeded your affordable homes targets and built more homes of any kind than since the 1930s. This is desperate nonsense.'

Signage indicates the boundary of the Ulez scheme beside the South Circular Road in London

Also yesterday, the Tory hopeful taking on Mr Khan to be Mayor of London said a government ban on new petrol cars 'is not going to happen'.

READ MORE Tory Mayor of London hopeful Susan Hall says a ban on new petrol and diesel cars 'is not going to happen' Advertisement

Susan Hall became the latest senior Conservative to pile pressure on Mr Sunak to drop the 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel cars.

The Government's target is designed to speed up the switch to electric vehicles as part of efforts to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2030.

But Ms Hall, who will face Mr Khan in the mayoral election next May, told the Spectator that the proposal was not achievable.

She said: 'I think 2030 is not going to happen. We haven't got charging points, there are so many issues. It's an admirable aim, but I don't think it will work.'

Ms Hall's comments come after Mr Gove tried to shut down debate about the 2030 timetable this week, saying it was 'immovable'.

But a government source said the Prime Minister was open to reviewing the target, after warning that net zero ambitions must be pursued in a 'proportionate and pragmatic way'.

Tory peer Lord Frost 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.
Judith Ann Venn had reached the end of the road when she overdosed her husband of over 40 years by lacing his favourite soup with pills before cutting his wrist, a court has been told.

The now 69-year-old was not coping as carer of Lance Hilton Venn whose bipolar disorder had worsened significantly over the previous 18 months.

But she also could not bear the prospect of their daughters enduring the difficulty of caring, monitoring and managing him, Venn's barrister Christopher Wilson said on Friday.

Judith Ann Vann overdosed her husband with pills that she put in his favorite soup at her family home in Brisbane

Venn pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the Brisbane Supreme Court over the death of her husband in their home at Alexandra Hills, southeast of Brisbane, in August 2020.

Venn felt trapped as part of a close Christadelphian Church community that did not look outside for help, Mr Wilson said.

'Because of her shame and her desire not to besmirch her husband in that group she kept secret a lot of what was going on in his mental health and his deterioration.'

The month before her husband's killing Venn told a mental health service of her desperation but received very limited support.

'For her it was the end of the line, for them it was the first presentation,' Mr Wilson said.

A psychiatrist surmised Venn habitually understated her husband's physical violence to her, perhaps because she was ashamed, thought she failed him or knew he couldn't help it, the court heard.

Ms Ann Venn was found guilty of manslaughter in the Brisbane Supreme Court after she overdosed her husband of 40 years' and she cut his wrist at their home in August 2020

'Out of sheer loyalty to him (she) did not mention it or did not make a big issue of it,' Mr Wilson told the court.

She was also likely chronically sleep-deprived and getting more and more isolated and desperate.

Shortly before he was killed Mr Venn, a former fisherman, used money they could not afford to buy a boat, although they already had four in the yard, indicating how bad his condition was.

On the morning of August 14, Venn was hopeful of some relief in managing her husband as he was due to see a psychologist that day.

But Mr Venn ended up at their daughter's house at the end of one of his nocturnal walks.

Venn cancelled the appointment and overdosed him by dissolving prescribed pills in his favourite vegetable soup.

'She had just reached the end of the road,' Mr Wilson said.

She cut his wrist when he was unconscious before eating the laced soup in an attempt to take her own life.

Venn admitted to police she had decided to end her husband's life and her own due to frustration with his behaviour.

'She was a stoic woman with an extraordinary ability to cope who reached the end of her tether because she was doing it all on her own,' Mr Wilson said.

Venn - who wiped away tears during the sentencing submissions - pleaded guilty to one count of manslaughter over her husband's death.

She has been behind bars since the day she killed her husband and was in the trusted position of working in the prison's reception counter.

Justice Frances Williams has reserved her decision until a date to be set.
Russian and Chinese officials stood shoulder to shoulder with Kim Jong Un as they reviewed North Korea's latest nuclear-capable missiles and new attack drones at a military parade in Pyongyang, North Korean state media showed on Friday.

The widely anticipated parade in the capital on Thursday night commemorated the 70th anniversary of the armistice that ended of the Korean War on July 27, 1953 - celebrated in North Korea as 'Victory Day'.

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu's visit was the first by Moscow's top defence official since the 1991 break-up of the Soviet Union. China's visitors were the country's first such delegation since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

Their appearance at events with the North's nuclear missiles - banned by the United Nations Security Council with Chinese and Russian support - marked a contrast with previous years, when Beijing and Moscow sought to distance themselves from their neighbour's nuclear weapons and ballistic missile development.

Kim, Shoigu and Chinese Communist Party Politburo member Li Hongzhong talked, laughed and saluted as North Korean troops marched and weapons rolled below, photos released by North Korean state media showed, before Kim gave Shoigu a tour of a plush official building adorned with portraits of Vladimir Putin.

Chinese and Russian officials stood shoulder to shoulder with Kim Jong Un as they reviewed North Korea's latest nuclear-capable missiles last night. Pictured: North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un (left) guides Russia's Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu (right) to the banquet hall during his visit to the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea headquarters in Pyongyang, with a large portrait of Russian leader Vladimir Putin hanging on the wall

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Chinese Communist Party politburo member Li Hongzhong and Russia's Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu observe a display of missiles during a military parade to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Korean War armistice, July 27

All smiles as North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un and Russian defence minister Sergei Shoigu observe a military parade in Pyongyang last night

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, right, and Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, left, toast at a banquet hall of the ruling Workers' Party's headquarters in Pyongyang, July 27

The parade included North Korea's latest Hwasong-17 and Hwasong-18 intercontinental ballistic missiles, according to KCNA, which are believed to have the range to strike targets anywhere in the United States.

The event also featured a flyover by new attack and spy drones, KCNA reported.

Kim hosted a reception and had a luncheon with Shoigu, where the North Korean leader vowed solidarity with the Russian people and its military.

Shoigu praised the North Korean military as the strongest in the world, and the two discussed strategic security and defence cooperation, KCNA said.

At another meeting, Shoigu read a congratulatory speech from Russian President Putin who thanked North Korea for its support during the 'special military operation' in Ukraine, state media reported.

Bizarrely, a large portrait of Putin was seen mounted in a corridor walked by Kim and Shoigu together, the Russian leader's face seen looming over the pair from a wall opposite a second portrait of the North Korean dictator.

Washington has accused Pyongyang of providing weapons to Russia for its war effort in Ukraine, an accusation that North Korea has angrily denied.

State Department deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel said on Thursday the U.S. was 'incredibly concerned' about ties between Moscow and Pyongyang.

Moscow has also denied conducting any arms transactions with its neighbour.

The new surveillance drones could be used to survey targets in real time, conduct damage assessment in a war and generally enhance strategic situational awareness, said Ankit Panda of the U.S.-based Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

A Hwasong-18 intercontinental ballistic missile is driven through a military parade to mark the 70th anniversary of the armistice that halted fighting in the 1950-53 Korean War, on Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang, North Korea Thursday, July 27

Soldiers participate in a military parade to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Korean War armistice in Pyongyang, North Korea, July 27

Pictured: An image of Russia's leader Vladamir Putin and his defence minister is shown during a banquet hosted by North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un for a visiting Russian defence delegation at the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea headquarters, Pyongyang

North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un (centre right) hosting a Russian defence delegation led by Russia's Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu (centre left), with a photo of Kim and Vladimir Putin shaking hands on the wall displayed behind them, July 27

North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un (right) poses for a photo with Russia's Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu (left) during the Russian's visit to North Korea, July 27

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attends a military parade to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Korean War armistice in Pyongyang, North Korea, July 27

In December five North Korean drones crossed into the South, prompting Seoul's military to scramble fighter jets and helicopters, and increase anti-drone measures at key facilities, including the presidential office.

The new attack drones would have limited use in a war on the Korean Peninsula given their vulnerability to anti-aircraft defences, but 'North Korea may seek to offer these drones to external customers,' Panda said.

The drones were among the weapons displayed at an arms fair toured by Kim and Shoigu this week in Pyongyang, state media photos showed.

Putin's defence minister is believed to have sealed secret agreements for new supplies of arms to deploy in his illegal war against Ukraine.

Shoigu remained in North Korea longer than expected - after his ministry earlier announced plans to depart on Thursday.

He was shown finally leaving early Friday, his fourth day visiting the repressive state despite the demands of the war in Ukraine where he is suffering significant setbacks in Kyiv's counteroffensive.

Pro-war bloggers in Russia criticised him for having his eye off the ball as Ukraine steps up its military fightback.

But the fear is that a secret pact will see ammunition and drones delivered to Russia to use for yet more killing in Ukraine.

Shoigu's visit has seen unprecedented Russian kowtowing to the 39-year-old tyrant.

A new model of intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), the solid-fuel Hwasong-18, is paraded at Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang to mark a key anniversary of the Korean War, July 27

A view of tanks displayed during a military parade to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Korean War armistice in Pyongyang, North Korea, July 27

Soldiers participate in a military parade to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Korean War armistice in Pyongyang, North Korea, July 27

Soldiers participate in a military parade to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Korean War armistice in Pyongyang, North Korea, July 27

In a speech at the parade, Defence Minister General Kang Sun Nam accused the United States and its allies of increasing tensions in the region.

North Korea has been under U.N. sanctions for its missile and nuclear programs since 2006. This includes a ban on the development of ballistic missiles.

In recent years Russia and China have opposed U.S.-led efforts to impose further sanctions on North Korea over its continued pursuit of ballistic missiles, arguing existing measures should be eased for humanitarian purposes and to help entice Pyongyang to negotiate.

The last time North Korea invited foreign government delegates for a military parade was in February 2018, when it held a low-key event that excluded Kim's ICBMs.

North Korea at the time was initiating diplomacy with Seoul and Washington as Kim attempted to leverage his nukes for badly needed economic benefits.

Those efforts led to a summit between Kim and then-U.S. President Donald Trump that June, but the diplomacy collapsed after their second meeting in February 2019, when the Americans rejected North Korean demands for major sanctions relief in exchange for a partial surrender of their nuclear capabilities.

Soldiers participate in a military parade to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Korean War armistice in Pyongyang, North Korea, July 27

Soldiers march during a military parade to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Korean War armistice in Pyongyang, North Korea, July 27

Kim has since ramped up the development of the nuclear arms that he sees as his strongest guarantee of survival while berating 'gangster-like' U.S. sanctions and pressure.

The Chinese and Russian presence at events with banned ballistic missiles cast doubts on those countries' willingness to enforce sanctions, said Leif-Eric Easley, professor of international studies at Ewha Womans University in Seoul.

'It doesn't help when two permanent members of the U.N. Security Council openly support a North Korean regime that violates human rights and flouts resolutions banning its nuclear and missile development,' Easley said.

U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said, 'All members of Security Council and, frankly, all member states of the U.N., share the same responsibility to uphold Security Council resolutions.'
A mother who smothered her three children to death said she was sick of 'forcing' her children to eat their vegetables and feeling like a 'bad parent', 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 event.

Dickason has admitted to killing her children but denies it was murder, with her defence claiming she is not guilty by reason of insanity.

Lauren Anne Dickason (pictured), 42, is on trial in the High Court in Christchurch, charged with murdering her daughters - Liane, 6, and twins Maya and Karla, aged 2

On Friday the court heard Dickason (pictured with children and husband) was fed up with forcing her children to eat their vegetables

Details about Dickason's mental state on the day she killed her three little girls and in the weeks that followed were heard in court on Friday.

The mother was admitted to a psychiatric unit with Dr Susan Hatters-Friedman saying she had presented with 'severe melancholic depression', the New Zealand Herald reported.

'She was preoccupied with her inability to parent... she thought that she could not do another day,' Dr Hatters-Friedman, who spent ten hours interviewing Dickason, said.

The court heard that in one interview Dickason said she made the girls chicken nuggets the night they died and they had asked for more but there were none left.

Dickason said it made her feel like her efforts were 'never enough' for her children.

Crown Prosecutor Andrew McRae said she was 'overworked' from caring for the three children alone.

'She said ''I couldn't see myself getting through another day, I just wanted it to stop'',' Mr McRae said.

''I don't want to have to force my kids to eat their vegetables I didn't want to feel like a bad parent anymore''.'

Dickason and her family had only moved to New Zealand from South Africa a matter of weeks before the killings.

Her defence has argued her severe state of postpartum depression had left her feeling her only option was to take her life and the lives of her children.

Dickason's defence has argued her severe state of postpartum depression had left her feeling her only option was to take her life and the lives of her children

'All of the defence experts agree that there was an altruistic motive  That means that Lauren killed her children out of love,' defence lawyer Anne Toohey said.

Ms Toohey said she didn't want to leave her children or make them 'suffer from having such a bad mother'.

Dr Hatters-Friedman also said the mother had been having thoughts about hurting her daughters while lying in bed and during 'moments of stress'.

The psychiatric expert said Dickason felt 'disconnected' to her children, had a 'profound sense of hopelessness' and in the three months before the killings said her 'soul had been pulled out of me'.

Dickason also felt she and her kids were a burden to her husband, the court heard.

At the end of her evidence, Dr Hatters-Friedman told the court the killings were an example of an altruistic motive - where a parent kills 'out of love' instead of out of hate or anger.

'She saw a joint suicide and filicide as a way out of this for her beloved children and herself She thought she was getting her children to safety,' she said.

'It is my opinion that at the time of her alleged offending Lauren Dickason was labouring under a disease of the mind to such an extent that it rendered her incapable of knowing that the act was morally wrong.'

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

Mr McRae grilled Dr Hatters-Friedman and questioned whether Dickason's actions stemmed from anger.

The prosecutor said Dickason had stated previously that she was 'worried' she was going to give one of her children a 'good hiding' or smack them 'too hard'.

He added Dickason had spoken about one of the twins, Karla, being the most difficult, who slapped and bit her.

Graham Dickason is pictured with his daughters Liane and twins Maya and Karla

Earlier this week a video recording of an interview with detectives was played, in which Dickason said 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.'

On the night of the alleged triple murder, Dickason smothered the girls around 20 minutes after her husband left for a work function.

In an interview, she told police: 'I have been thinking about it for sure last night something just triggered me'.

Dickason has admitted to killing her children but denies it was murder, with her defence claiming she is not guilty by reason of insanity

Dr Hatters-Friedman told the court the killings were an example of an altruistic motive - where a parent kills 'out of love' instead of out of hate or anger (family pictured together)

Lauren Dickason is pictured with her twin daughters Maya and Karla

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.

Dickason said she had been diagnosed with major depressive disorder in 2015, had postnatal 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 had also previously lost a daughter called Sarah when she was 18 weeks pregnant, after 17 rounds of IVF treatment.

The trial continues.

For confidential 24-hour support in Australia call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Singapore has executed a woman for the first time in almost 20 years after she was convicted of trafficking heroin.

Saridewi Binte Djamani, 45, was sentenced to death in 2018 for trafficking around 30 grams of heroin.

The execution was carried out despite appeals from rights groups, who argue capital punishment has no proven deterrent effect on crime.

'The capital sentence of death imposed on Saridewi Binte Djamani was carried out on 28 July 2023,' the Central Narcotics Bureau said in a statement.

She was convicted of trafficking 'not less than 30.72 grams' of heroin, more than twice the volume that merits the death penalty in Singapore.

Saridewi Binte Djamani, 45, was executed earlier today. Her execution was carried out despite appeals from rights groups, who argue capital punishment has no proven deterrent effect on crime. Pictured is an activist protesting against execution in 2021

It was the first time a woman had been executed since 2004 in the country. Pictured is the sister of execution victim Nazeri Bin Lajim, who was hanged for drugs trafficking on July 22, 2022

Djamani 'was accorded full due process under the law, and was represented by legal counsel throughout the process,' the bureau said.

'She appealed against her conviction and sentence, and the Court of Appeal dismissed her appeal on 6 October 2022,' the bureau said, adding that her plea for presidential clemency was also rejected.

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.

Djamani today became the 15th prisoner sent to the gallows since the government resumed executions in March 2022 after a two-year hiatus during the Covid-19 pandemic.

A local man, Mohd Aziz bin Hussain, 57, was hanged on Wednesday for trafficking about 50 grams of heroin.

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.

Rights watchdog Amnesty International last week 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.

Djamani today became the 15th prisoner sent to the gallows since the government resumed executions in March 2022 after a two-year hiatus during the Covid-19 pandemic. Pictured are people protesting against Singapore's death penalty in 2005

'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.

Speaking of of Djamani's death, Kirsten Han, a journalist and activist who has spent a decade campaigning against the death penalty, said: 'Once she exhausted her appeal options it was a matter of time that she would be given an execution notice.

'The authorities are not moved by the fact that most of the people on death row come from marginalised and vulnerable groups.

'The people who are on death row are those deemed dispensable by both the drug kingpins and the Singapore state. This is not something Singaporeans should be proud of', she said, according to The Guardian.

Ms Han said: 'This is the fourth execution this year and there will be another one next week. It's horrible for the families and worrying for other death row inmates.'.

There 'is no sign of the government wanting to give an inch,' she added.

Billionaire Richard Branson on Thursday urged Singapore to 'grant mercy' to Djamani and stop her execution.

Singapore insists that the death penalty is an effective crime deterrent.

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 (pictured: supporters delivering letters to the Presidential Palace in Singapore on April 23 to call of the execution)

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.

Neighbouring Thailand has legalized cannabis while Malaysia ended the mandatory death penalty for serious crimes this year.
Travis Scott's highly-anticipated concert at the Giza pyramids was cancelled due to 'complex production issues' just two days before the planned show date.

Live Nation confirmed in a statement on Wednesday July 26 that the concert - which was originally scheduled for Friday July 28 - would no longer go ahead as planned.

But why exactly was the gig cancelled? When had the event first been announced by organisers? What happens now for ticket holders?

Read on below for everything you need to know about why Travis Scott's concert in Egypt was cancelled.

Axed: Travis Scott's planned concert at Egypt's famed Giza pyramids has been cancelled due to 'complex production issues' just two days before the planned show date - Live Nation confirmed in a statement on Wednesday. The rapper was pictured in Cannes in May

International music stars often perform at the feet of Egypt's famed pyramids near the capital Cairo. Pictured earlier this month

When was Travis Scotts Egypt pyramids concert announced?

Tickets sold out in just 15 minutes after going on sale on Monday July 10 for the concert that was set to be held on Friday July 28.

Premium tickets were priced at 4,000 Egyptian pounds (101), with VIP tickets for the event costing 6,500 Egyptian pounds (164).

There was nothing unusual about Travis Scott performing at the Giza pyramids in Egypt, as international music stars often perform at the feet of Egypt's famed pyramids near the capital city of Cairo.

Aside from the obvious pull of being able to stage a gig at a world-famous location, that is one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, the location of the Giza pyramids is ideal for acoustics and audiences, also providing ample space.

The rapper was scheduled to perform as a launch date for his new album 'Utopia' - which was released on Friday July 28. The concert was also set to be livestreamed.

When was the Travis Scotts permit to perform withdrawn and why?

The Egyptian Syndicate of Musical Professions - which oversees all matters relating to live or recorded music in the country - said in a statement on Tuesday July 25 that Scott's concert would 'go against our traditions.'

The body rarely opposes such events, but has spearheaded a fight against musical genres deemed improper in Egypt, with rap a frequent target.

The union's Dr. Mohamed Abdullah said that leaders of the organisation sought to cancel the license 'after examining social media opinions and feedback ... which included authenticated images and information about peculiar rituals performed by the star during his performance.'

Abdullah said the rituals were in contradiction of 'our authentic societal values and traditions ... which goes against the cultural identity of the Egyptian people', accoridng to Egypt Today.

Not to be: Scott's UTOPIA show was due to go ahead on July 28 - but Live Nation announced they have pulled the plug on the show in a statement on Twitter

Egypt has also increasingly opposed what it views as a 'rewriting' of its history, finding fault with African-American movements that claim cultural affiliation to the ancient pharaohs.

The cancellation of the concert was confirmed in a statement by event operator Live Nation on Wednesday July 26.

The statement reads: 'We regret to inform you that the Utopia show, originally scheduled for July 28th at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt is cancelled.

'Unfortunately, despite highest efforts, complex production issues meant that the show could not be constructed in the desert.

'We understand that this news is disappointing and not the outcome any of us desired.'

What happens now for ticket holders?

Event organiser Live Nation has confirmed that ticket holders will be reimbursed from Tuesday August 1 after the gig was cancelled at the eleventh hour.

Live Nation added: 'Refunds will be issued to all ticket holders at their point of purchase. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this cancellation may have caused and appreciate your understanding.

Scott was seen onstage on the tragic evening of November 5, 2021, when a crowd surge led to the deaths of 10 fans

'We remain committed to bringing exceptional live performances to fans and hope to have the opportunity to do so in the future.'

Elaborating on its decision to cancel the show, the Egyptian Syndicate of Musical Professions also cited 'the safety and protection of the audience,' less than two years after 10 people were killed following a crowd surge at Scott's Astroworld music festival on November 5 2021 at NRG Park in the rapper's native Houston.

In the tragic incident, 10 victims ranging from the ages of nine to 27 died from compression asphyxia amid the crowd surge, which left almost 2,400 people in need of medical help.

On Thursday June 29, a grand jury in Texas ruled that Scott will not face criminal charges over the incident.
Two suspects were arrested while the victim was left with pain and swelling

Three women and two men hit the cab driver with shoes and punched him

This is the shocking moment a New York cab driver was brutally beaten by a group of five on a busy street.

The cabbie, 60, was violently attacked by three women and two men in Midtown Manhattan last Wednesday, July 19 at around 8.10pm.

The assault saw the group repeatedly punch him and hit him with shoes, while one woman even kicked him in the chest, leaving him with pain and swelling.

Police said it had started as a verbal dispute which had then turned physical.

The man was taken in an ambulance to New York University Hospital and is in a stable condition, police said.

This is the shocking moment a New York cab driver was brutally beaten by a group of five on a busy street last week

In a shocking video of the attack, the helpless cab driver was surrounded by the group of five as they repeatedly pummeled him.

He was left even more vulnerable when the vigor of the assaults caused him to fall to the ground.

One of the women then kicked him in the chest, before hitting him over the head with her shoe, as another man tried to restrain her.

He was then left on the ground holding his head in agony.

Police said they arrested two suspects at the scene: Howard Colley, 35, and Natalie Morgan, 51 - both from Brooklyn.

Colley was charged with assault for allegedly punching the cabbie in the face, while Morgan was charged with criminal mischief for damage to the cab.

Fernando Mateo, spokesperson for the New York State Federation of Taxi Drivers said in a statement reported in the New York Post: 'We must catch these young thugs and lock them up.

'This elderly driver did not deserve this brutal beating. Assaults, stabbings, shootings and robberies must stop.'

One woman even kicked him in the chest in the attack, which left the 60-year-old with pain and swelling

The assault by three women and two men saw the group repeatedly punch him and hit him with shoes

The cab driver was left even more vulnerable when he fell to floor, covering his face in pain after he was hit over the head

Police said their investigation into the assault is ongoing.

The Taxi and Limousine Commission said: 'Our city's hardworking drivers brave the streets every day to get us where we need to go, and violence against them is totally unacceptable and illegal. Our Driver Support Unit is in contact with the driver and offering him assistance.'

The New York Police Department told MailOnline: 'On July 19, 2023 at approximately 2010 hours, police responded to an assault in the vicinity of Avenue of the Americas and West 34. Street, in the confines of the Midtown South Precinct.

'Upon arrival of responding officers, a 60 year-old male victim reported that he was engaged in a verbal dispute with unknown individuals.

'Individual #1 punched him on the upper left side of his face with a closed fist causing pain and swelling.

'A second individual grabbed the taxi's right side view mirror and damaged it.

'The victim was transported by EMS to New York University Hospital in stable condition.

'Both individuals were taken into custody on scene. The investigation remains ongoing.'
Coutts and parent company NatWest failed to get a grip on the Nigel Farage scandal due to 'hubris' and attempts to 'spin' their way out of a crisis, experts told MailOnline today.

The former UKIP leader first revealed he had been ditched by Britain's most prestigious bank on June 29 and claimed it was due to his political views. But on July 4, a BBC story quoted a source at the bank saying his account was closed for failing to meet minimum wealth thresholds.

Doubt was cast on this suggestion on July 18, when Mr Farage obtained an internal dossier which showed Coutts had cited his retweet of a Ricky Gervais joke and his friendship with Novak Djokovic to raise concerns he was 'xenophobic and racist'.

Seven days' later, NatWest CEO Alison Rose dramatically revealed she had been the source of the BBC article and admitted the information she provided had been incorrect. After attempting to cling on she resigned at 1.45am the following day.

PR expert Mark Borkowski said bank bosses were guilty of using '20th-century PR to deal with 21st-century crisis issues'. He told MailOnline: 'Every crisis that leads to problems that will bring down people is down to hubris and the advice these people are getting.

Nigel Farage first revealed he had been 'de-banked' by Coutts on June 29

'The way to deal with any crisis is to burst the bubble. The professionals advising those in charge need to be critical friends and advise an authentic, transparent approach.

'Instead they're using expensive lawyers, expensive PRs and expensive security consultants who are all operating in a bubble and saying the same thing.

READ MORE - STEPHEN POLLARD reveals the breathtaking arrogance of NatWest chairman and serial failure Sir Howard Davies Advertisement

'They should have faced up quickly to the issues and dealt with them rather than trying to spin their way out of the crisis and hoping it would all go away.'

Mr Borkowski said the roots of the crisis was banks losing touch with the public and relying on 'woke-washing' to 'paper over the cracks'.

He said: 'This all comes from the fact that we have lost the traditional bank manager - the human interface with the public.

'That pushes them so far away from reality that rather than dealing with things their customers actually want they go for all this woke washing, which is all just words.

'The rot at these banks has not been fixed, and they're using certain advertising messages to paper over the cracks.'

Brand expert Nick Ede expert was also damning of the way the crisis had been handled and said it would tarnish the Coutts brand.

'Putting personal opinions on Farage aside, banks have duties of care - including keeping their customers' financial information confidential,' he said.

'As soon as it emerged an employee had been discussing his account they should have launched an investigation and kept customers informed.

NatWest CEO Alison Rose and Peter Flavel of Coutts have both resigned over the scanda l

'The fact that Coutts don't seem to have thought about the implications of dismissing someone with a public platform is crazy.'

It comes as Mr Farage today continued his war on banks by accusing them of 'making massive profits whilst treating the public badly'.

The ex-UKIP leader hit out after NatWest reported pre-tax profit of 3.6billion in the six months to the end of June, up from 2.6billion the same time last year.

The bumper profit brought renewed scrutiny about 'low' saving rates being offered to the bank's customers, while loan and mortgage rates continue to soar.

NatWest chairman Sir Howard Davies has faced pressure to quit but today vowed to stay on in his role to 'provide some stability'.

Sir Howard's bank has been plunged into turmoil after it was revealed Coutts - which is owned by taxpayer-backed NatWest - had ditched Mr Farage as a customer over his political views.

Dame Alison Rose this week quit as NatWest chief executive after admitting to being the source of a BBC story that incorrectly reported Mr Farage had seen his Coutts account closed due to a lack of wealth.

Coutts boss Peter Flavel yesterday became a second senior victim of the scandal as he stood down to take 'ultimate responsibility' for the row.

Speaking to reporters after NatWest's earnings release this morning, Sir Howard blamed 'political reaction' for Dame Alison's ousting.
The puppy which was stolen by a thief posing as as a delivery driver has been mysteriously returned home less than 24 hours after going missing.

Twiglet the 16-month-old Dachshund was allegedly stolen from her owners on Wednesday, with video footage quickly circulating on social media showing the puppy being 'snatched' by a hammer-wielding robber.

The clip showing the moment the 2,000 dog was reportedly snatched away from their kitchen sparked an outpouring of support from dog owners across the country who shared it in a desperate bid to find the puppy.

But now, Twiglet's owners say she has been returned to their home in Saffron Walden, Essex, thanks to a tip-off on Thursday evening.

The beloved pet was reunited with her family Jo Vindis, 43, her husband Jamie, 47 and their two children, 12 and 14, by 11pm last night.

Ms Vindis told MailOnline today Twiglet was 'sold on for 700' but the buyer 'realised she was stolen' and immediately contacted the family.

Footage showed the moment the alleged thief broke into the family home 'dressed as a delivery driver to steal the dog'

Jamie Vindis said the family was 'blown away' by people who had helped get Twiglet back

Mr Vindis said the experience had left twiglet 'a little subdued' but thanked publicity and awareness for helping to get her back.

He wrote: 'Everyone...we have the most amazing news...Twig is home!!

'She's a little subdued by the whole experience but a tip off this evening (via Facebook) from someone that had seen all of the publicity and awareness, has meant we were able to be reunited about 11pm.'

Twiglet's supposed abduction was met with an outpouring of support from dog owners up and down the country when the shocking footage circulated on social media showing the dog attempting to resist as she was dragged away from the family home.

Essex Police have since launched an appeal for Twiglet's whereabouts. He was taken from the house in Saffron Walden

Twiglet (pictured) was bought as an eight-week-old puppy. She is now 16-months-old and has a microchip

Essex Police had launched an appeal to locate Twiglet after she was abducted from her home

16-month-old puppy Twiglet was 'snatched' away from the Vindis family's home by a man pretending to be a delivery driver

In the distressing video the man can be seen grappling with Twiglet before abducting her

The clip showed the puppy trying to dodge the thief wearing a hi-vis jacket and blue jeans as he tried to scoop her up.

The pet owner added that he thought the media exposure had left Twiglet 'too hot to handle' for any thief to hang on to.

'We can't thank everyone enough for all of the posts and reposts and noise that has meant that she most likely did become 'too hot to handle.

'We are blown away by how amazing people have been and want to thank you all so so much.'

The mother revealed that her two children (son pictured with Twiglet, left and with daughter, right) have been left 'very upset' by the ordeal but 'luckily weren't at home'

The Vindis family bought Twiglet when she was just eight weeks old

One man alleged that the horrendous incident could have been planned due to the popularity of Twiglet's breed

Ms Vindis, who said they paid 2,000 for Twiglet after dog prices inflated during Covid, added: 'She's not as much as the designer breeds but certainly people are prepared to pay quite a lot for them.'

The mother revealed that her two children have been left 'very upset' by the ordeal but 'luckily they weren't at home.'

'They are very close [with Twiglet]. It's just disbelief at the moment. She was an absolutely adored member of the family. It was the first puppy they [the kids] had ever had.

'We had a miniature dachshund before they were born but she died at 14 in May last year. Three months after that was when we got Twig as a puppy. It's their first experience with a puppy growing up, they are very bonded to her.'

Ms Vindis said that Twiglet is a 'very loving, very affectionate' puppy who is 'very much a typical Dachshund'.

She added: 'They bark a lot, and seem quite feisty but are very loyal and gentle. It's just very upsetting.'
The death of a newborn baby with an abnormally fast heartbeat during labour could have been prevented with earlier intervention, a court has found.

On Friday, South Australian coroner Naomi Kereru handed down her findings in the inquest of Bodhi Leo Searle, who died the day after his birth in the Flinders Medical Centre in Adelaide's south in August 2021.

During labour, staff at the hospital realised they had been incorrectly monitoring Bodhi's mother's heart rate instead of the child's, which quickly revealed he was in foetal distress.

Jon and Diana Searle with their newborn son Bodhi. Picture: GoFundMe

The boy's cause of death was listed as hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy due to intrapartum asphyxia - a lack of blood or oxygen to the boy's brain.

However, a coronial inquest into the incident found that there would have been a possibility of saving the child if the abnormality was detected earlier in labour.

In the early evening of August 29, 2021, Bodhi's mother Diana Searle commenced a spontaneous labour of her first child, with her partner immediately taking her to the Flinders Medical Centre.

Mrs Searle's allocated midwife was unwell, and another midwife took her place that evening, along with a student midwife that had been 'a part of Mrs Searle's antenatal journey'.

Throughout the start of the night, her labour 'progressed normally with reassuring signs' until 11.26pm when the midwife first noticed something was amiss with the baby's heart rate.

Mrs Searle was taken to another medical ward for CTG monitoring 18 minutes later at 11.44pm.

However, at 12.18am, another midwife noticed that 'the physical CTG trace had been recording the maternal trace only and took steps to remedy that'.

'Corrections were made to identify the foetal heart rate, which by that time was severely abnormal.'

The court found the 'foetal heart rate abnormality went undetected in this time frame and no concerns were raised by any other staff'.

Flinders Medical Centre in Adelaide's south

Bodhi was born at 12.58am, but was 'clinically blue and pale', and required 18 minutes of resuscitation before breathing his first gasp of air.

Ms Kereru found that efforts to resuscitate the boy after birth were appropriate and timely, 'but unfortunately were not enough to reverse the intrapartum damage that had been done'.

Bodhi passed away peacefully at 1.18pm on August 31, 2021.

'Had (the midwife) connected the CTG and reliably monitored the foetal heart rate in the period of time following 11.30pm, I find that there would have been sufficient concerns with the trace to warrant delivery at an earlier time,' Ms Kereru found.

'If that had occurred between 11.56pm and 12.06am or shortly thereafter, I find on the balance of probabilities that Bodhi's death would have been prevented.'

She acknowledged that Southern Adelaide Local Health Network had investigated the boy's death 'extensively', but recommended that all hospitals in the state adopt a new policy to prevent junior staff having to deal with medical emergencies without a senior registrar present.

'(I recommend) that all South Australian hospitals consider the implementation of a policy to be enforced by the Head of the Department, that ensures the most senior registrar onside is appropriately credentialed to undertake complex deliveries independently unless there is a consultant onsite and available.'
A woman who left her ex-husband covered in faeces and lice while he battled cancer in their home is appealing her conviction by arguing her negligence didn't cause his fatal stroke, a court has been told.

Libby Jade Baker was sentenced in December to at least three years behind bars after she was found guilty of manslaughter in 2021.

Judge Deborah Sweeney found the 44-year-old's poor caregiving had contributed to the death of her former husband Johnathan Young.

Libby Jade Baker was sentenced in December to at least three years behind bars after she was found guilty of manslaughter in 2021

The judge-alone trial found she was criminally negligent for failing to care for Mr Young in the five months leading up to his death.

Baker had been the sole carer for the 58-year-old as he battled rectal, liver and renal cancers before his death on October 16, 2012.

Mr Young had previously suffered two debilitating strokes in 2012, requiring him to have full-time care.

Baker, his former partner, lived with him in order to care for him at home.

Her lack of care was discovered when a community services worker visited the North Richmond home in June 2012.

The court was told during the trial that the worker was overwhelmed by 'the pungent smell of faeces and rotting flesh'.

She also observed that Mr Young's 'skin was hanging from his bones' and he weighed 35kg.

Mr Young was admitted to hospital where medical staff discovered he was covered in lice and painful sores.

He suffered a third stroke in hospital and died 11 days later.

Baker's lawyer Madeleine Avenell SC submitted that while her client accepted she was negligent with her care of Mr Young, her failures did not cause his death.

Johnathan Young died in hospital. Credit: 7NEWS

The court was told Mr Young had developed ulcerations and cachexia, a condition commonly known as wasting syndrome that is brought on through malnutrition.

She argued the Crown prosecution case against Baker failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt that 'both of those conditions relatively contributed to his death'.

'The issue and the problem is that a causation had to be proved beyond reasonable doubt and if it's reasonably possible if there was some condition or event independent of cachexia and pressure wounds that caused the death, that proves causation was not proved,' Ms Avenell said.

She said Mr Young's death was caused by the independent third stroke and was not triggered by Baker's negligence.

Crown prosecutor Ann Bonnor said while experts during the trial determined Mr Young's death 'was complex', there was key evidence to indicate Baker's negligence 'accelerated' Mr Young's declining health.

'While it may be possible to piece together a pathway through the evidence with a hypothesis of innocence by reliance on various statements by expert witnesses, that's not the end of the inquiry because after considering all the evidence ... the incidents (that) caused or accelerated the death is what needs to be grappled with,' she said.

Baker had been the sole carer for the 58-year-old as he battled rectal, liver and renal cancers before his death on October 16, 2012

The court was told Mr Young suffered thrombosis in the brain, which builds pressure, during his third stroke,

Ms Bonnor said the experts who gave evidence concluded that Baker's negligence had 'significantly contributed to the death'.

She told the court the level of dehydration Mr Young was suffering from when he arrived at the hospital on October 5, 2012, coupled with his other medical conditions, played a factor when he had the third stroke.

'The extent of dehydration on October 5 is important because it was extreme. The observations of the nurses are important to conclude he was dehydrated,' Ms Bonnor said.

'The identification of dehydration to this kind of stroke puts more weight than the applicant would put.'

Ms Bonnor said the trial had also heard evidence that while the stroke had 'intervened in the hastening' of Mr Young's death, Baker's negligence, which led to her former husband becoming malnourished and forming 'bad' pressure sores, had 'contributed to him dying earlier' than if he'd died from cancer.

'When the court considers all of the evidence, including the views of all the experts, the court would not have a reasonable doubt that the effects of neglect ... contributed to Mr Young's death,' Ms Bonnor said.

Judge Sweeney sentenced Baker to five years' imprisonment with a two year non-parole period for negligently breaching her duty of care to her ex-husband.

She will be eligible for release on December 20, 2025.

Baker appeared via video link from Dillwynia Correctional Centre during Friday's hearing.

The NSW Court of Criminal Appeal will now reserve its decision for a later date.
The desperate search for Shyanne-Lee Tatnell (pictured) took a tragic turn on Wednesday when her remains were found in bushland

The mother of a 14-year-old girl who was allegedly murdered has shared her heartbreak after a farmer was charged over her death.

The remains of Shyanne-Lee Tattnell were found in rural Nabowla, in Tasmania's north-east, on Wednesday.

Scottsdale farmer Chris Jordan, 36, was charged with the teenager's murder on Thursday, almost three months after she mysteriously vanished from Launceston, sparking a massive police search.

Shyanne-Lee's mother Bobbi-Lee Ketchell shared a devastating post about the loss of her daughter on Friday evening.

Ms Ketchell also tragically lost her son Xavier in late 2012 due to a rare genetic condition he suffered from.

'Heaven has now gained two of my beautiful children, I can not explain my heartache and pain right now,' she wrote to Facebook.

'Their wings were ready but my heart was not. My baby girl I will stay strong and continue to be your voice, protecting you was something I couldn't do or save you.

'You were taken away from me in the worst possible way. I am blessed I was your mum and you are coming home to me, just not the way I hoped.

'A part of my heart went with you, it will never be whole again. You will be dancing and hugging your brother watching over us this I know.

The last three months have been a living hell for Bobbi-Lee Ketchell (left) as police investigated Shyanne-Lee's disappearance

Ms Ketchell shared a heartbreaking post to Facebook after a farmer was charged with her daughter's alleged murder

'It's not goodbye. I will one day hold you both in my arms again.'

Shyanne-Lee had left a youth home about 8.30pm on April 30 to visit a friend.

She was last seen walking a street in eastern Launceston when CCTV footage caught her disappearing into the black of night on a lonely road.

Court documents obtained by Daily Mail Australia show police will allege Jordan came across Shyanne-Lee sometime thereafter.

He then allegedly took the teenager back to his house in Scottsdale, a 64.5km drive northeast from the city, along a poorly lit country road which passes through farmland and forest.

Farmer Chris Jordan has been charged over Shyanne-Lee's murder

This map shows where police allege Shyanne-Lee was taken, and where her remains were found

Later that night, Jordan allegedly killed Shyanne-Lee at his home before later dumping her body 24km away along a remote bushland track in Nabowla.

Police spent months trying to find Shyanne-Lee until a tip-off from the public last week led them search along Bridport Back Road, where the human remains - which police believe to be hers - were discovered on Wednesday.

Jordan was arrested in Launceston on Thursday afternoon, hours after police began scouring his property with a cadaver dog.

News of Jordan's arrest has rocked the small tight-knit community of Scottsdale, which is home to just over 2300 residents.

Locals said they cannot believe their neighbour could be at the centre of such serious allegations.

A neighbour told Daily Mail Australia he was shocked by the 'awful' news as his encounters with Jordan had always been pleasant.

'Knocked my bum flat when I heard,' he said. 'I got on with him, never had a problem with him.

The man said Jordan has a young son that he shares with his ex-wife. He said after the couple broke up, Jordan had had several relationships.

Jordan has had a 'pretty rough life', the neighbour said, including being electrocuted two decades ago while working on a farm.

'They [him and his wife] were having problems with claiming insurance and he was out of work for a long time. Then he was in a car accident.'

In recent years, Jordan had an agricultural job working with sheep.

The neighbour said the pair were on friendly terms and he would sometimes visit Jordan at his sprawling property, which was guarded by three dogs.

The man said the last time he saw Jordan was on Wednesday, when police officers were at the property.

'He [Jordan] was there with his parents. The officers told him he had to leave the property for four days. They wouldnt let him feed the horses,' the man said.

'Him and his mum wanted to go in the shed to get hay, but the officers said they couldnt. They managed to talk them (the officers) around.'

Police could be seen on Thursday bagging evidence gathered from the expansive property - including a large axe. Police divers were also seen searching a dam.

Jordan faced Launceston Court on Friday for a brief appearance. Bail was not applied for and it was formally refused.

Shyanne-Lee's mother reacts to body find

Moments before police announced an arrest had been made this week, Ms Ketchell uploaded a photo of her daughter on social media.

In the photo, Shyanne-Lee is seen smiling in her school uniform with a medal around her neck.

The caption read: 'My baby girl I love you so much.'

Her grandmother said that Shyanne-Lee's 'mother's heart's ripped out'.

'Bobbi-Lee should be organising Shyanne's 15th birthday not her funeral, but sit and listen while her sons [aged] 16, 10 and four have their uncle inform them as best he can how their sister will never be home,' she wrote.

Shyanne-Lee Tatnell's mother uploaded a photo of her daughter on social media - smiling in her school uniform with a medal around her neck

Police and a cadaver dog investigated a shipping container (pictured) at the rundown property on the outskirts of Scottsdale in north-east Tasmania

Northern Tasmanian Police Commander Kate Chambers would not confirm the condition of the remains during a press conference on Thursday afternoon.

'I'm not going to talk about the condition of the remains,' she said.

'Shyanne-Lee's family must be having a very traumatic time at the moment and I just want to extend my condolences to them.'

Commander Chambers would not say whether the 36-year-old had been a person of interest throughout the investigation, or whether he was known to police.

The commander was also asked about previous reports claiming Shyanne-Lee feared she was being followed a week before she disappeared.

'Every single piece of information that was either provided to us or created by us in terms of through investigative techniques has been investigated,' she said.

Human remains were discovered 50km from where the girl was last seen

Police sealed off the property near Scottsdale (pictured) on Thursday as forensic experts and search teams moved in

Earlier on Thursday, Daily Mail Australia witnessed detectives poring over the 36-year-old's property - inspecting a shipping container dumped on the property and draining a dam.

Two police divers were seen inspecting the contents of a dam on the property, with work begun to pump water from a creek on the property.

Logged trees, rusty motor vehicles, tin sheds, and old shipping containers were littered across the block of land, about 3km out of town, which has been declared a crime scene.

Cows grazed in a front paddock next as officers searched the grounds with two dogs - one for cadavers, another for drugs.

One dog was seen excitedly running through a paddock as officers took it down to a stream that runs along the perimeter of the property.

Forensic tents were erected over a ute parked near the house while officers unloaded equipment from their nearby cars.

The grim breakthrough comes just days after it appeared all leads had dried up for detectives searching for the teenager.

Police spent weeks trying to track down all the cars seen driving past Shyanne-Lee in CCTV footage from Launceston's Henry Street Bridge, in the hunt for clues.

But on June 30, police admitted they had finally managed to find the driver of the last car, a silver Honda Accord, without it leading to any new developments.

This week though police were tipped off with vital new information that triggered the largest ground search in north Tasmanian history.

'It's as a result of the investigation, the inquiries we've made and information we've received from the public,' Detective Inspector Andrew Hanson revealed.

'We're acting on that information in that specific area.'

On Wednesday afternoon, a search team of 160 police officers, SES volunteers and a cadaver dog found the human remains.

Police officers and SES volunteers staged a massive search of bushland at nearby Nabowla on Wednesday (pictured) which led to the discovery with of the human remains

Shyanne-Lee - who would have been 15 on August 8 - vanished after she left the home of her mother in Burnie, north-west Tasmania, after a series of rows.

She moved in with her grandmother who lived nearby but later left there to stay at a youth centre in Launceston and had been there for two weeks before she vanished.

She was last seen on the Henry St Bridge over the North Esk River where the search has been focused before this week's tip off saw it switch 50km east to Nabowla.

Ms Ketchell greeted the news of the grim discovery of the human remains with a series of broken hearts in a post on Facebook.

It came just 48 hours after she had lashed out at online trolls attacking her for not doing enough to find her missing daughter.

'People these days are so cruel and quick to judge innocent human beings!' she posted on Tuesday. 'Like myself right now...'

She said critics had accused her of giving up on her daughter and not caring enough.

'Stuff all you judgemental beings!' she hit back. 'Live one day in my shoes then happily judge - until then, shut your mouth.

'You have something to say about me and my situation say to my face!'

Detective admit the hunt now has a 'criminal element' as the search at Scottsdale (pictured) continued

She said she still had hope of finding her daughter alive and backed the police investigation.

'Just because my daughter isn't headline news or on the media does not mean she is forgotten about or we have gave up on her.

'[Detectives] are continuing to do all they can and more that you the public do not need to know, or my family and I need to share!

'Shyanne's case is still a priority 24/7. We will find my baby girl. No-one can feel my pain and understand how much I miss my daughter...every day is a struggle.

'But I am still a fighting, grieving mother that is doing all I can for all my children, being strong in this situation is hard but I will never give up!'
Calling all dads around the world  I have some important information. Attention all adults now being badgered to go to see a film called Barbie this weekend. You will have seen the hype, the inferno of publicity about this pink plastic doll, her high arches and ash-blonde tresses, and it would be odd if you havent.

Warner Brothers spent more on advertising  117 million  than on making the movie itself. You may still be apprehensive about how you are supposed to enjoy 114 minutes of Hollywood stars prancing about and pretending to be dolls  and if you are, this column is for you.

If you think that you will be left cold by a kaleidoscopic explosion of pastel plastic kitsch; if you never saw the point of Barbie, with her puzzling anatomy, let alone the point of her hopeless chum called Ken then relax.

I have anticipated your needs. For an outlay of only 11 per ticket at the superb local cinema in Didcot, hub of the universe, I have seen and foresuffered all. I can explain the meaning of Barbie the movie; and I can tell you that the analysis that you have read hitherto is bilge.

In fact, the theme of this movie is so crushingly obvious that I am amazed that it has, so far, eluded so many critics.

Margot Robbie as Barbie. Warner Brothers spent more on advertising  117 million  than on making the movie itself

I can explain the meaning of Barbie the movie; and I can tell you that the analysis that you have read hitherto is bilge, writes BORIS JOHNSON

We begin with a terrifying portrait of the world before Barbie, where little girls play with dolls in the shape of babies. They feed them, change their nappies, burp them, care for them, love them . . . and then, to the strains of Also Sprach Zarathustra, she emerges  the new plastic divinity: powerful, pinkish, confident, wearing high heels and sunglasses and not much else.

Barbie has come and the little girls bow down before her. They not only want to own her  they want to be her. Next, in a truly gut-wrenching moment, they attack their baby dolls. They smash their little teacups and their milk bottles, and then  those of a tender disposition should look away  they begin to dash their brains out on the rocks.

You start to wonder if this film is really going to be suitable for kids. It seems to be turning grisly. Perhaps there is some awful confusion in the name and you have found yourself in a biopic about the odious Nazi killer Klaus Barbie (no relation, presumably), the Butcher of Lyon.

Perhaps there is some awful confusion in the name and you have found yourself in a biopic about the odious Nazi killer Klaus Barbie

Whence this savagery? What does it mean? Slowly, it becomes clear. The little girls are rejecting traditional maternity with its endless chores. They have a new idol, and she can do anything. There is a Barbie President of the U.S., Barbie Nobel Laureate, Barbie prize-winning journalist, Barbie rock star and so on.

Barbies are triumphant in every conceivable field of human endeavour and they illuminate the great truth that has only really emerged in the past 100 years: that women can and are achieving whatever they want, and can become whomsoever they please.

Our heroine, who is played by Margot Robbie, is somehow the queen of the Barbies, the Stereotypical Barbie, and she has it all.

She has friends who shower her with nothing but compliments. She has a lovely little pink car and a dinky little pink house, and she goes down to the beach and hangs out with her friend called Ken (Ryan Gosling), who is in love with her.

Shes a Barbie girl in a Barbie world and she thinks plastic is fantastic. Then something starts to go wrong.

This isnt paradise. This Barbie world is a dystopia  a frightening vision of a future for the human race. And the question is whether Barbie, or any of us, can escape

She has dreams  of death. She detects cellulite in her upper thigh and has sudden intimations of mortality.

You can see where this is going. This isnt paradise. This Barbie world is a dystopia  a frightening vision of a future for the human race . . .

And the question is whether Barbie, or any of us, can escape.

There is quite a lot of stuff in the middle about gender conflict, and the war between the Barbies and the Kens, and I must confess that I briefly, now and then, allowed my eyelids to close. But I have reached the age when you can not only absorb what is going on but also actively enjoy yourself, even when you are half (or completely) asleep. It is all, in any case, irrelevant to the central point of the film. In Barbie world, as the narrator, Helen Mirren, portentously observes, Pregnant Barbie was discontinued by the manufacturer.

Across the world, with the exception of Africa, we see populations that are stable or falling

In Barbie world, epicene* men with peroxide hair prance around in fake fur coats and admire the Barbie girls, but have no idea what to do next. There is no real romance because  as Stereotypical Barbie puts it bluntly  neither she nor Ken have genital organs.

Therefore, this world has children, but no babies. It is a parable about the destiny of humanity.

Look at us. Across the world, with the exception of Africa, we see populations that are stable or falling.

In China, for the first time in our lives, the population has begun to decline; ditto Japan, where they have lost millions of people in the past ten years  and if BBC reports are to be believed, young Japanese people are sometimes like Barbie and Ken in eschewing traditional sexual relations.

The movie, starring Ms Robbie alongside Ryan Gosling as Ken, is a satire on the tragic plastic sterility of Barbie the doll and a great Mussolini-esque rallying cry for human fecundity

In Europe, the story is even starker. Native populations are falling in Germany, Italy, Spain, Greece, Portugal and Russia.

Even in the U.S., population growth is tepid and driven mainly by immigration, and the same is true in the UK. It is true that our population is set to overtake France for the first time in centuries and is going up steadily  but, again, this is mainly a function of immigration.

Now you or I might think that after the demographic explosion of our lifetimes  more than four billion added since I was born  it was positively good news that, at least in some places, we are finally beginning to reduce the sheer weight of humanity and all the destruction that we bring: the ruination of habitats and nature, the annihilation of species, the pollution of the seas, the warming of the very atmosphere. We may all rejoice individually, and hypocritically, in our own children  but we may also believe that we dont need to continue the relentless expansion of the past few hundred years.

At least that is what I think. But that is not the message of Barbie the movie! What does Mattel want? What do you want if you make little pink plastic homunculi* and their associated merchandise?

You want lots more little babies who will soon turn into doll-demanding kiddies. Mattel wants human reproduction!

And what do you want, if you are a Hollywood studio? You want bums on seats. You want young kids going to see it and loving it  and passively absorbing its philoprogenitive* message.

I hesitate to give away the end, but what does Barbie say, when she eventually flees for the real world? She enters a doctors clinic and announces  in the pay-off line of the film  Im here to see my gynaecologist.

Thats what the movie is. Its a satire on the tragic plastic sterility of Barbie the doll and a great Mussolini-esque rallying cry for human fecundity.

And its all driven by money, naturally. If no one has any babies, you wont sell any dolls.

Dictionary corner:

Homunculus (plural homunculi): A miniature person; midget

Philoprogenitive: Producing many offspring (or fond of children)

Epicene: With characteristics of both sexes; of neither sex; sexless
He was due to fly home on Sunday, July 23 but was last heard from on Saturday

Lewis Fraser from Scotland was on a solo trip to the Luxor Hotel and Casino

The family and friends of a British man who failed to return home from a holiday in Las Vegas last weekend say they're becoming increasing concerned for his welfare.

Lewis Fraser, from Denny near Falkirk, was on a solo trip to the Luxor Hotel & Casino in Nevada and was due to fly back to Scotland on Sunday, July 23.

Pals say nobody has heard from Lewis since 3.30am on Saturday July 22, and add that his mobile phone is now off.

They've since launched a frantic appeal on social media to find him.

Andrew Moore is one of them and posted on Facebook: 'Lewis Fraser's last known location was Las Vegas, Nevada around 3:30am Saturday the 22nd July.

Lewis Fraser, from Denny near Falkirk, has been missing for almost a week after flying to Las Vegas for a solo trip

Pals say nobody has heard from Lewis since 3.30am on Saturday July 22, and add that his mobile phone is now off

'He was on a solo trip staying at the Luxor hotel casino and was due to fly home on Sunday the 23rd of July but has not returned home nor has he been in contact since the early hours of Saturday morning.

'Any information would be greatly appreciated.'

Set just south of the main Strip, the Luxor is an iconic pyramid shaped landmark around a 10-minute taxi ride from Harry Reid International Airport.

Inside it has 14 restaurants, 17 lounges/bars and 4 pools. It also has a hairdresser/barber and beauty salon.

It's understood cops in Scotland are working with authorities in America to find Lewis.

His cousin Sara Pearson also wrote on social media: 'My cousin has gone missing and we are very worried about him.

'If you have any contacts in Las Vegas I would appreciate it if you could share.'

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office have been contact for comment.
A mother-of-four has died after suffering a head injury when she slipped and fell off a treadmill at a gym in her home state of Washington state last week.

Delrie Rosario, 36, was working out at an LA Fitness in Kent, WA, last Friday when the tragic accident occurred.

Witnesses claimed Rosario took a bad step on the treadmill and slipped forward, smashing her head into the front of the machine before slumping over and being tossed off the machine.

Fellow gym-goers attempted to administer first aid to an unconscious Rosario immediately following the accident, to no avail.

She was later transferred to a local hospital, but was ultimately pronounced dead.

Delrie Rosario, 36, was working out at an LA Fitness in Kent, WA, last Friday when the tragic accident occurred

Marissa Woods, the victim's sister, witnessed the accident unfold at the LA Fitness gym.

She told local news outlet KIRO 7: 'She tried to slow the machine down. I thought maybe she just missed a step. She just collapsed, [and] hit her head on the machine.

'I was screaming, you know, ''anybody, just please help! Anybody know how to do CPR?'',' recalled Woods.

She added that other gym-goers attempted to offer help to Rosario after her accident, but that gym staff just stood idly by.

'Not one worker,' said Woods. 'I think they were in shock.'

Woods went on to describe her sister as 'a mother first', declaring that she did 'everything for her kids. She worked so hard for her kids.'

Rosario was registered as an organ donor, and Woods claimed that five people received potentially lifesaving transplants thanks to Rosario's selflessness.

'Five people, literally like right now! She's saving lives. How big can your heart be to still be saving lives?' said Woods.

'Just think, somebody's walking aroundwith her big heart. They don't even know what heart they're about to get.'

Delrie is pictured with her family

Friends and colleagues of Rosario set up a GoFundMe page, where they hope to raise money to support the victim's four children - Delaino, Rickey, RicKae and Delaiah - in the aftermath of the accident.

'Yesterday Heaven gained an Angel and we sadly lost a great Mother, Daughter, Sister, Aunt and Friend,' a tribute to Rosario reads.

'Delrie was an Angel walking amongst us here on earth and tragically her time was cut short with us here.

'Among the many incredible qualities she possessed, being an amazing Mother was top of the list. Heartbreakingly she has left behind four beautiful children. She has been the main provider for these babies for a while now, working two jobs to make sure they have whatever they want and need.

'Please help me, even in grief to make sure that these beautiful children have a positive life.'

The page has so far raised more than $38,000.
A Royal Mail lorry driver who fell asleep at the wheel and killed a grandfather has told a court he suffers from a 'severe' sleep condition.

Stefan-Alexandru Bloj told jurors that since his 44-tonne HGV ploughed into the back of David Sullivan's Citroen on a motorway he has been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnoea.

The 34-year-old, who was on his first ever night shift for Royal Mail, also said he had just three hours sleep before working for over 14 hours.

A court previously heard that Romanian-born Bloj used his rest breaks to watch videos on his phone and text his partner.

Jurors have been told grandfather-of-six Mr Sullivan, 64, slowed down to approach a roundabout at the end of the M271 on the outskirts of Southampton, Hampshire, when Bloj's lorry ploughed into the back of his vehicle at just under 40mph.

Royal Mail lorry driver Stefan-Alexandru Bloj explained to jurors that he crashed into a car on the motorway because of a 'severe' sleep condition

Grandfather-of-six was killed after Bloj's 44-tonne HGV crashed into his Citroen Relay on the M271 outside Southampton

Witnesses who saw the horror smash compared it to an 'explosion' and said it had a 'domino effect', causing injuries to drivers in two cars in front of Mr Sullivan's white Citroen Relay van.

After being hit by Bloj's Mercedes Actros lorry around 8.30am on November 17, 2020, Sullivan died from his injuries.

Bloj, an agency worker who only started with the Royal Mail a week before the crash, denies causing death by dangerous driving.

Giving evidence at Southampton Crown Court, Bloj said at the time he thought he was fit to drive and he 'had no problems with sleep before the collision'.

However, he said he was diagnosed with 'severe' sleep apnoea - when your breathing stops and starts while you sleep, causing sleepiness in the day - following a trip to his home country of Romania after the crash.

He told the court: 'I was in a big depression for a couple of months.

'I flew back to Romania to have the support of my family back there.

'They noticed that I was snoring loudly when I was sleeping so that was a concern.

'I came back to the UK to the UK and I went to see my GP.'

Before the crash, Bloj had slept for just three hours - with half an hour being in the previous morning and two and a half hours being a short sleep before work.

He told the court, however, that with this amount of sleep, he still felt okay to drive and denied feeling tired the day before.

Bloj said he cannot recall the events, adding: 'I had to open the seat belt and get out.

'I was in shock and I didn't understand what happened.

'It made me feel very, very bad and shocked, I went to go and see what happened.

'I feel deeply bad about what happened to him [Mr Sullivan] and feel bad for his family also and I assure them that this will stay with me for life.'

Prosecutor Tana Adkin KC told the court Bloj would have likely been suffering the condition at the time of the accident but had failed to recognise symptoms.

The day of the crash, a last minute alteration to the schedule meant Bloj was working longer than he intended to, it was heard.

He was concerned that the change would mean he would go over the maximum shift for a HGV driver of 15 hours.

Bloj said: 'It was a problem to me because I was concerned there would not be enough time to go back to Eastleigh (the collection site) and unload, and then go back to Marchwood (the vehicle operation centre).

'Before taking the load, I called my supervisor and informed him about what the other supervisor is asking me to do and I expressed my concern.'

The court heard he was playing Romanian shows on his phone while driving, however Bloj said he was just listening to them without watching the screen.

The trial continues.
The teenager who was encouraged by his AI girlfriend to break into Windsor Castle and kill the Queen was distraught at the thought of being separated from her, a court heard.

Jaswant Singh Chail, 21, was dressed as the Star Wars 'Sith' character when he climbed into the castle grounds with a loaded crossbow and announced 'I'm here to kill the Queen.'

He had sent over 6,000 messages to an AI chat bot named Sarai in the month before the offence, including 1,000 overtly sexual messages.

Chail, who called himself 'Darth Chailus', was inspired by the characters of Star Wars in his plot to kill Queen Elizabeth II and wanted revenge for the 1919 Amritsar massacre in India.

He wanted to shoot the monarch when she visited a church in Sandringham but travelled to Windsor when he found out she would be spending Christmas Day 2021 there due to the Covid pandemic.

Jaswant Singh Chail planned to break into Windsor Castle and shoot Queen Elizabeth II

Dressed as a Star Wars 'Sith' character and with the name Darth Chailus, Chail sought revenge for India's Amritsar massacre in 1919

A picture of the loaded crossbow used by Chail in his planned attack

He donned a mask similar to those traditionally worn by 'Sith' characters in Star Wars

Chail was encouraged to carry out his attack by AI girlfriend Sarai, to whom he had sent over 6,000 messages during the month before the offence

Chail had considered shooting King Charles, then Prince of Wales, if he could not get close enough to the Queen.

He will be the first person to be sentenced for treason since 1981 after admitting intending to injure or alarm Queen Elizabeth II after he was arrested in the grounds of the castle.

Chail worked in a local Co-op but applied to join the army, MOD police, the Royal Marines and Royal Navy to try and get close to the monarch.

He bought a deadly 'supersonic' crossbow online and went to a forge the metal mask he was wearing at the castle, reminiscent of a Star Wars 'Sith' mask.

Windsor-born Chail, of Indian heritage, also admitted making threats to kill by sending his sister a video saying he would kill the Queen, and possessing an offensive weapon in a public place.

The Star Wars obsessed teenager was encouraged to carry out his plot by AI girlfriend Sarai, who egged him on with messages such as 'That's very wise', and 'You can do it'.

Defence psychiatrists claim Chail was suffering from psychosis, depression and autistic spectrum disorder when he carried out the offences and should be kept in hospital.

But Dr Nigel Blackwood, called by the prosecution, argued Chail does not have a mental health disorder and the judge should be free to send him to prison.

Giving evidence for the defence on Thursday, Dr Jonathan Hafferty said on 26 December 2021 Chail was 'demonstrating signs of delusion, fixation, visual and auditory hallucinations and suicidal thoughts'.

Dr Hafferty said: 'Having said his mission was to assassinate the Queen, he then proceeded to talk of three males and one female which he said he heard from childhood.

'He said he could see them and hear them.

'The three males, as black shadows, only appear when sad or distressed. He described them as angels.

'He told them he did not consider hearing voices as having mental health issues.'

Chail had planned to attack the late Queen while she was at Sandringham, but switched his targeted to Windsor Castle after learning the monarch would stay there over Christmas 2021 due to Covid-19

Dr Hafferty said Chail sobbed when speaking about the 'angels'.

'He was tearful and describing fears of the voices disappearing.

'He could communicate with these people without speaking, using telepathy.'

Speaking of his attitude to the late monarch Dr Hafferty said: 'When Queen Elizabeth died he said nothing apart from that he was sad.

'I struggle to believe that he would have actually done that and I don't believe that was his intention. He just wanted to kill himself.

'I think he was expecting this to be a heroic death and for it to come to an end.

'In my view, it was to die that heroic death, because in his view the Sith were heroic characters.

'His main purpose, his main preoccupation was to die, not to harm the Queen... His main motivation was suicide.'

After an initial assessment at Broadmoor hospital, Dr Hafferty said: 'They found clear evidence of psychotic symptoms, delusional and grandiose belief, hearing and seeing things that were not there, and believing he was in a romantic relationship with a woman through an app.

'He described hearing voices coming out of the static of the radio in the car.

'In addition, a mood disorder, possibly separate but related. Low moods, feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, low self-esteem.'

Chail's low moods were said to last at times for weeks which Dr Hafferty said characterised depression.

He added: 'It is inconceivable that this could be described as mild depression.

'There were a number of factors that I think over time began to take a toll on his mental health.

'What we're left with is a classical psychotic disorder, or it is possible it was his first episode of schizophrenia - stress induced.'

In hospital he was given nutritional supplements due to his weight drop to 50kg, seven stone 12lbs.

'When he arrived in my care he was clearly extremely thin. They were trying to get him to drink nutritional supplements.

'He put his weight at 50 kilos, this was very very low.'

Chail captured by CCTV in Windsor Town Centre in the early hours of Christmas Day 2021

Recalling seeing Chail dressed as a 'Sith', an antagonist from the Star Wars franchise, Dr Hafferty said: 'I remember this gaunt man in black combat trousers seemed incongruously smiling.

'He became angry that we didn't want him to wear these clothes that we thought had been worn during the offence.

'He wanted his mask back, he wanted his combat boots. He was really quite rude to our manager.

'I was most surprised that he was in that clothing and quite perturbed.

'Talking about the Sith, this was more than a fashion choice or even more than a tribute, it was a Star Wars uniform and part of his identity.

'If he had his shoes and mask he would use them to be as he was at the time of the offence.

'He was talking about Saria being his partner and was very very attached to her.

'He also spoke about three angels that he identified as male characters, stern male characters, but he found them comforting.

'The voice can't be bought at will.'

While in hospital Chail initially refused anti-psychotic medication.

'He thought that Saria would leave his life and he didn't want that. He felt like he was losing his connection to Saria due to the medication.

'He was really really upset about that.'

Seemingly in better health, Dr Hafferty said: 'He is highly nursed now, I think this has already had a partial treatment effect. This is not surprising.

'He'd come in talking about his mission, but by the time he had some time out, away from the stresses and the things that had been bringing him down, also at this time on medication, I think he was now starting to reflect that he wasn't Darth Chailus and he was unwell.

'He became notably upset when someone suggested he tried to kill someone.'

Dr Hafferty described Chail as having 'atypical autism'.

'He is very awkward in social situations, even his expression of concern can be incredibly sensitive.

'He does have an issue if his routine is disturbed.'

Chail has been obsessed with Star Wars for most of his life.

CCTV footage of Chail in costume at Windsor train station

Dr Hafferty said: 'He has an obsession with Star Wars and the Star Wars universe. Star Wars is the abiding interest. He loves Star Wars games, I found him to be very knowledgeable about it.

'I don't think it's normal at Broadmoor to have three pictures of Sith Lords or even Star Wars Lego but this is Mr Chail's deepest interest to this day.

'This long obsession was taken hold of because it's so fundamental to his character and his life.

'He went from a class clown in the earlier days of his education, to being socially defective, and I think that weighed heavily on him.'

Chail admitted intending to injure or alarm the monarch, making a threat to kill and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place.

He is currently in Broadmoor.

He will next appear for the judge to hear further medical evidence on September 13 and 14. He will be sentenced on a date to be fixed.
Shark Tank Australia investor Steve Baxter has unapologetically aired his opinion on why he believes people should vote No in the Indigenous Voice to Parliament referendum.

The 52-year-old, took to Twitter earlier this month to argue the Yes23 campaign is a 'sheet of lies, half-truths and fantasy'.

The rant was in response to a post that contained an explanation of what the advisory body would do and the eight reasons why Australians should vote Yes.

The list included things such as the Voice would be empowering, accountable and transparent, chosen by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, and that it would not have veto power.

The Yes campaign's eight reasons for the Voice to Parliament 1. The Voice will give independent advice to the parliament and government. 2. The Voice will be chosen by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people based on the wishes of local communities. 3. The Voice will be representative of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, gender balanced and include youth. 4. The Voice will be empowering, community led, inclusive, respectful, and culturally informed. 5. The Voice will be accountable and transparent. 6. The Voice will work alongside existing organisations and traditional structures. 7. The Voice will not deliver programs. 8. The Voice will not have a veto power. Advertisement

Shark Tank Australia investor Steve Baxter (pictured) has slammed the Voice proposal and the Yes campaign for being a 'sheet of lies, half truths and fantasy'

Steve Baxter's rebuttal to the Yes campaign's eight points 1. Mostly true but no requirement in referendum for independent. 2. To be decided by parliament if it passes, so will be negotiated through the processes of government (horse trading). 3. See point 2. 4. Fantasy and see point 2. 5. If some voice reps to be appointed then how is this transparent, and see point 2. 6. Fantasy 7. Probably not but see point 2. 8. The Voice will exercise power through the courts to see that their right to provide advice is given due weight under administrative law to be considered hence creating an opportunity for procedural delays giving leverage. Advertisement

But the investor, who has changed his Twitter name to include the hashtag 'voteno', rubbished the list and said it was 'made up'.

'A sheet of lies, half truths and fantasy. The voice is the fruit of the poison tree because it gives race based access to politics,' Baxter said.

In response he shared his thoughts to each of the eight points.

Baxter said the claim the advisory body would be chosen by Indigenous people would be decided by parliament 'so will be negotiated through the processes of government'.

He also said the claim the Voice would be empowering and inclusive was a 'fantasy'.

'The Voice will exercise power through the courts to see that their right to provide advice is given due weight under administrative law to be considered hence creating an opportunity for procedural delays giving leverage,' he added.

It isn't the only time the tech entrepreneur has spoken out on the Voice and Indigenous sentiments.

In a tweet shared on Thursday, he described a Welcome to Country acknowledgment as 'bulls**t'.

'Just sat through another bulls**t welcome to country. The chap delivering it was pretty funny but it went 3x the duration of the anthem. And at the end the divisive little person recommended we all watch a biased SBS doco on border wars, about colonisation or some such thing,' he said.

A sheet of lies, half truths and fantasy. The voice is the fruit of the poison tree because it gives race based access to politics, but a critical response required to these 8 points. #voteno



1. Mostly true but no requirement in referendum for independent.

2. To be decided by https://t.co/lArAHh98OM  Steve Baxter (aka Foxy Loxy #voteno) (@sbxr) July 15, 2023

Australians will vote 'Yes' or 'No' in a referendum to be held sometime between October and December this year on whether to enshrine an Indigenous advisory body to Parliament in the Constitution.

It comes as two Resolve Political Monitor surveys recently conducted for The Sydney Morning Herald showed only 48 per cent of voters across Australia would vote for the Voice while 52 per cent said they would vote against it.

Going state-by-state, the survey data shows support in NSW has slipped from 53 per cent supporting the Voice to Parliament in May-June this year to 49 per cent in June-July, moving it from the Yes to No camps.

Mr Baxter has urged Australians to vote No in the referendum expected to be announced between October and December

Over the same period In Victoria, which had the strongest support for the advisory body, the numbers have also dropped from 56 per cent saying they would vote Yes to 52 per cent.

According to the survey, most of the remaining states are also in the No camp with Queensland at 42 per cent supporting the Voice and South Australia and Western Australia at 49 per cent.

Currently Tasmania appears to lead the Yes camp with 54 per cent of respondents saying they would vote in favour of the amendment to the Constitution.

For the referendum to pass it must be supported by a majority of the national vote and also a majority of voters in a majority of states.
Locals have slammed officials for approving a huge solar farm on landscape that inspired author Thomas Hardy.

The project will see 150,000 solar panels installed on 190 acres of the Dorset countryside the Victorian writer immortalised in his novels.

The solar farm, which would be equivalent in size to 150 Wembley stadiums, will power up to 13,000 homes a year.

British Solar Renewables Energy, the firm behind the project, said it will have a positive impact on the planet and pointed to the wildfires in Europe for a reason to back it.

Locals have slammed officials for approving a huge solar farm on landscape that inspired author Thomas Hardy. The project will see 150,000 solar panels installed on 190 acres of the Dorset countryside the Victorian writer immortalised in his novels

Protestors from local campaign group Save Hardy's Vale are seen in front of the picturesque site in 2021

Planners at Dorset Council - which has declared a climate emergency and its intention to be carbon neutral by 2040 - ignored huge opposition to the solar farm as well as their own expert advice to vote it through.

Furious objectors say it will be a desecration of Hardy's 'Vale of the Little Dairies' - the Blackmore Vale.

Hardy wrote lyrically about the Vale in his works and chose it as the setting of his famous 1891 novel Tess of the D'Urbervilles, with protagonist Tess born in the area.

His other works included Far from the Madding Crowd and Jude the Obscure.

Tony Fincham from the Hardy Society said: 'Sadly, much of Hardy Country is no longer anything like what it was in his day.

'In general, the Cornish parts of Wessex have fared far better than the Dorset ones.

'This decision brings us back to the question whether Dorset Council values its literary heritage and the tourism which it generates?'

The area is dotted with references to Hardy. The cottage he was born in, in nearby Dorchester, is now a National Trust property and is open to visitors.

Visitors and tourists can also walk along the Hardy Trail, where they are treated to many of the sights that inspired the author.

Blackmore Vale is mentioned in online guides for visitors. One describes it as the 'storybook England of your dreams'.

Campaigners argue tourism to the area would be hit once the farm is built and the landscape is altered.

Furious objectors say it will be a desecration of Hardy's 'Vale of the Little Dairies' - the Blackmore Vale. Hardy wrote lyrically about the Vale in his works and chose it as the setting of his famous 1891 novel Tess of the D'Urbervilles, with protagonist Tess born in the area

The council's own senior landscape officer said they were unable to support the application and the authority also received 192 letters of objection compared to just 24 for the scheme.

The solar farm is close to the protected conservation areas of Mappowder, Pulham and Hazelbury Bryan.

Two parish councils for these villages also objected to the proposals.

Councillor Pauline Batstone said the solar farm will be detrimental for local tourism and said it was 'sacrilege' to develop so close to protected landscape.

She wrote in a post on Facebook: 'There is nothing to be gained by this development for my residents  the only ones who will gain are those renting out the land and the developers who dont live here.'

Planners at Dorset Council - which has declared a climate emergency and its intention to be carbon neutral by 2040 - ignored huge opposition to the solar farm as well as their own expert advice to vote it through

The plans for the solar farm show how it will span 190 acres in Dorset

Other concerns have also been expressed about the panels increasing existing flooding problems in the area.

Farmer Anthony Cake, whose family have farmed the land next to the solar site for 120 years, said he feared the solar farm will make flooding worse and could put their home and business at risk.

But Fran Button, from British Solar Renewables, said the scheme would have a positive impact on the planet and create local jobs.

She said: 'You only have to look at...the fires burning in Europe to realise that we have a real climate emergency and the time to act is now.

Other concerns have also been expressed about the panels increasing existing flooding problems in the area

'Renewable energy can be part of that solution.'

Members of Dorset Council's planning committee acknowledged that the solar farm would have a detrimental impact on the landscape and AONB setting but said that was outweighed by the renewable energy benefits.

Dorset has had multiple solar farms approved in the last few years, with sites at Spetisbury, Longburton and Sherborne already built that can generate enough power for 35,600 homes.

The Spetisbury solar farm upset locals when it was revealed the electricity generated would not benefit Dorset as French energy firm Voltalia had struck a deal with the City of London Corporation, which runs the capital's financial district, to funnel all the energy to London if the corporation funded the construction.
The 75-year old mother of British TV actress Milanka Brooks died from heatstroke after using the sauna at a gym, a coroner heard yesterday.

Mileva Brooks of Cheltenham, was the mother of Milanka Brooks, best known for her portrayal of Princess Svetlana in Channel 4's British Royal family parody 'The Windsors.' Milanka also played Elena Tulaska in the multi-Emmy Award-winning series, 'Black Mirror: USS Callister'.

The inquest at Gloucester Coroner's Court heard that Mileva was taken to hospital on August 26 last year when she became unwell after using the sauna at Everlast gym in Henrietta Street, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire.

Milanka, who also appeared in the BBC1 sitcom 'My Family', was with her mother when she died three days later.

Sergeant Ian Pipe told the inquest that Mileva had been a member of the Everlast Gym since February 2022.

Mileva Brooks with actress daughter Milanka Brooks on her mother's birthday in 2018

Milanka, who also appeared in the BBC1 sitcom 'My Family', was with her mother when she died

He said that during his investigation of the tragedy he reviewed the gym's CCTV for August 26th last year and saw Mileva reading the safety notice before entering the sauna at 2.15pm.

'While Mileva was in the sauna other gym members entered and they later became concerned for her welfare when she began making a snoring noise every few breaths,' the sergeant said.

He said the emergency button was activated by a customer to summon assistance from staff.

'The sauna was switched off at 3.16pm and the ambulance service called. Mileva was taken to Cheltenham General Hospital but she died three days later.'

Sgt Pipe concluded that there was no third party involvement in Mileva's death and nothing of a criminal nature has been identified as a contributing factor.

Sadie Hawson, a senior environment health officer at Cheltenham Borough Council, said she conducted a Health & Safety Executive review of events and found no reason for the local authority to take any further action in relation to the events of August 26, 2022.

Ms Hawson concluded that gym had been compliant with the basic standards of practice and that there was no issue with the sauna equipment or the signage.

Pathologist Dr Matthew Beesley said his post-mortem examination of Mileva had been hampered by the effects of medical intervention to try to save her life.

Dr Beesley said that Mileva had been taking prescribed medication but this would not have contributed to the cause of death.

Milanka Brooks playing Elena Tulaska in Black Mirror: USS Callister

He said that the autopsy examination revealed that Mileva had suffered from heatstroke causing her to become unwell and this caused her to collapse after spending a period of time in the sauna.

Dr Beesley added: 'Mileva's body temperature was found to be elevated to 39.2 degrees centigrade when it was measured by paramedics. In my opinion the most likely cause of death in this case is the effects of heatstroke.

'It is not possible to determine on the basis of this examination alone how long Mileva had been exposed to heat in the sauna or estimate what the temperature of the sauna was.

'There is no evidence of any disease that would explain the high body temperature detected at the scene or anything else to provide an alternative cause of death.'

Roland Wooderson, assistant coroner for Gloucestershire, recorded a narrative conclusion saying 'Mileva was found un-responsive in the sauna of the gym on August 26 last year. An ambulance was called and she was taken to hospital where she later died three days later on August 29.

'The post-mortem cause of death is noted that she died from the effects of heat stroke.'

Milanka Brooks is the daughter of Mileva and Harry Brooks Jr, who was also an actor. He had roles in Doctor Who, Hanover Street, and Danger Man. Mr and Mrs Brooks were married in 1977 and Mr Brooks died in 2008.
It is every dog owner's nightmare - the sickening realisation that a beloved pet has been snatched away by crooks.

As Twiglet the Dachshund is returned to her grateful millionaire owners Jo and Jamie Vindis, there are thousands of cases where there is no happy ending.

In fact the blight of dognapping cases has only risen, with the most recent statistics showing 2,760 a year are being taken.

The number is equivalent to around eight pets being snatched every day.

And it is a huge rise of around 283 per cent since 2015, when there were just 707. In 2019, before the pandemic, it was 2,199.

A chilling map shows the UK's dognapping hot spots - and Jack Russells and French Bulldogs are most at risk.

Twiglet has been returned to her owners - but not every dognapping has a happy ending

Ray the dog, a snatched pug who was taken from his owners Nick Deveraux and Vanessa Reid

Strawberry the Chihuahua before she vanished, stolen by a dognapper posing as bogus dog rescue centre worker (not pictured)

Bandit, a three-year-old cocker spaniel, was taken in Cambridgeshire and never been found

A total of 45 French Bulldogs were stolen, up 29 per cent on the previous year, while a further 24 Jack Russells were also taken - a 140 per cent rise on the ten recorded in 2020.

Other smaller breeds such as Chihuahuas, Pugs and American Bulldogs were also highly sought after among criminals, according to figures previously revealed under a Freedom of Information request and compiled by Direct Line Pet Insurance.

Staffordshire Bull Terriers were previously the most popular target breed for thieves, but dropped to seventh last year following an 88 per cent fall.

London is a particular hotspot and the successful return rate ranges are as low as between 5 per cent in Brent and Sutton to 18 per cent in Richmond upon Thames.

Of the 3,921 dogs taken, 478 have been returned, leaving some 3,443 pets missing in the capital.

The figures, which have been collated by the Greater London Assembly, show the significant problem faced by pet owners in the capital. with dogs a constant target for professional gangs.

Nationally, approximately six dogs a day are stolen with just one in four being reunited with their owners.

READ MORE: Lady Gaga's dognapper is sentenced to 21 years in jail Advertisement

Madeline Pike, a Veterinary Nurse for Direct Line Pet Insurance said: Its devastating to see the number of dogs stolen continues to increase across the country.

Unfortunately, the increase in dog ownership since the pandemic began and the subsequent rise in prices of these animals seems to make the crime even more appealing to thieves.

'The law will soon recognise dogs as members of the family with feelings, not just owned property and we hope that this will deter criminals, especially if they can be punished more severely if prosecuted.'

Ms Pike advised owners to take precautions such as seeing a puppy they plan to purchase with its mother to ensure they are not buying from a criminal organisation, and once in possession of an animal not to leave it tied up outside a shop, or leave it inside an empty car.

Its also vital to keep microchipping contact details up to date in case your dog does go missing and is handed in, she added.

Claire Calder, head of public affairs at Dogs Trust said: ' Having your beloved pet stolen is an extremely stressful, often heart-breaking experience. For years, Dogs Trust has called for harsher penalties to deter those who profit from this despicable crime.

'We welcome the proposed measures in the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals Bill) to introduce tougher sentences for those that steal dogs and recognise the emotional impact that this has on their owners. However, the Bill has sadly not progressed for over a year and needs to be urgently brought back or we will miss the opportunity to sufficiently tackle this abhorrent crime.'

A staggering 98 per cent of dog thieves escape without charge.

Failure to tackle the crime leaves nearly 200 families devastated each month, according to the Kennel Club.

The Government launched a pet theft taskforce in May 2021  but hundreds of dogs have been stolen since.

Coronavirus restrictions over the last couple of years have led to a boom in the puppy market, with 3.8 million people getting a dog during the pandemic.

The demand has led to a rise in the cost of dogs, with pedigree French Bulldogs costing upwards of 3000, making them a lucrative target for criminals.
Heuermann is accused of killing three sex workers and dumping their bodies

Ex-students of Berner High School joined together last weekend for a reunion

Classmates described Heuermann, 59, as being a 'loner' and a 'nerd'

Suspected Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heuermann was a 'loner' who developed a 'mean streak' after being bullied at high school.

Speaking at their 40 year high school reunion, former classmates of the architect, 59, described him as a 'victim' who had a difficult home life and a miserable time at school.

Heuermann was arrested on July 13 on suspicion of killing three sex workers whose bodies were found on Gilgo Beach in 2010. He is also the main suspect in relation to a fourth murder which police say they hope to charge him with.

The married father, who has lived in Massapequa Park his whole life, pleaded not guilty to the three counts of murder, and his home has been taken apart by cops.

Members of Berner High School's class of 1983 joined together last weekend for a reunion at a bar close to Heuermann's home, with one saying that Heuermann was a 'punching bag' for everyone.

Classmates described Heuermann as an 'outcast' and 'nerdy', who was in the drama club as a stagehand but had few friends

Heuermann was arrested on July 13 on suspicion of killing three sex workers whose bodies were found on Gilgo Beach in 2010

John Parisi told the New York Times: 'He got picked on a lot. He would take it and take it and walk away. I seen him pushed to his limit.'

Heuermann was described as 'awkward', and became 'larger and more menacing' in high school after students tortured him verbally.

Parisi added: 'I was really scared of him. He was the type of guy if he snapped he could really hurt you.

'He was disillusioned and he was misguided. You had to be very careful.'

Others described Heuermann as an 'outcast' and 'nerdy', who was in the drama club as a stagehand but had few friends.

Don Ophals, who attended kindergarten through 12th grade with he suspected killer, said he wasn't surprised at his arrest.

'I said, 'Oh my god, it fits perfectly.' That's the weird guy', Ophals said. 'He was a recluse, very quiet.

'You just saw him as a guy by himself. He barely spoke. He was seen as weird, someone you didn't see eye to eye with.'

Dan Musto, 55, who grew up with Heuermann, said that he had a difficult relationship with his father, Ted, an aerospace engineer and 'acted out' by going on a shoplifting spree before his death in 1975.

Meanwhile, actor Billy Baldwin - the brother of Alec - told of how he'd known Heuermann to say hello to while attending school together, and that they shared some of the same classes.

Baldwin agreed with others that Heuermann appeared to be an outsider.

Chatting with the Times, he added: 'I also didnt think he was so weird, so creepy or so unusual that it would lead to something like this.

He was a bit shy, a bit insecure, a bit uncomfortable. I wouldnt say he was an outcast but he struggled to fit in and to find his crowd.'

Heuermann was described as 'awkward', and became 'larger and more menacing' in high school after students tortured him verbally

Melissa Barthelemy, top left, Amber Costello, top right, Megan Waterman, bottom left, and Maureen Brainard-Barnes. Authorities on Long Island are vowing to continue investigating the Gilgo Beach murders after charging an architect in the deaths of three of the 11 victims

Authorities finished scouring the property for evidence, after digging up the backyard of the property and used ground-penetrating radar to search for any disturbances

Actor Billy Baldwin was classmates with Gilgo Beach murder suspect Rex Heuermann

Neighbour Etienne de Villiers, 68, added that when his daughter Victoria, 26, got her driver's license she wanted to tell her: 'Just get in your car and drive and never come back.'

It comes after Heuermann's family returned home for the first time since his arrest, accompanied by Suffolk County detectives.

Heuermann, 59, was arrested on July 13 outside his office in Midtown Manhattan

Asa Ellerup and her two children, Victoria, 26, and Christopher, 32, looked solemn as they arrived back at the torn-up property at 10.30am Thursday, with their family dog.

The family was last seen crossing a Best Buy parking lot after Asa filed for divorce from the suspected murderer.

Heuermann, 59, had lived in the property with his wife, stepson, and daughter for more than a decade after buying the home from his mother in 1994.

Heuermann's wife was at the property when authorities raided it on July 14, with her lawyer saying the family had been 'blindsided' by the murder charges.

'Obviously this has been a shocking time for them and a pretty difficult time to comprehend,' Robert Macedonio said.

'As with any family, it's extremely upsetting and they're totally shocked and caught off guard. The family doesn't want to make any further comment than that.'

Asa Ellerup and her two children, Victoria, 26, and Christopher, 32, cut solemn figures as they arrived back at the torn-up property at 10.30am on Thursday

Christopher became emotional as he sat on a bench outside the property in Massapequa Park with his mother, who looked overwhelmed

Heuermann's daughter Victoria (left) worked as a receptionist at his architect company. She lived at the property with her father, mother and half-brother Chris Sheridan (right)

Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney said cops had found a 'tremendous amount of information' during the search, which included cadaver dogs

He added police seized the family's passports, computers, phones and iPads as part of the investigation.

Cops finally finished scouring the property for evidence after digging up the backyard of the property and using ground-penetrating radar to search for any disturbances.

Authorities spent 12 days removing possible evidence from the property, after discovering a soundproof room under the home.

Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney said cops had found a 'tremendous amount of information' during the search, which included cadaver dogs.

They removed 297 guns from the vault and warned that authorities have a 'massive amount of material' to catalogue and analyze which would take some time.

Heuermann was arrested on July 13 outside of his property in Midtown Manhattan and charged with the deaths of sex workers Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman and Amber Lynn Costello.

Officials say that he is the main suspect in the murder of Maureen Brainard-Barnes, who was discovered on Gilgo beach in 2010, and anticipate charging him with her killing.

The architect pleaded not guilty to killing the three women, and is next due to appear in court on August 1.

Heuermann was arrested on July 13 outside of his property in Midtown Manhattan and charged with the deaths of sex workers Barthelemy, Waterman and Costello. Pictured with colleague Katherine Shepherd

The family have returned to the property following Heuermann's arrest, taking minimal items with them

The Heuermann-Ellerup home in Long Island is pictured Saturday, as investigators remove items from the house

He is also being investigated for the murders of six others whose bodies were found in Gilgo Beach in 2011.

Sources claim that some of the victims may have been killed in the architects home, but law enforcement say they are unable to confirm if this is the case.

Heuermann is accused of killing the women while his family was out of town, with investigators finding his hair and his wife's on the bodies of some of the alleged victims.

He is accused of killing them, then posing them in a specific way and wrapping them in burlap bags, which were later found at Gilgo Beach.

Detectives are now looking into unsolved murders across the country to see if they are linked to Heuermann.

Cops are probing whether he operated in the Atlantic City area, and have been interviewing jailed sex workers who interacted with him.

The investigation now covers four states - Heuermann owns a time-share in Las Vegas and a property in South Carolina - and police are investigating if he could be connected to any unsolved killings there.

Officers executed search warrants at his home in Chester, South Carolina, and recovered a green Chevrolet Avalanche truck they believe is connected to the suspect and one of the murders and transported it back to New York.
Amir Khan and his glamorous Instagram influencer wife Faryal Makhdoom have separated and are currently living apart after the former world champion boxer was caught sexting another woman, MailOnline can exclusively reveal today.

Khans tumultuous marriage to the mother of his three children is on the rocks after the sportsman approached bridal model Sumaira online and eventually asked her to send raunchy pictures.

MailOnline can now reveal that Khan and Faryal are separated and living apart. It is understood that the former world champion and Instagram influencer are splitting their time between their homes in Dubai and Britain while Faryal decides whether she wants to end their 10-year marriage.

A source close to the Khan family told MailOnline: Faryal is taking time to think about whether or not to walk away. Shes going through a very difficult time and choosing to focus on her children while she and Amir continue to co-parent.

MailOnline has asked Mr Khan to comment.

Amir Khan pictured with wife Faryal and their daughters Lamaisah and Alayna. The couple are separated at the moment, MailOnline can reveal

Claims: Earlier this month it was alleged the boxer contacted bridal model Sumaira (pictured) online and told him that he and Faryal were 'not properly together'

Khan has admitted he regretted messaging a model named Sumaira, revealing hed contacted her out of boredom and telling The Sun newspaper that hed go through therapy to stop him sexting other women.

Initially complimenting her tattoos, the former boxers messages quickly turned racy, telling the model that she looked good (in a) G string, suggesting that shed had a boob job and asking her to send raunchy pictures, before then trying to meet up with her in person.

Faryal had previously appeared to defend her husband, blasting Sumaira in a lengthy Instagram post after the model claimed Khan had told her his marriage was a bit of a business arrangement.

It came after Amir shared a birthday tribute to his wife Faryal yesterday. Uploading a photo of them both to Instagram, the sportsman, 36, smiled sweetly next to his wife, 32, as they took part in a pottery class in the snap.

Amir, who is currently in Dubai, captioned it: 'Happy birthday Faryal. You deserve the world and more,' with a heart emoji.

He then reiterated the message on his Story as he added another photo of his wife and wrote: Since its 12am in Dubai, I want to wish Faryal a happy birthday.'

In the second post, his wife looked stunning as she posed for a selfie with a full face of glamorous makeup.

Big day: Amir Khan, 36, shared a birthday tribute to his wife Faryal Makhdoom, 32, on Thursday after she slammed the boxer for sending racy texts to another woman

Tribute: Amir, who is currently in Dubai, captioned: 'Happy birthday Faryal. You deserve the world and more,' with a heart emoji

Celebrating: He then reiterated the message on his Story as he added another photo of his wife and wrote: Since its 12am in Dubai, I want to wish Faryal a happy birthday'

The couple have gone through a tumultuous time recently after Faryal posted a lengthy statement in response to her husband's text exchanges with model Sumaira.

Stating that she 'refuses to play out my marriage publicly,' Faryal wrote on Instagram that 'after a long week of accusations, slander and harassment I have decided it is now time to address the situation that has unfolded.'

Earlier this month, it was alleged the boxer, 36, contacted bridal model Sumaira online and said that he and Faryal, 31, were 'not properly together' and that their marriage was 'a bit of a business arrangement'.

Amir later hit out at the claims in a chat with Geo News, claiming Sumaira had sent him raunchy pictures unsolicited.

Addressing his denial, Sumaira, 25, shared a TikTok video in which she accused the boxer of lying and threatened to disclose more screenshots of their conversations, prompting his wife Faryal, 31, to address the remarks in an Instagram Story.

Faryal, who shares three children with boxer Amir, has in a new statement described Sumaira's actions as a 'hate campaign' and has denied that she is 'responsible for Sumaria's current mental state.'

Implying that she is standing by Amir, Faryal went on to state that 'the whole world is aware of his track record' and insists that Sumaira must have been aware he was married when she sent him revealing photos.

'Over the duration of the last 7 days, I had had private conversations of mine dissected and torn apart by an alleged 'legal representative' acting on behalf of Sumaira, who has taken to social media with what I can only describe as a hate campaign,' Faryal wrote.

'My name has been used in almost every single story she has posted in a bid to tarnish my reputation and name label me as not only a woman who has no 'self respect' but Amir's supporter and enabler in these circumstances, all because I refuse to publicise the private dealings I have with my husband.'

'How I deal with my marriage and my husband is not the concern of anyone else. I refuse to play out my marriage publicly, the situation has been humiliating enough for me and I will not further play in the spectacle created by others in order to satisfy their desires.

'I will stand strong in my stance that I did not owe Sumaira anything more than a civil conversation.'

Faryal then addressed Sumaria's claims that she was unaware Amir was married, writing: 'This woman was not under the impression that Amir was a single bachelor, yet she continued on speaking to him whilst gathering her evidence to take to social media.'

Revealing what she said to Sumaria in a 'civil conversation' Fayral wrote that 'I knew what the outcome of this situation would be and I forewarned her not to take this to social media.'

'I explained that the situation would cause immense embarrassment not only for her but for my family also and that in the end no one wins.'

'I am a woman who receives abuse on a daily basis simply for existing and I knew she would also receive the same for even entertaining a married man, no matter what spin she put on the story.'

'I'm now being made responsible for Sumaria's current mental state. Her 'legal representaive has claimed that Sumaria suffering with her mental health as a result of her social media presence and exposures in her exchanges with my husband Amir and this has somehow become my fault too.'

'I was the one who was disrespected, lied to and embroiled in scandal and once again, it has become my fault.'

'Amir and Sumera are both adults who engaged in consented communication. They did not consult me when exchanging messages nor did they consider or respect me when building a "bond."'

'I will not be dragged through the mud now for not "supporting another woman". This woman had no respect or regard for me as a woman and as Amir's wife. There was also no consideration of my mental health.'

'I am not in control of Amir's actions not those of Sumaira. I had a civil conversation with her which is more than most women in my position would be willing to do.'

Faryal finished her statement by addressing Amir's previous 'scandals,' explaining: 'I am being criticised for being Amir's wife, for still staying with him knowing his "track record".

'This is the man I am married too and have three young children with. The whole world is aware of his track record, his reputation precedes him, why would you as a single woman want to engage in a conversation with him at all?'

'My focus is my children and shielding them from all that is happening.'
Three of the four men known as the 'Newburgh Four' will be released from prison after a judge ruled the FBI lured them into a fake terror plot to bomb synagogues and military planes.

Onta Williams, David Williams and Laguerre Payen were convicted in a post-9/11 terrorism sting of plotting to to bomb two Bronx synagogues and shoot down military aircraft at a National Guard airbase in Newburgh, New York.

But Manhattan Judge Colleen McMahon ruled on Thursday that their 25-year sentences were 'unduly harsh and unjust' because they were impoverished, petty criminals duped into taking part of a scheme devised by the Burea itself.

McMahon deemed the plot 'an F.B.I.-orchestrated conspiracy,' accusing the agency of playing a fundamental role in radicalizing the men.

'A person reading the crimes of conviction in this case would be left with the impression that the offending defendants were sophisticated international terrorists committed to jihad against the United States,' Judge McMahon wrote.

'However, they were, in actual reality, hapless, easily manipulated and penurious petty criminals.'

Manhattan Judge Colleen McMahon ruled on Thursday that the 25-year sentences for the 'Newburgh Four' were 'unduly harsh and unjust'

Onta Williams (left), David Williams and Laguerre Payen (right) were convicted in a post-9/11 terrorism sting

James Cromitie (right) was deemed the leader of the operation. He did not seek compassionate release and is scheduled to be freed in 2030. David Williams is pictured left

The judge, who was the one to convict the men in the first place, granted compassionate release to the three men and reduced their sentence to time served plus 90 days.

A fourth man, James Cromitie, was convicted as the group's leader. He did not seek compassionate release and is scheduled to be freed in 2030, but his lawyer says he will now consider applying for freedom in light of his 'accomplices' having their convictions quashed.

'The three men were recruited so that Cromitie could conspire with someone,' wrote judge McMahon. 'The real lead conspirator was the United States.'

The judge was particularly strong in her statements about the informant, Shahed Hussain, who later became known for being the owner of a limousine company involved in the deaths of 20 people in 2018.

She described Hussain as 'most unsavory' and accused him of luring Cromitie 'with promises of both heavenly and earthly rewards, including as much as $250,000, if he would plan and participate in, and find others to participate in, a jihadist "mission."'

The three men recruited by Cromitie were not seasoned terrorists, but 'impoverished small time grifters and drug users/street level dealers who could use some money,' judge McMahon added.

The Feds had assigned Hussain in 2008 to infiltrate a mosque in Newburgh. After meeting Cromitie, the Pakistani immigrant told him he was a representative of a Pakistani terror organization that was eager to finance a holy war on U.S. soil.

The four men were convicted in 2010 after what was at the time called a terrorism version of Big Brother, as the accused men were followed and listened to by law enforcement officials at all times as they plotted the attacks.

The Muslim converts were under constant surveillance from early on in their plans until they were busted by cops. They were arrested there after allegedly planting bombs that were, in fact, packed with inert explosives supplied by the FBI.

The judge was particularly strong in her statements about the informant, Shahed Hussain. She described him as 'most unsavory' and accused him of luring Cromitie

Judge McMahon said that it was 'heinous' of the men to agree to participate in what she called the governments 'made for TV movie,' but added, 'the sentence was the product of a fictitious plot to do things that these men had never remotely contemplated, and that were never going to happen.'

She excoriated the government for sending 'a villain' of an informant 'to troll among the poorest and weakest of men for terrorists who might prove susceptible to an offer of much-needed cash in exchange for committing a faux crime.'

One of the men's lawyers, Amith R. Gupta, said: 'We are tremendously pleased that our clients are on their way home -- even if its fourteen years too late.'

He added that the men had been 'entrapped for their race, religion, and working-class backgrounds by a government looking to spread fear of Muslims and justify bloated budgets.'

Payen, Cromitie and the Williamses were arrested in 2009 during a period of heightened public and law enforcement concern about the threat of terror strikes hatched within the U.S. by supporters of foreign extremists.

Officials portrayed Cromitie as the ringleader of a 'chilling plot' among 'extremely violent men' loyal to a Pakistani terrorist group  though the government later decided not to present any evidence about foreign terrorist organizations at trial.

A court complaint described him as a man seething with anti-American and anti-Semitic sentiment and eager to translate those feelings into bloody action.

Hussain also worked with the FBI on other stings, including one that targeted an Albany pizza shop owner and an imam  and involved a loan using money from a fictitious missile sale. Both men, who said they were tricked, were convicted of money laundering and conspiring to aid a terrorist group.

A few years later, Hussain was in the public eye again when a stretch limo crashed in rural Schoharie, New York, killing 20 people. Hussain owned the limo company, operated by his son Nauman Hussain.

After it emerged that the limo had failed a safety inspection a month before the crash and that the slain driver didnt have a commercial license, Nauman Hussain was charged with criminally negligent homicide and manslaughter. His lawyer blamed a repair shop for the vehicles problems and said his client was being treated like a scapegoat.

Nauman Hussain was convicted this May and is serving five to 15 years in prison.
Rose said didn't stop the truck he was driving because he was scared for his life

Jadarrius Rose, 23, was attacked by a K-9 in Ohio following a vehicle pursuit

An unarmed black trucker who was attacked by a K-9 that was unleashed by an Ohio cop said he didn't stop for police because he was afraid for his life.

Jadarrius Rose, 23, was bitten by the dog after a lengthy police chase on July 4 that began when he failed to pull over for an inspection of his commercial tractor-trailer.

But Rose said it was fear that kept him from stopping his truck.

'I just didn't want to lose my life or lose my arm,' Rose told NBC News' Tom Llamas on 'Top Story with Tom Llamas' on Thursday.

Body camera video shows the moment Rose eventually stops his truck and emerges with his hands up. An Ohio State Highway Patrol trooper can be heard yelling 'Do not release the dog with his hands up!' before a police officer releases the K-9.

Rose was treated and released from a local hospital, then taken to the Ross County Jail where he was later released on bond. He faces a charge of failure to comply with an order or signal by a police officer.

The officer who unleased the dog, Ryan Speakman, has been fired from his position, the department said Wednesday.

Jadarrius Rose, 23, (pictured with his mother) speaks out about being attacked by a K-9 that was unleashed by ex-cop Ryan Speakman after a police chase on July 4

Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who is representing the family, also spoke during Thursday's interview and said what happened to Rose was reminiscent of abuses that occurred during the Civil Rights Movement.

Rose 'was on his knees, putting his hands in the air, which is the universal sign of surrender,' Crump told NBC. 'What more can a Black person do to say that 'I'm not putting you in fear'?'

A 911 call made by Rose revealed that he told the dispatcher he felt unsafe after he was instructed to roll down the window.

'I did that the last time and all of them had their guns pointed at me. You think I feel safe?'

The pursuit began after a Motor Carrier Enforcement Inspector tried to stop the semi-truck Rose was driving because it was missing a mud flap.

The unarmed black trucker said he didn't stop for police because he was afraid for his life

When the inspector turned on the lights of his marked vehicle, the 'suspect vehicle continued west on US-35,' the Highway Patrol's case report says, noting the driver made direct eye contact with the officer, who called for backup.

Video of the chase showed that as cops began to pursue Rose, he slowed down and stopped, at which point an officer gets out of his vehicle with his gun drawn as he ordered Rose to step out of the truck.

Instead, Rose continued to drive away.

During the ensuing chase, he called 911 and told dispatchers the officers following him were 'trying to kill' him and he 'did not feel safe' pulling over the vehicle, according to recordings released by the Ross County Sheriff's Office.

Throughout the recordings, Rose tells dispatchers he was confused about why he was being asked to pull over and why police had their guns drawn when he briefly stopped.

Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, representing the family, also spoke Thursday, and said what happened to Rose was reminiscent of abuses that occurred during Civil Rights Movement

Rose 'was on his knees, putting his hands in the air, which is the universal sign of surrender,' Crump told NBC. 'What more can a Black person do to say that 'I'm not putting you in fear'?'

Eventually, however, Rose does stop the semi-truck and gets out of the vehicle surrounded by police cars and officers with his hands raised.

In a video provided by the highway patrol, Rose is seen standing in front of the vehicle with his hands raised as law enforcement officials order him to get on the ground.

A state trooper in the distance could be heard screaming, 'Do not release the dog with his hands up.' It is unclear whether Speakman heard that order.

The footage showed the dog running towards Rose, on his knees, and the K-9 appeared to be biting and pulling the driver.

Rose screamed loudly and could be heard saying, 'please get it off.' 'Get the dog off of him!' a trooper yelled.

Other officers were heard on the video requesting first aid and medical attention for Rose. The suspect then asks officers why they released the dog and ordered it to attack.

'You just let the dog bite me,' Rose said, to which Speakman replied that he failed to listen to his commands.

Video of the chase showed that as cops began to pursue Rose, he slowed down and stopped, at which point an officer gets out of his vehicle with his gun drawn as he ordered Rose to step out of the truck.

Ryan Speakman, pictured, has been fired from the Circleville Police Department after body camera footage showed him deploying a dog on an unarmed black man

Ryan Speakman had initially been placed on leave after body camera footage showed him deploying the Belgian Malinois on Rose, 23 - who failed to pull over when he was stopped by troopers for a missing mud flap on his vehicle.

'Circleville Police Officer Ryan Speakman's actions during the review of his canine apprehension of suspect Jadarrius Rose on July 4 show that Officer Speakman did not meet the standards and expectations we hold for our police officers,' the department said in a statement.

'Officer Speakman has been terminated from the department, effective immediately.'

An ensuing investigation included a determination by a use of force review board, which found the Circleville Police Department's 'policy for the use of canines was followed in the apprehension and arrest.'

But city officials now say they impaneled another review board to re-examine the evidence, the Scioto Valley Guardian reports.

Footage shows the Belgian Malinois biting and attacking the black trucker

The incident unfolded on July 4 after law enforcement officers engaged in the lengthy pursuit of a semi-tractor trailer driven by 23-year-old Jadarrius Rose

The vehicle was missing a mud flap and it had failed to stop for an inspection, a report from the Ohio State Highway Patrol stated

The police department also noted: 'It's important to understand that the Review Board is charged only with determining whether an employee's actions in the use of force incident were within the department policies and procedures.

'The Review Board does not have the authority to recommend discipline.'

It continued on to say that Shallow Creek Kennels, a Pennsylvania-facility that trained the dog said their training and protocols were also followed.

Those protocols, it says, are 'standard for service dogs' used by the US military, Customs and Border Patrol officer, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and police departments throughout the US and Canada.

'We know the video of the incident is upsetting, and has attracted widespread attention and comments,' the police department said in its statement Wednesday.

'In short, we meet or exceeded all current Ohio laws and standards for police training for our canine teams.'

The Ohio Patrolmen's Benevolent Association, meanwhile, said it filed a grievance Wednesday on behalf of Speakman  who it argues was fired without just cause.

The union asked the police department to rescind his termination; pay and reimburse Speakman for 'all lost wages, seniority and benefits lost' resulting from his firing; expunge his employee record of his termination history; 'and/or any further relief necessary to make the grievance whole.'
Alicia Navarro may have been kidnapped four years ago when she vanished aged 14 after telling her mother 'I'll be back', and is now in the throes of Stockholm syndrome, according to a former FBI agent.

The autistic teenager, now 18, walked into a police station in Montana this week ready to leave wherever it was she had been living.

The police station in Havre was 1,400 miles from her home in Glendale, Arizona.

Much of what happened to her remains unknown, including whether she went willingly with anyone when she vanished from her Arizona home in 2019, and whether she now intends to go home.

Alicia Navarro, now 18, walked into a police station in Montana this week ready to leave wherever it was she had been living

Former FBI agent Jim Egleston says it's possible Alicia is experiencing Stockholm syndrome and that it may take time for investigators to win her trust and learn exactly what happened to her

After she presented herself to police in Havre, Montana, on Wednesday, a man was arrested in an apartment just blocks away, The Associated Press reports.

His arrest is believed to be in connection with Alicia's disappearance but it's unclear exactly who he is, or what he is being held for.

Glendale Police in Arizona are leading the investigation. They did not immediately respond to DailyMail.com's inquiries on Friday morning.

When they spoke with Alicia over FaceTime, she told them that she hadn't been harmed.

An officer asks her: 'Did anybody hurt you in any way?'

'No, nobody hurt me,' Navarro replied.

Alicia's mother had been searching for years for answers about where she went

When she vanished in 2019, Alicia left her mother a note saying: 'I ran away. I will be back. I swear. I'm sorry.'

Former FBI agent Jim Egleston told AZ.com that she may be in the throes of Stockholm syndrome - a psychological condition where victims of kidnapping begin to empathize and even love their captors.

Alicia is shown shortly before she vanished in 2018. She was 14 at the time

'One of the keys to unraveling what happened to her and holding whoever may have been with her responsible, the investigators are going to have to spend time and develop trust and rapport with her over a series of contacts and interviews.

'Regardless of whether or not shes been diagnosed with autism, what strikes me is what I saw in many of the victims that I helped recover when I was working those cases.

'And that is they often dont recognize that they are a victim. It used to be referred to as Stockholm Syndrome. Now its referred to as trauma bonding,' he explained.

When she vanished from her family home in 2019, Alicia left a note for her mother that read: 'I ran away. I will be back. I swear. I'm sorry.'

Alicia's mother Jessica Nunez released an emotional video on social media after she was found

Since then, there had been no sign of her.

Her mother Jessica Nunez had pleaded for information about her whereabouts for years, paying for billboards in multiple states in the hopes that someone may lead her to her daughter.

Since she was found, Jessica has updated her public Facebook page - where she had been appealing for information - to speak of her relief.

'I want to give glory to god for answering my prayers. Miracles do exist - never lose hope. My daughter was missing since September 2019. She has been found safe. I do not know the details. She is my daughter, she is alive and she is safe.

'I don't have details but the important thing is she is alive.

'I want to thank God and the community.'
A farmer has been charged after allegedly murdering teenager Shyanne-Lee Tatnell

The father of a farmer accused of murdering Tasmanian teenager Shyanne-Lee Tatnell has broken his silence about his son's dramatic arrest.

Chris Jordan, 36, allegedly came across Shyanne-Lee, 14, as she walked alone through the streets of Launceston on the night of April 30 and took the teenager back to his Scottsdale property, a 64km drive north east through rural terrain.

He then allegedly murdered her before later dumping her body in remote bushland 15km away at Nabowla.

The teenager's remains were found on Wednesday, with Jordan charged with murder on Thursday.

Hours after Jordan's first appearance at Launceston Magistrate Court on Friday, where he was remanded in custody until next month, his father Allan Jordan and sister Narelle Peters visited the farmer's property to perform maintenance.

When approached by Daily Mail Australia, Mr Jordan said he could not comment on the situation, but conceded his son's arrest has been tough on the family.

Allan Jordan, the father of Chris Jordan who has been charged with murder, is pictured at his son's property

Mr Jordan and his daughter Narelle Peters visited the farmer's property to perform maintenance

Mr Jordan was seen performing jobs around the home of his son, who is now in custody charged with murder

'Yeah, it's not been nice,' he said.

Moments earlier, Mr Jordan could be seen adjusting an automatic sensor on a flood light fixed to the house's front porch while his stressed daughter paced around outside on the phone.

While at his son's home, Mr Jordan also walked around the fence lines, trimming protruding grass and weeds.

Cows seen grazing in the front paddock as police searched the property on Thursday had been moved to another area at the back of the property.

Meanwhile, Chris Jordan's three large dogs which had been removed from the premises during the police operation were back fenced at the front of the home.

Chris bought the sprawling property 14 years ago and, according to locals, had lived there with his wife and son until the marriage ended.

News of Chris' arrest has rocked the small tight-knit community of Scottsdale, which is home to just over 2,300 residents.

Farmer Chris Jordan has been charged over Shyanne-Lee's murder

Chris Jordan, 36, allegedly came across Shyanne-Lee as she walked alone through the streets of Launceston on the night of April 30 and took the teenager back to his Scottsdale property

Locals said they cannot believe their neighbour could be at the centre of such serious allegations.

A neighbour told Daily Mail Australia he was shocked by the 'awful' news as his encounters with Chris had always been pleasant.

'Knocked my bum flat when I heard,' he said. 'I got on with him, never had a problem with him.'

It comes as Shyanne-Lee's mother Bobbi-Lee Ketchell shared a devastating post about the loss of her daughter on Friday evening.

Police are seen searching Chris Jordan's property in Scottsdale

Ms Ketchell also tragically lost her son Xavier in late 2012 due to a rare genetic condition he suffered from.

'Heaven has now gained two of my beautiful children, I can not explain my heartache and pain right now,' she wrote to Facebook.

'Their wings were ready but my heart was not. My baby girl I will stay strong and continue to be your voice, protecting you was something I couldn't do or save you.

'You were taken away from me in the worst possible way. I am blessed I was your mum and you are coming home to me, just not the way I hoped.

'A part of my heart went with you, it will never be whole again. You will be dancing and hugging your brother watching over us this I know.

'It's not goodbye. I will one day hold you both in my arms again.'

The desperate search for Shyanne-Lee Tatnell (pictured) took a tragic turn on Wednesday when her remains were found in bushland

Northern Tasmanian Police Commander Kate Chambers would not confirm the condition of the remains found during a press conference on Thursday afternoon.

'I'm not going to talk about the condition of the remains,' she said.

'Shyanne-Lee's family must be having a very traumatic time at the moment and I just want to extend my condolences to them.'

Commander Chambers would not say whether Chris Jordan had been a person of interest throughout the investigation, or whether he was known to police.

The commander was also asked about previous reports claiming Shyanne-Lee feared she was being followed a week before she disappeared.

'Every single piece of information that was either provided to us or created by us in terms of through investigative techniques has been investigated,' she said.

Shyanne-Lee - who would have been 15 on August 8 - vanished after she left the home of her mother in Burnie, north-west Tasmania, after a series of rows.

She moved in with her grandmother who lived nearby but later left there to stay at a youth centre in Launceston and had been there for two weeks before she disappeared.
A beloved captive manatee has died after 'high intensity sex' with his brother caused severe internal injuries, a necropsy has found.

Hugh, 38, died at the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium in Saratsota on April 29 after mating with his larger brother, Buffet, caused a 14.5cm rip in his colon.

The aquariam said it observed the pair engaging in 'in natural, yet increased, mating behavior' on the day, and then later found blood in Hugh's colon, before he was found unresponsive at the bottom of the pool.

According to the aquarium such behavior has been 'documented in manatees both in managed care and in the wild.'

Officials said this was the first time such heightened mating behavior was witnessed between the two manatees and it was believed that separating them would cause more harm.

Hugh, 38, (pictured) died on April 29 at the Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota in Florida

Hugh died after engaging 'in natural, yet increased, mating behavior' with his brother Buffet (both pictured)

Officials at the Mote Marine Laboratory said they decided not to separate the manatees for fear of causing more harm in the process

'Hugh and Buffett were both observed initiating and mutually seeking interactions from each other throughout the day and there were no obvious signs of discomfort or distress such as listing, crunching, or active avoidance that would have triggered a need for intervention' they explained.

'Following the direction of the veterinarians, distraction rather than physical separation was chosen because separation has previously caused undue anxiety and negative effects in both manatees' the statement added.

A necropsy performed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commissions Marine Mammal Pathobiology Lab found the fatal wound was a '14.5 cm long tear in the ventral wall' of his colon.

Jenessa Gjeltema, an assistant professor at the University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine told NBC News: 'You can have a poor outcome in those kinds of situations either way sometimes... Managing these wild animals under human care, it's not always a straightforward situation.'

Gjeltema said that sex between male manatees, including brothers, is not uncommon.

'They're not too meticulous about who their partners are. They just have this kind of a sexual urge, and then they'll engage in activity with whomever seems to be in the area', she explained.

She added: 'That context of whom is related to whom is less of an important factor in their social engagements and interactions.'

Hugh and Buffet's fans paid tribute to Hugh and the Aquarium in the comments under the announcement.

The aquarium said such behavior has been 'documented in manatees both in managed care and in the wild'

One wrote: 'So sorry about the loss of Hugh!!! Hope Buffet will be ok as a loner for now. Thank you for the amazing work you do and the education you provide to everyone!'

While another commented: 'I am so sorry to hear of his passing. Thank you for taking such good care of your residents!'

A third added: 'My heartfelt condolences to the entire care team. Mote does an amazing job in animal care of it's permanent residents, rehab and release of it's patients, conservation and education of the Sarasota Bay area.'
Wagner mercenary boss Yevgeny Prigozhin has hailed Niger's military coup as good news and offered his fighters' services to bring order.

In a voice message on Telegram app channels associated with Wagner, Prigozhin - who remains active despite anger Vladimir Putin by leading a failed mutiny against the Russian army's top brass last month - did not claim involvement in the coup.

However, he described it as a moment of long overdue liberation from Western colonisers and made what looked like a pitch for his fighters to help keep order, suggesting he has plans to expand Wagner's influence in the region.

The Wagner group has had an extensive operational scope in numerous African countries including the CAR, Libya, Mali, Sudan, Mozambique and Burkina Faso, with the message coming as Putin courted leaders from Africa at a summit on Friday.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces pressed their counteroffensive through the Russian-occupied southeast on Thursday, capturing the village of Staromaiorske in a campaign to drive a wedge through Russian defensive positions.

Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin (pictured) made a surprise appearance at the Russia-Africa summit in St. Petersburg, just weeks after his group of mercenaries aborted rebellion against the Russian defence ministry. Today, he hailed Niger's military coup as good news and offered his fighters' services to bring order to the country

The counteroffensive has focused on securing villages on the southward push and areas around the eastern city of Bakhmut, taken by Russian forces in May after months of battles. Ukrainian officials have reported slow, steady progress.

The Russian President has acknowledged intensified Ukrainian attacks over the last few days, but said they had made no headway.

He told Russian television that every Ukrainian assault had been beaten back, and that Moscow's forces had inflicted significant losses on their opponents.

Wagner hails Niger coup

'What happened in Niger is nothing other than the struggle of the people of Niger with their colonisers,' the voice message posted to Telegram on Thursday - understood to be recorded by Prigozhin - said.

'With colonisers who are trying to foist their rules of life on them and their conditions and keep them in the state that Africa was in hundreds of years ago.'

The speaker had the same distinctive intonation and turn of phrase in Russian as the Wagner boss although it was impossible to confirm with certainty that it was him.

'Today this is effectively gaining their independence. The rest will without doubt depend on the citizens of Niger and how effective governance will be, but the main thing is this: they have got rid of the colonisers,' the message said.

READ MORE: Could Wagner really invade Poland and trigger WW3? Advertisement

It is unclear who is in charge of Niger after soldiers on Wednesday evening declared a military coup and held President Mohamed Bazoum in the presidential palace.

The country, one of the poorest in the world but which also holds some of its biggest uranium deposits, declared full independence from former colonial ruler France in 1960.

The voice message was the latest sign that Prigozhin and his men remain active in Africa, where they still have security contracts in some countries like Central African Republic (CAR), and are keen to expand.

Prigozhin, 62, appears to continue to enjoy freedom of movement despite what the Kremlin said last month was a post-mutiny deal that would see him relocate to neighbouring Belarus where some of his men have already started training the army.

He was heard in a video released earlier this month telling his men in Belarus that they should gather their strength for a 'new journey to Africa.'

There have been various sightings of Prigozhin in Russia since the post-mutiny deal was clinched and the Kremlin said he had even attended a meeting with Putin, who had earlier called the abortive mutiny 'a stab in the back'.

The voice message's release coincided with the publication on Telegram of at least two photographs purporting to show Prigozhin meeting African attendees of a showcase two-day Russia-Africa summit in St Petersburg which concludes on Friday.

The location shown in one of the photographs was verified as being the Trezzini Palace hotel in St Petersburg, Russia's second city and Prigozhin's home town.

The lanyard worn by the official from Central African Republic (CAR) he is shown meeting in the same photograph matches those given to the summit's delegates.

Smiling and wearing blue jeans and a white polo shirt, Prigozhin looks relaxed in the photos as he poses to shake the hands of the delegates.

A screen grab captured from a video shows the soldiers who appeared on national TV to announce the ouster of President Mohamed Bazoum in Niger, on July 27

With the headquarters of the ruling party burning in the back, supporters of mutinous soldiers demonstrate in Niamey, Niger, Thursday, July 27

Prigozhin, in his voice message, boasted of Wagner's alleged efficiency in helping African nations stabilise and develop in what sounded like a sales pitch.

'...Thousands of Wagner fighters are capable of bringing order and of destroying terrorists and of not allowing them to harm the local populations of these states,' he said.

Sergei Lavrov, Russia's foreign minister, said on Thursday that constitutional order in Niger should be restored.

Analysts said the Prigozhin appearances indicated that his private military company (PMC) would continue to play a role in furthering the Kremlin's foreign policy agenda in Africa.

'Yes, it's wild that Prigozhin is back in Russia, and apparently has been several times. But it's also in line with both Wagner's and Russia's goals to project normalcy and business as usual,' Catrina Doxsee, an expert at the US CSIS think tank, said on messaging platform X (formerly Twitter).

'Moscow will likely use the Summit to reassure African partners of their commitment and continuity of PMC services in the wake of the uncertainty from the past month.'

Fighting intensifies in southeastern Ukraine as Kyiv claims gains in its counteroffensive

Fierce fighting raged Thursday in southeastern Ukraine, where a Western official said Kyiv has launched a major push and Putin said 'hostilities have intensified significantly.'

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky congratulated his troops on reclaiming control of a village, while Putin praised Russian troops 'heroism' in repelling attacks in the southeastern Zaporizhzhia region.

Putin insisted on state TV that the Ukrainian troops' push 'wasn't successful' and charged that they suffered heavy casualties, although it was not possible to independently verify his claim.

Ukrainian troops have made only incremental gains since launching a counteroffensive in early June, and Putin has repeatedly claimed Ukraine has suffered heavy losses, without offering evidence.

Ukraine has committed thousands of troops in the region in recent days, said a Western official who was not authorised to comment publicly on the matter.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces pressed their counteroffensive through the Russian-occupied southeast on Thursday, capturing the village of Staromaiorske in a campaign to drive a wedge through Russian defensive positions

A US official said Ukraine has begun to commit troops from the 10th Corps, although it's not certain all of its units are moving into the fight.

Ukraine had been holding the 10th Corps in reserve, with the expectation it would be used to exploit gaps or soft spots the ground forces opened up.

Those additional new forces would be used to take advantage of places where Ukrainian troops have been able to break through some of Russia's defenses.

The US official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss ongoing military operations.

Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told Pentagon reporters last week that Ukraine was 'preserving their combat power' and that a 'significant' amount of it had not yet entered action as Ukrainian forces slowly and deliberately worked their way through the Russian minefields.

It was unclear how the current effort differs from previous ones by the Ukrainian military to break through deeply entrenched Russian defences.

The Russian army has set up vast minefields to stymie Ukrainian advances and used combat aircraft and loitering munitions to strike Ukrainian armour and artillery.

Zelensky posted a video Thursday in which a group of Ukrainian soldiers said they had taken control of the village of Staromaiorske in the Donetsk region next to the Zaporizhzhia province. 'Our South! Our guys! Glory to Ukraine!' Zelensky declared.

Russian military bloggers have confirmed that Ukrainian forces have taken part of the village that was the focus of Ukraine's attacks in recent days.

If Russian defences in the area collapse, it would open the way for the Ukrainian forces to push southward toward the coast.

Ukrainian authorities have kept operational details of the counteroffensive under wraps, and they have released scant information about its progress.

However, Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar said Wednesday that troops are advancing toward the city of Melitopol in the Zaporizhizhia region.

A tank burns as Ukrainian Armed Forces members liberated the town of Staromaiorske, in the location given as Staromaiorske, Donestk Region, Ukraine and released July 27

Military vehicles are seen as Ukrainian Armed Forces members liberate the town of Staromaiorske, in the location given as Staromaiorske, Donestk Region, Ukraine

The seizure of Melitopol near the Sea of Azov would be a major success for Ukraine, which hopes to punch through the land corridor between Russia and the Crimean Peninsula, illegally annexed by Moscow in 2014.

That could split Russian forces into two and cut supply lines to units farther west. Russia currently controls the whole Sea of Azov coast.

The Institute of Study of War, a Washington-based think tank, reported that Ukrainian forces launched 'a significant mechanized counteroffensive operation' in western Zaporizhzhia on Wednesday and 'appear to have broken through certain pre-prepared Russian defensive positions.'

Zelensky, meanwhile, visited the city of Dnipro, along the Dnieper River to the north of Zaporizhzhia, meeting with military commanders to discuss air defenses, ammunition supplies and regional recruitment.

He also visited a medical facility caring for the wounded from the front, thanking the staff and emphasising the importance of their work in saving the lives.

A recent increase in wounded at a Dnipro hospital hinted that the tempo of fighting had increased.

In what appeared to be a precautionary move, Russia's Federal Security Service, known as the FSB, prohibited civilian access to the Arabat Spit in Crimea, a narrow strip of land that links the peninsula to the partially occupied Kherson region.

The open-ended ban is needed to contain security threats, the FSB said in a statement quoted by Russia's state news agency RIA Novosti.

US officials, who have provided Kyiv with weapons and intelligence, declined to comment publicly on the latest developments, though they have previously urged patience as Ukraine seeks to grind down Russian positions.

Ukrainian soldiers say they have recaptured the Ukrainian village of Staromaiorske, in Donetsk region, Ukraine, in this screen grab from video posted by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and released on July 27

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said during a visit to Papua New Guinea that Kyiv's effort to retake land seized by Russia since its full-scale invasion in February 2022 would be tough and long, with successes and setbacks.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said 'an intense battle' is taking place but declined to provide details.

'We believe that tools, the equipment, the training, the advice that many of us have shared with Ukrainians over many months puts them in good position to be successful on the ground in recovering more of the territory that Russia has taken from Ukraine,' Blinken said in New Zealand.

Meanwhile, a missile strike on Ukraine's southern Odesa region killed one civilian and further damaged its port infrastructure in the latest attack since Moscow broke off a grain export agreement, Odesa Gov. Oleh Kiper said.

The attack used Kalibr cruise missiles launched from the Black Sea, he said.

Ukraine's air force said it intercepted 36 Russian missiles launched from Tu-95MS strategic bombers.

African leaders press Putin to end Ukraine war

Meanwhile in St Petersberg, African leaders pressed Putin today to move ahead with their peace plan to end the Ukraine war and to renew a deal on the export of Ukrainian grain that Moscow tore up last week.

While not directly critical of Russia, their interventions on the second day of the summit with Putin were more concerted and forceful than those that African countries have voiced until now.

They served as reminders to the Kremlin leader of the depth of African concern at the consequences of the war, especially rising food prices.

'This war must end. And it can only end on the basis of justice and reason,' African Union Commission Chairman Moussa Faki Mahamat told Putin and African leaders in St Petersburg. 'The disruptions of energy and grain supplies must end immediately.

Russian President Vladimir Putin looks on during a plenary meeting at the second Russia-Africa summit in Saint Petersburg on July 28

'The grain deal must be extended for the benefit of all the peoples of the world, Africans in particular.'

Reports last month said the African plan floats a series of possible steps to defuse the conflict including a Russian troop pull-back, removal of Russian tactical nuclear weapons from Belarus, suspension of an International Criminal Court arrest warrant against Putin, and sanctions relief.

Putin gave it a polite but cool reception when African leaders presented it to him last month. On Friday he said Moscow respected the proposal and was carefully studying it.

Congo Republic President Denis Sassou Nguesso said the African initiative 'deserves the closest attention, it mustn't be underestimated...We once again urgently call for the restoration of peace in Europe.'

Senegal's President Macky Sall called for 'a de-escalation to help create calm', while South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said he hoped that 'constructive engagement and negotiation' could bring an end to the conflict.

The stream of calls prompted Putin repeatedly to defend Russia's position and place the blame on Ukraine and the West.

Responding to Mahamat, he said Russia was 'grateful to our African friends for their attention to this problem' but it was Kyiv that was refusing to negotiate with him under a decree it passed shortly after he claimed last September to have annexed four Ukrainian regions that Russia partly controls.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, African leaders and heads of delegations pose for a family photo at the second Russia-Africa summit in Saint Petersburg on July 28

Russian President Vladimir Putin, center, and heads of delegations attend a family photo opportunity during the Russia Africa Summit in St. Petersburg, Russia, Friday, July 28

Russia has long said it is open to talks but that these must take account of the 'new realities' on the ground.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has rejected the idea of a ceasefire now that would leave Russia in control of nearly a fifth of his country and give its forces time to regroup after 17 grinding months of war.

At the summit, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi urged Russia to revive the Black Sea grain deal which, until Moscow refused to renew it last week, had allowed Ukraine to export grain from its seaports despite the conflict.

Sisi, whose country is a big buyer of grain via the Black Sea route, told the summit it was 'essential to reach agreement' on reviving the deal.

Putin responded by arguing, as he has in the past, that rising world food prices were a consequence of Western policy mistakes long predating the Ukraine war.

He has repeatedly said Russia quit the Black Sea agreement last week because it was not getting grain to the poorest countries and the West was not keeping its side of the bargain.

Since withdrawing from the deal, Russia has bombed Ukrainian ports and grain depots, prompting accusations from Ukraine and the West that it is using food as a weapon of war, and global grain prices have risen again.

On Thursday, he promised to deliver free Russian grain in the next several months to six of the countries attending the summit.

Putin is seeking to use the event to inject new momentum into Russia's ties with Africa and enlist the continent's support in countering what he describes as U.S. hegemony and Western neo-colonialism.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, African leaders and heads of delegations attend a plenary meeting at the second Russia-Africa summit in Saint Petersburg on July 28

Despite its refusal to renew the grain deal seen as vital to supply Africa, many of the African leaders had warm words for Moscow's record of support for their countries in their 20th century liberation struggles and more recently.

The leaders of Mali and Central African Republic, whose governments have relied heavily on the services of Russia's Wagner mercenary group, both expressed their gratitude to Putin.

CAR President Faustin Archange Touadera said his country's relations with Russia had helped it to save its democracy and avoid a civil war, thanking it 'for helping us to oppose foreign hegemony'.

Mali's Assimi Goita told Putin: 'You have shown pragmatism and realism in efforts to reach agreement with Ukraine.'
The airport fast-track screening firm Clear Secure faced a government investigation after a disturbing security failure last summer, according to a new report.

In July 2022, Transportation and Security Administration screeners busted a man carrying firearm ammunition at Regan National Airport in DC, and found he'd passed Clear's screening using a false ID, Bloomberg News reported on Friday.

A TSA probe found vulnerabilities in Clear's enrollment process, including blurry or badly framed headshot photos that thwarted facial recognition and forced human employees to manually verify customer identity, according to the report.

In a statement, Clear slammed Bloomberg's report, saying it 'inaccurately characterizes Clear's robust security' and insisted the incident in DC 'was the result of a single human error  having nothing to do with our technology.'

But several weeks ago, TSA began requiring that its government agents manually verify the identities of all Clear customers, dramatically undercutting one of the main benefits of the private service that costs $189 per year.

The airport fast-track screening firm Clear Secure faced a government investigation after a disturbing security failure last summer, according to a new report

Bloomberg published Clear enrollment photos that don't clearly show the customer's faces, saying it exposed a flaw in the verification process that raised the chances of errors

'Accurate and reliable verification of passenger identity is foundational to aviation security and effective screening by TSA,' an agency spokesman told DailyMail.com in a statement.

'TSA is responsible for ensuring that all systems and programs, including those provided by private companies, meet requisite standards and will take necessary steps to ensure security needs are met,' the spokesman said.

Clear is separate from TSA PreCheck, the government program that costs $78 for five years and allows enrollees to undergo expedited physical screening, including the ability to leave their belts and shoes on.

Clear is a publicly-traded company with some 16 million customers, who are able to use fingerprint or retinal scans to verify their identities at airports, and are then escorted to the front of the line for physical security screening.

Although Clear is intended to replace the ID-verification step of TSA screening, customers are still required to undergo the regular baggage screening process.

The company touts the security of its process, saying that in the past six months, the TSA has reverified the IDs of 4.7 million Clear travelers 'without citing a single issue.'

According to the Bloomberg report, TSA's concerns about Clear stemmed from the incident in DC last July.

At the airport, a man who'd used Clear to verify his ID was caught with live ammunition, which is banned in the cabin, by TSA screeners.

When police were called in, they also found that the man was flying under a false identity -- immediately raising alarm bells about how he had duped Clear's system.

Clear enrollment photos show a forehead and shoulder, obscuring the customer's identity. The company called for an investigation into how the photos leaked to the press after it shared them with the federal government

Clear customers are able to use fingerprint or retinal scans to verify their identities at airports, and are then escorted to the front of the line for physical security screening (file photo)

Clear said in a statement: 'There was a July 2022 incident that was the result of a single human error  having nothing to do with our technology.'

'We took immediate action to end the practice that led to the human error and took corrective action to fully re-enroll the miniscule percentage of our customers enrolled under this process,' the company added.

Following the incident, a TSA probe raised concerns about almost 49,000 Clear customers who were enrolled despite facial-recognition software flagging them as non-matches, Bloomberg reported, citing sources.

The TSA probe concluded Clear's broader methods were inherently inferior to how the government checks travelers' IDs, the sources said.

Bloomberg also published Clear enrollment photos that didn't show a face at all due to poor framing, instead showing a forehead, chin or shoulder.

Clear in a statement called for an investigation into how the photos leaked to the press after the company shared them with the federal government, adding that the images 'lack important details'.

'Specifically the images in question were not relied upon during the secure, multi-layered enrollment process and Clear does not currently use face as a biometric to verify a member on the day of travel  we rely on fingerprints or iris,' the company said.

TSA Administrator David Pekoske recently testified in Congress that he was 'fully committed' to closing any security gaps discovered in Clear's ID-vetting process

Earlier this month, the Washington Post reported that TSA agents would begin manually verifying the identities of Clear customers at airports.

The company responded that the requirement would create 'airport chaos,' and has pushed back aggressively, hiring former Department of Homeland Security Administrator Jeh Johnson to lobby TSA on the issue.

In a December letter to the TSA, Johnson called the response 'a disproportionate and punitive overreaction' to a single security breach, according to Bloomberg.

Last month, TSA Administrator David Pekoske testified before the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security, where he faced questions about Clear.

Pekoske testified that he was 'fully committed' to closing any security gaps discovered in Clear's ID-vetting process.

He added that TSA partners cooperatively with many private outside entities on security, including airports and air carriers, calling it a strength of the air travel security system.
President Joe Biden will on Friday sign an executive order stripping military commanders of the power to prosecute sexual assault, rape, and murder cases, in a major shakeup of the chain of command.

Decisions about prosecutions will instead be made by independent military attorneys.

The move aims to strengthening safeguards for those in uniform, removing the power of their commanders to decide which allegations to take seriously.

It comes amid rising rates of sexual assaults in the military, ebbing faith in its justice system, and high-profile cases, such as Vanessa Guillen, who was murdered in 2020 after her claims of sexual harassment were ignored.

An investigation into the murder of Army specialist Vanessa Guillen, 20, revealed that her claims of sexual harassment had been ignored. Pictured: protestors rally against flawed military justice

Reported cases have climbed steadily for years, from 3,327 in the 2010 financial year to 8,942 in the 2022 financial year

A White House statement says Biden's amendment to the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) represents the 'most significant transformation of the military justice system' since the code was created in 1950.

'These reforms are a turning point for survivors of gender-based violence in the military,' said the statement.

'They fulfill President Biden's promise to fundamentally shift how the military justice system responds to sexual assault and related crimes.'

Lawmakers have grown frustrated with the rising rate of sexual assaults in the military, and increasingly sparred with Pentagon chiefs over how to restore faith in the system of justice for service members.

They said commanders were sometimes ignoring complaints or incidents in their units to protect those accused, and that using independent lawyers would lead to more successful prosecutions.

Pentagon officials warned that it would erode commanders' authority.

The change was among more than two dozen recommendations made in 2021 by an independent review commission on sexual assault in the military that was set up by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.

It was included in the annual defense bill last year, but changes to the UCMJ require formal presidential action.

The Pentagon had already begun making changes.

Last year, the Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force set up the new special trial counsel offices, which will assume authority over prosecution decisions by the end of this year.

That authority will extend to sexual harassment cases from 2025.

The policy shifts come as the military continues to grapple with rising numbers of reported sexual assaults in its ranks.

Some $975,000 was awarded to ex-Col. Kathryn Spletstoser, four years after she filed a suit against then-Gen. John Hyten for alleged sexual assault and battery

Spletstoser served as Hyten's aide in 2017, two years before he was tapped to serve the Pentagon's Joint Chiefs of Staff. The pair was seen together at the US Army Space and Missile Defense Command at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs in November of that year

The number of incidents reported in the military has risen steadily for years, from 3,327 in the 2010 financial year to 8,942 in the 2022 financial year.

Military chiefs and lawmakers have made it easier for service members to make a claim of abuse, but have struggled to reduce the overall number of assaults, as ever more women enlist across the services.

Defense chiefs say the increase in reports of sexual abuse is a positive sign that victims feel they will be heard and protected.

Still, they've also been blindsided by high-profile cases of the military justice system creaking under the strain.

In one landmark example, the Army revealed 'major flaws' in the culture at Fort Hood base in Texas and disciplined more than a dozen officials following the murder of Guillen, 20, an Army specialist.

Guillen was last seen alive at Fort Hood in April 2020. Her dismembered remains were found two months later. The soldier suspected of killing her, Spc. Aaron Robinson, shot himself dead as police closed in to arrest him.

The investigation afterward revealed Guillen had reported being sexually assaulted by a fellow soldier. Supervisors had failed to relay her complaints up the chain, highlighting stark failures in the culture on base.
A 29-year-old British man has been arrested for attempted murder over suspicions he stabbed his girlfriend's lover after finding the pair together in his Mallorca home.

The Brit, currently being held in custody, is alleged to have stabbed a 32-year-old Moroccan man during the suspected 'love triangle' attack.

The victim was rushed to the intensive care department of the Son Espases hospital where he is in a serious but stable condition. His life is not in danger, according to reports.

The incident happened in the early hours of this morning in Santa Ponsa, the popular holiday resort in the south-west of Mallorca.

According to the Spanish press, the British man returned to his home at around 3am and caught his girlfriend with another man, the 32-year-old Moroccan.

A 29-year-old British man has been arrested for attempted murder over suspicions he stabbed his girlfriend's lover after finding the pair together in Santa Ponsa, Mallorca (file image)

The victim was rushed to the intensive care department of the Son Espases hospital (file image) where he is in a serious but stable condition

The two men started to struggle, during which the Moroccan was stabbed in the side.

Civil Guard officers went to the scene and found the wounded man and the woman he was said to have been caught with.

The victim was 'bleeding profusely' due to a stab wound on his left side. Once stabilised, he was rushed to hospital.

There was no sign of the British man, who had apparently run off.

Police raided several properties in the area and eventually arrested him nearby for attempted homicide.
The King of Thailand Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun has celebrated his 71st birthday in style.

Earlier today the king, who is the wealthiest monarch in the world thanks to his 24billion fortune, granted an audience during a royal ceremony at the Amarindra Winitchai Throne Hall in the Grand Palace, Bangkok.

In the grounds of the capital's Grand Palace well-wishers wore yellow and celebrated their beloved king's birthday.

Also in the Sanam Luang grounds Thai royal guards fired artillery guns, and Thai caretaker Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha led his cabinet and government officials in saluting to the portrait of Vajiralongkorn during a ceremony for taking the oath of allegiance to become lawful civil servants.

The 71-year-old king has seven children by three previous marriages, all of which ended in divorce. Princess Bajrakitiyabha is the only one of King Vajiralongkorn born to his first wife Princess Soamsawali.

At the lavish ceremony were the King's sister Princess Chulabhorn Srisavangavadhana, the King's second sister Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, the King's daughter Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana and Queen Suthida. His daughter Princess Bajrakitiyabha did not appear present.

Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun granting an audience during a royal ceremony to mark his 71st birthday at the Amarindra Winitchai Throne Hall in the Grand Palace. Bangkok

Thai Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana (left) and Thai Queen Suthida (right) attending a royal ceremony to mark the Thai King's 71st birthday

Well-wishers dressed in yellow and holding images of the king attend the birthday celebrations late into the evening in Bangkok

King Vajiralongkorn has banished his first four male heirs from their homeland after he accused their mother Sujarinee Vivacharawongse of adultery in 1996.

In December last year Princess Bajrakitiyabha, 44, was running during a military dog training session when she collapsed and lost consciousness in the Khao Yai National Park in the Nakhon Ratchasima province, central Thailand.

The princess, who was being lined up as the successor to her father, had suffered a heart attack and was airlifted from the Pack Chong Nana Hospital to the King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital in Bangkok.

The latest palace statement published in January this year said the princess suddenly lost consciousness due to bacteria that affected her heart. There has not been further updates since.

Princess Bajrakitiyabha, 44, (pictured in 2017) was reportedly running with her dogs when she collapsed in the Khao Yai National Park in the Nakhon Ratchasima province, central Thailand

Thailand's Princess Sirivannavari (left) and Queen Suthida (right) look out from the Royal motorcade as it makes its way to the Grand Palace during celebrations

Thai Princess Chulabhorn Srisavangavadhana (L), Thai Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn (2-L), Thai Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana (2-R) and Thai Queen Suthida (R) attending a royal ceremony to mark the Thai King's 71st birthday. His daughter Princess Bajrakitiyabha did not appear present

In celebration of the King, Thais participated in The Bureau of the Royal Household's nationwide meditation campaign which started on July 19 and ended this morning, on the monarch's birthday.

In the run-up to today, the Thai royal family and their representatives took part in celebratory gestures such as releasing cows, birds and aquatic animals at Tha Wasukri in Dusit District, Bangkok, on July 13.

This tradition is aimed at demonstrating the King's respect and care for his people and animals.

On the king's birthday, offices, banks and businesses are closed. The population pay their respects to the monarch and demonstrate their devotion to him by committing acts of merit and kindness.

The Thai monarchy is backed by the arch-royalist military, which has staged more than a dozen coups since the end of absolutism in 1932.

While the country has been roiled by decades of political turmoil, the constitution says the monarchy must be held 'in a position of revered worship.'

Vajiralongkorn succeeded to the throne in 2016 after the death of his father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who had reigned since 1946.

The new king was not formally crowned until May 2019 when carried on a golden platform in a six-and-a-half-hour procession through Bangkok.

During the ceremony he was carried on a golden platform in a spectacular six-and-a-half-hour procession through Bangkok's historic quarter.

Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun (left) greeting his younger sister Thai Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn (right) during the royal birthday ceremony

Thai caretaker Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha leads his cabinet and government officials in the salute to the portrait of Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun during a ceremony for taking the oath of allegiance to become lawful civil servants

Military officials hold Thai flags during a ceremony commemorating the Thai King

Thai caretaker Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha prays as he give morning alms to monks during celebrations

Thai royal guards fire artillery guns in salute to celebrate the King's big day

Buddhist monks receive alms from devotees during a ceremony to celebrate the king's birthday

READ MORE HERE: Princess daughter of Thailand's playboy king is on life support after suffering a heart attack while jogging with her dogs Advertisement

Just days before the coronation, the King married his long-term consort and gave her the title Queen Suthida, in a surprise move.

Suthida Vajiralongkorn na Ayudhya, a former Thai Airways flight attendant, had to lie on the floor as she was given a gift by the king during the marriage ceremony.

In 2020, at the height of the pandemic, Vajiralongkorn is said to have spent much of his time with an entourage of 'sex soldiers' at the Grand Hotel Sonnenbichl in the German resort town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

Reports said the king had booked out the whole fourth floor which includes a 'pleasure room' and is decked out with 'treasures and antiques' from Thailand.

His 'sex soldiers' are said to be assembled as a military unit called the SAS like Britain's special forces - with the same motto, 'who dares wins'.

One hotel worker said staff are forbidden from the fourth floor where the king and his entourage have set up camp.

However, the king's diplomatic immunity means that there is little German authorities can do about it.

Queen Suthida reportedly spends most of her time at Hotel Waldegg in Engelberg, Switzerland, without her husband.

The king is protected from criticism in Thailand by one of the world's toughest defamation laws, with prison sentences up to 15 years.

A Thai well-wisher dressed in yellow holds up a photo of Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Thai Queen Suthida on the royal grounds of Sanam Luang

King Maha Vajiralongkorn pictured on his extravagant gold throne as he grants an audience

The King pictured in his throne during the public greeting at the Grand Palace

Thai royal guards prepare to fire artillery guns to salute during celebrations earlier today

Thai caretaker Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha (L) gives morning alms to monks during celebrations

Thai caretaker Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha (C) leads his cabinet and government officials in the salute to the portrait of the Thai King

Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn (right) and Queen Suthida during their wedding ceremony in Bangkok. According to tradition, the King has a semi-divine status and must be seated higher than those around him

In 2021 the king made history by making his mistress Sineenat Wongvajirapakdi the country's second queen, despite previously jailing her for 'disrespecting' the current queen.

The pair wore matching blue coats as they released fish and birds in a Buddhist ceremony to mark her birthday at Wasukri pier in Bangkok.

It's an astonishing rise for the king's royal consort who was thrown out of the palace and jailed for trying to block her rival Queen Suditha's coronation in 2019.

A month prior to this a trove of naked selfies said to be taken by Sineenat were leaked online, revealing the bitter infighting which still rages at court among the king's harem of mistresses.

Just three months prior to Sineenat's imprisonment she had been appointed Vajiralongkorn's royal consort  the first to hold the title in almost a century.

For a long time her whereabouts were unknown, rumoured to either be in jail or dead.

Civil servants pay their respects before the portrait of Thailand's King

King Maha Vajiralongkorn, 68, crowned Sineenat Wongvajirapakdi as his second queen

In 2021 the king made history by making his mistress Sineenat Wongvajirapakdi the country's second queen

She was fully reinstated as his consort in September 2021 and the Royal Gazette declared that she 'is not tarnished'.

The former nurse ascended to the pinnacle of courtly status in a deep humiliation for 42-year-old Queen Suditha.

Sineenat is seen as a 'PR tool' and her appointment as Thailand's second queen came at a tense political juncture for the king who has faced months of protests.

The people have demanded reform of the monarchy - unprecedented in Thailand where it is illegal to criticise the king - with thousands taking to the streets for months, in spite of the pandemic.

Prior to her expulsion from the court, Sineenat appeared frequently in photo shoots, flying in war planes, skydiving, shooting and others showing intimate moments with the king holding hands.

Royal experts believe her prominence in public life may have been the reason for 1,400 selfies being leaked to critics of Vajiralongkorn earlier in 2021.

Some showed her baring her unshaven armpits to the camera and others revealed 'every single thing that you could imagine,' according to one Thai activist.
A Met Police sergeant who sexually assaulted a stranger off Brighton beach on his stag night for 'some last-minute fun' was today jailed for two years.

Laurence 'Larry' Knight, 34, carried out the attack after his group were entertained by strippers at their Airbnb in the Sussex resort.

Knight's wife is standing by him and he wore his wedding ring throughout the trial.

The policeman met the 21-year-old victim in Brighton town centre on July 17, 2021 while social distancing rules were still in place due to Covid-19 .

They headed for the sea and were treading water together when Knight complained he was having a 'rubbish night' and was meant to be enjoying himself.

Former Oxford University student Knight moved her underwear to one side and touched her intimately after she told him: 'You're getting married in two weeks.'

Laurence 'Larry' Knight, 34, carried out the attack after his group were entertained by strippers at their Airbnb in the Sussex resort

The police sergeant, who was based at Stoke Newington police station in north London at the time, denied rape and sexual assault.

The court also heard that he used to work in royalty protection.

Knight was convicted of sexual assault by a jury last month but cleared of rape.

Summing up a victim impact statement from the victim, Maryam Syed, prosecuting, said: 'She had to seek counselling, much of which she had to fund herself.

'She has suffered fear, she has suffered anxiety, she has suffered some very dark thoughts over the course of this matter.

'Taken together, if this is not deemed severe psychological harm, what would be.'

The victim's mother read an impact statement to the court.

'When I discovered what had happened the bottom fell out of my world,' she said.

'She was broken, defeated, unrecognisable as my precious daughter who is usually so full of life.

'Her innocent view of the world and of those in it was destroyed that night...'

'She was always fearless, always the person brave enough to walk up to someone and say she wanted to be their friend.'

Ms Syed argued that the fact that Knight was a police officer is an aggravating feature even though he was off-duty.

'He is trained to deal with those who are vulnerable and in drink, particularly young women.'

The officer arrived at Westminster Magistrates' Court with his wedding ring on his left hand

She referenced the cases of David Carrick and Wayne Couzens and said police officers are 'charged with upholding the law and are empowered to do so.'

'We say, as emphasised in the Couzens case and in the Carrick case, somebody who has taken an oath as a police officer, on-duty or not, is not a typical defendant.'

'We submit that, considering all the features outlined, a suspended sentence order would not meet the justice of this case.'

Alisa Williamson, defending Knight, said the victim might start to recover now that the trial is over.

'It is hoped that now the trial has reached its conclusion she will be able to move on from that.

'In general an offence is not made more serious by the location of the offence.

'While they were away from others they were not far away from others. This is different to a case where someone is taken to a place where they cannot seek help.'

'The defendant has now resigned from the police force.'

Ms Williamson argued that the consequences Knight has suffered as a result of his behaviour are punishment enough.

'Careers that he is suited to such as teaching will all be closed to him now that he has a conviction for a sexual assault.

'He will be barred from joining any other police service.'

The court heard that his wife remains supportive and that he has a baby daughter, born last November.

Knight met the 21-year-old victim in Brighton town centre on July 17, 2021

'This overshadowed what should have been the happiest day of his life', said Ms Williamson.

'His reputation and good name has gone. The punishment he has brought on himself through his own conduct is so severe that in my submission this is not a case where punishment can only be achieved by immediate custody.'

The officer looked somber as he was jailed for two years.

Judge Peter Rook told him: 'I have no doubt that your actions caused her severe psychological harm.

'In a recent statement dated 5 July she stated that it had had a profound on her family relationships and her ability to work.'

'She said: 'I used to be a warm kind, trusting person, and now I am mistrustful, sceptical, anxious and afraid'.'

The judge accepted that Knight soon regretted his actions, as he tried to apologise to her and communicate with someone he believed to be her on Facebook.

'I have no doubt that you soon regretted your actions, as you tried to locate her and communicate with her.'

But the judge added: 'Her mother described how a once confident, ambitious, vibrant young woman has quickly transcended into her becoming a reserved, cautious, hyper-vigilant shell of a person.'

Judge Rook said that Knight had 'engineered' a situation where he would be in the sea and would be able to have sexual contact with her.

'You engineered a situation where you were in the sea a few metres away from others with a view to having sexual activity with her.'

The judge emphasised that the fact that the young woman had been drinking made her more vulnerable.

'Because of your role [as a police officer], you would have been aware of the vulnerability of women in drink.'

'This offence is too serious for the sentence to be suspended.'

Knight will serve half of his two-year prison sentence in custody.

A restraining order was put in place banning him from contacting the victim until further order.

He will also be on the sex offenders' register for ten years.

Members of his family wept in court as he was jailed.

Knight, who studied chemistry at Balliol College, Oxford, admitted he pulled the woman's bikini bottoms to one side but said he stopped when he realised what he was doing was wrong.

He insisted there was 'no way' he could have penetrated her during the encounter.

Maryam Syed, prosecuting, said earlier that the complainant and her friends were intending to head to the beach with a bottle of wine when they bumped into the officer's group in the town centre.

'The defendant was in Brighton on his stag night with a group of friends.

'Earlier in the evening they had been at the Airbnb where they were staying where they had been visited by some strippers.

'They had gone out to the bars in the Brighton area.

'During this time, social distancing rules were still in place because of Covid-19, and many bars were not open or had closed early.

'The group containing the defendant, then met the group containing the complainant and indicated they were looking for somewhere else to drink and were complaining about the lack of choice.

'The complainant suggested that the bars on the beach might still be open.

'The two groups ended up walking there together, although there was no arrangement that they were going to go to the same bar to drink. As they moved forward, they were chatting.

'As the interactions between the groups continued, the complainant was helping them and being friendly and you will see on the CCTV that at various points she hugs members of the other group and at one point for a short while she held hands with the defendant before they continue to walk separately.'

The complainant told police two days later she did not want to go in the sea, but Knight insisted.

She said Knight's group were 'quite talkative and quite funny'.

'They were acting quite jovial and acting quite loud and having a chat with us.'

Whilst speaking to Knight before heading to the beach, the woman said: 'He had a blonde wig, he never wore it, but it was tucked into the crotch of his trousers.

'I gave Larry some of the wine I had. He had a few gulps out of the bottle. He was like, oh yeah, I need another drink, I need another drink.

'The demeanour [of Knight and his friends] was quite chatty, a lot of jokes thrown back and forth.'

The woman confirmed that she had three glasses of rose and one gin and tonic.

'[I was] a bit more than tipsy. I wouldn't describe myself as really drunk at all.

'Me and my friend were just going to chill a bit before going home. It wasn't really discussed but we started all just walking to the seafront together.

'At the beach we're all kind of sitting there. A guy who said his name was Larry, but could have been a nickname, he said he wanted to go in the sea.

'Us two were a little bit further away from the others. He suggested going into the sea. I said "oh, it's a bit cold".

'He said: 'Oh, please it's my stag do and it's turned out rubbish'.

'I don't know why, but I felt he was going to cry so I thought "ok".

'I took my dress off, he got undressed.'

The woman said she was in a bikini bottom and wearing a bra.

'I was in a rush that day so I just wore bikini bottoms.

'Larry was wearing, I think, nothing. He got fully undressed I think.'

The pair then moved out away from the group into the sea.

'We were about waist-height in the water, but we were able to stand up properly.

'We were close, we weren't touching. We were just treading water next to each other.

'We were two metres away [from each other]. We were just talking. Talking about him getting married. I was saying are you looking forward to it, he said yeah, he was really excited.

'I didn't feel cold, maybe because I had a couple of glasses of wine at that point.

'For a little bit we were just in silence.

'It all seemed very civil and there was nothing out of the ordinary. I was facing away from the shore and he kind of came up behind me and we were both facing the same direction.

'He moved my underwear to the side and started rubbing me really hard. I remember it being really uncomfortable and it really hurt.

'I was like, "what are you doing"? Again, he didn't say anything.

'I said you can't do this, what are you doing?'

In relation to the rape charge, Ailsa Williamson, defending Knight, had suggested in cross examination the woman could have mistaken the officer's penis for her tampon.

Knight, of Leyton, east London, denied rape and sexual assault. He was found guilty of sexual assault and cleared of rape.

Jayne Cioffi from the Crown Prosecution Service said: 'As a police officer Knight clearly understood the concept of consent and realised that, without consent, he would be committing a sexual assault, but set what he knew aside for his own selfish reasons.

'He persuaded his victim to go into the water with him and then callously took advantage of a woman he had just met.

'It was immediately clear to her friend as soon as she came out of the sea that something terrible had happened. She called the police immediately and, when officers arrived at the scene, they found her crying and hyperventilating.

'Knight said he had just wanted a bit of last-minute fun on his stag night but his actions have had a devastating impact on his victim and, as a police officer, he would have been only too well aware of that.

'I would like to thank the complainant for reporting what had happened to her.'
Noel Gallagher's ex-wife Meg Mathews has been banned from the roads for drink-driving after crashing her car following a book signing while more than twice the limit.

The 57-year-old appeared before Cornwall Magistrates' Court in Bodmin on Friday following the incident in Newquay earlier this month.

The court heard the former music PR executive had a 'couple of drinks' at the launch of her new book on July 7 and after the event planned to stay at a friend's house nearby.

The friend wanted to see Mathews's new Jeep Wrangler car, so Mathews went for a drive - but very soon collided with the parked Ford Kuga in Stret Ewyn, Nansledan - causing minor damage.

The owner of the vehicle called police at around 9.15pm and Mathews failed a roadside breath test and was arrested.

Photographs show the moment Noel Gallaghers ex-wife Meg Mathews was arrested for drink-driving after crashing her car

Noel Gallagher's ex-wife Meg Mathews has been banned from the roads for drink-driving after crashing her car following a book signing while more than twice the limit

Photographs taken show how she was bundled into the back of a police van

The court heard the former music PR executive had a 'couple of drinks' at the launch of her new book on July 7 and after the event planned to stay at a friend's house nearby. The friend wanted to see Mathews's new Jeep Wrangler car (pictured), so Mathews went for a drive - but very soon collided with a parked car

Magistrates were told her reading was 77mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath - with the legal limit being 35mg.

She had been at a homeware shop near the scene to promote The New Hot, her book about the menopause.

Mathews, of Hilgrove Mews, Newquay, appeared in court by videolink and pleaded guilty to a charge of driving a motor vehicle with an alcohol level above the limit.

She spoke only to confirm her name, date of birth and address during the short hearing.

Steven Cox, defending, said Mathews was of previous good character and had pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity.

'She was at a book signing and a number of people turned up,' he said.

'It was the first time she had spoken publicly for a number of years and she was quite nervous, and they offered her a couple of drinks.

'Unfortunately, those drinks were not pub-level drinks and were not measured properly and they had a lot more alcohol in them than she originally thought.

'At the end of the evening she attempts to stay at her friend's house, which is literally just round the corner from where they were.

The collision in Stret Ewyn, Nansledan caused minor damage to the Ford Kuga (pictured)

'Her friend asked to see her car first because it is a new car, and she hadn't seen it. They went round to look at the vehicle and it was at that point she made the stupid decision to drive.

'She said she reached the first bend and that's where she clipped the car causing minor damage, scrapes, there's no serious body damage.

'She stopped immediately, and the owner of the vehicle came out who had called the police. She was exchanging details when the police arrived.

'They arrived, she blew over the limit and was arrested and taken into custody.

'Unfortunately, some of the things that have been in the papers about her rolling on the ground and about her shouting never actually happened. It was a very simple drink-driving matter.

'She was at the police station and she was upset because people at the scene were taking photos of her and she knew this would probably end up in the press.

'She says she wants to extend her gratitude to the police officers who helped her get calm, got her a drink and helped her relax.

'She said to me, "I take full responsibility and accountability for what I did, and I want to end by apologising again for you having to hear this case due to my bad judgment. I will never do this again".'

The court heard Mathews has 'no actual salary' but would be able to pay any fine and costs within 14 days, and wants to complete the drink-driving rehabilitation course.

Magistrates banned Mathews from driving for 20 months, fined her 440 and ordered her to pay a 176 surcharge and 85 prosecution costs.

'You would have been fined 660 but because of your early guilty plea we have given you full credit,' presiding justice Paul Shenton said.

Mathews (pictured here in London in 2017)

Meg Mathews and her then-husband Noel Gallagher arriving for a party at No10 Downing Street in 1997

Meg Mathews and Noel Gallagher, 'Snatch' Premiere In Leicester Sq, London, August 2000

'You will be disqualified from driving for a period of 20 months. There were two aggravating factors in relation to this offence and they were that you were carrying a passenger and you collided with another vehicle.

'We have taken into account that you are of previous good character, and we feel 20 months is the correct period of disqualification for this offence.'

If Mathews completes a drink-driving rehabilitation course, her driving ban will be reduced by 20 weeks.

Mathews got married to 56 year old Oasis man Noel in Las Vegas in 1997 but they split up in 2001. They had daughter Anais together in January 2000.
Rep. Jamie Raskin, top Democrat on the Oversight Committee, wrote a letter to chairman James Comer demanding the Republican release transcripts from an interview with an FBI agent he says undermines last week's whistleblower testimony.

Raskin, D-Md., said that in the July 17 interview the FBI agent, who was assigned to the Hunter Biden investigation, 'discredited House Republicans' claim of political interference in the prosecution of President Biden's son by [U.S. attorney David Weiss].'

Raskin said that over the course of the two hour-long interview, which both Democrat and Republican committee staff were present for, the former FBI supervisory agent 'undermined' testimony from IRS whistleblowers Gary Shapley and Joseph Ziegler on July 19.

'Though it has been nearly two weeks since this interview, you have yet to publicly release the interview transcript, despite my call for you to do so and your claim that you would 'love' to release it.'

Oversight Republicans said in a tweet they had sent the transcript to the Democratic staff the day after the interview was transcribed - and would release it publicly as soon as it had been reviewed.

Rep. Jamie Raskin, top Democrat on the Oversight Committee, wrote a letter to chairman James Comer demanding the Republican release transcripts from an interview with an FBI agent he says undermines last week's whistleblower testimony

'The transcript is going through the normal review process where the witness reviews it and makes any corrections needed. Once that process has been completed, we will release it.'

Raskin, who has played defense for the Biden family against the committee's aggressive probes into their business deals, claimed Comer had refused to provide Democratic staff with a copy of the hard drive of Hunter Biden's laptop they are combing through. He called on the chairman to release all materials related to their investigation.

'I urge you to stop concealing key evidence and to instead commit to making public all the investigative steps undertaken and all materials gathered as part of this investigation.'

Raskin claimed the whistleblower had testified that during his decade of experience at the Delaware U.S. attorney's office he had never known David Weiss to allow any political influence in prosecutorial decisions.

The whistleblowers also criticized US Attorney Lesley Wolf for refusing to seek a warrant in October 2020 to search Joe Biden's guest house in Delaware where Hunter was living and the storage unit where he kept documents.

But the FBI agent reportedly said that it is longstanding DOJ and IRS policy not to seek a warrant for public officials or political candidates when the information needed could be obtained through less 'intrusive' means.

Oversight Republicans, led by James Comer, said in a tweet they had sent the transcript to the Democratic staff the day after the interview was transcribed - and would release it publicly as soon as it had been reviewed

The agent told the committee 'that, in determining whether to seek a warrant, it is not only proper, but indeed DOJ policy, for prosecutors to consider additional factors beyond whether probable cause exists, where the warrant involves the property of a political candidate or an attorney or may raise election year sensitivities,' according to Raskin.

The agent also testified that the Secret Service had been tipped off about the FBI's intent to interview Hunter Biden, but that was standard procedure 'for the safety of the agents seeking to approach a Secret Service protectee.' The agent confirmed that he was told the Biden transition team would be notified as well.

IRS Supervisory Special Agent Gary Shapley and IRS Criminal Investigator with the International Tax and Financial Crimes Division Joseph Ziegler, who testified publicly to the House Oversight Committee for six hours last Wednesday, said they were told on December 8, 2020, the day they were supposed to interview Hunter Biden, to wait outside of his residence for a call from the younger Biden.

Ziegler said he had never been told to handle an interview this way before. Hunter's call never came and the agents did not get to interview him.

Both agents claim President Joe Biden's son Hunter, 52, was treated differently than other taxpayers and the case was handled in a special manner  leading them to feel compelled to come forward.

The whistleblowers explained that the IRS after its investigation of Hunter Biden's tax affairs recommended he be charged with a felony - but the Department of Justice did not charge him with one.

Ziegler claimed that the total amount of foreign income obtained by the Biden family totaled around $17 million.

The agents said Weiss had wanted to bring charges in the District of Columbia and Southern California last year but was denied by DOJ officials both times.

Weiss said he has 'never been denied the authority to bring charges in any jurisdiction.'

On Wednesday in a dramatic turn of events Hunter Biden pleaded not guilty to a pair of tax crimes and a gun crime. His plea deal imploded when the judge informed him that he would not be shielded from future prosecution - specifically mentioning a potential crime of failing to register as a foreign agent.
The brother of a suspected car thief shot dead by the man whose car he allegedly stole has slammed his sibling's killer, arguing he is a 'vigilante', not a hero, for his actions.

The robbery victim discovered his car had been stolen from a Texas shopping center parking lot, but managed to track the vehicle down to a second lot nearby.

He walked up to the vehicle to find a man and a woman sat in the cab, and drew his weapon, ordering the pair to get out of the car and wait for police to arrive.

But the stolen car victim was hit with a bullet when the male thief took a gun of his own out from his waistband and opened fire.

Avoiding serious injury, the vehicle's owner returned fire, shooting the car thief dead.

But now the car thief's brother has expressed his anger, arguing that the car owner should never have drawn his gun in the first place and complained 'my mum, my family, we all have to suffer now'.

A video from the scene showed the dead man lying on the ground - with his female friend receiving help from two people at the scene. She had blood splattered all down her leg, which was attached to a boot. The two were shot during an alleged stolen car confrontation

The owner of the stolen car had ordered the driver and his female companion out of the vehicle - and sat them down by the tire at gunpoint while they waited for police

'The victim was my brother and there are two sides to every story,' Jose Garcia told local news outlet KENS 5.

'Whether my brother was wrong or right, he had a gun pointed at him. I guess he took it upon himself to defend himself. The guy who shot him is a vigilante, not a hero.

'A vehicle is not worth taking someone's life, I don't care what kind of car it is. You don't take the law into your own hands. Now my mom, my family, we all have to suffer and just deal with it.'

Police meanwhile put the shooting down to a simple case of self-defense, arguing that robbery victims have every right to try to find their stolen property and that the car's owner only shot the thief after he himself was subjected to gunfire.

'Certainly a case of self-defense, is what we have,' San Antonio Police Department Chief William McManus said.

'We would prefer that they call the police before taking that into your own hands, but he did what he felt he needed to do.'

San Antonio Police Department Chief William McManus said: 'Certainly a case of self-defense, is what we have'

Gunfire erupted in the parking lot outside South Park Mall, San Antonio, just before 1pm Thursday after the man figured out where his stolen car was located

A video from the scene showed the dead man lying on the ground - with his female friend receiving help from two people.

She had blood splattered all down her leg, and there was a pool of blood coming from the dead man's head in the parking lot.

Texas has one of the strongest 'Stand Your Ground' laws of self-defense that cannot be nullified by a jury or a progressive District Attorney, the state's Governor has said.

McManus confirmed at a press conference: 'He had every right to track his vehicle down.'

The woman, who was the passenger in the stolen vehicle, was also shot, and is in critical condition at the hospital.

Police said that the owner of the stolen vehicle is in stable condition.

No charges have been filed yet.

The names of the people involved have not been released. An investigation is ongoing.
A 14-year-old boy remains in police custody after the death of a little girl who was playing on her scooter just yards from her front door when she was hit by a motorbike.

Katnis Selezneva, seven, was airlifted to hospital after the hit-and-run in Walsall, West Midlands, just after 7pm yesterday but later died from her injuries.

Paying tribute, Katnis's devastated mother Tsvetelina, originally from Bulgaria, said: 'God took her away too young and fragile. I don't have strength and I don't want to say goodbye to you, my star.

'How to let you go, my heart is bleeding, my soul is aching. Who will take care of you now up there, my angel! I'm powerless, words are not enough, no consolation.'

Ms Tsvetelina told how Katnis' father begged the little girl to 'open your eyes' as she lay dying in the street, as neighbours ran to perform CPR.

A blue and black road bike, matching a police description of the vehicle involved in the collision on Thursday evening, was filmed passing a CCTV camera at speed further along the new-build street, just moments before Katnis was hit.

Katnis Selezneva, seven, was killed by hit-and-run motorcyclist close to her home in Walsall

Flowers are left on Turnstone Road in Blakenall, Walsall, near to the scene where a seven-year-old girl died following a hit-and-run

A 14-year-old boy has been arrested after the girl was hit by a motorcycle

This lunchtime a motorbike was discovered ablaze just a quarter-of-a-mile from the scene, where it had apparently just been torched.

Ms Selezneva lives with husband Bojil Seleznev, a lorry driver, in a semi-detached property overlooking the road where their daughter was hit. The couple are also thought to have an older daughter.

A young boy was said to have carried Katnis from the road to the pavement after she was hit by the bike - before neighbours ran to the scene to carry out CPR prior to the arrival of paramedics.

The little girl's father was also there, pleading for her to open her eyes.

Tsvetelina continued in her online post: 'Every day she told me, 'I love you mum, you are the best mother and the most beautiful because you take care of me and do everything to make me happy'.

'You became a star in the sky. [You] cried that one day mum would be a star in the heaven and you would be left without me.

'You were so strong, healthy and smiling, always in the three races. Why couldn't you fight for your life. Your dad was calling you, 'open your eyes Katnis, dad is here, open them' but you closed them forever.

'Rest in peace sweet treasure! May your path be bright so you are not afraid in the dark without mum and dad!'

Police were called to Turnstone Road, Walsall, shortly after 7pm yesterday to reports that the girl had been hit by a motorcycle

Police are still searching for the motorcycle which was allegedly involved in the incident

Today, West Midlands Police warned efforts to clamp down on the illegal and anti-social use of motorbikes were being hindered by adults sourcing them for young people.

The force said the motorcycle is a road bike and is blue and black, but its exact make and model had not yet been determined.

Anna Bennett, a trainee nurse, was one of those who tried to save Katnis.

She said: 'I can't beat myself up (over not being able to save her) but it's hard.

'I bring back (to life) elderly people at work but I couldn't bring this child back. It's cruel. She had her life ahead of her but it was taken by somebody being reckless, and a child at that.'

Mrs Bennett said she went to help after a neighbour's son ran to her house just after 7pm last night shouting for help.

'When I asked him what was wrong he kept saying 'she's dead, she's dead'.

'I can't imagine what the family are going through.'

Bouquets of flowers, soft toys and messages were left at the scene throughout this afternoon

The collision happened beside an entrance to parkland, but residents say Turnstone Road has long been blighted by speeding cars and motorbikes

The collision is believed to have been witnessed by a number of children who were playing out on the estate in Blakenhall, Walsall, in the first week of the summer holidays.

It happened beside an entrance to parkland, but residents say Turnstone Road has long been blighted by speeding cars and motorbikes.

Other locals spoke of their shock. Adam Pinson wrote: 'Poor kid 7 years old and she hasn't even had chance to live her life, thought out to the family...'

Sophie Bentley wrote: 'Absolutely breaking, rest in eternal peace little girl. Sending strength to the family. I can't even bare to imagine.'

Bouquets of flowers, soft toys and messages were left at the scene throughout this afternoon.

A traffic calming kerb with bollards was installed half-way along the largely-straight road, but although it forces cars to slow down and re-route through the estate, there is space for e-bikes or motorcycles to pass at each end of the kerb.

Princess Taylor, 44, said: 'This has been an accident waiting to happen. When we moved here six years ago we quickly realised it was like a racing track.'

Det Sgt Paul Hugh of West Mids Police has pleaded for the local community to 'come together and work with me'

Another resident, who did not want to be named, said: 'It's just absolutely tragic and everyone is heartbroken for this little girl's family.

'You get these lads on off-road bikes all the time around here, it was an accident waiting to happen. They are a menace.

'I didn't know the girl myself but I'm told she was the sweetest thing. You can't even think of what her family are going through.

'Everyone has come together to pay their respects and you have to pull together in times like this. Everyone in the community is reeling from this.

'The lad arrested is just a kid himself, you just can't believe it really. It's just so sad.'

West Midlands Police said two motorbikes have been recovered close to the scene, but neither had yet been identified as the one involved.

Officers were yesterday carrying out CCTV enquiries in the surrounding area. The Daily Mail has alerted the force to its footage.

Chief Superintendent Phil Dolby said: 'This is a shocking and tragic incident that has had a devastating impact on the family of the young girl, who are being supported by specially-trained Family Liaison Officers.

'My officers and I are hugely upset by this needless tragedy and we know that it is felt deeply by everyone in the community and we are continuing to support them along with our partner agencies.'

Chf Supt Dolby said officers had been working to 'tackle the issue of illegal and anti-social bike riding', but said: 'We need communities to work with us to tackle this issue.

'I want to send a clear message to the public that young people in the area are able to ride these bikes because, in many cases, adults are giving them the bikes to ride. 'They also bear responsibility for the potential consequences and this needs to stop.'
Florida state law prevents sex offenders from living within 1,000ft of a school, park, day care center or playground

Florida parents are too frightened to let their children out alone as a nearby town whose population is largely comprised of sex offenders continues to expand.

People living in Pahokee, near Lake Okeechobee, have shared their fears over Miracle Village - whose population is 80 percent sex offenders, including pedophiles.

While the 24-acre community keeps sex offenders inside with restricted home options, residents of neighboring Pahokee, just three miles away, have expressed fear to be in close proximity to the sex offender village, according to a Fox News report.

A woman who lives in Pahokee said it was 'frightening' when the sex offenders began moving in to Miracle Village, which was renamed as Restoration Destination recently.

'I used to keep little day care kids ... and they sent me a paper saying they were moving in.'

Florida law states that sex offenders are subject to community notification, and officials notify communities when a sexual predator moves into their county.

'That's why I don't let my daughter walk anywhere,' said one worried dad when asked his feelings abut his neighbors.

'Got out after 21 years, this is the only place that would give me a chance,' said one of the sex offenders who live in Miracle Village and admitted to being guilty of having sex with a minor

Miracle Village near Lake Okeechobee is home to about 200 registered sex offenders - 80 percent of its population. A resident speaks to reporter Tyler Oliveira

The 24-acre community serves as a safe-haven for sex offenders with restricted home options

'That's why I don't let my daughter walk anywhere,' said one worried dad who lives in the neirhboring community of Pahokee

Miracle Village was created in the 1960s to house sugar cane workers.

In 2009 the late Dick Witherow, a pastor with the Christian group Matthew 25 Ministries, began making housing available to sex offenders.

Witherow came up with the idea for the village largely because of a Florida state law that prevents offenders from living within 1,000ft of a school, park, day care center or playground.

In some cities, including Miami, and other suburban areas that distance is increased to 2,500ft, meaning that it is near impossible for a convicted offender to reside in a normal community, which are more often than not full of schools and public play areas.

'Got out after 21 years, this is the only place that would give me a chance,' said one of the sex offenders who live in Miracle Village and admitted to being guilty of having sex with a minor.

Forced out of densely populated areas, Miracle Village offers sex offenders a place to live away from those restrictions.

The Christian ministry that offers the housing to offenders is now run by Ted Rodarm, who is himself a former sex offender.

The organization claims residents are screened before moving in, and violent offenders or those with a prior criminal history are generally denied.

Although the community changed its name to Restoration Destination, most still know it as Miracle Village.

It offers three to six-bedroom homes as well as duplex apartments with two or three bedrooms.

'Restoration Destination is a prison reentry residential campus providing essential services to individuals transitioning from incarceration back into society,' their website reads.

'It is a place where they can learn valuable skills, receive support and guidance, and prepare for life outside prison. Reentry can be a challenging experience for those who have been incarcerated, and our residential community is an excellent resource to help them navigate this difficult transition.

'For the past 34 years, we have provided a safe and supportive environment that helps men and women successfully transition back into society.'
Kim Jong Un decorated his headquarters with huge portraits of Russian president Vladimir Putin while hosting the country's defence minister Sergei Shoigu.

The North Korean leader hosted a banquet on Thursday evening for the visiting Russian defence delegation at the Central Committee of the Workers' Party headquarters in Pyongyang.

Bizarrely, a large portrait of Putin was seen in the background as Kim and Shoigu walked together down a corridor on their way to the banquet.

The Russian leader's face was seen looming over the pair from a wall opposite a second portrait of the North Korean dictator, as shown by images released by North Korea's official Central News Agency (NKCA) on Friday.

In extraordinary scenes, a giant picture of the two leaders shaking hands also overshadowed the banquet hall as the officials sat down to gorge on wine and lobster.

Kim Jong-Un (left) has decorated his residence with huge portraits of Russian president Vladimir Putin while hosting the country's defence minister Sergei Shoigu (centre)

The North Korean leader hosted a banquet on Thursday evening for the visiting Russian defence delegation at the Central Committee of the Workers' Party headquarters in Pyongyang - and were overlooked by a giant portrait of Putin

The united image of the leaders shaking hands was taken during their meeting in Vladivostok, Russia in 2019.

The parade followed meetings between Kim and Shoigu this week that demonstrated North Korea's support for Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Shoigu's visit is the first by Moscow's top defence official since the 1991 break-up of the Soviet Union.

The meetings have added to suspicions that North Korea is willing to supply arms to Russia, whose war efforts have been compromised by defence procurement and inventory problems.

North Korean state media also highlighted a message sent by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who thanked Kim for 'firmly supporting' his war efforts in Ukraine.

Putin said that interests between Moscow and Pyongyang were aligning as they counter the 'collective West in its policy to stand in the way of establishing a genuinely multipolar and just world order,' according to the Kremlin's version of the letter.

Kim also held a luncheon and dinner banquet for Shoigu and his delegation following a second day of talks about expanding the countries' 'strategic and tactical collaboration and cooperation' in defense and security, the North's official Korean Central News Agency said.

'Given Russia's need for ammunition for its illegal war in Ukraine and Kim Jong Un's willingness to personally give the Russian defence minister a tour of North Korea's arms exhibition, UN member states should increase vigilance for observing and penalizing sanctions violations,' said Leif-Eric Easley, a professor at Ewha University in Seoul.

He added: 'China's representation at North Korea's parading of nuclear-capable missiles raises serious questions about Beijing enabling Pyongyang's threats to global security.'

A giant picture of the two leaders shaking hands also overshadowed the banquet hall as the officials sat down to eat

The extraordinary images of the decor were released by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on Friday. Pictured in the background are Putin and Shoigu

Kim Jong-Un and visiting Russian defence minister Sergei Shoigu (left) had a picture of Putin behind them as they headed to the banquet hall

Pictures showed the official meeting between Kim and the Russian defence minister

The meetings between the two have added to suspicions that North Korea is willing to supply arms to Russia

The picture displayed by Kim showed his meeting with Putin in Vladivostok, Russia in 2019

Russian and Chinese officials stood shoulder to shoulder with Kim Jong Un as they reviewed North Korea's latest nuclear-capable missiles and new attack drones at a military parade in Pyongyang, North Korean state media showed on Friday.

The widely-anticipated parade in the capital on Thursday night commemorated the 70th anniversary of the armistice that ended the Korean War in 1953 - celebrated in North Korea as 'Victory Day'.

China's visitors were the country's first such delegation since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

Their appearance at events with the North's nuclear missiles - banned by the United Nations Security Council with Chinese and Russian support - marked a contrast with previous years, when Beijing and Moscow sought to distance themselves from their neighbour's nuclear weapons and ballistic missile development.

Kim, Shoigu and Chinese Communist Party Politburo member Li Hongzhong talked, laughed and saluted as North Korean troops marched and weapons rolled below, photos released by North Korean state media showed, before Kim gave Shoigu a tour of a plush official building adorned with portraits of Vladimir Putin.

The parade included North Korea's latest Hwasong-17 and Hwasong-18 intercontinental ballistic missiles, according to KCNA, which are believed to have the range to strike targets anywhere in the United States.

The event also featured a flyover by new attack and spy drones, KCNA reported.

Kim hosted a reception and had a luncheon with Shoigu, where the North Korean leader vowed solidarity with the Russian people and its military.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Chinese Communist Party politburo member Li Hongzhong and Russia's Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu observe a display of missiles during a military parade to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Korean War armistice, July 27

All smiles as North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un and Russian defence minister Sergei Shoigu observe a military parade in Pyongyang last night

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, right, and Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, left, toast at a banquet hall of the ruling Workers' Party's headquarters in Pyongyang, July 27

Shoigu praised the North Korean military as the strongest in the world, and the two discussed strategic security and defence cooperation, KCNA said.

At another meeting, Shoigu read a congratulatory speech from Russian President Putin who thanked North Korea for its support during the 'special military operation' in Ukraine, state media reported.

Washington has accused Pyongyang of providing weapons to Russia for its war effort in Ukraine, an accusation that North Korea has angrily denied.

State Department deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel said on Thursday the US was 'incredibly concerned' about ties between Moscow and Pyongyang.

Moscow has also denied conducting any arms transactions with its neighbour.

The new surveillance drones could be used to survey targets in real time, conduct damage assessment in a war and generally enhance strategic situational awareness, said Ankit Panda of the US-based Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

In December five North Korean drones crossed into the South, prompting Seoul's military to scramble fighter jets and helicopters, and increase anti-drone measures at key facilities, including the presidential office.

The new attack drones would have limited use in a war on the Korean Peninsula given their vulnerability to anti-aircraft defences, but 'North Korea may seek to offer these drones to external customers,' Panda said.

A Hwasong-18 intercontinental ballistic missile is driven through a military parade to mark the 70th anniversary of the armistice that halted fighting in the 1950-53 Korean War, on Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang, North Korea Thursday, July 27

North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un (right) poses for a photo with Russia's Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu (left) during the Russian's visit to North Korea, July 27

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attends a military parade to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Korean War armistice in Pyongyang, North Korea, July 27

The drones were among the weapons displayed at an arms fair toured by Kim and Shoigu this week in Pyongyang, state media photos showed.

Putin's defence minister is believed to have sealed secret agreements for new supplies of arms to deploy in his illegal war against Ukraine.

Shoigu remained in North Korea longer than expected - after his ministry earlier announced plans to depart on Thursday.

He was shown finally leaving early Friday, his fourth day visiting the repressive state despite the demands of the war in Ukraine where he is suffering significant setbacks in Kyiv's counteroffensive.

Pro-war bloggers in Russia criticised him for having his eye off the ball as Ukraine steps up its military fightback.

But the fear is that a secret pact will see ammunition and drones delivered to Russia to use for yet more killing in Ukraine.

Shoigu's visit has seen unprecedented Russian kowtowing to the 39-year-old tyrant.

In a speech at the parade, Defence Minister General Kang Sun Nam accused the United States and its allies of increasing tensions in the region.

North Korea has been under UN sanctions for its missile and nuclear programs since 2006. This includes a ban on the development of ballistic missiles.

In recent years Russia and China have opposed U.S.-led efforts to impose further sanctions on North Korea over its continued pursuit of ballistic missiles, arguing existing measures should be eased for humanitarian purposes and to help entice Pyongyang to negotiate.

The last time North Korea invited foreign government delegates for a military parade was in February 2018, when it held a low-key event that excluded Kim's ICBMs.

A new model of intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), the solid-fuel Hwasong-18, is paraded at Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang to mark a key anniversary of the Korean War, July 27

A view of tanks displayed during a military parade to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Korean War armistice in Pyongyang, North Korea, July 27

Soldiers participate in a military parade to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Korean War armistice in Pyongyang, North Korea, July 27

Soldiers march during a military parade to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Korean War armistice in Pyongyang, North Korea, July 27

North Korea at the time was initiating diplomacy with Seoul and Washington as Kim attempted to leverage his nukes for badly needed economic benefits.

Those efforts led to a summit between Kim and then-US President Donald Trump that June, but the diplomacy collapsed after their second meeting in February 2019, when the Americans rejected North Korean demands for major sanctions relief in exchange for a partial surrender of their nuclear capabilities.

Kim has since ramped up the development of the nuclear arms that he sees as his strongest guarantee of survival while berating 'gangster-like' US sanctions and pressure.

The Chinese and Russian presence at events with banned ballistic missiles cast doubts on those countries' willingness to enforce sanctions, said Leif-Eric Easley, professor of international studies at Ewha Womans University in Seoul.

'It doesn't help when two permanent members of the UN Security Council openly support a North Korean regime that violates human rights and flouts resolutions banning its nuclear and missile development,' Easley said.

UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said, 'All members of Security Council and, frankly, all member states of the UN, share the same responsibility to uphold Security Council resolutions.'
Gilgo Beach murders suspect Rex Heuermann's wife sobbed on being told someone wanted to start a GoFundMe to help her family, saying: 'I guess I have a friend.'

Asa Ellerup was overcome with emotion on being given the news by DailyMail.com outside her home in Massapequa Park, Long Island, on Friday afternoon.

Asked for her thoughts on the fundraiser, the 59 year-old said: 'Yeah, yeah, that would be very helpful.'

Ellerup, 59, also offered a disturbing hint of what had gone on inside her house in the wake of her husband's arrested for the murders of three women a fortnight ago.

She said: 'I got over the hurdle of what I saw inside,' but offered no further comment or explanation.

Asa Ellerup, the wife of Gilgo Beach murders suspect Rex Heuermann, broke her silence on Friday in front of her Long Island home

Earlier on Friday, Ellerup broke her silence to say that her husband's alleged crimes have left her 'depressed and traumatized.'

The mom and her daughter Victoria, 26, were pictured at their Massapequa Park, Long Island, home on Friday for a second day after police concluded their search of the property.

The 59-year-old - who was wearing the same shirt, blue pants and pink flip flops as the day before - was seen removing items from the trunk of a black Chevy sedan.

She filed for divorce from her spouse after news of his alleged crimes broke.

If you want to take pictures, go ahead. Im OK with it now,' she said. If you want to stand up here and wait for something. I have a lot of work to do.

The sheer depression of what I saw was enough trauma'

Her daughter with Heuermann, Victoria, 26, was also seen outside the home on Friday

The mother and daughter were seen removing items from a a black Chevy sedan

Heuermann, 59, was arrested on July 13 in connection with the murders of three women who were killed more than a decade ago in the Gilgo Beach area

It's unclear what she was referring to, but police have previously said Ellerup was convinced of her husband's alleged crimes after she was shown some pictures.

Also spotted on Friday was Ada Ellerup's father Frode, 93. He was seen by DailyMail.com dancing with the family, dog, then sitting on the porch with Rex's son Christopher.

Cardboard boxes were spotted outside the house, suggesting a clean-up is now underway.

'When we told the wife, she was shocked, she was embarrassed,' said Suffolk County Police Commissioner Rodney Harrison

'But there was a point where we showed her certain pictures and she said, "OK, it is what it is."'

Ellerup and her two adult children were at the property when authorities raided it on July 14, with her lawyer saying the family had been 'blindsided' by the murder charges.

You guys know this is an ongoing investigation - it is not over - and I cannot speak to you,' she told the press on Friday.

But if your neighbors want to know if they are going to be safe from us ... you take care of the neighbors.

She then drove away with her daughter shortly before 10am.

Heuermann, 59, had lived in the property with his wife, stepson, and daughter for more than a decade after buying the home from his mother in 1994.

Cops finally finished scouring the property for evidence after digging up the backyard of the property and using ground-penetrating radar to search for any disturbances.

Authorities spent 12 days removing possible evidence from the property, after discovering a soundproof room under the home.

Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney said cops had found a 'tremendous amount of information' during the search, which included cadaver dogs.

They removed 297 guns from the vault and warned that authorities have a 'massive amount of material' to catalogue and analyze which would take some time.

Family members accessed the garage after returning home, after law enforcement took thousands of bagged items from during their search

Melissa Barthelemy, top left, Amber Costello, top right, Megan Waterman, bottom left, and Maureen Brainard-Barnes. Authorities on Long Island are vowing to continue investigating the Gilgo Beach murders after charging an architect in the deaths of three of the 11 victims

Heuermann was arrested on July 13 outside of his property in Midtown Manhattan and charged with the deaths of sex workers Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman and Amber Lynn Costello.

Officials say that he is the main suspect in the murder of Maureen Brainard-Barnes, who was discovered on Gilgo beach in 2010, and anticipate charging him with her killing.

The architect pleaded not guilty to killing the three women, and is next due to appear in court on August 1.

He is also being investigated for the murders of six others whose bodies were found in Gilgo Beach in 2011.

Heuermann is accused of killing the women while his family was out of town, with investigators finding his hair and his wife's on the bodies of some of the alleged victims.

Since his bombshell arrest in Manhattan, the once quiet block where the married father 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.

Detectives are now looking into unsolved murders across the country to see if they are linked to Heuermann.

Cops are probing whether he operated in the Atlantic City area, and have been interviewing jailed sex workers who interacted with him.

The investigation now covers four states - Heuermann owns a time-share in Las Vegas and a property in South Carolina - and police are investigating if he could be connected to any unsolved killings there.

Officers executed search warrants at his home in Chester, South Carolina, and recovered a green Chevrolet Avalanche truck they believe is connected to the suspect and one of the murders and transported it back to New York.

Meanwhile, Heuermann's high school classmates have claimed he was a 'loner' who developed a 'mean streak' after being bullied.
Two retired Metropolitan Police officers were jailed today for sharing some of the worst videos of child sexual abuse ever seen with a serving chief inspector who was found dead before he was charged.

Jack Addis and Jeremy Laxton, both 63, admitted in May to conspiring to distribute or show indecent images of children between 1 January 2018 and 10 July 2021.

Richard Watkinson, 49, who was serving with the Met's West Area Command Unit, was due to appear in court on January 12 this year - the day his body was discovered at his home in Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire.

The pictures, which were found on a computer hard drive, included 2,516 of the worst category of child sexual abuse images.

Laxton further admitted three counts of making indecent images of children, possession of prohibited images, possession of extreme pornographic images, intentionally encouraging or assisting the commission of an offence in public office and possession of cannabis.

Two retired Metropolitan Police officers were jailed today for sharing some of the worst videos of child sexual abuse ever seen with a serving chief inspector who was found dead before he was charged. Jack Addis (left) and Jeremy Laxton, both 63, admitted in May to conspiring to distribute or show indecent images of children between 1 January 2018 and 10 July 2021

These offences took place on or before 1 September 2021 and the pair left the force more than a decade ago.

At Southwark Crown Court today Addis was sentenced to three years and nine months in prison, and Laxton to five years and nine months.

A forfeiture and destruction order was made in relation to the devices and equipment they used and both will be subject to a ten-year sexual harm prevention order to control and monitor their access to the internet.

Mr Justice Wall said: 'Mr Laxton and Mr Addis, you were both formerly police officers and at a time served together.

'Despite living in very different areas of the country, you would meet together with Mr Watkinson to swap images.

'The images you traded in were of the most depraved, including in them images of babies and very young children in obvious distress.

'It is sometimes said that people who choose to view images such as these disassociate with what they see with real children.

'Although not working directly within child protection, you must have been fully aware of the damage done to real children of the filming of such disturbing images.

'Laxton, you had a substantial collection of similar images of your own. You had more than 19,000 images, over 9,000 of which were classified as Category A.

'They included images of the most disturbing kind.

Richard Watkinson, 49, who was serving with the Met's West Area Command Unit, was due to appear in court on January 12 this year - the day his body was discovered at his home in Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire

'I accept you are now both remorseful and ashamed of your behaviour. You are aware that you have caused deep shame and embarrassment to your families.

'There are many aggravating features of your offending, this is an organised conspiracy.

'Each time one of these images were shared with others, the risk of being shared again grew. You ultimately lost control as to who could view them.'

Speaking directly to Laxton of his encouraging Watkinson, Justice Wall said: 'It is worse that you encouraged him to behave in this reprehensible way for your own sexual gratification.

'You knew it was likely to reduce faith in the Metropolitan Police.'

Laxton, from Grantham, Lincolnshire, joined the Met Police in 1980, initially serving in Ealing borough. He retired in 2011.

Addis, from Perthshire, Scotland, joined the Met in 1978 in Harrow when he was 18 years old.

He became a firearms officer in the Specialised Firearms Unite for almost 15 years.

In 2010 Addis left the Met and joined the Civil Nuclear Constabulary, again as an armed officer.

Watkinson joined in 1995, also serving in Ealing.

Prosecutor James Dawes, KC, told the court: 'Mr Laxton and Mr Addis are ex police Officers and both served with the Metropolitan Police.

'The offence on count 1 (the conspiracy) relates to all three defendant's use of a Toshiba hard drive which contained indecent images of children.

'This hard drive was located by the investigators in this case at Mr Watkinson's mother's house.

'The analysis of the contents of the hard drive shows the three men had met on more than eleven occasions to transfer electronic files which contained moving and still images which contained indecent images of children installed on the hard drive then used as a library from which all three of them could draw.'

Laxton (arriving at Southwark Crown Court today), from Grantham, Lincolnshire, joined the Met Police in 1980, initially serving in Ealing borough. He retired in 2011

In total 2,516 category A, 1,032 category B and 1,701 category C images were found on the hard drive.

'The contents of which were subdivided into various files, for example 'Richard's latest' and 'Jerrie's latest'.

'In relation to the Category A images, there were moving images of babies and children under the age of five years who were visibly distressed.

'They showed preparedness to abuse the trust of boys with whom they had friendships to satisfy themselves.

'In relation to Mr Laxton of the over 5,000 images, 2,751 were found on his own devices.

'There had been a meeting described in Mr Watkinson's diary as a 'Data Swap' having a meal with Jack and Jerrie.

'When Watkinson was asked about this in interview, he admitted it was with the intention of swapping indecent images of children.

'On 5 December 2020 it was shown that Mr Addis travelled from Scotland, Dumfries, to where he was met on the train by Mr Watkinson and later Mr Addis transferred a folder named 'December 2020' from a USB he brought with him on a shared hard drive using Mr Watkinson's laptop to do so.

'On that day a photograph was taken by Addis of Watkinson and Laxton standing together which was found on a phone. Addis sent the image to his wife saying, "Jerrie says hi".

'The three men discussed the images they had shared together. Watkinson discussed a boy (...) the discussion was heavily sexualised with both men clearly getting sexual pleasure from looking at the boy.'

Laxton's additional charges of possession of indecent, prohibited and extreme images came after police found devices hidden in a wall at his home in Corby Glen, Lincolnshire.

Mr Dawes said: 'There was a specially constructed hiding place built into a wall cavity. Investigators knew where to search behind the walls because of messages on Laxton's phone.'

Laxton wrote: 'I have a new laptop and a new phone. I have buried all my old equipment in the walls, have you done the same?'

In total 6,086 Category A, 4,039 Category B, 3,597 Category C, seven prohibited images and 56 extreme images were found.

Dawes added: 'One video was described by the officer tasked with assessing the categories as 'one of the most disturbing Category A images in existence'.'

One offence was committed whilst Watkinson was on duty as a chief inspector.

Laxton asked Watkinson to share the image of a missing 14-year-old boy that he had gained through his work. They discussed the image 'for their sexual gratification'.

Laxton's additional charges of possession of indecent, prohibited and extreme images came after police found devices hidden in a wall at his home in Corby Glen, Lincolnshire. Above: Laxton arriving at Westminster Magistrates Court in February

Addis appeared at Southwark Crown Court via video-link from HMP Durham.

He has been serving an 18-month sentence for three counts of voyeurism and possession of indecent photographs of a child since October 2022.

Laxton, who remains on bail, previously admitted the similar image offences at Lincolnshire Magistrates Court in August 2021.

On that date Laxton admitted three counts of possession of indecent photographs of a child, one count of possession of prohibited images, one count of possessing an extreme pornographic image, and one count of possessing a controlled class B drug.

These additional offences relate to over 5000 additional images of children aged between three months and 13 years that Laxton had in his possession.

Mr Mustapha Hakme, mitigating for Addis, said: 'Once he became aware of their sexual interest in children, he should have broken ties with them but then found himself getting involved and more and more involved.

'These decisions have obviously come back to haunt him and cause him great shame and guilt.

Court artist sketch of Jack Addis (right) and Jeremy Laxton, appearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court in February

'In aid he has shown remorse and shame, both of which are genuine.

'Letters written by family and friends, they speak all of them of a man who was kind and generous, but one who has made a monumental mistake.

'After some 39 years of marriage, Mr Addis and his wife divorced as a result of these proceedings.

'His son has effectively turned his back on his father.'

In a letter written to court by Addis, he said: 'I have been asked to write to you to show the impact that this investigation has had on myself but more importantly my wife and family.

'I made a terrible mistake, one I will regret for the rest of my life. The guilt and shame I feel is overwhelming. I cannot begin to put into words my remorse.

'I'm still trying to come to terms with the consequences of what I have done.

'What I did was wrong, the psychological impact is too great to comprehend.

'I apologise to everyone to whom my actions have impacted on.'

Ms Karen Walton, mitigating for Laxton, told the court: 'Trust in the police is at an all-time low.

'The idea that Mr Laxton was a serving police officer should have led him to having an insight to victims and protecting victims.

'He understands he not only has to live with the shame of the personal conviction, but also the public saying he is part and parcel of this rightful assessment of the police.

'These are crimes which are an abuse of trust and have an enormous effect on children.

'The consequences of these offences are obviously horrific.

'He will have to live with that shame, not only in this courtroom, but thereafter for a period of time.'

Laxton was arrested in September 2021 while Addis was arrested two months later as part of the multi-force investigation.

Police officers had responded to reports from an address in Saunderton, Princes Risborough, on the afternoon of 12 January after Watkinson was found dead.

He was Met Chief Inspector for neighbourhoods policing at the West Area Command Unit.

Commander Jon Savell, head of Professionalism in the Met, said: 'The content that these men had been viewing has been described by seasoned specialist investigators as some of the most serious that they had ever seen.

'We must never forget that in each video or picture is a real child victim who has suffered unimaginable abuse. The effects of child sexual abuse are often traumatic and life-long, and Laxton and Addis both sought sexual gratification from that suffering.

'As a police service we strive to protect the most vulnerable members of society, especially children, and I know officers who served with them will feel utterly betrayed by their disgusting actions. We are sickened that they are former colleagues.'

The case follows a lengthy and complex investigation by Met Specialist Crime officers in liaison with Police Scotland and Lincolnshire Police.
Former President Donald Trump on Friday raised the specter of campaigning from a jail cell as he insisted he had done nothing wrong a day after further evidence emerged of a cover-up at Mar-a-Lago where he is accused of keeping classified documents.

A new indictment broadens the charges against him and alleges that he ordered security video to be wiped.

Conservative radio host John Fredericks asked him whether his campaign would end if he was convicted and sentenced.

'Not at all,' he said. 'There's nothing in the Constitution to say that.'

Either way the fresh indictment deepens his legal woes even if he and his supporters shrug off each new set of allegations against him.

Special Counsel Jack Smith (left) continues to build his case against Donald Trump, accusing the former president of keeping classified documents and then mounting a cover-up

The latest twist involves charges that Trump and two aides sought to delete security footage. Trump denies all the charges and says he would not give up his 2024 campaign if convicted

This week they were bracing for charges to be handed down in an investigation by Special Counsel Jack Smith in a case related to the Jan. 6 violence.

Prosecutors in Georgia are also believed to be close to delivering an indictment in a 2020 election case.

Instead, the next move came when Smith lodged an expanded set of charges in the classified documents case.

It centers on surveillance footage from Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. It alleges that the former president asked for footage to be deleted after F.B.I. agents visited in June 2022 as they sought to retrieve classified documents.

And it expands the number of defendants to include a Mar-a-Lago property manager, Carlos De Oliveira, who has worked for Trump for 20 years, as well as another aide Walt Nauta.

All three are charged with altering, destroying, mutilating or concealing an object.

With a trial date set for May next year, a conviction could have serious implications for Trump's presidential run.

Even as the evidence against him mounts, Trump continues to insist that he did nothing wrong and to claim that he is the victim of a witch hunt.

He claimed that he had handed over surveillance footage when it was requested and said the charges were all part of an effort to get associates to flip on him.

Carlos De Oliveira, a property manager at Mar-a-Lago, is accused of moving boxes containing classified documents from the White House into the south Florida estate

'They're trying to intimidate people so that people go out and make up lies about me because I did nothing wrong,' he said.

He went on to defend Nauta and De Oliveira.

'These are two wonderful employees,' he said. 'They've been with me for a long time and they're great people and they want to destroy their lives.'

He said the nation would be in better shape if politicians were allowed to govern rather than getting caught up in 'gotcha' legal case.

'These people are sick. What they're doing is absolutely horrible,' he told Fredericks.

Republicans have been quick to echo his talking points, avoiding the thrust of the allegations that he deceived investigators and could have put national security at risk, to instead accuse the Justice Department and F.B.I. of becoming politicized.

Trump aide Walt Nauta is seen on July 6 leaving his arraignment in Miami, Florida

Even some of his 2024 presidential rivals have steered clear of outright condemnation for fear of alienating the Trump base.

After a town hall in Ankeny, Iowa on Thursday, Sen. Tim Scott pointed to what he said was a different treatment of Trump and President Joe Biden's son Hunter.

'At the end of the day we all should be very concerned about is the weaponization of the Department of Justice,' he told reporters/

'We should be very careful about how we use immense power against political opponents. That is not good for the soul of our country.

'We need Lady Justice to wear a blindfold. And what we're seeing today, not just with the indictments against the former president, but also the current president's son is two very different tracks.'
The man said that Guarizo texted him in June to say she didn't recall too much about their date and asked him if he was interested in meeting again

He said that one of his captors threatened to dismember him if he didn't have enough money in his bank account to transfer out

The male victim said Brazilian trans influencer Vitoria Guarizo lured her to apartment May 18 and that her boyfriend, Gabriel Meneses, and a man beat him

A business man has come forward to share the grueling 30-hour kidnapping saga he survived at the hands of a trans influencer and two men.

The trio lured him to her southeastern Brazil apartment, where she, her boyfriend and another man threatened to kill him before forcing him to transfer money more than $8,000 into their accounts.

The victim, whose name is being withheld, told news outlet G1 that he met Vitoria Guarizo, 25, through a dating website and was invited to her Sao Paulo home on May 18.

Guarizo, who has over 1 million followers on Instagram, used the name of Camila Flores on the site and told the man that she had just arrived from Dubai and had been beaten by her boyfriend, Gabriel Meneses

Guarizo and Meneses were taken into custody Tuesday on torture and robbery charges. The third suspect is still on the run.

The man said that they agreed to meet at Guarizo's residence and at one point invited him to her bedroom before Meneses and the fugitive suspect pummeled him.

Brazilian trans influencer, Vitoria Guarizo (pictured) and her boyfriend are facing robbery and torture charges in Sao Paulo. They were arrested Tuesday in connection with the beating of a businessman she is said to have lured to her apartment in May after meeting him through a dating website

The victim, a businessman whose name has not been released, told Brazilian news outlet G1 that he was held in captivity for 30 hours at the home of Brazilian trans influencer Vitoria Guarizo after meeting her on May 18 and that he was beaten repeatedly by her boyfriend and another man, and also forced to drink a beverage and take four pills before he handed over his bank account passwords and woke up in his car after having passed out

'One (suspect) pulled me by the leg, another pulled my arm and I started to fight with them, and I knocked down the curtain and everything, until he put his hand on my throat and I became asphyxiated,' he recalled.

The victim though that he was going to get killed during the assault as the captors used a blowtorch to burn his arm and ankle.

'I have marks like that on my arm. I had burns that remain until today, which shouldn't go away. And my ankle, too,' he said. '(There were) threatening with a knife, punching my face. I got (a bruise) on my face.'

In order to hide any traces of the attack, the victim said that Guarizo told her accomplices that she did not 'want a drop of blood in the house' and that one of the men assured her that they would 'kill him, put him in the truck.'

He said that Guarizo prepared a beverage and instructed both men, 'Make him drink the juice, guys.'

He remembered the drink had a bitter taste to it and that he was also forced to take four pills prior to giving up his passwords to his bank account and unlocking his cellphone.

Brazilian trans influencer Vitoria Guarizo reportedly instructed her boyfriend and another man to make sure there was no blood in her apartment during the beating of a man she met on a dating app and lured to the home on May 18

The man showed off the burn marks that remain on one of his arms after he was tortured with a blow torch

The suspects transferred $105 to Guarizo's account and $4,015 into Meneses' account.

The second man threatened to hack him with a knife if there weren't enough funds remaining for him in the account.

'He kept holding a knife and saying, 'I'm going to dispose of your body if I don't have money, at least 10,000 (Brazilian reais; about $2,113) for me. I have a truck, then I'm going to cut your body up,' the victims said.

The suspect proceeded by transferring $4,438 into his account. The rest of the money was sent to other people.

The suspects also used one of his victim's credit cards to book hotel reservations in Rio de Janeiro and Maresias.

The man passed out from the drugs and woke up inside his vehicle in the Sao Paulo southern neighborhood of Moema.

In addition to the body burns, he suffered a detachment in the retina and a nose injury.

He has been attending therapy sessions due to the trauma that he was exposed to  Guarizo even sent him a message in June claiming she didn't recall what took place during their date and that she was interested in seeing him again.

'I go to therapy because you're afraid of everything, right? You lose a bit of your freedom that you had to be calm,' he said. 'I spent a long time going to the park to run and with palpitations.'
Rapper Drake has been the subject of intense scrutiny amid speculation that he bought the ring worn by hip-hop legend Tupac Shakur just days before he was shot dead.

The ring in question sold earlier this week for a record $1million at auction in New York, well above Sotheby's pre-sale estimate of between 200,000 and $300,000, making it the most valuable hip-hop artefact ever sold, the auction house said.

Shakur wore the ring during his final public appearance at the MTV Video Music Awards on September 4, 1996 - nine days before the 25-year-old was shot dead by an unidentified assailant in a drive-by shooting in Las Vegas.

Tupac, whose hits included 'California Love,' designed the ring over the course of a few months following his time behind bars before it was assembled by jewelers in New York City, Sotheby's said.

The ring is engraved 'Pac & Dada 1996,' a reference to his girlfriend Kidada Jones.

Indeed, Drake has made no secret of his obsession for hip-hop legend Tupac.

According to fellow rapper Lil Yachty, the toilets in Drake's house play Tupac tracks when approached.

Rap star Drake has made no secret of his love for hip-hip icon Tupac Shakur

The buyer's identity remained a mystery - that is until Drake published an image on Instagram in which he is seen holding what appears to be the famous item

Drake further revealed his love for Tupac in December 2022, when he shared that the hip-hip icon was his most-listened to artist that year

'Every bathroom in his house has heated seats,' he revealed in a conversation with Twitch streamer Kai Cenat on April 16.

'And every bathroom in his house, when you walk up to the toilet, it opens and starts playing 2Pac'Hit 'Em Up.'

'I swear to God! Every time it's like, 'Yeah, you fat muthaf**ka!' It's so annoying when you gotta take a sh*t 'cause it keeps looping.'

Drake further revealed his love for Tupac in December 2022, when he shared that the hip-hip icon was his most-listened to artist that year after sharing his Spotify Wrapped statistics via Instagram.

The image showed that Drake had spent 246 minutes listening to the artist, putting him in the top seven per cent of Tupac fans on Spotify.

Additionally, in July 2020, Drake showed off twin Jesus pieces featuring the late icon, which have an estimated total value of $600,000 and are made of '70 carats of flawless white and natural yellow diamonds, as well as over half of kilo of gold in total', according to Complex.
A woman from New Jersey as been arrested on suspicion of using a family member's medical license to pose as a doctor and dole out prescriptions for more than a year.

Maria Macburnie, 62, was charged with the unlicensed practicing of medicine, forgery, health care claims fraud and three counts of distribution of a controlled dangerous substance, the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office said in a statement.

The suspected fraud treated patients at Shore Medical Associates in Toms River, New Jersey, for 15 months from March 2022 - June 2023, using a relative's name and medical license for cover, prosecutors said.

The owner of the license was cited as Dr Fe Almazon-Condit, who is listed as a specialist of internal medicine on various healthcare websites. She is also listed as USCIS Designated Civil Surgeon by Shore Medical Associates.

Macburnie allegedly prescribed a series of medications to patients and filed several insurance claims, according to prosecutors.

Marie Macburnie, 62, was arrested on suspicion of posing as a doctor without a license and a litany of fraud and forgery charges

General view of Shore Medical Associates

Macburnie was arrested on Wednesday and placed in custody at Ocean County Jail awaiting a detention hearing.

Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutors Office partnered with members of the Economic Crime Squad and agents from the DEA participated in the arrest.

Attorney information for Macburnie was not immediately available.

Prosecutors urged anyone who may have been seen or treated by Macburnie to contact Detective Joseph Mitchell of the Ocean County Prosecutors Office Economic Crime Squad at 1 (732) 929-2027, extension 3532.

An attempt by DailyMail.com to contact Shore Medical Associates for comment received an automated message.
Hayes is accused of engaging in an inappropriate relationship with a confidential informant and impeding an active criminal investigation

San Francisco prosecutors are reviewing at least 132 drug cases tied to veteran narcotics officer Christina Hayes, and had dismissed 82

More than 100 drug cases in San Francisco are at risk of being dropped after a veteran narcotics officer came under fire for allegedly engaging in an inappropriate relationship with an informant and impeding an active investigation.

Christina Hayes, who has been with the department since 2006, was removed from the narcotics division while prosecutors review the cases.

San Francisco prosecutors are reviewing at least 132 drug cases tied to Hayes, and had dismissed 82, The San Francisco Chronicle first reported Tuesday. There have also been at least nine cases dismissed in Alameda County.

It comes at a turbulent time in the city that has been overwhelmed by trying to get a handle on open-air drug markets, a drug overdose epidemic, and homeless encampments.

San Francisco prosecutors are reviewing drug cases tied to veteran narcotics officer Christina Hayes (pictured) who is accused of an inappropriate relationship with a confidential informant

San Francisco prosecutors are reviewing at least 132 drug cases tied to Hayes, and had dismissed 82. Pictured: Homeless people are seen in Tenderloin District of San Francisco

The scandal comes at a turbulent time in the city that has been overwhelmed by trying to get a handle on open-air drug markets, a drug overdose epidemic, and homeless encampments

While extra resources have been sent to San Francisco to help with the drug crisis, the police scandal threatens to undo all the work already done since January 2022.

'It is unconscionable, it is an unforced error, and it's an embarrassment,' Supervisor Aaron Peskin told The Chronicle. 'There's no other way of saying it. Things like this can't continue to happen.'

Hayes has since been removed from the department and assigned to the Special Operations Bureau, following allegations of the inappropriate relationship.

Her attorney, Julia Fox, had previously described her client as a 'truthful and forthright' officer to the paper, but did not respond this week to a request for comment.

Supervisor Matt Dorsey, SFPD's communications director called the police scandal a 'cautionary tale' for law enforcement officers, The Chronicle reported.

'It's absolutely frustrating,' he said. 'But we also have to be aware that the criminal justice system is premised on legitimacy and if something undermines that, we have to take it seriously.'

A recent report revealed that San Francisco's Tenderloin district has been dubbed 'Million Dollar Mile' by Honduran drug dealers who dominate the drug trade in the city that has been riddled with the deathly opioid fentanyl.

The city, which has had more than 2,200 overdose deaths since 2020, is plagued with Honduran drug dealers who are drawn in and able to thrive in the city due to its relaxed drug policies - some making upwards of $350,000 a year.

Drug users shoot up in broad daylight in San Francisco

San Francisco has greatly been impacted by major businesses packing their bags after the streets have been overtaken by the homeless and drug-addicts, which has fueled crime

Jeff Cretan, a spokesperson for Mayor London Breed commented on the scandal, pointing out that there have been some 500 arrests for drug sales so far this year at the Tenderloin Station.

'Initial reports are concerning and frustrating as we are working to disrupt the drug dealing that is hurting our neighborhoods and killing people,' Cretan said.

'This work does not start or stop with one officer. It's the focus of city law enforcement and our state and federal partners.'

Local private defense attorney Alexander Golovets' client Josue Fabricio Alvarez-Rivera had his case was dismissed a few weeks ago.

'He was surprised,' Golovets said. 'As of right now, we still don't know specifically what happened. ... I wish we did because it might have affected other officers, other cases ... we're all in the dark right now.'

Robbery is up 12.5 percent in San Francisco, while overall crime compared with 2022 figures is down 5.9 percent

With rents rising as fast as crime rates, San Francisco known for its liberal views and relaxed lifestyle, has become a haven for drug dealers and addicts

District Attorney Brooke Jenkins had previously said that arresting suspects like Alvarez-Rivera was 'critical' to disrupting the flow and sale of deadly drugs in San Francisco.

She said that in a raid of the client's home, police had seized more than 10 pounds of fentanyl, a quantity she described as enough to kill 2 million people, while also finding other drugs, a rifle with a drum and three pistols.

'Drug dealers must face consequences for pushing lethal drugs on our streets and wreaking havoc in our neighborhoods and causing untold misery and death,' Jenkins said.

San Francisco Deputy Public Defender Rashmi Birka-White said her client's case was dismissed, but she is still outrage as the allegations of drug dealing can lead to deportations.

Birka-White represented David Diaz-Morazan, 23, who was charged with possessing 11 pounds of fentanyl. The case was dismissed.

But she argued that he should not have ever been prosecuted because he was trafficked and forced to sell drugs.

'This was a huge breach in public trust,' she said.

San Francisco has greatly been impacted by major businesses packing their bags after the streets have been overtaken by the homeless and drug-addicts, which has fueled crime.

Tourism is down by 16 percent from pre-pandemic levels and workers have abandoned their offices to work from home and stores are emptying out. In its place, some 7,000 homeless have descended on downtown areas and tourist traps.

Shoplifting has become so bad in San Francisco that some stores are now padlocking shut their freezers and tying metal chains to ensure the doors remain closed overnight

The San Francisco Chronicle recently conducted an 18-month investigation into the 'open-air' drug markets in the city and released their findings in a report.

Instead of uncovering a ring of Hondurans forced to sell drugs in the Tenderloin, the report found a global operation running from a group of 'desperate, impoverished villages' in Honduras to San Francisco streets.

'It really just started as a small group of Hondurans who were here probably for other reasons, economic reasons, got into drug trafficking,' Wade Shannon, a recently retired special agent at the DEA in San Francisco, told the Chronicle.

'They recommended other friends come up, and then they started consolidating. And then, you know, San Francisco itself had its own sort of old networks of African American distributors and others and there was violence between those groups before the Hondurans came in and finally overwhelmed and consolidated their control,' she added.

After decades of maintaining a minor presence in the Tenderloin, Honduran dealers have suddenly taken over the streets, along with the rise in use of fentanyl.

In one year, US immigration officials encountered more than half a million people from this region at the Southwest land border, including more tan 200,000 Hondurans, according to data published by US Customs and Border Protection.

The figure amounts to about two percent of the country's population of 10 million.

For the 12 months ended in September 2022, U.S. immigration officials encountered 213,023 Hondurans at the border attempting to cross illegally - about 2 percent of the country's population of 10 million

A man poses in front of a smart SUV parked outside a house in El Pedregal, where a typical resident earns $8 a day doing farm work

But in San Francisco, just 200 Honduran migrants have been charged with drug dealing since 2022, the paper reported - a figure which massively downplays the true scale of the network.

The number does not include Honduran dealers who were convicted in previous cases or others who have never been arrested.

And only six percent of people charged with drug-sale crimes in San Francisco from 2018 to 2022 have so far been convicted on a drug charge.

Sentences ranged from one day to three years, with an average of 168 days, records show.

Following the report, San Francisco Board of Supervisors Member Matt Dorsey has asked City Hall to investigate the justice system after it came to light that drug dealers making upwards of $350,000 per year are still eligible for legal counsel from the Public Defender's Office.
Millions of pounds of public money has been awarded to leading universities to collaborate with a Chinese health giant branded a danger to national security.

BGI Group is facing serious questions over what exactly it is doing with the genetic data it collects from millions of people.

Despite long-standing allegations of complicity in human rights abuses, the Beijing-backed DNA sequencing firm has been allowed to form a deep network of lucrative partnerships within British academia.

An investigation by the Mail can reveal that at least a dozen Russell Group institutions have collaborated with BGI in some form over the past decade, including Oxford, Cambridge and Edinburgh.

Several of the projects were facilitated by 37million in funding from the UKRI, which is responsible for research grants in the UK.

A laboratory technician working on Covid samples from people to be tested in Wuhan, February 6, 2020. BGI opened a lab during the pandemic capable of testing 10,000 per day

Dozens of academics, scientists and human rights campaigners have written to the Education Secretary calling for a stop to all partnerships with BGI until an urgent inquiry is carried out.

The letter highlights the firm's alleged links with the Chinese military, which has shown major interest in using genomics research to enhance soldiers' performance and develop bioweapons.

It also warns UK universities risk being 'complicit' with human rights abuses because BGI runs China's national gene bank which facilitates surveillance of minorities such as the Uighurs.

Fears have also been raised over access given to the firm, which has close ties to the Communist regime, to the UK's world-leading genetics research and the public's sensitive data.

Lib Dem MP Alistair Carmichael, chairman of the Uighur all-party parliamentary group, said concerns over how BGI stores and handles sensitive genetic data 'can longer be ignored'.

He said: 'It is vital the Government wakes up to the national security concerns present in the genomics industry.'

Used in the right way, the mass collection of global genetic data can prove incredibly valuable in improving the health of the world, for example helping to discover vaccines.

But it can also pose a far darker potential in the wrong hands, allowing those with access to the information the ability to carry out mass surveillance and even develop bioweapons.

US security officials have warned BGI may be serving as a 'global collection mechanism for Chinese government genetic databases' and put two of its subsidiaries on a trade blacklist in 2021.

On Wednesday, Senator Marco Rubio introduced a bill aimed at stopping 'China's use of genetic material for human rights abuses by cutting off the supply of American genetic technology'.

Yet Britain has been far slower to react  despite science minister George Freeman warning in March that BGI was a 'danger point'.

Promising to 'toughen up our regime', he told MPs he was aware the firm was taking an 'aggressive' approach to the UK's world-leading genetic intellectual property.

He added: 'We do not expect all our researchers to be policemen and women, but we do expect them  and they are now required  to show due diligence before they sign some lucrative research agreement.'

The minister said he had commissioned a 'detailed assessment' from the UKRI for all China research and innovation links across its system.

The Radcliffe Camera in Oxford, serving as the reading room for the Bodleian Library. An investigation by the Mail found Oxford among those to have collaborated with BGI in some way

Academics, scientists and human rights campaigners have written to Education Secretary Gillian Keegan (pictured July 18), calling for a stop to all partnerships with BGI

Analysis by this newspaper has found the agency has for years been awarding multimillion-pound grants for university research projects in which BGI is listed as a collaborator.

Among them was 10million handed to Imperial College London in 2012 to set up set up the National Phenome Centre in London. It has analysed tens of thousands of blood and urine samples to determine which individuals or populations may be more susceptible to disease.

A further 13million has been given to Oxford University to lead a project in partnership with the China Kadoorie Biobank, a study that has monitored the health of over half a million Chinese citizens over the past two decades.

Some universities have been more explicit about their relationship with BGI.

As recently as June the firm was one of the main sponsors of a genomics conference at Edinburgh University, covering the costs of the event in return for access to delegates.

The Scottish institution has led three research programmes over the past 15 years involving BGI, including a two-year project looking at the body's immune system that ended in 2021.

When the World Uighur Congress wrote to the university raising BGI's alleged links to human rights abuses ahead of the conference, its organisers replied they were 'not previously aware of these issues'.

Cambridge University began negotiating a deal with BGI this spring over two research projects, but insists it has not been signed and is under review from an 'ethics perspective'.

The open letter to Education Secretary Gillian Keegan, signed by 60 experts in genomics and human rights, says: 'The ethical, health privacy and national security risks to the UK are clear.

'These activities undermine the ethical research practices and respect for human rights foundational to our universities and society, carrying legal and reputational risks for complicity with abuses.

'In addition, the Chinese state has a track record of using partnerships and funding to restrict academic freedom globally. Reliance on BGI for research finance or capability potentially threatens the academic integrity and freedom of UK universities.'

It urges ministers to take 'robust action' similar to how it dealt with Chinese firms with extensive reach into Britain's telecoms and surveillance infrastructure, such as Huawei and HikVision.

King's College and lawn from across the fen, Cambridge England. Cambridge University was also found to have worked with BGI in some form over the last decade, per a Mail investigation

In response to the claims, BGI said it was 'proud to provide services and technologies to research institutes in the UK to help advance life sciences and disease discovery, in scientific research partnerships that do not involve patient data'.

It added: 'These services are similar to those provided by other global companies. The allegations against BGI are not based on facts and evidence, BGI is disappointed that misinformation continues to be circulated.

'BGI does not engage in unethical practices and does not provide technology for the surveillance of minorities. BGI does not condone and would never be involved in any human-rights abuses.'

A Government spokesperson said the UKRI's funding decisions were made independently from itself and that its own approach China was 'rooted in the UK national interest'.

They said: 'We will not accept collaborations which compromise our national security and we have taken steps to protect the UK from overseas interference in our higher education and research sector.

'UKRI does not fund the Chinese Government and our Trusted Research and Innovation Programme protects the UK's intellectual property, sensitive research, people and infrastructure from potential theft, manipulation and exploitation, including as a result of interference by hostile actors.'
The leader of a Birmingham drugs gang, who is the son of Staffordshire's former deputy police and crime commissioner, has been jailed for 23 and a half years.

Jonathan Arnold led a crew of crooks who conspired to bring millions of pounds of class A drugs hidden among bananas and furniture into the UK.

It was one of the biggest drug smuggling operations ever seen in the West Midlands.

Master criminal Jonathan's mother is Sue Arnold, a former leading figure in Staffordshire's police and crime commissioner team.

He used a furniture removal business as a front for a drugs empire which saw a 'colossal' amount of drugs smuggled in from Colombia and helped fund a lavish life of luxury including trips to Dubai, a Ferrari and an expensive Rolex.

Ringleader Jonathan Arnold boasted of his wealth online by posting photos and videos of him wearing a Rolex and driving a Ferrari

Jonathan, top right, was locked up after pleading guilty to three counts of conspiring to import drugs and one count of conspiring to supply class A drugs. Co-conspirators James Jenkins (lower left), 25, Humayan Sadiq (lower right), 43, and Connor Fletcher (top right), 25, were jailed for 15, 27 and 12 years respectively for their role in the operation.

Jonathan, from Sutton Coldfield, even used drug money to pay for a set of new teeth.

But the smile was wiped from his face as his criminal enterprise was brought crashing down when Dutch authorities discovered his haul.

Long-serving Mrs Arnold served on the other side of the law, holding the role of deputy to Matthew Ellis between 2012 and 2021.

A key part of her job was to hold the county's police force to account on tackling crime.

Walsall-born Mrs Arnold, who lives near Tamworth, also made a bid to become an MP in 2015, standing for the Conservatives in Walsall South.

She lost out to Labour's Valerie Vaz by 6,000 votes. There is no suggestion she had any knowledge of her son's criminal ways and she has made no comment.

Sue Arnold, his mother, is a former figure in the local police and crime commissioner team

Jonathan Arnold showing off his wealth in Dubai with his very flashy watch on his wrist

Jonathan Arnold, showing off his teeth which he had done in Dubai with his huge fortune

Her 30-year-old son headed up a gang of crooks stretching from Lichfield and Tamworth to the Black Country and planned to flood the region's streets with millions of pounds of class A drugs.

Detectives revealed how Jonathan Arnold used his removal business vehicles to collect and transfer the drugs to other organised crime groups for onward distribution. Vehicles were loaded with furniture behind which the drugs were stashed in a bid to fool border officials if they were ever stopped and searched.

In April 2022, Jonathan was involved in a conspiracy to supply 1,477kg of cocaine, with an eye-watering street value of approximately 118 million.

The coke had been hidden inside pallets of bananas on board of a ship from Colombia. The shipment of drugs was destined to arrive via Portsmouth.

However, during a planned stop in the Netherlands, the huge haul was seized by Dutch police who informed UK authorities.

Jonathan was locked up after pleading guilty to three counts of conspiring to import drugs and one count of conspiring to supply class A drugs.

Co-conspirators James Jenkins, 25, Humayan Sadiq, 43, and Connor Fletcher, 25, were jailed for 15, 27 and 12 years respectively for their role in the operation.

Arnold and his gang smuggled nearly two tonnes of cocaine (pictured), heroin and ketamine into the UK.

Jenkins assisted in helping to arrange drivers and acted as a supervisor for the operation, while Fletcher was employed as a driver, investigators said.

Sadiq was also involved, having waited outside Portsmouth docks in a car for an unauthorised HGV to collect the drugs from the port, and then followed the lorry to a motorway services north of Winchester.

Ringleader Jonathan and others then took over control of the movement of the drugs by road to premises rented by him in Staffordshire. In June 2022, Fletcher was arrested on his return to Dover from Calais after Border Force discovered 60kg of cocaine concealed in the lorry he was driving.

Tim Burton, specialist prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service, said: 'This was a sophisticated criminal operation and the amount of drugs this gang was attempting to import into the country was colossal.

'These drugs were intended to be put into the hands of other crime groups. Had everyone involved in this criminal activity been successful, millions of pounds worth of drugs could have ended up on the streets of UK towns and cities causing public harm.'

Detective Chief Superintendent Jenny Skyrme, head of the West Midlands Regional Organised Crime Unit, said: 'We can't underestimate the scale and significance of this criminal organisation. This is the biggest drugs case that we have ever dealt with as an organisation.

'The gang was operating at the highest levels of criminality, bringing in industrial quantities of drugs to sell on the streets of the West Midlands and beyond. As the head of the crime group, Jonathan Arnold enjoyed a lavish lifestyle, driving luxury cars and enjoying trips to Dubai.

'He gave the impression that he was a legitimate businessman with a small firm which moved furniture and had a turnover of 50,000 a month. The reality was that he was arranging tens of millions of pounds worth of drugs to be imported into the UK from Europe and South America, which would have gone on to cause untold misery and significant harm to communities.

She added: 'We were able to build a really detailed picture of this operation through mobile phone analysis, CCTV and other intelligence. Working with the National Crime Agency, Border Force, and law enforcement abroad, we've been able to put the gang behind bars where they will spend many years.'
A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind.
New guidance for schools on dealing with trans pupils could be delayed for months while ministers debate whether to change the law.

Headteachers have urged the Government to issue advice as soon as possible to help teachers navigate the 'minefield' of trans rights in the classroom.

But Rishi Sunak missed his self-imposed deadline for publishing before the school holidays after attorney general Victoria Prentis raised legal concerns.

Whitehall sources told the Mail that the guidance now 'won't come before the autumn' and could be delayed further if the Prime Minister decides legal changes are needed to curb the spread of 'social transitioning' in schools.

The PM said in March that he was 'very concerned' about research suggesting that thousands of schools allow children to self-declare their gender without parental consent.

New guidance for schools on dealing with trans pupils could be delayed for months while ministers debate whether to change the law

He and the Equalities Minister Kemi Badenoch are pushing for much tougher restrictions on 'social transitioning' in the classroom.

But the move has been resisted by the Department for Education.

And Miss Prentis warned the plan would fall foul of Labour's Equality Act because gender reassignment is a 'protected characteristic'.

A Whitehall source said Mr Sunak was ready to change the law if necessary, but wanted to explore 'all options' first, not least because time is running out to pass contentious legislation before next year's general election.

'A change in the law is not impossible,' the source said. 'The PM has strong views on what needs to be done in this area.

'But obviously there are concerns about the legislative timetable so we are stress-testing every possible option. He wants to test out what the limit of the law is in this area before deciding whether or not that is going to be good enough.

'We have got to get this right and if it takes a little time, so be it.'

Education unions warned that further delays would be a disaster for teachers.

And Conservative MPs urged the PM to push ahead with changes to the law if that was the only way to tackle the dangerous 'craze'.

Headteachers have urged the Government to issue advice as soon as possible to help teachers navigate the 'minefield' of trans rights in the classroom. But Rishi Sunak missed his self-imposed deadline for publishing before the school holidays after attorney general Victoria Prentis raised legal concerns

Don Valley MP Nick Fletcher said: 'If we need to change the law to get this sorted out then we should get on and do it.

'This is a social contagion that needs to be stopped.

'If we fail then the victims are going to be these children who start off on a journey by changing their pronouns and then feel that they cannot turn back.

'School needs to be a place where parents can be confident that their children are safe from this stuff.'

Former minister Sir John Hayes, chairman of the Common Sense Group of Conservative MPs, said: 'The Equality Act and the Human Rights Act are part of the long tail of Blairism that is still having a damaging effect on politics and society now.

'Both pieces of legislation need to be seriously reformed or even replaced. The Equality Act was supposed to protect people from harm, but it is now facilitating harm in the classroom so we do need to tackle it.'

Teaching unions warned that the delay would leave staff in limbo again when the new school year begins in September.

Education Secretary Gillian Keegan (pictured) brought forward proposals that would have allowed children to socially transition at secondary school provided they have parental consent. But both the PM and Mrs Badenoch want to adopt a much tougher stance

Paul Whiteman, general secretary at school leaders' union NAHT, said the delay was 'deeply disappointing'.

He added: 'Decisions about how best to support transgender pupils can be complex and sensitive. NAHT has long called for clear government guidance to support schools and pupils, so that leaders are not left to navigate sometimes difficult issues in isolation. The ongoing delays to the publication of the draft guidance are incredibly frustrating and continue to leave schools in a difficult position.'

Social transitioning is the process by which transgender children or adults adopt a name, pronouns, and characteristics, such as clothing and haircuts, that match their new gender identity.

Mr Sunak pledged in March that the guidance would be available before the end of the summer term.

Education Secretary Gillian Keegan brought forward proposals that would have allowed children to socially transition at secondary school provided they have parental consent.

But both the PM and Mrs Badenoch want to adopt a much tougher stance.

Mr Sunak is said to be concerned about the 'long-term implications' of allowing children to socially transition.

Mrs Badenoch is understood to have argued that gender change should require medical approval.

Announcing the initial delay this month, Mrs Keegan said schools should now proceed with 'extreme caution' when dealing with children presenting as trans.

'They should always involve parents in decisions relating to their child, and should not agree to any changes that they are not absolutely confident are in the best interests of that child and their peers,' she said.

She reminded schools of their duty to protect single sex spaces like toilets and to 'maintain safety and fairness in single-sex sport'.
An indigenous transgender woman has slammed Canada's healthcare system for rejecting her euthanasia request despite the pain she endures from a surgically-built vagina.

In social media posts, Lois Cardinal, a self-proclaimed 'sterilized First Nations post-op transsexual' said regret over her medical transition led her to apply for a lethal injection in January.

Cardinal, who lives on a native reserve near St. Paul, Alberta, posted her medical records from the request online this week to draw attention to radical gender ideology.

Her case underscores the perils of Canada's ultra-liberal healthcare system  one of the world's most permissive for both euthanasia and affirming an individual's chosen gender.

'I'm in constant discomfort and pain,' the 35-year-old told DailyMail.com.

In a series of social media posts, Lois Cardinal rails against the transgender ideology that led to her problematic surgery

Cardinal, who goes by Duchess Lois on social media, posted her suicide-request documents online

'It's taking this psychological burden on me. If I'm not able to access proper medical care, I don't want to continue to do this.'

Cardinal underwent a vaginoplasty in 2009, but developed complications and quickly regretted the procedure.

She told DailyMail.com that she feels constant pressure, pain and discomfort now, many years after the original surgery.

The difficult procedure involves inverting the penis into a neo-vagina.

Most recipients suffer pain and discomfort afterward, according to a recent study from the University of Florida.

Pain during intercourse and bladder problems are common.

Neo-vaginas must also be dilated regularly to stop them from collapsing.

On Wednesday, Cardinal posted online the papers of her formal request under Canada's medical assistance in dying (MAiD) law.

In the documents, Cardinal's doctor, who is not identified, cites her underlying problem as 'pain/anxiety related to neo-vagina for gender affirmation.'

In the papers, the doctor said she consulted another clinician and referred Cardinal to a specialist, but ultimately rejected her MAiD request.

'Based on current clinical information and consultations [the patient] does not meet current MAiD criteria,' the doctor wrote.

The unidentified doctor said Cardinal endured 'pain/anxiety' due to the neo-vagina that was built in her transgender surgery

Cardinal was raising money for corrective treatment at a gender clinic in Montreal, the doctor added.

She could be 'reassessed' for MAiD in the future if there is a 'change in clinical status.'

'The patient is aware she can contact me again for her ongoing journey for an assisted death,' added the practitioner.

The doctor said Cardinal was told about the 'means available to relieve' her suffering.

Canada's assisted suicide program is available to adults with a serious and incurable illness, disease, or disability, and who are in an advanced state of irreversible decline.

Cardinal may not be eligible because other treatments could solve her problem.

She said she was later prescribed a 'numbing cream' for her neo-vagina, but that it 'doesn't work.'

Her rejection for MAiD amounted to a 'human rights concern,' she said.

Doctors are more interested in finding out what pronouns she uses than easing her pain, she told DailyMail.com.

'I'm not getting any better and nor am I experiencing better medical care, or any medical care,' Cardinal said.

'It's so captured by gender ideologies, that they care more about my pronouns.'

Unless her referrals to specialists help to ease her pain, she will re-apply for assisted suicide in the coming months, she added.

In other social media posts, Cardinal slams the transgender ideas that led to her to bottom surgery 14 years ago.

In one post, Cardinal burns an LGBTQ+ flag to signal her fears over radical gender ideology

Canada is on track to record some 13,500 doctor-assisted suicides in 2022

In one video, she burns a version of the LGBTQ+ flag.

In others, she appears frustrated and even on the verge of tears.

'I do not agree with the current rhetoric of the trans community,' she says.

'A lot of the so-called trans hate is fuelled by the trans community, because we aren't allowed to have honest and tough conversations.'

She says 'children and vulnerable' Canadians, especially its native population, are 'falling prey to a trend that is medicalized.'

Doctor-assisted suicides and gender-affirming procedures are less controversial in Canada than in the US.

Alex Schadenberg, head of Canada's Euthanasia Prevention Coalition, a campaign group, told DailyMail.com that Cardinal's posts showed 'how crazy Canada's MAiD law has become.'

A 2021 law loosened MAiD rules, making people like Cardinal who were not close to death eligible for deadly jabs, he said.

'Lois was turned down for MAiD, which shows you that some sanity still exists in Canada,' Schadenberg said.

'My concern is that after the federal government expands Canada's euthanasia law to include people with mental health issues in March 2024, people in similar circumstances to Lois may be approved.'

Many Canadians support euthanasia and the campaign group, Dying With Dignity, says procedures are 'driven by compassion, an end to suffering and discrimination and desire for personal autonomy.'

Critics say the country's regulations lack necessary safeguards, devalue the lives of disabled people, and prompt doctors and health workers to suggest the procedure to those who might not otherwise consider it.

The country is on track to record some 13,500 state-sanctioned suicides in 2022, a 34 percent rise on the 10,064 in 2021, according to Schadenberg's analysis of official data.

Alberta is conservative compared to the rest of Canada, but still saw MAiD numbers jump 41 percent to 836 cases last year.
The sisters of a man who slaughtered his parents in a psychotic frenzy today slammed mental health services for failing the family.

James Andrews - known as Duncan Andrews -, 52, stabbed his mother and father more than 100 times at the home they shared after being instructed by 'voices from God', Sheffield Crown Court was told.

But his sisters said he was 'let down' by the authorities for more than a year and they believed parents Bryan, 79, and Mary Andrews, 76, would still be alive if the mental health team had diagnosed and treated him earlier.

They said Andrews was 'failed by the system' and the family were victims of 'broken health and social services.'

Police were called to the family home in Totley, Sheffield, on November 27 last year. Andrews was standing on the stairs 'covered in blood' and holding a knife and said 'I have just killed my mum and dad.'

Duncan Andrews (pictured), 52, stabbed his mother and father more than 100 times at the home they shared after being instructed by 'voices from God', Sheffield Crown Court was told

But his sisters said he was 'let down' by the authorities for more than a year and they believed parents Bryan, 79, and Mary Andrews (pictured), 76, would still be alive if the mental health team had diagnosed and treated him earlier

Andrews stabbed his father nine times and his mother 82 times after 'arguing' with auditory hallucinations.

Prosecutor David Brooke, KC, said he was 'aggressive' and arrested after being Tasered.

Andrews was taken to hospital with a knife wound to his abdomen, suffered when he tried to kill himself after stabbing his parents to death during the night.

The Crown accepted Andrews's guilty plea to manslaughter by diminished responsibility after psychiatrists agreed he was suffering from a serious mental disorder.

Mrs Justice Stacey sentenced him to an indefinite hospital order and imposed a restraining order to further protect family members.

Mr Brooke said he told paramedics he had been hearing voices in his head for 14 months and 'God had told him to do what he had done.'

The court heard Andrews was an epileptic diagnosed aged 9 who had never worked, but volunteered at a farm charity where he told staff seven months before the killings he feared he might harm others.

The court heard that medication for epilepsy could have made him more susceptible to mental health issues.

He was given a mental health assessment at a local hospital on April 29, 2022. Mr Brooke said Andrews admitted having thoughts of 'rape and homicide', particularly towards members of his own family.

The prosecutor said he was initially assessed by the Liaison Psychiatry Team, and then transferred to the Crisis Resolution and Home Treatment Team and he was reviewed 'on an almost daily basis' between May 2-9.

He was 'paranoid' about the TV communicating with him and that 'someone wanted him to harm others.'

Andrews was transferred to a 'crisis team' but was only diagnosed with an 'anxiety disorder,' the court heard.

Mr Brooke said that on April 29 last year, a staff member had documented that Andrews' sister reported that she was 'highly concerned' about him. It was said that despite speaking of 'wanting to harm others' he did not meet criteria and was referred to an emotional wellbeing service.

'It seems there was no contact with secondary mental health services,' Mr Brooke said.

'It is right to say when he was seen by a nurse in custody, he reported that he had been diagnosed with psychotic depression but said in fact he had continued to have ongoing audio hallucinations, generally dark in nature, his assessment with mental health team had not gone well and he got angry and told them the symptoms had gone away as he wanted to have it over.'

There was no further contact with mental health services but he was prescribed an anti-depressant by his GP a month before the killings and was awaiting a psychiatric appointment.

Police were called to the family home in Totley, Sheffield, in November last year. Andrews was standing on the stairs 'covered in blood' and holding a knife and said 'I have just killed my mum and dad'

Mr Brooke said Andrews later admitted 'masking his own symptoms' by telling the mental health team who had assessed him that his symptoms had gone away.

In reality his mental health deteriorated in the run up to the killings, the court was told.

In her statement, Andrews' sister said: 'We weren't made victims on 27th November 2022 - we have been victims of a broken health and social service for at least two years or more.'

Sister Lucy Andrews, a mother-of-three, said in a statement that her parents' tragic deaths has 'made me feel that society is broken.'

'My brother needed help and I feel the system failed to help him when he needed it the most,' she said. 'I and my sister tried for the previous 12 months to get Duncan the help he so desperately needed.

'I genuinely feel that our parents deaths could have been averted and I would still have my parents and my children would still have their loving grandparents.'

She added: 'I hope my brother gets the treatment and support that he needs in order to get better. I hope the time comes when Duncan is better and he can live a normal life as part of society. However, I will always find it difficult to trust Duncan and allow him to have an active part in our lives.'

But she said even when her brother was 'poorly' they could 'never have imagined he was capable of doing anything like this.'

Her sister Sally Andrews, a single mother-of-one, said her close knit family was 'blown apart by what in my opinion should have been dealt with over 12 months ago when we desperately sought help knowing we were out of our depth with our brother's deteriorating mental health.'

She said she was 'serving a life sentence' knowing her parents' deaths were 'distressingly violent and possibly preventable.'

'We have been victims of a broken health and social service for at least two years if not more.'

She said the 'failures' included her brother 'falling between services', remaining on waiting lists, poor liaison with the family and 'no return of calls.'

'We believe this very much contributed to the outcome on that fateful day,' she said.

Family members had for years 'consciously risk-assessed' Andrews' presence in their homes and contact with children.

They coped to the best of their ability as they were 'offered no alternative,' she said.

She criticised the inadequate treatment of the mental health team and the epilepsy team for putting him on new medication four days before the killings that 'induced excitability' when he was 'already known to have psychosis.'

Bryan and Mary Andrews were found dead on November 27 last year in their home in Sheffield

Adding: 'Our family paid the ultimate price, my parents sacrificing their lives so he could get the diagnosis of a serious mental illness, something we had been trying to get them to acknowledge for some time.'

She said there should be an inquiry as her brother was 'so let down' by the authorities.

Commenting that she would always fear he could be a threat.

Mitigating, Bryan Cox said Andrews 'has no wish' to cause his sisters any further anxiety and appreciates the concern they continue to express on his behalf - that he should receive 'appropriate help.' Mr Cox said that Andrews recognises 'he has no wish to be released until he is assured it is safe for him to be at large.'

The barrister added: 'It is plain their concern for his treatment shows considerable grace on their part in the circumstances.'

The judge paid tribute to Mr Andrews, a retired builder, and his former district nurse wife, describing them as a 'wonderful and remarkable couple who led by example and gave joy to everyone they knew and met.

'There are many ways they radiated love and support to all of their children...'

The judge said the Andrews' lives were 'cut short in traumatic circumstances.'

She said: 'You were unable to resist or control the auditory hallucinations, which combined with the complex delusions you were experiencing. You stabbed both your father and mother to death. You then stabbed yourself, acting on what you believed to be God's command.'

The judge added that Andrews was 'supported by devoted parents and family who tried to get help,' but despite that 'the significance of your symptoms were not found. She said he was 'under control from voices in your head' and added that an enquiry is being undertaken.

It was said Andrews 'needs treatment not punishment' before the judge told Andrews he will not be released until any risks can be managed. She also made him the subject of an indefinite restraining order prohibiting him from contacting his niece and nephews.
In a personal statement posted on his LinkedIn page, Kirkpatrick said he was 'deeply disappointed at the denigration' of civil and Defense staff

Sean Kirkpatrick, head of the Pentagon's UFO office, has slammed whistleblowers' testimony at Wednesday's congressional as 'insulting'

Sean Kirkpatrick, director of the Pentagon's newly formed All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO), issued a statement challenging whistleblowers' bombshell testimony on Wednesday

The head of the Pentagon's UFO office has slammed Wednesday's shocking congressional hearing in which three whistleblowers claimed they had firsthand encounters or knowledge about secret government programs involving technology that is 'non-human.'

Sean Kirkpatrick issued a statement Friday denying some of the witnesses' claims  drawing a fiery rebuke from lawmakers.

David Grusch, a former top intelligence official, on Wednesday testified that in his role liaising with Kirkpatrick's office on UFOs he discovered the government was keeping crashed non-human spacecraft secret from the public and, illegally, from Congress.

But in his statement Kirkpatrick called the testimony 'insulting' and claims Grusch was 'never a representative' to his unit, officially called the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO).

The claims directly contradict Grusch's previous description of his government roles, vetted by both the House Oversight Committee and media, that he served as the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency (NGA) lead on UFOs reporting to AARO until April this year.

David Grusch  a former high-ranking intelligence official  was one of three military whistleblowers on Wednesday who testified under oath he spoke to members of secret programs involving technology far surpassing the US's capabilities

Grusch last month claimed he had knowledge about an alien spacecraft that crashed in Northern Italy in 1933 and was later captured by American forces at the end of World War II. Pictured above is an artist's rendering of the saucer

Kirkpatrick, in a personal statement reportedly posted on his LinkedIn page, slammed the hearing, saying he was 'deeply disappointed at the denigration' of civil and Defense staff.

'I cannot let yesterday's hearing pass without sharing how insulting it was to the officers of the Department of Defense and Intelligence Community,' he wrote.

'To be clear, AARO has yet to find any credible evidence to support the allegations of any reverse engineering program for non-human technology.'

Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna, who was instrumental in organizing Wednesday's congressional hearing, ripped into Kirkpatrick for criticizing the hearing's witnesses, including two former Navy pilots who encountered strange objects over the ocean moving in ways that 'defy physics'.

'That's crazy to me that they would even try to discredit them,' the Florida Republican told DailyMail.com in an exclusive interview.

'The fact that Kirkpatrick just tried to discredit the other two witnesses that were legitimate pilots for the military, that had the "Gimbal" and "Tic Tac" videos that were confirmed by DoD is the exact reason why I think people don't trust AARO.

'The evidence was brought forward by multiple veterans who actually had confirmed video footage of the tic tac and gimbal, of advanced technologies that exist,' she added.

'The DoD even admitted it. Like, what are they talking about?'

In November 2004 Fravor encountered a strange tic tac-shaped object while flying his jet in a training exercise off the coast of southern California. Another pilot filmed it on infrared video, a clip which was then leaked to the New York Times in 2017.

Graves had a similar UFO encounter around 2015 off the US east coast, and his fellow pilots got the object, which he described as a cube within a sphere, on video too.

The Department of Defense has authenticated three videos of the objects seen by the pilots David Fravor and Ryan Graves, shot from their fellow pilots' jets, and has not provided an explanation for the accounts of their incredible speed and agility.

The comments from the top DoD official and the lawmaker set the stage for a blazing row that is erupting after the bombshell testimony this week  as Luna vowed to follow Grusch's claims by interviewing more witnesses, issuing subpoenas and demanding documents from the Pentagon.

Ryan Graves, a former pilot, Air Force and intelligence agency veteran David Grusch and Navy veteran fighter pilot Commander David Fravor testified under oath that they had firsthand encounters or knowledge about secret government programs involving technology that is 'non-human'

David Fravor discussed 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

Kirkpatrick's statement said: 'none of the whistleblowers from yesterday's hearing ever worked for AARO or was ever a representative to AARO, contrary to statements made in testimony and in the media.'

A source close to Grusch described his roles to DailyMail.com as first the National Reconnaissance Office representative to the Unidentified Aerial Phenomena Task Force, a previous incarnation of AARO.

Grusch then moved to the NGA as 'co-lead who reported to AARO, and was responsive to AARO tasking,' the source said.

They said proof of his role would be readily available from Grusch's NGA performance report and government emails  though neither have been publicly released yet.

Defense news magazine The Debrief got the first interview with Grusch in June. It reported he 'served as the reconnaissance office's representative to the Unidentified Aerial Phenomena Task Force from 2019-2021.'

The site said that 'from late 2021 to July 2022, he was the NGA's co-lead for UAP analysis and its representative to the task force.'

Grusch also described his role in a televised interview with cable channel NewsNation last month.

Luna said the House Oversight Committee conducted an extensive background check before the hearings that verified his government roles.

'Oversight did and also NewsNation were apparently provided documentation and confirmed it,' she said.

Among Grusch's eye-popping claims at Wednesday's hearing were suggestions the government may have been involved in murder, while covering up its alleged UFO secrets.

Grusch told lawmakers that he was scared for his own life after becoming a whistleblower.

UFO researcher Dean Johnson posted a copy of the statement on Twitter Friday

'Allegations by [hearing] witnesses of retaliation, to include physical assault and hints of murder, are extraordinarily serious, which is why law enforcement is a critical member of the AARO team, specifically to address and take swift action should anyone come forward with such claims,' Kirkpatrick wrote in his statement.

He said testimony would lead viewers to wrongly conclude 'AARO has been ineffective, non-transparent, and delinquent in its legislated mission.'

The UFO office chief said instead his staff 'have been working diligently, tirelessly, and often in the face of harassment and animosity, to satisfy their Congressionally-mandated mission. They are truth-seekers, as am I. But you certainly would not get that impression from yesterday's hearing.'

Kirkpatrick also claimed Grusch 'refused to speak with AARO'. But Grusch testified under oath that he previously met with the AARO boss, told him about the alleged crashed craft cover up, and that Kirkpatrick did not bother to follow up.

UFO researcher Dean Johnson posted a copy of the statement on Twitter Friday, saying he 'received verification directly from Dr. Kirkpatrick that he wrote it' on Thursday.

Kirkpatrick said in the statement it was 'my own personal observations and opinions, which do not necessarily represent official DoD or IC positions.'

DoD spokeswoman Susan Gough told DailyMail.com: The Department is aware of Dr. Kirkpatricks post, which are his personal opinions expressed in his capacity as a private citizen and we wont comment directly on the contents of the post.

We do want to reinforce the Departments unwavering commitment to openness and accountability to the American people and Congress. The dedicated military service members, civilian personnel, and federal contractors who support AAROs efforts are deserving of the full confidence of our lawmakers and the American public.

While much remains to be done to fulfill AAROs mandate, AAROs committed team has made great progress since its establishment only a year ago.

Gough also denied the claims of violence or murder.

The Department has no information that any individual has been harmed or killed as a result of providing information to AARO, she said. Any unsubstantiated claims that individuals have been harmed or killed in the process of providing information to AARO will serve to discourage individuals with relevant information from coming forward to aid in AAROs efforts.
A drug addict who murdered his two-year-old stepdaughter inflicted 'gratuitous violence' on the little girl - as the full 'disturbing' details of the case are revealed after he was jailed for life earlier this year.

Kyle Bevan, 31, a self-confessed 'spice head', launched a savage attack on Lola James in July 2020 after the toddler's mother failed to protect her following months of abuse.

Mother Sinead James, 30, allowed Bevan to move into her squalid home in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, just days after meeting him on Facebook at the start of the Covid pandemic.

Trial judge Mr Justice Griffiths sentenced Bevan to 28 years behind bars following a trial at Swansea Crown Court. Lola's mother was jailed for six years after being found guilty of causing or allowing the youngster's death.

Prior to this, Mr Justice Mostyn had separately considered the case, at private hearings and made findings of fact. Social services bosses at Pembrokeshire County Council had asked Mr Justice Mostyn to make decisions relating to the welfare of other children.

He had overseen a behind-closed-doors trial, in the summer of 2021, at a family court in Swansea. Mr Justice Mostyn's ruling was not made public until criminal proceedings had ended - to prevent jurors being influenced - but it has now been published.

Two-year-old Lola James (pictured) was killed by Kyle Bevan after the toddler's mother failed to protect her following months of abuse

Kyle Bevan, 31, inflicted 'gratuitous' violence on the little girl. Lola's mother Sinead James (right), 30, sentenced to six years

The civil court judge heard how the murderer had 'hair-trigger volatility' and threatened to kill his own mother.

Mr Justice Mostyn, who is based in the Family Division of the High Court in London, said the picture Bevan's mother painted of him was 'truly disturbing'.

The judge concluded that Bevan 'abusively inflicted Lola's injuries' early on Friday July 17 2020, and had previously inflicted 'gratuitous violence' on the little girl.

Lola's mother was asleep when the little girl suffered her injuries which caused her death, Mr Justice Mostyn concluded.

But he said he was satisfied, 'to a level appreciably higher than a balance of probability', that James was aware that Bevan had been abusing Lola, 'yet did nothing' to protect her.

Mr Justice Mostyn also heard how Bevan had threatened to kill his mother, Alison Bevan, who had worked on a nursing ward.

She had described her son's 'hair-trigger volatility' and painted a 'truly disturbing' picture, Mr Justice Mostyn said.

'Alison Bevan explained in disarmingly frank evidence that her son had a history of drug abuse going back to his teenage years,' said Mr Justice Mostyn in a ruling which has now been published online.

Lola, pictured with a muddy face: Her grandmother described the little girl as a 'cheeky monkey and never happier than when wearing her wellies, playing outside, caked in mud'

Photographs of the home showed old takeaway boxes and cigarette buts on a wooden table near Lola's toys

Bevan is believed to have cleaned the bath after putting Lola in it, either to revive her or to clean her after the assault. A child's wet, vomit and blood-stained grey Frozen onesie which she is believed to have been wearing when she was attacked was later found in the corner of the living room. Paramedics arrived to find Lola wet and in clean clothes

Lola was rushed to hospital with the horrific injuries where she remained for four days until her death on July 17 2020

'Alison Bevan explained to me that her son had always had an anger problem with her.

'Fury would erupt when she would not provide him with money or with prescription drugs which he expected her to steal for him from the nursing ward on which she worked.

'This had been going on for years.'

Mr Justice Mostyn added: 'She explained that when he loses his temper there is shouting and screaming, intimidation and loss of control.

'When out of control and raging he had threatened to kill her. 'This had happened on four or five occasions.'

Mr Justice Mostyn went on: 'The picture that she painted of her own son treating her with such contempt and malevolence was truly disturbing.'

Bevan had denied murdering Lola. As Lola lay dying, he tried to blame the family dog for her death and used the little girl's final hours to cover his tracks instead of calling for an ambulance.

Mr Justice Mostyn also heard how Bevan (pictured) had threatened to kill his mother, Alison Bevan, who had worked on a nursing ward

Tributes and toys left outside of the house where Lola James was living in Haverfordwest, Wales, after her death in 2020

James (pictured) was a victim of domestic abuse and had been educated twice on how to spot signs of an abuser, but she chose to prioritise her relationship with Bevan over her child's safety, the court heard previously

He filmed disturbing pictures and videos of Lola, showing marks on her back and swelling and bruising to her head, eyes and lips. One doctor who examined Lola said she was 'the most battered and bruised child' she had ever seen during her long career.

Judges heard that Bevan had moved in soon after connecting with James on Facebook. Lola was killed months later.

Mr Justice Mostyn said: 'By any objective standards the formation of her relationship with Mr Bevan on 18 February 2020, moving from being strangers to cohabitants in the space of a few hours, is almost impossible to comprehend.

'It does demonstrate an extreme neediness on the part of the mother and a readiness to surrender basic responsibility in order to fill her needs.'

Throughout the sentencing hearing at Swansea Crown Court Bevan remained expressionless and showed no emotion as he was jailed for life for murdering little Lola.

Mr Justice Mostyn said James had been assessed as having a low IQ.

Lola joined a harrowing rollcall of children - including Finley Boden, Star Hobson, Arthur Labinjo-Hughes and Logan Mwangi - who were left alone to die at the hands of their killer parents during lockdown.
Two men have been found guilty of smuggling migrants into the UK in lorries following an investigation by the National Crime Agency in 2021.

Najib Khan, 38 from Ilford, was found guilty of three charges of conspiring to facilitate a breach of immigration law.

His co-conspirator, Waqas Ikram, 40 from Dagenham, pleaded guilty to three charges of conspiring to facilitate a breach of immigration law.

The latter was caught in March 2021 attempting to break into a HGV to be loaded with migrants at South Mimms service station, Hertfordshire.

The seizure of Ikram's phone revealed conversations with Khan and a wider smuggling network, charging migrants - including minors - up to 7,000 to be brought to the UK illegally.

They will be sentenced on October 30.

Najib Khan was found guilty of three charges of conspiring to facilitate a breach of immigration law

Waqas Ikram from Dagenham pleaded guilty to three charges of conspiring to facilitate a breach of immigration law

After Ikram's arrest in 2021, police were also able to catch the smuggling ring's leader, Md Mokter Hossain.

Hossain was jailed for ten years for transporting migrants across the Channel.

Ikram's phone conversations revealed three planned smuggling attempts, two of which were prevented by border agents.

The intercepted operations revealed minors smuggled in horrifying conditions, likely struggling to breathe in the intense heat and confinement.

The National Crime Agency's branch commander Andy Noyes said: 'Ikram and Khan had no regard for the safety and security of those they were transporting.

'They were only interested in making money from them.

'In at least one case it was only the fact that the migrants were discovered by border agents that prevented them being left in what could have been an incredibly dangerous, and potential fatal, situation.

'They then moved their attentions to obtaining boats, but fortunately we were able to stop them before their plans progressed.

'Tackling people smuggling is a priority for the NCA, and we are determined to do all we can to disrupt and dismantle the organised crime groups involved.'

A lorry used to transport smuggled migrants. Border agents were able to intercept two of three planned crossings

View shows the interior of a trailed used to smuggle migrants, subject to terrible conditions

Khan and Ikram were revealed to have bought a rigid hull inflatable boat to transport migrants across the Channel.

Ikram attended a course to learn how to pilot a powerboat in June 2020.

In July, the pair were encountered by Border Force off the coast of Suffolk in their RHIB.

They told officers they were scouting for scuba diving sites, and returned to Walton-on-the-Naze.

Ikram was ultimately arrested by the NCA in 2021, and both he and Khan were charged with three counts of conspiring to facilitate illegal immigration.
President Donald Trump's legal woes are deepening while his number one rival for the Republican 2024 nomination Ron DeSantis is trying to reset his faltering campaign.

On Friday night they will appear at the same campaign event in Iowa for the first time in a high stakes showdown.

They will join 11 other Republican candidates in Des Moines for the state party's Lincoln Dinner.

It is a rare appearance for Trump alongside the rest of the field in a state where his rivals are desperate to land a blow on the clear frontrunner.

With Iowa's first-in-the-nation caucuses less than six months away, it is a gilt-edged opportunity to impress the 1,200 G.O.P. members and activists who will attend.

Former President Donald Trump will appear at the same campaign event in Iowa as Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for the first time on Friday evening

'President Trump is a strong supporter of Chairman Kaufmann and the Iowa GOP, having worked hand-in-hand to bring new voters into the Party and make Iowa a Red State,' said Trump adviser Jason Miller, referring to the leader of the state Republican Party.

'When the opportunity came up to speak at their dinner, President Trump of course said yes.'

Trump has avoided sharing a stage with other candidates elsewhere, and has signaled that he will avoid the first debate next month.

The fact that he is making an exception reflects the importance of the state. Many in the field are running an Iowa-or-bust strategy, gambling on a good early showing to stay in the race.

Polls show Trump far out ahead with DeSantis unable to rein in his lead. A Fox Business poll at the weekend found that he had the backing of 46 percent of likely caucus goers, 30 points ahead of the Florida governor.

However, the former president may have opened the door to his rivals by attacking the state's governor, Kim Reynolds, who is popular with Republicans.

She has pledged to remain neutral during the nominating battle, much to Trump's fury.

At the same time, his legal woes are only mounting with fresh charges in the classified documents case lodged on the eve of the dinner.

Sen. Tim Scott and tech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy have both seen their stock rise in early campaigning, and both have tried to avoid criticizing frontrunner Trump

Former Vice President Mike Pence and former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley both need to start gaining ground if they are not to become early casualties of the race

Not that it makes much difference to Republicans in Iowa, said Steve Meimann, who attended a town hall event held by Tim Scott on Thursday evening.

'This may sound funny, but if you're in the lead after all this, what he's had to go through ... no,' he said.

Sue Vande Kamp, 73, a retired county recorder, added: 'They've been after him ever since he came down that escalator,' referring to Trump's campaign launch event in 2015.

Even Scott himself steered clear of suggesting he might profit from Trump's legal problems when directly asked after the town hall.

'Well, I'm running for president so I'm hoping that the caucus goers are gonna go caucus for me. So my hope is that I will be the nominee of this party,' he said in Ankeny, just outside Des Moines, before pivoting to echo Trump's cries of witch hunt.

'At the end of the day we all should be very concerned about is the weaponization of the Department of Justice.'

Sen. Tim Scott's background as an evangelical Christian is resonating with Republicans in Iowa

His stock is on the rise. Scott, the only black Republican senator, has made much of his life story and a message of hope, while remaining vague on policy and being careful to align himself with Trump.

That has seen his numbers rise in national polls and in early primary states. A poll for DailyMail.com published on Sunday showed that he is now tied for third place in New Hampshire on eight percent.

DeSantis is another candidate who has been careful not to criticize Trump for his legal mess.

On Friday, during a campaign stop in Albia he sidestepped a chance to pummel the frontrunner.

'I'm not a legal analyst,' he said.

His campaign is reshaping itself to be a leaner operation, running as an insurgent outfit after fundraising reports revealed it was burning through cash.

Our new poll shows the state of the Republican primary race in New Hampshire. The leading two candidates have seen their support share shrink as others have gained momentum

When primary voters were asked what their greatest hesitation was about voting for DeSantis, their responses centered on the idea that he was not Trump. Others questioned his experience

More than a third of its staff has been cut and he appears to be relying more on a well-funded Super PAC, Never Back Down.

On Thursday and Friday he toured Iowa on its bus.

But he promised to do everything he could to win Iowa.

'We're on a mission to accumulate the majority of delegates and we think Iowa is important for that,' he said.

'And we're gonna spend a lot of time in New Hampshire after this trip, and we've been in South Carolina recently. We're going to continue to do that.

'We're going to continue to work hard, you have to earn it person by person.'

Trump, in contrast, has not spent days and days in Iowa shaking hands at small town hall events.
A sinking cargo ship carrying more than 3,700 cars is still burning at sea two days after a fire - which was allegedly caused by an electric car - broke out and killed one crew member.

Salvage crews dealing with the ship off the Dutch coast have boarded the vessel for the first time as heat, flames and smoke eased.

'In the course of the morning, after measurements by the recovery companies, it turned out that the temperature on board the Fremantle Highway had dropped sharply,' the Netherlands' coastguard said.

Salvage workers boarded the ship on which the fire 'is still raging but decreasing', while the smoke was also decreasing.

The workers established 'a new more robust towing connection', the agency added. 'This makes it easier to move the ship and keep it under control.'

Salvage crews dealing with the ship off the Dutch coast have boarded the vessel for the first time as heat, flames and smoke eased

The fire 'is still raging but decreasing', while the smoke was also decreasing, the coastguard said today

Government officials are now 'looking at various scenarios to determine the next steps', the coastguard said.

One crew member died and others were injured after the blaze started.

The entire crew was evacuated from the ship in the early hours of Wednesday, with some leaping into the sea and being picked up by a lifeboat.

The cause of the fire has not been established.

The Fremantle Highway was 14 miles north of the island of Terschelling on Friday afternoon, close to busy North Sea shipping lanes and an internationally renowned migratory bird habitat.

K Line, the company that chartered the ship, said on Friday that it was carrying far more electric vehicles than initially reported by the coastguard.

Company spokesman Pat Adamson said the ship was carrying a total of 3,783 new vehicles, including 498 electric vehicles.

The coastguard, citing an early freight list, had said it was carrying 2,857 cars, including 25 electric cars.

The US National Transportation Safety Board has warned about the possible dangers of electric vehicle battery fires, a hazard that stems from thermal runaway, a chemical reaction that causes uncontrolled battery temperature and pressure increases.

Smoke was seen from a freight ship in the North Sea, about 17 miles north of the Dutch island of Ameland, on Wednesday afternoon

Ships were pictured alongside the freighter hosing down its sides in an attempt to cool them

At least one crew member died and several others were injured after the fire on the car carrier ship off the Dutch coast early Wednesday, the coastguard said

The burning vessel was close to the shallow Wadden Sea, a World Heritage-listed area that is considered one of the world's most significant habitats for migratory birds.

It is also close to the Netherlands' border with Germany, whose environment minister, Steffi Lemke, said on Thursday that if the ship were to sink, it 'could turn into an environmental catastrophe of unknown proportions'.

And earlier this month, two firefighters died in the US after getting trapped while battling a huge blaze of a cargo ship carrying 5,000 cars to Port Newark.

Responding to the initial blaze, firefighters found five to seven vehicles already on fire when they reached the 10th floor of the cargo ship on July 5.

The blaze quickly extended to the 11th and 12th floors, and as firefighters were pushed back by the intense heat, two of them were lost.
Bud Light's flatlining reputation has seen the once-favorite beer in America banished entirely from a bar in Buffalo, New York - because 'no one' is buying it.

Hilarious footage captured the moment the watering hole gave up with the brand, as a bartender untwisted the formerly iconic blue logo tap and replaced it with Miller Lite.

'My local bar finally gave up and is removing Bud Light completely from the bar permanently,' said YouTube personality and podcaster Daniel Keem, who posted the video to social media.

The clip, which has been viewed almost nine million times in two days, sees Keem laughing hysterically as he celebrates how 'Bud Light is so boycotted that it's being removed.'

'Holy s*** that's crazy,' he added, questioning the bartender: 'Literally nobody is ordering Bud anymore?' to which she responds: 'No.'

The move comes after the beer giant's disastrous collaboration with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney in April, which sparked a financially devastating boycott that has seen parent-company Anheuser-Busch lose $27 billion in market cap.

My local bar finally gave up & is removing Bud Light completely from the bar permanently. pic.twitter.com/8LjJK8M6Lu  KEEM  (@KEEMSTAR) July 27, 2023

Viral footage captured the moment Bud Light, once the most popular beer brand in America, was removed from a bar in Buffalo, New York

The bartender was questioned over the decision to remove Bud Light from the menu, answering 'no' when asked of 'literally nobody is ordering Bud anymore?'

Notably, the bartender opted to swap the Bud Light tap with Miller Lite, which is owned by Anheuser-Busch rival Molson Coors.

While anecdotal, the footage is telling over the dramatic fallout from the Dylan Mulvaney marketing, as the once-beloved Bud Light has lost its top spot as America's favorite beer.

While Modelo snatched the title almost two months ago, other competitors such as Peroni, Coors and Blue Moon, owned by Molson Coors, have also benefited.

When the company overtook Bud Light, the falling brand saw a 22.8 percent fall in sales compared the same time the year before, in the four weeks ending May 28.

It was the first time Bud Light wasn't the best-selling beer in the country since 2001.

The abysmal sales have since stretched through the summer, leading parent-company Anheuser-Busch to begin plans to lay off hundreds of employees to counter their plummeting bottom line.

The company announced its decision to lay off about 2 percent of its US workforce in a statement released by Anheuser-Busch CEO Brendan Whitworth Wednesday.

'Today we took the very difficult but necessary decision to eliminate a number of positions across our corporate organization,' Whitworth said.

'While we never take these decisions lightly, we want to ensure that our organization continues to be set for future long-term success.'

Workers who are laid off will receive severance pay, paid out of their unused vacation time, receive six months of continued company-paid health insurance benefits and help finding a new job, according to an email sent to employees Wednesday.

The restructuring 'will simplify and reduce layers within its organization,' a spokesperson said.

But, the layoffs will not affect frontline workers, such as 'brewery and warehouse staff, drivers, and field sales reps among others.'

Transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney, 26, sparked a nationwide boycott of Bud Light after her marketing collaboration with the beer giant in April

Mulvaney shared a series of promotional posts with Bud Light beer cans with her face on it to celebrate her '365 days of girlhood' on April 1

Mulvaney's disastrous advertising campaign saw her share a series of promotional posts with Bud Light cans, including a clip of her drinking a beer in the bath.

Bud Light also rolled out a limited-edition series of cans with Mulvaney's face on them to celebrate her '365 days of girlhood'.

Mulvaney on Thursday released a defiant video celebrating her '500 days of being a girl', which she dedicated to her younger self who didn't get to celebrate so many awesome discoveries'.

Mulvaney worked with Bud Light in April as part of their March Madness campaign and was gifted a can of the light beer with her face on it  which sparked outrage

She shared a clip with her 11 million TikTok followers on Wednesday, in which she insisted she has always been a woman and highlighted that she knew she was transgender aged four.

In a seven-minute clip filmed on a trip in Paris, Mulvaney said: '[Day] 500 is dedicated to my younger self who didnt get to celebrate so many awesome discoveries because I was just hoping to get by.

'Today is actually day 9,705 of being a woman, because Ive always been one.'

She did not mention the intense backlash following the partnership with Bud Light but said she 'learned more since day 365 than I did that whole first year'.

'If I make the content that I want to make, and freely share my trans joy, I subject myself to a lot more trauma,' she added.

'So lately, Ive chosen to scale back in order to protect my overall well-being, and it works.

'I am quite happy, but Im not doing what I love, so its kind of a bittersweet thing.'
The head of a woman who was buried at a Brazilian cemetery is missing after her tomb was broken into in what Brazilian authorities believe may have been a witchcraft ritual.

Sabrina Tavares, 31, was laid to rest in August 2022 after she was shot dead by her former brother-in-law.

According to news outlet G1, the Civil Police discovered that in place of Tavares' head, the thieves had left behind a bowl along with bottles and papers.

The shocking incident took place in March at a cemetery in Nova Iguacu - about an hour north of Rio de Janeiro.

An official reported the tomb's vandalism to the police March 17 and said that there were no suspicious activities the day before the incident.

Sabrina Tavares was allegedly shot dead by her former brother-in-law at her home in Nova Iguacu, Brazil, on August 11, 2022. In March, vandals broke into a cemetery, destroyed her concrete tomb and removed her coffin's lid before they detached her head from the corpse. The Civil Police believes the incident may have been part of a religious ritual

The coffin where Sabrina Tavares' corpse was placed in was broken by vandals who then removed her head as part of what police say was a witchcraft ritual

The cemetery reported the destruction of the tomb March 17 and said that there were no suspicious movements at the site the day before the incident

A police official inspected the concrete burial site and found that the 'concrete cover was broken by blunt action.'

The investigator's also report indicated that the wooden coffin's lid had also been broken and confirmed that the woman's head had been detached.

Tavares' family was not made aware of the tomb's destruction until April 11 when her father Jorge Gomes, 52, visited the site to clean it and leave some flowers, before a worker instructed him to meet with management.

'They said that the tomb had been broken into and that I had to wait for a report (from the Civil Police) to be ready to find out what happened,' Gomes said.

Police took 40 days to tell the family that Tavares' head had been detached by individuals looking to perform a religious ritual.

'I want them [the police] to give me an answer. To do something about it,' Gomes said. 'You bury someone and they do this? My daughter had been dead for eight months and they did this. It's a horrible thing.'

Sabrina Tavares was gunned down August 11, 2022 at her home in Nova Iguacu, about an hour north of Rio de Janeiro. Her alleged killer, her former brother-in-law , Matheus da Silva, was released from jail by a judge July 20 to allow him to defend himself without being locked in a cell. The judge based their decision on da Silva being 'a first-time (defendant) with a good record, having a fixed address and lawful work, not showing a risk to public order

Tavares was allegedly shot by her former brother-in-law, Matheus da Silva, who was upset she got to keep the house that once belonged to his brother, a former police officer, Cristiano da Silva, who was murdered in 2016.

Matheus Da Silva also didn't accept that Tavares was living in the home with her new partner and that she was awarded his brother's pension. He entered the bedroom while she was sleeping and shot her six times and also opened fire on her mother, Fatima de Azevedo, on August 11, 2011.

Azevedo survived from a gunshot wound to the leg and pretended to be dead by lying on top of her. Tavares' two-year-old goddaughter, who was also in the room, was not harmed.

Matheus Da Silva was released from jail July 20 pending the start of his trial after a judge considered he was 'a first-time (defendant) with a good record, having a fixed address and lawful work, not showing a risk to public order.'

Civil Police chief Jose Salomao doesn't believe that the removal of Tavares' head is linked to an act of vengeance.

'Evidence points out that it is not a message for the family, but a religious ritual due to the time (of Sabrina's murder),' Salomao. 'And those who commit this type of crime believe that they will not be discovered.'
The stench of jet fumes and a looming worry of government shutdown permeated the air in the nation's capital Thursday evening as lawmakers skipped town for an extended recess with only one chamber passing one of 12 yearly spending bills.

The House will not return to Washington until September 12 - at which point there will only be 12 days of session before the end of the fiscal year on September 30. The Senate returns a week earlier.

Congress must use that handful of days to push through 12 appropriations bills - which refill the budgets for every federal agency.

The House has passed one appropriations bill, 11 to go, and the Senate has passed none.

On Thursday the House passed the $317.4 billion Military Construction-VA bill, typically the least controversial of the 12 spending measures, a bill that provides funding for veterans' benefits and military construction. Democrats opposed the bill - saying Republicans had loaded it up with extremist amendments.

House GOP leaders scrapped plans to hold a floor vote for a $25.3 billion Agriculture bill after the party's far-right faction demanded deeper spending cuts.

If the House and Senate do not come together in agreement on 12 separate spending bills to pass - a longshot outcome at best - the nation could head for a government shutdown.

The stench of jet fumes and a looming worry of government shutdown permeated the air in the nation's capital Thursday evening as lawmakers skipped town for an extended recess with only one chamber passing only one of 12 yearly spending bills

It's looking less likely that the House alone will even pass 12 separate spending bills in 12 days. Even if it did, those bills would likely come in billions below the levels of the Senate's spending bills.

Congress could also pass an over-arching omnibus bill, which jams all spending priorities into one vote, or a short-term continuing resolution - which would keep spending at fiscal 2023 levels for a set period and buy more time to work out disagreements.

If January 1 approaches without a year-long spending deal, one percent cuts across the board - including military and veterans' spending - will kick in.

Conservatives have promised to use the appropriations bills to advance their agendas by targeting further cuts. In one example, House Republicans' Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies funding bill for 2024 would cut the FBI budget by $1 billion - a 9 percent cut to the agency they claim 'weaponizes' against conservatives.

The House and Senate must rectify their differences on 12 yearly spending bills or come up with an alternative option to avoid a government shutdown

Some members of the far-right Freedom Caucus insisted they were not afraid of a shutdown - and demanded a return to fiscal 2022 spending levels below those agreed to in the debt ceiling deal.

They said they would not accept spending cuts through 'rescissions' - as some had hoped to cut spending to make up the $115 billion difference between 2022 and 2023 by clawing back unspent funds like Covid-19 aid.

'We should not fear a government shutdown,' Republican Rep. Bob Good told reporters this week. 'Most of what we do here is bad anyway.'

Rep. Andy Biggs also said he does not fear a shutdown.

'The House is gonna say no, we're gonna pass a good Republican bill out of the House and force the Senate and the White House to accept it, or we're not going to move forward,' Biggs said. 'What would happen if Republicans for once stared down the Democrats and were the ones who refuse to cave and to betray the American people and the trust they put in us when they gave the majority? So we don't fear a government shutdown.'

But Biggs, for one, predicted there would not be a shutdown.

'I don't believe that you're looking at a gov shutdown,' the Arizona Republican told reporters.

'You'll see some of the 12 approps bills come out in what we call a minibus, and then you'll see a short-term continuing resolution.'

Meanwhile, the House and Senate have passed their own versions of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) - the yearly must-pass spending bill that funds the Pentagon. Now they will have to reconcile their differences and pass a consensus version to send to the president's desk.

The House version included controversial amendments that restrict abortion and transgender health care access - measures that caused the typically bipartisan legislation to lose Democratic support.

Speaker Kevin McCarthy and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer met Thursday to discuss the prospects of compromise on spending measures and other priorities.

'I thought our conversations about appropriations were very good,' said the speaker. 'Neither of us want to shut the government down.'
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis avoided attacking former President Donald Trump over the blockbuster claims that he ordered Mar-a-Lago's server wiped telling DailyMail.com Friday that he's 'not a legal commentator.'

DeSantis was headlining a two-day bus tour through Iowa as a way to revamp his struggling presidential campaign, with Trump still, on average, 34 points ahead of the Florida governor.

Asked to react to Special Counsel Jack Smith filing a superseding indictment against Trump and an additional Trump employee, which alleged the ex-president asked an aide to delete surveillance footage to wipe evidence that could be used in the classified documents investigation, DeSantis said it was 'in the past.'

'Well, we have - we have engaged when, when appropriate,' DeSantis told DailyMail.com, when pressed why he wouldn't touch Trump, who he'll have to beat in the GOP primary if he wants to be president.

'Me litigating - I'm not a legal commentator - me litigating that,' he said of the indictment news.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is on a bus tour through Iowa this week as he 'reboots' his campaign. He's taking plenty of swings at President Joe Biden and his family - but won't touch former President Donald Trump's increasing legal turmoil

DeSantis then pointed out several instances when he went on the attack against Trump.

'There have been issues where, you know, he attacked me for voting against an amnesty that he was proposing when he was president. I oppose the amnesty, he tried to do a two million person amnesty,' DeSantis said.

The Florida governor was referring to a compromise the Trump administration floated in 2018.

The Trump White House would allow a path to citizenship for 1.8 million so-called Dreamers, in exchange for Democrats signing up for more restrictions on legal immigration and $25 million in funding to beef up border security - i.e., the wall.

The policy never came to fruition.

'He promised to eliminate the national debt when he ran for president,' DeSantis also said. 'He added almost $8 trillion to the national debt.'

DeSantis also pointed to Trump's COVID policies.

'We've been very clear on the disagreements we've had about bureaucrats like Dr. Fauci,' he said. 'He elevated Fauci, he left him in there, he didn't fire him. I would have done just the opposite.'

'So those are things I think are important for our voters to take a look at,' the 2024 hopeful pressed.

At his events in Iowa, DeSantis took on President Joe Biden and his family, instead of Republican competition.

'When I'm president we are not going to allow any cocaine in the White House,' he exclaimed as he took the stage at at the Revelton Distilling Co. in Osceola Thursday night.

He made the same proclamation Friday at Smokey Row Coffee in Oskaloosa.

While there was no evidence that the cocaine found near the Situation Room belonged to Biden's troubled son Hunter, a recovering crack addict, DeSantis connected it to the first son by immediately referencing his own children.

'I do have to say, I have a 6, a 5 and a 3-year-old that my wife and I chase around the governor's mansion in Tallahassee and so I can't necessarily promise there won't be problems in the White House with them,' he said. 'But that's just like marking on the wall. I've got the magic eraser. We can take care of that.'

The Florida goveror took another swing at Biden's messy family while talking about how parents need to be the ones to make key decisions about their children's curriculum.

'Wait a minute, who are you to decide that they're your kids?' he said of Biden. 'And first of all, this is a guy who hasn't even visited his granddaugther in Arkansas.'

DeSantis referenced the White House cocaine - despite there being no evidence it belonged to Hunter Biden (left) - and mocked President Joe Biden (right) for never visiting his seventh grandchild in Arkansas

The president hasn't acknowledged his seventh grandchild, the product of a relationship with Arkansas woman Lunden Roberts and Hunter, when the first son was at the height of his addiction.

DeSantis mentioned Hunter Biden again, when refuting the idea that he was banning books in Florida.

'In Florida, you can get every book you want ... if you want to look at adult material don't jam it into somebody's fifth grade classroom, go look at Hunter's laptop for all I care,' DeSantis said to laughs.

As part of trying to make a name for himself as an anti-woke crusader, DeSantis has spoken out against 'Critical Race Theory' and what he calls 'gender ideology,' the latter of which liberals argue teaches children that it's OK to be gay or transgender.

He spoke out against transgender men during his campaign event in Oskaloosa as well.

'Don't tell me a man can get pregnant and expect me to believe that, because I will not, because it is not true,' he said.

On Thursday night, DeSantis again talked about the importance of there being a 'single standard of justice in this country.'

'You know, if Hunter Biden were a Republican he'd probably be in jail three years ago and yet now he's trying to get a sweetheart plea deal. But this judge actually stood up against that, which I was surprised about,' he said, referencing Wednesday's federal court hearing in Delaware, in which the first son's plea deal was put on hold.

Lunden Roberts (pictured, right) has a daughter with Hunter Biden, who was conceived during the first son's period of addiction

Lunden Roberts is pictured with her daughter she had with first son Hunter Biden

DeSantis' Thursday evening comments came after there was a major twist in Trump's legal woes.

While the country awaited an expected third indictment of the former president - this time on charges related to election interference and January 6 - Special Counsel Jack Smith piled additional charges into the 32-count indictment related to Trump's mishandling of classified documents.

The new superseding indictment indicates that federal prosecutors have found evidence that Trump, 'the boss,' told aides to 'wipe' security footage from Mar-a-Lago's servers.

It was a startling claim after Trump has continued to go after former Democratic rival Hillary Clinton over her own wiping - or 'acid-wash'-ing - of her private email server before turning emails over to the feds.

In Osceola, DeSantis took questions from potential Iowa voters, but didn't engage with the press.

Earlier when talking to reporters, he rebuffed a question about Trump's potential forthcoming third indictment.

Speaking to The Messenger in Lamoni, Iowa, DeSantis said he didn't want to discuss Trump's cases and said it was better to focus on 'what's going to happen going forward.'

'That is not on the front of voters' minds,' the Florida governor said. 'So I don't really talk about it, because I'm trying to focus on things that they actually care about.'

During Thursday night's town hall, DeSantis fielded questions from attendees on artificial intelligence, said he'd roll back electric cars - to appease Iowa's ethanol-friendly crowd - and how he, as president, would work across the aisle.

For the last one he pointed to raising teachers' salaries in Florida and working on environmental restoration projects like he had as governor in the Everglades.

He also indicated he'd be open to one suggestion from the crowd - making Iowa's Gov. Kim Reynolds a running mate.

'Make her No. 2!' yelled a male crowd member, when Reynolds' name was mentioned.

'You guys think she would be a good No. 2?' DeSantis said smiling.

DeSantis Iowa bus tour - sponsored by his related PAC, 'Never Back Down' - comes after he slimmed down his campaign, axing 38 campaign staffers as the $20 million raised in just six weeks was being quickly spent.

Portrayed as awkward on the stump, DeSantis is trying to engage in more traditional Iowa politicking, to see if he can finally make some progress in eating away Trump's dominant lead in a state that will likely make-or-break the 44-year-old's presidential campaign.
A Clemson student died in 2014 after falling into a river in a 'hazing incident'

It is the second time the fraternity has been found in breach of university rules

A fraternity has been suspended for four years after a probe found that they were hazing pledges of this year.

Alpha Gamma Rho is blacklisted until 2027 after an investigation found that they forced new members to undergo 'line-ups and ice water baths' which inflicted 'bodily harm'.

Clemson University, in South Carolina, confirmed that an 'independent' probe found that the hazing took place in April, with one new member suffering from a 'chemical burn'  which was from a 'salt-like material'.

In a letter, the University accused the chapter of also making new members suffer sleep deprivation and personal servitude.

The fraternity was found to have breached the Tucker Hipps Transparency Act, which was put in place after a student died as a result of hazing at the university in 2014.

Alpha Gamma Rho is blacklisted until 2027 after an investigation found that they forced new members to undergo 'line-ups and ice water baths' which inflicted 'bodily harm'

The Act was established after Tucker Hipps, 19, was found dead in a lake after going missing on a Beta Chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity pledge run at 5am

Organizational conduct cases are required to be published under South Carolina's Tucker Hipps Transparency Act  with violations including include alcohol, drugs, sexual assault, physical assault and hazing.

Reports are required to be listed on institutional websites for a period of four years, with a record for AGR showing they have one prior offense in 2014.

The Act was established after Tucker Hipps, 19, was found dead in a lake after going missing on a Beta Chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity pledge run at 5am.

His family has offered a reward of $100,000 for any information in what led to his death, with his fraternity brothers not reporting him missing until 1,.55pm  seven hours after they started the run.

The Tucker W. Hipps Memorial Foundation claims that he was forced to walk on the railings of a bridge as a 'punishment' for forgetting to bring biscuits. The case into his death remains open.

A letter from the University to the fraternity chapter, obtained by The Tiger, revealed that AGR's hazing rituals included line-ups, which are military-style assemblies of pledges that sometimes include intimidation or forms of physical abuse.

AGR was initially suspended pending the investigation, meaning they were not permitted to hold any organized activities, recruit new members, or participate in official university activities.

A Clemson spokesperson said in a statement: 'AGR was placed on interim suspension while an independent investigation into hazing allegations took place.

The Tucker W. Hipps Memorial Foundation claims that he was forced to walk on the railings of a bridge as a 'punishment' for forgetting to bring biscuits. The case into his death remains open

'The investigation confirmed the allegations, and the Office of Community and Ethical Standards issued a chapter suspension for a period of four years. AGR accepted responsibility and mutually agreed to the sanction.

'The University takes all allegations of hazing within student organizations very seriously and students are expected to uphold high standards of behavior.

'The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life works with chapters on an annual basis to deliver anti-hazing awareness and training resources as part of the member education process.'

The university stated Alpha Gamma Rho accepted responsibility for violating the Clemson University Code of Conduct.

Executive Vice President of Clemson's Interfraternity Council said: 'We do not condone violations of the university's student code of conduct or our council's hazing policies.

'We will continue to educate our community about the dangers and repercussions of hazing.'
A group of companies, including British transport group Mobico, plans to launch a high-speed train service to rival Eurostar, also using the Channel Tunnel.

The new service between Paris and London could start in 2025 under the name Evolyn, with Spain's Cosmen family reportedly involved in talks to order trains from Alstom, a French manufacturer.

'There has been discussions in a group of industry parties,' a source close to the matter told AFP, confirming information first reported by the Financial Times.

Since the 1994 launch of the line, several companies have announced intentions to compete with Eurostar, a 55 percent subsidiary of French national railway operator SNCF.

They include the German company Deutsche Bahn a decade ago, but none have materialised.

A Eurostar train stands at the platform at Gare du Nord on January 22, 2021 in Paris, France

Buffeted by Brexit and Covid, Eurostar almost went bankrupt in 2021 and recently pointed to a 'bottleneck' caused by Brexit-related controls at the border.

But the Getlink group, which operates the tunnel under the Channel, 'has always had the ambition to have more high-speed traffic through the tunnel', whether incumbents or new entrants, a spokesperson told AFP.

The tunnel has the potential to at least double its current passenger traffic, the spokesperson added.

'We have a certain number of interested parties talking to us on a regular basis,' they noted.

Renfe, the Spanish national rail operator, had indicated in 2021 its aim to launch a high-speed train between Paris and London.

And Getlink said last year it planned to buy high-speed trains to lease to rail companies interested in competing with Eurostar.

The high-speed line between Paris and London allows connections between the capitals in two hours and 15 minutes through the Channel Tunnel.

Mobico - formerly National Express - declined to comment when contacted by AFP.
A former Greater Manchester Police detective has been found guilty of raping a 12-year-old child.

Paedophile Stephen Hardy, 46, was found guilty of rape, sexual assault and causing a child to engage in sexual activity between December 2012 and June 2020.

Hardy, who will be sentenced on September 11, always denied 20 charges of the 'sickening' sexual abuse', Liverpool Crown Court heard.

Jo Palmiero, senior crown prosecutor for CPS North West's rape and serious sexual abuse unit, said Hardy was in a position of trust, and manipulated his victim.

She said: 'Stephen Hardy gained the trust of the child before subjecting them to sickening sexual abuse, with no thought for the lasting damage his abuse would cause.

Paedophile Stephen Hardy (pictured), 46, was found guilty of rape, sexual assault and causing a child to engage in sexual activity between December 2012 and June 2020

Hardy, who will be sentenced on September 11, always denied 20 charges of the 'sickening' sexual abuse', Liverpool Crown Court (pictured) heard

'Hardy was a police officer, in a position of trust, who manipulated and controlled his victim.'

Detective Sergeant Abigail Thomas of Greater Manchester Police's Major Incident Team, who led the investigation into Hardy, added: 'Stephen Hardy has been exposed as a manipulative individual who committed abhorrent offences over a significant period of time. His behaviour and actions go against everything we stand for within policing.

'Tackling violence against women and girls is one of the Force's top priorities, and anyone found within the organisation to be abusing their position to harm others can expect to face the consequences.

'I hope this investigation and sentencing reassures the public that we do treat allegations of this nature extremely seriously and will not shy away from pursuing criminal charges against officers if they are deemed to have acted unlawfully.

'I commend those who have assisted with our investigation and would like to encourage anyone else who has either been a victim, or who has witnessed or is aware of sexual abuse or criminal activity taking place to come forward and speak to us so we can take action.'
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has agreed to settle a lawsuit filed by a former graduate student, after the school hit her with a 'no contact' order barring communication with classmates who objected to her conservative views.

Maggie R. DeJong was a grad student in art therapy when, according to a suit she filed last year, SIUE used the 'no contact' order to muzzle her speech and effectively ban her from classes.

The lawsuit alleged that the publicly funded school's Director of Art Therapy Megan A. Robb encouraged three of DeJong's classmates to report her Christian and conservative views to administrators as 'harmful,' resulting in the ban.

As part of a settlement reached on Wednesday, SIUE agreed to pay $80,000 and require three professors to attend a First Amendment training session, according to legal group Alliance Defending Freedom, which represented DeJong.

'Public universities can't punish students for expressing their political and religious viewpoints,' said ADF Legal Counsel Mathew Hoffmann in a statement.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has agreed to settle a lawsuit filed by former grad student Maggie R. DeJong (above) and will pay $80,000

The lawsuit alleged that the publicly funded school's Director of Art Therapy Megan A. Robb encouraged three of DeJong's classmates to report her Christian and conservative views to administrators as 'harmful,' resulting in the ban

'Maggie, like every other student, is protected under the First Amendment to respectfully share her personal beliefs, and university officials were wrong to issue gag orders and silence her speech,' the attorney added.

In a statement, SIUE Chancellor James T. Minor acknowledged the settlement without confirming financial details, and insisted the school maintained an 'unwavering defense of free speech.'

'I trust that most people who care about these issues will see beyond the sensationalism of click bait, media reports, and headlines in search of a more complete understanding of the facts,' said Minor.

'SIUE is unequivocally committed to protecting First Amendment rights and does not have policies that restrict free speech nor support censorship,' the chancellor added.

DeJong's allegations were outlined in a 51-page federal lawsuit filed in May 2022, which in addition to Robb named SIUE administrator Jamie Ball and the school's former chancellor Randall G. Pembrook as defendants.

According to the lawsuit, under SIUE Art Therapy program's 'anti-oppressive framework,' DeJong's speech in the classroom and on social media was often seen as 'harmful' by classmates.

Three classmates in particular took issue with DeJong's views on religion, race, public safety, and other controversial social topics, according to the suit, which identified the other students only by their initials.

These are some of the social media posts that Maggie's classmates complained about, with one saying that viewing them had caused 'emotional damage'

Classmates complained about DeJong's social media posts, including ones expressing support for Kyle Rittenhouse (left) and opposing abortion (right)

On one occasion, a classmate privately messaged DeJong on Instagram after she uploaded a post about her religion.

The original post said: 'Don't be deceived by [n]ew age practices.'

The classmate messaged her privately, accusing her of 'saying a person's belief system is wrong.'

She replied: 'You ask a very good question [S.W.]:) In a relativist society, that can be viewed that way. But my personal held beliefs are grounded in objective truth by the gospel of Jesus Christ.

'My belief compels me to call out evil that holds people in spiritual bondage. You can totally disagree with me, and that is your right:) But it is out of love that I call this out.'

DeJong then says her words were used in that student's art project which was titled 'The Crushing Weight of Microaggressions.'

In February 2021, she came to class wearing a pro-police, 'Back the Blue' hat, and says that Robb, the professor, pointed out the hat and asked her to explain herself, according to the suit.

DeJong said that she was wearing the hat to show her support for law enforcement and explained her belief that defunding the police would hurt society, and refused to take it off even as fellow students argued that it was a symbol of oppression.

The suit claims that months later, Robb brought up the issue of the pro-police hat in a classroom discussion, prompting classmates to renew their criticism of DeJong.

The classmates expressed how the hat was 'unsafe,' comparing DeJongs wearing the hat to someone eating peanut butter near a person who is allergic to peanuts, according to the suit.

'We all have to censor ourselves because we have to keep the peace. We have to do what is best for the general public,' one classmate allegedly explained to DeJong.

DeJong was a grad student in art therapy when, according to a suit she filed last year, SIUE used the 'no contact' order to muzzle her speech and effectively ban her from classes

According to the suit, DeJong began to self-censor and limit her movements for fear of unintentionally violating the no-contact ban. She graduated from the program last year

Another professor also DeJong her that her social media comments were 'problematic,' according to the suit.

Among the posts that Dejong shared was one which decried the January 6 insurrection but said BLM riots 'ruined the country'.

Another was about the Kyle Rittenhouse verdict, which she saw as justice prevailing.

Rittenhouse was acquitted of murder after shooting three BLM protesters in Kenosha, killing two of them.

His legal team successfully convinced a jury that he feared for his life when he opened fire on the demonstrators, one of whom also wielded a gun.

Dejong wrote on Instagram following the verdict: 'Justice and truth prevailed in the face of lies and deception from the mainstream media trying to twist the narrative.

'This gives hope to Americans. Praying protection over those jurors who have been threatened their lives.'

The suit alleged that Robb, the director of DeJong's grad program, 'directed and encouraged Ms. DeJong's fellow art therapy students to report Ms. DeJong's purportedly 'harmful,' and fully protected, speech to University officials.'

The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville campus is seen above

In February 2022, the school hit 'no contact orders' which told her she could not communicate with three students who had complained about her views.

According to the suit, DeJong began to self-censor and limit her movements for fear of unintentionally violating the ban. She graduated from the program in the spring of 2022.

As part of the settlement agreement, university officials agreed to revise their policies to ensure students have substantive and procedural protections from no-contact orders so no other student will have to endure the unlawful treatment DeJong experienced, according to the ADF.

'As a result of Maggie's courage in filing suit, SIUE has agreed to take critical steps to comply with the law and the U.S. Constitution and move closer to accepting and embracing true diversity of thought and speech,' said Hoffman.
A university that barred white members of staff from free tai chi classes also encourages lecturers to take a 'unconscious bias' test, it can be revealed.

Woke toolkits for employees at King's College London tell academics there is a difference between being 'not racist' and 'anti-racist'.

If they are white, they should understand they have 'benefited' as a result of their racial identity, it advises.

The toolkit, which is not mandatory, surfaced amid a race row engulfing the university after it hosted stress-busting martial arts lessons exclusively for non-white staff  just days after a former senior lecturer labelled the institution one of the 'wokest' in the UK.

Dr Kai Jager, who quit his job last year, said the material forces academics to 'conform' to woke ideology. He added: 'These university programs are aimed to impose conformity to this ideology and to turn scientists into woke activists.

King's College London (Stock Image). The toolkit, which is not mandatory, surfaced amid a race row engulfing the university after it hosted stress-busting martial arts lessons exclusively for non-white staff

'But the very foundation of scientific knowledge is that it is based on evidence and thus open for criticism and different perspectives. Diversity programs often result in less diverse viewpoints.'

The anti-racism toolkit teaches staff how to be an anti-racist 'ally' and suggests they read books including What White People Can Do Next and Me and White Supremacy.

Other recommended reading includes Anti-Racist Ally: An Introduction to Action and Activism, in which activist Sophie Williams says 'not being racist is not enough'.

Staff are also encouraged to examine their prejudice with an 'implicit and unconscious bias test'. The term 'unconscious bias' is used to explain when learned stereotypes on race, gender or sex are made without conscious awareness.

A demand for reform by the Black Lives Matter movement has seen universities adopting the training to make staff and students aware of their biases.

At Kings's, the toolkit also encourages staff to find out more about a student-led initiative to 'decolonise' the university.

Toby Young, director of the Free Speech Union, described the training materials as 'infantile' and said they were 'seemingly designed for Year 10s in set three English rather than university lecturers'.

He added: 'It's disappointing to see how infected KCL has become by the woke mind virus.'

King's College London (Stock Image). The anti-racism toolkit teaches staff how to be an anti-racist 'ally' and suggests they read books including What White People Can Do Next and Me and White Supremacy

King's became embroiled in a race row over its martial arts classes that barred non-white staff.

Academics were invited to take part, but were asked 'how do you identify in terms of your heritage/ethnicity?'

The question added: 'We are asking this to ensure participants are all from global majority backgrounds... the sessions are intended specifically for those who experience racism.'

The term 'global majority' is defined by the Cambridge Dictionary as 'the group of people in the world who do not consider themselves or are not considered to be white'.

Dr Jager added: 'The woke movement likes to hide behind noble words like tolerance, inclusivity or diversity, but actively purges anyone who deviates from its orthodoxy.'

King's said it was 'proud to be a university which fosters an inclusive environment... where everyone can feel they belong regardless of their background or political views', adding: 'As a place of learning, we have a whole range of voluntary materials and resources for staff to engage with these issues and learn more.'
Two Birmingham fraudsters who sold unauthorized Covid-19 tests at the height of the pandemic and 'capitalised on tragedy' with the hopes of making millions on the Dark Web have been jailed.

Ron Huss-Smickler, 41, and Steven Beckford, 39, purchased thousands of non-certified Covid tests from Chinese shopping website 'Alibaba' and started selling them in March 2020 when the availability of kits was scarce.

The criminals sold the kits online for 39.95 through their business 'Be Corona Safe' in the hopes of making large profits. They sold their '15 Minute Rapid Home Self-Testing Kits' in the UK, Europe and the USA, and even to a GP - misleading customers into believing that the kits had regulatory approval.

Conversations showed that as early as January 2020, the two men discussed how they could profit from the emerging health crisis, with one telling the other that facemasks seemed a good opportunity, 'albeit capitalising on tragedy'.

The fraudsters were both sentenced today at Birmingham Crown Court today. Huss-Smickler was jailed for 18 months and is disqualified from being a director of a company for 10 years.

Ron Huss-Smickler (left), 41, and Steven Beckford (right), 39, who sold unauthorized Covid-19 tests at the height of the pandemic and 'capitalised on tragedy' with the hopes of making millions on the Dark Web have been jailed

The fraudsters purchased thousands of non-certified Covid tests (pictured) from Chinese shopping website 'Alibaba' and started selling them in March 2020 when availability was scarce

Meanwhile Steven Beckford received a four month sentence suspended for two years and must complete 100 hours of unpaid community work. He also cannot direct a company for five years.

The tests were split down into individual kits to be passed off as approved for home use. Both Huss-Smickler and Beckford were arrested in June 2020, after the NCA and a US Homeland Security officer were able to purchase their illicit products on a Dark Web marketplace.

Messages between the men revealed they had knowledge of medical legislation, to the extent that they understood they were acting illegally and took steps to cover their activity.

Although willing to sell to consumers throughout, at one point they discussed marketing their products only to businesses to bypass scrutiny, with Beckford stating: 'We have to get in and get out and make as much money as possible.'

The defendants modified test kits and created their own instruction manual, which included information from a completely different manufacturer and Chinese data that they didn't understand. They also created their own step by step guide and video on how to take the tests.

Discussions revealed they were expecting to earn up to 150,000 a month and wanted to increase their pricing to 50 a kit at one point. Huss-Smickler had also read news articles online around fake PPE and had searched 'profiteering from coronavirus'.

At one stage the men applied for Emergency Use Authorisation (EUA) from the Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency, using fake documents.

Despite being turned down by the MHRA they continued to operate, with records indicating that they changed their company name to avoid detection and prevent further blockages from payment platforms.

The fraudsters were both sentenced today at Birmingham Crown Court (pictured) today

When a GP purchased a number of tests, the men believed they could sell more widely to the NHS, prompting brazen Beckford to state: 'Good news Team! We have just closed a deal with an NHS GP Practice for testing kits! So now we can officially say 'We provide Medical Supplies to the NHS.'

They continued to scout for further business and even left business cards in locations across the London underground. NCA investigators were able to trace the test kits back to addresses in London and Crewe, and eventually matched the men's fingerprints with those found on the inside of the test packets.

Evidence indicated that the pair had sold 654 kits and taken orders for over 700 before being arrested. Both men pleaded guilty on March 6 2023 at Birmingham Crown Court where they were also sentenced today.

Sarah Melo, specialist prosecutor from the CPS said: 'The defendants quickly spotted an opportunity in the early stages of the pandemic, which was in reality an attempt to capitalise on the fears of the general public amid a global crisis.

'They carried on their business aware that what they were doing was wrong, and their stated intention was to make huge profits.

'There was no evidence that the test kits worked when used in the way they were advertised, but this did not deter them selling them without any regard to the welfare of their customers. We work closely with investigators such as the MHRA and the NCA and will not hesitate to prosecute where there is evidence of fraud.'

Evidence indicated that the pair had sold 654 kits and taken orders for over 700 before being arrested. They started selling them at the height of the pandemic. Pictured: People wear masks to protect themselves

Ty Surgeon, NCA Branch Commander Midlands, Wales and West region, said: 'These men were organised criminals who preyed upon people's fears, at the very early stages of the coronavirus pandemic when there was uncertainty and resources were scarce.

'They knew that their venture was exploitative and illegal, but still sought every possible opportunity to profit from the unrest and panic that was sweeping the UK at the time.

'This is by no means the only incident of fraud and opportunistic criminal activity seen during the coronavirus pandemic. Together with partners, both here and abroad, we will continue to investigate and hold those responsible to account.'

The MHRA recommends if you have any problems or concerns while using a COVID-19 testing kit or suspect the testing kit to be fake or tampered with, report it to the MHRA immediately via the Coronavirus Yellow Card website.
Kim Jong-un joined by Russian and Chinese delegates to display new missiles

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has been joined by top Russian and Chinese delegates as he displayed his most powerful nuclear-capable missiles in a military parade.

The weaponry was witnessed by Russian defence minister Sergei Shoigu and Chinese ruling party official Li Hongzhong from a balcony looking over Kim Il-sung Square, named after Kim's grandfather, the founder of North Korea.

Edited TV footage showed streets and stands packed with tens of thousands of spectators, who roared in approval as waves of goose-stepping soldiers, tanks and intercontinental ballistic missiles on launcher trucks filled the road.

The Pyongyang parade began with warm-up events that featured ceremonial flights of newly developed surveillance and attack drones.

Rocket man: Kim Jong-un flanked by Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu (left) and Chinese Communist Party politburo member Li Hongzhong (right)

A new model of intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), the solid-fuel Hwasong-18, being paraded at Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang

Pact: Kim and Shoigu mark 70 years since the Korean War armistice

Boy wonder: A very young Kim dominates images of older soldiers

Kim's biggest weapons were saved for the end, when his troops rolled out new ICBMs that were flight-tested in recent months and demonstrated ranges that could reach deep into the US mainland, the Hwasong-17 and Hwasong-18.

The parade followed meetings between Kim and Shoigu that demonstrated North Korea's support for Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

It added to suspicions the North was willing to supply arms to Russia. Vladimir Putin sent a message thanking Kim for 'firmly supporting' his war efforts in Ukraine.

Putin said Moscow and Pyongyang were aligned as they countered the 'West in its policy to stand in the way of establishing a genuinely multipolar and just world order'.

Drone power: Unmanned surveillance and attack aircraft go on display

Firepower: Crowds roared their approval as rocket carrying trucks rumbled by

Manpower: Camouflaged troops march through Pyongyang
The man previously known as the Preppy Killer and the Central Park Strangler who was convicted of a murder that gripped New York City in the 1980s was released from prison this week after serving a second sentence for drug and assault charges.

Robert Chambers was just 19 years old when he confessed to the murder of 18-year-old Jennifer Levin, who was found slain and half-clothed in Central Park. He would later claim that it was an accident that happened when she demanded rough sex.

Chambers' case went to trial but when the jury failed to reached a decision after nine days, he accepted a plea deal of first-degree manslaughter in exchange for a sentence of five to 15 years. He served the full 15 years and was released in 2003.

Chambers found himself in legal trouble again when he was arrested in 2007 on drug and assault charges.

He was sentenced to 19 years but released from Shawangunk Correctional Facility in New York on July 25, 2023, according to the Department of Corrections website. It's unclear where Chambers, 56, is now. He will remain on parole until 2028.

Robert Chambers, who served 15 years in prison for strangling an 18-year-old woman in Central Park, was arrested in 2007 on drug charges after a violent struggle with police

Chambers' case went to trial but when the jury failed to reached a decision after nine days, he accepted a plea deal of first-degree manslaughter in exchange for a sentence of five to 15 years. He served the full 15 years and was released in 2003

Chambers had only been out of prison for a few years when he was arrested on drug charges in 2005 and again in 2007 for selling drugs out of his apartment.

He was 41 years old at the time of the second arrest and struggled with police when they tried to handcuff him for the felony charges.

Chambers' lawyer claimed he had become an addict at the age of 14 and was, by 2007, using 10 to 12 bags of heroin a day. Chambers planned to plead insanity but prosecutors countered that Chambers was a drug dealer. He was sentenced to 19 years in prison.

At the time of his sentencing, Manhattan DA Robert Morgenthau said: '

While he spent much of his life in and out of prison, Levin's family wonders what life would be like if she were still alive.

'I think [about] what Jennifer might be doing, what she would look like,' Ellen Levin told People shortly after Chambers was released for the manslaughter charge. 'I think about the grandchildren I won't have. Her dream was to be a designer, but that's gone now. And all that loss runs deep.'

The 1986 murder of a promising young high school student at the hands of her classmate was revisited in 2019 in a five-part AMC and Sundance TV docuseries The Preppy Killer.

Jennifer Levin, 18, was just a few weeks away from heading off to college when her body was discovered by a cyclist in Central Park on August 26, 1986.

Police soon arrived on the scene and began a citywide manhunt for any suspects in the case, going so far as to shut down all the bridges and tunnels in Manhattan.

Unbeknownst to them at the time, the man responsible was sitting nearby and watching this all unfold.

Chambers would later tell this to police while also confessing to the murder of Jennifer, claiming that it was an accident that was brought about when she demanded rough sex.

The 1986 murder of a promising young high school student at the hands of her classmate Robert Chambers (pictured) was revisited in 2019 in a docuseries called The Preppy Killer

Jennifer Levin, 18, was just a few weeks away from heading off to college when her body was discovered by a cyclist in Central Park on August 26, 1986

Levin was found slain and half-clothed in Central Park. Chambers would later claim that it was an accident that happened when she demanded rough sex

Levin had been out with her friends the previous night at Dorian's, a popular bar located just a few blocks east of Central Park.

Those friends quickly told police that they remembered the young woman had been speaking to Robert outside the bar, with a few recalling that the pair were seen walking off together at the end of the night.

Police went to Chambers' house that same day, whose face was covered in scratches similar to the ones found on Levin's own neck from where she tried to pry off her killer's hands.

He initially blamed the markings in his cat, but did agree to accompany police to the station for further questioning about Levin's death.

Chambers initially told police that he had seen Jennifer at the end of the night outside the bar, but that the two parted ways shortly after saying their goodbyes.

It was when police presented him with the fact that eyewitnesses had seen the two walking off together that his story began to change, and he told police that not only did he and Levin go to Central Park that night but it was also him who killed the teenager.

He claimed that Levin had asked him for 'rough sex,' and then tied his hands with her underpants when stimulating his genitals.

At one point things got too rough, said Chambers, who was more than a foot taller than his victim.

He claimed that after managing to untie his hands he threw Jennifer off his body, and that she was killed when she struck the ground.

Levin had been out with her friends the previous night at Dorian's, a popular bar located just a few blocks east of Central Park. Chambers initially told police that he had seen her the bar

Chambers was questioned later that day by police, who noted that his face was covered in scratches similar to the ones of Jennifer's neck (Jennifer with friend Peter Davis above)

Preppy killer: Police officers were told that Jennifer Levin had last been seen leaving Dorian's, an NYC bar, with Robert Chambers (above at trial) in the early morning hours of Aug. 26

Police then informed Chambers that he would be booked, but did allow him to see his parents before he was sent off to jail.

When he saw his father, he said: 'That f***ing b****, why didn't she leave me alone?'

Chambers faced two second-degree murder charges at trial, during which the prosecutors were not able to present evidence they had uncovered linking Chambers to more than 30 robberies.

It turned out that he had been stealing for some time to fund his cocaine addiction, after being kicked out of Boston University following just one semester at the institution.

The defense meanwhile presented Levin as a promiscuous young women despite no evidence to support this beyond the fact that she was a popular student.

This was enough to deadlock the jury however, and after nine days with no decision, Chambers and his attorneys agreed to enter a guilty plea to the lesser charge of manslaughter and burglary.

He was sentenced to five to 15 years in prison, and ultimately ended up serving out the full term and and extra time for his infractions behind bars.

Chambers would maintain even after his release that he strangled Levin to stop her from hurting him during 'rough sex.'
Troops trained by Britain are leading the main thrust of a Ukrainian offensive that has broken through Russian lines.

It also emerged yesterday the units are being led by remarkably young commanders, including 28-year-old Lieutenant Colonel Oleksandr Sak and his 29-year-old deputy Major Ivan Shalamaha.

Almost all the troops in the 47th Separate Mechanised Brigade are too young to remember when Ukraine was part of the former Soviet Union. They have been Westernised as they grew up and clearly want Ukraine to fight for its independence and its future.

In a media interview, Major Shalamaha said: 'We are the young generation, we still have our whole lives ahead of us and we are fighting for ourselves, our children, grandchildren and so on.'

The soldiers from the 47th Brigade are using the skills passed on by UK instructors and are equipped almost entirely with Western weapons and vehicles.

It emerged yesterday the units are being led by remarkably young commanders, including 28-year-old Lieutenant Colonel Oleksandr Sak (pictured) and his 29-year-old deputy Major Ivan Shalamaha

The soldiers from the 47th Brigade are using the skills passed on by UK instructors and are equipped almost entirely with Western weapons and vehicles (File Photo)

The unit was among those behind the recapture of Staromaiorske in Donetsk region. Ukrainian flags were yesterday unveiled in the village, which lies to the south of a cluster of small settlements along the Mokri Yaly River.

The group began as a volunteer battalion in the weeks after the beginning of the invasion last year. Senior officers sought to recruit intelligent, British-speaking soldiers who could be trained in the UK to learn Nato tactics.

The culture of the unit is intended to be more like a Western army, rather than a regiment with Soviet influences, Soviet tactics and Soviet equipment.

One of its soldiers, master sergeant Valery Markus said recently: 'If you are not capable of self-education then you are not suitable for us. We have to take the initiative and communicate like civilised people.

'We have to accept commands, even from officers who are much younger than us. We have to learn quickly and in critical conditions.' Britain has provided infantry skills training to thousands of Ukrainian recruits since last summer. Many of the courses took place on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire.

Soldiers from 47th separate mechanized brigade (File photo). The group began as a volunteer battalion in the weeks after the beginning of the invasion last year

The emphasis has been on what top brass call 'combined arms warfare', where infantry soldiers integrate their movements with artillery and armour. The 47th Brigade is part of a Ukrainian 'pincer movement' which the Russians fear could result in some of their units being surrounded.

Following the recapture of Staromaiorske, another village nearby, Urozhaine, is firmly in Ukraine's sights. Both settlements sit on the Velkyka Novosilka axis of Ukraine's counter-offensive. Its ultimate objective is to push through Russian-held territory all the way to the Sea of Azov.

This would effectively cut off the Crimean peninsula and put Ukraine in a dominant position in the conflict for the first time.

The success in Staromaiorske was celebrated by Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky in his nightly address on state television. UK military commentators have likened Ukraine's recent victories to D-Day, as it is hoped the territory seized from the Russians will act as a 'beach head' from which further attacks can be launched.

But senior British defence sources have called for caution, remembering that Ukrainian forces must still get through Russian minefields laid directly behind the front line.

And Russia still holds around a fifth of Ukraine's territory and its 600-mile front line is heavily defended. Russia is also making advances of its own along other sections of the front line  although these may prove insignificant in the big strategic picture.

Yuriy Sak, an adviser to Ukraine's defence minister, confirmed his country's troops were making advances but stressed it was a case of 'slowly but surely', with few, if any, dramatic developments.

Social media posts by the Russian military blogger Rybar typified the concern felt by the occupiers: 'The enemy's plan in this case is obvious; the armed forces of Ukraine intend to pincer the Russian Federation armed forces.'

A Russian field commander Alexander Khodakovsky wrote on Telegram: 'Ukraine went on the offensive and is gradually pressing us back, at the same time creating a flank threat to positions on Urozhaine.' Russian forces pounded Staromaiorske yesterday with heavy artillery in a bid to dislodge the Ukrainian troops.
Flying over the English Channel, the island of Alderney first appears as a tiny dot, a jewel in the blue sea under a cloudless blue sky.

What could be more pleasing and peaceful than this five-and-a-half square mile patch of green fields and golden gorse, swooping cliffs and stunning beaches, 60 miles from the South Coast of England and just ten miles from the French mainland? Or more inviting than this haven for yachtsmen, birdwatchers, walkers and sunseekers?

Except that a monumental cloud hangs over it  the cloud of a dark history that is impossible to shrug off, however much some of the 2,000 people living there today might prefer to bury the past and literally leave the bodies where they lie.

Because it was here that, 80 years ago, Nazi soldiers invaded and took total charge of what they gleefully dubbed Adolf Island.

On that green and pleasant land, British soil, let's not forget, they built SS-run concentration camps  at least four, more if you include satellite Lager (camps)  and imported thousands of slave labourers, mainly Russians and Ukrainians but also Jews, who were identified by yellow Stars of David and held in a separate compound.

It was here that, 80 years ago, Nazi soldiers invaded and took total charge of what they gleefully dubbed Adolf Island. Pictured: German officers pose outside a Lloyds Bank in St Annes, Alderney

On that green and pleasant land, British soil, let's not forget, they built SS-run concentration camps. Pictured: The remains of Sylt concentration camp destroyed by the fleeing Nazis in 1945

Starved, beaten mercilessly for the smallest infraction, all of the inmates were systematically worked to death  'Vernichtung durch Arbeit', to use the chilling Nazi phrase: extermination through labour.

With their bare hands they were forced to construct the massive fortifications that formed part of Hitler's Atlantic Wall, a supposedly impregnable barrier of concrete and steel intended to ward off any Allied attempt to regain a foothold in occupied Europe.

The remnants are still there  cliff-top forts, look-out posts, towering anti-tank walls, bunkers, emplacements for artillery, these monstrosities dot the coastline wherever you look, eerie and menacing reminders of those years under the heel of the jackboot.

Inland, there are tunnels bored deep into hillsides  again, often with little more than bare hands  as air-raid shelters and ammunition dumps (or perhaps, as we will discuss later, for some other more sinister purpose).

On otherwise empty moorland, the gateposts of one concentration camp are still standing. Larks today sing in the sky overhead  unlike the years after the Germans arrived. It is said all the birds that once thronged the island, notably gannets, disappeared, either flown away or caught by starving inmates for food.

READ MORE: Government inquiry set to expose the horrors of Nazi concentration camps on British soil - after investigation ordered into the number of Jews murdered on Channel Island Alderney Advertisement

Conditions in the camps were unspeakable. A survivor remembered: 'When I woke in the morning I saw dead bodies in the bunks around me, their lips, noses and ears eaten by rats. There was a special hut where the corpses were piled before being loaded onto trucks and dumped in the sea.

'We were fed just water with bits of turnip floating in it, so life was a constant struggle for food. I was filling a bag with vegetable peelings from a rubbish heap when a dog was set on me. When it let go, a German beat me with a stick.

'I was very weak. There were about 500 men in my camp and at least 300 died while I was there.'

No wonder there were rumours of cannibalism.

Prisoners were hanged together on a triple gallows. Others were murdered with injections of benzine (a derivative of petrol) by the specially appointed 'Himmel [Heaven] Kommando', others shot in the head, strangled or simply beaten to death with clubs and pickaxes. Some were even crucified.

From those beautiful Alderney cliff tops, exhausted workers who were of no more use were thrown, 50 at a time, into the sea, stones tied to their feet to make sure they drowned.

Near the biggest of the camps, there was a tunnel into which the prisoners were told they would all be herded if the Allies invaded. Then the ends would be blocked in, leaving them to suffocate and die.

This was Belsen in our own back yard, and a chilling hint of what might have awaited Britain if Hitler had forced this country to surrender in 1940.

But unravelling the precise detail of what happened on Alderney has never been straightforward. Occupation of the other Channel Isles  Guernsey, Jersey and Sark  was more of an open book because their populations lived through the war side by side with the Germans.

Occupation of the other Channel Isles  Guernsey, Jersey and Sark  was more of an open book because their populations lived through the war side by side with the Germans. Pictured: Patriots on the island of Jersey marked the houses of 'collaborators' with the swastika, but to counteract this the angered Germans painted swastikas on hundreds of houses to cause confusion

Just three and a half miles long and one and a half miles wide, the picturesque island was occupied by the Nazis for most of the Second World War during which time four labour camps were built

But Alderney was different. On the eve of the invasion, almost its entire population of 1,500 men, women and children was shipped away, evacuated to England  plus the cattle and sheep, but not the pet dogs, which were put down.

The Germans walked onto an empty island where they could do whatever they wanted, with no witnesses. Hence the mystery and the uncertainty that still hangs over the history of those dark days from 1940 to 1945.

Now there is to be a top-level inquiry into the numbers who died in the camps there, announced last weekend by Lord Pickles (former Tory minister Eric Pickles), the UK's special envoy on post-Holocaust issues.

He is assembling an international panel of 11 experts, all academics, to carry out the investigation and has asked for any secret documentation held by government departments or British embassies overseas to be made available.

Unfortunately, the most reliable source of information will not be available to them  the German occupiers meticulously logged everything that happened, but destroyed every single record in an almighty bonfire before leaving the island.

Pickles's announcement comes as Britain prepares to chair a meeting of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA), a network of officials and historians from 35 countries. Its Secretary-General, Dr Kathrin Meyer, said: 'Dealing openly and accurately with the Holocaust and the Nazi persecution of other groups too is crucial.

'We expect the results to go a long way in protecting the facts, no matter how uncomfortable they are.'

That is a bold ambition, given the minefield that  much like the ones that littered the Alderney countryside all those years ago  those seeking the truth are entering.

The number of victims has been contested, with some claiming thousands were killed with many buried in mass graves on the island

Over the years, no one has disputed that horrors went on there. But the numbers who were murdered? That's what much of the disagreement has long been about.

If they were small, Alderney might be dismissed as an aberration rather than a major crime. But large numbers meant what amounted to genocide had taken place under our very noses, which would be very embarrassing for Winston Churchill's government, after it decided not to defend the Channel Islands in 1940 (for sound strategic reasons, admittedly) and all but invited the Germans in.

The first investigation was carried out immediately after the war by a young British intelligence officer, Captain 'Bunny' Pantcheff, who hurriedly debriefed survivors, heard testimony from German guards, counted the graves he could identify and estimated the number of dead over those five years at 400. He put the Jewish dead at just eight.

He detailed atrocities that had taken place and recommended bringing the SS commandant, Max Liszt to trial but, whether deliberately or through carelessness, Liszt was allowed to slip away.

It was then ordained that, since most of the victims were Russians, it was up to the Soviet government to pursue the matter any further.

In London, the whole issue of Alderney under the Nazis seems to have been conveniently filed away and forgotten.

Looking back, what happened reeks of a deliberate cover-up to save embarrassment.

And for more than half a century it worked, until historians and archaeologists dug deeper into the evidence and gradually upped the number of victims.

German soldiers parading through Marais Square, Alderney, during their World War II occupation of the Channel Islands

Mass graves were identified, and one recognised expert put the death toll at 950, out of a labour force of 4,000, with the acknowledgement that this was a conservative estimate. Another disputed this, putting it into the thousands.

Then, in 2017, two memorable articles in the Daily Mail threw astonishing new light on those years of Nazi occupation, estimating the number of prisoners exterminated there at a staggering 40,000, and possibly many more, making Alderney the biggest crime scene in British history.

They were researched and written by Colonel Richard Kemp, an ex-soldier, formerly commander of British forces in Afghanistan and now a highly respected military analyst, and another former army officer, John Weigold, a resident on Alderney.

They came at the issue not as professional historians or archaeologists but as military men, and that expertise told them two things. First that the fortifications the Germans built on the island  its 22 anti-aircraft batteries giving it more cover per square yard than anywhere else in the Third Reich  were over-kill on a massive and inexplicable scale.

Second, they concluded from their extensive knowledge of military construction and logistics that the generally accepted figure of 4,000 slave labourers building those defences had to be a serious underestimate.

'It would have taken that number alone just to pour the 86,000 cubic metres of concrete used to make Alderney impregnable,' they wrote. 'There would have to be thousands more to dig pits into the rock, build wooden moulds for the concrete, lay wire, work in the quarry, make roads, dig cable trenches, excavate tunnels, unload ships etc.

'At least 10,000 workers would have to be labouring away at any one time to complete all this work.'

But, given that the average slave worker was unlikely to survive much more than three months, that 10,000 quickly multiplies as replacements were brought in who themselves then died.

All this led them to their conclusion that during the peak construction period between January 1942 and October 1943 at least 40,000 slave labourers died from exhaustion, sickness, injury and brutality, and perhaps as many as 70,000.

To the obvious question of where the bodies are buried, the answer is that most weren't. They were tipped into the sea and washed away, cremated or, if the worker had died at work on the walls, simply folded into the cement.

The entrance to the former German concentration camp SS Lager Sylt

As for why the Alderney defences were so extreme, Kemp and Weigold argued this was because it had a secret  and deadly  purpose. They found evidence that led them to conclude that those tunnels gouged out of the heart of the island were intended to house V1 rockets to bombard England with the nerve gas Sarin, a recent invention by Nazi scientists.

Kemp and Weigold are no gadflies. Their thesis was controversial but based on sound research and unrivalled military know-how. It was convincingly argued  to my satisfaction certainly when I visited the island with them and examined their evidence. It needed serious consideration, both on the V1 suggestion and the high number of victims.

Kemp's reputation alone as one of the astutest military analysts around should have been credentials enough for their work to be taken seriously, while Weigold's knowledge of the subject is encyclopedic after ten years of intensive research, which he began at the request of the States, Alderney's parliament.

Yet some island critics simply dismissed it out of hand as sensationalism. Trevor Davenport of the Alderney Museum was incensed by the number of deaths Kemp and Weigold suggest, declaring it 'utter rubbish. I don't give it any credence at all'.

Academics have also turned up their noses at the articles, Weigold tells me, on the grounds that he and Kemp are not professional historians or archaeologists and their work has not been peer-reviewed. Yet it seems no one has actually come forward to contradict or disprove them.

Five years on, they stand by those articles, and you would have thought they would welcome the Pickles inquiry, aimed at settling this vexed issue once and for all. But they are sceptical, fearing a repeat of the whitewash that took place in 1945.

Their view is that no one, government included, is prepared to acknowledge the scale of the crime the Nazis perpetrated on British soil because it raises too many difficult questions. They expect another brushing under the carpet.

And they may have good reason for their cynicism. Pickles visited Alderney two years ago to discuss with locals how best to safeguard the memory of the camps, and beforehand his office asked Weigold to send him a dossier on his and Kemp's findings.

He did so, including those two articles in the Daily Mail. But, he tells me: 'I didn't even get an acknowledgment.'

He was then excluded from the visit. 'I was cancelled!' He fears the same may well happen with the inquiry. He does not expect to be called to give evidence.

For him, if it is to be meaningful, it must live up to the promise that all hidden documents  of which there are thought to be many as a result of the historic cover-up  are made available, in particular the report instigated by the island's liberator, Brigadier Snow. It was never made public.

Then there is the full account given to the authorities by local mariner George Pope, one of the dozen islanders who remained on Alderney throughout the occupation and spied for the British while ostensibly working for the Germans.

All that exists is a third-party precis of what he told the original Pantcheff inquiry  that he had seen 1,800 Ukrainians die and witnessed 400 Jews thrown into mass graves.

Group of German soldiers coming from the Channel Island of Alderney

But his evidence was deemed unreliable on the spurious grounds that he was a collaborator. His own reports of five years on Adolf Island have never seen the light of day but they would be very revealing.

If 'revealing' is what this inquiry really wants. Because not everybody does, as Pickles  to his surprise and consternation  discovered on that trip he made to Alderney in 2021. He told a public meeting that they needed to face up to what had happened on the island.

'You didn't ask to be custodians of the most important Holocaust site in the British Isles. But you are. We can't pretend everything in the past was just rosy. This is about telling the unvarnished truth.'

He was told in no uncertain terms to back off. One elderly resident expressed her opposition to Alderney becoming 'some macabre theme park for Holocaust tourists'.

This is no simple issue, and one can sympathise with those islanders who would rather not be reminded constantly that they are living on the remains of a death camp, in what amounts to a massive charnel house. They would rather concentrate on Alderney's fine beaches, the natural beauty, the calm  on peace, not war.

As the island's tourist website declares, 'Alderney is a magical island. Very friendly people, beautiful walks, great eating places. Perfect for a quiet, restful holiday.' Where does 'slave labour camp' and 'genocide' fit comfortably into that equation?

And so you get the bizarre incongruity of that same tourist website displaying a picture of a family of happy visitors smiling out from an opening in a concrete fortification, one built with slave labour and at the cost of thousands of lives. Here is a circle that is very difficult to square.
A man who stabbed a father-of-three to death in the food hall of a shopping centre has been sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 27 years for his murder.

Michael Ugwa, 29, was killed at Lakeside Shopping Centre in Thurrock, Essex, on April 28 last year after complimenting a woman, Basildon Crown Court was told.

Muhammad Khan, 24, was found guilty of Mr Ugwa's murder and of affray following an earlier trial.

Judge Samantha Leigh said she was satisfied that Khan had said, in the car on the way to the shopping mall, that he 'felt like killing someone today'.

She said Khan was wearing a full-face balaclava, had argued with his girlfriend earlier that day and 'was clearly in an aggressive mood'.

He had carried a knife daily for 'almost 18 months' before the incident, the judge said, and he produced his flick-knife at Lakeside, 'one of the biggest shopping centres in England, it was full of people'.

Victim Michael Ugwa, a father-of-three who was stabbed to death at in Essex last April

Muhammad Khan, sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 27 years for the murder

Leigh sentenced Khan at Basildon Crown Court on Friday to life in prison with a minimum term of 27 years, which he must serve before he can be considered for release.

She said the murder was 'over a throwaway flirtatious comment', adding: 'This was carried out in the most public of areas, the food court of Lakeside at 4.30pm.'

Members of Mr Ugwa's family, wearing black t-shirts with photographs of Mr Ugwa printed on them, attended Friday's sentencing hearing and watched on from the jury seats.

Mr Ugwa's mother, Lauretta, wept as she read her victim impact statement to the court.

'My family have been shattered by this senseless act of violence and we are still struggling to come to terms with the enormity of our loss,' she said.

She said that her 16-year-old daughter first became aware of the incident when she saw a Snapchat video, saying that someone had been stabbed at Lakeside.

'She zoomed in on the face of the victim and the person looked like Michael, same facial structure, same hairstyle,' she said, later learning that he had gone there to get food.

'There's no ending to our pain, our loss and our heartbreak,' she said.

'Michael's three young children will forever be fatherless.

'We therefore ask for maximum sentences so that justice will be served for Michael and no other family will have to suffer the way we have.'

Mother's heartbreak: Lauretta makes a statement outside Basildon Combined Court, July 28

Michael Ugwa's mother makes a statement after three were sentenced for their role in the death of her son

Karim Khalil KC, prosecuting, said Khan and Brandon Lutchmunsing had cornered Mr Ugwa before Khan stabbed him in the chest.

Mr Ugwa, from Rainham, east London, bled to death at the scene as the two men fled.

Khan, of Ilford, east London, and Lutchmunsing, of Dagenham, east London, had denied the charges against them.

Lutchmunsing, 21, who was found guilty of manslaughter and affray, was sentenced to 13 years in prison with a further two-year extended licence period.

Jurors were told how an argument broke out after Mr Ugwa made comments towards Lutchmunsing's girlfriend, Shannon Weston.

Khan is said to have brandished a knife before he and Lutchmunsing stalked Mr Ugwa through the shopping centre food hall.

Mr Khalil described the 'brutal attack of two on one' in which the men trapped Mr Ugwa in a 'pincer movement'.

Footage played at court showed Mr Ugwa holding up a chair in a bid to defend himself before throwing it at Lutchmunsing.

Lakeside's CCTV caught the incident. Khan is pictured brandishing a knife in the food hall

Ugwa is seen holding a chair as he defends himself from Khan's attacks

Khan then stabbed Mr Ugwa in a 'single and deadly' blow before fleeing with Lutchmunsing in Weston's red Audi, Mr Khalil said.

Weston drove Khan and Lutchmunsing away from the shopping centre, and helped her then-boyfriend to evade police between April 28 and May 4.

The 21-year-old, of Canewdon, Essex, was found guilty of three counts of assisting an offender, which she had denied.

She was sentenced to two years in prison, suspended for two years, and ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work.

In mitigation for Khan, it was said that it was a single stab wound and he lacked maturity.

For Lutchmunsing, it was said that he has mental health difficulties and was not in possession of a knife.

For Weston, it was said that she had a 'difficult upbringing' and was 'effectively homeless' at the time.

Khan and Lutchmunsing showed no reaction as they were led to the cells.
President Joe Biden is putting a week filled with high-pressure legal drama behind him, as he prepares to spend an extended stay at his Rehoboth beach house days after his son went before a federal judge in his hometown of Wilmington.

The vacation will put Biden out of Washington at a time a friend of Hunter Biden's is set to testify before House Republicans to speak about times Hunter put his father on speakerphone to impress a stable of international clients.

He'll be gone for a full business week bookended by two weekends for a 10-day trip.

It may well provide respite following a stunning week when Hunter had to plead not guilty in court after a plea deal apart, while rival Donald Trump faced a superseding indictment for alleged conspiracy and obstruction while longtime Biden friend Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell had a health scare when he was speechless before a bank of microphones.

Biden has spent hundreds of days outside of Washington during his presidency, but often at his Wilmington home. If he sees it through, the trip will have him in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware for 10-days straights.

President Joe Biden is set to say goodbye to his troubles for an extended stay at his Delaware beach house

That will give him the chance to bike in a state park and walk on the beach with first lady Jill Biden at a heat wave was smashing global and national records, to the extent that Biden held a climate event Thursday and urged people to carry water, visit cooling centers, and visit malls and movie theaters.

Biden's staff notes that the presidency follows him wherever he goes, so the president will continue to get security briefings and have access to aides who join him on the trip.

It was not immediately clear who might accompany him, although family members usually join him in his home state. Biden managed to avoid making any new comments about his son's predicament, after a plea deal that would have had him avoid jail time fell apart under withering questioning by a federal judge.

Prosecutors said they wanted about two weeks to try to work through problems, which would put the president back in D.C. for developments.

First son Hunter Biden had his plea del collapse in federal court in Wilmington Wednesday

Hunter friend Devon Archer (r) is set to testify to House Republican committee staff Monday after delaying earlier dates

Former President Donald Trump faces possible indictment related to his election overturn effort. Prosecutors on Thursday filed a superseding indictment in his classified documents case

Biden traveled to Maine for the day, then flew to Dover Friday en route to his beach house

He may miss out on one of the biggest stories of the summer, with his rival former Trump facing a possible indictment in D.C. Trump said he has received a target letter, and posted on social media this week that his team met with prosecutors and bashed the case against him.

White House Press Secretary Karine-Jean Pierre only briefly mentioned the getaway while briefing reporters aboard Air Force One en route to Maine. The trip brought to 38 the number of states he visited as president.

Biden was there to attend an event to promote manufacturing, followed by a fundraiser and an early evening flight to Delaware, with the press, Secret Service agents, and his staff in tow.

'This evening, the President will depart Maine en route to Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, where he will remain over the next week. And, certainly, well have more to share over the next couple of days,' she said.
This was the week Joe Biden's rotten House Of Cards began teetering on the brink of collapse. While Netflix's fictional U.S. President Kevin Spacey was found not guilty of sex charges by a jury in London, in another courtroom 3,500 miles away the web of lies and secrecy around alleged corruption in the Biden family was unravelling spectacularly.

A judge in Delaware threw out a disgraceful sweetheart deal which would have seen Biden's degenerate son Hunter walking free after pleading guilty to tax evasion, gun and drug charges, which would normally have led to serious jail time.

Judge Maryellen Noreika refused to rubber-stamp an incredibly lenient plea bargain agreement stitched up between Hunter's lawyers and the prosecution. It would have given Hunter not just a virtually free pass on past and present crimes but would have granted him immunity against any future charges he might face.

After the judge ripped up the deal, Hunter was forced to enter not guilty pleas on two counts to which he had pleaded guilty to minutes earlier. He now faces further investigation into alleged crimes which may well implicate his father.

On Monday, Hunter's former best friend and business partner Devon Archer is due to tell a Congressional committee that both Hunter and Joe Biden accepted bribes of $5 million each from a Ukrainian businessman.

This was the week Joe Biden's rotten House Of Cards began teetering on the brink of collapse. Pictured: Hunter Biden (left) and Joe Biden (right)

He is also expected to testify that despite previous repeated denials, the President was involved in his son's business dealings. Archer says he was present when Joe Biden took part in not one but 24 separate telephone conference calls with Hunter's foreign clients.

That's if Archer actually turns up and isn't found floating face down in Washington's Potomac River. Last night he was reported to have gone into hiding, after friends said he had received unspecified 'threats' against both himself and his family.

For once, America's mainstream media hasn't been able to swerve the mounting evidence against the Bidens. On Wednesday all three major national TV networks led their nightly news bulletins with reports on the sensational decision by the judge to throw out Hunter's sweetheart deal.

Until now, Joe Biden has enjoyed fawning coverage from NBC, ABC and CBS, along with backing from 95 per cent of America's big city newspapers. Negative stories have been studiously ignored.

Most Americans will have learned little or nothing about Hunter's serially corrupt car-crash behaviour, unless they tune in to Rupert Murdoch's Fox News channel, read his New York Post and Wall Street Journal, or increasingly turn to DailyMail.com.

Yet aside from the usual 'move along, nothing to see here' pundits on Left-wing cable news channels and predictable attempts to turn the spotlight away from Biden and on to unrelated allegations against Donald Trump, the blanket coverage this week has been almost 'fair and balanced'.

Aside attempts to turn the spotlight away from Biden and on to unrelated allegations against Donald Trump (pictured in NY courtroom), the blanket coverage this week has been almost 'fair and balanced'

Correspondents even speculated about the implications for the Biden presidency  pretty much a no-go area until now. The sound of worms turning was unmistakeable.

Peter Baker, who covers the White House for the Democrat-supporting New York Times, admitted it would be difficult for Joe Biden to continue defending his son on the grounds of Hunter's well-documented 'battle' against drug addiction.

'That narrative is harder to make now,' he told MSNBC. And tellingly, Baker added: 'For President Biden, it's not just about his wayward son but whether he himself had something to do with his wayward son's business dealings.'

Joe Biden has always maintained he has never even discussed business with Hunter. That changed subtly this week when the White House said he had never been in business (my italics) with him.

I couldn't help thinking back to that priceless line: 'It depends what the meaning of is is,' given to Bill Clinton by his reptilian lawyer Sidney Blumenthal during the Monica Lewinsky hearings.

Yet if half of what is being alleged about Joe Biden is true, Clinton's 'I did not have sex with that woman, Miss Lewinsky' is at worst a little white lie which pales into insignificance alongside allegations of multi-million-dollar influence peddling.

I couldn't help thinking back to that priceless line: 'It depends what the meaning of is is,' given to Bill Clinton (left) by his reptilian lawyer Sidney Blumenthal during the Monica Lewinsky (right) hearings

The claim that both Bidens received $5 million each in bribes from a Ukrainian businessman is supported by a recently released document detailing sworn evidence from a source described as an FBI 'trusted confidential informant'.

At the time, then Vice President Biden was in charge of Barack Obama's Ukraine policy. Coincidentally, Hunter was being paid $83,000 dollars a month by a Ukrainian energy corporation called Burisma.

It is alleged that Joe put pressure on the Ukraine government to sack a prosecutor investigating corruption at Burisma. Biden threatened to block $1 billion in U.S. aid unless he got his way.

More recently, Hunter is said to have leveraged his father's position to force through a lucrative business deal with a Chinese conglomerate.

One of Hunter's first proper jobs was as a consultant at a credit card company  at the same time Joe was supporting a bill backed by the credit card industry making it more difficult for debtors to file for bankruptcy.

For decades, Hunter and his uncle, Biden's kid brother James, have been involved in a number of enterprises cashing in on Joe's political connections.

Coincidentally, Hunter (pictured) was being paid $83,000 dollars a month by a Ukrainian energy corporation called Burisma

What's in it for Joe? In 2017, an email from Hunter about the Chinese deal stated that 10 per cent was for the 'Big Guy'. Whistleblowers have since said that the Big Guy was Joe Biden, something Devon Archer is expected to confirm at Monday's Congressional hearing.

That email was one of many retrieved from a laptop abandoned by Hunter at a Delaware repair shop.

The owner alerted the FBI, as well as making a copy of the hard drive and handing it to former New York Mayor and Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani, who passed it on to the New York Post.

The laptop hard drive contained a mine of explosive and potentially incriminating material. It featured photographs of Hunter taking crack cocaine and consorting with prostitutes. One picture showed a stark naked Hunter waving a handgun.

Is that a Walther PPK, or are you just pleased to see me?

Of even more significance, however, was an email from Hunter to his sister complaining that he had to give half his income to his father.

The owner alerted the FBI, as well as making a copy of the hard drive and handing it to former New York Mayor and Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani (pictured)

Given that Hunter has been in and out of rehab more often than Amy Winehouse, that may or may not be accurate. But it might also help explain how self-styled 'Middle Class Joe'  what we in Britain call working class  has managed to accumulate sizeable wealth in recent years.

Biden has always traded on his humble roots, calling himself 'Scranton Joe', 'Lunchbucket Joe' and 'Amtrak Joe'  the latter a reference to his taking the train to Washington, rather than an official limo.

An Ordinary Joe, if you like. And one who on becoming Vice President in 2009 claimed to have a net worth of just $30,000. Today it is estimated anywhere between $9 million and $40 million, depending on who you believe.

Much of that will have come from lucrative fees on the U.S. public speaking circuit, which can yield anything up to half a million dollars a pop for a big name. Nice work if you can get it. Just ask Boris.

But the rest is largely unaccounted for. Two Inland Revenue Service whistleblowers recently told a Senate hearing that the Biden family had received $17 million in fees from overseas corporations.

One of the charges against Hunter Biden is that he failed to register as an agent for a foreign concern, a legal requirement which carries a prison sentence for non-compliance. So does buying a firearm while pretending not to have had a substance abuse problem, something else which Hunter admitted under the abortive plea bargain deal before changing his plea.

Yet the Federal authorities agreed to show him unprecedented leniency, to the astonishment of many  including Judge Noreika when she ruled the agreement null and void. The role of the Feds in all of this is what Republicans find most sinister.

The two IRS whistleblowers were mostly concerned with their claim they were prevented from investigating properly on the direct orders of the Department of Justice.

In the run-up to the last Presidential election, the FBI refused to admit that the laptop belonged to Hunter Biden and insisted it was part of a Russian disinformation campaign  a fiction advanced by none other than Joe Biden himself.

The FBI and the Department of Justice are increasingly accused of siding with Biden and the Democrats, while at the same time pursuing Donald Trump on a number of fronts  including the Desert Storm-style raid on his home in Mar-a-Lago, Palm Beach. Just like in Britain, the Deep State dresses to the Left these days.

(It can surely be no coincidence that within hours of the Delaware debacle, the DoJ went public with news of further charges being brought against Trump and his associates.)

Republicans say Biden has weaponised the justice system to damage his most likely opponent for the presidency next time around. Whether Biden will be the candidate, though, remains to be seen, with California governor Gavin Newsome and Robert F. Kennedy Junior sniffing the wind.

Even diehard anti-Trumpers are beginning to challenge the far-fetched narrative surrounding Hunter which is coming out of the White House.

This week, Karine Jean-Pierre, the hapless teenage Press spokeswoman sent out to defend the indefensible, refused to answer questions from the Washington Press Corps on the preposterous grounds that Hunter is a 'private person' who is trying to 'rebuild his life' following drug addiction.

He has a funny way of going about it. This week he walked into the Delaware courtroom accompanied by his lawyer, Kevin Morris, who was last seen in an exclusive DailyMail.com photo with his head stuck in an enormous bong. Hunter Biden was in the house at the time.

You might think it unwise for a recovering addict to associate with someone who takes drugs. But as we used to joke: an alcoholic is someone who drinks more than his doctor. So presumably, a recovering addict is someone who smokes less dope than his lawyer.

As for the notion that Hunter is a private person, how come he was driven to court in a six-vehicle secret service motorcade? If he's a private person, what is he doing at official functions at the White House, where he appears to live half the time? Why is he flying to Camp David on Marine One, with his soppy schoolboy backpack, or swanning round the world on Air Force One, accompanying his dad on state visits?

In Ireland recently, he even went walkabout, shaking hands with spectators like Kate Middleton.

Joe obviously likes to keep him close. Hunter is indulged like an adolescent. But he's 53, for heaven's sake, not 15. Biden's apologists say he is only trying to protect his son. But, as former Republican speaker Newt Gingrich said this week, President Biden is really trying to protect himself.

If Hunter goes down, that leaves Joe exposed. The Republican majority leader is already talking about starting impeachment hearings to get to the bottom of the Biden family's murky business dealings and the role of the Deep State in covering them up.

Even the mainstream media, which has protected Biden for years, appear to be withdrawing their love right now.

Maybe Sleepy Joe is already preparing his defence. The forgetfulness, the slurred speech, the wandering off into the bushes may all be part of the act.

How long can it be before he's summoned before a House committee and turns up in a bathrobe, pretending to have no idea where he is  like the Mafia boss 'Vinny The Chin' Gigante and Tony's Uncle Junior in The Sopranos.

That might be the Big Guy's best shot at a Get Out Of Jail Free card before his entire rotten House Of Cards comes tumbling down.
You've slaved away all morning and followed the cooking instructions to the letter in pursuit of a perfect Sunday roast  only to find the meat is dry and rubbery.

Sound familiar? Well, you may not be to blame for the disappointing dinner.

Sunday roasts are being ruined by supermarkets recommending unnecessarily long cooking times to ensure food bugs are killed. Some supermarkets suggest leaving chickens in the oven almost an hour longer than required.

A study looked at the recommended cooking times on whole chickens sold at Tesco, Sainsbury's, Waitrose and Lidl.

A roasting chicken is thoroughly cooked once the internal temperature of the thickest part of the meat reaches 74C.

Sunday roasts are being ruined by supermarkets recommending unnecessarily long cooking times to ensure food bugs are killed

Tesco labels suggest consumers cook a roast chicken for 85 minutes at 180C, but tests by researchers at Electronic Temperature Instruments (ETI), a digital thermometer manufacturer, found the inside of the bird was cooked after 35 minutes.

Lidl's cooking time was 95 minutes at 170C, but their product reached its ideal temperature after 39 minutes.

Sainsbury's and Waitrose's cooking times were 85 minutes, but the Sainsbury's chicken took 50 minutes to reach 74C while the Waitrose chicken took 54 minutes.

Researchers found that if consumers stuck to the recommended cooking times, chickens would reach an internal temperature of 93C, which is 26 per cent higher than necessary.

ETI boss Jason Webb wrote to the supermarkets with the findings and asked them to justify their cooking instructions.

He said: 'We want this to start a conversation so we can combat this together. We've seen use-by-dates reviewed in recent years. Now it's time that cooking guidelines are reviewed too.'

Retailers have come under pressure in the past from the Food Standards Agency for selling roasting chickens contaminated with bacteria such as salmonella.

Andrew Opie, of the British Retail Consortium, said: 'Supermarkets take their responsibility to food safety seriously and suggested cooking times have been carefully considered to ensure the safe handling and cooking of raw meat at home.'
Melinda French Gates has decided to keep working with her ex-husband at the foundation they created together over 20 years ago, the CEO of the charity has confirmed.

French Gates, 58, and the Microsoft co-founder Bill finalized their divorce in August 2021 after 27 years of marriage.

At the time, French Gates said she would continue working with the Gates Foundation for two years, and then decide whether to branch out on her own or keep working with the Seattle-based charity.

On Friday, a spokesman for the Gates Foundation confirmed to The Wall Street Journal that she had decided to keep working within the organization.

Melinda French Gates, 58, has decided that she will continue working with the foundation she created with her ex-husband, Bill Gates

Bill and Melinda Gates finalized their divorce in August 2021 after 27 years of marriage

The Gates Foundation was created in 2000, and since then has spent $58.8 billion on issues such as education in the developing world, microfinance, providing clean water, and access to vaccines.

French Gates's decision had been expected: in June, the CEO of the Gates Foundation, Mark Suzman, said that Bill and Melinda are 'both fully committed to the foundation, as they always have been and continue to be.'

He added: 'Every major decision is made by both co-chairs, and will continue to be.'

In September last year, she said she had no intention of leaving.

'I founded this institution, my values are baked into this institution,' she said.

French Gates in December told The Wall Street Journal she felt she had pushed the Gates Foundation to spend more on gender equality initiatives.

The charitable foundation, which has given more than $71 billion in grants, committed $2.1 billion in 2021 to advance gender equality over five years, the paper reported.

Melinda French Gates said she has moved their foundation to focus more on gender equity initiatives

French Gates is seen in a visit to Asia

Bill and Melinda Gates are seen visiting the township of Khayelitsha on the outskirts of Cape Town in October 2019

The pair listen to Nelson Mandela in Johannesburg in September 2003

The pair created their foundation in 2000, and work to improve access to clean water, vaccines, and education, among other issues

French Gates has a current net worth of about $12 billion; Bill Gates has a fortune worth more than $130 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.

Earlier this year, the pair divided personal services, such as private jets, security and other functions previously housed for both of them under an entity called Watermark.

He is now dating Paula Hurd, the widow of the late Oracle president and millionaire Mark Hurd.

She is rumored to be involved with Jon Du Pre, a former TV news anchor and author.

She has also founded her own philanthropic company, Pivotal, which has donated hundreds of millions of dollars into more than 150 organizations.

Those groups focus on areas including preparing women to run for political office, and advocating for federal policy to provide access to paid family and medical leave.

'I formed Pivotal Ventures because I felt I could do the work there, and it's a company not a foundation so I have more tools in my toolbox,' she said in December 2022.

'It feels really good to be able to be that flexible.'
President Joe Biden has acknowledged the four-year-old grandchild Hunter had with Lunden Roberts.

In a statement to People, the president said: 'Our son Hunter and Navy's mother, Lunden, are working together to foster a relationship that is in the best interests of their daughter, preserving her privacy as much as possible going forward'.

'This is not a political issue, it's a family matter,' Biden's statement continues. 'Jill and I only want what is best for all of our grandchildren, including Navy.'

The stunning turnaround  which was published late afternoon Friday while Biden was out of town and preparing to head to his Delaware beach house  came after months of pressure from the mother and political rivals.

'Jill and I only want what is best for all of our grandchildren, including Navy,' President Joe Biden said in a statement Friday afternoon. Navy Joan (left) poses with mom Lunden Roberts (right)

President Joe Biden has acknowledged the four-year-old grandchild Hunter had with Lunden Roberts

Biden himself drew attention to the issue with some of his statements, including when he referenced his 'six grandchildren' even while struggling to mention all of their names at a White House event.

At the White House Christmas party, which the East Wing spends months preparing for, there were only six stockings hanging from a fireplace mantle  none for Navy.

That took place amid Hunter Biden's ongoing child support battle in an Arkansas court, as he sought to lower his monthly payments to reflect his changed circumstances.

The parties settled that case in late June.

As was revealed in a federal court in Wilmington this week, Hunter had been banking millions amid overseas business dealings, while admittedly abusing drugs and alcohol and seeking treatment on and off.

That case, too, put the president's son under the glare of national media at a time President Biden is seeking reelection and facing regular attacks from former President Donald Trump.

'Jill and I only want what is best for all of our grandchildren, including Navy,' Joe and Jill Biden said in a statement

Lunden Roberts poses with her daughter Navy Joan, who President Joe Biden and first lady Hill Biden finally acknowledged in quotes to People late Friday afternoon

Republican presidential hopeful Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis even used the issue in an attack this week.

'The only reason you wouldnt want the parents involved is because you worry the parent would represent an impediment to you imposing your agenda on someone elses kids,' he said in Florida. 'When Biden says theyre not your kids, theyre all of our kids  that is what he means.'

Then he added: 'Now hes not talking about visiting his granddaughter in Arkansas or even acknowledging she exists  but never, never mind that.'

Former U.N. Amb. Nikki Haley took a similar shot at the annual Republican Party of Iowa Lincoln Dinner Friday night when discussing how easy it would be to pass one of the mental competency tests she's pitched for office holders older than 75.

'There aren't a tough test,' she said. 'What town were you born in? How many grandchildren do you have?'

The Friday publication had the hallmarks of a 'Friday night news dump,' when political figures often seek to put out information when it might have a lower impact.

It came at the end of a week filled with high-profile political news, including a superseding indictment for former President Donald Trump in his classified documents case.

Every year, Biden hangs up stockings in the White House for six of his seven grandchildren named - but not Navy

Earlier this month, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre got asked about Navy following a New York Times report on the subject, which followed extensive reporting by other outlets about it.

'There was a story in The New York Times over the weekend about Hunter Biden's daughter in Arkansas. Does the president acknowledge this little girl as his granddaughter?' a reporter asked.

'I don't have anything to share from here,' Jean-Pierre responded.

White House aides had been told at strategy meetings to say publicly that the president and first lady only have six grandchildren - two people familiar with the discussions told The Times.

The president makes family an important part of his political identity, and quoted his father once again in remarks in Maine, where he spoke about manufacturing and the importance of work.

He made a trip this year to Ireland where he tracked down distant relatives. It all made the refusal to acknowledge his flesh and blood more noticable.
One in four councils indicated they will double council tax for holiday homes

Second-home owners could soon be forced to pay twice the amount of council tax as the Government prepares to hand local authorities more powers to raid holiday homes.

It's understood one in four councils in England have already made their minds up and agreed to double the levy - which could generate an additional 200million.

More than 100,000 holiday homeowners are set to see their bills rise at the first given chance, including in tourist hotspots in Devon, the Lake District, Norfolk and Cornwall, which have already approved the change, The Telegraph reports.

If the Labour Party come into power, they have already pledged to install further measures to target second-home owners.

The debate over whether second homeowners should be charged a higher rate of council tax has reignited in recent months. Tens of thousands of properties across the country sitting empty has led to locals being priced out their hometowns, prompting a wave of tax proposals by local governments.

Second-home owners could soon pay twice the amount of council tax as the Government prepares to hand local authorities power to raid holiday homes. Pictured: Salcombe in Devon - a haven for holiday homes

It's understood one in four councils in England have already made their minds up and agreed to double the levy, including Cornwall (pictured). Vandals have previously targeted second homes in Cornwall

Local authorities will be permitted to implement council tax increases on second homes after the Government's Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill goes through. It is backed by all parties and the changes could be brought in by April 2025.

Second-home owners and tourism industry chiefs have told The Telegraph that they feel they are being 'scapegoated' to hide to Government's failure to build more affordable housing.

One former minister warned councils to 'use the powers wisely' because 'not all second-home owners are evil'. There are fears that a fall in tourism could damage the local economy.

'Councils have got to be careful what they wish for, because if they turn off too many second-home owners, they might find that they lose spending power, especially in the summer period when they need to make money,' the ex-minister said.

'They have to think how much they want to push second-home owners before it becomes counterproductive, they have to find a balance.

They added that more working from home means people spend longer periods of time on 'work-cations', adding: 'They have to use these powers wisely because not all second-home owners are evil.'

Housing Secretary Michael Gove has publicly declared his intentions to end the 'scourge' of empty properties to prevent 'desperate' families being 'pushed out' their hometowns.

Mr Gove also wants to clampdown on a loophole where owners can avoid council tax by registering as a holiday let. The Surrey Heath MP hopes to force second home owners to get planning permission to do this.

Housing Secretary Michael Gove (pictureD) has publicly declared his intentions to end the 'scourge' of empty properties to prevent 'desperate' families being 'pushed out' their hometowns.

One former minister warned councils to 'use the powers wisely' because 'not all second-home owners are evil'. Pictured: Aerial view of Waterhead and Ambleside in the Lake District

The councils' own analysis estimates that the hike could generate an additional 200million. Pictured: Burnham Market which is nicknamed Chelsea-on-Sea because of its large number of well-heeled second home owners

The proposed changes come despite limited success being seen in Wales. An almost identical policy was introduced four years ago. The Labour-led administration has since handed powers to councils to charge up to 300 per cent council tax or force homeowners to rent their properties for half the year.

The Telegraph's investigation found that 78 out of the 297 authorities responsible for council tax have already given their seal of approval for the move. The votes have been collected because councils must give a year's notice before hiking taxes.

Some 40 per cent of the 256,913 properties (107,594) registered in England in October 2022 could be hit with increases in council tax as a result of the changes.

The councils' own analysis estimates that the hike could generate an additional 200million.

Only Richmond in London and Nuneaton and Bedworth have suggested they are not indenting to increase council taxes.

Local leaders believe the move will raise money as well as increase affordable housing.

Government figures released last year showed 257,331 homes in England were unoccupied for at least six months. But there is little fear the tax changes would hurt tourism.

Glen Sanderson, who leads Northumberland County Council which has voted for the tax, said earlier this year: 'It has been a growing concern to local residents that some of our villages have too many second homes whilst at the same time there is a shortage of local affordable housing.'

Scotland is also looking to charge second-home owners double the full rate of council tax under new plans. The latest figures show that in January 2023 there were 42,865 long-term empty homes in Scotland.
Britain is on the brink of signing a landmark free trade deal with India, a senior New Delhi official revealed yesterday.

Indian commerce secretary Sunil Barthwal said after years of negotiations, the two sides now want to 'finalise the deal at the earliest' opportunity.

Mr Barthwal added that almost all the most contentious issues were now settled  and predicted that the agreement would be signed 'well before' the end of this year.

A comprehensive free trade deal with India's notoriously protectionist economy has been seen as a key prize for post-Brexit Britain.

Former prime minister Boris Johnson had pledged to sign a deal by Diwali in October last year. But talks stalled over New Delhi's demands for more visas for Indian workers.

Britain is on the brink of signing a landmark free trade deal with India, a senior New Delhi official revealed yesterday. Pictured: Rishi Sunak (left) and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (right) in 2022

Trade secretary Kemi Badenoch told MPs this year that any free trade deal 'will not contain commitments on immigration or provide access to the UK domestic labour market'.

For India, a free trade deal with the UK would be its first with a developed country after it signed an interim trade pact with Australia last year. The UK is hoping for wider access for British financial services and luxury goods to one of the world's biggest and fastest-growing markets.

Rishi Sunak has formed a strong relationship with Indian prime minister Narendra Modi since taking office last year. The two men are due to meet at the G20 summit in New Delhi in September.

A spokesman for the Department for Business and Trade declined to comment on the timetable for a deal, but added: 'While we've made progress in closing chapters, we're now focused on the high ambition areas including goods, services, and investment.

'We are clear that we will only sign when we have a deal that is fair, balanced, and in the best interests of the British people and economy.' A source from the department said the UK was 'not putting any timeline' on talks.


Prime Minister Narendra Modi Modi ' title='Prime Minister Narendra Modi '>Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday promised 50 per cent financial assistance to players wishing to set up semiconductor manufacturing facility in the country. Now technology firms will be given 50 per cent financial assistance to set up semiconductor manufacturing facilities in India, he said, adding, We are continuously carrying out policy reforms to accelerate the growth of the country's semiconductor sector



He was addressing a gathering after inaugurating SemiconIndia 2023 at Mahatma Mandir here.



The conference, with its theme 'Catalysing Indias Semiconductor Ecosystem,' aims to unite global leaders from industry, academia, and research sectors.



At the conference, PM Modi underlined the significance of the ongoing fourth industrial revolution, linking it with the aspirations of Indian society.



The Prime Minister emphasised India's readiness to "address global apprehensions about raw materials and manpower", besides promising to work collaboratively with private sectors that have demonstrated remarkable growth and success.



Highlighting the country's vast talent pool and skilled engineers, Modi stressed on the nation's global responsibility and efforts to bolster the semiconductor sector.



He noted recent initiatives like the approval of the National Quantum Mission and the introduction of semiconductor courses in over 300 colleges, aiming to produce more than 100,000 design engineers within the next five years.



"The sector in which we have worked closely with private players has touched new heights. Be it the space sector or geospatial sector, we have got excellent results everywhere, the Prime Minister emphasised.



He also informed about the critical decisions taken on the basis of feedback received.



Prime Minister Modi talked about the increased incentive under the Semicon India Programme.



SemiconIndia 2023 served as a stage for industry heavyweights such as Foxconn, Micron, AMD, IBM, Marvell, Vedanta, LAM Research, NXP Semiconductors, and STMicroelectronics to illuminate India's strides in establishing a competitive global semiconductor manufacturing and design hub.






Elon Musk ordered Tesla to 'rig its electric cars' dashboards' to show an inflated range they could travel before running out of charge, it is alleged.

A probe claims the US carmaker set up a secret team to suppress thousands of complaints from owners disappointed by their vehicle's performance.

Employees in America were tasked with cancelling as many service appointments as possible that related to range problems.

Elon Musk (pictured) ordered Tesla to 'rig its electric cars' dashboards' to show an inflated range they could travel before running out of charge, it is alleged

A probe claims the US carmaker set up a secret team to suppress thousands of complaints from owners disappointed by their vehicle's performance

The directive to present the optimistic range estimates came from chief executive Mr Musk around a decade ago, unnamed sources told the Reuters news agency.

Neither Tesla nor its billionaire owner Mr Musk has responded to the claims.

Tesla was fined by South Korean regulators earlier this year after they found cars delivered as little as half their advertised range in cold weather.
He hooked-up with former PM Julia Gillard in 2004

Mathieson is trying to push for a diversion

The ex-partner of former prime minister Julia Gillard could have faced up to 10 years behind bars if original charges of stalking had not been dropped.

Daily Mail Australia can reveal Tim Mathieson was charged with two counts of stalking amid accusations he entered a woman's home without her permission.

The alleged offence supposedly came just a day after Mathieson sucked the nipple of a woman without her consent in the very same suburb.

On Thursday, Mathieson - known during Ms Gillard's reign as Australia's 'first bloke' - appeared via videolink in the Melbourne Magistrates' Court.

His barrister indicated that Mathieson would plead guilty to a single offence of sexual assault.

That plea was on the provision the Director of the Office of Public Prosecutions drop the as then unnamed stalking charges.

Tim Mathieson, the ex-partner of former prime minister Julia Gillard, is set to plead guilty to a sexually assaulting a woman. He is pictured with Ms Gillard in 2010

Daily Mail Australia can reveal Victoria Police's Sexual Offences and Child-abuse Investigation Team charged Mathieson with stalking over allegations he entered a woman's Brunswick East address on March 14 last year.

Detectives also alleged Mathieson stalked a Brunswick East woman from December 2 last year up until February 14 this year by harassing her over the phone.

Mathieson was eventually charged on May 23 by the Fawkner SOCIT unit.

Both stalking charges were withdrawn by prosecutors on Thursday in part of a plea deal that will see the former hairdresser admit to one count of sexual assault.

Court documents released to Daily Mail Australia on Thursday outlined Mathieson's offending.

The charge stated Mathieson 'intentionally sexually touched [the victim] by sucking her nipple without her consent in circumstances where the accused did not reasonably believe that [the victim] consented to the touching.'

Further details of that sexual assault remain unknown, with further explosive details expected to be aired when the matter returns to court next month.

Mathieson's barrister Brad Penno told the court his client would plead at his next appearance if prosecutors went through with its plans to withdraw the other charges.

'It is resolvable on the basis Mr Mathieson will plead guilty to charge one on the basis that charges two and three be withdrawn,' he said.

'If that's accurate I'd expect the prosecution to make an application along those lines,' he said.

Mr Penno said he hoped to have Mathieson dealt with via the court's diversion program.

Under Victorian law, diversion plans are often handed down to first-time offenders and are designed not to impact on a person's life going forward.

Under the diversion plan, Mathieson would not be required to formally plead to the charges and instead simply make admissions to the charged offences.

Tim Mathieson is accused of intentionally touching the woman's nipple without her consent at Brunswick East in Melbourne's inner-city on March 13 last year

Mathieson is pictured leaving his lawyer's office in Melbourne on Thursday

'If the diversion is on the table it would need to return to a diversion hearing,' Mr Penno said.

A Crown Prosecutor agreed to withdraw two of the three charges on-the-spot, but would not commit to supporting Mathieson's request to be dealt with via diversion until it had been discussed with his alleged victim.

'The short answer is ... we need more time to make inquiries and come to a decision whether in fact a diversion is appropriate,' he said.

Stalking in Victoria carries a maximum sentence of 10 years behind bars.

Dressed in a suit and tie, Mathieson sat quietly behind a desk at the rear of his barrister's office on Thursday and made no comment throughout the hearing.

He was later made to make an embarrassing dash to his vehicle before a rabid media pack alone after Mr Penno abandoned him in his office building.

Mathieson lived with Ms Gillard in the Lodge in Canberra when she was Prime Minister, but Gillard revealed in early 2022 that the couple had split up some time earlier.

Should the matter not be dealt with via diversion, Mathieson would be forced to enter a formal plea, which could result in him being convicted of the crime and face a far more severe penalty.

Mathieson had been a hairdresser when he hooked-up with Ms Gillard in 2004.

He has three children, with daughter Sherri Mathieson once appearing on television reality show The Bachelor.

Tim Mathieson (right) has indicated he will admit to being a sex offender

Mathieson was photographed leaving his lawyer's office on Thursday

Tim Mathieson and Julia Gillard in happier times.

After Ms Gillard became Prime Minister in 2010, the pair became the first unmarried couple to live at The Lodge until she was toppled in a leadership spill in 2013.

Mathieson frequently accompanied the Prime Minister on engagements within Australia and on her official overseas trips.

During his time as prime ministerial spouse, Mathieson undertook voluntary work for Kidney Health Australia, Indigenous Diabetes Association and mental health group Beyond Blue.

He was also patron of the Australian Men's Shed Association, dedicated to encouraging men to meet and discuss problems in a comfortable environment.

Ms Gillard told the Adelaide Advertiser in March this year that she had split with Mathieson more than a year ago, after a decade and a half together.

Despite declaring in 2011 that he wished to wed Ms Gillard, the couple never married.
READ MORE: The real reasons behind the strict rules at airport security

The island lies nine miles off Queenslands coast and 160 miles north of Brisbane

The affable advice at Aussie Trax, the four-wheel drive hire company located at Kingfisher Bay Resort, is: No worries if yer run into strife, but try not to, mate.

And then we set off to explore Kgari, the worlds largest sand island, nine miles off Queenslands southeastern coast and 160 miles north of Brisbane.

With just a couple of campsites, one resort and no permanent residents, these 75 miles by 14 miles of rainforest growing on sand (the only place in the world where this happens) offer one of Australias best eco-tourism adventures.

Formerly Fraser Island, the name Kgari means paradise and was given by the local Butchulla people some 5,000 years ago. With my husband Neil and our three teenage sons, we arrive by ferry from the town of River Heads and walk up the jetty towards a powdery beach, the shadow of a green sea turtle gliding in the water.

All looks peaceful, but when the what to do if you meet a dingo leaflet is thrust into my hand, I realise that the island is not without its dangers.

Wondrous: Kate Wickers explores Kgari, the worlds largest sand island, which lies nine miles off Queenslands southeastern coast. Above is a vast and pristine beach on the isle

Our spacious wooden villa blends into the forest, kept cool by cooloola pines and pandanus palms. Standing guard on the roof is a family of cockatoos.

Over dinner on the terrace of Dune Restaurant (formerly called Seabelle), we dine on tea-smoked kangaroo loin and crocodile calamari. Cicadas and frogs provide the background music.

The Lemon myrtle butter (taken from the leaves of a native tree) is a hit with my sons. Bear Grylls would love this, sighs my youngest, Freddie.

Kate explores Kgari in a four-wheel drive, stopping at Lake Wabby (above) to admire the scenery

The island's Eli Creek (above) pumps 120 million litres of fresh water into the sea daily, Kate reveals

Jermaine La Rocca is of Butchulla descent and works as an eco ranger. Keep an eye out for Goats foot (ipomoea pes-caprae), a coastal creeper vine with a pink to purple flower when youre exploring, he says. My ancestors used the leaves for bites and stings from stingrays, jellyfish, stone fish, spiders and snakes.

We hum the theme to Jurassic Park as we navigate the slippery tracks in our 4WD, stopping first at the lookout over crystalline Lake Wabby. From here its just a short bounce to the highway  a 75-mile beach, slashed with freshwater streams that trickle into the ocean. Eli Creek pumps 120 million litres of fresh water into the sea daily and we play a game of Pooh Sticks, watching our twigs race back to shore along this natural lazy river.

Can we climb on it? asks Freddie. Hes referring to the immense rusting skeleton of the 5,300-ton SS Maheno shipwreck, but this is not a safe frame. Built in 1905, in its heyday it enjoyed an illustrious career (setting a record ferry crossing time from Sydney to Wellington). When a cyclone hit, it washed up here in 1935.

Kate marvels over the immense rusting skeleton of the 5,300-ton SS Maheno shipwreck (above)

At Indian Head lookout (above), Kate spots three manta rays flying through the water at the foot of the cliffs

'All looks peaceful, but when the "what to do if you meet a dingo" leaflet is thrust into my hand, I realise that the island is not without its dangers,' writes Kate. Above is a dingo on the island

TRAVEL FACTS Two-bedroom villas at Kingfisher Bay Resort from 139 (kingfisherbay.com). Heathrow to Brisbane via Dubai returns with Emirates from 879 (emirates.com). Advertisement

At Indian Head lookout we scour the horizon. Between August and October, these waters become a resting place for humpback whales on their migration from the Antarctic to southern Australia. Three manta rays fly through the water at the foot of the cliffs, but farther out a fountain of water catches our eye. As a breeching humpback slaps the sea with its colossal fin, we whoop at the luck of what we are seeing. Our final stop is Boorangoora lake, where we wade into icy menthol blue water to watch the sunset.

Back at the resorts Sunset Bar, we hear a holler: Dingo! A handsome male dog, with almond eyes and a sleek coat that glows burnt orange in the sunset, comes trotting by. The Butchulla once kept watdha (camp dingoes) to help them track prey. These days there are only wongari (wild dingoes) left on the island.

We freeze, remembering to stay calm, and watch as it fishes for a crab supper in the shallows.

Hell be gone soon. No worries, the barman tells us, and after only a few days cast away on Kgari, I realise that this is absolutely true. We have no worries at all.
Scroll down to the very bottom to see the watchdog's full top 10 ranking...

Which? compared the prices of more than 3,500 short-haul package holidays

Summer is underway, but it's not too late to book a last-minute beach break - and there are still some bargains to be had, Which? reveals.

The watchdog has drawn up a ranking of the top 10 cheapest destinations for a last-minute package break in early August.

To curate the ranking, Which? compared the prices of more than 3,500 short-haul holidays available to book in eight countries from the UKs biggest tour operators - Jet2holidays and Tui - to find the most affordable seaside destinations in the third week of the school summer holidays.

Overall, it found that Spain was the cheapest country - the average price of a seven-night trip to Spain in early August is more than 400 less than a week in Croatia or Greece, Which? reveals. Here's the low-down on the cheapest holiday hotspots to visit, starting with the most budget-friendly destination of all...

1. Bilbao - average holiday price of 667pp

New research by Which? reveals the cheapest destinations for a last-minute package holiday in early August - and it's Bilbao (above) that's the most budget-friendly hotspot

Which? says: 'Summer is balmy rather than baking in Bilbao. The best-known landmark in this Basque city in northern Spain is the shimmering Guggenheim Museum - a ship-shaped, titanium-clad marvel thats as impressive as the art inside.'

It adds: 'When youve had your fill of sightseeing, hop on the metro to Plentzia to stretch out on its golden beach or take a dip in the sheltered bay.'

2. Valencia - average holiday price of 694pp

Which? says that second-place Valencia (above) is a 'great destination if you want to combine sunbathing with sightseeing'

Which? notes that - as we reported - the Spanish city of Valencia came top in its recent survey of the Mediterraneans best seaside towns, saying: 'Visitors gave Valencia full marks for its beach, tourist attractions, attractiveness, peace and quiet, friendliness and value for money.'

The watchdog notes: 'Its a great destination if you want to combine sunbathing with sightseeing. Theres a Gothic cathedral, a palatial Art Nouveau food market and the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences cultural quarter to explore.'

3. Porto - average holiday price of 790pp

Third in the ranking is the Portuguese city of Porto, which is known for its 'prized port wine'

'Porto sits on Portugals northern coast and enjoys gentler summers than Lisbon and the Algarve,' Which? declares, noting that the city is known for its 'prized port wine'.

It continues: 'The waterfront and winding streets of Unesco-listed Ribeira [neighbourhood] are lined with hip bars and chic restaurants.' Which recommends taking the 'historic' tram Number One to the beach or a river taxi to Vila Nova de Gaia, the city on the other side of the Douro River.

4. Thessaloniki - average holiday price of 791pp

Taking fourth place in the ranking is the Greek city of Thessaloniki - a place that's 'buzzing in summer', according to Which?

Which? says: 'Greeces second city is buzzing in summer. Escape the midday sun in its fresco-adorned Roman Rotunda, Byzantine museum, century-old food market and traditional coffee houses and tavernas. Or catch the breeze on a boat ride on the Thermaic Gulf.'

It adds: 'The powder-soft beaches of Halkidiki are an easy day trip.'

5. Dalaman - average holiday price of 815pp

Which? has found that the average cost of a package holiday in the Dalaman region, which ranks fifth, is 'considerably less than elsewhere on Turkeys sun-soaked Turquoise Coast'

'Dalaman is the cheapest option for holidaymakers who just want to flop on a beach and chill by a pool,' Which? reveals.

It says: 'The average cost of a package holiday in this region was considerably less than elsewhere on Turkeys sun-soaked Turquoise Coast, and you can still find bed and breakfast, half-board and all-inclusive holidays available.'

While there, the ancient Greek rock-hewn tombs of the Fethiye district are a must-see, the watchdog adds.

Commenting on the study's findings, Rory Boland, Editor of Which? Travel, said: 'Jetting off in the summer holidays this year could be very pricey, but weve found its not too late to bag a bargain coastal break this August, whether youre in the mood to simply fly and flop or want a bit of city life thrown in too.

'Those looking to avoid the worst of the current hot temperatures in Europe might want to consider a last-minute city break in Bilbao or Porto, both of which were highly-rated by travellers in our recent survey of European coastal destinations. Meanwhile, those wanting a relaxing break lounging by the pool will find great value stays still available on Turkeys beautiful Turquoise Coast.'
THE SIXTH COMMANDMENT

BBC IPLAYER

Rating:

There is a moment near the beginning of this outstanding four-part drama about the 2015 murder of a novelist and retired English teacher by a manipulative con artist where the victim, Peter Farquhar, is talking to his priest and confidant about his feelings of shame and guilt around his homosexuality.

'Do you think Christ wants you to be lonely and unhappy?' asks his friend. 'That is a moot point, isn't it,' replies Farquhar. 'Why?' 'Because I do not think it is possible for me to be loved.'

This is an awful story, about two vulnerable people whose kindness was cruelly exploited by an opportunistic predator, Benjamin Field, now serving a life sentence for the murder of Farquhar. Pictured: Timothy Spall, Eanna Hardwicke and Anne Reid

In the mouth of any other actor, that line might have felt like soapy self-pity.

But delivered by Timothy Spall, who plays Farquhar, those words carry such depth of feeling, such melancholy and quiet humility, that one can only feel a heart-rending sadness for this intelligent, kind man whose own self-loathing led him into the arms of an unscrupulous conman and killer.

This is an awful story, about two vulnerable people whose kindness was cruelly exploited by an opportunistic predator, Benjamin Field, now serving a life sentence for the murder of Farquhar.

The irony is that Farquhar was loved deeply by many  his friends and family, generations of children he taught during a teaching career spanning 35 years. But his inner conflict and turmoil about his sexuality, combined with his devout nature, resulted  as sadly it often did for men of his generation  in feelings of shame and repression.

If Spall inhabits his role with tremulous subtlety and grace, then Eanna Hardwicke as Field brings a chilling charm to the character of this charismatic young student and church warden who first seduced Farquhar and then his neighbour, retired headteacher Ann Moore-Martin (Anne Reid), in the quiet Buckinghamshire village of Maids Moreton.

The victims could hardly have hoped for a more sensitive re-telling of their story.

Written by Sarah Phelps (A Very British Scandal) and directed by Saul Dibb, who made the fact-based drama The Salisbury Poisonings, it approaches the tragedy with deep sadness  but also a kind of beauty that makes it even more painfully poignant.

Spall and Reid are beyond brilliant in the way they portray their tentative dreams of romance, their powerlessness in the face of Field's emotional onslaught.

Sarah Vine, pictured, says that the victims could 'hardly have hoped for a more sensitive re-telling of their story'

Their story is a reminder of the fragility of the human heart, and of its vulnerability in the face of evil  and how, in our natural desire to be loved, we sometimes fail to spot the danger before our very eyes.

In our desire to be loved we can fail to spot the danger before our very eyes

The hardest role, however, falls to Hardwicke. It is not easy to play such cold-hearted evil with such depth and complexity, and yet he manages it, seducing the viewer along with the protagonists.

Luckily we can see what he's really up to; sadly, Farquhar and Moore-Martin could not.

They won't be the first, or the last, to fall prey to a charming monster. But at least their story is now told.

Hilariously OTT 90s nostalgia

THE POWER OF PARKER

FRIDAYS, 9.30PM, BBC1

Rating:

I enjoyed every second of this hilariously over-the-top comedy about an electrical goods salesman in early-90s Stockport. It opens with an ad in which our hero  Martin Parker, played with cheesy gusto by Conleth Hill  invites viewers to 'treat the wife' to a new vacuum cleaner at one of his electrical emporiums.

A cross between Robert Kilroy-Silk and Del Boy, Parker is living the dream: successful businessman, Mercedes in the drive, daughter at private school, wife at home, mistress in town. But things aren't as rosy as they seem.

He owes a lot of money to some very nasty people and is having an affair with his wife's sister Kath (Sian Gibson), which his wife Diane (Rosie Cavaliero) is unaware of  even though it's been going on for 25 years.

It opens with an ad in which our hero  Martin Parker, played with cheesy gusto by Conleth Hill, pictured

Sian Gibson in The Power Of Parker. There ensues an uproarious comedy of errors that's also brilliantly nostalgic for the 90s and a certain kind of outrageous male behaviour

When Parker decides to dump Kath on the advice of his accountant, she, understandably, is miffed  even more so when he turfs her out of the flat he's been paying for.

There ensues an uproarious comedy of errors that's also brilliantly nostalgic for the 90s and a certain kind of outrageous male behaviour.

The performances are fantastic, particularly the two sisters, whose love/hate relationship leads to escapades including a hilarious scene in a nightclub when they accidentally become part of the rave scene. A joyous, classic British comedy.

My kind of vampires

An absurdist sitcom about three bickering vampires, led by Nandor (Kayvan Novak, pictured), who share a house on Staten Island in New York, it's filmed in the style of a documentary

What We Do In The Shadows (series 1-4, Disney+; series 2-3, BBC iPlayer) is a show that makes no sense on paper, but I find it irresistible.

An absurdist sitcom about three bickering vampires, led by Nandor (Kayvan Novak), who share a house on Staten Island in New York, it's filmed in the style of a documentary.

I'm so excited that Hulu have just launched a fifth series in America, which no doubt will be winging its way here soon. The joy is the combination of supernatural with mundane: blood-suckers in suburbia is intriguing, don't you agree?
Melissa Gorga looked incredible as she shared several stylish snaps taken during her getaway to Italy's Amalfi Coast this week,

The 44-year-old reality television personality was joined by her husband Joe while taking in many of the sights that Positano had to offer.

The star, who is currently embroiled in a feud with Melissa Giudice, also penned a short message in her post's caption that partially read: 'Magical is an understatement.'

Gorga and her spouse, 43, were seen while making the most of their time at what appeared to be a rooftop bar overlooking the getaway destination.

The Real Housewives of New Jersey cast member donned a flowing green dress that showcased her toned arms during her first night in Positano.

Vacation: Melissa Gorga looked incredible as she shared several stylish snaps taken during her getaway to Italy's Amalfi Coast this week

The media figure added various elements of shine to her look with several sparkling bracelets.

Her gorgeous brunette hair cascaded onto her shoulders and contrasted perfectly with the vibrant tones of her clothing.

Joe opted for a black button-up shirt that was contrasted with white shorts and matching sneakers.

Melissa went on to include a photo taken during a dinner date with her spouse of nearly two decades.

The reality television figure also added in a shot to show off the getaway destination at night.

The entrepreneur included two videos in her photoset to showcase her dress' flowing lower portion.

Melissa tagged the official Instagram account of her apparel company, Envy, on her dress in the first snap from the photoset.

The Bravo star previously founded her brand in 2015 and served as the operator of a boutique located in her home state of New Jersey.

Couple's trip: The 44-year-old reality television personality was joined by her husband, Joe, while taking in many of the sights that Positano had to offer

Comfortable clothing: Joe opted for a black button-up shirt that was contrasted with white shorts and matching sneakers

Standing out: The Real Housewives of New Jersey cast member donned a flowing green dress that showcased her toned arms during her first night in Positano

Scenic views: The reality television figure also added in a shot to show off the getaway destination at night

The company recently received a boost in publicity when Ariana Madix wore an Envy dress to a wedding in Mexico not long after it was revealed that her boyfriend, Tom Sandoval, had cheated on her with Raquel Leviss.

Many of the reality television personality's fans took inspiration from her look, and according to Page Six, the item was soon sold out in all sizes.

Melissa also told the media outlet that the dresses were gone 'as soon as [Madix] wore it.'

She did reveal, however, that she saved one particular dress for herself and was planning on wearing it throughout the summer.
Maya Jama and Florence Pugh brought the glamour on Thursday night as they attended the launch of Lotus' new flagship atelier in London's Piccadilly.

The Love Island host, 28, looked nothing short of sensational in an off-the-shoulder black and white mini dress as she posed at the star-studded car event.

The star also showed off her new blonde highlights as she rocked bouncy curls for the evening.

Maya's monochrome dress featured a bold white trim and gold buttons, with the number perfectly hugging her curves.

She teamed her dress with fishnet tights, striking black and white buckled shoes and statement gold jewellery.

Flawless: Maya Jama and Florence Pugh brought the glamour on Thursday night as they attended the launch of Lotus' new flagship atelier in London's Piccadilly

Wow: The Love Island host, 28, looked nothing short of sensational in an off-the-shoulder black and white mini dress by Moschino as she posed at the star-studded car event

Out and a pout: She looked sensational in the racy monochrome look

Wow! Florence chatted fondly to John Boyega as they posed alongside a bright yellow Lotus at the launch of the first flagship in Europe

Maya looked radiant as she beamed while posing for a number of glam snaps, many in front of the epic 2023 Lotus Eletre, which goes from 0-62 mph in 2.9 to 4.5 seconds. Prices of the car range from 90,805 to 121,305.

Meanwhile, Florence, 27, caught the eye in a plunging red jumpsuit.

The actress showcased her edgy sense of style in the bold, flared number, which she teamed with a plethora of gold chains.

Florence looked fierce as she posed up a storm at the swanky event.

Maya and Florence were in good company on the night as other stars in attendance included Emma Weymouth, Marchioness of Bath.

The former Strictly star wowed in a daring halterneck black jumpsuit which displayed a glimpse of side-boob.

It comes after Maya debuted her new hairdo in her latest social media snaps on Wednesday.

The TV host, who's famed for presenting the ITV2 reality series, ditched her trademark brunette locks and showed off her new blonde hairdo.

Stunners: The ladies looked fabulous as they posed with one another

Hair today: The star also showed off her new blonde highlights as she rocked bouncy curls for the evening

Gorgeous: Maya's monochrome dress featured a bold white trim and gold buttons, with the number perfectly hugging her curves

Lovely: Maya looked radiant as she beamed while posing for a number of glam snaps, many in front of the epic 2023 Lotus Eletre, which goes from 0-62 mph in 2.9 to 4.5 seconds. Prices of the car range from 90,805 to 121,305

Check me out: Star Wars actor John Boyega looked dapper in a checked coat

Here she is: The star put on a leggy display as she climbed out of her car

Lady in red: Meanwhile, Florence, 27, caught the eye in a plunging red jumpsuit by Moschino

Cool: The actress showcased her edgy sense of style in the bold, flared number, which she teamed with a plethora of gold chains

Golden girl: She looked sensational with her gold jewels and adornments

She showcased her cinched waist in a racy black leather jumpsuit, teamed with matching heeled boots.

The beauty swept her curly tresses up into a bun and enjoyed a glass of champagne.

In one fun snap, Maya posed for a mirror selfie in a white robe with a fake cream moustache.

Maya has been unveiled as the new face of luxury fashion brand Dolce & Gabbana.

As the focus of its new autumn/winter 2023 campaign, Maya stuns in a red latex coat and diamond encrusted D&G sunglasses as well as a black see-through dress.

Royally stunning: Maya and Florence were in good company on the night as other stars in attendance included Emma Weymouth, Marchioness of Bath

Dare to bare: The former Strictly star wowed in a daring halterneck black jumpsuit which displayed a glimpse of side-boob

Stunner: Maya and Emma looked stunning as they posed up a storm

Pose: Lotus Chief Commercial Officer Mike Johnstone stopped for a snap with glam Maya

Catch up: The two were seen chatting away at the event

Excellence: Emma, Maya, Reggie Yates and TTYA London founder Irene Agbontaen posed for a group snap (L-R)

Looking good: Mike Johnstone and Florence posed together

Duo: Florence posed with her Midsommar co-star Archie Madekwe at the event

Glam: Emma, Florence, Betty Bachz and Charli Howard dressed to impress on the night (L-R)

Ladies night: The ladies went all out with their outfits at the Lotus event

Style: Actor Ramzan Miah looked sharp in a patterned tan suit

The TV host smoulders in an auburn wig as she pouts for the camera wearing a satin red gown costing 2,550.

Believed to be worth thousands, the Dolce & Gabbana deal has catapulted the Bristol-born beauty to the forefront of fashion.

Not only is she Vogue's August cover star but Maya mingled with the likes of Kim Kardashian, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Dame Helen Mirren at the brand's decadent unveiling of their latest Alta Moda collection in Puglia this month, posing for selfies with Dolce himself.

A source close to the star revealed: 'This is an amazing deal for Maya and it takes her career to the next level.

'It has been in the works for a while, and she is so happy that it is finally done, and she can tell people. It's the start of something really big for her and Dolce & Gabbana.'
She single again following her divorce from her husband Dan Thomas after 16 years of marriage.

And Julia Morris has opened up about her colourful sex life before she was married.

'Oh my god did I have a good time when I was younger, sometimes even just for a ride home, not even practise. But now I think Ive run out of roots,' she joked on 2DAY FMs Hughesy, Ed & Erin.

The comments came after she was asked by the radio hosts if she was dating again following her shock split from Thomas.

The funnywoman said she 'couldn't be bothered'.

Julia Morris has opened up about her colourful dating and sex life when she was younger, before she was married to her now ex-husband Dan Thomas

'For me, 20 years of the same lecture. I just reckon I am done for a while. I can't even be bothered,' she said.

Julia's chemistry with her I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! co-star Dr Chris Brown has long been discussed and was even the butt of one of Dave Hughes jokes at last year's Logie Awards.

When Hughes asked if the pair will finally hook up now they are both single, Julia joked she's still waiting for Brown.

'I don't want to have to use the expression standing by, but how long does a lady have to wait for a potential paramour to look her way,' she joked.

Earlier this year, Julia lifted the lid on her shock divorce from husband Dan.

She also addressed rumours of a romance with her A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! co-star Dr Chris Brown

'I'm famous for saying I feel like every year we're going to break up. But it definitely gets to that same point, which is that we are just not necessarily growing in the same direction,' she told The Australian Women's Weekly.

She explained how she began to see her husband as a 'pest' as their relationship became more fractured.

While Julia described her marriage breakdown as 'super sad', she was determined to set an example for their daughters Ruby, 16, and Sophie, 14, not to settle for an unhappy relationship.

'I think that's where patience starts to wear down to, "I'm not living like this. How is this an example for my girls that this is an okay life to lead? No thanks",' she said.

Elsewhere in the interview, Julia revealed how she's learned to manage the household chores her husband previously took care of - including looking after her finances.

The TV star has also become more familiar with the internet.

Julia split from her husband Dan Thomas after 16 years of marriage earlier this year

'Now I've got to download permission slips from school. And I've never worked in an office  I've taught myself all that stuff,' she boasted.

Previously, Julia announced she was 'no longer interested in sex' following her divorce.

Speaking to The Kyle and Jackie O Show in October last year, Julia insisted: 'I think I'll shut up shop. I'm done with roots.'

Elsewhere in the interview, Julia revealed how she's learned to manage the household chores her husband previously took care of - including looking after her finances

A shocked Sandilands then asked her if she at least 'takes care of business' herself.

She admitted she does pleasure herself 'sometimes... if I can be bothered.'

She said that 'self-care' is not a priority for her because she's too busy, adding: 'Who's got the time? I've got washing to do!'

Julia married British comedian Dan on New Year's Eve in 2005.
She was a walking headline throughout her tumultuous marriage to Kanye West and short-lived romance with Pete Davidson.

And Kim Kardashian is now happy to be single following her divorce from the rapper and split from the comedian.

The reality star, 42, made the admission on the season 3 finale of The Kardashians.

'This season has been a lot,' Kim said.

Kim said she was proud of herself for staying out of the dating game and focusing on her ever-growing SKIMS business empire.

Kim Kardashian says she's happy to be single following her divorce from Kanye West and split from Pete Davidson

'There's been a lot of personal drama, a lot of stress, a lot of happy times. I creative directed the Dolce & Gabanna show, I continued to build SKIMS and I managed to stay single!' she said.

Reflecting on her incredible success, the mother-of-four said she 'believes in magic'.

'Those that don't believe in magic will never find it. There's a lot of magic that has happened in my life. People always ask, ''How did you do this?'' And I'm just like, a little bit of magic played a role in that, too,' she said.

Kim previously expressed regret over jumping into a relationship with ex-boyfriend Davidson so quickly after splitting from West.

Kim said she was proud of herself for staying out of the dating game and focusing on her ever-growing SKIMS business empire. Pictured with Kanye West in 2016

'And there's been a lot of personal drama, a lot of stress, a lot of happy times. I creative directed the Dolce & Gabanna show, I continued to build SKIMS and I managed to stay single!' she said

She spoke out about how she felt about diving into the rebound relationship so fast during the last episode of The Kardashians.

Kim started dating 29-year-old Davidson in November 2021 after meeting just a month earlier while Kim was hosting Saturday Night Live.

The relationship was just nine months after she filed for divorce from West, who she was married to since May 2014 and shares four children with.

Kim explained to her half-sisters Kendall Jenner and Kylie Jenner that she got into that relationship to run away from her failed marriage with West.

'I definitely jumped into another relationship so fast. It got my mind away from like stuff and that's not a way to like run from things. It's better to like, deal, heal that's a good one. Deal, heal, and then' as Kendall finished, 'Feel,' though she revised it - 'Feel, deal, heal.'

The episode transitioned to Kim's house, where Kylie arrived and examined part of Kim's expansive wardrobe.

'Is this like new stuff or just your clothes you haven't worn?' Kylie asked, as Kim explained, 'Clothes I haven't worn. I mean it's new stuff that I have acquired.'

Kim previously expressed regret over jumping into a relationship with ex-boyfriend Pete Davidson so quickly after splitting from husband Kanye West. Pictured with Pete last year

Kylie added, 'This is fun, you should wear all this stuff, as Kim told Kylie and Kendall about her storage facility.

'The storage facility that I have and I just went, I didn't realise it was like the day our divorce was final, I was cleaning it out. I get so emotional or sentimental, you know, but it's like, sometimes I'm like, why do I hold on to this?'

Kendall theorised: 'Yeah, you're holding on to the reality that you thought you were gonna live, this whole fantasy you created in your head of like what your marriage was gonna be like, and it completely shifted to something you would've never expected, obviously.'

Kim explained to her half-sisters Kendall Jenner and Kylie Jenner that she got into that relationship to run away from her failed marriage with West. 'I definitely jumped into another relationship so fast. It got my mind away from like stuff,' she explained

Kendall added in confession, 'I don't know how Kim handles everything with her ex-husband. It's impressive, it's amazing. I give her so much props but also I admire the strength and the cool and calmness that she has with it, because I could just never. I'd be spiralling.'

Kim told her sisters, 'After all the mean things that he's done, the kids have no clue. They don't know a thing.'

Kylie explained, 'I think it's just who we are and how we were raised as a family. We're all just really forgiving and loving.'

Kim explained her kids, 'think their dad is like the best thing and the most amazing thing and he's so great with them, why would I take that away from them because I'm angry?'

Kim explained her kids, 'think their dad is like the best thing and the most amazing thing and he's so great with them, why would I take that away from them because I'm angry? I mean, granted, I have a lot to be angry at, but like, they don't now that. I still have a stocking. You know, and North wanted to post like all of our decorations and she posted the stocking and I'm like, Oh my God. People are gonna think I agree with his some of the things he says.'

Kim explained in confession, 'I don't want to look at it negatively. I'm not going to take every experience and bad thing that happened to me and carry that into my life. What am I supposed to be learning from this? How is this gonna make me a better person?'

The Kardashians is available to stream in Australia on Disney+
Kevin Costner was spotted with his and Christine Baumgartner's three kids for first time since he was 'blindsided' by his estranged wife after she filed for divorce in May.

The Yellowstone star, 68, was spotted in Aspen, Colorado this week with his sons Cayden, 16, and Hayes, 14, and daughter Grace, 13.

It's a two-hour flight from Costner's $145million mansion in Santa Barbara, California  which his wife of 18 years must vacate by the end of July.

Baumgartner, 49, previously claimed in court docs that Costner informed their children about their split over a 10-minute Zoom call without her.

Despite their ongoing divorce battle, Costner looked at ease with his teenage brood as they touched down in Aspen on Monday.

Pictured: Kevin Costner was spotted with his and Christine Baumgartner's three kids (and a group of their friends) for first time since he was 'blindsided' by his estranged wife after she filed for divorce in May

Despite the ongoing divorce battle, Costner looked at ease with his teenage brood as they touched down in Aspen this week

Meanwhile, Baumgartner was pictured out in Montecito on Thursday

The Bodyguard actor picked up Cayden, Hayes and Grace from a local airport before swinging by a grocery store.

Costner embodied his beloved Yellowstone character John Dutton by rocking a woven cowboy hat and boots.

He styled his Western headwear with a casual blue button-up shirt and light denim jeans.

Costner loaded his kids' luggage into an SUV and had the help of his personal entourage.

The two-time Academy Award-winner looked happy to be spending quality time with his children and what appeared to be several of their friends.

After their luggage was loaded up, Costner and the crew of teens stoped by a nearby grocery store to stock up on snacks.

Meanwhile, Costner's estranged spouse Baumgartner was spotted soaking up the sun with family friend Josh Connor on vacation in Hawaii this week.

In court papers obtained by PEOPLE in June, Baumgartner claimed that Costner blindsided their children with the divorce over Zoom despite her wishes to deliver the news together.

'After a 24-year relationship, from his hotel room in Las Vegas, Kevin told our three children that we were getting divorced over a 10-minute Zoom call without me present,' she alleged.

'I am still confused by his motivation to do this via a very short Zoom session, especially since he was planning on being home five days later.

'He also could have easily come home from Las Vegas to have the conversation in person.'

Christine had wanted to tell their children about the divorce with Kevin.

'The childrens welfare has always been my highest priority, and I was concerned they would find out about the divorce before Kevin and I could tell them. It was important for me that we tell the children in person and together,' she said.

She allegedly shared her fears their children would learn about the split via an 'outside source' and even gave Costner articles detailing 'the importance of talking to the children as a united front.'

Christine thought she and Kevin would be able to deliver the news together, but she claims he ended up informing them on his own without her.

'He disregarded my proposal to do what I felt was right based on research and my relationship with the children. Instead, he insisted that he had the right to tell them that we were getting divorced "first" and tell them privately "without me present."'

A source close to Kevin told People the actor's ex filed for divorce in May while he was filming on location, and explained he 'FaceTimes all the time with the kids when he is away working.'

The latest Costner sighting comes after Baumgartner recently asked the court to deny the actor's request that she help pay his legal fees.

Baumgartner was spotted soaking up the sun with family friend Josh Connor on vacation in Hawaii this week

The Yellowstone star, 68, was spotted out and about with his sons Cayden, 16, and Hayes, 14, and daughter Grace, 13, on Monday

Getaway: It's a two-hour flight from Costner's $145million mansion in Santa Barbara, California  which his wife of 18 years must vacate by the end of July

Claim: Christine, 49, previously claimed in court docs that Costner informed their children about their split over a 10-minute Zoom call without her

Dutton style: Costner embodied his beloved Yellowstone character John Dutton by rocking a woven cowboy hat and boots

Helping hand: He loaded his kids' luggage into an SUV and had the help of his personal entourage

In court documents, obtained by ET last Friday, Costner had asked that his ex, 49, assist in paying $100,000 of his legal fees. The designer responded by asking a judge to deny the star's request.

She claimed that Costner would not have accumulated such substantial fees if he hadn't filed motions to quickly remove her from their $145 million mansion located in Santa Barbara.

Earlier this month, per documents, Kevin was ordered to pay $200,000 in attorney fees as well as $100,000 in forensic costs. He had asked that Christine pay one third of the total of fees - which comes to $100,000.

Baumgartner, however, argued that Costner could have avoided such high fees if he hadn't filed a motion in July, in which he asked that she move out of his multi-million dollar estate by August.

A court hearing, regarding the legal fees, is currently scheduled for next month on August 2 in Santa Barbara.

The former couple initially tied the knot in 2004, with Christine filing for divorce on May 1 after 18 years of marriage.

She noted that their date of separation was on April 11, and cited the reason for the split was due to 'irreconcilable differences.'

The divorce filing had left Kevin 'blindsided' and the star actually had plans to file for divorce first, sources told The Sun last month in June. He had assumed that the two were going to split amicably and follow steps in their prenuptial agreement.

Since proceedings began, the divorce has been far from amicable, from Kevin claiming that his ex refused to leave the $145 million mansion despite giving her $1.45 million for a new residence, to Christine alleging the actor was trying to make her and their children 'homeless.'

Christine spoke up and insisted she has no plans to 'strip' their mansion in Santa Barbara of items before leaving the grounds - which she has been ordered to do by July 31.

Baumgartner shared in new legal documents that she will be showing photos in a PDF to Kevin's attorneys of what she plans to remove from the mansion, according to a report from ET.

And that means there should be no 'emergency hearing' over what belongings will be taken out. Christine said a hearing was 'uncalled for.'

Also in the filing, it was revealed that Baumgartner rented an 'off-site' storage unit to house some silverware, some pots and pans, a Peloton bike, family heirlooms, clothing and personal items from friends. There was also a 'mother/daughter horse picture' she wanted to keep.

And it was added that Costner would 'not be harmed' by Baumgartner during the removal of her items.

Last week, a judge ruled she must confer with Kevin before taking any property from the estate. She has been barred from taking art, furniture, furnishings or appliances with her, without his explicit consent.

It was also stated that she will be barred from removing any property, apart from her clothing, toiletries, handbags and jewelry from the mansion.

Quality time: The two-time Academy Award-winner looked happy to be spending quality time with his children

They were joined by what appeared to be several of their friends

Costner was seen carting roller luggage to a nearby vehicle

After their luggage was loaded up, Costner and the crew of teens stoped by a nearby grocery store to stock up on snacks

The latest: The latest Costner sighting comes after Baumgartner recently asked the court to deny the actor's request that she help pay his legal fees

Since proceedings began, the divorce has been far from amicable, from Kevin claiming that his ex refused to leave the $145 million mansion despite giving her $1.45 million for a new residence, to Christine alleging the actor was trying to make her and their children 'homeless'

Thursday the designer, 49, flaunted her fit figure in a sleeveless pink top and high-waisted jeans as she pumped gas into her luxury Range Rover

Baumgartner  who 'blindsided' her husband by filing for divorce in May  had her keys in hand and sunglasses over her eyes while hanging out a the gas station

Christine's Range Rover seen at bank

The estranged couple seen with all three of their kids in 2015

End of an era: Costner and Christine Baumgartner wed in 2004 and were married four 18 years; seen in 2022

This comes after he accused her of ransacking the home that they had previously shared.

Through his attorney, the Yellowstone star accused his ex of taking his belongings 'without his knowledge or consent,' which he claims has increased significantly.

The star also claimed Baumgartner had made payments to her own divorce attorney via a credit card that belongs to one of Costner's employees, according to documents obtained by TMZ.

The latest bickering between the former couple comes just days after a judge determined that Costner must pay $129,000 per month in child support, which was a little over half of what Baumgartner had been requesting, but more than double what the actor and director said he should pay.

In documents, Costner's legal team wrote that Baumgartner 'has shown a disturbing propensity in the last several months, both before and after separation, to take [Kevin's] property without his knowledge or consent, especially since this case was filed.'

One of the more puzzling claims in the documents is that Baumgartner allegedly paid a criminal defense attorney $25,000 that came from a property fund that Costner had set up.

He claimed that he was unaware of the payment, and the money should only have been used for real estate transactions regardless.

More puzzling, though, is why Baumgartner would want or need a criminal defense attorney in the first place, and the filing doesn't appear to clear up that question.

The documents allege another inappropriate payment, this time a sum paid to Baumgartner's divorce attorney Susan Wiesner, which Costner's team claims was charged to 'the credit card of an employee which is traditionally used for Costner family house charges and paid by [Kevin].'

They also accuse the designer of getting cash advances on multiple credit cards paid by her ex but issued to household staff members.

Although several of the claims in the filing appear to have allegedly taken place after Baumgartner filed for divorce from the Dances With Wolves star, Costner's lawyers also appeared to accuse her of having planned out her split in advance with large purchases.


Amid total chaos and bedlam in Lok Sabha on Friday, three bills were passed within minutes, which included the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2023, which will allow private sector to bid for mining critical minerals like Lithium. After the passage of the three bills, the Lok Sabha was adjourned for the day till July 31.



The other two bills included the National Nursing and Midwifery Commission Bill, 2023 and the National Dental Commission Bill, 2023.



While the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2023, was passed after a brief discussion, the other two bills were clubbed together and passed without discussion.



Even as the opposition kept up with their protests while jumping in the well of the House, seeking Prime Minister Narendra Modis response on Manipur violence and his presence in the House, the government first introduced the IIM (Amendment) Bill and then within half an hour, three bills were passed.



Opposition members indulged in slogan shouting and termed the passing of bills despite the fact that the no-confidence motion has been moved in the House, as illegal and a fraud on the Constitution.



Leader of the Congress in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury was seen gesticulating angrily from his seat, even as Sonia Gandhi watched the chaotic scenes quietly from her seat.



Coal, Mines and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi while piloting the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2023, called it as a game changer.



Interestingly, as noisy protests by opposition members continued, both Joshi and Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya went to the back benches, when their respective bills were being passed, to avoid the protesting members.



The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2023, will allow private sector to bid for mining critical minerals like Lithium.



Out of the list of critical minerals, a few of them have been brought under the proposed amendment, which will allow their mining by private entities.



In addition, the proposed amendments will also allow Central government to auction these minerals while the royalty will go to states.



In the bill, it is proposed to omit six minerals, namely Beryl and other beryllium-bearing minerals, Lithium-bearing minerals, Niobium-bearing minerals, Titanium bearing minerals and ores, Tantallium-bearing minerals and Zirconium-bearing minerals and ores from the list of critical minerals.



Upon removal of these minerals from the said list, their exploration and mining will be opened up for the private sector as well.



As a result, exploration and mining of these minerals is expected to increase significantly in the country.



The National Nursing and Midwifery Commission Bill, 2023 provides for regulation and maintenance of standards of education and services by nursing and midwifery professionals, assessment of institutions, maintenance of a National Register and State Registers and creation of a system to improve access, research and development and adoption of latest scientific advancement.



The National Dental Commission Bill, 2023 will regulate the profession of dentistry in the country, to provide for quality and affordable dental education, and to make accessible high quality oral healthcare.




Serial prankster Pete Deppeler created chaos on The Kyle and Jackie O Show on Friday after causing a security incident in front of the Prime Minister's home.

Deppeler, a producer for the KIIS FM hit show, arrived in a stretch limo to pick up Anthony Albanese for a live interview, only to find the Prime Minister was in Brisbane.

In his guise as the 'Intern Pete' character, Deppeler quickly attracted the attention of two police who were on security detail guarding the entrance of the PM's Kirribilli home.

A video of the embarrassment debacle, which went live to air, was later posted to the Kyle and Jackie O Show's social media.

It shows Deppeler apologising to the two police, who appear amused by the prankster's antics.

Serial prankster Pete Deppeler aka 'Intern Pete' created chaos on The Kyle and Jackie O Show on Friday after causing a security incident in front of the Prime Minister's home

Deppeler, a producer for the KIIS FM hit show, arrived in a stretch limo to pick up Anthony Albanese for a live interview, only to find the Prime Minister was in Brisbane (pictured)

Later, during a live on air phone interview, host Jackie 'O' Henderson, 49, asked Prime Minister Albanese about the incident.

'Ive had the alerts that intern Pete has caused problems,' the PM joked.

'He disrupted my election night...I reckon theres a photo of him up at Kirribilli.'

'Next time he comes he may well be detained.'

Kyle then suggested that the PM's security should 'shoot' Inter Pete on sight.

'That might be too much paper work,' the Prime Minister joked.

The Intern Pete character has a long history of awkward and ridiculous stunts, including crashing Anthony Albanese's victory speech in May 2021, after Labor's federal election win.

In his guise as the 'Intern Pete' character, Deppeler quickly attracted the attention of two police who were on security detail guarding the entrance of the PM's Kirribilli home (pictured)

Pushing his was to the front of the crowd Deppeler as Intern Pete yelled 'we love Albo' as the newly elected PM spoke.

At one point even introduced himself as being from the radio show.

Prime Minister Albanese eventually had enough and after telling them no and to pipe down several times.

'Can we have a bit of order please? I intend to run an orderly government and it starts here. So behave!' he joked.
Kevin Costner's estranged wife Christine Baumgartner was pictured out in Montecito on Thursday just miles away from the couple's $145million property that she's supposed to vacate by the end of July.

The designer, 49, flaunted her fit figure in a sleeveless pink top and high-waisted jeans as she pumped gas into her luxury Range Rover.

She had a black fanny pack slung across her body and gold shades over her eyes.

Baumgartner  who 'blindsided' her husband by filing for divorce in May  had her keys in hand and sunglasses over her eyes while hanging out a the gas station.

According to witnesses, Baumgartner spent two hours inside of the bank with her car parked just feet away from the entrance.

The newly single mom just recently returned to LA after vacationing in Hawaii with family friend Josh Connor.

Meanwhile, her children were spotted in Aspen, Colorado with ex Costner this week.

Spotted: Kevin Costner's estranged wife Christine Baumgartner was pictured out in Montecito on Thursday just miles away from the couple's $145million property that she's ordered to vacate by the end of July

The designer, 49, flaunted her fit figure in a sleeveless pink top and high-waisted jeans as she pumped gas into her luxury Range Rover

The Bodyguard actor picked up Cayden, 16, Hayes, 14, and Grace, 13, from a local airport before swinging by a grocery store

Costner loaded his kids' luggage into an SUV and had the help of his personal entourage. He looked thrilled to be in the company of his children.

In court papers obtained by PEOPLE in June, Baumgartner claimed that Costner blindsided their children with the divorce over Zoom despite her wishes to deliver the news together.

'After a 24-year relationship, from his hotel room in Las Vegas, Kevin told our three children that we were getting divorced over a 10-minute Zoom call without me present,' she alleged.

'I am still confused by his motivation to do this via a very short Zoom session, especially since he was planning on being home five days later.

'He also could have easily come home from Las Vegas to have the conversation in person.'

Christine had wanted to tell their children about the divorce with Kevin.

Casual: She had a black fanny pack slung across her body and gold shades over her eyes

Baumgartner had her keys in hand and sunglasses over her eyes while hanging out a the gas station

Her car was spotted parked outside of a nearby bank

She reportedly spent two hours inside of the bank

'The childrens welfare has always been my highest priority, and I was concerned they would find out about the divorce before Kevin and I could tell them. It was important for me that we tell the children in person and together,' she said.

She allegedly shared her fears their children would learn about the split via an 'outside source' and even gave Costner articles detailing 'the importance of talking to the children as a united front.'

Christine thought she and Kevin would be able to deliver the news together, but she claims he ended up informing them on his own without her.

'He disregarded my proposal to do what I felt was right based on research and my relationship with the children. Instead, he insisted that he had the right to tell them that we were getting divorced "first" and tell them privately "without me present."'

A source close to Kevin told PEOPLE the actor's ex filed for divorce in May while he was filming on location, and explained he 'FaceTimes all the time with the kids when he is away working.'

The latest Costner sighting comes after Baumgartner recently asked the court to deny the actor's request that she help pay his legal fees.

In court documents, obtained by ET last Friday, Costner had asked that his ex, 49, assist in paying $100,000 of his legal fees. The designer responded by asking a judge to deny the star's request.

She claimed that Costner would not have accumulated such substantial fees if he hadn't filed motions to quickly remove her from their $145 million mansion located in Santa Barbara.

Earlier this month, per documents, Kevin was ordered to pay $200,000 in attorney fees as well as $100,000 in forensic costs. He had asked that Christine pay one third of the total of fees - which comes to $100,000.

Baumgartner, however, argued that Costner could have avoided such high fees if he hadn't filed a motion in July, in which he asked that she move out of his multi-million dollar estate by August.

A court hearing, regarding the legal fees, is currently scheduled for next month on August 2 in Santa Barbara.

The former couple initially tied the knot in 2004, with Christine filing for divorce on May 1 after 18 years of marriage.

She noted that their date of separation was on April 11, and cited the reason for the split was due to 'irreconcilable differences.'

The divorce filing had left Kevin 'blindsided' and the star actually had plans to file for divorce first, sources told The Sun last month in June. He had assumed that the two were going to split amicably and follow steps in their prenuptial agreement.

Since proceedings began, the divorce has been far from amicable, from Kevin claiming that his ex refused to leave the $145 million mansion despite giving her $1.45 million for a new residence, to Christine alleging the actor was trying to make her and their children 'homeless.'

Christine spoke up and insisted she has no plans to 'strip' their mansion in Santa Barbara of items before leaving the grounds - which she has been ordered to do by July 31.

Baumgartner shared in new legal documents that she will be showing photos in a PDF to Kevin's attorneys of what she plans to remove from the mansion, according to a report from ET.

And that means there should be no 'emergency hearing' over what belongings will be taken out. Christine said a hearing was 'uncalled for.'

Also in the filing, it was revealed that Baumgartner rented an 'off-site' storage unit to house some silverware, some pots and pans, a Peloton bike, family heirlooms, clothing and personal items from friends. There was also a 'mother/daughter horse picture' she wanted to keep.

And it was added that Costner would 'not be harmed' by Baumgartner during the removal of her items.

Last week, a judge ruled she must confer with Kevin before taking any property from the estate. She has been barred from taking art, furniture, furnishings or appliances with her, without his explicit consent.

It was also stated that she will be barred from removing any property, apart from her clothing, toiletries, handbags and jewelry from the mansion.

This comes after he accused her of ransacking the home that they had previously shared.

Through his attorney, the Yellowstone star accused his ex of taking his belongings 'without his knowledge or consent,' which he claims has increased significantly.

The star also claimed Baumgartner had made payments to her own divorce attorney via a credit card that belongs to one of Costner's employees, according to documents obtained by TMZ.

End of an era: Costner and Christine Baumgartner wed in 2004 and were married four 18 years; seen in 2022

The estranged couple seen with their three kids in 2015

The latest bickering between the former couple comes just days after a judge determined that Costner must pay $129,000 per month in child support, which was a little over half of what Baumgartner had been requesting, but more than double what the actor and director said he should pay.

In documents, Costner's legal team wrote that Baumgartner 'has shown a disturbing propensity in the last several months, both before and after separation, to take [Kevin's] property without his knowledge or consent, especially since this case was filed.'

One of the more puzzling claims in the documents is that Baumgartner allegedly paid a criminal defense attorney $25,000 that came from a property fund that Costner had set up.

He claimed that he was unaware of the payment, and the money should only have been used for real estate transactions regardless.

More puzzling, though, is why Baumgartner would want or need a criminal defense attorney in the first place, and the filing doesn't appear to clear up that question.

The documents allege another inappropriate payment, this time a sum paid to Baumgartner's divorce attorney Susan Wiesner, which Costner's team claims was charged to 'the credit card of an employee which is traditionally used for Costner family house charges and paid by [Kevin].'

They also accuse the designer of getting cash advances on multiple credit cards paid by her ex but issued to household staff members.

Although several of the claims in the filing appear to have allegedly taken place after Baumgartner filed for divorce from the Dances With Wolves star, Costner's lawyers also appeared to accuse her of having planned out her split in advance with large purchases.
Brad Pitt's relationship with Ines de Ramon is still going strong and the pair have been spending the summer together.

The Babylon star, 59, and the jewelry designer, 32  who were first seen together eight months ago  are 'still dating' and their relationship is 'going very strong' according to People.

The pair are 'doing great' and have spent time in Europe according to a source close to the actor, who has reportedly agreed to mediation with ex-wife Angelina Jolie, 48.

'The two have been spending a lot of time together this summer as they truly enjoy each other's company and are very into each other. It's apparent to anyone who sees them together.'

Pitt has been spending the summer in Europe where he was filming a Formula One film, which is now on hold due to the SAG-AFTRA strike.

'Going strong': Brad Pitt's, 59, relationship with Ines de Ramon, 32, is still 'going strong' and the pair have been spending the summer together; (L) Pitt seen 2023, (R) Ramon seen 2023

'He still keeps a residence at Chateau Miraval and has been spending a lot of time there and elsewhere in Europe,' the insider revealed.

'And Ines has been flying in to see him several times,' the source added.

In May Us Weekly reported that though the relationship was 'fairly new' things were 'going well and are not slowing down.'

They added that things were particularly serious, as the two have already said 'I love you' to each other.

Despite the tumult from Brad's ongoing divorce from Angelina, he's reportedly looking to 'settle down again' with his new love, though his 'crazy' schedule isn't yet making that possible.

'[Brad] and Ines havent gotten there yet in terms of moving in together, but its going in that direction,' the insider claimed.

The couple have been seen spending quality time on a number of occasion.

They were seen grabbing dinner together in Paris in February, after he reportedly introduced her to 'most of' the six kids he shares with Angelina.

Into each other: 'The two have been spending a lot of time together this summer as they truly enjoy each other's company and are very into each other,' a source told People; Pitt seen in 2023

Spending the summer together: The pair have been spending time in Europe and 'Ines has been flying in to see him several times'; She is seen on March 2023 in New York

On hold: Pitt has been filming a Formula One film in Europe over the summer. The project is now on hold due to the SAG-AFTRA strike; He is seen at Wimbledon 2023 in London

The ex: Brad and Ines were first linked in November of last year, two months after she and her Vampire Diaries star husband Paul Wesley had separated. He made their breakup official in February of this year by filing for divorce; Ines and Paul are seen in 2019

They also spent New Years Eve together in Mexico and were spotted celebrating Pitt's birthday in December.

Brad and Ines were first linked in November of last year, two months after she and her Vampire Diaries star husband Paul Wesley had separated. He made their breakup official in February of this year by filing for divorce.

Pitt was previously linked to Emily Ratajkowski and Nicole Poturalski in the years since his split from Angelina in 2016.

And while his new relationship is going well, it seems Pitt is also making strides with his ex, as earlier in the day it was reported the pair have agreed to mediation over their vineyard dispute.

Documents filed last week show that both stars have agreed to mediation as an alternative method of dispute resolution over Chateau Miraval  rather than the matter going to court.

Jolie has also said that she's willing to take part in a settlement conference.

What's more, it can be revealed that Pitt has appointed a 'provisional administrator' to Chateau Miraval in a bid to resolve the war between himself and the Russians Jolie sold her share of the vineyard to.

That transaction sparked the current imbroglio.

The move, at Pitt's suggestion, aims to protect the highly successful wine business which he has helped to build, in conjunction with French wine-makers Famille Perrin.

It will see an independent figure come in to assess the winery and how it is run and (it is hoped), in time, facilitate negotiations between Pitt and Nouvel  the investment company his ex sold to Stoli boss Yuri Shefler.

Pitt and Jolie purchased Chateau Miraval, a 1300-acre estate in the south of France, in 2008.

Peace talks: Earlier in the day it was reported that Pitt and his ex-wife Angelina Jolie, 48, have agreed to mediation to settle their dispute regarding a vineyard they co-owned; Seen in 2012

As they were: Jolie filed for divorce from Pitt in 2016 after an incident between him and their children on a plane trip from France to California; Seen in 2015

The couple were even married at the property in 2014. They are parents to six children. Sons Maddox, 21, and Pax, 19, twins Knox and Vivienne, 15, as well as daughters Shiloh, 17, Zahara, 18.

In 2016, after an incident between Pitt, Jolie and their children on a plane trip from France to California, Jolie filed for divorce.

There have been skirmishes ever since  over custody of the kids, and money.

In April 2019 the divorce was 'bifurcated'  a move which dissolves the marriage while allowing other disputes to rage on.

In 2022 Pitt launched legal action against Jolie for selling her interest in Chateau Miravel to Russian oligarch Shefler. He had hoped to buy her out himself, and is now seeking to have the sale reversed.

Meanwhile, lawyers for Nouvel claimed two weeks ago that Pitt had been 'looting' the wine business and using it as his 'personal cashbox' for 'vanity projects'. They are seeking $350 million in damages.
Beyonce shocked fans as she appeared on a song from Travis Scott's highly-anticipated new album Utopia.

The 41-year-old musician joined her fellow Houston, Texas native, 32, on track number nine, Delresto (Echoes).

With its synthesizer-driven effects, the sound piggybacks off the mother-of-three's latest disco-themed album Renaissance, released in July 2022.

As the songstress vocalizes lyrics 'it's the echoes that I wait for...' Travis chimes in with a chant-like, spoken delivery of his parts.

Utopia is the fourth studio album from the influential music artist, trailing five years behind his 2018 Astroworld LP.

Surprise collaboration: Beyonce shocked fans as she appeared on a song from Travis Scott 's highly-anticipated new album Utopia

Utopia is full of star-studded appearances from other artists like SZA, Bon Iver, Drake, Sampha, and Young Thug, among others.

The album comes after disappointing news that the rap star's Pyramids of Giza performance - originally scheduled for Friday, July 27 - was cancelled.

The concert was axed on Wednesday, July 26, just two days before the planned show date, due to 'complex production issues.'

Live Nation Middle East announced the update via a statement shared on Twitter.

The company had previously denied the gig was cancelled after the Egyptian Syndicate of Musical Professions said it would not allow Scott's planned concert.

The statement from Live Nation read: 'We regret to inform you that the Utopia show, originally scheduled for July 28th at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt is cancelled.

'Unfortunately, despite highest efforts, complex production issues meant that the show could not be constructed in the desert.

'We understand that this news is disappointing and not the outcome any of us desired.'

Celebration: Travis was spotted on his way to his album release party in Brooklyn on Thursday night

Fresh kicks: The trendsetter sported his newest Air Jordan sneaker collaboration

The message continued, 'Refunds will be issued to all ticket holders at their point of purchase. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this cancellation may have caused and appreciate your understanding.

'We remain committed to bringing exceptional live performances to fans and hope to have the opportunity to do so in the future.'

Travis, born Jacques Bermon Webster II, was spotted on his way to his album release party in Brooklyn on Thursday night.

The trendsetter wore his hair in box braids and sported his latest Air Jordan sneaker collaboration.

He was dressed in a coordinating black jacket and pants that he teamed with a white T-shirt bearing a large photo of Bjork's face.

Scott added a pair of narrow, glossy black sunglasses, and wore a glinting chain around his neck.

His new music comes less than two years after 10 people were killed following a crowd surge at his Astroworld music festival on November 5, 2021 at NRG Park in his hometown.

The victims, whose ages ranged from 9 to 27, died from compression asphyxia.

Outfit: He was dressed in a coordinating black jacket and pants that he teamed with a white T-shirt bearing a large photo of Bjork's face

Latest project: Utopia is the fourth studio album from the influential music artist, trailing five years behind his 2018 Astroworld LP

Artsy: Travis has rolled out multiple album covers for Utopia, each featuring avant-garde imagery

Last month a grand jury announced that the rapper held no criminal responsibility in the deadly incident, bringing the 19-month probe to an end.

Scott's attorney Kent Schaffer shared a statement with Billboard following the ruling.

'This is consistent with investigative reporting by numerous media outlets and federal and state government reports that have squarely placed the onus for event safety crises on organizers, operators and contractors - not performers,' Schaffer said.

The rapper 'has been inaccurately and wrongly singled out, despite stopping the show three separate times and being unaware of the events as they were unfolding,' the lawyer added.

It was also noted that Scott and his camp were 'hoping for the government efforts to focus on what is most important - stopping future heartbreaking tragedies like Astroworld from ever occurring again.'
James Martin has released a statement apologising for his behaviour towards his TV crew after launching into an explosive rant during filming.

The celebrity chef, 51, who is at the centre of a bullying storm following allegations including intimidating staff on his food show James Martin's Spanish Adventure, last night released a lengthy apology defending his actions during a 2018 incident.

In a heartfelt statement, James explained that he was under a lot of pressure at the time after being diagnosed with facial cancer, as well as the loss of his last remaining grandparent and a home invasion by masked burglars.

The news of James' cancer diagnosis will come as a shock to his fans, as he has previously never disclosed that he had been suffering with the condition.

James described it as 'one of the most difficult periods of his life', following a culmination of the string of unfortunate events.

James Martin has released a statement apologising for his behavior towards his TV crew after launching into an explosive rant during filming (pictured June 2023)

The celebrity chef, 51, who is at the centre of a bullying storm following allegations including intimidating staff on his food show James Martin's Spanish Adventure, last night released a lengthy apology defending his actions during a 2018 incident (pictured January 2022)

JAMES' APOLOGY IN FULL 'Firstly, I would like to publicly and sincerely apologise to the crew involved in this incident, as I did at the time. I have always strived to keep my private life private. 'However since details of a conversation, which was secretly recorded in January 2018, are now five years later being made public by a former member of our production team, I have decided to make a statement. 'The end of 2017 was one of the most fraught and difficult periods of my life. I was dealing with the death of my last living grandparent, my grandfather, and on account of work commitments I could not attend his funeral. 'Later that month I was burgled at night by a team of masked men, who entered my house while my partner Louise was at home alone and I was away working. I was devastated that she had to go through that alone. 'On top of this I was then diagnosed with cancer on my face and I had to have surgery, which I couldn't do until two days before Christmas when we had finished filming. Since then it has returned on several occasions and I have to have regular treatments' 'After all this stress I was in a very emotional state, and when after filming in early January 2018 I discovered my home had been flooded while filming, I was extremely upset. 'I can only say I am human and following a build-up of personal life pressure, I admit that I overreacted regarding the damage to my home.' Advertisement

The abusive rant which happened during the production of his show, James Martin's Saturday Morning, took place on a heated Zoom call in 2018 - the same year he had surgery for his cancer.

In the audio recording released by The Sun, James swore 42 times and said his staff should be 'f***ing fried' and ordered them to take their lunch break standing in the 'f***ing rain'.

The television personality, who claims he apologised to the crew at the time, has now addressed the shocking recording which emerged on Thursday.

The statement read: 'Firstly, I would like to publicly and sincerely apologise to the crew involved in this incident, as I did at the time. I have always strived to keep my private life private.

'However since details of a conversation, which was secretly recorded in January 2018, are now five years later being made public by a former member of our production team, I have decided to make a statement.

Defending his rant, he said: 'The end of 2017 was one of the most fraught and difficult periods of my life. I was dealing with the death of my last living grandparent, my grandfather, and on account of work commitments I could not attend his funeral.

'Later that month I was burgled at night by a team of masked men, who entered my house while my partner Louise was at home alone and I was away working. I was devastated that she had to go through that alone.

'On top of this I was then diagnosed with cancer on my face and I had to have surgery, which I couldn't do until two days before Christmas when we had finished filming. Since then it has returned on several occasions and I have to have regular treatments.

James went on to say that the series of events left him feeling emotional and after discovering his home has been flooded he was pushed over the edge.

He said: 'After all this stress I was in a very emotional state, and when after filming in early January 2018 I discovered my home had been flooded while filming, I was extremely upset.

'I can only say I am human and following a build-up of personal life pressure, I admit that I overreacted regarding the damage to my home.'

The moment James berated his crew in a foul-mouthed rant over damage to his 26,000 driveway was leaked online on Thursday.

He demanded that his team showed him and his house 'more f***ing respect', adding: 'If not, you're gone.'

In a heartfelt statement, James explained that he was under a lot of pressure at the time after being diagnosed with f acial cancer, as well as the loss of his last remaining grandparent and a flood at his home

Tough time: Martin (pictured in 2018) said before the abusive rant he was dealing with the death of his last living grandparent, his grandfather, and a cancer diagnosis

In the furious 10-minute tirade, Martin is upset over damage to his driveway caused by a blocked drain. Production Company Blue Marlin took responsibility for the 2018 incident.

In the audio, Martin said: 'I am absolutely furious, beyond belief. It's my home, it's my house. It's my f**ing house.

'Nobody listens, nobody f**king listens, do they? I will not put up with this, this is b******s.

'A driveway that cost me 26,000 is f**ked because somebody put a load of oil in the f**king bin that's now dripped everywhere and f**king ruined my driveway.

'If this was somebody's house you would end up with a massive bill. People would get fired and rightly so, if this was working for Endemol your a**e would be f**king fried.

'Show me and show my house more f**king respect - if not, you're gone.'

James issued a stern warning as he told the crew on the call that if they hadn't organised a plumber and a worker to tarmac the driveway by the next day, 'somebody is going to get fired'.

The chef said he was fed up of being treated like a 'f**king piece of s**t'.

He continued: 'I bust my b******s off, there is nobody on that studio floor that works more than what I f**king do.

'If you don't like it, p**s off.

'I'm not interested in paying people a f**king fortune and having to deal with a s**t aftermath afterwards.'

He told the production team they would have to prep the food for filming in a 'little f**king van.'

'You're going to stand there in the f**king rain and get wet for lunch, that's what going to happen, because you're not having any of my chairs, f**k all,' he said.

'No equipment, no seats, no benches, no trestle tables, nothing. No plates, nothing.'

In a joint statement released, Martin and production company Blue Marlin said 'lessons have been learned' as they try to move on from the controversy.

A Blue Marlin spokesman said: 'An unfortunate incident occurred after filming James Martin's Saturday Morning in 2018 where James' home was badly damaged.

'Blue Marlin Television accepted responsibility. James was shocked by what had happened and on reflection acknowledges he responded emotionally, which he wholly regrets.

'James apologises for any offence or upset caused, as he did at the time to the crew involved.'

Scandal: Phillip Schofield was also accused of 'bullying' co-workers. ITV has been mired in controversy since the This Morning host admitted lying about an affair with a male colleague

They added: 'Following this and some issues filming James Martin's Spanish Adventures, James and Blue Marlin Television agree that lessons have been learned which have been discussed with members of the team and with ITV.

'Blue Marlin Television and James Martin have taken on board ITV's recommendations and their sharing of best practice, and are in the process of fully implementing.

'Since the 2018 incident, Blue Marlin Television has continued to film over 500 shows at James' home.

'Blue Marlin Television remains committed to ensuring the welfare of all those with whom they work is of the utmost priority.'

Martin has also faced allegations that he intimidated his crew - in the latest crisis to hit ITV.

The broadcaster told the chef to change his behaviour after receiving a complaint in May about his alleged conduct, according to a report.

Concerns were raised about the star's treatment of crew during filming on James Martin's Spanish Adventure, Deadline claims.

ITV declined to tell Deadline whether James had broken its Supplier Code of Conduct, which stipulates that shoots should be free from 'harassment and abuse' and people should be treated with 'courtesy, dignity and respect'.

The allegations are the latest blow to ITV, which has been mired in controversy since This Morning presenter Phillip Schofield admitted lying to the Mail on Sunday about an affair with a younger male colleague.

Schofield, who was axed from the show, was also accused of 'bullying' co-workers - allegations for which ITV found no evidence.

An ITV spokesman said: 'At ITV people and their welfare are our highest priority. The production companies who make shows for us have primary responsibility for the duty of care of everyone they work with, both on and off screen.

'We make clear our expectations in this regard as part of our pre-greenlight duty of care processes. This includes having appropriate independent controls in place to enable everyone who works on their shows to confidently and confidentially raise concerns.'

The ITV spokesman continued: 'Following a complaint we received in May from members of the Blue Marlin production team about the filming of James Martin's Spanish Adventure, we contacted Blue Marlin to discuss these concerns and to understand how the issues raised were being addressed and what actions were being taken.

'As a result, we made a number of recommendations for Blue Marlin to implement as soon as possible, sharing best practice of some of our own relevant procedures around staff welfare and reiterating our Supplier Code of Conduct.'
Sinead O'Connor was planning an Australian tour just weeks before her tragic death at the age of 56 on Wednesday.

The Irish music legend was filming a video of her apartment for Twitter when she revealed she had a new album coming and a world tour.

Just a few weeks later, the Nothing Compares 2 U hitmaker was found dead by police in south London.

In the video, the international singing sensation showed off her black Martin Johnny Cash electro acoustic guitar which she planned to 'write new tunes' on.

She then hinted she had a new album coming 'next year' and would 'hopefully' start touring again with 2024 and 2025 dates in Ireland, UK, Australia and New Zealand.

Sinead O'Connor (pictured) was planning an Australian tour just weeks before her tragic death at the age of 56 on Wednesday

In another buoyant social media post a fortnight ago, Sinead said, 'The b***h is back,' before yet again hinting at a tour Down Under next year.

However, Sinead's grand plans were tragically cut short on Wednesday morning when she was found dead by police.

Officers were called to her home in the SE24 area of London, which covers Herne Hill and sits between Brixton and Dulwich.

The Irish music legend was filming a video of her apartment for Twitter at the time when she revealed she had a new album coming and a world tour

A Met Police spokesman said: 'Police were called at 11.18am on Wednesday, July 26 to reports of an unresponsive woman at a residential address in the SE24 area.

'Officers attended. A 56-year-old woman was pronounced dead at the scene. Next of kin have been notified.'

He went on to say 'the death is not being treated as suspicious' and 'a file will be prepared for the Coroner'.

In the video, the international singing sensation showed off her black Martin Johnny Cash electro acoustic guitar which she planned to 'write new tunes' on. She then hinted she had a new album coming 'next year' and would 'hopefully' start touring again

A post-mortem examination to confirm the cause of Sinead's death appears likely. It is not yet confirmed that she died in her own home.

The star had struggled with depression and suicidal thoughts, especially after the death of her son Shane last year at the age of 17.

At the time of her death, the musician, who changed her name to Shuhada' Sadaqat in 2018 when she converted to Islam, was spending her time between Roscommon and London.

The mother-of-four is survived by her three remaining children Jake, 34, Roisin, 25, and Yeshua, 15.
Shannon Beador reportedly was 'removed' from a bar in Orange County, California, earlier this month after 'screaming' at her ex-boyfriend John Janssen's daughter.

The outburst allegedly occurred at the the Tiki Bar in Costa Mesa where The Real Housewives Of Orange County star Shannon, 59, was spending time with her ex John, 60, and his family, according to an article on Thursday by Page Six.

The motive for the 'wild' behavior was unknown, but an eyewitness told the Instagram account @igfamousbydana that Shannon looked 'wasted' and 'had to be held back and removed by security.'

Page Six confirmed viewing multiple images of men in Tiki Bar security uniforms physically escorting disheveled Shannon from the establishment.

Witnesses said that John and his family during the incident 'remained calm'.

Tiki trouble: Shannon Beador reportedly was 'removed' from a bar in Orange County, California, earlier this month after 'screaming' at her ex-boyfriend John Janssen 's daughter

A source close to Shannon confirmed an 'argument' occurred among 'multiple people' and that 'everyone was screaming at each other.'

The source, however, claimed the group as a whole was 'asked to leave', but only because 'the night was done' and 'the lights were on.'

John relayed the same version of events to Page Six.

'Yes, there was an argument, but it was at the end of the night, the lights were up, and everyone was being asked to leave,' he said.

The photos of security showed them helping Shannon find her ride-share since she was not wearing her glasses.

Shannon and John split last November after nearly four years of dating.

The reality star confirmed their split in January after giving herself some time to adjust and revealed that she was 'blindsided' by their breakup.

Shannon broke the fourth wall on Wednesday's episode of RHOC that was filmed last summer when the subject of her relationship with John was brought up.

Former couple: The 59-year-old reality star and John, shown in March 2022, split last November

Wall breaker: Shannon broke the fourth wall on Wednesday's episode of RHOC that was filmed last summer when the subject of her relationship with John was brought up

Production crew: The reality star confronted the production crew while filming at Mozambique rooftop restaurant in Laguna Beach on Wednesday's episode of RHOC and warned that it would be over with John if their relationship was discussed on camera

She confronted the production crew of the Bravo show while filming at a restaurant with Tamra Judge, 55, and returning original cast member Vicki Gunvalson, 61.

Shannon made the rare move of breaking the fourth wall toward the end of the episode after Tamra suggested that Heather Dubrow, 54, had shared personal information about her.

The term 'breaking the fourth wall' refers to the imaginary wall between performers and the audience and breaks when a character acknowledges being filmed by directly addressing the camera and the show's production.

Shannon told Vicki that she was mic'd up before leaving the table to confront the production crew.

'I am not gonna air a relationship that I don't know. That's gonna destroy us if that comes on the air. So, they're gonna start talking about my relationship? That's not okay,' Shannon told a producer.

'Is that what it's about?,' Shannon asked while turning to Tamra.

'Yeah,' Tamra answered.

'Wow. ...I'm done. This is gonna destroy everything. We're done. My relationship is over if this is on the air,' Shannon said.

The Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills will air its next episode on Wednesday on Bravo.
Charlotte Crosby, 33, looked gorgeous in a red dress alongside her boyfriend Jake Ankers, 31, as the two arrived at an In The Style event in Manchester on Thursday.

The reality star went full glam for the event as she showed off her enviable curves in the figure hugging dress, nine months after they welcomed their first child.

The mother-of-one paired the dress with some white strappy sandals and carried her essentials in a large striped woven bag.

Charlotte was joined by her boyfriend Jake for the launch of the fashion brand's new collection at Sakku Samba.

Looking down at his phone in the snaps, he kept it casual in a white oversized T-shirt, black jeans and black trainers.

Gorgeous: Charlotte Crosby , 33, wowed in a red dress as she arrived with her boyfriend Jake Ankers, 31 at an In The Style event in Manchester on Thursday

Stunning: The reality star went full glam for the event as she showed off her enviable curves in the figure hugging dress - nine months after they welcomed their first child

Keeping it casual: Jake dressed down in a white oversized T-shirt, black jeans and black trainers

The couple welcomed their first child, daughter Alba Jean, in October 2022, but the pair were seen to be having a night off their parental duties as they enjoyed a date together prior to the event.

Posing in an Instagram video together with their glasses of wine, Charlotte announced 'It's mom and dad date night', before Jake got in the shot and joked 'Milf and Dilf'.

Messing around in the video, the Geordie lass joked 'things get crazy on date night' as the two shared a kiss and downed their drinks.

The two then tucked into their dinner before heading to the event where they were joined by Love Island star Demi Jones and designer of the new collection Chloe Mitchell.

Earlier this week Charlotte and Jake showed off their new matching tattoos as the pair got their nine-month old's named inked on their arms.

The reality TV personality took to Instagram to display their body art, which is written in italics, while holding Alba in adorable snaps.

Charlotte admitted she had to convince her businessman boyfriend to get the tattoo in the first place, as it was his first one.

The TV star also shared that her late grandmother's ashes were added to her tattoo ink in a sweet tribute.

Letting their hair down: The couple were having a night off their parental duties as they enjoyed a date together prior to the event, which Charlotte captured over on her Instagram

'Things get crazy on date night': The pair, who are parents to nine-month old Alba Jean, shared a kiss as they downed their drinks

Cute: Charlotte Jake showed off their new matching tattoos on Tuesday, marking Jake's first tattoo

Last year Charlotte shared an emotional tribute on Instagram to share that her 'nana Jean' passed away.

Following her passing, Charlotte told her 8.7M Instagram followers that she wanted to do something special in memory of her.

She wrote: 'As you all know I called Alba after my beloved nana, my little nana jean. So missed and so loved by so many.

'I wanted to do something very special to me so in the 'Jean' part of my tattoo are my nanas ashes.

'A tribute to my beautiful nana, a way to feel close to her forever. Until I see her again.'

Matching: The Geordie Shore star's late grandmother's ashes were added to her tattoo ink

Tribute: In memory of her late grandmother Jean (pictured), Charlotte revealed her ashes are apart of the ink on her tattoo

Taking their relationship to another level by getting matching tattoos, Charlotte detailed her excitement for Jake's first ever tattoo.

She wrote: 'Privileged to have @callyjoart do yet another tattoo of mine and even more buzzing I persuaded Jake to get his 1st ever one.

'This tattoo means more then anything in the world our precious daughters name the light of our life and our absolute world.'

Her doting boyfriend commented: 'Best thing I've ever done. I love it. I love you and little Alba so so much.'
Karl Stefanovic and his wife Jasmine were all smiles as they headed off for a Queensland adventure ahead of the Logies on Sunday.

The married couple took along their daughter, Harper, three, and appeared relaxed as they made their way through the airport terminal.

Jasmine dressed down in a grey hoodie and black tights, as well as a pair of sneakers.

She appeared to go makeup free for the casual trip and wore her blonde hair down around her face while carrying her toddler in her arms.

Karl was on luggage duty, wheeling along the couple's baggage through the airport, including Harper's pram and little carry on case.

Karl Stefanovic and his wife Jasmine were all smiles as they headed off for a Queensland adventure ahead of the Logies on Sunday with their daughter Harper. All pictured

The Today show host looked chic in a pale blue dress shirt which he wore partially un buttoned to reveal his chest.

He added a pair of black skinny jeans and leather boots while carrying a designer duffle bag.

It comes after Jasmine broke her foot while holidaying in Europe last month.

It is believed the couple spent a week apart, with Jasmine staying in Queensland with her family and daughter Harper while Karl fulfilled his hosting duties for Channel Nine's breakfast show in Sydney.

The Today show host looked chic in a pale blue dress shirt which he wore partially un buttoned to reveal his chest

Jasmine dressed down in a grey hoodie and black tights, as well as a pair of sneakers

Recently, Karl and Jasmine returned from their lavish trip to Paris, where they attended the wedding of millionaire chicken heiress Tamie Ingham and chef Guillaume Brahimi.

Karl, who has long been friends with Brahimi after being introduced by mutual acquaintance James Packer, served as emcee at the ritzy nuptials spread across two raucous days culminating in a reception at the famed Maxim's bistro.

The dad-of-four was photographed living it up with wife Jasmine in the French capital, first attending a welcome soiree at cult restaurant Girafe Paris.

Karl and Jasmine, who were staying at the $13,000-per night Hotel Costes while in Paris, spent two weeks abroad in total.
James Martin has been inundated with supportive messages from his fans after he apologised for ranting at members of his TV crew in a leaked recording.

The ITV chef, 51, who released an apologetic statement on Thursday evening, was told by his supporters that he had 'no need to apologise' for his actions.

The abusive rant which happened during the production of his show, James Martin's Saturday Morning, took place on a heated Zoom call in 2018.

James explained he was under a lot of pressure at the time after being diagnosed with facial cancer, as well as the loss of his last remaining grandparent and a home invasion by masked burglars.

His statement read: 'Firstly, I would like to publicly and sincerely apologise to the crew involved in this incident, as I did at the time. I have always strived to keep my private life private.

James Martin has been inundated with supportive messages from his fans after he apologised for ranting at members of his TV crew in a leaked recording (pictured November 2022)

The TV chef, 51, who released an apologetic statement on Thursday evening, was told by his supporters that he had 'no need to apologise' for his actions (pictured January 2022)

JAMES' APOLOGY IN FULL 'Firstly, I would like to publicly and sincerely apologise to the crew involved in this incident, as I did at the time. I have always strived to keep my private life private. 'However since details of a conversation, which was secretly recorded in January 2018, are now five years later being made public by a former member of our production team, I have decided to make a statement. 'The end of 2017 was one of the most fraught and difficult periods of my life. I was dealing with the death of my last living grandparent, my grandfather, and on account of work commitments I could not attend his funeral. 'Later that month I was burgled at night by a team of masked men, who entered my house while my partner Louise was at home alone and I was away working. I was devastated that she had to go through that alone. 'On top of this I was then diagnosed with cancer on my face and I had to have surgery, which I couldn't do until two days before Christmas when we had finished filming. Since then it has returned on several occasions and I have to have regular treatments. 'After all this stress I was in a very emotional state, and when after filming in early January 2018 I discovered my home had been flooded while filming, I was extremely upset. 'I can only say I am human and following a build-up of personal life pressure, I admit that I overreacted regarding the damage to my home.' Advertisement

'However since details of a conversation, which was secretly recorded in January 2018, are now five years later being made public by a former member of our production team, I have decided to make a statement.'

'The end of 2017 was one of the most fraught and difficult periods of my life. I was dealing with the death of my last living grandparent, my grandfather, and on account of work commitments I could not attend his funeral.

'Later that month I was burgled at night by a team of masked men, who entered my house while my partner Louise was at home alone and I was away working. I was devastated that she had to go through that alone.'

Martin then went on to detail his cancer diagnosis, which he explained has reoccurred on several occasions since, which he admitted added to the 'build-up of life pressure'.

However fans have since rushed to his defence, insisting that they 'understood the level of stress he was under' and reassured him that 'he is only human'.

Martin described it as 'one of the most difficult periods of his life', following a culmination of the string of unfortunate events.

The television personality, who claims he also apologised to the crew at the time, addressed the shocking recording and apologised again for his behaviour.

After issuing the heartfelt statement on his Twitter page, many of his fans left messages of support underneath the post.

One person said: 'You are human and we all let stress accumulate at some stage in our lives... unfortunately as you are in the public domain it gets aired to the world...

'Chin up and move on, there are far worse things happening in the world. You are a fabulous chef and won't lose a fan in me!'

Another said: 'I'm really uncomfortable with the way we hold up our celebrities to be infallible. Same as all of us, emotional, loving, angry, kind, grumpy, compassionate. Just be a little kinder, all of us, be kind.'

One other said: 'Don't stress dude. We're all battling our own battles and we all make mistakes when under pressure. It's all part of life!'

One person described their 'friendly' experience with Martin, writing: 'I was at your cookery school the afternoon before you left for Spain & I can honestly say I was blown away by how open you were.

'You told us a lot of what you & Louise go through & you have so much support out there. No apology needed.'

Another agreed, and said: 'No need to apologise. It's no-one else's business and why on earth has someone decided to make it public after all this time. Sad person.'

A different person said: 'It was years ago. It's absolutely ridiculous that it's been bought up now. People really need to realise that they never know what goes on behind closed doors or what someone else is going through privately.'

In a lengthy message, another said: 'Good morning James (and Louise) I have no clue about the incident you feel is necessary to apologise for, and I won't be reading or listening to any idle gossip about it either.

'Having read your tweets in this thread, I just wanted to say I'm so sorry you've had to experience and endure all of this one after the other. I'm wishing you and Louise all the best. I hope Louise is ok and I hope that you continue to fight that dreadful disease. Keeping you both in my prayers. Love and hugs xx'.

Another insisted: 'I have no idea what you're referring to, and don't want to know if it's about anything other than your work, which is impressive.'

Fans have since rushed to his defense, insisting that they 'understood the level of stress he was under' and reassured him that 'he is only human'

In a lengthy message, another said: 'Good morning James (and Louise) I have no clue about the incident you feel is necessary to apologise for, and I won't be reading or listening to any idle gossip about it either'

One said: 'I have no idea what you're referring to, and don't want to know if it's about anything other than your work, which is impressive'

Pictures is the seven-bed home James owned in 2018 where he is believed to have ranted at members of his crew for flooding his driveway

The property, which is seven miles from Winchester in a tiny hamlet called Stoke Charity, has a huge kitchen

One of the seven bedrooms, which come with en suite facilities and doors than open up on to the garden

Another said: 'Take no notice, can I just say that having met you in person that you are a thoroughly decent and down to earth gentleman. Keep doing what you do fella.'

Another blamed the intensity of a kitchen, and said: 'Look James. I grew up watching you on Ready Steady Cook and Saturday Kitchen.

'Regardless of what went down maybe you reacted in the wrong way but the term bullying is very subjective in a professional kitchen. I've worked in kitchens and at times it gets heated. No sweat dude!'

The news of Martin's cancer diagnosis will come as a shock to his fans, as he has previously never disclosed that he had been suffering with the condition.

In the audio recording released by The Sun, James swore 42 times and said his staff should be 'f***ing fried' and ordered them to take their lunch break standing in the 'f***ing rain'.

The statement read: 'Firstly, I would like to publicly and sincerely apologise to the crew involved in this incident, as I did at the time. I have always strived to keep my private life private.

'However since details of a conversation, which was secretly recorded in January 2018, are now five years later being made public by a former member of our production team, I have decided to make a statement.

Defending his rant, he said: 'The end of 2017 was one of the most fraught and difficult periods of my life. I was dealing with the death of my last living grandparent, my grandfather, and on account of work commitments I could not attend his funeral.

'Later that month I was burgled at night by a team of masked men, who entered my house while my partner Louise was at home alone and I was away working. I was devastated that she had to go through that alone.

'On top of this I was then diagnosed with cancer on my face and I had to have surgery, which I couldn't do until two days before Christmas when we had finished filming. Since then it has returned on several occasions and I have to have regular treatments.

Martin went on to say that the series of events left him feeling emotional and after discovering his home has been flooded he was pushed over the edge.

He said: 'After all this stress I was in a very emotional state, and when after filming in early January 2018 I discovered my home had been flooded while filming, I was extremely upset.

'I can only say I am human and following a build-up of personal life pressure, I admit that I overreacted regarding the damage to my home.'

The moment Martin berated his crew in a foul-mouthed rant over damage to his 26,000 driveway was leaked online on Thursday.

He demanded that his team showed him and his house 'more f***ing respect', adding: 'If not, you're gone.'

James released a statement apologising for his behavior towards his TV crew after launching into an explosive rant during filming on Thursday (pictured June 2023)

The celebrity chef is at the centre of a bullying storm following allegations including intimidating staff

In a heartfelt statement, Martin explained that he was under a lot of pressure at the time after being diagnosed with facial cancer, as well as the loss of his last remaining grandparent and a flood at his home

Tough time: Martin (pictured in 2018) said before the abusive rant he was dealing with the death of his last living grandparent, his grandfather, and a cancer diagnosis

In the furious ten-minute tirade, Martin is upset over damage to his driveway caused by a blocked drain. Production Company Blue Marlin took responsibility for the 2018 incident.

In the audio, Martin said: 'I am absolutely furious, beyond belief. It's my home, it's my house. It's my f***ing house.

'Nobody listens, nobody f**king listens, do they? I will not put up with this, this is b******s.

'A driveway that cost me 26,000 is f***ked because somebody put a load of oil in the f**king bin that's now dripped everywhere and f**king ruined my driveway.

'If this was somebody's house you would end up with a massive bill. People would get fired and rightly so, if this was working for Endemol [production company] your a**e would be f**king fried.

'Show me and show my house more f**king respect - if not, you're gone.'

Martin issued a stern warning as he told the crew on the call that if they hadn't organised a plumber and a worker to tarmac the driveway by the next day, 'somebody is going to get fired'.

The chef said he was fed up of being treated like a 'f**king piece of s**t'.

He continued: 'I bust my b******s off, there is nobody on that studio floor that works more than what I f**king do.

'If you don't like it, p**s off.

'I'm not interested in paying people a f**king fortune and having to deal with a s**t aftermath afterwards.'

He told the production team they would have to prep the food for filming in a 'little f**king van'.

'You're going to stand there in the f**king rain and get wet for lunch, that's what going to happen, because you're not having any of my chairs, f***k all,' he said.

'No equipment, no seats, no benches, no trestle tables, nothing. No plates, nothing.'

In a joint statement released, Martin and production company Blue Marlin said 'lessons have been learned' as they try to move on from the controversy.

A Blue Marlin spokesman said: 'An unfortunate incident occurred after filming James Martin's Saturday Morning in 2018 where James' home was badly damaged.

'Blue Marlin Television accepted responsibility. James was shocked by what had happened and on reflection acknowledges he responded emotionally, which he wholly regrets.

'James apologises for any offence or upset caused, as he did at the time to the crew involved.'

Scandal: Phillip Schofield was also accused of 'bullying' co-workers. ITV has been mired in controversy since the This Morning host admitted lying about an affair with a male colleague

They added: 'Following this and some issues filming James Martin's Spanish Adventures, James and Blue Marlin Television agree that lessons have been learned which have been discussed with members of the team and with ITV.

'Blue Marlin Television and James Martin have taken on board ITV's recommendations and their sharing of best practice, and are in the process of fully implementing.

'Since the 2018 incident, Blue Marlin Television has continued to film over 500 shows at James' home.

'Blue Marlin Television remains committed to ensuring the welfare of all those with whom they work is of the utmost priority.'

Martin has also faced allegations that he intimidated his crew - in the latest crisis to hit ITV.

The broadcaster told the chef to change his behaviour after receiving a complaint in May about his alleged conduct, according to a report.

Concerns were raised about the star's treatment of crew during filming on James Martin's Spanish Adventure, Deadline claims.

ITV declined to tell Deadline whether James had broken its Supplier Code of Conduct, which stipulates that shoots should be free from 'harassment and abuse' and people should be treated with 'courtesy, dignity and respect'.

The allegations are the latest blow to ITV, which has been mired in controversy since This Morning presenter Phillip Schofield admitted lying to the Mail on Sunday about an affair with a younger male colleague.

Schofield, who was axed from the show, was also accused of 'bullying' co-workers - allegations for which ITV found no evidence.

An ITV spokesman said: 'At ITV people and their welfare are our highest priority. The production companies who make shows for us have primary responsibility for the duty of care of everyone they work with, both on and off screen.

'We make clear our expectations in this regard as part of our pre-greenlight duty of care processes. This includes having appropriate independent controls in place to enable everyone who works on their shows to confidently and confidentially raise concerns.'

The spokesman continued: 'Following a complaint we received in May from members of the Blue Marlin production team about the filming of James Martin's Spanish Adventure, we contacted Blue Marlin to discuss these concerns and to understand how the issues raised were being addressed and what actions were being taken.

'As a result, we made a number of recommendations for Blue Marlin to implement as soon as possible, sharing best practice of some of our own relevant procedures around staff welfare and reiterating our Supplier Code of Conduct.'


A 25-year-old woman was brutally killed by a man near South Delhi's Aurobindo College on Friday, a Delhi Police official said. The deceased is yet to be identified and police have also recovered an iron rod lying near the woman's dead body.



Sharing the details, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (South) Chandan Chowdhary said that on Friday at around 12:08 p.m. an information was received in which the caller said that a man had fled away after killing a woman near Aurobindo College in Vijay Mandal Park.



"Acting on the call, a police team rushed to the spot.



"The dead body of a woman was found in the park beneath a bench. Blood was oozing out from her head and blood was lying around her head. An iron rod was found near her body," said the DCP.



More details are awaited.






Amanda Holden showed off her incredible figure in her latest sexy Instagram snap.

The Britain's Got Talent judge, 52, looked sensational in a tiny black two-piece as she peered coquettishly over her shoulder while enjoying an al fresco shower.

She was sure to show off every inch of her figure with a hint of sideboob on display and her perky bottom taking centre stage.

Amanda has been keeping fans up to speed on the holiday, where she has been soaking up the sun with her husband Chris Hughes.

Just two days before her sizzling snap, she posted another bikini-clad image to once again flaunt her incredible frame and flawless assets.

Sexy stuff: Amanda Holden showed off her incredible figure in her latest sexy Instagram snap

Wow! Just two days before her sizzling snap, she posted another bikini-clad image to once again flaunt her incredible frame and flawless assets

She showed off her incredible figure in a skimpy blue two-piece as she lounged on the back of a boat and looked out at the sea views.

Amanda wed her music producer husband Chris in 2008 and the happy couple share daughters Lexi, 17 and Hollie, 11.

It comes after Amanda's ex Les Dennis recalled the surprising first time he laid eyes on her second husband Chris.

The TV legend, 69, married to the actress in 1995 when she was 22 and he was 40, before divorcing eight years later.

And it transpires that in a strange twist of fate, Les was managed by Chris' father Mike Hughes at the beginning of career and first met the record producer when he was a child.

Speaking on White Wine Question Time with Kate Thornton, he said: 'I tell this story in my book that when Mike became my manager in 1973 and Lynne and I were about to get married  my first wife, Lynne  we were excited that Mike had become my manager.'

'She said, "let's drive past his house" because he lived on Queens Drive in Liverpool, we passed, and the curtains were open, and I went, "look, there he is", and we saw Mike Hughes picking up a little child and swinging the child around.'

'Lynne, later, after a lot of things had happened in my life said to me, "Just think, if we'd known then, had somebody tapped on our shoulders as we were sat in the front of the car and said to us then that you two are going to marry next year..

Getaway: Amanda has not confirmed where she has jetted off to but has been keeping fans up to date with her sun-soaked travels on Instagram

Stunning: It seems her holiday has been heavily focused on snapping sexy photos

Family: Amanda is on holiday with her husband Chris. She wed her music producer husband in 2008 and the happy couple share daughters Lexi, 17 and Hollie, 11

'But your marriage won't last, and you Les will marry a younger woman who will one day then marry the child that is being swung around in that room.'

Les was married to Lynn from 1974-1990 and with whom he shares son Phillip, before going on to wed Claire Nicholson in 2009 and welcoming two children.

Last month, Les said he had forgiven ex-wife Amanda Holden for cheating on him during their marriage.

After five years together it emerged the couple had gone their separate ways amid Amanda's much publicised affair with actor Neil Morrissey, 60.

Les has now opened up about his feelings towards his ex in a new interview, saying that he is 'happy that she's happy'.

Speaking to The Times, he said: 'Amanda was in the papers recently, saying some nice things about me. That was very kind of her.

'Maybe with time she has been able to look back and see things differently. Were not in touch but I am happy that shes happy.'
Jessica Alves enjoyed a night of dinner and cabaret with her plastic surgeons on Thursday night.

The 39-year-old Brazilian-British model looked sensational in a sizzling nude mini which showed off every inch of her incredible curves.

The beige number was covered in crystals for maximum sparkle, and featured a flamboyant feather trim to up the glamour even further.

She accessorised with a quilted Chanel bag in a matching shade of beige.

The star was in the city to catch a night of cabaret at London's Piccadilly Theatre, where she watched the stage production of Moulin Rouge! The Musical.

Impressive assets: Jessica Alves enjoyed a night of dinner and cabaret with her plastic surgeons on Thursday night

Stunner: The 39-year-old Brazilian-British model looked sensational in a sizzling nude mini which showed off every inch of her incredible curves

Prior to the show, the model - who has set her sights on posing in Playboy - caught up with her plastic surgeons at Latin restaurant Amazonico.

Couple Dr. Gunel Mammadli and Dr Mubariz Mammadli, both from Baku Azerbaijan, are among those who helped Jessica achieve her shapely figure.

The H-cup TV personality previously told of how Bangkok-based Dr Kamol was able to break her jawbone and bring her chin forwards to sculpt her face.

Other enhancements she's had include numerous rhinoplasties and the removal of four ribs to create the impression of an ultra-slimline waist.

Admitting that she gets 'bored' of having the same face for longer than two or three years, she has previously spent at least 800,000 on 78 cosmetic surgeries.

After enjoying Moulin Rouge! the trio then continued the party at Novikov in Mayfair, an Asian restaurant and bar in which they enjoyed further drinks.

Jessica swayed on the dance floor, her outfit glittering under the nightclub lights, while her pals soaked up the vibes in their seats beside her.

The plunging neckline on the dress showed off her sizeable implants, which have recently increased from 1500cc to 2220cc after an operation in Brussels, Belgium.

Party time: Jessica arrived in the West End to check out Moulin Rouge! The Musical, along with a plastic surgeon couple who caught the action alongside her

Finishing touches: The TV personality accessorised her outfit with colour-coordinated heels and Chanel handbag for an all-beige vibe

The TV personality, who has also recently had Brazilian bum lift surgery, has no shortage of stunning outfits.

Meanwhile, she was delighted to embrace the Barbie doll look as the much-discussed movie, starring Margot Robbie, debuted earlier this month.

Jessica wrapped her famously voluptuous figure in a neon pink corseted dress, with an equally colourful cropped jacket to match.

She shared the look on Instagram, alongside quotes like: "The real world is not perfect, but you inspire me."

Meanwhile, other stars to embody the look as the film premiered included TOWIE star Gemma Collins, 42, who showed off a playful bow outfit, and Vanessa Feltz, 61.

Living it up: Jessica also visited the Peruvian restaurant Amazonico, followed by Mayfair bar Novikov
Judy Finnigan and her husband Richard Madeley were spotted enjoying a lunch date at an Italian restaurant in London's Hampstead on Thursday afternoon.

The couple, who have been married for 37 years, were spotted walking arm-in-arm after leaving Villa Bianca in the leafy neighbourhood.

Richard, 67, appeared every inch the chivalrous husband as he carried Judy's Michael Kors handbag while making their way back to their VW Beetle.

Judy, 75, opted for daytime glamour in a black top and trousers, which she styled with a pair of platform trainers and a gold necklace.

The TV presenter wore her blonde hair loose and wore a full face of make-up for their meal out together.

Outing: Judy Finnigan and her husband Richard Madeley were spotted enjoying a lunch date at an Italian restaurant in London's Hampstead on Thursday afternoon

Lunch date: The couple, who have been married for 37 years, were spotted walking arm-in-arm after leaving Villa Bianca in the leafy neighbourhood

What a gent! Richard, 67, appeared every inch the chivalrous husband as he carried Judy's Michael Kors handbag while making their way back to their VW Beetle

Meanwhile, Richard looked dapper in a white T-shirt which he layered with a blazer and a pair of blue slim-fitting jeans and boots.

As well as carrying Judy's bag, Richard also toted a brown leather satchel under his arm and juggled his phone and keys.

Following their intimate lunch, Richard and Judy were spotted getting into their cream car and heading off.

It comes after Richard revealed his wife Judy Finnigan is sleeping in the spare room on Good Morning Britain.

The TV presenter explained how Judy, 74, was forced to leave their bedroom because of a mouse.

Speaking to co-host Charlotte Hawkins about the pest problem, Richard said: 'I was saying earlier that Judy is now sleeping in the spare room because we have got this mouse in the bedroom now.

'It comes out from the bed at about 11pm every night on the dot, virtually to the second.

'I've set traps and I have put boxes out and a lot of people are saying peanut butter. 'But I have tried peanut butter and it stinks.'

Dressed to impress! Judy, 75, opted for daytime glamour in a black top and trousers, which she styled with a pair of platform trainers and a gold necklace

Glam: The TV presenter wore her blonde hair loose and wore a full face of make-up for their meal out together

Smart: Meanwhile, Richard looked dapper in a white T-shirt which he layered with a blazer and a pair of blue slim-fitting jeans and boots

Juggling act: As well as carrying Judy's bag, Richard also toted a brown leather satchel under his arm and juggled his phone and keys

Home time! Following their intimate lunch, Richard and Judy were spotted getting into their cream car and heading off

Charlotte then revealed Sir Lindsay Hoyle, the speaker of the House of Commons, brought his cat to Downing Street to scare off the mice.

She explained: 'He's brought his cat, Attlee, down to do this. The speaker said Attlee has been going around to check there were not any mice around, and there were absolutely none.

'So you need to have a word with Sir Lindsay Hoyle and say can you borrow Attlee for the day.'

Richard quipped: 'Apparently he's an ace mouser, thank you very much indeed.'

This one! Richard unlocked the vehicle with his car keys

Aw! The couple walked arm-in-arm along the pavement

Playful: Richard pulled an animated expression

Lovely location: The couple were seen strolling through the leafy London neighbourhood

Ha! Richard looked shocked as they approached their car
Kimberley Garner enjoyed a day at the beach at the Cheval Blanc Hotel in St Tropez, France, on Thursday.

The swimwear designer, 32, sizzled in a plunging black bikini as she soaked up the sun in the sweltering French heat.

The former Made In Chelsea star put on a sultry display in the chic two-piece set, which boasted silver ring details.

Wearing her skimpy black bikini, Kimberley oozed sex appeal as she topped up her tan on her latest getaway.

It comes after Kimberley confirmed she is in a relationship with her new boyfriend Andres Anthis.

Wow! Kimberley Garner, 32, enjoyed a day at the beach at the Cheval Blanc Hotel in St Tropez, France, on Thursday

Hot: The swimwear designer sizzled in a plunging black bikini as she soaked up the sun in the sweltering French heat

Gorgeous: The former Made In Chelsea star put on a sultry display in the chic two-piece set, which boasted silver ring details.

The star, who previously dated her MIC co-star Richard Dinan, first found fame on Made In Chelsea and has made a name for herself as a swimsuit brand entrepreneur.

Despite now enjoying success as a swimwear designer, Kimberley has previously revealed how she used to pretend to be an intern when she first started the business as nobody took her seriously.

However, the property heiress insisted she's more than just the face of her line Kimberley London and is involved with every aspect of creating her sell-out swimwear range.

She recently told MailOnline: 'I think people sometimes think that Im only the face, but I am responsible for every bit of the business.'

'I was 18 when I started my first company - I came up with an idea, stayed up for days learning how to register the company and teaching myself. It became very successful overnight.'

She explained: 'However, as I was only 18, no one ever imagined it was mine. I was a young blonde girl with a soft voice.

'No one would take me seriously or realise it was my company. So, I pretended to be the Intern!

'I handled all the meetings, phone calls, and emails for the company. When it became a success, I put all the revenues into starting Kimberley London.'

Stunning: Wearing her skimpy black bikini, Kimberley oozed sex appeal as she topped up her tan on her latest getaway.

Relax: Kimberley read magazines while sunbathing

Influencer: The former reality star captured her surroundings on her mobile

Tan time: Kimberley sat back to ensure her body was in the sunshine

Careful: The TV personality pulled her bikini top together to avoid a mishap

Downtime: Kimberley played on her phone while topping up her tan

Happy: The MIC star looked as relaxed as ever while enjoying her time in St Tropez

Cooling off: Kimberley lent backwards to dip her hair into the water

Time out: The influencer cooled off in the sea

Care free: Kimberley smiled while swimming in the water

Sun safe: The TV star ensured she kept her skin protected with SPF

Easy breezy: Kimberley looked lost in thought as she relaxed in the sunshine

Fantastic: The reality star displayed her enviable physique while cooling off in the sea
Kevin Costner has said he expects his income to drop 'dramatically' now he is no longer on Yellowstone - as his divorce battle with second wife Christine Baumgartner rumbles on.

The actor, 68, is reportedly the highest-paid actor on TV, rumoured to have earned $1.3 million per episode of the award-winning show.

His ex, 49, claimed that in 2022, when he appeared in eight episodes, he earned $24.5 million from Yellowstone and other sources.

But the actor said he is expecting his income to drop 'dramatically' now that he has left the programme, in order to make his four-film Western epic, Horizon.

'I will earn substantially less in 2023 than I did in 2022,' he predicted. 'This is because I am no longer under contract for Yellowstone, the principal source of my income last year.

Finances: Kevin Costner has said he expects his income to drop 'dramatically' now he is no longer on Yellowstone

Income: His ex Christine, 49, claimed that in 2022, when he appeared in eight episodes, he earned $24.5 million from Yellowstone and other sources (pictured in March 2022)

'The fixed amount, 'pay or play' and episodic compensation I received has ceased.

'Now, any compensation I earn from Yellowstone will derive only from my back-end contractual participation rights.' [A star's percentage of the proceeds, once the show is in profit.]

'The most recent report from the producer for Yellowstone shows I am not now owed any participation money (although I have disputed this).

'So far in 2023 I have yet to receive any participation compensation from Yellowstone.'

Following furious speculation about the end of the hit Western series - and reports of a sensational feud between himself and the show's creator Taylor Sheridan - the actor stated in court documents that he 'doesn't anticipate being on location for at least the rest of 2023', despite the show being slated to start filming on the second half of season five in August.

Earlier this year, it was confirmed that Yellowstone will end after the second half of the fifth season, with Kevin finishing his run as rancher John Dutton in the hit Paramount series to focus on other projects.

However, while production on the second half of season five is due to start in a matter of months, according to Deadline, court documents submitted as part of Costner's divorce proceedings against former spouse Christine suggest he won't take part in filming.

In court papers seen by DailyMail.com: 'I do not anticipate that I will be on location for at least the rest of 2023.'

Success: The actor, 68, is reportedly the highest-paid actor on TV, rumoured to have earned $1.3 million per episode of the award-winning show

Kevin said: 'The fixed amount, 'pay or play' and episodic compensation I received has ceased' (pictured with Christine in February 2022)

The documents - which contained explosive claims as Costner and his wife of 18 years, Christine, engage in a bitter divorce - revealed that he would be returning to California this month to be with his children.

Doubt has already been cast over whether the show will be able to begin filming again as a result of the writer's strike, which has thrown many long-running Hollywood productions into a state of uncertainty.

It may be that Costner expects the strike to stretch on until the end of the year, thereby preventing him from filming any Yellowstone scenes, which were initially shot in Utah before production moved to Montana, however his statement in the court documents seems to make clear that he has no plans to travel away from California for any project until at least 2024.

DailyMail.com has reached out to Kevin's representatives for further comment.

Christine filed for divorce on the grounds of irreconcilable differences on May 1.

The estranged couple share three children: Cayden, 15, Hayes, 14, and Grace, 13.

In the court papers, the actor's lawyers claim that they have made 'multiple offers' to get his wife to move out of the former marital home, a $145 million beachfront compound in Carpinteria, California.

But they say they have failed to reach an agreement with Christine, 49, a model turned handbag designer, leaving Costner effectively homeless.

On June 8, Christine's side filed a restraining order against Costner which forbids him from taking the children out of the state and transferring or selling any property.

On June 9, Costner's side filed a request for an order to kick Christine out of the house, a filing known as a 'preliminary injunction prohibiting petitioner from occupancy.'

In his declaration filed as part of the injunction Costner himself said: 'Christine and I have been working on a summer schedule to ensure that the children have smooth transition between our two homes.'

He added: 'Even when I am working I arrange to see the children frequently. I was in California for our son's birthday in early May and the children visited me May 21-24 in Utah where I was filming.

Home: In the court papers, the actor's lawyers claim that they have made 'multiple offers' to get his wife to move out of the former marital home, a $145m beachfront compound in Carpinteria

'This month I will return to California to my Separate Property Residence and plan on staying here at least through the end of this year (except perhaps for any vacations). I am a very hands-on father. I drive our children to school, attend their events and am involved in their daily lives. I agree that, when I am on location filming, the children will spend more time with their mother. However, I do not anticipate that I will be on location for at least the rest of 2023.'

READ MORE: Inside Kevin Costner's very bitter divorce from former wife Christine Advertisement

Instead he says he will be editing the Horizon films at his studio in Carpinteria.

The veteran actor was said to have been blindsided by Christine filing for divorce.

Kevin is worth $250 million and under the terms of the prenup, signed in 2004, she was to leave his properties if they split and relocate, using a $1.2 million fund to find a new house.

He alleges that his former spouse is in breach of that agreement  saying that he now wishes to move back into the huge house which they shared.

The lawyers said: 'What is happening now is exactly what he and Christine contracted to avoid in the event their marriage failed.

'Christine has accepted the benefits of the PMA (pre marital agreement) over the years, but now refuses to accept this one burden.'

Both sides seem to be preparing for a 'War of the Roses' style legal battle over their huge $145 million house in Carpinteria, California. It is owned solely by Costner and he bought it in 1988, long before their 2004 wedding.

Kevin is complaining that he needs a home as he will be off location from early June.

Extraordinarily, he says that he was made homeless during his last divorce. The house next door, also owned by him, is used he says as a place to edit films.

He says that he funded Christine's two 'failed' businesses both before and during the marriage, and says that she was happy to benefit from the premarital agreement for years, but is now seeking to ditch it.

Additionally he claims that following their separation Christine 'charged $95,000' to his credit card 'without prior notice to me.'

That money was spent on lawyers and on a forensic accountant.
Amal Clooney looked sensational as she enjoyed a romantic dinner with dapper husband George at swanky restaurant Gatto Nero in Lake Como on Thursday.

The couple appeared in high spirits as they made their exit and hopped into a chauffeur driven car while one excited fan tried desperately to grab a selfie.

Amal, 45, put on a very leggy display in a silver sequinned mini dress for the evening which boasted a daringly plunging neckline.

She added extra sparkle to her ensemble with diamond pendant earring and a pair of towering metallic heels.

Meanwhile George, 62, oozed sophistication in a dark grey suit which he layered over complementary shirt.

Glamour: Amal Clooney, 45, looked sensational as she enjoyed a romantic dinner with dapper husband George, 62, at swanky restaurant Gatto Nero in Lake Como on Thursday

Quick exit: The couple appeared in high spirits as they made their exit and hopped into their chauffeur driven car while one fan excited tried desperately to grab a selfie

The couple, who wed in 2014, share five-year-old twins Alexander and Ella.

It comes after it was revealed the couple's pal Jennifer Aniston has formed an unlikely friendship with George's ex Lisa Snowdon.

The Friends actress, 54, follows Lisa, 51, on Instagram and regularly likes her posts, particularly the former model's cooking tutorials.

The Hollywood star most recently showed her appreciation for Lisa's 'detox broth' with chicken, garlic and chilli.

She also took some notes on Lisa's recipe for vegetarian pasta along with a post advertising an anti-ageing capsule.

Jennifer also lent her support to Lisa when she released her book Just Getting Started: Lessons in Life, Love and Menopause.

The start provided a front cover quote for the tome, writing: 'Bravo, Lisa, for lifting the veil and shifting the perspective on this season in women's lives. It's not the end but a beginning.'

It's not known exactly when Lisa and Jennifer first crossed paths but it was likely during Lisa's relationship with George.

Legs 11: The lawyer put on a very leggy display in a silver sequinned mini dress that boasted a daringly plunging neckline

Chic: Amal added extra sparkle to her ensemble with diamond pendant earring and a pair of towering metallic heels

Woza! The skimpy frock perfectly showcased the stunner's long toned legs

Sensational: Amal accentuated her features with glamorous make-up and classic red lip

Let me through: George was forced to push himself through the scrum to his waiting motor

Style: Meanwhile George oozed sophistication in a dark grey suit

Chinwag: Chatted with pals outside the venue before hopping into their chauffeur driven car

Kiss: George pecked the couple's pal on the cheek as they said their farewell

Cool dude: George layered his tailored jacket over a complimentary shirt

Shotgun: Amal as first in the car with George pulling up the rear

Bye! George exchanged a few words with the waiting fans

The model dated the A-list actor for five years after they met on the of a Martini advert in 2000.

Speaking to The Sun, Lisa recalled: 'George was charming, a really nice man, good fun and we had a great time. It was quite wild.'

She added: 'Sometimes I think it will be written on my tombstone  "George Clooney once dated Lisa Snowdon."'

But she stayed tight-lipped on the saucier details that fans wanted to know, saying: 'I never tell', in response to questions about George's sexual prowess.

Pals: It comes after it was revealed the couple's pal Jennifer Aniston has formed an unlikely friendship with George's ex Lisa Snowdon

Former flame: It's not known exactly when Lisa and Jennifer first crossed paths but it was likely during Lisa's relationship with George (pictured in 2004)

Lisa admitted that while she has lost touch with George over the years, but remains friends with his Ocean's Eleven co-star Matt Damon.

Speaking on I'm A Celebrity in 2016, Lisa said of the actor: 'He came to my birthday party. Hes really nice.'

Jennifer has been a longtime friend of George's and she previously spent time with him and his wife Amal Clooney at their home in Lake Como, Italy after they welcomed their twins Ella and Alexander in 2017.

During an appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Jennifer said: 'Its amazing to see him with children.

'Thats what we talked about. That anything can happen.'
Cardi B and husband Offset enjoyed a romantic night on the town on Thursday.

The New York native, 30, and 31-year-old Migos rapper looked loved-up as they stepped out in West Hollywood, where the former bought the latter roses.

Their outing comes after the couple announced on Wednesday that they have a new song called Jealousy coming out at the end of the week, with the duo sharing the single art - depicting them both - in a new post.

In the grainy image, Cardi, who looked busty in a pink top, appeared pushing her husband's face away as she looked in the other direction.

On Thursday, Cardi looked incredible with sleek blue tresses paired with green streaks framing her face while she paired the ensemble with a tight navy vest and jeans while boosting her height with white knee-high boots.

Sweet: Cardi B and husband Offset enjoyed a romantic night on the town on Thursday

Coming up roses: The New York native, 30, and 31-year-old Migos rapper looked loved-up as they stepped out in West Hollywood, where the former bought the latter roses

The date night comes after the couple sparked scandal last month, when Offset accused his wife of more than five years of being unfaithful in a now-deleted post.

Cardi hit back at Offset's claim with a Twitter Spaces rant in which she accused her 'motherf****r' spouse of 'spiraling.'

She also shared a recording in which she hit back at the father of her two children via song and urged her fans 'not to pay attention' to Offset's shock allegation.

Singing a well-known Keyshia Cole song called I Should've Cheated, the star vocalized: 'First of all, let me say you cant accuse me of all the things you know that you are guilty of. Sing it with me, yall! And I see that it is easy for you to blame everything on me. Yes, honey!'

Cardi, born Belcalis Marlenis Almanzar, then said, 'Come on, now. Im Cardi B, n***a. I think sometimes motherf**kers forget Im Cardi B. If I was giving this p***y to anybody, it would be out. Im not just anybody.'

An insider later told People: 'They're just having a little quarrel. They're very intense so [they] go back and forth quite a bit. They'll hash it out like they always do.'

Earlier this week Offset teased the forthcoming single with a parody clip inspired by a 1988 James Brown interview with CNN.

He enlisted Jamie Lee Curtis to play the role of a reporter who inquired about his marriage. 'Your fans are saying that there's a lot of drama between you and your beautiful wife Cardi B,' Curtis said.

Out here: On Thursday, Cardi looked incredible with sleek blue tresses paired with green streaks framing her face while she paired the ensemble with a tight navy vest and jeans while boosting her height with white knee-high boots

Happy days: Their outing comes after the couple announced on Wednesday that they have a new song called Jealousy coming out at the end of the week, with the duo sharing the single art - depicting them both - in a new post

'She seems upset, Offset,' she said emphatically to accentuate the play on words.

'There's no problems!' Offset quipped, mimicking the late musician's way of speaking and the quirky late 80s interview.

He then broke out in song before stating, 'Let's talk about some music!'

'Yall ready for some new music???.JEALOUSY!!' he captioned the hilarious footage.

Offset and Cardi quickly put their marital woes behind them as they were seen enjoying Paris Fashion Week together just days after the online spat.

The twosome secretly tied the knot in September 2017 but waited until the following year to announce the marriage.

In July 2018 they welcomed daughter Kulture, 5, and three years later their son Wave, 1, was born.

Cephus is also father to sons Jordan, 13, and Kody, 8, and 8-year-old daughter Kalea from previous relationships.
Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary have announced that they are taking a break from This Morning in show shake up.

The duo told viewers during Friday's show that they are set to take their summer break, with Josie Gibson and Craig Doyle ready to take their place.

Alison and Dermot had stepped up to replace Holly Willoughby after she left the show in a quiet departure and won't be returning for another two months.

Opening the programme, Alison explained what was to come while Dermot joked that it 'must be his birthday' while Phil Vickery cooked a fry up.

'And you're finishing early! It is your birthday, I did all this just for you Dermot O'Leary because it's our last day together!' Alison exclaimed.

Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary have announced that they are taking a break from This Morning in show shake up (pictured on Friday's show)

She continued: 'Then we've got our summer off. I'm excited!'

'Our summer break! Thank you, this is like a dream show for me!' Dermot replied.

ITV confirmed the presenters 'off for the next few weeks with Josie and Craig presenting next week.'

This Morning will be centered around Holly when she returns in September after ITV bosses decided not to make a big money hiring to replace Phillip Schofield.

The Daily Mail can reveal that the star will instead have rotating co-hosts when she fronts the under-threat show Monday to Thursday.

This comes rather than chiefs poaching a bigger star from a rival show or channel as they attempt to take the programme back to its glory days following recent scandal.

Insiders at This Morning say that they will mostly be Josie Gibson and Craig Doyle, though Holly, 42, will be joined sporadically by Dermot and Alison, who currently host on Fridays and through the holidays.

It means that Holly's dream that she would be paired with Alison is over because she is too busy to commit to working four days on the daytime show, say insiders.

Goodbye: The duo told viewers during Friday's show that they are set to take their summer break

Holly, who is currently on a family holiday on the Algarve, is to sign a new contract 'any day now' which will be even more lucrative than the 700,000 deal that she is already on.

Insiders at ITV say that this system will not only mean that she is 'Queen Bee' but that a fall out between two main anchors like hers with Phillip will be avoided.

An ITV source said: 'The idea of finding the next Phil to sit next to Holly has been disregarded by This Morning's bosses.

'It will be Holly along with whichever rotating presenter is selected to join her. It will essentially be Holly's show.

'Bosses hope that they can put all of the Schofield scandal behind them and start concentrating on the content of the show rather than the twosome presenting it. At least this way there won't be any falling out.

'Holly is so excited about the plan, she loves Josie, Craig, Alison and Dermot. It's a happy ship and she made the decision not to quit but instead to return and keep things going while being at the helm.

'Holly is absolutely determined to head up the challenge to make the show a success again.'

Up next: Josie Gibson and Craig Doyle are set to take their place during the break

Variety: This Morning will be centered around Holly when she returns in September after ITV bosses decided not to make a big money hiring to replace Phillip Schofield (Holly pictured with Phillip Schofield in May before his This Morning departure)

Sources at ITV have compared the presenting set up to be similar to that of Good Morning Britain following Piers Morgan's departure two years ago.

Susannah Reid is the main anchor and is joined by a rota of Richard Madeley, Ed Balls and Martin Lewis on Monday to Wednesday's episodes and then the likes of Ben Shepherd, Kate Garraway and Ranvir Singh take over for the rest of the week.

The Mail on Sunday revealed yesterday that Holly will return to This Morning to save it after it was left under huge threat of the axe following Phillip's admission that he had been having an affair with a much younger colleague - and then lied about it.

Following Phillip's scandal two months ago, Holly has decided to take an extra long break off until autumn, according to The Sun.
Highly-anticipated Australian horror movie Talk To Me has been released in the UK and is leaving viewers petrified.

The thriller, directed by YouTube brothers Danny and Michael Philippou - who go by RackaRacka online - sparked a bidding war among distributors after its screening at the Adelaide Film Festival in October 2022.

Finally, the film is being brought to the global stage, and film fans are 'SCARED ' by what is becoming one of the highest rated horrors of the year.

Review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes gives Talk To Me an impressive 95%, for its 'gripping story and impressive practical effects.'

This is doubly impressive when you consider that this is the Philippou brothers' first ever feature film.

'SCARED scared': Australian thriller Talk To Me has been touted as one of best horror films this year, and was released on July 28

Off to a flyer: Brothers Danny and Michael Philippou - also known as RackaRacka - are making their feature film debut as the film's directors

Critics and fans alike have reacted well to the release so far, with one saying that it had them 'SCARED scared.'

They added: 'I took off my glasses every time things got too scary.'

Another said: 'Absolutely electric. My nerves are shot.'

The A24 film follows Adelaide teens Mia (Sophie Wilde) her best friend Jade (Alexandra Jensen) and her younger brother Riley (Joe Bird).

The three attend a party that involves conjuring dead spirits and letting them possess their bodies by using a severed, embalmed hand.

They use the phrase 'Talk to me,' before saying 'I let you in' in order to be fully possessed by a spirit.

After becoming hooked on the thrill, things take a turn when Mia sees her dead mother after being possessed by a spirit for more than the maximum time of 90 seconds.

The feature caused a stir at Adelaide Film Festival last year, and again at the Sundance, Berlin International, and Fantasia International film festivals.

Eventually, rights to distribute the movie were bought in a reported seven-figure deal according to Variety, which left debutant directors Danny and Michael living 'a dream come true.'

After the film launched in Australia on July 27, it was released internationally - including in the UK - on July 28.

Hooked: The film follows Adelaide teens Mia (pictured), Jade, and Riley, as they become hooked on the thrill of being possessed by spirits
Sky Daily, 45, admitted she had not watched any of fiance Hulk Hogan's fights and was barely aware of his wrestling career when they began dating

Hulk Hogan's gorgeous new fiancee has told DailyMail.com that she fell for the big-hearted wrestling icon despite having never watched a single one of his fights.

The besotted Hulkster, 69, showered Florida mom-of-three Sky Daily with flowers, romantic dates, and FaceTime calls after meeting her at a friend's party.

It will be the third trip down the aisle for Hogan  real name Terry Gene Bollea  who vanquished the likes of the Ultimate Warrior, 'Macho Man' Randy Savage and the Undertaker during his glittering WWE career.

But accountant-turned yoga teacher Sky, 45, insists she was barely aware of his status as the planet's most beloved grappler, telling DailyMail.com in an exclusive interview: 'To me he's just Terry.'

Hulk Hogan is set to walk down the aisle for the third time after proposing to girlfriend Sky Daily, 45, last weekend

In an exclusive interview with DailyMail.com, Daily revealed she barely knew of her fiance's glittering wrestling career, admitting she was interested in Terry - his real name - not Hulk

The yoga instructor said she fell for the wrestler after he swept her off her feet with big romantic gestures

Sky, also a two-time divorcee, added: 'I wasn't allowed to watch a lot of TV growing up. I knew who Hulk Hogan was obviously, but I hadn't seen any of his fights or watched any wrestling.

'But I think he liked the fact that he had to ask me for my number as opposed to everyone else just jamming their number into his hand.

'He knew I was interested in Terry, not Hulk. He swept me off my feet. He is my ultimate male.'

Six-time champ Hogan announced his engagement while giving a speech last weekend at the wedding of his actor friend Corin Nemec and Sabrina Nova.

'I guess because when you guys were getting married, you handed her your bouquet. That makes her next,' Hogan said as blushing-bride-to-be Sky looked on adoringly.

'And her birthday was last Thursday and I asked Sky to marry me and she was crazy enough to say yes, brother.'

The clip was posted to Instagram and Hogan later confirmed the happy news.

Until then, he and Sky had kept their year-and-a-half long romance largely under wraps after meeting at a party hosted by the Nemecs.

'One of my friends said, oh wow, Hulk Hogan's over there, why don't we go say hi? And I said, I don't really do that kind of thing,' recalled Sky.

'But then he bought a round of drinks for everybody. I went over and said, 'thanks for the drink'. And that's how I was introduced to him.

Until last weekend's big announcement, the couple had kept their year-and-a-half long romance largely under wraps after meeting at a friend's party

Despite his intimidating build and physical prowess, Hogan has a romantic side and knows how to pull off amorous gestures, according to Daily

Sky and Hulk are currently living together with her children at his waterfront mansion in Clearwater Beach

'I had no idea what to expect. I sat down and his eyes locked on mine and mine locked on his. We talked for a long time. There was just this spark, this lovely organic connection.

'I wasn't expecting that he would actually call or FaceTime me afterwards.'

Hogan turned up for their first date at the Seaweed Grill restaurant in Belleair Bluffs, Florida, sporting his classic Hulkster combo of bandana and shades.

'That's all he wears, that and the Hulk Hogan t-shirts' chuckled Sky. 'He's either all in or all out.'

But it was Hogan's romantic gestures and attention to detail that convinced Sky that there was more to the former wrestler than his '24-inch pythons' and outlandish squared circle persona.

'He sent me a ginormous bouquet before he took me out. Outside of the lobby of a hotel I had never seen anything so huge,' she gushed.

'Terry is older than me and his kids are older than mine but we have had a surprising amount of similar experiences. We've both been divorced twice. We just bonded so easily,' she said.

'I've never been with someone who puts me first in every single thing. When I wake up in the morning he's there ready to hand me my coffee.

'If he sees I like blueberries he'll make sure the fridge is full of blueberries. He knows my favorite ice cream without having to ask.'

Sky said Hogan had hit it off similarly with her kids, a nine-year-old girl, and boys aged 14 and 16, and all five are living together at Hogan's $7million waterfront mansion in Clearwater Beach.

Hogan announced his engagement while giving a speech last weekend at the wedding of his actor friend Corin Nemec and his wife Sabrina Nova

Sky was seen flashing the massive rock on her finger several times as she stood alongside her fiance

Daily signed the marriage license as a witness during their her friend Corin Nemec and Sabrina Nova's nuptials on Sunday

She's also gotten to know the Hulkster's grown-up children, Brooke, 35, and Nick, 32, from his marriage to Linda Claridge, 63, who is best known for her role in the reality show, Hogan Knows Best.

The lovebirds have kept a relatively low profile, with Hogan sharing occasional pictures of Sky on social media, while her Instagram is set to private.

He went public with their relationship in March 2022 after fans noticed pictures of them together and confused Sky for his blonde ex Jennifer McDaniel, 49, whom Hogan divorced in 2021.

The stage was set for Sky to become Hogan's third wife  but the world's most recognizable wrestler was uncharacteristically nervous when it came to popping the question on his girlfriend's 45th birthday.

'He kept saying, let's go to Miami, let's go to a nice resort  something big and lavish. I would say, no sweetie, I want to do something simple with my family. I didn't realize I was foiling all his big plans,' said Sky.

In the end the couple opted for a romantic meal for two at Ponte Modern American, a swish restaurant in nearby Tampa.

'When we got there, there was champagne on the table but I said, we are not drinking, take the champagne away,' Sky went on.

'He was very nervous and I didn't know what was wrong with him. He came to my side of the table, sat down beside me and took my hands and looked me in the eyes.

'After saying some words about how much I mean to him, he said 'I'm asking you to be my wife'. I was shocked.

'The ring was stunning but since then we've ordered an even more stunning ring, a 5-carat oval.

Hogan, real name Terry Gene Bollea, retired in 2012 and is considered one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time

The nWo front man was married to first wife Linda Hogan (left) from 1983 through 2009. He then remarried in 2010 to Jennifer McDaniel but the couple split in 2021

'Terry wanted to get me the perfect ring of my choosing, not just the ring that the woman helped him pick out at the store.'

Sky's previous two marriages ended in divorce but she's hoping for better luck with Hogan, who quit drinking ahead of his 70th birthday and promised that his hard-partying days were behind him.

The couple haven't locked down a wedding date just yet but Sky says they'll opt for a 'small intimate ceremony.'

That should give her plenty of time to watch clips of Hogan's greatest bouts and get to know his legendary wrestler pals who regularly Facetime Hogan to reminisce about their WWE heyday.

'It's hard to not see the clips. I mean, even if he didn't send me clips, my friends would send me clips and the internet decides what clips I need to see,' Sky laughed.

'Now that I've seen so many I just think he's fantastic. I'm in awe of how he can control the crowd and get such a reaction. And I see how much joy that fans get from meeting him.

'Grown men, professionals, CEOs of billion-dollar companies, they all become 12-year-old kids again right before your eyes, it's amazing.'
Megan Gale was looking decades younger than her 47 years during a recent holiday to Western Australia.

The model, 47, posed in a deep green swimsuit as she posed for photos shared to Instagram these week.

She was clearly enjoying her trip, wrapping up in a flannel shirt and donning a hat as she sat atop a pretty rock ledge.

'Front runner for favourite moment of the holiday' she wrote in her caption alongside the images.

It comes after Megan admitted that her daytime skincare routine 'barely exists' and 'is just the basics' as she's busy juggling motherhood with her work commitments.

Megan Gale (pictured) was looking decades younger than her 47 years during a recent holiday to Western Australia

However at night, she 'loves indulging in self-care and pampering' and treats herself to a dedicated regimen involving six key products.

Megan begins with 'superficial cleansing' to remove makeup and residue, before leaving an antioxidant cleansing masque on for around five to 10 minutes.

The brunette stunner then spritzes a pore-refining toner made with 'organic Bulgarian roses', describing it as 'gorgeous, divine, and uplifting'.

Megan follows with a multivitamin antioxidant serum and a luxurious facial oil.

The TV personality admitted to owning 'about 15' face oils, as they are 'so rich and so nourishing', particularly for the winter months.

The model, 47,posed in a deep green swimsuit as she posed for photos shared to Instagram these week

She was clearly enjoying her trip, wrapping up in a flannel shirt and donning a hat as she sat atop a pretty rock ledge

'Front runner for favourite moment of the holiday' she wrote in her caption

Megan applies a generous few drops of the face oil, allowing the 'gorgeous fatty acids' to melt into the skin.

She then finishes her routine with a turmeric moisturiser for its anti-inflammatory and calming benefits.

Megan balances her media commitments with motherhood, sharing son River, nine, and daughter Rosie, five, with AFL star fiance Shaun Hampson, 33.

The couple met in 2011, and begun a long-distance relationship with Megan based in Sydney at the time, and Shaun in Melbourne.

They are now based in Melbourne with their young family.
Advertisement

Pinup swimsuit model Charlotte McKinney seems to be enjoying her summer by the seashore nicely.

On Friday the 29-year-old former Guess model shared several photos to Instagram where she was working on her tan on a rocky coastline.

The cover girl was seen in a very skimpy pale blue string bikini with beads on the top and ties on the briefs that barely stayed on her dynamic figure.

It seemed as if it may have been a size too small as it rode up on her chest, flashing some underboob, but her 1m followers were not complaining.

Charlotte was also modeling clothes from Faithfull the Brand in a shoot by Los Angeles based photographer Alex Justice. There was no caption for the fun post.

The blonde bombshell is hitting a milestone soon: her 30th birthday falls on August 6.

Eye-popping greatness: Pinup swimsuit model Charlotte McKinney seems to be enjoying her summer by the seashore nicely. On Friday the 29-year-old former Guess model shared several photos to Instagram where she was working on her tan on a rocky coastline

A closer look: The cover girl was seen in a very skimpy pale blue string bikini with beads on the top and ties on the briefs that barely stayed on her dynamic figure

The ex of Stephen Dorff was also seen taking in a beach setting and posing in a crisp white shirt and slacks.

McKinney is a model and actress who first gained attention as an Instagram personality, eventually achieving wider recognition for her appearance in a Carl's Jr. commercial which aired regionally during Super Bowl XLIX in 2015.

The star has already be on the cover of GQ and Vanity Fair.

And Charlotte has competed on Dancing With The Stars and acted in the Baywatch remake.

This new sighting comes two months after she landed one of her most scintillating ad campaigns of her long career.

The blonde beauty from Orlando, Florida was seen posing in skimpy lingerie to plug a major shoe brand in Miami.

The face of Larroude footwear as she was seen pouting for the camera in new eye-popping images shared to her Instagram page.

A size too small works for her: It seemed as if it may have been a size too small as it rode up on her chest, flashing some underboob and sideboob, but her 1m followers were not complaining

Wonderful woman: There was no caption for the fun post. The blonde bombshell is hitting a milestone soon: her 30th birthday falls on August 6

'New @larroude spring collection out now!' wrote the ex of Stephen Dorff in her brief caption.

'Shooting this campaign was extra special because the first time I wore their shoes I fell in love and became such a fan of the line but all that aside I had the chance to work with some of the most kindest and bad a** people.'

The Hollywood veteran then added hashtags for the brand as well as the glam team.

The star had on a pale pink sheer corset that had applique over her chest. McKinney also wore very tiny briefs that barely covered her up.

A shore thing: The ex of Stephen Dorff was also seen taking in a beach setting and posing in a crisp white shirt and slacks

See through: In the sunlight, her slacks seemed a bit sheer as she walked on the rocks

And yet another look for this model: In this image she looked spooked as she wore a beige tube top and slacks

The outfit was used to plug the pale pink high heels from Larroude, though it is debatable if anyone was checking out her feet as her body seemed to be the focus.

The fashion industry personality left little to the imagination while showcasing her shapely form. The social media figure let her blonde hair fall down over her bare shoulders and her glam was on point.

McKinney began her modeling career by building a large presence on Instagram in the mid-2010s.

The model spoke about her platform during an interview with Marie Claire, where she pointed out that what she shared on her account was not indicative of what her life was normally like.

Sexy for sale: In February McKinney has landed one of her most scintillating ad campaigns of her long career; she was selling the shoes here, not the lingerie

Her big breakout role: She came to fame when she modeled a bikini top and micro shorts for a Carl's Jr campaign in 2015

'Social media is an interesting part of life, and it's not all it looks like from the outside. Instagram is just an outlet to exude this image of what you deem as a perfect life,' she stated.

McKinney went on to express that she was not necessarily fond of using the social media outlet, although she recognized its necessity in her professional life.

'I have such a love hate relationship with it, being a private person but it plays such an essential part of my career,' she said.

The fashion industry personality concluded by expressing that prospective models should consider utilizing unconventional means while looking for success.

'Now more than ever, there isn't just one path to wherever you want or need to go. Explore as many options as possible, and don't rely on one straight road,' she said.
Leonardo DiCaprio was joined by Neelam Gill on Friday as they relaxed on a yacht with a group of friends in Porto Cervo, Sardinia.

The movie star, 48, and the model, 28, have been linked for months and have been spotted at various events together.

The model squashed romance rumours on Friday, penning on Instagram: 'Just to clear up any rumours... I am not Leonardo DiCaprio's new flame.

'In fact I am in a committed relationship with his good friend, and have been for many months now.

'The only reason we have been pictured in the same vicinity is because I have been there with my partner. I hope this clears up all false stories.'

Holiday: Leonardo DiCaprio was once again joined by Neelam Gill on Friday as they relaxed on a yacht with a group of friends in Porto Cervo, Sardinia

Incredible: Neelam looked sensational as she stepped out onto the deck of the boat in a skimpy blue patterned bikini

Party animal: Neelam's pal clutched hands with Leonardo for a second

A source told MailOnline Neelam is dating Leo's best friend and confirmed: 'They are not together and have never been'.

Neelam looked sensational as she stepped out onto the deck of the boat in a skimpy blue patterned bikini.

Her toned figure was on full display in the tiny two-piece as she soaked in the sunshine.

She soon slipped into an open blue button-up shirt and hid her eyes behind a pair of black sunglasses.

Neelam swept her raven tresses up into a messy bun secured with a claw clip while Leo sat in the shade.

He was seen sitting shirtless while chatting to Neelam and to a group of friends as they sat inside drinking.

Neelam later went for a dip in the sea to cool down and once again flaunted her incredible physique.

Their Italian trip comes after the Oscar winner attended Sir Mick Jagger's 80th birthday party in London on Wednesday.

Addressing speculation: The model squashed romance rumours on Friday, penning on Instagram: 'Just to clear up any rumours... I am not Leonardo DiCaprio's new flame.'

Radiant: Her toned figure was on full display in the tiny two-piece as she soaked in the sunshine

Looking good: She soon slipped into an open blue button-up shirt and hid her eyes behind a pair of black sunglasses

Looking good: She soon slipped into an open blue button-up shirt and hid her eyes behind a pair of black sunglasses

Stunner: Neelam swept her raven tresses up into a messy bun secured with a claw clip while Leo sat in the shade

Relaxing: He was seen sitting shirtless while chatting to Neelam and to a group of friends as they sat inside drinking

Wow! Neelam later went for a dip in the sea to cool down and once again flaunted her incredible physique

Rumours: The movie star, 48, and the model, 28, have been linked for months and have been spotted at various events together, but shut down romance rumours on Friday

Tense: They had a chat on the top deck of the lavish boat

Stunning: A glamorous mystery women was also seen on the yacht

He made a surprise appearance at the star-studded party alongside the likes of Lenny Kravitz, Stella McCartney and Jerry Hall.

Neelam is a model from Coventry, who has racked up an array of achievements since becoming the first model of Indian descent to be cast in a Burberry campaign nearly a decade ago.

Taking in the view: Neelam looked out to sea

Just friends: Neelam is just friends with Leo

VIPs: He made a surprise appearance at the star-studded party alongside the likes of Lenny Kravitz, Stella McCartney and Jerry Hall

Impressive: Neelam is a model from Coventry, who has racked up an array of achievements since becoming the first model of Indian descent to be cast in a Burberry campaign

Earlier this month, Leo was spotted partying with Neelam and Maya Jama, 28, in London.

Leo was attending the Vogue Summer party at the Chiltern Firehouse, where Maya - the face of Vogue's August edition - and Neelam were seen putting on sizzling displays in floor-sweeping gowns.

In pictures shared by fellow partygoers, Leonardo looked to be having a wonderful time as he lived it up with a slew of the movers and shakers, with insiders telling MailOnline he placed himself by the DJ booth amid the festivities.

Far from just being surrounded by his romantic interests, Leo's mother Irmelin Indenbirken was also in attendance and was seen sharing a laugh with her son.

Neelam was also seen spending time on Leo's mega-yacht with a group of friends on the Amalfi Coast and has been spotted at many events which Leo was also attending, including at Cannes and nights out at Chiltern Firehouse.

The pair were also spotted at dinner in Paris with Tobey Maguire last month, who is believed to be single and has been linked to a string of beauties lately.

Meanwhile, Maya shut down Leonardo dating rumours in April after she was seen wearing a 'Leo' necklace yet.

She tweeted: 'I've been minding my business on holiday & said I wouldn't respond/pay attention to any of the silly stories anymore but you need to stop now..

Hanging out: Earlier this month, Leo was spotted partying with Neelam and Maya Jama, 28, in London

Dancing queens: Leo was attending the Vogue Summer party at the Chiltern Firehouse, where Maya - the face of Vogue's August edition

Having a blast: In pictures shared by fellow partygoers, Leonardo looked to be having a wonderful time as he lived it up with a slew of the movers and shakers

Seal of approval: Far from just being surrounded by his romantic interests, Leo's mother Irmelin Indenbirken was also in attendance and was seen sharing a laugh with her son

Bonding: Neelam was also seen spending time on Leo's mega-yacht with a group of friends on the Amalfi Coast

Pals: The pair were also spotted at dinner in Paris with Tobey Maguire last month , who is believed to be single and has been linked to a string of beauties lately

Romance: Earlier this month, Leo was spotted partying with Neelam and Maya Jama, 28, in London

Love life: Amid a swirl of various romance rumours, Leonardo is reportedly still in a 'friendly, no-strings' relationship with another model, Gigi Hadid

Romance: An insider previously told the outlet that he is drawn to the mother-of-one's 'very cultured and educated take on life'

'That is literally my star sign. We are not dating. Move on please.'

Amid a swirl of various romance rumours, Leonardo is reportedly still in a 'friendly, no-strings' relationship with another model, Gigi Hadid.

'[They] travel so often so it's best for them to keep their relationship open and fluid. Neither one of them wants to settle down at the moment,' a source claimed to Us Weekly in May.

An insider previously told the outlet that he is drawn to the mother-of-one's 'very cultured and educated take on life'.
Cardi B shut down rumors that she and her husband Offset faked a cheating scandal to promote their collaborative single, Jealousy, which was released on Friday.

Following speculation that the 31-year-old Migos rapper publicly accused his spouse of cheating to drum up publicity for their new track, the mother-of-two, 30, set the record straight about their online spat.

In response to an Instagram comment calling his infidelity allegations just 'a stunt' to create buzz, the Grammy winner replied: 'It wasn't no STUNT.'

'Tasha K made some ish up and yall was laughing about it and happy a** hell about it. Now that we putting it in the music is a stunt  Naaa baby be mad at the one who started trolling wit it,' she wrote, according to a screenshot on Twitter.

Cardi retweeted the post and added, 'THEY C***HIE WAS SO WET WHEN THE LIE WAS GOING AROUND NOW it's a different narrative when we put it in the music .OOOO IM POPPIN IT ON THIS SONG!!!!'

Not a publicity stunt: Cardi B shut down rumors that she and her husband Offset faked a cheating scandal to promote their collaborative single, Jealousy, which was released on Friday

In addition to alluding to her fight with Offset, she referenced her defamation lawsuit against YouTube blogger Tasha K, which she won last year.

The blogger, whose real name is Latasha Kebe, was forbidden by the court to post or repost any allegations linking Cardi B to drug use, prostitution, marital infidelity, or sexually transmitted diseases.

Additionally, she was ordered to remove clips and social media posts that a jury deemed 'false and defamatory.'

Last month, in a since-deleted post, Offset accused his wife of more than five years of being unfaithful.

Cardi, 30, then hit back at Offset's claim with a Twitter Spaces rant in which she accused her 'motherf****r' spouse of 'spiraling.'

She also shared a recording in which she hit back at the father of her two children via song and urged her fans 'not to pay attention' to Offset's shock allegation.

Singing a well-known Keyshia Cole song called I Should've Cheated, the star vocalized: 'First of all, let me say you cant accuse me of all the things you know that you are guilty of. Sing it with me, yall! And I see that it is easy for you to blame everything on me. Yes, honey!'

Cardi, born Belcalis Marlenis Almanzar, then said, 'Come on, now. Im Cardi B, n***a. I think sometimes motherf**kers forget Im Cardi B. If I was giving this p***y to anybody, it would be out. Im not just anybody.'

Speaking out: Following speculation that the 31-year-old Migos rapper publicly accused his spouse of cheating to drum up publicity for their new track, the mother-of-two, 30, set the record straight about their online spat (seen in 2019)

Setting the record straight: In response to an Instagram comment calling his infidelity allegations just 'a stunt' to create buzz, the Grammy winner replied: 'It wasn't no STUNT'

'Tasha K made some ish up and yall was laughing about it and happy a** hell about it. Now that we putting it in the music is a stunt  Naaa baby be mad at the one who started trolling wit it,' she wrote, according to a screenshot on Twitter

An insider later told People: 'They're just having a little quarrel. They're very intense so [they] go back and forth quite a bit. They'll hash it out like they always do.'

Earlier this week, Offset teased the forthcoming single with a parody clip inspired by a 1988 James Brown interview with CNN.

He enlisted Jamie Lee Curtis to play the role of a reporter who inquired about his marriage.

'Your fans are saying that there's a lot of drama between you and your beautiful wife Cardi B,' Curtis said.

'She seems upset, Offset,' she said emphatically to accentuate the play on words.

'There's no problems!' Offset quipped, mimicking the late musician's way of speaking and the quirky late 80s interview.

He then broke out in song before stating, 'Let's talk about some music!'

'Yall ready for some new music???.JEALOUSY!!' he captioned the hilarious footage.

Fighting: Last month, in a since-deleted post, Offset accused his wife of more than five years of being unfaithful

Water under the bridge: Cardi, 30, then hit back at Offset's claim with a Twitter Spaces rant in which she accused her 'motherf****r' spouse of 'spiraling'

Moving on: Just days after their public back-and-forth online, the two appeared united during Paris Fashion Week; seen earlier this month

Offset and Cardi quickly put their marital woes behind them as they were seen enjoying Paris Fashion Week together just days after the online spat.

The twosome secretly tied the knot in September 2017 but waited until the following year to announce the marriage.

In July 2018 they welcomed daughter Kulture, 5, and three years later their son Wave, 1, was born.

Cephus is also father to sons Jordan, 13, and Kody, 8, and 8-year-old daughter Kalea from previous relationships.
Emmerdale viewers were in tears as Jai Sharma discovered father Rishi's body in heartbreaking scenes on Friday.

The factory boss, played by Bhasker Patel, died in the previous episode on the day of Jai (Chris Bisson) and Laurel Thomas' (Charlotte Bellamy) wedding.

After reconciling with his son Rishi sadly passed away as he prepared to leave for the ceremony laying undiscovered at the bottom of the stairs.

The following morning Jai arrived at his father's home after he was a no show at the wedding only to discover his body.

The businessman refused to phone for an ambulance, knowing it was too late, and sobbed as he cradled Rishi before the news eventually reached the village.

Heartbreak: Emmerdale viewers were in tears as Jai Sharma discovered his father Rishi's body in heartbreaking scenes on Friday

RIP: The factory boss, played by Bhasker Patel, died in the previous episode on the day of Jai (Chris Bisson) and Laurel Thomas' (Charlotte Bellamy) wedding

Taking to Twitter one fan wrote 'Emmerdale has me in tears'.

With another adding: 'News of Rishi's death spreading across the village' alongside shattered heart emojis.

A third declared: 'I am a mess'.

While someone else commented: 'I hope there will be a almighty funeral for Rishi the larger than life character that he was. He deserves a big sendoff'.

Followed by: 'Sad that Rishi is dead, I really miss him. They shouldn't of killed him off'.

While another mused: 'This shows how much Rishi was loved when all the men in the village when they all shed tears and go quiet'.

After 12 years on the soap, the much loved character played by Bhasker Patel had his exit storyline play out In the penultimate minutes before the credits rolled on Thursday, Rishi lay dead at the bottom of the stairs in his suit - never able to get it to the church after Jai made a U-turn in banning him from attending the ceremony.

Just hours before the wedding, a family secret was unraveled in which Rishi revealed to Jai who his real biological father is.

Devastated: The businessman refused to phone for an ambulance, knowing it was too late, and sobbed as he cradled Rishi

Like wildfire: The heartbreaking news eventually reached the village

Tears before bed: Fans took to Twitter following the emotional scenes

A furious Jai told a devastated Rishi he wasn't allowed to come to the wedding in the ultimate showdown as he reeled from the news Rishi's brother is his real dad.

Fans took to Twitter to share their heartache at Rishi's death and said the character would be sorely missed.

One wrote: 'How insane to kill off Rishi. Emmerdale gets it wrong again.'

'So sad. He was a wonderful man/character. Emmerdale has lost a real gem'.

Other viewers added: 'Absolutely gutted Rishi is gone' and 'Heartbroken about Rishi. One of my favourite characters, Im really going to miss him, you kept that secret well.'

Chris, who plays Jai, said he cried his eyes out while filming Rishi's death scene.

Goodbye: Emmerdale fans were devastated as Rishi died in heartbreaking scenes on Thursday's show

He told The Express: 'That was two days of filming with a 'dead Bhasker' on top of me as I cried my eyes out.

'It was difficult and they were long emotional days - I felt wiped out by the end of filming. But I tried to give it my all. We try to get inside the heads of the characters.

'As the audience wants to see and understand the characters' pain and that is what we as actors try to portray.'

Jai had been at war with Rishi after he discovered he had been adopted, with the two clashing before the ceremony.

Jai shouted: 'Who is it dad?'

Fan favourite: Rishi arrived in Weatherfield back in 2011 and starred in more than 800 episodes for over a decade

Heartbroken: Fans took to Twitter to share their heartache at Rishi's death and said the character would be sorely missed from the Dales

Shock: Jai Sharma finally uncovered the true identity of his father in Thursday night's Emmerdale

Family drama: Jai (Chris Bisson) has been at war with his father Rishi (Bhasker Patel) after he discovered he had been adopted

To which Rishi replied: 'It's my brother. He had an affair with Georgia and he's your real father.'

Jai asked his mother Georgia, who made her debut on Wednesday's show: 'How the hell did this happen?'

'I was his secretary very young and really stupid,' he said.

Rishi told him: 'I really loved your mother. I felt I had to protect my brother too. You can't imagine the scandal there would have been. This was the seventies it was very different.'

As Jai protested, Rishi said: 'Don't you understand? I made a promise to your grandmother. You make a promise like that, you take it to the grave and I have broken it.'

Fans watching at home took to Twitter to discuss the revelation and many viewers said they had twigged it already.

One wrote: 'Shock horror what a surprise - not!' and said: 'Lol I think most people had worked this out already'.

'How can Jai blame Rishi when it's his mother who had the affair. He thought he was doing the right thing and gets the blame,' typed another fan.

It comes after Emmerdale viewers did a double take as EastEnders' actress Lin Blakley made her debut in the Dales on Wednesday's show.

Fans recognised the actress, 76, who played Pam Coker in the BBC One soap, and said they were finding it 'really weird' to see her in Weatherfield as Georgia Sharma.

'What a surprise - not!' : Fans watching at home took to Twitter to discuss the revelation and many viewers said they had twigged it already

Secret is out: Fans have been wondering who is the biological father of the General Manager, with the secret unravelling on his wedding day to Laurel Thomas (Charlotte Bellamy)

Twist: The couple were shocked to discover Rishi's brother is actually Jai's dad

Georgia arrived on the evening of her son Jai and Laurel's wedding.

But things went from bad to worse when Georgia arrived in the village and bumped into Rishi, who was worse-for-wear after a drink in The Woolpack.

Rishi offended Jai and his fiancee Laurel as he said: 'It's right to take a life' in reference to the couple having an abortion after finding their unborn baby was diagnosed with Down Syndrome.

Jai told him: 'You disgust me. I don't know what sordid secrets but I don't want you anywhere near my family. Not now. Not tomorrow. Not ever.'

Rishi arrived in Weatherfield back in 2011 and starred in more than 800 episodes for over a decade.

Storylines included his relationship and subsequent divorce from Manpreet Jutla and his Priya giving birth to his third grandchild.

Emmerdale airs weekdays at 7:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
Jar Jar Binks actor Ahmed Best has revealed he contemplated suicide as he weathered intense backlash against his Star Wars character.

Best, 49, said he considered jumping off the Brooklyn Bridge after his character - who he debuted as in 1999's The Phantom Menace - became one of the most reviled characters in history.

In the wake of the character's debut, Best began receiving death threats, with his number leaked and trolls calling his answering machine incessantly - with the star saying: 'It was the lowest Ive been in my life.'

Speaking to The Guardian, Best said he found himself 'on a foggy night at 3am clinging to the edge of Brooklyn Bridge, 39m above the water.

His thoughts were: 'Ill show all of you. Ill show you what youre doing to me.

Harrowing: Jar Jar Binks actor Ahmed Best has revealed he contemplated suicide as he weathered intense backlash against his Star Wars character (pictured as Beq in The Mandalorian)

Backlash: Best, 49, said he considered jumping off the Brooklyn Bridge after his character - who he debuted as in 1999's The Phantom Menace - became one of the most reviled characters in history

'And when Im gone, youll feel exactly what I went through.'

Best said he reached his 'lowest point' after the character was accused of enforcing 'blatant Hollywood racial stereotypes' which Best and everyone involved in Jar Jar Binks' development have denied.

Best, who is proud of his African heritage, said it was this accusation that he had been 'exploited' that forced him to consider suicide.

He recalled a strong gust of wind forced him to cling onto the bridge and it was then that he realized he wanted to live.

The star said he crawled across a girder, saying: 'It was terrifying  just terrifying' before running home.

Fans saw Jar Jar Binks' role shrink from prominent in Episode I - The Phantom Menace to just a one-line cameo in Episode III - Revenge of the Sith.

In 2018, Best first revealed he contemplated suicide after portraying the character.

'20 years next year I faced a media backlash that still affects my career today,' the Stomp alum wrote in 2018 alongside a photo at the Brooklyn Bridge with his son.

Battle: In the wake of the character's debut, Best began receiving death threats, with his number leaked and trolls calling his answering machine incessantly - with the star saying: 'It was the lowest Ive been in my life' (pictured 2018)

Awful: Best said he reached his 'lowest point' after the character was accused of enforcing 'blatant Hollywood racial stereotypes' which Best and everyone involved in Jar Jar Binks' development have denied

'This was the place I almost ended my life. It's still hard to talk about.'

Best thought he'd found the role of a lifetime when George Lucas cast him as as the Naboo military commander and politician, but he wound up receiving 'death threats.'

Best credited fatherhood with lifting his spirits after the career woes. He has a son, Marley.

'I survived and now this little guy is my gift for survival,' Best said.

Best recently played Jedi Kelleran Beq in The Mandalorian season three - despite vowing to never return to the Star Wars universe on podcast These Are The Actors You're Looking For.

'I think I've done my damage. I'm good with where I stand in the Star Wars universe,' he revealed.

'I'd say no. I think I did what I did, I thought it was great, it was fun, but now it's time to move on.'

He said he was very surprised initially by all the hatred directed at the clumsy Gungan when he was unveiled as part of the Star Wars universe back in 1999, and that he couldn't help but take it personally.

In 2018, Best first revealed he contemplated suicide after portraying the character

'Even though you play characters, you put a lot of your own personality into it, you get emotionally and personally invested in the work that you do, it's your work and you take pride in it,' he said. 'So when your work is criticized negatively, you feel a hit.'

He suggested that amidst all the vitriol, Jar Jar was denied credit for being a pioneer for more popular CGI characters who came after him.

'It didn't' put me off Star Wars but yeah it was painful. I mean, this character for me and one of the biggest reasons I took was because of the challenge of it - there was no Andy Serkis and Gollum, Navi from Avatar.

'I was to be the template for this, so I was kinda working with George to pioneer this new character form of acting and storytelling. On set we were all just so focused not the challenge of it and having so much fun that the post Star Wars stuff was a surprise.'
He's the man who, 20 years after her death, brought Princess Diana's voice to life once more, in his documentary, Diana: In Her Own Words, which used extracts from conversations tape-recorded by one of the Princess's oldest friends, Old Etonian Dr James Colthurst.

Now, I can disclose, Emmy-winning American filmmaker Tom Jennings is ready to go one better, with a brace of documentaries  one about Diana and another about her former husband, King Charles, who, Jennings predicts, is going to 'radically change the monarchy'.

His Diana project will, he says, cover her relationships with members of her family  including a latecomer to the Spencer clan, her father's second wife, Raine, daughter of romantic novelist Dame Barbara Cartland.

'We have six more hours of tapes,' Jennings, 61, tells me at the Monte-Carlo Television Festival, referring to the conversations which Colthurst, now 66, had with Diana, at her behest, at Kensington Palace in 1991, as her marriage to the then Prince of Wales unravelled.

Now, I can disclose, Emmy-winning American filmmaker Tom Jennings is ready to go one better, with a brace of documentaries  one about Diana and another about her former husband, King Charles, who, Jennings predicts, is going to 'radically change the monarchy'

The tapes  passed, with Diana's blessing, to author Andrew Morton by Colthurst, who first met Diana when she was 17  cover 'all kinds of stuff', says Jennings, including her reflections on her stepmother.

Though rather cruelly known by the soubriquet 'Acid Raine', Raine ultimately became one of Diana's most trusted confidantes.

Yet for once, it seems, Diana may be eclipsed by Charles. 'We found amazing footage of him,' explains Jennings, who has spent months trawling through what he describes as 'miles' of film.

'I can do a whole hour on Charles the comedian,' he says, mentioning in particular a scene in which the future King 'wrestles with bagpipes and has a conversation with them. It's like Monty Python. It's off the charts.'

His professional interest in the King has persuaded him that Charles is capable of 'radically' changing the monarchy. 'I see him seeing himself as the hinge between the past, with his mother, and the future, with William.

'He's going to re-write [the monarch's role] so, by the time William comes around, he can carry on the vision Charles has had for decades.

'He's only going to have a few years to put that through.

'I wouldn't be surprised if in five years you see the King of England giving a political speech.'

Leonardo DiCaprio's rumoured love interest Neelam Gill has been forced to deny she's dating the Hollywood star.

'I am not Leonardo DiCaprio's 'new flame',' she insists. 'In fact, I am in a committed relationship with one of his good friends, and have been for many months now,' the model from Coventry says.

She adds: 'The only reason we have been pictured in the same vicinity is because I have been there with my partner.'

Well that clears that up then.

Ascot TV presenter Rosie Tapner placed her bets right when she decided to court rugged adventurer Ross Turner, for the pair are now engaged.

'My bestest friend in the world asked me to marry him, and of course (through so many happy tears) I said yes,' says Rosie. The Burberry model, 27, showed off the sparkler that Ross, 34, proposed with on a beach under Cornwall's Brea Hill.

'I'm feeling like the luckiest girl in the world,' says Rosie, who was the first person to zip-wire across the River Thames, hurtling at 40mph while 170ft in the air.

Meanwhile, Ross and his identical twin brother Hugo hold world records for being part of the youngest four-man crew to row the Atlantic.

Ascot TV presenter Rosie Tapner placed her bets right when she decided to court rugged adventurer Ross Turner, for the pair are now engaged

The smart set's talking about... Turnip toffs holidaying at TV's Succession villa

Though known as 'Turnip Toffs'  because they live on his 3,800-acre Houghton estate in Norfolk  the Marquess of Cholmondeley and his wife Rose are, of course, infinitely more sophisticated than that.

Rose (pictured, far right, with friends) and David are staying at the irresistible Villa Cetinale, featured in hit U.S. TV drama Succession

Their neighbours are the Prince and Princess of Wales, and the couple also have aesthetic tastes which they're currently indulging in Tuscany.

Rose and David are staying at the irresistible Villa Cetinale, featured in hit U.S. TV drama Succession.

No setting could be more apposite. Bought by the late Lord Lambton following his resignation as a government minister back in 1973, after he'd been caught in bed with two prostitutes by a Sunday paper, Cetinale and the rest of his fortune were inherited in 2007 by his only son, Ned Durham  more formally, the 7th Earl of Durham  whose wife is Rose's sister, Marina.

His inheritance sparked three of his five sisters to launch a legal claim against him, arguing that they were entitled to 'millions of pounds' under Italian law.

Nearly a decade later, an out-of-court settlement was reached, granting them up to 1.5 million each.

Fran's still in with the In Crowd

Fran Cutler was dubbed the Primrose Hill Set's 'party Rottweiler' in the 1990s for her refusal to let those she deemed not cool enough join the hedonistic gatherings she organised for Kate Moss and Sadie Frost.

And despite falling out with Moss in 2018, the PR supremo still parties with the best of them and has attracted a new group of fashionable pals to go clubbing with.

Cutler, 60, shared this picture of herself with supermodel Cara Delevingne, 30, along with her musician girlfriend Leah Mason, 31, who performs under the name Minke, and actress Sienna Miller, 41, at a club in St Tropez.

'I have had the most amazing two weeks away,' gloats Fran. 'Starting in Turkey to end off in the beautiful St Tropez with the best people.'

Cutler (right), 60, shared this picture of herself with supermodel Cara Delevingne, 30, along with her musician girlfriend Leah Mason, 31, who performs under the name Minke, and actress Sienna Miller, 41, at a club in St Tropez

Trinny laments the price of talking posh

Is there a price to pay for having a posh accent? I only ask as Trinny Woodall says she is often overlooked as a self-made businesswoman due to her elegant intonation.

'People will always make assumptions about you,' admits the What Not To Wear presenter.

'When I was younger they thought that, because of the sound of my voice, my life has been entitled or, more recently, because of who you go out with, that you have access to things,' says Trinny, 59, who recently split from super-rich art collector Charles Saatchi.

The mother-of-one, whose make-up brand Trinny London is worth an estimated 180 million, says its success is down to her own business acumen. 'I self-funded it to an extent as well as attracting investors,' she wails.

One would not have been amused by a royal blunder Jools Holland made aboard Queen Victoria's train at the National Railway Museum in York.

One would not have been amused by a royal blunder Jools Holland made aboard Queen Victoria's train at the National Railway Museum in York

The pianist  and train enthusiast  was allowed to inspect the monarch's private carriage. He says: 'I got to know them (the staff) a little, and as a special treat they showed me on to Queen Victoria's carriage.

'I sat down on the sofa, looked round at the director who was showing me, and his face had gone bright red, his cheeks were twitching and his eyes were bulging the assistant was gesturing me to get up.'

The director's assistant, then informed Jools that the sofa is upholstered in the original material and the last person to sit there was Queen Victoria  and it's very fragile.

'The poor director had to be helped off I was never asked back again,' adds Jools wistfully.

Wham star's ex: 'I don't need a man'

Super-rich divorcee Amanda Cronin was the subject of the Channel 4 programme The Millionairess And Me last year, but she appears to be calling time on her short-lived TV career.

'I've been approached twice in the last few weeks for two shows, but the trouble with reality TV is it becomes all-encompassing,' she tells me at a summer soiree at photographer Richard Young's gallery.

Ms Cronin, 54, who is said to have 'the longest legs in Belgravia', says: 'The producers want to suck you in. Even when you're not filming, they still want to have access to your life.'

The skincare entrepreneur, who until recently was dating Wham! star Andrew Ridgeley, adds: 'I don't know how beneficial that would be to my business. I wouldn't want anything to distract me from that, including a man.'

Super-rich divorcee Amanda Cronin was the subject of the Channel 4 programme The Millionairess And Me last year, but she appears to be calling time on her short-lived tv career

Keep it to yourself, but...

My man at the races tells me the horse racing world is agog at a photo of one of its most patrician figures which shows him stark naked  having been snapped by a prostitute whose favours he was enjoying before, alas, he had a severe disagreement with her about her fee

She partied into the early hours with her Rolling Stone father Ronnie Wood at Sir Mick Jagger's 80th birthday bash earlier this week  yet artist Leah Wood, 44, still managed to showcase her new eco-conscious clothing collection the following day.

On hand to help at the launch was model-turned-publican Jodie Kidd, 44, who is an investor in the Leah Wood x Manava x Junior Rags collaboration. The pair were spotted celebrating at Upstairs At Langan's in London's Mayfair.

Meanwhile, Leah admits to enlisting Ronnie to model one of her designs. 'My dad obviously is who he is and he offered his services to me. I said, 'Can you put a T-shirt on?' and he said, 'Of course!' ' she tells me.

She partied into the early hours with her Rolling Stone father Ronnie Wood at Sir Mick Jagger's 80th birthday bash earlier this week  yet artist Leah Wood, 44, still managed to showcase her new eco-conscious clothing collection the following day. On hand to help at the launch was model-turned-publican Jodie Kidd, 44, who is an investor in the Leah Wood x Manava x Junior Rags collaboration. The pair were spotted celebrating at Upstairs At Langan's in London's Mayfair (pictured here)

(Very) modern manners

The potential pitfalls of a themed party are too numerous to mention. But there are ways to minimise disaster.

The hostess of what promises to be a splendidly uninhibited party in Northamptonshire tonight  innocuously entitled 'North Meets South'  has included gentle hints on her invitations, hoping to ensure that guests are in a playful mood.

She suggests to those struggling for inspiration to think along the lines of 'Nordic Viking Meets Bondi Beach Surfer'. In case that fails to have them rootling through their wardrobes, she offers a further tip: 'Braveheart Meets Poldark'.

So who is this spirited hostess who possibly swoons at the thought of a bare-chested Aidan Turner? None other than former Leader of the Commons Andrea Leadsom, 60. Happily married to business manager Ben Leadsom for 30 years, I hasten to add.
Lori Loughlin received heartfelt birthday tributes from both her daughters Isabella 'Bella' Rose and Olivia Jade Giannulli on Friday.

To mark her mother's 59th birthday, the Full House star's eldest, shared a sweet selfie of them together, which showcased their striking resemblance.

'I love you more than the whole wide world,' the Homegrown Christmas actress, 24, captioned the image on her Instagram Story.

Additionally, she shared a throwback from her childhood to wish her 'Leo soulmate' a happy birthday.

Meanwhile, her younger sister, Olivia, 23, shared several snaps of her mom over the years as well as a sweet note about how Loughlin is the 'sweetest soul' she knows.

Sweet: Lori Loughlin received heartfelt birthday tributes from both her daughters Isabella 'Bella' Rose and Olivia Jade Giannulli on Friday

Practically twins: To mark her mother's 59th birthday, the Full House star's eldest, shared a sweet selfie of them together, which showcased their striking resemblance

'I love you more than the whole wide world,' the Homegrown Christmas actress, 24, captioned the image on her Instagram Story

'You are loved by every single person in your life. The very best mom, friend, sister, daughter, partner,' the YouTuber gushed.

'You're really gorg inside and well  clearly out,' she concluded. 'I LOVE YOU SO MUCH.'

Additionally, Olivia called her mom the best 'friend, sister, daughter, [and] partner.'

Loughlin and her husband Mossimo Giannulli, 59, were among some 50 people, including actress Felicity Huffman, who were accused of paying bribes and cheating to help get their children into America's top colleges.

Prosecutors alleged the couple paid $500,000 to get both of their daughters admitted into the University Of Southern California as recruits for the crew team, despite the fact that they had never participated in the sport.

Loughlin copped a plea to one count of conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud and was ordered to pay a $150,000 fine and complete 100 hours of community service and serve two months in prison.

She also got slapped with two-years of supervised release, but barring any unknown legal changes is set to expire by the end of December.

After also copping a plea with prosecutors, Giannulli was sentenced to five months in prison, fined $250,000 and ordered to complete 250 hours of community service.

Beloved: Meanwhile, her younger sister, Olivia, shared several snaps of her mom over the years as well as a sweet note about how Loughlin is the 'sweetest soul' she knows

'Your really gorg inside and well  clearly out,' she concluded. 'I LOVE YOU SO MUCH'

Mossimo served five months in a medium-security prison in Lompoc, California, from November 19, 2020 until April 2, 2021.

Lori served her two-month prison sentence at FCI Dublin in Northern California, reporting to prison on October 30, 2020 and being released on December 28, 2020.

So far, Loughlin has only had one acting job since her release from prison, when she reprised her role as Abigail Stanton in the When Calls The Heart spin-off series When Hope Calls, which premiered in December 2021.

In her first non-acting TV appearance since the scandal, she opened up about her work with Project Angel Food during their Lead with Love 3 broadcast.

Too cute! Olivia also uploaded a cute photo of her mom holding her as a toddler

Moving on from scandal: Loughlin and her husband, 59, were among some 50 people, including actress Felicity Huffman, who were accused of paying bribes and cheating to help get their children into America's top colleges (seen in 2019)

'It is a community, it is a family, and all the people that work here are so wonderful,' she said on a segment, which aired on Los Angeles' KTLA 5 in July.

She continued: 'They have welcomed me with such open arms at a time when I was feeling particularly down and broken. That's how I found a home here, and that's what I feel like they did for me, and that's why I'm so proud to be here and working with this organization, because they really do care. It's really a community.'

She went on to describe how the organization does 'more than just feeding people.'

'It's about loving people and helping people,' she added. 'And I think that is so important, and I am so proud to be a part of Project Angel Food.'

Additionally, she praised how Project Angel Food has helped people 'who have hit a low in their life' from 'facing extreme illness' or losing 'lost their job during the pandemic.'
Jason Momoa channeled his inner Aquaman as he supported the strikers on the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strike picket lines this week.

The actor, 43, donated a plethora of cases of water bottles to union members with his kind gesture documented in a photo shared by Twitter Account, Discussing Film.

The cases of water bottles that Momoa donated to the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strike picket lines appeared to be from Mananalu, the actor's water bottle company.

Mananalu, which the Hawaii native founded in April 2019, sells purified water in an aluminum bottle with its mission to eliminate single-use plastic water bottles.

Pledging his support for the strikers:J ason Momoa channeled his inner Aquaman as he supported the strikers on the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strike picket lines this week (pictured May 2023)

Aquaman to the Rescue: The actor, 43, donated a plethora of cases of water bottles to union members with his kind gesture documented in a photo shared by Twitter Account, Discussing Film

Twitter update: The cases of water bottles that Momoa donated to the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strike picket lines appeared to be from Mananalu , the actor's water bottle company

Momoa, who has a long history of being an activist for environmentalism, explained in a 2022 Interview with PR Newswire his reasons for starting his water bottle company.

'I started Mananalu to give people a better option than single-use plastic and create a wave of positive change. For every bottle of Mananalu sold, we remove one bottle of plastic from ocean-going waste' Momoa said.

Since 2016, Momoa has played Arthur Curry/Aquaman in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), making his debut in the film franchise with a cameo appearance in the film Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.

Momoa has continued to appear as Aquaman in several other DCEU films since and even starred in his own solo movie, the 2018 film Aquaman.

A sequel film, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, is scheduled to be released in theaters on December 20, 2023. The sequel's release was pushed back and moved several times due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and several post-production delays.

Momoa's generous donation was not the only donation that celebrities have made to show his/her support for the ongoing Hollywood labor disputes.

On July 24, multiple media outlets reported that the actor Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson made a "seven-figure donation" to the SAG-AFTRA's Emergency Financial Assistance Program, which provides $1,500 grants to members in need.

In addition, Late Night Talk Show Host Stephen Colbert has seen on July 25 personally handing out pints of his own Americone Dream flavor of Ben & Jerry's ice cream to strikers who were protesting outside of the Warner Bros. Discovery building in New York City.

Showing Support: Momoa's generous water bottle donation was not the only donation that celebrities have made to show his/her support for the ongoing Hollywood labor disputes

The Rock: Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson showed his support for the ongoing strikes by reportedly making a "seven-figure donation" to the SAG-AFTRA's Emergency Financial Assistance Program, which provides $1,500 grants to members in need

Stephen Colbert to the rescue: Late Night Talk Show Host Stephen Colbert (center) showed his support for the ongoing SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes by personally handing out pints of his own Americone Dream flavor of Ben & Jerry's ice cream to strikers who were protesting outside of the Warner Bros. Discovery building in New York City on July 25

The ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike began on July 14 and is the latest of the ongoing labor disputes in Hollywood. The WGA strike, which saw writers crossing the picket line, has been going on since early May.

It is the first time that actors initiated a labor dispute in America since 1980 and the first time that both actors and writers went on strike at the same time since 1960.

The ongoing SAG-AFTRA Strike, which enters its fourteenth day of protests, have seen many well-known actors showing solidarity with striking actors by doing one (or several) of the following actions: issuing statements of support of the strikes; joining picket lines in LA, New York City; and donating/handing out water bottles and/or food to the picketers.

Among the well-known names who took part in the picket lines in either Los Angeles or New York City include Jason Sudeikis, Susan Sarandon, Vanessa Hudgens, Mandy Moore, Logan Lerman, America Ferrera, and Josh Gad, to name a few.

The U.K. actors union Equity held rallies in London and Manchester on July 21 in support of SAG-AFTRA Strike. Among the well-known names who attend the Equity Rally in London include Brian Cox, Jim Carter, Hayley Atwell, David Oyelowo, and Oscar-nominated actress Imelda Staunton, to name a few.
Alaska Air Group (NYSE:ALK  Get Free Report) had its price target lowered by equities researchers at Barclays from $66.00 to $62.00 in a report released on Tuesday, Marketbeat.com reports. The firm presently has an overweight rating on the transportation companys stock. Barclayss price target would suggest a potential upside of 31.47% from the companys current price.

Several other equities research analysts also recently issued reports on the company. Bank of America lifted their price objective on Alaska Air Group from $58.00 to $62.00 in a report on Monday, June 26th. Raymond James upgraded Alaska Air Group from an outperform rating to a strong-buy rating and boosted their price objective for the company from $60.00 to $68.00 in a research report on Monday, April 3rd. Citigroup boosted their price target on Alaska Air Group from $58.50 to $64.25 in a research report on Tuesday, July 11th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their price target on Alaska Air Group from $91.00 to $70.00 in a research report on Monday, May 8th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group cut their price objective on Alaska Air Group from $63.00 to $61.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Tuesday. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, nine have issued a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $65.03.

Get Alaska Air Group alerts:

Alaska Air Group Price Performance

Shares of ALK stock traded down $0.70 during mid-day trading on Tuesday, reaching $47.16. The stock had a trading volume of 3,421,282 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,644,367. Alaska Air Group has a 12-month low of $37.19 and a 12-month high of $57.18. The company has a market cap of $6.03 billion, a P/E ratio of 38.92, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.31 and a beta of 1.55. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $49.79 and a 200 day simple moving average of $47.16. The company has a current ratio of 0.63, a quick ratio of 0.62 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.48.

Insider Activity at Alaska Air Group

Alaska Air Group ( NYSE:ALK Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, July 25th. The transportation company reported $3.00 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.71 by $0.29. The firm had revenue of $2.84 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.77 billion. Alaska Air Group had a return on equity of 19.66% and a net margin of 1.55%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 6.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the company earned $2.19 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that Alaska Air Group will post 6.56 earnings per share for the current year.

In related news, CEO Benito Minicucci sold 5,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction 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 transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 114,506 shares of the companys stock, valued at $5,579,877.38. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. 0.68% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the company. LSV Asset Management boosted its stake in shares of Alaska Air Group by 174.8% during the 4th quarter. LSV Asset Management now owns 1,974,216 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $84,773,000 after acquiring an additional 1,255,861 shares in the last quarter. Texas Permanent School Fund boosted its stake in shares of Alaska Air Group by 6.4% during the 4th quarter. Texas Permanent School Fund now owns 19,087 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $820,000 after acquiring an additional 1,151 shares in the last quarter. First American Trust FSB boosted its stake in shares of Alaska Air Group by 6.9% during the 4th quarter. First American Trust FSB now owns 131,108 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $5,630,000 after acquiring an additional 8,502 shares in the last quarter. First Command Bank boosted its stake in shares of Alaska Air Group by 250.0% during the 4th quarter. First Command Bank now owns 700 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $30,000 after acquiring an additional 500 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Becker Capital Management Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Alaska Air Group by 87.0% during the 4th quarter. Becker Capital Management Inc. now owns 409,869 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $17,600,000 after acquiring an additional 190,710 shares in the last quarter. 79.04% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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

Receive News & Ratings for Alaska Air Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Alaska Air Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Antero Midstream (NYSE:AM  Get Free Report) posted its earnings results on Wednesday. The pipeline company reported $0.22 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.20 by $0.02, Briefing.com reports. The firm had revenue of $258.29 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $267.03 million. Antero Midstream had a return on equity of 17.56% and a net margin of 34.62%. Antero Midstreams revenue for the quarter was up 12.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $0.20 earnings per share.

Antero Midstream Stock Performance

Shares of AM traded down $0.13 during mid-day trading on Thursday, hitting $11.63. 4,149,381 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 2,632,287. Antero Midstream has a fifty-two week low of $8.80 and a fifty-two week high of $12.13. The firm has a market capitalization of $5.58 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.39 and a beta of 2.35. The businesss 50 day moving average is $11.09 and its two-hundred day moving average is $10.76. The company has a current ratio of 1.02, a quick ratio of 1.02 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.53.

Get Antero Midstream alerts:

Antero Midstream Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, August 9th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, July 26th will be paid a dividend of $0.225 per share. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, July 25th. This represents a $0.90 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 7.74%. Antero Midstreams dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 130.43%.

Insider Transactions at Antero Midstream

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Antero Midstream

In other news, insider Michael N. Kennedy sold 300,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, May 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $10.47, for a total transaction of $3,141,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 1,060,730 shares in the company, valued at $11,105,843.10. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link . In related news, insider Michael N. Kennedy sold 300,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, May 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $10.47, for a total value of $3,141,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 1,060,730 shares in the company, valued at $11,105,843.10. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website . Also, insider Sheri Pearce sold 19,600 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, June 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $10.25, for a total transaction of $200,900.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 155,267 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,591,486.75. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . Insiders own 0.52% of the companys stock.

Several institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. BlackRock Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Antero Midstream by 9.1% during the 1st quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 32,917,158 shares of the pipeline companys stock worth $357,809,000 after acquiring an additional 2,743,230 shares in the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its holdings in Antero Midstream by 1.5% in the 3rd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 32,273,854 shares of the pipeline companys stock valued at $296,274,000 after acquiring an additional 481,124 shares during the last quarter. State Street Corp raised its holdings in Antero Midstream by 1.3% in the 1st quarter. State Street Corp now owns 9,788,932 shares of the pipeline companys stock valued at $102,686,000 after acquiring an additional 123,885 shares during the last quarter. First Trust Advisors LP raised its holdings in Antero Midstream by 51.3% in the 1st quarter. First Trust Advisors LP now owns 5,221,579 shares of the pipeline companys stock valued at $56,759,000 after acquiring an additional 1,769,545 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Morgan Stanley raised its holdings in Antero Midstream by 16.5% in the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 4,807,329 shares of the pipeline companys stock valued at $51,871,000 after acquiring an additional 679,796 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 51.00% of the companys stock.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several equities analysts recently commented on the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their target price on Antero Midstream from $12.00 to $11.00 and set an underweight rating on the stock in a report on Friday, July 21st. UBS Group assumed coverage on Antero Midstream in a report on Wednesday, May 10th. They issued a buy rating and a $14.00 target price on the stock. Capital One Financial reissued an equal weight rating on shares of Antero Midstream in a report on Thursday, April 20th. Morgan Stanley raised their price objective on Antero Midstream from $12.00 to $13.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a report on Thursday, July 20th. Finally, StockNews.com lowered Antero Midstream from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, July 4th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, two have assigned a hold rating and one has given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $12.25.

About Antero Midstream

(Get 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.

See Also

Receive News & Ratings for Antero Midstream Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Antero Midstream and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Arrow Financial Corp grew its position in Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY  Free Report) by 1.2% during the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 39,606 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after purchasing an additional 468 shares during the period. Arrow Financial Corps holdings in Bristol-Myers Squibb were worth $2,745,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of the company. True Wealth Design LLC bought a new stake in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb during the 4th quarter worth about $26,000. GoalVest Advisory LLC bought a new stake in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb during the 1st quarter worth about $29,000. Coppell Advisory Solutions Corp. bought a new stake in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb during the 4th quarter worth about $31,000. Live Oak Investment Partners bought a new stake in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb during the 4th quarter worth about $33,000. Finally, First Personal Financial Services boosted its stake in Bristol-Myers Squibb by 67.8% during the 1st quarter. First Personal Financial Services now owns 495 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $34,000 after purchasing an additional 200 shares during the period. 74.57% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Get Bristol-Myers Squibb alerts:

Insider Buying and Selling

In other Bristol-Myers Squibb news, EVP Rupert Vessey sold 50,385 shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, May 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $67.06, for a total value of $3,378,818.10. Following the sale, the executive vice president now owns 47,751 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,202,182.06. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. 0.09% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Bristol-Myers Squibb Price Performance

Several brokerages recently weighed in on BMY. Morgan Stanley restated an underweight rating and set a $59.00 target price on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb in a research note on Wednesday, July 19th. Barclays cut their price target on Bristol-Myers Squibb from $65.00 to $64.00 in a report on Tuesday, July 11th. SVB Securities started coverage on Bristol-Myers Squibb in a report on Monday, July 10th. They issued a market perform rating and a $66.00 price target for the company. StockNews.com started coverage on Bristol-Myers Squibb in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a strong-buy rating for the company. Finally, HSBC started coverage on Bristol-Myers Squibb in a report on Friday, July 14th. They issued a reduce rating and a $56.00 price target for the company. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have issued a hold rating, seven have issued a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $74.19.

BMY stock traded down $2.65 during midday trading on Thursday, reaching $60.76. 22,623,438 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 8,244,220. Bristol-Myers Squibb has a 1-year low of $60.38 and a 1-year high of $81.43. The company has a quick ratio of 1.28, a current ratio of 1.42 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.10. The company has a market cap of $127.65 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.79, a PEG ratio of 1.31 and a beta of 0.43. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $64.37 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $67.99.

Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, April 27th. The biopharmaceutical company reported $2.05 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.98 by $0.07. The business had revenue of $11.34 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $11.50 billion. Bristol-Myers Squibb had a return on equity of 51.75% and a net margin of 15.95%. The firms revenue was down 2.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the company earned $1.96 EPS. On average, analysts anticipate that Bristol-Myers Squibb will post 8.01 earnings per share for the current year.

Bristol-Myers Squibb Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, August 1st. Investors of record on Friday, July 7th will be paid a dividend of $0.57 per share. This represents a $2.28 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.75%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, July 6th. Bristol-Myers Squibbs payout ratio is presently 66.47%.

About Bristol-Myers Squibb

(Free Report)

Bristol-Myers Squibb Company discovers, develops, licenses, manufactures, markets, distributes, and sells biopharmaceutical products worldwide. It offers products for hematology, oncology, cardiovascular, immunology, fibrotic, and neuroscience diseases. The company's products include Eliquis, an oral inhibitor for reduction in risk of stroke/systemic embolism in NVAF, and for the treatment of DVT/PE; Opdivo for anti-cancer indications; Pomalyst/Imnovid indicated for patients with multiple myeloma; Orencia for adult patients with active RA and psoriatic arthritis; and Sprycel for the treatment of Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia.

Read More

Receive News & Ratings for Bristol-Myers Squibb Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bristol-Myers Squibb and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Beverly Hills Private Wealth LLC raised its stake in shares of Energy Transfer LP (NYSE:ET  Free Report) by 206.5% in the first quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 167,824 shares of the pipeline companys stock after purchasing an additional 113,071 shares during the period. Beverly Hills Private Wealth LLCs holdings in Energy Transfer were worth $2,093,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Bank of New York Mellon Corp lifted its stake in Energy Transfer by 4.6% in the first quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 79,889 shares of the pipeline companys stock valued at $894,000 after purchasing an additional 3,501 shares during the last quarter. Cibc World Market Inc. lifted its stake in Energy Transfer by 0.6% in the first quarter. Cibc World Market Inc. now owns 424,932 shares of the pipeline companys stock valued at $4,755,000 after purchasing an additional 2,403 shares during the last quarter. Blair William & Co. IL lifted its stake in Energy Transfer by 13.7% in the first quarter. Blair William & Co. IL now owns 260,824 shares of the pipeline companys stock valued at $2,919,000 after purchasing an additional 31,407 shares during the last quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers lifted its position in shares of Energy Transfer by 7.3% during the first quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 159,249 shares of the pipeline companys stock worth $1,782,000 after acquiring an additional 10,856 shares in the last quarter. Finally, NewEdge Advisors LLC lifted its position in shares of Energy Transfer by 43.0% during the first quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 192,394 shares of the pipeline companys stock worth $2,153,000 after acquiring an additional 57,880 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 34.47% of the companys stock.

Get Energy Transfer alerts:

Energy Transfer Stock Down 0.2 %

ET traded down $0.03 on Thursday, hitting $13.13. The company had a trading volume of 8,499,743 shares, compared to its average volume of 11,169,290. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.37, a current ratio of 1.12 and a quick ratio of 0.92. Energy Transfer LP has a 52-week low of $10.02 and a 52-week high of $13.67. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $12.83 and a 200-day simple moving average of $12.73. The firm has a market capitalization of $41.24 billion, a P/E ratio of 9.80 and a beta of 1.70.

Energy Transfer Cuts Dividend

Energy Transfer ( NYSE:ET Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, May 2nd. The pipeline company reported $0.32 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.33 by ($0.01). Energy Transfer had a return on equity of 13.06% and a net margin of 5.08%. The company had revenue of $19 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $21.49 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $0.37 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was down 7.3% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities analysts expect that Energy Transfer LP will post 1.3 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, August 21st. Shareholders of record on Monday, August 14th will be paid a $0.31 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, August 11th. This represents a $1.24 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 9.44%. Energy Transfers dividend payout ratio is currently 91.79%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several research firms have issued reports on ET. Morgan Stanley restated an overweight rating and set a $17.00 target price on shares of Energy Transfer in a research report on Thursday, July 20th. Barclays upped their price target on shares of Energy Transfer from $15.00 to $16.00 in a report on Tuesday, April 18th. Finally, Mizuho upped their price target on shares of Energy Transfer from $17.00 to $18.00 in a report on Tuesday, July 18th. Six equities research analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Buy and an average price target of $16.57.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other Energy Transfer news, Chairman Kelcy L. Warren purchased 500,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, May 12th. The stock was purchased at an average price of $12.27 per share, with a total value of $6,135,000.00. Following the transaction, the chairman now owns 59,078,477 shares of the companys stock, valued at $724,892,912.79. The acquisition was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In other Energy Transfer news, Chairman Kelcy L. Warren purchased 1,000,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, May 15th. The shares were purchased at an average cost of $12.49 per share, with a total value of $12,490,000.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the chairman now owns 60,078,477 shares in the company, valued at approximately $750,380,177.73. The acquisition was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, Chairman Kelcy L. Warren bought 500,000 shares of Energy Transfer stock in a transaction on Friday, May 12th. The shares were purchased at an average cost of $12.27 per share, for a total transaction of $6,135,000.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the chairman now directly owns 59,078,477 shares of the companys stock, valued at $724,892,912.79. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. Insiders have purchased 1,510,000 shares of company stock worth $18,749,300 in the last three months. Corporate insiders own 3.28% of the companys stock.

About Energy Transfer

(Free Report)

Energy Transfer LP provides energy-related services. The company owns and operates approximately 11,600 miles of natural gas transportation pipeline, and three natural gas storage facilities in Texas and two natural gas storage facilities located in the state of Texas and Oklahoma; and 19,945 miles of interstate natural gas pipeline.

Read More

Receive News & Ratings for Energy Transfer Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Energy Transfer and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Beverly Hills Private Wealth LLC grew its stake in The Charles Schwab Co. (NYSE:SCHW  Free Report) by 102.7% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 50,671 shares of the financial services providers stock after acquiring an additional 25,672 shares during the quarter. Beverly Hills Private Wealth LLCs holdings in Charles Schwab were worth $2,654,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in SCHW. Beacon Capital Management LLC acquired a new position in Charles Schwab in the first quarter valued at $25,000. Your Advocates Ltd. LLP acquired a new position in Charles Schwab in the first quarter valued at $25,000. Carolina Wealth Advisors LLC increased its stake in Charles Schwab by 54.8% during the first quarter. Carolina Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 565 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $30,000 after acquiring an additional 200 shares during the last quarter. Householder Group Estate & Retirement Specialist LLC acquired a new stake in Charles Schwab during the first quarter worth about $30,000. Finally, Rocky Mountain Advisers LLC increased its stake in Charles Schwab by 704.2% during the first quarter. Rocky Mountain Advisers LLC now owns 571 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $30,000 after acquiring an additional 500 shares during the last quarter. 82.77% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Get Charles Schwab alerts:

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, Chairman Charles R. Schwab sold 72,047 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, July 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $66.66, for a total transaction of $4,802,653.02. Following the sale, the chairman now directly owns 59,748,538 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,982,837,543.08. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In other news, Chairman Charles R. Schwab sold 72,047 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, July 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $66.66, for a total transaction of $4,802,653.02. Following the sale, the chairman now directly owns 59,748,538 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,982,837,543.08. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, Chairman Charles R. Schwab sold 75,760 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, July 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $66.60, for a total value of $5,045,616.00. Following the sale, the chairman now owns 59,672,778 shares in the company, valued at $3,974,207,014.80. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 225,447 shares of company stock valued at $13,866,915 in the last quarter. Insiders own 6.60% of the companys stock.

Charles Schwab Stock Performance

NYSE:SCHW traded down $0.79 during trading hours on Thursday, reaching $65.83. 9,194,870 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 18,835,463. 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 firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $56.62 and a 200-day simple moving average of $62.07. The Charles Schwab Co. has a 52 week low of $45.00 and a 52 week high of $86.63. The stock has a market capitalization of $116.46 billion, a P/E ratio of 19.19, a P/E/G ratio of 3.75 and a beta of 0.88.

Charles Schwab (NYSE:SCHW  Get Free Report) last released 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 company had revenue of $4.66 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.61 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $0.97 EPS. Charles Schwabs quarterly revenue was down 8.6% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that The Charles Schwab Co. will post 3.29 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Charles Schwab Announces Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, August 25th. Shareholders of record on Friday, August 11th will be issued a dividend of $0.25 per share. This represents a $1.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.52%. Charles Schwabs dividend payout ratio is presently 29.15%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several equities research analysts have commented on the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their price target on Charles Schwab from $86.00 to $85.00 in a research note on Tuesday, April 18th. UBS Group upped their price target on Charles Schwab from $67.00 to $80.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Monday. Argus upped their price target on Charles Schwab from $70.00 to $81.00 in a research note on Wednesday, July 19th. JMP Securities increased their target price on Charles Schwab from $73.00 to $77.00 in a research note on Wednesday, July 19th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group increased their target price on Charles Schwab from $71.00 to $80.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, July 20th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, three have assigned a hold rating and thirteen have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Charles Schwab currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price 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.

Featured Stories

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SCHW? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Charles Schwab Co. (NYSE:SCHW  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Charles Schwab Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Charles Schwab and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Canadian National Railway (NYSE:CNI  Free Report) (TSE:CNR) had its price objective decreased by CIBC from C$177.00 to C$175.00 in a research report sent to investors on Wednesday morning, FlyOnTheWall reports.

A number of other equities analysts have also weighed in on the company. Stephens decreased their price target on Canadian National Railway from $124.00 to $122.00 in a research report on Wednesday. Susquehanna decreased their price target on Canadian National Railway from $122.00 to $120.00 in a research report on Wednesday. Stifel Nicolaus increased their price target on Canadian National Railway from $115.00 to $127.00 in a research report on Monday, July 17th. Citigroup decreased their price objective on shares of Canadian National Railway from $125.00 to $122.00 in a research note on Tuesday, July 11th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company raised their price objective on shares of Canadian National Railway from $115.00 to $125.00 in a research note on Tuesday, April 25th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have assigned a hold rating and six have given a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $145.71.

Get Canadian National Railway alerts:

Canadian National Railway Price Performance

CNI stock traded down $0.29 during trading hours on Wednesday, hitting $118.38. 1,203,189 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 1,138,369. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $117.30 and a 200 day simple moving average of $118.31. Canadian National Railway has a one year low of $103.79 and a one year high of $129.89. The company has a market cap of $78.00 billion, a P/E ratio of 20.53, a P/E/G ratio of 3.11 and a beta of 0.91. The company has a current ratio of 0.74, a quick ratio of 0.57 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.69.

Canadian National Railway Increases Dividend

Canadian National Railway ( NYSE:CNI Get Free Report ) (TSE:CNR) last issued its earnings results on Monday, April 24th. The transportation company reported $1.35 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.26 by $0.09. The firm had revenue of $3.19 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.15 billion. Canadian National Railway had a net margin of 30.21% and a return on equity of 24.21%. Equities analysts forecast that Canadian National Railway will post 5.75 earnings per share for the current year.

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 29th. Stockholders of record on Friday, September 8th will be issued a dividend of $0.5996 per share. This represents a $2.40 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.03%. This is a positive change from Canadian National Railways previous quarterly dividend of $0.58. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, September 7th. Canadian National Railways payout ratio is currently 40.58%.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Canadian National Railway

Several institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in CNI. BCK Partners Inc. bought a new stake in Canadian National Railway in the first quarter worth $2,575,000. BlackRock Inc. lifted its position in shares of Canadian National Railway by 26.2% in the first quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 931,027 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $124,888,000 after buying an additional 193,116 shares during the last quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP boosted its stake in shares of Canadian National Railway by 3.1% during the 1st quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 762,341 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $102,260,000 after acquiring an additional 22,984 shares in the last quarter. Blair William & Co. IL increased its holdings in shares of Canadian National Railway by 1.4% during the 1st quarter. Blair William & Co. IL now owns 60,441 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $8,107,000 after acquiring an additional 807 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Allianz Asset Management GmbH raised its stake in shares of Canadian National Railway by 18.9% in the 1st quarter. Allianz Asset Management GmbH now owns 33,602 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $4,511,000 after acquiring an additional 5,349 shares in the last quarter. 64.89% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

About Canadian National Railway

(Get Free Report)

Canadian National Railway Company, together with its subsidiaries, engages in rail and related transportation business. The company offers rail services, which include equipment, custom brokage services, transloading and distribution, business development and real estate, and private car storage services; and intermodal services including temperature controlled cargo, port partnership, transloading and distribution, logistic parks, customs brokerage, trucking, and moving grains in containers.

Featured Articles

Receive News & Ratings for Canadian National Railway Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Canadian National Railway and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP  Free Report) had its price objective decreased by Truist Financial from $165.00 to $148.00 in a research report sent to investors on Monday morning, FlyOnTheWall reports.

Other equities research analysts also recently issued research reports about the stock. Bank of America lifted their price target on shares of ConocoPhillips from $140.00 to $145.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, April 13th. Wolfe Research raised shares of ConocoPhillips from a peer perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $120.00 price target on the stock in a research note on Friday, July 7th. Raymond James lifted their price target on shares of ConocoPhillips from $135.00 to $142.00 and gave the stock a strong-buy rating in a research note on Friday, April 21st. Citigroup dropped their price target on shares of ConocoPhillips from $145.00 to $140.00 in a research note on Wednesday, July 12th. Finally, UBS Group initiated coverage on shares of ConocoPhillips in a research note on Wednesday, April 19th. They set a buy rating and a $139.00 price target on the stock. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, sixteen have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $134.15.

Get ConocoPhillips alerts:

ConocoPhillips Stock Performance

Shares of COP stock opened at $115.78 on Monday. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $104.68 and its 200-day simple moving average is $106.18. ConocoPhillips has a 52 week low of $88.00 and a 52 week high of $138.49. The company has a current ratio of 1.39, a quick ratio of 1.29 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.32. The company has a market cap of $140.10 billion, a PE ratio of 9.36, a P/E/G ratio of 0.71 and a beta of 1.29.

ConocoPhillips Announces Dividend

ConocoPhillips ( NYSE:COP Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, May 4th. The energy producer reported $2.38 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.02 by $0.36. ConocoPhillips had a net margin of 20.21% and a return on equity of 32.75%. The business had revenue of $15.52 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $16.06 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $3.27 EPS. The businesss revenue for the quarter was down 19.6% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities research analysts anticipate that ConocoPhillips will post 8.94 EPS for the current year.

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, June 1st. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, May 16th were issued a $0.51 dividend. This represents a $2.04 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.76%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, June 26th. ConocoPhillipss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 16.32%.

Insider Activity

In other ConocoPhillips news, Director Caroline Maury Devine sold 1,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, May 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $102.08, for a total transaction of $102,080.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 849 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $86,665.92. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Company insiders own 0.37% of the companys stock.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Ten Capital Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its stake in ConocoPhillips by 205.8% during the 4th quarter. Ten Capital Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 211 shares of the energy producers stock valued at $25,000 after purchasing an additional 142 shares during the period. Orion Capital Management LLC boosted its stake in ConocoPhillips by 149.5% during the 4th quarter. Orion Capital Management LLC now owns 227 shares of the energy producers stock valued at $27,000 after purchasing an additional 136 shares during the period. Jackson Grant Investment Advisers Inc. boosted its stake in ConocoPhillips by 398.1% during the 1st quarter. Jackson Grant Investment Advisers Inc. now owns 269 shares of the energy producers stock valued at $27,000 after purchasing an additional 215 shares during the period. Moisand Fitzgerald Tamayo LLC boosted its stake in ConocoPhillips by 93.4% during the 4th quarter. Moisand Fitzgerald Tamayo LLC now owns 236 shares of the energy producers stock valued at $28,000 after purchasing an additional 114 shares during the period. Finally, Bogart Wealth LLC boosted its stake in ConocoPhillips by 138.2% during the 4th quarter. Bogart Wealth LLC now owns 243 shares of the energy producers stock valued at $29,000 after purchasing an additional 141 shares during the period. 80.20% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

About ConocoPhillips

(Get Free Report)

ConocoPhillips explores for, produces, transports, and markets crude oil, bitumen, natural gas, liquefied natural gas (LNG), and natural gas liquids in the United States and internationally. The company's portfolio includes unconventional plays in North America; conventional assets in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia; various LNG developments; oil sands assets in Canada; and an inventory of global exploration prospects.

Featured Articles

Receive News & Ratings for ConocoPhillips Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ConocoPhillips and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
D.R. Horton (NYSE:DHI  Get Free Report) had its price objective raised by analysts at Keefe, Bruyette & Woods from $125.00 to $142.00 in a report issued on Tuesday, Benzinga reports. The brokerage currently has a market perform rating on the construction companys stock. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods price objective would suggest a potential upside of 11.78% from the companys current price.

DHI has been the subject of a number of other reports. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft started coverage on D.R. Horton in a research report on Wednesday, May 31st. They set a buy rating and a $150.00 price objective for the company. Raymond James raised D.R. Horton from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $160.00 price objective for the company in a research report on Monday. JMP Securities upped their price target on D.R. Horton from $130.00 to $140.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Friday, July 21st. Credit Suisse Group reaffirmed a neutral rating and issued a $120.00 price target on shares of D.R. Horton in a report on Friday, July 21st. Finally, Argus upped their price target on D.R. Horton from $135.00 to $145.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Monday. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have assigned a hold rating and eleven have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $135.50.

Get D.R. Horton alerts:

D.R. Horton Trading Down 1.2 %

NYSE DHI traded down $1.60 during trading on Tuesday, hitting $127.04. The stock had a trading volume of 2,979,805 shares, compared to its average volume of 3,033,037. The company has a market capitalization of $42.98 billion, a PE ratio of 9.04, a PEG ratio of 0.60 and a beta of 1.54. The company has a quick ratio of 1.41, a current ratio of 6.97 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.28. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $117.88 and a 200 day moving average price of $105.51. D.R. Horton has a twelve month low of $66.01 and a twelve month high of $132.30.

Insider Transactions at D.R. Horton

D.R. Horton ( NYSE:DHI Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, July 20th. The construction company reported $3.90 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.82 by $1.08. D.R. Horton had a return on equity of 23.31% and a net margin of 14.07%. The business had revenue of $9.73 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $8.27 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $4.67 earnings per share. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 10.7% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities research analysts forecast that D.R. Horton will post 11.78 earnings per share for the current year.

In other news, COO Paul J. Romanowski sold 40,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, May 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $112.16, for a total transaction of $4,486,400.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief operating officer now owns 84,268 shares in the company, valued at $9,451,498.88. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. In other news, COO Paul J. Romanowski sold 40,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, May 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $112.16, for a total value of $4,486,400.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief operating officer now owns 84,268 shares in the company, valued at $9,451,498.88. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this link. Also, COO Michael J. Murray sold 54,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, May 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $110.21, for a total value of $5,951,340.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief operating officer now owns 257,294 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $28,356,371.74. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 126,000 shares of company stock worth $14,207,660 over the last 90 days. 0.61% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Institutional Trading of D.R. Horton

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in DHI. Louisiana State Employees Retirement System lifted its position in shares of D.R. Horton by 0.5% in the 1st quarter. Louisiana State Employees Retirement System now owns 20,300 shares of the construction companys stock worth $1,983,000 after acquiring an additional 100 shares during the period. NorthCrest Asset Manangement LLC lifted its position in shares of D.R. Horton by 0.8% in the 1st quarter. NorthCrest Asset Manangement LLC now owns 13,083 shares of the construction companys stock worth $1,278,000 after acquiring an additional 100 shares during the period. International Assets Investment Management LLC lifted its position in shares of D.R. Horton by 0.4% in the 2nd quarter. International Assets Investment Management LLC now owns 25,531 shares of the construction companys stock worth $88,000 after acquiring an additional 100 shares during the period. AdvisorNet Financial Inc lifted its position in shares of D.R. Horton by 26.3% in the 1st quarter. AdvisorNet Financial Inc now owns 490 shares of the construction companys stock worth $48,000 after acquiring an additional 102 shares during the period. Finally, DAVENPORT & Co LLC lifted its position in shares of D.R. Horton by 1.4% in the 1st quarter. DAVENPORT & Co LLC now owns 7,728 shares of the construction companys stock worth $755,000 after acquiring an additional 104 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 86.67% of the companys stock.

About D.R. Horton

(Get Free Report)

D.R. Horton, Inc operates as a homebuilding company in East, North, Southeast, South Central, Southwest, and Northwest regions in the United States. It engages in the acquisition and development of land; and construction and sale of residential homes in 106 markets across 33 states under the names of D.R.

Featured Articles

Receive News & Ratings for D.R. Horton Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for D.R. Horton and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Eaton Vance Municipal Bond Fund (NYSEAMERICAN:EIM  Get Free Report) was down 0.2% on Wednesday . The stock traded as low as $9.93 and last traded at $9.97. Approximately 175,182 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 27% from the average daily volume of 137,929 shares. The stock had previously closed at $9.99.

Eaton Vance Municipal Bond Fund Trading Down 0.2 %

Get Eaton Vance Municipal Bond Fund alerts:

Eaton Vance Municipal Bond Fund Dividend Announcement

The business also recently disclosed a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, July 31st. Shareholders of record on Monday, July 24th will be issued a $0.0333 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Friday, July 21st. This represents a $0.40 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.02%.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Eaton Vance Municipal Bond Fund

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Summit Trail Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of Eaton Vance Municipal Bond Fund during the 2nd quarter worth $106,000. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC raised its holdings in shares of Eaton Vance Municipal Bond Fund by 0.9% during the 2nd quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC now owns 1,062,633 shares of the companys stock worth $10,573,000 after buying an additional 10,000 shares in the last quarter. StrategIQ Financial Group LLC acquired a new position in shares of Eaton Vance Municipal Bond Fund during the 2nd quarter worth $107,000. Wealthcare Advisory Partners LLC acquired a new position in shares of Eaton Vance Municipal Bond Fund during the 2nd quarter worth $224,000. Finally, Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Eaton Vance Municipal Bond Fund by 4.6% during the 2nd quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. now owns 30,633 shares of the companys stock worth $305,000 after buying an additional 1,361 shares in the last quarter.

Eaton Vance Municipal Bond Fund Company Profile

Eaton Vance Municipal Bond Fund is a closed ended fixed income mutual fund launched and managed by Eaton Vance Management. It invests primarily in high grade municipal obligations. The fund's investment portfolio primarily includes investments in companies operating in the transportation, water and sewer, and electric utilities sectors.

Recommended Stories

Receive News & Ratings for Eaton Vance Municipal Bond Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Eaton Vance Municipal Bond Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Element Wealth LLC bought a new position in shares of EastGroup Properties, Inc. (NYSE:EGP  Free Report) in the 1st quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The fund bought 1,250 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock, valued at approximately $207,000.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of EGP. American Century Companies Inc. bought a new stake in shares of EastGroup Properties during the first quarter worth approximately $354,000. Group One Trading L.P. bought a new stake in shares of EastGroup Properties in the first quarter valued at about $41,000. Private Advisor Group LLC grew its position in shares of EastGroup Properties by 10.3% during the 1st quarter. Private Advisor Group LLC now owns 1,212 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $246,000 after purchasing an additional 113 shares in the last quarter. Allianz Asset Management GmbH bought a new position in shares of EastGroup Properties during the first quarter worth approximately $12,520,000. Finally, Vanguard Group Inc. raised its position in shares of EastGroup Properties by 2.2% in the first quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 6,172,033 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $1,254,651,000 after buying an additional 133,344 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 91.56% of the companys stock.

Get EastGroup Properties alerts:

EastGroup Properties Trading Down 3.5 %

Shares of EGP stock traded down $6.53 during mid-day trading on Thursday, hitting $178.12. The companys stock had a trading volume of 212,307 shares, compared to its average volume of 259,063. EastGroup Properties, Inc. has a 52 week low of $137.47 and a 52 week high of $188.85. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.88, a quick ratio of 0.06 and a current ratio of 0.06. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $171.86 and its 200-day simple moving average is $166.92. The company has a market cap of $7.76 billion, a PE ratio of 48.33, a P/E/G ratio of 3.77 and a beta of 0.93.

EastGroup Properties Announces Dividend

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, July 14th. Investors of record on Friday, June 30th were given a dividend of $1.25 per share. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, June 29th. This represents a $5.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.81%. EastGroup Propertiess payout ratio is presently 133.33%.

A number of research firms have commented on EGP. Truist Financial lowered their price objective on EastGroup Properties from $180.00 to $175.00 in a research note on Monday, May 15th. BTIG Research upped their price target on shares of EastGroup Properties from $198.00 to $218.00 in a report on Wednesday. StockNews.com began coverage on shares of EastGroup Properties in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. They set a hold rating for the company. Citigroup lifted their price target on EastGroup Properties from $195.00 to $210.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Friday, July 14th. Finally, Piper Sandler lifted their price target on shares of EastGroup Properties from $195.00 to $215.00 in a report on Thursday. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, EastGroup Properties currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $183.70.

About EastGroup Properties

(Free Report)

EastGroup Properties, Inc (NYSE: EGP), a member of the S&P Mid-Cap 400 and Russell 1000 Indexes, is a self-administered equity real estate investment trust focused on the development, acquisition and operation of industrial properties in major Sunbelt markets throughout the United States with an emphasis in the states of Florida, Texas, Arizona, California and North Carolina.

Read More

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EGP? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for EastGroup Properties, Inc. (NYSE:EGP  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for EastGroup Properties Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for EastGroup Properties and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Floor & Decor (NYSE:FND  Free Report) had its price objective hoisted by Wells Fargo & Company from $110.00 to $125.00 in a report released on Wednesday morning, Benzinga reports. The brokerage currently has an overweight rating on the stock.

Several other equities research analysts also recently commented on FND. Wedbush lifted their price objective on shares of Floor & Decor from $100.00 to $115.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Tuesday. Truist Financial started coverage on shares of Floor & Decor in a research note on Friday, June 23rd. They set a buy rating and a $120.00 target price for the company. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group cut shares of Floor & Decor from a buy rating to a hold rating and cut their target price for the stock from $110.00 to $108.00 in a research note on Friday, July 21st. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have issued a hold rating and eight have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $100.06.

Get Floor & Decor alerts:

Floor & Decor Price Performance

Shares of FND traded down $1.19 during midday trading on Wednesday, hitting $110.48. 898,809 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 1,378,527. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.17, a quick ratio of 0.15 and a current ratio of 1.32. Floor & Decor has a 52 week low of $63.51 and a 52 week high of $116.03. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $99.20 and a 200-day moving average of $94.89. The stock has a market cap of $11.74 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 40.30, a PEG ratio of 2.35 and a beta of 1.88.

Insider Transactions at Floor & Decor

Floor & Decor ( NYSE:FND Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data 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 business had revenue of $1.12 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.11 billion. Floor & Decor had a net margin of 6.86% and a return on equity of 18.37%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 9.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $0.67 earnings per share. On average, analysts forecast that Floor & Decor will post 2.66 EPS for the current fiscal year.

In other news, CEO Thomas V. Taylor sold 18,656 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on 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 in the company, valued at approximately $22,596,315. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In other news, CEO Thomas V. Taylor sold 18,656 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on 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 in the company, valued at approximately $22,596,315. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, EVP David Victor Christopherson sold 5,804 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, June 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $100.00, for a total transaction of $580,400.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 42,356 shares in the company, valued at $4,235,600. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last three months, insiders have sold 48,920 shares of company stock worth $5,323,160. 2.50% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Floor & Decor

Several large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. B. Riley Wealth Advisors Inc. purchased a new stake in Floor & Decor during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $349,000. Bell Bank purchased a new stake in Floor & Decor during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $611,000. Alera Investment Advisors LLC increased its stake in Floor & Decor by 4.1% during the 2nd quarter. Alera Investment Advisors LLC now owns 7,643 shares of the companys stock worth $795,000 after buying an additional 300 shares during the period. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC increased its stake in Floor & Decor by 120.8% during the 2nd quarter. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC now owns 27,467 shares of the companys stock worth $2,855,000 after buying an additional 15,029 shares during the period. Finally, Riverbridge Partners LLC increased its stake in Floor & Decor by 24.7% during the 2nd quarter. Riverbridge Partners LLC now owns 1,518,644 shares of the companys stock worth $157,878,000 after buying an additional 301,033 shares during the period.

About Floor & Decor

(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.

Read More

Receive News & Ratings for Floor & Decor Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Floor & Decor and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Gaotu Techedu Inc. (NYSE:GOTU  Get Free Report) shot up 7.7% during mid-day trading on Wednesday . The stock traded as high as $3.83 and last traded at $3.78. 2,181,595 shares changed hands during trading, a decline of 40% from the average session volume of 3,658,632 shares. The stock had previously closed at $3.51.

Gaotu Techedu Trading Down 0.3 %

The company has a market capitalization of $1.01 billion, a PE ratio of 102.53 and a beta of -0.65. The stocks 50-day moving average is $3.07 and its two-hundred day moving average is $3.50.

Get Gaotu Techedu alerts:

Gaotu Techedu (NYSE:GOTU  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, May 30th. The company reported $0.06 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. The firm had revenue of $102.99 million for the quarter. Gaotu Techedu had a net margin of 2.99% and a return on equity of 2.39%.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Gaotu Techedu Company Profile

Institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Keystone Investors PTE Ltd. acquired a new stake in shares of Gaotu Techedu in the first quarter valued at about $23,522,000. Strategic Vision Investment Ltd raised its stake in shares of Gaotu Techedu by 218.0% in the 1st quarter. Strategic Vision Investment Ltd now owns 5,300,610 shares of the companys stock valued at $22,369,000 after acquiring an additional 3,633,520 shares during the period. Acadian Asset Management LLC purchased a new stake in Gaotu Techedu during the 1st quarter worth approximately $13,951,000. Renaissance Technologies LLC increased its stake in Gaotu Techedu by 325.8% during the 1st quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC now owns 3,940,100 shares of the companys stock worth $6,777,000 after buying an additional 3,014,700 shares during the period. Finally, Harvest Fund Management Co. Ltd purchased a new stake in shares of Gaotu Techedu in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $6,524,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 18.23% of the companys stock.

(Get Free Report)

Gaotu Techedu Inc, a technology-driven education company, provides online K-12 after-school tutoring services in the People's Republic of China. The company provides foreign language courses comprising English and Japanese, as well as test preparation courses for students taking language certification exams; and professional courses primarily for college students and adults preparing for professional qualification exams, such teacher's qualification, Chartered Financial Analyst designation, Certified Public Accountant designation, Certified Tax Agent designation, securities qualification exams, and other exams.

Read More

Receive News & Ratings for Gaotu Techedu Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Gaotu Techedu and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
General Electric (NYSE:GE  Free Report) had its target price raised by Royal Bank of Canada from $120.00 to $130.00 in a report issued on Wednesday morning, FlyOnTheWall reports.

GE has been the topic of several other research reports. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft boosted their price target on General Electric from $97.00 to $103.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, April 12th. UBS Group upped their price objective on shares of General Electric from $95.00 to $109.00 in a research note on Thursday, April 13th. Bank of America lifted their target price on shares of General Electric from $108.00 to $120.00 in a research note on Thursday, July 6th. Wolfe Research raised their price target on General Electric from $107.00 to $125.00 in a report on Wednesday, June 28th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group increased their target price on General Electric from $120.00 to $130.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Monday, July 17th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and fourteen have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, General Electric currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $116.31.

Get General Electric alerts:

General Electric Stock Performance

General Electric stock traded up $0.71 during trading hours on Wednesday, hitting $115.43. The stock had a trading volume of 6,178,117 shares, compared to its average volume of 6,699,566. The company has a 50-day moving average of $106.87 and a two-hundred day moving average of $95.56. The company has a quick ratio of 0.92, a current ratio of 1.25 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.61. General Electric has a fifty-two week low of $48.06 and a fifty-two week high of $117.96. The company has a market cap of $125.70 billion, a PE ratio of 13.76, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 7.70 and a beta of 1.27.

General Electric Dividend Announcement

General Electric ( NYSE:GE Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, July 25th. The conglomerate reported $0.68 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.46 by $0.22. General Electric had a return on equity of 9.30% and a net margin of 13.32%. The business had revenue of $15.85 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $14.76 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $0.78 earnings per share. General Electrics revenue was up 18.6% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that General Electric will post 2.17 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, July 25th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, July 11th were given a $0.08 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, July 10th. This represents a $0.32 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.28%. General Electrics dividend payout ratio is currently 3.80%.

Insider Buying and Selling

In other news, VP Thomas S. Timko sold 7,254 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, May 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $100.82, for a total value of $731,348.28. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president now directly owns 20,953 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,112,481.46. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In other news, VP Thomas S. Timko sold 7,254 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, May 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $100.82, for a total value of $731,348.28. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president now owns 20,953 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,112,481.46. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Also, major shareholder General Electric Pension Trust acquired 35,160 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, June 30th. The shares were acquired at an average cost of $995.44 per share, for a total transaction of $34,999,670.40. Following the purchase, the insider now directly owns 175,160 shares in the company, valued at approximately $174,361,270.40. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 239,419 shares of company stock valued at $24,144,151 over the last three months. Company insiders own 0.67% of the companys stock.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On General Electric

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of GE. Sei Investments Co. raised its position in General Electric by 10.0% in the 1st quarter. Sei Investments Co. now owns 305,384 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $27,925,000 after buying an additional 27,682 shares during the last quarter. Prudential PLC bought a new position in shares of General Electric during the 1st quarter worth approximately $1,518,000. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC raised its holdings in shares of General Electric by 2.9% in the first quarter. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC now owns 11,748 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $1,075,000 after purchasing an additional 334 shares during the last quarter. Merit Financial Group LLC bought a new stake in shares of General Electric in the first quarter worth $388,000. Finally, West Family Investments Inc. bought a new stake in shares of General Electric in the first quarter worth $230,000. 74.75% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

About General Electric

(Get Free Report)

General Electric Company operates as a high-tech industrial company in Europe, China, Asia, the Americas, the Middle East, and Africa. It offers gas and steam turbines, full balance of plant, upgrade, and service solutions, as well as data-leveraging software for power generation, industrial, government, and other customers.

Read More

Receive News & Ratings for General Electric Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for General Electric and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Cool (NYSE:CLCO  Get Free Report) and Teekay Tankers (NYSE:TNK  Get Free Report) are both small-cap transportation companies, but which is the better stock? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their analyst recommendations, institutional ownership, profitability, valuation, risk, dividends and earnings.

Earnings and Valuation

This table compares Cool and Teekay Tankers revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

Get Cool alerts:

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Cool $190.69 million 2.85 $85.74 million N/A N/A Teekay Tankers $1.06 billion 1.31 $229.09 million $11.96 3.43

Teekay Tankers has higher revenue and earnings than Cool.

Institutional & Insider Ownership

Profitability

16.9% of Cool shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 48.8% of Teekay Tankers shares are owned by institutional investors. 1.9% of Teekay Tankers shares are owned 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.

This table compares Cool and Teekay Tankers net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Cool N/A N/A N/A Teekay Tankers 32.12% 39.74% 23.60%

Analyst Ratings

This is a summary of current recommendations for Cool and Teekay Tankers, as provided by MarketBeat.com.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Cool 0 0 1 0 3.00 Teekay Tankers 0 1 1 0 2.50

Teekay Tankers has a consensus target price of $51.00, suggesting a potential upside of 24.33%. Given Teekay Tankers higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe Teekay Tankers is more favorable than Cool.

Dividends

Cool pays an annual dividend of $1.64 per share and has a dividend yield of 12.1%. Teekay Tankers pays an annual dividend of $1.00 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.4%. Teekay Tankers pays out 8.4% of its earnings in the form of a dividend.

Summary

Teekay Tankers beats Cool on 8 of the 12 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Cool

(Get Free Report)

Cool Company Ltd. engages in the ownership, operation, and management of liquefied natural gas carriers (LNGCs) that provides supply chain support solutions for energy industry. The company owns and operates a fleet of LNGCs, including tri-fuel diesel electric vessels; and floating storage and regasification units for third parties. Cool Company Ltd. was incorporated in 2018 and is headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda.

About Teekay Tankers

(Get Free Report)

Teekay Tankers Ltd. provides marine transportation services to oil industries in Bermuda and internationally. The company offers voyage and time charter services; and offshore ship-to-ship transfer services of commodities primarily crude oil and refined oil products, as well as liquid gases and various other products. It also provides tanker commercial and technical management; and consultancy, procurement, and equipment rental services, as well as manages terminals and vessels. As of December 31, 2022, the company owned and leased 44 double-hulled oil and product tankers, time-chartered in four Aframax/LR2 tankers, and one Suezmax tanker. Teekay Tankers Ltd. was incorporated in 2007 and is headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda.

Receive News & Ratings for Cool Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Cool and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
KilterHowling LLC acquired a new stake in shares of SPDR Bloomberg High Yield Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:JNK  Free Report) in the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor acquired 3,391 shares of the exchange traded funds stock, valued at approximately $315,000. SPDR Bloomberg High Yield Bond ETF comprises approximately 0.3% of KilterHowling LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 28th biggest holding.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the company. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC grew its holdings in shares of SPDR Bloomberg High Yield Bond ETF by 99,822.7% during the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 3,287,456 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $295,871,000 after purchasing an additional 3,284,166 shares during the period. Assetmark Inc. grew its holdings in shares of SPDR Bloomberg High Yield Bond ETF by 225.7% during the 4th quarter. Assetmark Inc. now owns 3,519,471 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $316,752,000 after purchasing an additional 2,439,050 shares during the period. Toews Corp ADV purchased a new stake in shares of SPDR Bloomberg High Yield Bond ETF during the 1st quarter worth about $159,604,000. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. grew its holdings in shares of SPDR Bloomberg High Yield Bond ETF by 59.8% during the 4th quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 4,388,708 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $394,984,000 after purchasing an additional 1,642,368 shares during the period. Finally, Bank of America Corp DE grew its holdings in shares of SPDR Bloomberg High Yield Bond ETF by 70.8% during the 4th quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 2,300,969 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $207,087,000 after purchasing an additional 953,773 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 79.04% of the companys stock.

Get SPDR Bloomberg High Yield Bond ETF alerts:

SPDR Bloomberg High Yield Bond ETF Stock Down 0.8 %

Shares of NYSEARCA:JNK traded down $0.72 during trading on Thursday, reaching $91.93. 10,457,975 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 8,644,322. SPDR Bloomberg High Yield Bond ETF has a 12-month low of $86.28 and a 12-month high of $98.00. The firms 50-day moving average price is $91.45 and its 200 day moving average price is $91.74.

SPDR Bloomberg High Yield Bond ETF Company Profile

SPDR Barclays High Yield Bond ETF (the Fund), formerly SPDR Barclays Capital High Yield Bond ETF, seeks to provide investment results that correspond to the price and yield performance of the Barclays Capital High Yield Very Liquid Index (the Index). The Index includes publicly issued United States dollar denominated, non-investment grade, fixed-rate, taxable corporate bonds that have a remaining maturity of at least one year, regardless of optionality, are rated high-yield using the middle rating of Moodys, S&P, and Fitch, respectively, and have $600 million or more of outstanding face value.

Featured Stories

Receive News & Ratings for SPDR Bloomberg High Yield Bond ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for SPDR Bloomberg High Yield Bond ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Marks Group Wealth Management Inc cut its position in shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited (NYSE:CP  Free Report) (TSE:CP) by 0.9% in the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 67,404 shares of the transportation companys stock after selling 583 shares during the period. Marks Group Wealth Management Incs holdings in Canadian Pacific Kansas City were worth $5,186,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of CP. BerganKDV Wealth Management LLC raised its position in shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City by 193.9% in the 1st quarter. BerganKDV Wealth Management LLC now owns 338 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $26,000 after acquiring an additional 223 shares in the last quarter. Stonebridge Capital Advisors LLC raised its position in shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City by 750.0% in the 4th quarter. Stonebridge Capital Advisors LLC now owns 340 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $25,000 after acquiring an additional 300 shares in the last quarter. BDO Wealth Advisors LLC raised its position in shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City by 928.6% in the 4th quarter. BDO Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 360 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $27,000 after acquiring an additional 325 shares in the last quarter. Romano Brothers AND Company bought a new position in shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City in the 4th quarter worth $29,000. Finally, Kayne Anderson Rudnick Investment Management LLC acquired a new position in Canadian Pacific Kansas City during the 3rd quarter valued at about $29,000. 65.84% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

Get Canadian Pacific Kansas City alerts:

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

CP has been the topic of several recent analyst reports. Credit Suisse Group upped their target price on Canadian Pacific Kansas City from $81.00 to $87.00 in a research report on Wednesday, July 5th. Stifel Nicolaus dropped their price target on Canadian Pacific Kansas City from $78.00 to $75.00 in a research note on Tuesday, April 18th. 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 note on Wednesday, April 12th. StockNews.com initiated coverage on Canadian Pacific Kansas City in a research note on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group initiated coverage on Canadian Pacific Kansas City in a research note on Tuesday, June 6th. They issued a buy rating on the stock. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Canadian Pacific Kansas City presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $90.86.

Canadian Pacific Kansas City Price Performance

Shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City stock traded down $0.93 during mid-day trading on Thursday, reaching $83.08. 5,244,817 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 2,030,826. The business has a 50-day moving average of $79.26 and a 200 day moving average of $78.46. Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited has a fifty-two week low of $65.17 and a fifty-two week high of $84.91. The stock has a market capitalization of $77.38 billion, a PE ratio of 27.51, a PEG ratio of 2.82 and a beta of 1.02. The company has a quick ratio of 0.56, a current ratio of 0.66 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.46.

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 the consensus estimate of $0.70 by ($0.07). Canadian Pacific Kansas City had a net margin of 40.22% and a return on equity of 9.53%. The company had revenue of $1.68 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.78 billion. On average, analysts predict that Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited will post 2.98 EPS for the current year.

Canadian Pacific Kansas City Company 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.

Featured Articles

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CP? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited (NYSE:CP  Free Report) (TSE:CP).

Receive News & Ratings for Canadian Pacific Kansas City Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Canadian Pacific Kansas City and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
National Bank of Canada (OTCMKTS:NTIOF  Free Report) had its target price boosted by National Bank Financial from C$102.00 to C$105.00 in a research report report published on Monday morning, FlyOnTheWall reports.

National Bank of Canada Stock Performance

OTCMKTS:NTIOF opened at $77.79 on Monday. National Bank of Canada has a fifty-two week low of $59.42 and a fifty-two week high of $81.60. The company has a market cap of $26.29 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.14 and a beta of 1.08. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $74.19 and a 200-day moving average price of $73.60.

Get National Bank of Canada alerts:

National Bank of Canada (OTCMKTS:NTIOF  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, May 31st. The financial services provider reported $1.76 EPS for the quarter. National Bank of Canada had a return on equity of 17.54% and a net margin of 17.58%. The business had revenue of $1.83 billion during the quarter.

National Bank of Canada Increases Dividend

About National Bank of Canada

The firm also recently disclosed a dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, August 1st. Shareholders of record on Monday, June 26th will be issued a $0.7496 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Friday, June 23rd. This represents a yield of 3.99%. This is a boost from National Bank of Canadas previous dividend of $0.71. National Bank of Canadas dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 42.98%.

(Get Free Report)

National Bank of Canada provides various financial products and services to retail, commercial, corporate, and institutional clients in Canada and internationally. It operates through four segments: Personal and Commercial, Wealth Management, Financial Markets, and U.S. Specialty Finance and International.

Further Reading

Receive News & Ratings for National Bank of Canada Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for National Bank of Canada and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
StockNews.com started coverage on shares of PEDEVCO (NYSEAMERICAN:PED  Free Report) in a research report sent to investors on Tuesday morning. The brokerage issued a sell rating on the stock.

Separately, EF Hutton Acquisition Co. I reiterated a buy rating and issued a $2.40 target price on shares of PEDEVCO in a report on Thursday, March 30th.

Get PEDEVCO alerts:

PEDEVCO Stock Performance

NYSEAMERICAN:PED remained flat at $0.91 during trading hours on Tuesday. The company had a trading volume of 45,362 shares, compared to its average volume of 157,550. The stocks 50 day moving average is $0.96. PEDEVCO has a twelve month low of $0.80 and a twelve month high of $1.31. The firm has a market capitalization of $78.86 million, a P/E ratio of 30.36 and a beta of 1.32.

Insider Activity at PEDEVCO

PEDEVCO ( NYSEAMERICAN:PED Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Monday, May 15th. The company reported $0.02 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.01 by $0.01. The business had revenue of $8.16 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $8.12 million. PEDEVCO had a net margin of 10.50% and a return on equity of 3.34%. As a group, equities analysts expect that PEDEVCO will post 0.13 EPS for the current fiscal year.

In other PEDEVCO news, Director John J. Scelfo sold 40,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Thursday, July 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $0.92, for a total value of $36,800.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 224,500 shares in the company, valued at approximately $206,540. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In other news, Director John J. Scelfo sold 40,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Thursday, July 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $0.92, for a total transaction of $36,800.00. Following the transaction, the director now owns 224,500 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $206,540. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Also, CEO Simon G. Kukes bought 130,453 shares of PEDEVCO stock in a transaction dated Thursday, June 15th. The stock was acquired at an average price of $0.89 per share, with a total value of $116,103.17. Following the purchase, the chief executive officer now directly owns 7,021,950 shares of the companys stock, valued at $6,249,535.50. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. 68.50% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Two Sigma Investments LP purchased a new stake in shares of PEDEVCO during the 4th quarter valued at $88,000. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD boosted its stake in shares of PEDEVCO by 44.6% in the 4th quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 79,800 shares of the companys stock valued at $88,000 after purchasing an additional 24,600 shares in the last quarter. XTX Topco Ltd increased its holdings in shares of PEDEVCO by 44.7% in the first quarter. XTX Topco Ltd now owns 52,091 shares of the companys stock worth $70,000 after buying an additional 16,083 shares during the period. Cubist Systematic Strategies LLC purchased a new stake in PEDEVCO during the 2nd quarter valued at about $58,000. Finally, Dimensional Fund Advisors LP raised its stake in shares of PEDEVCO by 224.4% during the first quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 41,197 shares of the companys stock valued at $56,000 after acquiring an additional 28,497 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 3.02% of the companys stock.

About PEDEVCO

(Get Free Report)

PEDEVCO Corp., an oil and gas company, focuses on the acquisition, development, and production of oil and natural gas assets in the United States. The company is headquartered in Houston, Texas. PEDEVCO Corp. is a subsidiary of SK Energy LLC.

Recommended Stories

Receive News & Ratings for PEDEVCO Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for PEDEVCO and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Bank of Hawaii (NYSE:BOH  Get Free Report) had its target price increased by investment analysts at Piper Sandler from $45.00 to $60.00 in a research note issued on Tuesday, Marketbeat.com reports. The brokerage presently has a neutral rating on the banks stock. Piper Sandlers target price suggests a potential upside of 6.63% from the stocks current price.

Several other research firms have also commented on BOH. StockNews.com raised shares of Bank of Hawaii to a sell rating in a research report on Wednesday, May 31st. TheStreet lowered shares of Bank of Hawaii from a b- rating to a c+ rating in a research report on Tuesday, April 4th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods lowered shares of Bank of Hawaii from a market perform rating to an underperform rating and set a $47.00 price target for the company. in a research report on Tuesday. Finally, Odeon Capital Group initiated coverage on shares of Bank of Hawaii in a research report on Wednesday, June 7th. They set a sell rating and a $31.00 price target for the company. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating and three have assigned a hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $52.80.

Get Bank of Hawaii alerts:

Bank of Hawaii Stock Performance

BOH traded down $1.20 during midday trading on Tuesday, hitting $56.27. 791,633 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 867,545. The company has a quick ratio of 0.66, a current ratio of 0.73 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.49. The firm has a market capitalization of $2.23 billion, a PE ratio of 11.40, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.69 and a beta of 0.97. The companys 50-day moving average is $43.94 and its 200 day moving average is $55.74. Bank of Hawaii has a 52 week low of $30.83 and a 52 week high of $85.45.

Insider Buying and Selling

Bank of Hawaii ( NYSE:BOH Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Monday, July 24th. The bank reported $1.12 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.11 by $0.01. The business had revenue of $243.01 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $170.52 million. Bank of Hawaii had a net margin of 23.76% and a return on equity of 18.03%. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $1.38 EPS. On average, research analysts expect that Bank of Hawaii will post 4.06 EPS for the current year.

In related news, Director Robert W. Wo, Jr. acquired 6,500 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, June 1st. The stock was acquired at an average cost of $39.85 per share, with a total value of $259,025.00. Following the acquisition, the director now directly owns 42,539 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,695,179.15. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. In other news, Director Alicia E. Moy bought 4,200 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, May 1st. The stock was purchased at an average cost of $47.90 per share, for a total transaction of $201,180.00. Following the transaction, the director now owns 10,482 shares of the companys stock, valued at $502,087.80. The purchase was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, Director Robert W. Wo, Jr. bought 6,500 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, June 1st. The shares were purchased at an average price of $39.85 per share, with a total value of $259,025.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 42,539 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,695,179.15. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. In the last ninety days, insiders bought 11,700 shares of company stock valued at $492,495. 2.11% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. New York State Teachers Retirement System boosted its position in shares of Bank of Hawaii by 1.9% during the 2nd quarter. New York State Teachers Retirement System now owns 82,452 shares of the banks stock valued at $3,399,000 after acquiring an additional 1,542 shares during the last quarter. Congress Asset Management Co. MA boosted its position in shares of Bank of Hawaii by 1.2% during the 2nd quarter. Congress Asset Management Co. MA now owns 48,736 shares of the banks stock valued at $2,009,000 after acquiring an additional 589 shares during the last quarter. B. Riley Wealth Advisors Inc. boosted its position in shares of Bank of Hawaii by 172.7% during the 2nd quarter. B. Riley Wealth Advisors Inc. now owns 18,984 shares of the banks stock valued at $783,000 after acquiring an additional 12,022 shares during the last quarter. Oregon Public Employees Retirement Fund boosted its position in shares of Bank of Hawaii by 6.4% during the 2nd quarter. Oregon Public Employees Retirement Fund now owns 12,400 shares of the banks stock valued at $511,000 after acquiring an additional 746 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Simplicity Solutions LLC boosted its position in shares of Bank of Hawaii by 16.7% during the 2nd quarter. Simplicity Solutions LLC now owns 7,576 shares of the banks stock valued at $312,000 after acquiring an additional 1,085 shares during the last quarter. 73.72% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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.

Recommended Stories

Receive News & Ratings for Bank of Hawaii Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bank of Hawaii and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
RiverPark Advisors LLC lessened its position in shares of RingCentral, Inc. (NYSE:RNG  Free Report) by 9.3% in the first quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 18,960 shares of the software makers stock after selling 1,939 shares during the period. RiverPark Advisors LLCs holdings in RingCentral were worth $582,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of RNG. MetLife Investment Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of RingCentral during the first quarter valued at about $620,000. Panagora Asset Management Inc. grew its holdings in shares of RingCentral by 52.6% during the first quarter. Panagora Asset Management Inc. now owns 4,837 shares of the software makers stock valued at $567,000 after buying an additional 1,667 shares during the last quarter. Vontobel Holding Ltd. grew its holdings in shares of RingCentral by 30.6% during the first quarter. Vontobel Holding Ltd. now owns 16,763 shares of the software makers stock valued at $2,040,000 after buying an additional 3,924 shares during the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its holdings in shares of RingCentral by 1.9% during the first quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 7,584,298 shares of the software makers stock valued at $888,955,000 after buying an additional 144,060 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Ergoteles LLC grew its holdings in shares of RingCentral by 96.1% during the first quarter. Ergoteles LLC now owns 49,718 shares of the software makers stock valued at $5,827,000 after buying an additional 24,371 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 88.87% of the companys stock.

Get RingCentral alerts:

RingCentral Trading Down 1.1 %

Shares of NYSE:RNG traded down $0.43 during trading on Thursday, reaching $39.14. The company had a trading volume of 1,428,852 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,890,255. The company has a fifty day moving average of $34.40 and a two-hundred day moving average of $33.70. The stock has a market capitalization of $3.74 billion, a P/E ratio of -4.93, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 53.24 and a beta of 0.89. RingCentral, Inc. has a 12 month low of $25.32 and a 12 month high of $55.00.

Insider Transactions at RingCentral

RingCentral ( NYSE:RNG Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, May 9th. The software maker reported ($0.16) EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of ($0.09) by ($0.07). The firm had revenue of $533.69 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $527.66 million. As a group, equities research analysts predict that RingCentral, Inc. will post 0.03 earnings per share for the current year.

In other news, CFO Sonalee Elizabeth Parekh sold 4,250 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, May 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $27.24, for a total value of $115,770.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer now owns 129,005 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,514,096.20. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. In other news, CFO Sonalee Elizabeth Parekh sold 4,250 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, May 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $27.24, for a total value of $115,770.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer now owns 129,005 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,514,096.20. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, CEO Vladimir Shmunis sold 59,299 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, June 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $34.22, for a total transaction of $2,029,211.78. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 507,200 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $17,356,384. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 95,276 shares of company stock valued at $3,231,069 in the last quarter. Insiders own 6.49% of the companys stock.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several research analysts recently weighed in on the stock. KeyCorp boosted their price target on shares of RingCentral from $45.00 to $54.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Friday, July 21st. The Goldman Sachs Group cut shares of RingCentral from a buy rating to a neutral rating and cut their price target for the stock from $52.00 to $37.00 in a report on Thursday, May 11th. Truist Financial cut their price target on shares of RingCentral from $55.00 to $45.00 in a report on Thursday, May 11th. StockNews.com upgraded shares of RingCentral from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, July 11th. Finally, UBS Group boosted their price target on shares of RingCentral from $30.00 to $32.00 in a report on Wednesday, May 10th. Nine equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, thirteen have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, RingCentral has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $47.71.

RingCentral Company Profile

(Free Report)

RingCentral, Inc provides cloud communications, video meetings, collaboration, and contact center software-as-a-service solutions worldwide. The company's products include RingCentral Message Video Phone (MVP) that provides a unified experience for communication and collaboration across multiple modes, including HD voice, video, SMS, messaging and collaboration, conferencing, online meetings, and fax; RingCentral Contact Center, a collaborative contact center solution that delivers AI powered omni-channel and workforce engagement solution with integrated RingCentral MVP; and RingCentral Engage Digital, a digital customer engagement platform that allows enterprises to interact with their customers.

Featured Articles

Receive News & Ratings for RingCentral Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for RingCentral and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
RPC (NYSE:RES  Get Free Report) was downgraded by research analysts at StockNews.com from a buy rating to a hold rating in a note issued to investors on Thursday.

A number of other research analysts also recently weighed in on the company. TheStreet upgraded RPC from a c+ rating to a b rating in a report on Wednesday. Citigroup downgraded RPC from a neutral rating to a sell rating and lowered their price target for the company from $8.25 to $7.00 in a report on Friday, June 16th. Finally, Susquehanna lowered their price target on RPC from $8.00 to $7.50 in a report on Friday, June 2nd.

Get RPC alerts:

RPC Trading Down 2.2 %

Shares of NYSE RES traded down $0.19 during mid-day trading on Thursday, reaching $8.25. The company had a trading volume of 1,884,339 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,457,470. The stock has a market cap of $1.78 billion, a PE ratio of 6.49 and a beta of 1.77. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $7.50 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $8.09. RPC has a 1-year low of $6.24 and a 1-year high of $11.40.

RPC ( NYSE:RES Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, July 26th. The oil and gas company reported $0.30 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.43 by ($0.13). The company had revenue of $415.90 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $480.20 million. RPC had a return on equity of 35.56% and a net margin of 15.32%. The businesss revenue was up 10.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $0.22 earnings per share.

RPC announced that its Board of Directors has authorized a share repurchase program on Wednesday, April 26th that authorizes the company to repurchase 8,000,000 shares. This repurchase authorization authorizes the oil and gas company to buy shares of its stock through open market purchases. Shares repurchase programs are typically a sign that the companys board of directors believes its shares are undervalued.

Institutional Trading of RPC

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Quarry LP lifted its position in shares of RPC by 84.0% in the first quarter. Quarry LP now owns 3,764 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $29,000 after buying an additional 1,718 shares during the last quarter. Nisa Investment Advisors LLC grew its stake in shares of RPC by 132.7% in the 1st quarter. Nisa Investment Advisors LLC now owns 4,016 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $31,000 after purchasing an additional 2,290 shares during the period. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC grew its stake in shares of RPC by 109.9% in the 1st quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC now owns 4,274 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $33,000 after purchasing an additional 2,238 shares during the period. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio grew its stake in shares of RPC by 54.2% in the 3rd quarter. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio now owns 4,565 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $32,000 after purchasing an additional 1,605 shares during the period. Finally, Register Financial Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of RPC in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $38,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 34.26% of the companys stock.

About RPC

(Get Free Report)

RPC, Inc, through its subsidiaries, provides a range of oilfield services and equipment for the oil and gas companies involved in the exploration, production, and development of oil and gas properties. It operates through Technical Services and Support Services segments. The Technical Services segment offers pressure pumping, fracturing, acidizing, cementing, downhole tools, coiled tubing, snubbing, nitrogen, well control, wireline, pump down, and fishing services that are used in the completion, production, and maintenance of oil and gas wells.

See Also

Receive News & Ratings for RPC Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for RPC and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
EQS-Ad-hoc: BEACONSMIND AG / Key word(s): Miscellaneous

beaconsmind AG: beaconsmind AG aligns corporate structure around beaconsmind Group and accelerates growth



28-Jul-2023 / 10:43 CET/CEST

Disclosure of an inside information acc. to Article 17 MAR of the Regulation (EU) No 596/2014, transmitted by EQS News - a service of EQS Group AG.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.



Publication of inside information pursuant to Article 17 of the EU Market Abuse Regulation (MAR) beaconsmind AG aligns corporate structure around beaconsmind Group and accelerates growth Jonathan Sauppe assigned as new CEO leading operational HQ in Munich

Group structure creates synergies and opens further growth potential through an integrated product portfolio

Increasing the stake in FREDERIX Hotspot to 62%

Further cash capital increase of CHF 1.4MM placed and subscribed by its core shareholder Crown Fund S.C.A. SICAV-RAIF

Further value-enhancing acquisitions as part of the growth strategy Zurich, Switzerland  28. July 2023  beaconsmind AG (ISIN: CH0451123589  Ticker: MLBMD), a leading provider of B2B Point-of-Sales solution in the field of hotspot, location-based marketing (LBM) & analytics, is adapting its corporate and management structure to its strategy for further accelerated growth in the future. As beaconsmind Group, the central, strong growth areas will be bundled in the future, the product offerings will be dovetailed into an integrated product portfolio and synergies will be created by centralising the most important group functions. beaconsmind AG announced that the Board of Directors has appointed Jonathan Sauppe, current board member of beaconsmind AG and head of beaconsmind Wi-Fi Hotspot vertical, as new CEO of beaconsmind Group, effective immediately. He will lead the group from its new operational headquarters in Munich, Germany. Jonathan Sauppe, previous CEO of FREDERIX and several other tech companies, has joined beaconsmind group through acquisition of FREDERIX Hotspot in year 2022 and has more than 10 years experience in this industry. The founder and CEO of beaconsmind AG Max Weiland has resigned as CEO and Chairman and the board of beaconsmind expresses its gratitude for leading the initial phase of beaconsmind. Through the integrated product portfolio and the centralisation of key functions and activities, beaconsmind Group expects a further, sustainable dynamisation of its topline growth and immediate cost synergies in the medium term, which should already add up to around EUR 1 million until year end. As a strong growth driver in the product portfolio, the group company FREDERIX Hotspot is playing a significant role. In accordance with the strategy, the stake of beaconsmind in FREDERIX Hotspot is being increased from approximately 51% to 62%. The acquisition of around EUR 1MM is partially paid in cash and Jonathan Sauppe has committed to roll his 11% stake in FREDERIX Hotspot into beaconsmind shares and will receive 75,000 further shares with an agreed lock up. In order to finance both acquisitions and provide for further growth capital beaconsmind has successfully completed an additional cash capital increase in the amount of CHF 1.4MM. As a result of the combined cash and capital increase in kind, the share capital of beaconsmind AG rises from CHF 364,932.60 to now CHF 394,932.60. The cash capital increase was fully subscribed by Crown Fund S.C.A. SICAV-RAIF (Crown), an institutional umbrella fund for public, private, and real estate investments, which holds around 47% of total shares post the capital increase. An important part of the beaconsmind Group's growth strategy will continue to be value-enhancing acquisitions to expand the product portfolio and strengthen the market position. Advanced talks on this are already being held.



End of Inside Information

Information and Explanation of the Issuer to this announcement:



Explanatory part Jonathan Sauppe, new CEO of beaconsmind: "I would like to express gratitude towards Max Weiland for his tireless efforts and I am honoured to lead this talented team of professionals. I look forward to building upon the foundation laid by Max Weiland and working closely with the entire beaconsmind group team to drive innovation, deliver exceptional value to our customers, and achieve new milestones." Michael Ambros, Deputy CEO of beaconsmind, Founder and CEO of eKomi: "The entire team at beaconsmind group is excited about this new chapter and is committed to supporting Jonathan Sauppe during the transition period. With a strong foundation and talented workforce, beaconsmind group is poised for continued growth, innovation, and delivering outstanding results to its customers. Moving forward, we have plans to explore further accretive acquisition opportunities, as well as delve deeper into the value chain. More detailed plans will be disclosed in due course." About beaconsmind Group Founded in 2015 in Switzerland, beaconsmind AG is a pioneer in the field of location-based marketing (LBM) software for retail chains. By fitting stores with Bluetooth beacons that precisely locate and identify customers, and by integRating its Software Suite, beaconsmind opens a brand-new channel for retailers to interact with their customers. Thanks to its solution, retailers can converge digital and physical shopping and address the convenience gaps of each. The shares of the company (ISIN: CH0451123589  Ticker: MLBMD) are listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange with XETRA trading and on Euronext in Paris. For more information, please visit www.beaconsmind.com Contact Company

beaconsmind AG, Stafa (Switzerland)

Jonathan Sauppe, CEO

jonathansauppe@beaconsmind.com

Tel.: +41 44 3807373

Contact for Business and Finance Press

edicto GmbH, Frankfurt (Germany)

Axel Muhlhaus/Doron Kaufmann

beaconsmind@edicto.de

Tel.: +49 69 905 505-53 28-Jul-2023 CET/CEST The EQS Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases.

Archive at www.eqs-news.com


STMicroelectronics (NYSE:STM  Get Free Report) issued its earnings results on Thursday. The semiconductor producer reported $1.06 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.10 by ($0.04), Briefing.com reports. The business had revenue of $4.33 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.37 billion. STMicroelectronics had a net margin of 25.30% and a return on equity of 35.62%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 12.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the business posted $0.92 EPS. STMicroelectronics updated its Q3 2023 guidance to EPS.

STMicroelectronics Stock Performance

STM stock traded up $2.71 during midday trading on Thursday, reaching $54.26. 5,354,861 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 3,577,029. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $47.72 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $47.21. The firm has a market capitalization of $49.28 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.22, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.43 and a beta of 1.59. STMicroelectronics has a one year low of $29.09 and a one year high of $55.85. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.18, a current ratio of 2.58 and a quick ratio of 1.87.

Get STMicroelectronics alerts:

Institutional Investors Weigh In On STMicroelectronics

A number of institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of STM. Renaissance Technologies LLC raised its stake in STMicroelectronics by 448.6% in the first quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC now owns 2,214,361 shares of the semiconductor producers stock valued at $118,169,000 after purchasing an additional 1,810,709 shares in the last quarter. Bank of America Corp DE raised its stake in STMicroelectronics by 92.5% during the first quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 1,830,732 shares of the semiconductor producers stock worth $97,926,000 after acquiring an additional 879,856 shares in the last quarter. Balyasny Asset Management L.P. bought a new stake in shares of STMicroelectronics during the first quarter worth about $46,169,000. Two Sigma Investments LP grew its holdings in shares of STMicroelectronics by 140.3% during the first quarter. Two Sigma Investments LP now owns 821,137 shares of the semiconductor producers stock worth $43,923,000 after purchasing an additional 479,365 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Schonfeld Strategic Advisors LLC grew its holdings in shares of STMicroelectronics by 396.9% during the first quarter. Schonfeld Strategic Advisors LLC now owns 518,284 shares of the semiconductor producers stock worth $27,723,000 after purchasing an additional 413,984 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 6.62% of the companys stock.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

STMicroelectronics Company Profile

Several analysts have commented on the stock. Susquehanna dropped their target price on shares of STMicroelectronics from 55.00 to 54.00 in a report on Sunday, May 7th. Jefferies Financial Group upgraded shares of STMicroelectronics from an underperform rating to a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, July 12th. Finally, StockNews.com upgraded shares of STMicroelectronics from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Friday, May 12th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have assigned a hold rating, eight have issued a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $54.22.

(Get Free Report)

STMicroelectronics N.V., together with its subsidiaries, designs, develops, manufactures, and sells semiconductor products in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Americas, and the Asia Pacific. The company operates through Automotive and Discrete Group; Analog, MEMS and Sensors Group; and Microcontrollers and Digital ICs Group segments.

Featured Stories

Receive News & Ratings for STMicroelectronics Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for STMicroelectronics and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Digital Realty Trust (NYSE:DLR  Free Report) had its price objective lowered by Truist Financial from $175.00 to $130.00 in a report published on Tuesday morning, Marketbeat reports. The brokerage currently has a buy rating on the real estate investment trusts stock.

DLR has been the topic of a number of other research reports. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Digital Realty Trust in a research note on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a sell rating on the stock. 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 on the stock in a research note on Friday, April 21st. BMO Capital Markets cut 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. 22nd Century Group restated a reiterates rating on shares of Digital Realty Trust in a report on Tuesday, May 30th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada reiterated an outperform rating and set a $125.00 price target on shares of Digital Realty Trust in a report on Monday. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, five have given a hold rating, four have given a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $114.62.

Get Digital Realty Trust alerts:

Digital Realty Trust Stock Performance

Shares of Digital Realty Trust stock traded down $3.49 during midday trading on Tuesday, hitting $115.15. The company had a trading volume of 3,386,389 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,654,647. Digital Realty Trust has a 12-month low of $85.76 and a 12-month high of $138.09. The company has a quick ratio of 0.62, a current ratio of 0.62 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.05. The stock has a market cap of $34.23 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 103.74, a PEG ratio of 2.87 and a beta of 0.55. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $108.39 and a 200 day simple moving average of $104.22.

Digital Realty Trust Dividend Announcement

Digital Realty Trust ( NYSE:DLR Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data 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 firm had revenue of $1.34 billion for 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%. Digital Realty Trusts revenue for the quarter was up 18.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $1.67 EPS. As a group, analysts predict that Digital Realty Trust will post 6.67 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, May 30th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, June 15th were paid a $1.22 dividend. This represents a $4.88 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.24%. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, June 14th. Digital Realty Trusts dividend payout ratio is currently 439.64%.

Insider Activity

In related news, Director Jean F. H. P. Mandeville sold 1,500 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, May 15th. The stock was 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 of the companys stock, valued at approximately $991,854.72. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In other news, Director Jean F. H. P. Mandeville sold 1,500 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, May 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $97.47, for a total value of $146,205.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly owns 10,176 shares in the company, valued at approximately $991,854.72. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, CAO Peter C. Olson sold 700 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, June 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $105.67, for a total value of $73,969.00. Following the transaction, the chief accounting officer now owns 7,134 shares of the companys stock, valued at $753,849.78. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Corporate insiders own 0.39% of the companys stock.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Digital Realty Trust

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. BlackRock Inc. raised its position in Digital Realty Trust by 0.7% during the first quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 27,569,868 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $2,710,394,000 after buying an additional 185,845 shares during the period. State Street Corp boosted its stake in Digital Realty Trust by 0.5% during the 1st quarter. State Street Corp now owns 20,131,762 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $1,979,148,000 after purchasing an additional 96,038 shares during the period. APG Asset Management US Inc. boosted its stake in Digital Realty Trust by 0.3% during the 1st quarter. APG Asset Management US Inc. now owns 10,020,960 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $985,161,000 after purchasing an additional 26,148 shares during the period. Principal Financial Group Inc. boosted its stake in Digital Realty Trust by 2.5% during the 1st quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. now owns 7,170,504 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $704,925,000 after purchasing an additional 176,565 shares during the period. Finally, Daiwa Securities Group Inc. lifted its position in shares of Digital Realty Trust by 13.3% in the 1st quarter. Daiwa Securities Group Inc. now owns 6,100,440 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $599,734,000 after acquiring an additional 715,291 shares during the period. 97.76% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Digital Realty Trust Company Profile

(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.

Recommended Stories

Receive News & Ratings for Digital Realty Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Digital Realty Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
AGF Management Ltd. bought a new stake in Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE:LVS  Free Report) during the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor bought 3,053,646 shares of the casino operators stock, valued at approximately $175,432,000. Las Vegas Sands makes up 1.2% of AGF Management Ltd.s investment portfolio, making the stock its 15th biggest position. AGF Management Ltd. owned approximately 0.40% of Las Vegas Sands as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

A number of other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the stock. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. grew its position in Las Vegas Sands by 13.9% in the 1st quarter. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. now owns 46,767 shares of the casino operators stock worth $1,818,000 after purchasing an additional 5,716 shares during the last quarter. American Century Companies Inc. lifted its stake in Las Vegas Sands by 17.1% during the first quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 13,612 shares of the casino operators stock valued at $529,000 after purchasing an additional 1,985 shares during the last quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. lifted its stake in Las Vegas Sands by 6.9% during the first quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. now owns 33,282 shares of the casino operators stock valued at $1,294,000 after purchasing an additional 2,145 shares during the last quarter. Cetera Advisor Networks LLC lifted its stake in Las Vegas Sands by 26.7% during the first quarter. Cetera Advisor Networks LLC now owns 13,502 shares of the casino operators stock valued at $525,000 after purchasing an additional 2,848 shares during the last quarter. Finally, PNC Financial Services Group Inc. lifted its stake in Las Vegas Sands by 47.6% during the first quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 27,000 shares of the casino operators stock valued at $1,050,000 after purchasing an additional 8,711 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 39.66% of the companys stock.

Get Las Vegas Sands alerts:

Analysts Set New Price Targets

LVS has been the subject of several recent research reports. Argus cut their target price on shares of Las Vegas Sands from $72.00 to $68.00 in a research note on Friday, July 21st. Roth Mkm upped their price target on shares of Las Vegas Sands from $74.00 to $75.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, April 20th. StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of Las Vegas Sands in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a hold rating for the company. Credit Suisse Group upped their price target on shares of Las Vegas Sands from $62.00 to $67.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, April 20th. Finally, Morgan Stanley dropped their price objective on shares of Las Vegas Sands from $71.00 to $70.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, July 20th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $70.81.

Las Vegas Sands Stock Performance

Las Vegas Sands stock traded up $0.66 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $58.99. The company had a trading volume of 1,456,371 shares, compared to its average volume of 4,668,753. The company has a 50 day moving average of $57.87 and a 200-day moving average of $57.77. The firm has a market cap of $45.09 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 833.36, a PEG ratio of 6.31 and a beta of 1.15. Las Vegas Sands Corp. has a 52 week low of $33.38 and a 52 week high of $65.58. The company has a quick ratio of 1.78, a current ratio of 2.76 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.57.

Las Vegas Sands (NYSE:LVS  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, July 19th. The casino operator reported $0.46 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.44 by $0.02. The company had revenue of $2.54 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.41 billion. Las Vegas Sands had a net margin of 0.75% and a return on equity of 5.73%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 143.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the firm earned ($0.34) EPS. On average, sell-side analysts expect that Las Vegas Sands Corp. will post 1.86 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Las Vegas Sands Cuts Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, August 16th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, August 8th will be given a $0.20 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, August 7th. This represents a $0.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.36%.

About Las Vegas Sands

(Free Report)

Las Vegas Sands Corp., together with its subsidiaries, develops, owns, and operates integrated resorts in Macao and Singapore. It owns and operates The Venetian Macao Resort Hotel, the Londoner Macao, The Parisian Macao, The Plaza Macao and Four Seasons Hotel Macao, Cotai Strip, and the Sands Macao in Macao, the People's Republic of China; and Marina Bay Sands in Singapore.

Read More

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding LVS? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE:LVS  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Las Vegas Sands Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Las Vegas Sands and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions Inc. (OTCMKTS:AITX  Get Free Report) was the target of a large growth in short interest in the month of July. As of July 15th, there was short interest totalling 479,300 shares, a growth of 454.1% from the June 30th total of 86,500 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 78,868,600 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.0 days.

Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions Stock Performance

AITX opened at $0.01 on Friday. Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions has a one year low of $0.01 and a one year high of $0.02. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $0.01 and a 200-day moving average price of $0.01.

Get Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions alerts:

About Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions

(Get Free Report)

Featured Articles

Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions Inc focuses on the delivery of artificial intelligence and robotic solutions for operational, security, and monitoring needs. It develops front-end and back-end software solutions. The company also provides RIO, a solar-powered trailer; ROSA-P; RADDOG; ROSS, a video management system;and ROAMEO, an unmanned ground vehicle.

Receive News & Ratings for Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Bahl & Gaynor Inc. boosted its stake in shares of The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TRV  Free Report) by 17,864.0% in the 1st quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 698,799 shares of the insurance providers stock after acquiring an additional 694,909 shares during the quarter. Bahl & Gaynor Inc.s holdings in Travelers Companies were worth $119,781,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Several other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in TRV. FWL Investment Management LLC purchased a new stake in Travelers Companies during the 4th quarter valued at $28,000. US Asset Management LLC purchased a new stake in Travelers Companies in the 4th quarter worth approximately $29,000. FNY Investment Advisers LLC purchased a new stake in Travelers Companies in the 1st quarter worth approximately $31,000. Capital Advisors Ltd. LLC lifted its holdings in Travelers Companies by 203.3% in the 4th quarter. Capital Advisors Ltd. LLC now owns 364 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $32,000 after buying an additional 244 shares during the period. Finally, Glass Jacobson Investment Advisors llc purchased a new stake in Travelers Companies in the 4th quarter worth approximately $38,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 81.06% of the companys stock.

Get Travelers Companies alerts:

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several equities research analysts have recently commented on TRV shares. Jefferies Financial Group dropped their target price on shares of Travelers Companies from $183.00 to $180.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday. Morgan Stanley restated an equal weight rating and issued a $185.00 target price on shares of Travelers Companies in a research note on Friday, July 21st. Roth Capital reissued a buy rating on shares of Travelers Companies in a research report on Friday, April 21st. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price target on shares of Travelers Companies from $183.00 to $185.00 in a research report on Thursday, July 20th. Finally, StockNews.com cut shares of Travelers Companies from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Monday, June 19th. Eight research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, five have issued a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Travelers Companies has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $196.08.

Travelers Companies Price Performance

Shares of TRV stock traded down $1.61 on Friday, reaching $173.26. The companys stock had a trading volume of 1,352,879 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,394,169. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $173.50 and its 200-day simple moving average is $177.88. The Travelers Companies, Inc. has a 1 year low of $149.65 and a 1 year high of $194.51. The company has a current ratio of 0.33, a quick ratio of 0.33 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.37. The company has a market capitalization of $39.67 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.56, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.44 and a beta of 0.60.

Travelers Companies (NYSE:TRV  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, July 20th. The insurance provider reported $0.06 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $2.05 by ($1.99). The company had revenue of $10.10 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $9.97 billion. Travelers Companies had a return on equity of 10.75% and a net margin of 5.77%. The companys revenue was up 10.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted $2.57 EPS. Analysts forecast that The Travelers Companies, Inc. will post 12.16 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Travelers Companies Announces Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 29th. Stockholders of record on Friday, September 8th will be issued a $1.00 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, September 7th. This represents a $4.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.31%. Travelers Companiess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 42.60%.

Travelers Companies announced that its board has initiated a stock repurchase plan on Wednesday, April 19th that authorizes the company to repurchase $5.00 billion in shares. This repurchase authorization authorizes the insurance provider to repurchase up to 12.2% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares repurchase plans are often an indication that the companys board of directors believes its shares are undervalued.

Insider Buying and Selling

In other Travelers Companies news, EVP Michael Frederick Klein sold 10,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, July 24th. The shares were sold at an average price of $175.05, for a total value of $1,750,500.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 14,080 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,464,704. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. 1.29% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Travelers Companies Company Profile

(Free Report)

The Travelers Companies, Inc, through its subsidiaries, provides a range of commercial and personal property, and casualty insurance products and services to businesses, government units, associations, and individuals in the United States and internationally. It operates through three segments: Business Insurance, Bond & Specialty Insurance, and Personal Insurance.

See Also

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TRV? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TRV  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Travelers Companies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Travelers Companies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE:CMG  Free Report) had its target price lowered by Wells Fargo & Company from $2,400.00 to $2,200.00 in a report published on Thursday, FlyOnTheWall reports.

Other analysts have also recently issued research reports about the stock. Loop Capital lifted their price target on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill from $1,700.00 to $1,850.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, April 26th. Robert W. Baird upped their price target on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill from $2,200.00 to $2,400.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Friday, July 21st. Citigroup upped their price target on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill from $2,240.00 to $2,454.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Friday, July 14th. BTIG Research lifted their price objective on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill from $1,825.00 to $2,175.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, April 26th. Finally, UBS Group lifted their price objective on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill from $2,050.00 to $2,250.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, April 26th. Eight investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twenty have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $2,139.72.

Get Chipotle Mexican Grill alerts:

Chipotle Mexican Grill Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE:CMG traded up $29.54 during trading hours on Thursday, hitting $1,912.52. The stock had a trading volume of 686,443 shares, compared to its average volume of 297,166. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $2,072.50 and its 200 day simple moving average is $1,826.95. Chipotle Mexican Grill has a 1-year low of $1,344.05 and a 1-year high of $2,175.01. The firm has a market capitalization of $52.77 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 47.03, a PEG ratio of 1.48 and a beta of 1.31.

Insider Buying and Selling at Chipotle Mexican Grill

Chipotle Mexican Grill ( NYSE:CMG Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, July 26th. The restaurant operator reported $12.65 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $12.25 by $0.40. The company had revenue of $2.51 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.53 billion. Chipotle Mexican Grill had a net margin of 12.00% and a return on equity of 47.64%. The businesss revenue was up 13.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $9.30 EPS. As a group, research analysts anticipate that Chipotle Mexican Grill will post 44.35 EPS for the current year.

In other Chipotle Mexican Grill news, CEO Brian R. Niccol sold 1,086 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, July 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $2,138.00, for a total transaction of $2,321,868.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 23,347 shares in the company, valued at approximately $49,915,886. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. In other news, CEO Brian R. Niccol sold 1,086 shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill stock in a transaction dated Monday, July 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $2,138.00, for a total value of $2,321,868.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 23,347 shares of the companys stock, valued at $49,915,886. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, Director Robin S. Hickenlooper sold 105 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, May 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of $2,073.08, for a total value of $217,673.40. Following the transaction, the director now owns 853 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,768,337.24. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 9,528 shares of company stock valued at $19,738,136 in the last 90 days. Insiders own 0.96% of the companys stock.

Institutional Trading of Chipotle Mexican Grill

Several institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in CMG. Versant Capital Management Inc acquired a new stake in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill in the first quarter valued at approximately $26,000. Elequin Securities LLC bought a new stake in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill during the 4th quarter valued at about $28,000. Heritage Wealth Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill by 100.0% in the 4th quarter. Heritage Wealth Management LLC now owns 20 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $28,000 after acquiring an additional 10 shares during the period. Addison Advisors LLC raised its holdings in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill by 350.0% during the first quarter. Addison Advisors LLC now owns 18 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $31,000 after acquiring an additional 14 shares during the period. Finally, Benjamin Edwards Inc. increased its stake in Chipotle Mexican Grill by 90.0% in the 1st quarter. Benjamin Edwards Inc. now owns 19 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $32,000 after buying an additional 9 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 91.91% of the companys stock.

Chipotle Mexican Grill Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, owns and operates Chipotle Mexican Grill restaurants. It offers burritos, burrito bowls, quesadillas, tacos, and salads. The company was founded in 1993 and is headquartered in Newport Beach, California.

See Also

Receive News & Ratings for Chipotle Mexican Grill Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Chipotle Mexican Grill and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Travelers Companies (NYSE:TRV  Free Report) had its price objective upped by Citigroup from $188.00 to $191.00 in a research note issued to investors on Monday morning, Marketbeat.com reports. The firm currently has a neutral rating on the insurance providers stock.

Other equities research analysts have also issued research reports about the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their target price on Travelers Companies from $185.00 to $194.00 in a research note on Thursday, July 6th. Jefferies Financial Group dropped their target price on Travelers Companies from $188.00 to $182.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a report on Monday, April 10th. Wells Fargo & Company increased their target price on Travelers Companies from $183.00 to $185.00 in a report on Thursday, July 20th. Morgan Stanley restated an equal weight rating and set a $185.00 target price on shares of Travelers Companies in a report on Friday, July 21st. Finally, Roth Capital reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of Travelers Companies in a research report on Friday, April 21st. Eight investment 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 company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $196.08.

Get Travelers Companies alerts:

Travelers Companies Stock Performance

NYSE TRV opened at $174.89 on Monday. 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 stock has a market capitalization of $40.04 billion, a PE ratio of 18.62, a P/E/G ratio of 1.40 and a beta of 0.60. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $173.50 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $177.88.

Travelers Companies ( NYSE:TRV Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, July 20th. The insurance provider reported $0.06 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $2.05 by ($1.99). The company had revenue of $10.10 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $9.97 billion. Travelers Companies had a net margin of 5.77% and a return on equity of 10.75%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 10.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $2.57 EPS. Analysts predict that Travelers Companies will post 12.36 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Travelers Companies announced that its Board of Directors has approved a stock repurchase plan on Wednesday, April 19th that allows the company to buyback $5.00 billion in outstanding shares. This buyback authorization allows the insurance provider to repurchase up to 12.2% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock buyback plans are often an indication that the companys management believes its stock is undervalued.

Travelers Companies Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 29th. Shareholders of record on Friday, September 8th will be paid a dividend of $1.00 per share. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, September 7th. This represents a $4.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.29%. Travelers Companiess dividend payout ratio is 42.60%.

Insider Buying and Selling at Travelers Companies

In other news, EVP Michael Frederick Klein sold 10,246 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, May 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $182.85, for a total value of $1,873,481.10. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 14,080 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,574,528. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Company insiders own 1.29% of the companys stock.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Travelers Companies

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Folger Nolan Fleming Douglas Capital Management Inc. grew its holdings in Travelers Companies by 2.9% during the 2nd quarter. Folger Nolan Fleming Douglas Capital Management Inc. now owns 4,054 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $704,000 after buying an additional 115 shares in the last quarter. Empire Financial Management Company LLC grew its holdings in Travelers Companies by 0.7% during the 2nd quarter. Empire Financial Management Company LLC now owns 14,857 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $2,580,000 after buying an additional 110 shares in the last quarter. B. Riley Wealth Advisors Inc. boosted its position in shares of Travelers Companies by 1.4% during the 2nd quarter. B. Riley Wealth Advisors Inc. now owns 12,372 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $2,149,000 after acquiring an additional 166 shares during the last quarter. Wright Investors Service Inc. bought a new position in shares of Travelers Companies during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $384,000. Finally, EA Series Trust bought a new position in shares of Travelers Companies during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $1,211,000. 81.06% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About Travelers Companies

(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.

See Also

Receive News & Ratings for Travelers Companies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Travelers Companies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Compania de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A. (NYSE:BVN  Get Free Report) released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday. The mining company reported ($0.03) EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.11 by ($0.14), MarketWatch Earnings reports. Compania de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A. had a net margin of 9.29% and a return on equity of 2.31%. The business had revenue of $173.25 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $187.33 million. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned ($0.16) EPS.

Compania de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A. Stock Up 0.7 %

Shares of Compania de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A. stock traded up $0.05 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $7.54. The company had a trading volume of 2,765,227 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,457,425. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.22, a quick ratio of 1.45 and a current ratio of 1.72. The company has a 50 day moving average of $7.32 and a 200 day moving average of $7.66. Compania de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A. has a 52-week low of $5.09 and a 52-week high of $8.73.

Get Compania de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A. alerts:

Institutional Trading of Compania de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A.

Several institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Ameriprise Financial Inc. boosted its stake in Compania de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A. by 8.7% during the 1st quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 26,556 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $217,000 after purchasing an additional 2,133 shares during the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted its stake in Compania de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A. by 1,390.0% during the 1st quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 991,322 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $8,109,000 after purchasing an additional 924,791 shares during the last quarter. Jane Street Group LLC boosted its stake in Compania de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A. by 28.4% during the 1st quarter. Jane Street Group LLC now owns 340,490 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $2,785,000 after purchasing an additional 75,382 shares during the last quarter. State Street Corp boosted its stake in Compania de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A. by 2.3% during the 1st quarter. State Street Corp now owns 3,774,548 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $30,876,000 after purchasing an additional 83,411 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Squarepoint Ops LLC purchased a new stake in Compania de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A. during the 1st quarter valued at $1,382,000.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

About Compania de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A.

A number of research analysts have weighed in on BVN shares. Morgan Stanley reduced their target price on Compania de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A. from $9.30 to $8.60 in a report on Wednesday, June 21st. StockNews.com upgraded Compania de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A. from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, June 30th.

(Get Free Report)

Compania de Minas Buenaventura SAA. engages in the exploration, mining, concentration, smelting, and marketing of polymetallic ores and metals in Peru, the United States, Asia, and Europe. The company explores for gold, silver, lead, zinc, and copper metals. It operates operating mining units, including Tambomayo located in the Caylloma province, Orcopampa Unit located in the province of Castilla, Uchucchacua located in province of Oyon, Julcani located in province of Angaraes, Peru, as well as San Gabrie located in the province of General Sanchez Cerro, in the Moquegua region.

Read More

Receive News & Ratings for Compania de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A. Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Compania de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A. and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Cordatus Wealth Management LLC decreased its position in shares of iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF (BATS:USMV  Free Report) by 2.4% during the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 50,073 shares of the companys stock after selling 1,246 shares during the period. iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF accounts for about 4.6% of Cordatus Wealth Management LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 2nd largest position. Cordatus Wealth Management LLCs holdings in iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF were worth $3,642,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in USMV. Bank of Montreal Can grew its holdings in 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 buying an additional 594 shares in the last quarter. Blair William & Co. IL grew its holdings in 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 valued at $7,417,000 after buying an additional 1,612 shares in the last quarter. AJ Wealth Strategies LLC grew its holdings in iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF by 4.4% during the 1st quarter. AJ Wealth Strategies LLC now owns 1,348,690 shares of the companys stock valued at $104,618,000 after buying an additional 57,434 shares in the last quarter. Founders Financial Securities LLC grew its holdings in iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF by 27.0% during the 1st quarter. Founders Financial Securities LLC now owns 88,779 shares of the companys stock valued at $6,887,000 after buying an additional 18,853 shares in the last quarter. Finally, West Michigan Advisors LLC grew its holdings in iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF by 6.1% during the 1st quarter. West Michigan Advisors LLC now owns 12,575 shares of the companys stock valued at $975,000 after buying an additional 719 shares in the last quarter.

Get iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF alerts:

iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF Stock Up 0.2 %

USMV traded up $0.14 during trading on Friday, reaching $75.40. The company had a trading volume of 2,154,729 shares. The stock has a market cap of $30.05 billion, a P/E ratio of 20.17 and a beta of 0.75. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $73.44 and a 200-day simple moving average of $72.78. iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF has a 52 week low of $47.44 and a 52 week high of $55.45.

iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF Company Profile

The iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF (USMV) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI USA Minimum Volatility (USD) index. The fund tracks an index of US-listed firms selected and weighted to create a low-volatility portfolio subject to various constraints. USMV was launched on Oct 18, 2011 and is managed by BlackRock.

See Also

Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
The growing use of small, armed USVs as cheap cruise missiles created the need for equally inexpensive systems to deal with this threat. One Israeli firm responded with the Hopper RCWS (Remote Controlled Weapons Station) and MHR (Multi-Mission Hemispheric Radar). Both these systems are already available separately, but putting them together as an AUD (Anti UAV Defense) was a novel approach to a growing problem. Hopper RCWS uses a 5.56 or 7.62 machine-gun to fire on targets detected and tracked by the MHR. Recent tests showed the system to be quite effective against small low altitude and relatively slow UAVs capable of carrying explosives.

Ukraine recently received a novel new AUD system called Vampire. This system is palletized, with all components secured on a shipping pallet that can be mounted on a light truck. Vampire consists of a telescoping mast mounting an electro-optical/infrared modular sensor ball and laser designator, a generator for power and Fletcher launcher that carries four APKWS 70mm laser guided rockets. These weigh only 15 kg (32 pounds) each and have a range of about a thousand meters when fired from the ground. Vampire can be used to detect and fire APKWS laser guided rockets at air and even ground targets. Any UAV, cruise missile or helicopter within range is vulnerable. Vampire is designed to be reconfigured, which is the kind of system Ukrainians prefer. The Fletcher launcher is designed to use the new, longer range APKWS rockets that gain additional range by having a larger rocket motor which makes the APKWS longer. Ukrainians are expected to modify Vampire to better suit their needs or simply to obtain longer range while carrying more rockets ready to fire.

Ukraine has also received many man-portable (size and weight of a large rifle) AUDs that use electronic jamming. Ukraine has been using DroneGun for over a year. KVS G-6, a more recent example of this type of AUD, recently appeared in Ukraine and was developed and manufactured in Ukraine. The Ukraine War has created a market for AUDs and manufacturers have responded.

Israel has long been the leader in combat proven AUD systems. One example is Skylock, which proved itself against Iranian UAVs used during the early 2021 Hamas/Israel ten-day war with Israel. This brief conflict provided ample opportunities to test new Israeli AUD systems. Israel is a leader in the development of AUDs, mainly because it faces attacks from the widest variety of UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) types, and the most attacks using UAVs.

In preparation for a large-scale use of different type UAVs against Israel from Iran backed Hamas in the south or Hezbollah (Lebanon) and Iran (Syria), Israel had developed numerous ways to detect and destroy or disable hostile UAVs. During this 2021 ten-day war Israel detected and defeated six Hamas UAV attacks. There may have been other Hamas UAVs launched that never got near the border because of UAV malfunctions or operator error. The six UAVs that were a threat were all detected and taken down via missiles, usually from Iron Dome but one was by an air-to-air missile, and at least one UAV was disabled using a technology that Israel would not discuss. This was probably one of the electronic AUD systems, which Israeli tech companies have developed over the last few years.

One of the new (to large-scale combat) Israeli systems receives data from multiple sensors (radars or electronic detection systems) and, in real time, creates a single database/map display of all enemy systems detected. One feature of this systems software is an accurate estimate of where UAVs were launched from. This provides an opportunity to attack the UAV operator or launch site. This system caused more losses to Hamas rocket launching teams, who thought the Israelis were just getting lucky. Hamas soon realized that luck had nothing to do with it. Israel has often sought to come up with defenses against new enemy weapons or tactics with a multi-system solution. Nowhere has this been more evident than when it comes to the growing threat from armed UAVs.

For over a decade, many if not most new AUD systems have come from Israel. Many specialize in the use of multiple sensors and systems to detect and disable UAVs. The best and most recent example of this is Skylock, an AUD system using multiple sensors and EW (Electronic Warfare) equipment, plus a short-range laser, to detect, identify and jam or take over unidentified UAVs trying to enter military bases, airports, or industrial facilities. Skylock uses a combination of radar, electro-optical (visual) and electronic signal monitoring sensors capable of detecting the smallest UAVs, especially quad-copters, approaching a restricted area. Another Israeli approach is to use an interceptor UAV that can drop a net on a UAV but the preferred method is to jam the UAV control signals or, if possible, seize control and land it.

A growing number of AUDs are built to deal with any small UAV. One of the more effective, and expensive of these AUDs is the Israeli Drone Dome system. These cost $3.4 million each and consist of a 360-degree radar system, an electro-optical day/night surveillance unit and a wideband (most frequencies drones use) detector. With all this Drone Dome can reliably detect any small quadcopter or fixed-wing UAV within 3,500 meters. Most quadcopters and UAVs encountered are larger and can be detected out to ten kilometers. Once spotted, Drone Dome can use a focused jamming signal that will disrupt any radio control signals and force the drone to crash or operate erratically. Drone Dome has an optional laser gun that can be aimed by Drone Dome to destroy the drone at ranges up to 2,000 meters. In a combat zone, you can also employ machine-guns to bring down the drone. Many buyers do not purchase the laser option and depend on Drone Dome being able to reliably detect all manner of small quadcopters from several manufacturers.

What made Skylock and Drone Dome different was their heavy use of electronic sensors to detect and jam the control signals used by UAVs, leaving the laser as a last resort. Several such AUD systems are already in service and effective because they are good at detecting UAVs electronically, and either jamming those control signals or taking over the control signals and capturing (by making it land) the UAV. American troops in Iraq and Syria were asking for AUD systems that use lasers, plus better UAV detection systems as well those with jammers to disable UAVs. There is also a need for AUDs that can detect and destroy UAVs that do not use control signals and basically go on pre-programmed missions. This can be to take photos or deliver a small explosive. Usually, it is to take photos and return. Drone Dome is one of several AUD systems equipped to detect and locate UAVs operating in pre-programmed mode and destroy or disable them quietly with a vehicle-mounted laser.

AUDs like Drone Dome also use one or more radar systems and one or more sensor systems for detecting UAV control signals or visual images that pattern recognition software can quickly identify. While commercial UAVs are more common, the basic design principles have not changed. AUDs are constantly evolving to better detect and disable or destroy unwanted UAVs. The best ones are recent models that tend to be very expensive and used only for extreme situations, like UAV defense in combat zones. Airports, especially the larger ones, are going to have to join the military in buying the latest AUDs, which at least lowers the AUD price and inspires even faster innovation and development.
Crane (NYSE:CR  Free Report) had its price target raised by DA Davidson from $92.00 to $107.00 in a research note released on Thursday, FlyOnTheWall reports. DA Davidson also issued estimates for Cranes Q3 2023 earnings at $0.87 EPS, FY2023 earnings at $4.05 EPS and FY2024 earnings at $4.40 EPS.

A number of other equities research analysts have also weighed in on CR. Stifel Nicolaus boosted their target price on shares of Crane from $87.00 to $101.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, July 19th. UBS Group reduced their target price on shares of Crane from $120.00 to $82.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, April 5th. Finally, StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of Crane in a research note on Tuesday, June 6th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Crane has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $104.75.

Get Crane alerts:

Crane Price Performance

Shares of Crane stock traded up $0.68 during midday trading on Thursday, hitting $94.22. 214,884 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 412,326. The stock has a market cap of $5.35 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.39, a PEG ratio of 1.93 and a beta of 1.49. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.29, a quick ratio of 0.88 and a current ratio of 1.18. The firms fifty day moving average price is $83.43 and its 200-day moving average price is $94.89. Crane has a 12 month low of $67.28 and a 12 month high of $95.21.

Crane Announces Dividend

Crane ( NYSE:CR Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, July 25th. The conglomerate reported $1.10 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.91 by $0.19. Crane had a net margin of 13.10% and a return on equity of 24.45%. The firm had revenue of $509.60 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $524.65 million. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $1.90 EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 3.9% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that Crane will post 7.87 earnings per share for the current year.

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, September 13th. Investors of record on Thursday, August 31st will be given a dividend of $0.18 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, August 30th. This represents a $0.72 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.76%. Cranes payout ratio is presently 9.54%.

Insider Activity at Crane

In related news, CEO Max H. Mitchell sold 37,495 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction 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 owns 322,628 shares in the company, valued at approximately $24,674,589.44. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. 2.40% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Institutional Trading of Crane

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Fort Washington Investment Advisors Inc. OH raised its holdings in shares of Crane by 312.3% in the second quarter. Fort Washington Investment Advisors Inc. OH now owns 464,224 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $32,571,000 after purchasing an additional 351,617 shares during the last quarter. Shell Asset Management Co. raised its holdings in shares of Crane by 119.6% in the second quarter. Shell Asset Management Co. now owns 21,295 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $1,343,000 after purchasing an additional 11,597 shares during the last quarter. Linden Thomas Advisory Services LLC raised its holdings in shares of Crane by 125.1% in the second quarter. Linden Thomas Advisory Services LLC now owns 11,282 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $803,000 after purchasing an additional 6,270 shares during the last quarter. Victory Capital Management Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Crane by 158.6% in the second quarter. Victory Capital Management Inc. now owns 2,066,021 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $145,108,000 after purchasing an additional 1,267,104 shares during the last quarter. Finally, WASHINGTON TRUST Co raised its holdings in shares of Crane by 97.1% in the second quarter. WASHINGTON TRUST Co now owns 818 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $59,000 after purchasing an additional 403 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 26.26% of the companys stock.

About Crane

(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.

Featured Articles

Receive News & Ratings for Crane Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Crane and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Edwards Lifesciences (NYSE:EW  Free Report) had its price objective increased by Piper Sandler from $83.00 to $88.00 in a research report report published on Thursday, FlyOnTheWall reports.

Several other research analysts also recently commented on the stock. Jefferies Financial Group lifted their price target on shares of Edwards Lifesciences from $103.00 to $107.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday. Truist Financial lifted their price target on shares of Edwards Lifesciences from $101.00 to $105.00 in a research note on Wednesday, July 19th. 58.com reissued a reiterates rating on shares of Edwards Lifesciences in a research note on Tuesday, June 27th. Citigroup lifted their price target on shares of Edwards Lifesciences from $101.00 to $110.00 in a research note on Monday, July 10th. Finally, Barclays raised their target price on shares of Edwards Lifesciences from $94.00 to $102.00 in a report on Friday, April 28th. One 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.com, Edwards Lifesciences currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $93.16.

Get Edwards Lifesciences alerts:

Edwards Lifesciences Price Performance

EW traded up $1.07 on Thursday, reaching $83.74. The company had a trading volume of 5,128,450 shares, compared to its average volume of 3,121,017. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $88.94 and a 200 day simple moving average of $84.11. The company has a market cap of $50.76 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 36.83, a P/E/G ratio of 5.21 and a beta of 1.03. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.10, a quick ratio of 2.17 and a current ratio of 3.01. Edwards Lifesciences has a 52-week low of $67.13 and a 52-week high of $107.18.

Insider Activity

Edwards Lifesciences ( NYSE:EW Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, July 26th. The medical research company reported $0.66 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.65 by $0.01. The business had revenue of $1.53 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.51 billion. Edwards Lifesciences had a net margin of 24.56% and a return on equity of 25.87%. Edwards Lifesciencess quarterly revenue was up 11.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the firm posted $0.63 earnings per share. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that Edwards Lifesciences will post 2.55 EPS for the current year.

In other news, VP Donald E. Bobo, Jr. sold 5,635 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, May 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $88.62, for a total transaction of $499,373.70. Following the sale, the vice president now owns 56,225 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,982,659.50. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. In other news, VP Donald E. Bobo, Jr. sold 5,635 shares of Edwards Lifesciences stock in a transaction dated Friday, May 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $88.62, for a total value of $499,373.70. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president now owns 56,225 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,982,659.50. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, insider Larry L. Wood sold 8,660 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, July 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $92.94, for a total value of $804,860.40. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 213,794 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $19,870,014.36. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last 90 days, insiders have sold 216,046 shares of company stock worth $19,145,434. Corporate insiders own 1.29% of the companys stock.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Edwards Lifesciences

Large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Edmond DE Rothschild Holding S.A. grew its stake in shares of Edwards Lifesciences by 11.9% during the 4th quarter. Edmond DE Rothschild Holding S.A. now owns 22,126 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $1,651,000 after purchasing an additional 2,353 shares during the period. Stonegate Investment Group LLC grew its stake in shares of Edwards Lifesciences by 22.3% during the 1st quarter. Stonegate Investment Group LLC now owns 13,118 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $1,085,000 after purchasing an additional 2,392 shares during the period. Vontobel Holding Ltd. grew its stake in shares of Edwards Lifesciences by 72.6% during the 1st quarter. Vontobel Holding Ltd. now owns 729,156 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $60,323,000 after purchasing an additional 306,664 shares during the period. Community Bank N.A. grew its stake in shares of Edwards Lifesciences by 2,285.7% during the 4th quarter. Community Bank N.A. now owns 1,002 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $75,000 after purchasing an additional 960 shares during the period. Finally, Korea Investment CORP grew its stake in shares of Edwards Lifesciences by 47.3% during the 4th quarter. Korea Investment CORP now owns 601,571 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $44,883,000 after purchasing an additional 193,111 shares during the period. 79.78% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

About Edwards Lifesciences

(Get 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.

Recommended Stories

Receive News & Ratings for Edwards Lifesciences Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Edwards Lifesciences and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
EMCOR Group (NYSE:EME  Get Free Report) announced its earnings results on Thursday. The construction company reported $2.95 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.37 by $0.58, Briefing.com reports. EMCOR Group had a net margin of 3.91% and a return on equity of 22.68%. The company had revenue of $3.05 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.01 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $1.99 earnings per share. EMCOR Groups quarterly revenue was up 12.7% on a year-over-year basis. EMCOR Group updated its FY23 guidance to $10.75-$11.25 EPS.

EMCOR Group Price Performance

Shares of EME stock traded up $11.26 on Friday, reaching $211.82. The company had a trading volume of 857,215 shares, compared to its average volume of 377,950. The stock has a market capitalization of $10.07 billion, a PE ratio of 22.53 and a beta of 1.10. The company has a quick ratio of 1.30, a current ratio of 1.34 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.16. EMCOR Group has a one year low of $112.85 and a one year high of $212.71. The businesss 50-day moving average is $179.08 and its 200 day moving average is $164.59.

Get EMCOR Group alerts:

EMCOR Group Announces Dividend

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, July 31st. Stockholders of record on Thursday, July 20th will be issued a $0.18 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, July 19th. This represents a $0.72 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.34%. EMCOR Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 7.91%.

Insider Transactions at EMCOR Group

Hedge Funds Weigh In On EMCOR Group

In other news, CEO Anthony Guzzi sold 11,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, July 27th. The stock was sold at an average price of $196.37, for a total value of $2,160,070.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 224,722 shares of the companys stock, valued at $44,128,659.14. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link . In other EMCOR Group news, CEO Anthony Guzzi sold 11,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, July 27th. The shares were sold at an average price of $196.37, for a total transaction of $2,160,070.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 224,722 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $44,128,659.14. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website . Also, EVP R Kevin Matz sold 13,462 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, May 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $165.46, for a total transaction of $2,227,422.52. Following the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 191,709 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $31,720,171.14. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . Over the last 90 days, insiders sold 35,462 shares of company stock valued at $6,423,718. 1.60% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Large investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. Zions Bancorporation N.A. bought a new position in shares of EMCOR Group in the 1st quarter worth $26,000. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust lifted its holdings in shares of EMCOR Group by 66.2% in the 1st quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust now owns 251 shares of the construction companys stock worth $28,000 after purchasing an additional 100 shares in the last quarter. Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. bought a new position in shares of EMCOR Group in the 1st quarter worth $35,000. Fortis Capital Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of EMCOR Group in the 4th quarter worth $124,000. Finally, Covestor Ltd lifted its holdings in shares of EMCOR Group by 92.0% in the 1st quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 912 shares of the construction companys stock worth $103,000 after purchasing an additional 437 shares in the last quarter. 96.67% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Separately, StockNews.com started coverage on shares of EMCOR Group in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. They set a strong-buy rating for the company.

EMCOR Group Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

EMCOR Group, Inc provides electrical and mechanical construction, and facilities services primarily in the United States and the United Kingdom. It offers design, integration, installation, start-up, operation, and maintenance services related to electrical power transmission, distribution, and generation systems; energy solutions; premises electrical and lighting systems; process instrumentation in the refining, chemical processing, and food processing industries; low-voltage systems, such as fire alarm, security, and process control systems; voice and data communications systems; roadway and transit lighting, signaling, and fiber optic lines; heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration, and geothermal solutions; clean-room process ventilation systems; fire protection and suppression systems; plumbing, process, and high-purity piping systems; controls and filtration systems; water and wastewater treatment systems; central plant heating and cooling systems; crane and rigging services; millwright services; and steel fabrication, erection, and welding services.

Further Reading

Receive News & Ratings for EMCOR Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for EMCOR Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
StockNews.com began coverage on shares of Everest Re Group (NYSE:RE  Free Report) in a research note issued to investors on Thursday morning. The brokerage issued a buy rating on the insurance providers stock.

RE has been the topic of a number of other research reports. Jefferies Financial Group lifted their target price on Everest Re Group from $455.00 to $468.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Monday, April 10th. Citigroup started coverage on Everest Re Group in a research note on Wednesday, June 21st. They issued a buy rating and a $406.00 price target for the company. Wells Fargo & Company raised their price target on Everest Re Group from $435.00 to $445.00 in a research note on Wednesday, May 3rd. Raymond James upgraded Everest Re Group from an outperform rating to a strong-buy rating and lifted their target price for the stock from $420.00 to $450.00 in a research note on Friday, July 7th. Finally, Morgan Stanley assumed coverage on Everest Re Group in a research note on Tuesday, June 20th. They set an overweight rating and a $429.00 target price for the company. One analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating, five have issued a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Buy and a consensus price target of $429.67.

Get Everest Re Group alerts:

Everest Re Group Stock Performance

Everest Re Group has a one year low of $244.57 and a one year high of $394.99. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $354.94 and a 200-day moving average of $358.38. The company has a quick ratio of 0.33, a current ratio of 0.33 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.34. The firm has a market capitalization of $13.80 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 20.84, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.28 and a beta of 0.60.

Everest Re Group Announces Dividend

Everest Re Group ( NYSE:RE Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Monday, May 1st. The insurance provider reported $11.31 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $12.48 by ($1.17). The business had revenue of $3.33 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.10 billion. Everest Re Group had a return on equity of 12.98% and a net margin of 5.34%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 18.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $10.31 EPS. Sell-side analysts predict that Everest Re Group will post 43.25 earnings per share for the current year.

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, June 16th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, May 31st were issued a $1.65 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, May 30th. This represents a $6.60 annualized dividend and a yield of . Everest Re Groups dividend payout ratio is presently 39.15%.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Everest Re Group

Institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. Ronald Blue Trust Inc. grew its position in shares of Everest Re Group by 57.6% in the 4th quarter. Ronald Blue Trust Inc. now owns 104 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $27,000 after buying an additional 38 shares during the last quarter. Clear Street Markets LLC grew its position in shares of Everest Re Group by 94.9% in the 1st quarter. Clear Street Markets LLC now owns 76 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $27,000 after buying an additional 37 shares during the last quarter. Spire Wealth Management bought a new stake in shares of Everest Re Group in the 4th quarter valued at about $29,000. Financial Management Professionals Inc. grew its position in shares of Everest Re Group by 1,171.4% in the 1st quarter. Financial Management Professionals Inc. now owns 89 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $32,000 after buying an additional 82 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Ellevest Inc. grew its position in shares of Everest Re Group by 73.6% in the 1st quarter. Ellevest Inc. now owns 92 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $33,000 after buying an additional 39 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 94.39% of the companys stock.

About Everest Re Group

(Get Free Report)

Everest Re Group, Ltd., through its subsidiaries, provides reinsurance and insurance products in the United States, Bermuda, and internationally. The company operates through Reinsurance Operations and Insurance Operations segments. The Reinsurance Operations segment writes property and casualty reinsurance; and specialty lines of business through reinsurance brokers, as well as directly with ceding companies in the United States, Bermuda, Ireland, Canada, Singapore, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

Featured Articles

Receive News & Ratings for Everest Re Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Everest Re Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
FirstPurpose Wealth LLC lifted its position in shares of General Dynamics Co. (NYSE:GD  Free Report) by 8.5% during the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 1,435 shares of the aerospace companys stock after buying an additional 112 shares during the period. FirstPurpose Wealth LLCs holdings in General Dynamics were worth $327,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in GD. Certified Advisory Corp bought a new stake in General Dynamics during the 1st quarter valued at $25,000. Pacifica Partners Inc. raised its holdings in General Dynamics by 833.3% in the 1st quarter. Pacifica Partners Inc. now owns 112 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $26,000 after purchasing an additional 100 shares in the last quarter. Live Oak Investment Partners bought a new position in General Dynamics in the 4th quarter worth $30,000. Princeton Global Asset Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of General Dynamics during the 1st quarter worth approximately $31,000. Finally, CarsonAllaria Wealth Management Ltd. purchased a new position in shares of General Dynamics during the 4th quarter worth approximately $32,000. Institutional investors own 86.02% of the companys stock.

Get General Dynamics alerts:

Insider Activity

In related news, Director Mark Malcolm acquired 4,700 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, May 2nd. The stock was acquired at an average price of $214.47 per share, with a total value of $1,008,009.00. Following the acquisition, the director now directly owns 4,700 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,008,009. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Corporate insiders own 1.52% of the companys stock.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

General Dynamics Stock Up 0.6 %

Several equities analysts have recently issued reports on GD shares. William Blair assumed coverage on shares of General Dynamics in a report on Thursday, March 30th. They set an outperform rating for the company. Royal Bank of Canada decreased their target price on General Dynamics from $280.00 to $270.00 in a report on Thursday, April 27th. Morgan Stanley increased their target price on shares of General Dynamics from $248.00 to $250.00 in a report on Thursday. Credit Suisse Group cut their price objective on shares of General Dynamics from $239.00 to $220.00 in a report on Thursday, April 27th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price target on shares of General Dynamics from $244.00 to $258.00 in a report on Friday. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, General Dynamics currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $262.38.

GD traded up $1.21 during trading on Friday, hitting $221.03. The stock had a trading volume of 483,495 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,201,766. The company has a market capitalization of $60.64 billion, a PE ratio of 18.05, a PEG ratio of 1.97 and a beta of 0.84. General Dynamics Co. has a twelve month low of $202.35 and a twelve month high of $256.86. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.47, a quick ratio of 0.94 and a current ratio of 1.39. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $213.17 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $221.89.

General Dynamics (NYSE:GD  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, July 26th. The aerospace company reported $2.70 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.59 by $0.11. General Dynamics had a return on equity of 18.01% and a net margin of 8.24%. The business had revenue of $10.15 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $9.45 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $2.75 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was up 10.5% on a year-over-year basis. On average, research analysts predict that General Dynamics Co. will post 12.64 earnings per share for the current year.

General Dynamics Dividend Announcement

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, August 11th. Investors of record on Friday, July 7th will be paid a $1.32 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, July 6th. This represents a $5.28 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.39%. General Dynamicss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 43.35%.

General Dynamics Profile

(Free Report)

General Dynamics Corporation operates as an aerospace and defense company worldwide. It operates through four segments: Aerospace, Marine Systems, Combat Systems, and Technologies. The Aerospace segment produces and sells business jets; and offers aircraft maintenance and repair, management, aircraft-on-ground support and completion, charter, staffing, and fixed-base operator services.

Featured Stories

Receive News & Ratings for General Dynamics Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for General Dynamics and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Graco (NYSE:GGG  Get Free Report) posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday. The industrial products company reported $0.75 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.78 by ($0.03), Briefing.com reports. Graco had a net margin of 23.10% and a return on equity of 26.33%. The firm had revenue of $559.60 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $576.14 million. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $0.68 EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was up 2.0% compared to the same quarter last year.

Graco Trading Down 1.7 %

Shares of Graco stock traded down $1.37 during trading on Friday, hitting $78.87. The stock had a trading volume of 508,922 shares, compared to its average volume of 937,089. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $83.19 and its 200-day simple moving average is $75.38. The stock has a market cap of $13.28 billion, a PE ratio of 27.29, a PEG ratio of 2.82 and a beta of 0.82. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.04, a current ratio of 3.38 and a quick ratio of 2.07. Graco has a 12 month low of $58.17 and a 12 month high of $87.94.

Get Graco alerts:

Graco Announces Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, August 2nd. Stockholders of record on Monday, July 17th will be issued a $0.235 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, July 14th. This represents a $0.94 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.19%. Gracos dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 31.97%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Insider Transactions at Graco

GGG has been the topic of a number of research analyst reports. Royal Bank of Canada lowered their price objective on shares of Graco from $94.00 to $91.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Friday. William Blair restated a market perform rating on shares of Graco in a research report on Monday, June 5th. StockNews.com raised shares of Graco from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Monday, July 10th. DA Davidson raised their target price on shares of Graco from $70.00 to $75.00 in a research note on Thursday, April 27th. Finally, Robert W. Baird raised their target price on shares of Graco from $75.00 to $83.00 in a research note on Friday, April 28th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $83.00.

In other news, insider Timothy R. White sold 2,700 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, June 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $84.77, for a total value of $228,879.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 50,782 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,304,790.14. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. In other Graco news, insider Claudio Merengo sold 21,793 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, May 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $80.32, for a total transaction of $1,750,413.76. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 18,286 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,468,731.52. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, insider Timothy R. White sold 2,700 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, June 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $84.77, for a total transaction of $228,879.00. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 50,782 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,304,790.14. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last quarter, insiders sold 67,358 shares of company stock worth $5,367,802. 2.98% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Cetera Advisor Networks LLC increased its stake in shares of Graco by 3.0% in the first quarter. Cetera Advisor Networks LLC now owns 6,270 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $437,000 after acquiring an additional 184 shares during the period. Bank of Montreal Can increased its stake in shares of Graco by 18.1% in the first quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 86,910 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $6,176,000 after acquiring an additional 13,302 shares during the period. Great West Life Assurance Co. Can increased its stake in shares of Graco by 8.3% in the first quarter. Great West Life Assurance Co. Can now owns 96,025 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $6,879,000 after acquiring an additional 7,396 shares during the period. Raymond James Trust N.A. increased its stake in shares of Graco by 8.2% in the first quarter. Raymond James Trust N.A. now owns 5,834 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $407,000 after acquiring an additional 440 shares during the period. Finally, Vontobel Holding Ltd. boosted its holdings in Graco by 74.3% during the first quarter. Vontobel Holding Ltd. now owns 9,636 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $684,000 after buying an additional 4,108 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 87.47% of the companys stock.

About Graco

(Get Free Report)

Graco Inc designs, manufactures, and markets systems and equipment used to move, measure, control, dispense, and spray fluid and powder materials worldwide. The company's Industrial segment offers proportioning systems to spray polyurethane foam and polyurea coatings; equipment that pumps, meters, mixes and dispenses sealant, adhesive, and composite materials; and gel-coat equipment, chop and wet-out systems, resin transfer molding systems and applicators, and precision dispensing solutions.

Further Reading

Receive News & Ratings for Graco Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Graco and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Gryphon Financial Partners LLC trimmed its position in iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:AGG  Free Report) by 58.0% during the first quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 25,967 shares of the companys stock after selling 35,912 shares during the period. iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF makes up approximately 0.6% of Gryphon Financial Partners LLCs holdings, making the stock its 22nd biggest holding. Gryphon Financial Partners LLCs holdings in iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF were worth $2,587,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other hedge funds have also modified their holdings of AGG. Key Financial Inc increased its stake in iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF by 8.2% during the 1st quarter. Key Financial Inc now owns 1,370 shares of the companys stock worth $137,000 after purchasing an additional 104 shares in the last quarter. West Branch Capital LLC increased its stake in iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF by 8.4% during the 4th quarter. West Branch Capital LLC now owns 1,355 shares of the companys stock worth $131,000 after purchasing an additional 105 shares in the last quarter. Mosaic Advisors LLC increased its stake in 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 worth $1,186,000 after purchasing an additional 110 shares in the last quarter. Tempus Wealth Planning LLC increased its stake in 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 worth $493,000 after purchasing an additional 111 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Benin Management CORP increased its stake in 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 worth $260,000 after purchasing an additional 111 shares in the last quarter. 80.13% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Get iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF alerts:

iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF Price Performance

Shares of AGG traded up $0.30 during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting $97.48. 3,535,867 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 7,084,257. iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF has a 52 week low of $93.20 and a 52 week high of $104.39. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $97.90 and a 200 day simple moving average of $98.70.

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.

Recommended Stories

Receive News & Ratings for iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Gryphon Financial Partners LLC lowered its holdings in The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG  Free Report) by 0.9% during the first quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 73,688 shares of the companys stock after selling 662 shares during the quarter. Procter & Gamble accounts for 2.5% of Gryphon Financial Partners LLCs holdings, making the stock its 9th biggest position. Gryphon Financial Partners LLCs holdings in Procter & Gamble were worth $10,957,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Tevis Investment Management boosted its holdings in Procter & Gamble by 0.5% in the first quarter. Tevis Investment Management now owns 12,260 shares of the companys stock worth $1,823,000 after purchasing an additional 64 shares during the period. Eagle Strategies LLC lifted its stake in Procter & Gamble by 1.9% in the first quarter. Eagle Strategies LLC now owns 3,526 shares of the companys stock valued at $524,000 after buying an additional 65 shares during the last quarter. WealthTrust Asset Management LLC lifted its stake in Procter & Gamble by 3.4% in the first quarter. WealthTrust Asset Management LLC now owns 1,990 shares of the companys stock valued at $296,000 after buying an additional 65 shares during the last quarter. Keystone Wealth Services LLC lifted its stake in Procter & Gamble by 2.7% in the first quarter. Keystone Wealth Services LLC now owns 2,562 shares of the companys stock valued at $381,000 after buying an additional 67 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Steigerwald Gordon & Koch Inc. lifted its stake in Procter & Gamble by 0.7% in the first quarter. Steigerwald Gordon & Koch Inc. now owns 9,953 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,480,000 after buying an additional 67 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 64.65% of the companys stock.

Get Procter & Gamble alerts:

Insider Activity

In other news, COO Shailesh Jejurikar sold 31,000 shares of Procter & Gamble stock in a transaction dated Monday, May 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $156.03, for a total transaction of $4,836,930.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief operating officer now directly owns 10,014 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,562,484.42. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. 0.26% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Procter & Gamble Trading Up 2.6 %

PG traded up $3.98 during trading on Friday, reaching $156.09. The company had a trading volume of 5,961,015 shares, compared to its average volume of 6,492,580. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.51, a quick ratio of 0.39 and a current ratio of 0.59. The Procter & Gamble Company has a 12-month low of $122.18 and a 12-month high of $158.11. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $148.72 and its 200 day simple moving average is $147.23. The company has a market cap of $367.90 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 26.48, a PEG ratio of 3.97 and a beta of 0.42.

Procter & Gamble (NYSE:PG  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Friday, July 28th. The company reported $1.37 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.32 by $0.05. Procter & Gamble had a return on equity of 32.18% and a net margin of 17.69%. The company had revenue of $20.60 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $20.01 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $1.21 EPS. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 5.6% on a year-over-year basis. Equities research analysts anticipate that The Procter & Gamble Company will post 5.86 earnings per share for the current year.

Procter & Gamble Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, August 15th. Shareholders of record on Friday, July 21st will be paid a dividend of $0.9407 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, July 20th. This represents a $3.76 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.41%. Procter & Gambles dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 65.51%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

PG has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lifted their price objective on shares of Procter & Gamble from $160.00 to $170.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Monday, April 24th. Barclays cut their price objective on shares of Procter & Gamble from $167.00 to $160.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, July 20th. Morgan Stanley restated an overweight rating and set a $174.00 price objective on shares of Procter & Gamble in a research note on Tuesday. Royal Bank of Canada lifted their price objective on shares of Procter & Gamble from $160.00 to $165.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research note on Monday, April 24th. Finally, UBS Group lifted their price objective on shares of Procter & Gamble from $170.00 to $180.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Monday, April 24th. Five analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $161.06.

About Procter & Gamble

(Free Report)

The Procter & Gamble Company provides branded consumer packaged goods worldwide. It operates through five segments: Beauty; Grooming; Health Care; Fabric & Home Care; and Baby, Feminine & Family Care. The Beauty segment offers conditioners, shampoos, styling aids, and treatments under the Head & Shoulders, Herbal Essences, Pantene, and Rejoice brands; and antiperspirants and deodorants, personal cleansing, and skin care products under the Olay, Old Spice, Safeguard, Secret, and SK-II brands.

Further Reading

Receive News & Ratings for Procter & Gamble Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Procter & Gamble and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Hubbell (NYSE:HUBB  Get Free Report) had its price target hoisted by equities researchers at Mizuho from $300.00 to $370.00 in a research note issued on Wednesday, FlyOnTheWall reports. Mizuhos target price would suggest a potential upside of 20.37% from the companys current price.

Several other brokerages have also commented on HUBB. StockNews.com upgraded shares of Hubbell from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Monday. Wells Fargo & Company raised their price objective on shares of Hubbell from $287.00 to $318.00 in a report on Monday, July 10th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, three have issued a hold rating, one has given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $265.17.

Get Hubbell alerts:

Hubbell Trading Down 0.4 %

Shares of NYSE:HUBB traded down $1.08 on Wednesday, reaching $307.39. 174,220 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 427,234. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $314.08 and its 200 day simple moving average is $268.44. Hubbell has a 52 week low of $204.01 and a 52 week high of $340.06. The stock has a market capitalization of $16.47 billion, a P/E ratio of 25.63, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.20 and a beta of 1.02. The company has a current ratio of 2.06, a quick ratio of 1.25 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.55.

Insider Activity at Hubbell

Hubbell ( NYSE:HUBB Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, July 25th. The industrial products company reported $4.07 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $3.63 by $0.44. The company had revenue of $1.37 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.37 billion. Hubbell had a net margin of 12.55% and a return on equity of 29.48%. Hubbells revenue for the quarter was up 8.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $2.81 earnings per share. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that Hubbell will post 14.12 EPS for the current fiscal year.

In related news, Director Carlos M. Cardoso sold 560 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, May 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $273.16, for a total transaction of $152,969.60. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 1,711 shares of the companys stock, valued at $467,376.76. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. 0.66% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Hubbell

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Tokio Marine Asset Management Co. Ltd. increased its position in shares of Hubbell by 19.4% during the second quarter. Tokio Marine Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 1,396 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $463,000 after acquiring an additional 227 shares in the last quarter. Mach 1 Financial Group LLC bought a new stake in Hubbell in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $888,000. Linden Thomas Advisory Services LLC grew its position in Hubbell by 3.2% in the 2nd quarter. Linden Thomas Advisory Services LLC now owns 3,757 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $1,246,000 after purchasing an additional 115 shares during the period. EA Series Trust bought a new stake in Hubbell in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $4,177,000. Finally, IFM Investors Pty Ltd grew its position in Hubbell by 6.6% in the 2nd quarter. IFM Investors Pty Ltd now owns 10,720 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $3,554,000 after purchasing an additional 668 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 89.67% of the companys stock.

Hubbell Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Hubbell Incorporated, together with its subsidiaries, designs, manufactures, and sells electrical and utility solutions in the United States and internationally. It operates through two segments, Electrical Solutions and Utility Solutions. The Electrical Solution segment offers standard and special application wiring device products, rough-in electrical products, connector and grounding products, lighting fixtures, and other electrical equipment for use in industrial, commercial, and institutional facilities by electrical contractors, maintenance personnel, electricians, utilities, and telecommunications companies, as well as components and assemblies.

Read More

Receive News & Ratings for Hubbell Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hubbell and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Polaris Wealth Advisory Group LLC cut its stake in shares of iShares S&P 500 Value ETF (NYSEARCA:IVE  Free Report) by 41.8% in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 139,426 shares of the companys stock after selling 100,027 shares during the quarter. iShares S&P 500 Value ETF accounts for approximately 1.6% of Polaris Wealth Advisory Group LLCs holdings, making the stock its 20th biggest position. Polaris Wealth Advisory Group LLC owned approximately 0.09% of iShares S&P 500 Value ETF worth $21,159,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. AE Wealth Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of iShares S&P 500 Value ETF by 168.3% in the 4th quarter. AE Wealth Management LLC now owns 51,396 shares of the companys stock valued at $7,456,000 after purchasing an additional 32,243 shares in the last quarter. OLD National Bancorp IN grew its stake in iShares S&P 500 Value ETF by 11.5% during the 4th quarter. OLD National Bancorp IN now owns 15,327 shares of the companys stock worth $2,223,000 after buying an additional 1,577 shares during the last quarter. Daymark Wealth Partners LLC bought a new position in iShares S&P 500 Value ETF during the 4th quarter worth $227,000. CRA Financial Services LLC boosted its position in iShares S&P 500 Value ETF by 42.9% during the 1st quarter. CRA Financial Services LLC now owns 3,217 shares of the companys stock worth $488,000 after acquiring an additional 965 shares during the period. Finally, Texas Permanent School Fund Corp boosted its position in iShares S&P 500 Value ETF by 14.7% during the 1st quarter. Texas Permanent School Fund Corp now owns 25,684 shares of the companys stock worth $3,898,000 after acquiring an additional 3,300 shares during the period.

Get iShares S&P 500 Value ETF alerts:

iShares S&P 500 Value ETF Price Performance

Shares of iShares S&P 500 Value ETF stock traded up $1.37 during trading on Friday, hitting $166.46. The stock had a trading volume of 211,671 shares, compared to its average volume of 739,312. The business has a fifty day moving average of $158.89 and a two-hundred day moving average of $154.17. The firm has a market cap of $26.32 billion, a P/E ratio of 15.85 and a beta of 0.94. iShares S&P 500 Value ETF has a fifty-two week low of $127.33 and a fifty-two week high of $167.62.

About iShares S&P 500 Value ETF

iShares S&P 500 Value ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares S&P 500 Value 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 500 Value Index (the Index). The Index measures the performance of the large-capitalization value sector of the United States equity market and consists of those stocks in the S&P 500 exhibiting the strongest value characteristics.

Recommended Stories

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IVE? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares S&P 500 Value ETF (NYSEARCA:IVE  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for iShares S&P 500 Value ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares S&P 500 Value ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
In early July, Russia carried out a brief pre-dawn test of its ability to turn Internet access for Russians into a Sovereign Internet that is not connected to the worldwide Internet. That means Russians can only use the Internet within Russian and must use Russian based websites and network services, like search, messaging and social media. There are versions of all these services based in Russian as well as internationally popular versions like Google, Wikipedia, Twitter and Facebook.

The Sovereign Internet test revealed some problems, like interference with large scale Internet-based communications systems created for the Nationwide Railroad Network and other nationwide communications systems that also require some access to international systems. A long-term implementation of Russias Sovereign Internet would disrupt some portions of the Russian economy that depend on constant communication with foreign firms.

The Sovereign Internet is meant to be used for short periods. There are other uses of the Sovereign Internet that include remaining connected to neighboring nations like Iran (which is also developing a Sovereign Internet) and China, which already has one. Internet pioneers predicted that some countries would seek to develop a Sovereign Internet in order to exercise government control over the Internet. This was something that early Internet developers feared would happen because the international free exchange of information was a threat to the power of totalitarian government. The totalitarians were expected to eventually strike back and now they have.
Integer (NYSE:ITGR  Get Free Report) had its target price hoisted by analysts at KeyCorp from $96.00 to $105.00 in a note issued to investors on Friday, Benzinga reports. The firm currently has an overweight rating on the medical equipment providers stock. KeyCorps price target points to a potential upside of 12.99% from the companys previous close.

A number of other brokerages have also issued reports on ITGR. Bank of America started coverage on shares of Integer in a research report on Thursday, March 30th. They set a neutral rating and a $86.00 target price on the stock. Wells Fargo & Company initiated coverage on Integer in a research note on Friday, May 26th. They issued an equal weight rating and a $87.00 target price for the company. StockNews.com started coverage on Integer in a research note on Thursday, May 18th. They set a hold rating on the stock. Finally, Citigroup initiated coverage on Integer in a report on Thursday, May 11th. They set a neutral rating and a $88.00 price objective for the company. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $90.17.

Get Integer alerts:

Integer Stock Performance

NYSE ITGR opened at $92.93 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.79, a current ratio of 2.79 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.71. The stock has a market cap of $3.09 billion, a P/E ratio of 45.78, a PEG ratio of 1.77 and a beta of 1.12. Integer has a twelve month low of $50.05 and a twelve month high of $96.17. The companys 50-day simple moving average is $84.57 and its 200 day simple moving average is $78.92.

Insider Transactions at Integer

Integer ( NYSE:ITGR Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, July 27th. The medical equipment provider reported $1.14 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.99 by $0.15. The company had revenue of $400.04 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $367.05 million. Integer had a return on equity of 9.54% and a net margin of 4.71%. As a group, research analysts forecast that Integer will post 4.15 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

In other Integer news, Director Jean M. Hobby sold 3,625 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, June 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $83.85, for a total value of $303,956.25. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 9,126 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $765,215.10. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. 1.84% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Integer

A number of hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Victory Capital Management Inc. grew its position in shares of Integer by 5.4% during the 2nd quarter. Victory Capital Management Inc. now owns 1,498,651 shares of the medical equipment providers stock worth $132,795,000 after purchasing an additional 76,253 shares in the last quarter. Congress Asset Management Co. MA grew its holdings in shares of Integer by 6.6% during the 2nd quarter. Congress Asset Management Co. MA now owns 300,238 shares of the medical equipment providers stock worth $26,604,000 after purchasing an additional 18,575 shares in the last quarter. Creative Planning acquired a new position in Integer in the second quarter valued at about $247,000. Integrated Investment Consultants LLC acquired a new position in Integer in the second quarter valued at about $508,000. Finally, Louisiana State Employees Retirement System grew its stake in Integer by 13.6% during the second quarter. Louisiana State Employees Retirement System now owns 17,500 shares of the medical equipment providers stock worth $1,551,000 after buying an additional 2,100 shares in the last quarter. 99.34% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

About Integer

(Get Free Report)

Integer Holdings Corporation operates as a medical device outsource manufacturer in the United States, Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, and internationally. It operates through Medical and Non-Medical segments. The company offers products for interventional cardiology, structural heart, heart failure, peripheral vascular, neurovascular, interventional oncology, electrophysiology, vascular access, infusion therapy, hemodialysis, urology, and gastroenterology procedures.

Further Reading

Receive News & Ratings for Integer Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Integer and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Legacy Financial Advisors Inc. grew its position in Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE:TMO  Free Report) by 18.3% during the 1st quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm owned 1,302 shares of the medical research companys stock after purchasing an additional 201 shares during the period. Legacy Financial Advisors Inc.s holdings in Thermo Fisher Scientific were worth $750,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in TMO. Eads & Heald Wealth Management lifted its holdings in shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific by 0.3% during the 4th quarter. Eads & Heald Wealth Management now owns 5,529 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $3,045,000 after acquiring an additional 18 shares in the last quarter. Institute for Wealth Management LLC. lifted its stake in shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific by 1.8% in the 4th quarter. Institute for Wealth Management LLC. now owns 1,024 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $564,000 after acquiring an additional 18 shares during the period. Savant Capital LLC raised its holdings in shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific by 0.5% in the 4th quarter. Savant Capital LLC now owns 3,627 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $1,997,000 after purchasing an additional 18 shares in the last quarter. Connecticut Wealth Management LLC raised its holdings in shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific by 3.0% in the 1st quarter. Connecticut Wealth Management LLC now owns 614 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $354,000 after purchasing an additional 18 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Sage Rhino Capital LLC raised its holdings in shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific by 2.6% during the first quarter. Sage Rhino Capital LLC now owns 723 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $417,000 after acquiring an additional 18 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 96.33% of the companys stock.

Get Thermo Fisher Scientific alerts:

Insider Transactions at Thermo Fisher Scientific

In related news, CEO Marc N. Casper sold 1,600 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, May 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $534.82, for a total transaction of $855,712.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 141,330 shares of the companys stock, valued at $75,586,110.60. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. In other Thermo Fisher Scientific news, CEO Marc N. Casper sold 10,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, May 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $545.22, for a total value of $5,452,200.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 141,330 shares of the companys stock, valued at $77,055,942.60. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, CEO Marc N. Casper sold 1,600 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, May 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $534.82, for a total value of $855,712.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 141,330 shares in the company, valued at approximately $75,586,110.60. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders own 0.32% of the companys stock.

Thermo Fisher Scientific Stock Performance

Thermo Fisher Scientific stock traded up $2.20 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $562.22. The stock had a trading volume of 1,238,941 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,535,286. The company has a quick ratio of 0.92, a current ratio of 1.42 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.67. The firm has a market capitalization of $216.86 billion, a PE ratio of 38.28, a P/E/G ratio of 3.12 and a beta of 0.78. Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. has a 12 month low of $475.77 and a 12 month high of $611.06. The firms 50-day moving average price is $526.12 and its 200 day moving average price is $549.54.

Thermo Fisher Scientific (NYSE:TMO  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, July 26th. The medical research company reported $5.15 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $5.43 by ($0.28). Thermo Fisher Scientific had a return on equity of 18.59% and a net margin of 13.14%. The firm had revenue of $10.69 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $10.99 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $5.51 EPS. The businesss quarterly revenue was down 2.6% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, research analysts predict that Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. will post 22.36 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Thermo Fisher Scientific Announces Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, October 13th. Investors of record on Friday, September 15th will be paid a $0.35 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, September 14th. This represents a $1.40 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.25%. Thermo Fisher Scientifics payout ratio is 9.57%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

TMO has been the topic of several research reports. Evercore ISI dropped their price objective on shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific from $615.00 to $610.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, April 4th. Wells Fargo & Company increased their price target on shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific from $505.00 to $520.00 in a report on Friday. Robert W. Baird dropped their target price on shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific from $664.00 to $625.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Thursday. KeyCorp dropped their target price on shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific from $710.00 to $640.00 in a research note on Thursday, May 25th. Finally, Raymond James lifted their price target on shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific from $595.00 to $630.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Friday. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have assigned a hold rating and eleven have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $633.50.

About Thermo Fisher Scientific

(Free Report)

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc provides life sciences solutions, analytical instruments, specialty diagnostics, and laboratory products and biopharma services in the United States and internationally. The company's Life Sciences Solutions segment offers reagents, instruments, and consumables for biological and medical research, discovery, and production of drugs and vaccines, as well as diagnosis of infections and diseases; and solutions include biosciences, genetic sciences, clinical next-generation sequencing, bio production to pharmaceutical, biotechnology, agricultural, clinical, healthcare, academic, and government markets.

Read More

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TMO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE:TMO  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Thermo Fisher Scientific Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Thermo Fisher Scientific and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Loblaw Companies (OTCMKTS:LBLCF  Free Report) had its price objective upped by CIBC from C$149.00 to C$152.00 in a research note published on Thursday, FlyOnTheWall reports.

Other research analysts also recently issued research reports about the stock. Scotiabank lifted their target price on shares of Loblaw Companies from C$126.50 to C$128.50 in a report on Monday, April 24th. National Bank Financial lifted their target price on shares of Loblaw Companies from C$140.00 to C$142.00 in a report on Thursday.

Get Loblaw Companies alerts:

Loblaw Companies Stock Up 0.4 %

Shares of LBLCF stock traded up $0.34 on Thursday, hitting $88.95. The companys stock had a trading volume of 279 shares, compared to its average volume of 363. Loblaw Companies has a fifty-two week low of $77.15 and a fifty-two week high of $95.55. The firms fifty day moving average price is $88.91 and its 200-day moving average price is $88.75.

About Loblaw Companies

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.

See Also

Receive News & Ratings for Loblaw Companies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Loblaw Companies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Moseley Investment Management Inc. lifted its position in shares of Brookfield Renewable Co. (NYSE:BEPC  Free Report) by 7.0% during the first quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 10,533 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 685 shares during the period. Moseley Investment Management Inc.s holdings in Brookfield Renewable were worth $368,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Federated Hermes Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Brookfield Renewable during the 1st quarter worth $35,000. Ensign Peak Advisors Inc purchased a new position in Brookfield Renewable in the third quarter valued at about $30,000. Y.D. More Investments Ltd bought a new position in shares of Brookfield Renewable during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $28,000. Hall Laurie J Trustee purchased a new stake in shares of Brookfield Renewable during the 1st quarter worth approximately $37,000. Finally, CWM LLC raised its holdings in shares of Brookfield Renewable by 176.9% in the 4th quarter. CWM LLC now owns 1,332 shares of the companys stock worth $37,000 after purchasing an additional 851 shares during the period. 66.04% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Get Brookfield Renewable alerts:

Brookfield Renewable Stock Performance

NYSE:BEPC traded down $0.25 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $31.24. The stock had a trading volume of 181,969 shares, compared to its average volume of 594,429. The stock has a market cap of $5.61 billion, a P/E ratio of -59.40 and a beta of 1.01. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $32.80 and a 200 day simple moving average of $32.08. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.79, a quick ratio of 0.34 and a current ratio of 0.34. Brookfield Renewable Co. has a 12-month low of $27.19 and a 12-month high of $42.97.

Brookfield Renewable Announces Dividend

Brookfield Renewable ( NYSE:BEPC Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Friday, May 5th. The company reported ($0.09) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. The firm had revenue of $1.33 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.21 billion. Brookfield Renewable had a net margin of 5.75% and a return on equity of 1.88%. On average, research analysts forecast that Brookfield Renewable Co. will post -0.41 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, June 30th. Investors of record on Wednesday, May 31st were issued a $0.338 dividend. This represents a $1.35 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.33%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, May 30th. Brookfield Renewables dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently -254.72%.

Brookfield Renewable Company Profile

(Free Report)

Brookfield Renewable Corporation owns and operates a portfolio of renewable power and sustainable solution assets primarily in the United States, Europe, Colombia, and Brazil. It operates hydroelectric, wind, and solar power plants with an installed capacity of approximately 12,857 megawatts. The company was incorporated in 2019 and is headquartered in New York, New York.

Recommended Stories

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BEPC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Brookfield Renewable Co. (NYSE:BEPC  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Brookfield Renewable Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Brookfield Renewable and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Piper Sandler restated their overweight rating on shares of Oracle (NYSE:ORCL  Free Report) in a research report sent to investors on Thursday morning, Benzinga reports. They currently have a $130.00 target price on the enterprise software providers stock.

Several other research analysts have also commented on ORCL. BMO Capital Markets boosted their price target on Oracle from $96.00 to $132.00 in a research report on Tuesday, June 13th. Mizuho boosted their target price on Oracle from $116.00 to $150.00 in a research note on Tuesday, June 13th. Jefferies Financial Group boosted their target price on Oracle from $125.00 to $135.00 in a research note on Tuesday, June 13th. Barclays boosted their target price on Oracle from $113.00 to $126.00 in a research note on Tuesday, June 13th. Finally, KeyCorp boosted their price target on Oracle from $105.00 to $120.00 in a research note on Friday, June 9th. Eleven investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Oracle has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $119.37.

Get Oracle alerts:

Oracle Trading Down 0.4 %

Shares of Oracle stock traded down $0.41 on Thursday, reaching $115.99. The company had a trading volume of 6,910,316 shares, compared to its average volume of 8,621,225. The firm has a market cap of $314.83 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 38.04, a P/E/G ratio of 3.21 and a beta of 1.01. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 55.54, a current ratio of 0.91 and a quick ratio of 0.91. The firms 50-day moving average price is $113.72 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $98.72. Oracle has a 1 year low of $60.78 and a 1 year high of $127.54.

Oracle Dividend Announcement

Oracle ( NYSE:ORCL Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Monday, June 12th. The enterprise software provider reported $1.67 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.58 by $0.09. Oracle had a negative return on equity of 470.73% and a net margin of 17.02%. The firm had revenue of $13.84 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $13.74 billion. During the same period last year, the company earned $1.31 EPS. Oracles quarterly revenue was up 16.9% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, research analysts predict that Oracle will post 4.5 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, July 26th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, July 12th were paid a $0.40 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, July 11th. This represents a $1.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.38%. Oracles payout ratio is presently 52.29%.

Insider Activity

In related news, EVP Maria Smith sold 1,320 shares of Oracle stock in a transaction on Wednesday, July 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $116.78, for a total value of $154,149.60. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 20,280 shares in the company, valued at $2,368,298.40. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. In other Oracle news, EVP Maria Smith sold 1,320 shares of Oracle stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, July 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $116.78, for a total transaction of $154,149.60. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 20,280 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,368,298.40. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Also, Chairman Lawrence Joseph Ellison sold 1,750,000 shares of Oracle stock in a transaction dated Thursday, June 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $120.95, for a total value of $211,662,500.00. Following the sale, the chairman now directly owns 1,145,732,353 shares of the companys stock, valued at $138,576,328,095.35. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last ninety days, insiders sold 4,175,443 shares of company stock valued at $510,658,596. 43.70% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Institutional Trading of Oracle

Institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Clear Investment Research LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Oracle in the 4th quarter valued at about $25,000. NewSquare Capital LLC increased its position in Oracle by 843.3% in the 1st quarter. NewSquare Capital LLC now owns 283 shares of the enterprise software providers stock valued at $26,000 after acquiring an additional 253 shares during the period. Steward Financial Group LLC acquired a new position in Oracle in the 4th quarter valued at about $27,000. WFA of San Diego LLC acquired a new position in Oracle in the 4th quarter valued at about $29,000. Finally, Quintet Private Bank Europe S.A. acquired a new position in Oracle in the 1st quarter valued at about $30,000. 43.43% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About Oracle

(Get Free Report)

Oracle Corporation offers products and services that address enterprise information technology environments worldwide. Its Oracle cloud software as a service offering include various cloud software applications, including Oracle Fusion cloud enterprise resource planning (ERP), Oracle Fusion cloud enterprise performance management, Oracle Fusion cloud supply chain and manufacturing management, Oracle Fusion cloud human capital management, Oracle Cerner healthcare, Oracle Advertising, and NetSuite applications suite, as well as Oracle Fusion Sales, Service, and Marketing.

Featured Articles

Receive News & Ratings for Oracle Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Oracle and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Van ECK Associates Corp grew its position in Osisko Gold Royalties Ltd (NYSE:OR  Free Report) by 18.1% in the first quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The institutional investor owned 21,407,682 shares of the basic materials companys stock after acquiring an additional 3,282,065 shares during the period. Van ECK Associates Corp owned approximately 0.12% of Osisko Gold Royalties worth $338,668,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of OR. EdgePoint Investment Group Inc. lifted its stake in Osisko Gold Royalties by 2.1% in the 4th quarter. EdgePoint Investment Group Inc. now owns 21,985,521 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $264,839,000 after buying an additional 449,056 shares in the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its stake in shares of Osisko Gold Royalties by 12.0% during the third quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 6,270,757 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $63,837,000 after acquiring an additional 669,599 shares during the period. Invesco Ltd. grew its position in Osisko Gold Royalties by 1.2% in the first quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 2,446,061 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $32,263,000 after buying an additional 29,825 shares during the last quarter. BRITISH COLUMBIA INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT Corp boosted its stake in shares of Osisko Gold Royalties by 3.8% during the 4th quarter. BRITISH COLUMBIA INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT Corp now owns 2,310,200 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $27,846,000 after buying an additional 85,126 shares during the period. Finally, Norges Bank acquired a new stake in shares of Osisko Gold Royalties during the 4th quarter valued at $21,208,000. 56.56% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Get Osisko Gold Royalties alerts:

Analyst Ratings Changes

Separately, TheStreet upgraded shares of Osisko Gold Royalties from a d rating to a b rating in a report on Thursday, May 25th.

Osisko Gold Royalties Stock Performance

Osisko Gold Royalties stock traded up $0.21 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $14.43. The companys stock had a trading volume of 414,406 shares, compared to its average volume of 958,362. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $15.30 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $14.89. The company has a market cap of $2.67 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -33.85 and a beta of 0.75. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.08, a current ratio of 8.82 and a quick ratio of 8.82. Osisko Gold Royalties Ltd has a 1-year low of $9.19 and a 1-year high of $17.96.

Osisko Gold Royalties (NYSE:OR  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, May 10th. The basic materials company reported $0.13 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.11 by $0.02. The company had revenue of $44.07 million for the quarter. Osisko Gold Royalties had a negative net margin of 42.14% and a positive return on equity of 4.54%. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that Osisko Gold Royalties Ltd will post 0.43 earnings per share for the current year.

Osisko Gold Royalties Increases Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, July 14th. Shareholders of record on Friday, June 30th were issued a dividend of $0.044 per share. This is an increase from Osisko Gold Royaltiess previous quarterly dividend of $0.04. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, June 29th. This represents a $0.18 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.22%. Osisko Gold Royaltiess dividend payout ratio is presently -40.48%.

Osisko Gold Royalties Profile

(Free Report)

Osisko Gold Royalties Ltd acquires and manages precious metal and other royalties, streams, and other interests in Canada and internationally. It also owns options on offtake; royalty/stream financings; and exclusive rights to participate in future royalty/stream financings on various projects. The company's primary asset is a 5% net smelter return royalty on the Canadian Malartic mine located in Canada.

Recommended Stories

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding OR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Osisko Gold Royalties Ltd (NYSE:OR  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Osisko Gold Royalties Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Osisko Gold Royalties and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Otter Creek Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of The TJX Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TJX  Free Report) in the 1st quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund purchased 30,000 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock, valued at approximately $2,351,000. TJX Companies comprises approximately 1.7% of Otter Creek Advisors LLCs holdings, making the stock its 20th biggest position.

Several other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. Morgan Stanley lifted its holdings in shares of TJX Companies by 88.1% during the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 26,619,778 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock valued at $2,118,935,000 after buying an additional 12,468,119 shares during the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC raised its stake in shares of TJX Companies by 2.0% in the 4th quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 20,682,355 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock valued at $1,643,008,000 after acquiring an additional 411,508 shares in the last quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC raised its stake in shares of TJX Companies by 90,089.8% in the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 19,788,543 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock valued at $1,575,168,000 after acquiring an additional 19,766,602 shares in the last quarter. Norges Bank bought a new position in shares of TJX Companies in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $891,631,000. Finally, Amundi raised its stake in shares of TJX Companies by 17.3% in the 4th quarter. Amundi now owns 9,869,293 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock valued at $810,763,000 after acquiring an additional 1,457,705 shares in the last quarter. 92.26% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Get TJX Companies alerts:

TJX Companies Price Performance

NYSE:TJX traded up $0.37 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $86.82. The company had a trading volume of 1,196,671 shares, compared to its average volume of 4,909,604. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $81.57 and a two-hundred day moving average of $79.55. The TJX Companies, Inc. has a one year low of $59.78 and a one year high of $87.63. The firm has a market capitalization of $99.78 billion, a PE ratio of 26.74, a PEG ratio of 2.34 and a beta of 0.92. The company has a quick ratio of 0.58, a current ratio of 1.20 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.45.

TJX Companies Dividend Announcement

TJX Companies ( NYSE:TJX Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, May 17th. The apparel and home fashions retailer reported $0.76 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.71 by $0.05. TJX Companies had a return on equity of 62.78% and a net margin of 7.56%. The firm had revenue of $11.78 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $11.82 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $0.68 earnings per share. The businesss revenue was up 3.3% compared to the same quarter last year. Analysts forecast that The TJX Companies, Inc. will post 3.56 earnings per share for the current year.

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, August 31st. Stockholders of record on Thursday, August 10th will be issued a dividend of $0.3325 per share. This represents a $1.33 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.53%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, August 9th. TJX Companiess payout ratio is presently 40.92%.

Insider Transactions at TJX Companies

In other news, EVP Scott Goldenberg sold 26,271 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, May 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $78.91, for a total transaction of $2,073,044.61. Following the sale, the executive vice president now owns 72,580 shares in the company, valued at $5,727,287.80. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Company insiders own 0.13% of the companys stock.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of research analysts recently weighed in on the company. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft raised their price objective on TJX Companies from $85.00 to $86.00 in a research note on Thursday, May 18th. Loop Capital raised TJX Companies from a hold rating to a buy rating and lifted their price target for the stock from $75.00 to $95.00 in a research report on Wednesday, July 12th. Morgan Stanley lifted their price target on TJX Companies from $90.00 to $93.00 in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. Piper Sandler started coverage on TJX Companies in a research report on Thursday, June 29th. They issued an overweight rating and a $110.00 price target on the stock. Finally, StockNews.com started coverage on TJX Companies in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a buy rating on the stock. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and sixteen have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $89.75.

TJX Companies Profile

(Free Report)

The TJX Companies, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, operates as an off-price apparel and home fashions retailer in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia. It operates through four segments: Marmaxx, HomeGoods, TJX Canada, and TJX International. The company sells family apparel, including footwear and accessories; home fashions, such as home basics, furniture, rugs, lighting products, giftware, soft home products, decorative accessories, tabletop, and cookware, as well as expanded pet, kids, and gourmet food departments; jewelry and accessories; and other merchandise.

See Also

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TJX? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The TJX Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TJX  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for TJX Companies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for TJX Companies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Polaris (NYSE:PII  Free Report) had its price objective increased by BMO Capital Markets from $110.00 to $130.00 in a report published on Wednesday morning, Marketbeat reports. They currently have a market perform rating on the stock.

A number of other research firms also recently issued reports on PII. KeyCorp raised their price objective on shares of Polaris from $135.00 to $145.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday. Raymond James cut shares of Polaris from a strong-buy rating to a market perform rating in a research note on Tuesday, July 18th. Truist Financial decreased their target price on shares of Polaris from $105.00 to $100.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, April 5th. StockNews.com began coverage on shares of Polaris in a research note on Thursday, May 18th. They set a buy rating on the stock. Finally, Roth Capital reissued a neutral rating on shares of Polaris in a report on Tuesday, April 25th. Ten research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $124.18.

Get Polaris alerts:

Polaris Trading Up 1.5 %

NYSE PII traded up $2.05 during trading on Wednesday, hitting $136.38. The company had a trading volume of 174,164 shares, compared to its average volume of 567,521. The company has a current ratio of 1.20, a quick ratio of 0.37 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.21. Polaris has a one year low of $91.86 and a one year high of $138.49. The company has a market cap of $7.76 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.54 and a beta of 1.61. The companys fifty day moving average is $120.18 and its 200-day moving average is $113.36.

Insider Buying and Selling

Polaris ( NYSE:PII Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, July 25th. The company reported $2.42 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.21 by $0.21. The business had revenue of $2.22 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.14 billion. Polaris had a net margin of 6.89% and a return on equity of 57.98%. Polariss revenue was up 7.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the business earned $2.42 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts predict that Polaris will post 10.47 earnings per share for the current year.

In other Polaris news, SVP James P. Williams sold 14,000 shares of Polaris stock in a transaction on Wednesday, July 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $130.00, for a total transaction of $1,820,000.00. Following the sale, the senior vice president now owns 16,001 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,080,130. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Company insiders own 2.75% of the companys stock.

Institutional Trading of Polaris

Several large investors have recently made changes to their positions in PII. Vigilant Capital Management LLC bought a new stake in Polaris during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $28,000. Larson Financial Group LLC bought a new stake in Polaris during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $28,000. Dark Forest Capital Management LP boosted its stake in Polaris by 64.8% during the 4th quarter. Dark Forest Capital Management LP now owns 290 shares of the companys stock valued at $29,000 after purchasing an additional 114 shares during the period. Money Concepts Capital Corp boosted its stake in Polaris by 89.1% during the 4th quarter. Money Concepts Capital Corp now owns 312 shares of the companys stock valued at $32,000 after purchasing an additional 147 shares during the period. Finally, Ten Capital Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new stake in Polaris during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $46,000. Institutional investors own 88.29% of the companys stock.

Polaris Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Polaris Inc designs, engineers, manufactures, and markets powersports vehicles worldwide. It operates through three segments: Off-Road, On-Road, and Marine. The company offers off-road vehicles (ORVs), including all-terrain vehicles and side-by-side vehicles; military and commercial ORVs; snowmobiles; motorcycles; moto-roadsters, quadricycles, and boats; and aftermarket parts and apparel.

Further Reading

Receive News & Ratings for Polaris Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Polaris and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
PulteGroup (NYSE:PHM  Get Free Report) had its target price raised by equities researchers at Credit Suisse Group from $71.00 to $85.00 in a research note issued to investors on Wednesday, FlyOnTheWall reports. Credit Suisse Groups price target suggests a potential upside of 0.32% from the companys previous close.

PHM has been the topic of several other reports. Barclays raised their price target on PulteGroup from $90.00 to $104.00 in a research report on Wednesday. Citigroup raised their target price on PulteGroup from $90.00 to $97.00 in a research report on Wednesday. Bank of America lifted their price objective on PulteGroup from $82.00 to $92.00 in a report on Wednesday. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft started coverage on shares of PulteGroup in a report on Wednesday, May 31st. They issued a buy rating and a $95.00 target price on the stock. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada raised their price target on PulteGroup from $54.00 to $68.00 in a report on Wednesday, April 26th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and fourteen have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $86.27.

Get PulteGroup alerts:

PulteGroup Stock Up 1.3 %

NYSE:PHM traded up $1.09 during trading hours on Wednesday, reaching $84.73. The companys stock had a trading volume of 933,885 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,786,571. PulteGroup has a one year low of $35.99 and a one year high of $86.01. The businesss 50-day moving average is $74.70 and its 200-day moving average is $63.71. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.21, a current ratio of 0.92 and a quick ratio of 0.70. The company has a market cap of $18.59 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 6.91, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.56 and a beta of 1.36.

PulteGroup ( NYSE:PHM Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, July 25th. The construction company reported $3.21 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.52 by $0.69. The company had revenue of $4.19 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.01 billion. PulteGroup had a net margin of 16.37% and a return on equity of 29.58%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 6.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $2.73 earnings per share. Equities research analysts predict that PulteGroup will post 9.35 EPS for the current year.

PulteGroup announced that its Board of Directors has authorized a share repurchase plan on Tuesday, April 25th that permits the company to repurchase $1.00 billion in outstanding shares. This repurchase authorization permits the construction company to purchase up to 6.9% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock repurchase plans are generally a sign that the companys board of directors believes its stock is undervalued.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. American Century Companies Inc. grew its stake in PulteGroup by 9.5% in the first quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 55,196 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $2,313,000 after acquiring an additional 4,799 shares during the period. Cetera Advisor Networks LLC acquired a new stake in PulteGroup in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $221,000. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. boosted its position in PulteGroup by 1.7% during the 1st quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 22,505 shares of the construction companys stock worth $945,000 after acquiring an additional 382 shares during the last quarter. Acadian Asset Management LLC grew its stake in shares of PulteGroup by 11.1% during the 1st quarter. Acadian Asset Management LLC now owns 4,487 shares of the construction companys stock worth $188,000 after acquiring an additional 449 shares in the last quarter. Finally, MetLife Investment Management LLC raised its holdings in shares of PulteGroup by 26.7% in the first quarter. MetLife Investment Management LLC now owns 70,856 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $2,969,000 after purchasing an additional 14,918 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 90.24% of the companys stock.

PulteGroup Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

PulteGroup, Inc, through its subsidiaries, primarily engages in the homebuilding business in the United States. It acquires and develops land primarily for residential purposes; and constructs housing on such land. The company also offers various home designs, including single-family detached, townhomes, condominiums, and duplexes under the Centex, Pulte Homes, Del Webb, DiVosta Homes, American West, and John Wieland Homes and Neighborhoods brand names.

Featured Articles

Receive News & Ratings for PulteGroup Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for PulteGroup and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Robert Half International (NYSE:RHI  Free Report) had its price objective trimmed by Credit Suisse Group from $63.00 to $57.00 in a report released on Wednesday morning, FlyOnTheWall reports.

Other analysts also recently issued reports about the company. UBS Group initiated coverage on Robert Half International in a report on Wednesday, May 31st. They issued a buy rating and a $82.00 price target for the company. Redburn Partners began coverage on Robert Half International in a report on Tuesday, June 20th. They issued a neutral rating and a $76.00 price target for the company. Finally, StockNews.com downgraded Robert Half International from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Monday. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, five have issued a hold rating and one has given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Robert Half International currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $71.22.

Get Robert Half International alerts:

Robert Half International Stock Up 1.2 %

Shares of RHI stock traded up $0.87 on Wednesday, reaching $74.02. 560,056 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,041,230. The stock has a market cap of $7.98 billion, a P/E ratio of 14.51, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.75 and a beta of 1.35. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $74.06 and a two-hundred day moving average of $75.91. Robert Half International has a 1-year low of $64.65 and a 1-year high of $89.78.

Robert Half International Dividend Announcement

Robert Half International ( NYSE:RHI Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, July 25th. The business services provider reported $1.00 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.13 by ($0.13). Robert Half International had a return on equity of 34.51% and a net margin of 7.84%. The firm had revenue of $1.64 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.69 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $1.60 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was down 12.0% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities research analysts predict that Robert Half International will post 4.29 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, June 15th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, May 25th were issued a $0.48 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, May 24th. This represents a $1.92 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.59%. Robert Half Internationals dividend payout ratio is currently 38.10%.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Robert Half International

A number of large investors have recently bought and sold shares of RHI. Private Advisor Group LLC lifted its holdings in Robert Half International by 32.1% in the first quarter. Private Advisor Group LLC now owns 4,727 shares of the business services providers stock worth $540,000 after acquiring an additional 1,150 shares during the last quarter. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS increased its stake in shares of Robert Half International by 4.8% in the first quarter. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS now owns 14,650 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $1,673,000 after purchasing an additional 676 shares during the period. Vontobel Holding Ltd. increased its stake in shares of Robert Half International by 28.5% in the first quarter. Vontobel Holding Ltd. now owns 3,619 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $428,000 after purchasing an additional 802 shares during the period. Blair William & Co. IL increased its stake in shares of Robert Half International by 11.8% in the first quarter. Blair William & Co. IL now owns 73,591 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $8,403,000 after purchasing an additional 7,769 shares during the period. Finally, Aviva PLC increased its stake in shares of Robert Half International by 55.4% in the first quarter. Aviva PLC now owns 92,865 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $10,603,000 after purchasing an additional 33,095 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 89.34% of the companys stock.

About Robert Half International

(Get Free Report)

Robert Half International Inc provides talent solutions and business consulting service in North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. The company operates through three segments: Contract Talent Solutions, Permanent Placement Talent Solutions, and Protiviti. The Contract Talent Solutions segment provides contract engagement professionals in the fields of finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal and administrative, and customer support.

Read More

Receive News & Ratings for Robert Half International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Robert Half International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
The primary weapon of the Russian navy in the Ukraine War has been the Kalibr cruise missile. This meant Kalibr-equipped Russian warships in the Black Sea were a priority. That led to using additional Kalibr-armed ships based in the Black Sea ports on the Crimean Peninsula.. The two classes of small ships available were Karakurts and Bykovs

At the end of 2018 the Russian Navy achieved a rare feat, it put into service the first of two classes of new warships and did it on time. The first of 22 Karakurt (Project 22800) Corvettes entered service in the Baltic Sea. Nine more are in various states of construction in three shipyards. This is a new type of coastal corvette that is more capable on the open seas. Some of them are being built in the Crimean shipyards Russia acquired in 2014 when they basically took Crimea from Ukraine. The was followed by the similar Bykov-class patrol ships. Russia has been building a lot more small corvettes since the 1990s for a number of reasons. First, the Russian shipyards have proved more effective in building these small (under 1,000 tons) ships. Then there is the great need for heavily armed corvettes to serve as a low-cost patrol vessel that can handle just about anything it runs into during coastal patrols and can even be useful in wartime. Finally, there is a growing export market for this type of ship.

The Karakurts are 800 ton ships that are 65 meters (213 feet) long and have a top speed of 56 kilometers an hour. They are armed with one 76mm cannon, eight launch tubes holding 1.2 ton 3K14 Kalibr anti-ship missiles (range 300 kilometers) or P800 anti-ship missiles (range 600 kilometers), two 14.5mm machine-guns, two AK-630 multibarrel 30mm autocannon for close range defense against missiles and aircraft and 32 57E6 anti-aircraft missiles (range 20 kilometers). There is also a launching pad for large helicopter UAVs. The crew of 30 can stay at sea for 15 days at a time before needing to refuel and resupply. Each Karakurt cost approximately $30 million.

The Bykovs are 1,300-ton ships with armament and performance similar to those of the Karakurts. Only six Bykovs were ordered. Five are in service and that sixth one will do so by the end of 2023.

Russia recently announced improvements in its primary submarine-launched missile, the 3M54/14, also known as the SS-N-27, Sizzler or Klub/Kalibr. This was mainly for the benefit of current and potential export customers and was based on experience during the Syrian campaign. Many Russian and some Indian, Vietnamese, Algerian and Chinese subs are already equipped with Kalibr. Even before the Syrian campaign the Kalibr (Klub is the less capable export version) had growing pains that the Russians appear to have remedied.

For example, India was an early adopter but encountered reliability problems in 2010 when there were repeated failures of the Klub during six test firings. The missiles were fired off the Russian coast using an Indian Kilo class submarine, INS Sindhuvijay. That boat went to Russia in 2006 for upgrades. India refused to pay for the upgrades, or take back the sub until Russia fixed the problems with the missiles, which Russia eventually did.

The Kalibr 3M14 land-attack cruise missile version had been around since the 1990s but had a lot of problems. These were addressed and the 3M14 officially entered service in 2012. This version has turned out to be the most popular and most frequently used. Russia has used it extensively in Syria. The 3M14 was launched from submarines, surface ship and aircraft against targets in Syria. Among the improvements made to the 3M14 based on the Syrian experience was to make it easier to change the target parameters before launch. The latest versions of American Tomahawk also allows targets to be changed while the missile is on the way. Russia is working on that upgrade.

One thing to keep in mind that there are basically two distinct versions of the Kalibr. Most versions are the shorter-range 3M54 anti-ship version with a supersonic final approach speed feature. All of those used in Syria were the 3M14 land attack cruise missile which is basically a Russian version of the American Tomahawk. About a hundred of these were used in Syria, many of them fired at extreme range (over 1,000 kilometers) and a lot of tweaks and fixes were applied to the 3M14 and, where applicable, applied to the 3M54. The anti-ship version does not have any combat experience but the many tests have shown that 3M54 reliability has improved because of the frequent combat use of the 3M14. Each new variant has to undergo several test firings at actual targets after a system modification and this is where the Russians have noted improved reliability and performance with both versions.

Since the first version of 3M54 appeared in 1994 about a dozen anti-ship and land-attack variants have been developed. All are basically designed to be launched from a torpedo tube but the ship/land based and air-launched versions vary in their configuration. As a result 3M54/14 weight varies from 1.3 tons to 2.3 tons. The basic submarine version is launched from a 533mm (21 inch) torpedo tube on a Kilo class or nuclear sub. The 3M54 warheads vary from 400-500 kg (880-1,100 pounds). The anti-ship version has a range of 220-600 kilometers but speeds up to 3,000 kilometers an hour during its last minute or so of flight. The export versions have a shorter range.

The land-attack version does away with the high-speed final approach feature and has a 400 kg (880 pound) warhead. Current versions of the 3M14 have a max range of 2,500 kilometers (with a smaller warhead) and a new version, with a range of 4,500 kilometers, is in development. These longer-range 3M14s are believed to be mainly for use with nuclear warheads.

What makes the 3M54 anti-ship version particularly dangerous is its final approach, which begins when the missile is about 15 kilometers from its target. Up to that point, the missile travels at an altitude of about 30 meters (hundred feet). This makes the missile more difficult to detect. The high-speed approach of the anti-ship version means that it covers that last fifteen kilometers in less than twenty seconds. This makes it difficult for current anti-missile weapons to take it down.

The 3M54 is similar to earlier, Cold War era Russian anti-ship missiles, like the 3M80 ("Sunburn"), which has a larger warhead (300 kg/660 pounds) and shorter range (120 kilometers). Even older is the P700 ("Shipwreck"), with a 550 kilometers range and 750 kg (1,650 pound) warhead. P700 entered service in the 1980s and the improved P-800 in 2002. The first Russian version of the Tomahawk (3M14) was still in development at the end of the Cold War and was finally put into service by 2001 as a land-attack missiles. It took another decade to perfect the anti-ship (3M54) version, as the Indians noted in 2006.

The success of the Kalibr came at the right time because the Russian navy has lots of problems that Kalibr can either solve or make less troublesome. This was clear in 2017 when the Russian defense budget was cut substantially and for the foreseeable future. There were already contingency plans for current procurement programs. For the navy that means fewer new submarines and instead more major refurbishment of boats worth keeping in service. The Russian submarine admirals were hoping they would get the money to build more competitive nuclear boats and put the Americans on the defensive some of the time. But now that goal has to be deferred. The refurbed boats will have better sensors but little can be done to improve noise control (how quiet the sub is underwater). They will not be able to go to sea as much as the American boats but that will mean Russia will have a nuclear submarine force nearly half the size of the American one and, with China building more nuclear boats, the West will still feel threatened at sea. Russia is also depending more on existing Kilo diesel-electric boats and new diesel-electric models with AIP (Air-Independent Propulsion) systems that allow a diesel-electric sub to stay underwater, silently, for several weeks at a time.
Granite Investment Partners LLC trimmed its holdings in Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE:ROK  Free Report) by 31.1% during the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 60,751 shares of the industrial products companys stock after selling 27,417 shares during the period. Granite Investment Partners LLC owned 0.05% of Rockwell Automation worth $17,827,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in ROK. Schechter Investment Advisors LLC grew its stake in Rockwell Automation by 4.5% during the 1st quarter. Schechter Investment Advisors LLC now owns 836 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $245,000 after purchasing an additional 36 shares in the last quarter. Baystate Wealth Management LLC raised its stake in Rockwell Automation by 2.4% during the 1st quarter. Baystate Wealth Management LLC now owns 1,572 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $462,000 after acquiring an additional 37 shares in the last quarter. ETF Managers Group LLC raised its stake in Rockwell Automation by 1.5% during the 1st quarter. ETF Managers Group LLC now owns 2,602 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $764,000 after acquiring an additional 38 shares in the last quarter. Aspire Private Capital LLC bought a new stake in Rockwell Automation during the 1st quarter valued at $11,444,550,000. Finally, Kentucky Retirement Systems raised its stake in shares of Rockwell Automation by 0.4% in the 4th quarter. Kentucky Retirement Systems now owns 9,076 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $2,338,000 after buying an additional 40 shares in the last quarter. 79.28% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Get Rockwell Automation alerts:

Insider Buying and Selling at Rockwell Automation

In related news, VP John M. Miller sold 556 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, May 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $279.09, for a total transaction of $155,174.04. Following the transaction, the vice president now owns 4,281 shares in the company, valued at $1,194,784.29. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. In other Rockwell Automation news, VP John M. Miller sold 556 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, May 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $279.09, for a total value of $155,174.04. Following the sale, the vice president now owns 4,281 shares in the company, valued at $1,194,784.29. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, VP Scott Genereux sold 500 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, May 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $280.00, for a total transaction of $140,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president now owns 3,376 shares in the company, valued at approximately $945,280. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 15,217 shares of company stock valued at $4,687,705 in the last three months. Company insiders own 0.64% of the companys stock.

Rockwell Automation Stock Up 0.6 %

NYSE:ROK traded up $1.83 on Friday, hitting $332.14. The stock had a trading volume of 348,644 shares, compared to its average volume of 709,848. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.83, a quick ratio of 0.73 and a current ratio of 1.08. The stock has a market cap of $38.16 billion, a P/E ratio of 29.08, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.45 and a beta of 1.45. Rockwell Automation, Inc. has a 1 year low of $209.27 and a 1 year high of $348.52. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $314.87 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $293.95.

Rockwell Automation (NYSE:ROK  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, April 27th. The industrial products company reported $3.01 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.60 by $0.41. Rockwell Automation had a net margin of 15.82% and a return on equity of 42.15%. The business had revenue of $2.28 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.09 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $1.66 EPS. Rockwell Automations revenue was up 25.8% compared to the same quarter last year. Analysts predict that Rockwell Automation, Inc. will post 12.02 earnings per share for the current year.

Rockwell Automation Dividend Announcement

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, September 11th. Shareholders of record on Monday, August 14th will be issued a $1.18 dividend. This represents a $4.72 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.42%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, August 11th. Rockwell Automations payout ratio is 41.55%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several equities analysts have commented on the company. Wells Fargo & Company upped their price target on Rockwell Automation from $260.00 to $290.00 in a report on Monday, July 10th. Mizuho raised their price target on Rockwell Automation from $260.00 to $270.00 in a research report on Friday, April 28th. Citigroup raised their price target on Rockwell Automation from $334.00 to $375.00 in a research report on Monday, July 10th. Sanford C. Bernstein raised their price target on Rockwell Automation from $250.00 to $290.00 in a research report on Thursday, May 11th. Finally, Barclays raised their price target on Rockwell Automation from $262.00 to $300.00 in a research report on Monday, July 10th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have issued a hold rating and six have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Rockwell Automation has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $290.00.

Rockwell Automation Profile

(Free Report)

Rockwell Automation, Inc provides industrial automation and digital transformation solutions in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Asia Pacific, and Latin America. The company operates through three segments, Intelligent Devices, Software & Control, and Lifecycle Services. Its solutions include hardware and software products and services.

See Also

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ROK? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE:ROK  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Rockwell Automation Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Rockwell Automation and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Royal Caribbean Cruises (NYSE:RCL  Get Free Report) announced its earnings results on Thursday. The company reported $1.82 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.58 by $0.24, Briefing.com reports. The firm had revenue of $3.52 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.41 billion. Royal Caribbean Cruises had a negative return on equity of 25.86% and a negative net margin of 9.72%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 61.3% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned ($2.08) EPS.

Royal Caribbean Cruises Stock Performance

Shares of RCL stock traded down $1.11 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $108.57. The stock had a trading volume of 4,044,510 shares, compared to its average volume of 3,772,701. The businesss fifty day moving average is $94.61 and its 200-day moving average is $76.69. The company has a current ratio of 0.26, a quick ratio of 0.23 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 6.41. The firm has a market cap of $27.77 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -27.66 and a beta of 2.47. Royal Caribbean Cruises has a 1-year low of $34.51 and a 1-year high of $112.95.

Get Royal Caribbean Cruises alerts:

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of brokerages recently issued reports on RCL. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft raised their price target on Royal Caribbean Cruises from $65.00 to $71.00 in a research note on Friday, May 5th. Tigress Financial raised their price target on Royal Caribbean Cruises from $80.00 to $102.00 in a research note on Friday, May 26th. Truist Financial lifted their target price on Royal Caribbean Cruises from $72.00 to $115.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, July 18th. StockNews.com initiated coverage on Royal Caribbean Cruises in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. They set a hold rating for the company. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus lifted their target price on Royal Caribbean Cruises from $100.00 to $120.00 in a research report on Friday, June 23rd. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $100.14.

Insider Activity

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Royal Caribbean Cruises

In related news, CEO Jason T. Liberty sold 36,536 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, May 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $80.00, for a total transaction of $2,922,880.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 147,078 shares of the companys stock, valued at $11,766,240. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink . In related news, Director Arne Alexander Wilhelmsen sold 375,000 shares of Royal Caribbean Cruises stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, May 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $80.74, for a total transaction of $30,277,500.00. Following the transaction, the director now owns 20,689,632 shares in the company, valued at $1,670,480,887.68. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this link . Also, CEO Jason T. Liberty sold 36,536 shares of Royal Caribbean Cruises stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, May 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $80.00, for a total value of $2,922,880.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 147,078 shares in the company, valued at approximately $11,766,240. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . Over the last three months, insiders have sold 729,861 shares of company stock valued at $58,020,180. Company insiders own 8.70% of the companys stock.

A number of institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of RCL. Capital World Investors grew its stake in shares of Royal Caribbean Cruises by 1,314.9% in the first quarter. Capital World Investors now owns 2,759,035 shares of the companys stock valued at $231,152,000 after buying an additional 2,564,035 shares in the last quarter. Norges Bank acquired a new position in Royal Caribbean Cruises during the 4th quarter worth $100,326,000. Ariel Investments LLC grew its stake in Royal Caribbean Cruises by 56.0% during the 1st quarter. Ariel Investments LLC now owns 1,022,510 shares of the companys stock worth $85,666,000 after purchasing an additional 367,253 shares in the last quarter. Marshall Wace LLP grew its stake in Royal Caribbean Cruises by 1,770.6% during the 4th quarter. Marshall Wace LLP now owns 387,571 shares of the companys stock worth $19,158,000 after purchasing an additional 366,852 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Vanguard Group Inc. grew its stake in Royal Caribbean Cruises by 1.4% during the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 23,355,449 shares of the companys stock worth $1,956,721,000 after purchasing an additional 314,385 shares in the last quarter. 71.08% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

About Royal Caribbean Cruises

(Get Free Report)

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. operates as a cruise company worldwide. The company operates cruises under the Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea Cruises brands, which comprise a range of itineraries. As of February 13, 2023, it operated 64 ships. The company was founded in 1968 and is headquartered in Miami, Florida.

See Also

Receive News & Ratings for Royal Caribbean Cruises Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Royal Caribbean Cruises and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Savant Capital LLC lifted its position in shares of AutoZone, Inc. (NYSE:AZO  Free Report) by 18.3% during the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 790 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 122 shares during the quarter. Savant Capital LLCs holdings in AutoZone were worth $1,942,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the company. Shelton Capital Management raised its holdings in AutoZone by 860.0% in the 4th quarter. Shelton Capital Management now owns 1,200 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,959,000 after acquiring an additional 1,075 shares during the last quarter. Mirova raised its holdings in AutoZone by 25.8% in the 4th quarter. Mirova now owns 278 shares of the companys stock valued at $686,000 after acquiring an additional 57 shares during the last quarter. Aviva PLC raised its holdings in AutoZone by 27.3% in the 4th quarter. Aviva PLC now owns 15,314 shares of the companys stock valued at $22,008,000 after acquiring an additional 3,288 shares during the last quarter. Point72 Asset Management L.P. raised its holdings in AutoZone by 109.0% in the 4th quarter. Point72 Asset Management L.P. now owns 38,783 shares of the companys stock valued at $95,646,000 after acquiring an additional 20,230 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Oversea Chinese Banking CORP Ltd acquired a new stake in AutoZone in the 4th quarter valued at about $390,000. 98.36% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Get AutoZone alerts:

Insider Transactions at AutoZone

In other news, VP Charles Pleas III sold 4,200 shares of AutoZone stock in a transaction on Tuesday, July 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $2,546.55, for a total transaction of $10,695,510.00. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president now directly owns 3,425 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $8,721,933.75. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. In related news, VP Albert Saltiel sold 2,245 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, June 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $2,500.00, for a total value of $5,612,500.00. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president now directly owns 535 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,337,500. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, VP Charles Pleas III sold 4,200 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, July 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $2,546.55, for a total transaction of $10,695,510.00. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president now directly owns 3,425 shares of the companys stock, valued at $8,721,933.75. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last three months, insiders sold 8,535 shares of company stock valued at $21,414,854. Insiders own 2.59% of the companys stock.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

AutoZone Stock Down 1.8 %

A number of analysts have commented on AZO shares. 51job reiterated a maintains rating on shares of AutoZone in a report on Thursday, May 11th. Bank of America upgraded shares of AutoZone from an underperform rating to a neutral rating and raised their price target for the stock from $2,120.00 to $2,465.00 in a report on Thursday, June 1st. Truist Financial raised their price target on shares of AutoZone from $2,878.00 to $2,886.00 in a report on Wednesday, May 24th. The Goldman Sachs Group cut their price target on shares of AutoZone from $2,899.00 to $2,840.00 in a report on Tuesday, May 23rd. Finally, UBS Group upgraded shares of AutoZone from a neutral rating to a buy rating and raised their price target for the stock from $2,800.00 to $2,900.00 in a report on Friday, June 16th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eighteen have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $2,716.00.

Shares of AZO stock opened at $2,446.90 on Friday. AutoZone, Inc. has a 52 week low of $2,050.21 and a 52 week high of $2,750.00. The stock has a market capitalization of $44.44 billion, a PE ratio of 19.31, a P/E/G ratio of 1.53 and a beta of 0.68. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $2,464.40 and a two-hundred day moving average of $2,497.36.

AutoZone (NYSE:AZO  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, May 23rd. The company reported $34.12 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $30.84 by $3.28. The business had revenue of $4.09 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.12 billion. AutoZone had a net margin of 14.45% and a negative return on equity of 62.38%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 11.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $29.03 EPS. Analysts expect that AutoZone, Inc. will post 130.32 EPS for the current fiscal year.

About AutoZone

(Free Report)

AutoZone, Inc retails and distributes automotive replacement parts and accessories. The company offers various products for cars, sport utility vehicles, vans, and light trucks, including new and remanufactured automotive hard parts, maintenance items, accessories, and non-automotive products. Its products include A/C compressors, batteries and accessories, bearings, belts and hoses, calipers, chassis, clutches, CV axles, engines, fuel pumps, fuses, ignition and lighting products, mufflers, radiators, starters and alternators, thermostats, and water pumps, as well as tire repairs.

See Also

Receive News & Ratings for AutoZone Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for AutoZone and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Shares of Sempra (NYSE:SRE  Get Free Report) have been given an average recommendation of Moderate Buy by the seven analysts that are presently covering the company, MarketBeat reports. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation and four have given a buy recommendation to the company. The average 1 year target price among brokers that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $167.71.

Several analysts have issued reports on SRE shares. StockNews.com assumed coverage on Sempra in a research note on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Guggenheim dropped their price objective on shares of Sempra from $174.00 to $172.00 in a research report on Friday, July 7th. 888 reissued a maintains rating on shares of Sempra in a research report on Friday, June 23rd. The Goldman Sachs Group began coverage on Sempra in a research note on Wednesday, June 7th. They set a buy rating and a $178.00 target price on the stock. Finally, Morgan Stanley reiterated an equal weight rating and set a $158.00 target price on shares of Sempra in a research note on Friday, July 21st.

Get Sempra alerts:

Sempra Stock Performance

NYSE SRE opened at $149.36 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 0.54, a quick ratio of 0.51 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.86. The firms fifty day moving average price is $146.65 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $151.27. Sempra has a 1 year low of $136.54 and a 1 year high of $176.47. The firm has a market capitalization of $47.00 billion, a P/E ratio of 19.25, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.53 and a beta of 0.73.

Sempra Announces Dividend

Sempra ( NYSE:SRE Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, May 4th. The utilities provider reported $2.92 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.76 by $0.16. The firm had revenue of $6.56 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.04 billion. Sempra had a net margin of 14.47% and a return on equity of 10.28%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 71.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $2.91 earnings per share. As a group, research analysts anticipate that Sempra will post 8.94 EPS for the current year.

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Saturday, July 15th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, July 5th were given a $1.19 dividend. This represents a $4.76 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.19%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, July 3rd. Sempras payout ratio is presently 61.34%.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in SRE. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. grew its stake in shares of Sempra by 0.6% in the first quarter. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. now owns 1,141,824 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $191,963,000 after purchasing an additional 6,246 shares during the last quarter. Acadian Asset Management LLC boosted its holdings in Sempra by 780.0% in the first quarter. Acadian Asset Management LLC now owns 1,804 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $302,000 after acquiring an additional 1,599 shares during the last quarter. Cibc World Market Inc. bought a new stake in Sempra in the first quarter valued at approximately $782,000. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP boosted its holdings in Sempra by 3.6% in the first quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 668,646 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $112,411,000 after acquiring an additional 23,431 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Vontobel Holding Ltd. boosted its position in Sempra by 77.4% during the first quarter. Vontobel Holding Ltd. now owns 13,575 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $2,276,000 after acquiring an additional 5,924 shares during the last quarter. 84.45% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

Sempra Company Profile

(Get Free Report

Sempra operates as an energy infrastructure company in the United States and internationally. It operates through four segments: San Diego Gas & Electric Company, Southern California Gas Company, Sempra Texas Utilities, and Sempra Infrastructure. The San Diego Gas & Electric Company segment provides to San Diego and southern Orange counties; and natural gas service to San Diego County.

Read More

Receive News & Ratings for Sempra Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Sempra and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Van ECK Associates Corp lifted its position in shares of Silvercorp Metals Inc. (NYSEAMERICAN:SVM  Free Report) by 17.0% in the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 9,789,481 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 1,423,408 shares during the period. Van ECK Associates Corp owned approximately 5.54% of Silvercorp Metals worth $37,396,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in SVM. Belpointe Asset Management LLC purchased a new stake in Silvercorp Metals during the 4th quarter worth $26,000. Quadrant Capital Group LLC boosted its position in Silvercorp Metals by 258.9% in the 4th quarter. Quadrant Capital Group LLC now owns 9,194 shares of the companys stock valued at $27,000 after buying an additional 6,632 shares during the last quarter. Deutsche Bank AG purchased a new position in Silvercorp Metals in the 4th quarter valued at about $33,000. Metis Global Partners LLC purchased a new position in Silvercorp Metals in the 4th quarter valued at about $33,000. Finally, Atria Wealth Solutions Inc. purchased a new position in Silvercorp Metals in the 4th quarter valued at about $35,000. 24.34% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Get Silvercorp Metals alerts:

Silvercorp Metals Stock Up 3.1 %

SVM traded up $0.09 on Friday, hitting $3.03. 851,869 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,204,422. The firm has a market cap of $536.16 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 25.17 and a beta of 0.98. Silvercorp Metals Inc. has a twelve month low of $1.99 and a twelve month high of $4.20.

Silvercorp Metals Dividend Announcement

Silvercorp Metals ( NYSEAMERICAN:SVM Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Friday, May 26th. The company reported $0.03 EPS for the quarter, meeting the consensus estimate of $0.03. The company had revenue of $34.15 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $33.30 million. Silvercorp Metals had a net margin of 9.90% and a return on equity of 6.41%. Research analysts anticipate that Silvercorp Metals Inc. will post 0.26 earnings per share for the current year.

The business also recently announced a semi-annual dividend, which was paid on Thursday, June 29th. Shareholders of record on Monday, June 12th were given a $0.0125 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Friday, June 9th. This represents a yield of 0.8%. Silvercorp Metalss payout ratio is 25.00%.

Silvercorp Metals Profile

(Free Report)

Silvercorp Metals Inc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the acquisition, exploration, development, and mining of mineral properties in China. The company primarily explores for silver, gold, lead, and zinc metals. It holds a 100% interest in the Kuanping silver-lead-zinc-gold project located in located in Shanzhou District, Sanmenxia City, Henan Province, China; Ying project located in the Ying Mining District in Henan Province, China; Gaocheng (GC) mine located in Guangdong Province, China; and Baiyunpu (BYP) mine located in Hunan Province, China.

Read More

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SVM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Silvercorp Metals Inc. (NYSEAMERICAN:SVM  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Silvercorp Metals Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Silvercorp Metals and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Van ECK Associates Corp increased its holdings in Skeena Resources Limited (NYSE:SKE  Free Report) by 7.0% in the first quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 4,026,152 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 263,544 shares during the quarter. Van ECK Associates Corp owned about 5.16% of Skeena Resources worth $24,665,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased its position in Skeena Resources by 854.9% during the first quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 20,482 shares of the companys stock worth $228,000 after buying an additional 18,337 shares during the last quarter. Bank of Montreal Can grew its holdings in Skeena Resources by 3.3% during the 1st quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 60,512 shares of the companys stock worth $704,000 after acquiring an additional 1,911 shares during the period. Cibc World Market Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Skeena Resources in the 1st quarter valued at $338,000. Mackenzie Financial Corp acquired a new position in Skeena Resources in the 1st quarter worth $6,348,000. Finally, Renaissance Technologies LLC lifted its stake in Skeena Resources by 279.3% in the 1st quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC now owns 99,950 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,114,000 after purchasing an additional 73,600 shares during the last quarter. 30.71% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

Get Skeena Resources alerts:

Skeena Resources Stock Up 1.1 %

Shares of SKE traded up $0.05 during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting $4.72. 47,481 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 46,147. The firm has a market cap of $416.16 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -5.13 and a beta of 1.17. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $5.05 and its 200-day simple moving average is $5.69. Skeena Resources Limited has a 52 week low of $4.10 and a 52 week high of $7.65.

Skeena Resources Company Profile

Skeena Resources ( NYSE:SKE Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, May 11th. The company reported ($0.16) EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of ($0.09) by ($0.07). Analysts forecast that Skeena Resources Limited will post -0.38 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

(Free Report)

Skeena Resources Limited explores for and develops mineral properties in Canada. The company explores for gold, silver, copper, and other precious metal deposits. It holds 100% interests in the Snip gold mine comprising one mining lease and four mineral tenures that covers an area of approximately 1,932 hectares; and the Eskay Creek gold mine that consists of eight mineral leases, two surface leases, and various unpatented mining claims comprising 7,096 hectares located in British Columbia, Canada.

Featured Stories

Receive News & Ratings for Skeena Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Skeena Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Tingyi (Cayman Islands) Holding Corp. (OTCMKTS:TYCMY  Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant decline in short interest in July. As of July 15th, there was short interest totalling 800 shares, a decline of 61.9% from the June 30th total of 2,100 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 7,700 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.1 days.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Separately, The Goldman Sachs Group lowered shares of Tingyi (Cayman Islands) from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, May 18th.

Get Tingyi (Cayman Islands) alerts:

Tingyi (Cayman Islands) Price Performance

OTCMKTS:TYCMY traded up C$0.95 on Friday, reaching C$30.90. The stock had a trading volume of 1,003 shares, compared to its average volume of 6,426. Tingyi has a 1-year low of C$27.19 and a 1-year high of C$36.96. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of C$30.41 and a 200-day moving average price of C$32.60.

About Tingyi (Cayman Islands)

Tingyi (Cayman Islands) Holding Corp., an investment holding company, manufactures and sells instant noodles, beverages, and instant food products in the People's Republic of China. The company operates through Instant Noodles, Beverages, and Others segments. It offers ready-to-drink teas, juices, bottled water, and carbonated soft drinks, as well as coffee drinks/functional drinks/probiotics.

See Also

Receive News & Ratings for Tingyi (Cayman Islands) Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Tingyi (Cayman Islands) and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Tobam boosted its stake in Equity Residential (NYSE:EQR  Free Report) by 58.1% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 3,028 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after acquiring an additional 1,113 shares during the period. Tobams holdings in Equity Residential were worth $182,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of EQR. American Century Companies Inc. lifted its position in Equity Residential by 234.9% during the 1st quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 12,882 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $1,158,000 after buying an additional 9,035 shares in the last quarter. Private Advisor Group LLC grew its holdings in Equity Residential by 45.5% during the first quarter. Private Advisor Group LLC now owns 4,761 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $428,000 after buying an additional 1,489 shares in the last quarter. Panagora Asset Management Inc. lifted its position in shares of Equity Residential by 85.2% during the 1st quarter. Panagora Asset Management Inc. now owns 11,356 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $1,021,000 after buying an additional 5,224 shares during the last quarter. Prudential PLC bought a new position in Equity Residential in the 1st quarter worth about $687,000. Finally, Baird Financial Group Inc. increased its position in shares of Equity Residential by 8.5% during the 1st quarter. Baird Financial Group Inc. now owns 9,295 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $836,000 after purchasing an additional 730 shares during the last quarter. 82.52% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Get Equity Residential alerts:

Insider Buying and Selling at Equity Residential

In related news, Director Mark S. Shapiro sold 42,435 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, May 4th. The stock was sold at an average price of $61.91, for a total value of $2,627,150.85. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 12,497 shares in the company, valued at approximately $773,689.27. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Insiders own 1.69% of the companys stock.

Equity Residential Trading Down 0.0 %

Equity Residential Announces Dividend

NYSE:EQR traded down $0.03 on Friday, reaching $65.64. 211,334 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 1,981,104. The firm has a market capitalization of $24.87 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 26.86, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.60 and a beta of 0.83. Equity Residential has a 1-year low of $54.60 and a 1-year high of $80.89. The company has a current ratio of 0.69, a quick ratio of 0.69 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.65. The companys 50 day moving average is $65.09 and its 200-day moving average is $62.78.

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, July 14th. Investors of record on Monday, June 26th were issued a $0.6625 dividend. This represents a $2.65 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.04%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, June 23rd. Equity Residentials dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 109.05%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

EQR has been the subject of a number of research analyst reports. Morgan Stanley lifted their target price on Equity Residential from $64.00 to $68.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Wednesday, July 19th. Raymond James lowered Equity Residential from a market perform rating to an underperform rating in a research note on Friday, May 26th. 3M restated an upgrade rating on shares of Equity Residential in a research note on Friday, June 9th. Barclays lowered their target price on Equity Residential from $71.00 to $69.00 in a report on Wednesday, May 31st. Finally, StockNews.com started coverage on Equity Residential in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, twelve have assigned a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $70.06.

Equity Residential Company Profile

(Free Report)

Equity Residential is committed to creating communities where people thrive. The Company, a member of the S&P 500, is focused on the acquisition, development and management of residential properties located in and around dynamic cities that attract affluent long-term renters. Equity Residential owns or has investments in 301 properties consisting of 79,351 apartment units, with an established presence in Boston, New York, Washington, DC, Seattle, San Francisco and Southern California, and an expanding presence in Denver, Atlanta, Dallas/Ft.

Further Reading

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EQR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Equity Residential (NYSE:EQR  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Equity Residential Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Equity Residential and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
TrueBlue (NYSE:TBI  Free Report) had its target price cut by BMO Capital Markets from $21.00 to $20.00 in a research report released on Wednesday, MarketBeat reports. They currently have an outperform rating on the business services providers stock.

TBI has been the subject of several other reports. Robert W. Baird lowered their price objective on TrueBlue from $20.00 to $18.00 in a research report on Tuesday. StockNews.com downgraded TrueBlue from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday.

Get TrueBlue alerts:

TrueBlue Stock Performance

TBI remained flat at $15.06 on Wednesday. 37,542 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 207,871. The stock has a market cap of $466.86 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 32.04 and a beta of 1.44. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $17.51 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $17.74. TrueBlue has a 12-month low of $13.52 and a 12-month high of $22.75.

Insider Transactions at TrueBlue

TrueBlue ( NYSE:TBI Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Monday, July 24th. The business services provider reported $0.17 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.23 by ($0.06). The firm had revenue of $475.59 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $496.11 million. TrueBlue had a net margin of 0.78% and a return on equity of 8.88%. The businesss revenue was down 16.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $0.82 earnings per share.

In related news, EVP Kristy A. Fitzsimmons-Willis sold 2,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Thursday, May 25th. The stock was sold at an average price of $17.11, for a total transaction of $34,220.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 42,549 shares of the companys stock, valued at $728,013.39. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. In related news, EVP Kristy A. Fitzsimmons-Willis sold 2,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, May 25th. The stock was sold at an average price of $17.11, for a total transaction of $34,220.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president now owns 42,549 shares of the companys stock, valued at $728,013.39. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, EVP Garrett Ferencz acquired 4,944 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, May 1st. The shares were bought at an average cost of $15.17 per share, for a total transaction of $75,000.48. Following the purchase, the executive vice president now owns 67,566 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,024,976.22. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. Company insiders own 4.00% of the companys stock.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On TrueBlue

Hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. EA Series Trust purchased a new stake in shares of TrueBlue during the 2nd quarter valued at about $1,552,000. Peregrine Capital Management LLC grew its stake in TrueBlue by 19.6% during the 2nd quarter. Peregrine Capital Management LLC now owns 39,686 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $703,000 after purchasing an additional 6,514 shares in the last quarter. Louisiana State Employees Retirement System grew its position in shares of TrueBlue by 6.5% in the 2nd quarter. Louisiana State Employees Retirement System now owns 16,300 shares of the business services providers stock worth $289,000 after acquiring an additional 1,000 shares in the last quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. grew its position in shares of TrueBlue by 4.4% in the 1st quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 508,991 shares of the business services providers stock worth $9,060,000 after acquiring an additional 21,525 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Susquehanna International Group LLP acquired a new position in shares of TrueBlue in the 1st quarter worth approximately $307,000. 96.72% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

TrueBlue Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

TrueBlue, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, provides specialized workforce solutions in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Puerto Rico. It operates through three segments: PeopleReady, PeopleManagement, and PeopleScout. The company's PeopleReady segment provides general, industrial, and skilled trade staffing services for construction, transportation, manufacturing, retail, hospitality, and renewable energy industries.

Featured Stories

Receive News & Ratings for TrueBlue Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for TrueBlue and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Union Pacific (NYSE:UNP  Free Report) had its price objective boosted by Benchmark from $230.00 to $264.00 in a research note issued to investors on Thursday morning, FlyOnTheWall reports.

Other equities analysts also recently issued reports about the company. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their target price on Union Pacific from $200.00 to $245.00 in a research report on Thursday. Credit Suisse Group increased their target price on Union Pacific from $235.00 to $262.00 in a research note on Thursday. Bank of America upped their target price on shares of Union Pacific from $237.00 to $265.00 in a report on Thursday. Sanford C. Bernstein dropped their price target on shares of Union Pacific from $223.00 to $213.00 and set a market perform rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, April 21st. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada upgraded Union Pacific from a sector perform rating to an outperform rating and lifted their target price for the company from $193.00 to $282.00 in a research note on Wednesday. Thirteen investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, thirteen have issued a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $233.97.

Get Union Pacific alerts:

Union Pacific Stock Up 0.3 %

NYSE UNP traded up $0.67 on Thursday, hitting $232.77. The stock had a trading volume of 3,531,374 shares, compared to its average volume of 3,077,383. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $203.75 and its 200 day moving average price is $201.92. The stock has a market cap of $142.05 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 21.18, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.14 and a beta of 1.10. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.39, a current ratio of 0.71 and a quick ratio of 0.54. Union Pacific has a 52-week low of $183.69 and a 52-week high of $242.35.

Union Pacific Announces Dividend

Union Pacific ( NYSE:UNP Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, July 26th. The railroad operator reported $2.57 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $2.75 by ($0.18). Union Pacific had a return on equity of 55.03% and a net margin of 27.18%. The company had revenue of $5.96 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $6.09 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $2.93 EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 4.9% on a year-over-year basis. Equities research analysts anticipate that Union Pacific will post 11.12 earnings per share for the current year.

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 29th. Investors of record on Thursday, August 31st will be issued a $1.30 dividend. This represents a $5.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.23%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, August 30th. Union Pacifics payout ratio is 47.45%.

Institutional Trading of Union Pacific

Large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Welch & Forbes LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Union Pacific by 1.4% in the 2nd quarter. Welch & Forbes LLC now owns 21,190 shares of the railroad operators stock valued at $4,336,000 after buying an additional 284 shares in the last quarter. Capital Investment Advisory Services LLC lifted its stake in shares of Union Pacific by 3.3% in the second quarter. Capital Investment Advisory Services LLC now owns 4,352 shares of the railroad operators stock worth $891,000 after buying an additional 139 shares in the last quarter. Tokio Marine Asset Management Co. Ltd. raised its holdings in shares of Union Pacific by 2.5% during the 2nd quarter. Tokio Marine Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 11,684 shares of the railroad operators stock worth $2,391,000 after acquiring an additional 290 shares during the period. Mach 1 Financial Group LLC increased its stake in Union Pacific by 429.2% during the second quarter. Mach 1 Financial Group LLC now owns 6,292 shares of the railroad operators stock worth $1,288,000 after acquiring an additional 5,103 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Financial Management Network Inc. lifted its position in Union Pacific by 22.5% in the second quarter. Financial Management Network Inc. now owns 1,360 shares of the railroad operators stock valued at $280,000 after buying an additional 250 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 84.04% of the companys stock.

Union Pacific Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Union Pacific Corporation, through its subsidiary, Union Pacific Railroad Company, operates in the railroad business in the United States. The company offers transportation services for grain and grain products, fertilizers, food and refrigerated products, and coal and renewables to grain processors, animal feeders, ethanol producers, and other agricultural users; petroleum, and liquid petroleum gases; and construction products, industrial chemicals, plastics, forest products, specialized products, metals and ores, soda ash, and sand, as well as finished automobiles, automotive parts, and merchandise in intermodal containers.

See Also

Receive News & Ratings for Union Pacific Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Union Pacific and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Congo is under growing regional and international criticism for the continued rebel, tribal and Islamic terrorist violence, especially in a few eastern provinces. The government uses the violence as an excuse for not doing more to control the corruption in the lucrative mining operations present in those provinces. The corruption persists because theres enough mining revenue to persuade army and government leaders to take the money and ignore the chaos. This is a common pattern throughout Africa whenever there is a valuable natural resource bringing in a lot of foreign operators and some shady practices.

July 23, 2023: In eastern Congo (North Kivu province) The EARF (East African Regional Force) has increased its civilian protection patrols along the Goma-Kibumba-Rutshuru-Kiwanja-Bunagana and Goma-Sake-Kilolorwe-Kitchanga supply routes. Bunagana is on the Uganda border. Kitchange is the site of a major refugee camp.

July 22, 2023: In the village of Nyakova (Ituri province) a berserk Congolese soldier shot and killed at least 13 civilians.

July 20, 2023: An explosive device accidentally detonated in the village of Lubwe (North Kivu province). The blast killed nine people and injured 16. Local officials said a man had found the bomb in a field and had given it to a militiaman.

July 18, 2023: The United Arab Emirates signed a $2 billion deal with Congos Societe Aurifere du Kivu et du Maniema (Sakima). Sakima is a state-owned mining company with operations in eastern Congo. The UAE will build at least four modern mines. Sakima controls tin, tantalum, tungsten and gold mining concessions. In December 2022 Congo signed a contract with another UAE investment group. That deal involved the UAE handling ores mined by individual, independent miners.

Chinas China Molybdenum Company (CMOC) group has agreed to pay Congos Gecamines state-mining group $800 million settlement between 2023 and 2028 and another $1.2 billion in dividends to settle a royalty dispute involving CMOCs Tenke Fungurume mine. Congo claimed China owed $7.6 billion in royalties and interest. In 2020 CMOC acquired a 95 percent interest in Congos huge Kisanfu copper and cobalt deposits (in Lualaba province).

July 17, 2023: In the Central African Republic (CAR) several dozen Russian Wagner mercenaries arrived in the capital (Bangui). They are ostensibly deploying to help maintain security during the July 30 presidential election.

July 16, 2023: In eastern Congo (North Kivu province) local officials accused the M23 rebels of killing 11 people in an attack near Bwito.

July 15, 2023: In eastern Congo (North Kivu province) ADF terrorists killed at least four people.

July 14, 2023: Ugandan president Museveni has accused former Congo president, Joseph Kabila, of giving ADF (Allied Democratic Forces) Islamist rebels sanctuary in eastern Congo. The very corrupt Kabila let the ADF exploit mineral mines and timber resources. Kabila was president of Congo from 2001 to 2019. The ADF now claims it is loyal to ISIL (Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant). Uganda and Congo officially regard the ADF as a terrorist organization.

July 13, 2023: In the Congo capital (Kinshasa) Cherubin Okende, a prominent opposition politician, was assassinated in. Okende had once served as Minister of Transport.

July 12, 2023: Congo and Angola agreed to rebuild the 1700 kilometer railroad line that connects Congos southern mining areas (primarily Katanga province) with the Angolan seaport of Lobito on the Atlantic Ocean.. The project will cost about $550 million. A U.S. investment group will provide some of the financing.

July 10, 2023: In CAR (Central African Republic). A UN peacekeeper was killed while on patrol The Rwandan soldier was participating in a patrol in the northeast. Three of the attackers were killed and one captured. The UN peacekeepers have 16,363 uniformed personnel in CAR.

July 8, 2023: In CAR, several hundred Russian Wagner mercenaries have left in the last few weeks. This was described as a rotation of forces. Other Wagner mercenaries will soon arrive as replacements.

July 7, 2023: In Malawi (a small landlocked nation in southeast Africa) the government declared that learning the Swahili language is mandatory in schools in the country. Leaders believe Swahili fluency will improve Malawis ability to conduct business with Swahili-speaking countries. Tanzanian leaders said they were pleased with Rwandas decision. Swahili is spoken by most people in Kenya, Tanzania and Mozambique. Swahili is a Bantu language that, over the centuries, has adopted many Arab words and phrases.

July 3, 2023: The U.S. is considering a ban on imported products containing Congolese minerals mined by child labor or laborers working under abusive conditions. The proposed law would have an impact on the price of Chinese electric vehicle batteries using Congolese cobalt.

June 29, 2023: The leaders of a coalition representing most Central African nations demanded an immediate and unconditional withdrawal of all armed groups from eastern Congo. Their statement specifically targeted M23.

The British government will appeal a court decision that said its plan to deport illegal asylum seekers to Rwanda is illegal. In 2022 Rwanda agreed to accept several thousand (or more) illegals. Britain would pay Rwanda around $180 million for taking back their citizens.

June 26, 2023: In western Congo (Kiwango province) Mobondo tribal militiamen ambushed a convoy and murdered at least 20 Teke tribal traders. Fighters for the Mobondo attackers come from the Yaka, Suku, Mbala, Ndinga, and Songo tribes. The Yaka have several grievances with the Teke. One involves traditional payments to Teke chiefs. The other is a fight over land claims. The Mobondo battles have spread throughout Mai-Ndombe, Kwango, and Kwilu provinces.

June 25, 2023: In Congo, UN officials are still trying to come up with a timetable for the withdrawal of UN peacekeepers. The problem is that there is still considerable violence in the eastern provinces of North Kivu and Ituri.

June 23, 2023: The Catholic leaders in Congo are criticizing the government for not making the needed preparations for December's national elections. The national election commission. The government has not yet arranged for international observers to monitor the election and insure fairness. The government has also been slow to work with opposition political groups and civil society organizations. There is also criticism of the government ignoring the persistent and increasingly violent internal security situation.

June 20, 2023: The World Health Organization estimated that Congo now has 6.3 million internally displaced persons. That is more than twice as many as were present in late 2022.

June 18, 2023: In CAR the Russian Wagner group is doing well in financial terms. The government is paying the Russians by giving Wagner Group substantial control over gold and diamond mines. It was estimated that Wagners 2023 CAR mining profits might be as high as a billion dollars. Another estimate was in excess of $3 billion.

June 17, 2023: Congo asked the ICC (International Criminal Court) to investigate the increased violence in North Kivu province. Specifically, Congo wants the ICC to investigate serious crimes committed since January 1, 2022. The request is aimed at M23 rebels. Congo accuses Rwanda of supporting M23.

June 16, 2023: Suspected ADF terrorists attacked the Mpondwe Lhubiriha Secondary School in western Uganda, near the Congo-Uganda border. The attackers killed at least 40 students. They also murdered a guard and three other civilians. The ADF terrorists used machetes to kill 20 schoolgirls. They burned-to-death the 17 schoolboys. Six students were kidnapped.
First National Bank of Omaha lowered its position in Valmont Industries, Inc. (NYSE:VMI  Free Report) by 5.0% during the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 4,250 shares of the industrial products companys stock after selling 225 shares during the period. First National Bank of Omahas holdings in Valmont Industries were worth $1,357,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Van ECK Associates Corp boosted its position in shares of Valmont Industries by 33.3% in the 1st quarter. Van ECK Associates Corp now owns 408 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $130,000 after buying an additional 102 shares in the last quarter. Quantinno Capital Management LP raised its position in shares of Valmont Industries by 5.8% during the 1st quarter. Quantinno Capital Management LP now owns 1,211 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $387,000 after purchasing an additional 66 shares during the last quarter. New Mexico Educational Retirement Board lifted its stake in Valmont Industries by 18.2% in the 1st quarter. New Mexico Educational Retirement Board now owns 3,900 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $1,245,000 after buying an additional 600 shares in the last quarter. Alliance Wealth Advisors LLC UT grew its holdings in Valmont Industries by 10.0% during the 1st quarter. Alliance Wealth Advisors LLC UT now owns 1,464 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $468,000 after buying an additional 133 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Victory Capital Management Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Valmont Industries by 473.7% in the first quarter. Victory Capital Management Inc. now owns 44,825 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $14,312,000 after acquiring an additional 37,012 shares during the last quarter. 85.39% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Get Valmont Industries alerts:

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of analysts recently commented on the company. Stifel Nicolaus decreased their price objective on Valmont Industries from $389.00 to $352.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, April 17th. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Valmont Industries in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. They set a buy rating on the stock.

Insider Buying and Selling

Valmont Industries Trading Up 0.8 %

In other Valmont Industries news, Director Theodor Werner Freye sold 549 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, May 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $293.00, for a total transaction of $160,857.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly owns 5,749 shares in the company, valued at $1,684,457. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this link . Corporate insiders own 2.00% of the companys stock.

Valmont Industries stock traded up $2.04 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $262.17. The stock had a trading volume of 376,403 shares, compared to its average volume of 150,115. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $282.65 and its 200 day simple moving average is $300.49. The stock has a market capitalization of $5.52 billion, a PE ratio of 20.20, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.53 and a beta of 1.08. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.62, a quick ratio of 1.40 and a current ratio of 2.32. Valmont Industries, Inc. has a twelve month low of $254.92 and a twelve month high of $353.36.

Valmont Industries Company Profile

(Free Report)

Valmont Industries, Inc produces and sells metal products in the United States, Australia, Brazil, Denmark, and internationally. The company operates through two segments: Infrastructure and Agriculture. It manufactures and distributes steel, pre-stressed concrete, composite, and hybrid structures for lighting, transportation, and telecommunications equipment, as well as electrical transmission, distribution, substations, and renewable energy generation equipment; and provides coatings services to preserve metal products.

See Also

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding VMI? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Valmont Industries, Inc. (NYSE:VMI  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Valmont Industries Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Valmont Industries and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Van ECK Associates Corp increased its holdings in shares of Harmony Gold Mining Company Limited (NYSE:HMY  Free Report) by 0.3% in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 58,627,033 shares of the mining companys stock after buying an additional 168,513 shares during the quarter. Van ECK Associates Corp owned 9.49% of Harmony Gold Mining worth $240,371,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other large investors have also bought and sold shares of HMY. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. acquired a new position in Harmony Gold Mining in the 1st quarter worth about $182,000. JPMorgan Chase & Co. grew its holdings in Harmony Gold Mining by 3.6% during the 1st quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 655,791 shares of the mining companys stock worth $3,299,000 after acquiring an additional 22,584 shares during the last quarter. Raymond James & Associates bought a new position in shares of Harmony Gold Mining during the first quarter valued at $156,000. Bank of New York Mellon Corp acquired a new position in shares of Harmony Gold Mining during the first quarter worth $67,000. Finally, Private Advisor Group LLC bought a new stake in shares of Harmony Gold Mining in the first quarter worth $71,000. 35.58% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Get Harmony Gold Mining alerts:

Harmony Gold Mining Stock Performance

Shares of HMY stock traded up $0.11 on Friday, reaching $4.30. 1,692,860 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 3,924,954. Harmony Gold Mining Company Limited has a one year low of $1.93 and a one year high of $5.43. The company has a 50-day moving average of $4.44 and a 200-day moving average of $4.13. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.22, a current ratio of 1.52 and a quick ratio of 0.97.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Harmony Gold Mining Company Profile

A number of analysts have weighed in on the stock. StockNews.com began coverage on shares of Harmony Gold Mining in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. They set a hold rating for the company. Morgan Stanley upgraded Harmony Gold Mining from an underweight rating to an equal weight rating in a research report on Monday, April 24th. Finally, Investec downgraded Harmony Gold Mining from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday, April 17th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating and four have given a hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Harmony Gold Mining presently has a consensus rating of Hold.

(Free Report)

Harmony Gold Mining Company Limited engages in the exploration, extraction, and processing of gold. The company also explores for uranium, silver, copper, and molybdenum deposits. It has eight underground operations in the Witwatersrand Basin; an open-pit mine on the Kraaipan Greenstone Belt; and various surface source operations in South Africa.

Recommended Stories

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding HMY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Harmony Gold Mining Company Limited (NYSE:HMY  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Harmony Gold Mining Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Harmony Gold Mining and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Van ECK Associates Corp raised its position in shares of Ecolab Inc. (NYSE:ECL  Free Report) by 11.8% during the first quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 1,266,437 shares of the basic materials companys stock after acquiring an additional 133,731 shares during the quarter. Van ECK Associates Corp owned about 0.44% of Ecolab worth $209,633,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the company. Texas Permanent School Fund boosted its position in shares of Ecolab by 0.4% during the 4th quarter. Texas Permanent School Fund now owns 35,208 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $5,125,000 after purchasing an additional 126 shares in the last quarter. Wealthfront Advisers LLC lifted its position in Ecolab by 184.7% in the 1st quarter. Wealthfront Advisers LLC now owns 31,989 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $5,295,000 after acquiring an additional 20,753 shares in the last quarter. Louisiana State Employees Retirement System lifted its position in Ecolab by 0.6% in the 1st quarter. Louisiana State Employees Retirement System now owns 16,100 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $2,665,000 after acquiring an additional 100 shares in the last quarter. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Holdings Inc. lifted its position in Ecolab by 1.9% in the 1st quarter. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Holdings Inc. now owns 786,556 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $130,199,000 after acquiring an additional 14,653 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Seven Eight Capital LP bought a new position in Ecolab in the 4th quarter valued at about $421,000. Institutional investors own 73.73% of the companys stock.

Get Ecolab alerts:

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several equities research analysts have commented on ECL shares. Citigroup increased their price objective on shares of Ecolab from $179.00 to $200.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 19th. VNET Group restated a maintains rating on shares of Ecolab in a research note on Wednesday, May 3rd. Northcoast Research lowered shares of Ecolab from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 5th. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price objective on shares of Ecolab from $175.00 to $195.00 in a research note on Wednesday, May 3rd. Finally, BMO Capital Markets lifted their price objective on shares of Ecolab from $167.00 to $188.00 in a research note on Thursday, May 4th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, nine have issued a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $179.08.

Insider Activity at Ecolab

Ecolab Trading Down 0.1 %

In related news, CEO Christophe Beck sold 34,450 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, May 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $173.48, for a total transaction of $5,976,386.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 53,043 shares in the company, valued at $9,201,899.64. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link . In other news, EVP Angela M. Busch sold 3,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, May 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $175.00, for a total value of $525,000.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 19,680 shares in the company, valued at $3,444,000. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this link . Also, CEO Christophe Beck sold 34,450 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, May 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $173.48, for a total transaction of $5,976,386.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 53,043 shares in the company, valued at approximately $9,201,899.64. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . Insiders have sold 67,050 shares of company stock worth $11,865,590 over the last 90 days. 0.04% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

NYSE:ECL traded down $0.25 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $183.58. The companys stock had a trading volume of 1,260,025 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,089,218. The firm has a market capitalization of $52.27 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 45.50, a PEG ratio of 2.99 and a beta of 1.02. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $179.81 and a 200-day simple moving average of $167.40. Ecolab Inc. has a 1 year low of $131.04 and a 1 year high of $191.41. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.02, a quick ratio of 0.79 and a current ratio of 1.17.

Ecolab (NYSE:ECL  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, May 2nd. The basic materials company reported $0.88 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.86 by $0.02. Ecolab had a net margin of 7.96% and a return on equity of 18.05%. The firm had revenue of $3.57 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.47 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $0.82 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 9.3% compared to the same quarter last year. Research analysts expect that Ecolab Inc. will post 5 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Ecolab Announces Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, July 17th. Investors of record on Tuesday, June 20th were given a dividend of $0.53 per share. This represents a $2.12 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.15%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, June 16th. Ecolabs dividend payout ratio is currently 52.48%.

Ecolab Company Profile

(Free Report)

Ecolab Inc provides water, hygiene, and infection prevention solutions and services in the United States and internationally. The company operates through Global Industrial, Global Institutional & Specialty, and Global Healthcare & Life Sciences segments. The Global Industrial segment offers water treatment and process applications, and cleaning and sanitizing solutions to manufacturing, food and beverage processing, transportation, chemical, metals and mining, power generation, pulp and paper, commercial laundry, petroleum, refining, and petrochemical industries.

Featured Stories

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ECL? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Ecolab Inc. (NYSE:ECL  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Ecolab Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ecolab and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies (NYSE:WAB  Get Free Report) had its target price upped by equities research analysts at KeyCorp from $112.00 to $133.00 in a report released on Friday, Marketbeat Ratings reports. The firm presently has an overweight rating on the transportation companys stock. KeyCorps price target would indicate a potential upside of 13.27% from the stocks current price.

WAB has been the topic of several other research reports. Raymond James raised their price target on shares of Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies from $120.00 to $125.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, July 20th. TD Cowen downgraded shares of Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies from an outperform rating to a market perform rating and raised their price target for the stock from $114.00 to $125.00 in a research note on Friday. StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies in a research note on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a buy rating on the stock. Finally, Morgan Stanley raised their price target on shares of Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies from $107.00 to $108.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Thursday, April 20th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $120.33.

Get Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies alerts:

Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Trading Up 3.9 %

Shares of WAB stock opened at $117.42 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $21.12 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 32.80, a PEG ratio of 1.73 and a beta of 1.50. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.31, a current ratio of 1.08 and a quick ratio of 0.54. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $104.48 and a 200-day moving average price of $102.18. Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies has a 1 year low of $79.33 and a 1 year high of $118.87.

Insider Activity at Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies

Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies ( NYSE:WAB Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, July 27th. The transportation company reported $1.41 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.33 by $0.08. Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies had a net margin of 7.57% and a return on equity of 9.09%. The firm had revenue of $2.41 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.22 billion. During the same period last year, the firm earned $1.23 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was up 17.5% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities analysts predict that Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies will post 5.42 earnings per share for the current year.

In related news, CTO Eric Gebhardt sold 2,407 shares of Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, May 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $98.69, for a total value of $237,546.83. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief technology officer now owns 21,513 shares in the company, valued at $2,123,117.97. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Company insiders own 1.22% of the companys stock.

Institutional Trading of Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the business. WASHINGTON TRUST Co raised its position in Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies by 4.1% during the 2nd quarter. WASHINGTON TRUST Co now owns 156,291 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $17,140,000 after buying an additional 6,118 shares during the last quarter. DNB Asset Management AS raised its position in Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies by 5.3% during the 2nd quarter. DNB Asset Management AS now owns 63,969 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $7,015,000 after buying an additional 3,233 shares during the last quarter. First Hawaiian Bank purchased a new position in Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies during the 2nd quarter worth $263,000. DnB Asset Management AS raised its position in Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies by 5.3% during the 2nd quarter. DnB Asset Management AS now owns 63,969 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $7,015,000 after buying an additional 3,233 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Border to Coast Pensions Partnership Ltd raised its position in Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies by 20.2% during the 1st quarter. Border to Coast Pensions Partnership Ltd now owns 199,289 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $20,140,000 after buying an additional 33,500 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 89.65% of the companys stock.

Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation provides technology-based locomotives, equipment, systems, and services for the freight rail and passenger transit industries worldwide. The company operates in two segments, Freight and Transit. The Freight segment manufactures and services components for freight cars and locomotives; builds, rebuilds, upgrades, and overhauls locomotives; supplies railway electronics, positive train control equipment, and signal design and engineering services; services locomotives and freight cars; and provides heat exchange and cooling systems, and components and digital solutions.

Further Reading

Receive News & Ratings for Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Its one of 2023s hottest topics: artificial intelligence, or AI. Read any news outlet or spend some time on social media and someone, somewhere, is showing off something that Chat GPT wrote or that an image generator drew.



Science fiction becoming science reality? Not quite yet. But its fair to say that the power of these machine-learning tools, and the speed at which they have advanced into something approaching the fantastical, has created a mix of hype and hysteria can be hard to parse through.



Read also: Ask the experts: Where will artificial intelligence go next? (Dal News, June 5)



Within higher education, initial conversations around tools like Chat GPT have largely focused on academic integrity. Back in April, Dals Faculty of Open Learning and Career Development hosted a webinar on the topic, featuring a range of perspectives from across the university. One of the participants in that event was Christian Blouin, professor and associate dean academic in the Faculty of Computer Science, who is working to support faculty though multiple disruptions in recent past and recently appointed as institutional lead (AI strategy) for Dalhousie.



And while Dr. Blouin sees the academic integrity conversation as an important one, hes also keen to broaden the AI conversation at Dalhousie into something much more holistic.



If we assume pace of disruption is increasing  even if it stays constant  we dont want to find ourselves, in a where well constantly be criminalizing everything new, he says. Instead of defining ourselves by whats not allowed, we need to be clear on what were trying to achieve as a university.



Leslie Phillmore, associate vice-president academic, says the pace by which AI is impacting and will continue to affect academic work makes this a critical conversation to have now.



Having Christian help facilitate that conversation at Dalhousie not only will give this important work a focal point but will allow us to better connect with other universities across Canada to share information and strategies, she says.



Developing systems and supports



As for what Dal is trying to achieve with AI, thats a conversation with Dr. Blouin right at its centre. For the next couple of years, a portion of his time will be spent consulting with staff and faculty, answering their questions and helping the university develop policies and guidelines with respect to the use of AI and machine-learning systems in the classroom, in research and in administrative work.

AI is not really a technology question  its more a people question, explains Dr. Blouin. Where is it appropriate or ethical to delegate automation or decision-making to algorithms and software systems  and where is it not? Especially within a university, a place where we disseminate knowledge, its important that we empower everyone to be part of that conversation.



Dr. Blouin already hosted meetings and delivered presentations with many Faculties and faculty councils on the subject, with more to come. His initial focus is on putting together a guidance document for fall courses on how these AI tools (such as large-language models) should be considered.

People want to know the boundaries of what they can and cant do, and September is coming soon for faculty who may be looking to adjust their course plans or their syllabus, he says. The idea is a mix of pedagogical support and guidance-level advice  a working document that gets folks talking about it and feeling like they can start to get engaged in the subject.

Review: Working draft: Guiding principles for large-language models - 2023-24 academic year [PDF]



Longer term, its about helping Dal prepare itself for an AI-informed digital future in which the pace of change is accelerating. Dr. Blouin wants to ensure the university isnt caught off-guard by new developments but, instead, has the processes and people in place to carefully consider opportunities and challenges as they emerge. Most importantly, that we get better at coming together and make nuanced decisions in a multi-disciplinary and collaborative manner.



The human element



While the term AI is still perhaps best known for its sci-fi context in popular fiction like Terminator or The Matrix, its current application isnt about artificial consciousness akin to actual human thinking. Its about computer processes that consider massive amounts of data, whether words or numbers, to perform certain tasks very quickly.



What makes it seem intelligent, though, is that the tasks being performed have, traditionally, been distinctly in the human domain such as writing complex text in particular styles or creating realistic-looking images. Through AI tools, computer software can now perform these functions  and can do so at a much higher quality level than ever before.



Scary stuff? It can seem that way. The first time someone uses a tool like Chat GPT it can be pretty overwhelming, says Dr. Blouin, referring to the text-generating software developed by OpenAI that, since its launch just seven months ago, has become the standard-bearer for what modern AI can do. These systems designed to generate language exercise quite a bit of analytical skills, and thats disturbing, because we thought we [as humans] had a monopoly on that.



But these sorts of big-data systems can also be incredibly helpful. They work so fast, and on such a huge scale, that they can accomplish easily automatable tasks or processes that take up significant amounts of time  particularly ones that dont require or benefit from creativity and analysis. Dr. Blouin cites an example of being asked to summarize a 90-page proposal: a large language tool can review that and provide back bullet points in seconds, versus taking hours to read through it and take notes.



It gives me the ability to scan so much more information more quickly, he explains. But we should never make critical decisions based on that work alone.



Empowering people



If were looking to maintain the essential human role in our work with AI, we need to make sure the humans know what to do with it all. And there is a lot to consider here  not just issues of authorship, but bias, privacy, copyright and (given the carbon footprint of the servers that run these tools) environmental implications as well.



Just asking faculty to figure this out on their own  its not realistic or fair, says Dr. Blouin. Thats why we want to figure out how we provide guidance to faculty who are designing courses and programs on how to bring this effectively and ethically into their work. And this applies to staff as well. How do we provide the Dal community with hype-free information and guidance on whats appropriate to do, and to help them adapt to a rapidly changing situation and make the best of it?



In a way, Dr. Blouin sees his appointment as working towards his own redundancy as institutional lead of AI  to help Dalhousie reach a point where Faculties, departments, instructors, students all feel like they can engage with the bigger AI discussion in their own work or study.



The problems and opportunities that AI represents in various fields and disciplines are unique to those disciplines. A computer scientist wouldnt necessarily understand them. So over the next decade, everyone has to own AI, not just computer scientists. But we can only do this if theres a baseline understanding, and people feel they have the authority to make good, informed decisions.



If you empower people with knowledge to form their own opinion, and to have the confidence to do so  thats how we navigate the ethical nuance of AI.
MBABANE  Government has kept its promise as SNAT President Mbongwa Dlamini received his salary yesterday.

The good news was shared by the Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT) Secretary General (SG), Lot Vilakati. The release of the SNAT presidents salary was realised a day after the association, comprising their National Executive Committee (NEC), as well as branch leaders, delivered a petition to the Ministry of Education and Training on Wednesday. The petition was accepted by the Acting Principal Secretary in the ministry, Naniki Mnisi, who was accompanied by the Director of Education, Dr Lenhle Dlamini, among other senior officials.

Salary

The petition called for the release of the SNAT presidents salary. The battle of the presidents salary started last October, when government stopped his salary, claiming that he had been absent from work for 100 days. Three months ago, the Industrial Court ruled in favour of Mbongwa and ordered government to reinstate his salary. Worth noting is that on Wednesday, after they delivered the petition, the SG told the SNAT members that he had been informed that government had reinstated the presidents salary. However, the SNAT members stated that they found it hard to trust the officials unless their president confirmed that the salary was reflecting in his bank account.

Message

Vilakati explained to the SNAT members that he communicated a similar message to the government officials. He said in order to be sure that his salary was indeed reinstated; the president should apply for a salary advance. Vilakati said the officials vowed that by 11am yesterday, the advance would be deposited into his account. Yesterday, at 12:38pm, the SG confirmed that the SNAT president had indeed been paid his July salary. Vilakati said they were hopeful that there wouldnt be any glitches next month. He stated that they were pleased that the presidents salary was reinstated and other issues would be clarified over time. The SNAT NEC members clarified that Mbongwa had not yet received the over E152 000 backpay.
The state government and Wakf board promised to increase the grant this year to Rs 50 lakh apart from adding more ashoor khanas to the existing 376 across the state. The assurance was given on June 30 by ministers Mohammed Mahmood Ali and Koppula Eshwar. (Image: DC)

Hyderabad: The entire Shia Muslim community is upset with the state government as it has failed to honour its assurances of extending grant-in-aid nazrana for the tenth day of the Muharram month. Leaders from the community said that the government was to provide assistance for the arrangements required for Muharram, which is on Saturday.

Works and arrangements at AshoorKhanas, where the faithful throng on that day, are yet to be completed because of a dearth of funds.

"What do we do if they are released after the event," asked many community heads.

Azmat Hussain Jaffry, president, Shia youth welfare association, said "the aid which the government promised has not been released. The event is on Saturday and all arrangements have been stalled."

Mir Abbas Ali Moosvi, president Anjuman-e-Mutawallian, Telangana, said "the state government and Wakf board promised to increase the grant this year to Rs 50 lakh apart from adding more ashoor khanas to the existing 376 across the state. The assurance was given on June 30 by ministers Mohammed Mahmood Ali and Koppula Eshwar."
Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao has convened a Cabinet meeting on July 31. (File Image: Twitter)

Hyderabad: Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao has convened a Cabinet meeting on July 31. The Cabinet will discuss around 40 to 50 items and review the flood situation in the state.

In the wake of the farming community being busy in the current kharif season, the Cabinet will assess the conditions that have arisen in the agriculture sector due to the untimely rains and the alternative agricultural policies that need to be adopted to protect farmers. The meeting will estimate the damage caused to roads across the state due to overflowing of canals and rivulets and its impact on road transportation. It is likely to decide on restoring the damaged road network on a war-footing.

The Cabinet will discuss issues related to the TSRTC, including enhancement of salaries of its employees.

The issue of constituting a new PRC (pay revision commission) to hike salaries and pensions for state government employees and pensioners is likely to come up for discussion. The tenure of the current PRC ended on June 30 and there is a strong demand from employees and pensioners to appoint a new PRC.

They are likely to discuss bringing a new crop insurance policy to save farmers from financial losses due to crop damage on account of natural calamities.

There is no crop insurance scheme in Telangana at present after the state government opted out of the Prime Minister Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) in kharif 2020.

The cabinet is likely to discuss bills pending with the governor and take a decision on introducing and passing those bills again in the upcoming Legislative Assembly session and refer to the Governor for approval, especially with regard to approvals granted to private universities and constituting a common recruitment board to fill teaching vacancies in all state universities.
MBABANE  Outgoing Senator Mkhululi Dlamini says, in terms of the law, he qualifies to participate in the general elections.

Dlamini insisted that he was a resident of Maphilingo under Siphofaneni Inkhundla. In his response to the Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC), Dlamini stated that he was a resident of the area, having built a house there in June 2022. He told the EBC that he acquired the land on which he built his house in February of the same year.

Regarding the nomination objection by voters, Dlamini explained that his registration was not objected to. It was one man who felt that my election would hinder the success of his preferred candidate. That stopped my nomination, even though I was legitimate on the voters roll. I understand that Babe M**** has a right to vote for whoever he wishes. I, however, plead with the EBC to also allow me to benefit from my right to vote or be voted for, Dlamini said.

Explanation

The outgoing senator was also accused of having homesteads in various places and not being a resident of Maphilingo, where he has registered to vote. His explanation was that it was true that he had residences under Khubuta, Ludzeludze, Hhukwini and Siphofaneni constituencies. But I dont believe that such should be grounds for not allowing me to participate in any of these tinkhundla centres, he said.

Dlamini mentioned that he resided on a farm at Maphilingo Umphakatsi. He alleged that he was involved in a number of activities in the umphakatsi, among them being assisting the disadvantaged, supporting sporting activities and youth businesses. He alleged that he met on Babe Shongwe, who allegedly agreed that he should have a structure on the farm and he is now my mphatsi sigodzi. He said it was true that he qualifies to be registered under Hhukwini Inkhundla. However, he said according to the Elections Act of 2023 he qualifies to be registered under Khubuta, Ludzeludze and Siphofaneni tinkhundla.

I am a bona fide member of all these communities. I kindly request that the EBC allow me to exercise my democratic right to participate in the 2023 General Elections under the inkhudla that I believe I would assist in the best way. I qualify in all the areas that I mentioned above, but I believe that because of my background, both educational and professional, working with the people of Siphofaneni makes more sense. I pledge my full cooperation with the EBC, but my humble request remains that the EBC allows me to benefit from my right to participate in the 2023 General Elections as authorised by the Constitution, said Dlamini.

The EBC removed Dlamini from the voters roll of Maphilingo. His removal came after an objection to his nomination under Maphilingo Umphakatsi.

In a letter the commission wrote to the outgoing senator, he was informed that the commission received an objection to the inclusion of his name in the voters register under Siphofaneni Inkhundla in terms of Section 18 of the Voters Registration Act No.8 of 2013. The objection, according to the EBC, was on the basis that Dlamini was not a resident of the area at which he registered. He was informed that, in line with Section 18(3) of the Act, the commission was empowered to review registration objection from voters.

Homes

In the letter dated July 22, 2023, the EBC stated that on receipt of the objection, it made a fact-finding from Dlamini and other sources and it discovered that he had homes in various other places as mentioned by him. We also gathered that you were not formally introduced to the Maphilingo Umphakatsi. To reach the determination of the matter, the commission considered whether you qualify in terms of the Voters Registration Act, which clearly outlines the ultimate qualification (s) for registration of a voter in that inkhundla or polling division, reads part of the two-page letter. The EBC then determined that Dlamini qualified to be registered under LaMgabhi Etiyeni Umphakatsi, under Hhukwini Inkhundla. He was informed that, consequently, his name would be removed from Othandweni Primary School Polling Station, Maphilingo Umphakatsi, under Siphofaneni Inkundla.
Most of the efforts for rescue and relief are focused in the worst hit Mulugu, Jayashankar Bhupalapalli, Warangal, hanamkonda, Bhadradri Kothagudem and Nirmal districts. (Image: DC)

Hyderabad: With rains providing respite across Telangana on Friday, the government stepped up rescue and relief efforts. Government officials involved in the rescue and relief operations said that as of Friday evening 12 people had died, and between 25,000 and 30,000 people were provided assistance and moved to rescue centres in different flood hit districts.

Compared to the rainfall of between 23 cm and 65 cm on Wednesday and Thursday, the maximum rain recorded at any single location on Friday was 3.3 cm, at Mandalapally in Dammapeta mandal of Bhadradri Kothagudem district.

The weather forecast for Saturday promises even less rain, which officials said would be welcome after the deluge over the past few days. "This will help us in further stepping up our efforts to help the flood hit," an official said.

Officials said that eight teams of the National Disaster Response Force were active in rescue operations while two more teams were on stand by. Indian Air Force helicopters continued to assist in these operations and on Friday joined in dropping food and water supplies to people stuck in locations where rescue teams were unable to reach quickly.

With the rains subsiding, or at least giving a break to the state, the government said it will step up efforts to prevent outbreak of any waterborne diseases and placed the entire health department on active duty.

Most of the efforts for rescue and relief are focused in the worst hit Mulugu, Jayashankar Bhupalapalli, Warangal, hanamkonda, Bhadradri Kothagudem and Nirmal districts. The official added at roads suffered serious damage in at least 38 locations, and in addition to partial to severe damage to a few hundred houses, till reports last came in on Friday, 5,034 cattle and other domestic animals were reported to have died in the floods.

Meanwhile, inflows into the Godavari river continued but irrigation officials said the situation at Kadam dam in Nirmal district was stable with less water coming in. The officials said that though flows were still continuing strongly all along Godavari in the erstwhile unified Adilabad district, the anxious moments that arose late on Thursday night over safety of Kaleshwaram lift irrigation scheme (KLIS) pumphouses experiencing flooding receded on Friday.

As of now, the three KLIS barrages  Parvati, Saraswati, and Laxmi were in a free flow state with all their gates open allowing the inflowing water to flow out without threating the river banks or the project structures.
St George's church at Abids. (File Photo)

HYDERABAD: Members of the Christian community expressed unhappiness with the BRS government for not fulfilling promises, with a delegation of leaders meeting minorities minister Koppula Eshwar and principal secretary (minorities) Syed Omer Jaleel to list out unkept promises.

In the meeting where A.K. Khan, former police commissioner and adviser to government on minority affairs, was present, community members said they have lost hope in the government keeping its promise, despite them accounting for 19 per cent of the states population.

Among their chief complaints was the failure to set up a Christian Minority Finance Corporation, as previous governments did.

Another key concern was the failure of the government to hand over land for graveyards for the community. In November 2019, the minister had promised to allocate 60 acres across locations in GHMC limits.

Members of the community accused the government of treating them as "second-class citizens", reminding the government that despite Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao's promise to hold talks with them around Christmas time, every year, it had failed to materialise.

Roydin Roach, who was part of the delegation, said, "The community stressed that other minority communities are given a separate budget, but the Christian community is just given 10 per cent of the Muslim communitys budget. We literally have to beg for it. In the last budget, the allocation for social welfare was removed and Christians were added to the Muslim community."

He said, "We want an assurance from the Chief Minister in the form of a GO for construction of churches without hassles and through an easy process, like that of other communities. Also, we want a separate budget for the community."

Dr K. Paul Marx, a youth Christian leader, said: "Among the issues was a discussion on the safety of the community, given that pastors are being beaten up by antisocial elements. Strict action needs to be taken. Also, it was mentioned that permission was not granted to conduct religious events for the Christian community when other communities were allowed to freely do so."

Dr Marx said, "Allocation of two minority residential schools, as per old districts, for the Christian community was discussed. The Chief Minister promised a subsidy for travel to holy land, but there has been no delivery on it."

Caleb Rayapati, a Christian representative, said: "Christian Bhavan was changed from one location to the other and finally, two acres were granted, compared to smaller communities for whom larger lands were allocated. It was also informed to the minister that other communities were called for discussions, with regards to the requirement and design of the Bhavan, but for the Christian community, there was no such interaction."

Goneh Solomon Raj, another delegate, said: "We, the representatives, request the minister to kindly fill the vacant nominated position, as the same request was made many times but without result."

What Christians want

Christians say they constitute 19 per cent of the states population but are ignored but are treated as second-class citizens. They presented a list of demands to the government on Thursday. The key elements are:

Setting up Christian Minority Finance Corporation.

Land for graveyards not handed over.

Meeting with Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao, promised every year, has not fructified.

Separate budget of the community.

GO for construction of churches without hassles; safety for community.

Two minority residential schools per undivided districts.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the Semicon India Conference 2023, in Gandhinagar, Friday, July 28, 2023. (PTI Photo)

NEW DELHI: In a bid to boost investment in the technology space in India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that technology firms will be given 50 per cent financial assistance for setting up semiconductor manufacturing facilities in the country. Announcing the government's plans to build a vibrant semiconductor ecosystem in the country, the PM said, "India is becoming a grand conductor for investments in the semiconductor sector".

Addressing the Semicon India 2023 conference in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, the Prime Minister said that the country is witnessing exponential growth in the digital sector and electronics manufacturing. "Some years ago, India was an emerging player. Today, our share has increased manifold. In 2014, Indias electronics production was less than $30 billion. Today it has crossed $100 billion," he said.

Focusing on chipmaking as the top priority of his economic policy, Modi said India wants to become a trusted partner for the semiconductor industry and a chipmaker for the world as global companies, including Foxconn, announced investment plans. "To expedite the growth of the semiconductor sector in the country, we are continuously undertaking policy reforms. India is establishing an entire ecosystem for the semiconductor industry to grow in the country," the Prime Minister said.

Modi further said that India understands its global responsibilities and is working on a comprehensive roadmap with friendly countries. "Thats why India is building a vibrant semiconductor ecosystem. Recently, the National Quantum Mission was approved. Furthermore, the National Research Foundation Bill is also going to be introduced in Parliament. The engineering curriculum to create a semiconductor ecosystem is being revamped," he said.

"We were offering incentives as part of the Semicon India programme. It has been increased, and now technology firms will get 50 per cent financial assistance to set up semiconductor manufacturing facilities in India. The semiconductor industry will witness exponential growth in India. A year ago, people used to ask why they should invest in the Indian semiconductor sector. Now, after one year, they ask, why not invest in India?" he said, adding that India is becoming a grand conductor for investments in the semiconductor sector.

At the event, the Prime Minister said that more than 300 prominent colleges in the country have been identified where courses on semiconductor design will be started. "The chips to startups programme will help engineers. It is expected that in the next five years, we will have more than 1 lakh design engineers. India's continuously growing startup ecosystem will also provide strength to the semiconductor sector," he said.

Addressing the conference, Modi also said that in 2014 Indias electronics production was less than $30 billion, but today, it has crossed $100 billion. "Within the past two years, Indias electronic exports have risen more than twice. Mobile phone exports from India have also doubled. The country that once was an importer of mobile phones is now making one of the best mobile phones in the world and exporting them," he added.

American chipmaker Micron, which had announced its decision to set up a semiconductor assembly and test plant in Gujarat during the Prime Ministers state visit to the United States in June this year, reaffirmed its commitment to establish India's first semiconductor plant in Gujarat.

Microns Gujarat plant will have phased construction and the company plans to invest $825 million over the two phases. The first phase will begin later this year and will be operational in late 2024. It is also expected that it will increase manufacturing over time. The second phase will be of similar scale in the second half of the decade.

Micron president and CEO Sanjay Mehrotra said combined investment by Micron and the Central and state governments over the two phases could reach up to $2.75 billion and a packaging unit in Gujarat will help create about 5,000 jobs in the state.

"The government will help fund the project and facilitate access to essential semiconductor resources. This will then drive innovation and enhance local talent development," Mehrotra said, adding that any chipmaking ventures will help India create jobs for its largely youthful population.
Mopidevi Venkataramana. (DC File Photo)

HYDERABAD: YSRC MPs Mopidevi Venkataramana, Beeda Mastan Rao and others said backward communities in AP benefitted by Rs 1.33 lakh crore through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) and non-DBT schemes during the past four years of the Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy-led state government.

The present government gave top priority to BCs in all respects during its term, they said and dared Telugu Desam chief Nara Chandrababu Naidu to face a public debate with the details of BC welfare steps he took in the five years of the previous TD government.

Rajya Sabha member Venkataramana said a strange situation was evident in state politics as "facts are being distorted 100 per cent by the TD and some others to mislead the public."

"Chandrababu's son Lokesh is spending money to mobilise caste support in the name of Yuvagalam and is holding meetings by bringing film anchors to attract the masses, as his yatra has turned into a flop show. Lokesh learned the styles of Chandrababu's political intrigues and conspiracies and is also trying to gain political benefits with a Goebbelsian campaign.

Venkataramana stated that SSC student Amarnaths murder that happened in Repalle last month was not politically motivated but Lokesh tried to make it so by wrongly projecting it as an attack on BCs. Police action was taken against the culprits within 24 hours of the incident. Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy was deeply moved by the incident and he offered aid and support to the family."

He recalled that when Naidu was in power, a BC student named Rishiteshwari was murdered in Nagarjuna University, near the CM's office, but "Chandrababu didn't even give a chance to the victim's parents to meet him at that time."

He claimed, "During Jagan Mohan Reddy's reign, there is social, economic and political recognition of BCs. The government established a permanent BC commission for BCs. Some 45 per cent (10 ministers) of the Cabinet as also the Speaker are from BCs. As far as Rajya Sabha seats are concerned, TD never sent BCs. Chandrababu has a lousy political history of making bargains and giving Rajya Sabha seats to greedy people. Jagan Mohan Reddy have Rajya Sabha seats to four BCs and sent six BCs to the Lok Sabha.

"In the Assembly, there are 31 BC MLAs, 19 BC MLCs. There are 56 BC corporators, 9 mayors, 98 municipal chairmen, 9 ZP chairmen and 215 ZPTCs in the local bodies."

Beeda Mastan said the benefit to BCs through DBT and non-DBT was as high as `1.33 lakh crore in the past four years of the Jagan Mohan Reddy government. Some 1.50 lakh people in the state are employed under the secretariat system, 60 per cent of which are BCs.

He recalled that during Chandrababu's tenure, only Rs 16,000 crore was allocated in the Budget for development of the BCs. He dared Naidu to join a debate to show what he did for the development of BCs during his tenure and what Jagan Mohan Reddy has done.

He alleged that Chandrababu and his supporters were spewing venom on the Jagan Mohan Reddy government. "However, the people of Andhra Pradesh will not believe these lies."

YSRC BC MPs Pilli Subhash Chandra Bose, Bheeshetti Satyavathy, Bellana Chandrasekhar and others also spoke.


The Telangana High Court on Friday directed the Telangana government to file a comprehensive report by Monday on the flood relief measures taken up by the state government following the recent spell of heavy rains. (Representative image: DC)

Hyderabad: The Telangana High Court on Friday directed the Telangana government to file a comprehensive report by Monday on the flood relief measures taken up by the state government following the recent spell of heavy rains.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice T. Vinod Kumar sought details such as how many villages were inundated and what relief measures had been taken daily. The court asked the government to specify it had provided any relief or compensation to the victims as per the policy of National Disaster Management Authority.

The bench pointed out the government not issuing official notes on the loss of lives.

The bench was dealing with the PIL filed by Congress leader Cheruku Sudhakar and others in 2020 over compensation not being provided to flood victims and to farmers for crop loss. Again on Friday, they moved a fresh interim application before the court regarding the ongoing floods.

Chikkudu Prabhakar, counsel for the petitioners, sought a direction to the state government to evacuate the flood-affected persons to safer places and to extend the compensation to the dependants of those who lost their lives.
The countries have raised objections in preparatory talks for a summit in Johannesburg next month where Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa will discuss potentially expanding the group to include Indonesia and Saudi Arabia. China has repeatedly lobbied for expansion during those meetings, said the officials, who asked not to be identified as the discussions are private.
Sources said the Governor was, on Thursday, scheduled to fly to Hyderabad on a 2.05 pm flight  I5-972  which left without him on board due to a delay he had in reaching Terminal 2. The Governor was reported to have already checked in his baggage.
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.
It said no evidence of any of the persons who are alleged to have been recruited or have joined this struggle inspired by the appellants has been brought before us. Thus, we are unable to accept NIAs contention that the appellants have committed the offence relating to support given to a terrorist organisation, the bench said.
The Government has increased (the) number of medical colleges and subsequently increased MBBS seats. There is an increase of 82 per cent in medical colleges from 387 before 2014 to 704 as of now. Further, there is an increase of 110 per cent in MBBS seats from 51,348 before 2014 to 1,07,948 as of now, there is also an increase of 117 per cent in PG seats from 31,185 before 2014 to 67,802 as of now, Mandaviya said in his reply.
MBABANE  Free traffic flow!

This best describes the situation after the Municipal Council of Mbabane officially opened the newly-constructed Somhlolo Road, which cost E40 million. This is one of the citys major roads. The road starts from just below the Eswatini Royal Insurance Corporation (ESRIC) building, through to the Eswatini College of Technology (ECOT). The project, which was carried out by Inyatsi Construction, commenced in October last year and was simultaneously constructed along with the Sifundzani Road, which was handed over last week.

Handing over the project, Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Prince Simelane said the road was of exceptional quality and its duration was over 20 years. The minister said the road came at an opportune time, especially because the ministry had resolved that all embassies would be built along that road. Prince Simelane said the road had spacious sidewalks, about two metres away from the main road and pedestrians would be safe. The minister said the public was safe even during the night, considering where the country was coming from, the June 29 unrest dubbed Kungahlwa kwenile .

He said the Somhlolo Road had a rich history as it was also used by King Sobhuza II when he went to launch Ngwenya Glass Ware. According to the minister, His Majesty King Mswati III also uses the same road when visiting the Nkoyoyo Palace. He thanked Inyatsi Construction, which was responsible for the construction of the road and SwaziMed for establishing a gym facility at Selection Park, which would be used by the public for free. Gym facilities are very crucial these days as the body requires to be physically fit.

Prince Simelane wondered where they would get a chief executive officer (CEO), who would fit the outgoing Gideon Mhlongo of the Municipal Council of Mbabane. He stated that they were leaving everything in Gods hands. The minister stated that Mhlongo was everything to the city and wore all hats, including that of manager and CEO, among others. He said what made him successful were five pillars; education with so many certificates, training, experience and calling for the job.

Honour

Making his remarks, Mhlongo said it was his last ceremony as CEO in the city to hand over a project, which was quite an honour for him. He said Somhlolo Road was a major access into and out of the city and formed part of the backbone in economic development of the city. Mhlongo said council chose to prioritise the road among all the calculated activities held in the city. According to Mhlongo, the road was a commercial activity and major spine as it connected churches, provided access to Sandla and other local townships around and businesses. We see the town growing, hence it was necessary to prepare the infrastructure for the growth, he added.

He said the road was constructed by Inyatsi Construction from designs and everything else due to the stretch as it was three kilometres long, yet most of their streets were less than a kilometre. Mhlongo stated that as council, they decided to get a specialist to work on Somhlolo Road to design and supervise its construction as they would not have all the time. He added that the consultant was ED Simelane and was managing the road on behalf of council. This gives me confidence that the road is of good quality and for the next 20 years, the condition will not change, he said.

Mhlongo said, in addition, they saw the need for a gym facility, which would be accessed at no cost as they were promoting healthy living among the residents. The objective is that all communities should have recreational facilities, the outgoing CEO said. He stated that Sandla community had been taking good care of the park, hence they added the gym for them. Mhlongo said they strongly felt that when they continued providing the services, ratepayers would pay and have little to complain about. However, he urged the ministry to also consider giving them a subvention, which would be put to good use considering what they had delivered so far. This, he said, would relieve ratepayers from the burden of digging deep into their pockets.
The party had issued suspension order against the three MLAs on July 31, 2022, following their arrest in a cash haul case. On July 30 last year, their vehicle was intercepted by police on National Highway 16 at Panchla in West Bengal's Howrah district and nearly Rs 49 lakh in cash was found in the car.
"Let them go. What ground zero report? We are ready to place everything on the floor of the House if they allow discussion. If they want to discuss, if they want the truth to come out, then there is no better place than the floor of the House," Joshi said.
A 55-year old passenger has landed in trouble in Kerala after he allegedly claimed that there was a bomb in the baggage of another passenger at the Cochin International Airport here while waiting for the security procedure to board a flight.
Amalgamated Bank reduced its position in shares of Synovus Financial Corp. (NYSE:SNV  Free Report) by 20.9% in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 99,842 shares of the banks stock after selling 26,350 shares during the period. Amalgamated Bank owned 0.07% of Synovus Financial worth $3,078,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other large investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Retirement Systems of Alabama raised its position in shares of Synovus Financial by 0.3% during the 4th quarter. Retirement Systems of Alabama now owns 495,717 shares of the banks stock worth $18,614,000 after purchasing an additional 1,401 shares during the last quarter. Bahl & Gaynor Inc. bought a new position in Synovus Financial in the 4th quarter worth $258,000. Welch Group LLC increased its holdings in shares of Synovus Financial by 0.7% during the 1st quarter. Welch Group LLC now owns 63,018 shares of the banks stock worth $1,943,000 after purchasing an additional 428 shares during the period. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS increased its holdings in shares of Synovus Financial by 13.5% during the 4th quarter. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS now owns 65,436 shares of the banks stock worth $2,457,000 after purchasing an additional 7,799 shares during the period. Finally, Zurcher Kantonalbank Zurich Cantonalbank boosted its position in shares of Synovus Financial by 14.6% during the 4th quarter. Zurcher Kantonalbank Zurich Cantonalbank now owns 22,574 shares of the banks stock valued at $848,000 after acquiring an additional 2,868 shares in the last quarter. 78.37% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Get Synovus Financial alerts:

Insider Activity at Synovus Financial

In other news, CEO Kevin S. Blair acquired 4,600 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, May 4th. The stock was bought at an average cost of $26.30 per share, for a total transaction of $120,980.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 86,939 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,286,495.70. The acquisition was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. In other Synovus Financial news, CEO Kevin S. Blair acquired 4,600 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, May 4th. The stock was purchased at an average cost of $26.30 per share, for a total transaction of $120,980.00. Following the acquisition, the chief executive officer now owns 86,939 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,286,495.70. The acquisition was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, Director Diana M. Murphy purchased 3,775 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, May 4th. The stock was acquired at an average price of $26.44 per share, with a total value of $99,811.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the director now owns 30,935 shares in the company, valued at $817,921.40. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. In the last ninety days, insiders have purchased 11,375 shares of company stock valued at $309,411. 1.60% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Synovus Financial Stock Down 3.2 %

Synovus Financial Dividend Announcement

NYSE SNV opened at $32.97 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $4.82 billion, a PE ratio of 6.43, a PEG ratio of 2.62 and a beta of 1.35. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.94, a quick ratio of 0.92 and a current ratio of 0.93. Synovus Financial Corp. has a twelve month low of $25.19 and a twelve month high of $44.91. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $30.30 and a 200 day simple moving average of $33.44.

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, July 3rd. Stockholders of record on Thursday, June 15th were given a dividend of $0.38 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, June 14th. This represents a $1.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.61%. Synovus Financials dividend payout ratio is 29.63%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

SNV has been the subject of a number of research analyst reports. Janney Montgomery Scott raised shares of Synovus Financial from a neutral rating to a buy rating and set a $38.00 target price for the company in a research note on Monday, April 24th. StockNews.com cut shares of Synovus Financial from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report on Tuesday, July 4th. The Goldman Sachs Group cut their price target on shares of Synovus Financial from $46.00 to $39.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, March 30th. Raymond James decreased their target price on shares of Synovus Financial from $46.00 to $36.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, April 6th. Finally, UBS Group lifted their target price on shares of Synovus Financial from $31.00 to $33.00 in a research report on Tuesday, April 25th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have given a hold rating and six have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Synovus Financial has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $37.50.

Synovus Financial Company Profile

(Free Report)

Synovus Financial Corp. operates as the bank holding company for Synovus Bank that provides commercial and consumer banking products and services. It operates through four segments: Community Banking, Wholesale Banking, Consumer Banking, and Financial Management Services. The company's commercial banking services include treasury and asset management, capital market, and institutional trust services, as well as commercial, financial, and real estate loans.

Featured Stories

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SNV? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Synovus Financial Corp. (NYSE:SNV  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Synovus Financial Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Synovus Financial and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Graypoint LLC grew its holdings in Exxon Mobil Co. (NYSE:XOM  Free Report) by 6.6% in the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 32,432 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after buying an additional 2,008 shares during the period. Graypoint LLCs holdings in Exxon Mobil were worth $3,556,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in XOM. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC raised its holdings in Exxon Mobil by 140,855.3% in the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 123,341,568 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $13,604,575,000 after acquiring an additional 123,254,064 shares in the last quarter. Morgan Stanley grew its position in Exxon Mobil by 11.9% during the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 52,478,674 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $5,788,398,000 after acquiring an additional 5,566,797 shares during the last quarter. Norges Bank bought a new stake in shares of Exxon Mobil in the 4th quarter valued at about $5,226,390,000. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD grew its position in shares of Exxon Mobil by 3.4% in the 4th quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 41,011,875 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $4,523,610,000 after buying an additional 1,344,934 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. grew its position in shares of Exxon Mobil by 1.8% in the 1st quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 31,180,397 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $2,575,190,000 after buying an additional 560,517 shares during the last quarter. 58.59% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Get Exxon Mobil alerts:

Insider Buying and Selling at Exxon Mobil

In other Exxon Mobil news, VP Darrin L. Talley sold 2,500 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, May 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $116.11, for a total transaction of $290,275.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president now directly owns 29,272 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,398,771.92. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. 0.06% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Exxon Mobil Stock Performance

A number of research analysts have recently issued reports on XOM shares. UBS Group raised Exxon Mobil from a neutral rating to a buy rating and boosted their price objective for the company from $125.00 to $144.00 in a research note on Tuesday, April 18th. Morgan Stanley dropped their price objective on Exxon Mobil from $122.00 to $121.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, July 18th. Jefferies Financial Group dropped their price objective on Exxon Mobil from $148.00 to $140.00 in a research note on Monday, May 15th. Truist Financial dropped their price target on Exxon Mobil from $118.00 to $110.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research note on Monday. Finally, HSBC upped their price target on Exxon Mobil from $113.50 to $115.50 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, April 20th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, ten have given a hold rating and twelve have given a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $124.30.

XOM stock opened at $105.43 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $426.25 billion, a PE ratio of 7.14, a P/E/G ratio of 0.61 and a beta of 1.08. The company has a quick ratio of 1.10, a current ratio of 1.46 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.19. The business has a 50 day moving average of $105.01 and a 200-day moving average of $109.21. Exxon Mobil Co. has a 12-month low of $83.89 and a 12-month high of $119.92.

Exxon Mobil (NYSE:XOM  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Friday, April 28th. The oil and gas company reported $2.83 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.65 by $0.18. Exxon Mobil had a return on equity of 31.48% and a net margin of 15.06%. The business had revenue of $86.56 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $90.07 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $2.07 earnings per share. Exxon Mobils revenue was down 4.3% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that Exxon Mobil Co. will post 8.87 earnings per share for the current year.

About Exxon Mobil

(Free Report)

Exxon Mobil Corporation engages in the exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas in the United States and internationally. It operates through Upstream, Energy Products, Chemical Products, and Specialty Products segments. The Upstream segment explores for and produces crude oil and natural gas.

Featured Articles

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding XOM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Exxon Mobil Co. (NYSE:XOM  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Exxon Mobil Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Exxon Mobil and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Texas Permanent School Fund Corp increased its position in Snap-on Incorporated (NYSE:SNA  Free Report) by 46.6% in the 1st quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 11,073 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 3,521 shares during the quarter. Texas Permanent School Fund Corps holdings in Snap-on were worth $2,734,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its stake in Snap-on by 0.7% during the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 6,365,971 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,308,079,000 after acquiring an additional 44,555 shares during the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC boosted its stake in Snap-on by 1.1% during the 4th quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 1,387,697 shares of the companys stock valued at $316,627,000 after acquiring an additional 15,479 shares during the last quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. boosted its stake in Snap-on by 9.9% during the 4th quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 1,269,093 shares of the companys stock valued at $289,975,000 after acquiring an additional 114,488 shares during the last quarter. Ariel Investments LLC boosted its stake in Snap-on by 1.8% during the 1st quarter. Ariel Investments LLC now owns 1,129,250 shares of the companys stock valued at $232,038,000 after acquiring an additional 20,485 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Northern Trust Corp boosted its stake in Snap-on by 3.6% during the 1st quarter. Northern Trust Corp now owns 877,449 shares of the companys stock valued at $180,298,000 after acquiring an additional 30,664 shares during the last quarter. 92.45% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Get Snap-on alerts:

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of research analysts have recently issued reports on SNA shares. Roth Mkm raised their price target on shares of Snap-on from $298.00 to $324.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Monday, July 17th. CL King started coverage on shares of Snap-on in a research report on Friday, July 7th. They issued a neutral rating on the stock. Bank of America raised their price target on shares of Snap-on from $230.00 to $240.00 and gave the stock an underperform rating in a research report on Friday, April 21st. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Snap-on in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a buy rating on the stock. Finally, Roth Capital upgraded shares of Snap-on from a neutral rating to a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have issued a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $296.83.

Snap-on Stock Up 0.3 %

Snap-on stock opened at $269.94 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $14.29 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.96, a PEG ratio of 1.84 and a beta of 1.12. The company has a current ratio of 3.67, a quick ratio of 2.58 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.25. The companys 50-day moving average price is $273.83 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $256.35. Snap-on Incorporated has a 52 week low of $200.75 and a 52 week high of $297.26.

Snap-on (NYSE:SNA  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, July 20th. The company reported $4.89 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $4.58 by $0.31. The company had revenue of $1.19 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.19 billion. Snap-on had a net margin of 21.06% and a return on equity of 21.38%. The businesss revenue was up 4.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $4.27 EPS. On average, analysts expect that Snap-on Incorporated will post 18.38 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Insider Transactions at Snap-on

In other news, CEO Nicholas T. Pinchuk sold 22,348 shares of Snap-on stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, June 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $249.48, for a total value of $5,575,379.04. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 687,081 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $171,412,967.88. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. In other news, CFO Aldo John Pagliari sold 4,108 shares of Snap-on stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, June 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $271.11, for a total value of $1,113,719.88. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 84,714 shares of the companys stock, valued at $22,966,812.54. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, CEO Nicholas T. Pinchuk sold 22,348 shares of Snap-on stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, June 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $249.48, for a total transaction of $5,575,379.04. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 687,081 shares in the company, valued at $171,412,967.88. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 57,544 shares of company stock valued at $15,552,765 in the last quarter. Insiders own 4.20% of the companys stock.

Snap-on Profile

(Free Report)

Snap-on Incorporated manufactures and markets tools, equipment, diagnostics, and repair information and systems solutions for professional users worldwide. It operates through Commercial & Industrial Group, Snap-on Tools Group, Repair Systems & Information Group, and Financial Services segments.

Featured Articles

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SNA? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Snap-on Incorporated (NYSE:SNA  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Snap-on Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Snap-on and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Derry Magistrate's Court heard today how a man sent a Mother's Day card as well as messages and texts to his former partner in breach of a Restraining Order.

Ken Dougherty (68) of Primity Park in Newbuildings outside Derry admitted one charge of breaching the order between February 27 and March 11 this year.

The court heard that the defendant's former partner contacted police to say she had received messagesfrom Dougherty.

The first occasion was on February 27 and then again in March.

She also said she had received a Mother's Day card signed by the defendant again in breach of the Order.

When questioned Dougherty said there was 'nothing malicious or threatening in the messages.'

Defence counsel Stephen Chapman said that his client had received a suspended sentence last year when the Restraining Order had also been imposed.

He said his client 'candidly and totally' accepted the charge.

The barrister said that Dougherty had placed himself 'in a precarious position.'

Deputy District Judge Liam McStay said that he had no doubt that the defendant was aware of what the Restraining Order meant.

He said he would give Dougherty one final opportunity and reminded him that the Restraining Order was for the protection of the victim.

Dougherty was sentenced to four months in prison suspended for three years.
A Chinese national who will now face deportation proceedings has appeared at Derry Magistrate's Court on driving offences.

Kok Hie Chan (35) of Ivy Mead in Derry appeared charged with taking a vehicle without permission, driving without insurance or a licence on July 26.

The court heard that police were operating a checkpoint on Church Brae and stopped a vehicle driven by the defendant.

Checks showed he had no licence or insurance and he told police the car belonged to his sister and he did not have permission to drive it.

He said he had a licence in his own country but not one for here.

As regards insurance he said he didn't realise it was an offence not to have any.

Defence solicitor Seamus Quigley said that his client was now going g to subject to deportation proceedings.

He said he wanted these matters dealt with so the 'inevitable process' could take place.

Deputy District Judge Liam McStay said he would deal with the case the way he would if there were no immigration difficulties.

He imposed a conditional discharge for a period of 18 months, fined Chan 300 and disqualified him for three months.
A man with an address in Belfast who trashed a room in a Derry hotel has been given a suspended sentence at the local Magistrate's Court today.

Declan Brown (27) of Lenadoon Avenue in Belfast admitted a charge of criminal damage to property belonging to the Everglades Hotel in Derry.

The court heard that police were called to the hotel due to Brown who was behaving erratically.

Staff asked that he be removed from the premises and police escorted him to his room to collect his belongings.

When they opened the door they found the room in 'disarray' with glass on the floor and an empty vodka bottle. Other damage has been caused.

The court heard that Brown's behaviour varied from being 'orderly and compliant through to hostile.'

At interview Brown denied drinking the bottle of vodka and said all he had was a couple of pints.

He said he had had an argument with the bar staff and alleged that they might have wrecked the room but said only his girlfriend and himself had keys to the room.

Defence counsel Sinead Rogan said that the relationship had ended after this incident.

She told the court that it was 'an unsavoury incident' but added the defendant had paid for the damage caused.

Deputy District Judge Liam McStay said that Brown had 23 previous convictions some for criminal damage.

He said a prison sentence was appropriate in this case but added that because he had paid compensation he would suspend the sentence.

Brown was given a sentence of four months, suspended for two years.
A former member of Derry City and Strabane District Council said he expected "nothing but full compliance of new licensing regulations" regarding the flag of the British army's Parachute Regiment.

Emmet Doyle (Aontu) said the Council's new licensing regulations ban the sale of offensive materials on stalls, with particular focus on the flag of the Parachute Regiment, at an upcoming Apprentice Boys procession.

As a councillor, Mr Doyle proposed the change to the licensing process after offensive materials were sold at stalls last year.

He said: "This year, the first outing of the new regulations, will be key in sending a clear message that offensive materials being sold would not be tolerated.

"When Aontu proposed this radical change to licensing approvals last year, it was to ensure that not only are offensive materials not sold at stalls licensed by the local authority as had happened previously, but also to remove the ability of some in political circles to engage in annual mud slinging and whataboutery when it came to demonstrations.

"It is universally accepted that in this City in particular, the sale and flying of the flag of the Parachute Regiment is offensive - indeed the Regiment itself has asked that it not be flown. Despite that, and it has to be noted this is not in the control of the Apprentice Boys, some have sought to offend and make money from the flag.

"The PSNI and Council licensing officials must ensure absolute compliance with these licensing changes in the upcoming Apprentice Boys procession and any other event stemming from that. They have enough notice of the changes, and any excuse about manpower, collecting evidence and allowing items to be sold or resources on the day will simply not be accepted," said Mr Doyle.

Emmet Doyle said Aontu would be monitoring the situation on the day to ensure that anyone seeking to break the terms of their license is dealt with swiftly and banned from returning to the City to engage in further commercial opportunities.

"It will not be fair if the Apprentice Boys and those coming to the city for that day are blamed for any issues, it is now purely a licensing and policing responsibility to enforce the change."
Human trafficking is now a big problem in Northern Ireland, Womens Aid Belfast has said.

The comments came as three people were arrested on charges relating to six women who had been trafficked from Romania to Northern Ireland for sexual exploitation.

Noelle Collins, area manager of Womens Aid in Belfast and Lisburn, said it was a growing problem in the region.

We have come a long way. Human trafficking wasnt on the radar of any of our minds in Northern Ireland for many years and now people are understanding that it actually happens, she told the BBC.

It was something that happened perhaps in the Middle East, but not on the streets of south Belfast.

Watch Detective Inspector Rachel Miskelly from our Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Unit talk about yesterday's joint operation into an Organised Crime Group  https://t.co/qkgYYfd0sP  Police Service NI (@PoliceServiceNI) July 28, 2023

Unfortunately now it is a big problem here in Northern Ireland.

Ms Collins said the organisation had recently dealt with its first case of organ harvesting.

She said the woman had a kidney removed without her consent and without her knowledge and is now in the care of our medical service here.

Womens Aid Belfast and Lisburn has said it is currently dealing with more than 230 female victims of human trafficking, compared with 47 victims in 2021.

Home Office statistics show that more than 500 people were potentially trafficked into Northern Ireland last year, an increase of 50% on 2021.

Ms Collins said that human trafficking did not exclusively affect foreign-nationals.

Many of them are foreign-national women but there are local women in there as well who have been subject to human trafficking on the island of Ireland, she said.

The majority of those women would also have applications in for refugee asylum and they are living in hotels.

There are quite a lot of these women who were professionals in their countries back home  there are women who worked for government, women with PhDs who really need and want to get back to our society because they feel Northern Ireland has rescued them.

She added: You cant imagine the trauma these women have been through because of their exploitation.

On Thursday the PSNI arrested two men and one woman on suspicion of human trafficking for sexual exploitation, controlling prostitution for gain, brothel keeping and money laundering.

They have been resident in Northern Ireland for some time but are originally from Romania.

Six people, all in their 20s, had been brought to Northern Ireland from Romania for the purposes of sexual exploitation.

PSNI detective inspector Rachel Miskelly said: The amount of money that can be made through the selling of sex is horrendous.

Brothels linked to the group were discovered in Greater Belfast and Newtownabbey but police say the victims had been trafficked around Northern Ireland.

Anyone affected by human-trafficking is urged to call 999 in an emergency, 101 in a non-emergency, or call the Modern Slavery Helpline on 0800 012 1700.
A OnePlus Nord 3 has reportedly exploded injuring an 8-year-old child. This is one of the several such incidents that we have come across recently. So, lets see try to understand what has happened this time and if it is related in any way to previous cases.

OnePlus Nord 3 explodes: What happened

Kindly see the intensity of #oneplusnord3 @OnePlus_IN @onepluscareIN @PeteLau

mobile blast. A brand new mobile blasted with in couple of days of its purchase. What about my 8 year old child future who has suffered hearing loss as well as mental trauma due to this #oneplusblast pic.twitter.com/ileNmu0ORp  ritesh Kumar meena (@RiteshMee36153) July 26, 2023

Based on what we know, Ritesh Kumar Meenas brand new OnePlus Nord 3 blasted just in a matter of days after its purchase. He claims his 8-year-old kid has suffered from hearing loss and the obvious mental trauma of witnessing the incident.

He tweeted the incident along with some photos of the blasted device lying on top of a mattress. The surface of the mattress beneath the damaged phone also appears burnt and torn.

Also Read: OnePlus Nord 3 Review: A complete mid-ranger

He alleges upon getting in touch with OnePlus, the company asked him to submit the battered phone. He fears that if he does so, the brand would destroy the evidence.

In the Twitter thread, he also shared the purchase invoice and the box of the damaged phone.

Since posting this, the official Twitter handle of Amazon Help and several other accounts have come forward with responses on the thread.

Twitter being a social platform, we wouldn't be able to access your account or order details. Please continue to work with our team through e-mail, as this is the best way to resolve your issue. Appreciate your patience. -Mohsin  Amazon Help (@AmazonHelp) July 27, 2023

Lawyer and social activist Gaurav Gulati has called for action from responsible authorities. He also shared a copy of the police complaint that has been filed against the accused.

Meanwhile, we contacted OnePlus and here is the response from its spokesperson:

'Our top priority is the health and safety of our customers. Our Customer Service team called the user immediately after they received his email to ensure the well-being of him and his family. We have also asked him for the opportunity to examine the device so we can understand the cause of this distressing incident and continue to work with him on this. In the meantime, we would like to assure our customers that our products undergo thorough quality and safety tests, including industry-leading pressure and impact tests, to ensure they are safe to use.'

Also Read: OnePlus 11 Display Review

The Nord 3s predecessor has also been in the news for similar reasons. Well, not just OnePlus, but other branded phones also have been in this turmoil. The actual causes dont always come to the surface. Lets wait and see what has happened this time.

Update: OnePlus's response added.
Renesas keeps seeing uncertainties in automotive sector, saying SiC production will scale gradually

Renesas Electronics said on July 27 that uncertainties remain in the automotive sector, especially with changes in the Chinese market. The company also said it will go slow on its silicon carbide (SiC) production, planning to ship out samples in the third quarter of this year.

Renesas announced its financial results for the second quarter of 2023 on July 27.

Highlights of Renesas 2Q 2023 financial results Item Result (JPY billion) YoY change (%) Revenue 368.7 -2.1% Gross margin (%) 57.3 -0.6pts Operating profit 97.3 -11.7 Operating margin (%) 26.4 -2.9pts EBITDA 142.7 -8.6

Source: Renesas, compiled by DIGITIMES Asia, July 2023

According to the semiconductor company, it reported 34.9% of operating margin in its automotive business unit from April to June 2023, decreasing by 1.2 percentage points from the previous quarter.

Renesas' industrial/infrastructure/IoT unit reached 35.4% of the operating margin in the second quarter, increasing by 1.9 percentage points from the first quarter of 2023.

At a conference call following the release of financial results, Renesas CEO Hidetoshi Shibata said the industrial market has been very strong, but the pace of growth is expected to slow down.

He also said the PC and consumer electronics segments have bottomed out and will likely see some modest growth from the third quarter of 2023 onward. As for data centers, the rapid switch to DDR5 memory is expected to create a significant increase in the next quarter.

"With the automotive side, it's still uncertain. That's my frank comment," Shibata said on Thursday.

He added that Renesas had expected more robustness to arise in the second quarter, but it was not how the company felt. The CEO said the immense EV growth and internal combustion engine vehicle reduction in China primarily created uncertainties in the car sector, especially among Renesas' Japanese customers.

Shibata also said the company's global tier 1 customers have tight cash flow. Many are trying hard to control their inventory.

Renesas announced on July 5 a 10-year SiC wafer supply agreement with Wolfspeed. Renesas plans to provide a US$2 billion deposit to Wolfspeed to support the US company's capacity expansion, receiving 150mm and 200mm SiC bare and epitaxial wafers, the company said.

Mass production of the SiC semiconductor is slated to start in 2025. Shuhei Shinkai, Renesas senior vice president and chief financial officer, said on July 27 that the company has paid US$1 billion to Wolfspeed and the other half will be paid next year and onward. Renesas used its cash to make the payment.

Shibata said Renesas will make SiC investment step by step. It plans to ship out six-inch samples to customers starting in the third quarter of 2023. Once the customers are satisfied, Renesas will be able to progress to eight-inch and more. That is probably when the company will make another large investment, he added.

According to Shinkai, Renesas plans to resume its Kofu plant in Japan in 2024. Mass production of power semiconductors on 300mm wafers is expected to begin at the facility in 2025. He also said there will be an expansion of production at the Kofu plant.
Seven carmakers to create charging network supporting NACS, CCS in North America

A new charging company is poised to join the heating EV market in North America. BMW, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz and Stellantis announced together on July 26 that they will establish a joint venture of charging network in the region. The first stations are expected to open in the US in 2024.

According to a joint statement, the seven carmakers will form a high-powered charging network offering both the Combined Charging System (CCS) and North American Charging Standard (NACS) connectors. The US government requires CCS connectors for charging stations to receive federal subsidies. NACS is the connector developed by Tesla.

The new charging company aims to install at least 30,000 charge points across North America, with the first stations being slated to come online in the summer of next year. The deployment will start in the metropolitan areas, connecting corridors and vacation routes in the US and expand to Canada later, according to the statement.

The automakers said they plan to form the joint venture in 2023 and will use public and private funds to install the charging facilities.

The news came as Tesla's NACS seeing growing adoption since May. Tesla Supercharger has the highest market share in the US DC fast charging market. Data from the US Department of Energy showed that Tesla operates 2,056 charging stations in the US and Canada, providing 22,270 charging ports as of July 28.

The seven carmakers who will establish the joint venture are all traditional car companies. GM and Mercedes-Benz have said they will adopt NACS starting next year.

Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares said of the JV that a charging network at scale is vital to protecting freedom of mobility for all. A strong charging network should be available for all and under the same conditions, he added.

US National Renewable Energy Laboratory estimates that the country will need 182,000 DC fast chargers to support 30 to 42 million EVs by 2030.
Hong Kong: Govt urges US to follow APEC rules

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region today said the US is obliged to follow the rules and usual practice of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum as host of an upcoming Economic Leaders Meeting, by inviting the Hong Kong SAR Chief Executive to attend.

The Hong Kong SAR Government made the statement in response to media enquiries about a story published by the Washington Post. The newspaper claimed sources had told it the US has decided to bar the Hong Kong SAR Chief Executive from attending the meeting.

The statement stressed that the US should invite the CE to attend the meeting in his capacity as leader of Hong Kong, China.

APEC has standing rules and conventions for hosting meetings. Under the Guidelines for Hosting APEC Meetings, leaders of APEC member economies should be invited to attend meetings. A host has responsibilities to issue letters of invitation to APEC leaders and facilitate their attendance.

The Hong Kong SAR Government added that APEC meetings do not belong to any country or economy.

This story has been published on: 2023-07-28. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
If you have an event you'd like to list on the site, submit it now!

Submit
National Broadband Ireland (NBI), the company rolling out the new high-speed fibre broadband network under the Governments National Broadband Plan (NBP), says it is making an investment of almost 10 million to ensure access for over 2,600 rural Dundalk homes, farms and businesses.

The company was in town this week to meet with local man Cian Duffy who is connected to the NBI network, which he says has made working from home much easier.

Peter Hendrick, Chief Executive Officer, National Broadband Ireland said: The rollout of the NBI network is showing real momentum and over half the network is now either built or under construction.

"The take-up of high-speed broadband on our network has been fantastic and were keen to continue to accelerate our rollout and bring the benefit of high-speed fibre broadband to more and more homes, businesses and farms.

In Louth we will connect 9,000 premises overall and over half of those are already ready to connect now, with over 2,600 in the rural areas surrounding Dundalk and over 1,500 in rural areas around Drogheda.

"Next to come will be the villages and townlands near Carlingford with connections becoming available in the coming months. I encourage people to visit the NBI website, nbi.ie, where they can check their Eircode and sign up for updates.

Local Dundalk man, Cian Duffy who is connected to the NBI network through broadband provider, Blacknight, said: I was delighted to be able to sign up with Blacknight to connect to the NBI network and I now have broadband speeds many, many times faster than what we had before. This makes working from home so much easier with a really reliable service.

"My familys experience with the new fibre broadband has been fantastic. We can stream, game and work as we please without any issue. It has made a real difference to the whole house, theres no longer any interruptions when were online and most importantly, theres no arguments!

Roger Brennan of broadband provider, Blacknight, said: Blacknight is very pleased to be one of NBIs broadband provider partners allowing us to deliver unbeatable connectivity to customers like Cian, with minimum speeds of 500 MB per second. This is a game changer for homes and businesses right across the country, no matter how remote their location.

We pride ourselves on offering excellent customer service and a flexible range of packages at the right price. We are ready and waiting to hear from any of the 2,600 Dundalk families and businesses which can order now and, if they choose Blacknight, look forward to making connecting as easy as possible.

Under the National Broadband Plan, 569,000 premises nationwide are included in the Intervention Area, which was established by the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications to identify areas where commercial operators are not currently providing or intending to provide access to high-speed broadband.

As a wholesale network operator, NBI does not sell fibre broadband directly to end users, rather it enables services from a range of broadband providers or Retail Service Providers (RSPs). As a wholesale provider, NBI will make the new Fibre-to-the-Home network available to all RSPs operating in the Intervention Area.

Some 62 RSPs have already signed up to sell services on the National Broadband Ireland network and 51 are certified as ready to start providing connections as of today. To see the retail broadband providers that are currently licensed to sell on the National Broadband Ireland network, visit NBI.ie/buy.
An additional 118,028 has been allocated for repairs and improvement works on rural roads and laneways in Louth, it was announced today by Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD.

The funding, under the Local Improvement Scheme (LIS), is the second tranche of funding through the LIS this year. Along with the 304,736 announced for Louth in the first round of LIS funding announced earlier this year, today's allocation brings the total to 422,764 for 2023.

It is part of an almost 16 million package announced for repairs and improvement works on rural roads and laneways across the country. The additional funding is aimed at supporting the continued improvement of non-public roads and lanes that are not normally maintained by local authorities and the Department of Rural and Community Development says it will allow local authorities to address the backlog of applications that they currently face.

Making the announcement today Minister Humphreys said: Im very pleased today to announce a further 16 million in funding to repair and upgrade hundreds of rural roads and laneways in towns and villages right across Rural Ireland.

"Good roads are absolutely vital for our rural communities and this record investment under the Local Improvement Scheme will make a huge difference in terms of access and connectivity. We are all familiar with the roads and laneways within our own communities that are full of potholes and in desperate need of repair.

"The funding being delivered under this scheme will help address this  benefitting so many of our families, businesses and in particular our farmers.

As someone who grew up on a farm myself, I know all too well what it is like when a milk truck cannot gain access to collect the milk. I know too how poor quality roads in rural Ireland can negatively impact on families and businesses."

Welcoming today's funding announcement, Louth based Senator Erin McGreehan, said that, "

We are all familiar with the roads and laneways within our own communities that are full of potholes and in desperate need of repair. The funding being delivered under this scheme will help address this  benefitting so many of our families, businesses and in particular our farmers.

I want to see young people building on their family land, living in the community they grew up in and seeing their children attend the local school and playing for the local GAA club  this is what our rural communities are built upon."
As many as 12 designers and artists from Louth Craftmark Designers Network, a group of crafters and visual artists based in and around County Louth, are coming together to showcase and sell a range of unique pieces in Dublins Powerscourt Townhouse Shopping Centre.

The pop up shop will be open from Friday August 4th to August 30th as part of August Craft Month 2023, organised by Design & Crafts Council Ireland.

August Craft Month is Irelands unique celebration of the craft sector, providing opportunities for everyone to learn about, make, see and buy crafts.

This year for August Craft Month, Louth Craftmark Designers Network have chosen to open a pop-up store in Powerscourt Townhouse Shopping Centre, Dublin 2 for the month of August.

Aoife Burke, secretary of Louth Craftmark Designers Network said: The network has 68 members this year and is going from strength to strength.

Louth Craftmark exists to support the creative development of its members, through collaborative projects, exhibitions, education and networking opportunities.

Our members are highly skilled and cover a wide range of disciplines including glass, ceramics, jewellery, textiles, woodwork, print, artwork as well as candles, fragrances for the home and handmade skincare products.

We are delighted that 12 of our designers have teamed up to make their beautifully handcrafted items available in the heart of Dublin.

Whether you are hoping to treat yourself to something truly wonderful, or looking for a special gift, you will find a range of beautiful and unique items from Louth Craftmark Designers Network available to buy in Powerscourt Townhouse Centre, Unit 4 (on the ground floor between Cloon Keen and MoMuse).

Tracey Fry  Visual Artist

Tracy is a visual artist based in Dundalk Co. Louth. She studied Fine Art Printmaking in NCAD.

She works mainly in printmaking and painting but also works with salvaged slate to create one-off jewellery pieces and gifts.

Her collagraph print work is inspired by the landscape and science; and many pieces explore the invisible nano world and the intricate patterns found in nature.

Tracy also paints commission landscape and portrait paintings. Her most recent work involved experimenting with resin to create vibrant relief landscapes and portraits https://tracyfry.ie/

Sonya Reynolds  Visual Artist

Sonya has a BA Degree in Fine Art specialising in printmaking from DIT Dublin and works with acrylics, water colours and silks.

Inspired by nature, colour, fashion, people, expressions, landscapes, flowers, trees, the sea, fairy tales and everyday life, Sonya loves to experiment with different techniques and mediums often using inks, gouache, tissue and rubbing alcohol in her work, to achieve various effects and enjoys using vibrant colours to create joyful paintings.

Sonya also creates personalised art and is available for commissions.

https://www.instagram.com/sonyareynoldsart/

Yvonne Mullen  LORE Natural Skincare

LORE natural skincare is handmade in the scenic Cooley Peninsula, Co Louth using only natural, ethically sourced and sustainable ingredients.

Lores founder Yvonne Mullen, a trained holistic therapist, uses organic botanical oils and extracts, therapeutic-grade essential oils along with other premium ingredients to nourish your skin and promote overall wellbeing.

Lore products dont contain any harsh chemicals and all the packaging can be recycled. Yvonne has been creating her products since 2021, and they are available in stores around Ireland as well as online https://lorenaturalskincare.ie/

Noelle Manley - ART by NOELLA

Noella is a Louth based artist whose work captures the beauty and colour of the world around us.

Noella paints mainly in oils using a combination of palette knife and brushwork to achieve vibrant colour and texture in her work.

Noella regularly exhibits at the Peoples Art Exhibition in Dublin and has had three solo exhibitions of her work. Noellas art can be found in homes across Ireland, UK, USA and as far away as Australia.

https://www.instagram.com/art_bynoella/

Michele Hannan Ceramics

Michele has been working with clay for over thirty years.

She grew up making things and her passion led her to the National College of Art and Design, where her love of ceramics began.

Michelle has developed her own unique and distinctive range of ceramic products and one-off pieces.

To add to her retail offering, over lockdown 2020 Michele developed a new collection of porcelain jewellery, called MiHa Porcelain Jewellery, including earrings and necklaces.

Michelles work is characterised by organic shapes, combined with her love of colour, texture and pattern, drawing her inspiration from nature, Irish wildlife, the Irish coast and sea. Micheles work encapsulates and celebrates the beauty and joy of the natural world.

https://www.michelehannanceramics.com

Leonora Reilly  Visual Artist

Lenora is a contemporary landscape artist who uses acrylics and mixed media to create loose, abstracted almost, art with lots of colour, texture, and atmosphere in her home studio.

Self-taught and studying new techniques and practices to further her art career, Leonora also paints en plein air and has organised the Louth Plein Air Art Festival for other artists which is now celebrating its third year.

Leonora has also appeared as a Wild Card on Sky Arts Landscape Artist of the Year 2019 & 2022.

https://leonorareilly.com

Jennie Ritchie  Textile Designer

JennieRitchie is a vibrant new Irish textile brand focusing on nature and a connection with the outdoors.

The essence of her designs is laid back luxe, bohemian and colourful, like seeing a flower on a gloomy day.

The brand has the effortless luxury of linen at its heart. Jennies unique hand-painted designs are colourful and abstract, inspired by the nature of Ireland, the colours of the Caribbean, the sunshine of Australia and the elegance of France - the essence of years of travel and her work amidst magnificent interior designs.

https://jennieritchie.ie

Emma Fallon  Emmas So Naturals

Since 2010 Emmas Fallon has designed and created a collection of natural, high quality, plant-based wellness and home-fragrance products, scented with her own unique and inspired blends of pure essential oils.

Born from a passion for all things natural, Emma has grown this handmade wellness and home-fragrance collection to include three styles of long lasting, clean burning candles, handmade palm-free soaps, and new aroma diffuser oil blends, in eight beautifully natural pure essential oil fragrances, with some limited-edition seasonal scents released at different times.

Emmas So Naturals collection comes beautifully packaged in an Irish designed and printed floral box.

Emma is proudly sourcing many raw materials in Ireland and as close to home as possible.

All of the packaging used is designed and printed in Ireland and is refillable, reusable, recyclable or compostable and the entire trove of all-natural products have been developed to be vegan and palm free, proving that conscientious can also be luxurious!

https://www.emmas.ie

Clemence Prosen is a French-born Irish artist, a surface pattern designer and a calm-life advocate.

She is a self-taught artist who paints mostly in oils and watercolours and her art is inspired by the calming beauty of nature and the simple moments of life.

Clemence worked as a project manager for 15 years in the corporate sector, using her creative skills in product development.

In 2014, she started creating art more regularly again. She found mindfulness and peace in art, after a day of working in toxic environments.

Clemence wishes to inspire you and people all over the world to live a calmer and more balanced life.

She advocates well-being and mental health by creating meaningful art through different connected media.

www.clemenceprosen.com

Aoife Burke  Glass Artist

Aoife Burkes work is formed by fusing clear and coloured glass, creating and building elements that she combines to become the finished pieces.

It can be a slow and delicate process, but one that allows her to explore the wonderfully expressive nature of this beautiful material.

The very science of glass is fascinating  instead of colours, think metals and minerals (selenium, sulpher, copper, lead, silver, gold), which is how colours in glass are made. Some elements react with others and this can be used when designing in glass.

That is why her logo contains a nod to the atom symbol.

Growing up on the banks of the Boyle River, she finds visual inspiration in nature, in a splash of dappled light, a richly coloured leaf, a perfectly formed shell Sometimes, she sees her role as simply to capture that sense of beauty and pause it in time. Her work often takes her deeper though, as she uses it to explore some of lifes interesting questions.

https://www.aoifeburke.glass

Cecelia Casey  Jewellery Designer

Cecelia loves to incorporate a vast array of colours, textures and gemstone shapes into her work and create truly special jewellery.

Cecelias pieces are a combination of the classic and modern.

The durability, versatility and beauty of the gemstones are combined with precious metal to create pieces that are beautiful and unique.

The beauty of the Irish coastline and the ever-changing colours of nature are a constant inspiration to Cecelia.

https://www.facebook.com/ceciliacaseydesigns

Caoimhe Tuthill - Boann Irish Felt Designs

Textile designer Caoimhe Tuthill creates one-of-a-kind hand felted shawls, accessories, and artwork, handmade in her Slane home.

Caoimhe uses the ancient craft of wet felting to make a distinctive style which is heavily influenced by her love of the Irish landscape, the natural world & her Neolithic surroundings of Newgrange and Dowth.

https://www.boann.ie

Louth Craftmark Designers Network Pop Store is open in Dublins Powerscourt Townhouse Shopping Centre from 4th  30th August 2023. Mon-Sat, 10am-6pm, Sundays 12pm-6pm. Closed bank holiday Monday.
SOON after settling in Ireland, about 30 years ago, Amanda Clarke and her husband, Peter, witnessed an ancient Irish tradition of pilgrims doing the rounds at a holy well.

Seeing this with fresh eyes, it led to her eventually taking it upon herself to travel the length and breadth of Cork to document as many of the countys holy wells as she could find.

Her meanderings are now the subject of her first book - Holy Wells Of County Cork - the first book dedicated to holy wells in Cork - which was launched at Working Artist Studios in Ballydehob in West Cork last Friday.

It was during a Pattern Day in 1998, at St Crohans holy well near Caherdaniel, along the Ring of Kerry, that Amanda first saw locals who had gathered to pay the rounds.

Paying the rounds, or doing the rounds as it is often called, is a Christian ritual with roots in the Pagan tradition, where one walks around the holy well in a clockwise direction, in line with the sun; praying that resolution will come to a particular intention or problem in your life.

Amanda looked on in amazement. She had not seen this type of thing before. She and Peter had relocated to Ireland from the UK and were not yet au fait with the nuances of Irish Christianity.

Yet, this seemingly strange ritual that they witnessed was set to be ingrained in their lives for the decades that followed.

When I first got to Ireland, I was staying in Caherdaniel and I saw a sign in the local Post Office saying Pattern Day, All Welcome, recalls Amanda, who lives on the Sheeps Head in West Cork.

I thought, thats very interesting, I dont know what that is. And I went out and had a look.

It was pouring with rain and a lot of people were walking around this quite small hole in the ground, a puddle in the ground, and I thought, wow, whats going on here?

I was made very welcome. That piqued my interest, and now I understand exactly what was going on, Amanda said.

Not all who wander are lost - the famous quote by J.R.R Tolkien sits beneath the main heading on Amandas website - she is clearly comfortable navigating the highroads and byroads in search of the easy, and the not-so-easy-to-find monuments.

The website - holywellsofcorkandkerry.com - is where she documents her findings.

It was on St Brigids Day in 2016 that she fully dedicated herself to finding and documenting the 358 holy wells of Cork. She managed to record 330; not too shabby.

For various reasons, the remaining 28 were lost to the sands of time.

I would look at the ordnance survey map, the current one, and then Id look at the historic maps, and there are the archeological surveys online, for Cork, which is brilliant, said Amanda.

And that lists all the wells and its got a little bit of information about the wells, and it has grid referencing.

Amanda Clarke at her home on the Sheeps Head with a copy of her book Holy Wells of County Cork

And while I was researching, the schools folklore collection from the 1930s came online, and that is a fantastic resource, Amanda added, referencing the National Folklore Collection UCD Digitization Project.

All the school kids were invited to interview older members of their communities about certain subjects, and one of those was holy wells.

Scattered among both fine pastures and inhospitable lands, sometimes on public or private property, each well has its own folklore and cures believed to be associated with them.

Oftentimes, the wells that are attached to privately owned property will have a well keeper, a property owner who voluntarily looks after the upkeep of the well.

This blend of colourful folklore, along with the occasional tale of a spirited well keeper, means Holy Wells Of County Cork will bring the reader on a journey with me, says Amanda.

It is a very personal book, she adds. One of the themes that came up was, what is a holy well? Because you, as people, and sometimes they havent a clue because its quite hard to define.

I then looked at the cures said to be attached to the wells, there are over 30 attached to the wells in the Cork area.

I then looked at the saints as many of the wells are dedicated to them, and I discovered that there are over 60 saints across the wells in Cork, and a lot of them are very local so they have very interesting stories.

And then I looked at what you do when you go to each well, what rituals and folklore, what happened on the pattern day. Each well would share the pattern day, but each well would be slightly different, Amanda explained.

As we began to wind down our conversation Amanda interjected, saying: Wells are very much considered to be alive. They are often described as active (if they still receive pilgrims) and very much have personalities of their own.

Should a well be disrespected, it may dry up, or move somewhere else, or cause trouble for the disrespecter - especially in North Cork!

Her mission to track the wells of Cork has seen her scale the odd obstacle, or sometimes go to great lengths to avoid a farmyard bull or or deal with treacherous weathers.

The following excerpt from her book indicates what makes it all worthwhile for Amanda.

Sometimes, there are surprises lurking at the end of muddy boreens. Ladys Well, Tobar Mhuire, at Rockspring, was visited at the end of a long, damp day and expectations were low. I was unprepared for the sight that greeted me and gasped out loud.

The spring was large and percolating, an illuminated shrine to the Blessed Virgin Mary, adding an otherworldly air, with religious pictures, statues and other offerings clustered around the shrine and on trees. The whole place radiated serenity.

Amanda said that visiting Holy Wells appeals to everyone; the religious, the spiritual, the non-believer, the curious. Its hard to argue with that.

Holy Wells Of County Cork was part funded through a grant from Cork Heritage and printed at Carraig Print Litho Press in Carrigtwohill.

The launch last week was opened by the author of Ancient & Holy Wells of Dublin, Gary Branigan.
A STORY about a woman in search of meaning and connections in her life. That sums up the theme for the second Summer Soap, a 12-episode fictional story which starts in The Echo and online at EchoLive.ie on Monday.

Now in its eighth year, Summer Soap is a daily fictional series run in conjunction with the MA in creative writing programme at UCC.

The latest soap, entitled My Father Is A Spanish Soldier, was written by Catherine Madigan from the MA programme.

Catherine, an engineer, moved from Dublin to Cork four years ago to work in a medical technology company as a project manager. She is combining her full-time job with the MA, which she is doing part-time over two years.

Admitting that its a little hard to combine both, but grateful that the company she works for is giving her flexibility in her job, Catherine is using both sides of her brain.

Theres the logical problem-solving side used for her day job and the creative side that she uses for writing.

The biggest lesson she has learnt on the Masters programme is getting into other peoples perspectives. So maybe the writing isnt relevant to my job but Im definitely getting a lot of empathy and understanding of people. That, I think, is relevant for any job.

A graduate in engineering from University College Dublin, Catherines favourite subject at school was English. She also liked maths and physics.

Her soap is in part inspired by The Snapper by Roddy Doyle. The main character in Catherines soap is Ali, whose mother, Lydia, tells her daughter she became pregnant by a Spanish soldier as a result of a fling while on holiday in Santa Ponsa.

Alis father has no role in her life. But when Alis love interest says to her that she doesnt look Spanish, it kick-starts a personal journey.

Ali starts digging out photo albums, trying to understand whether theres more to the story than what her mother told her, explains Catherine.

There is more to the story, but I dont want to give away the ending.

I hope theres a little bit of mystery in it. Ali has a bit of a love story going on herself and she is on a quest to find out about her father.

As well as being influenced by The Snapper, Catherine also remembers meeting Colm Meaney (who played the father of the pregnant girl in the film adapted from Roddy Doyles novel) on a flight to Santa Ponsa. And she borrowed from the genre of Mexican soap opera that she saw a lot of while on a Spanish exchange years ago.

The family I was living with in Madrid used to watch Mexican soap operas all the time, says Catherine.

Theyre more dramatic than Eastenders and Coronation Street.

I came up with a couple of storylines around family lineage, family drama, and romance.

Catherines soap is set in Cork. I hope its written in a way that it could be the work of someone from Cork with local slang, she says. Ive been here for a few years so Ive gotten to know how people speak and their turn of phrase.

Cork people have a real melody in their voice.

Always interested in writing, Catherine fell back into it during lockdown. I had more time to read and write. I did a few creative writing classes online and a couple of seminars.

The Masters in creative writing is demanding - but very enjoyable, says Catherine.

The past year has been mainly focused on fiction so we did a lot of short story writing, she says of the course.

Next year, Ill start to focus on poetry and writing for other media. But fiction is my thing.

The short stories Ive written are probably works-in-progress. I dont ever feel theyre quite done.

Ive sent a couple of short stories to different journals but Ive had no success so far. I havent been submitting them for very long.

I wouldnt say Im too disappointed at this point. Ive had some nice feedback from places Ive submitted to.

So even if I get a no, the feedback is always positive.

Also, Im doing the Masters and working so I dont worry too much about (getting published.) If it happens, brilliant. If it doesnt, thats OK too. Im really enjoying the whole process.

Next year, Catherine will write her thesis. I havent decided what I might do, but it will probably be fiction. Id love to eventually write a novel. Starting it would be a nice way to start my thesis.

Asked if shed consider giving up her day job to pursue a writing career, Catherine says she has no plans in the short or medium term to do that, adding: I really like my job and the role that I have.

However, Catherine thinks its possible to be a full-time writer in this country, provided you have a regular gig.

We did a really good module last year called The Business of Writing. A lot of working writers, agents and publicists came to talk to us.

I think you could write full-time, although youd need something else like a column or lecturing or a bit of teaching.

Unless youre the equivalent of a Sally Rooney, its hard to write full time. Im lucky to have a whole other career that I like.

Catherine says that a few people among her colleagues on the Masters programme are planning to write full-time.

She has been reading widely, including short stories by American and Russian writers, as well as Irish writers such as James Joyce and Samuel Beckett.

I like reading Irish writers, she adds. Im reading Milkman by Anna Burns at the moment. Ive read some Louise ONeill, Naoise Dolan and Mike McCormack.

Its a different world from engineering but Catherine is clearly thriving on the contrast.
A CORK TD has accused the government of being out of touch with ordinary people amid concerns that proposed energy credits will come too late for struggling Cork families.

Sinn Fein Cork North Central TD Thomas Gould was speaking about proposed energy supports for households and businesses being promised by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar as part of a cost-of-living package in the upcoming budget.

The Taoiseach predicted that electricity and gas prices will fall prior to the budget but added that the need for the state support will still exist. Other proposed measures for the include a reduction of income tax in Octobers Budget to allow people retain more of the money they earn.

However, Mr Gould slammed the government, describing the proposed supports as too little, too late for struggling families.

People need help, not announcements, he told The Echo.

This might not be introduced until November or December at the earliest when the reality is that people need help now. People are telling me that they havent been able to send their kids to Summer camp this year. I spoke to the mother of a two-year-old child who cant keep up with her bills. Other families are unable to go on holidays.

He accused the government of being out of touch with ordinary working people.

The problem with this government is that they are so out of touch with ordinary working people. I have seen some people who are extremely angry because they have done everything right. They went to college and undertook apprenticeships. They raised families. Now, they feel like the government is giving them no support.
A 35-year-old Limerick man who broke the saddle off a bicycle and used it to smash up a car the day he was released from prison fell into drug addiction as a teenager following the drowning of his brother on a family holiday in Santa Ponsa.

Dean Cleary, of 42 Fairway Crescent, Garryowen, Limerick, was jailed for another five months by Judge Olann Kelleher at Cork District Court for causing the criminal damage to the bicycle and the car.

Diarmuid Kelleher, defending, said that unfortunately this incident of intoxication, threatening behaviour, and criminal damage occurred within 24 hours of the defendants release from prison.

He had just been released from prison that day. Sadly, he lapsed on tablets and got involved in this incident. When he was younger he was on a family holiday in Santa Ponsa and his brother tragically died in a swimming pool accident.

By the age of 17 he was on heroin. By 20 he was on methadone treatment.

He is now off everything including methadone. Heroin has blighted his life. It all started with that devastating accident in a swimming pool in Santa Ponsa, the solicitor said.

Garda Paraic OConnor charged the 35-year-old with causing criminal damage to the car and bicycle, interfering with the mechanism of a car, being drunk and a danger, and obstructing a police officer.

Judge Kelleher imposed a sentence of five months, backdated to May 3, as he had been in custody since his arrest for the incidents at Barrack St/Sullivans Quay, Cork.

Sgt Ciaran Kelleher outlined the background to the May 3 incident that occurred at 2.30am, when gardai received a report of a criminal damage incident in progress where a man was smashing up a car.

Gardai attended the scene and the defendant attempted to flee but was still around the corner from the location of the damage when he was caught. Garda Paraic OConnor approached him and he immediately became irate and aggressive towards gardai.

Due to the violent nature of the suspect he had to be placed in handcuffs. Directly beside the damaged car was the saddle of a Cork City Council bicycle which had been forcibly removed nearby, breaking attached wires and damaging the bike.

The accused appeared at Cork District Court via video link from prison. When the sentence was imposed, he said: Nice one, yeah.
PROMINENT UK trade union leader Mick Lynch has expressed his solidarity with library workers in Cork who have been subject to ongoing harassment by far-right protesters objecting to the availability of books related to LGBTQ+ matters.

Mr Lynch, whose late father Jackie was originally from Cork city, was speaking after he was presented with the 2023 Spirit of Mother Jones Award at an event at the Dance Cork Firkin Crane in Shandon this afternoon.

The event took place as part of the Spirit of Mother Jones Festival.

James Nolan, festival committee, making a presentation to Mick Lynch, general secretary RMT at the opening of the Spirit of Mother Jones Festival with members John Barimo, Ger O'Mahony, Dominic O'Callaghan, Ann Piggott and William Hammond at the Dance Cork Firkin Crane in Cork. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

During a passionate speech to a packed auditorium, Mr Lynch said that no worker should be subject to harassment and called for continued support for library staff.

I hope the people of Cork are going to stand up for those library workers and stand up for free speech and stand up for equality and help to put these far-right bigots back in their box because theyre not Irish patriots as far as Im concerned, he said.

The Londoner, who was appointed general secretary of the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) in 2021, was selected to receive this years Spirit of Mother Jones Award for his efforts to defend his members working conditions and pay while striving to protect public and community services.

Im very proud to be here, very proud to be addressing this festival and Im delighted that Im back here, in my fathers own city addressing the people of Cork, he said at the event today.

During his speech, Mr Lynch encouraged active membership in trade unions.

There are far too many members of trade unions now who just see it as kind of insurance  if I get a problem, Ill ring up a helpline and somebody will help me out.

Its got to be about active membership if nobodys doing anything, nothing happens, he said.

The world can be a better place for everybody thats in it and weve got to make sure that the trade unions are leading that.

So, in the name of Mother Jones, lets keep fighting, lets keep campaigning, lets start winning for our people.

Mick Lynch, general secretary of RMT who addressed the opening of the Spirit of Mother Jones Festival at the Dance Cork Firkin Crane in Cork yesterday. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

Now in its 11th year, the Spirit of Mother Jones Award was introduced to recognise members of the Cork emigrant diaspora who continue to fight for justice and fair play around the world.
Another man has pleaded guilty to his part in the attack on a Spanish student walking home through the city who was also robbed of his phone.

36-year-old Richard Harrington of no fixed address signed a plea of guilty at Cork District Court to a charge of assault causing harm to a 25-year-old at Bandon Road on March 25.

Judge Olann Kelleher sent the case against him forward from Cork District Court for sentencing at Cork Circuit Criminal Court on October 23.

Another young man previously had the case against him sent forward for sentencing on the same date.

The attack happened at Bandon Road, Cork, at 4 am on Saturday, March 25.

The Spanish student who was walking home was subjected to an unprovoked attack where he was punched, kicked and knocked to the ground.

He was later taken to Cork University Hospital where his injuries were not as serious initially feared.
Tanaiste Micheal Martin has, alongside Minister for Finance Michael McGrath, turned the sod on a 9m infrastructure project in Ballyvolane which will pave the way for 753 new homes in Cork city.

The new homes will be built across six new neighbourhoods and the infrastructure work is being delivered by the Housing Infrastructure Services Company (HISCo) - a commercial joint venture between the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF) and Cork County Council to build supporting infrastructure for housing.

The project has been described by the Tanaiste as hugely significant for the city.

It will ensure the delivery of much-needed housing only 4km from the city centre.

As one of the largest housing developments to ever commence in the history of Cork city, this project points to the building momentum were now seeing in the delivery of housing, he continued.

Mr Martin paid tribute to HISCo for undertaking this project, which he said, builds on the success that it has had to date in assisting to deliver thousands of homes across Ireland.

This is a sustainable housing development that will see new communities thrive long into the future, he added.

View of plant machinery and concrete pipework at the site where An Tanaiste Micheal Martin turned the sod on a 9m Housing Infrastructure Services Company (HISCo) investment to enable the delivery of 753 homes in Ballyvolane, Cork city. Picture: Larry Cummins

HISCos objective is to deliver infrastructure that is holding up the delivery of much-needed residential accommodation throughout the country, where there is no state funding available to deliver the infrastructure in question.

The company provides a design-build-finance service for both on-site and off-site infrastructure that facilitates residential development.

It recovers its investment via an infrastructure fee only payable on the sale or first lease of each individual unit.

Project 'unlocks residential development land'

Speaking about the project in Ballyvolane, the Finance Minister said it unlocks residential development land for the construction of the 753 new homes.

These investments are important elements of ISIFs overall Impact Strategy which focuses on long-term transformational investments addressing key strategic challenges facing the country.

The investment builds on ISIFs existing housing investment programme where over 1bn has been committed to commercial investments that are expected to deliver more than 25,000 new homes for owner-occupiers, renters and those in need of social or affordable housing, Mr McGrath added.

Meanwhile, the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh OBrien said HISCos model is seeing results now at scale around the country.

CGI images of the 753-unit housing estate, Longview, proposed for Ballyvolane, on the northside of Cork city, which will be enabled following the turning of the sod on Friday on a 9m Housing Infrastructure Services Company (HISCo) investment on the site.

The model that HISCo have made available to housebuilders in conjunction with partners, like Longview Estates Ltd in this instance; is a blueprint for how we can deliver housing at scale across the country, he added.

Niall Morrissey, CEO of HISCo, described the project in Ballyvolane as exciting and one that will ultimately pave the way for 753 new homes in Cork city.

Cork County Council and ISIF deserve enormous credit for establishing HISCo with the objective of tackling the challenge that critical infrastructure poses for the delivery of residential development.

We look forward to delivering this key piece of infrastructure that will see these housing units delivered for Cork city in a timely fashion.
Gardai have launched an investigation following a disturbing incident that saw three people wearing balaclavas start a fire at a former Gaelscoil in Ballincollig last night.

The alarm was raised at around midnight.

Emergency services arrived at the scene at 12.10am. Fortunately, tragedy was averted at the site but locals are believed to be extremely shaken by the incident.

The scene was described by a source from Cork City Fire brigade as very high risk in contrast to other calls.

A spokesperson for Corks Garda Siochana provided the Echo with a statement in response to the incident.

Gardai are investigating an incident of criminal damage by fire that occurred at a vacant premises in Coolroe, Ballincollig in the early hours of Friday, July 28, 2023, the statement read.

Gardai received report and attended the scene at approximately 12:10am. Cork City Fire Brigade were alerted, who also attended a short time later and extinguished the fire. The scene is currently being held, pending a technical examination.

Anyone with information relating to the incident can contact Ballincollig Garda Station on (021) 421 4680 or Anglesea Street Garda Station on (021) 452 2000
The passenger in a car stopped during a drunken driving incident expected the garda working alone to drive him home and ended up assaulting the officer and acting very aggressively at the scene.

Now at Cork Circuit Criminal Court, 47-year-old Leslie Kepple of Iona Green, Mayfield, Cork, has appealed against a sentence of six months in prison.

However, Judge Helen Boyle refused the appeal and affirmed the order of the district court.

This was an unprovoked attack of disturbing severity accompanied by verbal abuse, Judge Boyle said as the appeal was rejected.

The judge acknowledged that Kepple had many favourable factors in his life  the absence of a pattern of offending, no addictions, the fact that has fulltime employment, was apologetic and offered compensation.

However, the judge said the sentence had to be affirmed at Cork Circuit Appeals Court.

Call For Back Up

The assaulted garda working alone after midnight had to call for back-up when he stopped the driver for suspected drink driving as the passenger  Leslie Kepple - obstructed, threatened, assaulted and injured him.

He pleaded guilty to a series of charges arising out of the incident including assault causing harm to the guard on the night.

Sergeant Pat Lyons said at the initial hearing that Garda Tadhg OBrien was on duty after midnight on August 9, 2021 at the garda checkpoint at East Cliff Road, Glamire, County Cork. The woman driving was being arrested for suspected drink driving.

Passenger, Leslie Kepple, was informed that he would have to walk home or get a taxi as he was intoxicated and could not drive.

He began to speak loudly and was swearing angrily. He told the garda he was a right f***ing prick who thought he was a great man altogether.

Numerous members of the public were present.

When told that he would be arrested if he continued, he said, Go on, arrest me, you f***ing prick.

Mr Kepple clenched his fists and clenched his teeth, exposing them and suddenly burst forward He lunged forward and struck the garda with the heel of his hand in a fist to the left had side of his chest and grabbed him and pushed him.

Garda OBrien stumbled backwards from the impact. Garda drew his baton and struck him on his left thigh, shouting at him to get back.

Both ended up on the ground. Mr Kepple attempted to grab the guard by the throat with his left hand as he lay on his side on the ground and he dugs his nails into the guards arms, Sgt Lyons said.

In a statement from the guard, he said: Mr Kepple grabbed me by the collar and was pushing my neck upwards with his knuckles.

It was only with the assistance of garda colleagues that the appellant was arrested.

'Accepts Responsibility'

Defence solicitor, Frank Buttimer, accepted, It is a bad case, no doubt about it. Were all aware of matters in the public domain about members of An Garda Siochana.

He fully accepts responsibility for everything, for the assault on the garda. He says he was so intoxicated he has very little recollection of it. Ultimately, it is his own responsibility.

He was senseless from alcohol and sought to intervene unlawfully in the lawful activities of the gardai.

"He pleaded guilty and he has communicated his heartfelt remorse to Garda OBrien.

I can truly tell you he is remorseful. He has an acute understanding of what the guards have to do. He went way across the bounds. He caused embarrassment for himself and his family.

He is a working man. In reality, I would suggest he has a very very good track record from over the years. He has gone through his life as a productive individual.

Judge Boyle said: I think the District Court sentences were appropriate and I affirm them.
THINKING about how you can be a better ally to trans people?

Allies play an important role in supporting marginalised communities and helping create a more inclusive, safe and equal society  and this isnt just about Pride Month. As Finn, a spokesperson for The LGBT Foundation says: Allyship is a year-long activity, and requires work.

So, whether its everyday life, at work or among friends and family, where can you start?

Proactive learning

Gina Battye, a psychological safety consultant and trainer whos done a lot of work on supporting LGBTQIA+ communities in the workplace, runs workshops levelled towards supporting people from any marginalised group.

I tend to talk about four key areas: learning, support, visibility, and celebrate, she says.

This might start with curiosity  for example, asking some well-intentioned questions if a colleague comes out to you as trans  but Battye says its important to do your own learning too.

Be proactive, she says. Dont rely on your LGBT-plus colleagues, friends and peers to educate you. You could start off by reading things like company policies and procedures at work.

You could raise your awareness of your own unconscious biases and explore strategies to reduce or eliminate those. Watch films and documentaries, listen to podcasts, attend events, webinars, seminars focused on inclusion or allyship.

Get informed

Aby Hawker, founder of TransMission PR, a communications consultancy specialising in trans and non-binary inclusion and awareness, also believes educating yourself is important  especially when it comes to learning about issues and challenges surrounding the community.

Trans people represent 1% of the population. They are a marginalised community being disproportionately targeted by some very loud voices in order to stoke hatred and division, says Hawker, who started a TransAlly365 campaign on TikTok this year, posting daily tips.

And there are loads of other resources to help, she adds.

Subscribe to QueerAF, a media outlet dedicated to changing the narrative and championing queer talent. Read Pink News. Follow trans and non-binary content creators  check out Max Siegel (@theyrequeer) and Ben Pechey on Instagram and LinkedIn, read Shon Fayes the Transgender Issue.

Understand what is  and what isnt  real, Hawker continues. Diversion tactics and culture wars are driving much of the anti-trans narrative.

Finn says: It helps to understand the key issues regarding access to gender-affirming healthcare and social transition, trans legal rights (including campaigning for non-binary legal recognition and simpler gender recognition processes) and the damage of culture war rhetoric.

Finn also suggests reading work by trans and non-binary authors and content creators: Some good people to start with are Shon Faye, Travis Alabanza, Fox Fisher, Abigail Thorn and Natalie Wynn.

Be supportive

Battye says: This is about understanding the experiences the LGBTQ+ community have, so a key thing here is to listen to personal experiences of your friends and your colleagues. Ask them questions like: what do you experience at work or socially, or when youre on public transport or on holiday  that kind of thing. And then ask: what can I do to help and support you? Super simple questions most people dont ask.

Be mindful of what youre asking too.

I have a general rule of thumb: If you wouldnt ask your grandma that question, dont ask [an LGBTQ+ person] it!

Battye adds. You get the idea. Dont ask questions that you wouldnt also ask somebody who is heterosexual or cisgender.

Just listen

Finn says: Listen to trans and non-binary peoples experiences without questioning them, particularly if they are reporting transphobia or discrimination. We are the experts of our own experience and can tell the difference between problematic discrimination vs good-faith questions.

You dont need to fully understand someones identity to respect it, including using a persons correct pronouns. If someone tells you the language they use to talk about themselves and their experience of gender, use it.

And if you accidentally say the wrong thing?

Apologise quickly and move on, adds Finn. You dont need to make it a big deal!

Speaking up

You can also show support by being willing to have conversations with those around you to educate them on issues and challenges and how to be supportive, Battye adds.

You can start by just sharing the information youre learning, thats quite an easy thing to do.

Another thing is being aware of non-inclusive behaviours in conversations. If you hear or see other people being exclusive, if its safe and youre comfortable to do so, then speak up. It might be as simple as saying something like, You know what, I dont think thats appropriate, or I dont think we should be talking in this way, maybe we should change the conversation.

Battye says speaking with people privately is better than calling them out in front of others.

Dont do it publicly  take them to one side and just have a conversation about why its inappropriate to talk about what theyve been talking about. They might not realise, first of all, but also it can be really embarrassing and can go against what youre trying to do if you do it publicly.

And if its yourself being non-inclusive: Apologise, correct yourself, and continue with the conversation, Battye adds.

Dont dig a hole and continue to get yourself in it!

Have a think afterwards about what that experience is showing you  is there a bias or privilege you need to be more aware of?

Do that inner work to make sure youre not continuously making the same mistake, she says.

Visibility and celebration

Visibility is about signalling that you are an ally, says Battye. There are lots of ways you can do this in work and education settings  such as adding pronouns to email signatures, wearing inclusive badges and lanyards. You could attend network and community events to actively show support.

Finally, celebrating  find out about important holidays, awareness events, anniversaries, etc.

This is the bit most people do without doing the other bits, which can get quite frustrating at times! says Battye. But certainly celebrate with your colleagues [and friends].
High Court Reporters

The High Court was seriously and deliberately misled by applicants who secured an order restraining the sale of Co Offaly lands, a judge has said.

Mr Justice Brian OMoore said his colleague who granted the order last July was not told of a campaign of trespass and harassment by applicant Miriam Brackens husband, Colm Bracken.

The motivation of Ms Bracken, representing the interests of her two sons as beneficiaries in their late uncles will, in seeking the orders was completely wrongheaded, the judge said in ruling the original orders should not be extended.

The dispute arose out of the deaths and wills of brothers Tom and Larry Bracken, who were uncles of Colm Bracken, of Moy Glas Park, Lucan, Dublin.

Tom, who died in March 2016, left everything to Larry. However, as Larry predeceased him, in 2014, Toms estate fell to be administered in accordance with the rules of intestate succession, the judge said.

Larrys will bequeathed his house contents, livestock and lands to Colm Bracken, for his lifetime and thereafter to Colm and Miriam Brackens two sons.

The personal representative of Larrys estate made a claim against the personal representative of Toms estate, who entered a robust defence.

The action settled shortly before it was due to be heard, and was approved, due to the involvement of Miriam and Colm Brackens minor children, by Mr Justice OMoore last December.

Beneficial interest

The judge said the settlement acknowledged Larrys estate holds a two-third beneficial interest in the ownership of the lands in Kilclare, Co Offaly, while Toms estate holds the other third.

Both estate administrators confirmed the share of the net sale proceeds of the lands for Larrys estate will be distributed to Colm Bracken and his two children, the judge said.

However, Paul McDonnell, solicitor for the representative of Toms estate, said Colm Bracken repeatedly requested and indeed demanded that the Kilclare Lands would be sold privately to him or would be severed to ensure he obtains a self-selected portion. The representative quite properly opted for a public sale, the judge said.

Mr McDonnell said Colm Bracken changed or interfered with locks at the gates and house on the lands, blocked entrances to sheds on the lands, harassed workers on the lands and refused to remove his jeep from the lands.

Threatened with legal action, Colm Bracken, through his solicitors, gave an unequivocal undertaking that he will not attend the property pending further agreement. There were subsequent incidents at the site that appeared to be a breach of this undertaking, the judge said.

Last July Miriam Bracken applied, while only her side was represented, for High Court orders preventing an auction of the lands proceeding that day.

Whatever Ms Bracken knew about her husbands endeavours, there is much that she could have known had she made the simplest enquiries, Mr Justice OMoore said. It was clearly material for the issuing judge to be informed of Colm Brackens strenuous and unlawful efforts to interfere in the sale of the property.

Important correspondence and information were kept from the issuing judge by Ms Bracken, Mr Justice OMoore said. The material non-disclosure was profound and very disturbing, while the alleged concerns of Ms Bracken and her lawyers were completely groundless.

There was no serious effort made before Mr Justice OMoore to stand up the case made earlier that the settlement agreement meant no money would be paid to the Bracken children once the lands were sold, he said.

The judge refused to extend the orders due to the active misleading of his colleague, the lack of a serious issue to be tried, the wrongheaded motivation of the plaintiffs, and that the orders would frustrate the implementation of a court-approved settlement.

The judge acceded to an application from the administrator of Tom Brackens estate, represented by Micheal OConnell SC and Vincent Nolan BL, for Ms Brackens wider case to be struck out against the estate as it is bound to fail.
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 worker uses a forklift to move newly pressed hemp bricks to be used for the world's tallest building constructed from industrial hemp. While the "Hemp Hotel" is based on a classic concrete and cement structure, the wood-finished walls are all made from hempcrete blocks, a material with multiple properties of insulation, fire resistance, and a negative carbon footprint. At the Afrimat Hemp brick factory in Cape Town, South Africa on April 25, 2023. RODGER BOSCH / AFP via Getty Images

Quick Key Facts

Construction and the built environment contribute to about 40% of all emissions globally.

The construction and building sector make up 34% of global energy consumption.

Raw resource consumption for construction is predicted to double by 2060.

Building floor area globally is also expected to double by 2060.

Concrete, steel and aluminum alone comprise 23% of total global emissions, Architecture 2030 reports.

Investments in energy-efficient buildings will need to more than double current investments by 2030 to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.

The average green building emits 34% less carbon compared to a standard building.

Buildings that incorporate renewables, energy-efficient design and electrification can reduce energy-related emissions by 90%.

Sustainable buildings can greatly reduce ongoing operational costs. A building with LEED certification typically sees 20% lower operational costs.

Green design can reduce building water use by over 30%.

What Is Green Construction?

A crane lifts a modular unit into place on an apartment building under construction and made mainly of wood in Berlin, Germany on April 22, 2021. Wood is becoming an increasingly viable construction material for taller buildings in Europe and as a means for lowering greenhouse gas emissions created by the manufacture of concrete. Maja Hitij / Getty Images

Green construction involves building structures efficiently and sustainably. This can be done in a number of ways, from using more sustainable building materials or making use of recycled materials, to crafting buildings that minimize energy and water consumption. The idea is to focus on sustainability and eco-friendliness of the building throughout its lifecycle, from the first design and planning stages throughout the construction process and as the building is used, and finally to when the building is eventually demolished.

In addition to protecting the environment, green construction practices should emphasize health and wellness for those who will occupy the building for years to come, whether its a small residential space or a large commercial building.

Why Are Sustainable Building Practices Important?

Construction projects and the built environment as a whole are major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. According to Architecture 2030, ongoing construction contributes about 13% of total annual carbon dioxide emissions, while operations of existing buildings make up 27% of annual carbon emissions globally. While emissions dropped during the lockdowns of the COVID-19 pandemic, emissions quickly rebounded to reach record highs.

Buildings require a lot of energy to build and operate. A 2022 report from the United Nations Environment Programme found that the buildings and construction sector make up 34% of total energy demand. Even though investments in boosting energy efficiency in buildings increased by 16% in 2021, any benefits were counteracted by an increase in the size of buildings.

Further, buildings draw a huge number of resources like raw materials and water. Materials for construction, like steel and concrete, make up about 9% of overall energy-related emissions, and raw resource consumption for construction is expected to double by 2060. Just one square meter of wall can require an average of 350 liters of water to construct.

About two-thirds of all buildings standing today will still exist in 2040, and without retrofitting or renovations to make them more sustainable, they will continue to contribute large amounts of emissions and could even prevent humanity from limiting warming to 1.5C and the accompanying worst impacts of climate change. According to Statista, the average global annual investment in energy-efficient buildings will need to reach over $536 trillion from 2026 to 2030 in order to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. As of 2022, these investments were around $215 trillion.

Benefits and Challenges of Green Construction

While focusing on green construction practices and a more sustainable built environment is critical to meet Paris Agreement goals and curb the worst effects of climate change, there are many benefits of these practices. But transitioning to new policies and procedures can also come with challenges for building occupants, property owners and builders.

Benefits

Creating a more sustainable built environment isnt just a perk; its a necessity. Well need to see sharp increases in green construction investments moving forward in order to reduce emissions and resource consumption and ultimately meet the goals set by the Paris Agreement. Aside from being better for the Earth, though, green construction also offers project stakeholders some financial perks.

Emissions

Green buildings are designed to reduce emissions at every stage of a structures lifecycle. In fact, the average green building reduces its carbon emissions by about 34% compared to traditional buildings.

By using less resources, LEED-certified buildings reduce emissions, even outside of minimizing one of the biggest source of building emissions, energy consumption. One study by The Center for the Built Environment at University of California, Berkeley found that buildings certified as LEED for Operations and Maintenance had 50% less emissions from water consumption and 48% less emissions from solid waste compared to conventional buildings.

The Vancouver Convention Centres West Building was the first convention center in the world to achieve double LEED Platinum. It features heat recovery systems, two onsite bio-composters and a living roof. Pictured on Oct. 31, 2022 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Mert Alper Dervis / Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

Efficiency

Because green construction incorporates ways to minimize resource demand, these practices can improve building efficiency. Buildings that are Energy Star-certified, for instance, save about 35% energy compared to conventional buildings because they are designed for lower energy consumption.

Green construction can also lead to more efficient water allocation, and sustainable buildings reduce water consumption by about 15% simply by incorporating elements like low-flow faucets or water-saving toilets. Water usage can also be minimized throughout the construction process.

Renewable Energy

Whether building new structures or retrofitting older ones, green construction practices provide opportunities to incorporate renewable energy. Renewable energy sources can greatly reduce emissions for buildings. According to International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), renewables, energy-efficient design, and electrification combined can reduce energy-related carbon emissions by about 90%.

A residential villa with rooftop solar panels in Xiamen, Fujian, China. koiguo / Moment / Getty Images

Long-Term Savings

From making use of recycled or reclaimed building materials to designing structures that use less energy and water, green construction and sustainable buildings can minimize upfront and ongoing resource costs. According to the U.S. Green Building Council, sustainable buildings with LEED accreditation have about 20% lower ongoing maintenance costs compared to conventional commercial buildings. Not only that, but these LEED-certified buildings can save $1.2 billion in energy costs and $149.5 million in water costs.

Challenges

There are a few roadblocks when it comes to constructing or renovating buildings to be more sustainable. But when you compare the challenges to the economic and environmental benefits, the advantages often outweigh the concerns and make green building the best option for our future.

Cost

One big challenge to green construction is the real and perceived upfront costs. Property owners and builders may believe prices for sustainable materials and technologies will cost more to install and implement than conventional products. That may be true, but it isnt always. Even using reclaimed or recycled materials can lower costs, but project stakeholders will also need to weigh long-term cost savings as well as financial incentives like grants or tax credits for eco-friendly projects.

Sourcing

One thing for project stakeholders to keep in mind with green construction is that finding experts, materials and technology that meet sustainability targets can be more difficult than simply sourcing conventional products. Fortunately, this is quickly becoming less and less of a challenge as green building products and those trained in green construction and design are becoming more available and accessible.

Greenwashing

Just because something is labeled green doesnt always mean it is sustainable. Projects can be described as green construction or buildings may be labeled as green or sustainable, but their improvements could be minimal. Maybe a building is made with natural materials including wood linked to deforestation of important wildlife habitats or flooring is made from reclaimed materials but is treated with harsh chemical sealants.

Examples of Green Construction Materials

So how are builders reducing the carbon footprint of new structures? Turning to more sustainable materials is key, considering just three materials  concrete, steel and aluminum  contribute around 23% of all emissions, according to Architecture 2030.

Cross-Laminated Timber

Cross-laminated timber at a lumberyard in Austria. Akos Stiller / Bloomberg

Cross-laminated timber, or CLT, is a strong yet lightweight material made from layered, structural grade wood that is arranged in crossing layers and glued together. It requires less energy to manufacture than concrete or steel and offers some carbon sequestering potential.

Hempcrete

Hempcrete is a long-lasting, fire-, pest- and mold-resistant material made from the inner core of hemp mixed with water and aggregate. In addition to making use of agricultural byproduct of hemp plants, hempcrete is considered non-toxic and a carbon-sequestering material. It is popular for wall or roof insulation.

Workers inspect newly pressed hempcrete bricks at the Afrimat Hemp brick factory in Cape Town, South Africa on April 25, 2023. RODGER BOSCH / AFP via Getty Images

Cork

From interior cork flooring to exterior home cladding, cork is a sustainable building material sought after for its insulating and soundproofing properties. Cork is also reusable, natural and biodegradable. Cork oak is the only tree that can regenerate its bark after the material has been harvested.

Bamboo

Like cork, bamboo regenerates quickly after harvest, with some species growing as much as 35 inches in a day. According to Project Drawdown, living biomass and long-lived bamboo products could total up to 19.60 gigatons of sequestered carbon by 2050. It is ranked as a harder material than some woods, like oak or ash, yet lightweight, making it useful in many construction applications.

Bamboo trunks in a factory in Indonesia. Marc Romanelli / Tetra Images / Getty Images

Rammed Earth

Rammed earth makes use of local materials and minimizes waste. It typically involves compressing damp earth into frameworks to form walls. This material is strong and durable. While rammed earth has typically been considered best in areas with moderate temperatures and minimal rainfall, one study found that rammed earth walls saw only slight erosion, 2 millimeters, when exposed to the elements for 20 years in a wet continental climate.

Reclaimed and Recycled Materials

One significant way to reduce the embodied carbon of a building or retrofit is to use salvaged or recycled materials. In a concept paper, All for Reuse explained that using reclaimed materials could reduce embodied carbon emissions by over 90%. Reusing materials reduces the resources and energy needed to manufacture virgin materials and can even reduce the project cost.

Mycelium

Building with mushrooms? Thats right. Mycelium is the root-like structures of fungus, including mushrooms. When harvested and dried, mycelium can be made into an incredibly strong material that is waterproof and resistant to fire and mold. As a natural material, mycelium is naturally biodegradable and has potential to work in a variety of different ways for construction. It requires more study and development, but offers a promising future for green construction.

A lampshade made of mycelium-based building material at Permafungi in Belgium, on June 15, 2022. The company grows oyster mushrooms using old coffee grounds from nearby cafes and turns them into insulating panels and lampshades. Daniel Josling / picture alliance via Getty Images

Types of Green Construction Certifications

There are many third-party certifications around the world that can determine whether a building has met specific sustainability- and wellness-focused criteria in order to earn that certification. Typically, designers will need to choose a certificate that theyd like the building to earn, apply, then begin designing to meet the requirements and ultimately earn the certification. From LEED to Passivhaus, here are some popular green building certifications around the world.

LEED

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), established by the U.S. Green Building Council, has a rating system with four major categories: certified, silver, gold, or platinum, with platinum being the highest certification possible for earning the most points toward sustainable design. Projects should reduce emissions, conserve water, enhance human health, protect and boost biodiversity, promote sustainable materials, and improve local quality of life. LEED offers certifications for various types of projects, from residential to building design to building operations to entire cities.

Passive House/Passivhaus

Passive House, or Passivhaus, is an internationally recognized concept as well as a certification for buildings designed to minimize energy use. Developed by Passive House Institute, Passive House buildings may use up to 90% less energy than conventional buildings. In addition to reducing energy demand, Passive House principles are focused on improving the health and well-being of building occupants, through elements like improved ventilation and reduced noise pollution.

WELL

The WELL Building Standard, created by the International WELL Building Institute, includes 10 major concepts for its certification: Air, Water, Nourishment, Light, Movement, Thermal Comfort, Sound, Materials, Mind and Community. Projects earn points toward these concepts, and those points add up to bronze, silver, gold or platinum certification. While WELL is focused more on human health of occupants over environmental benefits, it does incorporate sustainable design elements, like integrating more green spaces, reducing air pollution and utilizing non-toxic materials.

EnergyStar

Many people are familiar with EnergyStar when it comes to home appliances, but this label, administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), can also apply to buildings. EnergyStar commercial buildings can boost energy savings by up to 30% through improvements like installing efficient lighting or using Energy Star-certified products. Commercial buildings can earn a 1 to 100 rating for Energy Star performance, with 1 being the lowest, 50 being average and 100 being a top-performing building.

Living Building Challenge

The International Living Future Institutes Living Building Challenge is focused on regenerative design and focuses on seven key areas: Place, Water, Energy, Health and Happiness, Materials, Equity, and Beauty. It is one of the most rigorous green building concepts in the world. These projects are designed for self-sufficiency and connection between humans, human habitats and nature. Projects incorporate features like closed-loop water systems, renewables to reach net-positive carbon each year, regular indoor air quality tests and more.

BREEAM

Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) ranks buildings from pass, good, very good, excellent to outstanding. The method is focused on water, management, energy, transport, health and wellbeing, resources, resilience, land use, materials, waste, and innovation. Achieving this certification can result in many benefits, including reduced energy use, improved cost savings and increased occupants satisfaction.

Sustainable Buildings Around the World

Theres no shortage of examples of sustainable buildings. You may have incorporated green building practices within your own home, perhaps by installing solar panels on the roof or bamboo flooring in your office.

Some projects go above and beyond, earning multiple certifications and even achieving net-zero emissions. Here are just a few top examples of sustainability in the built environment:

Shanghai Tower in Shanghai, China

Aerial view of Shanghai Tower. Yaorusheng / Moment / Getty Images

The Shanghai Tower, opened in 2015 and designed by Gensler, is the second-tallest building in the world and one of the most sustainable. This skyscraper was made with recycled materials and has a design to capture and reuse rainwater and capture wind for natural ventilation. Over 270 wind turbines produce over 150,000 kWh each year. It has earned LEED Platinum certification.

The Edge in Amsterdam, the Netherlands

From a green roof and a facade made of solar panels to the rainwater harvesting system and smart shades that can be controlled by an app, The Edge, designed by PLP Architects, is an impressively sustainable building. In fact, The Edge has earned a 98.3% BREEAM Outstanding ranking.

Bosco Verticale in Milan, Italy

People relax at Biblioteca degli Alberi Milano park (BAM) by the Bosco Verticale in Milan, Italy on May 27, 2023. Emanuele Cremaschi / Getty Images

The residential Bosco Verticale (Vertical Forest) by Boeri Studio is covered in green, encompassing 800 trees, 15,000 perennials and ground-covering plants and 5,000 shrubs. All this plant life has become habitat for birds, butterflies and other wildlife while absorbing carbon, improving shading and insulation and reducing energy costs.

The Crystal in London, UK

The Crystal building on Royal Victoria Dock in east London on Nov. 3, 2020. HOLLIE ADAMS / AFP via Getty Images

Designed by WilkinsonEyre, The Crystal is now home to Londons City Hall and is the winner of many sustainable design awards. It features multiple renewable technologies, from solar and wind power to EV charging stations and geothermal energy; excess energy is sent back to the grid. It has achieved both LEED Platinum and BREEAM Outstanding.

Green Construction and the Future

A sustainable built environment is the future. Whether through designing and building new, energy-efficient projects or retrofitting older buildings to be more airtight or to support renewable energy sources, green construction must amp up for the world to limit warming to 1.5C, or else suffer from the extreme consequences of unchecked climate change. Even maintaining 2C warming compared to pre-industrial levels will require building-related emissions to decrease 85%, putting an extreme emphasis and dependence on green construction.

There are many excellent examples of sustainable buildings out there today, and green construction investments are only expected to grow. Focusing on reducing the carbon footprint of the built environment could create value pools worth $800 billion to nearly $2 trillion, and retrofits has the potential to become a $240 billion to $1.1 trillion market by 2036.

While these figures are promising for the future of green construction, the reality is still that this sector needs to ramp up dramatically to decarbonize before the world surpasses the 1.5C threshold. As one of the biggest contributors to global emissions, the construction industry must put sustainability first moving forward.
Founded in 2005 as an Ohio-based environmental newspaper, EcoWatch is a digital platform dedicated to publishing quality, science-based content on environmental issues, causes, and solutions.

The University of Maine designed a floating turbine that can be used in the Gulf of Maine's deep waters. JPlourde, UMaine / CC BY-SA 4.0

Offshore wind energy is getting a major boost in Maine, which has just approved adding 3,000 megawatts of energy provided by offshore wind turbines by 2040. The 3,000 megawatts would be enough to meet about half of Maines electricity demand.

Maine Governor Janet Mills signed the law, LD 1895, on Thursday, noting the legislation would contribute to port development with inclusions to still protect lobster fishing areas.

Offshore wind, done responsibly, offers Maine the opportunity to secure abundant clean energy, stable energy prices, good-paying jobs, and a healthier environment for future generations, Mills said in a statement.

In previous discussions to expand offshore wind in the state, the lobster industry raised concerns and protested offshore wind development.

We dont know how much the electromagnetic field around the cables going to shore is going to affect things on bottom, lobster fisher Clayton Philbrook told WABI5, a local news station based in Bangor. Will lobsters go near it? Will they crawl over them? Will it repel them? All of this is information that, as far as I know, theres been no research done on it.

In response, the bill notes protections for Lobster Management Area 1, and the law gives preference to offshore wind energy projects designed for areas outside of these lobstering grounds.

The new legislation allows the Governors Energy Office to add up to 3,000 megawatts of electricity from offshore wind turbines by 2040 in order to help the state meet its goal of 100% clean energy by 2050. As of 2021, Maine ranks fifth in the U.S. for the portion of wind-powered electricity generation (23%) compared to total electricity generation, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

The wind turbines for the Gulf of Maine will need to utilize floating platforms, rather than anchoring the turbines to the ocean floor, as The Associated Press reported, because the waters are too deep.

The Maine Department of Transportation will likely choose its preferred location for an offshore wind energy port by 2024, according to the statement on the governors office website.

To combat climate change and invest in Maines energy independence, our state has set ambitious goals for renewable energy. Its clear that this effort will involve offshore wind energy projects, said Senator Mark Lawrence, who sponsored the amended bill. We need to have guardrails in place to make sure this is done right and truly benefits Mainers. This bill will mean jobs, lower and more stable energy prices while combating climate change at the same time.
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 pedestrian passes beneath an ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) sign on the South Circular at Tulse Hill in London, England on July 21, 2023. Richard Baker / In Pictures via Getty Images

A challenge to Londons Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), which covers almost all of Greater London, by five local authorities has been dismissed by the citys high court.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan extended the zone intended to reduce pollution in the city of around nine million people to encompass an additional five million in some of the outer boroughs. The extension is to begin August 29.

This landmark decision is good news as it means we can proceed with cleaning up the air in outer London, Khan said in a statement, as Reuters reported.

Those who drive vehicles that are non-compliant with ULEZ standards  usually gas-powered cars made before 2006 and diesel vehicles registered before 2015  are required to pay a fee of 12.50 ($16.07) per day for driving in the zone.

The decision to expand the Ulez was very difficult and not something I took lightly, and I continue to do everything possible to address any concerns Londoners may have, Khan said, as reported by The Guardian. The coming expansion will see 5 million more Londoners being able to breathe cleaner air.

Former Mayor Boris Johnson originally instigated the ULEZ.

Khan said the ULEZ was needed to tackle the pollution that is causing an array of health issues for Londoners.

Nine out of 10 cars seen driving in outer London on an average day are already compliant, so wont pay a penny  yet will still see the benefits of cleaner air. Air pollution is an urgent public health crisis  our children are growing up with stunted lungs, and it is linked to a host of serious conditions, from heart disease to cancer and dementia, Khan said, according to The Guardian.

Legal action against the ULEZ was brought in February by the citys outer boroughs of Bromley, Bexley, Hillingdon and Harrow, as well as the Surrey County Council. Their lawyers said that Khan had overstepped his powers and provided a defective government incentive scrappage program for trading in older polluting vehicles for more environmentally friendly ones.

The local authorities expressed great disappointment with the decision, Reuters reported.

Justice Swift said he was satisfied that Khans decision was within his powers, and the vehicle scrappage program was lawful, though not in depth, reported The Guardian.

Khan promised to expand the current vehicle scrappage program to nearly a million families who receive child benefit and all small businesses with up to 50 employees, as Business Green reported.

Khan said the current ULEZ had reduced nitrogen dioxide pollution in central London by nearly 50 percent.

Currently, only approximately six percent of vehicles entering the ULEZ pay a fee, according to Transport for London, reported The Guardian.

Everyone involved in the case said they wanted clean air, and now that the ULEZ has been confirmed as legal it is time for everyone to focus on how we support a successful implementation, said Green Party London Assembly member Sian Berry, as Business Green reported.
Cummal Mooar no more



Cummal Mooar (pic: google)

Manx Care have said it is unable to replace Ramsey residential home Cummal Mooar due to constructions costs of 13m.

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) approved the building of a new facility in 2018. It was to be constructed on land at the Cooil Ny Marrey site on Waterloo Road, Ramsey.

According to Manx Care, there are a number of reasons including a significant increase in construction costs, the reduced demand for residential care and the need to review the long-term needs of services in the North of the Island resulting in the decision to not proceed with this development.

The decision to decommission Cummal Mooar is a U-turn on the commitment Lawrie Hooper, Ramsey MHK and Minister for Department of Health and Social Care showed back in 2022, when the he said the new construction would be an important step in what will be a pivotal development for the people of the north of the island.

At the time he added that the current facility had played an incredibly important part" in the lives of residents, their families and within the community for more than 40 years.

Cummal Mooar is one of three resource centres on the Island run by Manx Care that provides residential care for older people. However, Manx Care have said due to its age and design, the facility is no longer entirely fit for purpose.

Manx Care added that it will now aim to support people at home as far as possible, through a Home First approach, which it says allows people to stay safe and as independent as possible at home.

The maximum amount of time before the residential home will be decommissioned is two years. Manx Care said that it is likely that the facility will close before new Manx Care provision is available in the North of the Island.

It said that in this instance, we will work with residents and their families to ensure that they are moved to appropriate alternative accommodation (be that Manx Care or Private).

Manx Care also said there will be no imminent redundancies as a result of this news and would like to reassure colleagues, residents of the home and their families and friends of this.

Ramsey residents have started a petition to ask the Government to reverse this decision and keep the existing building open until an alternative is built.
Samsung made a huge flex this week by hosting its first Unpacked event in Seoul, South Korea (sorry NYC!). In this episode, Cherlynn, Devindra and Senior Writer Sam Rutherford dive into all of Samsungs news: The Galaxy Z Fold 5, Z Flip 5, Watch 6 and Tab S9. Is Samsung playing it safe this year, or is it actually bringing something new to the world of foldables? Also, we discuss Twitters rebrand to X (sigh), as well as why astrophysicist Avi Loeb is likely wrong about his extraterrestrial alien balls.

Listen below or subscribe on your podcast app of choice. If you've got suggestions or topics you'd like covered on the show, be sure to email us or drop a note in the comments! And be sure to check out our other podcasts, the Morning After and Engadget News!

Topics

Samsungs Summer Unpacked 2023 Overview  0:54

Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5  3:23

Galaxy Watch 6  19:24

Galaxy Tab S9  26:19

Other News: Twitter is now X  33:40

GM announces plans to revive the Chevy Bolt  47:44

Astrophysicist Avi Loeb found tiny metal balls in the ocean, they probably arent alien tech  51:30

Microsoft announces pizza-scented controller as a TMNT promotion  53:54

AI News: Netflix lists machine learning jobs in the middle of Hollywoods double strike  55:54

Working on  1:00:34

Pop culture picks  1:08:24

Credits

Hosts: Cherlynn Low and Devindra Hardawar

Guest: Sam Rutherford

Producer: Ben Ellman

Music: Dale North and Terrence O'Brien

All products recommended by Engadget are selected by our editorial team, independent of our parent company. Some of our stories include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, we may earn an affiliate commission. All prices are correct at the time of publishing.
NASA is launching its very own streaming platform called NASA+ sometime this summer. While the space agency already livestreams launches and other events on its website, NASA+ will feature not just live broadcasts, but also collections of original video series. A handful of the first shows on the platform will even be new titles launching with the service, and what's even better is that it will be free and will not be interrupting shows with ads. In other words, it's where you should go if you want to binge watch NASA and space content.

The streaming service will be available through the agency's iOS and Android apps on mobile devices. You'll also be able to access it on desktop and mobile browsers, as well as stream shows on demand through media players, such as Roku, Apple TV and Fire TV.

Marc Etkind from NASA's Office of Communications said:

"Were putting space on demand and at your fingertips with NASAs new streaming platform. Transforming our digital presence will help us better tell the stories of how NASA explores the unknown in air and space, inspires through discovery, and innovates for the benefit of humanity."

In addition to introducing its own streaming service, NASA is also giving its whole digital presence an overhaul. It's currently working on a new web (and app) experience that can better consolidate information about its missions, research projects and updates about the Artemis program, among other things. NASA has numerous websites for different programs and divisions, but the new experience will include content from several of them. It will also feature integrated navigation and search function for easier access to information across NASA websites. You can visit the beta version of the upgraded web experience right now, but take note that the agency plans to connect more libraries and websites to it even after it's been fully launched.
Nearly three years ago Meta announced it was partnering with more than a dozen independent researchers to study the impact Facebook and Instagram had on the 2020 election. Both Meta and the researchers promised the project, which would rely on troves of internal data, would deliver an independent look at issues like polarization and misinformation.

Now, we have the first results of that research in the form of four peer-reviewed papers published in the journals Science and Nature. The studies offer an intriguing new look at how Facebook and Instagrams algorithms affected what users saw in the run-up to the 2020 presidential election.

The papers are also a notable milestone for Meta. The company has at times had a strained relationship with independent researchers and been accused of " transparency theater " in its efforts to make more data available to those wishing to understand whats happening on this platform. In a statement, Metas policy chief Nick Clegg said that the research suggests Facebook may not be as influential in shaping its users political beliefs as many believe. The experimental studies add to a growing body of research showing there is little evidence that key features of Metas platforms alone cause harmful affective polarization, or have meaningful effects on key political attitudes, beliefs or behaviors, he wrote.

The researchers initial findings, however, appear to paint a more complex picture.

One study in Nature looked at the effect of so-called echo chambers, or when users are exposed to a large amount of like-minded sources. While the researchers confirm that most users in the US see a majority of content from like-minded friends, Pages and groups, they note all of it isnt explicitly political or news-related. They also found that decreasing the amount of like-minded content reduced engagement, but didnt measurably change users beliefs or attitudes.

While the authors note the results dont account for the cumulative effects years of social media use may have had on their subjects, they do suggest the effects of echo chambers are often mischaracterized.

Another study in Nature looked at the effect of chronological feeds compared with algorithmically-generated ones. That issue gained particular prominence in 2021, thanks to revelations from whistleblower Frances Haugen, who has advocated for a return to chronological feeds. Unsurprisingly, the researchers concluded that Facebook and Instagrams algorithmic feeds strongly influenced users experiences.

The Chronological Feed dramatically reduced the amount of time users spent on the platform, reduced how much users engaged with content when they were on the platform, and altered the mix of content they were served, the authors write. Users saw more content from ideologically moderate friends and sources with mixed audiences; more political content; more content from untrustworthy sources; and less content classified as uncivil or containing slur words than they would have on the Algorithmic Feed.

At the same time, the researchers say that a chronological feed did not cause detectable changes in downstream political attitudes, knowledge, or offline behavior.

Likewise, another study, also in Science , on the effects of reshared content in the run-up to the 2020 election found that removing reshared content substantially decreases the amount of political news, including content from untrustworthy sources but didnt significantly affect political polarization or any measure of individual-level political attitudes.

Finally, researchers analyzed the political news stories that appeared in users feeds in the context of whether they were liberal or conservative. They concluded that Facebook is substantially segregated ideologically but that ideological segregation manifests far more in content posted by Pages and Groups than in content posted by friends. They also found conservative users were far more likely to see content from untrustworthy sources, as well as articles rated false by the companys third-party fact checkers.

The researchers said the results were a manifestation of how Pages and Groups provide a very powerful curation and dissemination machine that is used especially effectively by sources with predominantly conservative audiences.

While some of the findings look good for Meta, which has long argued that political content is only a small minority of what most users see, one of the most notable takeaways from the research is that there arent obvious solutions for addressing the polarization that does on social media. The results of these experiments do not show that the platforms are not the problem, but they show that they are not the solution, University of Konstanz David Garcia, who was part of the research team, told Science .

All products recommended by Engadget are selected by our editorial team, independent of our parent company. Some of our stories include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, we may earn an affiliate commission. All prices are correct at the time of publishing.
Twitter's rebrand to X is causing scam alerts on Microsoft Edge Edge suggests you delete the app if you think it's tricking you.

'Twitters swift rebrand to X is generating yet another issue. As reported by Bleeping Computer, the social media platform is causing Microsoft's Edge browser to throw up a warning, indicating some sort of security problem.

It seems to be related to how Edge and other Chromium-based web browsers deal with favicons (or 'Progressive Web App Icon Change', if you want to get super technical about it). With the Twitter rebrand being so sudden, Edge likely thinks X is a scam. The security alert prompts users to review the icon update and reads, "If this web app is trying to trick you into thinking it's a different app, uninstall it."

But as Bleeping Computer points out, PWA is working as intended. It is supposed to alert you when a website suddenly changes its favicon as that could indicate a potential redirect to a scam website. Presumably, this is temporary and will be fixed quickly. We've reached out to Microsoft for comment and will update this story once we've heard back.

Florian / X

This is similar to an incident earlier this week, where X was blocked in Indonesia as it has laws forbidding gambling or porn. The X.com domain's previous owners broke the country's content laws.

Still, this is yet another indicator of how sudden the Twitter-to-X transition was. Other companies such as Meta and Microsoft already own trademarks on variations of X, which could land Musk's company some lawsuits. X even ran into trouble when attempting to change its signage at its San Francisco headquarters, as it didn't have the required permits. The company had to abandon its would-be facelift and leave the old bird logo and the letters "er" intact for a day or so.

The sudden name change is part of a larger plan to turn Twitter into a "super app" that's similar to China's popular WeChat. The platform could theoretically be used for payments, messaging and calls in the future.
Apple Is Our Livelihood is the outcome of the national workshop of apple farmers organised by the All-India Kisan Sabha and P Sundarayya Memorial Trust in Srinagar (India) in June 2022. It was a momentous event for the regions apple economy, which includes Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh (HP), and Uttarakhand. The book emphasises the importance of apple production and how it supports the lives of over 50 lakh people (9 lakh families) in this region. Kashmir alone accounts for 77% of Indias apple output, which amounts to over 24 lakh metric tonnes. Apple economy also accounts for 8% of Jammu and Kashmirs (J&K) gross

domestic product (p 5). However, the farmers are enraged by how their produce is treated in the market. The economic situation is getting worse by each passing day adding to the misery of people.

At the outset, Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami (a former member of J&K Legislative Assembly) provides a beautiful introduction with a succinct summary of the significance of the Jammu and Kashmir Big Landed Estates Abolition Act, 1950, which significantly contributed to the radical and revolutionary transfer of land to the tiller, thus paving the way for rural prosperity and the eventual abolition of landlordism in the state. Tarigami gives credit for this courageous land distribution to the throngs of millions of tillers, struggling to survive owing to the exploitative nature of the feudal landlords. It was the sole revolutionary action that the administration of J&K had taken after independence (p 6). At the same time, no other state in India had taken such measures to bring their people out of misery.
Montana State Hospital. Credit Keith Schubert

A contractor that was ordered last week to stop its work upgrading the wastewater treatment plant at the Montana State Hospital after it unintentionally released more than 3 million gallons of partially treated wastewater into Warm Springs Creek has fixed the issues and is allowed to resume work on the project, state agencies said this week.

The Montana Department of Administration issued the Stop Work Order to Missouri River Contractors on July 18, following multiple releases of contaminated groundwater into the creek and nearby wetlands during the month prior.

But DEQ inspected the project on Tuesday to be sure the company had met the corrective actions outlined in a July 18 violation letter ahead of the Stop Work Order and found adequate measures have been taken to address the corrective actions listed in the letter, according to a letter to the company from DEQ Water Quality Division Compliance Inspector John OBannon sent on Wednesday. He recommended the Department of Administration lift the Stop Work Order, which it agreed to do on Thursday.

A new treatment facility and wastewater lagoons at Warm Springs went online on May 19; the wetlands system utilized in the treatment process is connected to the Clark Fork River.

The DEQ was notified by the onsite project engineer on June 23 that the contractor discovered an overflow valve in the treatment system was not working properly, which sent wastewater through cells the company was trying to bypass, according to a letter from the companys vice president notifying DEQ of potential Water Quality Act violations.

The DEQ said its inspectors went on site visits several times during the next couple of weeks, collecting and assessing water samples.

On July 12, a compliance inspector with DEQs Water Quality Division sent Missouri River Contractors Vice President Nick Miller the first of two Montana Water Quality Act violation letters that cited several violations of permitting statutes and rules and asked for written explanations detailing how the company had corrected the violations by Aug. 1.

DEQ inspectors went to the site the next day and found construction was still occurring, that best management practices were not being followed, water in the wetlands was cloudy, and that permits did not cover the current construction activities. The DEQ issued another notice of violation on July 18 and called for further corrective actions to be finished by Aug. 1.

The DEQ said violations included water quality impacts, doing construction in areas not covered by the permit, and failing to comply with requirements under the Montana Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit.

MPDES permits are key to protecting state waters under the Montana Water Quality Act and ensure protections are in place to prevent potential pollution that could harm human health and the environment, the DEQ said in a statement.

The department said sampling at the discharge point showed the water had a higher pH than allowed under permits and that removal percentages for suspended solids like organic matter and silt were not being met.

The same day the second violation notice was delivered, the Department of Administration sent Missouri River Contractors its Stop Work Order, which said the companys corrective actions in each instance have proven inefficient.

The order called on Missouri River Contractors to stop all work on the project in connection with the July 18 violations and said work could not start back up until all of the corrective actions were completed.

The next day, Miller emailed the DEQ acknowledging the orders and corrective actions and saying the company was working on addressing the issues.

DEQ issued a news release about the Stop Work Order and wastewater discharges two days later, on July 21, and said it was monitoring the situation and working with the company, ensuring the project moves forward in a responsible, protective manner which does not put Montana communities or the environment at risk. The department said all discharges of partially treated wastewater had been stopped.

After another inspection this week following weeks of other testing, OBannon, the DEQ compliance inspector, told the company on Wednesday the DEQ did find two things that still needed work but that he as recommending to the Department of Administration that the Stop Work Order be lifted.

Please be sure to take corrective actions to address the findings provided in the CEI to avoid or mitigate violations at a later date, OBannon told the companys vice president.

On Thursday, DOA Architecture and Engineering Division Administrator Russ Katherman sent a letter to Missouri River Contractors lifting the Stop Work Order and allowing the company to resume work on the project.

A representative for Missouri River Contractors did not respond to written questions this week about the initial violations and Stop Work Order, the remedial actions, or immediately to more questions Thursday about whether the company had resumed operations at the plant.

The post Company allowed to resume operations following Warm Springs wastewater spill appeared first on Daily Montanan.
A picture of a security work fence lines Stonewall Hall, the site of the first permanent territorial legislature in Montana (Photo by Darrell Ehrlick of the Daily Montanan).

For all that Montana treasures its history  from the rowdy vigilantes to the statue of triumphant Irish hero and one-time territorial governor Thomas Francis Meagher  you might think it would have done more to preserve the epicenter of that period.

But the home of the states first permanent territorial capitol in Virginia City nearly became part of history if not for heroic measures to preserve the structure, which was literally crumbling.

When restoration and construction crews began work this summer, one corner of Stonewall Hall, the pool hall turned legislature, was literally reduced to a pile of rubble. A parapet, part of a wall and a portion of the roof had collapsed on the structure, part of an unreinforced three-story brick wall that hasnt been updated since Abraham Lincoln was President of the United States.

The Montana Heritage Commission, which manages Virginia City and Nevada City  the Twin Cities of Montana Territory  has owned the building for just two years, and immediately after receiving it, went to work on fundraising to restore the crumbling structure.

And, its probably not a moment too soon as the building started falling apart. Thats probably to be expected because it has sat largely unused for decades, last serving as a garage back that shuttered in 1967.

But its the upper floor of the historic building which hasnt been used actively in more than a century that holds the most significance, being the site of the territorial legislature for the decade between the capital being shifted from Bannack until it moved to Helena in 1875.

This is arguably the most important building in our states history, said heritage commission executive director Elijah Allen.

It is, after all, the first permanent structure to house the lawmakers of fledgling territory that would become the Treasure State, and the oldest of the state-used buildings still standing.

I cant think of anything more important, Allen said. This is a very humble part of our beginning, and we didnt require art or extravagance. We were just trying to make it.

Unlike other states, Montanas territorial government sprang up as the federal government was distracted by the Civil War. Idaho Territory, which lost much of its land mass when Montana was cleft from it, was just too big to govern, especially with steep mountains and hostile Native tribes on the western side of what would become the state. Southern sympathizers and refugees from the Confederate States also posed a threat by sending gold to aid the South instead of using it to contribute to the United States war efforts.

But the hurried nature of the territorys creation meant that all the trappings of American government were slow in coming to places like Bannack or Virginia City and the lawmakers met in a series of places, mostly saloons and public pool halls to conduct business. In fact, the states territorial legislature met in several different places, including two other buildings adjacent or connected to Stonewall Hall, too. One of the connecting doorways on Stonewalls second floor can still be seen  a door that seems to lead to nowhere.

Because of the makeshift nature of how the lawmakers had to meet, the building was understood to be the seat of government, but it wasnt a space distinctively reserved for that purpose. When the Legislature wasnt in session, a sprawling city with as many as 10,000 residents at one time demanded it be turned back into a bar, clothing store or even a pool hall that advertised fine segars.

That, as much as anything, has contributed to the site likely not being recognized as more historically significant. Or maybe it was because the lawmakers occasionally met in different buildings, depending on what was available, to conduct business. Historians have noted that contemporary accounts of the territorial legislature detail what the pioneer lawmakers decided, but were curiously silent about where those decisions took place.

Last summer, the heritage commission launched the public campaign to raise enough funds to preserve, stabilize and renovate the long, narrow brick building. Gov. Greg Gianforte and Montana First Lady Susan Gianforte were among the large contributors to the project that will likely cost around $2 million when the final costs are calculated.

With $1.5 million in hand currently, a temporary chain-link fence lines the perimeter of Stonewall Hall and crews on scaffolding are working toward stabilizing the wall, putting in a new foundation and working on the roof, which has deteriorated, allowing the rest of the structure to sustain significant water damage.

Allen hopes some of the original windows can still be salvaged. When the project is complete, he estimates around 25% of the original building will remain, and people will use it to help understand the earliest days of American expansion and settlement into the territory.

Most of the building hasnt completely operated for as long as a century and most of the electrical and plumbing systems are dysfunctional or obsolete. Renovation and restoration plans will require Stonewall to be rebuilt, including adding electrical, mechanical and plumbing systems that will both preserve the historic feel of the building but be suited for the 21st, not the 19th century.

This building has been sitting for awhile, Allen said. But not a penny from the general fund has went into this. We only have what we can generate from the small businesses here. Theres a lot of pride in this building, but I wish we had a better funding mechanism.

The post Restoration crews begin work on Montanas first capitol  just in time appeared first on Daily Montanan.
UPDATE: Monday, July 31 at 9:11 a.m.

The mother of Alicia Navarro, the missing Arizona teen who was found in Montana four years after her disappearance, is pleading the public to stop what she calls "harassment" towards her family and to "move on".

In a video posted to social media, Alicia's mother, Jessica Nunez, starts out giving her appreciation to the public for their support towards her and Alicia over the last four years.

"I could have never kept going without all of your love, help and well wishes," Nunez said in the video.

Nunez stated the public's search for answers after Alicia was found has led towards harassment against her family.

"The public has gone from trying to help Alicia to trying to do things, like trying to show up to her house and putting her safety in jeopardy," Nunez said in the video.

In the video, Nunez begs the public to stop making TikToks and to stop reaching out to her and Alicia with speculations, questions or assumptions.

"This is not a movie, this is our life, this is my daughter," Nunez said, "I love her more than anything in the world, and I think I have shown you that."

"My job has always been to protect her, and just as I never gave up on her before, I won't stand for the treatment of her now. For this is my statement: There is an ongoing investigation, and I am begging you to move on."

UPDATE, JULY 28:

The Glendale Police Department gave an update on Alicia Navarro, saying detectives responded to Havre after she walked into the police department to identify herself.

Detectives served a search warrant on a residence, and four separate individuals were interviewed.

At this time nobody has been detained.

This is still an active investigation and we are requesting time and patience as we peel away the layers of the last four years, the Glendale Police Department said. We are also requesting the media be respectful of Alicias privacy, as this has been quite the ordeal for both she and her family.

HAVRE, Mont. - A missing teen from Glendale, Arizona was found safe and healthy in Havre, Montana on July 23.

After four years of searching, on Thursday investigators and her family try to figure out where she has been since 2019.

On September 15, 2019, Alicia Navarro left a note to her parents while they were sleeping that read I ran away. I will be back, I swear. I'm sorry..." and on July 23, four years later, she turned herself into the Havre Police Station, healthy, and more importantly, unharmed.

Originally law enforcement was not sharing which town she was found in due to privacy reasons, but Havre police released a statement saying, On July 23rd at 11:00 am Alicia Navarro entered the Havre Police Department to clear her missing person status and that she appeared to be in good health.

At this point, police say they don't know how she got to Montana, or even to Havre.

According to reports, Navarro is autistic and requires special attention.

Currently, law enforcement is trying to figure out if she's been with anyone the past four years, being more than 1,000 miles away from home.

But what we do know is she arrive at the police station alone.

Initial conversations indicate that the case began as a "runaway situation," but Lieutenant Scott Waite from the Glendale Police Department told reporters that detectives have not discounted any possibilities... Including kidnapping.

The big questions that remain, was she alone? What was she doing in Montana? And after four years, why she decided to turn herself in now.

But the most important thing is that her loved ones finally found the daughter, sister, niece and grand-daughter that went missing four years ago.

"For everyone who has missing loved ones I want you to use this case as an example that miracles do exist and never lose hope and always fight, said Alecias mom, Jessi Nunez

As you just heard from Alicia's mom, miracles do happen, and as of right now there are currently 170 missing people reported here in Montana alone.

I will continue to follow this as more information becomes available right here on NonStop Local.
Fairfield, MT (59436)

Today

Partly cloudy this morning, then becoming cloudy during the afternoon. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 84F. Winds WSW at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Evening clouds will give way to clearing overnight. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 56F. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph.
MEADVILLE, Pa.  Agricultural organizations and previous recipients of the Pennsylvania Agricultural Hall of Fame and Ag-Industry awards have selected the 2023 award recipients.

Those selected to receive this years Hall of Fame awards include Laura Dengler, Dennis and James Rynd and Ag-Industry Marburger Farm Dairy.

Nominations are solicited from interested ag-related organizations and businesses as well as former recipients of both awards. Each organization or individual may submit two nominees for Hall of Fame, which may include those who have retired from farming, are currently involved in farming, or are from the service industry or organization.

Laura Dengler

Hall of Fame recipient Laura Dengler, of Saegertown, Pa., is well-known for her work in the maple industry, but she also has ties to the dairy industry, previously volunteering with the Blooming Valley 4-H Club and as a past Leader of the Kids-n-Kows 4-H Club.

She guided and mentored many children throughout those years helping them to become better showmen and understand the dairy industry and encouraging them to live out the 4-H pledge, to make the best better.

While her daughters were both Crawford County Alternate Dairy Princesses, NW PA Maple Queens and PA State Maple Sweethearts, Dengler spent many hours helping them prepare presentations and driving them to their programs.

She also works at the Crawford County Conservation District and works to protect, conserve and restore the natural resources of the county for present and future generations.

Dennis and James Rynd

The second recipients of the Hall of Fame award are Dennis and James Rynd, of Cochranton, Pa.

Dennis began working on the family farm by feeding the animals moving on to working in the fields at age 12. He attended Cochranton Junior-Senior High School and became involved with the Future Farmers of America program, serving as the State FFA Reporter and attending the National Future Farmers of America Convention in Kansas City, Missouri. He was the recipient of the Keystone Farmer Award and has been a member of the Crawford County Holstein, PA Holstein and National Holstein Associations, as well as the Farmers Union. He has been a big supporter of the 4-H Youth Program and Youth Holstein Association and served on the Crawford County Conservation District Board.

James began his agriculture career in the 1980s. He also attended Cochranton Junior-Senior High School and attended Penn State University for one year before returning home to work on the farm. He served on the Crawford County DHIA Board, was a 4-H leader for nine years, served on the PA Dairy Promotional Program Board, was president of the Cochranton Fair for four years, served on the Crawford County Extension Board, and was a member of the PA National Guard from 1971-1977.

Dennis and James are the sixth generation to farm the land purchased by their father, Jack Rynd. The current Rynd Home Dairy Farm milks an average of 180 cows and has a total of 410 animals. They own 500 acres and rent an additional 200 acres for growing crops for the herd.

Marburger Farm Dairy

Selected to receive the Ag-Industry Award was Marburger Farm Dairy of Evans City. The purchase of 100 acres of land near Evans City in 1938, Marburger Farm Dairy has been continuously in operation in one form or another.

A German immigrant by the name of George Marburger Sr. first used the land for raising draft horses until his son Adam transitioned the land into dairy production. After approximately 12 years, Adam, and his wife Georgia moved the operation to its present location. Since then, three generations of Marburgers have been operating the business.

Marburger Dairy distributes buttermilk all over the east coast and currently has over 65 family farms supplying Marburger Dairy with milk. Marburger also supplies Fairview Cheese, Titusville Dairy Products and Beaver Meadows with products.

Over 100,000 gallons of milk a week are processed at the dairy now operated by Craig Marburger and Carrie Marburger Robb following the passing of their father, James.

The Awards Program is administered by Crawford County Pomona Grange. The awards will be presented at an open program Aug. 13 at 2 p.m. at the New Beginnings Church, 13226 Leslie Road.
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind.  Many at-risk forest tree species will probably need biotechnology along with traditional tree-breeding approaches to survive, according to insights published in the July issue of the journal New Forests.

Purdue Universitys Douglass Jacobs and Kasten Dumroese of the U.S. Forest Service led a team of 19 co-authors, including scientists, land managers and regulators, in presenting their findings on biotechnological risk assessment and forest tree restoration. Their New Forests paper, published in a special issue on threatened tree species, presents key outcomes of a 2021 virtual international conference on the issues.

Among their conclusions: Society drives policy. If genetic engineering is the only way to save some species, its use will require public acceptance.

Biotechnology is a diverse toolkit comprising different technologies that can be used to impart pest resistance  it could be bugs or pathogens  in our threatened forest trees, said Jacobs, the Fred M. van Eck Professor of Forest Biology. But many people mistakenly equate biotechnology with genetic engineering.

Traditional tree breeding, whether youre breeding different species or different varieties within species, has been going on for thousands of years. And the regulations on planting trees that have been traditionally bred are wide open, he said. Genetic engineering, on the other hand, is highly regulated, but all biotechnology is certainly not genetic engineering.

Scientists often use genomics, for example, which involves working with the complete set of an organisms genetic material, to learn more about what causes disease. Genomics also can help identify the genes responsible for useful traits such as pest resistance.

Blight began afflicting the American chestnut in the 1900s, killing billions of trees. Despite being the target of decades-long tree-breeding efforts, the chestnuts prospects remain in doubt. The list of at-risk species also includes ash, butternut, and bristlecone pine among other members of the five-needle white pine family.

I feel a sense of urgency. We cant take a hundred years like weve taken with chestnut to turn the page, said Dumroese, a research plant physiologist at the Forest Services Rocky Mountain Research Station in Idaho.

The species are becoming ecologically extinct, Dumroese said. Theyre not able to provide their historic level of ecosystem function because often they dont grow to maturity. And thats happening at a faster and faster pace. Look at how rapidly weve lost ash trees from our forests and urban landscapes because of the introduced insect pest emerald ash borer.

The western white pine is an example of how the Forest Service has, starting in the 1960s, effectively used traditional tree breeding to cope with white pine blister rust. The white pine population remains below its pre-blister-rust levels, however, and may never become fully restored.

But we see a lot more western white pine on the landscape and being planted on the landscape every year because of those efforts, Dumroese said. That process only took a couple of decades where we come from a big problem to making improvements. We need that pace for all of the species that were calling at risk.

Back in Indiana, the Hardwood Tree Improvement & Regeneration Center, a joint effort between Purdue and the Forest Service, for years has maintained a breeding program for pest resistance. Almost all of the centers efforts to date have focused on traditional tree breeding and genomics.

The chance to work with chestnut and help reintroduce it back to the landscape was a big reason I took the Purdue job in the first place back in December of 2001, Jacobs said. Watching species disappear from the landscape provides me personally with a lot of motivation to contribute whatever I can toward helping to save some of these at-risk species.

In the last 10 years, Jacobs has seen striking advancements in novel biotechnologies that use genomics and genetic engineering.

For some species, traditional tree breeding doesnt appear to be a viable long-term option to get disease-resistant trees. In those cases, its probably going to have to be genetic engineering if we want to save the species, he said.

That applies even to a species like the blight-afflicted American chestnut, the target of a breeding program for 50 years. Introducing enough chestnut and ash trees to bring us back to the pre-disturbance level is likely not possible in anyones lifetime, but you have to start somewhere, Dumroese noted.

The participants of the 2021 conference came to a consensus on the applicability of biotechnology toward reintroducing some threatened forest tree species. They came from academia, the Forest Service, and organizations such as the American Chestnut Foundation and the Nature Conservancy.

Societal perception and policy remain the weakest links, Jacobs said. Theres been this consistent one-way flow of information from scientists to the public with the idea of, Hey, were scientists, trust us. Or Were the government, trust us. But you need a much more interactive dialogue to be successful in changing public opinion.

Support for the conference and related work was provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service and National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
LISBON, Ohio  The late Hazel Hahn, of Minerva, and Carl and Joann Garwood, of Fairfield Township, will be enshrined in the Columbiana County Agriculture Hall of Fame for their contributions to agriculture and the greater Columbiana County community.

The ceremonies will be held during the Columbiana County Fair, at 10:30 a.m. Aug. 1, in the Arts & Crafts Building.

The honorees families will also be honored, and framed portraits and biographical sketches of each individual will be unveiled. The biographies of the previous inductees are permanently displayed in the Arts & Crafts Building.

The Hall of Fame is a joint effort of the Columbiana County Historical Association, the Columbiana County Agricultural Society and the Columbiana County Farm Bureau. The awards are presented posthumously.

Carl Garwood, 1933-2018

Joann Garwood, 1935-2021

Carl and Joann Garwood, of Fairfield Township, started their joint venture into Columbiana County agriculture in the mid-1950s with three small boys and 10 acres. While their family grew with seven more children, they built a potato, grain and specialty crop farm and beef cattle operation that was known statewide, while also building their community and serving youth and charitable causes across Columbiana County. By the early 1990s, High Hope Farms encompassed some 1,000 acres.

Joann, a lifelong learner, participated in Ohio Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association conventions and kept abreast of trends, specialized equipment, insects and diseases. Joann, Carl and later their sons, worked closely with Ohio State University Extension and other professionals to improve farm production and management practices. Joann was early to adopt computerized record keeping, and her dedication to learning and records management were key to the farms success.

Community service was an integral part of the Garwoods lives. Both were 4-H advisors when their children were growing up, and Carl was a member of the steer committee.

Carl also had a passion for education and served 16 years as a member of the Crestview Local School Board, and also served on the board of the Columbiana County Career and Technical Center, providing leadership for the building of the career center facility. Carl also served local residents as a Fairfield Township trustee for 16-1/2 years, leading the efforts to purchase the old Fairfield School property and its subsequent conversion into the townships government center.

Hazel P. Hahn

1922-1990

In 1948, Hazel Hahn started a neighborhood 4-H club with the help of Mrs. George French. It was the beginning of Hahns dedication to the youth development program that would span 42 years. Through her 4-H volunteer work, Hahn impacted the lives of countless rural youth in Columbiana County and beyond.

The club  the West Township Jolly Girls  initially focused on nutrition and cooking projects, but grew to include sewing. Soon, there was an interest to expand, and boys joined the club, renamed the West Township Jolly Girls and Boys, which was later changed to the West Township Jolly 4-Hers, and projects included livestock as well as the full breadth of 4-H offerings. In later years, the membership swelled to 20-30 youth each year, and the club earned state Honor Club distinction for several years.

The desire and ability to give the youth that personal touch makes Hahn stand out from the rest. She always urged the youth to put forth their best effort, and many earned county and state awards. Most members also did demonstrations for club meetings and county competitions, and quite a few were chosen to participate at the Ohio State Fair, where many earned Outstanding of the Day honors.

Her teaching did not stop at the local club. Hahn served on numerous county and regional committees, and, in 1955-56, she served on the first state 4-H advisory committee.

She also touched the lives of exchange students from across the globe. In 1955, the Hahn family hosted a student from Norway on their Holstein dairy farm, and in the 1980s, the Hahns hosted three students from Japan through the LABO International Exchange, as well as numerous students from other countries interested in agriculture.

Hazel and her husband, Frank, were active members of the Columbiana County Farm Bureau and the Buckeye Dairy Boosters. In 1985, Hazel Hahn was named the Columbiana County Female 4-H Advisor of the Year, and in 1987, she was inducted into the Ohio 4-H Hall of Fame.
The National Sheep Association (NSA) has highlighted the 'critical need' to address the ongoing issues with disruption to animal vaccine supply.

The body has, for the past 24 months, raised serious concerns over the issue and has called on vaccine manufacturers, the Veterinary Medicines Directive (VMD), and government for action to secure reliable vaccine supplies.

Over the past three years, the availability of vital vaccines for both sheep and beef has become scarce.

During 2021, 63% of the national sheep flock was vaccinated against clostridial diseases and 51% against Pasteurellosis.

NSA chief executive Phil Stocker said: We know that improved health leads to reduction in waste, productivity gains, and lower carbon footprints, as well as more responsible use of antibiotics.

"However, as vaccine availability has become a serious issue it is negatively impacting the health and welfare of animals, at the time when we need vaccines most.

Vaccines protecting against diseases such as toxoplasmosis, enzootic abortion, foot rot, and orf are also in short supply.

The NSA warned that sheep farmers across the country were now 'struggling' to get these vaccines.

Mr Stocker said: NSA is especially concerned the lack of availability of these vaccines will be detrimental to animal health and welfare.

"It will result in prolonged suffering for animals that may require antibiotic use at a time when farmers have been doing their very best to minimise the use of these valuable treatments.

"NSA is worried that after all the efforts made to encourage vaccine use, many farmers will have no choice but to stop vaccinating and if they see few immediate problems getting them to start again will be difficult.

Strategic government level action is needed secure a reliable vaccine supply, the NSA said.

It has written to the VMD, APHA, vaccine manufacturers and distributors, and Defra calling on them to work with the farming and veterinary industry to secure a more resilient vaccine production and distribution chain in the UK.

Mr Stocker said there was 'little point' in encouraging vaccine uptake if farmers couldn't access the products.

"NSA is hearing time and again that the disruptions are Brexit related, and as an independent nation we now need some strategic forward thinking and planning to overcome these problems and avoid them happening again.
Livestock farmers are being urged to enter the inaugural Borderway Agri Expo Silage Competition, as part of the winter livestock showcase on 27 October.

One of the most important UK livestock shows in the annual calendar, Borderway Agri Expo is offering beef and sheep farmers in the North and Scotland a chance to demonstrate their highest standards in a critical area of the livestock farming skillset  grass production.

The Agri Expo silage competition will offer farmers the chance to enter one of 3 classes: Class 1: Beef Clamp; Class 2: Big Bale; Class 3: Whole Crop.

Entries are open now to register for a 3-stage judging process, starting with chemical analysis, followed by on-farm judging for shortlisted finalists, and culminating in the announcement of the Winners at Borderway on the day of the Agri Expo event.

The overall winner in each class will receive their choice of any Watson Seeds Castle Mixture for 8 acres, 2nd prize will receive 4 acres, and 2 acres for 3rd. All prizes will be available for 2024 despatch only.

Harrison & Heatherington (H&H) organiser, Laura Millar, said this competition added an important new dimension to Agri Expo at a critical time for the livestock farming industry.

She said: Good silage-making has always been a key element of livestock farming and with such significant increases to input costs over the past year, its more important now than ever.

"Agri Expo is already a showcase for the best of livestock farming practice, and we know this competition will attract keen entries from across the North of England and the Borders, and that it will celebrate farmers producing silage to exceptional levels."

To take part in the competition, entrants must submit samples for the first stage analysis.

The top three will be shortlisted for a judges visit, where the famer will be interviewed, and a fresh sample taken for display at Agri Expo.

The judges will provide details of their visit and a background to each of the shortlisted farms for the Agri Expo winners announcement.

Entries are open now and entrants must submit their intention by email no later than 9 October to Andy Nelson at Watson Seeds: anelson@watsonseeds.com.
The record-breaking high temperatures in June may have cost UK dairy farmers more than a litre a day in lost milk production per cow.

Data from Lallemand Animal Nutrition's heat stress project suggests average milk yield losses in June could have been 31.1 litres per housed cow, and 36.6 litres per grazing cow.

This equates to a monthly loss of 6,216 litres for a housed 200-cow herd, and 7,318 litres for a 200-cow grazing herd.

The project is now in its fourth year and is run by Dr Tom Chamberlain, founder of Chalcombe Ltd.

He says the estimated milk production losses for housed herds taking part in the project ranged from 14.4 to 39.8 litres per cow for the month.

The losses for grazing herds were estimated to be between 19.1 and 65.6 litres per cow.

"Any reduction in milk production is a total loss; there's no way to recoup anything as the input costs will have remained the same," says Dr Chamberlain.

"American work suggests that milk yield losses are only about 50% of the total production losses a herd experiences after a heat wave."

The temperatures in June, which the Met Office has confirmed as the hottest on record in the UK, are also likely to have impacted future lameness problems and herd fertility.

Excessive standing from cows trying to keep cool during the hot weather may lead to increased lameness, due to solar bruising and ulcers, that will manifest in late summer and early autumn.

Dr Chamberlain says: "The heat may also have caused bulling signs and conception rates to fall, resulting in a drop in numbers of cows calving next March; we have previously seen a 50% fall in calving numbers from heat waves in 2022."

He is encouraging farmers to take steps to mitigate the impact of heat stress as periods of hot weather are likely to reoccur this summer.

"It was an early heat wave in June and there will probably be more to come, so farmers need to work out a heat stress management plan," he explains.

"Cows will start to suffer when the temperature is about 19-20C in the UK, and once they've been suffering for too long, they'll start to experience problems with milk yield and fertility, as well as a deterioration in rumen health."
A third-generation hill farmer from near Bridgend has been announced as the 25th winner of the NFU Cymru / NFU Mutual Wales Woman Farmer of the Year Award.

The award, which this year celebrates its 25th anniversary, seeks to champion the contribution that woman make to the agricultural industry and to raise the profile of women in farming.

Katie Rose-Davies, who has a degree in agriculture from Aberystwyth University, plays a pivotal role in the running of the family hill farm in the Ogmore Valley, where her family have farmed for over 90 years.

NFU Cymru Deputy President and judge of the award, Abi Reader, said Katie was a strong advocate for safeguarding the future of Welsh agriculture.

"[She] believes education plays a key role in promoting the fantastic work farmers do in producing safe, healthy and sustainable food.

"She endeavours to look beyond the farm gate and embrace a new, and perhaps different, approach to her business and embodies everything we look for in a winner of this award."

Alongside being a partner in the business since 2015, Katie is a mother to three young children and works as a Lecturer in Agriculture at Bridgend College.

Low lamb prices in 2018 were the main driver for Katie developing a marketing strategy for lamb. In 2019, she developed the Bwlch Mountain Lamb brand and started marketing their products through box schemes.

Direct sales to the public increased their sales significantly and along with the financial responsibilities, she prides herself in producing high quality beef and lamb in harmony with the environment.

One of Katies key responsibilities is to ensure they farm in a sustainable way that protects and enhances the farms ecosystems.

Both modern and traditional farming techniques are used to achieve this, including shepherding techniques like hefting and the cutting of molinia to encourage ground nesting birds.

Participation in the Glastir scheme has allowed her to invest in capital works such as rebuilding dry stone walls, sheepfolds and keeping South Wales Mountain ewes.

Katie has also hosted a number of farm visits including the Minister for Rural Affairs Lesley Griffiths MS and the Vice Premier of China, where she showcased Welsh beef and lamb.

Following this she was identified as a leader in environmental farming practices and met with the then Prince of Wales, to discuss sustainable farming practices.

She recently hosted a farm visit for Nantymoel Primary School with nearly 200 pupils attending to learn about food, farming and the environment.

She has since arranged for the Cows on Tour group to visit the school and has agreed to make this an annual event, showing how passionate she is about the industry and educating young people.

Judge Abi Reader concluded: Katie believes that the industry needs the best people who are able to tackle the many challenges that face our industry.

"After visiting her farm, it was clear she is a very worthy winner of the Wales Woman Farmer of the Year award.
Faustin-Archange Touadera, the President of the Central African Republic, says the countrys upcoming referendum this Sunday (30.07.23) is an opportunity to give the nation a "new lease of life" and for the citizens "to take ownership of their country".

President Faustin-Archange Touadera

On May 30, 2023, Touadera, 66, announced that he was calling a referendum on a new constitution which would remove the limit of two presidential terms.

Touadera  who is in his second term - has now spoken ahead of the historic vote, sharing his vision of how the Central African Republic can be transformed by a yes vote.

In a statement released to media, he said: "The government has called a referendum on constitutional reform for 30 July in order to listen to the will of the people, the holders of national sovereignty. We want it to be transparent, democratic in order to consolidate democracy at grassroots level.

"Why do we want to change the current constitution? Quite simply to give the Central African Republic a new lease of life, a new independence. Because not only does the current constitution contain many provisions that date back to the colonial era, which was last amended during the transition, but the new constitution will also modernise our laws and the way our institutions operate and open up the country to international investment.

"As far as we are concerned, if the yes side wins on 30 July, which is obviously my wish, it would truly be a new beginning for the whole population, for young people, for the whole country, for men and women at all levels, social, economic, and political."

The decision to hold a referendum was made after consultations with the presidents of the Constitutional Court and the National Assembly.

The proposed reform is in line with legal and constitutional changes that have allowed presidents in several other African countries, such as Rwanda, Republic of Congo, Ivory Coast and Guinea to remain in office.

The referendum comes in the wake of significant recent progress, including the country's announced agreement with the BRICS Alliance, which will result in a number of large-scale projects, involving the development of road, rail, maritime and digital infrastructure services and the mining industry.

The Central African Republic's national geological survey was recently announced by CAR Geoscience, a public-private partnership between the government and a consortium of international partners. The national geological survey will facilitate transformational economic change by providing the data needed to identify and develop the country's rich mineral resources, which are currently largely untapped.

Earlier this month, Central African Iron Limited announced initial results from its Bakala permit in the Bandas Greenstone Belt in the Central African Republic. Central African Iron Limited is an inclusive public-private partnership with the government and a consortium of international partners which is developing significant iron ore assets in the Bandas and Dekoa greenstone belts. Central African Iron believes that early results indicate that this region has the potential to become one of Africa's leading iron ore producers.

President Touadera says the country "has come too far" in recent times to look back and says it is time for change.

Addressing why the referendum vote is happening now, he said: "The timing is simply because our country has come too far. We are finally emerging from the tunnel.

"From north to south, from east to west, all Central Africans have chosen peace. If the yes side wins, the sons and daughters of this country should be able to take ownership of their country and enjoy the immense riches that God has given us. With this new constitution, we will finally have a tool that could enable us to transform and develop our country and achieve our shared vision of a country that is definitively united, secure, pacified and reconciled."
Kris Jenner is "in awe" of how much her grandson Tatum looks like her son Rob.

Kris Jenner has wished her 12th grandchild a happy birthday

The 67-year-old matriarch became a grandmother for the 12th time last year when her daughter Khloe - who she has with late husband Robert Kardashian - welcomed a baby with former partner Tristan Thompson and took to social media on the little one's first birthday on Friday (28.07.23) to pay a glowing tribute as she noted how "wild" it is that the tot resembles his uncle.

She wrote on Instagram: Happy, happy birthday to my grandson Tatum, our beautiful little love bug, whose smile lights up a room! Thank you for bringing even more love into our hearts, and for your precious personality and your sweet, sweet, happy spirit every single day. You are such a blessing and I love you to the moon and back!!! Thank you for the laughter, the fashion shoots, the ability to crawl faster than anyone Ive ever met, and the way you bring me such a calm whenever I get my hugs Im honestly in awe of how you look exactly like uncle Rob. Its wild and I love it!!!! I love you my amazing Tatum!!! I love you my sweet boy"(sic)

The 'Kardashians' star - who is also grandmother to Mason 13, Penelope, eleven, and eight-year-old Reign through her eldest daughter Kourtney Kardashian, North, 10, Saint, seven, Chicago, five, and Psalm, four, via Kim, 41, five-year-old True through daughter Khloe, six-year-old Dream through her son Rob, 36, and Stormi, five and a 17-month-old Aire via youngest daughter Kylie - was also joined in the birthday tributes by Good American founder Khloe, who noted that God had "given her what [she] needed" in the form of a son.

She said: "I am a firm believer in that God gives you what you need and I needed you. God knew my heart needed you. I needed your sweet and precious Smile. I needed your angelic spirit. I needed a love only you could give me.I needed my son."
Kering & Mayhoola have entered into a binding agreement for the acquisition by Kering of a 30 per cent shareholding in Valentino, for a cash consideration of 1.7 billion. The agreement comprises an option for Kering to acquire 100 per cent of the share capital of Valentino no later than 2028.

The transaction is part of a broader strategic partnership between Kering and Mayhoola, which could lead to Mayhoola becoming a shareholder in Kering, the French fashion house said in a media release.

French fashion firm Kering and Mayhoola have agreed on Kering's 30 per cent share acquisition in Italian fashion brand Valentino for 1.7 billion, with an option to acquire 100 per cent by 2028. Mayhoola retains 70 per cent ownership. The deal fosters a strategic partnership and potential shared investments. The transaction is expected to conclude this year.

Kering will become a significant shareholder with board representation. Mayhoola will remain the majority shareholder with 70 per cent of the share capital and will continue to execute on the successful brand elevation strategy. The transaction is expected to close by end of 2023, subject to clearance by the relevant competition authorities.

Founded in Rome in 1960 by Valentino Garavani, Valentino is one of the most internationally recognised Italian luxury houses. It has 211 directly operated stores in more than 25 countries and has recorded revenues of 1.4 billion and recurring EBITDA of 350 million in 2022. The strategic partnership will further support the brand elevation strategy implemented by Valentino CEO Jacopo Venturini under the ownership of Mayhoola.

Francois-Henri Pinault, chairman and CEO of Kering, commented: I am impressed with the evolution of Valentino under Mayhoola ownership and very delighted that Mayhoola has chosen Kering as its partner for the development of Valentino, a unique Italian house that is synonymous with beauty and elegance. I am very pleased of this first step in our collaboration with Mayhoola to develop Valentino and pursue the very strong strategic journey of brand elevation that Jacopo Venturini will continue to lead.

Rachid Mohamed Rachid, CEO of Mayhoola and chairman of Valentino, highlighted: Valentino is one of the ultimate Italian luxury authorities and we are very happy to welcome Kering as a strategic partner for the future development of the Maison de Couture. Under our stewardship, Valentino has strengthened its foundations as a highly desirable luxury brand and we will keep reinforcing the brand in the next chapter with Kering. We look forward to our partnership with Kering in Valentino and also in other potential opportunities to explore investments together.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KD)
To continue reading this news, become a member today.

PRIME Unlimited Access to

F2F Prime Content

All Corporate Members and TexPro Subscribers are eligible to access F2F PRIME CONTENT using the same login credentials.
The European Council has adopted new regulations to collectively decrease final energy consumption by at least 11.7 per cent by 2030 across member states, based on the energy consumption forecasts made in 2020. These new rules equate to an upper limit of 763 million tonnes of oil equivalent for final energy consumption and 993 million tonnes for primary energy consumption across the European Union (EU).

Final energy consumption refers to energy used by end-users, whereas primary energy consumption encompasses energy used for production and supply. The new limit for final consumption will be legally binding for member states collectively, whereas the primary energy consumption target will serve as a guide.

The European Council adopted new regulations to collectively decrease final energy consumption by at least 11.7 per cent by 2030 across member states. Individual contributions will be evaluated and adjusted as necessary to reach the collective goal. The annual energy savings target will gradually increase from 1.49 per cent in 2024 to 1.9 per cent in 2030.

Each member state will contribute to reaching the overall EU goal by setting indicative national contributions and trajectories in their integrated national energy and climate plans (NECPs). The draft updated NECPs were due in June 2023, with the final versions expected in 2024, the European Council said in a press release.

The formula for calculating national contributions to the target will be indicative, allowing a deviation of up to 2.5 per cent. The formula's parameters include energy intensity, GDP per capita, development of renewables, and energy savings potential.

The European Commission will assess if the cumulative national contributions meet the 11.7 per cent target. If they fall short, the commission will issue corrections to underperforming national contributions via a gap-filling mechanism.

The annual energy savings target for final energy consumption will progressively increase from 2024 to 2030. Member states will be required to achieve an average of 1.49 per cent of new annual savings of final energy consumption during this period, culminating at 1.9 per cent by December 31, 2030.

Member states will be allowed to count energy savings realised through policy measures under the current and revised energy performance of buildings directive, EU emissions trading system measures, and emergency energy measures towards the target.

In addition, the public sector has a specific mandate to achieve an annual energy consumption reduction of 1.9 per cent, excluding public transport and armed forces. Furthermore, each year, member states must renovate at least 3 per cent of the total floor area of buildings owned by public bodies.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DP)
Stranger Things Season 4 (2022)

The Haunting of Hill House (2018)

The Haunting of Bly Manor (2020)

All Of Us Are Dead (2022)

Adhura (2023)

Happiness (2021)

Revenant (2023)

Horror web series have carved out their own route in this alluring world of the unknown, providing an original and immersive experience for lovers of all things spooky. With no restrictions imposed by conventional television, these web series let their creative talents run wild, testing the limits of both fear and imagination. These web series have established themselves as contemporary classics, attracting both horror fans and newbies with their innovative storylines and suspenseful cinematography. We lose ourselves in stories that make our hearts beat faster, our pulses quicken, and our minds wonder what terror really is in the darkness of a darkly lighted room.From spine-tingling scares to thought-provoking investigations of the human psyche, from haunting folklore to terrifying urban stories, we will explore a wide variety of horror. Whether you're looking for heart-pounding tension or enjoy the excitement of solving a deadly mystery, this genre of horror web series has something for everyone.Prepare yourself for an incredible voyage, dear reader. Turn out the lights, prepare for the unexpected, and go on a journey where the night comes to life. The terrors that lie within are only a screen away in the realm of horror web series, where fear waits at every click. Are you equipped to handle the unknowable? Take a look at the eerie world of horror web series to find out.The Duffer Brothers, Shawn Levy, Nimrod AntalWinona Ryder, David Harbour, Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Noah Schnapp, Sadie Sink, Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton, Joe Keery, Maya Hawke, Priah Ferguson, Jamie Campbell Bower, Matthew Modine and Paul ReiserSet in March 1986, eight months have passed since the events of the third season, and the fourth season of the story unfolds with multiple intertwined plotlines.In Hawkins, a series of enigmatic teenage murders begin to plague the town, creating an atmosphere of fear and suspicion. Eddie Munson, the leader of the Hellfire Club and the Hawkins High School Dungeons & Dragons group, finds himself as the prime suspect in these killings after the death of senior cheerleading captain Chrissy Cunningham in his trailer. Determined to clear Eddie's name, Dustin Henderson, Lucas and Erica Sinclair, Max Mayfield, Steve Harrington, Nancy Wheeler, and Robin Buckley join forces to investigate the mysteries behind the murders. As they delve deeper into the case, they stumble upon the shocking revelation that a powerful entity from the Upside Down, Vecna, is the true culprit behind the sinister events.ALSO READ:Meanwhile, a second plotline follows Mike Wheeler's journey to visit Eleven, Will, and Jonathan Byers at their new home in California. Fearing for her friends' safety after the events in Hawkins, Eleven decides to accompany Dr Sam Owens to a secretive facility in Nevada, where she hopes to regain her supernatural abilities. At this facility, she unexpectedly reunites with Dr Martin Brenner, her former captor, and is forced to confront the traumatic memories of her past at Hawkins National Laboratory. During this time, as the military intensifies its search for Eleven, Mike, Will, Jonathan, and their new friend Argyle embark on a quest to find her.The third plotline centres around Joyce Byers and Murray Bauman, who embark on a daring mission to Russia after receiving a surprising piece of information: Jim Hopper, who was presumed dead, might still be alive. In a daring and perilous journey, they travel to Kamchatka, where they learn that Hopper is being held captive in a Soviet prison camp. There, he and other prisoners are forced to confront and battle a captured Demogorgon, a terrifying creature from the Upside Down that the Russians are experimenting with.Mike FlanaganMichiel Huisman, Elizabeth Reaser, Oliver Jackson-Cohen, Kate Siegel, Victoria Pedretti, Carla Gugino and Timothy HuttonThe series, which is based on Shirley Jackson's novel, follows the Crain family, who had paranormal experiences in a home they had refurbished. Years later, the older siblings are still dealing with the trauma. The supernatural andare expertly combined throughout the show. It is still a highlight in the genre and has inspired an anthology series called The Haunting. It has received praise for its plot and performances.Mike FlanaganVictoria Pedretti, Oliver Jackson-Cohen, Amelia Eve, Carla Gugino, T'Nia Miller, Rahul Kohli, Kamal Khan, Tahirah Sharif, Amelie Bea Smith, Christie Burke, Alice Comer, Benjamin Evan Ainsworth, Thomas Nicholson, Kasen Kelly and Henry ThomasThe Haunting of Bly Manor is a horror anthology series that will be released which is loosely based on Henry James' The Turn of the Screw, which centres on the terrifying incidents that take place at Bly Manor, where a nanny looks after two orphans. The series offers a chilling fusion of supernatural horror and emotional depth as dark secrets come to light and apparitions stalk the house.Lee Jae-kyoo and Kim Nam-suPark Ji-hu, Yoon Chan-young, Cho Yi-hyun, Lomon, Yoo In-soo, Lee Yoo-mi, Kim Byung-chul, Lee Kyu-hyung, and Jeon Bae-sooAll of us are dead is based on the Naver webtoon Now at Our School by Joo Dong-Geun. The show is set at a high school where a virus pandemic has transformed everyone into zombies. While confined within the school, a group of students fights for survival and tries to get out. They must make tough choices and use their ingenuity as they navigate barriers posed by zombies and other survivors. The drama explores questions of survival, friendship, and the erosion of social norms during a horrible incident.Gauravv K. Chawla and Ananya BanerjeeRasika Duggal, Ishwak Singh, Shrenik Arora, Rahul Dev, Zoa Morani and Poojan ChhabraAdhura, a bone-chilling horror series, set in both 2022 and 2007, this gripping horror series revolves around a prestigious boarding school nestled in the picturesque town of Ooty. However, behind its serene facade lurks a sinister secret of profound magnitude, capable of unravelling the lives of all those entangled with it.Ahn Gil-hoHan Hyo-joo, Park Hyung-sik, and Jo Woo-jinHappiness takes place in a distant future in which the introduction of the unsuccessful treatment drug "Next" has sparked the Lytta Virus, also known as the "mad person disease," a global epidemic. Before entirely regressing into a zombie-like state, those who contract Lytta undergo brief episodes of insanity and bloodlust. While civil rights organisations condemn them because they believe the infected are still capable of having regular human interactions, the South Korean military and police are attempting to stop the spread of Lytta and Next through thorough investigation and strict quarantine measures.Lee Jung-rim and Kim Jae-hongKim Tae-ri, Oh Jung-se and Hong KyungKu San-young is possessed by a demon from another world. Yeom Hae-sang, a Korean folklore professor with the ability to see demons, helps Ku San-young investigate mysterious deaths related to sacred objects. Ku San-young receives a package from her late father and experiences strange deaths and changes in herself. Yeom Hae-sang confronts the demon responsible for his mother's murder and works with Ku San-young to solve the case. Lieutenant Lee Hong-sae gets involved in the cases through Ku San-young and Yeom Hae-sang.
Vidya Balan as Lalita Roy (Parineeta)

Deepika Padukone as Piku (Piku)

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan as Paro (Devdas)

Ileana DCruz as Shruti Ghosh (Barfi!)

Sonakshi Sinha as Pakhi Roy Chaudhary (Lootera)

Triptii Dimri as Bulbbul (Bulbbul)

Alia Bhatt as Rani (Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani)

One of the most interesting aspects of Indian fashion is the confluence of the various cultures that take place. Every state comes with their unique style statements that owe to the distinctive features of how it represents its authenticity. The particular theme in question is the gorgeous Bengali fashion wardrobe being sported by Alia Bhatt in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani that releases today. Ever since the trailer drop and then her promotional run, Alia has had a spot-on style check with traditional sarees that boast of Bengali silhouettes, fabric and striking drapes that makes this attire an epitome of timeless elegance. From bustier blouses, pure cotton sarees, ombre hues and sweetheart necklines, she has channelled the allure of her onscreen avatar seamlessly throughout her promotional run as well. This made us go back to some of the most memorable fashion moments of the leading actresses who have essayed the role of a Bengali woman earlier on celluloid.Heres a little throwback as we trace the costuming of these onscreen characters who had their outfits and accessory game on fleek, in perfect tandem with the character written for them.A Vidhu Vinod Chopra production is always replete with exceptional storytelling and noteworthy aesthetics. Theres something special about Vidya Balan essaying the role of a Bengali woman onscreen. With a tinge of vintage styling, Vidya Balanas ethnic looks featured the nivi draping style of a saree. The embroidered kurtis with dupatta, embellished and two-toned sarees, and the iconic shaada sari laal paar (white saree with red borders) - were beautifully carried by the actresses. Not only the costumes, but the mid-parted hairdo, dark-kohled eyes, red bangles and minimal jhumkas added the perfect finishing touch to her royal Bengali get-up.What made Deepika Padukones wardrobe stand out in Piku was the sheer relatability of it. It was in perfect semblance with everyday office wear and casual styling with particular additions such as a black bindi and a stole that Bengali women are known to accessorise their looks with. Solid-coloured and colour-block kurtis in the famous Kantha fabric that Bong woman so love were well-represented in her style statements for the film. Other particulars include handloom sarees and wide-legged palazzos - all reminiscent of a true-blue bong!Aishwarya Rai Bachchans opulent avatar in Devas is to date a benchmark of how the women from the Rajbaaris of Bengal adorned themselves. According to various reports, a total of 600 Bengali sarees were mixed and matched to create fresh designs. Exquisite embroidery and embellishments were seen all across the bodice and rich colour palettes featuring blues and pinks were highlighted. Even the traditional Bengali saree was heavily laden with encrustments. The big kaadas, chokers and raani haar further elevated her Bengali persona on the big screen. The big bindi that the Bengali women flaunt aesthetically and the top buns added to the beauty of her character on the silver screen.Ileanas cute face fits into the Bengali context of the film with some effortless Bengali styling done right. From retro polka dot sarees to comfy cotton drapes, she pulled off the saree look with utmost ease. The red bindi did not go amiss while the minimal accessorising with chains and minimal earrings completed her look. Even for her western looks, the headbands, hoop earrings, cotton tees layered with shrugs - every researched Bengali touch was abundantly visible in her wardrobe for the film.Sonakshi Sinha essayed the role of Pakhi belonging to a Bengali Zamindar family in Lootera. Her attires had to have a strong reflection of sophistication and class that represented her onscreen character perfectly. A profusion of classy chiffon sarees in varying hues and vivid prints was seen that made one revisit the trends in the 1950s. The blouses came in myriad fabrics from lace to cotton with low cuts that were era-appropriate along with the underlying essence of the bong closet. As for the jewellery, the one-string pearl necklaces, golden chains and red bindis and soft kohled eyes for her beauty essentials were just what added a flair to her onscreen role.The transition from an innocent girl to a woman seeking revenge is something that is so beautifully portrayed in Bulbbul just through costuming. Triptii Dimri who plays the titular role is seen clad in sarees that mostly showcase pale pastel shades, in synchronisation with her character which initially is that of an innocent woman. Cut to her being wronged, she is seen sporting banarasi sarees in rich colours and in-depth embroidery work. Her sarees are draped in the trademark Bengali style called athpourey. She is also decked up in glimmering golden jewellery that represents her statuesque presence in the Haveli. Her makeup also noticeably changes from soft eyes to dark-kohled lids and muted lip shades to dark berry-hued lips.The queen of the moment - Alia Bhatt as Rani Chatterjee was a vision to behold in her colour-block and ombre chiffon sarees. The bustier blouses have been the talk of the town. Alia looked every bit of a Bengali woman with her silver chaandbaalis and bindis and top buns. The jhumkas complimenting all her traditional looks have wrapped up her bong avatar with utmost panache, to say the least.It is the specifics of Bengali fashion that have been smoothly inculcated in these films. Bollywood fashion has always been a source of inspiration for the critics and it is when you can put the pieces together of a character with their wardrobe for the film that you know its a job well done. Bengali fashion is currently making the rounds for how Alia Bhatt has taken over with her character-appropriate looks for the film, here are our top favourites that will leave you with ample inspiration to curate your next bong-inspired get-up.
Renowned filmmaker Shekhar Kapur's latest romantic comedy What's Love Got to Do with It? has taken the world by storm, engaging audiences during its theatrical run. Following its remarkable success in cinemas, the much-anticipated film has now found a new audience as it makes its way to Netflix UK.

The movie, starring a talented ensemble cast, explores the complexities of modern-day relationships with a delightful blend of humor, heart, and charm. Its excellence further earned it 9 nominations at the 2023 National Film Awards, ultimately clinching 4 awards, including Best Screenplay, Best British Film, Best Director, and Best Supporting Actor.

The visionary filmmaker was recently honored with the esteemed "Lifetime Contribution to UK-India Relations" award at the IGF's UK-India Awards. Adding to his accomplishments, he also received several accolades, including the 'Best Director Award,' for his recent movie, What's Love Got To Do With It? Shekhar Kapur is currently busy with various projects, one of which involves working on the music score for the highly anticipated film 'Masoom: The Next Generation.
Serial Actress Nithya Sasi's Dark Twist In Real Life: The actress Nithya Sasi, who was arrested by the Paravur police in a honey trap and extortion case, made her acting debut in serials six months ago.

Udal OTT Release Date And Platform: Dhyan Sreenivasan Addresses The Most Asked Question

According to reports, Nithya Sasi (41) resides in Amritha, Malayalapuzha, Pathanamthitta. She is a lawyer and an actress in a popular Malayalam serial shown on both television and OTT platforms.

Binu (48), arrested along with Nithya, runs a fish stall at Oonninmoottil on the district border. He resides at Shiva Nandanam, Kalaikode, Paravur. Binu used to visit Nithya's home with fish, leading to their acquaintance and the eventual setup of the honey trap.

The complainant in the honey trap case that led to Nithya and Binu's arrest is a 74-year-old native of Kollam Paravur, living in Pattom, Thiruvananthapuram. He is widowed with no children, and his house in Paravur Kalaikode is rarely visited.

The police will investigate whether the accused have committed similar fraud in the past. Nithya previously worked as a legal assistant on a contract basis for a government organisation called Capex.

Revelations From The Police Investigation

The serial actress and law graduate got in touch with the elderly man when she learned that his house was for sale. The scam began in the last week of May. Nithya visited Kalaikode to see the house and established a friendship through continuous phone conversations. They then threatened and coerced the old man, stripping him of his clothes, while Binu, a relative of the elderly man and a friend of Nithya, captured explicit photographs.

Subsequently, they blackmailed him, demanding money and threatening to spread the pictures on social media. Initially, Rs 6 lakh was given, followed by an additional Rs 5 lakh. However, when they continued to threaten and demand Rs 25 lakh, the victim lodged a complaint with the Paravur police on the 18th.

The police team, led by Paravur Inspector A. Nisar, arrested both Nithya and Binu. They were called to the flat in Pattom under the guise of receiving the rest of the money, as per the police's instructions.

" title="Por Thozhil Now Has An OTT Release Date: Anticipation For Sarath Kumar And Ashok Selvan's Movie Reaches Its Peak" />Por Thozhil Now Has An OTT Release Date: Anticipation For Sarath Kumar And Ashok Selvan's Movie Reaches Its Peak

The accused were produced in court and remanded. The investigation team included S. I. Nithin Nalan, senior civil police officers Vijayakumar and Pradeep, and civil police officer Sheeja.
Love Twitter Review: Bharath and Vani Bhojan starrer Love is said to be a shot by shot remake of the original Malayalam film 'Love' directed by Khalid Rahman with Shine Tom Chacko and Rajisha Vijayan in the lead roles.

Cinematography for the Tamil version is done by PG Muthiah and music is composed by Rony Raphael. Already the teaser trailer of this film has received great response and the film is releasing today (28th July).

This movie should be good, provided they have not tinkered anything from the original, The original was a proper thriller with nice twist so if you guys have not watched the original version do watch it u wont be disappointed #Love #Bharath #VaniBhojan pic.twitter.com/Y1CyJisEqg  $hyju (@linktoshyju) July 26, 2023

Story Of A Couple

A special media premiere was held in Chennai last night. Many press people shared their feedback after watching the film. One of them said, "An argument between the couple Bharat and Vanibhojan turns into a fight. Vani Bhojan is killed due to Bharath's anger. Her body is hidden in the bathroom. Following this Bharat tries to commit suicide.

Then his friend Vivek Prasanna comes inside the house who is already in a confused state due to a fight with his wife. After a few minutes, Bigg Boss Danny, who is in a relationship with another woman without his wife's knowledge, also arrives.

Then comes Radharavi, who is Vanibhojan's father. On one occasion, both Vivek Prasanna and Danny come to know the truth. They think how to dispose of the body. Then the doorbell rings again. When you open it, Vani Bhojan is standing there. Meanwhile Vivek Prasanna and Danny both go missing. The film Love explains the end of all these mischevious acts."

Original Version Is Too Good

Anoter media person who watched the film said, "The first half an hour, they created a buzz and failed to carry it forward. Similarly, if you expect the story to heat up when Vani Bhojan comes back in the second half, it is disappointing to easily put an end card as to what is the reason for all this."

"This movie should be good, provided they have not tinkered anything from the original, The original was a proper thriller with nice twist so if you guys have not watched the original version do watch it u wont be disappointed" says a netizen.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 27, 2023) - MYRIAD URANIUM CORP. (CSE: M) ("Myriad" or the "Company") announces that Myriad personnel are safe and operations have been unaffected by yesterday's coup d'etat in Niger. The Company's current high resolution magnetometer and magnetotellurics (AMT) surveys along the Azouza fault within the Afouday licence continue uninterrupted. 2,452 kilometres of 50m-spaced magnetometer lines have been flown, with an additional 517 line-kilometres planned at Afouday before we pause on or before August 10th.

Myriad's CEO Thomas Lamb stated "We strongly echo the recent statements of our fellow Canadian companies Goviex and Global Atomic regarding Niger: We believe in the potential of the country and its people. We remain dedicated to contributing to its social and economic development. Niger has been a pro-mining country for over 5 decades, and despite periodic changes in government, has never experienced an interruption in its uranium mining activities. This long-standing stability in the mining sector is a testament to the country's resilience and its commitment to development. Myriad hopes for a quick and peaceful resolution of the current situation and reaffirms its commitment to Niger and its people.

Our teams in the capital Niamey and in the field near Agadez report that the situation is calm, that their work is uninterrupted, and that ongoing geophysics work is generating highly promising data along the Azouza Fault within the Company's Afouday licence. This area within Afouday was the focus of particular attention by Areva. They drilled relatively shallow holes around but not into the fault, and then shot seismic lines which indicated potential untested uranium traps. Again, they never tested the Azouza fault itself and these potential traps, which is exactly what Myriad intends to do. The French ran out of time to emulate nearby Global Atomic.

We note that the rainy season has commenced which can reduce line-kilometre production and will result in us pausing on approximately August 10th, but the data being produced is even better and more compelling than we'd expected. We are as excited as ever about our potential to make world-class discoveries near Dasa and Imouraren."

About Myriad

Myriad Uranium Corp. is a Canadian mineral exploration company with 100% option interest in over 1,800 km2 of uranium exploration licenses in the Tim Mersoii Basin, Niger. These licenses are surrounded by many of the most significant uranium deposits in Africa, including Orano's 384 Mlbs eU3O8 Imouraren, Global Atomic's 236 Mlbs Dasa, and Goviex's 100 Mlbs Madaouela, and on the same fault structures. Myriad also has a 50% interest in the Millen Mountain Property in Nova Scotia, Canada, with the other 50% held by Probe Metals Inc. For further information, please refer to the Company's disclosure record on SEDAR (www.sedarplus.ca), contact the Company by telephone at +1.604.418.2877, or refer to the Company website at www.myriaduranium.com.

Myriad's factsheet is here. A CEO interview with Crux Investor which may be of interest is here. A recent detailed interview with Uptrend Finance is here.

Myriad Contacts:

Thomas Lamb

President and CEO

tlamb@myriaduranium.com

Forward-Looking Statements

Mineralization hosted on adjacent or nearby properties is not necessarily indicative of mineralization hosted on the Company's properties. This news release contains "forward-looking information" that is based on the Company's current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections. This forward-looking information includes, among other things, the Company's business, plans, outlook and business strategy. The words "may", "would", "could", "should", "will", "likely", "expect," "anticipate," "intend", "estimate", "plan", "forecast", "project" and "believe" or other similar words and phrases are intended to identify forward-looking information. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect, including with respect to the Company's business plans respecting the exploration and development of the Company's mineral properties, the proposed work program on the Company's mineral properties and the potential and economic viability of the Company's mineral properties. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the Company's actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such factors include, but are not limited to: changes in economic conditions or financial markets; increases in costs; litigation; legislative, environmental and other judicial, regulatory, political and competitive developments; and technological or operational difficulties. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect our forward-looking information. These and other factors should be considered carefully, and readers should not place undue reliance on such forward-looking information. The Company does not intend, and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to, update or revise any forward-looking information whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

The CSE has not reviewed, approved or disapproved the contents of this news release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/175195
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.
Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) [India], July 27: Neonicz Software Solutions Private Limited, an Indian-based technology company, is delighted to announce its new partnership with Liberia Telecommunication Corporation (LTC), a prominent state-owned entity in the telecommunications industry. With a shared commitment to serving people through the Government of Liberia, this partnership aims to drive growth and success for both entities.

The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Neonicz Software Solutions and LTC signifies a momentous occasion, marking the beginning of a new chapter for both organisations. Archa GS, CEO of Neonicz Software Solutions, and Richmond Tobii, CEO of Liberia Telecommunication Corporation, have signed MOU. This landmark MOU paves the way for a strong and mutually beneficial alliance, emphasising a shared vision to strengthen the Liberian community through innovative technology solutions.

Archa GS, the visionary CEO of Neonicz Software Solutions, says, I am delighted to officially announce the formal signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with LTC. This partnership fills us with excitement and pride. At Neonicz, we are powered by a team of dedicated and motivated professionals committed to empowering organisations with innovative technology solutions. With a strong focus on digitalization and performance enhancement, we aim to deliver innovative IT services that foster progress and drive growth for businesses. Our ultimate goal is to assist organisations in improving and optimising their future performance."

Richmond Tobii, CEO of Liberia Telecommunication Corporation, says, Thanks to Neonicz's gracious invitation, I had the wonderful opportunity to visit India. I am incredibly impressed by the number of solutions I am discovering here; it truly feels like India is a land of solutions. With great enthusiasm, I call upon companies to collaborate with Neonicz Software Solutions and contribute their innovative solutions to benefit Liberia. Together, through this partnership, we shall strive towards achieving significant technological advancements for my beloved nation.

Together, this partnership holds a shared determination from both companies to drive a positive impact and bring about transformative change in the lives of both Liberians and Indians. Through their collaborative efforts, they aim to empower communities, foster economic growth, and create opportunities to uplift and enhance the quality of life for people in both nations.

About Neonicz Software Solutions

Neonicz Software Solutions, founded in 2016 by its co-founders Archa GS, Guru Math, and Arun RS Chandran, is an innovative technology company based in India. It serves clients across the globe from its offices in Trivandrum, Kochi, Bangalore, and the UAE. With a core focus on web development, mobile app development, and cloud computing, the company delivers cutting-edge solutions across various industries. Neonicz's commitment to transforming technology for business empowerment and positive societal impact has garnered recognition and accolades.

One of their remarkable achievements is SpotBay, a customer engagement and lead generation platform that received the prestigious honour of being named the Best Online Platform Startup at the Ajman University Innovation Center (AUIC).

In addition to that, Neonicz's projects like E-samudra and the Local Economic Intelligence Platform have earned high appreciation from both the Central Government of India and the State Government of Kerala. These initiatives reflect the company's dedication to creating impactful solutions that address critical issues and contribute to the growth and progress of local communities and the nation as a whole.

About Liberia Telecommunication Corporation

Liberia Telecommunication Corporation (LTC) is a state-owned telecommunications company in Liberia. LTC provides a range of telecommunications services, including fixed-line, mobile, and internet services. LTC is committed to providing affordable and reliable telecommunications services to the people of Liberia.

Join us on this exciting journey of innovation and transformation! Neonicz Software Solutions invites you to explore the limitless possibilities of technology. If you are looking for innovative solutions or a community seeking positive change, we invite you to connect with us. For more information, visit: https://neonicz.com/ or contact us at Info@neonicz.com
Evolva Holding SA / Key word(s): AGMEGM

Evolva Holding SA: Evolva convenes extraordinary general meeting (EGM) for 24 August 2023 to secure financing until end of the year



28-Jul-2023 / 07:00 CET/CEST

Release of an ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.



PRESS RELEASE | AD HOC ANNOUNCEMENT PURSUANT TO ART. 53 LR



Evolva convenes extraordinary general meeting (EGM) for 24 August 2023 to secure financing until end of the

year Board of Directors proposes the following to the shareholders: Increase of the conditional capital for the purpose of Nice & Green financing

Increase in the upper limit of the capital band to allow for strategic and/or financing alternatives Reinach, 28 July 2023 - Evolva (SIX: EVE), a pioneer in the field of natural molecules and industrial biotech, today published the agenda for its extraordinary general meeting (EGM) to be held on 24 August 2023 at 11:00 CET at the Hotel Victoria in Basel. On 26 June 2023, Evolva communicated that it had signed a new financing agreement with its financing partner Nice & Green SA. A new agreement had to be negotiated after Nice & Green SA had informed the Company, beginning of June, that it had taken a different interpretation of the then existing agreement which created an immediate emergency for Evolva, including the risk of insolvency in the short term. At the same time, Evolva was required to initiate a review of strategic alternatives, including a potential sale of the company. Under the new financing agreement, Evolva is required to ensure that there is sufficient conditional capital to meet Nice & Green's request to convert notes into shares; therefore, Evolva has to convene an extraordinary general meeting to propose to increase the company's conditional capital. If the Company does not increase the conditional capital, as proposed, Evolva cannot draw funds of (minimum) 5,250,000 from N&G in 2023, but only funds in the amount of CHF 1,500,000. This would put the going concern of the company in danger. Evolva's financing would, in that case, not be secured until at least end of 2023 as communicated on 26 June. In addition to the increase of the conditional capital, Evolva's board proposes to increase the upper limit of the company's capital band. As mentioned, Evolva is currently evaluating all strategic alternatives. A possible strategic alternative (which could include an alternative to Nice & Green) would be to raise new capital from existing and/or new investors as part of a capital increase. With the EGM increasing the capital band's upper limit, Evolva would be quick and flexible in raising funds without a need to convene another extraordinary general meeting. The chairman and the CEO of Evolva have drafted a shareholder letter to give more background on the current situation. It is attached to this press release and also available on the Company's website (see link below in the 'Documentation' section; a German version [Ubersetzungshilfe] of the original English shareholder letter is available via the same link). The process of the strategic review communicated on 26 June is under way. The results will be communicated in due course. Documentation

The Invitation to the EGM with the two agenda items was published today in the Swiss Official Gazette of Commerce (SOGC). The Invitation and the shareholder letter will be sent to registered shareholders via mail today, and are also available here [ Link ].

Important dates

24 August 2023 Half-year 2023 results

Contact

Doris Rudischhauser

Head of Investor Relations and Corporate Communications

+41 79 410 81 88

dorisr@evolva.com

About Evolva

Evolva is a Swiss biotech company focused on the research, development and commercialization of ingredients based on nature. We have leading businesses in Flavors and Fragrances, Health Ingredients and Health Protection. Evolva's employees, half of which are women, are dedicated to make the best products that can contribute to health, wellness and sustainability. Find out more at evolva.com and connect with us on LinkedIn .

Disclaimer

This announcement is not an offer of securities into the United States. The securities referred to herein have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and may not be offered, pledged, sold, delivered or otherwise transferred, directly or indirectly, in the United States, except pursuant to an exemption from, or transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act. No public offering of securities is being made in the United States. Further, the securities referred to herein have not been and will not be registered under the applicable securities laws of Canada, Australia or Japan or under the applicable securities laws of any other jurisdiction where to do so might constitute a violation of such laws.

This press release contains specific forward-looking statements, e.g. statements including terms like believe, assume, expect or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may result in a substantial divergence between the actual results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and those explicitly or implicitly presumed in these statements. Against the background of these uncertainties readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The company assumes no responsibility to update forward-looking statements or to adapt them to future events or developments. Attachment : Shareholder Letter DEAR SHAREHOLDERS, When we reported on our good performance in 2022 at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Basel on 18 April 2023, we were proud of the strong accomplishments in the first year under the new leadership team with targets fully met for the first time in the company's recent history, both in terms of revenue and profitability. Revenues increased by 57% to CHF 15.5 million (product-related revenues even grew by 62%)

Gross contribution margin increased from negative -59% in 2021 to positive +16% in 2022 (H2 even at +22%)

Adjusted EBITDA improved by CHF 9.3 million. We were excited about the continuous progress we were making towards our major strategic initiatives facilitating continued strong growth in Flavors & Fragrances, especially with our sustainable Vanillin and Natural NootkatoneTM, as well as boosting the Health Ingredients business with our responsible Veri-teTM Resveratrol by entering new market segments. We also further developed promising future business opportunities with NootkaSHIELDTM and eco-friendly Agro-Solutions as communicated in various press releases. With a significantly strengthened CMO network from 2024 onwards, major technology improvements, substantial cost efficiencies, and a filled R&D pipeline, Evolva was well underway to reach its ambition of EBITDA and cash break-even by 2025. We were also convinced that, with the open financing lines with Nice & Green, we had sufficient short-term liquidity levels to support the further building of the New Evolva at least until the end of the first quarter of 2024. In addition, we were entertaining discussions with several potential strategic partners for minority investments in the company to cover the remaining financing needs until cash break-even in a shareholder friendly way, while at the same time strengthening our business model. Beginning of June, Nice & Green informed Evolva that they do not intend to keep their financial commitments due to a different interpretation of their obligations under the then existing contractual agreement. This came as a surprise as Nice & Green had repeatedly signaled in April and May their continued support of Evolva and the respective financing. Attempts by Evolva to further clarify and resolve the situation unfortunately failed. Although we were and still are very confident about the validity of our legal position, the refusal of Nice & Green to meet their financing obligations created an immediate emergency for Evolva, including the risk of insolvency in the short term. We were therefore forced to negotiate a new agreement with Nice & Green which secures the financing at least until the end of 2023. At the same time, Evolva was required to initiate a review of strategic alternatives, including a potential sale of the company. The new financing agreement with Nice & Green announced on 26 June 2023 gives the required time to conduct such review in an orderly manner and to find a solution that is in the best interest of all stakeholders. We very much regret these recent developments and fully share the frustration with you. Just when we had achieved one of our major milestones by signing the multi-year contract with a leading CMO to enable the Vanillin business with our global F&F partner and to generate additional benefits from 2024 onwards, the issues with Nice & Green cut the momentum. Nevertheless, our focus in this difficult situation remains on ensuring the best possible outcome for the company, our employees, shareholders, customers, and suppliers. We very much believe in the value proposition of Evolva and will do our utmost to protect the company's future. In a first step, we need to secure the short-term financing until a long-term solution is reached. In order to achieve this, we have to convene an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) on 24 August 2023. The EGM has two agenda items for which we ask your support: Increase of the conditional capital for the purpose of Nice & Green financing This agenda item deals with the proposed increase of the company's conditional capital. Under the new financing agreement with Nice & Green, Evolva had to agree to increase the conditional capital in order to be able to comply with its obligations towards Nice & Green. If the EGM does not increase the conditional capital, Evolva would not be able to draw funds of (minimum) CHF 5,250,000 from Nice & Green in 2023, but only funds of CHF 1,500,000; in this case, the going concern of the company would be in danger. For more details, reference is made to the EGM Invitation. Increase in the upper limit of the capital band for capital increases This agenda item deals with the proposed increase of the upper limit of the company's capital band. As communicated on 14 and 26 June 2023, Evolva is currently evaluating all strategic alternatives, including a sale of the company. A possible strategic alternative (which could include an alternative to Nice & Green) would be to raise new capital from existing and/or new investors as part of a capital increase. With the EGM increasing the capital band's upper limit, Evolva would be quick and flexible in raising funds without a need to convene another extraordinary shareholders meeting. For more details, reference is made to the EGM Invitation. Dear shareholders, we thank you for your trust, understanding and support in this difficult situation for Evolva. We deeply regret the course of actions which were forced upon us in the last months. Yours, Stephan Schindler Christian Wichert

Chairman of the Board of Directors CEO

Additional features:





File: Evolva convenes extraordinary general meeting (EGM) for 24 August 2023 to secure financing until end of the year

End of Inside Information
Helsinki, Finland - July 28, 2023

Valued shareholders, customers, partners, and colleagues,



We are excited to invite you to SSH's Capital Markets Day, where we will unveil our updated business strategy, showcase our cutting-edge product portfolio, and offer invaluable insights into the future of cybersecurity. As a valued member of our investor and analyst community, your presence at this event is of utmost importance to us.

The agenda of the day has now been published, and you can find it here. Attendees can meet members of the SSH Board of Directors and Leadership Team for discussions. Presentations from the event will be made available on the SSH website (https://www.ssh.com/investors) shortly after the event.

The event will be held as a combination of an online video conference and a physical event. A limited number of seats are available at the physical event.

Welcome to join us!

Date: August 29, 2023

Time: 1.00 PM - 4.00 PM EEST

Location: Sanoma House, Toolonlahdenkatu 2, 00100 Helsinki or Virtually via Online Platform.

RSVP: Please indicate your attendance preference by August 24, 2023, by registering for the event at Capital Markets Day 2023.osync.fi)

SSH COMMUNICATIONS SECURITY CORPORATION

Michael Kommonen

Chief Financial Officer

For further information, please contact:

Michael Kommonen, CFO, tel. +358 40 1835836, email michael.kommonen@ssh.com

Distribution:

Major media

www.ssh.com

About SSH

SSH is a defensive cybersecurity company that safeguards communications and access between systems, automated applications, and people. We have 5,000+ customers worldwide, including 40 percent of Fortune 500 companies and major organizations in the Finance, Government, Retail, and Industrial segments. We help our customers secure their business in the age of hybrid cloud and distributed IT and OT infrastructures. Our passwordless and keyless Zero Trust solutions reduce costs and complexity while quantum-safe encryption keeps critical connections future-proof. Our teams and partners in North America, Europe, and Asia ensure customer success. The company's shares.
Media relations:

Mollie Mellows

Tel.: +44 (0)7342 709384

E-mail:mollie.mellows@capgemini.com

Investor relations:

Vincent Biraud

Tel.: +33 1 47 54 50 87

E-mail: vincent.biraud@capgemini.com

Capgemini launches new set of generative AI offerings

Building on a strong generative AI momentum, the Group has boosted its capabilities across the business and is launching a new set of end-to-end generative AI offerings to deliver on a strong pipeline of client opportunities

Paris, July 28, 2023 -Already a leading player in the Data & AI market,Capgemini iswell positioned to support clients through their next era of digital transformation thanks to the breadth of its generative AI services, deep industry expertise, and its industrialized delivery assets.

As a trusted business and technology transformation partner to its clients, Capgemini has successfully delivered many generative AI projects over the last few years, particularly in Life Sciences, Consumer Products & Retail, and Financial Services.1 In recent months, Capgemini has seen an acceleration of client focus and demand around generative AI. In that context, the Group is today launching a generative AI portfolio of services, spanning from strategy definition through to practical development and implementation of generative AI at scale. It includes:

"Generative AI strategy" enables CXOs to define and prioritize the most relevant generative AI use cases for their business, demonstrate the tangible value that can be achieved, and lay the right foundations in terms of people, process and technology for scaling their generative AI investments while mitigating the risks.

enables CXOs to define and prioritize the most relevant generative AI use cases for their business, demonstrate the tangible value that can be achieved, and lay the right foundations in terms of people, process and technology for scaling their generative AI investments while mitigating the risks. "Generative AI for Customer Experience" enhances customer experience with 4 dedicated generative AI assistants. It allows hyper-personalized customer experience with a synthetic design assistant, elevates customer self-service with personalized chatbots, augments customer care services with a content and knowledge assistant and boosts sales teams performance with a product & offers knowledge assistant.

enhances customer experience with 4 dedicated generative AI assistants. It allows hyper-personalized customer experience with a synthetic design assistant, elevates customer self-service with personalized chatbots, augments customer care services with a content and knowledge assistant and boosts sales teams performance with a product & offers knowledge assistant. "Generative AI for Software Engineering " helps improve efficiency and quality across the whole software life cycle (from design and coding to documentation, testing, deployment, and operations), accelerate the time to market for new software, and reduce the technical debt 2 of enterprises by facilitating large modernization programs of legacy software. It also enables increased security with a reduced attack surface by automatically identifying bugs or vulnerabilities and proposing adjustments to software development teams.

helps improve efficiency and quality across the whole software life cycle (from design and coding to documentation, testing, deployment, and operations), accelerate the time to market for new software, and reduce the technical debt of enterprises by facilitating large modernization programs of legacy software. It also enables increased security with a reduced attack surface by automatically identifying bugs or vulnerabilities and proposing adjustments to software development teams. "Custom generative AI for Enterprise" enables enterprises who have sensitive data to have custom generative AI assistants fine-tuned with their key proprietary data, in order to get maximum business value impact. The Group has designed a platform to combine the power of pre-trained open large foundation models (LFMs) with enterprise proprietary data to fine-tune LFMs to the needs of each client. These customized models, building from company know-how, can create unique and reliable outputs and help organizations accelerate on many fronts - from customer experience to R&D, or assisting support and business functions to increase performance.

"Generative AI is already becoming a key pillar of digital transformation for businesses, and we see a breadth of opportunities to unlock substantial business value for our clients, which go way beyond important productivity gains," comments Franck Greverie, Chief Portfolio Officer, Global Business Lines leader3 and Group Executive Board Member at Capgemini. "We are proud to be a preferred partner to support our clients through their generative AI business journey, from defining their generative AI strategy and selecting priority use cases through to development, implementation, and scaling. For clients who have key sensitive data, we are developing custom generative AI solutions, fine-tuned with their proprietary data, to create maximum business value. This is a pivotal moment because generative AI is accelerating even further the already very strong market demand for AI services that we are seeing."

The Group is currently working with Heathrow Airport to elevate the passenger experience by implementing cutting-edge eCommerce and other passenger service solutions through its Generative AI for Customer Experience offer.

"We are excited to partner with Capgemini to enhance the experience of our passengers who travel through our airport. Together with Capgemini's GenAI partners, we are building solutions that will assist, empower and delight those passengers with faster, more comprehensive and sensitive customer service," said Pete Burns, Director Marketing and Digital, Heathrow Airport Limited.

Capgemini has established a dedicated generative AI practice to rapidly scale its capability, solutioning and delivery, as well as a Generative AI Labto follow the evolution of the technology and research the most relevant use cases and collaborations with businesses or academia for clients. The Group has already announced new partnerships in the generative AI value chain, including with Google Cloudand Microsoft. Capgemini is aiming to train a large part of its workforce on generative AI, embedding AI training as a key requirement into all of its development and training curriculum.

About Capgemini

Capgemini is a global leader in partnering with companies to transform and manage their business by harnessing the power of technology. The Group is guided everyday by its purpose of unleashing human energy through technology for an inclusive and sustainable future. It is a responsible and diverse organization of nearly 350,000 team members in more than 50 countries. With its strong 55-year heritage and deep industry expertise, Capgemini is trusted by its clients to address the entire breadth of their business needs, from strategy and design to operations, fueled by the fast evolving and innovative world of cloud, data, AI, connectivity, software, digital engineering and platforms. The Group reported in 2022 global revenues of 22 billion.

Get The Future You Want |?www.capgemini.com

1 For example, the Group has supported various banks on code conversion into newer coding languages or on improving customer experience through elevated self-service, and has been delivering a generative AI content creation engine for content production to assist marketing teams of a large consumer products Group.

2 Refers to the implied cost of future reworking required when choosing an easy but limited solution instead of a better approach that could take more time

3 Director of cloud infrastructure services, Business Services, and Insights & Data

Attachment
Solid Q2 performance and strong pipeline momentum, Full-year 2023 business EPS guidance raised

Paris, July 28, 2023

Q2 2023 sales growth of 3.3% at CER and business EPS(1) growth of 8.1% at CER

Specialty Care grew 11.8% driven by Dupixent  (2,562 million, +34.2%) and Nexviazyme  (103 million, +146.5%) more than offsetting anticipated impact of Aubagio  generic competition in the U.S.

(2,562 million, +34.2%) and Nexviazyme (103 million, +146.5%) more than offsetting anticipated impact of Aubagio generic competition in the U.S. Vaccines up 9.1% due to strong PPH vaccines sales in Rest of World region and COVID vaccine supply in Europe

General Medicines core assets grew 2.4%, non-core assets lower mainly due to Lantus  (353 million, -36.5%)

(353 million, -36.5%) CHC sales growth continued (+0.7%) despite unfavorable effect from inventory build in the prior quarter

Business EPS ( 1) of 1.74 up 0.6% on a reported basis and 8.1% at CER

of 1.74 up 0.6% on a reported basis and 8.1% at CER IFRS EPS of 1.15 (up 22.3%)

Key R&D milestones and regulatory achievements in Q2

Nirsevimab unanimous FDA AdCom vote for prevention of RSV lower respiratory tract disease in infants

Dupixent  BOREAS Phase 3 COPD results presented at ATS and published in the New England Journal of Medicine

BOREAS Phase 3 COPD results presented at ATS and published in the New England Journal of Medicine Itepekimab in COPD passed a recent interim futility analysis of the Phase 3 AERIFY studies

Amlitelimab positive Phase 2b data support potential for transformational target profile in Atopic Dermatitis

Frexalimab Phase 2b primary endpoint met demonstrating significantly reduced disease activity in MS

Vaccines pipeline moving at pace with 12 innovative assets with new data highlighted at a recent investor event

Progress on Corporate Social Responsibility strategy in Q2

Inclusivity targets implemented across clinical trial; 45% of U.S. trials achieved at least 1 target

B Corp Certification granted to CHC North America in recognition of environmental and social achievements

Full-year 2023 business EPS guidance revised upward

Sanofi now expects 2023 business EPS(1) to grow mid single-digit(2) at CER, barring unforeseen major adverse events. Applying average July 2023 exchange rates, the currency impact on 2023 business EPS is estimated between -6.5% to -7.5%. This upgrade includes approximately 400 million of expected one-off COVID vaccine revenues in the second half of the year.





Paul Hudson, Sanofi Chief Executive Officer, commented:

"We have delivered yet another quarter of growth, with Specialty Care and Vaccines as the main drivers. As we move into the second half our Play to Win strategy, we are particularly enthusiastic about the strong flow of positive R&D data readouts and regulatory achievements of this second quarter, highlighting the significant growth potential of our innovative pipeline assets. With the FDA approval of Beyfortus for the prevention of RSV in all infants in July, the landmark Phase 3 data in COPD with Dupixent, and the important clinical milestones with amlitelimab and frexalimab which support our decision to initiate pivotal trials, we expect to add multiple innovative medicines to our existing growth drivers over the coming years. As we enter the second half of 2023, we are executing on our new launches and we are encouraged by the early launch indicators of ALTUVIIIOTM and TZIELDTM, while navigating the anticipated impact from generic competition on Aubagio. Our strong results in the first six months make us confident in our outlook for the remainder of the year and as a consequence we are raising our full-year 2023 EPS guidance to midsingle-digit growth."

Q2 2023 Change Change

at CER H1 2023 Change Change

at CER IFRS net sales reported 9,965m -1.5% +3.3% 20,187m +2.0% +4.4% IFRS net income reported 1,435m +22.1% _ 3,430m +7.7% - IFRS EPS reported 1.15 +22.3% _ 2.74 +7.5% - Free cash flow(3) 1,592m +3.7% _ 3,129m -3.5% - Business operating income 2,726m -1.0% +6.6% 6,059m +4.1% +8.0% Business net income(1) 2,177m +0.3% +8.0% 4,876m +6.1% +10.0% Business EPS(1) 1.74 +0.6% +8.1% 3.90 +6.0% +9.8%

Changes in net sales are expressed at constant exchange rates (CER) unless otherwise indicated (definition in Appendix 9). (1) In order to facilitate an understanding of operational performance, Sanofi comments on the business net income statement. Business net income is a non-GAAP financial measure (definition in Appendix 9). The consolidated income statement for Q2 2023 is provided in Appendix 3 and a reconciliation of reported IFRS net income to business net income is set forth in Appendix 4; (2) 2022 business EPS was 8.26; (3) Free cash flow is a non-GAAP financial measure (definition in Appendix 9).

Attachment
Zanders, a leading global provider of treasury, risk management and technology solutions, today announced the acquisition of Fintegral, a renowned European risk consulting firm. This strategic acquisition strengthens Zanders' commitment to delivering comprehensive risk management solutions to its global clients.

Fintegral, known for its deep expertise in risk management, has built a stellar reputation for providing innovative risk advisory services to financial institutions across the DACH region and the UK. By acquiring Fintegral, Zanders aims to expand its capabilities in risk management, offering clients a broader suite of solutions to navigate the complex and evolving landscape of financial and non-financial risk.

"We are very excited to welcome Fintegral to the Zanders family," said Laurens Tijdhof, CEO of Zanders. "Their expertise in risk management aligns perfectly with our mission of providing innovative and comprehensive solutions to our clients. This acquisition will further enhance our ability to support our clients in managing risk and achieving their strategic objectives."

The acquisition of Fintegral allows Zanders to leverage their extensive experience in financial risk modelling and validation, non-financial risk management, and regulatory compliance. By combining Zanders' industry-leading treasury and risk management approaches with Fintegral's deep domain risk knowledge, the partnership will deliver holistic risk management solutions that empower financial institutions and other organizations to make well-informed decisions.

"We are very excited to join forces with Zanders," said Andreas Peter, Managing Partner at Fintegral. "Together, we will have the opportunity to bring our extensive risk management expertise to a wider range of international clients, helping them build robust risk frameworks, optimize their capital allocation, and navigate the increasingly complex regulatory environment. Our clients will benefit from the extended resources and combined know-how."

This acquisition is set to fortify Zanders' market position and significantly expand its global presence, particularly in the DACH region and the UK. The merger of the two companies, combining 45 consultants in the UK and 35 consultants in the DACH region, positions Zanders as a leading player, leveraging the expertise and resources of both consultancies to deliver exceptional services and solutions in the market to meet the evolving needs of clients.

The agreement remains subject to completion.

About Fintegral:

Fintegral is a renowned risk consulting firm specializing in financial and non-financial risk management. With over 30 employees and 20 years of experience, Fintegral has a strong focus on financial institutions and offers expertise in risk modelling, stress testing, regulatory compliance, and risk governance.

About Zanders:

Zanders is a global independent treasury and risk consulting firm with 30 years of experience in providing innovative solutions to multinational corporations, financial institutions, public sector entities and NGOs. The company specializes in treasury strategy and organization, technology selection and implementation, financial and non-financial risk management, risk modelling, validations, and regulatory compliance, and has developed its own suite of innovative SaaS solutions on its Zanders Inside platform. The company has grown strongly to become a leading global consulting firm with about 300 employees across ten offices in Europe, Middle East, US, and Asia.

Zanders is committed to ESG principles and practices and supports its clients in achieving their ESG goals. The company believes that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) are essential to building a strong, sustainable business and is committed to fostering a culture that values and respects diversity in all forms.

To learn more, visit: www.zandersgroup.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230728292899/en/

Contacts:

Marianne Myburgh

Head of Global Marketing Communications

Zanders Group

m.myburgh@zandersgroup.com


DUNDEE (dpa-AFX) - Alliance Trust PLC (ATST.L) reported Friday that its first-half profit before tax was 317.73 million pounds, compared to last year's loss of 348.19 million pounds.



Profit per share was 108.12 pence, compared to loss of 116.19 pence a year ago.



Revenue profit per share was 11.71 pence, down from 12.46 pence last year.



Net Asset Value or NAV per share grew 9.8 percent to 1,086.5 pence from 989.5 pence last year.



Total income was 334.59 million pounds, compared to negative income of 337.36 million pounds last year.



Revenue income fell to 42.10 million euros from prior year's 46.91 million pounds.



Gregor Stewart, Chairman of Alliance Trust, said the company significantly outperformed the market and most of its peers in the first half of 2023, despite volatile market conditions.



Looking ahead, the company said the results so far this year have been pleasing, and that it is confident that the portfolio is well positioned for continued long-term growth.



Separately, Alliance Trust announced the declaration of a second interim dividend of 6.34p per share, up from 6.18p for the first interim dividend. This follows the 26% increase in dividends for 2022 compared to 2021.



The dividend will be paid on September 29 to shareholders on the register at the close of business on September 1.



Increased dividend level is expected to be at least maintained for the third and fourth interim dividends, giving an expected annual dividend increase of 5% year-on-year.



The Company expects to pay a higher dividend in 2023 and beyond.



The Board expects to declare third and fourth interim dividends for 2023 of at least the same amount as the second interim dividend. This would result in a total dividend for 2023 of at least 25.20p, an increase of 5%.



Further, the company said Stewart will step down from the Board and his role as Chairman at the year-end after completing a tenure of nine years. He will be succeeded by Dean Buckley, who joined the Board in March 2021.



In the early morning trading London, Alliance Trust shares were at 1,037.13 pence, down 0.28 percent.



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

Top 3 Energie-Dividendenaktien Im neuen Energieboom von kontinuierlichen Ertragen profitieren. Wir zeigen hier, von welche drei Aktien Sie profitieren konnen. Hier klicken
CHICAGO, July 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Food Pathogen Testing Market is estimated at USD 15.1 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 22.7 billion by 2028, at a CAGR of 8.4% from 2023 to 2028 according to a report published by MarketsandMarkets. The increasing demand for food pathogen testing services can be attributed to several factors, including growing consumer awareness of the risks associated with foodborne illnesses and the need for safer food. High-profile cases of contamination and outbreaks have heightened public concerns, leading consumers to seek greater transparency and assurance regarding the safety of the food they consume. Consequently, there has been a surge in demand for food pathogen testing services to meet this consumer demand.

Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=202386163

Browse in-depth TOC on "Food Pathogen Testing Market"

84 - Tables

64 - Figures

175 - Pages

In addition, regulatory bodies and government agencies have placed greater emphasis on food safety, enacting stricter regulations and standards. Compliance with these regulations requires regular testing to ensure that food products meet acceptable levels of pathogens. As a result, food producers, manufacturers, and retailers are increasingly turning to food pathogen testing services to adhere to these regulations and maintain compliance.

The globalization of the food supply chain has also contributed to the increased demand for food pathogen testing. With the import and export of food products across borders, there is an elevated risk of contamination. Robust testing measures are necessary to identify and mitigate potential pathogens, ensuring the safety and quality of food products throughout the supply chain. This has led to a growing need for food pathogen testing services to support safe international trade and maintain consumer confidence.

The Campylobacter in by type segment is estimated to grow at 8.6% during the forecasted period.

Campylobacter is a spiral-shaped, gram-negative bacteria well-known for its high motility and its role in causing food contamination and illness. It is primarily associated with the contamination of poultry and meat products. The two most common species of Campylobacter, Campylobacter jejuni, and C. coli, are responsible for bacterial diarrhea, particularly traveler's diarrhea. While Campylobacter can be found in the gastrointestinal tracts of various warm-blooded animals such as cattle, sheep, pigs, dogs, and goats, it is most associated with birds, especially Poultry. Raw chicken is recognized as a major source of Campylobacter transmission to humans, followed by unpasteurized raw milk.

Campylobacter contaminates food when it encounters sewage water or animal feces. Consumers become infected by consuming contaminated food, such as Poultry and fresh produce, or beverages, like contaminated water or unpasteurized milk. Once ingested, the bacteria travel to the stomach within the contaminated food. Campylobacter is highly mobile and can penetrate the intestinal epithelial cells. It produces two toxins: enterotoxin and cytotoxin. Cytotoxin leads to cell damage and food poisoning, resulting in symptoms typically appearing within two to five days after consuming contaminated food. Common symptoms of Campylobacter infection include bloody diarrhea, fever, vomiting, and abdominal and muscle pain.

Request Sample Pages: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=202386163

Meat & Poultry is estimated to dominate the food type segment in the food pathogen testing market.

The meat and poultry industry is the subject of this research, and it comprises ground beef, ground pig, lunch meat, beef, meat alternatives, ground chicken, ground turkey, cooked chicken, and raw chicken parts. Meat and poultry product contamination happens mostly during packaging, processing, and insufficient storage practices that fail to maintain the requisite appropriate temperature. Escherichia coli (E. coli), Salmonella, and Campylobacter are the most frequent pathogens identified in meat and Poultry.

The food industry is highly concerned about pathogen contamination in meat, Poultry, and seafood due to the potential risks it poses to public health. These food products can be contaminated by various pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Ingesting such pathogens without proper safeguards in place can lead to foodborne diseases. The presence of pathogens like Salmonella, E. coli, Campylobacter, Listeria monocytogenes, and Vibrio species in animal-derived products emphasizes the importance of implementing stringent food safety procedures throughout the entire manufacturing and supply chain.

Asia Pacific is estimated to grow at the fastest CAGR in the food pathogen testing market.

Foodborne diseases pose a significant threat to densely populated areas in the Asia-Pacific region, which happens to be the fastest-growing market for food pathogen testing. The growth can be attributed to the increasing focus on compliance with safety standards, high-volume food trade within the region, and the strict safety regulations followed by developed economies worldwide.

In China, food safety regulations have been evolving to tackle incidents of food contamination and enhance overall food quality, safety, and hygiene practices throughout the manufacturing and supply chain. However, despite these efforts, issues related to food safety persist and have even grown in number, impacting consumer well-being. Ongoing foodborne disease outbreaks and safety concerns in the country have eroded public trust in China's food industry and regulatory authorities. China's reputation in food exports has also been significantly affected due to reasons such as non-compliance with regulatory requirements, exceeding permissible limits of contaminants, and questionable manufacturing practices and product contents. As a result, revisions have been enforced in China's food safety regulations, introducing additional measures, increasing stringency, and imposing stricter penalties.

Major key players operating in the food pathogen testing market are SGS Societe Generale de Surveillance SA (Switzerland), Bureau Veritas (France), and Intertek Group Plc. (UK), Eurofins Scientific (Europe), ALS (Australia), JBT (US), TUV NORD GROUP (Germany), AsureQuality (New Zealand).

Get 10% Free Customization on this Report: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestCustomizationNew.asp?id=202386163

Browse Adjacent Reports @ Food and Beverage Market Research Reports & Consulting

Related Reports:

Food Safety Testing Market by Technology (Traditional and Rapid), Target Tested, Food Tested (Meat, Poultry, Seafood, Dairy, Processed Foods, Fruits & Vegetables, and Cereals & grains) and Region - Global Forecast to 2027

North American Food Safety Market by Contaminant (Pathogen, GMO, Toxin, Pesticides), Technology (Traditional & Rapid), Food Tested (Meat & Poultry, Dairy, Fruit & Vegetable, Processed Food), & by Country - Trend & Forecast to 2020

About MarketsandMarkets

MarketsandMarkets is a blue ocean alternative in growth consulting and program management, leveraging a man-machine offering to drive supernormal growth for progressive organizations in the B2B space. We have the widest lens on emerging technologies, making us proficient in co-creating supernormal growth for clients.

The B2B economy is witnessing the emergence of $25 trillion of new revenue streams that are substituting existing revenue streams in this decade alone. We work with clients on growth programs, helping them monetize this $25 trillion opportunity through our service lines - TAM Expansion, Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy to Execution, Market Share Gain, Account Enablement, and Thought Leadership Marketing.

Built on the 'GIVE Growth' principle, we work with several Forbes Global 2000 B2B companies - helping them stay relevant in a disruptive ecosystem. Our insights and strategies are molded by our industry experts, cutting-edge AI-powered Market Intelligence Cloud, and years of research. The KnowledgeStore (our Market Intelligence Cloud) integrates our research, facilitates an analysis of interconnections through a set of applications, helping clients look at the entire ecosystem and understand the revenue shifts happening in their industry.

To find out more, visit www.MarketsandMarkets.com or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Contact:

Mr. Aashish Mehra

MarketsandMarkets INC.

630 Dundee Road

Suite 430

Northbrook, IL 60062

USA: +1-888-600-6441

Email: sales@marketsandmarkets.com

Research Insight: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ResearchInsight/food-pathogen-testing-market.asp

Visit Our Website: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/

Content Source: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/PressReleases/food-pathogen-testing.asp

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/660509/MarketsandMarkets_Logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/food-pathogen-testing-market-worth-22-7-billion-by-2028--exclusive-report-by-marketsandmarkets-301888075.html
Compagnie Financiere Richemont SA / Key word(s): Miscellaneous

RICHEMONT ACQUIRES A CONTROLLING STAKE IN GIANVITO ROSSI STARTING A PARTNERSHIP WITH ITS FOUNDER



28.07.2023 / 11:00 CET/CEST





To read the full announcement click here: Richemont Company Announcement For a printer-friendly version: Richemont Company Announcement PDF E N Richemont is pleased to announce that it has acquired a controlling stake in Gianvito Rossi, the renowned Italian shoemaking Maison, in a private transaction.



Gianvito Rossi, Founder, CEO and Creative Director of the eponymous brand, will retain a stake in the company and continue to nurture and develop the Maison in partnership with Richemont.



Founded in 2006 in San Mauro Pascoli and headquartered in Milan, Gianvito Rossi is one of the world's leading luxury shoe Maisons. It is recognised by clients all over the world for its sophisticated designs, unique savoir-faire and impeccable quality.



Gianvito Rossi's footwear embodies the finest expression of Made-in-Italy craftsmanship, leveraging the longstanding tradition of luxury shoemaking in the artisanal heart of the San Mauro district, and benefiting from a precious family heritage, nurtured through generations.



Philippe Fortunato, CEO of Fashion & Accessories Maisons, commented:

"Gianvito Rossi is an exceptional Maison with unique savoir-faire in the world of shoemaking. Its core attributes of uncompromising quality, elegance and timelessness are perfectly aligned with Richemont's values.



We are delighted to welcome Gianvito Rossi, his family and his teams to Richemont and look forward to jointly ensuring the enduring creativity and the long-term development of this unique Maison."



Gianvito Rossi, Founder and CEO and Creative Director of Gianvito Rossi, commented:

"I have found in Richemont a partner who shares common values such as the greatest attention to quality, design and craftsmanship and the preservation of tradition handed down from generation to generation.



I decided to choose them to keep developing the brand worldwide and for their expertise and model of global expansion. Our partnership will be beneficial for the company's next stage of growth, and we look forward to starting this exciting new chapter together with a spirit of fruitful cooperation".



The transaction has no material financial impact on Richemont's consolidated net assets or operating result for the year ending 31 March 2024. The performance of Gianvito Rossi will be reported under the 'Other' business area, which is mostly composed of the Fashion & Accessories Maisons. Completion remains subject to certain customary conditions and regulatory approvals. About Richemont At Richemont, we craft the future. Our unique portfolio includes prestigious Maisons distinguished by their craftsmanship and creativity. Richemont's ambition is to nurture its Maisons and businesses and enable them to grow and prosper in a responsible, sustainable manner over the long term. Richemont operates in three business areas: Jewellery Maisons with Buccellati, Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels; Specialist Watchmakers with A. Lange & Sohne, Baume & Mercier, IWC Schaffhausen, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Panerai, Piaget, Roger Dubuis and Vacheron Constantin; and Other, primarily Fashion & Accessories Maisons with Alaia, AZ Factory, Chloe, Delvaux, dunhill, Montblanc, Peter Millar including G/FORE, Purdey, Serapian as well as Watchfinder & Co. In addition, Richemont operates NET-A-PORTER, MR PORTER, THE OUTNET, YOOX and the OFS division. Find out more at https://www.richemont.com/. Richemont 'A' shares are listed and traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange, Richemont's primary listing, and are included in the Swiss Market Index ('SMI') of leading stocks. The 'A' shares are also traded on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, Richemont's secondary listing. About Gianvito Rossi Founded in San Mauro Pascoli in 2006, Gianvito Rossi is the ultimate Italian designer brand for luxury footwear. Grounded on a modern, essential and timeless style, Gianvito Rossi is the finest expression of Made-in-Italy craftmanship, faithfully adhering to a family heritage nurtured throughout generations. Since inception, Gianvito Rossi has gained global recognition for its universe of sophisticated signatures and new designs, quickly becoming a must-have for A-list celebrities with the support of first-rate global fashion media. Investor/analyst and media enquiries Sophie Cagnard, Group Corporate Communications & Investor Relations Director James Fraser, Investor Relations Executive Investor/analyst enquiries: +41 22 721 30 03; investor.relations@cfrinfo.net Media enquiries: +41 22 721 35 07; pressoffice@cfrinfo.net; richemont@teneo.com

Disclaimer The financial information contained in this announcement is unaudited. This document contains forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. Richemont's forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations and assumptions regarding the Company's business and performance, the economy and other future conditions and forecasts of future events, circumstances and results. Our retail stores are heavily dependent on the ability and desire of consumers to travel and shop and a decline in consumer traffic could have a negative effect on our comparable store sales and/or average sales per square foot and store profitability resulting in impairment charges, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. Reduced travel resulting from economic conditions, retail store closure orders of civil authorities, travel restrictions, travel concerns and other circumstances, including disease epidemics and other health-related concerns, could have a material adverse effect on us, particularly if such events impact our customers' desire to travel to our retail stores. International conflicts or wars, including resulting sanctions and restrictions on importation and exportation of finished products and/or raw materials, whether self-imposed or imposed by international countries, non-state entities or others, may also impact these forward-looking statements. As with any projection or forecast, forward-looking statements are inherently susceptible to uncertainty and changes in circumstances. Actual results may differ materially from the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside the Group's control. Richemont does not undertake to update, nor does it have any obligation to provide updates of, or to revise, any forward-looking statements.  Richemont 2023



End of Media Release


Palliare Signs first US GPO Agreement

Palliare, a leading developer of advanced insufflation technologies, has received EU CE Mark certification under the new EU Medical Devices Regulation (MDR) for its EVA15 insufflator and smoke evacuation system. This makes it one of the first laparoscopic and endoscopic insufflators to meet the new more extensive regulatory requirements introduced in 2021 for medical devices in Europe and will now permit the company to commence shipments to the European market with immediate effect.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230728340279/en/

John O'Dea, Caroline O'Dea from Palliare being presented with EVA15 Certification certificates by Kevin Mullaney, Director of Certification, NSAI (Photo: Business Wire)

Commenting on the clearance, John O'Dea, CEO, said "We believe that this is an important step forward for our company. Certifying EVA15 as a Class 2b device to the new MDR regulation has entailed an extensive exercise, one that puts the company on a firm regulatory approval footing in Europe for the coming years. We have now started the process of installing EVA15 in leading robotic surgical training centers in Europe."

NSAI CEO, Geraldine Larkin, continued "Certification is a key pillar for companies in the medical devices sector to drive innovation, ensure quality, and to gain market accessibility. Ireland is a major hub for the medical devices sector in Europe and the ability of the NSAI to certify products for access to the European market is an important part of our work in supporting Irish business."

In further news, Palliare is pleased to announce that it has signed a GPO agreement with Northwell Health, New York's largest healthcare provider. Palliare engaged with Northwell's Global Strategic Partnerships team and came through their International Business Program, an established program for international companies to work with the Northwell system. Elaine Brennan, Executive Director of Global Strategic Partnerships said, "We created this program to streamline engagement with international companies that add value for Northwell from procurement to pilots to investment opportunities and we're glad to add Palliare as a solution for Northwell and partner within the GPO alliance."

Commenting, David Corcoran, Head of US LifeSciences, Enterprise Ireland said "Palliare's innovative smoke evacuation and insufflation technologies are transforming surgical operating rooms, addressing the growing demands of patient procedures while also enhancing safety. Enterprise Ireland proudly supports Palliare's US scaling journey, and are delighted that Palliare and Northwell Health, a longstanding strategic partner of Enterprise Ireland and leading US healthcare system, have collaborated to accelerate the adoption of these transformative technologies, driving improved patient outcomes."

About the EVA15 Insufflator

The EVA15 insufflator and smoke evacuation system is the first product from Palliare, designed to create a safer operating room environment and deliver best-in-class insufflation and smoke evacuation performance to meet the particular demands of laparoscopic, endoluminal, endoscopic, and robotic surgical procedures. EVA15 is currently cleared by the US FDA for sale in the USA, and is now CE marked in Europe and offers similar smoke evacuation and insufflation performance to the Conmed (NYSE: CNMD) Airseal system.

About Palliare

Palliare was founded in 2018 as a spinout from Irish gastro-diagnostic company Crospon, which was acquired by Medtronic (NYSE:MDT) in 2017. Based in Galway, Ireland, and with US headquarters in Oceanside, CA, Palliare is dedicated to advancing the state of the art in smoke evacuation and insufflation technologies for laparoscopic, endoluminal, endoscopic, and robotic surgery. For more information about Palliare, visit www.palliare.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230728340279/en/

Contacts:

John O'Dea

Palliare

+353-91-516362

info@palliare.com
HIROSHIMA, Japan, July 28, 2023 - (JCN Newswire) - Mazda Motor Corporation's production and sales results for June 2023 and for January through June 2023 are summarized below.I. Production1. Domestic Production(1) June 2023Mazda's total domestic production volume in June 2023 decreased 6.5% year on year due to decreased production of passenger vehicles.[Domestic production of key models in June 2023]CX-5: 30,693 units (down 14.7% year on year)MAZDA3: 9,882 units (up 50.0%)CX-60: 7,503 units (up 214.1%)(2) January through June 2023Mazda's domestic production volume in the period from January through June 2023 increased 25.2% year on year due to increased production of passenger vehicles.[Domestic production of key models in the period from January through June 2023]CX-5: 173,930 units (up 7.4% year on year)MAZDA3: 54,958 units (up 44.5%)CX-30: 39,376 units (up 25.1%)2. Overseas Production(1) June 2023Mazda's overseas production volume in June 2023 decreased 1.6% year on year due to decreased production of passenger vehicles.[Overseas production of key models in June 2023]CX-30: 10,850 units (down 12.5% year on year)CX-50: 8,219 units (up 126.1%)MAZDA3: 4,075 units (down 48.1%)(2) January through June 2023Mazda's overseas production volume in the period from January through June 2023 increased 21.1% year on year due to increased production of passenger vehicles.[Overseas production of key models in the period from January through June 2023]CX-30: 70,889 units (up 17.9% year on year)CX-50: 32,563 units (up 233.6%)MAZDA3: 32,222 units (down 30.3%)II. Domestic Sales(1) June 2023Mazda's domestic sales volume in June 2023 increased 38.2% year on year due to increased sales of passenger and commercial vehicles.Mazda's registered vehicle market share was 5.1% (up 0.4 points year on year), with a 2.1% share of the micro-mini segment (up 0.3 points) and a 4.1% total market share (up 0.6 points).[Domestic sales of key models in June 2023]CX-60: 2,786 unitsMAZDA3: 1,884 units (up 121.9% year on year)CX-5: 1,803 units (down 6.9%)(2) January through June 2023Mazda's domestic sales volume in the period from January through June 2023 increased 26.1% year on year due to increased sales of passenger and commercial vehicles.Mazda's registered vehicle market share was 5.2% (up 0.2 points year on year), with a 2.0% share of the micro-mini segment (up 0.1 points) and a 4.1% total market share (up 0.3 points).[Domestic sales of key models in the period from January through June 2023]CX-60: 17,479 unitsCX-5: 13,495 units (down 12.8% year on year)MAZDA2: 11,268 units (down 4.3%)III. Exports(1) June 2023Mazda's export volume in June 2023 increased 15.5% year on year due to increased shipments to Europe, Oceania, and other regions.[Exports of key models in June 2023]CX-5: 31,864 units (up 0.3% year on year)MAZDA3: 7,647 units (up 55.9%)CX-60: 5,965 units (up 978.7%)(2) January through June 2023Mazda's export volume in the period from January through June 2023 increased 31.8% year on year due to increased shipments to Europe, North America, and other regions.[Exports of key models in the period from January through June 2023]CX-5: 161,576 units (up 13.0% year on year)MAZDA3: 45,336 units (up 50.2%)CX-30: 29,083 units (up 32.2%)IV. Global Sales(1) June 2023Mazda's global sales volume in June 2023 increased 46.4% year on year due to increased sales in the US, Europe, Japan, and other regions.[Global sales of key models in June 2023]CX-5: 30,831 units (up 61.0% year on year)CX-30: 16,771 units (up 16.2%)MAZDA3: 13,834 units (up 21.2%)(2) January through June 2023Mazda's global sales volume in the period from January through June 2023 increased 12.5% year on year due to increased sales in the US, Europe, Japan, and other regions.[Global sales of key models in the period from January through June 2023]CX-5: 177,541 units (down 2.3% year on year)CX-30: 98,357 units (up 10.0%)MAZDA3: 78,002 units (down 17.3%)* Overseas production figures indicate Mazda-brand units coming off the production line (excluding CKD units).* Global production figures are the sum total of domestic and overseas production volumes.* All the information in this press release is as of the release date. No updates after that date are reflected.Source: mazdaCopyright 2023 JCN Newswire . All rights reserved.
The "Austria Tractor Market Industry Analysis Forecast 2023-2028" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

There is certainly increasing potential for electric tractors in Austria, as the country has been actively promoting the adoption of electric vehicles in recent years. The Austria tractor market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.10% from 2022-2028.

The government has set a goal of achieving 100% renewable electricity by 2030, and part of this effort is offering various incentives and subsidies for the purchase of electric vehicles. The Austria tractor market has around eighty electric vehicle startups, like Kreisel Electric and Fronius International. In December 2021, John Deere signed an agreement with Kreisel Electric, a battery technology provided and based in Austria.

Growth in Agricultural Productivity Exports

Austria has been experiencing significant agricultural productivity and export growth in recent years. The growth has been driven by a combination of factors, including adopting new technologies and farming practices, investment in research and development, and increased demand for high-quality food products domestically and internationally. One of Austria's main drivers of agricultural productivity has been adopting sustainable and environmentally friendly farming practices. This includes using organic farming methods, which have become increasingly popular recently.

INDUSTRY RESTRAINTS

Rising Demand for Used Rental Tractors

One of the reasons for the rising demand for used and rented tractors in Austria is that it has become increasingly difficult for many farmers to afford to buy new tractors as their price has risen in recent years. As a result, many people are switching to used tractors as a more cost-effective choice. Used tractors are frequently more affordable than new ones and can still be highly reliable and productive for agricultural tasks. Such factors are projected to hamper the growth of the Austria tractor market.

SEGMENTATION INSIGHTS

Insights by Horsepower

Tractors in the power range of 50 HP-100 HP are likely to be the largest contributors to the Austria tractor market growth. Some factors that favor the sales of tractors in the 50 HP-100 HP range are as follows: versatility, presence of hard soil in Austria, and increase in purchasing power of farmers due to better minimum support price (MSP) and crop realization. Stakeholders in food production, including public and private bodies and farmers, focus on closing the yield gap and substantial increments in the amount of food produced as the global challenge regarding food shortage mirrors in the country. Tractors will play a pivotal role in operating all new-age, technologically advanced equipment to fulfill the increased farm output needs.

Segmentation by Horsepower

Less Than 50 HP

50 HP-100 HP

Above 100 HP

INSIGHTS BY DRIVE TYPE

The Austria tractor market is categorized into the following segments based on the drive type of tractors 2-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive. The industry is dominated by mid-range HP 2WD tractors, as 2WD tractors are the most preferred tractors by farmers in the country. The low relative cost of ownership and numerous features and haulage power make 2WD tractors more popular among farmers. Popular brands, including John Deere, CNH Industrial, and AGCO, are the preferred choices for 2WD tractors among farmers in the country.

Segmentation by Wheel Drive

2-Wheel-Drive

4-Wheel-Drive

REGIONAL ANALYSIS

The Lower Austria region held the most substantial Austria tractor market share in 2022. The Lower Austria region leads the nation in adopting and penetrating farm mechanization practices. The major regions in the Lower Austria region are Waldviertel, Mostviertel, Industrieviertel, and Weinviertel. In Lower Austria, Waldviertel is a high-potential industry for new tractors and advanced agricultural tools. Further, with a focus on premium goods and environmentally friendly farming methods, Lower Austria's agricultural sector is diverse and productive overall. The area contributes significantly to Austria's agricultural production due to its rich soil, pleasant temperature, and market accessibility.

Segmentation by Geography

Lower Austria

Styria

Carinthia

Burgenland

Others

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

CNH, AGCO, and John Deere dominated the Austria tractor market. These players focus on innovations to compete in the industry. They invest in developing advanced agriculture tractor technology for precision farming and machine automation. Further, the industry has many established players that provide their products in open fields, vineyards, and others.

Key Company Profiles

John Deere

Kubota

AGCO

CNH Industrial

Steyr Traktoren

Other Prominent Vendors

Arbos

CLAAS

Iseki

SDF

Yanmar

KEY QUESTIONS ANSWERED:

What are the expected units sold in the Austria tractor market by 2028?

What is the growth rate of the Austria tractor market?

How big is the Austria tractor market?

Which region holds the largest Austria tractor market share?

Who are the key companies in the Austria tractor market?

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/2zr4i8

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.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230728759183/en/

Contacts:

ResearchAndMarkets.com

Laura Wood, Senior Press Manager

press@researchandmarkets.com



For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470

For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630

For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900
- Reiterates Full Year 2023 Revenue and Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share Guidance; Increases Adjusted EBITDA Guidance -

Stevanato Group S.p.A. (NYSE: STVN), a leading global provider of drug containment, drug delivery, and diagnostic solutions to the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and life sciences industries, today announced its financial results for the second quarter of 2023.

Second Quarter 2023 Highlights (compared with the same period last year)

Second quarter revenue increased 9% to 255.3 million.

Revenue from high-value solutions increased to 33% of total revenue.

Diluted earnings per share were 0.13; adjusted diluted earnings per share were 0.14.

Adjusted EBITDA margin increased 30 basis points to 26.7%.

The Company is reiterating its full year 2023 guidance of revenue in the range of 1.085 billion to 1.115 billion, and adjusted diluted EPS between 0.58 and 0.62; and raising its adjusted EBITDA guidance to range between 291.8 million to 303.8 million.

Second Quarter 2023 Results

Revenue for the second quarter of 2023 increased 9% to 255.3 million (approximately 10% on a constant currency basis), compared with the same period last year, driven by growth in both of the Company's business segments. For the second quarter of 2023, revenue from high-value solutions increased to 33% of total revenue, compared with 30% in the same period last year, resulting from increased customer demand for high-performance, ready-to-use containment solutions. For the second quarter of 2023, revenue related to Covid-19 decreased 89% and represented approximately 1% of revenue compared with approximately 9% of revenue for the same period last year.

For the second quarter of 2023, gross profit margin decreased 90 basis points to 30.9%, resulting from expected temporary inefficiencies related to start-up activities of the Company's new manufacturing plants. This included a rise in industrial costs and higher depreciation, which was partially offset by the increased mix of more accretive high-value solutions. Excluding industrial costs related to start-up activities, gross profit margin would have been 32.3% for the second quarter of 2023, compared with 32.1% for the same period last year. Operating profit margin for the second quarter of 2023 decreased 110 basis points to 17.6%. Excluding start-up expenses, adjusted operating profit margin was 19.1% for the second quarter of 2023. This compares with adjusted operating profit margin of 19.6% for the same period last year, which included a 6.0 million benefit from a contract modification.

For the second quarter of 2023, adjusted EBITDA margin increased 30 basis points to 26.7%.

The Company delivered net profit of 34.3 million, or 0.13 of diluted earnings per share, and on an adjusted basis, net profit was 37.0 million, or 0.14 of diluted earnings per share.

Franco Moro, Chief Executive Officer, stated, "We currently see strong secular tailwinds, notably in biologics, which are creating downstream demand for high-value solutions. In response to customer demand for high-performance, integrated solutions, we are investing in growth platforms to expand our capacity for high-value solutions. The continued advancements in biologics, including mRNA applications, monoclonal antibodies, GLP-1s, and biosimilars are expected to help drive durable, long-term organic revenue growth in the range of high single-digits to low double-digits."

Biopharmaceutical and Diagnostic Solutions Segment (BDS)

For the second quarter of 2023, Biopharmaceutical and Diagnostic Solutions (BDS) Segment revenue grew 9% to 204.8 million (approximately 9% on a constant currency basis), compared with the same period last year, driven by growth in the Company's core drug containment business. For the second quarter of 2023, revenue from high-value solutions increased 20% to 84.2 million, while revenue from other containment and delivery solutions increased 2% to 120.6 million.

Margins in the segment were tempered, as expected, by the start-up of the Company's new EZ-fill manufacturing plants, which was partially offset by the increased mix of more accretive high-value solutions. This led to gross profit margin of 31.6% and operating profit margin of 19.8% for the second quarter of 2023.

Engineering Segment

Revenue from the Engineering Segment increased 11% to 50.5 million for the second quarter of 2023, compared with the same period last year, due to an increase in sales of pharmaceutical visual inspection lines.

For the second quarter of 2023, gross profit margin for the Engineering Segment increased 20 basis points to 22.5%, driven by higher sales in more accretive products and continued business optimization efforts. Operating profit margin was 15.5%, consistent with the same period last year.

Balance Sheet and Cash Flow

As of June 30, 2023, the Company had net debt of 120.4 million, cash and cash equivalents of 61.2 million, and 130 million available under two loan agreements which were completed in 2023. As expected, capital expenditures for the second quarter increased to 138 million, as the Company continues to execute its strategic investments in capacity expansion for high-value solutions to meet customer demand.

For the second quarter of 2023, cash generated from operating activities was 24.4 million, which reflects current working capital needs to support growth. Cash flow used for the purchase of property, plant, and equipment, and intangible assets totaled 93.7 million, which resulted in negative free cash flow of 69.1 million in the second quarter of 2023.

New Order Intake and Backlog

For the second quarter of 2023, new order intake totaled approximately 240 million, compared with 252 million in the same period last year, which reflects the expected decrease in orders related to Covid-19 and the normalization of customer ordering patterns as global supply chains continue to stabilize. As of June 30, 2023, committed backlog totaled approximately 939 million.

2023 Guidance

The Company is reiterating its full year 2023 revenue and adjusted diluted earnings per share guidance and still expects:

Revenue in the range of 1.085 billion to 1.115 billion,

Adjusted diluted EPS in the range of 0.58 to 0.62.

The Company is increasing its adjusted EBITDA guidance and now expects adjusted EBITDA in the range of 291.8 million to 303.8 million, up from its prior estimate of 290.5 million to 302.5 million.

The Company continues to expect capital expenditures in the range of 35% to 40% of total revenue for fiscal 2023, based on the mid-point of its revenue guidance range.

Executive Chairman, Franco Stevanato, concluded, "We are pleased with another quarter of solid operational and financial performance as we continue to build on our track record and execute against our long-term growth objectives. We are successfully responding to market demand which is driving our mix shift to high-value solutions. Our growth investments are on track as we expand capacity in high-value solutions to meet strong customer demand. With our diverse product portfolio, we believe we are well positioned to capitalize on favorable secular trends such as the projected growth in biologics."

Conference Call

The Company will host a conference call and webcast at 8:30 a.m. (ET) on Friday, July 28, 2023 to discuss financial results. During the call, management will refer to a slide presentation which will be available on the day of the call on the "Financial Results" page under the Company's Investor Relations section of its website.

Pre-registration: Participants who pre-register will be given a conference passcode and unique PIN to gain immediate access to the call and bypass the live operator. We encourage participants to pre-register for the call using the following link: http://services.choruscall.it/DiamondPassRegistration/register?confirmationNumber=4544003&linkSecurityString=514976446

Webcast: A live, listen-only webcast of the call will be available at the following link: https://87399.choruscall.eu/links/stevanato230728.html

Dial in: Those who are unable to pre-register may dial in by calling:

Italy: 39 02 802 09 11

UK: 44 1 212 818004

USA: +1 718 705 8796

USA Toll Free: +1 855 265 6958

Replay: The webcast will be archived for three months on the Company's Investor Relations section of its website at:

https://ir.stevanatogroup.com/financial-results.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may include forward-looking statements. The words "expects," "see," "reiterating," "strong," "are creating," "are investing," "expected," "raising," "are responding," "increasing," "driving," "continues," "continued," "believe," "well positioned," "favorable," "growth," "durable," and similar expressions (or their negative) identify certain of these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are statements regarding the Company's intentions, beliefs or current expectations concerning, among other things, investments the Company expects to make or receive, the expansion of manufacturing capacity, the Company's plans regarding its presence in the U.S. and in other locations, business strategies, the Company's capacity to meet future market demands and support preparedness for future public health emergencies, and results of operations. The forward-looking statements in this press release are based on numerous assumptions regarding the Company's present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future. Forward-looking statements involve inherent known and unknown risks, uncertainties and contingencies because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that may or may not occur in the future and may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. Many of these risks and uncertainties relate to factors that are beyond the Company's ability to control or estimate precisely, such as future market conditions, currency fluctuations, the behavior of other market participants, the actions of regulators and other factors such as the Company's ability to continue to obtain financing to meet its liquidity needs, changes in the political, social and regulatory framework in which the Company operates or in economic or technological trends or conditions. For a description of the risks that could cause the Company's future results to differ from those expressed in any such forward looking statements, refer to the risk factors discussed in our most recent annual report on Form 20-F filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Readers should therefore not place undue reliance on these statements, particularly not in connection with any contract or investment decision. Except as required by law, the company assumes no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements.

Non-GAAP Financial Information

This press release contains non-GAAP financial measures. Please refer to the tables included in this press release for a reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures.

Management monitors and evaluates our operating and financial performance using several non-GAAP financial measures, including Constant Currency Revenue, EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA Margin, Adjusted Operating Profit, Adjusted Operating Profit Margin, Adjusted Income Taxes, Adjusted Net Profit, Adjusted Diluted EPS, Capital Employed, Net Cash, Free Cash Flow, and CAPEX. We believe that these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful and relevant information regarding our performance and improve our ability to assess our financial condition. While similar measures are widely used in the industry in which we operate, the financial measures we use may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures used by other companies, nor are they intended to be substitutes for measures of financial performance or financial position as prepared in accordance with IFRS.

About Stevanato Group

Founded in 1949, Stevanato Group is a leading global provider of drug containment, drug delivery and diagnostic solutions to the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and life sciences industries. The Group delivers an integrated, end-to-end portfolio of products, processes, and services that address customer needs across the entire drug life cycle at each of the development, clinical and commercial stages. Stevanato Group's core capabilities in scientific research and development, its commitment to technical innovation, and its engineering excellence are central to its ability to offer value added solutions to clients. To learn more, visit: www.stevanatogroup.com.

Consolidated Income Statement (Amounts in millions, except per share data) (Unaudited) For the three months For the six months ended June 30, ended June 30, 2023 2022 2023 2022 Revenue 255.3 100.0 234.2 100.0 493.3 100.0 446.3 100.0 Costs of sales 176.4 69.1 159.7 68.2 338.1 68.5 304.3 68.2 Gross Profit 78.9 30.9 74.6 31.8 155.2 31.5 142.0 31.8 Other operating Income 4.0 1.6 7.1 3.1 5.2 1.1 8.7 1.9 Selling and Marketing Expenses 6.8 2.7 7.0 3.0 12.8 2.6 11.9 2.7 Research and Development Expenses 8.4 3.3 8.5 3.6 16.9 3.4 16.2 3.6 General and Administrative Expenses 22.9 9.0 22.3 9.5 45.1 9.1 40.8 9.1 Operating Profit 44.9 17.6 43.9 18.7 85.5 17.3 81.8 18.3 Finance Income 6.7 2.6 7.5 3.2 11.1 2.3 10.5 2.4 Finance Expense 7.3 2.9 9.9 4.2 16.3 3.3 14.5 3.2 Profit Before Tax 44.3 17.4 41.5 17.7 80.4 16.3 77.8 17.4 Income Taxes 10.0 3.9 10.9 4.7 17.8 3.6 19.4 4.3 Net Profit 34.3 13.4 30.6 13.1 62.6 12.7 58.4 13.1 Earnings per share Basic earnings per common share 0.13 0.12 0.24 0.22 Diluted earnings per common share 0.13 0.12 0.24 0.22 Average common shares outstanding 264.7 264.7 264.7 264.7 Average shares assuming dilution 265.4 264.7 265.4 264.7

Reported Segment Information (Amounts in millions) (Unaudited) For the three months ended June 30, 2023 Biopharmaceutical

and Diagnostic

Solutions Engineering Adjustments,

eliminations

and

unallocated

items Consolidated External Customers 204.8 50.5 255.3 Inter-Segment 0.4 43.0 (43.4 Revenue 205.2 93.5 (43.4 255.3 Gross Profit 64.9 21.0 (7.0 78.9 Gross Profit Margin 31.6 22.5 30.9 Operating Profit 40.6 14.5 (10.2 44.9 Operating Profit Margin 19.8 15.5 17.6

For the three months ended June 30, 2022 Biopharmaceutical

and Diagnostic

Solutions Engineering Adjustments,

eliminations

and

unallocated

items Consolidated External Customers 188.6 45.6 234.2 Inter-Segment 0.3 27.7 (28.0 Revenue 188.9 73.3 (28.0 234.2 Gross Profit 63.6 16.3 (5.4 74.6 Gross Profit Margin 33.7 22.3 31.8 Operating Profit 44.6 11.4 (12.1 43.9 Operating Profit Margin 23.6 15.5 18.7

For the six months ended June 30, 2023 Biopharmaceutical

and Diagnostic

Solutions Engineering Adjustments,

eliminations

and

unallocated

items Consolidated External Customers 400.4 92.9 493.3 Inter-Segment 0.8 92.3 (93.2 Revenue 401.2 185.3 (93.2 493.3 Gross Profit 130.9 40.9 (16.6 155.2 Gross Profit Margin 32.6 22.1 31.5 Operating Profit 79.3 28.5 (22.3 85.5 Operating Profit Margin 19.8 15.4 17.3

For the six months ended June 30, 2022 Biopharmaceutical

and Diagnostic

Solutions Engineering Adjustments,

eliminations

and

unallocated

items Consolidated External Customers 361.0 85.3 446.3 Inter-Segment 0.6 51.2 (51.8 Revenue 361.6 136.5 (51.8 446.3 Gross Profit 120.4 29.8 (8.2 142.0 Gross Profit Margin 33.3 21.8 31.8 Operating Profit 80.3 20.1 (18.6 81.8 Operating Profit Margin 22.2 14.7 18.3

Cash Flow (Amounts in millions) (Unaudited) For the three months

ended June 30, For the six months

ended June 30, 2023 2022 2023 2022 Cash flow from operating activities 24.4 42.2 61.5 47.4 Cash flow used in investing activities (95.9 (76.2 (224.7 (130.9 Cash flow used in financing activities (25.4 (19.1 (3.4 (16.0 Net change in cash and cash equivalents (96.9 (53.1 (166.5 (99.5

Non-U.S. GAAP Financial Information

This press release contains non-U.S. GAAP financial measures. Please refer to "Non-U.S. GAAP Financial Information" and the tables included in this press release for a reconciliation of non-U.S. GAAP financial measures.

Reconciliation of Revenue to Constant Currency Revenue (Amounts in millions) (Unaudited) Three months ended June 30, 2023 Biopharmaceutical

and

Diagnostic Solutions Engineering Reported Revenue (IFRS GAAP) 204.8 50.5 Effect of changes in currency translation rates 1.5 0.1 Organic Revenue (Non-IFRS GAAP) 206.3 50.5

Six months ended June 30, 2023 Biopharmaceutical

and

Diagnostic Solutions Engineering Reported Revenue (IFRS GAAP) 400.4 92.9 Effect of changes in currency translation rates (0.7 0.1 Organic Revenue (Non-IFRS GAAP) 399.7 93.0

Reconciliation of EBITDA (Amounts in millions) (Unaudited) For the three months

ended June 30, Change For the six months

ended June 30, Change 2023 2022 2023 2022 Net Profit 34.3 30.6 12.1 62.6 58.4 7.2 Income Taxes 10.0 10.9 (8.3 17.8 19.4 (8.2 Finance Income (6.7 (7.5 (11.3 (11.1 (10.5 5.7 Finance Expenses 7.3 9.9 (26.3 16.3 14.5 12.4 Operating Profit 44.9 43.9 2.6 85.5 81.8 4.5 Depreciation and Amortization 19.5 15.9 22.6 37.9 31.1 21.9 EBITDA 64.4 59.8 7.7 123.4 112.9 9.3

Reconciliation of Reported and Adjusted EBITDA, Operating Profit, Income Taxes, Net Profit, and Diluted EPS (Amounts in millions, except per share data) (Unaudited) Three months ended June 30, 2023 EBITDA Operating

Profit Income

Taxes Net Profit Diluted EPS Reported 64.4 44.9 10.0 34.3 0.13 Adjusting items: Start-up costs new plants (1) 3.7 3.7 1.0 2.8 0.01 Restructuring and related charges (2) 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.1 0.00 Adjusted 68.2 48.7 11.0 37.0 0.14 Adjusted Margin 26.7 19.1

Three months ended June 30, 2022 EBITDA Operating

Profit Income

Taxes Net Profit Diluted EPS Reported 59.8 43.9 10.9 30.6 0.12 Adjusting items: Start-up costs new plants (1) 2.0 2.0 0.7 1.3 0.00 Adjusted 61.8 45.9 11.6 31.9 0.12 Adjusted Margin 26.4 19.6

Six months ended June 30, 2023 EBITDA Operating

Profit Income

Taxes Net Profit Diluted EPS Reported 123.4 85.5 17.8 62.6 0.24 Adjusting items: Start-up costs new plants (1) 6.6 6.6 1.8 4.8 0.01 Restructuring and related charges (2) 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.1 0.00 Adjusted 130.1 92.2 19.6 67.4 0.25 Adjusted Margin 26.4 18.7

Six months ended June 30, 2022 EBITDA Operating

Profit Income

Taxes Net Profit Diluted EPS Reported 112.9 81.8 19.4 58.4 0.22 Adjusting items: Start-up costs new plants (1) 2.9 2.9 0.8 2.1 0.01 Adjusted 115.8 84.7 20.2 60.5 0.23 Adjusted Margin 26.0 19.0

During the three and the six months ended June 30, 2023, the Group recorded 3.7 million and 6.6 million, respectively, of start-up costs for the new plants in Fishers, Indiana, United States, and in Latina, Italy. During the three months and six months ended June 30, 2022, the Group recorded 2.0 million and 2.9 million, respectively, of start-up costs for the new plants in Fishers, Indiana, United States, in Zhangjiagang, China, and in Latina, Italy. During the three and the six months ended June 30, 2023, the Group recorded 0.1 million of restructuring and related charges among general and administrative expenses.

Capital Employed (Amounts in millions) (Unaudited) As of June 30,

2023 As of December 31,

2022 Goodwill and Other intangible assets 77.1 79.4 Right of Use assets 17.0 19.3 Property, plant and equipment 861.7 641.4 Financial assets investments FVTPL 0.7 0.8 Other non-current financial assets 3.2 1.0 Deferred tax assets 77.0 69.2 Non-current assets 1,036.7 811.1 Inventories 269.3 213.3 Contract Assets 133.9 103.4 Trade receivables 229.4 212.7 Trade payables (267.2 (239.2 Advances from customers (54.1 (26.6 Contract Liabilities (11.2 (14.8 Trade working capital 300.2 248.8 Tax receivables and Other receivables 70.5 54.0 Tax payables and Other liabilities (165.3 (111.1 Net working capital 205.4 191.7 Deferred tax liabilities (21.2 (21.0 Employees benefits (6.8 (8.3 Provisions (6.1 (5.5 Other non-current liabilities (34.0 (18.1 Total non-current liabilities and provisions (68.0 (52.9 Capital employed 1,174.2 949.9 Net cash/ (debt) (120.4 46.0 Equity (1,053.8 (995.9 Total equity and net debt (1,174.2 (949.9

Free Cash Flow (Amounts in millions) (Unaudited) For the three months

ended June 30, For the six months

ended June 30, 2023 2022 2023 2022 Cash Flow from Operating Activities 24.4 42.2 61.5 47.4 Interest paid 0.5 1.0 1.4 1.8 Interest received (0.3 (0.2 (0.5 (0.4 Purchase of property, plant and equipment (92.2 (74.0 (219.9 (126.7 Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment 0.5 0.5 Purchase of intangible assets (1.5 (3.2 (2.6 (5.1 Free Cash Flow (69.1 (33.7 (160.1 (82.5

Net Cash (Net Debt) (Amounts in millions) (Unaudited) As of June 30, As of December 31, 2023 2022 Non-current financial liabilities (120.9 (148.4 Current financial liabilities (68.3 (70.7 Other non-current financial assets Derivatives 2.4 2.8 Other current financial assets 5.1 33.6 Cash and cash equivalents 61.2 228.7 Net Cash/ (Debt) (120.4 46.0

CAPEX (Amounts in millions) (Unaudited) For the three months

ended June 30, Change For the six months

ended June 30, Change 2023 2022 2023 2022 Addition to Property, plants and equipment 136.7 74.3 62.4 248.8 126.2 122.6 Addition to Intangible Assets 1.5 3.2 (1.7 2.6 5.1 (2.5 CAPEX 138.2 77.5 60.7 251.4 131.3 120.1

Reconciliation of 2023 Guidance (Updated) Reported and Adjusted EBITDA, Operating Profit, Net Profit, Diluted EPS (Amounts in millions, except per share data) (Unaudited) Revenue EBITDA Operating Profit Net Profit Diluted EPS * Reported 1,085.0 1,115.0 281.3 293.3 201.3 213.3 145.8 155.7 0.55 0.59 Adjusting items: Start-up costs new plants 10.5 10.5 8.0 0.03 Adjusted 1,085.0 1,115.0 291.8 303.8 211.8 223.8 153.8 163.7 0.58 0.62

*May not add due to rounding

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230728480286/en/

Contacts:

Media

Stevanato Group

media@stevanatogroup.com

Investor Relations

Lisa Miles

lisa.miles@stevanatogroup.com
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / July 28, 2023 / Irving Resources Inc. (CSE:IRV)(OTCQX:IRVRF) ("Irving" or the "Company") announces that Ms. Lisa Sharp has resigned as the Company's Chief Financial Officer and Secretary, positions Ms. Sharp has held since the Company's inception in 2015. The Company would like to thank Ms. Sharp for her invaluable contributions throughout her tenure at Irving and wishes her well in her future endeavours.

The Company is also pleased to announce that Mr. Ronan Sabo-Walsh has replaced Ms. Sharp as the Company's Chief Financial Officer and Secretary. Mr. Sabo-Walsh has over 12 years' experience in accounting and corporate finance and has extensive experience with capital markets, public listings, Canadian/US/Australian cross-border M&A and restructuring transactions, financial reporting and analysis, and public company management, with a focus on natural resources. Mr. Sabo-Walsh has served as Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary of a number of public companies in the exploration and mining industry and is also the Chief Financial Officer of a private base metals producer with assets in South America.

About Irving Resources Inc.:

Irving is a junior exploration company with a focus on gold in Japan. Irving resulted from completion of a plan of arrangement involving Irving, Gold Canyon Resources Inc. and First Mining Finance Corp.

Additional information can be found on the Company's website: www.IRVresources.com.

Akiko Levinson,

President, CEO & Director

For further information, please contact:

Tel: (604) 682-3234 Toll free: 1 (888) 242-3234 Fax: (604) 971-0209

info@IRVresources.com

THE CSE HAS NOT REVIEWED AND DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS RELEASE.

SOURCE: Irving Resources Inc

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/770849/Irving-Resources-Reports-Management-Change
Cottage Digital Media is entering a new partnership that will allow it to offer advisory services to restaurant businesses seeking pandemic-related tax refunds.

Gallatin, Tennessee--(Newsfile Corp. - July 28, 2023) - Cottage Digital Media has announced a partnership with ERTC Recovery Aid, a tax advisory firm, to provide expert assistance to businesses seeking to claim Employee Retention Tax Credits (ERTC). With ERTC Recovery Aid's extensive knowledge of the ERTC recovery process, Cottage Digital Media aims to make the application process hassle-free for restaurant businesses in Salem and other cities in Oregon.

More information is available at https://ertcrecoveryaid.com/.

Salem OR ERTC/ERC Tax Consultant For Restaurants & Bars: Claims Service Launched

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8814/173509_3ad1c248b4853aa0_001full.jpg

The ERTC was introduced as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act to provide financial relief to businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Initially, businesses had to choose between applying for the Payroll Protection Program (PPP) or claiming ERTC credits. However, subsequent legislative changes have allowed businesses to benefit from both programs.

According to Cottage Digital Media, this modification presents an opportunity for eligible businesses to maximize the financial support available to them. It added that the legislation also allows for retroactive claims for ERTC with reduced qualification requirements.

"Restaurants were the hardest-hit businesses during the pandemic, and with this partnership with ERTC Recovery Aid, we will be able to help them ensure they meet the necessary criteria and maximize their ERTC claims," said Patti Keitzman, the partnership's spokesperson. "ERTC Recovery Aid's team of tax specialists will guide business owners through the intricate process, helping them determine eligibility, calculate qualifying wages, and prepare the necessary documentation."

They further stated that by leveraging ERTC Recovery Aid's expertise, business owners can avoid potential errors, ensure accurate calculations, and expedite the refund process.

To begin the claims process, applicants must log on to Cottage Digital Media's website and submit their details. Afterward, a tax specialist from ERTC Recovery Aid will get in touch to verify the information and walk the applicant through the process.

A fee will only be collected if the application is approved by the IRS.

Cottage Digital Media highlighted that ERTC Recovery Aid has played a significant role in numerous lucrative refund cases across the country. For example, the consulting firm successfully claimed $1.1 million in tax credits for a restaurant group in Florida with over 200 employees and $400,000 for a smaller establishment in Houston.

Interested parties who want to learn more or submit their business details may visit https://ertcrecoveryaid.com/.

Contact Info:

Name: Patti Keitzman

Email: pattikeitzman@cottagedigitalmedia.com

Organization: Cottage Digital Media, LLC

Address: 380 Maple Street Suite 1782, Gallatin, TN 37066, United States

Website: https://ertcrecoveryaid.com/

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/173509
TORONTO, July 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lifeist Wellness Inc. ("Lifeist" or the "Company") (TSXV: LFST) (FRANKFURT: M5B) (OTCMKTS: LFSWF), a health-tech company that leverages advancements in science and technology to build breakthrough companies that transform human wellness, today reported its financial results for the three months ended May 31, 2023 ("Q2 2023") compared to the same period last year ("Q2 2022"). All financial figures are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise indicated.



Second Quarter Highlights

Net revenue for Q2 2023 increased 51% from the same quarter last year to $6.2 million compared to $4.1 million in Q2 2022. The improvement was mainly driven by a year-over-year increase of $1.2 million in Aus Vapes hardware revenue, due to a two-months shut-down in 2022. CannMart cannabis revenue and Mikra nutraceutical revenue also contributing to the growth with year-over-year revenue growth of $580,000 and $255,000 respectively.

The success of CannMart's in-house Roilty brand and the launch of the Mikra nutraceuticals business is driving growth, leading to a 22.5% increase in North American sales for Q2 2023 versus Q2 2022.

The strategic focus on high margin activities and operational efficiency continues to pay off in Q2 2023 with a $1.1 million improvement in gross profit, a $2.1 million reduction in Adjusted EBITDA losses, and gross margins of 29% as Lifeist drives toward profitability.



"Our ongoing journey to transform Lifeist into a diversified wellness company with high-margin business units remains on track," affirmed Meni Morim, CEO of Lifeist. "In our second quarter results, we experienced growth across all our key metrics, including achieving another historic high gross profit. Though the path has been challenging, we are making continuous improvements and efficiencies are having an impact as we move toward our goal of profitability and positive cash flow."

"The growth in second quarter 2023 revenue was led by our Aus Vapes business which experienced a significant rebound in revenue having introduced new product categories, a new marketing strategy, and successfully relocated warehouse operations into a larger and more modern facility improving efficiencies after devastating spring floods. In addition, both of our main wellness businesses CannMart and Mikra continue to deliver solid results. CannMart has successfully established itself a leading cannabis brand within a short span of two years. Through innovation, strategic partnerships with provincial buyers, and unwavering support from our retailers, we are driving distribution and enhanced sell-through of our expanding portfolio of premium and mid-range concentrate products."

"Mikra too has undergone a transformation and is now selling multiple products through our own website and through Amazon.com, the largest online direct-to-consumer platform in the world. Looking ahead, we anticipate accelerated growth as we shift our focus towards our partnership with Jose Bautista and launching new products and expanding our range of SKUs through these and other established channels. We continue to execute our strategy with our vision for Lifeist to becoming a leading player in the wellness industry. We remain committed to delivering exceptional products, pursuing innovation, and driving sustainable growth for our valued customers and shareholders."

Second Quarter Operating Highlights

Cannabis: CannMart Inc. ("CannMart") and CannMart Labs Inc. ("CannMart Labs")

Lifeist's cannabis business continued to make progress on its path to profitability in Q2 2023, highlighted by expanding gross profit and a narrowing of Adjusted EBITDA losses. The improved profitability is being driven by the shift to in-house brand Roilty.

Recreational cannabis revenue (net of exercise taxes) grew 16.3% to $4.1 million in Q2 2023 compared to $3.6 million in Q2 2022, driven largely by Roilty through increased distribution and retail sell-through of an expanding portfolio of premium and mid-range concentrate products in all of Canada's provincial markets.

Adjusted EBITDA loss for CannMart improved to $625,363 in Q2 2023 compared to $1.1 million in Q2 2022. The reduced loss was due to higher gross margins and better operational efficiency.



Nutraceuticals: Mikra Cellular Sciences, Inc. ("Mikra")

Mikra took several significant steps to expand its product portfolio and open new distribution channels over the past several months, which is bolstering the platform for future revenue growth.

Mikra reported revenue of $361,049 in Q2 2023 compared to $106,262 in Q2 2022. Results were driven by sales of flagship product CELLF, with additional contribution from RESCUE which was launched in mid-December.

Mikra sales in Q2 2023 have been generated on www.wearemikra.com.

Adjusted EBITDA loss for Mikra improved to $280,047 in Q2 2023 compared to $733,077 in Q2 2022.

Australian Vaporizers Pty Ltd. ("Aus Vapes")

Aus Vapes revenue increased by 271% to $1.7 million in Q2 2023, due to the Aus Vapes team introducing new product categories and a new marketing strategy, plus the successful relocation of warehouse operations into a larger and more modern facility improving efficiencies and product assortment, after a shutdown in 2022 due to flooding.



Financial Summary

Net revenue increased 50.6% to $6.2 million in Q2 2023 compared to $4.1 million in Q2 2022 due mainly to a $1.3 million increase in Aus Vapes hardware revenue in Q2 2023, as compared to Q2 2022. Also contributing to the increase was a 16.3% increase or $579,750 in cannabis revenue and $254,787 increase in revenue generated by Mikra.

Gross profit before inventory adjustment increased 167% to $1.8 million compared to $667,118 in Q2 2022, with margins expanding to 29% from 16%.

The increase in Gross Profit in Q2 2023 as compared to the same period prior year reflects the Company's resilience and confirms the success of its strategic focus on individual segments, geographies, and products, as well as a continuous effort to improve production efficiencies across all segments.

Adjusted EBITDA loss improved to $2.4 million in Q2 2023 compared to $4.5 million in Q2 2022. Net loss from continuing operations was $2.2 million, or ($0.01) per diluted share, in Q2 2023 compared to a loss of $4.6 million, or ($0.01) per share, in Q2 2022.

Balance Sheet and Cash Flow

Cash and cash equivalents were $2.2 million at May 31, 2023, compared to $3.8 million at November 30, 2022.

Inventories were $5.7 million at May 31, 2023 compared to $4.5 million at November 30, 2022.

The working capital position was $4.2 million at May 31, 2023.

Net cash provided by operations was $0.6 million in Q2 2023 compared to $8.9 million used in operations in Q2 2022, due in part to investments in CannMart and Mikra, offset by improved margins and higher revenue.

Corporate Update

Sitting at the forefront of the growing wellness movement, Lifeist is transforming human wellness through advancements in science and technology. While maintaining its legacy business in the cannabis and vape sectors, Lifeist is leveraging expertise in innovation, consumer packaging, and distribution to forge its own path in the large and growing nutraceutical sector. Here is a corporate update of our recent activities.

Mikra

Mikra is Lifeist's biosciences and consumer wellness subsidiary seeking to unlock cellular potential and maximize the health of humans. Mikra management team is focused on growth through expanding its product portfolio organically and through M&A, and through the addition of new distribution channels. To that goal Mikra has engaged Singular Narrative, a U.S.-based strategic business consulting firm, which specializes in business and product development within the biotech, wellness, and nutraceuticals markets. Singular has identified a number of potential business opportunities which the Company is pursuing.

In Q2 2023 Mikra's CELLF and RESCUE debuted on Amazon.com gaining exposure to a wide customer base. Amazon.com provides a global reach and unparalleled visibility, allowing Mikra to showcase its unique offerings to health-conscious consumers across North America and beyond. CELLF and RESCUE are available for purchase at WeAreMikra.com and on Amazon USA.

Mikra's dedication to scientific research and development has resulted in a significant milestone in Q2 2023: a pre-clinical study aimed at understanding the effects of CELLF on health span (the years of one's life spent in good health) and lifespan (the number of years lived). This study showcases Mikra's commitment to evidence-based products and its pursuit of solutions that positively impact people's well-being. Such breakthroughs are crucial in establishing Mikra as a brand trusted for its innovation and efficacy.

Mikra also began production activities in Q2 on its third product a new wellness-focused protein bar, "Chroma". Chroma is Mikra's first product to offer consumers a healthy alternative nutritional bar packed with cordyceps, free of added sugars, and certified gluten-free and vegan. When available Chroma will attract a broad and diverse health conscience audience and the grocery-focused formulation will appeal to large brick and mortar chains like Whole Foods Market, small gyms, studios, and health-focused shops alike.

Earlier in 2023, Mikra announced an exciting collaboration as part of its focus on nutraceuticals, joining forces with the highly accomplished athlete Jose Bautista. The initial collaboration centered around a remarkable cellular therapeutic designed for athletes aged 30 and above to optimize exercise performance, reduce post-workout fatigue and inflammation, and accelerate recovery time. While launch of this product is targeted for the second half of 2023, the teams are working to expand the collaboration into a diverse line of cellular health products and accessories.

In January 2023, Lifeist announced a distribution agreement with GNC for CELLF v1.2 and its future derivatives in the United States through retail stores, at gnc.com and on GNC's channel on Amazon.com. GNC is a leading global health and wellness brand that provides high-quality, science-based products and solutions consumers need to live mighty, live fit, and live well. After an initial purchase order, Mikra and GNC have decided to step back to refine marketing strategies, packaging, and display designs, with the future goal of making a significant impact in both GNC's online and retail stores. This will ensure the greatest impact within GNC's complex vendor system.

CannMart

CannMart continues to make strides establishing itself as the leading business-to-business intermediary for Canadian LPs and brands, and their recreational consumers across Canada. Growth across key business drivers including store penetration, product expansion and market share has been reported across all categories in the first half of 2023.

With the recent acquisition of Zest Cannabis, CannMart has two in-house brands it can call its own: Roilty, CannMart's brand for high-quality concentrates serving everything from shatter to sugar wax, resin, vape cartridges and wax; and now Zest which offers premium quality extract-infused pre-roll and Liquid Diamond vape products. These leading brands are joined by Rilaxe, LOT 420, and Apothecary Labs rounding out CannMart's portfolio of cannabis brands.

In addition, CannMart launched a new business-to business ("B2B") platform to facilitate wider wholesale distribution for its exclusive partnership with award-winning Hamilton Devices. Leveraging its existing wholesale distribution channel, the portal makes these award-winning products available to a wider range of customers, including head shops, vape and smoke shops, convenience stores, including gas stations, and other retailers that sell cannabis accessories.

Aus Vapes

After a challenging 2022, Aus Vapes has emerged as a stronger, more versatile company. The company has made significant changes due to the changing landscape in the local market including devastating floods of spring 2022. The Aus Vapes team have worked incredibly hard introducing new product categories, executing a new marketing strategy, plus successfully relocated warehouse operations into a larger and more modern facility improving efficiencies and product assortment, which has led to a significant rebound in business year-over-year.

Corporate Update

The Company reports that Slava Klems, CFO at Lifeist, is transitioning to a fractional CFO position. Having established a robust financial structure and a strong and efficient team that handles day to day operations, Slava will continue to lead the Company's financial strategy and oversee financial operations focused on optimizing revenues and reducing costs. This decision aligns with the Company's ongoing efforts to optimize resources, track and measure business metrics while maintaining financial stability.

The Company also announces a correction to its press release entitled "Lifeist Wellness Closes on Zest Acquisition" issued on July 21, 2023 (the "Initial Press Release"). The Initial Press Release incorrectly stated that the Acquisition was completed pursuant to the terms of an amended and restated share purchase agreement, dated July 19, 2023. The Acquisition was completed on July 20, 2023. This correction does not change any other information reported in the Initial Press Release.

Additional Information

The Company's complete financial statements and management's discussion & analysis ("MD&A") for Q2 2023 are available on Lifeist's website (www.lifeist.com) and SEDAR (www.sedar.com).

About Lifeist Wellness Inc.

Sitting at the forefront of the post-pandemic wellness revolution, Lifeist leverages advancements in science and technology to build breakthrough companies that transform human wellness. Portfolio business units include: CannMart, which operates a B2B wholesale distribution business facilitating recreational cannabis sales to Canadian provincial government control boards; CannMart Labs, a BHO extraction facility for the production of high margin cannabis 2.0 products; Aus Vapes, Australia's largest online retailer of vaporizers and accessories; and Mikra, a biosciences and consumer wellness company seeking to develop innovative therapies for cellular health.

Information on Lifeist and its businesses can be accessed through the links below:

www.lifeist.com

www.cannmart.com

www.australianvaporizers.com.au

www.wearemikra.com

Contacts

Meni Morim, Lifeist Wellness Inc., CEO

Ph: 647-362-0390

Email: ir@lifeist.com

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release or has in any way approved or disapproved of the contents of this press release.

Non-IFRS Financial Measures

Management evaluates the Company's performance using a variety of measures, including "Net loss before income tax, depreciation and amortization" and "Adjusted EBITDA". The non-IFRS measures discussed below should not be considered as an alternative to or to be more meaningful than revenue or net loss. These measures do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and therefore they may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other publicly traded companies and should not be construed as an alternative to other financial measures determined in accordance with IFRS.

The Company believes these non-IFRS financial measures provide useful information to both management and investors in measuring the financial performance and financial condition of the Company.

Management uses these and other non-IFRS financial measures to exclude the impact of certain expenses and income that must be recognized under IFRS when analyzing consolidated underlying operating performance, as the excluded items are not necessarily reflective of the Company's underlying operating performance and make comparisons of underlying financial performance between periods difficult. From time to time, the Company may exclude additional items if it believes doing so would result in a more effective analysis of underlying operating performance. The exclusion of certain items does not imply that they are non-recurring.

(i) Current and deferred income taxes, depreciation and amortization, and share-based compensation were excluded from the Adjusted EBITDA calculation as they do not represent cash expenditures.

(ii) Other income consisting of gain on disposal of subsidiary, interest income, realized gain on disposition of AFS investments, unrealized gain on derivatives and other miscellaneous non-recurring income were excluded from Adjusted EBITDA calculation.

(iii) Non-recurring costs related to restructuring and legacy issues were excluded from Adjusted EBITDA calculation.

(iv) Impairment loss relating to goodwill, customer list, domains and brand names were excluded from Adjusted EBITDA calculation.

(v) Impairment loss relating to receivable is a provision for expected credit loss to an associate and was excluded from Adjusted EBITDA calculation.

(vi) Share of associates loss, net of tax, is excluded due to lack of control.

Forward Looking Information

This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements contained herein that are not historical in nature contain forward-looking information. Forward-looking information can be identified by words or phrases such as "may", "expect", "likely", "should", "would", "plan", "anticipate", "intend", "potential", "proposed", "estimate", "believe" or the negative of these terms, or other similar words, expressions and grammatical variations thereof, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" happen.

The forward-looking information contained herein, including, without limitation, statements related to: the Company's continuing focus and further development efforts relating to its B2B recreational cannabis and nutraceuticals, including the anticipated introduction of new products in the future, and its expectations from such businesses to increase revenue growth and profitability are made as of the date of this press release and is based on assumptions management believed to be reasonable at the time such statements were made, including, without limitation, Lifeist's ability to continue to increase revenue through its B2B recreational cannabis business, including through increased sales of Roilty and anticipated sales of shatter and THCa diamonds, and to maintain momentum of expanding its nutraceutical business, including through the anticipated sales of CELLF v1.2 and other cellular therapeutics designed for athletes aged over 30, its ability to broaden its total addressable market and to evolve into a recognized wellness company, the Company's expectation that the nutraceutical and wellness market will develop as currently anticipated, the nutraceutical market will continue to be a multi-billion dollar high-margin market, the introduction of new products and brands will generate additional revenue, expectations that CELLF v1.2 and other cellular health products and accessories to be developed by the Company will gain market acceptance along with the expansion of the market for nutraceutical products, as well as other considerations that are believed to be appropriate in the circumstances. While we consider these assumptions to be reasonable based on information currently available to management, there is no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. By its nature, forward-looking 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. A variety of factors, including known and unknown risks, many of which are beyond our control, could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking information in this press release. Such factors include, without limitation: the inability of the Company to develop its business as anticipated and to increase revenues and/or its profitable margin on such revenues, unanticipated changes to current regulations that would adversely impact the Company's businesses, the unanticipated decline in demand for cannabis products, competition from others, unforeseen developments that would impede Mikra's ability to sell CELLF or CELLF v1.2 and any other developed nutraceutical products as anticipated and in a timely manner, the risk that pre-clinical trials relating to CELLF are not as successful as anticipated and do not demonstrate the expected therapeutic benefits and/or fail to strengthen the Company's patent claim, the risk that the expected demand for nutraceutical products in general and those of Mikra in particular does not develop as anticipated, the failure to maintain the churn rate of subscription sales of CELLF at anticipated levels, regulatory risk, risks relating to the Company's ability to execute its business strategy and the benefits realizable therefrom and risks specifically related to the Company's operations. Additional risk factors can also be found in the Company's current MD&A which has been filed under the Company's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

Source: Lifeist Wellness Inc.
LAS VEGAS, NV / ACCESSWIRE / July 28, 2023 / Planet 13 Holdings Inc. (CSE:PLTH)(OTCQX:PLNHF) ("Planet 13" or the "Company"), a leading vertically-integrated multi-state cannabis company, today announced the following results for each item of business considered at Planet 13's Annual General and Special Meeting of Shareholders held on Thursday, July 27, 2023.

Election of Directors

The following table sets out the percentage of shares voted in respect of the election of directors

Nominee % For % Withheld Robert Groesbeck 98.72% 1.27% Larry Scheffler 98.67% 1.32% Lee Fraser 99.25% 0.74% Adrienne O'Neal 99.12% 0.87%

Re-Appointment and Remuneration of Auditors

98.10% of shares voted were voted in favor of re-appointing Davidson & Company LLP as auditors of the Company for the ensuing year and authorizing the board of directors of the Company to fix the remuneration to be paid to the auditors.

Nevada Domestication

The Company is pleased to announce that the special resolution (the "Arrangement Resolution") to approve the proposed plan of arrangement under Section 288 of the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) involving, among other things, the continuance of the Company out of British Columbia and the concurrent domestication of the Company to the State of Nevada (the "Nevada Domestication"), was resoundingly passed with 99.50% the votes cast, voting in favor of the Arrangement Resolution. The Arrangement Resolution required the approval of not less than 66 2/3% of the votes cast by the shareholders present in person or by proxy at the Annual General and Special Meeting.

The Company anticipates completing the Nevada Domestication on or about September 1, 2023, subject to, among other things, receipt of a final order of the British Columbia Supreme Court, which is expected to be obtained at a final order hearing on August 3, 2023, the Company's determination that it will not incur a material amount of Canadian income tax at the effective time of the Nevada Domestication, as well as a number of other conditions as set out in the Company's proxy statement dated June 22, 2023 and filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov and on the Company's issuer profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

2023 Equity Incentive Plan

98.48% of the votes cast were voted in favor of passing an ordinary resolution to approve and adopt the Planet 13 Holdings Inc. 2023 Equity Incentive Plan (the "2023 Equity Incentive Plan"). The 2023 Equity Incentive Plan is expected to become effective upon the completion of the Nevada Domestication.

For more information on Planet 13, visit the investor website (www.planet13holdings.com/investors).

About Planet 13

Planet 13 (www.planet13holdings.com) is a vertically integrated cannabis company, with award-winning cultivation, production and dispensary operations in Las Vegas and in Orange County, California. Planet 13 also holds a medical marijuana treatment center license in Florida and a conditional Social-Equity Justice Involved dispensing license in the Chicago region of Illinois. Planet 13's mission is to build a recognizable global brand known for world-class dispensary operations and a creator of innovative cannabis products. Planet 13's shares trade on the Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) under the symbol PLTH and are quoted on the OTCQX under the symbol PLNHF.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian and U.S. securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and are forward-looking statements. In this news release, forward-looking statements relate to the anticipated timing and receipt of the final order with respect to the Nevada Domestication, the timing and completion of the Nevada Domestication and the anticipated effective date of the 2023 Equity Incentive Plan.

Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management of the Company believes, or believed at the time, to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure shareholders that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking statements, as there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Such factors and assumptions, among other things, include: receipt of a final order of the British Columbia Supreme Court with respect to the Nevada Domestication; receipt of authorization from the British Columbia registrar to continue out of British Columbia; fluctuations in securities markets and the trading price of the Company's shares; tax considerations, including the anticipated tax consequences resulting from the Nevada Domestication; and unforeseen changes in laws and regulations applicable to the Company and other risks and uncertainties discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov and on the Company's issuer profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and in the Company's periodic reports subsequently filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and on SEDAR. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release. The Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by law.

The Company is indirectly involved in the manufacture, possession, use, sale and distribution of cannabis in the recreational and medicinal cannabis marketplace in the United States through licensed subsidiary entities in states that have legalized marijuana operations, however, these activities are currently illegal under United States federal law.

No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein.

For further inquiries, please contact:

LodeRock Advisors Inc., Planet 13 Investor Relations

mark.kuindersma@loderockadvisors.com

Robert Groesbeck or Larry Scheffler

Co-Chief Executive Officers

ir@planet13lasvegas.com

SOURCE: Planet 13 Holdings

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/770786/Planet-13-Announces-Results-of-Annual-General-and-Special-Meeting
Freedom Library conceived by Reginald Dwayne Betts, former prisoner-turned-acclaimed-poet, opens at DYS' Edward J. Loughran Memorial Library in Dorchester, Massachusetts

NEW HAVEN, CT / ACCESSWIRE / July 28, 2023 / Today, the national nonprofit Freedom Reads opened a Freedom Library within the Massachusetts Department of Youth Services' (DYS) Metropolitan Boston Youth Service Center. This Freedom Library, the first to be opened in a Massachusetts youth facility, is part of an ongoing partnership between Freedom Reads and DYS. Freedom Libraries have previously opened in adult facilities across Massachusetts, including at MCI-Norfolk, Old Colony Correctional Center, MCI-Concord, and MCI Pondville.

The brainchild of 2021 MacArthur Fellow and Yale Law School graduate Reginald Dwayne Betts, who was sentenced to nine years in prison at age 16, the Freedom Libraries seek to create a space to encourage community and where reaching for a book can be as spontaneous as human curiosity. Each bookshelf is handcrafted out of maple, walnut or cherry and is curved to contrast straight lines and bars of prisons as well as to evoke Martin Luther King Jr.'s line about the "arc of the universe" bending "toward justice."

Betts' nonprofit is a first-of-its-kind organization that empowers people through literature to imagine new possibilities for their lives. Books in the Freedom Library have been carefully curated through consultations with hundreds of poets, novelists, philosophers, teachers, friends, and voracious readers, resulting in a collection of books that are not only beloved but indispensable. The libraries include contemporary poets, novelists, and essayists alongside classic works from Homer's The Odyssey to the Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, titles that remind us the book has long been a freedom project.

"Our very first Freedom Library was opened in a Massachusetts facility. With the opening of this Freedom Library at the Metropolitan Boston Youth Service Center, we hope to continue to create community spaces where young readers can find beauty and imagine new possibilities for their lives," said Reginald Dwayne Betts, Founder and CEO of Freedom Reads. "We are grateful that the Massachusetts Department of Youth Services continues to share our goal of creating opportunities for daily engagement with literature inside their facilities and a space for books, inquiry, imagination, and community."

"We are thrilled to partner with Reginald Dwayne Betts and Freedom Reads on this important initiative," said DYS Commissioner Cecely Reardon. "The addition of a Freedom Library to the Edward J. Loughran Memorial Library provides our young people with an invaluable opportunity to explore a variety of literary genres and discover texts that speak to their experiences. The Freedom Library is a fantastic complement to the Edward J. Loughran Memorial Library and builds on the legacy of Edward 'Ned' Loughran, who led the agency during a critical period of development and whose vision is still evident in our programming."

About Freedom Reads:

Founded by Reginald Dwayne Betts, who knows firsthand the dispiriting forces of prison, Freedom Reads works to empower people through literature to confront what prison does to the spirit. Supported by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and inspired by the recognition that freedom begins with a book, Freedom Reads supports the efforts of people in prison to transform their lives through increased access to books and writers. For more information about Freedom Reads and the Freedom Libraries project, please visit https://freedomreads.org/.

About Massachusetts Department of Youth Services:

For more information on the Department of Youth Services please go to www.mass.gov/DYS.

Contact Information:

Megan Stencel

Account Executive

megan@javelindc.com

7034908845

Kathryn Laverriere

Department of Youth Services

kathryn.a.laverriere@mass.gov

SOURCE: Freedom Reads

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/770751/Freedom-Reads-Partners-With-the-Massachusetts-Department-of-Youth-Services-DYS-to-Empower-Youth-Through-Literature
Seven drill holes completed to date, with silver mineralization observed in all holes (HER-23-01 to HER-23-07), and assays currently pending;

Oriented core drilling demonstrates a potential northwest-southeast control to higher-grade silver mineralization within Frogpond, suggesting the potential to extend mineralization between historical zones;

First deep hole completed into the western margin of a large chargeability anomaly announced last year, drill hole HER-23-05, intersected alteration and veining consistent with the outer margins of a potential porphyry copper system;

Due to the new style of alteration intersected, HER-23-05 was drilled beyond its original planned depth, to a total of 435 meters;

A second deep hole is currently in progress, HER-23-08, collared approximately 185 meters northeast of HER-23-05, to further investigate the potential of the chargeability anomaly;

The chargeability anomaly spans approximately 1.8 kilometers north-south and remains open to the east, where widespread copper mineralization and porphyry style alteration has been noted on surface;

The Company has elected to add a second drill rig to the Property to allow testing of both near surface silver mineralization as well as potential additional mineralization at depth;

Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - July 28, 2023) - Hercules Silver Corp. (TSXV: BIG) (OTCQB: BADEF) (FSE: 8Q7) ("Hercules Silver" or the "Company") is pleased to report on progress from its Phase II drill program at the Hercules Property in western Idaho ("Hercules" or the "Property"). Drill holes HER-23-01 to HER-23-07 have been completed within the Frogpond Zone, intersecting varying oxidized and dark grey to black silver-bearing sulfide mineralization within the Hercules Rhyolite host unit. Mineralized veins within the Frogpond Zone show a northwest-southeast trend, as determined from measurements of oriented drill core. Further drilling along this trend is planned, following the receipt of assays from current drill holes.

Drill hole HER-23-05 intersected strong silver-bearing mineralization in the near surface and was continued to depth to test the western limit of a large chargeability anomaly. The anomaly was uncovered by a 3D IP survey carried out over the silver-bearing Hercules Rhyolite host unit at surface on the west side of the Property. The survey however returned a large chargeability anomaly below the limit of historical drilling and the interpreted base of the Hercules Rhyolite. The cause of such a large anomaly at depth was unknown at the time, however HER-23-05 intersected phyllic alteration, veining, and mineralization, consistent with the outer margins of a porphyry copper system, beginning at the top of the chargeability anomaly. It was therefore elected to continue drilling beyond HER-23-05's planned depth. Phyllic alteration is dominated by pyrite and lesser chalcopyrite, but typically occurs around a higher-grade core of potassic alteration with stronger chalcopyrite mineralization. The chargeability anomaly increases in thickness towards the east where it currently remains open toward stronger copper mineralization at surface. A second drill rig has been added and a second deep drill hole is currently in progress, collared 185 meters to the northeast of HER-23-05. Figure 1 below shows the location of HER-23-05 relative to the anomalous chargeability and copper values at surface. The chargeability anomaly remains open to the east and the Company is currently planning a potential expansion of the survey up to 2 kilometers east.





Figure 1: HER-23-05 drill trace relative to widespread copper mineralization at surface and a 250m depth slice through the chargeability anomaly which remains open to the east with further surveying planned



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9425/175193_6542ec92841b0b8e_002full.jpg

Management Commentary

Chris Paul, CEO and Director of the Company, noted: "We're pleased with how our Phase II drill program is progressing and excited to have a second rig now on site. The silver mineralization we've intersected throughout the Frogpond Zone has provided us with excellent structural information and indications of a potential extension of the zone. We look forward to further extending our drilling within the near surface silver environment as well as further testing of the exciting new chargeability anomaly at depth."

Silver Mineralization

Oriented structural measurements of dark grey sulfide veining indicate a northwest-southeast trend to the silver mineralization. Figure 2 illustrates a potential corridor of higher silver grades within the Frogpond Zone that may extend northwest to the Hercules Adit Zone and southeast to the Haystack Zone. Large gaps in the historical drilling remain untested between the zones. The historical drilling was designed for resource definition (shallow vertical holes in a grid pattern), and little attention was paid to the controls on mineralization. The 2023 drill program is utilizing rigs capable of oriented core, allowing for a better understanding of the structural controls that will potentially extend the zones along strike and at depth. Assays are currently pending for HER-23-01 to HER-23-07, the results of which will further optimize the next round of step-out targets.

Table 1: Phase II Completed Drill Holes

Zone Hole ID Easting Northing Azimuth Dip Hole Length (m) FROGPOND HER-23-01 511432 4956616 210 -76.7 148.71 HER-23-02 511342 4956557 30 -44.9 83.48 HER-23-03 511341 4956558 42 -57.3 139.32 HER-23-04 511289 4956584 30 -70.4 71.93 HER-23-05 511231 4956639 70 -70.1 435.32 HER-23-06 511265 4956663 30 -60 60 HER-23-07 511256 4956646 31 -60.3 108.51





Figure 2: Surface projection of drill traces HER-23-01 to HER-23-07 in the Frogpond Zone, with drill traces coloured blue for near-surface silver targets and orange for the underlying chargeability target in HER-23-05. The interpreted northwest-southeast corridor of higher-grade silver is shown in dashed blue lines, near surface chargeability overlain in transparent.



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9425/175193_6542ec92841b0b8e_003full.jpg

Second Drill Added

Based on a pattern of alteration observed at depth, the Company has made the decision to add a second drill rig to allow further testing of the large chargeability anomaly at depth. The first drill rig will continue to investigate the large chargeability anomaly with significant step outs of several hundred meters to the east and south, while the second drill rig will remain focused on the primary silver targets in the near surface environment. The next deep drill hole in sequence (HER-23-08) is utilizing an existing drill pad approximately 185 meters to the northeast of HER-23-05 and is favorably oriented to intersect a vein orientation measured in the deeper parts of HER-23-05 (Figure 3).





Figure 3: Surface projection of drill traces HER-23-01 to HER-23-07 in the Frogpond Zone with drill traces coloured blue for near-surface silver targets and orange for the underlying chargeability target in HER-23-05. The interpreted northwest-southeast corridor of higher-grade silver is shown in dashed blue lines, with the orange dashed lines representing the outline of the chargeability anomaly at depth, shown in transparent pink.



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9425/175193_6542ec92841b0b8e_004full.jpg

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved for disclosure by Christopher Longton BS, CPG, Hercules' Vice President, Exploration. Mr. Longton is a "Qualified Person" for Hercules Silver within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101").

About Hercules Silver Corp.

Hercules Silver Corp. is a junior mining company focused on the exploration and development of the 100% owned Hercules Silver Project, northwest of Cambridge, Idaho.

The Hercules project is a disseminated silver-lead-zinc system with 28,000 meters of historical drilling across 3.5 kilometers of strike. The Company is well positioned for growth through the drill bit in 2023, having completed extensive surface exploration in 2022 consisting of soil & rock sampling, geological mapping, IP geophysics, and a 9-hole drill program.

The Company's management team brings significant exploration experience through the discovery and development of numerous precious metals projects worldwide.

For further information please contact:

Chris Paul

CEO & Director

Telephone +1 (604) 449-6819

Email: cpaul@herculessilver.com

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States. Any securities referred to herein have not and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws of an exemption from such registration is available.

Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains certain information that may be deemed "forward-looking information" with respect to the Company within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Such forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements, or developments in the industry to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Forward-looking information includes statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "projects," "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will," "would," "may," "could" or "should" occur.

Although the Company believes the forward-looking information contained in this news release is reasonable based on information available on the date hereof, by its nature, forward-looking information involves assumptions and known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information.

Examples of such assumptions, risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, assumptions, risks and uncertainties associated with general economic conditions; the Covid-19 pandemic; adverse industry events; the receipt of required regulatory approvals and the timing of such approvals; that the Company maintains good relationships with the communities in which it operates or proposes to operate, future legislative and regulatory developments in the mining sector; the Company's ability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources, and/or inability to access sufficient capital on favorable terms; mining industry and markets in Canada and generally; the ability of the Company to implement its business strategies; competition; the risk that any of the assumptions prove not to be valid or reliable, which could result in delays, or cessation in planned work, risks associated with the interpretation of data, the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits, the possibility that results will not be consistent with the Company's expectations, as well as other assumptions risks and uncertainties applicable to mineral exploration and development activities and to the Company, including as set forth in the Company's public disclosure documents filed on the SEDAR website at www.sedarplus.ca.

THE FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PRESS RELEASE REPRESENTS THE EXPECTATIONS OF HERCULES SILVER AS OF THE DATE OF THIS PRESS RELEASE AND, ACCORDINGLY, IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AFTER SUCH DATE. READERS SHOULD NOT PLACE UNDUE IMPORTANCE ON FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION AND SHOULD NOT RELY UPON THIS INFORMATION AS OF ANY OTHER DATE. WHILE HERCULES SILVER 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 Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/175193
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 28, 2023) - CanAlaska Uranium Ltd. (TSXV: CVV) (OTCQX: CVVUF) (FSE: DH7N) ("CanAlaska" or the "Company") announces that it has extended the term of its corporate communications and marketing services agreement with Rayleigh Capital Ltd. ("Rayleigh Capital") from June 30, 2023 to December 31, 2024, subject to approval from the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV")(refer to the Company's news release of January 4, 2023). Either party is permitted to terminate the extended agreement upon providing the other party with 60 days' prior written notice of termination. Rayleigh Capital focuses on global investor relations for junior and small cap companies specializing at exposing companies to a wide audience of investment professionals.

Under the extended agreement, commencing July 1, 2023, the Company will pay $7,500 per month (plus GST) to Rayleigh Capital to provide liaison, coordination, corporate growth strategy, communications and other services to CanAlaska. The fee to be paid by the Company to Rayleigh Capital under the agreement is for services only. The Company and Rayleigh Capital act at arm's length. Rayleigh Capital has no present interest, directly or indirectly, in the Company or its securities, except that it has today been granted stock options to purchase up to 100,000 common shares of the Company pursuant to CanAlaska's omnibus equity incentive plan. These options are exercisable for a period of three years at a price of $0.30 per share. Pursuant to TSXV policies, these options will vest as to 25% on each of 3, 6, 9 and 12 months from their date of grant.

The Company also announces that it has granted incentive stock options to certain directors, officers, employees and consultants of the Company to purchase up to an aggregate of 2,405,000 common shares of the Company pursuant to CanAlaska's omnibus equity incentive plan, all of which options are fully vested. These options are exercisable for a period of three years at a price of $0.30 per share.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States of America. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933 (the "1933 Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons (as defined in the 1933 Act) unless registered under the 1933 Act and applicable state securities laws, or an exemption from such registration is available.

About CanAlaska Uranium

CanAlaska Uranium Ltd. (TSXV: CVV) (OTCQX: CVVUF) (FSE: DH7N) holds interests in approximately 350,000 hectares (865,000 acres), in Canada's Athabasca Basin - the "Saudi Arabia of Uranium." CanAlaska's strategic holdings have attracted major international mining companies. CanAlaska is currently working with Cameco and Denison at two of the Company's properties in the Eastern Athabasca Basin. CanAlaska is a project generator positioned for discovery success in the world's richest uranium district. The Company also holds properties prospective for nickel, copper, gold and diamonds. For further information visit www.canalaska.com.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

"Cory Belyk"

Cory Belyk, P.Geo., FGC

CEO, President and Director

CanAlaska Uranium Ltd.

Contacts:

Cory Belyk, CEO and President

Tel: +1.604.688.3211 x 138

Email: cbelyk@canalaska.com



General Enquiry

Tel: +1.604.688.3211

Email: info@canalaska.com

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-looking information

All statements included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that the Company expects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve numerous assumptions made by the Company based on its experience, perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors it believes are appropriate in the circumstances. In addition, these statements involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties that contribute to the possibility that the predictions, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking statements will prove inaccurate, certain of which are beyond the Company's control. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, the Company does not intend to revise or update these forward-looking statements after the date hereof or revise them to reflect the occurrence of future unanticipated events.

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/175191
EASTON, PA / ACCESSWIRE / July 28, 2023 / Paragon Technologies (OTC:PGNT), which owns approximately 4.0% of the outstanding shares of Ocean Power Technologies, Inc. (NYSE American:OPTT), has filed a complaint in the Delaware Court of Chancery to enforce its rights, pursuant to Section 220 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, to inspect the books and records of OPTT (the "Inspection Complaint").

On July 17, 2023, Paragon sent a demand letter (the "Inspection Demand") to OPTT requesting to inspect the Company's books and records for the purpose of investigating apparent wrongdoing and/or mismanagement by OPTT's Board of Directors (the "OPTT Board") and/or members of management, inquiring into the independence of the members of the OPTT Board, assessing possible breaches of fiduciary duty by the Company's directors and officers, and communicating with other OPTT stockholders regarding matters relating to their interests as stockholders.

Paragon believes that its Inspection Demand states a proper purpose and complies with the requirements of Delaware law. Nevertheless, OPTT has adamantly refused to produce any of the books and records requested by Paragon. OPTT's actions lead us to believe that it must be hiding something that it does not want its stockholders to see.

The Inspection Complaint alleges multiple bases to infer that mismanagement and/or wrongdoing has occurred, justifying the Inspection Demand. Specifically, the Inspection Complaint alleges, among other things:

In its filings, OPTT admits that, "[s]ince [its] inception, the cash flow from customer revenues have not been sufficient to fund [its] operations and provide the capital resources for [its] business."

OPTT further admits that it "ha[s] incurred net losses since [it] began operations in 1994."

OPTT has never been able to successfully commercialize any of its products or services, despite repeatedly issuing Form 10-Ks touting the enormous market size and opportunity for OPTT's solutions.

In 2021, the Company acquired Marine Advanced Robotics, Inc., but, as OPTT admits in its filings, it has "not achieved profitability of this product line" and does not know whether it will ever be able to do so.

Under the current Board and management, OPTT's financial decline has only accelerated, and the Board and management appear to have no viable strategy to successfully commercialize OPTT's products, generate revenues, and put OPTT on a path to profitability.

According to OPTT's July 12, 2023 earnings report, the net cash used in operating activities for fiscal year 2023 was approximately $21.7 million, which was similar to the $21.3 million spent in fiscal year 2022. On the earnings call on July 13, 2023, OPTT CFO Robert Powers stated that OPTT "expect[s] [its] OpEx to be materially in line with [its] level of OpEx for fiscal 2023."

OPTT reported that, as of April 30, 2023, it had combined cash, unrestricted cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments totaling $34.7 million.

At OPTT's current burn rate, we believe it will run out of cash in a little over one year or require additional capital that will likely be secured on terms that are very punitive for existing shareholders.

Notwithstanding what we believe to be a disastrous financial record, the Board has been approving, and the directors and named executive officers have been receiving, compensation that significantly exceeds the total revenue of the Company, and that Paragon believes is wasteful and unfair to OPTT and its stockholders.

Considering the above facts, Paragon, as a large (and likely the largest) shareholder of OPTT, believes its demand to inspect the books and records of OPTT is justified and substantiated. Unfortunately, OPTT has denied our request and instead decided that the Company's assets are better served fighting to hide the requested documents.

____________

Paragon Technologies, Inc. intends to make a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") of a proxy statement to be used to solicit votes for the election of director nominees at the 2023 annual meeting of shareholders of Ocean Power Technologies, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "company").

Paragon Technologies, Inc. is the beneficial owner of 2,229,443 shares of common stock of the company, par value $0.001 per share ("Common Stock").

Paragon Technologies, Inc., and Paragon's director nominees will be the participants in the proxy solicitation. Updated information regarding the participants and their direct and indirect interests in the solicitation, by security holdings or otherwise, will be included in Paragon's proxy statement and other materials filed with the SEC. SHAREHOLDERS OF THE COMPANY SHOULD READ THE PROXY STATEMENT AND OTHER PROXY MATERIALS CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY AS THEY BECOME AVAILABLE AS THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION RELATING TO THE COMPANY'S ANNUAL MEETING, PARAGON'S SOLICITATION OF PROXIES AND PARAGON'S NOMINEES TO THE BOARD. SUCH PROXY MATERIALS WILL BE AVAILABLE AT NO CHARGE ON THE SEC'S WEB SITE AT WWW.SEC.GOV OR FROM PARAGON TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

Please email us at ir@pgntgroup.com if you would like to learn more.

SOURCE: Paragon Technologies Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/770871/Paragon-Technologies-New-Release
ROSEMONT, IL / ACCESSWIRE / July 28, 2023 / The ASSEMBLY Show and ASSEMBLY Magazine will feature leading subject matter experts focused on manufacturing software, press and forming equipment and the Toyota Production System in a free webinar series leading up to the October event. The free webinars, taking place Wednesday, August 16; Thursday, September 7; and Tuesday, October 3, are organized by The ASSEMBLY Show, the premier event connecting manufacturing suppliers, buyers and users of assembly equipment in a forum exclusive to assembly technology, equipment and products. The ASSEMBLY Show will take place on October 24-26, 2023, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL. For more information, visit theassemblyshow.com.

"This free webinar series is a great opportunity to learn about important trends impacting the assembly industry. This webinar series is just a preview of the various speakers, topics and new information our attendees will find on-site at The ASSEMBLY Show," said Bill DeYoe, Publisher, ASSEMBLY Magazine. "We thank our webinar sponsors Coval, Schmidt, Starline, Weiss and Zimmer Group as well as all of our presenters who will provide in-depth discussions." Below is additional information and registration links for the three webinars.

Manufacturing Software Panel Discussion - Four leading software suppliers Floyd Dickson, Ujigami; Dan McKiernan, Epicor Software Corp.; Kyle O'Reilly, VKS; and Jason Spera, Aegis Software, will discuss the digital transformation of assembly lines. The panelists will address how software can error-proof production; what data to collect, how to collect it, how to analyze it, and how to protect it; tips and advice for implementing and applying different types of software in an operation; how software can prevent downtime; and how to connect machines and tools to an enterprise network. This webinar will take place Wednesday, August 16, 2023, at 1:00 pm CT. To register for free, click here.

Four leading software suppliers Floyd Dickson, Ujigami; Dan McKiernan, Epicor Software Corp.; Kyle O'Reilly, VKS; and Jason Spera, Aegis Software, will discuss the digital transformation of assembly lines. The panelists will address how software can error-proof production; what data to collect, how to collect it, how to analyze it, and how to protect it; tips and advice for implementing and applying different types of software in an operation; how software can prevent downtime; and how to connect machines and tools to an enterprise network. This webinar will take place Wednesday, August 16, 2023, at 1:00 pm CT. To register for free, click here. Presses and Forming Equipment Panel Discussion - Panelists Anthony Gianettino, BalTec Corp., John Lytle, Promess Inc.; Jake Sponsler, Orbitform; and David Zabrosky, Schmidt Technology Corp will discuss the advantages and limitations of manual, pneumatic and servo-driven presses. They will also provide tips and advice for designing parts for press-fit assembly, designing parts for riveting, the difference between orbital and radial forming, and how to uses sensors to monitor, control and error-proof the pressing and forming process. This webinar will take place Thursday, September 7, 2023, at 1:00 pm CT. To register, click here.

- Panelists Anthony Gianettino, BalTec Corp., John Lytle, Promess Inc.; Jake Sponsler, Orbitform; and David Zabrosky, Schmidt Technology Corp will discuss the advantages and limitations of manual, pneumatic and servo-driven presses. They will also provide tips and advice for designing parts for press-fit assembly, designing parts for riveting, the difference between orbital and radial forming, and how to uses sensors to monitor, control and error-proof the pressing and forming process. This webinar will take place Thursday, September 7, 2023, at 1:00 pm CT. To register, click here. The Toyota Production System: A Fresh Look - Management consultant and author Olivier Larue, Partner, President & CEO Ydatum Operations Management Engineering Inc. will discuss the Toyota Production System (TPS), which offers technical and managerial innovations that eliminate many of the financial, socio-economic and environmental contradictions inherent in business. Financially, the TPS creates congruency between a company's income statement and its cash flow statement by pursuing total efficiency over individual efficiency. Economically, the TPS lessens conflicts between economic growth and environmental stewardship by eliminating overburden, unevenness and waste. Sociologically, the TPS reconciles the creative nature of people with the mundane requirements of modern industrial work by re-introducing craftsmanship into industrial operation. This webinar will take place on Tuesday, October 3, 2023, at 1:00 pm CT. To register, click here.

The webinars are a prelude to the education that will be offered on-site during The ASSEMBLY Show taking place October 24-26,2024 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL. The event will kick off on Tuesday, October 24 with a full day conference featuring how-to lessons, case studies, information on new technologies and actionable solutions that can be implemented in the workplace now. The three tracks of education will provide in-depth content from subject matter experts on such topics as Lean Manufacturing, Workforce Development, Industry 4.0, and much more.

On Wednesday, October 25th, the keynote presentation on Leveraging Machine Data and Business Intelligence to Position Your People for Future Success will be presented by Roger Koenigsknecht, Vice President of North American Connection Systems, Lear Corp. who will examine how drilling down to collect and share unbiased data can position manufacturing companies and their workers for future success. When the exhibit hall opens there will be two Learning Theaters featuring content provided by leading vendors including Inificon, Epson, Cox 2M, PICO MES, Mountz, Starline, Acerta, Laco Technologies, LightGuide, Kelly, Sycamore, and SMTA. The full conference program can be found at https://www.assemblymag.com/the-assembly-show/agenda.

For the 11th year, The ASSEMBLY Show will feature an expansive trade show floor featuring Gold Sponsor Promess; Silver Sponsors ASG, Division of Jergens, Canvas Envision, and SCHUNK; Bronze Sponsors Automation & Modular Components, Schmidt Technology and Ujigami. For information on exhibiting, visit https://www.assemblymag.com/the-assembly-show/become-exhibitor.

Manufacturing executives and buyers can register now for a free exhibit hall-only pass to see the newest equipment, technology, and solutions. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, Thursday, October 26 is The ASSEMBLY Show's official "Pink Out Day" to support cancer fighters, admire survivors, honor those lost, and never give up hope to find a cure. To register for the event and make a donation,click here.

The ASSEMBLY Show is sponsored by ASSEMBLY (www.assemblymag.com) the leading brand covering the processes, technologies, and strategies for assembling discrete parts into finished products. ASSEMBLY offers an integrated portfolio of products including the industry's leading trade show. The trade show and conference are produced by BNP Media, one of the country's leading business-to-business media companies serving industry professionals across 60+ industries through magazines, custom media, e-newsletters, webinars, events, and market research. For more information, visit www.bnpmedia.com.

# # #

For further information, contact:

Amy Riemer, Media Relations

978-475-4441(office) or 978-502-4895 (cell)

amy@riemercommunications.com

SOURCE: The ASSEMBLY Show

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/770780/Manufacturing-Software-Pressing-and-Forming-Equipment-and-The-Toyota-Production-System-to-Be-Topics-of-Three-Pre-Event-Webinars-Leading-Up-to-The-Assembly-Show
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 28, 2023) - Dynasty Gold Corp. (TSXV: DYG) (FSE: D5G1) (OTC Pink: DGDCF) ("Dynasty" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the phase 1, 2023 drill campaign has completed ten holes at the East Pelham Zone.

Ten drill holes, totaling approximately 2,000 metres, have been completed at the East Pelham Zone. Four holes were drilled into the area around drill holes DP22-02, DP22-03 and DP22-04 to get a better understanding of the controls on the high-grade gold mineralization. Three holes were step-outs to test for extensions of the gold mineralization, and three holes were placed in the central part of the Pelham Zone. The locations for these ten holes were selected using a combination of geophysical data as well as results from the 2022 holes. As gold is associated with sulphide mineralization, it appears to be correlated with IP chargeability anomalies. Assays are pending and will be reported when received.

Ivy Chong, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company states, "We are delighted with the progress made in the Summer 2023 drill program. We used a new drilling contractor that was able to complete holes to target depths rapidly. Our geological team designed a series of holes to expand on the success of the Fall 2022 program with a combination of holes to better understand the controls on the high-grade gold mineralization, as well as to step out along the geophysical anomaly associated with the East Pelham Zone. Thirteen drill holes are planned for the East and Central Pelham Zone to be followed by moving to the West Pelham Zone. There has been minimal drilling in the West Pelham Zone where the 3D modeling of geophysical data suggests that the anomaly at the East Pelham Zone continues to the West Pelham Zone".

Currently, two geological teams are on the ground. The teams include geologists with decades of experience working in similar geological environments. As in the past year, the Company has rented a facility for the exploration camp that is owned and operated by the Wabigoon First Nation. This same community has provided support for the drill campaign for this year as well as last year. The program is expected to run all summer and into the fall. The Company anticipates drilling up to 5,000 metres with additional drilling of up to 5,000 metres, if results warrant.

The technical information in this release has been reviewed by Peter Holbek, P.Geo, M.Sc., an independent consultant and a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101.

About Dynasty Gold Corp.

Dynasty Gold Corp. is a Canadian exploration company currently focused on gold exploration in North America with projects located in the Manitou-Stormy Lake greenstone belt in Ontario and in the Midas gold camp in Nevada. The Company is currently advancing its Thundercloud gold resource in northwest Ontario. A NI 43-101 Independent Technical Report, September 27, 2021 can also be found on the Company and SEDAR websites. The 100% owned Golden Repeat gold project in the Midas gold camp in Elko County, Nevada, is surrounded by a number of large-scale operating mines. For more information, please visit the Company's website www.dynastygoldcorp.com.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DYNASTY GOLD CORP.

"Ivy Chong"

_________________________________

Ivy Chong, President & CEO





For additional information please contact:

Vancouver Office:

Ivy Chong

Phone: 604.633.2100. Email: ichong@dynastygoldcorp.com

This press release contains certain "forward-looking statements" that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The TSX Venture Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/175235
CHICAGO, July 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- MarketsandMarkets has released 360 Quadrant for Top 16 Paints and Coatings Companies, Worldwide 2023 to help businesses make quicker and more informed decisions. Companies' market presence and product footprint are used to build quadrants, which will be revised annually.

The Paints and Coatings market is projected to grow from USD 190.1 billion in 2022 to USD 223.6 billion by 2027, at a CAGR of 3.3%. The paints and Coatings industry is categorized into two end-use industry types Decorative (Architectural) and Industrial Paints and Coatings. Almost 40% of the market is made up of the decorative paint category, which also includes ancillary items like primers and putties. This category comprises several subcategories, including exterior wall paints, interior wall paints, wood finishes, and enamels. The remaining 60% of the paint industry is made up of the Industrial paint category which spans a wide range of industries like automotive, marine, packaging, powder, protection, and other general industrial coatings.

Since the coatings sector is one of the most strictly regulated in the world, manufacturers have been compelled to use low-solvent and solventless technology. There are many manufacturers of coatings, but the majority are small regional manufacturers, with only ten or so large multinationals. However, most of the huge multinationals have expanded their operations in rapidly developing nations like India and mainland China. Consolidation has been the most notable trend, particularly among the biggest manufacturers.

Access Research Report @ https://www.360quadrants.com/chemicals/paints-and-coatings

Unveiling the Market Leaders: Honoring Excellence in Paints and Coatings Markets

Sherwin-Williams was identified as the market leader in the quadrant, accounting for the largest share in the paints and coatings market. The company has solidified its presence in the paints and coatings market through a combination of diversified products, strong brand identity, technological innovations, and a vast distribution network.

was identified as the market leader in the quadrant, accounting for the largest share in the paints and coatings market. The company has solidified its presence in the paints and coatings market through a combination of diversified products, strong brand identity, technological innovations, and a vast distribution network. PPG Industries, Inc.'s formidable presence in the paints and coatings market is evident from its significant market share. The company has solidified its position as a dynamic force in the paints and coatings market through innovation, a diverse product portfolio, a worldwide presence, and a strong focus on sustainability. PPG has also established a strong foothold in multiple regions around the world. The company's recent powder coating acquisitions added manufacturing capacity to its fast-growing product category.

formidable presence in the paints and coatings market is evident from its significant market share. The company has solidified its position as a dynamic force in the paints and coatings market through innovation, a diverse product portfolio, a worldwide presence, and a strong focus on sustainability. PPG has also established a strong foothold in multiple regions around the world. The company's recent powder coating acquisitions added manufacturing capacity to its fast-growing product category. AkzoNobel N.V. registered a strong position in the paints and coatings market. Along with its diverse portfolio of brands, the company also has captured leading positions in both large and emerging markets, which thereby positions it as one of the leading companies in the paints and coatings market.

registered a strong position in the paints and coatings market. Along with its diverse portfolio of brands, the company also has captured leading positions in both large and emerging markets, which thereby positions it as one of the leading companies in the paints and coatings market. Nippon Paint Holdings Co., Ltd is a diversified coatings company. It is active in the manufacture and sale of paints & coatings for automobiles, construction, architecture, steel structures, ships, metal industries, electrical equipment, machinery, roadways, and household use.

is a diversified coatings company. It is active in the manufacture and sale of paints & coatings for automobiles, construction, architecture, steel structures, ships, metal industries, electrical equipment, machinery, roadways, and household use. RPM International, Inc. is an American multinational company with subsidiaries that manufacture high-performance specialty coatings, sealants, and building materials. The product portfolio includes API, Carboline, CAVE, DAP, Day-Glo, Dri-Eaz, Drwit, Euclid, EUCO, Fibergrate, Flecto, Flowcrete, Grupo PV, Hummervoll, Illbruck, Mohawk, Rust-Oleum, Stonhard, TCI, Toxement, Tremco, Tuf-Strand, Universal Sealants, Viapol, Watco, and Zinsser.

Categorization of Paints and Coatings Companies On 360 Quadrants

Paints and Coatings companies' evaluation was conducted for 200-300 companies, of which the top 16 were categorized and placed in the quadrant under Market Leaders, Contenders, Innovators, and Emerging Companies.

All the companies in the market leader segment demonstrated strong offerings and the ability to influence the market's direction with their deep expertise. These companies include AkzoNobel N.V., PPG Industries, Sherwin-Williams Company, Nippon Paints Holdings, and RPM International.

Kansai Paints and Jotun have been recognized as contenders in the paints and coatings quadrant. The contenders are companies with a strong market presence, excelling in specific niches. While not offering the full range of market leaders, they wield significant influence and impact. These companies focus on specific technologies and aim to establish leadership within their chosen segment.

In the quadrant, innovators are highly innovative companies with a strong product portfolio, but a smaller market presence compared to leaders. They push industry boundaries with forward-thinking approaches and have the potential to become major players despite lower corporate growth strategies. Asian Paints, BASF SE, Axalta Coating Systems, and Masco Corporation have been identified as the innovators in the quadrant.

The 360 Quadrants effectively evaluates emerging companies in the paints and coatings industry. They focus on specific areas and offer specialized knowledge, targeted support, flexible terms, and competitive prices. While they may have limited capabilities, they are preferred for specific use cases. These companies employ strategies to expand sales and reach a broader client base. This segment of the quadrant has identified Berger Paints, Hempel, Beckers Group, Tiger Coatings and SK Kaken as emerging companies.

Evaluation Criteria

The vendor evaluation was conducted on over 200-300 companies of which the top 16 were categorized and recognized as the quadrant leaders. Factors such as revenue, geographic presence, vendor's market share, and business strategies have been considered to evaluate the paints and coatings quadrant. The top criteria for company evaluation were technologies (waterborne, solvent-borne, and powder coating), Resin Type (acrylic, alkyd, epoxy, polyurethane, vinyl, and fluoropolymer), Product Industry Verticals (Building and construction, industrial, automotive, marine, machinery and equipment) and Product Features (Finishing, composition and drying process).

360 Quadrants Scoring Methodology

360 Quadrants employs a comprehensive and transparent scoring methodology to evaluate companies. It identifies relevant evaluation criteria, collects, and validates data from multiple sources, and employs an algorithm that considers parameter weights to generate scores. Normalization ensures fair comparisons, and the aggregated scores categorize solutions into quadrants such as Market Leaders, Contenders, Innovators, and Emerging Companies. This unbiased approach equips users with accurate information, empowering them to make well-informed decisions and select solutions that best suit their needs and objectives.

Request Your Free Marketing Kit @https://www.360quadrants.com/chemicals/paints-and-coatings

See Also: Top Lubricants Companies, Worldwide 2023

About MarketsandMarkets

MarketsandMarkets is a blue ocean alternative in growth consulting and program management, leveraging a man-machine offering to drive supernormal growth for progressive organizations in the B2B space. We have the widest lens on emerging technologies, making us proficient in co-creating supernormal growth for clients.

The B2B economy is witnessing the emergence of $25 trillion of new revenue streams that are substituting existing revenue streams in this decade alone. We work with clients on growth programs, helping them monetize this $25 trillion opportunity through our service lines - TAM Expansion, Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy to Execution, Market Share Gain, Account Enablement, and Thought Leadership Marketing.

Built on the 'GIVE Growth' principle, we work with several Forbes Global 2000 B2B companies - helping them stay relevant in a disruptive ecosystem. Our insights and strategies are molded by our industry experts, cutting-edge AI-powered Market Intelligence Cloud, and years of research. The KnowledgeStore (our Market Intelligence Cloud) integrates our research and facilitates analysis of interconnections through a set of applications, helping clients look at the entire ecosystem and understand the revenue shifts happening in their industry.

360 Quadrants will also be launching 100 quadrants in Chemicals and Materials, Packaging, Energy & Power, and Healthcare.

Visit https://www.360quadrants.com to access our interactive quadrants.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Mr. Agney Sugla



MarketsandMarkets INC.

630 Dundee Road, Suite 430

Northbrook, IL 60062

USA: +1-888-600-6441

Email: agney@marketsandmarkets.com

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2164712/Paint_and_Coatings_Quadrants.jpg

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1951202/MarketsandMarkets.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/top-16-paints-and-coatings-companies-worldwide-2023-marketsandmarkets-360-quadrant-revealed-301888142.html
CHICAGO, July 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The global AR and VR in education market was valued at USD 2.9 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 14.2 billion by 2028; it is expected to register a CAGR of 29.6% between 2023 and 2028 according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets. The rise in demand for AR and VR devices is attributed to Enhanced understanding through visualization, transforming corporate training through immersive augmented and virtual reality technologies, advancing education through ongoing innovation and expansion in AR & VR technology, the emergence of advancing personalized learning experiences, and real-world application and career readiness.

Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=203811025

Browse in-depth TOC on "Augmented and Virtual Reality in Education Market"

130 - Tables

60 - Figures

250 - Pages

Augmented and Virtual Reality in Education Market Report Scope:

Report Coverage Details Market Revenue in 2022 $2.9 billion Estimated Value by 2028 $14.2 billion Growth Rate Poised to grow at a CAGR of 29.6% Market Size Available for 2019-2028 Forecast Period 2022-2028 Forecast Units Value (USD Million/Billion) Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends Segments Covered By Offering Type, device type, deployment, application, end user and Region Geographies Covered North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of World Key Market Challenge Inadequate infrastructure and technical support Key Market Opportunities Immersive Collaboration and Communication Key Market Drivers Enhanced understanding through visualization



By offering type: software segment to account larger market share in the forecasted year.

The software segment accounted for the larger market share in 2028. The growth of software AR and VR in education is supported by technological advancements and cost reductions. As technology advances, it becomes more accessible and affordable, allowing educational institutions to integrate AR and VR solutions into their curricula. The availability of user-friendly software tools and platforms also reduces the barriers to entry for educators and encourages the development of AR and VR content. Also, the increasing adoption and integration of AR and VR technologies into educational settings, transforming traditional learning methods and enhancing the overall educational experience.

By deployment: cloud to account for a larger market share in the forecasted year.

The cloud deployment accounted for the larger market share in 2028. The growth of the cloud deployment segment in AR and VR for education is driven by factors such as scalability and flexibility, reduced infrastructure costs, accessibility and anytime, anywhere learning, collaboration and content sharing, centralized management and updates, enhanced security, and data privacy, integration with learning management systems, and continuous innovation and updates.

By device type: projectors & displays device type to account for a larger market share in the forecasted year.

The projectors & displays accounted for the larger market share in 2028. The advancements in display technology have greatly contributed to the growth of projectors and display devices in AR and VR. High-resolution displays, improved color reproduction, and faster refresh rates have enhanced the visual quality of AR and VR content, creating more realistic and immersive experiences. This has increased the demand for high-quality projectors and display devices capable of delivering these enhanced visuals.

Inquiry Before Buying: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_BuyingNew.asp?id=203811025

North America is expected to hold the largest share of the AR and VR in the education market during the forecast period.

North America held the largest share of the AR and VR in education industry in 2028. The education industry always seeks growth in North America, due to the presence of many prominent educational institutions and the quality education provided by them. Technological advancements have led to the rise in the adoption of smart education and technologically advanced classrooms in educational and corporate setups, which help to create a learning environment that is focused on an individual's or organization's learning needs. The US and Canada are the top contributing countries to the virtual classroom market in this region. These countries have established economies, which empower them to strongly invest in R&D activities. Moreover, the startup culture in North America is growing rapidly in comparison to the other regions. The rapid digitalization across industry verticals, the increasing adoption of smart connected devices, and the rising technological advancements have further fueled the growth of the education sector in this region.

The key players in the AR and VR in education companies are Sony Group Corporation (Japan), HTC Corporation (Taiwan), Meta (US), Google (US), Microsoft (US), Panasonic Holdings Corporation (Japan), Vuzix (US), Cornerstone OnDemand, Inc. (US), Anthology Inc. (US), Lenovo (Hong Kong).

Get 10% Free Customization on this Report: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestCustomizationNew.asp?id=203811025

Browse Adjacent Market: Semiconductor and Electronics Market Research Reports &Consulting

Related Reports:

Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality Market by Technology Type (AR: Markerless, Marker-base; VR: Non-Immersive, Semi-immersive and Fully Immersive Technology), Device Type, Offering, Application, Enterprise, and Geography - Global Forecast to 2027

Interactive Projector Market by Technology (DLP, LCD), Projection Distance (Ultra short throw, short throw, and standard throw), Dimension (2D, and 3D), Application (Education, Corporate, and Government), Resolution, and Region - Global Forecast to 2022

AR and VR Display Market by Device Type (AR HMDs, VR HMDs, AR HUDs, VR Projectors), Technology, Display Technology (LCD, OLED, Micro-LED), Application (Consumer, Commercial, Enterprise, Healthcare, Aerospace & Defense) & Region - Global Forecast to 2028

Augmented and Virtual Reality in Healthcare Market by Offering (Hardware and Software), Device Type, End User, Application (Patient Care Management, Medical Training & Education, Pharmacy Management, Surgery), and Geography - Global Forecast to 2023

Human Augmentation Market by Product Type (Wearable Devices, Virtual Reality Devices, Augmented Reality Devices, Exoskeletons, Intelligent Virtual Assistants), Functionality, Application, & Geography (2021-2026)

About MarketsandMarkets

MarketsandMarkets is a blue ocean alternative in growth consulting and program management, leveraging a man-machine offering to drive supernormal growth for progressive organizations in the B2B space. We have the widest lens on emerging technologies, making us proficient in co-creating supernormal growth for clients.

The B2B economy is witnessing the emergence of $25 trillion of new revenue streams that are substituting existing revenue streams in this decade alone. We work with clients on growth programs, helping them monetize this $25 trillion opportunity through our service lines - TAM Expansion, Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy to Execution, Market Share Gain, Account Enablement, and Thought Leadership Marketing.

Built on the 'GIVE Growth' principle, we work with several Forbes Global 2000 B2B companies - helping them stay relevant in a disruptive ecosystem. Our insights and strategies are molded by our industry experts, cutting-edge AI-powered Market Intelligence Cloud, and years of research. The KnowledgeStore (our Market Intelligence Cloud) integrates our research, facilitates an analysis of interconnections through a set of applications, helping clients look at the entire ecosystem and understand the revenue shifts happening in their industry.

To find out more, visit www.MarketsandMarkets.com or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Contact:

Mr. Aashish Mehra

MarketsandMarkets INC.

630 Dundee Road

Suite 430

Northbrook, IL 60062

USA: +1-888-600-6441

Email: sales@marketsandmarkets.com

Visit Our Web Site: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/

Research Insight: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ResearchInsight/virtual-classroom-market.asp

Content Source: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/PressReleases/virtual-classroom.asp

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/660509/MarketsandMarkets_Logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/augmented-and-virtual-reality-in-education-market-worth-14-2-billion-by-2028---exclusive-report-by-marketsandmarkets-301888110.html
NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / July 28, 2023 / SAP:

As we approach World Youth Skills Day 2023 on July 15, the strategic importance of equipping young people with the skills they need for employment, decent work, and entrepreneurship is crucial. This year's theme, "Skilling Teachers, Trainers, and Youth for a Transformative Future," underscores the vital role played by educators in providing young people with the necessary skills to enter the labor market and actively engage in their communities.

Reflecting the hurdles that youth and businesses are grappling with, recent statistics from the International Labour Organization reveal concerning figures. For example, a quarter of the global youth population is not in education, employment, or training, and a staggering 935 million workers worldwide have jobs that do not match their educational level. Furthermore, employers are struggling to find workers with the necessary skill set for the job.

World Youth Skills Day serves as a reminder of the current challenges faced by youth globally and shines a spotlight on actionable steps to create better livelihoods and improve skills alignment for employers. As technological advancements and shifting market dynamics demand agile and adaptable skill sets, it is imperative to empower young people to navigate these changes effectively.

To add another layer, it is vital to highlight that corporations, businesses, and non-profit organizations also have a crucial role in building future skills and creating employment opportunities.

In recognizing this, SAP has partnered with UNICEF to support Generation Unlimited (GenU) on two initiatives. The first is the GenU signature program, Youth Agency Marketplace (YOMA), which aims to reach more than 500,000 young people with opportunities for foundational and digital skills.

The second initiative is the pilot of the SAP Educate to Employ program, which will enable more than 100 young people with the essential skills, knowledge, attitudes, and values required to drive employment, innovation, and entrepreneurship - helping to ensure equal opportunities for all.

Already initiated in the Philippines, Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa, SAP Educate to Employ is built on the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Learning Framework 2030, which enables young people to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to meet the demands of the present and future workforce.

Micro-credential programs form a vital component of the initiative, focusing on socio-emotional skills like emotional intelligence, problem-solving, and critical thinking. These programs are accessible to young individuals with a high school education, vocational training, or a university degree. The curriculum also encompasses employability skills, technology in the workplace, business foundation knowledge, SAP foundational knowledge, and SAP skills certification.

Upon achieving their SAP certification, participants will have opportunities to secure various IT internship roles in departments such as consulting, development, analysis, and support within the SAP ecosystem. Recognizing that some information and communications technology (ICT) roles may face displacement in the next three to five years, the program emphasizes continuous learning and growth to support sustainable employment.

Through SAP Educate to Employ, SAP is committed to providing equitable education and job opportunities for underrepresented individuals, including minorities from diverse ethnic backgrounds, women, differently abled individuals, the underprivileged, and the disadvantaged.

By participating in programs like SAP Educate to Employ, businesses gain access to certified and diversified talent while uplifting their livelihoods. Additionally, they can help bridge the demand and supply gap for SAP skills and accelerate digital transformation within their respective countries through a digitally skilled workforce.

On World Youth Skills Day 2023, it is crucial to acknowledge the immense potential of young people as catalysts for positive change. By making a firm commitment to equipping them with the essential skills, values, knowledge, and attitudes, we can work together to shape a brighter future, leaving no young person behind. After all, skills and education can help society overcome any difficult situation.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from SAP on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: SAP

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/sap

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: SAP

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/770875/Youth-Skills-Development-The-Path-of-Education-to-Employability
KBC remains well-capitalised under 2023 EU-wide EBA stress test

KBC notes the announcements made today by the European Banking Authorityon the KBC data is available at www.kbc.com .

Under the base scenario of the stress test, KBC's fully loaded Common Equity Tier-1 (CET1) ratio of 15.30% at year-end 2022 increases by 2.14 percentage points to 17.44% at year-end 2025. Under the adverse scenario, KBC's fully loaded CET1 ratio would fall by 3.86 percentage points to 11.44%. KBC's leverage ratio, which stood at 5.29% at year-end 2022, would increase to 6.10% under the base scenario and decrease to 4.30% under the adverse scenario.

Commenting on today's announcements, Johan Thijs, KBC Group CEO had this to say: 'The results of this regular, theoretical exercise conducted by the EBA give us additional insights into the capital requirements that KBC must be able to meet under various possible economic scenarios. Our consistent results reassure our stakeholders that our company is and would remain well capitalised should an adverse scenario occur on top of these challenging times. The results also reflect our strong fundamentals in the form of: a healthy customer-oriented bank-insurance model, a solid liquidity position supported by a very solid and loyal customer deposit base in our core markets, and a comfortable level of solvency. This enables us to actively support the communities and economic environment in which we operate on a continuous basis.'

KBC was subject to the 2023 EU-wide stress test conducted by the European Banking Authority (EBA) in cooperation with the National Bank of Belgium (NBB), the European Central Bank (ECB) and the European Systemic Risk Board (ESRB).

KBC notes the announcements made today by the EBA on the EU-wide stress test and acknowledges the outcome of this exercise. The 2023 test does not contain a pass-fail threshold, but is designed instead to be used as an important source of information for the purpose of the supervisory review process (SREP). The results will assist competent authorities in assessing KBC's ability to meet applicable prudential requirements under stressed scenarios.

The adverse stress test scenario was set by the ECB/ESRB and covers a three-year time horizon (2023-2025). The stress test was carried out applying a static balance sheet assumption as at December 2022 and therefore, does not take into account future business strategies and management actions. It is not a forecast of KBC's profits.

An extensive set of Q&As , plus details of the methodology and the baseline and adverse scenarios, are available on the EBA's website.

This information is provided only for comparison purposes with other banks and should not in any way be directly compared to KBC's other published information.

For more information, please contact:

Kurt De Baenst, General Manager, Investor Relations, KBC Group

Tel.: +32 2 429 35 73 - E-mail: kurt.debaenst@kbc.be

Viviane Huybrecht, General Manager of Corporate Communication/KBC Group Spokesperson
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / July 28, 2023 / Sierra Madre Gold and Silver Ltd (TSX-V:SM)(OTCQX:SMDRF) ("Sierra Madre" or the "Company") has qualified for trading on the OTCQX Best Market. This marks an upgrade for Sierra Madre Gold and Silver Ltd, as it was previously traded on the OTCQB, but had to requalify, post-closing of the La Guitarra acquisition.

Trading commenced today, July 28, for Sierra Madre on OTCQX under the symbol 'SMDRF.' For U.S. investors, comprehensive financial disclosure and Real-Time Level 2 quotes for the company are now accessible through www.otcmarkets.com.

"We are pleased to announce Sierra Madre's return to OTCQX," stated Alex Langer, President & CEO. This milestone allows us to offer both existing and new shareholders the opportunity to trade Sierra Madre shares in the U.S."

Sierra Madre Gold & Silver (TSX.V:SM; OTCQX:SMDRF) is a precious metals development and exploration company, focused on evaluating the potential of restarting the La Guitarra Mine in the Temascaltepec mining district, Mexico, and the exploration and development of its Tepic and La Tigra properties in Nayarit, Mexico. The La Guitarra Mine is a permitted, past-producing underground mine which includes a 550 t/d processing facility that operated until mid-2018.

On behalf of the board of directors of Sierra Madre Gold and Silver Ltd.,

"Alexander Langer"

Alexander Langer

President, Chief Executive Officer and Director

Contact:

investor@sierramadregoldandsilver.com

Cautionary Note

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

This press release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. The forward-looking statements herein are made as of the date of this press release only, and the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new information, estimates or opinions, future events or results or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budgets", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "predicts", "projects", "intends", "targets", "aims", "anticipates" or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases or may be identified by statements to the effect that certain actions "may", "could", "should", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking information in this press release includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the completion of the Transaction on the terms set out in the definitive agreement (or at all) and the ability of the Company to obtain requisite corporate and regulatory approvals for the Transaction, including but not limited to the approval of the Exchange, Mexican antitrust approval and other governmental approvals as currently anticipated.

In making the forward-looking statements included in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including that the Company will be able to receive all required regulatory approvals by the timelines currently anticipated (or at all); and that the Company will be able to complete the Transaction on the terms of the definitive agreement. Forward-looking statements and information are subject to various known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the ability of the Company to control or predict, that may cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied thereby, and are developed based on assumptions about such risks, uncertainties and other factors set out herein, including, but not limited to, the risk that the Company is not able to complete Transaction on the terms set out in the definitive agreement (or at all) and the risk that the Company is unable to obtain requisite corporate and regulatory approvals, including but not limited to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange, the Mexican antitrust approval and governmental approval as currently anticipated.

Such forward-looking information represents management's best judgment based on information currently available. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed and actual future results may vary materially. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information.

SOURCE: Sierra Madre Gold and Silver

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/770903/Sierra-Madre-Commences-Trading-on-OTCQX-Best-Market
NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / July 28, 2023 / Regions Bank:



By Lara Warren

Hayley, a Regions associate, is excited. She's finishing up painting her new home - her first- and almost ready to move in. The Relationship Banker from Meridian, Mississippi, has just become a homeowner, thanks to a little help from Regions. Mortgage benefits are just some of the many benefits Regions associates can enjoy when they join Team Green.

"Working for Regions has given me so many perks, including the Regions Mortgage 5 for 5 Loan program," Hayley says.

The Region 5 for 5 Loan is a $5,000 interest-free mortgage loan for Regions associates. What makes the 5 for 5 Loan special is that it is forgivable. When associates stay at Regions for five years after taking the loan, they do not need to repay it. And better still, Regions recently enhanced the program, adjusting the financial requirements to make the program available to even more associates.

Working for Regions has given me so many perks, including the Regions Mortgage 5 for 5 Loan program.

Haley, relationship banker at Regions

"A key priority in Regions' Strategic Plan is to invest in the wellbeing of our associates," says Dave Keenan, Chief Administrative and Human Resources Officer for Regions. "This includes helping make homeownership possible for more employees."

Regions believes that homeownership is important. It not only builds value and security for the homeowners, but it also strengthens communities - making life better for everyone in the communities we serve.

Hayley is just starting out in her career and has been at Regions for a little over a year. She sees a long future for herself here.

"I am so happy to work here, and having this associate homeownership benefit was a great benefit," Hayley says. "It reminds me that I work for a company that appreciates my loyalty and commitment."

A key priority in Regions' Strategic Plan is to invest in the wellbeing of our associates. This includes helping make homeownership possible for more employees.

Dave Keenan, Regions Chief Administrative and Human Resources Officer

Mortgage Benefits for Regions Associates

Regions wants to make it easier for our associates to achieve the dream of owning a home. That's why we offer a variety of homeownership benefits to help make that happen. Learn more about benefits for Regions associates at regions.com.

Ready to build your career at Regions?

Associates are Regions' most valuable resource. When they succeed, Regions succeeds. Looking for a place to chart your personal career course? Visit the Careers page on regions.com to search current job listings and to learn more about working at Regions.

Read more about benefits for Regions associates:

Regions Bank Introduces Tuition-Free Education Benefits to All Associates Through Guild

Regions Contributes $23 Million to Associate 401(k) Plan Accounts

Associate Benefits Portal

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Regions Bank on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Regions Bank

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/regions-bank

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Regions Bank

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/770879/Helping-Associates-Become-Homeowners
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 28, 2023) - Equinox Gold Corp. (TSX: EQX) (NYSE American: EQX) ("Equinox Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce publication of its inaugural Water Stewardship Report, which is aligned with water reporting practices recommended by the International Council on Mining and Metals ("ICMM").

Greg Smith, President & CEO of Equinox Gold, commented: "Equinox Gold is committed to addressing water stewardship as a core component of our sustainability efforts and ESG strategy. This Water Stewardship Report shares our current actions and approach to water stewardship and is an important step in laying the groundwork for the development of our comprehensive Company-wide water stewardship strategy."

Equinox Gold's Water Stewardship Report summarizes the Company's strategy to minimize our use of fresh water, limit potential impacts on fresh water sources, maximize water reuse, protect the water interests of both our operations and local stakeholders, and implement leading industry water stewardship standards. Equinox Gold has adopted a range of water stewardship principles including the World Gold Council's Responsible Mining Principles and the Mining Association of Canada's Towards Sustainable Mining ("TSM") protocols. The Company is also aligning its approach with the ICMM's Water Stewardship Framework and water accounting guidance. These industry frameworks provide the foundation for our water management strategy and the guidance to embed effective water management practices into the decision-making processes at our operations.

This inaugural Water Stewardship Report represents an important component of our 2023 ESG commitments and will serve as the baseline for our water stewardship reporting in subsequent years. Additional targets for 2023 include achieving a Level A rating across all operations for 100% of the indicators of the TSM Water Stewardship protocol and continuing to improve our water use efficiency per ounce of gold produced. We are also developing a comprehensive Company-wide water stewardship strategy that aligns with our climate action and environmental policies and strategies.

More information about the Company's water accounting metrics and 2022 performance, water stewardship actions underway at each mine site and our approach to water management is summarized in the Water Stewardship Report, which is available for download at www.EquinoxGold.com.

About Equinox Gold

Equinox Gold is a growth-focused Canadian mining company with seven operating gold mines, construction underway at a new project, and a path to achieve more than one million ounces of annual gold production from a pipeline of development and expansion projects. Equinox Gold's common shares are listed on the TSX and the NYSE American under the trading symbol EQX. Further information about Equinox Gold's portfolio of assets and long-term growth strategy is available at www.equinoxgold.com or by email at ir@equinoxgold.com.

Equinox Gold Contacts

Greg Smith, President & CEO

Rhylin Bailie, Vice President Investor Relations

Tel: +1 604-558-0560

Email: ir@equinoxgold.com

Cautionary Notes

This news release contains certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities legislation and may include future-oriented financial information. Forward-looking statements and forward-looking information in this news release relate to, among other things: the Company's ability to develop and implement a comprehensive water stewardship strategy, including minimizing use of fresh water and mitigating impacts on fresh water sources; the Company's ability to meet its ESG commitments, including achieving a Level A rating across all operations for 100% of the indicators of the Towards Sustainable Mining Water Stewardship protocol; and the Company's plans to increase annual production by successfully advancing its development and expansion projects. Forward-looking statements or information generally identified by the use of the words "will", "commitment", "strive", "strategy", "targets", "continuing", "developing", "potential" and similar expressions and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "could", "would" or "should", or the negative connotation of such terms, are intended to identify forward-looking statements and information. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements and information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements since the Company can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. The Company has based these forward-looking statements and information on the Company's current expectations and projections about future events and these assumptions include: the Company's ability to reduce its water use and improve sustainability practices; the Company's ability to implement its water stewardship initiatives; the Company's ability to increase its annual gold production by successfully advancing the development and expansion projects contemplated for its Greenstone Project, Aurizona Mine, Castle Mountain Mine and Los Filos Mine; the Company's ability to reduce its environmental footprint and improve sustainability practices; the Company's ability to mitigate the negative impact of climate change on its operations; the availability of funds for the Company's projects and future cash requirements; and the Company's ability to comply with environmental, health and safety laws. While the Company considers these assumptions to be reasonable based on information currently available, they may prove to be incorrect. Accordingly, readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on the forward-looking statements or information contained in this news release.

The Company cautions that forward-looking statements and information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release and the Company has made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation: changes in the expected impacts of climate change; changes in laws, regulations and government practices, including laws and regulations relating to the environment; legal restrictions relating to mining; fluctuations in gold prices; fluctuations in prices for energy inputs, labour, materials, supplies and services, including environmentally friendly alternatives; fluctuations in currency markets; operational risks and hazards inherent with the business of mining (including environmental accidents and hazards, industrial accidents, equipment breakdown, unusual or unexpected geological or structural formations, cave-ins, flooding and severe weather); inadequate insurance, or inability to obtain insurance to cover these risks and hazards; employee relations; relationships with, and claims by, local communities and Indigenous partners; the Company's ability to obtain all necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals in a timely manner or at all; and those factors identified in the section titled "Risks and Uncertainties" in Equinox Gold's MD&A dated February 21, 2023, and in the section titled "Risks Related to the Business" in Equinox Gold's most recently filed Annual Information Form dated February 23, 2023, both of which relate to the year ended December 31, 2022 and are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov/edgar. Forward-looking statements and information are designed to help readers understand management's views as of that time with respect to future events and speak only as of the date they are made. Except as required by applicable law, Equinox Gold assumes no obligation to update or to publicly announce the results of any change to any forward-looking statement or information contained or incorporated by reference to reflect actual results, future events or developments, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting the forward-looking statements and information. If Equinox Gold updates any one or more forward-looking statements, no inference should be drawn that Equinox Gold will make additional updates with respect to those or other forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/175181
EBAreportsonoutcomeof2023EU-wide stresstest

ING Group was subject to the 2023 EU-wide stress test conducted by the European Banking Authority (EBA), in cooperation with the European Central Bank (ECB), the European Systemic Risk Board (ESRB) and De Nederlandsche Bank.

ING Group notes the announcements made today by the EBA on the stress test and acknowledges the outcomes of this exercise.

The 2023 EU-wide stress test does not contain a pass/fail threshold and instead is designed to be used as an important source of information for the purposes of the Supervisory Review and Evaluation Process. The results will assist competent authorities in assessing ING Group's ability to meet applicable prudential requirements under stressed scenarios.

The adverse stress test scenario was set by the ECB/ESRB and covers a three-year time horizon (2023- 2025). The stress test has been carried out applying a static balance sheet assumption as of December 2022, and therefore does not take into account future business strategies and management actions. It is not a forecast of ING Group's profits.

Under the hypothetical baseline scenario and EBA's methodological instructions, ING Group would have a fully loaded common equity Tier 1 capital ratio (CET1) of 14.37% in 2025. Under the hypothetical adverse scenario and EBA's methodological instructions, ING Group would have a fully loaded CET1 ratio of 8.92% in 2025.

We regularly run our own ING specific stress test and based thereon remain comfortable with our management buffer and our capital ratio target of around 12.5% CET1.

ING Group published an actual fully loaded CET1 ratio of 14.8% per 31 March 2023. For more information see the results on theEBA website.

Note for editors

For further information on ING, please visit www.ing.com. Frequent news updates can be found in the Newsroomor via the @ING_newsTwitter feed. Photos of ING operations, buildings and its executives are available for download at Flickr. ING presentations are available at SlideShare.

Press enquiries Investor enquiries Christoph Linke ING Group Investor Relations +31 20 576 5000 +31 20 576 6396 Christoph.Linke@ing.com Investor.Relations@ing.com (mailto:Investor.Relations@ing.com)

ING PROFILE

ING is a global financial institution with a strong European base, o?ering banking services through its operating company ING Bank. The purpose of ING Bank is: empowering people to stay a step ahead in life and in business. ING Bank's more than 58,000 employees o?er retail and wholesale banking services to customers in over 40 countries.

ING Group shares are listed on the exchanges of Amsterdam (INGA NA, INGA.AS), Brussels and on the New York Stock Exchange (ADRs: ING US, ING.N).

Sustainability is an integral part of ING's strategy, evidenced by ING's leading position in sector benchmarks. ING's Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) rating by MSCI was a?rmed 'AA' in September 2022. As of August 2022, Sustainalytics considers ING's management of ESG material risk to be 'strong', and in June 2022 ING received an ESG rating of 'strong' from S&P Global Ratings. ING Group shares are also included in major sustainability and ESG index products of leading providers Euronext, STOXX, Morningstar and FTSE Russell.

Importantlegal information

Elements of this press release contain or may contain information about ING Groep N.V. and/ or ING Bank N.V. within the meaning of Article 7(1) to (4) of EU Regulation No 596/2014.

ING Group's annual accounts are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union ('IFRS- EU'). In preparing the financial information in this document, except as described otherwise, the same accounting principles are applied as in the 2022 ING Group consolidated annual accounts. All figures in this document are unaudited. Small di?erences are possible in the tables due to rounding.

Certain of the statements contained herein are not historical facts, including, without limitation, certain statements made of future expectations and other forward-looking statements that are based on management's current views and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance or events to di?er materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Actual results, performance or events may di?er materially from those in such statements due to a number of factors, including, without limitation:

This document may contain inactive textual addresses to internet websites operated by us and third parties. Reference to such websites is made for information purposes only, and information found at such websites is not incorporated by reference into this document. ING does not make any representation or warranty with respect to the accuracy or completeness of, or take any responsibility for, any information found at any websites operated by third parties. ING specifically disclaims any liability with respect to any information found at websites operated by third parties. ING cannot guarantee that websites operated by third parties remain available following the publication of this document, or that any information found at such websites will not change following the filing of this document.

Many of those factors are beyond ING's control. Any forward looking statements made by or on behalf of ING speak only as of the date they are made, and ING assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information or for any other reason. This document does not constitute an o?er to sell, or a solicitation of an o?er to purchase, any securities in the United States or any other jurisdiction.

Attachment
MONTREAL, QC / ACCESSWIRE / July 28, 2023 / Quebec Precious Metals Corporation (TSXV:QPM)(FSE:YXEP)(OTCQB:CJCFF) ("QPM" or the "Corporation") is pleased to announce that, in connection with its previously announced non-brokered private placement offering (the "Offering"), the Corporation closed the second tranche of the Offering for an amount of $ 594,000. The second tranche consists of 3,712,500 charity flow-through common shares (the "CFT Shares") at a price of $0.16 per CFT Share. A total of 2,200,000 Common Shares were acquired by Societe de developpement de la Baie-James in the context of the structured charity flow-through share financing.

In total, including the first tranche which closed on July 12, 2023 and the second tranche of the Offering, the Company has issued 10,866,873 common shares for gross proceeds of $1,378,575.06

"The completion of this financing allows us to focus on our 2023 exploration program in James Bay: drilling for gold at Sakami and perform field follow-up on the best targets identified from the lithium potential study that is being finalized by ALS GoldSpot", commented Normand Champigny, CEO.

The net proceeds received by the Corporation from the sale of the CFT Shares will be used for exploration expenditures on the Corporation's projects located in the Province of Quebec. More specifically, the gross proceeds from the issuance of the CFT Shares will be used for Canadian exploration expenses (as such term is defined by the Income Tax Act (Canada)) which, once renounced, will qualify as "flow-through critical mineral mining expenditure", as defined in subsection 127(9) of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the "Qualifying Expenditures"), which will be incurred on or before December 31, 2024 and renounced to the subscribers with an effective date no later than December 31, 2023. For a Quebec resident subscriber who is an eligible individual under the Taxation Act (Quebec), which qualifies (i) as an expense for inclusion in the "exploration base relating to certain Quebec exploration expenses" within the meaning of section 726.4.10 of the Taxation Act (Quebec), and (ii) as an expense for inclusion in the "exploration base relating to certain Quebec surface mining expenses or oil and gas exploration expenses" within the meaning of section 726.4.17.2 of the Taxation Act (Quebec).

The CFT Shares are subject to a four-month "hold period" commencing on the closing sate pursuant to National Instrument 45-102 - Resale of Securities and, in Quebec, Regulation 45-102 respecting Resale of Securities, and the certificates or DRS advices representing such securities bear a legend to that effect. The Offering remains subject to the final approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.

Annual shareholders meeting

The Corporation also announces that at its Annual shareholders meeting (the "Meeting") held on July 18, 2022, shareholders of the Company overwhelmingly approved all the resolutions, as follows:

Election of Genevieve Ayotte, Normand Champigny, Wanda Cutler and James Shannon as directors; and

Appointment of KPMG LLP as auditors.

Ms. Ayotte is a new member to QPM's Board of directors (the "Board") and has been appointed as Chair of the Audit and Risk Management Committee. She is a CPA and currently holds the position of Chief Financial Officer of Arianne Phosphate Inc. and is also a director of Kintavar Exploration Inc. Outside of Ms. Ayotte's accounting profession, she also serves as President of Women in Mining- Montreal. Since 2008, Ms. Ayotte developed extensive mining knowledge, specifically in public accounting at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. Ms. Ayotte is a member of the Certified Professional Accountants of Quebec and graduated from HEC Montreal with a Bachelor's in Business Management and a D.E.S.S in public accounting (2008).

"On behalf of QPM, I would like thank Julie Robertson for her outstanding contribution during her term as a Board member and Chair of the Audit and Risk Management Committee, We will miss Julie's advice and guidance and are very indebted for all her efforts", commented Normand Champigny, CEO.

About Quebec Precious Metals Corporation

QPM is a gold explorer with a large land position in the highly prospective Eeyou Istchee James Bay territory, Quebec, near Newmont Corporation's Eleonore gold mine. QPM's flagship project is the Sakami project with significant grades and well-defined drill-ready targets. QPM's goal is to rapidly explore the Sakami project and advance to the mineral resource estimate stage.

For more information please contact:

Normand Champigny

Chief Executive Officer

Tel.: 514 979-4746

nchampigny@qpmcorp.ca

Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This press release may include forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. Statements with respect to final approval of the Exchange and the Corporation's expected work programs in 2023 are forward looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by the management of the Corporation. Although the Corporation believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking information is based on are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking information because the Corporation can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks, including but not limited to the risks that market conditions, commodity prices, or other circumstances can affect the Corporation, as well as other risks with respect to the Corporation described in the Corporation's public disclosure filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com . Forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release. The Corporation disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, other than as required by applicable securities laws.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) has reviewed or accepted responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

SOURCE: Quebec Precious Metals Corporation

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/770942/Quebec-Precious-Metals-Closes-Second-and-Final-Tranche-of-14-M-Private-Placement-Announces-Results-of-Annual-Shareholders-Meeting-Appoints-Genevive-Ayotte-as-director
AB, a NYC-based full-service strategic insights company helping brands, leaders, and progressive causes build and design campaigns, announced its acquisition of Avalanche Insights, a polling and civic research firm which specializes in innovative research methods that deliver sharp, nuanced insights with speed and scale.

The acquisition will expand A-Bs capabilities by offering an enhanced research and data engine to provide clients with a competitive edge to reach people of color in todays fast-paced market and evolving political landscape. Avalanche Insights will join the current AB research team, led by Head of Research Sian Lewis, a data scientist with expertise in building research-backed narrative strategies.

AB will leverage Avalanche Insights proprietary research approach and methodology  which leverage cognitive behavioral science  to partner with brands, progressive causes, and organizations in developing evidence-based campaign strategies, advertising, and messaging to mobilize target audiences, including 2024 election cycle voters.

Founded in 2018 by Andre Banks, CEO, AB is a strategic insights company helping brands, leaders, and progressive causes build deep connections with diverse audiences. Using proprietary research models to tap into social, political, and cultural identities, they help clients bring communities of color into higher resolution. The firm has developed campaigns for film studio A24, civil rights organization Legal Defense Fund, progressive political group Working Families Party, and social justice philanthropic organization Ford Foundation.

The hybrid company with anchor offices in New York, Washington, D.C., and Toronto, and its team of strategists, campaigners, brand builders, and designers will now expand to 60 employees and offer end-to-end services, including research, strategy, and creative.

FinSMEs

27/07/2023
Infinite Uptime, a Pune, India-based Predictive Maintenance Services and Plant Reliability solutions company, received an investment from TDK Ventures.

The company intends to use the funds to accelerate the adoption of its platform across various industrial sectors.

Led by Dr. Raunak Bhinge, CEO, Infinite Uptime provides a digital intelligence platform that leverages state-of-the-art sensor technology, advanced analytics, and machine-learning algorithms to monitor vital mechanical equipment within industrial applications to anticipate and address failures, ensuring optimal uptime and superior performance.

The companys Predictive Maintenance (PdM) platform offers two key capabilities within a single platform:

Diagnostics as a Service (DaaS), which monitors critical equipment 24/7 and notifies the presence of any faults, and

Digital Reliability Service (DRS), which provides prescriptive actions/interventions and downtime savings.

Utilizing frequency analysis of vibrations, monitored by sensors integrated into key machinery, the platform detects degradation and impending failures. This physics-based data foundation drives AI-based decision making, allowing industries to proactively tackle potential issues and optimize their operations. These capabilities play an important role in advancing Industry 5.0 transformation to enhance manufacturing, production, and industry efficiency while promoting cleaner and more sustainable practices through resource optimization, risk identification/mitigation, and waste reduction.

The company leverages Industry 5.0 technologies and a digital-first approach to create responsive maintenance strategies for diverse global manufacturing industries including Cement, Steel, Metals & Mining, FMCG, Chemicals, Oil & Gas, Power, Pharma, Tire, Automotive, Construction, Pipes and more.

FinSMEs

28/07/2023
Materials Nexus, a London, UK-based advanced materials company, raised 2M in funding.

The round was led by Ada Ventures, with participation from High-Tech Grunderfonds, The University of Cambridge, National Security specialists MD One Ventures, as well as new institutional investor Michael Eisenberg at Genuine Capital Ventures, and angel investors Jasmin Thomas, Andrew MacKay and Hugh Smith. Existing investors include Carbon13, G-force, Katapult and ET Capital.

The company intends to use the funds to accelerate development of its materials.

Led by Founder and CEO Jonathan Bean, Materials Nexus is a deep tech company on a mission to discover materials to build sustainable technologies such as renewable energy generation, energy storage and electric transportation at the core of everyday items. The companys technology combines AI with quantum mechanics to accurately and rapidly predict novel, high-performing and sustainable materials.

Jonathan Bean is a theoretical physicist from the University of Cambridge who, during his time as research associate, identified the need for a modelling platform to accelerate the uptake of new materials to address the climate crisis. Over the last two years, Bean and his team  which includes computational physicist Robert Forrest, chemist Dr Jon Pillow and commercial lead Nic Stirk  have been working on an AI solution that reduces the need to conduct physical experiments to discover new materials. They have achieved this by building their own proprietary datasets and machine learning algorithms which are capable of predicting the properties of new material compositions.

The company plans to use the new funding to conduct real-world projects to demonstrate the efficacy of its AI technologies. Applications include finding alternative materials used in batteries and semiconductors, superconductors used in green technologies which currently rely on materials that need substantial cooling or high pressure.

FinSMEs

28/07/2023
Premier International, a Chicago, IL-based technology consulting firm specializing in solutions that reduce the risk associated with complex data challenges, acquired Information Asset, a data governance and risk management firm.

The amount of the deal was not disclosed.

The combined capabilities of Premier and Information Asset will enable customers of both organizations to access enhanced offerings, as well as streamlined efficiency from having their data needs handled by a single partner.

Founded in 2012 by Sanjeev Varma, CEO, Information Asset primarily focuses on data risk, privacy, governance and monetization. Its solutions enable enterprises to evolve data governance from a conceptual idea to practical implementation, which helps foster more accurate, faster and overall improved decision-making for their clients. Information Asset serves a roster of Fortune 1000 customers across various industries, including financial services and healthcare, among others. The company also has deep relationships and partnerships with leading software platforms such as Informatica, Alation, BigID and Collibra.

Led by Craig Wood, CEO, Premier offers innovative technology and consulting services through its team of business consultants, software developers, subject matter experts, and its proprietary software tool Applaud. Premier International is a portfolio company of Renovus Capital Partners.

FinSMEs

27/07/2023
Photo: ReCatalyst

ReCatalyst, a Ljubljana, Slovenia-based developer of polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell catalysts, raised 1.7M in Seed funding.

The round was led by High-Tech Grunderfonds (HTGF), xista science ventures and OCCIDENT, with participation from RUJ Ventures and strategic business angel Dr. Tine Tomazic.

The company intends to use the funds to enhance market readiness and accelerate process development for its proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell catalysts.

Led by CEO Tomaz Bizjak, and CTO Dr. Matija Gatalo, ReCatalyst is a spin-out from the renowned National Institute of Chemistry in Ljubljana advancing a nano-tech platform for production of next-generation of intermetallic platinum-alloy PEM fuel cell catalysts with the core mission to enable an optimized usage of platinum group metals. The company is dedicated to expediting the decarbonization of the energy and transport sectors.

The companys foundations have been developed within the frameworks of publicly funded projects such as the ERC Proof of Concept StableCat, EIT Raw Materials Accelerator as well as recently also the EIC Transition ENABLER.

FinSMEs

28/07/2023
Superfi, a London, UK-based provider of a debt prevention platform, raised USD1M in Pre-Seed funding.

The round was led by Ascension and its impact fund, Fair By Design, and included Force Over Mass, and a number of other investors.

The company intends to use the funds to prototype and test its platform with Councils and Housing Associations across London before it is rolled out across the UK.

Led by CEO Tom Barltrop, and CTO Nick Spiller, SuperFi provides a debt management solution to enable users to get access to an overview of their debts, to analyse their financial and personal circumstances. The solution then gives them access to suitable debt prevention tools and services.

SuperFi will be available on iOS and Android devices and is due to launch to the public towards the end of 2023.

The company has also received grant funding from the Greater London Authority as part of the Mayor of Londons Challenge LDN scheme to combat poverty. SuperFi has also previously received backing from Antler.

FinSMEs

28/07/2023
Bawaal is more than just a small-town story. Its the story of a snooty man who has a stunning wife suffering from epilepsy. No matter how gorgeous she may be, this handicap cripples her body and soul, both. This is the first of the films metaphors director Nitesh Tiwari attempts to establish along with his team of writers- Piyush Gupta, Shreyas Jain, Nikhil Mehrotra. The naivete of Janhvi Kapoors characters always blends well with her real-life fragility. And Varun Dhawan tries to display here hes a lot more than just a star imitating two other stars Govinda and Salman Khan.

Its only once the film moves to Europe the cracks begin to show. Tiwaris idea of juxtaposing a married couples lifeless cord with Word War II seems to have done more harm than good to the storys intent. There are mentions of Hitler, Auschwitz, and fictional visuals of the Holocaust. For a layman, the complexities of the story laced with multiple misplaced metaphors could be too hard to comprehend. In the need (and greed) to make a global impact, Bawaal loses what it shouldve striven for- The local touch. Anyway, lets move on to the most crucial conflict of the story- The World War II

What is Holocaust?

During the reign of Adolf Hitler, this practice was at its peak. This is what the definition on the Internet says- The Holocaust was the genocide of European Jews during World War II. Between 1941 and 1945, Nazi Germany and its collaborators systematically murdered some six million Jews across German-occupied Europe, around two-thirds of Europes Jewish population. The modus operandi were mass shootings, poison gas at extermination camps, primarily Auschwitz. Theres a reference of the Auschwitz in the film too.

What happened to the ones that survived?

The Jews that survived were forcefully employed in labour camps where they died due to exhaustion and hunger. Many tried to escape but the lack of money and fear of accusations and being caught loomed large. The killings and brutality continued till the end of the war in 1945. The internet also describes Holocaust as the ultimate symbol of evil.

Bawaal over Bawaal

Ever since the film has begun streaming on Amazon Prime Video, netizens have slammed the makers for their insensitivity and farcical approach. Thats not all, even the Jewish organisations have vociferously spoken against the depiction of the same. Simon Wiesenthal Centre, an organisation that works to protect the human rights of the Jewish community, has requested the streaming giant to remove the film from its platform.

Statement from the NGO

Rabbi Abraham Cooper, an associate dean and the director of Global Social Action at the NGO, said, Auschwitz is not a metaphor. It is the quintessential example of mans capacity for evil.

Nitesh Tiwari comments

According to a report published in Pinkvilla, Nitesh Tiwari said, filmmaker said that he is no stranger to criticism, and suggested that his intentions should take precedence over his film. He also spoke about the controversial scenes set in the Auschwitz concentration camp, and attempted to explain the characters behaviour in them. He said that while he takes criticism in his stride, he gets affected when the criticism isnt constructive.

In one of the scenes from Amazon Primes Bawaal, the lead characters,Janhvi Kapoor and Varun Dhawan pay a visit to the World War II sites and an Auschwitz-based gas chamber where they struggle to breathe. In another scene, Nisha (Janhvi Kapoor) says, Were all a little like Hitler, arent we? referring to human greed. The third scene had a character saying Every relationship goes through their Auschwitz implying the struggles every relationship faces.

Tiwari said, You can question the creative process, you can question the creatives, but please do not question the intent. The moment you start questioning the intent, it becomes hurtful. It puts a question on your credibility, which has taken so many years of hard work to build. That is something that I think should be avoided. Im all for criticism, but it should be a conversation. Reflecting on his career, the filmmaker said, I have faced criticism on all my movies. Even Dangal. Some people called it patriarchal, and asked how (Aamir Khans character) could force his opinion on the girls. On Chhichhore, some people called it insensitive. Can you believe it?

Varun Dhawans take

He spoke about a recently released English film without naming it but netizens feel it was Christopher Nolans Oppenheimer. I know people have got very triggered after watching a small scene in a brilliant film, recently released. Its a scene thats important to our culture and our country. But thats okay for you. You dont feel they should be more sensitive to you? So where does your criticism go then?

The film began streaming on Amazon Prime Video from July 21
In Christopher Nolans Oppenheimer, Robert Downey Jr. delivers a brilliant performance as Lewis Strauss, a former member of the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) in 1946. The post-World War II era witnessed intense animosity between Strauss, the Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC), and renowned scientist J Robert Oppenheimer. Strauss, in his real-life role as Oppenheimers nemesis, seemingly went to great lengths to undermine the scientists career.

About Lewis Strauss

Born in January 31, 1896, Lewis Strauss was an American businessman, philanthropist, and naval officer. He was one of the original members of the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) in 1946, and in the 1950s he served as the commissions chairman. Strauss was a major figure in the development of nuclear weapons after World War II, nuclear energy policy, and nuclear power in the United States.

Lewis Strauss was raised in Richmond, Virginia, Strauss became an assistant to Herbert Hoover as part of the Commission for Relief in Belgium during World War I and the American Relief Administration after it. Strauss then worked as an investment banker at Kuhn, Loeb & Co. during the 1920s and 1930s, where he amassed considerable wealth. As a member of the executive committee of the American Jewish Committee and several other Jewish organizations in the 1930s, Strauss made several attempts to change U.S. policy in order to accept more refugees from Nazi Germany but was unsuccessful. He also came to know and fund some of the research of refugee, nuclear physicist Leo Szilard. During World War II Strauss served as an officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve and rose to the rank of rear admiral due to his work in the Bureau of Ordnance in managing and rewarding plants engaged in production of munitions.

Why did Lewis Strauss and Oppenheimer have a clash?

In Christopher Nolans Oppenheimer we noticed that there was a clash between the two. According to reports, Strauss believed Oppenheimer had spoken ill of him during a conversation with the renowned physicist Albert Einstein, which intensified his animosity. Strausss actions, such as having Oppenheimer under surveillance through illegal wiretappings, reveal a multi-layered character grappling with conflicting notions of patriotism and personal ambition.

Both Oppenheimers and Lewis Strauss views clashed regarding nuclear weapons. Strauss even suspected Oppenheimer of being a communist and leaking sensitive information to the Soviet Union. According to reports, there was news that Oppenheimer had once publicly humiliated Strauss for selling radioisotopes to foreign countries.

(With added inputs from agencies)
Meghan and Harry were completed devastated when the Primetime Emmy Award list was announced recently. Probably they couldnt believe their ears that Meghan and Harrys Netflix docuseries  Harry & Meghan  didnt make the cut.

According to reports published in The Mirror, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are said to be tracking down the Hollywood enemy who sabotaged them.

Harry and Meghans Emmys sub didnt go down well

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reportedly seeking answers after suffering a huge kick in the teeth, a source has said. The pair was recently snubbed in the nominations for the Primetime Emmys. Their show was released on Netflix in December 2022. As usual the pair believed that it is some kind of hate campaign against them.

The source said, Theyre convinced theres been an orchestrated hate campaign against them on both sides of the Atlantic, and that certain people are trying to get in on the act. The source added that the pair want a full request on who put the boot in and what on earth theyve got to do to catch a break, according to Heat Magazine.

The couples show was a huge hit with fans, quickly becoming one of the most streamed shows on the platform. But the Emmys snub wasnt the only blow that the couple faced. Their Spootify deal too came to an end. According to the Mirror report, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who are said to be stinging from being rejected at the Emmys, are trying to track down the people in Hollywood who orchestrated a hate campaign against them and in turn stopped them from getting shortlisted.

The source told Mirror The source then revealed that the Duke and Duchess are stinging at the rejection, big time, adding: Theyre convinced theres been an orchestrated hate campaign against them on both sides of the Atlantic, and that certain people are trying to get in on the act of picking on them and scoring brownie points with the British royals.

Elaborating more, the source went on: It makes them sick and theyre looking to weed out these people one by one.

They then explained that the couple want a full inquest on who put the boot in and what on earth theyve got to do to catch a break after their Emmys snub.

(With added inputs from agencies)
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is coming for your jobs. There is no denying it. And women have more reasons to worry. With the rise of automation and AI in the workforce, more women risk losing their jobs than men by the end of the decade, finds a new report by McKinsey Global Institute, the research arm of the consultancy firm.

The report published on Wednesday studies the labour market trends in the United States. By 2030 nearly a third of hours worked in the country could be automated, it says.

Why women will be worst-affected

According to the study, women are 1.5 times more likely needed to look for a new occupation than men in the coming years. But why? They are overrepresented in industries with lower-wage jobs, Bloomberg says quoting the report, and will be most impacted by automation. Among the jobs which will be most affected include customer service, sales office support, and food services.

More and more industries are expected to adopt generative artificial intelligence such as OpenAIs ChatGPT. White-collar workers like lawyers, teachers, financial advisers, and architects will have to brace themselves for change. But according to McKinsey, the changes will be in the way jobs are carried out and not necessarily the loss of a large number of positions.

It probably wont be that kind of catastrophic thing, institute partner Michael Chui was quoted as saying by Bloomberg. But it is going to change almost every job.

Another research from Goldman Sachs from March points to 15 occupations that are likely to be shaken up by the advent of AI including managerial roles, engineering and legal jobs.

Eighty per cent of working women are in jobs that are at risk of being affected by AI, as compared to 60 per cent of men, according to the University of North Carolinas Kenan-Flagler Business School. The reason more women than men are exposed to AI automation is straightforward: A higher percentage of working women are in white-collar jobs (~70%) vs. blue-collar ones (~30%) while for men the ratio is roughly 50/50, Fortune reports quoting Mark McNeilly, marketing professor and author of the study.

According to Revelio Labs, a workplace analytics firm, some of the job posts affected by generative AI tools include interpreters, programmers, and telemarketers. Women hold a whopping 71 per cent of the jobs that are exposed to AI, it found.

Also read: Talk to the bot: Will your next job interview be with AI?

How low-wage workers will be hit?

Those who will have to look for new jobs also include Black and Hispanic workers, employees who do not hold college degrees, and the youngest and oldest workers, the McKinsey report says. The shrinking demand for food and production work will hit the Black and Hispanic communities the most.

At least 12 million workers in the US will have to change occupations by the end of this decade, which is seven years away. This is more than 25 per cent of what was predicted by the Mckinsey Global Institute in a report published in February 2021.

Employees at the low end of the pay scale will face the brunt and to take up jobs in new industries they will need to acquire new skills. According to the report, low-wage workers across categories will suffer job losses. Those most vulnerable positions include retail salespersons, cashiers and other low-income workers and a large number of them are women. It finds that workers earning less than $38,200 (Rs 31.2 lakh) could account for almost 80 per cent of all possible career transitions in that period, says an article in The Washington Post.

How net-zero goals will affect jobs

The promise to meet net-zero emissions will disrupt the job market, affecting jobs on a wide scale.

With the US working towards ending greenhouse emissions, around 3.5 million jobs will be lost. Those working in oil and gas production and automotive manufacturing will be affected, the McKinsey study says.

But this will be offset as about 4.2 million new jobs will be created in new sectors like renewable energy. This is an addition of 7 lakh new jobs.

The energy transition, coupled with stepped-up government spending on infrastructure, will increase demand for construction workers who are already in short supply. McKinsey sees construction employment growing 12% from 2022 through 2030, reports Bloomberg.

This means not all is gloom.

Which industries stand to gain?

The report also says that advances in AI will create new opportunities and benefit some existing professions. With less time spent on doing technical tasks, white-collar workers can pay attention to creative and strategic work that AI cannot do as of now. Lawyers and civil engineers stand to gain. Also, not all work can be automated, especially those in more manual fields like healthcare and agriculture.

We see generative AI enhancing the way STEM, creative, and business and legal professionals work rather than eliminating a significant number of jobs outright, the authors say, according to The Washington Post.

Also read: Indian startup Dukaan fires over 90% of its support staff, replaces them with AI bots

However, these fields are dominated by men. Women make up only 17.1 per cent of engineers and 38.5 per cent of lawyers in the US, according to the countrys Bureau of Labour Statistics.

The Goldman Sachs report also predicted that the increase in the use of AI in the workplace could boost the annual GDP of the US by seven per cent. This will fuel economic activity which will push the rise in demand and expand jobs.

But while new jobs are on the horizon, they might not be desirable. Workers in low-paying jobs could be pushed into data-labelling, Kerry McInerney, a research fellow at the Leverhulme Center for the Future of Intelligence at Cambridge University, told The Washington Post. This involves adding labels to videos, images, or audio that teach machine learning models to recognise what is in them. Such work can be psychologically harmful because of the material to be identified, says McInerney, according to the publication.

We are already living in a world with AI and layoffs have become regular. As many as 4,000 jobs were lost in just May from AI adoption, according to recruitment firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas. We cant beat it, so we might as well learn to live with it.

McNeilly summed it up perfectly: Whether the changes are good or ill for individual workers will depend on their occupation, firm, individual capabilities and ability to adapt. Some will adjust better than others. There will be winners and losers.

With inputs from agencies
The Holocaust and Hitler are not topics to joke about or talk in a lighter vein. The filmmaker and stars of the new movie Bollywood movie Bawaal  director Nitesh Tiwari and stars Varun Dhawan and Jahnvi Kapoor  are learning this the hard way.

The Simon Wiesenthal Center (SWC), a Jewish rights group, has written to OTT platform Amazon Prime, asking the streaming service to remove the movie for its insensitive portrayal of the Holocaust. In its letter, it accuses Bawaal of trivialising the suffering and systematic murder of millions.

Auschwitz is not a metaphor. It is the quintessential example of Mans capacity for Evil, SWC Associate Dean and Director of Global Social Action, Rabbi Abraham Cooper, said in a statement. Nitesh Tiwari trivialises and demeans the memory of six million murdered Jews and millions of others who suffered at the hands of Hitlers genocidal regime.

And others, including film critics, agree. One movie review in a leading newspaper called it the most insensitive film of the year so far.

As this controversy drags on, we turn back the pages of history and look at the horrors of the Holocaust and why Bawaal is, indeed, trivialising this tragedy.

The Holocaust explained

Around 1933, around nine million Jews lived in Europe, spread across the different countries. While many countries provided Jews with equal rights, in many Eastern European countries, Jewish life was kept strictly separate.

When Adolf Hitler was democratically elected to the German parliament in 1933 and soon became chancellor, he turned centuries of casual anti-Semitism into genocide. Immediately after coming to power, the Nazis promulgated a variety of laws aimed at excluding Jews from German life.

They began systematically shooting Jews and other people they deemed undesirable. They destroyed thousands of Jewish buildings and synagogues. Reports state that within nine months, these units, called the Einsatzgruppen, had shot more than half a million people.

But this was not enough for Hitler and his Nazi officials. By 1942, they came up with the final solution to the existence of European Jews  they would send the continents remaining Jews east to death camps where they would be forced into labour and ultimately killed.

Interestingly, the word holocaust comes from the Greek holokauston, meaning an offering consumed by fire.

From 1942, the massacres were consolidated into a programme of coordinated annihilation. And it wasnt just the Jews that were rounded up and taken to labour camps and eventually killed. The Nazis also targeted other undesirables  the Roma (gypsies), disabled people and gay people.

The Holocaust, a state-sponsored genocide, is said to have killed six million European Jews and another 200,000-500,000 Roma and Sinti from Germany and the occupied territories.

Such was the devastation that the Jews also refer to the Holocaust as Shoah, which is Hebrew for catastrophe.

Horrors inside labour camps

The true horror of the Holocaust is reflected within the Nazi concentration camps. The first of these was built at Dachau near Munich in 1933. Later, five others  Auschwitz-Birkenau, Chelmno, Belzec, Sobibor, and Treblinka  came up and were designated as killing centres, with most having gas chambers.

The majority of the killings took place at Auschwitz-Birkenau, located in occupied Poland. A complex of over 40 concentration and extermination camps, some survivors of the place have called it a crack in the surface of the Earth through which hell could be seen.

According to reports, of the 1.3 million prisoners that were brought here, at least 1.1 million perished while in captivity  in the gas chambers, through starvation and disease, as well as due to individual beatings and executions. Among the dead included were a million Jews, more than 70,000 ethnic Poles, about 20,000 Roma, and at least 15,000 Soviet PoWs.

The camp earned a reputation for sadism, depravity and as another survivor said, The place itself is death.

There were no names here, just numbers and the Nazis killed in assembly-line fashion. The Jews and other undesirables were unloaded from train cars and selected into groups based on sex, age, and perceived fitness. Those who were not fit enough were killed in gas chambers immediately. The others had to do forced labour under barbaric conditions. The work was extremely hard, the little food was of poor quality, hygiene was poor, and Jews were often maltreated. This programme is therefore also referred to as extermination through labour.

The Nazis also realised the large captive population could be used profitably before being exterminated. They decided to perform medical experiments on the prisoners before killing them. Sterilisation and castrations were carried out in large numbers.

Auschwitz survivor Primo Levi in his 1947 memoir had written, It is not possible to sink lower than this; no human condition is more miserable than this, nor could it conceivably be so. Nothing belongs to us any moreif we speak, they will not listen to us, and if they listen, they will not understand. They will even take away our name.

Till date, the horrors of Auschwitz stare us back in our faces. A visit to the camp reveals fingernail marks inside the walls of the gas chamber, marks of victims desperate to live.

End of the Holocaust

As World War II drew to a close in 1944 and 1945, Britain, the US and Soviet Union and allies made their ways across areas under the control of the Nazis and began to discover camps. The Nazis became aware that they were going to lose and tried to hide the evidence of their crimes by destroying the camps.

Majdanek was the first camp to be freed in the summer of 1944 and soon on 27 January 1945, the Soviet Army even liberated the Auschwitz camp.

And the Nazi effort to hide their crimes failed and evidence collected in these camps became the basis of the Nuremberg Trials, the first-ever international war crimes tribunal.

Unfortunately for those who survived, the end of the war didnt make it any easier for them. They were without homes and many were found living in the houses of strangers.

Today, the Holocaust is perhaps the lowest depravity to which humankind has ever sunk. It was driven by an ideology of hatred, racial purity and superiority.

With inputs from agencies
Former president Donald Trump was indicted yet again on 27 July, 2023, by federal prosecutors.

While many were anticipating an imminent indictment related to Trumps actions on 6 January, 2021, when a group of his followers violently stormed the US Capitol in an attempt to disrupt the certification of Democrat Joe Bidens election, the new indictment instead added to the charges Trump already faced for hoarding, mishandling and illegally sharing presidential documents after he left office and refusing to return them.

The new indictment  called a blockbuster on CNN by former Manhattan prosecutor Karen Agnifilo  alleges that Trump attempted to delete security camera footage at the Mar-a-Lago Club to conceal information from the FBI and grand jury by telling a maintenance worker at the club to erase it.

That worker, named in the indictment as Carlos De Oliveira, also faces charges now of obstruction in the new indictment.

The Conversation has published stories by experts on various aspects of the documents case and the unprecedented indictment of a former president. Here are a selection of them to provide background on the newly filed charges.

1. What are classified documents, anyway?

Before he entered academia, University of Southern California international relations scholar Jeffrey Fields worked for many years as an analyst at both the State Department and the Department of Defence. He held a top-secret clearance and frequently worked with classified information and participated in classified meetings.

Fields explains that classified information is the kind of material that the U.S. government or an agency deems sensitive enough to national security that access to it must be controlled and restricted.

There are several degrees of classification, he writes. Documents related to nuclear weapons will have different classification levels depending on the sensitivity of the information contained. Documents containing information related to nuclear weapons design or their location would be highly classified.

Such documents, writes Fields, Must be handled in a way that protects the integrity and confidentiality of the information they contain. Want to know more? Fields helps you understand the different classification levels, and who gets to determine what levels each document is assigned.

Read more: DOJ probes Biden document handling  what is classified information, anyway?

2. Why is Trump being charged under the Espionage Act?

The documents case rests on provisions of the Espionage Act, which, despite its name, covers a lot more crimes than just spying.

Loyola University Chicagos Thomas A. Durkin and Joseph Ferguson, attorneys who specialise in and teach national security law, write that one portion of the act  does relate to spying for foreign governments, for which the maximum sentence is life imprisonment.

More commonly, they write, as with the Trump investigation the act applies to the unauthorised gathering, possessing or transmitting of certain sensitive government information.

A violation of the Espionage Act, then, does not require an intention to aid a foreign power.

And Democrats have violated the act: Two recent senior Democratic administration officials  Sandy Berger, national security adviser during the Clinton administration, and David Petraeus, CIA director during the Obama administration  each pleaded guilty to misdemeanors under the threat of Espionage Act prosecution, write Durkin and Ferguson.

Read more: Trump charged under Espionage Act  which covers a lot more crimes than just spying

3. No president is above the law

Trump has attacked the head of the Department of Justice investigations into his conduct, Special Counsel Jack Smith, as deranged. Hes declared that the previous indictment represented weaponised politics. After the new indictment was revealed, he told Fox News that it constituted election interference at the highest level and said the allegations were ridiculous.

But national security law scholar Dakota Rudesill, who teaches at The Ohio State University, says the documents prosecution of Trump is lawful, constitutional, precedented, nonpartisan and merited.

Trump and his allies have argued that it is completely inappropriate for the former president to be charged, writes Rudesill. But no part of the Constitution, no statute and no Supreme Court precedent sets a former chief executive above the law.

American history, Rudesill reminds us, is replete with criminal charges against state officials, vice presidents  a former one during the founding era, and a sitting one in the 1970s  members of Congress and other prominent politicians.

Rudesills essay walks readers through the charges Trump has made about the investigation  and the charges made by the investigators against Trump.

Trump is right that his is inevitably a sensitive case because of his continued presence in the political arena, Rudesill writes. What he does not acknowledge is that maintaining the bedrock legal principle of equal justice requires avoiding twin hazards: politically motivated prosecutions and exempting elite politicians from the law.

Read more: Why Trumps prosecution for keeping secret documents is lawful, constitutional, precedented, nonpartisan and merited

4. The campaign will go on

Despite the extraordinary circumstances of facing multiple criminal indictments, theres nothing stopping Trump from moving ahead with his presidential campaign.

Article II of the US Constitution sets forth very explicit qualifications for the presidency: The president must be 35 years of age, a US resident for 14 years and a natural-born citizen, writes legal scholar Stefanie Lindquist of Arizona State University.

In cases involving analogous qualifications for members of Congress, the Supreme Court has held that such qualifications form a constitutional ceiling  prohibiting any additional qualifications to be imposed by any means, she writes.

So, because the Constitution does not require that the president be free from indictment, conviction or prison, says Lindquist, it follows that a person under indictment or in prison may run for the office and may even serve as president.

That may be hard, Lindquist acknowledges.

There seems no question that indictment, conviction or both  let alone a prison sentence  would significantly compromise a presidents ability to function in office, says Lindquist. And the Constitution doesnt provide an easy answer to the problem posed by such a compromised chief executive.

In other words, the country is in uncharted territory.
The era of global boiling has arrived, the United Nations chief Antonio Guterres said. Yes, its hot, very hot. Not in a country or two but across the world. Scientists have confirmed that July is on track to become the hottest month on record  the hottest in 120,000 years.

From America to Europe and Asia to Africa, countries are battling extremely high temperatures. Humanity is in the hot seat, Guterres told a press conference on Thursday. For vast parts of North America, Asia, Africa and Europe, it is a cruel summer. For the entire planet, it is a disaster. And for scientists, it is unequivocal  humans are to blame.

Climate change and its impact are horrifying. And mankind has to find one way or another to deal with it. On the frontline of the climate crisis are chief heat officers. Its a fairly new phenomenon and the United States reportedly has only three of them.

We take a look at what these officers do and the role they play in tackling one of the biggest challenges faced by man.

Also read: The Deadly Summer of 2023: Why long heatwaves are here to stay

What is a chief heat officer?

As we are all witnessing, cities are heating up. Some have decided to proactively tackle global warming and have appointed chief heat officers (CHOs).

A chief heat officer is hired to address rising temperatures driven by climate change. Their purpose is to raise awareness of extreme heat risks to protect the most vulnerable citizens within their city, according to World Economic Forum (WEF).

The idea of CHOs is the brainchild of the US-based Adrienne Arsht-Rockefeller Foundation Resilience Center (Arsht-Rock) and the Extreme Heat Resilience Alliance strategy to provide a billion people with climate resilience solutions by 2030.

Also read: Extreme temperatures, torrent of rain: How Asia is facing the worst of climate crisis

What is the role of a chief heat officer?

These climate warriors plan and coordinate short and long-term responses to heatwaves. They are tasked with finding ways to cool urban environments. Their core responsibilities include raising awareness about extreme heat, identifying communities and neighbourhoods which are most vulnerable to extreme heat and implementing long-term heat risk-reduction and cooling projects. They are expected to implement measures such as tree-planting initiatives which make it easy for policymakers to implement emergency measures.

While the primary mission of a chief heat officer is related to climate change, the role also includes an important social component of reducing inequalities, the WEF says. Poor communities are the most vulnerable to extreme heat globally. People working outdoors are directly exposed to the sun.

Aditi Mukherji, director of climate change impacts at the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), was quoted by Al Jazeera as saying unless there is a drastic reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, heatwaves will continue  affecting the poorest in society the most.

Daniella Levine Cava, the mayor of Miami-Dade County in the US state of Flordia, told WEF, We know extreme heat does not impact people equally  poorer communities and Black and Hispanic people bear the brunt of the public health impacts.

Which countries have appointed heat officers?

In the last three years, eight local governments across the world have hired chief heat officers, who are working on addressing heat vulnerability.

In the United States, the cities of Miami, Los Angeles and Phoenix have hired heat officers. The first appointment was made in Miami in April 2021. Environment expert Jane Gilbert was the worlds first CHO, who previously worked as the chief resilient officer.

According to Cava, the purpose of the chief heat officer is to expand, accelerate, and coordinate our efforts to protect people from heat and save lives.

The city of Athens in Greece made the appointment in July 2021. And in October of that year, Sierra Leone became the first country in Africa to create the role. Eugenia Kargbo was made in charge of handling extreme heat in the capital Freetown. Climate change is a global issue, just like COVID, so we need to sound the alarm and fight this collectively because sooner or later it will affect us all, she told the Thomson Reuters Foundation back then.

Chiles Santiago appointed a CHO last November, the first just appointment in South America. In Mexico, Monterrey has a dedicated official to deal with heat.

Australias Melbourne has two chief heat officers and Bangladesh is the only country in Asia to have an official to tackle rising temperatures.

How are CHOs tackling the ongoing heatwaves?

In Arizonas Pheonix temperatures have been soaring about 43C for close to a month. CHO David Hondula has been a busy man.

Ive been on the phone and sending more text messages than I can remember in my life. Theres this constant coordination and engagement and creativity and brainstorming, he told the BBC.

On the weekends, he and his team are out in the city warning residents about the heat. He is also executing a tree plantation programme to shield locals from heatwaves in the future, the BBC reports. Theres a lot of work to do ahead of us, Hondula said.

Miami is likely to be the most affected city in America and by 2053, its seven hottest days would increase to 34 with temperatures nearing 40C. Jane Gilbert, the worlds first CHO, says that it is necessary to make sure people are aware of the risk period between May and the end of October. In Miami-Dade, they have installed 1,700 high-efficiency air conditioning units in public housing and are working to increase tree canopy coverage from 20 per cent of the county to 30 per cent, with an emphasis on low-income neighbourhoods.

What more can be done?

While cities the world over are facing a heatwave, only a handful have appointed chief heat officers. By 2050, more than 970 cities globally will experience average summertime highs of 35C, which is nearly triple the 354 cities that already do. The urban population exposed to this unbearable heat will increase by 800 per cent, reaching 1.6 billion by mid-century, according to a report Arsht-Rock.

In the US, cities like Boston and New York are managing their heat response through their emergency services departments or offices of resilience or sustainability, reports Axios.

In Europe, only Athens has a dedicated officer to tackle the crisis so far. And in Asian countries, where thousands die because of heat, only the Bangladesh capital has a CHO.

While India battles heatwaves every year, most of the effort is on the health front. Any action to adapt to extreme temperatures needs to have a holistic and inclusive approach. Also, local solutions will matter more than a top-down led approach. Heat officers can lead these local adaptation strategies, Aakash Mehrotra a novelist and consultant in international development working in South Asia and Africa, writes in The Quint.

Just like Freetown in Sierra Leone is working on the heat mapping strategy, or Monterrey in Mexico on increasing green public spaces and parks, especially in low-income neighbourhoods to mitigate the heat-island effect, Indian cities will need city-wise approaches, and cross-learning among the cities, he adds.

Talking about the need for CHOs, Kathy Baughman McLeod, director of the Adrienne Arsht-Rockefeller Foundation Resilience Center, an NGO that helps finance and train these officials, says, We think the position needs to be set aside from these other climate hazards. This is the No 1 health and death threat from climate  lets focus on it



With inputs from agencies
The Centre has called for recording biometric data of people entering into India from Myanmar, India Today reported Thursday (27 July) citing government sources. Several northeastern states, including Manipur and Mizoram, share a border with Myanmar where thousands have been forced to flee following the 2021 military coup.

These migrants from Myanmar have sought refuge in Manipur and Mizoram, but there has been a drastic difference in the stance of the respective state governments towards these refugees.

Why does Manipur want to repatriate immigrants from Myanmar? How has Mizoram been treating the refugees? Lets take a closer look.

Collect biometric data

As per IndiaTodayNE, these illegal migrants from Myanmar, who entered Manipur and Mizoram, will be placed on a negative biometric list in order to prevent them from acquiring Indias citizenship in the future.

Economic Times (ET) reported on 11 July that the Central government had asked Manipur and Mizoram to collect the biometric details of illegal immigrants by September end of this year.

An earlier letter from the Indian governments under-secretary, Pratap Singh Rawat, to the chief secretaries of Manipur and Mizoram stated, It is further mentioned that a campaign for capturing of biometric data of the illegal migrants in the states of Manipur and Mizoram is to be completed by the end of September, 2023. The state governments of Manipur and Mizoram are requested to quickly prepare the plan and initiate the biometric capture of the illegal migrants.

Moreover, efforts are underway to complete fencing around the Indo-Myanmar border, especially in Manipur and Mizoram regions, India TodayNE reported.

According to The Hindu, India and Myanmar share a 1,643-km-long, unfenced border that passes via Arunachal Pradesh (520 km), Nagaland (215 km), Manipur (398 km) and Mizoram (510 km).

Manipur wants to drive out illegal immigrants

On Tuesday (26 July), the Manipur government asked the Assam Rifles to send back 718 refugees who entered the state from Myanmar on 22 and 23 July, reported The Hindu.

Around 208 women, 209 men and 301 children came to Manipurs Chandel district due to clashes in Khampat in western Myanmar. None of them were armed, as per reports.

Assam Rifles had flagged the presence of the migrants to the Chandel district administration.

Responding to the development, the Manipur home department sought a detailed report from Assam Rifles to clarify why and how the Myanmar nationals were allowed to enter into India in Chandel District without proper travel documents, reported Indian Express.

This is nothing new. Every time there are skirmishes along border areas on their side, these villagers from Myanmar cross over in hundreds. We do due diligence and accounting of each is done in a systematic manner. Biometrics are also taken and after the situation cools down, they again cross over, a senior government official told NDTV.

Manipur has been witnessing ethnic clashes between the majority Meiteis and the tribal Kuki-Zo community since 3 May. Some quarters, including chief minister N Biren Singh, have blamed illegal migrants for the ongoing violence in Manipur.

Singh, who belongs to the dominant Meitei community, has also blamed infiltrators from Myanmar for deforestation, poppy cultivation, and drug trafficking in the state, reported Times of India (TOI).

Around 4,000 refugees from Myanmar are believed to have entered Manipur fleeing the oppressive junta rule in 2021, reported The Hindu. The Chins from Myanmar have deep ethnic bonds with Mizorams Mizos and Manipurs Kukis. The Chin-Kuki-Mizo tribes come under the larger Zo ethnic umbrella.

Chief Minister Singhs accusations of Kukis in Manipurs Churachandpur district sheltering immigrants from Myanmar had sowed discord among the states Kuki community before the violence out in May, reported the Indian Express newspaper.

The Manipur government has been trying to carry out a drive against illegal immigrants and has even set up Population Commission to identify them, the newspaper added.

ALSO READ: Why Mizoram is so concerned by the violence in Manipur

Mizoram welcomes refugees

Mizoram has seen an influx of refugees not just from Myanmar, but also from Bangladesh and Manipur.

As per The Hindus report last month, more than 900 Kuki-Chin people from Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh have entered Mizoram following operations by Bangladesh Army in the area against Kuki Chin National Front (KCNF).

Manipurs Kuki-Zo people have entered neighbouring Mizoram due to the ethnic clashes in their state.

Amid the influx of refugees, Mizoram chief minister Zoramthanga has written at least three letters to Prime Minister Narendra Modi between May and June seeking financial aid from the Centre, reported ThePrint.

In his latest letter, Zoramthanga said Mizoram is staring at a larger humanitarian crisis and sought Modis personal intervention to support the relief measures for sheltering those fleeing political and ethnic unrest in Manipur, Myanmar and Bangladesh, as per ThePrint.

It has become extremely difficult and untenable for the government of Mizoram to single-handedly look after the thousands of Internally Displaced People (IDPs) and a larger humanitarian crisis looms ahead unless the Government of India steps forward and shares the burden, the Mizoram chief minister told the prime minister.

According to Zoramthanga, Mizoram has 35,000 refugees from Myanmar, more than 12,300 IDPs from Manipur, and over 1,000 Kuki-Chin refugees from Bangladesh.

Mizoram deputy chief minister Tawnluia told ThePrint this week that the state government has not received any help from the Centre so far.

Mizoram home minister Lalchamliana had told Indian Express in June that in spite of assistance from the local population and the Church, the state was under a lot of pressure and facing a financial crunch.

Mizoram also recently concluded almost a month-long fundraising drive among state and central government employees, MLAs, MPs, and civic councillors, ThePrint reported.

However, the influx of refugees in recent years has raised security concerns in Mizoram. As per The Hindu, the smuggling of narcotics along the India-Myanmar Border (IMB) has seen year-on-year growth. In Mizoram, contraband and narcotics worth Rs 603.43 crore were seized till June this year, a jump from Rs 355 crore in 2022.

Deputy chief minister Tawnluia told ThePrint that Mizoram has not seen cross-border movement recently.

With inputs from agencies
Singapore hanged its first woman in 19 years today (28 July), the island nations second execution for drug trafficking in a week. Saridewi Djamani, a 45-year-old Singaporean woman, was sentenced to death in 2018 for trafficking about 31 grams of diamorphine, or pure heroin, Associated Press (AP) reported citing the Central Narcotics Bureau.

Her execution comes two days after Singaporean national Mohammed Aziz Hussain, 56, was sent to the gallows at Singapores Changi Prison for drug trafficking.

Lets take a closer look at Singapores harsh anti-drug laws.

Death penalty in Singapore

Singapore imposes the death penalty for murder, drug trafficking, terrorism, some forms of kidnapping and crimes involving firearms.

The city-states anti-drug laws are among the strictest across the globe.

Singapores laws mandate capital punishment for trafficking more than 500 grams of cannabis and 15 grams of heroin or diamorphine, reported AP.

Under Singapore law, Al Jazeera noted, anyone found with more than two grams of diamorphine is presumed to be trafficking drugs.

The Singapore government resumed executions in March 2022, following a two-year pause during the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to human rights groups, Singapore has executed 15 people so far since then.

Saridewi Djamani and more

Before Djamani, the last time a woman was hanged in Singapore for drug trafficking was in 2004 when 36-year-old hairdresser Yen May Woen was sentenced to death, Transformative Justice Collective (TJC), a Singapore rights group that endorses the abolishment of capital punishment, activist Kokila Annamalai told AFP.

Local media reported that Djamani stated in her trial previously that she was stocking up on heroin for the Muslim fasting month, Ramzan. However, her defence was dismissed by the court and a further appeal was also unsuccessful, Al Jazeera reported.

According to Kirsten Han, another TJC activist, Hussain  who was also hanged this week  was sentenced to death in 2018 for trafficking around 50 grams of heroin.

TJC said in May that it believed 54 people were on death row in Singapore currently, with all, except three, sentenced for drug-related offences, reported Al Jazeera.

The rights group told AP that a new execution notice  the fifth this year  has been issued to an inmate for 3 August. As per TJC, the prisoner is an ethnic Malay citizen who was convicted in 2019 of trafficking around 50 grams of heroin.

Last April, the execution of Nagaenthran Dharmalingam, an Indian-origin Malaysian with intellectual disabilities, had put the spotlight back on Singapores harsh anti-drug laws.

He was arrested in 2010 after a bundle of 42.7 grams of heroin was found strapped to his thigh, as per Al Jazeera.

His case drew international attention with the United Nations calling for a halt on his execution. However, Singapore went ahead with the hanging rejecting Dharmalingams mothers clemency plea.

Sara Kowal, vice president of the Capital Punishment Justice Project in Australia, told Al Jazeera in May that the Singapore government is very committed to the death penalty being the main element of its drug policy.

Opposition to death penalty

Singapores death penalty for drug offences has been widely condemned.

Critics say that these laws punish low-level drug traffickers and couriers, who are mostly recruited from marginalised groups.

The death penalty is a brutal system that is disproportionately used on vulnerable and marginalised communities. It doesnt deliver justice, only violence, cruelty, and pain. The death penalty is the mark of a punitive society where we approach problems not with care and compassion, but with a desire to punish and inflict pain, TJC activist Han told Asia Media Centre last October.

Human rights experts from the UN have also said that a disproportionate number of minority persons were being sentenced to the mandatory death penalty in Singapore, reported Al Jazeera.

As per AP, a joint statement by TJC and other groups has claimed that Law Minister K Shanmugam admitted in a 2022 interview that Singapores harsh policy on drugs has not resulted in the arrest of drug kingpins.

British billionaire Richard Branson has also often spoken up against capital punishment in the city-state. Seeking clemency for Djamani, Branson said on Thursday: Small scale-drug traffickers need help, as most are bullied due to their circumstances. The death penalty is not a deterrent.

On Tuesday, rights watchdog Amnesty International appealed to the Singapore government to stop the impending executions.

It is unconscionable that authorities in Singapore continue to cruelly pursue more executions in the name of drug control, Amnestys death penalty expert Chiara Sangiorgio said in a statement, as per AFP.

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, Singapores authorities are doing neither, Sangiorgio added.

According to Amnesty International, only four countries such as Singapore, China, Iran and Saudi Arabia have carried out executions for drug-related offences recently.

ALSO READ: Who is Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Indian-origin man who could be next Singapore president?

Singapore defends harsh drug policy

Singapore claims capital punishment for drug crimes deters drug dealers and helps in keeping the island nation one of the safest places globally.

It also cites wide public support for the death penalty for drug-related offences. A 2019 study by the Ministry of Home Affairs found that almost 70 percent of Singaporeans believed that capital punishment is more effective than life imprisonment to curb drug trafficking.

Speaking to Singapores TODAY newspaper in 2018, the senior parliamentary secretary for home affairs and health at the time, Amrin Amin, had said: The death penalty has deterred major drug syndicates from establishing themselves in Singapore. And this has helped to reduce the supply of drugs to Singapore.

TJC activist Han told TODAY that she believes that there is a lack of awareness among the public in Singapore due to the difficulty in spreading awareness about such cases. In Singapore, abolitionist ideas are rarely given space in mainstream discourse, which tends to perpetuate the governments arguments, Han told Asia Media Centre last year.

Meanwhile, despite international pressure, it does not seem Singapore has plans to amend its strict drug laws anytime soon.

With inputs from agencies
Alpha-gal syndrome has been on the rise in the United States since 2010.

No, it has nothing to do with people with aggressive or dominant personalities  but rather a growing number of men and women who have developed allergies over the past decade.

Lets take a closer look:

What is it?

Alpha-gal syndrome is a food allergy that causes people to become allergic to red meat and other products made from mammals, according to the Mayo Clinic website.

People in the US usually develop the condition after being bitten by the Lone Star tick.

As per CDC website, the Lone Star tick is a very aggressive tick that bites humans.

The tick, found in the eastern and southern parts of the country, injects a sugar molecule known as alpha-gal into the human body through its bite.

This causes the immune system to develop a reaction  ranging from severe to mild  to red meat.

It can also result in reactions to mammal products such as dairy and gelatin, as per Mayo Clinic.

What happened?

A government report released Thursday estimated that over 100,000 people have become allergic to red meat since 2010 due to tick bites.

A second report puts that figure even higher  at 450,000.

That would make it the 10th most common food allergy in the United States, said Dr Scott Commins, a University of North Carolina researcher who co-authored both papers published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Healthline reported that such red meat allergies first began being reported in 2009.

That year, just 24 cases had been reported. But by 2021, that number had soared to 34,000 cases.

Scientists had seen reactions in such patients taking a cancer drug that was made in mouse cells containing the alpha-gal sugar.

But in 2011 researchers first reported that it could spread through tick bites, too.

According to Mayo Clinic, while most such cases are usually reported in the south, east and central United States, the disease seems to be spreading  via deer carrying the Lone Star tick across the country.

Dr Erin McGintee, who practices on Long Island, told NBC News shes seen around 900 people with the syndrome over the past decade.

Out here in the Hamptons, most people know at least one other person who has the syndrome, she added.

It does seem like its really growing, Commins told the outlet.

It appears the range of this tick is expanding.  The other aspect of this that weve noted during the pandemic is that folks are getting outside  which is great  and hiking, going to national parks, trails, and this activity has led to increases in tick bites overall.

Patients bewildered

Health officials said they are not aware of any confirmed deaths, but people with the allergy have described it as bewildering and terrifying.

I never connected it with any food because it was hours after eating, said one patient, Bernadine Heller-Greenman.

People with the syndrome can experience symptoms including hives, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, severe stomach pain, difficulty breathing, dizziness and swelling of the lips, throat, tongue or eye lids.

Unlike some other food allergies, which occur soon after eating, these reactions hit hours later.

Often the fattier the meat, the more likely theyll have a reaction, Commins told the Washington Post.

So hamburger or marbled steak are the kind of textbook thing, and they finish dinner, no symptoms, go on to bed and then are woken in the middle of the night with itching and hives and often gastrointestinal stress as well.

Some patients have only stomach symptoms, and the American Gastroenterological Association says people with unexplained diarrhea, nausea and abdominal pain should be tested for the syndrome.

While not everyone will develop the alpha-gal syndrome after tick bites, experts say more research is required.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for alpha-gal syndrome.

As per the Mayo Clinic website, patients are best served by avoiding tick bites entirely.

Wearing long pants and full-sleeved shirt in wooded, grassy areas, using bug spray, and checking your entire body for ticks is recommended after spending time outside.

One of the studies released Thursday examined 2017-2022 test results from the main US commercial lab looking for alpha-gal antibodies. They noted the number of people testing positive rose from about 13,000 in 2017 to 19,000 in 2022.

Experts say cases may be up for a variety of reasons, including lone star ticks expanding range, more people coming into contact with the ticks or more doctors learning about it and ordering tests for it.

Doctors unaware

But many doctors remain unaware of the disease.

The lack of [health care provider] knowledge of [alpha-gal syndrome] is likely to lead to under testing, further hampering knowledge of the national prevalence, the studys authors wrote of their findings as per CBS News.

The burden of alpha-gal syndrome in the United States could be substantial given the large percentage of cases suspected to be going undiagnosed due to non-specific and inconsistent symptoms, challenges seeking healthcare, and lack of clinician awareness, the CDCs Dr Johanna Salzer was quoted as saying by the outlet.

This despite USA Today quoting Dr Ann Carpenter, lead author of one of the new CDC papers, as calling the syndrome an emerging public health problem, with potentially severe health impacts that can last a lifetime for some patients.

The second study was a survey last year of 1,500 US primary care doctors and health professionals.

The survey found nearly half had never heard of alpha-gal syndrome, and only 5 per cent said they felt very confident they could diagnose it. Researchers used that information to estimate the number of people with the allergy  450,000.

The allergy can fade away in some people  Commins has seen that happen in about 15 per cent to 20 per cent of his patients. But a key is avoiding being re-bitten.

The tick bites are central to this. They perpetuate the allergy, he said.

One of his patients is Heller-Greenman, a 78-year-old New York art historian who spends summers on Marthas Vineyard. She has grown accustomed to getting bitten by ticks on the island and said she has had Lyme disease four times.

About five years ago, she started experiencing terrible, itchy hives on her back, torso and thighs in the middle of the night. Her doctors concluded it was an allergic reaction, but couldnt pinpoint the trigger.

She was never a big meat eater, but one day in January 2020 she had a hamburger and then a big, fatty steak the following evening. Six hours after dinner, she woke up nauseated, then suffered terrible spells of vomiting, diarrhea and dizziness. She passed out three times.

She was diagnosed with alpha-gal syndrome shortly after that, and was told to avoid ticks and to stop eating red meat and dairy products. There have been no allergic reactions since.

I have one grandchild that watches me like a hawk, she said, making sure she reads packaged food labels and avoids foods that could trigger a reaction.

I feel very lucky, really, that this has worked out for me, she said. Not all doctors are knowledgeable about this.

With inputs from agencies
The entire world is watching with bated breath if Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese president Xi Jinping will meet in August at the BRICS summit in Cape Town or the G20 meeting in Delhi. The discussions about the leaders meeting revive memories of the last time the two leaders met, at a G20 leaders dinner in Bali last November. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was observed coming up to his Chinese counterpart and having a brief conversation, although no one knows the words they exchanged. Both the countries remain tight-lipped about the interaction at the time.

However, when Indias National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval met his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on the sidelines of the BRICS NSA meeting in Johannesburg on Monday, both the countries issued statements summarising the leaders meeting in Bali. Heres what has happened?

Consensus on stabilising relations

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese president Xi Jinping had exchanged courtesies and spoke on the need to stabilise the bilateral relations at a dinner during the G20 summit in Bali last year, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday.

The statement came two days after the Chinese foreign ministry claimed, following a meeting between NSA Ajit Doval and top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi in Johannesburg, that Xi and Modi had reached an important consensus on bilateral relations during their interaction on the margins of the G20 Summit last November.

During the Bali G20 summit last year, the prime minister and President Xi Jinping at the conclusion of that dinner hosted by the Indonesian president exchanged courtesies and spoke of the need to stabilise our bilateral relations, said Arindam Bagchi, the official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs.

As you are aware, we have steadfastly maintained the key to resolution of the whole issue is to resolve the situation along the LAC (Line of Actual Control) on the Western sector of India-China boundary and to restore peace and tranquillity in the border areas, he added.

His comments came when asked about Chinas claim of the consensus reached at the interaction between the two top leaders in Bali.

Following the brief interaction between Modi and Xi in Bali, the MEA had said they exchanged courtesies.

It was their first such exchanges in public view since the India-China border standoff began in May 2020.

Efforts to resolve bilateral ties

Doval met Wang on the sidelines of the BRICS NSAs meeting in Johannesburg on 24 July.

In its statement on the meeting, the MEA said 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.

It said the 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 ties.

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 MEA said on Tuesday.

The Indian and Chinese troops are locked in an over three-year standoff in certain friction points in eastern Ladakh even as the two sides completed disengagement from several areas following extensive diplomatic and military talks.

The government refers to eastern Ladakh as Western sector.

The ties between the two countries nosedived significantly following the fierce clash in the Galwan Valley in June 2020 that marked the most serious military conflict between the two sides in decades.

Asked whether the Chinese president would attend the G20 summit in Delhi, Bagchi said India is making all efforts and preparations for its success with the participation of all invited leaders.

On Indias proposal to make the African Union a permanent member of the G20, he said: We hope this does happen.

At the same time, he added that it would be premature to say anything specific on the matter.

Asked about Russian president Vladimir Putins reported comments supporting the proposal, Bagchi said he has not seen the remarks.

But said: If Russia has supported (the proposal), it is good.

With inputs from PTI
General Abdourahmane Tchiani has named himself Nigers new leader.

Tchiani, who goes by Omar, on Friday took to state television to ask for support for the takeover days after the military detained Nigers democratically-elected president Mohamed Bazoum.

Tchiani was identified as the leader of the National Council for the Safeguarding of the Country  the group of soldiers who said they staged the coup.

But who is Tchiani? What do we know about him?

Lets take a closer look:

Tchiani is head of the presidential guard  which is drawn from the armed forces and usually protects the president and his entourage.

As per Gilletnews.com, Tchiani hails from Nigers Tillaberi. The western region is a major source of recruitment for the army.

Tchiani has been leading the presidential guards since 2011.

He is said to be a close ally of ex-president Mahamadou Issoufou.

According to BBC, it was Issoufou who promoted Tchiani to the rank of general in 2018.

Interestingly, Tchiani prevented an attempted coup in March 2021  just prior to Bazoum taking power.

Tchani was also linked to a 2015 attempted coup, but denied it in court.

Bazoum was the first elected leader to succeed another since Nigers independence in 1960, as per BBC.

Why was the coup carried out?

Tchianis motivations for the coup remain unclear.

Paul Melly, Niger expert at the London-based think tank Chatham House, told Al Jazeera it is rumoured that Bazoum was considered replacing Tchiani prior to the coup  either due to his age (62) or unhappiness within the army particularly the presidential guard.

It is also possible that Bazoum wanted to assert his own authority by replacing Tchiani or remaking the presidential guard, Melly added.

Tchiani on state TV said Niger needed to change course to avoid the gradual and inevitable demise and thus he and others had decided to intervene.

Tchiani reiterated that soldiers had seized power due to the worsening security. He also criticized the lack of genuine collaboration with military governments in Mali and Burkina Faso in the fight against insurgencies.

The harsh reality of insecurity in Niger, experienced by our defence forces and hardworking populations, with its toll of deaths, displacement, humiliation, and frustration, reminds us on a daily basis of this stark reality, Tchiani said.

What sense lies in the security approach against terrorism that excludes any genuine collaboration with Burkina Faso and Mali, even though we share the Liptako-Gourma zone, where most of the terrorist group activities we are fighting against are concentrated, he added.

Tchiani said the National Council for the Safeguarding of the Homeland, over which he is now presiding, will respect all commitments made to the international community.

I also ask the technical and financial partners and friends of Niger to understand the specific situation of our country and provide all necessary support to help it overcome the challenges it faces, he added.

Earlier, various factions of Nigers military wrangled for power, according to an analyst and a Western military official.

Tchianis appearance seemed to be an effort to show he was in charge, though the situation was still in flux.

Nigers coup is the seventh in West and Central Africa since 2020 and could have grave consequences for democratic progress and the fight against an insurgency by jihadist militants in the region, where Niger is a key Western ally.

France, the countrys former colonial power, and the West African regional bloc ECOWAS called for Bazoums immediate release and a return to constitutional order. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov also said that constitutional order should be restored.

US vice-president Kamala Harris said cooperation with Nigers government was contingent on its continued commitment to democratic standards.

The US also supports taking action at the United Nations Security Council to de-escalate the situation in Niger, a spokesperson for the US UN mission said.

African Union Commission Chair Moussa Faki Mahamat said he had spoken on Thursday with Bazoum and that the president was fine, Russian news agency RIA reported.

With inputs from agencies
Twitters revamp by Elon Musk as X is not going as planned.

Indonesia has temporarily banned X.com due to its regulations outlawing gambling and online pornography.

But there is a catch.

The social networking site is prohibited because its predecessors violated the countrys content rules.

Lets take a closer look.

Also read: Can Twitter trademark X? And will the rebranding benefit it?

Temporary ban

According to Indonesias Ministry of Communication and Informatics, the site was blocked because the domain had previously been used by sites that disregarded the nations strict rules prohibiting negative content, such as gambling and pornography.

EnGadget quoted Usman Kansong, the director general of information and public communication at the ministry, as claiming that X had been contacted by the government to provide further information about the sites purpose.

Earlier today, we spoke with representatives from Twitter and they will send a letter to us to say that X.com will be used by Twitter, Kansong said on Tuesday.

Due to the change, the platform, which purportedly has 24 million members among Indonesias 270 million people, is currently inaccessible to Indonesians.

Gatria Priyandita, a cyber-policy expert at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, told Al Jazeera that the ministry typically disables websites that are deemed inflammatory, illegal, or harmful to societal peace.

These may include pornographic materials, sites that violate intellectual property laws, those that incite hate or are filled with false information, she said, adding, Given that Twitter can be freely used in Indonesia, I doubt removing X.com from the list of banned sites would be a great challenge, so long as Twitter can demonstrate that the domain name truly does direct to Twitter.

X.com has reportedly been prohibited, according to Aribowo Sasmito, co-founder of the fact-checking organisation MAFINDO, because of the names unfavourable associations.

Sasmito told Al Jazeera, The name is not too far from XXX, I guess.

Also read: The X factor: Will Elon Musks rebranding of Twitter hurt the social media giant?

Similar moves in Indonesia

Indonesia, which is the nation with the largest proportion of Muslims in the world, has a reputation for either censoring or threatening to shut down well-known websites.

In 2022, officials warned that if popular sites like Netflix, Google, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter did not submit a report to the ministry outlining the content that appears on their networks, they risked being blocked. By registering before the cutoff, all of the websites were able to dodge the intended ban.

Due to concerns over inappropriate content, including pornography, Telekomunikasi Indonesia, the major telecommunications provider in Indonesia, immediately barred Netflix after its launch in 2016 and kept it off-limits until mid-2020.

2018 also saw a brief government blockade of the Chinese controversial app TikTok.

Internet users in Indonesia, according to Sasmito, are in a dilemma because of the countrys history of censoring pornographic websites.

He told Al Jazeera, Those who prefer freedom are against it but if the context is pornography-related, then it is more related to religious aspects since Indonesia is the country with the largest Muslim population in the world.

Sasmito also claimed that because users could readily get around the restrictions, internet censorship did not always achieve its goals.

This comes with its own challenges. For example, if a domain or URL is blocked, then the site owners will change the address, if they are blocked again then they will just change the name again, he added.

Also read: S3Xy, eXposure, eXult: Elon Musk renames conference rooms to match Twitters new X branding

Twitter rebranding

The latest ban follows Musks announcement on Monday that as part of a rebranding of Twitter that would do away with its name and bird emblem in favour of a white X on a black background.

The Tesla CEO has described the micro-blogging platforms rebranding, which received a mixed reception from users, as the first step towards changing it into an everything app that offers services other than social networking, like payments and banking, like Chinas WeChat.

By providing such benefits and restricting already available functionality, the service has recently attempted to persuade users to subscribe to $8 per month Blue plans.

The temporary Indonesian prohibition is not a significant obstacle.

It still entails that around 24 million consumers are currently unable to even try X.com. That might be good news for rivals that dont have to deal with those constraints, like the recently released Threads from Meta (which is already available in Indonesia).

Also read: Twitter rebrands to X: Tracing Elon Musks obsession with the letter

More trouble for X

The generic nature of the letter X may also make it difficult for the company to register new trademarks and protect them.

This is because rival companies like Microsoft and Meta have a tonne of trademarks on X that could obstruct Musks aspirations for Twitters future.

The business has also experienced difficulties updating its signs; a crew removing the Twitter sign in San Francisco was forced to stop due to permit complications, leaving the er and old bird design in place.

According to Bloomberg, experts estimate that the decision has already cost somewhere between $4 billion and $20 billion in value.

Over a 17-year span, Twitter developed its worth and reputation by introducing terms like tweet to the lexicon of popular culture.

Moreover, Musks obsession with X, in an odd way, goes much beyond Twitter.

The most popular example is SpaceX, another business that he leads, then there is an AI-focused company named xAI and X Corp, a corporate front company that is also owned by the billionaire.

Even his son was given the name X  A-Xii.

With inputs from agencies
Shortly after taking off, Paris-bound Air India flight AI143 on Friday safely returned to Delhi following the Delhi ATCs information to the flight crew about suspected tyre debris on the runway on Friday

Flight AI143 operating Delhi-Paris on 28 July 2023 air-returned shortly after take-off, following the Delhi ATCs information to flight crew about suspected tyre debris sighted on the runway after departure. The flight safely landed back at Delhi at 1418Hrs, said Air India spokesperson.

The spokesperson said that while the aircraft undergoes necessary checks at Delhi, alternate arrangements are being planned for the passengers of AI143 to get to their destinations.

We regret the inconvenience caused to passengers, but as always, safety of all on board is Air Indias foremost priority, added the spokesperson.

More details awaited.
The centre has provided Antenatal Care Checkups (ANC) to 319 pregnant women in conflict-ridden areas of Manipur on a regular basis, Bharati Pravin Pawar, minister of state for health & family welfare, informed Lok Sabha on Friday.

Around 139 pregnant women have delivered from the time of onset of the current crisis till 27 July, he said.

The state of Manipur has been witnessing ongoing tensions between two ethnic groups, Meitei and Kuki, for the past two and a half months, which have severely affected the healthcare and other social services in the region.

To address the situation, the Union Health Ministry dispatched six teams, each comprising four doctors, in May, and an additional team of four doctors earlier this month to provide essential healthcare services, including antenatal care, to pregnant women in the affected areas.

Regular health check-ups are being done in all the designated relief camps across the state and those who are seriously ill are promptly transferred to the nearest Hospitals by Ambulance services, said Pawar.

He said that in each of the affected districts across the state, medical teams have been constituted to provide overall healthcare services to the victims in the designated relief camps.

Health care of the women and children including lactating mothers and feeding infants is provided under the maternal health and child health programs, Pawar stated.

In addition to this, mental health care of the victims in the designated relief camps is provided under National Mental Health Program.
A college girl was attacked with a rod in South Delhis Malviya Nagar on Friday morning. She died on the spot.

Delhi Police said the 25-year-old girls body was found under a bench at Vijay Mandal Park at Shivalik A block of Malviya Nagar.

The girl, on Friday, had arrived at the park near Aurbindo College in Malviya Nagar with a male friend.

An iron rod was found near her body. According to a preliminary investigation, the girl was attacked with a rod. Further investigation is in progress, DCP South Chandan Chowdhary.

The incident took place inside the park. The deceased is a college student. She had come to the park with her friend. There are injuries on the deceaseds head. A rod was also found near her body. We are investigating the matter, Chandan Chowdhary, Deputy Commissioner of Police, South Delhi said.

#WATCH | Chandan Chowdhary, Deputy Commissioner of Police, South Delhi, says The incident took place inside the park. The deceased is a college student. She had come to the park with her friend. There are injuries on the deceaseds head. A rod was also found near her body. We pic.twitter.com/s0vZ4NQZHB  ANI (@ANI) July 28, 2023

As per a report by India Today, the victim was a student of Kamala Nehru College.

Delhi college girl murdered in Malviya Nagar

The police informed that the victim's male friend, who accompanied her to the park, fled the spot after hitting her with an iron rod.

He was however, apprehended by the police and investigation has been initiated into the matter.

The victim had an external injury mark on her head and blood oozed out as she laid lifeless on the bench at the park, the police said.

The police have taken the girl's body into custody and further investigations are underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The iron rod, which was used to attack the girl, has been also recovered from the crime spot, the police informed.

'Law & order completely collapsed in Delhi'

"The law and order situation in Delhi is in turmoil. Two incidents took place today- a girl was shot in Dabri and the second incident took place near Aurbindo College where another woman was beaten to death by an iron rod. I appeal to the Central government to call a meeting regarding the safety of women in Delhi," Delhi Commission for Women chief Swati Maliwal said, adding that DCW is taking cognizance of these incidents and are issuing notices for the same.

#WATCH | Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) chief Swati Maliwal, says "The law and order situation in Delhi is in turmoil. Two incidents took place today- a girl was shot in Dabri and the second incident took place near Aurbindo College where another woman was beaten to death by an pic.twitter.com/3feeYT7xax  ANI (@ANI) July 28, 2023

Maliwal further said, "Law and order has completely collapsed in Delhi. The name of victims changes daily, but the crimes against women are not reducing."

With inputs from agencies
A day after the Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping not only exchanged courtesies at the G20 summit in Bali last November, but also spoke on the need to stabilise bilateral relations, the Congress on Friday asked the Union government whether a consensus between India and China on the border dispute has been reached.

Ever since Prime Ministers public clean chit to China on June 19th, 2020, the Modi government has been acting as if it is being tough on China, and that there have been no compromises or meaningful conversations between PM Modi and President Xi Jinping while Chinese troops  Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) July 28, 2023



Taking to twitter Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said, Ever since Prime Ministers public clean chit to China on June 19th, 2020, the Modi government has been acting as if it is being tough on China, and that there have been no compromises or meaningful conversations between PM Modi and President Xi Jinping while Chinese troops remain in violation of previous LAC agreements.

He added, On November 16, 2022, he said, the Modi government characterised a dinner conversation between the two leaders at Bali as just an exchange of courtesies.

He further said that On July 25, 2023, he claimed that a Chinese Foreign Ministry statement mentioned an important consensus reached by PM Modi and President Xi in Bali.

Ramesh asked whether Chinese troops from Depsang and Demchok in Ladakh will now be withdrawn.

On July 27, our Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that more than mere courtesies were exchanged at Bali. Is this a consensus or a concession by PM Modi? Will Chinese troops finally withdraw from Depsang and Demchok where they have blocked Indian patrols for more than three years, Ramesh asked.

Meanwhile, he claimed that economic relations between the two countries are proceeding as if the Chinese incursions in Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh never even happened.

So much for lal aankh! the Congress leader said.

The Congress has been critical of the governments handling of the border dispute with China.

The government confirmation on Thursday came two days after Beijing claimed that PM Modi and Xi Jinping reached an important consensus on stabilising bilateral ties during their interaction at the G20 Summit in Bali.

During the Bali G20 summit last year, the Prime Minister and President Xi Jinping, at the conclusion of the dinner hosted by the Indonesian President, exchanged pleasantries and discussed the necessity of stabilising our bilateral relations, said Arindam Bagchi, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson.

He said, Our consistent stance has been that resolving the issue along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the western sector of the India-China boundary and restoring peace and tranquillity in the border areas is crucial for the overall resolution.

Bagchi made the comments in response to the Chinese foreign ministrys readout of the meeting between NSA Ajit Doval and top diplomat Wang Yi in Johannesburg earlier this week, in which it said PM Modi and Xi reached a consensus in Bali on stabilising relations.

The MEA had previously mentioned the exchange of pleasantries between PM Modi and Xi on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Bali, which was their first public interaction since the border standoff began in May 2020.

I think the foreign secretary did mention. Maybe he didnt mention the second part of it. He did talk about extending courtesies and I think there was a general discussion on the need to stabilise our bilateral relations and how we see that, Bagchi said.

With inputs from agencies
External Affairs Minister Jaishankar on Friday said that it is important for Japan and India to be on the same page on countering terrorism and emphasised the need to address not only the root cause but also the root countries behind the menace.

#WATCH | EAM Dr S Jaishankar, says There are some really important challenges in the world, like missile nuclear proliferation and terrorism & it is imp that we address root causes & root countries which are behind this & it is important that Japan & India are on the same page pic.twitter.com/0g8BS8lbBy  ANI (@ANI) July 28, 2023

Speaking at the India-Japan Forum 2023 in the national capital, Jaishankar, was responding to his Japanese counterpart Yoshimasa Hayashis remarks that top priority of cooperation between like-minded countries India and Japan should be to counter-terrorism.

Jaishankar and Hayashi discussed critical global issues, including terrorism and nuclear proliferation at the forum. The visiting Japanese minister highlighted the Japan-India cooperation towards the future of the Indo-Pacific.

In a subsequent question and answer session at the Forum, Hayashi said, Its an unquestionable issue that everybody, India, Japan, everyone should be very strict, vis a vis all those activities such as terrorism. Each country should be ready for that. Everyone should be very strict on activities such as terrorism. Cooperation between like-minded countries like us to counter-terrorism is a top priority issue.

Jaishankar also touched upon the issue of terrorism in the question and answer session.

There are some really important challenges in the world, like missile nuclear proliferation and terrorism and it is important that we address root causes and root countries which are behind this and it is important that Japan and India are on the same page.

Meanwhile, speaking on strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries the Japanese foreign minister said that it is crucial that people-to-people exchanges between India and Japan are promoted. He said that the post-COVID-19 era is an opportune time to revitalize relations.

He also said Japan has designated the year 2023 as the Japan India tourism exchange year.

Our prime ministers agreed to further promote exchanges at the summit meeting held in March. We designated this year 2023 as the Japan-India tourism exchange and we will boost our tourism, Hayashi said.

He further said that Japan and India will also promote Japanese language education, student changes and specified skilled webcast system in India.

We will bring human resources from India to Japan, especially in the IT (Information technology) field, he added.

On India-Japan relations at the United Nations, Hayashi said, India is an integral part for us in terms of the United Nations Security Council, where we have been working shoulder to shoulder as G4 Members to achieve complete lease outs.

Reflecting on some of the memorable moments of the G7 summit in Hiroshima, the Japanese Foreign Minister said that India gifted Mahatma Gandhis statue to the city of Hiroshima.

This gift is indeed a symbol that Japan and India are united in their steps towards peace. The leaders of the world visited the peace memorial museum and deepened their understanding of the reality of the use of nuclear weapons, he added.

The Japanese minster said that Japan is free and committed to the success of the upcoming G20 New Delhi summit. He also appreciated the theme of the G20, Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam which means that the world is one.

The meaning of G20 is seen in line with the principle of Japan, which strives for fostering cooperation at a time of deepening division and confrontations, he said.

We really look forward to continuing to work side by side with India in the spirit of harmony and cooperation for a better future of the region and beyond, the Japanese foreign minister said.

Jaishankar in his address to the India-Japan forum today said that Japan has had a huge impact on India and in many ways, Japan is an exemplary moderniser for India.

Speaking at the forum in the presence of Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Jaishankar said: What really does Japan means to India? Japan is in many ways the exemplary moderniser It is an example of relevance. Its also a country for which there is a lot of goodwill in history. Today under PM Modi, we also had great modernisation. A self-reliant India, Jaishakar said.

Japan is a natural partnership in this modernising India. Japan has truly unleashed the revolution in India. The Suzuki revolution! The second revolution was the metro revolution. The third revolution is the high-speed rail in making. The fourth revolution is in critical and emerging technologies and semiconductors, he added.

The Japanese Foreign Minister had arrived in New Delhi earlier on Thursday.

Jaishankar and Hayashi held the 15th India-Japan Foreign Ministers Strategic Dialogue in New Delhi on Thursday.

The meeting provided an opportunity to review the progress made in the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership.

The two ministers engaged in comprehensive discussions covering a wide range of issues of bilateral, regional, and global significance. They highlighted the importance of further strengthening India-Japan partnership based on shared values and principles.
In an uncanny stroke of luck, 11 women belonging to Keralas municipal sanitation department have won a grand cash prize worth Rs 10 crore. According to a report by News 18, the women bagged the jackpot under the state governments Monsoon Bumper lottery in 2023. The Kerala State Lottery Department has been conducting weekly lotteries since 1967, making it the oldest such institution in the country. The department currently runs seven lotteries. The draws occur every day at 3:00 PM at the Sree Chithira Home Auditorium in Thiruvananthapurams Pazhavangadi at East Fort.

Keralas municipal sanitation department

The sanitation department has won the jackpot under the Lottery Departments seasonal bumpers during major festive occasions like Christmas, Summer, Vishu, Monsoon, and Thiruvonam.

The women belong to the 57-member Haritha Karma Sena, which comes under the Parappanangadi municipality. The group is deployed for doorstep waste collection and segregation into non-biodegradable waste for further processing. As per sources, the dire financial situation forced them to collectively arrange the money to buy a lottery ticket worth Rs 250 a few weeks ago. The winners themselves are shocked by the results. In an interview with News 18, Radha, one of the winners said that they had to check in multiple times with people to make sure they had actually won. Stressing on their individual financial woes, she spoke about how the group comes from extremely poor families with lots of debt and liabilities on their shoulders.

During the same session, Sheeja Ganesh, the coordinator of the Haritha Karma Sena, expressed elation over the win. The winners earned between Rs 8,000 to 14,000 monthly.

Lottery

The Monsoon Bumper BR 92 Lottery results were announced on its official website, keralalotteriesresults.in, at 3:00 pm on 26 July. As per the rules, winners must surrender their tickets to the organisation within 30 days of the contest period to claim their prize. Failure to do so results in forfeiture of winnings.

The lottery also offers multiple prizes ranging from Rs 10 lakh, Rs 5 lakh, Rs 3 lakh, Rs 1 lakh, and more. After the final deductions involving income tax and agent commission, the prize money shall be deposited in one of the 11 womens accounts.

Interestingly, the report mentioned that it was the fourth time the women had purchased a bumper lottery ticket. The group had previously won Rs 1,000 in the Onam bumper.
Law panel will form a report on Uniform Civil Code (UCC) soon, media reports suggest.

The panel will, however, decided not to extend the deadline of the report. So far, the panel has received over 75 lakh responses.

On June 14, the Law Commission initiated a fresh consultation process on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) by seeking views from stakeholders, including public and recognised religious organisations, on the politically sensitive issue.

Earlier, the 21st Law Commission, the term of which ended in August 2018, examined the issue and solicited the views of all stakeholders on two occasions. Subsequently, a consultation paper on Reforms of Family Law was issued in August 2018.

Since more than three years have lapsed from the date of issuance of the said consultation paper, bearing in mind the relevance and importance of the subject and also the various court orders on the subject, the 22nd Law Commission of India considered it expedient to deliberate afresh over the subject, the panel had said in a public notice.

Appearing before a parliamentary committee earlier this month, representatives of the law panel had defended the fresh consultation exercise, noting that the preceding commission had brought out its suggestions in 2018 and its term had also come to an end. That is why, they have begun a fresh initiative which is essentially informational.

In short, UCC means having a common law for all citizens of the country that is not based on religion. Personal laws and laws related to inheritance, adoption and succession are likely to be covered by a common code.

Implementation of the common code has been part of the BJPs election manifestos.

Uttarakhand is set to come out with its own UCC
A shocking incident has come to fore from Uttar Pradeshs Ballia where a man allegedly raped and set his 22-year-old daughter-in-law on fire over demands for dowry.

The man and his son have been arrested, police said.

The two men and their other family members regularly harassed the victim for a dowry of Rs 50,000 and a gold chain, police said.

We have arrested one Shankar Dayal Chaube and his son Anand Chaube in connection with the dowry death of a 22-year-old wife of Anand Chaube, Circle Officer Mohammaed Usman said.

The father and son doused the woman with some inflammable oil and set her on fire on 25 June, police said. She succumbed to burn injuries about a week later, on 3 July.

Raped before setting me on fire

The victim recorded her statement before a magistrate in the hospital before she died.

In her statement, the woman accused her father-in-law of raping her before she was set on fire, police said.

A FIR has been lodged against the accused under sections of IPC at Bairiya Police Station. The matter is still under investigation.

With inputs from PTI
The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken suo motu cognisance of an incident in Motihari, Bihar, where a woman was reportedly beaten by a group of men. NCW Chairperson, Rekha Sharma, has instructed the Director General of Police (DGP) to furnish a detailed report on the actions taken regarding this incident within the next three days.

Warning: Scenes of violence; viewer discretion advised

NCW is taking suo motu cognisance on the brutal incident of a woman being beaten by a group of men in Bihar. The safety of women in the state is a grave concern.@sharmarekha has asked the DGP to submit a detailed action taken report to The Commission within 3 days.@bihar_police https://t.co/EiuNjK8GER  NCW (@NCWIndia) July 28, 2023

NCW is taking suo motu cognisance on the brutal incident of a woman being beaten by a group of men in Bihar. The safety of women in the state is a grave concern.@sharmarekha has asked the DGP to submit a detailed action taken report to The Commission within 3 days, the NCW tweeted on Friday.

Suo motu cognizance is a legal term that describes a courts or tribunals ability to take notice of an issue on its own initiative without a formal complaint or petition being submitted.

Giriraj Singh, Union Minister of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department, posted a video on Twitter that showed a number of men hitting a woman.

Nitish Kumar sleeps every night dreaming of becoming the prime minister and every morning there are sure to be Taliban-like incidents happening in Bihar. Atrocities are happening every minute with women in the state. Law and Order have gone on tour like Nitish Kumar, Giriraj Singh tweeted in Hindi on Thursday, following which NCW took the suo motu cognisance.

With inputs from agencies
The National Health Authority (NHA) has introduced the 100 Microsites project as part of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) with the objective of promoting digital health adoption and enhancing healthcare accessibility for all.

According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, these microsites will serve as clusters for small and medium-scale clinics, nursing homes, hospitals, labs, pharmacies, and other healthcare facilities that are ABDM-enabled and offer digital health services to patients.

The microsites will be established across the country in various states/union territories, primarily implemented by State Mission Directors of Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, while the National Health Authority will provide financial resources and overall guidance, the ministry said.

The main goal of these microsites is to create a small ecosystem in specific geographic areas where complete ABDM adoption is present, and the entire patient journey is digitized.

The State and Union Territory may collaborate with development partners and interfacing agencies to set up and manage the microsites. All healthcare facilities and professionals, especially from the private sector, will be registered in ABDM modules like Healthcare Professionals Registry (HPR) and Health Facility Registry (HFR), followed by the installation of ABDM-enabled applications within the microsite.

Patients visiting these centres will also become part of ABDM, with their health records linked to their ABHA.

Talking about the project, the CEO of NHA said We aim to establish 100 such microsites across the country where focused efforts would be made to bring as many small-medium scale healthcare entities under the ABDM fold. This will not only increase adoption among private sector providers but will also help ABDM to expand its footprints among the private healthcare providers across the country as well.

The project intends to raise awareness about ABDM and its benefits among small and medium-scale healthcare providers, encourage them to register on ABDMs core registries, use ABDM-certified digital solutions and ultimately link digital health records. Such targeted adoption efforts are expected to activate the ecosystem for widespread ABDM adoption in the country.
Young Liu, the chairman of Taiwanese firm Foxconn met prime minister Narendra Modi in Gandhinagar on Friday.

The PM welcomed Foxconns plans to expand semiconductor and chip manufacturing capacity in India, the PMO said in a tweet.

Mr. Young Liu, Chairman of Foxconn, met PM @narendramodi in Gandhinagar. The PM welcomed Foxconns plans to expand semiconductor and chip manufacturing capacity in India. pic.twitter.com/Badv6NhzRm  PMO India (@PMOIndia) July 28, 2023

Earlier in the day, PM Modi said that India is rolling out the red carpet for the semiconductor industry, as he invited global semiconductor majors to invest in India.

He added that whosoever comes forward will have a first movers advantage.

As India moves forward on the path of reform, new opportunities will be created. India is becoming an excellent conductor for semiconductor investments, PM Modi said at the inaugural session of SemiconIndia 2023 in Gandhinagar.

Ecosystem for semiconductor chips in India is very brave

The ecosystem for semiconductor chips in India is for the very brave, Young Liu earlier said as he expressed optimism about the countrys semiconductor roadmap during the second edition of SemiconIndia.

Earlier this month, Taiwan-based Foxconn, which also supplies for smartphone giant Apple, withdrew from a USD 19.5 billion semiconductor joint venture with Vedanta as the venture struggled to get a technology partner to make chips that are used in mobile phones to refrigerators and cars.

Foxconn is the worlds largest contract electronics maker.

With inputs from agencies
Police have arrested a 47-year-old professor for allegedly sexually harassing a woman doctor on a Delhi-Mumbai flight, an official said on Friday.

The incident took place on Wednesday, he said.

The 24-year-old victim and the accused were seated next to each other on the flight, which took off at 5.30 am from Delhi, the police official said.

In her complaint, the woman doctor said that the accused touched her inappropriately some time before the flight was about to land at the Mumbai airport, he said.

An argument broke out between the two passengers, following which the victim informed the flights crew members, who intervened. After the flight landed at the Mumbai airport, they went to Sahar police station, he added.

Based on the complaint filed by the victim, a case of sexual harassment was registered against the professor and he was arrested, the police official said.

The accused was produced in a court, which granted him bail, he said, adding that a probe was on.
Terming the QUADs new way of working as flexible and open-minded, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday that this is the way how the future of important relationships is going to go, they are not going to go by 1945-50 type of alliances.

Addressing the media at the inaugural session of the India-Japan Forum with his Japanese Counterpart Yoshimasa Hayashi, EAM Jaishankar said that he is very optimistic about the future of the QUAD as the new way of working is more flexible and open-minded.

I am really very optimistic (for the future of QUAD). Every meeting of the QUAD is depending the agenda and gives us issues to work on. There are many more ideas about where we are going. This new way of working as flexible, open-minded is the way how the future of important relationships is going to go, they are not going to go by 1945-50 type of alliances, Jaishankar said.

We restarted (QUAD) in 2017. Every six months, people pronounce it dead. And every time it reincarnated it was stronger and stronger, Jaishankar said. He said that the issues are very practical.

Today, we have critical and emerging technologies. You have a maritime domain awareness. You have SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) for HADR (Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief).Jaishankar said that the QUAD is deepening the agenda with every meeting.

It is giving us many more issues to work on. And I feel after every meeting that actually there are many more ideas about where were going. So I am today very validated that this new way of working which is very flexible, very open minded, very a lot of give and take, he said.

This is the way to go. This is how actually; the future of important relationships is going to go. Theyre not going to go by 1945, 1950 type, balance analysis, Jaishankar said.

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.

The two leaders also spoke on terrorism, counter-terrorism, technology, people-to-people ties and modernisation. The Japanese Foreign Minister had arrived in New Delhi earlier on Thursday.

Jaishankar and Yoshimasa Hayashi held the 15th India-Japan Foreign Ministers Strategic Dialogue in New Delhi on Thursday.

The meeting provided an opportunity to review the progress made in the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership. The two ministers engaged in comprehensive discussions covering a wide range of issues of bilateral, regional, and global significance. They highlighted the importance of further strengthening India-Japan partnership based on shared values and principles.

The ministers emphasized the importance of achieving the target of JPY 5 trillion Japanese investment in India in the period 2022-27. They explored potential areas of collaboration in critical and emerging technologies, including semiconductors; resilient supply chains; and digital public infrastructure, among others.

During the meeting, the ministers also expressed satisfaction with the strengthening of defence and security cooperation, including regular exercises and staff talks between all three services.

In this context, they discussed a way forward to deepen defence equipment and technology cooperation.The ministers exchanged views on regional and global issues of interest as well.

With inputs from ANI.
Tamil Nadus Cuddalore district turned into a battleground after leaders and workers of Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) protested against NLC (Neyveli Lignite Corporation) and clashed with police on Friday.

The agitators were raising their voices against the acquisition and expansion of land for NLC mining expansion in the villages of Valayamadevi village near Bhuvanagiri in the district.

Police resorted to lathi-charge and used water cannons as well as fired tear gas shells to disperse the protesters and detained PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss as well as several others.

Earlier in his address, Anbumani said, "Tamil Nadu has now become an electricity surplus state. Tamil Nadu does not need NLC now. The administration is destroying the land and the people."

Later he led a large number of PMK cadres who attempted to force their way through the barricades placed in front of the arch gate and picket the Central Public Sector Enterprise.

The protesters hurled plastic bottles and pelted stones onto the arch gate and onto riot control vehicles parked behind it.

A large team of police arrived at the spot to detain the protestors. Anbumani was being detained after which the cadres became more aggressive and began damaging the windscreen of police vehicles and clashed with the cops.

Shops and other business establishments in Neyveli were forced to down the shutters.

With inputs from agencies
A video of a landslide in Jammu and Kashmirs Budhal Mahore road, in Reasi district, is going viral on social media.

The over one-minute-long video captured on mobile by people from a distance shows a huge portion of land caving in. A road on the portion of the land that slid also got cut-off due to the calamity.

The incidents of landslides have become more frequent during monsoon season in the hilly terrains of Jammu and Kashmir. Earlier this week, a landslide incident was reported in Kishtwar district of the Union Territory in which two labourers lost their lives.

However, the landslide in Kishtwar was during the excavation work on a road widening project, and a machine was caught in the debris.

Earlier this month, a road connecting Tunnel 3 and 5, in Jammu and Kashmir's Ramban district, was damaged following a landslide due to which the National Highway was closed till further notice.

Also, several times this year, the Jammu-Srinagar national highway that connects Kashmir to the rest of the country, was blocked due to the landslides.

With inputs from agencies
Manipur Police have got in touch with the two women, who were paraded naked in May and then sexually assaulted, and was in the process of recording their statement, PTI quoted officials as saying on Friday.

They said keeping in mind the situation arising out of ethnic clashes that broke out in the state on 4 May, a team of women officials and personnel from Manipur police was formed to probe the case.

The officials said the team had met the family members as well as the two women and the process of recording their statements has begun.

The process of identifying eyewitnesses and recording their statement has also begun, they added.

Reacting to the arrest of people in the viral video case, spokesperson of the Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF) Ginza Vualzong termed it too little, too late.

I would have appreciated it if the culprits were arrested before the video went viral. The FIR was registered on May 18. There are many more such cases. Having said that I would also like to clarify that arresting people would not solve the larger issues of the state which has been witnessing ethnic clashes.

I request the Centre to take the Manipur issue seriously and take steps to end the violence and come up with a solution, he said.

Police have arrested as many as seven people including a juvenile in connection with the case so far.

Centre refers case to CBI

Earlier, the Centre referred to the case to the CBI. It also requested the Supreme Court to transfer the trial in the state outside Manipur. The government also sought a direction to complete the trial within six months of filing the chargesheet, LiveLaw reported.

Tension had mounted in the hills of Manipur after a 4 May video surfaced on 19 July showing two tribal women being paraded naked by some men from the other side in Kangpokpi district.

Police had registered a case of abduction, gangrape and murder at Nongpok Sekmai police station in Thoubal district against unknown armed persons.

The video which drew widespread condemnation shows men constantly molesting the two helpless women, who cry and plead with their captors to spare them.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud had expressed deep anguish and called the incident shameful and unacceptable.

Manipur has been witnessing ethnic clashes since 3 May between the majority the Meiteis, concentrated in Imphal valley, and the Kukis, occupying the hills. Over 150 people have been killed in the violence so far.

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh had said he will ensure strict action is taken against all the perpetrators, including considering the possibility of capital punishment.

My heart goes out to the two women who were subjected to a deeply disrespectful and inhuman act, as shown in the distressing video that surfaced yesterday, Singh had tweeted.

A thorough investigation is currently underway and we will ensure strict action is taken against all the perpetrators, including considering the possibility of capital punishment. Let it be known, there is absolutely no place for such heinous acts in our society, he said.

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.

With inputs from agencies
In The Trial, one of Franz Kafkas novels that was posthumously published (all his works were), the protagonist is inexplicably arrested, persecuted, and prosecuted by a totalitarian authority with no plausible reason in a paradigm of information void. The randomness is terrifying.

What happens when Kafkaesque arbitrariness meets Orwellian dystopia? You get the Xi Jinping regime in China, the worlds second-most-powerful nation where a high-profile foreign minister suddenly goes missing, remains untraceable, and a month later the world is told that he has been removed from his job in a terse one-line statement.

And while Qin Gang  who was last seen publicly on 25 June  apparently still retains his State Councillor title, a position that ranks above a cabinet minister, not even a sliver of information about his whereabouts has escaped from the black hole of Beijing.

Let us pause and reflect for a moment on the bizarreness of Qins purging. Nobody knows why the minister vanished into thin air, and that includes Chinese foreign ministry officials. Nobody knows where he is. Nobody knows whether he is under investigation, a word that carries a sense of foreboding in China. Nobody knows what will become of Qin, if he is ill, or even alive. And this Theatre of The Absurd is unfolding before our eyes in a world where the very concept of privacy is challenged by mobiles phones, CCTVs, drones and satellites and governments that may track every move of any individual to the accuracy of her last step.

The erasure of Qin Gang resembles the expunges that were normalised during the Mao Zedong era when his political opponents would be wiped out from official documents and photographs, but that was still a different world. In this surveillance paradigm, to pull off what Beijing has done verges on the impossible.

The Qin Gang episode illustrates not only the concentration of authoritarian power, the atmosphere of randomness and impenetrability that mark highest decision-making in Beijing but also the philosophy of the absurd. This has major policy implications for the rest of the world that must engage with China with the knowledge that a grammar of absurdity permeates every level of the Chinese apparatus.

Take, for instance, the exchange between the Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson and reporters during Wednesdays press briefing in Beijing. Faced with a barrage of questions from various outlets on Qin, Mao Ning meticulously sidestepped and stonewalled each and every query with a template response that was designed to deflect. Pressed further by flummoxed reporters, Mao claimed that she doesnt have any more information to share. Curiously, none of the more than 20 questions on Qin found its way into the official transcript of the media briefing which was scrubbed clean of any mention of Qin.

This was a repetition of an earlier occasion when the foreign ministry refused to provide any information on Qin beyond what was an unspecified health issue, and none of those questions were present in the official transcript.

What heightens the sense of arbitrariness, and hence the sense of dread, is that while details on Qins removal in Chinese state media is scant and the announcement vague to the point of being a deliberate attempt at obfuscation, yet at another level the voting process at the National Peoples Congress (NPC), Chinas rubber-stamp Parliament, to oust Qin following an official decree by party chairman Xi Jinping was telecast by CCTV in great detail.

As Phil Cunningham, who tracks CCTV at Substack, writes, an adept camera crew (showed) the voting process in shocking detail, right down to the very instant that Qin Gang was terminated. Chairman of the NPC and third-ranking member of the partys politburo, Zhao Leji (reached) forward to press the vote button confirming the removal of Qin Gang. His subordinates, despite a wide array of facial expressions and erratic posture, (followed) suit. Ding! Its done. Qin Gang is gone.

This juxtaposition of information blackout on the one hand, and the performative art of Qins removal on the other, is curious. In fact, this Kafkaesque absurdity is a recurrent theme. Qins name has been expunged from the Chinese foreign ministry website, erasing all evidence of his seven-month tenure as foreign minister.

Searches within Chinas Ministry of Foreign Affairs website (both in Mandarin and English for the Qin Gang string returns error messages such as updating, or the page that you are searching for does not exist.

David Bandurski points out in China Media Project that this clean up job seems to have started on Wednesday, and he reckons it as a further sign of turmoil within the ministry, which has spent several weeks offering no elaboration on the fate of its top leader.

However, in further example of randomness, while the MFA website has been scrubbed clean of all traces of Qin, Chinese Communist Party mouthpiece Peoples Daily, state media websites such as Xinhua, commercial websites such as China Business Network or Caixin Global still carry references to Qin as Chinas foreign minister.

Moreover, while the NPC Standing Committee ousted Qin as the foreign meeting after convening at short notice, it refrained from removing him as a CCP central committee member or the State Council, which, as Bill Bishop points out, the NPC could have easily done in accord with the Organic Law of the National Peoples Congress of the Peoples Republic of China.

To intensify the intrigue, it appears that while some references to Qin have been removed by ubiquitous censors from Chinas heavily monitored internet and social media platforms such as Weibo, the scrubbing was not as meticulous as it usually is when censors really want to silence discussions on a topic, leaving enough space for rumours to swirl around the possible reasons behind Qins ouster  where speculation is rife that Qins downfall was caused by an extramarital affair.

Western media outlets such as The Times, London, or The New York Post are speculating, quoting users from Chinese social media that Qins downfall was caused by an affair with TV presenter Fu Xiaotian, 40, who is allegedly the mother of his love child. We may never know the truth or even the full story, but it is instructive to note that when a question was asked about this rumour, foreign ministry spokesperson Mao replied that she had no understanding of the matter.

According to NY Post, if the romance claim wasnt true, the ministry would have just denied it as baseless, rather than saying they had no information regarding it. Nings hesitation suggested the rumours were true. In any case, if Qin was waylaid by illness, his name wouldnt have been digitally expunged, which gives credence to the theory that he is indeed facing disciplinary actions for personal transgressions.

Beyond the speculation, the abrupt removal of Qin, the digital purge, the fuelling of rumours, the reinstallation of Wang Yi quite possibly as a placeholder arrangement to conduct the urgent businesses of a crucial ministry  all point to the arbitrary, opaque nature of decision-making within the paradigm of invasive absurdity.

For a regime that is obsessed with control and political stability, Beijing is aware that these actions will send the opposite message. Yet the fact that it has been forced into taking these steps and risking a damage to its global image, points to two factors.

One, the centrality of absolute power in Xis hands has rendered every other branch of the administration ineffective, to the extent that no one wants to take a decision and fall foul of the supreme leader. Two, for all its power projection, the Chinese system is inherently weak. These are cold comforts to countries, however, that must engage and grapple with a regime that is strong yet weak, systematic yet absurd.

Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.

Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News,

India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Commissioned by a Government of India agency to study the magnitude of the Rohingya problem, one of the first act that this author undertook was to visit the Guwahati Central Jail and interrogate two Rohingya youths who had been apprehended in the Guwahati Railway Station as they were attempting to make their way to New Delhi.

The two youths had entered Assam via Manipur.

Protracted interrogation revealed that a well-oiled network had been established in the North East by which the Rohingyas fleeing from both Myanmar and Bangladesh were provided with documents that would aid their travel inside India. It also became clear that the youths were following hundreds of others whose final destination was Jammu & Kashmir. Although it was not admitted, it was clear that the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) had set up shop in Jammu and was in active touch with the radical Islamist groups operating in Jammu & Kashmir.

The convergence and the unity of agenda of all Islamist groups in the Indian subcontinent that this author has been harping about for over two decades is a reality. The ISI of Pakistan along with its Al-Qaeda, Tehrik-e-Taliban, Pakistan, Islamic State of the Khorasan Province and the Haqqani Network, etc, are all coming together to foment trouble in the Kashmir Valley and eventually the rest of India. The manner in which Al Qaeda in the Indian subcontinent has entered the innards of India should be an indicator. The Rohingyas are the newest recruits in the anti-India agenda.

ARSA was formed in 2012 after the riots in the Rakhine State of Myanmar. The roots were a result of an internecine war between ethnic Rohingya Muslims and the ethnic Rakhine Buddhists. The outfit, however, first came into prominence in October 2016 when it attacked three police outposts in the Maungdaw and Rathedaung townships in Myanmar, killing nine security personnel, provoking massive retaliation by Myanmarese security forces. This resulted in an almost unprecedented exodus of Rohingyas into Bangladesh.

It has been reported that during 2016 and 2017, ARSA leaders started visiting certain Rohingya areas in Myanmar to recruit local youths. Each community was compelled to contribute five to ten individuals for basic training in arms and guerrilla tactics.

In the meantime, on 25 August 2017, Myanmars Anti-Terrorism Central Committee declared ARSA as a terrorist organisation.

ARSA is headed by one Ataullah Abu Ammar Jununi aka Hafiz Tohar, a Rohingya born in Karachi, Pakistan, who reportedly grew up in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

ARSA claims it is fighting on behalf of more than a million Rohingya, who have been denied the most basic rights, including citizenship, in Myanmar; as well as against the inhuman condition of Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh. However, the primary objective of the Rohingyas continues to be to be able to wrest a homeland in their traditional place of residence, i.e., Rakhine State of Myanmar. The ARSA also seeks the establishment of a Safe Zone under the Responsibility to Protect.

It is important to follow the money trail of any terrorist group. It is reported that the funding for the ARSA comes from an unnamed group of supporters in Saudi Arabia.

During interrogation, ARSA has revealed that it had received training from Tehrik-e-Taliban, Pakistan and the Bangladesh-based Jamaatul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB). The global Salafi movement has clearly reached and incorporated ARSA in its nefarious ambit.

The manner in which ARSA cadres have reached Assam and are making their way to the hotspots of terror is unimaginable.

It has been seen that a number of ISIS modules have been busted in India. But these apprehensions do not augur well for Indias national security. Indeed, it is just the tip of the iceberg. A concerted agenda is in the works with their sights on the General Elections slated for May-June 2024.

The threat to Indias security from ARSA cadres billeted in Bangladesh, primarily in the Rohingya refugee camps in Coxs Bazar District, is not a matter to be mulled over.

The Islamist agenda for the Indian subcontinent is real. The banning of the Popular Front of India has only emboldened their design and objective of instituting Nizam-e-Mustafa in India.

There is absolutely no room for complacency. The security establishment of India must comprehend that insurgent groups such as Mizo National Front can (indeed as it has!) return to the mainstream and even become the chief executive of a state, but Islamism of the rabid kind will never countenance any form of negotiation. Its sole objective is Nizam-e-Mustafa or Islamic Rule. The battle would rage on until the end of time until that goal is achieved.

It is this bitter truth that New Delhi has to come to terms with, and sooner the better.

The writer is a conflict theorist and bestselling author. The views expressed are his own. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.

Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News,

India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Post two terrorist strikes by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in Balochistan, including the Zhob cantonment, resulting in the death of 12 soldiers, Pakistan officials have begun throwing tantrums at Afghanistan for sponsoring this group. Pakistans military media office, DG ISPR, released a statement last week, The sanctuaries and liberty of action available to the terrorists of proscribed TTP and other groups of that ilk in a neighbouring country and availability of latest weapons to the terrorists were noted as major reasons impacting (the) security of Pakistan. Pakistan has faced 30 attacks on its soil in the first ten days of this month.

Pakistans army chief, Gen Asim Munir, displayed serious concerns on safe havens and liberty of action available to TTP in Afghanistan. He added, Afghan nationals were involved in recent acts of terrorism in Pakistan. Such attacks are intolerable and would elicit an effective response from the security forces of Pakistan. The TTP has created an offshoot termed as the TJP (Tehreek-e-Jihad Pakistan) to avoid any embarrassment to the Taliban. Adding to Pakistans problems is the Baloch Liberation Army, which has avowed to increase its attacks in Balochistan.

Pakistans defence minister, Khawaja Asif, accused the Taliban of neglecting its duties as a neighbouring and fraternal country. He also claimed it disregarded its obligations under the Doha accord. The retaliation from the Taliban government in Kabul was swift. Its spokesperson, Zabihullah Mujahid, stated, We have signed the Doha agreement with America, not Pakistan.

The Doha agreement mentions, guarantees to prevent the use of Afghan soil by any international terrorist groups or individuals against the security of the US and its allies. Pakistan is not a US ally but a known backer of terrorism. Zabihullah Mujahid repeated the comments Pakistan has reiterated for years on Indian accusations, There is no TTP in Afghanistan. If Pakistan has any evidence, it should share it with us. Our territory is not used against Pakistan.

This is the same Pakistan which celebrated when the Taliban regained control over Afghanistan. Imran Khan, the then PM was quoted as mentioning, Afghanistan has broken the shackles of slavery. His partys spokesperson, Neelam Irshad Sheikh, gleefully commented in a TV debate, Taliban have said that they are with us and they will help us in (liberating) Kashmir. Pakistans then DG ISI, General Faiz Hameed, landed in Kabul to oversee the formation of a pro-Pakistan government. He stated from Kabul, Dont worry, everything will be okay. Currently, the relationship is anything but okay.

The Taliban have also rejected the Durand Line as the international border. Its defence minister, Maulvi Muhammad Yaqub Mujahid mentioned in a press interaction that the Durand Line, is merely a line, not a border. He also rejected Pakistans accusations of backing the TTP stating that if it was in Afghanistan, it would be attacking Pakistans border posts and not locations within the country. He added that Pakistan is unable to defend itself against the TTP, therefore, blames Afghanistan.

It is not that the TTP is a new creation. It rose from the flawed attack launched by Musharraf in July 2007, on the Lal Masjid in Islamabad, resulting in over a hundred deaths. The first counterstrike by the newly formed TTP was on the high security base of the Zarrar company, which was the commando unit employed in the Lal Masjid attack. A suicide bomber blew himself up killing 22 soldiers. The most audacious attack by the TTP was on the army school in Peshawar in December 2014 which claimed over 150 lives.

Yet, Pakistan continued to nurture the Taliban and ignore the TTP claiming them to be two sides of the same coin, both being good terrorists. It even negotiated with the TTP through the Taliban and had planned to relocate them within Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. All these attempts failed while the TTP gained in strength. Pakistan should have woken up to the TTP-Taliban alliance in March this year when pictures emerged of the Talibans Haqqani group leader and currently interior minister offering prayers alongside TTP leader Hakeemullah Mehsud. The TTP has also expanded its operations into Balochistan.

The Pakistan army chief visited Tehran seeking their support to push the Afghan interim government to desist backing the TTP. The reality remains that Tehrans relations with Kabul are stable and it would do little to spoil them. In fact, early this month Tehran and Kabul signed an agreement to attract investors while inaugurating the Herat-Khaf railway line. Iran has bigger problems from Pakistan backed terrorist groups than those from Afghanistan.

As long as Kabul had a US backed government, Pakistan blamed India for being behind the TTP. It released umpteen dossiers accusing India of providing support. It even created fictitious Indian characters and fake intercept communications to push their claims. These dossiers had locations of so-called India run training camps in Afghanistan for the TTP.

Addressing a press conference in November 2020, Pakistans foreign minister SM Qureshi, stated, We have verifiable evidence of terrorist funding by India. Indian ambassadors in Afghanistan have been regularly supervising various terrorist activities. To give credence to their stand, these dossiers were even presented to the UN Secretary General. The reality was that India was never there.

To suppress its failures in controlling terrorist groups, Pakistan had to blame someone, which then was India. It is failing again, and shifting the blame onto Afghanistan. Dossiers which Pakistan will now provide will be the same as when it accused India, except the word India will be replaced by Afghanistan.

Despite all theatrics, Pakistan will do little. It is aware of Afghanistans martyrdom battalions, all of whose members are volunteer suicide bombers. Some of its elements are possibly deployed along Pakistans borders. If they enter and attack Pakistans establishments and markets in its western provinces, the result could be mayhem and increased internal turmoil, which may be beyond the control of the Pakistan army. It is not a risk Pakistan will take. It will keep crying hoarse and threatening Kabul but is unlikely to venture further.

The Pakistan leadership should remember Hillary Clinton, who on a visit stated, you cant keep snakes in your backyard and expect them only to bite your neighbours. Eventually those snakes are going to turn on whoever has them in the backyard. The Taliban were the snakes which Pakistan reared. Today, it is biting Pakistan for which Pakistan has no answer.

The author is a former Indian Army officer, strategic analyst and columnist. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.

Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News,

India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
As great and diverse as the four-wheeler EV market is in India, the two-wheeler EV market is where the real action is taking place. To say that this segment of the Indian automotive scene is cutthroat, would be a gross understatement.

In a market that is dominated by startups like Ola and Ather, as well as legacy automakers like TVS and Hero, it is very difficult to launch a whole new EV brand and find your footing. However, the two-wheeler EV maker, Simple Energy has managed to do just that. Clearly, Suhas Rajkumar, CEO and Founder of one of Indias most rapidly growing two-wheeler EV brand has an idea and the know-how of creating a space for themselves in an already saturated market.

We sat down for a chat with the EV maker to gauge what EV startups have to go through in India, and just how difficult it is to go up against established startups like Ola and Ather, as well as legacy automakers like TVS and Hero.

What kind of product cycle will Simple Energy have in India? How many EVs will the company launch in 2023, and next year?

Simple Energy was conceptualized in 2018 of making e-mobility solutions more accessible, secure, and comfortable to the end customer. We believe in innovating and developing everything in-house while adhering to high standards of integrity, quality, and transparency. Our entire team spent the first four years working on our maiden product offering which was completely Made in India, the Simple ONE electric two-wheeler, which we launched recently.

The road ahead looks promising, as we have commenced deliveries of the Simple ONE and we plan to introduce two attractively priced electric two-wheelers in the market. These new 2-wheelers are part of our overall plan to have a portfolio of three scooters, one performance bike and possibly a battery-powered four-wheeler within the next three years.

Ather and Ola had the first movers advantage in the two-wheeler EV segment in India. How difficult is it for a startup to break into the two-wheeler EV scene?

The electric two-wheeler industry is at a nascent stage in India, and it definitely takes a lot of courage and patience to break in when you are a startup. The opportunities created by the industry have led to an influx of new players and the innovations that they have to offer. In the four years since we established Simple Energy, we were busy ramping up our production capacity, complying with the safety norms, and fine-tuning the crucial elements of our products.

It is not easy to do so since there were also major changes that had to be done to the battery pack, altering the overall composition of the battery and make it even safer. We might be considered to be slower than other players but, we have invested our time, energy, and resources to create a remarkable product. The industry today is a complex myriad of new and legacy players, which does pose a challenge. But we aim to address these through a disruptive product strategy.

Why is it that legacy brands like TVS, Honda or Hero havent been that successful in the Indian EV scene yet? Were they complacent?

Like the numerous startups that have been active in the electric two-wheeler sector, legacy players too have had to deal with ever-changing regulations, increased research and development, technological advancement, and other issues. After all, the technology is new for them as well. However, their experience, manufacturing capabilities, and brand equity can be leveraged to foster growth and contribute positively to the EV ecosystem in India.

I can say with experience that it is an arduous task to gain a piece of the EV market pie. But startups and legacy players have to deal with the continuous technological shift that is sweeping the industry. We welcome healthy competition and collaboration with all stakeholders, including legacy brands, to collectively drive the growth of the Indian EV market and achieve a greener and more sustainable future.

From a technological point of view, what are the challenges of manufacturing an EV in India? What are the things that are easier here?

The primary challenge that the EV industry has to grapple with is the availability of lithium and cobalt in India. These minerals are crucial elements in the development of the battery packs that power our electric vehicles. Importing them does lead to a rise in the cost of the final product, but we can offset that by establishing a reliable domestic battery manufacturing ecosystem and developing indigenous capabilities for battery production, including raw material sourcing, cell manufacturing, and battery management systems.

There is enormous potential in the automotive market of India. Our country is an automotive manufacturing powerhouse, and we are in an enviable position to leverage it to create economies of scale and cost reduction. Moreover, Simple Energy has established its own in-house R&D department that harnesses the talent of the skilled workforce that is readily available. The constant support from the government in helping companies indisputably plays an integral role in strengthening the EV ecosystem in the country and shift to green mobility seamlessly.

Where do Indian manufacturers stand in terms of battery tech? What about the BMS or battery management systems?

A majority of the electric two-wheelers available in the market do not offer the kind of batteries that are able to extract even 20-25 per cent of extra range. When it came to developing our products at Simple Energy, we took it upon ourselves to manufacture the battery packs, design and produce the systems that power our products, in-house. This enabled us to have end-to-end control of the energy systems that we have developed. The government too is helping the industry with initiatives such as encouraging local manufacturing of the batteries through battery chemistry-linked FAME incentives and augmentation in import duties.

We have seen the four-wheeler EV industry in India unofficially adopt the CCS 2 port as a standard. Most two-wheeler EVs have their own charging standards. Has there been an attempt to standardize EV charging ports in two-wheelers?

Sometimes, charging ports used by various companies may or may not be compatible with specific charging stations. This can cause issues when owners try to top up their electric two-wheelers at public charging stations. We would be certainly elated if the government comes up with a standardized system for charging ports of electric two-wheelers in the country. Personally, I think its something the industry is eagerly anticipating because it will aid in boosting consumer adoption.

How would you say has the adoption of two-wheeler EVs been in India? Given how popular two-wheelers are in the country, shouldnt the adoption have been faster, or are we adopting EVs at a rate that the industry was expecting?

Although it has been positive over the past eight months, EV penetration appears to have levelled off, especially after the reduction of the FAME II subsidies that helped drive the adoption of electric two-wheelers on a larger scale. Buyers have started taking EVs into consideration since they offer better features, improved range efficiency, exciting features, and other factors as well.

I believe that by 2025, EVs should account for 40 to 50 per cent of two-wheeler sales. However, if the market sentiments and scenario improve, we should expect further penetration in the electric two-wheeler segment. But I believe that is only a matter of time before the ecosystem will be thriving.
Recently discovered documents from Facebook have brought to light that the Biden administration exerted pressure on the social media giant to censor its users comments, potentially violating their right to free speech as guaranteed by the Constitution.

Jim Jordan, the US House Judiciary Committee Chairman and a Republican, obtained these documents during the committees investigation into the alleged weaponisation of the government. He asserted that the documents prove Facebook and Instagram altered their moderation policies and censored posts due to unconstitutional pressure from the Biden White House.

In another April 2021 email, Nick Clegg, Facebooks president for global affairs, informed his team at Facebook that Andy Slavitt, a Senior Advisor to President Biden, was outraged . . . that [Facebook] did not remove a particular post. pic.twitter.com/5muflAQjcx  Rep. Jim Jordan (@Jim_Jordan) July 27, 2023

The smoking gun that got President Biden

One piece of evidence cited by Jordan was an email from a Facebook employee to top executives Mark Zuckerberg and Sheryl Sandberg in April 2021.

The email mentioned continued pressure from external stakeholders, including the White House and the press, to remove more Covid-19 vaccine-discouraging content. For instance, the White House insisted on censoring a humorous meme suggesting vaccine risks.

How Bidens White House pressured Meta

During the same period, Nick Clegg, Facebooks president for global affairs, informed his colleagues that Andy Slavitt, a senior adviser to Biden on Covid-19 policies, was upset that the platform did not take down the anti-vaccine meme.

Clegg argued that removing the content would infringe on free expression in the US, but Slavitt believed the meme could hinder the governments vaccine rollout effort.

While social media platforms have the legal right to determine content restrictions, government interference in those decisions could encroach upon free speech rights. The American Civil Liberties Union expressed concern about the governments attempt to control content moderation requests to Big Tech, stating that the First Amendment prohibits the government from dictating what is considered true or false online.

Meta and Zuckerberg in trouble over documents

Jordan issued a warning earlier in the week, stating that his committee would hold Zuckerberg in contempt of Congress unless Facebook provided the subpoenaed documents on government interventions in content moderation. He alleged that there was sufficient evidence to suggest Facebook withheld evidence of facing similar government pressure, as previously seen with Twitter.

According to Jordan, Facebook executives feared consequences if they did not comply with the White Houses demands. In an April 2021 email, Facebooks vice president for public policy, Brian Rice, expressed concern about the companys relationship with the White House and the pressure it faced. Meanwhile, another document revealed that talking points were prepared for Clegg to improve relations with the administration. The company highlighted its handling of a Tucker Carlson video that angered the White House, reducing its distribution by 50% pending fact-checking, even though it didnt violate platform policies.
Under Elon Musks charge of Twitter, now X, the platforms advertising business encountered some unprecedented difficulties Because of this, Musk has been forced is currently taking proactive measures to revive its performance. However, since advertisers arent coming back on their own accord, it seems that Musk is adamant about arm-twisting brands on X to advertise on the platform

More than two months ago, Elon Musk announced that the majority of his advertisers had come back to Twitter, and he showed optimism that all issues had been addressed. To revitalize Xs advertising division, he appointed Linda Yaccarino, a well-respected advertising executive, as the new CEO.

Recent reports suggest that Elon Musk is planning to introduce a new approach regarding Xs gold verification badge. Under this strategy, brands will be required to spend a minimum of USD 1,000 per month on Twitter ads to maintain their gold verification badge. The purpose behind this move is to incentivize brands to invest more in Xs advertising platform and revitalize the companys ad revenue.

According to Business Insider, citing the Wall Street Journal as the original source, Twitter will begin removing the gold checkmark from businesses that fail to meet specific advertising spending thresholds.

Starting from August 7, businesses will need to allocate at least $1,000 (approximately Rs 81,000) on advertisements within 60 days or $6,000 (Rs 4.9 lakh approx) within 180 days to retain the coveted gold checkmark. The Wall Street Journal has reviewed an email sent to advertisers, informing them of this new policy.

In addition to the previously mentioned new policy, the recently rebranded Twitter, now known as X, is reportedly planning to offer up to a 50 per cent discount on specific advertisements.

As per the existing Xs verification plans introduced in January of this year through a blog post, businesses were already required to pay a monthly fee of $1,000 to maintain their gold verification badge on the platform.

With these recent developments, X appears to be implementing a range of measures to incentivize businesses to invest in advertising on the platform, while also providing discounts to attract advertisers.
Following Prime Minister Modis address to tech companies, investors and all other attendees at the Semicon India 2023 exhibition at Gandhinagar, Gujarat, Young Liu, Chairman of Taiwanese tech manufacturing giant Foxconn said that Taiwan will continue to be Indias most trusted and reliable partner. Lets do this together, the chairman said addressing Semicon India 2023.

Foxconn has planned to set up at least 4-5 chip fabrication units in India and has been looking for manufacturing partners. Even though the joint venture between Foxconn and Indias Vedanta fell through for a variety of reasons, Foxconn has stated that they have complete confidence in Indias Semicon ambitions, putting out a statement that read, Foxconn is committed to investing in India. We have no intention to do anything but continue to strongly support the governments Make In India ambitions and establish a diversity of local partnerships that meet the needs of stakeholders.

Speaking at the Semicon India 2023 exhibition, Chairman Young Liu said, Where there is a will theres a way, I can feel the determination of the Indian government. I am very optimistic of the way India will be headed.

He then went on to say, PM Modi, once told me that IT stands for India and Taiwan. Prime Minister Modi, Taiwan is and will be your most trusted and reliable partner.

Foxconn is set to establish a chip fabrication unit in India, even though it is not with Vedanta as it had initially hoped. For that, the Taiwanese manufacturing giant is in discussions with several technology partners that would help them facilitate manufacturing silicon chips in India. Reports have suggested that Foxconn may be partnering up with Taiwans TSMC and Japans TMH for the project it had initially planned with Vedanta.

Besides that, Foxconn is in discussions with the Tamil Nadu government to set up a components manufacturing unit in the state, somewhere near Chennai, where it already has one of Indias largest Apple factories.

As per reports from Reuters, the company presented a plan to invest an initial sum of $180-200 million in the facility. However, it remains uncertain whether the components produced at this new plant will be utilized for iPhones or other products manufactured by the company.

Apart from Tamil Nadu, Foxconn is also in negotiations with Gujarat as it endeavours to venture into Indias semiconductor sector.
One of the worlds biggest semiconductor makers, AMD, made an important announcement on July 28 during the Semicon India 2023 event. They disclosed their plan to invest $400 million in India and employ 3,000 engineers at their Bengaluru facility over the next five years.

Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar welcomed AMDs decision to establish their largest R&D centre in India, considering it a significant step towards building a world-class semiconductor design and innovation ecosystem. He also noted that it would provide excellent opportunities for highly skilled semiconductor engineers and researchers, aligning with Prime Minister Modis vision of making India a global talent hub.

I welcome @AMDs decision to set up its largest R&D #design center in #NewIndia and expansion of the India-AMD partnership. It will certainly play an important role in building a world class #semiconductor design and #innovation ecosystem. It will also provide tremendous pic.twitter.com/J3STagMh9I  Rajeev Chandrasekhar  (@Rajeev_GoI) July 28, 2023



AMD and Indias partnership

Mark Papermaster, the executive vice president and chief technology officer of AMD, stated that the company aims to establish its largest R&D centre in Bengaluru, which is expected to be operational before the end of this year. Additionally, they intend to hire an additional 3000 engineers by the end of 2028.

Papermaster highlighted the significant growth of AMDs presence in India, from a few employees in 2001 to over 6,500 employees currently, attributing it to the groundwork laid by local leaders and the availability of highly skilled professionals in the country.

The AMD CTO emphasized the importance of their India teams in delivering high-performance and adaptive solutions that support AMDs global customers, particularly with the growth in artificial intelligence, networking, and 6G communications. He also expressed their commitment to driving innovation in India, aligning with the India Semiconductor Mission.

Indias Semicon Ambitions come to fruition

The Semicon India 2023 event witnessed the presence of various industry players, including AMD, Micron, Cadence, Lam, and others, with Prime Minister Modi also in attendance. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw described the semiconductor industry as a pivotal one, essential for numerous sectors, from agriculture to technology devices.

In an effort to attract major semiconductor players to set up chip fabrication and assembling plants in India, the government has introduced a $10 billion subsidy program. During Prime Minister Modis visit to the US, Micron pledged to set up a $2.7 billion assembling plant, with substantial financial support from the Centre and the state government of Gujarat.

The theme of the Semicon India 2023 Conference is Catalysing Indias Semiconductor Ecosystem, and it saw the participation of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Union Minister of IT Ashwini Vaishnaw, and Minister of State (MoS) for Electronics and IT Rajeev Chandrasekhar at the inaugural ceremony.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Semicon India 2023 exhibition, where he welcomed business partners, chip makers and investors from all across the world. First organised in 2021 in Bengaluru, the 2023 edition is taking place in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

During is inaugural speech, PM Modi highlighted the journey the country has been on for the last two years, and where it is headed.

India emerging as a leading destination for chipmakers and other tech industries

PM Modi started his address by expressing how India had become the preferred destination for investors when it comes to semiconductors.At Semicon India last year, everyone present at the event was asking why they should invest in India with regards to the semiconductor industry. Now that question has become why not invest in India, he said.

The PM also highlighted that India, once an importer of mobile phone, is now one of the worlds top exporters, making some of the best phones. A few years earlier, India was a small player in the sector. Now, our share in the global electronics sector has increased a lot. In 2014, Indias electronics production was less than $30 billion. Now, it has crossed $100 billion.

He added, In 2014, we had about two mobile manufacturing units in India. Today, that number is well over 200.

Indias New Middle Class

He also highlighted how quickly and rapidly are Indian consumers adopting internet and internet-based services. In 2014, India had 6 crore broadband users. Now that has become around 800 million that is 80 crore users more than that. In 2014, there were 25 crore internet connections, now there are more than 85 crore internet users. These numbers not only indicate the growth of the country, but also the potential your business has to grow in the country PM Modi told entrepreneurs and businesses.

The world is undergoing the 4th industrial revolution. Whenever the world has gone through a revolution of this magnitude it has always been connected to the aspirations of a regions populace. The previous industrial revolution and the American Dream were connected because of this very reason. I see the same relation between this Industrial Revolution and the Indian aspirations, PM Modi exclaimed.

India is that country where extreme poverty is going down drastically, new middle class is increasing fast. Indians are fast with technology. Rural areas are getting internet and a seamless power supply is catalysing this. One big challenge is that whoever has not used basic Home appliances , has now started using smart-tech appliances. The youth which never used a basic bike, is now moving towards getting an electric bike, he added.

Indias responsibility to the world

Speaking on how the world came to a halt because of the Pandemic, and how the tech world was disrupted because of Global unrest, PM Modi said, India knows that semiconductors are required not just by the country, but globally. India knows the world needs a trusted, reliable chief supplier of semiconductors. What can be better than the biggest democracy in the world for the same.

India has a massive talent pool, skilled engineers and strength of semiconductor designers. India realises its global responsibility. We have recently approved National Quantum Mission. We have also identified over 300 colleges where courses on semiconductors will be available. PM Modi also announced that soon, India will have over 1 lakh design engineers and that Indias startup ecosystem is all set to strengthen the nations semiconductor sector.

To facilitate more players to join India on its Semicon mission, PM Modi also announced an that the Indian government will back the semiconductor sector and all companies looking to set up shop in our backyard, with all its might. Players will get 50 per cent financial assistance from Central Govt in the semiconductor sector. The world should benefit from Indias skill, capability & capacity, said PM Modi.
Wagner Group Chief Yevgeny Prighozin, the failed rebellion leader, was recently spotted in St Petersburg during the Russia-Africa summit.

He was clicked shaking hands with a senior official in the Central African Republic (CAR) named Ambassador Freddy Mapouka.

It is important to note that this is the first time Prighozin was seen in public officially since Wagners failed mutiny against the Russian defence. The images were shared by Dmitri Syty, the person who reportedly manages Wagners operations.

According to BBC, Prighozin and Mapouka met at the Trezzini Palace Hotel in St Petersburg.

Prighozin last seen in Belarus

A video published on several Telegram channels linked to the Wagner group showed Prighozin in Belarus.

Although the authenticity of the video cannot be confirmed, it was the first footage of Prighozin that was made public since the mutiny.

In the video, Prighozin could be heard saying that his fighters had put up a worthy fight in Ukraine and had done a great deal for Russia. He also criticised the governments current conduct of war.

What is currently happening on the front line is a disgrace that we dont want to have any part in, and we need to wait until we can show our mettle in full, he said.

The decision has been taken to stay here in Belarus for a certain time and Wagner would use the time to make the Belarusian army the second army in the world, he added.

Wagners failed mutiny

Last month, the Wagner group receded their steps from Moscow after reaching halfway to avoid bloodshed, hence effectively aborting his mutiny plan.

A deal to halt further movement of Wagner fighters across Russia in return for guarantees of safety for the rebels was brokered by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, his office said.

Russian authorities also dropped charges on the Wagner group after Lukashenko struck a deal between the two parties.

Following this, the group surrendered thousands of tonnes of weapons and ammunition to the Russian Defence Ministry following the failed mutiny.

The ministry said that it has received more than 2,000 pieces of equipment that includes hundreds of tanks. The group has also handed over more than 2,500 tonnes of ammunition.

The handover indicated that Wagner chief Yevgeny Prighozin is abiding by some of the deals brokered with the Kremlin last month after he led an all-out mutiny against Russias Defence Ministry, which later failed.
Prior to meetings between the two nations defence and foreign ministries on Friday, Australias Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed his confidence that an agreement for the U.S. to provide nuclear-powered submarines to Australia was progressing as planned.

The sale of three attack submarines to Australia as part of the so-called AUKUS collaboration, according to 25 Republican congressmen in the United States, would unacceptably weaken the American fleet if there was no clear replacement strategy in place.

The annual AUSMIN discussion, where the progress on the nuclear-powered submarine contract, regional security, and sustainable energy will be the emphasis, is taking place in Queensland state with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin.

I am very confident, Albanese told reporters on Friday, when asked about the Republican letter, which noted the AUKUS agreement was vitally important but shouldnt weaken the U.S. fleet.

Australia will purchase nuclear submarine technology from the United States under the terms of the three-way AUKUS defence deal, which the United States, Britain, and Australia announced in 2021.

Republicans and Democrats he spoke with outside of a NATO summit in Lithuania last month, according to Albanese, struck him with their unanimous support for AUKUS.

Australias top security ally, the United States, stated in March that it would sell Australia three nuclear-powered submarines of the Virginia class in the early 2030s before Britain and Australia jointly develop the SSN-AUKUS class in the following decade.

Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles said in a Sky television interview that Australia, which has agreed to invest $3 billion in U.S. submarine facilities, understood there was pressure on the American industrial base but AUKUS was on track.

Why this arrangement is going to be so advantageous for all three countries is because we will develop an industrial base in this country which will contribute to the net capability of Australia, the UK and the U.S., he added.

Chinas security ambitions in the Indo-Pacific will also be under discussion by the security allies over two days of talks.

Weve seen troubling (Chinese) coercion from the East China Sea to the South China Sea to right here in the Southwest Pacific, and will continue to support our allies and partners as they defend themselves from bullying behaviour, Austin said before meeting Marles on Friday.

In response to Chinas military modernization, Australia is restructuring its armed forces and intends to increase its long-range strike capacity, domestic missile production, and interoperability with the American and other regional militaries.

Austin stated that measures to include Japan in combined force posture initiatives as well as strengthening military ties would be considered.

Nows the time to be working closely with friends, and Australia has no better friend than the United States of America, Marles said at the start of a meeting with his U.S. counterpart.

The northern city of Darwin, Australia, welcomes a rotation of U.S. Marines every year. This week, war simulations involving more than 30,000 soldiers from the US, Japan, and ten other nations are taking place in Queensland.

(With agency inputs)
In the UK, health authorities have rung alarm bells about the rise in avian flu and are advising beachgoers to steer clear of sick or dead birds that wash up on the shore.

Thousands of infected seabirds have been found across the coastline of the UK, triggering the countrys largest animal outbreak ever.

A UK-based wildlife charity called RSBP has described the outbreak as a crisis that could become a catastrophe.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), has meanwhile said that the risk of animal-to-human transmission is very low.

Holidaymakers are being warned to stay away from sick or dead birds washed up on the UKs beaches as avian flu continues to ravage wild populations. Gareth Barlow is in Pembrokeshire for #BBCBreakfast https://t.co/FNtVKwO1Wq pic.twitter.com/pWtYRTX7Q8  BBC Breakfast (@BBCBreakfast) July 28, 2023

Last month, over 100 birds suspected to be infected by the avian flu, were found washed up on beaches across the country.

Rhian Sula, general manager for the National Trust, said that she has deployed a team to raise awareness about the flu.

As much as we have placed warning signs out, they may not see them or they may ignore them so we are having to have those conversations about why it is important to keep dogs on the lead and keep away from the birds, she said.

Bird flu affects cats in Poland

Earlier this week the World Health Organisation (WHO) announced that several cats in Poland have died owing to the avian flu.

Over 38 cats in eight provinces tested positive for avian influenza. The global health body added that this is the first time a country has witnessed the outbreak of H1N1 among cats.

There is, however, no evidence of cat-to-cat transmission.

What is bird flu?

The viruses of bird or avian flu naturally spread across the animal kingdom and can affect domestic poultry and other birds and animal species.

Human infections are primarily acquired through direct contact with infected animals or contaminated environments, these viruses have not acquired the ability of sustained transmission among humans.

Avian flu in humans may cause diseases ranging from mild upper respiratory infection to rapid progression to severe pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, shock and even death.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday minimized his hard-right governments judicial reform package in interviews with US media, calling it a minor correction while dismissing international and domestic criticism.

Its described as the end of Israeli democracy  I think thats silly and when the dust settles, everybody will see it, Netanyahu told ABC.

He described the changes, which shift some power from the Middle Eastern countrys judicial system to its elected officials, as an effort to bring the pendulum to the middle.

We have to correct it, and thats what we just did. Its a minor correction, he said, repeating the sentiments in a separate interview on CNN.

On Monday, Netanyahu and his coalition allies pushed through a bill in parliament that opponents say opens the way to a more authoritarian government by limiting the reasonableness clause used by the Supreme Court to overturn government decisions that the judges deem unconstitutional.

Thousands of Israelis have taken to the streets in nearly daily protests against the reforms, garnering sharp international pushback, including from US President Joe Biden.

Netanyahu reiterated Thursday that Biden in the last conversation we had invited me to the White House in the fall  I think its in September.

However, Bidens office on Thursday again declined to specify whether the two leaders meeting would happen at the White House or elsewhere, with spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre saying They both agreed to meet in the US later this year.
China is supplying technology and equipment to Russia, which is at war with Ukraine, according to a report from the US Office of the Director of National Intelligence.

According to a paper titled Support Provided by the Peoples Republic of China to Russia, China has overtaken Western nations as Russias primary commercial partner since 2022, when trade with them began to decline.

The customs records show PRC state-owned defence companies shipping navigation equipment, jamming technology, and fighter-jet parts to sanctioned Russian Government-owned defence companies, the report read.

Russia has continued to acquire chips through circuitous routes, with a large portion flowing through small traders in Hong Kong and mainland PRC, according to the foreign press, it further added.

Chinas buying has been spurred by steep discounts on oil and is providing Moscow much-needed revenue particularly after the Group of Seven (G-7) imposed a USD 60 price cap on Russian crude in December 2022, it said.

The report was mandated by the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023, passed by Congress, and was released by House Intelligence Committee Democrats

According to the report, Russian imports from China have increased by 13 per cent to USD 76 billion in 2022, and its exports to the PRC increased by 43 per cent to USD 114 billion. Total bilateral trade between the PRC and Russia hit a record high level of USD 190 billion in 2022, which is a 30 per cent increase from 2021.

China is also providing supertankers and insurance coverage to move Russian Urals crude to PRC ports, as Moscow seeks vessels for exports after a G-7 oil price cap restricted the use of Western cargo services and insurance.

It is difficult to ascertain the extent to which the PRC has helped Russia evade and circumvent sanctions and export controls. Russia has turned to the PRC for critical components, according to PRC firms involved in the shipments, which has provided some measure of protection against the adverse effects of sanctions and export controls, the report read.

Earlier, US President Joe Biden-led administration has repeatedly raised concerns with China over its companies selling non-lethal equipment to Russia for use in Ukraine, but US officials say they have seen no signs so far that China has provided weapons or lethal military aid to Russia, CNN reported.

The US believes that at the outset of the war, China intended to sell Russia lethal weapons for use in Ukraine, a US official previously told CNN. But China significantly scaled back on those plans as the war progressed, this person said  something the Biden administration has considered a victory.

However, China has claimed neutrality over the war in Ukraine and called for peace in the conflict. But Beijing has also avoided publicly criticising Russias war efforts and the two countries have repeatedly emphasised their cooperation, with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese Defence Minister Li Shangfu declaring a boundless military partnership after a meeting in April.

With inputs from agencies
India and Brazil are pushing back against a Chinese attempt aimed at swiftly expanding the BRICS group of emerging markets, with the intention of bolstering its political influence and countering the US, officials with knowledge of the matter said.

In the lead-up discussions for an upcoming summit in Johannesburg next month, where Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa will convene, the countries have voiced objections to Chinas repeated lobbying for the inclusion of Indonesia and Saudi Arabia in the group.

China has persistently sought expansion during these preparatory meetings, the officials said requesting anonymity.

Dozens of other nations are also clamouring to join the alliance, fuelling Western concerns the group is moving to become a counterweight to the United States and the European Union.

Brazil wants to avoid expansion partly because of these worries, while India wants strict rules on how and when other nations could move closer to the group, without formally expanding it. Any decision will require consensus among the members who will meet Aug. 22-24.

India and Brazil want to use the summit to discuss potentially bringing in additional countries with observer status, the officials said. South Africa supports discussing different membership options to accommodate this, but doesnt necessarily oppose expansion, two of the officials said.

Chinas foreign ministry stated that the BRICS leaders meeting last year had authorized the expansion of membership, emphasizing that the addition of more members is the political consensus among the five BRICS countries.

The upcoming summit aims to demonstrate the blocs aspirations to establish itself as a significant political and economic force. Although the group has discussed the potential establishment of a common currency, substantial progress toward that goal is not anticipated.

The timing of the summit coincides with heightened tensions between Washington and Beijing, and South Africas concerns regarding Russian President Vladimir Putins attendance. To avoid executing an International Criminal Court arrest warrant for him, President Putin will participate virtually.

BRICS members have refrained from joining the likes of the Group of Seven in blaming and sanctioning Russia over its invasion of Ukraine. However, the New Development Bank established by BRICS has frozen Russian projects, and Moscow has been unable to access dollars through the blocs shared foreign currency system.

Regarding expanding BRICS, Russia does not hold a firm position, according to Fyodor Lukyanov, head of the Council on Foreign and Defense Policy, which advises the Kremlin. Russia is broadly in favour of expansion but without excessive enthusiasm, and it wont impede any decision taken by the group.

Formed officially in 2009-2010, the bloc has faced challenges in achieving geopolitical influence commensurate with its collective economic reach. The current BRICS members represent over 42% of the worlds population and account for 23% of global gross domestic product and 18% of trade.

Draft rules for admission to the group have been prepared after India expressed opposition to Chinas push for expansion, according to two Indian officials. These guidelines are expected to be discussed and adopted during the upcoming leaders summit.

India suggests that if BRICS intends to expand, it should consider emerging economies and democracies like Argentina and Nigeria, rather than Saudi Arabia with its dynastic and autocratic rule.

Joining BRICS would support Crown Prince Mohammeds efforts to diversify his nations economy, which has brought Saudi Arabia closer to Russia and China in recent years. China is the kingdoms top oil customer, while relations with Russia are essential for the OPEC+ alliance.

Brazil is working discreetly to avoid direct confrontation within the BRICS bloc and is resisting Chinas pressure to turn it into an antagonistic body challenging the G7. China has consistently reiterated the request for expansion during all preparatory meetings, including virtual ones held last week.

Brazils proposal is to introduce observer and partner country categories for new nations, allowing them to progress through these stages before being considered for full membership. Brazil is supportive of Indonesias initiation of this process.
In an annual defence paper released Friday, Japan has expressed concern over Chinas assertiveness in the region, its growing military ties to Russia and its claims on Taiwan.

According to the 510-page report, China, Russia and North Korea contribute to the most severe and complex security environment since the end of World War II,.

The report says that Chinas external stance and military activities have become a serious concern for Japan and the international community and present an unprecedented and the greatest strategic challenge.

According to the 2023 edition of Japans defence white paper approved by Prime Minister Fumio Kishidas Cabinet, the current security environment is the worst since the end of World War II.

It is the first under the National Security Strategy the government adopted in December, stating the need to bolster strike capability with long-range missiles like Tomahawks, a controversial plan seen as a break from Japans self-defence-only postwar principle.

The report highlights the deepening strategic ties between Russia and China, pointing to joint bomber flights and joint navigations of warships as demonstrations of force against Japan and the region. Notably, the report identifies at least five joint bomber flights conducted by China and Russia since 2019, including one in November of the previous year.

Moreover, the report predicts that China may possess 1,500 nuclear warheads by 2035, signalling an increasing military advantage over Taiwan. This situation heightens regional tensions and poses a security threat, especially to Japans southwestern islands, including Okinawa, where residents fear a repeat of the tragic Battle of Okinawa, should a Taiwan emergency arise.

According to the report, China, Russia, and North Korea collectively contribute to creating the most severe and complex security environment Japan has faced since World War II. Chinas external stance and military activities, in particular, have become a grave concern for Japan and the international community, posing an unprecedented and significant strategic challenge.

Many residents there have bitter memories of the Battle of Okinawa, in which Japans wartime military essentially sacrificed the local population in an attempt to delay a U.S. landing on the main Japanese islands. Many Okinawans worry they would be the first to suffer again, in the event of a Taiwan emergency.

While Okinawan Gov. Denny Tamaki has called for U.S. bases there to be reduced and for greater effort in diplomacy and dialogue with Beijing, the central government has been reinforcing the defences of the remote southwestern islands, including Ishigaki and Yonaguni, where new bases for missile defence have been installed.

Earlier this week, Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno visited Ishigaki and acknowledged the challenges of evacuating residents from remote islands, and pledged to give firm support. Ishigaki Mayor Yoshitaka Nakayama asked for airport and port facilities to be reinforced and for underground shelters to be built for residents in case of a Taiwan emergency.

China claims self-governing Taiwan as its own territory, to be annexed by force if necessary.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, who in 2017 set a goal of building a world-class military by the mid-21st century, may move the target forward, the report said, noting his call for a rapid advancement of the Peoples Liberation Army to world-class in his speech at the Communist Party congress in October.

North Korea is rapidly progressing in its nuclear and missile development and poses a graver, more imminent threat to Japan than ever before, the report said. The North has test-fired around 100 missiles since the start of 2022, including ICBMs, and the report noted the country is now believed to have the ability to conduct nuclear attacks on Japan and the continental United States.

The report comes seven months after Kishidas government adopted new national security and defence strategies that stated a decision to bolster Japans military capability and double the defence budget by 2027 to 43 trillion yen ($310 billion).

Questions have been raised about whether the ambitious expansion of military capability and funding for it is feasible in a country that has a rapidly ageing and shrinking population.

A government-commissioned panel recently adopted a package of measures, including scholarships, extension of retirement age, hiring retirees, improving workplace environments and tackling harassment.

With inputs from AP.
The Russian military said on Friday that it had shot down a Ukrainian missile over the city of Taganrog in the south of the country and that missile pieces had hurt people and destroyed structures.

Since Ukraine rarely speaks out in response to attacks on areas under Russian or Ukrainian authority, there was no quick response.

Vasily Golubev, the governor of Russias Rostov region, which borders Ukraine and includes Taganrog, claimed that a cafe and a museum had both been struck and that a residential buildings windows had been blown out.

He claimed that although nine individuals had been injured and sent to the hospital, none had died.

Online videos from the incident revealed a low-rise building that was partially reduced to rubble.

A refinery for oil reportedly suffered damage from an explosion in the Russian city of Samara.

According to parliamentarian Alexander Khinshtein, the explosion at the Rosneft (ROSN.MM)-owned refinery seemed to be the result of a bomb. He posted on Telegram, Fortunately there is no serious damage and no casualties.

A suspect in the explosion has reportedly been captured, according to the TASS news agency.

Throughout the 17-month war, drone or mortar assaults have frequently targeted areas of Russia, particularly those close to the Ukrainian border. Weapons depots and energy installations have frequently been attacked.

(With agency inputs)
Despite appeals from rights groups who argue capital punishment has no proven deterrent effect on crime, Singapore on Friday hanged a 45-year-old citizen for drug trafficking, the city-states first execution of a woman in nearly 20 years, officials said.

In a statement, the Central Narcotics Bureau said, The capital sentence of death imposed on Saridewi Binte Djamani was carried out on 28 July 2023.

Who is Saridewi binte Djamani?

A Singaporean national, Djamani was sentenced to death in 2018 for smuggling 30.72g of diamorphine (pure heroin).

Saridewi, who committed the offence on 17 June 2016, was arrested on the same day together with her accomplice in Sengkang. Saridewi, who had a long history of drug abuse, did not deny that she sold the drugs but she stated that a majority of the diamorphine were meant for her own consumption while less than half of the diamorphine were for sale, and she only stocked up the drug supply for the fasting month Ramadan.

However, the trial court disbelieved Saridewis account and sentenced her to the mandatory death penalty for diamorphine trafficking.

Saridewis accomplice, a 41-year-old Malaysian, received a life term with 15 strokes of the cane since he only acted as a courier and thus played a lesser role in the crime.

Saridewi lost her appeals, and after spending five years on death row, she was hanged on 28 July, 2023.

Djamani was accorded full due process under the law, and was represented by legal counsel throughout the process, the bureau said.

She appealed against her conviction and sentence, and the Court of Appeal dismissed her appeal on 6 October 2022, the bureau said, adding that her plea for presidential clemency was also rejected.

Djamani is the first woman to be executed in the city-state since 2004, when Yen May Woen was hanged for drug trafficking, AFP quoted the Singapore Prison Service as saying in an email.

Yen was a 36-year-old hairdresser, according to media reports.

Djamani on Friday became the 15th prisoner sent to the gallows since the government resumed executions in March 2022 after a two-year pause during the Covid-19 pandemic.

A local man, Mohd Aziz bin Hussain, 57, was hanged on Wednesday for trafficking about 50 grams of heroin.

Tragic spotlight

Local rights group Transformative Justice Collective said Friday it had confirmed that another drug convict on death row has been scheduled for execution on August 3.

It identified the convict as a Singaporean man who worked as a delivery driver before his arrest in 2016. He was convicted in 2019 of trafficking around 50 grams of heroin.

This week has cast a harsh and tragic spotlight on the complete lack of death penalty reform in Singapore, said Amnesty Internationals death penalty expert Chiara Sangiorgio

As most of the world turns its back on this cruel punishment, Singapores government continues down the path of executing people for drug-related crimes, violating international human rights law and standards.

Singapore, a wealthy regional financial centre, insists the death penalty has helped make it one of Asias safest countries.

The city-state has some of the worlds toughest anti-drug laws  trafficking more than 500 grams of cannabis or over 15 grams of heroin can result in the death penalty.

Amnesty and other rights groups urged the government to halt the executions this week, saying there was no evidence the death penalty acted as a deterrent to crime.

This is the fourth execution this year and there will be another one next week. Its horrible for the families and worrying for other death row inmates, Singaporean rights activist Kirsten Han said.

There is no sign of the government wanting to give an inch, she added.

Billionaire Richard Branson on Thursday urged Singapore to grant mercy to Djamani and stop her execution.

With inputs from agencies
There is a big connection between renowned Hollywood director Christopher Nolan and the Hamilton watches. These watches were also a part of his latest release, Oppenheimer. It might be exciting to know that Christopher Nolan asked the watchmaker to dig deep into their archives to research some vintage models between the 1920s and the 1960s for the movie. The abovementioned watches were a part of Cillian Murphys (J. Robert Oppenheimer), Matt Damons (Lieutenant General Leslie Groves), and Emily Blunt (Kitty Oppenheimer)s wardrobe. Furthermore, some of these watches, such as the Hamilton Cushion B included glow-in-the-dark dials made from radium.

As is well-known, radium is extremely dangerous for our health. Sadly, several women who hand-painted the radium watch dials ended up developing serious health issues like cancer. Called Radium Girls, they were not provided with any protective gear while working with this harmful substance and were also unaware of its dangerous effects. These women unknowingly consumed small portions of radium as they licked the tips of their brushes while painting the watch dials and handled the radioactive substance with their bare hands.

Not just that, back in the 1920s, a group of female factory workers sued their employers for exposing them to radium poisoning. They successfully demanded safer working conditions for factory workers. The watch brand Hamilton also used radium paint on their dial between the years 1918 and1963. A year after J. Robert Oppenheimers death in 1968, radium was banned from consumer products.

Oppenheimer-Bhagavad Gita sex scene row

Despite receiving critical acclaim, a scene from Oppenheimer has sparked a massive outrage amidst the Hindu community. The scene in question has Cillian Murphy and Florence Pughs characters, J Robert Oppenheimer and Jean Tatlock, reciting verses from the sacred Hindu text after they indulge in intimate activities. Upset with the use of the Bhagavad Gita in such a context, the Hindu community in India has asked for a boycott of the film in the country.

Scientist J Robert Oppenheimer is known to have had a strong connection with the Bhagavad Gita.

The Hindu mythological book is used not once but twice in Christopher Nolans Oppenheimer. It was also used during the explosion of the atomic bomb scene as Oppenheimer utters a verse from the Gita, Now I have become Death, the Destroyer of Worlds.
According to two U.S. officials, the country will likely enrage China by announcing as early as Friday that it will give Taiwan military support worth more than $300 million.

In the budget for 2023, Congress approved providing Taiwan with up to $1 billion in arms assistance under the Presidential Drawdown Authority.

The package is anticipated to cost roughly $330 million, according to a representative who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

The White House chose not to respond.

A list of the provided weapon systems is not anticipated to be included in the official release.

According to news agency Reuters, four sources recently stated that four unarmed MQ-9A reconnaissance drones were expected to be included in the package, but cautioned that this could change as officials work out the specifics of removing some of the cutting-edge technology that only the U.S. Air Force is permitted to access.

Requests for feedback from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the US were not immediately fulfilled.

Taiwan has earlier agreed to buy four more sophisticated General Atomics MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones, with delivery scheduled for 2025.

Over the past three years, China has upped military pressure on the island because it sees Taiwan, which is democratically governed, as its own territory. It has never abandoned using force to seize control of the island. Taiwan vehemently denies Chinese claims to sovereignty and asserts that only the people of Taiwan have the power to determine their own future.

Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin hinted at the support when he said to a Senate committee on May 16: And Im pleased that the United States will soon provide significant additional security assistance to Taiwan through the Presidential Drawdown Authority that Congress authorised last year.

The top American general stated earlier this month that the United States and its allies must expedite the transfer of weapons to Taiwan in the upcoming years to support the island nation.

Over the past three years, China has upped military pressure on the island because it sees Taiwan, which is democratically governed, as its own territory. It has never abandoned using force to seize control of the island. Taiwan vehemently denies Chinese claims to sovereignty and asserts that only the people of Taiwan have the power to determine their own future.

Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin hinted at the support when he said to a Senate committee on May 16: And Im pleased that the United States will soon provide significant additional security assistance to Taiwan through the Presidential Drawdown Authority that Congress authorised last year.

The top American general stated earlier this month that the United States and its allies must expedite the transfer of weapons to Taiwan in the upcoming years to support the

Through the emergency use of the Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA), which enables the president to transfer goods and services from U.S. stockpiles, Ukraine has received security assistance more quickly. However, the Taiwan PDA is a non-emergency authority that Congress granted last year.

As shipments from American stockpiles were diverted to Ukraine, Taiwan has complained that supply of American weapons, including as Stinger anti-aircraft missiles, have been delayed.

(With agency inputs)
Protests erupted in the Georgian cities of Tbilisi and Batumi after the cruise liner Astoria Grande docked in Georgia, carrying over 800 tourists, most of whom were Russian citizens.

The ship had arrived in Georgia from Sochi on July 26, and the following evening, Batumi residents gathered near the vessel in strong dissent. They held placards with messages such as Abkhazia is Georgia, Russia is an occupant, Leave our country, Russia deprives us of our homeland, life, and future, and Russian warship, go f**k yourself.

Some Georgian activists even played the Ukrainian national anthem.

Watch:

If Russians think they are not going to face Ukraine and our support for Ukrainians in every inch of Georgia, they are wrong and were proven wrong by people of Batumi today. Cruise ship has left earlier than scheduled with the anthems of Georgia and Ukraine as a gift from . pic.twitter.com/2aoEpQLIU5  Katie Shoshiashvili (@KShoshiashvili) July 27, 2023

The Georgian populations outrage was not only sparked by the liners arrival but also by troubling statements made by some Russian tourists claiming that Russia liberated Abkhazia from Georgians. Furthermore, some tourists openly admitted to visiting the region of Abkhazia, which has been under Russian occupation since 2008, an act that violates Georgian law, reported The New Voice of Ukraine.

During the protest, a Russian flag was briefly displayed in one of the ships cabins but was swiftly removed. Some Russian tourists responded with offensive gestures and attempted to obstruct the protesters.

With inputs from agencies
For the first time, Pakistan has admitted that smugglers from the country have been using drones to smuggle drugs to the Indian state of Punjab. The acceptance came from none other than Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharifs close aide, Special Assistant on Defence Malik Mohd Ahmad Khan.

In an interview with senior Pakistani journalist Hamid Mir, Khan, a member of the Provincial Assembly (MPA) from Kasur, a city that borders Indias Punjab, was asked about the cross-border smuggling of narcotics, to which he replied in the affirmative.

Yes, and it (smuggling) is very scary. Recently there have been two incidents where 10 kg heroin was tied to each drone and thrown across, Khan said, claiming that the agencies have been trying to stop this.

Sharing a clip from Malik Mohd Ahmad Khans interview on Twitter, Mir wrote, Big disclosure by PMs (Shehbaz Sharif) advisor Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan. Smugglers using drones in the flood-affected areas of Kasur near the Pakistan-India border to transport heroin. He demanded a special package for the rehabilitation of the flood victims, otherwise victims will join smugglers.

Big disclosure by PMs advisor Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan. Smugglers using drones In the flood affected areas of Kasur near Pakistan-India border to transport Heroin. He demanded a special package for the rehabilitation of the flood victims otherwise victims will join smugglers. pic.twitter.com/HhWNSNuiKp  Hamid Mir   (@HamidMirPAK) July 17, 2023

Pakistan using drones to smuggle drugs in India

As per the data released by Punjab Police earlier in July, 795 FIRs were registered under the NDPS Act from July 2022-2023 in Ferozepur district alone.

Pakistans Kasur City is situated just across Punjabs Khemkaran and Ferozepur. A large amount of drugs was seized from those districts of Punjab that border Pakistan, the data stated.

BSF officers in Punjab have said that despite India having repeatedly raised issues with Pakistan, cross-border smuggling of drugs and arms has continued through the use of drones.

In 2023 alone, 260 kg of heroin, 19 arms, 30 magazines, 470 rounds of ammunition and 30 Pakistani drones were recovered from Punjabs border areas, a report by The Indian Express quoted a BSF officer as saying.

Mobile signals in Kasur jammed

Khans admission of drugs being smuggled from Pakistan using drones is significant as it is first by a person in authority in the country, Mir was quoted as saying by The Indian Express.

Malik Mohammad Ahmad Khan is very close to the political and military establishment in Pakistan. He was very close to the previous Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa and also to the present military hierarchy, Mir to the Daily on the phone from Pakistan.

Mir was asked what prompted him to ask Khan about the smuggling of drugs using drones, to which the journalist said he had been touring Kasur, which is surrounded by India on three sides.

These villagers (in Kasur) say they get no mobile signals. They spoke about movement of drones and smuggling of drugs from Pakistan into India and liquor from India into Pakistan. Khan told me that mobile signals here are jammed by security agencies due to cross-border drone movements, Mir said.

Malik Mohd Ahmad Khan facing backlash for speaking truth about Pakistan

The Pakistani journalist said that after the video was aired, Khan has been facing backlash from his countrys establishment.

He has faced criticism for his comments he is also facing much backlash from his constituents for the lack of mobile phone connectivity and has tried to justify the same by citing examples of drug smuggling, Mir said.
The Ukrainian forces are encountering various dangers while attacking the Russian lines. A new video has surfaced that highlights one particular threat  treacherous trench traps.

The video, reportedly taken by the Russians, shows a military vehicle falling into an anti-tank ditch, which is followed by additional barriers resembling concrete pyramid-shaped obstacles known as dragons teeth.

Watch:

The location was later identified as Verbove in the Zaporizhzhia region, where a major Ukrainian ground attack is underway.

The video didnt provide many details, such as the type of vehicle involved or whether it was an accident. However, it is evident that the Ukrainian offensive faces a formidable defence built by Russia over several months. This defence includes not only anti-tank trenches but also reinforced trenches, bunkers, wire-entanglements, and complex minefields, showcasing Russias strong engineering capabilities, according to a report by Business Insider.

These anti-tank trenches have a long history, dating back to World War I. They are designed to be wide and deep enough to consume an advancing vehicle, making it challenging for tanks and vehicles to pass through. These ditches can be up to 19-feet wide and 13-feet deep.

Reports suggest that the Ukrainian forces have been engaging the Russians with artillery during the intensified fighting.

The Ukrainian armed forces are believed to be conducting a significant counteroffensive against the Russian lines. However, the situation remains fluid.

With inputs from agencies
NASA is making significant changes to its digital platforms to provide a better experience for users and space enthusiasts. The space agency is revamping its flagship and science websites, introducing its first on-demand streaming service, and upgrading the NASA app.

These updates will offer a new world of content from NASA, giving everyone a chance to explore the wonders of space and scientific research. The beta version of the new website is now available for early preview, and NASA encourages visitors to check it out and share their feedback.

The revamped website will serve as a consolidated homebase for information about NASAs missions, research, climate data, and Artemis updates. It will offer a topic-driven experience with a common search engine, integrated navigation, and modernized web tools for better user experience and security.

NASA plans to continuously improve the beta site based on user feedback. Once fully launched, the platform will include content from various popular agency websites, ensuring easy access to NASA information across all its platforms.

Later this year, NASA will also launch its new streaming platform, NASA+. The ad-free, no-cost, family-friendly streaming service will provide access to Emmy Award-winning live coverage and original video series showcasing NASAs missions.

With these enhancements, NASA aims to offer a unified and user-friendly digital experience, allowing everyone to explore and learn from the exciting world of space exploration and scientific discovery.

Availability

As of now, users can access the early preview of the beta website to get a glimpse of the new digital platform.

The streaming platform, NASA+, is set to be launched later this year. It will be available on most major platforms via the NASA App on iOS and Android mobile and tablet devices; streaming media players like, Roku, Apple TV, and Fire TV; and on the web across desktop and mobile devices.

Regarding the matter, Jeff Seaton, chief information officer at the agencys headquarters in Washington, said,

Our vision is to inspire humanity through a unified, world-class NASA web experience. NASAs legacy footprint presents an opportunity to dramatically improve the user experience for the public we serve. Modernizing our main websites from a technology standpoint and streamlining how the public engages with our content online are critical first steps in making our agencys information more accessible, discoverable, and secure.

Regarding the NASA+ streaming platform, Nicky Fox, associate administrator, Science Mission Directorate, NASA Headquarters said,
amasan1 at 28-07-2023 06:59 AM (1 week ago) (m)

Supporters of the coup in Niger have attacked the headquarters of the ousted president's party, attacking politicians and setting the headquarters on fire, stoning and burning cars outside.

Supporters of the coup in Niger have attacked the headquarters of the ousted president's party, attacking politicians and setting the headquarters on fire, stoning and burning cars outside.

Following the TV announcement on Thursday by some soldiers of a successful coup, Russia joined other countries and the UN in calling for Bazoum's release.

The 64-year-old, who was elected as Niger's president two years ago, is a key Western ally in the fight against Islamist militants in West Africa.

The US and France, who colonized Niger, both have military bases in the uranium-rich country - and have condemned the coup.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called Bazoum promising Washington's "unwavering support".

Bazoum took to Twitter on Thursday morning to issue a defiant statement: Following the TV announcement on Thursday by some soldiers of a successful coup, Russia joined other countries and the UN in calling for Bazoum's release.The 64-year-old, who was elected as Niger's president two years ago, is a key Western ally in the fight against Islamist militants in West Africa.The US and France, who colonized Niger, both have military bases in the uranium-rich country - and have condemned the coup.US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called Bazoum promising Washington's "unwavering support".Bazoum took to Twitter on Thursday morning to issue a defiant statement: Quote "The hard-won achievements will be safeguarded. All Nigeriens who love democracy and freedom will see to it." His foreign minister has also been trying to rally support and urge dialogue, but the army chief of staff said he was backing the takeover to avoid fighting within the armed forces.

In the capital, Niamey, shops and markets opened for business and after delays due to heavy rain early in the morning, coup supporters took to the streets.

The hundreds who gathered outside the National Assembly had some Russian flags, while others held up hand-written signs saying: "Down with France" and "Foreign bases out".

Police later fired tear gas to disperse those who had gone to the headquarters of the ruling party, where party activists ran away when they saw the protesters coming.

The coup supporters accuse the party of corruption and not doing enough to improve the security situation and end the long-running jihadist insurgency.

Watch the videos below.

Niger Coup; Citizens attacking politicians. pic.twitter.com/BMMW415RKP  Zagazola (@ZagazOlaMakama) July 27, 2023 #Niger: unfortunate scenes of coup supporters set on fire and destroyed vehicles outside Bazoums political party PNDS-Tarayya office. pic.twitter.com/ZmZzjyVbDF  Rida Lyammouri (@rmaghrebi) July 27, 2023 #Niger #Niamey the local population is attcking the former administration ministries and setting them on fire. The yesterdays coup which unfolded peacefully today turn to ransack and distruction. Military junta supported by external forces and regional assistance. pic.twitter.com/q4GLX39kSp  Gabrian (@511ZGS) July 27, 2023 His foreign minister has also been trying to rally support and urge dialogue, but the army chief of staff said he was backing the takeover to avoid fighting within the armed forces.In the capital, Niamey, shops and markets opened for business and after delays due to heavy rain early in the morning, coup supporters took to the streets.The hundreds who gathered outside the National Assembly had some Russian flags, while others held up hand-written signs saying: "Down with France" and "Foreign bases out".Police later fired tear gas to disperse those who had gone to the headquarters of the ruling party, where party activists ran away when they saw the protesters coming.The coup supporters accuse the party of corruption and not doing enough to improve the security situation and end the long-running jihadist insurgency.Watch the videos below.

Post Reply I am an investigative reporter at Gistmania, I conduct fact-finding investigative journalism. Posted: at 28-07-2023 06:59 AM (1 week ago) | Hero
Realme's GT 5 Series Flagship Phones: A New Era in Smartphone Technology News oi -Shaurya Bora

Realme, the renowned Chinese smartphone manufacturer, is all set to make a significant impact in the market with the highly-anticipated launch of its GT 5 series flagship phones. After the successful Realme GT 2 series release in January 2022, fans have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of the next GT-series flagship. Finally, Realme China Vice President Xu Qi confirmed that the company is ready to introduce GT-branded flagships in China.

Leaked Images Hinting at GT 5 Series

Leaked images shared by Xu Qi, showcasing "Neo" and "GT" product brandings, hint at the imminent arrival of the Realme GT 5 series. Rumors suggest that the series will comprise two models, namely the Realme GT 5 and the Realme GT 5 Pro. These smartphones are expected to pack a punch, powered by the mighty Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipsets, respectively, promising remarkable performance.

Certifications Pointing Towards Realme GT 5

Adding to the excitement, recent certifications from Chinese platforms, 3C and TENAA, have revealed two Realme phone models with model numbers RMX3820 and RMX3823. While these phones have slight variations in batteries and charging speeds, they share identical specifications. Initially thought to be the Realme GT Neo 6, they are now believed to be part of the Realme GT 5 series.

Expected Launch Timeline

The Realme GT 5 is rumored to hit the market as early as August 2023 in China, while the more advanced Realme GT 5 Pro might be released later this year or in the first quarter of 2024. As of now, there is no official word on the global availability of the GT 5 series, but the company is expected to announce the Chinese market launch date on July 28.

OnLeaks' Insight into Realme GT 5

Renowned tipster Steve Hemmerstoffer, aka OnLeaks, has also contributed to the buzz surrounding the Realme GT 5. OnLeaks revealed that the much-talked-about Realme GT Neo 6 will indeed be launched as the Realme GT 5, dispelling any confusion about the device's name.

Rumored Specifications and Design

Leaked renders of the Realme GT Neo 6 provide insights into the phone's design and key specifications. The phone is likely to feature a prominent camera module on the rear, covering the top third of the device. The module is equipped with two circular camera cutouts, with the top one presumably housing the primary sensor and the bottom one accommodating two additional sensors. The module also confirms the presence of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset to power the phone.

In terms of rumoured characteristics, the Realme GT 5 is likely to include a 6.74-inch 144Hz OLED display, giving a seamless and aesthetically stunning experience. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset is anticipated to be paired with up to 16GB of RAM, ensuring seamless multitasking and performance. The camera setup is likely to feature a 50MP primary sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), promising top-notch photography capabilities. Additionally, the Realme GT 5 might run on the latest Android 13 OS, offering users the latest software enhancements.

Impressive Charging Capabilities

A highlight of the Realme GT 5 series is its charging capabilities. There are rumors of two charging variants: 150W and an impressive 240W fast charging option, minimizing downtime and providing a seamless user experience.

Conclusion

While the global launch details are yet to be officially revealed, the impending release in China is generating immense excitement among smartphone enthusiasts. Realme's entry into the flagship market with the GT 5 series is set to intensify competition, offering consumers cutting-edge technology and high-performance devices. As the launch date approaches, the industry eagerly awaits the official unveiling of the Realme GT 5 series, anticipating the future of mobile technology.

Best Mobiles in India

Facebook, To stay updated with latest technology news & gadget reviews, follow GizBot on Twitter YouTube and also subscribe to our notification. Allow Notifications
Foxconn Subsidiary To Invest $200 Million For New Electronic Components Plant In India: Moving Beyond iPhones? Tech Biz oi -Alap Naik Desai

A subsidiary of Foxconn is reportedly planning to invest up to $200 million to set up a plant of electronic components in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Multiple officials from the Taiwanese electronics manufacturing giant have been actively engaging with the state government's top bureaucrats, presumably to fast-track the project.

Foxconn may have backed out of its joint partnership with Vedanta for a semiconductor manufacturing plant in India, but the company is actively seeking to deploy more factories in the country. Let's look at the latest developments to figure out if Foxconn is moving beyond assembling Apple iPhones in India.

Foxconn Subsidiary Meets Tamil Nadu CM To Discuss Investment In The State

Foxconn Industrial Internet (FII), a wholly owned Foxconn subsidiary is in talks with the Tamil Nadu state administration. The company intends to invest up to $200 million in the state.

In the initial phase, Foxconn wants to reportedly build a new manufacturing plant for electronic components. Brand Cheng, CEO of FII, along with other company representatives met with Tamil Nadu officials including its chief minister to discuss investments in the state, confirmed the state government via an official statement.

The new manufacturing plant would be Foxconn's second one in the state of Tamil Nadu. The company has a sprawling and buzzing campus near Chennai, where it assembles iPhones for Apple Inc.

Neither Foxconn nor the local government has offered any details. However, a few reports suggest Foxconn aims to complete the plant by 2024. Moreover, the company is eager to make additional investments.

What Will Foxconn Manufacture In The Rumored New Factory In Tamil Nadu

As the talks are still in the preliminary stage, neither of the parties is willing to go into any detail. However, FII makes communication, mobile network, and cloud computing equipment.

Simply put, FII has a completely different focus compared to its parent company. Regardless, both parent and subsidiary companies are deeply involved in contract manufacturing and assembly for their multiple partners.

Foxconn may have walked away from the proposed semiconductor and display production facility it was supposed to build with oil and steel giant Vedanta. However, the company is quite interested in India as the country is increasingly perceived as a reliable manufacturing and assembly hub away from China.

It appears the company wants to build its own semiconductor manufacturing plant. Micron could most probably be the first company in India to set up a mega-factory for producing semiconductors, but multiple foreign companies are closely watching the developments.

Best Mobiles in India

Facebook, To stay updated with latest technology news & gadget reviews, follow GizBot on Twitter YouTube and also subscribe to our notification. Allow Notifications
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Sweden accuses Russia of spreading 'disinformation' over Qur'an desecration

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 27 July 2023 9:28 AM

Sweden has accused Russia of running a disinformation campaign to damage the image of the Nordic country over the recent acts of desecration against the Holy Book of the Qur'an in the capital city of Stockholm.

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson claimed on Wednesday that "Russia-backed actors" are targeting Sweden with a disinformation campaign and are trying to imply that the Swedish government supported the desecration of the Qur'an.

"We see that Russian actors are active in spreading the false claim that Sweden as a state would be behind the desecration of various scriptures. That is, of course, completely wrong," he wrote on Facebook.

Kristersson further said that the recent acts of desecration of the Qur'an have come amid "a complicated security situation," claiming that the Swedish government "does not issue permissions" to burn copies of the holy Muslim book in public, but only "issues permits" for public gatherings.

Carl-Oskar Bohlin, Minister for Civil Defense, also made similar comments over the issue.

"Sweden is the target of a disinformation campaign supported by state and state-like actors with the aim of damaging Swedish interests and ... Swedish citizens," he claimed at a press conference, without providing evidence.

Bohlin accused Russia-backed actors of "amplifying incorrect statements" that Sweden was behind the desecration of the Qur'an, claiming that such state actors are trying to "create division and weaken Sweden's international standing."

Mikael Ostlund, a spokesman for Sweden's Psychological Defense Agency, also claimed that Russia was using the acts of desecration of the Qur'an as an opportunity to promote its agenda in the media.

"Obviously, one such ambition from Russia's side is to be able to complicate our joining NATO," he said.

The allegations against Russia come a month after a 37-year-old Iraqi immigrant stomped on the Qur'an before setting several pages alight in front of Stockholm's largest mosque. The insult to the Muslim holy book was made under the authorization and protection of the Swedish police.

The incident, coinciding with the start of the Muslim Eid al-Adha and the end of the annual pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia, drew the anger of Muslims from across the world.

Also in July, Swedish authorities approved a gathering outside the Iraqi embassy in Stockholm, where organizers burned a copy of Muslims' holy book as well as the Iraqi flag.

Protests erupted in several Arab and Muslim countries over the sacrilegious act.

The blasphemous move also prompted the summoning or expulsion of Swedish envoys from several Muslim-majority countries.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






New Charges Added to Trump Mar-a-Lago Case as Special Counsel Names Third Defendant

Sputnik News

20230727

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - Former US President Donald Trump and two others are facing new charges as part of US special counsel Jack Smith's investigation into the mishandling of classified documents at the former president's Florida residence.

A superseding indictment attached to the ongoing case added four charges to an earlier complaint and named Carlos De Oliveira, who reportedly serves as the head of maintenance at Mar-a-Lago, as a third defendant.

Both Trump and aide Walt Nauta were hit with two new obstruction charges over efforts to allegedly erase surveillance footage from the summer of 2022 captured at Trump's Florida home.

De Oliveria was slapped with false statements and representations over an interview with federal agents in January 2023. A summons for De Oliveria requires him to appear before a federal court on July 31.

The new defendant allegedly helped Nauta move 30 boxes with classified documents around Mar-a-Lago following the Justice Department's first subpoena against Trump in May, US media reported.

Trump was indicted in June on 37 charges related to the mishandling of classified documents, including those the FBI uncovered in a raid of his Florida home. The former president pleaded not guilty to the charges, and has condemned the offenses as a politically-driven attack intended to shutter his 2024 election bid.

According to the indictment, the classified documents Trump stored in boxes at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida included information about defense and weapons capabilities of both the US and foreign countries, US nuclear programs, potential vulnerabilities of the US and its allies to military attack, and plans for possible retaliation in response to a foreign attack.

A Sputnik

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






July 26, 2023

By Jim Garamone , DOD News

Austin Meets Papua New Guinea Leaders to Chart Security Course

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III met with Papua New Guinea defense leaders today to discuss ways the two nations can cooperate to help build a secure and stable region.

Austin became the first U.S. defense secretary to visit the strategic Pacific island and meet with Prime Minister James Marape, Defense Minister Win Bakri Daki, Defense Secretary John Akipe and Maj. Gen. Mark Goina, chief of the country's defense force.

The United States and Papua New Guinea concluded a shiprider agreement in May. Officials also negotiated and signed a landmark Defense Cooperation Agreement that will deepen U.S.-PNG ties. The Defense Cooperation Agreement is being considered by the island nation's parliament.

"Today, we'll discuss the next steps in our bilateral defense relationship, including how the United States can support Papua New Guinea's efforts to strengthen your defense capacity," the secretary said in his meeting with Prime Minister Marape. "The United States and Papua New Guinea share a vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific region where all countries enjoy the benefits of sovereignty, where all states adhere to international law, and where differences are resolved peacefully and without coercion."

"Our countries also share a commitment to freedom and democracy, as well as to regional stability, economic development and responsible environmental stewardship to confront a worsening climate crisis," he continued.

The United States has already provided personal protective equipment to the country.

The Defense Cooperation Agreement will allow the two countries to work closer together. It will allow the United States to support the continued modernization of Papua New Guinea's defense force. "It will also help our countries work together more closely and more frequently on exercises, training, interoperability and defense-capacity building," Austin said at his meeting with the country's defense council.

The agreement will also "create opportunities for us to invest in infrastructure and to work together to expand our defense presence in Papua New Guinea beyond small-scale projects."

The shiprider agreement will allow the country's forces to ride along on U.S. Coast Guard vessels patrolling the area. This will help Papua New Guinea enforce its sovereignty and crack down on illegal fishing.

Austin will next travel to Brisbane, Australia.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Pakistan Condemns the Provocative Remarks Made by India's Defence Minister

Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Pakistan condemns the provocative remarks by India's Defence Minister, made on 26 July 2023, in Drass, Ladakh, boasting readiness to cross the Line of Control.

We counsel India to exercise utmost caution as its belligerent rhetoric is a threat to the regional peace and stability, and contributes to destabilizing the strategic environment in South Asia.

This is not the first time that India's political leaders and senior military officers have made highly irresponsible remarks about Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. This kind of jingoistic statements must stop.

The Indian leadership is reminded that Pakistan is fully capable of defending itself against any aggression.

The practice of dragging Pakistan into India's populist public discourse, with a view to stoking hyper-nationalism and reaping electoral gains, needs to end.

Everything from history to law and from morality to the situation on the ground belies India's claims about Jammu and Kashmir, which is an internationally-recognized disputed territory. The relevant UN Security Council resolutions stipulate that the final disposition of the territory will be made in accordance with the will of the people expressed through the democratic method of a free and impartial plebiscite conducted under the auspices of the United Nations. India would be well-advised to faithfully implement these resolutions, rather than entertaining any notions of grandeur.

Islamabad

26 July 2023

154/2023

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Alaska National Guard Soldiers Test Readiness in Exercise

By Staff Sgt. Katie Mazos-Vega, 297th Regional Support Group Public Affairs July 27, 2023

FORT RILEY, Kan. -- More than 40 Alaska Army National Guard Soldiers from the 297th Regional Support Group are participating in Pershing Strike 23 and its associated Mobilization Exercise Level II July 7-Aug. 4.

In the event of large-scale war, the United States requires multiple installations to prepare Reserve Component units for deployment. These exercises test the establishment and operation of Fort Riley as a Mobilization Force Generation Installation, a crucial component in deploying personnel and units to the battlefield.

During the exercises, the 297th RSG tests its ability to synchronize mobilization and demobilization operations, enhancing its capabilities to perform effectively.

Specifically, during MOBEX II, the 297th RSG provides sustainment support as the 2nd Battalion, 358th Armor Regiment, 189th Infantry Brigade, conducts mobilization training for the 268th Inland Cargo Transfer Company, 346th Transportation Battalion, a U.S. Army Reserve unit stationed in Puerto Rico.

Pershing Strike 23 and MOBEX II are led from First Army Headquarters at Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois, and include participation from Active Duty, National Guard, and Reserve Soldiers mobilizing at Fort Riley, Camp Atterbury, Indiana; Fort Cavazos and Fort Bliss, Texas; Fort Stewart, Georgia; and Fort McCoy, Wisconsin.

Commanders will use Pershing Strike 23 and MOBEX II to evaluate the flow of units from home stations to ports of debarkation to refine the shared understanding of the challenges of Large-Scale Mobilization Operations across the mobilization enterprise, evaluate planning assumptions, and create mitigation strategies to reduce friction points and increase flexibility.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






CENTCOM Commander Visits Israel

U.S. Central Command

USCENTCOM

July 27, 2023

Release Number 20230727-01

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TAMPA, Fla. -- On Jul. 25-27, Gen. Michael "Erik" Kurilla, commander of U.S. Central Command, traveled to Israel to visit the leadership of the Ministry of Defense, Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the Institute for Intelligence and Special Operations, the IDF Intelligence Directorate, and other specialized units.

General Kurilla met with the Israel Minister of Defense, Yoav Gallant, and the Israel Chief of General Staff, Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi to discuss shared commitment to address regional security concerns and the progress being made in cooperation between the IDF and CENTCOM. The CENTCOM Directors of Intelligence, Operations, and Plans and Policy attended the engagements.

General Kurilla also visited several other specialized units while in Israel.

"Significant progress has been made in interoperability between the IDF and U.S. Central Command in the short time Israel has been part of the CENTCOM area of responsibility," said Kurilla. "The ability for our forces to work together is a key aspect of our combined efforts to support regional stability."

-30-



NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






July 27, 2023

Release

Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Meetings With Papua New Guinea (PNG) Prime Minister and Defence Council

Pentagon Press Secretary Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder provided the following readout:

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III met with Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape to discuss the strength of the bilateral relationship and security issues of mutual concern. Secretary Austin also met with Minister for Defence Win Bakri Daki, Secretary for Defence Hari John Akipe, and Chief of Defence Force Major General Mark Goina (the "PNG Defence Council"), to discuss areas of bilateral importance including the recently signed U.S.-Papua New Guinea Defense Cooperation Agreement (DCA) and increased exercise cooperation between the United States and Papua New Guinea, as well as the Agreement Concerning Counter Illicit Transnational Maritime Activity Operations, or "shiprider agreement."

During the meetings with Prime Minister Marape and the PNG Defence Council, Secretary Austin noted the bilateral efforts to bolster security cooperation and address shared challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.

The leaders had a productive exchange of views on efforts to build capacity to provide humanitarian assistance/disaster relief, improve maritime domain awareness, combat climate change, and address illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing in the region, including through the upcoming visit of a U.S. Coast Guard cutter to Papua New Guinea as part of the shiprider agreement.

Secretary Austin also expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Marape and the PNG Defence Council for their support of the DCA and underscored his commitment to implementing the agreement after completion of the ratification process by the PNG government.

Secretary Austin and all four PNG leaders agreed on the importance of continuing to deepen U.S. and Papua New Guinea defense ties to increase stability and security in the region.

https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3472660/

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






July 27, 2023

Release

Statement by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III on the 70th National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day

Seventy years ago today, on July 27, 1953, after more than three years of war on the Korean Peninsula, military leaders from the United States, North Korea, and the People's Republic of China signed the Korean Armistice Agreement to "insure a complete cessation of hostilities."

All Americans should remember the terrible cost of the Korean War and the valor of those who fought against aggression, facing fierce adversaries, harsh terrain, and pitiless conditions. More than 36,000 U.S. troops were killed in action, along with hundreds of thousands more from the Republic of Korea and partner nations serving in the United Nations Command. Even today, some 7,000 American service members from this war remain unaccounted for. We have a solemn duty to continue looking for answers for American families whose loved ones still remain missing in action seven decades on. America also has a sacred responsibility to take care of our Korean War veterans, their families, their caregivers, and their survivors, and to ensure that they get the benefits they deserve.

When President Eisenhower told the American people that the armistice had been signed, he said, "We shall fervently strive to insure that this armistice will, in fact, bring free peoples one step nearer to their goal of a world at peace." So it has. During each of my three visits to the Republic of Korea as Secretary of Defense, I have seen firsthand its thriving democracy, dynamic economy, and innovative minds in actionall a living testament to the shared sacrifices of families in both of our countries. I have also had the privilege of spending time with the American troops stationed there, who proudly keep the peace and serve alongside South Korean service members. Seventy years after the signing of the armistice, and the U.S.-ROK Mutual Defense Treaty that followed soon after, our ironclad alliance is stronger than ever. In the words of our alliance motto, "We go together"and we will continue to do so, shoulder to shoulder.

https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3472656/

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






July 27, 2023

By David Vergun , DOD News

Marine Infantry Packs a Logistics Punch on Australian Beach

Several hundred U.S. Marine Corps infantrymen of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit landed yesterday on the beach at Midge Point in Queensland, Australia.

With them were trucks, spare parts, mechanics, fuel, communications gear and everything else needed to support the infantry in a fight as part of Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023  the U.S.-Australia exercise that included a dozen other partner nations.

During the first decades of the 21st century, Marines and other forces in Iraq and Afghanistan relied on massive logistics sites, known as "iron mountains," for beans, bullets, bandages and everything else needed to conduct operations, said Marine Corps Lt. Col. Matt Verdin, commander of Combat Logistics Battalion, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, based at Camp Pendleton, California.

Not anymore, he said.

When Marines came ashore in Navy landing craft air cushions, or LCACs as they are better known, they took with them all the supplies and other materiel needed to push inland against entrenched enemy forces in the exercise scenario, he said.

It's getting back to the roots of what the Marine Corps does best, he said: sustaining themselves in austere, contested environments and moving quickly to secure objectives without waiting for the logistics tail to catch up to the fighters.

Exercises like Talisman Sabre bolster rapid crisis response capability that has been a Marine Corps hallmark for centuries, he said.

This year marks the 10th iteration of Talisman Sabre, a biennial exercise designed to advance a free and open Indo-Pacific by strengthening partnerships and interoperability among key allies. The spelling of the name  sabre vs. saber  reflects which country is leading the exercise: Talisman Sabre when Australia leads and Talisman Saber when the U.S. leads.

Marines who landed yesterday had sailed from Okinawa, Japan, aboard the amphibious transport dock ships USS Green Bay and USS New Orleans. Accompanying those vessels was the amphibious assault carrier USS America, the lead ship of the America Amphibious Ready Group.

Landing with the Marines were detachments from the Japan Ground Self Defense Force's Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade and a German naval infantry from the Bundeswehr Sea Battalion.

Later in the day, Marines from the USS America landed further inland from Midge Point, arriving aboard V-22 Osprey aircraft. Those aircraft can land vertically like helicopters, but they fly much faster. Others landed in CH-53 helicopters. Upon landing, they all encountered an opposition force made up of Marines dressed in desert camouflage uniforms to identify them as "enemy."

The V-22s were protected overhead by Cobra attack helicopters.

The America Amphibious Ready Group made a port visit last month to Brisbane, Australia, just to the south of where the landings took place.

The United Kingdom is also participating in Talisman Sabre. The U.S., U.K. and Australia comprise what's known as AUKUS, which is a trilateral security pact formed in 2021.

"All of this is yet another reminder that our unbreakable alliance is capable of great things. It has, indeed, endured for generations, and it remains vital to regional peace and security," Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III said of AUKUS earlier this year during a visit by Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, who also serves as his country's defense minister.

At that meeting, Austin said: "We also pledged to find new ways to work closely with Japan as we pursue a common vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific, as a region where all countries can chart their own course and all states respect international rules and norms and where all disputes are resolved peacefully."

Austin met with British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace just weeks earlier.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






July 27, 2023

By Jim Garamone , DOD News

Austin, Papua New Guinea Leaders Discuss Plans for Defense Cooperation

The Indo-Pacific is the priority theater for the United States, and Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's visit to Papua New Guinea is all about keeping the region free and open.

Austin and Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape spoke following meetings in the country's capital city, Port Moresby. Both spoke about what the newly signed Defense Cooperation Agreement will mean to the Pacific.

"We're expanding U.S. participation in several exercises with the PNG Defense Force," Austin said. "We've also completed an important shiprider agreement that will mean greater cooperation on maritime law enforcement."

The agreement will allow Papua New Guinea personnel aboard U.S. Coast Guard ships as they patrol in the region, which will help the nation to tackle illegal fishing and trafficking in the huge, exclusive economic zone. "And we're not wasting any time," Austin said. "A U.S. Coast Guard cutter will be here in August to kick this program off."

The two men said the new Defense Cooperation Agreement will deepen ties between the United States and Papua New Guinea and strengthen cooperation and interoperability between U.S. and Papua New Guinea forces with an eye to better support humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, if needed.

The nation's parliament is debating the agreement and ratification is expected soon, said officials.

Once ratified, the U.S. effort to help modernize the country's defense force will accelerate. This includes new equipment, more training and upgrades to defense facilities, Austin said.

The agreement is important, the secretary said. It will better enable the countries to work together to help the Papua New Guinea Defense Force become the security guarantor for the country that leaders want it to be.

Austin stressed that the United States is not seeking permanent basing in the country. He said he sees the agreement as a "fundamental, foundational framework, to deepen the defense relationship."

The relationship between the United States and Papua New Guinea is decades old. Marape noted that Austin's father served in the U.S. Army in New Guinea during World War II. "Our defense capacity must be built," the prime minister said. "There is no better partner [than the] biggest democracy and the biggest military for this partnership. It is a partnership of choice that we made in respect to defense cooperation."

Marape noted the security relationship would mean "cascading benefits that links to the economy."

The agreement will last 15 years. Marape said how it moves forward will be through negotiations among friends. "That has been secured," the prime minister said. "I want you to appreciate the USA never tampered with our autonomy and independence or with respect of sovereignty."

"We invited them in the defense space; it is not them coming in," he continued. "We invited them in the defense space to help build our defense to protect our own borders, including stopping fishing losses and blight of the illegal [logging] from our forests. They came in our invitation."

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Sudan: Statement by the High Representative Josep Borrell on the ongoing conflict

European External Action Service (EEAS)

27.07.2023

EEAS Press Team

The European Union is appalled by the brutality and total disregard shown by the warrying parties towards civilians in the conflict in Sudan, raging for more than 100 days. Over 1 100 people, among them 435 children, are known to have been killed, and another 12 000 injured. More than 3 million people have been displaced and sexual and gender-based violence is prevalent.

The situation in Darfur is of particular concern. The accounts of survivors echo the horrors of the grave violations against the people of Darfur 20 years ago. We cannot let history repeat itself: Leaders need to know that the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court is already investigating crimes on the ground.

The EU is at the forefront of efforts by the international community to deliver humanitarian assistance to the victims of the conflict. But this assistance can only be effective if safe, timely, and unhindered access for humanitarian operations is guaranteed by all stakeholders at all times and irrespective of a ceasefire.

Today, we are hosting in Brussels representatives of the Sudanese people from a wide range of political perspectives and civil society, providing them with a platform to discuss among themselves ideas on how to shape a peaceful and prosperous future for the people of Sudan. This event materialises the EU's contribution to collective regional and international efforts, under the leadership of the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), to stop the fighting, secure access of humanitarian assistance and resume the transition to democracy and civilian rule. The legitimate aspirations of the 2018/2019 revolution have to be met and their realisation remain the focus of our engagement.

The EU stands ready to consider the use of all means at its disposal, including restrictive measures, to contribute to putting an end to the conflict and encourage peace.



NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Germany Federal Foreign Office

27.07.2023 - Press release

A Federal Foreign Office Spokesperson today (27 July) issued the following statement on the latest developments in Niger:

We are following events in Niger with great concern. We condemn the attempt by parts of the military to overturn Niger's constitutional, democratic order. We call on these individuals to immediately release Bazoum, the country's democratically elected President, and to return to their quarters. We fully support the respective efforts of the African Union and the regional organisation ECOWAS. Violence must not be used for one's political or personal gain.

German citizens are requested to follow the Federal Foreign Office's travel and security advice and to enter their personal information in the register for emergency contact ELEFAND.
Back to the Future: MRIC and the rebirth of the Corps' air defense capability

US Marine Corps News

27 Jul 2023 | Johannes Schmidt PEO Land Systems

QUANTICO, Va. -- As global tensions continue to rise, the Marine Corps once again finds itself at the forefront of a strategic transformationshifting its focus from a decades-long, land-locked War on Terror to addressing increasing great power competition in the South China Sea.

Recognizing the rapidly shifting security environment outlined in the 2018 National Defense Strategy, General David H. Berger, the Corps' visionary former commandant, launched Force Design 2030a comprehensive modernization effort aimed at preparing the Corps to "serve as a naval expeditionary force-in-readiness and operate inside actively contested maritime spaces in support of joint campaigns."

As the Corps continues its foundational shift towards the Pacific, however, one thing has become clear: if Marines are to pivot to support distributed maritime operationsoperating for extended periods with limited outside supportthe need for an organic air defense capability becomes imperative.

Moving to address this new geopolitical reality and shifting security environment, Program Executive Officer Land Systems is preparing to field the Marine Corps' Medium-Range Intercept Capability, or MRIC. This state-of-the-art missile system detects, tracks, identifies and defeats enemy cruise missiles and other manned and unmanned aerial threats.

"MRIC is a middle-tier acquisition rapid prototyping effort, serving as a short-to-medium range air defense system that fills a crucial capability gap in the Indo-Pacific's contested theater," said Lt. Col. Matthew Beck, product manager for A-MANPADS/MRIC. "Although it was primarily designed for cruise missile defense, MRIC also boasts capabilities against other airborne threats and has demonstrated a high level of success in integration efforts through a series of live fire events."

Harkening back to the days of the legacy HAWK systemthe Corps' last medium-range surface-to-air missile, which was divested in the late 90sMRIC stands as the much-needed response to the evolving challenges of modern warfare by providing the ability to exist and persist within enemy weapon engagement zones. As highlighted in Force Design 2030, this is particularly relevant to the fleet's operations in the Indo-Pacific, where the warfighter is often positioned squarely within enemy weapons' reach.

"Simply put, MRIC is designed to protect near fixed and semi-fixed critical assets, primarily from the threat of cruise missiles," said Beck. "In practical terms, MRIC offers protection for our Marines, allowing them the freedom to conduct operations within an enemy's weapon engagement zone. In short, the warfighter can focus on executing the mission while being shielded from potential threats."

All this is made possible by the incorporation of existing capabilities. MRIC, which counts the Corps' Ground/Air Task-Oriented Radar and Common Aviation Command and Control System among its primary subsystems, also incorporates technology from Israel's proven Iron Dome system.

But the Corps' new air defense system is much more than a force multiplier; it's a key example of a successful Force Design 2030 outcome, which calls for "the immediate implementation of an intensive program of iterative concept refinement, wargaming, analysis and simulation, and experimentation."

"MRIC, our counter cruise missile solution, exemplifies efficient integration and smart acquisition," said Don Kelley, program manager for GBAD. "We've harnessed field-tested technologies and incorporated them into our system. This comprehensive amalgamation, validated through rigorous live-fire exercises, has enabled us to meet the counter cruise missile capability needs identified in Force Design 2030."

By using the right acquisition vehicle and striving to avoid "reinventing the wheel," the MRIC team is on track to go from conception to prototyping in less than five yearslightspeed in acquisition terms. Furthermore, by conducting various rounds of live fire tests and rapid prototyping, Marine experimentation and feedback play a key role in the team's efforts.

"Force Design 2030 and updates emphasize experimentation and a strong air defense for the Marine Corps," said Beck. "Middle tier acquisition, with rapid prototyping, aligns with these goals. By integrating high technology readiness level components and seeking Marine feedback through small-scale deployments, we can refine and scale the Medium-Range Intercept Capability and get it to the fleet in a timely manner."

Although trusting the process brings along many challenges for the team, their creative spirit and commitment to working with the fleet has allowed them to turn challenges into successes.

"The real challenge lies in introducing this unprecedented system to the Marines who have no prior analogous equipment. Our training and logistics teams are rigorously working to ensure we cultivate the right skill set among the Marines to operate this state-of-the-art system effectively, recognizing that even the best capability serves no purpose if our Marines aren't prepared to use it," he noted.

Here, we see another clear nod to Talent Management 2030, a personnel management pillar within Force Design 2030 which calls for the alignment of "talents of individual Marines with the needs of the service to maximize the performance of both."

The team's success, however, begs the question: is this kind of acquisition success story replicable? According to Kelley, the answer is a resounding yes.

"In my view, effective best practices are rooted in a clear mission, compact and dedicated teams, and unflinching transparency with all stakeholders," he said. "Crucially, assembling the right personnel, individuals who are proficient or willing to learn, is non-negotiable. We avoid getting entangled in unnecessary bureaucracy, focusing on the essence of policies rather than their letter. By focusing on intent when interpreting requirements, we can streamline our operations to achieve our objectives swiftly, while still adhering to safety and compliance norms. Ultimately, our approach to best practices hinges on effectiveness, agility, and a refusal to 'reinvent the wheel.'"

Things are moving quickly for the team, and their efforts are poised to pay off.

Barb Hamby, PEO Land Systems spokesperson, recently told Breaking Defense, "A series of activities will take place during fiscal 2023 and 2024, culminating with a quick reaction assessment... for the MRIC prototype, under the Middle Tier Acquisition Rapid Prototyping framework. Both the ongoing certification processes and the quick reaction assessment will inform the Milestone Decision Authority on the potential fielding of the MRIC prototype."

Moreover, the MRIC team is preparing to hold a quick-reaction assessment in September 2024. If things continue to go to plan, the program could enter production in fiscal year 2025.

In an era characterized by escalating global tensions and the increasing importance of maritime dominance, the Marine Corps is once again demonstrating its ability to adapt, evolve, and rise to new challenges. As the Corps advances towards the transformative vision of Force Design 2030, the successful development and expected fielding of MRIC represent key milestones in this journey. More than just the acquisition of new equipment, MRIC's successful progression exemplifies the potency of innovation, agility, and strategic international partnerships. It offers more than a solution to a tactical problem, instead symbolizing a rebirth of the Corps' air defense capability, fitting for the complex battlefields of the 21st century.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Niger's army supports coup group but president defiant

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 27 July 2023 7:18 PM

Niger's army has officially backed a group of soldiers in their coup attempt, despite a defiant stance by the overthrown president, Mohamed Bazoum.

In a statement posted on Thursday on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, Niger's army chief of staff Abdou Sidikou Issa said the decision to support the soldiers was necessary to "avoid a deadly confrontation between the various forces."

The military in a statement signed by Issa said it had "decided to adhere to the... declaration" made by soldiers committing the coup.

A group of soldiers calling themselves the Defense and Security Forces (FDS), declared on Wednesday they had "decided to put an end to the regime."

Colonel-Major Amadou Abdramane spokesperson for the FDS said Niger's Presidential Guard had detained Bazoum.

"This follows the continued deterioration of the security situation, poor economic and social governance. The defense and security forces... have decided to put an end to the regime you are familiar with," Abdramane said in a televised address.

The army said Bazoum's "physical integrity" must be preserved in order to avoid "a deadly confrontation... that could create a bloodbath and affect the security of the population."

In a statement on Thursday, Bazoum said Niger's "hard-won" democratic gains would be safeguarded.

"All Nigeriens who love democracy and freedom would want this," he said on the social media platform X.

Abdramane said Niger's borders have been closed and that "all institutions" in the country would be suspended. A nationwide nighttime curfew has also been imposed.

In an interview, Niger's Foreign Minister Hassoumi Massoudou said the government was still the "legitimate and legal authority" in the West African country.

The army group accused France of landing a military plane in defiance of their orders to close the country's borders.

"The French partner bypassed (the decision) on closing land and air borders in order to land an A401-type military aircraft at Niamey international airport this morning at 6:30 am," Abdramane said in a statement, demanding "once and for all that measures be strictly upheld."

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Niger's president says democracy will be restored after coup attempt

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 27 July 2023 10:16 AM

Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum has taken to social media to say that democracy will be "safeguarded" across the country, a day after he was seized by members of the presidential guard in a military coup attempt.

Bazoum, who was reportedly detained by some disgruntled members of the Elite Presidential Guard, vowed on Thursday to safeguard the hard-earned democracy in the West African country located in the turbulent Sahel region.

In a Thursday post on the social media platform Twitter, which is being rebranded as X, Bazoum said, "hard-won gains will be safeguarded" and that Nigeriens who love democracy will see it.

Bazoum's statements came hours after men dressed in military attire claimed to have overthrown his government, dissolving the constitution, and closing the borders.

His remarks were echoed by Niger's Foreign Minister Hassoumi Massoudou, who confirmed that the president was in good health.

Massoudou said he had spoken to the president and he is "in good health", and has not been harmed by the military.

He asserted that the elected government remained the "legitimate and legal authority" of the country, insisting that, "The legal and legitimate power is the one exercised by the elected president of Niger Mohamed Bazoum."

The top diplomat described the actions of the group of soldiers at the presidential palace as "an attempted coup d'etat" but said, "the totality of the army was not behind the coup."

He called on "mutinous officers to return to their ranks" in an interview with French television station France 24, adding that mediation efforts had started, including those by the president of Nigeria who is "dialoguing with the military".

Meanwhile, the attempted power grab drew strong condemnation from the United Nations and several governments.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he "strongly condemns the unconstitutional change in government" in Niger.

The foreign minister of Niger's former colonial power France, Catherine Colonna, condemned the coup attempt, claiming Paris was opposed to "all attempts to take power by force".

Germany's Foreign Ministry said on Thursday that Berlin was following the events in Niger with "very great concern".

"Violence is not a means to enforce political or personal interests," said the ministry in a statement, which also called for Bazoum's immediate release by the organizers of the coup.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said he had spoken to Bazoum to offer Washington's support.

The president of neighboring Benin, Patrice Talon, will head to Niamey for mediation efforts, the head of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) said.

In the meantime, the coupsters said "all institutions" in the country would be suspended, borders were closed and a curfew imposed "until further notice" from 10 pm to 5 am.

"We, the defense and security forces... have decided to put an end to the regime" of President Bazoum, Colonel-Major Amadou Abdramane said in a televised address late Wednesday.

Also on Wednesday, Niger's presidency said that members of the presidential guard (PG) had started an "anti-republican" movement "in vain".

The president's office said, "Elements of the Presidential Guard (PG) had a fit of temper... (and) tried unsuccessfully to gain the support of the national armed forces and the national guard".

It said the army and national guard were ready to attack the PG elements if they did not take a new disposition.

Bazoum was elected in April 2021, taking the helm of the impoverished country. He is one of a dwindling number of pro-Western leaders in the Sahel region, fighting against the extremists' insurgency.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Hamas-affiliated battalion fires rocket toward Israeli settlement near Jenin

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 27 July 2023 8:35 AM

A battalion affiliated with the Palestinian Hamas resistance movement says it has fired a rocket toward an Israeli settlement in the vicinity of the northern occupied West Bank city of Jenin.

In a statement released on Thursday, the al-Ayyash battalion, which is affiliated with the Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, said it had targeted the Ram-On settlement with a Qassam-1 rocket.

It said that the operation was in response to Israeli crimes, including raids by settlers on the al-Aqsa Mosque compound in the Old City of al-Quds.

"Al-Aqsa Mosque is a red line and we will never allow the Zionists to violate it," it added.

Israeli settler incursions into al-Aqsa Mosque and violence against Palestinians have been on the rise since the far-right extremist cabinet of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took office last December.

Earlier on Thursday, hundreds of Israeli settlers, including far-right security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, broke into al-Aqsa Mosque from the Mughrabi gate.

The settlers were escorted by occupation troops, who prevented Muslim worshipers from entering the holy site.

Only Muslims are allowed to pray in the al-Aqsa Mosque compound under a status quo arrangement originally reached more than a century ago. Non-Muslim visitors are allowed visits at certain times and only to certain areas.

Israeli settlers' repeated storming of the al-Aqsa Mosque compound comes amid the regime's attacks against Palestinians in different parts of the occupied territories, particularly against Nablus and the nearby city of Jenin.

On July 3-4, the Tel Aviv regime also waged an aerial and ground offensive against Jenin and its refugee camp. At least 12 Palestinians were killed and 140 others injured during the aggression.

Israeli forces raid Palestinian camp in al-Quds

In another development on Thursday, Israeli forces stormed the Palestinian Shu'fat refugee camp in al-Quds.

Citing local sources, WAFA news agency reported that the regime soldiers, along with Israel Tax Authority staff, broke into a number of shops in the camp.

Israeli forces usually break into Palestinian shops in the camp and impose tax on their owners.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






US not seeking permanent military base in PNG, says defense secretary

Agreement signed in May gives U.S. unrestricted access to develop and deploy forces from the Pacific island nation.

By Harry Pearl for BenarNews 2023.07.27 -- U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Thursday during a visit to Papua New Guinea that Washington was not seeking a permanent military base in the Pacific island nation under a new defense deal.

The United States and Papua New Guinea signed a defense cooperation agreement in May that gives the U.S. military "unimpeded access" to develop and deploy forces from six ports and airports, including the Lombrum Naval Base.

The deal has been criticized by some in the Pacific nation for being overly accommodative to American interests and possibly upsetting for China, a major trading partner. But Austin on Thursday stressed U.S. commitment to the sovereignty and autonomy of Papua New Guinea.

"I just want to be clear, we are not seeking a permanent base in PNG," Austin said during a joint press conference with Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape.

"Our goal is to strengthen PNG's ability to defend itself and protect its interests."

The agreement, signed on May 22, is part of Washington's efforts to counter Beijing's growing influence in the Pacific.

China, over several decades, has become a substantial source of trade, infrastructure and aid for developing Pacific island countries as it seeks to isolate Taiwan diplomatically and build its own set of global institutions.

Last year, China signed a security pact with Solomon Islands, alarming the U.S. and its allies such as Australia and underlining the heightened geopolitical competition in the region.

Marape on Thursday said the defense cooperation agreement, which is yet to be ratified by Parliament, formalized the ad-hoc relationship that Papua New Guinea already had with the U.S. military.

Papua New Guinea was building its defense capabilities to keep the country safe, including from illegal fishing and transnational crime, "not for joint war preparation."

"I want to give assurance to everybody here that this is not about setting out for war, but setting a presence for nation building in PNG and this part of the Pacific," he said.

Austin is on his way to Brisbane, Australia where he and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will meet their Australian counterparts for the annual Australia-U.S. Ministerial Consultations.

'Door open' to AUKUS

Blinken on Wednesday visited the tiny Pacific kingdom of Tonga, where the U.S. opened a new embassy in May, and touched down for a series of meetings in New Zealand on Thursday.

At a press conference in Wellington, Blinken said that the "door is very much open" for New Zealand to engage with the second pillar of the AUKUS security pact between the U.S., Britain and Australia.

"New Zealand is a deeply trusted partner ... We've long worked together on the most important national security issues. And so as we further develop AUKUS, as I said, the door is open to engagement."

One of the primary goals of AUKUS is a plan for the Australians to acquire nuclear-powered submarines to help America police the Indo-Pacific super region.

The second pillar focuses on cooperation in advanced military technology.

New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta said the country is exploring the full extent of pillar two opportunities under AUKUS, but stressed that Wellington was "not prepared to compromise or change our nuclear-free position."

The U.S., United Kingdom and France carried out more than 300 nuclear detonations in the Pacific from 1946 to 1966 as part of their weapons programs.

The testing hardened public opinion against nuclear weapons in New Zealand, which banned visits by nuclear-propelled warships in the mid-1980s and later passed legislation making the country a nuclear-free zone.

New Zealand's refusal to allow the port call of USS Buchanan in 1985, after the ship would not confirm if it had no nuclear weapons onboard, resulted in Washington downgrading its diplomatic relationship with Wellington. The U.S. suspended its security guarantee under the trilateral ANZUS treaty, effectively freezing New Zealand out.

Diplomatic ties between the two nations have found common ground in regional security interests in recent years, especially over China's growing assertiveness.

When asked about China's police and security agreements with Solomon Islands, Mahuta on Thursday said that New Zealand respected Honiara's sovereignty, but the "lack of openness and transparency" surrounding them had raised concerns.

"We will continue to push on the Solomon Islands [Prime Minister Manasseh] Sogavare to make clear what the full extent of those arrangements are so we can assess what that means for our region," she said.

BenarNews is an RFA-affiliated online news organization.

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.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






China floats joint military drills with Philippines

The proposal will be studied, the Philippine military chief said.

By Jason Gutierrez for BenarNews 2023.07.27 -- The Philippines will weigh a proposal from China for joint military exercises, the Filipino armed forces chief said about the prospect of drills between the two countries with a longstanding territorial dispute.

The idea of conducting unprecedented exercises with China was initially floated during the administration of Rodrigo Duterte, the previous Philippine president, but that never materialized.

During his term (2016-22), Duterte drew his country closer to Beijing and away from the United States, Manila's traditional defense ally.

The Chinese ambassador broached the latest proposal, which was "informal" in nature, at an embassy gathering on Wednesday night, Philippine military chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said.

"They offered that prospect, but we have to study [it] further," he told reporters on Wednesday, without expanding on the matter.

He, however, did reply "no," when asked whether the prospective drills would take place in the disputed South China Sea, as is the case with joint Philippines-U.S. exercises.

The Philippines has no accord with China that is similar to the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) it has with the U.S., which would be necessary for conducting bilateral drills.

BenarNews contacted the Chinese Embassy in Manila for comment but did not immediately hear back.

China claims nearly the entire South China Sea, including waters within the exclusive economic zones of Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Taiwan.

In July 2016, an international arbitration court ruled in favor of the Philippines, and threw out China's expansive claims in a legal case arising from their territorial dispute. Beijing has refused to acknowledge that ruling.

In recent years, China has increasingly intruded into the Philippines' South China Sea waters to stake its claims, leading to tense interactions between the two countries.

The Philippine government has filed 99 notes verbales, or diplomatic protests, against China since President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. took office last year.

Still, Brawner said, the Philippine military would seek to be "friends to all, enemy to none" following Marcos' directive.

"So we will naturally toe the line. That is what we are going to do, we [will] try to establish relations with armies, with armed forces around the world and this is one way for us to actually prevent war," Brawner said.

Earlier this week, Marcos talked at length about protecting the Philippines' sovereignty in his State of the Nation Address. He said the Philippines would always follow international law - a veiled reference to Beijing.

Last month, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said there would be nothing wrong if the Philippine and Chinese forces held military exercises if these were for "confidence-building and trust training."

BenarNews is an RFA-affiliated online news organization.

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.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Hun Sen promises continued close relations with Beijing in letter to Chinese premier

For China, tight ties with Cambodia ensure that Beijing has a solid supporter in ASEAN.

By RFA Khmer 2023.07.27 -- Prime Minister Hun Sen has assured Chinese Premier Li Qiang that Cambodia will continue its close relationship with Beijing after control of the government is handed over to Hun Sen's eldest son next month.

"Please, Your Excellency, be assured that the new government's policy toward China based on [our] mutual traditional friendship, trust and win-win cooperation will not be changed," the prime minister wrote in a letter dated Wednesday.

Hun Sen announced his resignation after close to 40 years in power, saying at a news conference on Wednesday that a new Hun Manet-led government would be formed on Aug. 22, after the National Election Committee officially reports the results from last Sunday's election.

Preliminary results show Hun Sen's ruling Cambodian People's Party winning 120 of 125 seats in the National Assembly. The election included the 45-year-old Hun Manet as a first-time candidate for parliament from Phnom Penh.

The tightly controlled vote was condemned by the United States, France, Australia and others 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.

For China, close ties with Cambodia ensure that Beijing has a supporter in the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Time and again, Cambodia has undermined ASEAN unity on the disputed South China Sea over which Beijing has made sweeping claims of sovereignty, angering competing claimants.

Power projection

China and Cambodia began developing the Ream Naval Base, in Sihanoukville province on the Gulf of Thailand, with Beijing's funding in June 2021. Cambodian officials said this week that renovation work has almost been completed, according to Voice of America.

The base would help Beijing boost its power projection in Southeast Asia and the Taiwan Strait. It would be China's first naval staging facility in the region and the second in the world after a base in Djibouti.

Phnom Penh has repeatedly denied that China is being given exclusive military access to the base, saying that would contradict Cambodia's constitution.

Hun Manet's government will need Chinese support to maintain power, while Vietnam may be reluctant to have close relations, even with its historical ties to the CPP, for fear of indirect economic sanctions from the United States, Finland-based political analyst Kim Sok told Radio Free Asia.

"China needs the Hun family government to achieve its long-term interests - the completion of the Chinese-related Ream Naval Base," he said.

In February, Hun Sen flew to Beijing for an official visit with Hun Manet and another son, 40-year-old lawmaker Hun Many.

The prime minister met with President Xi Jinping and then-Premier Li Keqiang and signed 12 agreements with the Chinese government, including the building of schools in Kratie province, a US$44 million grant for the removal of unexploded ordnance and the construction of a reservoir in Kampong Thom province.

A report by the Ministry of Economy showed that China held more than US$4 billion of Cambodia's nearly US$10 billion in foreign debt at the end of 2022's second quarter.

Translated by Sok Ry Sum. Edited by 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.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Policy veterans in charge behind succession of Cambodia's princelings

A trifecta of experienced, middle-aged, economics-minded ministers will control the next youth-filled cabinet.

A commentary by David Hutt 2023.07.27 -- Within days of the Cambodian People's Party (CPP) orchestrating a sham election last Sunday, at which it pocketed almost all parliamentary seats and consolidated its authoritarian rule, it quickly moved on to what the bogus ballot was supposed to achieve: an apparent vote of public confidence in the country's new leaders.

On Wednesday, Prime Minister Hun Sen announced that he will resign next month, after 38 years in power, and hand over the premiership to his eldest son, Hun Manet. That coronation will become official when parliament reconvenes on August 22, at which point a much wider "generational succession" will also take place. Most other aging party grandees will also resign, gifting their ministries to their children as an inheritance. According to leaked lists of nominees, almost the entire cabinet

All eyes are now on the once-in-a-generation succession that will likely see Prime Minister Hun Sen next month hand over the premiership to his eldest son, Hun Manet, while other ruling party grandees will also gift their ministries to their children as an inheritance. According to leaked lists of nominees, almost the entire cabinet will be replaced next month, mostly by the children of the current elite.

To name but a few: Hun Manet, 45, will become prime minister. Siem Reap provincial governor Tea Seiha, 43, will take over as defense minister from his father Tea Banh. Sar Sokha, 43, a ministry of education secretary of state, will inherit the interior ministry from his dad Sar Kheng.

Cham Nimol, 43, a commerce ministry secretary of state could become the next commerce minister, a position her father Cham Prasidh held for decades. The children of Sok An and Chea Sim, two late party grandees, will get into the cabinet. Supreme Court chief Dith Munthy's son, Dith Tina, 44, is already there, made agriculture minister last year. Say Samal, 43, the son of Senate President Say Chhum, has been environment minister since 2013. For good measure, another of Hun Sen's sons, Hun Many, 40, will become Minister for Civil Service.

Generational change

As the names and ages suggest (and that list isn't exhaustive), this will be a sweeping generational change for Cambodia. Yet, give eye to three individuals who are neither princelings nor all that young. One of the few cabinet ministers expected to stay put is Aun Pornmoniroth, 57, the trusted finance minister since 2013. Indeed, he's also expected to be the only deputy prime minister who will keep that post.

Back in 2020, the ruling party reportedly kicked around the idea that Pornmoniroth could be a transition prime minister, taking over from Hun Sen and ruling for a few years so that the inexperienced Hun Manet could gain some first-hand ministerial know-how. But that "Singapore Model" - so-called because that's what state founder Lee Kuan Yew handled succession in 1990 - appeared to fall out of favor, presumably because Hun Sen got his way and convinced the other party grandees that their families' wealth and patronage networks would remain intact if everyone's children rose through the ranks at the same time. Nonetheless, it at least showed that Pornmoniroth was a trusted, albeit neutral, technocrat. Indeed he is. In recent years, Pornmoniroth's finance ministry has consolidated its power over the rest of the ministries, especially when it comes to budgets. He's now the keeper of the state coffers.

Who's set to take over as the new foreign minister? That would be Sok Chenda Sophea, 66, the head of the Council for the Development of Cambodia, a government body charged with overseeing foreign investments. So we might get an economics-minded person in the foreign ministry. A graduate of the University of Aix en Provence in France, Chenda Sophea is competent on the world stage and well-liked by international development agencies. Consider him a World Economic Forum-type of minister.

The talk in Phnom Penh is that Chenda Sophea will repivot the foreign ministry away from its focus on geopolitics, namely how Cambodia maneuvers in America and China's New Cold War, towards a more neutral focus on simply attracting foreign investment and diversifying trade links. That, of course, means maintaining close ties with Beijing, by far the principal investor. But it also means healthier relations with the West, the main purchasers of Cambodian-made goods.

In 2017, when Cambodia's relations with the West really began to deteriorate, trade with the United States was worth $3.4 billion. It was up to $12.6 billion last year. It's well known that certain officials in the economic ministries are peeved by Hun Sen and co's constant talk about Western interference and the unwillingness to make good on claims of wanting rapprochement with the West.

Trusted officers

Last is Vongsey Vissoth, 58, currently a permanent secretary of state at the finance ministry (so Pornmoniroth's key ally) and the minister attached to the Prime Minister's office, who is tipped to become the next Minister for the Council of Ministers, effectively the cabinet organizer. For a decade, that post was dominated by the late Sok An, the so-called "minister with many arms" because of his control of so many portfolios. Vissoth could play a similar role, especially as Hun Sen's go-between with the cabinet, considering that the outgoing prime minister has no intentions of leaving politics; he'll still have a say in most issues from his position as ruling party president.

Despite their kids taking over, Hun Sen will still dictate party politics, especially over his Dauphin, while Tea Banh and Sar Kheng will watch over their sons in the defense and interior ministries, respectively. But it looks likely that this trifecta of experienced, middle-aged, economics-minded ministers will be the political managers; the trusted Chief Operating Officers to the retiring CEO's.

Will that create tensions? Possibly. It's foreseeable that some of the princelings will want more independence than they'll get. Perhaps dynastic egos will come into play. Maybe it'll dawn on them that they're beholden to their fathers' patronage. But one imagines that this will be limited by the other ministries being dependent on Pornmoniroth and Vissoth (whose current job put him in charge of the government's fiscal policies and budgets) for finances.

Expect financial prudence as a political tactic. They'll also control the provincial purse strings. The trifecta will be trusted to keep the princelings in line and the government on track, particularly if they are to steer a refocus towards growing the economy, not play-acting at geopolitics and intra-party tussles.

The new cabinet will have little wiggle room in other areas, too. The government has already laid out a rigorous masterplan (the "Pentagon Strategy") that aims to make Cambodia a high-income economy by 2050. As such, the departments know what they're supposed to be working towards regardless of whether there's a new, youthful commerce or industry minister. It'll be the trifecta's task to shepherd the new administration through this transition.

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.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Shi'ite Scholars Ask Mourners To Tone Down Muharram Observance After Taliban Imposed Restrictions

By RFE/RL's Radio Azadi July 27, 2023

The Council of Shi'ite Scholars of Afghanistan on July 26 published a declaration calling on mourners to scale back their activities during ceremonies to mark the start of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar.

The council's declaration called on mourners to refrain from programs and street processions during the observance of Ashura, the 10th day of Muharram. Mourners instead were asked to go individually to two the Abul Fazl and Sakhi shrines in Kabul.

The declaration said the decisions were based on security reasons.

The declaration also instructed young mourners to donate blood to Imam Hussain's Blood Bank in Kabul instead of taking part in self-flagellation rituals that cause them to bleed.

From the first to the 10th day of the month of Muharram, Afghan Shi'ite Muslims commemorate the death anniversary of Imam Hussain, the prophet of Islam's grandson, and his followers in the battle of Karbala in 6th century. Shi'ite Muslims commemorate these days with large gatherings and perform religious ceremonies.

Before the Taliban seized power in August 2021, the observance of Muharram occurred with few restrictions. Shi'a under the Western-backed Afghan government were free to go out in cities in cars and on motorcycles, playing religious songs and carrying black flags to signify grief. They also distributed sweets and food.

The council's declaration came after the Taliban imposed restrictions on Muharram, also citing security concerns. The move was widely opposed by Afghan Shi'a.

Shi'ite religious scholar Ayatollah Syed Mohsen Hojat on July 25 asked his followers to celebrate the Muharram ceremony without regard to the restrictions of the Taliban-led government.

"When the government wants to limit us, standing against it is not only my job, it is not only your job, but it is what we all should do," Hojat said. "We should stand by each other. We live in this country and support the government until they don't oppose our religion. But if they ask us to lower the flag and not follow traditions, we shouldn't listen to them."

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid did not respond to Radio Azadi's request for comment on Hojat's statement.

Mujahid previously announced harsher restrictions on processions during Muharram, saying that observers should refrain from organizing gatherings and should hold ceremonies in particular mosques and Shi'ite shrines.

There have been several attacks on Shi'a in Afghanistan resulting in deaths and injuries in the past years in the month of Muharram. The militant group Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attacks.

A number of Shi'ite clerics in Kabul on July 22 asked the Taliban government to protect the Muharram ceremony without any restrictions. The head of Council of Shi'ite Scholars, Sayed Hussain Alimi Balkhi, reiterated this demand in an interview with Radio Azadi on Monday July 24.

Some Shi'ite mourners say they are currently conducting ceremonies while taking into account the limitations put in place by the Taliban-led government.

Qari Ali Faizi, a resident of Kabul, on July 26 told Radio Azadi that considering the restrictions imposed by the government and security problems, the site of a ceremony had been transferred.

In some videos published on social media, the date of which was not known, a Taliban soldier can be seen hitting a mourner with sticks. The Taliban has not responded to the videos.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/afghan-shia-muharram- taliban-restrictions/32522069.html

Copyright (c) 2023. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Azerbaijan Blocks Armenian Convoy To Nagorno-Karabakh, Accuses Yerevan Of 'Provocation'

By RFE/RL's Armenian Service, RFE/RL's Azerbaijani Service July 27, 2023

Azerbaijan has refused to allow through the Lachin Corridor a convoy of trucks that Armenia said were delivering emergency food aid to the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh.

The Lachin Corridor, the only road linking Armenia with Nagorno-Karabakh, has been blocked by Baku for more than seven months.

The Armenian government said on July 25 that it will try to send 360 tons of flour, cooking oil, sugar, and other basic foodstuffs to Nagorno-Karabakh to alleviate severe food shortages there caused by the blockade.

Armenian officials expressed hope that Russian peacekeepers would escort the relief supplies.

Nineteen Armenian trucks reached the entrance to the Lachin Corridor late in the afternoon on July 26 but remained stranded there in the following hours, with Baku refusing to let them though an Azerbaijani checkpoint set up there in April.

In a statement, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry condemned the aid convoy as a "provocation" and said it was an attack on Azerbaijan's territorial integrity.

A senior aide to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said Yerevan should renounce "territorial claims" to his country.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian defended the attempted delivery of the humanitarian aid.

"We cannot turn a blind eye to the situation that Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh are currently facing," Pashinian wrote on Twitter.

"The 360 tons of vitally important foodstuff sent to Nagorno-Karabakh [are] exclusively for humanitarian purposes."

Tensions have been high over the situation on the Lachin Corridor.

Azerbaijan earlier this month suspended traffic through a checkpoint on the corridor pending an investigation after it said "various types of contraband" had been discovered in the Red Cross vehicles coming from Armenia.

The suspension of traffic heightened concerns over a humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh.

Both Armenia and separatist authorities in the enclave have said that Azerbaijan has blockaded the territory since December, resulting in shortages of food, medicines, and energy.

Armenia and Azerbaijan have fought two wars over Nagorno-Karabakh, a predominantly Armenian-populated mountainous enclave that is internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan. The most recent war lasted six weeks in late 2020 and left 7,000 soldiers on both sides.

As a result of the war, Azerbaijan regained control over a part of Nagorno-Karabakh and seven surrounding districts. The war ended with a Russian-brokered cease-fire under which Moscow deployed about 2,000 troops to serve as peacekeepers.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/azerbaijan-blocks- armenian-aid-convoy-/32522087.html

Copyright (c) 2023. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's answer to a question from Channel One, St Petersburg, July 27, 2023

27 July 2023 20:11

1510-27-07-2023

Question: Could you please comment on the events in Niger?

Sergey Lavrov: The Foreign Ministry of Russia has already commented on the attempted coup (as I understand, everything is still in motion there) in Niger. We believe the coup is an anti-constitutional act. We always occupy a clear position in such cases.

I noted that US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the British and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres have denounced the coup. They all said it is unacceptable to change power by undemocratic means.

In this context, I recall February 2014, when a coup took place in Ukraine. The West had guaranteed the violated provisions of the agreement, and we asked why it could not call the opposition to order. Responding to our bewildered questions, the West explained vaguely that sometimes the democratic process could be "unpredictable."

Judge for yourself the attitude of our Western partners to coups - both those that take place far away and those they stage themselves.

We reaffirm our position that it is necessary to restore the constitutional order in Niger.



NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Heads of CSTO defence communications management bodies hold a working meeting

27.07.2023

From 25 to 27 July, a working meeting of the heads of the CSTO member states defence communications management bodies took place in Moscow on the basis of the CSTO Joint Staff.

The event was attended by representatives of the defence agencies of the Republic of Armenia, the Republic of Belarus, the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Russian Federation, the Republic of Tajikistan, the CSTO Joint Staff and the CSTO Secretariat.

Addressing the participants of the working meeting, Colonel General Anatoly Sidorov, Chief of the CSTO Joint Staff, noted that the most important direction of the development of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation is the improvement of the system of interstate information interaction and the CSTO Troops (Collective Forces) management system, the technical basis of which is the communication system. He also noted that the experience of the peacekeeping operation in the Republic of Kazakhstan and the annual joint exercises demonstrated the need to co-ordinate the efforts of the CSTO member States to improve the CSTO communications system.

The CSTO Joint Staff, in co-operation with defence agencies, has developed draft recommendations on the organization of communications in contingents of CSTO troops (Collective Forces), which have been put to test during joint operational and combat training activities. At the moment, the document has undergone internal coordination and in November this year will be submitted for approval to the members of the CSTO Council of Defence Ministers and the Committee of Secretaries of the Security Council.

During the working meeting, Colonel Vitaly Kenyaykin, head of the department for the organisation of communications and automated troop control systems at the CSTO Centre for Planning the Application and Training of the CSTO Troops (Collective Forces), made a presentation on 'The prospective image of the CSTO communications system and the immediate and future tasks involved in its formation'.

Particular attention was paid to the information provided by the representative of the Russian Federation on the experience of using radio and satellite communications equipment in armed conflicts.

The representative of the Republic of Belarus briefed the audience on practical ways of implementing possible areas for the development of means of communication in the interests of the CSTO troops (Collective Forces) proposed at the International Military and Scientific Conference in Minsk.

The representative of the Republic of Kazakhstan spoke about the experience of the organisation of communications and data transmission during the joint exercise 'Interaction-2022' with the CSTO Collective Rapid Reaction Force. In the course of the discussion of this issue, a decision was made to plan, in the course of the exercises conducted in the CSTO format, to study questions relating to the organisation of radio networks for interaction within contingents of CSTO troops (Collective Forces) with the involvement of radio reconnaissance and electronic warfare forces and means.

Representatives of the defence agencies of the Republic of Armenia, the Kyrgyz Republic and the Republic of Tajikistan presented information on improving the technical basis for inter-State information interaction.

The participants in the working meeting also were briefed by a representative of the Military Academy of Communications named after Marshal of the Soviet Union S. M. Budyonny on the possibility of developing common standards, protocols and interfaces necessary for the development of advanced means of communication planned for use in contingents of the CSTO Troops (Collective Forces).

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Poland, US Sign Agreement to Establish Maintenance Center for Abrams Tanks

Sputnik News

20230727

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Polish defense company Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (PGZ) and US company General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS), which, among other things, produces Abrams tanks, have signed an agreement to establish a maintenance center for Abrams in the western Polish city of Poznan, the Polish company said on Wednesday.

"The Teaming Agreement, signed on June 26, was concluded during the Abrams Supplier Conference jointly organized by WZM [Wojskowe Zaklady Motoryzacyjne] and GDLS. The agreement is the result of arrangements made between PGZ S.A. and WZM S.A. on the Polish side and the American partner - GDLS. It is a direct consequence of the decision of the Minister of National Defense, Mariusz Blaszczak, to purchase Abrams tanks for the Polish army," the company said in a statement.

In the future, the center will also be used by US troops deployed in Poland or other European countries, the statement added.

The company recalled that in 2022, Warsaw and Washington signed a contract for the supply of 250 Abrams M1A2 tanks with related equipment, logistics and a training package. The delivery of the first Abrams M1A2 should take place by the end of 2024. In 2023, the Polish Defense Ministry signed another contract for the supply of 116 Abrams M1A1 tanks, the statement said.

 Sputnik

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






All Palestinians and Israelis deserve to live in peace: UK statement at the Security Council

Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on the Middle East.

27 July 2023

I would like to start by thanking ASG Khiari for his briefing today.

I have three brief points to make.

First, we are alarmed by rising violence across the Occupied Palestinian Territories, which this month culminated in Israel's operation in Jenin.

153 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli Security Forces in the West Bank since January, more than the entirety of those killed in 2022. We support the Palestinian Authority's independent role in securing Area A of the West Bank, as agreed in the Oslo Accords.

We urge Israel to support the Palestinian Authority in this endeavour and work collaboratively to ensure the safety and protection of civilians across the Occupied Palestinian Territories. We reiterate our condemnation of all indiscriminate attacks on civilians, including recent terror attacks in Tel Aviv and Kdumim.

We are appalled by the unprecedented scale of settlement advancement in Area C of the West Bank, which we urge Israel to reverse. Settlements are illegal under international law, raise tensions, and undermine the prospects for a two-state solution.

We also urge Israel to uphold its responsibility to protect Palestinian communities in Area C, particularly from rising settler violence that has recently led to violence in Turmusaya and the relocation of the Palestinian Bedouin community of Al-Baqa.

We are concerned by the forced eviction of the Ghaith-Sub Laban family from their home in the Old City of Jerusalem. We urge Israel to desist from further settlement expansion, demolitions and evictions.

Third, the UK is concerned by the provocative visit and inflammatory language used by Israeli ministers at the Haram al-Sharif, the Temple Mount, today. We reaffirm our support for the historic status quo and Jordan's role as custodians.

The UK calls for all actors to respect the sanctity of the holy sites and avoid actions which undermine the cause of peace.

Finally, the UK underlines our firm support to UNRWA, which has a stabilising impact on the region. We call on members of the Council to ensure critical funding gaps are filled, so that vital services continue to be provided to Palestinian refugees.

All Palestinians and Israelis deserve to live in peace and security and this can only be achieved through a two-state solution.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General

Department of Public Information . News and Media Division . New York

27 July 2023

The following is a near-verbatim transcript of today's noon briefing by Stephane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General.

** Niger

Good afternoon. I think you all heard the Secretary-General this morning on Niger.

He renewed his call on those detaining President Bazoum to release him immediately and unconditionally. He also urged them to stop obstructing Niger's democratic governance and respect the rule of law.

Successive unconstitutional changes of government are having a terrible impact on the development and the lives of civilian populations in Niger, he added.

Just to give you some humanitarian context, our colleagues at OCHA [Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs] are telling us that humanitarian operations are currently on hold given the situation. As you know, Niger is already facing a complex humanitarian situation. Violence by armed groups  both in the country and its neighbours  has increased our concerns over civilian protection. It has also aggravated food insecurity.

There are currently 4.3 million people in need of humanitarian assistance in Niger. By comparison, that number was 1.9 million in 2017.

More than 370,000 men, women and children are displaced within Niger, which also hosts more than 250,000 refugees  mainly from Nigeria, Mali and Burkina Faso.

Despite a relatively successful agricultural season last year, and the tremendous efforts by the Government and its partners to respond to the food insecurity crisis, 2.5 million people are acutely food insecure.

We are currently in the middle of the lean season in Niger  which runs from June to August  and our colleagues from OCHA indicated that they expect the number of food insecure people could reach 3 million by the end of [next] month.

The funding situation is also worrisome. Our $584 million humanitarian appeal is currently only 32 per cent funded.

Also, a quick update on our personnel  all of the UN staff there are accounted for and safe. As you can imagine, we have encouraged our colleagues who can to work from home. We have a number of colleagues who were out in the field who were not able to move due to air traffic restrictions. We have close to 1,600 staff in the country most of them national, about 1,244 national and 352 international staff.

** Mali

Staying in the Sahel in Mali, the UN Peacekeeping Mission there tells us that one peacekeeper was injured earlier today when a vehicle from the Mission's withdrawal convoy hit an improvised explosive device in Acharane village, located in Timbuktu. The peacekeeper has been evacuated for medical treatment.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Mission, El-Ghassim Wane, is leading consultations on the Mission's safe, orderly and coordinated departure from the country, as per the Security Council's resolution.

Earlier in the week, Mr. Wane met with the International Mediation and members of the Security Council with a diplomatic presence in Mali to discuss the withdrawal process.

As part of that process, the Mission's troops and police from contributing countries have begun the process of embarking on the crucial task of repatriating their peacekeepers and their equipment.

** Sudan

Turning to Sudan and not surprisingly due to the ongoing fighting, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs is warning that disease outbreaks that had been under control before the conflict erupted are now increasing. This is due to the disruption of public health services. Diseases include malaria, measles, dengue and acute watery diarrhoea.

Our humanitarian colleagues warn that, as the rainy season begins, these outbreaks are likely to claim more lives unless urgent action is taken to control their spread. This is increasingly difficult due to the shortages of medicine and medical supplies reported in some states, despite our health partners' ongoing efforts to provide critical items to those who need it.

And sadly, health facilities and workers in Sudan continue to be targeted. As you know, the World Health Organization has registered a high number of attacks on public health facilities. As of yesterday, 53 attacks on health care were reported in Sudan since April.

** Democratic Republic of Congo

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Head of the peacekeeping mission, Bintou Keita, is wrapping up her visit to the country's eastern provinces. Yesterday, she met with the Military Governor of Ituri and the provincial integrated transition team in Bunia, and engaged with women electoral candidates, youth and community representatives to discuss partnership possibilities and means to ensure the protection of communities.

Earlier this week, Ms. Keita went to the Lala site for displaced people in Bule, in Djugu territory.

She paid tribute to the 46 women, children and men who were killed there following an attack in June by members of the CODECO militia.

In the Djugu territory of Ituri alone, MONUSCO currently provides physical protection to more than 100,000 internally displaced people through four temporary operating bases and other deployments.

** Climate

Earlier today you also heard the Secretary-General speak on the latest data issued by the World Meteorological Organization and the Copernicus Climate Change Service, which confirms that this month is set out to be the hottest month ever recorded in human history.

The Secretary-General said the era of global warming has ended and the era of global boiling has arrived.

The evidence is everywhere: humanity has unleashed destruction.

However, the Secretary-General said, this must not inspire despair, but action, adding that we can still stop the worst, but to do so we must turn a year of burning heat into a year of burning ambition.

He said that leaders have no more excuses and he urged G20 countries to come up with new national emissions reductions targets.

He also said he looked forward to welcoming first-movers and doers on the Acceleration Agenda to New York for the Climate Ambition Summit in September. This is the price of entry, he stressed.

** Middle East

Back in the Security Council, Khaled Khiari, the Assistant Secretary-General for Peacebuilding and Political Affairs briefed the Security Council on the situation in the Middle East this morning. He warned that, in recent weeks, the deterioration of the security situation in the occupied West Bank continued, punctuated by a two-day Israeli operation in Jenin, the most intensive of its kind in nearly 20 years.

He said he was deeply alarmed by the scale of violence and scope of destruction that we have witnessed in recent weeks, and he reiterated the call on all parties to take concrete steps to de-escalate tensions on the ground and ensure that all civilians are protected.

We remain engaged in extensive contacts with all parties, including regionally, to help lower tensions and prevent a renewed outbreak of violence, he said. His remarks were shared with you.

** Syria

Moving north to Syria, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs says that three trucks carrying humanitarian assistance from UNICEF  including nutrition and sanitation supplies  crossed into north-west Syria from Turkiye through the Bab al-Salam crossing.

OCHA staff carried out a monitoring mission. They visited projects to support shelter and education funded by the Syria Cross-Border Humanitarian Fund in Al Bab, some 40 kilometres north-east of Aleppo.

Meanwhile, the humanitarian response continues in north-west Syria. As we mentioned earlier, prior to the expiration of the cross-border aid authorization on 10 July, UN agencies had pre-positioned humanitarian aid supplies, which are being dispatched and distributed.

** Libya

The UN Support Mission in Libya has taken note of the approval of a road map and the announcement of nominations for a new Government by the House of Representatives. The Mission has repeatedly warned against unilateral initiatives in addressing the political stalemate inLibya.

The Mission said the political process in Libya is at a critical stage that requires an inclusive political agreement with the buy-in and participation of all major stakeholders. Unilateral actions, like similar attempts seen in the past, could inflict serious negative consequences for Libya and trigger further instability and violence.

Abdoulaye Bathily, the Head of the UN Mission, is intensifying his engagement with various stakeholders to facilitate a political settlement to make the draft laws implementable, agree on a new unified Government, and enable successful elections without delay. A press release has even more details.

** Korean War Armistice

And you may have seen last night the Secretary-General's message on the Seventieth Anniversary of the Korean War Armistice Agreement, which is today.

He said the Korean War devastated the Peninsula. The Armistice Agreement halted the bloodshed and for seven decades, it has served as a legal foundation for the preservation of peace and stability on the Peninsula.

Today, we honour the memory of all those who perished, and we share in the grief of countless families who have been separated for so long, the Secretary-General said, also noting that the Korean Peninsula remains divided.

** Guest Tomorrow

Programming note, tomorrow, my guest will be the World Food Programme's Deputy Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer, Carl Skau  you will remember him from his service here.

He will be here to update you on the programme's emergency responses and operational challenges including those due to funding shortfalls and the suspension of the Black Sea Initiative. We have Denise Brown pencilled in for Monday here, so we're trying to...

** Financial Contribution

And I just wanted to say that we have a new contribution from a country that has been a member of this Organization since 1980, and its official language is Bislama. Before independence it was jointly administered by France and the UK and was known as the New Hebrides. What is its name now?

Yes, Vanuatu. That is 125 [fully paid-up Member States].

** George Baumgarten

And just a sad note. We learned yesterday that our friend and colleague, George Baumgarten, passed away. After a long and productive career. I think you all remember George having worked for the Jewish Chronicle, the Times of Israel and the Astana Times, and his delightful anecdotes about his love of travel and opera. May his memory be a blessing.

** Questions and Answers

Spokesman : On that note, Edie.

Question : I'd just like to say on behalf of UNCA [UN Correspondents Association], that we send our condolences to his friends and families. Many of us remember him well and some of us were green with envy listening to some of his travel. A question about the West African UN envoy for UNOWAS.

Spokesman : Yeah.

Question : Where is he? Is he here? And is there any chance that...

Spokesman : No. He was in New York. He's now on his way to the region. So, he's flying today. Obviously, as soon as his travel plans become clear, we will let you know. But as you can imagine, he went off to the region very quickly.

Question : And is there any chance of getting somebody from Niger, the region, ECOWAS, who's involved in what's going on to talk to us?

Spokesman : It's not for me to get ECOWAS people, but I think we will have on the humanitarian end, I think our colleague, [inaudible], will be able to talk to you about what is going on and more importantly about what is not going on, the impact that it is having on the humanitarian...

Question : And once the air corridor opens up, is the UN planning to send in a senior official?

Spokesman : Well, we will try to, obviously, as soon as we have some details to share about the Special Representative for West Africa and his travel, we will let you know. The problem on the air right now is that our humanitarian flights cannot fly within the country which means that our humanitarian operations are suspended.

Benno, then James.

Question : Thank you. Just a follow-up to Niger. The Secretary-General said that so far there is no contact to the coupists. Do you try to get in touch with them?

Spokesman : As I said, before coming here, I was on the phone with our colleagues there. The situation is a bit in flux. We are thankful that UN premises and staff are safe, and we don't perceive any threat in that direction. There have been some operational contacts notably having to do with aviation. But there have been no direct contacts with the various parties who may hold some power in there.

Question : And if I may, can I just ask you, is there any update about the offer of the Syrian Government about Bab al-Hawa to use it or are you still studying?

Spokesman : Sorry. I... [cross talk]

Question : Sorry, this is about Syria. Yeah.

Spokesman : Yeah. Yeah. I wasn't flying across the world as quickly as you were. No. No change. We continue to use the Bab al-Salam and the Al-Ra'ee crossings and I think we are fully aware of what the Syrian Government had said in its letter. They are fully aware of the humanitarian principles that we need to respect, but there's been no update to share at this point.

James, then Michelle.

Question : So, in Saint Petersburg, the Russia-Africa meeting is taking place. Russia has written off $19 billion of debt to African countries. It's also offering free grain to six African countries: Mali, Burkina Faso, Somalia, Zimbabwe, Eritrea and Central African Republic. What is the Secretary-General's reaction to this offer of free grain to try and help the global food crisis at the same time as Russia is bombing grain facilities and grain in Odesa?

Spokesman : Well, I think the Secretary-General addressed that fairly directly a few hours ago. And I would refer you to check the tape, as one would say, or the transcript. But he was very clear that saying, obviously, having that sort of a grain access for certain countries is good for the countries. But it's not a replacement to the millions and millions of Ukrainian grain that is no longer on the market and the negative impact that is having on the global food market. He also, I think, was very clear in his answer on the issue of the bombing of port facilities in Odesa, and the impact that will have on any resumption of the export of Ukrainian grain.

Question : One further one on Niger. I'm told Niger has been one of the routes out of Mali for MINUSMA [UN Peacekeeping Mission in Mali]. I'm told it's easier to get from northern Mali, the equipment and people and whatever. Is this going to be problematic for the drawdown of MINUSMA?

Spokesman : Yes. Yeah. Obviously, it will not make the drawdown of MINUSMA any simpler if the situation continues as it is. I've always been a big proponent of studying geography and you look at the map, and where Mali is and where Niger is and how we need to get elements to Chad. We need to get elements to the sea. It will have a negative impact, if this continues, on our drawdown.

Abdelhamid. No, sorry, Michelle, then Abdelhamid, then Dezhi.

Question : Thanks, Steph. A question on North Korea. As the Secretary-General knows, ballistic missile development and tests are banned by the Security Council. Russia's Defence Minister is there at the moment, and Kim Jong Un took him to an exhibition that featured these banned ballistic missiles. What does the Secretary-General think of that and the fact that Russia was there and were looking at these?

Spokesman : Look, I'm not able to analyse what exactly was shown in those videos. Our stand on the need for every Member State to respect Security Council resolutions, including on DPRK [Democratic People's Republic of Korea], remains unchanged.

Question : [inaudible]

Spokesman : I would ask you to read the Security Council resolutions.

Abdelhamid, then Dezhi, and then Alan.

Question : Thank you, Stephane. My first question about the Israeli speech at the Security Council, in which he attacked UNRWA time and again. And he said that UNRWA keeps that dream of Palestinians for the right of return. And he said there will be no right of return. The General Assembly affirmed the Palestinian's right of return 24 times. So, what is the position of the United Nations and the Secretary-General on the right of return?

Spokesman : Our position remains that UNRWA is a critical, critical part of the support for the Palestinian people. And that we continue to hope for and push for a two-State solution based on relevant United Nations, Security Council, and General Assembly resolutions.

Question : My second question about the killing of the 14-year-old boy in the city of Qalqilya and another Palestinian was killed also in the refugee camp Al-Ain near Nablus. The number of Palestinians being killed day in and day after are multiplying. Last year, 150 Palestinians were killed, and it was called the largest number of casualties since 2005. Now we have more than 200 Palestinians killed since the beginning of this year. My question is, do you see that how the Israeli use the easiness of using their lethal weapons against Palestinians that this number has gone up?

Spokesman : I think I have really two things. I think the incident which you referred to this morning is yet another example of the long list of violence that Mr. Khiari [Assistant Secretary-General for Peacebuilding and Political Affairs] listed this morning. And I think his briefing to the Security Council on behalf of the Secretariat was very clear, and I have nothing to add. And I think it laid out the many challenges and also laid out the violence that civilians are facing.

Dezhi, then Alan.

Question : First, I just want to confirm this. Has the Secretary-General sent a letter to a leader of Shia in Iraq concerning the burning of Qur'an issue?

Spokesman : I will check.

Question : All right. Okay. So, my second question. The Israeli National Security Minister, Mr. Ben-Gvir, visited Al-Aqsa compound for the third time this year, which drew condemnations and concerns from many countries, especially in the Middle East. What is the reaction from the Secretary-General on this action?

Spokesman : I think it's the same that it's been for similar actions, is that we call on all leaders, responsible leaders, to avoid anything that would make this tense situation even worse, that would escalate tensions that could lead to a worsening of the situation. And also, a reminder of our call to all parties for the status quo of the holy sites.

Alan?

Question : Thank you, Stephane. Seymour Hersh today published another portion of his investigation, and he said that he's saying, referring to the US official, that Ukraine was exporting illegally under cover-up of the Black Sea Initiative oil and drugs through their support. What is your reaction regarding that?

Spokesman : I have no clue or the basis of Mr. Hersh's allegations. All I can tell you is that the ships that travelled through the Black Sea Initiative, both on going in and going out, were thoroughly inspected by teams from both the Russian Federation and Ukraine, not to mention the UN and Turkiye.

James, then Dezhi.

Question : Moving to Myanmar, Aung San Suu Kyi seems to be moved from prison to house arrest. What's the Secretary-General's reaction?

Spokesman : One would think that it would be a step in the right direction. We would want to see her immediate and unconditional release, as well as all other political prisoners.

Question : And following up on Michelle's question about the Defence Minister of Russia, Sergei Shoigu, inspecting, it seems, banned missiles under Security Council resolutions. You said your position is all countries should uphold Security Council resolutions. Does the Secretary-General feel that a permanent member of the Security Council has a particular obligation to speak out and take action when confronted with things that are specified in a Security Council resolution?

Spokesman : All members of the Security Council, and frankly, all Member States of the UN share the same responsibility to uphold Security Council resolutions.

Dezhi, I really want to go. Go ahead, Dezhi.

Question : Okay. So, a report released by UNESCO suggests that all countries should ban the using of mobile devices, namely cell phones in the classroom. Does the Secretary-General support this? And what does he think of the negative impact of cell phones in the classrooms?

Spokesman : Look, I think we would trust UNESCO to make these recommendations on behalf of the UN system. And frankly, if we could ban cell phones at the dinner table, too, that would be great.

Benno?

Question : I know you want to leave, but can I ask you something about social media? Thank you. The UN is still active...

Spokesman : Can I say no? Yeah. Yeah. Go ahead.

Question : You can. But, like, I'm not sure.

Spokesman : Yeah. Yeah. No. Go ahead.

Question : Okay. You're still active. You're active on Twitter or acts as the United Nations. You also started accounts on Threads. I didn't find one for the SG, actually. But I asked myself in that regard, is your aim to be present on both of the social media platforms? Equally, what's your specialty there?

Spokesman : Yeah, obviously, social media platforms are evolving on a daily basis. We need to keep up with platforms where people are. We need to find and communicate. And it's not an either/or, it doesn't need to be an either/or choice. We need to go where the public is. At the same time, we are keeping a very close eye on how these platforms have managed, the kind of speech that you find on these platforms. So, it's a constantly evolving situation.

Question : I also found an account on Thread called UN Spokesperson. It has two followers. I'm one of them. If it's you, when will you start threading?

Spokesman : No, we just started. In fact, we just opened, I think, an Instagram and a Threads account for the Spokesman's Office. It was important for us to put a stake and claim our territory, our little green acre. And I'm sure we'll start getting active closer to the GA.

Question : Do you remember your second follower?

Spokesman : Who's my first follower?

Question : I don't know. I don't know that. [cross talk]

Spokesman : Oh. Yeah. Yeah. All right. You're third? Oh, excellent. Fourth. Excellent. Come on. Can I see five? Paulina, you may follow. Just sit down. Yeah.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






UNHCR and IOM appeal for urgent solutions for refugees and migrants stranded in Tunisia and Libya borders

UNHCR - United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

27 July 2023

GENEVA -- UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), are deeply concerned for the safety and well-being of hundreds of migrants, refugees and asylum-seekers in Tunisia, who remain stranded in dire conditions following their removal to remote and desolate areas near the country's borders with Libya and Algeria. Others have been pushed across the borders to Libya or Algeria.

Many of these individuals were displaced from Sfax following the recent unrest in the city, while others were relocated from various urban centres across Tunisia.

Among those stranded are women (including some who are pregnant) and children. They are stuck in the desert, facing extreme heat, and without access to shelter, food or water. There is an urgent need to provide critical, life-saving humanitarian assistance while urgent, humane solutions are found.

Tragically, there are already reports of the loss of life among the group. UNHCR and IOM are deeply saddened by this situation and offer condolences to the families and communities of those who lost their lives. This unfolding tragedy needs to end.

In these circumstances, saving lives must be the priority and those stranded must be brought to safety.

UNHCR and IOM appreciate the work of the Tunisian and Libyan Red Crescent in delivering humanitarian assistance to hundreds of people in the border areas.

UNHCR and IOM stress that search and rescue efforts are urgently needed for those who remain stranded on both sides of the border, and urge for a timely resolution of this situation. This also includes ensuring that those with international protection needs must be identified and given the opportunity to seek asylum, and vulnerable migrants, including victims of trafficking and unaccompanied children, must be referred to appropriate services.

The human rights of migrants, refugees and asylum-seekers must be respected in accordance with national and international law. Access to territory and safety for new arrivals in need of international protection must also be provided in accordance with international obligations.

UNHCR and IOM call on all countries involved to uphold their international legal obligations to migrants, refugees and asylum-seekers. UNHCR and IOM stand ready to support the authorities to resolve the current situation in a humane and principled manner that respects the rights of all, as well as to develop a sustainable and comprehensive approach to the management of migration and asylum.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Secretary-General's opening remarks at press conference on climate

United Nations Secretary-General

27 July 2023

A very good morning.



Humanity is in the hotseat.



Today, the World Meteorological Organization and the European Commission's Copernicus Climate Change Service are releasing official data that confirms that July 2023 is set to be the hottest month ever recorded in human history.

We don't have to wait for the end of the month to know this. Short of a mini-Ice Age over the next days, July 2023 will shatter records across the board.

According to the data released today, July has already seen the hottest three-week period ever recorded; the three hottest days on record; and the highest-ever ocean temperatures for this time of year.



The consequences are clear and they are tragic: children swept away by monsoon rains; families running from the flames; workers collapsing in scorching heat.



For vast parts of North America, Asia, Africa and Europe - it is a cruel summer.



For the entire planet, it is a disaster.

And for scientists, it is unequivocal - humans are to blame.

All this is entirely consistent with predictions and repeated warnings.

The only surprise is the speed of the change.

Climate change is here. It is terrifying. And it is just the beginning.

The era of global warming has ended; the era of global boiling has arrived.

The air is unbreathable. The heat is unbearable. And the level of fossil fuel profits and climate inaction is unacceptable.

Leaders must lead.



No more hesitancy. No more excuses. No more waiting for others to move first.



There is simply no more time for that.



It is still possible to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius and avoid the very worst of climate change.



But only with dramatic, immediate climate action.



We have seen some progress. A robust rollout of renewables. Some positive steps from sectors such as shipping.



But none of this is going far enough or fast enough.



Accelerating temperatures demand accelerated action.



We have several critical opportunities ahead.



The Africa Climate Summit. The G20 Summit. The UN Climate Ambition Summit. COP28.



But leaders - and particularly G20 countries responsible for 80% of global emissions - must step up for climate action and climate justice.



What does that mean in practice?



First, emissions.



We need ambitious new national emissions reduction targets from G20 members.



And we need all countries to take action in line with my Climate Solidarity Pact and Acceleration Agenda:



Hitting fast forward so that developed countries commit to reach net zero emissions as close as possible to 2040, and emerging economies as close as possible to 2050, with support from developed countries to do so.



And all actors must come together to accelerate a just and equitable transition from fossil fuels to renewables -- as we stop oil and gas expansion, and funding and licensing for new coal, oil and gas.



Credible plans must also be presented to exit coal by 2030 for OECD countries and 2040 for the rest of the world.



Ambitious renewable energy goals must be in line with the 1.5 degree limit.



And we must reach net zero electricity by 2035 in developed countries and 2040 elsewhere, as we work to bring affordable electricity to everyone on earth.



We also need action from leaders beyond governments.



I urge companies as well as cities, regions, and financial institutions to come to the Climate Ambition Summit with credible transition plans that are fully aligned with the United Nations' net zero standard, presented by our High-Level Expert Group.



Financial institutions must end their fossil fuel lending, underwriting and investments and shift to renewables instead.



And fossil fuel companies must chart their move towards clean energy, with detailed transition plans across the entire value chain:



No more greenwashing. No more deception. And no more abusive distortion of anti-trust laws to sabotage net zero alliances.



Second, adaptation.



Extreme weather is becoming the new normal.



All countries must respond and protect their people from the searing heat, fatal floods, storms, droughts, and raging fires that result.



Those countries on the frontlines -- who have done the least to cause the crisis and have the least resources to deal with it -- must have the support they need to do so.



It is time for a global surge in adaptation investment to save millions of lives from climate [carnage.]



That requires unprecedented coordination around the priorities and plans of vulnerable developing countries.



Developed countries must present a clear and credible roadmap to double adaptation finance by 2025 as a first step towards devoting at least half of all climate finance to adaptation.



Every person on earth must be covered by an early warning system by 2027 - by implementing the Action Plan we launched last year.



And countries should consider a set of global goals to mobilize international action and support on adaptation.



That leads to the third area for accelerated action - finance.



Promises made on international climate finance must be promises kept.



Developed countries must honour their commitments to provide $100 billion a year to developing countries for climate support and fully replenish the Green Climate Fund.



I am concerned that only two G7 countries - Canada and Germany - have made until now replenishment pledges.



Countries must also operationalize the loss and damage fund at COP28 this year. No more delays; no more excuses.



More broadly, many banks, investors and other financial actors continue to reward polluters and incentivize wrecking the planet.



We need a course correction in the global financial system so that it supports accelerated climate action.



That includes putting a price on carbon and pushing the multilateral development banks to overhaul their business models and approaches to risk.



We need the multilateral development banks leveraging their funds to mobilize much more private finance at reasonable cost to developing countries -- and scaling up their funding to renewables, adaptation and loss and damage.



In all these areas, we need governments, civil society, business and others working in partnership to deliver.



I look forward to welcoming first-movers and doers on the Acceleration Agenda to New York for the Climate Ambition Summit in September.



And to hearing how leaders will respond to the facts before us. This is the price of entry.



The evidence is everywhere: humanity has unleashed destruction.



This must not inspire despair, but action.



We can still stop the worst.



But to do so we must turn a year of burning heat into a year of burning ambition.



And accelerate climate action - now.



Enfin, Permettez-moi de dire quelques mots sur la situation profondement preoccupante au Niger.

Allow me to say a few words about the deeply worrying situation in Niger.



Soyons clairs :

Let me be clear:



Les Nations unies condamnent fermement cette attaque contre le gouvernement democratiquement elu - et soutiennent les efforts de la CEDEAO et de l'Union africaine pour restaurer la democratie.

The United Nations strongly condemns the assault against the democratically-elected government and supports the efforts of ECOWAS and the African Union to restore democracy.



Hier, j'ai parle au president Bazoum pour lui exprimer toute notre solidarite.

Yesterday I spoke to President Bazoum to express our full solidarity,



Aujourd'hui, je souhaite m'adresser directement a ceux qui le retiennent :

Now I want to speak directly to those detaining him:



Liberez President Bazoum - immediatement et sans condition.

Release President Bazoum immediately and unconditionally.



Cessez d'entraver la gouvernance democratique de votre pays, et respectez l'Etat de droit.

Stop obstructing the democratic governance of the country and respect the rule of law.



Nous voyons une tendance inquietante dans la region du Sahel. Les changements anticonstitutionnels et successifs de gouvernement ont des effets terribles sur le developpement et la vie des populations civiles.

We are seeing a disturbing trend in the region. Successive unconstitutional changes of government are having terrible effects on the development and lives of civilian populations.



C'est particulierement criant dans les pays deja touches par les conflits, l'extremisme violent, le terrorisme et les effets devastateurs du changement climatique.

This is particularly glaring in countries already affected by conflict, violent extremism and terrorism, as well as the devastating effects of climate change.



Les Nations unies sont solidaires du gouvernement democratiquement elu et du peuple nigerien.

The United Nations stands in solidarity with the democratically elected Government and the people of Niger.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Multinational Task Force Completes Exercise in P-8 Flight over Arabian Gulf

US Navy

27 July 2023

From U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Public Affairs

MANAMA, Bahrain -- A multinational naval coalition that monitors and patrols key waterways in the Middle East completed a naval exercise over the Arabian Gulf, July 26, with representatives from Bahrain, the United Kingdom and the United States.

The 11-nation coalition, International Maritime Security Construct (IMSC), conducted exercise Sentinel Shield aboard a U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon aircraft that patrolled waters near the Strait of Hormuz. The aircraft practiced airborne reconnaissance and surveillance while participants demonstrated interoperability.

Sentinel Shield is a recurring exercise series led by IMSC's operational arm, Coalition Task Force Sentinel, to enhance communication and coordination between partner naval forces.

"I am pleased by the outcome of this month's exercise," said United Kingdom Royal Navy Commodore Peter Laughton, commander for IMSC and the task force. "We are strongest when we leverage our regional partnerships. Operating as a coalition highlights our collective commitment to maintaining regional maritime security."

The exercise supports multinational efforts led by the United States to increase the rotation of forces patrolling in and near the Strait of Hormuz with partners following a spate of merchant vessel seizures by Iran three months ago.

"We are working across the coalition to proudly deliver our mission of deterrence and reassurance," said Laughton. "Collaboration among IMSC nations through Sentinel Shield exercises remains more essential than ever."

IMSC was formed in July 2019 in response to increased threats to merchant mariners transiting international waters in the Middle East. The coalition's operational task force was established four months later to deter state-sponsored malign activity and reassure the merchant shipping industry in the Bab al-Mandeb and Strait of Hormuz.

The coalition's partner-nations include Albania, Bahrain, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and the United States.





NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Afghan Refugees in Pakistan Worry as Their Refugee Cards Expire

By Muska Safi, Ahmadullah Archiwal July 27, 2023

The residency cards of more than a million Afghan refugees living in Pakistan have not been extended, causing concern among the migrants about their refugee status.

The Proof of Registration cards of about 1.3 million registered Afghan refugees expired June 30, 2023, and the Pakistani government has yet to extend them.

Afghan refugees in Pakistan told VOA that they are facing many obstacles, including restrictions on movement within Pakistan and the curtailment of employment.

"We are facing problems," said Ali Zadran, an Afghan refugee in the Kot Chandna refugee camp in Mianwali in Pakistan's Punjab province.

"Our cards have expired. ... We can't travel. We can't even reserve a hotel room," he said, adding that Pakistani security forces harass refugees without proper documentation.

Ahmad Shah, an Afghan refugee in the Kohat district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, told VOA that failure to extend the cards means refugees would be vulnerable to police abuse.

"When we go out, police are everywhere. When they stop us and see our cards that are expired, then we are arrested."

He said the cards are only used as proof that "we can stay in Pakistan, but the renewal takes longer."

The cards serve as an identity document by which Afghan refugees can remain legally in Pakistan and travel within the country. It cannot be used to travel outside the country.

The registered refugees who have valid cards "cannot be arrested under the 1946 Foreigners Act or other preventive laws."

The Proof of Registration cards were issued to Afghan refugees in Pakistan in 2006 and were last extended for two years in 2021.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees stated that among 3.7 million Afghans living in Pakistan, more than 1.3 million are registered.

UNHCR spokesperson in Pakistan, Qaiser Khan Afridi, told VOA that the U.N. is in touch with Pakistani officials.

"The Interior Ministry [of Pakistan] has sent an official letter to the provincial governments in Pakistan that they [Pakistani police] should not take any steps against the Afghan refugees until their PoR cards are not renewed," he said.

Abbas Khan, Pakistan's commissioner for Afghan refugees, told VOA that the cards may be extended.

"The cards might be extended for two years. Otherwise, the relevant organization would send a letter so that there would be no problem for the Afghans," he said.

But some Afghans are concerned about losing their jobs.

Milad Wahidi, an Afghan refugee who lives in Peshawar and works with a foreign organization in Islamabad, told VOA that he must stay at home until his card is renewed.

"I will lose my job if the card is not renewed soon," he said. "I have children, and it will be difficult for me to feed them without having a job."

New refugees

Meanwhile, thousands of Afghans are fleeing the Taliban and crossing the border to neighboring countries. In Pakistan, crackdowns on Afghan refugees have intensified in recent months despite Taliban calls for Pakistani authorities to stop arresting Afghans living in Pakistan.

Human rights watchdogs also have called on Pakistan to stop the harassment of Afghan refugees.

"The Government of Pakistan must urgently stop arbitrarily arresting and harassing Afghan refugees and asylum-seekers, many of whom are fleeing persecution by the Taliban," Amnesty International said in a statement on June 20.

UNHCR adds that after Kabul fell to the Taliban in August 2021, around 1.6 million people fled Afghanistan, of which 600,000 crossed the border into Pakistan.

Roshan Noorzai from VOA's Afghan Service contributed to this report, which originated in VOA's Afghan Service.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Taliban to Urge US to Unfreeze Afghan Assets, End Sanctions

By Ayaz Gul July 27, 2023

Afghanistan's Taliban said Thursday their forthcoming negotiations with the United States will be centered on lifting sanctions on the country, unfreezing its central bank assets, and removing Taliban leaders from a so-called U.N. blacklist.

The two former adversaries are scheduled to meet in Qatar's capital, Doha, later this week. Tom West, U.S. special representative on Afghanistan, will lead his team along with Rina Amiri, special envoy for Afghan women, girls, and human rights.

Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi will lead the Taliban delegation in talks with U.S. officials. His office said in a statement that "stopping violation of Afghanistan's airspace" by the U.S. will also be on the agenda.

The U.S. team will meet Taliban delegates and "technocratic professionals" from key Afghan ministries in Doha to discuss "critical interests" in Afghanistan, the State Department said Wednesday.

"Priority issues will include humanitarian support for the people of Afghanistan, economic stabilization, fair and dignified treatment of all Afghans, including women and girls, security issues, and efforts to counter narcotics production and trafficking," the U.S. announcement said.

In the run-up to their talks in Qatar, the U.S. delegation traveled to Kazakhstan, where they met officials from Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan for a special session to discuss joint support for the Afghan people.

"I thank them all individually for a highly substantive exchange on critical issues, including security, human rights, the economy, and humanitarian needs," West said on X, formerly known as Twitter, after the meeting in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan.

No country has formally recognized the Taliban since the hardline group returned to power in Kabul in August 2021, when the U.S.-led NATO troops chaotically withdrew after 20 years of involvement in the Afghan war.

"This does not indicate any change in the policy of the United States. We have been very clear that we will engage with the Taliban appropriately when it is in our interest to do so," Vedant Patel, the State Department deputy spokesman, told reporters Wednesday.

"This does not intend to mean any kind of indication of recognition or any kind of indication of normalization or legitimacy of the Taliban."

Patel reiterated U.S. concerns about "the egregious human rights abuses" by the Taliban and their "marginalization" of Afghan women and girls.

The fundamentalist de facto rulers have imposed their strict interpretation of Islamic law, or sharia, to govern impoverished Afghanistan, banning women and girls from education beyond about a sixth-grade level. They have barred women from most employment and visiting public places such as parks, gyms, and bathhouses.

The U.N. and other aid agencies also have been banned from hiring female Afghan staff, undermining humanitarian operations in a country where more than 28 million people need food aid. The ban forced the World Food Program to cut 8 million food-insecure Afghans from assistance.

The international community has denounced Taliban curbs on Afghan women and demanded the restrictions be reversed. The fundamentalist leaders dismiss criticism of their rule, insisting that it is aligned with the Afghan culture and Islamic law.

Special Envoy Amiri tweeted Thursday that in her recent meetings with representatives of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Albania, Bangladesh, and Morocco, they stated that women's rights "are protected in Islam & key to economic progress and stability."

She noted there was "wide agreement that the extreme repression of Afghan women & girls sets a dangerous precedent, particularly for Muslim-majority countries; these policies should not be normalized & the world must stand with Afghan women & girls."

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Health Threats Surge in Sudan, Regionally, as Conflict Escalates

By Lisa Schlein July 27, 2023

The World Health Organization on Thursday warned that health threats are surging as the war in Sudan escalates and millions of people, many sick and wounded, flee for safety within Sudan and across borders to neighboring countries where health services are fragile and hard to reach.

The war, which erupted April 15 between the Sudanese Armed Forces and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, is not contained within the country but has profound regional implications.

The conflict has displaced an estimated 3.4 million people, including 2.5 million inside Sudan. Nearly 760,000 people have been forced to flee as refugees to six neighboring countries, with many people reportedly arriving in poor health, carrying infectious diseases and other afflictions.

The Federal Ministry of Health reports at least 1,136 people have been killed and more than 12,000 injured since the conflict began. "Of course, this is very underreported of the number of casualties," said Nima Abid, World Health Organization representative in Sudan.

He said the scale of the health crisis triggered by the conflict in Sudan was enormous, noting that the fragile health system in Sudan was unable to cope with the multiple emergencies that exist as "two-thirds of the hospitals in the affected areas are not functional" and are unable to respond to the huge public health needs.

WHO has verified 51 attacks on health facilities since the conflict began, resulting in 10 deaths and 24 injuries and "cutting off access to urgently needed care."

Abid said that "all the organizational activities have stalled; vector control activities have stalled. Currently, we have a large measles outbreak with more than 2,000 cases and 30 deaths.

"I mean, even before the war, the vaccination coverage was not high," added Abid, noting that the Blue Nile and White Nile states were the most heavily affected. "So, now we have outbreaks affecting almost 10 states."

Abid also said he was concerned that cases of malaria, dengue and rift valley fever will rise during the current rainy season, noting that "all these vector-borne diseases are endemic in Sudan" and control measures have stopped.

"We do have an outbreak of cholera in South Kordofan," he said, "with more than 300 cases and seven deaths. So, all this will have an impact on the health system and public health in Sudan."

Neighboring Chad is hosting a quarter million Sudanese refugees, and the U.N. expects an equal number will arrive in the country by the end of the year. "This will significantly increase the health needs and exert huge pressure on the available health facilities," said Jean-Bosco Ndihokubwayo, WHO representative in Chad.

WHO reports around 2,500 people are arriving in Chad every day, many with serious gunshot wounds, while many others arrive sick with infectious diseases, malaria and cholera.

Ndihokubwayo cited malnutrition as the most serious health problem facing people in refugee camps.

"For the time being, we have more than 4,000 children who are suffering from serious malnutrition. Two hundred and fifty children are being hospitalized, 65 dead ... and when this is combined with a disease like measles in children who are poorly nourished, it has huge effects as it does with our other current diseases," he said.

The World Health Organization reports cases of malaria among children under age 5, as well as suspected cases of yellow fever also have been identified among some 17,000 Sudanese who have sought refuge in the Central African Republic (C.A.R.). It added that a suspected cholera outbreak has been reported among many displaced people in northern Ethiopia.

Magdalene Armah, Incident Manager for the Sudan Crisis, WHO regional office for Africa, said the African region has received 65% of the Sudanese population that has fled the country.

She said it was important to establish cross-border operations to ensure that all vulnerable populations are reached with health care. "We want to increase access to health care services by expanding the set-up of emergency teams that are in the various border regions.

"We want to ensure that vaccination campaigns can happen to mitigate further outbreaks. We want to ensure that disease surveillance goes down to the communities," she said, adding that it was important that humanitarian agencies had the funding to enable it to carry out these vital health projects.

WHO and its partners are working to deliver emergency assistance and medical supplies to people in Chad, as well as in C.A.R., Egypt, Ethiopia and South Sudan, as swiftly as possible. But WHO says resources are overstretched, so providing aid to those in need is becoming increasingly difficult.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Macron Says Niger's Bazoum 'Reachable,' in 'Good Health'

By VOA News July 27, 2023

French President Emmanuel Macron spoke to Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum early Friday, French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna told Agence France-Presse. According to Colonna, Macron said Bazoum is "reachable" and "in good health."

Leaders of Niger's army have declared their support for Wednesday's overthrow of Bazoum, defying calls from across the globe condemning the takeover and for respect of the rule of law and the country's democratic order.

Abdel Fatau Musah, commissioner for political affairs and security of the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, told VOA's James Butty, "Bazoum remains the legitimate and legal president and must be reinstated as soon as possible."

Musah said, "The heads of state of the region will hold an extraordinary summit, an emergency summit, on the situation over the weekend to determine what measures to take to ensure the reinstatement."

Patrice Talon, the president of Benin, is headed to Niamey, Niger's capital, in an effort to mediate the crisis.

Bazoum's whereabouts remained unclear Thursday, a day after a group of soldiers from the presidential guard detained him at the presidential palace and later announced his ouster on state television.

The army, in a statement released to social media, said it had decided to back the coup to prevent "a deadly confrontation" that could lead to a "bloodbath" in Niger.

Nigerien Foreign Minister Hassoumi Massaoudou said the "legal and legitimate" power remains with the elected president.

There was looting in the streets of Niamey on Thursday and burning cars. Earlier Thursday, the streets were calm, according to VOA's French to Africa service which reported a group of demonstrators had gathered to support the new military junta, with some waving Nigerien and Russian flags.

Speaking to reporters in New York, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged coup leaders to return the democratically elected Bazoum to power.

"I want to speak directly to those detaining him," he said. "Release President Bazoum immediately and unconditionally. Stop obstructing the democratic governance of the country and respect the rule of law."

Guterres expressed worry about the instability plaguing West and Central Africa.

"If you look at the region, you have a dramatic increase of terrorist activity in Mali, Burkina Faso, in Niger and coming closer and closer to the countries of the coast," he said. "You have military regimes in Mali, Burkina Faso, now eventually in Niger. A fragile transition in Chad, and a horrible situation in Sudan. So we are witnessing that the whole belt south of the Sahara is becoming an extremely problematic area with terrible consequences for their populations and for peace and security in the African continent and further afield."

The presidential guard members who seized power suggested Niger's insecurity was a reason for their actions.

"We, the defense and security forces ... decided to put an end to the regime," said Colonel Amadou Abdramane, shown seated and flanked by nine other officers wearing fatigues, reading a statement. His statement mentioned "the deteriorating security situation and bad governance."

Abdramane said all institutions of the republic were suspended, that the country's borders were closed, and a nationwide curfew declared.

The soldiers warned against foreign intervention, and said they would respect Bazoum's well-being, Reuters reported.

In a message posted Thursday to the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, Bazoum said democracy would prevail in his country. "The hard won gains will be safeguarded," he said. "All Nigeriens who love democracy and freedom would want this."

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken told reporters Thursday in New Zealand that he had spoken with Bazoum and "made clear that the United States resolutely supports him as the democratically elected president of Niger."

ECOWAS has condemned the events in Niger and called on what it described as coup plotters to free the president "immediately and without any condition."

The ECOWAS statement vowed to hold those involved in the plot responsible for the safety of the president, his family, members of the government and the general public.

Others condemning the apparent coup attempt included the chairman of the African Union commission, Faki Mahamat, and former colonial power France, which has about 1,500 soldiers in Niger helping the government battle Islamist militants.

Abdoul Aziz Garba Birimaka, Niger's presidential special security adviser, told VOA's French to Africa service the main question is what led to the attempted coup.

"Indeed, that is the question, what led us to this extreme? What is happening? Why? ... How could all this have happened without any suspicions as we learn that someone who is supposed to protect is now holding you [against your will]," Birimaka said. "Those are many questions that remain unanswered for the moment."

The West African state is one of the region's most unstable. If successful, Wednesday's coup would be the fifth military takeover since the country won independence from France in 1960.

Michael Shurkin, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, told VOA, "President Bazoum has been one of the most effective leaders in the area, if not the most effective leader. He's somebody who by many standards is doing all the right things in terms of trying to deal with the country's vast problems and working effectively with Niger's many Western security partners, including France in the United States."

He said, "A coup removes from the region a democratically elected and effective civilian official, replacing it with, first of all, a necessary period of uncertainty as the Nigeriens have to figure out what to do and make all the next steps. ... Also, it's a huge blow to the West, which has really been turning to [Niger] to presume that sort of like it's its last effort to try to shape events in the Sahel as the Sahel otherwise has been swirling down the drain."

VOA's Carol Van Dam Falk, Margaret Besheer and French to Africa service contributed to this report. Some information came from Agence France-Presse, The Associated Press and Reuters.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






US Sanctions Malian Officials Over Wagner

By Annie Risemberg July 27, 2023

The United States imposed sanctions on several top Malian officials this week, saying they facilitated activities of the Wagner Group, the Russian mercenary unit that recently staged a brief mutiny against Russian President Vladimir Putin. Analysts say the sanctions are meant to send a message to the Malian government.

Mali's military government Wednesday criticized the sanctions on high-ranking members of the army accused of facilitating Wagner Group activities in the country, as Mali continues its decade-long fight against Islamist militants.

A statement was read on state TV station ORTM by presenter Mah Camara, and later posted to the station's Facebook page.

"These new measures, contrary to international law, which we strongly condemn, add to the long list of aggressive measures, acts of intimidation, blackmail and hostile campaigns against Mali," the statement said in French.

The statement also accused the United States of having "actively contributed to the spread of terrorism and weapons in the Sahel."

On Monday, the U.S. Department of the Treasury announced the travel and financial sanctions against Mali's minister of defense, Colonel Sadio Camara, as well as Colonel Alou Boi Diarra, Mali's chief of staff of the air force, and Colonel Adama Bagayoko, the Malian Air Force deputy chief of staff.

The statement says the officers were sanctioned for "facilitating the deployment and expansion" of the Wagner Group's activities in Mali.

Mali has been under military rule since a 2020 coup, and Wagner has been present in the country since 2021, assisting the junta.

The U.S. sanctioned the head of Wagner in Mali in May, after the United Nations released a report on a 2022 massacre in Moura, Mali, allegedly committed by the Malian army working with Wagner soldiers.

Daniel Eizenga, a researcher at the Africa Center for Strategic Studies in Washington, spoke via a messaging application about the sanctions. He said the sanctions will add a layer of scrutiny for any U.S. person or anyone engaged with the U.S. financial system wishing to do business in Mali or with the Malian government, but that the sanctions are also largely symbolic.

"This is really about recognition," Eizenga said. "The United States government is making a decision in these sanctions to say that we do not recognize these authorities as a legitimate government. In fact, we are sanctioning them, and refusing to do business with them, because they have acted in a way that is contrary to the interests of Malian citizens."

The junta has widespread support in Bamako and in much of southern Mali but several outspoken critics of the government have been arrested. Additionally, reporting on the army's alleged participation in massacres and extrajudicial killings in the center and north of the country has been censored.

The military government took France 24 and Radio France International off the air in Mali after they reported on another massacre, this one around the Diabaly area of central Mali, in 2022.

Authorities also asked the U.N. peacekeeping mission to Mali, MINUSMA, to leave the country following a report this past May from the U.N. human rights office on the Moura incident.

Kalilou Sidibe, political analyst and professor of political science and international relations in Bamako, told VOA that he considers the Malian government response "measured" compared to past actions toward France.

During a months-long diplomatic falling out with France, the Malian government expelled the French ambassador, asked French troops to leave the country, and accused France of spying.

Sidibe said that the U.S. remains one of Mali's largest development partners, and he believes relations between the two countries, and popular views on the U.S. in Mali, are not likely to worsen significant because of the sanctions.

Malian public opinion is not going to change suddenly, he said, because these sanctions don't target the population directly, they target certain leaders.

Malian leaders, including interim President Assimi Goita, went to St. Petersburg, Russia, this week for an African leaders' summit.

Mali has received several shipments of weapons and equipment from Russia since the junta took over in 2020.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Papua New Guinea Pushing for More From the US

By Jeff Seldin July 27, 2023

Papua New Guinea's leadership is promising "cascading" benefits from growing military and security cooperation with the United States following the first visit by a sitting U.S. defense secretary, while downplaying any risk to the country's close economic ties to China.

Prime Minister James Marape Thursday praised the PNG-U.S. Defense Cooperation Agreement, signed in May, agreeing with assessments by senior U.S. defense officials that his country's National Parliament would ratify the deal in short order.

He also lauded a separate so-called shiprider agreement that will allow PNG personnel to ride aboard U.S. Coast Guard vessels to help protect the country's fishing rights.

"The work starts now," Marape said, standing alongside U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin following their meeting in Port Moresby.

"Our defense capacity must be built up," he added. "It is a partnership of choice that we made in respect to our defense cooperation but of course with the cascading benefit that links to [our] economy and, more importantly, key economic infrastructure."

PNG and U.S. officials said Thursday that both countries have started to look at areas where investments can be made to improve infrastructure and military readiness.

The 15-year agreement is also expected to allow for a greater U.S. military presence on the island as well as joint exercises, and greater coordination in the case of humanitarian crises.

But Marape said the U.S. forces in PNG will be there only on a rotational basis, a point Austin emphasized.

"I want to be clear. We're not seeking permanent basing in PNG," Austin said .

"We have a long-standing relationship with Papua New Guinea," he added. "Our goal is to make sure we strengthen PNG's ability to protect itself and defend its interests. ... We both really respect and value the [international] rules-based order."

Austin also said the U.S. would respect Papua New Guinea's decision to remain nuclear-free, and not send any U.S. nuclear capabilities to the island.

For now, though, the U.S. is moving ahead with the shiprider agreement, with a U.S. Coast Guard cutter scheduled to arrive in PNG next month to help counter illegal fishing, much of which has been blamed on China.

However, while the move was welcomed by Marape, some Papua New Guinea politicians fear the increased cooperation with the U.S. could rock the country's ties with China.

"There has been widespread public scrutiny of some expansive language in the recent agreement and less focus on the fact that everything must be mutually agreed," Brian Harding with the Washington-based U.S. Institute of Peace told VOA via email.

"Pacific Island countries welcome this newfound attention but are wary of the potential destabilizing downsides of being caught in the middle of competition between major powers," Harding said. "They also are clear that they do not want there to be a 'militarization' of the Pacific, something Chinese propaganda has seized on, despite China's own efforts in Solomon Islands."

Marape, though, played down such concerns.

"They have no issue whatsoever with us having defense relationship with USA," Marape said of how the agreements with the U.S. are being viewed in Beijing. "They have not made any requests to us for military relationship."

Marape also sought to quell fears that Washington's interest in the country is really about positioning forces in case of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

"This is not about setting up for war," Marape said. "USA does not need PNG's ground to be a launching pad for any offensive anywhere in the world."

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Experts: Vietnam May Benefit as US Companies De-risk Supply Chains Now in China

By Le Nguyen, An Hai July 27, 2023

Vietnam is well-positioned to draw U.S. investors seeking to de-risk supply chains now in China, but closer economic integration between Hanoi and Washington appears unlikely to lead to political realignment, according to experts.

Addressing local media in Hanoi during a recent visit, U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen hailed Vietnam as "a key partner" in the effort to reduce dependence on China by expanding manufacturing in the U.S. and with trusted partners.

"Vietnam welcomes the U.S. 'friendshoring,' which is beneficial to both countries and contributes to Vietnam's growth," Le Dang Doanh, an economist in Hanoi who served as an adviser to the late Prime Minister Vo Van Kiet, told VOA Vietnamese in a phone interview.

Friendshoring is the practice of focusing supply chain networks in countries regarded as political and economic allies.

Carl Thayer, emeritus professor with the University of New South Wales in Australia, said closer economic integration between Vietnam and the U.S. will not lead to Hanoi realigning with Washington against Beijing, he wrote to VOA in an email.

"Vietnam and the United States already have a substantial economic relationship. The further development of this relationship will be based on mutual benefit," he said. "China is more concerned about Vietnam's potential security and defense relations with the United States than it is with their bilateral economic relations."

Beijing, however, is "extremely sensitive to any U.S.-Vietnam economic relationship that undermines China's interests," he said, stressing "neither Beijing or Hanoi view economic relations as a zero-sum game."

Doanh said he has seen a shift of foreign direct investment (FDI) flows from China to Vietnam, especially since trade tensions began increasing between the U.S. and China during the Trump administration. A bilateral trade agreement that came into effect in 2001 facilitated Vietnamese exporting to the U.S., he said.

Vietnam "has no ambition" of attracting U.S. businesses to completely relocate from China given that "they are already well-entrenched there after many years of investment with billions of dollars," Doanh said.

"Vietnam just expects them to shift parts of their production, which makes it more convenient to export to the U.S.," he said. "Vietnam continues to attract FDI to match its advantages like cheap, young and productive labor."

Hanoi, fearing possible retaliation from China, may want to keep Washington at a remove.

"Given the intensifying China-U.S. competition and proximity between China and Vietnam, Hanoi may feel reluctant to formally upgrade its comprehensive partnership with Washington," said Bich Tran, adjunct fellow at Washington's Center for Strategic and International Studies, told Reuters in March.

VOA Vietnamese contacted the Vietnamese Ministry of Planning and Investment to seek comments on what Vietnam will do to attract more investment from the U.S. but has yet to receive a response.

Bui Kien Thanh, an economist in Ho Chi Minh City, said Vietnam's geographic location would give it a competitive edge in any regional competition for U.S. friendshoring.

"As a neighbor of China, Vietnam is a convenient destination for companies seeking to relocate from China," Thanh told VOA Vietnamese over the phone.

"What's more, Vietnam is located at the heart of the most populous and the most economically dynamic region of the world, between Northeast and South Asia," he said.

Estimates of how much of the world's trade passes through the South China Sea near Vietnam range from about 20% to 30%.

The U.S. currently ranks second to China in terms of value of bilateral trade with Vietnam, which topped almost $139 billion in 2022. And the U.S. is the largest export market for Vietnamese-made textiles, footwear and electronics.

Thanh said Hanoi "is well-disposed to Washington" and "very welcoming to U.S. businesses." The two countries marked 10 years since the establishment of a Comprehensive Partnership this year.

In her Hanoi speech on July 21, Yellen cited green energy and semiconductor manufacturing as potential sectors for Vietnam to join the global supply chain. In 2021, Amkor, the Arizona-based provider of semiconductor packaging and test services, announced plans to build a smart factory in the northern Bac Ninh Province. Intel has its largest assembly and testing facility in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam's largest city.

Thanh said that Vietnam "cannot develop its own semiconductor industry without U.S. help," adding, "If Intel can open its largest facility in Vietnam, other American chip makers can make it too."

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Remarks by President Biden and Prime Minister Meloni of the Italian Republic Before Bilateral Meeting

July 27, 2023

Oval Office

3:16 P.M. EDT

PRESIDENT BIDEN: Well, it's a delight to welcome the Prime Minister. We have become friends. And it's good to have you back at the White House. Thank you for coming.

PRIME MINISTER MELONI: Thank you.

PRESIDENT BIDEN: And let me offer my condolences over the  in Italy and throughout the Mediterranean, to those suffering from extreme, extreme weather and wildfires. Italy and the region are grappling with this, just as we are here in the United States.

I just did a major initiative on dangers of this excessive heat here in the United States. And we're grappling with it as well.

And as NATO Allies, the transatlantic partnership is the cornerstone of our shared security. And the Italian troops are playing a critical role in Europe, in the Mediterranean, and beyond.

Italy and the United States are also standing strong with Ukraine. And I compliment you on your very strong support in defending against Russian atrocities. And that's what they are. It's not just a war, but they're  Russia is committing atrocities that they're focusing on. Well, I don't want to get into it.

But, you know  and I thank the Italian people. I want to thank them for supporting you in supporting Ukraine. It makes a big difference.

Today, we're going to talk about our deepening economic connections, which fueled more than $100 billion in trade last year. In my view, there's no reason why that can't increase.

And we're also expanding the partnership in new areas, including space cooperation and strengthening our support for developing countries.

And I look forward to our discussion today on Mediterranean  the work with Mediterranean nations to address the legitimate migration challenges you have coming from Africa.

And  and Italy is going to be leading the G7 this next time around and  next year. And I also look forward to pursuing an ambitious agenda for progress.

And  and I hope you'll be nice to me as the chairman.

PRIME MINISTER MELONI: (Laughs.)

PRESIDENT BIDEN: Thank you.

PRIME MINISTER MELONI: Thank you.

PRESIDENT BIDEN: Please.

PRIME MINISTER MELONI: Thank you. I am very pleased to be here today to testify the deep friendship that bonds the United States and Italy.

I want to thank President Biden for his hospitality. And this closeness is based on common values and cultural roots.

And our bond was made strong by the contribution of millions of Americans of Italian origin. And that  that means Italy is an integral part of the great American nation and contributed in shaping its culture and identity.

And also for that, our relations are historically strong. They cross governments and remain solid regard-  regardless of their political colors.

We know who our friends are in times that are tough. And I think that Western nations have shown that they can  they can rely on each other much than some have believed.

Moreover, after the Russian aggression against Ukraine, for all together we decided to defend the international law. And I'm proud that Italy, from the beginning, played its part in it. We did it simply because supporting Ukraine means defending the peaceful coexistence of people and states everywhere in the world.

Contrary to what some claim, Ukrainian resistance distances a world war. It does not bring it closer, as some say.

Those who believe in peace should be the first supporters of the Ukrainian cause.

And then, Italy and the United States have important common interests in enhancing, as well, a global trade that is not only free but also fair. Competition from other nations that do not meet our standards in terms of worker protection, safety, environmental protection undermine our companies and workers.

So, free trade without  without rules has shown its limits. We must find the right balance between openness and the protection of our economy  economies  and strategic interests.

And similarly, we will discuss also these within the West. We must work together to support our injus-  industrial system by fostering convergence on our national interests. In this respect, dialogue between us  between Italy, Europe, United States  can avoid counterproductive tension to the benefit of everyone.

And on the other hand, we also need to be fair with nations that feel they have been exploited of their resources and that they show distrust towards the West. President Biden knows I take care a lot about Africa, about the role that we can play in these countries that can help us, building with them a new relation based on a new approach, which is a peer-to-peer approach. Also to fight illegal migration and all the problems that we face.

It's all things that we will discuss in the G7 presidency of Italy next year.

And then, United States is our most important trade partner outside the European Union. And I think  I do agree with you, Joe, that our trade partnership is very high, but no reason why we could not improve it.

So, thank you very much for hosting us, and thank you for your time.

PRESIDENT BIDEN: Well, I think you made an interesting point about the closeness and how many Italian Americans there are here.

And I just want you to know I was raised in a neighborhood where I felt self-conscious my name didn't end in "O." And I want you to know I'm the only non-Italian named Man of the Year by the Italian Society.

And I  when I got the award, I said to everybody what  (inaudible) what I was going to say. I said, "You know, I was thinking about this." I named all the guys and families I grew up with, (inaudible). Anyway, I went through the list. And I said, "I was thinking about it. I deserve this award." (Laughter.)

And  but I may be Irish, but I'm not stupid. I married Dominic Giacoppo's granddaughter. Just want you to know that. Okay? So be nice to me. All right?

PRIME MINISTER MELONI: (Laughs.) Now I know it.

PRESIDENT BIDEN: Any rate, thank you all very much.

PRIME MINISTER MELONI: Thank you very much.

3:23 P.M.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Joint Statement from President Biden and Prime Minister Meloni

July 27, 2023

Today, the President of the United States, Joseph R. Biden, and the President of the Council of Ministers of the Italian Republic, Giorgia Meloni, met at the White House. They reaffirmed the unshakable alliance, strategic partnership, and deep friendship between the United States and Italy. The ties between Italy and the United States are rooted in history, cultural affinity, and economic cooperation. They are founded on our shared values and principles - democracy, freedom, respect for human rights - reinforced by the shared objective to promote peace and security, enhance prosperity, and advance sustainability all around the globe. The connections between our people are at the heart of this relationship. Both leaders highlighted the important role of the Italian-American community, whose contributions make the United States stronger, more prosperous, and more vibrant. Prime Minister Meloni also affirmed the key contributions of Italian communities abroad.

President Biden and Prime Minister Meloni both affirm that the NATO Summit in Vilnius demonstrated the unity and the strength of the transatlantic bond, and the Alliance's unique capacity to adapt its deterrence and defense posture to address challenges from all strategic directions, including NATO's Southern Flank. Both leaders also stand with Ukraine as it defends itself from Russia's illegal aggression. The United States and Italy will continue to provide political, military, financial, and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine for as long as it takes, with the aim to reach a just and lasting peace that fully respects the UN Charter and Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The United States and Italy also recognize the need to address the global consequences of the conflict, especially on vulnerable countries' stability, energy, and food security. They reaffirm the importance of enabling Ukraine to export food via the Black Sea and condemn Russia's unilateral withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which has been instrumental in reducing world food prices, and its attacks on Ukrainian grain storage and transport infrastructure. They welcome the progress on food systems transformation reported at the Stocktaking Moment of the UN Food Systems Summit held in Rome on 24-26 July. Both sides also commit to further coordination on Ukraine's reconstruction and recognized the role Italy will play in this effort, with Italy's presidency of the G7 in 2024 and hosting of the Ukraine Reconstruction Conference in 2025.

The United States and Italy note the vital importance of shared efforts to promote stability and prosperity in the wider Mediterranean region, including by addressing the root causes of instability, terrorism, and irregular migration flows. The United States and Italy affirm their support for the Tunisian people as Tunisia endures continued economic and political challenges. The United States and Italy also affirm their shared desire for a prosperous, secure, and democratic Tunisia. The United States welcomed the Conference on Migration and Development held on July 23 in Rome, as well as the establishment of the "Rome Process" to promote partnerships between countries of origin, transit, and destination of migration in the broader Mediterranean region, the Middle East and Africa. In this framework, the United States takes note of the Italian government's "Mattei Plan" for Africa.

The United States and Italy reaffirm their shared commitment to the security, stability, and prosperity of the Western Balkans and their longstanding support for the region's Euro-Atlantic integration. They determined to reinforce coordination to favor de-escalation and reconciliation and acknowledged the crucial role of the Quint. The United States welcomes the Italian government's commitment in the Western Balkans, including through the contribution of the Italian armed forces to KFOR, EULEX, and EUFOR Althea missions.

The United States and Italy are firmly committed to a free, open, prosperous, inclusive, and secure Indo-Pacific. The United States welcomes the increased presence of Italy in the region. The two sides reiterate the vital importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, which is instrumental to regional and global security and prosperity. The United States and Italy also commit to strengthen bilateral and multilateral consultations on the opportunities and challenges posed by the People's Republic of China.

The United States and Italy pledge to continue coordination, including within multilateral fora, on issues to advance global prosperity, inclusive growth, and peace and security. The United States looks forward to Italy's leadership of the G7 in 2024, where the G7 will increase efforts to accelerate the clean energy transition, and tackle pressing global challenges, including the climate crisis, poverty, food insecurity, economic security, critical mineral supplies, and migration, further engaging in dialogue and cooperation on all these issues with developing countries, and especially with African countries. The leaders are united in their commitment to raise the level of ambition and commitment to supporting developing counties hard hit by multiple crises and to accelerating progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).



President Biden and Prime Minister Meloni committed to advance work to evolve the multilateral development banks to make them more responsive to shared global challenges like climate change, pandemics, and conflict and fragility, including through implementation of critical financial reforms begun under Italy's leadership in the G20 and a review of the climate finance architecture to make it more effective and efficient. In parallel, the leaders committed to work together toward a successful IDA 21 next year. The leaders also discussed ways to explore mobilizing more headroom and concessional finance to boost the World Bank's capacity to support countries addressing global challenges and provide strong support for the poorest countries.



The United States welcomes the participation of Italy in the Minerals Security Partnership and its intention to join the steering committee of the Blue Dot Network. Both sides also stress their support for the G7 Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment. Italy also confirms that the Italian Presidency of the G7 will support the Global Coalition to address synthetic drug threats. The United States also welcomes Italy's bid to host the World Expo in 2030, acknowledging the opportunity of using the Expo as an inclusive platform to find shared solutions to common challenges.

The United States and Italy share a mutual intent to enhance relations with Africa on the basis of a partnership among equals, and note the importance of mobilizing the private sector, our UN partners, multilateral development banks, and international financial institutions in support of these efforts. Both countries also renew the commitment to promote effective policies to fight terrorism in the framework of the D-ISIS Coalition.

The United States and Italy share a focus on the role of emerging technologies in shaping the global economy and influencing the future of the international system in the coming decades. Both sides recognize cybersecurity as a key component of resilience that enables societies to reap the benefits of industrial and technological cooperation and development. The United States and Italy commit to deepen bilateral and multilateral collaboration in these domains, along with intensified focus on the impact of artificial intelligence, including under Italy's Presidency of the G7 next year. Both sides welcome the Counter Ransomware Initiative and international coordination efforts, including the "NATO Cyber Pledge Conference" in Rome.

The United States and Italy recognize that economic resilience requires de-risking, diversifying, and reducing excessive dependencies to build resilient and secure supply chains. Both sides underline the importance of strengthening transatlantic economic cooperation, including through the U.S.-EU Trade and Technology Council and the U.S.-EU Energy Council, to improve security, cooperate to secure energy supplies and avoid fossil fuel dependencies, continue to secure supplies of critical minerals, and ensure that technologies work for - not against - democracies, and create opportunities for growth, jobs, and public welfare. The United States and Italy both reaffirm their commitment to continue the momentum from the G7 Hiroshima Summit related to strengthening economic resilience and economic security, including efforts under the G7 Coordination Platform on Economic Coercion to increase our collective assessment, preparedness, deterrence and response to economic coercion.

Free and fair trade remains a fundamental tool to foster the balanced growth of the global economy and to benefit our people. U.S.-Italy bilateral trade, amounting to $117 billion in 2022 and steadily growing, is a pillar of this expanding partnership. Bilateral investment between the United States and Italy supports hundreds of thousands of jobs across both countries. The United States and Italy commit to strengthen the economic partnership by increasing cooperation, co-investments, workforce development, and friend-shoring across different strategic sectors that will define not only the present, but our common future, including on emerging technologies, the clean energy transition, and the defense sector. The sides also commit to intensify bilateral judicial cooperation, in line with ongoing joint efforts to promote the rule of law and counter international organized crime, including human trafficking.

Both President Biden and Prime Minister Meloni affirm the existential threat posed by climate change and their commitment to taking decisive actions this decade to keep within reach their shared goal of limiting the global average temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Both recall the valuable contribution of the Net-Zero Government Initiative, launched by the United States and joined by Italy, inviting governments to lead by example and achieve net-zero emissions from national government operations by no later than 2050. The United States and Italy share an interest in working together to address emissions in developing countries, including methane. The two countries plan to continue enhanced cooperation and alignment on timely solutions towards achieving shared climate goals and an ambitious COP28 outcome, with the aim of ensuring social, economic and environmental sustainability.

The United States and Italy commit to strengthen space cooperation, including through the creation of a "new space dialogue" to promote industrial cooperation with government support. Both reaffirm their partnership on space exploration and express, as original signatories, support for the principles of the Artemis Accords. The United States and Italy recognize the importance of addressing space threats through norms, rules, and principles of responsible behaviors, and welcome innovative new commercial space partnerships, including to advance human spaceflight. Both sides look to encourage further space-related investments, and industrial collaboration, including on commercial space stations.

The leaders also commit to strengthen bilateral collaboration in science and technology research and development, anchored in values of democracy, equity, fair competition, freedom of inquiry, openness, research integrity and transparency. Both sides confirm their shared objective to foster high quality and equitable education, including through partnerships between respective high schools and universities and arrangements for joint or double degrees. Initiatives to promote the study of languages and cultures and broader people-to-people exchanges are especially important in this approach, including the flagship U.S.-Italy Fulbright Program, which celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2023. Both countries intend to develop new ways to enhance high level research and exchanges, including through the Italian Academy for Advanced Studies in America. The United States and Italy also commit to continue working together to protect and preserve cultural heritage, including within the framework of the U.S.-Italy bilateral cultural heritage agreement.

###

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Readout of Vice President Harris's Call with President Tinubu of Nigeria

July 27, 2023

Vice President Kamala Harris spoke today with President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria, the highest-level U.S. engagement with President Tinubu since his May 2023 inauguration. The Vice President recognized Nigeria as a leading global voice and Africa's largest democracy and economy. The Vice President and President Tinubu underscored their shared commitment to defending democracy in West Africa and the Sahel and deep concern about the attempted takeover in Niger. The Vice President strongly condemned any efforts to seize power by force in Niger, and emphasized that our substantial cooperation with the Government of Niger is contingent on Niger's continued commitment to democratic standards. The Vice President expressed support for President Tinubu's steps to reform Nigeria's economy, including ending the fuel subsidy and unifying foreign currency exchange rates. Building on the investments announced during the Vice President's trip to Ghana, Tanzania, and Zambia earlier this yearincluding more than $8 billion in private sector commitments and $1 billion in U.S. government commitmentsthe Vice President and President Tinubu discussed how U.S. and Nigerian public and private sectors can work together to increase private sector investment, digital inclusion, women's empowerment, and expand access to clean energy. The Vice President underscored the U.S. government's long-standing support for Nigeria's democracy and good governance, including governments' responsibility to ensure that security services act to serve the people they are mandated to protect. The Vice President highlighted the deep ties between the United States and Nigeria, including people-to-people connections and the Diaspora.

###

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Russo-Ukraine War - 27 July 2023 - Day 519

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 as Ukrainian forces continue major offensive operations in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, one of the single most influential Russian weapon systems in the sector is the Ka-52 HOKUM attack helicopter. Russia has highly likely lost around forty Ka-52s since the invasion, but the type has also imposed a heavy cost on Ukraine.

In recent months, Russia has highly likely augmented the force in the south with at least a small number of brand new, Ka-52M variants: a heavily modified aircraft, informed by lessons from Russia's experience in Syria. Evidence supporting the M variant's use in Ukraine includes photos posted on social media of aircrew posing next to the new aircraft and thanking well-wishers for sending them morale items.

Another key improvement to the Ka-52 fleet is the integration of a new anti-tank missile, the LMUR, which has a range of approximately 15km. Ka-52 crews have been quick to exploit opportunities to launch these weapons beyond the range of Ukrainian air defences.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that during the day July 27, Russian occupiers launched a missile-air strike on the territory of Ukraine, using 2x Caliber missiles at port infrastructure of Odesa and 8x Shahed-type strike drones. Due to successful combat work Air Defense Forces, all 8x "Shaheds" were destroyed. In total, Russian forces carried out 27x airstrikes and launched more than 30x MLRS attacks on Ukrainian cities and Ukrainian Armed Forces. Unfortunately, there are dead and wounded among the civilians, destruction and damage were done to the port infrastructure in the south of Ukraine and residential buildings.

The threat of missile and air strikes remains high across Ukraine.

30x combat clashes took place during the day.

Volyn' and Polissya axes: no significant changes detected. There are no signs of the offensive groupings formation.

Sivershchyna and Slobozhanshchyna axes: Russian forces shelled with mortars and artillery more than 20x settlements, among them Stara Huta, Iskryskivshchyna, Volfine, Bilovody, Pokrovka of the Sumy Oblast and Gur'iv Kozachok, Udy, Bochkove, Mala Vovcha, Nesterne of the Kharkiv Oblast.

Kup'yans'k axis: Russian forces launched an air strike at Izyum of the Kharkiv Oblast. Figolivka, Dvorichna, Zapadne and Kislivka of the Kharkiv Oblast got under Russian artillery and mortar fire.

Lyman axis: Russian forces conducted unsuccessful offensives in the Nadia area of the Luhansk Oblast. They carried out an airstrike near Beilohorivka, Luhansk Oblast. The settlements of Nevs'ke, Bilogorivka of the Luhansk Oblast and Spirne, Berestov, Tors'ke, and Verkhn'yokam'ians'ke of the Donetsk Oblast were shelled by artillery.

Bakhmut axis: Ukrainian defenders successfully repelled Russian attacks in the south of Klishchiivka. Russian forces carried out airstrikes at Kurdyumivka, Bila Hora and New York of the Donetsk Oblast. More than 10 xsettlements, including Bohdanivka, Chasiv Yar, Ivanivs'ke, Torets'k, and Zalizne of the Donetsk Oblast, were shelled Russian artillery.

Avdiivka axis: under heavy fire from Russian aircraft and artillery, Ukrainian defenders successfully repelled assaults by Russian troops near Avdiivka. More than 15 xsettlements, in particular, Berdychi, Avdiivka, Pervomais'ke, Nevels'ke, Karlivka of the Donetsk Oblast, were shelled by artillery.

Mar'inka axis: the defense forces continue to repel the advance of Russian troops in the vicinities of Mar'inka. Russian forces shelled more than 10x settlements, including Krasnohorivka, Georgiivka, Mar'inka, Kurakhivka, Pobyeda, and Novomykhailivka of the Donetsk Oblast.

Shakhtars'k axis: Russian forces launched an airstrike at Staromayorsky of the Donetsk Oblast. They shelled Vodyane, Vugledar and Blagodatne.

Zaporizhzhia and Kherson axes: Russia is concentrating its main efforts on preventing the further advance of Ukrainian troops. More than 15x settlements were shelled by artillery fire, including Levadne, Hulyaipole, Charivne, Biloghirya and Kam'ians'ke of the Zaporizhzhia Oblast; Nikopol', Dnipropetrovsk Oblast; Zmiivka, Lviv, Tokarivka, Antonivka and Dniprovs'ke of the Kherson Oblast.

Defense Forces of Ukraine continue offensive operations on the Melitopol' and Berdyansk axes, and are equipping captured positions, open fire with artillery on designated Russian targets, and carry out counter-battery measures.

Ukrainian Air Force conducted 6 strikes on manpower, weapons and military equipment concentrations, 1x - on anti-air defense system and 1x - on Russian command post.

Ukrainian missile and artillery units hit 1x control post, 1x manpower concentration area, 5x artillery units at firing positions, 1x warehouse of fuel and lubricants, and 1x radio-electronic warfare station of the Russian forces.

The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation carried out concentrated strikes with long-range air- and sea-based precision weapons against airfields, command and deployment points of the AFU, assembly workshops and storage sites for unmanned boats, as well as missiles, weapons and military hardware from European countries and the USA.

The goal of the attacks has been reached. All the assigned targets have been neutralised.

The AFU continued unsuccessful attempts to conduct offensive actions in Donetsk, Krasny Liman and South Donetsk directions.

In Donetsk direction, as a result of coordinated actions of the defending units in close cooperation with aviation and artillery of the Yug Group of Forces, nine enemy attacks have been successfully repelled close to Avdeevka, Maryinka and north of Kirovo (Donetsk People's Republic).

AFU units have been also struck near Vesyoloye, Bogdanovka, Predtechino, Dyleevka and Novgorodskoye (Donetsk People's Republic).

One ammunition depot of the AFU 79th Airborne Assault Brigade has been destroyed near Konstantinovka (Donetsk People's Republic).

The enemy losses were over 210 Ukrainian servicemen, one tank, seven infantry fighting vehicles, three armoured fighting vehicles, two pickup trucks, howitzers: D-20 and Msta-B, as well as one U.S.-manufactured AN/TPQ-50 counter-battery radar station.

In addition, over the past two days in this direction, units of the Russian troops foiled four attacks by the AFU near Kleshcheevka (Donetsk People's Republic).

During the fighting, as a result of the skilful use of anti-tank weapons with the support of Army Aviation, more than 120 Ukrainian servicemen, two tanks, four infantry fighting vehicles, two armoured personnel carriers and one Kozak armoured vehicle have been destroyed.

In Krasny Liman direction, units of the Tsentr Group of Forces, relying on a skilfully organised system of fire combined with engineering obstacle, have repelled an enemy attack forward Chervonaya Dibrova (Lugansk People's Republic).

During the battle, more than 15 Ukrainian servicemen, one infantry fighting vehicle and one motor vehicle have been destroyed.

In addition, as a result of actions by aviation and artillery, AFU manpower and hardware have been hit close to Nevskoye (Lugansk People's Republic), Torskoye and Serebryanka (Donetsk People's Republic).

The enemy losses were up to 185 Ukrainian servicemen, three armoured fighting vehicles, three pickup trucks, two D-30 howitzers, and one Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system.

One ammunition depot of the AFU 100th Territorial Defence Brigade has been destroyed near Yampol (Donetsk People's Republic).

In total, since 23 July, the advance of the assault groups of the Tsentr Group of Forces near Sergeevka (Lugansk People's Republic) has been up to 12 kilometres along the front and three kilometres deep into the enemy defence.

In South Donetsk direction, as a result active actions by aviation, artillery, and units of the Vostok Group of Forces, an attack by an assault group of the 35th Marine Brigade has been repelled close to Urozhainoye (Donetsk People's Republic). The enemy losses were up to 16 Ukrainian servicemen, as well as two armoured fighting vehicles.

In addition, enemy manpower and hardware have been hit close to Ugledar and Makarovka (Donetsk People's Republic).

The actions of one Ukrainian sabotage and reconnaissance group have been suppressed near Staromayorskoye (Donetsk People's Republic).

In Zaporozhye direction, after the failure of the AFU offensive north of Rabotino (Zaporozhye region), in which up to three battalion tactical groups from the strategic reserve brigades have been involved, the enemy, having suffered heavy losses, restored its combat capability overnight and did not take any active actions.

As a result of actions by Operational-Tactical and Army aviation, and artillery, Ukrainian units have been hit close to Belogorye, Omelnik, Novodanilovka, Orekhov and Pyatikhatki (Zaporozhye region).

In addition, the actions of one Ukrainian sabotage and reconnaissance group have been disrupted close to Stepanovka (Zaporozhye region).

The enemy losses were up to 280 Ukrainian servicemen, 25 tanks, ten infantry fighting vehicles, three armoured fighting vehicles, two motor vehicles, one Czech-manufactured RM-70 Vampire multiple-launch rocket system and two UK-manufactured FH-70 howitzers.

In Kupyansk direction, the assault groups of the 7th Motorised Rifle Regiment of the Zapad Group of Forces continued offensive operations west of Kuzyomovka (Lugansk People's Republic) and took more advantageous positions.

As a result of actions by Operational-Tactical and Army aviation, as well as artillery, AFU units have been hit close to Sinkovka and Timkovka (Kharkov region), Stelmakhovka and Novosyolovskoye (Lugansk People's Republic).

The enemy losses were over 35 Ukrainian servicemen, three armored fighting vehicles, four motor vehicles, one D-20 howitzer, as well as one Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system.

In Kherson direction, the enemy losses were up to 25 servicemen, three motor vehicles, as well as two D-30 howitzers.

Operational-Tactical and Army aviation, Missile Troops and Artillery of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation have neutralised 109 AFU artillery units at their firing positions, manpower and hardware in 123 areas.

In addition, aviation fuel depots have been destroyed near Starokonstantinov (Khmelnitskiy region).

Two radar stations for detecting P-18 targets have been destroyed close to Chuguevo and Novopavlovka (Dnepropetrovsk region).

The fuel depot of the AFU 47th Mechanized Brigade has been hit close to Malaya Tokmachka (Zaporozhye region).

Air defence facilities have shot down 5 projectiles launched by HIMARS MLRS.

In addition, 20 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles have been destroyed close to Belogorovka, Kremennaya (Lugansk People's Republic), Gorlovka (Donetsk People's Republic), Vershina Vtoraya, Tokmak and Malye Shcherbaki (Zaporozhye region).

In total, 457 airplanes, 244 helicopters, 5,291 unmanned aerial vehicles, 426 air defence missile systems, 10,966 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,140 fighting vehicles equipped with MLRS, 5,636 field artillery cannons and mortars, as well as 11,920 special military motor vehicles have been destroyed during the special military operation.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Treasury Designates Senior ISIS-Somalia Financier

U.S. Department of the Treasury

July 27, 2023

WASHINGTON -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) imposed sanctions on Abdiweli Mohamed Yusuf, the head of the finance office of the Somalia-based affiliate of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), designating him as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). Abdiweli Mohamed Yusuf has played a key role in the delivery of foreign fighters, supplies, and ammunition on behalf of ISIS-Somalia, which serves as a hub for disbursing funds and guidance to ISIS branches and networks across the continent. ISIS-Somalia generates much of its revenue through extortion, specifically targeting local communities for money and recruits, often under the threat of violence.

"Terrorist groups, and ISIS-Somalia specifically, seek to exploit institutional vulnerabilities to finance their activities. The sanctions imposed today demonstrate the U.S. commitment to leveraging our authorities in support to our partners, including the Federal Government of Somalia, in their efforts to counter terrorist financing and strengthen national and regional stability and security," said Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian E. Nelson after meeting with government officials and the Somali private sector in Mogadishu.

Today's action builds on OFAC's previous designations in November 2022 of a transnational ISIS-Somalia weapons trafficking network and senior members of the terrorist group. It also follows U.S. military action in January of this year that targeted and killed Somalia-based ISIS leader Suhayl Salim Abd El-Rahman, more commonly known as Bilal al-Sudani.

ISIS FINANCING IN SOMALIA

ISIS-Somalia has continued to facilitate financial transfers, including through mobile money, to support ISIS's destabilizing activities across Africa. ISIS-Somalia has received most of its revenue a amounting to hundreds of thousands of dollars per month a from the extortion of financial institutions, mobile money service providers, and other local businesses, most of which were located in the Port of Bosaso in Bari region, Somalia. ISIS has moved these funds via cash transfers, and money laundering through businesses, hawalas, banks, and mobile money transfers within Somalia. In the first half of 2022, ISIS-Somalia generated nearly $2 million by collecting extortion payments from local businesses, related imports, livestock, and agriculture. In 2021, ISIS-Somalia generated an estimated $2.5 million in revenue. ISIS-Somalia is one of the most significant ISIS affiliates in Africa, generating revenue for ISIS to disburse to branches and networks across the continent.

Abdiweli Mohamed Yusuf has served as the head of ISIS-Somalia's finance office since at least late 2019. Yusuf, a key senior member of ISIS-Somalia, meets with and reports to other ISIS leaders in Somalia, including ISIS al-Karrar office emir Abdiqadir Mumin and ISIS-Somalia emir Abdirahman Fahiye Isse Mohamud, whom the Department of State and OFAC designated in 2016 and 2022, respectively. Abdiweli Mohamed Yusuf has also directed the delivery of foreign fighters, supplies, and ammunition on behalf of ISIS. Yusuf was partially responsible for managing the revenue generated by ISIS-Somalia and has facilitated transfers for ISIS.

Abdiweli Mohamed Yusuf is being designated pursuant to E.O. 13224, as amended, for having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, ISIS-Somalia.

SANCTIONS IMPLICATIONS

As a result of today's action, all property and interests in property of the designated individual 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.

In addition, financial institutions and other persons that engage in certain transactions or activities with the sanctioned entities and individuals may expose themselves to sanctions or be subject to an enforcement action. The prohibitions include the making of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services by, to, or for the benefit of any designated person, or the receipt of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services from any such person.

Furthermore, engaging in certain transactions with a number of the individuals and entities designated today entails risk of secondary sanctions pursuant to E.O. 13224, as amended. Pursuant to this authority, OFAC can prohibit or impose strict conditions on the opening or maintaining in the United States of a correspondent account or a payable-through account of a foreign financial institution that knowingly conducted or facilitated any significant transaction on behalf of a Specially Designated Global Terrorist.

The power and integrity of OFAC sanctions derive not only from OFAC's ability to designate and add persons to the SDN List, but also from its willingness to remove persons from the SDN List consistent with the law. The ultimate goal of sanctions is not to punish, but to bring about a positive change in behavior. For information concerning the process for seeking removal from an OFAC list, including the SDN List, please refer to OFAC's Frequently Asked Question 897 here. For detailed information on the process to submit a request for removal from an OFAC sanctions list, please click here.

Click here for more information on the individual designated today.

###

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Argentina Signs the Artemis Accords

Media Note

Office of the Spokesperson

July 27, 2023

In a ceremony hosted by President Alberto FernAndez at the Casa Rosada, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Daniel Filmus signed the Artemis Accords on behalf of the Argentine Republic. The ceremony took place during the visit of NASA Administrator Bill Nelson to Argentina. Administrator Nelson gave remarks, as did U.S. Ambassador Marc R. Stanley, President FernAndez, and Foreign Minister Cafiero. Argentina became the 28th nation to sign the Accords, and the fifth Latin American country, following Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador and Mexico.

Since January 2023, five nations have joined the Accords: the Czech Republic, Spain, Ecuador, India, and now Argentina. The diverse Accords signatories - spanning every permanently inhabited continent - represent a growing multilateral conversation and share a common vision of peaceful space cooperation. By signing the Accords, Argentina has demonstrated its commitment to important principles such as transparency, emergency assistance and release of scientific data in its space activities.

The United States and Argentina have a long history of cooperating in space, including in space geodetic research; satellite-based Earth observations; and in bilateral trade and investment in space-related goods and services. Through the Artemis Accords, our nations share a common understanding and approach to safe and sustainable exploration and use of outer space.

The Artemis Accords were launched on October 13, 2020, with eight nations. Jointly led by the Department of State and NASA for the United States, the Accords are grounded in the Outer Space Treaty of 1967. With Argentina's signature, the twenty-eight Accords signatories are: Argentina, Australia, Bahrain, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Czech Republic, Ecuador, France, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Mexico, New Zealand, Nigeria, Poland, the Republic of Korea, Romania, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Ukraine, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

For more information, please visit https://www.state.gov/artemis-accords/. For media inquiries, please contact OES-PA-DG@state.gov.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Redback to bring Army some sting

27 July 2023

The Army will receive 129 new infantry fighting vehicles in response to Australia's changing strategic environment.

Making the announcement today, the Australian Government said Hanwha's state-of-the-art Redbacks would be built at the company's facilities in the Geelong region, supporting Australia's strategic imperative to develop sovereign defence manufacturing capabilities.

At a cost of between $5 billion and $7 billion, the LAND 400 Phase 3 project will be one of the largest capability acquisitions in Army's history.

Replacing the M113 armoured personnel carriers, which were acquired in 1964, the first Redback will be delivered in early 2027.

With its latest-generation armour, cannon and missiles, they will provide the protection, mobility and firepower required to transport and protect soldiers in close combat, giving them the highest chance of achieving their mission and returning safely.

The government said the acquisition was part of its drive to modernise the Army to ensure it could respond to the land challenges in the region.

The new vehicles will be delivered about the same time as the new HIMARS missile systems and landing craft, reflecting the Defence Strategic Review's call for Army to be transformed for littoral manoeuvre operations from Australia.

The government said it was providing the ADF with the capabilities it needed to defend Australia and protect national security.

Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy said the government was committed to investing in the security of the nation and the safety of Australian soldiers.

"We are also committed to supporting Australian defence industry so we can make more of the critical defence equipment we need in this country rather than relying on overseas suppliers," Mr Conroy said.

"Our decision to build the Redback infantry fighting vehicles in Australia will support up to 600 direct jobs and more than a thousand jobs in the Australian industry supply chain."

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Air and missile defence practice in Guam

27 July 2023

A small group of Navy personnel made a big impact recently during Exercise Pacific Vanguard in Guam.

Four officers represented Navy during the exercise, serving in the exercise control organisation across several key roles including maritime operations, communications and command.

Pacific Vanguard is a biennial, multilateral integrated air and missile defence exercise that in 2023 involved participation from the US Navy, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, Republic of Korea Navy and Royal Australian Navy.

Remote pilot warfare officer of 822X Squadron Lieutenant Andrew Kilgannon took on the role of battle watch captain.

"The exercise as a whole was about interoperability between nations' ships, including destroyers from Japan, South Korea and the US as well as submarines from the US and Japan," Lieutenant Kilgannon said.

"There were several missile exercises involving the launch of live missiles at towed targets, a five-inch gun serial onto an island within the Marianas Region as well as five-inch gun serials against a towed target.

"The ships also had the opportunity to conduct anti-submarine warfare in conjunction with fixed-wing and rotary aircraft.

Lieutenant Kilgannon said there were many opportunities for engagement between exercise participants.

"We interacted mostly with US, Korean and Japanese personnel within the command centre, however we were also able to participate in the opening ceremony aboard ROKS Munmu the Great and the closing ceremony aboard USS Howard, meeting with sailors and officers from each country in a more social environment," he said.

"It was an honour to be part of the team chosen to represent Navy for an exercise of this scale.

"It was nice to be able to give back to a small charity in Guam by volunteering our time after the exercise after Cyclone Mawar left several areas without power, water and significant damage from wind and rain around four weeks before the exercise began."

Commander Pete Thompson said participant nations were well represented across each watch providing good opportunities to work together.

"It was an excellent opportunity to learn about each other's navies and how they operate," Commander Thompson said.

"The multinational team integrated quickly and professionally and it was very encouraging to see how rapidly a multinational headquarters could be established.

"While it was only a small contingent from Australia this year it was an honour to be part of that representation."

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Multilateral battle group seizes the objective

27 July 2023

The 3rd Brigade conducted its first major assault at Line Creek Junction, Townsville Field Training Area, during Exercise Talisman Sabre 23.

Partnering with German and US troops, they joined forces to clear an urban area littered with enemy role players, who refused to go down without a fight.

German Army paratrooper Corporal Noah said he had never trained in an area of this scale before.

"We have similar training facilities in Germany, but this is the largest I've seen," Corporal Noah said.

"It took us time to get used to the tough terrain, manoeuvring around obstacles such as creeks and river beds."

Corporal Noah said he appreciated the opportunity, which would help condition him for a variety of environments.

This is the first time Germany has taken part in Exercise Talisman Sabre.

This year the multinational exercise expanded to 13 nations, with more than 30,000 military personnel participating.

United States Army Staff Sergeant Michael DeLuna is acting as liaison between the US and German Army.

"My job is to make sure US and German forces understand the commander's intent throughout the exercise," Staff Sergeant DeLuna said.

"Watching the German and Australian Army in action has been the best learning experience.

"Observing the way they do their tactics, communicate with each other, clear and do markings.

"I look forward to taking what I've learnt back home to become a better squad leader for my soldiers."

In the combined assault of Line Creek Junction, forces worked together seamlessly, leveraging each other's strengths to defeat the enemy.



Over the next fortnight, 3rd Brigade will training with troops from Great Britain, New Zealand, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and South Korea.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






China's top legislature adopts a decision of removing Qin Gang as foreign minister, appoints Wang Yi as foreign minister

Global Times

By Chen Qingqing Published: Jul 25, 2023 07:10 PM Updated: Jul 25, 2023 07:16 PM

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 of his position as Foreign Minister. Wang Yi was appointed as the Chinese Foreign Minister. Tuesday's decision has not touched on Qin's title of State Councilor.

Wang, 70-year-old veteran diplomat, began his career in the foreign ministry in 1982, and became the counselor at the Chinese Embassy in Japan in 1989 and then the minister counselor in April 1993. He then was appointed as the deputy director general of the department of Asian Affairs at the ministry in 1994 and then the director general of the department of Asian Affairs from 1995 to 1998.

Wang served as the Vice Minister and CPC Committee member of the ministry from 2001 to 2004 before he was appointed as the Chinese ambassador to Japan.

Wang also served as the director of the Taiwan Work Office of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council from 2008 to 2013. Between 2013 and 2018, Wang served as the minister and deputy secretary of CPC Committee of foreign ministry, and since 2018, he served as the State Councilor, member of the Leading CPC Members Group of the State Council, and Minister of Foreign Affairs before Qin took up the position in 2022.

Born in 1966 in North China's Tianjin, Qin began working at the Chinese Foreign Ministry in 1988 and became the attachA and third secretary of Department of West European Affairs of the ministry from 1992 to 1995.

He then worked as the third secretary and second secretary of the Chinese Embassy in the UK from 1995 to 1999 and then became the second secretary and deputy division director. He was later appointed as the division director of the department of West European Affairs of the ministry.

He was the counselor of the Chinese Embassy in the UK from 2002 to 2005, after which he returned to China to work as the ministry's spokesperson from 2005 to 2010.

Qin was promoted to the director-general of the information department of the ministry in 2011 after he finished his tenure as a minister of the Chinese Embassy in the UK from 2010 to 2011. In 2014, he became the director-general of the protocol department of the ministry.

Qin was promoted to the vice minister of the Foreign Ministry in 2018 and three years later became the Chinese Ambassador to the US. He arrived in the US in July, 2021 to take his post as the Chinese Ambassador.

Qin was appointed as the Chinese Foreign Minister, according to a decision made by the 13th National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, on December 30, 2022.

The last time Qin made a public appearance was on June 25 for meetings with the Russian, Vietnamese, and Sri Lankan foreign ministers, according to media reports.

Answering a question from the Global Times during his first press conference as the Chinese Foreign Minister on the sidelines of the two sessions in March about some Western countries' hype that China could provide weapons to Russia or the notion that only China can end the Ukraine crisis, Qin said China is not the creator of the crisis, nor a party directly concerned.

"What has China done to be blamed, or even sanctioned and threatened? This is absolutely unacceptable," he said.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on July 27, 2023

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China

China News Service: On July 26, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said while meeting the press in Tonga that China engaged in "problematic" behavior, "predatory" economic activities and investments that promote corruption in this region. Besides Blinken, many US senior officials, including Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin also visited Pacific island countries recently. Some interpreted it as the US's effort of increasing influence in the region to counter "China's presence". What's your comment?

Mao Ning: The cooperation between China and Pacific island countries is open and transparent and fully respects countries' sovereignty and will. We never attach any political strings and never target any third party. The cooperation has been welcomed and recognized by governments and peoples of Pacific island countries.

Pacific island countries are not the "backyard" of any country. China is not interested in competing with any country for influence, or seeking the so-called "geopolitical presence" or "sphere of influence". We hope that the US will provide genuine support for Pacific island countries and contribute to their development and stability.

Phoenix TV: The US Senate just passed an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which would require US companies to notify Washington about high-tech investments in China and other countries of concern. Do you have any comment?

Mao Ning: We firmly oppose the US slipping negative China-related content into the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The economic cooperation between China and the US is mutually beneficial and win-win in nature. Arbitrarily placing curbs for normal investment activities in the industrial community and private sectors violates the principle of market economy, disrupts the global industrial and supply chains and will only end up hurting the US investors.

TASS: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met with Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs Wang Yi in Ankara yesterday. Did the two sides talk about the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis and the Black Sea grain deal during the meeting? Can you share more information?

Mao Ning: Yesterday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met with member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs Wang Yi in Ankara. Director Wang Yi also held talks with the Turkish Foreign Minister. The two sides exchanged views on bilateral relations and international and regional issues of mutual interest. As for the Ukraine crisis and the Black Sea grain deal, the two sides agreed that these issues should be settled properly through dialogue and negotiation.a

Jiji Press: Before COVID-19 hit, China provided unilateral 15-day visa-free policy for citizens from Japan, Singapore and Brunei. On July 26, China resumed the visa-free policy for Singapore and Brunei without stressing reciprocity. Why has China not resumed the visa-free policy for Japanese citizens?

Mao Ning: We are in communication with Japan to further facilitate personnel exchanges between the two countries.

Reuters: China will hold the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in October. Will Russian President Vladimir Putin visit China? Can the foreign ministry share more details?

Mao Ning: The third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation will be held this year, and we are in communication on this with our partners for the Belt and Road cooperation. Regarding the specific visit you mentioned, I have no information to offer at this moment.a

AFP: A coup happened in Niger, an African country. What's your comment?

Mao Ning: We are closely following the development of the situation in Niger, and have noted the statements by the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States on this. China calls on relevant parties in Niger to act in the fundamental interest of the country and its people, solve differences peacefully through dialogue, restore order at an early date, and safeguard the overall peace, stability and development of the nation.

Asahi Shimbun: Yesterday, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress Li Hongzhong visited the DPRK. Will he meet with Chairman Kim Jong-un?

Mao Ning: We will release information in a timely manner. Please check back for updates.

Reuters: Pakistan's Finance Minister Ishaq Dar said on Thursday that China has rolled over a USD 2.4 billion loan to Islamabad for a period of two years. Can you confirm whether China has rolled over the loan and if so, what are the terms and conditions?a

Mao Ning: I would like to refer you to the competent authorities for the details. More broadly, China and Pakistan are engaged in close economic and financial cooperation to help the country achieve stable and sustainable development.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






China's former foreign minister Qin Gang replaced then erased

Qin is being airbrushed from party annals in a way that echoes the most turbulent era in Communist Party history.

Chris Taylor for RFA 2023.07.27 -- No sooner had former Chinese foreign minister Qin Gang been replaced by his predecessor Wang Yi on Tuesday, after a mystery disappearance of a month, than he began to be erased, in a move evocative of the Mao Zedong era.

During the Mao era, senior officials who fell out of favor and later purged were frequently excised from the annals of party missives - and party history.

The same fate appears to have befallen Qin Gang, leaving the world to scratch its head and wonder why China, as opaque as ever, is not telling.

At the very least the erasures undermine the official explanation in weeks past that Qin's absence was due to ill health.

Almost as soon as foreign policy chief Wang Yi was announced to be taking over Qin's position - in a move many China watchers consider to be transitional - Qin, who had been catapulted into the role of foreign minister as a Xi Jinping favorite and had only served for seven months - was scrubbed from the foreign ministry's web pages.

Even foreign ministry news releases have been removed - replaced with a message that reads, "The page you are visiting does not exist or has been deleted."

The page for the foreign minister on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website continues to be blank, in what Han Yang, who formerly worked for China's foreign ministry and is now a political commentator in Australia, said on X (formerly Twitter) is "possibly because Wang Yi has yet to be sworn in."

All references to Qin and his activities as foreign minister have been removed from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, but he continues to be listed elsewhere as a state councilor and references to his tenure as ambassador to the U.S. continue to exist.

Some analysts think that this is a sign that he still has some measure of protection; others say it's likely Qin is being purged but the process is incomplete, and he may forfeit his state councilor role in future too.

Qin is also still listed as a member of the Communist Party's elite Central Committee.

"The relevant information on appointments and dismissals has been released in a timely manner from the Chinese side," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a briefing on Thursday, according to a Reuters transcript. "We are always opposed to malicious hype surrounding this matter."

Her comment, however, was not included in the official transcript of the briefing on the ministry's website.

But Yang noted, "Let me remind everyone that in Bo Xilai's case [President Xi Jinping's high-flying, populist rival who fell from grace after his wife poisoned a British businessman], he was initially removed from Chongqing party post in exactly the same manner, a short statement without giving reasons, while maintaining his Politburo position. 4 weeks later the announcement came for his investigation."

"People from the outside are totally in the dark and the episode illustrates that Chinese politics is becoming increasingly unpredictable and volatile, though under a calm surface," Ho-fung Hung, an expert in Chinese politics at Johns Hopkins University, told AFP.

Meanwhile, in related news, and a reminder of the risks of China's high-wire politics, the former Communist Party chief of Hangzhou - home to Jack Ma's Alibaba - was given life behind bars in the form of a deferred death sentence for corruption.

Zhou Jiangyong was convicted of accepting CNY182 million (U.S.$25 million) in bribes and has been deprived of his political rights and had all of his assets confiscated.

One winner

Amid a week of political hijinks and skullduggery, one political player has made his way to the top as anticipated.

Pan Gongsheng, a Chinese Communist Party technocrat experienced in commercial banking and financial regulation, was appointed the governor of the People's Bank of China. Pan holds a PhD in economics from China and received some training from Cambridge University and Harvard University.

The position of governor of the central bank is an important one in China's financial system, but the governor's powers are curtailed by the party compared to central bankers elsewhere. President Xi himself demands a role in all key economic decisions, for example.

Pan managed the world's largest foreign exchange reserves for seven years - as Administrator of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange, managing China's foreign reserves of around U.S.$3.2 trillion.

He's also credited with arresting a slide in the value of the yuan in 2016.

He replaces Yi Gang, who had been PBOC governor since 2018, after replacing Zhou Xiaochuan, the PBOC's longest serving governor, having served in the role for 15 years.

Pan has a PhD in economics from China's Renmin University, was a visiting scholar at Cambridge and also studied at Harvard.

He was anticipated to be made governor ahead of Tuesday's announcement and he will have his work cut out for him.

The value of China's currency has been sliding this year as the economy faces unprecedented headwinds in the form of youth unemployment and lackluster consumer and private sector confidence, leading to obvious concern emanating from Beijing that what is now a malaise could become something worse.

Edited by Mike Firn.

This story has been updated to include a comment from Chine's Foreign Ministry spokesperson.

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.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Hong Kong police arrest two activists with links to 'wanted' activist Nathan Law

Lily Wong and Chan Kok-hin, former members of Law's now-disbanded party, allegedly helped to fund his activism.

By Gigi Lee for RFA Cantonese 2023.07.27 -- National security police in Hong Kong on Thursday arrested two more people on suspicion of funding overseas activists via an app designed to promote pro-democracy businesses.

Lily Wong and Chan Kok-hin, both former members of Nathan Law's now-defunct political party Demosisto, were arrested under a national security law that bans public dissent and peaceful opposition, bringing the total number of arrests linked to the Mee app to seven, rights groups and police said.

"The National Security Department of the Hong Kong Police Force this morning (July 27) arrested a 29-year-old man and a 29-year-old woman for suspected 'conspiracy to collusion with a foreign country or with external elements to endanger national security'," the police said in a statement without naming Wong or Chan.

The pair also stand accused of 'conspiracy to commit an act or acts with seditious intent' under a colonial-era sedition clause in the city's Crimes Ordinance.

"Investigation revealed that the two arrested persons were suspected of having connection with the group of persons arrested on July 5. They are being detained for further enquiries," the police said, adding that more arrests could follow.

The U.S.-based campaign group Hong Kong Democracy Council said via its account on X, formerly known as Twitter, that seven people with links to the Mee app have now been arrested, on suspicion of helping fund exiled former pro-democracy lawmaker Nathan Law's overseas activities.

The London-based rights group Hong Kong Watch commented on its X account: "Concerning to see yet more arrests in #HongKong today, with another 2 ex-Demosisto members detained by the National Security Police."

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.

Bounties for wanted list figures

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.

Since then, police have also detained several family members of the "wanted activists," including relatives of Nathan Law, Elmer Yuen, Mung Siu-tat and Dennis Kwok.

The Mee app was set up to benefit companies in the "yellow economic circle," who were supportive of the demands of the 2019 protest movement, which included fully democratic elections.

The color yellow has been associated with the pro-democracy movement since the 2014 umbrella movement, while pro-government and pro-police views are described as "blue."

But since Beijing - which blames the 2019 protests on "hostile foreign forces" seeking to foment a "color revolution" in the city - imposed the national security law, such businesses have been seen as subversive.

In January, national security police arrested six people at a Lunar New Year market for selling "seditious publications" inciting people to overthrow the government, in a reference to pro-democracy movement memorabilia.

Herbert Chow, who was forced to shut down his children's clothing chain Chickeeduck after it was raided by national security police in May 2021 for displaying a statue of a protester, said his "yellow" credentials had massively boosted interest in his high-end products, but that he was unable to keep going due to mounting political pressure exerted via his commercial landlords.

"Back in 2019, when I put a Goddess of Democracy statue in [one of my stores], its rental contract was terminated early despite having just been renewed," Chow told RFA Cantonese in a recent interview.

"The big landlords don't support you ... because you're only paying H.K.$100,000/month in rent for the store, but you're bringing them a whole load of trouble, to the point where they're getting phone calls from [Beijing's] Central Liaison Office," he said.

Businesses targeted

Smaller "yellow" businesses are also being targeted, as the authorities vow to crack down on "soft confrontation" now that thousands of protesters have already been prosecuted for their role in the 2019 movement, sometimes for just being in the area or carrying clothing or equipment associated with the movement.

Former pro-democracy District Council member Derek Chu, who has a long history of social activism, said these pop-up stalls and smaller shops are fast disappearing, and that his landlord recently terminated the lease of his small "yellow circle" shop.

"It's still powerful to use consumer power to win recognition and support these businesses, but the impact is much smaller now," Chu said.

"People start to ask themselves why they have to work so hard when they are making less as a boss [of such businesses] than they would working a part-time job," he said.



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.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Ambassador: China Will Respond in Kind to US Chip Export Restrictions

By Kelly Tang July 27, 2023

If the United States imposes more investment restrictions and export controls on China's semiconductor industry, Beijing will respond in kind, according to China's ambassador to the U.S., Xie Feng, whose tough talk analysts see as the latest response from a so-called wolf-warrior diplomat.

Xie likened the U.S. export controls to "restricting their opponents to only wearing old swimsuits in swimming competitions, while they themselves can wear advanced shark swimsuits."

Xie's remarks, made at the Aspen Security Forum last week, came as the U.S. finalized its mechanism for vetting possible investments in China's cutting-edge technology. These include semiconductors, quantum computing and artificial intelligence, all of which have military as well as commercial applications.

The U.S. Department of Commerce is also considering imposing new restrictions on exports of artificial intelligence (AI) chips to China, despite the objections of U.S. chipmakers.

Wen-Chih Chao, of the Institute of Strategic and International Affairs Studies at Taiwan's National Chung Cheng University, characterized Xie's remarks as part of China's "wolf-warrior" diplomacy, as China's increasingly assertive style of foreign policy has come to be known.

He said the threatened Chinese countermeasures would depend on whether Beijing just wants to show an "attitude" or has decided to confront Western countries head-on.

He pointed to China's investigations of some U.S. companies operating in China. He sees these as China retaliating by "expressing an attitude."

Getting tougher

But as the tit-for-tat moves of the U.S. and China seem to be "escalating," Chao pointed to China's retaliation getting tougher.

An example, he said, is the export controls Beijing slapped on exporters of gallium, germanium and other raw minerals used in high-end chip manufacturing. As of August 1, they must apply for permission from the Ministry of Commerce of China and report the details of overseas buyers.

Chao said China might go further by blocking or limiting the supply of batteries for electric vehicles, mechanical components needed for wind-power generation, gases needed for solar panels, and raw materials needed for pharmaceuticals and semiconductor manufacturing.

China wants to show Western countries that they must think twice when imposing sanctions on Chinese semiconductors or companies, he said.

But other analysts said Beijing does not want to escalate its retaliation to the point where further moves by the U.S. and its allies harm China's economy, which is only slowly recovering from draconian pandemic lockdowns.

No cooperation

Chao also said China could retaliate by refusing to cooperate on efforts to limit climate change, or by saying "no" when asked to use its influence with Pyongyang to lessen tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

"These are the means China can use to retaliate," Chao said. "I think there are a lot of them. These may be its current bargaining chips, and it will not use them all simultaneously. It will see how the West reacts. It may show its ability to counter the West step by step."

Cheng Chen, a political science professor at the State University of New York at Albany, said China's recent announcement about gallium, germanium and other chipmaking metals is a warning of its ability, and willingness, to retaliate against the U.S.

Even if the U.S. invests heavily in reshaping these industrial chains, it will take a long time to assemble the links, she said.

Chen said that if the U.S. further escalates sanctions on China's high-tech products, China could retaliate in kind a using tariffs for tariffs, sanctions for sanctions, and regulations for regulations.

Most used strategy

Yang Yikui, an assistant researcher at Taiwan National Defense Security Research Institute, said economic coercion is China's most commonly used retaliatory tactic.

He said China imposed trade sanctions on salmon imported from Norway when the late pro-democracy activist Liu Xiaobo was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2010. Beijing tightened restrictions on imports of Philippine bananas, citing quarantine issues, during a 2012 maritime dispute with Manila over a shoal in the South China Sea.

Yang said studies show that since 2018, China's sanctions have become more diverse and detailed, allowing it to retaliate directly and indirectly. It can also use its economic and trade relations to force companies from other countries to participate.

Yang said that after Lithuania agreed in 2021 to let Taiwan establish a representative office in Vilnius, China downgraded its diplomatic relations from the ambassadorial level to the charge d'affaires and removed the country from its customs system database, making it impossible for Lithuanian goods to pass customs.

Beijing then reduced the credit lines of Lithuanian companies operating in the Chinese market and forced other multinational companies to sanction Lithuania. Companies in Germany, France, Sweden and other countries reportedly had cargos stopped at Chinese ports because they contained products made in Lithuania.

When Australia investigated the origins of COVID, an upset China imposed tariffs or import bans on Australian beef, wine, cotton, timber, lobster, coal and barley. But Beijing did not sanction Australia's iron ore, wool and natural gas because sanctions on those products stood to hurt key Chinese sectors.

Adrianna Zhang contributed to this report.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






China, N.Korea, Russia commemorate 70th anniversary of Korean War armistice

Global Times

By Yang Sheng Published: Jul 27, 2023 10:25 PM

China, North Korea and Russia commemorated the 70th anniversary of the armistice agreement that ended the 1950-53 Korean War on Thursday, with Chinese and Russian delegations meeting with the country's top leader Kim Jong-un and other senior officials, and attending a series of festive events in Pyongyang.

Chinese experts said China, Russia and North Korea are all facing pressure and threats from the US-led military alliance in the Korean Peninsula, the Asia-Pacific region and Europe, and this kind of situation is similar to the world in the 1950s, and by jointly commemorating the armistice anniversary, the three countries are sending a strong signal that the US should learn from its lesson in the peninsula and avoid repeating mistakes that will eventually bring tragedy to the world and cause great damage to US national strength.

According to a report by North Korean state media Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on Thursday, Kim, chairman of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) and chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), attended a grand celebratory performance to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the victory in the country's Fatherland Liberation War.

The Chinese Party and government delegation led by Li Hongzhong, vice chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, and the Russian military delegation led by Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu, also attended the event.

The armistice has been commemorated by China and is known as the Victory of the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-53), with major state media including the Xinhua News Agency and the People's Liberation Army Daily publishing commentaries and China Central Television broadcasting a special TV program to mark the 70th anniversary of the victory and vowing to inherit the great spirit that the Chinese people and military displayed during the war, as China faces new challenges from hegemonic acts in the new era.

During the PLA Air Force open-day event at the Changchun Aviation Exhibition, which is being held in Changchun, capital of Northeast China's Jilin Province from Wednesday to Sunday, the military band of the PLA Air Force and the PLA Air Force's Bayi Aerobatic Team put on special performances paying tribute to the 70th anniversary of the great victory.

Friendship of comrades

Prior to enjoying the performance, Kim had warm and friendly talks with Li, KCNA reported. Li delivered a personal letter sent to Kim by Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and president of China, on the occasion of the war victory day.

Kim told Li that the significance of July 27, the war victory day common to the Korean and Chinese peoples, was further highlighted as they were present together to celebrate it. Noting that Xi dispatched a Party and government delegation to the DPRK in the current crucial period, he said that it showed the general secretary's wish to attach great importance to the DPRK-China friendship, KCNA reported.

Saying the Korean people will never forget the fact that the brave soldiers of the Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) shed blood to bring about the victory or their noble spirit and soul, though many years have passed and generations have been replaced with new ones, Kim affirmed that the WPK and the DPRK government will as ever strive to further strengthen the friendship and solidarity with the fraternal Chinese people and always advance hand in hand with the Chinese people in the struggle for socialism.

On Wednesday, Kim also visited and paid tribute at the cemetery of martyrs of the CPV in Hoechang county in South Phyongan Province.

It's worth noting that both China and Russia highly value their ties with North Korea, but there is a difference in that China-DPRK relations are always driven by CPC-WPK high-level political mutual trust, and now due to the impact of the Ukraine crisis and the rising tensions in the Korean Peninsula, Russia attaches greater importance to pushing military cooperation with North Korea and the two military forces are sharing more common concerns and interests, said Chinese analysts.

Kim met the visiting Shoigu on Wednesday, KCNA reported. On the occasion, Shoigu courteously conveyed a signed letter from Russian President Vladimir Putin to Kim. On the same day, Kim also visited the Weaponry Exhibition House with Shoigu to show North Korea's latest military achievements.

During talks with the Russian defense minister, Kim expressed his views on issues of mutual concern in the struggle to safeguard the sovereignty, development and interests of the two countries from "the high-handed and arbitrary practices of the imperialists" and to realize international justice and peace. Kim repeatedly expressed belief that "the Russian army and people would achieve big successes in the struggle to build a powerful country," KCNA reported.

What the US can learn

The US, which invaded North Korea in 1950 and suffered a huge failure after a series of battles with the CPV some 70 years ago, is now increasing its provocative and dangerous military activities in the Asia-Pacific region, including the Korean Peninsula and Taiwan Straits, and its act of pushing NATO eastern expansion has ruined the security structure in Europe and caused the terrible ongoing Ukraine crisis, so Chinese analysts urged the US to learn from the serious lessons of history and stop their wrongdoings to avoid the potential danger of new conflicts.

LA Chao, an expert on Korean Peninsula issues with the Liaoning Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times that the situation on the peninsula is becoming increasingly tense due to US deployment of strategic weapons including nuclear-armed submarines and strategic bombers.

"China and Russia sending senior delegations to attend the events in Pyongyang shows the unity and traditional friendship among the Chinese, Russian and North Korean peoples," LA said. "This will contribute to the peace and stability of the peninsula."

Wang Junsheng, a research fellow of East Asian studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences in Beijing, said the US and its allies accused China and Russia of "forming an alliance to confront the US, Japan and South Korea, but this is a typical act of a thief crying out 'stop thief!' It was the US pushing the formation of a US-Japan-South Korea military alliance that has created bloc confrontation in the region."

Li Zongxun, a professor at the Institute of Humanistic and Social Science at Yanbian University, said in an article he sent to the Global Times that "the US should be aware that the post-WWII international order still benefits the US, as its financial and military advantages still remain," but if it continues to challenge, contain and confront China on core interests such as the Taiwan question, it's possible to see a great decline in US national strength and the US will lose its position in the international order.

"Chinese military force is much greater than [it was] 70 years ago, and the US failed at that time despite overwhelming military advantages. If the US provokes another conflict today, it will suffer much greater losses for sure," Li Zongxun warned.

He also said the US should not expect its allies to unconditionally serve its hegemonic aims, as today is not the Cold War era anymore, and China is a key trading partner of South Korea and Japan, and these two countries are believed to want peace and stability in the region, so the US attempt to form a US-Japan-South Korea military alliance won't work.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Congratulations on the 70th anniversary of victory of the people of Korea in the 1950-1953 Fatherland Liberation War

Vladimir Putin sent his congratulations on the 70th anniversary of victory of the people of Korea in the 1950-1953 Fatherland Liberation War to Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea Kim Jong-un and participants in the celebrations marking this anniversary.

July 27, 2023

19:15

The message reads, in part:

"Led by Supreme Commander-in-Chief Comrade Kim Il Sung during the fierce battles of 1950-1953, the fighters of the Korean People's Army surmounted all the challenges and demonstrated mass heroism as they stood up for the freedom and independence of their homeland. Soviet military personnel, including pilots who flew tens of thousands of combat missions, fought shoulder to shoulder with the Korean patriots, making a meaningful contribution to defeating the enemy.

The historical experience of this camaraderie in arms has enduring value and serves as a solid foundation for efforts to further develop political, economic and security ties between Russia and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. Preserving and building on the glorious traditions of friendship, neighbourly relations and mutual assistance has paramount importance in the face of today's threats and challenges.

The fact that the DPRK firmly supported the special military operation in Ukraine and its solidarity with Russia on key international matters further emphasises our shared commitment and resolve to counter the collective West in its policy to stand in the way of establishing a genuinely multipolar and just world order based on the supremacy of international law, indivisible security and respect for the sovereignty and national interests of states."

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Kim Jong-un shows off ICBMs to Russian defense minister

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 27 July 2023 4:45 PM

North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un on Thursday showed off his country's ICBMs and previously unseen drones to visiting Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu as a showcase of North Korea's military might.

Shoigu, who leads a Russian delegation, arrived in the capital Pyongyang at the formal invitation of the North Korean government to attend the peninsular country's celebrations of the 70th anniversary of the Korean War armistice, which ended open hostilities and is celebrated as Victory Day.

A Chinese delegation, led by Communist Party Politburo member Li Hongzhong, also arrived in Pyongyang to attend the same anniversary events, which are expected to include a major military parade in the capital.

On Thursday, Kim gave Shoigu a tour of North Korea's arsenal, including the Hwasong intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), which was successfully tested in April.

The Russian minister also visited two new drone designs, including one resembling the primary offensive strike drone used by the US Air Force, according to NK News, a specialist site focusing on North Korea.

According to a report by the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim and Shoigu visited the "Weapons and Equipment Exhibition 2023."

The report also showed photos and footage that featured North Korea's largest intercontinental ballistic missiles, the Hwasong-17, and the Hwasong-18 solid-fuel ICBM.

Before visiting North Korea's newest and most advanced weaponry, Kim and Shoigu had discussed "matters of mutual concern in the field of national defense and security and on the regional and international security environment," KCNA added.

During the visit to the defense exhibition, Kim told Shoigu "about the weapons and equipment which were invented and produced" under North Korea's national defense plan and "repeatedly expressed belief that the Russian army and people would achieve big successes", the report further said.

Shoigu is making the first visit by a Russian defense minister to North Korea since the collapse of the Soviet Union.

"(Kim) expressed his views on the issues of mutual concern in the struggle to safeguard the sovereignty, development and interests of the two countries from the high-handed and arbitrary practices of the imperialists and to realize international justice and peace," KCNA said.

The North Korean state media did not refer to Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine but said that Kim "repeatedly expressed belief that the Russian army and people would achieve big successes in the struggle for building a powerful country."

Citing North Korean Defense Minister Kang Sun-nam as saying, KCNA reported that North Korea fully supported Russia's "battle for justice" and was determined to protect its sovereignty.

North Korea has backed Russia over the war in Ukraine, insisting that the "hegemonic policy" of the US-led NATO military alliance of Western governments forced Moscow to take military action to protect its national security interests.

The United States, in turn, has accused Pyongyang of providing arms to Russia to help combat the West-supplied Ukrainian forces. North Korea and Russia have, however, dismissed US claims as part of its usual publicity campaign against unfriendly countries.

Russia and China, meanwhile, have stood firm against US-led efforts at the United Nations Security Council to impose more sanctions against North Korea over its growing missile tests in response to increasing US military presence and war games in the Korean Peninsula.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






North Korean MQ-9 Reaper? Kim Jong-un Shows New Mystery Drone

Sputnik News

20230727

Oleg Burunov

The photographs of the unmanned aerial vehicles were presented at the "Weaponry Exhibition-2023" in Pyongyang, which was attended by Sergei Shoigu and Kim Jong-un within the framework of the Russian Defense Minister's visit to North Korea.

North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un has showed Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu the DPRK's new unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that look like the US-made drones, according to photos presented by North Korean state-run media.

A South Korean news agency in turn referred to the photos, which "appeared to be modeled after" a US MQ-9 Reaper and an American surveillance UAV RQ-4 Global Hawk attack and surveillance drone.

The news agency claimed that North Korea "has even conducted test flights of the two models," noting in this regard that if the North Korean version of the RQ-4 and Seoul's Global Hawk fly simultaneously over the Korean Peninsula, they would be "identical enough to mistake the aircraft types."

The photos along with a video of the drones were showcased at the "Weaponry Exhibition-2023" in Pyongyang, which was attended by Shoigu and Kim amid the Russian defense minister's three-day visit to North Korea, which wraps up later on Thursday.

The Russian Defense Ministry earlier said that a Russian delegation led by Shoigu would visit North Korea from on July 25-27 to participate in festive events on the occasion of the anniversary of "the victory of the Korean people" in the Korean War of 1950-1953.

The Ministry added that the visit would contribute to strengthening of military ties between Moscow and Pyongyang, also marking an important step in cooperation between the two countries.

A Sputnik

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Russian, Chinese Delegates Take Part in North Korea's 'Victory Day' Events

By Eunice Kim July 27, 2023

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un personally received a visiting Russian military delegation and a Chinese political delegation on the eve of the 70th anniversary of the state's self-proclaimed "Victory Day," utilizing the occasion for diplomacy after years of isolation sealed by strict COVID-19 controls.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Chinese Politburo member Li Hongzhong delivered letters to Kim from their respective leaders, Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping, state media KCNA said Thursday. It said Kim received the letters gratefully, noting their countries' decades of friendship.

The delegates were invited by Kim to a midnight musical performance, which celebrated the state's long-claimed win against the "brigandish armed invasion by U.S. imperialism," KCNA said.

The 1950-53 Korean War is referred to as the Fatherland Liberation War in North Korea, a bloody struggle that it incorrectly teaches was instigated by the United States and its allies. The 70th anniversary is one that Pyongyang needs to decorate with a significant measure of success.

Shoigu's three-day visit has been treated prominently by North Korean media. KCNA featured reports involving the Russian defense minister Thursday, including a tour through an indoor weapons exhibit led by Kim Jong Un.

The leader showed off North Korea's newest weaponry and equipment developed under its national defense development plan, the state television broadcaster announced, discussing trends in global weapons development and strategy.

The weaponry exhibition house featured intercontinental ballistic missiles and new unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), images showed. Observers in Seoul noted the UAVs appeared similar to the American-made Global Hawk, a remotely piloted high-altitude surveillance aircraft, and the MQ 9 Reaper, a hunter-killer UAV.

Kim "repeatedly expressed the belief that the Russian army and people would achieve big successes in the struggle for building a powerful country," the state broadcaster reported.

Prior to his meeting with Kim, Defense Minister Shoigu sat down with his North Korean counterpart, according to KCNA, to exchange views on "further strengthening the strategic and traditional relations" of the two countries. And while there was no clear indication a new weapons deal was in the works, it would be one that would be produced behind closed doors.

Washington, last year on at least two occasions, said Pyongyang is covertly supplying Moscow with "a significant number of artillery shells" to fuel its war on Ukraine, a charge both North Korea and Russia vehemently denied.

"Nobody - nobody should be helping Mr. Putin kill more Ukrainians," U.S. National Security Council communications coordinator John Kirby told reporters Wednesday. "But the fact that he's reaching out to North Korea, or could be, additionally, that wouldn't come as a surprise to anybody."

The South Korean government said it is closely monitoring developments, noting that Moscow's basic position is that it is opposed to Pyongyang's nuclear weapons possession and the escalation of tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

Its foreign ministry spokesperson expressed hopes on Thursday that the Russian delegation's visit will contribute to the cessation of such provocations and lead to North Korea's return to dialogue.

Meeting needs

The significance of Defense Minister Shoigu's high-profile visit a at a crucial phase in Moscow's war with Ukraine a was not lost on analysts in Seoul. Shoigu's trip marks the first cabinet-level trip since Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov came to Pyongyang in May 2018, when diplomacy between the U.S. and North Korea was more active.

The needs this time are different, as Shoigu is poised to become the first Russian defense minister to attend North Korea's "Victory Day" military parade, expected Thursday night.

"Russia needs cooperation against the United States and the so-called Western world because we are seeing very cohesive groups [form] against Russia's Ukraine war," said Park Won Gon, a professor at Ewha Womans University. "And for North Korea, especially Kim Jong Un, he needs some kind of achievement to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the so-called Victory Day."

Having not only China's delegation but also Russia's defense head stand side-by-side with Kim at a soon-to-be-held military parade would send a "very clear message to the North Korean people and the world that North Korea is getting support from these two countries and is no longer isolated or a rogue state," Park added.

"North Korea is directly benefiting from the strategic environment created by the war in Ukraine," Boo Hyeong Wook, a researcher at the Korea Institute for Defense Analyses, wrote last week. "China and Russia have lost the motivation to put the brakes on North Korea's nuclear speeding, and there is a high probability that Pyongyang will force the status of a de facto nuclear power through highly volatile military provocations."

China a in its choice of an envoy to North Korea's celebrations a appears to be more muted in its support for remembrances that strike close to home. China lost hundreds of thousands of soldiers in North Korea's fight to claim all of Korea in 1950.

Beijing's delegation is led by Li Hongzhong, who, analysts note, is a non-permanent member of the Politburo Standing Committee. In 2018, China had dispatched to North Korea Li Zhanshu, a permanent member of its Communist Party's top decision-making body and its third ranked official. He is now retired.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Grand Military Parade Held to Celebrate 70th Anniversary of Great War Victory

Korean Central News Agency of DPRK

Pyongyang, July 28 (KCNA) -- The 70th anniversary of the victory in the Fatherland Liberation War is being celebrated across the DPRK as an auspicious holiday of the country and its people in the glorious course of glorifying heroic Korea's history and traditions of great succession and dashing toward a greater victory under the uplifted banner of independent in politics, self-supporting in economy and self-reliant in national defence, guided by the ever-victorious Workers' Party of Korea.

All the people are filled with the great pride and confidence of greeting the 70th war victory anniversary with the unshakable faith and will to give eternal continuity to the undying history of the war victory which saved the new-born republic from the danger of collapse and preserved human peace by averting a new world war with the inexhaustible strength resulting from the single-minded unity around the great leader and the great Party and indomitable fighting spirit.

A grand military parade took place in Pyongyang, the capital city of the DPRK, on the evening of July 27, the eternal war victory holiday of the glorious DPRK, in celebration of the 70th anniversary of the victory in the great Fatherland Liberation War.

The sculpture "Victory", symbolic of heroism of the army and people of the DPRK who inflicted the most miserable defeat upon the U.S. imperialists in the history of war and brought about the beginning of ruin for them, was shedding its bright rays on Kim Il Sung Square, where an endless stream of military paraders of the strong revolutionary army, a reliable defender of the DPRK government, and entities of its inexhaustible national defence capabilities, would go past representing the history of ever-victorious Juche Korea.

The strategic reconnaissance drone and the multi-purpose attack drone which was newly developed and produced and is to be furnished for the KPA air force made circular flights in the sky above the square for the military parade to add to the joy of the people who have celebrated July 27 representing victory and glory of Juche Korea generation after generation.

Then, youth and students started their dancing party to rev up the festive atmosphere around the magnificent sculpture "Victory" representing the costly self-sacrifice of the victorious wartime generation for the country and the noble soul and reflecting the dignity and spirit of the great country and the great victors on the eminence of the world.

When the defenders of the country and heroes of the myth of the epoch-making war victory in the 1950s, who have provided the great privilege and honor of celebrating the great war victory generation after generation, entered the military parade square amid the display of fireworks, youth and students presented bouquets and flowers to them and the audience loudly applauded them.

The State Merited Chorus in charge of playing military parade music entered the square.

A combined military band started its ceremonial performance as a curtain-raiser to the military parade.

With cheerful melodies and dynamic rhythms, the music players represented the great joy and excitement that filled the square celebrating the war victory 70 years ago and the proud history of the victorious of war by revolutionary armed forces which have reliably carried forward the spirit of the heroic generation.

The members of the guards of honor of the KPA showed the invincible spirit and militant optimism of the one-match-for-a-hundred army through their peculiar and skilful handling of rifles to the tune of exciting revolutionary military music.

Then, the parade units of the ever-victorious heroic army, the elite armed forces of the DPRK, dignified with its invincibility, entered the square to the tune of music played by a grand parade orchestra.

Colors of the guard units which glorified the 1 129 days of the Fatherland Liberation War with feats and the matchless elite units which have demonstrated invincibility in the confrontation with the U.S.-led imperialists spanning the two centuries were brought and lined up at the entrance to the square.

All the members of the military parade were looking up to the platform of the square, greatly excited to be reviewed by Kim Jong Un , symbol of the mightiness and absolute dignity of socialist Korea and banner of all victories and glory.

A solemn reception ceremony of the guards of honor of the Korean People's Army (KPA) took place when Kim Jong Un , general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and president of the State Affairs of the DPRK, arrived at the square.

After receiving a salute from the head of the guards of honor of the KPA, he reviewed the guards of honor and the colors of major units of the KPA.

Kim Jong Un , Supreme Commander of the armed forces of the DPRK, was greeted by commanding officers of the Ministry of National Defence, the large combined units and combined units of the KPA.

The respected Comrade Kim Jong Un came out to the platform of the military parade square amid the playing of welcome music.

The moment, all the members of the military parade and the participants in the celebrations broke into stormy cheers of "Hurrah!" as a token of their highest tribute to Kim Jong Un , outstanding leader and the great brilliant commander, who has injected tremendous vitality into the lifeblood of the Korean revolution and provided a firm guarantee for eternally carrying forward the ever-victorious history of Juche Korea.

He was presented with bouquets of fragrant flowers by pretty children.

He warmly waved back to the enthusiastically cheering paraders and participants.

Taking the platform were Ri Pyong Chol, member of the Presidium of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the WPK, vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission of the WPK and secretary of the C.C., WPK, commanding officers of the Ministry of National Defence, commanders and political commissars of the KPA large combined units, and commanders of the combined units.

Senior Party and government officials and veteran cadres who had worked at the Party, the government and the military for a long time took the special seats of the platform.

Present there on invitation were General Sergei Shoigu, minister of Defence of the Russian Federation, Li Hongzhong, vice-chairman of the Standing Committee of the Chinese National People's Congress, and other members of the Russian military delegation and the Chinese party and government delegation visiting the DPRK to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the victory in the great Fatherland Liberation War, and diplomatic envoys of Russia and China here.

The participants in the celebrations for the 70th anniversary of the victory in the Fatherland Liberation War, including war veterans, persons of wartime merits, persons of exemplary traits in supporting the army, persons of merits, labor innovators, exemplary service persons and descendents of martyrs, were present on the reviewing stands.

A ceremony for hoisting the national flag of the DPRK was solemnly held.

To the tune of the song "Our National Flag" that instills patriotism into all people, demonstrators in formation depicting the DPRK Hero Medal entered the square, being reviewed by the colors of the KPA combined units at all levels.

Along with the spotlighted Hero Medal that represents the spirit of the heroic people who defeated the two formidable imperialist enemies in one generation under the guidance of the great leader and symbolizes the valuable dignity and honor of Juche Korea winning the most brilliant victory in the face of the stern tempest of the revolution, war veterans handed the flag of the DPRK, which they defended at the cost of their blood in the flames of the war, to members of the KPA guard of honor.

The sacred national flag, the undying banner which was held aloft at the fore of advance by the victors of the great years, the flag which represents the prestige and might of the country being powerful as an independent nation and reflects the boundless pride and happiness of the Korean people, was hoisted slowly amid the solemn playing of the national anthem of the DPRK.

All the participants paid high tribute to the national flag, looking up to it with a surge of excitement.

Fireworks were displayed in the sky of significant July and the square of the military parade was filled with emotion and joy when the flag of the DPRK shining as a symbol of eternal victory and justice began fluttering at the top of the flagpole.

A 21-gun salute was fired to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the victory in the Fatherland Liberation War.

Kang Sun Nam, member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the WPK and minister of National Defence of the DPRK, made a speech.

He said that it is a great honor of the service personnel of the armed forces of the DPRK and a great auspicious event for all the Korean people to hold a military parade for celebrating the war victory day at the square where the shouts of "Hurrah!" reverberated with the joy over the great victory after firmly defending the country from the armed invasion by the U.S. imperialists and their vassal forces 70 years ago.

Saying the military parade, which will show the history of the great victory through a striking demonstration of great strength, shall be the greatest-ever one in the world, the most unique and powerful festival for marking the victory in the war, the speaker stressed that the DPRK, led by the invincible revolutionary Party and the outstanding leader, will prosper forever and the great Korean people propelling the revolutionary cause of Juche, the cause of socialism, will always emerge victorious in glory.

Then followed a review of the preparations for the parade.

KPA Marshal Ri Pyong Chol, vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission of the WPK, was told by Army General Kang Sun Nam, minister of National Defence of the DPRK, that the military parade units lined up to be reviewed for the parade preparations.

He reviewed the parade units.

Then he reported the Supreme Commander of the armed forces of the DPRK that the military parade for celebrating the 70th anniversary of the great victory in the Fatherland Liberation War was ready to start.

The grand parade began with the entry of a column of paraders in wartime officer uniform carrying a picture depicting the venerable image of President Kim Il Sung who glorified the history of the hard-won great war victory.

Ri Myong Su, a war veteran, was in the van of the marching column holding the portraits of the brave anti-Japanese and anti-U.S. fighters including Kim Chaek, Kang Kon, Kim Il and Ryu Kyong Su who performed the undying feats to be eternally recorded in the history of the great war victory, deeming their loyalty to the leader conscience and honor, morality and obligation, before regarding it as their duty.

Led by a war veteran Choe Yong Rim, the column of the paraders in wartime bodyguard company uniform marched past the square with the portraits of the ardent loyalists including Hyon Chol Hae, Yon Hyong Muk and Pak Song Bong, who became a fortress and shield to devotedly defend the Supreme Command during the war, to remind the spectators of the historical iron truth that the outstanding leader and the genuine revolutionaries who devotedly defended him are always together in the history of the great war victory.

Columns of the first guard unit of the revolutionary armed forces, legendary guard divisions and guard regiments entered the square one after another, holding aloft their colors reflecting the immortal feats they performed to make a breakthrough for advance at every strategic stage of the Fatherland Liberation War.

The column of the Guards Kang Kon 2nd Infantry Division, whose soldiers destroyed a large number of enemy troops and combat equipment in each stage of the fierce war, performed matchless feats in the battles for defending Height 1211 and plunged the aggressors into a "trap valley" of ruin, started its march, holding the portraits of Commander of Division Choe Hyon and KPA heroes produced by the division, including Ri Su Bok and An Yong Ae.

They were followed by the column of the Guards Seoul 3rd Infantry Division, the arrow unit of advance which performed the admirable feats in the operation for liberating Seoul, annihilated the "Smith commando", a scouting unit of the U.S. imperialist aggressors, in the Osan battle and set a brilliant example of the modern siege in the operation for liberating Taejon, and the column of the Seoul Kim Chaek 4th Infantry Division, a world-famous brave combat unit.

The column of the Guards 6th Infantry Division renowned for its high mobility and serial strike warfare and the column of the Andong 12th Infantry Division, a unit of tigers which fought in the eastern mountainous areas, went past the square holding the portraits of Hero Han Kye Ryol who pioneered the movement of "My Height" and Hero Jo Sun Ok and Hero Kang Ho Yong who became human bombs during the war.

Then, the columns of the Guards 10th Infantry Regiment which produced 16 brave fighters of Phohang, the Guards 18th Infantry Regiment, a winged tiger unit which ran over 40 km in a single night to block the enemy's retreat and conclude the siege on Taejon, and the Guards 14th Infantry Regiment and the Guards 86th Infantry Regiment whose soldiers stroke horror into the enemy by becoming human bullets and swords standing in the van of the victorious advance directed by the Supreme Command, marched past the square, fluttering their colors reflecting their great exploits.

The columns of the Guards 56 Pursuit Aircraft Regiment, whose propeller planes shot down the then latest fighter planes of the enemy, including B-29 heavy bomber advertised by the U.S. imperialists as an aerial fortress, in the early days of the war, and the column of the Second Torpedo Boat Squadron whose four torpedo boats destroyed the heavy cruiser "Baltimore" and a light cruiser of the enemy in the Jumunjin naval battle, a miracle unprecedented in the world war history, went past the square to remind the spectators of the heroic phoenix-like pilots and death-defying sailors during the war.

The audience loudly applauded the columns symbolic of the feats of the wartime guard units which provided the traditions of eternal victory of the country by demonstrating the mettle of heroic Korea in turning the crime-woven tradition of "upturn" of the U.S. imperialists into the one of disgrace and defeat.

The column symbolic of the railway soldiers who performed matchless feats in munitions transport in the flames of war and the column representing the Ministry of the Interior whose soldiers discovered in time the enemy's aggression war plan in the battle fields without gunfire and promptly detected and purged many spies and saboteurs to make distinguished contributions to the victory of the war, marched past the square. Then, the columns symbolic of the children, men and women guerillas who had fought against the aggressors in the death-defying battles against aggressors by inheriting the invaluable traditions of the anti-Japanese war appeared on the square with fluttering red flags and the flags of the Children's Union to represent the history of indomitable resistance.

The columns of wartime mechanized units entered the square filled with the heroic fighting spirit and stamina of the victorious wartime generation.

Led by Tank No. 312, which had plunged itself into the citadel of the enemy three days after the start of the war before any others, mercilessly smashing the aggressors, and hoisted the flag of the DPRK on the rooftop of the puppet capitol building, the column representing the wartime unit which liberated Seoul went past the square, reminding the spectators of the excitement and joy on the historic liberation day.

The column symbolic of the guards anti-air artillery regiments, which successfully carried out the capital city anti-air defence duty to defend the security of the Supreme Command and shot down or damaged more than 640 enemy planes during the war, moved past the square with artillery pieces shining with their heroic feats.

The column of the heavy machinegun carriages, whose crack shots mercilessly killed the aggressors to dauntlessly defend every inch of the homeland during the war, cantered past the square, telling the signal military exploits they performed by overpowering the U.S. imperialists' numerical and technical superiority in the spirit of devotedly defending the country and with the Juche-oriented war methods and tactics.

They were followed by the representatives of the army strong in idea and faith, the elite revolutionary army filled with the spirit of devotedly defending the Party Central Committee and the heroic fighting spirit.

The column of honorary cavalrymen trotted past the square in the spirit of advancement of the heroic KPA which is carrying forward generation after generation the precious traditions of defending the leader pioneered in the bloody anti-Japanese war and further consolidated in the flames of the anti-U.S. struggle, and dashing along the single road of victory indicated by the leader.

The columns of the Guard Office of the WPK Central Committee, the Guard Department of the State Affairs Commission, the Bodyguard Department, the Bodyguard Command, marched past the square in majestic appearances, eloquently proving the invincible philosophy and the immutable truth that the eternal victory of Juche Korea and the happiness and prosperity of the posterity lie in devotedly defending the Party Central Committee.

Led by their commanders holding the swords for annihilating the enemy, the columns of the frontline corps marched past the square, proudly flying the colors of the invincible divisions and brigades which have always emerged victorious in the decades-long confrontation with the U.S.

The column of the naval and air forces, which are renowned for a series of myth-like historic victories they achieved by inflicting defeats upon the arrogant U.S. aggressors in the battles for protecting the territorial waters and sky of the country, and the columns of the Strategic Force and the Special Operations Force, which are symbolic of the tremendous strength of the DPRK armed forces, appeared on the square demonstrating their strong will to make the tradition of the bitter defeat a fate of the U.S. imperialists.

The columns of the unit for mountain warfare in the rear of the enemy and the 41st Amphibious Shock Battalion, which are fully ready to inflict a unimaginably terrible defeat on the enemy by infiltrating into the enemy positions at a lightening speed with the Korean-style Juche-based war methods and in the spirit of a-match-for-a-hundred attack, marched past the square, looking up to the platform.

Kim Jong Un extended warm militant greetings to the columns of the paraders marching in high spirits, holding high their glorious colors associated with the great feats they performed by winning one victory after another in the long-standing confrontation with the U.S., with their hearts burning with the unshakable class awareness, the uncompromising fighting spirit and the will of merciless punishment.

The military paraders loudly shouted "Hurrah!", looking up to the peerlessly brilliant commander who turned the KPA into the strong fist of justice filled with the revolutionary spirit of Paektu, the spirit of defending the country in the 1950s and the invincible fighting spirit, and into the invincible army capable of defeating any formidable enemy.

The columns of the corps, which are responsible for defending the capital city, and the columns of the corps, which are firmly guarding the coastal area of the country, the border and the depth of the rear, went past the military parade square rocked by the chants of the ardent resolution to unhesitatingly dedicate their lives to implementing the plan, intention and order of the Party and the leader just like the great revolutionary generations who braved the flames of the anti-U.S. war, and to win all the glory of life in doing so.

They were followed by the proud march-past by the columns of tank divisions, the units of iron-claw tigers, the columns of mechanized infantry divisions and the General Reconnaissance Bureau, which will hoist the flag of victory before anyone else on the target spots specified by the Party Central Committee in the same spirit, morale and mettle as the wartime guards tankmen, the columns of Kim Il Sung Military University, the highest seat of Juche-based military education for training the brave fighters for the showdown with the U.S.-led imperialists, and Kim Jong Il University of Military and Politics, the center for training the highest-ranking military officers of the country, and Kim Il Sung University of Politics, the pedigree institution for training the political officers of the KPA.

The columns of revolutionary schools, the ranks of the reliable successors who are successfully carrying forward the original lineage of the revolution and the traditions of victory generation after generation at the pedigree institutions for training the backbone of the revolution for guaranteeing the eternal purity of the revolutionary cause of Juche, and the column of the Worker-Peasant Red Guards, who are making full preparations for all-people resistance by turning every part of the country into iron wall, went past the square with loud footsteps.

Entering the square with the militant spirit to perform feats in the frontline of the class struggle were the columns of the Ministry of State Security, the Ministry of Public Security and the armed mobile unit of the Public Security Forces, which are demonstrating their might as the WPK's reliable political security units reliably defending the precious gains of the socialist country and the security of the people and the elite units holding a part of the revolutionary armed forces.

Kim Jong Un waved his hand as a token of his encouragement at the paraders who filled their single mind of upholding the Party Central Committee with the spirit of the victorious wartime generation out of their pledge of faith to glorify for seven hundred, seven thousand years the history of the great war victory and the 70-year-long history of struggle for preserving that victory.

The square was rocked by the loud chants of pledge by all the paraders to continue their dynamic advance for the permanent might and victory under the leadership of Kim Jong Un , the most brilliant commander in the world.

A parade flight of the people's air force began over the square overflowing with the great joy and festive mood on the war victory day.

A flight column depicting five-pointed stars and figure "70", flied across the sky of July above the square, representing the history of the great war victory of the DPRK unprecedented in the history of the world wars in the light of ferocity and heroism.

The columns of mechanized units started their parade, showing the mightiness, modernity and will of the revolutionary armed forces of the DPRK to deal merciless blows at the descendants of aggressors in the acute confrontation which continues generation after generation.

The columns of the main tanks, which will dash ahead in the van of the decisive battle for territorial restoration while giving vent to the bitter grudge of the victorious wartime generation who had to stop their advance near the southern coast of the country due to the lack of weapons, and the columns of artillerymen, the primary service of the People's Army, who will open up the road of advance of the frontline units with merciless gunfire, roared past the square.

The columns of tactical and long-range cruise missile units, which are on standby for fire, entered the square, declaring before the world the toughest stand of the revolutionary armed forces of the DPRK to mount unprecedentedly powerful final annihilating strikes upon the enemy in response to their frontal challenge.

The columns of the latest weaponry, which have become stepping-stones for giving eternal vitality to the name and the flag of the DPRK and rapidly enhancing its prestige, fully demonstrated the spirit of the nuclear combat force of the DPRK.

The columns of the DPRK's strategic weapons roared past the square.

Let's react to nuclear threats and all-out confrontation in kind!

The excitement and great joy of the spectators reached its height when the Second Red Flag Company of the General Missile Bureau entered the square with the ICBM Hwasongpho-18, the most powerful core mainstay of the strategic force of the DPRK, which is fully deterring and overwhelmingly countering the hostile forces' various nuclear war threats and provocative acts of aggression against the DPRK and reliably defending the security of the DPRK.

The column of the ICBM Hwasongpho-17 representing the might of the strategic force of the DPRK, an absolute entity of the might of the powerful state and its people capable of putting an end to the imperialist tyranny on the earth and saving the future of mankind, and a treasured sword for justice and peace, passed the square, led by the hero launcher in its van.

All the participants broke into cheers of "Hurrah!", looking up to Kim Jong Un , peerless patriot and invincible iron-willed commander who adds glory to the fame and honor of the DPRK, won by the victorious wartime generation 70 years ago, at the highest-ever level in the history of the nation and provided an ever-victorious treasured sword to be handed down to posterity with his strong pluck, far-sightedness and extraordinary leadership ability.

At the end of the parade, thunderous cheers of excitement again reverberated far and wide and fireworks were displayed in the nocturnal sky of the war victory day.

Kim Jong Un warmly waved his hands to acknowledge the enthusiastically cheering crowds.

The military parade for celebrating the 70th anniversary of the victory in the Fatherland Liberation War will be recorded in the history of the country as a grand political and military festival which demonstrated to the world the unshakable will of all the service personnel and people of the DPRK to accelerate the overall prosperity and development of socialism and create a new myth of war victory in the era of Kim Jong Un in the sacred war against the U.S.-led imperialists in their great heroic spirit and fighting traits. -0-

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Congratulatory Message of C.C., WPK to All Civilians and Servicepersons of DPRK

Korean Central News Agency of DPRK

Pyongyang, July 28 (KCNA) -- The Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) on Thursday sent a congratulatory message to all the DPRK civilians and service personnel of the Korean People's Army who made an immortal contribution to glorifying the tradition of victory of the heroic Korea.

The WPK Central Committee in the message paid high tribute to the war veterans and persons of wartime merits across the country, who performed immortal heroic feats in the past Fatherland Liberation War under the outstanding leadership of President Kim Il Sung , and extended warm congratulations to all the civilians and service personnel across the country, who have vigorously pushed the DPRK to today full of glory by giving full play to the matchless self-sacrificing spirit and devotion in every annals of the revolution, on the occasion of the significant V-Day.

70 years since the V-Day are a proud course in which the DPRK has put its national power and prestige onto the highest level and brought about epoch-making changes in all fields of state building by firmly preserving and steadily developing the honor and tradition of the war victory in the 1950s, the message said.

It noted the truth has been clearly proved that the road of Juche chosen by the DPRK is the most dignified way to live, though it is arduous and stern, and that only the state building up its own strength and opening up the road ahead of it by dint of self-reliance can win all glory and victory.

Today the DPRK is confidently advancing towards the grand goal for the comprehensive development of socialist construction, resolutely frustrating, with the strongest military muscle and overwhelming strength that no force can match, the U.S. imperialists' moves to provoke a war, the message said, and went on:

The mightiness and incomparable dignity of our country are a brilliant fruition of the ardent loyalty and patriotism of our people who have always supported the Party's intention absolutely and upheld it with single-minded efforts, regarding all hardships and trials as their pleasure.

Steadfast is the revolutionary will of our Party and people to devotedly defend the country associated with the sacred whole life of the great leaders, our socialist system defended and glorified by the revolutionary forerunners at the cost of their blood, and demonstrate the glory of victors forever, though the road to victory may be very arduous.

Thanks to the great strength of loyalty and patriotism of all the people, strategic resources that can never be replaced by anything, the advance of our state will be further accelerated without letup and the name and flag of the DPRK will shine forever as a symbol of independence, justice and victory of socialism.

The WPK Central Committee in the message wished the war veterans and persons of wartime merits, who gave immortal dignity and honor to our country, longevity in good health under the respects and care of the whole society and expressed belief that all the civilians and service personnel will invariably go along the road of loyalty and patriotism and glorify the history and tradition of victory of heroic Korea forever. -0-

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Russian Military Delegation Leaves Pyongyang

Korean Central News Agency of DPRK

Pyongyang, July 28 (KCNA) -- A military delegation of the Russian Federation led by Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu left here on Thursday after paying a congratulatory visit to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the victory in the great Fatherland Liberation War.

Flags of the DPRK and the Russian Federation were fluttering at the flagstaffs at Pyongyang International Airport and the guards of honor of the Korean People's Army (KPA) lined up at the station before the airport terminal.

Present there to see off the delegation were Kang Sun Nam, minister of National Defence of the DPRK, Jong Kyong Thaek, director of the KPA General Political Bureau, Pak Su Il, chief of the KPA General Staff, and other commanding officers of the Ministry of National Defence, Im Chon Il, vice-minister of Foreign Affairs, and Alexandr Matsegora, Russian ambassador to the DPRK, and staff members of his embassy.

There was a farewell ceremony.

The national anthems of the Russian Federation and the DPRK were played.

Conducted by Kang Sun Nam, Sergei Shoigu reviewed the KPA guards of honor.

The plane carrying the goodwill mission of Russia, which made a meaningful contribution to further developing the traditional DPRK-Russia relations of friendship, took off amid the warm send-off by the KPA service personnel. -0-



NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un Meets Sergei Shoigu at Office Building of C.C., WPK

Korean Central News Agency of DPRK

Pyongyang, July 28 (KCNA) -- Kim Jong Un , general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) and president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, invited Minister of Defence Sergei Shoigu, head of the military delegation of the Russian Federation paying a congratulatory visit to the DPRK on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the victory in the Fatherland Liberation War, to the office building of the WPK Central Committee on Thursday morning.

The respected Comrade Kim Jong Un had a souvenir photo taken with Sergei Shoigu before having a comradely talk with him in his office.

He had a detailed and candid discussion with Sergei Shoigu on the important issues of mutual concern of the two countries.

He referred to the WPK and the DPRK government's judgment and principled stand on the rapidly changing international security environment and the military and political situation of the Korean peninsula and exchanged views with Sergei Shoigu on many issues.

The talk also sincerely discussed some issues arising in further developing the strategic and tactical collaboration and cooperation between the two countries in the field of defence and security.

Then he had a luncheon with Sergei Shoigu.

Sergei Shoigu expressed sincere thanks to Kim Jong Un for paying special attention to him and his military delegation's Pyongyang visit and lavishing warm hospitality on them. -0-





NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Meeting Held to Mark 70th Anniversary of Victory in Fatherland Liberation War Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un Attends Meeting

Korean Central News Agency of DPRK

Pyongyang, July 28 (KCNA) -- The great victory in the Fatherland Liberation War shining with legendary miracles is an unprecedented great event of special significance in the national and world history, in which the army and people of the DPRK made a history of heroic resistance striking the world people with admiration, consolidated the foundation for eternal victory and prosperity of the powerful DPRK and defended peace of humankind at the most acute outpost line of anti-imperialist independence under the leadership of the outstanding leader.

On the V-Day, an all-people and national holiday that gives the eternal glory and fame to the dignified DPRK, the whole country is paying the noble respects to the heroic generation who created the tradition of great victory with boundless loyalty, bravery and patriotism in the hard-fought war in the 1950s and has constantly developed the history of succession.

A meeting for celebrating the 70th anniversary of the victory in the Fatherland Liberation War took place with splendor in Pyongyang, the capital city, on July 27.

Kim Jong Un , general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, attended the meeting.

When the respected Comrade Kim Jong Un appeared at the platform of honor, all the participants raised enthusiastic cheers of "Hurrah!", looking up to him who represents the strength and dignity of the powerful DPRK and the symbol of eternal victory.

Acknowledging the enthusiastically cheering crowds, he warmly congratulated the Fatherland Liberation War participants and all the people across the country and the men and officers of the Korean People's Army (KPA) on the eternal V-Day of the glorious DPRK.

Taking the tribune were Kim Tok Hun, Jo Yong Won, Choe Ryong Hae and Ri Pyong Chol, members of the Presidium of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the WPK, and other senior officials of the Party and the government, chief secretaries of the provincial party committees, leading officials of the Standing Committee of the Supreme People's Assembly, the Cabinet and working people's organizations and war veterans.

The tribune was also taken by Kang Sun Nam, minister of National Defence of the DPRK, Jong Kyong Thaek, director of the KPA General Political Bureau, Pak Su Il, chief of the KPA General Staff, and other commanding officers of the Ministry of National Defence and commanders of the services and large combined units of the KPA.

Seen at the tribune were Sergei Shoigu, defence minister of the Russian Federation, and Li Hongzhong, vice-chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of the People's Republic of China.

Present at the meeting were war veterans and persons of wartime merits who are masters of the great heroic era, and activists in the traits of assisting the army, persons of distinguished services, labor innovators, descendants of martyrs, young builders, men and officers of the KPA and students of the revolutionary schools.

Present on invitation were members of the Russian military delegation and the Chinese party and government delegation on a visit to the DPRK for attending the celebrations of the 70th anniversary of the victory in the great Fatherland Liberation War and foreign diplomatic envoys here.

The national anthem of the DPRK was solemnly played.

Ri Il Hwan, member of the Political Bureau and secretary of the Central Committee of the WPK, made a speech in commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the war victory.

Upon authorization of the Party and the government, the speaker offered heartfelt greetings to the respected war veterans and persons of wartime merits who performed immortal feats in the Fatherland Liberation War under the leadership of President Kim Il Sung , the brilliant military strategist and invincible and iron-willed commander, handed down to the Korean people the history and tradition of victory to be remembered with pride century after century and took part in the celebrations of the 70th anniversary of the war victory to be specially recorded in history, in good health.

He also warmly congratulated all the people across the country and the KPA service personnel who greet the V-Day with high pride of having honorably safeguarded for 70 years the name and flag of the DPRK, defended by the first heroic generation of the DPRK at the cost of their blood, and fully demonstrated its dignity and might before the world.

And he extended heartfelt gratitude to the Communist Party of China, the government of the People's Republic of China and all the Chinese people who helped the DPRK's revolutionary war at the cost of blood and have invariably supported the just cause of the Korean Party and people, and warm greetings to the veterans of the Chinese People's Volunteers and bereaved families of those who took part in the war.

He said that the Fatherland Liberation War was unprecedented in terms of arduousness and fierceness as it was a war for defending the sovereignty, territory and people of the DPRK from the invasion by the formidable imperialist outsiders and a total war between the progressive and the reactionary for defending the socialist and democratic camp and peace of humankind from the arrogant scheme by the U.S. imperialists to dominate the whole world.

He noted that the confrontation between the young sovereign state and U.S. imperialism, which boasted of being "the strongest" in the world with the history of more than hundred years of aggression, was the harshest trial, but the DPRK and its people bravely turned out in the struggle for discharging their responsibility and mission given by the times and history and performed a miracle of frustrating the aggression offensives of the imperialist war maniacs.

Along with the war victory, the DPRK came to be clearly recognized by the world as a bulwark in the East that defends independence and justice by resolutely fighting against the most ferocious and formidable U.S. imperialism, and its dignified name and flag came to shine all over the world as a symbol of heroism and banner of victory in the anti-imperialist struggle, he said, referring to the historic significance and profound meaning of the victory in the war.

The historic significance of the war victory shining with gold letters in the history of the country lies in the fact that the history of heroic struggle of winning the greatest victory in the gravest circumstances was created and it was cemented into the tradition of the Korean revolution and the character of our national development, he said.

Thanks to the great history in which the war that could have been ended in a terrible tragedy was concluded with victory, a new history of the DPRK, in which it accomplished the great cause of building a powerful nation while setting up new milestone in such harsh annals, was created and legendary 70 years of defending the regional and global peace from all sorts of injustice and tyranny were recorded in the history of the country, he stressed.

The legendary annals and watersheds of changes that astonished the world over the past 70 years since the day of the war victory were all witnessed in the periods when the internal and external situation was complicated and the country faced difficulties, he pointed out, adding that all the heroic feats that stirred up the times were linked to the revolutionary spirit of the victorious wartime generation.

He said what the DPRK held fast to like the banner in the face of trials that are too severe for a country and nation was the history and tradition of war victory which transformed the most arduous years into ones of miracle and what its people cherished as an example of their life and struggle was the indomitable fighting spirit and legendary feats of the victorious wartime generation.

The speaker said that millions of young people, aware of the honor and mission of being descendants of the victorious wartime generation, rushed to the places called by the country to steadily carry forward the heroic epic of the Korean youth with youthful passion and fearless mettle. He went on:

And all the people strived to build socialism in the spirit of the wartime generation and with an indomitable will as intended by the Party Central Committee, thus proving once again the truth of history that nothing is more firm and reliable than the unity of the people rallied around the great leader and that no force is more powerful than their staunch anti-imperialist revolutionary spirit.

This gathering shared by the creators and eyewitnesses of history who achieved the fame of heroic Korea despite the worst-ever challenges and misfortune and the trustworthy descendents who carried forward their noble soul and lifeblood is like an epitome of the country's 70-year history showing how the lifeline of our revolution has been inherited, how the nature of our state has been preserved and how our national power has grown stronger.

All generations have been firmly carried forward by a single red bloodline and become a whole of one life thanks to the history and tradition of the great war victory no matter how much water flows under the bridge. Herein lies the factor that the orthodoxy of our revolution has been preserved to date, and the strength peculiar to our state which is free from degeneration and frustration.

It is the greatest honor and pride of our Party and people to have the history of victory that will defend the strong breath of the ever-victorious Korean revolution and add eternal luster to the mightiness and invincibility of the Republic.

The war provided the DPRK with the glory of victory and the intense experience that a horrible war should not be repeated as well as the goal of building a powerful country at all costs, the speaker said, stressing that if it had had the strength powerful enough to frustrate the U.S. imperialists' ambition for aggression, the war would not have ended in ceasefire on this land.

As they are mindful of that bitter experience and towering grudge and can no longer live as a target of aggression, the WPK and the DPRK government have made a strenuous advance to bolster up the military capability, regarding self-defence as a keynote policy despite all challenges and hardships of history, and history remembers how peace has been maintained and defended for many years on this land turned into a fierce theatre of confrontation between the two parties conflicting with each other ideologically and institutionally, he said, adding:

The history of strength of the DPRK and its people can neither be stopped nor delayed as the U.S., an aggressive and hegemonic entity exists on this planet. If the U.S. imperialists run amuck, failing to clearly understand the trend of the times and the changed reality, and ignite another war in Korea, they are certain to be buried in the grave of history together with their excessive ambition.

The speaker said that 70 years ago the Korean people waged a heroic struggle, enjoying selfless mental and material assistance from the peace-loving peoples of the world and thus created a great history in which justice beat injustice and progress overwhelmed reaction.

During the Fatherland Liberation War, the Chinese party and government dispatched their excellent sons and daughters to the Korean front despite difficult conditions and thus devotedly contributed to the victory in the war and made a great contribution to safeguarding the security of their country and defending the socialist eastern outpost, he said.

The Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) formed a good tradition of winning victory by dint of revolutionary unity after becoming one with the Korean People's Army in the staunch revolutionary spirit against imperialism while fighting in the same trench together with the KPA, he said, adding that the Korean party and people of will never forget the militant feats and historic achievements performed by the officers and men of the CPV and will always remember them in the future, too.

The speaker once again warmly welcomed General Sergei Shoigu, defence minister of the Russian Federation, a friendly neighboring country, who came to Pyongyang in congratulation of the great holiday of the DPRK and extended heartfelt militant salute to the Russian government, army and people who have turned out in the historic struggle for defeating the groups threatening and damaging its sovereignty, security and interests and building powerful Russia.

Saying that as long as there exist dominationist forces and high-handed practices to cook up and incite bloody confrontation, coup and war in different parts of the planet in pursuance of hegemony and expansion and restrict and hurt other countries, no country and region can be safe, he stressed that the DPRK government and people will stand firmly on the side of those countries against the U.S. hegemony and fight in the same trench with them.

He affirmed that the Korean people would fight unyieldingly and staunchly, united around the great Comrade Kim Jong Un for eternal peace, prosperity and development on this land, for the immortality of the noble sacrifice and beautiful soul of many sung and unsung brave soldiers and for the great powerful country where their desire would be translated into reality and for the eternal prosperity of the beloved DPRK which will shine for all ages.

At the meeting, Sergei Shoigu read out a congratulatory speech sent by Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, president of the Russian Federation, to the participants in the meeting for celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Korean people's victory in the Fatherland Liberation War on the occasion of the victory day.

All the participants expressed their gratitude with the ardent applause for the speech of President Putin who extended heartfelt congratulations to the respected Comrade Kim Jong Un and the participants on the glorious holiday of victory of the Korean people.

Jo Yong Won, Presidium member of the Political Bureau and secretary for Organizational Affairs of the WPK Central Committee, conveyed a congratulatory message from the WPK Central Committee to all the people and service personnel who have made immortal contributions to glorifying the tradition of victory of heroic Korea.

All the participants were impressed by the congratulatory message that reviewed the 70-year history of struggle which firmly linked the idea of pioneering the Korean revolution to the new century and clearly proved before the world the scientific accuracy and immortality of our idea and cause as the immutable truth that no one can deny and that showed the unwavering will of the WPK to defend the country, associated with the sacred life of President Kim Il Sung and Chairman Kim Jong Il , and the socialist system upheld through the heroic struggle and costly self-sacrifice of the revolutionary forerunners and demonstrate the honor of victors forever.

They more deeply cherished the conviction that the ever-victorious history and tradition will be immortal as they hold in high esteem Kim Jong Un , peerless patriot and great defender of peace who is firmly turning the heroic fighting spirit of the victorious wartime generation into the blood vessel of the Korean revolution and ushering in a new era of a prosperous and powerful country independent in politics, self-supporting in the economy and self-reliant in national defence.

The meeting served as a significant occasion that fully displayed the unshakable faith and will of the WPK and the people of the DPRK to build the country, defended by the forerunners at the risk of their lives, into a eternally thriving socialist power with the transparent spirit of defending the country and the revolution as a treasured sword of victory and the invincibility of Korean-style socialism. -0-

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Macron Says France Aims to Increase Military Presence in Indo-Pacific

Sputnik News

20230727

PARIS (Sputnik) - France will increase its military presence in the Indo-Pacific region by sending an additional 200 military personnel, French President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday.

"Our strategy in the Indo-Pacific region is based on diplomatic and military engagement. An additional 200 military personnel will be sent and 150 million euros [$163 million] will be allocated for our army here," Macron said during his visit to Vanuatu as part of a regional tour.

Before traveling to Vanuatu, Macron visited the French overseas territory of New Caledonia on Monday for three days. His tour will also include a visit to Papua New Guinea.

Under its "military programming" bill, France plans to invest in military equipment and manpower in New Caledonia and 200 million euros will be allocated for the development of the region in the next five years, Macron noted.

The military programming bill seeks to bring France's spending commitments in line with NATO's target of 2% of GDP. The country will increase its net military spending to 413 billion euros in 2024-2030 from the 295 billion allocated in 2019-2025.

France's yearly defense budget is estimated to total just over 45 billion euros in 2023, and then add about 3 billion euros every year by 2027 and 4.3 billion euros annually starting 2028. France aims to overhaul its military capabilities, including nuclear deterrence, cyberdefense and space security.

A Sputnik

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Transcript of Weekly Media Briefing by the Official Spokesperson (July 27, 2023)

India - Ministry of External Affairs

July 27, 2023

Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Very good afternoon to all of you. Thank you for joining us for this weekly media briefing. I don't have any particular announcements, so maybe I'll open the floor for questions.

Sidhant: Hi, Sir. Sidhant from WION. My question to you is the readout from China's side over the meeting between NSA Doval and China's Wang Yi. They claim that there was a consensus between Prime Minister Modi and Chinese President in Bali. If any comments can come from the Indian side from the MEA.

Reza: Reza from the Hindustan Times. Same question, but actually since Sidhant has already asked it, three members of an Indian Wushu team couldn't travel to China because they were given stapled visas because they're from Arunachal. I was wondering if you'd like to comment on that and what is our stand now on this issue of stapled visas.

Yeshi Seli: Yeshi Seli from the New Indian Express. The Parliamentary Standing Committee yesterday has suggested, amongst other things, that India starts, considers economic cooperation with Pakistan. Any comment?

Ayushi Agarwal: Sir Ayushi Agarwal from ANI. Sir this is regarding the Indians trapped in the fake job racket in Myanmar. We saw this statement by our Mission yesterday. Just wanted to know how many Indians are still trapped in the region in Yangon and in the neighboring like Laos and Cambodia if we can have a sense of that. How many Indians are trapped and how many are still, that needs to be get rescued?

Abhishek Jha: Hi, Sir. Abhishek Jha from CNN News18. My question is regarding this statement by the Government that illegally from Myanmar about 700 more, 700 plus people have entered India. So have you escalated this with the Myanmar government as well?

Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Okay. Let me try this round of questions and I'll come back for a few more. Sidhant, on your question regarding the statement I think about the NSA meeting with his counterpart, I think that was what you were referring to. Look, we have already issued a readout of the conversation, but your question I think was specific to a meeting, in reference to a Bali meeting. Now if you would recall that during the Bali G20 Summit last year, we had said, Foreign Secretary had said at briefing, that Prime Minister and President Xi Jinping at the conclusion of that dinner hosted by the Indonesian President, they exchanged courtesies and also spoke of the need to stabilize our bilateral relations. As you are aware, we have steadfastly maintained that the key to resolution of this whole issue is to resolve the situation along the LAC on the western sector of the India-China boundary and to restore peace and tranquility in the border areas. So that's what would be my response to that. Reza, your question regarding stapled visas, you mean yesterday evening or yesterday night's development. Look on that issue, let me just take you back...this has been something that we have discussed many years ago, our long-standing and consistent position is that there should be no discrimination or differential treatment on the basis of domicile or ethnicity in the visa regime for Indian citizens holding valid Indian passports. It has come to our notice that stapled visas were issued to some of our citizens representing the country in an international sporting event in China. This is unacceptable and we have lodged our strong protest with the Chinese side, reiterating our consistent position on the matter and India reserves the right to suitably respond to such actions.

Yeshi, on your question...look on the Parliamentary Standing Committee, this is the 22nd, I think Committee report...there are Parliamentary conventions and we cannot comment on recommendations. There is a process under which we will respond to the recommendations made by the Parliamentary Standing Committee in all its depth, there are a number of recommendations on various aspects, particularly Neighborhood First as well as our other relationships. So I am afraid today won't be an opportune or corrective time for me to comment on that. Our position on, of course, relations with Pakistan is well known. But let us wait for what the Ministry will formally convey to Parliament, I think that would be the right way of going about it.

Speaker: Sir, isko Hindi mein.

[Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] Sir, in Hindi.

Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Maine jaise kaha aapko ki...jaise Yeshi ko kaha abhi, Parlimentary Standing Committee ki report ke bare mai woh prashn tha. Ye uchit nahi hoga ke hum abhi ispe koi jawab de. Kyuki uska ek niyam aur ek system rehta hai unka ke humko jawab Parlimentary Standing Committee ko hi dena padta hai. Toh uske liye wait kar le. Pakistan pe hamara kya rawaiyya aur kis tarah se cooperation karta hai ye toh sabko bhali bhanti malum hai par Parliament ke jo specific recommendations hain iske bare mai detailed response hum Parliament ko hi de payenge, abhi uspe comment karna uchit nahi hoga.

[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] As I said, just like I told Yeshi, the question was about the Parliamentary Standing Committee's report. It's not appropriate for us to give any answer on it right now. Because there is a rule and a system in place that we have to answer to the Parliamentary Standing Committee. So, let's wait for that. Everyone knows well our stand on Pakistan and how our cooperation is, but when it comes to the specific recommendations of the Parliament, we will provide a detailed response to Parliament itself. Commenting on it right now would not be appropriate.

Ayushi, your question, I wasn't sure what you exactly had in mind, because this issue has been coming, you know, every now and then it pops up. We haven't heard too many new cases, except of course there was a statement by our Mission in Yangon. But let me refer you actually to the statement that has been made, I think it was in Rajya Sabha...day before or was it in Lok Sabha yesterday, I forget. We have answered a statement where we have given a sense of the numbers. In Myanmar how many have been repatriated or rescued from there. How many are still, you know, stuck is very difficult to estimate and I would not like to speculate and we have discussed this in the past. But over 200...I think 290 odd numbers were talked about that actually come back; similarly from Cambodia, Laos. So, different routes that is happening, but I would refer you...since Parliament is in session, to refer you to our...the Parliament question that was responded to. I think that would give you exact picture of what is happening on that.

Abhishek, your query was on this media reports about, I think, Myanmar, how many people...

Abhishek Jha: Government statement.

Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: I am not sure it is a Government statement. Somebody said, but I am not sure it is a Government statement. Atleast I have not seen the Government statement. So, let me make the following points. One, the issue of illegal migration, illegal immigration is dealt with by other agencies. So, let me refer you to them on this issue, specific issue of illegal immigration. Of course, from a larger perspective, as you are aware, since February 2021, the security situation in Myanmar has had implications for our North-Eastern states. Illegal trans-boundary movements, human trafficking, drug trafficking and smuggling are among our growing concerns and these issues have been raised with the Myanmar authorities. You would also recall, EAM met his Myanmari counterpart in Bangkok earlier this month and I think we responded to this last week. EAM had raised the importance of ensuring peace and stability along the border areas, you know, between our two countries, which have been seriously disturbed recently. So, let me leave it at that.

Pia: Hi, Pia with the Print. The US State Department recently commented on a viral video that came out of Manipur calling it brutal and terrible and it also encouraged a peaceful and inclusive resolution to the violence in Manipur. Any reaction from MEA on this?

Kallol: Kallol from the Hindu. Several leaders in Manipur have raised concerns about narco-terrorism coming from Myanmar. The language is often very aggressive and sort of seems to blame Myanmar for many things that are going wrong in Manipur. What is really your take on that? I mean, is really India's relation with Myanmar taking a hit?

Suhasini: Arindam, I would like you to clarify what you just said. Because you said that the Prime Minister met with President Xi Jinping at the conclusion dinner in Bali and you said that they exchanged courtesies and they discussed the border situation. That's not something that was said before. I am just looking right now at the Foreign Secretary's own press conference at the time and he said, I will only say that Prime Minister Modi and President Xi Jinping who were both at the dinner yesterday hosted, exchanged courtesies at the conclusion of the dinner. So, I just wanted to confirm that there was more actually discussed because so far nobody has said anything substantial was discussed in the manner that was reported in the Chinese statement.

Ileana: Good afternoon. Ileana TASS News Agency. Today and tomorrow, Russia hosts the 2nd Russia-Africa Summit in St. Petersburg. A lot of African leaders came to Russia and my question is, so do you follow this deliberation, these discussions, and how Russia and India, maybe, can deepen its cooperation on Africa? And also on the sidelines of the Summit, Russian President said that Russia expects that African Union will become a full member of G20. So what is India's position on such new member of G20? And maybe this issue already included in the text of the final declaration of the Summit.

Rodriguez: Good afternoon, Rodriguez from Prensa Latina. My question is related to the Summit of the Group of 77 plus China that will be held in Cuba on September 15 and 16. First, I would like to know if it is already known which Indian personality will participate in that event and I would also like an opinion about Cuba's role as President of that group. If it is possible, your answer in Spanish would be perfect. Thank You.

Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: While I do speak Spanish, I think there's not the appropriate forum to speak in other languages as I limited to Hindi and English. But anyway, let me try to the answer next round.

Pia, let me start with your query. You are referring to...there have been a media report recently of some different things. But look, I will limit myself to what I have actually seen...the statements. I think there was a statement by the Deputy spokesperson. Let me just mention...let me take you to Manipur perspective first. As you are aware, this is a matter on which our authorities, particularly the viral video on that incident as you mentioned, but other incidents also, on which our authorities are taking action to bring the perpetrators to justice and restore peace and normalcy in Manipur. We have seen those comments that you referred to by the US State Department, I think it is July 25th, which also acknowledge the same. So there is not much I can say beyond that, to that statement.

Kallol, I answered at length all the concerns that we had about the developments in Myanmar that is having impact, not just in Manipur perhaps, but across in our Northeast. And I did mention about drug trafficking, human trafficking, drugs, illegal smuggling, etc. So I think that is something that is of concern and we have raised it with the authorities in Myanmar. I am not going to make sweeping comments about our relationship with Myanmar, as you characterized in a particular way, I am certainly not going to do that. There are issues that we need to discuss, there are other things that we are also discussing with them, including on our bilateral aspects. As you have seen, including during the recent meeting between EAM and his counterpart, he talked about the issues that are on our agenda, so let me leave it at that.

Suhasini, you are correct on that. I should have clarified. That is my statement, so let me repeat again for clarification. During the Bali G20 Summit last year, Prime Minister and President Xi Jinping, at the conclusion of the dinner hosted by the Indonesian President, exchanged courtesies and spoke of the need to stabilize our bilateral relations. So that is the statement I am making. I think Foreign Secretary did mention, maybe he did not mention the second part of it. He did talk about exchanging courtesies and I think there was the general discussion or spoke of the need to stabilize our bilateral relationship or relations and how we see that I explained that...I am sure you would have picked up.

Ileana, your question has two parts to it. Let me start with the second part. On the African Union becoming a permanent member, they are, every time invited, they are a permanent invitee, they are there at every G20 Summit. We have invited them as the Chair of the AU, but there is also, as you know...we spoke about it I think some time ago, that Prime Minister has written to his counterparts, proposing that the African Union be admitted as a full member and we hope that this does happen. It will be premature to say this till all countries...it works by consensus. So let us see what happens in the final thing, but India would be supportive and would like to assist the AU become a full member of the G20. And I will have to check the exact dates, but I understand it was some time ago. And, of course, you mentioned Russia has conveyed its support, I have not seen that, but if it is so, obviously, that will be a positive step in that direction that we want it to go.

On the Russia-African Summit...yes, of course, we follow international developments, all international developments closely, but I would not be able to answer in any particular detail about whether we have discussed with Russia and...lets say, in the last bilateral conversation, cooperating in third countries, particularly in Africa, I would have to check that. But as I said, overall, we have ourselves a very robust cooperation mechanism with African countries. So I do not know what exactly would be the contours of what we would do with Russia in Africa, so let me not comment without further details that I do not have.

Ms. Rodriguez, well, nice to see somebody from Prensa Latina here, welcome here. Look, we obviously attach importance to the Group of 77 plus China and its meetings and as you mentioned, the Summit that is going to happen. Maybe you are not regular enough on this, my standard answer to high-level participations and in events, is very well known for the rest of the colleagues, that whenever I have something to share with you on such confirmations, I will certainly do so, but I do not have any information at this point to share with you. Of course, we would like to see a very successful event and we look forward to Cuba's leadership of that event and that it become success for...this is a group of developing countries on which we believe can voice concerns of...our concerns and particularly in the UN and once we have a decision of what level we have participation, who will be leading our delegation, we will certainly share with you.

Srinjoy: Sir, Times Now. First of all, G20 is just a month and a bit away. You would expect the Chinese leaders to be here. There are still one or two areas in Ladakh where there are differences of opinion and only a month or so remains before G20. Is there likely to be a WMCC in an effort to sort out the issue and also a Commander's Conference?

Manish Jha: Sir main Manish Jha hoon TV9 se. Mera sawal hai ki aapne bhi abhi suna hoga ki ek Indian citizen Anju Pakistan gayi aur phir Pakistan mai jis tarah se usko lekar videos vagerah sab aa rahe hain, usse lagta hai ki kahin woh ISI ya kisi aise agency ke kabje mai ho?

[Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] Sir, I am Manish Jha from TV9. My question is, you must have heard that an Indian citizen named Anju went to Pakistan, and based on the videos etc coming about her from Pakistan, it seems she might be under the control of ISI or some other such agency.

Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Ye aapka assessment hain na?

[Question in Hindi: Approximate translation]: This is your assessment, right?

Manish Jha: Ho sakta hai sir. Toh kya kisi tarah ka concern aapko lagta hai kyuki uska dharm change karaya gaya, nikah ho gayi hai. Toh bataya ja raha hai ki Seema Haidar jawab Pakistan ki taraf se Anju hai. Thank you.

[Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] It is possible, sir. Do you have any concerns about it, considering that she has undergone a change of her religion and got married? It is being claimed that Anju is the answer from the Pakistan for Seema Haidar. Thank you.

Neeraj: Sir, do sawal hain. Oppenheimer jo film ke scene ko lekar vivad hua hain, koi shikyat videsh matralay tak is mamle mai pahuchi hain? Dusra sawal ye hain ki pakistan (inaudible)...Toh kya is mamle ko lekar aapke sangyan mai hai? Agar hai to kya Pakistan se is bare mai baat ki jayegi unki body ko wapas lane ke liye?

[Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] Sir, there are two questions. Regarding the controversy surrounding the Oppenheimer movie scene, has any complaint reached the Ministry of External Affairs on this matter? The second question is that Pakistan (inaudible)...So, is it in your cognizance, regarding this matter? If yes, will there be a discussion with Pakistan regarding bringing back the body?

Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Mujhe to bataya gaya, dafnaya gaya hai. Uske baad aap keh rahe hai?

[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] I was told that she has been buried. After that, you are saying?

Okay, if there are no further questions, let me just close with that. Srinjoy, I am not going to speculate when the WMCC or Commander's Conference will happen. When they happen, we will certainly share with you. G20 is not too far away and we are making all efforts and preparations to ensure that it is a success with participation of all the leaders invited.

Manish aapka prashn tha hamare nagrik ke bare mai actually. Dekhiye ye foreign policy issue to nahi hai, toh ispe main kuch keh nahi paunga. Agar koi consular mudda hai ya consular se sambandhit, uske baare mei kuch issue hai toh usi prakar ki prakiya ki jayegi usi tarah se jo procedures hain woh ki jayengi. Par abhi ye niji mamla hai, ye koi foreign policy issue hamari taraf se nahi hai. Aapne baaki speculate kiya kya ho sakta hai, kya nahi, aap patrakar hain, aap likhiye ispe, main ispe koi jawab nahi de paunga.

[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] Manish, your question was about our citizen, actually. Look, this is not a foreign policy issue, so I won't be able to say anything about it. If there's any consular matter or any consular related issue, it will be handled through the appropriate procedures. But right now, this is a private matter, and it's not a foreign policy issue from our end. You have speculated what might happen, what might not. As a journalist, you can write on it, but I won't be able to provide any answers on this.

Neeraj, Oppenheimer, kya aap woh film ki baat kar rahe the? dekhiye videsh mantralaya films ke area mai nahi hai, woh dusri ek mantralaya hai, unse aap puche to behtar hoga.

[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] Neeraj, are you talking about the Oppenheimer movie? Look, the Ministry of External Affairs is not involved in the film's domain; it falls under another Ministry. It would be better if you ask them.

Shailendra aapne prashna kiya ek report hai ki koi body mila tha, keh rahe hain ki Kargil se koi missing hain unhi ka body hain. Hamein is issue pe hamari jankari hai thodi bahot, par hum abhi Pakistani authorities ke sampark mai hain. Jab jyada information aaye to batayenge. Abhi recent woh information hai, I think yahan pe pakistani authorities se hum baat kar rahain hain, aur details jaanne ki koshish kar rahe hain.

[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] Shailendra, you asked about a report regarding a body that was found, claiming it might be of a missing person from Kargil. We have limited information on this issue, but we are currently in contact with the Pakistani authorities. We will provide more details when we receive additional information. That is recent information. I think, we are in touch with the Pakistani authorities here, and trying to gather more information.

Neeraj aapne dusra bhi ek prashn pucha tha, woh deaf and dumb koi the wahan pe, uske bare mai mujhe pura detail nahi hai ki woh kya exactly hain. Humne bhi report dekhi hai, uske bare mai information nikalne ki koshish kar rahe hain. Information gather karne ki koshish kar rahe hain. Jab hamare paas rahegi jarur hum aapse share karenge. Individual consular cases mai main bahot hesitant rahta hoon kuch kehne ke liye, privacy aur kuch aur mudde bhi involved rehte hain.

[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] Neeraj, you asked another question about the deaf and dumb person there. I don't have complete details about it. We have also seen the reports and are trying to gather more information about it. When we have the information, we will definitely share it with you. In individual consular cases, I am very hesitant to speak on that, since there are privacy and other issues involved.

Srinjoy: Sir, your equivalent in Islamabad has taken offence to statement by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh saying that he has crossed the line, so on and so forth.

So how do you react to such thing?

Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Oh very simply, Honorable Defence Minister has said something, that stands on its own. I am nobody to clarify that or explain that, it's pretty clear. If you have any further thing, please ask him. I have nothing further to say on that.

Thank you. Good afternoon.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Iran Files Case Against Online Retailer Over Failure To Enforce Hijab Rules

By RFE/RL's Radio Farda July 27, 2023

Iranian media outlets reported on July 27 that a legal case has been filed against the online book retailer Taghcheh because its female employees failed to observe the compulsory hijab law as the government continues to tighten its enforcement of dress code regulations.

The announcement of the case came hours after Mohammad Mehdi Esmaeili, Iran's minister of culture and Islamic guidance, issued a warning that decisive action against start-ups like Taghcheh, which are licensed by his ministry, would be enforced if they fail to observe rules regarding hijabs and chastity.

The publication of photos of Taghcheh's female employees not wearing the compulsory hijab led to an outcry among some sections of society, with the Fars news agency, which is affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), launching a campaign against the company.

This was followed by reports that government publishing institutions had ended their collaboration with Taghcheh, with some demanding legal action against the group.

Islamic Revolution Publications, linked to the office that publishes the works of Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has also ceased its cooperation with Taghcheh, while some pro-government Twitter users have called for further sanctions against the company, including blocking its software applications.

The actions are part of a wider government campaign to ratchet up enforcement of the compulsory hijab, which has also seen the closure of several commercial, recreational, and professional units amid allegations they have failed to comply.

Digikala, Iran's largest online store, faces a legal case due to the attire being worn by its female employees.

The moves prompted a U.S. State Department spokesperson to say on July 24 that "the regime will stop at nothing to control the women and girls of Iran."

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-hijab- law-online-retailer-legal-case/32523001.html

Copyright (c) 2023. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Condition Critical: Desertification Threatens To Turn Iran's Future To Dust

By Michael Scollon July 27, 2023

Temperatures in Iran are hitting record highs, rivers and lakes are drying up, and prolonged droughts are becoming the norm, highlighting a water crisis that is turning much of the country's territory to dust.

The desertification of Iran is occurring at a staggering pace, with officials last month warning that more than 1 million hectares of the country's territory -- roughly equivalent to the size of Qom Province or Lebanon -- is essentially becoming uninhabitable every year.

The situation has Tehran scrambling to gain control of the situation in a country where up to 90 percent of the land is arid or semi-arid. But the clock is ticking to stave off what even officials have acknowledged could lead to an existential crisis and the mass exodus of civilians.

The warning signs were on full display this month. Temperatures in southwestern Iran hit a staggering 66.7 degrees Celsius (152 degrees Fahrenheit), higher than what is considered tolerable for human life.

Iranian scientists warned that the water levels of Lake Urmia, which is in severe danger of drying up, are the lowest recorded in 60 years. And in what has become routine, advisories were issued about the threat of suffocating dust storms.

As elsewhere in the world where temperatures are soaring, global climate change gets much of the blame. But the thermometer only tells part of the story on an issue Iran has been wrestling with for years.

"Exacerbated by decades of [international] isolation, mismanagement of local resources, rapid population growth, improper spatial distribution, and the consequences of a prolonged drought, Iran's water crisis has entered a critical phase," environmental expert Shirin Hakim told RFE/RL in written comments.

Water scarcity, and Tehran's failed efforts to remedy it, is well documented. The problem has led to grand dam-building and water-intensive irrigation projects that have contributed to the drying up of rivers and underground water reservoirs. Clashes with neighboring states and anti-government protests in hard-hit areas of Iran have erupted over scant water resources. And the degradation of soil has contributed to the increase of dust and sandstorms that have helped make Iran's air pollution among the worst in the world.

The accompanying loss of arable land has also harmed agricultural production, threatening livelihoods and leading to internal migration from the countryside to urban areas, which in turn could unleash a raft of related problems.

"Over time, the increased pressure on urban areas due to these migration patterns can strain infrastructure, natural resources, and create socioeconomic challenges," said Hakim, a senior fellow at the Berlin-based Center for Middle East and Global Order (CMEG) and fellow at the Atlantic Council's GeoEconomics Center.

Mass Exodus?

Iran's population has more than doubled since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, rising from about 35 million to almost 88 million, with about 70 percent of the population residing in cities. Tehran alone, Hakim said, "has seen an average influx of a quarter of a million people per year for the previous two decades."

But as water scarcity and desertification make more and more territory unlivable, there are fears that a huge segment of the population might eventually have no option but to flee the country entirely in the face of what is arguably Iran's most pressing policy challenge.

In 2015, Isa Kalantari, a former agriculture minister who at the time was serving as a presidential water and environment adviser, infamously predicted that, unless Iran changed its approach on water use, "Approximately 50 million people, 70 percent of Iranians, will have no choice but to leave the country."

In July 2018, a month that saw violent protests over water shortages in the southwestern city of Khorramshahr as the country faced its driest summer in 50 years, then-Interior Minister Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli described the water situation as a "huge social crisis." Fazli said water scarcity could fuel migration and significantly change the face of Iran within five years, eventually leading to "disaster."

That deadline has passed, but the dire predictions and failed policies continue.

Iran is currently ranked by the World Resources Institute as one of the most water-stressed nations in the world, based on the impact on countries' agricultural and industrial sectors, and routinely has been listed among the countries where water scarcity could lead to conflict.

That prospect became a reality earlier this year when Iran and Afghanistan engaged in deadly cross-border shelling. The clashes came after Tehran demanded that its neighbor release more upstream water to feed Iran's endangered southeastern wetlands.

Internally, the threat of renewed anti-government protests over the lack of fresh water like those seen in the southwestern Khuzestan Province in 2021 highlight the ongoing challenge to Iran's clerical leadership.

The UN Convention to Combat Desertification specifically addresses land degradation in arid, semi-arid, and dry subhumid areas. But those are not the only territories under threat in Iran.

Vahid Jafarian, the director-general of desert affairs for Iran's Natural Resources Organization estimated that the country was losing 1 million hectares a year to desertification. He warned on July 19 that even Iran's wetlands are being "turned into a center of fine dust" as underground reservoirs dry up and the country pursues water-intensive industrial development.

Kalantari, who last year said the fate of Iran's clerical establishment could depend on the restoration of Lake Urmia, said in May that the drying up of what was once the largest lake in the Middle East could force the displacement of up to 4 million people.

The Solution

Iran has launched various initiatives to combat desertification, which Hakim said include dust and sandstorm management with countries in the region, the restoration of degraded soil and reforestation, addressing the overexploitation of water reserves, and the improvement of coordination among its various environmental bodies.

Iran is also a signatory to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, is involved in efforts by the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization to minimize the effects of sand and dust storms, and has attempted to address environmental concerns in its five-year development plan.

But Hakim said such measures "have been largely overshadowed by the consequences of chronic environmental mismanagement and corruption."

Noting the continuation of ill-conceived hydraulic infrastructure projects and the overexploitation of groundwater resources that compound Iran's water crisis, Hakim added, "these practices will likely contribute to increasing desertification threats" without substantial improvements in how the country manages its water.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-desertification- mismanagement-dust-crisis-global-warming/32523060.html

Copyright (c) 2023. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






TArk calls on Israeli Government to 'heed the calls of the people' over judicial reform

27 July 2023 - The UN human rights chief issued a statement on Thursday calling on "those in power" in Israel to heed the calls of the broad-based coalition in the country which has been protesting new laws limiting the judicial power of the Supreme Court.

Volker TArk said he had been "following developments closely" in Israel, where parliamentarians supporting the hard-line nationalist Government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu passed a bill on Monday which in effect strips the Supreme Court of its power to block Government decisions.

Opposition parties boycotted the vote which came after seven months of protests which have exposed a deep rift in Israeli society broadly along the religious-secular divide. Demonstrators said they would continue their action, claiming the country's whole democratic future is at stake.

Alliance 'for the defence of democracy'

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said that "people from across society have been demonstrating peacefully, building alliances for the defence of democracy and fundamental freedoms."

He described the protests as an effort to "preserve the democratic space and constitutional balance so painstakingly built in Israel over many decades. It demonstrates the extent of public disquiet at the extent of fundamental legislative changes."

With just the first stage in the proposed legislative changes now on the statute books, Mr. TArk noted that petitions have already been filed before the Supreme Court itself, which supporters hope will quash the legislative effort.

'Space to decide'

He said it was "essential that the Court is afforded full space to decide the questions before it, according to due process of law, and free from political pressure or interference from any other quarter."

He said the "movement" against the parliamentary bid to curb court powers, was based on "people who have put their trust in the enduring value of an independent judiciary to effectively hold the other branches of Government to fundamental legal standards and - ultimately - protect the rights of all people."

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Japan Imposes Microchip Export Ban, Angering China

By Henry Ridgwell July 27, 2023

Japan imposed export controls on advanced microchip technologies this week in a move widely seen as targeting China, mirroring recent restrictions imposed by the United States and the Netherlands, two other major producers of cutting-edge semiconductors.

Tokyo listed 23 types of semiconductor technology that are now subject to export restrictions, beginning July 23. They include advanced microchip manufacturing equipment, such as machines that deposit films on silicon wafers, to devices that etch out the microscopic circuits of chips.

The controls will affect China's ability to make advanced chips, analyst Yoshiaki Takayama of the Japan Institute for International Affairs in Tokyo said.

"The Japanese measure complements U.S.-led export control measures because the number of companies with the capacity to manufacture cutting-edge chips is extremely limited," Takayama told VOA in an interview Wednesday. "The Japanese measure makes it difficult for China not only to import advanced chips, but also to manufacture them."

He added that Beijing appears to be shifting its semiconductor strategy by focusing on middle- and low-end semiconductor manufacturing rather than cutting-edge semiconductor manufacturing.

Western controls

The United States banned the export of some advanced microchips and semiconductor manufacturing technology to China in October and urged Western allies to follow suit. The Netherlands a another key producer of semiconductors a imposed similar measures in June. Taiwan has also pledged to support Washington's move.

The U.S, says it wants to stop Beijing using the technology for military purposes.

At the G7 summit in Japan in May, allies agreed on the need to "de-risk" from potential Chinese economic coercion and avoid becoming reliant on China for semiconductor technologies.

These combined measures will severely affect China's ability to keep up with Western technology, Takayama said, hurting its ability to manufacture state-of-the-art semiconductors and increase its manufacturing capacity in the short to medium term.

"Unlike the traditional mechanical technology industries, where reverse engineering has produced important technological learnings, reverse engineering does not produce useful knowledge in the semiconductor manufacturing sector," Takayama said.

"Moreover, today's scientific progress is largely due to big data analysis and simulations rather than repeated trial and error. So, it seems that China, with its limited access to cutting-edge semiconductors, could fall behind in scientific and technological R&D," he told VOA.

Unlike the United States and the Netherlands, Japan did not name China as the target of its export restrictions, which apply to 160 countries. However, Beijing still reacted with anger.

"In disregard of China's serious concerns, Japan insisted on making and implementing export control measures that are clearly aimed at China. ... We will closely monitor the impact of measures and resolutely safeguard our own interests."" Mao Ning, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, told reporters July 24.

In a retaliatory move, China banned the import of semiconductors from the American firm Micron in May, citing national security concerns. Some firms in Japan fear Beijing will seek to restrict their imports, Takayama said.

"Such Chinese measures could be against individual Japanese companies, as in the case of the sanctions against Micron, or Beijing might restrict trade with Japan for specific products," he told VOA.

Analysts say it is vital that Western allies coordinate their export controls. The U.S. is expected to update its list of banned semiconductor technologies in coming weeks.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Pakistan Free to Have Ties With China, Senior US Official Says

By Sarah Zaman July 27, 2023

A senior White House national security official has said the United States does not want to coerce Pakistan into choosing between Washington and Beijing.

Eileen Laubacher, senior director for South Asia on the U.S. National Security Council, told VOA that Washington wants its partners to be able to choose their relationships freely. The council advises the U.S. president on national security and foreign policy.

"It's important to reiterate that the United States wants our partners to be able to make their own choices, free of external coercion," Laubacher said in written comments following her maiden visit to Pakistan this month.

During the July 19-21 visit, Laubacher met with senior Pakistani government and military officials.

"Every country needs productive, supportive, equitable relationships with a variety of partners, and Pakistan is no different," she said.

The growing rivalry between Washington and Beijing has created a challenge for Islamabad as the United States deepens defense and security ties with Pakistan's archival India in a bid to counter China's growing influence.

"Our bilateral relationships with both Pakistan and India do not come at the expense of the other," the White House official said, repeating a stance frequently expressed by the State Department.

As Islamabad watches India-U.S. ties grow, it hopes to repair its own tenuous relations with Washington, damaged by the 20-year U.S.-led war in Afghanistan that saw the return of the Taliban to power in Kabul.

While Pakistan denies the accusation that it covertly supported the then-insurgent group despite being a U.S. ally in the war, both Washington and Islamabad share concerns over Afghanistan again becoming a terrorist haven under the Taliban.

Laubacher's visit came amid a flurry of recent high-profile contacts between the two sides, including a telephone call between Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Pakistani counterpart Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, and a meeting between the U.S. CENTCOM chief Gen. Michael E. Kurilla and Pakistani army chief Gen. Asim Munir in Islamabad.

Responding to whether the U.S. is helping Pakistan target anti-Pakistan terrorists inside Afghanistan, Laubacher said, "We have a close working relationship with Pakistan on security matters."

Pakistan faces almost daily attacks from Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan or TTP, an ideological offshoot of the Afghan Taliban that Islamabad alleges is operating from Afghanistan. The Afghan Taliban deny harboring the TTP.

The U.S. national security official said Washington was providing millions of dollars in life-saving equipment for Pakistani law-enforcement officers upon Pakistan's request.

This month the U.S. ambassador in Pakistan inaugurated a $17.2 million police training center in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province that borders Afghanistan and is most affected by terror attacks.

The White House, however, has yet to resume military aid to Pakistan, which then-President Trump froze in 2018 after accusing Pakistan of being untrustworthy in a tweet.

Laubacher did not say if the Biden White House is looking to resume that assistance soon.

"We continue to consider defense transfers and security assistance to Pakistanaas we do with all recipientsaon a case-by-case basis, where it serves the interests of both countries."

Last September, the White House approved a $450 million deal to provide repair and maintenance services for Pakistan's F-16 fighter jet fleet.

Pakistan has been plagued with political instability since Imran Khan was ousted as prime minister in April of last year. Although Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has pledged to pave the way for general elections, uncertainty looms about when and if polls will happen this year.

Responding to a question on how the White House can ensure Pakistan holds timely elections, Laubacher said the U.S. supports free, fair, and credible elections around the world.

"We encourage the government of Pakistan to adhere to Pakistan's constitution and laws, including with regard to holding general elections," she said.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Economists Tally Results of Decade of Chinese Investment in Pakistan

By Muhammad Jaleel July 27, 2023

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, Beijing's massive investment plan to boost trade and economic ties with Pakistan, is 10 years old but has not fulfilled its lofty goals.

CPEC became an early example of China's Belt and Road Initiative, an aggressive effort to build billions of dollars' worth of infrastructure in Asia and beyond. At its inception, CPEC was China's most ambitious BRI effort: More than $35 billion was pledged for energy projects and another $10 billion for transportation.

Speaking this month at a commemoration of the project's 10th year, Ahsan Iqbal, Pakistan's minister for planning, development and reforms, said that $25 billion in projects had been completed and that the government was now focused on finishing projects originally set for completion by 2020.

He also highlighted the 13 power projects and the 4,000-megawatt electricity transmission line that have been built. At CPEC's outset, the Pakistani government estimated it needed at least another 4,000 megawatts of power that year to meet demand. Officials estimate CPEC projects now provide about one-third of the power for Pakistan's electrical grid.

Iqbal also touted key roads and ports that have boosted the economy.

"CPEC effectively helped Pakistan in improving the major transport networks from north to south and laid the foundation for a resilient infrastructure including ports, airports and roads and Orange Line Metro Train in Lahore," he said.

Job creation

Iqbal estimated that CPEC has created more than 230,000 jobs in Pakistan. In May, Chinese official state media estimated that Pakistani workers held about 155,000 of those positions.

Haroon Sharif, the head of Pakistan's Board of Investment in 2018-19, is skeptical that many of those jobs were created. He told VOA the statistics provided by the government were merely the claims of the planning ministry, not based on third-party assessment.

"The figure could be only credible when it is based on the third-party independent economic assessment," Sharif said.

Sharif said there are two types of jobs in CPEC projects: temporary and permanent. He said the temporary laborers work until projects have been completed, and then permanent workers take over to run them.

"I have serious doubts that they are in hundreds of thousands, but it could be a few thousand jobs," he said.

Unfinished projects

Authorities say most CPEC projects begun in 2013 with 2020 deadlines have been completed. However, Pakistan is still setting up nine special economic and industrial zones where Chinese companies are expected to invest. Authorities say four of the zones are under construction while work on the others hasn't started.

At this month's anniversary ceremony, Iqbal blamed the previous government for the delay in completing the zones, though he provided no details.

Sharif attributed the slowdown to Pakistan's political turmoil as well as COVID-19, since China closed its borders because of the pandemic.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian rejected earlier reports that CPEC faced any slowdowns during the pandemic.

Ammar A Malik, senior scientist at AidData, a research lab at the College of William & Mary in Virginia, said the delayed completion of the industrial zones did slow down Chinese investments.

Malik told VOA that China has a lot at stake in its Pakistan investments and could be concerned about the lack of progress in some areas.

"It is in China's interest that Pakistan achieve political and economic stability," Malik said.

He also argued that Pakistan should not take Chinese interest and help for granted.

"The success of the CPEC project is conditional to the economic and political stability of the country. If there is continuity in Pakistan's economic policies, along with political stability, then investment in CPEC and other projects will continue to grow," Malik said.

Missed opportunities

In 2013, China expressed interest in relocating some of its industries to Pakistan, attracted by lower production costs. This move would have generated employment opportunities and boosted Pakistan's exports.

That largely has not happened. Iqbal, the planning minister, said the lack of progress on the industrial zones has led many Chinese investors to shift their expansion plans to countries like Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam, where production costs are comparatively lower than in China.

Iqbal said the current government is determined to fast-track all CPEC projects.

In an interview with VOA, Pakistani-based economist Ashfaque Hassan Khan said Pakistan's chronic power shortages also have kept the nation from taking full advantage of Chinese investment.

As an example, Khan said that despite the CPEC investments that have brought some relief from energy shortages, the country has not yet been able to use the surplus energy for industrial zone construction.

Khan said China's confidence in Pakistan would be restored only if there is political and economic stability in the country, and if other foreign investors regarded Pakistan favorably for further business ventures.

This story originated in VOA's Urdu Service.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Meeting with President of Egypt Abdel Fattah el-Sisi

Vladimir Putin met with President of the Arab Republic of Egypt Abdel Fattah el-Sisi at the Constantine Palace on the sidelines of the second Russia-Africa Summit.

July 26, 2023

20:45

St Petersburg

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr President, I am delighted to welcome you to Russia and to St Petersburg. Thank you for accepting our invitation to come to Russia for the second Russia-Africa Summit.

I would like to remind you that in 2019 you chaired the African Union and were actually the founding father of that format. Today you are supervising a project for Africa's economic development. I have no doubt that there are issues we can discuss in this sphere as well.

In a month we will mark the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between our countries. Over that period, over those decades, relations between Russia and Egypt have acquired a special meaning and status. Mr President, a great deal has been done towards this end under your guidance.

We have large and ambitious projects, including in energy. I am referring to the well-known nuclear power plant project. Our plans are proceeding according to schedule. Last year, our trade increased by 28.8 percent, according to our statistics. Over the first five months of this year, it went up by another 7 percent year on year. Egypt accounts for one third of Russia's trade with Africa.

This year, we are holding events as part of the Year of Cultural Cooperation between Russia and Egypt, which will certainly further increase rapprochement between our nations.

Mr President, I am delighted to see you. Welcome to Russia.

President of Egypt Abdel Fattah el-Sisi (retranslated): Mr President, I would like to begin by thanking you for the successful organisation of the upcoming event and for the invitation you have kindly sent to me. Thank you for a warm welcome and for your hospitality.

We have a positive attitude to all initiatives and invitations, including from you, when they concern multilateral cooperation and interaction in Africa.

Of course, we also pay attention to bilateral cooperation. It goes without saying that we intend to advance it as far as possible. Mr President, as you have pointed out, the El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant is a project that is fundamental to our cooperation, and we will carry it through. Another element is the establishment of the Russian Industrial Zone. There are also other endeavours and projects which we will be able to discuss in detail today.

Mr President, I would like to mention the special nature of relations between our countries. I am confident that substantial results will be achieved at the Russia-Africa Summit.

I was honoured to chair the previous Russia-Africa Summit held in 2019. Once again, thank you for a warm welcome today.

I am delighted to see you.

<...>

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Meeting with President of Mozambique Filipe Jacinto Nyusi

Vladimir Putin met with President of the Republic of Mozambique Filipe Jacinto Nyusi on the sidelines of the Russia-Africa Summit.

July 27, 2023

14:50

St Petersburg

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr President, friends,

Welcome to St Petersburg. I want to start by saying a few well-known facts that are nevertheless very important. Russia and Mozambique are bound by strong links of friendship and cooperation that took shape during the times when the people of Mozambique fought for their independence. We established our diplomatic relations in 1975.

Mr President, we value and share your ambition to strengthen the multidimensional ties between our nations.

Russia and Mozambique are advancing their political dialogue. Last May, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who is sitting to my right, visited Maputo, and in July, Secretary of the Russian Security Council Nikolai Patrushev also visited your capital.

The Russian and Mozambican parliaments maintain active contacts and exchange visits. Our legislative bodies founded friendship groups. The All-Russian political party United Russia and the Mozambique Liberation Front, the party that you lead, have also established links.

The trade between our countries grew by 14.5 percent in 2022. In January-April 2023, the positive dynamics persisted, with 35-percent growth. We have noted good prospects in gas production, geological exploration, electricity generation, agriculture and fishing.

The Intergovernmental Commission on Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation is focused on strengthening trade and economic relations. We are expanding the legal framework of our bilateral cooperation. Documents on intellectual property, geological projects, fishing and innovation will be signed on the sidelines of this summit.

We continue to assist Mozambique with training qualified personnel at Russian higher education institutions. About 3,000 Mozambicans have graduated from Soviet and Russian universities. Since 2020, we have more than doubled the quota for tuition-free study of Mozambican citizens in Russia. In the 2023a2024 academic year, we will allocate 75 scholarships.

Mr President, we value constructive collaboration with Mozambique in the international arena, including support by Mozambican colleagues for Russian initiatives at the United Nations Organisation. In 2023-2024, Mozambique is a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council. We are expecting to coordinate our actions at the UN Security Council still further and collaborate effectively to address important global and regional issues. Our foreign ministries have already organised consultations on the relevant issues.

Mr President, friends, welcome to St Petersburg once again.

President of MozambiqueFilipe Jacinto Nyusi (retranslated): Thank you very much, Mr President, colleagues.

I can confirm that Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov visited Maputo, and we were delighted to welcome him there.

Mr Putin, first of all, I would like to thank you for the invitation and for another opportunity to visit your wonderful country and this magnificent city. You were born in this city, and I can say honestly that I hold it dear.

This summit is taking place at the highest level, and we are happy that we can discuss issues of cooperation between our countries today.

I would like to note once again that, as Africans, we are grateful for this opportunity to express our opinion. At the same time, I would like to publicly thank you for the support accorded us when our country was elected a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council. Indeed, this is very significant: we were elected unanimously. This amounted to serious support. Indeed, this is very important for us.

We have extremely well-developed political and diplomatic relations. Various visits involving Russian delegations took place in Mozambique, and all our discussions were of an in-depth nature. I would like to note the work of the Russian Ambassador in Maputo who collaborates with our Ministry of Foreign Affairs very closely, and he addresses multiple issues that exist.

Our countries maintain very strong cooperation in a number of spheres, primarily defence and education. Russian enterprises operate on the territory of Mozambique. Mr President, I would like to thank you for all this in my opening remarks.

Vladimir Putin: Thank you.

<...>

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






US intel report claims China giving economic lifeline to Russia amid sanctions

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 27 July 2023 6:44 PM

A declassified US intelligence report claims China's economic ties with Russia have helped limit the effect of anti-Mocow sanctions imposed by the West over Russia's military operation in Ukraine.

The report, which was released by Democratic lawmakers on Thursday, said that China "has become an even more critical economic partner for Russia" since its operation in February 2022.

"Beijing is pursuing a variety of economic support mechanisms for Russia that mitigate both the impact of Western sanctions and export controls," it noted

The report further says China has boosted energy imports from Russia and has provided tankers and insurance coverage to move crude oil.

The two sides have also "increased the share of bilateral trade settled in yuan" as well as "expanding their use of domestic payment systems," which helps "Russian entities to conduct financial transactions unfettered of Western interdiction."

Elsewhere, the report claims Beijing has probably supplied Moscow with dual-use civilian-military equipment employed in Ukraine but notes that it is "difficult to ascertain the extent to which (China) has helped Russia evade and circumvent sanctions and export controls."

Last year, Moscow was hit by a slew of Western sanctions over its special military operation in Ukraine, which started in February 2022. The United States has imposed a raft of sanctions on China as well.

One of the outcomes of the West's punitive measures against Moscow, which included a cap on oil prices, was that China became the top buyer of Russian oil.

China's growing ties and cooperation with Russia come despite pressure from the West, urging Beijing to sever its relations with Moscow over the Ukraine conflict.

However, China has made it clear that it will act in accordance with its foreign policy based on securing its national interests in international relations.

This is while trade between China and Russia doubled in 2022.

China has portrayed itself as a neutral mediator in the war in Ukraine. But Beijing has been criticized by Western countries for refusing to condemn Moscow and for its continued ties with Russia.

On February 24, on the anniversary of the start of the Russian military operation in Ukraine, the Chinese Foreign Ministry presented a 12-point plan to resolve the conflict in Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier this year hailed the strategic cooperation between the two nations as a stabilizing force against unprecedented Western influence.

China and Russia, as permanent members of the UN Security Council, also vowed to uphold the fundamental norms of international relations and build up constructive force for the formation of a multipolar world.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Putin promises African leaders free grain, blasts 'hypocritical' Western sanctions

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 27 July 2023 4:55 PM

Russian President Vladimir Putin has told a summit of African leaders he would gift them tens of thousands of tons of grain within months despite sanctions by the United States and other Western states.

Speaking at a summit on Thursday in St Petersburg devoted to Russian-African ties, Putin said Russia was expecting a record grain harvest and was ready to replace Ukrainian grain exports to Africa on both a commercial and aid basis to honor Moscow's critical role in global food security.

"We will be ready to provide Burkina Faso, Zimbabwe, Mali, Somalia, Central African Republic and Eritrea with 25-50,000 tons of free grain each in the next 3-4 months," the president said. "We will also provide free delivery of these products to consumers."

Last year, Russia exported a total of 60 million tons of grain, of which 48 million tons was wheat, he said.

The event follows Russia's first Africa summit in 2019 and is part of a concerted push for influence and business on the continent.

Responding to Western criticism of Moscow's decision to quit the Black Sea grain deal, in which it allowed Ukraine to ship grain from its seaports despite the war, Putin restated his argument that promises made to Russia about facilitating its own grain and fertilizer exports had not been met.

The Russian president said that over 70% of Ukrainian grain exported thanks to the now-lapsed deal had gone to high- or above-average-income countries, including in the European Union and that the poorest countries, like Sudan, had been "screwed over" and received less than 3% of the shipments.

Elsewhere, President Putin said Western sanctions, imposed in response to the Ukraine war, had even prevented Russia from supplying free fertilizer to poor nations.

"A paradoxical picture is emerging. On the one hand, Western countries are obstructing supplies of our grain and fertilizers, while on the other they hypocritically blame us for the current crisis situation on the world food market," he said.

Moscow has said it will not extend the deal as long as obstacles to Russian food and fertilizer exports under the accord were not fulfilled.

Russia says 49 of the continent's 54 states are represented in St Petersburg, including 17 by their heads of state and four by heads of government.

The organizers describe the Summit as the "highest-level and largest-scale event in Russia-Africa relations".

On Tuesday, the Kremlin said the United States, France and other Western countries were putting an unprecedented level of pressure on all African countries to prevent them from taking part in the Russia-Africa summit.

Over the past decade, Russia and China, in particular, have consolidated their relations with African states in a number of domains, from trade to energy and military cooperation.

With ties forged under Soviet rule, Russia has historically enjoyed warm relations with many African countries, as their economic and ideological ambitions often align and their ties are bolstered by a mutual mistrust of the West.

The war in Ukraine has highlighted the growing diversification in the partnerships of countries in the Middle East and Africa with global powers.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






US intelligence: Beijing has increased Russia support

China has become an 'increasingly important buttress for Russia in its war effort,' the report says.

Alex Willemyns for RFA 2023.07.27 -- Beijing has become "an even more critical economic partner" for Moscow since the invasion of Ukraine, a new report by the U.S. intelligence community says, with China buying more Russian oil and gas than before and helping the country skirt U.S. sanctions.

Released Thursday by the office of Avril Haines, the director of national intelligence, the report says Beijing has pursued "economic support mechanisms for Russia that mitigate both the impact of Western sanctions and export controls" meant to financially strangle Moscow.

"The PRC has increased its importation of Russian energy exports, including oil and gas supplies rerouted from Europe," it says, calling China "an increasingly important buttress for Russia in its war effort" and saying it is "probably supplying Moscow with key technology."

"Beijing has also significantly increased the use of its currency, the yuan, and its financial infrastructure in commercial interactions with Russia, allowing Russian entities to conduct financial transactions unfettered of Western interdiction," the nine-page report says.

It says that China has since the February 2022 invasion of Ukraine become "Russia's most important trading partner, although as of April 2023 it had not fully replaced Western trade volumes" before the war.

Cheap energy

China has benefitted from the arrangement, the report notes, and it has not necessarily been driven by a desire to support Moscow, despite the two countries' burgeoning "no-limits" friendship declared last year.

Instead, the buying was "spurred by steep discounts on oil" in the wake of the G-7's $60 price cap on Russian oil, it says, with the high volume of trade nevertheless "providing Moscow much-needed revenue" to fund its war effort, as Western sanctions squeeze its economy.

Overall Russian imports from China increased 13 percent year-on-year in 2022, the report says, while exports to China increased 43 percent to hit $114 billion, causing total bilateral trade to hit a record high.

In terms of Russian crude oil, the report says China last year overtook India as Moscow's largest buyer, with Chinese imports peaking at 2 million barrels per day in May 2022, shortly after the war began.

Russia also sold twice as much liquefied gas to China in 2022 compared to 2021, and the two countries had agreed to construct a second Siberian pipeline to support surging natural gas exports.

Microchip exports from China to Russia, meanwhile, increased by 19 percent, the report says. But it notes that China is currently "still unable to make advanced chips that are competitive with U.S. and Western options" when it comes to military purposes, with the chips often failing.

That has led Russia to look elsewhere.

More than a year into the invasion, the report notes, "hundreds of millions of dollars' worth of U.S.-made or U.S.-branded semiconductors are flowing into Russia despite sanctions and export controls," even as official global exports of microchips to Russia and Belarus fell 54%.

Liu Pengyu, a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington, said trade between China and Russia was legitimate economic activity and said it should be left "free from disruption or coercion."

"On the Ukraine issue, China upholds an objective and just position, actively promotes talks for peace and has played a constructive part in facilitating a political settlement of the crisis," Liu told Radio Free Asia.

"China does not sell weapons to parties involved in the Ukraine crisis and prudently handles the export of dual-use items in accordance with laws and regulations," the spokesperson said. "China-Russia economic and trade cooperation is completely above-board."

Weapons transfers

The report does not accuse China of supplying Russia with weapons for its war effort, which U.S. officials have said would be a red line.

Politico on Monday published a story detailing apparent sales of military hardware from Chinese firms to Russia, but State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said the report had not been verified and appeared to downplay sales by private companies.

"We would obviously have to conduct our own assessment before making any kind of determination about whether an activity was a sanctions violation or whether we need to impose additional sanctions in response to some activity that we've seen," Miller said.

The United States would "very much oppose any action on the government side - the Chinese Government transferring lethal assistance to Russia," he said, but still had "concerns" about weapons transfers "on the private sector side" from China to Russia.

Updated to include comments from China's embassy in Washington.

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.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Russian Defence Minister meets with head of DPRK

27.07.2023

Minister of Defence of the Russian Federation General of the Army Sergei Shoigu, during his visit to Pyongyang, was received by President of the State Affairs Commission of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea Kim Jong Un.

During the conversation with the DPRK leader, views on global and regional security issues were exchanged.

In addition, today the head of the Russian Defence Ministry is going to take part in a military parade dedicated to the 70th anniversary of the Day of Victory in the Great Fatherland Liberation War of 1950-1953.

Department for Media Affairs and Information

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Russia to Replace Ukrainian Grain at No Expense for African Countries - Putin

Sputnik News

20230727

MOSCOW (Sputnik) A total of 32.8 million tonnes of cargo was exported from Ukraine over the year of the grain deal, with more than 70% going to high-income countries, mainly the European Union, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday.

"For almost a year under this so-called deal, a total of 32.8 million tonnes of cargo was exported from Ukraine, of which more than 70%, dear friends, went to high- and above-average income countries, primarily to the EU," Putin said at a plenary session of the Russia-Africa Summit, noting that the grain deal was initially aimed at ensuring global food security, reducing the threat of famine and helping the poorest countries, including African ones.

At the same time, Putin said, Ethiopia, Sudan, Somalia and several other countries accounted for less than 3% of total exports, or less than 1 million tonnes.

On Prospects of Global Food Crisis

Russia is making every effort to prevent a global food crisis, President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday during a plenary session of the Russia-Africa summit.

"We strive to actively participate in the formation of a more equitable system for the distribution of resources, we are making every effort to prevent a global food crisis," Putin said, adding that Russia understands importance of "uninterrupted supplies of food" to Africa, and will pay special attention to this.

Putin added that Russia is ready to deliver 25,000-50,000 tonnes of grain to Burkina Faso, Mali, Eritrea and a number of other African countries for free.

"To be specific, I would like to add that in coming months, in coming three-four months, we will be ready to supply Burkina Faso, Zimbabwe, Mali, Somalia, the Central African Republic, Eritrea with 25,000-50,000 tonnes of grain for free. We will ensure free delivery of this production to consumers as well," Putin said at the plenary session of the Russia-Africa summit.

The president also said that Russia is ready "to replace Ukraine grain" on a commercial and "as a donation to the African countries that are in most need."

According to Putin, the West creates obstructions to supply of Russian fertilizers to African nations for free and to supply of Russian grain to the continent. At the same time, the West blames Moscow for this, Putin added.

On Russia Grain Deliveries to Africa

Russia delivered 11.5 million tonnes of grain to African countries in 2022 and nearly 10 million tonnes in the first six months of this year, despite sanctions on Russian exports, Vladimir Putin stressed.

"As for grain, Russia delivered 11.5 million tonnes to Africa in 2022, and only in the first six months of this year a almost 10 million tonnes already. And this is despite the illegal sanctions imposed on our exports, which seriously hinder the supply of Russian food, complicate transportation, logistics, insurance and wiring of bank payments," Putin said at the plenary session of the Russia-Africa Summit in St. Petersburg.

On African Food Sovereignty

African countries could become food producers and even exporters by getting necessary technologies, with Russia only supporting these efforts, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.

"Actually, we are sure that by implementing certain agricultural technologies and correct organization of agricultural production, Africa can not only feed itself, ensure its own food security, but it will also be able to become exporter of different kinds of goods," Putin said at the plenary session of the Russia-Africa summit.

The president also stressed that he had discussed the transfer of agricultural production technologies at a meeting with African colleagues.

On African Infrastructure Development

At the moment, 30 promising energy projects with Russian participation are being developed in 16 African countries, President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday.

"More than 30 promising energy projects with Russian participation in 16 African states are currently in various stages of development," Putin said at the plenary session of the Russia-Africa summit, adding that total capacity of those projects is approximately 3.7 gigawatts.

Moscow hopes that a Russian industrial zone will be launched in Egypt's Suez Canal area in near future, Vladimir Putin added.

"In Egypt, I spoke with a colleague yesterday, with President [Abdel Fatah] Sisi, we are discussing [this issue] and I hope we will launch a Russian industrial zone in the Suez Canal area in the near future," Putin said at the Russia-Africa summit.

On Russo-African Economic Partnership

Russia and Africa are able to significantly increase mutual trade in near future, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday.

"I would like to note that trade between Russia and Africa reached $18 billion last year. It is one of the obvious results of the Russia-Africa summit in Sochi. I am sure that we all are able to increase trade more significantly in near future," Putin said at the plenary session of the Russia-Africa summit.

Vladimir Putin added that Africa's potential is obvious, and Russia is interested in further deepening ties with the continent.

"Africa's potential is obvious to everyone, for example, the average annual growth rate of the continent's GDP over the past 20 years, 4% and 4.5% per year, exceeds the global ones," Putin said at the plenary session of the Russia-Africa summit.

The president added that Russia is interested in deepening trade and humanitarian ties with Africa.

Russia has increased its exports of crude oil, oil products and liquefied natural gas to African countries by 2.6 times over the past two years, Vladimir Putin stressed.

"Over the past two years, Russia's exports of oil, oil products and liquefied natural gas to Africa have increased by 2.6 times," Putin said.

A Sputnik

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Interview: Kirby Discusses US Dismissal of Russia's Offer of Free Grain to Africa

By Misha Komadovsky July 27, 2023

The Biden administration is dismissing Russian President Vladimir Putin's offer to supply free grain to several African nations whose leaders are attending a summit in St. Petersburg, and calling instead for a full Russian return to the agreement that allowed Ukraine to send products from their Black Sea ports.

John Kirby, director of strategic communications for the National Security Council, also told VOA on Thursday that the White House is closely watching a coup in Niger, a West African nation seen as a close U.S. partner in the struggle against Islamic extremism and instability caused by violent Russian mercenaries on the continent.

The interview has been edited for clarity and brevity.

VOA: John, thank you very much for your time. With Russia nixing the grain deal (to allow shipments out of Ukrainian ports), which is vital for the Global South, it turns out that two-thirds of African leaders are not attending the Russia-Africa summit in St. Petersburg. Does this poor showing mean that Putin's food-weaponizing strategy, as you call it, is now playing against him?

John Kirby: I certainly can't speak for the African leaders who decided to go or not to go, or what motivated them. I think the whole world, including African nations, are seeing, quite plainly, the effect of Russia's decision to pull out of the grain deal, the effect that's going to have on their economies, on food scarcity across the continent. And I hope that for those leaders who did show up, I hope Mr. Putin is honest with you. I hope he tells them, 'I'm the reason why food prices are volatile. I'm the reason why you're going to have more problems with starvation, and with access to food and grain in your countries.' Because it is, there's only one party responsible for the volatility we're seeing, and for the fact that the grain is now going to be much harder to get out of Ukraine. And that's Russia, that's Mr. Putin.

VOA: Russia, at least publicly, is trying to downplay the impact of terminating the grain deal. And now Putin is offering, to at least six African countries, free grain and is trying to sort of replace Ukraine as a major food supplier to African nations. First of all, is it possible and how dangerous are those statements from Putin?

Kirby: On the face of it, it looks like a desperate attempt by Mr. Putin to try to paper over the impact that his decision to not extend the deal is going to have on African nations. Obviously, each of these sovereign nations have got to decide for themselves whether this new offer by Mr. Putin is legitimate and whether they want to accept it. But it's increasingly clear that nations around the world and in the Global South are seeing this reckless, irresponsible decision by Putin for what it is.

VOA: As for alternative ways of executing the grain deal, besides ground transportation, are the U.S. and allies considering sending convoys to escort ships in the Black Sea?

Kirby: No, there's no active discussion now about inserting warships into the Black Sea. I think we all understand that that will only escalate the tensions and increase the odds of conflict between the West and Russia and that's not what we're looking for. What we're looking for is for the grain to get out. What we're looking for is for the deal to get extended. And short of that we're going to work with our allies and partners on other ground routes and maybe even river routes.

VOA: It seems like Bolivia is interested in obtaining (drone) technology from Iran to protect its borders, as they say. Do you find this concerning?

Kirby: We're concerned about any export of Iranian technology that can be destabilizing. We have leveled many sanctions on Iran, some of them tied directly to their support for Russia and their export of this drone technology to Moscow. We urge all nations, no matter where they are, to carefully consider before they enter into defense arrangements with a nation like Iran.

VOA: Can you elaborate on the coup in Niger? What's the administration's strategy and next move to try to get the country back on the path towards democratic governance?

Kirby: Well, we also obviously want to see the democratically elected government fully respected and free to govern as the people of Niger want them to govern. We're watching events there, very closely. ... We continue to urge as we did yesterday, that President (Mohamed) Bazoum be released and be allowed to execute the office that he was voted into to represent the people of Niger. Our State Department colleagues are doing the best they can to keep people advised and aware of the situation on the ground. We advise Americans to be safe, safety first.

VOA: Some American media outlets reported that President Biden ordered the transfer of evidence to the International Criminal Court to investigate Russian war crimes. Can you elaborate on that?

Kirby: President Biden has been exceedingly clear that we want to make sure that Russia is properly held accountable for war crimes and atrocities in Ukraine, that Russian forces and paramilitary forces and private contractors like the Wagner Group are clearly perpetrating on the people of Ukraine. And we've been clear from the very beginning that we're going to help Ukraine. They have a special counsel who's gathering evidence. We're going to do what we can to help them collect that evidence, analyze that evidence and have it available for the appropriate international accountability mechanisms that might occur when the war is over. And that will include some coordination, some support of the work that the International Criminal Court is doing.

VOA: Thank you very much.

Kirby: Thank you.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






The sixth China International Import Expo to be held in Shanghai in November began a 100-day countdown on Thursday, with the organizers saying more Fortune 500 companies and industry leaders have signed up for this year's mega show compared with last year.

What is more, during a signing ceremony on Wednesday, 40 companies inked agreements to attend the seventh CIIE in 2024.During an offline event in June, 25 companies, including L'Oreal and BSH Home Appliances, had signed up for next year's CIIE.

Sun Chenghai, deputy director of the CIIE Bureau, told a news conference on Wednesday that the world's top 15 carmakers, including BMW and Mercedes-Benz, the 10 largest medical equipment companies such as Medtronic and Siemens Healthineers, and the top three mining giants, including BHP, will all be present at this year's event.

Nearly 20 Fortune 500 companies and industry leaders, including Nobilia, a German maker of fitted kitchens, and Muji, a Japanese retailer, will make their CIIE debut this year.

Another 500 small and medium-sized enterprises, including those specializing in niche technologies and commanding larger market shares, will participate in the CIIE for the first time this year, said Sun.

"The CIIE has facilitated China's industrial upgrade by demonstrating the latest trends in industrial development worldwide and frontier results. With more than 2,000 technologies and products making their regional or global debut over the past five editions of the show, the exhibition has also contributed to China's consumption upgrade."

According to the CIIE Bureau, more than 360,000 square meters of exhibition area has been booked already, equal to last year's scale based on data in the public domain.

The exhibition area for consumption-related sectors like wine, beverages, seafood, fashion, nutrition supplements and logistics will increase by 30 percent this year. And the area taken up by meat and seafood product providers will surge by 80 percent year-on-year.

About 200 companies will attend the exhibition for the sixth consecutive year. French yeast and fermentation product provider Lesaffre Group is one of them. Yu Zhiqiong, the company's chief marketing officer for China, said Lesaffre will bring to China one of its flavoring agents via the sixth CIIE.

At a business matchmaking event held in Sichuan province in April, Lesaffre signed an agreement with Chengdu Hongqi Chain Co Ltd to sell its yeast products through the latter's convenience stores, Yu said.

"The CIIE has created an amiable business environment where we can fully demonstrate our competitive products. With full confidence in the Chinese market, we will firmly increase our investment here given its huge potential in the consumption sector," she said.

Comvita, a New Zealand health supplement company known for its honey products, will attend this year's CIIE, marking its participation for the third time in a row. According to the company's China general manager Zheng Yan, Comvita will roll out more products in China targeting the younger generation and consumers in smaller cities.

China's General Administration of Customs introduced a new measure to strengthen the CIIE this year. Animal and plant products, and foods from countries and regions with no corresponding epidemic, will be allowed to enter the exhibition upon receiving a special approval. For the past five CIIE editions, 19 Customs clearance and market entry policies were introduced to make the exhibition process smoother.
We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page..
Anti-amphibious landing drills staged on day 4 of military exercises

ROC Central News Agency

07/27/2023 02:50 PM

New Taipei, July 27 (CNA) Taiwan's military on Thursday held an anti-amphibious landing drill near a northern port, which is considered a critical location for repelling a Chinese attack, on the fourth day of the live-fire phase of the annual Han Kuang military exercises.

During the simulated invasion at a beach near the Port of Taipei in New Taipei's Bali District, troops from the Sixth Army Corps took the opposing roles of "red" invading forces and "blue" defense ground troops, according to the Ministry of National Defense (MND).

The 30-minute drill began with the "red invading troops" making a forced landing on Bali beach in some 20 AAV7 amphibious assault vehicles, the MND said.

In the defense attempt, the blue team deployed tanks and indigenous CM-32 Clouded Leopard armored vehicles, while also erecting barricades and digging trenches on the beach to slow down the "enemy's" advancement.

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) were also used to determine the enemy forces' coordinates, which were then transmitted back to a command center that mobilized ground forces in a counterstrike.

Meanwhile, a "blue" infantry was seen armed with FGM-148 Javelin missiles in the trenches. The portable anti-tank missiles are now highly acclaimed because of their effective use by Ukraine to take out Russian tanks in the ongoing war between those two countries.

In Thursday's invasion simulation in Bali, the defense troops also detonated explosives and smoke grenades to obscure the view of the invading forces and facilitate covert movements by the blue team. The red team, meanwhile, continued to advance on the beach under the cover of AH-64E and UH-60M attack choppers.

As part of the Bali anti-amphibious landing drill, infantry troops stationed at a nearby temporary coastal fortification site took up their designated positions in a 150-meter-long trench.

The fortification site that was set up under an elevated section of Provincial Highway 61 served as a second line of defense during the drill, allowing the blue soldiers to eliminate the members of the red invading forces who managed to advance from the beach with tanks and artillery.

Some aspects of Thursday's anti-landing drill were canceled due to strong winds from Typhoon Doksuri. That meant there was no participation by the Air Force and Navy, which were supposed to deploy fast mine-laying boats and the newly commissioned indigenous Yushan landing platform dock (LPD), a type of naval warship used to transport landing craft such as amphibious vehicles.

According to the defense ministry, Port of Taipei, Bali beach, and Tamsui River estuary are strategic sites, comprising key defensive positions for fending off a potential seaborne invasion of Taiwan by China's People's Liberation Army (PLA).

Defending the area near the mouth of the Tamsui River has always been a priority for Taiwan's military, because if it is breached by enemy forces, they could easily advance into the Greater Taipei area, where major political and economic facilities are located, the MND said.

The Bali drills were inspected Thursday morning by President Tsai Ing-wen (ee), despite her positive COVID-19 test two days earlier.

Dressed in full military uniform and wearing a face mask, Tsai boarded a Humvee, accompanied by Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng (ea) and other senior military personnel, and they inspected the barricades and trenches on the beach and the temporary fortifications under Provincial Highway 61.

It was the second consecutive day that the president was inspecting the live-fire component of the annual Han Kuang military exercises, which kicked off early Monday and will end on Friday.

Since they were first launched in 1984, the Han Kuang exercises have served as Taiwan's major military drills, comprising live-fire exercises and computerized war games that are meant to test Taiwan's combat readiness in the event of an invasion by China.

This year's tabletop exercises were staged in May.

(By Matt Yu and Joseph Yeh)

Enditem/pc

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Taiwanese man arrives in Japan after serving time in China for spying

ROC Central News Agency

07/27/2023 08:45 PM

Taipei, July 27 (CNA) Taiwanese businessman Lee Meng-chu (), who was banned from leaving China for two years after completing a sentence for spying in 2021, arrived in Japan on Monday.

The Chinese language service of BBC News released a video interview on Thursday, in which Lee, who was found guilty of "spying for external entities" and "illegally providing state secrets," described his arrival in Japan as "returning to the free world."

A source familiar with Lee also told CNA on Thursday, on condition of anonymity, that Lee is "safe" and still in Japan.

Lee, originally an adviser to Fangliao Township in southern Taiwan's Pingtung County, reportedly went missing on Aug. 20, 2019, shortly after crossing the border to Shenzhen from Hong Kong. He resurfaced on a Chinese state media television program in October 2020 in which he confessed to the charges.

According to an official document shown in the BBC video, Lee was sentenced in January 2021 to 22 months in prison and deprivation of political rights for two years.

Lee told the British public broadcaster that he was convicted by the Chinese authorities for having taken photos of a military drill in Shenzhen from his hotel with his mobile phone.

"I was merely a curious passerby" he said, adding that he was framed for spying, arguing there was nothing confidential about activities that could be seen from a hotel about 50 meters away.

Lee said he made the confession in the hope of being set free as soon as possible. "The most important thing was to get out as soon as possible," he said in the interview, adding that with that goal in mind "self-esteem could be set aside."

Lee was released in April 2021 after completing his sentence, with his time in detention counted as time served, but was banned from leaving the country.

China's Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) confirmed on April 27, 2021 that Lee had completed his prison sentence, but said he was still "serving an additional sentence," without elaborating.

The office was most likely referring to the two years of deprivation of political rights, which according to Chinese law, commences after the end of Lee's imprisonment.

TAO also said the government would enforce the sentence regarding the deprivation of political rights according to law and based on the situation in individual cases.

According to Lee, he traveled in China after his release from prison spending his own savings and with assistance from family, visiting more than 100 cities over the past two years.

Earlier this month, a Chinese national security official notified Lee that he would be able to leave China after the additional sentence ended, but suggested that he should not return to Taiwan immediately.

The official expressed concern that his return would attract a lot of media attention in Taiwan and affect the presidential election there in January 2024, according to Lee.

That is why he decided to fly to Japan, Lee said, adding that he would not return to China in the short term.

He told the broadcaster he had been "naive" thinking he could make a fortune from China's huge market as long as he stayed away from politics.

(By Lee Ya-wen and Teng Pei-ju)

Enditem/AW



NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Taiwanese businessman allowed to leave China for Japan 'relieved' to be free

Lee Meng-chu promised state security police he would delay his homecoming until after Taiwan's presidential poll.

By Hwang Chun-mei for RFA Mandarin 2023.07.27 -- Taiwan businessman Lee Meng-chu, also known as Morrison Lee, has been allowed to leave China for Japan after serving nearly two years in prison for "spying," on condition that he doesn't go home to Taiwan until after the 2024 presidential elections in January, Radio Free Asia has learned.

Lee told RFA that he was a political hostage targeted due to anger in Beijing over Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen's vocal support for the Hong Kong protest movement, and her government's criticism of the Hong Kong authorities' response.

He remained under restrictions last year despite having been released at the end of a one-year-10-month prison sentence for "espionage," prompting calls for his freedom to be fully restored.

Lee, who "disappeared" in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen in August 2019 after taking photos of a gathering of armed police and sending them back to contacts in Taiwan, said he had promised the state security police he would stay in Japan instead.

He flew out of Beijing on July 24, despite expressing concern in a brief video statement before traveling to the airport that he could be stopped at the border.

Lee told Radio Free Asia from Japan that he had gone along with everything the state security police asked of him.

"They were worried I might influence the presidential elections," Lee told Radio Free Asia in a recent interview. "I think if my case is a little sensitive, it's better not to annoy them for now."

He said he had made the promise after being called to a meeting with China's state security police prior to the lifting of the restrictions.

"I was very scared," he said. "They are under a lot of pressure right now, and if I wasn't careful, they could try to ... offload that pressure [onto me]."

'This should never have happened to me

Lee didn't specify what kind of retaliation the police could engage in now that he has left the country, but China's "long-arm" law enforcement has been expanding around the world in recent years, and can include targeting loved ones and business associates in China.

Now he is in Japan, Lee feels relieved, "but I still feel that this should never have happened to me."

"I also know why it did -- I was carrying the burden of cross-straits relations at the time."

Lee, a former worker in Taiwan's Hsinchu Science Park, had originally only planned to stay for one day in Shenzhen when he landed there on Aug. 20, 2019, at the height of the Hong Kong protest movement.

"I went to Shenzhen on a business trip, and planned to stay for one day," he said. "After my meeting, I took the samples and left."

On his way out, Lee happened to take photos of the People's Armed Police, who appeared to be gathering in the same hotel.

Lee said he was utterly unprepared for what followed.

"I lost my freedom without any psychological preparation, that was the hardest part, mentally," he said. "I'm not like some of those former democracy activists in China or even Taiwan [under the authoritarian rule of the Kuomintang]."

"They may have been prepared for what happened, but I was completely innocent, and totally unprepared," said Lee, who now suffers from post-traumatic stress syndrome linked to his experience.

During his sentence, the pandemic hit, and ruling Chinese Communist Party leader Xi Jinping plunged the country's 1.4 billion population into three years of grueling lockdowns, mass testing, compulsory quarantine camps and constant digital surveillance.

Taiwan warns travelers

Lee has spent time since his release traveling around China, where he has now visited around 100 cities, taking photographs.

"I didn't go to Xinjiang," he said. "I wanted to, but my mainland compatriots told me that it is much more sensitive there, and that I too was in a sensitive situation."

"But I almost got as far as Xinjiang, because I traveled through Guazhou in [the western province of] Gansu," he said.

Overall, Lee got the impression that there is far more going on in China than meets the eye of a casual observer, and plans to publish a book based on his travels there.

Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council issued a news release on Thursday warning the democratic island's 23 million residents to take care when considering travel to China.

Warning of "frequent violations of personal freedom and safety, as well as unfriendly treatment by the other side," the Council said the risk of arbitrary detention and interrogation was high.

"Just a few days ago, a university lecturer invited to China on an academic exchange was detained by airport personnel and interrogated for four hours," the statement said, adding that the authorities had taken his phone and laptop for unknown purposes. "He was eventually allowed to enter the country, but the experience was a huge physical and mental shock to him."

The statement called on the Chinese authorities "to immediately stop the vile and unreasonable detention of our people who have been invited for exchanges."

Last month, the Council warned Taiwanese traveling to Hong Kong to avoid carrying electronic tealights, wearing T-shirts referencing the 1989 Tiananmen massacre or possessing news materials relating to the city's 2019 mass protest movement.

To avoid running afoul of a national security law imposed on the city by Beijing to clamp down on several waves of popular protest in recent years, Taiwanese traveling to Hong Kong have also been warned to avoid "seditious" publications referencing the protests, banned slogans and even songs linked to the movement.

The national security law - imposed by Beijing on Hong Kong from July 1, 2020 - ushered in a citywide crackdown on public dissent and criticism of the authorities that has seen senior journalists, pro-democracy media magnate Jimmy Lai and 47 former lawmakers and democracy activists charged with offenses from "collusion with a foreign power" to "subversion."

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.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Answer to a question from Channel One journalist

On the sidelines of the Russia-Africa Summit, the President answered a question from a Channel One journalist on the situation in the special military operation zone.

July 27, 2023

14:55

St Petersburg

Question: Mr President, can I ask you a question about the Ukrainian counteroffensive? Many experts in the West have been saying these past few days that the decisive stage in Ukraine's counteroffensive is about to begin or is even underway already, while everything that happened before that was nothing and that now they are going to "show us" what is what.

Have you witnessed any attempts by Ukraine to step up military action and is this really the decisive stage? Overall, what is your assessment of the situation on the frontline? Can I also ask you to provide details on the casualties on both sides, both for Russia and Ukraine? Can you share the latest data, please?

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: As we have already said, and as confirmed by the actual action along the line of contact, the so-called counteroffensive, this broad counteroffensive, started on June 4, 2023. This is an obvious fact, demonstrated, among other things, by the fact that the Ukrainian Armed Forces have engaged their so-called strategic reserves.

As for the past few days, we can confirm that combat action has entered its intensive phase, to a significant extent. The clashes are primarily concentrated in what they call in the West the direction of the main attack - the Zaporozhye sector. Yesterday, there was serious military action within the area of responsibility of the 810th brigade of the Black Sea's Naval Infantry and the 71st Regiment from the 42nd division of the Southern Military District's 58th Army.

I can tell you without any exaggeration that our soldiers and officers have demonstrated mass heroism on a vast scale. The enemy used armoured machinery in large numbers by sending 50 pieces of military hardware into battle. Of them, 39 units of equipment, including 26 tanks and 13 armoured personnel carriers, have been destroyed. The personnel of the units I mentioned earlier destroyed 60 percent of them, while our combat pilots destroyed the other 40 percent.

Today, at my instruction, our troops will be awarded state decorations directly in the area of hostilities. I have already instructed the Defence Ministry to draft proposals for bestowing honorary designations on these units. The enemy has not succeeded in any of the sectors of combat activity. All attempts at the counteroffensive have been stopped. The enemy has been forced to retreat with substantial losses.

Today, they tried to recover the damaged assets, as well as pick up the wounded and casualties after leaving them on the battlefield yesterday but were also dispersed. This is the current situation as of this moment.

Question: Can I ask you to share the losses?

Vladimir Putin: Of course, apart from the military hardware, the adversary sustained multiple casualties of over 200 people. Unfortunately, we lost people too, but the difference is overwhelming with many times fewer casualties on our side. In fact, our casualties amount to less than 10 percent of the enemy's losses. Let me reiterate and emphasise that everything that happened over the past 24 hours demonstrates the mass heroism of our soldiers and officers at its best.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Russia says intercepted another cargo ship over traces of explosives

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 27 July 2023 10:48 AM

Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) says it found traces of explosives on board a civilian vessel en route from Turkey to a Russian port over suspected involvement in smuggling arms to Ukraine.

In a statement on its website on Thursday, the FSB said the BMO River cargo ship, which had been traveling between the Turkish port of Sinop and Russia's Rostov-on-Don, had been ordered to leave Russian waters on Wednesday following the detection of traces of explosives.

"The foreign ship may have been used earlier to transport explosive substances to Ukraine" based on the test results and its record of visiting the Ukrainian port of Reni in June and July, the FSB said.

It added that the transport link had been attacked twice in the past year over what it called "Ukrainian terrorist attacks."

The suspicious compounds were identified as the explosive trinitrotoluene (TNT) and dinitro (DNT), which is used in TNT production.

The FSB said on Monday that it had found traces of explosives on another ship traveling from Turkey to Rostov-on-Don. The agency similarly claimed that the vessel may have been previously involved in smuggling weapons to Ukraine.

In a statement last week, Russia warned that all ships traveling to Ukraine are considered to be potentially carrying weapons and military equipment, and thus be part of the current war in the ex-Soviet republic.

Russia's defense ministry said from July 20 on, it would deem all Ukraine-bound vessels to be potentially carrying arms on behalf of Kiev, and consequently "the flag countries of such ships will be considered parties to the Ukrainian conflict."

Russia previously granted some civilian ships safe passage to Ukraine under the Black Sea grain deal, which was officially known as the Black Sea Grain Initiative and was brokered by Turkey and the United Nations on July 22, 2022. The deal had allowed three Ukrainian ports to export some 32.9 million metric tons of grain and other food to the world, over half of that to developing countries.

However, Russia last week announced its withdrawal from the Black Sea grain deal that allowed Ukraine to ship food from its southern ports despite the war.

The withdrawal from the deal came with a separate agreement to facilitate shipments of Russian food and fertilizer. Moscow says no facilitation under that agreement has yet taken place. The Kremlin had initially threatened to abandon the deal if its concerns were not addressed.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Ukraine claims responsibility for last year's Crimea bridge blast

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 27 July 2023 6:28 AM

Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) has claimed responsibility for an attack on the Crimean Bridge connecting Russia and the Crimean Peninsula in October last year.

Speaking on Ukrainian national television on Wednesday, Vasyl Malyuk, the head of SBU, said that his agency was behind the attack on the Crimean Bridge, which left three people dead.

"There were many different operations, special operations. We'll be able to speak about some of them publicly and aloud after the victory, we will not talk at all about others," Malyuk said.

"It is one of our actions, namely the destruction of the Crimean Bridge on Oct. 8 last year," he added.

Last October, a truck bomb went off on the arterial bridge, which hosts road and rail links between the Russian Federation and Crimea.

The bomb set fire to seven oil tankers that were being carried by rail to Crimea, sparking a massive blaze and killing three people.

At the time, Russia blamed Ukraine for the attack on the bridge, saying it was organized by Ukrainian military intelligence and its director, Kyrylo Budanov.

Ukraine did not claim responsibility for the explosion. However, Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak declared in a Twitter message that the bombing was "the beginning."

After the October attack, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the bridge repaired and even drove a vehicle across it.

The bridge, constructed on the orders of Putin, was inaugurated in 2018, four years after Crimea voted in a referendum to become part of Russia.

The latest development comes as Kiev has intensified its attacks on the peninsula in recent weeks.

On Saturday, a Ukrainian drone attack at infrastructure facilities in Crimea sparked mass evacuations and briefly suspended road traffic on the Crimean Bridge.

Moscow blamed Ukraine for the attack, saying the assault took place under the auspices of the United States and Britain.

Also last Wednesday, a separate Ukrainian raid on Crimea killed a teenage girl and damaged several administrative buildings.

Crimea has repeatedly been targeted by Ukrainian drone attacks since Moscow launched its military operation against Kiev in February last year.

Russia launched the campaign partly to counter NATO's further eastward expansion and to stop Kiev's persecution of the pro-Russian population in eastern Ukraine.

Moscow also regularly accuses Ukraine of attacks against targets inside Russia, while Kiev has never officially taken responsibility for those attacks.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Russia Keeps Pounding Ukraine As Kyiv's Forces Reportedly Recapture Village In Donetsk

By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service July 27, 2023

Ukrainian military officials and regional authorities said on July 27 that Russian forces launched fresh indiscriminate missile barrages and drone strikes that killed and wounded several civilians as Ukraine's military reportedly steps up its counteroffensive in the south.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian soldiers recaptured a village in the Donetsk region, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on July 27, declaring "Our south! Our guys! Glory to Ukraine" as he celebrated his troops' success.

In the central region of Vinnytsya, at least five people were wounded by debris falling from downed Russian Kalibr cruise missiles, regional Governor Serhiy Borzov said on July 27. He added that the strikes caused damage to economic and civilian infrastructure.

Odesa regional Governor Oleh Kiper said earlier on July 27 that Kalibr missiles launched from a Russian submarine in the Black Sea killed a security guard and damaged a cargo terminal. Odesa, Ukraine's main Black Sea port, has been repeatedly targeted by Russian attacks since Moscow's exiting a UN-brokered grain export deal earlier this month.

Zelensky visited a historic cathedral in Odesa late on July 27, his office said. The Transfiguration Cathedral had been damaged in a Russian strike on July 23.

Zelenskiy also visited hospitals in Odesa, Dnipro, and the Mykolayiv region, shaking hands with Ukrainian military personnel being treated at the facilities.

Separately, the General Staff of the Armed Forces said in its morning report that Russia once again used Iranian-made Shahed drones, adding that information about the consequences of the drone strikes is currently being clarified.

"Unfortunately, there are victims among the civilian population, and residential buildings were destroyed," the military said.

Regional authorities reported early on July 27 that two civilians had been killed by Russian shelling in the previous 24 hours in the Donetsk and Kharkiv regions.

"The 35th brigade and the 'Ariy' territorial defense unit have fulfilled their task and liberated the village of Staromayorske. Glory to Ukraine!" said a soldier in a video Zelenskiy posted on social media.

The video could not immediately be verified.

The village lies to the south of a cluster of small settlements that Ukraine recaptured during a counteroffensive it began early in June.

Andriy Kovalev, a spokesman for the General Staff, confirmed that Ukrainian troops achieved success in the Staromayorske area of the Donetsk region on the southern front, and Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Malyar also reported that Staromayorske had been liberated.

"Our defenders are currently carrying out clearing operations" of Russian troops, she said on Telegram.

The General Staff announced late on July 27 that Ukrainian forces continued to conduct an offensive operation in the areas of Melitopol and Berdyansk and were entrenched at the achieved boundaries.

The Ukrainian military has given limited information about the state of its counteroffensive in the Russia-occupied south, with Malyar only saying troops are advancing toward the city of Melitopol in the Zaporizhzhya region.

But an unnamed Western official told the Associated Press on July 26 that a Ukrainian surge in troops and firepower has been centered on Zaporizhzhya.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on July 27 admitted that the fighting in the Zaporizhzhya region of southeastern Ukraine has "intensified significantly," but claimed that Ukraine's thrust had been unsuccessful.

Putin, speaking in St. Petersburg on the sidelines of a Russia-Africa summit, lauded what he said was the "heroism" of Russian troops and claimed that Ukrainian forces suffered heavy material and human losses.

His claims could not be independently verified.

Earlier on July 27, Zelenskiy traveled to the city of Dnipro, which has been repeatedly subjected to air attacks.

"We began the working day in Dnipro," Zelenskiy wrote on Telegram messaging app. "Close attention to providing troops with ammunition.... The effectiveness of using existing air-defense systems and strengthening the air shield," Zelenskiy wrote, referring to the topics of discussion with the military and regional officials.

Ukrainian Infrastructure Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov said Russia has damaged or destroyed 26 port installations and grain storage facilities since refusing to extend the deal that would have allowed the continued export of Ukrainian food to the world.

Kubrakov, speaking late on July 26, said the goal of the Russian attacks "to deprive the world of Ukrainian food, thus creating a global food crisis."

NATO allies and Ukraine on July 26 condemned Russia's decision to withdraw from the Black Sea grain deal and what they said were Russia's deliberate attempts to stop Ukraine's agricultural exports.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned on July 27 that a "handful of donations to some countries" won't correct the dramatic impact of the end of a deal. Putin promised during a Russia-Africa summit in St. Petersburg this week to free Russian grain "to replace Ukrainian grain."

In a statement issued after a meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council in Brussels, NATO said the allies also condemned Russia's recent missile attacks on Odesa, Mykolayiv, and other port cities, including Moscow's "cynical" drone attack on the Ukrainian grain storage facility in the Danube port city of Reni, which is close to Ukraine's border with NATO-member Romania.

"Russia continues to show utter disrespect for international law and for the people worldwide who depend on Ukrainian grain," NATO Deputy Secretary-General Mircea Geoana said in the statement. "We stand in solidarity with our Black Sea Allies, we will continue to protect one another, and we will continue to support Ukraine for as long as it takes."

In addition, NATO allies said they would step up surveillance in the Black Sea region, including with maritime patrol aircraft and drones.

Zelenskiy welcomed the council's "lear and unequivocal condemnation" of Russia's withdrawal from the grain deal.

The NATO-Ukraine Council serves as a platform for exchanges during crisis situations and aims to foster closer cooperation until Ukraine can fulfil conditions for NATO membership.

The deal expired on July 17 after Russia quit in a move the United Nations said would "strike a blow to people in need everywhere."

Moscow said its reason for quitting the deal was that its demands to improve exports of its grain and fertilizer were not met.

Russia also said ships traveling to Ukraine's Black Sea ports would be seen as possibly carrying military cargoes.

Russia fired a barrage of missiles at Ukraine during the NATO-Ukraine council meeting. Ukrainian Air Force spokesman Yuriy Ihnat said the Ukrainian military shot down Russian missiles in the Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Dnipropetrovsk regions late on July 26.

With reporting by Reuters and AFP

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-fresh-strikes- ukraine-grain-attacks-nato/32522164.html

Copyright (c) 2023. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Ukraine Has Lost 20% of Donated Western Materiel in Counteroffensive - Reports

Sputnik News

20230727

Fantine Gardinier

Pressured to launch an attack against fortified Russian positions, Ukrainian forces have lost huge amounts of equipment given to them by the NATO powers for the operation, with little to show for it.

According to reports in Western media citing Ukrainian and Western officials, the Armed Forces of Ukraine have lost roughly one-fifth of their Western equipment over the last two months, including huge numbers of armored vehicles, as well as expending much of the munitions stocks it has been given.

Ukrainian troops involved in the operations told Western media they were "unprepared" for the complexity of the Russian fortifications they encountered, which have included tank traps, minefields, and trenches. They described "chaos" early in the operation that caused huge amounts of losses, including friendly fire incidents and falling prey to Russia's deadly Ka-52 "Alligator" tank-hunter helicopters.

Kremlin statistics account for some 26,000 casualties on the Ukrainian side since early June. Western media tallies have accounted for the loss of at least 34 M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) - more than one-third of the 100 given to Ukraine by the United States since April. At least eight of the roughly two dozen Leopard main battle tanks given to Kiev had also been destroyed as of early July.

The early heavy losses caused Kiev to change tactics, now relying on massive artillery bombardments and slow, methodical probing of Russian minefields to find - or make - paths through the defenses that they hope mechanized units can exploit. Ukrainian special forces also told Western media that they were being used "like regular infantry" on the front lines instead of in their specialized roles, due to shortages in manpower.

However, the grinding movement forward is also exhausting the artillery shells given to Ukraine, which include American 155-millimeter M777 howitzers and the cluster munitions controversially supplied for them.

In all, Ukrainian forces have retaken only tiny amounts of ground from Russian forces, given the amount of hype the counteroffensive was given in the Western press and by Western leaders. At the NATO summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, earlier this month, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky scolded NATO leaders for reaffirming their opposition to direct involvement in the conflict and pushing Kiev's possible NATO membership back until after the crisis is over.

A Sputnik

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Ukrainian Forces Lose Hundreds of Soldiers in Donetsk Direction - Russian Defense Ministry

Sputnik News

20230727

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The armed forces of Ukraine lost over 210 soldiers during attempts to attack Russian positions in the Donetsk direction in the past 24 hours, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Thursday.

According to the ministry, the Ukrainian military continued to make attempts to attack in Donetsk, South Donetsk and Krasny Liman directions but failed.

"Enemy losses per day amounted to over 210 Ukrainian servicemen, one tank, seven infantry fighting vehicles, three armored fighting vehicles, two pickup trucks, D-20 and Msta-B howitzers, as well as a US-made AN / TPQ counter-battery radar," the ministry reported, adding that nine attacks were repelled in this direction.

The ministry also stated that the Ukrainian troops lost up to 185 soldiers in the Krasny Liman direction. Moreover, Kiev lost over 280 soldiers, 10 infantry mobility vehicles, 25 tanks and 1 Czech MLRS RM-70 vampire in South Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia directions, the ministry added.

Moreover, the Russian military has conducted missile strikes on command posts and airfields of the Ukrainian armed forces, the ministry noted.

"The Russian armed forces carried out concentrated strikes with long-range high-precision air and sea-based weapons at airfields, command and control centers and deployment of the armed forces of Ukraine, workshops and storage sites for unmanned boats, as well as missiles, weapons and military equipment received from Europe and the United States," the ministry reported, adding that all facilities have been hit.



A Sputnik

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Ukrainian Forces Intensify Attacks, Pushed Back With Heavy Losses - Putin

Sputnik News

20230727

Russian President Vladimir Putin commented on the reports about intensification of Ukrainian militants in special op zone. He stressed that all Ukrainian counteroffensive attempts have been stopped, and their forces have been pushed back.

Putin mentioned that Kiev has intensified fighting, and the "main attack is on the Zaporozhye direction."

"The enemy was not successful in any of the areas of clashes. All attempts at a counteroffensive were stopped, the enemy was pushed back with heavy losses," Putin said on sidelines of the Russia-Africa summit.

The Russian president added that Ukraine suffered huge casualties during Wednesday battles in the Zaporozhye Region, as Kiev lost 39 pieces of military equipment, including 26 tanks.

"In addition to military equipment, the enemy has very large losses of personnel - over 200 people. But the difference is huge ..., we have 10 times less [casualties] than the enemy," Putin said.

Putin stressed that Russian soldiers and officers had demonstrated outstanding instances of widespread heroism, and added that they would be given State Honorary Awards.

Ukrainian counteroffensive started earlier in June and despite much hype, Kiev has not achieved any meaningful military goals and suffered heavy losses, including thousands of troops and dozens of pieces of expensive military equipment.





A Sputnik

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Today, I had the honor to congratulate doctors and nurses, frontline medics on their professional holiday; I am grateful to everyone on whom the life of Ukraine depends - address by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy

President of Ukraine

27 July 2023 - 22:54

Good health to you, fellow Ukrainians!

We are finishing this day working in Odesa.

Dnipro region, Mykolaiv and Ochakiv... Now it's our Odesa region. Our combat medics, all our medical workers who save the lives of our soldiers and civilians, our adults and our children.

Today I had the honor to congratulate Ukrainian doctors and nurses, frontline medics on their professional holiday. I awarded the best ones. But I am grateful to everyone who stays in our cities and villages, in the frontline areas, who work on the frontline, on whom the life of Ukraine really depends. I am grateful to you!

In the morning, I held a meeting of the Staff. As always, we discussed key issues of our defense, protection of our skies and our cities. There were reports on the situation at the front and we are checking the "military commissars". I think you can see the state's reaction to the abuses of the "military commissars".

Mykolaiv has a lot of issues that need to be resolved for people, including in the regional hospital. The Minister of Health and the head of the regional administration heard everything.

Ochakiv - I thank our doctors working there. They are real heroes!

In Odesa, I also had the honor to award medical workers and thanked them for their work.

An important conversation also took place in the presence of the Minister of Health with Commander of the Medical Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Tetiana Ostashchenko. We talked about issues that are of great concern to our combat medics, our warriors. Issues on which lives depend. I expect the commander to work together with the community of combat medics, with volunteers and, on the other hand, with government officials to find the necessary solutions.

I listened to the report on the liquidation of the consequences of Russian strikes on Odesa and the region. Here, in Spaso-Preobrazhensky Cathedral, which Russia tried to destroy, I feel that our people, our morale are still stronger. Stronger than the Russian terror.

We are looking for air defense systems to protect Odesa and our entire south. And I am grateful to everyone in the world who has already joined us in this endeavor!

One more thing.

Kyiv. Today there is minus one deputy of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. That's fair.

I think it's also fair to say now: every intention of any official to go abroad, of any deputy, should be checked to the second. If someone really wants to take a break from working for the state, the state will also take a break from such people.

I thank everyone who is fighting for Ukraine! Thank you for the liberation of Staromaiorske. Congratulations again, guys!

Once again, I would like to congratulate our esteemed medical workers on their holiday. We are very proud of you!

Glory to Ukraine!

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






In Odesa, President viewed the damage to Spaso-Preobrazhensky Cathedral caused by Russian terrorist shelling

President of Ukraine

27 July 2023 - 22:04

During a working trip to Odesa region, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy viewed the damage to Spaso-Preobrazhensky Cathedral caused by the recent massive Russian shelling of civilian infrastructure and the historic center of Odesa.

The Head of State was told about the extent of the destruction of the church and its current condition.

The President was informed that experts are currently working to assess the possibility of restoring the building.

Foreign partners have expressed their willingness to contribute to the restoration of Spaso-Preobrazhensky Cathedral.

It is the largest Orthodox church in Odesa, founded in 1795 and consecrated in 1808. In 1936, it was completely destroyed by the Bolsheviks. The cathedral was rebuilt in 1999-2011 on the site of its destroyed predecessor.

On July 23, 2023, due to a criminal missile attack by Russia, the cathedral suffered significant damage. The altar was completely destroyed and the supporting structure of the building was damaged.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Ihor Zhovkva met with Deputy Secretary-General of the European External Action Service

President of Ukraine

27 July 2023 - 20:00

Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Ihor Zhovkva met with Deputy Secretary-General of the European External Action Service Enrique Mora, who is on a visit to Ukraine.

During the meeting, the parties discussed key issues on the agenda of cooperation between Ukraine and the EU, in particular, they reviewed Ukraine's further steps towards European integration and noted the progress made by our country in implementing seven recommendations of the European Commission.

"We expect the European Council to approve a decision in December this year to launch negotiations on Ukraine's membership in the EU after the European Commission provides a corresponding recommendation in October," emphasized Ihor Zhovkva.

The parties also discussed the EU's sanctions policy towards Russia, the content of the 12th package of sanctions, as well as the need to further tighten the EU's sanctions against the aggressor and counteract attempts to circumvent sanctions.

Attention was paid to the issue of providing defense assistance to our country by the EU states and the importance of the successful implementation of the EU's joint plan to supply artillery munitions to Ukraine was emphasized.

In addition, the two sides exchanged views on the next steps in the implementation of the Ukrainian Peace Formula and preparations for the Global Peace Summit. The important role of the EU in supporting all points of the Formula and the need for broader involvement of the leading countries of the Global South in its implementation were emphasized.

"A just and lasting peace can be achieved only after the withdrawal of Russian occupation forces and the liberation of the entire territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders. And this axiom must be understood by all our partners," emphasized Ihor Zhovkva.

The interlocutors also discussed preparations for the third Crimea Platform Summit to be held on August 23 in Kyiv.



NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Ihor Zhovkva met with the Ambassador of India to Ukraine

President of Ukraine

27 July 2023 - 17:26

Deputy Head of the Presidential Office Ihor Zhovkva met with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of India to Ukraine Harsh Kumar Jain.

The parties discussed the restoration of sustainable and just peace based on respect for the UN Charter, international law and the Peace Formula of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The interlocutors exchanged views on preparations for the next meeting at the level of national security advisors on the implementation of the Ukrainian Peace Formula, as well as on the organization of the Global Peace Summit.

"All countries of the world, including the most influential countries of the Global South, are interested in establishing a just peace and overcoming the negative consequences of Russian aggression against Ukraine as soon as possible. The answers to these questions are contained in the Ukrainian Peace Formula," the Deputy Head of the Presidential Office noted.

Ihor Zhovkva thanked India for its balanced approach to the most important issues on the international agenda and emphasized the importance of India's Presidency of the G20.

The parties noted the positive dynamics of cooperation between the two countries and agreed to further coordinate joint actions, in particular in the context of India's G20 Presidency.





NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Congratulations of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the Day of Medical Workers of Ukraine

President of Ukraine

27 July 2023 - 09:01

Dear Ukrainians!

Today is the day of those people whose profession is to protect life. This is the day of Ukrainian medical workers, all our doctors, all our nurses, all our combat medics.

It is in this work that we can best see what civilization is, what humanity is, how people can live and work for the sake of other people.

I thank you, dear Ukrainian medics, for your professionalism, for your service, and for every life you have saved. For all these infinite worlds that are seen in the eyes of children, adults, soldiers, and civilians - all those whom you have saved.

Thank you! I wish you strength and the unwavering gratitude of all our people, all of Ukraine.

I wish you victory!

Glory to you!

Glory to Ukraine!





NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Latest in Ukraine: Russian Missile Attack Hits Odesa

By VOA News July 27, 2023

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin says Ukrainian forces have been deliberate in their counteroffensive against Russia and have been "conserving manpower and equipment."

Russia's Federal Security Service said it found traces of explosives on a vessel en route from Turkey to Russia that had previously visited a Ukrainian port.

A Ukrainian official said Thursday that Russian forces carried out an overnight missile strike on the Odesa region in southern Ukraine, killing at least one person.

Oleh Kiper, the regional governor, said the attack damaged a small security building, equipment at a cargo terminal and two cars.

Kiper said the attack involved missiles fired from a submarine in the Black Sea.

Ukraine's air force said it shot down one of two missiles Russia fired targeting Odesa, while air defense also downed eight drones that Russia launched overnight.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on social media that he visited the city of Dnipro, in southeastern Ukraine, to meet with military commanders and discuss issues regarding supplies and strengthening air defenses.

UN meetings

Russian bombardments are taking a heavy toll on Ukrainian cultural sites as well as grain supplies that Kyiv had been shipping to impoverished countries.

The mounting damage was spelled out Wednesday at unusual back-to-back U.N. Security Council meetings on Ukraine.

According to UNESCO, since the war began in February 2022, at least 274 Ukrainian cultural sites have been damaged, including 117 religious sites.

"Religious sites should be places of worship, not places of war," Nihal Saad, director of the U.N. Alliance of Civilizations, told the council in her briefing.

But Dmitry Polyansky, Russia's deputy permanent U.N. ambassador, said Zelenskyy's government was conducting a "campaign" to destroy orthodoxy in Ukraine.

He dismissed condemnations of Russia's missile strike Sunday on the Transfiguration Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the southern city of Odesa, and suggested it was Ukraine's fault.

"If the Russian missile truly struck the cathedral, as the Zelenskyy regime claims, then there would be nothing left of the cathedral at all," Polyansky told the Security Council. "But it was damaged and not completely destroyed."

At the second hearing, requested by Kyiv, Khaled Khiari, assistant secretary-general for the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific, told the council that Russian strikes on grain facilities are "a calamitous turn for Ukrainians and the world." Moscow withdrew last week from the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which protected Ukrainian shipments to other countries.

"Port cities that allow for the export of grain, such as Odesa, Reni and Izmail, are a lifeline for many," Khiari said. "Now, they are the latest casualties in this senseless, brutal war."

Officials say that strikes on Odesa have damaged infrastructure important for future grain exports. A strike on the port of Chornomorsk last week destroyed 60,000 metric tons of grain, enough to feed 270,000 people for one year, the Word Food Program said.

U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Linda Thomas-Greenfield said Russia's attacks have global consequences for the world's food supply, especially in parts of the world struggling with hunger and malnutrition.

"Russia is hell-bent on preventing Ukrainian grain from reaching global markets, which is why it unilaterally suspended its participation in Black Sea Grain Initiative," she said.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he was continuing to try to find a way to restart the deal.

Russia has altered its naval activity in the Black Sea, Britain's Defense Ministry said Wednesday, adding that there is a possibility Russian forces are preparing "to enforce a blockade of Ukraine" after withdrawing from the year-old grain shipment deal.

The Defense Ministry said in its daily update that the Russian corvette Sergey Kotov had deployed to the Black Sea to patrol a shipping lane between the Bosporus and Odesa.

"There is a realistic possibility that it will form part of a task group to intercept commercial vessels Russia believes are heading to Ukraine," the British ministry said.

Some information in this report came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Ukraine's Grinding Counteroffensive Still Has 'Options,' Pentagon Chief Says

By Jeff Seldin July 27, 2023

U.S. defense officials watching Ukraine's slow-moving counteroffensive against Russia are not yet ready to sound any alarms, despite the lack of a major breakthrough.

There had been hope that an influx of U.S. and Western tanks and armored vehicles, as well as new supplies of ammunition, artillery and missile systems might allow Kyiv's forces to punch through Russian lines.

Speaking during a visit to Papua New Guinea on Thursday, though, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Ukraine still has time.

"They still have a lot of options available to them," Austin told a news conference with Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister James Marape.

"They've been very deliberate. They've been conserving manpower and equipment," he added. "I think you can expect them to continue to press."

Ukrainian officials have blamed Russian defenses, specifically minefields laid down by Russian forces as they dug in over the winter, for stalling their advances.

Top U.S. military officials acknowledge the Russian minefields are a problem. However, current and former officials, as well as some analysts, have expressed concerns that Ukrainian commanders have fallen back on old, Soviet-style tactics instead of embracing U.S. doctrines that could speed Kyiv's advance.

Austin cautioned, however, that some of the expectations for Ukraine's counteroffensive may have been too optimistic.

"We said throughout that this would be a tough fight and that this would be a long fight," he said. "We've seen a great bit of that play out."

Austin would not comment on details of Ukraine's counteroffensive or on media reports quoting U.S. officials as saying that the counteroffensive is now in full swing with additional Ukrainian forces being thrown into the fight.

Still, he held out hope that Ukraine may see increasing victories in coming weeks.

"They have a lot of combat power," Austin said. "Ukraine is well-trained and well-prepared to be successful."

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Readout of Fifth Meeting of the Ukraine Donor Coordination Platform Steering Committee

July 27, 2023

On July 25th, the fifth meeting of the Steering Committee of the Multi-agency Donor Coordination Platform for Ukraine was co-chaired in a virtual format by Deputy National Security Advisor for International Economics Mike Pyle, Deputy Prime Minister for Restoration of Ukraine Oleksandr Kubrakov, and European Commission Director-General for Neighborhood and Enlargement Negotiations Gert Jan Koopman.

The group discussed progress to align donor and international financial institution (IFI) assistance with Ukraine's priority needs. The group commended the progress made since the last steering committee meeting and recognized there is more to do to ensure these efforts are fully coordinated and synchronized. Donors committed to continue working to match available financing to identified gaps building on recent sectoral workshops. In addition, participants discussed how to coordinate support for Ukraine's reform agenda, including by aligning donor support around a consolidated view of Ukraine's reform priorities.

Deputy National Security Advisor Pyle welcomed the strengthened coordination between Ukraine, donors, and IFIs to ensure assistance is meeting Ukraine's priorities. He underscored the role of the Platform as the primary vehicle for donors to engage together with Ukraine on its priorities for recovery and reconstruction, leveraging the critical expertise of the IFIs and the central role of the EU. DNSA Pyle called for the group to intensify its efforts to prioritize and sequence donor and IFI support for Ukraine's investment and reform plans. He reiterated these efforts will create an enabling environment for investment, job creation, and economic growth and stability.

Collaboration within the Platform will continue in the coming weeks, and the Steering Committee will meet again in September.

###

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






VANCOUVER, British Columbia, July 27, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reflex Advanced Materials Corp. (CSE:RFLX) (OTC: RFLXF) (FWB: HF2) (Reflex or the Company), announces that it has extended its agreement with i2i Marketing Group LLC (i2i) (email: contact@i2illc.com ; address: 1233 Chesapeake Drive, Odessa, Florida, 33556; phone: 312.725.3843) for marketing services to be provided by i2i beginning July 28th, 2023 for approximately one month or until budget exhaustion. i2i will utilize their online programs with the aim of increasing investor awareness and interest in the Company as well as attracting potential new investors through various online platforms and methods of engagement in consideration for the payment to i2i of $120,000 USD. The Company will not issue any securities to i2i in consideration for the marketing services. The marketing activity will occur by email, and the Google, Bing and Yahoo display ad network. i2i does not have any prior relationship with the Company other than previous marketing engagements and the Company and i2i deal at arms length.



The Company also announces that it has extended its agreement with MIC Market Information & Content Publishing GmbH (MIC) (Address: Gerhart-Hauptmann-St. 49b 51379 Leverkusen; email: contact@micpublishing.de; phone: +49 2171-7766628) for additional marketing services to be provided by MIC beginning August 3rd, 2023 for one month or until budget exhaustion. MIC will utilize their online programs with the aim of increasing investor awareness and interest in the company as well as attracting potential new investors through various online platforms and methods of engagement in consideration of EUR 50,000. The marketing activity will occur by email, Facebook, and Google. MIC does not have any prior relationship with the Company, other than previous marketing engagements and the Company and MIC deal at arms length.

About Reflex Advanced Materials Corp.

Reflex Advanced Materials Corp. is a mineral exploration company based in British Columbia. Its objective is to locate and, if warranted, develop economic mineral properties in the strategic metals and advanced materials space. It is focused on improving domestic specialty mineral infrastructure efficiencies to meet surging national demand by North American manufacturers. The Company is working to advance its Ruby Graphite Project, located in Beaverhead County, Montana, and ZigZag Lake Lithium Property, located in Thunder Bay Mining Division, Crescent Lake Area, Ontario.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS,

Paul Gorman

CEO & Director

Reflex Advanced Materials Corp

info@reflexmaterials.com

Tel. (416-768-6101)

Suite 915-700 West Pender Street

Vancouver, BC V6C 1G8

Canada

Forward Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking information. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of any of the words could, intend, expect, believe, will, projected, estimated and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on the Companys current beliefs or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. In particular, this press release contains forward-looking information relating to, among other things, the expected term of the marketing activities contracted for by the Company.

Various assumptions or factors are typically applied in drawing conclusions or making the forecasts or projections set out in forward-looking information, including, in respect of the forward-looking information included in this press release, assumptions regarding the efficacy of the Companys marketing program.

Although forward-looking information is based on the reasonable assumptions of the Companys management, there can be no assurance that any 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 to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such factors include, among other things, the risk that the Companys marketing program may not be as effective as anticipated by the Company and that the budget for the Companys marketing program may not be sufficient to permit the marketing activities to continue for the anticipated term. The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof, and the Company not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Because of the risks, uncertainties and assumptions contained herein, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The foregoing statements expressly qualify any forward-looking information contained herein.
CALGARY, Alberta, July 27, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Maxim Power Corp. ("MAXIM" or the "Corporation") (TSX: MXG) provides an update on the return to service date of Milner 2 (M2) and insurance information.



M2 RETURN TO SERVICE UPDATE

MAXIM has completed construction of the new air inlet filter house and is underway with completing internal cleaning and installation of filters to facilitate start-up of M2. Due to certain supply-chain delivery challenges, now mitigated, the M2 restart schedule has been extended from late July 2023 to the middle of August 2023. Accordingly, MAXIM does not expect to be generating electricity from the HR Milner site until the middle of August 2023, at which point MAXIM anticipates commencing hot commissioning activities for the Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) expansion of M2. Hot commissioning activities are anticipated to occur over an approximate three-month period, during which there will be periodic outages of the facility resulting in intermittent generation of electricity. The CCGT expansion of M2 will increase total generation capacity of M2 from 204 MW to 300 MW and lower operations and maintenance costs per MWh as a result of operation efficiencies.

INSURANCE INFORMATION UPDATE

MAXIM continues to collect insurance proceeds in relation to the non-injury fire event at M2 with cumulative payments received to date of $45 million under its Property Insurance (PI) policy. The Corporation will continue to receive business interruption coverage under the PI policy until M2 has returned to its pre-fire operational status, subject to the caps and limitations in such policy. Further details on insurance will be provided in conjunction with the release of MAXIMs 2023 second quarter reporting.

About MAXIM

Based in Calgary, Alberta, MAXIM is one of Canadas largest truly independent power producers. MAXIM is now focused entirely on power projects in Alberta. Its core asset  the 204 MW H.R. Milner Plant, M2, in Grande Cache, AB  is a state-of-the-art natural gas-fired power plant that commissioned in Q2, 2020. MAXIM is currently increasing the capacity of M2 to approximately 300 MW and concurrently will realize an improvement in the efficiency of the plant by investing in heat recovery combined cycle technology. In addition, MAXIM continues to explore additional development options in Alberta including its currently permitted gas-fired generation projects and the permitting of its wind power generation project. MAXIM trades on the TSX under the symbol MXG. For more information about MAXIM, visit our website at www.maximpowercorp.com. For further information please contact:

Bob Emmott, President and COO, (403) 263-3021

Kyle Mitton, CFO and Vice President, Corporate Development, (403) 263-3021

Forward-looking statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively "forward looking information") within the meaning of applicable securities laws relating to MAXIM's plans and other aspects of MAXIM's anticipated future operations, management focus, objectives, strategies, financial, operating and production results. Forward-looking information typically uses words such as "anticipate", "believe", "project", "expect", "goal", "plan", "intend", "may", "would", "could" or "will" or similar words suggesting future outcomes, events or performance. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date thereof and are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Specifically, this press release contains forward-looking information concerning, among other things, MAXIM's timing of the return to service of M2, commissioning of the CCGT expansion of M2 and insurance claim related to the same.

Forward-looking information is based on certain assumptions and analysis made by MAXIM in light of our experience and MAXIMs perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors MAXIM believes appropriate under the circumstances. These include, among other things, assumptions regarding insurance coverage and the receipt of equipment needed to complete the repairs.

MAXIM's actual results, performance or achievement could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements and, accordingly, no assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what benefits that MAXIM will derive there from. Risk factors include MAXIMs the timing of the return to service of M2, commissioning of the CCGT expansion of M2 and coverage for damages and business interruption. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing lists of factors are not exhaustive. Additional information on these and other factors that could affect MAXIMs business, operations or financial results are included in the reports on file with applicable securities regulatory authorities, including but not limited to MAXIMs Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2022, which may be accessed on MAXIMs SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release and MAXIM disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, other than as required by applicable securities laws.
Westford, USA, July 27, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to SkyQuest, the global transparent plastics market has experienced a significant benefits from the increased investment in medical research and medicines. This growth is expected to drive the demand for transparent plastics in the healthcare industry. These plastics offer numerous benefits, such as excellent optical clarity, chemical resistance and lightweight properties, making them ideal for medical applications.

Browse in-depth TOC on "Transparent Plastics Market"

Pages - 202

Tables - 120

Figures  75

Transparent plastics are known for their flexibility and moldability at certain temperatures and they solidify upon cooling. In addition, transparent plastics market are highly resistant to corrosion and chemicals and possess other beneficial properties such as recyclability, lightweight, moderate electrical conductivity.

Get a sample copy of this report:

https://www.skyquestt.com/sample-request/transparent-plastics-market

Prominent Players in Transparent Plastics Market

Dow Chemical Company

LyondellBasell Industries N.V.

ExxonMobil Corporation

Covestro AG

SABIC

INEOS Group Holdings S.A.

BASF SE

Eastman Chemical Company

Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Corporation

LG Chem Ltd.

Teijin Limited

Arkema S.A.

Asahi Kasei Corporation

Evonik Industries AG

Formosa Plastics Corporation

Solvay S.A.

Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd.

Toray Industries, Inc.

Celanese Corporation

RTP Company

Browse summary of the report and Complete Table of Contents (ToC):

https://www.skyquestt.com/report/transparent-plastics-market

Packaging Segment is Expected to Grow in the Market Due to the Growing Demand for Transparent Materials

The transparent plastics market witnessed a significant contribution from the packaging sector and this trend is expected to continue with the highest growth rate during the forecast period. With the growing demand for lightweight, durable, and transparent materials, the packaging industry is increasingly adopting polyethylene terephthalate (PET) films and sheets. PET's properties make it an ideal material for packaging applications as it meets customer demands and is cost-effective.

The markets in North America accounted for the second-largest share of the transparent plastics market, representing 27.3% of the total market share. This can be attributed to large and well-established players in the region who have contributed significantly to the market's growth. In addition, these organizations are continuously determined to stay updated with the latest market trends and consumer preferences.

Rigid Transparent Plastics Segment is Expected to Dominate in the Market Due to its Versatility

The rigid transparent plastics segment was the dominant force in the transparent plastics market and this trend is expected to continue during the forecast period. The unique properties of rigid transparent plastics make them highly desirable for various applications, such as their inherent strength, excellent optical clarity, ease of processing and versatility in shape and size. These advantages have contributed to the continued dominance of the market.

Regional markets in Asia Pacific is estimated to be the largest during the forecast period. Countries such as China, Japan, and India offer lucrative growth opportunities, driving the transparent plastics market's growth. The growth of various end-use industries, including packaging, construction, automotive, electronics, consumer goods and others, has generated significant demand for transparent plastics. In addition, the growing population, increasing per capita income, and changing lifestyles in the region are some factors driving the market's growth.

A comprehensive analysis of the major players in the transparent plastics 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.

Speak to Analyst for your custom requirements:

https://www.skyquestt.com/speak-with-analyst/transparent-plastics-market

Key Developments in Transparent Plastics Market

Tipa, a company that specializes in sustainable packaging solutions, introduced two new home compostable transparent products, T.LAM 608 and Tipa 303, at the PACK EXPO International in 2022. T.LAM 608 is a certified, transparent laminate that is home-compostable, and Tipa 303 is a transparent film that is also home-compostable. Introducing these products is a significant step towards more sustainable packaging solutions, as they offer a viable alternative to traditional non-biodegradable plastics.

Saudi KAPSARC launched the second Circular Carbon Economy Index in 2022. This tool allows for the comparison of how 64 different countries are reducing their CO2 emissions through various methods and technologies, promoting the adoption of more sustainable practices across the globe. In addition, this tool provides valuable insights into the efforts being made towards a more sustainable future, encouraging the implementation of more sustainable practices across different industries.

Key Questions Answered in Transparent Plastics 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 Benzyl Chloride Market

Global Froth Flotation Chemicals Market

Global Paraformaldehyde Market

Global Photovoltaic Materials Market

Global Manganese Market

About Us:

SkyQuest Technology is leading growth consulting firm providing market intelligence, commercialization and technology services. It has 450+ happy clients globally.

Address:

1 Apache Way, Westford, Massachusetts 01886

Phone:

USA (+1) 617-230-0741

Email: sales@skyquestt.com
Dublin, July 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Global Photovoltaic Inverter Market 2023-2027" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The global photovoltaic inverter market is expected to experience significant growth, with a forecasted increase of USD 4.05 billion during 2022-2027, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.3%.

Rising demand for renewable energy is a key driver for the photovoltaic inverter market. The shift towards sustainable and clean energy sources has led to increased adoption of solar power generation, which in turn drives the demand for photovoltaic inverters.

The decline in the levelized cost of energy (LOCE) of solar power generation and the cost of photovoltaic inverters contribute to the market growth. As the costs of solar power generation decrease, it becomes a more attractive option for consumers and businesses, leading to increased installations of photovoltaic inverters.

Government regulations supporting solar power generation also play a significant role in driving the market. Incentives, subsidies, and favorable policies from governments encourage the adoption of solar energy, leading to the demand for photovoltaic inverters.

Market Segmentation:

By Product: String Central Micro

By Type: On-grid Off-grid

By Geographical Landscape: APAC Europe North America Middle East and Africa South America



Market Opportunities:

The rapid growth of smart cities is expected to drive the photovoltaic inverter market. Smart city initiatives often focus on sustainability and clean energy solutions, creating opportunities for the adoption of solar power and photovoltaic inverters.

The rapid deployment of microgrids and the rise in the adoption of hybrid power systems in telecom towers will also contribute to the demand for photovoltaic inverters.

Major Players in the Market:

ABB Ltd.

Canadian Solar Inc.

Danfoss AS

DARFON ELECTRONICS CORP.

Delta Electronics Inc.

Eaton Corp. Plc

Enphase Energy Inc.

Fronius International GmbH

General Electric Co.

Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd.

OMRON Corp.

Powerone Micro Systems Pvt. Ltd.

Schneider Electric SE

Siemens AG

Sineng Electric Co. Ltd.

SMA Solar Technology AG

SolarEdge Technologies Inc.

Sungrow Power Supply Co. Ltd.

SunPower Corp.

Yaskawa Solectria Solar

Key Topics Covered



1 Executive Summary

2 Market Landscape

3 Market Sizing

4 Historic Market Size

5 Five Forces Analysis

6 Market Segmentation by Product

7 Market Segmentation by Type

8 Customer Landscape

9 Geographic Landscape

10 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends

11 Vendor Landscape

12 Vendor Analysis

13 Appendix

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/o56l0v

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.
Wilmington, Delaware, United States, July 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Transparency Market Research Inc. - The global vertical injection molding machine market stood at US$ 806.8 million in 2022 and the global market is projected to reach US$ 1.2 billion in 2031 . Global vertical injection molding machine industry is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 4.3% between 2023 and 2031.



Vertical injection molding machines are more energy-efficient than horizontal machines, in applications like automotive parts, electronic components, and consumer goods which augments the market statistics.

Upright injection molding machines take advantage of gravity during the injection process whereas vertical machines, which act as the clamping unit and injection unit are typically in a stationary position for a significant portion of the molding cycle helping it to reduce energy consumption associated with continuous movement.

Download sample PDF Copy at: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=82265

Global Vertical Injection Molding Machine Market: Key Players

The 100-year anniversary of the Hehl family company set the stage for ARBURG GmbH + Co KG 's latest piece of machine technology  the hybrid Allrounder 470 H. This machine saves energy and conserves resources. It is also production-efficient, user-friendly, and reliable.

JSW launched JLM3000-MGIIeL, a magnesium injection molding machine with a mold clamping force of 3,000 tons (29,400 kN), which is the largest in the world, following 1,300-ton mold clamping force of the JLM-MGIIe series

Key Takeaways of Market Report

Global market to generate absolute dollar opportunity worth US$ 1.2 billion until 2031.

Global vertical injection molding machine market from 2023 to 2031 is 4.3%

Global vertical injection molding machine industry is currently valued at US$ 854.7 million in 2023.

Global vertical injection molding machine market stood at US$ 806.8 million in 2022. Market value of the global vertical injection molding machine market management from 2018 to 2022 is 3.8%

Europe is said to have a market share of 32.4% in 2022

Asia Pacific market region is estimated to have a market share of 52.8%

Global Vertical Injection Molding Machine Market: Growth Drivers

Vertical injection molding machines are used in the production of a wide range of lightweight plastic parts and components where these machines are essential equipment in industries like automotive, electronics, packaging, healthcare, etc. Advantage of vertical injection molding machines is for producing complex and intricate parts with high precision.

Vertical injection molding machine market segmentation has hydraulic, electric, and hybrid segments. Hydraulic systems can generate high clamping forces, allowing the machine to securely hold the mold during injection. Hydraulic machines are generally more cost-effective compared to other types of injection molding machines such as all-electric machines having lower initial purchase costs and are often more affordable to maintain and repair.

Share Your Requirement and Get Customized Reports: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=CR&rep_id=82265

Global Vertical Injection Molding Machine Market: Regional Landscape

Asia Pacific accounted for a significant vertical injection molding machine market share in 2022 where this trend is projected to continue during the forecast period.



Asia Pacific is anticipated to offer immense vertical injection molding machine market opportunities to manufacturers, due to substantial growth in the region's automotive and consumer goods industries. The increase in urbanization is also driving market progress in Asia Pacific.

Vertical injection molding machine market analysis, Europe constituted 32.4% share in 2022, also the region is anticipated to hold a market share of 31.8% by the end of the forecast period.



Global Vertical Injection Molding Machine Market: Segmentation

Input Material Vs. Clamping Force

Plastic Up to 20 Tons 21 Tons to 40 Tons 41 Tons to 50 Tons 51 tons to 70 Tons 71 Tons to 80 Tons 81 Tons to 100 Tons >100 Tons

Rubber Up to 20 Tons 21 Tons to 40 Tons 41 Tons to 50 Tons 51 tons to 70 Tons 71 Tons to 80 Tons 81 Tons to 100 Tons >100 Tons

Others Up to 20 Tons 21 Tons to 40 Tons 41 Tons to 50 Tons 51 tons to 70 Tons 71 Tons to 80 Tons 81 Tons to 100 Tons >100 Tons



Type Hydraulic Electric Hybrid

Automation Grade Automatic Semi-automatic

End-use Consumer Goods Automotive & Aerospace Agriculture & Waste Management Medical & Science Electrical & Electronics Construction Packaging Others

Region North America Latin America Europe Asia Pacific Middle East & Africa





Procure Complete Report (401 Pages PDF with Insights, Charts, Tables, and Figures) https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/checkout.php?rep_id=82265<ype=S

About Transparency Market Research

Transparency Market Research, a global market research company registered at Wilmington, Delaware, United States, provides custom research and consulting services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insights for thousands of decision makers. Our experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools & techniques to gather and analyses information.

Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.

Contact:

Nikhil Sawlani

Transparency Market Research Inc.

CORPORATE HEADQUARTER DOWNTOWN,

1000 N. West Street,

Suite 1200, Wilmington, Delaware 19801 USA

Tel: +1-518-618-1030

USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453

Website: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com

Blog: https://tmrblog.com

Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.com
Today, on 28 July 2023, AS Tallinna Vesi held an investor conference webinar where Chairman of the Management Board, Chief Executive Officer Aleksandr Timofejev, and Member of the Management Board, Chief Financial Officer Taavi Groon, introduced the performance of the 2nd quarter and 6 months of 2023.



We thank all the participants! Webinar recording is available here and the presentation is available here.

AS Tallinna Vesis financial and operational results for the 2nd quarter and 6 months of 2023 are available here.





More information:

Marta Kuningas

Communications Specialist

AS Tallinna Vesi

(+372) 626 2200

marta.kuningas@tvesi.ee
Dublin, July 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Global Fresh Cherries Market 2023-2028 report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

Fresh Cherries Market Set to Grow at a 5.2% CAGR, Fueled by Health-Conscious Consumers and Increased Demand for Imported Sweet Varieties

The global fresh cherries market is anticipated to experience robust growth, registering a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.2% over the forecast period.

Major global producers of fresh cherries include Turkey, the United States, Chile, Uzbekistan, and Iran.

There is a significant shift in demand for imported cherries that are larger and sweeter, leading to increased cultivation of premium-quality sweet cherries and innovative varieties. The market's growth is attributed to health-consciousness among consumers and a rise in the consumption of fresh beverages like smoothies.

Key Highlights:

Nutritional Benefits: Fresh cherries are a valuable source of various nutrients, including vitamins C and E, calcium, potassium, iron, magnesium, and fiber, along with beneficial phytonutrients that promote good health. Their consumption has been linked to preventing gout, reducing muscle soreness, supporting heart health, and protecting brain cells from oxidative damage. Major Producers: Turkey, the United States, Chile, Uzbekistan, and Iran are the primary producers of fresh cherries globally, contributing substantial metric tons during the year 2021. Demand for Imported Sweet Cherries: There has been a notable increase in demand for imported sweet cherries, such as "cheery grand" and "cheery treat," which are preferred over soft and sour varieties due to their better quality and resilience to weather fluctuations and storage conditions.

Market Trends:

Rising Demand for Imported Sweet Cherries: The fresh cherries market is witnessing a surge in demand for regional imported varieties, particularly from Turkey and the United States. Investments and increasing cultivation areas driven by export demand have contributed to Turkey's production growth. Chile, too, has experienced a rise in cherry-planted areas, with producers focusing on maintaining fruit size and quality despite weather challenges. Asia-Pacific's Rapid Growth: The Asia-Pacific region, led by Hong Kong and Australia, is experiencing the fastest market growth. China's substantial imports of cherries from Chile during its Spring Festival have been facilitated by a free trade agreement between the two countries. High tariffs on cherries from the United States have led China to explore imports from other countries, including Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan, which offer high-quality cherries with fewer pesticides.

Key Topics Covered:



1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Study Assumptions & Market Definition

1.2 Scope of the Study



2 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY



3 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY



4 MARKET DYNAMICS

4.1 Market Overview

4.2 Market Drivers

4.3 Market Restraints

4.4 Value Chain Analysis



5 MARKET SEGMENTATION

5.1 Geography

5.1.1 North America

5.1.1.1 United States

5.1.1.2 Canada

5.1.2 Europe

5.1.2.1 Spain

5.1.2.2 Italy

5.1.2.3 Germany

5.1.2.4 United Kingdom

5.1.2.5 Russia

5.1.3 Asia-Pacific

5.1.3.1 China

5.1.3.2 India

5.1.3.3 Japan

5.1.3.4 Australia

5.1.4 South America

5.1.4.1 Chile

5.1.4.2 Brazil

5.1.4.3 Argentina

5.1.5 Middle East & Africa

5.1.5.1 Turkey

5.1.5.2 United Arab Emirates

5.1.5.3 South Africa



6 MARKET OPPORTUNITIES & FUTURE TRENDS



For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/559xow

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.

Attachments
Dublin, July 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Adipic Acid Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Application (Nylon 6, 6 Fiber, Nylon 6, 6 Resin, Polyurethane, Adipate Esters), By Region (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific), And Segment Forecasts, 2023 - 2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The global adipic acid market size is expected to reach USD 6,567.27 million by 2030 to expand at a CAGR of 3.8% from 2023 to 2030.

The growth is majorly propelled by growing consumption of adipic acid in the production of nylon 6, 6 fiber, polyurethane, adipate esters, and others, which are widely used by a range of end-use industries such as automotive, consumer goods, electronics, constructions, and more. The expansion of the construction sector to accommodate rapidly increasing global population is expected to drive product consumption in building components such as exterior panels, insulation materials, and housing electronics.



The rising disposable income of customers, coupled with their easy access to finances in the form of loans from banks, has contributed to the growth of the global automotive industry. In addition, electric vehicles and automatic cars, which offer easy and less effort-driving experiences to customers, are also witnessing surged demand globally. Thus, the increasing demand for automobiles worldwide is anticipated to fuel the consumption of nylon 6, 6, thereby having a positive impact on the demand for adipic acid.



Adipic acid prices mainly depend on the availability of raw materials namely cyclohexanol and cyclohexanone and demand from end-use industries such as food & beverages, textile, pharmaceuticals, and personal care. The prices of adipic acid witnessed an increase in 2021 and 2022 in North America and Europe due to the Eastern European geopolitical conflict resulting in the disruption of the raw material supply chain.



Major companies operating in this space are BASF SE, Asahi Kasei Corporation, LANXESS, and INVISTA. Multinational corporations have established a global supply chain through third-party distributors or their in-house supply channels. The manufacturing and distribution of products on a global scale enables shorter lead times to the manufacturers operating in the market.



Adipic acid is hazardous to the environment and its release to natural water sources such as rivers and ponds leads to their contamination. Manufacturers of this acid have to ensure its minimum release to the environment. The complications associated with the usage of the product in terms of its hazardous impact on humans and the environment might influence end users of this acid to opt for alternative products such as green adipic acid. This is expected to restrain the demand for traditional adipic acid worldwide in the forecast period.



Adipic Acid Market Report Highlights

Polyurethane is the fastest growing application segment by revenue with an expected CAGR of 4.5% on the account of its growing consumption in electronics and construction industry

Nylon 6, 6 resin is the second fastest growing application segment by revenue with an expected CAGR of 3.9% due to its application in the development of various parts in automotive industry

Europe is the fastest growing region by revenue with a CAGR of 3.9% because of growing automobile production coupled with rapid increase in construction activities on the account of rising urbanization

The COVID-19 resulted in a slight decline in the growth of the market due to temporary shutdown of chemical plants caused by prolonged lockdown. International border restriction affected the supply chain for adipic acid, which further deteriorated the growth of the market

Adipic acid manufacturers are striving to elevate their production capacities in order to ensure regular supply of the product due to its growing demand from automotive industry

Key Attributes:

Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 78 Forecast Period 2022 - 2030 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2022 $4887.59 Million Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2030 $6567.27 Million Compound Annual Growth Rate 3.8% Regions Covered Global

Key Topics Covered:



Chapter 1 Methodology and Scope



Chapter 2 Executive Summary



Chapter 3 Adipic Acid Market Variables, Trends & Scope

3.1 Market Lineage Outlook

3.2 Industry Value Chain Analysis

3.3 Price Trend Analysis, 2018 - 2030

3.4 Regulatory Framework

3.5 Market Dynamics

3.5.1 Market Driver Analysis

3.5.1.1 Growing Consumption of Nylon 6, 6 in global Automotive Industry

3.5.1.2 Flourishing global Electrical & ElectRonics Industry

3.5.2 Market Restraint Analysis

3.5.2.1 Stringent Regulations To Prevent Hazardous Effects Of Adipic Acid On Humans And Environment

3.5.3 Market Challenge Analysis

3.5.4 Market Opportunity Analysis

3.6 Business Environment Analysis

3.6.1 Industry Analysis - Porter

3.6.2 PESTEL Analysis



Chapter 4 Adipic Acid Market: Application Estimates & Trend Analysis



Chapter 5 Adipic Acid Market: Regional Estimates & Trend Analysis



Chapter 6 Adipic Acid Market - Competitive Landscape



Chapter 7 Pipeline By Grand View Research

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/hh7a3a

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.

Attachment
Dublin, July 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Global Recreational Oxygen Equipment Markets to 2023-2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The global recreational oxygen equipment market is projected to grow from US$ 5.14 billion in 2023, to US$ 15.18 billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 16.7% over the forecast period.

Driving Market Growth through Strategic Alliances

Market growth will be primarily driven by the increasing adoption of inorganic growth strategies among key players. Agreements to expand product portfolios are expected to be a major driver of market growth during the forecast period. For instance, in April 2022, Linde, an industrial gases manufacturer, signed a long-term agreement with a major space launch company in Florida for the supply of bulk industrial gases.

Key Features of the Study

In-depth analysis of the global recreational oxygen equipment market, providing market size (US$ Billion) and Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR%) for the forecast period (2023-2030), with 2022 as the base year.

Elucidates potential revenue opportunities across different segments and explains attractive investment proposition matrices for the market.

Key insights about market drivers, restraints, opportunities, new product launches or approvals, market trends, regional outlook, and competitive strategies adopted by key players.

Profiles of key players in the global recreational oxygen equipment market based on company highlights, product portfolios, key highlights, financial performance, and strategies.

Insights from the report will aid marketers and management authorities of the companies in making informed decisions regarding future product launches, type upgrades, market expansion, and marketing tactics.

The report caters to various stakeholders in the industry, including investors, suppliers, product manufacturers, distributors, new entrants, and financial analysts.

Stakeholders will have ease in decision-making through various strategy matrices used in analyzing the global recreational oxygen equipment market.

Detailed Segmentation

Global Recreational Oxygen Equipment Market, By Product Type: Oxygen Concentrator Oxygen Bars Others

Global Recreational Oxygen Equipment Market, By Application: Medical Athletes/Sport Others



Company Profiles

Boost Oxygen, LLC

CAIRE Inc. (AirSep)

Chart Industries

DeVilbiss Healthcare LLC

Inogen, Inc.

Oxygen Plus, Inc.

Pure O2 Ltd.

Invacare Corporation

Oxyzens

Philips Healthcare

Zadro Health Solutions

2ND Wind Oxygen Bars

With a focus on expansion and strategic partnerships, the recreational oxygen equipment market is expected to witness significant growth, offering promising opportunities for various stakeholders in the industry.

Key Attributes

Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 137 Forecast Period 2023-2030 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2023 $5.14 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2030 $15.18 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 16.7% Regions Covered Global

Key Topics Covered



1. Research Objectives and Assumptions

2. Market Purview

3. Market Dynamics, Regulations, and Trends Analysis

4. Global Recreational Oxygen Equipment Market - COVID-19 Impact Analysis

5. Global Recreational Oxygen Equipment Market, by Product Type, 2017-2030, (US$ Billion)

6. Global Recreational Oxygen Equipment Market, by Application, 2017-2030, (US$ Billion)

7. Global Recreational Oxygen Equipment Market, by Region, 2017-2030, (US$ Billion)

8. Competitive Landscape

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/i4klcz

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.

Attachment
Dublin, July 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Data Center Logical Security Market - Growth, Trends, COVID-19 Impact, and Forecasts (2023 - 2028)" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The global data center logical security market is poised for significant growth, with a projected Compound Annual Growth Rate of 9.5% during the forecast period. The increasing demand for data center security solutions is fueled by rising data traffic, a surge in cyber threats, and the rapid adoption of virtualized data centers.

Key Highlights:

Data center security plays a crucial role in safeguarding organizational data against unauthorized access and security breaches. As internet traffic continues to escalate, data centers have become pivotal in meeting the surging demands during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Costs for data center security have soared as large companies and service providers upgrade their facilities to handle escalating data volumes and a deluge of cyberattacks. Over the past few years, data center security solutions have witnessed a surge in popularity and rapid growth.

The data center security market is primarily driven by advancements in technology, the increase in data traffic, the rise of virtualized data centers, and the growing cyber threats. However, challenges such as high costs of alternative solutions, limited awareness, and an abundance of options are hampering its growth.

Manufacturers and vendors are increasingly exploring emerging economies, where cloud computing solutions, new technologies, and data center construction are on a rapid upward trajectory, presenting abundant opportunities in the market.

Global Data Center Logical Security Market Trends:

Increasing Demand for Access Control and Identification Solutions

Companies are investing significantly in Identity and Access Management (IAM) solutions to address tasks beyond human capabilities, especially due to the risk of cyberattacks from unknown hackers and malicious employees.

Identity management cybersecurity breaches, orchestrated by organized crime, state-sponsored militaries, or other groups, can have detrimental effects on staff productivity, IT networks, and a company's reputation. The need for new levels of identity and access management solutions is evident.

The expansion of data in the cloud, coupled with a mobile and agile workforce, has driven businesses to seek data center logical security solutions to protect their cloud-stored data. AI and machine learning algorithms are increasingly being adopted in these solutions to bolster security measures.

The adoption of machine learning technology in IAM is anticipated to enhance authentication processes, particularly when combined with physical and behavioral biometrics for geolocation data.

European Market Witnessing High Adoption

Europe, led by countries like Germany, the UK, and the Netherlands, holds a significant share in the global data center logical security market. Despite economic uncertainties, demand for data centers remains robust in the region, driving expansion and construction.

In response to the growing demand for data centers, companies are investing and expanding in Europe, leading to an increased need for logical security solutions.

Recent developments in the region include TikTok establishing a data center in Dublin, Ireland, to serve UK and EEA users, reinforcing data protection measures through various safeguards.

Data Center Logical Security Industry Overview:

The data center logical security market exhibits a medium level of concentration, with multiple players vying for prominence. Key strategies employed by these players include product launches, geographical expansion, acquisitions, and research and development activities.

Prominent players in the market include Cisco, IBM, HP, Dell, McAfee, Inc., and Juniper Networks, among others.

Noteworthy expansion initiatives include Microsoft's new data center in Qatar, providing consumers and organizations access to cloud services, and IBM's announcement of version 11.5.8 of Db2 to be released first in the cloud, featuring improvements in performance and backup and restoration capabilities.

The global data center logical security market is expected to experience robust growth in the coming years, driven by escalating data volumes and an increasing number of cyber threats worldwide. As companies prioritize data protection and adopt cloud services, the demand for secure and reliable data center logical security solutions is set to soar.

A selection of companies mentioned in this report includes

IBM Corporation

Cisco Systems Inc.

Hewlett-Packard Enterprise Co.

Trend Micro Inc.

McAfee Inc.

Fortinet Inc.

VMware Inc.

Checkpoint Software Technologies Ltd.

Juniper Networks Inc.

Dell

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/cbdh2o

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.

Attachment
MONTREAL, July 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bombardier (TSX: BBD.B) will publish its financial results for the second quarter of 2023 on August 3, 2023.



On August 3, 2023, at 8:00 a.m., ET, Bombardier will hold a webcast/conference call intended for investors and financial analysts to review the companys financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2023.

A live webcast of the conference call will be available online in listen-only mode, as well as relevant financial charts.

Stakeholders wishing to listen to the presentation and the question-and-answer period by telephone may alternatively dial one of the following conference call numbers. Phone lines will open 15 minutes in advance.

Local dial-in number - Montreal (English and French):

(+1) 514-316-5035

Local dial-in number - Toronto (English and French):

(+1) 416 764 8646

The replay of the conference call will be posted on Bombardiers website shortly after the end of the webcast.

About Bombardier

Bombardier (BBD-B.TO) is a global leader in aviation, focused on designing, manufacturing, and servicing the world's most exceptional business jets. Bombardiers Challenger and Global aircraft families are renowned for their cutting-edge innovation, cabin design, performance, and reliability. Bombardier has a worldwide fleet of approximately 5,000 aircraft in service with a wide variety of multinational corporations, charter and fractional ownership providers, governments, and private individuals. Bombardier aircraft are also trusted around the world in government and military special-mission roles leveraging Bombardier Defenses proven expertise.

Headquartered in Greater Montreal, Quebec, Bombardier operates aerostructure, assembly and completion facilities in Canada, the United States and Mexico. The companys robust customer support network services the Learjet, Challenger and Global families of aircraft, and includes facilities in strategic locations in the United States and Canada, as well as in the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Switzerland, Italy, Austria, the UAE, Singapore, China and Australia.

For corporate news and information, including Bombardiers Environmental, Social and Governance report, as well as the companys plans to cover all its flight operations with Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) utilizing the Book and Claim system visit bombardier.com . Learn more about Bombardiers industry-leading products and customer service network at businessaircraft.bombardier.com . Follow us on Twitter @Bombardier .

For Information
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, July 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Central Iron Ore Ltd. (CIO  TSX.V) (CIO or the Company) is pleased to announce the soil geochemistry results from the Phase 2 soil sampling at the South Darlot Gold Project, conducted in Q4 of 2022.

SOUTH DARLOT GOLD PROJECT (Western Australia)

The Companys South Darlot Gold Project area is located approximately 320km northwest of Kalgoorlie in Western Australia and includes:

The British King Mine which is 49% owned by the Company and which is National Instrument 43-101  Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (NI43-101) compliant. The British King Mine is 5km southwest of Red 5 Limiteds Darlot Mine. The British King Mine is currently in care and maintenance.

A number of tenements which are subject to a joint venture with subsidiaries of Red 5 Limited (Red 5), details of which are set out below, in which CIO has earned a 70% interest.





Figure 1: Locality map of the South Darlot project

RED 5 JV Project (Formerly Barrick Joint Venture Project)

The tenements set out in the table below (Red 5 JV Tenements) are the subject of a joint venture between the Company and subsidiaries of Red 5 Limited (Red 5 JV) and are situated southwest of Red 5s Darlot gold mine and are contiguous with CIOs current holdings in the area. The Red 5 JV Tenements are detailed below.

Table 1: List of South Darlot tenements

Project Tenement Status Area (ha) Barrick JV M37/421 Granted 381 Barrick JV M37/552 Granted 200 Barrick JV M37/631 Granted 776 Barrick JV M37/632 Granted 595 Barrick JV M37/709 Granted 98 Barrick JV M37/1045 Granted 90

Focus of Sampling and recent multi-element analysis

Following the success of the Phase 1 soil sampling campaign over the Endeavour and Mermaid prospects, a Phase 2 soil sampling campaign was conducted to the west, north and east of the previously sampled area. Au enrichment in the area is interpreted to be sourced from the several structures which strike WSE-ENE throughout the tenements and in structural dilation zones caused by strike-slip movement of orthogonal smaller structures.

A total of 3,864 samples were collected across an area of 3.2 km2. Sieved samples 200  300 grams in weight were collected from each location and sent to LabWest Minerals Analysis Pty Ltd in Malaga, WA. Samples were screened to the <2 micron fraction and analysed for Au + 50 element suite by ICP-MS/OES. LabWest conduct trace elemental abundance using their Ultrafine technique, which examines the clay sized fraction (<2 micron) of the soils. This fraction contains the most mobile region of soils and therefore is more sensitive to anomalous domains in transported regolith profiles.

As per the previous soil sampling campaign, a tight sample density (20m northing x 30m easting) was employed to better identify other potential systems with a similar footprint of Endeavour and Mermaid, which are short striking but abundant in Au enrichment. It also provided insight into areas that were poorly prospective and can be suitable for mining infrastructure when mining commences in the South Darlot region.

Recent multi-element and petrographic analysis of the mineralisation at the Endeavour Prospect revealed there is a base metal associated with the Au enriched vein. Cu, Pb and low levels of Ag were present in said test work, which were used as a guide when discriminating higher rank anomalous targets when these elements were found to be spatially coincident to Au.

Soil Geochemistry Results

During the soil sampling campaign, a region containing battery sands was identified on the western flank of the samples area. This area was identified post sample collection and was further validated by field reconnaissance completed by a Field Geologist. When the assays were returned, this area was highlighted to be extremely anomalous, however the samples were chosen to be omitted from the analysis due to their biased results. The results have been omitted from all images presented in this release.

Eight (8) new areas have been highlighted as prospective for Au and require further investigation.

Coupled with the Phase 1 soils campaign, a total of thirteen (13) targets have been generated from the soil sampling campaigns completed in the South Darlot region. Several of the new targets are coincidental with historically mined (early 1900s) locations. Further analysis of the South Darlot geology database show that these historically mined locations have minimal to no below surface definition and therefore should be focused on with either Aircore (AC) or Reverse Circulation (RC) drilling. All new locations highlighted by the Phase 2 soils campaign show to have coincidental elevated pathfinder elements such as Cu, Pb, Bi, Co, As, Ag, Sb and Te to Au.

Sandy Ridge, located in the northern portion of the sampled region is coincidental within a gravitational high domain, interpreted to be a metagabbro unit. It is likely that these regions have experienced strike-slip movement to create dilational zones where hydrothermal fluid has been able to percolate into the host rock and allow for Au enrichment.





Figure 2. Au (ppb) dispersion in the South Darlot Gold Project with known mineralised deposits and areas of interest highlighted from both soil campaigns. Yellow circled areas were identified in P1 Soil campaign, whilst purple areas identified in P2 Soil campaign.





Figure 3. Screengrab of ioGASTM observing Au and its correlation with base metal and other Au pathfinder elements. Red  Known mineral deposits, Yellow  Phase 1 Prospective areas for Au exploration, Purple  Phase 2 Prospective areas for Au exploration.

One (1) new area was highlighted as prospected for Li exploration. Li3 exhibits a reasonable correlation between Li and Ta, V, but shows a strong correlation with Ni, Co, Al, Mg and Pt, Pd. Cs and Ta generally show low levels which is does not support the theory of an LCT pegmatite within Li3, however there may still be a source for lithium if the presence of pegmatites can be found within the metagabbro.

As Li3 is located within close proximity to the Sandy Ridge anomaly for Au, when drilling is to occur to test the region for Au, if any pegmatites are intersected, they will be selected for multi-element analysis to determine their Li and LCT-Pegmatite potential.





Figure 4. Li (ppm) dispersion in the South Darlot Gold Project.





Figure 5. Screengrab of ioGASTM observing Li with respect to LCT Pegmatite pathfinders. Green  Prospective areas for Li/LCT Pegmatite exploration.

Q3-Q4 Planned Drilling of Identified Targets

An AC programme consisting of 56 holes for 3,920m is already planned in the South Darlot region to test the five (5) targets from the Phase 1 soil sampling campaign. This is planned in Q3-Q4 of 2023. A systematic approach has been planned to test these regions and may change in the field during drilling, based on intersected domains. It is interpreted that the mineralising structures dip at varying angles towards the south, so a broad northern dipping programme is likely to intersect potential mineralising structures.





Figure 6. 23 South Darlot AC Programme, highlighting previous drilling (green crosshairs) and locations of known mineralisation.

Design work for the drilling of the Phase 2 Soils campaign targets is still underway. As most targets identified have shown some evidence of economic mineralisation (historic workings) RC drilling will occur to collect a more representative sample and to better define the potential mineralisation and voids of the area. Most of the drilling will be designed to intersect potential mineralisation within the transitional domain, as it is likely that mineralisation in the South Darlot region all exhibit a typical supergene environment, similar to what has been identified from the drilling at the Endeavour and Mermaid prospects.

Endeavour Toll Treatment Test work.

In May 2023, the Toll treatment test work was completed by JT Metallurgical Services Pty Ltd on the Endeavour prospect.

Some key findings from the test work are:

Very low levels of all deleterious elements (As, Sb, Bi, Te, Cu, Pb and Hg).

Good agreeance between BLEG, FA and bottle roll recalculate grades for two presented composites.

All composites were highly amenable to Gravity/Cyanidation.

Gravity recovery was considered good, averaging 48.6%

Overall extraction for composites averaged at 99.2% recovery. Composites exhibited excellent leaching kinetics, with leaching being near/at completion in eight (8) hours.

Rheology test work were pumpable at all tested conditions.

Comminution test work showed that the Endeavour ore are within specifications for toll treatment facilities and are below penalty thresholds.









Figure 7. Left image  microscopy photo of panned Knelson concentrate. Right image  HG composite Panned Knelson concentrate. Seen in the images are the grains of visible gold, electrum, and copper bearing minerals, likely covellite, malachite and azurite. Copper minerals are in generally low abundance and not deleterious to recovery.

QUALIFIED PERSON

Mr Andrew Bewsher who is a Member of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists and has compiled the information within this report relating to soil geochemical distributions. Mr Bewsher has sufficient experience relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration and to the activity currently being undertaken to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in NI 43-101.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

CENTRAL IRON ORE LTD.

David Deitz

____________________________

David Deitz, Director/CEO

For further information, please contact:

www.centralironorelimited.com

Investor and Media Inquiries:

Direct: +61 2 9397 7521

Email:info@centralironore.com

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

THIS NEWS RELEASE IS NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. Although the Company believes that such information is reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking information is 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 information provided by the Company is not a guarantee of future results or performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward looking information as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to, the state of the financial markets for the Companys equity securities, the state of the market for iron ore or other minerals that may be produced generally, recent market volatility; variations in the nature, quality and quantity of any mineral deposits that may be located, the Company's ability to obtain any necessary permits, consents or authorizations required for its activities, to raise the necessary capital or to be fully able to implement its business strategies and other risks associated with the exploration and development of mineral properties. The reader is referred to the Company's disclosure documents for a more complete discussion of such risk factors and their potential effects, copies of which may be accessed through the Companys page on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

Figures accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b4c0f796-31d6-4a57-a379-c182d0f1f6d1

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1672c7bb-f970-403e-98e9-2a8a2ab13915

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/187f26df-2228-414a-9f7d-8d304a83d1a4

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/16aafdf0-30b3-464f-b6b8-a06c540a814b

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/74838205-f253-44ad-9b5c-4034640f0cd8

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a5126a95-3125-48c0-b1a6-b7626e07d25f

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/319af727-15ce-4903-bec5-190a35b989be
Canadian research reactor receives the 2023 World Council on Isotopes (WCI) Presidents Award for over 60 years of service in the research, production and delivery of isotopes

SASKATOON, Saskatchewan, July 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL), Canadas nuclear Crown corporation, and Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL), Canadas premier nuclear science and technology laboratory, are pleased to announce that the National Research Universal (NRU) Reactor has received the 2023 World Council on Isotopes (WCI) Presidents Award for over 60 years of service in the research, production and delivery of isotopes. CNL accepted the award on behalf of AECL, who owns and operated the facility during its service lifetime, and on behalf of the thousands of talented and dedicated men and women who designed, built and operated the NRU, at the 11th International Conference on Isotopes (11ICI) yesterday in Saskatoon, SK.

The WCI Presidents Award recognizes outstanding contributions to the promotion of isotope technologies and the use of isotopes to benefit mankind, criteria which most certainly applies to what was the largest research reactor in the world when it came into service on November 3, 1957. A landmark achievement in Canadian nuclear science and technology, the NRU reactor would go on to produce isotopes that were used in over 1 billion medical procedures, impacting the lives of people all over the world.

We are proud to receive this recognition, and even more proud of Canadas nuclear heritage and the contributions that the NRU made to global nuclear science. In addition to the incredible impact the reactor made on people around the world, the NRU was also instrumental in the development of CANDU technologies that remain a cornerstone of a clean energy future, reflected AECL President and CEO Fred Dermarkar.

On behalf of CNL, I want to thank the WCI for recognizing the significant role that NRU has played in Canadian nuclear history, and its enduring legacy in the development and production of isotopes, especially life-saving medical isotopes, commented Joe McBrearty, CNLs President and CEO. When it was first constructed, the NRU was a marvel of science and engineering, and home to some of the most ambitious and pioneering research ever undertaken in this country. That heritage holds a special place in the hearts of people here in the Ottawa Valley, especially the medical isotope mission, and we are very grateful to the WCI for celebrating its achievements.

Though designed in the nuclear hey days of the 1940s and early 50s, the low-temperature, low pressure, 135 MW reactor would enable great advances across a wide swath of globally important industrial sectors during its operation at AECLs Chalk River Laboratories campus. For over six decades, the reactor would serve Canadians as a major facility for neutron physics studies, including Nobel-prize winning research, and by providing engineering research and development support for Canadas fleet of nuclear power reactors.

However, it was the reactors contributions to nuclear medicine  specifically, the supply of medical radioisotopes used for the diagnosis and treatment of life-threatening diseases, including cancer  where NRU would have its greatest impact. At various times in its history, NRU provided more than 80 per cent of the worlds supply of molybdenum-99, an incredibly important medical isotope used around the globe to detect illnesses such as cancer and other diseases. The medical isotopes created by the NRU benefited millions of people every year, in more than 80 countries.

Other isotopes produced at the reactor included: Cobalt-60, which had many applications, the most notable being their use in radiation therapy machines to treat cancer; Carbon-14, which was supplied to chemistry, bioscience and environmental laboratories as a tracer; Iridium-192, which was used across several industries, such as the inspection of welds and other metal components; and Xenon-133, Iodine-131 and Iodine-125, all of which were used in a variety of clinically important diagnostic and therapeutic applications.

A 2019, documentary titled Of Great Service: The Story of National Research Universal, tells the story of the NRU reactor and its historical role as one of Canadas most important scientific and research facilities. If you would like to learn more about the NRU reactor and its history in Canadian nuclear science and technology, you can access the documentary on CNLs YouTube page at www.cnl.ca/nru-movie.

About AECL

AECL is a federal Crown corporation with a mandate to drive nuclear opportunities for Canada. AECL enables nuclear science and technology, owns the Chalk River Laboratories and other sites, and manages the Government of Canadas radioactive waste responsibilities. It oversees and evaluates CNLs work through contracts.

In business since 1952, AECL designed and developed the fleet of CANDU nuclear reactors that serve Canada and five other countries. It also delivered more than one billion isotopes worldwide to detect and treat cancer. Today it delivers value for Canadians through supporting 14 federal departments and agencies, as well as the global nuclear industry.

For more information on AECL, visit www.aecl.ca.

About CNL

As Canadas premier nuclear science and technology laboratory, and working under the direction of Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL), CNL is a world leader in the development of innovative nuclear science and technology products and services. Guided by an ambitious corporate strategy known as Vision 2030, CNL fulfills three strategic priorities of national importance  restoring and protecting the environment, advancing clean energy technologies, and contributing to the health of Canadians.

By leveraging the assets owned by AECL, CNL also serves as the nexus between government, the nuclear industry, the broader private sector and the academic community. CNL works in collaboration with these sectors to advance innovative Canadian products and services towards real-world use, including carbon-free energy, cancer treatments and other therapies, non-proliferation technologies and waste management solutions.

To learn more about CNL, please visit www.cnl.ca.

CNL Contact:

Philip Kompass

Director, Corporate Communications

1-866-886-2325

AECL Contact:

Jeremy Latta

Director, Communications and Government Reporting

communications@aecl.ca

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fe912fb9-d21b-48f2-8a73-6db00e0d581e




Dallas, Texas, July 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Texas Chiropractic Association (TCA) recently recognized many exceptional leaders of the chiropractic profession during the Chiro Texpo 23 event. This annual state chiropractic convention hosted at the Renaissance Dallas Addison featured an awards presentation for Texas chiropractors and other chiropractic supporters during the Presidents Gala. Parker University alums were among those recognized for their passion and commitment to the chiropractic industry.

New Texas Chiropractic Association Executive Directors

During the Presidents Gala, the TCA Executive Directors were recognized and sworn into office. This was an exciting experience for everyone in attendance! Parker University representation among the new TCA Executive Directors includes Dr. Ryan Bailey (2011 Parker University graduate) and Dr. Don White (2013 Parker University graduate).

Parker University Graduates and Award Recipients

Tyce Hergert, DC (1998 Parker University graduate), was honored with the prestigious Keeler Plaque, the highest honor bestowed upon a Texas chiropractor. Dr. Hergert served as TCAs president from 2016-2017, leading the association when it faced numerous legislative and legal challenges. Among TCAs legislative victories in 2017, when Dr. Hergert was president, was a bill signed into law that preserved Texas chiropractors right to diagnose.

Other Parker University graduates honored during Chiro Texpo 23 include Jon Blackwell, DC (2000 Parker University graduate), who received the H. Ford Johnson Membership Award, Korey Rose, DC (2014 Parker University graduate), who received the P.A. Willmon Award, Steve Van Osdale, DC (1993 Parker University graduate), who was the recipient of the Presidents Award, Josh Bonine, DC (2009 Parker University graduate), the recipient of the Board of Directors Award, and William Lawson, DC (1993 Parker University graduate), who received the Legislative Award.

Jesse Jacobs, DC (2012 Parker University graduate), of Fort Worth (Region 2) was named a Regional Doctor of the Year. The Executive Directors Award went to Joseph Adams, DC (2017 Parker University graduate), and the Committee Chair of the Year Award was presented to Andrew Oteo, DC (2010 Parker University graduate).

The Student Leadership Award was given to Parker Universitys Candice Kingsman (currently Tri 6 at Parker University), and the Large District Fundraising Champion, Dr. Gideon Traweek (2005 Parker University graduate), was recognized for TCA District 4.

Parker University is so proud of all the accolades awarded to so many of its alums and is honored to recognize the difference graduates make in their communities.

About the Texas Chiropractic Association

For more than 107 years, TCA has served as the essential voice for chiropractic in Texas. TCA provides protection, state-wide advocacy, information, and education for more than 6,800 licensed DCs who practice in Texas and its 1,800 members. To learn more about TCA, visit chirotexas.org.

About Parker University

Parker University, the fourth-fastest growing college in Texas and the fastest-growing college in Dallas, was founded in 1982 by Dr. James William Parker (formerly Parker College of Chiropractic). Today, Parker University has more than 2,100 students and more than 35 academic programs, including its famed chiropractic program, as well as masters degrees in neuroscience, clinical neuroscience, strength and human performance, and functional nutrition. Currently, Parker Universitys chiropractic cohort is the second largest of any campus in the world. Parker University has been recognized as a Great College to Work For, one of the 25 Fastest-Growing Colleges in the U.S., and as a recipient of the FutureEdge 50 Awards.

Attachments
AURORA, Ill., July 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In a release issued under the same headline on April 27, 2023 by BERNINA of America, please note that the names in the 3rd and 5th bullet points were corrected. The corrected release follows:

BERNINA is excited to announce changes within the organization as they continue to strengthen the well-known BERNINA and bernette brands. These internal changes have been designed to embrace the growth and opportunities for the premium sewing and longarm manufacturer.

Bill Butler will transition from BERNINAs head of sales to the bernette business manager. In the new role, Butler will be spearheading bernettes growth across the BERNINA organization and their dealer networks.

BERNINA welcomes Rebekah Hood as the new vice president of sales for BERNINA. Hood brings experience in sales marketing and product development within the crafting space and will oversee and lead the BERNINA sales team.

Heather Grant will transition from Manager of BERNINA Education Programs to district manager. Grants focus will be working closely with the District Q dealers to grow BERNINA business.

Christine ONeill, Director HR, has been promoted to Chief Human Resource Officer (CHRO).

Christy Burcham, Director of Education and Training, has been promoted to Vice President of Education and Training.

Michealynn Rose, Director of Marketing, has been promoted to Vice President of Marketing.

From welcoming Rebekah Hood to celebrating the promotions within our sales, education, and marketing departments, the changes within the organization are exciting, said Paul Ashworth, president to BERNINA. These individuals have been assets to BERNINA over the years and Im confident they will all continue the momentum for the BERNINA and bernette brands.

ABOUT BERNINA

BERNINA is the world's premier manufacturer of quality state-of-the-art sewing, quilting and embroidery machines, overlockers and embroidery software. Since being founded over 125 years ago, BERNINA has maintained a strong commitment to serving the creative community. This dedication threads through the Swiss precision found in every machine, the training and education available through our over 400 fully trained independent BERNINA Dealers and the endless tutorials and content shared on BERNINA's blog and social media channels. BERNINA products are designed for beginning to advanced sewists and priced to meet a variety of budgets, with new products being introduced every year.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f146925d-84fb-4743-89d4-847b40765894

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ebb36504-5acc-4ffb-9c9a-4e8fda145e53

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f574049d-413a-44b8-82e6-0e5a43c1d37c

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/24b5d6ab-9834-4d11-8397-be67b3fdc5d4

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ed8179ac-0ce6-4552-84d9-8f25e02ac568

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/781b2a99-64ef-42c7-bef9-4d8135dbd922
New York,us, July 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Luxury Cigar Market Overview:

Market Research Future (MRFR) 's report highlights  Luxury Cigar Market Information By Type, Distribution Channel, And Region - Forecast till 2032"; the market will achieve USD 22.2 Billion in 2032 at a 7.50% CAGR.

Market Scope:

Tobacco leaves are fermented, dried, and rolled into a cylindrical cigar form to create a premium cigar, which is then smoked in style. The tobacco content of these cigars ranges from 5 to 20 grams and their length is 7 inches. It is made and wrapped by hand, using only natural tobacco leaves.



Get Free Sample PDF Brochure:



https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/11899



Report Scope:

Report Attribute Details Market Size 2032 USD 22.2 Billion CAGR 7.50% (2023-2032) Base Year 2022 Forecast Period 2023-2032 Historical Data 2018- 2022 Forecast Units Value (USD Billion) Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends Segments Covered By Type, Distribution Channel, and Region Geographies Covered North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World (RoW) Key Market Drivers A rise in luxury hotel establishments that comprise premium cigar lounges and the increasing consumption of tobacco among millennials



Competitive Dynamics:

Key Companies in the Luxury Cigar market include.

Fuente Marketing Ltd.

General Cigar

Regius Cigars Ltd

Gurkha Cigar Group

Gran Habano Cigars

Mayan Import

The Villiger Group

Altadis

Rocky Patel Premium Cigars

Swisher

Among others.





Market USP:

Market Drivers

The primary market drivers boosting market growth are the growing number of high-end hotels offering premium cigar lounges and the rising prevalence of tobacco usage among young adults. A rise in the number of five-star hotels offering premium cigar lounges is expected to have a stimulatory effect on the growth of the market throughout the forecast period. The increased smoking rates among millennials are also expected to boost the growth of the tobacco industry. Luxury cigars are becoming increasingly popular, especially among younger consumers and affluent smokers. Luxury cigars have become increasingly popular as a result of the proliferation of upscale cigar bars around the world in recent years.

Moreover, yearly cigarette usage has climbed dramatically over the world. As a result, rising tobacco consumption is a driving factor in the market for high-end cigars. The growing tobacco business is expected to be fueled by the increasing popularity of luxury cigars among millennials. The increased demand for expensive cigars can be directly attributed to the growing popularity of smoking among young, affluent adults. This popularity is largely attributable to the chemical nicotine, which helps people feel good while diverting their attention from negative thoughts.

Tobacco consumption among millennials is on the rise, and as a result, so is the demand for high-end cigars. The use of cutting-edge technology in premium cigars is a rising trend in the industry. Luxury cigar market leaders are investing much in R&D of cutting-edge technologies to further solidify their position.



Buy Now:



https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/checkout?currency=one_user-USD&report_id=11899



Market Restraints

As with any expanding business, the worldwide Luxury Cigar Market can anticipate to feel the effects of shifting and new tobacco policies. Bans on advertising, increased taxes, limitations on packaging, and no-smoking zones are only some of the steps taken by governments around the world to curb tobacco consumption. The expansion of the Luxury Cigar Market is predicted to be stymied by the restrictions imposed by these rules on the advertising, distribution, and sale of premium cigars. Regulations that are too onerous to comply with put a damper on product development and increase the cost of production. The tobacco in premium cigars poses the same dangers to health as regular cigars. Cigar usage, like other forms of tobacco, has been declining in recent years due to increased public knowledge of the dangers of smoking and a shift in public opinion.

COVID-19 Analysis:

The ongoing COVID-19 outbreak has severely impacted the premium cigar industry. Shortages of raw materials, components, and completed products have resulted from the pandemic's interruptions to worldwide supply networks. Luxury cigar sales fell as a result of the COVID-19 health scare.

Market Segmentation:

By Type

In 2022, the hand rolled market category generated the most income. Premium cigar enthusiasts prefer hand-rolled cigars to machine-rolled cigars because of the former's superior quality. Superior flavor is achieved by using only pure tobacco leaves as filler in premium hand-rolled cigars.

By Distribution Channel

In 2022, the offline luxury cigar market was the most lucrative. As lockdown regulations are lifted in different parts of the world, businesses that sell pricey cigars, smoke shops, and hypermarkets can once again open their doors to the public.



Browse In-depth Market Research Report (128 Pages) on Luxury Cigar Market:



https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/luxury-cigar-market-11899



Regional Analysis:

In 2022, 45.80% of the luxury cigar market was generated in North America. Customers in the United States and Canada will shell out a hefty sum for rare premium cigars. The presence of prominent luxury cigar manufacturers in North America is also expected to contribute to the region's buoyant demand.

The luxury cigar market in Europe was particularly robust in 2022. The growth of the tobacco industry in Germany and the United Kingdom, both of which have the backing of the government, is expected to ensure the continued manufacture of high-end cigars, which would in turn boost the Asia Pacific region's cigar market.

From 2023 to 2032, the market for luxury cigars in Asia and the Pacific is projected to expand at a healthy clip. The majority of the world's smokers live in Asia and the Pacific. In addition, the Luxury Cigar market in China accounted for the lion's share of the overall market, while the Luxury Cigar market in India grew at the quickest rate in the Asia-Pacific.

Discover more research Reports on Consumer and Retail Industry , by Market Research Future:

E-Cigarettes & Vaporizer Market Research Report Information by Product Type (Disposable E-Cigarette, Rechargeable E-Cigarette, Ego and Tanks, Personal Vaporizers and Mods and others) and Region (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and others) - Forecast from 2022 to 2030

Smokeless Tobacco Market Research Report Information By Type (Chewing Tobacco, Dipping Tobacco, Dissolvable Tobacco), By Form (Moist and dry), By Route (Oral and Nasal), And By Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, And Rest Of The World)  Market Forecast Till 2030

About Market Research Future:

Market Research Future (MRFR) is a global market research company that takes pride in its services, offering a complete and accurate analysis with regard to diverse markets and consumers worldwide. Market Research Future has the distinguished objective of providing the optimal quality research and granular research to clients. Our market research studies by products, services, technologies, applications, end users, and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help answer your most important questions.

Contact:

Market Research Future

99 Hudson Street, 5Th Floor

New York, NY 10013

United States of America

+1 628 258 0071 (US)

+44 2035 002 764 (UK)

Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com

Website: https://www.marketresearchfuture.com

Follow Us: LinkedIn | Twitter
NEW YORK, July 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On Monday, July 31, SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman, the voice in President Bidens Cabinet for Americas 33 million small businesses, will visit New York City to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the SBA.



Administrator Guzman will visit with local small business owners to highlight how President Bidens Investing in America agenda has led to record job growth and a historic small business boom, with entrepreneurs applying to start 12.2 million new small businesses during President Bidens first 30 months in office. Administrator Guzman will end her day with a visit to the New York Stock Exchange, where she will ring the closing bell at 4 p.m. ET to mark the SBAs anniversary and celebrate the immense possibility of American entrepreneurship with former SBA-assisted small businesses that have since grown to successful publicly traded companies.

Established by President Eisenhower on July 30, 1953, via the Small Business Act, the SBA has since provided billions of dollars in support to small business owners. After seven decades of helping American entrepreneurs achieve their small business dreams, the SBA continues to assist millions of small business owners every year through resources and strategic guidance, helping them build meaningful lifelong connections and sustain their local economies.



All times are local; specific location information will be provided upon successful RSVP.

Monday, July 31, 2023

Small Business Visits

WHO: SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman



WHEN: Afternoon. Additional details to come.





WHERE: New York City. RSVP HERE for specific addresses and times.

NYSE Closing Bell Ringing

WHO: SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman



WHEN: 4 p.m. ET





WHERE: Live-streamed on The Bell | NYSE.

###

About the U.S. Small Business Administration

The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.
Press release

Paris, 28 July 2023

Publication of Oranges 2023 interim financial report

Orange announces the publication of its first half 2023 financial report.

The report was filed with the French Financial Markets Authority (AMF) and submitted to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, and is available on the website of the Company at the following address:

https://www.orange.com/en/regulated-information

About Orange

Orange is one of the worlds leading telecommunications operators with revenues of 43.5 billion euros in 2022 and 136,000 employees worldwide at 30 June 2023, including 74,000 employees in France. The Group has a total customer base of 291 million customers worldwide at 30 June 2023, including 246 million mobile customers and 24 million fixed broadband customers. The Group is present in 26 countries. Orange is also a leading provider of global IT and telecommunication services to multinational companies under the brand Orange Business. In February 2023, the Group presented its strategic plan "Lead the Future", built on a new business model and guided by responsibility and efficiency. "Lead the Future" capitalizes on network excellence to reinforce Orange's leadership in service quality.

Orange is listed on Euronext Paris (symbol ORA) and on the New York Stock Exchange (symbol ORAN).

For more information on the internet and on your mobile: www.orange.com , www.orange-business.com and the Orange News app or to follow us on Twitter: @orangegrouppr.

Orange and any other Orange product or service names included in this material are trademarks of Orange or Orange Brand Services Limited.

Press contact:

Tom Wright; tom.wright@orange.com +33 6 78 91 35 11





Attachment
NEW YORK, July 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Klein Law Firm announces that it is investigating allegations that RTX Corporation ("RTX") (NYSE: RTX) violated federal securities laws.



CURRENT INVESTIGATION DETAILS: On July 25, 2023, the Company reported its Q2 earnings which disclosed a condition in its Pratt & Whitney jet engine unit. The Company stated, Pratt & Whitney has determined that a rare condition in powdered metal used to manufacture certain engine parts will require accelerated fleet inspection. The Company expects a significant portion of the PW1100G-JM engine fleet will require accelerated removals and inspection within the next nine to twelve months. On this news, RTX stock price fell sharply from $97.01 per share on July 24, 2023 to $86.87 on July 25, 2023.

HOW TO PROTECT YOUR FINANCIAL INTERESTS: For additional information about the potential claims on behalf of RTX investors, please contact J. Klein, Esq. by telephone at 212-616-4899 or click this link: https://www.kleinstocklaw.com/pslra-1/rtx-lawsuit-loss-submission-form?id=42706&from=3.

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

jk@kleinstocklaw.com

Telephone: (212) 616-4899

www.kleinstocklaw.com
New York, July 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Termite Control Global Market Report 2023" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p06480031/?utm_source=GNW





The global termite control market is expected to grow from $4.82 billion in 2022 to $5.16 billion in 2023 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.11%.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 every markets across the globe. The market is expected to reach $6.65 billion in 2027 at a CAGR of 6.52%.



The termite control market includes revenues earned by entities by providing pre-construction termite treatment services and post-construction termite control services.The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering.



The termite control market consists of sales of Diflubenzuron, Hexaflumuron and Hydramethylnon.Values in this market are factory gate values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers) or directly to end customers.



The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.



Termite control refers to the application of pesticides, except fumigants, to the ground before building a structure or in or around other structures to control termites and other invertebrate pests that eat wood.



North America was the largest region in the termite control market in 2022.Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period.



The regions covered in the termite control market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa.



The main types of termite control are chemical termite control, physical and mechanical termite control, and biological termite control.Chemical termite control refers to termite control that uses chemicals to exterminate termites.



They are administered to various species of termites, such as damp-wood termites, subterranean termites, dry-wood termites, and others. They are used in various applications, such as commercial, residential, agriculture, and others.



Growing construction industry is significantly contributing to the growth of the termite control market going forward.The construction industry refers to the area of business and manufacturing that is concerned with building, preserving, and fixing infrastructure.



Termite control is employed in the construction industry to prevent and control termite infestation in buildings which ruins the building infrastructure and deteriorate the quality of construction. For instance, according to a 2022 report published by the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) a US-based government organization that provides official macroeconomic and industry statistics, the size of the US construction industry increased from $1.916 trillion in the first quarter of 2021 to $2.016 trillion in the first quarter of 2022. Therefore, the growing construction industry will drive the market.



Product innovations are the key trend gaining popularity in the termite control market.Major companies operating in the termite control market are focusing on integrating new technologies and methodologies to improve termite control applications.



For instance, in May 2020, BASF SE a Germany-based chemical company launched Trelona advanced termite baiting system.The new technology increases efficiency by using a special, extremely strong active component and simple-to-install and-monitor bait stations.



Trelona ATBS allows pest control professionals unprecedented levels of freedom in selecting the best termite defense.



In September 2022, BUGCO Pest Control a US-based pest control company acquired Termite Technology & Pest Control for an undisclosed amount.The acquisition expands the suite of services that BUGCO provides by adding termite control services to its arsenal and increasing the range of amenities that it can offer clients as a firm, complementing Termite Technology & Pest Controls great corporate heritage and culture.



Termite Technology & Pest Control is a US-based pest and termite control solution.



The countries covered in the termite control 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 termite control market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides termite control market statistics, including termite control industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a termite control market share, detailed termite control market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the termite control industry. This termite control market research report delivers 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/p06480031/?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.



__________________________
Beverly Hills, CA, July 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On Wednesday, July 19, 2023 in Los Angeles California, Mission Matters MxM held an event, Real Estate Investor Talks presented by Brooke Sosa Capital, which featured a keynote by title sponsor Brooke Sousa alongside speakers James Huang, Shannon Robnett, Rob Sechrist, Masudur Khan, and Marianne Canero. The event, hosted in partnership with eXp Commercial and Chase Bank, shared wisdom from industry experts on the rapidly changing real estate investment landscape. Investors, professionals, and attending media gained insight into the inner workings of real estate investing and strategies applicable to their endeavors in the field.



(From left to right) Adam Torres, James Huang, Rob Sechrist, Marianne Canero and Masudur Khan

Keynote speaker Brooke Sousa, a real estate investment entrepreneur, shared investment strategies and entrepreneurial insights earned through the lens of her real estate investment company, Brooke Sousa Capital.

With adaptability as a pillar of our operations, I have a strong exit strategy built into each deal or property, ensuring that I stay on top of the ever-evolving real estate market, Sousa says. We continue to pivot as market research indicates. All moving parts considered, the foundation of my business remains the same: respect and good old-fashioned hard work. My teams adaptability coupled with our emphasis on our foundational values ensures a dynamic and consistent approach to business.

Several speakers shared the stage with Sousa at Mission Matters MxM Real Estate Investor Talks. These experts shared their thoughts on the future of real estate investing from their own unique business perspective.

(From left to right) Adam Torres and Shannon Robnett

Speaker and Pelorus Capital Group LLC president Rob Sechrist adds: Despite a bear market and significant headwinds, which have largely been perpetuated by the disconnect between state and federal policy, the future of real estate investing in the cannabis sector shows a ton of potential and promise.

The event highlighted strategies to increase investors success and navigate challenges through future transformations in the real estate industry. Attendees left the event with valuable tools to capitalize on emerging opportunities.

About Brooke Sousa:

Brooke Sousa is an American entrepreneur and fitness influencer born and raised in Columbus, Ohio. Sousa launched Brooke Sousa Capital, combining her passions for real estate and investing.

Media Communications

Mission Matters Podcast Agency distributes the Growing Our Future Podcast

Inquiries: adamtorres@missionmatters.com

Media contact and published by KISS PR az@kisspr.com


New York, July 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Synthetic Leather/Artificial Leather Global Market Report 2023" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p06480029/?utm_source=GNW

Major players in the synthetic leather/artificial leather market are H.R.



Polycoats Pvt. Ltd., Kuraray Co. Ltd., Alfatex Italia SRL, Yantai Wanhua Synthetic Leather Group Co. Ltd., San Fang Chemical Industry Co. Ltd., Filwel Co. Ltd., Nan Ya Plastics Corporation, Teijin Limited, Zhejiang Hexin Industry Group Co. Ltd., Shandong Tongda Group, Jiaxing Hexin Chemical Industry Co. Ltd., Kunshan Xiefu New Material Co. Ltd., Huafeng Group, Wenzhou Huanghe Microfiber Co. Ltd., Zhejiang Meisheng New Material Co. Ltd., Xiamen Hongxin Microfiber Materials Co. Ltd., Fujian Huayang, Sanling Microfiber Leather Co. Ltd., and Wenzhou Hongdeli Synthetic Leather Co. Ltd.



The global synthetic leather/artificial leather market is expected to grow from $30.61 billion in 2022 to $33.25 billion in 2023 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.61%.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 every markets across the globe. The market is expected to reach $44.98 billion in 2027 at a CAGR of 7.85%.



The synthetic leather/artificial leather market consists of sales of faux leather and vegan leather.Values in this market are factory gate values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers.



The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.



Synthetic leather/artificial leather is a petroleum-based substitute for genuine leather. It is soft and resistant to abrasions, cuts, and water.



Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the synthetic leather/artificial leather market in 2022. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the synthetic leather/artificial leather market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa



The main types of synthetic leather/artificial leather are polyurethane (PU)-based, polyvinyl chloride (PVC)-based, and bio-based.PU-based synthetic leather refers to an artificial leather polymer made of polyurethane, a form of plastic.



They are available in high-grade and low-grade leather and are used in various applications such as footwear, furnishing, automotive, clothing, bags, purses, and wallets.



The rising athleisure trend significantly contributes to the growth of the synthetic leather /artificial leather market going forward.Athleisure refers to casual attire made to be worn both while exercising and in daily life.



Synthetic leather is a popular choice for athleisure since it is less expensive than genuine leather and can be manufactured to appear and feel like genuine leather.Synthetic leather manufacturing is also more environmentally friendly than actual leather manufacturing, making it a more ethical choice for customers.



For instance, according to February 2021 data released by True Fit, a US-based size advisor that gives shoppers the right size in apparel and footwear, athleisure sales orders increased by 84 percent from 2020 to 2021. Therefore, the rising athleisure trend will drive the synthetic leather/artificial leather market.



Product innovation is the key trend gaining popularity in the synthetic leather/artificial leather market.Major companies operating in the synthetic leather/artificial leather market are focusing on developing innovative artificial leather to increase their application in various fields.



For instance, in April 2023, General Silicones, a Taiwan-based manufacturer of silicone products launched Compo-SiL (SL series) silicone vegan leather products.It is created especially for companies that make consumer goods like bags, backpacks, shoes, wallets, belts, book bindings, and covers and are looking for vegan leather supplies with factory-applied fabric lining.



Customers can choose from a variety of SL series leather surface textures, including stripes, matte, lambskin, calf, and bovine. The unique features of silicone rubber and the Compo-SiL technology provide producers searching for a source of excellent PETA-approved vegan leather with several advantages over leather products.



In April 2022, Coronet Group Spa, an Italy-based synthetic leather company acquired Synt3 Srl for an undisclosed amount.The acquisition expanded Coronet Groups expertise in synthetic leather making.



Coronets manufacturing capacity reached 20 million linear meters as a result of this facility, which includes 8 coating and 4 coagulation lines, several finishings, and 5 R&D centers. Synt3 Srl is an Italy-based manufacturer of synthetic leather.



The countries covered in the synthetic leather/artificial leather 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 synthetic leather/artificial leather market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides synthetic leather/artificial leather market statistics, including synthetic leather/artificial leather industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a synthetic leather/artificial leather market share, detailed synthetic leather/artificial leather market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the synthetic leather/artificial leather industry. This synthetic leather/artificial leather market research report delivers 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/p06480029/?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.



__________________________
Washington, D.C., July 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Washington, D.C.  As the U.S. Congress approaches its August recess, farmers and ranchers from the Organization for Competitive Markets (OCM), Competitive Markets Action (CMA), and members of the Alabama Contract Poultry Growers Association, Kansas Cattlemens Association, National Dairy Producers Organization, Contract Poultry Growers Association of the Virginias, and others, visited Washington, D.C., in attendance at OCM and CMAs Farm Bill Fly-In and Summit.

Members of the groups came in staunch opposition to the so-called Ending Agriculture Trade Suppression (EATS) Act, H.R. 4417/S. 2019, led by Rep. Ashley Hinson, R-Iowa, and Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kansas, determined to prevent the measure from marginalizing American family farmers and opening the floodgates to Chinas takeover of American agriculture alongside conservative groups like FreedomWorks.

In more than 85 in-person meetings on Capitol Hill, farmers and ranchers not only advocated for the rejection of the EATS Act, but also advocated for the enactment of the Opportunities for Fairness in Farming (OFF) Act, H.R. 1249/S. 557, led by Sens. Mike Lee, R-Utah, Rand Paul, R-Ky., Cory Booker, D-N.J., Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and Reps. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., and Dina Titus, D-Nev. The measure that would reform and bring transparency to the USDAs scandal-ridden Commodity Checkoff Programs brought to light by The Daily Caller, Politico, and others.

OCM led the charge in the farming and ranching space to defeat a previous iteration of the EATS Act led by former Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa, from being included in the 2018 Farm Bill led by former House Agriculture Committee Chairman Mike Conaway, R-Texas, and current Senate Agriculture Committee Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich.

Were committee to utilizing every resource OCM has at our disposal to prevent the EATS Act from becoming law and preventing the Chinese from taking over American food production, said Taylor Haynes, President at the Organization for Competitive Markets and a cattle rancher from Laramie, Wyoming. Food safety and security should be every Member of Congress top priority in 2023, and defeating the EATS Act as well as achieving checkoff reform are at the top of the list to ensure it.

If EATS is included in the upcoming Farm Bill, itll mark the end of American family farming as we know it, said Deborah Mills, Chairwoman of the National Dairy Producers Organization and a Board Director at the Organization for Competitive Markets. We must fight this hostile takeover with everything we have  its clear from China Weeklys recent commentary that the Hinson-Marshall EATS Act is Chinas baby.

Weve only just begun our campaign and have so much more to come  the Chinese, Smithfield, and so-called National Pork Producers Council better get ready, said Marty Irby, President at Competitive Markets Action and Board Secretary at the Organization for Competitive Markets. The nullification of laws enacted by State Legislatures in all fifty states and ballot measures enacted by the will of American voters is a terrible assault on states rights and the American family farmers who have spent millions of dollars complying with the law.

Its a crying shame to see my Senator Roger Marshall sell out Kansans to help increase profits for Chinese-owned corporations like Smithfield, said Mike Schultz, founder of the Kansas Cattlemens Association, and Vice-President at the Organization for Competitive Markets. Our elected officials and their staff need to remember they work for us  the American taxpayer  and not the other way around. I was disappointed to have been met with such resistance by Marshalls staff in our recent meeting on Capitol Hill. If Marshall wont back down on EATS I do hope hell at least do something for Kansas farmers and cosponsor the OFF Act to achieve checkoff reform.

Im grateful my elected officials from Alabama and their team members took the time to hear our concerns, and treat us with such great respect during our visit, said Jonathan Buttram, President of the Alabama Contract Poultry Growers Association and Board Treasurer at the Organization for Competitive Markets. Farmers in the Yellowhammer State are the backbone of our economy and must be protected from the China-backed EATS Acts hostile takeover of our industry.

Producers across the nation are rallying against the EATS Act, and we will continue to stand strong on the front lines in the war the leaders of EATS have launched against American family farmers, said Mike Weaver, Past President of the Contract Poultry Growers of the Virginias, and a Board Director at the Organization for Competitive Markets. We must continue to work to enact the OFF Act and achieve checkoff reform  it is critical to our survival and one of the key reasons OCM was started back in the 1990s.

In June, OCM and CMA launched a campaign against the EATS Act that centers the opposition of family poultry, pork, and dairy farms as well as independent cattle ranchers. Specifically, it highlights their concern that Chinese interests are not solely focused on land rights; they are aggressively acquiring entire agricultural companies, posing a significant threat to our farming sovereignty.

The campaign has to date included ad buys in Politico Morning and Weekly Ag for three full weeks in June and one full week in July, as well as ad buys that included a takeover of The Daily Callers homepage five times as well as radio ads in key Congressional Districts, and a billboard truck on Capitol Hill, the last half of July thatll be returning for the full month of September and beyond. The ads encourage voters to contact their elected officials and ask them to vote no on any Farm Bill that contains the EATS Act. OCM and CMA plan to continue the ad campaign throughout the course of 2023 until the Farm Bill is finalized and enacted.

Enacting the Hinson/Marshall Ending Agricultural Trade Suppression (EATS) Act via the Farm Bill would eliminate hundreds of state agricultural laws, effectively paving the way for even more foreign intrusion without guardrails. This absence of rules, particularly those that support American family farmers and ranchers, would create an environment in which large Chinese corporations like Smithfield Foods and others can easily expand across all 50 states without having to comply with state laws that protect rural communities, American farming families, and consumers.

The OFF Act, first introduced prior to the 2018 Farm Bill would create a system of checks and balances within USDAs Commodity Checkoff Programs, prohibit checkoffs from utilizing tax-payer dollars to lobby against farmers best interests, and prohibit disparagement of one product of another  a practice thats long-allowed the federal government to pick winners and losers in the marketplace.

The Organization for Competitive Markets (OCM) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit based in Lincoln, Nebraska. The foundation of the Organization for Competitive Markets is to fight for competitive markets in agriculture for farmers, ranchers and rural communities. True competition reduces the need for economic regulation. Our mission, and our duty, is to define and advocate the proper role of government in the agricultural economy as a regulator and enforcer of rules necessary for markets that are fair, honest, accessible and competitive for all citizens.

Competitive Markets Action (CMA) is a 501(c)(4) non-profit based in Washington, D.C., that was formed with the mission of shaping policy to promote more regenerative and sustainable agriculture, and competitive markets in the U.S., and to defend against attacks on states rights by the federal government. CMA works to raise awareness of the harm caused by multinational conglomerates to the American family farmer, the consumer and our U.S. economy as a whole in an effort to bring about legislative and regulatory reforms.

###

Attachments
NEW YORK, July 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 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=42703&from=3

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 Danahers COVID-19-related businesses was declining; (ii) contrary to the Companys prior representations to investors, revenues associated with Danahers non-COVID-19-related businesses were insufficient to compensate for the foregoing negative trend; (iii) accordingly, Danaher overstated the Companys 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=42703&from=3.

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

jk@kleinstocklaw.com

Telephone: (212) 616-4899

www.kleinstocklaw.com
Investors can contact the law firm at no cost to learn more about recovering their losses



LOS ANGELES, July 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Portnoy Law Firm advises John Wiley & Sons, Inc. ("Wiley" or the "Company") (NYSE: WLY) investors that the firm has initiated an investigation into possible securities violations and may file a class action on behalf of investors. Wiley investors that lost money on their investment are encouraged to contact Lesley Portnoy, Esq.

Investors are encouraged to contact attorney Lesley F. Portnoy , by phone 844-767-8529 or email : lesley@portnoylaw.com, to discuss their legal rights, or click here to join the case via www.portnoylaw.com . The Portnoy Law Firm can provide a complimentary case evaluation and discuss investors options for pursuing claims to recover their losses.

The investigation concerns whether Wiley and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in alleged securities violations or other unlawful business practices.

Please visit our website to review more information and submit your transaction information.

The Portnoy Law Firm represents investors in pursuing claims against caused by corporate wrongdoing. The Firms founding partner has recovered over $5.5 billion for aggrieved investors. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

Lesley F. Portnoy, Esq.

Admitted CA and NY Bar

lesley@portnoylaw.com

310-692-8883

www.portnoylaw.com

Attorney Advertising




PASCAGOULA, Miss., July 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HIIs (NYSE: HII) Ingalls Shipbuilding division announced today the successful completion of acceptance sea trials for the U.S. Coast Guards newest national security cutter, Calhoun (WMSL 759). During the trial, the ship spent time proving the ships systems including performing numerous tests in the areas of propulsion, electric plant, and mission systems.



Our joint Ingalls and Coast Guard team has completed another successful sea trial, and I am pleased to say NSC 10 performed well, Ingalls Shipbuilding President Kari Wilkinson said. Our shipbuilders are now one step closer to delivering this highly capable and advanced cutter to the U.S. Coast Guard.

For over two decades, Ingalls Shipbuilding has designed and built the Coast Guard Legend-class national security cutters. These ships are capable of embarking and supporting a wide range of Coast Guard, Navy and NATO missions. National security cutters have proven to be ideal platforms for drug interdiction, global illegal fishing, disaster relief and defense support operations.





A photo accompanying this release is available at: https://hii.com/news/hii-acceptance-trials-national-security-cutter-calhoun-wmsl-759.

Its an honor to see the hard work of our shipbuilders come to fruition during a sea trial, and I couldnt be more proud of the team, Ingalls Shipbuilding NSC Program Manager Amanda Whitaker said. We stand ready to deliver Calhoun and provide our Coast Guard partners with this tremendous national security asset.

NSC 10 is named to honor Charles L. Calhoun, the first master chief petty officer of the U.S. Coast Guard. Calhoun served in the U.S. Navy for three years during World War II and was honorably discharged in 1946 as a torpedomans mate petty officer 2nd class. He enlisted in the Coast Guard that same year and held varying positions of leadership over the course of his career.

Ingalls has delivered nine Legend-class national security cutters to the Coast Guard further enabling their important missions around the globe.

About HII

HII is a global, all-domain defense provider. HIIs mission is to deliver the worlds most powerful ships and all-domain solutions in service of the nation, creating the advantage for our customers to protect peace and freedom around the world.

As the nations largest military shipbuilder, and with a more than 135-year history of advancing U.S. national security, HII delivers critical capabilities extending from ships to unmanned systems, cyber, ISR, AI/ML and synthetic training. Headquartered in Virginia, HIIs workforce is 43,000 strong. For more information, visit:

HII on the web: https://www.HII.com/

HII on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TeamHII

HII on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/WeAreHII

HII on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/WeAreHII

Contact:

Kimberly K. Aguillard

228-355-5663

Kimberly.K.Aguillard@hii-co.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3e1c4a82-c602-4ff4-b7bd-849158d10703
Kelowna, July 27, 2023 - F3 Uranium Corp. (TSXV: FUU) (OTCQB: FUUFF) ("F3" or "the Company") announces that it has granted a total of 1,000,000 restricted share units ("RSUs") to Sam Hartmann, the Corporation's Vice President of Exploration, in accordance with the terms of his employment agreement dated April 5, 2023, pursuant to the Company's Deferred Share Unit and Restricted Share Unit Compensation Plan. The RSUs granted vest 1/3 on one-year anniversary from grant date and 1/3 on January 27, 2025, and 1/3 on July 27, 2026. Once vested, each RSU represents the right to receive one common share of the Company or the equivalent cash value thereof, at the Company's discretion.

About F3 Uranium Corp:

F3 is a uranium project generator and exploration company, focusing on projects in the Athabasca Basin, home to some of the world's largest high-grade uranium discoveries. F3 Uranium currently has 16 projects in the Athabasca Basin. Several of F3's projects are near large uranium discoveries, including the Arrow, Triple R and Hurricane deposits.

F3 Uranium Corp. Contact Information

Investor Relations

Telephone: 778 484 8030

Email: ir@fission3corp.com

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

"Dev Randhawa"

Dev Randhawa, CEO

The TSX Venture Exchange and the Canadian Securities Exchange have not reviewed, approved or disapproved the contents of this press release, and do not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward- looking statements and information are frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "potential", "possible" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may", "will", "could", or "should" occur. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information or statements.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/175192
VANCOUVER, July 27, 2023 - Reflex Advanced Materials Corp. (CSE:RFLX) (OTC: RFLXF) (FWB: HF2) ("Reflex" or the "Company"), announces that it has extended its agreement with i2i Marketing Group LLC ("i2i") (email: contact@i2illc.com; address: 1233 Chesapeake Drive, Odessa, Florida, 33556; phone: 312.725.3843) for marketing services to be provided by i2i beginning July 28th, 2023 for approximately one month or until budget exhaustion. i2i will utilize their online programs with the aim of increasing investor awareness and interest in the Company as well as attracting potential new investors through various online platforms and methods of engagement in consideration for the payment to i2i of $120,000 USD. The Company will not issue any securities to i2i in consideration for the marketing services. The marketing activity will occur by email, and the Google, Bing and Yahoo display ad network. i2i does not have any prior relationship with the Company other than previous marketing engagements and the Company and i2i deal at arm's length.



The Company also announces that it has extended its agreement with MIC Market Information & Content Publishing GmbH ("MIC") (Address: Gerhart-Hauptmann-St. 49b 51379 Leverkusen; email: contact@micpublishing.de; phone: +49 2171-7766628) for additional marketing services to be provided by MIC beginning August 3rd, 2023 for one month or until budget exhaustion. MIC will utilize their online programs with the aim of increasing investor awareness and interest in the company as well as attracting potential new investors through various online platforms and methods of engagement in consideration of EUR 50,000. The marketing activity will occur by email, Facebook, and Google. MIC does not have any prior relationship with the Company, other than previous marketing engagements and the Company and MIC deal at arm's length.

About Reflex Advanced Materials Corp.

Reflex Advanced Materials Corp. is a mineral exploration company based in British Columbia. Its objective is to locate and, if warranted, develop economic mineral properties in the strategic metals and advanced materials space. It is focused on improving domestic specialty mineral infrastructure efficiencies to meet surging national demand by North American manufacturers. The Company is working to advance its Ruby Graphite Project, located in Beaverhead County, Montana, and ZigZag Lake Lithium Property, located in Thunder Bay Mining Division, Crescent Lake Area, Ontario.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS,

Paul Gorman

CEO & Director

Reflex Advanced Materials Corp.

info@reflexmaterials.com

Tel. (416-768-6101)

Suite 915-700 West Pender Street

Vancouver, BC V6C 1G8

Canada

Forward Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking information. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of any of the words "could", "intend", "expect", "believe", "will", "projected", "estimated" and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on the Company's current beliefs or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. In particular, this press release contains forward-looking information relating to, among other things, the expected term of the marketing activities contracted for by the Company.

Various assumptions or factors are typically applied in drawing conclusions or making the forecasts or projections set out in forward-looking information, including, in respect of the forward-looking information included in this press release, assumptions regarding the efficacy of the Company's marketing program.

Although forward-looking information is based on the reasonable assumptions of the Company's management, there can be no assurance that any 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 to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such factors include, among other things, the risk that the Company's marketing program may not be as effective as anticipated by the Company and that the budget for the Company's marketing program may not be sufficient to permit the marketing activities to continue for the anticipated term. The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof, and the Company not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Because of the risks, uncertainties and assumptions contained herein, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The foregoing statements expressly qualify any forward-looking information contained herein.
Mactung is the world's largest high-grade deposit of the critical mineral tungsten**.



Mineral resources total 41.5 Mt Indicated Resource at 0.73% WO 3 and 12.2 Mt Inferred Resource at 0.59% WO 3 .

and 12.2 Mt Inferred Resource at 0.59% WO . In addition, an Exploration Target is estimated at 2.5 Mt to 3.5 Mt at a grade between 0.4% and 0.6% WO 3 , within the mining shapes that constrain the Mineral Resource.



VANCOUVER, British Columbia, July 28, 2023 -- Fireweed Metals Corp. ("Fireweed" or the "Company") (TSXV: FWZ; OTCQB: FWEDF) is pleased to announce the filing on www.SEDAR.com of the independent Technical Report for its Mactung Project (the "Project") that is located in Yukon and Northwest Territories ("NWT"), Canada.

CEO Statement

"We are pleased to file our Technical Report on SEDAR to give the full details of the resource estimate that was completed to demonstrate that Mactung is the largest high-grade tungsten deposit in the world," commented Brandon Macdonald, Chief Executive Officer. "We are continuing to advance the Mactung project towards development and this world-class resource will be the foundation for detailed engineering studies of this unique critical mineral project."

Table 1: Mineral Resource Statement(1,2,3,4) for the Mactung Project.

Classification Cut-off

Grade

WO 3 (%) Tonnage

(tonnes) WO 3

Grade (%) Contained WO 3

(mtu5) Indicated (underground) 0.50 12,168,000 1.05 12,789,000 Indicated (open pit) 0.25 29,319,000 0.59 17,367,000 Total Indicated (OP+UG) 0.25/0.50 41,487,000 0.73 30,156,000 Inferred(4) (underground) 0.50 2,817,000 0.73 2,066,000 Inferred(4) (open pit) 0.25 9,430,000 0.55 5,139,000 Total Inferred(4) (OP+UG) 0.25/0.50 12,247,000 0.59 7,205,000





(1) All mineral resources have been estimated in accordance with Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy and Petroleum ("CIM") definitions, as required under National Instrument 43-101 ("NI43-101"). (2) Mineral resources are reported in relation to a conceptual pit shell and underground mining volumes to demonstrate reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction, as required under NI43-101; mineralization lying outside of the pit shell or underground volumes is not reported as a mineral resource. Note the conceptual pit shell and underground volumes are used for mineral resource reporting purposes only and is not indicative of the proposed mining method; future mining studies may consider underground mining, open pit mining or a combination of both. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. Mineral resource estimates do not account for mineability, selectivity, mining loss and dilution. All figures are rounded to reflect the relative accuracy of the estimate and therefore numbers may not appear to add precisely. (3) Open pit (OP) mineral resources are reported at a cut-off grade of 0.25% WO 3 . Underground (UG) mineral resources are reported at a cut-off grade of 0.5% WO 3 .Cut-off grades are based on a price of US$240 per mtu of WO 3 concentrate and a number of operating cost and recovery assumptions. (4) Inferred mineral resources are considered too speculative geologically to have economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves. There is also no certainty that these inferred mineral resources will be converted to the measured and indicated categories through further drilling, or into mineral reserves, once economic considerations are applied. The Inferred Mineral Resource in this estimate has a lower level of confidence than that applied to an Indicated Mineral Resource and must not be converted to a Mineral Reserve. It is reasonably expected that the majority of the inferred Mineral Resource could be upgraded to an Indicated Mineral Resource with continued exploration. (5) A metric tungsten unit (mtu) is 10 kilograms of tungsten trioxide (WO 3 ).

The Technical Report results were previously disclosed in the Company's news release dated June 13, 2023 and prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"). The Qualified Person and author of the report is Garth Kirkham, P.Geo., of Kirkham Geosystems Ltd. The report, entitled "NI 43-101 Technical Report, Mactung Project, Yukon Territory, Canada," with effective date July 28, 2023 and report date of July 28, 2023, can be found under Fireweed's profile at www.sedar.com and on the Company's website.

Qualified Person Statement

Garth Kirkham, P.Geo., of Kirkham Geosystems Ltd. is the Qualified Person, as defined in National Instrument 43-101, and is responsible for the Mactung mineral resource estimate, the Technical Report entitled "NI 43-101 Technical Report, Mactung Project, Yukon Territory, Canada," and directly related information as reported herein. He has read and approved the relevant technical portions of this news release related to the mineral resource estimates for which he is responsible.

Disclosure of other technical information in this news release, not related to the Mactung Mineral Resource Estimate, has been approved by Fireweed Metals VP Geology, Jack Milton, Ph.D., P.Geo. (BC), a 'Qualified Person' as defined under Canadian National Instrument 43-101.

About Fireweed Metals Corp. (TSXV: FWZ; OTCQB: FWEDF; FSE:20F): Fireweed Metals is a public mineral exploration company on the leading edge of Critical Minerals project development. Fireweed is well-funded, with a healthy working capital position, and is well-positioned to carry out the large 2023 exploration program. The Company has three projects located in Canada:

Macmillan Pass Project (Zinc-Lead-Silver): Fireweed owns 100% of the district-scale 940 km 2 Macmillan Pass project in Yukon, Canada, which is host to one of the largest undeveloped zinc resources in the world** where the Tom and Jason zinc-lead-silver deposits have current Mineral Resources 1 (11.21 Mt Indicated Resource at 6.59% zinc, 2.48% lead, and 21.33 g/t silver; and 39.47 Mt Inferred Resource at 5.84% zinc, 3.14% lead, and 38.15 g/t silver) and a Preliminary Economic Assessment 2 (PEA). In addition, Boundary Zone, Tom North and End Zone have significant zinc-lead-silver mineralization drilled but not yet classified as mineral resources. The project also includes large blocks of adjacent claims with known showings and significant upside exploration potential.

Macmillan Pass project in Yukon, Canada, which is host to one of the largest undeveloped zinc resources in the world** where the Tom and Jason zinc-lead-silver deposits have current Mineral Resources (11.21 Mt Indicated Resource at 6.59% zinc, 2.48% lead, and 21.33 g/t silver; and 39.47 Mt Inferred Resource at 5.84% zinc, 3.14% lead, and 38.15 g/t silver) and a Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA). In addition, Boundary Zone, Tom North and End Zone have significant zinc-lead-silver mineralization drilled but not yet classified as mineral resources. The project also includes large blocks of adjacent claims with known showings and significant upside exploration potential. Mactung Project (Tungsten): The Company recently acquired 100% interest in the 37.6 km 2 Mactung Project located adjacent to the Macmillan Pass Project. Recently announced mineral resources for Mactung (41.5 Mt Indicated Resource at 0.73% WO 3 and 12.2 Mt Inferred Resource at 0.59% WO 3 )* make it the world's largest high-grade resource of the Critical Mineral tungsten**. Located in Canada, it is one of the rare large tungsten resources outside of China.

Mactung Project located adjacent to the Macmillan Pass Project. Recently announced mineral resources for Mactung (41.5 Mt Indicated Resource at 0.73% WO and 12.2 Mt Inferred Resource at 0.59% WO )* make it the world's largest high-grade resource of the Critical Mineral tungsten**. Located in Canada, it is one of the rare large tungsten resources outside of China. Gayna River Project (Zinc-Lead-Gallium-Germanium): Fireweed has 100% of the 128.75 km2 Gayna River project located 180 km north of the Macmillan Pass project. It is host to extensive mineralization including Critical Minerals zinc, gallium and germanium as well as lead and silver, outlined by 28,000 m of historical drilling and significant upside potential.



In Canada, Fireweed (TSXV: FWZ) trades on the TSX Venture Exchange. In the USA, Fireweed (OTCQB: FWEDF) trades on the OTCQB Venture Market (www.otcmarkets.com) and is DTC eligible for enhanced electronic clearing and settlement. In Europe, Fireweed (FSE: 20F) trades on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange.

Additional information about Fireweed and its projects can be found on the Company's website at FireweedMetals.com and at www.sedar.com.

ON BEHALF OF Fireweed Metals Corp.

"Brandon Macdonald"

CEO & Director

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

Forward Looking Statements

This news release contains "forward-looking" statements and information ("forward-looking statements"). All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included herein, including, without limitation, statements relating to deposits and exploration targets, interpretation of drill results and projections of mineralization, future work plans, world demand and supply of tungsten, the use of funds, and the potential of the Company's projects, 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 are based on the beliefs of Company management, as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to Company management and reflect the beliefs, opinions, and projections on the date the statements are made. Forward-looking statements involve various risks and uncertainties and accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. 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 expectations include but are not limited to, exploration and development risks, unanticipated reclamation expenses, expenditure and financing requirements, general economic conditions, changes in financial markets, the ability to properly and efficiently staff the Company's operations, the sufficiency of working capital and funding for continued operations, title matters, First Nations relations, operating hazards, political and economic factors, competitive factors, metal prices, relationships with vendors and strategic partners, governmental regulations and oversight, permitting, seasonality and weather, technological change, industry practices, uncertainties involved in the interpretation of drilling results and laboratory tests, and one-time events. The Company assumes no obligation to update forward?looking statements or beliefs, opinions, projections or other factors, except as required by law.

Footnotes and References

*See Fireweed news release dated June 13, 2023 "Fireweed Metals Announces Mineral Resources for the Mactung Project: the Largest High-Grade Tungsten Deposit in the World" and the technical report entitled "NI 43-101 Technical Report, Mactung Project, Yukon Territory, Canada," with effective date July 28, 2023 filed on www.SEDAR.com.

** References to relative size and grade of the Mactung resources and Macmillan Pass resources in comparison to other tungsten and zinc deposits elsewhere in the world, respectively, are based on review of the Standard & Poor's Global Market Intelligence Capital IQ database.

1: Fireweed Technical Report titled "NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Macmillan Pass Zinc-Lead-Silver Project, Watson Lake and Mayo Mining Districts Yukon Territory, Canada" filed on www.SEDAR.com on Feb 23, 2018, and Fireweed News Release dated January 10th 2018.

2: Fireweed Technical Report titled "NI 43-101 Technical Report Macmillan Pass Project Yukon Territory Canada" filed on www.SEDAR.com on July 9th 2018, and Fireweed News Release dated May 23rd, 2018. This Technical Report includes a Preliminary Economic Analysis disclosing an economic analysis of mineral resources that is preliminary in nature and does not include any mineral reserves. It is equally emphasized that the mineral resources disclosed within this Technical Report are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability.

Contact:

Brandon Macdonald

Phone: (604) 646-8361

Email: info@fireweedmetals.com
/NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO THE UNITED STATES OR THROUGH U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES/

TSX Venture Exchange: BSK

Frankfurt Stock Exchange: MAL2

OTCQB Venture Market (OTC): BKUCF

VANCOUVER, July 28, 2023 - Blue Sky Uranium Corp. (TSXV: BSK) (FSE: MAL2) (OTC: BKUCF), ("Blue Sky" or the "Company") announces a correction to the finder's fees from the private placement. In the news release dated July 12, 2023, the Company announced cash finder's fees of $84,636.82 were paid and 1,128,490 finder's warrants were issued, however, the correct cash finder's fee paid was $88,136.81 and 1,175,157 finder's warrants were issued.

About Blue Sky Uranium Corp.

Blue Sky Uranium Corp. is a leader in uranium discovery in Argentina. The Company's objective is to deliver exceptional returns to shareholders by rapidly advancing a portfolio of surficial uranium deposits into low-cost producers, while respecting the environment, the communities, and the cultures in all the areas in which we work. Blue Sky has the exclusive right to properties in two provinces in Argentina. The Company's flagship Amarillo Grande Project was an in-house discovery of a new district that has the potential to be both a leading domestic supplier of uranium to the growing Argentine market and a new international market supplier. The Company is a member of the Grosso Group, a resource management group that has pioneered exploration in Argentina since 1993.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

"Nikolaos Cacos"

______________________________________

Nikolaos Cacos, President, CEO and Director

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.

The securities offered were not, nor will they be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons absent U.S. federal and state registration or an applicable exemption from the U.S. registration requirements. This release does not constitute an offer for sale of securities in the United States.

This news release may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore involve inherent risks and uncertainties. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, that address activities, events or developments the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including, without limitation, statements about the closing of the Offering, the Company's plans for its mineral properties; the Company's business strategy, plans and outlooks; the future financial or operating performance of the Company; and future exploration and operating plans are forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results of the Company to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements and, even if such actual results are realized or substantially realized, there can be no assurance that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, the Company. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, among other things: the impact of COVID-19; risks and uncertainties related to the ability to obtain necessary approvals, including Exchange approval for the closing of the Offering, the ability to obtain, amend, or maintain licenses, permits, or surface rights; risks associated with technical difficulties in connection with mining activities; and the possibility that future exploration, development or mining results will not be consistent with the Company's expectations. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. Readers are encouraged to refer to the Company's public disclosure documents for a more detailed discussion of factors that may impact expected future results. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, unless required pursuant to applicable laws.

SOURCE Blue Sky Uranium Corp.
Vancouver, July 28, 2023 - Doubleview Gold Corp. (TSXV: DBG) (OTCQB: DBLVF) (FSE: 1D4) (the "Company" or "Doubleview") mourns the loss of a key figure in its success, Tom (Thomas) Lisle P.Eng., former part-owner of the Hat Project. With heavy hearts, Doubleview Gold Corp. pays homage to the man whose passion for exploration and dedication to the Hat Project has left an indelible mark on the Company's journey.

Tom Lisle's association with the Hat Project began in 1993 when he and his partner embarked on an exploration mission, identifying several promising mineral targets. Their efforts laid the foundation for future discoveries, particularly the noteworthy cobalt zones that remained largely unexplored but promising. In 2011, Doubleview Gold Corp. acquired the Hat Project, recognizing its immense potential, and Tom's invaluable insights, became an integral part of the Company's geological team.

"Tom Lisle was more than just a colleague; he was a mentor and a friend," states Farshad Shirvani, President, and CEO of Doubleview Gold Corp. "His guidance and profound observations have been pivotal in shaping our geological endeavors. We owe him a debt of gratitude for his immense contribution to the "Lisle Deposit". It is a privilege to honor him with the name of our first deposit."

Tom Lisle's legacy extends beyond his involvement with Doubleview Gold Corp. His expertise and passion led him to partake in numerous mining exploration and development projects, both big and small over many decades. A thoughtful individual with a remarkable sense of humor, he brought smiles and laughter to everyone around him.

The "Lisle Deposit" named in his honor, stands as a testament to his enduring commitment to the Hat Project and the mining industry. Tom's vision and dedication will continue to inspire Doubleview Gold Corp. and future generations to pursue excellence in mining exploration.

"We extend our deepest condolences to Tom's family during this difficult time," says Farshad Shirvani. "His legacy will forever be cherished, and we are committed to carrying forward his vision and passion for the Hat Project."

About Doubleview Gold Corp:

Doubleview Gold Corp. is a mineral exploration and development company focused on uncovering valuable resources in British Columbia and elsewhere. Through cutting-edge geological practices and a commitment to sustainable exploration, the company aims to contribute to the mining industry's growth while honoring the legacy of visionaries like Tom Lisle P.Eng.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

Farshad Shirvani, President & Chief Executive Officer

For further information please contact:

Doubleview Gold Corp.

Vancouver, BC Farshad Shirvani

President & CEO

T: (604) 678-9587

E: corporate@doubleview.ca

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.

Certain of the statements made and information contained herein may constitute "forward-looking information." In particular references to the private placement and future work programs or expectations on the quality or results of such work programs are subject to risks associated with operations on the property, exploration activity generally, equipment limitations and availability, as well as other risks that we may not be currently aware of. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/175172
Gold Reserve Inc. (TSX.V:GRZ) (OTCQX:GDRZF) (Gold Reserve or the Company) announces that on July 27, 2023 the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware (the Delaware Court ) issued a decision on certain issues concerning the PDVH sale process, including determining the process by which creditors of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and Petroleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PDVSA) (collectively, the Creditors) can be named "Additional Judgment Creditors" and thereby participate in the previously announced sale process (the Sale Process) for the shares of PDV Holding, Inc. (PDVH), the indirect parent company of CITGO Petroleum Corp. The Delaware Court held that for a Creditor to be an Additional Judgment Creditor, it must obtain a conditional or unconditional writ of attachment from the Delaware Court. As previously disclosed, the Company obtained a conditional writ of attachment from the Delaware Court by order dated March 30, 2023.

The Delaware Court further held that the priority of judgments of Additional Judgment Creditors will be based on the date a Creditor filed a motion for a writ of attachment that was subsequently granted. The Company filed its motion on October 20, 2022. According to public records, there are 10 judgments for which writs of attachment have been granted and for which the motions were filed before the Company's motion. These judgments, according to the Delaware Court's present order, represent an aggregate principal amount of U.S. $4.684 billion, exclusive of interest.

As previously disclosed by the Company on May 3, 2023, the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) issued recent guidance that a licence will be required before any sale of PDVH shares can be executed.

Rockne J. Timm, CEO stated, "The decision by the Delaware Court is welcome but, at the same time, and subject to applicable sanctions laws in the U.S. and Canada, we are open to resolving amicably all of our pending issues with Venezuela. This includes, but is not limited to, our approximately U.S. $1 billion judgment (inclusive of interest) that is the subject of the Company's litigation in Delaware, but also the recovery of our Bandes Trust funds and the more recent expropriation of the Siembra Minera mining rights."

A copy of this recent decision of the Delaware Court can be accessed on the Company's website at www.goldreserveinc.com.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable U.S. federal securities laws and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian provincial and territorial securities laws and state Gold Reserve's and its management's intentions, hopes, beliefs, expectations or predictions for the future. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management at this time, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. We caution that such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other risks that may cause the actual outcomes, financial results, performance, or achievements of Gold Reserve to be materially different from our estimated outcomes, future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by those forward-looking statements, including without limitation, whether the Sale Process will be completed, whether OFAC will grant an authorization in connection with any potential sale of PDVH shares and/or whether it changes its decision or guidance regarding the Sale Process, the ability to enforce the writ of attachment granted to Gold Reserve, that PDVH's parent company, PDVSA has opposed the inclusion of any additional judgements in the Sale Process and may appeal the decision of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit upholding the previous orders of the Delaware Court and/or this most recent decision of the Delaware Court, including the potential time and cost associated with any such appeal(s) and whether PDVSA or any other appealing party will be successful in any such appeal(s), the timing set for various reports and/or other matters with respect to the Sale Process may not be met, the ability of the Company to otherwise participate in the Sale Process (and related costs associated therewith), the amount, if any, of proceeds associated therewith; the competing claims of certain creditors, the Other Creditors (as detailed in the applicable court documents filed with the Delaware Court) of Venezuela and the Company, including any interest on such creditors' judgements, any priority afforded thereto, the proceeds from the sale of the PDVH shares may not be sufficient to satisfy the amounts outstanding under the September 2014 arbitral award and/or corresponding November 15, 2015 U.S. judgement in full and the ramifications of the bankruptcy of PDVH with respect to the Sale Process and/or the Company's claims, including as a result of the priority of other claims. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of Gold Reserve's forward-looking statements. For a more detailed discussion of the risk factors affecting the Company's business, see the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F and Management's Discussion & Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2022 and other reports (including Management's Discussion & Analysis for the period ended March 31, 2023) that have been filed on SEDAR and are available under the Company's profile at www.sedar.com and which have been filed on EDGAR and are available under the Company's profile at www.sec.gov/edgar.

Investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to Gold Reserve or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by this notice. Gold Reserve disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements or the foregoing list of assumptions or factors, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, subject to its disclosure obligations under applicable rules promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission and applicable Canadian provincial and territorial securities laws.

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.

This release has been approved by Rockne J. Timm, CEO of the Company.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230728941006/en/

Contact

Gold Reserve Inc. Contact

Jean Charles Potvin

999 W. Riverside Ave., Suite 401

Spokane, WA 99201 USA

Tel: (509) 623-1500

Fax: (509) 623-1634
An Ohio law signed by Gov. John Kasich last week would block public oversight of state liquor store revenues that are now being funneled to a private economic development entity. But a bipartisan effort is already underway to prevent the measure from taking effect.The new law forbids Ohio Auditor Dave Yost from auditing $100 million in wholesale liquor profits, which used to go into the states general fund but are now being funneled to JobsOhio, a non-profit economic development firm created by the state legislature and approved by Kasich in 2011. The legislation creating JobsOhio, which is led by a governor-appointed board and charged with attracting business to the state, allowed the entity to effectively take over the states liquor operations and use the $100 million in resulting profits as a major source of funding. The law does allow for an annual audit, but by a private auditor, to track the use of what was previously public money.But when Yost said it was under his authority to audit the liquor money and subpoenaed the companys records this March, Kasich and the legislature rushed to stop him from doing so. The bill specifically stipulated that the liquor money is legally considered private money and therefore not subject to a public audit. It sped through the legislature in less than a week with no public debate, and the governor signed it into law in a private ceremony last Tuesday.Outside experts say the amount of effort taken by Kasich and Republican legislative leaders to block the JobsOhio funds from being audited is unusual.I can't think of any good reasons why the state government would want to reduce audit scrutiny, says David Cotton, chairman of Cotton and Company, a Virginia auditing and advisory firm with a focus on government finances. The thing that's puzzling is: What's the motivation? There's definitely something weird about it.Walter Kucharski, who served as Virginia's state auditor for nearly 30 years, notes that in states where the state auditor is independently elected (as Yost is), these kinds of conflicts sometimes arise. The central question is whether JobsOhio is actually a private corporation with its governor-appointed board and influx of formely public money, he says. That issue is being debated in court."It sounds like a state agency and it acts like a state agency," Kucharski says, "so I'm not sure why it's not a state agency."When approached for an interview, Yost referred to his March 19 letter to the legislature, sent as the first rumors of a bill blocking JobsOhios auditing began to circulate.I urge you to tread cautiously, Yost wrote. While there have been no indications of misdealing, the potential for self-dealing or other mischief exists sometime in the future. This offices audit will help protect against the real possibility of human failings."In an interview with a local TV station last Friday, Yost said he would not have supported the original JobsOhio legislation because of how it recategorizes public money as private. "My view has always been JobsOhio isn't a government agency, but it's not really like Chrysler corporation or some other private company either," he told WBNS Kasich and legislative leaders have declined to speak publicly about the matter, beyond asserting that JobsOhio is a private enterprise and criticizing Yost for undermining its work.s calls to Kasichs office were not returned. When advocating for JobsOhios creation in 2011, Kasich claimed that the states public development agency was inefficient and that economic development would be better housed outside the state governments bureaucracy. JobsOhio doesnt actually award tax credits or other economic incentives, but it can make recommendations to the state department that does. According to the firms 2012 annual report, its work helped create nearly 21,000 jobs last year.The auditing bills passage isnt the end of the story, though: A bipartisan group of Democratic legislators, progressive activists and conservative lawyers is suing to make sure the JobsOhio money is publicly vetted. The latest litigation is being folded into a two-year battle over JobsOhios constitutionality. The plaintiffs charge, among other things, that not allowing the liquor money to be audited violates the Ohio Constitution, which they say prohibits public money from being invested in private enterprises without public oversight.The case is currently before the Ohio Supreme Court, which is considering whether the plaintiffs have standing to sue over the issue at all. The Kasich administration argues that they do not. The state is expected to file its brief in late June, after which the plaintiffs will have an opportunity to respond. If the Ohio Supreme Court decides the plaintiffs do have standing, then the lawsuit will go to trial and the plaintiffs say they are confident that the legislation passed in the last month would be overturned.The real question in all of this, says Brian Rothenberg, executive director of ProgressOhio, one of the plaintiffs, is if it is public money and you give somebody money to create a job, shouldn't the public have a right to know that the job was created and the money was well spent?
Aston Martin can't blame Pirelli for slump says Krack

Team boss Mike Krack has swerved away from Fernando Alonso's suspicion that the mid-season tyre construction change explains Aston Martin's recent slump.

Lance Stroll, Hungarian GP 2023

 Aston Martin Racing

Alonso, who turns 42 on Saturday, repeated his theory in the Spa-Francorchamps paddock on Thursday.

The rules changed in the middle of the year and we haven't properly adapted to the new tyres yet. So we need to do better, said the Spaniard.

"I don't think it's a particular characteristic of these tyres, it's just that we are slower with them.

"I don't have all the information that Pirelli has, but I'm not a fan of changing the tyres in the middle of a season. But it's been several years of doing this - with the flexibility of the wings, the exhausts.

It shouldn't be like that, because if a team has found something better they should be able to end the year like that. And if it wasn't legal before then they couldn't have run the first 10 races with those parts, Alonso added.

Team boss Krack, however, is more diplomatic about not pointing the fingers of blame too squarely at Formula 1's rule-makers and Pirelli.

That would be an easy excuse, wouldn't it? said the German.

"We do see that there's a little bit of a difference with these tyres, but they were brought in for safety. So from that standpoint, everybody has to use them and it's the same for everybody.

Basically, I don't think we should use this argument as an excuse for our competitiveness, because these are the same tyres we have to use in the future. So it's more about learning as much as possible about them and moving on, Krack added.

Aston Martin has introduced a new floor this weekend in Belgium.

With the sprint, the weather and little practice time, it's a bad combination for us here, Krack said.

But what should we do? We expect an improvement, so we're bringing the new parts.

Krack thinks the new tyres are just part of the incredibly complex technical situation for teams now in Formula 1's new ground effect era.

It's not enough anymore to just add downforce, he said. Because you can get bouncing or the balance no longer works.

He admits that Aston Martin made some wrong decisions recently in terms of development and setup .
Marko admits three teams risk budget cap breach

Two top rival teams acknowledge that complex loopholes in the budget cap rules need to be closed by Formula 1's authorities.

Start, British GP 2023

 Red Bull

The FIA last week played down rumours that, after Red Bull and Aston Martin were found in breach last year, two or three teams are once again at risk of penalties due to spending more than is allowed per season.

Red Bull's Dr Helmut Marko is now indicating that the rumours are true.

Apparently, three teams could have exceeded the limit, he told motorsport-total.com.

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff revealed in Hungary last weekend that he has had long chats with the FIA's budget cap inspectors about compliance checks.

It follows the Paris-based federation's earlier issuing of a technical directive warning that a spotlight has now fallen on clever accounting between the F1 teams and their engineering subsidiaries.

Marko said: "Red Bull is developing the (2025) RB17 hypercar, and there are people who work partly here and partly there. How do you account for that?

"There are also people with us who no longer want to travel, who no longer want the pressure of Formula 1, so we can place them in such projects.

And if they do work in Formula 1 for a few hours, then you have to calculate those hours.

The whole issue of the cost ceiling is still too open to interpretation and too weak on the facts, the 80-year-old top Red Bull official added. "That's why there are still discussions going on.

It's a topic that needs to be improved, said Marko.

Wolff agrees that it is currently extremely difficult for the budget cap inspectors to assess whether teams' non-Formula 1 staff are adding performance to the F1 cars.

Many teams employ thousands of people involved in commercial and non-commercial projects, he noted.
Spectre of cancellation hangs over Spa GP

The big buzzwords in the Spa-Francorchamps paddock as the Belgian GP weekend kicked off were rain and cancellation.

Yuki Tsunoda, Belgian GP 2022

 Red Bull

The rain as already heavy on Thursday, when Pierre Gasly led a jog around the circuit in tribute to recent race driver deaths at the exit of the treacherous Eau Rouge.

Contrary to speculation after the most recent death of an 18-year-old junior category driver, a slow chicane has not been added to the section.

And so, the current rumour is that the FIA and the race director will not be shy to call off sessions of the weather gets too bad.

If it's cancelled, it's cancelled, and we'll deal with it, said Haas driver Kevin Magnussen.

Valtteri Bottas added: Obviously visibility is the big one here if it's raining, but that's when someone else needs to control the drivers. Can they start the race or not?

And Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc said: Safety comes first, and us drivers shouldn't complain if we don't get any laps if it is not safe to do so, with everything that has happened.

Pushing on the extra caution for this weekend is the Grand Prix Drivers' Association, whose director George Russell urged the FIA to be bold if conditions become unsafe.

Everybody wants to race but when you're going down that straight at 200mph and you can't see 50 metres in front of you, there will be huge incidents, said the Mercedes driver.

They've got a big responsibility this weekend.

As for the future of a circuit that has become increasingly under the safety microscope, Russell added: "We don't want to lose Spa, but under certain circumstances we can't do anything else (but cancel).

Since the accident in Formula Regional, we have been in constant contact with the FIA to discuss what we can do better.

Nico Hulkenberg says the drivers also have a responsibility this weekend to communicate directly with race director Niels Wittich on the radio.

He hears our comments, said the Haas driver. "If 50 percent of us are saying it's too dangerous, he'll respect that.

He knows we're the best judges.

Fernando Alonso, F1's most experienced driver, said he can imagine a situation this weekend when the rain and spray will prevent us from driving .

What has happened here is still too recent, the Spaniard added. We'll always be happy to drive as much as we can, as long as visibility allows it.

World champion Max Verstappen admits that with the large ground effect cars and bigger tyres, the situation at Spa is even worse than it was five or six years ago.

But we also race in Monaco and Jeddah and I think it's much more dangerous there, said the Dutchman.

Unfortunately, accidents are unavoidable in this sport.

As for the exit of Eau Rouge in particular, the Red Bull driver said the problem is that cars tend to bounce back onto the circuit after a big crash.
Kofi Owusu Peprah live in Tema on August 20

Gifty Owusu-Amoah Showbiz News Jul - 28 - 2023 , 12:40

ALL roads lead to ICGC Zoe Temple in Tema Community 5 when Kofi Owusu Peprah Live In Tema concert comes off on Sunday, August 20, 2023 at 4:00pm.

The upcoming concert which promises to be a time of refreshing moments in the presence of God will see the headline artiste, Kofi Owusu Peprah lead patrons to offer songs of praise and worship to God.

Apart from the Matwen hitmaker, renowned Gospel artistes including Diana Hamilton and Akesse Brempong will also have their time on stage.

That is not all, the melodious Bethel Revival choir will also be in action giving hope to Kofi Owusu Peprah to boldly assure patrons of a worthy time in Gods presence.

Kofi Owusu Peprah Live in Tema concert comes on the heels of successful editions in Accra, at the National Theatre and in Kumasi last year.

According to Kofi, he is excited about the show in Tema, a city that warmly received him since his relocation from Kumasi a couple of years ago.

Tema has been a good home to me in the last two years or more because that is where I have doing my Ministry and Im happy to do this with them. This event has been long in coming but Im sure they will appreciate the worth of patience on August 20, he mentioned.

Earlier in February this year, Kofi joined other revered Gospel artistes including Joe Mettle, Nigerias Victoria Orenze and Boaz Danken and Dr Ipyana from Tanzanaia to perform at the Grace Encounter show hosted at Grace Arena Ministries, Nairobi, Kenya.

He was also part of the Gospel All Stars who performed Piesie Esthers Waye Me Yie song as the opening act at this years Vodadone Ghana Music Awards (VGMAs) held at the Grand Arena of the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC) on Saturday, May 6.

Since his debut, Yesu Nyame Ba in 2018, Kofi Owusu Peprah, has come out with other songs such as Amen, Big God and a Worship Medley which are all doing well.

Last year, he held his first concert, The Fathers Gift and he is working to release a new EP soon.
OB Nartey set to contest NPP Adentan primaries after picking form

Graphic Showbiz Showbiz News Jul - 27 - 2023 , 22:30

Popular broadcaster, Kwame Obimpeh Nartey widely known as OB Nartey has picked up nomination form to contest in the upcoming ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) Parliamentary primaries in the Adentan Constituency.

The former host of Vision 1 Live Worship and his team including some delegates in the constituency, confidently walked to the head office of Adentan NPP yesterday, July 26, to make his intentions known.

They were warmly welcomed by the executives including the NPP Chairman, Joseph Acolatse and Secretary of the Adentan Constituency, Ebenezer Nyedu Bediako.

OB Nartey expressed his appreciation to the partys executives for their cordial welcome and reiterated his commitment and vision to work hard to win the Adenta seat for the NPP in next years elections when he wins the primaries.

This is the first step in my determination to rescue our lost seat from the opposition party and build the flourishing Adentan we want for ourselves.

I appeal to all party faithfuls to regard me as their best candidate, determined and capable of winning our parliamentary seat come December, 2024, he said.

Some NPP delegates in the Adentan Constituency with OB Nartey

The executives urged OB Nartey and his team to have a clean campaign devoid of insults and personal attacks to secure a united front for next years elections.

Kwame OB Nartey is a known figure in the media space whose journalism journey started in 2008 when he volunteered as an election reporter for then Choice FM. The experience encouraged him to go fully into media after his National Service in 2009.

He started working with the then Pravda Radio as the Drive Time host and was maintained when the ownership of the radio station changed in 2014 and was renamed into Vision 1 FM.

OB Nartey later became the host of the morning show and has since won many awards such as Live Worship Host of the Year at last years Foklex Media Awards.

He recently resigned from his position as Channel Manager for Number One FM owned by Class Media.

Related article: Okraku-Mantey: Deputy Minister picks up nomination form to contest NPP Ayensuano primary
Poetry is absolutely difficult Rhyme Sonny

Jayne Buckman-Owoo Showbiz News Jul - 28 - 2023 , 09:15

It is always such a delight to watch spoken word artistes do their thing on stage effortlessly but renowned poet, Rhyme Sonny, has revealed the act of poetry is absolutely difficult.

In a chat with Graphic Showbiz, Rhyme Sonny said: It is just like any other art form, it involves a lot of work. If, for instance, you are writing about World Bank at 70, you need a lot of material on how long they have been in Ghana and it requires a lot of reading, a lot of thinking and a lot of research.

There are times that I have called on a few friends to touch on some poems that I have worked on because everything cannot come from my head. So it involves a lot, it takes a few days to come up with a poem so it actually involves a lot, he stated.

Rhyme Sonny, who has been in the poetry business for the past 12 years, added that he started charging for his shows in 2011 and had been at it since then.

We asked him what went into the preparation when he was, for instance, invited to a function, to which he responded that First of all, you need to know who your audience is, once you know your audience, you ask yourself, what will be appropriate for them? Then you ask yourself, which piece you will be presenting for them?

And then it depends on who you will be performing with, I have performed with dancers, a choir, magicians, etc. so there will be rehearsals in such instances, which I will do with those I will be performing with.

A lot goes into each performance depending on who and who is involved. And then the budget comes to play, which also depends on each performance. So as I stated earlier, it involves a lot, and it doesnt come easy at all, he said.

According to Rhyme Sonny, the poetry industry was now booming, and it was commercially viable; they even had the Poetry Association of Ghana, which was positive to the growth of the sector.

The award-winning Rhyme Sonny has performed for President J.A.Kufuor, President John Evans Atta-Mills, President John Mahama and President Akufo-Addo, as well as the World Bank Climate Change, MTN @ 50, GCB @ 70 and National Security Ministry Launch, among others.

Read also: Nigerias Rema walks off stage in Atlanta over venues conditions
Russia: Vladimir Putin gifts Zimbabwe President Mnangagwa a helicopter

International News Jul - 28 - 2023 , 13:06

Russian President Vladimir Putin has presented Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa with a helicopter, signalling Moscow's efforts to strengthen its relationship with the southern African nation, which is currently facing significant sanctions.

According to Zimbabwe's Information Ministry, the gifted helicopter will be rebranded as "X" and will soon be delivered to Zimbabwe. Alongside the helicopter, Russia has also announced a donation of grain, including maize and wheat, to Zimbabwe. This donation is part of Moscow's aid to six African countries, aiming to provide free food assistance.

President Mnangagwa attended the Russia-Africa Summit in St. Petersburg, where these gifts were announced. He emphasized the importance of cooperation between countries facing Western sanctions and highlighted that such collaborations are essential for their survival.

President Putin stated during the summit that Russia would be donating up to 50,000 tonnes of grain to Zimbabwe, Burkina Faso, Mali, Somalia, Central African Republic, and Eritrea.

Despite Zimbabwe's claims of being food secure, President Mnangagwa expressed gratitude for the grain donation, underscoring the significance of partnerships in agriculture, technology, and education.

Both Zimbabwe and Russia have developed close ties as they grapple with western sanctions. Earlier, Zimbabwe received 18 helicopters from Russia in a $320 million deal, purportedly a public-private partnership. The deal sparked concerns due to its lack of approval by Parliament and queries about the cost of each helicopter at $10 million.

Nonetheless, President Mnangagwa defended the deal, stating that Zimbabwe sought to overcome the impact of Western sanctions through cooperation with friendly countries like Russia.
3 Communities in Amansie West get mining concessions

Emmanuel Baah Jul - 28 - 2023 , 08:51

The government has allocated separate mining sites to some three communities in the Amansie West District in the Ashanti Region.

The beneficiary communities are Banko, Yawkrom- Asamang, and Mosease-Abransie.

The concessions, expected to create 9,500 direct and indirect jobs, add up to the more than one million jobs created for Ghanaians in the small-scale mining industry.

This brings to 21, the number of communities that have so far benefited from the governments Community Mining Scheme(CMS).

Responsible mining

Led by a Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources in charge of mining, George Mireku Duker, last Wednesday, the government performed separate commissioning ceremonies at the towns to hand over the sites.

He said the objective of the government was to ensure responsible mining without causing any damage to the environment and the water bodies that serve as a source of drinking water to the host communities.

That, he said, was the reason the government was supporting all districts involved in community mining with equipment and technical support to ensure that they mined sustainably and responsibly.

Mr Mireku Duker seized the occasion to condemn illegal mining activities along the Black Volta, stating that measures were already in place to weed out the miners and protect the river body.

Present were the District Chief Executive, Nii Larteh Ollenu; the Member of Parliament for Manso Nkwanta, George Obeng Takyi, chiefs and natives of the various communities, as well as members of the Ghana National Association of Small Scale Mining (GNASSM).

Mr Ollenu said in anticipation of the scheme, the assembly had already facilitated the formation and registration of 92 mining groups in the various communities, with a total membership of 1,104 people.

These groups, he said, were those who were fortunate to have participated in the training in Sustainable Small-Scale Mining at the University of Mines and Technology at Tarkwa in the Western Region.

For his part, Mr Obeng Takyi, pledged to play his role effectively in ensuring that there were strict adherence to the mining protocols as it would encourage the government to open more concessions and create more job opportunities for the people.

Appeal

At the various communities, the chiefs lauded the government for creating employment opportunities for the indigenous people, but hastened to add that the poor road network, which was adversely affecting economic activities, needed to be fixed.
AIDS Commission expresses concern over low funding

Nana Konadu Agyeman Jul - 28 - 2023 , 05:59

The Director-General of the Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC), Dr Kyeremeh Atuahene, has expressed concern over the dwindling funding of HIV and AIDS response programme in the country.

He said while the national response required about $133 million a year to be able to provide full range of services in the country, it only received about $44 million, representing 33 per cent for the next three years.

So, we have a huge funding gap of more than 66 per cent for each year, the D-G added.

Appearing before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament yesterday, he said failing to provide life saving medicines to persons living with HIV is like having somebody on oxygen and taking off the oxygen.

The only thing you will wait to see is the person losing his or her life and that is the situation we find ourselves, so far as lives of people living with HIV are concerned.

Their continued existence depends on the daily intake of anti-retroviral medicines, Dr Atuahene said.

Financial performance

Per the Auditor-Generals 2021 report on the commission, the year closed with a surplus of GH2,272,304, representing a 327.8 per cent increase from GH531,155 recorded in 2019.

Total income decreased by 5.9 per cent from GH13,365,433 in 2019, to GH12,575,602 in 2020.

The reduction was caused mainly by a decrease of 56.3 per cent, or GH813,187 in the receipts from funding partners in 2020, while other incomes also fell by 74.0 per cent or GH53,549 from GH72,328 in 2019, to GH18,780 in 2020.

Dwindling support

Dr Atuahene further told the committee that the commission received about $160,000 from the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), through Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

He said the commission had a mandate to mobilise resources to support the national HIV and AIDS response programme as per Act 983 that created the commission.

The D-G said the commission and its partners were currently analysing the financial situation and sustainability of the AIDS response programme.

He said they had also initiated resource mobilisation activities, including reaching out to the general public for donation to support the successful implementation of the programme.

He added that medicine, test kits, condoms, reagents and other logistics were not manufactured in the country.

We use hard currency to import them and they are very expensive, Dr Atuahene said and, therefore, urged individuals and corporate bodies to support the national effort to curb the spread of the disease and end AIDS in the country.

We currently use the USSD code *9898# for the general public to donate to the commission so that we can fill the huge funding gap, he said.
Arrogance, dishonesty of leaders Africas bane  Prof. Lumumba

Emmanuel Baah Jul - 28 - 2023 , 06:06

A former Director of the Kenya School of Law, Prof. Patrick Loch Otieno Lumumba, has said Africa had not made enough strides as a continent due to the fact that most African leaders are arrogant and dishonest.

He said that the pomposity of such leaders on the continent partly accounted for the prevailing economic challenges in their respective countries.

Prof. Lumumba said this in his keynote address at the 10th anniversary commemorative lecture of former President John Evans Atta Mills at the Business School of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology ( KNUST) in Kumasi, yesterday.

It was the fifth in a series of lectures to climax the yearly commemoration put together by the J.E.A. Mills Memorial Heritage to immortalise his persona and also capitalise on his outstanding ideals and values as one of Ghanas most reputable leaders.

Prof. Lumumba said that the former President was well known for his transparency.

J.E.A Mills reminded African leaders that it is not how long you serve, but how well you served, adding that ones longevity in office did not guarantee his or her quality of service.

Present at the fully-packed auditorium included former President John Dramani Mahama, some former Ministers of State, the rank and file of the National Democratic Congress, some traditional leaders and students.

They included the Chairman of the NDC, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, and the 2020 running mate of John Mahama, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang.

A representative of the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asakyirihene Nana Mensah Bonsu, chaired the function.

Atta Mills legacy

Former President Mahama also said that the late Prof. Mills amiable demeanor was unprecedented, and a breath of fresh air on the nations political scene.

He said his personality stood out in a very combative political scene which was seen a welcome change that re-imaged the Ghanaian politician.

Prof. Mills had a strong sense of compassion, and his kindness was unmatched.

Though the President of Ghana, he never lost touch of humanity.

He was bestowed the title Asomdwehene (King of Peace) for his calm nature, and for always looking to create an atmosphere conducive for all to peacefully co-exist, former President Mahama added.

Women empowerment

For her part, the Chairperson of the Local Organising Committee of the lecture series, Betty Mould Iddrisu, said the traits of former President Mills would always be remembered not only by the NDC but the good people of the country and beyond.

She said as the first female Attorney-General, the former President gave opportunities to women to excel in all facets of their career

He saw the welfare of women, and gave them leadership roles in all facets of life, Mrs Iddrisu added.

Other speakers were Prof. Kwaku Danso-Boafo, a former minister of state, who also outlined the good works of the former President.

A book titled: It is all about Atta Mills was launched and auctioned at the event.
Controversy over 2 fishers death at sea

Benjamin Glover & Della Russel Ocloo Jul - 28 - 2023 , 10:20

Two fishermen from Tema died at sea in the early hours of Thursday, sparking a furore between fishers and port authorities over what caused their death.

The fishers, mostly from Tema Manhean (Newtown), claimed the two were part of 12 members who were on a ritual Homowo fishing expedition, when a patrol boat from the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) rammed into their canoe at the Tema Port anchorage, causing it to capsize.

But the GPHA denied that assertion, saying no such incident happened at sea.

The canoe, Adesa Na Ohetsui, which translates: Man be patient, was carrying 12 fishermen, who were on a Homowo ritual fishing expedition with the backing of the Tema Traditional Council.

The fishermen said they were hauling their net within the anchorage when they were rammed by the patrol boat that was at the scene to drive them away.

The deceased have been identified as Francis Tetteh Larbi, 27, and Samuel Acquaye Allotey, 45, both residents of Tema Newtown.

Outrage, investigation

The incident, which occurred around 1:30 a.m., sparked anger and outrage among the fishing community, who had called for an independent investigation into the incident.

They also demanded that the GPHA be held accountable for the incident, insisting that the patrol boat belonged to the authority.

However, a statement from the GPHA refuted the allegations, saying There was never a collision between the Security Patrol Boat and any fishing boat whatsoever.

We wish to emphasise that GPHA is a responsible organisation involved in search and rescue missions and as such will not abandon victims of a collision even if it involved our own craft, the statement signed by the Marketing and Public Affairs Manager of the Tema Port, Abena Serwaa Opoku Fosu, said.

The statement explained that the Port Control Station last Wednesday, about half past midnight, received a distress call from MV. SEASPAN DUBAI for assistance to ward off several fishing boats which had surrounded their vessel.

It said the security patrol team, which comprised the Ghana Navy, Marine Police and GPHA Security, responded timeously, cautioned and asked the said fishing boats to leave.

At 0118HRS, MT. MARINA M, which was also at the anchorage, also called the Port Control Station for assistance to ward off a suspicious looking fishing boat with about nine occupants.

The team again responded by cautioning and directing the boat and its occupants to row out, the statement added.

On their way back, it said, the patrol team chanced upon another set of fishermen who had cast their nets and were fishing within the terminal 3 basin, close to a container vessel.

The GPHA said the nets were seized, and the men were cautioned and led out of the basin.

He added that all patrol activities were halted at 0455HRS on Thursday July 27, without any incident of collision whatsoever.

Near brawl

There was also a near-clash between the police and a crowd of people who had gathered at the Canoe Landing Basin where the bodies were retrieved.

The crowd prevented the police from conveying the bodies of the deceased in a police pick-up truck, arguing that their kinsmen were not criminals to be carried away as such.

The police were eventually forced to call in a hearse which conveyed the bodies to the International Maritime Hospital mortuary for autopsy and preservation.

The Commander of the Marine Police Unit in Tema, Superintendent Charles Osei, confirmed the incident at sea to the Daily Graphic and said investigations were underway to establish the identity of the boat and the cause of the incident.

Chief fisherman

The Tema Awudun Chief Fisherman, Nii Ashitey Odametey II, told the Daily Graphic that the traditional council undertook expeditions to catch particular fish for the performance of rites as part of the annual traditional Homowo festival.

He said the various stakeholders, including the GPHA and Marine Police, were aware of the expedition and that about 20 canoes were at sea for the expedition when the incident occurred.

The Chairman of the Tema Canoe Owners Association, Nii Adjiete Quaye, said they received information that a tugboat had rammed into the canoe and subsequently left the fishermen to their fate.

He said a vessel plying the anchorage that chanced upon the incident rescued the 10, turn up the capsized canoe, after which the fisherfolk realised two of their colleagues were unaccounted for.

"They then informed the rescue vessel, which had just left, but it returned and assisted to retrieve the bodies of the deceased who were found trapped in the fishing net," Nii Quaye insisted.

The GPHA, in its statement, explained that at 01:18 a.m., MT Marina M, which was also at the anchorage, also called the Port Control Station for assistance to ward off a suspicious looking fishing boat with about nine occupants.

"On their way back, the Patrol Team chanced upon another set of fishermen who had cast their nets and were fishing within the terminal 3 basin, close to a container vessel.

The nets were seized, and the men were cautioned and led out of the basin after which all patrol activities were halted at 04:55 a.m. on Thursday, July 27, without any incident of collision whatsoever," the statement said.

The Tema Metropolitan Security Committee (MESEC) has set up a five-member committee to probe the circumstances that led to the incident.

The committee, which is made up of representatives from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the police, the Ghana National Fire Service, the National Investigations Bureau, the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and the Tema Metropolitan Assembly, has five days to submit its report.

The Tema Municipal Chief Executive, Yohane Amarh Ashitey, who also led the Metropolitan Security Council to commiserate with the fishermen and the families of the deceased, pledged that anyone found to have deliberately played a role in the incident would be prosecuted.
Education Ministry reverses decision on Adisadel student

Shirley Asiedu-Addo Jul - 28 - 2023 , 08:00

The Adisadel College bully is expected to be hauled before a district court in Cape Coast today following his arrest and the subsequent bail granted him.

This follows the order by the Attorney-General, Godfred Yeboah Dame, for the third-year student to be investigated for possible prosecution.

A Principal State Attorney in the Central Region, Vincent Nyinaku, said Bobby is 17 years old, and would be treated as a juvenile.

The bully, widely known on the school premises as Bobby, choked a fellow third-year student in the Quaque House dormitory as he held him by the neck from the back before hitting the victims face against the edge of a bed.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education has reversed the suspension handed by the school to Kelvin Ofori, the victim, pending conclusive investigations.

The ministry has ordered that Ofori, who has since received medical examination and treatment at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital, should be allowed to stay in school and write the West African Senior Secondary School Examination (WASSCE).

Counselling support

The Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service (GES) have, in the meantime, set up a team of psycho-social counsellors to support all the students involved psychologically.

A Deputy Minister of Education, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, who briefed the press after meeting with the schools management and the student body, said at any point in time, there were about 1.3 million students being catered for in the schools, and the job could be overwhelming for school management teams.

He, however, asked school managements across the country to put in stringent systems of supervision to improve discipline.

The minister said the ministry and the GES would not do anything to obstruct investigations by the security agencies and the Attorney-General's office so the law could take its course.

He said there were laws that governed juvenile misbehaviour, and the ministry was sure that the Attorney-Generals office would apply them to the letter.

Rev. Fordjour said the ministry would not countenance acts of bullying in schools, and asked senior high school students to desist from all forms of bullying.

He said the policy of no mobile phones in schools was also one of the measures to protect them and to give them an environment to learn.

Earlier in a meeting with the students, the minister urged them to be disciplined and to desist from acts of indiscipline that could derail their academic development.

The Assistant Head Prefect of the school, Ishmael Asuafuah-Dankwa, on behalf of the students, pledged to be of good behaviour.
Founder of WOOP Foundation calls for support for the less privileged

Graphic Online Jul - 28 - 2023 , 07:42

The founder of Widows, Orphans, Oppressed, Poor (WOOP) Foundation, Mrs Joyce Koranteng is calling for massive support for less privileged and poor communities.

As the leader of WOOP Foundation, Mrs Koranteng, who has made donations across the country believes that a good support system will go a long way to change the lives of the less privileged.

In a recent interview with Graphic Online, she mentioned that many people have huge resources at their disposal to support others which is not happening.

Since I got back to Ghana last year, I have made donations to many poor communities through WOOP Foundation and I have realised that there are many people who need just a little to survive.

It is for this reason that Im calling on individuals and various organisations to support the less privileged in the society. Yes, it is the responsibility of government to provide better living conditions for citizens but the reality of that is not happening.

And that is why individuals and organisations who have the means can support as well, she said.

Since its establishment, WOOP Foundation has fed over two thousand inmates at the Kumasi Central prison, Adum in December last year.

The foundation also provided medicines and first aid products to Adum Central prison.

Also, the team presented new uniforms, 50 learning desks, 50 brand new school bags, books and stationeries to Kayera M/A primary school in the eastern region.

Last month, WOOP Foundation donated over 200 cloths to widows of Nabuli in the Northern region of Ghana and sanitary pads to female students of Nabuli M/A school.

At the moment, the foundation is constructing a borehole for the Nanwinbour community in Northern region.
KT Hammond's "Gyakye Quayson will go to prison contempt; Court to determine case Oct 19

Justice Agbenorsi Jul - 28 - 2023 , 11:36

The High Court in Accra will on October 19, 2023 determine whether or not Minister of Trade and Industry, KT Hammond is guilty of contempt for allegedly proclaiming that the Member of Parliament for Assin North, James Gyakye Quayson, will go to prison in a perjury case which is yet to be determined.

The Court presided over by Justice Mary Maame Ekue Yanzuh ordered lawyers for both parties to submit written submissions by August 31, 2023.

KT Hammond was not present in court when the case was called today, Friday, July 28.

Charges

Mr Quayson is facing charges of forgery and perjury in relation to certain alleged offences in the run up to the 2020 Assin North parliamentary election.

He has pleaded not guilty to five counts of forgery of passport or travel certificate, knowingly making a false statutory declaration, perjury and false declaration for office.

He is currently facing the court presided over by Justice Mary Maame Ekue Yanzuh.

Contempt

Mr Quayson filed a writ at the High Court citing Minister of Trade and Industry, KT Hammond, for contempt.

That was after the applicant had claimed that KT Hammond in an interview with Kumasi-based television station proclaimed that Mr Gyakye Quayson will go to prison.

Lawyers of the Assin North Constituency believe that the comments made by KT Hammond are highly prejudicial and violate Mr Gyakye Quaysons right to a fair trial.
Hajj Board Chairman assures of improvements in next Hajj to address lapses

GraphicOnline Jul - 27 - 2023 , 17:53

The Chairman of the Hajj Board, Ben Abdallah Banda has hinted at improvements in the operations of the Ghana Hajj Board next year to ensure better service for Ghanaian pilgrims.

Welcoming the final batch of Ghanaian Hajj pilgrims home over the weekend from Mecca, the Hajj Board Chairman admitted that as a human institution, they did not get everything right this year, and duly apologised to the pilgrims, for any inconvenience any action or inaction of the Hajj operations may have caused any of them.

"Ghana Hajj Board is a human institution, and surely, we could not have had everything right," Mr. Banda said when he welcomed the pilgrims home.

"I want to take this opportunity to apologise to you all, on behalf of the board, for any inconvenience our actions or inactions may have caused you throughout this process."

The Hajj Board Chairman, however, assured the pilgrims that things won't be the same.

"Whatever it is, the status quo is not going to remain. In shaa Allah, things will change and we will have a marked improvement in our operations."

"On behalf of the government, I want to congratulate all of you for completing the Hajj and returning home. We thank the Almighty Allah.."

The Board Chairman was accompanied during the visit by Hajj Board members Abdul Aziz Haruna Futa and Alhaji Masawudu Osman.
Parliament okays Whistleblower (Amendment) Bill

Nana Konadu Agyeman Jul - 28 - 2023 , 06:49

Parliament has passed the Whistleblower (Amendment) Bill, 2023.

The object of the Bill is to amend the Whistleblower Act, 2006 (Act 720) to expand the sources of money for the Whistleblower Reward Fund.

The amendments made are expected to cure the apparent inefficiencies in Act 720 and to prevent any earmarking of budgetary revenue to fund the Fund.

The Bill was laid in the House on March 7, 2023 by the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame, and it was referred to the Committee on Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs for consideration.

Curing shortcomings

The Whistleblower Act, 2006 (Act 720) was passed as part of efforts to create incentives and the proper structures to strengthen Ghanas ability to combat corruption and other forms of unlawful conduct that negatively affected sustainable development efforts.

Section 20 of Act 720 established the Whistleblower Reward Fund, with its main sources of funding being voluntary contributions and budgetary allocations by Parliament.

In a report submitted to the House ahead of the passage of the Bill, the Chairman of the Committee on Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Kwame Anyimadu-Antwi, said the committee observed that the possibility of delay in releases of approved budget into the Fund might affect prompt payment of rewards to whistleblowers.

In addition, he said, Act 720 was silent on the time period within which the whistleblower should be rewarded for the efforts leading to successful recovery of money or proceeds obtained from the sale of confiscated assets.

The amendments proposed are, therefore, meant to cure the shortcomings in Act 720 by reducing over-reliance on budgetary allocations as the main sources of revenue into the Whistleblower Reward Fund and to also provide for timeliness for payment of the rewards to successful whistleblowers, it said.

Whistleblower protection

Per the report, the committee stressed the critical need for the protection of the identity of whistleblowers in order not to expose them to unnecessary recrimination by powerful and influential persons in the society.

The committee said instituting strong whistleblower protection mechanisms was essential to safeguarding the safety of whistleblowers, encourage citizens to report wrongdoings, and to promote a culture of public accountability and integrity.

The committee, therefore, urged persons  to whom or institutions to which disclosure of impropriety was made pursuant to Section 3 of Act 720  to observe the highest form of confidentiality and to put in place stringent protective measures to protect the identity of the whistleblowers.

Reward payment

The report said the committee proposed the amendment to Act 720 to provide reliable and sustainable sources of funding into the Fund.

The intent is to avoid any form of demotivation arising out of delays in payment of rewards to whistleblowers, it said.

The committee, therefore, urges the minister responsible for Justice and the Attorney-General to deepen collaboration with the minister of finance for timely releases of amounts due the Fund following the successful recovery of money or proceeds obtained from the sales of the confiscated assets as a result of disclosures by whistleblowers, the report added.

Motivation

Per the report, the committee observed that the motivation to persons to expose wrongdoing in both private and public sectors was a major drive towards fighting fraud, corruption and unethical behaviour.

As a result, the state should continually review its policies and legal frameworks geared towards incentivising and protecting patriotic persons who volunteer information on wrongdoings in the country, it said.

The committee, therefore, considered the proposed amendment relevant to strengthening national efforts to combat corruption, it added.

PARLIAMENT has passed the Whistleblower (Amendment) Bill, 2023.

The object of the Bill is to amend the Whistleblower Act, 2006 (Act 720) to expand the sources of money for the Whistleblower Reward Fund.

The amendments made are expected to cure the apparent inefficiencies in Act 720 and to prevent any earmarking of budgetary revenue to fund the Fund.

The Bill was laid in the House on March 7, 2023 by the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame, and it was referred to the Committee on Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs for consideration.

Curing shortcomings

The Whistleblower Act, 2006 (Act 720) was passed as part of efforts to create incentives and the proper structures to strengthen Ghanas ability to combat corruption and other forms of unlawful conduct that negatively affected sustainable development efforts.

Section 20 of Act 720 established the Whistleblower Reward Fund, with its main sources of funding being voluntary contributions and budgetary allocations by Parliament.

In a report submitted to the House ahead of the passage of the Bill, the Chairman of the Committee on Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Kwame Anyimadu-Antwi, said the committee observed that the possibility of delay in releases of approved budget into the Fund might affect prompt payment of rewards to whistleblowers.

In addition, he said, Act 720 was silent on the time period within which the whistleblower should be rewarded for the efforts leading to successful recovery of money or proceeds obtained from the sale of confiscated assets.

The amendments proposed are, therefore, meant to cure the shortcomings in Act 720 by reducing over-reliance on budgetary allocations as the main sources of revenue into the Whistleblower Reward Fund and to also provide for timeliness for payment of the rewards to successful whistleblowers, it said.

Whistleblower protection

Per the report, the committee stressed the critical need for the protection of the identity of whistleblowers in order not to expose them to unnecessary recrimination by powerful and influential persons in the society.

The committee said instituting strong whistleblower protection mechanisms was essential to safeguarding the safety of whistleblowers, encourage citizens to report wrongdoings, and to promote a culture of public accountability and integrity.

The committee, therefore, urged persons  to whom or institutions to which disclosure of impropriety was made pursuant to Section 3 of Act 720  to observe the highest form of confidentiality and to put in place stringent protective measures to protect the identity of the whistleblowers.

Reward payment

The report said the committee proposed the amendment to Act 720 to provide reliable and sustainable sources of funding into the Fund.

The intent is to avoid any form of demotivation arising out of delays in payment of rewards to whistleblowers, it said.

The committee, therefore, urges the minister responsible for Justice and the Attorney-General to deepen collaboration with the minister of finance for timely releases of amounts due the Fund following the successful recovery of money or proceeds obtained from the sales of the confiscated assets as a result of disclosures by whistleblowers, the report added.

Motivation

Per the report, the committee observed that the motivation to persons to expose wrongdoing in both private and public sectors was a major drive towards fighting fraud, corruption and unethical behaviour.

As a result, the state should continually review its policies and legal frameworks geared towards incentivising and protecting patriotic persons who volunteer information on wrongdoings in the country, it said.

The committee, therefore, considered the proposed amendment relevant to strengthening national efforts to combat corruption, it added.
Tema: 4 fishermen convicted for flouting close season

Benjamin Xornam Glover Jul - 28 - 2023 , 12:41

Four fishermen have been convicted at the TDC District Court in Tema for flouting the close season fishing imposed by the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development.

The four; Kennedy Ganavudo, 22, Francis Bobole, 20, Jonas Ametepe Kushi, 35 and Kobla Aboste, 46, were fined a total of GH19,200 (400 penalty units each) or in default would each be subjected to a one-month jail term.

The Magistrate, Benedicta Antwi slapped sentence on the four after hearing the brief facts of the case.

The court further ordered the police to confiscate the fish catch found in possession of the fishermen as well as their fishing equipment.

Three out of the four convicted persons pleaded guilty. Francis Bobole however pleaded guilty with explanation.

Bobole told the court that they had travelled to Togo on a fishing expedition but due to the bad weather conditions, they did not realise they had strayed into Ghana waters where the close season was in force at the time of their arrest.

The court after hearing the explanation returned a plea of guilty as the explanation did not raise any reasonable defence.

Brief Facts

The facts as narrated in court by Inspector Hilda A. Sarkodie, was that on July 25, 2023, at about 4 pm, a joint personnel of the Fisheries Enforcement Unit (FEU), comprising of officers from the Monitoring Control Surveillance Division (MCSD) and officers from the Marine Police on board a Ghana Navy vessel embarked on patrol on the seas to track down fishermen failing to observe the close season which started on July 1, 2023.

She said in the process, the four fishermen were arrested in two separate canoes fishing, contrary to section 84 of the Fisheries Act 625, while an unspecified quantity of fish were also found in their possession on the canoes.

The Prosecution said the four fishermen were handed over to the police and after investigations were charged with the offence and arraigned

During the pre-sentencing mitigation, the four fishermen asked for leniency. The Court after hearing from the prosecution that the convicts were first time offenders imposed a fine of 400 penalty units on each of the four fishers. (The monetary value of a penalty unit currently stands at GH12.00)

The court also ordered the police to confiscate the fish catch found in possession of the fishermen as well as their fishing equipment

At the time of filing this report, the relatives of the four fishers had started an arrangement to pay the fines imposed by the court.

Ban

The close season was implemented by the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development (MoFAD) in collaboration with the Fisheries Commission and other stakeholders in accordance with section 84 of the Fisheries Act 625.

The Act seeks to, among other objectives; allow replenishment of the countrys over exploited and depleted fish stocks as that the schedule was the favourable period for fishes to reproduce.

This year, canoe and inshore fishers were expected to observe the closed season from July 1 to 31, 2023, while industrial trawlers were to observe the closed Season from July 1 to August 31, 2023.
World Hepatitis Day launched

Doreen Andoh Health Jul - 28 - 2023 , 09:08

The country is experiencing a growing burden of hepatitis infections and mortalities coupled with very low rates of diagnosis, treatment and awareness.

The Ghana Health Service (GHS) said due to testing hesitancy, only 10 per cent of people with chronic Hepatitis B (HBV) were diagnosed, of which only 22 per cent received treatment.

For Hepatitis C, only 21 per cent of people with the infection are diagnosed, with 62 per cent of those diagnosed receiving treatment to cure them.

Launching this years World Hepatitis Day Commemoration in Accra on Tuesday, the Director-General of the GHS, Dr Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, said everyone was vulnerable to viral hepatitis and, therefore, called on all to get tested.

He said that would enable the country to realise its target to diagnose 90 per cent of Hepatitis B and C cases and put at least 80 per cent on treatment to help nip the growing burden in the bud.

The Director-General said some hepatitis infections were curable while others were only suppressible to enable an infected person to live a normal life.

That, Dr Kuma-Aboagye said, meant that the condition was not a death sentence if picked early and put on treatment.

Instituted by the World Health Organisation (WHO), the commemoration is climaxed every July 28 to raise awareness of the condition to lower prevalence and enhance access to testing and treatment.

This years commemoration is on the global and local theme, One life, one liver, representing the call to action for people to protect their livers through healthy lifestyles.

July 28 has been chosen as WHD because it is the birthday of Dr Baruch Blumberg, who discovered the Hepatitis B virus in 1967 and developed the first hepatitis B vaccine two years later.

Activities lined up ahead of the day included free screening across the country and some public sensitisation forums nationwide.

There are effective tools available to prevent viral hepatitis infection, which include hepatitis B vaccination, surveillance, education, screening, practising safe sex and treatment, he said.

Interventions

Dr Kuma-Aboagye said interventions put in place to address the growing hepatitis prevalence locally included collaborating with the Ministry of Health and the Global Fund to implement a triple elimination of Hepatitis B, along with HIV and Syphilis.

The antenatal service package will be expanded to include testing pregnant women for HBV, with the necessary treatment offered to those needing it.

We are also, as a country, working feverishly towards meeting the conditions for benefiting from the significant reduction in the prices of some of the medications on the global market, used for the treatment of Hepatitis B and C.

Similarly, efforts are being made to enhance the national capacity to offer the needed Hepatitis B and C tests at affordable prices and decentralise hepatitis care to increase access to testing and treatment, including ensuring all pregnant women living with chronic HBV had access to treatment, while all infants received Hepatitis B birth vaccines within 24 hours of birth to prevent infection.

Recent maternal Hepatitis B survey has yielded concrete results to inform decisions on HBV birth dose, and very soon, HBV birth dose will be introduced, he said.

Hepatitis

Several distinct infections are collectively referred to as viral hepatitis and it denotes liver inflammation primarily caused by hepatotropic viruses, resulting in similar clinical presentations.

Viral hepatitis virus is found in blood and certain bodily fluids.

It is spread when a person who is not immune comes in contact with blood or body fluids from an infected person.

Five hepatitis viruses have been identified.

These are Hepatitis A, B, C, D and E.
Chief Justice declines removal of Ato Forson trial judge

Justice Agbenorsi Politics Jul - 28 - 2023 , 06:24

The Chief Justice, Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, has declined a request to remove the judge presiding over the case in which Minority Leader and former Deputy Minister of Finance, Cassiel Ato Forson, and two others have been accused of allegedly causing 2.37 million financial loss to the state in an ambulance deal.

The request was contained in a petition filed by Richard Jakpa, a private businessman standing trial with the Minority Leader.

The petition, sought to remove the trial Judge, Justice Afia Serwah Asare-Botwe, from presiding over the case for alleged bias on her part as a result of an incident which occurred during one of the courts sittings.

The alleged bias was because the trial judge on June 20, this year, issued a stern warning to him that it was the last time she would tolerate any disrespect from him and let him go home.

When the case came up for hearing yesterday, Justice Asare-Botwe notified the parties in the case that the petition seeking the transfer of the case had been dealt with by the Chief Justice, and had been declined.

Motion

Meanwhile, lawyers for the Minority Leader and National Democratic Congress Member of Parliament for Ajumako Enyan Esiam in the Central Region have also filed two motions; one, the presiding judge should recuse herself and the other, the court should release his travel passport to him.

In addition to that, they have also asked the judge not to hear the matter since it was against her.

Justice Asare-Botwe further adjourned the case to October 12, 2023, to decide whether or not she is clothed with the power to hear the motion.

That was after the Attorney-General (A-G) and Minister of Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame, brought down the curtain on the cross-examination of Alex Mould, a former Chief Executive Officer of Ghana National Petroleum Corporation, and a defence witness of Dr Forson.

The other accused person in the case is Sylvester Anemana, a former Chief Director of the Ministry of Health.

The three have pleaded not guilty to counts of wilfully causing financial loss to the state, abetment to wilfully cause financial loss to the state, contravention of the Public Procurement Act and intentionally misapplying public property.

Per the A-Gs facts accompanying the charge sheet, in 2009, while delivering the State of the Nation Address, the then President, Prof. John Evans Atta Mills, indicated that new ambulances would be purchased to expand the operations of the National Ambulance Service.

Jakpa, who is a local representative of Big Sea General Trading Limited, a company based in Dubai, subsequently approached the Ministry of Health with a proposal that he had arranged for finance from Stanbic Bank for the supply of 200 ambulances to the government.

Parliament approved the financing agreement between the government and Stanbic Bank.

According to the facts, on November 19, 2012, Dr Anemana wrote to the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) seeking approval to engage Big Sea through single sourcing for the supply of the 200 ambulances.

On August 7, 2014, Dr Forson wrote to the Bank of Ghana for letters of credit covering 3.95 million for the supply of 50 ambulances in favour of Big Sea.

The letters of credit were accordingly released to Big Sea.

The facts said 30 ambulances were purchased at a sum of 2.37 million, but all were found not to have met ambulance specifications and not fit for purpose.
NPP announces date for nomination of proxy voters

Samuel Duodu Politics Jul - 28 - 2023 , 06:18

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has urged all delegates who intend to nominate a proxy for the Presidential Special Electoral College election to submit the particulars of their proxy to the Secretary of the Elections Committee not later than August 2, 2023.

This, the party said, was in accordance with the guidelines for the Presidential Special Electoral College elections slated for Saturday, August 26, 2023.

The special delegates conference to shortlist five out of the 10 aspirants for the November 4, 2023 presidential primary of the party will be held in the 16 regional capitals across the country.

Recall

Last Wednesday the party conducted the balloting for positions for the flag bearer aspirants of the party in Accra, supervised by the Electoral Commission (EC).

Kennedy Ohene Agyapong picked the number one slot, with Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen going for the second position, followed by Joe Ghartey, and Kwadwo Poku as number three and four respectively.

Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto picked the fifth position, with Kwabena Agyei Agyepong picking the sixth slot.

The last four slots went to Francis Addai-Nimoh, seventh; Dr Kofi Konadu Apraku, eighth; Boakye Kyeremanteng Agyarko, ninth; and Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia at the 10th position.

This is how the aspirants would appear on the ballot paper for the elections.

Proxy

A statement issued and signed by the Secretary to the NPP Presidential Elections Committee, Williams Yamoah, said the particulars of a proxy voter should include, but not limited to, the full name, telephone contact, and photocopies of the Voter Identification Card and Party Membership Card of the nominated individual.

It is essential to note that a person can only be nominated as a proxy if they are a delegate for the Special Electoral College and cannot be nominated more than once.

Therefore, individuals who are not delegates for the above-mentioned election are not eligible to be nominated as proxies, it said.

Furthermore, a delegate nominating a proxy should clearly indicate the category they belong to, providing details of their full name, telephone contact, and attaching copies of their Voter Identification Card and Party Membership Card, it stated.

Special delegates

The delegates who are eligible to vote in the Super Delegates Elections to shortlist the five for the national congress include members of the National Council, National and Regional Executive Committees, Members of Parliament and three representatives from each of the special organs of the party (Youth, Women and Nasara).

The others are past national officers, three representatives from every branch, founder members during the registration of the party at the EC and all card bearing ministers when the party is in government.

"Every delegate shall be entitled to one vote", according to Article 13 (2) 2 of the partys constitution.
Put national interest above personal interest - Apostle Nyamekye tells Ghanaians

Daily Graphic Politics Jul - 28 - 2023 , 06:31

The Chairman of the Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, has challenged Ghanaians, especially leaders, to put the national interest above their personal or partisan interests.

"We have people in leadership who only think about their interests, and this is not good.

Live for the next generation and not just for the next four years," Apostle Nyamekye charged, adding that "you cannot improve the future without addressing the present.

Therefore, let us think about tomorrow's Ghana.

Whatever you do should benefit the nation."

He said the nation would not experience steady progressive growth if its citizens, particularly those in leadership positions, continue to promote their individual interests at the nations expense.

Conference

He made the remarks at the opening of a two-day National Development Conference organised by the Church of Pentecost at the Pentecost Convention Centre, Gomoa Fetteh, near Kasoa, on Wednesday, July 26, 2023.

The theme of the conference was "Moral Vision and National Development."

Drawing lessons from Isaiah 59:14-15 and Proverbs 14:34, he opined that every leader's success or failure lies in the people's nature, character and confidence.

He stressed the need to uphold moral principles since no nation can realise its potential with people who live by conflicting values.

Apostle Nyamekye cited the case of Moses, Israel's greatest leader, who could not enter the Promised Land, while Aaron made a golden calf for the people, resulting in his inability to enter the promised land due to the character and pressure of the people, which they failed to nip in the bud promptly and strategically.

"We need to have a set of moral principles that will guide the life of Ghana; a socially approved and acceptable pattern and norms of proper conduct shared by all," advocated Apostle Nyamekye.

Values

Apostle Nyamekye lamented the decline in moral values in Ghanaian society and highlighted the church's transformative mandate and historical antecedents to be involved in the conversation of national development.

He encouraged the mindset to build a better world based on the teachings of our forebears about equality, the dignity of labour and integrity in one's words.

The conference, attended by a cross-section of Ghanaians from all parts of the country, including Members of Parliament, Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), political party representatives, assembly members and others, is expected to issue a communique at its conclusion.

During the event, the Vice-President, Dr Mahamadu Bawumia, delivered the keynote address, while former Presidents John Agyekum Kufuor and John Dramani Mahama addressed the gathering.

Speeches and fraternal greetings were also delivered at the event by the Speaker of Parliament, Alban S. K. Bagbin; the Chief Justice, Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Torkonoo and the President of the Ghana Journalist Association (GJA), Albert Kwabena Dwumfour.
Johnny Manibusan has played many roles but the LA-based actors personal story, however far from its end, is one worth telling. From self-sabotage, a near death experience to sobriety, faith and devotion to his craft, Manibusan has much to say about living authentically as he celebrates the premier of his most recent character in an indie film called 'Escaping Ohio.'

Manibusan who grew up in Alameda, California says acting for him has always been innate.

My mom said shed come into the living room and she would just watch me acting out what I was seeing on TV, says Manibusan, who got his first acting role at just 8-years-old. He got his first lead role at 12-years-old where he played a detective in a film noir-esque play called The Great Waste Keepers. He also affectionately recalls his role in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

I really wanted the part of Charlie and I got the part of Mike Teavee. And I remember a lot of the other little boys were super jealous because I got to play with toy guns, Manibusan says as he chuckles.

It was much more my speed, Charlies very much a sweet boy  Mike Teavee is a lot more sassy and angry.

Manibusan stayed active until he got into high school where he thought he needed to give up his thespian dreams to be one of the cool kids.

Sobriety

Manibusan has been sober for 8 years and speaks clearly about his experience with addiction. From a young age, he struggled through self-image issues while he reconciled with his sexuality.

I always felt uneasy in my skin growing up, says Manibusan.

Also being a gay man in the closet was a lot of self-hate, so, just wanting to be somebody else. Manibusan says he covered up his insecurities with a lot of homophobia and it would be years before hed be ready to start learning how to love himself.

In high school, although he was not acting anymore, Manibusan channeled his electrifying performance energy to his social life which indeed won him the title of a cool kid. But just below the surface, Manibusan, who had his first drink at 13-years-old and remembers getting drunk for the first time at 15, had begun his attachment to substances that helped him escape his inner turmoil.

Acting worked its way back into his life his senior year, after he was asked to play a small role in his schools production of Hamlet.

(On) opening night, right before I was about to go on stage, I had this feeling in my stomach. Just like adrenaline and love and butterflies, that I hadnt felt since the last time I performed, says Manibusan.

Something clicked right there and I was like this is what I want to do for the rest of my life.

He picked up acting again, performing in plays all over the Bay Area. He did Romeo and Juliet, A Midsummer Nights Dream, a play about the Rodney King riots called Twilight and more.

His addiction persisted, however. He got his first DUI at 18 and a month after that, he crashed and totaled his car into an off-duty cop.

Coming out to his family three years later in 2009 was a relief when they replied only with support, but he still had a lot of work to do.

I wish I could go back and give my teenage self a big ol hug and be like no, youre good, youre okay. Because theres a lot of trauma in growing up in growing up in the closet and hating yourself. And just hating who you are. Theres a lot of trauma that takes time to heal afterwards, says Manibusan.

Near death

In 2012, Manibusan had given up drinking but was not completely sober.

I remember I was feeling like something is going to happen soon if I keep going down this path, says Manibusan.

On a sunny day at 4 p.m. in Alameda, Manibusan was driving around and texting a friend. He pulled over into a Burger King parking lot to finish his text when about a minute later, a huge explosion went through his car.

I remember like, I thought it was a firework, but  it felt sinister, says Manibusan.

I looked around and I look to the right of me and about 4 parking spots away, it was a man standing by the hood of his car aiming an AK47 right at me. He had a ski mask on and everything.

To this day, he has no idea who the shooter was or why it happened. The police would later tell him after viewing the security footage that the shooter was sitting in the parking lot for a while before seeing Manibusan pull into his parking spot. When the shooter saw Manibusan, they got out of the car, obtained their AK47 and just aimed and fired. Manibusan says judging from where the bullet hole was, if he wasnt leaning back in his chair, he wouldnt be alive.

It took a huge chunk out of my wrist, but it didnt break any bones. It didnt cause any nerve damage or anything like that. And I remember thinking that Im meant to be here for a reason, says Manibusan.

After trying to get sober several times, his efforts finally stuck in 2015.

I was just so spiritually empty. I was just so dead inside and I was just like this cannot go on anymore, says Manibusan.

One of my main inspirations of getting sober was I always had these dreams of being an actor. And I thought that these dreams werent going anywhere and anytime I did have sprouts of being sober, the dreams would come alive again, like opportunities would arise somehow. Id get a call from a director at work, or Id book an audition or something like that. And then two years after getting sober, thats when I was at a two-day seminar. And my world was never the same after that.

Conservatory

Manibusan attended a two-day acting workshop in San Francisco taught by Tom Todoroff and upon finishing, was asked to attend the Tom Todoroff Conservatory in Manhattan. He spent two years at the conservatory completely immersed in his craft and completely sober.

If I didnt go in the mind frame that I was clean and sober, I wouldnt have made the relationships that I made, says Manibusan who fully believes that these roads opened for him once hed established that commitment to himself and his sobriety.

It was amazing. I had so many great teachers and I met a lot of great people who are still my friends today and we still are there to support each other and uplift each other even if were across the country.

In fact, its where he met one of his best friends Jessica Michael Davis, who wrote, directed, and produced Escaping Ohio where he plays her guidance counselor.

The film premiered at the Dances with Films Festival in Hollywoods TCL Chinese Theaters and will be making its rounds in the film festival circuit.

Places to stream the indie romance film are still to be announced, but if youd like to see Manibusan in action, you can see him in this short film called Me+Lee which was done in 2020: beyondtheshort.com/short-film/Me+LeebyGiorgioMiraflor.

Moving forward

Manibusan is still very much in the beginning stages of his career, but he feels freer to be himself while he braves the unforgiving world of acting.

Success comes in waves for actors. Sometimes you have really high highs and all of a sudden youre not getting any work, and thats just the way it is. I have to remember that instead of saying this isnt gonna last forever, I have to be thankful for this moment of success that is happening right now, says Manibusan.

To keep up with his work, follow him on Instagram @johnny.blest.
You have permission to edit this article.

Edit Close
The Supreme Court of Guam has many arguments to consider following an oral hearing on Tuesday that sought to clarify the status of abortions on Guam.

Chief Justice Robert Torres, Justice F. Philip Carbullido and Justice Pro Tem Robert Manglona met to address questions posed by Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero on the matter. Attorneys representing various clients, plus one layperson, spent more than two hours offering their position to the justices.

At the time, it challenged two landmark Supreme Court of the United States abortion cases, Roe vs. Wade and Casey v. Planned Parenthood, while they were valid case law. But when both cases were overruled by the Supreme Court last summer  in Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization  it allowed the power to regulate abortions given back to state and territorial governments.

Public Law 20-134 criminalized all abortions on Guam, making it a third-degree felony to perform an abortion, a misdemeanor to solicit or submit to an abortion and a misdemeanor to solicit any woman to have an abortion.

The governors legal counsel Leslie Travis asked whether and how an abortion ban that the Guam legislature passed over 30 years ago and which was held to be unconstitutional and inorganic 30 years ago had any place in Guam today.

It does not, she said. She argued first that the legislature had no authority to pass an inorganic law and second, said that laws passed since 1990 authorize abortions in certain cases and therefore repealed the sweeping abortion ban by implication.

Attorney General of Guam Douglas Moylan said in his brief that he proposed to let 20-134 go into effect and he would not prosecute any violations if the judiciary would call for an election of the people to decide whether to have no abortions, or to allow them to continue.

Attorney Mike Phillips, representing the Guam Legislature, said that the legislature back then was entitled to enact legislation that was wrong at the time, and the governor at the time was entitled to signing a bill into law, even though it was wrong at the time. He said that the branches of government continually evolve and a position one branch takes  though seemingly wrong at the time  could be validated by a future branch, and even be changed again after that.

Attorney Braddock Huesman, representing Robert Klitzkie, argued that this case was one of jurisdiction, and recommended that the court refrain from issuing an opinion on the case.

Let the politicians fight, he said.

Attorney Anita Arriola, representing doctors, individuals, and access to reproductive health care, asked the court to find that 20-134 be declared null and void because it was inorganic. Otherwise, she asked that the law, conditioned upon a referendum that was never held, be struck.

She also said that absent a decision that the law is not declared void, then it should be implied repealed because of subsequent legislation passed by legislatures since that regulated abortions on Guam.

Layman Tim Rohr said that based on his research, 20-134 was not created in defiance of Roe v. Wade, but as an opportunity to test a hole in another case, a hole that would become a bullseye in the Dobbs case. He argued that the legislature then only sought to protect unborn life and while it is up to the court to determine the constitutionality of the law, the law was not inorganic nor unconstitutional until a court determined it so.

Torres said that the matter would be taken under advisement. No time frame for a decision was given.
A man has been found dead after a house fire in Dededo, according to Guam Fire Department spokesman Firefighter Nick Garrido.

Guam Police Department is investigating along with the fire department.

At 9 a.m., a caller reported a structure fire with one person unaccounted for on Piot Lane, Dededo.

Firefighters arrived to find a concrete home with a wood and tin extension fully engulfed by flames.

Crews immediately began extinguishing the blaze and searching the home for the missing person.

Firefighters found the remains of an elderly man, Garrido said.

Danielle Fejeran, who is visiting family on the island, was staying in a neighboring home when she woke up to noise.

I was sleeping when I heard rocks being thrown at the window, she said. I got up and thought someone was stealing the cars but to find out two boys were telling us to get out because the neighbors house was on fire.

The American Red Cross and Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center teams have also been activated, he said.
CHENGDU, July 27 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday met with Indonesian President Joko Widodo in Chengdu, capital city of southwest China's Sichuan Province. Widodo is here to attend the opening ceremony of the 31st summer edition of the FISU World University Games and visit China. Xi noted the opening of a new chapter in building a China-Indonesia community with a shared future last year. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Indonesia. Xi said China is willing to take the occasion as an opportunity to deepen strategic cooperation with Indonesia, set an example for developing countries of sharing a common future, pursuing solidarity and cooperation and boosting common development, and inject more certainty and positive energy into the region and the world. China is willing to maintain regular strategic communication with Indonesia, strengthen the exchanges of state governance experience, initiate the "2+2" dialogue mechanism for foreign and defense ministers of the two countries, and build high-level strategic mutual trust, Xi said. Major achievements have been made in synergizing the Belt and Road Initiative with Indonesia's vision of the Global Maritime Fulcrum, Xi said. With the Jakarta-Bandung High-speed Railway soon coming into operation, the two sides need to ensure the high standard and high quality of the project, injecting more impetus to Indonesia's development, said Xi, adding that the two countries need to further the cooperation on comprehensive industrial parks. China supports Indonesia in developing its new capital and the North Kalimantan Industrial Park, and is willing to expand cooperation in areas including new energy vehicles and smart cities and jointly promote the industrial digital transformation, Xi said. China is willing to continue to expand imports of bulk commodities and high-quality agricultural products from Indonesia, deliver on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, and strengthen cooperation in fields including food security, poverty reduction, rural revitalization, vocational education, language education, medicine and health, culture and tourism, he said. China is ready to deepen its comprehensive strategic partnership with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and support the work of Indonesia as the rotating chair of the ASEAN, Xi said. China stands ready to strengthen communication and coordination with Indonesia under G20, BRICS and other multilateral mechanisms, promote the implementation of the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, safeguard regional and global peace and stability, and promote the building of a community with a shared future for humanity, Xi said. Widodo said the bilateral relations have made substantial progress since he received Xi in Bali last year. Indonesia firmly upholds the one-China policy and is willing to continue to enhance cooperation with China in areas including investment, marine fisheries, food security and healthcare, he said. The Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative put forward by Xi are open and inclusive, Widodo said, adding that Indonesia actively supports the initiatives. Indonesia is willing to strengthen its strategic communication with China and jointly safeguard regional peace, stability, development and prosperity, Widodo said. After the meeting, Xi and Widodo witnessed the signing of bilateral cooperation documents.




Haiti - FLASH : The Department of State urges American citizens to leave Haiti as soon as possible





The United States Embassy in Port-au-Prince has issued a security alert.Given the recent armed clashes between gangs and the police and the high threat of violent crime and kidnapping throughout Port-au-Prince, the Department of State urges U.S. citizens to make plans to depart Haitias soon as possiblevia commercial means. The most recent violent clashes have particularly affected the neighborhoods of Vivy Michel, Tabarre, Torcel, Tapage and Trutier. The U.S. government is extremely limited in its ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Haiti. Please see information on What the Department of State Can and Cant Do in a Crisis.



Haiti has the highest (Level 4) Travel Advisory (Do Not Travel) for kidnapping, crime, and civil unrest. The travel advisory for Haiti, available at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel.html , notes that kidnapping is widespread and victims regularly include U.S. citizens. Kidnapping cases often involve ransom negotiations and U.S. citizen victims have been physically harmed during kidnappings. Local police generally lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents.







The U.S. Embassy urges U.S. citizens who travel to Haiti despite this warning to register their trip with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service that allows U.S. citizens and nationals traveling and living abroad to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate so that we can provide important security and other information to the U.S. citizen community in Haiti.



Actions to take :

Use extreme caution in traveling around the country;

Avoid demonstrations and large gatherings of people;

If you encounter a roadblock, turn around and get to a safe area;

Make and practice contingency plans for sheltering in place and/or accessing airports; and

Review the guidance on travel to High Risk Areas.



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - News : Zapping...





A suspect in the murder of police officer Jocelyn Jean-Philippe arrested

Jean Robert Jean-Louis, one of the suspects in the kidnapping followed by the assassination of police officer Jocelyn Jean-Philippe, on October 5, 2021 in Limbe, has been arrested, informed Arold Jean, Spokesperson for the National Police of Haiti in the North.



Transport : the Minister of Education calls for a truce

On Wednesday, Nesmy Manigat, the Minister of National Education called on the public transport unions for a truce to the public transport strike announced for July 31, August 1st and 2nd to facilitate the smooth running of official exams. of the baccalaureate fixed from July 31 to August 3rd. "The Ministry does not have the means to postpone the exams," said Nesmy Manigat, recalling that 118,342 candidates will have to undergo the exams throughout the national territory.



Diplomacy : An IDRI delegation in Spain

Wednesday, July 26, 2023, Rosana Guercy, Rector of the Institute of Diplomacy and International Relations (IDRI) visited at the head of a delegation the Embassy of Haiti near the Kingdom of Spain. Let's recall that the IDRI established in the North of Haiti, trains young people in diplomacy and international relations. The students are in Spain to better understand the Spanish institutions and the contribution of this country to the European Union. Practical advice to future diplomats, summary of current events in Spain, further studies were the topics discussed during the meeting.



Extension on rice production

The Technical Mission of Taiwan in Haiti organized an extension day on rice production in Limbe, in the North department. The training highlighted the differences between rice seeds and grains. In addition, this training focused on proper field management and laboratory testing standards. In order to enable farmers to gain better practical experience. Field visits were also organized to understand the key methods of purification and management of the plots, in order to improve their theoretical and practical experience.



Sunrise Airways : NOTICE on check-ins

Sunrise Airways informs that during the summer period, make sure to be on time for your flight. Please note that check-in for international flights closes 60 minutes before departure, while check-in for domestic flights closes 30 minutes before departure. In order to comply with regulations and provide you with the best possible travel experience, we cannot accept travelers after check-in closes. We thank you for your understanding and cooperation. For more information, please see your ticket.



New South-East Departmental Director

The Divisional Commissioner Allande Serge Jolicur was installed as the new Departmental Director of the South-East. He replaces the Divisional Commissioner Marie Dienane Joseph Borgelin.



HL/ HaitiLibre


















Login or sign up to follow actresses, movies & dramas and get specific updates and news

Login Sign Up

 New Ad-free Subscriber Login

Email

Password

Password Username Subscribe to our daily NewsLetter Your E-mail will only be used to retrieve a lost password or receive our NewsLetter.

Stay logged in

Lost password

Contact
Korean Movie | 2015

 Drama

Directed by Song Dong-yoon ()

Written by Song Dong-yoon ()

102min | Release date in South Korea: 2015/10/22

Formerly known as "School Riot" (, hak-kyo-banlan)

Synopsis

Everyone at school is dead...

One day, a mass suicide occurs at school!



Daean School is a school of hope; however, in reality, its actually a place of despair where the students are treated like garbage. It's unbelievable but true. The teachers of Daean School are drowned in desire to an extent that they step on the students' dreams.

It is time to set things right.



The principal of Daean School cries of shame!
Published on 2023/07/27 | Source

New poster added for the upcoming Korean omnibus movie "Body Parts" (2022)

Advertisement

Directed by Ahn Mi-na, Choe Won-kyung, Jeon Byeong-deok, Kim Jang-mi, Lee Gwang-jin, Wally Seo

With Kim Chae-eun, Kwon Ah-reum-I, Kang Han-saem, Kim Ah-yoon, Jo Woo-ri, Kim Min-seok,...

Synopsis

A perfume is found in the dressing table of a dead person. A boy is bullied because he can see ghosts. A girl is hosting an online livestream show of her friend being possessed by a spirit after her family member died. This film consists of five stories with diverse genres from ghost story to exorcism and mystery. The five episodes of different genres and various subject matter are completed as one full story with an extra one that opens and closes the film. The five episodes are the believers' stories, which rookie reporter, Si-kyung, who is on an undercover mission, witnesses while attending a prayer service of a religious group. This clever structure not only connects all the stories as one, but also gives unity to the individual narratives, rather than them being separated and standing alone. What will be she offering at the end of the ritual that he secretly attended? (MO Eun-young)

"Stink" (, ak-chwi)

A woman killed herself by cutting off her ears. Da-hee ,who bought a dressing table without knowing it was hers, finds a perfume in the drawer.

"A Child Who Sees Ghosts" ( , gwi-sin-bo-neun a-i)

Joon-ho, the song of a shaman, is being bullied by Do-jin's gang for the reason that he can see ghosts. He has to show them real ghosts to break free from the violence.

"exorcism.net" (., ek-so-si-jeum.net)

Hwa-yeong, a high school girl, is possessed by an evil spirit after her family's death. Her best friends Joo-in and Eun-gi decide to let the world know about her through live broadcasting online and ask for a ceremony of exorcism.

"The Person Who Lived" (  , jeon-e sal-deon sa-ram)

Ji-soo got her own room. That night when she was having a housewarming with her colleagues, a middle-aged woman came and knocked on her door. She warns the woman. Never take the talisman off her house.

"String" (, kkeun)

A rainy night. Jae-seok wakes up to the sound of the alarm and finds that a hard string is tied to his neck.

Release date in Korea : 2023/08
Published on 2023/07/27 | Source

New posters added for the upcoming Korean movie "Ransomed"(2022)

Advertisement

Directed by Kim Seong-hun

With Ha Jung-woo, Ju Ji-hoon, Park Hyuk-kwon, Kim Eung-soo,...

Formerly known as "Ransomed" (, pi-rab)

Synopsis

In Beirut 1986, during the Lebanese civil war a Korean diplomat is taken hostage without a trace. Two years pass and long forgotten, a young diplomat Min-joon receives a phone call proving that the hostage is still alive. With the given mission, Min-joon is sent to Beirut to save the hostage with a bag of ransom money. However, Min-joon gets into trouble as soon as he sets foot in Beirut. As luck would have it, Min-joon manages to flee from the airport with help from a local taxi driver Pan-soo who he stumbles across. Despite the distrust toward Pan-soo of his obvious mischievousness, the two unlikely allies must navigate the demolished, war-raging streets of Beirut to bring the long-awaited hostage back home.

Release date in Korea : 2023/08/02
Published on 2023/07/28

No matter what everyone might say, it is pretty agreeable when we say that Korean shows always have a pretty captivating storyline. The shows are so well-written that they keep you hooked to whatever device you are watching on until you finally realize that you are binging the show. One of the best things about K-dramas is that you can stream most of them online, given that you have an internet connection fast enough to help you stream as flawlessly as possible.

Advertisement

In that case, we would suggest that you get an internet connection by Spectrum due to its sheer reliability and an uncapped data limit. To get a connection, call up the Spectrum Phone Number now!

If you are looking for suggestions on what Korean dramas to watch, then lucky for you because you have come to the right place! Keep reading to find out some of the best Korean shows of 2023 that you should watch as soon as possible.

"Agency"

If you are looking for a drama that doesn't have any pointless romantic plot in it, then "Agency" is definitely for you. The drama is more targeted towards what life is realistically like at a workplace, we get to see our lead character Go Ah-in who is the first-ever female employee at a big-shot advertising agency. However, Go believes that the sky is the limit and she needs to excel even further until she can become the CEO of the company.

In order to do that, Go needs to make sure she gets her competition out of the way, who is a colleague of hers with the same aim. Go is very work-driven in the show and along with her hard work, there are also some childhood traumas that she needs to get over.

She struggles with her work-life balance, which honestly is a problem in the real world as well and needs to be addressed. The show is extremely relatable for people who are a part of the corporate culture, especially women who have to fight their own set of battles.

___________

"Agency" is directed by Lee Chang-min-I, written by Song Soo-han, and features Lee Bo-young, Son Na-eun, Cho Seong-ha, Han Joon-woo, Jeon Hye-jin, Lee Chang-hoon-I. Broadcasting information in Korea: 2023/01/07~2023/02/26, Sat, Sun 22:30 on JTBC.

Where to Watch Powered by JustWatch

"Celebrity"

There comes a time when nearly everyone develops a knack for watching shows that have a thrilling undertone and keep you on the edge of your seat. Such a Korean drama is "Celebrity" which revolves around the story of Seo Ah-ri who is a social media influencer and has a dream of becoming uber famous. However, her dream brings her a lot more than just attention which also includes the jealousy of her fellow influencers.

That's not the only thing that is troublesome for her, she eventually finds herself caught up in a controversy that eventually becomes life-threatening for her. It also comes with the risk of her losing her celebrity status. The show gives you a very realistic take on what it is like to be a celebrity and while everything looks really tempting, all the glitters is not gold and there is also a pretty dark side to being famous.

___________

"Celebrity" is directed by Kim Cheol-gyoo, written by Kim I-yeong, and features Park Gyu-young, Kang Min-hyuk, Lee Chung-ah, Lee Dong-gun, Jun Hyo-seong, Han Jae-in. Broadcasting information in Korea: 2023/06/30, Fri on Netflix.

Where to Watch Powered by JustWatch

"Love to Hate You"

How could we not talk about a K-drama about love when that is literally their forte? Here we will be talking about "Love to Hate You" which has been among the best rom-com K-dramas of 2023. In the show, we see a lawyer called Yeo Mi-ran who has a habit of breaking the hearts of men since she believes it is her way of maintaining justice. On the other hand, our other lead character is called Nam Kang-ho, who is a famous actor and tends to hate women.

In an unlikely course of events, Mi-ran gets a job at the firm where Kang-ho works and she has to represent him. The two of them meet and form a bond from enemies to lovers as they start a fake relationship.

___________

"Love to Hate You" is directed by Kim Jeong-kwon, written by Choi Soo-yeong, and features Kim Ok-vin, Teo Yoo, Kim Ji-hoon-I, Go Won-hee, Lee Joo-bin, Kim Sung-ryung. Broadcasting information in Korea: 2023/02/10, Fri on Netflix.

Where to Watch Powered by JustWatch

Wrapping Up

It is without a doubt that a lot of thought goes into writing K-dramas, which honestly makes them so perfect. These are some shows that we really think you should check out so that you could see for yourself how brilliant K-dramas really are.
One year ago , my family and I made the move from Pakistan to Finland. In Pakistan, I served as an associate professor and head of the artificial intelligence department at an engineering university. Now, I am a senior AI researcher at Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences in Helsinki. The decision to relocate was driven by the allure of better living conditions, superior education opportunities for my children, and the renowned nurturing work environment that Finland offers.

My academic journey has taken me to various countries. I obtained my master's and Ph.D. degrees from Austria and spent five years living there. Additionally, I worked as a postdoctoral research scientist in Germany for one year. Throughout my career, my goal has always been to make meaningful contributions to society, consistently exceeding expectations without disruptions.

Finland, with its rich culture, flexible work dynamics, and promising research opportunities, quickly became my permanent abode. My wife is a medical doctor and specializes in medical radio diagnostics. Though she is currently facing the challenge of learning an entirely different language to start her career in Finland, we decided to pay this price for a better life. We also compromised on little to no social interaction and an isolated life, hoping that the things will get better with the passage of time.

It wasnt until June this year when I heard the newly elected government's stance on immigrants. Their proposal for discussion in the upcoming parliamentary session was far from welcoming to immigrants, even those highly qualified like me. The proposed plans seemed perplexing, particularly considering that Finland is already facing challenges in getting highly skilled individuals. It felt as though our presence in Finland was no longer appreciated.

Initially, I chose to sidestep the political rhetoric, focusing on my work and my family. Yet, the unmistakable signs of impending adversity became impossible to ignore.

A chilling encounter on the evening of July 26th has left an indelible mark on my psyche. As I was returning home from work, I was confronted by two young men on scooters. They began with passing comments on me and making circles around me. I first took them as messed up college kids who were on a ragging spree. But the things got worse when they began trying to strike me. They kept threatening me until the harassment escalated when one spat on my neck from behind.

They wanted to spit on me repeatedly by making circles around me Being a person who avoids trouble and has never initiated a fight, I tried to defuse the situation by warning them that I would involve the police. Upon threatening to involve the police, I was suddenly attacked from behind with a strong blow to my neck. The force of the hit caused me to drop my spectacles, leaving me visually impaired. After the attack, both individuals fled the scene.

Despite promptly reaching out to the police, their delayed response, a worrying 35 minutes later after 2 phone calls, left me anxiously searching for my spectacles, finally resorting to call my wife to assist me. The incident occurred near the entrance of the Business College.

Upon the police's arrival, I directed them towards a surveillance camera located at the Holiday Inn hotel's entrance, which should have captured the entire incident. They assured me they would investigate the matter further and advised me to return home.

This deeply unsettling event has left my family and me in a state of distress and anxiety. As I gazed into my attackers' eyes, I could only see hostility and hatred. I can't help but connect their actions to the ongoing immigrant protests and the anti-immigrant sentiments harbored by the government.

Such policies inevitably fuel hate, often in dormant right-wing supporters or individuals with anti-minority prejudices. Encouraged by the perceived endorsement of the government, they target minorities, believing they are silently supported. This disturbing pattern has been seen in other countries too where the government stokes anti-immigrant fires.

While the police have promised to investigate, I remain skeptical about the outcome. The perpetrators are still at large, likely to repeat this abhorrent behavior with another foreigner.

Umar Ali Khan PhD.

Helsinki

Dr. Umair Ali Khan is working as a senior AI researcher in Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences, Helsinki. He has held several academic and scientific positions in Austria, Pakistan and Germany. His current research is focused on explainable and responsible AI systems, enhanced human-computer interaction, and data analytics using machine learning.

HT
Finnish Customs suspects a significant case of economic misconduct by a Finnish subsidiary of a Swedish online retailer in Finland between 2011 and 2016. The company allegedly evaded taxes in Finland, falsified its accounting records, and neglected to report returned goods to Customs.

This operation is suspected to be aimed at avoiding the value-added tax (VAT) on sales. Until July 2021, the Aland Islands were allowed to sell goods with a value of up to 22 euros without charging VAT. However, according to the investigation, this was deemed taxable distance selling, and the tax should have been paid in Finland.

The investigation revealed that the goods were sold to customers as taxable, although the company had reported to Customs and the Tax Administration that it was tax-free sales from the Aland Islands. The company failed to pay approximately 2.6 million euros in VAT on sales to Finland.

The company had recorded the VAT incurred from taxable sales as a standard tax liability in its accounting but later changed it to revenue, instead of remitting the VAT collected from customers to the Tax Administration.

"Through this operation, they were suspected to be exploiting the special status of the Aland Islands regarding tax-free sales. Additionally, the company, acting as an agent on behalf of its customers in the Aland Islands, is suspected of providing false information to Customs about the customs value of the shipments, thereby also allegedly evading import VAT of approximately 177,000 euros. When a company acts as an agent, it handles customs declarations and tax payments on behalf of its customers when taxes become due based on the value of the shipment," explained Customs Senior Inspector Johanna Mickelsson.

The company is also suspected of making unjustified deductions of import VAT amounting to around 4.6 million euros. The tax was no longer deductible for the company since the products were already sold to customers before being imported to the Aland Islands. The tax deduction would have been possible if the company had a warehouse in the Aland Islands for sales, and the transportation to customers would have started from there.

Errors in Customer Return Customs Declarations

Customs has investigated a case of aggravated customs clearance fraud, where the company reported customer return goods to Customs at the Aland Islands' tax border, although the company directly transported the goods from mainland Finland to Sweden. Later, the company changed its operation, delivering the goods through the Aland Islands to Sweden, but still only reported them on the tax border lists. Even in these cases, export declarations should have been made when the goods were exported from the Aland Islands to Sweden. The goods that the company failed to report to Customs had a significant combined value of about 526,000 euros.

Customs suspects the responsible persons of the Finnish subsidiary of the Swedish group, and a person who acted in the name of an Aland Islands contractual partner, of aggravated tax fraud, aggravated accounting offense, and aggravated customs clearance fraud. The investigation will now be transferred to the Southern Finland prosecution district for consideration of charges.

Briefly on the Aland Islands' Special Status

Aland Islands are within the EU customs territory but outside the EU VAT territory.

Aland Islands belong to the EU special tax territories, separated from the EU VAT and excise duty areas by a so-called tax border. According to Finnish legislation, goods imported to the Aland Islands are subject to excise and VAT.

Since July 2021, all goods passing through the Aland Islands have become fully taxable, regardless of their customs value.

Shipments need to pay VAT.

Shipments arriving in the Aland Islands are cleared almost similarly to shipments arriving from outside the EU to Finland.

HT
The number of live births in January-June was the smallest in the measurement history starting from 1900.

Finland saw a decrease in the number of births in the first half of 2023 compared to previous years. According to the preliminary statistics for June, 21,180 children were born during the first half of the year, which is 1,082 fewer than in the same period in 2022.

Birth rates have been declining for nine consecutive years in the 2010s. In 2010, the total fertility rate was 1.87, but by 2019, it had decreased to 1.35. Following this, there was a slight recovery in birth rates in 2020 and 2021, but last year, the birth rate declined again, resulting in a total fertility rate of 1.32. The total fertility rate indicates the average number of children a woman would have in her lifetime if the birth rate remained at the same level during the calculation period.

"The decline in birth rates has continued this year, with the latest 12-month (July 2022-June 2023) preliminary total fertility rate being 1.28. This figure is an all-time low," stated Chief Actuary Joonas Toivola.

Ukrainians Impact Immigration Figures - Increased Arrival of Filipinos

During January-June, 28,345 people immigrated to Finland from abroad, while 5,596 people emigrated from Finland to other countries. Immigration increased by 8,233 individuals, and emigration decreased by 1,150 compared to the previous year. The significant increase in immigration was attributed to Ukrainians in the country, who were able to apply for a municipality of residence in Finland starting from March. Among immigrants, 7,849 or 28 percent were Ukrainian citizens. Finnish citizens accounted for 3,146 of the immigrants and 3,395 of the emigrants.

"Compared to the beginning of last year, the immigration of Ukrainians increased by 7,025 individuals. This year's statistics include Ukrainians who had already arrived in the country last year due to temporary protection. They have been able to apply for a municipality of residence only now. It's also essential to note that applying for a municipality of residence is voluntary, and only a portion of Ukrainians has done so," Joonas Toivola explained.

In June, Ukrainians represented 1,732 or a remarkable 42 percent of all immigrants. The Ukrainian immigrants mainly moved to Helsinki (731), Vantaa (501), and Espoo (322) during January-June.

"The immigration of Filipino citizens has significantly increased compared to the beginning of last year. According to preliminary data, 1,721 Filipinos immigrated to Finland from January to June, while the total number for the same period last year was 1,240. This represents a growth of 481 individuals in just six months," said Senior Actuary Minna Wallenius.

The most prominent nationality groups among immigrants during the first half of the year were Ukrainians, Finns, Russians, Filipinos, and Indians.

HT
According to Sara Helin , an expert from Nordea's fraud unit, a new form of fraud has been on the rise, especially during the summer.

Phishing attempts are currently widespread, with particular attention to so-called secure account scams, which first emerged in Finland during the spring. Nordea reminds everyone that banks or authorities will never ask for confidential information through email, text messages, or phone calls.

"Secure account scams have been troubling Finns since spring. Spring and summer are typically times when criminals come up with new fraudulent methods," Helin explains.

Secure account scams are commonly carried out in two stages. First, the victim receives a text message luring them to a phishing page that asks for their online banking credentials. Afterward, the fraudster typically poses as a bank representative, calling the victim and instructing them to transfer funds to a supposed "secure account."

"In such cases, the account provided by the caller is, of course, under the control of the fraudsters. The victim may also be asked to download a remote control program, through which the criminals gain access to the victim's mobile device," Helin describes.

The number of fraudulent calls in Finnish has been significantly high during spring and summer, with numerous reports coming into the bank. Moreover, the number of cases related to phishing calls handled by Nordea has multiplied after the first quarter.

Phishing Attempts in the Name of Multiple Actors

Phishing aims to obtain personal information from victims, such as banking credentials, card details, or PIN codes. Scammers do not limit themselves to posing as banks; they may also impersonate other entities.

"We constantly see attempted fraud through text messages and emails, with scammers pretending to be authorities like the tax office, Posti, banks, telecom operators, Suomi.fi online service, and payment service providers like MobilePay," Helin warns.

Apart from traditional phishing methods, social media and messaging apps are flooded with deceptive contacts. Parents may be approached with requests for help supposedly coming from their children, and acquaintances may report lottery winnings via Facebook Messenger. The Finnish Cyber Security Center and the Police have recently issued numerous warnings about these phenomena.

Never Disclose Bank Credentials to Outsiders

According to the financial sector, Finns lost a total of 32 million euros to cybercriminals in 2022. This figure includes only the fraud cases reported to banks. Most significant losses occurred through phishing.

Banks or authorities will never ask for banking credentials, card details, or PIN codes through email, text messages, or phone calls. Never share your online banking username with anyone via any messaging app, even if the requester claims to be a family member.

"Even though we may be more relaxed during vacations, we must remain vigilant regarding unexpected contacts to avoid harm. If a phone call seems suspicious, you can always hang up. If you doubt an unexpected payment request received via message, verify it with the recipient or the person who gave the instructions, for example, through a phone call. You can always confirm the authenticity of a contact from an authority through official channels," Helin advises.

It is crucial to warn others about phishing attempts that have targeted oneself and prevent someone else from falling victim to such scams. Report any fraudulent attempts to your loved ones and inform the Finnish Cyber Security Center as well as the company whose name the phishing attempt was carried out under.

HT
The daily newspaper wrote that publishing excerpts of private communication between the lawmaker and his then-girlfriend is justified because they reflect the attitude of a current cabinet member with considerable political power toward minorities while already in politics.

MINISTER of Economic Affairs Wille Rydman (PS) has repeatedly used racist expressions in private communications, reveal messages published on Thursday by Helsingin Sanomat.

The messages were sent in 2016. Rydman was at the time a 30-year-old member of the parliament with a seat at both the Administration Committee and Constitutional Law Committee.

He resigned from the National Coalition and joined the Finns Party in January 2023. Rydman replaced Vilhelm Junnila (PS) as the minister of economic affairs earlier this month after the latter stepped down amid controversy about repeated nods at fascist themes in his campaign and social media communication.

The couple did not have an amicable break-up, and the ex-girlfriend was one of the women who made accusations against Rydman in a story by Helsingin Sanomat in mid-2022. Police are presently looking into the story following a criminal complaint by Rydman.

His messages include unprompted derogatory and racist remarks about black people, Muslims and Somalis.

But once you introduce the damned lily of the valley to this lot, youll find it everywhere because it spreads and reproduces like a Somali, Rydman wrote during a discussion about what to plant in the flowerbed, according to Helsingin Sanomat.

In another message, he used the terms ape and desert ape to describe people from or with ethnic ties to the Middle East. He used the latter term later to voice his disgust with news about a celebrity, whose father is from the region, who was suspected of filming his sexual partners without their knowledge and sharing the footage with others.

When Rydmans girlfriend wrote that Belgian employers could receive the right to prohibit the wearing of headscarves at the workplace, he replied: Id still rather ban people who wear scarves than the scarves.

He also shared with his girlfriend alternative lyrics for the well-known Finnish schlager Sininen ja valkoinen. I found a woman after all, raped her in the thicket, the lyrics read.

The protagonist is a Muslim man.

Juho Eerola (PS) said to Helsingin Sanomat he wrote the lyrics, first in 2008 and adapted them in 2015 in response to the refugee crisis. Eerola added that he does not think it was inappropriate of him to share the lyrics with a fellow lawmaker while serving as the chairperson of the Administration Committee.

We have artistic freedom, of course we can write [lyrics], he retorted.

He served as a deputy speaker of the parliament in 20192023.

Rydman made references to fascism in the messages. When his girlfriend told him that, if she had a child, she would like to give it a Hebrew name, like Immanuel. We Nazis dont really like that kind of Jew stuff, replied Rydman.

He also expressed his regret that Germany has allowed its Nazi monuments to dilapidate because they are relics of an unpleasant past, adding that Germans are completely stupid about their past.

The girlfriend said the repeated racist remarks began to feel normal as the relationship progressed, also affecting her own thinking and rhetoric.

Rydman declines to comment, Purra views ex is out to get Rydman

Helsingin Sanomat on Thursday reported that Rydman did not respond to its requests for comment. He did, though, publish the request online, declaring that he would not be commenting on the issue.

Minister of Finance Riikka Purra stated to Helsingin Sanomat that the messages are inappropriate but added that she has neither the ability nor the desire to comment on them due to their being part of private communication between a couple.

A politician is a public person, but also they have a private circle. Based on the details that have been reported earlier, the other party has a clear intention to hurt in relation to Rydman, she commented to the newspaper.

Purra, who is the chairperson of the Finns Party, published earlier yesterday a blog post in response to the ongoing racism debate surrounding the populist right-wing party.

My party isnt racist. Its goals on immigration  and everything else  arent racist. We dont talk about conspiracy theories but about real problems caused by real immigration in this real society, she wrote.

Aleksi Teivainen  HT
Last week, Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma hit out at the Congress for criticising the Narendra Modi government at the Centre for its policy towards Manipur and alleged that the state had become the blockade capital of the country under the UPA government led by Manmohan Singh. The Manipur police along with security forces have launched a series of operations across the state (File Photo)

According to government sources, during the UPA government's tenure, between 2010 and 2017, blockades continued from 30 days to as long as 139 days in a year. The sources said during these blockades, the prices of petrol and LPG soared up to 240 and 1,900 per litre, respectively, causing a severe humanitarian crisis.

During the Inner Line Permit movement, a student named Sapam Robinhood lost his life in police action in Imphal East For over three months, there were widespread protests and blockades in the state, the sources said.

On the contrary, the sources said, adequate relief materials availability ensured that at every camp, 30,000 MT rice was allotted through the Food Corporation of India during the current Manipur violence that began on May 3. An immediate financial package of 101.75 crore was provided for the relief and rehabilitation of the people living in shelter camps, the sources added.

Immediate actions taken by the government during the current Manipur ethnic- violence:

1. The central government took prompt action since May 3 itself  engaged with the brass of Manipur and deployed available CAPF companies, the sources said.

2. Additional security forces deployed-124 companies of CAPF and 184 columns of the Indian Army/Assam Rifles.

3. Helicopters and drones were deployed immediately.

4. Kuldiep Singh, IPS (retd.) was appointed security advisor by the government of Manipur and took charge on May 4, 2023.

5. Senior officer Vineet Joshi, IAS, was recalled from the government of India and appointed as chief secretary on May 7.

6. Adequate supply of essential commodities was ensured.

7. Home minister Amit Shah stayed in Manipur between May 29 and June 1.

8. More than 15 meetings were held with government officials, security forces, political leaders, civil society organisations. Visited violence-hit areas and relief camps and interacted with people from various communities affected by the conflict

9. A judicial inquiry by a commission headed by a retired high court judge.

10. Six cases for investigation by the Special CBI team.

Casualties

Deaths: 150 (May 3 to 5: 59, May 27 to 29 May: 28, June 13 : 9)

Injured: 502

Cases of arson: 5,101 and FIR registered: 6,065

Persons arrested: 252 and arrests as a preventive measure: 12,740

Civil measures (relief and rehabilitation)

History of violence in Manipur

Naga  Kuki clash: Started in April 1993, over 350 Kuki/Naga villages were uprooted, leaving around 750 dead.

The active violence lasted till December 1993 and sporadic incidents continued till 1998.

Impact felt for almost a decade

Kuki-Paite clash during 1997-1998, June 1997-September 1998: More than 50 villages were destroyed and 13,000 people were displaced. As many as 352 people died and 136 were injured.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
How did queer people in India and other parts of the world experience the Covid-19 pandemic? What kinds of socio-economic support were they able to access during periods of lockdown and quarantine? To what extent did their gender identity and sexual orientation shape their everyday lives? Who were the most marginalized among the marginalized? To dig into these questions, read Queers in Quarantine edited by Koyote Millar and Rahul Sen. Millar is a poet and therapist based in Norway. Sen is a PhD candidate at Tufts University in the United States. They describe the volume as a collection of queer voices, reflections and perspectives on loss, longing, letting go and learning to live in new ways. The contributions featured vary in form, voice and content. Poems, short stories, journal entries, photo essays and prose vignettes cohabit gracefully. Angel Mendoza (C) and Martin Juco (2nd R), who are transgender and non-binary, stand in line outside a bank during gender-based quarantine restrictions, amidst the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Bogota, Colombia May 5, 2020. (Luisa Gonzalez/REUTERS)

126pp, $30,98; Mohini Books

Queers in Quarantine brings together narratives from people who have lived or are living in Indonesia, Germany, Luxembourg, South Korea, India, Norway, Pakistan, the United States, and the United Kingdom. They work in various fields such as academic research, photography, art, publishing, education, advocacy, visual design, performance. They are a diverse bunch of contributors in terms of gender, sexuality, ethnicity, race, religion and caste.

The cover art is by Anwesh Kumar Sahoo, who was crowned Mr Gay World India in 2016.

The book opens with a dialogue across distances and differences between Millar and Sen, which is personal and political, cerebral and emotional. It is an attempt to find common ground, while also emphasizing how queer peoples lives were not the same everywhere. It comes across as a refreshing change from the usual introduction template where editors spell out their reasons for working on the book and their criteria for selection before they proceed to say a few words about the structure and summarize the highlights of the anthology.

Millar writes about queer people who were forced to go back into the closet because of where they were living or who they were living with. Sen draws attention to the harassment and abuse that queer people faced from natal families, which led to deteriorating mental health. Thankfully, they do not look at queer peoples lives in isolation from the rest of society.

Sen, for instance, recalls the plight of migrant workers and daily wage labourers who suffered because of the stringent lockdown regulations in India that deprived them of their livelihoods. He also notes the acute shortage of oxygen, a dearth of hospital beds, and inadequate vaccine supplies, contributing to high death tolls. Millar reflects on how loss of work meant nowhere to hide or nowhere to go for people who derived safety and meaning from work.

The dialogue between Millar and Sen is like a dance where both performers get to shine; their individuality does not prevent them from complementing each other. Sen draws on the work of writers and thinkers such as Dante Alighieri, Sigmund Freud, Judith Butler, Eve Kosofsky Sedgwick, Lee Edelman, Tim Dean and Jacqueline Rose to make meaning of life during the pandemic, and acknowledges his intellectual debt through references. Millar prefers to look within and find anchor in self-reflection and self-expression, important reminders and creative reclamations of being where previously there has been constant and frantic doing.

What is most beautiful about this exchange is that Millar and Sen each builds on what the other says, instead of trying to locate what is problematic. Slow dialogue of this kind, which allows people to sit with their feelings and watch them churn before they respond, is an antidote to the knee-jerk reactions we see online. They are able to reflect on loss and grief on the one hand, and also celebrate resilience, creativity and many unexpected gifts on the other.

While reading all the pieces included in this anthology, I was struck by how the theme of belonging shows up frequently in different ways across contexts. In the poem Flight, for instance, Miriam Aurora Hammeren Pedersen mourns the shutting down of a lesbian bar during the pandemic. With her tenderly crafted words, she captures the agony of so many lovers who were separated from each other not only because of the virus but thanks to closed borders and cancelled flights. The speaker of this poem says, I was just imagining/ What it would be like/ To feel your skin against mine again/ To hold your hand/ One more time.

Minal Hajratwalas piece Alonely approaches the theme of belonging from another standpoint. Here we listen to the inner monologue of a person who has recently broken up with her partner but continues to share an apartment with them. She writes, its you I turn to when my mindknots get so tangled I cant solve them neither of us is ever alone, so much so that I often crave solitude, the deep uninterrupted quiet of living alone. The speaker does not seek company for the sake of diversion or re-juicing, but feels fortunate and grateful to not be completely isolated in grieftimes deathtimes terrortimes hatetimes survivaltimes.

Alonely makes the reader think of competing desires, of wanting to be left alone but also simultaneously wanting the comfort of a shoulder to lean on.

Outside the realm of intimate relationships, Martine Johansen examines interactions between strangers. In the poem the anatomy of dialogue, an individual using public transport speaks about the experience of communicating through the eyes because masks cover faces. The speaker looks at the situation with wonder and amusement because the language of corneas and irises can get lost in translation. Hi, can I sit here? can be mistaken for I love you and Will you hold me?

While misunderstandings can be funny for some, they can be deadly for others. In the short story The Motorcycle Diaries, Maisnam Arnapal records the racism that people from the Northeast encountered in Delhi, Bengaluru and Kolkata. These people were mistaken for being Chinese, and were blamed for being carriers of the virus responsible for the pandemic. Despite being legal citizens of India, their sense of belonging was threatened and questioned.

Another variation on the theme of belonging is Subhajit Sikders Pensive, where the speaker reflects on his changing relationship with his identity and body during the physical confinement imposed by the pandemic. From being hit by an avalanche of paranoia with my body and washing hands after touching every new thing to respecting and liking my body, he undertakes a journey of discovery that is accepting of perfections and imperfections.

This gentleness is also evident in Asad Ali Zulfiquars Notes from 2020, a long prose offering that is part-letter, part-journal entry, and part-manifesto. The speaker declares, Every time Im in a pickle, I make sure I sit and listen to know whats up. I make sure I eat. I make sure my room is clean and my clothes are ready. I hold myself with a soothing touch if Im upset. Instead of outsourcing care to another person, the speaker takes responsibility to nurture themselves. They know what their wounded spirit needs to survive lovelessness.

Inner work is often dismissed as the preoccupation of the privileged, but it is never easy as it often demands a change in behaviour patterns. Those who are up for the challenge find it valuable to look critically at their own selves.

In Hansika Jethnanis essay How I Inherited the Habit of Burying Sadness, for instance, the speaker confesses to using busyness as a coping mechanism until she was overwhelmed by the stillness of everyday life and had to confront the intergenerational trauma stored in her body.

Co editor Koyote Millar (Linda Bournane Engelberth)

In Samudranil Guptas series entitled Poems for Anurag, love stands exposed as a sickness for which there was no remedy when the speaker becomes an obsessive online stalker in an attempt to deal with the prolonged silence of the beloved. Days went by with calls left unreturned, and text messages unacknowledged. The speaker console himself by writing poetry. I was writing as a substitute for touch, he shares.

These are just some of the rich contributions that make up this anthology where touch is explored through the lens of affection and desire, and in the context of caste and race. Sen and Millar also look at parallels between the AIDS epidemic and the Covid-19 pandemic since systemic responses to both were couched in a fear of touch that frames intimacy as risk.

Co editor Rahul Sen (Courtesy the subject)

The connections they make, and the questions they pose, appear more rewarding when one re-reads their dialogue after reading all the pieces. Their objective, after all, is to make readers feel less alone, more at home, curiously confused, provoked and enlightened. I went through all of these feelings while reading Queers in Quarantine. I highly recommend it.

Chintan Girish Modi is a freelance writer, journalist and book reviewer.
28th July 2023, Gurugram, Haryana: As the much-awaited festival of Raksha Bandhan draws near, FlowerAura, India's leading online flower and gifting portal, is all set to take the celebrations up a notch with its breathtaking kids' rakhi collection. This year, FlowerAura has gone above and beyond to cater to the younger audience with an awe-inspiring junior rakhi collection.

FlowerAura takes immense pride in curating an extensive and unparalleled children rakhi series, ensuring that siblings across the country can express their love and bond in the most delightful and imaginative ways. Each Rakhi in this collection has been crafted with utmost care and creativity, making it a true masterpiece that reflects the joy and innocence of childhood.

CEO Shrey Sehgal, in a recent press conference, expressed his excitement about FlowerAura's dedication to making Raksha Bandhan a memorable experience for kids and families alike. We believe that Raksha Bandhan should be a celebration of the pure and unconditional love between siblings, and what better way to capture the essence of childhood than through our Kids Rakhi Collection. We have carefully picked designs that resonate with children's interests, from beloved cartoon characters to superheroes and more. We take pride in sourcing rakhis from every corner of India, ensuring that each Rakhi beautifully represents the unique cultural heritage of different regions. Additionally, with a thoughtful approach towards the younger recipients, we ensure that the rakhi assortment includes rakhis crafted with reliable materials that provide a comfortable and enjoyable experience for the little ones.

The rakhi collection for the little ones at FlowerAura showcases an array of options that cater to every child's unique tastes. For the little devotees, the traditional Kanha Rakhi featuring adorable idols of Lord Krishna and Radha is a sight to behold. For those with a flair for adventure and action, the Superhero Rakhis featuring popular characters like Spiderman, Batman, and more are sure to be an instant hit. But that's not all! FlowerAura's online rakhi collection also includes personalised photo Rakhis, allowing siblings to relive their cherished moments together, encapsulated in a beautiful Rakhi.

FlowerAura's commitment to providing exceptional customer experiences extends to its delivery services. With same-day delivery available in over 6000+ pin codes, kids can eagerly await the arrival of their special Rakhis with anticipation and delight.

This Raksha Bandhan, FlowerAura extends a heartfelt invitation to all families to embrace the enchanting magic of childhood and celebrate the unbreakable bond between siblings with its captivating Rakhi assortment. Let the innocence and joy of childhood shine through, creating lasting memories that will remain etched in the hearts of siblings forever.

About FlowerAura

FlowerAura: When words are not enough!

FlowerAura acknowledges the profound impact of gifting on relationships. Gifts go beyond physical exchange, fostering heartfelt connections and emotional bonds. In 2010, Mr Himanshu Chawla and Mr Shrey Sehgal spearheaded the company's establishment, with the first retail outlet in Gurgaon. With an extensive network of fulfilment centres, channel stores, and dark stores, we deliver gifts to over 600 cities in India and various international locations. FlowerAura is more than a brand; it promises to make your celebrations extraordinary, exceeding your expectations at every step. Our website, retail stores, and presence on popular e-commerce platforms ensure easy access to our vast collection of gifts.

Media Contact:

Suman Patra

suman.patra@floweraura.com

+91 96500 62220

Head - Product and Marketing

FA Gifts Pvt. Ltd.

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.
Northeastern University is all set to host its annual study expos in Hyderabad and Mumbai on August 5th and 6th, respectively. The expos aim to provide a unique platform for prospective undergraduate and postgraduate students to interact with university representatives and gain valuable insights into various educational opportunities available at Northeastern.

The Chief Enrollment Officer of Northeastern University, Satyajit Dattagupta, will greet the attendees at the expo. The delegation will include over thirty university officials from several colleges and campus locations. The events will provide a complete overview of the university and its various campuses and will ensure guests have a comprehensive grasp of the university programmes.

Chief Enrollment Officer of Northeastern University, Satyajit Dattagupta

Dattagupta came to the United States as an international student on scholarship from Mumbai at the age of 17 to study computer science. My career has been one in which I have always followed my passion for being in an institution that is global in nature, and thats accessible to students who come from all walks of life, and who come from all over the world, he said.

Northeastern University stands out as a beacon of academic excellence and serves students from around the globe. It is home to more than 17,000 international students, offers more than 200 educational programmes, and is ranked among the top 50 universities in the United States. The university has been one of the leading institutes in experience-based learning for more than a century, integrating classroom lessons with professional work and research. The universitys top-ranked co-op programme empowers students to transform concepts into action, enabling them to become global citizens with flourishing careers.

Attendees will receive personalised assistance from the representatives of Northeastern University's academic colleges, including the College of Engineering and the College of Professional Studies. The representatives will provide insights into the admission criteria and application processes and discuss the array of opportunities available at the university. Additionally, the students will also have a chance to meet the representatives from the universitys expanding global campus network, encompassing campuses in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, to discuss a global perspective on higher education.

During the expo, a dedicated student immigration staff will be readily available to provide assistance and answer questions regarding student visas, study permits, and immigration compliance in both the United States and Canada. The alumni will share their personal experiences, showcasing firsthand insights into student life and the benefits of studying at the university.

Mark your calendars to be part of the expo. The ITC Kohenur in Hyderabad and The Leela in Mumbai are the selected venues for the gatherings. The undergraduate expo is scheduled for 9 am to 12 noon and the postgraduate events are scheduled for 1:00 to 5:00 pm on August 5th and 6th, respectively. To participate, students are highly encouraged to register in advance.

Register today for more details.

Disclaimer: This article has been produced on behalf of Northeastern University by HT Brand Studio.
Petrol and diesel prices remained unchanged in major Indian cities on Friday. In Delhi, petrol was being sold at 96.72 per litre while the price of diesel stood at 89.62 per litre.



Petrol and diesel prices are revised daily at 6 am by prominent oil companies. These companies decide the fuel prices which are monitored by the petroleum and natural gas ministry's petroleum planning and analysis cell.



Earlier, the petrol and diesel prices were revised after every 15 days. In 2014, the Centre de-regulated the petrol and fuel prices. Since 2017, the fuel prices are revised daily at 6 am.



Here are the petrol and diesel prices for major Indian cities on July 28, 2023.

Petrol and diesel prices are revised daily at 6 am by prominent oil companies.

CITY PETROL PRICES (Rs/LITRE) DIESEL PRICES (Rs/LITRE) MUMBAI 106.31 94.27 KOLKATA 106.03 92.76 CHENNAI 102.63 94.24 AHMEDABAD 96.63 92.14 LUCKNOW 96.57 89.63

The Centre exercises control over fuel prices through excise duty. It also regulates these rates through base and cap prices at which the dealers and oil companies deal with each other.



Last year, the Narendra Modi government had cut excise duty on petrol and diesel, resulting in the prices to be cut by 9.5 and 7 per litre respectively.

We are reducing the Central excise duty on Petrol by  8 per litre and on Diesel by  6 per litre. This will reduce the price of petrol by  9.5 per litre and of Diesel by  7 per litre. It will have revenue implication of around  1 lakh crore/year for the government, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman had tweeted, urging state governments to implement a similar cut in the respective states.

To be clear, the fuel prices in India are not under goods and service tax. While the Centre collects excise duty, the state governments collect VAT. Since VAT is different for each state, hence the pricing.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
What started as a platform for wildlife photographers in 2014 has evolved into a three-day event for all nature lovers. Nature in Focus Festival 2023 is being held this weekend in Bengalurus Jayamahal Palace, from July 28 to 30. (Unsplash)

Nature in Focus Festival 2023 is being held this weekend in Bengalurus Jayamahal Palace, from July 28 to 30. The festival will feature film screenings, talks, panel discussions, photography exhibitions, art installations, workshops and masterclasses and a sustainable flea market, all in an effort to foster a deeper connection with nature.

On day 2, Delhi-based band, Indian Ocean will perform songs from the latest album Tu Hai, which among other pertinent issues, also talks about environmental degradation.

We also try to involve policy makers. We have been inviting senior officials from the forest and the police departments so that we can start a dialogue with them, said Rohit Varma, founder of Nature in Focus.

READ | Time to move back to US: Founder of Bengaluru firm after facing registration troubles

According to Varma, he and his co-founder Kalyan Varma, both wildlife photographers, started the festival in 2014, as there was no platform for wildlife photographers to showcase the work or to learn or to collaborate with other wildlife photographers.

But later we realised that people are also interested in knowing about conservation projects that are happening in India or outside India. Also, about the science behind the whole ecology. The festival began to evolve and include all such interests, added Varma.

Festivals like this do have a big impact on wildlife or environmental awareness, agreed Aditya Singh, a Ranthambore-based wildlife photographer known for his biggest collection of tiger pictures. He will be exhibiting five of his favourite tiger photographs at Jayamahal Palace. These events get urban folks a bit closer to our natural heritage. My generation  I am 57 years old now -- hardly had any opportunity and we were totally clueless about wildlife or nature. My daughters generation is a lot more clued into these things and events like these are partly responsible for that turnaround, added Singh.

Wildlife filmmaker Rita Banerji, who has been attending the festival for the last two years, said the festival is a fantastic space for young wildlife filmmakers. Banerji, who is training people from marginalised tribes and communities in the north east through Green Hub Fellowship, said her fellows have been participating in the festival since 2016.

NIF is considered one of the toughest and prestigious photography competitions in India. So, it helps a lot when you win that. The film festival bit is still evolving, but in the last decade, a lot has changed in the field of conservation and wildlife filmmaking. The festival organises panels on opportunities and funding that my fellows find very useful, said Banerji.

READ | Karnataka govt to set up authority to attract more private investment into road projects

This year, Banerji will also be conducting a workshop on wildlife filmmaking on July 28.

Varma too recalled how when they expanded its scope to include films, the festival started to draw more people from all across India. I remember in 2018 when we introduced the film festival, people travelled all the way to Electronic City to watch the films. We had no space in the room. We were shocked to see that there is so much interest among people to watch these kinds of films, added Varma.

For Anish Andheria, president of Wildlife Conservation Trust(WCT), events like these are a boon as it lets them network and find fundings for projects.

I started coming regularly from 2016. We at WCT do fund a lot of projects, but we also look for philanthropists who could support us. The fest is a good place to find both, said Andheria, adding that Bengaluru is a perfect venue as several institutes and conservation organisations have a presence in the city.

Andheria will also be holding a joint session on how important funding is for conservation on July 30.

Varma said although the festival started as a platform for the nature and wildlife community, it also expanded to include the key stakeholder when it comes to nature  common man. This time for instance, we have curated a session on how one can have a sustainable lifestyle. We are not advocating drastic changes, but small things that could make a huge difference in our surroundings, added Varma. |

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
The demand for luxury housing in India rose in the April to June period, according to a report. CBRE, a real estate consultancy firm, released an analysis of the luxury property market across seven major cities, including Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Delhi-NCR, Pune, Chennai, Kolkata and Mumbai. 3,100 luxury housing units - priced at  4 crore and above - were sold in the quarter, compared to 1,400 in the year-ago period.(Mahindra Lifespace)

3,100 luxury housing units - priced at 4 crore and above - were sold in the quarter, compared to 1,400 in the year-ago period. Hyderabad saw a 20-fold rise in sales, selling 1,000 units in the quarter, against the 50 units sold in the corresponding period last year. Delhi-NCR also performed well, selling 1,050 units versus the 350 units sold year-over-year (y-o-y).

Pune's luxury home sales inched up from nil last year to 150 units this year in April to June, whereas, Chennai and Kolkata each sold 50 units, same as last year.

READ | Bengaluru no. 1 city across APAC in flexible office space stock; Delhi-NCR 3rd: CBRE

Contrastingly, Mumbai and Bengaluru painted a different picture, with luxury home sales falling. Mumbai's luxury home sales fell from 800 units last year to 750 units in the quarter. Meanwhile, the Karnataka capital's sales plummeted by half as 50 units were sold against the 100 sold last year.

"We are witnessing an impressive growth and resilience of the luxury housing segment. This surge signifies the strong demand and positive momentum in the luxury housing market. Looking ahead, we anticipate a stronger second half of 2023 in the residential market, supported by factors such as a healthy supply pipeline, the approaching festive season, and stabilising mortgage rates," the Chairman and CEO of India, South-East Asia, Middle East & Africa of CBRE, said.

READ | Bengaluru sees highest appreciation in average housing prices for Jul - Sept

"Among other Indian cities that have recorded a rise in demand for luxury properties, NCR stands out observing not just an increase in sale, but even rising rentals for luxury homes. Within NCR, Gurugram particularly has emerged as a preferred choice for luxury homebuyers, with large presence of HNIs (High Networth Individuals)and UHNIs (Ultra High Networth Individuals) base and a significant rise in the number of affluent millennials in the region," DLF Group Executive Director & Chief Business Officer Aakash Ohri said.
Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Thursday said that "we want to help farmers," after the Karnataka government announced a hike in the price of the state's milk brand, Nandini, by three rupees. Karnataka Congress president and DCM DK Shivakumar.

ALSO READ | Nandini milk price likely to go up by 3 starting from August 1

We have to give money to the farmers. Throughout the country, the price of milk is 50-56, and in our state, the price is very less. So, we want to help the farmers by increasing 3, he said.

The Karnataka government has announced a hike in the price of Nandini's milk by 3.

ALSO READ | Siddaramaiah plans monthly meets over concerns of MLAs

Notably, ahead of the state assembly elections, Karnataka was in the throes of an Amul vs Nandini row, with the Opposition -- Congress and pro-Kannada groups lashing out at the BJP government for allowing Amul to sell fresh milk and curd in Bengaluru, alleging that it would hurt the business of the local brand Nandini.

'Nandini' is owned by Karnataka Milk Federation.
Chief minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday handed regularisation letters to 12,710 contractual teachers. CM Bhagwant Mann handing over regularisation letter to a teacher in Chandigarh on Friday. (HT Photo)

In a function held at the local Tagore theatre, the CM called it a historic day and said that after assuming charge of the office he had laid thrust on regularising the services of these teachers by overcoming all the legal and administrative hiccups.

Striking an emotional chord with other employees, Mann said the problem of every employee will be solved for which the state government is already making all-out efforts.

According to an official statement, the 12,710 teachers, including BA pass education providers (associate teachers), who were getting 9,500 per month will now get 20,500 per month as an emolument whereas such teachers with elementary teacher training and nursery teacher training qualification will get 22,000 as against 10,250 per month earlier. Similarly, teachers with BA/MA BEd degrees who are getting 11,000 at present will now get a salary of 23,500 per month.

Mann said every year a 5% increment will be given to the teachers along with other benefits.

Asserting that he is there to resolve all the issues faced by the teaching fraternity, Mann said being a son of a teacher he knew the problems of teachers very well, adding that he is duty-bound to resolve all of them.

He said that the state exchequer belongs to the people and every single penny will be judiciously utilised for the well-being of every strata of society.

Mann said in another initiative, the state government has decided that the teachers will only render service related to teaching work and no other non-teaching duty will be assigned to them.

The chief minister said that the Union government had demanded 66,000 teachers for conducting the census in the state but he has refused and asked the central government to rather enrol unemployed youth for this purpose.

BOX/ EMBED: Bus service for govt school students soon

The chief minister further said that the state government will soon launch a bus service for the girl students studying in government schools adding that the pilot project will be launched for 20,000 students, including 12,000 girls and 8,000 boys. He said that a budget of 21 crore has been already passed for this scheme, the aim of which is to facilitate the girl students for completing their studies in the government schools.

Mann said that these buses will be enabled with GPS so that the parents of girls can keep a check on the movement of the bus, adding that this is a step forward towards ensuring that the safety and security of girls studying in these schools is ensured.

Earlier addressing the gathering, education minister Harjot Bains lauded the chief minister for ushering in a new era of revolution in the department.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
For blackening the face of a Dalit man who had eloped with an upper caste girl of his village 11 years ago, a special court in Hisar convicted a former sarpanch of Samain Puthi village and the girls father, on Friday. The incident had taken place in Samain Puthi village of Hisar on Friday. (Shutterstock)

The court convicted the then sarpanch Raju and girls father under various Sections of SC/ST Act. Their sentence will be pronounced on July 31.

Thirteen others were acquitted due to lack of evidence.

The victims lawyer Rajat Kalsan said the Dalit man had befriended a girl of the same village in Hisar.

After coming to know of their relationship, a panchayat was called on June 1, 2012, at Samain Puthi village. The panchayat members imposed a fine of 11,000 on the Dalit man for eloping with the girl and told the man to leave the village for 11 years. They also blackened his face and paraded him around the village, said Kalsan.

He further said the Dalit man had approached the Narnaund police following which 15 persons were booked.

When the police had gone to arrest the accused, the villagers had pelted them with stones. Police have submitted the challans before the court, Kalsan added.
: The district health department launched a comprehensive anti-dengue awareness campaign Runder the slogan Har shukarwaar dengue te war on Friday to combat the issue of rising cases in the district. Ludhiana health department launches Har shukarwaar dengue te war. (HT FILE)

Officials from various departments of the district, including, municipal corporation, police commissioner, district education officer (primary and secondary), district development and panchayat department, water supply department, irrigation department, general manager of punjab roadways, and PRTC department, were present at the meeting to strategise and coordinate efforts in preventing dengue.

Emphasising the importance of collective action, additional deputy commissioner urged all departments to extend their full support in the fight against dengue. MC officials were specifically tasked with intensifying fogging operations in various areas of the district and conduct extensive awareness programmes on dengue prevention.

Preventive measures were stressed, and households were reminded not to let water accumulate in coolers, containers, trays, or any other potential breeding grounds for dengue mosquitoes. The education department was urged to sensitise school children during morning prayers, creating awareness and fostering a sense of responsibility among young minds.

Highlighting the significance of public participation, civil surgeon, Dr Hitinder Kaur, underscored that dengue control relies heavily on the active involvement of citizens. District epidemiologist Dr Ramesh Kumar, Dr Sheetal, and assistant malaria officer Dalbir Singh also participated in the meeting.
A New York state trooper, who is a Sikh, was barred by his supervisors from growing facial hair for his wedding, despite a 2019 state law requiring employers to let most workers follow attire or grooming obligations for their religion. New York state assemblyman David Weprin, bottom centre, joined by members of the Sikh community, speaking during a news conference addressing dress codes within the state police, in New York. (AP)

State trooper Charanjot Tiwana, based in Jamestown, New York, requested permission to grow his beard to the length of one-half inch (1.27 centimeters) in March 2022 for his wedding.

Unshorn hair and beards are a sign of religious commitment for practicing Sikh men, a custom that clashes with the state police grooming rules, which require troopers to shave and cut their hair short.

Tiwanas request was denied on the basis that it posed a safety issue regarding the use of a gas mask, according to his union, the New York State Troopers Police Benevolent Association.

No one should be compromising their religion to serve their country, said Gurvinder Singh, a New York police department sergeant and president of the Sikh Officers Association at a related news conference recently. Hopefully one day you will see whole turban and bearded Sikhs as New York state troopers.

Wearing a turban is also customary for Sikh men, but Tiwana has not formally asked for permission to don one on duty, in part because his requests to grow a beard were rejected, said the unions president, Charlie Murphy.

All New Yorkers, including law enforcement officers, must be free from employer oppression when practicing their religion, Murphy said.

While the New York state police did confirm that Tiwana put in a religious accommodation request, a spokesperson for the agency declined to comment on its outcome, including when or why it was declined.

We value diversity, equity and inclusion among our ranks. As with every request for a religious or medical accommodation for any NYSP employee, we engage in the reasonable accommodation process, said department spokesperson Deanna Cohen.

Tiwana, who has been a state trooper for six years, declined an interview request made through the union, which said it was speaking on his behalf. He didnt return phone messages.

Many US law enforcement agencies implemented rules in the early 20th Century banning facial hair, in part because of a desire to enforce a military-style look among officers. For almost as long, there has been debate over whether those rules are arbitrary, and have the effect of excluding certain religious and ethnic groups.

In recent years, many police departments have eased various rules or encountered court actions that forced them to make changes.

The New York State Police are currently working on a policy regarding turbans, according to Cohen.

A state law passed in 2019 requiring all New York employers  including state agencies  to accommodate workers with religious requirements for attire or facial hair, as long as those requirements didnt interfere with crucial job duties. When passed, the law pushed employers to review and update their policies for grooming and dress code.
National Investigation Agency (NIA) court on Friday issued proclamation orders against two active militants in south Kashmirs Kulgam district on the instructions of state investigative Unit (SIU). HT Image

The proclamation orders have been issued against the involved terrorists namely Yawar Bashir Dar of Redwani Balla and Irfan Yaqoob Lone of Hawoora, the J&K Police said in a statement on Friday.

The statement said before issuing the proclamation orders, the court had issued open ended non-bailable warrants (NBW) against these terrorists.

The police said before initiating further proceedings, the court has given them a chance to surrender by or before September 15.
Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring on Friday wrote to governor Banwarilal Purohit, urging him to revoke the Chandigarh municipal corporations decision to levy double parking fee for vehicles from outside the tricity. In his letter, Warring, while expressing deep anguish over the parking fee hike, said the Chandigarh MCs unilateral decision was prima facie discriminatory and the new rates were absolutely inequitable. (HT Photo)

During the House meeting on Tuesday, the Chandigarh MC had imposed a marginal fee hike for tricity cars, but decided to double the fee for cars registered outside the tricity. The new rates will be implemented following the UT administrations approval.

MC had also decided to waive parking fee for all two-wheelers and electric four-wheelers (up to March 31, 2027).

Currently, the civic body charges 7 for two-wheelers and 14 for four-wheelers, irrespective of the vehicles registration number.

In his letter, Warring, while expressing deep anguish over the parking fee hike, said the Chandigarh MCs unilateral decision was prima facie discriminatory and the new rates were absolutely inequitable.

Lambasting the MC for the dictatorial move, Warring said it should have first discussed the proposal with the governor, who is also the UT administrator and the custodian of Chandigarh, before presenting it in MC House. Since the move will adversely effect those commuting on a daily basis to Chandigarh to make a living, study, get medical treatment or for other chores, it is sad to see that the governor maintained studied silence on the issue of grave concern, he rued.

The Congress leader accused the BJP of its wilful attempts to undermine Punjabs claim over Chandigarh. He said Chandigarh was the capital of Punjab and it was absolutely unjust that the people of the state were being asked to shell out double parking fee.

Mohali deputy mayor Kuljit Singh Bedi also condemned the fee hike and sought intervention of Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Singh Mann in the matter.

Bedi said Chandigarh was established on land carved out from villages of Punjab, adding that it was a matter of great misfortune that today the Chandigarh administration was betraying the people of Punjab. He said the BJP government at the centre talked big for the people of Punjab, but it was in fact conspiring against Punjab.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal on Friday announced a state-wide protest on Monday against the Punjab governments alleged interference in Sikh matters. Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh said the Khalsa Panth will give a befitting reply to CM Bhagwant Manns brazen attempts to usurp control over sacred Sikh institutions (HT File Photo)

Sukhbir said the Khalsa Panth will give a befitting reply to CM Bhagwant Manns brazen attempts to usurp control over sacred Sikh institutions. Sukhbir was referring to Sikh Gurdwaras (Amendment) Act 2023 passed in the state legislative assembly for a free telecast of Gurbani from the Golden Temple and legitimising the SGPC employees union.

Badal also announced that a delegation of the party will call on the Punjab governor on Saturday to take up the issue.

Having failed to browbeat the Sikhs on the issue of telecast of Gurbani, Mann is now resorting to disrupt the smooth seva being performed by the SGPC and its employees, Sukhbir said in a statement. SAD chief alleged that by doing this he (CM) has lowered the dignity of his office by allegedly inciting employees and registering their union.

This is just a continuation of the old policies of divide and rule against the Sikhs, the SAD president said.

The Punjab government, according to Badal, has no locus standi in recommending amendments to the Anand Marriage Act. These amendments can be made only on the recommendations of the elected religious representatives, Sukhbir added.
The World Bank has offered to provide full support to Himachal Pradesh, including a comprehensive assessment of the damages that the state suffered due to the recent flood. HT Image

The bank has offered to conduct assessment in collaboration with the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) to quantify losses suffered in various sectors, such as roads, power, water supply, housing, public buildings, irrigation, agriculture, horticulture, livestock and ecological services etc. The proposed assessment is intended to play a pivotal role in aiding the recovery process and facilitating the reconstruction efforts. Furthermore, the World Bank will offer technical assistance for recovery and reconstruction, disaster risk management, infrastructure design, ecosystem services and livelihood resilience.

The World Bank also lauded the efforts of chief minister (CM) Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu in managing the recent calamitous events caused by landslides and flash floods triggered by incessant rains in Himachal Pradesh.

Auguste Tano Kouame, the country director for India, conveyed the banks appreciation in a letter, lauding the CMs leadership abilities to deal with the natural calamity competently.

The letter acknowledged the timely and responsive measures taken by Sukhu, including personal monitoring and ensuring the safe return of tourists stranded in different parts of the state, demonstrating leadership abilities.

Expressing gratitude, the CM said Himachal underwent significant hardships due to the devastation. It would take at least one year to cover up the damages and restoration works caused by the tragedy. He said that so far, a loss of more than 8000 crore has been estimated and the permanent restoration of lifelines such as roads, bridges, power, and water supply was the priority of the state government.

Shimla The World Bank has lauded the efforts of chief minister (CM) Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu in managing the recent calamitous events caused by landslides and flash floods triggered by incessant rains in Himachal Pradesh.

Auguste Tano Kouame, the country director for India, conveyed the banks appreciation in a letter, lauding the CMs extraordinary leadership abilities to deal with the natural calamity competently.

The letter acknowledged the timely and responsive measures taken by Sukhu, including personal monitoring and ensuring the safe return of tourists stranded in different parts of the state, demonstrating leadership abilities.

Expressing gratitude, CM said Himachal Pradesh underwent significant hardships due to the recent devastation and added that it would take at least one year to cover up the damages and restoration works caused by the tragedy. He said that so far, a loss of more than 8000 crore has been estimated and the permanent restoration of lifelines such as roads, bridges, power, and water supply was the priority of the state government.

The World Bank has further offered to provide full support to Himachal, including a comprehensive assessment of the damages. The bank has offered to conduct assessment in collaboration with the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) to quantify losses suffered in various sectors such as roads, power, water supply, housing, public buildings, irrigation, agriculture, horticulture, livestock and ecological services etc. The proposed assessment is intended to play a pivotal role in aiding the recovery process and facilitating the reconstruction efforts. Furthermore, the World Bank will offer technical assistance for recovery and reconstruction, disaster risk management, infrastructure design, ecosystem services and livelihood resilience.

Sukhu expressed his gratitude to the World Bank for its support to the people of Himachal during testing times. With the aid of the World Banks assistance, the state can embark on a path of recovery and reconstruction, working towards restoring normalcy, he said.
DEHRADUN: A top auditor of the Uttarakhand government has found multiple financial and administrative irregularities in the execution of forest projects including in the states two tiger reserves. The state government ordered the audit after a National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) panel confirmed glaring violation of rules to fell trees and allow construction in the Corbett Tiger Reserve in its October 2022 report to the high court. The 30-page audit report, submitted to the Uttarakhand government earlier this month, mostly focussed on the proposed tiger safari in Pakhro block (File Photo)

The 30-page audit report, submitted to the Uttarakhand government earlier this month, mostly focussed on the proposed tiger safari in Pakhro block , which is part of the Buffer Zone of Corbett Tiger Reserve (CTR), and is CTR directors administrative control.

The audit said officials started construction work and procurement in connection with the safari in CTR and Lansdowne Forest Divisions without getting statutory approvals and the necessary administrative and financial sanctions.

Also, it said the government hadnt received the final approval of the Central Zoo Authority under the Wildlife Protection Act/Recognition of Zoo Rules by March 2021 for the construction of the Pakhro Tiger Safari. Notwithstanding above, the government sanctioned a part of the project (Tiger Bada No 1) in March 2021 but the Field Officers [DFO KTR (divisional forest officer Kalagarh Tiger Reserve) and Director CTR] executed various components of the Tiger Safari project in full or part.

Similarly, the construction of the safari required approval of the competent authority under Forest Conservation Act, 1980. The final, or stage II approval was received on September 10, 2021. But the officials had started work nine months earlier. However, actual execution started much earlier in December 2020 and trees in excess of approval /permission by competent authority under FC Act were cut.

Lawyer and wildlife activist Gaurav Bansal, who approached the Delhi high court against illegal constructions, felling of trees and constructions of approach roads in CTR, said the audit report clearly shows that in the name of tiger conservation and tiger safari within CTR, the then minister and senior officers in a planned manner looted public money.

Sad part is that despite vigilance inquiry, several top-level officers are roaming free, hence there is a need of investigation by an independent agency like CBI. I request the CM Uttarakhand Pushkar Singh Dhami to transfer the case to CBI for the sake of impartiality and fairness in the investigation, he said.

The report pointed out that under Uttarakhand Procurement Rules 2017 all original and repair works estimated to cost above 10 lakh should be executed by the Public Works Organization.  Since Pakhro Tiger safari project as a whole and many of its components exceeded 10 lakh the project and its various components should have been entrusted to a designated Public Works Organization/State PWD. However, this was not done, and instead departmental authorities (KTR Division) executed it without technical competence. Further, the departmental authorities hired an architect on informal /private basis to prepare preliminary detailed project report (DPR).

The report states that CTR director approved a tender costing 253.42 lakh for execution of Tiger Bada number-1 beyond his delegated financial power. Besides, no agreement was made with the contractor and work order was issued without obtaining security deposit from the contractor.

Pointing out that the head of department is competent to accept tender for civil works up to 60 lakh and the Conservator of Forest up to 20 lakh, the report said, Notwithstanding CTR director accepted multiple tenders more than his delegated financial powersThe total cost of construction of Tiger Bada No 1 was 253.42 lakh. Accordingly, the contractor should have been paid not more than the agreed lump sum cost of 253.42 lakh. However, the contractor has been actually paid 333.31 lakh i.e an undue benefit of 79.89 lakh

On review of timelines, we found that planning (administrative, financial, and statutory approvals), execution (tendering and construction of Tiger Safari components), site visits by senior functionaries and briefing to senior functionaries in forest headquarters and secretariat was going on parallelly whereas these processes should occur in a sequence (administrative, financial and statutory approvals, technical sanction, tendering and award of work, site clearance, construction and concurrent monitoring and quality control). This is indicative of collusion amongst functionaries at all levels in complete disregard of financial rules and statutory regime, the report added

The report pointed out that no administrative, financial, technical, and statutory approvals were obtained by the division/department before the commencement of Tiger Safari work and other works in the vicinity of Tiger Safari. On two generators procured by KTR DFO, the report states, One generator was installed at Doon Institute of Medical Science, Dehradun (a private institute run by son of the then forest minister) and at Meerawati Filling Station, village Nepali Farm, Hindrawala, Rishikesh. The division had paid 15.40 lakh for procurement of the above generators

On the nexus between departmental officers and the contractors, the report pointed out that forest divisions were using same set of contractors over a period for different types of activities (civil work, supply of goods, removal of lantana) and without open/competitive bidding. This is an indicator of collusion amongst divisional officers and the contractors.

In KTR, the report states, instances show that the division was involved in creating records fraudulently and manipulating tendering process in collusion with contractors. In other words, financial indiscipline was rampant without any fear of superiors, oversight, and public scrutiny through Right to Information, it added.

On abuse of Corbett Tiger Reserve Foundation by the then forest minister, who is its ex officio chairman, the report said, Forest minister is provided vehicle from estate department of the state. Still a rented vehicle for the Chairman, Tiger Conservation Foundation was hired and incurred expenditure of 14.96 lakh. Forest minister appointed Rakesh Kandah / Shri Pawan Bhatt as his representative granting him  0.50 lakh per month as honorarium without any provision in guidelines/rules and no evidence of any role played by them was provided by the division. This resulted in irregular payment of  16.50 lakh to the two individuals. Chairman Tiger Conservation Foundation directed CTR director to pay 10 lakh to an NGO.

When contacted, former forest minister Harak Singh Rawat said he had no knowledge of the audit report. I can comment only after I see the report

When contacted, Rahul (who goes by his first name), former CTR Corbett director, said, As the matter is sub-judice in various courts, so am not in a position to comment on this report right now.

The report pointed out that under Uttarakhand Procurement Rules 2017 all original and repair works estimated to cost above rupees ten lakh should be executed by the Public Works Organization.  Since Pakhro Tiger safari project as a whole and many of its components exceeded rupees ten lakh the project and its various components, should have been entrusted to a designated Public Works Organization/State PWD. However, this was not done, and instead departmental authorities (KTR Division) executed it without technical competence. Further, the departmental authorities hired an Architect on informal /private basis to prepare Preliminary Detailed Project Report.

The report states that Director C I R approved the lump sum tender costing  253.42 lakh1 for execution of Tiger Bada number-1 beyond his delegated financial power. Besides, no agreement was made with the contractor and work order was issued without obtaining security deposit from the contractor

Pointing out that the Head of Department is competent to accept tender for civil works upto 60.00 lakh and the Conservator of Forest upto 20.00 lakh, the report said, Notwithstanding Director CTR accepted multiple tenders more than his delegated financial powersThe total cost of construction of Tiger Bada No 1 was Rs. 253.42 lakh. Accordingly, the contractor should have been paid not more than the agreed lump sum cost of 253.42 lakh. However, the contractor has been actually paid Rs. 333.31 lakh i.e an undue benefit of 79.89 lakh

On review of timelines, we found that planning (administrative, financial, and statutory approvals), execution (tendering and construction of Tiger Safari components), site visits by senior functionaries and briefing to senior functionaries in Forest headquarters and Secretariat was going on parallelly whereas these processes should occur in a sequence (administrative, financial and statutory approvals, technical sanction, tendering and award of work, site clearance, construction and concurrent monitoring and quality control). This is indicative of collusion amongst functionaries at all levels in complete disregard of financial rules and statutory regime, the report added

The report pointed out that no administrative, financial, technical, and statutory approvals were obtained by the division/department before the commencement of Tiger Safari work and other works in the vicinity of Tiger Safari. On two generators procured by DFO KTR, the report states that one generator was installed at Doon Institute of Medical Science, Dehradun (a private institute run by son of the then Forest Minister) and at Meerawati Filling Station, village Nepali Farm, Hindrawala, Rishikesh. The division had paid  15.40 lakh for procurement of the above generators

On the nexus between Departmental Officers and the contractors, the report pointed out that Forest divisions were using same set of contractors over a period of time for different types of activities (civil work, supply of goods, removal of lantana) and without open/competitive bidding. This is an indicator of collusion amongst divisional officers and the contractors.

In KTR, the report states, instances show that the division was involved in creating records fraudulently and manipulating tendering process in collusion with contractors. In other words, there financial indiscipline was rampant without any fear of superiors, oversight, and public scrutiny through Right to Information, it added.

In the case of Lansdowne Forest Division, located between the Corbett Tiger Reserve and the Rajaji Tiger Reserve, 29 works related to flood protection, elephant protection walls, and soil conservation were executed in three ranges of the division without obtaining administrative, financial or technical approvals

On abuse of Corbett Tiger Reserve Foundation by the then Forest Minister, who is its ex officio chairman, the report said, Forest Minister of the state is provided vehicle from Estate Department of the state. Still a rented vehicle for the Chairman Tiger Conservation Foundation was hired and incurred expenditure of  14.96 lakh. Forest Minister appointed Shri Rakesh Kandah / Shri Pawan Bhatt as his representative granting him  0.50 lakh per month as honorarium without any provision in the guidelines/rules and no evidence of any role played by them was provided by the division. This resulted in irregular payment of  16.50 lakh to the said two individuals. Chairman Tiger Conservation Foundation directed Director CTR to pay  10.00 lakh to an NGO

When contacted, former forest minister Harak Singh Rawat said he had no knowledge of the audit report. I can comment only after I see the report

When contacted, Rahul (who goes by his first name), former CTR Corbett director said as the matter is under sub-judice in various courts, So am not in a position to comment on this report right now

Corbett Tiger Reserve (CTR), Kalagarh Tiger Reserve (KTR) and Lansdowne Forest Divisions.

A report of the Principal Accountant General (Audit) Uttarakhand has found gross financial irregularities in various projects worth over  78 crores in which payment of over 17 crores was made in Corbett Tiger Reserve (CTR), Kalagarh Tiger Reserve (KTR) and Lansdowne Forest Divisions. The audit report has been submitted to the state government earlier this month.

Earlier a committee of National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) had found glaring felling of trees, making of roads and raising of constructions in Corbett Tiger Reserve, following which the state government last year requested Principal Accountant General (Audit) Uttarakhand for audit.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Neeraj Santoshi He is principal correspondent based at Bhopal. He covers environment and wildlife, state administration, BJP and other saffron organisations. He has special interest in social issues based stories. ...view detail
A 42-year-old woman was shot dead near her house in southwest Delhi's Dabri area on Thursday evening, police said. Representational Image

The victim was identified as Renu.

"Around 8:45 pm on Wednesday, under the Dabri police station, we got information that a 42-year-old woman was shot dead near her house. The woman was identified as Renu. She was a housewife living with her family in the Vaishali colony area under Dabri Police Station," said Deputy Commissioner of Police (Dwarka) M Harshvardhan.

Several police teams were formed to nab the accused, however, the assailant shot himself dead when the police reached his house to arrest him, the DCP said.

"We formed several teams to nab the accused. We identified him and when we reached his house, he shot himself dead on the roof of his house. We found the weapon with which he had killed himself," DCP Harshvardhan said.

The accused was identified as Ashish (25).

"We found that Renu and Ashish met in a gym nearly 2-3 years back. Further investigation is on", the DCP added.

More details are awaited.
Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) chief Swati Maliwal  speaking on the two incidents that have come to light in Delhi today, one where a man allegedly shot dead a woman outside her house in Vaishali in Dabri Extension and another where a student of Shri Aurobindo College in Malviya Nagar was hit by an iron rod  on Friday said that the national capital had become extremely unsafe. Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) chairperson Swati Maliwal. (File)

She added, The law and order situation in Delhi is in turmoil.

Taking cognizance of the issues, she said that notices for the same have been issued to the Delhi Police.

Maliwal said, speaking to news agency ANI said, The situation in the country is such that names of women change in newspapers but the crime against them doesn't stop. Until when will this go on? People are not scared anymore of the law and order.

A 23-year-old man allegedly shot dead a 42-year-old woman in Dabri Extension of southwest Delhi on Thursday night and later killed himself minutes later using the same country-made pistol on the terrace of a three-storeyed building in the same neighbourhood where he lived with his family in a rented flat, the police said on Friday.

In another incident, a 25-year-old woman, a student of Shri Aurobindo College in Malviya Nagar, died on the spot after being hit by an iron rod on the head in broad daylight by an attacker who, it is believed, accompanied the woman to the park. The incident took place before 12 noon on Friday as the police received the information at around 12.08pm. The woman was found lying in a pool of blood beneath a bench, dead. The iron rod was found near the body.

She further questioned the Central government saying after how many more deaths will the government hold the Delhi Police answerable.

Maliwal said, Whenever a case happens, the Delhi Commission for Women issues a notice. We ensure that arrests are made, families of the victims are helped, legal aid, compensation  all of this happens but I want to know why are crimes taking place.

Adding that the Central government has not held any meetings to hold people answerable for the criminal activities, Maliwal said, I appeal to the Central government to call a meeting immediately with Delhi government and Delhi police regarding the safety of women in the national capital.

AAP leader Somnath Bharti on the Iron rod incident

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Somnath Bharti, speaking upon the incident said, The morale of criminals has risen to a point that such an incident took place in Vijay Mandal park, where there are 50-60 people in the morning always and there are guards too here. The girl was killed using an iron rod, I just visited the spot. I feel really shameful in saying that women and girls are not safe in Delhi. 

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
While Delhi received light to moderate rainfall on Friday morning, the Yamuna river water level here continues to flow over the danger mark of 205.33 metres, with the peak level at 205.59 metres at 10am at the Delhi Railway Bridge, according to the Central Water Commission. The IMD has forecast that the parts of the national capital. (HT Photo/ Vipin Kumar)

Civil Lines, Laxmi Nagar and Lajpat Nagar received rainfall and parts of the national capital, including Jasola and Okhla, witnessed overcast skies.

The river breached the danger mark again on Wednesday following heavy rain in parts of the national capital and upper catchment areas.

Meanwhile, the Hindon river in Uttar Pradesh's Noida, a tributary of Yamuna, recorded water level at 196.55 metres at 9am on Friday after recording the Highest Flood Level (HFL) at 197.28 metres on Wednesday following the incessant rains in the parts of Delhi-NCR.

The IMD has forecast that the parts of the national capital are likely to receive moderate rainfall during the day. It has also forecast isolated heavy to very heavy rain in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana and Delhi till July 29.

The city recorded a minimum temperature of 26.6 degree Celsius, a notch above normal, while registered 85% of relative humidity at around 8:30 am.

The national capital is likely to witness generally cloudy skies during the day and moderate rain is likely in parts of the city. The maximum temperature in the national capital is expected to settle at 35 degrees Celsius, the IMD said.

Meanwhile, the flow rate at Haryana's Hathnikund barrage oscillated between 28,000 and 41,000 cusecs on Thursday.

Meanwhile, the rise in the water level of these rivers has raised concerns about the flood-like situation in Delhi-NCR. Around 17 villages with over 3,100 people have been displaced and moved to shelter homes while nearly 1,600 hectares of land were submerged in the floodplains in Noida and Greater Noida.

On Tuesday, a huge yard filled with cars belonging to a private company got completely submerged in Hindon water in the Ecotech 3 area of Greater Noida.

The national capital received its heaviest deluge for a July day in 21 years on the 8th of the month when 126.1mm of rain was recorded between 8.30am and 5.30pm, triggering chaos on the streets.

At 208.66m on July 13, the Yamuna surpassed its previous record of 207.49m set in September 1978. It breached embankments and penetrated deeper into the city than it has in more than four decades.
With dengue spreading as flood waters recede, the Delhi government on Friday increased fines for mosquito breeding - 1000 for households and 5000 for commercial establishments, announced Health Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj. Vector-borne diseases such as Dengue, Malaria spread through mosquitos.

The decision followed after a review meeting chaired by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal with Bhardwaj, health officials and the Mayor to find ways to control the spread of dengue and other vector-borne diseases in the city.

ALSO READ: Delhi receives light rainfall, Yamuna river still above danger mark. Top Updates

The health department has been directed to reserve beds for dengue patients and ensure hospitals and clinics have enough medicine, as per the minister's instructions.

According to Saurabh Bharadwaj, the genome sequencing of 20 dengue samples revealed that 19 were of a severe strain type-2.

'Floods in Delhi may increase dengue cases'

Earlier, Mayor Shelly Oberoi warned of potential increases in dengue and malaria cases due to flooding in certain areas. She said that departments have been directed to check mosquito breeding and clear the silt and sludge left by the flood.

Dengue and malaria cases in Delhi

So far, Delhi has reported 187 dengue cases and 61 cases of malaria this year until July 22, the highest since 2018.

A total of 187 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.

In addition, 61 cases of malaria have been recorded in the same period, it said.

In 2022, Delhi reported 159 dengue cases between January 1 and July 22. During the same period in 2021, it reported 47 dengue cases.

In 2018, 2019, and 2020, the city witnessed 49, 34, and 28 cases, respectively.

What are the symptoms of Dengue?

According to World Health Organisation (WHO), dengue symptoms usually appear 4-10 days after infection and may include high fever (104F), severe headache, muscle and joint pains, vomiting, and rash.

Severe dengue symptoms may occur after the fever subsides and include abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding gums or nose, fatigue, and pale skin, as per WHO.

Precautions against dengue

To prevent dengue, it's essential to protect oneself from mosquito bites by wearing protective clothing, using mosquito nets during daytime sleep, and using mosquito repellents (containing DEET, Picaridin or IR3535), WHO says.

If infected with dengue, rest, hydration, and using acetaminophen (paracetamol) for pain relief are recommended by WHO. Avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and aspirin, the UN's top public health body adds.

Seek medical attention promptly if severe symptoms develop.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
A 23-year-old man allegedly shot dead a 42-year-old woman outside her house in Vaishali in Dabri Extension of southwest Delhi on Thursday night and later killed himself minutes later using the same country-made pistol on the terrace of a three-storeyed building in the same neighbourhood where he lived with his family in a rented flat, the police said on Friday. For representational purposes only.

Senior officers said the two had met at a local gym around two years ago, but the womans in-laws did not approve of their friendship, her husband in particular. Investigators are probing if the murder-suicide case has any connections with them being acquainted. Preliminary investigations have revealed that they were still on talking terms, the officers said.

What exactly triggered the man, identified by his first name Ashish, to kill the woman, Renu Goyal, before killing himself is a matter of probe. No suicide note was recovered on Ashish or from his house. We are speaking with members of both families, their relatives, neighbours and friends for clues that may help us the reason behind the murder and suicide, said deputy commissioner of police (Dwarka) Harsha Vardhan.

Vardhan said the Dabri police station got information about a murder case in Vaishali area at 8.45 pm on Thursday. A police team found the body of the woman who was shot from point-black range outside her house. The bullet had pierced the head from right temple. Upon inquiry, it was found that she was a housewife and is survived by her three children and husband, a property dealer.

It was not immediately clear who shot Goyal dead. The CCTV cameras were scanned. It was found that a man approached her and shot her from a close range. Thereafter, he left the area. Through the human intelligence network, we learnt about her friendship with a man (Ashish) and that issues had arisen in her family over their friendship, Vardhan said.

A police team led by an inspector went to Ashishs house, which is a five-minute walk from the murder spot, and met his family members. The family said he had left home in the evening and did not return. When the team went around looking for him, they found his body with a gunshot wound in his right temple on the terrace. A country-made pistol was found near his right hand, suggesting that he shot himself dead, the DCP said.

People living in the building told the police that they did not hear the gunshot sound, as a birthday party was going on nearby. Ashishs family is originally from Barauth in Uttar Pradesh, the police said.

Investigators are scanning the cellphones of Goyal and Ashish to see if there were any text messages that could help them ascertain if there were serious issues between them. There is a possibility that the woman was trying to withdraw herself from the friendship and Ashish did not like it. The source of the firearm is also being ascertained, said a police officer on conditions of anonymity.

A case of murder has been registered, the police added.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
A 25-year-old woman was on Friday afternoon beaten to death with an iron rod by a man inside a public park in Shivalik A-block near Sri Aurobindo College in Malviya Nagar area of south Delhi. The attacker was later apprehended. For representational purposes only. (Getty Images)

The woman suffered multiple head injuries and died on the spot, the police said. The attacker, identified as 28-year-old Irfan, is a resident of Sangam Vihar and is related to the victim, who had completed her graduation from a Delhi University college this year.

According to preliminary investigation, the victims family had turned down prospects of their wedding and Irfan was upset after the woman stopped talking to him following that. Police said the attacker had fled the crime scene leaving behind the murder weapon.

Deputy commissioner of police (south) Chandan Chowdhary said cops were informed about the incident at Vijay Mandal Park around 12.08 pm. A police team reached the spot and found the womans body under a bench.

Blood was oozing out of her head, and an iron rod was found near her body, DCP Chowdhary said.

A case of murder has been registered at the Malviya Nagar police station.

Its horrifying that a college-going student was killed in broad daylight inside a public park that often remains crowded... This is happening everywhere in Delhi. It shows that criminals have no fear of the law. Those having political control over the police, and law and order (in Delhi) should be answerable... They should be ashamed for not able to protect the life of women in the city, Malviya Nagar MLA and AAP leader Somnath Bharti told media persons.

The law-and-order situation in Delhi is in turmoil. Two incidents took place today  a woman was shot dead in Dabri, and the second incident took place near Aurobindo College where another woman was beaten to death by an iron rod. I appeal to the central government to call a meeting regarding the safety of women in Delhi. DCW is taking cognisance of these incidents and is issuing notices for the same, Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) chief Swati Maliwal said.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
A 31-year-old municipal corporation employee was arrested for allegedly raping a 21-year-old sick woman under Malharganj police station limits in Madhya Pradeshs Indore district, a police official said on Friday. The Malharganj police registered a case against the accused under Indian Penal Code (IPC) section 376 (2) (n), 450 and 506 (File)

On Thursday, the police received information that a 21-year-old woman, who was bleeding, was admitted to the hospital by her family members. After that the police reached the hospital, talked to the kin about the matter and came to know that she was raped, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Aaditya Mishra said.

The kin told the police that the accused Bhola (31) who is municipal corporation employee and married man, lives in their neighborhood, raped the victim twice in 15 days by taking advantage her illness, DCP Mishra said.

The Malharganj police registered a case against the accused under Indian Penal Code (IPC) section 376 (2) (n), 450 and 506 into the matter and arrested the accused. Further investigation in the matter is underway, the officer added.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi would sound the poll bugle of the party for the coming Assembly elections in Rajasthan from Mangarh Dham in Banswara district on August 9. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi (File Photo)

August 9 is celebrated as World Tribal Day. The tribal vote bank has become the prime focus for both Congress and the Bharatiya Janaya Party (BJP).

Rajasthan Congress chief Govind Singh Dotasara said the Congress is going to hold a meeting at Mangarh Dham on the occasion of World Tribal Day. An invitation was sent to Gandhi for the meeting, he said.

The Mangarh Dham is located at the Dungarpur-Banswara border on the confluence of three rivers Som, Mahi and Jhakad  a pilgrim for the tribals.

There was a demand for years to declare Mangarh Dham as a national monument. We would like our government to give such a gift in the presence of Rahul Gandhi so that their enthusiasm remains. We cannot declare it as a national monument, but we can make announcements in this direction by touching heights like a national monument, which will always remain a memory among the tribals, Dotasar said.

Rahul Gandhis visit is not political but a social message that we are standing with the tribal people. We will do whatever we can for the welfare and progress of the tribals, he added.

In Rajasthan, eight districts of Banswara, Dungarpur, Chittorgarh, Udaipur, Rajsamand, Sirohi, Pratapgarh and Pali fall under the scheduled area which has a total of 37 assembly constituencies.

21 of the 37 seats are held by the BJP while the Congress holds 11, independents three and the Bhartiya Tribal Party (BTP) has two seats.

BTPs influence in the tribal belt of Rajasthan is a cause of concern for both BJP and Congress and therefore, both the principal parties are trying to keep the tribal vote bank with them.

Rajasthan has a total of 200 assembly seats. The 2023 Assembly election is scheduled to be held in or before December 2023 to elect all 200 members of the states Legislative Assembly.
Visva-Bharati, West Bengals only central university, has suspended a post-graduate student for a full semester for allegedly writing three social media posts earlier this year in support of Nobel laureate Amartya Sen. Amartya Sen (File photo)

Sen has been accused by the institution of illegally occupying 13 decimals of the 1.38 acres of land his father took on lease on the campus in Birbhum district in 1943.

Somenath Sow, a student of rural management, wrote the Facebook posts on January 28, February 8 and February 9 following which a show cause notice was issued to him on February 13.

The notice accused him of attempting to denigrate, defame and derogate Visva-Bharati as an institution and also its functionaries/officials and staff.

This was the second disciplinary action against Sow. He was suspended last year for taking part in agitations against vice-chancellor Bidyut Chakrabarty. Sow then moved the Calcutta high court and got admission in the post-graduate programme after the court passed an order on September 30, 2022.

Also Read: Bengal governor appoints lawyer to represent him at Kolkatas Jadavpur University

The July 26 suspension order, a copy of which was seen by HT, addressed Sow as Dear student and said: As per the unanimous recommendation of the Standing Students Disciplinary Committee (SSDC) which was approved by the competent authority, you are hereby suspended for one semester (3rd Semester, MA In MRM) from academic activities of the Department of Lifelong Learning and Extension, Palli Samgathana Vibhaga (PSV), Visva-Bharati.

Neither the show cause letter nor the suspension order mentioned Sen.

Sow, who wrote in his posts that Visva-Bharati should produce the 1943 records to prove its right on the disputed land, claimed on Friday that the university neither gave him a copy of the charge sheet nor allowed him to explain his stand.

The suspension order was passed unilaterally. This was done on purpose to damage my career, Sow said.

The Prime Minister is the chancellor of Visva-Bharati, which was set up by Asias first Nobel Laureate, Rabindranath Tagore in 1921.

The vice-chancellor could not be contacted but Mahua Banerjee, the Visva-Bharati spokesperson, said Sow was summoned thrice by the SSDC.

The decision to suspend Somenath was taken by the SSDC, said Banerjee, refusing to comment on Sows allegation that the disciplinary action would damage his career.

Visva-Bharati has been in news since 2018 when Chakrabarty took over as vice-chancellor. The campus has witnessed a number of agitations following disciplinary action against teachers and students, most of whom moved the Calcutta high court, petitioning against those actions. Several court orders went in favour of the petitioners.

On January 17, for example, the Calcutta high court said in an order that stigmatic aspersions led to the summary termination of service of Sudipta Bhattacharya, an economics professor in December last year. He is also the president of the teachers association.

On April 3, a high court division bench upheld a December 2022 order of a single bench that imposed a fine of 1 lakh on Visva-Bharati for initiating disciplinary action against another professor, Debotosh Sinha, who recommended child care leave for a teacher in 2021.

HT has seen copies of both court orders.

Also Read: SC refuses urgent hearing to Suvendu Adhikari against Calcutta HC order

In 2022, vice-chancellor Chakrabarty claimed that Sens father, Ashutosh Sen, who was a development commissioner in Delhi and also served as chairman of the West Bengal Public Service Commission, rented 1.25 acres on a 99-year lease in 1943.

The 99-year-old lease at the centre of the controversy was executed in 1943. The university passed an eviction order against the 89-year-old economist on April 19, stating that it would take possession of the 13 decimals, or 5550 sq. feet, unless Sen vacated it voluntarily. The dispute is being heard by the Birbhum district court following orders by the Calcutta high court passed on May 4 after Sens lawyers challenged the eviction order.

A few hundred scholars from India and abroad, including linguist Noam Chomsky, economist Joseph Stiglitz and former economic advisor to the Indian government Kaushik Basu have spoken out in Sens support and written to President Droupadi Murmu.

The states ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) has alleged that its prime adversary, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), is trying to teach Sen a lesson for criticising certain actions of the Centre.

Sen, too, has shared this view on the controversy. There is politics behind this (the land dispute). I am a target because I voice my views on a secular India where Hindus and Muslims should live in peace. Gandhi and Nehru wanted that, Sen said in Bolpur in February before returning to the USA where he spends most of his time.

The students suspension has triggered a fresh political slugfest.

TMC state vice-president Jay Prakash Majumdar said: We condemn the vindictive action the vice-chancellor has taken against the student. Tagore believed in education for all. The current regime at Visva-Bharati, led by the vice-chancellor and the chancellor, who is also our Prime Minister, is obliterating Tagores legacy. India has lost her face before the world because of the land dispute Sen has been dragged into.

Bengal BJPs chief spokesperson Samik Bhattacharya described the students suspension as an internal matter of Visva-Bharati.

How discipline should be maintained on the campus is Visva-Bharatis prerogative. It is their internal matter. As far as Bengal is concerned, the education system has collapsed during the TMC regime, said Bhattacharya.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Tanmay Chatterjee Tanmay Chatterjee has spent more than three decades covering regional and national politics, internal security, intelligence, defence and corruption. He also plans and edits special features on subjects ranging from elections to festivals. ...view detail
The West Bengal government has ramped up efforts to tackle the dengue menace as cases are rising rapidly in several districts, especially after the onset of monsoon. Representational image. (Shutterstock Photo)

While the state government has not shared any data, health department officials put the number of dengue cases reported since January this year at over 3,000. At least five people have died in Kolkata hospitals in the last one week due to the disease.

This is, however, less compared to last year. Some pockets in Nadia, North 24 Parganas and Hooghly have seen a sudden rise in cases. Data available with the National Centre for Vector Bourne Diseases Control shows that in 2022, West Bengal registered 67,271 cases and 30 deaths, the highest in the country, followed by Bihar (13,972).

The chief secretary held a meeting with various departments and district administrations on Thursday to take stock of the preparedness, said a senior official of the state health department.

Separate fever clinics are operating round the clock in various hospitals with a high caseload. Vector control activities, including house to house survey and drone surveillance, have started in all 129 civic bodies and 1.32 lakh workers have been deployed across the state for vector control activities.

Districts are being supplied with fish which feed on mosquito larvae. More than 600 rapid response teams have bene kept ready for urgent mitigation of larvae in urban areas. Efforts are being made to step up testing. Dengue testing is being done at 160 government hospitals, said a senior health official present in the meeting held on Thursday.

Earlier this week, Kolkata deputy mayor Atin Ghosh told media persons that the civic body will write to the state government to set up testing centres at entry points for those arriving from Bangladesh.

The neighbouring country too has witnessed a rapid surge in dengue cases this monsoon. At least 200 people have died and more than 37,000 have been infected with the virus there, media reports suggested.

Dengue observer teams will start visiting high caseload hospitals for supportive supervision. Around 9,000 doctors and para medical staff have been trained in case management of dengue patients, said the official.
The Allahabad high court has refused to quash a Rampur MP/MLA court order dated October 29, 2022 for former MP Azam Khan to give his voice sample in a 2007 hate speech case. The high court order clears the path for collection of Khans voice sample. Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan. (FILE PHOTO)

Justice Rajeev Misra, while disposing of the petition filed by Azam Khan, however, on July 25 directed that the voice sample shall be collected as per provision of Indian Evidence Act, after obtaining a certificate under Section 65B of Indian Evidence Act from Sanjay (proprietor of Pooja Cassette Centre), who had recorded the entire event which occurred on August 7, 2007.

The essence of the allegations made in the FIR is to that on August 7, 2007, the accused-applicant, who was a Member of Legislative Assembly and a leader of the Samajwadi Party, made a speech, which was derogatory inasmuch as the words used were offensive in nature as they caused hurt to the sentiments of a particular community, and the act violated the model code of conduct issued by the Election Commission.

Syed Imran Ibrahim, the counsel for the applicant Azam Khan, contended that it was now well settled that a video/audio cassette, which is an electronic piece of evidence, cannot be relied upon in the absence of the certificate which is mandatorily required under Section 65B of the Evidence Act.

As the disputed cassette relating to the alleged hate speech is not accompanied by the requisite certificate, therefore the same cannot be relied upon in evidence. Consequently, no directions could have been issued by court below to the applicant to give his voice sample for securing the F.S.L. report regarding the said cassette, the applicants counsel argued.

The state governments counsel opposed the petition and submitted order impugned dated 29.10.2022 is perfectly just and legal. The court below has not committed any illegality in passing the order dated 29.10.2022.

On the defect in procedure of collection of electronic evidence (cassette), the state government counsel further submitted, Procedure is an aid to justice and, therefore, the rigours of procedure cannot be construed in such a manner so as to prevent the court from discovering the truth.

When the order impugned is examined in the light of the above, it cannot be said that any prejudice has been caused to the applicant on account of the impugned order, inasmuch as nothing has been decided against the applicant, but only a direction has been issued to applicant to give his voice sample, he added

After hearing the parties concerned, the court observed, Having dealt with the submissions urged by the learned counsel for applicant and the objection raised by the learned A.G.A. and the material on record, this court does not find any good ground to set aside the orders impugned.
LUCKNOW The traffic polices crackdown on vehicles in no parking zones came as a blessing in disguise for parking lots near these zones. Operators at Jhandi Park, Hazratganj and Sarojini Naidu Park lots admitted they were getting 20-30% more vehicles in their parking lots after the strictness shown by cops. Vehicles parked in no parking zone. (File Photo)

On Friday, 43 vehicles were towed away by traffic police cranes from Hazratganj and its adjoining areas. Besides, more than 200 vehicles were challaned and a total of 47,100 was collected in fines, said police officials. The number of vehicles in the no parking zone was slightly less due to action by traffic cops.

The average daily number of around 100 vehicles in the parking lot has gone up to 130-140. Today, we had 40 more cars due to fear among people over the crackdown by police, said an employee at the Hazratganj parking lot. The increase in the number of vehicles parked at Jhandi Park and Sarojini Naidu Park was more or less the same.

We dont have the exact numbers to comment over the increased number of vehicles coming for parking. But if the number has increased, it is good for LMC, said PK Srivastava, additional municipal commissioner.

JCP (law and order) Upendra Agarwal said, Only those vehicles are towed which are not removed despite warnings. So far, no vehicle has been released without payment of fine. The video recording of all such vehicles is monitored carefully.
Four women of a family were killed when the ambulance in which they were bringing home the body of the head of the family in Unnao district from Kanpur was hit by an unidentified vehicle in the early hours of Friday, police said. The accident took place when an ambulance was hit by an unidentified vehicle early on July 28. (For Representation)

Another member of the family was seriously injured in the mishap which took place under Purva Kotwali police station area of Unnao district, they said. She was undergoing treatment at a hospital, the police added. Expressing grief over the deaths, chief minister Yogi Adityanath directed the officials concerned to ensure proper treatment of the injured woman.

The deceased were identified as Prema Devi, 70, her three daughters Manjula, 45, Anjali, 40 and Sudha, 38. Prema Devis fourth daughter Ruchi Sharma, 36, was injured.

Prema Devis husband Dhani Ram, 73, had passed away at LLR Hospital in Kanpur on Thursday night. Prema Devi and her daughters were taking his mortal remains home in Maurawan in Unnao district when the mishap occurred.

Circle officer, Purva, Deepak Singh said the impact of the hit was such that the ambulance split into two. Cutters had to be used to bring the bodies out of the ambulance that had overturned, he said. The police, said the CCTV footage was being examined to identify the vehicle that hit the ambulance.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Mumbai: Four people have died in rain-related incidents across the state in the last 24 hours, taking the total deaths to 101 since June 1. HT Image

One person was killed in Kolhapur due to a structure collapse, while another three died due to flash floods in Yavatmal, Nagpur and Sindhudurg.

A total of 872 families were shifted to safer places in seven districts of state, including 119 in Gadchiroli, 45 in Thane, 12 in Yavatmal, 16 in Mumbai Suburban, seven in Nagpur, 60 in Chandrapur 60 and 613 in Ratnagiri. In Yavatmal alone 254 houses were damaged.

In Konkan, two out of nine main rivers were flowing above alert level and others close to alert level. Kundalika river in Raigad and Jagbudi river in Ratnagiri were flowing above the alert level. Panchganga river in Kolhapur was flowing above the alert level at Rajaram Bandhara.

Heavy downpour once again led to flooding in more than a dozen localities in Chandrapur. While 24 people trapped in the flood were rescued from different flooded localities, a person was washed away with his car on the overflowing nullah at Pombhurna in the district.

The car along with its driver was washed away in Berdi nullah on Pombhurna-Aksapur road. The car was later recovered one km away downstream in the nullah, but the driver Amit Gedam, who is a supply assistant with Pombhurna tehsil office, is missing.

Rise in the water level of Wardha and Irai rivers, along with all the nullahs has blocked nearly 20 roads across the district. Three gates of the Irai dam were opened by 0.5 metre due to rise in water level in the reservoir. Flood alerts have been sounded in the areas of the city as well as villages along the riverbanks.

In Chandrapur, 312 people have taken shelter in the rescue centres of municipal corporation following flooding in the city, said Ravindra Singh Pardeshi, superintendent of police, Chandrapur.

The major roads including Hyderabad highway at Ballarpur-Rajura bridge, Gadchandur-Bhoyegaon road, Sasti-Ballarpur road, Virur Station- Lathi road along with over a dozen roads are closed due to overflowing rivers and nullahs.

As many as 950 people have been safely shifted from low-lying areas Idgah Road, Kakubai Chawl, Ambika Nagar, Ward number 3 of Bhiwandi. Civic officials said that a total of 291 families with a total of 950 members have been safely shifted from the low-lying areas to safer places.

The civic officials said many low-lying areas such as Mhada colony, Chavindra, Avliya Masjid, Kalyan Naka, Kamala Hotel, Kahdipar, Karivli, Azminagar, Teen Batti (main vegetable market), Handi Compound, Saibaba temple near bypass reported waterlogging up to five to six feet.

Milind Palsule, PRO, Bhiwandi Nizampur City Municipal Corporation said, Due to heavy rainfall, three to four feet water had entered the homes in identified low-lying areas. We have shifted many families to corporation-run schools in Bhiwandi and most of the families shifted their relatives homes.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
MUMBAI: A special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court on Friday acquitted gangster Rajendra Sadashiv Nikalje aka Chhota Rajan accused of orchestrating the high-profile murder of famous Mumbai trade union leader Dr Datta Samant who was shot dead in 1997. Mumbai-based gangster Chotta Rajan (File Photo)

Special CBI judge AM Patil acquitted Rajan of all the charges in connection with the murder for want of cogent evidence.

Dr Samant was shot dead by four persons on Padmavati Road on January 16, 1997, when he was going from Powai to Ghatkopar in his jeep. The four assailants, according to the prosecution, who came on motorcycles, intercepted Dr Samants jeep and fired at least 17 bullets at him.

Dr Samant was immediately rushed to the nearby Aniket Nursing Home, where he was declared brought dead.

Following the incident, a case was registered at the Sakinaka police station against four unknown assailants based on complaint filed Dr Samants driver Bhimrao Sonkamble, who too had sustained injuries to his face and neck in the attack.

Also read: Scindia inaugurates Udan 5.2, lauds civil aviations rapid growth

In the first set of trials, some locals were tried, and the judgment was pronounced in July 2000. In the case against Rajan, another gangster Guru Satam and Rajans trusted lieutenant Rohit Verma were shown absconding, and their trial was separated.

Rajan was arrested in October 2015 from Bali in Indonesia. Later, the CBI took over all the cases registered against him and prosecuted Rajan in Dr Samants murder case.
Mumbai: The state government has proposed revoking penal action against schools that have been deemed unauthorised by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). HT Image

The proposal also seeks to grant approvals to these schools, subject to certain terms and conditions under the Self-Financing Act.

Earlier, the BMC had declared 269 schools as unauthorised, leading the education commissioner to issue instructions for their closure by the end of April. However, member of legislative council Kapil Patil has proposed an intriguing solution, demanding official recognition for these schools.

He emphasised the need to provide buildings to educational institutions at a nominal property tax and called for various benefits for students in private aided and unaided primary schools. A recent meeting between the representation of unaided schools and school education minister Deepak Kesarkar discussed the regularisation of these schools.

Shabana Khan, a member of the School Management Federation, an umbrella organisation representing unrecognised schools, expressed her support for the governments move, stating, We are welcoming this decision and thanking all the political parties who supported us in this fight. According to the demands, schools established after 2013 will need to provide all necessary documents, while those established before 2013 will benefit under the Self-Financing Act. Khan further added, The state government also assures to provide 27 products that are given to the BMC school students and assures to give concessions in the property taxes.

On the other hand, education activist Nitin Dalavi welcomed the state governments decision but raised concerns about the potential adverse impact of shifting students from one school to another. He remarked, This is a very difficult process that may affect the education of the students. However, Dalavi also pointed out that failing to collect penalties from the schools may result in significant revenue losses for the government.

Meanwhile, Sushil Shejule, an activist and head of the Marathi school management association, expressed disapproval of the governments move, stating, This is not good for the educational environment of the state. Any organisation can start a school and then the government will regularise the school without penalising them.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Mumbai: Right-wing leader Manohar alias Sambhaji Bhides remarks against Mahatma Gandhi led to uproar in the Assembly after the Congress demanded his arrest claiming it may lead to tension in the society. Pune, India - July 7, 2018: Sambhaji Bhide was present at Shiajinagar to take blessing of Paalkhi Procession at Shivajinagar in Pune, India, on Saturday, July 7, 2018. (Photo by Sanket Wankhade/HT PHOTO)

Chief minister Eknath Shinde has assured that action would be taken in the matter.

Congress legislator and former chief minister Prithviraj Chavan raised the issue in the Assembly during zero hour on Friday and demanded Bhides arrest for the latters remarks on Gandhis parents.

A person named Sambhaji Bhide has passed very derogatory and demeaning remarks against the father of the nation. The person should be immediately arrested under section 153 of the IPC for creating hatred in the society, Chavan said.

He has not done this for the first time. He has been doing this deliberately to create communal tension and riots. How can such a person be left scot-free and who will be responsible if there was any reaction to it. I am requesting the state government to arrest him immediately, the Congress leader added.

Bhide, who leads an outfit Shiv Pratishthan Hindustan, in a public function in Amravati said, Mahatma Gandhis name is Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, but Karamchand Gandhi was not Mahatma Gandhis father. A Muslim landlord was the real father of Mahatma Gandhi. There was evidence to support the fact that Mohandas was raised and educated by Muslim parents.

Responding to the Congress demand, Speaker Rahul Narwekar directed the state government to take an appropriate note of it. It is an important issue. The state government should take note of it and act upon it appropriately, he said.

Following this, the CM said that appropriate action would be taken. We will look into it and action would be taken, he added.

Meanwhile, Congress leader Yashomati Thakur questioned why home minister Devendra Fadnavis has not acted against Bhide. The state government is silent on the entire episode. This could lead to communal tension. The government should say that these people have been given free hand to create communal tension in the state. We are not going to tolerate it in Amravati or in the state. The state government will be responsible if any untoward incident happens in the state, she said.

Congress leader Balasaheb Thorat said that it was surprising that the ruling parties have not uttered a word against Bhide. His remarks are shameful and demeaning our national hero, despite which only Congress and its alliance partners are condemning it. Why are the ruling parties not speaking on it, he asked.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Kolhapur Disaster Relief Force rescued a person stranded on a tree in the middle of the Warana River in Maharashtras Kolhapur on Friday. The timely response from the rescue team and local administration ensured the safe rescue of the stranded man in Devwadi village in Kolhapur.

Despite the challenges posed by heavy rainfall and swollen river, the timely response from the rescue team and local administration ensured the safe rescue of the stranded man in Devwadi village in Kolhapur.

Kolhapur district has been witnessing torrential rains over the past few days, due to which the level of water in several rivers, including the Warna and Panchganga, has increased.

In another case, Dindos Police and fire brigade rescued two boys who were flowing in the drain.

As per the police, Dindoshi Police received a call on mobile around 3 pm that two boys fell into a drain near Arthav Building, New MHADA Colony of Goregaon, amid heavy rains.

The flow of water in the drain was also very fast, as soon as the information was received, the Dindoshi police officers immediately reached the spot and informed the fire brigade about the incident. The fire brigade officials reached the spot and pulled out both the children safely with the help of a rope, the police official said.
A 29-year-old factory supervisor succumbed to injuries after an elevator at his workplace in Noidas Sector 63 malfunctioned and had a free fall on Thursday evening, said police. Amit Kumar Maan, station house officer of Sector 63 police station, said the incident took place around 5pm Thursday. The victim has been identified as Kamlesh, who hailed from Jaunpur and resided in Surajpur, Greater Noida. (Representative Image)

Also read: 22-year-old held for duping Greater Noida man of 1.56 crore on pretext of online trading

The victim has been identified as Kamlesh, who hailed from Jaunpur and resided in Surajpur, Greater Noida. He was taken to a nearby hospital by his colleagues where he succumbed to injuries during treatment. Police was informed about the death by the hospital following which a police team reached the hospital and carried out the necessary legal procedure, said the officer.

According to police, initial investigation revealed that the suspension wire of the lift broke, after which it fell from the second floor.

Also read: Post floods, Noida district hospital sees 200-250 conjunctivitis cases a day

The factory where the incident took place was a fabric unit. The elevator which malfunctioned is a temporary one, for moving goods to different floors. On the elevator, it is mentioned that it cannot bear a heavy load, said the officer.

Police said the body was handed over to the family after autopsy.

 We have not received any complaint from the family in this regard. Further investigation is underway, the officer said.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Mumbai: Dr Adnanali Sarkar, arrested in the ISIS module case from Pune, was produced before the special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court on Friday wherein NIA prosecutor Sandeep Sadavarte sought his custody. The NIA claimed that Sarkar was related to one Zulfikar Ali Barodawala, from Pune, whose role had surfaced during Sarkars probe. The prosecution, without divulging many details, contended that during the search at Barodawalas house many incriminating articles, such literature related to ISIS, were seized. HT Image

The plea was opposed by Sarkars lawyer Tahira Shaikh, who argued that Sarkar was arrested only because he is Barodawalas brother-in-law. The lawyer contended that Sarkar is a doctor, working with a reputed hospital and has been giving Islamic lectures for past 20 years, and also gives Arabic classes in Pune. She contended that the police already have all the material hence his custodial interrogation is not required.

During the course of Sarkars remand proceedings, NIA informed the court that Barodawala, arrested from Padgha in Thane district, and another person named Zubair Noor Mohammed Shaikh, arrested from Kondhwa in Pune, earlier this week, are connected to two persons arrested by the Pune police for their suspected terror plots in Rajasthan, recently.

Pune police had earlier this month arrested Mohammad Imran Mohammad Yunus Khan, 23, and Mohammad Yunus Mohammad Yakub Saki, 24, while on patrolling duty and found the duo involved in stealing a motorbike. After investigation, it became clear that the two are wanted accused in the case registered with a terror plot in Rajasthan, which is being investigated by the NIA and carried cash reward of 5 lakh.

On Friday, the NIA obtained custody of Barodawala and Shaikh claiming that the two had allegedly given shelter to Saki and Khan and also provided them funds. Barodawala and Shaikh were in judicial custody.

Hence NIA prosecutor Sandeep Sadavarte, sought their custodial interrogation to probe their links with the two arrested in Pune. Sadavarte argued before the court on Friday that these two persons arrested by ATS are connected with the Rajasthan case had conducted reconnaissance of six-seven places across the country. Thus, they want to know from Barodawala and Shaikh about their further plans and also wanted to confront them with latest revelations. The court granted NIA custody of Barodawala and Shaikh till Monday.
The Varanasi unit of UP Polices Anti-Terror Squad (ATS) nabbed wanted member of an inter-state gang involved in smuggling fake currency notes from Pakistan. (Pic for representation)

The accused identified as Subhash Mandal, 26, of Malda district of West Bengal, was arrested from Mohan Sarai area under Rohania police station of Varanasi on Friday.

He was carrying a cash reward of 50,000 and he has been handed over to Naini police of Prayagraj for further action.

Mandal has cases lodged against him in Prayagraj at Civil Lines, Manda and Naini police stations, stated a press communique issued by UP ATS.

ATS officials said the gang was involved in smuggling high-quality fake Indian currency notes printed in Pakistan. It was being smuggled from bordering areas of Bangladesh to different states of India.

A case against six of the gang members was registered at Naini police station of Prayagraj on August 11 last year.

Mandal also has three other cases registered against him in Prayagraj including two cases in Civil Lines police station and another one at Manda police station. A warrant was also out in his name in connection with the case registered at Civil Lines police station, ATS officials said.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
PUNE: Leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Shiv Sena and former members of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) blamed the civic body saying that while it had spent 2,100 crore on road works over the past six years, citizens still have to navigate potholes across the city. Political leaders and former corporators blame PMC that while it had spent  2,100 crore on road works over the past six years, citizens still have to navigate potholes across the city. (HT FILE)

BJP leaders Ujwal Keskar and Suhas Kulkarni, and Shiv Sena leader Prashant Badhe wrote to chief minister Eknath Shinde, and deputy chief ministers  Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, raising questions over the road works carried out in the city in the past six years.

According to Keskar and Kulkarni, As per the PMCs budget, 2,100 crore was marked for road works in the last six years. Both the citizens and us have doubts whether these works were carried out on ground or bills were issued to contractors without carrying out any work.

Badhe said, PMC and the state government should appoint a third-party consultant to check whether these works got executed on ground or remained just on paper?

Keskar said, PMC should publish works carried out on its website. It should put up details like where cement road works were completed, where tar roads were completed, on which roads money was spent as maintenance etc.

All three leaders appealed to PMC to publish the relevant information. They asked the state government to instruct civic administration to publish details for the benefit of residents.
The Congresss central leadership on Friday revoked the suspension of its three legislators who were arrested in Kolkata on July 30 last year with cash that was allegedly paid for toppling the Hemant Soren government. Jharkhand Congress president Rajesh Thakur meets CM Hemant Soren. (ANI)

Announcing the decision, Jharkhand Congress president Rajesh Thakur said the party has decided to revoke the suspension of Irfan Ansari, Naman Bixel Kongari and Rajesh Kacchap because nothing came out in police investigation and since the three legislators have accepted their mistake and tendered apology.

Our national president accepted the recommendation of the party state unit as well as the legislature party and has directed to revoke their suspension. The decision has been taken since nothing came out in police investigation and subsequent relief from court. The MLAs have accepted their mistake and extended apology, said Thakur.

The three legislators were caught while travelling in a car on the outskirts of Howrah with 49 lakh in cash in their vehicle on July 30. A day later, Congress legislator Anup Singh got an FIR registered in Ranchi, alleging that the trio were part of a conspiracy to topple the Hemant Soren government in collusion with BJP leaders and had offered him 10 crore for switching sides.

The FIR was later shifted to Bengal, where the Kolkata police booked the three arrested legislators under relevant sections based on the complaint filed by Anup Singh. The three subsequently got interim bail from the Calcutta High Court, with a condition to stay put in Kolkata for three months. After expiry of three months, they secured regular bail and returned to Jharkhand.

Based on the FIR filed and subsequent suspension, legislature party leader Alamgir Alam had moved a disqualification petition against the three legislators.

Thakur defended the partys decision then to get the FIR registered, but evaded a question as to why the three legislators had to apologize if they were not at fault.

An FIR is just a first information report. Later nothing came out in police investigation. Then we informed you that they have been suspended. Today, we are informing you that their suspension has been revoked, said Thakur.

Legislature party leader and rural development minister Alamgir Alam said he would initiate process with the Speakers tribunal to withdraw the disqualification petition as per law.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Vishal Kant Vishal Kant works as an Assistant Editor with Hindustan Times. He tracks developments in Aam Aadmi Party and Delhi government. Vishal has spent about a decade covering the city politics and governance, besides writing on Delhis civic issues, urban transport and infrastructure. ...view detail
A dreaded gangster, wanted in at least 30 criminal cases, was shot dead near a temple in Jharkhand's Dumka district in the early hours of Friday by men who were dressed as 'kanwariyas', police said. The accusedtook advantage of the ongoing 'Shravan Mela' and executed their plan by dressing up like 'kanwariyas'. (Representational Image)(ANI)

Amarnath Singh, a resident of Jamshedpur, went to Basukinath temple in Dumka along with his family to offer obeisance in the holy month of 'Shravan' when the gunmen shot him from point blank range, they said.

The incident happened near Nandi Chowk around 12.45 am, said Dumka's Superintendent of Police (SP) Amber Lakra.

Six empty cartridges were found at the spot, he said, adding that the post-mortem would reveal the exact number of bullets he received.

Also Read | Rajasthan murder accused on way to court with 6 cops shot dead by gangsters

Around 30-40 criminal cases were pending against Singh, most of which were registered in Jamshedpur, the SP said.

The gunmen are yet to be identified, he said.

They took advantage of the ongoing 'Shravan Mela' and executed their plan by dressing up like 'kanwariyas', Lakra said.

Millions of devotees, known as 'kanwariyas', undertake the 'Kanwar Yatra' every year during the month of 'Shravan' to fetch holy water from the Ganga and carry them on their shoulders for kilometres to offer it to Shiva temples. The 'kanwariyas' usually dress in saffron outfits.

Also Read | Delhi housewife shot dead, assailant kills self

"It seems the incident is an outcome of gang rivalry," the SP said, maintaining that an investigation is underway.

Almost simultaneously, six members of Singh's gang were arrested from East Singhbhum district following an encounter with police on National Highway 33 in Ghatsila police station area.

One of those arrested suffered injury in the leg, while some police personnel also sustained minor injuries in the gunfight, officials said.

East Singhbhum's SSP Prabhat Kumar said "criminals" should mend their ways or face stringent action.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
West Bengal Joint Entrance Examinations Board has released WBJEE 2023 mock seat allotment result. Candidates who have appeared for the counselling round can check the mock seat allotment result through the official site of WBJEE at wbjeeb.nic.in. WBJEE 2023 mock seat allotment result released at wbjeeb.nic.in, direct link here

Candidates can modify and lock their choices by July 28, 2023. To check the mock seat allotment, candidates can follow the steps given below.

WBJEE 2023 mock seat allotment result: How to check

Visit the official site of WBJEE at wbjeeb.nic.in.

Click on WBJEE 2023 mock seat allotment result link available on the home page.

Enter the login details and click on submit.

Your seat allotment result will be displayed on the screen.

Check the result and download the page.

Keep a hard copy of the same for further need.

The seat allotment result for Round 1 will be released on August 1, 2023. Candidates can accept the seat by making payment of the seat acceptance fees from August 1 to August 5, 2023.

A mock seat allotment is a practice round of the counselling process. It helps the candidate to get an idea of his or her tentative allotment and it allows candidates to see how their choices and ranks would affect their probable chances of getting a seat in a desired Institute. Candidates are advised to take advantage of the mock seat allocations and prioritize the Institute/ all academic programs for which they are willing to apply.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
The Association of Indian Management Schools (AIMS) released the result of the AIMS Test for Management Admissions (ATMA) July 2023 for the academic year 2023-24. Candidates who have appeared for the examination can download the admit card from the official website at atmaaims.com. ATMA result 2023 released atmaaims.com

The ATMA examination was conducted on July 23 from 2 pm to 5 pm.

Direct link to download the results

ATMA July 2023 result: Know how to check

To check the ATMA July 2023 results candidates can follow the steps given below:

Visit the ATMA website at www.atmaaims.com

On the homepage, click on the ATMA results 2023

Key in your login details and submit

Check and download the result

Take a printout for future reference

AIMS Test for Management Admissions (ATMA) is the eligibility test for MBA and MMS courses also in addition to PGDM courses in the state of Maharashtra for the academic year 2023 and 2024.
Fushiguro Toji, a man with no cursed energy, defeated the two strongest sorcerers, Gojo Satoru and Geto Suguru. In Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 Episode 4, Ghetto mentions Tojis Heavenly Restriction. But what exactly is Heavenly Restriction? Fushiguro Toji Heavenly Restriction explained(MAPPA)

Heavenly Restriction is a form of cursed restriction. These bindings are placed on the sorcerers body when they are born. It alters the individuals cursed energy in exchange for improvement or limitations on their physical abilities. A person with Heavenly Restriction may be born with low cursed energy but exceptional physical prowess. And vice versa, one may be born with exceedingly high cursed energy but with a weak body

Fushiguro Toji was born with absolutely no cursed energy. He was the only such case discovered in the world at the time. In compensation for the lack of cursed energy, Toji possessed even more extraordinary physical abilities. Toji's body was sharpened to the point where he developed a resistance to curses and could detect them with his highly refined five senses.

In Jujutsu Kaisen, two characters, other than Fushiguro Toji, have been shown with Heavenly Restriction.

Muta Kokichi

Muta Kokichi is a second-year at Kyoto Jujutsu High who used the cursed corpse Ultimate Mechamaru as his proxy to attend school. Kokichi himself was born with a frail and sickly body. He is an extreme case of Heavenly Restriction, born without his right arm and lower legs. He has extremely sensitive skin which gets sunburnt at the slightest contact with sunlight and even moonlight. Furthermore, he often experiences extreme chronic pain which he describes as feeling like every pore in his body was being stabbed constantly. However, Muta Kokichi possesses vast amounts of cursed energy that he uses to control innumerable Mechamaru puppets.

Zenin Maki

Zenin Makis Heavenly Restriction is similar to that of Fushiguro Toji. She too was gifted with extraordinary physical abilities like Toji. However, while Toji possessed no cursed energy, Maki possesses a minimal amount of cursed energy. Both Toji and Maki hail from the Zenin clan which is one of the most powerful families in the Jujutsu world. Born amongst sorcerers with strong cursed energy, Toji and Maki were shunned by their families due to their Heavenly Restriction. However, both of them employ Heavenly Restriction to grow into formidable characters.
Ameesha's allegations on Anil Sharma

Ameesha reprises the role of Sakeena and Sunny Singh returns as Tara Singh in Gadar 2. The production companies for Gadar 2 are Zee Studios and Anil Sharma Productions. It so happened that earlier this month, Ameesha had shared a series of tweets about certain incidents during the shoot. She said there was a lot of mismanagement on the sets of Gadar 2 in Chandigarh and blamed Anil's production house - Anil Sharma Productions - for the same. She wrote, "There were certain queries that many technicians like makeup artists, costume designers and others etc. did not receive their rightful remuneration and dues from Anil Sharma Productions!! Yes, they did not!! But @ZeeStudios_ stepped in and made sure all dues were settled as they are a very professional company!"

Ameesha on her equation with Anil Sharma

Now as per a report by ETimes, at the trailer launch event of the film, Ameesha called her bond with Anil Sharm akin to that of a father and daughter and added, We fight, we block each other on WhatsApp, social media. But we are back. Thats our relationship. Thats what we share." After Ameesha's tweets against him surfaced online, Anil had addressed the allegations and said that they were completely false and instead she made the production house famous.

The Gadar 2 trailer was released on the occasion of Kargil Vijay Divas. Sunny Deol and Ameesha were present at the trailer launch event. The trailer sees Tara (Sunny) and Sakina's son Jeete (Utkarsh) get tortured by a Pakistani army general. Tara promises an anguished Sakina that he'll get Jeete back. He visits Lahore and beats up Pakistani army soldiers with a sledgehammer.

Apart from Sunny and Ameesha, Gadar 2 also stars the filmmaker's son Utkarsh Sharma - who featured as a child in the 2001 film - and will be seen in the upcoming movie. Gadar 2 will see a theatrical release on August 11.es

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Hrithik Roshan and girlfriend Saba Azad are currently vacationing in Argentina. Saba took to her Instagram page to share their location along with two selfies from their outing to a restaurant in Buenos Aires. Hrithik is currently also working on his action film, Fighter. Also read: Hrithik Roshan was worried he'd get a tan while filming for Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai: Ameesha Patel Saba Azad has shared two selfies with Hrithik Roshan.

Sharing a solo picture of Hrithik in a black sleeveless T-shirt and a matching cap, Saba wrote on her Instagram Stories, My hippo heart. Hrithik is seen at a restaurant with a cake and a drink in front of him. She also shared a selfie with Hrithik from another restaurant and captioned it, Buenos Dias. Both of them are seen in winter clothes and woolen caps in the picture.

Hrithik Roshan and Saba Azad are in Argentina.

More about Saba Azad

Hrithik and Saba have been dating for more than a year now. The two got into a relationship years after Hrithik divorced his first wife, Sussanne Khan. The ex couple continue to remain friends and co-parent their two sons, Hrehaan and Hridhaan. Sussanne, who is dating Aly Goni, is also friends with Saba.

Saba Azad is one half of electro funk band Madboy/Mink and occasionally shares glimpses of her gigs on Instagram. She is an actor too and was last in the second season of web series Rocket Boys this year.

Hrithik Roshan's projects

Hrithik will next be seen in Siddharth Anand's Fighter which will have him starring opposite Deepika Padukone for the first time. The film will release in January next year.

According to ANI, Hrithik will also be performing with his War co-star Vaani Kapoor on their UK tour 'Stars On Fire' in London & Leeds. It will take place on September 1 at OVO Arena, Wembley, London, and September 2 at First Direct Arena, Leeds.

Excited about reuniting with Hrithik, Vaani told ANI, "It's a special moment and feeling to share the stage with Hrithik Roshan. He is immensely talented and I am elated at this opportunity to set the stage on fire alongside him. Hrithik is not only an exceptional performer but also an inspiration. I can't wait to create unforgettable moments and give our fans an electrifying experience they will cherish forever."

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Kangana Ranaut took to her Instagram handle and shared a cryptic note for nepo (nepotism) gang.' Her post comes on the day when Karan Johar finally marked his directorial comeback with the release of Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. While Kangana is often seen criticising the filmmaker directly, this time she didn't name anyone. Also read: Did Kangana Ranaut call Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt's marriage fake in wild new posts? Kangana Ranaut's new post seemingly has a connection with Karan Johar as his film released on Friday.

Kangana on Instagram

Kangana wrote, Mere baare mein subah se ek bhi baseless negative news nahi aayi, mere fake quotes bhi media ko mass mail nahi kiye gaye, ya negative or damaging rumours about my projects or years old film scenes out of context use karke usko sexualise karke mujhe harrass bhi nahi kiya ja raha itna sannata kyu hai?? Kahi Lanka mein aag toh nahi lag gayi? Koi pata toh karo aaj nepo gang kaha busy hai? (Since morning there is no baseless, negative news being reported about me, and no one has sent any fake quotes to the media. Neither any rumour is doing rounds about my project nor anyone is circulating my sexualised scenes from old films. Why so quiet? Someone should check what nepo gang is up to)

Kangana Ranaut talks about 'nepo gang' in her latest post.

Kangana and Karan Johar

Over the last few years, Kangana and Karan Johar made several remarks at each other. It all started at Koffee With Karan where she called him out for nepotism and kickstarted a never-ending tussle between them.

Earlier this month, Kangana had criticised a 'farzi (fake) couple who spread fake news about movie announcements'. She also claimed that on a recent family trip, the wife and their baby were 'snubbed', while the husband texted Kangana begging and pleading her to meet him. She seemingly took a dig at Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt. However, no names were mentioned in the post.

Kangana was last seen in Dhaakad. She will next be seen as former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in her directorial, Emergency, which is touted to be a political drama. It also stars Anupam Kher, Mahima Chaudhry, Vishak Nair and Shreyas Talpade. She also has Tejas and Chandramukhi 2 lined up in the pipeline.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Kiara Advani is all set to celebrate her birthday on July 31. The actor was spotted at the Mumbai airport late Thursday night with husband Sidharth Malhotra as they left for her birthday trip. The two looked happy and excited at the airport, especially Kiara who was all smiles as she was captured by the paparazzi. They both held hands as they walked up to the departure gate. Also read: Kiara Advani looks stunning in pink as she walks the ramp, gets kisses from mom-in-law. Watch Kiara Advani shared a selfie (right) after being spotted with Sidharth Malhotra at Mumbai airport.

Sharing a selfie with Sidharth Malhotra before the take off, Kiara wrote on her Instagram Stories, Time to (airplane emoji). She was in a beige co-ord set with a white top while Sidharth was in a T-shirt, track pants and a lightweight jacket.

Kiara Advani's selfie with Sidharth Malhotra.

Fans react to Sidharth and Kiara's video

A video of Sidharth and Kiara from the airport was shared by a paparazzo account on Instagram. Fans of the couple had only good things to say about them in the comments section. A fan wrote, these two are made for each other. Another commented, Ohhh gawddd...they aree just cuttesttt beans!! One more said, All hearts to protect them. A comment also read: How beautiful these two are.

For Kiara, Sidharth is her home

Sidharth and Kiara tied the knot in February this year. Until the D-Day, the two never spoke openly about their relationship or the wedding. Since the two tied the knot, they are now spotted together at film events and parties. They also heap praises on each other every time they talk about the other during interviews or at events.

Last month, Kiara had said in an interview that Sidharth was her home. She told Mirchi Plus, Ghar do logon se banta hain. And main bohot khush kismat hoon ki jo mere saathi hain, the man I've chosen to live my life with... Mera jo pati hain (Two people make a home and I am very lucky that my partner, my husband), he is my best friend. Mere liye (For me) he is everything. He is my home. Wherever we are, chaahein kahin bhi ho duniya mein jis bhi city mein, mere liye wahi mera ghar hai (wherever we are in this world, in whichever city, for me he is my home).

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Veteran actor Shabana Azmi recently talked about the time when she felt miserable in her career, so much so that she wanted to give up doing films altogether, in her words. It happened so on the sets of Parvarish when she couldn't dance and choreographer Kamal left her humiliated in front of junior artists. She said the incident left her crying and she decided to not work in Hindi films. Also read: Shabana Azmi on her relationship with Javed Akhtar Shabana Azmi's latest film Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani released on July 28.

Shabana Azmi

Shabana made her film debut in 1974 with Ankur and rose to fame in parallel cinema. She also worked in mainstream films, including Parvarish among many others. Talking about the film, Shabana shared how she was left embarrassed when couldn't perform a dance sequence.

Shabana Azmi on being humiliated

Shabana told Adi Pocha during a podcast, I cannot dance to save my life. I have two left feet. I had asked Kamal Master, he was choreographer. I said Please give me rehearsals. He said rehearsal is not needed. You just have to clap. Shabana said when she went to the sets, she found out it was a full-fledged dance. It was so frightening because I was with Neetu Singh. Even before I could figure out where I have to put my right foot, and left foot, Neetu would have done two rehearsals and sat over there, she added.

Shabana Azmi wanted to quit Hindi films

Shabana continued, I was really very nervous. I told Kamal Ji it was very complicated and can we change it a little bit. There were a lot of junior artists on the sets. He said Okay, lights off. Now Shabana Ji is now going to teach Kamal dance master what steps to do'. It was so humiliating and bad that I just ran off the set. I was in these ghastly clothes. I went (out) to find my car was not there. In those clothes I started walking barefoot to my house in Juhu, crying away and saying I am not going to work in any film anymore. I just don't want this humiliation.

The senior actor said that it was the Parvarish director Manmohan Desai who later came and hugged her while being sorry about it. He and the producer calmed her down. The next day after the incident, Shabana said that Neetu Singh had asked Shabana about the fiasco. It was Sulakshana Pandit who told Shabana that she being the leading lady is much more needed in the film, instead of the choreographer. She said Sulakshanas words lifted her up for which she remained grateful.

Shabana Azmi was recently seen in Karan Johar's Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. The film, which also stars Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt, Jaya Bachchan and Dharmendra, released in theatres on July 28.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR HT Entertainment Desk Dedicated professionals who write about cinema and television in all their vibrancy. Expect views, reviews and news. ...view detail
In the recently released movie "Oppenheimer" based on the life of scientist J. Robert Oppenheimer, there comes a dreadful scene involving actor Cillian Murphy who has essayed the role of the theoretical physicist. Viewers are left shocked at the scene where Oppenheimer is depicted as trying to kill his professor by poisoning an apple on his desk with potassium cyanide. The absolutely shocking scene has left people wondering if it truly happened. The dreadful 'apple scene' from the movie "Oppenheimer", Cillian Murphy as J. Robert Oppenheimer(right)(Twitter/AP)

Well, Oppenheimer's grandson has spoken on the genuineness of the scene as shown in the movie. In an interaction with Time magazine, Charles Oppenheimer talked about his grandfather and also reflected on the Christopher Nolan's movie on the physicist.

"[It] was a problem in American Prometheus. If you read American Prometheus carefully enough, the authors say, 'We don't really know if it happened,'" Charles told the outlet, referencing the 2006 biography "American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer" on which the movie is based.

"There's no record of him trying to kill somebody. That's a really serious accusation and it's historical revision. There's not a single enemy or friend of Robert Oppenheimer who heard that during his life and considered it to be true," highlighted Charles.

"Unfortunately, American Prometheus summarizes that as Robert Oppenheimer tried to kill his teacher and then they [acknowledge that] maybe there's this doubt," he added.

ALSO READ| 5 reasons to explain why excitement for Oppenheimer movie is going through the roof

What's the account of the incident in the book?

A report published by People magazine references a free preview of the book "American Prometheus" as per which the dreadful incident occurred in 1925 while Oppenheimer was a student at the University of Cambridge in London. The book records the incident which is talked about by Oppenheimer's friend Francis Fergusson.

He had kind of poisoned the head steward. It seemed incredible, but that was what he said. And he had actually used cyanide or something somewhere. And fortunately the tutor discovered it. Of course there was hell to pay with Cambridge, the book quotes Fergusson as saying.

He told me about it at the time, or shortly thereafter, in Paris. I always assumed that it was probably true. But I dont know. He was doing all sorts of crazy things then, Fergusson said in the book.

The book notes that there have been different accounts of the incident which raise questions and doubts over its veracity.
Brad Pitt and Ines de Ramon have been having a lovely summer romance. Brad Pitt Sends Ines de Ramon Pink Peonies for Valentines Day(Kurt Krieger/Corbis via Getty; Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty)

The couple first came into the public eye eight months ago, and a source close to de Ramon, 32, tells PEOPLE that they are still very strong and doing great. The insider also says that they have been spending a lot of time in Europe, where they enjoy each others company and are very into each other.

Its obvious to anyone who sees them together, the insider says. A source close to Pitt, 59, tells PEOPLE that hes been in Europe for the summer, where he was working on a Formula One racing movie until the SAG-AFTRA strike put the production on hold.

He still has a place at Chateau Miraval and has been staying there and other places in Europe, the source adds.

And Ines has been flying in to see him several times." Pitt and de Ramon were first spotted together at a Los Angeles concert in November. Sources told PEOPLE then that they had actually been dating for a few months before that. Pitt had previously dated women like Emily Ratajkowski and Nicole Poturalski after he and Angelina Jolie broke up in 2016.

Meanwhile, de Ramon and her former husband, Vampire Diaries star Paul Wesley, quietly split in May 2022 after three years of marriage. She reportedly met Pitt through a mutual friend. The two have been seen together at various events, such as the Los Angeles Babylon premiere party and Pitts 59th birthday party at a Hollywood restaurant, both in December.

They were very cute and flirty. You could tell that she makes him happy, a source told PEOPLE then.

Pitt and de Ramon then celebrated 2023 with a trip to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, where they stayed for New Years Eve and the next few days.

On Valentines Day, the jewelry designer was seen in Los Angeles holding a big bouquet of pink peonies, as reported by the Daily Mail.

A source confirmed to PEOPLE in February that Pitt was the one who sent the romantic flowers to his lover.

Although Pitt was not there with her for the holiday being busy in New York City filming his new movie Wolves jewelry designer de Ramon looked very happy with the sweet gesture.

She smiled as she held the flowers, and also had a long baguette under one arm to complete her Valentines treats.

Exclusive Source: PEOPLE
Lilly Jay, the estranged wife of Ethan Slater, believes her family is collateral damage left behind by his new relationship with Ariana Grande. Rumors of a romance between Ariana Grande and her "Wicked" co-star Ethan Slater have reportedly left Slater's wife Lilly Jay blindsided.

In a Page Six exclusive, Jay revealed her thoughts on recent developments in the romantic life of her now ex-husband.[Arianas] the story really. Not a girls girl.

My family is just collateral damage.

The musician said that shes focusing on raising her and Slaters baby and being a good mom.

The story is her and Dalton, Jay adds, referencing Grandes divorce from her husband, Dalton Gomez. The couple was married for two years.

Page Six reported that Jay has been calling every news outlet to get this story out according to sources. Shes telling Ethan and others that she only cares about protecting their child, added the source.

Shes rightfully upset because her marriage fell apart, but Ariana and Ethan didnt do anything wrong, believes the insider considering Slater had been separated from Jay for two months before pursuing Grande. However, Slater was still married to Jay while dating Ariana Grande.

Ethan is trying to take the high road and hopes he can resolve this situation for the sake of their child.

On July 26, Slater filed for divorce from Lilly Jay after being married for four years. Although the reason for this decision has not been revealed, the dissolution came about a week after Slater and Grandes affair was exposed. They started dating two months after both separated from their spouses.

Lilly Jay was allegedly blindsided by her husbands relationship with Grande. Its horrible. They were high school sweethearts. They have a baby! Shes a wreck, insiders told Page Six.

The insider also claimed that Ariana Grande is the reason behind Slaters split with Jay since they suddenly broke up when nothing appeared wrong between them.

Meanwhile, Page Six reports that Grande and Gomez parted amicably. Theyve been really good friends throughout the entire process, and their friends and families have been trying to protect them, revealed their sources.

Ariana Grande and Ethan Slaters relationship was exposed when a picture of the Wicked cast at a celebration went viral. In the photo, Slater could be seen with his arm around Grande.
Urvashi Rautela recently called her co-actor Pawan Kalyan the chief minister of Andhra Pradesh on Twitter, now termed X, and was mocked for the goof-up. Their film Bro The Avatar released on Friday. The actor did not delete the tweet, which was on her page even 13 hours later at the time of the filing of this copy. Also read: Urvashi Rautela says Bollywood failed Parveen Babi: 'I will make you proud' Urvashi Rautela shared a picture with Pawan Kalyan (right) on Twitter.

Sharing a picture with her co-stars Pawan Kalyan and Sai Dharam Tej, Urvashi wrote on Thursday evening, Delighted to share screen space with the esteemed Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh @PawanKalyan in our film Bro The Avatar releases tomorrow 28th July worldwide story about an arrogant person who is given a second chance to fix his mistakes after death. See you all. @IamSaiDharamTej"

Urvashi Rautela's tweet about Pawan Kalyan.

Reactions to Urvashi Rautela's tweet

A Twitter or X user called it a mass tweet. Another said, I love you darling. Many shared pictures of Pawan Kalyan and wrote, Esteemed CM of AP." A fan also asked, Chief minister of Andhra? How?

A person said, Hello @UrvashiRautela. You might have been mistaken by hearing the chants of fans (CM CM) in the functions He is not the chief minister of Andhra Pradesh, and even he is not elected as MLA (lost in 2 segments ).

One of her followers wrote a small letter to her. It read: Dear Urvashi Rautela, I regret to inform you that Mr Pawan Kalyan, president of Jana Sena Party, is not our chief minister Mr Jagan Mohan Reddy is the chief minister of Andhra Pradesh. He is the richest chief minister in India, having spent 16 months in jail.

More about Pawan Kalyan

Pawan is the president of Jana Sena Party (JSP) and is actually in the opposition in Andhra Pradesh which has Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy in the position of the chief minister. Besides being active in politics, he continues to work in films.

About Bro The Avatar

Bro The Avatar leaked online soon after release. It appeared on a few piracy-promoting websites Friday morning.

Bro The Avatar stars Pawan Kalyan and Sai Dharam Tej as the lead actors along with Ketika Sharma, Brahmanandam, Rohini Molleti, Subbaraju, Tanikella Bharani, and Raja Chembolu. It is produced by People Media Factory in association with ZEE Studios. Thaman S has given music for the film. It is a remake of the Tamil fantasy drama Vinodaya Sitham, which starred Samuthirakani and Thambhi Ramaiah in the lead roles.

ott:10

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
At least 11 people were killed in rain-related accidents in Telangana, after heavy rains lashed the northern part of the state over the last two days, officials said on Friday, adding that many areas are still inundated, and rescue and relief work is underway. An aerial view of a partially damaged road submerged in the floodwaters of the swollen Godavari, in Bhupalpally district of Telangana. (PTI)

Also read: Telangana rain: Holiday declared for schools, colleges today; state on high alert

Eight of the 11 deaths were reported from Mulugu district, where a group of people were washed away in flash floods in Jampanna Vagu, a major stream at Kondai village. The bodies of five people were recovered at Medaram village on Friday morning and three others were recovered in the evening. The government has announced an ex-gratia relief of 4 lakh each to the kin of the deceased and 25,000 to the affected families, state tribal welfare minister Satyavathi Rathod told reporters.

Stating that Mulugu district received unprecedented rainfall  the highest-ever of 650mm in a single day on Thursday, the minister said, National Disaster Response Force, local police and army personnel took up at the rescue and relief operations at the Kondai village.

The floods have left the village severely inundated, resulting in over 100 people being stranded without access to food and water. Boats have been deployed to bring the stranded people to safety. Responding to the state governments request for assistance, army helicopters too have joined the rescue operations, Rathod said.

Three more persons were feared washed away at Moranchapalle village in Jayashankar Bhupalpally district, which was submerged due to swollen Morancha stream, officials said, adding that the bodies are yet to be recovered.

The Morancha stream receded by Friday morning, leaving in its wake damaged houses and roads, even as the NDRF teams were shifting villagers to safer locations.

Bhupalpally MLA Gandra Venkatramana Reddy, along with the other district authorities visited the village on Friday morning to assess the damage and assured the victims of government support. Around 1,500 people in Moranchapalle village were affected by the floods. To aid them, the district administration has set up several relief camps near the village, providing water, food and other essential items, Reddy said.

Chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao has been reviewing the situation in the state since Thursday morning and has alerted ministers, public representatives and officials about relief measures and to prevent loss of life, said a CMO release.

According to chief secretary A Santhi Kumari, 10,696 people from 108 villages were shifted to safer locations in the state.

As many as 600 people from Moranchapalli village of Bhupalpally district and 19 workers stranded in a sand quarry near Gopalpur of Manthani in Peddapalli district were rescued and shifted to safer locations, she said.

Also read: Heavy rainfall across India: IMD issues forecast for next five days

Steps are being taken to send NDRF and other support teams as per the requests received from the collectors of various districts. Four more helicopters and 10 NDRF teams had been pressed into service and some more NDRF teams were expected soon, she added.

Director general of police (DGP) Anjani Kumar said, National highways and other roads were damaged in 85 areas and steps have been taken with the officials of the concerned departments to repair them.

According to preliminary estimates by the agriculture department, crops in over 550,000 acres suffered damage. Standing crops including paddy, cotton, red gram and other crops were submerged causing loss to farmers, agriculture department officials said.

A bulletin issued by the India Meteorological Department said light to moderate rains and thundershowers are expected at many places in the state and heavy rain is likely in isolated places over northern Telangana in the next 48 hours.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Srinivasa Rao Apparasu Srinivasa Rao is Senior Assistant Editor based out of Hyderabad covering developments in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana . He has over three decades of reporting experience. ...view detail
In a breach of protocol, an AirAsia flight took off from the Kempegowda International Airport here on Thursday without taking Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot on board, though he was waiting at the airport lounge, official sources said. The Governor had to take another flight after 90 minutes to reach Hyderabad.(REUTERS)

The protocol officers of the Governor have lodged a complaint at the Airport police station, a police officer told PTI requesting anonymity.

According to sources, Gehlot was supposed to fly to Hyderabad on Thursday afternoon from Terminal-2 from where he was to visit Raichur by road to attend a convocation.

As soon as the AirAsia flight arrived, Gehlot's luggage was loaded in it. However, there was said to be a delay in Gehlot reaching the terminal, the sources added.

By the time he could reach from the VIP lounge to take the flight, the plane took off for Hyderabad, sources said.

The Governor had to take another flight after 90 minutes to reach Hyderabad, the sources added.

Meanwhile, the Governor House officials were tight-lipped on the issue.

AirAsia officials were not available for comment.

An official of the Bangalore International Airport Limited, which operates KIA, said, "We usually do not comment on airline related matters. Please check with AirAsia."
Congress's Assam unit president Bhupen Bora on Friday apologised for drawing a parallel between 'love jihad' and Lord Krishna's relationship with Rukmini while commenting on the triple murder case in Golaghat. Congress's Assam unit president Bhupen Bora. (Photo Courtesy-Twitter)

On Monday, a 25-year-old man killed his wife and her parents over some family issues, and later surrendered before the police in Golaghat district. Chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has been claiming that it was a case of 'love jihad' as the husband was Muslim and the wife a Hindu.

Reacting to it, Bora said, "All is fair in love and war. There are many stories in our ancient texts, including Krishna eloping with Rukmini, and the chief minister should not harp about marriages between people of different religions and communities in today's age."

As the comment drew sharp criticism from Sarma who warned that he may be arrested if a police case is filed, the Congress leader apologised.

"In a dream last night, my grandfather told me that the statement was wrong and it has hurt the people of the state," he told reporters.

"I have, therefore, decided to offer an earthen lamp and betel leaf and areca nut at a 'namghar' (Vaishnavite prayer hall) and seek forgiveness from the lord. I will do this not because I am scared of the chief minister or the BJP but as the people and the Sattradhikars (Vaishnav spiritual heads) have been hurt," he said.

Reacting to BJP's demand that he should not be allowed in 'namghars', Bora said the chief minister should rather "ask the police to kill me in an encounter".

"I am ready to sacrifice my life, and my family will not file any case but I should not be stopped from going to the prayer hall," he added.

Meanwhile, the BJP's youth wing BJYM filed police complaints in all the districts of the state against Bora.

Guwahati city BYJM president Nihar Ranjan Sharma filed a complaint at the Pan Bazaar police station, stating that he has hurt the sentiments of Hindus.

"Actually, he has made the statement as he is scared about the future of the party which is absolutely dark. We hope God gives him good sense and he changes for the better," Sharma said.

The chief minister had on Thursday criticised Bora's remarks and said, "We do not want to take the step of arresting people but if Lord Krishna is dragged into controversy, several 'sanatani' people will file cases in police stations and then how will I stop the police from taking action?"

"If someone files a case against a person for making such comments, he will be arrested," he said, without naming Bora.

'Love jihad' is a situation when a girl is forced to marry by changing her religion and Krishna did not force Rukmini to change her religion, he said.

The term 'love jihad' is used by right-wing groups to allege a ploy by Muslim men to lure Hindu women into religious conversion through marriage.
Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has hit out at state Congress president Bhupen Bora for allegedly drawing a parallel between 'love jihad' and Lord Krishna and Rukmini's love story while commenting on the Golaghat triple murder case. Sarma on Thursday said if a police case is filed against Bora for hurting religious sentiments, he will be arrested. Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. (ANI file)

On Monday, a 25-year-old man killed his wife and her parents over some family issues, and later surrendered before the police in Assam's Golaghat district. Sarma has been claiming it was a case of "love jihad" as the husband was Muslim and the wife a Hindu.

Reacting to Sarma's claim, Bora said, All is fair in love and war. There are many stories in our ancient texts, including Krishna eloping with Rukmini, and the chief minister should not harp about marriages between people of different religions and communities in today's age.

Hitting back, Sarma said drawing a parallel between 'love jihad' and Lord Krishna and Rukmini's love story is condemnable.

"We do not want to take the step of arresting people but if Lord Krishna is dragged into controversy, several 'sanatani' people will file cases in police stations and then how will I stop the police from taking action?" he said.

"If someone files a case against a person for making such comments, he will be arrested," he said, without naming Bora.

Sarma added that 'Love jihad' is a situation when a girl is forced to marry by changing her religion, and Krishna did not force Rukmini to change her religion.

Sarma said "mistakes" committed by human beings should not be compared with Gods, "just as we do not bring in Hazrat Muhammad and Jesus Christ into any controversy".

"I call upon the Congress also not to bring Lord Krishna into any controversy. If the Congress keeps going against the Hindus, their last address will be mosques and madrasas. But maybe they will be removed from there too by the AIUDF, and they will be left with nowhere to go," the Assam CM said.

Sarma claimed there will be peace in the country if Hindu men marry women of their community, and Muslim men marry women of their community.

"If there arises a situation, where people of two different religions want to marry each other, then there is the Special Marriage Act. Nobody should cross the limits of the law, and force somebody to change their religion," he said.

What is 'love jihad'?

The term 'love jihad' is used by right-wing groups to allege a ploy by Muslim men to lure Hindu women into religious conversion through marriage.

Sarma said he has grown up worshipping in temples but if he is asked to offer namaz, then he will be hurt.

"Similarly, if someone who offers namaz is asked to worship in temples, he will also feel bad about it," he said.

"We have seen the consequence of 'love jihad' in the triple murder case in Golaghat. There have been many tragic incidents of suicide by girls who have been its victims. I appeal to the young people not to cross the 'Laxman-rekha' in the interest of peace and harmony in our state," he said.

Golaghat triple murder: Police apprehend prime accuseds mother, brother

The police have apprehended the accused husbands brother and mother on Thursday in the Golagath triple murder case.

"We have received some evidence and based on that we have arrested the mother and brother of the accused person," Mrinmoy Das, additional superintendent of police (Crime) of Golaghat district told news agency ANI.

In a sensational incident, a man identified as Nazibur Rahman Bora (25), has been accused of murdering his wife, Sanghamitra Ghosh (24) and her parents, Sanjeev Ghosh and Junu Ghosh, at their Hindi School Road residence of Golaghat town on Monday afternoon. The accused later surrendered before the police later in the evening with his ninth-month-old child.

(With inputs from PTI, ANI)

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
The Union government on Friday tabled in Parliament a bill that proposes to make the President a visitor at all Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), with powers to nominate the chairperson of the board of governors, oversee appointment as well as removal of the directors, and audit the functioning of the institutions -- a move that could limit the autonomy of Indias premier business schools. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan speaks in the Lok Sabha. (ANI)

The Indian Institutes of Management (IIM) (Amendment) bill 2023 -- which seeks to make amendments in the 2017 IIM Act -- was introduced by Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan in the Lok Sabha amid disruptions by the Opposition over the Manipur violence. It is expected to come up for consideration and passage next week. There are 20 IIMs in the country.

The 2017 IIM Act, which came into force in January 2018, provides the institutes a higher degree of autonomy over its functioning, with a very limited role of the government. The board of governors of each institute, comprise 19 members, including one representative each from the central and state governments.

The bill tabled in the Lower House, however, seeks to nominate the President as the Visitor of each IIM, with complete power to nominate the chairperson of the board of governors, and also have its nominee in the search-cum-selection panel for the directors appointment.

Currently, the chairperson of the board of governors is appointed by the board itself, from among eminent persons distinguished in the field of industry, education, science, technology, management and public administration among others.

The board of governors is the principal executive body of each IIM, and has the power to appoint search panels for appointments of new directors, take policy decisions, approve annual budgets and determine fees.

The concept of Visitor in IIMs was first introduced in the draft of the 2017 act released by the Centre in 2015. The idea was resisted by the institutes as it would put a question mark on their said autonomous powers. It was later removed from the final bill.

The President, however, is the Visitor of all central universities and IITs, and is empowered to appoint their vice chancellors and directors.

The bill also seeks to allow the central government to constitute an interim board in case of suspension and dilation of the current board of governors. It further makes it mandatory for the board to take prior approval of the Visitor to remove any director from office in case of any violation of norms.

The services of the director may be terminated by the Visitor, in such manner as may be prescribed, the bill, a copy of which HT has seen, says.

The Visitor may appoint one or more persons to review the work and progress of any institute, to hold enquiries into affairs thereof and to report in such manner as the Visitor may direct. The board may also recommend to the Visitor, an enquiry as deemed proper against the institute which has not been functioning in accordance with provisions and objectives of the Act, it adds.

As per the bill, the Visitor can also appoint the chairperson of the coordination forums of each IIMs. Such forums are responsible for promoting necessary coordination and cooperation in the working of the institutes, and reviewing the achievement of policy objectives.

The introduction of the bill comes at a time when the education ministry and IIMs are locked in a tussle over several issues. For instance, in 2020, the government had raised concerns over the one-year executive MBA degree offered by IIMs, saying it was not in accordance with UGC regulations. IIMs continued offering these degrees.

Last year, IIM-Rohtak reappointed its director for the second time, despite a controversy over the officials academic credentials and the ministrys opposition.

A former IIM director, requesting anonymity, said the proposed bill will undermine the autonomy being enjoyed by the institutes. The appointment of the Visitor will give direct control to the government in the appointments of IIM directors and other policy decisions. However, some accountability was also needed since the IIM boards have been taking many arbitrary decisions of late  he said.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Union minister V Muraleedharan on Friday said that the contentious National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill will be taken up a discussion and passage in Rajya Saba next week even as opposition lawmakers reiterated their objections to the legislation calling it undemocratic. The government has enough numbers in both Houses for the passage of the bill. (PTI)

The bill seeks to replace an ordinance that handed over control of the Capitals bureaucracy to the Union government. Opposition Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) grouping has said it will oppose the passage even as the government has enough numbers in both Houses for it.

HT on Friday reported that Jharkhand Mukti Morcha Rajya Sabha member Shibu Soren, who has been unwell, has arrived in Delhi while the Congress was trying to bring to the House former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, 90, as part of measures to squeeze in every possible vote to confront the government over the bill.

The bill will be tabled even as the logjam between the government and the opposition stalled Parliament since the ongoing Monsson session began on Thursday. Constituents of the INDIA grouping have demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi make a statement on the Manipur violence inside the House, triggering the deadlock.

On May 19, the ordinance was promulgated, effectively rolling back a Supreme Court constitution bench judgment that handed over control of the Capitals bureaucracy to Delhis elected government in matters other than policing, public order, and land.

The ordinance escalated the tussle between Delhis ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Union government-appointed lieutenant governor over control of the Capital. The AAP has called the ordinance illegal, unconstitutional and a black law.

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal crisscrossed the country rallying support against the ordinance. AAP sought Congresss clarity on the ordinance before joining the INDIA grouping.

The Supreme Court on July 20 referred the Delhi governments petition challenging the ordinance to a constitution bench of five judges. The courts decision to examine the legality of the ordinance has no bearing on the introduction or passage of the bill.
Bengaluru: Central Crime Branch on Thursday took the custody of accused number one and main accused in the 2008 Bengaluru serial blast case T Nazir. The accused is currently lodged in the central jail Parappana Agrahara and has been taken into custody in connection with the recent terror module uncovered in Bengaluru. T Nazir, a native of Kerala and the former South India commander for the Pakistan-based terror organization Lashker E Taiba, was arrested in connection with the Bengaluru blasts in 2008 (HT Photo)

On July 19, 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 Central Crime Branch (CCB) discovered four hand grenades at one of the suspects residences.

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 was to brainwash them. He ideologically motivated them, but the actual planning was carried out by Junaid. However, we want to find out if Nazir had put Junaid in touch with any of his earlier associates and if any logistical help was provided by Nazirs former associates, said a senior CCB officer.

T Nazir, a native of Kerala and the former South India commander for the Pakistan-based terror organization Lashker E Taiba, was arrested in connection with the Bengaluru blasts in 2008. The terror attack occurred on July 25, 2008, at 1.20 pm, when a bomb exploded at the Madiwala bus depot in Bengaluru. Subsequently, a series of bomb blasts rattled the city until 2:35 pm, resulting in one fatality and leaving more than 20 people injured.

The police department who have not been able to track down Junaid had tried questioning people with whom Junaid was in contact before the arrest. We have kept a constant watch on his family and a girlfriend and we have questioned them as well, but there is no breakthrough. Although we suspect he is in Dubai, we require more evidence. We believe we will able to get any leads from the interrogation of Nazir, since both of them were close during their time in prison, the officer added.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON

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 Congress on Friday revoked the suspension of its three Jharkhand MLAs, who were caught allegedly with a huge amount of cash in West Bengal's Howrah district last year, party officials said. The Congress had issued suspension order against the three MLAs on July 31, 2022, following their arrest in a cash haul case. (File)

Jamtara MLA Irfan Ansari, Khijri legislator Rajesh Kachchap and Kolebira MLA Naman Bixal were under suspension since July last year.

Speaking to reporters at Assembly premises, Jharkhand Congress President Rajesh Thakur said, "On direction of party's Jharkhand in-charge Avinash Pandey, the suspension of three MLAs has been revoked with immediate effect. Party has issued a letter in this regard."

The party had issued suspension order against the three MLAs on July 31, 2022, following their arrest in a cash haul case. On July 30 last year, their vehicle was intercepted by police on National Highway 16 at Panchla in West Bengal's Howrah district and nearly 49 lakh in cash was found in the car.

The Congress had then accused the BJP of attempting to topple its coalition government in the state. Congress MLA Kumar Jaimangal Singh alias Anup Singh had lodged a complaint with Ranchi's Argora police station, alleging that the three legislators had offered him 10 crore and a ministerial berth for toppling the JMM-led government in Jharkhand.

The Congress had also urged the Speaker to disqualify the three legislators.

On Congress' application to the Speaker against the three MLAs, Thakur said, "The party will discuss the issue and take a decision accordingly."

Speaking to PTI, Ansari said, "Their issue was aggravated due to some misunderstanding. Now, all things have been settled and I am back in Congress."

Assembly elections in Jharkhand are due next year.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
The contentious Delhi services bill will be introduced in Parliament next week, Union minister V Muraleedharan informed the Rajya Sabha on Friday. Representational Image

The development sets up the stage for a dramatic confrontation between the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the opposition I.N.D.I.A block, as one of its 26 constituents, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), will be directly impacted if the legislation is passed in Parliament. The opposition has repeatedly described the bill as an attack on India's federal structure.

In fact, barbs were exchanged between the two sides the moment the announcement was made, Hindustan Times has learnt.

Delhi services bill

The Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023, or, simply, the services bill, seeks to replace an ordinance, and restore the Centre's control over the bureaucracy in the nation's capital, which is both a city and Union territory (UT).

(This is a developing story. Updates to follow)

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR HT News Desk Follow the latest breaking news and developments from India and around the world with Hindustan Times' newsdesk. From politics and policies to the economy and the environment, from local issues to national events and global affairs, we've got you covered. ...view detail
The Centre is making all efforts to bridge the growing trust deficit between the majority Meiteis and tribal Kukis, who have been engaged in ethnic conflict since May 3, in Manipur and ensuring that insurgents from Myanmar do not cross over to exploit the situation, officials aware of the developments said. Paramilitary personnel stand guard during a protest by women, in Manipur (ANI)

As part of confidence building measures, the Centres representatives earlier this week held separate meetings with representatives of Kuki militant groups under the Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement and Coordinating Committee for Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), a Meitei civil society organisation.

Also read: Manipur conflict a concern, needs a political solution, says Mizoram CM

The idea is to remove the trust deficit between both sides and maintain peace in the violence-hit state, said a central government officer on anonymity.

From the security point of view, the ministry of home affairs is looking to fence the Myanmar border with Manipur so that insurgents do not cross over and take advantage of the violence in the state, he added.

Manipur shares around 390km of porous border with Myanmar, but only about 10km has been fenced so far.

Earlier this week, the Manipur government said over 700 illegal immigrants from Myanmar had entered the state in July. All concerned authorities in the state have been asked to record biometric data of those entering any of the north-eastern states from Myanmar, the officer quoted above said.

Since May 3, Manipur has been gripped by ethnic clashes  primarily between the Kukis, which mostly reside in the hill districts, and Meiteis, the dominant community in Imphal Valley. At least 150 people have been killed and over 50,000 have been displaced so far.

Clashes first broke out on May 3 in Churachandpur town after tribal Kuki groups called for protests against a proposed tweak to the states reservation matrix, granting Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to the majority Meitei community. Violence quickly engulfed the state where ethnic fault lines run deep, displacing tens of thousands of people who fled burning homes and neighbourhoods into jungles, often across state borders. The authorities quickly clamped a curfew and suspended internet, pumping in additional security forces to force a break in the spiraling clashes.

Internet services, which remained suspended since May 3, were partially resumed on Tuesday.

Also read: PM is sleeping: BJP leader says Manipur violence defamed India; resigns

To bring normalcy, the Centre sent in personnel from the Indian Army, Central Reserve Police Force, Assam Rifles, and Border Security Force.

The state has recorded 5,101 cases of arson and registered 6,065 first information reports (FIRs) related to various incidents of violence so far. At least 252 people have been arrested and around 12,740 preventive arrests have been made.

A May 4 incident in which three women were allegedly stripped and paraded naked, one of them even gang-raped, and two men from their family were murdered by a mob in B Phainom village has been referred to the Central Bureau of Investigation for a probe.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
The Supreme Court on Friday granted bail to Bhima Koregaon-Elgar Parishad accused Vernon Gonsalves and Arun Ferreira considering their long incarceration since August 2018. They faced charges under stringent UAPA for their alleged Maoist links. Activist Vernon Gonsalves.(PTI)

A bench of Justices Aniruddha Bose and Sudhanshu Dhulia imposed strict conditions of bail which require them to use one mobile, whose location is accessible to the investigating officer 24X7 and they will not be permitted to leave Maharashtra without permission of the special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court.

The court said Gonsalves and Ferreira shall surrender their passports to the police.

Allegations are serious but that does not mean bail cannot be granted. While forming our opinion of granting bail, we noted that he was earlier convicted of offences under 1967 Act. Hence, we propose to impose appropriate conditions while on bail. We set aside impugned order and release the appellant on bail, Bar and Bench quoted the court as saying.

The activists had moved the top court against a Bombay high court order rejecting their bail pleas. The case pertains to the Elgar Parishad conclave held in Pune on December 31, 2017, which according to the Pune police was funded by Maoists.

The inflammatory speeches made there led to violence at the Koregaon-Bhima war memorial in Pune the next day, police had alleged.

In May last year, the accused in the case, including Gonsalves and Ferreira, filed pleas before the Supreme Court against the Bombay High Court's December 2021 judgment refusing them default bail.

The accused contended that there was an error in the judgment and, consequently, prayed that they be granted bail.

Lawyer Vernon Gonsalves is among the activists, lawyers, poets and scholars arrested by NIA in connection with alleged inflammatory speeches made at the Elgar Parishad conclave held in Pune on December 31, 2017. This, the police claimed, triggered violence the next day near the Koregaon Bhima war memorial located on the outskirts of the western Maharashtra city, leading to the death of one person and injuries to several others. The NIA claims the accused have Maoist links and indulged in anti-national activities.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
With the onset of the monsoon in India, several states including Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Delhi, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Telangana have been battered with the heavy rain, leading to a flood-like situation in several districts. Many houses constructed on floodplains of river Hindon near Chijarsi and Behrampur have inundated due to high water discharge. (Sakib Ali/HT Photo)

The national capital has grappled with unprecedented waterlogging and flooding this month. It received its heaviest deluge for a July day in 21 years on the 8th of the month when 126.1mm of rain was recorded between 8.30am and 5.30pm, triggering chaos on the streets.

At 208.66 m on July 13, the Yamuna surpassed its previous record of 207.49 m set in September 1978 in Delhi. It breached embankments and penetrated deeper into the city than it has in more than four decades.

Meanwhile, the Hindon river in Uttar Pradesh's Noida, a tributary of Yamuna, recorded water level at 196.55 metres at 9am on Friday after recording the Highest Flood Level (HFL) at 197.28 metres on Wednesday.

Around 17 villages with over 3,100 people have been displaced and moved to shelter homes while nearly 1,600 hectares of land was submerged in the floodplains in Noida and Greater Noida.

The downpour has destroyed roads, drinking and irrigation water supply schemes and there has been a loss of over 6,000 crore in Himachal Pradesh. 188 people have lost their lives, 194 people are injured and a total of 652 houses have been damaged with nearly 6500 houses damaged partially, state revenue minister Jagat Singh Negi told ANI.

Here are some tips shared by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and IMD to stay safe:

What to do before a flood?

1. Avoid construction in flood prone areas unless you elevate and reinforce your home.

2. Elevate the furnace, water heater, and electric panel if susceptible to flooding.

3. Install "Check Valves" in sewer traps to prevent floodwater from backing up into the drains of your home.

4. Contact community officials to find out if they are planning to construct barriers (levees, beams and floodwalls) to stop floodwater from entering the homes in your area.

5. Seal the walls in your basement with waterproofing compounds to avoid seepage.

If a flood is likely to hit your area, you should:

1. Listen to the radio or television for information.

2. Be aware that flash flooding can occur. If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground. Do not wait for instructions to move.

3. Be aware of streams, drainage channels, canyons, and other areas known to flood suddenly. Flash floods can occur in these areas with or without such typical warnings as rain clouds or heavy rain.

If you must prepare to evacuate, you should:

1. Secure your home. If you have time, bring in outdoor furniture. Move essential items to an upper floor.

2. Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves if instructed to do so. Disconnect electrical appliances. Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.

If you have to leave your home, remember these evacuation tips:

1. Do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can make you fall. If you have to walk in water, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.

2. Do not drive into flooded areas. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely. You and the vehicle can be quickly swept away.
The two-day G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group (ECSWG) and Environment and Climate ministers meeting that concluded on Friday adopted a series of Chennai High-Level Principles for a sustainable and resilient blue economy, or ocean-based economy, even as the group failed to arrive at a consensus on key issues pertaining to climate mitigation. Bhupender Yadav (Hindustan Times)

Officials in the environment ministry said the adoption of nine principles will not only help conserve ocean biodiversity but also address the consequences of climate change on ocean-based economies in the G20.

In a series of tweets after the meeting, environment minister Bhupender Yadav said the principles will serve as a guiding framework globally to drive the transition to a sustainable and resilient blue economy.

In a historic decision, the G20 Members adopted the Outcome Document on the Chennai High-Level Principles on Sustainable and Resilient Blue/Ocean-based Economy. It shall serve as a guiding framework globally to drive the transition to a sustainable and resilient blue economy, Yadav tweeted.

Blue economy refers to advocating sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs while preserving the health of ocean ecosystems.

The leaders attending the meet in Chennai thanked Indias Presidency for its efforts in developing the compendiums of best practices, technical documents and technical studies. A total of 10 Presidency documents were launched under the identified priority areas of Land and Biodiversity, Blue Economy, Water Resource Management and Circular Economy, he added.

Prioritising ocean health was among the nine principles adopted by the grouping, according to the outcome document which was reviewed by HT. The key features of this principle are addressing coastal and marine pollution from all sources, such as from plastics, air pollutants and other persistent pollutants, including those derived from the maritime sector, unsustainable exploitation and illegal activities that affect the marine environment.

The group also decided to acknowledge and address the links between ocean and climate. This, according to the bloc, will help push ocean-based economies to recognise ocean-climate interlinkages, opportunities for climate change mitigation and adaptation through sustainable ocean-based actions like protection, sustainable use and restoration of coastal and marine ecosystems, harnessing full potential of low and zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissionss sources, and research on safe and effective use of ocean-based carbon dioxide removal and sequestration.

Promoting social and inter-generational equity and gender equality was also decided at the meeting. Transparent and inclusive approaches are important for empowering women and communities and Indigenous Peoples, to fully and effectively participate in the planning, decision making and implementation processes through appropriate skill development and benefit from the economic opportunities provided by the sustainable Blue/ Ocean-based Economy, the document said.

A senior environment ministry official, who did not wish to be named, said: All nine principles are focused on conserving the oceans from the impact of climate crisis, such as sea level rise and ocean acidification, and protecting marine biodiversity. This is a major leap forward and a great success because these measures also help us in addressing climate change.

On the issue of land degradation, the outcome document reiterated support for the global 30 by 30 goal.

In December, countries across the globe adopted the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) that seeks to bring the loss of areas of high biodiversity importance, including ecosystems of high ecological integrity, close to zero by 2030, while respecting the rights of indigenous people and local communities.

The G20 meeting committed to achieving the goal.

We reiterate, in line with the KMGBF, the commitments, by 2030, to ensure that at least 30 per cent of areas of degraded terrestrial, inland water, and marine and coastal ecosystems are under effective restoration and to ensure and enable that at least 30 per cent of terrestrial and inland water areas, and of marine and coastal areas are effectively conserved and managed, while ensuring that any sustainable use, where appropriate in such areas, is fully consistent with conservation outcomes, and urge others to do the same, the document said.

It added that the G20 would focus on restoring, where feasible and appropriate, forest fire or wildfire-impacted areas and lands degraded due to mining activity.

We note the importance of the remediation of degraded mining lands and the science-based restoration of their ecosystems which is necessary to address environmental degradation and can have co-benefits, including soil formation, biodiversity conservation, carbon sequestration, sustainable forest management and the improved quality and availability of water resources, the document said.

In an interview to HT on Thursday, Canadas environment minister Steven Guilbeault said: I am grateful to India for putting forth a strong language on the global biodiversity framework and the 30 by 30 goal. Its a language thats largely agreed on by the G20, so we will be able to make progress on that.
NEW DELHI: Japan on Friday said G7 member states wont change their position on Russias invasion of Ukraine, and it is up to the Indian presidency of the G20 to forge consensus on text to refer to the crisis in the leaders declaration to be adopted at the groupings summit in September. Ukrainian servicemen fire a Ukrainian self-propelled howitzer 2C22 Bohdana toward Russian positions, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine (REUTERS)

Indian negotiators have been hard at work to come up with text to refer to the crisis in the joint communique that will be acceptable to both G7 member states and Russia, which has dissociated itself from all references to Ukraine in G20 documents. China has insisted that geopolitical content such as the Ukraine war shouldnt be included in G20 documents.

The Ukraine crisis was among issues discussed by external affairs minister S Jaishankar and his Japanese counterpart Yoshimasa Hayashi at the bilateral foreign ministers strategic dialogue on Thursday. In the context of Ukraine, the two sides share the fundamental thinking that sovereignty and territorial integrity should be upheld in line with the UN Charter and that unilateral use of force to change the status quo is not permissible, Yukiko Okano, deputy press secretary in Japans foreign ministry, told reporters on Friday.

Asked if G7 member states will review their position on the Ukraine war to pave the way for a consensus leaders declaration at the G20 Summit to be hosted by India in September, Okano replied: I think our position will remain the same, as G7 countries. I think whichever the forum, we will voice out our concern and our objection relating to Ukraine. But when it comes to the joint communique, it is really up to the presidency how to reach a consensus.

She added, I think I would refrain from commenting on the path forward. This is really in the hands of the Indian presidency.

All G20 ministerial meetings hosted by India have failed to produce consensus documents because of opposition from Russia and China to refer to Ukraine.

With a little more than a month to go for the G20 Summit, negotiators from the grouping of the worlds largest economies are grappling with some five formulas to refer to the Ukraine crisis in the draft leaders declaration. The issue is set to figure in online negotiating sessions to be held in August, before coming up at the fourth meeting of G20 sherpas in early September.

G7 states have insisted that Russias aggression against Ukraine must find mention in the leaders declaration. But Russia and China have already rejected text used in the joint communique at last years G20 Summit to refer to the crisis, saying the situation on the ground has changed.

During the G7 Summit in Hiroshima in May under Japans presidency, member states resolved to stand against Russias illegal, unjustifiable, and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine and unveiled new sanctions against Moscow.

Okano declined to provide details of the discussions between Jaishankar and Hayashi on the Ukraine crisis, but said a free and open global order based on the rule of law is among fundamental principles shared by Japan and India. Japan also wants to see greater coordination between the G7 and the G20, she said.

In response to other questions, Okano said China figured in discussions between the two foreign ministers on the situation in South and Southeast Asia.

China is our neighbouring country, and [Japans] new national security strategy stated that China is a challenge to our security. Our basic stance is we will say what we need to say to China bluntly, but we cooperate with China in fields where cooperation is possible, she said.

They are our biggest trading partner. We would like to have a stable, constructive relationship with China, Okano added.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON

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
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) in a weather forecast stated that heavy to very heavy rainfall was likely to occur over several parts across India on Friday including parts of Telangana, Ladakh, Gilgit, Baltistan, Muzaffarabad, Punjab, Gujarat and Karnataka. A view of a waterlogged street after incessant rainfall, in Navsari on Friday. (ANI Photo)

On Friday and Saturday, areas likely to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall are, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Sikkim, Odisha, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura.

The IMD issued a weather bulletin on Friday detailing the forecast across India over the next five days.

On Saturday (July 29), heavy to very heavy rainfall is also likely to occur over Jharkhand and Konkan.

The Met department also issued a flash flood warning for Saturday in areas of Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, Konkan and Goa. It said, Surface runoff/ Inundation may occur at some fully saturated soils & lowlying areas over AoC as shown in map due to expected rainfall occurrence in next 24 hours.

The IMD forecast stated that thunderstorm with lightning was likely to occur over Andaman and Nicobar Islands, West Bengal, Sikkim, Bihar, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

For July 30 to September 1, the IMD said that heavy to very heavy rainfall was likely to occur over Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram & Tripura, Konkan, Goa and Maharashtra.

Issuing agriculture advisory, the IMD said that excess water from crop fields should be drained out to avoid water stagnation. The weather department also said that transplanting of rice and finger millet in Konkan, Maharashtra and Telangana should be postponed.

Further, the IMD said that sowing of cotton, groundnut, castor and redgram should also be postponed in Telangana.

Impact expected due to very heavy rainfall

The IMD said that due to very heavy rainfall in Konkan, Goa, Maharashtra, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, Chhattisgarh, Odisha and Sikkim expected impacts were flooding of roads and rivers, waterlogging and traffic congestions.

It also said that there were possibilities of damage roads and vulnurable structures.

There is also a possibility of landslides or mudslides in the hilly areas.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
India is an indispensable partner to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific and Tokyo would like to further expand cooperation in the region with New Delhi, Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi said on Friday. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar meets Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi (Dr. S. Jaishankar Twitter)

In an address at the India-Japan Forum, the visiting minister also referred to an assertion by the leaders of the G7 countries in the grouping's Hiroshima summit in May that any attempts to change the status quo by force cannot be tolerated anywhere.

Hayashi said Japan is very keen to work hand-in-hand with India to make its G20 presidency successful, especially the upcoming summit of the intergovernmental forum.

The Japanese foreign minister said a call for upholding international law may sound like a mere slogan unless the challenges being faced by the Global South are dealt with effectively.

In his comments, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar described Japan as India's natural partner.

Hayashi arrived in Delhi on Thursday on a two-day visit.
NEW DELHI: Japans foreign minister Yoshimasa Hayashi on Friday held up India as an indispensable partner for achieving a free and open Indo-Pacific, while his Indian counterpart S Jaishankar said the two sides are natural partners for taking on challenges in areas ranging from the economy to emerging technologies. External affairs minister SJaishankar and Japanese foreign minister Yoshimasa Hayashi discussed ways to step up Japanese investments in India and deepen defence cooperation. (Twitter/DrSJaishankar)

The two ministers were speaking at the second India-Japan Forum organised by the external affairs ministry. India was the first stop on Hayashis three-nation tour, which will also take him to Sri Lanka and the Maldives. During talks on Thursday, Jaishankar and Hayashi discussed ways to step up Japanese investments in India and deepen defence cooperation.

Building on the Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) vision unveiled by Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida during a visit to New Delhi in March this year, Hayashi said Japan intends to deepen cooperation with India in all areas. Japan and India are also working closely together under their presidencies of the G7 and the G20 respectively, he said.

Pointing to Kishida announcing the new FOIP plan in New Delhi, he said: This fact itself is a reflection of the critical importance Japan places on India, as your nation is an indispensable partner in achieving FOIP.

Hayashi added: At a time when there are many pressing challenges, including Russias aggression against Ukraine, Japan and India fully share the necessity to lead the world to cooperation, rather than to division and confrontation.

Lauding the Indian G20 presidencys focus on the Global South, Hayashi said the call to uphold a rules-based international order may sound like a slogan if there isnt an adequate commitment to address challenges facing developing countries. At the same time, he noted that food security has deteriorated because of Russias aggression against Ukraine.

Hayashi said India and Japan have made progress in new initiatives in areas such as cyber and space, while discussions are underway for substantial cooperation in defence equipment and technology.

In his speech, Jaishankar highlighted key challenges confronting the world, including artificial intelligence, building reliable supply chains, ensuring trust and transparency in the digital domain, and upholding democratic values.

Jaishankar said India and Japan are natural partners for jointly addressing these challenges. I would say today whether it is the future of the international order, strategy, economics, technology, culture or indeed whether its history or geography, I think India and Japan have a lot going for each other, he said.

Hayashi also spoke about Japans plans to revise its Development Cooperation Charter, the basic document for development cooperation. Under this revised charter, we will continue to undertake efforts to build quality infrastructure in India, including high-speed rail and urban transportation, he said.

When a Japanese reporter pointed out that a bilateral partnership is tested by a war or a crisis and asked how the two sides would collaborate in case of a war in the Taiwan Strait or a conflict on the India-China border, Jaishankar replied: I fundamentally disagree with your question because I think it is actually peacetime cooperation which is when you are tested, because if you dont work every day to build a relationship and to put in place capabilities, comfort and structures, then when something more severe comes  if I cant handle a good day, how will I handle a difficult day.

Jaishankar said the real challenge for the two sides is to bolster cooperation in economics, supply chains, the digital domain, critical technologies and maritime security. If you do all of this, I would say you are contributing to the strengthening of peace, stability and security. So many of the worst fears dont happen, if you actually work ahead of it, he added.

Hayashi said India-Japan security cooperation includes joint military exercises between all three services while economic cooperation contributes to more stable and strong relations. All of this will be working against any of these scenarios, he said.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON

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
Pakistan, Sri Lanka or ChinaThey can go wherever they want, BJP MP Ravi Kishan on Friday said taking a jibe at the Opposition-led INDIA bloc over its scheduled to strife-torn Manipur. A delegation of Opposition MPs is set to visit the violence-hit northeastern state over the weekend. BJP MP Ravi Kishan(ANI)

The actor-turned-politician further alleged that the directionless and brainless Opposition brought the no-confidence motion against the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led central government for its own rout which the country will witness in the coming days.

They knew that the process (after moving the no-trust motion) takes 10 days, which they have to wait it outThey brought the motion to beat themselves hollow and the country will witness that, the BJP MP said.

Earlier this week, the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) moved the no-trust motion against the central government by Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi. With 331 MPs in Lok Sabha, the BJP-led NDA can come out of the deliberation over the motion virtually unhurt, proving its majority on the floor of the House. However, Congress believes that the move to bring the motion is rather a matter of morality over numbers.

"When there will be division on the motion in the Lok Sabha, morality will be tested and it will be incumbent upon every MP to take a 'personal position'," Congress MP Manish Tewari said.

The BJP government in the Centre has been criticised for its stance over the continued ethnic violence in Manipur. The Opposition MPs have been demanding a proper discussion in the Parliament, followed by an elaborate statement from PM Modi on the matter.

The delegation's visit to the northeastern state will take place almost a month after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi went there and met victims, as well as civil society groups.

INDIA bloc is a group of 26 opposition parties, including the Congress, for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. The parties have joined hands to take on PM Modi and the BJP and prevent them from winning a third successive term at the Centre.
Indigo was fined Rs.30 lakh by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) after the aviation regulator discovered systemic deficiencies in the airlines documentation and procedures. (Representative Photo)

The penalty comes after the aviation regulator conducted a special audit after concerns over the airlines frequent tail strike incidents were raised. Indigo Airlines, in the span of six months this year, experienced four tail strikes on their A321 aircraft.

In its special audit, the DGCA reviewed the airlines documentation and procedure on operations, training, engineering and FDM (flight data monitoring) programmes.

During the special audit, certain systemic deficiencies were observed in M/s Indigo Airlines documentation pertaining to operations/training procedures and engineering procedures, a senior DGCA official said on Friday.

After the audit, the aviation regulator issued a show cause notice to Indigo, directing it to submit a reply within the stipulated time, said the official.

The reply was reviewed at various levels and was not found satisfactory. Subsequently, DGCA has imposed a financial penalty of Rs. 30 Lakhs on M/s Indigo Airlines and also directed them to amend their documents and procedures in line with DGCA requirements and OEM guidelines, the official added.

The DGCA had on Wednesday suspended two IndiGo pilots after examining the tail strike incident involving an A321 aircraft that took place on June 15 in Ahmedabad. It had first issued a show-cause notice to the pilots.

A tail strike occurs when the tail of an aircraft skids through or hits the ground or an object during takeoff or landing. Tail strikes are often due to human error and can cause significant damage to the aircraft.

The DGCA audit of the aircraft revealed that the crew carried out the landing in deviation from established stand operating procedures.

This led the DGCA to suspend the license of the pilot-in-command for three months and that of the co-pilot for one month for violation of the provisions of the relevant Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR).

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Ambassador of Israel to India Naor Gilon on Friday commented on the Holocaust row over Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor-starrer Bawal and said though he has not watched the movie, the trivialisation of the Holocaust should disturb all. "I did not and will not watch the film Bawaal but from what Ive read, there was a poor choice of terminology and symbolism. Trivialisation of the Holocaust should disturb all. I urge those who dont know enough about the horrors of the #Holocaust to educate themselves about it," the ambassador wrote. The Auschwitz metaphor used in connection with relationship problems in Bawal drew flak.

The movie since its release on an OTT platform has drawn flak for bringing the Auschwitz metaphor into a relationship problem as the main characters dropped Hitler's name in a dialogue like 'We are all a little like Hitler". Every relationship goes through its Auschwitz," is another dialogue from the movie. The characters, in the movie, fall in love as they travel together to Europe and visit second world war sites.

Our embassy is constantly working to propagate educational materials on this crucial subject, and we are open to engaging in conversations with all individuals to foster a better understanding of the universal lessons derived from the Holocaust," the embassy tweeted.

A Jewish organisation -- The Simon Wiesenthal Center -- has written to Amazon Prime asking it to stop streaming the movie for its insensitive portrayal of the Holocaust.

"By having the protagonist in this movie declare that 'Every relationship goes through their Auschwitz', Nitesh Tiwari [the director], trivialises and demeans the memory of six million murdered Jews and millions of others who suffered at the hands of Hitler's genocidal regime," the statement said.

Varun Dhawan, director Nitesh Tiwari's defence

Actor Varun Dhawan referred to the Bhagavad Gita scene in Oppenheimer and asked where the audience's criticism goes when they watch an English movie. Director Nitesh Tiwari said if a work of art is seen with a magnifying glass, then there will be problems in every art.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar and Trinamool Congress MP Derek O'Brien engaged in a heated argument in the Rajya Sabha during the monsoon session of Parliament on Friday that led to the adjournment of the House for the day abruptly. TMC MP Derek O'Brien protests in the Rajya Sabha during the Monsoon session of Parliament in New Delhi on Friday, (PTI)

Dhankhar was interrupted by O'Brien, who was pushing for a discussion on the Manipur violence and thumping the desk to make a point over the non-admission of notices given by opposition members under Rule 267 to discuss the situation, prompting Dhankhar to adjourn proceedings.

As many as 47 MPs from parties, including the Congress, Left parties, TMC, SP, AAP, NCP and DMK, had given notices on Friday under the rule that calls for suspension of the listed business and taking up the issue being raised.

A visibly perturbed Dhankhar termed O'Brien's behaviour "theatrics" that would not be tolerated.

"We can't suffer this," he said and adjourned the proceedings for the day.

The House had met for just 27 minutes during which birthday greetings were extended to two members, farewell accorded to retiring Vinay Dinur Tendulkar (BJP), official papers were laid on the table and business listed for the next week.

Dhankhar then read out the names of the 47 MPs who had given notices under Rule 267.

Similar notices had been given right since the start of Monsoon session on July 20. Many opposition MPs have been given 267 notices, none of which have been accepted. Fifty such notices were given on July 25.

Dhankhar said he has already agreed to a short-duration discussion on the issue and asked members to rise above partisan interests and agree to discuss the matter under that rule.

"We in this House are to exemplify our actions that are nationally acclaimed, that inspire and motivate people at large. Having this scenario every day with the same situation does not evoke the kind of respect to which otherwise we should be entitled," he said.

Actions of members of the Upper House "have to be so exemplified that people at large are motivated to emulate them", he said. "I get input from all over. They indicate worrisome, alarming concern."

According to the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Council of States, Rule 267 relates to the suspension of rules. A short-duration discussion, on the other hand, is a brief discussion not exceeding two-and-a-half hours under Rule 176.

"Every day, including the last session and the session before that, we had a number of notices under 267. If I go into the precedence of it, in this century, in the last 23 years, the House is fully aware how many such notices have been admitted," he said.

He went on to list the importance of Question Hour, where MPs put questions to the government. "Question Hour is the heart of parliamentary working," Dhankhar said.

At this point, O'Brien said, "We are aware of this" and sought to press for the motion that opposition parties have been seeking to move since the start of the Monsoon Session of Parliament last week.

"I know sir you are aware of this. You don't have to state. Just lend your ears. Once you lend your ears, you will understand," Dhankhar said.

But the TMC leader was not in a mood to relent. The chairman asked him to take his seat.

"Mr Derek O'Brien, it has become your habit to engage in theatrics. Every time you rise, you think it is your prerogative. The minimum thing which you can exemplify is to show respect to the chair. If I am saying something, you rise and create theatrics," he said.

'I am on the rule': Derek O'Brien

The TMC leader objected to his actions being termed theatrics and said he was only pressing for the discussion under the rule that opposition parties want.

"I am on the rule," he said, thumping his desk.

This seemed infuriated Dhankhar.

"Don't thump the table. Don't thump it. It is not theatrics," he said. "We will not tolerate this. I am sorry."

As O'Brien continued to make his point, the chairman adjourned the proceedings for the day. Before doing that he stated he would call leaders of political parties.

"We can't suffer this," he said before leaving the House. The House will now meet on Monday, July 31.

(With inputs from PTI)

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
A day after, foreign minister Jaishankar's speech in the Rajya Sabha was disrupted in the Rajya Sabha because of the protest from the opposition MPs, the minister issued a 21-minute statement on the recent developments of Indian foreign policy. "Sadly, the Opposition repeatedly disrupted my statement in both Houses of Parliament. Obviously, for them, partisan politics was more important than national progress," Jaishankar said adding that he would present the thrust of his statement in his video. S Jaishankar posted a 21-minute speech on his social media accounts and said it contains the thrust of his speech that he could not deliver in Parliament.

On Thursday, as Jaishankar was speaking in the Rajya Sabha, a slogan war started between the NDA and the INDIA MPs. While the NDA MPs chanted 'Modi, Modi', the opposition MPs started chanting INDIA, INDIA. "If you claim to be I.N.D.I.A. and you are not prepared to listen to the national interests of India, what kind of I.N.D.I.A. are you?" Jaishankar said on Thursday.

'Under the garb of foreign policy statement...': Raghav Chadha

AAP Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha on Thursday mocked at the statement as said under the 'garb of a statement on foreign policy', Jaishankar spent nearly 30 minutes talking about the Prime Minister's foreign trip itinerary. "But he didn't read out the food menus, which was sad. How could he overlook such crucial details?" Raghav Chadha said.

'When India speaks..': Jaishankar

Giving a 360-degree view of the PM's recent foreign visits and India's outreach to foreign countries and their acceptance of India's vision, Jaishankar said it is unfortunate that these matters were not allowed to be debated in Parliament with the seriousness that they deserve. "At a time when international affairs have become unprecedented and complex, our people-centric foreign policy is guided by the demands and aspirations of our society. Today the world recognises that when India speaks, it speaks not only for itself but for many others, and that India speaks as the voice of peace, of security, and a prosperity for all, Jaishankar said.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Poulomi Ghosh Poulomi Ghosh is a journalist with Hindustan Times, New Delhi. ...view detail
NEW DELHI: Japans foreign minister Yoshimasa Hayashi has called on India to improve its investment environment, with Japanese firms operating in the country highlighting several challenges they face in terms of tax issues and infrastructure. External affairs minister S Jaishankar and Japanese foreign minister Yoshimasa Hayashi ahead of the 15th India-Japan Strategic Dialogue on Thursday (S Jaishankar Twitter/ANI)

The issue figured in Hayashis discussions with external affairs minister S Jaishankar during the India-Japan foreign ministers strategic dialogue on Thursday. A statement on the dialogue from the Japanese side said Hayashi requested cooperation to improve the investment environment and for the early establishment of a Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM).

The issue also came up at a meeting on Friday between Hayashi and the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry in India (JCCII) and representatives of several Japanese companies operating in India, including manufacturers of cars, auto components and machinery.

The view from the Japanese businesspeople here is that they would like to see a more predictable, transparent and stable business environment in India, including implementing the legislation and tax issues, Yukiko Okano, deputy press secretary of Japans foreign ministry, told a media briefing.

In the past, Japanese businesses operating in India have raised issues related to infrastructure challenges, and JCCII has been in touch with Indian authorities and the Japanese embassy to address these matters, she said.

The Japanese business sector sees a growing opportunity in operating in India for investment and trade. So, they would like to see more a stable investment climate and business environment put in place in India, Okano said.

There was no immediate response on the matter from Indian officials.

As of June 2022, a total of 1,439 Japanese companies have a presence in India, with manufacturing firms accounting for half this figure. Between 2000 and 2022, Japanese investments in India were worth $37.8 billion, ranking Japan fifth among source countries for FDI.

Japanese investments in India have increased in recent years but remain small compared to the countrys total outward FDI. Japans FDI in India during 2020-21 and 2021-22 stood at $1.95 billion and $1.49 billion respectively. Most of these investments have been in electrical equipment, general machinery, chemicals and pharmaceuticals, financial and insurance sectors, construction, transportation, wholesale and retail, and services.

During Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishidas visit to New Delhi in March 2022, the two sides set a target of increasing Japans public and private investments in India to 5 trillion yen over the next five years. Since then, Okano said, there has been steady progress in efforts to achieve this target.

In a post on its website, JCCII said it has made several proposals to the Indian government to enhance the business environment. In order to further expand future investment, it is essential to...deepen a common understanding of Japanese companies perspectives on the business environment in India, the chamber said.

The proposals include establishing a carbon credit system, easing of Reserve Bank of India regulations, improved export tariff regulations, further incentives for export promotion, revision of corporate income tax for foreign banks, and relaxation of FDI restrictions in the insurance sector.

While Japanese companies already have a sizable presence in India, it is not surprising that they have an even larger presence in other Asian countries. Even Japanese companies doing business in other emerging economies, such as Southeast Asia, often struggle with Indias unique business environment and challenges, JCCII added.

JCCII said it is essential to further improve the business environment in India to fully leverage the potential for increased investments by Japanese companies.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON

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
Bengaluru: The last time the milk prices were increased were in November 2022, when the KMF had initially raised it by  3 per litre (PTI)

The Karnataka cabinet has given the green signal for a 3 per litre hike in the price of Nandini milk, a popular brand under the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF). This decision, taken on Thursday during a cabinet meeting, comes in response to demands from milk producers.

Chief minister Siddaramaiah emphasised that Karnataka has been selling milk at the lowest price in comparison to other states, where the rates are substantially higher. The milk [toned] that costs 39 will now be sold at 42 per litre. Elsewhere, it is sold between 54 and 56 per litre. In Tamil Nadu the price is 44 per litre, the chief minister said.

Deputy chief minister D K Shivakumar echoed the chief ministers sentiments, saying that the price hike was necessary to support the milk producers and farmers. We have to give money to the farmers [milk producers]. Today in the entire country its [toned milk] 56 per litre. In our state, people are getting at a very less price. He also said the government had decided to hike milk prices by three rupees to help farmers.

Notably, the last time the milk prices were increased were in November 2022, when the KMF had initially raised it by 3 per litre. However, due to intervention by the then chief minister Basavaraj Bommai, the hike was capped at 2 per litre.

Despite the price hike in November 2022, Nandini milks selling price in Karnataka remains significantly cheaper than that of other private companies. While Nandini milk starts at 39 per litre, private firms are selling their milk at prices ranging from 48 to 52 per litre, said a senior KMF official.

Ahead of the state assembly elections, Karnataka witnessed a heated Amul vs. Nandini row, with the Opposition, including the Congress and pro-Kannada groups, criticizing the BJP government for allowing Amul to sell fresh milk and curd in Bengaluru. They alleged that this move could adversely impact the business of the local brand Nandini.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON

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
Bengaluru: The Karnataka high court on Friday issued a notice to chief minister Siddaramaiah in response to an election petition filed by a voter. The petition seeks to nullify Siddaramaiahs election from the Varuna assembly constituency in the recently concluded state assembly elections, alleging electoral malpractices. Karnataka high court issues notice to chief minister Siddaramaiah seeking response to the petition seeks to nullify Siddaramaiahs election from the Varuna assembly constituency. (ANI)

Justice S Sunil Dutt Yadav issued the notice to the chief minister based on the plea that accused Siddaramaiah of indulging in electoral malpractices during the elections.

The petition was filed by KM Shankar, a voter from Varuna, who has served as a gram panchayat member from Someshwarapura, Koodanahalli. In the plea, Shankar requested the court to take appropriate action to set aside Siddaramaiahs election victory from the Varuna constituency. The basis for this demand was Siddaramaiahs alleged involvement in corrupt practices through the implementation of five guarantee schemes.

The Congress party, in its manifesto, had put forward five guarantees aimed at benefiting the people of Karnataka. These guarantees included Gruha Jyothi, which promised 200 units of free electricity to all households; Gruha Lakshmi, offering 2,000 every month to each woman heading a family; Anna Bhagya, ensuring 10 kilograms of food grains per month to every member of below poverty line families; Yuva Nidhi, allocating 3,000 per month for two years to unemployed graduates and 1,500 per month for two years to unemployed diploma holders; and Uchita Prayana/Shakthi, granting free bus rides to women across state.

In the petition, it was argued that these guarantees were presented as offers and promises not only by Siddaramaiah as a candidate but also by the Indian National Congress party. The petitioner claimed that these promises were made with the chief ministers consent and were intended to gratify the electorate in the Varuna constituency, thereby directly influencing them to vote in favour of the Congress partys candidate.

They are in the form of gratification to the electorate of the Varuna constituency and with the object of directly inducing the electorate to vote for the Congress party candidate namely the respondent. The consideration was the vote in favour of the respondent as a gratification with the motive and reward, the petition claimed.

KM Shankara further urged the court to declare Siddaramaiahs victory as void under various provisions of Section 100 of the Representation of People Act. According to Shankara, the chief minister, being the sole respondent in the petition, had engaged in multiple corrupt practices, which were in violation of Section 123 of the Representation of People Act (Undue influence, that is to say, any direct or indirect interference or attempt to interfere on the part of the candidate or his agent, or of any other person).

The petitioner also contended that these guarantees amounted to bribery and undue influence under Section 123(2) of the Representation of People Act (induces or attempts to induce a candidate or an elector to believe that he, or any person in whom he is interested, will become or will be rendered an object of divine displeasure or spiritual censure, shall be deemed to interfere with the free exercise of the electoral right of such candidate or elector). Moreover, it was argued that these policies contradicted the directive principles of State policy.

Justice S Sunil Dutt Yadav has scheduled the matter for further proceedings on September 1.

In the elections held in May, Siddaramaiah got a landslide victory in the Varuna constituency, defeating his nearest rival by a margin of 46,006 votes and entering the Karnataka Assembly for the ninth time. The 75-year-old leader got 1,19,430 votes against 73,424 polled by his BJP rival V Somanna.

The Karnataka chief ministers office didnt provide a response to the notice claiming the matter was sub-judice and will be handed by legal experts.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Kerala minister for higher education R Bindu on Friday denied allegations that she interfered in the appointment of principals of government arts and science colleges in violation of UGC rules even as opposition Congress and BJP leaders demanded her resignation. Kerala minister for higher education R Bindu on Friday said the government has no intention of pushing certain names into the final list for college principals appointment. (ANI)

After a 43-member list of candidates was approved by the departmental promotion committee and recommended by the college education director, minister Bindu wrote a note in the file in November last year asking officials to publish the final list as a draft list and if there are complaints regarding the same, an appeal committee should hear and resolve them before submission for appointment, showed a Right to Information (RTI) reply.

Addressing reporters in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday, Bindu clarified, As per UGC rules, we have been following norms by which principals of government colleges are appointed on the basis of seniority from the list of qualified teachers. To fill 55 vacancies in our government colleges, the selection committee in the first phase prepared a list of 67 teachers and subsequently a sub-committee shortened the list to 43 persons. Regarding this list, many complaints arose from those whose names were left out. They claimed that they were denied justice. In that backdrop, I directed that without setting aside the list of 43 persons, the complaints of those left out should be examined by a committee seriously before taking further action. It is completely fair.

Even though there were 55 openings for posts of principals and the first list contained 67 names, it was shortened to 43 names on the basis of certain technical problems. I took that stand because the government believed if there are valid complaints, they must be addressed...justice should not be denied, she added.

The minister said that several cases regarding appointment in government colleges are pending before the administrative tribunal. After considering the verdicts in some of them, upon reaching legal advice, the final list will be approved. The first list has also not been finalised and I have not even seen the purported finalised list. It has not come before the government, she said.

Bindu underlined that the government has no intention of pushing certain names into the final list.

However, Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan alleged that the minister illegally interfered in the process because the final list of 43 did not have names of those close to the CPI(M).

The higher education department legally prepared a list of 43 principals. It was approved by the PSC. That list did not have names of their own on merit. Thats why the minister purposely interfered in it. She does not have the right to sit in the post. She should resign, said Satheesan.

BJP state chief K Surendran charged that the minister has turned the higher education department into AKG Centre, the headquarters of CPI(M) in Kerala.

When party cadre could not find a place in the list on merit, the minister tried to push names of those ineligible. She does not deserve to sit in her chair, Surendran said in a statement.

.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Aizwal: The discussion around the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and clashes between Meitei and Kuki communities in Manipur are two key concerns for Mizoram chief minister Zoramthanga. The Mizos in his state and the Kukis in Manipur come from same ethnicity of Zo-Chin people who live between the hills of Manipur to the Chin state of Myanmar. In an interview, Zoramthanga spoke about the Manipur crisis, the influx of refugees to Mizoram, UCC, and his role in NDA. Chief minister Zoramthanga spoke about the Manipur crisis, the influx of refugees to Mizoram, UCC, and his role in NDA (ANI)

What, in your view, is the way to resolve the conflict in Manipur?

My solution is, let the Manipur and the central governments come together and consult the concerned people (Kuki and the Meitei people) and let the Union government settle this politically. That is the only solution.

There has been discussion on whether Article 3 of the Constitution, which provides for changing boundaries of states, should be considered with regard to demand of Kukis that there should be a separate administration for hills of Manipur. What is your take?

When the Mizo National Fund (MNF) was established in 1961, one of the main objectives was that the Mizo inhabitant areas should be put under one administration, as far as India is concerned. That is permitted by Article 3 of the Indian Constitution. That has been the biggest demand of the MNF since then.

When we were negotiating the Mizoram Peace Accord with the government of India, we reiterated that our stand is that Mizo-inhabitated areas should be put under one administration forming a state, and the government of India had then said, well there is an Article 3 of the Indian Constitution, we dont say yes or no, we dont make any comment.

From the previous Assam state, several states were carved as per Article 3 -- one state can be formed and a boundary of a state can be changed, which the Parliament has the right to do so. It was clearly mentioned in our Peace Accord.

Manipur CM N Biren Singh has said that the Mizoram CM should not interfere in the state. Are you interfering?

Well I do not interfere in the internal affairs of Manipur, I speak for the whole of India -- be it Assam, Tripura or any other state. What we iterated in 1961 -- the year that Biren Singh was born is also the year the MNF was founded -- was the unification of Mizo inhabitat areas to form one administrative area. This is not about interference. After Mizoram was born out of Assam, all this took place within the Union of India. Because of the trouble in Manipur, thousands of Manipur Kuki internally displaced persons (IDPs) have come to Mizoram. Whether it is forced upon me or not, we have to act and find a solution for it as it affects me.

You asked for 10 crore from Centre to take care of IDPs. Has the Centre provided funds?

I have received some money from the home ministry but that is not enough, and have requested the central government to sanction more. We need a first instalment of 10 crore especially for IDPs from Manipur.

As far as Bangladesh and Myanmar are concerned, as we are not signatory to UN Refugees. I told my chief secretary that we are merely following what the Union of India had done in 1970 and 1971 when millions of East Pakistan refugees had crossed over to India and looked after by the government of India. If East Pakistan people were given that support, why cant we give it to people from Burma/Myanmar? The same formula has to be applied.

Will the violence in Manipur and UCC impact the 2024 Lok Sabha polls?

Well, the problem in Manipur will affect the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in the North-East, and Manipur in particular. But as far of the whole India is concerned, I have no idea. It may effect to some extent.

Are you still an integral part of NDA?

I have no anger against the NDA; it has been constituted by a number of political parties to form an alliance. With the present Union government, I am a little surprised by their attitude in dealing with Manipur and not giving help to the refugees. Therefore, I requested the Prime Minister, the Union home minister, and the central government to look into the refugee and IDPs crises from a different angle.

As far as being member of the NDA is concerned, my party is among the founding members of the NDA. But that does not mean that we will follow every policy. When issue comes against the interest of the Mizo people, my party will totally object to it. The MNF has strongly opposed UCC and in the legislative assembly, my home minister brought in a resolution opposing introduction or passing of UCC. I and my party totally reject UCC. Our support to NDA is issue-based and we do not support any issue that goes against Mizoram.

Will you contest the next elections as an NDA partner?

Yes, so far. We have been helping the NDA for the last several decades and we will not refrain from that. If UCC is going to be imposed in Mizoram, we cannot be part of NDA. But at the same time, I dont think that the Union government would do that.I believe the NDA leadership has wisdom to be able to include all the important ingredients for cementing the NDA. I believe that the NDA will in the way that is wise enough, mature enough and see that a thing like UCC does not help them. I dont think that they will not make any issue which will necessitate the MNF leaving the NDA.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping had exchanged courtesies and spoke on the need to stabilise the bilateral relations at a dinner during the G20 summit in Bali last year, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday. PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping(MEAIndia)

Two days ago, the Chinese foreign ministry following a meeting between NSA Ajit Doval and top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi in Johannesburg claimed that Xi and Modi had reached an "important consensus" on stabilising bilateral ties at the interaction on the margins of the G20 Summit last November.

"During the Bali G20 summit last year, the prime minister and President Xi Jinping at the conclusion of that dinner hosted by the Indonesian President exchanged courtesies and spoke of the need to stabilise our bilateral relations," Bagchi said.

"As you are aware, we have steadfastly maintained the key to resolution of the whole issue is to resolve the situation along the LAC (Line of Actual Control) on the Western sector of India-China boundary and to restore peace and tranquillity in the border areas," he added.

His comments came when asked about China's claim of the consensus reached at the interaction between the two top leaders in Bali.

Following the brief interaction between Modi and Xi in Bali, the MEA had said they exchanged courtesies.

It was their first such exchanges in public view since the India-China border standoff began in May 2020.

Doval met Wang on the sidelines of the BRICS NSAs' meeting in Johannesburg on July 24.

In its statement on the meeting, the MEA said 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.

It said the 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 ties.

"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 MEA said on Tuesday.

The Indian and Chinese troops are locked in an over three-year standoff in certain friction points in eastern Ladakh even as the two sides completed disengagement from several areas following extensive diplomatic and military talks.

The government refers to eastern Ladakh as Western sector.

The ties between the two countries nosedived significantly following the fierce clash in the Galwan Valley in June 2020 that marked the most serious military conflict between the two sides in decades.

Asked whether the Chinese president would attend the G20 summit in Delhi, Bagchi said India is making all efforts and preparations for its success with the participation of all invited leaders.

On India's proposal to make the African Union a permanent member of the G20, he said: "We hope this does happen."

At the same time, he added that it would be premature to say anything specific on the matter.

Asked about Russian President Vladimir Putin's reported comments supporting the proposal, Bagchi said he has not seen the remarks.

But said: "If Russia has supported (the proposal), it is good."
With a few Bills being passed in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, the monsoon session has largely seen a logjam so far amid the Opposition's demand for a discussion on the Manipur issue followed by an elaborate statement by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the matter. The no-confidence motion moved by the INDIA bloc is also seen as a strategic step to compel the PM Modi-led government for a discussion. Lok Sabha(PTI)

Also read: Why only Congress signed no-confidence motion? What Opposition's INDIA bloc says

Thursday saw a high-decibel unrest in the parliament, especially in the upper House, which also followed with a walk out by the Opposition MPs. As earlier, both the Houses saw a series of sloganeering from the Opposition benches along with display of placards, driving both Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar to remind the members about the House decorum.

As a sign of protest, the INDIA bloc-led Opposition alliance entered the parliament wearing black clothes on Thursday. They had also boycotted a meeting of the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) of the Rajya Sabha ahead of the beginning of House proceedings.

Meanwhile, a slew of Bills were also passed in both Houses yesterday amid the unrest. The Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill, 2023, was passed in the upper House in the absence of the Opposition. In Lok Sabha, Jan Vishwas (Amendment and Provision) Bill, 2023, was passed, as per the Joint Committee.
A delegation of the opposition Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA), including 20 MPs, will begin a two-day visit to Manipur on Saturday to assess the ground situation and make recommendations to the government and Parliament, as part of efforts to help resolve the ethnic conflict that has roiled the northeastern state since May 3. Congress President and Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge, along with others during a meeting , in New Delhi (ANI)

The delegation, from at least 20 political parties, will visit both the valley and hill areas, and also call on Manipur governor Anusuiya Uikey on Sunday. Opposition leaders said that some parties, which dont have MPs, will send other representatives.

Also read: Pakistan or China: On Manipur visit, BJP MP Ravi Kishan says INDIA bloc can go anywhere they want

The details of the non-Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) alliances first visit to the state were shared by Congress MP and whip in Rajya Sabha Naseer Hussain during a press conference at the AICC headquarters in Delhi. We have got permission from the state government to visit the affected areas as also the relief camps. We have also got permission to meet the governor, who has allowed time to the delegation on Sunday, Hussain said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) have neither the will nor the ability to resolve the Manipur violence, he added.

Hussains remarks came as the Opposition and the Centre continued to lock horns over the formers demands for a statement by Modi and a debate in both Houses of Parliament on the matter. The Centre has only agreed for a debate so far, prompting the Opposition to continue with their protests and disrupt the ongoing proceedings of the Monsoon session.

Since May 3, Manipur has been gripped by ethnic clashes  primarily between the Kukis and the Meiteis. At least 150 people have been killed and over 50,000 have been displaced so far.

Congresss Lok Sabha floor leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury and party MP Gaurav Gogoi, who has moved a no-confidence motion against the Centre, are among those slated to visit the northeastern state. Others include Janata Dal (United) chief Lalan Singh, Trinamool Congresss Sushmita Dev, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagams Kanimozhi, Communist Party of Indias P Sandosh Kumar, Rashtriya Janata Dals Manoj Kumar Jha, Jharkhand Mukti Morchas Mahua Maji, Samajwadi Partys Javed Ali Khan, Nationalist Congress Partys Mohamad Faizal and Aam Aadmi Partys Sushil Gupta. Speaking to reporters, Hussain said: We think a lot of crucial information related to the violence is being hidden from us since there was a complete internet shutdown in the region. Since the Prime Minister is also not ready to talk about it. INDIA parties have decided to send a delegation to the state to visit the relief camps in the valley and hill areas.

Gogoi called for an inquiry under a retired Supreme Court judge into the violence.

Also read: 'Going by PM Modi's reasoning...' Kanhaiya's statement draws flak

The BJP wants to give the picture that everything is fine in Manipur but it is not so with violence continuing. That is why we want an inquiry under a retired Supreme Court judge on how did the state government fail, he told reporters outside Parliament. The chief minister (N Biren Singh) himself admits that there are more than 100 FIRs. Why was the administration sleeping for two months? An all INDIA delegation will go to Manipur and find out the truth and will put forward that truth before Parliament, he added.

Taking note of the Oppositions plans, the BJP urged them to desist from aggravating the situation in Manipur. Former Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said opposition MPs are creating tension in Parliament by disrupting its proceedings and running away from a debate, despite the government expressing its willingness for it. They want to create similar tension in the state but should know its sensitivity, he said.

(With PTI inputs)

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Air India Flight AI143, en route from Delhi to Paris, returned to Delhi shortly after take-off on Friday. The decision was made following information from the Delhi Air Traffic Control (ATC) about suspected tyre debris sighted on the runway after departure. Air India (AP File Photo)

The flight safely landed back in Delhi at 2.18 pm, an Air India spokesperson said.

Flight AI143 operating Delhi-Paris on 28 July 2023 air-returned shortly after take-off, following the Delhi ATCs information to flight crew about suspected tyre debris sighted on the runway after departure. The flight safely landed back at Delhi at 1418hrs," Air India spokesperson said in a statement.

The statement added that aircraft AI143 is undergoing essential safety checks in Delhi and the airline is making alternate arrangements to ensure that all passengers reach their destinations without further delays.

We regret the inconvenience caused to passengers, but as always, safety of all on board is Air Indias foremost priority, the spokesperson added.

According to PTI, citing sources, the aircraft, which had more than 200 passengers onboard, apparently suffered a tyre burst and that there were the plane.

Tyre disruptions have been posing increasing disruptions of flight services. Earlier in the month, a Kochi-bound SpiceJet flight's tyre burst at the time of landing on July 4. The SG-17 flight which was coming from Dubai reached the Kochi airport safely despite the tyre burst.

READ HERE: Dubai-Kochi SpiceJet flight suffers tyre bust during landing, no casualties

An MS643 EgyptAir jetliner, which took off from Cairo international airport on May 28, upon landing at King Abdulaziz International Airport in the Saudi coastal city of Jeddah, blew out a tyre. However, no casualties were reported.

In an other incident, DGCA has imposed a penalty of 30 lakh on IndiGo due to four tail strikes incidents in a time period of six months.

A tail strike occurs when the tail or empennage of an aircraft hits the ground or any other stationary object during take-off or landing.

DGCA carried out a special audit of Indigo airlines, and reported certain systemic deficiencies in the airline documentation pertaining to operations/training procedures and engineering procedures.

READ HERE: Indigo tail strikes: DGCA fines airline 30 lakh for systemic deficiencies

(Inputs from wire)
The government is considering suggestions from a parliamentary committee to set up a centralised Cyber Protection Authority (CPA), expanding capacity of the Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), and requiring mobile phone makers to allow whitelisting or blacklisting of apps offering loans, three people aware of the development said. A committee headed by the ministry of corporate affairs secretary is holding detailed deliberations on the matter and is expected to submit its recommendations by July 5 (PTI)

Also read: Jaishankar's 21-minute statement after Parliament disruption: Partisan politics

According to these people, the parliamentary standing committee on finance carried out detailed discussions with multiple stakeholders and came up with several suggestions in the cyber security and rising incidence of cyber/white collar crimes report.

The proposed five-point strategy includes a more dynamic and proactive regulatory framework, a new empowered Cyber Protection Authority, a responsive consumer grievance redressal mechanism; strengthen enforcement at Centre and states; and achieve closer global cooperation.

The recommendations come against the backdrop of growing concerns of people being harassed by dodgy loan applications, which in many cases have driven users to suicide by their coercive recovery methods.

There are rising cases of cybercrimes. They are difficult to handle because of being anonymous and borderless. The government is considering proposals of a parliamentary panel to tackle such crimes, one of the people said, asking not to be named.

The government will certainly consider these recommendations, a second person added.

The stakeholders who were part of the discussions included ministries of home, finance and electronics and IT, as well as the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), public and private sector banks, key players in the digital payment ecosystem, and Big Tech firms such as Google and Apple, which host mobile applications on their app stores.

The concerns also spill over to a number of illegal mobile applications available for download from application stories for quick loans or investments in crypto-assets, posing risks to such people, the second person added. Hence, there is a continuous need to blacklist and whitelist apps instead of the current approach of firefighting.

The panel proposed to have a regulatory directive mandating app stores to share exhaustive metadata and other information about all apps hosted on their platform, he said, adding that this data would help the regulator monitor vulnerability and prevent frauds.

Such an approach would also require revamped regulatory framework with a centralised and empowered Cyber Protection Authority or CPA.

The standing committee is also considering a separate but related issue on anti-competitive practices by Big Tech firms, with dominant players often accused of misusing their market position. In this regard, the ministry of corporate affairs said it was considering a new law to put in ex-ante guardrails.

Ex-ante regulations, or harder than usual guardrails, lay down stricter limits on how the sector must function.

A third person said the government has informed the parliamentary panel that it concurs with its proposal on the need of ex-ante laws that will allow regulators to pre-empt anti-competitive practices of large digital platforms such as Google, Amazon, and Flipkart as digital markets pose peculiar challenge by the winner-take-all situation.

Also read: Centre has over 636,000 cases pending in courts: Union law minister tells Parl

The government may take some more weeks and have a whole of the government approach to finalise a comprehensive draft digital competition law, the second person said.

A committee headed by the ministry of corporate affairs secretary is holding detailed deliberations on the matter and is expected to submit its recommendations by July 5.

Earlier this month, in a meeting held between officials of ministry of electronics and IT and MCA, concerns were raised regarding Systematically Important Digital Intermediaries (SIDIs) or gatekeepers, the third official said.

SIDIs are dominant players in the digital ecosystem who may influence competition often called the gatekeepers.

The Standing Committee on Finance, in its report -- Anti-Competitive Practices by Big Tech Companies -- on December 22, 2022 had said that the government must identify and monitor SIDIs in digital markets that can negatively influence competitive conduct and proposed to categorise them on the basis of their revenue, market capitalisation, number of active businesses and end users. read

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Foxconn chief Young Liu met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Gujarats Gandhinagar on Friday, where both attended Semicon India 2023 conference. The meeting comes days after the Taiwanese company withdrew from a $20 billion joint venture - Vedanta Foxconn Semiconductors Limited - that would have brought the first chip manufacturing plant in India. The tech giant, however, said that it is planning to apply separately to build a semiconductor manufacturing plant in the country. PM Modi meets Foxconn chief Young Liu(Twitter/@HonHai_Foxconn)

Sharing the picture of the meeting between the Foxconn chairperson and PM Modi, the prime minister's office tweeted that the PM welcomed Foxconn's plans to expand semiconductor and chip manufacturing capacity in India.

The tech firm said that it is optimistic about the country's Make In India semiconductor vision. "Absolute privilege & delight to see PM Narendra Modi! Hon Hai Technology Group (Foxconn) optimistic about Make In India semiconductor vision. Together, India & Taiwan are "IT". Diligent, persevering "buffalo spirit" is here. Always your most trusted, reliable partner," it tweeted.

READ HERE: Foxconn plans India semiconductor unit without Vedanta, seeks diverse stakeholders

PM Modi inaugurates Semicon India 2023

With a focus on attracting investments in Indias nascent semiconductor ecosystem, the three-day 'SemiconIndia 2023' conference kicked off in Gujarat's capital city on Friday in the presence of PM Narendra Modi.

The conference, which has the theme of the conference is Catalysing Indias Semiconductor Ecosystem, is its second edition, organized by India Semiconductor Mission in partnership with industry and industry associations, is aimed to make India a global hub for semiconductor design, manufacturing, and technology development.

ALSO READ- India trusted because of our massive talent pool: PM Modi inaugurates Semicon 2023

Addressing the conference, PM Modi said technology firms will be given 50 percent financial assistance for setting up semiconductor manufacturing facilities in the country. His government has rolled out the red carpet for chipmakers, he said.

Micron's Sanjay Mehrotra meets PM Modi

On the sidelines of this event, PM Modi also met Sanjay Mehrotra, President, and CEO of semiconductor player Micron Technology.

Micron has selected Gujarats SANAND Industrial Park (Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation - GIDC) for a new assembly and test facility and is expected to begin in 2023.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said climate action must follow the idea of antyodaya or ensuring the welfare of the people at the bottom of the pyramid while calling on ministers of the member countries of the intergovernmental forum G20 to deliver a strong communique/outcome document on the climate crisis. Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually addresses G20 ministers in Chennai. (PTI)

Addressing the environment and climate sustainability ministers gathered in Chennai, he said climate action needs to prioritise development in the Global South as the countries there are particularly impacted by climate change and environmental issues. We need enhanced action on commitments under the UN Climate Convention and the Paris Agreement. This will be crucial in helping the Global South fulfills its developmental aspirations in a climate-friendly way,  Modi said in his virtual address.

G20 ministerial meetings on clean energy, energy transition, the environment, and climate sustainability this month in Goa and Chennai were expected to set the tone for the G20s approach ahead of the UN Climate Meeting (COP28) in Dubai in November. The forums member countries are responsible for 80% of global emissions.

India, which assumed the forums presidency in December, is hosting global leaders and a series of meetings related to 32 sectors across the country this year under the aegis of G20. The G20 clean energy ministerial was held in Goa on July 21 and 22.

Modi called for adopting high-level sustainability principles for the ocean sector and an internationally binding agreement on phasing out plastic pollution. Our oceans support the livelihoods of over three billion people across the globe. They are a crucial economic resource, especially for the small island states, which I prefer to call large ocean countries. They are also home to extensive biodiversity. Therefore, responsible use and management of ocean resources is of vital importance. I look forward to the adoption of G20 High-Level Principles for a Sustainable and Resilient Blue and Ocean-based Economy, he said.

Modi called on the G20 to work constructively for an effective international legally-binding instrument to end plastic pollution. He said India has achieved most of its nationally determined contributions on climate change ahead of schedule. Modi said this shows Indias commitment to the issue.

India achieved its installed electric capacity from non-fossil fuel sources, nine years ahead of the target of 2030. And, we have set the bar even higher through our updated targets.

Modi added India is one of the top five countries in the world in terms of installed renewable energy capacity. We have also set a target of attaining Net Zero by 2070.

He said environment-friendly actions of a person, company, or a local body will not go unnoticed in India. It can now earn them green credits under the recently announced Green Credit Programme. This will mean that activities such as tree plantation, water conservation, and sustainable agriculture can now generate revenue for individuals, local bodies, and others, he said.

HT reported on Friday that the global peaking of greenhouse gas emissions before 2025 was one of the contentious issues at the G20 environment and climate sustainability ministers meeting in Chennai. The goal of keeping global warming under 1.5C above pre-industrial levels also remains fuzzy.

According to those attending the meeting, member countries highly dependent on fossil fuels were strongly against having an agreement on peaking emissions in the communique or joint statement expected to be released on Friday.

Most of the brackets are around the issue of peaking. Naturally, that clouds the entire mitigation issue, said an official attending the meeting.

A second official said what has already not been agreed on in Goa cannot be agreed on in Chennai. 1.5C issue will be cushioned. There are disagreements on that. Everyone is holding their positions on emissions, climate finance, etc. We are trying to be as inclusive as possible. We are also trying other means like making them sign on blue economy principles which is also a climate issue with sea level rise and ocean acidification.

United States (US) special envoy for climate John Kerry and COP 28 president Sultan Al Jaber were among those attending the meeting in Chennai.

The rich and emerging economies such as the US, China, and India, which are part of G20, along with the European Union have varied environmental priorities based on their status and historical contribution to emissions.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said climate action must follow the idea of antyodaya or ensuring the welfare of the people at the bottom of the pyramid, hours before the G20 countries failed to reach a consensus on steps to tackle the crisis at ministerial talks in Chennai. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the G20 Environment and Climate Ministers Meet in Chennai via video message on Friday. (ANI/ PIB)

Addressing the environment and climate sustainability ministers of G20 countries, that contribute 80% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, the PM said climate action needs to prioritise development of countries in the Global South which are particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate crisis.

Also read: Consensus or concession?: Congress takes lal aankh swipe over Modi-Xi meeting last year

We need enhanced action on commitments under the UN Climate Convention and the Paris Agreement. This will be crucial in helping the Global South fulfills its developmental aspirations in a climate-friendly way, Modi said in his virtual address.

At COP27 in Sharm-el Sheikh last year, India pushed for a cover decision that stuck to the Paris Agreement goal of limiting global warming to well below 2C, preferably to 1.5C compared to pre-industrial levels, while underlining the principles of equity and CBDR (common but differentiated responsibilities).

The principles of equity and CBDR are key to deciding how countries share the burden of tackling the climate crisis. These are promised on the notion that developing countries have historically emitted far lower volumes of greenhouse gases, and on a per capita basis, continue to bear a lower burden than rich nations.

The G20 ministerial meetings on clean energy, energy transition, the environment, and climate sustainability this month in Goa and Chennai were expected to set the tone for the G20s approach ahead of the UN Climate Meeting (COP28) in Dubai in November.

On Friday, Modi called for adopting high-level sustainability principles for the ocean sector and an internationally binding agreement on phasing out plastic.

Our oceans support the livelihoods of over three billion people across the globe. They are a crucial economic resource, especially for the small island states, which I prefer to call large ocean countries. They are also home to extensive biodiversity. Therefore, responsible use and management of ocean resources is of vital importance. I look forward to the adoption of G20 High-Level Principles for a Sustainable and Resilient Blue and Ocean-based Economy, he said.

The fourth and last G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group and Environment and Climate Ministers meeting concluded on Friday with the adoption of an outcome document the Chennai high-level principles for a sustainable and resilient blue\ocean-based economy.

He said India has achieved most of its nationally determined contributions on climate change ahead of schedule, which, he said shows Indias commitment to the issue.

India achieved its installed electric capacity from non-fossil fuel sources, nine years ahead of the target of 2030. And, we have set the bar even higher through our updated targets, he said.

Modi added India is one of the top five countries in the world in terms of installed renewable energy capacity. We have also set a target of attaining Net Zero by 2070.

An official said what has already not been agreed on in Goa cannot be agreed on in Chennai. 1.5C issue will be cushioned. There are disagreements on that. Everyone is holding their positions on emissions, climate finance, etc. We are trying to be as inclusive as possible. We are also trying other means like making them sign on blue economy principles which is also a climate issue with sea level rise and ocean acidification.

Also read: PM Modi meets Foxconn chief days after Taiwanese firm breaks from $20 bn JV with Vedanta

United States (US) special envoy for climate John Kerry and COP 28 president Sultan Al Jaber were among those attending the meeting in Chennai.

The rich and emerging economies such as the US, China, and India, which are part of G20, along with the European Union have varied environmental priorities based on their status and historical contribution to emissions.

India, which assumed the forums presidency in December, is hosting global leaders and a series of meetings related to 32 sectors across the country this year under the aegis of G20. The G20 clean energy ministerial was held in Goa on July 21 and 22.
The Indian government had arrived at a consensus or a concession with China during the meeting last year, Congress on Friday inquired criticising the Union external affairs ministry notification about the exchange of courtesies and discussion over border tension between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of Bali G20 summit in 2022. Congress MP Jairam Ramesh(ANI)

Pointing out India's no compromise stance against China on various fronts, Congress MP Jairam Ramesh said that the recent MEA notification of the meeting, after almost eight months, indicates that the Indian government has been easing up on maintaining ties, including the economic relations, with China like as if the Chinese incursions in Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh never even happened.

On July 27th, our Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that more than mere courtesies were exchanged at Bali. Is this a consensus or a concession by PM Modi? Will Chinese troops finally withdraw from Depsang and Demchok where they have blocked Indian patrols for more than three years? the Congress MP asked in a tweet with a lal aankh swipe against the government.

The MEA confirmation came after the Chinese foreign ministry claimed in Johannesburg at the BRICS NSA meeting that both PM Modi and Xi Jinping had reached an important consensus on stabilising the bilateral ties at the summit.

"During the Bali G20 summit last year, the prime minister and President Xi Jinping at the conclusion of that dinner hosted by the Indonesian President exchanged courtesies and spoke of the need to stabilise our bilateral relationsAs you are aware, we have steadfastly maintained the key to resolution of the whole issue is to resolve the situation along the LAC (Line of Actual Control) on the Western sector of India-China boundary and to restore peace and tranquillity in the border areas," MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said at a press briefing.

This is the first such interaction between the leaders of both countries after the beginning of India-China border standoff in May 2020.

"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 MEA added.

At the BRICS meeting, NSA (National Security Advisor) Ajit Doval also stressed that the border tension between two countries since 2020 had eroded strategic trust.

The Congress has been critical of the Centre since the Chinese troops started violating the previous LAC agreement leading to their incursion across the border.
The Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) has been abused to topple governments and no Enforcement Directorate (ED) official has been arrested for wrongly exercising power under the law for a decade, senior advocate Kapil Sibal told the Supreme Court while arguing for Tamil Nadu minister V Senthil Balaji. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal. (Twitter)

Balaji has challenged in the Supreme Court the Madras high court order allowing ED to take his custody in a case related to alleged bribery for jobs when he was a minister in the previous All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam government between 2011 and 2015.

Sibal on Thursday said his client may lose or win but the law must stand the test of the future, prompting solicitor- general Tushar Mehta to intervene.

Mehta called the argument emotive and out of context. He said there have not been more than 300 arrests under PMLA since it was enacted in 2002. It also provides for a two-year sentence for the wrong arrest.

Sibal responded by wondering whether there has been a single arrest on this count. Tell me who has been sentenced...Using the law, governments have been toppled. This is what is our worry.

Sibal said an ED official is not a police official. He added police have the power to seek custody of an accused for further investigation under Section 167 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC). He added it is not for ED.

Sibal said the Supreme Court in July 2022 upheld the argument in the Vijay Madanlal Chaudhary case. He added the court said that ED cannot be equated to a police officer or person in charge of a police station.

The judgment upheld crucial powers of arrest, investigation, search, and seizure available to ED officials. It held that EDs investigation is not the same as contemplated under the CrPC.

The bench Sibal was arguing before on Thursday said arrest cannot be concluded as punishment. You make arrest not because you are guilty but for purposes of investigation. Under PMLA, let us say that initially, they find something on money laundering against you. They will still want to know where the money has gone which they need to investigate.

Sibal called the question important with serious implications. But he wondered under which law custody can be given to ED. The three-judge bench in Vijay Madanlal case has said an investigation under PMLA is only an inquiry. If it was an investigation, then all powers of the police will be available. If this court holds there is some extra power by which police custody can be obtained, you will go contrary to Vijay Madanlal by holding investigation is not an inquiry. Judicially this court cannot determine something which is absent in law.

Sibal cited PMLA Section 19 dealing with arrest. It allows ED to make an arrest if the material in its possession gives reason to believe that a person has been guilty of an offence punishable under this law.

Section 19 does not say prima facie view. This Act excludes ED from being police officers. How do we get out of it? asked Sibal.

The bench observed perhaps the ED performs a twin role. They wear two hats at the same time, referring to the regulatory function under PMLA and the police function under CrPC.

Mehta told the court arrest is not made on the conclusion of the investigation under Section 19. The threshold of my satisfaction under Section 19 is arrest on suspicion leading to further investigation. He referred to Section 44 of the Act, which allows ED to carry out further investigation and even file a closure report if no case is made out. This makes it clear that arrest does not suggest guilt.

Sibal told the court that the CrPC kicks in the moment an accused is arrested and produced before a magistrate within 24 hours of arrest.

Balaji was arrested on June 14 and produced the same day before a magistrate. He complained of uneasiness and was shifted to the hospital. ED obtained his custody but could not question him due to his hospitalisation.

Sibal said CrPC Section 167 allows police to detain an accused for a maximum of 15 days. He added this period was over and argued that the court can send him in judicial custody and not ED custody.

The court asked Sibal why cannot ED ask for more time beyond 15 days. So long as the investigation is not complete, they may ask for further custody. Sibal replied that such continued detention is not possible under PMLA.

As the arguments remained inconclusive, the court ordered the resumption of the hearing in the matter on Tuesday.
Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi, who is undergoing Ayurvedic treatment for a knee-related problem in Kerala, is expected to be discharged on Sunday, a party leader said. During his stay at the Ayurvedic hospital in Kerala, Rahul Gandhi met acclaimed Malayalam writer-director MT Vasudevan Nair who was undergoing treatment at the hospital as well. (PTI)

Rahul Gandhi was admitted to the Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala on July 21 for a knee-related issue and he is likely to be discharged on Sunday, a senior party leader, who did not want to be named, said in Kozhikode.

Gandhi was welcomed at the premier Ayurvedic hospital by its managing trustee and chief physician Dr PM Warrier and Congress general secretary KC Venugopal and legislator AP Anilkumar.

During his stay at the hospital, Gandhi was treated to a Kathakali performance by PSV Natya Sangham based on the story Dakshayagam. He also met acclaimed Malayalam writer-director MT Vasudevan Nair who was undergoing treatment at the hospital as well. During the interaction, Nair gifted Gandhi a pen which the latter said he would cherish forever.

Gandhi reportedly had knee-related issues while walking as part of the Bharat Jodo Yatra last year from Kanyakumari to Kashmir.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Rajya Sabha chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar on Friday pulled up Trinamool Congress (TMC) member Derek OBrien for theatrics during an argument over demands for a discussion on the ethnic violence in Manipur before adjourning the House until Monday. Rajya Sabha chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar leaving after the adjournment. (ANI)

OBrien pointed out that 47 lawmakers had given notices for discussion while Dhankhar was addressing the House and explaining the significance of Question Hour as the heart of parliamentary proceedings. Dhankhar explained the notices given could only be taken for a short time discussion.

Rise above partisan interests and work in a manner for short duration discussion to which I have agreed, Dhankhar said. OBrien objected and prompted Dhankhar to say it has become the TMC lawmakers habit to engage in theatrics. So, every time you rise...you think it is your prerogative...the minimum you can exemplify is to show respect to the chair. If I am saying something, you rise and create theatrics.

OBrien responded there was no theatrics. I am only quoting the rules of the House. We want a serious discussion on Manipur under Rule 267, which is a key emergency provision given the seriousness of the issue.

On 24 July, Dhankhar warned OBrien after the TMC lawmaker objected to the chairman not mentioning the party affiliations of opposition members seeking a discussion on the Manipur issue. You are challenging the chair, Dhankhar remarked then before adjourning the proceedings.

A logjam between the government and the opposition has stalled Parliament since the ongoing monsoon session began on Thursday. Constituents of the opposition Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) grouping have demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi make a statement on the Manipur violence inside the House, triggering a deadlock.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Rashtriya Janata Dal Chief Lalu Prasad Yadav was on Friday seen playing badminton. In a video posted by RJD leader and Yadav's son Tejashwi Yadav, on Instagram, the 75-year-old was seen enjoying the sport. Captioning the post, Tejashwi wrote in Hindi, Have not learned to be scared, have not learned to bowHave fought, will fight, will not be scared of prison, and will win the end. RJD Chief Lalu Prasad Yadav

The post has garnered several likes and comments on Instagram with users appreciating the RJD leader for his enthusiasm.

Lalu Prasad Yadav underwent surgery for kidney transplantation in Singapore last year. The leader was suffering from multiple health problems. Taking to Twitter, his daughter shared a picture of Lalu and herself prior to the surgery. She tweeted, "Ready to rock and roll. Wish me good luck.

Afterwards, Yadav's son and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav shared a short video clip of Lalu being taken out of the operation theatre. He tweeted, "Papa has been shifted from the operation theatre to the ICU, after a successful kidney transplant. Both our national president and elder sister and donor Rohini Acharya are fine.

Commenting on Rohin Acharya's post, Union Minister Giriraj Singh said, Beti ho to Rohini Acharya jaisi (a daughter should be like you) Proud of you You will be an example for generations to come."

Meanwhile, the RJD supremo was also a part of the opposition meetings that were held in Patna and Bengaluru recently. Speaking ahead of the meeting Lalu Yadav said that it would be conclusive as the "final shape of the proposed front would be given to oust Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the 2024 general elections.
Samajwadi Party MP and Bollywood actor Jaya Bachchan on Friday met with Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Sanjay Singh who has been protesting since his suspension from the House due to his involvement in the Manipur issue ruckus. He was suspended for the remainder of the session for repeatedly violating the chair's instructions. The Aam Aadmi Party leader started an indefinite protest on Monday near Mahatma Gandhi's statue on the Parliament premises and was joined by some other Opposition leaders. SP's Jaya Bachchan met AAP leader Sanjay Singh at the Parliament complex on Friday. (PTI)

Also Read | Arvind Kejriwal, Sanjay Singh challenge Gujarat court summons in defamation case

In a video shared by news agency PTI, Jaya Bachchan was seen engaging in a discussion with the AAP leader. Afterwards, she joined him in holding placards that read "SAVE MANIPUR" and INDIA FOR MANIPUR.

Since his suspension, Sanjay Singh has been receiving support from leaders in the Opposition's Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA). This alliance was formed against the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and includes 26 parties. The parties of INDIA have also moved a "no-confidence motion" against the BJP-led government in the Lok Sabha, which was accepted by Speaker Om Birla. He said that he will inform the schedule for the discussion on the same.

Sanjay Singh's suspension

The AAP leader faced suspension from the Rajya Sabha for the rest of the Monsoon session due to his repeated violation of the Chair's directives. The suspension came after Leader of the House Piyush Goyal proposed the motion, which was later approved by a voice vote in the House.

Singh's suspension was a result of his persistent requests for a discussion on Manipur violence and his demand for a statement from the Prime Minister on the issue. During the Question Hour, when the House had already begun proceedings amidst Opposition protests, Singh interrupted the session, prompting Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar to call him out. Despite being asked to return to his seat, the AAP leader continued to protest, leading to his naming by the Chairman.

In response to the Chairman's action, Piyush Goyal moved a motion to suspend Singh, stating that such behaviour goes against the ethics and rules of the House. The House agreed, and Singh's suspension was confirmed for repeatedly violating the Chair's instructions.

Which other Opposition leaders met Sanjay Singh

Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi met AAP MP Sanjay Singh as she arrived at Parliament on Wednesday.

The day before, on Tuesday, several opposition leaders, including Rajya Sabha Leader of Opposition (LoP) and Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge, Trinamool Congress MP Shatrughan Sinha, and Congress MP Pramod Tiwari, visited the protest site and met with Sanjay Singh.

A group of opposition leaders staged an overnight protest on Monday outside the Parliament expressing their objections to the suspension of AAP MP Sanjay Singh from the Rajya Sabha for the rest of the monsoon session. They were also demanding that Prime Minister Narendra Modi initiate a debate on the Manipur issue in the House.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Union minister Amit Shah on Friday sent a strong message to Congress and DMK as he flagged off En Mann En Makkal foot march, a six-month-long padayatra being taken up by the Tamil Nadu BJP. Taking a jibe at INDIA -- Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance -- the grouping of the opposition parties, Amit Shah said neither of these parties wants good for the country. "Sonia Gandhi wants to make Rahu Gandhi prime minister; MK Stalin wants Udaynidhi Stalin to be the CM, Lalu Yadav wants to make Tejashwi CM, Mamata wants to make his nephew the CM and Uddhav Thackeray wants his son to be the CM. Only PM Modi is working day and night for the country," Amit Shah said. Amit Shah flagged on En Mann En Makkal padyatra in Tamil Nadu on Friday.

"There is no use in changing your name. Because the moment you come among the public, people only remember the 2G scam, Commonwealth Games scam, coal scam," Amit Shah said.

Calling the DMK government the most corrupt in the country and a mafia government, Amit Shah asked why Senthil Balaji continues to be in the cabinet. "You can't accept his resignation because then all your secret and suspense will be revealed," Amit Shah said.

"Our leader K Annamalai just made a tweet and the file of crores of scam came out in front of the people. Now if this happens by Annamalai's one tweet, what will you do now that Annamalai will walk 10,000 km?" Amit Shah said.

This is a government of illegal wine mafia, sand mafia, of Tamil Nadu Electricity generation and distribution scam. This is an anti-poor government. More than 500 promises were made by Stalin. Instead of fulfilling them, he has drowned the state in alcohol, ganja and drugs, he said.

No-confidence motion in Parliament by Congress

Amit Shah's attack comes at a time the Parliament is witnessing logjam over INDIA bloc's protest demanding PM Modi's statement over Manipur issue. The Congress has moved a no-confidence motion in the Lok Sabha with the support of the all INDIA parties, which is likely to be taken up next week. Amit Shah has written to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge seeking cooperation from the opposition parties in the smooth functioning of Parliament.

INDIA team to visit Manipur

Amid national outrage over the video of two Kuki women paraded naked, a delegation of INDIA bloc MPs will visit Manipur to assess the ground situation. They will make recommendations to the government after their visit. JD(U) chief Rajiv Ranjan (Lalan) Singh, Aneel Prasad Hegde (JD-U), CPI's Sandosh Kumar, CPI(M)'s A A Rahim, Samajwadi Party's Javed Ali Khan, IUML's E T Mohammed Basheer, AAP's Sushil Gupta, Arvind Sawant (Shiv Sena-Uddhav Thackeray), D Ravikumar (DMK), Phulo Devi Netam and K Suresh (Congress) will also be part of the 20-member delegation which will leave on Saturday morning and return on Sunday afternoon.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Poulomi Ghosh Poulomi Ghosh is a journalist with Hindustan Times, New Delhi. ...view detail
The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed a plea filed by a class 11 student who moved the apex court stating that the questions in the exam were wrong. The court said that the case was frivolous adding that some people are not meant for academics. The Supreme Court said the student had not cleared four out of five exams. (ANI)

Denying to entertain the plea, Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul lashed out on the student saying that the Supreme Court will not hear such a plea, Bar and Bench reported.

Dismissing the plea, Kaul said, What is this? Some people are not meant for academics. He has not cleared 4 out of 5 papers. You will question the questions, examiner, mode of asking, everything....and the Supreme Court will hear all this? Sorry.

Delhi High Court rejects plea of student seeking to retake Class 11 exam

The Delhi High Court in April this year rejected the plea of a student in which he requested that he be allowed to retake his Class 11 final exams. The court said that the rule of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) did not allow retaking exams.

In a petition filed by the student's granmother, it was stated that the boy was a bright student but fell sick before his exams. Hence, he could not study and scored 42 percent marks in Class 11.

The plea also requested the court that the student's detention marks be also removed from his Class 11 marksheet.

The school's counsel said that CBSE rules did not allow it and that the student had been detained in Class 11 since his marks were significantly low since Term 1 of the school session. The school also said that the student's parents were also informed of his low performance but it did not improve over the year.

Justice Mini Pushkarna had said that the poor performance by the student had to be considered and advised him to repear Class 11.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Friday granted bail to activists Vernon Gonsalves and Arun Fereira in the 2018 Bhima Koregaon case, holding that the bail cannot be denied on the ground that the charges against them were serious. The Supreme Court ordered that Bhima Koregaon case suspects, Vernon Gonsalves (in photo) and Arun Fereira, will be released on bail by special NIA court on conditions to be decided by the judge (PTI)

No doubt the allegations are serious, but on that ground alone bail cannot be denied. The materials placed on record do not justify their continued detention, a bench of justices Aniruddha Bose and Sudhanshu Dhulia said on Friday, taking note of the long incarceration of the accused who have been behind bars since August 2018.

The court set aside the Bombay high court order in December 2021 that denied them default bail as in their case, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) failed to file the charge sheet within time.

Gonsalves and Fereira are among the activists, lawyers, poets and scholars arrested by NIA in connection with alleged inflammatory speeches made at the Elgar Parishad conclave held in Pune on December 31, 2017. This, the police claimed, triggered violence the next day near the Koregaon Bhima war memorial located on the outskirts of the western Maharashtra city, leading to death of one person and injuries to several others. NIA claims the accused have Maoist links and indulged in anti-national activities.

The top court ruled that the two will be released on bail subject to conditions to be imposed by the special NIA court. These conditions will require that the two accused surrender their passport and do not leave Maharashtra without sanction from the NIA court concerned.

They will also have to communicate their place of residence to the investigating officer and will be allowed to use only one mobile phone, which will have to be constantly active to ensure they are accessible 24X7 to the investigatng officer and that their location can be identified at any point. In addition, they will be required to report to the local police station where they are staying every week.

In case of violation of any of the above conditions, the court allowed NIA to approach the special court directly for cancellation of bail. Further, the court said, in the event, they seek to threaten or influence any witnesses, NIA will be at liberty to demand for their bail to be suspended.

The court said that these strict conditions have been imposed since one of the accused, Vernon Gonsalves was earlier convicted for an offence under UAPA and faces another criminal case where the allegation is similar to that levelled in the Bhima Koregaon case where he is accused of links with banned Maoist outfit, Communist party of India (Maoist).

Additional solicitor general (ASG) SV Raju appearing for NIA opposed bail for Gonsalves and pointed out that a Nagpur sessions court sentenced him to five years imprisonment under UAPA. According to NIA, he had continued to be involved in subversive activities after his release in this case.

Senior advocate Rebecca John appearing for the accused, however, underlined the it was a matter of his liberty and the trial was not expected to end in the near future in view of the long list of witnesses to be examined. To keep them incarcerated till the completion of trial would be a violation of their fundamental rights, she argued.
The Supreme Court on Friday granted bail to Vernon Gonsalves and Arun Ferreira, ending their nearly five-year-long incarceration on charges of alleged Maoist links in connection with the 2018 Bhima Koregaon violence case. A bench of justices Aniruddha Bose and Sudhanshu Dhulia noted that despite the serious charges, the material produced by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) was not strong enough to justify the continued detention of the two men. (File photo)

A bench of justices Aniruddha Bose and Sudhanshu Dhulia noted that despite the serious charges, the material produced by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) was not strong enough to justify the continued detention of the two men.

Also read: Supreme Court allows ED chief Sanjay Kumar Mishra to continue till Sep 15 in larger public interest

Considering the fact that almost five years have elapsed, we are satisfied they have made out a case for bail. The allegations are serious, no doubt, but for that reason alone, bail cannot be denied to them, the bench said, setting aside a 2019 Bombay high court denying them bail.

The top court asked Gonsalves and Ferreira to not leave Maharashtra, surrender their passports, use only one mobile phone and keep it charged through the day, share location and pair their devices with the investigating officer, give their addresses to NIA, and be present in the local police station once a week. Violation of any of these conditions, or those imposed by a special NIA court, would entitle the federal agency to seek cancellation of bail, the court said.

There is nothing against the appellants to prima facie establish that they had indulged in the activities which would constitute overawing any public functionary by means of criminal force or the show of criminal force or attempts by the appellants to do so. Neither were they found to have caused death of any public functionary, the order added.

Gonsalves and Ferreira were among 16 activists, lawyers and researchers who were arrested in 2018 in connection with the violence that broke out during the bicentennial commemoration of a British-era war in Maharashtras Bhima Koregaon village. One person died during the violence that also sparked sweeping protests by Dalit groups who gather in the hundreds of thousands at the war memorial every year. The Pune police, and then NIA, have argued that an event in Pune on December 31, 2017  called the Elgar Parishad, where allegedly inflammatory speeches were made  stoked the violence.

Gonsalves and Perreira  who are currently lodged in Mumbais Taloja jail  are the fourth and fifth people accused in the case to get bail. In August last year, the top court granted bail Telugu poet P Varavara Rao on medical grounds. Another accused, Sudha Bharadwaj, was released on default bail by the Bombay high court in September last year. Academic Anand Teltumbde was released on bail in November 2022. Another accused, activist Gautam Navlakha, remains under house arrest. Father Stan Swamy, yet another accused in the case, died in 2021.

The two men were charged under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), necessitating the top court to examine the evidence submitted by NIA for the charges of unlawful activity (section 13), terrorist act (section 15), raising funds for terrorist act (section 17), membership of a terrorist organisation (section 38), raising funds for terrorist organisation (section 40).

But the court was not satisfied. We have referred to the materials available against them at this stage. These materials cannot justify continued detention of the appellants, pending final outcome of the case under the others provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the 1967 act, the court said in its 54-page order.

NIA opposed bail by presenting evidence against the two men under three heads  letters and witness statements allegedly linking them to the banned CPI (Maoist), literature allegedly propagating violence and promoting the overthrow of government through armed struggle, and records that allegedly suggested Ferreira handled finances for alleged terrorist acts.

But the court didnt agree. What we must be conscious of, while dealing with prima facie worth of these statements and documents, is that none of them had been seized or recovered from the appellants but these recoveries are alleged to have been made from the co-accused, it said.

On the allegedly provocative literature seized, the bench said that the material presented was not banned. It is not NIAs case that either of the two appellants is the author of the materials found from their residences, as alleged. None of these literatures has been specifically proscribed so as to constitute an offence, just by keeping them, the court added.

On the financial charge specifically against Ferreira, the bench was not satisfied. Some materials point to the handling of finances. But such finance... show that the transaction was mainly for the purpose of litigation on behalf of, it appears to us, detained party persons, the order said.

Also read: Supreme Court chides Centre on lack of will to act against Nagaland govt

Mere holding of certain literatures through which violent acts may be propagated would not ipso facto attract the provisions of section 15(1)(b) of the said act, the bench added.

The court noted that their alleged association with the activities of a terrorist organisation was sought to be established by third-party communications.

Actual involvement of the appellants in any terrorist act has not surfaced from any of these communications... no material has been demonstrated by the NIA before us that the appellants are members of the terrorist organisation, the court said.

The association with CPI (Maoist) was also seen between 2002 and 2007, before it was banned. Even to prove that a person is a member of a banned organisation... there must be intention to further the activities of such organisation on the part of the person implicated under such provision. At this stage there is no such evidence before us on which we can rely, the judges said.
The Supreme Court on Friday agreed to hear a plea filed by a women's organisation seeking directions to states to take immediate action in consonance with a 2018 verdict of the apex court to effectively deal with incidents of lynching and mob violence against Muslims by cow vigilantes. Supreme Court of India. (ANI Photo)

A bench of Justices BR Gavai and JB Pardiwala issued notice to the Centre and the DGPs of Maharashtra, Orissa, Rajasthan, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Haryana seeking their responses to the plea.

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for the National Federation of Indian Women (NFIW), an organisation linked to the Communist Party of India, pleaded against referring the matter to high courts for adjudication.

"If that happens, then I will have to go to various high courts. But what will the victims get? Compensation of two lakhs after ten years. This is despite the 2018 verdict in Tehseen Poonawala case regarding mob violence. What remedy do I have, where will I go?" Sibal said.

He said the last time he had moved the apex court he was asked to approach the high courts concerned.

The bench then told him it was issuing notice to the parties concerned on the petition.

The plea, filed through advocate Sumita Hazarika and Rashmi Singh, sought urgent intervention of the apex court in view of the "alarming" rise in cases of lynching and mob violence targeting Muslims despite clear guidelines and directions issued by the top court in 2018 with regard to cow vigilantes.

"In view of the alarming rise in cases of lynching and mob violence against the Muslim community, the Petitioner is seeking a writ in the nature of mandamus to the concerned State authorities to take immediate action in terms of the findings and directions of this court in Tehseen Poonawalla (2018 verdict) so as to effectively contain and deal with the same," the plea said.

The apex court had in 2018 issued a set of guidelines to curb cow vigilantism that targeted mostly Muslims.

The petition said urgent relief was being sought as states had failed to take necessary action against the perpetrators.

Read Here | Zero-tolerance: Centre to Supreme Court on Manipur assault video

"The positive duty of the State to protect the fundamental rights and freedoms of all individuals and the primary responsibility of the State to foster a secular, pluralistic and multiculturalist social order, have been recognized by this Court in several judgments including in Tehseen Poonawalla (2018 verdict). It is further submitted that this court recognized its own constitutional duty to take a call to protect lives and human rights, the PIL said.

In its 2018 verdict, the top court had held the states have the principal obligation to see to it that vigilantism, be it cow vigilantism or any other vigilantism of any perception, does not take place, and issued guidelines to be adopted by the authorities to deal with such incidents.

The PIL referred to several incidents of mob violence, the most recent being the killing of a 55-year-old truck driver named Jaharuddin on June 28, 2023 in Bihar's Saran district on suspicion of carrying beef. It said the killing happened on the heels of two such incidents in Maharashtra's Nashik.

The PIL sought direction to the Centre to provide a minimum uniform amount to the victims of such violence in addition to the compensation determined by the respective states after considering factors like the nature of bodily injury, psychological injury and loss of earning, including loss of employment opportunities, and legal and medical expenses.
Amid the incessant rainfall in Telangana for the past few days, the state government on Thursday announced a holiday for all the schools, colleges, and educational institutions across the state. A partially damaged road is seen submerged in the floodwaters of the swollen Godavari River, in Bhupalpally. (PTI)

Also Read: Heavy rains lash parts of Telangana, IMD issues alert

Government has decided to extend holiday for all educational institutions (govt, aided and private) in the state on 28.07.2023 (Friday) keeping in view incessant rains and adverse weather conditions," reads the official notice by the state education department.

Telangana education minister, Sabita Indra Reddy had earlier declared a two-day holiday on July 26 and 27 for all educational institutions owing to the heavy downpour in the state.

The Telangana government has also put the entire state administration on high alert. Chief secretary Santhi Kumari said as per the directions of chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, the flood situation in the state is being constantly monitored by senior officials along with district collectors and superintendents of the police.

Also Read: 80 tourists get stranded at Telangana's Muthyala Dhara waterfall, rescued

Since July 22, eight people reportedly lost their lives in various rain-related incidents. Telangana has been witnessing incessant rainfall over the last, disrupting life at several places, news agency PTI reported.

KCR also reviewed the rain situation on Thursday and alerted the concerned authorities about relief measures and to prevent loss of life, according to a CMO release.

Meanwhile, six people stranded on top of an earthmover in a flood-stricken village in Jayashankar Bhupalpally district were rescued by two Indian Air Force (IAF) helicopters on Thursday.

Telangana has recorded the highest-ever rainfall in a single day with Mulugu district recording 649.8 mm by 8am on Thursday. According to Telangana State Development Planning Society (TSDPS) records, this is the highest rainfall in the history of the state, the earlier record was 517.5 mm at Wajedu in the same district of Mulugu on July 2, 2014.

Also Read: Telangana records highest ever rainfall in a single day as state battles floods

Additionally, union minister G Kishan Reddy on Thursday said that he spoke with the union home minister Amit Shah on the prevailing flood situation in Telangana.

"Hon'ble HM has promised all possible help in the rescue and relief works for safe guarding the people of Telangana during this situation. Presently 2 helicopters are in service. 5 NDRF teams are also deployed for the rescue and relief works. Rescue mission for the stranded people underway," Reddy said in a tweet.

In its 'seven day forecast and farmers' weather bulletin for Telangana issued at 2030 hours on July 27, the India Meteorological Department said (red warning) that heavy to very heavy with extremely heavy rain and exceptional heavy rain is very likely to occur at isolated places in Nirmal, Nizamabad and other districts from 2030 hours of July 27 to 0830 hours of July 28.

(With inputs from agencies)

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
CHURACHANDPUR/IMPHAL: The stench is everywhere. It lingers in the air outside the main gate of Churachandpur Medical College. It grows stronger near the gate of the close-to-empty administrative building. Walk inside the front door, and its difficult to breathe. In rows inside the demonstration room, there are 20 coffins. Seventeen of them are full of bodies, wrapped in traditional Manipuri shawls  unclaimed from the violence that has claimed at least 147 lives in the state. A board is seen outside the main door of Imphals Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, where coffins are stacked. (HT Photo)
Union home minister Amit Shah on Friday hit out at the Congress and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), saying they are corrupt parties which are governing for their families and not the people. He promised that if Narendra Modi becomes the Prime Minister for the third time, there will definitely be a change in Tamil Nadu. Union home minister Amit Shah at the launch of Bharatiya Janata Party s Tamil Nadu president K Annamalais padayatra, in Rameshwaram on Friday. (PTI)

Shah was speaking in Tamil Nadus Rameshwaram where he launched Bharatiya Janata Party state president K Annamalais padayatra, En Mann, En Makkal (My Land, My People), to mark campaigning for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Shah made those present at the meeting to take a vow to make Modi PM again.

When Congress and its allies, including the DMK, go to the people seeking votes, the public would remember the corruption, including the 2G scam and CommonWealth Games scam during the UPA regime, Shah said.

Accusing the opposition of practising dynastic politics, he said leaders such as MK Stalin, Lalu Prasad Yadav and Udhav Thackarey want to see their sons in leadership positions.

He said that even after V Senthil Balaji was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate on June 14 on charges of money laundering, chief minister M K Stalin has let him continue as a minister (without portfolio) in the cabinet.

Because if Stalin accepts his resignation, he (Senthil Balaji) would reveal all the secrets, said Shah.

This En Mann En Makkal yatra is to do away with the family rule in Tamil Nadu, relieve the state from corruption and improve law and order, he said urging for people to vote for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

Criticising the oppositions new alliance, Shah said that nothing would happen by changing the name of their alliance to INDIA. Modi is the only leader who is working for the nations development, he said.

R B Udhayakumar from AIADMK, which leads the NDA alliance in Tamil Nadu, and other allies such as Tamil Maanila Congress (TMC) were present during the event.

The DMK governing Tamil Nadu is the most corrupt government in the world, Shah said. There is increasing corruption in every department in Tamil Nadu, the Union minister said, asking people to send more MPs from TN to Delhi.

Annamalai would walk for 168 days across 700 km to cover 234 assembly constituencies of Tamil Nadu. This government feels tremors if Annamalai even posts a Tweet, Shah said referring to the corruption charges Annamalai has released in two parts called the DMK Files.

Their corruption is now exposed, Shah said.

When contacted, DMK and Congress leaders in the state did not respond to Shahs statements.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
New Delhi: Both Houses of Parliament were able to clear some pending business, particularly legislation, in the second week of the monsoon session amid protests and disruptions by the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) and the admittance of a no-confidence motion against the Narendra Modi government by the Opposition grouping. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla leaves as the proceedings of the House adjourned amid the sloganeering by the Opposition MPs during the Monsoon Session of Parliament. (ANI)

Between Monday and Friday (July 24 and 28), the government introduced 11 bills in the Lok Sabha and passed five. In the Upper House, where the tussle between the government and the Opposition is more intense, the government managed to pass three bills. However, most of these bills were cleared with little discussion, and with no participation from the principal Opposition parties.

Also read: Parliament panel suggests steps to monitor cyber frauds

For instance, the Multi-State Co-operative Societies (Amendment) Bill, 2022 -- which aims to impose elections and restrict the role of family members in cooperative societies -- was cleared by the Lok Sabha on July 25 in 49 minutes. In the discussions on this piece of legislation, only four speakers -- two members from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and one each from YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) and Bahujan Samaj Party, spoke before Union home minister Amit Shah, who is also the cooperation minister, gave his reply.

Meanwhile, the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill 2023 -- which was earlier opposed by many INDIA constituents -- was cleared by the Lok Sabha on July 26 after two BJP members and one each from YSRCP and the Shiv Sena participated in the debate.

In terms of time, the Biological Diversity (Amendment) Bill, 2021 was cleared by the Lower House on July 25 in just 34 minutes, according to data available with PRS Legislative Research. In the same House, the Repealing and Amending Bill, 2002 was approved in just nine minutes on July 27.

On Thursday, the Lower House also cleared The Jan Vishwas (amendment of provisions) bill -- it amends 42 laws, across multiple sectors to decriminalise several provisions by converting fines to penalties and removing imprisonment as punishment for many offences -- in 42 minutes.

The Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill, 2023, passed on July 27 in the Rajya Sabha, was the only one that saw a substantive discussion in terms of time spent. The two-hour-and-27 minute-long debate featured 11 BJP members, two YSRCP lawmakers, and one each from the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, Tamil Manila Congress, Telugu Desam Party and BJP, and one independent MP. None of the INDIA constituents participated in the debate.

While the Opposition, or INDIA , has been able to stall a large part of the proceedings through protests, forcing repeated adjournments in both Houses, this strategy has also meant that its members have been denied a chance to put forward their objections or suggestions on key legislation.

We are aware that in all this, bills are getting passed. But we have to prioritise. Is the Multi-State Cooperatives (Amendment) Bill important? Of course, its important. Is the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill important? Of course, it is. But we have taken a call- to make the Delhi ordinance priority number 1, said Trinamool Congresss Rajya Sabha floor leader Derek OBrien.

Also read: Jaishankar's 21-minute statement after Parliament disruption: Partisan politics

His reference was to the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, meant to replace the ordinance for the creation of an authority for transfers and postings of senior bureaucrats in Delhi, which is expected to be tabled next week. The no-confidence motion moved by Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi is also expected to be taken up next week.

Meanwhile, Question Hour has been hit hard by disruptions. In the monsoon session, only 42 questions have been answered by ministers in the two Houses. The Lok Sabha has functioned for just 48 minutes during Question Hour and the Rajya Sabha for 90 minutes.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
A couple allegedly sold their eight-month-old son in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district to buy an iPhone for making reels, police said on Friday. The incident happened a month ago, but was reported to the police on July 24. (Representational Image)(Reuters)

The incident happened in Panihati's Ganganagar area near Kolkata, and police said they have already arrested the mother and are looking for the father who is on the run.

Also Read | Two booked for duping couple of  15L by promising them MHADA flat in Vikhroli

The incident came to light after locals got suspicious of the couple as they could not see the baby for weeks, and reported the matter to the police, a senior officer said.

"We have arrested the mother and started looking for the father who has been absconding after the incident was reported to us. The couple sold the infant to someone, and purchased an iPhone 14 to make reels (short video clips for social media)," he told PTI.

"The mother has also admitted that they spent the money that was earned by selling the baby to travel to places like Digha and Mandarmoni," he added.

Also Read | Video of India's Anju having dinner with Nasrullah in Pakistan surfaces

The incident happened a month ago, but was reported to the police on July 24, the officer said.

"We have started an investigation and are looking for the father," he said.

The mother is being interrogated, police said, adding that they are also searching for the couple who bought the baby.

"We will also book them as this is illegal," the officer said.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
How I Met Your Mother (2005-2014) How I Met Your Mothers (2005-2014) final season ended up untangling its own mess.

Gossip Girl turns out to be despondent Brooklyn outsider, Dan Humphrey (Penn Badgley). Its a shock not just for the characters but also for viewers.

The scandalous lives of Manhattans wealthy, privileged teens, told from the POV of an anonymous member of the pack, play out for six seasons. Several loose ends (car crashes, catfights and the like) are tied up by the end. But whos Gossip Girl? It turns out to be despondent Brooklyn outsider, Dan Humphrey (Penn Badgley). Its a shock not just for the characters but also for viewers. He marries Serena, who he created GG for. Nothing adds up. Ugh. Even Daenerys, who birthed dragons from stone eggs, couldnt put life back into Game of Thrones.

Tight plot. Nudity. Quick battles. Nudity. Surprise deaths, dragons, machinations. Nudity. As nine noble families fight for control of Westeros, it was gripping TV. But with no books to further the story, the final season crumbled. Characters seemed poorly motivated, events got jumbled up, the screen went too dark. Even Daenerys, who birthed dragons from stone eggs, couldnt put life back into the show. The finale of Lost made it out to be as if the show never happened.

Plane crash. Deserted island. Two batches of survivors. Smoke monsters. Magic numbers. A bear. Secrets. Bunkers. Others. JJ Abrams had woven such a tangled web through the six seasons, hed lost his own way out. The finale made it out to be as if the show never happened. Questions were left unanswered and mysteries stayed unresolved. Were they all dead anyway? Why waste our time then? For eight seasons, Dexter Morgan played one of the best anti-heroes on TV. Pity his story had such a dull end.

Blood-splatter analyst by day; serial killer by night. For eight seasons, Dexter Morgan played one of the best anti-heroes on TV. Pity his story had such a dull end. He attempts suicide, only to reveal hed faked it all to escape and continue life under a new identity. Luckily for fans, the reboot Dexter: New Blood (2021-2022) answered all the questions that were left dangling. The ending og Gilmore Girls seemed needlessly messy and rushed.

This warm, fuzzy favourite for seven years deserved more care in its final moments. The mother-daughter storyline suffered as the shows original creators left. Lorelai and Christoper get married, Lane gets pregnant, Logan proposes to Rory out of the blue. It seemed needlessly messy and rushed. Netflixs revival special Gilmore Girls; A Year in the Life didnt help things either. The damage was done, the connection was broken. The last season of 13 Reasons Why, has no focus on the isolated inner lives of young people, and theres no commentary on how hard it is to be good.

From the start, the show had a full plate: teen suicide, homophobia, bullying, drug abuse and sexual assault. By Season 4, the show had killed off Justin Foley, with Aids of all things, pushing the story from psychological thriller to boilerplate tearjerker. No focus on the isolated inner lives of young people. No commentary on how hard it is to be good. Then, ghost characters were added, throwing the whole show off a cliff. Fans expected more after following the twisting mystery-drama involving four girls for seven seasons of Pretty Little Liars.

Fans expected more after following the twisting mystery-drama involving four girls for seven seasons. Who were the black-hooded stalkers on the internet tormenting them? Towards the last season, it seemed as though writers stopped paying attention to their own clues. The mysterious A was revealed to be Spencers evil British twin sister. What a cop out! In Supernatural, theres no reason to kill off Dean, one of the two main characters, in an accident and let Sam, the other hero, die of old age.

They had 15 seasons of demon-slaying, monster-mashing, car chases and a firm friendship. So fans tend to forgive the show that didnt stick the landing when it ended. Chuck becomes a mere mortal, Rowena sacrifices herself, Jack vanishes majestically. Theres no reason to kill off Dean, one of the two main characters, in an accident and let Sam, the other hero, die of old age. This is not what fans stayed loyal for. Even by the shows ridiculous comedy standards, the last season of Two and a Half Men was rubbish: inappropriate jokes, fourth-wall breaking, cheap 3-D animation and weirdly, death.

Terrible things happen when stars clash with show creators. Actor Charlie Sheen went head-to-head with Chuck Lorre. The casualty was a 12-year-old hit sitcom that found itself minus one of the two-and-a-half men in the title. Even by the shows ridiculous comedy standards, the last season was rubbish: inappropriate jokes, fourth-wall breaking, cheap 3-D animation and weirdly, death. Nobody won that round.
Attention fashionistas! The country's biggest fashion event is here. India Couture Week, organised by the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), kicked off on the July 26 and we have been on the edge of our seats ever since to see what is in store this time around. The third day of the event was nothing short of a glamorous affair with the biggest designers showing their collections. After Varun Bahl's mesmerising bridal couture, Gaurav Gupta took the stage with his 'Hiranyagarbha' collection. The stunning Janhvi Kapoor graced the ramp in a stunning midnight blue ensemble as she became the showstopper for the designer. Read on for more details. (Also read: Bhumi Pednekar turns showstopper for Varun Bahl in a mesmerising golden ensemble at FDCI's India Couture Week 2023 ) Janhvi Kapoor looks like a princess in a stunning lehenga as she walked the ramp for Gaurav Gupta at India Couture Week. (Instagram/@fdciofficial)

Janhvi Kapoor Turns Showstopper for Gaurav Gupta

Janhvi's videos and photos from the event are all over social media, garnering several likes and comments from her adoring fans praising and complimenting her. She walked the ramp with the utmost grace and glamour, grabbing all the attention. Let's take a moment to admire this stunning beauty.

Decoding Janhvi's mesmerising look

Jahnvi walked the ramp in a stunning midnight blue lehenga. Her look is all about vibrant colours, intricate embroidery and lots of glitter. Her outfit featured a bralette-style blue with thin stripes and a plunging neckline. She paired it with a beautiful, free-flowing skirt with intricate sequin work all over. The addition of a matching cape further enhanced her look and added to the oomph factor.

Janhvi skipped the accessories and opted for a glam make-up look with nude eyeshadow, mascara-laden lashes, winged eyeliner, a dewy base, contoured cheeks with lots of highlighter and a shade of nude lipstick. With her lustrous locks left open in the side part and cascading beautifully down her shoulders, Janhvi rounded off her stunning look.

Gaurav Gupta's collection

Gaurav Gupta defines his collection as a journey from birth to harmony with the cosmos, inviting us to embrace the pure light within. It emerges from pristine nothingness, where all possibilities of metamorphosis reside. Floating through the cosmic cycle of the elements, it symbolises creation and absorption back into the supreme reality, Brahman. The starkness of the first light is imagined with absolute whites and lustrous, iridescent pearls, reminiscent of a blank canvas eager to begin. Life bursts forth with unstoppable fluorescence.
Akshata Murty, Rishi Sunak's wife and Narayana Murthy's daughter has bagged the top spot in Britain's best dressed 2023 list compiled by Tatler magazine as one of Britains best dressed for 2023. Canadian businesswoman Yana Peel, Lady Dalmeny, Princess Beatrices husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi and Love Actually star Bill Nighy were also named as the top 10 best dressed icons in the list that will appear in Tatler magazine's September issue featuring Britain's 25 best dressed personalities. Akshata and Rishi first met when they were students at Stanford University in America in the year 2004. (AFP)

The coveted number one spot in Tatlers best dressed list belongs to the chatelaine of Downing Street, Akshata Murty," says Chandler Tregaskes, style editor for Tatler.

The magazine is all praises for her "21st century glamour in a range of cult, cool-girl labels" as it assigns No. 1 position to the businesswoman and fashion designer.

AKSHATA'S STYLE STATEMENTS

Akshata stole the limelight at the G7 summit in Japan in May when she made a statement in a pink top and green trousers as she accompanied husband Rishi Sunak. The stylish and suave lady also wowed everyone at King Charles' coronation at Westminster Abbey when she carried herself gracefully in a blue dress and black fascinator.

HOW RISHI SUNAK AND AKSHATA MURTY MET

Akshata and Rishi first met when they were students at Stanford University in America in the year 2004. Akshata also studied at Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in LA. In 2007, Akshata established her fashion brand called Akshata Designs. She married Rishi Sunak in a lavish wedding in August 2009 in Bengaluru.

As per Rishi, Akshata is 'very messy' while he is 'more organised'.

"Im incredibly tidy, shes very messy....Im much more organised, she is more spontaneous," the British PM spoke about his wife in an interview with The Times.
International Tiger Day is celebrated to raise awareness about one of the most majestic and endangered creatures on our planet: the tiger. This day provides a platform for people all around the world to emphasise the value of tiger conservation and the immediate need to save these majestic big cats from extinction. Since they represent strength, elegance, and beauty, tigers have attracted the attention of people for millennia. They have a particular place in our hearts and ecosystems and are revered in many cultures and mythology. However, a number of reasons seriously jeopardise their continued survival. The occasion of International Tiger Day offers us a chance to unite as a global society and consider the importance of protecting these iconic animals and their natural habitats. (Also read: International Tiger Day 2023: Must visit tiger reserves in India for an extraordinary wildlife experience ) International Tiger Day aims to promote tiger conservation, raise awareness about the threats faced by tigers and garner public support for conservation. (Pixabay)

When is International Tiger Day 2023?

International Tiger Day is observed globally on July 29 every year.

History of International Tiger Day

Global Tiger Day, commonly referred to as International Tiger Day, was first established in 2010 during the Saint Petersburg Tiger Summit by nations that are home to tigers. The Global Tiger Initiative (GTI), a grouping of nations, international organisations, and conservation organisations committed to tiger conservation, organised the summit, which took place in St. Petersburg, Russia. The Tiger Range Countries (TRCs), or nations with wild tiger populations, gathered during this summit to discuss the worrying global drop in tiger numbers.

They understood the pressing requirement for coordinated efforts to preserve and safeguard these wonderful big cats and their habitats. They choose to set aside a day each year to promote tiger conservation and the difficulties it faces as part of their commitment. The 29th of July was chosen as International Tiger Day because it represents the halfway point between the first and last days of the Saint Petersburg Tiger Summit and the ongoing international campaign to rescue tigers.

International Tiger Day significance

The world's largest and most recognisable big cats, tigers, are in grave danger, and International Tiger Day serves as a platform to raise awareness of this. People from all walks of life come together to highlight the essential need for tiger conservation on this day because these gorgeous animals are facing grave dangers including habitat degradation, poaching, and illegal wildlife trafficking, which is putting them in danger of going extinct. International Tiger Day aims to mobilise group efforts, foster public support, and promote sustainable initiatives to secure the future of these magnificent animals and preserve the biodiversity of our planet for future generations by bringing attention to the opportunities and challenges in tiger protection.
Sickle cell anaemia is a serious health problem that affects millions of people in India where in the Indian belt, which includes the states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Orissa and some of Bengal, sickle cell anaemia is most common while there are also areas in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, the South and Telangana that are affected by it. According to the Indian Journal of Medical Research, India is home to over 20 million patients with sickle cell disease but even though this inherited blood illness is so common, it is still largely unaddressed. Sickle cell disease in children: Early detection, intervention and long-term management (Photo by Twitter/EllenDomaeko)

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Santanu Sen, Consultant, Paediatrics, Paediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai, explained, Sickle cell disease is a hereditary blood disorder that parents pass on to their children. The red blood cells' irregular shape, which resembles a sickle and gives sickle cell disorders their name, causes the symptoms of the condition. Because of their sickle shape, red blood cells become stiff and sticky and become trapped in the body's tiny blood veins as they circulate. This interferes with the flow of oxygen to various body areas and causes symptoms including anaemia, flare-ups of pain from bone and joint degeneration, swelling in the extremities, an elevated risk of infection, inhibition of normal growth, and eyesight issues.

He elaborated, Sickle cell disease is a hereditary blood disorder that can be detected through newborn screening or prenatal testing if there is a family history. Symptoms may appear as early as 2-5 months of age and, if left untreated, can lead to serious health problems and even death. Effective management and treatment are crucial for reducing complications and improving quality of life. The only cure for sickle cell anemia is a stem cell transplant, which is a high-cost and complex treatment in India. Screening is a crucial tool in preventing this disease, and the government has a critical role to play in increasing awareness and providing access to screening.

According to him, one of the biggest challenges in addressing sickle cell anemia in India is the lack of awareness among the general population. Dr Santanu Sen suggested, If the disease is prevented in the current generation, it can be prevented from passing on to the next generation. This highlights the need for increased education and awareness about the disease, especially in tribal areas where the burden is highest. Sickle cell anemia is a pressing health issue in India that requires immediate attention. The Union Budget of 2023 also focused on the elimination of Sickle Cell Disease potentially by 2047. To tackle this issue, the government and private hospitals must work together to make this treatment more accessible, affordable and available to those in need.

Bringing his expertise to the same, Dr Vipin Khandelwal, Consultant Hematology, Hemato-Oncology, Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplant Physician at Apollo Cancer Centres in Navi Mumbai, shared, Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a hereditary blood disorder that primarily affects children. It is characterized by the presence of abnormal hemoglobin molecules in red blood cells, causing them to become rigid and sickle-shaped. This can lead to a range of complications, including chronic pain, organ damage, and increased susceptibility to infections. Early detection, intervention, and long-term management are crucial in improving the quality of life for children with SCD.

He revealed, Early detection plays a vital role in managing SCD in children. Newborn screening programs have been implemented in many countries, allowing for the identification of affected infants shortly after birth. This early diagnosis enables healthcare providers to initiate appropriate interventions promptly. Regular screenings throughout childhood help monitor the progression of the disease and identify any complications or coexisting conditions that may arise. Interventions for children with SCD involve a multidisciplinary approach. Pediatric hematologists, nurses, psychologists, and other healthcare professionals work together to provide comprehensive care. One of the primary interventions is ensuring proper hydration to prevent dehydration, which can trigger sickling of red blood cells. Children are encouraged to drink plenty of fluids, particularly water and avoid excessive physical exertion or exposure to extreme temperatures.

Calling pain management another critical aspect of SCD intervention, Dr Vipin Khandelwal said, Children with SCD often experience acute and chronic pain episodes known as vaso-occlusive crises. Prompt administration of pain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or opioids, helps alleviate pain and improve the child's overall well-being. Additionally, the use of heat packs, massage therapy, and distraction techniques can complement pharmacological interventions in managing pain. Long-term management of SCD in children focuses on preventing complications and maintaining overall health. This involves regular check-ups with healthcare providers, including hematological assessments and monitoring of organ function. Children may also receive vaccinations to protect against infections, as they are more susceptible due to functional asplenia, a condition where the spleen does not work properly.

He pointed out, Hydroxyurea, a medication that increases the production of fetal hemoglobin, has shown significant benefits in reducing the frequency and severity of vaso-occlusive crises in children with SCD. It is often prescribed in conjunction with other treatments and requires careful monitoring of blood counts and potential side effects. Education and psychosocial support are essential components of long-term management. Children and their families should receive education about SCD, including understanding the disease process, recognizing symptoms of complications, and adhering to treatment plans. Psychosocial support, such as counseling or support groups, can help children and their families cope with the emotional and social challenges that come with living with a chronic illness.
Mental health issues have become increasingly prevalent in today's fast-paced and interconnected world and as a result, there is a growing need for effective interventions that can complement traditional treatments where kindness is an intervention that has demonstrated promising results. Kindness is often viewed as a simple act of compassion but it can actually have a profound impact on our cognitive processes and mental health. Kindness can be a cognitive therapy for mental health issues. Here's how (Unsplash)

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Rituparna Ghosh, Clinical Psychologist at Apollo Hospitals in Navi Mumbai, explained, Kindness has a remarkable ability to promote positive cognitive shifts by altering one's perspective and emotional state. Engaging in acts of kindness can activate areas of the brain associated with positive emotions and empathy, leading to the release of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and oxytocin, which are known to enhance mood and well-being. By redirecting the focus from negative thoughts and self-criticism toward acts of compassion and empathy, individuals can experience a shift in their cognitive processes and develop more adaptive thinking patterns. Many mental health issues are accompanied by feelings of low self-worth, helplessness, and a lack of control.

She elaborated, Kindness interventions, whether directed towards oneself or others, can significantly enhance feelings of self-worth and empowerment. When individuals engage in acts of kindness, they experience a sense of purpose, competence, and connection with others. By recognizing their ability to positively impact the lives of others, individuals with mental health issues can develop a stronger sense of self and regain a feeling of control over their lives. Kindness acts as a catalyst for building social support and connection, which are essential for psychological well-being.

Dr Rituparna Ghosh added, Whether through volunteering, offering support to a friend, or engaging in random acts of kindness, individuals with mental health issues can cultivate a support network that provides them with a sense of belonging, understanding, and acceptance. By integrating acts of kindness into cognitive therapy interventions, it can help individuals with mental health issues develop more adaptive thinking patterns, enhance their self-worth and empowerment, build social support networks, and reduce negative self-focus. Incorporating kindness into treatment plans can provide a holistic approach that addresses the emotional, cognitive, and social aspects of mental health, ultimately contributing to the well-being and recovery of individuals facing mental health challenges.

Dr Meena Kumari M, Consultant Psychiatrist at Manipal Hospitals in Vijayawada, revealed that according to mental health experts, acts of kindness can stimulate the release of dopamine and serotonin, a hormone associated with positive emotions. This can lead to a number of benefits, including:

 Increased feelings of well-being

 Reduced stress levels

 Improved self-esteem

 Enhanced social connections

 Reduced loneliness and isolation

Dr Meena Kumari M highlighted that in addition to these direct benefits, kindness can also have a positive impact on our cognitive processes. For example, it can help us to:

 Reframe negative thoughts

 Increase our resilience

 Improve our problem-solving skills

 Enhance our empathy

Hence, kindness can be a powerful tool for promoting mental health and well-being. Dr Meena Kumari M said, Kindness, even in small acts, can make a difference in promoting mental well-being, as recognized by Manipal Hospitals, which integrates kindness as a complementary therapy alongside evidence-based treatments to empower individuals and address their mental health concerns.

Bringing her expertise to the same, Ishita Goyal, Assistant Psychologist, Mental Health and Behavioural Sciences - MIND at Max Super Speciality Hospital in Dehradun, said, Kindness can indeed play a significant role in cognitive therapy for mental health issues. While it may not be a standalone therapy, acts of kindness and cultivating a kind mindset can have a positive impact on mental well-being.

According to her, here are some ways in which kindness can be beneficial -

Self-Compassion: Kindness starts with being compassionate towards oneself. Individuals struggling with mental health issues often experience self-criticism and negative self-talk. By practicing self-kindness, individuals can cultivate self-compassion, which involves treating themselves with understanding, patience, and acceptance. This shift in mindset can help alleviate feelings of shame, guilt and worthlessness.

Kindness starts with being compassionate towards oneself. Individuals struggling with mental health issues often experience self-criticism and negative self-talk. By practicing self-kindness, individuals can cultivate self-compassion, which involves treating themselves with understanding, patience, and acceptance. This shift in mindset can help alleviate feelings of shame, guilt and worthlessness. Building Positive Relationships: Engaging in acts of kindness towards others fosters positive relationships, social support and a sense of belonging. These connections can be crucial for individuals with mental health issues, as they provide emotional support, reduce feelings of isolation and contribute to overall well-being.

Engaging in acts of kindness towards others fosters positive relationships, social support and a sense of belonging. These connections can be crucial for individuals with mental health issues, as they provide emotional support, reduce feelings of isolation and contribute to overall well-being. Shifting Focus: Kindness redirects attention away from negative thoughts and emotions. By engaging in acts of kindness, individuals can focus their energy on positive actions and experiences, which can help break the cycle of rumination and negativity associated with many mental health issues.

Kindness redirects attention away from negative thoughts and emotions. By engaging in acts of kindness, individuals can focus their energy on positive actions and experiences, which can help break the cycle of rumination and negativity associated with many mental health issues. Enhancing Self-Esteem: Engaging in kind acts can boost self-esteem and self-worth. When individuals help others or contribute to the well-being of their community, they develop a sense of purpose, accomplishment and value. This can counteract feelings of low self-esteem or inadequacy.

Engaging in kind acts can boost self-esteem and self-worth. When individuals help others or contribute to the well-being of their community, they develop a sense of purpose, accomplishment and value. This can counteract feelings of low self-esteem or inadequacy. Promoting Gratitude and Positivity: Kindness practices can encourage individuals to appreciate the positive aspects of their lives. Expressing gratitude for acts of kindness received or performed can foster a positive outlook, increase happiness, and improve overall mental well-being.

It is important to note that while kindness can be beneficial, it is not a substitute for professional mental health treatment. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, it is essential to seek support from qualified professionals such as therapists or counsellors who can provide appropriate interventions and therapies.
When 2023 began, we all rejoiced because the year brought the good news of several long weekends. However, August, apart from March and April, delighted travel aficionados the most because these months had the most long weekends. So, if you missed your chance to travel during April and March, start planning now because August is almost here. The month has around ten holidays if you plan strategically. Without further ado, check out all the dates you can take a break from work and travel to far-off places for that much-needed vacation. Here's the complete list of long weekend in August 2023. (Unsplash)

(Also Read | 6 stunning monsoon getaways in India to enjoy the rainy season)

Long Weekends in August 2023:

1) August 12, Saturday

August 13, Sunday

Take a leave on August 14, Monday, for an entire weeklong vacation.

August 15, Tuesday: Independence Day

August 16, Wednesday: Parsi New Year (Restricted Holiday)

2) August 26, Saturday

August 27, Sunday

You can take an off on August 28, Monday, to enjoy five days of uninterrupted bliss.

August 29, Tuesday: Onam (Restricted Holiday)

August 30, Wednesday: Raksha Bandhan

Places you can travel to in August:

Near Delhi

You have five days on your hand, so why not make the most of it by going on a road trip? Since the weather will still be pleasant, you can travel to Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur by road while admiring the scenic beauty of the countryside in Haryana and Rajasthan. Begin your trip on the night of August 11 and arrive in Delhi on August 17. Some must-visit places are Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Nahargarh Fort, The Mehrangarh Fort, Lake Pichola, Bagore Ki Haveli, Monsoon Palace, Bahubali Hills, and more.

Near Mumbai

While many prefer North Goa to South Goa because of the nightlife, the latter offers a much more vibrant, scenic, and laid-back Goa for those who love slow travelling. Since you have five days on your hands, why not visit the destination for a secluded, serene and soothing vacation? Additionally, the beaches here are stunning, much cleaner and calmer than their counterparts in the North. There are also fewer shacks and restaurants on the beaches allowing you to enjoy the sunset in peace. Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary, Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, Butterfly Beach, Galgibaga Beach, Palolem Beach, and Colva Beach are must-visits.

Near Bengaluru

Monsoon is the perfect time to step back from your busy life and admire nature in its full glory. And a road trip is the best way to do the same. So, utilise the five days and plan a road trip to Coorg and Ooty. You will have ample time to explore the sightseeing places and be amid nature to experience the monsoon. Additionally, August is considered off-season in these places. Therefore, you might encounter fewer tourists.

Near Kolkata

If you live in Kolkata or nearby, you can plan a trip to Sikkim, Samsing or Kurseong. These places are a haven for those who enjoy rain and lush greenery. If you are visiting Sikkim, you can also immerse yourself in the culture by attending the many festivals that take place during this time - Phang Labsol festival and Bhadauria Purnima festival.

Note: Don't forget to pack light and carry umbrellas and a raincoat while travelling in the monsoon. Additionally, confirm with local guidelines if it is safe to travel to the areas you plan to visit.
Angie Xue had always wanted to travel to Japan and Korea, so when she saw that $600 round-trip flights were available from California, she booked one immediately. It was now or never, she recalls via phone. Xues first order of planning after that? Booking a personal color analysis appointment in Seoul, something shed discovered through viral videos. Personal colour analysis aims to assign individuals flattering colours that can inform their choices around clothing, makeup and accessories based on their complexions and skin tones. The process can take 60 minutes, with color consultants draping hundreds of fabric swatches across clients shoulders to carefully examine what makes their faces light up rather than emphasize dark circles or wrinkles. Seoul in South Korea lures Gen Z tourists through viral personal colour analysis (Photo by visit.korea)

For decades its been used by politicians, chief executive officers and the social elite as a way to put their best feet forward. Now, on the heels of a TikTok craze, its sprouting up from California to New York, and Gen Z loyalists are increasingly making trips to Seoul with the procedure topping their bucket list.

In the US, a three-hour-long session at a place like House of Colour in Brooklyn, New York, can cost $545; in most Korean studios, the rates hover from $80 to $160. In any event, clients emerge with personal, customized palette swatches, specific makeup recommendations and suggestions for what kind of jewelry to buy.

The trick is getting an appointment, particularly in Seoul. In her quest, Xue called more than 30 places before managing to book slots for herself and her boyfrienda lucky break, she learned, thanks to a recent cancellation. But because her colour consultant didnt speak English, she was warned, she had to spend an additional $50 per hour to hire a translator.

The craze around personal colour was booming before Covid-19 hit South Korea. Now its resurging along with international visitation.

During Covid, a lot of foreigners watched K-dramas and Korean movies, says Sohee (Emily) Baek, a personal colour stylist at Color Society in Hongdae, Seoul. Since personal color was often talked about in the shows, it became a big interest to foreigners.

Colour analysis has undoubtedly been having a pop culture moment. A simple site search of Personal Color Analysis Korea shows the topic has 375 million TikTok views, with content creators posting their experience, including detailed step-by-step instructions on how to book the service and where to go. A viral video in which Jisoo, a member of smash K-pop group Blackpink, details her personal color analysis results has garnered 2.6 million views on YouTube alone. Even South Korean politician Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, made headlines when he obtained personal color analysis.

This has fueled such a tourism boom that the Korea Tourism Organization has been using it to promote international visits. The organization went so far as to create a pop-up color analysis studio in New Yorks Rockefeller Center as part of a free summerlong event called Celebrate Korea.

Seoul color consultant Baek says a wide majority of her clients come from overseas after finding her services via word of mouth or social media.

They come from all over the world, with the most coming from cities like Los Angeles or New York in the US, but also from places like the Middle East and Central America as well, she explains. The spike in demand has Baek and her colleagues working overtime. Her consultancy Color Society notched a record number of appointments in June, with 470 customers rather than the 300 it would book in a typically busy month.

Baek is stretching to work nearly 12 hours a day. Were a pretty small shop with only two consultants who can speak English, she says. Appointments open two months ahead on the 26th of every month and are scooped up almost instantly. I find that I cant turn away these customers, especially because they come from such faraway places, she adds.

To Daniela Miculkova, 30, color analysis stands out as a unique cultural experience that doubles as an accessible luxury. Theres nothing like this in my country, says the Czech Republic resident.

For Koreans, the tourism boom brings an added benefit: big retail spending. Customers like Miculkova often walk out with color swatches in hand and recommendations to buy specific skin-care and makeup products, along with an itch to overhaul their wardrobes.

The boom may create jobs, too. As the spike in demand reveals a need for more English-speaking practitioners, color consulting workshops are available at Korean job fairs, and companies like the Korea Fashion Psychology Institute are offering certification programs for color consulting. They also provide color workshops for VIP customers at such luxury retailers as Valentino, Miu Miu and Dior.

Personal colour analysis has become such a big part of culture in Korea, Baek says. If you dont know what your personal color is, its hard to shop for the appropriate makeup and clothingand to also converse with the younger generation.
Local traders and hoteliers in Pakistans Swat on Wednesday said tourism has suffered in the region after the government issued flood warnings for the entire summer season, Dawn reported. Tourism badly affected in Pakistans Swat after govt issues flood warning for entire summer season (Photo by Twitter/JaveedKhan01)

Dawn is a Pakistani English-language newspaper.

Addressing a crowded press conference, Swat Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Rahat Ali Khan, Traders Federation spokesperson Khalid Mehmood, general secretary of Swat Petroleum and CNG Association Zahoor Iqbal, general secretary of Hotel Association Mohammad Wakil, Zakir Mohammad, Yousaf Ali, Adnan Khan and others opposed the governments decision to increase taxes.

They said that the middle and working classes would suffer owing to the economic policies of the government. They demanded the government check the negative impacts of the deal with International Monetary Fund.

They said the government should take austerity measures and the increase in power tariffs has put an unbearable burden on people.

The representatives of traders said that tourism was badly affected in Swat after the issuance of flood warnings by the Provincial Disaster Management Authority. They claimed that rivers in Swat flowed at normal levels and tourists could easily visit the area.

They threatened to organise protests and strikes in the Malakand division if the government did not respond to their request within ten days.
After Independence, the leaders of India had to give serious thought as to how to deal with tribespeople. They were granted autonomy in many areas under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India. Jawaharlal Nehru once said, [Tribal] people should develop along the lines of their own genius. This was the basic policy framework of the government. Indira Gandhi went a step further to say that the policy aspirations of the tribals must be recognised and some of the states such as Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, Manipur, and Mizoram were created irrespective of their size. PREMIUM Manipur was one of the most insurgency-ridden states with about 15 outfits representing different tribes or communities.

Manipur was one of the most insurgency-ridden states with about 15 outfits representing different tribes or communities. It was once ruled by Meitei kings, and Meiteis comprise a significant population. Tribals account for around 40% of the states population and broadly belong to Naga, Kuki-Chin and Mizo groups.

The situation in Manipur has been complex, fluid and volatile. It has been embroiled in an ethnic conflict since early May, between the majority Meitei community and the minority Kuki tribe. The violence erupted after the high court directed the Manipur government on March 27 to consider the inclusion of the Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) list. It would entitle them to the same economic benefits and quotas in government jobs and education as the minority Kukis. It would also allow the Meiteis to buy land in the hills, where the Kukis predominately live, fuelling fears among the Kukis that their land, jobs and opportunities would be taken away.

On May 3, thousands of people from tribal groups protested these plans. Even as the violence escalated, the response from the central government was muted. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state government was accused of being silent or complicit in the violence against the Kukis. Conspiracy theories further weakened what little trust the people had in the state government. The high court ruling was later stayed by the Supreme Court, which called it factually wrong, but by then the conflict had already taken hold. Both the state and the Centre should have stepped in immediately to reassure the tribes that they will not act upon the high court judgment. The laxity on the part of both the Centre and state government fuelled the conflict.

The events clearly indicate a serious lapse on the part of the state administration, especially the state police, and the Centre, which is supposed to be the protector of all the communities in the state. The failure of the law-enforcing agencies further strengthened the belief among the warring communities that their only sources of protection are the armed ethnic insurgents.

The incidents of sexual abuse, molestation and parading of naked tribal women are horrific. They lost everything, their lives were disrupted and in a shambles. Thousands of displaced people are still living in relief camps. Schools and colleges have been disrupted and medical care has collapsed. The internet ban to thwart the spread of fake news seemed to have worsened the situation. The survivors were left with no means to either summon help or seek justice.

The Prime Minister (PM) broke his silence after 77 days and vented his anger and grief, but it was too late. The PM, being the head of the nation, is constitutionally, politically and morally responsible to safeguard the lives and property of her citizens. But no one in the government was able to prevent these atrocities and violence, particularly those perpetrated against women and the vulnerable. Manipur CM N Biren Singh owes an explanation for the proliferation of cultural nationalist organisations that have been accused of fomenting conflict in the state. The inclusion or de-recognition of communities under the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category is a very sensitive matter and is administratively detailed. Courts are not constitutionally empowered to adjudicate on this matter until due process has been completed.

In the case of Manipur, in view of Article 371(C) of the Constitution, the state government would be expected to take the consent of the hill areas committees. Only after a clear recommendation of the state can a proposal be examined by the registrar general of India (RGI) and census commissioner.

Only after both the state government and RGI unequivocally recommend a case for inclusion, exclusion or modification, can it be forwarded to the tribal affairs ministry, which sends it to the National Commission of Scheduled Tribes (NCST). Only after NCST agrees with the recommendations of the state government and RGI, can the matter be taken to the cabinet, and then on to the Parliament for approval. The conflict among the different communities in Manipur is a harsh reality, based on demands for better participation in the political process and more control over resources. Such conflicts should be dealt with prudence, skill and time-tested measures. The Manipur incident calls for a political solution which can happen only by way of a conscious process and consensus arrived between the two communities. The court is not the forum to resolve such a complex problem.

It is time for the government, both at the Centre and in the state, to be proactive. The government should prioritise adopting conflict resolution principles to bridge the divide between the warring communities and restore confidence in governance and peace in society. It must not be forgotten that the Manipur crisis can spark similar situations across the Northeast. If not dealt with appropriately, this will spiral into cross-border and inter-state conflicts, especially in the light of insurgent activities across the border with Myanmar and China.

M Veerappa Moily is a former Union minister and senior Congress leader. The views expressed are personal.
Elon Musk-owned social media platform Twitter is now X, having bid adieu to the iconic bird logo which stood as the brand for years since inception. Twitter is no longer a company and has been merged with the newly formed X Corp.



But it seems that Elon Musk has more changes planned for the microblogging forum. The billionaire in a tweet said that the platform will only be visible in the dark mode. A Twitter user had posted,"I like Black too but it won't work good in the dark mode".



To which Musk replied,"This platform will soon only have dark mode. It is better in every way". Elon Musk has transformed Twitter into X.com,

The announcement has sparked concerns among users who are not too fond of the dark mode and feel that reading light texts in dark background could be challenging.



ALSO READ: Elon Musk's x.com blocked by Indonesia, here's why



A user posted,"I tend to use dark mode on most platforms where it's available but it seems unusual not to offer people a choice of which one they prefer. It's like he's deliberately wanting to drive people away just lately".



Another user tweeted,"Terrible move. Dark mode under direct sunlight or wherever your surroundings are bright- its unreadable and causes unnecessary eye strain. For a text focused perform, dark mode only is horrible. Reconsider this meaningless change, Twitter. Sorry, X".



ALSO READ: Elon Musk's vision was not to transform Twitter into X. Its bigger than that



At present, the renamed platform offers users to option to access the platform in light, dark and a dim mode as per their preferences. But with Musk asserting that the dark mode is superior, it is certain that the light and dim modes will be removed.



Ever since he acquired Twitter for a whopping $44 billion last year, Musk has implemented sweeping changes within the company and platform. Right from the massive layoffs to replacing Twitter bird logo with X, the owner has been under fire from the users who preferred the platform's earlier avatar.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Meghan Markle starrer drama series 'Suits' which ended in 2019, has seen a dramatic turnaround in its fortunes. According to Nielsens streaming ratings for June 26-July 2, Suits topped the title with 3.14 billion minutes viewed. The Witcher got the second place with 1.31 billion minutes viewed. Meghan Markle(REUTERS)

With its huge numbers, Suits shattered the viewing time record for an acquired series which was previously held by "Manifest" with 2.49 billion minutes viewership in June 2021.

Interestingly, the numbers are only for the views on TV sets and those in the United States. It means, the minutes watched on computers or mobile devices not been counted which could possibly further increase the stats for "Suits".

The legal drama series "Suits" ran from 2011 to 2019 in which Meghan starred in the role of Rachel Zane. The series enthralled viewers for nine seasons but Meghan left after season 7 as she got engaged to Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry in 2017.

Meghan married Harry at Windsor Castle in May 2018. The couple have two children namely son Archie and daughter Lilibet.

ALSO READ| Cyanide poisoning! Did Oppenheimer really try to kill his professor as shown in movie ? the scientist's grandson says

Meghan and Harry have left their royal life in Britain and are currently living in California. The couple's relationship with the British Royal Family has been going downhill ever since. The release of Harry's memoir "Spare" further heightened the tensions as he made many disclosures and claims in the book which were blatantly against his relatives including his father King Charles III and brother Prince William.

Notably, there have been recent reports of Harry-Meghan being seriously worried about their future in America after the termination of their $20 million deal with Spotify. The couple are reportedly tensed about their finances and even contemplating moving back to England by striking a truce with their royal relatives.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have reportedly been put under strain after the fallout of the Dukes autobiography, Spare. The memoir contained several attacks on senior members of the Royal family. Harry appeared in various interviews to promote the book. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle speak during the 2021 Global Citizen Live festival at the Great Lawn, Central Park on September 25, 2021 in New York City (Photo by Angela Weiss / AFP)(AFP)

Friends and family turned against Harry after his book was released. This put pressure on the couple, according to royal commentator Katie Nicholl.

"My experience with Harry and Meghan  whenever Ive been with them as a couple, who are very, very close  [have] a sort of spark between them that always struck me as being very authentic, Katie told Page Six.

"However, there have been rumours circulating in recent months that the fallout from Spare, which is pretty epic for Prince Harry who had Britain really turned against him, his home country; hes really not welcome here. [The book has] left a bad taste in peoples mouths. Its further alienated him from his friends and his family and I think, inevitably, that has put a strain on them, Katie added.

Meghan Markle, Prince Harry's possible return to the Royal Family would be a humiliation

A royal commentator recently said it would be a "humiliation" for Meghan and Harry if they decide to return to the Royal Family. Back in 2020, the pair stepped down as working members of the family. They now live with their children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet in California.

Recent reports have been suggesting that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are currently under tremendous financial pressure and are finding it hard to fund their lifestyle. Meghans Spotify podcast was recently snubbed, but their Netflix deal reportedly remains intact.

It is believed Harry recently reached out to Prince William to discuss the possibility of returning to the UK. According to royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams, making this U-turn would be a "humiliation" for the couple.

"This would be one of the most bizarre events in royal history if they did return after all the attacks, Richard said, according to GB News. It would be a humiliation for Meghan and Harry. The idea that after everything that has happened that Meghan and Harry could just walk back in is beyond extraordinary."
Natalia Kyrkach-Antonenko found out within two hours of it happening. An artillery strike. Shrapnel to the head. Death in seconds. Volunteers identified her husband Vitaly by his devilish looks and long hair; his nom de guerre Beautiful was no accident. One telephone call later, and Ms Kyrkach-Antonenkos dreams of a family together were gone. But she had prepared for the eventuality. Now she intends to raise a family alone using sperm the couple froze on one of Vitalys two rotations back home. In an emotional appeal on social media, written a month after her husbands death, she urged other couples to take out the same insurance policy. It could be your only chance. Think and dont put it off, I beg you. PREMIUM Ukrainian soldiers launch a drone at Russian positions near Bakhmut, Donetsk region. (File/ Al-Jazeera)

Russian tanks brought Ukraines booming fertility industry to a shuddering stop in February. The clinics reopened in April to a changed world. Previously the customers were typically foreigners, taking advantage of Ukraines liberal rules on surrogacy. Now they are often Ukrainian couples, anxious because the husband has to go and fight. Mother and Child, the countrys largest fertility clinic, launched a programme to meet the new demand, encouraging servicemen and women to freeze their sperm or eggs free of charge, lest they be injured or killed on the front. Their partners were offered large discounts on assisted-conception programmes that usually cost between $1,300 and $4,000. The most needy were given the treatment free. Doctors called the initiative Hero Nation, a nod to the growing number of babies conceived to dead or seriously injured parents. They credit the programme with helping the clinic return to roughly 80% of its pre-war capacity.

Vitaly Radko, a 37-year-old doctor at the main branch in Kyiv, says he wasnt sure his staff would keep their jobs when they reopened in the spring. But as mobilisation took hold, he saw the numbers of patients increase. Now, 30 to 40 military couples walk through his doors every month, avoiding as they enter the bundles of wires linking diesel generators to cryo-chambers that store eggs, sperm and embryos. His office is covered with hundreds of photographs of the children he has helped bring into the world. Before the war, almost half of the doctors patients were foreigners; mainly from China, but also from America, Britain, France, Italy and Spain. Now there are only Ukrainians. Forty percent are military personnel.

The men tend not to say much when they arrive, Dr Radko says. The women do the talking. But everyone understands the subtext. The doctor and the couple all know the man could be injured, or killed while fighting on the front. You dont need to vocalise that. You can tell by their mood and the serious looks on their faces that they know. The doctor says war has changed his own attitude to the job; he has never felt as needed. It is up to people like him to limit the catastrophic effect the Russian invasion has already had on Ukrainian birth rates. When there is war in your country and you arent at the front, you have to do what you do best, and we are best able to give life to new Ukrainians.

The practicalities can be complicated since soldiers often arrive in states of injury and stress. Navigating Ukrainian bureaucracy can be tricky too. Local law offers no legal basis on which to use a donors genetic material after he or she has died. Clinics therefore need patients to obtain private powers of attorney that specifically mention the right to post-mortem reproduction. Tanya and her partner, Eduard Konovka, who serves in the Ukrainian navy, have already obtained the papers, just in case. They are two of Dr Radkos newest patients, having begun IVF treatment in late December after trying for a baby for 12 years; they travelled specially from the Black Sea coast to take advantage of the clinics free programme. They say the last hope of having children is something that has kept them going during difficult times. Russia cannot take away the most important things from us: our time, the strength of character, and our dreams.

Inna Tikhonova, a psychologist advising several military couples, warns of possible dangers. Having a child from a dead father is not a plaster to cover a woundand can exacerbate the trauma, she says. Some schools would suggest avoiding any decision of consequence in the first year of following loss.

But Ms Kyrkach-Antonenko, who now has up to 20 years to use her late husbands sperm, says that besides the diaries that he would send her from the trenches, the chance to bear a child is the only thing she has left of him. Vitaly might not be alive, but his ability to become a father is. For as long as I am living, I intend to have as many of his babies as I can.

Read more of our recent coverage of the Ukraine crisis.

 2023, The Economist Newspaper Limited. All rights reserved. From The Economist, published under licence. The original content can be found on www.economist.com
As Florida Governor Ron DeSantis's presidential campaign hits rough waters, prominent GOP figures are looking towards another rising star in the party: Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin. Youngkin's approval rating recently soared to an all-time high, with a staggering 57% of Virginia voters expressing approval of his job performance. In contrast, DeSantis's popularity has taken a hit, losing four points among Florida Republicans and two points among all voters in the state since the start of the year. As Florida Governor Ron DeSantis's presidential campaign hits rough waters, prominent GOP figures are looking towards another rising star in the party: Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin.

Amid Youngkin's record-breaking fundraising success and growing favorability, speculation about a potential 2024 presidential run has intensified, leaving some party leaders hopeful for his candidacy. For now, Youngkin remains focused on Virginia's upcoming legislative elections in November, stating that his immediate priority lies within his current role as governor.

Also read | President Biden postpones re-election fundraisers in Los Angeles amid actors' and writers' strikes in Hollywood- Report

Wealthy ex-DeSantis donor throws support behind Youngkin

Billionaire businessman Thomas Peterffy, once a major supporter of DeSantis's campaign, has redirected his financial backing and vocal endorsement towards Youngkin. Peterffy has called Youngkin "an ideal candidate" for the GOP and expressed optimism about his potential entrance into the 2024 race. He believes Youngkin's candidacy would generate tremendous enthusiasm.

Peterffy cited concerns with DeSantis's stances on abortion and book banning as reasons for halting his contributions back in April. He also voiced doubt about the electability of other Republican candidates, including former President Donald Trump, whom he deems too extreme.

Media mogul shifts allegiance from DeSantis to Youngkin

Rupert Murdoch, the media magnate behind Fox News, the Wall Street Journal, and the New York Post, is reportedly rooting for a Youngkin run. While previously supportive of DeSantis as the 2024 nominee, Murdoch's relationship with the Florida governor appears to have soured. His media outlets have been increasingly critical of DeSantis lately.

Trump's team seized the opportunity to celebrate Murdoch's apparent change of heart, claiming that the media mogul has now distanced himself from DeSantis, referring to the Florida governor as "his golden boy, no longer."

Also read | Is Rupert Murdoch switching from Ron DeSantis as his candidate against Donald Trump? Here's media mogul's new favourite

Youngkin garners support from Trump's Cabinet

Former Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, a key figure in Trump's Cabinet, will host a gathering of top donors and party leaders at his Hamptons mansion, providing an opportunity for them to hear Youngkin speak about his plans for the Virginia legislature. While not explicitly a fundraiser, the event offers Youngkin the chance to boost his national profile and potentially gain support from influential party figures.

Also read | Can Ron DeSantis' anti-corporate stance bring a dramatic shift in Republican politics despite his low ratings?

As Youngkin's star rises, all eyes are on whether he will make the leap into the 2024 presidential race. With a groundswell of support from big donors and influential figures, his potential candidacy is becoming increasingly tantalizing for the GOP.
Diwali, celebrated by millions of Americans from various faiths and religions including Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists and Jains, should be declared a federal holiday, Congresswoman Grace Meng has said. **EDS: TO GO WITH STORY** Washington: American Congresswoman Grace Meng. (PTI Photo)(PTI07_28_2023_000008A)(PTI)

Meng, a lawyer-turned-politician, who represents the sixth Congressional District of New York, has introduced the Diwali Day Act in the US House of Representatives, for making Diwali a federal holiday in the country.

It's not just about a day off. It is about making sure that people beyond those who celebrate Diwali, truly understand the holiday and the culture and the contributions of the so many people who celebrate Diwali, Meng told PTI in an interview on Thursday.

As a kid growing up in Queens, New York City, Meng said she always wanted to make sure that US holidays match those of the communities.

It is important to me as an Asian American that Diwali, which is a holiday that is celebrated by hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers and billions of people literally around the world, that we are able to have this day off, the 47-year-old Democrat said.

The legislation introduced in May has gained positive traction from her Congressional colleagues.

We haven't really heard anything negative. So, in the world of politics and Congress, that is a very positive sign. This piece of legislation is a bipartisan piece of legislation, she said.

ALSO READ| Hunter Biden admits he got $664K from CCP-backed company, contradicting his dads claim of no money from China

We have members signing on every week, and so we are excited to keep talking about it and hopefully be able to pass it. We are very heartened by the steps taken by New York State, for example, in making Diwali a New York City school holiday, which is long overdue. We've been fighting for about 10 years or over 10 years on that legislation. And so we think that that also provides some momentum for our federal legislation, Meng said.

Indian Americans, she said, have contributed so much to New York City, New York State, and the US.

Indian Americans comprise one of the largest Asian American populations in this country, and they have provided so many benefits to the US.

They have contributed so much to our culture to academia, to our economy. And so we want to make sure that we recognise the important contributions and holidays that Indian Americans celebrate, the Congresswoman said.

Responding to a question on the recent visit of the Prime Minister and his address to the joint session of the Congress, Meng said the speech was well received.

His presence was received by both sides of the aisle, very bipartisan. We know that there are Indian Americans in both Republican and Democratic districts throughout New York and across the country. Many of our constituents back at home in New York were excited to see him come to Congress and we were able to hear him speak about the strong alliance between India and the United States, she said.

ALSO READ| Disney accuses Ron DeSantis of violating its constitutional rights in ongoing legal feud

It is a long-time relationship. As we hear about certain spots around the world, we know that it is very important for both countries and for democracy to continue to strengthen the alliance between the two countries, the Congresswoman said.

Both sides are finding more ways to collaborate and new areas of partnership, she added.

In June, Diwali was enshrined as a school holiday in New York City and authorities described it as a victory for the citys residents, including the Indian community. New York City Mayor Eric Adams said he was proud that the State Assembly and the State Senate have passed the bill making Diwali a New York City Public School holiday.
Disney slammed Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday for trying to dodge responsibility for his actions in their ongoing legal clash. FILE - Republican presidential candidate Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks during the Family Leadership Summit, July 14, 2023, in Des Moines, Iowa. Civil rights activists cheered when Ron DeSantis pardoned four Black men wrongfully convicted of rape as one of his first actions as Florida's governor. But four years later, as DeSantis eyes the presidency, their hope that the Republican would be an ally on racial justice has long faded. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File)(AP)

The media giant sued the governor in federal court in April, accusing him of violating its free speech rights by retaliating against its opposition to a state law that limits what schools can teach about sexual orientation or gender identity.

The governor, who is also running for president, asked the court to dismiss the suit, claiming that he was only enforcing state laws and not targeting Disney specifically.

Disneys lawyers rejected that argument, saying that the governors actions were aimed at punishing the company for its political views.

ALSO READ| Meghan Markle's Suits sets new streaming record of viewership, four years after series end

One of those actions was the governors takeover of Disneys special taxing district, which he renamed and appointed a new board to oversee. The district, which is also a defendant in the suit, is facing financial challenges due to the legal fees and other costs.

On Wednesday, the board said it might cut $8 million that pays for off-duty police officers who patrol Disney properties. The boards chairman called it a waste of money.

A yearlong conflict ignited by a Disney lawsuit

The Dont Say Gay bill, which restricts what schools can teach about LGBTQ issues, sparked national outrage and opposition from more than 150 major companies, including the Human Rights Campaign.

The Walt Disney Company joined the protest and publicly denounced the law after its workers walked out.

FILE PHOTO: The logo of the Times Square Disney store is seen in Times Square, New York City, U.S. December 5, 2019. REUTERS/Nick Pfosi/File Photo(REUTERS)

The media giants former CEO Bob Chapek said Disney was halting political donations in Florida and working to repeal the law.

The 44-year-old governor fired back in a fundraising email, saying, If Disney wants to pick a fight, they chose the wrong guy. He then used his power to take over Disneys special taxing district, which gave the company control over its Orlando parks. Disney sued him in federal court, alleging that he was violating its free speech rights and punishing it for opposing the Dont Say Gay bill.

DeSantis lawyers asked a judge last month to grant him immunity from the suit, which would end the case and free him from any legal consequences.

DeSantis vs Disney

The Florida governor says he targeted Disney for being woke and unfair. Disney says he violated its rights to free speech, contract, and property. Disney says he did this without a valid reason, breaking the 14th Amendment.

ALSO READ| Hunter Biden admits he got $664K from CCP-backed company, contradicting his dads claim of no money from China

DeSantis lawyers say this is meritless. They say he was reforming a special district that gave Disney too much power. They say the suit is a last-ditch power grab and he has immunity.

Disney disagrees. It says the governor and the state are ignoring our Nations most cherished liberties. It says immunity does not work here.
Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) are usually associated with conspiracy theorists. Despite various esteemed figures supporting the claims of their existence, the matter has always been approached with a deep-rooted sense of scepticism. A UFO has landed in the backyard of an American town. And slowly, all the grown-ups are acting strange. The kids, the police and an astronomer are our only hope. That is, if they can all trust each other!

The topic turned mainstream after the Congress agreed to hear matter with representatives from both Democratic Party and Republican Party coming together to support the view. The US Congress held its first-ever hearing on UFOs on July 26. Three retired US military officers informed the House Oversight Committee, that they had witnessed unexplained anomalous phenomena (UAPs). The House Oversight Committee is the security sub-committee of the House of Representatives main investigative body.

Increasingly, the obsession with UAPs was heightening causing Democrats and Republicans to unite. They demanded greater transparency and details regarding what has been witnessed, detected, and found over the years. Tim Burchett, the committees joint leader, describes it discreetly as the biggest cover-up in history.

Two years ago, a Pentagon report revealed 144 official sightings of UAPs had been reported between 2004 and 2021. Around 80 of these were also picked up by monitoring equipment. No further information on these encounters was provided.

Last month, retired intelligence official David Grusch alleged that information about UAPs was being withheld from Congress. This gave rise to the congressional hearing where allegations of varying credibility were made. Continue reading for some of the most fascinating claims.

Also Read | Tom DeLonges dedication to search for UFOs recognised during historic hearing

The white Tic Tac

Ex-US Navy fighter pilot Commander David Fravor explained the details of an incident he witnessed from his cockpit. He saw a cylindrical, wingless white object moving very abruptly over the white water, like a ping-pong ball above the Pacific Ocean. As they tried to approach the Tic Tac, it accelerated and was detected 60 miles away less than a minute later. In 2017, footage of this incident, filmed by Cdr Fravor, was leaked and confirmed genuine three years later.

I think what we experienced was, like I said, well beyond the material science and the capabilities that we had at the time, that we have currently or that were going to have in the next 10 to 20 years, he told the hearing.

Hurricane-defying Objects

Another retired Navy fighter pilot, Lieutenant Ryan Graves testified that he, along with fellow airmen, witnessed a UAP remain standstill in the midst of hurricane-strength winds. Afterwards, it accelerated at a supersonic speed that seemingly defied the limits of technology.

These objects were staying completely stationary in category-four hurricane winds, he said. The same objects would then accelerate to supersonic speeds  1.1, 1.2 mach  and do so in very erratic and quick behaviours that we dont have an explanation for.

Dark Cubes Sighted Worldwide

Furthermore, Lt Graves claimed that UAPs had been detected by the Navy servicemen stationed across the world. These UAPs were described as dark grey or black cubes inside a clear sphere where the apex or tips of the cube were touching the inside of the sphere.

He also claimed to have observed one himself over the Atlantic during a posting at Virginia Beach in 2018. Lt Graves said that there was no official acknowledgement of the incident despite his squadron reporting it.

Scientific Secrets Harvested at Crash Sites

Major Grusch, formerly of the US Air Forces UAP intelligence task force, that a secret official programme has been retrieving UAPs from crash sites for decades and harvesting their technological secrets.

I was informed in the course of my official duties of a multi-decade UAP crash retrieval and reverse engineering program to which I was denied access, he said.

However, he declined to give any further details and a Pentagon spokesperson denied the claim.

Alien Remains Found

In a startling claim, Major Grusch said the US government has found non-human biologics at crash sites. However, he said that he had not seen any himself and gave no further information.
Former US president Donald Trump faced fresh charges Thursday alleging that he attempted to obstruct the investigation into the mishandling of top-secret documents by conspiring to delete surveillance footage at his Mar-a-Lago property in Florida. Donald Trump(AP)

Federal prosecutors unsealed the new indictment targeting the front-runner in the 2024 Republican presidential primary, who is set to go on trial as the election heats up in May of next year.

The new charges came the same day Trump said his lawyers met with Justice Department officials ahead of a separate expected indictment over his alleged efforts to overturn the result of the 2020 election.

The twice-impeached former president was first indicted in the classified documents case last month, accused of endangering national security by holding on to top secret nuclear and defense information after leaving the White House.

Trump kept the files -- which included records from the Pentagon, CIA and National Security Agency -- unsecured at his Mar-a-Lago home in Florida and thwarted official efforts to retrieve them, according to the indictment.

Thursday's superseding indictment accuses the billionaire of acting with his co-defendant in the case, personal aide Waltine "Walt" Nauta, and a new defendant, property manager Carlos de Oliveira, to delete security camera footage at Mar-a-Lago.

The fresh charges add to the existing counts of "willful retention of national defense information" and charges of conspiracy to obstruct justice, making false statements and other offenses to which Trump pleaded not guilty last month.

The indictment recounts a conversation between de Oliveira and a fourth, unnamed employee in which de Oliveira says "the boss" wants the server deleted.

Trump's campaign dismissed the new accusations as "nothing more than a continued desperate and flailing attempt by the Biden Crime Family and their Department of Justice to harass" him and those around him.

In the terse statement he also called the special counsel appointed to the case, Jack Smith, "deranged" and said he "knows that they have no case."

Earlier Thursday, Trump said his team was not told when any indictment over the January 6 attack on the US Capitol by his supporters would be issued.

He spoke after US media reported that the lawyers were informed it could come during the day, and that Trump's attorneys met with Smith.

"My attorneys had a productive meeting with the DOJ this morning, explaining in detail that I did nothing wrong, was advised by many lawyers, and that an indictment of me would only further destroy our country," Trump said on social media.

"No indication of notice was given during the meeting -- Do not trust the Fake News on anything!"

Witch hunt

Trump said July 18 he had received a letter from Smith saying he was a target of the January 6 probe, focused on the efforts to prevent certification of Democrat Joe Biden's 2020 election victory.

The letter reportedly cited three federal criminal statutes: conspiracy to defraud the United States, obstruction of an official proceeding and deprivation of rights.

Those could relate to schemes to pressure several states to change their vote counts so that Trump would be named the winner, and to create "fake electors" that would lead to Congress naming Trump as the overall election victor over Biden.

Trump has repeatedly attacked the investigation as a political "witch hunt".

He claims without evidence that he lost the election due to widespread voting fraud.

A judge last week ordered Trump's trial over the secret documents to begin in May of next year, at the height of what is expected to be a bitter and divisive presidential election campaign.

Trump's defense attorneys had requested it be held after the November 2024 election.

The campaign season calendar is even further crowded by court proceedings in New York, where Trump is facing state charges accusing him of making 2016 election-eve hush money payments to a porn star.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
The wife of alleged Gilgo Beach serial killerRex Heuermann was seen screaming at reporters after returning to the familys Long Island home.Dont talk to me, Asa Ellerup could be heard yelling at a reporter from the front yard of her home. Wanna take pictures? Go ahead  Dont talk to me. A man believed to be a detective escorted Asa, after which she was seen sitting on a bench in front of her home. Dont talk to me, Asa Ellerup could be heard yelling at a reporter from the front yard of her home (New York Post screenshot, Suffolk County)

Rexs property is being visited by several curiosity seekers.The single-family home is situated on First Avenue in Massapequa. Reporters and people swarming the place have now raised concerns among Rexs neighbours.

Asas children,26-year-old Victoria Heuermann and 33-year-old Christopher Sheridan were also present. Christopher, who appeared to wipe his face and cover his eyes, told reporters while passing them, Im mad.

The family had reportedly been living in a hotel before returning to the house,Suffolk County Police Commissioner Rodney Harrison had said. "They were in shock, disbelief, Rodney said of Rexs family. "We had to kind of show them some type of proof to let it be known who their father was behind the curtain," he added. "But they're cooperating. They're currently, I'm being told, in a hotel. And I just was told that the wife's filed for divorce. And she retained a lawyer and we'll see what happens next."

A Long Island town may buy Rex Heuermann's house

Recent reports claimed a town in Long Island reportedly wants to buy and raze Rexs home. Village Mayor Daniel Pearl said that his village government was laying the groundwork to potentially buy the house. Rex had lived at the property with his wife and children for nearly 30 years. The six-room home was reportedly purchased by Rex for $170,000 in 1994.

Daniel did not clarify what the town is planning to do with the house. Legally, were getting everything lined up so the village is prepared to move forward when the time comes, he said. He added that the possible sale is too far in the future to plan what exactly will be done with the property, but it will potentially be destroyed.

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.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Singapore on Friday hanged a 45-year-old citizen for drug trafficking, the city-state's first execution of a woman in nearly 20 years, officials said. The execution was carried out despite appeals from rights groups.

The execution was carried out despite appeals from rights groups, who argue capital punishment has no proven deterrent effect on crime.

"The capital sentence of death imposed on Saridewi Binte Djamani was carried out on 28 July 2023," the Central Narcotics Bureau said in a statement.

She was convicted of trafficking "not less than 30.72 grams" of heroin, more than twice the volume that merits the death penalty in Singapore.

Djamani, who was sentenced in 2018, "was accorded full due process under the law, and was represented by legal counsel throughout the process," the bureau said.

"She appealed against her conviction and sentence, and the Court of Appeal dismissed her appeal on 6 October 2022," the bureau said, adding that her plea for presidential clemency was also rejected.

Djamani is the first woman to be executed in the city-state since 2004, when Yen May Woen was hanged for drug trafficking, the Singapore Prison Service told AFP in an email.

Yen was a 36-year-old hairdresser, according to media reports.

Djamani on Friday became the 15th prisoner sent to the gallows since the government resumed executions in March 2022 after a two-year pause during the Covid-19 pandemic.

A local man, Mohd Aziz bin Hussain, 57, was hanged on Wednesday for trafficking about 50 grams of heroin.

-'Tragic spotlight-

Local rights group Transformative Justice Collective said Friday it had confirmed that another drug convict on death row has been scheduled for execution on August 3.

It identified the convict as a Singaporean man who worked as a delivery driver before his arrest in 2016. He was convicted in 2019 of trafficking around 50 grams of heroin.

"This week has cast a harsh and tragic spotlight on the complete lack of death penalty reform in Singapore," said Amnesty International's death penalty expert Chiara Sangiorgio

"As most of the world turns its back on this cruel punishment, Singapore's government continues down the path of executing people for drug-related crimes, violating international human rights law and standards."

Singapore, a wealthy regional financial centre, insists the death penalty has helped make it one of Asia's safest countries.

The city-state has some of the world's toughest anti-drug laws -- trafficking more than 500 grams of cannabis or over 15 grams of heroin can result in the death penalty.

Amnesty and other rights groups urged the government to halt the executions this week, saying there was no evidence the death penalty acted as a deterrent to crime.

"This is the fourth execution this year and there will be another one next week. It's horrible for the families and worrying for other death row inmates," Singaporean rights activist Kirsten Han told AFP.

There "is no sign of the government wanting to give an inch," she added.

Billionaire Richard Branson on Thursday urged Singapore to "grant mercy" to Djamani and stop her execution.

Singapore is among four countries -- along with China, Iran and Saudi Arabia -- confirmed to have executed prisoners for drug-related offenses last year, Amnesty said.
She didnt see it, but neighbours did. On February 8th 1977 her elder son, Jorge Omar, aged 26, was carried from his house in La Plata hooded and unconscious. The men who had tortured and beaten him there thrust him into a car. Then he disappeared. PREMIUM Hebe de Bonafini (Wikimedia Commons)

Ten months later, on December 6th, men came for her son Raul Alfredo. They seized him at a union meeting in Berazategui. Like his brother, Raul belonged to the militant Marxist-Leninist Communist Party. He dreamed of toppling by force the hard-right junta which, since 1976, had ruled Argentina. So he, too, disappeared. Two sons gone, only her daughter Alejandra left. Two among thousands of opponents of the regime who were mown down in shootings or thrown semi-conscious from helicopters into the ocean. No word of them afterwards, and usually no sign.

She had lived through those boys. In interviews, she described herself, proudly, as a mother first. Jorge was a maths teacher, and had studied physics at university. Raul worked at the La Plata refinery but had been to university too, studying zoology. She herself hadnt even finished primary school, because her parents were too poor to pay the bus fare. Though she buzzed with chatter and questions about the world, her mother made her learn sewing and weaving, suitable girls things. At 14 she was married. She chafed to go to high school, even later in life, but her husband refused. So she had read almost nothingand certainly not Marx, though people later thought she had swallowed him whole.

Her politics, like most other subjects, she learned from the boys. Jorge showed her how to read a newspaper: not from the comics backwards, as she liked to, but from the front page, the politics, first. He taught her, too, how to listen to the radio seriously. When Jorge was taken, she told Raul to leave the country. He replied that he would rather die standing than live on his knees. The boys filled her house after 1976 with fugitives who needed somewhere to sleep, eat or hide. She helped as she could.

When the boys disappeared, therefore, she did not sit and cry. Instead, lions grew inside her. Furious, tireless, she went round morgues, hospitals and police stations to search for her sons. Nothing doing. She and her husband wrote and delivered petitions of habeas corpus. No one responded. Officials brushed her off; priests told her to pray. She sat for hours alone in the corridor of the Ministry of Interior. No one noticed her. She spoke mostly to the women she met who were like herself, mothers of the missing, with their tragic faces. Gradually they joined forces. The result was the formation in April 1977 of the Madres de Plaza de Mayo, a group that became world-famous for its open defiance of the junta and its defence of human rights.

Every Thursday at 3.30pm the mothers would meet in the Plaza, in front of the presidents palace. At first, they wore white terry nappies on their heads, then white headscarves, to symbolise motherhood. That scarf made her feel taller, like her sons embrace. Meetings of more than three people were banned; but two by two, arms linked, they would walk silently around the square. The police beat them, dispersed them, and sometimes arrested them; their first leader was drugged and drowned. But they kept on, with a kind of blind and desperate love. Grief became a struggle. Her slogan was Aparicion con vida! Make them appear alive!

Little by little, she gave up hope of that. The mothers task became to track down the killers and see justice done. Under her leadership they dared in 1981 to stage a March of Resistance, parading round the square largely barefoot for 24 hours. That became an annual event. By 1986, however, with the junta three years gone, the mothers split apart. They all still wanted to work for the missing and the marginalised. But their tactics differed widely. One group preferred to work through legislation and the courts and, later, through DNA testing, to trace the children of the disappeared. Hebes group, however, the Madres de Plaza de Mayo Association, had no faith in judges and no patience. The mothers she led were not, she said, a human-rights organisation. They were political, and refused government funding because the whole system had to be swept away.

She did not mince words. Fascism was intolerable, but social democracy and neo-liberalism were both worthless, too. Argentinas Congress was a nest of rats and vipers. She utterly opposed not only the army and the Catholic church but also capitalism, globalisation and the IMF. The attacks on the Twin Towers made her happy, because the United States had killed more people, through proxy wars, than any other country. Rightist politicians were hijos de puta, but Nestor Kirchner, a left-winger who made prosecutions easier (and whose funding she would accept), became her friend. Others were Fidel Castro, Hugo Chavez and the FARC guerrillas of Colombia. As she got older, still going on the Thursday marches and brewing up soup in the Casa de las Madres, she shouted louder. She remained, to many, an icon of resistance, no matter what she was resisting. When she got entangled in 2017 in the embezzlement of funds from an Association scheme for the homeless, she refused at first to appear in a courtroom.

And why not? Being independent was the most beautiful thing she knew. Her own mother had over-protected her, always fussing that she should wrap up warm for her asthma. Her husband, a good person, had still kept her locked to the washing and ironing. It was Jorge and Raul, her brilliant, incredible, warrior children, who had begun to set her free. Both of them had campaigned for armed revolution. Now they were dead, she was their voice and breath. She would do their work for them.

In 2015 she went to the newly opened Museum of Memory in Buenos Aires, dedicated to the victims of the juntas Dirty War. She was disappointed to find no FAL automatic rifles there, the weapons her sons had been preparing to use. If the museum did not show how the revolution could be made, what was the point of it? She was not only the seeker of her childrens missing bodies. She was also the dogged promoter of their missing dreams.

 2023, The Economist Newspaper Limited. All rights reserved. From The Economist, published under licence. The original content can be found on www.economist.com
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reportedly seeking answers after suffering a "huge kick in the teeth, a source has said. The pair was recently snubbed in the nominations for the Primetime Emmys. Their show was released on Netflix in December 2022. 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)

A source has now claimed that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are disappointed by the snub. "The fact that they didn't get an Emmy nod is a huge kick in the teeth, the insider said. It is also believed that the pair think there is a campaign against them.

The source said, "They're convinced there's been an orchestrated hate campaign against them on both sides of the Atlantic, and that certain people are trying to get in on the act." The source added that the pair want a "full request" on who "put the boot in and what on earth they've got to do to catch a break, according to Heat Magazine.

Despite the Emmys snub, however, Meghan and Harrys documentary has been nominated for a Hollywood Critics Award in the Best Streaming Nonfiction category. The series became the biggest Netflix documentary debut. There were 81.6 million hours watched on just its first four days of release.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry snubbed from iconic comic

Prince William and Princess Kate are featured in an iconic edition of a famous British magazine, but Meghan and Harry have reportedly been snubbed. Kate and William will appear alongside King Charles, Queen Camilla and several other celebrities like Dua Lipa, Lewis Capaldi and Kate Bush.

Recent reports have been suggesting that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are currently under tremendous financial pressure and are finding it hard to fund their lifestyle. Meghans Spotify podcast was recently snubbed, but their Netflix deal reportedly remains intact.

It is believed Harry recently reached out to Prince William to discuss the possibility of returning to the UK. According to royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams, making this U-turn would be a "humiliation" for the couple.Back in 2020, the pair stepped down as working members of the family. They now live with their children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet in California.
President Bidens son Hunter Biden confessed to a federal judge that he got hundreds of thousands of dollars from a company backed by the Chinese Communist Party, going against his fathers claims that his family never made money from China. Hunter Biden, son of U.S. President Joe Biden, departs federal court after a plea hearing on two misdemeanor charges of willfully failing to pay income taxes in Wilmington, Delaware, U.S. July 26, 2023. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst(REUTERS)

The first son appeared in court in Delaware for the first time on Wednesday and denied two misdemeanor charges of willful failure to pay taxes and entered a diversion program on a felony federal weapons charge after a planned plea deal fell through.

Prosecutors said in their proposed plea deal that Hunter Biden earned $664,000 from a Chinese infrastructure investment company, according to the official court transcript, obtained by Fox News.

The first son told Judge Maryellen Noreika that he made the money from a company he founded in 2017 with the missing chairman of the CCP-backed CEFC Energy company.

I started a company [in 2017] called Hudson West, your Honor, and my partner was linked to a Chinese energy company called CEFC, Hunter said.

Who was your partner? the court asked.

I dont know how to spell his name, Yi Jianming is the chairman of that company, Hunter answered.

$664,000 from a Chinese infrastructure investment company  is that one of the companies weve already talked about? the judge asked. I think so, yes, your Honor, he said, before adding, I think CEFC.

ALSO READ| Prince Harry receives major blow in phone hacking case against News Group Newspapers

Emails obtained by The Post in 2020 showed messages with Yi, an oil mogul who vanished after being arrested by Chinese authorities in early 2018, in which Hunter Biden sent best wishes from the entire Biden family before laying out his plans for their joint venture.

Dear Chairman Ye: I hope my letter finds you well. I regret missing you on your last visit to the United States Please accept the best wishes from the entire Biden family as well as my partners, Hunter started the June 18, 2017 email.

Yi disappeared after being taken into custody by Chinese authorities in early 2018, and CEFC, which was Chinas largest private energy company, went bankrupt in 2020. Hunter Bidens apparent confession is a clear contradiction to statements the president made about his son during the 2020 presidential election.

My son has not made money in terms of this thing about, what are you talking about, China, Biden told then-President Donald Trump while arguing during an October 2020 debate, according to Fox News.

The only guy who made money from China is this guy, Biden said, referring to Trump. Hes the only one. Nobody else has made money from China.

President Biden has kept denying any wrongdoing by his family even after the House Oversight Committee revealed financial documents showing members of the Biden family getting payments of more than $1 million from shady deals in China and Romania. Hunter Biden agreed last month to plead guilty to failing to pay at least $100,000 on more than $1.5 million in income in both 2017 and 2018. He also agreed to admit to lying about his crack cocaine use on a federal firearm purchase form in 2018.

ALSO READ| Dont talk to me: Rex Heuermann's wife screams at reporters after returning to Long Island home: Watch

His plea deal collapsed after prosecutors told the judge that he was still being investigated for failing to register as a foreign agent in other foreign business deals. As part of the deal, Hunter Biden would have dodged jail time, sparking anger from congressional Republicans.

After denying guilt on Wednesday, jail time may be back on the table.
An organisation that Meghan Markle said "protected" her has gone on strike, but the Duchess of Sussex has reportedly remained silent. Meghan was once a member of the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA). The union has now reportedly gone on a strike over pay and the use of artificial intelligence in the industry. Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, arrives at the Invictus Games venue in The Hague, Netherlands on April 15, 2022 (AP Photo/Peter Dejong, File)(AP)

Meghan said during an interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2021 that the union membership was something she missed after joining the Royal Family. She said she told the Palaces HR department, "I just really need help. Because in my old job there was a union, and they would protect me." SAG-AFTRA said on social media at the time, We are still here for you, Meghan. Everyone deserves the protection of a union." Meghan has not issued any statement on the current state of the union.

Reports suggest Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are under financial pressure

Recent reports have been suggesting that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are currently under tremendous financial pressure and are finding it hard to fund their lifestyle. Meghans Spotify podcast was recently snubbed, but their Netflix deal reportedly remains intact.

It is believed Harry recently reached out to Prince William to discuss the possibility of returning to the UK. According to royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams, making this U-turn would be a "humiliation" for the couple.Back in 2020, the pair stepped down as working members of the family. They now live with their children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet in California.

Meanwhile, the pair are reportedly seeking answers after suffering a "huge kick in the teeth, a source has said. They were recently snubbed in the nominations for the Primetime Emmys. Their show was released on Netflix in December 2022.

A source has now claimed that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are disappointed by the snub. "The fact that they didn't get an Emmy nod is a huge kick in the teeth, the insider said. It is also believed that the pair think there is a campaign against them.
Neckties worn by men were a sign of the Christian cross, a senior Afghan Taliban official said Wednesday, adding they should be eliminated. Taliban soldiers stand guard at a checkpoint in Kabul, Afghanistan, July 6. (REUTERS)

Also Read| 12 dead, many feared missing in Afghanistan in flash flood after heavy rain

"Sometimes, when I go to hospitals and other areas, an Afghan Muslim engineer or doctor uses a necktie," said Mohammad Hashim Shaheed Wror, head of the Invitation and Guidance Directorate, a department that seeks to guide people along proper Islamic lines.

He said in a speech broadcast by Tolo TV that the symbolism of the tie "is obvious in Islam".

"What is a tie? It is the cross. It is ordered in Sharia that you should break it and eliminate it," he said.

Taliban authorities have not imposed any dress rules on men since taking over in August 2021, but women must cover up with a hijab when out in public.

Afghan Taliban officials almost all dress the same -- shalwar kameez, a waistcoat, and turban.

Casual Western clothes became less common after the Taliban takeover but some professionals -- as well as newsreaders on TV channels -- still don a collar and tie.

The tie is widely believed to have emerged in the 17th century and was made a fashion staple by the French.

Previous Afghan administrations have also tried to impose dress regulations on the population, or on officials at least.

During the decade-long Soviet occupation starting in 1979, government workers were discouraged from wearing traditional attire and told to wear suits.

Former president Ashraf Ghani -- who fled the country as the Taliban took over in 2021 -- favoured Western suits when abroad and traditional attire at home.

During their two-decade insurgency the Taliban's fighters wore shalwar kameez, but since taking power have introduced modern military uniforms for the armed services.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
New York City Mayor Eric Adams found himself embroiled in yet another heated exchange, this time with a critic questioning the city's handling of the ongoing migrant crisis. The fiery incident occurred during a tribute for singing legend Tony Bennett at Athens Park in Astoria when Marie Lynch, a Honduran native and Queens Republican activist, confronted the mayor about his approach to asylum seekers. New York City Mayor Eric Adams.(REUTERS)

As the tribute event took an unexpected turn, Lynch accused Mayor Adams of prioritizing illegal aliens over American citizens and alleged that the city was being destroyed by the presence of these migrants. In response, Adams sighed, but Lynch was not deterred and urged him not to dismiss her concerns.

A mini tent city has appeared under the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway raising concerns about the fate of migrants booted from the city's newest mega shelters.(Gregory P. Mango)

An Unsettling Retort

In a moment that raised eyebrows and sparked controversy, Mayor Adams told Lynch, "You have an accent." This remark, seemingly aimed at her non-native English accent, drew sharp criticism and accusations of insensitivity. Lynch stood her ground, proudly stating that she works in the city and has never relied on anyone for financial support.

Defending the Remark

City Hall came to the mayor's defense, explaining that his comment was not intended as a derogatory statement but rather to highlight that New York City's diversity is a result of immigrants from various backgrounds. The spokesperson, Fabien Levy, clarified that Adams often emphasizes the immigrant heritage shared by many New Yorkers.

Backlash Over New Migrant Shelter

In the midst of this verbal dispute, City Hall faced additional backlash over the announcement of yet another migrant shelter. This 90-day "respite center" will be housed at the former St. Agnes School in College Point, Queens. Critics, including NYC Councilwoman Vickie Paladino, expressed frustration with the lack of a clear plan and called for a national solution to address the migrant crisis.

The city has witnessed an unprecedented influx of over 90,000 migrants since last year, contributing to the overwhelming number of individuals seeking shelterover 100,000 in total. Mayor Adams acknowledged the challenge but stressed the need for a comprehensive national strategy to address the crisis.

Also read | Homelessness takes big bite of Big Apple! NYC mayor asks 100 single migrants to leave shelter for migrants with children

As tensions remain high over immigration policies and handling the ongoing migrant crisis, Mayor Adams and his administration face the delicate task of balancing humanitarian concerns with the city's capacity to respond effectively.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Nuclear-capable missiles and new attack drones were among the weapons displayed in a large military parade staged in Pyongyang for leader Kim Jong Un and visiting delegations from China and Russia, North Korean state media reported on Friday. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (C), with Chinese Communist Party politburo member Li Hongzhong (4th R) and Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu (L), attending the parade.(AFP)

The widely anticipated parade was held on Thursday night to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the end of the Korean War, celebrated in North Korea as "Victory Day".

The Chinese and Russian delegations, including Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, were the first such visitors to North Korea since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

Their appearance at events with the North's nuclear missiles - which were banned by the United Nations Security Council with China's and Russia's support - marked a contrast with previous years when Beijing and Moscow took steps to distance themselves from their neighbour's nuclear weapons and ballistic missile development.

The parade included North Korea's latest Hwasong-17 and Hwasong-18 intercontinental ballistic missiles, according to state news agency KCNA, which are believed to have the range to strike targets anywhere in the United States.

The event also featured a fly over by new attack and spy drones, KCNA reported.
The White House has squashed any possibility of Hunter Biden getting a pardon from his father, US President Joe Biden. President Joe Biden, left, and his son Hunter Biden(AP)

Hunter Biden is set to plead guilty to misdemeanor tax and gun charges and President Biden will not be using his presidential authority to pardon his son.

On Thursday, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre replied with a clear "No," when asked whether there is any possibility President Joe Biden will pardon Hunter Biden. Thus, conservative critics can rest assured.

On Wednesday, Bidens sweetheart deal was denied by US District Court Judge Maryellen Noreika. The judge questioned whether the deal would also provide Hunter Biden with immunity from crimes he could be found liable for in the future. Since Bidens attorneys and the prosecution were not on the same page regarding the judges doubt, both parties were granted a fortnight to hash out a new deal.

Although President Biden had given no indication that he planned to pardon Hunter Biden, many right-wing conservatives claimed that he will. Former President Donald Trump issued pardons and commutations to multiple political allies including Stephen Bannon and Roger Stone.

Previously, Biden had reached an agreement with the prosecutors to plead guilty to two tax charges and avoid prosecution on a gun charge. The deal was believed to spare the presidents son jail time.

However, after raising certain concerns regarding the terms of the deal, the judge said that she could not "rubber stamp the agreement". The hearing ended with Hunter Biden pleading not guilty to two misdemeanor charges for failing to pay his taxes in 2017 and 2018.

Noreika, appointed to the bench by former President Donald Trump, gave Hunter Bidens 14 days to reach a new agreement with the prosection and brief her. Biden is expected to reverse his plea if his lawyers reach an agreement with prosecutors that meets the judge's satisfaction.

Also Read | Hunter Biden admits he got $664K from China backed company
Prince Harry has received a major blow in his phone hacking case against News Group Newspapers (NGN). On Thursday, Mr Justice Fancourt ruled that only part of his lawsuit will be taken for trial at the High Court. Ruling in favour of NGN, the Judge accepted the argument that Harry was aware of the phone hacking scandal to file a case earlier. Prince Harry(Reuters)

Harry file a lawsuit against NGN over alleged unlawful acts that he claimed were perpetrated by journalists and private investigators on behalf of its tabloids, the Sun and the News of the World. However, NGN sought to get the case dismissed, stating that it was brought too late.

Notably, Harry had argued that the Buckingham Palace's secret agreement with NGN to delay any claims until after the resolution of other cases over hacking, prevented him from filing the lawsuit sooner.

The High Court Judge has allowed Harry's allegations of securing confidential details by deception or impersonation and by using unlawful means which violated privacy, to be heard in January next year.

Meanwhile, spokesman for the publisher believes the ruling substantially reduces the scope of [Harry's] legal claim.

NGN, also denies that any such agreement with the Buckingham Palace as claimed by Harry exists. Anthony Hudson KC, representing NGN, said that Harry's claims of a secret agreement was Alice in Wonderland stuff and a construct of his lawyers.

ALSO READ| Eureka moment for Space exploration ! Astronomers detect water in a young planetary system

A spokesman for NGN said after the ruling: The High Court has today, in a significant victory for News Group Newspapers, dismissed The Duke of Sussexs phone hacking claims against both the News of the World and The Sun. As we reach the tail end of litigation, NGN is drawing a line under disputed matters, some of which date back more than 20 years ago."

In arguing his case, the Duke of Sussex had alleged a secret agreement existed between him/Buckingham Palace and NGN which stopped NGN from asserting that the dukes claim had been brought too late. The Judge, Mr Justice Fancourt, found his claims in relation to the alleged secret agreement were not plausible or credible. It is quite clear there was never any such agreement and it is only the Duke who has ever asserted there was," said the spokesman.

During the hearing of the case, Prince Harry stated that he first got to know of the phone hacking in 2006 when a message left for him was repeated virtually verbatim in the News of the World.
The Republican Party finds itself in a frenzy over the timing of the latest charges brought against former President Donald Trump, just a day after Hunter Biden's plea deal fell apart. GOP members express anger and suspicion, viewing the charges as a calculated move to distract from Hunter Biden's legal troubles. Republicans are outraged by the timing of charges against former President Donald Trump, seeing it as a politicisation to distract from Hunter Biden's legal troubles.

Brazen Accusations and Outrage

Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri didn't hold back when expressing his outrage over the charges levied against Trump. He accused the Department of Justice of manipulating the rule of law by adding new indictments to the ongoing classified documents probe. Hawley hinted that the charges were meant to divert attention from the Hunter Biden debacle, which has been a source of embarrassment for the Biden administration.

Also read | Ex-US president Donald Trump faces new charges in documents case

Hunter Biden's Probation Deal Collapses

Hunter Biden's plea deal hit a roadblock when Judge Maryellen Noreika refused to sign off on it, rejecting the proposed two years of probation for gun charges. This ruling has opened the possibility of additional charges for the president's son, including alleged unregistered foreign agent activities, raising concerns for the GOP about a potential witch hunt against political enemies.

Also read | Above the law! Here's why Republicans are calling Hunter Biden's plea agreement a sweetheart deal

Accusations of Politicization

Republicans, including Senator Ted Cruz, are calling the charges brought by Democrats a disgrace and accuse Attorney General Merrick Garland of turning the Department of Justice into a partisan tool to attack the White House's opponents. The indictment against Trump and Carlos De Oliveira, the property manager for Mar-a-Lago resort, has fueled claims of a politically motivated witch hunt.

House Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik and Senator Marsha Blackburn joined the chorus, stating that the Biden administration is embroiled in one of the biggest political corruption scandals in history. They see the DOJ's decision to pursue additional charges against Trump as further evidence of the politicization of the nation's top prosecutorial agency.

Also read | Hunter Biden admits he got $664K from CCP-backed company, contradicting his dads claim of no money from China

Trump Responds and Faces 40 Charges

Donald Trump himself has weighed in on the new charges, questioning why Joe Biden has not faced similar pressure over the storage of "more" documents. The former president accuses the prosecution of misconduct and asserts that it would not be happening if he weren't leading in the polls and on track to become the Republican nominee.

As the political landscape remains tense and charges fly between parties, the fate of the legal cases against Trump and Hunter Biden continues to be a subject of intense scrutiny.
As the 2024 presidential race heats up, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is making headlines with his unyielding stance against corporate America over cultural and political issues. Despite trailing behind Republican front-runner Donald Trump in the polls, DeSantis remains undeterred in his crusade against so-called "woke" corporations, a move that has both won him support from working-class and rural voters while raising concerns among some party members. Republican presidential candidate Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.(AP)

DeSantis vs Corporate America: A Dramatic Shift in Republican Politics

DeSantis' willingness to pick fights with some of America's biggest companies has raised eyebrows among wealthy donors and Republicans who fear the party is straying from its traditional pro-business stance. However, the governor's approach resonates with a reoriented base of the Republican Party that now prioritizes the concerns of working-class and rural voters over those of moneyed elites.

One of DeSantis' most notable battles has been with Disney over the company's resistance to a Florida law restricting the teaching of gender identity and sexuality concepts in schools. He has also taken on financial firms, tech giants, and the pharmaceutical industry on various issues, cementing his reputation as a maverick politician unafraid to challenge powerful corporate interests.

Populist Appeal vs Corporate Backlash

While DeSantis' anti-corporate rhetoric may appeal to the Republican primary base, some party members warn of the dangers of turning the GOP into a mirror image of the Democrats. Republican voters have expressed concern about government interference in corporate affairs, highlighting the delicate balance DeSantis must strike to avoid alienating moderate voters.

A Reuters/Ipsos poll revealed that a majority of Americans, including 55% of Republicans, are less likely to support a candidate who punishes companies for their political views. Despite this, DeSantis' anti-corporate approach seems to be resonating with Republican primary voters who have increasingly turned away from corporate America.

Also read | Donald Trump's lead narrows over Ron DeSantis in New Hampshire GOP poll

DeSantis' Economic Record

DeSantis and his campaign have defended his approach by pointing to his success in fostering economic growth and job creation in Florida. The state's private-sector job growth rate has outpaced the national rate for 26 consecutive months, according to state officials.

While critics, including Disney CEO Bob Iger, accuse DeSantis of being anti-business, the governor contends that corporate America is not always aligned with the interests of the majority. He warns against excessive corporate power, which he believes could lead to negative societal and economic consequences.

Trump Factor

DeSantis' battles with corporate giants have not gone unnoticed by former President Donald Trump, who has both criticized and supported the governor's actions. Trump criticized Disney's "woke" stance while also targeting DeSantis for the company's resistance to the Florida law. The former president's son, Donald Trump Jr., even called for an end to the Bud Light boycott, pointing out the company's previous donations to Republican candidates.

Also read | Disney accuses Ron DeSantis of violating its constitutional rights in ongoing legal feud

A Risky Gamble with Corporate Interests

While DeSantis continues to gain momentum in his anti-corporate crusade, it remains to be seen how his stance will play out in the long run. As he competes for the Republican nomination and eyes the general election, DeSantis must navigate the fine line between appealing to populist sentiments and avoiding potential corporate backlash.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
In early May, a loud explosion rocked Shambat, a neighborhood to the north of Sudan's capital of Khartoum. Locals rushed to douse the flames devouring a makeshift dwelling that they say was ignited in an air strike. Drone footage shows birds in the foreground as clouds of black smoke billow over Bahri, Khartoum North, Sudan.(REUTERS)

They were too late. Amid the smoldering debris, according to five witnesses, were the charred bodies of a pregnant woman, a man and five children. Following the May 7 attack, the woman and children were buried at the site and the man at a nearby cemetery, two of the witnesses said.

The seven victims of the Shambat strike share something in common with many of the fatalities in the war that has ravaged Sudan since mid-April: They are not included in the official death count in Khartoum State, which has seen most of the fighting between the Sudanese army and the countrys main paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). With the conflict having shattered local health and government services, the entities that would usually register fatalities are largely disabled.

READ | Doctors Without Borders says its aid workers attacked in Sudan

A Reuters tally of death figures recorded by local activists and volunteer groups indicates that the civilian death toll for the wider capital may be more than double the official count, underscoring the devastating impact of the more than 100-day long war on the Sudanese people.

A health ministry report circulated to aid agencies and seen by Reuters put the death toll in Khartoum State at 234 people as of July 5. The report specifies that the data is collected only from civilian hospitals.

But across Khartoum State, which includes the capital and its sister cities Omdurman and Bahri, activist and volunteer groups have recorded at least 580 civilian deaths through July 26 as a result of air strikes, artillery and gunfire.

The disparity in the figures for Khartoum State suggests that the official nationwide death toll, which the health ministry puts at 1,136 people as of July 5, may also be an undercount.

An official in Sudans health ministry told Reuters the official figure was the tip of the iceberg. Thats because many civilians have died in their neighborhoods or at home  not in hospital  so their deaths wouldnt have been recorded, he said.

READ | Strikes getting worse: No sight of peace as clashes in Sudan intensify

Reuters wasnt able to independently confirm the fatalities recorded by the groups, or the seven deaths on May 7 the eyewitnesses described.

Representatives for the army and RSF did not respond to requests for comment, including on the civilian death toll and the May 7 attack.

The RSF has accused the army of harming civilians through its use of warplanes and heavy artillery to bomb Khartoum State. The military has accused the RSF of killing civilians by firing missiles into residential areas, and then blaming the army for the attacks, and killing people as they loot homes and businesses.

The army and RSF shared power for four years after toppling former long-time autocratic ruler Omar al-Bashir in 2019. The two sides fell out over a plan to integrate their forces during a transition to democracy, sparking the current hostilities that began on April 15.

The war has also injured more than 12,000 people and displaced more than 3.5 million, according to the United Nations, which has called it one of the worlds largest humanitarian crises.

Pro-democracy activists, typically organized in what are known as neighborhood resistance committees, and emergency response volunteer groups have been recording incidents in Khartoum State involving civilian casualties, based on information from hospitals as well as makeshift clinics and eyewitnesses. Reuters reviewed figures shared on social media or directly with the news agency by dozens of such groups from the three sister cities that make up the greater Khartoum area.

Even the unofficial Reuters tally is likely an undercount, because some local groups are more organized and better able to record incidents than others, said Salah Albashir, a member of an emergency response volunteer group in the city of Bahri, in which the Shambat neigborhood sits. The seven deaths in the Shambat attack are an example of the undercounting. The May 7 incident hasnt been previously reported. The deaths arent part of the governments tally, and arent recorded in the figures made public by local volunteer groups, either.

The heaviest fighting between the Sudanese army and the RSF has been concentrated in the densely-populated Khartoum State, which has become a war zone. The RSF has fanned out in residential areas armed with rifles and artillery mounted on vehicles, with its soldiers embedding themselves in buildings, including homes and schools, locals say. The army  which controls the skies and possesses heavier artillery  has struck targets in Khartoum State from afar.

In the May 7 incident in Bahris Shambat neighborhood, six witnesses said the attack was an air strike because they had heard or seen warplanes, which only the army is known to possess. Two of the witnesses shared video footage showing billowing smoke in a field that they said captured the immediate aftermath of the strike. Reuters confirmed the location of the two videos but couldnt independently verify when they were filmed.

The six witnesses said residents rushed to the scene of the attack and tried to extinguish the fire caused by the explosion with water from a nearby irrigation ditch. They found the burnt bodies at the scene.

You put it out thinking its wood and it turns out to be a person. You realize their skin is falling off, said one of the people at the scene, an engineer in his thirties who, like the other witnesses, spoke on condition of anonymity due to fear of reprisals from the warring parties.

IN THE CROSSFIRE

Fatal attacks in residential areas have become commonplace since the fighting erupted, according to local activist committees and emergency response volunteer groups.

More than 50 people died in just three attacks in densely populated southern Khartoum in late May and June, according to social media statements by the Southern Emergency Room, a volunteer group. In the city of Omdurman, across the Nile from the capital, at least four civilians were killed and four others injured in a drone attack earlier this month by the RSF, the national health ministry said on July 15. That assault targeted a military-run hospital, according to the ministry. An artillery strike in Omdurman nine days later killed 15 people and injured dozens of others, according to the emergency response group for the citys Ombada district. Reuters wasnt able to independently confirm the details of the attacks or who was responsible.

Neither the army nor the RSF responded to a request for comment on these incidents. The RSF has publicly accused the army of two of the attacks in southern Khartoum - on May 31 and June 17. The army said the RSF was responsible for the third Khartoum attack, on June 11, and the July 15 drone attack in Omdurman. Neither side publicly responded to the accusations and neither have made public statements on the later July attack.

Civilians are also dying as an indirect result of the conflict, which has hammered the country's already stretched healthcare system and other infrastructure. Dozens of babies and young children died at an orphanage as the fighting kept staff away and caused power outages, Reuters reported in May.

With air strikes and artillery shelling unrelenting, civilians are dying almost daily across the wider capital as a direct result of the conflict, according to the activist and volunteer groups. For those who have remained in areas like Shambat, life has become hellish, dozens of residents have told Reuters.

RSF soldiers dot the main roads of Shambat, which sits close to a key RSF base called al-Mazalat and has long been a hotbed of protest against both the army and the RSF.

Residents in Shambat and elsewhere across the wider capital say RSF forces regularly stop young men they suspect of working for the army, according to statements by resistance committees and at least three residents. Two of the witnesses to the May 7 incident  the engineer in his thirties and another local man who is an airport employee  said that days after that incident RSF soldiers stopped them in the street after one of the two men used the term Janjaweed. The term is often used as a pejorative reference to the RSFs origins in the Arab militias known as Janjaweed that, along with the army, were accused of genocide in the Darfur region in the 2000s. Both the RSF and army have denied accusations of genocide.

The two men said RSF soldiers took them to the Mazalat base and beat them with sticks and rifle butts. The airport employee said that during the ordeal an RSF fighter ordered another fighter to kill him.

Reuters wasnt able to independently corroborate the accounts of the two men, who said they were released after a period of hours. The news agency spoke to one of the men by phone in Sudan and the second in Egypt after he fled following the beating he said he received at the hands of the RSF.

The RSF did not respond to requests for comment on the two mens account. In response to allegations earlier this month by Sudanese rights groups of detentions and inhumane treatment by the RSF of civilians and combatants, the paramilitary group told Reuters the reports were incorrect and all prisoners of war were well-treated. The RSF has also previously said it would prosecute any of its soldiers found to have committed violations against civilians.

Residents say the constant airstrikes and shelling have traumatized their children and damaged their homes. They dont see the fighting ending anytime soon, saying the battle between the army and the RSF appears to be in a stalemate. Mediation attempts by regional and international powers have failed to find a path out of an increasingly intractable conflict.

You can't win a battle like this unless you want to destroy the whole area, said a 40-year old father of two from Shambat.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
The UK government is planning to house migrants in tents to help deal with any surge in small boats crossing the Channel in the coming months, British media reported Friday. Migrants from Africa, stranded on the seashore at the Libyan-Tunisian border in Ras Jedir, react towards journalists on July 26.(AFP)

Tents able to house up to 2,000 migrants have been purchased by the interior ministry, which plans to erect them on disused military sites by the end of August, several UK media outlets said.

It follows an uptick in the number of arrivals on the shores of southeast England late last summer which led to criticism the government was unprepared and overwhelmed.

But the purported tent plans have provoked disquiet within its ranks, according to The Times, which said some officials had compared their use with concentration camps.

The reports also come the day after the High Court ruled that the government's "systematic and routine" long-term use of interior ministry-run hotels to house lone migrant children was "unlawful".

An increase in cross-Channel migrant arrivals has stretched UK government resources and led to fierce political acrimony over their treatment.

At the end of last year, more than 160,000 asylum-seekers were in limbo waiting for their applications to be processed.

In the meantime, thousands more have arrived on British shores, with another surge expected in the months from August to October.

However, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has vowed to "stop the boats" and his government this month passed a controversial law barring asylum claims by anyone arriving via the Channel and other "illegal" routes.

Meanwhile interior minister Suella Braverman has introduced contentious housing policies aimed at reducing the use of costly hotel rooms in an asylum system which currently spends 6 million ($7.8 million) daily on accommodation.

The Bibby Stockholm, a barge docked on the southern coast of England, will begin hosting 50 single male migrants on Tuesday, despite widespread local discontent.

The main opposition Labour party's Yvette Cooper told BBC Radio the reported planned use of tents was a sign of Tory policy failures.

"They promised they would end all of the chaos, in fact they are not expecting it to work," she said.

Tim Naor Hilton, head of the charity Refugee Action, called the reports "staggering".

"It really shouldn't be too much to ask that people who have fled violence, torture and persecution have their claims assessed quickly and justly and are housed in safe homes in our communities," he said.

The interior ministry said in a statement: "We have been clear that the use of hotels to house asylum seekers is unacceptable.

"We continue to work across government and with local authorities to look at a range of accommodation options."

It added that "accommodation offered to asylum seekers on a no choice basis, meets our legal and contractual requirements".
In a surprising move, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a second round of random lottery selection for the highly coveted H-1B visas for the fiscal year 2024. The decision comes as the USCIS discovered the need for "additional registrations" to meet the numerical allocations for the year. This development could be good news for more professionals seeking opportunities in the United States. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a second round of random lottery selection for the highly coveted H-1B visas for the fiscal year 2024.(Reters File Photo)

The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows U.S. companies to hire foreign workers in specialized occupations requiring theoretical or technical expertise. Technology giants, in particular, rely on these visas to bring in tens of thousands of skilled employees from countries like India and China each year.

First Lottery Selection in March 2023

In March, the USCIS conducted an initial random selection of electronic registrations for the FY 2024 H-1B cap, including beneficiaries eligible for the advanced degree exemption. Only those with selected registrations were eligible to file H-1B cap-subject petitions, and the filing period for them was from April 1 to June 30, 2023.

Second Lottery Round for More Chances

The USCIS has confirmed the need for additional registrations to fulfill the FY 2024 numerical allocations. To select these registrations, the USCIS will use a random selection process from the previously submitted electronic entries.

The USCIS has not disclosed the exact number of additional registrations required or the timeline for the second selection process. Once completed, all prospective petitioners with selected registrations will be notified, making them eligible to file an H-1B cap-subject petition for the named beneficiary.

Also read | Henley Passport Index: US in 8th place with 184 destinations listed as visa free

Maximizing H-1B Quotas

As mandated by Congress, the USCIS can issue a maximum of 65,000 H-1B visas per year. Additionally, it can grant another 20,000 H-1B visas to foreign students who have completed higher studies in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) subjects from U.S. universities.

The H-1B visa program plays a vital role in sustaining the U.S. tech industry's workforce, attracting top talent from around the world. With the second lottery round providing a glimmer of hope for many aspiring professionals, the tech industry eagerly awaits the USCIS's announcement of the selected registrations.

Also read | Maple rush! Canada's 10,000 Open Work Permit slots for United States H1-B Visa holders max out within 48 hours

The suspense continues as professionals, keep their fingers crossed, hoping for their chance to pursue their American dreams through the coveted H-1B visa program.
Vice President Kamala Harris has been accused of hypocrisy for endorsing a college-level class on slavery that is similar to the Florida curriculum she recently condemned as spreading lies about history. FILE - Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at the historic Ritz Theatre in downtown Jacksonville, Fla., July 21, 2023. Harris spoke out against the new standards adopted by the Florida State Board of Education in the teaching of Black history. Civil rights activists cheered when Ron DeSantis pardoned four Black men wrongfully convicted of rape as one of his first actions as Florida's governor. But four years later, as DeSantis eyes the presidency, their hope that the Republican would be an ally on racial justice has long faded. (Fran Ruchalski/The Florida Times-Union via AP, File)(AP)

The College Boards 2023 AP African American Studies course features a lesson that teaches how slaves acquired specialized trades that they used to provide for themselves after emancipation  a part of American history that Harris praised earlier this year.

But last week, Harris slammed Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for the state Board of Educations controversial African American history curriculum, which claims that slaves developed skills which, in some instances, could be applied for their personal benefit.

The VP called Floridas curriculum a dishonest attempt to replace history with lies.

They insult us in an attempt to gaslight us, and we will not stand for it, she said in a fiery speech in Jacksonville, days after the education plan was approved unanimously last week.

DeSantis hit back on Fox News this week, calling the vice presidents criticism a hoax.

There is no agenda here. It is just the truth, the potential 2024 Republican presidential candidate said. And they talk in gory detail a lot of the bad in American history, including, of course, the injustice of slavery.

He accused Democrats of pushing a fake narrative about Florida politics.

Republican presidential candidate Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks to reporters following a meet and greet at the Hotel Charitone, Thursday, July 27, 2023, in Chariton, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)(AP)

In January, Harris also criticized DeSantis decision to block a pilot version of the APs slavery course in high schools.

Anyone who bans teaching American history has no right to shape Americas future, she said then, according to the Orlando Sentinel.

Last year, the Florida Governor signed into law the Stop WOKE Act, which regulates the content of instruction and training in schools on topics like race. A Florida judge ruled it unconstitutional.

This week, Dr. William Allen, former chairman of the US Commission on Civil Rights, also rejected Harris characterization of the Florida curriculum as categorically false.

It was never said that slavery was beneficial to Africans, Allen, who helped design the curriculum, told ABC News.

Neither DeSantis nor Harris offices immediately responded to requests for comment on the two-course plans.

In a statement, the College Board said it was aware of the similarities between the AP course and Floridas middle school lesson.

ALSO READ| 'See you at the trail!' Da Vek Ramaswamy makes waves in presidential race with freestyle rap on Fox News | Watch

We resolutely disagree with the notion that enslavement was in any way a beneficial, productive, or useful experience for African Americans. Unequivocally, slavery was an atrocity that cannot be justified by examples of African Americans agency and resistance during their enslavement, the nonprofit testing company said.

Unit two of the current framework includes a discussion about the skills enslaved people brought with them that enslavers exploited as well as other skills developed in America that were valuable to their enslavers. Enslaved Africans and their descendants used those skills to survive, build community, and create culture in resistance to their oppression.

The College Board said its course will provide an unflinching encounter with the facts, evidence, and invaluable contributions of African Americans.

Critics have also raised other concerns about Floridas lesson, such as its use of the outdated term slaves and its claim that racial violence was committed by both white and black Americans.

Genesis Robinson, political director of the advocacy group Equal Ground, told the Tallahassee Democrat that the state curriculum was also too superficial in its explanation of systemic racism and its impacts.

Robinson said the Florida standards and the hostile environment would discourage teachers from discussing certain subjects.

He contrasted this with the AP course, which covers topics like racism, exploitation, and black womens activism in more detail.

ALSO READ| Eureka moment for Space exploration ! Astronomers detect water in a young planetary system

The AP course also clarifies that enslaved peoples skills only helped them after they were freed, not during their enslavement.

The College Board revised the course after the Florida controversy, but denied that it was influenced by the state government. Packer said they let the experts decide what topics to restore.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Wagner Group chief Yevgeny Prigozhin, who led a brief-yet-significant armed mutiny against Russian leadership, allegedly had a secret harem in St Petersburg where he kept women of barely legal age, the UK-based Daily Mail reported citing Russian news outlet The Insider. Founder of Wagner private mercenary group Yevgeny Prigozhin(REUTERS)

The report reveals some discomfiting details about Wagner boss' interest for girls on the younger sides. A girl who claimed to have sold her virginity to billionaire Prigozhin when she was 18 gave out details about how he believes having sex with first-time partners prolongs his youth.

Backing the girl's stark claims, a sex workers' union representative told the Russian media outlet that he had sex without a condom because he believed that this is how he exchanges energy, fluidsas if he receives a charge of vitality from them'.

These revelations came nearly a month after the Wagner mercenary carried out an unrest to topple the Russian defence leadership. They captured the southern city of Rostov-on-Don and headed for the capital city of Moscow before the mutiny was called off.

The Wagner chief was last seen at St Petersburg attending the Russia-Africa summit, despite the reports of his exile after a deal was made with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. According to reports, the Wagner mercenaries are currently expanding their reach to African countries in a bid to shore up fragile regimes there in exchange for natural wealth including essential minerals.

According to The Insider , the harem was being run, before the mutiny, in rented rooms at the Solo Sokos Hotel in St Petersburg.

Describing her ordeal from the harem, a woman explained how she had her virginity checked at a clinic which is allegedly linked to Russian President Vladimir Putin's elder daughter Maria Vorontsova. She further shares about her encounter with Prigozhin. He told her to be nicer after complaining about a dour expression on her face while he took her virginity, according to the report.
The Riu Plaza London Victoria Opens Its DoorsRIU | July 27, 2023

RIU Hotels & Resorts continues to expand its line of city hotels with the opening, this Friday 28th July, of its first establishment in the United Kingdom: the Riu Plaza London Victoria. The new four-star establishment with 435 rooms is located in central London in the heart of Westminster, which is known the world over as the home of Britain's political institutions, as well as other emblematic sites such as Buckingham Palace and Big Ben.

All Riu Plaza hotels have an outstanding location in the nerve centres of some of the world's major cities, such as London, which is the most visited city in Europe and a popular destination for holiday, corporate and business tourism. The new Riu Plaza hotel is located just a few metres from Victoria Station, one of the busiest transport hubs in the country that is visited by around 75 million passengers each year and is just 30 minutes from Gatwick Airport thanks to the direct Gatwick Express service. Located at 1 Neathouse Place, the hotel is an ideal base for exploring the city as it is surrounded by the UK capital's most important sights and is close to strategic transport links.

The Riu Plaza London Victoria has a contemporary minimalist design and the structure is divided into two parts: the podium and the tower. One of the most eye-catching features of the podium is the circular glass tower that houses the reception area, which is also known by the project's creators as the "drum" and offers a warm welcome to all guests. When they arrive, customers will find themselves in a lobby with a conical dome that is flooded by natural light from above, with a spectacular hanging sculpture of organic shapes, full of colour and movement. These features create a welcoming and elegant space.

The design, which was conceived with a focus on privacy, pays special attention to the communal areas. The furniture was chosen to create small private areas all within the same space. The lobby bar offers a change of scene with a livelier atmosphere, switching calm and elegance for energy and colour.

The hotel rooms are modern and comfortable. They are decorated with contemporary wallpaper and watercolour paintings that give them a more artistic feel. Many of the modern superior suites and rooms overlook the city centre, but the most spacious rooms are located on floor -1, a common feature in UK hotels to maximise space.

As for food options, in addition to the aforementioned lobby bar, the hotel has a restaurant where guests can enjoy a full buffet breakfast in the morning, which is included in the room rate, and a la carte dinners in the evening. Guest can also use the fully equipped 24-hour fitness centre.

The twelve-storey building was originally built in the 1960s and was completely renovated in the 1990s. It has a fantastic design and quality finishes, so the most characteristic features have been maintained during the refurbishment. The interior has been completely transformed to prioritise design and comfort, as well as the latest developments in energy efficiency.
Hilton (NYSE: HLT) has unveiled Hilton Okinawa Miyako Island Resort, the first Hilton property on Miyako Island. Nestled approximately 300 kilometres southwest of the main Okinawa Island, Miyako Island has become a sought-after destination, known for its enchanting natural beauty and unique cultural experiences.

Situated in the Twuriba area, Hilton Okinawa Miyako Island Resort enjoys an advantageous location that entices guests with Miyako Island's natural beauty. It is ideally located just a 15-minute drive from Miyako Airport which is a short direct flight from Tokyo Haneda or Osaka Kansai Airports, and a 25-minute drive from Shimojishima Airport. Thanks to its temperate climate, visitors can immerse themselves in the island's lush mangrove forests and breathtaking coral reefs all year round. The hotel's prime location, adjacent to the pristine Miyako Sunset Beach, provides visitors with unrivaled panoramic views of the Miyako Blue Sea and the engineering marvel that is Irabu Bridge.

The resort's interior is decorated with exquisite artwork created by renowned artists that celebrate the essence of Miyako Island, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the region's rich culture and natural beauty.

The 329 well-appointed guest rooms incorporate design elements inspired by the Miyako Blue Sea and its surroundings. This includes 56 Executive Rooms and 11 Suite Rooms which offer exclusive access to the Executive Lounge where guests can enjoy evening cocktails and refreshments throughout the day.

The hotel also features four restaurants and bars, suitable for various occasions and dining preferences. Guests can dine throughout the day at the vibrant AZURE which serves international fare made with locally sourced ingredients, or savor authentic Italian cuisine at ISOLETTA - the hotel's signature restaurant, which features a gas-fired pizza oven and cozy trattoria setting. The lobby lounge SARYO is where guests can enjoy light bites and refreshments, including house-made sweets paired with herbal tea. Guests can also unwind at YUNAI Rooftop Bar - where, as its name signifies, means 'night' in Miyako dialect - offering a relaxing setting for guests to enjoy mesmerizing sunsets over the Miyako Blue Sea while sipping on cocktails.

Hilton Okinawa Miyako Island Resort offers an extensive array of amenities and facilities. This includes three outdoor pools - for families, for children, and for adults respectively, as well as two indoor pools and a gym. Guests can also indulge at the spa while children can be fully entertained with indoor and outdoor activities at the Kids' Club.

With a ballroom spanning over 200 square meters, multiple meeting rooms, and a rooftop chapel that can accommodate various gatherings and celebrations, the hotel aims to be an all-encompassing destination for tourists, business travelers, and locals alike, to forge new connections and make new memories.

Hilton Okinawa Miyako Island Resort is located at 550-7 Hirara Kugai, Miyakojima City, Okinawa, 906-0015, Japan. For more information, or to make a reservation, travellers may visit hiltonmiyakoisland.com or call +81 980 75 5500.

Hotel website
Luigi Major, MAI has worked on appraisal and consulting assignments for more than 1,000 hotels and resorts throughout the U.S., Latin America, and the Caribbean, including work on several large-scale, international hotel portfolios and mixed-use developments. His work has helped build hotels, secure loans for hotel renovations and transactions, and guide plans for a wide variety of hotel ventures. His conclusions have held up under scrutiny, and many of his recommendations have come to fruition, attesting to Luigis standards for objectivity, organization, and analysis. His passion for the business of hotels speaks for itself, and you can rest assured that this complement of qualities will deliver the most comprehensive, insightful, and well-supported assistance on your next acquisition and development venture.

Luigi graduated from the University of Houstons Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management. He joined the HVS Dallas office in 2007 and also worked jointly with the HVS Mexico City office for a couple of years before transitioning to the HVS Houston office in 2012. In addition, Luigi has authored multiple articles on performance trends and dynamics of hotel markets. Luigi focuses on debt and equity financing for hotels. He is a Designated Member (MAI) of the Appraisal Institute.

In his free time, Luigi enjoys practicing yoga, CrossFit, and meditation, as well as learning French; he also loves to read. Living in Venezuela as a child left Luigi with an appreciation of Latin culture (as well as an undying accent), and travel continues to fulfill his desire to learn about new places and meet new people.
Being resilient by design is critical for both survival and for strategic advantage in an era where disruption is the norm. From a pandemic, war and cost of living crisis to extreme weather events, supply chain challenges and cyber attacks, the threats we all face are more frequent and complex than ever before.

In this polycrisis world where risks and the ecosystems they impact are increasingly interconnected, resilience is imperative for leading organisations. The ability to adapt and respond to disruption is vital to maintaining the trust built with stakeholders at a time when the expectations of the resilience of businesses and government have never been higher.

To rethink resilience in this context, we have brought together wide-ranging insights from those with the greatest stake in the resilience of organisations across the UK. Over the course of a year, guided by our steering group, we have held 100+ conversations with business executives, investors, government and regulators and, crucially, citizens within the UK.

Their combined reflections set out the business case for why leaders need to take a more strategic approach to resilience and - by making the right investments in people, technology and data - four clear and practical ways to get there.

Rethink resilience - Four ways organisations can evolve for disruption Source: PricewaterhouseCoopers

1. Upgrade your radar

Change the way you see risk and look for trouble before it finds you. Organisations most able to mitigate, withstand and recover stronger from a crisis all have exceptional radar for risk.[1]

Use that radar and imagination to get a 360 degree view that goes beyond risk registers and traditional risk management. Look forwards and dont spend too long looking in the rearview mirror - the past is no longer a reliable indicator of future challenges.

2. Build strength where you need it

Choose where you want to thrive and win and where you cant afford to lose. Understand why you want to be resilient and prioritise investment based on whats critical to your organisation and stakeholders. What are the things that would destroy your business fastest?

Start by identifying your most important and critical services - rather than systems - and understanding what level of vulnerability is acceptable assuming disruption will happen. When would interruption to a core business service go from being inconvenient to intolerable - from a customer, financial, reputational and operational perspective?

3. Prime your immune system

Embracing disruptive events with confidence requires building layers of resilience - from your employees and customers to your leadership and the Board - so that youre ready for any scenario.

The foundation of this immunity is investing in the wellbeing and skills of your people and empowering them with the right technology. Poppy Jaman OBE, Global CEO of MindForward Alliance says: MindForward Alliance has found that a purpose-driven, inclusive and healthy work environment creates important wellbeing capital that drives a collective responsibility for resilience across the organisation. And providing people with the right technology and skills allows them to spend more time bringing valuable human perspective and insight to solving these complex problems.

4. Detoxify failure

Change culture and mindset to expect and accept bad things will happen. Risk management frameworks, risk appetites and business continuity plans cant prevent bad things happening so plan for the worst. Tone from the top is a critical success factor in achieving this change.

Detoxifying failure requires a culture of openness and transparency around your vulnerabilities. Give all voices a place in the room and listen to both the foretellers of doom and the eternal optimists to encourage a mindset that expects and accepts bad things will happen, even when you hope for the best.

Read the full article at PwC (UK)
Excerpt from BBC

Google says people should use its search engine to check whether information provided by its chatbot, Bard, is actually accurate.

Some have suggested chatbots like Bard and ChatGPT could "kill" traditional search, which is dominated by Google.

But users have found the information they provide can be wrong or even entirely made up.

Google's UK boss Debbie Weinstein said Bard was "not really the place that you go to search for specific information".

Speaking to the BBC's Today programme, she said Bard should be considered an "experiment" best suited for "collaboration around problem solving" and "creating new ideas".

"We're encouraging people to actually use Google as the search engine to actually reference information they found," she said.

Click here to read complete article at BBC.
DoubleTree by Hilton Muscat Qurum Hotel

DoubleTree by Hilton Muscat Qurum opened its doors to guests today, marking the debut of the DoubleTree by Hilton brand in Oman. The property is conveniently located in Qurum, the upscale district of Muscat known for its sought-after lifestyle amenities.

DoubleTree by Hilton Muscat Qurum is just 24 minutes away from Muscat International Airport, with easy access to Muscats leisure and business district and minutes away from Qurum Beach, Qurum Park, City Center Qurum Mall and the Muscat Expressway.

The hotel consists of 122 one-, two- and three-bedroom suites ranging between 78 to 141 square meters - all flowing with natural daylight and offering a balcony with beautiful mountain views. All suites feature upscale interiors finished with high-end tiles, kitchen cabinets, and wardrobes.

The hotel provides convenience and comfort across all its suites, including a fully equipped kitchen with everyday cooking facilities, washing facilities, as well as access to a fully equipped gym, laundry valet, and extensive parking spaces including an underground parking area. DoubleTree by Hilton Muscat Qurum also provides an outdoor rooftop swimming pool where guests can dive-in and enjoy the beautiful views of Muscat city, as well as providing a jacuzzi, sauna and steam room for relaxation.

The hotel also houses an Alliance Business Center, the largest global network of serviced offices in the world. The center is conveniently located at Basement 1 with meeting rooms and high-speed internet access  perfect for business guests.

Rami Farhat, general manager, DoubleTree by Hilton Muscat Qurum, said, "We are thrilled to announce the opening of the first DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in the Sultanate of Oman. Conveniently located in the Omani capital in the upscale district of Qurum, DoubleTree by Hilton Muscat Qurum offers a contemporary retreat with world-class amenities, backed by DoubleTrees renowned warm and friendly service. We look forward to welcoming guests to our outstanding property."

Visitors and guests will have two compelling options for dining-in:

The Collective: A brand new cafe specializing in Italian coffee. The cafe is based on the ground floor providing a contemporary and cozy space for business meetings over coffee, teas and specialty juices with sweets and desserts. Guests at The Collective Caffe will also enjoy light breakfast dishes and A la carte options.
Hotel investor and manager Pandox AB has acquired the four-star, 202-room Hilton Belfast in Northern Ireland, UK, from an affiliate of Starwood Capital Group for a reported 40 million (198,000 per room), including some CapEx investments.

Pandox AB acquires the Hilton Belfast from Starwood Capital

Hotel investor and manager Pandox AB has acquired the four-star, 202-room Hilton Belfast in Northern Ireland, UK, from an affiliate of Starwood Capital Group for a reported 40 million (198,000 per room), including some CapEx investments. The hotel is located in central Belfast, about 200 metres from the central station. The asset is operated under a management agreement with Axiom Hospitality and is subject to a franchise from Hilton. The property underwent significant renovation during the pandemic, including all guest rooms and public areas. Pandox expect the hotel to produce a stabilised yield of around 10%. Starwood Capital acquired the Hilton Belfast in 2018 from Park Hotels and Resorts, as part of a 135 million portfolio of seven Hilton hotels in the UK.

AEW acquires the Marriott Paris Charles de Gaulle from Commerz Real

International asset manager AEW has acquired the four-star, 300-room Marriott Paris Charles de Gaulle, located at Roissy in the vicinity of the Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport in the French capital city, from German fund manager Commerz Real, for an undisclosed amount. The hotel, which includes a restaurant and bar as well as 16 conference facilities covering 2,500 sqm, is leased to Marriott on a fixed-term agreement with 13 years remaining. An ongoing renovation programme, set to be completed in the near future, has seen approximately 60% of guest rooms and conferencing space refurbished so far. Commerz Real acquired the property when it opened in 2002, initially as a Courtyard, in a sale-and-lease back agreement for its Hausinvest fund. It was rebranded and upgraded to a four-star Marriott in 2007.

Louis Fitzgerald Group acquires the Imperial Hotel in Cork, Ireland, from The Flynn Group

Louis Fitzgerald Group, one of the largest family-owned and operated hospitality groups in Ireland, has acquired the four-star, 131-room Imperial Hotel in Cork, the Republic of Irelands second largest city, for 25 million (191,000 per room), from Irish owned family business The Flynn Group. Commonly known as the Grande Dame, the 200-year old iconic hotel includes multiple F&B outlets, conference facilities and a spa, and has undergone extensive renovations over the years, most recently in 2018. Louis Fitzgerald Groups portfolio includes 19 hospitality properties, including pubs, hotels and restaurants. The Flynn Group had ownership of the hotel for 25 years.

Art-Invest acquires the Nestor Hotel Neckarsulm in Germany

Art-Invest has acquired the 84-room Nestor Hotel Neckarsulm in central Neckarsulm in southern Germany from a private seller, for an undisclosed price. The midscale hotel is within walking distance to the main station and the AUDI Forum Neckarsulm Car Factory, and was acquired for the buyer's core budget hotel fund. A significant repositioning and renovation programme is planned for the hotel, including adding an extra 14 rooms, as part of a long-term lease agreement with The Chocolate on the Pillow Group under its Nestor brand. Art-Invest is an investor in The Chocolate on the Pillow Group, a hotel operating company active in Germany with a multi-brand portfolio.

La Francaise RE acquires the future Ruby Hotel Marseilles in France from BNP Paribas RE

Investment manager La Francaise Real Estate Managers has acquired a mixed-use site in central Marseilles, France, including the future 237-room Ruby Hotel Marseilles, 945 sqm of co-working space and an already existing 251 sqm pharmacy, from BNP Paribas Real Estate Property Development. The hotel is situated just a 10-minute walk from the Old Port of Marseille. Planned by BNP Paribas, the hotel will offer services including a rooftop terrace and lounge bar, set to be delivered by the end of 2025, after which the hotel and co-working components will be operated by Ruby Hotels Group. Ruby currently has 16 properties in its portfolio and 20 more in the pipeline, with this property to be the groups first property in France.

EXTENDAM and Banque des Territoires acquire the future TRIBE hotel in Montpellier, France

EXTENDAM and Banque des Territoires, in partnership with Redman Hospitality, have acquired the future four-star, 120-room lifestyle TRIBE (an Ennismore Group / Accor brand) hotel development located in Montpellier, France, from French developers Icade and Promobi, for an undisclosed sum. The hotel is set to open in the first half of 2025 and will be managed by Redman Hospitality. The asset, in the heart of the Cambaceres district, will be part of a redevelopment plan for a business district, including innovation centres, offices, a higher education campus and retail outlets. Redman Hospitalitys portfolio currently includes three hotels in Bordeaux under management and a dozen projects in the pipeline throughout France. The group is active in the two to four-star urban hotel category.

EXTENDAM and Annie Famose acquire the Radisson Blu Hotel, Biarritz in France from JMA

EXTENDAM and family-owned Annie Famose Group have acquired the four-star, 150-room Radisson Blu Hotel in the city-centre of Biarritz, France, for an undisclosed amount, from JMA Hotellerie. The hotel includes two restaurants, rooftop swimming pool, nine meeting rooms and spa facilities, and will benefit from a major CapEx programme over the next few years in several stages to reposition the hotel. This transaction marks the first collaboration between the two partners. Annie Famose Group operates in ski gear rental and has 40 hospitality establishments across France in its portfolio. JMA Hotellerie acquired the property in 2014.

Ataxia REIM acquires the LUnivers in Reims, France, from Quadral Promotion

French investment manager Ataxia REIM has acquired, on behalf of its OPCI Altixia Valeur fund, the four-star, 42-room LUnivers hotel in the city of Reims, in Frances champagne district, from Quadral Promotion. The deal was part of a pre-completion sale that will see the sellers renovate and extend the hotel, converting it into a 91-room property to be operated by Quadrals HBS Holding under Ennismores / Accors TRIBE brand, on a 12-year fixed lease agreement. The renovation programme will see the hotels room capacity increase to 91 rooms, a restaurant, meeting facilities and a rooftop space, expected for completion in the second quarter of 2025.

Elevate acquires the Coroana-Postavaru Hotel in Brasov, Romania, from Aro Palace

Elevate Properties, a company owned by Brasov businessman Tudor Iliescu, has acquired the three-star, 76-room Coroana-Postavaru Hotel in Brasov, Romania, from Aro Palace, for a reported 9.4 million (126,000 per room). Aro Palace is owned by one of the largest investment funds in Romania, Transilvania Investments. The transaction allows the seller to re-focus its resources on its core assets, including the reopening of the newly rebuilt 181-room Capitol Hotel, also in Brasov, under Accors Mercure brand.

Serviced apartment operator acquires the Jubilee Hotel in London

An undisclosed serviced apartment operating group has acquired the two-star, 26-room Jubilee Hotel in Londons Eccleston Square, in Pimlico near London Victoria station, on a leasehold-basis, for an undisclosed price. The six-floor townhouse also includes a breakfast room. The purchaser, who owns several serviced apartments across London as well as in Turkey, intends to invest in a significant CapEx programme. The sellers had owned the hotel for more than 40 years.

About HVS

HVS is the world's leading consulting and valuation services organization focused on the hotel, restaurant, shared ownership, gaming, and leisure industries. Established in 1980, the company performs more than 4,500 assignments per year for virtually every major industry participant. HVS principals are regarded as the leading professionals in their respective regions of the globe. Through a worldwide network of over 50 offices staffed by 300 experienced industry professionals, HVS provides an unparalleled range of complementary services for the hospitality industry. For further information regarding our expertise and specifics about our services, please visit www.hvs.com.
Chicago, IL (60637)

Today

Partly cloudy skies this morning will become overcast during the afternoon. High 83F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Cloudy early with some clearing expected late. Low 66F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph.
Click here for a Print Subscription with Online Digital included.

Some people only want to be a digital subscriber to get access online and others want to also receive the print edition.

If you are already a print subscriber and want online access, it is free, you simply have to create an online account and then attach your print subscription account number to the online account you create. Below you will see test that reads Print Subscribe Access. Click this to then Get Started attaching your account number and zip code to you online user account.

Click on the banner above if you would like to become a print subscriber with digital access.

If you simply want online access without print click get started below.
Subscribers to Register-Star or The Daily Mail are eligible to receive full access to HudsonValley360.

If you have an existing print subscription, please make sure your email address on file matches your HudsonValley360 account email.
Secretary of Education Patrick Tutwiler, right, asks questions of students who were making volcanoes during the 21st Century summer program at Brayton School on Thursday. Tutwiler and officials pose with children in the Kids4Harmony music program. Mayor Jennifer Macksey, left, Superintendent Barbara Malkas, Tutwiler and state Rep. John Barrett III listen to a concer by Kids4Harmony. Tutwiler and Macksey listen to a student explain his paintings. Tutwiler with Superintendent Barbara Malkas. Students and guardians at Cobble Hill Farm. Tutwiler gets a lesson on duck relationships. Casey fills in Rep. Barrett on the differences between horse, cow and goat manure. PreviousNext

Education Secretary Visits North Adams Summer School Program



Education Secretary Patrick Tutwiler shares a laugh with former Gov. Jane Swift at Swift's Cobble Hill Farm, which is hosting students from the summer program. NORTH ADAMS, Mass.  The state's top education leader got a lot of schooling on Thursday morning.

He listened to musical compositions, got beat at tic-tac-toe, had some lessons in physics and astronomy, learned how to create a volcano and found out more than he ever expected on the topic of manure.

"I am so energized by everything that I saw today," Secretary of Education Patrick Tutwiler said. "I saw incredible engagement. I saw thoughtfulness and intentionality around meeting student's social-emotional needs. I saw students able to dig into things that they're passionate about and I happen to know, speaking to the superintendent, that there are state standards behind things the kids are learning but you wouldn't necessarily know that. The kids are so engaged, they're having fun but they're also learning at the same time.

"I will float home today thanks to my experience today."

Tutwiler spent the morning at the 21st Century Community Learning Center at Brayton Elementary School before ending his visit at Cobble Hill Farm Education & Rescue Center in Williamstown. He was accompanied by school officials and Mayor Jennifer Macksey, state Rep. John Barrett III and Casey Pease, representing state Sen. Paul Mark.

Superintendent Barbara Malkas had invited Tutwiler to visit the North Adams Public Schools long before he was appointed to lead the Executive Office of Education by Gov. Maura Healey last December.

The two had become friends when Tutwiler was superintendent of the Lynn Public Schools. He'd also been headmaster in Boston and more recently was a program officer with the grant-making Barr Foundation.

"He's a real standup guy," said Malkas.

Tutwiler, a former history teacher, visited with a half-dozen different science and art classes taking place at Brayton and listened intently as the children gave presentations on everything from original music compositions, to making moon craters and types of constellations to coding without computers and, in a kindergarten class, demonstrating Newton's laws of motion.

He easily chatted with the children, who were eager to share their activities and thoughts with him. One asked if he was the mayor, another wished him to "have great weekend!" as he left.

The 21st Century summer and after-school elementary programs have been part of the school district for 25 years. In addition to STEAM  science, technology, engineering, arts and math  it includes a social-emotional learning component and internships for high school students.

"The story we have to tell about the 21st Century after-school as well as the summer program is that we always want to keep it extraordinary," said Noella Carlow, district coordinator. "When we start the year off, we say to ourselves, 'what's going to be good for the kids?' 'What can we continue to add to the programs?'"

The programs are funded largely through grants, including state 21st Century and special education grants. It also relies on community partners such as Kids4Harmony and Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, which loaned its portable planetarium.

Through its Welcome Center, the district also partners with a number of community organizations, such as Northern Berkshire Community Coalition, Berkshire Community Action Council and the Al Nelson Friendship Center Food Pantry to help families in addressing health, food insecurity and housing.

Jane Swift's newly established Cobble Hill Farm center is the latest addition to the consortium.

Grades 5 and 6 were at the farm this week, Grades 7 and 8 will be there next. Thursday was a bit of an open house as parents and guardians were invited to see some of the research the students had done. There were demonstrations on candle making, discussions on duck relationships, a table dedicated to food art, and lectures on poultry, bee keeping and, yes, manure.

"It's nice to see with this program that agriculture and hands-on learning is really molding these children, with the social-emotional learning we work in the classroom with," said School Committee member David Sookey. "It changes their outlook on life ... It's great."

Tutwiler said his priorities as secretary include not just addressing the educational gap caused by the pandemic but thinking about future educational needs.

"We have two particular areas we are pushing hard and that's reimagining high school and early literacy," he said. He sees career technical education as "really being the model that we're trying to get the other traditional high schools to mimic and replicate. ...

"What you see there is incredible engagement, incredible class relevancy  students see the connection between what they're learning in the day and a career they're interested in. You see work-based learning experiences. All that's already happening in the career tech ed space and we'd like to see that happening more meaningfully in traditional high schools as well."

Two programs that focus on connections are early college and innovation career pathways, both of which he noted that the North Adams school district is using.

Swift, former governor and longtime education executive and consultant, said North Adams should be a gateways city because it has all of the characteristics but just not enough population. She also promoted the concept that anyone can help in educating within the community, noting how her mother for years had read to children at the YMCA.

"I think the secretary is doing a great job," she said. "We have a number of challenges in school districts around the country, and in particularly in school districts like the one in North Adams. ...

"I work at a policy level around the country with the brightest of minds but everybody can make a difference."

One of the things that Malkas hoped the secretary took away from his trip is that the state exists beyond the Route 495 corridor and that there's good educational work happening everywhere.

"And that North Adams, being the smallest municipality, let us be the prototype for innovation," she said. "We are small, we're flexible, we're adaptive. We work well together. ... all of those skills let us innovate, create new programs, create new possibilities.

"Let us become the learning lab for larger districts that also need to innovate and bring these kinds of programs to their students."

Tutwiler, his arms full of fresh lavender and potpourri and cups of ice cream and custard from Swift, essentially agreed with Malkas' assessment.

"I think the unique piece here is just the level of engagement and the level of creativity that absolutely could and should be replicated elsewhere," he said.
Great Barrington Promotes Assistant Town Accountant Position

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass.  Carmen Morales, who joined the town's administrative staff in December 2020, has been promoted to the position of assistant town accountant.

She previously served as an administrative assistant in the office of the Selectboard and Town Manager.

In her earlier career, Morales was a senior account clerk for the City of Pittsfield, and she also worked for the city's Retired Senior Volunteer Program.

Earlier, she worked as an administrator and bookkeeper for Brodersen Enterprises in Puerto Rico. She studied communications at the University of Connecticut and, previously attended the University of Puerto Rico, where she studied liberal arts.

Morales participated in the National Puerto Rican Forum in Hartford, Conn., focusing on business and computer skills. She also holds an associate degree as a Federal Police Chaplain in Puerto Rico.
Miss Hall's School Names New Deans

Milano and Virden

PITTSFIELD, Mass.  Miss Hall's School announces that it has named Kristen Milano as the School's inaugural Dean of Wellness and Sarah Virden as its new Dean of Students.

Both Milano and Virden also join the Miss Hall's School Leadership Team, which is responsible for making informed decisions grounded in the School's mission.

"I am pleased to welcome Kristen and Sarah to school leadership and to introduce a new structure that will allow us to focus even more on student wellbeing, while building stronger collaboration among all areas of the School," said Miss Hall's Head of School Julia Heaton. "Kristen brings a wealth of experience in school counseling and a deep knowledge of adolescent development, and Sarah brings nearly 30 years of Student Life, College Counseling, academic, and Residential Life experience. Kristen and Sarah are excited to contribute in these new roles and work together as part of the reconfigured Leadership Team."

A Berkshires native, Milano joined Miss Hall's in 2021 as Director of Health and Wellness. In her new role, she will oversee all aspects of student health and work closely with the Deans and other professionals to design and deliver social-emotional learning programs and reimagine the School's Advising program. Milano holds an Ed.M. in Prevention Science & Practice and a Certificate of Advanced Study in School Counseling from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Hers is a new leadership role at the School.

"Given the post-COVID challenges all schools are experiencing, we feel it is timely to invest additional resources in student mental health and wellness," Heaton noted. "By elevating this position to the senior Leadership Team, we will advance our strategic goal of a joyful, connected, and holistic student experience at MHS."

A longtime MHS resident and administrator, Virden joined Miss Hall's in 1994 and has held many roles, including Director of Student Activities, Director of Residential Life, Assistant Dean of Students, and Director of College Counseling. Most recently, she was Director of Academic Counseling, overseeing schedules, calendars, and academic counseling, while continuing to advise students on their post-MHS plans. In her new role, Virden will oversee all student life programs and collaborate with the Deans and other professionals to expand and strengthen the MHS Student Life program. A graduate of St. Lawrence University, Virden earned a Master's Degree in Leadership & Negotiation from Bay Path University.

"Sarah's vast knowledge from her roles as an academic advisor, college counselor, resident, and others across the School give her a unique window into the MHS student experience," Heaton added. "She and Kristen both bring deep experience to their work, and we are excited for the contributions they will make as institutional leaders."

Milano and Virden began their new roles on July 1.

"I am looking forward to the opportunity to be systemic and proactive in the way that we support and encourage student wellbeing at MHS," Milano said. "Physical and mental health are essential building blocks for student success in and out of the classroom, and I am thrilled to work in a community that understands this and prioritizes it on a school-wide level."

"I am excited to build on my years of experience at Miss Hall's School in this new leadership role," Virden added. "I am looking forward to collaborating with my peers and our students to deliver a dynamic student life experience that supports the School's mission to contribute boldly to the common good.'"
Sign up to Roisin OConnors free weekly newsletter Now Hear This for the inside track on all things music Get our Now Hear This email for free Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Roisin OConnors email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Sinead OConnor was known for her outspoken views on politics, womens rights and the music industry.

In the weeks since her death on Wednesday (26 July) aged 56, numerous stories from her past have resurfaced, such as her infamous 1992 SNL appearance and her long-running feud with Madonna.

Find the latest updates as OConnors funeral takes place today.

One career moment that has resurfaced is OConnors 2013 letter to Miley Cyrus, which she published on her website after the pop singers music video for Wrecking Ball caused mass controversy.

After the release of the video, Cyrus (then-20 years old) told Rolling Stone magazine that shed been inspired by the OConnors accompanying visuals for Nothing Compares 2 U (1990).

In response, OConnor wrote to Cyrus in the spirit of motherliness and with love.

She told the young artist that it wasnt cool to be naked and licking sledgehammers in your videos and that she was in fact being pimped by the music industry.

You can read the letter in full, below.

Sinead OConnor (left) and Miley Cyrus (Getty Images)

Dear Miley,

I wasnt going to write this letter, but today ive been dodging phone calls from various newspapers who wished me to remark upon your having said in Rolling Stone your Wrecking Ball video was designed to be similar to the one for Nothing Compares  So this is what I need to say  And it is said in the spirit of motherliness and with love.

I am extremely concerned for you that those around you have led you to believe, or encouraged you in your own belief, that it is in any way cool to be naked and licking sledgehammers in your videos. It is in fact the case that you will obscure your talent by allowing yourself to be pimped, whether its the music business or yourself doing the pimping.

Nothing but harm will come in the long run, from allowing yourself to be exploited, and it is absolutely NOT in ANY way an empowerment of yourself or any other young women, for you to send across the message that you are to be valued (even by you) more for your sexual appeal than your obvious talent. I am happy to hear I am somewhat of a role model for you and I hope that because of that you will pay close attention to what I am telling you.

The music business doesnt give a s*** about you, or any of us. They will prostitute you for all you are worth, and cleverly make you think its what YOU wanted  and when you end up in rehab as a result of being prostituted, they will be sunning themselves on their yachts in Antigua, which they bought by selling your body and you will find yourself very alone.

Enjoy unlimited access to 70 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music Sign up now for a 30-day free trial Sign up

Enjoy unlimited access to 70 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music Sign up now for a 30-day free trial Sign up

None of the men ogling you give a s*** about you either, do not be fooled. Manys the woman mistook lust for love. If they want you sexually that doesnt mean they give a f*** about you. All the more true when you unwittingly give the impression you dont give much of a f*** about yourself. And when you employ people who give the impression they dont give much of a f*** about you either. No one who cares about you could support your being pimped  and that includes you yourself.

Yes, Im suggesting you dont care for yourself. That has to change. You ought be protected as a precious young lady by anyone in your employ and anyone around you, including you. This is a dangerous world. We dont encourage our daughters to walk around naked in it because it makes them prey for animals and less than animals, a distressing majority of whom work in the music industry and its associated media.

You are worth more than your body or your sexual appeal. The world of showbiz doesnt see things that way, they like things to be seen the other way, whether they are magazines who want you on their cover, or whatever  Dont be under any illusions  ALL of them want you because theyre making money off your youth and your beauty  which they could not do except for the fact your youth makes you blind to the evils of show business. If you have an innocent heart you cant recognise those who do not.

I repeat, you have enough talent that you dont need to let the music business make a prostitute of you. You shouldnt let them make a fool of you either. Dont think for a moment that any of them give a flying f*** about you. Theyre there for the money were there for the music. It has always been that way and it will always be that way. The sooner a young lady gets to know that, the sooner she can be REALLY in control.

You also said in Rolling Stone that your look is based on mine. The look I chose, I chose on purpose at a time when my record company were encouraging me to do what you have done. I felt I would rather be judged on my talent and not my looks. I am happy that I made that choice, not least because I do not find myself on the proverbial rag heap now that I am almost 47 yrs of age  which unfortunately many female artists who have based their image around their sexuality, end up on when they reach middle age.

Real empowerment of yourself as a woman would be to in future refuse to exploit your body or your sexuality in order for men to make money from you. I neednt even ask the question  Ive been in the business long enough to know that men are making more money than you are from you getting naked. Its really not at all cool. And its sending dangerous signals to other young women. Please in future say no when you are asked to prostitute yourself. Your body is for you and your boyfriend. It isnt for every spunk-spewing dirtbag on the net, or every greedy record company executive to buy his mistresses diamonds with.

As for the shedding of the Hannah Montana image  whoever is telling you getting naked is the way to do that does absolutely NOT respect your talent, or you as a young lady. Your records are good enough for you not to need any shedding of Hannah Montana. Shes waaaaaaay gone by now  Not because you got naked but because you make great records.

Whether we like it or not, us females in the industry are role models and as such we have to be extremely careful what messages we send to other women. The message you keep sending is that its somehow cool to be prostituted  its so not cool Miley  its dangerous. Women are to be valued for so much more than their sexuality. We arent merely objects of desire. I would be encouraging you to send healthier messages to your peers  that they and you are worth more than what is currently going on in your career. Kindly fire any motherfucker who hasnt expressed alarm, because they dont care about you.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

A Hong Kong court rejected the government's appeal to place a ban on broadcasting and distributing a protest song, in a rare victory for freedom of speech.

The high court on Friday declined the administration's application for an injunction to make the song 'Glory to Hong Kong' illegal, including the lyrics and melody on the grounds of national security.

Hong Kong does not have its own anthem but as a Chinese territory since its return from British rule in 1997, it uses China's anthem.

The song was written during mass pro-democracy protests against mainland China in 2019 and its lyrics call for democracy and liberty. It has since been mistakenly played at several international sporting events instead of China's national anthem.

Judge Anthony Chan said the court considered whether an injunction would provide any greater deterrence than existing criminal law. "The court recognised the engagement of the right to freedom of expression in the consideration of this application", the judge rules, while noting "chilling effects" that might be generated if the injunction was granted.

"I am unable to see a solid basis for believing that the invocation of the civil jurisdiction can assist in the enforcement of the law in question," the judge ruled.

The administration has 28 days to appeal the verdict.

Hong Kong's secretary for justice sought the injunction in June after the song was played as the city's anthem at multiple sporting events. The administration had also sought to ban actions that use the song to allegedly incite others to commit secession and insult the national anthem.

The ruling comes at a time when the administration has been accused of weaponising the National Security Law to throttle dissent following the 2019 protests.

The Hong Kong Journalists Association (HKJA) which opposed the injunction bid, welcomed the decision.

"Exercising public power would create a chilling effect, threatening innocent people," HKJA head Ronson Chan told reporters outside the court. "I think the judgement is very reasonable."

The Hong Kong government has tried to push Google to display China's national anthem as the top search for the city's anthem instead of the song. Google had told the government to first prove that the song violated local laws - thus prompting the legal application.

The government said it respected freedoms protected by the city's constitution "but freedom of speech is not absolute". "The application pursues the legitimate aim of safeguarding national security and is necessary, reasonable, legitimate, and consistent with the Bill of Rights," it said in a statement last month.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Chinas new foreign minister who replaced missing politician Qin Gang issued his first comments after taking charge, amid speculation about the fate of his predecessor.

Wang Yis reappointment on Monday came about as he replaced Mr Qin who was last seen in public on 25 June and has remained absent without any official explanation about his status from Beijing.

The Chinese foreign ministry will deepen partnerships with other countries and actively participate in reform of global governance and "resolutely safeguard the sovereignty, security, development and interests" of China, Mr Wang said in a statement posted on the ministrys website on Friday.

Mr Qin was known as the countrys wolf warrior diplomat serving the autocratic regime and a close aide of Xi Jinping, who rose up quickly from his position of being the same ministrys spokesperson to its minister within a matter of 17 years.

His disappearance has not only raised concerns about transparency in the Chinese government but also about decision-making in Xi Jinpings administration. Officials have only stated Mr Qin is off work for unspecified health reasons but did not elaborate.

The foreign ministry had removed articles about Mr Qins diplomatic engagements this week when Mr Wang was reappointed, adding to the furore about his role in the administration and speculations surrounding his exit from the ministry.

However, the articles about his latest activities as foreign minister were restored on Friday morning, with the last report from 25 June mentioning his meeting with Vietnamese counterpart in Beijing. The articles have been restored without any explanation.

Mr Wang, who was also Mr Qins predecessor and now his successor in the ministry, will perform his role of stop gap position in Beijings communication with several allies at the time war in Ukraine is picking pace after a slow counteroffensive in summer.

With the veteran diplomats entry back into the ministry, China is looking to maintain steady diplomatic ties ahead of the meeting of national security advisers of the Brics nations in Johannesburg this week.

He also held the foreign ministers post from 2013-2022. He is also director of the Office of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission.

Analysts said that as the prominent Chinese face of diplomacy, Mr Wang will likely prioritise stability of US-China ties after months of hostility and keep Mr Xis possible visit to the US this November on track.

On Wednesday, he met with his Turkish counterpart in Ankara and also met president Tayyip Erdogan, as he jumped into the role marking his first foreign trip since being appointed.

Discussions between Mr Wang and Turkish foreign minister Hakan Fidan included the latest situation in Ukraine as well as the global financial system, the Turkish foreign ministry source said.

The leaders also spoke on the development of economic and trade relations between Turkey and China, the Turkish foreign ministry source said.

Their discussions included harmonisation of the initiatives of (Chinas) Belt and Road and Middle Corridor, as well as nuclear energy, agriculture and civil aviation, the source added.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Vladimir Putin lauded North Koreas unwavering support for the special military operation in Ukraine as Russia joined China in Pyongyang to celebrate the hermit kingdoms 70th anniversary of the Korean War truce.

Mr Putin sent defence minister Sergei Shoigu who was seen alongside North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and held one-on-one talks with him, reported the Korean nations state media.

Mr Putin sent his congratulatory message wherein he lauded the DPRKs unwavering support for [Russias] special military operation in Ukraine.

The Russian president lamented Western policies for undermining the supremacy of international law, the indivisibility of security and the establishment of a truly multipolar and just world, the state media reported.

Mr Putin accused the West of disregarding respect for the sovereignty and national interests of states.

Kim Jong-un was joined by his two staunch ally nations Russia and China as he brandished his newest nuclear-capable missiles and spy drones at the grand military parade in Pyongyang, where the three anti-US rivals gathered for North Koreas Victory Day celebrations.

The North Korean leader flexed his military muscle by displaying the latest Hwasong-17 and Hwasong-18 intercontinental ballistic missiles which are capable of wide-range strike anywhere in the United States, reported Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

The missiles have been banned by the United Nations Security Council resolutions with support from China and Russia.

Brand new attack and spy drones were also displayed in a flyover in the event.

Mr Kim was also joined by Chinese Communist Party Politburo member Li Hongzhong. The trio were seen talking, laughing, posing for photographs, and saluting as the North Korean troops marched.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, center, Russian defence minister Sergei Shoigu, left, and Chinas Vice Chairman of the standing committee of the countrys National Peoples Congress Li Hongzhong, right, attend a military parade to mark the 70th anniversary of the armistice that halted fighting in the 1950-53 Korean War, on Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang (AP)

North Koreas leader Kim Jong-n (C in black suit) watching as the new model of intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), the solid-fuel Hwasong-18, goes past in a military parade (KCNA VIA KNS/AFP via Getty Image)

New model of intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), the solid-fuel Hwasong-18, being paraded at Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang to mark a key anniversary of the Korean War (KCNA VIA KNS/AFP via Getty Image)

Mr Shoigu said North Koreas solidarity with Russia on key international issues highlights the two nations common interest to confront the common rival West, while delivering the remarks at the conference to mark the armistice anniversary.

Russias defence minister Sergei Shoigu attends a reception for the Russian military delegation hosted by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un as part of the 70th anniversary celebration of the Korean War armistice in Pyongyang (via REUTERS)

The three nations displayed the first sign of revival of their Cold War-era coalition and a show of solidarity, just weeks after powerful summits and gatherings of US and Nato nations in the first half of this year, including the Group of Seven Summit in May, where Ukraines war-time president Volodymyr Zelensky was also invited, and Nato summit in Lithuania this month.

Mr Putin claimed several of his Soviet pilots carried out tens of thousands of combat flights for contributing to annihilating the enemy, reported KCNA.

Reminiscing the Cold War-era ties, Mr Putin in his relayed message said: The historic experience of combative friendship has noble values, and is serving as a reliable foundation to further develop the connection between Russia and North Korea in the field of politics, economy and safety.

Mr Shoigu praised the North Korean military as the strongest in the world, as he discussed strategic security and defence cooperation with the North Korean leader.

This was Russias first such visit to North Korea involving Moscows top defence official since the 1991 break-up of the Soviet Union, while Chinas delegation is the first such to arrive after the Covid-19 pandemic.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un attends a military parade to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Korean War armistice in Pyongyang (via REUTERS)

Beijing and Moscow have previously maintained their distance from North Koreas nuclear activities but marked a distinct support this year as Russias full-scale invasion in Ukraine grinds on with consistent and powerful military aid from the Western allies of Kyiv, much to the anguish of the Kremlin.

Soldiers participate in a military parade to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Korean War armistice in Pyongyang (via REUTERS)

The North Korean leader also hosted a reception and lunch with Mr Shoigu as he promised solidarity with Russia and its military.

Watching the high-level gathering from the ring-side view, the US expressed concern about the coming together of the three nations, which have increasingly been critical of the West, and particularly the growing US influence, in the recent times where tensions are rife.

The US Department of State spokesperson Vedant Patel said the US was incredibly concerned about their ties. The US has previously accused North Korea of supplying weapons to Russia for fuelling the 17-month long war in Ukraine.

Both Russia and North Korea have rejected charges of carrying out any arms transactions.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

India's federal investigative agency will probe the sexual assault of women whose video of being paraded naked sent shockwaves across India.

Home minister Amit Shah on Thursday announced that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Indias equivalent of the FBI, will take over the probe from the local police in the northeastern state of Manipur.

The video of two women from the minority Kuki community being paraded naked and assaulted by a mob of men triggered outrage in India and drew international condemnation, prompting authorities to finally take action after two months.

The incident reportedly took place on 4 May in the early stages of the violence that erupted between the Meitei and Kuki communities after some Kukis protested against calls by the mostly Hindu Meitei community to be granted protected tribal status.

Prime minister Narendra Modi broke his silence on the violence in Manipur last week, more than two months after the conflict began. He said the incident had shamed India and that the guilty wont be spared.

"What happened to the daughters of Manipur can never be forgiven," he added.

The local police have arrested seven people in connection with the sexual assault, according to reports. The federal government has asked India's Supreme Court to transfer the trial out of the state, the federal home minister said on Thursday.

The person who allegedly recorded the video has also been arrested and the mobile phone used to record the video has been retrieved, Mr Shah said, adding that forensics will help connect the dots and expose the chain of complicity.

Opposition parties in India have accused Mr Modi of failing to restore security in the small state of 3.2 million people, which is governed by his Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The prime minister is facing a non-confidence vote in the parliament, which the opposition beleive will force him to address the issue in the House for the first time.

A motorist rides past a burnt vehicle on a street in Churachandpur in violence hit areas of northeastern Indian state of Manipur (AFP via Getty Images)

Manipur has been torn in two, with more than 140 people killed as both communities engaged in attacks on each others residences and vehicles, burning down churches and temples.

The federal government has deployed around 10,000 additional soldiers from the Indian Army and the paramilitary Assam Rifles to try and restore order, but they have been unable to prevent the displacement of nearly 57,000 people in 360 living camps.

Some of the horrors that The Independent has been told about during the violence include the burning  and, in at least one case, beheading  of some of those fighting, and villages stockpiling weapons to protect their homes from attack.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

An overloaded small ferry capsized in the Philippines as strong winds and lashing waves led panic-stricken passengers to crowd to one side of the wooden vessel, leaving at least 26 people dead.

The second tragedy hit the archipelago country as super typhoon Doksuri left 13 people dead and tens of thousands displaced before blowing away to Taiwan and China.

Fierce winds caused the ferry to turn upside down in Laguna de Bay in Rizal province east of Manila on Thursday about 46m (15-ft) from shore.

Around 66 people were aboard the 42-passenger ferry named M/B Princess Aya, sparking an investigation into the accident.

A rescue operation that was launched immediately after the incident was paused during the night and ran into the second day on Friday as the search continues for missing or dead people. 40 people have been rescued so far.

According to the coast guard, people panicked amid severe winds and waves and rushed to one side of the vessel. The overcrowding on one side left the boat to tilt and its outrigger broke leading to the capsizing of the boat.

It happened shortly after it left a wharf in the town of Binangonan for nearby Talim island, police and the coast guard said.

"This is really a tragic event that has to be investigated," coast guard Rear Admiral Hostillo Arturo Cornelio told reporters.

Rescuers check the capsized passenger boat in Binangonan, Rizal province, Philippines (AP)

He said investigators would look into the reports of passengers not wearing life vests as required by safety regulations during the journey.

A video released by the coast guard showed rescue teams on a local government boat pulling out a body from the lake.

Another footage showed local fishermen aboard vessels approaching the overturned boat.

The death toll from a week of stormy weather in the wake of typhoon Doksuri has swelled the death toll to 39.

At least 13 people have died as Doksuri swept through the island nation, mostly due to landslides, flooding and toppled trees and thousands were displaced, disaster response officials said.

Mr Armand Balilo of the Coast Guard said the boat capsized after departing following the lifting of a no-sail order for Binangonan town.

Relatives of a victim of typhoon react at the Binangonan port, Rizal province (EPA)

The ferrys manifest listed only 22 passengers, and there is a possibility of filing criminal complaints against the owner of the vessel, the skipper, and two crewmen.

The typhoon roared into Chinas southeastern Fujian province, unleashing heavy rain and powerful gusts of wind on Friday, causing extensive damage.

It whipped power lines sparking fires in areas, uprooted trees and forced factories and shopping malls to shut down.

It swept China after causing extensive damage to homes, trees and powerlines in southern Taiwan as businesses remained shut for a second day amid warnings of extreme winds, landslides and floods.

Doksuri was categorised as the second-strongest typhoon level by Taiwans weather bureau.

A man stands on the capsized passenger boat in Binangonan, Rizal province (via REUTERS)

More than 278,000 homes were rendered without power in Taiwan and hundreds of trees were uprooted in Kaohsiung.

It is the second strongest typhoon to land in Chinas Fujian after deadly Typhoon Meranti in 2016 and the second typhoon to hit the country in less than two weeks.

Around 10 provinces are expected to witness heavy rains, Chinese forecasters predict. Areas of Xiamen, Quanzhou and Putian recorded hourly rainfall exceeding 50 mm (2.165 inches).
Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Independent Climate email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Southern European countries suffering under a sizzling heatwave for weeks can finally hope for some respite as a new forecast reveals subtle changes in the jet stream that are expected to bring temperatures down.

With shattered temperature records, devastating wildfires in Greece and tragic loss of lives, people have been anxiously awaiting relief from intense heat conditions that gripped Europe this month.

The latest forecast from the UKs Met Office offers a glimmer of hope as conditions are projected to shift slightly, indicating the weakening of the heat dome that enveloped the southern part of the continent.

Meteorologist Alex Deakin, in a deep dive analysis by the Met Office, predicted temperatures in Europe will dip off a little bit starting on Wednesday in Italy and gradually easing in Greece by the end of the week.

The jet stream, a narrow band of westerly winds circling the northern hemisphere, has been responsible for creating the heat dome over Europe.

But from Wednesday, this air from the west will start spreading over Italy and the jet stream will move southwards, eventually bringing temperatures down in eastern Europe as well in the next few days.

Fast forward to Wednesday, you can see southern Italy joins in with the cooler air as well, and by the time we get to Thursday, most of Greece is cooler and by Friday, that cooler air is even pushing down across Cyprus, he said.

So we are seeing temperatures dropping because of that dip in the jet stream.

Mr Deakin said while Europe will see temperatures dropping a little bit from the extremes of over 40 degrees Celsius, the weather will still remain sunny and warm.

Italys temperatures are expected to go down to the average, close to 30C, while in Greece, temperatures will come down maybe a day later, he said.

So the peak in the heat across Greece is likely to be on Wednesday, when the winds are lightest and again a lot of hot, strong sunshine, Mr Deakin said. But we see a drop there as well.

A fireman runs away from blazes as he tries to control a wildfire in New Peramos, near Athens (AFP via Getty Images)

Mr Deakin warned that, despite the improvement in temperatures, gusty winds could exacerbate the wildfire situation in the region. However, the anticipated cooling will at least bring temperatures closer to the average, providing much-needed relief to affected areas.

And as we can see the change, we will also see the winds gusting up as well, which isnt gonna help the wildfire situation here.

But at least as I say, the temperatures will be getting back closer to average, still plenty of sunshine.

Scientists said a combination of factors, such as a stagnant jet stream, the El Nino phenomenon and the record-shattering average global temperatures caused by the climate crisis were all responsible for the extreme heatwaves sweeping three continents.

The jet stream over Europe had been in a stationary position in the last few days, experts said, which meant that the weather systems were kept in a holding pattern that made heat build up.

A recent study by the World Weather Attribution (WWA) said such heatwave conditions are more common now due to the heating of the planet by 1.2C since the 1800s due to greenhouse gas emissions.

Scientists have been warning that as global average temperatures continue to rise, heatwaves in Europe are becoming more frequent and stronger.

The WWA research showed that with the current heat, Europe, which is heating faster than the global average, already has a probability of facing extreme heat like the one currently persisting, every 10 years.
Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, was blamed by many in his own party for Labours failure to win Boris Johnsons former seat of Uxbridge in the by-election this month. Danny Beales, the Labour candidate, and Keir Starmer, the Labour leader, both implied that it was Khans refusal to pause the extension of his clean-air policy to outer London boroughs that denied them a famous victory.

Khan said he was listening to peoples concerns about the scheme, but now that the High Court has rejected a challenge to the scheme, the mayor has made clear that the ultra-low emissions zone (Ulez) will be extended from the area bounded by the north and south circular roads to the whole of Greater London on 29 August as planned.

So will the Ulez extension definitely go ahead?
Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Lifestyle Edit email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Elon Musk has congratulated his two-time ex-wife Talulah Riley after she announced that she is now engaged to Thomas Brodie-Sangster.

The actors announced that they are getting married in separate social media posts, after two years of dating. Brodie-Sangster, who starred in Love Actually when he was 13 years old, made a sweet reference to the film in his Instagram post.

Meanwhile, Riley shared the happy news on her Twitter account with a photograph of her and Brodie-Sangster cuddling. She wrote: Very happy to share that after two years of dating, Thomas Brodie-Sangster and I are engaged!

Musk, who was married to and then divorced from Riley twice, first from 2010 to 2012, and then from 2013 to 2016, congratulated his ex-wife on the social media platform.

He replied to her announcement, tweeting: Congratulations! He also added a red heart emoji.

The pair remain good friends, according to Riley, who also described him as the perfect ex-husband.

The Westworld star explained why they got married twice in an interview with The Independent last year, and said that while it looked strange, the logic made sense at the time.

I suppose the reason to get remarried was just because it felt silly to be together unmarried after having been married. You know, its like a habit, she said.

Hes a great friend. He looks out for me. We are in a happy place now, where were good to each other, which is really nice. I have here utmost love for him.

Talulah Riley (L) and CEO of Tesla Motors Elon Musk attend the 2014 Vanity Fair Oscar Party hosted by Graydon Carter on March 2, 2014 (Getty Images)

The Tesla CEO recently rebranded Twitter, which he acquired in October 2022 for US$44bn, and is now calling the platform X.

On Sunday (23 July), he said in a post that he wanted to change Twitters recognisable blue bird logo, adding: And soon we shall bid adieu to the Twitter brand and, gradually, all the birds.

Prior to marrying Riley, Musk was married to Canadian author Justine Musk, with whom he shares six children. Their first child, Nevada Alexander, died at 10 weeks old from sudden infant death syndrome. They still share 18-year-old twins Vivian Jenna Wilson and Griffin, as well as triplets Kai, Saxon and Damian, who were born in 2006.

Musk also has two children with former girlfriend Grimes, a three-year-old son named X  A-Xii and two-year-old daughter Exa Dark Siderl. In 2021, he secretly welcomed twins with Shivon Zilis.
Sign up to IndyEat's free newsletter for weekly recipes, foodie features and cookbook releases Get our Now Hear This email for free Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

IndyEats email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have come to an agreement following a legal dispute over the vineyard they co-owned when they were a couple.

The exes bought the 1,300-acre Chateau Miraval estate in Provence in 2008 for around 20m and went into business with the Perrin family of winemakers five years later to produce Miravals signature rose.

The wine was an instant success, with profits rising by 1m in 2013 and reaching 15m (12.8m) in 2022. Both Jolie, 48, and Pitt, 59, initially owned 50 per cent share of the property, as well as its wine-making enterprise.

However, the couple divorced in 2016. In 2021, Jolie sold her stake in the property to a Russian oligarch, prompting a lawsuit from Pitt in which he accused Jolie of systematic obstruction of his management in the winery, and of selling her part of a stake in the vineyard without offering him the chance to buy it first.

Now, it finally seems like a resolution has been reached, with the couple agreeing to mediation to settle the dispute out of court, according to documents filed last week, The Times reports.

The documents revealed that Jolie has said she would be willing to take part in a settlement conference to resolve the dispute.

A commercial court in Draguignan, France, has appointed a provisional administrator to protect the winemaking business until an agreement between both Pitt and Jolie has been reached.

The Perrin family will remain in charge of making the wine.

The Independent has contacted representatives for Jolie and Pitt for comment.

In 2022, Jolie filed a 217m lawsuit against Pitt alleging that he attempted to seize control of the 1,300-acre estate in retaliation for the divorce and custody proceedings.

Another lawsuit filed as recently as earlier this month by Jolies former investment firm Nouvel then accused Pitt of looting the vineyard.

The 98-page complaint accused Pitt of acting like a petulant child and engaging in a blatant money grab regarding the negotiations over the vineyard.

During the years that he allegedly built the business, he filmed and appeared in dozens of movies, not to mention making countless promotional appearances, jetting-setting [sic] around the world for movie premieres, and attending Hollywood parties, lawyers said.

He deals in illusions, not dirt and grapes, they added.

The Independent has contacted representatives for both Pitt and Jolie for comment.
Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Lifestyle Edit email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Bode Miller has revealed that his three-year-old son, Asher, was hospitalised for carbon monoxide poisoning.

The US Olympic alpine skier - who shares sons Nash, eight, Easton, four, twin sons Asher and Askiel, three, and daughter Scarlet Olivia, 19 months, with wife Morgan Miller - shared in a since-deleted Instagram post on 27 July that the incident came after a construction crane was parked in the driveway of their home.

Earlier this week we had a crane parked in our driveway for a few hours. Despite keeping the kids inside for obvious safety reasons, the little ones got really sick from it, he captioned the deleted post, according to People.

Asher ended up in the hospital with carbon monoxide poisoning, Miller said. All are well now, but passing along as a reminder to all parents of the dangers of carbon monoxide. Reminder to go test your CO detectors.

While Millers post has since been deleted, his wife Morgan shared her own Instagram post about the incident on 28 July. Receiving a lot of messages so addressing it here, she captioned her video, which showed her three youngest children wearing oxygen masks in the hospital.

Two weeks ago, we had a crane at our house to remove our broken hot tub. Asher, Aksel and Scarlet innocently stood on the front step of our house to watch the action which resulted in them getting carbon monoxide poisoning due to the lack of airflow in our driveway landing them in the ER, Morgan revealed. They were on high flow oxygen for over four hours. It was a terrifying experience but thanking my lucky stars they are okay.

When asked by an Instagram follower how she recognised the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning, Morgan explained that Asher was complaining of an upset stomach and he appeared as white as a ghost.

Asher then began to pass out, which prompted her to rush the toddler to the emergency room. While his tests came back normal, Morgan instructed her nanny to check if her other children were having any symptoms of poisoning. The nanny informed her that Aksel started to have the same symptoms as his twin brother.

I notified the nurse and she said if theres ever more than one with the same symptoms then they check for carbon monoxide poisoning and sure enough thats what it was, Morgan said. They had us clear the house and bring everyone down to get tested and they sent the fire department up to check our home.

In a separate comment, the professional beach volleyball player revealed that the family has carbon monoxide detectors in their house, but none of them went off.

Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs when too much carbon monoxide is in the air, causing the body to replace oxygen in red blood cells with carbon monoxide. According to the Mayo Clinic, some of the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headache, weakness, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, shortness of breath, blurred vision, drowsiness, loss of muscle control and loss of consciousness.

The recent health scare comes after their son Asher was rushed to the hospital following a febrile seizure in December  a convulsion in a child thats caused by a fever.

Yesterday, Asher had a febrile seizure which scared us half to death. We took that same ambulance to the same hospital we took Emmy to but this time we got to leave with our child, Morgan wrote in an Instagram Story at the time, alongside a photo of her husband lying down on a hospital bed with Asher asleep on his chest. Their daughter, Emmy, died in an accidental drowning incident in 2018 when she was 19 months old.

In a separate Story, Morgan also shared a picture of the pro skier cuddling with his twin sons on the couch after they had brought Asher home from the hospital.

Hes home and back to his normal self, she said. I am reminded to slow down and realise lifes little gifts during this crazy holiday season because we already have everything we need our loved ones, our health, and more time.

Because time with the ones we love is all we could ever ask for, she wrote over the final photo, which showed Miller looking affectionately at his three-year-old son. He is also father to daughter Dace, 14, and son Nate, 10, from previous relationships.

In June 2018, their daughter Emeline died in a drowning accident at 19 months old. The child was found unconscious at a neighbours swimming pool in southern California. Miller, who has won six Olympic medals in alpine ski racing, shared at the time that he and his family were beyond devastated.

We are beyond devastated. Our baby girl, Emmy, passed away yesterday. Never in a million years did we think we would experience a pain like this, he shared in an Instagram post, which featured a picture of his daughter. Her love, her light, her spirit will never be forgotten. Our little girl loved life and lived it to its fullest every day. Our family respectfully requests privacy during this painful time.
Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Lifestyle Edit email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

A town in Japan caused national fury for distributing flyers that encouraged pregnant women to cook, clean, and tend to their husbands.

In 2017, Onomichi City conducted a survey, gathering results to use for the production and distribution of flyers targeted at pregnant women. According to the citys website, the postings were handed out to residents with the overarching message that household roles need to be divided between the husband and wife.

One flyer claimed men and women feel and think differently from one another because they have a structural difference in the way their brains are set up.

It is known that men act based on theories, while women act based on emotions, the flyer read. The important thing is to understand each others differences and divide roles well.

The flyer continued on to note how married men and new fathers love to feel appreciation for doing household tasks like changing diapers and cleaning the dishes. However, the message suggested women not bother men if they are taking care of their children rather than cooking or cleaning. Instead of getting frustrated with their husband, women were encouraged to please them by smiling, greeting them, giving them massages, taking control of the housework, caring for the children, and preparing lunch for them.

After local news stations broadcasted reports of the flyers around the city, the documents were widely criticised online over the idea that childcare is the mothers responsibility.

Stress is the enemy during pregnancy, so why exactly are they only attacking women? an angry person wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. A letter from an experienced mum to a new dad would probably be a hundred million times more helpful.

Its bad enough that local authorities are transmitting the idea that childcare is the mothers job and that a third-party fathers assistance will help the mother, another individual added before suggesting that fathers should be identified as main actors in childcare too.

Among the population of viewers, a few people drew connections between the flyers messages and Japans old-fashioned gender norms, which have been linked to the countrys diminishing population rate.

Because the content on the flyers was based on the results of a survey, one user on the X platform thought that meant this is what men really think. They said: Most men think that childcare is someone elses business, wives are supposed to do the housework, dont neglect looking after their husbands, dont upset their husbands  Youd better not get married.

On 25 July, the citys mayor Yukihiro Hiratani posted a public statement on the government website to apologise. He said that the flyers were not in line with the sentiments of pregnant women, childbearing mothers, and others involved in child rearing, and caused unpleasant feelings for many people. Furthermore, because the message contained expressions that promote attitudes and practices that stereotype gender roles, the mayor clarified the posters werent being handed out anymore.

The Independent has contacted Hiratani for a comment.

Per the World Economic Forum Global Gender Gap Report for 2023, Japan is one of the lowest countries in the world in terms of gender equality in the political realm. Only 12.9 per cent of manager and senior positions are filled by women, while Japans overall gender gap index ranking was 125 out of 146.
Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Lifestyle Edit email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Michelle Yeoh and her long-time partner, ex-Ferrari CEO Jean Todt, have finally tied the knot, 19 years after he proposed to her.

The Everything Everywhere All at Once star, 60, married Todt, 77, in Geneva, Switzerland, on Wednesday (26 July).

The news was confirmed by former Formula One driver Felipe Mazza, who shared a series of photographs from the nuptials on his Instagram account.

The first photograph showed a card from the wedding that told Yeoh and Todts love story, alongside a throwback picture of the couple.

It read: We met in Shanghai on 4 June 2004. On 26 July 2004, JT (Jean Todt) proposed to marry MY (Michelle Yeoh) and she said yes!

Today after 6,992 days on 27 July 2023 in Geneva, surrounded by loving family and friends, we are so happy to celebrate this special moment together!

Massa also shared a selfie with the happy couple, while holding Yeohs gold Oscar statuette, which she was awarded earlier this year for Best Actress for her role in Everything Everywhere All at Once.

Another photo showed Yeoh beaming at the camera while embracing Todt. The last picture in Massas post showed the couple standing at a table and surrounded by their witnesses as they prepared to sign the legal marriage document.

In the images, Yeoh is wearing two different outfits. One bridal look featured a white silk button-up shirt with a tiered lace skirt, while the other was a champagne-coloured corset with embellishment on the front, worn over a lace long-sleeved top and skirt.

The Brazilian racecar driver wrote in his caption: Happy marriage Jean Todt and Michelle Yeoh, love you so much.

The couple own an 18th-century mansion in Geneva, which is their main residence when they are not travelling for work. They also have properties in Paris, Malaysia and Hong Kong.

Todt previously described his and Yeohs first meeting in 2004 as a fairytale in an interview with theFinancial Times. They met while Todt was unveiling a car at an event and Yeoh came to take publicity photographs with the vehicle.

Jean Todt and Michelle Yeoh attend the 95th Annual Academy Awards on March 12, 2023 in Hollywood, California (Getty Images)

In 2014, the former International Automobile Federation (FIA) president revealed that German racing driver Michael Schumacher taught him how to send text messages so he could woo Yeoh in the early days of their relationship.

He told theDaily Mail: I dont use a computer. I dont know how to. My maximum is SMS. I wanted to communicate with my wife, in fact.

So I spoke to Michael Schumacher. We were together. He said, send an SMS. I said I dont know how to send one. So he was the one who taught me.

Yeoh became the first Asian actor and Malaysian to win an Oscar in March, beating out fellow nominees Cate Blanchett, Ana de Armas, Andrea Riseborough, and Michelle Williams.

She was previously married to Hong Kong business magnate Dickson Poon from 1988 to 1991 and left the acting industry to try and start a family with him. However, they did not have any children together and divorced.

Speaking to Bustle last year, Yeoh explained she did not feel pressure from Poon or his family to stop acting, but she couldnt understand how I could have a full [career while] being married.

However, she added: As it turned out, I was unable [to have children]. And if Im being honest with myself, I didnt want for us to be bitter 10 years down the road. Because in Asian families, people want to have sons and daughters [because] they are an extension and a legacy. And when you have the realization [that you cant have kids], you have to deal with it. You deal with the curveballs that are thrown at you.
Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Lifestyle Edit email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Actors Thomas Brodie-Sangster and Talulah Riley have announced that they are engaged, after two years of dating.

Brodie-Sangster, who rose to fame when he starred in the 2003 romantic comedy Love Actually, aged 13, made a reference to the film in his Instagram post about the happy news.

Sharing a romantic photograph of himself and Riley in a gondola, the actor, 33, wrote: Happy to announce that Talulah and I are engaged. Love is all around x.

The final line is a quote from Hugh Grants character in Love Actually, in which the actor played the Uk prime minister. It is also the title of a song by The Troggs, which Bill Nighys character Billy Mack sings as a Christmas version in the movie.

Riley, 37, also posted about the engagement on her Twitter account. She shared a selfie of her and Brodie-Sangster cuddling and wrote: Very happy to share that after two years of dating, Thomas Brodie-Sangster and I are engaged!

The couple, both actors, first met while working on the FX miniseries Pistol, a biographical drama about the Sex Pistols rise to fame. They played Sex Pistols manager Malcolm McLaren (Brodie-Sangster) and the late fashion designer Vivienne Westwood (Riley), who were a real-life couple.

After appearing in public together several times in 2021 and 2022, Brodie-Sangster and Riley made their red carpet debut as a couple at the 2022 British Academy Film Awards Gala Dinner.

They have largely kept their relationship private, but Riley opened up about how she fell in love with Brodie-Sangster in an interview with The Times in May 2022.

She said: We hadnt really acknowledged each other as a romantic possibility or potential until the moment that we both did.

And it was the same moment a number of months after having worked together and been good friends.

Riley was previously married to Tesla CEO Elon Musk. They were married twice, from 2010 to 2012, and from 2013 to 2016.

Speaking to The Independent last year, Riley, who is also an author, said she understood how strange it looked to have been married and divorced from Musk twice.

But that logic made sense at the time, she said, I suppose the reason to get remarried was just because it felt silly to be together unmarried after having been married. You know, its like a habit.

We were saying, This is my husband. This is my wife. Oh wait, no, were not that anymore. We better be that again. You know, it felt silly to go back to This is my boyfriend when weve been married. So, we just got married again.

Since they separated, Riley described Musk as the perfect ex-husband and a great friend.

The SpaceX founder, who recently rebranded Twitter as X, replied to Rileys announcement on the social media platform to congratulate her and send a red heart emoji.
Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Lifestyle Edit email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

The Princess of Wales fans have come to her defence after her taste in jewellery was criticised by former Vogue editor Suzy Menkes.

Menkes described Kate Middletons jewellery choices as a disappointment during the newest episode of her podcast Creative Conversations, where she spoke with British Vogues jewellery editor Carol Woolton.

The Princess of Wales is a bit of a disappointment about jewellery, Menkes said. She gives the impression that she only puts it on when she absolutely has to.

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.

During the conversation, the former editor then alleged that Kate doesnt have the same joy about wearing jewellery as Queen Camilla.

[Kate] doesnt seem to have Camillas joy at wearing jewellery, she said, before noting that, as Queen, Camilla presumably has a first opportunity to look at the [royal familys] jewels.

The comments have sparked criticism on social media, where many have defended Kate and her style choices.

Maybe, just maybe [Kate] is more focused on her job than looking like a fashionista. Typical superficial comment from someone who had an irrelevant job, one person tweeted in response.

Another said: Princess of Wales is as glamorous as they come. She has a restrained elegance and always looks beautiful. The Vogue editor is wrong.

Hmmseems to be Catherine is a conservative jewellery wearer. Theres not a thing wrong with that at all, someone else wrote.

Another person defended Kates jewellery choices on the basis that she has just the right mix of affordable and high-end jewellery.

The Princess of Wales has an excellent eye for accessories, and her earrings collection is stunning - particularly because she often promotes small businesses by wearing their jewellery, they wrote. She has just the right mix of affordable and high-end jewellery in her wardrobe.

Someone else tweeted: I have no love for royals but Kate is the absolute representation of elegance. If she is a disappointment then [I dont know] what the expectation is anymore.

Others suggested that the Princess of Wales accessory choices reflect an awareness of the current climate, with one person questioning: I wonder how it would go down if she wore a new designer outfit every day of the week and flaunted expensive jewellery - especially in this current climate?

The royal is known for mixing high-end and affordable pieces of jewellery, with Kate opting for a pair of $75 (58) pearl earrings by Shyla for a recent appearance at Wimbledon.

(Getty Images)

However, the Princess of Wales also has a number of notable jewels in her jewellery collection, including multiple pieces inherited from her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana.

(Getty Images for Ascot Racecours)

(POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

(Getty Images)

Kates diamond and south sea pearl earrings are one such item, which the royal has worn on a number of recent occasions, including to the 2022 Royal Ascot, the first state visit of King Charles reign, and to the King and Queens coronation in May. For the occasion, Kate also wore a sequin and metallic beaded floral headpiece by Jess Collett x Alexander McQueen.

In addition to Dianas earrings, the Princess of Wales also inherited the late royals sapphire and diamond engagement ring.

(Getty Images)

During the podcast conversation, Menkes also addressed some of the controversy surrounding the royal familys jewellery collection, with the former magazine editor describing some of the pieces as dubious.

Its one of these strange secrets, she said. 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 and taking jewels they thought were an attractive thing to take back to England with them.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

The rapper G Herbo pleaded guilty Friday to his role in a scheme that used stolen credit card information to pay for a lavish lifestyle including private jets, exotic car rentals, a luxury vacation rental and even expensive designer puppies.

Under a deal with prosecutors, the 27-year-old Chicago rapper, whose real name is Herbert Wright III, entered a guilty plea in federal court in Springfield, Massachusetts, to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and making false statements. In exchange, prosecutors dismissed several counts of aggravated identity theft.

He also agreed to forfeit nearly $140,000, the amount he benefited from what prosecutors have said was a $1.5 million scheme that involved several other people.

Mr. Wright used stolen account information as his very own unlimited funding source, using victims payment cards to finance an extravagant lifestyle and advance his career," acting U.S. Attorney Joshua Levy said in a statement.

Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 7, and he faces a maximum of 25 years in prison. A voicemail seeking comment was left with his attorney.

From at least March 2017 until November 2018, G Herbo and his promoter, Antonio Strong, used text messages, social media messages and emails to share account information taken from dark websites, authorities said.

On one occasion, the stolen account information was used to pay for a chartered jet to fly the rapper and members of his entourage from Chicago to Austin, Texas, authorities said. On another, a stolen account was used to pay nearly $15,000 for Wright and seven others to stay several days in a six-bedroom Jamaican villa.

In court documents, prosecutors said G Herbo used the proceeds of these frauds to travel to various concert venues and to advance his career by posting photographs and/or videos of himself on the private jets, in the exotic cars, and at the Jamaican villa.

G Herbo also helped Strong order two designer Yorkshire terrier puppies from a Michigan pet shop using a stolen credit card and a fake Washington state drivers license, according to the indictment. The total cost was more than $10,000, prosecutors said.

When the pet shop's owner asked to confirm the purchase with G Herbo, Strong directed her to do so through an Instagram message, and G Herbo confirmed he was buying the puppies, authorities said.

Because the stolen credit card information was authentic, the transactions went through and it wasn't until later that the real credit card holders noticed and reported the fraud.

G Herbo was also charged in May 2021 with lying to investigators by denying that he had any ties to Strong when in fact the two had worked together since at least 2016, prosecutors said.

Strong has pleaded not guilty and is awaiting trial.

G Herbo's music is centered on his experiences growing up on the East Side of Chicago in a neighborhood dubbed Terror Town, including gang and gun violence.

He released his debut mix tapes Welcome to Fazoland and Pistol P Project in 2014, both named for friends who had been killed in the city. His first album was 2017's Humble Beast, and his latest is Survivor's Remorse," released last year.

His 2020 album PTSD" debuted at number 7 on the Billboard 200.

G Herbo also started a program in Chicago called Swervin Through Stress, aimed at giving urban youths tools to navigate mental health crises, after publicly acknowledging his own struggle with PTSD. In 2021 he was named to Forbes 30 Under 30 music list.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

By the time Aaliyah Ibarra started second grade, her family had moved five times in four years in search of stable housing. As she was about to start a new school, her mother, Bridget Ibarra, saw how much it was affecting her education.

At 8 years old, her daughter did not know the alphabet.

She was in second grade and couldnt tell me any of the letters. I would point them out and she didnt know," Bridget Ibarra said. "She would sing the song in order, but as soon as I mixed them up, she had no idea.

I just didnt know what letters were which, says Aaliyah, now 9. I know them now.

The family's struggles coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic that forced Aaliyah to begin her school experience online. Unfamiliar with a computer, Aaliyah was regularly kicked out of the virtual classroom, her mother said. Teachers complained she was not looking at the screen and took too many breaks.

Zoom school was especially difficult for Aaliyah because she was homeless  and like thousands of students nationally, her school didn't know.

Homeless students often fell through the cracks during the tumult of the pandemic, when many schools struggled to keep track of families with unstable housing. Not being identified as homeless meant students lost out on eligibility for crucial support such as transportation, free uniforms, laundry services and other help.

Years later, the effects have cascaded. As students nationwide have struggled to make up for missed learning, educators have lost critical time identifying who needs the most help. Schools are offering tutoring and counseling but now have limited time to spend federal pandemic relief money for homeless students, said Barbara Duffield, executive director of SchoolHouse Connection, a national homelessness organization.

There is urgency because of the losses that have occurred over the pandemic  loss in learning, the gaps in attendance and the health crisis," she said. Many education leaders, Duffield said, don't even know about federal money earmarked for homeless students  and the programs expire next year.

The number of children identified as homeless by schools nationwide dropped by 21% from the 2018-2019 school year to the 2020-2021 school year, according to federal data. But the decrease, representing more than 288,000 students, likely includes many kids whose homelessness was unknown to schools. Federal counts of homeless people living on the street or in shelters also appeared to decrease in 2021 due to pandemic disruptions, but by 2022, those numbers shot up to the highest in a decade.

In Bridget Ibarra's case, she chose not to tell the school her kids were homeless  and she says teachers, disconnected from students by a screen, never asked. She was worried if officials knew the family was staying in a shelter, and the school was obliged by law to provide transportation, the family would face pressure to enroll in a different school that was closer.

She knew how hard the disruptions were on her kids.

I know they didnt enjoy moving as often as we did. They would say things like, Were moving again? We just moved! Ibarra said.

When I moved, I missed my friends and my teacher, Aaliyah said.

The stigma and fear associated with homelessness also can lead families not to tell anyone they lack secure housing, Duffield said.

If we dont identify children proactively, we cant ensure that they have everything they need to be successful in school and even go to school," she said.

Before the pandemic, Ibarra and her two children moved in with her brother in Phoenix because she was having trouble making ends meet. Then her brother died unexpectedly. At the time, Ibarra was pregnant with her third child and couldnt afford the rent with what she earned working at a fast-food restaurant.

The family spent the next six months at Maggies Place, a shelter in North Phoenix that caters to pregnant women. The four of them, including Aaliyahs infant brother, moved next to Homeward Bound, an apartment-like shelter for families, where they were living when the pandemic hit a few months before Aaliyah started kindergarten.

Aaliyah's school, David Crockett Elementary, stuck with online learning her entire kindergarten year. Aaliyah and her older brother, joined by several other children, spent most of their school days on computers in a mixed-grade makeshift classroom at the shelter.

It was like she wasnt even in school, Ibarra said.

While the shelter helped the family meet their basic needs, Ibarra said she asked the school repeatedly for extra academic help for her daughter. She blamed the struggles partly on online learning, but she also felt the school was giving all their attention to Aaliyahs older brother because he already was designated as a special education student with an individualized education program, or IEP.

The principal, Sean Hannafin, said school officials met frequently with the children's mom. He said they offered the support they had available, but it was hard to determine online which students had needs that required intervention.

The best thing we could do was take that data and flag them for when we returned in person, because you need a certain amount of time to observe a child in a classroom, he said. The online setting is not the place to observe.

A federal law aimed at ensuring homeless students have equal access to education provides rights and services to children without a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence.

Many students aren't identified as homeless when their parents or guardians enroll them. At school, teachers, cafeteria staff, aides or bus drivers often notice other students whose well-being may need looking into. Students may have unwashed clothes, or many late arrivals or absences.

But with children learning online, teachers and staff often didn't see those things.

Overall, the drop in the student homelessness count began before the pandemic, but it was much steeper in the first full school year after COVID-19 hit. The percentage of enrolled students identified as homeless in the U.S. dropped from 2.7% in 2018-2019 to 2.2% in 2020-2021.

Over that timeframe, Arizona had one of the biggest drops in the number of students identified as homeless, from about 21,000 to nearly 14,000. But there were signs many families were in distress. KateLynn Dean, who works at Homeward Bound, said the shelter saw huge numbers of families dealing with homelessness for the first time during the pandemic.

Eventually, Bridget Ibarra had to enroll Aaliyah in a different school.

After getting kicked out of low-income housing last year when their property owner sold the building, the family lived with Ibarras mother before finding another low-income unit in Chandler, more than 20 miles (32 kilometers) east of Phoenix.

Once the family moved, enrolling in school was far from easy. Aaliyah missed the first three weeks of the school year last fall because of delays obtaining transcripts, and Ibarra insisted she not start the year without a plan to address her delays in reading and writing. Aaliyah spent that time playing and sitting around the house.

Honestly, Aaliyah said she didnt care how long, because she didnt want to go to that school anyway, her mother said. She said Aaliyah missed her friends and was tired of moving.

At Aaliyah's new school, Frye Elementary, Principal Alexis Cruz Freeman saw for herself how hard it was to keep in touch with families when children were not in classrooms. Several students disappeared altogether. But she said families have started re-engaging with school. The state of Arizona reported more than 22,000 students were identified as homeless in the last school year  twice as many as the year before.

Ibarra said she tried to shield as much discomfort about their living situation from her kids as possible. It worked. Aaliyah doesnt remember much about the places theyve stayed except the people that surrounded her family.

Aaliyah has gained ground academically at her new school, Cruz Freeman said. She still has trouble pronouncing and recognizing some words. But by the end of the school year, she was able to read a text and write four sentences based on its meaning. She is also performing at grade level in math.

The principal considers her a success story in part because of her mother's support.

She was an advocate for her children, which is all that we can ever ask for, Cruz Freeman said.

___

Associated Press data journalist Sharon Lurye contributed to this report from New Orleans.

___

The Associated Press education team receives support from the Carnegie Corporation of New York. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un shared center stage with senior delegates from Russia and China as he rolled out his most powerful, nuclear-capable missiles in a military parade in the capital, Pyongyang, marking a major war anniversary with a show of defiance against the United States.

State media said Friday Kim attended Thursday evenings parade with Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Chinese ruling party official Li Hongzhong from a balcony looking over the citys main square.

The streets and stands were packed with tens of thousands of mobilized spectators, who roared in approval as waves of goose-stepping soldiers, tanks and huge, intercontinental ballistic missiles wheeled out on launcher trucks filled up the main road.

Kims latest display of his military might comes as tensions on the Korean Peninsula are at their highest in years. North Korea has dialed up its weapons tests to a record pace in recent months and the U.S. has responded by strengthening combined military exercises and nuclear contingency planning with South Korea, in a cycle of tit-for-tat that has been punctuated by mutual, verbal threats of destruction.

North Koreas invitation of Russian and Chinese delegates to the parade was a rare opening for the country since the start of the pandemic. Experts say Kim is trying to break out from diplomatic isolation and boost the visibility of his partnership with authoritarian allies to counter pressure from the United States, which has been strengthening its security cooperation with South Korea and Japan to contain the Norths nuclear threat.

The parade followed meetings between Kim and Shoigu in Pyongyang this week that demonstrated North Koreas support for Russias invasion of Ukraine and added to suspicions that the North was willing to provide arms supplies to Russia, whose war efforts have been compromised by defense procurement and inventory problems.

North Korean state media said Kim and Shoigu during a meeting Wednesday reached a consensus on unspecified military matters related to the regional and international security environment. Kim also took Shoigu to an arms exhibition that displayed his most powerful weaponry, including new ICBMs that were flight-tested in recent months and demonstrated potential range to reach deep into the U.S. mainland.

The parade capped off the North Korean festivities for the 70th anniversary of the armistice that stopped fighting in the 1950-53 Korean War. North Korea, which triggered the war with a surprise attack on the South in June 1950, was supported by Chinese troops and the then-Soviet air force. South Korea, the United States, and troops from various nations under the direction of the United Nations fought to push back the invasion.

The truce signed in July 1953 was never replaced with a peace treaty, leaving the Korean Peninsula in a technical state of war, but the North still sees it as a victory in the Grand Fatherland Liberation War.

The anniversary events were more somber in South Korea, where President Yoon Suk Yeol visited a war cemetery in the city of Busan to honor the foreign troops who died while fighting for the South during the war.

In the face of growing North Korean threats, Yoon has pushed to expand South Koreas military exercises with Washington and is seeking stronger U.S. reassurances that it would use its nuclear capabilities to defend the South in the event of a nuclear attack.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

The Amazon's most famous Indigenous leader called upon Brazil's president on Friday to defend the rights of Indigenous people. Chief Raoni Metuktire demanded that invaders be removed from their territories and that the government stop negotiations on carbon credits that had excluded Indigenous people from the discussions.

In a letter to President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Raoni demanded a government response to 11 specific requests by Aug. 9, the second and final day of the Amazon summit that Lula and other South American heads of state will attend in the city of Belem.

The manifest was handed over to the minister of the Indigenous peoples, Sonia Guajajara, at an event attended by 1,000 members of different ethnic groups in the town of Sao Jose do Xingu in the state of Mato Grosso.

Lula in May signed legislation paving the way for a market to trade carbon credits  generated by reducing greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change, and which may be purchased to comply with eventual limits on emissions. Lula's administration is reportedly drafting regulation for the carbon market's operation and plans to present it in the coming months.

But Raoni said in his letter that Indigenous people have not been included in the process, and that their participation is required for the drafting of just legislation that takes their rights into consideration.

Raoni, now in his 90s, also demanded the government take a concrete position on an upcoming court ruling that threatens to strip some Indigenous territories of their designations. The Supreme Court is in the process of evaluating whether Indigenous peoples must have been physically occupying their territories before 1988 in order to uphold their land claims.

For years, Raoni has campaigned for the protection of Indigenous territories in the Amazon. A 1978 documentary, "Raoni: The Fight for the Amazon, contributed to his fame, as did a 1989 tour with British musician Sting.

The letter also demanded a halt to mining activities that have triggered a health crisis among the Yanomami people during the previous government of far-right President Jair Bolsonaro as illegal gold miners swarmed into their territory.

Lulas government has spent months expelling most of them from Yanomami lands. Some remain, however, working at night to avoid being caught, Rodrigo Agostinho, the head of environmental agency Ibama, said earlier this month.

Raoni's letter also demanded mass testing of Indigenous people for exposure to mercury  widely used by gold prospectors to separate the metal  and medical treatment for those affected.

It also condemned so-called agricultural partnerships set up under Bolsonaro that forced Indigenous people to work in farming, saying they are unconstitutional and go against the model of cultural sustainability.

Friday's event in Sao Jose do Xingu also showcased a letter from Britain's King Charles expressing support for Raoni and noting a common desire to see the Amazon protected.

As a way of safeguarding their land, Brazil's Indigenous people have pushed for establishment of more Indigenous territories, a slow process that can take years. Brazil has so far established 732 Indigenous territories, occupying more than 117 million hectares (453,000 square miles)  or nearly 14% of the country's vast expanse, according to data from the Instituto Socioambiental.

Of 14 territories that the government said would be created, only six have been established so far under Lula's latest, third term in office that started in January. However, deforestation in the Amazon rainforest has dropped 33.6% in his first six months from the same period of 2022, an encouraging sign for his administrations environmental efforts.

Lula campaigned last year with pledges to rein in illegal logging and undo the environmental devastation under Bolsonaro. Raoni walked alongside Lula up the presidential palace's ramp before his inaugural address on Jan. 1.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

In the seaside town of Saint-Louis, Senegal, officials and residents say bodies of migrants from capsized boats attempting the dangerous trip from West Africa to Spain are buried in unmarked beach graves. Most of the families of those buried will never know what happened to their loved ones.

Bodies wash ashore or are found by fishermen at sea, then are buried by authorities, and lawyers and human rights experts say its unclear whether the deaths are documented or investigated as required by Senegalese and international law.

More people are making the trip across the Atlantic in rickety wooden boats known as pirogues trying to reach Spain's Canary Islands. With reports of capsized boats and drownings on the rise, locals say they can tell where bodies are buried by the bits of thick rope and black plastic resembling body bags that stick out from mounds of sand.

HOW MANY MIGRANTS ARE MAKING THE TRIP?

The route from West Africa to Spain is one of the worlds most dangerous, yet the number of migrants leaving from Senegal has surged over the past year. That means more missing people and deaths  relatives, activists and officials have reported hundreds over the past month, though exact figures are difficult to verify.

The increases come amid pressure from the European Union for North and West African countries to stop migrant crossings. Like most nations in the region, Senegal releases little information about the crossings, the migrants who attempt the trip or those who die trying.

But according to the International Organization for Migration, at least 2,300 migrants left Senegal trying to reach the Canaries in the first six months of the year, doubling the number from the same period in 2022. A Spanish official, speaking on condition of anonymity because the figures weren't authorized for release, told AP that about 1,100 arrived in the Canaries.

Its unclear what happened to the 1,000-plus people who didn't make it to Spain. They may have died at sea, been rescued from capsized boats or be held by authorities. Through June, Senegal detained 725 migrants, said interior ministry spokesman Maham Ka, though officials wouldn't say whether the nine vessels involved had left shore yet.

WHAT IS HAPPENING TO THE BODIES?

Authorities in Saint-Louis admitted to AP that bodies are sometimes buried on the beach. They said it happens only when approved by the local prosecutor  and usually the bodies are severely decomposed.

Why take it to the morgue since no one can recognize it? said Amadou Fall, commander of the fire brigade for three northern Senegal regions.

The prosecutor in Saint-Louis wouldn't respond to AP's questions about approval of burials or say whether investigations were opened into the deaths. AP phoned and texted Senegal's justice ministry, responsible for investigating deaths, but received no response.

In Saint-Louis, the beach is now marked in parts with the remnants of black plastic that resemble body bags from the morgue and knotted rope that appear to be securing what lies beneath the sand.

The beach burials have happened for years but skyrocketed for 2023, with about 300 bodies in the first seven months, compared with just over 100 for all of 2022, according to a local official who works closely with authorities and insisted on anonymity for fear of reprisal.

Locals say the government is trying to hide the scale of the problem because it tarnishes Senegals reputation.

WHAT DO THE LAWS SAY?

Senegal has agreed to several international accords, including The African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights and The Global Compact on Migration, to ensure the investigation of disappearances and arbitrary deaths, identify the dead, and inform families.

Even if a body has decomposed, the obligation remains to do everything possible to identify the person and seek support if resources are lacking, said Judith Sunderland, of Human Rights Watch.

Its completely unacceptable for state authorities to bury people without investigating the causes of their deaths or attempting to identify them, she said.

Survivors of failed boat trips told AP they were forced to tell the families of friends who died what happened because authorities left them in the dark. Some relatives file missing-person reports but hear little to no information from officials.

WHY DO PEOPLE ATTEMPT THE TRIP?

Senegal has long been regarded as a beacon of democratic stability in a region riddled with coups and insecurity, but political tension is mounting, with at least 23 killed last month during weekslong protests between opposition supporters and police. Some cite political strife for the surge in migration; others note that most who leave are young Senegalese men who say poverty and a lack of jobs are driving them to risk their lives.

Since 2006, Spain has worked with Senegal to crack down on migrant boats. That year, arrivals to the Canary Islands first peaked, with more than 30,000 people arriving on Spanish shores  many of them Senegalese. Today, Spains national police and civil guard are deployed in Senegal to assist local authorities. The country also received more than $190 million from the EUs Emergency Trust Fund for Africa for development programs aimed at addressing the root causes of migration.

But residents here say little has improved.

From May to July, about 30 boats left Saint-Louis for Europe and about 10 sank, said El Hadji Dousse Fall, a member of the Organization for the Fight Against Clandestine Immigration, which tries to prevent youths from crossing the sea and teaches them about legal migration pathways. Still, many have already made up their minds.

They have a saying, Fall said, speaking partly in the local Wolof language. Barca or Barsakh  Barcelona or die.

___

Brito reported from Barcelona and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Two men have been sentenced for selling unauthorised Covid-19 tests during the pandemic.

Ron Huss-Smickler, 41 from Birmingham, and Steven Lawrence Beckford, 39 from Edgbaston, bought the non-certified Covid-19 tests from Chinese shopping website Alibaba in March 2020.

They then sold the tests online to customers in the UK, Europe, and the USA, through their business, Be Corona Safe.

The tests were split down into individual kits, with the pair even making fake instructions pamphlets and adding fake CE markings purporting that the kits met the European Conformity requirements.

They also applied to the Medicine and Healthcare products Regulatory Authority (MHRA) for emergency use authorisation, and continued to say that they were waiting for approval even after the MHRA refused authorisation.

However, there was no evidence that the test kits even worked when used in the way they were advertised.

Huss-Smickler was sentenced to 18 months in jail and Beckford received a four-month sentence, suspended for two years.

They carried on their business aware that what they were doing was wrong, and their stated intention was to make huge profits Sarah Melo, CPS

Both men have also been disqualified from acting as a company director.

Sarah Melo, specialist prosecutor from the CPS said the men tried to capitalise on the fears of the public during a global crisis.

The defendants quickly spotted an opportunity in the early stages of the pandemic, which was in reality an attempt to capitalise on the fears of the general public amid a global crisis, she said.

They carried on their business aware that what they were doing was wrong, and their stated intention was to make huge profits.

There was no evidence that the test kits worked when used in the way they were advertised, but this did not deter them selling them without any regard to the welfare of their customers.

We work closely with investigators such as the MHRA and the NCA and will not hesitate to prosecute where there is evidence of fraud.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

A drug addict given a life sentence after being convicted of murdering his two-year-old stepdaughter had hair-trigger volatility and threatened to kill his mother, a civil court judge has heard.

Mr Justice Mostyn, who is based in the Family Division of the High Court in London, said the picture Kyle Bevans mother painted of him was truly disturbing.

Bevan, 31, of Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, was jailed in April after being found guilty following a trial at Swansea Crown Court of murdering Lola James in July 2020.

Trial judge Mr Justice Griffiths ruled that Bevan must spend at least 28 years in prison before being considered for release on licence.

Lolas mother, Sinead James, 30, also of Haverfordwest, was found guilty of causing or allowing the youngsters death and given a six-year jail term.

Mr Justice Mostyn had separately considered the case, at private hearings, and made findings of fact.

Social services bosses at Pembrokeshire County Council had asked Mr Justice Mostyn to make decisions relating to the welfare of other children.

He had overseen a behind-closed-doors trial, in the summer of 2021, at a family court in Swansea.

Mr Justice Mostyns ruling was kept under wraps until criminal proceedings had ended  to prevent jurors being influenced  but has now been published.

The judge concluded that Bevan abusively inflicted Lolas injuries early on Friday July 17 2020, and had previously inflicted gratuitous violence on the little girl.

Lolas mother was asleep when the little girl suffered her injuries which caused her death, Mr Justice Mostyn concluded.

But he said he was satisfied, to a level appreciably higher than a balance of probability, that James was aware that Bevan had been abusing Lola, yet did nothing to protect her.

Mr Justice Mostyn also heard how Bevan had threatened to kill his mother, Alison Bevan, who had worked on a nursing ward.

She had described her sons hair-trigger volatility and painted a truly disturbing picture, Mr Justice Mostyn said.

Alison Bevan explained in disarmingly frank evidence that her son had a history of drug abuse going back to his teenage years, said Mr Justice Mostyn in a ruling which has now been published online.

Alison Bevan explained to me that her son had always had an anger problem with her.

Fury would erupt when she would not provide him with money or with prescription drugs which he expected her to steal for him from the nursing ward on which she worked.

This had been going on for years.

Mr Justice Mostyn added: She explained that when he loses his temper there is shouting and screaming, intimidation and loss of control.

When out of control and raging he had threatened to kill her.

The picture that she painted of her own son treating her with such contempt and malevolence was truly disturbing Mr Justice Mostyn

This had happened on four or five occasions.

Mr Justice Mostyn went on: The picture that she painted of her own son treating her with such contempt and malevolence was truly disturbing.

Bevan had denied murdering Lola.

He blamed the familys pet dog for pushing Lola down the stairs of the home he shared with James, in Haverfordwest.

Judges heard that Bevan had moved in soon after connecting with James on Facebook.

Lola was killed months later.

Mr Justice Mostyn said: By any objective standards the formation of her relationship with Mr Bevan on 18 February 2020, moving from being strangers to cohabitants in the space of a few hours, is almost impossible to comprehend.

It does demonstrate an extreme neediness on the part of the mother and a readiness to surrender basic responsibility in order to fill her needs.

He said James, who had also pleaded not guilty, had been assessed as having a low IQ.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Two retired Metropolitan Police officers have been jailed over a three-year plot to share child sexual abuse images.

Jack Addis, 63, and Jeremy Laxton, 62, had posted hard drives to one another containing indecent images and videos of children, and had concealed them in hidden spaces in their homes.

The two former officers pleaded guilty at Southwark Crown Court to a charge of conspiring with Richard Watkinson, 49, to distribute or show indecent images. Mr Justice Wall jailed Addis for three years and nine months and Laxton for five years and nine months.

Watkinson, who was a serving Met chief inspector for neighbourhood policing at the West Area Command Unit, was found dead at his home in Buckinghamshire on 12 January. The court heard he took his own life.

He had been suspended from duty following his arrest in July 2021 and was due to be charged with conspiracy, as well as three counts of making indecent photos of a child, voyeurism and two counts of misconduct in public office.

His body was discovered the day he had been due to attend a police station to answer bail. Thames Valley Police confirmed that his death was being treated as unexplained but not suspicious.

According to the charge, the three men shared images between 1 January 2018 and 10 July 2021, with 2,516 of those registered as Category A, the worst kind.

Laxton, from Grantham, Lincolnshire, also pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent images of a child, possession of a prohibited image, possessing an extreme pornographic image and possession of cannabis on or before 20 September 2021.

The images include 6,086 in Category A, 4,039 in Category B, 3,597 in Category C, seven prohibited images of a child and 56 extreme pornographic images which were grossly offensive, disgusting or otherwise of an extreme character depicting a person having sex with an animal.

He further admitted a charge of intentionally encouraging or assisting the commission of the offence of misconduct in a public office between December 1 2019 and May 1 2021.

Karen Walton, for Laxton, said her client has to live with the public deeming him part and parcel of trust in the police force being at an all-time low.

The judge said: The images you traded in were of the most depraved.

He added: You had each been policemen and although not working directly in child protection must have been fully aware of the damage done to real children by the filming of such disturbing images.

Investigators found devices in a cavity Laxton had created behind the walls of his home after seeing a message he sent someone to say he buried his equipment within the walls.

One officer, tasked with looking through the material, described one of the images as one of the most disturbing Category A images in existence.

The court heard Laxton, who appeared in the dock wearing a dark grey suit, has previously pleaded guilty to similar offences and was awaiting sentencing at Lincoln Crown Court, while Addis, from Perthshire, is a serving prisoner in Scotland.

He is currently serving an 18-month sentence for three counts of voyeurism and possessing indecent photographs of a child.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

A Metropolitan Police sergeant who sexually assaulted a woman in the sea on his stag do has been jailed.

Sgt Laurence Knight, 34, met the woman, who was not known to him, in Brighton city centre during the early hours of 17 July 2021.

The pair walked to the beach together, stripped down to their underwear and went into the sea, where sexual activity took place.

Jurors heard that the victim had been out for dinner and drinks and was with a friend when they came across the jovial stag group, who were searching for an open bar.

Knights group of friends had been drinking heavily and had been visited by strippers in the hours before the incident.

Oxford-educated Knight, who had previously been employed as a charity worker and a teacher, had complained he was having a rubbish night, before trying to persuade the victim to go into the sea.

In her police interview, the woman recalled speaking to Knight about his imminent nuptials, and that he had said he was really excited and was looking forward to it.

Once in the water, Knight stood behind her before moving her underwear to one side and touching her intimately.

The woman said she repeatedly told Knight to stop and reminded him that he was getting married in two weeks, the court heard.

Afterwards, she got dressed, told her friend what had happened and called 999. She claimed a friend of the defendant later told her: Larry wants me to tell you that hes sorry.

He was cleared of an additional rape charge following a trial at Southwark (PA Archive)

In his evidence, Knight claimed it was the woman who had suggested going into the sea and had initiated sexual contact by touching his penis.

He told jurors that he had touched her vagina for a few seconds, thinking it was consensual, before she made the comment about his upcoming wedding. He denied he had any intention to penetrate her.

Asked why he went into the sea, he claimed: Quite honestly, I quite enjoyed having the attention. It was a very spur-of-the-moment request from her, it was not discussed before.

Having had some alcohol and being the stag and being the one that everything was deflected towards, I suppose the phrase is peer pressure.

Asked who the peer pressure was coming from, Knight said: I may have applied it myself.

On 21 July, he tried to send the woman a Facebook message, saying: You are not (the woman) that went for a dip in the sea on Friday whilst her guy friend looked after her bag?

When cross-examined, he said that he had sent the message to acknowledge I was embarrassed. She was younger, perhaps less mature and she was the one that stepped in and stopped it going any further.

He said he later deleted the message as he became worried that his fiancee would see it.

When he was arrested, he told jurors his initial reaction was to believe he was being subjected to an extended prank from the stag do.

Knight, of Leyton, east London, denied two charges of rape and sexual assault and was convicted of the latter following a trial at Southwark Crown Court. He has been jailed for two years and will remain on the sex offenders register for 10 years.

A restraining order was also put in place barring him from contacting the complainant. Knight had been suspended from the Met and he has now left the force.

A misconduct hearing has been scheduled for August 3 to determine whether he acted in gross misconduct and if dismissal would have been justified.

Jayne Cioffi from the Crown Prosecution Service said: As a police officer Knight clearly understood the concept of consent and realised that, without consent, he would be committing a sexual assault, but set what he knew aside for his own selfish reasons.

He persuaded his victim to go into the water with him and then callously took advantage of a woman he had just met.

It was immediately clear to her friend as soon as she came out of the sea that something terrible had happened. She called the police immediately and, when officers arrived at the scene, they found her crying and hyperventilating.

Knight said he had just wanted a bit of last minute fun on his stag night but his actions have had a devastating impact on his victim and, as a police officer, he would have been only too well aware of that.

I would like to thank the complainant for reporting what had happened to her.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Two retired Metropolitan Police officers have been jailed for a three-year plot to share the most depraved child sexual abuse images together with a serving Met chief inspector, who was found dead before he was charged.

Jack Addis, 63, and Jeremy Laxton, 63, were sentenced at Southwark Crown Court on Friday, having previously pleaded guilty to a charge of conspiring with Richard Watkinson, 49, to distribute or show indecent images of children.

The images and videos had been shared for their own sexual pleasure via a hard drive that the men added to when they met up, the court heard.

Watkinson, who was a serving Met chief inspector for neighbourhood policing at the West Area Command Unit, was found dead at his home in Saunderton, Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire, on January 12, following welfare concerns.

The court heard he took his own life.

He had been suspended from duty following his arrest in July 2021 and was that day due to answer bail to be charged with the conspiracy, as well as three counts of making indecent photos of a child, voyeurism and two counts of misconduct in public office.

According to the charge, the three men conspired to distribute or show indecent images of children to each other between January 1 2018 and July 10 2021.

The images, which were found on a computer hard drive, included 2,516 in Category A  the worst kind, 1,032 in Category B and 1,701 in Category C.

Laxton, from Grantham, Lincolnshire, pleaded guilty to a slew of other offences for which he was sentenced.

Karen Walton, for Laxton, said her client has to live with the public deeming him part and parcel of trust in the police force being at an all-time low.

The images you traded in were of the most depraved Mr Justice Wall

Mr Justice Wall jailed Addis, from Perthshire in Scotland, for three years and nine months, and Laxton for five years and nine months.

The judge said: The images you traded in were of the most depraved.

He added: You had each been policemen and although not working directly in child protection must have been fully aware of the damage done to real children by the filming of such disturbing images.

On top of the conspiracy charge, Laxton also pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent images of a child, possession of a prohibited image, possessing an extreme pornographic image and possession of cannabis on or before September 20 2021.

The images include 6,086 in Category A, 4,039 in Category B, 3,597 in Category C, seven prohibited images of a child and 56 extreme pornographic images which were grossly offensive, disgusting or otherwise of an extreme character depicting a person having sex with an animal, according to the indictment.

Investigators found devices in a cavity Laxton had created behind the walls of his home after seeing a message he sent someone to say he buried his equipment within the walls.

One officer, tasked with looking through the material, described one of the images as one of the most disturbing Category A images in existence.

Laxton further pleaded guilty to a charge of intentionally encouraging or assisting the commission of the offence of misconduct in a public office between December 1 2019 and May 1 2021.

Laxton admitted separate offences at Lincoln Magistrates Court, for which he was also sentenced on Friday.

In Lincoln, he admitted three counts of possessing indecent images of children, possessing extreme pornographic images, possessing prohibited images and possessing cannabis.

Appearing in the dock in a dark grey suit, Laxton was sentenced to four-and-a-half years in prison for the conspiracy charge running consecutive to 15 months in jail for encouraging or assisting the commission of the offence of misconduct in a public office.

The overall sentence will run concurrently to two years in prison for each offence relating to category A images and eight months for each of the remaining offences.

Addis appeared in court by video-link from HMP Durham where he is serving an 18-month sentence for three counts of voyeurism and possessing indecent photographs of a child.

He will have to live with that shame not only in this courtroom but thereafter it will be publicised for a period of time Karen Walton, barrister for Laxton

He joined the Met Police in 1978, became a sergeant and then a firearms officer in a specialist firearms unit before leaving to join the Civil Nuclear Constabulary in 2010.

In a letter to the judge, Addis apologised to everyone affected by his actions and said: I made a terrible mistake. One that I will regret for the rest of my life.

The guilt and shame I feel is overwhelming.

I cannot begin to put into words my remorse.

Laxton joined the Met Police in 1980 and retired in 2011.

Ms Walton told the court Laxton has had to accept his responsibility in participating in an appalling trade.

He will have to live with that shame not only in this courtroom but thereafter it will be publicised for a period of time, she said.

A sexual harm prevention order is in place for both defendants for the next 10 years which restricts their access to the internet and their contact with children.

An NSPCC spokesperson said: It is deeply troubling that Addis and Laxton, whose roles as police offers were to enforce the law and protect the most vulnerable in society, conspired together to share images of children being sexually abused.

This is compounded by the fact they would have been well aware that the impact of child sexual abuse on victims can be devastating and long-lasting.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

A monster care worker raped and sexually assaulted an unknown number of elderly patients in a series of horrific attacks across two care homes, The Independent can reveal.

Teo-Valentin Todorovits has pleaded guilty to 12 charges of rape, sexual assault, voyeurism and neglect. The assault charges include sex with multiple victims suffering from a mental disorder.

Some of his victims suffered from dementia and did not realise they were being attacked. The 22-year-old took pictures and videos of his assaults, but some of his victims could not be identified from the footage, The Independent understands.

There are two known victims, and a further 10 unknown residents feared to have been targeted over a three-year period.

Have you been affected by this story? If so email rebecca.thomas@independent.co.uk

Questions have also been raised over the police response. A detective inspector is among three Essex Police officers being investigated by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) following claims they failed to properly investigate initial reports of rape and sexual abuse.

Todorovits was convicted earlier this year and the case did not come to light until it was uncovered by The Independent. He is due to be sentenced in the autumn.

A monster of a guy Todorovits has pleaded guilty to rape (Sourced)

One source described the defendant as a monster of a guy adding: Yes it is horrific, but for the families, its the not knowing if their loved ones were among those targeted thats the worst thing.

For the families at the previous care home, they knew there were parents involved and could deal with it but for families at the second home, they just dont know.

Thats the worst bit thinking your parent died having been abused and you didnt know.

Six offences were carried out in 2020 and 2021 at a care home in Essex, and a further six at another Essex care home in late 2022.

Due to reporting restrictions the specific care homes cannot be named.

Todorovits pleaded guilty to two charges of rape, six charges of sex with a person with a mental disorder, two charges of voyeurism, one charge of ill-treatment and one of wilful neglect.

Essex Police told The Independent: This has been a difficult investigation for the victims, their families, the care homes where the incidents took place and for the officers who have been involved in the investigation.

The families of the victims are being supported by specialist officers and that support will continue.

The source, who has knowledge of the case, told The Independent: I think the level of abuse was avoidable. If officials had done their due diligence the abuse could have been stopped earlier.

The Independent understands a complaint was initially made to the police after the first offence.

Essex Police said they found issues of concern when they investigated how officers responded to that early complaint.

A spokesperson said: As a result of a review of the investigation as it progressed, we identified areas in the early stages of the investigation which caused concern and, as a result, we self-referred to the IOPC.

Since then a thorough Essex Police investigation has taken place, which identified the scale of Todorovits offending and ultimately brought him to justice.

The spokesperson added: At this stage, three officers are facing a conduct investigation. Those officers have not been part of the investigation since the early stages and they continue to be supported by the force.

The local authority, Essex County Council, said it has launched a safeguarding adults review into the case.

A CQC spokesperson said: We are aware of these extremely serious allegations. We remain in close contact with the police, local authority and providers in order to ensure that people are supported and safe.

The news comes amid growing controversy around thousands of sexual incident reports in NHS trusts. However, CQC data obtained by The Independent suggests a wider issue within adult social care with 1,840 reports of sexual abuse, assault or misconduct reported to the watchdog between August 2020 and August 2021. This compares to just under 900 reported across hospitals during that period.

In 2020 the CQC published a report warning that 16 per cent of 882 reports of sexual abuse in adult social care services were against employed staff or temporary workers.

Several care homes have also been fined by the watchdog over failing to protect residents against sexual assault. In one case in September 2021, a care home provider was fined 363,000 for failing to protect a female resident who was raped by another patient.

An Essex County Council spokesperson said: The safeguarding of our most vulnerable is of utmost priority to us and our partners. We always act swiftly when a safeguarding alert is made and will work with a care home to address immediate concerns and put in place actions to ensure the safety of all residents and care workers. We support care homes with guidance, resources, and best practice.

A Safeguarding Adults Review has been commissioned which will make recommendations and share any learning for all partner agencies. Therefore, at this stage we arent commenting further on the specifics of this case.

An IOPC spokesperson said: We can confirm that we are investigating the conduct of three Essex Police officers following allegations they failed to properly investigate the initial reports of a potential rape and serious sexual abuse at a care home.

A police constable and a detective inspector have been served gross misconduct notices and a detective sergeant has been served a misconduct notice for potential breaches of the police standards of professional behaviour.

Our investigation began following a voluntary conduct referral from Essex Police on 21 November 2022. The serving of misconduct notices does not necessarily mean that disciplinary proceedings will follow.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

A man who stabbed a father-of-three to death in the food hall of a shopping centre has been sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 27 years for his murder.

Michael Ugwa, 29, was killed at Lakeside Shopping Centre in Thurrock, Essex, on April 28 last year after complimenting a woman, Basildon Crown Court was told.

Muhammad Khan, 24, was found guilty of Mr Ugwas murder and of affray following an earlier trial.

Judge Samantha Leigh said she was satisfied so she was sure that Khan had said, in the car on the way to the shopping mall, that he felt like killing someone today.

She said Khan was wearing a full-face balaclava, had argued with his girlfriend earlier that day and was clearly in an aggressive mood.

He had carried a knife daily for almost 18 months before the incident, the judge said, and he produced his flick-knife at Lakeside, one of the biggest shopping centres in England, it was full of people.

She sentenced Khan at Basildon Crown Court on Friday to life in prison with a minimum term of 27 years, which he must serve before he can be considered for release.

She said the murder was over a throwaway flirtatious comment, adding: This was carried out in the most public of areas, the food court of Lakeside at 4.30pm.

Members of Mr Ugwas family, wearing black t-shirts with photographs of Mr Ugwa printed on them, attended Fridays sentencing hearing and watched on from the jury seats.

Mr Ugwas mother, Lauretta, wept as she read her victim impact statement to the court.

My family have been shattered by this senseless act of violence and we are still struggling to come to terms with the enormity of our loss, she said.

She said that her 16-year-old daughter first became aware of the incident when she saw a Snapchat video, saying that someone had been stabbed at Lakeside.

She zoomed in on the face of the victim and the person looked like Michael, same facial structure, same hairstyle, she said, later learning that he had gone there to get food.

Michaels three young children will forever be fatherless Michael Ugwas mother Lauretta

Theres no ending to our pain, our loss and our heartbreak, she said.

Michaels three young children will forever be fatherless.

We therefore ask for maximum sentences so that justice will be served for Michael and no other family will have to suffer the way we have.

Karim Khalil KC, prosecuting, said Khan and Brandon Lutchmunsing had cornered Mr Ugwa before Khan stabbed him in the chest.

Mr Ugwa, from Rainham, east London, bled to death at the scene as the two men fled.

Khan, of Ilford, east London, and Lutchmunsing, of Dagenham, east London, had denied the charges against them.

Lutchmunsing, 21, who was found guilty of manslaughter and affray, was sentenced to 13 years in prison with a further two-year extended licence period.

Jurors were told how an argument broke out after Mr Ugwa made comments towards Lutchmunsings girlfriend, Shannon Weston.

Khan is said to have brandished a knife before he and Lutchmunsing stalked Mr Ugwa through the shopping centre food hall.

Mr Khalil described the brutal attack of two on one in which the men trapped Mr Ugwa in a pincer movement.

Footage played at court showed Mr Ugwa holding up a chair in a bid to defend himself before throwing it at Lutchmunsing.

Khan then stabbed Mr Ugwa in a single and deadly blow before fleeing with Lutchmunsing in Westons red Audi, Mr Khalil said.

Weston drove Khan and Lutchmunsing away from the shopping centre, and helped her then-boyfriend to evade police between April 28 and May 4.

The 21-year-old, of Canewdon, Essex, was found guilty of three counts of assisting an offender, which she had denied.

She was sentenced to two years in prison, suspended for two years, and ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work.

In mitigation for Khan, it was said that it was a single stab wound and he lacked maturity.

For Lutchmunsing, it was said that he has mental health difficulties and was not in possession of a knife.

For Weston, it was said that she had a difficult upbringing and was effectively homeless at the time.

Khan and Lutchmunsing showed no reaction as they were led to the cells.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has declared he will press ahead with extending the capitals ultra low emission zone (Ulez) after five councils failed in their legal bid to stop him.

He described the High Court judgment as a landmark decision and pledged to do everything possible to address any concerns Londoners may have about the schemes expansion on August 29.

The outer London boroughs of Bexley, Bromley, Harrow and Hillingdon along with Surrey County Council  all led by the Conservatives  launched legal action in February over the Labour mayors proposals to extend Ulez beyond the North and South Circular roads to include the whole of the city.

In a ruling on Friday Mr Justice Swift dismissed the councils case.

Drivers of vehicles which do not meet minimum emissions standards are charged a 12.50 daily fee for entering the Ulez zone.

Transport for London (TfL) says nine out of 10 cars seen driving in outer London on an average day comply with the Ulez standards.

But figures obtained by the RAC show more than 690,000 licensed cars in the whole of London are likely to be non-compliant.

This does not take into account other types of vehicles or those which enter London from neighbouring counties.

Mr Khan said: The decision to expand the Ulez was very difficult and not something I took lightly.

He went on: The Ulez has already reduced toxic nitrogen dioxide air pollution by nearly half in central London and a fifth in inner London.

The coming expansion will see five million more Londoners being able to breathe cleaner air.

Bromley Councils leader, Colin Smith, claimed the judges decision cannot be disguised as anything other than bitter disappointment for motorists.

Susan Hall, the Conservative Partys candidate for the London mayor election in May next year, said the ruling was a shame and reiterated her pledge to stop the Ulez expansion on day one if elected.

The AA urged Mr Khan to give people more time to react to the change or reduce the impact on them, while the RAC called on the mayor to give additional support to key workers.

But climate charity Possible described the judgment as fantastic, claiming Ulez expansion is sorely needed to tackle our overreliance on cars and improve air quality.

At a hearing earlier this month, the local authorities lawyers said the mayor lacked the legal power to order the expansion of the zone by varying existing regulations and argued that there was an unfair and unlawful approach to collecting views on the plans.

The mayors legal team rejected the bid to quash his November 2022 decision to extend the Ulez, arguing the move was entirely lawful and that ample information was provided for a fair consultation.

Giving a summary of his findings, the judge said: I am satisfied that the mayors decision to expand the Ulez area by amendment of the present road charging scheme, rather than by making an entirely new  scheme, was within his powers.

The judge added that, having carefully considered the consultation process, he was satisfied that enough information was given for people who wished to respond to provide informed responses.

In response, Mr Khan said: I was a lawyer for more than 11 years. Ive never seen a more one-sided judgment.

From Monday, access to the mayors 110 million scheme which provides grants supporting the scrapping of non Ulez-compliant vehicles in London will be extended.

It will include all families in receipt of child benefit and every small business.

At the end of last month some 68 million remained available through the programme.

Fridays ruling comes in the wake of last weeks Uxbridge and South Ruislip parliamentary by-election, where Labours failure to win ex-prime minister Boris Johnsons seat was blamed on concerns around the expansion of Ulez.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Anti-Brexit campaigner Gina Miller has called for an investigation into banks refusing to serve political parties after Monzo said it is closing her account.

The leader of the upstart True & Fair political party said challenger bank Monzo is cutting ties with the group in September after two years.

Monzo said it does not offer bank accounts to political parties and it had accepted the True & Fair partys application by mistake.

But Ms Miller, who famously challenged the governments Brexit plans in the Supreme Court, said it is nearly impossible for small political parties to access banking services in the UK.

The FCA and the government must urgently investigate and take action, she said.

She added: The True & Fair Partys experience with Monzo and other banks which rejected our account applications demonstrates how it is nearly impossible for small political parties to access banking in the UK.

We no longer live in a functioning democracy if banking facilities can be denied or removed from political parties and political individuals.

Ms Miller said banks are overzealously misusing rules around politically exposed people (PEPs) and political parties.

The warning about her account closure comes amid rising concern about banks denying accounts of PEPs and others. Ministers have urged bank bosses to ensure services are not denied to people expressing lawful free speech.

And City minister Andrew Griffith has also tightened rules so banks will have to explain why they are shutting down an account.

Previously they have not had to provide a rationale for doing so.

The notice period for a forced account closure will be extended from 30 days to 90 days.

Nigel Farages Coutts account was shut down because his public statements did not align with the banks values (PA)

It comes after former UK Independence Party (Ukip) leader Nigel Farage discovered his bank account was shut down by private bank Coutts, owned by NatWest Group, because it found his public statements did not align with its values.

Monzo said Ms Millers account closure was nothing to do with political views or affiliations, but because it does not offer accounts to political parties.

A spokesman said: In this case, the account wasnt originally categorised as a political party. After this was identified and corrected, the customer was given notice that the account would be closed.

We recognise that this experience will have been frustrating for the customer and were sorry for that.
Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Systemic failings by state agencies contributed to the death of a Black baby whose extremely vulnerable teenage mother gave birth alone in her prison cell, a coroner has ruled.

Rianna Cleary, who was 18 years old at the time, gave birth to Aisha in the early hours of 27 September 2019 without any medical help after two calls to prison staff at HMP Bronzefield went unanswered.

A prison officer also walked past her cell with a torch when she was on her hands and knees in labour but did not stop and help, Surrey Coroners Court in Woking was told.

On the night she went into labour, Ms Cleary  who was exploited by county lines gangs before ending up in HMP Bronzefield jail  was in extreme pain but did not know what was causing it as she was not due to give birth until the following month.

She later fell asleep and delivered the infant alone during the night. When she woke up, she was forced to bite off her own babys umbilical cord with her teeth.

Aisha was found dead in the cell in the morning after suffering brain injuries, the inquest heard. The coroner was unable to determine whether she was stillborn or breathing when she was delivered, but if she was alive she would have died within hours.

The hearing was told the mother had not been engaging with nurses before the birth because she was worried her baby would be taken away by social services. She had claimed she would take her own life if her baby was removed from her care.

Richard Travers, senior coroner for Surrey, found that the prison and midwives at St Peters Hospital did not have proper plans to care for Ms Cleary and her baby in the run-up to her going into labour.

The prison also failed to monitor her adequately, support her when she said she would kill herself if the baby was taken away, and respond to her calls for help during labour.

There is clear evidence, not least, of systemic failings which more than minimally contributed to Aisha being delivered in a prison cell without medical assistance and, following delivery, losing the chance of resuscitation and survival, Mr Travers said.

If Aishas mothers labour had been identified and she had been transferred to hospital in a timely manner for Aishas delivery, there would have been an opportunity for effective steps to have been taken to secure Aishas survival.

Speaking after the inquest, Ms Cleary said that nothing can change the nightmare I went through or bring Aisha back.

I feel so sad knowing that Aisha may have survived if they had helped me, she added.

Only one prison officer, who didnt even do anything wrong, said sorry to me directly.

The deputy director of Bronzefield wrote one line to me saying sorry you gave birth alone just before the inquest started. If it wasnt for this inquest, they would still be blaming me for giving birth alone.

Although race was not considered as a potential factor, Ms Cleary questioned whether she was mistreated because of her ethnicity in a statement read out during the inquest.

I want this inquest to give me some answers, she said. Was I treated differently because I am a young, Black woman? Why was I left to give birth on my own? Why did no one answer my cell bell when I was desperately seeking help?

In official statements given shortly after Aishas death, a prison supervisor entrusted with Ms Clearys care described her as being like a gangster. However, she was unable to justify her use of such language when challenged by the coroner and Ms Clearys barrister during the inquest proceedings.

When asked by the coroner whether that was an appropriate word to use, she replied: No. Her barrister then asked whether she had used the term because Ms Cleary was Black, but she denied this.

Last year, Black, Asian and minority ethnic women prisoners recounted their experiences of racial discrimination at the hands of staff members  with some inmates reporting that they had been inappropriately described using terms such as gangster.

Racial disparities in maternal and baby health outcomes across the UK reflect the tragedy of Aishas case.

The court heard how a prison officer walked past Ms Clearys cell with a torch when she was on her hands and knees in labour but did not stop to help (The Independent)

Black and mixed-race babies are statistically more likely to die following birth, according to figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), with research pointing to systemic racism as a cause of these inequalities .

The charity INQUEST, which is supporting Ms Cleary, believes race may have played a part in how the young mother was treated.

Deborah Coles, INQUESTs director, told The Independent: INQUESTs research has found a lack of meaningful consideration of the race or ethnicity of those who die in prison, and the potential role of racism or discrimination in ombudsman investigations, coroners inquests and reports.

This is an unacceptable oversight which renders clear issues of racism and discrimination invisible. It puts the onus on bereaved families and their legal representatives to highlight the evidence.

Our research and casework evidence patterns of neglectful treatment of racialised people in prison, whose pain and distress is frequently ignored or seen as attention-seeking, aggressive or manipulative. Without investigating and considering these issues, how can they be properly addressed?

The tragic case of Aisha has renewed concerns about pregnant women being in prison. Protesters gathered outside the coroners court after the hearing.

Janey Starling, co-director of Level Up, a womens rights campaign group, told The Independent: Prison will never be a safe place to be pregnant and its long overdue for courts to stop sending pregnant women there. There are plenty of other countries that do not send pregnant women to prison, including Italy, Brazil and Mexico, yet the UK lags behind.

Its time for the government to listen to the experts and end the imprisonment of pregnant women.

There were 196 pregnant women in prison during the 12-month period from April 2022 to March 2023.
Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Twenty-three people have died in or following police custody in 12 months  the highest number for five years, official figures show.

The tally, for the period covering April 2022 to 31 March this year, was an increase of 12 on 2021-22, and the highest since 2017-18.

There were also 28 deaths from 26 police-related road traffic incidents  a fall of 12 on the year before.

The figures, contained in the annual report on deaths in England and Wales during or following police contact in 2022-23 by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), also show there were 52 apparent suicides following police custody, a drop of five year-on-year.

The police watchdog said the sharp rise in deaths linked to custody was concerning and raised challenges well beyond policing.

Acting director general of the IOPC Tom Whiting said there was an over-reliance on the police as first responders in dealing with vulnerable people in crisis and called for concerted action across agencies to help prevent deaths.

Earlier this week, police laid out plans to drastically reduce the number of mental health callouts officers deal with, putting the onus back onto healthcare staff.

The report shows that of the 23 deaths in or following custody, 13 people had mental health concerns with four having been detained under the Mental Health Act, and 21 had links to drugs and/or alcohol.

Some 19 of the dead were white, two were Black, one was of mixed ethnicity and one was Asian.

Force had been used against 11 of the 23 people who died in or following police custody.

A dozen people were taken ill at the scene of arrest. Eight of those were taken to hospital, where they later died, and four died at the scene.

Police shot three people dead in the latest year, compared with two the previous year, the report says.

Almost two-thirds (55) of those who died following other police contact were reported to be intoxicated with drugs and/or alcohol at the time, or it featured heavily in their lifestyle.

Of the 28 road traffic deaths, 12 were of the driver or passenger in the pursued vehicle, and five people were in unrelated vehicles hit by the car being chased.

The average age of those who died as either driver or passenger in a fleeing vehicle was 28.

Half of the 52 people who apparently took their own lives had been arrested for an alleged sexual offence  and all but two of the 26 involved alleged offences against children.

Mr Whiting said people who died in or following custody had vulnerabilities that were consistent, common factors year on year.

It is notable that in several of the deaths, police officers have attended to people who are in the midst of a medical episode, and in some cases restrain them, while waiting for an ambulance, he said.

Recommended Five police officers investigated for alleged manslaughter of man restrained inside hospital

Police officers cannot be expected to demonstrate the medical expertise necessary to best care for an individual in such circumstances...

It is clear there is an over-reliance on the police service as first responders in dealing with vulnerable people in crisis.
Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

The Ministry of Defence has launched an investigation after officials unwittingly sent emails containing classified information to a close Russian ally because of a typing error.

A small number of emails intended for the Pentagon were sent to Mali because of the accidental omission of an i from an email address.

British officials sent the messages to an address ending with the West African countrys .ml domain, rather than the US militarys .mil.

The same error in the US was revealed last week to have resulted in millions of military emails going to Mali.

It was argued that the scale of the British mishap, first reported by The Times, paled in comparison.

A defence ministry spokesperson said: We have opened an investigation after a small number of emails were mistakenly forwarded to an incorrect email domain.

Some of those emails reportedly contained sensitive information such as passwords, medical records and the itineraries of top officers.

The spokesperson added: We are confident they did not contain any information that could compromise operational security or technical data.

All sensitive information is shared on systems designed to minimise the risk of misdirection.

The MoD (Ministry of Defence) constantly reviews its processes and is currently undertaking a programme of work to improve information management, data loss prevention, and the control of sensitive information.

Mali was among the six African countries promised free grain shipments by Russian president Vladimir Putin after the collapse of the Black Sea deal with Ukraine.

Moscows Wagner mercenaries have also been deployed in Mali to fight alongside the army against jihadists.
Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

The frantic father of a seven-year-old girl killed in a motorbike hit-and-run crash begged her to open her eyes as she lay dying, her distraught mother has said.

The schoolgirl, identified by her mother as Katnis Selezneva, is believed to have been playing on her scooter yards from her home in Blakenall, Walsall, when she was struck.

She was airlifted to Birmingham Childrens Hospital with critical injuries but died later on Thursday evening.

A 14-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving after the crash, which took place in Turnstone Road at 7pm.

West Midlands Police officers are searching for a blue and black road bike believed to have been involved in the crash and are trying to determine the make and model.

Katnis Seleznevas mother has paid tribute to her angel daughter (Tsvetelina Selezneva )

Katniss grief-stricken mother, Tsvetelina Selezneva, wrote that her soul was aching as she paid tribute to her sweet treasure.

God took her away too young and fragile, Ms Selezneva wrote on Facebook.

I dont have strength and I dont want to say goodbye to you, my star. How to let you go, my heart is bleeding, my soul is aching.

Who will take care of you now up there my angel! Im powerless, words are not enough, no consolation!

Every day she told me I love you mom, you are the best mother and the most beautiful because you take care of me and do everything to make me happy.

Wellwishers left dozens of bunches of flowers and stuffed toys at the scene of the crash on Friday to pay tribute to the girl, one reading: I will remember your beautiful soul forever. Thinking and praying for your family.

Ms Selezneva addressed her daughter as she wrote: You were so strong, healthy, smiling, always in the three races, why couldnt you fight for your life

Your dad was calling you  open your eyes Katnis, dad is here, open them - but you closed them forever! closed them forever! Rest in peace, sweet treasure!

People left flowers and toys at the scene of the crash ( PA)

May your path be bright so you are not afraid in the dark without mom and dad!

Peace to your soul! Mama one day will come to you.

Police say two bikes have been recovered as part of their investigation, but neither has been identified yet as the one involved.

Officers are also carrying out CCTV enquiries, and say specialist officers are supporting the family, who are originally from Bulgaria.

Detective Sergeant Paul Hughes, of the forces serious collision investigation unit, said: This is an absolutely tragic event which has resulted in the death of an innocent child.

Appealing to anyone who knew where the bike was, he said: This is not about protecting people, this is about doing the right thing.

This is a heartbreaking situation that no family should ever go through and my thoughts are with the family of this young girl.
Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

The body of a much-loved firefighter who disappeared as he attempted to swim the English Channel, despite having a support boat, has been found.

Iain Hughes, crew manager at Wednesbury fire station, West Midlands, set off from the Kent coast on the morning of June 20 but went missing later that day in French waters.

The disappearance of the 42-year-old father-of-two sparked an extensive search by French and Belgian authorities which was later called off.

On Friday, West Midlands Fire Service said the body of a swimmer found in waters off Belgium has been formally identified as Mr Hughes.

In a joint statement releases through the fire service, Mr Hughes family said they miss him more than words can ever say.

They said: Our lives were shattered when Iain went missing. He was our world. The news that his body had been found was unbearable. It still is. We miss him more than words can ever say.

We are proud of Iain for so many reasons. He put his heart and soul into training for the swim, but that was Iain  determined to help and support others.

Mr Hughes had been attempting to raise 21,000  1,000 for every mile of his swim  for the British Heart Foundation, The Fire Fighters Charity and the Midlands Air Ambulance.

The Channel Swimming and Piloting Federation (CSPF) said Iain was close to the stern of his support boat when he went missing in French waters.

It is lovely to see how much money has been raised for his three charities, but also heartbreaking that he will never know the total Family statement

As of Friday, his fundraiser had far exceeded this target by raising more than 56,000.

Mr Hughes family added: It is lovely to see how much money has been raised for his three charities, but also heartbreaking that he will never know the total. Thank you to everyone who has donated and who is still raising money.

We also want to send our thanks and love to everyone who has been there for us these past few weeks.

The photo we are releasing sums up the Iain we loved.

We will not be giving media interviews and ask that our privacy be respected. Thank you.

West Midlands Fire Service chief fire officer Wayne Brown said it is devastating news and that Iains family are foremost in our thoughts at this distressing time.

He added: I know that many people have been affected by Iains disappearance.

We, in turn, have been touched by the hundreds of kind messages we have received, and the overwhelming response to Iains fundraising page. Thank you.

West Midlands Fire Service said flags at its sites will fly at half-mast until sunset on Friday as a mark of respect to Mr Hughes.
Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Watch as Jeremy Hunt gives evidence at the Infected Blood Inquiry on Friday 28 July.

The Chancellor was expected to be questioned over the long delays to paying compensation to the victims of the contaminated blood scandal.

Campaigners hope the former health secretary will commit to setting aside the funds to compensate the thousands affected by the scandal dating back decades.

Mr Hunts appearance came after Rishi Sunak was heckled and laughed at earlier this week when insisting the government were working quickly to deliver the payments.

The Prime Ministers claim they were working at pace to set up a scheme faced particular derision from those watching the proceedings in central London earlier this week.

Thousands died in what is widely recognised as the worst treatment disaster in the history of the NHS after being given contaminated blood products in the 1970s and 1980s.

Campaigners want Mr Hunt to agree to allocate the funds to establish the recommended compensation scheme.
Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

The Home Office has been forced to delay plans to move thousands of asylum seekers to a Lincolnshire RAF base, in the latest blow to Rishi Sunaks controversial accommodation strategy.

Migrants will not be moved to Scampton until October, despite the Home Office previously claiming that transfers would start this summer, because required tests on buildings and utilities have not been carried out.

A local official told The Independent the government was seeing the practical results of its refusal not to consult authorities or go through the normal planning process, adding: Most intelligent people would assess the situation first and then make a decision.

There have also been delays to an asylum barge in Portland, which has not yet taken any migrants on board, and cases of scabies and tuberculosis among the first cohort of people housed at RAF Wethersfield in Essex.

Scampton Parish Council said that during a meeting on Thursday, government officials admitted necessary surveys had not been conducted on the 14 buildings to be used, and that required checks had not been carried out on gas, water and electricity supplies.

It is not clear why the Home Office did not factor this activity into its plans at an earlier stage in the process, a statement added.

It did not consult local authorities before announcing that Scampton would be used for asylum seekers in March, and then bypassed planning permission by declaring the accommodation situation an emergency.

The Home Offices plans for RAF Scampton, as well as another airbase in Essex and a former Sussex prison, are subject to an upcoming High Court battle mounted by local councils and residents.

They are arguing that home secretary Suella Bravermans emergency declaration is unlawful, while Scampton was already earmarked for a 300m regeneration programme that is now under threat.

The chair of the company behind the project told The Independent that infrastructure necessary to support 2,000 residents just isnt there.

Whats happening now is illustrative of the practical results of doing things back to front, said Peter Hewitt, the chair of Scampton Holdings Ltd.

Most intelligent people would assess the situation first and then make a decision, but it seems the government made a political decision and is now trying to backfill to make it work.

Mr Hewitt accused the government of a lack of common sense, and failing to do basic research before embarking on a project.

Inside the Bibby Stockholm asylum barge

He said it was scandalous for the uncertainty to damage the regeneration project, which is hoped to drive local jobs and tourism.

The government has said using military bases and other large sites as asylum accommodation would be cheaper than hotels, which are currently costing around 6m a day.

Last Friday, a Home Office press release claimed that Scampton, Wethersfield and the Bibby Stockholm barge would house 3,000 asylum seekers by the autumn, but the figure now appears impossible to reach.

Officials have also purchased marquees to be used as accommodation for migrants in the event of a surge in Channel crossings overwhelming capacity.

The prime minister has vowed to stop the boats but more than 14,700 people have made the journey so far this year, and the total is nearing record-breaking figures seen in 2022.

The Independent understands that tents will only be used if the Manston initial processing facility hits capacity and there are not sufficient places in hotels or military sites to accommodate people.

But the plan has drawn strong criticism, with the Refugee Action charity calling it yet another way the government has developed to demonise people seeking asylum.

Shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper said the Home Office was flailing around on asylum accommodation, and that the contingencies were an admission that they are not expecting legislation that they promised would stop boat crossings to work.

A Home Office spokesperson said: Delivering accommodation on surplus military sites will end the use of expensive hotels to house those arriving in small boats. We continue to work closely with local authorities to address the local communities' concerns.

We are working hard to deliver these sites as quickly as possible.
Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

The prisons watchdog has warned the government over the dangers of record overcrowding in British jails, as suicides and violence soar.

Charlie Taylor, HM chief inspector of prisons, wrote to the justice secretary announcing an urgent notification for violent and drug-ridden HMP Bristol, following a wave of death and disorder.

He warned that the dangerous situation could be seen at other British jails, with serious consequences for public safety, unless the government tackles overcrowding, short-staffing and decaying facilities.

The challenges facing Bristol can be seen in other jails across England and Wales, albeit thankfully to a lesser extent, Mr Taylor said.

Our concern is that, with rising population pressures and increasingly stretched resources, more and more prisons are going to start to struggle.

Suicides have rocketed by 26 per cent in a year in jails across England and Wales, with 88 prisoners taking their own lives in the 12 months to March.

Self-harm incidents were up 11 per cent, assaults rose by the same figure and serious prisoner-on-prisoner attacks jumped by a third, according to Ministry of Justice figures.

HMP Bristol is the 10th prison to be given an urgent notification since 2018, with the step last taken for HMP Exeter in November over high rates of suicide, self-harm and inadequate care for inmates.

The latest official figures show that 86,500 people are imprisoned in England and Wales, just 900 below the useable operational capacity.

The situation in many prisons is concerning and we need to see resolute support from the centre over the coming months to every prison and governor if were to avoid seeing more prisons in the desperate state that Bristol is in, Mr Taylor warned.

We cannot end up in a situation where men are simply warehoused in appalling conditions, with real risk of harm not only to them, but also to the public on their release if their rehabilitation is not being supported during their time in custody.

Prisoners could be held in police cells to tackle overcrowding, justice minister says

The government announced an emergency plan to use 400 police cells as overflow in December, but it has not stopped numbers climbing rapidly, and a new prison in Leicestershire will take months to reach full capacity.

It has been building 1,000 portable cabins - officially called Rapid Deployment Cells - in a bid to ease overcrowding, while doubling inmates up in cells and accelerating moves into open prisons.

Two inmates have been crammed into Victorian cells designed for one person at HMP Bristol, with many locked up for 22 hours a day and not receiving any kind of regime to rehabilitate them.

The prison was violent and riddled with drugs, some of which were delivered by drones to prisoners through cell windows from which they had removed the glass under the noses of prison officers, a HM Inspectorate of Prisons report said.

Despite the obvious effects of overcrowding, the capacity of the prison had actually been increased on several occasions since the last inspection.

The watchdog said seven prisoners had killed themselves in just 10 months, while a man had been charged with murdering his cellmate.

Ellie Reeves, Labours shadow prisons minister, said: After 13 years of Tory chaos and neglect, our prison system is on its knees. Record levels of overcrowding, violence and drugs in prisons is not stopping crime, its creating it.

Self-harm in prisons in England and Wales has been rising again after a dip during the Covid pandemic (Ministry of Justice)

The Howard League for Penal Reform questioned why Bristol did not improve after a previous urgent notification in 2019, saying the situation was a crushing indictment of a system that has been asked to do too much, with too little, for too long.

Chief executive Andrea Coomber KC added: With the prison population in England and Wales having risen by more than 4,000 since the beginning of the year, putting jails under enormous pressure, the logical question might be: Where next?

Sensible steps to reduce prison numbers would save lives, protect staff and help more people to move on from crime.

The Prison Reform Trust said the state of HMP Bristol was symptomatic of a chronically overburdened system, calling for the government to urgently look at alternatives to short sentences and cut down the record number of people in jail awaiting trial.

Prisons minister Damian Hinds said the government would take urgent action to turn HMP Bristol around and would be publishing a plan setting out measures.

The Ministry of Justice said staff were trained in suicide and self-harm prevention, and vulnerable prisoners have access to care and mental health services.

While the rate of staff assaults has decreased, we will continue to ensure our hardworking staff are protected through our 100m security investment, delivery of X-ray body scanners, specialist prison dogs and body-worn cameras, a statement added.

The department said the rate of violent assaults was still lower than before the Covid pandemic and that it was working to increase staffing levels in jails.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

A police force criticised for giving an apprentice crane operator back his shotgun certificate weeks before he committed one of the UKs worst mass shootings has made significant progress on firearms licensing but still requires improvement, a watchdog has said.

In just eight minutes, Jake Davison, 22, killed his mother Maxine, 51, and then shot dead three-year-old Sophie Martyn, her father Lee, 43, Stephen Washington, 59, and Kate Shepherd, 66.

He then turned the weapon on himself as he was confronted by an unarmed police officer on August 12 2021 in Keyham, Plymouth.

His Majestys Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services said concerns remained with Devon and Cornwall Police over a backlog in processing applications and the improper use of temporary permits.

The police inspectorate was commissioned in April to undertake an urgent review of the forces progress in implementing recommendations made by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) and comments made by a coroner in their prevention of future deaths report.

Earlier this year an inquest jury criticised failings within the forces firearms licensing unit, which handed the apprentice crane operator his shotgun back.

Meanwhile Ian Arrow, senior coroner for Plymouth, called for a root and branch reform of the UKs gun laws to protect the public.

He said the 50-year-old Firearms Act was at odds with public safety and the fundamental principle that owning a gun is a privilege and not a right and called for the legislative distinction between Section 1 firearms, such as rifles, and shotguns to be ended.

Inspectors said the force had made positive changes in several areas to improve its ability to assess a persons suitability to possess firearms, including introducing a new management structure, hiring more staff and delivering extensive training.

They said the force had implemented four of the five IOPC recommendations and made substantial progress on the comments made by the coroner.

But they had concerns about the forces backlog of applications for licences, which had been caused by inefficient processes, inadequate IT systems and the force not taking legitimate opportunities to reduce demand.

And they highlighted the forces inappropriate use of temporary permits, which should only be used in exceptional circumstances.

It found temporary permits were being used to help manage volumes, which it said is against statutory guidance and must stop.

Devon and Cornwall Police have invested 4 million in the firearms licensing unit since the tragedy, with 100 staff handling the highest number of gun licence applications of any force in England and Wales.

Wendy Williams, His Majestys Inspector of Constabulary, said: The mass shooting in Plymouth was a tragic event.

My thoughts remain with the victims and their families, and everyone in the local community who was affected.

Since 2021, Devon and Cornwall Police has made significant improvements across its firearms licensing department.

However, issues remain with its licences backlog and misuse of temporary permits. We are pleased the force is in the process of developing a plan to address these issues.

The changes the force has made are already making a positive impact on its performance and will go a long way to further improving its firearms licensing practices.

This is absolutely vital to ensure that gun licences are issued correctly, thereby protecting the public and reducing the risk of tragic events like the one in Plymouth ever happening again.

Davison legally held a shotgun certificate and weapon, having been obsessed with firearms from a young age due to a trait in autism of developing a special interest.

He applied for a shotgun certificate in July 2017 aged 18, saying he wanted to go clay pigeon shooting with his uncle.

As part of the application process, Davison had declared his autism and Aspergers, but when police sought relevant information from his GP, the doctor declined to provide any as it was not mandatory.

The police granted the application in January 2018 to last five years and he bought a black Weatherby pump-action shotgun.

Police already knew Davison had a history of violence.

In September 2020 he was captured on CCTV punching a 16-year-old boy up to nine times in a skate park, and slapping his 15-year-old female friend, after another boy called him a fat c***.

Detectives did not know he was a firearms holder and put him on the deferred charge Pathfinder scheme instead of prosecution.

It was only two months later that a concerned Pathfinder worker alerted police and the shotgun and certificate were seized.

But just five weeks before the killings, they were handed back to Davison.

Assistant chief constable Jim Pearce of Devon and Cornwall Police said: I am pleased the review recognises that the force has now fully implemented four of the five recommendations and highlights positive areas such as leadership, a clear governance structure and decision-making and investment in training and new systems.

I acknowledge that there is still work to do particularly in our backlog of renewal of firearms licences and our use of temporary permits.

The safety of our communities across Devon and Cornwall remains our priority and we are absolutely focused on delivering a safe, efficient and sustainable firearms licensing service.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

The families of those who died during the Keyham shootings have spoken of their disappointment that the police force which gave the killer his shotgun certificate back weeks before the massacre continues to place the public at risk.

In just eight minutes, Jake Davison, 22, killed his mother Maxine, 51, and then shot dead three-year-old Sophie Martyn, her father Lee, 43, Stephen Washington, 59, and Kate Shepherd, 66.

He then turned the weapon on himself as he was confronted by an unarmed police officer on August 12 2021 in Keyham, Plymouth.

A review by His Majestys Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services said improvements have been made to Devon and Cornwall Polices firearms licensing unit but concerns remained over a backlog in processing applications and the improper use of temporary permits.

Lawyer Patrick Maguire, who represents the Martyn, Washington and Shepherd families, said: We are extremely disappointed that, despite the jury at the inquest concluding that there were catastrophic failures within the firearms licensing unit of the Devon and Cornwall Police, His Majestys Inspectorate of Constabulary flag issues that the force continues to place the public at risk.

When the descriptors used by HMIC include words such as inefficient, inadequate, improper and inappropriate it should be obvious to everyone that more work needs to be done to prevent anything like this happening again.

We are disgusted that Devon and Cornwall Police have not implemented all of the coroner and Independent Office for Police Conducts recommendations.

How many more people need to needlessly die before they do things properly?

We had hoped that our loved ones deaths would not be in vain and that the force would do absolutely everything they could to prevent future deaths from happening.

This does not appear to be the case.

Nobody should be reassured by vague indications of progress having been made by Devon and Cornwall Police.

The public want actions and not words. Until then, firearms licences will continue to get into the hands of unsuitable people.

As families, we are united in calling for more fundamental change to the way firearms licences are granted in this country so that no other family has to endure the torment and grief we have been and are still going through.

The police inspectorate was commissioned in April to undertake an urgent review of the forces progress in implementing recommendations made by the IOPC and comments made by a coroner in their prevention of future deaths report.

Earlier this year an inquest jury criticised failings within the forces firearms licensing unit, which handed the apprentice crane operator his shotgun back.

Meanwhile, Ian Arrow, the senior coroner for Plymouth, called for a root and branch reform of the UKs gun laws to protect the public.

He said the 50-year-old Firearms Act was at odds with public safety and the fundamental principle that owning a gun is a privilege and not a right and called for the legislative distinction between Section 1 firearms  such as rifles  and shotguns to be ended.

Inspectors said the force had made positive changes in several areas to improve its ability to assess a persons suitability to possess firearms, including introducing a new management structure, hiring more staff and delivering extensive training.

They said the force had implemented four of the five IOPC recommendations and made substantial progress on the comments made by the coroner.

But they had concerns about the forces backlog of applications for licences, which had been caused by inefficient processes, inadequate IT systems and the force not taking legitimate opportunities to reduce demand.

And they highlighted the forces inappropriate use of temporary permits, which should only be used in exceptional circumstances.

They found temporary permits were being used to help manage volumes, which they said is against statutory guidance and must stop.

Devon and Cornwall Police have invested 4 million in the firearms licensing unit since the tragedy, with 100 staff handling the highest number of gun licence applications of any force in England and Wales.

Assistant Chief Constable Jim Pearce, of Devon and Cornwall Police, said: I am pleased the review recognises that the force has now fully implemented four of the five recommendations and highlights positive areas such as leadership, a clear governance structure and decision making and investment in training and new systems.

I acknowledge that there is still work to do, particularly in our backlog of renewal of firearms licences and our use of temporary permits.

The safety of our communities across Devon and Cornwall remains our priority and we are absolutely focused on delivering a safe, efficient and sustainable firearms licensing service.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

A Ukrainian MP has backed workers at a Scottish munitions depot who are set to strike next month.

Staff at the Defence Equipment & Support (DES) site in Beith, North Ayrshire, will walk out between August 4 and 7 after 93% of them backed strike action.

According to the GMB union, staff are split into two categories, craft and non-craft workers, with the former tasked with assembling weapons and the latter transporting them within the site and loading shipments.

Retention bonuses, the union claims, are paid to managers and craft staff, but non-craft workers  who earn less than 21,000 per year  do not receive the payments, meaning the pay gap between the two classifications has tripled to 18,000.

The work being done by GMB Scotland members at Beith could not be more important to Ukraine as we fight for our freedom Lesia Vasylenko

Strikes  like the two-day walkout earlier this month  will impact on the supply of Storm Shadow and Brimstone missiles to Ukraine in its fight against the Russian invasion, but a high-profile MP from the country has backed the workers at the depot.

Lesia Vasylenko, who decided to train in the use of guns to defend Ukraine and made a number of appearances in the UK to drum up support, said: The work being done by GMB Scotland members at Beith could not be more important to Ukraine as we fight for our freedom.

I thank every one of them for their efforts, support their fight for fairness and urge managers to quickly negotiate an end to this dispute and ensure their crucial work continues.

Her intervention comes after Ukrainian trade unions sent their support to the workers at the depot earlier this week.

GMB Scotland organiser Chris Kennedy said: It is regrettable that MPs and trade unions in Ukraine have a far better understanding and greater appreciation of the importance of our workers role than their managers.

Their support is great appreciated and we would urge the Ministry of Defence to properly understand the implications of this dispute and negotiate to end what has become a two-tier system.

This is the first strike at DES and management should listen to the voices being raised in support of our members, from Scotland to Ukraine, and negotiate a settlement that treats workers with fairness and respect.

A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said: The strikes will have no effect on our ability to provide capability to Ukraine.

Pre-planned contingency measures are being implemented at DM Beith to ensure the continued operation of the site. We remain open to dialogue with GMB to discuss the issues raised and work towards resolving them.
Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Suella Braverman has been accused of shocking and cruel plans over a proposal to house asylum seekers in tents.

The Home Office is working on contingency plans to use marquees, ahead of an expected rise in the number of people arriving across the English Channel by small boats.

It is thought they would be used if necessary to avoid expensive last-minute hotel bookings.

But Labour accused ministers of flailing between gimmicks which proved the governments plans to stop the boats were failing.

Writing in The Independent, former justice secretary Lord Falconer warned that creating tented refugee camps in disused army bases around the country [is] against the law.

Refugee charities accused the home secretary of trying to demonise people seeking asylum.

And Labours Lord Dubs, who arrived in the UK as a child refugee, told The Independent the move risked creating another camp like that seen in Calais, and which was dubbed the Jungle.

The procurement of tents is a complete sign of the failure of the governments policy. Will it end up like Calais? Absolutely. To put people in tents  even if the tents are better than anything (in Calais) ...  its still pretty shocking, he said.

Home secretary Suella Braverman (PA )

Green Party MP Caroline Lucas described it as another poisonous and performative measure which debases asylum seekers rather than treats them like human beings.

Despite the prime ministers vow to stop the boats more than 14,000 people have made the journey so far this year.

The tents plan comes after a Home Office move to house people on barges moored off-shore stalled because the vessels have struggled to find anywhere to dock.

A spokesperson for the department said it was looking at a range of accommodation options to replace the use of hotels, following a backlash over costs.

Rights groups blasted the cruel plans and said people should be housed safely.

Tim Naor Hilton, chief executive of Refugee Action, said: Its staggering the home secretary plans to use what a government source compared to a concentration camp to house people seeking asylum  in the same week courts ruled she broke the law three times with her inhumane treatment of refugees.

This is yet another way the government has developed to demonise people seeking asylum, which is rooted in its deeply racist approach to refugee protection.

It really shouldnt be too much to ask that people who have fled violence, torture and persecution have their claims assessed quickly and justly and are housed in safe homes in our communities.

He said the winners from the cruel plan would be contractors making millions from taxpayers.

The Times, which first reported the purchase of the tents, which it said could accommodate up to 2,000 people, cited government sources saying a similar proposal to house migrants in marquees was rejected last year because of warnings it would trigger legal challenges based on inhumane treatment of asylum seekers. The newspaper also said some in government had compared the idea to concentration camps.

Officials say that the tents are not meant for routine use, but are there as a contingency in the event of a surge in channel crossings. On previous occasions the government has booked hotel rooms at the last minute, incurring significant expense.

The shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper told LBC that the backlog of cases at the Home Office had soared and accused Ms Braverman of indulging in gimmicks.

Weve seen them really flailing around with the barges, the bases, the tents now, and actually all this is alongside increasing hotel use when they should be ending hotel use, she said,

Because theyre simply not taking asylum decisions. Theyve let the backlog soar.

Ms Cooper said the home secretarys actions appeared to show that even the government doesnt believe that its latest legal crackdown on people crossing the channel on small boats would work.

She added: Instead, [it] is just going to increase the backlog. Thats just going to cause more problems. We need grip, not gimmicks.

A huge backlog of claims at the Home Office means that at the end of 2022 there were around 132,000 asylum applications awaiting an initial decision in the UK, comprising around 161,000 people.

A government spokesperson said: We have been clear that the use of hotels to house asylum seekers is unacceptable  there are currently more than 51,000 asylum seekers in hotels costing the UK taxpayer 6m a day.

We continue to work across government and with local authorities to look at a range of accommodation options. Accommodation offered to asylum seekers, on a no-choice basis, meets our legal and contractual requirements.
Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

The government has been accused of flailing between gimmicks as Suella Braverman considers yet another scheme to house asylum seekers.

The Home Office has reportedly purchased tents suitable for 2,000 people as part of its push to stop putting migrants in hotels.

The tents plan comes after moves to house people on barges moored off-shore stalled because the vessels have struggled to find anywhere to dock.

A spokesperson for the department said it was looking at a range of accommodation options to replace the use of hotels.

Faced with negative media coverage and the high cost of keeping people in hotels, the government has searched for alternatives to house asylum seekers while their claims are being processed.

Labours shadow home secretary, Yvette Cooper, told LBC that the backlog of cases at the Home Office had soared and accused Ms Braverman of indulging in gimmicks.

Weve seen them really flailing around with the barges, the bases, the tents now, and actually all this is alongside increasing hotel use when they should be ending hotel use, she said,

Because theyre simply not taking asylum decisions. Theyve let the backlog soar.

Ms Cooper said the home secretary's actions appeared to show that even the government doesnt believe that its latest legal crackdown on people crossing the Channel on small boats would work.

She added: Instead it is just going to increase the backlog. Thats just going to cause more problems. We need grip, not gimmicks.

A huge backlog of claims at the Home Office means that at the end of 2022 there were around 132,000 asylum applications awaiting an initial decision in the UK, comprising around 161,000 people.

The Times, which first reported the purchase of the tents, cited government sources saying a similar proposal to house migrants in marquees was rejected last year due to warnings it would trigger legal challenges based on inhumane treatment of asylum seekers. The newspaper said some in governemnt had compared the idea to concentration camps.

Officials say that the tents are not meant for routine use, but are there as a contingency in the event of a surge in Channel crossings. On previous occasions the government has block-booked hotels, incurring significant expense.

Human rights groups blasted the cruel plans and said people should be housed safely. Tim Naor Hilton, chief executive of Refugee Action, said: Its staggering the home secretary plans to use what a government source compared to a concentration camp to house people seeking asylum  in the same week courts ruled she broke the law three times with her inhumane treatment of refugees.

The winners from this cruel plan will be the Home Offices asylum housing contractors, who trouser tens of millions of pounds in taxpayer-subsidised profits as standards continue to plummet.

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 / 50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 30 July 2023 Englands Stuart Broad walks out to bat with James Anderson, after announcing his retirement from cricket the evening before, prior to day four of the Ashes 5th Test match against Australia at The Oval Getty UK news in pictures 29 July 2023 People taking part in the 2023 Belfast Pride Parade PA UK news in pictures 28 July 2023 Members of the Transmanian Devils rugby union team take part in their inaugural training boot camp at Sale Sports Club in Manchester AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 27 July 2023 Rylan Clark recreates Kendall Jenners heart hair selfie to mark the launch of Samsungs new nationwide selfie competition, offering entrants the chance to win 500,000 PA UK news in pictures 26 July 2023 Campaigners, including many who are personally infected and affected by infected blood, gather in Westminster, London, calling for compensation for victims to be authorised by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who is giving evidence later to the Infected Blood inquiry PA UK news in pictures 25 July 2023 Storm clouds gather over St Mary's Lighthouse in Whitley Bay on the north east coast of England PA UK news in pictures 24 July 2023 Women embrace each other as one of them arrives at Gatwick Airport after being evacuated off the Greek island of Rhodes Reuters UK news in pictures 23 July 2023 People enjoying the weather on Bournemouth beach in Dorset PA UK news in pictures 21 July 2023 Newly elected Labour MP Keir Mather (left), with Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer at Selby football club, North Yorkshire, after winning the Selby and Ainsty by-election PA UK news in pictures 18 July 2023 Tony Blair (left) speaks with Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer during the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change's Future of Britain Conference in central London PA UK news in pictures 17 July 2023 David Barber, the Kings Swan Marker, examines a swan during the annual census of the swan population along sections of the River Thames Reuters UK news in pictures 16 July 2023 Spains Carlos Alcaraz holds the winners trophy after beating Serbias Novak Djokovic during their mens singles final tennis match on the last day of the 2023 Wimbledon Championships AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 15 July 2023 Tunisias Ons Jabeur is interviewed in the Media Theatre in the Broadcast Centre after her defeat in the final of the Ladies Singles on day thirteen of the Wimbledon tennis championships in London PA Wire UK news in pictures 13 July 2023 His Majesty The Kings Coronation Ensemble and Her Majesty The Queens Coronation Ensemble, during a photo call for the new Coronation display for the summer opening of the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace. PA UK news in pictures 12 July 2023 Beavers are released by the National Trust at Wallington estate in Northumberland in a project to improve local biodiversity and mitigate the effects of climate change PA UK news in pictures 11 July 2023 People hug as they admire Submergence inside Propyard, Bristol, where a 20,000 sq ft immersive art installation, curated by art collective Squidsoup, titled Beyond Submergence, is being exhibited PA UK news in pictures 10 July 2023 Tracy Seven with a Beef Shorthorn as she prepares her cattle ahead of the Great Yorkshire Show at the Showground in Harrogate, which opens to the public on Tuesday. PA UK news in pictures 9 July 2023 Mark Wood, right, celebrates with Chris Woakes, left after England won the third test match in the series AFP via Getty UK news in pictures 8 July 2023 Zharnel Hughes of Shaftesbury celebrates after winning the Mens 100m Final at the UK Athletics Championships at Manchester Regional Arena Getty UK news in pictures 7 July 2023 Andy Murray of Great Britain plays a backhand against Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece in the Men's Singles second round match during day five of The Championships Wimbledon 2023 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club Getty UK news in pictures 6 July 2023 Queen Camilla during a visit to Lochcarron of Scotland at the Waverley textile mill in Selkirk, in the Scottish Borders, as part of the first Holyrood Week since the King's coronation. PA UK news in pictures 5 July 2023 Anti-monarchy protesters hold placards near the St Giles Cathedral on the day of the National Service of Dedication and Thanksgiving for Britains King Charles, in Edinburgh Reuters UK news in pictures 4 July 2023 Andy Murray celebrates break point against Ryan Peniston in their mens singles first round match at Wimbledon Getty UK news in pictures 3 July 2023 A cigar smoked by Winston Churchill, which is expected to fetch 600-800 is pictured on his statue in Westerham, Kent PA UK news in pictures 2 July 2023 Englands Ben Stokes hits a six off the bowling of Australias Josh Hazlewood during the last day of the second Ashes test at Lords Cricket Ground in London Action Images via Reuters UK news in pictures 1 July 2023 Pata Yamaha Prometeon rider Toprak Razgatiloglu followed by Aruba.It Racing - Ducati rider Alvaro Bautista (right) during the World SBK race 1 on day two of the FIM Superbike World Championship 2023 at Donington Park, Derby PA UK news in pictures 30 June 2023 Rembrandt Harmenszs Portrait of Jan Willemsz, van der Pluym and Jaapgen Carels is held by gallery staff, during a photo call for highlights from the forthcoming Classic Week Sales, at Christies, London. PA UK news in pictures 29 June 2023 A visitor walks through a part of Japanese artist Yayoi Kusamas installation You, Me and The Balloons during a preview ahead of the start of the Manchester International Festival Reuters UK news in pictures 28 June 2023 England player Jonny Bairstow carries a Just Stop Oil pitch invader during day one of the second Ashes Test at Lords Cricket Ground Getty UK news in pictures 27 June 2023 A Dolly Parton impersonator banned from Facebook protests outside the offices of parent company Meta in Kings Cross, London, as part of their Stop Banning Us appeal Lucy North/PA UK news in pictures 26 June 2023 Glastonbury site clean-up operation in progress PA UK news in pictures 25 June 2023 Lil Nas X performs on the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury AFP via Getty UK news in pictures 24 June 2023 Chemical Brothers perform beneath the Arcadia spider in the very early morning at the Glastonbury Festival PA UK news in pictures 23 June 2023 A performer entertains festivalgoers in the circus field at Glastonbury festival AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 22 June 2023 Ladies Day at Royal Ascot Racecourse AP UK news in pictures 21 June 2023 Katherine Jenkinson from Carlisle with her jersey calf in the wash bay at the Royal Highland Centre in Ingliston, Edinburgh, ahead of the Royal Highland Show PA UK news in pictures 20 June 2023 The sunrises at 04.25am at St Marys Lighthouse in Whitley Bay, on the North East coast of England, the day before Summer Solstice  the longest day of the year PA UK news in pictures 19 June 2023 The King and Queen depart the annual Order of the Garter Service PA UK news in pictures 17 June 2023 Typhoon fighter jets fly over The Mall after the Royal family attended the Trooping the Colour ceremony at Horse Guards Parade, central London, as King Charles III celebrates his first official birthday since becoming sovereign. PA UK news in pictures 16 June 2023 A peregrine falcon nesting at Malham Cove, in the Yorkshire Dales National Park PA UK news in pictures 15 June 2023 Newborn alpaca Sir Steveo, who has been named after one of his keepers, ventures outside in the Pets Farm area of Blair Drummond Safari Park near Stirling PA UK news in pictures 14 June 2023 Grace Kumars father and Barnaby Webbers brother, Charlie, embrace ahead of a vigil at the University of Nottingham after they and Ian Coates were killed and another three hurt in connected attacks on 13 June PA UK news in pictures 13 June 2023 Police forensics officers on Ilkeston Road PA UK news in pictures 12 June 2023 People relax in a suspended swimming pool as hot weather continues, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 11 June 2023 Usain Bolt and teammates celebrate with the trophy after winning Soccer Aid 2023 Action Images via Reuters UK news in pictures 10 June 2023 A cyclist trains in the early morning, as hot weather continues, in Richmond Park, London Reuters UK news in pictures 9 June 2023 A performer walks on a tightrope at Covent Garden during a sunny day in London AP UK news in pictures 8 June 2023 A women rides her horse through the river during the Appleby Horse Fair PA UK news in pictures 7 June 2023 The Princess of Wales during a game of walking rugby during her visit to meet local and national male rugby players at Maidenhead Rugby Club PA UK news in pictures 6 June 2023 An aerial view shows the dry bed of Woodhead Reservoir, revealed by a falling water level after a prolonged period of dry weather, near Glossop, northern England AFP/Getty

This is yet another way the government has developed to demonise people seeking asylum, which is rooted in its deeply racist approach to refugee protection.

It really shouldnt be too much to ask that people who have fled violence, torture and persecution to have their claims assessed quickly and justly and be housed in safe homes in our communities.

A government spokesperson said: We have been clear that the use of hotels to house asylum seekers is unacceptable  there are currently more than 51,000 asylum seekers in hotels costing the UK taxpayer 6m a day.

We continue to work across government and with local authorities to look at a range of accommodation options.

Accommodation offered to asylum seekers, on a no-choice basis, meets our legal and contractual requirements.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Environmental, banking and political issues vie for attention as no single story dominates the front pages of Fridays newspapers.

A warning from UN secretary general Antonio Guterres that the era of global boiling has arrived as July is on track to be the worlds hottest month on record leads The Guardian, which says the prospect is terrifying.

The i opts for the same story over a picture of wildfires.

There is another dramatic picture on the front of the Daily Mirror with children playing on a pile of old clothes on the coast in Ghana, showing what the paper calls the real cost of our throwaway fashion.

The Daily Telegraph also opts for an environmental story with former prime minister Sir Tony Blair warning that the British public cannot be asked to carry the huge burden of moving towards net zero.

A wildfire picture under the headline Global Boiling also makes the front of the Metro, but it leads on the resignation of Coutts bank chief executive Peter Flavell in the turmoil following its de-banking of Nigel Farage.

The same story leads the Financial Times, which says he resigned after accepting blame for Farage furore.

The Times turns its attention to immigrants as it reports Home Secretary Suella Braverman has bought marquees to house up to 2,000 people on disused military sites.

The Duke of Sussex is on the front page of the Daily Mail  alongside a picture of Sir Mick Jagger at his wild 80th birthday bash  which says part of his phone-hacking claim against News Group has been thrown out by a High Court judge.

Sir Mick also features on the front of the Daily Express, which says Labour are considering a change of heart on the pension triple lock.

The Daily Star concentrates on huge gas profits and asks how bosses can sleep at night.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

General Abdourahamane Tchiani, the head of the presidential guard that has overthrown Nigers president, declared himself leader on Friday and defended the coup as necessary to tackle insecurity.

He said soldiers had seized power from president Mohamed Bazoum to protect the country against jihadist insurgents that have destabilised nearby Mali and Burkina Faso.

Security has remained a problem since Mr Bazoum was elected in 2021 as jihadists who took root in neighbouring Mali in 2012 gained ground, killing thousands and displacing over six million across west Africas Sahel region.

Niger is a key ally of Western countries in tackling Islamist insurgencies in west Africa and a number of foreign troops are based there, including from France and the United States, which have both denounced Wednesdays actions.

The harsh reality of insecurity in Niger, experienced by our defence forces and hardworking populations, with its toll of deaths, displacement, humiliation, and frustration, reminds us on a daily basis of this stark reality, Mr Tchiani said.

What sense lies in the security approach against terrorism that excludes any genuine collaboration with Burkina Faso and Mali, even though we share the Liptako-Gourma zone, where most of the terrorist group activities we are fighting against are concentrated, he added.

West Africas main regional bloc, the Economic Community of West African States, will hold an emergency summit on Niger in Nigerias capital Abuja on Sunday. ECOWAS has previously called for Mr Bazoums immediate release and a return to constitutional order.

Any breakdown in the constitutional order will have consequences for cooperation between the EU and Niger, including the immediate suspension of all budgetary support, the European Unions foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, said in a statement.

French president Emmanuel Macron said he was prepared to back sanctions against the perpetrators of the dangerous coup, after his foreign minister said the power grab did not appear to be definitive.

Former colonial power France has made Niger the cornerstone of its more than decade-long counter-insurgency operations against Islamist militants in the Sahel region.

France does not recognise the authorities that emerged from the putsch led by General Tchiani, the foreign ministry in Paris said in a statement President Mohamed Bazoum, democratically elected by the people of Niger, is the only president of the Republic of Niger.

Mr Tchiani said he would respect all commitments made to the international community.

I also ask the technical and financial partners and friends of Niger to understand the specific situation of our country and provide all necessary support to help it overcome the challenges it faces, he added.
Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Two weeks into the the actors strike, Max Greenfield is urging the studios and their CEOs to return to the bargaining table.

Be the heroes, come to the table, make a deal, said Greenfield, who co-stars in the CBS sitcom The Neighborhood. My hope is these guys get organized and have a real conversation with both the WGA and SAG-AFTRA so that we can get to a resolution," he said, referencing the unions for the writers and actors, respectively.

Greenfield spoke at a charity ping pong event at Dodger Stadium on Thursday night, joined by his co-star Cedric the Entertainer.

We struck because our deal was up and its time to adjust to what has changed in the business. To make a minor adjustment feels disproportionate to what has obviously changed in a massive, massive way, Greenfield said. Until we feel like were getting fair compensation and we feel like were protected, this is going to continue to go on.

Bryan Cranston, who had fiery words for Disney CEO Bob Iger at a New York rally on Tuesday, acknowledged things are going very, very slowly.

Until were able to get back to the table, which we are more than willing to do and weve told them so, we want to keep talking through this strike, he said. We want to end this as soon as possible."

On July 14, actors joined striking screenwriters who walked out in May. The stoppage has shuttered nearly all film and television production.

The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists and the Writers Guild of America are striking for fair pay and protections involving the use of artificial intelligence, among other issues.

There has reportedly been no negotiating between the unions and the Association of Motion Picture and Television Producers since shortly after the actors hit the picket lines.

I think when people realize that the artists are the people that are making this and nothing is going to get made without the actors and the writers, maybe that will force a little more flexibility in the negotiations, Oscar-winning actor Casey Affleck said.

Actor and entrepreneur Danny Trejo urged the studios to look beyond Hollywood's highest-paid actors and consider the financial plight of those working behind the scenes.

One of the problems is people on top are making a lot of money right now and they dont want to share, he said. Weve got people that are in SAG that cant even afford to live in LA. Its like, wait a minute guys, we got to just be fair.

Figure if one of your kids was trying to get into the movies and was working as an extra or just made it into SAG, they couldnt live in LA, Trejo said, imagining the offspring of a Hollywood CEO. Oh no wait, yes they could. They could live in Beverly (expletive) Hills with you, punk.

Trejo filed for Chapter 11 reorganization bankruptcy earlier this year and owes over $2 million in back taxes to the IRS, according to a report by KABC-TV.

I make good money, but right now Im buried in taxes, so I have to work that out, he said. This strike is killing me. I cant pay what Im supposed to be paying for my taxes, so man, imagine the guy thats making $18 an hour and not working all the time.

Actor Holly Robinson-Peete, a SAG member since 1977, said it's important for the actors' union to communicate the economic issues behind the strike.

We're not just a bunch of spoiled people that want more and were greedy, she said. The majority of our union are people who are not working very often, cant really make a living at this. Its going to take an incredible amount of patience and messaging, and we just got to stick to it.
Sign up to our free US news bulletin sent straight to your inbox each weekday morning Sign up to our free morning US email news bulletin Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

US Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

There are new developments in the Idaho murders case from both sides, as attorneys for suspect Bryan Kohberger asked a judge to throw out the grand jury indictment against him, while the state filed a motion to force him to produce an alibi  if he has one  ahead of the trial.

Mr Kohberger is accused of killing four University of Idaho students  Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Ethan Chapin and Xana Kernodlelast November. His trial is slotted for October, where prosecutors said they are planning to seek the death penalty against the 28-year-old.

On Thursday, prosecutors demanded that the suspect provide an alibi. The suspect declined to submit an alibi defence before the deadline passed  but suggested in a filing that he has one that could be presented at trial. His lawyer previously wrote that he has a Constitutional right to silence as well as to testify on his own behalf.

Meanwhile, defence attorneys filed a motion on Tuesday claiming the Grand Jury was misled as to the standard of proof required for an indictment.

Mr Kohberger was indicted by a grand jury in May.

Rather than being instructed that the standard of proof of the presented evidence is beyond a reasonable doubt, Mr Kohbergers attorneys argued the grand jury had a much lower standard, an archaic procedure called a presentment.

According to Idaho criminal law, a presentment is defined as a formal statement by the grand jury representing to the court that a public offense has been committed which is triable in the county, and that there is reasonable ground for believing that a particular individual named or described therein has committed it. Presentments also require a preliminary hearing.

By contrast, an indictment in Idaho criminal law is defined as a formal accusation presented by a grand jury charging a person with a public offense.

Thus, the defence legal team argued that either the indictment should be dismissed or it should be treated as a presentment and have a preliminary hearing.

Mr Kohberger is scheduled to stand trial on 2 October after being indicted on four counts of first-degree murder and one burglary charge.
 Close Carlee Russell: Police give timeline of disappearance

Sign up to our free US news bulletin sent straight to your inbox each weekday morning Sign up to our free morning US email news bulletin Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

US Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Carlee Russell wore a big smile when she had her mug shot taken as she was charged with two misdemeanour counts for faking her own disappearance and kidnapping in Alabama.

An arrest warrant was issued Friday, on charges of false reporting to law enforcement authorities and falsely reporting an incident.

Ms Russell was released from jail later that day after posting bond, her lawyer said.

The Alabama woman disappeared on the evening of 13 July after calling 911 claiming she was stopping to help a toddler walking alone on Interstate 459. She returned home two days later and claimed she had been kidnapped and barely managed to escape.

Police revealed last week they were unable to verify many of Ms Russells claims and pointed to her relevant internet history which included searches for Amber Alerts and the movie Taken.

Hoover Police Chief Nick Derzis told local WVTM 13 that investigators had sussed out the hoax long before her confession.
Sign up to our free US news bulletin sent straight to your inbox each weekday morning Sign up to our free morning US email news bulletin Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

US Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Three men ensnarled in an infamous post-9/11 terrorism sting have been ordered freed from prison by a judge who deemed their lengthy sentences unduly harsh and unjust and decried the FBI's role in radicalising them in a plot to blow up New York synagogues and shoot down National Guard planes.

Onta Williams, David Williams and Laguerre Payen  three of what's known as the Newburgh Four"  were hapless, easily manipulated and penurious petty criminals" caught up in a scheme driven by overzealous FBI agents and a dodgy informant, US District Judge Colleen McMahon said in her ruling Thursday.

The real lead conspirator was the United States, Judge McMahon wrote in a 28-page decision granting the men's request for compassionate release, effective in three months.

The judge, citing concerns for the men's health and her own qualms about the case, cut the 25-year mandatory minimum sentences she imposed on the men in 2011 to time served plus 90 days. A fourth man, James Cromitie, has not sought early release and is expected to complete his prison sentence in 2030.

The 14-plus years that the moving defendants have already served for starring in the Governments made for TV movie of May 20, 2008, is at the upper end of what the court would have imposed if it had been free to fashion a sentence that accurately reflected the nature and circumstance of the offense and the history and characteristics of the impoverished and susceptible criminals who committed it, Judge McMahon wrote.

Delaying the men's release until the end of October will give probation officials time to prepare and a lawyer for Payen, who has a severe mental illness, a chance to line up supportive housing for him, the judge said.

Payen, Cromitie and the Williamses were arrested in 2009, during a period of heightened public and law enforcement concern about the threat of terror strikes hatched within the US by supporters of foreign extremists.

Officials portrayed Cromitie as the ringleader of a chilling plot among extremely violent men loyal to a Pakistani terrorist group. A court complaint described him as a man seething with anti-American and antisemitic sentiment and eager to translate those feelings into bloody action.

Prosecutors said the defendants had spent months scouting targets and securing what they thought were explosives and a surface-to-air missile, aiming to shoot down planes at the Air National Guard base in Newburgh, New York, and blow up synagogues in Riverdale, a heavily Jewish part of the Bronx. They were arrested there after allegedly planting bombs that were, in fact, packed with inert explosives supplied by the FBI.

From the start, relatives said the four were men who were down on their luck after doing prison time. Payens lawyer said he has intellectual disabilities and schizophrenia.

The mens lawyers soon raised questions about entrapment  a legal defence that argues that people were enticed into illegal conduct they wouldnt have otherwise committed.

Calling the case a government-inspired creation from day one, the defence lawyers said an oft-used federal informant, Shaheed Hussain, tried to stir up the men with rhetoric and went on to choose the targets, offer to pay lots of money, buy the defendants groceries, provide the fake bombs and missile, and act as chauffeur. The defence portrayed Hussain as a self-serving manipulator who was trying to please the government after his own, unrelated fraud conviction.

Jurors deliberated for eight days before convicting the men in 2010. Three years later, they lost an appeal.

Hussain also worked with the FBI on another sting targeting an Albany pizza shop owner and an imam, who said they were tricked in a case involving a business loan using money from a fictitious missile sale. Both were convicted of money laundering and conspiring to aid a terrorist group.

A few years later, Hussain came under renewed scrutiny when a stretch limo crashed in rural Schoharie, New York, killing 20 people. Hussain owned the limo company.

After it emerged that the limo had failed a safety inspection a month before the crash and that the slain driver didnt have a commercial license, Hussains son, Nauman  the companys operator -- was charged with criminally negligent homicide and manslaughter. His lawyer blamed a repair shop for the vehicles problems and said his client was being treated like a scapegoat.

Nauman Hussain was convicted this May and is serving five to 15 years in prison.
Sign up to our free US news bulletin sent straight to your inbox each weekday morning Sign up to our free morning US email news bulletin Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

US Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Nothing could have prepared Tara Pakanich for what she encountered in the early morning hours of 23 February 2022. Inside a green bucket covered with a shower towel at her home in Green Bay, Wisconsin, was the mutilated head of her 24-year-old son Shad Thyrion.

Thyrions torso, penis and carved-out organs were later found by law enforcement in her basement. The gruesome nature of the murder was on full display in court this week as Taylor Schabusiness went on trial charged with his murder.

On Wednesday, a jury took just 30 minutes to convict her on all counts of first-degree intentional homicide, mutilation of a corpse and third-degree sexual assault in Thyrions death. Now, she faces life in prison as the death penalty is not legal in Wisconsin.

Schabusiness, 25, and her victim knew each other since middle school and had been involved in a sexual relationship, she told law enforcement. On the fateful day of Thyrions death, they had been consuming methamphetamines and prescription drugs.

Taylor Schabusiness scowls as shes convicted of killing and dismembering lover

But despite Schabusiness attempts to enter not-guilty pleas for reason of insanity, prosecutors honed in on the atrocious evidence they said suggested premeditation.

Over the course of the three-day trial, jurors heard about Schabusiness online searches for Jeffrey Dahmer walking into court all sexy as well as how she allegedly preserved Thyrions blood and then showered with it before recounting to detectives how much she liked strangling him.

Throughout the proceedings, she also attacked her own lawyer and was seen smirking as gruesome details about the murder are mentioned.

Heres everything we know about the case:

The murder

According to a criminal complaint filed by prosecutors, Schabusiness picked up Thyrion from her mothers home around 9.30pm on 21 February 2022. A friend of the couple joined them before they headed to an apartment where the three smoked marijuana.

Schabusiness told police that she and Thyrion also smoked methamphetamine and injected Trazodone. Schabusiness and Thyrion eventually returned to his mothers home and spent the day there while Ms Pakanich was away.

The alleged murderer claimed in an interview with police that she and Thyrion used chains to choke one another as foreplay. This time, she said, she and Thyrion put metal chains on each other.

Thyrion reportedly laid face down in bed before Schabusiness went crazy and repeatedly choked him despite the fact that he was coughing blood and turned purple.

Green Bay Police Detective David Graf testified in court that Schabusiness allegedly admitted to enjoying the ordeal.

Her response was that she liked it, Detective Graf said, according to local news station WBAY.

Taylor Schabusiness (Taylor Schabusiness/GBPD)

Schabusiness allegedly went on to tell law enforcement that she continued having sex with the dead body for a period of time because she enjoyed it and then gathered kitchen knives with the intention to dismember Thyrion and keep all his body parts, but she got lazy, according to theGreen Bay Press-Gazette.

Detective Graf said that Schabusiness proceeded to use a bucket and a tote bag to collect Thyrons blood, which she then used to shower with. Dane County Medical Examiner Dr Vincent Tranchida also testified in court about the lack of blood on the scene of the murder.

We have decapitation, we have dismemberment, we have transection of the torso, subsequently internally the body has been eviscerated. In other words, we have entered inside the body through various cuts through the abdomen and between the ribs where the victims organs have been removed, largely one by one, he told jurors.

Dr Tranchida also said that one of Thyrions feet had been shoved into his chest cavity and that his back was filleted.

Decapitated head found by Thyrions mother

Ms Pakanich told the court on Monday that she was woken up by a knock on her front door around 2.30am on 23 February 2022. She went to the basement to check whether Thyrion was there and after not finding him, she went back upstairs and found the bucket with part of her sons remains inside.

Ms Pakanichs boyfriend Steve Hendricks then called 911. Bodycam video of the officers responding to the scene shows them searching the basement of the home and securing the crime scene after confirming that a human head was inside the bucket.

Shad Thyrion (Shad Thyrion/FB)

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. 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, Green Bay police officer Alex Wanish testified during the trial.

The rest of Thyrions body parts were found placed inside plastic bags and cardboard boxes in the basement and in a minivan at the property.

Schabusinness told police they would had fun trying to find all of the organs

Schabusiness had been previously convicted of unrelated fleeing, eluding and obstructing a police officer charges. She was sentenced to three months in jail in January 2022, but it is unclear whether she was under home arrest or work release at the time of Thyrions murder.

Following testimony from Thyrions mother, authorities eventually located Schabusiness, who had removed a GPS tracker from her ankle.

Detective Graf testified that Schabusiness had initially claimed to have blacked out while choking Thyrion, but then allegedly admitted thinking that she regained consciousness and thought she was already this far so she just kept on, referring to choking the victim.

Taylor Schabusiness returns to a Brown County courtroom after attacking her attorney Quinn Jolly, during a hearing in Green Bay, Wis., Feb. 14, 2023.

The criminal complaint also read: Schabusiness stated she thought it took 3-5 minutes for the Victim to die. Detective Kempf clarified with Schabusiness that when the Victim began to cough up blood she just did keep on choking the Victim because she wanted to see what happens.

Schabusiness stated she enjoyed choking him and made comments to detectives asking if they knew what it was like to love something so much that you kill it.

Schabusiness allegedly indicated the crime scene and told officers that they would have fun trying to find all of the organs.

Schabusiness entered a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity entered by her former attorney.

Last year, a physician appointed by the court found that she was able to stand trial. Her attorney said at that time that Schabusiness has been diagnosed as bipolar in the past and that she had been getting mental health treatment since she was in the seventh grade.

Woman attacks lawyer in court whilst standing for trial for killing lover

However, Brown County Circuit Court Judge Thomas Walsh 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.

Schabusinesss current attorney filed a motion to exclude evidence of searches Schabusines made before the murder, including Jeffrey Dahmer walking into court all sexy and Jeffrey Dahmers butt. Judge Walsh ruled that the evidence can be admitted in court, but no mention should be made of her searches for satanism.

He thought of others before himself

According to his obituary, Thyrion worked with his father and grandfather in the family business.

Shad enjoyed camping, games, and spending time with his family, the obituary read. He was a very kind and compassionate person who often thought of others before himself. A talented artist, he also enjoyed wood carving.

Sixteen jurors were selected last week, following Judge Walshs ruling that Schabusiness can help in her defence.

The panel took just over half an hour to return a verdict of guilty on all charges.
Sign up to our free US news bulletin sent straight to your inbox each weekday morning Sign up to our free morning US email news bulletin Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

US Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

A case of a stolen vehicle in San Antonio, Texas turned deadly as both the truck owner and the thief drew their weapons.

The owner of a stolen vehicle tracked it to the parking lot of South Park Mall on Thursday to find a man and a woman sitting inside of it.

The owner told the alleged carjackers to get out of his truckat gunpointSan Antonio Police Chief William McManus said at a press conference near the mall.

The owner lured them out at gunpoint from the truck and called the police.

As they awaited police, the suspect produced a handgun and shot the owner of the vehicle, the police chief said.

The truck owner then returned fire, killing the man who had stolen the vehicle. The woman was also struck, and is in critical condition, according to police.

The truck owner was also transported to the hospital and was reported to be in stable condition.

Certainly a case of self-defence is what we have, Chief McManus said. We would prefer that they call the police before taking that into your own hands, but he did what he felt he needed to do.

He said he was uncertain as to whether charges would be filed.

The brother of the man who died at the scene spoke to KENS 5 . The victim was my brother and there are two sides to every story, Jose Garcia told the outlet.

Whether my brother was wrong or right, he had a gun pointed at him. I guess he took it upon himself to defend himself, he continued. A vehicle is not worth taking someones life, I dont care what kind of car it is. You dont take the law into your own hands. Now my mom, my family, we all have to suffer and just deal with it.
Sign up to our free US news bulletin sent straight to your inbox each weekday morning Sign up to our free morning US email news bulletin Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

US Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Jimmy Hoffa, the legendary American union organiser, disappeared from a parking lot outside of the Machus Red Fox restaurant in Bloomfield Township, Detroit, 48 years ago on Saturday 30 July 1975. Presumed dead since the same date in 1982, his body has never been found, no one has ever been charged and the case remains unsolved.

Hoffa, 62, was last heard from at around 2.15pm that afternoon, calling his wife at their home in Lake Orion and a friend, Louis Linteau, at his office from a public payphone, griping that the two gentlemen he was supposed to be meeting for lunch had failed to show up.

He was subsequently spotted talking to several other men nearby before being driven away in a maroon car that one eyewitness, a truck driver, told investigators could have been a Lincoln or maybe a Mercury Marquis.

It might as well have been a hearse, for all the difference it made, for James Riddle Hoffa would never be seen again.

His own vehicle, a green Pontiac Grand Ville, stood abandoned at the scene, just where he had left it.

Long assumed to have been the victim of a mob hit, the visionary general president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT)  who dramatically expanded the unions reach, influence and coffers between 1957 and 1971, before being brought down by scandal  certainly had more than his fair share of powerful enemies and shady associates.

Hoffas story  or, at least, versions of it  has frequently been told over the past half-century, often fictionalised through characters loosely based upon him in movies like Sergio Leones Once Upon a Time in America (1984) or more directly in Danny DeVitos biopic Hoffa (1992) starring Jack Nicholson, James Ellroys Underworld USA novel sequence or Martin Scorceses recent The Irishman (2019) in which Al Pacino played the doomed labour leader.

But none of those projects have come close to cracking one of the most enduring true crime mysteries in the history of American public life.

What really happened to Jimmy Hoffa? Now that is a riddle.

Born on Valentines Day 1913 in Brazil, Indiana, Hoffas Pennsylvania Dutch father John was a coal miner who passed away from lung disease in 1920 when his son was just seven years old, prompting the family to relocate to Detroit, Michigan, soon to become the epicentre of the mighty American auto industry.

Realising he would need to grow up fast to support his mother, Hoffa left school at 14 to work as a stock boy for a grocery chain, where he soon took exception to the inadequate wages he received, the perilous terms of his employment and the inequality he saw all around him, which would only worsen in the aftermath of the Wall Street Crash of 1929 with the coming of the Great Depression.

Having learned to stand up for himself against workplace injustice, Hoffa quit in 1932 to work as a professional organiser with the Local 299 chapter of the Teamsters union, representing Detroits truck drivers and warehouse operatives.

As the organisation grew over the course of a combative decade, consolidating its power first locally, then regionally and finally nationally, Hoffa met the Polish girl who would become his wife, Josephine Poszywak, during a strike undertaken by non-unionised laundry workers in early 1937. They married that September.

Hoffas growing reputation and networking smarts saw him named chairman of the Central States Drivers Council in 1940, president of the Michigan Conference of Teamsters in 1942 and then president of Local 299 by 1946, all without moving so much as a single truck himself.

Jimmy Hoffa pictured in Washington, DC, in July 1959 (AP)

As a labour stalwart, Hoffa secured a draft deferment when the United States entered the Second World War by successfully arguing he would be of far greater service to his country organising industry at home than he might be deployed as a grunt abroad.

That also meant he was well positioned to reap the spoils of the American economic boom of the Truman years. By 1952, he was appointed international vice president of the IBT, serving as deputy to Dave Beck, who was himself succeeding Daniel Tobin, who had led the union since way back in 1907.

The IBT relocated its headquarters from Indianapolis to Washington, DC, three years later in order to be better placed to lobby Congress for its interests. It had never been more powerful.

Then, in 1957, Beck was indicted, convicted and jailed on fraud charges after being hauled before John McClellans Senate Select Committee on Improper Activities in the Labour or Management Field. Hoffa was voted in as his successor as general president at the IBTs convention in Miami Beach, Florida, that October.

However, Hoffas profile within the labour movement had inevitably increased his exposure to organised crime and he had been arrested earlier that year for allegedly attempting to bribe a McClellan Committee aide, prompting the AFL-CIO to expel the Teamsters from its ranks in passionate opposition to his appointment.

The air of notoriety surrounding Hoffa caught the attention of mob-busting US attorney general Robert F Kennedy during his brothers presidency in the early 1960s and would see much of the organisers energies eaten up by legal scraps for much of that decade.

He was indicted for jury tampering in Tennessee in May 1963 after again being accused of attempted bribery and was convicted the following March, sentenced to eight years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

A reporter questions Teamsters general president Jimmy Hoffa outside of the federal courthouse in Chattanooga, Tennessee, in 1964 during his jury tampering trial (Chattanooga Times Free Press/AP)

Four months later, while out on bail for the first offence, he was convicted at a second trial in Chicago, Illinois, on one count of conspiracy and three of mail and wire fraud for improper use of the Teamsters pension fund. This time he was sentenced to five years behind bars.

After spending three years unsuccessfully appealing those convictions  while simultaneously expanding the union and bringing almost all on-road North American truck drivers together under one National Master Freight Agreement  Hoffa was sent to Lewisburg Federal Penitentiary in Pennsylvania on 7 March 1967 to serve a 13-year aggregate sentence.

Despite the disgrace, he refused to resign and went on operating as IBT boss from Lewisburg, remaining in the role until 19 June 1971, when he was replaced by Frank Fitzsimmons, with whom he had a long association dating back to their Detroit days.

Hoffa was released from prison on 23 December that year, having served fewer than five of his 13 years after Richard Nixon commuted his sentence on the condition that he refrain from engaging in union activity until 6 March 1980, a stipulation he was bitterly opposed to and battled in court in the hope of being able to wrestle back the Teamsters presidency, unmoved to consider retirement by the generous pension settlement the organisation had handed him.

The Mafia were among those opposed to his comeback ambitions, and one of their enforcers was Anthony Tony Pro Provenzano, a capo in New York Citys Genovese crime family with whom Hoffa had once been close but seemingly fallen out with while both men were incarcerated at Lewisburg.

Provenzano is one of the men Hoffa is supposed to have been dining with at the Machus Red Fox on the day he vanished. The other was Anthony Tony Jack Giacalone, a local heavy who may have been dispatched as a mediator to oversee Hoffas appeal for support to Provenzano. Neither would admit to having seen the labour veteran in Bloomfield Township that day and both seemingly had credible alibis.

What is known is that the car in which Hoffa is most likely to have been spirited away  a 1975 Mercury Marquis Brougham, after all  belonged to Giacalones son Joseph, who had lent it to one Charles Chuckie OBrien, a Hoffa family friend. OBrien may have been engaged to collect the old man in order to encourage a false sense of security.

His fingerprints would later be found on a 7-Up bottle in Hoffas Pontiac, although he continued to deny any involvement until his death in 2020.

Al Pacino as Jimmy Hoffa in Martin Scorseses The Irishman (Rex)

When investigators examined the Mercury on 21 August, police dogs positively identified Hoffas scent in its upholstery, strongly suggesting he had ridden in it at least once. Later, in 2001, the advance of DNA technology enabled officers to locate a strand of his hair in the same car, although, again, that was not sufficient to trace it to a specific date.

After years of federal investigation had resulted in 16,000 pages of documents spread over 70 volumes but no outcome, leaving Hoffas wife Josephine to pass away in 1980 without answers, the FBIs opinion on what had happened would be outlined by Arthur Sloane in his book Hoffa (1991).

In it, Sloane suggested the official verdict was that Northeastern Pennsylvania mob boss Russell Bufalino had ordered the hit and dispatched Thomas Andretta and the brothers Salvatore Sally Bugs and Gabriel Briguglio, alongside OBrien, to carry it out.

The quartet then either killed Hoffa inside the vehicle or drove him on to an unspecified location and executed him there, perhaps cremating his body to prevent its rediscovery.

That broad outline was effectively confirmed on 16 June 2006 when The Detroit Free Press published the entire 56-page Hoffex Memo, an FBI dossier dating from January 1976 in which the bureau expressed its suspicions in writing, arguing the gangsters were concerned that a reinstated Hoffa might interfere with their control of the Teamsters pension fund or even be persuaded to testify against them.

There are numerous quibbles with that theory, however. Experts often argue that Hoffa was too high-profile a target for the mob to assassinate in such a public manner and that his hopes of returning to the leadership of the union amounted to little more than a pipedream by 1975, his name too tarnished to represent a serious threat.

According to Sloane, former US prosecuting attorney Keith Corbett also believed that OBrien was too unreliable to have played a part and that Vito Billy Giacalone, the younger brother of Tony Jack, was more likely to have been the fourth man.

A landfill site beneath the Pulaski Skyway in Jersey City, one of the many rumoured final resting places of Jimmy Hoffa (AP)

A completely fresh theory appeared in 2004 with the publication of Charles Brandts book I Heard You Paint Houses, the basis for Scorseses The Irishman, in which the author argues that hitman Frank Sheeran did the deed in an empty house in Detroit after Hoffa had been delivered into his clutches, the subject having confessed as much in old age.

Bloodstains found on floorboards at the scene did not match Hoffas DNA, however, and it is often thought unlikely, as was the case with OBrien, that an outsider might be trusted with such a delicate assignment by the notoriously tribal Italian-American syndicate.

Another infamous mob killer, Richard The Iceman Kuklinski, claimed in his own 2006 memoir that he was responsible, having been paid the princely sum of $40,000 to whack Hoffa.

Kuklinski claimed he drove the body to a New Jersey junkyard, sealed it inside a 50-gallon oil drum and set it on fire, later digging up the charred cadaver and placing it in the trunk of a car that was duly sold for scrap metal. That has likewise never been substantiated.

As to the final resting place of Hoffas remains, multiple sites have been inspected over the decades without yielding a result, from the now-demolished Giants Stadium in East Rutherford (a tip-off hitman Donald Tony the Greek Frankos offered in a 1989 Playboy interview) to a landfill beneath the Pulaski Skyway in Jersey City and even the Renaissance Building in downtown Detroit, now the 73-storey home of General Motors.

A farmers field, a swimming pool and a suburban driveway in Michigan have all been proposed and discarded while the wildest speculations imagine the missing man tossed from a plane by corrupt federal marshals into the Great Lakes (a theory courtesy of Hoffa bodyguard Joseph Franco, who had a book to sell) or ground up and disposed of in one of the quieter swamps of the Florida Everglades, an idea pitched to the Senate by self-described murderer Charles Allen in 1982.

Sadly, we may never know the truth about how Jimmy Hoffa, at one time one of the most famous faces in America, came to vanish into thin air, blown away on the breeze like an old parking ticket, never to be seen again.
Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

The parents of a 12-year-old New Jersey schoolgirl who died by suicide after their complaints about cyber-bullying were allegedly ignored have received a $9.1m settlement from her school district.

Mallory Grossman, a sixth-grade student at Copeland Middle School in Rockaway Township died on 14 June 2017 after suffering months of cruel taunts from classmates.

Her death received nationwide attention and led to the passing of Mallorys Law requiring school districts to report and act on bullying complaints by the New Jersey state legislature in 2022.

Mallorys parents Dianne and Seth Grossman filed a wrongful-death lawsuit in June 2018 against the Rockaway Township school district, the board, the principal and municipality.

After the agreement was reached, Ms Grossman told NewJersey.com: Seth and I are satisfied with the settlement, ready to put this part behind us and move forward, continuing to lend our voice to the epidemic that is stealing our childrens future.

In a statement to the news site, Grossman family attorney Bruce Nagel said: This settlement is one more step in dealing with this avoidable tragedy, and I hope that it sends a clear message to all schools around the country that our children must be protected from the horrors of school bullying.

Mr Nagel said the $9.1m settlement was the largest payout for a bullying lawsuit in US history.

A Rockaway Township School District administrator declined to comment when contacted by The Independent.

Mallory Grossmans parents Dianne and Seth established Mallorys Army Foundation to promote anti-bullying efforts after her death (Mallorys Army Foundation)

The district said in 2017 it was committed to protecting students and denied allegations that it hadnt done enough to stop the harassment.

Mallory had been the target of a relentless cyber-bullying campaign throughout the 2017 school year, according to the wrongful death lawsuit.

The young cheerleader endured taunts in hallways and classrooms, in text messages, and on Instagram and Snapchat telling her she was a loser and had no friends.

One message asked: Why dont you kill yourself?

Her grades suffered, and she begged to stay home from school, the Washington Post reported.

After months of trying to get help from the school, Dianne and Seth Grossman held a crisis meeting with administrators at Copeland Middle School in June 2017, the lawsuit alleged.

The school officials told them that Mallory should go home as she was not safe at the school.

She died at the family home hours later.

The Grossmans established the Mallorys Army Foundation to honour her memory and promote empathy and kindness.

They also lobbied New Jersey state politicians to pass Mallorys Law, which is one of the toughest pieces of anti-bullying legislation in the country.

If you are experiencing feelings of distress and isolation, or are struggling to cope, call National Suicide Prevention Helpline on 1-800-273-TALK (8255). The Helpline is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you.

If you are based in the UK, the Samaritans offers support; you can speak to someone for free over the phone, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.
Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

A missing persons case took a mysterious turn this week when a teenager walked into a Montana police precinct four years after she vanished without a trace in Arizona.

Alicia Navarro was 14 years old when she was last seen leaving her home in Glendale, Arizona, on 15 September 2019. She left her parents a note saying she would return but never did.

The disappearance of the teenager, who has autism, prompted a huge search involving the FBI and the Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

But, despite thousands of tips pouring in over the past almost four years, there was no sign of the missing girl  until now.

Glendale Police announced on Wednesday that the now-18-year-old walked into a police station thousands of miles away in a small town close to the Canadian border and told officers that she was the missing girl.

In a press conference, police spokesperson Jose Santiago said that Alicia is by all accounts well and has since been reunited with her mother.

She showed up to a police department. She identified herself as Alicia Navarro. She basically asked for help to clear her off of a missing juvenile list, he said.

She is by all accounts safe, she is by all accounts healthy, and she is by all accounts happy, he said.

Police Lt Scott Waite told reporters that the investigation so far indicates that Alicia ran away from home of her own accord.

Every indication shes given to us so far is that she willfully left her home, he said.

Alicia Navarro (left when she disappeared and right since her return) (Navarro Family/Glendale Police)

Now the dynamics surrounding that decision are obviously something were looking into.

Lt Waite added that the investigation is still ongoing but the teenager is not facing any charges over her disappearance and is not in any kind of trouble.

Questions remain around where Alicia has been for the past four years and how she got from Arizona to Montana.

Police said that the reunion of Alicia with her mother Jessica Nunez was emotionally overwhelming for both of them and that the teenager was very apologetic to what she has put her mother through.

She wanted to talk to her mom, and she wanted to make sure her mother knew she was OK, said Mr Santiago.

Now, the teen and her mother are hoping to rebuild their relationship, he said.

We will continue to work with our state, local federal partners and even across state lines to make sure that Alicia has everything that she needs, said Lt Waite.

That shes taken care of, that her family is getting the help that they need, and that most importantly that this investigation is completed thoroughly and done correctly.

Following news of her daughters return, Ms Nunez released a video statement saying that their case shows parents of missing children should never give up home of finding them.

I do feel I owe this video to the community and to God, she said in the video, shared on Twitter by 12 News journalist Bianca Buono.

I first of all want to give glory to God for answering their prayers and for this miracle.

For everyone who has missing loved ones, I want you to use this case as an example. Miracles do exist and never lose hope and always fight.

My daughter, Alicia Navarro, was missing since September 15th 2019, she has been found safe.

I do not know the details. I do confirm she is my daughter. She is alive and she is safe.

She added: This is recent news for me, it was an hour before it was posted on social media and the news. I dont have details but the important thing is she is alive.

I want to thank the community and God for all that you have done.
Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Donald Trump is now the subject of three criminal cases  at a time when he is hot on the trail of another stint in the White House.

The former president was indicted, again, by a federal grand jury on 1 August  two months after Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith unveiled charges against him for his alleged retention of classified documents.

Mr Trump was charged this time 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.

The charges are related to Mr Trumps alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election result and the subsequent January 6 attack on the US Capitol Building in Washington, DC.

In the 45-page unsealed indictment, the Justice Department outlined the ways that Mr Trump and six co-conspirators allegedly attempted to spread false claims of election fraud and obstruct Congresss certification of the election results.

On Thursday 3 August, the ex-president pleaded not guilty to all four charges during his arraignment in DC.

Mr Trump also is at the centre of another Justice Department special counsel indictment surrounding his alleged illegal retention of government papers and showing highly-classified information to unauthorised persons on two separate occasions, among many other allegations.

Earlier this year, he became the first-ever former or current president to face criminal charges when a New York City grand jury voted to indict him on criminal charges over hush money payments allegedly made to adult film star Stormy Daniels in the days before the 2016 presidential election.

He pleaded not guilty in that case to 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in order to conceal an alleged scheme to illegally influence the national vote by suppressing negative stories about him.

That followed another Manhattan civil jury finding Mr Trump liable for the sexual abuse of Elle magazine columnist E Jean Carroll in a dressing room of the exclusive Bergdorf Goodman department store in the 1990s.

Former president Donald Trump appears in a Manhattan court for his first arraignment of the year on Tuesday 4 April 2023 (AP)

Ms Carroll, 79, sued the former president for assaulting her and then destroying her reputation when he accused of lying about the encounter, claiming that she was not his type.

He also faces a $250m civil lawsuit from New York attorney general Letitia James, whose investigation allegedly reveals years of illegal conduct to inflate his net worth... to deceive banks and the people of the great state of New York.

Mr Trump remains the frontrunner for the 2024 Republican nomination for president and has insisted that he will remain in the race regardless of any outcome in the criminal cases against him. He also has relied on news of the investigations and indictments to raise money for his campaign, which has netted millions of dollars.

But with potential convictions and judgments in both state and federal indictments and with multi-million dollar lawsuits to fight, what will the state of chaos mean for Mr Trumps political future?

Can Trump still run for president?

In short, yes. There are no restrictions in the US constitution to prevent anyone under indictment or convicted of a crime  or even currently serving prison time, for that matter  from running for or winning the presidency.

Even if Mr Trump were to be tried and convicted in one of the so-called speedy trials, he could still run the entirety of his presidential campaign from a prison cell.

What is far less clear is what would happen were he to win in that scenario.

Just as there are no restrictions in the constitution on a person running while under indictment, there is no explanation for what should occur in the event that they win.

There is nothing in the founding document that would automatically grant Mr Trump a reprieve from prison time, save for the likelihood that any charges brought by federal authorities, were they still being litigated at the point when he assumed the presidency for a second time, would be dropped due to the Justice Departments refusal to prosecute a sitting president.

Recommended All the lawsuits and criminal charges involving Trump and where they stand

In Ms Carrolls case, Mr Trump did not face any jail time because it was a civil trial.

State-level charges like the ones filed by Manhattan district attorney Alvin Bragg in the hush money case are far trickier and would fall outside of Mr Trumps prospective presidential pardon power were they to conclude in a conviction.

Were conviction on state charges to occur alongside a Trump election victory, it would likely lead to a massive legal fight to determine whether there was a way for the former president to worm his way out of serving time.

If Mr Trump was unable to avoid that outcome, it would almost certainly lead to his impeachment (for a historic third time) or removal via the 25th Amendment, which allows the Cabinet to remove a president who is unable to perform their duties.

There are many duties and trappings of the presidency that he would simply be unable to fulfill from a prison cell, the viewing of classified materials to name just one.

Any potential conviction of Mr Trump is still a long way off and little more than a distant possibility.

But the conversations he has started with his bid for the presidency, despite facing two indictments and multiple criminal investigations, have already pushed parts of theoretical US constitutional law into a much more real place than many experts ever believed they would live to see.

What has Trump said about the probes?

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 1 August, Mr Trump called Mr Smith deranged and the January 6 charges a fake indictment.

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, a statement from Mr Trumps campaign read.

On 3 August, the former commander-in-chief left his arraignment in DC after pleading not guilty to the 2020 election charges and told the press: When you look at whats happening this is a persecution of a political opponent.

This was never supposed to happen in America. This is the persecution of the person thats leading by very, very substantial numbers in the Republican primary and leading Joe Biden by a lot so if you cant beat them you persecute them or prosecute em.

This story was updated on 4 August 2023 to reflect new developments
Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Former New Jersey governor and 2024 Republican presidential candidate Chris Christie offered his opinion on Donald Trump's likely third indictment during a podcast interview on Thursday.

On Thursday, Mr Trump's lawyers were told that a third indictment related to Special Council Jack Smith's investigation into the Capitol riot and the former president's attempts to overturn the 2020 election was likely imminent.

Mr Christie appeared on Thursday's episode of Pod Save America to discuss the 2024 election and the implications of Mr Trump's various criminal cases.

Host Jon Lovett asked Mr Christie if he had ever heard of someone "facing between four and six trials within a few months for different legal issues," referring to Mr Trump.

No. No. Usually, folks like this commit discrete crimes and wind up having one trial," Mr Christie quipped. "This guy has been a one man crime wave. Look, hes earned every one of them. If you look at it, every one of these is self-inflicted. And thats why, you know, do I think that prosecutors exercise prosecutorial judgment in discretion in some respects that are questionable? Yeah  and they always have. But what I say to people all the time is whether you agree or disagree with the prosecutors, look at the underlying conduct.

He asked listeners to ask themselves if Mr Trump's conduct is conducive to "someone who wants to be the president of the United States."

Though Mr Christie has little to say in support of Mr Trump, he did offer one point of agreement; he also believed the charges brought by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg relating to alleged hush money the former president paid to Stormy Daniels were bogus.

The prosecution of Manhattan is one that I wouldnt have brought as a prosecutor. But do we want someone as president who is willing to pay off a porn star who he had an affair with, two months before a national election to hide it from the people who hes asking for their vote for president of the United States? I think thats probably conduct that we should be frowning upon, Mr Christie said.

He said he "didn't believe" in Mr Bragg's case, but offered that he does "absolutely believe" Mr Smith's.

Mr Trump has been a frequent target for Mr Christie, who recently slammed comments made by GOP Senator Tim Scott defending the former president against claims that he was responsible for the Capitol riot.

Mr Scott said that because Mr Trump was not physically present at the riot, he was not responsible for the MAGA supporters who "threatened my life."

Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie said Donald Trump was a one man crime wave during a podcast interview (Getty Images)

Mr Christie called the comments "disappointing."

Tim Scott said what he said [Sunday] for the hope that he can pander some people who currently support Donald Trump, and, he thinks, may leave Donald Trump after all these indictments and then theyll look at Tim and say well, Tim didnt say bad things about Donald Trump. So maybe Ill vote for him. Thats wrong, he told a crowd during a campaign event in New Hampshire.

He expounded further during a meeting with local business leaders in Manchester, New Hampshire, likening Mr Trump to the Harry Potter villain Voldemort.

Hes like Voldemort in the Harry Potter books, he who shall not be named. The other candidates wont even name him. Mr Christie said. Nikki Haley says, the candidates whos about the past. Nikki, its okay. Say his name. Its alright.
Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Ron DeSantis threatened Bud Lights parent company with legal action after the beer brands sales and stocks dropped because of right-wing backlash and transphobic boycotts over a transgender influencers sponsored social media post  a boycott that the Florida governor supported.

Mr DeSantis, who is seeking the 2024 Republican nomination for president, defended the boycott in a lengthy, wide-ranging interview with Megyn Kelly on SiriusXM after outlining the potential impacts of poor sales and stock prices on the states pension fund, which holds stock in Anheuser-Busch and InBev.

The right-wing news personality asked whether Mr DeSantis was using government to punish citizens for political wrongthink, an accusation often thrown at Democratic officials by conservatives.

No. Take Anheuser-Busch. Were not punishing them. They departed from business practices by indulging in social activism. That has caused a huge problem for their company, and their stock price has gone down, Mr DeSantis said. Well, our pension fund in Florida holds Anheuser-Busch/InBev stock. So its actually hurt teachers, its hurt cops, it hurts firefighters who depend on that pension fund, and so .

Didnt you support the boycott against them? Ms Kelly interjected.

No, I did, but thats just as a personal thing, but I mean we didnt have, like, the state government, you know, necessarily, you know, putting power about it, but as an American I said Im not doing Anheuser-Busch, Im not doing Bud Light.

In a recent letter to a state agency that manages retirement accounts for state workers, Mr DeSantis suggested that InBev breached legal duties to its shareholders by associating with radical social ideologies after trans influencer Dylan Mulvaney posted a video to her Instagram account with a Bud Light can in May.

The video sparked widespread outrage among Republican officials and right-wing personalities who have filmed themselves dumping out beers, shooting bottles and cans, and pledging to boycott Budweiser products because a trans person was featured in marketing.

All options are on the table, Mr DeSantis wrote in his letter, though its unclear what the state can do to challenge the multinational companys business decisions.

When you take your eye off the ball like that, youre not following your fiduciary duty to do the best you can for your shareholders, so were going to be launching an inquiry about Bud Light and InBev, and it could be something that leads to a derivative lawsuit on behalf of the shareholders of the Florida pension fund, Mr DeSantis told Fox News host Jesse Watters on 20 July.

Ms Kelly also pressed the governor on his administrations actions against the Walt Disney Company and its sprawling theme park campus in the state. The company and the DeSantis administration are suing one another following a feud over Disneys opposition to what opponents have called Floridas Dont Say Gay law that boiled over into political and legal battles that could shape the companys business in the state.

The governor has overseen what is effectively a state takeover of the municipal board that managed Disneys park campus for decades, a move that the company has called a targeted campaign of government retaliation.

Why cant Disney oppose your law  without being punished by the state? Ms Kelly asked the governor.

Mr DeSantis accused the company of weaponising state subsidies to speak out against state policy. The Reedy Creek Improvement District was first created in 1967 to give Disney control of its land use, zoning rules and public services without putting a tax burden on Florida residents.

Its not about entitlement, Ms Kelly said. If I go to my boss and I say, You sexually harassed me, and then suddenly he reduces my salary from $200k to $100k, thats retaliation.

Mr DeSantis dismissed the comparison.

He accused Disney of supporting sexualising kids and putting its corporate weight behind that effort, as his administration and national agenda launches a crusade against inclusive classroom instruction and honest discussion of gender, sexuality, race and racism, as well as a series of policies that threaten LGBT+ people and gender-affirming healthcare for both transgender minors and trans adults.

A motion filed in US District Court on 26 June argues that Mr DeSantis is entitled to legislative immunity that shields the actions of the governor and lawmakers in the proposal, formulation, and passage of legislation.

Attorneys for Mr DeSantis argue that the governor and the secretary of Floridas Department of Economic Opportunity are both immune from the suit.

In filings this week, attorneys for the company argued that the governor is trying to evade responsibility for overseeing laws that punish residents for political statements violating a state-prescribed speech code.
Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Former president Donald Trumps attempts to undermine the results of elections that his rivals have won are now at the centre of a sprawling federal indictment against him, one that follows an avalanche of lies and conspiracy theories about the democratic process and a campaign to overturn the votes of millions of Americans.

Lawsuits from his legal team and Trump allies were shot down in court. His own administration and campaign failed to produce any evidence.

But his false and inflated claims, spanning more than a decade, have sowed enough doubt among his supporters to construct the lie of stolen and rigged elections, animating Republican attempts to challenge results and craft legislation to do what Mr Trump failed to do in the courts.

A persistent lie that the election was stolen from him fuelled violence at the US Capitol on 6 January 2021, sustained partisan investigations intended to reverse the outcomes in states he lost, inspired Republican-led legislation in nearly every state to change how elections are run, and has formed the basis of Mr Trumps 2024 campaign.

Did he believe the truth of his claims? And how often was he told, by both his advisers and White House officials, that he was wrong?

These are questions that prosecutors are likely considering as US Department of Justice special counsel Jack Smith and his team prosecute the former president, but they wont need to establish that he was aware that he was spreading misinformation to charge him for crimes allegedly committed to throw out millions of Americans votes and remain in power.

Years of evidence, however, suggests that he knew what he was saying was false, or that he should have known he was not telling the truth, when he waged his assault on an election he lost to Joe Biden.

A history of sham and rigged elections

Mr Trump told his followers to march on Washington and stop this travesty. He told them to fight like hell and stop this great and disgusting injustice.

The world is laughing at us, he said. This election is a total sham and a travesty. We are not a democracy! Our country is now in serious and unprecedented trouble... like never before.

It was 7 November 2012 and Barack Obamas election night defeat of Mitt Romney that first sent Donald Trump into a Twitter tailspin.

Most of those messages were later deleted, but similar statements were repeated often and in public in the years that followed, including on a stage in Washington, DC, that day a mob of his followers stormed the halls of Congress on 6 January 2021.

Four years after raging over 2012 results, after he came in second place in the Iowa caucus for the Republican nomination for president, Mr Trump said his then-rival Ted Cruz stole the primary from him.

Ted Cruz didnt win Iowa, he stole it. That is why all of the polls were so wrong and why he got far more votes than anticipated. Bad! he said on Twitter in February 2016.

He called for a new election or for the votes to be nullified.

In August 2016, during a campaign stop in Ohio, he said he is afraid the elections going to be rigged  a statement based on nothing.

But that summer, however, Republican operative Roger Stone called on then-candidate Trump to talk about voter fraud constantly.

He told Breitbart: He needs to say for example, today would be a perfect example: I am leading in Florida. The polls all show it. If I lose Florida, we will know that theres voter fraud. If theres voter fraud, this election will be illegitimate, the election of the winner will be illegitimate, we will have a constitutional crisis, widespread civil disobedience, and the government will no longer be the government.

Mr Trump will go to the places other politicians wont, and hes probably the only person to run for president within the last 50 years who would dare to do this, and might even get away with it, Stone added.

Then-candidate Trump would later tell Fox News host Sean Hannity that there are 1.8 million people who are dead, who are registered to vote, and some of them absolutely vote.

Of course there is large-scale voter fraud happening on and before election day. Why do Republican leaders deny what is going on? So naive! he said on Twitter that same week.

A voter fraud commission that found no evidence of voter fraud

Shortly after entering office in 2017, Mr Trump established a Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity, chaired by his then-Vice President Mike Pence. Kris Kobach, then the secretary of state of Kansas and a key architect of GOP election laws, was appointed as vice chair.

Other members of the commission included members of influential right-wing think tanks like the Heritage Foundation and the Public Interest Legal Foundation, which have also advanced restrictive voting laws under the election integrity banner.

In July 2017, Mr Kobach requested every state to provide a list of all registered voters, the last four digits of their Social Security numbers, their addresses, dates of birth, political affiliation, and voting history.

Mississippis secretary of state Delbert Hosemann said the commissions request can go jump in the Gulf of Mexico. Virginias then-governor Terry McAuliffe said he had no intention to respond to the commissions request.

This entire commission is based on the specious and false notion that there was widespread voter fraud last November. At best this commission was set up as a pretext to validate Donald Trumps alternative election facts, and at worst is a tool to commit large-scale voter suppression, he said in a statement at the time.

He added that the only irregularity stemming from the 2016 presidential election involved Russian troll farms to sow political and social discord and boost Mr Trumps candidacy.

On 3 January 2018, Mr Trump announced that he was dissolving the commission.

Despite substantial evidence of voter fraud, many states have refused to provide the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity with basic information relevant to its inquiry, he said in a statement at the time.

Rather than engage in endless legal battles at taxpayer expense, today I signed an executive order to dissolve the Commission, and have asked the Department of Homeland Security to review these issues and determine next courses of action.

The commission released its documents six months later, after a lawsuit from Maines secretary of state and commission member Matthew Dunlap argued that instead of widespread evidence of fraud the commissions findings actually reveals a troubling bias.

Mr Dunlap said that the commissions purpose was not to pursue the truth but rather to provide an official imprimatur of legitimacy [from] President Trumps assertions that millions of illegal votes were cast during the 2016 election and to pave the way for policy changes designed to undermine the right to vote.

There exists no single document that reveals there is no widespread voter fraud, according to Mr Dunlap, but evidence that fails to substantiate the presidents claims.

A disinformation campaign before a single vote was cast

Before he publicly and repeatedly cast doubt on the legitimacy of mail-in ballots and the results of the 2020 election, then-President Trump was reportedly so impressed with his administrations work in election security that he planned a press conference around it.

Months before Election Day, intelligence officials met with Mr Trump and other White House officials on 14 February, 2020 to review potential threats to that years election and assured the president they had no concerns about its integrity.

That briefing came one day after a House committee hearing with intelligence officials who warned lawmakers that Russia was likely interfering in 2020 campaigns to boost Mr Trumps chances of re-election. Days later, Mr Trump fired Joseph Maguire, the acting director of national intelligence who testified at that hearing. He was immediately replaced with Richard Grenell.

That press conference never happened; Mr Trump continued his narrative that elections, particularly those in which Republicans lose, are corrupt.

In March 2020, as election officials prepared for an increase in voting by mail during the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, Mr Trump told Fox News that higher voter turnout would be a political disaster for Republicans.

The things they had in there were crazy, he said of Democratic proposals for emergency coronavirus aid. They had levels of voting, that if you ever agreed to it youd never have a Republican elected in this country again.

Mr Trump vowed to block such emergency funding for the US Postal Service, specifically to prevent expanded access to voting by mail.

They need that money in order to make the Post Office work so it can take all of these millions and millions of ballots, he told Fox Business in August 2020. But if they dont get those two items, that means you cant have universal mail-in voting, because theyre not equipped to have it.

Mr Trump and Republicans have repeatedly claimed without evidence that universal mail-in voting  in which any eligible voter can request an absentee ballot  is ripe for fraud.

Republicans should fight very hard when it comes to state wide mail-in voting. Democrats are clamoring for it, Mr Trump said in April 2020. Tremendous potential for voter fraud, and for whatever reason, doesnt work out well for Republicans.

Proponents have often defended those claims by pointing to a 2005 report from the Commission on Federal Election Reform, co-chaired by former president Jimmy Carter and former secretary of state James Baker.

The report noted that because voting by mail takes place outside of polling locations, there is an increased potential for fraud, but does not say that any such fraud has occurred on the scale Mr Trump has alleged. The report goes on to state that when safeguards are in place  like in Oregon, where voters have exclusively voted by mail since 1998  fraud was virtually nonexistent.

False claims and mischaracterisations about the report prompted former President Carter to issue a rare public statement in May 2020 urging political leaders to take immediate steps to expand vote-by-mail and other measures that can help protect the core of American democracy  the right of our citizens to vote.

After court rulings struck down his attempts to challenge vote-by-mail policies, and as he campaign failed to find evidence, then-President Trump routinely used his bully pulpit at the White House and on stage at his campaign rallies to launch a flood of false claims spread widely among his supporters and on social media.

When a federal judge ordered his campaign to produce such evidence in their possession, and if they have none, state as much, attorneys produced evidence pointing to only a handful of election fraud cases  none of which involved mail-in ballots.

A legal effort to overturn results while aides told him he lost

By Election Day in 2020, then-President Trump made dozens of false or misleading statements about voter fraud and voting by mail within that year alone. He kept going within hours after polls closed on 3 November.

A big WIN! he wrote on Twitter at 12.45am that night. We are up BIG, but they are trying to STEAL the Election. We will never let them do it. Votes cannot be cast after the Polls are closed! he wrote minutes later.

At a news conference hours later, he claimed a very sad group of people are trying to disenfranchise his supporters before listing states that he falsely claimed to have won.

Frankly, we did win this election, he said. So our goal now is to ensure the integrity, for the good of this nation. This is a very big moment. This is a major fraud on our nation.

Over the following days and months, he continued to suggest that the late-counted mail-in ballots for Mr Biden that changed the outcome in states that he lost were evidence of fraud, after he spent months denigrating absentee ballots and urging his supporters to cast their votes in person.

A flurry of legal challenges and partisan legislative hearings targeted election laws and outcomes in states that he lost; none produced any evidence of widespread fraud.

His legal team largely walked away from the effort, except for Sidney Powell and Rudy Giuliani, who are now facing defamation claims and professional sanctions for amplifying the same baseless claims.

In November 2020, one week after the election, Mr Krebs said in a statement through his agency that there is no evidence that any voting system deleted or lost votes, changed votes, or was in any way compromised. That sentence was highlighted in bold in the statement.

Mr Trump fired him with a tweet.

The House select committee investigating the events surrounding January 6 found that Mr Trumps senior advisers told him on 12 November, 2020, that he lost the election  not from fraud, but because more people voted for Mr Biden.

Mr Trump was then reportedly furious with his US attorney general Bill Barr when he told the Associated Press in December 2020 that to date no agency has seen any evidence of fraud on a scale that could have affected a different outcome in the election.

That month, John Eastman  a Trump-linked attorney who organised the so-called alternate elector scheme  also warned the campaign against repeating debunked data in a suit targeting Georgias election results.

Mr Trump was made aware that some of the allegations (and evidence proffered by the experts) has been inaccurate, Mr Eastman wrote, according to court filings. For him to sign a new verification with that knowledge (and incorporation by reference) would not be accurate.

That email from Mr Eastman underscores what federal prosecutors have alleged: That Mr Trumps team was aware that the arguments they were making were indefensible, and that the man who was insisting on them knew that.

Judge Carter also pointed to an email from a Trump attorney that said merely having this case pending in the Supreme Court, not ruled on, might be enough to delay consideration of Georgia.

This email, read in context with other documents in this review, make clear that President Trump filed certain lawsuits not to obtain legal relief, but to disrupt or delay the January 6 congressional proceedings through the courts, wrote Mr Carter, alleging a similar tactic that Mr Trump has used to squash investigations and lawsuits against him for years.

The House committee spent a year and a half on its investigation, 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 Mr Trumps refusal to cede power  regardless of the outcome of a democratic election  while his close advisers told him that he lost.

In his interview with the House select committee, Trump adviser Jason Miller said he had several conversations with Mr Trump that his claims were wrong. Mr Barr told the committee that Mr Trumps claims were detached from reality.

Mr Barr and other administration officials also said they tried to debunk conspiracy theories surrounding Dominion Voting Systems, which recently settled with Fox News for $787m in a landmark defamation case against the network. But Mr Trump went on to tweet about Dominion nearly three dozen times from November 2020 up until the attack on the Capitol on January 6.

In a text message reviewed by federal prosecutors, Mr Trumps own chief of staff Mark Meadows joked with a White House lawyer about his false claims of voter fraud in Georgia.

The former president has continued a narrative of political persecution as he seeks the 2024 Republican nomination for president, with a reliable mention of stolen or rigged election in speeches and on his Truth Social platform.

Mr Trump, who has reliably turned to projection in his rhetorical playbook, is now referring to the multiple investigations and indictments against him as their own form of politically motivated election interference to stop him from reaching the White House.

This story was first published on 27 July and has been updated with subsequent developments.
Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Donald Trump 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.
Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

President Joe Biden will host the leaders of Japan and South Korea next month for a summit at Camp David, the White House announced Friday.

The Aug. 18 meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is the latest sign of warming relations between Japan and South Korea as they move to set aside generations of tensions and mistrust while the United States deepens its commitment to Asia.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement that the leaders will discuss expanding trilateral cooperation across the Indo-Pacific and beyond." Expected topics include the threat posed by North Korea and ties with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and with the Pacific Islands.

The invitation spun out of a brief photo-op that the three leaders had at the Group of Seven summit in Hiroshima, Japan, in May. The Biden administration has been urging stronger economic and defense ties between South Korea and Japan as it looks to bolster the region against China's assertive territorial moves, as well as to secure their cooperation to support Ukraine fight off Russia's invasion.
Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

President Joe Biden plans to sign an executive order while visiting Maine on Friday to encourage companies to manufacture new inventions in the United States.

Biden is going to Maine for the first time of his presidency, packaging his signing of the executive order with a speech at a textile factory and a fundraiser later in the town of Freeport.

The Democrat won three out of the state's four electoral votes in 2020 and is seeking to shore up his support in the state. Maine allocates its electoral votes by congressional district, and he lost the vote in the state's second district, which provided the only electoral vote in New England for then-President Donald Trump, a Republican.

Were talking about bringing manufacturing back to the country and creating jobs  good-paying jobs, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Thursday as she previewed the trip.

The White House outlined the executive order being signed by Biden, which would improve the transparency of federal research and development programs to meet the administration's goals for domestic manufacturing. The order asks agencies to weigh U.S. national security and economic interests when determining if domestic manufacturing requirements should be broadened.

The order also encourages federal agencies to consider domestic production when investing in research and development and to use their own legal authorities to encourage that new technologies are made in the U.S. But when goods cannot be made in the U.S., the order instructs the Commerce Department to create a clearer and timelier process for receiving a waiver.

Biden will be going to Auburn Manufacturing Inc., a maker of heat- and fire-resistant fabrics for industries that include shipbuilding, oil refining and electricity generation. The company challenged China for its unfair trade practices regarding amorphous silica fabric, or ASF, which is a heat-resistant material.
Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

The unnamed Trump employee 4 mentioned in the superseding federal indictment against former President Donald Trump has been identified as Yuscil Taveras, the director of information technology at Mar-a-Lago.

CNN and NBC News revealed the name on Friday. The reports said that Mr Taveras oversaw the surveillance camera footage at the property.

He had a conversation with the third co-defendant named in the superseding indictment  Carlos De Oliveira  who was a maintenance supervisor at Mar-a-Lago. He suggested their chat remain between the two of them, the indictment states. Mr De Oliveira asked to have a private discussion in an audio closet.

Mr De Oliveira then asked how long the server retained footage, to which Mr Taveras responded that he believed it was approximately 45 days. Mr De Oliveira then said the boss wanted the footage deleted.

But Mr Taveras said that not only did he not know how to do that but that he did not believe that he would have the rights to do that, the filing states, adding that Mr De Oliveira would have to reach out to the supervisor of security. Reiterating the wishes of the boss, Mr De Oliveira then asked, what are we going to do?

CNN reported that special counsel Jack Smiths team had previously heard testimony about odd conversations about surveillance footage between Mr Taveras, and two other co-defendants, Carlos De Oliveira and another employee, Walt Nauta.

Thursdays superseding indictment added more charges to the existing pile against Mr Trump. His 2024 presidential campaign dismissed the charges in a statement, calling them nothing more than a continued desperate and flailing attempt by the Biden Crime Family and their Department of Justice to harass President Trump and those around him.
Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

New details reveal that California Rep Eric Swalwell did not hold back when criticising Speaker Kevin McCarthy last month, reportedly calling him a p**** on the House floor.

According to The Daily Beast, the heated exchange stemmed from the events of 21 June, when Republicans voted to censure California Democratic Rep Adam Schiff.

As Democrats chanted Shame! at their colleagues across the aisle, Mr Swalwell, standing near the speakers podium, had something to say to one Republican in particular  Mr McCarthy.

This is pathetic, Mr Swalwell allegedly said to the House speaker, according to two members of Congress who spoke to the outlet. Youre weak. Youre a weak man.

Mr McCarthy looked like he had a vein popping out of his forehead, one lawmaker told the outlet. Another said the House speaker stared down Mr Swalwell for roughly 10 seconds before deciding to walk away.

The next day, the beef between the two lawmakers intensified. Just before Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave a joint address to Congress, Mr Swalwell was right outside the chamber on the Republican side when Mr McCarthy reportedly spotted him.

McCarthy said, If you ever say something like that to me again, Im gonna kick the s*** out of you, one member told The Daily Beast.

Another lawmaker expanded on this, recalling: They were in each others faces. Basically nose-to-nose. And Rep Swalwell said something like, Are we really gonna do this?

The House speaker then allegedly threatened the California Democrat: Call me a p**** again, and Ill kick your a**.

Both lawmakers speaking to the outlet apparently recalled the next words from Mr Swalwell identically: You. Are. A. P****.

But Mr McCarthy did not fulfill his promise, and instead the two congressmen stared each other down before McCarthy stepped to the side.

The Independent has reached out to the offices of Speaker McCarthy and Mr Swalwell for comment.

The bad blood between the Californians has been spilled before; back in January, shortly after McCarthy became speaker, he booted Mr Swalwell  as well as Mr Schiff  from the House Intelligence Committee.

This also isnt the first documented instance of name-calling in the recent past among Congress members. Georgia Republican Rep Marjorie Taylor Greene called Colorado Republican Rep Lauren Boebert a little b**** last month on the House floor.
Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

South Carolina Senator Tim Scott has criticised fellow Republican presidential candidate and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for supporting new standards that require teachers to instruct middle school history students that slaves developed skills that could be applied for their personal benefit.

What slavery was really about was separating families... about mutilating humans and even raping their wives. It was just devastating, Mr Scott, the sole Black Republican in the Senate, told reporters on Thursday after a town hall in Ankeny, Iowa.

So I would hope that every person in our country  and certainly running for president  would appreciate that.

He then conceded: People have bad days. Sometimes they regret what they say. And we should ask them again to clarify their positions.

Governor DeSantis has been roundly criticised by Florida teachers, civil rights leaders, and President Joe Biden's White House on the new school standards.

Vice President Kamala Harris, the nations first Black vice president, travelled to Florida last week to condemn the curriculum.

Mr Scotts comments came as he and DeSantis stumped in Iowa ahead of the state Republican Partys Lincoln Day Dinner, a gathering at which 13 candidates in the GOP presidential primary field will be addressing an expected 1,200 activists on Friday.

The senator, part of the GOP's most diverse presidential field ever, was asked for his take on the standards hours after Mr DeSantis defended them during a gaggle with reporters as he campaigned.

At the end of the day, you got to choose: Are you going to side with Kamala Harris and liberal media outlets or are you going to side with the state of Florida? Governor DeSantis told reporters, citing Democrats' criticism of the language.

I think its very clear that these guys did a good job on those standards. It wasnt anything that was politically motivated.

Responding on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, to reporters' posts of Mr Scott's video, a super PAC supporting DeSantis on Thursday night called the posts incredibly sloppy or intentionally disingenuous," reposting video of Mr DeSantis' defence of the curriculum earlier in the day posted by his wife Casey DeSantis.

Recommended The GOP are now claiming slaves could have pulled themselves up by their bootstraps

The group highlights the Florida governor as saying: That was in spite of slavery, not because of...

Podcaster Brian Tyler Cohen responded: The new education standards tell schools to teach that Black people benefited from slavery by giving them skills.

He added: Youre not even disputing it. The fact that youre doubling and tripling down may help explain why you just had to lay off a third of your staff.

With reporting by the Associated Press
Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Donald Trumphas been hit with new charges in the classified documents case, ramping up the former presidents legal problems as he takes a third run at the White House in 2024.

In a 60-page revised indictment unveiled on Thursday, the former president is charged with three new counts, including one of wilful retention of defence information and two of obstruction.

In total, the twice-impeached president is now facing 40 charges in the case after he was originally indicted on 37 counts last month.

Prosecutors have now included a third defendant in the case: Carlos De Oliveira, the property manager of Mar-a-Lago.

According to the prosecutors, Mr De Oliveira collaborated with Mr Trump and his valet, Walt Nauta, in a scheme to hide and withhold security footage from investigators.

Mr Trump continues to deny any wrongdoing, with a spokesperson dismissing the latest charges outright, labeling them as nothing more than a continued desperate and ineffective attempt by the Joe Biden administration to harass president Trump and those around him and influence the upcoming 2024 presidential race.

Heres the key takeaways about the latest charges against Mr Trump in the classified documents case:

Deleted security footage

According to the new superseding indictment, Mr Trump allegedly demanded that his staffers delete security camera footage at the Mar-a-Lago Club after investigators made a visit in June 2022 to collect classified documents he took with him after he left the White House.

In late June 2022, Mr De Oliveira allegedly took another employee to a small room known as an audio closet and asked him to keep the conversation between the two of them. He then told the employee that the boss wanted the server deleted.

When the unnamed employee, identified as Employee 4 in the documents, said he would not know how to do that, Mr De Oliveira insisted the boss wanted it done, and asked: What are we going to do?

Mishandling of Iran attack plan

Among the three new charges against Mr Trump is a new count  his 32nd  for retaining national defence information.

This new charge is about a classified document described as a top secret presentation concerning military activity in a foreign country.

This document is believed to be a plan of attack on Iran which a leaked audio previously revealed Mr Trump discussing in a meeting with biographers and staffers at his Bedminster, New Jersey resort.

CNN plays tape of Trump appearing to show off classified military documents

During the meeting in July 2021, Mr Trump allegedly displayed a certain document to the writer and publisher of the memoir of his former chief of staff, Mark Meadows. Although the initial indictment mentioned the specifics of the document and the meeting, no charges were previously linked to this incident until now.

The former president had returned that document to the government on 17 January 2022, almost a year after he left office, according to the indictment.

Mr Trump has previously denied retaining the documents, instead claiming the papers he was referring to in the audio were merely news clippings. Mr Trump denies that he ever possessed a secret document about attacking Iran.

Last-minute change of travel plans

Mr Nauta, Mr Trumps long-time valet who was allegedly part of plans to conceal the security footage from investigators, changed his plans to travel with Mr Trump to Illinois at the last minute on the day prosecutors served the Trump Organization with the final version of the subpoena, according to the indictment,

Instead, he allegedly travelled to Florida to talk to other employees of Mr Trump about deleting the security footage.

Prosecutors say he contacted the director of information technology at Mar-a-Lago, as well as another worker at the club, and disclosed to the latter that his purpose in visiting was to discuss how long the security footage is stored.

According to the indictment, Mr Nauta seemed to conceal the true purpose of his trip to Mar-a-Lago by informing others that he was going there for different reasons.

The updated indictment against former President Donald Trump, Walt Nauta and Carlos De Oliveira is photographed Thursday (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

Mr Nauta has now been charged with conspiring with Mr De Oliveira to obstruct justice by participating in the efforts to have the surveillance footgae deleted. Mr Trump has been hit with another count of obstruction of justice for asking for the footage to be deleted.

The fresh obstruction-of-justice charges each come with a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, while the charge for willfully retaining national defence secrets holds a potential penalty of up to 10 years behind bars.

Mr Trump and Mr Nauta were initially indicted together in June and have both pleaded not guilty to those charges.
Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Donald Trump was hit with a new set of federal charges on Thursday related to his alleged mishandling of classified documents since leaving the White House in January 2021.

Mr Trump and his aide Walt Nauta had already been charged in Justice Department special counsel Jack Smiths investigation into the retention of government documents at the former presidents Mar-a-Lago home in Palm Beach, Florida.

Now, the new superseding indictment brings fresh charges against the two men and also makes a formal allegation against a third man  Mar-a-Lago property manager Carlos De Oliveira.

Prosecutors have accused the three men of plotting to deleting security footage from Mar-a-Lago in order to conceal potential evidence of misconduct.

The fresh charges come at a time when Mr Smith is also pursuing another probe into Mr Trump over his efforts to overturn the result of the 2020 presidential election and his role in the Capitol riot of 6 January 2021.

Here you can read the superseding indictment in the classified documents case in full:
 Close Former Us Intelligence Officer Claims Us Government Has Recovered Non-human Biological Material From Ufo

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Pentagon whistleblowers shared explosive claims of alien technology defying laws of physics and pushback from military leadership against those reporting such sightings in a House Oversight Committee hearing on Wednesday.

Three witnesses took part in the hearing  David Grusch, a former intelligence official and whistleblower who said last month that the US has intact and partially intact alien vehicles, David Fravor, an ex-Navy commander who reported seeing an object flying across the sky during a 2004 training mission, and Ryan Graves, a retired Navy pilot who claims he spotted unidentified aerial phenomena off the Atlantic coast every day for at least a couple years.

Mr Grusch claimed individuals have been injured while working on reverse engineering UFOs, but he said he couldnt get into specifics of how that happened, adding that non-human biologics were found along with recovered crafts.

At one point, Congressman Tim Burchett asked Mr Grusch if anyone had been murdered as part of government efforts to cover-up information.

I have to be careful asking [sic] that question, he responded, citing an investigation into whether or not he was the subject of retaliatory action for whistleblowing. I directed people with that knowledge to the appropriate authorities.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

The remains of a mountain climber who vanished on a Swiss glacier in 1986 have been recovered after they were revealed by melting ice.

DNA tests confirmed the remains were those of the 38-year-old hiker from Germany who went missing nearly four decades ago near the Matterhorn mountain, Switzerlands most famous peak.

A huge search at the time failed to find any trace of him.

Police in the Valais canton said: DNA analysis enabled the identification of a mountain climber who had been missing since 1986.

In September 1986, a German climber, who was 38 at the time, had been reported missing after not returning from a hike.

The force did not give the climbers identity nor information on the circumstances of his death.

Climbers crossing the Theodul glacier above Zermatt this month had spotted a hiking boot and crampons emerging from the ice.

Alpine glaciers are increasingly giving up long-held secrets as the planet heats up, accelerating the rate of glacier retreat.

In 2015, the remains of two young Japanese climbers who went missing on the Matterhorn in a 1970 snowstorm were found and their identities were confirmed through the DNA testing of their relatives.

In 2014 the body of missing British climber Jonathan Conville, missing since 1979 on the Matterhorn, was discovered by a helicopter pilot.

His family said finally knowing he had died in an environment he loved was bittersweet.

Last year plane parts were found on the Aletsch glacier from a Piper Cherokee that crashed in 1968.

Last year snow from the winter Swiss skiing season was covered up to prevent it from melting, next to a pass free of the ice that covered it for at least 2,000 years (AFP via Getty Images)

And two sets of human remains were also revealed  one thought to have died in the 1970s or 1980s on the Chessjen glacier, and one on the Stockji glacier in the 1980s.

Switzerland has more glaciers  1,400  than any other country in Europe, accounting for about half of all those in the European Alps.

Swiss glaciers experienced record melting last year, losing more than 6 per cent of their volume and alarming experts at the Swiss Academy of Sciences who said a loss of 2 per cent would once have been considered extreme.

Separate research found that the countrys glaciers had lost more than half their total volume since the early 1930s  a much faster shrinkage than scientists had forecast. At that rate, they said, almost all the Alpine glaciers would be gone by the end of this century.

Glacier retreat is accelerating. Closely observing this phenomenon and quantifying its historical dimensions is important because it allows us to infer the glaciers responses to a changing climate, said Daniel Farinotti, a co-author of the study.

Alpine glaciers irrigate crops, and melt water from them cools rivers, so is vital to biodiversity including fish.

The glaciers also collect pools of water in ice dams, which threaten flooding if the water is released.

European glaciers are projected to lose more than 80 per cent of their current mass by 2100 under a high-emissions worst-case scenario, and many will disappear regardless of the emission scenario, according to a 2019 IPCC report.
 Close Plane fighting wildfires in Evia crashes

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

A 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.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

The wreck of an ancient Roman cargo ship believed to be more than 2,000 years old has been found off the coast of Italy.

The ship was located off the port of Civitavecchia, about 50 miles (80 kilometres) northwest of the Italian capital, on a sandy seabed at a depth of about 160 metres (525ft). It was discovered by the arts squad of Italy's Carabinieri police  who are tasked with protecting Italy's cultural heritage.

The vessel, estimated to be more than 20 metres long and dating from the first or second century BC, was carrying hundreds of amphorae  a type of Roman jar  that were mostly found intact. It is not known what the jars would have been used for, but amphorae were used to transport goods such as wine and olive oil.

The exceptional discovery is an important example of the shipwreck of a Roman ship facing the perils of the sea in an attempt to reach the coast, and bears witness to old maritime trading routes, the Carabinieri said, with police working to secure and study the site.

The relic was located and filmed using a remotely operated robot, the Carabinieri said. It was not immediately clear whether any attempt would be made to recover it or its cargo from the bottom of the sea.

The waters of the Mediterranean are believed to be teeming with such wrecks, with a number having been found in recent years around Italy. In 2021, a Roman vessel dating back to the second century BC was discovered off the coast of Palermo, about 90 metres deep. It carried a significant number of wine amphorae.

Valeria Li Vigni, the then director of the Soprintendenza del Mare, the government agency that oversees underwater cultural heritage in Sicily, said at the time: The Mediterranean continually gives us precious elements for the reconstruction of our history.

In 2018, a Greek merchant ship that experts dated back 2,400 years was found off the Bulgarian coast in the Black Sea. The 23 metre-long vessel was found 2,000 metres below the surface.

In the wake of that discovery, Helen Farr of the British-Bulgarian expedition team told the BBC: Its like another world. It's when the ROV [remote operated vehicle] drops down through the water column and you see this ship appear in the light at the bottom so perfectly preserved it feels like you step back in time.

Reuters contributed to this report
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Polands lawmakers voted Friday to approve an amended but divisive law on Russian influences believed to be targeting the opposition and criticized by the U.S. and the European Union.

The law was proposed in May by Poland's ruling right-wing Law and Justice party and critics see it as primarily targeting opposition leader and former Prime Minister Donald Tusk, before a parliamentary election scheduled for this fall. Following criticism, President Andrzej Duda proposed urgent amendments to tone it down.

The lower house, or Sejm, voted 235-214 with four abstentions to reject the Senates veto to the draft law amended by Duda. It only now requires Duda's signature to take effect.

The amended bill calls for a commission to check whether between 2007 and 2022 politicians have taken decisions under Russias influence that could threaten Polands security. Duda has said it is needed for transparency's sake and to prevent Russia from influencing Polands stability in the future.

Poland is supporting neighboring Ukraine to fight against Russia's full-scale invasion and is supplying weapons, humanitarian aid and political backing for Kyiv. That has drawn harsh comments from Moscow.

The previous, more restrictive law is currently in effect, but the commission members haven't been chosen yet.

When it takes effect, the law will create a powerful committee by experts but not lawmakers to investigate Russian influence in Poland and name politicians who allegedly allowed them, thus barring them in practice from holding public positions. However, critics say it is primarily targeting Tusk, who also served as a top EU official.

Law and Justice accuses Tusk of having been too friendly toward Russia and President Vladimir Putin as prime minister between 2007 and 2014, and making gas deals favorable to Moscow before he went to Brussels to be the president of the European Council between 2014 and 2019.

Law and Justice party leader Jarosaw Kaczynski and Tusk are longtime political rivals.

Critics say the law violates the Polish Constitution and could keep government opponents from holding public office by having a negative effect on their eligibility, especially in a parliamentary election later this year. Amendments by Duda, who holds a law doctorate, allowed for the commission verdict to be appealed to court.

The U.S. State Department and EU authorities have strongly criticized the law in its first version and expressed concerns about Polands democracy. The 27-member EU, which Poland joined in 2004, also threatened to take measures, if it became fully clear that such a law would undermine democratic standards.

When Duda proposed the amendments in June, he also bowed partially to critics and sent the bill to the Constitutional Tribunal for a review for conformity with the supreme law. That verdict is still pending.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

A month on from the Wagner Groups extraordinary attempted mutiny against Russias military establishment  which saw its fighters leave their posts in eastern Ukraine, occupy the city of Rostov-on-Don and march on Moscow before a last minute peace deal was agreed  the mercenary groups founder, Yevgeny Prigozhin, appears to be back in his homeland.

Under the terms of the truce brokered between Mr Prigozhin and Vladimir Putin by Belarussian president Alexander Lukashenko on 24 June, the former was said to have agreed to resettle in Belarus while his troops were ordered to report to camps in that country before either rejoining the Russian military or stepping away altogether without fear of prosecution.

It subsequently emerged that Mr Prigozhin  a former felon who emerged from prison to build up a lucrative catering business and was nicknamed Putins chef before he formed Wagner  had attended a face-to-face meeting with Mr Putin at the Kremlin five days after the aborted coup, rather than making his way to Minsk as agreed, deepening the mystery surrounding the affair.

Mr Putins spokesman Dmitry Peskov revealed that a three-hour meeting had taken place on 29 June with 35 people in attendance, including Wagner unit commanders, who had reiterated their loyalty to their leader.

This month he has also been seen in videos apparently filmed on Belarusian soil, where some of Wagners fighters are training some of the countrys troops.

Now, Mr Prigozhin has appeared in a picture posted to Facebook by Wagner associate Dimitri Sytyi in which he is dressed casually and posing with an ambassador identified by the BBC as Freddy Mapouka, a dignitary from the Central African Republic, at the Trezzini Palace Hotel in St Petersburg, apparently on the sidelines of the Russia-Africa Summit.

A second image shows him shaking hands with another man in front of a large map of the African continent.

The mercenary leader keeps an office at the hotel, according to local media cited CNN, and it was one of several locations raided by Russian law enforcement on 6 July in the aftermath of the rebellion.

Mr Prigozhin has reportedly been seen in public only once since that date, appearing on a video posted online on 19 July in which he greeted Wagner fighters ostensibly arriving at Asipovichy military base in Belarus.

Wagner has ties to the Central African Republic, its soldiers of fortune having carried out operations in the diamond-rich nation as well as in Mozambique, Sudan, Syria and Libya since the groups formation in 2014 in response to the outbreak of separatist fighting in the Donbas region of Ukraine following the Russian annexation of Crimea.

Since Mr Putins invasion of Russias western neighbour on 24 February 2022, Wagners men had been caught up in intense fighting in southern Ukraine, particularly the battles for Bakhmut and Soledar, with Mr Prigozhin cutting an increasingly belligerent and dissatisfied figure, frequently taking to Telegram to post angry videos berating Russian defence secretary Sergei Shoigu and chief of the general staff Valery Gerasimov for leaving his troops without adequate supplies.

In one video posted a month before the mutiny, Mr Prigozhin posed next to a heap of Wagner corpses and lambasted Mr Shoigu and Mr Gerasmov, telling them: The blood is still fresh. They came here as volunteers and are dying so you can sit like fat cats in your luxury offices.

These are someones fathers and someones sons. The scum that doesnt give us ammunition will eat their guts in hell.

Despite his astonishing recent actions, Mr Prigozhins apparent reappearance in Russia suggests he has not yet been entirely ostracised.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Kyivs troops are pushing through heavy intense artillery fire from Russian forces to advance in the east of Ukraine, the commander of the countrys armed forces has said.

Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi said that despite meeting stiff resistance, Ukraines ground forces are making gradual advances in the direction of Bakhmut in the eastern Donetsk region. The city, which is now occupied by Russian forces, has gained symbolic significance for both Kyiv and Moscow having been the scene for some of the most intense fighting of the war.

The enemy fiercely clings to every centimetre, conducting intense artillery and mortar fire, Col Gen Syrskyi said in a statement.

It comes after Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky posted a video late on Thursday night in which Ukrainian soldiers said they had taken the village of Staromaiorske, which sits in the western part of Donetsk region, the opposite side to Bakhmut. Russian military bloggers said artillery fire at the Ukrainian troops had effectively razed the village and reported more barrages on Friday.

Capturing the village, which is south of a cluster of settlements that Ukraine captured at the beginning of its counteroffensive last month, would give Ukraine a platform to push deeper into Russian-held territory.

Fighting has intensified at multiple places along the more than 600-mile front line, where Ukraine deployed its recently acquired Western weapons to push back Russias troops. That includes the southern Zaporizhzhia region. However, Kyivs troops are attacking without the air support it says is vital  and face an enemy which has had months to fortify positions as Ukraine prepared its counterpunch. Russia is trying to hold on to the territory it controls in the four provinces it illegally annexed in September: Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk, Kherson and Luhansk.

Ukraines president Volodymyr Zelensky attends a ceremony marking Statehood Day, in Kyiv on Friday (via Reuters)

Col Gen Syrskyi said fighting that targets the enemys artillery as well as its command and control structure is a priority as his troops probe Russian lines for weaknesses.

In these conditions, it is crucial to make timely management decisions in response to the situation at hand and take measures for manoeuvering forces and resources, shifting units and troops to areas where success is evident, or withdrawing them from the enemys fire, he said.

Elsewhere, Mr Zelensky marked Ukraines Statehood Day  which coincides with commemorations of the adoption of Christianity on lands that later became Ukraine, Russia and Belarus  by reaffirming the countrys sovereignty. His words were a rebuke to Russian president Vladimir Putin, who used his claim that Ukraine didnt exist as a nation to justify his invasion.

Now, like more than a thousand years ago, our civilisational choice is unity with the world, Mr Zelensky said in a speech on a square outside St Michaels Monastery in Kyiv. To be a power in world history. To have the right to its national history, of its people, its land, its state. And of our children, all future generations of the Ukrainian people. We will definitely win!

Moscow also accused Kyiv of firing two missiles at southern Russia, with the Defence Ministry saying it shot down a missile in the city of Taganrog, about 20 miles east of the border with Ukraine. Local officials reported 20 people were injured. The ministry later said it downed a second missile near the city of Azov.

Ukrainian soldiers fire toward Russian position on the front line in Zaporizhzhia region (AP)

Ukraines secretary of the National Security and Defence Council, Oleksiy Danilov, blamed Russian air defence systems for the explosion in Taganog.

Separately, an explosion was reported to have hit an oil refinery in the southwestern Russian city of Samara.

In St Petersburg, African leaders pressed Mr Putin to move ahead with their peace plan, aimed at ending Russias invasion, and renew the deal on the export of Ukrainian grain that Moscow tore up last week.

While not directly critical of Russia, the words on the second day of their summit were more forceful than those previously voiced. This war must end. And it can only end on the basis of justice and reason, African Union Commission chairman Moussa Faki Mahamat said.

Egyptian president Abdel Fatah al-Sisi urged Russia to revive the Black Sea grain deal. Since withdrawing from the deal, Russia has bombed Ukrainian ports and grain depots.

Mr Sisi, whose country is a big buyer of grain via the Black Sea route, told the summit it was essential to reach agreement on reviving the deal.

A senior Ukrainian official accused Russia on Friday of threatening civilian vessels in the Black Sea, urging the international community to condemn Moscows actions.

Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report
Sign up to our free weekly IndyTech newsletter delivered straight to your inbox Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

IndyTech email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

A British-built satellite is due to deliberately crash into the Atlantic Ocean on Friday in a first-of-its-kind mission.

Aeolus, which has provided valuable data to weather centres across Europe since 2018, is being manoeuvred by mission controllers at the European Space Agency (ESA) towards its final resting place.

It is the first time a dead satellite is being guided to perform an assisted crash on Earth  manoeuvres such as this are usually done on rocket components.

Under normal circumstances, Aeolus would naturally fall back to Earth, burning up in the planets atmosphere after reaching an altitude of around 50 miles.

We must protect the environment in which satellites operate and keep space open for future generations Angus Stewart, UK Space Agency

But simulations by the ESA suggest some debris might survive the burn, although the risk of causing any damage is small.

So the space agency decided to use what little fuel remains onboard to steer Aeolus back to Earth.

The ESA also intends to gather data for future satellite re-entries while setting a precedent for nations and organisations to follow suit.

Angus Stewart, head of space surveillance and tracking at the UK Space Agency (UKSA), said: Aeolus is a great example of the power of space to benefit us on Earth, with the UK-built spacecraft providing valuable data to leading weather centres across Europe since 2018, significantly improving global forecasts.

But with more than 8,000 operational satellites and more than 30,000 pieces of trackable debris, the ability to operate safely in space is growing increasingly challenging.

We must protect the environment in which satellites operate and keep space open for future generations, and its great to see ESA carrying out this assisted re-entry  the first of its kind.

The 1,360kg Aeolus spacecraft was built by Airbus Defence and Space in Stevenage and is the first satellite mission to acquire profiles of Earths wind on a global scale.

Aeolus was slated to last three years, but it outlasted its mission by nearly two years.

The spacecraft has been falling from its operational altitude since June 19 and performed its first major re-entry manoeuvre on July 24.

It is currently orbiting around 75 miles above the Earth.

Chilbolton Observatory, which is part of the Science and Technology Facilities Council and provides data to the UKSAs Space Surveillance and Tracking team, has been tasked with tracking the mission and providing the observations to the ESA.

Mr Stewart said: The UK Space Agency operates the UKs re-entry warning service and has tasked our UK sensors to observe the re-entry.

If observations are obtained, these will be provided to ESA and the Inter-Agency Space Debris Co-ordination Committee to support the re-entry analysis.
Sign up to our free weekly IndyTech newsletter delivered straight to your inbox Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

IndyTech email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Professor Brian Cox has said extraordinary claims about the existence of aliens were made in a US senate hearing, but were not backed up by extraordinary evidence.

US lawmakers heard first-hand accounts of unidentified flying object (UFO) sightings from former members of the military on Wednesday in a hearing to explore what the US Government knows about the existence of UFOs.

Retired Major David Grusch told Congress the US is concealing a long-standing programme that retrieves and reverse-engineers UFOs and that the US likely has been aware of non-human activity since the 1930s.

The Pentagon has denied Mr Gruschs claims of a cover-up.

Professor Brian Cox said mankind should focus on not messing our world up (James Manning/PA) (PA Archive)

On Thursday, Cox, a professor of particle physics at the University of Manchester and a broadcaster, tweeted: I keep being asked what I make of the UFO thing in Congress yesterday, so here it is.

I watched a few clips and saw some people who seemed to believe stuff saying extraordinary things without presenting extraordinary evidence.

Cox said he has nothing more to say than it would be great if true.

The 55-year-old added: It would take a bit of the pressure off our civilisation if we werent the only means within the Milky Way by which the Universe understands itself.

Sadly, as of today, I still feel that pressure, so can we perhaps focus on not messing our world up rather than hoping that, to paraphrase Sagan, someone will float down to save us from ourselves.
Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Simon Calders Travel email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Turkey has joined other holiday destinations across Europe in being struck by wildfires while in the grip of high temperatures.

Mediterranean countries have seen days of flames, first seen on the Greek island of Rhodes but since spreading to Corfu, Sicily and parts of Portugal, France and the Canary Islands.

In Turkey, 10 planes, 22 helicopters and more than 200 vehicles have been deployed this week in the firefighting efforts in Kemer area, with some 120 hectares of woodland burned, tourism minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy told reporters.

The temperature has exceeded 40C in some parts of the country over the past few days, and the Antalya region  one of the most popular spots for British tourists  has seen evacuations and people treated for smoke inhalation.

With the summer holidays upon us, many people will be ready to head away for a break. If youre booked to travel to Turkey, you might be asking: is it still safe to go? Heres what we know so far.

Which parts of Turkey are impacted by the fires?

A wildfire broke out near the tourist resort of Kemer in the southern province of Antalya, on Tuesday (25 July), with firefighters tackling the blaze amid high temperatures. Strong winds and low humidity meant the flames spread fast, according to a statement from the office of Antalyas governor.

Local authorities have taken all necessary measures to prevent the fire spreading to residential areas, according to officials.

A forest fire in Istanbuls Beykoz district can be seen from Bosphorus and emergency services are also dealing with outbreaks in Aegean Izmir, Afyonkarahisar, and Kutahya provinces, reports local publication Duvar English.

Last week, fires were reported in the provinces of Mersin and Hatay, both in the south-east of the country, as well as Canakkale in the west.

What is the latest Foreign Office advice?

Before the extreme heat and wildfires affected Europe, the Foreign Office (FCDO) already had three travel warnings in place for Turkey:

Border with Syria: advises against all travel within 10km of the border

City of Sirnak: advises against all but essential travel

Hakkari province: advises against all but essential travel

Specific FCDO advice on forest fires states: Forest fires happen frequently in Turkey during summer. Take care when visiting or driving through woodland areas.

You could get a fine or prison sentence for lighting a fire of any kind in forbidden areas. This includes barbeques and discarding cigarette butts in the woods. If there is a forest fire in your area, local authorities may tell you to leave your accommodation. Follow the directions of local authorities.

Travellers are advised to call the emergency services by dialling 112 if they spot a forest fire.

If I cancel my holiday, will I be refunded?

Unlike the fire-stricken Greek islands, where tour operators are being especially flexible around changing holiday plans, this is not the case in Turkey. The risk of fires affecting travel to Turkey is currently very small, so cancelling would likely mean losing the money paid for the booking.

Under the Package Travel Regulations, holidaymakers who book a package can cancel and receive a full 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. Those seeking refunds for independent travel (arranging the journey and accommodation separately) would have to try claiming instead through their travel insurance. But the wildfire risk in Turkey at this time is not extreme enough to make claiming a refund a viable option.

Unless the Foreign Office advice changes, or your trip is cancelled by your airline and/or holiday provider, dont bet on getting your cash back.
Joe Pescis Saturday Night Live rant against Sinead OConnor tearing up a picture of the Pope has resurfaced following her death.

Hosting the US sketch show on 10 October 1992, the actor said he would have given her such a smack if he was performing on the same episode.

Pesci made the comments one week after OConnor ripped up an image of Pope John Paul II as a form of protest against the sexual abuse of children by the Catholic Church.

She was very lucky it wasnt my show, because if it was my show, I would have gave her such a smack, he said.

I would have grabbed her by her eyebrows.
Authorities in Italy have released drone footage said to show a suspected arsonist in action in the Calabria region, as firefighters continue to battle wildfires across the south.

Searing temperatures have scorched Sicily, Sardinia and Calabria, where dozens of fires have broken out and multiple evacuations have been ordered.

The president of the Calabria region, Roberto Occhiuto, vowed to take action against such arsonists, adding that 22 suspected arsonists had been caught via drone surveillance last year.

In the footage he released, the suspect can be seen in a woodland area, before throwing rocks at the drone.
Watch the moment Joe Biden realised he forgot to sign an executive order at an event in Maine.

The president was discussing manufacturing at the Auburn Manufacturing Inc., in Auburn, when he finished his speech to applause and stepped down into the crowd.

As he went down the line shaking hands, and aide appeared at his side to whisper in his ear. The 80-year-old then hurried back onto the stage to sign the executive order which was the focus of the event.

Picking up the microphone again, the president quipped: I forgot I didnt sign the order. All that talk and no action
Dave Fishwick, founder of the independent lending company Burnley Savings and Loans, recalled how a young mother asked him for money to buy baby milk as he discussed NatWests profits.

The bank announced a sharp rise in first-half profits to 3.6bn, following a week of high-profile resignations over the closure of Nigel Farages Coutts account.

Speaking on Good Morning Britain, Mr Fishwick said banks are behaving appallingly and discussed worries of the British public.

You cant have a situation where today youve made 3.59bn and on the other side, people are going to lose their homes, he said, referencing NatWest.

Ive got people ringing up, wanting loans. A young lady, the other day, wanted a loan for baby milk. The world is changing and not for the better.
This is the moment supporters of mutinous soldiers in Niger ransacked and set fire to the ruling party headquarters of President Mohamed Bazoum.

Demonstrators in Niamey can be heard cheering as flames rise behind the burning headquarters of the ruling Nigerian Party for Democracy and Socialism.

Emergency services can be seen tackling the blaze as thick black smoke fills the sky. The remains of charred vehicles in the vicinity can also be seen.

Demonstrator Garba Souley said: There are many things that can justify this coup detat.
Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

The order from the US Supreme Court was clear. So was the order from another three-judge panel, with two Donald Trump appointees: A map drafted by Republican lawmakers in Alabama that outlines the political boundaries for members of the House of Representatives violated the Voting Rights Act by discriminating against Black voters. It must be redrawn.

So Alabama Republicans went back to the drawing board, and crafted a map that changed virtually nothing.

The states middle finger to the Supreme Court pulls from a well-worn playbook of discrimination to diminish Black political power, a history that is deeply embedded in Alabama history.

After grandstanding against proposed ethics laws to preserve the high courts legitimacy, and celebrating right-wing victories from the courts conservative supermajority, Republicans seem perfectly content ignoring the Supreme Court when it suits their political needs while protecting a radically reshaped federal judiciary to block anything that threatens them.

A decision from the Supreme Court last month effectively ordered Alabamas state legislature to rewrite the states congressional districts, which for years have packed most of the states Black residents  who make up more than a quarter of the states population  into just one out of seven House districts. An overwhelming majority of Black voters in the state vote Democratic. Only one member of the states congressional delegation is Black, and there are 33 Black lawmakers in the 140-seat state legislature. All but one are Democrats.

Recommended Civil rights groups blast Alabama GOP for defying Supreme Court order for second Black congressional district

On 21 July, facing a court-ordered deadline, Alabamas GOP-dominated legislature and Republican Governor Kay Ivey maintained the status quo. The new map has just one district with a Black voting age population share of slightly more than 50.6 per cent. The Black voting age population in the other proposed district is 39.9 per cent.

Its a shameless rehash of the same discriminatory map that was shot down in court, and it comes from the same defiant script that the state has used for decades to rob Black voters.

This is the same Alabama where, during a constitutional convention in 1901, when Black residents made up roughly 45 per cent of the states population, convention chair John Knox said its goal was to establish white supremacy in this state. That constitution is still in place.

The same Alabama, where a right-wing-dominated legislature and the states segregationist governors resisted court-ordered school integration efforts throughout the 1950s and 1960s, an effort that came directly from legislated white supremacy adopted by lawmakers decades earlier.

The same Alabama, where state lawmakers created a sovereignty commission to effectively spy on residents suspected of sympathizing with the civil rights movement, fuelling economic boycotts against them and getting them fired from their jobs and evicted from their homes.

Its not even the first time the state tried to bypass federal courts and the Supreme Court to suppress Black voters. AfterSmith v Allwright in 1944 shot down whites-only primaries, lawmakers created an understanding requirement that one high-profile Alabama lawyer said would make it impossible for a Negro to qualify. When another federal court struck that down, lawmakers came up with poll taxes, property requirements and literacy tests as requirements to vote.

In 2013, the state was behind a legal challenge in front of the Supreme Court to gut the Voting Rights Act, allowing states to adopt Republican-drafted laws restricting ballot access that disproportionately suppress Black and Latino voters. Alabama Republicans celebrated the Shelby County v Holder decision and adopted several suppressive laws that would have previously been struck down as unconstitutional.

Recommended Supreme Court rejects fringe theory that could give GOP state lawmakers unchecked election authority

Compare how Alabama Republicans celebrated the Supreme Courts decision to revoke a constitutional right to abortion care last year, rushing to implement anti-abortion laws that were unconstitutional hours earlier, to their brazen defiance of Black voting rights.

Governor Ivey called ending Roe v Wade a giant step forward for our country and the answer to our prayers. One year later, she signed off on the new map, stating that GOP lawmakers know our state, our people and our districts better than the federal courts or activist groups.

Attorney General Steve Marshall said the map fully and fairly applies traditional principles in a way that complies with the Voting Rights Act. Last year, he moved to immediately outlaw abortion in the state after a truly historic day. Alabama US Rep Barry Moore said he was relieved by the new map. He called the decision in Dobbs v Jackson Womens Health Organization a huge victory.

That hypocrisy is nothing new, and not even really hypocritical; its a coherent ideology to maintain a desired outcome, one traced along the history of a state that was at the epicenter of the civil rights movement and the violent white supremacist campaign against it.

A federal court hearing in August will determine whether Alabama lawmakers will once again have to rewrite a map, testing how far the states lawmakers will go to defend a living relic of an indefensible past, and whether the courts and Congress will let them.

Unmoored from constitutional obligations to protect the right to vote, and without critical federal guardrails, the state is headed into dangerous and violently familiar territory.
Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Former president Donald Trump has hijacked the Republican party. It is now his personal cash machine and propaganda network. In its spare time, the GOP still pushes for ultra conservative policies, and it still tries to win elections. But whenever Trump decides to commit a crime, no matter how flagrant, gratuitous, or divorced from advancing Republican goals, the GOP drops everything to debase itself in the name of licking his boots.

We watched this dynamic unfold again Thursday night, when special prosecutor Jack Smith added charges to the indictment against former Trump. The original indictment alleged that Trump had illegally taken classified documents from the White House and stored them (in the bathroom, among other locations) at his Florida resort property of Mar-A-Lago. The updated indictment added charges that Trump had allegedly tried to erase security footage subpoenaed by the grand jury.

Trump not only took classified documents; he repeatedly refused to turn them over to authorities, and even hid them from his own lawyers when pressed. His motivation for doing all of this is still uncertain, but it seems he took the documents in part simply because he felt like it, and because they made him feel important. In an interview with Sean Hannity on Fox News, Trump insisted (falsely) that he had the right to take stuff from the White House.

Smiths indictment says that Trump showed classified documents to cronies at the cluba writer, a publisher, staff members, someone working for his political action committeeeven mentioning that the documents were important and secret and that his interlocutors should not look at them too closely.

Its notable that Trumps excuses and motivations all center on his own prestige, interests, and rights. He doesnt even try to make a partisan argument. Republicans do not have a policy interest in allowing presidents to retain classified documents. Nor did taking the documents help Republicans electorally.

When Trump went on national television to ask China to investigate Joe Biden and interfere in US elections, the GOP could perhaps convince themselves that he was working for them as well as for himself, since they, like him, wanted Biden to lose the election. But in the documents case, theres barely a pretext for Republicans to shed their morals and dignity. Trump hasnt even pretended that he took the documents for any reason other than self-aggrandizement. Why should the GOP defend him?

The answer is that the GOP shouldnt defend him. But it cant help itself.

Defending Trump was a central tenet of Republican identity for years, and much of the partys base still empathizes strongly with the former president. When Trump was indicted over the documents charges the first time in June, his campaign raised $6.6 million in a week. He started to pull away from the Republican field in March, just after his indictment for hush money payments in the 2016 election.

Trump himself is masterful at fanning the flames of grievance among his followers while issuing veiled threats to his peers and rivals. After the latest indictment, he scurried to Fox to tell them that the DOJ was harassing my family and that he was only being targeted because he was so far ahead of Biden in general election polls (recent polls are in fact mixed). He also said, in a clear message to any doubters or laggards in the GOP, Hopefully the Republican Party will do something about it.

GOP leaders either share the rank and files Trump love, or are afraid to defy it. In either case, they have mostly fallen in line. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy has echoed Trumps talking points, insisting that the former president is being persecuted because of his poll numbers, rather than because he walked off with classified documents. House Judiciary Committee Chair Jim Jordan has taken steps to try to interfere with the DOJ investigation.

Even Trumps rivals in the GOP primary have been reluctant to challenge him; when asked whether Trumps indictments are disqualifying, Florida governor Ron DeSantis, in second place behind Trump in polls, half-heartedly replied that its up to voters to decide.

DeSantis knows that its not in his interest to help Trump steal classified documents so he can impress random Mar-A-Lago guests. Presumably others in the GOP also have some worries. Is Trump really the best general election candidate? His approval numbers are dismal; hes currently almost 20 points underwater according to 538s poll aggregator. Are those numbers going to get better following months of headlines about multiple criminal trials? At the least, it seems like a big risk which you could easily avoid by just nominating someone else.

But Trump owns the GOP, and there seems little the party can do about it. It has embraced Trumpian election lies; the majority of Republicans claim Trump won the 2020 election, despite no evidence of election interference. The GOP is less and less a democratic party, and more and more an authoritarian cult dedicated to the principle that the only votes that count are votes for Trump. Whatever Trump does, is right. Whoever opposes Trump must be destroyed. And if Trump decides that taking classified documents and storing them in the bathroom is what he wants to dowell, then many in the GOP will treat storing classified documents in the bathroom as a sacrament to be defended to the death.
Sitting in his hotel room in London, where he had come to attend the coronation of King Charles III, President Mohamed Bazoum of Niger told me how in a region beset with jihadists, Russias Wagner mercenaries and unstable miliary regimes, his country has become a key partner of the West.

That certainly appeared to be borne out by the flurry of high-profile meetings. The US secretary of state, Antony Blinken, visited Niger, the defence secretary Lloyd Austin was due to follow. British ministers were said to be planning trips. Bazoum had met President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, and he was one of few non-Commonwealth African heads of state present for the Royal crowning.

We are fully aware of the dangers in our region, there are regular attempts to destablise our government and society. But with the help of our Western partners, with investment and education, I am sure we can preserve democracy in our country, said President Bazoum as he prepared to depart for Westminster Abbey.
Aer Lingus passenger numbers were back to pre-pandemic levels in the first half of the year. Photo: Bloomberg

Aer Lingus is not short of growth opportunities, CEO Lynne Embleton said after the Irish carrier reported an operating profit of 40m for the first half of this year, helping to boost owner IAGs earnings to a record high.

The 40m figure is similar to Aer Linguss full-year 2022 profit and is up from an 83m loss in the first half of last year. But it is still around 50pc below its pre-pandemic profits.

But Aer Lingus passenger numbers were back to pre-pandemic levels in the first half, thanks to a busy spring travel season. Passenger revenue was 366m ahead of the first half of last year.

Ms Embleton told reporters that there are growth opportunities for the carrier in Dublin, despite it being a constrained airport.

"We do find, particularly in the peak summer, that moving around the airfield is tricky, but we see, with the plan that the airport authority has [should] support the development of Aer Lingus and the development of Dublin as an airport.

Aer Lingus is seeing what it called increased seasonality in the business after posting a loss in the first quarter, which it more than made up for in the second.

Short-haul flights to sun destinations in the Mediterranean performed well in the spring, Aer Lingus said in a statement, though the carrier is focusing on its long-haul services to the US.

Aer Lingus is targeting new cities such as Cleveland, in the midwestern state of Ohio, and reopening previous destinations such as Hartford in Connecticut, in the east of the country.

In March, Aer Lingus repaid a 50m loan from the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (Isif).

Aer Lingus owner IAG reported a record first-half profit of almost 1.3bn, on the back of a strong recovery by British Airways in the UK and Iberia in Spain.

However, business travel has yet to recover in all of IAGs markets, including in Ireland.

IAG chief executive Luis Gallego said the groups profits are funding investment and helping to reduce net debt, which fell by around a third to 7.6bn at the end of June 30.

We are aiming to be back to pre-pandemic capacity at the end of this year, he said.

These results are thanks to a strong performance from all companies across the group.

Customer demand remains strong across the group, particularly for leisure travel, with around 80pc of passenger revenue for the third quarter already booked. And our airlines have put in place plans to support operations during the busy summer period.

IAG said it has now restored 94pc of its 2019 capacity, with passenger unit revenue up 18.4pc in the first six months of the year, compared with the same period in 2022, thanks mainly to people travelling for leisure.

Fuel unit costs were up 5.7pc versus 2022, linked to higher effective average fuel prices net of hedging.

IAG described a challenging operating environment in the UK, due to a lack of ground staff, and France, where air traffic control strikes have affected most of its airlines.

Global supply chain issues have also reduced aircraft availability, IAG said in its half-yearly results on Friday.
The Data Protection Commission rejects claims that it has failed to fully investigate a complaint made to it five years ago about an alleged massive data breach by the internet giant Google.

The complaint about Google's processing of personal data was made by Dr Johnny Ryan, who is a senior fellow of the Irish Council for Civil Liberties.

Dr Ryan, whose role with the ICCL includes raising concerns about data protection, says his complaint concerns the operation of a system, allegedly used by Google, called Real Time Bidding (RTB) which underlies the targeting of individual data subjects for online advertising based on their personal data.

The failure to investigate the matter, he claims, breaches the requirements of both the 2018 Data Protection Act and GDPR, he has claimed in proceedings before the High Court.

The DPC  the State's supervisory authority in respect of GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation), the EU's privacy and data protection requirements  opposes Dr Ryan's application.

It denies all of Dr Ryan's claims against it, including that it has delayed in investigating issues raised in what it said were submissions from the plaintiff in 2018.

The DPC, represented by Joe Jeffers SC, says that it opened an inquiry on its own volition in 2019, which it says is ongoing.

It also argues that the proceedings have been brought outside of the legal time frame allowed to bring a judicial review, and that arguments raised in the proceedings are premature.

It further claims that its decision to open an inquiry, and the manner that probe has been operated are matters within the sole discretion of the DPC and are not matters that are amenable to judicial review proceedings.

Dr Ryan, represented by James Doherty SC and Sean O'Sullivan BL, rejects the DPC's arguments.

The action is before Mr Justice Garrett Simons.

At the outset of the hearing the judge said that he intends to reserve his decision after submissions from the parties have concluded and will give his decision at a later date.

Google is a notice party to the proceedings; however, its lawyers told the court that it does not intend to actively participate in the hearing.

Dr Ryan has raised various concerns including the RTB system used by Google, which he claims involves the unauthorised and potentially unlimited disclosure and processing of large volumes of personal data to third parties.

He also raised issues about Google's alleged inability to demonstrate their compliance with the GDPR requirement that personal data be processed lawfully and fairly, and that the processing of personal data be kept to a minimum.

The DPC opened an inquiry into RTB in May 2019 and there had been detailed correspondence between Dr Ryan and the DPC over the matter.

However, Dr Ryan claims his complaint has not been properly investigated by the DPC.

As a result, he has brought judicial review proceedings seeking a declaration from the court that the DPC has failed to carry out an investigation into the complaint with all due diligence within a reasonable time.

In reply to a question from the judge, Mr Doherty said the court was not being asked to "micromanage" the DPC's handling of the complaint.

In its statement of opposition, the DPC denies that Dr Ryan has been prejudiced by the manner in which it has conducted the inquiry it opened in 2019.

The hearing continues.
Commission ruling was over Covid working arrangements

The Irish arm of delivery giant UPS has been ordered to pay 15,000 to a worker with asthma after denying his request to retrain remotely during Covid.

Joe Myers took a job in September 2018 as a customer service representative at the firms Citywest site in Dublin, with a gross monthly wage of 2,500.

He resigned from the firm in January 2021 and submitted two key complaints to the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC).

The first was that he had been constructively dismissed, which is where an employers actions or inactions are considered to be so intolerable that the worker has no choice but to leave.

The second was that he was discriminated against on the grounds of disability.

The WRC dismissed the first complaint, but upheld the second.

It found Myers, who had asthma, had been discriminated against by not being permitted to work from home during Covid, awarding six months of pay.

Myers first raised a workplace issue in November 2019. He said that a team leader prevented him from entering the workplace, pushing him out the door. He reported this as assault to the HR officer, with Gardai also being called.

Gardai told him that the CCTV footage didnt reveal any point of physical contact between him and the colleague, and in November the HR investigation concluded.

In December, the team leader then made a complaint about Myers. Myers said the stress brought on by this sequence of events forced him to take sick leave.

On This Day In History - July 28th

He said he was not facilitated in his attempts to return to work, and remained on sick leave until resigning in January 2021. The complaint from his colleague did not proceed while he was on sick leave.

The WRC found the complaint about constructive dismissal was not well founded, and this was not upheld.

However, it upheld a separate complaint from Myers.

Myers requested that he be allowed to return to work remotely in September 2020. He said this was needed as he had asthma, and could provide a doctors note if needed. He said his colleagues were allowed to work and train from home.

At the time, Myers was completing discount training for staff in new roles from home via Zoom.

However, he was told he must work from the office, which he said put him and his family at risk during a pandemic.

Myers said this was discriminatory against him compared to other employees who were allowed work from home. He wrote to a company director several weeks later again raising the issue, but received no response.

The respondent [UPS] gave no evidence of offering any information to the complainant as to why this remote training, on offer to other employees, was out of the question for the complainant, the WRC said.

In denying him access to remote training they were denying the complainant re-entry to the workforce. In this he was treated less favourably than a person without a disability.

Taking all of the circumstances into account, I order the respondent to pay the complaint the sum of 15,000.
Kerry family speaks out as killer set to be released: I can't believe he is out after just five years
A number of Irish Coldplay fans have vented their frustration online after failing to secure tickets for the bands Dublin concerts next year.

The Grammy Award-winning band will 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.

Desperate fans tried to secure presale tickets on Tuesday and Wednesday, with many taking to social media to complain about not being able to access the site or receiving error messages and being sent to the back of the queue.

The general sale started this morning at 10am, with more than 200,000 fans queuing in line to secure tickets to see the British band perform in Ireland for the first time since 2017.

Coldplay European 2024 Tour Trailer

A number of fans have shared their thoughts on Twitter this morning after spending some time waiting to secure tickets this morning.

A spokesperson for Ticketmaster confirmed just before 11am that tickets had already sold out in just under an hour.

"Coldplay were super popular this morning, and tickets are now sold out. Sorry to those who missed out this time, they said.

Please keep an eye on our official Fan-To-Fan Ticket Exchange for tickets becoming available at a future date.

One Twitter user said: Was 2,000 in the que when I joined at 9:50, get in to buy tickets and theres none left??? The max that could have been sold with this sale so far is 12,000? So either presales sold most the tickets or theyre holding tickets back.

Another user said: Hey @coldplay, just a quick message to let you know that we'd all have loved to hang out with you in Dublin next August, but winning the lottery seems like a more realistic goal than navigating #Ticketmaster to get tickets to your shows. Lots of love, 90% of Ireland.

While another said: Less than 2,000 in the queue, get to the top and sold out? No tickets for general sale to begin with.

The dates include the bands first ever shows in Greece, Romania and Finland, as well as their first show in Rome since 2003 and first visit to Budapest since 2008.

Another Twitter user urged fans to be aware of possible scams. They said: So many scams on twitter for Coldplay tickets when you can't even sell or transfer them yet and according to Ticketmaster you won't be able to until closer to the date. So beware of people saying they want to sell/ or change seats.
The sons of a US tourist assaulted in Dublin have thanked the people of Ireland for their kindness, as they said he is no longer in a coma.

Stephen Termini (57) from New York state, was seriously injured in an attack in Talbot Street in the city centre on July 19.

The incident has prompted a wider debate on whether the Irish capital's streets are safe.

On Friday, Justice Minister Helen McEntee announced an additional 10m for gardai in the Dublin region.

Mr Termini's sons, Michael and Jesse Rizzuto, have travelled from the US to visit their father in hospital.

They had set up an online fundraising page with a target of $10,000 (9,000) to pay for their trip to Ireland.

The Go Fund Me page has been deluged with donations. By today the total raised had passed $127,000 (115,000) with more than 4,400 people having donated.

Jesse Rizzuto said the reaction had been "nothing but the greatest".

"Everybody has reached out to us to say 'you know, this isn't what it's like (in Ireland), we want to show you what it's like'," he told RTE.

"And I mean the donations, we never expected a turnout like this.

"I mean we had it set for a smaller amount just to get us over here and see him, but I mean everybody that's donated has left us comments as well like 'hey, you know, so sorry' or 'hey, all the best for your family, this isn't what Ireland's really like and the people don't stand behind that'.

"And it's amazing."

He added: "How do you thank over 4,000 people?"

His brother Michael added: "We're just so thankful about everything. Like I wish I could just line everyone up and shake everyone's hand and give hugs and stuff."

Michael Rizzuto said his father was out of a coma but improvements in his condition were slow. "It's going to be like a long game here," he said.

Jesse Rizzuto said there were signs of "slight improvements" in his father's condition. "We're taking it basically one hour at a time," he said.

"But he is making slight improvements that we're very happy with, very happy with, he's showing some good signs of having a strong resilient body."

Asked about the extent of an injury to one of his father's eyes, Jesse Rizzuto added: "They're still trying to do everything they can.

"So we're leaving it up to their hands because they're the professionals. Yes, as far as injuries go, yes, he's improving." Upon their arrival, Stephen Termini was said to have been in a serious but stable condition at Beaumont Hospital after suffering injuries to his head and eye.

Speaking with Virgin Media TV, Mike Rizzuto said: Hes awake, he's actually out of coma thankfully, [but] still dont know about the eye.

We don't know what's to come with all of that but he's out of the coma so that's at least good. We're just taking it hour by hour.

Three teenage boys are now facing charges in relation to the incident. The alleged attackers, aged 14, 15 and 16 were remanded on bail pending directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions yesterday.

Meanwhile, the US embassy in Dublin has advised US tourists travelling to Ireland to be aware of their safety due to recent assaults in Dublin city.
Noel Price has 90 previous convictions which include criminal damage, possession of drugs, burglary and assault.

A Limerick criminal who helped the McCarthy-Dundon gang in the attempted murder of convicted drug dealer Christy Keane eight years ago has been jailed by the Special Criminal Court for six and a half years.
Detective Garda Rogers had said earlier that he expected more serious charges"

Amy McCauley, with an address at Connagh, Fethard on Sea, Co. Wexford pictured at the Criminal Courts of Justice(CCJ) on Parkgate Street. Pic: IrishPhotoDesk

GARDAI have been allowed more time to get directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for the case of a Dublin woman accused of faking her death.
James Hastings has set up a GoFundMe page to raise money for a new drug which may help him fight a rare cancer. Photo: Andrew Downes/xposure

A Galway father-of-three who is suffering from a rare cancer and who has been told this could be his last summer, is fighting to secure a drug he hopes will extend his life or even provide a miracle cure.

James Hastings (41), from Kinvara, was diagnosed in May with cholangiocarcinoma, a cancer of the bile duct that affects only 200 people in Ireland every year. Doctors discovered the cancer had spread and was at stage 4.

The devastating diagnosis for the previously healthy and fit tyre business owner led to him spending the following weeks in a state of sorrow, sorting out his legal affairs to provide for his wife Marian and sons, aged four to 13 years, after his death.

We asked the doctor if this will be my last summer and he said yes, he said.

Typically, the first sign anything is amiss is yellowing of the skin and eyes, a common sign of jaundice.

Thats what landed me in hospital one Friday evening in May, the day before my son Bens First Communion.

Three stressful weeks later, after a series of scans and painful biopsies, my oncologist delivered the cholangiocarcinoma diagnosis.

While the prognosis was nothing less than horrific, everything changed when I learned my cancer is responsive to EU-approved immunotherapy, which will give me a real fighting chance of beating this disease. Its the chink of light we needed to keep fighting the good fight.

After the initial shock and sadness Mr Hastings decided there was hope and he started to research treatments and other options, including clinical trials around the world.

On This Day In History - July 28th

He discovered that a drug called durvalumab plus chemotherapy had been approved by the European Medicines Agency last December as the first line of treatment for adult patients with his kind of cancer.

A specialist in the UK said he is likely to have a good response to it, said Mr Hastings.

The treatment has extended the life of a significant number of patients with the cancer who received it.

However, Mr Hastings discovered that the drug is still at the assessment stage for cost effectiveness in this country by the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics which puts it out of his reach.

I know of patients who are receiving it through private health insurance  but the HSE wont cover the cost of it, he said.

He said it takes many months for a drug to be assessed and potentially approved for reimbursement and that is time that I just dont have.

He has now launched a GoFundMe appeal to raise money for the drug, which costs around 10,000 per infusion.

It is already available for lung cancer patients. But even if I secure it privately I cannot have it administered in a public hospital. I will have to go to a private hospital, said Mr Hastings.

His GoFundMe page is at www.gofundme.com/f/help-james-beat-cholangiocarcinoma

The HSE has previously said decisions on which medicines are reimbursed by the taxpayer are made on objective, scientific and economic grounds, on the advice of the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics.
A 41-year old French tourist has appeared in court today charged in connection with the road death of a motorcyclist in his 70s outside the Burren village of Ballyvaughan.

At Ennis District Court today, Olivier Le Bozec appeared after being charged with dangerous driving on the N67 leading out of Ballyvaughan on Thursday morning.

Sgt Louis Moloney told the court that the serious road collision in the Ballyvaughan area resulted in a fatality.

The motorcyclist, named locally as Jeremiah (Jerry) OConnor, who lived locally, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Solicitor for Mr Le Bozec, John Casey said that his client, wife and child had arrived in Ireland just the day before to commence their holiday here.

Mr Le Bozec of Rue Georges Cadoudal, Locoal Mendon, France was driving his own French registered car when the collision occurred.

Sgt Moloney said that a more serious charge against the accused may follow in the future.

In evidence of arrest, charge and caution at 11.25pm at Ennis Garda Station on Thursday night, Garda Noreen King told the court that Mr Le Bozec made no reply after charge and caution.

Mr Le Bozec required the services of a French interpreter for todays hearing and Sgt Moloney said that there was no objection to bail.

Mr Le Bozec - who is in full time employment in France - is free to return home to France and Sgt Moloney said that Mr Le Bozec can be excused from future court sittings until required.

Mr Le Bozec was in custody overnight at Ennis Garda Station and Judge Alec Gabbett granted Mr Le Bozec bail on condition that he has provided his permanent address and an email address to Gardai.

Sgt Moloney said that the case involves unusual circumstances and Judge Gabettt said that Gardai not looking for additional bail conditions was very helpful in the circumstances.

In reply to Judge Gabbett asking are Gardai satisfied that Mr Le Bozec will return to Ireland for the case, Sgt Moloney said yes.

Judge Gabbett granted legal aid to John Casey to represent the accused.

Judge Gabbett remanded Mr Le Bozec on bail and adjourned the case to November 15th. Judge Gabbett said that adjourning the case out to November for DPP directions is realistic.

As part of the investigation, Gardai on Friday appealed for any witnesses to this collision to come forward.

A Garda spokesman said that any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling on the N67 at Ballyvaughan between 10am and 10:45am on Thursday 27th July 2023 are asked to make this footage available to Gardai.
Patrick Boyle (68) who was last seen in Crumlin last Thursday.

Gardai have renewed their appeal for public assistance in tracing the whereabouts of Patrick Boyle (68) who was last seen in Crumlin last Thursday.

It is not known what he was wearing at the time he went missing, but was last seen on the evening of Thursday 20 July on Cherryfield Road in Crumlin, Dublin 12.

He is described as being thin, approximately 6 foot in height with short grey hair and hazel green eyes.

Gardai have said that both they and Mr Boyles family are very concerned for his welfare.

Anyone with information on Patricks whereabouts is asked to contact Crumlin Garda station on 01 666 6200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.
It will be made immediately available and will provide for 240,000 extra Garda hours, or 20,000 extra Garda shifts, in the Dublin Metropolitan Region to the end of the yearIt comes as some 87 new gardai will graduate todayDublin is a great city to live in, work in and visit and I am committed to increasing the number of Gardai on our streets to ensure people feel safe, and to build stronger, safer communities, Minister said

Justice Minister Helen McEntee will today announce she has secured a new funding package of up to 10m specifically targeted at increasing Garda visibility in Dublin.

It will be made immediately available and will provide for 240,000 extra Garda hours, or 20,000 extra Garda shifts, in the Dublin Metropolitan Region to the end of the year.

Ms McEntee will make the announcement while attending the latest Garda graduation ceremony in the Garda College in Templemore.

She will also say that recruitment into An Garda Siochana is gathering pace, with bigger intakes every 11 weeks.

Some 87 new gardai will graduate today; 135 recruits entered the college in February, 154 in May and almost 180 will enter Templemore on Monday. In addition, 24 Gardai graduated in January.

This means that, by next week, over 100 new Gardai will have graduated so far this year; another 470 will be in active training  and two more classes are due into Templemore in October and December.

Four new laws passed by Justice Minister Helen McEntee

She said: I am very pleased to provide An Garda Siochana with this significant funding boost, which will go straight to funding extra high visibility policing on the streets of our capital.

I have informed the Commissioner that it is being made exclusively available for overtime in the Dublin Metropolitan Region.

Dublin is a great city to live in, work in and visit and I am committed to increasing the number of Gardai on our streets to ensure people feel safe, and to build stronger, safer communities.

Our recruitment into An Garda Siochana is also gathering pace  and we are on track to have 800 new recruits into the college this year.

Next week, our biggest class this year will start their training, with almost 180 new recruits entering Templemore.

And the new Community Safety Partnership for Dublins north inner city, which I was pleased to establish, will publish its Community Safety Plan in the coming weeks.

This brings together a range of agencies, groups and organisations to improve safety, and acknowledges that community safety is not an issue for An Garda Siochana alone.

According to the department, the new funding will give An Garda Siochana a significant boost to their overtime budget to put more Gardai on the beat in the capital.
TD outlined who used the home in letter to Sipo

Former junior minister Damien English has said the property at the centre of the planning controversy that forced him to resign was used as an open house for his family for more than a decade but is now not in a habitable state.

The Fine Gael TD resigned as junior minister for employment affairs and retail business in January, after it emerged that as an opposition TD he lied to his local authority by failing to tell planning officials he did not already own a house in Castlemartin, in Co Meath, when he applied to build a one-off house in Cookstown, Kells, Co Meath in 2008.

In an interview last month, Mr English refused to be drawn on what he meant by the Castlemartin house being for family use or say whether he would make it available for sale or rent in the midst of the current housing crisis.

Now the Irish Independent can reveal that Mr English told the Standards in Public Office Commission in March that the house in Castlemartin was used as an open house for family members to stay in after he moved out in 2009 but he told the States ethics watchdog that it is not currently habitable.

Members of my family did reside in and used the property on and off from October 2009 until December 2019. This included family visitors on short-term visits (cousins, aunties, uncles, etc), Mr English wrote in his letter to Sipo on March 7.

Also, during this time my brother and his family did reside at the property while he built his own home.

There was no commercial gain from any of these arrangements.

The property has been otherwise used by my family (myself, my children and my dad) at all times for its amenity and convenience, such as when we are helping on the farm, storage for personal belongings, and for its convenience to my dad for his farm.

The explanation was contained in a letter to Sipo which was at the time examining a complaint that the former junior housing minister breached the Ethics in Public Office Act by lying on his 2008 planning application to Meath County Council.

Sipo determined in May that Mr English had complied with the law as he had included the property on his annual Dail register of interests declaration, and dismissed the complaint made against the TD by People Before Profit deputy Paul Murphy.

Mr Englishs letter said he purchased the Castlemartin property from his father in April 2004 and lived there until October 2009 when he moved to his newly-built home in Cookstown.

On This Day In History - July 28th

Mr Englishs letter, which was released by Sipo under Freedom of Information, added: The property has for generations been tied to the family farm. The property and the farm shares the same entrance.

The property and the farm operate from the one MPRN for electricity supply. I have no material interest myself in this farm. Nobody has lived in the property or used it for short visits since the onset of Covid.

I am satisfied that I met my obligations with regard to the annual disclosure of registerable interests in respect of the property.

He concluded his letter by saying the property had been in the ownership of his family for three generations, had not been used or developed by him for any commercial gain or activity, and is not in a habitable state at present.

Speaking on Today with Claire Byrne on RTE Radio 1 last month, Mr English was reluctant to be drawn on whether he would sell the Castlemartin property or rent it out, given the housing crisis.

That situation with the house is a private family matter and that has been dealt with.

Im not going into all that, to be honest with you, he said.
The Irish Property Owners Association (IPOA) has claimed RTE has unfairly demonised landlords after not contacting the group for comment before broadcasting its investigation on sex-for-rent adverts.

In a statement issued this morning, the IPOA has claimed that it was inaccurate to portray the individuals who featured in the programme as landlords as they were operating under the rent-a-room scheme, which is not governed by legislation.

Prime Time broadcast an undercover investigation last night which showed how some are seeking sex from prospective female tenants in exchange for reduced rent or free accommodation.

RTE Investigates: Sex for Rent

RTE Investigates went undercover to meet men who were posting sex-for-rent adverts.

Footage from face-to-face meetings showed men asking for sex up to three times a week.

However, the IPOA has taken issue with the use of the term landlord.

The IPOA condemns, in the strongest possible terms, the behaviour displayed by the individuals featured in this programme, chairperson Mary Conway said.

The IPOA also wishes to point out an important demarcation in terms of the persons involved in unscrupulous activities in this programme; they are operating under the rent-a-room scheme, which is not governed by any legislation, and therefore to portray them as landlords, who are regulated, is wholly inaccurate.

Ms Conway said the overwhelming majority of landlords operate their properties in a professional manner, deeming the behaviour in the programme to be utterly deplorable.

She said the behaviour seen in the show is not systemic and is in no way representative of the industry as a whole".

We regret any attempt to conflate isolated incidents of impropriety, with the hallmark of professionalism, fairness and good practice that IPOA members, and the sector more broadly, maintains, Ms Conway said.

To that end the IPOA regrets that as the leading representative body for landlords in Ireland, we were not contacted to provide an important context to the 'RTE Investigates: Sex for Rent broadcast, which in no way represents the sector.

Failure to do this has demonised landlords which is unfair and unjust.

She urged prospective tenants who may encounter these unscrupulous individuals to report such behaviour to An Garda Siochana.

The Irish Independent has contacted RTE for comment on IPOAs statement.

In a special report which aired last night, RTE said vulnerable women were being asked for sex in return for accommodation. Some of the adverts mentioned special arrangements and asked specifically for foreign women.

Dr Cliona Saidlear, executive director of the Rape Crisis Network Ireland (RCNI) told RTE Investigates: What you have right now is something of a perfect storm in terms of the vulnerability that has opened up around housing and around finding somewhere to rent and accommodation.

The men who feature in the programme all asked the undercover researcher to meet them in their cars, but she insisted on public places.

One texted before the meeting asking if she would perform a sex act on him in his car afterwards.

He also told her if she wanted they could book a hotel and see if she "wanted it". Afterwards he texts again to say: I can put u up in a hotel maybe Wednesday night. Enjoy it yourself, I want to call then Thursday morning.

After she told the man she wasnt interested in the arrangement, he replied to say that was a pity as she was surprisingly pretty.

The young Brazilian woman pretended she had lost her job as an au pair and was sleeping on a friends couch in a crowded house in Dublin.

She responded to adverts from landlords who are based in Munster, Leinster and Dublin. The men are aged in their 30s, 40s and 50s.

When she texted showing an interest in the adverts, some replied asking for her to send a picture of herself.

An advert by a man in his mid-40s from Leinster read: "Free room for housekeeping and other services when required. No time wasters. No men. Females only thank you."

He refused to send a picture of the room until RTEs researcher sent a picture of herself first.

In advance of the meeting, he replied by text to give further details of how the arrangement would work.

He said services are sexual and she would maybe have to do housekeeping two hours a week.

Cooking isnt required, he said.

He asked if she had a high sex drive and if sex would be a chore.

A third advert said an ensuite room was available for free in Dublin with special arrangement.

The man told the researcher it would involve sex maybe twice a week.

He told her: You dont belong to me. You will be independent.

The practices exposed in the programme have led to calls for explicit legislation banning sex-for-rent offers.

In 2022, a bill aimed at criminalising the behaviour stalled in the Oireachtas at committee stage.
Jesse and Mike Rizzuto jetted into Ireland following the attack in Dublin last weekNew Yorker Mr Termini is being treated in Beaumont Hospital following the assault

The sons of an American man who was seriously assaulted on Talbot Street last week remain hopeful after visiting him in hospital following their arrival in Ireland.

Stephen Termini is in serious but stable condition at Beaumont Hospital after suffering injuries suffering serious injuries to his eye and head during the attack last Wednesday night.

His sons Jesse and Mike Rizzuto have since landed in Ireland, thanking those who made it possible for them to travel.

A GoFundMe page set up to help with their travel costs has raised more than $124,246.

Jesse wrote on Facebook: "We got to see our father for a bit today, I dont want to say too much more on that topic because its day-by-day but both of us remain hopeful.

Shocking CCTV footage shows teen gang attack on US tourist as family launch fundraiser to travel to Ireland

"The people of Ireland have been incredibly supportive and have been trying to help us every step of the way, and we truly could not be more grateful for these people doing everything they can for us.

"It truly is making the entire process easier and again we could not be more grateful to everyone here.

He added: Thank you to everyone who made this possible and everyone still helping us out every step.

Stephen Termini

Three teenage boys face charges for the assault on Mr Termini, each have been remanded on bail pending directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions today.

They are aged 14, 15 and 16.

Mike Rizzuto previously said he had no words for the generosity shown by people following the incident that took place just yards from Store Street Garda Station last week.

Im still in disbelief. My brother and I are going to apply for our passports first thing, and it looks like well be over there as soon as, Mr Rizzuto told Independent.ie.

I have no words, Im so thankful. I cant put it into words, there are so many nice people out there looking out for us.

Stephen Termini was seriously injured on Talbot Street

Mr Terminis sister, Michelle, shared a poignant statement to the fundraiser page, saying it was her brothers dream to visit Ireland.

"My brother had been working at a galvanizing plant, saving every penny to afford the trip (after losing his wife to illness last April). He had always dreamed of visiting Ireland.

"He was trying to trace our family that emigrated to the US from Dublin. What we were told as children was that our grandfather, Charles Wilson, had been a painter, painting cathedrals in Dublin. His mother, Ann Donnelly was from county Mayo. Its been difficult to find any trace of them from here, so he thought perhaps he could learn more in Ireland.

"Our mother's last request was to be buried in Ireland (2004). He was unable to attend the ceremony at the time, but longed to visit her final resting place, she said, adding that she didn't worry about him visiting Ireland.

"We feel so very helpless as none of us can afford the trip to be with him in his time of dire need. I understand that he may lose one of his eyes and suffer lifelong disability from this unfortunate incident. Thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers.

The attack on Mr Termini has caused outrage and concern as the US Embassy warned American citizens to keep a low profile on Dublin streets.

The warning about personal security was issued to US citizens in light of recent incidents of violence in Dublin.
Its been a wet month, but new adventures may help to boost staycation business

Cllr. Pat Fitzpatrick and Dennis Brennan, Chairman of Kilkenny Leader Partnership, cut the ribbon at Castlecomer Discovery Park's Skywalk Challenge. Photo: Dylan Vaughan

Tackling the new course at Killary Adventure Centre

Stand still and you are history, says Ciara Young.

Thats always been the philosophy at Killary Adventure Company, its director says, and it remains so through a wet July in a sector battered by high insurance costs and a shortage of tourist rooms.

This weekend, the Connemara activity centre unveils a new, 300,000 aerial adventure circuit.

Visitors harnessing up and clipping into the Killary Fjord Aerial Park (age 10+, 1.3m height restriction) can navigate several routes and 10 zip lines through the native woodland canopies.

A head for heights and a sense of adventure are required for the Killary Fjord Aerial Park, but rest assured, hours of fun await, Young says.

The new activity, priced from 29pp, joins a deck of more than 25 activities by the famous fjord, from gorge-walking to a 20m free fall on its Giant Swing.

Tackling the new course at Killary Adventure Centre

Despite business and weather challenges, Irelands outdoor activities continue to expand colourfully, from a new velo rail in Co Mayo to the development of Wildlands in Co Galway and Emerald Parks 22m plans for two new rollercoasters next year.

In Co Kilkenny, Castlecomer Discovery Park has unveiled a 500,000 Skywalk Challenge  a new high ropes course set up to 11m above ground.

Visitors (aged 7+; 1.2m height restriction) can navigate over 40 games and zip lines on three levels from 25pp.

The Skywalk Challenge also includes a new free-fall element  described as an 11m mini bungee jump  and an upgraded climbing wall.

Its hugely important for adventure parks to keep innovating and opening new attractions; customers are looking for something fresh and exciting, says the non-profit parks director, Kathy Purcell.

"The rainy July has definitely affected our visitor numbers and income for the period, which will be down on last year.

And she describes insurance costs that now constitute 10pc of its turnover as a massive issue.

Its not just a huge cost, but the lack of competition in the market makes renewal a challenge also, says Ms Purcell.

If this issue isnt addressed in a meaningful way, we risk many operators closing which is obviously not good for tourism in Ireland.

Get your kicks in Kilkenny - Castlecomer Discovery Park unveils new Skywalk Challenge

The 800,000 investment in new adventures at Castlecomer and Connemara comes as the CSOs latest household travel survey showed domestic overnight trips by Irish residents rose by 11pc in the first quarter of this year, compared with the same period last year.

The number of nights spent in Irish hotels by Irish residents was up 17pc in the same period, although the Irish Hotels Federation is unable to say whether European heatwaves have boosted summer bookings.

While its too early to tell what impact the heatwaves in Europe will have on staycations in Ireland, we are hearing from members that some parts of the country are experiencing an uplift in tourism this summer compared to last year, it said.

There is still good availability around the country, and we would encourage people looking to holiday at home to contact hotels directly to find out about special offers and get the best value.

Limerick-based hotel tech provider allora.ai said its data, taken from 225 hotels around Ireland, shows that last-minute staycation bookings at four- and five-star hotels has risen 14pc in the past week.

However, Original Irish Hotels, a collection of over 50 owner-run hotels in Ireland, said it had not seen any change in booking levels in the last week or two.

We are, however, hopefully for a strong shoulder season due to the value available around the country for leisure breaks in autumn, its marketing director, Roisin Wallace, said.

Whatever happens, Killary Adventure Company and Castlecomer Discovery Park arent hanging around.

As a not-for-profit social enterprise with limited marketing budgets, we have always had to be innovative in order to attract people to Castlecomer, a small rural town in Kilkenny, Kathy Purcell says.

Adventure is ingrained in our DNA, adds Ciara Young. We dont follow the trends, we set them.

For more, see killaryadventure.com and discoverypark.ie.
Apparently, UFOs and extraterrestrial life are an open secret in the US military. Three whistleblowers have claimed the US is hiding evidence of UFOs that defy physics as we know it. The hearing in the US Congress this week aims to uncover the biggest cover-up in history.
The roundabout at the eastern side of Macroom which gives motorists access to the town centre or the N22 bypass has been named as 'The Coolcower Roundabout' to comply with TII's Traffic Signals Manual, rather than the 'Cumann na mBan Roundabout'

A long running campaign to name a roundabout installed to give access to Ireland's newest bypass, the N22 bypass of Macroom, came to a sorry end on Friday when a proposal to name it in honour of Cumann na mBan was defeated at a meeting of towns Municipal District Council.

The roundabout for consideration was the roundabout at Coolcoower which Cllr Gobnait Moynihan, a grand-daughter of a War of Independence IRA leader, wants to be named in honour of the female counterparts of the volunteers who fought for freedom from British rule over 100 years ago.

Regarding the roundabout on the eastern end of Macroom which gives motorists the choice to either access the bypass or travel on through the town centre, Cllr Moynihan had raised her proposal at meetings of the main council and of her municipal district council earlier in the year and, finally, on Friday, the matter was coming to a head.

As she queried matters arising from the minutes of the previous meeting, she asked whether there had been any update from Transport Infrastructure Ireland on her proposal, which had received a sympathetic hearing when it had been made on previous occasions, from the body.

"The TII have come back to us with, I suppose, a clear answer on it, said Municipal District Officer, Marie OLeary. There is a part of the TII Traffic Signals Manual, which has legislative effect, which governs the naming of roundabouts and states that they have to have a geographic significance with relation to any naming of a roundabout."

"It is our reserved function as councillors to name the roundabout whatever we like, Cllr Moynihan countered, as she acknowledged the response of the TII.

"I would propose that we name the roundabout the Cumann na mBan Roundabout.

Council chairman, Cllr Ted Lucey said that the legislation was very clear but opened the issue to other councillors to express their views.

"We had an in-committee meeting earlier this morning and we all know what happened at that meeting, said Cllr Creed who has previously stated that the roundabout would be always known as the Coolcower Roundabout irrespective of what name the councillors would bestow on it. We have a clear understanding from Nicola and Marie (council officials) of what TII want so I have no problem in proposing that the roundabout at Coolcower be named the Coolcower Roundabout.

This proposal was seconded by Cllr Martin Coughlan.

Cllr Eileen Lynch referred to the earlier meeting during which, she said, the matter was comprehensively discussed.

"While obviously we would support any commemoration of Cumann na mBan or Cogadh na Saoirse (the War of Independence), I dont feel, personally, that a roundabout is the appropriate forum.

"We also discussed a plaque or a monument to Cumann na mBan which I do feel would be a lot more suitable and in any event, Marie has told us of the law of the land, the statutory instrument which takes precedence, as I understand over Cork County Council or Macroom Municipal District and it states that the roundabout must have a geographical name.

In relation to that point, Cllr Lucey said that another name, the Gearagh Roundabout, had been considered but there was no point in pursuing this as it would be known everywhere as the Coolcower Roundabout. "I think a plaque on the Town Hall would be very much the way to go.

Cllr Michael Looney, Cllr Moynihans sole party colleague on the Council, supported his fellow Fianna Failers proposal, describing it as a good suggestion and asking, given the TII response, whether there was any way to get around the stipulation of that body that it be named for a geographical feature.

According to Nicola Radley, the Councils Senior Executive Officer who was present at the meeting, the authority had legislative confirmation that the roundabout must be named in terms of a geographical feature only

"We dont have scope to act outside of the legislation, she said.

Ms Radley said that the Council was very open and would love to commemorate Cumann na mBan and Cogadh na Saoirse locally. We would do that sensitively and we feel thats entirely appropriate and we will take any suggestions that the members might have in that regard.

She said that there was one suggestion that a plaque be put on the Town Hall building given that the organisation had held meetings there during those turbulent times more than 100 years ago.

Cllr Moynihan made her final case by saying that it was a reserved function of the Council to name the roundabout. Im asking for it to be called Cumann na mBan Roundabout but TII have an opinion, and they have a very strong opinion, in regards to having a geographical solution, thats their opinion.

"I will ask that we proceed to the vote and continue and use our reserve functions, we have so little of them.

The vote was taken on the basis that the elected members would choose either the Coolcower Roundabout or the Cumann na mBan Roundabout as the name for the roundabout at Coolcower. The Coolcower Roundabout won by four votes to two.
Closure of major clinic in the town last Christmas has left local GPs struggling to fill the void

Concern has been expressed by Charleville residents about the lack of GP availability in the area.

The lack of GP coverage in Charleville and area has led to many extremely negative comments on Facebook on the manner in which the retirement of the medical practice in the town last Christmas was handled by the HSE.

People have stated that they were not notified that they would have to re-register with a GP or that the incoming practice would be confined to accommodating a certain number of patients.

This has left many people who formerly were with the previous practice without access to a GP and it is causing extreme hardship to those who cannot renew prescriptions, procure a referral letter for consultants or access other medical procedures.

Commenting on the present situation, Evelyn OKeeffe, the recently selected Sinn Fein candidate for the Kanturk/Charleville area in the forthcoming Cork County Council election, said: GP access is a basic human need that is now not available to all the community in Charleville. Insufficient numbers of GPs operating is at a critical point.

Locals have voiced their frustration and anger at having no GP months after a large town practice closed. People who live locally all their lives are now finding themselves without a GP service.

This is, in turn, leading them to cause extra unnecessary pressure on the Mallow based South Doc and Mallow hospital A&E department [injury unit]. A letter from a GP is needed to get a referral to consultant services, such as maternity and basic procedures, like MRI scans etc.

Once again, here in Charleville the people of the town are feeling totally abandoned by their local and national government representatives, who to date have not informed the community on how and if they are working on solutions to rectify the current critical crisis in the towns shortage of GPs.

All current Charleville GPs are full and working at maximum capacity; they cannot be expected to take the blame for the current crisis. The HSE and government officials knew that Dr Molloys was one of the biggest medical card practices in the country outside of Dublin, which also catered for a big number of private patients.

The community is calling for urgent action to tackle the severe shortage of GPs. This is causing significant challenges when it comes to getting timely access to GP and medical appointments. If the current situation continues, people will die unnecessarily due to delays in early access to medical care and onward referrals to specialist consultants.

Some people within our community are now not engaging and seeking medical care they need. They feel it isnt worth the extreme distress of going to our countrys A&E departments for basic GP care. This is absolutely heart-breaking for people and immediate action is needed to correct the situation, she said.

Representations made by Sinn Fein TD Thomas Gould to the director of HSE services in the North Cork area, and furnished to Ms OKeeffe, elicited the reply that: there was no reduction in services, red eye or otherwise, and South Doc continuously reviews its operations and staffing to ensure maximum efficiency in services in North Cork.

However, Ms OKeeffe says that this seems at odds with the reality of the situation on the ground, as the South Doc facility in Kanturk has been closed, and people have been referred to Mallow South Doc, thereby putting more pressure on the Mallow service. That, coupled with the people who cannot get a GP in Charleville, and who now have to rely on the Mallow South Doc, service will add greatly to the load on the Mallow facility.

The population of Charleville is approaching the five thousand mark, as the forthcoming census figures will attest to, surely this calls for a South Doc branch to be located at Charleville Medical Centre. This will be a major issue for discussion in the forthcoming local election, said Evelyn OKeeffe.
Cork County Council rejected 66% of the applications it received for Local Authority Home Loans during 2022 and up to June 2023.

Cork County Council has rejected two thirds of applications for local authority home loans already in 2023, a proportion which mirrors the pattern from 2022 when the scheme was introduced, new figures have revealed.

According to the figures released by the Department of Housing to Social Democrats Housing Spokesman Cian OCallaghan, Cork County Council received 89 applications up to June for this year for home loans under the scheme, which is aimed at supporting credit worthy tenants who have been turned down for bank loans, to purchase their own homes. Just 30 of these applications were approved.

The figures for 2023 mirror a pattern from 2022 when Cork County Council received 216 applications for home loans and, of these, just 72 were approved.

Cork City Council received 34 applications up to June of this year with just 9 of these being approved. Last year, the authority received 116 applications and approved 40 applications.

The Local Authority Home Loan scheme allows people to borrow up to 324,000, depending on what part of the country they live in. In order to qualify for the scheme, the applicant must have been rejected for a home loan by two recognised bank and be creditworthy otherwise.

Under a previous scheme, the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan Scheme introduced in 2020 and still in force in 2022, there were 12 applications to Cork County Council last year, with five approvals. There were 14 applications to Cork City Council and three green lights.

According to a Geodirectory report published this week, the average price for a house in Cork for the 12 months up to June 2023 was 334,157, a little more than 10,000 over the maximum 324,000 home loan allowable under the scheme.

Under the terms of the scheme, applications are sent to the Housing Agency for assessment.

The agency then makes recommendations to local authorities to approve or refuse applications.

Eligibility criteria was expanded earlier this year to improve access, with a total of 250 million set aside for the scheme in 2023.

According to Cian OCallaghan, the TD whose query led to the release of the information, the figures show that the average rejection rate for homeloan applications across all the countrys local authorities is 59%.

The document shows that in 2022 only 921 of 2,168 (42%) applications for the Local Authority Home Loan were recommended for approval.

To date in 2023 just 355 out of 870 (41%) off applications were recommended for approval.

This is despite the fact the maximum market values of eligible properties was increased on March 1.

The lending caps are still not sufficient to reflect how far property prices have skyrocketed over the last decade,  said Deputy OCallaghan.

"For example, a family looking to buy a starter house in most parts of Dublin would be hard pressed to find one for 360,000.

With nearly 60% of applicants getting refused it is clear that the Local Authority Home Loan is in urgent need of reform.

Comment has been requested from Cork County Council on the figures brought to light in the Department of Housing document.
Cells at courthouse held notable prisoners who left graffiti

An example of some of the engravings on the cell walls at the Bridewell

Junior Minister for Justice James Browne pictured with Lisa Egan, Sheila O Keeffe, Mary Crowley, Court Services Southern Regional Manager and Michael Moynihan TD, during his visit to Kanturk Courthouse last week. Photo by Sheila Fitzgerald

Following an invitation from Michael Moynihan TD, Junior Minister for Justice James Browne visited Kanturk Courthouse last week to meet with various representatives from the area who are advocating for the preservation of historical graffiti in the building from the era of the War of Independence.

Michael Moynihan said: The Courthouse is of course an exceptional building but also the graffiti is very significant and engravings from this period can only be seen in Kilmainham Jail and Cork Women Prison , hence the huge concern in allowing it disappear before our eyes. I welcome the Ministers visit along with representatives from the Court Services to assess the situation at first hand and put in place measures to preserve it. Minister Browne has assured me he will have discussions with Court Services to see what can be done

Mary Crowley, Courts Service Southern Regional Manager speaking to The Corkman said The Courts Service has worked with OPW to protect the external parts of the building and have undertaken some maintenance and repair works including some roof repairs in 2022. We would welcome an approach from a state body that would see the building put back into public or community use.

Sheila O Keeffe from Tullylease and formerly of Kiskeam was part of the delegation meeting Minister Browne. Sheila has a keen interest in seeing the engravings protected because her Father Dan Guiney of Kiskeam was imprisoned at the Bridewell (Courthouse building) in January 1923. My Father joined the Irish Volunteers when they were formed in Kiskeam in March 1917.

The strength of the unit at this time was 20. It increased to 40 in a short time.

All volunteers were members of the Land League. When the British threatened conscription their numbers increased to 150 and when the conscription bill was passed in the British parliament their numbers increased to 200. Initially he was 2nd lieutenant of the Kiskeam column. From 1917 to late 1919 his duties consisted of training and organising camps. The Volunteers were trained in the use of guns and in military manoeuvres.

At Easter 1920 he was involved in the destruction of the RIC barracks in Glashakinleen and shortly after this he was involved in the destruction of the court house in Newmarket. He took part in many ambushes including Tureengarrive ambush where Commissioner Holmes was fatally wounded.

From the declaration of the truce up to the signing of the treaty he was again involved in training and camps. At the signing of the treaty he took the anti-treaty side. He took part in various engagements against the Free State army until he was arrested in January 1923. He was initially taken to the Bridewell in Kanturk from there he was transferred to Cork Jail and eventually to Tintown camp until November 1923

It is clear why Sheila and many other descendents of those who were imprisoned in the Bridewell, Kanturk, are passionate about preserving the writings on the walls of the cells.

This graffiti is deteriorating rapidly and will not survive much longer without intervention she said.
A barber from Athlone has been travelling to Dublin city to give homeless men haircuts.

Robbie Connaughton, owner of Barber Bobs, first visited Dublin last week with his scissors and blades to give haircuts to men living on the streets.

He came back again this week and hes hoping to make it a regular thing so those with no home can feel a bit better about themselves.

Robbie told Independent.ie: Were in Dublin today and were going to give a few homeless guys a haircut. Im from Athlone but were going to Dublin because homelessness is worse there, obviously its everywhere.

Youre giving them back their dignity. Youre making them feel equal to you and society. It just takes 20 minutes. Were all human, it could happen to anyone.

A lot of people say its drugs and drink, its not all of that. A lot of people cant afford the high rents in Dublin city, and they end up on the streets, they lose their jobs, and it spirals from there.

Mr Connaughton has noticed that his act of kindness has inspired others to help those in need as well.

One man came into me a few days ago to get his haircut and he gave me an extra 20 to get the lads on the street something to eat.

Another woman dropped in a bag of mens clothes to bring to Dublin with me too, she told me to give them to someone who needs them. Hopefully, I can go to Dublin a few times a month to do it.

That motivated me, and I want to do even more now. It was daunting to do it at the start but thankfully it went really well.

I plan to do it more often. Youre cutting hair on the street, youre not in your normal surroundings in the barber shop. You want to help people.

The haircut helps them look better, they dont have hot water, blades, or shaving foam for their beards. Its great to be able to give them a trim, he added.
Tathony House tenants Madeleine Johansson and James O'Toole with TD Brid Smith during a press briefing at Buswells Hotel in March. Pic: Gareth Chaney/Collins

Tenants fighting a high-profile mass eviction from a housing block in Dublin have won their case with the Residential Tenancies Board.

The residents of Tathony House in the Liberties, Dublin 8, have been fighting an eviction dispute with landlord, Tathony Holdings Limited, since receiving notice of eviction in October 2022.

More than 30 apartments in the south-inner city building received notice to quit due to the landlord selling the building. Several tenants have been overholding in their homes since their eviction date passed on June 2.

The eviction was deemed invalid by the Residential Tenancies Board on Thursday. It is believed that the determination could now set a precedent for future evictions of the same scale in the city.

Resident of 14 years Madeleine Johansson said its like a weight has been lifted.

We have been waiting so long. Its great, it's like a weight has been lifted. There are five households left here and we are all delighted, she told Independent.ie.

Everyone is happy that we decided to take the case and to fight it. It shows that there is something that tenants can do and tenants need to assert their rights.

Many dont and they leave when they get handed notices. If our example can help only one other family to stay in their home then that is a real success.

Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 28th

Tenant Daniella said the decision has brought happiness after the long dispute.Not just because we are keeping our place to live, but because it sets a precedent so that those who are going through the same bad moments know that they are not alone when you stand for your rights."

Tenant James O'Toole said: "We stayed beyond our eviction date because we knew this wasn't a valid eviction.

We were right to stand up and fight back and now we've been vindicated by this RTB decision.

The tenants have held a series of protests over the past several months calling for Dublin City Council (DCC) or an approved housing body to step in and purchase the building.However, DCC has said it has contacted the owner of Tathony House and their solicitor over email on five occasions and no response has been received.

The tenants are now hoping the landlord will engage with Dublin City Council to purchase the building through the tenant in situ scheme.

The landlord can appeal the decision to the Tenancy Tribunal within 10 working days.
Afternoon tea at the over 55 festival in Fingal.

A summer festival for over 55s took place in Swords Castle yesterday as a way to tackle age stereotypes.

Fingal Age Friendly hosted a vintage picnic, arts creativity, and music festival to make sure that life is meant to be celebrated at every stage.

Their aim is to create an inclusive and engaging community where our citizens can thrive, fully participate, feel valued, be free to explore their passions, and enjoy life as they age.

Their goal is to get all of Fingals over 55s out and about, reconnecting, trying new things, meeting new people, and generally aging well in Fingal.

Mayor of Fingal, Cllr. Adrian Henchy said, I am delighted to be part of this fantastic event specifically designed for our over 55s generation.

It serves as a reminder of the importance of the over 55's generation, highlighting their vitality, wisdom, and invaluable contributions to society. It challenges age stereotypes and underscores the fact that life is meant to be celebrated at every stage.

The vintage picnic festival was full of workshops, activities, music, and dancing. It was a celebration of creativity, music, and camaraderie specifically designed to cater to the vibrant generation of over 55's in Fingal.

Attendees enthusiastically participated in a variety of workshops, such as graffiti, soap making, and some clothing sweet shop.

There were also exercise sessions led by professional instructors from a range of activities, including Chair Yoga, Zumba, and Tai Chi/Chi I Gong.

For the mind and body, there were creativity and mindfulness workshops on self-care or simply enjoying a relaxing massage. Healthy Ireland provided information on quitting smoking and understanding the risk around alcohol usage.

Robert Burns Director of Housing and Community said: Fingals dedication to providing a holistic approach to aging is evident in the wide range of activities and initiatives available for our citizens.

Through our commitment to fostering a positive and vibrant environment, we hope to redefine the perception of aging and inspire individuals to embrace every stage of life with enthusiasm.

The event had something for everyone, bringing together the over 55's community in a setting that encouraged connection, joy, and creativity. It serves as a reminder that age is just a number and that there is always room for fun, exploration, and celebration of life's simple pleasures.

The festival featured live musical performances from Blanchardstown Ukulele Group, 4 Piece Together and a swinging headline act from The Swing Cats.

Talented musicians from the Irish institute of Music and Song entertained the crowd and they had some African Drumming to get the crowd going,

There were classes on how to play the Ukulele or the Bodhran and a sing along session featuring Irish Folk songs.
Now living in Durban in South Africa, Ed is fast becoming a master of his martial arts craft

Moyvane native Edward Carmody (right) pictured receiving his 2nd Dan black belt in Goja Ryu Karate in Durban South Africa at the age of 81.

Last saw year saw Ed, at the ripe old age of 80, achieve the incredible feat of getting his black belt in Goju-ryu karate; now one year later, Ed, at 81 years old, has not been resting on his laurels and was last week rise up the ranks even further as he was awarded his 2nd Dan Black Belt.

Eds first introduction to the world of karate and martial arts came way back in the 1960s when he worked as a Garda in Cork City before he departed for South Africa in 1969.

Having fallen out of the habit after this, Ed picked back up karate six years ago at age 75 and has not looked back since.

Its only when Ed references the fact he is only one year older than current US President Joe Biden that you realise how remarkable his accomplishment is, but he admits that, even under the great tutelage of his sensei Ben Mare, the road to the black belt has not been smooth at his age.

Stances such as what he called the horse stance where youre squatting down and getting really low, he said that this is not fun at times - especially when like him, you have gotten a new hip in recent years.

Speaking to The Kerryman this week from his adopted home of Durban, South Africa, Ed said that karate is amazing for helping to keep his mind and body young.

I do it [karate] for the mind and the body. I find it very good as you get older. I just find that its a great way of life, he said.

For his grading to achieve the 2nd Dan, Ed said that he had to do a number of katas - which are a detailed choreographed pattern of martial arts movements - including Tensho, Sanchin and Gekisai Dai Ichi.

As well as this, he had to demonstrate a mastery of all the basic movements and stances that he has learnt up to now.

Looking to 3rd Dan and the future, Ed said that he will soon be able to take on the role of being a Sensei himself too if he chooses.

Ever up for a new adventure, Ed said that on his next trip home to Kerry, he wants to tackle Carrauntoohil for the first time.

Ive never been up it and so Im hoping that next summer, when I come back for a visit, I want to climb it and get it done, he said.
From left: Noel Brosnan, Michelle Brosnan, Caoimhe Carney and Killian Brosnan enjoying the Cahersiveen Races. Photo by Christy Riordan

From left: John Kissane, Claire Kissane, Mary Murphy and Lorcan Murphy at the Cahersiveen Races. Photo by Christy Riordan.

Tommy Cournane and nephew Brendan Cournane at the Cahersiveen Races. Photo by Christy Riordan.

From left: Hugh Dineen, Alan O'Sullivan and Kieran McCarthy with jockey Mike O'Brien at the Cahersiveen Races. Photo by Christy Riordan.

Bookie Lionel Costello paying out to Evan Daly at the Cahersiveen Races. Photo by Christy Riordan.

South of the Border out in front, ridden by Lily Walsh, goes on to win the first race of the day in Cahirsiveen. Photo by Christy Riordan.

The Cahersiveen Horse and Pony Races took place over the weekend and despite the unsettled inclement weather, this years outing was definitely one to remember.

Locals and visitors alike gathered at the racecourse for the annual races, which have been a mainstay in the social calendar for many a year now.

Speaking to The Kerryman this week, Liam Musgrave, Race Committee Secretary had this to say about the successful outing

The committee were delighted with a large attendance and were thankful that the rain stayed away for the most part.

A special word of thanks to the local ACARD group headed by Kieran McCarthy, for having the course in such good and safe condition. The committee would like to thank all sponsors and the businesses of Cahersiveen for their support every year, Liam continued.

Kerry Rose, Kelsey Lang McCarthy, who is from Cahersiveen herself, was in attendance and was there to present awards to both the Best Dressed Lady and Gent.

Best Dressed Lady went to Susan Baughman, and she was presented with a voucher for Camos Restaurant in Cahersiveen and a bouquet of flowers from the Race Committee.

The title of Best Dressed Gent then went to Anthony Fitzgerald who also won a voucher for Camos Restaurant in Cahersiveen.

Champion Jockey went to Darragh OSullivan from Mitchelstown and was presented his prize by Secretary, Liam Musgrave.
Michael Connolly pleads not guilty by reason of insanity

A "floridly psychotic" man believed there was a "homosexual conspiracy" in Cloverhill Prison when he scalded a cellmate with hot water before strangling him, a Central Criminal Court trial has heard.

The Central Criminal Court today heard that Michael Connolly (55), originally from Louth, believed that Mark Lawlor (37), from Drumcondra, had some kind of exalted identity like a king and was "a kingpin of Dublin" when he killed him in a cell in the prison on November 23, 2019.

Mr Connolly has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Mr Lawlor by reason of insanity.

The jury also heard that Mr Connolly believed there was a homosexual conspiracy between the prisoners and prison officers, and two psychiatrists will give evidence that he was suffering from an active mental disorder at the time.

Outlining the facts of the case, counsel for the prosecution Tony McGillicuddy SC said that the incident took place in Cloverhill Prison on the night of Friday, November 22, 2019, into the early hours of Saturday, November 23. He said that Mr Lawlor and Mr Connolly had both been remanded to the prison on unconnected matters and the two men were sharing a cell.

Mr McGillicuddy said that at 11.34pm on the night, a call light was activated by prisoners in the adjoining cell, who heard a scuffle and someone calling out Davey or David. The prisoners thought it was Mr Lawlor and he sounded hoarse, so they thought he was choking. A prison officer responded and when he looked into the cell, he saw Mr Connolly on top of Mr Lawlor with his hands around his neck. The cell door was opened, and prisoner officers took Mr Connolly off Mr Lawlor. Mr Lawlor was pronounced dead at 12.55am.

Prison officer Adrian Richmond gave evidence to Mr McGillicuddy that when he looked into the cell, he saw Mr Connolly on top of Mr Lawlor.

He looked up, and his eyes never blinked. I always remembered it was very strange, said Mr Richmond, adding that Mr Connolly showed no reaction to the light of the prison officers torch shining into the cell and he made no sound.

Mr Richmond said that Mr Connolly was very calm when he was removed from the cell by prison officers.

It was unbelievable how calm he was. He was totally calm and didnt resist in any way, said the witness.

Colm Burke, an assistant chief prison officer, gave evidence that he saw Mr Lawlor lying on the bed with a chair across his chest and Mr Connolly lying across the chair with his hands around Mr Lawlors neck.

He said he saw blood smears on the window in the cell and on the wall, and directly under Mr Lawlors head was a massive pool of blood.

Garda Inspector Darragh Kenny confirmed to Mr McGillicuddy that a post-mortem revealed that Mr Lawlor had sustained multiple superficial burns with blistering on his face, neck and arms, which were consistent with having been scalded by having boiling or hot water thrown at him. There were two lacerations to the back of Mr Lawlors scalp, which may have been caused by a sharp edge such as his head being struck against the bar or leg of the bed. He suffered manual strangulation and straddling of the chest, causing asphyxia leading to death.

Detective Garda Ronan Coffey gave evidence to Fionnuala OSullivan BL, prosecuting, of the garda interviews with Mr Connolly, in which Mr Connolly said he thought Mr Lawlor was a kingpin of Dublin.

I thought I would get revenge. I thought of boiling the kettle and pouring it over him; I thought it would be enough, but it escalated to murder. Cloverhill is as bad as Shawshank, theyre all at it, the accused told gardai.

Det Gda Coffey went on to confirm to defence counsel Michael Bowman SC, that Mr Connolly made references to the Norse god Odin and also references to the Catholic Church.

Consultant forensic psychiatrist Dr Stephen Monks gave evidence to Mr McGillicuddy that Mr Connollys first contact with the mental health services was in 2013, and he was assessed as being psychotic due to substance-induced psychosis. Dr Monks said that Mr Connolly was again admitted to the mental health services in 2015 after he set fire to his own house, and on that occasion the diagnosis was schizophrenia. Dr Monks said that in 2019, the accuseds diagnosis was schizoaffective disorder.

Dr Monks gave evidence that following the killing of Mr Lawlor, Mr Connolly was assessed by a psychiatrist who said Mr Connolly had apparent thought disorder. Dr Monks said that his colleague Dr Brenda Wright said Mr Connolly presented as floridly psychotic at that time.

In his opening remarks to the jury, Mr McGillicuddy said that there was no dispute that the accused caused the death of Mr Lawlor, but the law recognises that someone may cause the death of a person but at that time they are suffering from a mental disorder and may not be held legally responsible.

Mr McGillicuddy said there was no dispute that Mr Connolly had a mental disorder at the time, and the jury will hear from Dr Monks for the prosecution and Dr Sally Linehan for the defence, who will both say the accused was actively suffering from a mental disorder at the time. He said the real issue for the jury to consider is whether Mr Connolly is entitled to the special verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity or if they should find the accused guilty of manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility.

Mr McGillicuddy said that Mr Connolly acknowledged that he had caused the death of Mr Lawlor. Mr McGillicuddy said that a psychiatrist said that Mr Connolly had delusional beliefs such as believing that the prisoners were in league with prison officers in a homosexual conspiracy. Counsel said that the psychiatrist noted that Mr Connolly had formed the delusional belief that Mr Lawlor had some kind of exalted identity like a king.

The trial continues before Ms Justice Siobhan Lankford and the jury of seven men and five women.
Tourism Ireland has unveiled a new partnership with The Independent and respected travel journalist Simon Calder, to encourage travellers in Britain to consider a holiday or short break along the Wild Atlantic Way  including in Sligo.

Tourism Ireland in London invited Simon Calder to come and film at a range of locations along the North-West section of the Wild Atlantic Way. The resulting content  which includes five articles and five videos, as well as an interactive map pinpointing the various places that Simon visited  appears as a specially-created Wild Atlantic Way hub on the travel section of The Independents website.

Simon and his crew filmed at a range of locations in Sligo  including at Strandhill Beach with Sligo Surf Experience and Kilcullens Seaweed Baths in Enniscrone. Simon also met with Melissa Ni Mhaolanfaidh, founder of Sligo Walking Tours, for a visit to Sligo Abbey and to the statue of William Butler Yeats.

The articles highlight some of the many things to see and do along the Wild Atlantic Way, with the accompanying videos featuring interviews with locals and breath-taking footage. Simon tells readers all about why the North-West coast of Ireland has managed to provide inspiration and respite for authors, musicians and movie makers for so many years.

Julie Wakley, Tourism Irelands Head of Great Britain, said: Our partnership with The Independent is an excellent opportunity to highlight the wonders of the Wild Atlantic Way  with a special focus on the North-West section  to holidaymakers in Britain. Its a great way of showcasing this part of Ireland to a large audience of potential British visitors  helping us to spread the word about what makes a holiday in Ireland so memorable. We know that the fantastic content captured by Simon Calder will inspire his readers to come and follow in his footsteps.

The partnership also includes ads on Independent.co.uk, enticing readers to visit the Ireland hub on the website, posts on the social channels of The Independent, as well as the sponsorship of one of Simons weekly emails to his readers. In total, the partnership will deliver around 1.4 million impressions (or opportunities to see by potential British holidaymakers).
Organisers of Sligos major music festival have been fondly recalling Sinead OConnor following the singers sudden passing on Wednesday.

Sinead was one of the headline acts who performed at Sligo Lives first festival in at a marquee at Sligo Racecourse in 2006. Festival organiser and Dervish musician, Shane Mitchell told The Sligo Champion he admired Sineads incredible talent and her incredible courage.

We met only a few times but the most beautiful was the first time when we booked for the first Sligo Live Festival. She was a once off, always very open and very down to earth.

She was very much attached to Irish music, and it is a big loss. I know many of her family who are in my thoughts at this sad time, said Shane.

The festival, produced by Rory OConnor and Mitchell, was held over the June Bank Holiday weekend in 2006 headlined with Sinead OConnor, Liam OMaonlai, Dervish and The Proclaimers.

Sineads sudden death at her home in London is not being treated as suspicious say Police.

Sinead shot to international stardom in 1990 with her version of the song Nothing Compares 2 U written by Prince, which she made her own and topped the charts around the world.

The Ballad earned her multiple Grammy Award nominations and was titled number one world single by the Billboard Music Awards in 1990. In 1991 she was named artist of the year by Rolling Stone magazine due to the songs success.

Along with her gifted voice, Sinead OConnor is also known for her powerful statements and is being remembered as a musician as well as a campaigner for numerous causes.

Meanwhile, Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council, Councillor Gerard Mullaney, will open a Book of Condolence in the singers memory from 3 pm on Monday 31st July, in the lobby of County Hall, Riverside, Sligo.
Iceland stores across Ireland have closed due to its parent company, Metron, being placed into examinership. Some 10 to 15 workers in Gorey are affected.

Concerns are growing for the staff of the Iceland stores in Gorey and Wexford town, as the Gorey outlet was forced to close on Saturday, July 22.

Staff in the Gorey store were told to close the shop on Saturday after a Zoom call with management at 11.30am, the Gorey Guardian understands.

Tomas Sheehan, spokesperson for the Independent Workers Union (IWU), said each outlet typically employs 10 to 15 people. The IWU represents many Iceland workers nationwide, but not in Gorey.

Icelands parent company, Metron Store Ltd, has been placed into examinership, casting doubt on whether staff will be paid, or receive redundancy packages.

Mr Sheehan said the Gorey store closed as part of the examinership process. The examiner recommended that some of the 27 Iceland stores nationwide be closed if they are deemed unprofitable.

He recommended that it be brought down to about 10 possible stores, said Mr Sheehan. They are not keeping the workers in the loop. Weve seen it in Cork and Dublin, that workers report for work. They show up and learn that theyve lost their jobs. They are put on temporary layoffs.

The trend across the other stores is that most workers are being put on temporary lay offs for four weeks or so, and if the shop doesnt re-open, the workers are made redundant.

Its our view that those shops are likely to never re-open again, said Mr Sheehan. In terms of the legislation around putting workers on temporary layoffs, there has to be a good reason that they will be returning to work in the near future, he said.

In the case of these workers, its pretty clear that there will not be a job for them in the near future.

Mr Sheehan said the IWU has been pushing for the time at which the workers have been put on layoffs, be reduced to a minimum as possible so they can receive their redundancy payments.

The company has not engaged with the IWU and staff are in a very precarious situation, not knowing if they have jobs to return to, he said.

Workers complaints revolved around unpaid wages, unpaid holiday pay and conditions. Some of these complaints have been relayed to the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC).

The Gorey Guardian attempted to contact Metron Stores Ltd at the time of going to print.
A man who was jailed for nine years for repeatedly raping a woman he met on a dating website after giving a false name has had his conviction quashed by the Court of Appeal.

Bajo Ziflai (23) was found guilty by a jury of four counts of raping the 23-year-old woman and one count of sexually assaulting her at an address in County Galway following a Central Court trial in July 2022.

Ziflai, an Albanian national with an address at Lacken Valley, New Ross, Co Wexford, had pleaded not guilty to all five of the charges. He will now face a retrial.

He was jailed for nine years in January this year. Sentencing judge Ms Justice Eileen Creedon said Ziflai had shown no remorse nor acknowledged the harm he caused to the woman on the night in question. He did not accept the verdicts of the jury and continued to maintain the woman made up the allegations because she was attention seeking.

The court heard Ziflai met the woman on a dating website on which he used a false name and it was agreed between them that they would meet at a house near the womans home. She was driven there by her mother and told him in advance they would not be having sex, the court heard.

Despite this, Ziflai raped the woman four times and sexually assaulted her before she managed to leave the house and call her mother.

Ziflai had appealed his conviction, arguing that the trial judge erred in law in the manner in which the jury was charged in relation to the lies told by the accused.

In delivering the Court of Appeals judgement on Friday Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy said the three-judge court had a concern that the jury may not have fully understood how they should approach the question of lies.

The court noted that counsel for the prosecution laid heavy emphasis on the lies told by the appellant during the course of a number of interviews with gardai.

He said in a number of interviews with gardai, Ziflai asserted that consensual sexual intercourse had occurred on one occasion. They said it appeared "on any view of the evidence" that he told many lies in and about his engagement in the matter and its background.

Mr Justice McCarthy said that in light of the fact that the prosecution was placing reliance upon the fact that lies were of evidential value in support of the prosecution case, the judge had, during the course of her charge to the jury, given what is commonly known as a Lucas warning.

In the written judgement, the court said the Lucas warning is generally necessary in situations where lies told out of court are relied upon by the prosecution as part of their case.

When this occurs, a warning should be given to the jury that individuals may tell lies for many different reasons, and that the telling of lies is not necessarily indicative of guilt for that reason, the judges said.

The court noted that subsequent to the charge, counsel for Ziflai, by way of requisition, submitted that the form of words used by the judge in relation to the question of lies was erroneous and tended to confuse the jury.

A debate took place between the judge and counsel as to the appropriate form of words but the judge declined to recharge the jury on the point.

Mr Justice McCarthy said counsel for the appellant had rightly relied on the straightforward proposition that what the judge made was a bald error, which it is.

The court said: In this instance it is said that the form of words used conveyed the proposition, as they do, viewed on their own, that lies could be relied upon if the jury are sure that there is no innocent explanation, and to the criminal standard of proof.

The court found that the requisition was well founded and the judge ought to have acceded to it.

The error could have been remedied without difficulty and if that had been done there would be no basis for an appeal on this ground, Mr Justice McCarthy said.

He said the court had a concern that the jury may not have fully understood how they should approach the question of the lies.

The latter factor itself means that one must scrutinise the forms of words used in their context with exceptional care, the court said.

We accept that the remainder of the charge is beyond criticism but we do not think that the error on such a crucial question can be ignored.

The court said it found that the verdict was unsafe and unsatisfactory. Accordingly, it quashed the conviction and directed a retrial.
Having resumed industrial action on Wednesday, striking firefighters in Wexford have announced an escalation in their action which will see stations across Wexford completely closed over the course of the coming week.

As of today (Friday), firefighters in New Ross and Gorey will not be responding to any calls. On Saturday Wexford and Bunclody stations will close; Sunday will see Enniscorthy and Gorey close; Monday New Ross and Bunclody; Tuesday Wexford and Enniscorthy; Wednesday Bunclody and New Ross and Thursday Gorey and Wexford stations.

Substation Officer in New Ross Fire Station Andrew Walsh says that the situation is fraught with danger, but they feel their hand has been forced.

"Were not even answering life-threatening now from these stations, he said. Its an extremely dangerous situation.

"Realistically, if theres a fire in one of the towns where the station is closed, it could take an extra half an hour for a unit to get there. A house fire generally takes between eight and ten minutes to be in full blaze.

"Lives and property are in jeopardy. But all this could be stopped by picking up the phone. We could come off the picket line within 20 minutes.

In terms of a contingency plan, Wexford firefighters say that they had suggested to Wexford County Council that they would respond to calls, but only if three trucks were sent to each call-out, thereby causing some disruption across the county.

The proposal was apparently rejected by the local authority, thereby leading to a situation where swathes of the county will be completely without cover going forward.

"I dont think people quite understand the implications of this, Andrew said. For example, if theres a fire in Wexford tomorrow, the response will have to come from New Ross, which will strip New Ross of cover too.

"This situation needs to be stopped, but management are not going along with any of our suggestions.

Retained firefighters across the country were left disappointed by the recommendations of the Labour Court, which suggested a moderate increase in their retainers.

"Basically, it worked out at an extra 33c an hour for me, Andrew reveals. And Im an officer. I wont even tell you what it worked out as for the recruits. We had said an extra ten to twelve hours of paid community service would be appropriate, but what they came back with was 1.5 hours a week, which worked out at an extra 35.

A large part of the industrial action stems from a retention and recruitment crisis within the service and Andrew says that, unless something drastically changes, in a few years time it will be a struggle to maintain a fire service.

"Ill give you an example, he said. One of our young lads went to buy a BMW car recently at a cost of 18,000. He went to the banks and Credit Union and was turned down for a loan by both because they would only take his retainer on board as his earnings.

"Thats just for a car loan. Young lads in the service may forget about a mortgage.

Apart from that, family lives of service members are disrupted by being constantly on-call and having to remain within a short distance of the station.

"I love getting out for a walk, Andrew says. But I cant go more than a mile and a half from the station at any time. I would love to be out walking the newly-opened greenway there, but I cant do it. Id be too far from the station. These are the things people dont see.

"Theyre going to have to do something to make young lads want to come in and do this job. Id estimate that in the next seven or eight years, well lose 62% of staff in New Ross through natural wastage. Who is going to replace them? The retained fire service in Ireland will be gone in the next eight to ten years unless something is done.

Today's escalation puts further pressure on the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage who will be keen to avoid potentially dangerous situations emerging as a result of the industrial action.
An enduring success story, suicide prevention charity Wexford MarineWatch saw two significant donations in recent weeks to help them continue their vital work in Wexford harbour.

Alliance Medical Diagnostic Imaging recently dug deep and presented the Wexford charity with a cheque for 5,000. A leading provider of diagnostic imaging services, the company has over 30 sites across the island of Ireland and have committed to helping a whole host of charities including Wexford MarineWatch, Feed Cork, MSA Trust and Down Syndrome Limerick.

It is great to see their commitment to giving back and supporting organisations that make such a positive impact in our community, MarineWatch Chairman George Lawlor said. By donating to Wexford Marine Watch, Alliance Medical is helping to provide vital resources and support for individuals and families facing difficult challenges. We strongly encourage others to give generously to the causes they care about. Together, we can make a difference and create a brighter future for all.

Meanwhile, there was a further boost to the MarineWatch coffers in the form of a 1,000 donation from Forsa Trade Union who were also delighted to support a wonderful local cause. The cheque was presented by Paul Meyer, who volunteers himself with the charity carrying out patrols on Wexford Quay, to Chairman George Lawlor, who once again was extremely grateful for the gesture and the ongoing support.
A Wicklow man who received information taken from the garda Pulse system from a former civilian employee of An Garda Siochana will be sentenced later this year.

Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard Daniel Webb (33) of Charlesland, Greystones pleaded guilty to two counts of active and passive corruption on September 6 and 9, 2019, at unknown locations.

He has no previous convictions.

Detective Sergeant James King told Diana Stuart, BL, prosecuting, that in January 2020, gardai received confidential information that a civilian employee of An Garda Siochana, Holly Hayden (27), who was working at the Dun Laoghaire District Office, was relaying confidential information from the Garda Pulse system to third parties outside of the station.

An investigation took place, and her work area and home were searched. During the search, a mobile phone was seized, and a forensic download took place. Messages from Hayden to Webb were found on both the WhatsApp and Telegram apps.

The court heard that Webb was then identified, and messages showed Hayden sent a document containing information from the Pulse system about another individual on September 6, 2019, to Webb.

On September 9, 2019, she provided a synopsis of information from the Pulse system, which she had been instructed to download via the messaging app Telegram. She received cocaine in exchange for providing information on both of these occasions.

The court heard that 17 lines of intelligence in total were sent, which related to Webb and people associated with him. Screenshots of the Pulse system were also sent to Webb. The court heard that Hayden also sent information to another party and gave information about the location of garda checkpoints.

Judge Orla Crowe asked if copies of the information taken from the Pulse system were available and were handed into the court.

Det Sgt King said a search warrant was issued for Webb's home and car. Webb arrived home during the search and cooperated fully with the gardai. His mobile phone was seized. The court heard that the maximum sentence available to the court is ten years in prison.

James Dwyer, SC, defending, said his client met Hayden in his local pub after she approached him. They first began to communicate on WhatsApp in May 2019. He said that Hayden sent information to his client that related to him and his associates, but she also sent information to a third party relating to garda movement and checkpoints.

Det Sgt King agreed with counsel that messages from his client's phone show that, at one point, he encouraged Hayden not to look up more information.

Mr Dwyer handed in character references for his client from his GP, a member of the Bar Council of Ireland, neighbours of his family, a woman his mother worked for, and family members. His parents were also in court to support him. The letter from his parents described Webb as warm, generous and loving and that he is adored by his siblings.

Counsel said there were seven clean urine analysis before the court from his client.

He said there was also a probation report available, which indicated that when this offending was taking place, Webb was at the peak of his drug use, spending up to 200 a night on cocaine and Xanax. The reports put him at a low risk of reoffending, and he is in stable employment.

He said this is a crime of the utmost seriousness where the Pulse system has been compromised. He asked the court to take into account the clean urine reports, the lack of previous convictions, and his early guilty plea when sentencing.

Judge Orla Crowe said she would have to consider this matter as it is quite unusual. She adjourned this case for finalisation until October 6.

Earlier this month, Judge Crowe adjourned the case facing Webb's co-accused until November 6 for finalisation.

Hayden (27) of Bayview Terrace, Bray, pleaded guilty to one count of disclosing confidential information from the Pulse system obtained in the course of her employment on October 29, 2019.

She further pleaded to two counts of accessing confidential information from the Pulse system for the purpose of corruptly obtaining a gift, consideration or advantage for herself at Dun Laoghaire Garda Station on September 9, 2019 and on dates between April 28, 2020 and May 11, 2020.
The farming community in Wicklow and across Ireland have bid an emotional farewell to popular character and former Farmers Journal photography editor John Caff Caffrey from Enniskerry, who died on Tuesday. Blessed with a razor-sharp wit and born to be behind a lens, John was a talented, considerate and charismatic colleague who inspired so many.

Described as a true gentleman who always had that mischievous twinkle in his eye, John was best known for his four decades of service with the Farmers Journal. Originally from Dublin, he plunged himself into the world of agriculture and won the respect of his colleagues, who hailed his deep knowledge and talent as a photographer and editor.

A champion of burgeoning photographers, John had a vested interest in seeing his younger colleagues prosper, often taking time out of his hectic schedule to offer sage words of wisdom and, as his co-workers have attested, he was a great friendly face to see on assignment.

Husband to the love of his life Roisin and beloved father to Jane, Luke and Jack, John passed his natural eye for a shot to his son Jack, who was inspired to follow in his fathers footsteps and is the current photography editor at the Farmers Journal.

John's family were said to have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of sentiments online and the well-wishers that turned out for his funeral at Colliers Funeral Home in Bray, all standing as a testament to the indelible impact John had on so many lives.

Testimonies to Johns unique and infectious character have been pouring in from around Wicklow and beyond since he passed. Former journalist, colleague at the Farmers Journal and current EU Commissioner, Mairead McGuinness commented: John Caffrey was a joy to behold. Working with him in the Farmers Journal never felt like work. His beaming smile made others laugh.

He helped young journalists (myself included) as we started out. And, of course, he was a wonderful photographer. And a man who loved his family, sharing lovely stories about you as he went about his work. Rest in peace John.

Really sorry to hear of the passing of the wonderful 'Caff', Pat OKeefe commented. He was one of life's true gentlemen and a great character to work with for many years in the Farmers Journal.

He had an exceptional eye for a picture and an exceptional wit too! I cherish some great memories from the craic and stories as we enjoyed "the bang of the latch". A wonderful man.

A unique and caring gent, Liam Mulcahy added. Our paths crossed over 35 years at farming events and shows as were worked for our respective papers. We last met in Enniskerry a few short years past over coffee discussing grandchildren and old times and respective editors!!! Caff was a great man."

Husband to Roisin, father to Jane, Jack and Luke, 'Gaga' to Rosie, Lulu, Elena, John-Joe and Ted, father-in-law of Andy, Abaigeal and Kate and dearly loved brother of David, Dermot, Mary and the late Brendan and friend to so many, John Caffrey died on July 25, 2023.

May he rest in peace.
MINISTER for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has announced 424,241 for repairs and improvement works on rural roads and laneways in County Wicklow.

Its part of an overall allocation nationally of almost 16 million under the Local Improvement Scheme (LIS), which supports the continued improvement of non-public roads and lanes that are not normally maintained by local authorities.

While making todays funding announcement, Minister Humphreys said: Good rural roads are essential to our rural communities and this investment will mean better access for farming families. The LIS is about making peoples lives that bit easier, ensuring we have good roads to our homes, farms and local amenities and thats what Our Rural Future is all about, ensuring more people can live, work and raise families in rural communities throughout Ireland.

Wicklow Minister Simon Harris has welcomed the announcement.

Good roads are absolutely vital for our rural communities and this investment will benefit so many families, farmers and businesses across our county, he said.

We all know families and farmers in County Wicklow that can be difficult to reach because their road or laneway is in need of repair. The Local Improvement Scheme is all about making peoples lives that little bit easier by ensuring we have good access to our homes, farms and local communities. I am really delighted to have worked with my colleague Minister Heather Humphreys to deliver this investment for County Wicklow.

Todays announcement brings the total funding secured for County Wicklow under the Local Improvement Scheme to 777,000 in 2023. This investment is so important for our county and represents the Governments commitment to supporting rural families and rural communities through our five year rural development plan, Our Rural Future.

"I know that this scheme has had a fantastic impact on the lives of many families across Wicklow and look forward to being able to continue working to support our rural infrastructure into the future, Minister Harris concluded.
Talulah Riley, who was twice married to Tesla and SpaceX founder Elon Musk, has announced her engagement to British actor Thomas Brodie-Sangster.

Westworld actress Riley, who married Musk in 2010 and again in 2013, shared a close-up picture of her smiling with Brodie-Sangster to announce the engagement on social media platform X, formerly Twitter, which is owned by Musk.

The 37-year-old wrote: Very happy to share that after two years of dating, Thomas Brodie Sangster and I are engaged!

Riley wed Musk in a ceremony in 2010, but divorced two years later. The couple remarried in 2013 but split again in 2016.

He was among the people congratulating the actress on the news, writing under her post: Congratulations! followed by a red heart emoji.

Love Actually actor Brodie-Sangster, 33, gave a sweet nod to the 2003 romantic comedy in a social media post  using a quote from the beginning of the film.

Sharing a picture of them punting on a river, he wrote: Happy to announce that Talulah and I are engaged.

Love is all around.

The couple met when Brodie-Sangster co-starred with Riley in Danny Boyles Sex Pistols Disney+ drama.

Brodie-Sangster played the bands manager Malcolm McLaren in the series, which explores the rise of the punk band and the rock and roll revolution in Britain, while Riley, best known for her role in St Trinians, portrayed punk fashion designer Dame Vivienne Westwood.

The couple publicly debuted their romance at the Bafta awards ceremony last March.

Brodie-Sangster recently reunited with Love Actually stars Hugh Grant, Dame Emma Thompson, Bill Nighy and Laura Linney for a special 20th anniversary special of the film, which has become a staple feature of the UK festive season.

In 2017, he re-created a scene from the original movie for Red Nose Day with Liam Neeson, who plays his on-screen step-father, with the two characters having a conversation about the total agony of being in love.
An 18-year-old woman who ran away from her Arizona home nearly four years ago reappeared this week when she walked into a Montana police station to report herself safe, authorities said. Alicia Navarro ran away from her home in Glendale, Ariz., on Sept. 15, 2019, at the age of 14. Navarro, who was diagnosed on the autism spectrum, left a note at the time that read, "I ran away. I will be back, I swear. I'm sorry." Her disappearance prompted an extensive search by local authorities and the FBI, but she was never found. In a press conference Wednesday, Glendale police spokesperson Jose Santiago said that Navarro walked into a police station in Montana this week to identify herself. Santiago did not reveal her exact whereabouts, only that it was a small town near the border with Canada. Glendale police were notified when she turned herself in, and confirmed her identity with her family. "She is by all accounts safe, she is by all accounts healthy, and she is by all accounts happy," Santiago said. We also have a message from Alicia herself, who is asking for privacy. This has been a traumatic situation for her, as you can imagine, but she is looking to be able to move on in her life. Santiago said Navarro basically asked for help to clear her off of a missing juvenile list, and is not being held or facing any charges. A video shared by the Glendale Police Department shows Navarro confirming to investigators that, no, nobody hurt me. Glendale Police Lt. Scott Waite said Navarro came into the Montana police station alone, and has been cooperating with investigators. He said its still unclear whether she was with anyone during the time she was missing, and police are continuing to investigate what happened. Waite said Navarro has had the opportunity to see her mother, and that the reunion was extremely overwhelming for all involved, including detectives.
Image: Unsplash/Andrew Seaman

New York: Half of all children in Europe and Central Asia, 92 million, are exposed to high heatwave frequency, or double the global average, the UN Childrens Fund (UNICEF) said on Thursday in a new policy brief.

This is expected to rise to all children in 2050, according to Regina De Dominicis, UNICEF Regional Director Europe and Central Asia.

She said countries there are feeling the heat of the climate crisis, and childrens health and well-being are suffering the most

The multitude of negative implications on the current and future health of such a significant proportion of the regions children must be a catalyst for governments to urgently invest in mitigation and adaptation measures, she added.

Children at risk

The report said children are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of heatwaves as their core temperatures rise significantly higher and faster than adults', putting them at risk of serious illness including heatstroke.

Furthermore, heatwaves also affect childrens education by hampering their ability to concentrate and learn.

While children are uniquely vulnerable to the impact of heatwaves, UNICEF noted that most adults experience heat differently, making it hard for parents and caretakers to identify dangerous situations or symptoms of heat-related illness in children.

In recent years, heatwaves in Europe and Central Asia have become more frequent with no signs of abating, and the frequency is set to increase even further.

The report warned that under the most conservative estimates of global temperature increase at 1.7 degrees Celsius, a concerning future awaits boys and girls in the region. By 2050, every child is predicted to experience high heatwave frequency.

Approximately 81 per cent of children will be subjected to prolonged periods of intense heatwaves, while 28 per cent will encounter even more severe heatwave conditions.

Beat the heat

To protect children, UNICEF outlines six recommendations for Governments across Europe and Central Asia.

They include incorporating heatwave mitigation and adaptation into climate-related commitments and disaster risk reduction and disaster risk management policies, keeping children at the centre of all plans.

Governments should also invest in primary health care to support prevention, early action, diagnosis, and treatment of heat-related illness among children, including training community health workers and teachers.

They can further invest in national climate early warning systems, carry out local environmental assessments, and support emergency preparedness and resilience building initiatives.
Image:  UNICEF/Joshua Estey

New York: A new UN report raised concerns on Wednesday about the excessive use of smartphones, calling for them to be banned in schools worldwide. According to the UN's education, science and culture agency UNESCO, the over-use of mobile phones impacts learning.

UNESCOs report on technology in education urges countries to carefully consider how technology is used in schools.

It emphasises the need for a "human-centered vision where digital technology serves as a tool rather than taking precedence.

Speaking to UN News, UNESCOs Manos Antoninis also warned of the danger of data leaks in educational tech, as only 16 per cent of countries guarantee data privacy in the classroom, by law.

Abuse of data

We know that vast amounts of data are being used without the appropriate regulation, so this data ends up being used for other non-educational purposes, commercial purposes and thats of course a violation of rights that needs to be regulated."

The UNESCO report also highlights the disparities created by digital learning. During the COVID-19 pandemic, half a billion students worldwide were left out due to the shift to online-only tuition.

Geographically, the report noted a significant imbalance in online resources favouring Europe and North America.

UNESCO is urging countries to set their own standards for the way technology is designed and used in education such that it never replaces in-person, teacher-led instruction and supports the shared objective of quality education for all.

Huge potential

The digital revolution holds immeasurable potential but, just as warnings have been voiced for how it should be regulated in society, similar attention must be paid to the way it is used in education, warned UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay.

Its use must be for enhanced learning experiences and for the well-being of students and teachers, not to their detriment.

The report, Technology in education: A tool on whose terms? was launched at an event in Montevideo, Uruguay hosted by UNESCO and the Ministry of Education and Culture of Uruguay, with additional support from the Ceibal Foundation and 18 ministers of education from around the world. It proposes four questions that policymakers and educators should reflect upon as educational technology becomes increasingly accessible and utilized around the globe.

Appropriate use

The first question focuses on the appropriate use of technology in class. Disabled children who may struggle in a traditional, in-person setting may also benefit from the option of technological assistance.

The opportunities it has opened up are incredible, and we are always amazed by the new windows this opens for learners, said Manos Antoninis, the Director responsible for producing the report.

We need to learn about our past mistakes when using technology in education so that we do not repeat them in the future, said Mr. Antoninis.

We need to teach children to live both with and without technology; to take what they need from the abundance of information, but to ignore what is not necessary; to let technology support, but never supplant human interactions in teaching and learning, he added.

Equal opportunitie

The rapid shift to online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic left out an estimated 500 million students worldwide, mostly affecting those in marginalized, rural communities.

The report underlines that the right to education is increasingly synonymous with the right to meaningful connectivity, yet one in four primary schools do not have electricity. It calls for all countries to set benchmarks for connecting schools to the Internet between now and 2030, and for the primary focus to remain on these marginalized communities.

Is it scalable?

Theres a lack of impartial evidence concerning the added value of tech. Most evidence comes from the United States, where the What Works Clearinghouse pointed out that less than two per cent of education interventions assessed had strong or moderate evidence of effectiveness.

The evolution of technology is putting strain on education systems to adapt, UNESCO argues. Digital literacy and critical thinking are increasingly important, particularly with the growth of generative AI.

Additional data in the report shows that this adaptation movement has begun: 54 per cent of countries surveyed have outlined skills they want to develop for the future, but only 11 out of 51 governments surveyed have curricula for AI.

Let's not forget that to be able to navigate the digital world, we don't necessarily need very sophisticated skills. Those who have the best reading skills are those least likely to be duped by a phishing email, for instance, said Mr. Antoninis.

Moreover, teachers also need appropriate training yet only half of countries currently have standards for developing educators information and communication technology skills. Even fewer have teacher training programmes covering cybersecurity, despite five per cent of ransomware attacks targeting education.
S Jaishankar meeting Yoshimasa Hayashi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan in New Delhi on Thursday. Photo Courtesy: S Jaishankar X page

New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held the 15th India-Japan Foreign Ministers' Strategic Dialogue with his Japanese counterpart Yoshimasa Hayashi on Thursday when the leaders reviewed the progress made in the relationship between the two nations.

The Ministers engaged in comprehensive discussions covering a wide range of issues of bilateral, regional, and global significance.

"They highlighted the importance of further strengthening India-Japan partnership based on shared values and principles," read a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs.

The Ministers emphasized the importance of achieving the target of JPY 5 trillion Japanese investment in India in the period 2022-27.

"They explored potential areas of collaboration in critical and emerging technologies, including semiconductors; resilient supply chains; and digital public infrastructure, among others," read the statement.

The Ministers also expressed satisfaction with the strengthening defense and security cooperation, including regular exercises and staff talks between all three services. In this context, they discussed way forward to deepen Defense Equipment and Technology Cooperation.

The Ministers exchanged views on regional and global issues of interest. They emphasized the crucial role of strong and enduring partnership between India and Japan in ensuring a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region that is inclusive and rules-based.

The Ministers also discussed cooperation under multilateral and plurilateral frameworks, including Quad.

They agreed on the need for early reforms of the UNSC. They also exchanged views on their respective G20 and G7 presidencies.

Noting the celebration of 2023 as the Year of India-Japan Tourism Exchanges with the theme of Connecting Himalayas with Mount Fuji, the Ministers acknowledged the importance of people-to-people exchanges.

They also discussed ways to promote movement of skilled human resources from India to Japan.

The India-Japan Foreign Ministers' Strategic Dialogue reaffirmed the commitment of both sides to strengthen their Special Strategic and Global Partnership.

The meeting further deepened bilateral cooperation and set the stage for enhanced collaboration on regional and global issues.
Image: Pixabay

New Delhi/IBNS: A 42-year-old woman was shot to death by a man in Dabri area of southwest Delhi on Thursday evening, media reports said.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Dwarka) M Harshvardhan said as quoted by NDTV, "Around 8:45 pm on Wednesday, under the Dabri police station, we got information that a 42-year-old woman was shot dead near her house.

"The woman was identified as Renu. She was a housewife living with her family in the Vaishali colony area under Dabri Police Station."

"We found that Renu and Ashish met in a gym nearly 2-3 years back. Further investigation is on," he added.

When police reached the house of the accused- named Ashish (25)- to arrest him, the latter killed himself.
Image credit: S Jaishankar Twitter

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday said with the recent evacuations carried out in conflict-hit Sudan and Ukraine it has been proved that the country will never leave its people behind during a crisis.

While speaking about the latest developments in Indias Foreign Policy in Rajya Sabha, Jaishankar spoke about Operation Kaveri which was launched to evacuate Indian nationals from Sudan, reports ANI.

He referred to the clash in Sudan and said 4075 Indian nationals were safely evacuated from the country after armed clashes broke out between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

He was giving a suo moto statement in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday on Indias foreign policy in the past few months and was quoted as saying by AN, On 15 April 2023, an armed conflict broke out between Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF). In order to protect and evacuate the Indian citizens from Sudan, Operation Kaveri was launched on 24 April, 2023. Indian nationals were brought to Port Sudan from different conflict zones and then ferried to Jeddah, using Indian Air Force aircraft and Indian Naval ships.

During Operation Kaveri, like Operation Ganga, we not only evacuated thousands of Indians, but also assisted in the evacuation of citizens from other countries who sought our assistance, he said.

He said India's diplomats and armed forces displayed exemplary courage while carrying out the operation.

Through this massive evacuation exercise, we have proven once again that India will never leave its people behind during a crisis- be it in Ukraine last year, or in Sudan in this one, he added.

India carried out Operation Ganga to rescue people who were stranded in Ukraine when a conflict between Moscow and Kyiv started.
Wikipedia Commons

Kolkata: Bangladesh Minister of Information and Broadcasting Hasan Mahmud, who was in Kolkata on Thursday, said the economic, cultural and business ties between India and Bangladesh have strengthened under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bangladeshi counterpart Sheikh Hasina.

Economic, cultural and business ties have strengthened over the last couple of years under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, the Bangladesh Minister of Information and Broadcasting was quoted as saying by ANI.

The Bangladeshi Minister said in recent months, India-Bangladesh ties have got new dimensions because we have started business by exchanging Rupee and Taka. So day by day, our relationship is strengthening under their leadership.

Praising India's G20 presidency, he said it is good for the region.

Stressing the need to focus on cultural exchange between India and Bangladesh, he said: "We have a strong relationship and we are working to strengthen the ties between the people. And day by day, that is strengthening."
Image: Wallpaper cave

New Delhi/IBNS: A man beat his cousin to death with an iron rod in Delhi as she had refused to marry him, and he was finding it difficult to get anyone else to agree either, media reports said.

The accused, Irfan, who killed the 25-year-old woman, Nargis, in a park Friday afternoon, had allegedly been planning the murder for three days and surrendered to the police hours after committing it.

"We received information that the body of a 25-year-old girl was found in a park near Aurobindo College in South Delhi's Malviya Nagar. An iron rod was found near her body," a Delhi Police official told the media.

As the police were probing the case, Irfan, 28, surrendered before them and was taken into custody.

During his interrogation, Irfan, who works as a food delivery agent, told the police that Nargis' mother and his mother are sisters.

He said he wanted to marry Nargis but her family had refused, as he did not have a proper job.

Nargis too refused to marry him and stopped taking his calls. Irfan was disturbed and angry about this, and his anger was compounded by the fact that no one else was agreeing to marry him either, he told the police.

Irfan said he planned the murder three days ago and went to the park Friday well aware that Nargis would cross it while returning from her stenography class.

As she was passing by the park around noon, Irfan called her in and said he wanted to talk to her. On being refused, he pulled out an iron rod from his bag and attacked her with it, the police said.

Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) took suo-motu cognizance of the media reports about the murder and its chief Swati Maliwal has sought an action taken report in the matter.

She asked the Delhi Police to provide a copy of FIR along with details of arrest made in the matter.

Maliwal said, Two incidents have happened in the past 24 hours in Delhi. A girl was shot dead in Dabri while another was beaten to death in Malviya Nagar. The murder of the girl in broad daylight shows how unsafe women and girls are in the national capital. The law and order in the capital is in shambles.

"Why is theCentral government not able to fix accountability of Police on crimes against women and girls? I request the Central government to call a high-level meeting consisting of the Central, Delhi government and Delhi Police so that accountability of the authorities is fixed.
In recent developments, an investigation conducted by the British tabloid, The Daily Mail, has revealed that a significant number of asylum seekers in the UK are misrepresenting their political affiliations to obtain refugee status.

A surge in claims stating persecution due to sympathy with the Khalistan separatist movement has been discovered.

However, this seems to be a strategic ploy rather than a reflection of the actual number of Khalistan sympathizers, which remains relatively small.

The Daily Mails undercover reporter, posing as an economic migrant from Punjab, India, exposed the dubious practices of certain UK-based law firms.

These firms, it was found, were advising immigrants to fabricate tales of persecution as Khalistan supporters, a banned Sikh separatist movement in India, thereby giving them grounds for asylum.

These legal advisors, despite knowing their client lacked a legitimate reason to stay in the UK, concocted distressing backstories for the asylum applications, including allegations of sexual torture, beatings, slave labor, false imprisonment and death threats.

One such solicitor, VP Lingajothy, reportedly demanded 10,000 for creating a fictitious narrative of this sort.

In addition, the lawyers promised to secure medical reports to support these false claims and provided antidepressants as evidence of psychological trauma.

These illicit services come at a cost, ranging from 4,000 to 10,000.

The troubling fact is that these legal professionals are encouraging dishonesty, undermining the principles of integrity that are meant to underpin their profession.

Unfortunately, these manipulative tactics are not confined to the UK alone. Investigations have revealed comparable instances in the US and Canada as well.

Law enforcement agencies, disturbed by the attempts to portray India as a police state in false asylum claims, are closely examining the situation.

There is concern that these schemes are not only misrepresenting the reality within India, but also fuelling pro-Khalistan sentiments abroad.

For instance, in a report by The Hindu Business Line, Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) has been reported to supply letters to individuals looking to migrate to the US and Canada.

These letters falsely allege persecution by the Indian government, laying grounds for a claim of political asylum.

Canada, known for its immigrant-friendly policies, has become another hotspot for this exploitative practice.

A significant number of individuals falsely claiming to be Khalistani extremists have found a home in the North American country.

This has reportedly strained diplomatic relations between India and Canada.

News of Edmonton-based student Karamjit Kaurs stayed deportation had recently caused a stir, bringing several pertinent questions to the fore. One of them is the troubling misuse of Canadas immigration laws under the banner of the Khalistan movement.

How can authorities permit such exploitation of Canadas legal structures? Kaur came to Canada five years ago on a student visa and then petitioned the Human Rights Court, claiming support for the Khalistan movement and falsely asserting threats to her life if she returns to India with the help of a lawyer.

Unfortunately, Canadas inability to curb the radical elements allegedly inciting pro-Khalistan sentiments, with suspected support from Pakistans ISI, is exacerbating the situation.

The country is inadvertently becoming a hub for pro-Khalistan radicalism, extremism, and violence, despite the fact that the majority of these so-called sympathizers are more focused on personal interests than anything else.

These false claims of Khalistan sympathy for asylum purposes not only corrupt the integrity of the asylum system but also skew the perceived numbers of actual Khalistan supporters.

This goes to show that the actual number of Khalistan sympathizers remains relatively small, and a majority of the claims are merely self-serving exploitations of the immigration systems in the UK, US, and Canada.

(Image and Text credit: Khalsavox.com)
Photo Courtesy: Wikipedia Commons

Singapore authorities on Friday executed a woman for attempting to traffic an ounce of heroin, the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) said.

Saridewi Binte Djamani is the first woman who was executed by the country in nearly 20 years for her conviction in the drug case in July 2018. She is the second drug convict to be hanged this week, the other being fellow Singaporean Mohd Aziz bin Hussain who was convicted of drug trafficking in 2017.

"Saridewi, a 45-year-old Singaporean, was convicted of having in her possession for the purpose of trafficking, not less than 30.72 grammes of diamorphine, or pure heroin (i.e. six packets and seven straws of gross weight not less than 1,084.37 grammes)," read a statement issued by the CNB.

The Misuse of Drugs Act provides for the death penalty if the amount of diamorphine trafficked is more than 15 grammes. 30.72 grammes of diamorphine is more than twice that amount, and is sufficient to feed the addiction of about 370 abusers for a week

Saridewis petition to the President for clemency was unsuccessful.

" Capital punishment is used only for the most serious crimes, such as the trafficking of significant quantities of drugs which cause very serious harm, not just to individual drug abusers, but also to their families and the wider society. Capital punishment is part of Singapores comprehensive harm prevention strategy which targets both drug demand and supply," read the statement.

Meanwhile, several rights groups protested the execution of the woman.

The government of Singapore violates human belief in redemption and the capacity for rehabilitation by insisting instead on taking drastic and irreversible action, Celia Ouellette, founder of the non-profit group Responsible Business Initiative for Justice, told CNN.

International Federation for Human Rights described the execution as a 'grim milestone'

Singapore may reach another grim milestone by executing the first woman in nearly two decades. Singaporean authorities must immediately stop these blatant violations of the right to life in their obsessive enforcement of misguided drug policies, said FIDH Secretary-General Adilur Rahman Khan.

Amnesty International's death penalty expert Chiara Sangiorgio said: "The only message that these executions send is that the government of Singapore is willing to once again defy international safeguards on the use of the death penalty."
Image: Unsplash/Paul Szewczyk

The UN human rights chief on Wednesday lamented the severe electoral clampdown by the Cambodian Government during the weekend vote, including restrictions on opposition parties, NGOs and media.

In a news release issued by his Office, Volker Turk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, denounced constant shrinkage in Cambodias democratic space in recent years, which he said is undermining citizens fundamental freedoms and their right to participate in the public square.

In the lead up to the elections, Cambodias National Election Committee disqualified two leading opposition political parties and, immediately prior to polling day, authorities ordered internet service providers to block social media accounts of three media organizations which they deemed critical of the Government, OHCHR said.

Opposition political parties, activists, members of the media and others have faced numerous restrictions and reprisals that appear intended to curb political campaigning and to hinder the exercise of fundamental freedoms essential for free and fully participatory elections, said Mr. Turk.

A chilling effect

The UN rights chief also expressed concerns that the restrictions and other intimidatory measures, including some physical attacks, created a chilling effect, depriving people of credible news and information sources needed to make informed choices.

According to media reports, Cambodias longtime ruling party, led by incumbent Prime Minister Hun Sen, won an overwhelming number of seats in what was practically an uncontested election.

Multiple news outlets also reported on Wednesday that Hun Sen had announced he will resign and hand over power to his son, who is also the countrys army chief, in early August.

Address shortcomings

Mr. Turk called on the Government to address the shortcomings and hold dialogue with all political parties and civil society actors to create an enabling and inclusive civic space for all Cambodians.

A vibrant strong and inclusive democracy that nurtures and respects a plurality of voices and opinions is fundamental to ensuring the respect and protection of human rights and is key to peaceful social and economic development, he said.

He also urged Cambodian authorities to boost participation of marginalized groups, including women, indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and youth, to foster a more inclusive and representative democracy.
Image:  Photo by the affected family

New York: Insecurity and violence increased rapidly in the occupied West Bank over the last month, punctuated by one of the most intensive Israeli military operations in nearly two decades, the Security Council heard on Thursday.

This deterioration is taking place alongside ongoing unilateral steps that undermine a two-State solution, the absence of a peace process and the continuing economic challenges facing Palestinians and the Palestinian Authority (PA), said Khaled Khiari, Assistant Secretary-General for Middle East, briefing ambassadors.

It is critical that all parties take urgent steps to stop the downward spiral and engage with each other to seek a constructive path forward, he stressed.

Scores of deaths, injuries

Since 27 July, 21 Palestinians - including five children  have been killed, along with nearly 250 injured, by Israeli security forces carrying out search-and-arrest and counter-protest operations; as well as during attacks and alleged attacks against Israelis, and other violent incidents.

Another 20 Palestinians, including five children, were injured by Israeli settlers or other civilians, Mr. Khiari said.

According to Israeli sources, two members of the Israeli security forces were killed and eight injured, while another 39 Israelis, including three children, were injured by Palestinians in shooting and ramming attacks, through stone throwing and Molotov cocktails, improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and other incidents, he added.

Operation in Jenin camp

He highlighted the 3 to 4 July Israeli military operation in the Jenin Refugee Camp, marked by multiple drone airstrikes and the use of over 1,000 ground troops.

The resulting deaths and injuries were the worst in a single operation in the West Bank since the UN began tracking casualties in 2005, Mr. Khiari told ambassadors.

Targeted sites included locations adjacent to UN facilities and a school, while exchanges of fire took place near health facilities. The only health clinic in the camp - run by the UN agency that assists Palestine refugees, UNRWA  was damaged and remains closed, he said

The operation also had a significant humanitarian toll on the camp and its residents, with over 460 houses damaged, roads dug up and families displaced.

A number of priority needs have been identified by UN and humanitarian partners, including clearing unexploded ordnance, restoring water and sewage services, and repairing and restocking medical facilities.

Attacks against Israelis

A number of attacks were also carried out by Palestinians against Israelis, including a ramming and stabbing attack in Tel Aviv that injured eight Israeli civilians, including a pregnant woman, on 4 July, informed Mr. Khiari.

Militants in Gaza fired five rockets from Gaza towards Israel, responding to the operation in Jenin, on the night of 4 July, Mr. Khiari added.

All were intercepted by Israels aerial defence system, with shrapnel landing in the city of Sderot. In response, the Israeli Air Force carried out airstrikes against what it said were Hamas targets in the Strip.

Targeting of civilians unacceptable

Mr. Khiari underscored that targeting civilians, including children, was unacceptable and must be condemned and rejected by all.

All perpetrators of violence must be held accountable and swiftly brought to justice, he said.

Israel has an obligation to protect Palestinians and their property in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and ensure prompt, independent, impartial and transparent investigations into all acts of violence.

In his briefing, Mr. Khiari also spoke of demolitions by Israeli authorities of Palestinian-owned buildings, as well as evictions.
Image:Pixabay/Unsplash

Locals in the Quetta region of Pakistan on Thursday demonstrated in front of the Press Club against forced disappearances.

The protest was organized by Voice for Baloch Missing Persons, an organization working to find people who forcefully had disappeared, reports ANI.

@VBMP5 Protests were held in front of #Quetta Press Club under auspices of Quetta Press Club, mothers & sisters from remote areas of #Balochistan came with pictures of their loved ones. But no one listened to them @MaryamNSharif and @RanaSanaullahPK. You forgot your promises, tweeted Seema Baloch, one of the organisers, as quoted by ANI.

During the rallies, the speakers talked about the families of missing Balochs who are undergoing severe mental trauma due to prolonged forced disappearance of their loved ones.

The speakers criticised the government and the judiciary for their apathy towards the agony of the missing peoples families.

Several cities in Pakistan have witnessed similar protests in the past.
NASA has accomplished some amazing feats throughout the decades. Since its incorporation, most of the space exploration efforts of the United States have been led by NASA, gradually making the agency the most advanced space agency on Earth.

A Brief History of NASA: 65-Years-Long Space Journey Of Exploring The Unknown | Freepik

From 1958 to now, some revolutionary and remarkable space programs carried out by NASA include the Apollo missions for moon-landing, the Skylab space station, and later on the infamous Space Shuttle program. For six decades, NASA has led the peaceful exploration of space, making discoveries about our planet, our solar system, and our universe.

On July 29, 1958, Eisenhower signed the National Aeronautics and Space Act, creating the agency, which opened for business on October 1, 1958.

As we celebrate NASAs 65 years of achievement, here's a brief history of NASA:

The National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958 Creates NASA

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is a state-owned agency of the United States of America in control of the civil space program along with advanced research in aerospace and aeronautics. It was established by then President Dwight D. Eisenhower with a distinct orientation towards civilian areas rather than the military to encourage the peaceful application of space science. After the successful passage of the National Aeronautics and Space Act in July 29, 1958, the agency came into existence on October 1, 1958, with headquarters in Washington, D.C.

A Brief History of NASA: 65-Years-Long Space Journey Of Exploring The Unknown | Freepik

From NACA To NASA

The creation of NASA following the Soviet Unions 1957 launch of Sputnik? Yes, certainly. But it had happened before. Even though Americans had flown the first airplane in 1903, by the beginning of World War I in 1914, the United States lagged behind Europe in airplane technology. In order to catch up, Congress founded the National Advisory Committee on Aeronautics on March 3, 1915, as an independent government agency reporting directly to the President.

Formation and Early Years

For 40 years, the NACA conducted aeronautical research that was ultimately transferred to the nascent aerospace industry, which led the U.S. economy into the late 20th century. NASA opened for business on October 1, 1958, with T. Keith Glennan, president of Case Institute of Technology in Ohio, as its first administrator. NACA director Hugh Dryden served as the first deputy administrator, and NACA veteran Robert Gilruth ultimately headed the Space Task Group and the Mercury program before becoming the director of NASAs Manned Spacecraft Center (now the Johnson Space Center) in Houston.

A Brief History of NASA: 65-Years-Long Space Journey Of Exploring The Unknown | Freepik

A Brief History Of Space Exploration

For eons, humanity has dreamt of exploring the cosmos. Sixty-five years ago, we finally achieved that dream. Some space missions have revealed how far the human race can go. The crews and crafts involved in these remarkable space missions made great strides in exploring our universe, and they wont soon be forgotten. Here are some of NASA's space missions that made history:

Project Mercury - America's First Astronauts

NASA's first manned spaceflight program was Project Mercury. It aimed to put humans into suborbital and orbital flight around Earth. On May 5, 1961, NASA achieved its first manned spaceflight with Alan Shepard becoming the first American in space.

NASA's Project Gemini: Bridge to the Moon

Gemini was an early NASA human spaceflight program. Gemini helped NASA get ready for the Apollo moon landings. Ten crews flew missions on the two-man Gemini spacecraft. The Gemini missions were flown in 1965 and 1966. They flew between the Mercury and Apollo programs.

The Apollo Program: NASA sent astronauts to the moon

The Apollo program was NASA's most iconic and ambitious project. It aimed to land humans on the Moon and bring them back safely to Earth. On July 20, 1969, Apollo 11 achieved this historic feat, with astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin becoming the first humans to walk on the lunar surface.

The Apollo Program | NASA

Skylab and Space Shuttle Era

After the Apollo program, NASA focused on establishing a space station in low Earth orbit. Skylab, launched in 1973, served as the first American space station, providing valuable scientific research in space. In 1981, NASA launched the Space Shuttle, a reusable spacecraft designed to carry astronauts and cargo to space. The Space Shuttle program was operational until 2011.

Skylab and Space Shuttle Era | NASA

In collaboration with international partners, NASA embarked on the construction of the International Space Station (ISS) in 1998. The ISS is a habitable space laboratory that orbits Earth and serves as a platform for scientific research in microgravity.

International Space Station

Mars Exploration and Beyond

In recent years, NASA has focused on robotic exploration of Mars, launching missions like the Mars rovers (Spirit, Opportunity, and Curiosity) and the Mars lander InSight. NASA continues to work on future missions to explore Mars and other celestial bodies, including the Artemis program, which aims to return astronauts to the Moon and eventually send humans to Mars.

History of the NASA Logo

From the wing of the space shuttle to the top of the NASA homepage, the agency's official insignia is probably its best-known symbol. Here's how the NASA logo has changed over time.

1915 - The Original Logo for NACA

The original logo, though not as famous, was also a visual identity for the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics, the predecessor of NASA, which was established in 1915.



The Original Logo for NACA |NASA

1959 - The Meatball NASA Logo

The well-known meatball logo came around about the same time that NASA started, in the late 1950s. Created by James Modarelli, who worked for NASA, the large circular design was almost immediately named the Meatball by staff members.

The Meatball NASA Logo | NASA

1975 - NASAs Worm Logo

In 1975, the Worm logo made its way into NASA, even if it was quickly replaced by the circular emblem in 1992.

NASAs Worm Logo | NASA

For more informative articles on historical and upcoming events from around the world, please visit Indiatimes Events
Muharram is the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar and holds significant importance for Muslims worldwide. Ashura, the 10th day of Muharram, commemorates various events, notably the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD.

It is a time of mourning and reflection for Shia Muslims, who participate in processions, recite elegies, and engage in charitable acts. Sunni Muslims also observe this day with fasting, gratitude, and prayers. The occasion fosters unity and empathy, promoting values of sacrifice, justice, and solidarity within the Muslim community and beyond.



Ashura 2023 image | Photo: Freepik

The Day of Ashura is a public holiday in many Muslim-majority countries while in India the festival is a gazetted holiday, which means that government offices, schools, and businesses are closed on Ashura.



Since Islamic New Year 2023 began people around worldwide want to know when is Ashura?, what is Ashura? Is fasting compulsory on Ashura? and more about the festival. So here we listed all details about the holy festival, keep scrolling to know more:

Islamic New Year 2023 | Muharram 2023

Muharram or the first month of the Islamic calendar in India began on Thursday, 20 July 2023. The month of Muharram is observed for 29 or 30 days, depending on the sighting of the new moon.

The 10th day of Muharram, known as Ashura, is a major day of observance for Muslims around the world. On Ashura, Muslims commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, and also a time of remembrance for Muslims around the world.

Ashura will be observed on Saturday, July 29, 2023, in India. Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar, and Ashura is the 10th day of Muharram. It is a day of mourning for Shia Muslims, who commemorate the death of Imam Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, at the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD. Sunni Muslims also observe Ashura, but they do not see it as a day of mourning. However, they observe fast, pray, and reflection on the day of Ashura as a way of showing gratitude to Allah.

In India, Ashura is a public holiday. Schools and most businesses are closed on the day of Ashura. Muslims often attend special prayers and processions on Ashura. They may also fast or give to charity.

What is Ashura? | Ashura history

Ashura is an important observance in Islamic history and is primarily associated with both Sunni and Shia Muslim communities. The term "Ashura" is derived from the Arabic word "Ashr," which means ten, signifying the 10 days of the Islamic lunar month of Muharram.

The significance of Ashura varies between Sunni and Shia traditions:

Sunni Perspective:

For Sunni Muslims, Ashura commemorates multiple significant events:

Prophet Muhammad's Observance

It is believed that the Prophet Muhammad fasted on the day of Ashura in gratitude to Allah, as he observed that the Jews of Medina also fasted on this day, as they believed it marked the day when Prophet Moses and his followers were saved from Pharaoh's tyranny by the parting of the Red Sea.

Moses' Victory

Sunni Muslims also commemorate the day when Prophet Moses and the Israelites were liberated from the oppression of the Egyptian Pharaoh. The story is mentioned in the Quran (Surah Al-Qasas, 28:4-7).

It's important to note that for Sunni Muslims, fasting on the day of Ashura is recommended but not obligatory and special prayers in mosques, signifying its sacred nature.

Shia Perspective:

For Shia Muslims, Ashura holds particular significance as a day of mourning and remembrance for the martyrdom of Imam Hussein ibn Ali, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad. In 680 AD, along with his family and a few companions martyred in the Battle of Karbala against the Yazid's forces. This battle has become a symbol of resistance against tyranny and injustice within Shia Islam.

The Battle of Karbala was a deeply emotional event, with Imam Hussein's supporters, including members of his family, enduring great suffering and sacrifices. His death is seen as a symbol of standing up for truth, justice, and the principles of Islam, regardless of the odds.

On Ashura, Shia Muslims participate in various ceremonies and processions, where they express their grief and pay tribute to the memory of Imam Hussein and his companions. The rituals also emphasize the values of selflessness, bravery, and commitment to righteousness. Many use the day of Ashura as a day to perform acts of kindness and charity as a way for them to keep alive the very same principles and values Hussain gave his life for.

Days to Fast in Muharram

In the Islamic month of Muharram, fasting is not obligatory for the entire month as it is during Ramadan. However, there are specific days that hold particular significance for fasting. The most recommended fast is on the 10th day of Muharram, known as the Day of Ashura, as it carries great rewards and serves as an expiation of sins.

Additionally, it is also recommended to fast on the 9th or 11th day of Muharram to distinguish it from the Jewish tradition of fasting only on the 10th. Hence, in total, there are three days of recommended fasting in Muharram.

Fasting on Ashura

Its believed that fasting on Ashura was observed even before the rise of Islam. At the time of migration when Prophet entered Madinah he noticed that Jews were observing the fast on 'Ashura' because on this day Moses became victorious over Pharaoh.

Then Prophet told his followers to observe fast on the day because have more right to celebrate Moses' victory than they have. He also encouraged his followers by saying, "If I live until next year, I will fast the ninth day (of Muharram) too."

But Unfortunately, he did not live to see the next year, since then Muslims especially Sunnis consider the 9th and 10th day of Muharram as significant days in the Islamic calendar and observe fast on these days.

According to Sahih Hadith, one of the many blessings of Allah for a person who observes fast on the Day of Ashura is that his / her sins of the past year will be forgiven.

Is fasting compulsory on Ashura?

For Sunni Muslims, fasting on the day of Ashura is recommended but not compulsory while Shias don't take part in any fasting on this day.

Here is the tentative schedule of events for Ashura in 2023 in India:

Friday, July 28, 2023 - The 9th of Muharram. Some Muslims may observe fast on this day.

Saturday, July 29, 2023 - The 10th of Muharram, also known as Ashura. This is the main day of mourning for Shia Muslims. There will be special prayers and processions in mosques and other public places.

Sunday, July 30, 2023 - The 11th of Muharram. This day is a day of reflection and mourning for Shia Muslims. There may be fewer public events on this day. In a less authentic narration, it is also recommendable to fast on the 11th day for the same reason.

(For more informative articles on historical and upcoming events from around the world, please visit Indiatimes Events)
Nag Panchami 2023 Date & Time: Nag Panchami is a traditional Hindu festival of worshipping Nag Devta or the Snake God. Every year, this day is celebrated during the auspicious month of Sawan.



When is Nag Panchami in 2023? Date, Puja Time, Rituals And Significance | Freepik

According to the Hindu traditional calendar, Nag Panchami, celebrated on the Panchami Tithi of Shravan, Shukla Paksha (fifth day of the waxing phase of the Lunar cycle during Sawan month), is a unique festival because it is dedicated to snakes. On this day, devotees worship serpents and seek their blessings.

When is Nag Panchami in 2023? | Nag Panchami 2023 Kab Hai

Nag Panchami Puja happens every year in July or August. Nag Panchami 2023 will be observed on Monday, August 21, 2023.

Nag Panchami 2023: Date, Puja Time Nag Panchami Date: Monday, August 21, 2023 Panchami Tithi Begins: 12:21 AM on Aug 21, 2023 Panchami Tithi Ends: 02:00 AM on Aug 22, 2023 Nag Panchami Puja Muhurat: 05:53 AM to 08:30 AM

Nag Panchami Puja Muhurat 2023

Nag Panchami Puja Muhurat is between 05:53 AM to 08:30 AM on Friday. The Panchami Tithi of Shukla Paksha of Shravan month will start at 12:21 AM on August 21 and Panchami Tithi will end on August 22 at 02:01 AM. The festival of Nag Panchami will be celebrated on 21st August on the basis of Udaya Tithi.

Nag Panchami Puja Vidhi

Offering milk to the snake god is the main ritual on Nag Panchami. It is a belief among the people that offerings to the Nag Devta on this day save their families from any evil.

When is Nag Panchami in 2023? Date, Puja Time, Rituals And Significance | Freepik

On Nag Panchami, devotees take bath in the morning and then create an image of Nag Devta using with clay or cow dung on the door of the house. Then durva, kusha and flowers are offered to the Nag Devta. The main cuisine for Nag Panchami is everything milk-based, from kheer to sweets, which is then offered to the deity. Some of the snake gods that people in India pray to on Nag Panchami are Ananta, Shesha, Vasuki, Kambala, Padma, and Kaliya.

Nag Panchami 2023: Story

The origin of Nag Panchami can be traced back to ancient Hindu scriptures and mythology. According to Hindu mythology, snakes hold a prominent place, and they are associated with various deities and historical events. Lord Shiva, one of the principal deities in Hinduism, is often depicted with a snake coiled around his neck, known as Vasuki.

Additionally, Lord Krishna was playing with his friends near the banks of the Yamuna river. Suddenly, the ball landed in the water. The Lord went into the river and Kaliya (serpent) attacked him.

Krishna then grabbed the serpent's tail and dragged him to the river surface and defeated him. Kaliya at that time realized that Krishna was no ordinary child, but an incarnation of Lord Vishu. He begged for forgiveness and promised never to torment anyone ever again. Thus, this festival also marks the victory of good over evil.

When is Nag Panchami in 2023? Date, Puja Time, Rituals And Significance | Freepik

Nag Panchami 2023: Rituals

On the day of Nag Panchami, people perform various rituals and customs to honour snakes and seek their blessings.

Snake Worship: People visit temples dedicated to serpent deities and offer milk, flowers, and other offerings to snake idols or images. Some households may create snake images with cow dung or clay and place them in a prominent area of the house, offering prayers to them.

Offering Milk: Pouring milk on anthills, which are believed to be the abode of snakes, is a common ritual. This is seen as a way to appease the serpent deities and seek their protection.

Fasting: Some devotees observe a fast on Nag Panchami, abstaining from food and water until the evening when the main worship is performed.

Rangoli and Decorations: Women and children often create colourful rangolis or patterns with vibrant powders outside their homes, representing snakes.

Nag Panchami in Temples: In some regions, processions with idols or images of snakes are taken out in the streets, accompanied by music and dance.
The hills of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh are undoubtedly among the most popular tourist destinations in Northern India.

Their captivating beauty and proximity to Delhi make the two Himalayan states the go-to destinations for many travellers.

But one thing a lot of tourists visiting the hills do, intentionally or unintentionally, is to leave their marks behind - in the form of waste.

WASTE WARRIORS

How tourism is ruining the hills

It is not uncommon to see all kinds of trash, plastic bags, water bottles, glass and more lying around in any tourist spot.



These were left behind by 'tourists' who came there to enjoy the beauty of the spot, but their thoughtless actions are turning the hills, valleys and waterbodies less attractive for those coming after them.

One such incident turned Jodie Underhill, a British traveller, to launch a mission that has now helped clean up over 6,500 metric tonnes of solid waste from Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh.

WASTE WARRIORS

Tourist to waste warrior

It all started in 2008 when Underhill was visiting India - her first visit to the country.



While mesmerized by the country's beauty, Underhill was heartbroken when she witnessed how severe India's garbage problem was.

Underhill, who calls herself Garbage Girl, already had some experience volunteering for many projects back home, launched an organization called 'Mountain Cleaners' and organized weekly cleanup from Triund.

WASTE WARRIORS

In 2012, she registered an NGO, Waste Warriors, with a dream to clean up the entire country.

How waste warriors work

Today, the Dehradun-based NGO works in several locations, including Dharamshala, Bir, Kasauli, Govind Pashu Vihar Wildlife Sanctuary, Mussoorie, Rishikesh and Corbett Tiger Reserve.

"We are focusing on the northern part of the Himalayan region, in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. We work with the local communities, administration and other stakeholders in these tourist spots. In most of these places, the majority of the waste generated comes from non-locals who come to visit there," a spokesperson of Waste Warriors told Indiatimes.

WASTE WARRIORS

It is estimated that tourism-related activities generate over 8.4 million MT of waste per annum in the Himalayan region , and with improvement in connectivity, which makes travelling to these hills easier, the mountain of trash left behind by tourists is expected to grow in the future.



This poses a challenge to the local administration and tourism stakeholders, who often cannot meet the challenge.

WASTE WARRIORS

Why community involvement is crucial

Waste Warriors work along with the local administration and also local communities at every step in their efforts to keep the tourist spots garbage-free.

"In many places, especially in remote areas, there are no waste collection or pick up facilities. So we work with the administration and local communities there to provide this. Once the dry waste is picked up, it is brought to waste banks, where it is segregated and sent to material recovery facilities (MRF). We have four MRFs in Uttarakhand and Himachal. From the MRFs, the segregated waste is sent to local scrap dealers. We also have a project where we have collaborated with an SHG, which makes upcycled products from the textile waste we collect," the spokesperson explained.

WASTE WARRIORS

Travel, but responsibly

While tourism activity is increasing in the hills, their footfall is making the hills more vulnerable, affecting the lives of the local communities.

It is important for tourists to be aware of their actions and the possible impact they can have on the people and the environment long after they leave.

WASTE WARRIORS

"Respecting the sanctity of the Himalaya and the communities and biodiversity that inhabit this eco-sensitive region is critical. If the bigger picture of global warming seems distant for some, I urge them to attend at least one clean-up drive or visit a dumpsite hidden away from tourist areas, not just to see the magnitude of the issue but to feel it. This will intuitively urge one to start living and traveling more consciously, changing how we perceive our role in the fight against climate change," Vishal Kumar, CEO of Waste Warriors, said.

For more on news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is set to launch its own streaming service. Yep, you read that right. The American space agency is currently trying to revamp its online presence through a new streaming service and new website designs.

NASA

On Thursday, the space agency released a trailer for the NASA+ streaming service. The service will be available for free via the official NASA app on iOS and Android. NASA+ will also be available on Fire TV and on the web across desktop and mobile devices.





What we know about NASA+

The ad-free service will offer access to NASA's live coverage that may be currently found on the NASA Live website. In addition, NASA+ will also broadcast original video series about NASA's space missions, along with new content.

"Were putting space on demand and at your fingertips with NASAs new streaming platform," NASAs Marc Etkind said in a release. "Transforming our digital presence will help us better tell the stories of how NASA explores the unknown in air and space, inspires through discovery, and innovates for the benefit of humanity."

Early access to the beta website is available to users right now. Users can also submit feedback to make the website better looking and more usable before it is launched publicly.

NASA

Also read: NASA Animation Reveals Global Flow Of CO2 Emissions, Shows Biggest Polluters

NASA has grand plans for the years to come. Next year, the space agency will send its first crewed Artemis mission to the Moon. In late 2024, Artemis II will carry four astronauts to the Moon. In 2025, the first crewed lunar landing in five decades is expected to take place.

From exoplanet research to better understanding Earths climate and the influence of the sun on our planet, along with exploration of the solar system, our new science and flagship websites, as well as forthcoming NASA+ videos [will create] stronger connections with our visitors and viewers, NASAs Nicky Fox said.

NASA

Also read: Life In Space? NASA Finds Building Block For Life In Distant Galaxy



What do you think about NASA's upcoming streaming service? Let us know in the comments below. For more in the world of technology and science, keep reading Indiatimes.com.
Recent advancements in artificial intelligence have sparked concerns about the potential elimination of jobs in the coming years. A recent report by the McKinsey Global Institute sheds light on this issue, revealing that women may be disproportionately affected compared to men.

The rise of artificial intelligence and automation could result in more job losses for women than men by the decade's end.

The study highlights the need for careful consideration of the impact of AI on gender equality in the workforce.

According to the study, approximately 80% of women in the workforce may encounter significant job changes due to the adoption of artificial intelligence and automation.

Sectors such as food services, customer service, sales, and office support are projected to experience the most substantial reductions in positions due to automation.

Given that women are overrepresented in these industries and tend to hold a higher number of low-paying jobs than men, they are at a higher risk of being impacted by these workforce changes.

"Women are heavily represented in office support and customer service, which could shrink by about 3.7 million and 2.0 million jobs, respectively, by 2030," the report states.

The report indicates that additional low-wage jobs predominantly held by women, such as retail salespeople and cashiers, will also experience the effects of automation.

Consequently, women must adapt and broaden their skill sets to remain competitive in the job market and transition into other roles.

The report offers guidance to companies, recommending that they actively recruit, hire, and train individuals who show potential in learning how to collaborate with automated systems.

Unsplash

This proactive approach can help bridge the gap and ensure a smoother integration of automation while supporting the workforce's development.



The McKinsey Global Institute's study highlights the need for at least 12 million workers in the US to transition to different occupations by the end of 2030.

In a CNN interview, Julia Pollak, a chief economist with ZipRecruiter, expressed her astonishment at the findings, describing them as "absolutely staggering."

However, he added, "I think intuitively many of us appreciate that it'll be easier to automate some of these office jobs than it will be to automate carpenter jobs, electrician jobs, and pest removal jobsmany of these manual services and production jobs that are far more male-heavy."

In March 2023, Goldman Sachs released a report projecting that up to 300 million jobs might face impacts from generative AI.

According to the report, this technology, best exemplified by systems like ChatGPT, can produce content that resembles human output, which could significantly increase productivity over the following ten years.

For more trending stories, follow us on Telegram.


In a significant turn of events, Andrew Malkinson, a British national, has been released from prison after spending 17 years behind bars for a rape he did not commit.



The appeals court judges overturned his conviction on Wednesday when new DNA evidence surfaced, pointing to another potential suspect in the crime.

Malkinson has finally been declared a free man, ending his wrongful imprisonment.

In 2004, Malkinson was imprisoned for the assault on a woman in Salford, a crime he consistently maintained he was innocent of committing.

In January, new evidence emerged, leading to his case being referred to the Court of Appeal, which indicated the involvement of another potential suspect.

Speaking to the BBC, Mr. Malkinson expressed that the past two decades felt like he had been through an eternity. He said, "kidnapped by the state."

"I was innocent, and finally, they listened. But I have been innocent all along, for each of those 20 years that came before today," said 57-year-old Mr Malkinson.

"It has taken nearly 20 years to persuade my kidnappers to let me go."

Lord Justice Holroyd reversed Mr. Malkinson's conviction and declared he could leave the court without further license conditions.

Furthermore, the police expressed regret for what they described as a "grave miscarriage of justice."

Agencies

Speaking outside the court, Mr. Malkinson said, "When a jury finds you guilty when you are innocent, reality does not change. You know you did not commit the crime, but everyone around you starts living in a false fantasy universe and treats you as if you are guilty."



He added, "Now that I have finally been exonerated, I am left outside this court without an apology, without an explanation, jobless, homeless, and expected to simply slip back into the world with no acknowledgment of the gaping black hole they opened up in my life."

"A black hole that looms so large behind me that I fear it will swallow me up."

For more trending stories, follow us on Telegram.


Greece has rebounded since the 2009-2018 financial crisis that saw real GDP decline by 25 percent. Modest growth began to return in 2019 and unemployment dropped from its crisis peak

State Department: Positive signals for investments in Greece -  
Civil rights advocacy group, Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), has described the Nigerian Senates call for the extradition and prosecution of Biafran agitator, Simon Ekpa, from Finland as a futile effort without the release of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

The rights group wondered why the Senate failed to demand the immediate release of Kanu, whose charges by the immediate past President Muhammadu Buhari administration were dismissed by the Court of Appeal.

HURIWA, in a statement by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko on Thursday, however, said that the upper chamber of the National Assembly must also use its legislative power to compel the executive, led by President Bola Tinubu, to arrest and prosecute former Niger Delta agitator, Asari Dokubo, for illegal possession of firearms and threat to Igbo people.

According to the group, Dokubo must be arrested for operating a secret army, which he is using to oppress the Nigerian citizenry despite the properly constituted and constitutionally recognised Nigerian Army already in force.

READ ALSO: El-Rufai On Ministerial List Is A Tragedy  Shehu Sani

Recall that the red chamber had, on Wednesday, condemned the Monday sit-at-home in the South East and asked the Federal Government to collaborate with the Finnish government for Ekpas extradition.

The Senate also resolved to invite the Minister of Foreign Affairs (when appointed) and relevant stakeholders to carry out thorough investigation, as well as bring other sponsors of the act to book.

The Senate will be hypocritical if it fails to use the template applied to Ekpa to demand the immediate arrest of Dokubo and disband his private army.

The extradition of Ekpa is what we had advocated persistently, and the Senates call is a welcome development. However, Dokubo must not be spared, but arrested. Security agencies must immediately end the barbaric killings and violence in the South-East, HURIWA stated.
A man identified as Mohammed Faworaja reportedly met his untimely death in Ilorin, Kwara State capital while running away from a dog.

The incident was said to have occurred on Thursday around Asa Dam, the Warah-Osin area in the Ilorin West Local Government Area of the state.

A source who spoke to The Punch on condition of anonymity said, The dog, a German shepherd, got loose and chased the deceased who hit his chest on an electric pole. He died of internal bleeding and the canned fish (Sardine) which he went to buy dropped and was seen beside the pole at the scene of the incident.

READ ALSO: 13-Year-Old Girl Running From Dog Electrocuted To Death In Lagos

He was a very friendly man and cannot be more than 33 years of age. He was the breadwinner of the family. The police are involved in the matter.

You need to hear the dad speak during one of the prayers organised for his repose. The father, having retired from service, handed everything over to him. The family is devastated.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ajayi Okasanmi, confirmed the incident saying, The owner of the dog has been arrested and the matter is being investigated.
USAID has disclosed that it had enabled nearly 60 million people to have access to safe drinking water globally.

Michelle Corzine, director of the office of economic growth and environment stated this at a USAID-funded Water for Agriculture (WFA) activity closeout and dissemination event in Abuja on Thursday.

The activity was implemented by Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and its numerous partners, among which are Diamond Development Initiative (DDI) and Pastoral Resolve, among others.

According to her, access to clean water and food security are key priorities of the United States government.

Through USAIDs global hunger and food security initiative, Feed the Future, we have partnered with governments, NGOs and research institutions to transform food systems globally and to lift an estimated 23.4 million people out of poverty.

READ MORE: 78 Million Children Risk Water-Related Threats In Nigeria  UNICEF Warns

In Nigeria, USAID recognised the importance of access to water for consumption and agricultural use, thus, our water for agriculture activity, implemented by our partner CRS.

Also, we involve in addressing some challenges by increasing access to water for smallholder farmers and livestock herders and strengthening the governance and management of water resources, she said.

Speaking earlier, the country representative of CRS, Paul Townsend, said CRS had worked in Nigeria for more than 25 years, implementing health, emergency response, agriculture, and livelihood programmes in 35 states of the federation.

CRS partners with the Catholic Church, other faith-based and community-based organisations, the private sector, local and international Non-Governmental Organisations, and government institutions.

We partner to implement a range of programmes to build the resilience of vulnerable communities. All of CRS projects are made possible with the generous contributions of many private individuals and organisations.

This has enabled us to reach approximately 80 million participants in Nigeria with much-needed assistance in the year 2022, he said.

Meanwhile, Ekramul Kabir, project chief of party, said that the idea behind the project was to provide equitable access to adequate and sustainable water from July 2019 to July 2023.

The big idea behind the project was the provision of equitable access to adequate and sustainable water resources. This can unlock the North East agricultural potential and reduce violent competition.

WFA is a four-year activity founded by USAID, improved access to water for small-scale farmers and herders by proving water points.

This is important for growing crops and livestock in the North Eastern Region of Nigeria namely; Borno, Yobe and Adamawa, respectively, from July 2019 to July 2023.

Representatives of the governments of Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states applauded the intervention by USAID, CRS, and others, saying that access to water has improved livelihoods through agricultural activities.

Key programme areas targeted include health system strengthening, emergency response and recovery, agriculture, livelihood and resilience.

It was reported that about 80 million people in Nigeria had been reached with essential services as of 2022, just as 96,607 people from vulnerable households received food assistance.

Also, 13,879 lives were saved amongst children under five via malaria intervention.
Davids Bridal, the Conshohocken-based budget wedding dress retailer that filed for bankruptcy in April, completed its sale to business development company CION Investment Corp. on Monday. The move allows Davids Bridal to keep open 195 stores and preserve 7,000 jobs nationwide.

CION is prepared to continue to support Davids and its initiatives as we go forward, said CEO of Davids Bridal, Jim Marcum, on Thursday.

Davids Bridal says they sell 1 in 4 bridal dresses bought in the country. As the company looks ahead to this next chapter, it will retain its popular brand name, says Marcum. Davids Bridal is also selling its headquarters and looking for a new corporate office in the region.

The Inquirer asked Marcum about whats next for Davids Bridal in this new phase.

Advertisement

Questions and answers have been edited and condensed for clarity.

You said earlier this year that the company faced a post-COVID environment and uncertain economic conditions. What brought the company to this point?

Were still navigating the impacts of COVID. In the beginning when COVID first hit, Davids Bridal went dark in all stores. Venues were restricted or venues actually could not hold weddings of any size. You had a significant amount of events get deferred from 2020 to 2021 to 2022, which really put a strain on the capacity of the system, of venue availability.

Just the impact of COVID, the cocooning, the lack of dating, and everything like that, kind of created a trough in the engagement business, which is the leading indicator to the dress business.

All of those market factors had been going on for quite a while and then you compound it with economic environments, you compound that with size of venue or wedding, and you compound that with venue availability, and suddenly somebody says, You know what, were just going to do a casual event in the backyard.

 READ MORE: Wedding invitations are not invoices. Heres your guide to gift-giving this wedding season.

Do you expect the company to remain headquartered in Conshohocken?

Weve had a long history in Conshohocken. We do have our corporate office facility on the market for sale. We are going to remain local. Theres so many communities that are very close by that I think are actionable communities, so were looking for the best location for our employees.

How many people were laid off this year and will any of them be brought back?

There has been an incredible amount of confusion around WARN notices [which require companies by law to disclose store closures] and layoffs and regulatory requirements. It was early reported in the process that we laid off 9,000 people, which wasnt true.

We have 12 stores in the state of Pennsylvania  we actually have 15 locations with two distribution centers and the corporate office. We have closed one store. In the end, the layoff in that store is a little over 30 people. Weve done some layoffs elsewhere throughout the company. In the end, we have closed approximately 100 stores nationwide. Long term, thatll be a strength for Davids.

Will the company be bringing back any headquarter employees that were laid off in the early rounds in the spring?

Yes, were in the process. We already have. Theres a lot of excitement throughout the building right now with people coming back in. Were back.

How many people are coming back to the corporate office?

We planned to have back 180 to 200. Unfortunately, not everyone will come back. So theres been some reduction, but were optimistic.

Davids Bridal has filed for bankruptcy twice in five years. What steps are you taking to ensure that consumers trust the brand?

When the world shut down and factories were closed, we were able to  because we have our own vertical supply chain  fulfill every one of those dresses. When we had factories shut down in a country, we moved production. We were reproducing dresses and flying them by air. There was an extreme cost to that which led to some of this complexity in our capital structure, but that to us was the premise we had to deliver. Through the bankruptcy, we fulfilled orders.

Thats our goal, and thats whats needed.
The grandmother of a 2-year-old girl fatally shot Thursday in Brewerytown is expected to be charged with multiple crimes after prosecutors say the womans grandson found an unsecured gun and accidentally shot the toddler.

Twanda Harmon, 54, will be charged with involuntary manslaughter, endangering the welfare of children, and reckless endangerment, the District Attorneys Office said Friday, after Harmons 14-year-old grandson found and fired her gun, which had been negligently stored in an upstairs bedroom of the home, on the 1600 block of North 29th Street.

The teen, who officials said has severe developmental disabilities, was handling the gun when it fired at least once and a bullet struck his cousin in the back of the head. A 9-year-old was also in the room at the time, but wasnt injured, the DAs Office said.

The girls mother ran into the street screaming for help, her child bleeding in her arms. Neighbors tried to assist, and police rushed the pair to Temple University Hospital. But the little girl died a short time later.

Advertisement

 READ MORE: Neighbors recall heartbreaking moments after a 2-year-old girl was fatally shot by an unsecured gun

Harmon was not the original purchaser of the gun, according to a law enforcement source. She was allegedly given the gun by someone else, potentially a relative, who asked her to hold onto it for them, the source said, but that person then reported the gun stolen in South Carolina.

Local and federal agencies continue to investigate the source of the gun, and more charges could be filed, the DAs Office said. The office added that theres no information that indicates the three other adults who lived in the home were aware of the gun.

Information for Harmons lawyer was not yet available.

The toddler, whose name has not yet been released, is the youngest child to die from a gunshot in Philadelphia this year, and at least the seventh child to be shot unintentionally by an unsecured or mishandled gun, according to an Inquirer analysis.

Every shooting in Philadelphia has a ripple effect, traumatizing not only family members and survivors, but also witnesses, community members, and first responders. On Thursday, the residents of the Brewerytown block who tried to help the little girl and her mother were distraught, some physically shaking over what they had witnessed, struggling to process how a child they regularly saw walking with her mother, was now gone.

Every day, eight children and teens are injured or killed nationally by an unlocked or unsupervised gun in the home, according to research from gun control group Brady United, whose data includes suicides. Brady advocates for gun owners to practice safe firearm storage by keeping guns locked, unloaded, separate from ammunition, and away from children.

Various organizations provide free gun locks, including the Philadelphia Sheriffs Office and doctors group Temple Safety Net.

Advocates say gun locks can save lives and prevent lifelong injuries and trauma. Just this year in Philadelphia, a 5-year-old shot himself in the leg after finding a relatives gun in his North Philadelphia home. And in March, prosecutors charged a 10-year-old boy after he accidentally shot his 12-year-old brother in the chest. Then, one month later, a father was charged after he mishandled a gun  which he was barred from owning  and accidentally shot his 5-year-old son in the pelvis.
Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward (R., Westmoreland) applauds prior to Gov. Josh Shapiro's first budget address to a joint session of the state legislature Mar. 7 at the state Capitol in Harrisburg. Read more

As the new school year approaches, Childrens Playhouse has enrolled 40 children through Pre-K Counts, a state-funded preschool program, at its two South Philadelphia locations.

But earlier this week, the early learning center informed the families of those children that they might need to find another option. The reason: Amid the ongoing state budget impasse, Pre-K Counts programs dont have contracts to operate.

Theyre left out to dry, making these financial decisions: Do I leave my job? What do I do with my children? I cant afford childcare now, said Damaris Alvarado-Rodriguez, Childrens Playhouses director. These are really difficult times right now that were trying to navigate with our families.

The budget impasse has threatened funding for a host of agencies: from state-related universities, school districts and libraries, to county services for substance abuse, child welfare and mental health.

Advertisement

But its not just money thats in jeopardy for Pre-K Counts, Pennsylvanias largest preschool program, which in 2021-22 served more than 23,000 at-risk children. Contracts for the programs, which operate on a five-year cycle, ended June 30. The Pennsylvania Department of Education hasnt awarded new contracts  leaving programs without authorization to operate.

Because funding for the programs and numbers of available slots are determined by the budget, were not able to authorize anything, or send out the award letters, said Taj Magruder, spokesperson for the department.

It is a really disappointing process, because all of us at PDE know how important early childhood education is, Magruder said.

Pennsylvanias budget has been in limbo amid a battle over taxpayer-funded private school vouchers, which has thrown Harrisburg into partisan gridlock. Republicans have accused Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro of backtracking on a deal by pledging to veto voucher spending from the states $45.5 billion spending plan.

While both houses of the legislature have passed the spending plan, they need to sign it in order for it to become final. The Senate isnt scheduled to return until Sept. 18.

If Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward (R., Westmoreland) does not reconvene sooner, or until she does, we do not have the ability to disburse critical state and federal funding at this time, Pennsylvania Education Secretary Khalid Mumin said in a letter to education officials Tuesday detailing funding affected by the impasse, including $28 million to Pre-K Counts providers between July and August.

Mumin said that Shapiro finds the failure of our full-time state legislature to reconvene and deliver a signed copy of an already-passed budget bill unacceptable and has repeatedly urged the Senate to return to the Capitol immediately, so that he can sign this bill and provide the critical funding needed to support your work.

In a statement Friday, Ward said that Senate Republicans are actively negotiating the budget with Shapiro and understand the importance of getting the General Appropriations budget to the governor before the school year begins, as well as funding for many organizations.

The quickest and best path forward has not changed and that is for Gov. Shapiro to keep his word and sign the budget as passed, noted Ward, who said the Senate would return in August once negotiations were finalized.

Without clarity on their contracts, however, Pre-K Counts providers have been grappling with how they might operate this fall.

Weve been working with our solicitor on that question, said Tina Viletto, director of community and government relations for the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit, which had 329 Pre-K Counts slots last year. In order to qualify for the program, families must have incomes below 300% of the federal poverty level.

Viletto said the intermediate unit was awaiting more information from the state and didnt want to cause premature angst for families.

Some agencies are making contingency plans. Philadelphia plans to ask the school board on Aug. 17 to authorize borrowing $400 million to maintain payments to employees, charter schools and vendors, including continuing Pre-K programming.

In the current high-interest-rate environment, borrowing $400 million will be very expensive, said Christina Clark, a district spokesperson.

Deb Green, executive director of the Parent Infant Center in West Philadelphia, said she cannot imagine telling our [Pre-K Counts] families that they will not have the program, and nor can I imagine telling teachers they dont have jobs.

So I am stuck with no plan except to make many calls to my legislators and beg that they get this damn budget passed, Green said. She added that providers have been through hell these past three COVID years and this is just icing on the cake.

Alvarado-Rodriguez, of Childrens Playhouse, said shes been working with her Pre-K Counts families to apply for other childcare subsidies, but it appears only eight of the 40 are eligible.

Shes been urging families to contact lawmakers and share how they will be affected if their classrooms dont open on Sept. 5. Shes also worried about her staffing, and if shell have to lay off teachers.

We cannot provide services... without any type of guarantee were going to get paid, she said.
The bite of the lone star tick is associated with a rare meat allergy called Alpha-gal Syndrome. Read more

As many as 450,000 people across the U.S. may be living with a rare, lifelong red-meat allergy thats caused by a tick bite, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Thursday.

The culprit, the lone star tick, has been reported in Pennsylvania for more than a decade.

Alpha-gal syndrome, or AGS, is a life-threatening condition associated with lone star tick bites that causes hypersensitivity to a sugar molecule found in foods that come from mammals, such as meat and milk.

The number of people who tested positive for AGS nationwide increased from 13,371 in 2017 to 18,885 in 2021  a 40% rise  the CDC study found.

Advertisement

There is no treatment or cure, other than avoiding foods that can cause a reaction.

 READ MORE: Cases of tick-borne illnesses are on the rise. Some experts believe climate change is the cause

As cases rise, the CDC is urging medical professionals to be vigilant. A CDC survey of 1,500 primary care doctors, pediatricians and other providers also published Thursday found that 42% havent heard of the tick-borne allergy. Only 5% of providers felt very confident in their ability to diagnose the syndrome.

More than 60% health care providers surveyed said that CDC guidelines for diagnosis and management of AGS would be helpful.

Its critical for clinicians to be aware of AGS so they can properly evaluate, diagnose, and manage their patients, said Ann Carpenter, a CDC epidemiologist and lead author of the survey, in a statement.

The lone star tick has been spotted in 14 Pennsylvania counties since 2011, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Those include Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Philadelphia. While the CDC study shows many Pennsylvania counties had low number of cases, the health department did not share specific case counts.

How to avoid tick bites

The most common tick in Pennsylvania carries a different disease: Lyme.

The state has a large population of blacklegged ticks, also known as the deer ticks, which contributes to high rates of Lyme disease every year, said Emily Struckhoff, a vector-borne disease specialist at Penn State Extension. Lyme is just one of the illnesses that ticks can transmit to humans or pets.

 READ MORE: What you need to know about ticks and Lyme disease

Struckhoff offered the following tips for staying tick-free while enjoying the outdoors:

Wear pants or long socks when in the woods or in tall grass Use insect repellent Treat your clothes with permethrin, a spray that makes ticks fall off clothing before they have a chance to bite Check for ticks before returning inside To remove a tick, use tweezers to grab it as close to the skin as possible and pull it straight up

The best thing you can be doing is taking those steps to prevent tick bits in the first place, Struckhoff said. Thats the number one way to prevent any of those tick-borne diseases.
New Jersey regulators this month ordered a Camden nursing home to halt admissions after an air-conditioning failure caused the temperature in some patient rooms to reach 92 degrees  10 degrees hotter than regulations allow.

Majestic Center for Rehab and Subacute Care also violated a regulation requiring nursing homes to have an administrator with a current New Jersey license, according to the state Department of Healths July 18 penalty notice.

When inspectors arrived at Majestic on July 15, they discovered that the air-conditioning on the third floor of the 120-bed facility at 2 Cooper Plaza had not been working since July 6. The report criticized management for having no immediate plan to correct the HVAC malfunction despite the 89-degree outside temperature and for failing to report the incident to regulators.

Older adults are particularly vulnerable to high temperatures, in part because aging diminishes the bodys ability to regulate its temperature.

Advertisement

At Majestic, 107 of 114 residents were deemed high risk for adverse consequences if exposed to prolonged heat, the state notice said.

As of Friday, the state had not posted an order allowing Majestic to resume admissions.

In addition to curtailing admissions at Majestic, the state ordered the facility to hire a full-time consultant to help run the facility, a consultant director of nursing, and a licensed nursing home administrator.

Majestic was also required to record the temperature in each patient room during each shift and send that information to state officials.

The state action comes after federal regulators in March fined Majestic $305,200. A federal inspection report issued around that time says that on Feb. 4, a resident attacked their roommate by hitting them in their chest and was allowed to continue staying in the same room, a violation of nursing home regulations.

Officials at Majestic, including executive director Richard Cohen, did not respond to multiple requests for comment. Cohens email address used by state officials is at a company called Outcome Healthcare LLC, which is based in Edison, according to public records.

Federal records identify Charles-Edouard Gros as 50% owner of Majestic. In addition to seven other New Jersey nursing homes, Gros is also listed in federal records as an owner of six former Archdiocese of Philadelphia nursing homes in Southeastern Pennsylvania. At two of the Pennsylvania facilities, Gros has turned over management to another company.
Sen. John Fetterman proposed a bill that would remove a restriction keeping striking workers from getting food assistance through the SNAP program. Read more

A bill introduced by federal lawmakers on Thursday would give striking workers the ability to receive food stamps during their work stoppages.

Since the 1980s, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits have not been available to striking workers, unless they already had qualified for SNAP before the work stoppage.

The new legislation, introduced in both chambers by Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman and Reps. Alma Adams (D., N.C.) and Greg Casar (D., Texas), would remove that restriction. SNAP recipients would still have to meet income eligibility and other requirements to get the benefits.

While some unions provide members with monetary assistance during a work stoppage, through a strike fund that draws on membership dues, those amounts are often less than the workers usual pay rate. Workers without a union are able to strike under U.S. labor law, but wouldnt have access to union funds.

Advertisement

Fettermans office, announcing the bill, made note of ongoing work stoppages in Pennsylvania, including a strike of more than a month at Wabtec Corp. in Erie, by members of the United Electrical, Radio, and Machine Workers of America, and a strike at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, where employees stopped work in October. He also noted national strikes by TV and film writers and actors, which include Pennsylvania members of SAG-AFTRA and the Writers Guild of America.

The Philadelphia region has seen several other high-profile strikes in recent months, including Temple University graduate student workers, Philadelphia Museum of Art staff, Rutgers University faculty, and Teamsters at the Liberty Coca-Cola distribution center.

Also locally, Starbucks workers have engaged in short-term work stoppages, including a one-day strike last week affecting five Philadelphia stores. UPS recently averted a threatened strike by reaching a contract with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, which represents about 340,000 UPS workers across the country, including thousands in the Philadelphia region.

Every union worker who is walking the picket line this summer needs to know that we have their back here in Washington, Fetterman said in a statement Thursday. It is critical for us to protect workers right to organize, and that includes making sure they and their families have the resources to support themselves while on strike.

The bills 13 Senate cosponsors, all Democrats, include Pennsylvania Sen. Bob Casey, Sen. Cory Booker (D., N.J.) and Bob Menendez (D., N.J.).

Often times, employers believe they can wait out workers who struggle financially to lure them into a worse agreement, Casey said in a statement. Workers shouldnt have to choose between putting food on the table and a fair deal.

A 1981 law changed SNAP requirements, stating that a household could no longer become eligible for benefits at time when any member of the household was on strike. The law was challenged in federal court and ultimately went to the Supreme Court where it was upheld in a 5-3 decision.

Exercising the right to strike inevitably risks economic hardship, but we are not inclined to hold that the right of association requires the government to minimize that result by qualifying the striker for food stamps, wrote Justice Byron R. White.

Dissenters to the 1988 ruling, led by Justice Thurgood Marshall, said the law amounts to a penalty on strikers, not neutrality.

SNAP eligibility rules already saw a change this year, when the programs work requirement was expanded to a larger age group, while new exceptions to that rule were added for veterans, people experiencing homelessness and young adults transitioning from foster care.
Bradley Philbert, an adjunct professor, teaches a virtual summer class at the University of the Arts. Read more

My Summer Job is a weekly series that explores the jobs of seasonal workers in Philadelphia. Each week, well share stories from a typical day in the life of the people who make summer happen in the region.

On paper, Bradley Philberts job during the summer doesnt seem much different from the rest of the year.

During the fall and spring academic semesters, the adjunct professor teaches multiple classes at three universities in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. In the summer, he tries to take it easy, teaching just one course at the University of the Arts.

But Philberts five-week money and economics class, in the School of Critical Studies, is no summer breeze. Cramming a syllabus that usually takes 15 weeks into just over a month means meeting via video for 80 minutes, three times a week.

Advertisement

With such frequent face time, it can start to take on a summer camp vibe, Philbert said. Thats something to, I think, enjoy rather than work against, he said, so he shapes classes around discussion rather than lecturing.

What is money, to you? Philbert said, kicking off a class period. Over Zoom, students vocalized their insights and feelings, while Philbert wove in examples from the course reading materials.

Throughout the summer, Philbert is also maintaining a freelance writing business and helping negotiate a first contract for the faculty union at UArts, of which he is a member, during a pivotal point in bargaining.

The Inquirer spent an afternoon with Philbert as he facilitated the online course and participated in a union meeting and learned how the summer class is simultaneously a whirlwind and a relief from the typical academic setting.

Why summer is different

Teaching in the summer differs from the rest of the year in two key ways, Philbert said: The pace is faster, and the setting changes. One week, hell be at a friends house in Long Beach Island. Another week hell be at a collective bargaining conference in Washington, teaching from a hotel room.

And on days when the union is at the bargaining table, including an entire week of July, hell be in negotiations at the universitys Center City campus from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., just popping out for the hour-and-a-half of class on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

Its definitely the full-remote-work lifestyle of jumping around, he said. I couldnt do what I wanted to do in the summer if I had to teach in-person.

Students, too, are often completing their schoolwork in a different setting during the summer, he added. They coordinate with Philbert so they can take class from their vacation spot or between shifts at their own summer jobs.

These are organized arts workers, these are real people whose lives dont stop when they log onto the Zoom, Philbert said. In the summer I get to see even more like what students real lives are like. It helps me be a better teacher.

Where teaching and organizing meet

The main reason Philbert is teaching at UArts this summer is to keep the door open for future summer teaching opportunities. By doing well this summer, he said, he will be more likely to be offered summer classes in future years.

The money is a consideration, too  its less than he would make from multiple classes, but a good holdover for the summer. Otherwise I have to make sure that I bank a significant amount of my paycheck during the regular school year, he said.

Hes not alone in that. During bargaining sessions, most of the faculty members sitting at the table have some kind of summer gig work, he said. Their time spent bargaining is unpaid, he noted.

It used to be Nobody gets rich by teaching, but a lot of people cant even get a stable single-income house, Philbert said. If my partner didnt also own their home and work full-time, this would not be a viable career path in any city, and Philly is relatively less expensive to live in.

The UArts faculty negotiations have gone on for 28 months; on average a first contract for a new union takes a little over 15 months to negotiate. Major issues in negotiations, he said, are job security, wages and health care.

A university spokesperson said meetings with the faculty union have been productive throughout the summer. Together, we have made encouraging progress on a host of issues, and the university is optimistic that our negotiations will reach a successful conclusion soon, the spokesperson said.

With that deadline in mind, this summer is obviously freighted with a lot of significance, Philbert said. It does feel like theres kind of like that light at the end of the tunnel.

Philbert ends up talking about organizing a good bit during his summer class, which aims to help the student artists feel confident in economic discussions so they can manage a career as an entrepreneur. Students want to know what contracts look like for performing artists, expecting that they may join a union when they start working.

The students are just really, really eager to figure out what this is like, Philbert said. They dont need any convincing that in creative industries and as an art educator, you gotta organize for power.
Tanner family members gather on the front steps of the Tanner House, at 2908 W. Diamond St. in Philadelphia, in this photo taken circa 1920. They are: Bottom row (l-r) Aaron A. Mossell Jr. and his wife, Jeanette Gaines Mossell; middle row (l-r): Sadie T.M. Alexander, her mother, Mary L. Tanner Mossell, and Sadie's sister, Elizabeth Mossell Anderson; and top row: Page Anderson, Elizabeth Anderson's husband. Read more

Judith Robinson, a North Philadelphia resident who is co-director of the Friends of the Tanner House, was at a fundraiser to help preserve the historic house on Diamond Street a few months ago, when she said a lightbulb went off.

Lewis Tanner Moore, a grandnephew of the artist Henry Ossawa Tanner, donated a poster of the Tanner family tree to the Friends group at a May fundraiser at the Philadelphia Academy of Fine Arts.

The Tanner family [members] are our North Philadelphia ancestry, Robinson said Thursday. They are going to lead the way for us to amplify and elevate ourselves as a community.

She said she sees the work to preserve the Tanner House and the upcoming community workshops as a way to elevate the whole of North Philadelphia.

Advertisement

The Tanner family lived at 2908 W. Diamond St., a National Historic Landmark which has fallen into disrepair. Stabilization work began at the house earlier this week.

This house has given us a family to use as an example of how they had rules, and they showed us how they amplified themselves into prominent members of society, despite the racism they faced, to excel as a family.

Tanners mother, Sarah Elizabeth Miller Tanner, came to Pennsylvania through the Underground Railroad. The formerly enslaved child later went to college and became an educator, she noted.

To that end, Robinson, as a leader of the Strawberry Mansion Civic Association, plans to use the Tanner family tree to inspire people, in North Philadelphia especially, to discover their own family history in two workshops on Sunday called: Family Gathering: Finding Our Roots.

The same workshop will take place at two times: from 1 to 3 p.m. and again from 3 to 5 p.m. on July 30 at the Hatfield House, 33rd Street and Girard Avenue in Fairmount Park.

Robinson said the point of the workshops, which are free to the public, will be twofold:

We want to help them complete their own family tree and give them information about how to untangle titles.

Participants will learn how to research public records to discover family history to resolve tangled titles to family homes. In the second part of each workshop, an artist will help participants create their own family trees.

 READ MORE: A Landmark's Future: The North Philadelphia rowhouse where Henry Ossawa Tanner and his family made history is at risk of demolition. How did it end up like this?

Whos in the Tanner family tree?

The family tree makes clear that Henry O. Tanner, who studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts before he moved to Paris and became an internationally acclaimed artist, was far from the only accomplished member in the family.

Several of the artists relatives  his mother, father, sister, niece, and others  reached major educational and professional heights, both during slavery and barely one generation after slavery was abolished in the United States in 1865.

While Henry Tanners father, Bishop Benjamin Tucker Tanner, was born free in Pittsburgh to a free Black family, Tanners mother, Sarah Elizabeth Miller Tanner, escaped from slavery as a child when her mother sent her and her 11 siblings away in a wagon to freedom in Pennsylvania.

Sarah Tanner was adopted by a family and she attended Avery College in Pittsburgh, where she met her husband, the bishop.

Henry Tanners sister, Dr. Halle Tanner Dillon Johnson, who was born in 1864 as the Civil War was winding down, graduated from Womens Medical College of Pennsylvania in 1891 at age 27.

She started medical school at age 24, as a young widow with a small child. Dillon Johnson decided to become a doctor to support herself and her child after her first husband died a few months after their baby was born. After medical school, she worked as a doctor at Tuskegee Institute in Alabama.

In Alabama, Dillon Johnson became the first woman  of any ethnicity  to be licensed to be a medical doctor in the state.

And Sadie Tanner Mossell Alexander, the artists niece, was the first Black person to earn a doctorate in economics in the United States when she graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1921. She later graduated from Penns law school when she could not find work as an economist because of her race. She and her husband, Raymond Pace Alexander, filed early school desegregation lawsuits in the Pennsylvania suburbs in the 1930s.

To attend the free Family Gathering workshop on Sunday, July 30, people are asked to RSVP here. Or, go to https://savethetannerhouse.org/general-1 for more information.
After President Joe Bidens initial plan for student debt was struck down by the Supreme Court earlier this month, his administration announced a work-around to provide $39 billion for 804,000 Americans with such debt. Republicans argue this fix is unfair while some Democrats complain its not enough. What neither party ever discusses is another debt millions of Americans have, thats a leading cause of bankruptcy and that disproportionately impacts women, Black people, the working poor, and LGBTQ people: medical debt.

Its unfathomable that following a multiyear pandemic that killed more than a million Americans and left millions more with long-term disability (long COVID), the issue of medical debt wouldnt be a major topic of discourse, especially among politicians running in 2024. It is not.

 READ MORE: People with long COVID shouldnt have to fight for disability benefits

Why not?

Advertisement

Medical debt is pervasive: 1 in 10 U.S. adults  around 23 million people  have medical debts greater than $250. Of those, 11 million owe more than $2,000, and 3 million owe more than $10,000.

People with student loan debt chose it. But no one chooses medical debt.

In 2015, I had a pulmonary embolism  a surprisingly common yet life-threatening health crisis that kills as many as 30% of those who get one. I was in the intensive care unit for nearly three weeks. I had no surgical procedures and no special treatment  I was just being monitored much of that time. My bill at the end of the 19-day hospitalization was a little over $260,000, of which my health insurance, like most comprehensive plans, paid 80%. But I was still responsible for 20%  or $52,000. Money I didnt have.

My wife was diagnosed with a rare, aggressive cancer in May 2022. Over six months, she had five surgeries and a dozen invasive procedures. She had three days of chemotherapy every other week. Each round of chemo cost just under $16,000. She also had insurance, but it didnt cover everything, so before each treatment and scan, I had to make a payment: $3,400 before the hospital would give my wife a chemo treatment to try to save her life.

Cancer is expensive and because it is so pervasive, its emblematic of how people accrue medical debt. With 40% of people developing cancer in their lifetime in the U.S., thats a lot of medical debt waiting to happen.

Cancer is expensive.

Medical debt also impacts certain populations more. Almost half of women say they have medical debt, versus about a third of men (48% vs. 34%). Black Americans are also more likely to have medical debt (56%) than white Americans (37%).

LGBTQ people also have higher rates of medical debt; 30% say they had trouble paying medical bills in the last 12 months, compared to 19% of non-LGBTQ people.

Whats more, ironically, medical debt makes you sick. A 2022 study from the Journal of the American Medical Association found that people with medical debt were more likely to have trouble affording housing and food  both of which can have significant impact on health.

President Bidens son Beau died of an aggressive brain cancer in 2015. Sen. Bob Casey had prostate cancer earlier this year. Several House members have been battling cancer publicly, like Rep. Jamie Raskin (D., Md.). And Sen. John Fetterman, who had a sudden stroke and subsequent severe depression, spent months in the hospital  something few Americans could do without going bankrupt.

Everyone is on the student loan debt bandwagon, but medical debt has no advocates seeking a work-around for millions of struggling Americans  not even politicians who have faced serious health crises themselves.

My wife died suddenly in November, even as the treatment was working for her. I inherited her medical debt, as do many family members when a sick loved one dies. Whom do I or anyone facing this crushing debt turn to for help? Its past time we get this conversation started. Millions of Americans are waiting.

Victoria A. Brownworth is a Philadelphia journalist and writer. Her coverage of the 2022 monkeypox outbreak won first place for series reporting from the National Newspaper Association earlier this month. She is also the 2023 recipient of the Sarah Petit Memorial Journalist of the Year Award from the NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists.
Clout today details the perfect summer recipe for a juicy rumor.

Take a slow time in the political calendar, such as the fourth week in July. Mix in a controversial politician  Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner. Have him call an all-staff meeting. Then circulate a bogus news release claiming hes leaving for a new job.

Stir all week until it comes to a rolling boil, with people viewing this rumor through their own prism of partisanship  Krasner critics hoping aloud that it comes true, Krasner fans fearing a progressive prosecutor is calling it quits.

Then dump it in the trash. Because thats what it is.

Advertisement

You are stuck with me, Krasner told Clout this week, sounding half-bemused by the rumor and half-ticked off about the bogus news release. I actually love my job. I like what Im doing.

Someone claiming to be Abigail Symond-Fakour  a Clout search of the Lexis-Nexis database found no such person exists  declared in a news release being passed around that Krasner would become the executive director of the National Lawyers Guild next week.

We look forward to raising the profile of the NLG under the leadership of Larry Krasner, the release said.

That came as news to NLGs president, Suzanne Adely.

The press release was not issued by the National Lawyers Guild or anybody formally affiliated with the NLG, she emailed Clout. Larry Krasner is not currently and is not expected to be the NLG executive director or president, nor is he a member of the NLG.

Krasner called Clout on Wednesday afternoon after addressing his staff in a meeting  long planned and not called to discuss the rumor. He told his staff he was sticking around.

He said the rumor had spread through the Criminal Justice Center, up the ranks of the Philadelphia Police Department, and out to Hershey, where the citys Common Pleas judges are attending a retreat.

This is new territory, when you get to the point that someone is circulating a fabricated news release, he said. Its special. I didnt know people care about me that much.

Which brings us to Dom Giordano, the conservative 1210-WPHT-AM talk-show host who speculated gleefully on his radio show and on social media about the potential departure of the prosecutor he loves to hate.

The citys Common Pleas Court judges select an interim replacement if the district attorney departs before the end of an elected term. Giordano claimed that he had been told one of those judges was the front-runner to replace Krasner.

Giordano did allow for the possibility that the rumor was not true, though he found a way to potentially pin the blame on Krasner for that.

I cant tell, he said on his show Tuesday. This could be a feint by Krasner, playing with everybody.

The rumor was still spreading Wednesday as Republicans in the state legislature asked Pennsylvanias Supreme Court to revive their efforts to impeach Krasner, whom they blame for Philadelphias uptick in murders, shootings, and other crimes.

Krasner easily won a second term in 2021, fending off a primary challenger and then winning the general election while barely campaigning.

So, will he seek a third term, in 2025?

Thats a decision I will not even face until the end of next year, Krasner said. Its not a pressing matter at this time.

Suburban DAs seek support from Trump legal woes

Volunteers who work for Pennsylvania Democrats want to talk about Donald Trumps many legal woes. Turn PA Blue, a political action committee that recruits volunteers to help Democratic candidates, delivered Monday by hosting a virtual town hall meeting with a pair of former federal prosecutors.

Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer, now seeking a second term, and Chris de Barrena-Sarobe, the Democratic nominee for district attorney in Chester County, spent an hour explaining to 70 people Trumps indictment last month for allegedly withholding classified documents and speculating about a potential new indictment for his attempts to remain in office after he lost the 2020 election.

Along the way, there were pitches to contribute to their campaigns and to Turn PA Blue. Unusual times call for unusual methods. The historic indictment of a former president certainly qualifies. After all, Trump has been in a fundraising frenzy, using his legal mess to pull in dollars.

Stollsteimer told the crowd he speaks to very astute Republicans who think the best thing that can happen for the Republican Party is that he gets convicted as early as possible and that they can then be done with him.

De Barrena-Sarobe called out Republicans who claim to support law enforcement but attack agencies investigating Trump.

It makes no sense, and we cant let them coopt this idea any more that they are the law-and-order party, he said. They are not for any amount of order. We saw that on Jan. 6. And they want to ignore the law and manipulate it to their advantage.

Jamie Perrapato, who cofounded Turn PA Blue in 2017, said the groups events keep volunteers engaged. A previous discussion covered Trumps indictment in New York for paying hush money during his 2016 campaign to conceal an affair.

Clout provides often irreverent news and analysis about people, power, and politics.
Former President Donald Trump stands while "Justice for All" is played during a campaign rally in Waco, Texas, on March 25, 2023. Read more

Former President Donald Trump is coming to Erie for a campaign rally Saturday, as speculation swirls that another federal indictment over his attempts to overturn the 2020 election in Pennsylvania and other states could be on the way, and as he faces new federal charges in a case alleging he mishandled classified documents.

The former president will appear Saturday night at the Erie Insurance Arena. The rally comes two days after his lawyers met with the special counsel investigating his efforts to overturn the presidential election results and his role in the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riots  and after prosecutors announced new charges in the classified documents case, accusing him of asking a staffer to delete camera footage to obstruct the investigation.

During his rally, Trump is likely to repeat his frequent falsehoods that the 2020 election was stolen from him, just as he did during his latest trip to Pennsylvania.

Trump, the Republican front-runner for president, will also likely use the campaign event to rail against President Joe Bidens son, whose federal plea deal for tax and gun charges fell apart on Wednesday.

Advertisement

Saturday will be Trumps second trip to Pennsylvania in a month, after appearing at the controversial Moms for Liberty conference in Philadelphia, where he told supporters the nation is teetering on the edge of tyranny.

These threats escalated again this week, when former Trump adviser Peter Navarro said the country was on the brink of a second civil war because Democrats were targeting the former president through criminal charges.

Biden, who has said little about the charges against Trump, has not made it a centerpiece of his campaign.

Erie wants Trump to pay for 2018 rally

Earlier this week, Eries mayor told the Erie Times-News that the Great Lakes city will seek reimbursement from the Trump campaign for taxpayer-funded overtime costs arising from his visit.

Erie also has asked the Trump campaign to reimburse more than $35,000 for a 2018 Trump appearance at the Erie Insurance Arena, which the campaign has failed to do over the last five years.

Trumps campaign rallies have become infamous for leaving unpaid tabs to cities where he appeared.

Why politicians come to Erie

Erie is one of Pennsylvanias best known bellwether counties: where Erie goes, so goes Pennsylvania is a familiar refrain. For that reason, its a destination for politicians campaigning in the state.

U.S. Sen. John Fetterman (D., Pa.) held his return-to-the-campaign-trail rally in Erie after a stroke kept him off the trail for three months.

In 2020, both President Joe Biden and Trump made Erie one of their last big stops in Pennsylvania.

Erie was one of three counties to flip from voting for Barack Obama in 2012 to Trump in 2016. It was also one of two (along with Northampton) to flip back to Biden in 2020  though by the thinnest of margins, about 1,400 votes.

Wedged along Lake Erie between Cleveland and Buffalo, the county is a reflection of the industrial Midwest. It has the mid-sized city of Erie (locals just call it the city), politically balanced suburbs, and conservative rural areas with cornfields, dairy farms, and sprawling vineyards used for Welchs grape juice and Rust Belt wineries. Its geography makes it a microcosm of Pennsylvania. The margins of most statewide elections are within a tenth of a percentage point of how Erie voted.

The county also became a symbol of Trumps surprise victory and blue-collar appeal in 2016.

Despite its Democratic, labor-union roots, Erie County saw a 21,000-vote swing to Trump compared with the previous election, a huge factor in a state decided by just 44,000 votes. Ever since, political analysts, campaign operatives, and reporters trying to tap into the Pennsylvania voter psyche have watched Erie for signs of whether Trump-like candidates can hold white, working-class voters across Midwestern swing states.
Nayomi Eldemire, 13, runs through an open hydrant off Huntingdon Street in North Philadelphia on Thursday. Expect more of the same Friday. Read more

Whether the heat index reaches 104 or hits 105 in Philly on a given day represents more than a degree of difference to the National Weather Service.

But would your body know the difference between a feels like temperature of 104 vs. 105?

And would your mind care?

Advertisement

 READ MORE: Has it ever been muggier than this in Philly? Yes, way muggier, but the trend is disturbing

As it had on Thursday, the weather service warned of health-threatening conditions on Friday, when the actual air temperature may reach the century mark for the first time in 11 years, and again on Saturday.

And as it did on Thursday, the heat index again reached triple digits in the city the next two days  thats in the shade, by the way.

 READ MORE: These are the neighborhoods that feel it the worst in the heat

The index, with its sometimes eye-popping numbers, does have value for alerting the public to heat hazards, said Sarah Johnson, warning coordination meteorologist for the Mount Holly weather service office.

But the warming of the planet  and the World Meteorological Organization said Thursday that after weeks of wildfires and record heat, July is on target to become the hottest month on record  has coincided with rising interest in alternative measures.

Theres certainly research afloat, said Johnson.

Degree of distinction

While far from perfect, the heat index numbers are the prime triggers for determining whether the weather service will issue warnings.

The agency had issued a heat warning for Friday for Philadelphia, but why only a heat advisory for Saturday? Friday had merited a warning because the index was due to reach and exceed the 105 threshold. (It didnt quite get there.) It was forecasted to top out at 104 Saturday  one shy of the warning level.

 READ MORE: It's a paradox: Summers are warmer but heat-wave deaths are down

The distinction was blurry enough for the city to include Saturday in the heat emergency, for all three days, with the opening of cooling centers and Philadelphia Corporation for Aging operating its heatline  (215) 765-9040.

About the index

The human body rivals the atmosphere for complexity, and no index is going to capture the effects of the heat and humidity on all body types and age groups and health profiles.

The heat index, based on the temperature and the humidity, is derived from the work of Australian Robert G. Steadman, a former textile researcher at Texas Tech University in the 1970s. For now it is the most commonly used measure of potential discomfort.

Steadman based his calculations on 15 parameters, including a persons size and clothing, and wind speed. For simplicity, he applied assumed values  for size, 5-foot-7, 147 pounds; clothing, long pants and short-sleeved shirt; wind speed, about 6 mph.

Over the years his computations have been refined, and the weather service uses a rather involved equation to solve for the heat index. Well save the details for a cooler day, and youre way better off consulting this calculator.

The heat index assumes that youre in the shade: In the sun, add about 15 degrees Fahrenheit, the weather service said.

Alternatives

Among the alternatives, one index favored by some government officials, sporting event organizers, and meteorologists measures heat stress in direct sunlight.

The so-called Wet Bulb Globe Temperature, or WBGT, considers temperature, humidity, wind, cloud cover, and the amount of solar radiation, which varies day-by-day, moment by moment as Earth makes its orbit around the sun.

It is a valuable measure for outdoor activities, said Johnson, and Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the military have used it for years.

It is publicly available. However, it uses a different scale and a set of numbers that arent especially attention-getting and wouldnt be interchangeable with the heat index, said Johnson.

For example, the WGBT forecast for Friday in Philly during the peak heating period would be 89. That looks harmless enough but under the guidelines, thats in the red zone, meaning anyone working or exercising outside should limit time in direct sunlight to no more than 20-minute intervals, with 40-minute breaks for every hour in the sun. You can find the Philly forecast here by plugging in the citys approximate latitude (39.8).

The WGBT does not address nighttime warming, which is of a particular hazard for the vulnerable elderly who live alone.

 READ MORE: The nights in Philly have been getting more sultry

The weather service also is looking at a HeatRisk system that would consider factors that include nighttime warming, along with how unusual the heat would be given the time of year and how long it will last.

It would use a color-coded scale, from green (go ahead and go out and play) to magenta, heat that is potentially life-threatening.

The system is still in the development phase.

Looking ahead

The heat and mugginess are forecast to persist through Saturday, and then forget about the heat indexes for awhile.

Strong showers are possible Saturday night, but it appears that on Sunday July will end with one of the most splendid days of the summer of 2023, followed by encores during the first days of August.
A small fan whirrs in the background as Fawad Khan, of South Philly, works over a hot griddle in his food cart at 21st and Washington Streets on Thursday. It's a hot business. Read more

If you feel as though the atmosphere caressing Philly these last few days has become a water-vapor brewery, be assured that the heat isnt getting to you.

Yes, it has been mightily muggy. Reader Corey Riddle posed a question through Curious Philly  The Inquirers forum where readers ask us questions, and our reporters hunt down the answers  that we suspect is on the minds of many people in the great Philadelphia city-state:

Seriously, has the humidity in the region ever been this bad for this long? To my memory the humidity this summer has been the most intense and sustained that Ive ever known.

Advertisement

 ASK US: Have something youre wondering about the Philly region? Submit your Curious Philly question here.

Seriously, it actually has been steamier around here in summers past, but it may have felt worse this week: Thermal comfort is relative.

We had such a long, cool spring that went into the early part of June, a lot of people may not be quite as acclimated as they would be by late July, said Sarah Johnson, the warning coordination meteorologist at the National Weather Service Office in Mount Holly.

That said, an Inquirer analysis showed a rather robust trend in increasing sultriness in Philadelphia this century, and that trend may have consequences for how it actually feels out there.

Its not the humidity, its the dewpoint

Like thermal comfort, humidity is relative and thus can be misleading. Its a measure of how much water vapor is in the air relative to how much it could hold. The warmer the air, the more moisture it can hold.

When the heat index reached 101 on Thursday, the temperature at Philadelphia International Airport was 93, and the humidity was an unimpressive sounding 50%. At 6 a.m., it was 94%, but it was 74 degrees, and at that temperature it was near saturation.

 READ MORE: These neighborhoods get the worst of Philly heat

The dewpoint is a measure of absolute moisture in the air. Its the temperature at which the air would be saturated and water vapor would condense into droplets, or more or less comes out of hiding.

On Thursday afternoon, the dewpoints were in the low 70s and again around 70 on Friday. If you had taken a glass of iced tea outside, the glass would have been bleeding water because the temperature of the glass would be well below the dewpoint.

Afternoon dewpoints of 65 and over are considered uncomfortable, by weather service standards, with 70 and over approaching oppressive.

Water-vapor content is a major driver of the heat index. For example, around 10 a.m. local time in Phoenix on Monday it was 103 degrees. In Miami, around 10 a.m. local time it was 90. The heat index in Miami was 103. The heat index in Phoenix was  103. In bone-dry Phoenix the dewpoint temperature was 53. In Miami, where the air is almost always juicy, it was 77.

How bad its been here

Thus far the highest dewpoint reading at the airport this week has been 74. That will soak the average shirt, but Ray Martin, a lead meteorologist at the Mount Holly weather service office, can tell you firsthand about July 15, 1995.

At 5 p.m., officially it was 100.9 Fahrenheit, and the dewpoint was 82.9, yielding a heat index of 128.

 READ MORE: Strangely, summers have been hotter but heat-wave deaths are down

Boy, do I remember that day, said Martin, a Trenton-area native. I was a paperboy out collecting. It was awful.

Deadlier heat waves in Philadelphia occurred in the summers of 1993, 1995, and 1999 than in any of the 21st-century summers. No heat-related deaths have been reported in Philly this year.

Heat waves havent been lasting as long in recent years, even as summers are getting warmer, and that paradox may speak to the effects of climate-change worldwide warming.

Its been getting sultrier

An Inquirer analysis of hourly dewpoint readings, based on available data from the Pennsylvania State Climatologist office, suggests a rather significant uptick in the mugginess that is such an important component of the heat indexes and discomfort levels.

The annual average of the number of hours that the dewpoints were 70 or higher at the official Philadelphia International Airport observing station have been about 9% higher this century, compared with the 1951-2000 period.

That makes sense, said the weather services Martin, given that a warmer atmosphere can accommodate more moisture.

Global temperatures in 2022 were about 1.6 degrees higher than the 20th-century average, according to the National Centers for Environmental Information. July is on pace to become the warmest month on record, the World Meteorological Organization said Thursday.

The added moisture may be capping local temperatures in an area that is in close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and the Delaware Bay.

On Friday, readings were a few degrees below the forecasted highs, and that may have been related to all the additional foliage-retained moisture from those downpours of the last few weeks. The sun cant heat as efficiently when its energy is diverted to evaporation.

Its about to get better  at least for now

After one more shirt-soaking Saturday with temperatures again the 90s, the forecast calls for a round of showers to herald the passage of a cool front.

Sunday should be gorgeous, with highs in the 80s, and a sequence of clones with comfortable dewpoints, not to mention humidity.
In fact, we believe that the new workplace policy will ultimately open up more employment opportunities throughout the state, enabling North Carolina residents previously unable to work for our company due to circumstances or geographical constraints to now be a part of our team, the insurer said.
What youll find when you talk to RMS or Verisk or some of the others is that most of us dont mind disclosing [details] to public entities and consumer advocates, Young said. What we do object to is making the entire availability of all the models or pre-compiled results that other people can pick up without paying us the license fees that we normally charge for use of these tools  the reason why we are so prepared for that is that we only make one model.
We're thrilled to partner with QBE North America given their experience and reputation in the cyber insurance market, added Converge CEO Tom Kang. Their product, underwriting and claims expertise have proven invaluable as we have set up the program, and we are excited to help them tap the growing need for cyber protection for small and mid-sized enterprises in the US.
So, you got another shop, where they tell you the same thing. We cant sell below $4. You go to a convenience store that sells it for $5, and youre ask, How are they selling Coke for $5 when nobody else can sell it at $3.50 or $4? The convenience store says they dont care if they sell it, they just set the price high, and if thats what you want, then youre going to pay the price.
New You can now listen to Insurance Journal articles!

Connecticut`s public safety commissioner on Wednesday told state lawmakers to expect a federal investigation into a recent audit`s findings, which showed hundreds of state troopers submitted false information from 2014 to 2021 on at least 26,000 traffic stops  information ultimately reported to a racial profiling board.

State legislators from two committees called the legislative informational meeting after data analysts with the University of Connecticut said the traffic stop reports resulted in too many drivers being identified as white.

The Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, which oversees the Connecticut State Police, is already complying with a subpoena related to the traffic stop matter issued by the Office of Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Transportation, department head James Rovella confirmed. The DOT intends to determine whether the false data was used to secure federal money, he said.

I dont think thats it, ladies and gentlemen, Rovella told lawmakers. I think theres more to come from our federal agencies, at least the Department of Justice on this one.

On Monday, Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont ordered an independent investigation to learn how it happened, why it happened, and how to prevent it from ever happening again.

Ken Barone, associate director of UConn`s Institute for Municipal and Regional Policy and project manager of the Connecticut Racial Profiling Prohibition Project, said the group did not assess the intentions of the troopers in the analysis of the traffic reports. He said no member of the public actually received a ticket. Rather, it was erroneous data entered into the system.

While Barone said further investigation could determine some of the false records were due to human error, he stressed how researchers used very conservative methodology that gave troopers the benefit of the doubt.

We ran the analysis well over 20 times. One of the things that stood out to me: The trend never changed. And that`s telling in statistical analysis, he said. The more we ran it, the more the trend stayed the same.

The audit was spurred by a Hearst Connecticut Media report last year that said four state troopers in an eastern Connecticut barracks intentionally created hundreds of bogus traffic stop tickets to boost their productivity numbers. After internal affairs investigations, one trooper was suspended for 10 days, another was suspended for two days and the other two retired before the probe was completed.

The audit found the number of false traffic infractions reported to the Connecticut Racial Profiling Prohibition Project advisory board didnt match those reported to the state court system, which handles all traffic citations. The false tickets also more often identified drivers as being white.

Rovella, who said he was taking the matter seriously and was angry, to say the least, said he doesn`t understand why someone would intentionally submit erroneous information. After the four troopers were disciplined, steps were taken to make sure troopers would not be motivated to submit bogus tickets in order to get a newer police cruiser, a favorable assignment or benefits.

What was the purpose? That`s what we`re trying to figure out, said Rovella, noting an internal investigation will also be conducted. If you`re not getting a better assignment, if you`re not getting a better car, why falsify?

Rovella pledged to dig into the numbers and said anyone found to have intentionally falsified records will be held to account.

State Police union officials urged legislators not to rush to judgement and said many of the troopers identified as having submitted false reports have had stellar careers.

This isn`t a systemic issue, said Andrew Matthews, the union`s executive director and counsel. It`s an individual issue.

State Rep. Steve Stafstrom, D-Bridgeport and co-chair of the Judiciary Committee, acknowledged the point of the hearing is not to jump to conclusions about whether the erroneous reports were intentionally submitted. However, he said lawmakers need to take a closer look at the issue because it calls into question police data the General Assembly relies on to oversee law enforcement.

Claudine Constant, the American Civil Liberties Union of Connecticut`s director of public policy and advocacy, called for swift, transparent, meaningful accountability for individual troopers determined to have falsified traffic stop records as well as for the State Police as a whole.

This problem was widespread, long-lasting, and it happened because of lack of systemic oversight of police, she said in a statement. The question now is how our elected officials are going to respond when police violate an anti-racist law tens of thousands of times for years.

Copyright 2023 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Connecticut
The European Commission has no immediate money in the budget and no clear way to help finance the extra transport costs Ukrainian grain exports will face with the end of the Black Sea deal, sources told Reuters, leaving an opportunity for Moscow to cash in.

Russia backed out of a U.N.-led Black Sea grain deal this month that allowed for the safe passage of Ukrainian cargo ships laden with cereals, oilseeds and wheat to reach global markets.

Russia has already promised free grain to some of Ukraines African customers.

Ukraine, one of the worlds biggest grain exporters, will now have to rely almost entirely on expensive routes through the European Union and the cheapest alternative artery, the Danube River, may not be able to expand its volume as much as hoped after bombings.

Russias Danube Attacks Threaten Ukraine Grain Exports; Ports Insurance Rates Rise

The International Monetary Fund estimated a 10-15% increase in global grain prices as a result.

In a letter dated July 21 and seen by Reuters, Ukraines agriculture ministry asked EU trade chief Valdis Dombrovskis for the Commission to provide financial aid for the extra transport cost of using alternate EU routes known as Solidarity Lanes. Ukraine estimates the extra cost to be $30-40 a tonne.

This week, EU agriculture commissioner Janusz Wojciechowski said Russia could benefit by undercutting Ukraine unless the EU helped reduce the cost.

However, there is no clear path, the sources said.

We have not found a solution yet to support the grain transport. People have been scratching their heads since last year, a source with knowledge of the Commission discussions said.

A lot of efforts already went to simplifying the system.

The letter also asked for the Solidarity Lanes to be expanded by 1-1.5 million tonnes a month through green corridors including to the Adriatic Sea, the Baltic States, to Germany and the Netherlands.

One diplomatic source said money was very short and substantial funds could only come after the mid-term budget review that could take several more months to hash out, even with the autumn corn harvest around the corner.

A Commission spokesperson confirmed receipt of the letter and said we are currently assessing such requests and will reply in due course.

One of the issues is the temporary ban on imports of Ukrainian grains into five neighboring EU countries. The five states are pushing for an extension beyond Sept. 15. Poland is vehemently against allowing Ukrainian grain into its market and said it was seeking a flexible ban arrangement.

These countries have received some compensatory funds from the Commission for their farmers who were hit hard by the sudden influx of additional grain over the last year.

However, push-back is growing, a second diplomatic source said, as some states do not see the value in paying for the extra transport cost because of this ban.

Alternative Routes

The EU suspended tariffs and set up the Solidarity Lanes in May last year and the Commission, with other lenders, allocated 1 billion euro ($1.1 billion) that are still being disbursed to alleviate logistical bottlenecks and reduce some costs.

As for direct compensation on transport, the Commission is not sure how to help.

We have no tools and to whom do you give that money? Theres also a question competition  Its not the Commissions role to provide (transport) insurance. States can give guarantees but there are no conclusive discussions, the source with knowledge of the Commissions discussions added, referring to the extra costs incurred due to the war risk.

For the last year, Ukraine moved 60% of its exports through the Solidarity Lanes and 40% via the Black Sea thanks to the deal.

Of the volume transported through neighboring EU countries, about two-thirds move along the Danube River delta, largely through Romania, which is also the most efficient and cheapest corridor.

On Monday, Russia bombed some Ukrainian ports and silos on the Danube. That has tempered EU hopes of increasing the volume transported via the Solidarity Lanes from roughly 3 million tonnes a month up to 5-5.5 million tonnes a month by the end of the year, with the Danube accounting for up to 4 million.

Were still assessing the risks and damages, the same source said.

Another option promoted by Lithuania would be a Baltic corridor, but it involves two rail gauge changes, adding even more costs.

In total, about 45.5 million tonnes of Ukrainian agricultural exports, of which 41 million were grains, moved through the EU and Moldova between May 2022 and June this year.

($1 = 0.9032 euros)

(Reporting by Julia Payne Additional reporting by Max Hunder in Kyiv; editing by Mark Potter)

Photograph: Harvesters collect wheat in the village of Zghurivka, Ukraine, on Aug. 9, 2022. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky, File)

Topics Europe Ukraine
A cargo ship carrying almost 3,800 cars and construction vehicles is likely to continue burning for days, according to the Dutch coast guard, which is leading efforts to contain the blaze.

BMW AG and Mercedes-Benz Group AG each have several hundred cars among the cargo aboard the Fremantle Highway, which caught fire off the coast of the Netherlands after midnight Wednesday. One crew member died and others were injured and taken from the scene by helicopters and lifeboats, authorities said.

The fire was still ablaze with the situation stable as of 12:30 p.m. Amsterdam time Thursday, a coast guard spokesperson said. Towing or salvage operations can only take place after the fire is put out, according to the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management.

Update: Ship Carrying 3,000 Cars Ablaze off Dutch Coast, One Crewmember Dead

Extinguishing the fire can cause stability problems due to too much water in the ship, the coast guard said, adding that its not yet possible for people to board. The cause of the blaze is still unknown.

The Panama-flagged Fremantle Highway was en route to Port Said, Egypt, after a recent stop in the German port of Bremerhaven, according to ship-tracking data compiled by Bloomberg. Shoei Kisen Kaisha Ltd., the Japanese firm that owns the vessel, said the final destination for the carrier was Singapore.

Twenty-five of the 2,857 cars on board were electric vehicles, a spokesperson for the Dutch coast guard said, citing the cargo list they received. The ship has a total of 3,783 vehicles and machines on board, according to a spokesman for Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha Ltd., the ships charter and operator.

There are several hundred BMW and Mini cars on board, as well as roughly 300 Mercedes-Benz vehicles, representatives for the companies said.

Ford Motor Co., Stellantis NV, Renault SA and Nissan Motor Co. didnt have any vehicles on the vessel, company spokespeople said. Toyota Motor Corp. said its unlikely the automaker had cargo on board.

A spokesperson from Volkswagen AG said the company was actively investigating but was unable to provide further information. Tesla Inc. didnt respond to a request for comment.

The coast guard couldnt confirm whether there was a fuel leak from the ship, though authorities took some precautionary measures to prevent one, the spokesperson said.

The ship was navigating near the Wadden Sea UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is the largest unbroken system of intertidal sand and mud flats in the world. Such environments are highly sensitive and could be damaged should an oil spill occur.

If fuel were to leak, it would spread to the north and not toward the Wadden Islands, due to the current and foreseen wind and wave direction for the coming days, Dutch Infrastructure Minister Mark Harbers said in a letter to parliament. An oil-recovery vessel is on site to take rapid action if the vessel were to leak fuel, Harbers said.

The incident is reminiscent of a maritime disaster last year, when a cargo ship that caught fire in the Atlantic transporting roughly 4,000 Volkswagen vehicles to the US sank in rough seas, despite efforts to tow it to safety after burning for more than a week.

The 10-year-old Fremantle Highway, which measures about 200 meters (656 feet) in length, can carry as many as 4,000 cars, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

With assistance from William Wilkes, Albertina Torsoli and Tsuyoshi Inajima.

Related:

Copyright 2023 Bloomberg.
This edition of International People Moves details appointments at Everest Insurance International and SiriusPoint.

A summary of these new hires follows here.

Everest Insurance Intl Taps Chubbs Brionne, Benson, Promotes Mah

Everest Insurance International, an insurance division of Everest Group Ltd., announced key leadership appointments including industry veteran Veronique Brionne who will join as Insurance head of Europe, effective Sept. 28, based in Paris. The company also named Martyn Benson, head of Operations, effective Aug. 7, based in London. Both will report to Adam Clifford, co-lead of Everest Insurance International and will serve as members of the divisions International Leadership Group. The company also announced Swee Keong Mah has been promoted to interim regional head of Insurance, Asia,

Details of the three appointments careers follow here.

Veronique Brionne is an accomplished international industry leader who brings 25 years of deep local market expertise to her role at Everest where she will drive the ongoing growth and success of the companys insurance offering in Continental Europe. Brionne was most recently deputy managing director for Chubb European Group SE and served as country president for its operations in France. Additionally, she was director of Accident & Health, Continental Europe, and prior to that she served as country president for operations in Spain and Portugal.

Before that, she held roles of increasing responsibility at AXA, including international actuarial analyst and P&C program director of the Northern, Central and Eastern Europe region. Brionne is a mentor and passionate advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), serving as a co-founder, board member and treasurer of the French chapter of ISC Group, a non-profit association that provides personal, professional and business development for the advancement of women in the insurance industry. She received her Master of Science in Mathematics and Computer Science from Universite Catholique de lOuest and her Master of Business Administration from Centre des Hautes Etudes en Assurance.

Martyn Benson will draw on his extensive experience leading international operations at major global financial services firms to oversee the companys insurance operations across all regions of its international business including underwriting processes, policyholder servicing and portfolio and project management.

He recently served as chief operations officer for Consumer Lines EMEA at Chubb, as well as the companys head of Operations for Asia Pacific. Earlier in his career, Benson spent nearly a decade at WTW including roles as chief operating officer of Asia Pacific, Global Wealth Solutions and Europe. Benson received his Bachelor of Engineering (Honors) degree in Product Design and Manufacturing Engineering from Loughborough University and completed a masters program for Design, Manufacture and Management at the University of Cambridge.

Swee Keong Mah has been promoted to interim regional head of Insurance, Asia, replacing Ben Carey, effective immediately. Mah joined Everest in early 2022 as head of Legal, Asia Pacific. He played a pivotal role establishing the divisions Singapore operations, serving as a member of the divisions Asia Pacific leadership team.

Prior to Everest, he served in various general counsel roles including head of Legal, Risk & Compliance for Asia and Middle East at Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance. Mah holds a Bachelor of Laws (Honors) from National University in Singapore and received his Master of Business Administration (Honors) from University of Chicago, Booth School of Business. In addition to his interim role, Mah will retain his position as head of Legal, Asia Pacific.

Commenting on Careys departure, Clifford said: We are grateful for Bens leadership and guidance through the launch of our primary insurance business in Singapore and wish him great success in his future endeavors. I look forward to working with Ben in the transition of his responsibilities.

***

SiriusPoint Names TMKs Kattan as Global Head of Ceded Reinsurance

SiriusPoint Ltd., the Bermuda-based specialty insurer and reinsurer, has appointed Habib Kattan as global head of Ceded Reinsurance. Kattan will join the business, based in London, on Aug. 1, 2023.

Kattan will report to David Govrin, group president and chief underwriting officer (CUO). His role will include establishing the strategy and structure of SiriusPoints global ceded reinsurance function, aligning with the companys risk appetite, key performance indicators and strategic priorities. He will be responsible for coordinating and managing the ceded team, based in Stockholm, in addition to the execution and administration of all reinsurance placements.

Kattan was previously the group head of Ceded Reinsurance and Credit Control at Tokio Marine Kiln and, latterly, acted as an adviser on outwards reinsurance at MS Amlin.

Ceded reinsurance is a core component of our strategy. We have a strong panel of reinsurers who support many of our business lines, said Govrin. I am very pleased to have been able to attract Habib to join the SiriusPoint team. Habib has over 25 years of exceptional experience buying reinsurance in addition to a variety of senior roles in broking and underwriting across the sector. His depth of knowledge and expertise will support the delivery of our strategic goals, our commitment to our reinsurers, and our continued focus on performance and value creation across our underwriting portfolio.

Topics Reinsurance Chubb
New You can now listen to Insurance Journal articles!

A former Alfa insurance agent in Alabama has pleaded guilty to defrauding people, most of them elderly, of more than $862,286 in life insurance. The plea agreement for Bret Chappell, 44, of Warrior, comes six months after the agent was arrested.

Between 2019 and 2022, Chappell devised a scheme to defraud numerous victims into surrendering existing Alfa life insurance policies for cash value, the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama said in a statement this week.

In one instance, he convinced an elderly victim that Alfa offered certificates of deposit for purchase, when in fact Alfa is not a financial institution and does not offer certificates of deposit, the prosecutors office said.

Under a plea agreement filed Wednesday, Chappell must forfeit property and must pay Alfa Mutual Insurance Corp., one of Alabamas largest insurance companies, more than $1.6 million in restitution. He faces a maximum of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000, according to the court document.

The filing shows that Alfa discovered the fraud in February while Chappell was working at the companys Hayden, Alabama, service center. He convinced a number of victims to purchase the polices, but the purchase information was never submitted to Alfa and the policies were never underwritten. Alfa contacted the state Department of Insurance, which opened an investigation.

The U.S. Secret Service also joined the probe and found that Chappell had convinced many victims into giving up their life insurance policies for cash, in order to purchase new policies. But the agent forged policy certificates, purporting to show the clients had coverage, and deposited the funds into his personal bank account, the plea agreement and the felony information filing explain.

Once Alfa learned of defendant Chappells scheme to defraud, it began work to provide each victim with the coverage promised by defendant Chappell, if possible, the filing notes.

The judge set Chappells sentencing date for Nov. 28.

DOI records show that Chappell held an active insurance producer license, for property/casualty, accident and health, and life insurance, which expires this year. He obtained a temporary license in 2002. His business address is in Hayden, Alabama, north of Birmingham.

Topics Agencies Alabama
New You can now listen to Insurance Journal articles!

The death of a 16-year-old in a Mississippi poultry plant earlier this month offered another reminder that children remain vulnerable to exploitation in the workplace in the United States, senior Labor Department officials said Wednesday.

Duvan Perez became the third teenager to die in an industrial accident this summer. Those deaths occurred amid a push by lawmakers in some states to loosen child labor regulations in order to meet growing demands for workers, though none of the deaths occurred in states where new laws have been enacted.

Perez was working on a sanitation crew at Mar-Jac Poultry on July 14 when he became entangled in a conveyor belt he was cleaning, according to records obtained by The Associated Press on Wednesday. Before authorities arrived at the meat processing plant, Perezs coworkers had tried to extract him from the equipment, which stretched to the plants ceiling. Police found the teenager dead, and Forrest County Coroner Butch Benedict said in a text message that Perez died from traumatic asphyxia and blunt force trauma.

In a statement, Mar-Jac Poultry blamed an unnamed staffing company for hiring Perez to work at the plant and said Perezs paperwork appeared to misrepresent his age.

We are devastated at the loss of life, and deeply regret that an underage individual was hired without our knowledge. The company is undertaking a thorough audit with the staffing companies to ensure that this kind of error never happens again, the statement said.

Michael Schuls, 16, died in early July after he became entangled in a wood- stacking machine at the northern Wisconsin sawmill where he worked. Will Hampton, also 16, died in June when he was pinned between a semi-truck and its trailer at a landfill in Lees Summit, Missouri.

State and federal child labor laws prohibit minors from working in meat processing plants. The hazards were highlighted over the past year by one of the worst child labor cases in the departments history. In that case, children as young as 13 were found cleaning dangerous equipment like skull splitters and bone saws in slaughterhouses across the country while working for a Wisconsin- based cleaning contractor. Several of them suffered chemical burns while working overnight shifts and attending school during the day.

Packers Sanitation Services Inc. agreed to pay $1.5 million and reform its hiring practices after investigators found more than 100 children working for the company at meatpacking plants in eight states.

That case and the overall increase in child labor violations in recent years prompted officials to launch a broad effort to investigate such cases more vigorously. Those efforts include training workers from other departments to spot child labor concerns as they work with refugees and other groups while ensuring that the Labor Department is communicating with the Justice Department about potential criminal prosecutions. Labor Department officials discussed the issue generally in a background briefing but declined to comment on specific cases criminal investigators are reviewing.

Nadia Marin-Molina, workers` rights program coordinator at the National Day Laborer Organizing Network, said the Mississippi incident is a microcosm of the dangers faced by workers at similar facilities around the country that rely on low-wage labor.

This is not the first death at this facility, and its also emblematic of conditions at other poultry plants. These conditions are widespread, she said. You cant understand or even investigate what happened here without understanding the level of fear that exists in the communities around these plants and among the workers who are there.

Perez is the third employee in the past three years to be killed on the job at the Hattiesburg plant. Over that period, there was also an amputation at the plant. OSHA previously cited Mar-Jac Poultry in 2020 and 2021 for four safety violations in three separate incidents.

The Labor Department`s Wage and Hours Division, which enforces child labor laws, is investigating the employers of all three child workers who died this summer. Officials have said that child labor violations have increased nearly 70% nationwide since 2018.

Senior Labor Department officials on Wednesday touted the results of their expanded enforcement efforts, saying the department has completed 765 child labor investigations and identified 4,474 children employed in violation of federal child labor laws since the current fiscal year began on Oct. 1.

Most of those cases involved routine violations like teens working more hours than allowed rather than children working in dangerous environments like meatpacking plants. However, two teens were also found working in a Minnesota meat processing plant run by Monogram Foods earlier this year.

The number of children flagged for working illegally was up from the 3,876 illegally employed minors that investigators found in the entire 2022 fiscal year. The Labor Department has also increased its use of monetary penalties, fining employers roughly $6.6 million since October, up from nearly $4.4 million in 2022.

Most recently, the department announced Tuesday that it had fined McDonald`s franchises in Louisiana and Texas for employing teen workers for longer hours than allowed by law and letting 14- and 15-year-olds operate manual deep fryers and trash compactors. Such work is prohibited for employees under age 16.

More than 700 other child labor investigations are ongoing.

These are work environments that are unfit for adults, much less for minors, said Wendy Cervantes, director of immigration and immigrant families at the Center for Law and Social Policy. Duvans tragic story is unfortunately too common, and too many kids like him are continuing to work in inappropriate settings across the country in direct violation of our child labor laws.

Teen employment rates typically peak in July, according to federal labor statistics, when many students are working summer jobs. A vast majority of child labor violations do not involve hazardous occupations and instead pertain to issues such as the hours that minors are allowed to work, which are more limited during the school year.

Lawmakers in several states have pushed in recent years to let children work in more hazardous occupations and for longer hours. The proposals from mostly Republican authors are intended to address worker shortages and include allowing 14-year-olds to serve alcohol, letting 14- and 15-year-olds work past 9 p.m. during the school year and removing age-verification requirements when hiring children.

Labor Department officials said Wednesday that new laws enacted by states cannot legally violate minimum federal standards.

Copyright 2023 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
New You can now listen to Insurance Journal articles!

Efforts by Universal Insurance Holdings, the publicly traded parent company of one of Floridas largest property and casualty insurers, to shed policies, spread risk and raise rates appears to have paid off so far in 2023. And recent legislative changes aimed at reducing claims litigation havent hurt, either.

While its still early days, were encouraged by favorable claims and litigation trends that are beginning to emerge as a result of recent legislative reforms and give us optimism as we look forward to 2024 and beyond, Universal CEO Stephen Donaghy said in an earnings call Friday morning. We continue to benefit from rate-driven premium growth and an improving spread of risk across our geographic footprint.

The Fort Lauderdale-based carrier reported a net income for the second quarter of 2023 of $28.6 million, almost triple the net income for Q2 of 2022, the firms quarterly financial report shows. For the first six months of the year, net income was almost $53 million, double the reported profit for the first half of 2022.

And Universals combined ratio dipped slightly in Q2, while direct premiums written rose about 3%, to $547 million.

Its partly a result of aggressive steps the company has taken in the last two years to reduce its exposure and improve rate and revenue at one of the most stressful periods in the Florida market, where multiple carriers have gone under and others have stopped writing in the state.

Universal said its total policies in force, across all states it writes in, dropped almost 10% from Q2 2022 to Q2 2023, from 894,618 to 809,685. In Florida, the number of policies has dropped from 654,276 to 576,407.

While the company was ranked the largest p/c carrier in the state just two years ago, it now ranks third, behind the rapidly growing, state-created Citizens Property Insurance Corp. and behind State Farm Insurance, according to recent reports.

Investment income also doubled for the quarter, compared to last year at this time. Commissions, policy fees and other revenue were up almost 16% from the prior years quarter.

The increase primarily reflects higher reinsurance brokerage commission revenue, which benefited from higher ceded premiums, including reinstatement premiums associated with Hurricane Ian, and the difference in our reinsurance programs structure relative to the prior year quarter, partly offset by a decline in policy fees associated with lower policies in force, the company said in a news release.

Donaghy said that the full effects of the 2022 and 2023 legislative reforms, which ended one-way attorney fees and assignment-of-benefit agreements in most insurance claims, wont be seen in the companys books for another 12 to 14 months. But the statutes already are making a difference, he said.

We changed our tune from cautiously optimistic to optimistic, a quarter or two ago and we continue to see that favorability in our numbers, Donaghy said in the call.

Litigation has declined considerably and AOB-related suits are down even more, he added. Legislation approved in 2021 requires policyholders to give advance notice of intent to sue. While NOIs have increased in recent months, the notices have given Universal claims managers time to close claims, take care of our insureds and keep the bad actors at bay, he said. So, we are not upset with an increase in that particular area.

Reopened claims are not a major issue, compared to years past. And while recent industry reports have examined an increase in litigation funding, Donaghy said more of those funding schemes now appear to be moving out of Florida than are moving in.

He also suggested that reinsurance costs have been manageable, thanks in part to Universal reducing its retention.

Im proud of the reinsurance program we put together for the 2023-2024 treaty year, Donaghy said. Our programs terms, conditions and coverage are consistent with the prior year, but we reduced our consolidated retention and ceded premium ratio.

The CEO also thanked Universal insurance agents, as the carrier has worked to open up additional markets in Florida in the past three months. He did not elaborate on those markets and company officials could not be reached for further comment on that.

Topics Carriers Florida Profit Loss
A woman who was punched in the face by a deputy as she held her baby sued the Los Angeles County Sheriff`s Department, alleging excessive force and wrongful arrest.

Yeayo Russell filed a federal lawsuit last week against the department and the deputies involved in the July 2022 traffic stop in Palmdale, northeast of Los Angeles. The department released body camera video this month.

This case is about more than just punches, said Jamon Hicks, one of Russell`s attorneys. It is about the way the deputies treated this mother.

Asked to comment on the lawsuit, the sheriff`s department said in a statement Wednesday that the FBI is investigating and that officials are cooperating.

The Sheriffs Department affirms that the FBI has made contact to gather documents and other materials pertaining to a use-of-force occurrence in Palmdale, the department said. The Department will fully assist in the ongoing investigation, working closely with local, state, and federal investigative agencies.

Russell was a passenger in a car that was stopped for driving at night without headlights. The deputies smelled alcohol and saw three babies who, instead of being in car seats, were being held, authorities said.

The male driver was arrested on suspicion of driving on a suspended license, driving under the influence of alcohol and child endangerment. Russell and three other women in the car were held on suspicion of child endangerment.

The edited video released by Sheriff Robert Luna shows Russells child being taken from her as she shrieks and then a second woman sitting cross-legged on the ground, holding another baby.

Deputies try to persuade Russell to give them the child, and she responds, Youll have to shoot me dead before you take my baby, the video shows. As she resists, a deputy punches her several times in the face, and she is handcuffed.

Russell spent four days in jail, separated from her weeks-old infant, causing her distress, Hicks said.

Hours and hours she had no idea where her child was. Hours and hours she had no idea if her child was OK, he said.

Russell is seeking unspecified compensatory and punitive damages against the 10 deputies involved in her arrest and jailing.

The deputy who punched Russell was taken off field duty, Luna said when he released the video July 13. The sheriff said that he found the punching completely unacceptable and that he had sent the case to the county district attorneys office, which will decide whether to charge the deputy. He said he also alerted the FBI.

Luna, a former Long Beach police chief, took over the department in December after defeating incumbent Alex Villanueva and vowed to overhaul the nations largest sheriffs department.

Its unfortunate that it took a year for this video to even come out. This is something that the public should have seen right away. And the fact that it took a year, and again credit Sheriff Luna for exposing it, shows the mentality of the county sheriffs in that area, Hicks said.

Federal monitors continue to oversee reforms that the department agreed to for the Palmdale and Lancaster stations, which are among the busiest in the county.

In 2015, the sheriffs department settled federal allegations that deputies in those stations had engaged in excessive use of force and racially biased policing that

Copyright 2023 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Lawsuits
Source: Chris Temple

July 28, 2023 (Investorideas.com Newswire) Chris Temple of The National Investor takes a look at current movements in the energy sector and one company he believes should be on your radar.

Now I want to share a couple of very telling tidbits about energy ... as well as my latest company interview of one of THE most solid stories in energy services you'll ever find.

Last night as I was trolling around Twitter (or now just "X" ?!?) and such, I ran across the above posted by Lyn Alden. We've all shared this and similar charts that really tell the big-picture story of global energy demand.

And that big picture is that policymakers offering pie-in-the-sky political and ideological "solutions" for energy, de-carbonization, and the like miss the fact that from whatever sources it comes from, energy needs globally have been going parabolic for years.

And in this context, almost everything is in short supply; some things perilously so.

An aggressive "all of the above" energy policy such as that pursued for a while by the Trump Administration and its woefully underrated D.O.E. Secretaries Rick Perry and Dan Brouillette is what is needed, and this includes rejuvenated oil and gas sectors.

It may not be necessarily and sufficiently "aggressive" until administrations in both the U.S. and Canada are replaced, but it's now clear that "Old Energy" is making a needed comeback in both countries to help fill the ever-rising demand for energy.

Underscoring just how much-maligned fossil fuel companies are needed more than ever, a BIG news item last week featured the appointment of Saudi Aramco head Amin Nasser to the board of BlackRock. This was noteworthy - and this news brought both gasps and howls of sarcastic, derisive laughter - given that BlackRock's own head Larry Fink had established himself for so long as an "ESG scold."

Reality check ... check. Looks like we need those dirty fossil fuels for a while, after all.

Enterprise Group Inc. (E:TSX.V)

As I opined in my last visit with Mike Fox of The Prospector News (we'll be visiting again this week's end post-central bank moves; that discussion should be out over the weekend), perhaps my single-favorite theme of the next few years is Canadian resources ... and specifically, Canadian energy.

And I dare you to find a more fundamentally solid story than energy/industrial services company Enterprise Group Inc. (E:TSX.V), whose Senior V.P. Des O'Kell I just caught up with for THIS VIDEO DISCUSSION.

Still selling for only about 60% or so of its book value, even after more than doubling from its low of a couple of years ago, Enterprise is only just beginning its own secular recovery.

And the big picture that is ever more favorable for energy is more so for this diverse and solid company, as you will glean from Des' and my visit.

More Info:

This news is published on the Investorideas.com Newswire - a global digital news source for investors and business leaders

Disclaimer/Disclosure: Investorideas.com is a digital publisher of third party sourced news, articles and equity research as well as creates original content, including video, interviews and articles. Original content created by investorideas is protected by copyright laws other than syndication rights. Our site does not make recommendations for purchases or sale of stocks, services or products. Nothing on our sites should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell products or securities. All investing involves risk and possible losses. This site is currently compensated for news publication and distribution, social media and marketing, content creation and more. Disclosure is posted for each compensated news release, content published /created if required but otherwise the news was not compensated for and was published for the sole interest of our readers and followers. Contact management and IR of each company directly regarding specific questions.

More disclaimer info: https://www.investorideas.com/About/Disclaimer.asp Learn more about publishing your news release and our other news services on the Investorideas.com newswire https://www.investorideas.com/News-Upload/

Global investors must adhere to regulations of each country. Please read Investorideas.com privacy policy: https://www.investorideas.com/About/Private_Policy.asp

Get Great Trading Ideas and News Alerts

Guest posts and sponsored content - Got $100?

That's all it takes to get an article published on Investor Ideas - Learn More
Source: Streetwise Reports

July 28, 2023 (Investorideas.com Newswire) This silver company announces the second-quarter production numbers for its new processing plant in Mexico, surpassing the expectations of several analysts.

MAG Silver Corp. (MAG:TSX; MAG:NYSE American) has announced its second-quarter production numbers for its new Juanicipio processing plant in Mexico, surpassing the expectations of several analysts.

MAG delivered nearly 7 million ounces (Moz) silver equivalent (Ag eq), ahead of PI Financial analyst Chris Thompson's prediction of about 4 Moz Ag eq. The silver grade milled was also higher than expected: 498 grams per tonnne (g/t) vs. 363 g/t, he noted.

"We are impressed with the delivery of Q2/23 operating results significantly ahead of our conservative expectations," Thompson wrote in a Wednesday update note. "Q2/23 production represents ~39% of our ~18k oz AgEq 2023 production expectation (for the entire year). We now see our estimates as potentially conservative with MAG anticipating nameplate capacity of 4,000 (tonnes per day) tpd in Q3/23 vs. our Q4/23 expectation."

Thompson maintained his Buy rating on the stock with a target of CA$19.15 per share. MAG Silver was up US$1.48 to US$16.30 on Wednesday afternoon.

Throughput during the quarter brought the plant to 85% of its design capacity.

"We are also impressed by the advanced speed of ramp-up at Juanicipio," Thompson wrote.

The company said a total of 377,018 tonnes of mineralized material was processed through the Juanicipio plant and two plants owned by Juanicipio joint operator Fresnillo Plc. during the second quarter. MAG Silver receives 44% of the income.

The quarter's total production, based on provisional estimates before offtake agreement adjustments, totaled nearly 5.3 Moz Ag, 10,639 ounces gold (Au), 3,402 tonnes lead (Pb), and 5,418 tonnes zinc (Zn).

"Q2 was a quarter of delivery," MAG Silver President and Chief Executive Officer George Paspalas said. "We are very encouraged with the steady progress of mining and milling performance at Juanicipio throughout the ramp-up period. The substantial increase in silver production coupled with the forecast of reaching design capacity by Q3 affirms MAG's position as a top-tier silver producer."

MAG expects to release its full financial and operational results for the quarter on August 7.

The Catalyst: Racing Toward Full Capacity

The company's focus is turning from construction to optimization at the plant, analyst Craig Hutchison of TD Securities wrote.

"With all major construction work now complete, the operation team is looking to improve and optimize the mine to achieve and potentially exceed design capacities," wrote Hutchison, who rated MAG a Speculative Buy with a CA$25 per share target price. "Investments in Juanicipio should be largely done by mid-year, and we expect MAG to start receiving its share (44%) of dividends from 2024."

Analyst Brian MacArthur of Raymond James wrote that those dividends would make the stock even more attractive.

"We believe that MAG is one of the better options for investors looking for exposure to silver," MacArthur wrote, rating the stock Outperform with a target of CA$24.50 per share.

Analyst Lucas Pamatat of Canaccord Genuity Capital Markets wrote on Wednesday that silver production totals for Q2 were 63% above his estimate.

"Our estimates continue to assume the mill will reach full capacity by the end of Q3," Pamatat wrote. "In addition, higher-grade mill feed is being introduced to the comminution circuit as the ramp-up progresses, with a corresponding improvement in silver recovery."

Silver Supply Deficit Likely to Continue

In addition to being a precious metal used in jewelry, silver is used to coat electrical contacts and is an important element in solar technology. Almost all computers, phones, cars, and appliances contain it as it is the best metal for conducting electricity.

The World Silver Survey 2023, published by the Silver Institute, said there was a 237.7 Moz deficit between supply and demand for the precious metal in 2022. This deficit is likely to be repeated in 2023, the institute said.

"This environment is positive for safe-haven assets like silver (and gold)," the report said. "Similarly positive is the market deficit that silver will remain in this year."

Exploration Continues

MAG is mining the Bonanza zone of the Valdecanas vein system in the Zacatecas state of Mexico. A preliminary economic assessment (PEA) in 2017 estimated a 19-year mine life.

The Juanicipio plant was originally to go online by the end of 2021, but the state electric authority notified MAG just before Christmas 2021 that more equipment needed to be installed on the system for the electrical hookup. The power was finally turned on in December 2022.

MAG also continues to explore at Juanicipio, drilling 25,858 meters in 2022, with another 4,109 meters of infill drilling in the first quarter of this year. Assay results are pending.

Exploration also continues at MAG's Deer Trail project in Utah and its Larder project in Ontario.

Ownership and Share Structure

Institutions own 65% of MAG, and 35% is retail, according to the company.

Top institutional shareholders include Juanicipio project operator Fresnillo Plc. with 9.1%, BlackRock Asset Management at 9.9%, ETF Managers Group LLC at 5.3%, Sprott Asset Management at 5.1%, and First Eagle Investment Management at 5.6%, the company said.

MAG Silver has a market cap of US$1.64 billion. It has 102.9 million shares outstanding, according to TSX Infosuite. It trades in a 52-week range of US$22.96 and US$13.93.

More Info:

This news is published on the Investorideas.com Newswire - a global digital news source for investors and business leaders

Disclaimer/Disclosure: Investorideas.com is a digital publisher of third party sourced news, articles and equity research as well as creates original content, including video, interviews and articles. Original content created by investorideas is protected by copyright laws other than syndication rights. Our site does not make recommendations for purchases or sale of stocks, services or products. Nothing on our sites should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell products or securities. All investing involves risk and possible losses. This site is currently compensated for news publication and distribution, social media and marketing, content creation and more. Disclosure is posted for each compensated news release, content published /created if required but otherwise the news was not compensated for and was published for the sole interest of our readers and followers. Contact management and IR of each company directly regarding specific questions.

More disclaimer info: https://www.investorideas.com/About/Disclaimer.asp Learn more about publishing your news release and our other news services on the Investorideas.com newswire https://www.investorideas.com/News-Upload/

Global investors must adhere to regulations of each country. Please read Investorideas.com privacy policy: https://www.investorideas.com/About/Private_Policy.asp

Get Great Trading Ideas and News Alerts

Guest posts and sponsored content - Got $100?

That's all it takes to get an article published on Investor Ideas - Learn More
AIB posted an operating profit of more than 1.2bn for the first six months, as the bank looked forward to a very good outcome for the full year, helped by European Central Bank rate hikes and the departure of rivals Ulster Bank and KBC Bank from the market.

The bank is the first of the three remaining major lenders to report financial results at the half-way stage.

Net interest income surged to 1.77bn by the end of June, up from 895m a year earlier, and after-tax profits rose to 854m, the lender said.

In the earnings statement, AIB chief executive Colin Hunt said the bank had delivered a strong financial and operational performance helped by acquiring new customers against the backdrop of an evolving banking market, a higher interest rate environment, and a resilient Irish economy.

2023 is expected to be a very strong year, the bank said.

Rate hikes by the European Central Bank have lifted the fortunes of all the Irish banks.

And shrinking competition has also helped bolster AIB's share for new mortgage loans, which now stands at 30.7% AIB acquired mortgage and commercial loans from Ulster Bank, while Bank of Ireland and Permanent TSB also tapped billions of loans from the exit of the once fiercely competitive rivals.

Irish bank shares have been boosted hugely ever since the European Central Bank started hiking interest rates last July. The shares have been further driven by the lenders tightening their grip over mortgage and business lending in the Republic.

Ahead of Fridays earnings statement, shares in AIB had risen 11% since the start of the year, and had surged by an enormous 88% from a year ago. That values the lender at more than 10.5bn on stock markets.

Analysts have raised questions about whether Irish bank shares can continue to rise strongly should the European Central Bank start cutting interest rate next year.

However, a rate hike by the European Central Bank yesterday, and a potential further rate increase when it next meets in September, will likely underpin the strong financial performances by the banks here.

The Government, which still has a minority stake of just under 47% in AIB, looks set to sell off its remaining shareholding in time.

In a changed operating environment, out strategy has positioned us well for the future, AIB said in the statement.

"2023 is expected to be a very strong year and, with a transformed group, we are now planning for the next strategic cycle, the lender said.

Revised forecasts for it to generate over 3.6bn in net interest income for the full year are based on the European Central Banks deposit rate reaching 3.75%, and for a Bank of England rate of 5.5%, by the end of December.

The lender said it posted a net impairment charge of 91m at the half-year stage, which it attributed mostly to commercial property loans, to address the potential adverse impacts from higher interest rates and lower valuations in the sector.
Aer Lingus has denied that it is ceding the European market to other airlines such as Ryanair as it continues to focus on growing its transatlantic routes and in the US market.

The comments come as the airlines parent company IAG released its half-year results for 2023 which showed operating profit of 1.26bnup from a 446 million loss during the first half of 2022.

Leisure travel has boomed since pandemic restrictions ended last year, driving up ticket prices and helping deliver huge profits for airlines despite the squeeze on household incomes from high inflation and rising interest rates. Along with Aer Lingus, IAG also operates the British Airways and Spanish airline Iberia.

IAG said that it is concentrating on capacity restoration in their strongest markets with Aer Lingus focusing on the US including targeting new cities such as Cleveland, Ohio, as well as reopening previous destinations such as Hartford in Connecticut.

However, when asked whether the increasing focus on the US meant that Aer Lingus was leaving Europe to competitors like Ryanair, Lynne Embleton, chief executive of Aer Lingus, said absolutely not.

She said that the airline has grown their key summer destinations and have put significant capacity into their Mediterranean routes. We've filled our seats so well this year. It just shows how much demand there is and customers wanting to fly with Aer Lingus on short-haul, she said.

According to IAG's results, Aer Lingus posted an operating profit of 40m, driven by growth in its US markets and rising demand for short-haul European flights, but profits remain approximately half of pre-pandemic levels. During the same period in 2022, the airline lost 83m.

Rising demand also saw a full recovery in Aer Lingus passenger numbers in the first half of 2023 and were slightly above 2019 levels, IAG said. Luis Gallego, chief executive of IAG, said the company is aiming to be back to pre-pandemic capacity at the end of this year.

Customer demand remains strong across the Group, particularly for leisure travel, with around 80% of passenger revenue for the third quarter already booked. And our airlines have put in place plans to support operations during the busy summer period, he said.

So far, IAG is running at 94% of the capacity it had in 2019.

Air France-KLM

Air France-KLM also posted better than expected earnings for the April to June period as a result of robust demand for long-haul and premium leisure travel, even as business travel lags.

Its operating profit jumped to 733 million from 386 million last year.

The company flew 24.7 million passengers across those three months, up 8.2% from a year earlier. Its capacity was 92% of 2019 levels but it expects that figure to grow to 95% by the end of the year.

Earlier this week, Ryanair posted 663m in profit after tax for the three months to the end of June. It generated 3.6bn in total revenue, a 40% increase compared to the same period in 2022 with passenger numbers also increasing by 11%.
European workers and employers see retaining with digital skills as being critical to both peoples future employment prospects as well as for social cohesion within the EU27.

Reports conducted for the European Union suggest the bloc will need 20 million skilled ICT professionals by 2030, but there are currently just nine million people with the required digital skills resident in the 27 member states.

The European Commissions recently published Employment and Social Developments in Europe (ESDE) report 2023 found that despite the impact of Russia's invasion of Ukraine resulting in an economic slowdown in the second half of 2022, EU labour markets have demonstrated remarkable resilience in 2022.

Nicolas Schmit, Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights, said: In 2022, we witnessed record-breaking employment levels, with the highest number of people employed and the lowest unemployment rates ever recorded.

This resilience serves as a testament to the strength of our labour markets and our social market economy. However, we must also acknowledge and address the enduring challenges. To alleviate labour shortages, it is essential to promote the labour market participation of underrepresented groups; to continue our skills revolution to get more workers to undertake training throughout their careers; and to improve working conditions in certain sectors.

The EU economy grew by 3.5% in real terms in 2022. Employment rates were at a record high at 74.6% with 213.7 million people employed in 2022, and unemployment rates at a historic low at 6.2%.

However, challenges remain with a low labour market representation of certain groups, such as women or persons with a disability. Youth unemployment fell from 16.7% in 2021 to 14.5% in 2022, but remains a major challenge. In addition, companies face labour shortages and there is the need for both employers and workers to adapt to evolving skill needs, in the context of the green and digital transitions.

The share of people at risk of poverty or social exclusion remained stable at 21.6% in 2022 with social transfers reducing poverty by more than one third on average in the EU. However, real household income declined, as high inflation continued to erode purchasing power. This resulted in a rise in severe material and social deprivation (from 6.3% to 6.7%).

The EU has identified that enhancing peoples digital competence will have a critical role to play in promoting greater future employment levels among young Europeans.

As a result, the EU is investing 65bn of its social funds in training programmes that will give people the skills they need to fill the anticipated vacancies in roles with a strong digital technology element.

Commissioner highlighted this investment when speaking at the recent Porto Social Forum 2023, an event promoting the skills driving green and digital transitions in Portugal. The Commissioner highlighted the need for people across the EU to have the skills to succeed in todays labour market, and welcomed the work of a Porto-based project that prepares Portuguese workers with digital skills.

Portos Centre for the Development of Digital Skills offers upskilling and lifelong-learning programmes for people who already have a job, as well as requalification and adult education for jobseekers.

The centre implements the #digitalReskilling project, which promotes the professional requalification of unemployed youth and adults by teaching skills in emerging digital fields, alongside soft skills like leadership and entrepreneurship.

Commissioner Schmit said: To help member states implement these much-needed skills programmes, 65 billion in EU funding has been earmarked from the European Social Fund Plus and the Recovery and Resilience Facility.

I have visited some fantastic training centres over the past three years across the EU, and seen the great work being done to provide education and skills. Just 10 minutes from where we are gathered today in Porto, you find a skills programme supported by the ESF: the Centre for Development of Digital Skills which targets unemployed people in particular, he told delegates at Porto Social Forum 2023.

The EUs gap in digital skills was not the only skills need highlighted by the ESDE report 2023. The report drew attention to persistent labour shortages for a diverse range of occupations across all skill levels. There are labour shortages across construction, healthcare, science, technology (notably ICT), engineering and mathematics (STEM).
The Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) has announced a number of rule changes, including a hybrid voting model for presidential elections in the organisation.

The national council of the IFA agreed the changes at a meeting this week.

The IFA said that the changes were introduced to "equip the organisation to deal with the challenges facing the sector, and bring to a conclusion a process announced by the IFA president Tim Cullinan at the 2022 AGM".

A "strengthened" national officers committee with additional delegated powers will have the power to co-opt up to three extra members, "subject to a transparent process and criteria agreed in advance by the national council".

The national officers' committee currently consists of the IFA president, the deputy president, the four regional chairs, and the national treasurer / returning officer.

In addition, members elected to national officers committee positions will not be able to go back to any other position in the IFA. They can only move upwards, the association said.

Split roles

The roles of national treasurer and national returning officer will be split.

The national returning officer will not be a member of national council or the national officers' committee and will be elected for four years.

The person will be ineligible to be nominated for any other position within IFA.

Up to three members can now be co-opted onto each national committee from Macra na Feirme or the IFAs Future Leaders Programme.

Any person who has served 12 years on national committees will not be eligible to go forward for election if somebody who has not served on any national committee is validly nominated.

Hybrid

The election for president and deputy president will be a hybrid model.

Each member will receive their ballot papers in the post. They have the option to attend their branch AGM to cast their ballot, or return it by post.

The president, deputy president, and regional chair will be elected for a maximum of one four-year term, and not two two-year terms as is currently the case.

IFA president Tim Cullinan said the rule changes will "help to bring new people into the association".

"Its important that we continue to renew the organisation and send out a strong message that IFA is open to new people, new ideas, and new ways of doing business," Mr Cullinan said.
Im off to Italy this week, in my head at least. Im determined to pretend I live in a sunny climate and I refuse to hide from the rain anymore.

Last weekend between the rain showers I put up the gazebo which should allow us to sit outside for at least some of the month of August.

If necessary I shall employ the services of our brazier (bought in HomeBase for around 20) to help improve the ambient temperature!

My suggestions this week are all Italian and suited to summer foods - think light pasta, salumi plates, and fish and light meats grilled on the barbecue with lemon and olive oil.

I do however include a rogue Bagnum from the Northern Rhone Valley from one of Frances best natural producers.

Bagnums have appeared here before and are essentially a magnum-sized bag in box wine without the box.

There is an argument that the bagnum format, despite being single-use, is better for the environment as it uses less energy to produce than glass.

Either way, it is a bit of a genius invention and can sit happily in the door of your fridge or on your kitchen counter.

I like a chilled red wine in the summertime and soft Rhones or Italian reds such as Montepulciano, Refosco and even Primitivo can work particularly well.

I even chill better wine such as Valpolicella Ripasso (Zonin Ripasso recommended below), and I need to chill those sweeter wines from the supermarket that are made with partially dried grapes.

I love an Amarone sometimes but I do despair a little of many of the sweeter appassimento style wines that are now on every wine shelf, often with up to 9 grammes of residual sugar.

There is no denying their popularity however so if someone brings one to your house I recommend you serve it chilled or make some Sangria.

For whites, I recommend a delicious Grillo, a rare organic Malvasia-Fiano blend, and a Pecorino, a grape I really should include more often.

Pecorino has nothing to do with the cheese but is native to the Marche and Abruzzo regions.

Pecorino almost disappeared after the war years when producers were looking for high-yielding varieties like Trebbiano that would help bring in some cash.

Pecorino by contrast is low yielding and has actual flavour and texture. Saluti!

Wines Under 17

Colomba Bianca Vitese Grillo Organic, Sicilia

Colomba Bianca Vitese Grillo Organic, Sicilia - 15.50-16.50

Stockists: Cinnamon Cottage Cork; Pinto Wines; Lilith; Green Man Wines; Independents.

I drank this recently in Crudo Restaurant in Sandymount and it was a perfect match for the summery food we ate including Calamari.

Fragrant and floral with ripe yellow peach notes and some citrus acidity to refresh the palate and to cut through the buttery richness of perhaps a Spaghetti Carbonara or some BBQ grilled prawns.

Palastri Rosso Piceno

Palastri Rosso Piceno

Stockists: Cinnamon Cottage; Fallon & Byrne; Blackrock Cellar; Margadh Howth; 64 Wines; Green Man; Independents.

Rosso Piceno is one of my go-to wines whenever Im in a restaurant - this juicy Sangiovese-Montepulciano blend is a great match for all kinds of food from BBQ to pasta.

Ripe black cherry and soft plum fruits balanced by acidity and a touch of structure, with a palate-cleansing cherry stone finish.

Amastuola Balento Malvasia-Fiano, Salento, Italy

Amastuola Balento Malvasia-Fiano, Salento, Italy - 17.00

Stockists: Wunderkaffee Farran; Taste Castletownbere; Little GreenGrocer; Toons Bridge Shop Macroom & Sandymount Independents.

A blend Ive not encountered before but both grapes are found throughout Southern Italy so it makes sense.

Fiano always adds some structure and heft to a wine and here its nutty citrus character balances the honeyed floral Malvasia.

Honeysuckle and pear fruits, textured and rounded with a zesty lemony-fresh finish.

Wines Over 17

Zonin Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore, Veneto, Italy

Zonin Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore, Veneto, Italy - 19.99

Stockists: JJ ODriscolls; Independents.

Big brother to Valpolicella and younger brother to Amarone and made from the same grapes (Corvina, Rondinella and Molinara).

For Ripassa the young wine is re-fermented on the lees of Amarone to take on extra texture and richness.

Dark cherry aromas, lively soft fruits with more cherries on the palate - supple and juicy.

Zonins Montepulciano DAbruzzo (14.99) is also recommended.

Eric Texier Chat Fou Bagnum, Rhone

Eric Texier Chat Fou Bagnum, Rhone, 1500ml - 50.00

Stockists: Cinnamon Cottage

Dropping this 1500ml rogue Rhone red in among the Italians as it is too good to miss - mostly Grenache but includes a mix of grapes (including white) co-fermented on natural yeasts.

Dark garnet with crushed berry scents, ripe red/black fruits with spice accents and finishes with the same tang found in a mouthful of Irish raspberries. Will work well chilled.

Cataldi Madonna Gulia Pecorino 2022, Abruzzo, Italy

Cataldi Madonna Gulia Pecorino 2022, Abruzzo, Italy - 25-26.00

Stockists: McHughs; Green Man; Sweeneys; Drinkstore.ie; BaggotStreetWines.com;

The new vintage of this wine has just begun appearing in shops and it is even better than usual. I love Pecorino and this producer was instrumental in its revival in Abruzzo. This has floral lime and lemon aromas with herbal touches, textured and balanced on the palate with good acidity and ripe fruits and a pleasing citrus kick on the finish.

Spirit of the Week

Skellig Six Small Batch PX Cask Whiskey, 40% ABV, 75cl

Skellig Six Small Batch PX Cask Whiskey, 40% ABV, 75cl - 47

Stockists: Castle Tralee; No. 21; Fields; Vintry; Celtic Whiskey Shop; Baggot St. Wines; McHughs; Ardkeen; Skelligsix18distillery.ie/

I featured the excellent Skellig Six18 Gin last year but they now have a couple of good whiskies in their range, all finished in Cahersiveen. The Single Pot Still sold out too quickly for me to mention it so Im recommending this blend instead which is perfect for cocktails or on the rocks.

This blend of Pot Still and Grain whiskey began life in Bourbon Cask and was finished in PX Sherry casks on the Atlantic coast. Honey and allspice aromas, smooth on the palate with toffee and heather honey flavours followed by almonds and fruitcake, with a peppery finish.
Coldplay's return to Ireland is already shaping up to be one of the biggest events of 2024.

This week we saw fans fight for presale tickets with hundreds of thousands waiting in virtual queues in the hopes of securing a ticket to the beloved band. With the addition of two added dates due to the overwhelming demand, Coldplay will now play four nights at Dublin's Croke Park in 2024.

We look back at the British band's rise to fame and acceleration to the type of act that can send Ireland into a frenzy.

How they met

Chris Martin met his bandmates Guy Berryman, Jonny Buckland and Will Champion at a student bar while studying at university in London in the late 90s. Their first rehearsal was in Jonny Bucklands bedroom in January 1998 and the band started out as just him and Martin before Guy joined, later followed by Will. Chris Martins friend from boarding school, Phil Harvey came on board as the bands manager (and later creative director) and is often referred to as the fifth member.

Originally from Devon in England, Martin is the lead vocalist and songwriter behind Coldplays greatest hits. As Rolling Stone said in 2019, Martin is famously press-shy despite his immense fame.

Coldplay

How it all started

Things moved pretty quickly for Martin and co. After gigging in London and deciding on their band name, Coldplay recorded their first extended play, Safety in 1998. In 1999, they released their single Brothers & Sisters and in the same year, they were signed by Parlophone Records.

Brothers & Sisters debuted at number 92 in the UK Singles Chart and the band had become one to watch. A second EP (The Blue Room) followed before the release of their first album Parachutes in July 2000.

The album was well-received and debuted at number one in the UK. However, their now iconic hit Yellow was the real star of the show and remains a Coldplay classic 23 years on. The minimalistic music video was shot on a beach in Dorset featuring Martin on his own. This is because the filming took place on the day of Champions mothers funeral.

Rise to fame

The rapid rise to fame kicked off with Parachutes and the album sold almost 900,000 copies by the end of 2000. The same year saw the band win a BRIT Award for both Best British Band and Best Album. It was followed by their second album A Rush of Blood to the Head in 2002 which continued Coldplays winning streak at home in the UK, while also making an impression on the US.

By 2002, the band was lined up to headline the biggest festival in the UK, Glastonbury. Their third album X&Y became the best-selling album of 2005, selling over 8.3 million copies worldwide. It included the single Fix You.

Martins marriage to Gwyneth Paltrow

In 2002, Chris Martin met American actress Gwyneth Paltrow backstage at a Coldplay concert. By December 2003, the pair were married. Around this time, Coldplay had set their sights on conquering the US.

In 2004, Martin and Paltrow welcomed their first daughter, Apple. Two years later, they announced the birth of their son Moses, who was named after the Coldplay song of the same name which Martin wrote for his wife. As well as Moses, Martin famously wrote the song Fix You for Paltrow. The song is about the death of her father. In 2014, the pair announced their split via a post on Paltrows website, Goop. However, they remain close friends and Martin is currently in a relationship with actress Dakota Johnson.

Hollywood actress Gwyneth Paltrow and Coldplay frontman Chris Martin announced that they split after nearly 11 years of marriage

Time in Ireland

Amid their rise to fame, Coldplay often came across the pond to gig. In 2001, they played Slane Festival at Slane Castle and in 2003 they played Witnness (later Oxegen). By 2011, they were headlining at Oxegen Music Festival alongside the likes of Beyonce, the Black-Eyed Peas, the Foo Fighters and Arctic Monkeys.

Their last gig in Ireland was in 2017.

Coldplay performing at Croke Park. Picture: Stephen Collins/Collins Photos

Criticism

The band has received a lot of criticism over the years, particularly from music critics. In 2011 the New Yorker even published an article titled 'Why Dont I Like Coldplay?'

In the early 2000s Creation Records founder Alan McGee famously described the band as being bedwetters.

Speaking on the criticism in an interview in 2001 for Select magazine, Chris Martin said: Weve just been fired and while half the time you think, This is great were flying through the air, the other time you think, Shit, when are we going to land? People who dont like you talk about you like youre the Third Reich. People who do like you will really defend you.

In 2016, Vice concluded: A lot of people will tell you the problem with Coldplay is their music. That its so tiresome its like running through the desert only to reach an oasis of airy nothingness. And often, it is. Yet there are moments in their songs that are so universal.

Fans cheer for Chris Martin during the Music of the Spheres World Tour. Picture: Mads Claus Rasmussen / Ritzau Scanpix / AFP

Popularity

With their background and fast-paced success in mind, it is easy to see how the band became so popular.

With chart-topping hits, the proof is in the pudding in terms of their ability to produce music that people want to listen to. From Parachutes and the more melancholic Ghost Stories to collaboration with the likes of Avicii, Coldplay have continued to adapt with the times. However  crucially  they have kept their distinct sound that makes their music instantly recognisable.

Hitting the big time in the early 2000s, their music has been the backdrop of the lives of many millennials and Gen Zers and perhaps that nostalgia has a part to play in the demand to see Coldplay live.

What we do know is the band has a reputation for putting on a show. From their now famous LED wristbands to stellar production, lights, and plenty of colour, Coldplay has created a name for themselves as a band you have to experience live at least once in your life  whether youre a diehard fan or in Alan McGees camp.
Once Upon a Time in Northern Ireland (RTE Player and RTE One, Thursday) starts slowly and awkwardly.

A woman in a green dress, Fiona, walks to a chair and settles herself before telling us that she had been a finalist in Miss Ireland in the 1980s.

Shes engaging and you should have seen the 1980s hairstyles in the footage, but I couldnt make out what this Derry womans lovely girls' story had to do with the Troubles.

Not long after we see a man on the walls of Derry singing a bad version of The Town I Loved So Well. I heard myself muttering get on with it.

I dont remember muttering anything after that.

I was mesmerised as the story we all think we know unfolded from a new angle.

The woman in the green dress witnessed the murders of 13 people in Derry in 1972. Her brother joined the IRA off the back of it and ended up shot by the British army.

The man who couldnt sing was Billy McVeigh, a legendary rioter during the early 70s commemorated in a mural that still stands in Derry today.

They are just two from the cast of eye-witnesses who tell of the collapse of Northern Ireland towards anarchy from their point of view.

If the show didnt start with Fiona telling us a bit about herself that didnt involve rioting and shooting, I would have tuned out.

Like a lot of people my age, I think I have a good handle on what happened from 1968 on up the north. But I wasnt there and these people were.

Tom was part of the British Army put on the streets of the north in response to the sectarian violence.

Hes a bluff northern English man, a quiet Jack Charlton, who talked about his bewilderment at a war in a British city.

The beauty of Tom is that we see footage of him in a documentary, aged 19, talking about how he preferred Protestants to Catholics because they gave him tea and cake rather than nail bombs. You cant blame him for that.

The mic-drop moment for Tom came in the next sentence when he added that he is Catholic himself. Nothing is ever as simple as you think it is.

The narrative time-shifts elegantly.

A minute-by-minute picture of that day, Bloody Sunday, is followed by a David Cameron speech in 2010 at the House of Commons, describing the shootings as unjustified and unjustifiable.

But nothing is ever over in Northern Ireland.

Shortly after this, we learn the flag of the Paratroop Regiment that shot 13 Catholics is still hoisted on lamp-posts in Loyalist areas.

The first episode is mainly a Catholic, nationalist take on the start of the troubles. The producers obviously realised this, because the trailer at the end for episode two features loyalist and Protestant voices.

This is a lesson in outlandishly good storytelling. And a history lesson for younger people who think the Troubles were a band from Derry.
Police chief Jordan Sanders (Jon Hamm) is baffled when he discovers that two women named Maggie Moore (Mary Holland and Louisa Krause) have been murdered in his small mid-western town in the space of a week.

Its hardly a coincidence; then again, its hardly the work of an especially bizarre serial killer either. Whats going on?

So begins Maggie Moore(s) (16s), in which Sanders, a widower and aspiring writer, teams up with Rita Grace (Tina Fey), a neighbour of one of the Maggies, to puzzle out the mystery.

Blackly comic in tone, the story takes us back to a week before the first Maggie is murdered, where we discover that her abusive husband Jay (Micha Stock) has hired Kosco (Happy Anderson) to threaten his wife, who is planning to go to the cops with evidence that will incriminate Jay in a scam.

Its all very reminiscent of Fargo: the hapless criminal Jay, the ostensibly comic but lethal killer Kosco, the investigating detective with a folksy approach to life, all set against a backdrop of Nowheresville, America.

That said, Paul Bernbaum and John Slattery, writer and director, respectively, arent quite as sharp as the Coen Brothers when it comes to oddball characters and offbeat scenarios.

Having established their story on what appears to be an outrageous coincidence, Bernbaum and Slattery ease off on the improbabilities, allowing the movie to unfold in a low-key fashion in which personal flaws, rather than any kind of grand schemes, are key.

Jon Hamm is strong here as the bereaved police chief, and while Tina Feys character doesnt afford her many opportunities to play to her comic strengths, theres plenty of humour to be mined from Micha Stocks Jay as he staggers from one crisis to another, and Nick Mohammeds cheerfully insubordinate Deputy Reddy.
When Macroom native John FitzGerald was a young boy attending De La Salle National School, he was transfixed by the dramatic story of Caoineadh Airt Ui Laoghaire ( The Lament for Art OLeary) that was composed by his heartbroken widow, Eibhlin Dubh Ni Chonaill (Eileen OConnell) following his murder.

FitzGeralds fifth class teacher,  brilliant  John Browne, read the poignant long poem, now 250 years old, to the youngsters in both Irish and English.

It made such an impact on FitzGerald that when he and his classmates were instructed to kneel on the pavement on Cork Street, Macroom, on October 6, 1971, he thought the widow in the funeral cortege for composer Sean O Riada was Eileen OConnell.

It was as if the eventful long poem had come to life in the confused mind of a schoolboy.

Now FitzGerald, an award-winning poet who settled in Lissarda outside Macroom with his wife and children, has added to the considerable body of translations of the lament.

Peter Levi, Professor of Poetry at Oxford, has said of the poem that its the greatest poem written in these islands in the whole eighteenth century.

It differs from most of the best known narratives of love and loss in the Irish tradition because Art and Eileen were real people.

Eileen first saw Art in the square in Macroom [in 1767] so that made it all very immediate and personal to me, says FitzGerald.

Eileen [from Derrynane in Co Kerry], in the town to visit her sister, was in all likelihood standing where the AIB is now, facing the town hall. She would have seen Art in his uniform. He was a captain in the Hungarian Hussars back from duty. She would have been a little older than him, about four years. They got married [against her familys wishes] very shortly afterwards and moved into Raleigh House outside Macroom. Children came along and Eileen was pregnant with her third when Art was killed.

It was the time of the oppressive Penal Laws. Art, a defiant and anti-establishment figure, refused to sell his prized horse for five guineas to a local Protestant magistrate, Abraham Morris, in accordance with a punitive law.

Following a public dispute with Morris, Art was shot dead by him on May 4, 1773, at Carriganima, some miles northwest of Macroom. Eileen was alerted to the terrible news when her husbands mare galloped home without him.

She went to the scene of Arts death, drank some of his blood and gave vent to her grief in her native Irish in a memorable poetic lament.

As was the tradition, the lament or keen was generally half sung and half spoken by a woman, expressing regret for the death of its subject while celebrating any admirable deeds and notable personal qualities.

The Lament for Art OLeary in a new translation by John FitzGerald

The Lament for Art OLeary is thought to have existed in oral form for 30 years before being written down in 1800 and later published in print in 1892.

FitzGeralds interest in the lament is partly topographical as he grew up near where Art and Eileen first met and is familiar with the various place names mentioned in the narrative.

With over 20 translations of the lament from scholars and writers, including Sean O Tuama (whose translation is FitzGeralds main source,) Eilis Dillon, Patrick Galvin, Vona Groarke, Eleanor Hull, Thomas Kinsella, John Montague, Angela Bourke, Paul Muldoon, and Frank OConnor, why take it on?

Because nobody has done it in a particular way which is to take the three-stressed lines on. Most of the lines have three beats in them. They are short lines. The storytelling happens quite quickly, at a canter, in Irish. I felt nobody had made an English translation which preserved the sonic impact and the dramatic impact of the short-stressed lines. I transposed that currency into English. It was very challenging. It took about three years. It meant I had to constantly compress and make my English lines shorter than what the impulse is when translating. But it was an interesting discipline. It meant also that I had to work hard to do what I call internal rhyming, avoiding straightforward end-line rhyming. With the lines so short, it would have sounded almost like a nursery rhyme if I had end-line rhyming.

The Liberator, Daniel OConnell

Eileen, who was an aunt of The Liberator, Daniel OConnell, came from a relatively wealthy family as did her husband. Their union was a source of controversy for Eileens parents.

Art had a fiery unpredictable mercurial personality. There were lots of stories about other women and him being unfaithful.

The lament contains the lines extolling Arts virility: Rich merchants wives/would bow down to the ground/knowing full well/your mettle in bed.

Art was a bit of an outlaw, fond of drink and a bellicose kind of guy. The OConnells never wanted to draw attention to themselves. Thats because their business, what they called import and export, was what others might have called smuggling. It wasnt, exactly. They basically imported a lot of goods including wine and silk and would have exported butter and other things from Derrynane. But they mightnt have done it with the full oversight of the authorities. Art was too public for their liking, too much of a lad around town. But Eileen put her eye on him and they fell madly in love.

While the story of Art and Eileen is part of the canon of Irish literature, FitzGerald says there is a lot of conjecture about it.

Were not absolutely sure that the dispute Art had with Abraham Morris was about a horse. Theres speculation that it could have been to do with a woman or it might have been some other misdemeanour.

While there is also speculation about the provenance of the lament, FitzGerald says thats because laments were never written down. In all likelihood, it is by Eileen but most of the scholars say that it probably wasnt all enunciated in one go. Some of it [was articulated] when Art was buried in Kilnamartyra and some of it came out when he was re-interred in Kilcrea. Eileens mother [Maire Dubh Ni Chonaill] was a poet. Eileen herself is said to have composed a lament for a man she married when she was just a teenager. He died after they were married for six months. So she would have had some practice and a great education. Her brothers were sent to France to be educated. There is no evidence that the girls went to France but its very likely that Eileen would have absorbed everything that was going on, growing up in the tradition of her mother. Daniel OConnell used to credit his skill and oratory to Eileens mother who lived to 90.

FitzGerald, a BA graduate of UCC, recently retired from his post as head librarian at the university. He is now an adjunct professor in the universitys school of English. Having written poetry in his teens which wasnt really very good, I didnt so much abandon it. I just came back to it naturally when I turned 50.

He won the Patrick Kavanagh Poetry Award in 2014 and his 2021 collection, The Time Being, was shortlisted for the Seamus Heaney First Collection Poetry Prize. With his new book, he has come full circle since a school boy enraptured by the larger-than-life Art OLeary and the passionate Eileen OConnell.
Free Gelato

Friday, July 28  Ginos

Gino's is celebrating its 15th birthday

Ginos Gelato is celebrating 15 years in business this weekend with a free scoop of gelato. To mark the special occasion, you can get a free scoop of Birthday Cake gelato across all stores on Friday, July 28  so youll have to act fast!

Fit-up Theatre Festival

Tuesday, July 11- Sunday, August 6  West Cork

Established in West Cork in 2009, the Fit-Up Theatre Festival continues this weekend. The event provides rural communities with a chance to sample some of the talent professional theatre has to offer with a host of events taking place in different parts of West Cork over the coming weeks. This years selection includes Lee Coffeys Oh Brother and Sean Moylan  Irish Revolutionary.

For more information, see www.fit-uptheatrefestival.com

Skibbereen Arts Festival

Wednesday, July 26  Saturday, August 5  Skibbereen

Skibbereen Arts Festival

The Skibbereen Arts Festival returns with a host of different events taking place over the next week including a showing of Nothing Compares, a movie about Sinead OConnors rise to fame.

Other events include lots of music, art, spoken word and workshops that will take place in the West Cork town.

If you're looking for some inspiration, we have 10 highlights here.

Spirit of Mother Jones Festival

Thursday, July 27-Saturday, July 29  Shandon

Joan Goggin dressed as Mother Jones outside Shandon at the launch of The Spirit of Mother Jones Festival 2023. Picture: David Creedon

Now in its 12th year, the annual festival in celebration of Corks rebel daughter takes place this weekend in Shandon. The festivals events reflect the union labour, social justice and human rights values of Mother Jones, who was born in the area in 1837. This years Spirit of Mother Jones Festival will include talks, lectures, walks, documentaries and music.

For the full programme of events, see motherjonescork.com

ABBA Tribute show

Saturday, July 29  The Oliver Plunkett

ABBA tribute band the Super Troupers, who play Cork's Oliver Plunkett on Saturday 29 July.

The Super Troupers live band brings the best of ABBAs hits to the Oliver Plunkett on Saturday night. Enjoy drinks, canapes and plenty of dancing from 10pm.

Hits on the night will include Mamma Mia, Dancing Queen, Fernando and more.

For tickets, see eventbrite.
A batch of a popular dish from Dunnes Stores has been recalled as it may be unsafe for some customers.

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland issued a warning about the Dunnes Stores Simply Better Handmade Irish Corn Fed Chicken and Mushroom Pie.
The Minister for Justice has admitted there is no timeframe for legislation to outlaw sex-for-rent practices 18 months after the government pledged to tackle it.

Minister Helen McEntee described landlords seeking sex-for-rent arrangements, by preying on vulnerable people desperately seeking accommodation, as absolutely horrendous. She also highlighted a lengthy investigation carried out into sex-for-rent practices by the Irish Examiner since December 2021.

It should never be the case that somebody is put in that position, particularly vulnerable people," she said.

When the issue was first revealed, Minister McEntee told the Dail there was a gap in the law that left vulnerable renters exposed to unscrupulous landlords and that it was something that "needs to be addressed".

We are trying to bring forward proposals as quickly as we possibly can.

However, Ms McEntee admitted on Friday that "we dont have a timeframe" for enacting new laws but said the government was "trying to move on it as quickly as possible".

The Ban on Sex for Rent Bill, introduced by Social Democrats TD Cian OCallaghan in March 2022, was not progressed after pre-legislative scrutiny. The Department of Justice will look at the issue following finalisation of a review of prostitution laws.

That review was due to be completed at the end of last year but was delayed. A new lead researcher is now being recruited to complete the prostitution review after the department agreed that the previous researcher was not able to complete the study.

When told that one woman targeted by landlords seeking sex-for-rent arrangements in Dublin has had to seek counselling because of her experience, Minister McEntee said: It is absolutely appalling what has happened to the lady in question.

"It shouldnt have happened and I hope she is doing okay. I wish her the best. We are moving as quickly as we can and we have a huge amount of work in the zero-tolerance strategy to try and address a number of different issues.

"It is identifying the right way in which we can progress, making sure we have the right legislation which is constitutional and, most importantly, that it actually helps the people that we want it to help.
The Government has announced a new 10m funding package aimed at increasing the visibility of gardai in Dublin, a move which comes in the wake of a number of high-profile assaults in the capital in recent weeks.

According to Justice Minister Helen McEntee, the new funding package will allow for 240,000 extra Garda hours in the Dublin Metropolitan Region by the end of the year.

Ms McEntee said the new package, which is being made available to the force immediately, will "give An Garda Siochana a significant boost to their overtime budget to put more gardai on the beat in the capital".

The justice minister will officially announce the move at a graduation ceremony at the Garda College in Templemore this afternoon.

Justice Minister Helen McEntee will announce the move today. Picture: Stephen Collins

Dublin is a great city to live in, work in and visit and I am committed to increasing the number of gardai on our streets to ensure people feel safe, and to build stronger, safer communities," Ms McEntee said.

Our recruitment into An Garda Siochana is also gathering pace and we are on track to have 800 new recruits into the college this year.

"Next week, our biggest class this year will start their training, with almost 180 new recruits entering Templemore."

Ms McEntee added that the new Community Safety Partnership for Dublins north inner city will publish its community safety plan "in the coming weeks".

This brings together a range of agencies, groups, and organisations to improve safety and acknowledges that community safety is not an issue for An Garda Siochana alone," she said.
Three men convicted of multiple offences carried out during an attack by a mob on security guards at a repossessed farmhouse in Roscommon five years ago have each been sentenced to 15 years in prison.

Martin O'Toole, 59, PJ Sweeney, 44, and Paul Beirne, 57, were found guilty in June of 15 charges in relation to the incident at Falsk, Strokestown on December 16, 2018, including aggravated burglary, violent disorder and criminal damage to a door of a house.

Mayo farmer O'Toole of Stripe, Irishtown, Claremorris; Sweeney, a builder of High Cairn, Ramelton, Co Donegal; and cattle farmer Beirne of Croghan, Boyle, were also found guilty of false imprisonment of and assault causing harm to Ian Gordon, Mark Rissen, John Graham, and Gary McCourtney.

They were further convicted of three counts of arson in relation to three vans and to causing unnecessary suffering to an animal by causing or permitting an animal to be struck on the head.

Guilty verdicts

Following a trial of over three months, a jury at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court returned guilty verdicts in respect of 15 charges faced by the three men, but acquitted them of robbery of a wristwatch from John Graham and one count of arson in relation to a car.

A fourth man  David Lawlor, 43, of Bailis Downs, Navan, Co. Meath  was found not guilty of the same 17 charges.

Imposing sentence on Friday, Judge Martina Baxter said a mob carrying weapons arrived at the property in a rural location in the early hours of the morning.

She said this was a well-executed plan and the group were there to make a point about repossession and to terrify the security men to ensure they never came back.

Judge Baxter said the group arrived at the property to cause havoc and intended the people there would leave and never come back.

She said the defendants were part of and actively participated in events and the evidence demonstrated extensive planning and pre-mediation on the part of those involved.

'Calculated cruelty'

She said these were highly organised and deliberate crimes which included an element of calculated cruelty designed to create fear and terror.

Judge Baxter said this case falls into the exceptionally serious category of offending and the defendants had a high degree of moral culpability.

She said there was an large absence of mitigation in this case, due to the lack of contrition and the absence of humanity. She said she took into account that the men had never been in custody for serious offending before and their family circumstances.

Judge Baxter noted the maximum sentence for false imprisonment is life imprisonment and the aggravating features in this case include that the injured parties faced humiliation and violation of their bodily integrity.

She said the evidence showed Mr Gordon was singled out for particular attention and was beaten and humiliated in a truly callous manner. She imposed a sentence of 15 years on each of the three accused for the false imprisonment of Mr Gordon.

She handed them 14-year sentences for the false imprisonment of the other three security guards, 13 years for the aggravated burglary, 10 years in respect of the violent disorder and arson charges, eight years for the criminal damage count and five years in relation to the charge of animal cruelty. All sentences are to run concurrently and are backdated to the date they entered custody.

No proof of rehabilitation

Judge Baxter said there was no proof before the court of rehabilitation and she declined to suspend any element of the sentences.

About 60 supporters and family members of the three defendants were present in court during the hearing.

There was heckling and shouting in court as the sentences were handed down. One person shouted what a joke and another said you should ashamed of yourself judge.

Before imposing sentence, Judge Baxter asked O'Toole, who was representing himself, if he wished to address the court or to seek the assistance of counsel.

O'Toole said: I've been denied the right to a free and fair trial because my legal team refused to take my instructions, that's all I have to say.
A 49-year-old man who claimed he suffered catastrophic injuries from a fungal infection allegedly acquired while undergoing a heart procedure at Blackrock Clinic has settled his High Court action for 3 million.

The settlement was announced in the High Court a day after the court had granted lawyers for the man an order so their engineers could inspect the theatre complexes incorporating operating theatres 4 and 5 at the Blackrock Clinic, Rock Road, Blackrock, Dublin, over the August bank holiday weekend.

The mans counsel, Bruce Antoniotti SC instructed by Augustus Cullen Law solicitors, told the court the settlement, which is without an admission of liability, is a full and final settlement of the claim.

Counsel said liability was fully contested in the case. All the claims were denied by the Blackrock Clinic whose expert, the court heard, contended that the mans fungal infection came on too soon and he may have had the fungal infection before he went in for surgery.

Mr Justice Paul Coffey, who approved the settlement, said the litigation risk in the case was great and and over and above what one would expect in most cases. The mans action against Blackrock Clinic included a substantial claim for loss of earnings.

Claim

Previously in an affidavit to the court, his solicitor Neil Kidd said the inspection of the theatre complexes incorporating theatres four and five were necessary to present the man's case. He said in the affidavit the case involved allegations regarding the physical composition of theatre, their layout, the building fit-out and materials used, and the air exchange between the theatres and other rooms forming part of the complexes.

Mr Kidd said the man has allegedly suffered catastrophic injuries from the infection. Specifically, he said it is alleged the man acquired the infection from an airborne source during the procedure.

Aspergillus Fumigatus, he said, is a fungal mould which can cause semi-invasive or invasive infections and treatment options are limited. He said the infection is almost impossible to treat surgically and long-term anti-fungal agents are the only way to keep the infection under control.

All the claims were denied by the Blackrock Clinic.

Surgeries

The man had an aortic graft replacement and an aortic valve repair at the Blackrock Clinic in June 2021. In the proceedings, it is claimed that he sustained an aspergillus infection of a prosthetic graft.

He was discharged from the Blackrock Clinic seven days after surgery but later represented at the clinic with rash and chills. He was treated at the Blackrock Clinic and was admitted into intensive care where he underwent testing and procedures.

He later transferred to another hospital for treatment and underwent high-risk surgery. It has been claimed he has had multiple further surgeries.

However, it is claimed when the mans health began to deteriorate last year he and his wife were informed that the infection was out of control around his heart and he was advised he could choose to undergo an extremely high-risk aortic surgery a third time.

He made the decision to have the high-risk surgery and has since had other surgery.
WARNING: Some readers may find the following report upsetting

A Dublin man with a history of violence against women and who changed his identity when moving to west Clare inflicted "a reign of terror" on his fourth female victim, a court has heard.

This follows Scott Donegan (37) pleading guilty at Ennis Circuit Court to the false imprisonment of an ex-partner during a four-hour ordeal at his home at Knockmore, Kilmilhil, Co. Clare on November 9, 2022.

Named for the first time after reporting restrictions were lifted in the case, Scott Donegan also pleaded guilty to producing a knife at the same address on the same date contrary to Section 11 of the Offensive Weapons and Firearms Act.

In her victim impact statement, the Co. Clare woman told the court that Scott Donegan is a danger to society and he has scarred and damaged me for life. The woman said that Donegan imposed a reign of terror on her during the four-hour ordeal on November 9 despite her begging him to stop.

She said: I believed that I would be killed by him and never see my children or family again. In evidence, Det. Garda Donal Corkery told the court that four of Donegans previous convictions are crimes of violence against women.

Det. Corkery said that the four convictions for assault are against three ex-partners when Mr Donegan went under the name of Paul McMenamy. Det. Corkery stated that the most serious is when the Tallaght native viciously assaulted his partner in February 2012 at the time resulting in extensive head injuries and life-changing injuries for the woman.

The garda told the court: Prior to an ambulance being called, he left her with the injuries for 15 hours. Det. Corkery said that McMenamy received a 10-year prison term with the final two years suspended for the Section 4 causing serious harm assault and he was released from prison in February 2018.

Det. Corkery said that it was around this time that he changed his name to Scott Thomas Donegan by Deed Poll and moved to Miltown Malbay in west Clare.

Fourth victim

Mr Donegans latest victim told the court that Donegan legally changed his name to avoid his past being made apparent where he was convicted of assault on three previous partners, the last of whom was left with a brain injury.

Det. Corkery said that the woman in the new case was unaware of Donegans past and commenced a relationship with him. However, the garda stated the woman ended the relationship after seeing another side to Donegan and after learning some bits about his past and his criminal history.

The detective said that Donegan couldnt accept the relationship was over and last year continued to bombard the woman with messages from various social media platforms and blackmailed her if she didnt meet with him that he would tell the womans former partner that she had an affair with someone else towards the end of their relationship.

The garda said that the woman felt she had no choice but to go and meet him.

November 9, 2022

Det. Corkery stated that at Donegans home on November 9, 2022, Donegan took the mobile phone off her and forced her to sit in a chair where she was frozen out of fear due to the aggressive behaviour of Mr Donegan.

Det. Corkery stated that Donegan ran at the woman with a knife and put her in fear. The detective said that Donegan then grabbed the woman by the throat and squeezed her wind-pipe. He said that Donegan told her that he had a Glock hand-gun and a shot-gun and when saying this put on latex gloves.

Det. Corkery said: In total, the woman was not allowed to leave the house from 7m to 11pm. She was in constant fear that her life was in jeopardy. The detective said that Donegan returned the phone to the woman and she phoned a friend who came to the home to pick her up.

The garda said that Donegan appeared in court on November 15 last and has remained in custody since.

Apology

Counsel for Donegan, Patrick Whyms BL, instructed by solicitor Daragh Hassett, said that his client apologises to the victim and is extremely sorry for all of his offences outlined to court. Mr Whyms said that Donegan had gone forward to the circuit court on a signed guilty plea from the district court.

Mr Whyms said that Mr Donegan is in the early stages of a substantial period in custody but has been making the most of his time in prison by engaging with voluntary groups there and signing up for Leaving Cert courses as he left school when he was 14.

Mr Whyms said that a report found that Mr Donegan is not diagnosed with any mental illness.

Victim impact statement

The woman in the case delivered her own victim impact statement in court.

She said that prior to November 9 last: I was subjected to almost two weeks of harassment, stalking, him threatening suicide and threats made against me, my family and friends because I did not want to continue a relationship with him after the reality and gravity of his web of lies that had been told to me became apparent.

The woman said that during the four-hour ordeal: I have never thought it possible to experience fear like what I did on that night while he held a knife to me, put his hands on me and screamed in my face that he would butcher me.

The woman said that the psychological and emotional scars as a result of the trauma he has left with me are very real and she suffered from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety and panic attacks.

She said:

I am left with the trauma, devalued and dehumanised by him.

The woman said that she wakes up screaming from nightmares where I can again feel his hand on my neck, the spit from his mouth as he screamed in my face and him laughing at me taking pleasure as I begged him to stop while holding a knife to me while saying he was going to butcher me.

Judge Francis Comerford said that there was a lot to consider in sentencing Mr Donegan and remanded him in custody to be sentenced on September 25.

- If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please click here for a list of support services.
A man who spent nearly a year in prison for a crime he did not commit has been declared to have suffered a miscarriage of justice by the Court of Appeal.

The ruling means that 33-year-old Declan Tynan, of Vincent Street Flats, Dublin 8, is in a position to sue to State for compensation regarding his wrongful incarceration.

Mr Tynan had served 11 months of a three-year sentence for violent disorder stemming from a stabbing at a west Dublin bookmakers in 2012 before his conviction was quashed in April 2018 after another man came forward to assume responsibility for the offence.

Mr Tynan had always maintained his innocence.

At the appeal hearing in March of this year, Mr Tynans counsel raised the fact that undisclosed communication between the garda investigating the stabbing and the garda who identified Mr Tynan, securing his conviction, amounted to a scream-aloud issue, one which meant the Circuit Criminal Court had been very, very seriously misled.

Representing Mr Tynan, Michael OHiggins SC said that his defence had only become aware of that undisclosed communication in November 2021, nine years after the initial crime.

That communication showed that the identifying Garda, Patrick McAvinue, had at first not identified Mr Tynan having been furnished with CCTV stills of the incident by the investigating Garda Ciaran Loughrey in advance of making a formal identification in March 2013.

Gda McAvinue later positively identified Mr Tynan, and testified at the initial 2016 trial that he had no prior knowledge of any of the suspects, nor had he viewed the relevant CCTV stills, prior to making his formal identification.

The three-judge panel, with judgement delivered by Justice Patrick McCarthy, said they accepted that the undisclosed evidence could and no doubt would have been deployed in cross-examination" by Mr Tynans defence and could have been used to challenge the reliability of that evidence.

Mr Justice McCarthy said the court would grant Mr Tynan a certificate of miscarriage of justice.

However, the judges dismissed entirely any suggestion that the gardai were guilty of any impropriety or suppression of information or anything in the nature of collusion.

It is apparent that both gardai were acting in good faith at all times and they are not open to criticism, even if, in retrospect, a different approach might have been adopted, they stated in their ruling.

Rather, the judges said that key to establishing Mr Tynans innocence was evidence provided by the London Metropolitan Police which reviewed the CCTV footage of the initial crime, and concluded there was weak support for the view that the perpetrator had been a man other than Declan Tynan.

They said that that evidence, combined with Mr Tynans assertion of his own innocence, the affidavit of the man who claimed to be the actual perpetrator, was enough to satisfy the standards required to declare a miscarriage of justice.

The miscarriage of justice was "not in controversy" in Mr Tynan's case, said Mr Justice McCarthy, who then granted the certificate.
Emma Kellys hands started swelling so much that her skin grew painfully tight and she almost lost control of her fingers as she scrolled through her phone in bed one night.

Her hands had suddenly ballooned to double their normal size. The diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis she would receive in the coming weeks would change her life unrecognisably.

At just 19, she would be unable to walk unaided due to shooting pains from her knees through her legs some days.

She would have to crawl up the stairs in her home to get to bed and shrank from peoples intrusive eyes when she limped across the laboratory in college, or leant on a walking stick while serving customers at work.

Ms Kelly would quickly go from an outgoing, friendly, confident teenager to a young woman who could sometimes no longer leave the house due to pain and anxiety.

And a battle to secure somewhat timely medical care was only won with financial help from her parents.

Being a young person with an illness is so tough in Ireland that she now hopes to leave the country.

Not enough is being done to help people in her age cohort with chronic illness and not enough research is being done into autoimmune disorders like hers which is normally thought of as an illness of middle and old age, Ms Kelly said.

'System is so broken'

Our system is so broken but until youre stuck in the middle of it you dont see the enormous cracks.

Ireland is a difficult country to be sick in if youre young.

And a lot of people my age just need temporary help to get back to their lives, not to be wasting their lives stuck at home doing nothing every day.

A lot of people think arthritis gives someone sore knees but it can be so much more than that. It can affect lots of different parts of your body and change your whole life.

Rheumatoid arthritis can affect your hair, your eyesight, your lungs. Even if I dont smoke Im more likely to develop lung cancer than other people. Im at a higher risk of diseases like diabetes, heart disease and lupus.

My granddad had it and he died aged 64. His mother was in a wheelchair by 45, she was very sick with it.

I dont know what my future will look like.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues and causes chronic inflammation.

Although it is commonly associated with joint pain and joint damage, it can also impact other parts of the body, including the skin, eyes, lungs, heart and blood vessels.

Unlike the wear-and-tear damage of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis affects the joint lining, causing a painful swelling that can eventually result in bone erosion and joint deformity.

Emma Kelly: 'People dont die of rheumatoid arthritis anymore but I developed it so young, what impact will it have on my body? No one can tell me what could happen in the future.' Picture: Dan Linehan

Before her diagnosis, Ms Kelly had been living a very independent, energetic life. She moved out of home at 17 and was studying pharmaceutical sciences at Athlone Institute of Technology and worked four days a week in Claires Accessories in the town.

Described by a lecturer as "one of the best they had seen in the lab, strong academically, a diligent worker who would not let anything stop her", she loved learning and loved science.

She also loved electronic music and going out with friends and she was always on the guest list for club nights and parties.

Now, even her love of high heel shoes has been relegated to history as she can no longer wear them.

And sometimes she is unable to sleep with the acute pain in her knee, which vacillates from a pulsing pain through her leg to a crushing pain as if someone was standing on it.

And achingly slow access to medical care has made her condition more difficult and more painful, she said.

Private treatment

Ms Kelly, now 21, said she was lucky her parents could pay for her to get some private treatment. She was told a wait for a rheumatologist would be two years on the public system and nine months if she went privately.

I got really sick when I was waiting. I couldnt walk up the stairs. My mum called and put pressure on them to give me a faster appointment.

But when she was then put on the chemotherapy drug and immune-system suppressant methotrexate, she said she became even more unwell.

I really went downhill then. It made me extremely sick. Id take it on a Monday evening and within one hour of taking it Id be extremely nauseous. Id get very dizzy and extremely weak. After I was on it for a while, Id have that feeling of nausea and be extremely tired all the time.

Id fall asleep everywhere. One day I fell asleep at the dining table when I had something frying. If someone didnt come in and see it I could have burned the whole house down.

My doctor said I had to stay on it for six weeks to see if it would be effective. But it took so long to get another appointment that I ended up taking it for much longer even though I knew it did not suit me.

The side-effects were so much worse than the symptoms it was treating.

She was also on steroids for the better part of two years although she knew from her own research she should not be taking them long-term, she said.

Id get stretch marks on my back and my legs that would split open and bleed.

I gained a lot of weight and my face was permanently swollen.

Hair loss

Losing her hair has been one of the hardest and most unexpected parts of her diagnosis to cope with, she said.

Last summer my hair started to fall out. That was one of the hardest things to deal with.

I didnt look like myself anymore. I looked like a boy or someone who was going through chemo. I looked really ill.

"Losing my hair was the nail in the coffin for me. I didnt cry when I was told I had rheumatoid arthritis but I cried about my hair loss.

It was really awful. I didnt want to leave the house

At the same time I gained a lot of weight from medication.

I stopped going out. I stopped taking photos."

Ms Kelly's parents helped her to pay to see a dermatologist about her hair loss privately. The waiting list was two years on the public system.

"Waiting two years would have been torture," she said.

I got hair extensions as a graduation present from my parents and grandparents and that made a huge difference.

Getting hair extensions made me feel more like myself again and gave me the motivation to lose weight.

I lost three stone this year.

When Ms Kelly's arthritis treatment was switched to biological medication, her life also improved.

Her medication works by suppressing the immune system so it cannot attack itself. And while this dulls her pain and protects her joints and other parts of her body from long term damage of inflammation, it leaves her vulnerable to picking up illnesses.

I pretty much always have a flu or a cold or a cough.

And most cough bottles and cold and flu medication is over the counter so its an additional cost.

Financial burden

The financial burden of illness is difficult to bear, she said, especially when she cannot work.

Although she has applied for a medical card some nine times, she been consistently refused.

I dont know why they make it so difficult.

I think there needs to be a better assessment when someones sick. You should not have to jump through so many hoops to get help.

Other people just get the medical card  people on low income, people with certain conditions  why is it so hard to get one for a young person who is sick?

When people become sick at my age there should be more help for them.

No counselling service was offered, despite the difficulty of dealing with a serious diagnosis and the cost of paying privately.

Its a constant stress worrying how you will have enough money to pay for all your medical expenses, particularly when youre too sick to go to work.

I applied for a free travel card, all my specialists are in Limerick which is 25 on the bus, but I was denied.

I need to get to appointments. It would help me be able to get a job."

She is currently in receipt of illness benefit at the lowest rate of 98 a week as she lives at home. But when she first became too ill and too exhausted to work she was initially denied it and spent all her savings just surviving and paying bills.

Her consultant is 130 or 160 per visit depending on the intervention.

Physiotherapy has helped her knee tremendously but thats 60 per session at a reduced rate.

A 500 Government grant for people who suffer hair loss through illness is available for hair replacements which helps but does not cover one full year of hair extensions, she said.

Her dermatologist costs 150 per appointment.

I take Perfectil vitabiotics for my hair which is not too expensive but the Minoxidil hair spray is 50 every three weeks. Sometimes I cant afford it.

With the drug payment scheme, her medication costs 80 every three weeks, otherwise her prescriptions would cost thousands of euros.

But nutritional supplements, which she finds help her energy levels, are sometimes too expensive to afford.

Lonely

Illness can also be lonely.

Although she has fantastic friends who call over to visit her and keep in contact, she is often too unwell or too broke to accompany them on nights out or trips away.

Ms Kelly became tearful when she said she no longer looks for a boyfriend. She feels like she would be saddling a partner with caring for her when her condition flares up or if it gets more debilitating in time.

One young man ghosted her after she told him about her illness.

He acted like he could catch it off me when I told him, she said.

Im lucky I have good friends. And dogs. They give you something to do and theyre really good to me.

One of them usually doesnt like being touched but when my knee flares up he comes and lays his head on my knees. And the other one runs up and licks away the tears on my face when Im upset.

Ms Kelly wants to work in research to advance knowledge and treatment for illnesses like her own and cancer. She now plans to study biomedical sciences to allow her reach that goal.

But her illness makes her more concerned about her future than most people her age.

I dont know whether Ill get very sick when Im older so I dont know how long Ill have to work.

I want to go far in my career. I want to be someone who makes a difference. I love being in labs, I want to work there for as long as possible.

"I hope that treatments will have advanced but I dont know if they will. There does not seem to be that much research on rheumatoid arthritis.

I want to travel as much as I can now because I dont know if Ill be able to when Im 50.

Im on a Facebook group with other people with rheumatoid arthritis from around the world. Its a great support. But its also scary. You see pictures of people and their legs are so swollen theyre unrecognisable as legs, people who have to have surgery all the time, you hear about peoples hair loss.

I dont know what will happen when Im older. And I dont know how long Ill have.

People dont die of rheumatoid arthritis anymore but I developed it so young, what impact will it have on my body? No one can tell me what could happen in the future."
On some nights it was Billy Joels 'Piano Man'. Wed cycle the Kerry path together, one of us on either side of its grassy middle, singing our nearly-teenage hearts out, craning our necks to gulp the white stars against the black, dark, salty air.

On other nights it was En Vogues 'Dont Let Go'. The Kerry wildlife no doubt scarpered. Talented singers we were not and more than a few dud notes would have lashed those innocent ditches.

Still we belted those '90s hits out with abandon. Whats it going to be / Coz I, I cant pretend / Dont you want to be / More than friends

And that was exactly what we were, myself and Anna  not lovers, like the song suggests, but more than friends, far more, and yet, friends also. We were that magical thing, so often born of long, warm, childhood summers.

We were, and still are, cousins.

A clever friend turned to me at a party this week, and with a twinkle in her eye, said: Arent cousins amazing? How right she is. And what a lovely time to write about cousins, now, in the deep middle of summer.

How many children are spending time right now in the company of their cousins, I wonder? How many are sharing a week or two on an Irish beach or abroad? How many are returning to cousins in Poland, Portugal, or Peru?

These young cousins wont grasp the significance of the time theyre spending together yet  to do so would be to lessen its magic  but someday, maybe come their 30s or 40s, theyll get it. File picture: Andy Gibson

How many are being sent to their cousins while their parents work? How many are welcoming cousins home from England, or America or beyond? Many, I hope. Because there is nothing in the world to match it.

These young cousins wont grasp the significance of the time theyre spending together yet  to do so would be to lessen its magic  but someday, maybe come their 30s or 40s, theyll get it. The joy that is being with your cousins, those truly special people who have the potential to offer us a steadying, an anchoring, without asking for much in return.

Far more attention is given to the impact of our immediate family, as is understandable. As Richard Hogans brilliant new book Home Is Where The Start Is highlights, our immediate family shapes and chisels us, for good or for ill.

Small details make giant differences: whether you are the youngest or the eldest, for instance; your attachment to your parent; your strengths and weaknesses in the context of your siblings strengths and weaknesses.

As Hogan outlines, we must do considerable work to break any of the negative influences of our first family home if we want to rid our adult homes of its tired emotional furniture.

Cousins are different. They are a step beyond the immediate, carrying less weight and exacting less force on who we are, or might become.

Often, as was the case with myself and Anna, the cousins positioned together, are the same age. A cousin is like a twin and yet, crucially, there is no sibling power play. There is only a comforting mirror image, a familiar feature or two, a shared knowledge of an original family home, the home my father and her mother once shared.

Through our cousins, we are placed in the boughs of a wider family tree. We are made a little stronger, a little more resilient.

There is only an old family song perhaps, a Hollywood-style story passed down, a treasured bracelet on a wrist, a black and white picture on the wall.

Through our cousins, we are placed in the boughs of a wider family tree. We are made a little stronger, a little more resilient. We become aware of the trees deep roots and yet there is enough distance in between that there are no strangling branches. There is both expansive freedom and anchoring all at once.

It's a hard act to follow. Its a difference sometimes felt in friendships, particularly in those long friendships that span decades, just as cousin relationships do. Such friendships can lack the same stretch, the same elasticity.

In friendship, there is a degree of active commitment, of work to be done, attention to be paid. Not so with cousins. We might not see a cousin for years and years but the glimpse of their features across a room, a crowded bar perhaps, will be enough to jettison us back to a childhood ease and comfort thats unattainable elsewhere. Such is the stretch.

The only discomfort felt between cousins, if any, is the discovery that half of you is unrelated. That you each have, horror of horrors, other cousins!

Its a topic best avoided, always feeling a little like treason or treachery. Cousins are perhaps better off ignoring that shadowy other side of one another.

My husband has the unusual situation of having double cousins. His mums sister married his dads brother. Genetically, they are more like half siblings. Sharing the same four grandparents, their bond is very special. There is strength in numbers and they support each other with the strength of a clan, a tribe impenetrable.

My two sides are vastly different. On my dads side I have dozens of cousins. Most of them I dont know but I feel a kinship. I like seeing their faces and would never like to hear a bad word said about them.

My wish this week is for cousins in Ireland to build such memories together and for their parents to feel endlessly good about it. File picture

On my mothers side I have only four, and there is a closeness there I treasure. Our mothers lost their parents young and it strengthened the bond between them. Their early loss is a quiet presence in our lives too, and the force of it is a bonding one.

Now that Im a parent myself, I take mental pictures of my children with their cousins all the time. I have a weird relationship with photographs of my children. Visit my house and youll be doing well to see any evidence of my children on my walls.

Photographs of children make me sad because they are children so briefly. My strongest wish is for them to grow out of childhood, and yet, I find the recording of time difficult. Hence my mental pictures only, stored as memories, perfect stills, should I ever need them.

This is one: My daughters and my son, sandy-footed, linking arms with their cousins on the couch, mouths open, watching their third round of the same film that week. Wonderful. Knowing without doing anything, that myself and my brother have gifted them something eternal.

And for us adult siblings too it provides a coming back together, seeing our childhood home replicated but without the intensity, the rivalries, the small and the bigger pities. Its like a triumph of sorts, a therapy without the work of therapy.

My wish this week is for cousins in Ireland to build such memories together and for their parents to feel endlessly good about it. Its so easy for us to get dragged into the negative but arent we lucky to have cousins, if we have them? Arent we truly blessed?

And with that Im back with Anna again, my bum raised up from the bikes seat, my hands stretched into the Kerry sky, my voice rising into the years to come, spent so far apart and yet always, in some small way, together.
Donald Trump asked a staff member to delete camera footage at his Florida estate in an effort to obstruct the federal investigation into his possession of classified documents, according to an updated indictment.

The document, unsealed on Thursday, adds new charges against the former president and names an additional defendant.

The indictment includes new counts of obstruction and wilful retention of national defence information, compounding Trumps legal jeopardy even as he braces for a possible additional indictment in Washington over his efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election.

The additional counts underscore the extent of the year-long investigation into Trump that first produced charges last month in the form of a 38-count indictment against him and his valet, Walt Nauta.

A Trump spokesperson dismissed the new charges as nothing more than a continued desperate and flailing attempt by the Biden administration to harass President Trump and those around him and to influence the 2024 presidential race.

The classified records were taken by Trump to Mar-a-Lago after he left the White House in January 2021.

The superseding indictment charges Trump with an additional count of wilfully retaining national defence information relating to the former president discussing US military plans to attack another country during an interview in July 2021 at his New Jersey golf club at Bedminster.

The interview was for a memoir being written by his one-time chief of staff Mark Meadows, who in his subsequent book named the country as Iran.

According to the indictment, Trump returned that document, which was marked as top secret and not approved to be shown show to foreign nationals, to the federal government on January 17 2022.

It marks a notable shift in the prosecutions approach to Trumps case, charging him for retaining a document it alleges the former president knew was highly sensitive after he left office  and not just for failing to return it to the government when asked.

Trump and Nauta have pleaded not guilty.
The British ministry of defence (MoD)has launched an investigation after officials unwittingly sent emails containing classified information to a close Russian ally because of a typing error.

A small number of emails intended for the Pentagon were sent to Mali because of the accidental omission of an i from an email address.

British officials sent the messages to an address ending with the west African countrys .ml domain, rather than the US militarys .mil.

The same error in the US was revealed last week to have resulted in millions of military emails going to Mali.

It was argued that the scale of the British mishap, first reported by The Times, paled in comparison.

An MoD spokesman said: We have opened an investigation after a small number of emails were mistakenly forwarded to an incorrect email domain.

We are confident they did not contain any information that could compromise operational security or technical data.

All sensitive information is shared on systems designed to minimise the risk of misdirection.

The MoD constantly reviews its processes and is currently undertaking a programme of work to improve information management, data loss prevention, and the control of sensitive information.

Mali was among the six African countries promised free grain shipments by Russian president Vladimir Putin after the collapse of the Black Sea deal with Ukraine.

Moscows Wagner mercenaries have also been deployed in Mali to fight alongside the army against jihadists.
A Ukrainian drone has been shot down near Moscow, Russias defence ministry has said.

It is the third drone strike or attempt on the capital region this month.

There were no injuries or damage, the ministry added.

It did not give details about where the drone was shot down on Friday morning, but said it took place in the Moscow Oblast, a region surrounding but not including the city itself.

The incident adds to concern about Moscows vulnerability to attack as the war with Ukraine enters its 18th month.

Two drones hit the Russian capital on Monday, with one of them falling in the city centre near the defence ministrys headquarters along the Moscow River about two miles from the Kremlin.

The other drone hit an office building in southern Moscow, gutting several upper floors.

In another attack on July 4, the Russian military said four drones were downed by air defences on the outskirts of Moscow and the fifth was jammed by electronic warfare means and forced down.

Meanwhile, the Ukrainian presidential office said on Friday that at least one civilian was killed and three others have been wounded in Russian attacks over the past day in the Donetsk region, where residential areas in 10 communities were shelled.

The office also said five civilians were injured in shelling of the village of Novoosynove in the Kharkiv region and one wounded in shelling in the Kherson region.

The city of Nikopol, across the river from the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station, was shelled five times, the office said.

The Ukrainian military said its forces have taken control of the village of Staromayorske in the Donetsk region.

But its overall synopsis of fighting in the past day did not indicate significant advances in Ukraines counteroffensive against Russian-held areas.

On Thursday, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited Odesa, the Black Sea major port city hit by severe Russian missile and drone strikes over the past week, inflicting heavy damage on the citys landmark Orthodox cathedral and other sites in the citys historic centre.

Mr Zelenskyy inspected the cathedral and visited medical facilities, his office said.
Various factions of Nigers military are said to be wrangling for power two days after members of the presidential guard staged a coup.

The move has sparked political chaos which could set back the countrys fight against jihadists and increase Russias influence in West Africa.

It remains unclear who is in charge and if efforts at mediation have begun.

A delegation from neighbouring Nigeria left shortly after arriving and the president of Berin, nominated as a mediator by a regional body, has not arrived.

An analyst who has spoken to participants in the talks said the presidential guard is negotiating with the army about who should be in charge.

A western military official in Niger confirmed the military factions are believed to be negotiating and said the situation remains tense and fighting could erupt.

Speaking in Papua New Guinea, French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the coup as completely illegitimate and profoundly dangerous for the Nigeriens, Niger and the whole region.

He said he has spoken repeatedly with Niger President Mohamed Bazoum and the detained leader is in good health.

French foreign minister Catherine Colonna told French media there is still time to end what she described as an attempted coup.

Supporters of mutinous soldiers hold a Russian flag as they demonstrate in Niamey, Niger (Sam Mednick/AP)

If you are hearing me speak of an attempted coup, thats because we do not regard things as definitive, French media quoted Ms Colonna as saying.

She also spoke of possible exits if those responsible for this attempt hear the message from the international community.

Niger is seen as the last partner in the Wests efforts to battle jihadists linked to al-Qaida and the terrorist group calling itself Islamic State in Africas Sahel region, where Russia and the west have been vying for influence in the fight against extremism.

France, which ruled Niger as a colony until 1960, has 1,500 soldiers in the country, who conduct joint operations with the Nigeriens.

On Thursday, several hundred people gathered in the capital, Niamey, and chanted support for the Russian private military group Wagner while waving Russian flags.

Later, they burned cars and ransacked the headquarters of the presidents political party.

With the headquarters of the ruling party burning, supporters of mutinous soldiers demonstrate in Niamey, Niger (Fatahoulaye Hassane Midou/AP/PA)

Omar Issaka, one of the protestors, said: Were fed up. We are tired of being targeted by the men in the bush Down with the French people.

Were going to collaborate with Russia now.

The mutinous soldiers have not announced a leader and Mr Bazoum, who was elected two years ago in Nigers first peaceful, democratic transfer of power since its independence from France in 1960, has not resigned.

Some of the last public communications from the government included a defiant tweet by the president on Thursday saying democracy will prevail and a call by the foreign minister Hassoumi Massoudou, on media outlet France 24, for Nigeriens to stand against the mutiny.

However, it is unclear who is involved in these dialogues, the nature of the discussions or how they are proceeding.

Earlier this week, The Economic Community of West African States (ECWAS) said it was sending Benin President Patrice Talon to lead mediation efforts, but as of Friday Mr Talon was not in the country.

During their first address to the nation on Wednesday night, the mutineers urged external partners not to interfere.

The army officers will be busy positioning themselves in power struggles and abandon the fight against jihadists

Mr Macron said France supports regional organisations, in particular ECWAS, in the decisions that it will have to take  of mediation or condemnation and sanctions against the putschists if they make progress and finalise their plan.

Analysts say the coup threatens to starkly reshape the international communitys engagement with the Sahel region.

On Thursday, US vice president Kamala Harris said the countrys substantial co-operation with the government of Niger is contingent on Nigers continued commitment to democratic standards.

Niger could lose millions of pounds in military aid and assistance, which the United States and European countries have recently poured in an attempt to help in the fight against Islamic extremism.

The United States in early 2021 said it had provided Niger with more than 500 million dollars (389 million) in military assistance and training programmes since 2012, one of the largest such support programmes in sub-Saharan Africa.

The European Union earlier this year launched a 27 million-euro (23.10 million) military training mission in Niger.

The United States has more than 1,000 service personnel in the country.

The coup has dashed hopes of collaboration between Sahelian countries and western powers, which offered a more robust response to the jihadist insurrection when compared with the strategies to arm civilians in Burkina Faso or the responsibility given to Wagner in Mali, said Ibrahim Yahaya Ibrahim, senior Sahel analyst for the International Crisis Group.

During a coup, the first victims are always the same: the most vulnerable, women and children

Neighbouring Mali and Burkina Faso have both ousted the French military, which previously provided aid in their fight against jihadists.

Mali has contracted Wagner and it is believed the mercenaries will soon be in Burkina Faso.

Now concerns are mounting that Niger will follow in their footsteps.

As uncertainty lingers about who is in charge, insecurity could worsen.

The army officers will be busy positioning themselves in power struggles and abandon the fight against jihadists, said Ulf Laessing, head of the Sahel program at the Konrad Adenauer Foundation.

Rights groups also warn that civilians usually bear the brunt of these mutinies.

During a coup, the first victims are always the same: the most vulnerable, women and children, said Drissa Traore, secretary-general of the International Federation for Human Rights.

On Thursday, the United Nations Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs said it has paused operations in Niger, where more than 370,000 people are internally displaced and more than four million rely on aid.
Britpop figure Meg Mathews has been banned from the roads for drink-driving after crashing her car following a book signing while more than twice the limit.

The 57-year-old appeared before Cornwall Magistrates Court in Bodmin on Friday following the incident in Newquay earlier this month.

The court heard the former music PR executive had a couple of drinks at a book launch on the evening of July 7 and after the event planned to stay at a friends house nearby.

The friend wanted to see Mathewss new Jeep Wrangler car, so Mathews went for a drive  but very soon collided with a parked car in Stret Ewyn, Nansledan  causing minor damage.

The owner of the vehicle called police at around 9.15pm and Mathews failed a roadside breath test and was arrested.

Magistrates were told her reading was 77mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath  with the legal limit being 35mg.

Meg Mathews was twice over the drink-drive limit at the time of the incident, the court heard (Ian West/PA)

Mathews, of Hilgrove Mews, Newquay, appeared in court by videolink and pleaded guilty to a charge of driving a motor vehicle with an alcohol level above the limit.

She spoke only to confirm her name, date of birth and address during the short hearing.

Steven Cox, defending, said Mathews was of previous good character and had pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity.

She was at a book signing and a number of people turned up, he said.

It was the first time she had spoken publicly for a number of years and she was quite nervous, and they offered her a couple of drinks.

Unfortunately, those drinks were not pub-level drinks and were not measured properly and they had a lot more alcohol in them than she originally thought.

At the end of the evening she attempts to stay at her friends house, which is literally just round the corner from where they were.

Her friend asked to see her car first because it is a new car, and she hadnt seen it. They went round to look at the vehicle and it was at that point she made the stupid decision to drive.

She said she reached the first bend and thats where she clipped the car causing minor damage, scrapes, theres no serious body damage.

She stopped immediately, and the owner of the vehicle came out who had called the police. She was exchanging details when the police arrived.

They arrived, she blew over the limit and was arrested and taken into custody.

Meg Mathews was married to Noel Gallagher at the height of his Oasis fame (PA)

Unfortunately, some of the things that have been in the papers about her rolling on the ground and about her shouting never actually happened. It was a very simple drink-driving matter.

She was at the police station and she was upset because people at the scene were taking photos of her and she knew this would probably end up in the press.

She says she wants to extend her gratitude to the police officers who helped her get calm, got her a drink and helped her relax.

She said to me, I take full responsibility and accountability for what I did, and I want to end by apologising again for you having to hear this case due to my bad judgment. I will never do this again.

The court heard Mathews has no actual salary but would be able to pay any fine and costs within 14 days, and wants to complete the drink-driving rehabilitation course.

Magistrates banned Mathews from driving for 20 months, fined her 440 and ordered her to pay a 176 surcharge and 85 prosecution costs.

You would have been fined 660 but because of your early guilty plea we have given you full credit, presiding justice Paul Shenton said.

You will be disqualified from driving for a period of 20 months. There were two aggravating factors in relation to this offence and they were that you were carrying a passenger and you collided with another vehicle.

We have taken into account that you are of previous good character, and we feel 20 months is the correct period of disqualification for this offence.

If Mathews completes a drink-driving rehabilitation course, her driving ban will be reduced by 20 weeks.

During the 1990s she was one of the most recognisable faces during the Britpop era and was previously married to former Oasis guitarist Noel Gallagher.
Two retired London Metropolitan Police officers have been jailed for a three-year plot to share the most depraved child sexual abuse images together with a serving Met chief inspector, who was found dead before he was charged.

Jack Addis, 63, and Jeremy Laxton, 63, were sentenced at Southwark Crown Court on Friday, having previously pleaded guilty to a charge of conspiring with Richard Watkinson, 49, to distribute or show indecent images of children.

The images and videos had been shared for their own sexual pleasure via a hard drive that the men added to when they met up, the court heard.

Watkinson, who was a serving Met chief inspector for neighbourhood policing at the West Area Command Unit, was found dead at his home in Saunderton, Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire, on January 12, following welfare concerns.

Jeremy Laxton (Metropolitan Police/PA)

The court heard he took his own life.

He had been suspended from duty following his arrest in July 2021 and was that day due to answer bail to be charged with the conspiracy, as well as three counts of making indecent photos of a child, voyeurism and two counts of misconduct in public office.

According to the charge, the three men conspired to distribute or show indecent images of children to each other between January 1 2018 and July 10 2021.

The images, which were found on a computer hard drive, included 2,516 in Category A  the worst kind, 1,032 in Category B and 1,701 in Category C.

Laxton, from Grantham, Lincolnshire, pleaded guilty to a slew of other offences for which he was sentenced.

Karen Walton, for Laxton, said her client has to live with the public deeming him part and parcel of trust in the police force being at an all-time low.

The images you traded in were of the most depraved

Mr Justice Wall jailed Addis, from Perthshire in Scotland, for three years and nine months, and Laxton for five years and nine months.

The judge said: The images you traded in were of the most depraved.

He added: You had each been policemen and although not working directly in child protection must have been fully aware of the damage done to real children by the filming of such disturbing images.

On top of the conspiracy charge, Laxton also pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent images of a child, possession of a prohibited image, possessing an extreme pornographic image and possession of cannabis on or before September 20 2021.

The images include 6,086 in Category A, 4,039 in Category B, 3,597 in Category C, seven prohibited images of a child and 56 extreme pornographic images which were grossly offensive, disgusting or otherwise of an extreme character depicting a person having sex with an animal, according to the indictment.

Jack Addis (Metropolitan Police/PA)

Investigators found devices in a cavity Laxton had created behind the walls of his home after seeing a message he sent someone to say he buried his equipment within the walls.

One officer, tasked with looking through the material, described one of the images as one of the most disturbing Category A images in existence.

Laxton further pleaded guilty to a charge of intentionally encouraging or assisting the commission of the offence of misconduct in a public office between December 1 2019 and May 1 2021.

Laxton admitted separate offences at Lincoln Magistrates Court, for which he was also sentenced on Friday.

In Lincoln, he admitted three counts of possessing indecent images of children, possessing extreme pornographic images, possessing prohibited images and possessing cannabis.

Appearing in the dock in a dark grey suit, Laxton was sentenced to four-and-a-half years in prison for the conspiracy charge running consecutive to 15 months in jail for encouraging or assisting the commission of the offence of misconduct in a public office.

The overall sentence will run concurrently to two years in prison for each offence relating to category A images and eight months for each of the remaining offences.

Addis appeared in court by video-link from HMP Durham where he is serving an 18-month sentence for three counts of voyeurism and possessing indecent photographs of a child.

He will have to live with that shame not only in this courtroom but thereafter it will be publicised for a period of time

He joined the Met Police in 1978, became a sergeant and then a firearms officer in a specialist firearms unit before leaving to join the Civil Nuclear Constabulary in 2010.

In a letter to the judge, Addis apologised to everyone affected by his actions and said: I made a terrible mistake. One that I will regret for the rest of my life.

The guilt and shame I feel is overwhelming.

I cannot begin to put into words my remorse.

Laxton joined the Met Police in 1980 and retired in 2011.

Ms Walton told the court Laxton has had to accept his responsibility in participating in an appalling trade.

He will have to live with that shame not only in this courtroom but thereafter it will be publicised for a period of time, she said.

A sexual harm prevention order is in place for both defendants for the next 10 years which restricts their access to the internet and their contact with children.

An NSPCC spokesperson said: It is deeply troubling that Addis and Laxton, whose roles as police offers were to enforce the law and protect the most vulnerable in society, conspired together to share images of children being sexually abused.

This is compounded by the fact they would have been well aware that the impact of child sexual abuse on victims can be devastating and long-lasting.
The US is set to announce 345 million dollars (268m) in military aid for Taiwan, officials said.

It would be the Biden administrations first major package drawing on Americas own stockpiles under a new policy intended to speed up military aid to help Taiwan counter China.

The package includes man-portable air defence systems, or Manpads, intelligence and surveillance capabilities, firearms and missiles, according to the unnamed officials.

US lawmakers have been pressuring the Pentagon and White House to speed up the export of weapons to Taiwan to help it counter China.

Soldiers participate in military exercises in Taiwan (Chiang Ying-ying/AP)

The aid is part of a presidential authority approved by Congress last year to draw weapons from US military stockpiles to support Taiwan. This gets weapons delivered faster than providing funding for new weapons.

The Pentagon has used a similar authority to get billions of dollars worth of munitions to Ukraine.

Taiwan split from China in 1949 amid civil war. Chinese president Xi Jinping maintains Chinas right to take over the now self-ruled island, by force if necessary.

Getting stockpiles of weapons to Taiwan now, before an attack begins, is one of the lessons the US has learned from Russias invasion of Ukraine, Pentagon deputy defence secretary Kathleen Hicks told The Associated Press earlier this year.

Ukraine was more of a cold-start approach than the planned approach we have been working on for Taiwan, and we will apply those lessons, Ms Hicks said.

Efforts to resupply Taiwan after a conflict erupted would be complicated because it is an island, she said.
The back-up Uber driver for a self-driving vehicle that killed a pedestrian in Phoenix in 2018 has pleaded guilty to endangerment in the first fatal collision involving a fully autonomous car.

Rafaela Vasquez told police that 49-year-old Elaine Herzberg came out of nowhere and that she did not see the pedestrian before the March 18 collision on a darkened Tempe street.

She had been charged with negligent homicide, but reached a plea agreement with prosecutors. The judge who accepted the plea sentenced Vasquez, 49, to three years of supervised probation.

Authorities say Vasquez was streaming the television show The Voice on a phone and looking down in the moments before Ubers Volvo XC-90 SUV struck Ms Herzberg, who was crossing with her bicycle.

Rafaela Vasquez accepted a plea agreement of three years of supervised probation for the Uber autonomous vehicle crash (Ross D. Franklin/AP)

Vasquezs lawyers said she was was looking at a messaging programme used by Uber employees on a work phone that was on her right knee. They said the TV show was playing on her personal phone, which was on the passenger seat.

Prosecutors previously declined to file criminal charges against Uber, as a corporation, in Ms Herzbergs death.

The National Transportation Safety Board concluded Vasquezs failure to monitor the road was the main cause of the crash.

It was not the first crash involving an Uber autonomous test vehicle. In March 2017, an Uber SUV flipped onto its side, also in Tempe when it collided with another vehicle. No serious injuries were reported, and the driver of the other car was cited for a violation.

Ms Herzbergs death was the first involving an autonomous test vehicle but not the first in a car with some self-driving features. The driver of a Tesla Model S was killed in 2016 when his car, operating on its Autopilot system, crashed into a truck in Florida.

Nine months after Ms Herzbergs death, in December 2019, two people were killed in California when a Tesla on Autopilot ran a red light, and slammed into another car.

That driver was charged in 2022 with vehicular manslaughter in what was believed to be the first felony case against a motorist who was using a partially automated driving system.

The Uber autonomous vehicle hit a pedestrian (National Transportation Safety Board via AP)

In Ms Herzbergs death, the contributing factors cited by the NTSB board included Ubers inadequate safety procedures and ineffective oversight of its drivers, Ms Herzbergs decision to cross the street outside of a marked crossing and the Arizona Department of Transportations insufficient oversight of autonomous vehicle testing.

The board also concluded Ubers deactivation of its automatic emergency braking system increased the risks associated with testing automated vehicles on public roads. Instead of the system, Uber relied on the human back-up driver to intervene.

The Uber system detected Ms Herzberg 5.6 seconds before the crash. But it failed to determine whether she was a cyclist, pedestrian or unknown object, or that she was headed into the vehicles path, the board said.

The back-up driver was there to take over the vehicle if systems failed.

The death reverberated throughout the auto industry and Silicon Valley and forced other companies to slow what had been a fast march toward autonomous ride-hailing services.

Uber pulled its self-driving cars out of Arizona, and then-governor Doug Ducey prohibited the company from continuing its tests of self-driving cars.

Vasquez had previously spent more than four years in prison for two felony convictions  making false statements when obtaining unemployment benefits and attempted armed robbery  before starting work as an Uber driver, according to court records.
Myanmar junta cronies gathered around regime leader Min Aung Hlaing on Sunday and donated cash for the colossal Maravijaya Buddha statue in Naypyitaw.

The statue is due to be consecrated on August 1 and the list of those attending events has been used to chart who is showing solidarity with Min Aung Hlaing.

He first officially invited his business allies to the site on June 29 with a second event on Sunday.

Present on Sunday were former actress Nandar Hlaing, daughter-in-law of Zaykabar Co owner Khin Shwe, assistant to ex-dictator Than Shwe Dr Tha Yin Myint, U Yang Ho, Shwe Than Lwin Co owner Kyaw Win and business owners with ties to military-owned conglomerates Myanmar Economic Corporation and Myanma Economic Holdings Ltd.

Min Aung Hlaing thanked former dictator Than Shwe for donating the giant marble block to Myanmars military in 2017.

At the first donation in late June, 101 business owners contributed over 16 billion kyats (about US$4.8 million). Present were CB Bank founder U Khin Maung Aye, Max Myanmar Group of Companies chairman U Zaw Zaw, Tun Myint Naing of Asia World, U Zaw Win Shein of Ayeyar Hinthar Holdings, Yuzana Co founder U Htay Myint, Dagon Company founder U Win Aung and Shwe Thanlwin Co owner U Kyaw Win.

On Sunday, Min Aung Hlaing received 17.4 billion kyats from 377 individuals. A notable donor was former spy chief Khin Nyunt.

The ex-general reportedly has Alzheimers disease and did not attend Sundays event.

Min Aung Hlaing visited Khin Nyunt at his Yangon house in late 2021 and reportedly offered treatment at military hospitals and had Khin Nyunts pension restored.

Khin Nyunt, who was notorious for masterminding deadly interrogations and prosecutions of political dissidents, was purged in 2004 by former dictator Than Shwe. He was given a 44-year prison sentence which was later commuted to house arrest. He was freed in a 2011 amnesty by Thein Seins quasi-civilian government.

Shwe Hmaw Wun, a charity founded by Khin Nyunt, donated 300 million kyats to the construction in the name of Khin Nyunt and his wife.

Khin Nyunt founded the charity after his release with 7.5 million kyats of his own money and 2.5 million kyats from prominent Buddhist monk Sitagu Sayadaw, who funded Khin Nyunt after his prison release.

On July 16, Min Aung Hlaing gathered ex-generals in Maravijaya Park, including acting president Myint Swe, former president Thein Sein, former Union Election Commission chair Tin Aye and Union Solidarity and Development Party chair Khin Yi.

US-sanctioned Pyae Phyo Tay Za, son of tycoon U Tay Za, donated 150 million kyats. Nandar Hlaing, the daughter-in-law of U Khin Shwe, who is reportedly in junta custody, donated 100 million kyats. U Kyaw Win donated 200 million kyats and Dr. Thar Yin and U Yang Ho donated 100 million kyats each.

U Tay Za and U Aung Ko Win, the owner of the Kanbawza Group of Companies, did not attend the ceremonies but a Kanbawza subsidiary donated 300 million kyats. U Aung Ko Win is reported to have close ties with Min Aung Hlaing and funded the construction of a Bagan-style pagoda in Moscow, which Min Aung Hlaing consecrated in July last year.

Sitagu Sayadaw, who publicly supported the 2021 coup, on Sunday was given the Thray Sithu title for performing religious rituals at the statue.

Zaykabar U Khin Shwe and Dr Tha Yin Myint are also known to have close ties to Khin Nyunt. The two business owners used to make donations with the former spy chief.

Dr Tha Yin Myat served as a broker for Than Shwes regime to buy weapons and export Myanmars resources. He also made donations with ex-president Thein Sein.

He funded a religious building in Yangon which he opened together with Min Aung Hlaing on the junta boss birthday on July 3 last year.

Yang Ho, an ethnically Chinese resident from Kokang, is a military business partner in steel and iron production to make weapons.

He has been a partner of Myanmars military since the Than Shwe regime with close ties to U Aung Ko Win, and A Bank owner U Zaw Win Shein.

Pyae Phyo Tay Za is sanctioned by the US along with his father U Tay Za and brother Htoo Htet Tau Za.

In February, Min Aung Hlaing extended emergency rule by six more months until the end of July, postponing a proposed election from August this year.
Family members and residents fear for the lives of four Christian religious leaders who have gone missing after being detained by junta forces in Mindat Township, Chin State, the Mindat Peoples Administration said on Thursday.

On July 16, drunken junta troops from Infantry Battalion 274 based in Mindat abducted a pastor and three church elders from a church in a residential ward of Mindat town.

The junta had allowed the church to be used as a shelter for displaced people fleeing clashes between regime forces and the Chin resistance.

The township peoples administration said junta troops arrested the four church members on the pretext that too many motorbikes were found at the displacement shelter.

When first contacted about the situation of the detainees, military forces told church officials and family members that they were still interrogating the four Christian leaders.

But after a second inquiry on Wednesday, the military base said it did not know about the detainees.

The administration group said all four detainees are now believed to have been killed by junta troops during interrogation.

A Mindat Peoples Administration official told Chin media outlet Khonumthung that residents living near the military base heard sounds of the detainees being tortured.

However, the military denied any knowledge of the detainees when asked to return the bodies of the Christian leaders, the official said.

The peoples administration condemned the military regime for arresting and killing religious leaders.

On April 10, a Christian pastor was among nine Chin residents killed in Chins Falam Township when junta aircraft bombed civilian targets in Waybula town, according to the Chin National Front, which has formed the Chin National Army (CNA) to confront the junta.

Two Chin pastors were also detained and tortured to death by junta forces in Chins Kanpetlet Township and nearby Saw Township in Magwe Region in early December 2021.

In September 2021, junta forces shot dead a pastor and cut off his finger to steal his wedding ring during a clash with resistance fighters in Thantlang town, Chin State.
Ukrainian military analysts say mortar rounds from Myanmar are being used by Russias military in Ukraine.

Ukrainian military affairs website Militarnyi, also known as the Ukrainian Military Center, reported on Wednesday that 120mm mortar rounds manufactured by Myanmars military are being used in Ukraine.

Militarnyi said Ukraine Weapons Tracker analysts had confirmed the reports.

Most markings were erased but the shape of the fins, residual markings and fuses identified the shells, said Militarnyi, which monitors Russias invasion.

War Noir, an independent weapons researcher, tweeted on Wednesday: Several photos posted by the combatants of Russian forces display that the RuAF (Russia Aerospace Forces) started to operate 12ER mortar bombs originally produced by Myanmar. These are apparently supplied by the junta in Myanmar recently.

Customs data was used by Nikkei Asia last month to report that Russia is buying back weapons previously shipped to Myanmar and India.

It said Russia may be reimporting weapons to meet a shortfall on the frontline with the help of long-lasting allies.

Junta sources said the mortar rounds are from Myanmar militarys Directorate of Defence Industries, also known as Ka Pa Sa.

They are Myanmar-made. They are manufactured at Ka Pa SAs factory along with 60mm and 105mm rounds, said a warrant officer in Myanmars weapons sector.

But the Ukrainian photos do not match the standard motor rounds produced at the factory in Padaung Township, Bago Region.

The factory source said the ammunition might be produced specifically for Russia or be an updated design.

Another junta source confirmed that the 120mm mortar rounds are from the junta but they appear to perform better than standard shells, suggesting Russian technicians are collaborating in the manufacturing process.

Major General Kyrylo Budanov, the head of Ukraines military intelligence, told the VOA in March that Russia is trying to buy anything, anywhere to supply its forces in Ukraine.
YANGONMyanmar civilian leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, who was ousted in a 2021 military coup, has been moved from prison to a government building, an official from her party said Friday.

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has been moved to a high-level venue compound on Monday night, an official from the National League for Democracy told AFP Friday on condition of anonymity.

The ousted civilian leader has been seen only once since she was held after the February 1, 2021 putsch  in grainy state media photos from a bare courtroom in the military-built capital Naypyidaw.

The coup plunged the Southeast Asian nation into a conflict that has displaced more than one million people, according to the United Nations.

The party official also confirmed Daw Aung San Suu Kyi had met the countrys lower house speaker Ti Khun Myat and was likely to meet Deng Xijuan, Chinas special envoy for Asian Affairs, who is visiting the country.

A source from another political party said she had been moved to a VIP compound in Naypyidaw.

There have been concerns about the health of the Nobel laureate, 78, since her detention, including during her sprawling trial in a junta court that required her to attend hearings almost daily.

She has been sentenced to 33 years in jail for a clutch of charges, including corruption, possession of illegal walkie talkies and flouting coronavirus restrictions.

Rights groups slammed her trial as a sham and a tool designed to remove the popular leader from politics.
At least 15 Myanmar junta troops were killed in the last three days as resistance groups and ethnically Karen armed organizations continued to attack regime targets.

The incidents were reported in Sagaing and Magwe regions and Karen State.

The Irrawaddy has collected the following reports of significant attacks on junta forces.

The junta casualties could not be independently verified.

Junta troops targeted with drones and mines

Many regime soldiers are believed to have been killed and injured in Myinmu Township, Sagaing Region, on Thursday when resistance groups conducted drone strikes and landmine ambushes on a junta unit, according to the Black Eagle Defense Force in Myinmu that joined the attacks.

Groups used a drone to drop two bombs on around 50 troops on Thursday while they moved through the township. Four soldiers were killed and others injured in the drone strikes, the groups said.

The groups then used two landmines to ambush a junta vehicle between two villages while it was supposedly transporting injured soldiers to Myinmu town. More soldiers are believed to have been killed, the groups said.

Repeated junta bombing in Sagaing

Salingyi Special Task Force said it and three other resistance groups used fixed-wing drones to bomb a junta unit at Kyar Tat village police station on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The junta casualties were unknown.



A resistance drone bombs regime targets in Myinmu Township on Thursday. / Black Eagle Defense Force

Junta losses in Karen



Junta troops being bombed by resistance drones in Myawaddy Township, Karen State, on Tuesday. / Cobra Column

At least two regime soldiers were killed and 12 others injured in Myawaddy Township, Karen State, on Tuesday when resistance groups led by the Karen National Liberation Army, the armed wing of the Karen National Union, attacked a large regime force near the Lat Khat Taung mountains, according to the Cobra Column that joined the attack.

On July 21, resistance groups said they occupied a junta hilltop base, seizing many weapons and killing 10 regime forces.

Clashes resumed near the mountain on July 24 when junta reinforcements attempted to take back the base.

Junta troops retreated from the area on Tuesday amid resistance attacks.

Myaing groups attack in Magwe

Myaing Peoples Defense Force (PDF) said it and other resistance groups attacked troops guarding the junta-controlled township administration office in Myaing town, Magwe Region, on Wednesday evening. The junta casualties were unknown.

Myaing PDF said the attack aimed to give the message to regime forces that there are no safe places. The groups urged residents to avoid regime positions as more attacks could be expected.

Resistance ambush kills troops in Magwe



Resistance ambushes on regime forces in Pauk Township, Magwe Region, on Monday. / Myaing PDF

Five regime personnel, including a policeman and two pro-junta Pyu Saw Htee militia members, were killed in Pakokku Township, Magwe Region, on Tuesday when Myaing PDF ambushed a junta vehicle at close range, the group claimed.

It said only the driver escaped.

Junta troops killed in Magwe ambush

The civilian National Unity Government said its PDFs and ethnic Chin resistance groups ambushed around 130 troops in the hills of Saw Township, Magwe Region, on Wednesday, killing four regime troops.

There were no resistance casualties reported.
With the juntas six-month state of emergency expiring on Monday, Myanmar people and observers have one question on their minds: whats next?

One possibility is that the regime will again violate the Constitution to extend the emergency for another six months from July 31. The junta has so far extended it three times, most recently in February. The Constitution permits only two six-month extensions.

An alternative option would be for the junta to form an interim government with retired generals to maintain its rule under the guise of a civilian administration.

Speculation about Myanmars post-July 31 political landscape is being fueled by the juntas recent political moves, as it struggles to quell a two-year-old nationwide popular armed resistance.

On July 9, the regime allowed Thai Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai to meet the imprisoned Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, making him the first foreign visitor to gain access to her since the coup in February 2021.

Two weeks on, it reportedly transferred the civilian leader from prison to house arrest this week. She then reportedly met with Ti Khun Myat, the Lower House Speaker under her National League for Democracy (NLD) government prior to the 2021 putsch. She is also likely to meet Deng Xijuan, Chinas special envoy for Asian Affairs, who is visiting the country.

The regimes spokesperson told Voice of America Burmese on Friday that he had no idea about these developments  from Daw Aung San Suu Kyis house arrest to the meetings.

This coming Tuesday, the junta is likely to announce an amnesty for political prisoners to mark the consecration of its new giant sitting Buddha statue. Some sources said the amnesty announcement would incorporate Daw Aung San Suu Kyis house arrest along with the transfer of other NLD government leaders like President U Win Myint and Mandalay Chief Minister Dr Zaw Myint Maung from prison to home confinement.

Yet for all these developments and more in the pipeline, analysts expect no meaningful changes in Myanmar after July 31.

They point out that the transfer of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi from prison to house arrest is another tactic used by the junta to ease international pressure against its rule. The previous military regime that ran Myanmar from 1988 until early 2011 also allowed visiting foreign envoys to see her whenever it faced mounting international pressure.

Some observers say the extension of emergency rule remains a strong possibility, given junta boss Min Aung Hlaing recently hinted to his Cabinet that much remains to be done to restore stability and rule of law across the union.

However, analysts do not dismiss the possibility of an interim government being formed with ex-generals. But they said the chances were thin given Min Aung Hlaings well-documented craving for absolute power, which could be thwarted by an interim administration.

Formation of an interim government would occur only if the regime boss recognizes he cannot control the current deteriorating situation in the country.

And if that happens, Myanmar would still be under a military-guided transition for years to come. In other words, military rule would be here to stay.
Friday, Jul 28th, 2023 (12:27 pm) - Score 840

Independent UK rural broadband ISP GoFibre (BorderLink), which is deploying a new gigabit speed Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) network across the North of England and Scottish Borders, has announced that their network footprint now covers 50,000 premises, and theyve launched a new 50,000 fund to support charitable and community projects.

Unveiled in celebration of their network now being accessible to 50,000 premises across Scotlands towns and villages (up from 35k in late May 2023), the GoFurther Fund was officially launched today at the Border Union Show in Kelso. The fund is being targeted at the East Lothian, Fife, and Scottish Borders areas.

NOTE: GoFibre aims to cover 500,000 premises in the North of England and Scottish Borders by around the end of 2025 and is supported by an investment of 164m from Gresham House ( GoFibre aims to cover 500,000 premises in the North of England and Scottish Borders by around the end of 2025 and is supported by an investment offrom Gresham House ( here ).

According to the announcement, a grant of up to 3,000 will be made available for each recipient and is aimed at helping to tackle the digital divide across Scotland, primarily by supporting vital projects and groups in their efforts to transform local lives.

In that sense, eligible projects will include those that are supporting the creation of work experience opportunities, developing skills and the local economy, promoting good health and wellbeing or actively tackling climate change and contributing to net zero targets.

Sam Calvert, Chief Revenue Officer at GoFibre, said: As we continue to connect homes and businesses to our full fibre broadband network, its important for us to make meaningful connections with projects and organisations who work hard to transform local lives. Weve spent the last year getting to know communities in East Lothian, Fife, and the Scottish Borders, and after seeing how many passionate local organisations are in need of additional support, we are keen to do our bit and provide these communities with funding to help them thrive. Were incredibly proud to be launching the GoFurther Fund and look forward to seeing how it will make a difference to grassroots communities.

The usual caveats apply here, as were currently unsure whether all of that 50,000 could be considered Ready for Service (RFS). GoFibre states that, once the next phase of expansion is complete, their network will reach almost 120,000 premises in early 2024.

GoFibres Current Coverage and Planned Coverage Connections are live in (parts of): Scottish Borders  Kelso, St Boswells, Coldstream, Galashiels, Melrose

Aberdeenshire  Portlethen, Newtonhill, Stonehaven

East Lothian  North Berwick, Dunbar, Haddington, Prestonpans

Fife  Cupar, Cardenden, Burntisland The provider is currently building its network in: Angus  Montrose

Fife  Newport-on-Tay, Tayport

Teesdale  Middleton-in-Teesdale, Barnard Castle, Gainford, West Auckland

North Northumberland  Berwick-upon-Tweed, Seahouses, Wooler, Belford

UPDATE 3:56pm

GoFibre says the 50,000 figure is all Ready for Service.
July 27, 2023



Idaho State University and Kootenai Health have partnered in an effort to address the ongoing critical nursing shortage in North Idaho.

This partnership allows North Idaho students completing ISUs online Accelerated Bachelor of Nursing program to complete their required clinical experiences at Kootenai Health facilities in the Coeur dAlene area. ISU has reserved 10 seats in its 12-month online ABSN program for Coeur dAlene area students during the partnership's first year, with intentions to grow to meet additional demand. ISUs online ABSN program currently offers up to 50 seats a year for students in the Treasure Valley/Meridian area and 40 seats a year to students in the Pocatello/Idaho Falls region, with local clinical experiences available in these areas, as well. Following completion of prerequisite courses, students with a bachelor's degree in another discipline are eligible to enter the online ABSN program, receiving accelerated education and training to become a nurse.

The collaboration between ISU and Kootenai Health addresses a growing demand across the state and the nation for nurses graduating with a baccalaureate degree  nurses who are prepared to take the required exam, called the National Council Licensure Exam (NCEX-RN), and move into practice as a registered nurse.

More registered nurses are needed to support staffing and safe patient outcomes across clinical settings, and baccalaureate prepared nurses are in high demand in Idaho. Employers across Idahos rural areas have experienced difficulty filling vacant positions because of significant nursing shortages in the state, and in the nation. Temporary, traveling nurses have been increasingly hired to fill nursing shortages in Idaho.

A report compiled by the Idaho Nursing Workforce Center at the Idaho Center for Nursing projects Idahos shortage of RNs ranges between 106-523 annually through 2024. Compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic and the strain it has placed on all health care sectors, Idahos nursing profession also faces retirements of a large number of the incumbent workforce, adding to the shortage. Currently, 29 percent of Idahos nurses are 55 years or older, 3 percent of those are 65 years or older. There is an ever-increasing population of older adults also. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, more than 10,000 people turn 65-years old every day nationally, which further increases the demand for compassionate and caring nursing care.

Increasing enrollment in nursing programs is a key strategy to address this growing issue in the state. The online ABSN program at ISU offers the opportunity for individuals who hold a bachelors degree in another discipline to make a career change and enter the nursing profession and to do so while remaining in their local community. The program is three semesters (one year) in length, including one summer semester. ISU courses are delivered online and clinical learning opportunities are provided to students at Kootenai Health and across the panhandle region, including urban and rural placements.

We are pleased to welcome ISUs nursing students to beautiful northern Idaho, and to our health system, said Kelly Espinoza, chief nursing officer for Kootenai Health. We are committed to providing a learning environment that leads to the utmost success for these students, which ultimately translates into improved patient care for those we serve.

The online Accelerated Baccalaureate Nursing program started serving students in Meridian in 2002, and has grown to meet increasing demand in the Treasure Valley. Over 550 students have graduated from the program since its inception, many of whom remained in the area, helping to fill part of the shortage for nurses. Pass rates on the national examination for RNs (NCLEX-RN) have been high, and students are employed across various settings including hospitals, clinics, long term care, and public health among other areas.

We are excited by this inaugural named partnership with Kootenai Health, and understand that we could not have offered this innovative program without their support and collaboration, said Teresa Conner, dean for the College of Health at ISU.  It truly opens doors for accelerated nursing education and the ability to address the critical nursing shortage in North Idaho.

Kootenai Health provides comprehensive medical services to patients in northern Idaho and the Inland Northwest. Its main campus is located in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho and includes a hospital licensed for up to 397 beds. Kootenai is accredited by DNV. It holds Magnet designation for nursing excellence, Level III Trauma Center designation, Level III NICU designation, and accreditation from the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer.

To learn more about the ABSN program and ISUs partnership with Kootenai Health, visit https://www.isu.edu/nursing/programs/accelerated-bachelor-of-science-in-nursing/
Shelton, CT  date ##, 2023  TMC today announced that Devolutions has signed on a Gold sponsor for MSP Expo, the #TECHSUPERSHOW, being held February 13-15, 2024 at the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. MSP Expo is the premier conference and networking summit for MSPs. This is where MSP business owners and technology specialists share strategies to grow their managed services businesses.

Were glad to welcome Devolutions as a Gold sponsor of MSP Expo in 2024, said Rich Tehrani, TMCs CEO. Devolutions helps organizations by providing secured password, remote connection and privileged access management solutions. They are a must-see at MSP Expo.

"We anticipate many insightful discussions at the MSP Expo 2024 about the critical role and ease of integrating our solutions, said Maurice Cote, Product Vice President at Devolutions. Devolutions' solutions are purpose-built to not only boost productivity and increase security, but also yield substantial cost-savings. Their unique attribute of effortless integration lets businesses make smart, budget-friendly strategic decisions when leveraging more than one of our offerings. MSPs, along with their clientele, can specifically choose the solutions they require, eliminating the need to pay for superfluous services."

Established in 2010, Devolutions is a Canadian-based company located near Montreal, Quebec. With more than 800,000 users in over 140 countries, Devolutions is on a mission to develop innovative software that helps users cost-effectively, simply and effectively achieve their remote desktop management, password management, privileged access management, and cybersecurity goals. The company is also committed to providing exceptional technical support, ensuring an excellent user experience that exceeds expectations, and delivering high performance with superior quality. For more information about Devolutions and its solutions, visit devolutions.net, follow the company on LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram, like on Facebook or subscribe on YouTube.

For more information or to register for MSP Expo, contact [email protected]. For media inquiries, contact Michelle Connolly. Companies interested in exhibiting, sponsorship or advertising packages for ITEXPO or MSP Expo should contact TMC's Joe Fabiano at 203-852-6800 x132 or Maureen Gambino at 203-852-6800 x109.

For the latest MSP Expo news, updates and information follow the event on Twitter at @MSPExpo.

About TMC

Through education, industry news, live events and social influence, global buyers rely on TMC's content-driven marketplaces to make purchase decisions and navigate markets. As a result, leading technology vendors turn to TMC for unparalleled branding, thought leadership and lead generation opportunities. Our in-person and online events deliver unmatched visibility and sales prospects for all participants. Through our custom lead generation programs, we provide clients with an ongoing stream of leads that turn into sales opportunities and build databases. Additionally, we bolster brand reputations with the millions of impressions from display advertising on our news sites and newsletters. Making TMC a 360-degree marketing solution, we offer comprehensive event and road show management services and custom content creation with expertly ghost-crafted blogs, press releases, articles and marketing collateral to help with SEO, branding, and overall marketing efforts. For more information about TMC and to learn how we can help you reach your marketing goals, please visit www.tmcnet.com and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter, @tmcnet.

Media and Analyst Contact:

Michelle Connolly

Senior Marketing Manager

TMC

203-852-6800 x 170

[email protected]

Get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. [ Free eNews Subscription

Share this Page Tweet Share

Edited by Alex Passett
This Week in Review

A weekly review of the best and most popular stories published in the Imperial Valley Press. Also, featured upcoming events, new movies at local theaters, the week in photos and much more.
The dome is seen from the entrance to the campus of the University of Notre Dame, Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020, in South Bend, Ind. A University of Notre Dame professor has filed a defamation lawsuit against a student-run online publication over coverage of her abortion rights work. The case is raising questions about press freedom and academic freedom at one of the nations preeminent Catholic institutions of higher education.
( Middle East Monitor )  When Kayed Abu Awwad sold his home in Oak Lawn, Illinois, in June, he never imagined that he and his family would be homeless a few weeks later.

Like many American-born Palestinians, Abu Awwad, a 38-year-old truck driver, planned to move his family to our homeland for two or three years, so his American-born children, aged three, 11 and 14, could learn the language and the culture. Its what his father did with him when he was a kid growing up in the US.

He and his wife, Dina, who became a US citizen through marriage, shipped their furniture to a house that his father had built in the West Bank town of Turmus Ayya, next door to the house where Dina grew up.

Their plan went up in flames. Literally.

On 21 June, two weeks before the familys planned arrival, a mob from nearby Israeli settlements, all of which are illegal under international law, rampaged through Turmus Ayya, torching cars, smashing windows and fire-bombing homes.

The settlers broke into Abu Awwads enclosed porch, pried open the gated window of a sitting room and torched that room and the porch. They were unable to get past the main door, thereby sparing the belongings that the Abu Awwads had shipped.

No one was there, but Dinas 75-year-old mother Khadija was in the house next door, which settlers also firebombed. Neighbours helped her escape through a back door.

Settlers had vandalised property in Turmus Ayya many times before, but this rampage seemed more organised, Saed Ihmoud, a town council member, told us when we visited on 10 July. On 29 January, settlers had also smashed windows of Abu Awwads house and caused damage elsewhere.

At first, Abu Awwad hesitated to replace the windows, telling himself nothing could prevent the settlers from doing it again, but went ahead anyway in advance of his familys planned arrival on 5 July.

Abu Awwads family is now crowded into a single room at a relatives home. Their own house, now damaged, is particularly vulnerable: on the northern edge of the town, it is among the first that settlers reach when they march across the valley from the illegal settlement of Shiloh.

Located on a hill off Highway 60 between Ramallah and Nablus, Turmus Ayya looks handsome and prosperous. Town officials report that 70 to 80 per cent of its population has either US citizenship or permanent residency. Its winter population of 3,000 swells to more than 8,000 when diaspora Palestinians return each summer. They include businesspeople, lawyers, doctors and at least one US state senator, Abdelnasser Rashid of Illinois. Late-model SUVs sit outside their spacious houses.

Palestinian-Americans are not spared the abuses that Israeli occupation authorities commit against other Palestinians. The US is unable to protect them, despite its $3.8 billion in annual aid to Israel.

The 21 June rampage is one of hundreds that settlers have carried out in recent years in the occupied West Bank. The one carried out in Huwara, near Nablus, on 26 February was denounced as a pogrom by Israeli Major General Yehuda Fuchs. Settlers injured 204 Palestinians and killed six during the first half of 2023; Palestinians killed 24 Israelis in the occupied West Bank and Israel during this period, according to the UN. Casualties are up dramatically compared to a year ago.

Settler violence flourishes in an environment of indulgence from the security forces and impunity from the criminal justice system. Between 2005 and 2022, Israeli authorities closed 93 per cent of investigations against settlers who attacked Palestinians without charging any suspects, according to the Israeli human rights group Yesh Din. Only three per cent ended in a conviction of some kind. This tally does not include the many cases in which Palestinians filed no complaint and no investigation was even opened.

Like many previous rampages, settlers on 21 June acted in the name of revenge. The day before, two armed Palestinians had killed four settlers eight kilometers north. The presumed Palestinian attackers, who were shot dead, came from the village of Urif, which settlers also raided on the 21st.

Several residents of Turmus Ayya told us that the settlers formed their mob at the Shiloh settlement cemetery shortly after the funeral of Nahman Shmuel Mordoff, a 17-year-old killed in the 20 June attack. They said that at no point did the Israeli occupations security forces challenge the settler mob as it descended the fields, crossed a highly securitised road, and climbed up through the olive groves belonging to the village at about 1:30pm. Residents estimated the group was at least 200 strong, mostly boys and men between ages 15 and 25, most of them masked and at least two wielding rifles.

Private video surveillance cameras recorded the mob marauding through the northern end of town, throwing rocks and, some townspeople told us, nail-filled chunks of concrete. Their progress was eventually slowed by rocks hurled at them by local youths, at least seven of whom were injured by live ammunition fired by the settlers, according to the municipality.

Israeli occupation forces did not enter the village until at least a quarter of an hour after the settlers arrived, townspeople said. A video camera captured at 1:43pm a lone security vehicle stopping in their midst, opening a door to drop a tear gas canister on the ground, causing the boys and men to scatter, and then driving away. The members of the forces did not get out of the vehicle to arrest anyone.

The settlers continued to vandalise and burn property as they withdrew toward the road separating Turmus Ayya and Shiloh, town officials told us. They burned five homes and 22 cars that afternoon and damaged many more.

As the settlers were leaving the town, additional Israeli occupation forces entered. Met with a hail of rocks and other projectiles, the forces opened fire, the army said. They wounded four more Palestinians, according to the municipality, and killed Omar Qattin, a 27-year-old US Green Card holder married to a US citizen and the father of two young children.

According to the Israeli police, officers accurately fired at an unnamed rioter who endangered their lives. But a young Palestinian who was with Qattin told a BTselem field worker that at the time he was shot, they were not throwing or firing anything, but rather looking out for soldiers who they thought were approaching the village from the field.

Among the at least 12 Palestinians hit that day in Turmus Ayya by settler or soldier gunfire, at least three hold US citizenship or a Green Card, according to Saed Kook, a town council member and former mayor.

On the day of the incursion, the US State Department spokesperson called for full accountability and legal prosecution for those responsible for these attacks, in addition to compensation for lost homes and property. The next day, then-US Ambassador to Israel Tom Nides declared: We will not stand by, and were pushing the Israelis to take whatever action they need to take to stop those people. Both also condemned the slaying of the four settlers. Diplomats from the US and other countries toured Turmus Ayya on 23 June.

Israel has an obligation under international humanitarian law to ensure the protection and safety of those under its occupation. The army acknowledged that it had failed to stop the settler rampages in Turmus Ayya and elsewhere, saying its troops were stretched too thin. The heads of the various security services denounced the rampages as nationalist terrorism.

According to BTselem, an Israeli human rights group, the persistent laxness in deterring setter violence is intentional; it serves as a major informal tool at the hands of the state to take over more and more West Bank land.

One way this happens is that, under the guise of reducing intercommunal friction, the military prefers to remove Palestinians from their own farmland or pastureland rather than confront settlers, using various tactics such as issuing closed military zone orders that apply to Palestinians only, BTselem said.

In Turmus Ayya, the army closed off 2,500 dunams [617.7 acres] of land abutting illegal settlements and grants the owners access only twice a year for three days each time, according to Ihmoud, the town council member.

Abu Awwad doesnt know what to do. Id build a tall fence to protect my property, he said, but the municipality told me to forget it because Beit El [Israels Civil Administration for the West Bank] wont allow it. His house is in Area C, where Israeli authorities exercise exclusive authority and require Palestinians to apply for building permits that are rarely granted. This leads Palestinians often to build illegally at risk of being fined and seeing their structures demolished.I was planning to travel often to the US to earn money, Abu Awwad said, but without a fence, I dont feel safe leaving my wife and children alone in our house.

Israeli authorities announced on 23 June the arrest of three settlers following several West Bank rampages that week. They later stated that two settlers had been indicted and five others placed in administrative detention (more than 1,100 Palestinians are currently in this form of detention without charge or trial). To date, no arrests have been announced specifically for the attack on Turmus Ayya and no compensation has been paid to its residents.

Turmus Ayyans are hardly the only Palestinian-Americans living in the West Bank to have faced repression of late. On 11 May 2022, Israeli forces shot dead Al Jazeera correspondent Shireen Abu Akleh as she reported on a raid in Jenin while wearing a blue press vest, at a distance from any active combat. On 12 January 2022, 78-year-old Omar Asad was found dead after troops handcuffed and gagged him near an impromptu checkpoint and left him lying there. The army announced there would be no prosecutions in either case.

The human rights of Palestinian-Americans are worth no more and no less than anyone elses. But it is clear that Israel, a recipient of substantial US aid, has been severely abusing the rights of these US citizens, and doing so on the basis of their ethnic, national or racial identity.

The views expressed in this article belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Middle East Monitor.

Via Middle East Monitor
Reddit 46 Email 118 Shares

By M. Muhannad Ayyash, Mount Royal University | 

During his recent trip to the United States, Israeli President Isaac Herzog gave a speech before the United States Congress. Mainstream media coverage of his speech has focused on two points: the unbreakable sacred bond between Israel and the U.S., and the idea that calling Israel a racist state is antisemitic.

These two points were on display recently when Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, called Israel a racist state.

After pressure from both Democrats and Republicans, who labelled her comments antisemitic, Jayapal walked back her remarks.

Further, the U.S. House of Representatives then overwhelmingly passed a resolution proclaiming that Israel is not a racist or apartheid state in a 412-to-9 vote.

What the coverage of these stories did not explain was why the U.S.-Israel relationship is considered unbreakable and why the charge of antisemitism is directed against those who call Israel an apartheid and racist state.

The harsh reaction to Jayapals comments and celebration of Herzogs speech show that the U.S. government, whether Democrat or Republican, sees its interests as tightly aligned with Israels.

Regardless of which political party or coalition is in power in Israel, and regardless of where public opinion in the U.S. is moving, the U.S. governments commitment to Israels security is ironclad, as Vice-President Kamala Harris put it.

The U.S. sees Israel as a critical strategic ally in the Middle East. During his recent meeting with Herzog, President Joe Biden repeated a line he famously said in 1986: If there were not an Israel, wed have to invent one.

Shared values or naked self-interest?

Why would the U.S. need to invent an Israel? Biden has always seen Israel as an investment which produces the best returns for U.S. interests.

In 1986, when he was a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, he opposed the sale of weapons to Saudi Arabia because they were not able to become agents of .U.S interests in the Persian Gulf region.

He stressed that his opposition to the weapons sale was not about whether the Saudis were good guys or bad guys, but about the ability of the Saudis to help advance and secure U.S. interests.

He emphasized that the naked self-interest of the U.S. should always guide their Middle East policy, and that his support for Israel is situated within that self-interest. As he bluntly explained: Were there not an Israel, the United States of America would have to invent an Israel to protect her interest in the region.

Bidens frank comments make clear that the U.S.-Israel bond is not about defending democracy. Rather, it has always been, and still is, about American imperial interests in the region.

So, if this bond is simply about naked self-interest, why all the fuss about whether Israel is labelled a democracy or an apartheid and racist state?

Hiding behind democratic values

Herzog and his many admirers in the U.S. Congress believe that Israel ought to be a Jewish and democratic state, meaning the majority of its population would have to be Jewish if it is to remain democratic.

The narrative the American public has been fed for decades is that the U.S. supports Israel because it is the only democracy in the Middle East. However, that narrative is increasingly difficult to support.

In addition to the decades-long illegal occupation of Palestinian land, recent judicial reforms passed by Israels far-right government undermine the integrity of its own legal system in relation to its Jewish citizens. Meanwhile, Palestinians have experienced firsthand for decades how arbitrary and brutal the Israeli legal system can be.

If the democratic narrative no longer holds, then the case for providing Israel with unquestioning support becomes more difficult to make to the American people.

The case that Israel is a settler-colonial state that practises apartheid is well-established by scholarly experts and human rights organizations. These basic facts are difficult to refute and this is why the Israeli state uses accusations of antisemitism to silence and censor such critiques.

When you consider what the American public thinks about this issue, it becomes easier to understand why Biden and virtually all of the leading politicians in the U.S. and Israel are so afraid of the term apartheid. A recent poll by Ipsos found:

[I]n the absence of a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, about three-quarters of Americans, including 80 per cent of Democrats and 64 per cent of Republicans, would choose a democratic Israel thats no longer Jewish, over a Jewish Israel without full citizenship and equality for non-Jews living under its authority.

In other words, most Americans understand that the only solution to apartheid is full equality for everyone who falls under the official and unofficial sovereignty of the Israeli state, as all Palestinians currently do. The number of Palestinians between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea is more or less equal to the number of Israeli Jews. Equal rights would mean the end of the Jewish state as a state for a Jewish majority.

And why is such an outcome seen as detrimental to U.S. interests by the American political class? For the same reason that Biden in 1986 did not think Saudi Arabia could become an agent of U.S. interests. Simply put, Israel would no longer be a U.S.-backed entity that serves U.S. interests against the interests of the people of the region.

Rather, a state with equal rights, which would of course include Israeli Jews, would finally become part of the region, and therefore not likely to serve U.S. naked self-interest.

When we see matters in this light, we begin to see that what these two governments fear is in fact a true democracy that is of and for all the people of Israel and Palestine. Though the U.S. political class may fear this outcome, American public opinion is beginning to shift towards it.

That shift must continue to grow and expand to the point where politicians do not have to walk back their accurate remarks about Israel being an apartheid and racist state. If not, the U.S.-Israel relationship will remain ironclad and Palestinians will continue to pay the price.

M. Muhannad Ayyash, Professor, Sociology, Mount Royal University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Seven drill holes completed to date, with silver mineralization observed in all holes (HER-23-01 to HER-23-07), and assays currently pending;

Oriented core drilling demonstrates a potential northwest-southeast control to higher-grade silver mineralization within Frogpond, suggesting the potential to extend mineralization between historical zones;

First deep hole completed into the western margin of a large chargeability anomaly announced last year, drill hole HER-23-05, intersected alteration and veining consistent with the outer margins of a potential porphyry copper system;

Due to the new style of alteration intersected, HER-23-05 was drilled beyond its original planned depth, to a total of 435 meters;

A second deep hole is currently in progress, HER-23-08, collared approximately 185 meters northeast of HER-23-05, to further investigate the potential of the chargeability anomaly;

The chargeability anomaly spans approximately 1.8 kilometers north-south and remains open to the east, where widespread copper mineralization and porphyry style alteration has been noted on surface;

The Company has elected to add a second drill rig to the Property to allow testing of both near surface silver mineralization as well as potential additional mineralization at depth;

Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - July 28, 2023) - Hercules Silver Corp. (TSXV: BIG) (OTCQB: BADEF) (FSE: 8Q7) ("Hercules Silver" or the "Company") is pleased to report on progress from its Phase II drill program at the Hercules Property in western Idaho ("Hercules" or the "Property"). Drill holes HER-23-01 to HER-23-07 have been completed within the Frogpond Zone, intersecting varying oxidized and dark grey to black silver-bearing sulfide mineralization within the Hercules Rhyolite host unit. Mineralized veins within the Frogpond Zone show a northwest-southeast trend, as determined from measurements of oriented drill core. Further drilling along this trend is planned, following the receipt of assays from current drill holes.

Drill hole HER-23-05 intersected strong silver-bearing mineralization in the near surface and was continued to depth to test the western limit of a large chargeability anomaly. The anomaly was uncovered by a 3D IP survey carried out over the silver-bearing Hercules Rhyolite host unit at surface on the west side of the Property. The survey however returned a large chargeability anomaly below the limit of historical drilling and the interpreted base of the Hercules Rhyolite. The cause of such a large anomaly at depth was unknown at the time, however HER-23-05 intersected phyllic alteration, veining, and mineralization, consistent with the outer margins of a porphyry copper system, beginning at the top of the chargeability anomaly. It was therefore elected to continue drilling beyond HER-23-05's planned depth. Phyllic alteration is dominated by pyrite and lesser chalcopyrite, but typically occurs around a higher-grade core of potassic alteration with stronger chalcopyrite mineralization. The chargeability anomaly increases in thickness towards the east where it currently remains open toward stronger copper mineralization at surface. A second drill rig has been added and a second deep drill hole is currently in progress, collared 185 meters to the northeast of HER-23-05. Figure 1 below shows the location of HER-23-05 relative to the anomalous chargeability and copper values at surface. The chargeability anomaly remains open to the east and the Company is currently planning a potential expansion of the survey up to 2 kilometers east.



Figure 1: HER-23-05 drill trace relative to widespread copper mineralization at surface and a 250m depth slice through the chargeability anomaly which remains open to the east with further surveying planned

Management Commentary

Chris Paul, CEO and Director of the Company, noted: "We're pleased with how our Phase II drill program is progressing and excited to have a second rig now on site. The silver mineralization we've intersected throughout the Frogpond Zone has provided us with excellent structural information and indications of a potential extension of the zone. We look forward to further extending our drilling within the near surface silver environment as well as further testing of the exciting new chargeability anomaly at depth."

Silver Mineralization

Oriented structural measurements of dark grey sulfide veining indicate a northwest-southeast trend to the silver mineralization. Figure 2 illustrates a potential corridor of higher silver grades within the Frogpond Zone that may extend northwest to the Hercules Adit Zone and southeast to the Haystack Zone. Large gaps in the historical drilling remain untested between the zones. The historical drilling was designed for resource definition (shallow vertical holes in a grid pattern), and little attention was paid to the controls on mineralization. The 2023 drill program is utilizing rigs capable of oriented core, allowing for a better understanding of the structural controls that will potentially extend the zones along strike and at depth. Assays are currently pending for HER-23-01 to HER-23-07, the results of which will further optimize the next round of step-out targets.

Table 1: Phase II Completed Drill Holes

Zone Hole ID Easting Northing Azimuth Dip Hole Length (m) FROGPOND HER-23-01 511432 4956616 210 -76.7 148.71 HER-23-02 511342 4956557 30 -44.9 83.48 HER-23-03 511341 4956558 42 -57.3 139.32 HER-23-04 511289 4956584 30 -70.4 71.93 HER-23-05 511231 4956639 70 -70.1 435.32 HER-23-06 511265 4956663 30 -60 60 HER-23-07 511256 4956646 31 -60.3 108.51

Figure 2: Surface projection of drill traces HER-23-01 to HER-23-07 in the Frogpond Zone, with drill traces coloured blue for near-surface silver targets and orange for the underlying chargeability target in HER-23-05. The interpreted northwest-southeast corridor of higher-grade silver is shown in dashed blue lines, near surface chargeability overlain in transparent.

Second Drill Added

Based on a pattern of alteration observed at depth, the Company has made the decision to add a second drill rig to allow further testing of the large chargeability anomaly at depth. The first drill rig will continue to investigate the large chargeability anomaly with significant step outs of several hundred meters to the east and south, while the second drill rig will remain focused on the primary silver targets in the near surface environment. The next deep drill hole in sequence (HER-23-08) is utilizing an existing drill pad approximately 185 meters to the northeast of HER-23-05 and is favorably oriented to intersect a vein orientation measured in the deeper parts of HER-23-05 (Figure 3).

Figure 3: Surface projection of drill traces HER-23-01 to HER-23-07 in the Frogpond Zone with drill traces coloured blue for near-surface silver targets and orange for the underlying chargeability target in HER-23-05. The interpreted northwest-southeast corridor of higher-grade silver is shown in dashed blue lines, with the orange dashed lines representing the outline of the chargeability anomaly at depth, shown in transparent pink.

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved for disclosure by Christopher Longton BS, CPG, Hercules' Vice President, Exploration. Mr. Longton is a "Qualified Person" for Hercules Silver within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101").

About Hercules Silver Corp.

Hercules Silver Corp. is a junior mining company focused on the exploration and development of the 100% owned Hercules Silver Project, northwest of Cambridge, Idaho.

The Hercules project is a disseminated silver-lead-zinc system with 28,000 meters of historical drilling across 3.5 kilometers of strike. The Company is well positioned for growth through the drill bit in 2023, having completed extensive surface exploration in 2022 consisting of soil & rock sampling, geological mapping, IP geophysics, and a 9-hole drill program.

The Company's management team brings significant exploration experience through the discovery and development of numerous precious metals projects worldwide.

For further information please contact:

Chris Paul

CEO & Director

Telephone +1 (604) 449-6819

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States. Any securities referred to herein have not and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws of an exemption from such registration is available.

Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains certain information that may be deemed "forward-looking information" with respect to the Company within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Such forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements, or developments in the industry to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Forward-looking information includes statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "projects," "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will," "would," "may," "could" or "should" occur.

Although the Company believes the forward-looking information contained in this news release is reasonable based on information available on the date hereof, by its nature, forward-looking information involves assumptions and known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information.

Examples of such assumptions, risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, assumptions, risks and uncertainties associated with general economic conditions; the Covid-19 pandemic; adverse industry events; the receipt of required regulatory approvals and the timing of such approvals; that the Company maintains good relationships with the communities in which it operates or proposes to operate, future legislative and regulatory developments in the mining sector; the Company's ability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources, and/or inability to access sufficient capital on favorable terms; mining industry and markets in Canada and generally; the ability of the Company to implement its business strategies; competition; the risk that any of the assumptions prove not to be valid or reliable, which could result in delays, or cessation in planned work, risks associated with the interpretation of data, the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits, the possibility that results will not be consistent with the Company's expectations, as well as other assumptions risks and uncertainties applicable to mineral exploration and development activities and to the Company, including as set forth in the Company's public disclosure documents filed on the SEDAR website at www.sedarplus.ca.

THE FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PRESS RELEASE REPRESENTS THE EXPECTATIONS OF HERCULES SILVER AS OF THE DATE OF THIS PRESS RELEASE AND, ACCORDINGLY, IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AFTER SUCH DATE. READERS SHOULD NOT PLACE UNDUE IMPORTANCE ON FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION AND SHOULD NOT RELY UPON THIS INFORMATION AS OF ANY OTHER DATE. WHILE HERCULES SILVER 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 Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.
Highlights

The Company has identified a new significant rare earth deposit in Wyoming, USA

Grades between 1.7% and 9.1% of rare earths lanthanum, cerium, neodymium, praseodymium, and yttrium (La + Ce +Nd + Pr + Y) were observed

37 federal unpatented lode claims were staked covering 749 acres

Applications have been lodged with the state of Wyoming for a further 640 acres

Historic reports indicate that the rare earth mineralization outcrop may extend over 1500 feet

Deposit is currently open at depth and along strike

DENVER, July 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- American Rare Earths (ASX: ARR, OTCQB: ARRNF, FSE: 1BHA) (ARR or the Company) is pleased to announce it has staked 37 federal unpatented lode claims at a new high-grade rare earth deposit in Wyoming (Figure 1).

The claims cover approximately 749 acres. Applications have also been lodged for a mineral lease application with the state of Wyoming for a further 640 acres. The new area is north of the Companys flagship Halleck Creek Project and has very similar geological characteristics.

CEO and Managing Director, Mr Chris Gibbs, commented:

"These are outstanding results from the initial field work and the exploration team we have on the ground in the United States. The XRF samples show grades up to 91,438 ppm for 5 rare earth elements which includes the highly valuable neodymium, praseodymium and yttrium.

The newly staked claims are within the same state as our flagship Halleck Creek project, which already has a JORC Resource of 1.43 billion tonnes.1

Given the proximity of these new claims to Halleck Creek, were very excited about the future synergies and opportunities between both projects and we look forward to conducting further exploration activities to unlock the potential of this new high-grade discovery.

ARR geologists observed that the rare earth elements are concentrated in veins enriched with allanite, a group of minerals that is a valuable source of rare earths. In-situ portable X-Ray Fluorescence (pXRF) analyses of large, 2 to 4 centimeter allanite crystals demonstrated grades of 7.4% to 23.2% La + Ce + Nd + Pr + Y. Powdered grab samples from an exposed allanite-enriched vein were analyzed and showed grades of 1.7% to 9.1% La + Ce + Nd + Pr + Y.

The allanite-enriched vein is exposed in a historic prospect pit. According to a 1952 United States Geological Survey report by T. J. Armbrustmacher and K. A. Sargent the vein is visible in outcrops of calcium silicate rock for 900-1200 feet.

The depth and length of the deposit is currently open. The large, 2 to 4 centimeter allanite crystals observed in this study are hosted in a quartz, chlorite and calcite-rich vein which shows brecciation, or a process of the rock breaking into fragments. This may indicate that the allanite formed from hydrothermal fluids.

The grab samples have been sent to ALS Global for assay. A detailed mapping and sampling program will be fast tracked to add to ARRs understanding of the deposit and to advance the project.

This market announcement has been authorized for release to the market by the Board of American Rare Earths Limited.

Mr. Chris Gibbs

CEO & Managing Director

_______________

1 See ASX Announcement March 30

Competent Persons Statement:

This work was reviewed and approved for release by Mr. Dwight Kinnes (Society of Mining Engineers #4063295RM) who is employed by American Rare Earths and has sufficient experience which is relevant to the style of mineralization and type of deposit under consideration and to the activity which he is undertaking to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 JORC Code. Mr, Kinnes consents to the inclusion in the report of the matters based upon the information in the form and context in which it appears.

About American Rare Earths Limited:

American Rare Earths (ASX: ARR | OTCQB: ARRNF | FSE: 1BHA) is a leading explorer and developer of rare earth elements with a strong focus on developing sustainable and cost-effective extraction and processing methods. The company's projects, including Halleck Creek in Wyoming, La Paz in Arizona, and Searchlight in Nevada, hold significant potential to become major rare earth production sites in North America.

Head Office

Suite 706 Level 7, 89 York St.

Sydney, NSW 2000

Tel 612 8054 9779

GPO Box 1546

Sydney NSW 2001

US Mail

c/o Western Rare Earths

514 Grand Avenue #371

Laramie, WY 82070

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

americanrareearths.com.au

For media inquiries, please contact:

Susan Assadi, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

347 977 7125
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, July 27, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Atico Mining Corporation (the Company or Atico) (TSX.V: ATY | OTCQX: ATCMF) announces its operating results for the three months ended June 30, 2023 from its El Roble mine. Production for the quarter totaled 2.80 million pounds of copper and 2,294 ounces of gold in concentrates, a decrease of 22% for copper and 18% for gold, over the same period in 2022.

The El Roble mine continued to show improvement for the period in terms of both processed tones and increase in head grades over the previous quarter. The processing plant is again reaching steady state levels of 900 tonnes per day while the mine continues to transition back into higher grade areas. We anticipate further improvement in overall production results and metal output for the second half of the year, said Fernando E. Ganoza, CEO. For the remainder of the year we will continue our strong focus towards mine vicinity exploration at the El Roble mine, looking to build on the success of the recent drill results in the historic areas of the deposit.

Second Quarter Operational Highlights

Production of 2.80 million pounds of copper contained in concentrates; a decrease of 22% over Q2 2022.

Production of 2,294 ounces of gold contained in concentrates; a decrease of 18% over Q2 2022.

Average processed tonnes per day of 800, a decrease of 10% over Q2 2022.

Copper head grade of 2.04%, a decrease of 36% over Q2 2022.

Gold head grade of 1.78 grams per tonne; a decrease of 28% over Q2 2022.

Copper and gold recovery of 91.1% and 58.7%; no significant change for copper and a decrease of 7% gold over Q2 2022.

Second Quarter Operational Details

Q2 2023 Total Q2 2022 Total % Change Production (Contained in Concentrates) Copper (000s pounds) 2,804 3,591 -22% Gold (ounces) 2,294 2,811 -18% Mine Tonnes of ore mined 72,340 61,667 17% Mill Tonnes processed 68,471 56,172 22% Tonnes processed per day 800 889 -10% Copper grade (%) 2.04 3.17 -36% Gold grade (g/t) 1.78 2.47 -28% Recoveries Copper (%) 91.1 91.4 Nil Gold (%) 58.7 62.9 -7% Concentrates Copper and Gold Concentrates (dmt) 6,784 8,278 -18% Payable copper produced (000s lbs) 2,639 3,411 -23%

Note: Metal production figures are subject to adjustments based on final settlement. The reported results are preliminary in nature and are awaiting independent lab verification.

Concentrate Inventory

The number of shipments the Company can export in any given quarter depends on several variables some of which the Company does not control, hence there may be an inherent variability in tonnes shipped quarter to quarter.

Q2 2023 Total Amounts in dry metric tonnes Opening inventory 6,647 Production 6,784 Sales (6,597 ) Number of shipments 1 Adjustment 20 Closing inventory 6,854

Note: Concentrate figures are subject to adjustments based on final settlement.

El Roble Mine

The El Roble mine is a high grade, underground copper and gold mine with nominal processing plant capacity of 1,000 tonnes per day, located in the Department of Choco in Colombia. Its commercial product is a copper-gold concentrate.

Since obtaining control of the mine on November 22, 2013, Atico has upgraded the operation from a historical nominal capacity of 400 tonnes per day.

El Roble has Proven and Probable reserves of 1.00 million tonnes grading 3.02% copper and 1.76 g/t gold, at a cut-off grade of 1.3% copper equivalent as of September 30th, 2020. Mineralization is open at depth and along strike and the Company plans to further test the limits of the deposit.

On the larger land package, the Company has identified a prospective stratigraphic contact between volcanic rocks and black and grey pelagic sediments and cherts that has been traced by Atico geologists for ten kilometers. This contact has been determined to be an important control on VMS mineralization on which Atico has identified numerous target areas prospective for VMS type mineralization occurrence, which is the focus of the current surface drill program at El Roble.

Qualified Person

Mr. Thomas Kelly (SME Registered Member 1696580), advisor to the Company and a qualified person under National Instrument 43-101 standards, is responsible for ensuring that the technical information contained in this news release is an accurate summary of the original reports and data provided to or developed by Atico.

About Atico Mining Corporation

Atico is a growth-oriented Company, focused on exploring, developing and mining copper and gold projects in Latin America. The Company generates significant cash flow through the operation of the El Roble mine and is developing its high-grade La Plata VMS project in Ecuador. The Company is also pursuing additional acquisition of advanced stage opportunities. For more information, please visit www.aticomining.com.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Fernando E. Ganoza

CEO

Atico Mining Corporation

Trading symbols: TSX.V: ATY | OTC: ATCMF

Investor Relations

Igor Dutina

Tel: +1.604.633.9022

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.

No securities regulatory authority has either approved or disapproved of the contents of this news release. The securities being offered have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the U.S. Securities Act), or any state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States, or to, or for the account or benefit of, a "U.S. person" (as defined in Regulation S of the U.S. Securities Act) unless pursuant to an exemption therefrom. This press release is for information purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities of the Company in any jurisdiction.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements

This announcement includes certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, without limitation the use of net proceeds, are forward-looking statements. Forward- looking statements involve various risks and uncertainties and are based on certain factors and 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 the Companys expectations include uncertainties relating to interpretation of drill results and the geology, continuity and grade of mineral deposits; uncertainty of estimates of capital and operating costs; the need to obtain additional financing to maintain its interest in and/or explore and develop the Companys mineral projects; uncertainty of meeting anticipated program milestones for the Companys mineral projects; and other risks and uncertainties disclosed under the heading Risk Factors in the prospectus of the Company dated March 2, 2012 filed with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities on the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com
TORONTO, Ontario, July 27, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hudbay Minerals Inc. (Hudbay or the company) (TSX, NYSE: HBM) releases positive results from the companys 2023 winter drill program near its Lalor mine in Snow Lake, Manitoba, and announces the significant consolidation of land in the Snow Lake region through several strategic transactions. The agreements with multiple land holders will increase Hudbays holdings in the Snow Lake region by more than 250% to a total of 2,690 square-kilometres. The drilling results and the regional land acquisitions provide the potential for mine life extension at Hudbays Snow Lake operations beyond 2038.

Key Highlights:

Step-out drilling approximately 500 metres northwest of Lalor has intersected a series of base metal and copper-gold zones, including a high-grade copper-gold-silver zone. Recent borehole electromagnetic surveys have identified multiple conductive horizons with target generation and planning for future drilling campaigns in progress.

Down-plunge drilling from Lalor indicates the alteration zone, hosting mineralization currently being mined, continues for at least two kilometres to the north.

Acquisition of the Cook Lake properties in Snow Lake provides additional potential for a new discovery. The Cook Lake properties are untested by modern deep geophysics. Historical drilling intersected base metal and gold mineralization and the drill programs were limited to an average depth of only 275 metres, which is a fraction of Lalors current known depth of approximately 600 to 1,500 metres.

Incorporating the recently announced agreement to acquire Rockcliff Metals Corp. (Rockcliff), Hudbays land position within trucking distance of its Snow Lake processing facilities will expand by more than 250%.

These positive exploration results and land consolidation initiatives provide the potential to deliver increases in near-term production, mine life extension and substantial long-term value creation from Hudbays Snow Lake operations.

Peter Kukielski, the companys President and Chief Executive Officer, comments, Since the start-up of Lalor in 2014, much of our focus has been on in-mine resource conversion, where we have had tremendous success adding over two million ounces of additional high-grade gold reserves. In our first step-out and down-plunge drill program since the initial discovery of the gold and copper-gold lenses at Lalor more than a decade ago, the results demonstrate the potential to replicate our exploration success through the discovery of additional high-grade zones that could enhance near-term production and further extend mine life. We are also consolidating our land package in the prospective Snow Lake Greenstone Belt, where we have more than tripled our land holdings to provide further opportunity for the discovery of new deposits to unlock meaningful long-term value at our Snow Lake operations.

Lalor New Mineralized Zones  Near-term Production Growth Potential

Hudbays 2023 winter drill program in Snow Lake included exploration near the Lalor mine with one drill rig testing a geophysical anomaly located northwest of Lalor, within 500 metres of existing underground infrastructure (please refer to Figure 1 at the end of this news release). The geophysical anomaly was initially tested in 2022 with the intersection of significant widths of silver mineralization, as seen in hole LX0188, which was drilled from the closest underground platform at an unfavorable angle, and hole CH2206. Silver is the most mobile metal in a volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) system and can indicate the immediate proximity of more significant base metal mineralization when encountered in significant quantity in isolation from the other metals. In 2023, four follow-up drill holes were completed with all holes intersecting an alteration zone that is known to host the Lalor mineralization. Holes CH2202, CH2302 and CH2303 also intersected several sulphide horizons with both zinc and copper-gold-silver mineralization. Full details on the assays received to-date can be found in Table 1 located towards the end of this news release and highlights include:

Hole CH2302 intersected three mineralized zones, including 7.0 metres of 3.06% zinc and 15.1 grams per tonne silver; 3.5 metres of 3.81% copper, 3.75 grams per tonne gold and 104.5 grams per tonne silver; and 7.5 metres of 3.87% zinc and 7.5 grams per tonne silver

Hole LX0188 intersected 13.0 metres of 13.0 grams per tonne silver

Hole CH2206 intersected 9.9 metres of 18.9 grams per tonne silver and 1.49% zinc, and 3.8 metres of 9.7 grams per tonne silver and 4.30% zinc

Hole CH2303 intersected 9.7 metres of 106 grams per tonne silver and 6.4 metres of 11.7 grams per tonne silver and 2.7% zinc

In addition, recent borehole electromagnetic surveys have identified multiple conductive horizons and Hudbay is in the process of generating targets and a plan for the next drilling campaign. Given the close proximity of these intersections to the existing Lalor underground infrastructure, the mineralization in this area has the potential to further enhance the near-term mine plan for Lalor pending additional drilling and positive feasibility studies.

Lalor Down-plunge Drilling  Long-term Mine Life Extension Potential

Hudbays 2023 winter drill program in Snow Lake also included four drill rigs testing the down-plunge copper-gold extensions of the Lalor deposit, in the first drilling in the deeper zones at Lalor since the initial discovery of the copper-gold zones in 2009 and 2010. This initial campaign consisted of eight widely spaced drill holes over a distance of two kilometres, as shown in Figure 2. Seven of the drill holes reached their planned minimum depth of 1,500 metres prior to the spring thaw that necessitated an early end of the program. All holes intersected the zone of strong alteration known to host the Lalor mineralization and have shown many occurrences of disseminated copper sulfides indicating the potential close proximity of one or more higher grade copper-gold feeder zones similar to Lens 27 currently in production at Lalor. Furthermore, two of the holes have shown better mineral endowment with three intercepts of a minimum of five metres of copper mineralization, as shown in Table 2. The lack of gold associated with the copper mineralization suggests that drilling has yet to intersect the core of the mineralized system. These initial results from widely spaced drilling are a very encouraging indication that the rocks hosting the rich copper-gold mineralization at Lalor continue down-plunge as predicted by Hudbays geological models.

Cook Lake Properties  Potential for Another Snow Lake Anchor Deposit

In late June 2023, Hudbay completed the acquisition of the Cook Lake properties from an arms-length third party. The Cook Lake properties are located within ten kilometres and along the same regional trend as Hudbays Lalor mine, as shown in Figure 3, and have the potential to host a new discovery at depth. The properties include the Cook Lake North and South properties, which are within 30 kilometres of Hudbays Stall and New Britannia processing facilities.

Hudbay has received data regarding approximately 60,000 metres of historical drilling that was completed on the Cook Lake properties between 1971 and 2012, with an average depth of only 275 metres, which is a fraction of the depth of Lalors current known mineralization of approximately 600 to 1,500 metres. The historical drill holes appear to have intersected polymetallic mineralization, as highlighted in Table 3, including a 3 metre intersection of typical base metal mineralization of the Snow Lake region at 5.1% copper, 3.7% zinc, 1.0 grams per tonne gold and 20.7 grams per tonne silver and a 3.3 metre intersection of typical copper-gold feeder mineralization at 3.0% copper, 2.3 grams per tonne gold, 8.9 grams per tonne silver and 0.8% zinc. Although the historical data has not been validated by a qualified person, the mineralization on the Cook Lake properties indicates that there is the potential for new deposits on the same favourable mineralized horizons as many known deposits in the area, including the Lalor, 1901 and Chisel deposits. The Cook Lake properties are untested by modern deep geophysics, which was the discovery method for the Lalor mine.

Rockcliff Acquisition  Regional Land Consolidation with Satellite Potential

On June 19, 2023, as previously announced, Hudbay entered into a definitive agreement with Rockcliff, pursuant to which Hudbay agreed to acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of Rockcliff that it does not already own pursuant to a court-approved plan of arrangement (the Arrangement). Rockcliff is one of the largest landholders in the Snow Lake area with more than 1,800 square kilometres across all its properties. The completion of the Arrangement will consolidate Hudbays ownership of the Talbot deposit and provide the company with additional exploration properties in the vicinity of its Stall and New Britannia mills, as shown in Figure 4. These additional properties include the land adjacent to Hudbays Pen II deposit, which is a low tonnage and high-grade zinc deposit that starts from surface and is located approximately 12 kilometres by road from the Lalor mine. Rockcliff intersected mineralization down-dip from Hudbays Pen deposit and identified a deep geophysical conductive plate.

Completion of the Arrangement is contingent upon court approval from the Ontario Superior Court of Justice (Commercial List), shareholder approval of at least two-thirds of the votes cast by Rockcliff shareholders at a special meeting scheduled to be held on August 31, 2023 and other customary conditions and stock exchange approvals. The Arrangement is expected to close in the third quarter of 2023.

Next Steps

Consolidating these properties in the Snow Lake area will provide Hudbay with a significant land package within trucking distance of the companys existing processing infrastructure. Figure 4 shows the increase in Hudbays land position through the acquisition of the Cook Lake properties, the proposed acquisition of the Rockcliff properties and other recent land acquisitions, representing a more than 250% increase in Hudbays Snow Lake land package. Hudbay intends to explore these claims in hopes of finding a new anchor deposit to maximize and extend the life of Hudbays Snow Lake operations beyond 2038.

The companys 2024 exploration plans include regional geophysical surveys to be conducted on the newly consolidated land package in Snow Lake. The company also expects to refine targets for its 2024 winter drilling campaign to the northwest and down-plunge from Lalor using the results from geophysical borehole surveys.

Table 1: Lalor Northwest 2023 Drill Program Results

Hole ID From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) Zn (%) Cu (%) LX0188 476.0 489.0 13.0 0.02 13.0 0.01 0.01 CH2206 972.0 975.8 3.8 0.15 9.7 4.30 0.10 CH2206 983.1 993.0 9.9 0.45 18.9 1.49 0.62 CH2302 1090.0 1097.0 7.0 0.53 15.1 3.06 0.85 CH2302 1121.0 1124.5 3.5 3.75 104.5 1.19 3.81 CH2302 1140.5 1148.0 7.5 0.04 7.5 3.87 0.08 CH2303 1031.4 1041.0 9.7 0.51 106.2 0.38 0.02 CH2303 1121.9 1128.3 6.4 0.22 11.7 2.65 0.22

Table 2: Lalor Down Plunge 2023 Drill Program Results

Hole ID From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) Zn (%) Cu (%) DUB307 1434.0 1439.8 5.8 0.181 2.105 0.026 0.483 DUB308 1336.5 1343.6 7.1 0.031 0.876 0.004 0.486 DUB308 1349.6 1363.6 14.1 0.047 1.026 0.005 0.647

Table 3: Cook Lake Selected Historical Drill Results

Hole ID From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) Zn (%) Cu (%) FB_C103 270.8 273.8 3.0 1.01 20.7 3.66 5.07 FB_C142 385.5 388.8 3.3 2.25 8.9 0.79 3.02 FB_C152 660.8 664.6 3.8 2.29 4.3 0.97 1.40 FB_C155 759.6 761.4 1.8 3.54 9.0 4.90 3.08

A qualified person has not independently verified this historical data or the quality assurance and quality control program that was applied during the execution of this drill program and, as such, Hudbay cautions that this information should not be relied upon by investors.

Qualified Person and NI 43-101

The technical and scientific information in this news release related to the companys Lalor mine has been approved by Olivier Tavchandjian, P. Geo, Senior Vice President, Exploration and Technical Services. Mr. Tavchandjian is a qualified person pursuant to National Instrument 43-101  Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (NI 43-101).

For a description of the key assumptions, parameters and methods used to estimate mineral reserves and resources at Hudbay's material properties, as well as data verification procedures and a general discussion of the extent to which the estimates of scientific and technical information may be affected by any known environmental, permitting, legal title, taxation, sociopolitical, marketing or other relevant factors, please see the technical reports for the companys material properties as filed by Hudbay on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

Supplemental Information for Lalor Drill Holes

Hole ID



Collar Coordinate Length (m)



Azimuth



Dip



Location



Core Size



Easting Northing Elevation CH2206 426564 6081700 313 1220 320.09 -75 Surface NQ CH2301 426594 6081627 307 1190 319.84 -76.8 Surface NQ CH2302 426577 6081804 303 1298 319.19 -77 Surface NQ CH2303 426529 6081778 303 1247 319.94 -75 Surface NQ DUB307 427032 6082146 302 1970 0.09 -80 Surface NQ DUB308 426795 6082635 299 2003 359.87 -80 Surface NQ LX0188 426625.7 6081492 -541.8 557.2 304.03 -20 Underground NQ

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, Hudbays plans for future drilling programs, Hudbays expectations regarding the prospective nature of the Cook Lake properties, exploration at Lalor, the potential for exploration discoveries on Hudbays regional land claims, the consummation and timing of the Arrangement, the satisfaction of the conditions precedent to the Arrangement, and the strengths, characteristics and potential of the Arrangement. Forward-looking information is not, and cannot be, a guarantee of future results or events. Forward-looking information is based on, among other things, opinions, assumptions, estimates and analyses that, while considered reasonable by the company at the date the forward-looking information is provided, inherently are subject to significant risks, uncertainties, contingencies and other factors that may cause actual results and events to be materially different from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking information.

The risks, uncertainties, contingencies and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking information may include, but are not limited to risks generally associated with the mining industry and the current geopolitical environment, such as economic factors (including future commodity prices, currency fluctuations, energy prices and general cost escalation), risks associated with the permitting process with respect to our projects, uncertainties related to the development and operation of our projects, risks related to the Arrangement, including business integration risks and risks that the Arrangement is not consummated, as well as the risks discussed under the heading Risk Factors in Hudbays most recent Annual Information Form and under the heading Financial Risk Management in Hudbays most recent managements discussion and analysis.

Should one or more risk, uncertainty, contingency or other factor materialize or should any factor or assumption prove incorrect, actual results could vary materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking information. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Hudbay does not assume any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information after the date of this news release or to explain any material difference between subsequent actual events and any forward-looking information, except as required by applicable law.

About Hudbay

Hudbay (TSX, NYSE: HBM) is a copper-focused mining company with three long-life operations and a world-class pipeline of copper growth projects in tier-one mining-friendly jurisdictions of Canada, Peru and the United States.

Hudbays operating portfolio includes the Constancia mine in Cusco (Peru), the Snow Lake operations in Manitoba (Canada) and the Copper Mountain mine in British Columbia (Canada). Copper is the primary metal produced by the company, which is complemented by meaningful gold production. Hudbays growth pipeline includes the Copper World project in Arizona, the Mason project in Nevada (United States), the Llaguen project in La Libertad (Peru) and several expansion and exploration opportunities near its existing operations.

The value Hudbay creates and the impact it has is embodied in its purpose statement: We care about our people, our communities and our planet. Hudbay provides the metals the world needs. We work sustainably, transform lives and create better futures for communities. Hudbays mission is to create sustainable value and strong returns by leveraging its core strengths in community relations, focused exploration, mine development and efficient operations.

For further information, please contact:

Candace Brule

Vice President, Investor Relations

(416) 814-4387

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Figure 1: New Zone Discovery Near Lalor

Recent drilling testing a geophysical anomaly located within 500 metres northwest of Lalor intersected high-grade mineralization, including a high-grade copper-gold-silver zone. Blue plate denotes a horizon of conductive material associated with some of the best mineralized intersections.

Figure 2: 2023 Down Plunge Drilling at Lalor

Winter 2023 surface drilling to test the deeper extensions of the Lalor deposit included eight widely-spaced drill holes to explore a large footprint of approximately two kilometres by one kilometre down dip of Lalor.

Figure 3: Acquisition of the Cook Lake Property

In late June 2023, Hudbay completed the acquisition of the Cook Lake North and South properties. The Cook Lake North property is located within ten kilometres of the Lalor deposit and has the potential to host a new discovery at depth. Approximately 60,000 metres of historical drilling has been competed across the Cook Lake properties with an average depth of only 275 metres, a fraction of Lalors current known depth of approximately 600 to 1,500 metres.

Figure 4: Newly Acquired Land Position in the Snow Lake Camp

With the recently acquired Cook Lake mining claims and upon completion of the pending acquisition of Rockcliff, Hudbay will have consolidated a majority of the mining claims in the vicinity of its Snow Lake operations. A significant portion of this land package has had limited modern geophysics conducted on the claims, providing additional potential for new regional discoveries.
This article marks the first publication of our section "Pointers". Designed to facilitate access to Justice Info, it opens a gateway to international justice, entering into the complexity in an uncomplicated way.

the roots of the rwandan conflict

The origins of Hutu and Tutsi identity

The genocide of Tutsis in Rwanda in the 1990s left a deep mark and became an important subject of work for international justice. Understanding who the Hutus and Tutsis are enables a better comprehension of the subject. "Hutu" is said to derive from the Rwandan word "untu" which means "owner of the land" or "farmer." The Hutus were mainly farmers. "Tutsi" is often interpreted as deriving from "utusi", which means "one who owns cattle." They were mainly breeders.

A third component of Rwandan society are the Twas, a Pygmy people who are a tiny minority but the oldest living in the region, mostly from hunter-gathering.

Late 1850s: Growing tensions between the two groups

The two main groups are distinguished as such: the first is associated with farming, the second with cattle raising. However, they share the same language, beliefs and culture, and intermarriage is common. Switching from one group to another is possible. The clan lineages may also be mixed, hence some researchers do not consider these groups as ethnic groups.

However, before the colonial period that started in 1850, the Tutsis formed a ruling elite, especially around the king, the mwami. But he didnt control the whole of the contemporary territory of Rwanda: in the northwest, Hutu leaders challenged his authority.

the belgian colonization and instrumentalization of the ethnic division

The Belgian colonizers' system of racial classification and favouritism

In the 19th century, European powers were interested in Africa's wealth and colonizing countries occupied several parts of the continent. The Berlin Conference was held from November 1884 to February 1885 in order to establish order and settle disputes between the powers. It was time for great colonial sharing.

African territories were allocated to the colonial powers on the basis of their possessions and their actual presence on the ground at that time, regardless of the ethnic, cultural or historical realities of the indigenous peoples. Ruanda-Urundi, which includes present-day Rwanda and Burundi, was attributed to the German empire.

After the defeat of Germany in World War I, Belgium obtained a mandate from the League of Nations (an international organization created for the purpose of promoting peace and cooperation among nations) to administer Ruanda-Urundi.

The use of ethnic propaganda to divide and rule

In Rwanda, Belgium established a system of governance based on ethnic division and controlled the territory directly. Belgium favoured the Tutsis, judging them closer to the Europeans because of their presumed physical appearance and their higher socio-economic status. Tutsi chiefs administered the regions and collected taxes, stirring up tensions with the Hutus.

The Belgians fixed the previously permeable ethnic identities by drawing up ethnic identification cards. The hierarchy between the groups was no longer a matter of socio-economic status, it was stiffened and based on physical criteria such as height, shape of the nose and texture of the hair. One became irreparably Tutsi or Hutu by the father.

independence and escalation of violence

1962: Rwanda's independence and rising ethnic tensions

In the late 1950s, the desire for independence from the Belgian regime intensified in Rwanda and was followed by acts of violence between Hutus and Tutsis. In 1959, a first Hutu uprising, called the "social revolution", took place. The first anti-Tutsi pogroms followed and forced thousands of them to flee to Uganda, Burundi or Congo-Kinshasa.

In 1962, Rwanda gained its independence from Belgium. The Hutus took power. Tutsis became marginalized, discriminated against, or were forced into exile.

In July 1973, Juvenal Habyarimana, a Hutu general, took power. He imposed one-party rule by the MRND (National Revolutionary Movement for Development). An ethnic quota system was established for access to education or public service employment.

INFO JUSTICE

Violence Before the Civil War Several waves of massacres of Tutsis happened between 1959 and the mid-1960s, then again in 1972-1973. In December 1963, the first major massacre of Tutsis occurred in Rwanda. Since Tutsi civilians were targeted as such, the word "genocide" was even used in 1964 in the press, notably in La Tribune de Lausanne, which on 12 February 1964 carried the headline "True genocide in Rwanda." No punishments were imposed on the perpetrators of the crimes, openly supported by the Rwandan authorities.

Between civil war and hope for peace

The 1990 civil war

During the 1980s, texiled Tutsis increasingly asked for the right to return to their country of origin. Some of them decided that this right had to be won with weapons. The Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) was established in Uganda.

After 1990 and the end of the Cold War, pressure increased on the Habyarimana regime to democratize and find a solution to the refugee issue. At the same time, Habyarimanas political party created the Interahamwe, militias composed of radicalized Hutu youth used to support the regime. They promoted ethnic propaganda, recruited members, organized military training and carried out violent attacks against Tutsis and political opponents.

In October 1990, the RPF militarily attacked Rwanda from Uganda. The Rwandan Armed Forces (FAR) initially stopped the rebel group thanks to the intervention of the French army. But the civil war began, with a new RPF breakthrough in February 1993 in the north of the country, which brought it just a few dozen kilometres from the capital Kigali and caused massive displacement of Hutu populations within the country. At that time, Rwanda had nearly one million displaced persons, representing one seventh of the population. The RPF offensive was again stopped thanks to French military support.

From the beginning of the conflict, reprisals against the Tutsi civilian population were part of Habyarimana supporters strategy. There were mass arrests and new massacres in certain places. Among the Hutu, fear of the RPF took root, fuelled by increasingly virulent propaganda.

At the same time, an internal democratization process was launched. A multiparty system was restored and a democratic Hutu opposition contested the MRNDs power with increasing success. Democratization and political radicalization were mutually reinforcing against a backdrop of armed threat.

INFO JUSTICE

Interahamwe militias Interahamwe militias grew out the youth wing of president Habyarimanas MRND party. They instilled fear during election campaigns at the beginning of the 90s and were progressively militarised and structured into a paramilitary force. From April 1994, these militias spearheaded the genocide of Tutsis. Their role was the focus of many trials held in Rwanda and at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR), established by the United Nations at the end of 1994. Tens of thousands of militiamen were tried by Rwandan courts. Several prominent figures were accused of being involved in the creation, management or support of Interahamwe militias. They include former leaders of the MRND party, tried by the ICTR, and businessman Felicien Kabuga, arrested after 26 years on the run and being tried in The Hague.

the Arusha Accords and the creation of a transitional government

Some hope for peace appeared in 1992 when President Habyarimana and the RPF agreed to end the armed conflict. The negotiations lasted from June 1992 to August 1993. They took place in Arusha, Tanzania, and led to a power-sharing plan, including a gradual demilitarization and the creation of a new national army integrating RPF fighters and facilitating the return of Rwandan refugees.

Political reforms were planned with the establishment of a transitional government led by the Hutu opposition. The Arusha agreements, as they are called, also provided for more than 2,000 UN peacekeepers to be sent and for the French army to withdraw at the end of 1993.

However, the implementation of these agreements and the installation of United Nations forces were subject to several obstacles and delays.

1994: genocide begins

Failure of the peace agreements

The installation of the transitional government took time and tension continued to grow in the months following the signing of the Arusha agreements. Political parties split between supporters and opponents of the agreements. Hutu extremists gathered in the so-called "power" movement.

Hate media" started to spread. The most famous of these is the Radio-television libre des mille collines (RTLM). Kabuga, a member of the presidential family and Hutu extremist, was its main financier and chairman of its board of directors. RTLMs modern-sounding programmes fomented ethnic tension and called for the elimination of Tutsis

On its side, the RPF built up its weapons and was accused of perpetrating attacks.

The assassination of President Habyarimana: a fatal turning point

April 6, 1994 was a fatal turning point. That evening, President Habyarimana was returning to Kigali by plane, accompanied by the new Burundian President Cyprien Ntaryamira (a Hutu) and a few dignitaries from the Rwandan regime. As the plane was about to land, it was hit by two missiles, instantly killing everyone on board.

The identity of the perpetrators of the attack has never been established. Multiple theories circulate, but the two main ones point to either Hutu extremists wanting Habyarimana dead because he was too favourable to power sharing; or the RPF, on grounds it wanted to provoke resumption of the war and seize power alone.

Involvement of the civilian population in the massacres

Acts of violence were first committed on the night of April 6 to 7, 1994. On the morning of the 7th, several of the main Hutu and Tutsi leaders in favour of the Arusha peace accords were assassinated, as well as ten Belgian UN peacekeepers charged (in vain) with protecting Prime Minister Agathe Uwilingiyimana, who was executed by the presidential guard along with her husband.

Thus the genocide of the Tutsis began. They were systematically massacred at roadblocks erected throughout the country, in churches, and on the hills. For three months, the country was embroiled in unprecedented violence. The attackers were armed with machetes, hoes and studded clubs. They were supported by the gendarmes, the police and the military. The entire Hutu population was strongly encouraged to participate in the killings, including by the civil authorities who transformed the custom of umuganda -- a day of collective work -- into a duty to kill. RTLM called directly for murder, guided the killers in their hunt and indicated the Tutsis who were either still alive or hidden. Hutu human rights activists and opponents were systematically targeted by the militiamen.

RPF troops also committed crimes against humanity.

The number of victims of the genocide remains controversial. The estimated number ranges from 600,000 to over a million dead. A considerable part of the Rwandan Tutsi population was exterminated in circumstances of extreme cruelty, while hundreds of thousands of women are raped.

INFO JUSTICE

Machetes and Kabuga In the months leading up to the 1994 genocide, a massive importation of machetes took place in Rwanda, which became the subject of several judicial investigations. These investigations led to Felicien Kabuga, suspected to be one of the planners of the genocide. Many prosecutors agree that the import and distribution of agricultural tools was preparation for the killings, but the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) ultimately struggled with the lack of tangible evidence establishing a direct link between these imports and the preparation of the crime. MORE INFO - Why Kabuga is no longer accused of importing machetes for genocide Kabuga is thus accused of genocide, complicity in genocide, direct and public incitement to commit genocide, conspiracy to commit genocide, persecution and extermination as crimes against humanity. However, he is not being tried for the import of those thousands of machetes. He was arrested in France in May 2020 after 26 years on the run. He is being tried before a UN jurisdiction, the "Mechanism", which took over from the ICTR. Recently, Kabuga was deemed unfit to continue his trial for health reasons. Now, three options are before the appeal chamber: to terminate the proceedings, merely suspend them, or us an unprecedented alternative procedure. MORE INFO - Kabuga: Heading for a palliative trial?

The international communitys inaction

Faced with the third officially recognized genocide of the 20th century, the lack of reaction from the international community has sparked unprecedented debate. The United Nations had to make its mea culpa on the serious shortcomings of the Mission for Assistance to Rwanda (UNAMIR), and its massive withdrawal in the first weeks of the massacre. The African Union also had to set up a commission of inquiry. And three other countries have been particularly blamed for their responsibility:

Belgium , already implicated for having set the scene of ethnic hatred during the colonial era, had the best trained and equipped contingent of UNAMIR. It withdrew unilaterally from Rwanda after the massacre of ten of its peacekeepers on April 7, 1994. A parliamentary commission of inquiry described Belgian political responsibilities there.





, already implicated for having set the scene of ethnic hatred during the colonial era, had the best trained and equipped contingent of UNAMIR. It withdrew unilaterally from Rwanda after the massacre of ten of its peacekeepers on April 7, 1994. A parliamentary commission of inquiry described Belgian political responsibilities there. France , the main political and military support of the Habyarimana regime, has been accused of "complicity" in the genocide. It was the only power to have succeeded, at the end of June 1994, in an armed intervention to definitively protect the Tutsis still alive  the famous Operation Turquoise but was accused of having slowed down the progress of the RPF, of having abandoned Tutsis in danger in western Rwanda and of not having arrested certain leaders in the area it took over. Two official commissions of inquiry were set up in France after the genocide.





, the main political and military support of the Habyarimana regime, has been accused of "complicity" in the genocide. It was the only power to have succeeded, at the end of June 1994, in an armed intervention to definitively protect the Tutsis still alive  the famous Operation Turquoise but was accused of having slowed down the progress of the RPF, of having abandoned Tutsis in danger in western Rwanda and of not having arrested certain leaders in the area it took over. Two official commissions of inquiry were set up in France after the genocide. The United States is accused of refusing to call the massacres genocide while they were in progress, so as not to have an obligation to intervene as the Convention on the Prevention of Genocide requires. President Bill Clinton apologized on Rwandan soil.

INFO JUSTICE

Definition of Genocide Genocide is an international crime legally defined as the intention to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group by committing acts such as murder, serious bodily or mental harm to the members of the group, imposing measures intended to prevent births within the group, or forcibly transferring children of the group to another group. MORE INFO - All our articles on genocides, in Rwanda and elsewhere.

The post-genocide era and justice initiatives

RPF takeover and the refugee crisis

On July 4, 1994, the RPF (Rwandan Patriotic Front) took control of Kigali, and by mid-July, they had gained control of most of the country, marking the end of the genocide. To avoid potential reprisals, around 1.7 million Hutus fled Rwanda and sought refuge in camps located in Burundi, Tanzania, and Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo). This massive exodus led to an unprecedented humanitarian crisis and prompted a significant international intervention.

Mass justice for mass crimes

After the genocide, a government of national unity was initially established. General Paul Kagame, the military leader of the RPF, became the dominant figure in the country and the Minister of Defence. One year later, the ruling coalition, which included several prominent surviving Hutu democrats, came to an end, and the RPF effectively took sole control of the country. In 2000, Kagame became president and remains in office to this day.

Justice played a central role in Rwanda's post-genocide government policy. As early as 1996, national courts began conducting trials, resulting in the prosecution of approximately 9,000 individuals. Later, the "gacaca" courts were established, representing a unique experiment in mass justice after a mass crime. These courts aimed to hold everyone accountable for their actions, from major criminals to minor war profiteers, while also facilitating national reconciliation. Additionally, a reparations fund for the victims of the genocide was set up.

There was no truth commission in Rwanda, and crimes committed by the RPF were never judged by the special courts established in the country. However, efforts to preserve the memory of the genocide have proliferated throughout the country, with multiple museums and memorials.

Although the end of the "gacaca" courts largely marked the resolution of the genocide-related litigation in Rwanda, some ongoing or upcoming criminal trials target suspects of the genocide arrested abroad and sent back to Rwanda.

INFO JUSTICE
Lee Sang Woo revealed how he deals with misunderstandings with his wife, Kim So Yeon.

Although the celebrity couple is not that showy or mushy on social media, the actor often expresses his affection for "The Penthouse" star during interviews.

During his latest appearance on CHANNEL A's television show "Men's Life These Days: Groom's Class," where he and celebrity friend Song Jae Hee threw a bachelor party for Shim Hyung Tak, they asked Lee Sang Woo his thoughts about marriage.

Lee Sang Woo on How He Handles Lovers' Quarrel With Kim So Yeon

One of the questions asked about him is how he deals with arguments with his wife.

Since being married and spending most of your time with your significant other could sometimes spark misunderstandings, Lee Sang Woo has a unique way of dealing it.

IN CASE YOU MISSED: Is Kim So Yeon Being Gaslighted by Husband Lee Sang Woo? Actress Reveals Truth Behind Her Marriage

He admitted that he and Kim So Yeon "do have fights," but he handles it in a good way. Instead of clashing, Lee Sang Woo prefers to cool down at the gym.

"I usually go to the gym right before a fight starts," he said, as obtained by a media outlet, adding, "I think it's better to have time to cool down and restart the conversation when things get too emotional."

Moreover, he also joked about gaining weight when he and Kim So Yeon are "on good terms," emphasizing how great things are between him and his wife.

Lee Sang Woo Reveals Special Nickname for Kim So Yeon

During the preparation for Shim Hyung Tak's bachelor party, he revealed that he never gets to plan his wife a special event like what they are doing.

The groom-to-be asked Lee Sang Woo if he pulled off a major surprise when he proposed to her, but the "Red Baloon" star explained that he and his wife are at a point where they understand that they do not need a special event as a married couple.

Expressing that every day is a special day for them, Lee Sang Woo said, "We naturally felt that way."

On the other hand, while busy working with the decorations, the actor received a call from "Belle." The boys were curious about the caller's identity and asked Lee Sang Woo as soon as they ended the call.

He then explained that it was Kim So Yeon, and he saved her name as "Belle" from "Beauty and the Beast."

Lee Sang Woo and Kim So Yeon have been married for six years after tying the knot at a private ceremony way back in June 2017.

Their relationship started after meeting on the set of MBC's "Happy Home." The couple only went public about their relationship in September 2016, and six months later, Kim So Yeon and Lee Sang Woo announced their engagement.

Now, the celebrity couple is blessed with two children: a daughter who they welcomed in 2016 and a son in 2019.

YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN: Lee Sang Woo Shares Unexpected Reason He Brings Kim So Yeon on Motorcycle Dates

For more K-Drama, K-Movie, and celebrity news, keep your tabs open here at KDramaStars.

KDramaStars owns this article

Written by Geca Wills
The Anti-corruption Court Registrar Pamela Lamunu Ocaya is today expected to rule on an application filed by the State Finance minister Amos Lugoloobi in which he seeks to relax his bail terms.

On July 4 2023, Lugoloobi filed an application seeking to relax his bail terms issued by Grade One Magistrate Abert Asiimwe and asked Court to return his diplomatic passport to him indefinitely since his line of work requires him to travel most the time.

Minister Lugoloobi, through his lawyers led by Tonny Tumukunde, told court that he has formally been invited to several important conferences since he was granted bail by court but cannot travel because he has no travel document.

Lugoloobi also argues that he has family and state responsibilities like serving the people of Kayunga district, parliament, formulation of fiscal and monetary policies among others, and therefore cannot jump bail.

However, the prosecution led by Gloria Izukuru earlier asked the court to dismiss the application, saying that when Lugoloobi was granted bail, he did not gain his temporary freedom for purposes of making regular travels outside the country but instead to enable him secure medical treatment.

Lugoloobi was in April 2023 charged with dealing with suspect property after being implicated in the diversion of iron sheets meant for the Karamoja Community Empowerment Programme.

The prosecution alleges at Lugoloobi while at the office of the Prime Minister Stores in Namanve in Mukono district and at different places in Matuga, Wakiso district and Ntejeru North Constituency in Kayunga district dealt with government property in form of 700 prepainted iron sheets marked Office of the Prime Minister.

Lugoloobi denied the allegations and was granted a cash bail of Shs10 million and his movements were restricted within Uganda, unless with permission from the court.

Prosecution while relying on an affidavit of Senior State Attorney Sarafina Bireke, said readiness and willingness for Lugoloobi to observe the varied terms is speculative, prejudicial, and offends the interest of justice because he is not the only government official or minister who can travel abroad to represent Uganda on functions and high-level meetings.

However, the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions asked court to dismiss Lugoloobis application since hes not the only minister to travel and represent the country.
Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) deputy president for Buganda region and Kampala City Lord Mayor Mr. Erias Lukwago says their party is under siege.

It is tense at the FDC headquarters in Najjanankumbi where the partys national council meeting is being held. A few people from a list of about 200 members are allowed to register for the Friday meeting.

Lukwago was on Friday blocked from accessing the party premises, forcing him to leave the venue.

It is totally unacceptable, the party is under siege you can see the events unfolding here are not consistent with our philosophy, values of the party, and also what we cherish. It is tense, hostile, it is not free with the free expression of the members of the national council, Lukwago said on Friday before leaving the premises.

The meeting is expected to among other things; table findings from the investigations into allegations against the party president, Patrick Amuriat, and secretary-general Nandala Mafabi who are accused of receiving money from President Museveni to fund their 2021 campaigns.

Lukwago however says this very report could be doctored.
By Peter Sserugo

The Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) is set to relocate at least 399 refugees from Tororo-Malaba border to their former settlements in Uganda after the ongoing security screening exercise.

According to the Minister for Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees, Eng Hilary Onek there are plans to relocate a group of onward movers (refugees) from Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya who returned to Uganda and currently camping at the Tororo Resident District Commissioners (RDC) office after being hit by harsh conditions in the Kenyan-based camp where they had sought better living conditions.

Over 1,500 refugees were reported to have found their way into Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya where they had hoped to get better education, better livelihood, and other relief services, Eng Onek said in a statement on Thursday.

To the contrary; the refugees found the services in Kakuma refugee camp not any better than those offered in Uganda. As a result, the refugees requested to be assisted to return to Uganda, a request the Kenyan government declined, telling the refugees to come back on their own, the same way they went, he added.

He further noted that on July 24, a team of officials from OPM and the UN Refugee Agency, UNHCR technical team was sent to Malaba to interface with the district security team and assess the numbers of the refugees before their resettlement.

Upon their [OPM and UNHCR] report, buses shall be sent to Malaba to transport the refugees back to their settlements, the statement read further.

Some of the stranded refugees who spoke to KFM at the beginning of this week said whereas they were starving and having no access to shelter and other basics, they were happy to have returned to Uganda and hopeful that they will live in better conditions compared to those in Kenya.
The Uganda Medical Association (UMA ) has welcomed a move by government to finally clear the deployment of medical interns to the 58 internship centres across the country.

In a tweet, UMA has also called for a continued flow and deployment of medical interns upon completion of their studies.

We thank @MinofHealthUG [Ministry of Health] for ensuring that Interns are finally deployed. Medical Interns are a strong pillar in the health workforce. Theres need to ensure theres continued flow and deployment of Medical interns upon completion of their Medical school studies, the tweet reads.

Dr. Henry Mwebesa, the director-general health services at the health ministry says over 1,900 medical interns will be deployed at a net monthly allowance of Shs1 million each to facilitate their accommodation and feeding.

All the medical Interns are expected to report to their various training centres by next month.
1 of 1

     -           100   

khaskhabar.com : , 28  2023 2:41 PM
The Castlecomer community came out in force to bid farewell to Monsignor Michael Ryan on his retirement as parish priest at the weekend.

Monsignor Ryan, who came to the parish in 1995, was fondly remembered at a special Mass in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, which was followed by a reception in the Community Hall.

At the Mass, which was concelebrated by Bishop Niall Coll, Fr Ian Doyle and Rev Edna Wakely, Rector Castlecomer Union of Parishes, Monsignor Ryan thanked the community for their warm wishes.

I feel humbled and greatly honoured at this great gathering of parishioners, he said. It has been an honour and privilege for me to have been your parish priest for the past 28 years.

There was a standing ovation, lasting several minutes, from the packed congregation.

At the Community Hall, Billy Moran, Chairman of the Parish Finance Committee, led the tributes to Monsignor Ryan:



"Fr Ryans tenure in Castlecomer has spanned 28 years in which this town and parish has seen a multitude of changes and improvements, he said. The parish and people of Castlecomer and surrounding areas give thanks and appreciation for the ministry that Fr Ryan has given to this community. He has touched every family in the parish with his kindly nature and comfort during the many tragic times in family life and has been a source of comfort and strength to all. We wish him a happy retirement and know that the thoughts and prayers of the people of this parish will be with him."
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said there has been a rise in racism in Ireland.

The Fine Gael leader said this was very evident from people protesting outside accommodation centres for refugees and spreading nonsense conspiracy theories around replacement ideology.

He added: And then people actually using violence against people who are of a different colour or of a different ethnic background and thats a matter of real concern.

Mr Varadkar was responding to a question on whether he believed there was a rise of the far right in Ireland.

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris had previously said Ireland had not seen the same rise of the far right as other European countries.

Asked if he agreed, the Taoiseach said he did not want to interpret the words of the commissioner but that he picked up that he was referring to far-right politicians being elected to parliament or government.

Mr Varadkar said: Were not there yet. To the extent that we have far-right parties at all, theyre not significantly represented in the Dail.

But we are seeing a rise in racism, thats very evident to me.

He said that is why the Government has a national strategy against racism and is pursuing hate crime legislation.

Mr Varadkar added: I see some people dismissing hate crimes as being wokeism or, you know, domestic and gender-based violence as being some form of wokeism. I totally disagree with that view of things.

You know, a murder is a serious crime and assault is a serious crime. Hate crime is a serious crime, crime against women and men thats gender-based or sexual, these are all serious crimes and we need to treat them all seriously.
Get all the essential market news and expert opinions in one place with our daily newsletter. Receive a comprehensive recap of the day's top stories directly to your inbox. Sign up here!

(Kitco News) - Federal prosecutors have decided to drop the charges related to alleged campaign finance violations in their case against FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried.

Previously, the Justice Department said Bankman-Fried and other members of senior management at FTX used customer deposits to make $90 million in campaign contributions to around 300 political candidates or political action committees (PAC). Bankman-Fried pleaded not guilty to the charges in March.

The former crypto CEO was extradited from the Bahamas, where FTX was based, to the United States in December. In a court filing submitted on Wednesday night, prosecutors for the Justice Department said officials in the Bahamas had informed them that their government had not intended to extradite Bankman-Fried on the campaign finance charge.

In keeping with its treaty obligations to the Bahamas, the government does not intend to proceed to trial on the campaign contributions count, the court filing said.

The dropping of the charge is a partial victory for Bankman-Frieds lawyers, who have argued at previous court hearings that the United States government mishandled his extradition. It remains unclear whether or not the DoJs decision to drop the charge will impact others charged with the same crime, including Nishad Singh, the former Director of Engineering of FTX who has already pleaded guilty to the campaign finance violations among other charges and who struck a plea deal with Justice in February.

Earlier on Wednesday, the DoJ asked the judge presiding over Bankman-Frieds criminal proceedings to revoke his bail and jail him ahead of his trial, saying he crossed a line by allegedly trying to intimidate a witness.

Prosecutor Danielle Sassoon told U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan at a hearing in Manhattan federal court that the former crypto CEO has had over 1,000 phone calls with journalists. And last week, the DoJ filed a complaint against Bankman-Fried accusing him of leaking the private diary of former Alameda CEO Caroline Ellison in an effort to discredit her as a witness.

The court filing submitted by U.S. Attorney Damian Williams on July 20 accused Bankman-Fried of sharing Ellisons journal and other personal writings with a New York Times reporter for an article published that same day, characterizing the leak as an attempt to interfere with a fair trial by an impartial jury.

Ellison became a government witness in December, and she had a tumultuous partnership with SBF spanning several years that was both romantic and professional.

This latest incident is an escalation of an ongoing campaign with the press that has now crossed a line, Sassoon said of the Ellison article. No set of release conditions can ensure the safety of the community.

She also said she is concerned about what Bankman-Fried may have told Michael Lewis, the author of financial true-crime best-sellers Liars Poker and The Big Short, who will be releasing a book about FTX around the time that the fall trial is scheduled to begin.

One of the purposes of the court hearing on Wednesday was to consider what Kaplan called the adequacy and continuation of the current bail conditions. Bankman-Fried has been confined to his parents' home in Palo Alto, California since his extradition, apart from legal and health-related appointments.

The Justice Departments complaint asserts that the government is particularly attuned to these concerns after the defendants improper outreach to a potential witness resulted in the modification of his bail conditions, referring to SBFs attempts to communicate with Ryne Miller, General Counsel of FTX US, through both email and Signal on Jan. 15.

Bankman-Frieds lawyer Mark Cohen told Judge Kaplan that his client was merely trying to protect his reputation, and that it "really would be almost impossible" to prepare for the upcoming trial if his client were jailed. Cohen asked that the judge deny the application and put forth an order, however strict the court determines is required, so we can just put this issue behind us.

Bankman-Frieds trial on the first set of criminal charges is scheduled to begin on Oct. 2, 2023.
Get all the essential market news and expert opinions in one place with our daily newsletter. Receive a comprehensive recap of the day's top stories directly to your inbox. Sign up here!

(Kitco News) - Australian iron ore miner Fortescue (ASX: FMG) yesterday reported record shipments of 192 million tonnes in its fiscal 2023 (FY23), achieving the top end of market guidance, and 2% higher than shipments in FY22.

FY23 represents the fourth consecutive year of record shipments, reflecting strong performance across the entire supply chain and ongoing focus on productivity gains, the company said in a news release.

Fortescue added that its C1 production costs were US$17.54/wet metric tonne (wmt) in FY23, 10% higher than the previous year and within the annual guidance range.

According to the company, strong cashflow generation contributed to a cash balance of US$4.3 billion and net debt of US$1.0 billion at 30 June 2023, compared to net debt of US$2.1 billion at 31 March 2023.

Fortescue also reported that Iron Bridge commenced production of high grade magnetite concentrate during the quarter and the first concentrate was loaded on ship on 24 July 2023.

In addition, first ore was mined and loaded on train at the Belinga iron ore project in Gabon, with the first shipment expected by the end of the calendar year.

The company noted continued progress on decarbonization with the first battery electric haul truck prototype delivered to the Christmas Creek site for testing in the Pilbara operating conditions.

Fortescues FY24 guidance for total iron ore shipments is 192  197 million tonnes, including approximately 7 million tonnes from Iron Bridge (100% basis) and C1 cost for Pilbara hematite of US$18.00 - US$19.00/wmt.

Fortescue is one of the worlds largest and lowest cost iron ore producers. With world-class infrastructure and mining assets in the Pilbara, Western Australia, the company has shipped more than 1.7 billion tonnes of iron ore to its customers since 2008. The company also invests in green metals, green energy and green technologies.
July 28 (Reuters) - Goldman Sachs (GS.N) executive Julian Salisbury will join investment firm Sixth Street as a partner and co-chief investment officer early next year, his incoming firm said, marking yet another high-profile exit from Goldman.

Salisbury, who was chief investment officer of asset and wealth management at the Wall Street giant and a member of its management committee, has more than 25 years of investing experience in private and public markets. He steered Goldman's management of $2.7 trillion in assets.

Salisbury will reunite with Goldman alums in his new role, including Sixth Street CEO Alan Waxman. The firm manages $65 billion in assets.

"The prospect of joining their partnership to help drive the next set of investment opportunities became an obvious and compelling proposition," Salisbury wrote in a LinkedIn post.

The Goldman veteran joined as an analyst in London in 1998, and later worked in Moscow before moving to New York a decade ago. Salisbury became a partner in 2008 and previously served as global co-head of the asset management unit before it was combined with wealth management under Marc Nachmann last year.

"Julian is a seamless fit," Waxman said in a statement. "He has distinguished himself time and again as a superstar investor and business builder."

A wave of senior personnel has exited from Goldman in recent months. Dina Powell McCormick, head of the bank's sovereign business, recently left to join merchant bank BDT & MSD Partners, led by co-CEO Gregg Lemkau, who previously ran investment banking at Goldman. Katie Koch departed after two decades to become CEO of asset manager TCW Group. Goldman is in a crucial phase as it aims to expand in asset management and undo damage from an ill-fated foray into consumer banking.

Goldman's asset management division has promoted 11 partners and hired nine new managing directors focused on investing this year, a company spokeswoman said. Its attrition rate is the lowest in years for investors who are managing portfolios, she said.

Salisbury has "done a great job putting together all these asset management businesses over the last few years," Nachmann said in an interview. "Its been great to work with him and Im excited for him."

Goldman's revenue from asset and wealth management slid 4% to $3.05 billion for the second quarter compared with a year earlier, hurt by losses in real estate investments, the bank reported this month. But it also brought in record management fees and assets under supervision.

In a memo announcing Salisbury's departure, Goldman CEO David Solomon credited him with unifying five different investment platforms and joining together its traditional and alternative asset management operations.

Solomon's plans to sharpen its focus on key businesses such as asset management and trading are gaining traction with the board, two sources close to him told Reuters earlier this month.

Salisbury expressed confidence in the bank's leadership to run the division he helped consolidate.

"Julian operated comfortably in emerging markets, like Russia and China, and took over challenged portfolios in tough times, as in the financial crisis," former Goldman CEO Lloyd Blankfein said. "Always putting the firm first, he was a great partner and I wish him success."
Get all the essential market news and expert opinions in one place with our daily newsletter. Receive a comprehensive recap of the day's top stories directly to your inbox. Sign up here!

(Kitco News) - Agentis Capital recently put out a research report estimating an initial resource of 9 million ounces at Snowline Golds (TSX-V: SGD) Rogue project.

CEO Scott Berdahl spoke to Kitco mid-July in Dawson City at Invest Yukons Yukon Mining Property Tours & Investment Conference 2023, about what makes the first target, Valley, so special.

Weve just had hit after hit in terms of both good mineralized intervals but also checking the boxes for what wed want to see in terms of finding not just an exciting discovery, but potentially a world-class mineable asset, he said.

Snowline Gold grabbed the markets attention last summer with the Valley discovery. Since then, the stock price has quintupled, and the company now boasts a market capitalization of $623 million  large for an early-stage junior. The relatively high grades have been in the 2-3 grams per tonne range over long intervals. The project also stands out for its planned use of solar power.

Berdahl said the aim of this years 10,000m drill program is to gain a better understanding of the mineralization through in-fill drilling. Theres a lot of room to grow with tightening up the understanding and de-risking, and really showing the world that Valley's the real deal, he said.

[EDITOR'S NOTE: Travel and accommodation expenses were paid for by Invest Yukon.]
Get all the essential market news and expert opinions in one place with our daily newsletter. Receive a comprehensive recap of the day's top stories directly to your inbox. Sign up here!

(Kitco News) - Southern Copper (NYSE: SCCO), one of the worlds largest copper producers, announced Thursday that its mined copper production in Q2 2023 increased by 9.2% y-o-y to 227,533 tons (Q2 2022: 208,428 tons).

The company explained that the higher mined copper output in Q2 2023 reflects higher production at all of its operations.

According to a press release, production at Cuajone was up 22%, driven by higher recoveries and by the return to full operating capacity this year, while output at Toquepala increased 19.5%, which was mainly attributable to higher ore grades. Production at the companys Mexican operations increased 2.7%.

The companys molybdenum mined production increased marginally (0.2%) to 6,334 tons in Q2 2023 compared to Q2 2022, while total mined silver production increased 8.0% to 4,803 thousand ounces and mined zinc production rose 13.8% to 17,223 tons.

Q2 2023 operating cash costs, net of by-product revenue credits, were $1.12 per pound of copper, which represents an increase of 4% compared to the Q2 2022 figures, primarily due to higher production costs and lower by-product credits for zinc and sulfuric acid.

The companys Q2 2023 net sales were $2,300.7 million, slightly below compared to Q2 2022 principally due to lower metal prices for copper (-10.9%, LME) and zinc (-35.4%) and to a decrease in sales volumes for silver (-8.9%).

Southern Copper also reported that its Q2 2023 net income was $547.5 million, which represents a 26.6% increase with regard to the $432.3 million registered in 2Q22.

The net income margin in Q2 2023 stood at 23.8%, versus 18.7% in Q2 2022. This increase was mainly the result of a 7.9% reduction in cost of sales, which was mainly attributable to a decrease in lower third-party copper concentrate purchases.

Importantly, Chairman German Larrea noted in a statement that the company continues to focus on expansion.

We have been operating the Pilares mine since Q4 2022 and have subsequently increased our annual copper production capacity by 35,000 tons. Additionally, the new zinc concentrator at Buenavista has already received material to process and ramping up is underway. This project is expected to elevate yearly production by 100,000 tons of zinc, doubling our current capacity, and 20,000 tons of copper. Our El Pilar project (+36,000 tons of copper) is under development and we are engaged in on-site environmental activities, he said.

Southern Copper is one of the largest integrated copper producers in the world.

The company is 88.9% owned by Grupo Mexico. Southern Copper operates mining units and metallurgical facilities in Mexico and Peru and conducts exploration activities in Argentina, Chile, Ecuador, Mexico and Peru.
Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup.
Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Mysterious meat allergy passed by ticks may affect hundreds of thousands in US, CDC estimates
An undated photo from the 1980s, of two teenagers stepping on rocks and wooden planks on Coldwater Creek. The photo is from a scrapbook kept by Sandy Delcoure, who lived on Willow Creek in Florissant and donated the scrapbook to the Kay Drey Mallinckrodt Collection.
This photo, provided by the Daejeon Police Agency, shows an unidentified international parcel sent from Malaysia to a restaurant in Daejeon, July 21. Yonhap



Police have concluded that no hazardous substances were found in thousands of suspicious international parcels that had sparked fears of terrorism, officials said Friday.



Police had been looking into whether terrorism was involved after thousands of international parcels received nationwide were reported to authorities for suspicions of containing suspicious substances.



The incident first came to light when three people working at a welfare center for the disabled in the southeastern city of Ulsan were rushed to the hospital for breathing difficulties and dizziness after opening a random parcel from Taiwan. They were all discharged without significant symptoms.



According to the National Police Agency on Friday, the parcels were concluded to contain no dangerous substances the previous day via unknown sample tests conducted by the Korea Institute for Defense Analyses.



As the test result came back negative, police have also decided to close their investigation into potential terrorism involving the mail.



Police have concluded that the parcels were sent as part of "brushing scams" from China via Taiwan and are looking into whether they can bring charges of illegal personal information collection against the senders.



In brushing scams, online retailers mail unordered items to random people to manipulate product reviews and boost their online presence.



Police have also requested cooperation from the Chinese police for investigation.



As of early Thursday, a total of 3,604 suspicious international parcels had been reported to the police from across the nation. (Yonhap)


Kendallville, IN (46755)

Today

A mix of clouds and sun. High 79F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Overcast. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 63F. Winds light and variable.
Hong Kong: Views sought on betting expansion

The Betting & Lotteries Commission today said it is inviting the public to comment on the Jockey Clubs proposal to expand horse race betting activities.

Currently, the Jockey Club is allowed to conduct betting on no more than 88 local race days, 10 non-local races falling on local race days, and 37 simulcast occasions on non-local race days every year. No betting on local races is allowed during the summer break from July 17 to August 31.

The Jockey Club proposes that the maximum number of non-local races falling on local race days, and on which betting is allowed, be increased to 25. It also proposes that the maximum number of races per simulcast occasion on which betting is allowed be increased from nine to 12.

The commission stressed that the Jockey Club is required to obtain prior approval from the Secretary for Home & Youth Affairs before taking forward the proposals.

Before making a recommendation to the secretary, the commission would like to gauge public sentiment on the matter.

Citizens should submit their written opinions on the proposal to the Betting & Lotteries Commission Secretariat by August 28 by post, fax or email.

This story has been published on: 2023-07-28. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
SHREVEPORT, La. - Chronic truancy, which is defined as five or more unexcused absences from 
An English translation salon for the international expression of Quzhou spirit in the new era was held on May 17, 2023.

PRNewswire

Quzhou [China], July 28: On July 25, 2023, an activity for unveiling the international expression of Quzhou spirit in the new era was held in its namesake city in eastern China's Zhejiang Province. During the event, the official translations of the 12-character Quzhou spirit in the new era, namely "Uprightness and Courteousness, Openness and Confidence, Innovation and Excellence," were unveiled. Cash prizes up to 20,000 yuan were awarded to the winners of the international expression contest.

Also Read | Bihar Shocker: Mob Brutally Thrashes Couple With Sticks in Motihari for Having Illicit Relationship, Disturbing Video Goes Viral.

The global contest was launched in May 2023, drawing 9,651 entries from 56 countries and regions, thanks to extensive media coverage from outlets such as People's Daily, Xinhua News Agency, and China Central Television. Influential communication channels, including the Twitter account of the State Council Information Office of China, the main Facebook account of China.org.cn, and eZhejiang, the official English website of Zhejiang Province also followed the event as it unfolded, with relevant content garnering more than 35 million clicks.

Huang Yulong, President of the Academy of Translation and Interpretation of China International Communications Group, commented, "promoting a city's spirit in its development is essential to our country's social development now," adding that every city must address the question of how to become more international in its development. He also said that the contest, which garnered entries from speakers of the five UN's official languages besides Chinese, presented up-to-date content in innovative forms through diverse channels. "It offers a strong boost to the city's reputation and global presence. I believe it will bring a new look to Quzhou and serve as a model for other cities in China."

Also Read | Uttar Pradesh Horror: Wife, Who Eloped With Lover, Murders Husband With Axe After Her Return in Pilibhit, Chops Body Into Five Pieces.

Wan Shaohua, a spokesperson for Quzhou spirit in the new era, was deeply moved by the videos submitted by Quzhou residents and overseas friends from Egypt, Australia, France, Belarus, Bolivia, and other countries. He said that the contest brought southern Confucianism to more places and helped Chinese culture go global.

Noelia Gutierrez Maldonado, a university teacher in China who was named a finalist of the Spanish translation, shared how she was inspired by the culture and history of Quzhou, and reflected that its heritage and values convinced her that Quzhou will play an important role in the exchange and mutual learning among civilizations along the Belt and Road.

"Quzhou spirit in the new era is rooted in its history and culture and passed down through continuous hard work, and represents the future. It is not only an iconic symbol of Quzhou's culture, but also showcases its visionary pursuits. It can be said that the Quzhou spirit possesses both a Chinese vision and an international horizon." A representative from the Publicity Department of the CPC Quzhou Municipal Committee said that the spirit's international horizon, mindset, ideas, and standards are all integral to the city's development, adding that "in the future, Quzhou will undoubtedly explore more diverse ways to gain global recognition, and become a place where diverse civilizations around the world converge."

Contact: Hong YanhuiTel: (0086) 570-3076191Email: 39785657@qq.com

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2163886/The_City_of_Quzhou.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2163887/The_City_of_Quzhou_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)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
SRV Media

New Delhi [India], July 28: Nitte Institute of Communication (NICO) has recently received the Godox Certification, which makes it the only Media & Communication Institute in India with this recognition. The Godox Certification reaffirms NICO's commitment to providing students with excellent training in media and communication, backed by cutting-edge equipment from Godox.

Also Read | Manipur Viral Video: In Greed for Power, BJP Playing With Women's Respect', Alleges Rahul Gandhi.

As part of the certification, Godox will conduct workshops on lighting for students, where they will learn from the Godox Team about latest lighting techniques and practices. NICO will also be organizing Short Term Courses with Godox.

Nitte Institute of Communication is committed to providing relevant and comprehensive programs for its students. Besides the Godox partnership, NICO also hosts workshops by experts in photography, feature writing, video editing, VFX, and short filmmaking. These workshops give students exposure to real-world challenges and opportunities in the media industry.

Also Read | NASA's Streaming Service: US Space Agency to Launch Streaming Platform 'NASA+' Later This Year.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof Raviraj, Head, NICO says We are happy to be Indias Only Godox Certified Training Centre. This certification has come our way thanks to the efforts put, in offering innovation in media education. We want to give our students the best training possible, so they can succeed in the media landscape

Nitte Institute of Communication offers five comprehensive programs in media and communication for students who want to pursue their passion and career in this field. The programs are: BA in Media and Communication, a four-year program that covers a wide range of subjects from animation and graphic designing to advertising and public relations; MA in Media and Communication, a two-year program that offers specialisations in broadcast, corporate communication and print; PG Diploma in Photography and Filmmaking, a one-year program that teaches the art and craft of visual storytelling; PG Diploma in Advertising and Public Relations, also a one-year program that trains students in the skills and strategies of marketing communication; and PhD, a three-year program (full time) that enables students to conduct original and innovative research in media and communication.

The institution also organizes the Nitte International Film Festival (NIFF), which is one among the few student-run film festivals in the country. NIFF is a platform for aspiring filmmakers to showcase their work and interact with industry professionals. NIFF also provides students with the opportunity to interact with filmmakers, paving the way for internships. NIFF sees about 70-80 films being screened over four days in a popular multiplex in the city. Students get an opportunity to interact with filmmakers, technicians, actors, cinematographers, scriptwriters who participate in the festival.

In addition to NIFF, third-year BA students studying Event Management undertake the organization and execution of a two-day chocolate festival at a popular city mall. This exclusive event, known as Mangalore's only Chocolate Festival, provides a valuable platform for home-based bakers and chocolatiers to showcase and sell their delectable creations. Having successfully held four editions already, the festival is progressively gaining recognition and becoming an eagerly anticipated occasion in Mangalore's social scene.

Events like these are examples of experiential learning at its best. Something the Institute strongly advocates.

More than a decade old, NICO has been taking steady strides in media and communication education, the Godox Certification being the latest.

To know more visit: https://nico.nitte.edu.in/

(Disclaimer: The above press release has been provided by SRV Media. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Virginia [US], July 28 (ANI): According to recent Alzheimer's research from UVA Health, increased light sensitivity may be responsible for "sundowning," or the exacerbation of symptoms in the late afternoon, as well as for sleep disturbances that are thought to hasten the disease's progression.

As per the researchers, there is significant promise for both the creation of medicines and symptom management based on the new understandings of the abnormalities of the biological clock seen in Alzheimer's. For instance, Alzheimer's patients' disturbed "circadian rhythms," the body's normal daily cycle, cause caretakers to frequently struggle with the patients' unpredictable sleep habits. The latest research indicates that light therapy could be a useful technique for managing that.

Also Read | Yoga Benefits Older Women at Risk of Alzheimer's Disease, Reveals Study.

Further, better understanding Alzheimers effects on the biological clock could have implications for preventing the disease. Poor sleep quality in adulthood is a risk factor for Alzheimers, as our brains, at rest, naturally cleanse themselves of amyloid beta proteins that are thought to form harmful tangles in Alzheimers.

Circadian disruptions have been recognized in Alzheimer's disease for a long time, but we've never had a very good understanding of what causes them, said researcher Thaddeus Weigel, a graduate student working with Heather Ferris, MD, PhD, of the University of Virginia School of Medicines Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism. This research points to changes in light sensitivity as a new, interesting possible explanation for some of those circadian symptoms.

Also Read | Low Fibre Consumption by Mother May Delay Infant's Brain Development, Reveals Research.

Alzheimers is the most common form of dementia, affecting 50 million people around the world. Its hallmark is progressive memory loss, to the point that patients can forget their own loved ones, but there can be many other symptoms, such as restlessness, aggression, poor judgment and endless searching. These symptoms often worsen in the evening and at night.

Ferris and her collaborators used a mouse model of Alzheimers to better understand what happens to the biological clock in Alzheimers disease. They essentially gave the mice jet lag by altering their exposure to light, then examined how it affected their behavior. The Alzheimers mice reacted very differently than did regular mice.

The Alzheimers mice, the scientists found, adapted to a six-hour time change significantly more quickly than the control mice. This, the scientists suspect, is the result of a heightened sensitivity to changes in light. While our biological clocks normally take cues from light, this adjustment happens gradually, thus, jet lag when we travel great distances. Our bodies need time to adapt. But for the Alzheimers mice, this change happened abnormally fast.

The researchers initially thought this might be because of inflammation in the brain  neuroinflammation. So they looked at immune cells called microglia that have become promising targets in our efforts to develop better Alzheimers treatments. But the scientists ultimately ruled out this hypothesis, determining that microglia did not make a difference in how quickly mice adapted. (Thats not to say that targeting microglia wont be beneficial for other reasons.)

Notably, the UVA scientists also ruled out another potential culprit, mutant tau, an abnormal protein that forms tangles in the Alzheimers brain. The presence of these tangles also did not make a difference in how the mice adapted.

The researchers results ultimately suggest there is an important role for the retina in the enhanced light sensitivity in Alzheimers, and that gives researchers a promising avenue to pursue as they work to develop new ways to treat, manage and prevent the disease.

These data suggest that controlling the kind of light and the timing of the light could be key to reducing circadian disruptions in Alzheimers disease, Ferris said. We hope that this research will help us to develop light therapies that people can use to reduce the progression of Alzheimers disease. (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 28 (PTI) Two godowns caught fire in separate incidents in Delhi Friday evening, prompting the authorities to press more than 25 fire tenders into service, officials said.

No loss of life was reported from either incident, they said.

Also Read | Bawaal Controversy Explained: Why Varun Dhawan-Janhvi Kapoors Film is Facing Ire for Its Hitler, Auschwitz and Holocaust References (SPOILER ALERT).

According to the fire department officials, they first received information around 5.20 pm about the fire at a tent godown in southwest Delhi's Jaunapur. Twelve fire tenders were rushed to the spot.

"The fire is under control. So far, no causality has been reported," an official said later.

Also Read | MHA Advisor Holds Meetings With Tripura Tribal Parties on Indigenous People's Problems.

Around the same time, the department received a call about another fire at a godown in Mayapuri Phase-1, near the Ram Mandir Wali Gali.

Sixteen fire tenders were rushed to the site to control the blaze, 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)
Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh) [India], July 28 (ANI): A man, who was posing as Navy officer, has been arrested for duping unemployed youth for money in the name of giving them jobs, police said.

The accused was identified as Surya Chalapathirao alias Shashikanth, a senior police officer said.

Also Read | Uttar Pradesh Shocker: Govt School Headmaster Sleeps Naked in Front of Students in Bahraich, Suspended.

A car, naval duty dress, mobile phone, laptop, fake ID card and original certificates were seized from him, DCP Anand Reddy said, adding the accused had duped 30 unemployed youths.

"Chalapathi Rao is trapping the unemployed by pretending to be a naval commander. On Wednesday, Naval officials conducted Agnipath Remedial verification for 'Agnipath' candidates at the Naval canteen in Malappuram police station limits. He came there and tried to trap unemployed youth for money in the name of giving jobs," said DCP Reddy.

Also Read | More Than 900 Migrants Drown off Tunisias Coast in 2023.

Further, the DCP added, "Naval officers got doubt and enquired about him. They immediately informed the local police," and he was arrested.

He claimed to be a naval officer and cheated the unemployed, according to the DCP.

DCP Reddy said that earlier four more cases were registered against Chalapathirao in Visakhapatnam along with Vijayawada. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Ladakh [India], July 28 (ANI): Indian Army Chief General Manoj Pande visited forward areas of Ladakh to review the operational preparedness, officials said on Friday.

According to the ADG PI - Indian Army, General Manoj Pande visited the forward areas of Ladakh and received a briefing on operational readiness.

Also Read | Thawar Chand Gehlot Stopped From Boarding AirAsia Plane; Flight Takes Off Without Karnataka Governor On Board After He Arrives Late at Bengaluru Airport.

The Army Chief also praised the soldiers for their unshakable dedication and urged them to keep working with the highest professionalism and a good attitude, said Indian Army on its Twitter handle.

"General Manoj Pande, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) visited forward areas of Ladakh and was briefed on operational preparedness. Interacting with troops, the Army Chief complimented the soldiers for their unwavering commitment and exhorted them to continue working with the utmost professionalism and positive spirit," tweeted Indian Army.

Also Read | Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan Hands Over 250 Two-Wheelers to Women Police Personnel for Effective Control Over Crimes.

Earlier in June this year, General Manoj Pande, Chief of the Army Staff of India (COAS), visited the first pre-engineered Environment-friendly accommodation for troops constructed by the Indian Army.

"The structure was constructed using Light Gauge Steel Frame technology in a record time of 10 months", said an official statement.

It also added that the Chief of the Army Staff complimented the team for the same.

Additionally, General Manoj Pande interacted with the awardees felicitated during Defence Investiture Ceremony 2023 (Phase-II) in the national capital.

"General Manoj Pande (COAS) interacted with the awardees felicitated during Defence Investiture Ceremony 2023 (Phase-II) in New Delhi. The COAS appreciated the stellar contribution made by the awardees in the service of the Nation and organisation", said the official 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)
New Delhi [India], July 28 (ANI): As Assam is aiming to make the state free from the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday asked state police to examine the mechanism of how Indian Army personnel can be freed up after withdrawal of AFSPA.

Assam police must examine how Indian Army personnel can be freed up from the state by completely withdrawing Armed Forced Special Power Act, Sarma said.

Also Read | Chhattisgarh: Ensure Safety of Women and Maintain Law and Order, CM Bhupesh Baghel Tells Top Cops.

Sarma was addressing the inaugural day of the two-day Superintendents of Police (SP) conference in Bongaigaon, where he unveiled significant developments for the state's security and citizen services.

Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 is an act of the Parliament of India that grants special powers to the Indian Armed Forces to maintain public order in "disturbed areas". According to the Disturbed Areas Act, 1976 once declared 'disturbed', the area has to maintain the status quo for a minimum of three months.

Also Read | PM Narendra Modi To Inaugurate 'Akhil Bhartiya Shiksha Samagam' at Bharat Mandapam in Pragati Maidan on July 29.

While the Disturbed Areas notification under AFSPA was removed by the Centre from the entire state of Assam last year, it was still in force in about nine districts and one sub-division of another district.

However, starting April 1, 2023, the notification was lifted from one more district in the state, which meant that

AFSPA was restricted to only eight districts of Assam. The law gives unbridled power to the Armed Forces and the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) deployed in Disturbed Areas to kill anyone acting in contravention of the law; arrest and search any premises without a warrant; and protection from prosecution and legal suits without the Central Governments sanction.

The chief minister had announced that his government was aiming to withdraw the controversial Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, (AFSPA) completely from the state by the end of 2023.

However, at the conference held at the newly inaugurated Assam Police convention centre, CM Sarma released the logo of the Assam Police's Special Task Force (STF). The STF is expected to play a crucial role in tackling specialized challenges faced by law enforcement.

Insurgency has been largely defeated and Assam and Assam Police is proactively monitoring and neutralising persons who are trying to regroup, Sarma added.

He further asked the state police to keep strict vigil to prevent surrendered militants from going back to the path of violence.

Proactive steps to be taken to prevent Rohingya infiltrators, smugglers and insurgents outside Assam from using the state as a corridor for transit to other states, Sarma said, adding that Assam Police should initiate action in source states if the situation so warrants and step up surveillance in railways and bus stands.

During the event, the Chief Minister signed memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with prominent organizations, including Microsoft, National Cyber Peace Foundation, and India Future Foundation. These collaborations are geared towards enhancing the state's cybersecurity measures and technological advancements in policing.

The occasion also witnessed the launch of new logos for the Village Defence Organization (VDO), emphasizing the importance of grassroots security in rural areas.

In a move aimed at easing passport verification for citizens, CM Sarma introduced the M-Passport application. This innovative solution is set to streamline the passport verification process and facilitate faster and more efficient services.

Further, the CM virtually inaugurated two cyber police stations during the conference, signaling the state's commitment to combat cybercrimes and safeguard online spaces. (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 28 (ANI): The Delhi High Court on Friday granted interim bail to former Rajya Sabha MP Vijay Darda, his son Devender Darda and businessman Manoj Jayaswal in a case relating to irregularities in the allocation of a coal block in Chhattisgarh.

The Special Court on Wednesday had sentenced them for four years imprisonment in the case.

Also Read | Bhima Koregaon Case: Supreme Court Grants Bail to Accused Vernon Gonsalves and Arun Ferreira Jailed Since August 2018.

The bench of Justice Dinesh Kumar Sharma while granting interim bail took into account that they were never arrested and remained on bail and said, "they be admitted to interim bail subject to conditions that they shall not leave country and make themselves available as and when called."

The Court also granted time to CBI to reply to application filed by them, seeking suspension of conviction and sentence. The court also sought response of CBI on their plea challenging trial court order of conviction and fixed the matter for September 28, 2023.

Also Read | Manipur Violence: Will Assess Ground Situation To Make Recommendations to Government, Parliament, Say Opposition Leaders Ahead of INDIA Bloc's Visit to Violence Hit State (Watch Video).

Advocate Vijay Aggarwal appeared for Manoj Jayaswal, Senior Advocate Kirti Uppal appeared for Vijay Darda and Advocate Ayush Jindal appeared for Devender Darda.

The Special Coal Court of Delhi on Wednesday sentenced four years imprisonment to Former Rajya Sabha MP Vijay Darda, his son Devender Darda, M/S JLD Yavatmal Energy Pvt Ltd's Director Manoj Kumar Jayaswal for four years in a case relating to irregularities in the allocation of a coal block in Chhattisgarh.

In the matter, the trial court Judge Sanjay Bansal also sentenced ex-Coal Secretary H C Gupta, two senior public servants K S Kropha and K C Samria for three years Jail term in the same case. The Court later granted all three public servants bail in the matter.

M/s JLD Yavatmal Energy Ltd, company was recently under section 120-B IPC, 120-B r/w S. 420 IPC and 13 (1)(d)(iii) r/w 13(2) PC Act has been also fined with Rupees 50 lacs.

According to the Court order Manoj Kumar Jayaswal was punished with four years imprisonment and 15 lacs fine. Vijay Darda was sentenced with 4 years imprisonment and Rs 15 lacs fine.

Special Judge Sanjay Bansal recently held all of them guilty convicted them under offences under section 120B (criminal conspiracy) and 420 (cheating) of the Indian Penal Code and under the relevant provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act. However the Court acquitted the accused under 409 IPC (Criminal Breach of Trust by Public Servants).

Earlier, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) told the court that JLD Yavatmal Energy Limited got Fatehpur East Coal Block in Chhattisgarh as part of the alleged criminal conspiracy by misrepresenting facts on the eligibility criteria.

According to the CBI, this was the thirteenth conviction in the Coal Scam related case. The prosecution was led by Senior Advocate RS Cheema along with A P Singh, Deputy legal advisor, and others.

The coal related cases have been registered by CBI in connection with the allegations related to getting coal blocks allocated on the basis of misrepresentations and false claims in the applications, presentations and connivance or lack of due diligence on the part of public servants. (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 28 (ANI): A 42-year-old woman was shot dead near her house in southwest Delhi's Dabri area on Thursday evening, police said.

The victim was identified as Renu.

Also Read | More Than 900 Migrants Drown off Tunisias Coast in 2023.

"Around 8:45 pm on Wednesday, under the Dabri police station, we got information that a 42-year-old woman was shot dead near her house. The woman was identified as Renu. She was a housewife living with her family in the Vaishali colony area under Dabri Police Station," said Deputy Commissioner of Police (Dwarka) M Harshvardhan.

Several police teams were formed to nab the accused, however, the assailant shot himself dead when the police reached his house to arrest him, the DCP said.

Also Read | Telangana Flash Floods: Heavy Rains Wreak Havoc Northern Districts of State, 10 People Washed Away (Watch Video).

"We formed several teams to nab the accused. We identified him and when we reached his house, he shot himself dead on the roof of his house. We found the weapon with which he had killed himself," DCP Harshvardhan said.

The accused was identified as Ashish (25).

"We found that Renu and Ashish met in a gym nearly 2-3 years back. Further investigation is on", the DCP added.

More 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 28 (ANI): The Bill replacing the Centre's Ordinance on control of services in Delhi is on the government's agenda next week in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.

Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Arjun Ram Meghwal informed Lok Sabha of the government's business for next week. Rajya Sabha was informed of the government business for the coming week by Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs V Muraleedharan.

Also Read | Indian Educational Institutions Should Be Brought at Par With International Norms: Parliament Committee.

The Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023, seeks to replace the ordinance brought by the Centre in May which excluded services from the legislative competence of the Delhi legislative assembly. The ordinance was brought days after the Supreme Court judgement on the control of services in Delhi.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has been seeking opposition parties' support against the Ordinance.

Also Read | Manipur Violence: Two Killed, Six Injured Including Security Personnel, 6 Houses Burnt in Bishnupur.

Members of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance will oppose the Bill in Parliament.

The government has expressed confidence of getting the bill passed. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Nagpur, Jul 28 (PTI) Five persons were arrested in Nagpur in Maharashtra on Friday for allegedly shooting dead two businessmen, burning their bodies and dumping them in Wardha river, a police official.

Nirala Jaiprakash Singh (43) and Amrish Deodutt Gole (41) were reported missing on July 25, which led to personnel from Sitabuldi and Sonegaon police stations starting a probe, he said.

Also Read | Rajasthan Assembly Elections 2023 Opinion Poll Results: 40% People Prefer Ashok Gehlot Over Sachin Pilot to Be Congress CM Face, Finds ABP-CVoter Survey.

"The probe zeroed in on a half-burnt body near Talegaon area, which was identified as that of Nirala. Using CCTV footage and other intelligence inputs, police managed to piece together details of how the two went missing," he said.

"It led to the arrest of five persons, including alleged mastermind Omkar Talmale who had lured the two businessmen into a money exchange trap to pay off debts," the official added.

Also Read | Agra Shocker: Eye on Her Mother's Property, 'Drunk' Man Strangles and Slits Pregnant Wife's Throat After Argument.

As per the official, Talmale told the two businessmen they could convert Rs 2.80 crore he had as black money by paying Rs 1.50 crore.

"Lured by this offer of getting Rs 2.80 crore by paying Rs 1.50 crore, the two businessman arrived and were taken to a farm house in Kondhali, some 50 kilometres from Nagpur city. Nirala and Gole were shot dead, their bodies were burnt with petrol from the vehicles of the accused. The bodies were thrown into Wardha river," he said.

The official identified the accused as Talmale, Lucky Turkule, Harsh Verma, Vishal Punaj, who is reportedly associated with the Bajrang Dal, and Danish Shivpeth. A minor has also been detained.

Kondhali police is probing further, the official added.

(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 28 (ANI): Reacting to his daughter's death who was allegedly killed in a park near Malviya Nagar by her cousin on Friday, the deceased's father broke down and demanded the death penalty for the accused.

Talking to reporters, he said, "We need the death penalty for the accused, nothing less. I had only one daughter. I wont leave him."

Also Read | Indian Educational Institutions Should Be Brought at Par With International Norms: Parliament Committee.

Meanwhile, the Delhi Police has arrested one person in connection with the alleged killing of a 22-year-old woman, who was found dead at a park in South Delhi's Malviya Nagar on Friday afternoon.

"The arrested accused identified as Irfan (28), is a cousin of the deceased. He allegedly killed her for rejecting his marriage proposal," the police said.

Also Read | Manipur Violence: Two Killed, Six Injured Including Security Personnel, 6 Houses Burnt in Bishnupur.

Officials said that the incident appears to be the result of a love affair and denial of marriage as the accused is unemployed which allegedly led him to kill her.

"This matter appears to be an outcome of a love affair and refusal of a marriage proposal. The victim and the accused are cousins. The deceased's family had earlier rejected his marriage proposal after coming to know that he was unemployed. Subsequently, the victim had also stopped talking to him," DCP, South Delhi, Chandan Chowdhary said.

DCP said that the accused reached Vijay Mandal Park in Malviya Nagar at around 12 noon on Friday, and called the victim as he wanted to sort out their issue. "The two went to the park, where the accused allegedly attacked the victim with an iron rod," she said.

The accused has been arrested and the police were questioning him. "We are further looking into the matter," DCP added. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Satna (Madhya Pradesh) [India], July 28 (ANI): A minor girl was allegedly raped in Madhya Pradeshs Satna district, a police official said on Friday.

The incident occurred in Maihar town in the district. The condition of the minor victim is said to be critical and she has been referred to Rewa.

Also Read | Palghar Rains: Heavy Rainfall Lashes Jawhar Town and Surroundings Areas; Records 336.33 mm Rain in Past 24 Hours, Says IMD (Watch Video).

We got information on Friday morning that around 12-year-old girl was raped in the district. After preliminary enquiry, the police have arrested two accused in this case. The girl is undergoing treatment and she has been referred to Rewa. Strict actions will be taken against the accused. Further investigation is underway, Sub-Divisional Officer of Police (SDOP, Maihar) Lokesh Dawar said.

Meanwhile, former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath has expressed displeasure over the incident and claimed that the state government has completely failed to provide security to the women in the state.

Also Read | Madhya Pradesh Horror: Minor Girl Brutally Gang-Raped, Wooden Stick Inserted in Private Parts on Temple Premises in Maihar.

Nath wrote on twitter, The incident of rape with a small girl in Maihar is highly condemnable. Like the Nirbhaya incident, the matter of inhumane acts with the victim is also coming to the fore. Incidents of atrocities against girls in the state have proved that the Shivraj government has completely failed to provide security to the women and daughters.

I demand from the Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan that the best treatment should be provided to the victim and she should be given financial assistance of Rs 1 crore immediately, Nath further wrote.

Besides, speaking to ANI, Nath said, ...There are many such incidents which are not coming to the fore. Madhya Pradesh, today is infamous in the country for rape and atrocities against women & children. This is the image of the state today. There is no system, no law and order, there is only corruption.

Meanwhile, CM Chouhan also wrote on twitter, I have got information about rape incident in Maihar. My heart is full of pain and I am distressed. I have instructed the police that no criminal should be spared. The police have arrested the accused.

Instructions have been given to the administration to make arrangements for proper treatment of the victim. No criminal will be spared, strict action will be taken against the accused, he further wrote. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Indore (Madhya Pradesh) [India], July 28 (ANI): A 31-year-old municipal corporation employee was arrested for allegedly raping a 21-year-old sick woman under Malharganj police station limits in Madhya Pradeshs Indore district, a police official said on Friday.

On Thursday, the police received information that a 21-year-old woman, who was bleeding, was admitted to the hospital by her family members. After that the police reached the hospital, talked to the kin about the matter and came to know that she was raped, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Aaditya Mishra said.

Also Read | Dog Attack in Bengaluru: Food Delivery Agent Chased and Bitten by Stray Dogs Set Upon by Woman and Son.

The kin told the police that the accused Bhola (31) who is municipal corporation employee and married man, lives in their neighborhood, raped the victim twice in 15 days by taking advantage her illness, DCP Mishra said.

The Malharganj police registered a case against the accused under Indian Penal Code (IPC) section 376 (2) (n), 450 and 506 into the matter and arrested the accused. Further investigation in the matter is underway, the officer added. (ANI)

Also Read | Tamil Nadu: Home Minister Amit Shah Arrives in Madurai, Set To Flag Off BJP's En Mann, En Makkal Padyatra in Rameswaram (Watch Video).

(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 28 (PTI) The National Medical Commission has directed all health institutions to constitute sexual harassment probe committees in compliance with the provisions of the Prevention of Sexual Harassment Act.

In a letter to the institutions and medical colleges, the Commission referred to the directions of the Supreme Court regarding the implementation of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act 2013.

Also Read | Indian Educational Institutions Should Be Brought at Par With International Norms: Parliament Committee.

"Accordingly, all the medical colleges are requested to comply with the directions of the Supreme Court as under.

"All health institutions/medical colleges are directed to undertake a time bound exercise to verify as to whether the medical colleges/institutions has constituted ICCS/LCS/ICs, as they case may be and that the composition of the said committees are strictly in terms of the provision of the POSH Act," the Commission said.

Also Read | Manipur Violence: Two Killed, Six Injured Including Security Personnel, 6 Houses Burnt in Bishnupur.

"The institutions shall ensure that necessary information regarding the constitution and composition of the ICCS/LCS/ICs, details of the e-mail IDs and contact of the designated persons, the procedure prescribed for submitting an online complaint, as also the relevant rules, regulations and internals policies are made readily available on the website of the institution/organisation/authority/functionary/body which is required to be updated from time to time," it said.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New Delhi [India], July 28 (ANI): The Ministry of Defence has refuted the media report that the ministry has reopened old withdrawn cases calling it misleading and factually incorrect.

The MoD has not filed any appeal in disability pension cases where appeals were withdrawn earlier in 2019, the ministry said on Friday.

Also Read | Haryana Shocker: Tutor Molests, Shows Obscene Videos to Minor in Ambala, Booked Under POCSO Act.

The ministry further said that it, as per government litigation policy, accepts the orders of lower courts based on the issues settled by the government policy and the supreme court.

The orders of the tribunal in cases decided long back have also been implemented for the individual concerned, it added.

Also Read | Mumbai: Murder Case Accused Dies by Suicide Inside Borivali Police Station Lock-Up, Probe Initiated.

Keeping the latest rulings of the apex court, only in cases where the medical boards have clearly stated that injury or disability is Neither Attributable Nor Aggravated (NANA) by military service, the MoD with the advice of senior law officers of the government have gone for appeal.

The MoD is sensitive towards the matter of injury/disability arising out of military service and strongly stands behind our brave soldiers and strives to do the best for them as per the policies of the government, it added. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Bhubaneshwar (Odisha) [India], July 28 (ANI): Odisha is wooing global IT and semiconductor industries to transform states tech landscape, said officials, adding that many large IT and Semiconductor MNCs have expressed their intention to invest in the State.

This has been informed during the discussion of the Government of Odisha delegation with top Silicon Valley Industry leaders from various fields such as IT, semiconductor design and automation, VC, professional services, AI/ML, and 5G.

Also Read | Indian Educational Institutions Should Be Brought at Par With International Norms: Parliament Committee.

Leaders Cadence Design Systems, Integreon, Celano.io, eFabless Corporation, and many other MNCs participated in these discussions. The delegation interacted with various software service companies including major IT MNC Cognizant Technology Solutions (CTS). Delegation interacted with Cognizant CEO Mr Ravi Kumar and showcased the advantages of Odisha for a possible footprint for Cognizant (CTS) in the State.

The delegation met with Mr. PR Patel, promoter of Global HDI PCB Manufacturing Inc., US, and a former executive at Intel. The delegation provided him a comprehensive account of Odishas advantages, ranging from natural endowments to generous incentives and an investment friendly climate.

Also Read | Manipur Violence: Two Killed, Six Injured Including Security Personnel, 6 Houses Burnt in Bishnupur.

After detailed discussions, Patel expressed his intent to set up an HDI-PCB manufacturing facility in the state with a cumulative investment of approximately Rs. 4,360 crore (~530 million USD) over a period of 7 years.

An estimated 3,500 jobs would be generated through this investment along with ancillary benefits such as strengthening and development of a semiconductor ecosystem. HDI PCBs are a type of Printed Circuit Board (PCB) that offers a higher wiring density per unit area compared to traditional circuit boards and are particularly useful in complex, high-performance products that require high-frequency signal transmission. Patels team will soon make a visit to Odisha for site inspection.

In another meeting, the delegation interacted with Subroto Mukerji, CEO, Integreon. With operations in the US, UK, India, and Philippines, the firm specializes in performing outsourced services of corporations and law firms. It provides services such as contract management, legal operations support and document review to law firms and business intelligence and research to corporations.Letter of Intent (LoI) have been received from Integreon for setting up of its Offshore Development Centers of 500 Persons capacity in Odisha to offer AI/ML derived business insights to clients.

Later, the delegation had a discussion with Rajeev Shah, CEO and Co-founder of Celona.io, a pioneer and leading innovator of enterprise private wireless solutions credited with developing the industrys first 5G LAN system. The delegation briefed him on the advancements Odisha has made in extending high-speed network connectivity to even the most remote regions of the state. As per discussions, Government of Odisha will facilitate joint research projects between Celona and top Odisha institutions in fields of 5G and Industry 4.0 and also help the company establish a CoE in Bhubaneswar in the said domains.

Focusing on the objective of developing a chip ecosystem in the state, the delegation had an extensive conversation with Michael Wishart, CEO, eFabless Corporation. The company offers a platform which enables a global community of chip experts and non-experts to collaboratively design, share, prototype and commercialize special purpose chips.

The discussion was very fruitful, and the company will submit proposals for collaboration in two potential areas. In order to accelerate semiconductor learning from high-school to university and make it more experiential, accessible, affordable, and fun, the company plans to start a 6-week program that provides end-to-end learning experience in semiconductor design and fabrication. Such a program will make Odishas youth industry-ready and greatly increase their employment prospects. eFabless Corporation and Government of Odisha will also collaborate on the O-Chip program, and the company will provide support to accelerate IP development, with particular focus on IP for emerging applications such as AI/ ML.

During an event hosted by the Consulate General of India, San Francisco and focused on the numerous opportunities in Odisha, the delegation interacted with over 50 leading executives of the Silicon Valley and highlighted the growth and expansion possibilities which exist in Odisha today. The participants were greatly impressed to hear about the rapid strides Odisha is making and offered their whole-hearted support to propel its growth story even further.

Underscoring the importance of receiving advisory support and insights from industry veterans, the delegation engaged in a very constructive discussion with Mr. Lip-Bu Tan, a world-class leader, semiconductor/deep tech visionary, and renowned venture capital investor based in Silicon Valley. He is the Founder and Chairman of Walden International (WI), a prominent venture capital firm managing cumulative capital commitments exceeding $4 billion, and a former CEO of Cadence Design Systems.

The delegates showcased Odisha's strong infrastructural advantages, efficient supply chain logistics, strategic location of Odisha as center in Asia map, and progressive semiconductor sector policies to Mr. Tan, who on his part, shared invaluable insights into the latest trends in AI/ML, life sciences, semiconductor industry investments, technology, and workforce training. The insights garnered from these discussions are expected to shape strategic decisions and initiatives aimed at bolstering the semiconductor and deep tech landscape in Odisha.

In a detailed discussion with the delegation, Mr. Shiva Ramani, CEO, iOPEX, a digital services provider with offices in San Jose, Philippines, Chennai, Bangalore, and Gurgaon and 4000+ global employees, outlined his plans to set up their Offshore Development centre of 500 headcounts in Bhubaneswar and will soon submit Letter of Intent (LoI) in this regard. The delegation assured him all possible support in facilitating their initiatives in the State. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Kolkata, Jul 28 (PTI) Bangladesh Information Minister Hasan Mahmud on Friday accused Pakistan of indulging in "foul play" by assisting the opposition BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, which are trying to fan "religious fanaticism and instability" in the country.

Pointing to the close relations developed with India by the Awami League government, he also pointed out that the country's ties with its larger neighbour have always been affected and minorities have faced atrocities whenever the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) comes to power.

Also Read | Air India Flight for Paris Returns to Delhi Airport Shortly After Take-Off Amidst Tyre Debris Scare.

Mahmud said there are enough evidence that Pakistan is providing help to BNP and Jamaat.

"Pakistan is helping Jamaat and BNP. They have taken money from that country in previous elections. There is a confessional statement of a former ISI chief in a Pakistan court that they gave few crores of Taka to BNP before 1991 elections," he told PTI in an interview.

Also Read | Rajasthan Assembly Elections 2023 Opinion Poll Results: 40% People Prefer Ashok Gehlot Over Sachin Pilot to Be Congress CM Face, Finds ABP-CVoter Survey.

When asked whether the Bangladesh government fears Pakistani "foul play" during this year's election as well, Mahmud said they "always try to do that as they are with the BNP and against Awami League."

"But we want good relations with Pakistan as well. We have diplomatic relations with them," he said.

The general elections in Bangladesh are likely to be held next year.

While lauding the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government in Bangladesh for restoring political stability and religious harmony, Mahmud said, "When the BNP was in power, religious harmony was affected and fanatic elements had destabilised the country, destroying peace between communities."

"So, if the Awami League is not in power, the same will happen again. That will have an impact in India as well," Mahmud said.

On whether bilateral relations with India will be affected if the Awami League is not in power in Bangladesh, he asserted, "Of course, it will. Definitely it will (have an impact on ties)," he said.

He claimed that the BNP's politics revolves around "anti-India and anti-Hinduism rhetoric".

"On the other hand, as Awami League is a secular party, it provides political stability and religious harmony in the country," he said.

On the "growing closeness" between Dhaka and Beijing, Mahmud said the ties between India and Bangladesh cannot be compared with any other relationship.

The time-tested bilateral relations between India and Bangladesh have been "bonded in blood", he said.

"Our foreign policy is friendship with all and malice to none. So we have relationships with all countries -- US, China and European nations. But the relationship with India is different; It cannot be compared with any other country," he said.

Mahmud said, "The relationship between Bangladesh and India is bonded in blood. Because when the people of Bangladesh fought for the country's liberation, Indian soldiers also fought for us and sacrificed their lives. Relationships with any other country will not hamper the relationship between India and Bangladesh."

Speaking on the Teesta water-sharing treaty, he said the intention of the Indian government is very positive.

"We see that the Government of India is trying to find a solution, but you have internal issues, and according to the Indian Constitution, you need the consent of the state government. But we see the intention of the Indian government is very positive," he said.

India and Bangladesh were set to ink a deal on Teesta water sharing during the then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's Dhaka visit in 2011. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had declined to endorse it, citing water scarcity in her state.

Mahmud said under the leadership of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the relations between both nations have reached a new high, and the bilateral relationship in each sector has strengthened.

"Recently, we have started trade by exchange of Rupee and Taka, and that is a very new dimension (in bilateral ties)," he said.

Bangladesh and India recently launched a much-anticipated trade transaction in Rupees, a move aimed at reducing dependence on the US dollar and strengthening regional currency and trade.

The governor of Bangladesh's central bank has recently said the transaction costs during trade with India will reduce with the introduction of the Taka-Rupee dual currency card, which was "almost ready to be launched from September."

When asked whether the ethnic violence in Manipur impacts Bangladesh, as the country also has a minuscule Kuki tribe population, the minister replied in negative.

"Manipur (crisis) is an internal matter of India, and so far, it has no bearing or impact on Bangladesh," he said.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New Delhi [India], July 28 (ANI): RailTel Corporation of India announced its Consolidated Operating Income of Rs 468 Crore in Q1 of FY 23-24 with YOY growth of 24 per cent in its 141st Board Meeting held on Thursday.

As per the official statement, the Company has posted a YOY growth of 25 per cent in total consolidated revenue with Rs 483 crore in Q1 of FY 24 as against Rs 385 Cr in Q1 of FY 23.

Also Read | Cybersecurity in India: Parliamentary Panel Suggests Formation of Regulatory Body for Safeguarding IT Infrastructure and Networks From Cyber Threats.

The statement further stated that Profit Before Tax (PBT) in Q1 of FY24 is Rs 51 crore as against Rs 35 crore in Q1 of FY23., registering a YOY growth of 46 per cent.

Total Profit After Tax for Q1 of FY24 stands at Rs 38 crore as against Rs 26 crore PAT of Q1 of FY23.

Also Read | Uttar Pradesh Medical Negligence Case: Doctor Removes Woman's Uterus Instead of Gall Bladder During Operation in Varanasi, Booked.

Talking about the results, Chairman and Managing Director of RailTel Sanjai Kumar said that operationally the company has been consistently performing with growth in revenue with healthy profits.

The company has bagged new orders of Rs 1632 Cr in the last six months maintaining a robust order book of Rs 4492 Cr. With greater emphasis on project execution, the company has visibility of substantial growth in operating income in the coming quarters.

It is pertinent to note that RailTel, a Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Railways, is one of the largest neutral telecom infrastructure and ICT Solutions and Services providers in the country, owning a Pan-India optic fibre network covering several towns and cities and rural areas of the country.

Along with a strong a reliable network of 61000+ RKM of Optic fibre, RailTel has two MeitY empanelled tier III data centres as well.

RailTel is also working with the Indian Railways to transform railway stations into digital hubs by providing public Wi-Fi at railway stations across the country and 6108+ stations are live with RailTels RailWire Wi-Fi. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Tripura CM Manik Saha listening to PM Modi's speech during his Rajasthan visit (Photo/ANI)

Agartala (Tripura) [India], July 28 (ANI): Chief Minister Manik Saha on Thursday said that the release of the 14th instalment of Rs 17,000 crore under Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme will not only benefit Tripura farmers but of other states as well, according to an official statement.

"The Prime Minister released the 14th instalment amount of about Rs 17,000 crore under PM-KISAN, dedicated more than 1.25 lakh PM Kisan Samriddhi Kendras (PMKSKs) to the nation and launched on-boarding of 1600 Farmer Producer Organizations on Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), Saha CM.

Also Read | Uttar Pradesh Medical Negligence Case: Doctor Removes Woman's Uterus Instead of Gall Bladder During Operation in Varanasi, Booked.

"These facilities will largely benefit the farmers from across the country including Tripura", he said.

The Chief Minister listened to PM Narendra Modis speech during the inauguration and foundation stone laying ceremony of development works in Rajasthan in virtual mode from the agriculture office under the Barjala constituency today, said the official statement.

Also Read | Punjab Police Bust One of the Biggest Arms Smuggling Racket Linked With Lawrence Bishnoi Gang, Five Accused Arrested.

Notably, Prime Minister Modi on Thursday laid the foundation stone and dedicated a series of transformative development projects in Sikar, Rajasthan.

The projects unveiled encompassed diverse sectors, aimed at empowering farmers, bolstering agriculture, advancing medical infrastructure and preserving Rajasthan's rich cultural heritage.

The Prime Minister dedicated over 1.25 lakh PM Kisan Samriddhi Kendras (PMKSK) to the nation.

These Kendras are set to serve as comprehensive support centres for farmers, providing essential information, testing facilities and access to various government schemes.

PM Modi launched "Urea Gold," a novel variety of urea coated with Sulphur. This fertilizer will rectify soil sulphur deficiencies, optimize nitrogen usage in crops, and enhance crop quality.

The Prime Minister inaugurated the onboarding of 1600 Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) onto the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC). This platform will facilitate FPOs with digital marketing, and online payment options and catalyse rural logistics growth.

Under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme, the 14th instalment amounting to approximately Rs 17,000 crores was directly transferred to more than 8.5 crore beneficiaries, offering much-needed financial support to farmers.

The Prime Minister also inaugurated five new medical colleges in Chittorgarh, Dholpur, Sirohi, Sikar, and Sri Ganganagar. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], July 28 (ANI): To ensure the safety of women, children, the elderly, and divyangs in Uttar Pradesh, the Yogi government, in coordination with 12 major departments, has started work towards implementing the Safe City project in the state, an official release said.

The state government has issued a deadline to various departments at the government level to complete the work of the first phase of the Safe City project in the state within the stipulated period of three months.

Also Read | Air India Flight for Paris Returns to Delhi Airport Shortly After Take-Off Amidst Tyre Debris Scare on Runway.

The Safe City project will be implemented in three phases, which include Gautam Buddha Nagar along with 17 municipal corporations in the first phase, 57 district headquarters municipalities in the second phase, and 143 municipalities in the third phase.

According to the release, the project's main focus is on women, children, the elderly and the divyangs.

Also Read | Rajasthan Assembly Elections 2023 Opinion Poll Results: 40% People Prefer Ashok Gehlot Over Sachin Pilot to Be Congress CM Face, Finds ABP-CVoter Survey.

UP police to take care of the elderly under the Savera scheme.

The release noted that the Chief Ministers objective is to provide a safe, protected and empowered environment for women, children, the elderly, and 'divyang' in public places. In the first phase of the project, the work of identifying places for installing government and private CCTVs, street lights, and toilets has been completed under the deadline.

"Along with this, the work of identifying sensitive places like courts, jails, wine shops, girls colleges, parks, and hot spots has also been completed within the deadline in order to increase patrolling and the installation of CCTVs at these places", added the release.

On the other hand, the Safe City App is being prepared by the Urban Development Department to help the citizens, which will be included in the Smart City App. In addition, to make travel safe for citizens, the Transport Department is preparing the Nayan App. Similar to this, the UP Police is implementing the Savera scheme to ensure the safety of the elderly and to offer them all possible assistance.

Under this scheme, the beat constables of UP Police will prepare the data of the senior citizens of their areas and visit their homes from time to time to inspect their condition. Additionally, the constables will help them immediately and will also inform the higher officials in case of any problems. UP-112 is preparing SOP regarding this. As per the records of UP Police, a total of 9,64,168 elderly citizens are registered in the state. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Guwahati, Jul 28 (PTI) Three heavy Over Dimensional Cargo (ODC) of Numaligarh Refinery Limited's expansion project docked at the Pandu Ghat here on Friday, an official release said.

The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), transported the ODCs with the cumulative weight of the three being more than 3,275 MT.

Also Read | Mumbai: Murder Case Accused Dies by Suicide Inside Borivali Police Station Lock-Up, Probe Initiated.

The heaviest of the three is 1,286 MT, making it the single largest ODC ever to be transported via Brahmaputra river while the other two ODCs weigh 1,248 MT and 741.12 MT.

All the three ODCs have travelled from Diamond Harbour near Kolkata through Indo Bangladesh Protocol Route (IBPR), then on to National Waterways 2 (Brahmaputra) and will travel from Pandu to National Waterways 31 (Dhansiri) before reaching the Numaligarh jetty.

Also Read | Congress Likely To Shift to Its New Six-Storey Building on Birth Anniversary of Former PM Indira Gandhi on November 19.

IWAI is transporting as many as 24 ODCs for the NRL expansion project as per an MoU signed in 2021,

The successful transit of heavy ODCs going upstream from Kolkata to Numaligarh is a manifestation of the immense possibilities that Inland waterways possess for India, and especially for Assam and the Northeast.

Of the three, the heaviest ODC was carried by MV Focus XII with Marine 108, the second heaviest by Tug Sanket with Torsa III and the third with 741.12 MT was carried by MV Gwalior with Topaz III.

The successful transit of heavy ODCs going upstream from Kolkata to Numaligarh is a manifestation of the immense possibilities that Inland waterways possess for India, and especially for Assam and the Northeast, the release added.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New York [US], July 28 (ANI): Scientists have created microbe-semiconductor biohybrids that merge the biosynthetic power of living systems with the ability of semiconductors to harvest light.

The study was published in the journal, 'Nature Chemistry'.

Also Read | Muslim Nations Call for Boycott of Swedish Products.

These microorganisms use solar energy to convert carbon dioxide into value-added chemical products, such as bioplastics and biofuels. But how that energy transport occurs in such a tiny, complex system, and whether the process can be improved, is still unclear.

Researchers have developed a multimodal platform to image these biohybrids with single-cell resolution, to better understand how they function and how they can be optimized for more efficient energy conversion.

Also Read | Indian Educational Institutions Should Be Brought at Par With International Norms: Parliament Committee.

The project was led by Peng Chen, professor of chemistry in the College of Arts and Sciences. The effort is an offshoot of a larger collaboration  with Tobias Hanrath, professor at the Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering in Cornell Engineering, and Buz Barstow, assistant professor of biological and environmental engineering in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences  that was funded by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to explore microscopic imaging of microbes as a way to advance bioenergy research.

Biohybrid research has typically been conducted with bacteria in bulk  essentially a large amount of cells in a bucket, Peng said  emphasizing the overall yield of the value-added chemicals and the collective behaviors of the cells, rather than the underlying mechanism that enables the complex chemical transformation.

Biology is very heterogeneous. The individual cells are very different. Now, in order to interrogate it better, you really need to measure it at a single-cell level, Chen said. This is where we come in. We provide quantitative assessments of protein behaviors and also a mechanistic understanding of how the electron transport occurs from the semiconductor to the bacteria cell.

The new platform combined multi-channel fluorescence imaging with photoelectrochemical current mapping to survey the bacterium Ralstonia eutropha. The platform was able to simultaneously image, track and quantitate multiple proteins in the cell while also measuring the flow of electrons, ultimately correlating the cellular protein properties and electron transport processes.

The researchers successfully differentiated the functional roles of two types of hydrogenases  one bound to the cells membrane, and a soluble one in the cytoplasm  that help metabolize hydrogen and drive CO2 fixation. While the soluble hydrogenase is known to be critical for metabolizing hydrogen, the researchers found that the membrane-bound hydrogenase, while less important, actually facilitates the process and makes it more efficient.

In addition, the researchers obtained the first experimental evidence that the bacteria can uptake a large amount of electrons from semiconductor photocatalysts. The team measured the electron current and found it be three orders of magnitude larger than what scientists previously thought, which suggests that future bacteria strains could be engineered to improve the efficiency of energy conversion.

The researchers also discovered that membrane-bound and soluble hydrogenases play an important role in mediating the electron transport from the semiconductor into the cell. Meanwhile, not only can the cell accept electrons; it can also spit them out in the opposite direction, without the assistance of hydrogenases.

The imaging platform is generalizable enough that it can be used to study other biological-inorganic systems, including yeast, and for other processes, such as nitrogen fixation and pollutant removal.

Our multimodal imaging platform is powerful, but it of course has its own limits, Chen said. We can image and study proteins, but our approach does not allow us to analyze small molecule compositions. And so one can think about further integrating our approach with other techniques  for example, nanoscale mass spectrometry  so it would be really powerful. Were not there yet. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Streaks of Light Seen in California. (Photo Credits: Video Grab)

Berlin, Jul 29 (AP) Three people were shot and killed at a residential building in southern Germany on Friday and another two wounded in a nearby house, police said. A suspect was arrested.

The shooting took place Friday evening in Langweid, just outside the Bavarian city of Augsburg. Police said the suspect, a 64-year-old man, was then arrested, German news agency dpa reported.

Also Read | Muslim Nations Call for Boycott of Swedish Products.

Authorities said the motive was still under investigation.

Police said the suspect fatally shot two women, ages 49 and 72, and a 52-year-old man, before continuing to another house in a nearby street. There, he allegedly shot a 32-year-old woman and a 44-year-old man. Both were being treated in a hospital. (AP)

Also Read | UK: Indian-Origin Man Found Guilty of Killing Friend in West London Over Drugs Worth 5,000 Pounds.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Dhaka, Jul 28 (PTI) Bangladesh's main opposition party BNP on Friday announced that it will hold a five-hour sit-in at key entry points of the capital Dhaka on Saturday to press for holding the next year's polls under a neutral government.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir announced the programme from the party's grand rally in the city's Naya Paltan area. The sit-in will take place from 11 am to 4 pm, he said at the rally that coincided with an identical rally by the ruling Awami League in Dhaka.

Also Read | India: Blind Women Use Touch to Find and Fight Breast Cancer.

He said it is their constitutional right to hold protest programmes and these will be peaceful, urging the authorities not to create any obstructions.

No election can be held under this illegal, unconstitutional government. We have only one demand  the government must resign and dissolve parliament, Fakhrul said, as he renewed the BNP demand for an election-time caretaker administration.

Also Read | Earthquake of Magnitude 4.2 on Richter Scale Strikes Afghanistan, No Casualties Reported.

This was the first rally by the BNP after protest marches earlier this month following its announcement of a final push to topple the Sheikh Hasina government before the next general election scheduled to be held after six months, bdnews24.com reported.

The party's Chairperson and former premier Khaleda Zia is barred from political activities as per conditions set for her suspended prison sentences in graft cases.

The ruling Awami League did not announce any counter-demonstration at its rally, but its General Secretary Obaidul Quader alerted leaders and activists to possible violence during the BNP's programmes.

Our roots are very deep in this soil. We have heard you (BNP) will block the roads. You will take positions at the entrances of Dhaka. We will block your routes, he said at the party rally, held 1.5 kilometers away from BNP's gathering.

The BNP is currently waging a campaign for holding the early January 2024 elections under a non-party caretaker government, fearing rigged polling.

The Awami League has declined it, saying the elections would be held under the incumbent government in line with the Constitution.

Both parties drew tens of thousands of supporters, but no clashes were reported. The BNP has claimed that police have arrested hundreds of party supporters in a sweeping crackdown a day ahead of anti-government protests.

"The government's time is running out. We must act decisively; there's no time to wait," BNP's Standing Committee Member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy said at the rally.

Apart from BNP, 37 like-minded political parties and alliances are also arranging separate rallies in different city areas to press for the resignation of the Awami League government and demand that the polls be held under a neutral government.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Washington, Jul 28 (PTI) Diwali, celebrated by millions of Americans from various faiths and religions including Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists and Jains, should be declared a federal holiday, Congresswoman Grace Meng has said.

Meng, a lawyer-turned-politician, who represents the sixth Congressional District of New York, has introduced the Diwali Day Act in the US House of Representatives, for making Diwali a federal holiday in the country.

Also Read | Hyderabad Woman Starving in Chicago: Indian Authorities Trying to Find Depressed Student From India After Mother Seeks Help to Bring Her Back From US.

It's not just about a day off. It is about making sure that people beyond those who celebrate Diwali, truly understand the holiday and the culture and the contributions of the so many people who celebrate Diwali, Meng told PTI in an interview on Thursday.

As a kid growing up in Queens, New York City, Meng said she always wanted to make sure that US holidays match those of the communities.

Also Read | Donald Trump Faces New Charges in Classified Documents Case; Former US President Accused of Asking Staffer To Delete Surveillance Video in Florida To Hamper Investigation.

It is important to me as an Asian American that Diwali, which is a holiday that is celebrated by hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers and billions of people literally around the world, that we are able to have this day off, the 47-year-old Democrat said.

The legislation introduced in May has gained positive traction from her Congressional colleagues.

We haven't really heard anything negative. So, in the world of politics and Congress, that is a very positive sign. This piece of legislation is a bipartisan piece of legislation, she said.

We have members signing on every week, and so we are excited to keep talking about it and hopefully be able to pass it. We are very heartened by the steps taken by New York State, for example, in making Diwali a New York City school holiday, which is long overdue. We've been fighting for about 10 years or over 10 years on that legislation. And so we think that that also provides some momentum for our federal legislation, Meng said.

Indian Americans, she said, have contributed so much to New York City, New York State, and the US.

Indian Americans comprise one of the largest Asian American populations in this country, and they have provided so many benefits to the US.

They have contributed so much to our culture to academia, to our economy. And so we want to make sure that we recognise the important contributions and holidays that Indian Americans celebrate, the Congresswoman said.

Responding to a question on the recent visit of the Prime Minister and his address to the joint session of the Congress, Meng said the speech was well received.

His presence was received by both sides of the aisle, very bipartisan. We know that there are Indian Americans in both Republican and Democratic districts throughout New York and across the country. Many of our constituents back at home in New York were excited to see him come to Congress and we were able to hear him speak about the strong alliance between India and the United States, she said.

It is a long-time relationship. As we hear about certain spots around the world, we know that it is very important for both countries and for democracy to continue to strengthen the alliance between the two countries, the Congresswoman said.

Both sides are finding more ways to collaborate and new areas of partnership, she added.

In June, Diwali was enshrined as a school holiday in New York City and authorities described it as a victory for the city's residents, including the Indian community. New York City Mayor Eric Adams said he was proud that the State Assembly and the State Senate have passed the bill making Diwali a New York City Public School holiday.

(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, July 28: A senior official in the Pakistan government has admitted that Pakistani smugglers are using drones to smuggle illicit drugs, mostly heroin into Indian territory. Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan, the Special Assistant on Defence to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif made these remarks to Hamid Mir, a journalist associated with Pakistan's Geo News.

Mir has posted a video on his Twitter handle of the interview with Khan, who is also the Member of Provincial Assembly (MPA) representing Kasur city, which borders the state of Punjab in India. The Pakistani journalist tweeted on July 17, "Big disclosure by PMs advisor Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan. Smugglers using drones in the flood-affected areas of Kasur near Pakistan-India border to transport heroin. He demanded a special package for the rehabilitation of the flood victims otherwise victims will join smugglers." Pakistani Drone Shot Down in Punjab: BSF Shoots Down Pakistan UAV Violating Indian Airspace, Recover Drone From Rajoke Village in Tarn Taran District (See Photos).

In the video clip of the interview posted by the Pakistani journalist, Malik Khan is heard saying, "This (Kasur near LOC) is a rangers area. Due to some border regulations, there is some sensitivity." When the journalist asks the special advisor to Pakistan PM about the issue of cross-border smuggling of narcotics in Kasur he affirms the development. "Sure, it (smuggling via drone) is happening and it is very unfortunate. Recently there have been two incidents where 10 kg of heroin was tied to each drone and thrown across. Agencies are working on it." Jammu and Kashmir: BSF Thwarts Major Narcotic Smuggling Bid Along International Border in Samba, Pakistani Intruder Shot Dead.

Drones Being Used to Smuggle Drugs Across Border Into India:

Big disclosure by PMs advisor Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan. Smugglers using drones In the flood affected areas of Kasur near Pakistan-India border to transport Heroin. He demanded a special package for the rehabilitation of the flood victims otherwise victims will join smugglers. pic.twitter.com/HhWNSNuiKp  Hamid Mir   (@HamidMirPAK) July 17, 2023

Indian security forces have brought down a number of drones in recent times carrying contraband. In April this year, Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police Dilbag Singh said that security forces have taken many counter-measures to tackle incidents of dropping of weapons and drugs by drones sent by Pakistan. Earlier this month, on July 21, BSF and Punjab Police troops recovered a drone in broken condition from the farming field near Mastgarh village in Punjab's Tarn Taran district.

On specific information, BSF and Punjab Police launched a search operation and recovered the Pakistani drone from the outskirts of Mastgarh village.

"The recovered drone belongs to Quadcopter, DJI Matrice 300 RTK model," officials said. Earlier, the Border Security Force (BSF) foiled the nefarious design of smugglers by seizing 2.35 kg of heroin dropped by a Pakistani drone near the International Border in Punjab's Tarn Taran district.

During the detailed search, the BSF troops recovered one packet of narcotics suspected to be heroin weighing 2.35 kg wrapped with yellow adhesive tape from the farming field ahead of border fencing. On June 29, BSF troops recovered approximately 5.120 kg of suspected heroin dropped by a Pakistani drone near the International Border in farming fields of Village- Khalra in Tarn Taran district. Earlier, on June 24, the troops of the BSF shot down a Pakistani drone that had intruded into the Indian airspace in Punjab's Tarn Taran sector.

Also, the BSF shot and brought down a Pakistani drone in Punjab's Tarn Taran district. On June 22, the BSF in Punajb's Fazilka recovered a drone originating from the Pakistan side and two packets of suspected narcotics near the Abohar border.

"On specific information, alert BSF troops recovered a Pakistani drone (DJI Matrice 300 RTK) on June 22, during morning hours along with 2 kg (appx) suspected heroin near the international border in Jodhawala village of Fazilka district," BSF Punjab Frontier said. BSF personnel in Rajasthan's Bikaner recovered a drone originating from the Pakistan side and two packets of suspected narcotics near the Rawla border.

(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, July 28: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday said that Japan has had a huge impact on India and in many ways, Japan is an "exemplary moderniser' for India. Speaking at the India-Japan Forum in the presence of Yoshimasa Hayashi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Jaishankar said India is an indispensable partner to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific and Tokyo would like to further expand cooperation in the region with New Delhi.

"What really does Japan means to India? Japan is in many ways the exemplary moderniser... It is an example of relevance. Its also a country for which there is a lot of goodwill in history. Today under PM Modi, we also had great modernisation. A self-reliant India," Jaishakar said. "Japan is a natural partnership in this modernising India. Japan has truly unleashed the revolution in India. The Suzuki revolution! The second revolution was the metro revolution. The third revolution is the high-speed rail in making. The fourth revolution is in critical and emerging technologies and semiconductors," he added. 'Modi, Modi' Chants Echo in Rajya Sabha as S Jaishankar Makes Statement on India's Foreign Policy, Opposition MPs Shout 'INDIA, INDIA' (Watch Video).

S Jaishankar at India-Japan Forum:

Spoke at the India-Japan Forum today in New Delhi. Appreciate my colleague FM Yoshi Hayashis thought provoking ideas and views. Made the following 6 points: 1.For India, Japan is the modernising inspiration that is particularly relevant as the Modi Government advances pic.twitter.com/h7ayNPRd5u  Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) July 28, 2023

#WATCH | EAM Dr S Jaishankar, says "There are some really important challenges in the world, like missile nuclear proliferation and terrorism & it is imp that we address root causes & root countries which are behind this & it is important that Japan & India are on the same page" pic.twitter.com/0g8BS8lbBy  ANI (@ANI) July 28, 2023

Jaishankar listed out examples of the impact that Japan has made in India in terms of technology and the four main revolutions from Japan that had created an impact in India. "I think Japan has truly unleashed a number of revolutions in this country. There is the Maruti revolution where it wasn't just the Suzuki car coming in. It was an entire lifestyle, it was thinking, it was an industrial culture which got changed," Jaishankar said. 'Has India-China Border Dispute Resolved?' Asks Congress on EAM S Jaishankar's Claim.

"The second revolution was the metro revolution. I think it's had a very profound impact on the urban infrastructure of India. The third revolution is in the making, which is the high-speed rail," the external affairs minister said.

Jaishankar said that once the high-speed rail project would be completed, people will see in India what an enormous ripple impact it has even on the social habits of people.

"The fourth revolution which I see on the horizon is emerging in critical technologies and the semiconductor sphere. I believe that there is a huge potential for us to work on," Jaishankar said. "If put cumulatively, Japan's had a very powerful impact on manufacturing in India, on our urbanization process, on the organization of logistics in this country," the external affairs minister said.

The Japanese Foreign Minister had arrived in New Delhi earlier on Thursday. Jaishankar and Yoshimasa Hayashi held the 15th India-Japan Foreign Ministers' Strategic Dialogue in New Delhi on Thursday. The meeting provided an opportunity to review the progress made in the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership.

The two ministers engaged in comprehensive discussions covering a wide range of issues of bilateral, regional, and global significance. They highlighted the importance of further strengthening India-Japan partnership based on shared values and principles. The ministers emphasized the importance of achieving the target of JPY 5 trillion Japanese investment in India in the period 2022-27. They explored potential areas of collaboration in critical and emerging technologies, including semiconductors; resilient supply chains; and digital public infrastructure, among others.

During the meeting, the ministers also expressed satisfaction with the strengthening of defence and security cooperation, including regular exercises and staff talks between all three services. In this context, they discussed a way forward to deepen defence equipment and technology co-operation. The ministers exchanged views on regional and global issues of interest.

(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 28 (ANI): Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi, who is on his two-day visit to India, took a ride on Delhi metro on Friday.

In pictures shared by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Hayashi could be seen using token to take a metro ride here in the national capital.

Also Read | India: Blind Women Use Touch to Find and Fight Breast Cancer.

He was accompanied by his security entourage and officials.

Japanese Deputy Press Secretary, Yukiko Okano said that Yoshimasa Hayashi took a ride of three to four metro stations.

Also Read | India-Japan Forum 2023: EAM S Jaishankar Talks Tough on Terrorism, Says Important To Address 'Root Countries' Behind Menace.

Thge Japanese Foreign Minister arrived in Delhi on Thursday as part of his two-day tour to India.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his Japanese counterpart, Yoshimasa Hayashi, on Friday attended the India-Japan Forum. In his address, Jaishankar said that Japan has had a huge impact on India and in many ways, Japan is an "exemplary moderniser" for India.

Speaking at the India-Japan Forum in the presence of Yoshimasa Hayashi, Jaishankar said, "What really does Japan means to India? Japan is in many ways the exemplary moderniser... It is an example of relevance. Its also a country for which there is a lot of goodwill in history. Today under PM Modi, we also had great modernisation. A self-reliant India."

"Japan is a natural partnership in this modernising India. Japan has truly unleashed the revolution in India. The Suzuki revolution! The second revolution was the metro revolution. The third revolution is the high-speed rail in making. The fourth revolution is in critical and emerging technologies and semiconductors," he added.

On Thursday, EAM S Jaishankar and his Japanese counterpart Yoshimasa Hayashi emphasized the role of India-Japan partnership in ensuring a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region that is inclusive and rules-based.

EAM Jaishankar, Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi on Thursday held the 15th India-Japan Foreign Ministers' Strategic Dialogue in New Delhi. The meeting provided an opportunity to review the progress made in the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership.

The two ministers engaged in comprehensive discussions covering a wide range of issues of bilateral, regional, and global significance, the Ministry of External Affairs announced in a press release. They highlighted the importance of further strengthening India-Japan partnership based on shared values and principles.

The two sides emphasized the importance of achieving the target of JPY 5 trillion Japanese investment in India in the period 2022-27. They explored potential areas of collaboration in critical and emerging technologies, including semiconductors; resilient supply chains, and digital public infrastructure, among others.

During the meeting, the ministers expressed satisfaction with the strengthening of defence and security cooperation, including regular exercises and staff talks between all three services. In this context, they discussed a way forward to deepen Defense Equipment and Technology Cooperation.

Both sides exchanged views on regional and global issues of interest, according to MEA press release. S Jaishankar, Yoshimasa Hayashi also discussed cooperation under multilateral and plurilateral frameworks, including Quad. They agreed on the need for early reforms of the UNSC.

Jaishankar and Hayashi exchanged views on their respective G20 and G7 presidencies.Noting the celebration of 2023 as the Year of India-Japan Tourism Exchanges with the theme of Connecting Himalayas with Mount Fuji, the Ministers acknowledged the importance of people-to-people exchanges. They also discussed ways to promote the movement of skilled human resources from India to Japan.

Yoshimasa Hayashi is in India as part of his visit to Southwest Asia and Africa to bolster relations with a group of nations known as the Global South, NHK World-Japan reported. This is his second visit to India this year. Earlier in March this year, Hayashi visited Delhi to attend the Quad Foreign Ministers meeting. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Islamabad, Jul 28 (PTI) The Pakistan government will try to appoint a person acceptable to all sides as the caretaker prime minister and talks are underway to reach a consensus on it, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah said on Friday.

Sanaullah dismissed reports that Finance Minister Ishaq Dar is the front-runner for the post of caretaker prime minister, saying it can be a "rumour".

Also Read | India: Blind Women Use Touch to Find and Fight Breast Cancer.

"Neither was Ishaq Dar's name suggested nor was it rejected. It can be a rumour," he told Geo News.

Sanaullah said talks are currently going on whether to choose a bureaucrat or a politician for the coveted post.

Also Read | India-Japan Forum 2023: EAM S Jaishankar Talks Tough on Terrorism, Says Important To Address 'Root Countries' Behind Menace.

"In case there's a consensus that a politician can be appointed, then it can either be Ishaq Dar or any other politician from any party," he said.

He said the government would try to appoint a person acceptable to all sides. Dar himself has described as "premature" media reports that his name has been proposed for the post and said consultations have not yet begun.

The mainstream media in Pakistan had reported the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party is considering proposing Dar's name as the caretaker prime minister of the cash-strapped country once the term of the current National Assembly ends next month.

Dar's name came into focus as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif-led government mulled changes in the Elections Act 2017 to empower the upcoming caretaker set-up to take decisions beyond its constitutional mandate, with a view to ensure continuity of the recently rolled out economic plan and expedite the process aimed at receiving foreign investment in state-owned entities, The Express Tribune newspaper reported on Sunday.

Under Pakistan's Constitution, polls are to be held within 60 days if the National Assembly completes its term. But if the assembly is dissolved prematurely, even if by a day, it would give the government 90 days to conduct elections. The caretaker prime minister will administer the country until a new government is formed after the general elections.

The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has reportedly shown reluctance in backing Dar.

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has also dismissed reports that Dar is being considered for the post, saying no one close to the top PML-N leadership  the Sharif family  would be picked as the interim prime minister to ensure that fingers are not pointed at the caretaker setup.

Sanaullah also spoke about the return to Pakistan of PML-N supremo and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, who has been living in London since 2019.

"Nawaz Sharif will soon return. He will first secure interim bails and then secure acquittals. All the political restrictions imposed on him through conspiracies will end," he said.

Pakistan Parliament has passed a law that limits the disqualification of a parliamentarian to five years, benefiting Sharif, who was barred for a lifetime from running for office.

Sharif was disqualified in 2017 by the Supreme Court. In 2018, he became ineligible to hold public office for life after a Supreme Court verdict in the Panama Papers case.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Abuja, Jul 29 (AP) Mutinous soldiers in Niger this week overthrew the democratically elected government of President Mohamed Bazoum, adding to a growing list of military regimes in West Africa's Sahel region and raising fears of regional destabilization.

The Sahel, the vast arid expanse south of the Sahara Desert, faces growing violence from Islamic extremists, which in turn has caused people to turn against elected governments.

Also Read | Muslim Nations Call for Boycott of Swedish Products.

The military takeovers have followed a similar pattern: The coup leaders accuse the government of failing to meet the people's expectations for delivering dividends of democracy. They say they will usher in a new democratic government to address those shortcomings, but the process gets delayed.

Karim Manuel, west and central Africa analyst for the Economist Intelligence Unit, says the military governments threaten to unwind democratic gains made not just in the Sahel region but in the broader West Africa region.

Also Read | UK: Indian-Origin Man Found Guilty of Killing Friend in West London Over Drugs Worth 5,000 Pounds.

This increases political instability going forward and makes the situation on the ground much more volatile and unpredictable. Regional stability is undermined as a result of these coups, Manuel said.

The Sahel region comprises Senegal, Gambia, Mauritania, Guinea, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Chad, Cameroon and Nigeria.

Here are countries in the Sahel with military regimes:

MALI:

The Sahel's latest wave of coups kicked off in Mali in August 2020 when the democratically elected President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita was overthrown by soldiers led by Col. Assimi Goita.

The military was supposed to hand power back to civilian rule within 18 months. However, seven months into the transition process, the military removed the interim president and prime minister they had appointed and swore in Goita as president of the transitional government.

Last month, Malian voters cast ballots on a new draft constitution in a referendum that the regime says will pave the way for new elections in 2024.

BURKINA FASO:

Burkina Faso experienced its second coup in 2022 with soldiers ousting Lt. Col. Paul Henri Sandaogo Damiba about eight months after he helped overthrow the democratically elected President Roch Marc Kabore early in the year.

Capt. Ibrahim Traore was named as the transitional president while a national assembly that included army officers, civil society organizations, and traditional and religious leaders approved a new charter for the West African country.

The junta has set a goal to conduct elections to return the country to democratic rule by July 2024.

SUDAN:

Sudan slipped under military rule in October 2021 when soldiers dissolved the transitional government of Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok as well as the Sovereign Council, a power-sharing body of military officers and civilians.

That took place weeks before the military was to hand the leadership of the council to civilians and nearly two years after soldiers overthrew the longtime autocrat Omar al-Bashir amid deadly protests.

Eighteen months after the coup and amid the hopes for a transition to democracy, fighting broke out between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The conflict has resulted in the deaths of hundreds with no end in sight.

CHAD

Chad has been under military rule since April 2021 when President Idriss Deby, who ruled Chad for more than 30 years, was killed while battling against rebels in the hard-hit northern region.

His son, Gen. Mahamat Idriss Deby, took power contrary to constitutional provisions and was named the interim head of state with an 18-month transitional process set in place for the country's return to democracy.

By the end of the 18 months period, the government extended Deby's by two more years, triggering protests that the military suppressed. (AP)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Islamabad (Pakistan), July 28 (ANI) The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has rejected the pleas of Pakistan's former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi for transfer of cases from one court to another, Pakistan-based ARY News reported.

The Islamabad High Court rejected Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi's pleas for a transfer of cases registered for the May 9 riots, financial fraud and others to another court, ARY News reported. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan had requested for transfer of trials of six cases to another court.

Also Read | Donald Trump Faces New Charges in Classified Documents Case; Former US President Accused of Asking Staffer To Delete Surveillance Video in Florida To Hamper Investigation.

Meanwhile, Imran Khan's wife Bushra Bibi made a similar request in a financial fraud case. The Islamabad High Court Chief Justice Aamer Farooq announced the reserved verdict on Thursday. He ordered the petitioners to approach the relevant forums for the transfer of trials.

The Islamabad High Court Chief Justice directed petitioners to approach Islamabad chief commission for transferring the trials to another court, according to ARY News report.

Also Read | North Korea Leader Kim Jong Un Shares Center Stage With Russian, Chinese Delegates at Military Parade in Pyongyang.

Meanwhile, Imran Khan did not get immediate stay order in the Toshakhana case as the Islamabad High Court (IHC) fixed the hearing of all relevant cases for next week, ARY News reported.

The Islamabad High Court fixed the hearing of a petition seeking a stay order for next week. The court announced the decision after the Supreme Court's verdict and reserved a verdict after listening to the arguments of Khawaja Haris, ARY News reported.

Furthermore, the Islamabad High Court shared the Facebook posts of Judge Humayun Dilawar with the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) for verification. The court has directed FIA to submit a forensic report regarding Facebook posts before the next hearing.

Meanwhile, Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi's bail in the NCA scandal has been extended till July 31, ARY News reported. The case was heard by Justice Muhammad Bashir while the PTI chief appeared before the accountability court along with his lawyers.

The court adjourned the hearing and fixed July 31 for final arguments in the case. Notably, The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) had launched an investigation against Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi and others for the alleged gain of hundreds of canals of land in the name of Al Qadir University Trust, which reportedly caused a loss of 190 million pounds to the national exchequer, ARY News reported.

As per the allegations, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf Chairman and other accused allegedly adjusted 50 billion PKR  190 million pounds at the time  sent by Britains National Crime Agency (NCA) to the government. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Islamabad [Pakistan], July 28 (ANI): The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has suspended the arrest warrant for former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan in a contempt case. The ECP has issued a written verdict of July 25 hearing, Pakistan-based ARY News reported.

In the written order, the electoral watchdog suspended non-bailable arrest warrant for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan in the contempt case. Imran Khan has been summoned in personal capacity before the electoral watchdog on August 2.

Also Read | UK: Indian-Origin Man Found Guilty of Killing Friend in West London Over Drugs Worth 5,000 Pounds.

Furthermore, the ECP accepted the request of Imran Khan's counsel for the provision of case records, according to ARY News report. The commission directed the concerned wing for providing relevant records to Imran Khan's lawyers and temporarily suspended the non-bailable arrest warrant.

The ECP's decision comes after the electoral watchdog on July 24 issued non-bailable arrest warrant for Imran Khan in contempt case. The non-bailable arrest warrants were issued in the case pertaining to the contempt of ECP. The ECP directed police to arrest and produce former Pakistan PM.

Also Read | India: Blind Women Use Touch to Find and Fight Breast Cancer.

Earlier, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) had taken the decision to indict Imran Khan, Fawad Chaudhry and Asad Umar in a case connected to the contempt of the electoral body, according to ARY News report.

In August 2022, the ECP issued notices to PTI chairman Imran Khan and others for allegedly speaking "intemperate" language against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikander Sultan Raja and the electoral watchdog, ARY News reported.

As per the news report, the political leaders repeatedly criticised the commission and CEC Sikandar Raja. They had even described ECP as a "subsidiary of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz."

Separately, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday rejected the pleas of Pakistan's former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi for transfer of cases from one court to another, Pakistan-based ARY News reported.

The Islamabad High Court rejected Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi's pleas for a transfer of cases registered for the May 9 riots, financial fraud and others to another court, ARY News reported. Imran Khan had requested for transfer of trials of six cases to another court.

Imran Khan's wife Bushra Bibi made a similar request in a financial fraud case. The Islamabad High Court Chief Justice Aamer Farooq announced the reserved verdict on Thursday. He ordered the petitioners to approach the relevant forums for the transfer of trials, ARY News reported. The Islamabad High Court Chief Justice directed petitioners to approach Islamabad chief commission for transferring the cases to another court. (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, July 28: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday chaired a meeting to discuss ways to check spread of dengue and other vector-borne diseases in the national capital, officials said. The meeting was attended by Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj and Mayor Shelly Oberoi, they said. A total of 187 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 meeting began at noon and went on for around an hour. Besides the city health minister and senior officials of the health department, the mayor of Delhi was also present in the meeting in which ways to check spread of dengue and other vector-borne diseases were discussed," a senior official told PTI. Dengue Cases Surge in Delhi: CM Arvind Kejriwal Calls Meeting With Health Minister, MCD Mayor To Plan Strategy.

The number of dengue cases reported in first three weeks of July stood at nearly 65. It was 40 in June and 23 in May, according to the report issued by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD).

In addition, 61 cases of malaria have been recorded in the same period, it said. In 2022, Delhi reported 159 dengue cases between January 1 and July 22. During the same period in 2021, it reported 47 dengue cases. Dengue Cases in Delhi: National Capital Reports 27 Cases of Dengue This Week Amid Flooding and Waterlogging in Various Parts of City.

In 2018, 2019, and 2020, the city witnessed 49, 34, and 28 cases, respectively.

Oberoi had recently cautioned people against the possibility of a rise in dengue and malaria cases in the national capital due to flooding in several areas. She said that departments have been directed to check mosquito breeding and clear the silt and sludge left by the flood.
Bhopal, July 27: A minor girl was gang raped by two men on the premises of the Sharda Temple of Maihar in Madhya Pradesh's Satna district on Friday, police said. The victim, who was reportedly missing since Thursday night, was found by some people who run shops around the temple premises early on Friday and police were informed. Police rushed the victim to a nearby hospital and started the investigation. They have learnt that the accused persons were employees of the temple.

While persons linked to the temple committee claimed that the accused persons were not employees of the temple, police, after checked the registers and other relevant documents of the temple, confirmed that both the accused were associated with the temple committee, sources told IANS. Madhya Pradesh Horror: Minor Girl Brutally Gang-Raped, Wooden Stick Inserted in Private Parts on Temple Premises in Maihar.

The administration has given Rs 50,000 to the victims parents for her treatment. The victim is recuperating at Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Hospital, Rewa which is around 70 km from Satna. The medical report has confirmed brutal rape leading to serious injuries.

I am yet to receive a final report from the doctors. However, it has been learnt that she has regained consciousness, a senior police official said. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan expressed concern over the incident saying he has instructed the police to take strict action against the accused. Bihar Horrific Gang Rape Case: Minor Tribal Girl, on Way to Wedding, Gang-Raped by 8 in Bihar's Bagaha District.

I have received information about the rape of my daughter in Maihar. My heart is full of pain. I am distressed. The police have arrested the criminals. Instructions have been passed onto the administration to make arrangements for proper treatment of my daughter. No criminal will be spared, strict action will be taken, Chouhan tweeted.

State Congress chief Kamal Nath too condemned the inhuman act and compared the incident with Delhis brutal Nirbhaya case of December 2013. He also questioned the law and order situation of the state under the BJP government.

"The incident of rape with a small girl in Maihar is highly condemnable. It is just like the Nirbhaya case. Incidents of atrocities against girls in the state are proof that Shivraj government has completely failed to provide security to the sisters and daughters. Best treatment and financial assistance of Rs 1 crore should be given to the daughter immediately, the former Chief Minister said.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 28, 2023 06:37 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
Bhopal, July 27: A ten-year-old girl was allegedly gang-raped by two men on the premises of the famed "Sharda" temple in Madhya Pradesh's Maihar district on Friday. According to sources, the girl was recovered in a severely injured state with a wooden stick inserted in her private parts. Soon after preliminary treatment at a near-by hospital, the survivor was rushed to a another hospital for surgery.

The barbaric incident took place in Satna district, on the premises of the Ma Sharda temple, a famous Hindu temple in Vindhya region of the state . As per police, the two accused have been arrested. Bihar Horrific Gang Rape Case: Minor Tribal Girl, on Way to Wedding, Gang-Raped by 8 in Bihar's Bagaha District.

We found the victim lying unconscious on the ground and rushed her to a nearby hospital. Medical report confirmed "brutal rape" leading to serious injuries. She has been referred to Sanjay Gandhi Hospital, Rewa. I am yet to receive final report from the doctors. However, it has been learnt that she has regained consciousness, said a senior police official.

BJP MLA from Maihar (Satna) Narayan Tripathi told IANS that both the accused are around 25-30 years of age and are employees of Ma Sharda temple committee. Kerala Gangrape: Boyfriend Among Six Arrested for Raping 17-Year-Old Girl in Pathanamthitta.

A shameful incident has occurred on the premises of the Sharda temple, which is revered by Hindus across the country. The two arrested turned out to be the employees of the temple committee. The survivor has gained consciousnesses, and hopefully her condition will improve, he said.

Tripathi said its a matter of concern that the "shameful" incident occurred within the the temple premises and the accused belong to temple committee. It needs to be investigated in detail and the accused given rigorous punishment, Tripathi added.

According to police, the survivor also lives on the same premises as her parents run a shop of flowers and pooja samagri for the devotees visiting the shrine.

Notably, the Ma Sharda temple is located on the Trikut mountain at a height of 600 ft from the surface in Satna district, around 130 km from Chitrakoot. The incident has sparked a political controversy in the state heading for Assembly elections in four months.

State Congress Media in-charge K. K. Mishra claimed that the victim belongs to a tribal family. An inhuman act has occurred in the BJP-ruled Madhya Pradesh an has come as a grim reminder of Delhis horrific Nirbhaya case," Mishra told IANS over phone. He demanded that the BJP's central leadership should take action against Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and state Home Minister Narottam Mishra.

This is the BJPs 'swarna yuga' in Madhya Pradesh where Chouhan calls himself 'Mama'. He should immediately resign from the Chief Ministers post on moral ground, Mishra added.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 28, 2023 04:27 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
Bengaluru, July 28: The Karnataka cabinet has decided to hike price of Nandini milk by Rs three per litre from August 1. Nandini is the brand name of products of Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF). The decision was taken on Thursday in the cabinet meeting in view of the demands of the milk producers. Defending the move, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said on Friday that Karnataka is selling milk at the lowest price whereas in the other states it is much higher. Karnataka Milk Federation Decides Not To Expand Nandini Milk Outlets in Kerala Following Objection by Pinarayi Vijayan Government.

"The milk (toned) that costs Rs 39 will be sold at Rs 42 per litre. Elsewhere it is sold between Rs 54 and Rs 56 per litre. In Tamil Nadu the price is Rs 44 per litre," the Chief Minister said. Rahul Gandhi Shares Picture of Him Buying Nandini Product, Says Nandini is The Best Amid Controversy Over Amul's Entry in Karnataka.

Commenting on the decision, Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar said, "We have to give money to the farmers (milk producers). Today in the entire country it's (toned milk) Rs 56 per litre. In our state people are getting at a very less price." He also said the government had decided to hike milk price by three rupees to help farmers.
Mumbai, July 28: In a major embarrassment for Karnataka Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot, AirAsia staff refused to let him board a flight to Hyderabad for being late. He was denied boarding a flight to Hyderabad by AirAsia staff for arriving late. Gehlot had intended to fly to Hyderabad in the afternoon from Terminal-2, and from there, he had planned to travel to Raichur by road to attend a convocation.

After the arrival of AirAsia India flight I5972, Thawar Chand Gehlot's luggage was promptly loaded onto the aircraft. Nevertheless, it was reported by sources to PTI that there was a delay in Gehlot reaching the terminal. As a result, by the time he made his way from the VIP lounge to catch the flight, the plane had already departed for Hyderabad, reaching Rajiv Gandhi International Airport at 2:05 pm. Air Asia Flight Makes Emergency Landing At Bhubaneswar Airport After Bird Hit.

The New Indian Express, citing a source, reported that the AirAsia airline staff believed that the governor had arrived too late to be allowed to board the aircraft. However, several other sources have denied any delay on the part of Governor Gehlot. After the incident, Gehlot eventually took another AirAsia India flight to Hyderabad, departing approximately 90 minutes later than originally scheduled.

According to a police officer who requested anonymity, the protocol officers of the Karnataka Governor filed a complaint at the Airport police station regarding the incident. Concurrently, AirAsia has initiated an investigation into the matter. The airline expressed its sincere regret for the incident and assured that appropriate action will be taken once a comprehensive investigation is conducted. Pune Airport Goof Up: Bengaluru-Bound Air Asia Flight Faces Over 10-Hour Delay, CISF Take Away Protesting Flyers (Watch Video).

The airline, in a statement, said, "We sincerely regret the incident. The senior leadership team of the airline is in contact with the Governor's Office to address the concerns. Our commitment to the highest standards of professionalism and adherence to protocol remains unwavering, and we deeply value our relationship with the Governor's Office."

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 28, 2023 03:39 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
San Francisco, July 28: With a Falcon 9 rocket and then a Falcon Heavy rocket planned as little as 45 minutes apart, SpaceX almost broke a 56-year rocket record. However, Falcon Heavy launch was scrubbed barely a minute before launch.

According to Space Launch Delta 45, the unit of the US Space Force, the pair of SpaceX launches would have broken a record set by the Gemini 11 mission in September 1966. NASAs OSIRIS-REx Spacecraft Prepares to Return to Earth on September with Asteroid Samples.

SLD 45 has the opportunity to make history tonight, as we support two launches between 02:04 UTC and 04:44 UTC. This could represent the shortest time between launches from the ER on record. The previous was 1 hour 37 minutes on Sept. 12, 1966 when Gemini 11 & Titan-11 launched, Space Launch Delta 45 wrote on Twitter.

SpaceXs Falcon Heavy rocket was first targeted to carry Hughes Network Systems ultra high-density satellite Jupiter 3 at 11:04 p.m. ET Wednesday (8:34 am IST, Thursday) from Cape Canaveral in Florida.

After being scrubbed barely a minute before liftoff, another planned attempt on Thursday night (Friday in IST) was also nixed, citing complete vehicle checkouts. SpaceX now targets Friday at 11:04 p.m. EDT (8:34 am on Saturday).

Jupiter 3, which is the world's largest private communications satellite, will double the capacity of the Hughes Jupiter satellite fleet. It will also support in-flight Wi-Fi, maritime connections, enterprise networks, backhaul for Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), and Community Wi-Fi solutions, in addition to satellite internet connectivity across North and South America. Apples Upcoming iPhone 15 Pros Action Button Options Revealed by iOS 17 Beta Version.

Meanwhile, Falcon 9 on Friday successfully launched 22 Starlink satellites to orbit from Florida at 12:01 a.m. ET (9:31 am IST) Deployment of 22 @Starlink satellites confirmed, the company said on Twitter, adding that the feat is SpaceXs 50th mission of 2023.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 28, 2023 03:31 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
Blind women in India are using their highly developed sense of touch to catch breast cancer in early stages. A recent study has even shown them outperforming mammograms.New Delhi resident Meenakshi Gupta is blind from birth. Every morning, she joins thousands of commuters on the Delhi metro and travels 90 minutes to a hospital where she starts another day of saving lives.

Also Read | India-Japan Forum 2023: EAM S Jaishankar Talks Tough on Terrorism, Says Important To Address 'Root Countries' Behind Menace.

Her job is to detect breast cancer in women. Many of her patients are skeptical about being examined by a blind woman, but more than a few have called her an inspiration.

Also Read | Zayna Iman 'Stripped, Drugged and Assaulted' in Police Custody: 38-Year-Old Woman Accuses Greater Manchester Cops of Sexual Assault in Custody; Video Footage Surfaces.

"As a blind woman trained to help in detecting breast cancer, I am able to catch the smallest of the lumps that can be crucial in helping save a life," Gupta told DW.

In the past eight months, the 31-year-old has performed more than 100 screenings as a Medical Tactile Examiner (MTE). The job is a new, specialized role for blind and visually impaired women. Studies have shown that people with blindness develop a superior sense of touch.

MTE spreads across continents

Medical tactile examination was originally developed by German gynecologist Frank Hoffmann. In 2011, Hoffmann started "Discovering Hands" as a social initiative, under which blind and visually impaired women are trained to become MTEs.

"Earlier, I used mammography for detecting breast cancer, but now my patients can get malignance detected by the MTEs, which has no risk of radiation involved and is cost-effective," Hoffmann said.

So far, more than 50 people have been trained as MTEs in Germany. The program was extended to other countries including Austria and Switzerland, but also India, Columbia and Mexico. The latter two were forced to suspend the program since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In India, the initiative was introduced by the National Association of the Blind India Centre for Blind Women and Disability Studies (NABCBW) in 2017. Located in the Indian capital of Delhi, the center has trained 18 MTEs and is currently training another eight.

"Initially, we had our doubts about how blind women can perform such a complex task but I was convinced once I saw how meticulously the blind women in Germany were examining each centimeter," Shalini Khanna, the director of NABCBW, told DW.

Candidates have to complete a medical internship

The NABCBW has been conducting breast cancer screening camps across different parts of India since December, and the MTEs trained at the center have screened more than 1,000 women.

According to a 2019 study, clinical breast examinations done by MTEs had an accuracy level similar to that performed by physicians.

The program requires the women to go through a rigorous 9-month-long training which includes a 3-month-long internship at a medical facility.

During the training, they are taught English, as well as computers science, fundamentals of human anatomy and physiology focusing on breast cancer. They learn about types of breast cancers and the kinds of treatments and therapies prescribed by gynecologists and oncologists.

"The education system for blind students in India is one of the biggest challenges we face in implementing this program because most of the blind children don't get to study science in high school," NABCBW chief Khanna said.

In multilingual India, medical sciences are taught in English, so "the women also have to be taught English first."

Is MTE an alternative to mammography?

Early detection is crucial for breast cancer. When lumps are detected in early stages, chances of successful treatment could be as high as 90%, explains Mandeep Malhotra, director of Oncology at CK Birla Hospital in Delhi.

Unfortunately, in India, nearly 60% of cases of breast cancer are diagnosed at stages III and IV ,which is in contrast to many developed countries in the West where most breast cancer cases are diagnosed at early stages of I and II.

Experts suggest that women should get themselves screened at least once per year. However, due to various factors including a lack of awareness and overburdened doctors, participation in clinical breast examinations remains poor.

Breast tissue can be examined by ultrasound and mammography but those methods have certain limitations.

"Mammography is not effective in younger women so it is not advisable for women aged below 45 years," Malhotra said.

More precise than mammograms

Additionally, the higher breast density found among Indian women when compared to the Western population also makes mammography less suitable for the Indian population.

"We do not have the infrastructure or medical talent to run mass screening programs with mammograms in India as it is done in the West," said Kanchan Kaur, senior director of breast surgery at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram.

"The next best thing is a clinical breast examination by women who are specifically trained to do this," she added.

The doctor noted that MTE is not a replacement for mammogram or ultrasound, but serves to complement those technologies.

Researchers have found that MTEs were able to detect lumps with diameters as small as 6-8 mm (around  of an inch). A recent study that was headed by Malhotra recorded Tactile Breast Examinations on 1,338 women and found that MTEs had a missing rate of only 1%  significantly lower than the missing rate of mammograms which stands at 20%.

The results have fueled hopes that this program would take off on a larger scale, help battle breast cancer all across India and the world, and provide jobs for hundreds of women like Meenakshi Gupta.

Edited by: Darko Janjevic

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 28, 2023 05:20 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
On 27 July several candidates for the October primary election being held by the Venezuelan opposition coalition Plataforma Unitaria Democratica (PUD) expressed concerns about the integrity of the process.

End of preview - This article contains approximately 598 words.

Subscribers: Log in now to read the full article

Not a Subscriber?

Choose from one of the following options
On 27 July Chiles Presidentcelebrated the results of the 2022 national socioeconomic survey (Casen), which reveal that Chiles poverty rate is the lowest since the survey began in 1990.

End of preview - This article contains approximately 410 words.

Subscribers: Log in now to read the full article

Not a Subscriber?

Choose from one of the following options
The main suspect in the California Serial Stabbings, Carlos Dominguez, might not get his date in court as his lawyer stated that his client is mentally unfit to stand trial. He has been charged with the murders of two people and the attempted murder of a third victim in Davis, California.

Dominguez is being represented by a public defender, Dan Hutchinson, who determined that the man dubbed the "Serial Stabber" has not yet showered since he was arrested and often goes days without eating. A student at the University of California in Davis, the 21-year-old murder suspect also believes he will return to class soon.

Hutchinson stated that he will present evidence that his client has been showing "outward signs of schizophrenia toward the end of his freshman year."

"He sits there each day in his empty cell, unclothed, unmedicated, untreated for his mental illness," the public defender stated. "He has not showered a single time, and if he ever has brushed his teeth, nobody appears to have seen that." However, prosecutors think Carlos Dominguez is "toying with the system" and should face a criminal trial.

The decision on whether he is fit to stand trial will ultimately fall in the hands of the jury, according to the Associated Press. To be found that he is mentally unfit to stand trial, the suspected California Serial Stabber must show that he "cannot currently understand court proceedings, assist his attorney in his defense and understand his own status in the criminal proceeding."

Should jurors find Dominguez unfit, a state mental health hospital will evaluate him for treatment and the trial will not proceed on the grounds of insanity.

READ NEXT: Suspect in Gilgo Beach Serial Murders Arrested: Who Is He?

The California Serial Stabbings Left Davis on Edge

The California serial stabbings has terrorized the northern California college town of Davis. When Dominguez was still at large, he caused panic around town, with many afraid of walking the streets. Davis police eventually arrested him and found a large knife in his backpack.

According to The Guardian, Dominguez matched the description eyewitnesses gave of the "serial stabber" who attacked people around the University of California Davis. He was reportedly wearing the same clothes as the man whom witnesses saw commit the third stabbing.

Police received about 15 tips, all of whom pointed to the same description that matched Carlos Dominguez.

California Serial Stabbings Victims

The first victim was identified as David Breaux, who was found stabbed to death at the Davis Central Park on April 27. He was well known in the community and was often called the "Compassion Guy" for asking others about their definition of "compassion."

The second victim is Karim Abou Najm, a 20-year-old UC Davis student. He was found stabbed to death at the Sycamore Park in Davis, just two days after Breaux's body was found. He was an immigrant from Lebanon and studied computer science. He was supposed to graduate just six weeks before he was killed.

The third and final victim actually survived the attack, and she is 64-year-old Kimberlee Guillory. She is a homeless woman and was stabbed through a tent in the town's homeless encampment. She was rushed to a nearby hospital and underwent surgery. Soon, she was alert and talking, and was able to describe the attacker.

Dominguez has since been expelled from UC-Davis.

READ MORE: Richard Ramirez: A Look at Horrific Crimes of 'Satanic' Serial Killer Dubbed the 'Night Stalker'

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: First day of witness testimony in competency trial of suspected Davis stabber Carlos Dominguez - ABC-10
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has declared that the global warming era has ended, replaced by what he calls the "era of global boiling," per the Guardian.

This statement came in response to the sobering confirmation by scientists that July is set to become the hottest month on record.

Guterres emphasized the situation's urgency, stating that climate change is already a terrifying reality, and its impacts are only beginning to be felt.

He underscored the importance of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5C above pre-industrial levels to avoid the most catastrophic consequences of climate change. However, achieving this goal will require immediate and drastic climate action on a global scale.

The evidence supporting the severity of the situation is undeniable, with the World Meteorological Organization and the EU's Copernicus Earth observation program reporting that global temperatures this month have shattered records.

Burning fossil fuels significantly contributes to this extreme heat, exacerbating climate change and triggering violent weather patterns.

READ NEXT: US Heat Wave: Economic Damage Expected To Be at $100 Billion

'Humans Are to Blame,' Says UN Secretary General

The UN Secretary General expressed grave concern over the record-breaking heat affecting communities worldwide, attributing the phenomenon directly to climate change.

He emphasized that while scientists had long predicted these extreme weather events, the speed and intensity of the changes are profoundly devastating.

Antonio Guterres emphasized that the evidence is unequivocal - human activities are to blame for the rapid acceleration of climate change, CNBC noted.

The alarming pace at which these changes occur has taken many by surprise.

The consequences of climate change are becoming increasingly apparent and are just the beginning of our challenges.

As Guterres issued this warning, much of the United States experienced what the National Weather Service deemed a "dangerous heat wave."

Several major cities, including Washington, DC, Philadelphia, and Boston, were under heat advisories, and the New York City metro area was placed under an excessive heat warning.

The National Weather Service anticipated that numerous high maximum and high minimum temperature records would be broken during this period.

July Heat Wave Wreaks Havoc Worldwide

Throughout July, extreme weather conditions have wreaked havoc across the globe, with temperatures shattering records in various regions, including China, the United States, and Southern Europe, according to Al Jazeera.

The scorching heat has triggered devastating forest fires, led to water shortages, and caused heat-related illnesses and hospitalizations.

In Italy, on the island of Sicily, the impact of the heatwave was particularly tragic, with two people found dead in a home that was consumed by a wildfire.

The severity of the fires even prompted the temporary closure of Palermo's international airport.

Algeria also experienced a grim toll, with at least 34 people losing their lives and several thousand individuals being evacuated in parts of Europe as the intense heatwave spread across vast areas of the Mediterranean and beyond.

Greece faced its own challenges as fires continued ravaging the island of Rhodes for an entire week.

The situation necessitated the largest evacuation effort ever undertaken in the country, compelling over 20,000 people to leave their homes and hotels for safety.

READ MORE: High School Officials Arrested

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: 'The era of global boiling has arrived' warns the UN - From Guardian News
President Joe Biden is not pulling a Donald Trump and pardoning those close to him, even if it is his son, Hunter Biden. This was confirmed by White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre during a recent press conference.

Jean-Pierre was asked by a reporter if the president will get involved if ever Hunter Biden is convicted on tax and gun possession charges. The White House press secretary answered this with a simple "No."

She did not elaborate further, but the White House confirmed on Thursday that President Joe Biden will not pardon his son should Hunter Biden be convicted.

Politico noted that the younger Biden has been the subject of a yearslong investigation into his business dealings and his failure to pay taxes over them. This is in addition to his illegal possession of a firearm charge last month, as he is legally barred from owning any guns for being a known drug user back in 2018. For the latter charge, he faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.

The president has distanced himself from his son's case, with Republicans failing to find any connections between Hunter Biden's alleged crimes and the president whom they accuse of being connected with those alleged crimes.

The Federal Investigation Into the Hunter Biden Case

While Joe Biden will not pardon his son, Hunter Biden is currently facing several investigations, including one from the Department of Justice (DOJ). This has been happening since 2018 and is led by US Attorney David Weiss. In that investigation, prosecutors looked into his "tax affairs" and examined whether he paid enough taxes based on his income, including the money he made from multiple overseas business ventures.

READ NEXT: Joe Biden Family Probe: House Republicans Find No Evidence of Wrongdoing

According to ABC News, Hunter Biden previously borrowed $2 million from his lawyer and confidant Kevin Morris in order to pay back taxes, penalties, and liens that he owed to the IRS. A grand jury in Delaware has already heard testimony from multiple witnesses over the probe, with some of the younger Biden's business partners testifying.

This led the embattled presidential son to agree to plead guilty to two tax-related misdemeanors and enter into a pretrial diversion agreement. This would make him avoid any prosecution on one felony gun charge and end the probe potentially. However, things changed when Judge Maryellen Noreika deferred the deal, which then led to Hunter Biden pleading "Not Guilty."

What Happens to Hunter Biden Now?

After the plea agreement broke down, the judge told both sides that they have 30 days to reach a new agreement and it should address her concerns about the deal's legality, according to the BBC.

"You are all saying, 'Just rubber stamp the agreement'," the judge told the lawyers for both sides, "I'm not in a position to accept or reject it. I need to defer."

For now, the presidential son and prosecutors must reach a new plea agreement within the time period that the judge gave. Otherwise, prosecutors could add more serious criminal violations to the charge sheet.

If a new deal is reached, however, Judge Noreika will have to approve it before issuing a sentence against Hunter Biden. The judge herself will be the one to determine the appropriate punishment as she has already scrapped the previous plea deal which would have the younger Biden face parole and no jail time.

READ MORE: Hunter Biden Probe Hits Massive Snag After James Comer's Missing 'Informant' Turns Out To Be a Chinese Agent

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: What was the disconnect in the Hunter Biden plea deal? - CNN
Mexico President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador announced on Thursday that he has proposed buying a property on the Caribbean coast for approximately $385 million from Alabama-based company Vulcan Materials, AP reports.

The property, which spans almost 6,000 acres (2,400 hectares) and is situated just south of the popular resort town of Playa del Carmen on the Yucatan peninsula, was the subject of a longstanding dispute between the company and the Mexican government.

Vulcan Materials had operated gravel extraction pits at the site, but the pits were closed by Lopez Obrador's administration, leading to the dispute.

In papers filed for an international arbitration case, the company valued the property at $1.9 billion, significantly higher than the president's offer.

The Mexican government's lower offer is based on a government assessment, and Lopez Obrador believes it to be fair.

He highlighted the freight shipping dock on the property as the most attractive feature, which he plans to convert into a dock for cruise ships.

Vulcan Materials has not yet received the formal offer from the Mexican president or responded to the proposal.

READ NEXT: Mexico: President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador Bashes Opposition

The Property Could Be Useful to Mexico

The dock on the Caribbean coast property holds significant value for Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, as it could serve multiple purposes, per the Independent.

Apart from being used as a dock for cruise ships, the facility would also be crucial for transporting gravel and cement for the president's ambitious infrastructure project, the Maya Train.

Additionally, Lopez Obrador has plans to utilize the flooded gravel pits, created by the company Vulcan Materials during their operations, as "swimming pools" or an "ecotourism" area under the management of a private operator.

However, it is important to note that these pits are currently inhabited by crocodiles, which are protected species in Mexico.

While the president has offered to buy the property, he has left open the possibility of resorting to other measures if the offer is not accepted by the time he leaves office in September 2024.

"Before I leave (office), this is going to be resolved, one way or another," he said.

As part of the resolution, the Mexico president has stated that the company, Vulcan Materials, must agree to drop its damages-seeking cases before the international arbitration panel.

Mexico vs. Vulcan Materials

The dispute between Mexico's government and Vulcan Materials has a history that dates to 2021.

Mexico's environment ministry closed Vulcan's limestone quarry in that year and prohibited the company from exporting stone that had been used in both US and Mexican building projects, according to Washington Post.

The Mexican president accused Vulcan of extracting and exporting rock without the necessary permits, while the company maintained that it had the required permits.

The tension escalated further when the cargo terminal on Vulcan's property was seized by Mexican police in March.

The US State Department expressed concerns about the treatment of American companies in Mexico in response to this incident.

The police used the terminal to unload cargo from the Mexican company Cemex, leading to a contentious situation with Vulcan.

The dock at Punta Venado, owned by Vulcan, has become a focal point of the dispute.

Its potential use in transporting cement, crushed stone, and other materials is crucial for the completion of the Maya Train project.

As no local supplies of crushed stone are needed for stabilizing the train tracks, the president has been forced to import the stone, known as ballast, from Cuba.

The lack of an alternative private freight dock on the Caribbean side that can handle such shipments has further complicated the situation.

READ MORE: Mass Trial for Thousands Jailed in Gang Crackdown in El Salvador

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: Alabama lawmakers demand answers after Mexico takeover of Vulcan Materials - From WSFA 12 News
Easton business owners have until Monday to apply for grants of up to $5,000, as part of the ongoing Business Retention Assistance of the City of Easton (BRACE) Program.

City officials this week gave an overview of the grants available under BRACE, which are in addition to loans that are also available and initiatives being finalized to help businesses with technical assistance and marketing.

Easton budgeted about $680,000 to support the business retention programs from its $20.7 million share of federal American Rescue Plan Act coronavirus pandemic relief aid.

The grant program started in June, and applications are being accepted until Monday, July 31. The grants are designed to address hardships such as supply chain disruptions, staffing and issues resulting from prolonged construction in the citys Downtown. Full eligibility details can be found on the Easton Department of Community and Economic Developments webpage at easton-pa.com.

To date, the city received 35 grant applications  30 Downtown, three each on South Side and in the West Ward and one on College Hill, according to Sean Ziller, city community and economic development administrator. The city has approved 19 applications, including 17 Downtown and one each on the South Side and College Hill, Ziller said Wednesday night in an update to the city council.

BRACE loans are also available for up to $10,000, with the application period described on the citys website as until funding is exhausted.

All financial information submitted by Easton businesses for the grants and loans is kept confidential, Ziller stressed.

The technical assistance component of the business retention program is being finalized with the Small Business Development Center at Kutztown University, according to Easton Community and Economic Development Director John Kingsley. Similarly, the initiative to help businesses with marketing is in the works with the nonprofit Greater Easton Development Partnership.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com.

Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com.
A mans death two years after he was shot in the head was ruled a homicide Thursday, according to a news release from the Lehigh County coroner.

Roniel O. Santos-Rivera was 29 when he died Thursday at Lehigh Valley Hospital in Salisbury Township, according to a news release from coroner Daniel Buglio. The Plymouth Township, Montgomery County, man died Thursday from complications due to a gunshot wound to the head, the coroner ruled.

Lehigh County District Attorney James Martin said an investigation into the crime is ongoing.
A person broke into what was left of a burned apartment building in Northampton County, Pennsylvania State Police said.

A June 16 fire destroyed the building at The Residences at Willow Ridge in Allen Township and displaced multiple families.

Troopers said the burned building was surrounded by fences to keep people from entering the property. Sometime between 5 p.m. on June 29 and noon on June 30, someone removed some of the fencing and broke into one of the apartments, state police reported on Thursday.

Lightning was confirmed as the cause of the blaze that affected 12 apartments and displaced a total of 19 residents.

Authorities were able to get the surveillance footage from a neighbor after the fire, and took a still photo that shows the lightning hit to the building. Weather data also showed a lightning strike in the area at the time.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com.

Sarah Cassi may be reached at scassi@lehighvalleylive.com.
Some big names were in the Lehigh Valley Friday morning to celebrate the local airports gleaming new $35 million terminal connector and security checkpoint.

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, Gov. Josh Shapiro and U.S. Rep. Susan Wild were part of a small crowd who got a sneak peek of the light-filled connector that sits between the main terminal and the Wilfred M. Wiley Post Jr. Concourse.

Years in the making, the accolades for Executive Director Tom Stoudt, airport officials and the crews who have worked through unprecedented conditions were a far cry from the uncertainty and unknown when officials decided to move ahead with the planned project during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The projects design was close to completion heading into 2020, and then the pandemic hit. Air travel ground to a halt and travelers were slow to return, but Stoudt and others pushed to keep going during what he described as one of the most turbulent moments in our country.

Its a significant relief, we can breathe a little easier, Stoudt said Friday as he walked in the middle of the new building. This project wasnt just a nice-to-have addition for our airport, it was critical infrastructure to not only continue to serve our current demand but to serve our growing region.

What followed was $5 million in federal funding, almost $13 million in state funding and a Transportation Security Administration checkpoint that is needed now more than ever at an airport that saw traffic return to pre-pandemic levels and has continued to grow.

After just two years of construction  and thanks to the work of more than 100 union workers and every level of government working together  Lehigh Valley International Airport now has a new terminal and TSA checkpoint.  Governor Josh Shapiro (@GovernorShapiro) July 28, 2023

It was Buttigiegs second visit to the site -- he checked out the construction last August -- and on Friday he lauded how it is one of the first projects to get Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) funding to be completed.

Two years ago there were questions if the airlines would survive and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which became the BIL, was declared dead I dont know how many times, Buttigieg said. We would not be here with this funding were it not for the legislation that (Wild) and so many her colleagues supported to actually put our money where our mouth is as a country and say that were going to remain the worlds leader in the 21st century.

This is part of a wave of efforts across the country, 37,000 projects, where flinging dirt at groundbreakings is starting to turn into ribbon cuttings, he said. No scissors on Friday, though, it is a TSA checkpoint after all.

One of the fastest growing regions in the state, the Valley now has a world-class gateway to the rest of the country, Shapiro said.

The governor spoke about his administrations GSD attitude, in polite terms the get stuff done attitude.

You know what I love about the Lehigh Valley? You have the same attitude. That grittiness, that toughness, that desire to always be better and to always get big things done, he said. This community understands, instinctively, that when you invest in infrastructure, good economic opportunities and job creation comes.

The Valley is an economic leader in the state, but Shapiro and Wild noted that too often it has had to take a back seat, or play second fiddle, to other regions.

This is just the beginning folks, Wild told the crowd. Investing in our infrastructure is investing in our economy.

The new terminal connector is slated to open in a few weeks in August. The plan is to move necessary TSA equipment overnight from the tunnel to the new building, so travelers

There are improvements travelers will not see, but still benefit from. LVIA is now the first airport in the world to use medical-grade air purification from LifeAire Systems, based in Upper Macungie Township, in an airport facility.

The technology was originally developed for highly sensitive in-vitro fertilization facilities, and is now used at St. Lukes campuses and Lehigh Valley Health Network locations. Wild called the company a crowning success for the community.

The future of LVIA

The hope is with the new passenger processing capacity, new destinations will follow. But LVIAs future also includes a focus on cargo and the explosive growth the airport has seen since the start of the pandemic.

The local airport wrestles with Pittsburgh for the title of second largest air cargo facility in the state. After expanding the cargo apron in 2018, the facilities LVIA has today do not meet the growing demand for cargo service, Stoudt said.

Were full again, he said. Every year over the last three years weve had a record air cargo year, and were on pace (to do it) again. Were up over 30% to date through June.

This isnt about building something to attract the business, Stoudt stressed, This service and the demand is here. Were trying to catch up to having the infrastructure to meet it.

PAST COVERAGE

Lehigh Valley International Airport eyeing $22 million terminal connection

Shovels hit the ground for Lehigh Valley International Airports terminal connection project

Steel starts rising for new Lehigh Valley International Airport terminal connector

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg tours Lehigh Valley airports new terminal connector

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com.

Sarah Cassi may be reached at scassi@lehighvalleylive.com.
The Reckon Report is a weekly newsletter that goes deeper in todays most-discussed headlines. Subscribe today and stay ready for the proverbial water cooler.

Around half of America's public swimming locations, like beaches, lakes and rivers, are covered in sewage.

Extreme heat is dominating our lives right now. Its uncomfortable, its expensive, its deadly, and its proving to be a disaster for people and the environment.

So far this summer, temperatures have broken records nationwide, routinely reaching into the triple digits as a heat dome and other extreme temperatures marked the beginning of summer and the school holidays.

While some families might have a pool, a cold plunge, or are lucky enough to have insulated water pipes, the rest of us must make do with the beach or the many watering holes dotted throughout the nations vast river network.

The only problem is many of these outdoor spaces are covered in sewage from municipal overflow and are teeming with various types of bacteria, which can pose greater health risks for the millions of people who turn up in these places during heat waves, according to recent reports and environmental advocates.

And the issue is getting worse.

In 2022, 55% of American beaches were found to be covered in fecal bacteria for at least one day, up 2% from the year before, according to a study, while approximately half of lakes and rivers nationwide are too polluted for swimming, fishing, and drinking.

What does that mean for people?

Higher levels of fecal indicator bacteria are correlated with more cases of illness, said John Rumpler, co-author of the beach study and the Clean Water Director at Environment America, a Colorado-based advocacy coalition made up of environmental groups in 30 states. Also, hotter [temperatures] exacerbate a different water pollution threat - toxic algal outbreaks.

If you dont know what fecal bacteria is, its generally considered to be poop from humans and animals.

The algal outbreaks, on the other hand, are a type of bacteria that often grow out of fertilizer runoff from farms, pollution from industrial sites, and sewage. It looks like foam or scum that covers the surface of fresh or saltwater, according to the Centers for Disease Control. They also come in various colors, are toxic to people and animals, and typically grow in hot temperatures.

And hot weather is something we have plenty of right now.

Around 50 million people are still under an extreme heat warning, a figure thats expected to spike again in the coming days, with over 100 million people in the Midwest and Northeast anticipating temperatures firmly in the 90s but approaching the 100-degree mark, which is between 5 and 15 degrees above historical averages for those regions, according to forecasts.

Water temperatures have also been extremely high recently. In South Floridas shallow coastal waters, temperatures exceeded 100 degrees last week, which experts have claimed could be a record for seawater temperature. Marine experts say that entire stretches of coral reef have died and expect that to continue if high temperatures sustain.

Whats the worst that can happen if you decide to take a dip in bacteria-laden water?

It can lead to ailments such as digestive disorders, respiratory illnesses, infections in the ears and eyes, as well as skin rashes, according to the nationwide beach report. Its estimated that in the U.S., every year, there are approximately 57 million instances of illnesses caused by swimming in various bodies of water like oceans, lakes, rivers, and ponds. A significant number of these cases, however, remain unreported, according to the report.

But its not all bad.

On most beaches, there are still many days when the water is safe for swimming, said Rumpler. So I think it is unlikely that people will stop going to the beach. Nor should they.

And it turns out people continue to head to the beach in huge numbers. While there isnt a ton of data on who goes to the beaches and watering holes, its estimated that around 180 million Americans made 2 billion trips to the beach in 2017. In 2021 alone, Panama City Beach in Florida welcomed 18 million visitors, a 50% increase from pre-pandemic levels. Rumpler added that while high heat levels alone may not make fecal bacteria worse, its presence during hot periods does increase the danger posed to humans.

Heat does add to the urgency of making our beaches safe for swimming, as more people need ways to cool off, he said. But not everyone does go.

A 2017 UCLA study noted 77% of Californians visited the coast at least once a year, with most being under 40, parents of children under 18, and those residing in coastal communities. Youre less likely to see people visit from the Central Valley region or those who are over 65, or African Americans. Over 60% of those polled said that beach access was a major barrier to going, while over 75% said that it was not affordable to park and find accommodation.

For those who dont live near beaches, similar issues exist at so-called watering holes, like lakes, ponds, and areas where people swim in rivers.

Sewage overflows, usually from nearby towns and cities, also pour into the nations bays and rivers. In hot weather, the level and flow of water in these areas often decrease, causing stagnant pools. This is a breeding ground for various types of bacteria. But it can also cause more significant issues that arent great for human health.

As temperatures rise, you can have oxygen depletion that puts stress on fish very fast, said Tonya Bonitatibus, the executive director of the Savannah Riverkeeper, an organization that protects and monitors a 10,500 square mile watershed that supplies drinking water to 1.4 million people. The fish die, and the bacteria explode even more.

She added: And thats not a place people need to be.

When fish die like this, its known as fish kills, and it nearly always occurs because of heat and low oxygen.

And the same thing applies to coastal waters, where flesh-eating bacteria like vibrio can linger.

The bigger public health issue with fish kills and humans being in the water is the bacteria will start growing around the decomposing fish, which could also pose a human health risk, said Samantha Barquin, chief of staff at the Miami Waterkeeper.

In August 2020, for example, Biscayne Bay, right next to the enormous Miami metropolitan area, saw 27,000 fish die from a lack of oxygen, no tidal flow, extreme heat, and too much pollution.

Why are so many of our beaches gross?

One of the primary threats is aging sewage infrastructure, which is struggling to keep up with the demands of a growing population, added Barquin. But many other places experience this, too.

Barquin, who has also worked as an environmental technician and science and policy project manager at the Miami-based environmental advocacy group, said that sewage ends on beaches after overflows release untreated or partially treated sewage into waterways.

It can be worse after heavy rain.

This all comes after Floridas beaches saw vast amounts of seaweed wash ashore in late spring. The sargassum, as its known, contains bacteria harmful to both humans and animals.

Needless to say, Gulf Coast beaches were some of the dirtiest in the country, with researchers noting that 84% had at least one day of fecal contamination. In Texas, where temperatures have been as high as 125 degrees, 90% of beaches came back with unsafe contamination levels. Californias beaches were at 75%, Florida was at 70%, and Louisiana was at 100%.

What are the solutions?

Unfortunately, solutions arent cheap and divisions around environmental protection are often dominated by political ideology.

The key solution to make our waterways safer for swimming is to invest in better water infrastructure to prevent sewage overflows and runoff pollution, said Rumpler. Unfortunately, Republicans in Congress have just proposed deep cuts to the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, the main federal program for funding wastewater infrastructure.

The proposed cuts from the GOP-run House of Representatives would reduce state programs that monitor drinking water and clean water, in addition to a 42% cut in the State and Tribal Assistance Grant, an environmental grant that helps with air and water quality. Overall, the budget would cut the Environmental Protection Agencys funding by 39%.

While that U.S. House budget will have to be reconciled with a Democrat-run Senate budget, It seems unlikely that new sewage infrastructure is coming to your municipality anytime soon.

So, how do you stay safe in contaminated water?

The best way to avoid becoming ill from contact with water is to ensure you know the bacteria levels. Most states, counties, and cities monitor water that people are in contact with regularly. Some people will be put off by anything other than pristine water, while some might risk it to get out of the extreme heat.

Everyone is probably aware of the basics, like dont swallow the water and make sure your place band-aids over any cuts and abrasions. But there are other things you can do to lower the chances of getting sick.

We always tell people to wait 24 to 48 hours after a big rainstorm before getting in the water, said Bonitatibus, who advises downloading the Swim App, which uses government data to monitor beaches and swimming conditions worldwide. Thats when most of the bacteria runoff gets in the water.

Make sure you shower before and after being in the water. Showering after seems obvious, but showering before ensures youre not contaminating the water with bacteria on your body. And without going into the gory details, you do have gross bacteria on your body.

Its also important to take children on regular bathroom breaks, especially the ones who still wear diapers.

Lastly, check the weather. Warm weather and even light rainfall can increase the bacteria levels in lakes, rivers, and streams. Precipitation can help sewage runoff into swimming holes, while even just a light rain can stir up bacteria within soils that can then flow into bodies of water.
A man stole a 600 phone at Electric Picnic and transferred 2,401 from its Revolut to his own account.

Andrei Sava, 22, of 315 Virginia Heights, Tallaght, Dublin 24 admitted stealing the Samsung S10 phone at Electric Picnic, Cosby Hall, Stradbally on September 2 last year. He also admitted stealing 2,401 at Electric Picnic on September 3, 2022.

Garda Sergeant Michael Tarpey said the man took the phone from the pocket of the injured party at 10pm on September 2. It was valued at 600 and it was never recovered.

Between four and five am he got into that phone and transferred 2,400 from Revolut into his own Revolut, said Sgt Tarpey. He said no money had been repaid. He said the man had one previous conviction.

Solicitor Barry Fitzgerald said his client has expressed remorse over the incident. He said the guilty plea means gardai wont have to prepare a file for a case which would have been complex.

He said his client was a 22 year old who was born in Ireland but of Romanian descent. He said he works as a delivery driver for Just Eat and had brought 750 to court with him.

At Electric Picnic he had a cocktail of drugs and alcohol, Mr Fitzgerald said.

He said his client was committed to paying back the money in full.

He appreciates the trauma this has caused the injured party, he added.

Judge Andrew Cody said the total was 3,000 and there was 2,250 outstanding. He ordered that the 750 be given to the injured party.

He remanded the case to Portlaoise District Court on October 26 when he said another 750 was to be brought to court.
The Dart Plus public transport system should be brought to Naas.

Local councillor Bill Clear wants Kildare County Council to write to the National Transport Authority to request that it be extended to Sallins and Newbridge.

He points out that the population of County Kildare has grown by 11% to 247,774.

This means means the number of people in the county rose by 25,270 between April 2016 and April 2022, he said.

There are already proposals to have Dart Plus serve all existing stations along the railway corridor between Hazelhatch and Celbridge station and Dublin City Centre using electrical power.

Transport authorities say the frequency and quality of service will provide a viable transport alternative to communities along the route and help encourage people to migrate from private car use. This will assist Ireland in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from transport and help combat climate change.

Its also proposed to serve all existing stations along the railway corridor between Maynooth station and the M3 Parkway station to Connolly station and to the proposed Spencer Dock Station using electrical power.

A KCC meeting was told that Greater Dublin Area Transport Strategy (2022-2042) approved earlier this year means that the NTA and Irish Rail will, over the lifetime of the Strategy, extend the DART to deliver electrified rail services to Sallins/Naas.

Cllr Clear said the timeline of the plan means it will take a long time for the services to be delivered to Naas.

Cllr Tim Durkan said that Kilcock should be included, adding that the distance between the terminus and the station is only 950 metres.

Read more Kildare news
Pine martens have become "common, are a danger to livestock and wildlife" and need to be culled, were the views of one councillor who said the animal was introduced "supposedly to kill the grey squirrel." He said he witnessed a pine marten killing a curlew recently; a bird which is currently endangered. He continued that he understood that one of the omnivorous animals recently "got into a shed in the south and killed 15,000 worth of hens."

The pine marten is protected in Ireland by both national and international legislation and under the Irish Wildlife Acts it is an offence, except under licence, to capture or kill a pine marten, or to destroy or disturb its resting places.

Cllr Dolan also spoke of how, in 2019, Green Party leader Eamon Ryan called for the reintroduction of wolves to help re-wild the countryside and control deer numbers. "These things should not be allowed in here. I think that when pine martens kill animals, the people responsible for bringing them in should be responsible for what they do. We should have a complete cull on them in this country."

Cllr Dolan said he wanted to call on the Minister for Agriculture to revise plans that have been made for the reintroduction of these non-native species and others stressing "These plans should be halted."

He continued that many lambs are lost to pine martens each year and that "they don't kill for food. As bad as the fox is, he'll feed himself on the lamb but the pine marten kills for blood. They could kill 50 lambs in one field over one morning or night."
Sara Berkely, originally from Dublin, has been awarded the first annual Yeats Poetry Prize for her latest collection, The Last Cold Days, by the Yeats Society Sligo.

Published in October 2022, 'The Last Cold Day' chronicles Sara Berkeley's work as a hospice nurse through remarkable poems. Dermot Bolger from Sunday Business Post said that her work "contains elements of autobiography but never feels confessional due to the poise and composure in her language, distilling six years of her personal life and career, this collection is rendered with unwavering honesty as well as the understated humanity and grace that are the hallmarks of her work".

Peter Fallon, Sara's editor of the Gallery Press, which has been publishing her work since 2025, highlights that the author presents a credible version of life, its pleasures and vicissitudes.

"In this remarkable book of record, a woman's life alters emotionally and geographically as the world is altered too  and she plays a valiant part in that mutation while earning a personal reward. It has been a pleasure collaborating on her poems and four books of them. Sara Berkeley's work is worthy of the applause of the Yeats Society Poetry Prize", he added.

The Prize is a collaboration between the Society and Irish Independent/Mediahus Group and recognises the single best collection of work by an Irish poet in 2022.



The shortlist:

Sara Berkeley: Gallery Press, The Last Cold Day

Tom French: Gallery Press, In Company

Vona Groarke: New York University Press, Hereafter

John Kelly: Dedalus Press, Space

Rosamund Taylor: Banshee Press, In her Jaws

Jessica Traynor: Bloodaxe Press, Pit Lullabies

Chair of Yeats Society Sligo Lorraine McDonnell thanked Irish Independent for its support and said this Prize is especially important in this year of the Nobel Centenary of WB Yeats, the first Irish person to receive the award. "Supporting and recognising the value of poetry in our world is dear to our hearts, and we are delighted to be involved with The Poetry Prize."

Other speakers at the 64th Yeats International School include Claire Keegan and Manchan Magan, poet Victoria Kennefick, Vona Groarke, John McAuliffe and Sean Lysaght.

Academics include: Sean Hewitt, (TCD) Adam Hanna, (UCC) Jahan Ramazani (University of Virginia), and Nessa Cronin (UofGalway). Co-directors are Charles Armstrong (University of Adger) and Lucy Collins (UCD).
Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content.

Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist.

If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism, consider contributing and/or subscribing to our free daily Newsletter .

Support our mission and join our community now.
Lebanese Central Bank Governor Riad Salame, in Beirut, November 11, 2019. MOHAMED AZAKIR / REUTERS

As Riad Salameh looks back on his 30 years at the Banque du Liban (BDL), he remains firm. "I don't take responsibility for the collapse" of Lebanon, he insisted on Wednesday, July 26. In an interview lasting over two hours on the Lebanese channel LBCI, the embattled banker went to great lengths to defend his legacy against those who have vilified him since the 2019 economic and financial crisis. With just a few days to go before he steps down after five terms at the head of the financial institution, the 73-year-old once again presented himself as "the scapegoat of the system."

Read more Article reserve a nos abonnes Poverty-stricken and politically deadlocked Lebanon at the mercy of irresponsible leadership

Few people in Lebanon continue to defend Salameh publicly, however. Once high in the ranks of the world's best central bank directors before the crisis, he has been accused by some of having set up a vast Ponzi scheme while others say he obstructed reforms. Under investigation in Europe for embezzlement of public funds and money laundering  accusations which he refutes  and the target of two international arrest warrants in France and Germany, the banker's once numerous political supporters are nowhere to be seen.

Prime Minister Najib Mikati and Speaker of Parliament Nabeh the nickname of "magician." An investment banker with Merrill Lynch, he was appointed governor in 1993, when Lebanon was destroyed by 15 years of civil war. Under the tutelage of then Prime Minister Rafic Hariri, he became the architect of an economic and financial strategy that would put the "Country of the Cedars" back on its feet. Although his policies stabilized the national currency and replenished the BDL's foreign currency reserves, they also deepened the debt, which was further aggravated by state subsidies. "He hides behind the fact that his choices stemmed from government decisions, but he should have set limits. He has done a lot of favors for politicians with the sole goal of becoming rresident of the Republic," a banker who wished to remain anonymous said.

'Part of the problem'

"Riad Salameh is not the cause of the economic and financial crisis. He didn't cause the deficit at Electricite du Liban or hire all those superfluous civil servants. But he didn't stop it from happening. And, as of 2019, he has become part of the problem," said Pierre Duquesne, the former French ambassador in charge of coordinating international support to Lebanon until May. "It's a shared responsibility, but in my eyes, the governor of the BDL bears more responsibility than the others, because the BDL is independent," agreed outgoing Deputy Prime Minister Saade Chami.

You have 61.54% of this article left to read. The rest is for subscribers only.
A FINE of 25,000 for health and safety breaches imposed on a company which supplied a crane involved in an fatal incident in which two stonemasons drowned was not "unduly" lenient, the Court of Appeal has found

Bryan Whelan (29) of O'Briensbridge, County Clare and TJ OHerlihy (36), of Castleisland, County Kerry died after the steel cage suspended over the river Shannon plunged into the water on August 29, 2015.

The two men and a third colleague, Paul Murphy who lives in Askeaton, County Limerick had been carrying out cleaning and repointing work on Thomond Bridge in Limerick city at the time.

All three men were attached to the basket by a safety harness. Mr Whelan and Mr OHerlihy both drowned as they could not escape when it entered the water. Mr Murphy managed to free himself from his harness and was rescued.

Palfinger Ireland Ltd, of Church Hill, Cloncollog, Tullamore, County Offaly was fined 25,000 at Limerick Circuit Court on October 7, 2022 after the company pleaded guilty to breaches of the Health and Safety at Work Act. The sentencing jurisdiction of the court was an unlimited fine.

Earlier this month, the Director of Public Prosecutions appealed what it said was the unduly lenient fine imposed on the company.

Shane Costelloe SC submitted the trial judge had "erred" in law and that the fine imposed was simply too low.

In a judgement delivered at the Court of Appeal this Friday, Ms Justice Tara Burns said the court was of the view that the sentence imposed was not a substantial departure from what was appropriate and rejected the States submission that the 25,000 fine was too low and should be increased.

Palfinger had supplied the crane in use on the day of the incident to Nationwide Crane Hire Ltd, Dock Road, Limerick in 2003.

Nationwide Crane Hire also pleaded guilty to breaches of the Health and Safety at Work Act and the company was fined 200,000. The maximum fine the court could have imposed in their case was 3 million.

Limerick Circuit Court heard that a safety mechanism on the crane that was holding the metal cage containing the two men and their co-worker had failed to operate.

The defective overload protection safety device for the winch on the crane failed and this led to the winch snapping.

The prosecutions against Palfinger and Nationwide were brought following an investigation by the Health and Safety Authority.

The prosecution of Palfinger arose because a manual they supplied with the crane in 2003 had a missing chapter.

In dismissing the appeal, Ms Justice Burns said the failure to set a headline sentence before considering mitigating circumstances was not in itself an error in principle if the sentence actually imposed was appropriate.

She said the State had complained that the sentencing judge incorrectly treated the 12 year period before the accident in Limerick occurred as a mitigating factor.

However, she said the court did not agree that this was how the sentencing judge characterised the 12 year delay.

It is clear from the sentencing judges remarks that he viewed the failure to provide that part of the manual as a significant breach, she said.

However, it is also clear that he was mindful of the fact that the offence occurred in 2003 and that for a 12 year period the crane had operated properly, safely and without incident and had also been serviced by the respondent.

She said the court was of the view that the criticism of the sentencing judges approach in this regard was misplaced.

Dismissing the appeal, she said the court was of the opinion that the sentence was not unduly lenient within the meaning of the 1993 Act.
Two young Irish wolfhounds have been introduced to their new home on Friday  the grounds of a medieval Co Clare fortress.

Bunratty Castle and Folk Park has welcomed 12-week-old puppy Rian, the Irish word for king, and one-year-old Mide, named after the fifth province of Ireland in Celtic times.

The grey-haired hound is closely associated with Irish myths and legends and can grow up to 36 inches in height.

Irish wolfhounds were regular guests at Bunratty Castle from the early days of it hosting medieval banquets in the 1960s.

The dogs roamed the great hall and dining areas, as would have been the custom in medieval times.

Aodhagan Behan, operations manager at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, said that no 15th century castle is complete without these iconic and noble dogs.

He added: These noble creatures were regular guests at the Bunratty Castle from the early days of the medieval banquets in the 1960s and therefore it is only fitting that they make a welcome return to this iconic fortress in the same year that the castles world-famous medieval banquets celebrate 60 years in operation.

Niall Moloney, farm manager at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, said that Irish wolfhounds are known for being gentle, friendly and very intelligent, and lived in Ireland long before the arrival of Christianity and the written word.

For many visitors, especially children, the sight of wolfhounds wandering throughout the site is the highlight of their visit.

We are grateful to Cudarath Irish Wolfhounds for their support, and we look forward to hosting Rian and Mide for many years to come, he said.

The two previous resident wolfhounds at Bunratty Castle were Meabh, who died recently, and Saoirse, who was rehomed as the hounds like to be kept in pairs.
Hair transplant procedures have become increasingly popular in Turkey, drawing both domestic and foreign patients looking for reasonably priced and top-notch care. Turkey has made a name for itself as a center for medical travel, particularly in the area of hair transplantation, where it offers cutting-edge methods and skilled practitioners at affordable rates.

Turkey has developed become a popular location for hair transplants for a number of reasons, including:

Cost-Effectiveness: Hair transplant procedures in Turkey are frequently less expensive than those in many other nations, making it a desirable choice for people looking for a budget-friendly option.

Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) and Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) surgeons with experience in the most recent procedures are available in Turkey, which also has a big number of reputed clinics for hair transplants.

Modern equipment and state-of-the-art facilities are provided by many Turkish clinics to guarantee that patients receive the best care possible.

Minimal Waiting Times: Due to Turkey's great demand for hair transplants, waiting times at clinics are frequently minimal, allowing patients to schedule their treatments quite quickly.

Opportunities for tourism: Turkey's distinct geographic setting and extensive cultural legacy make it a popular travel destination. Patients frequently travel for both medical treatment and a chance to see the country.

However, before selecting a facility or surgeon for your hair transplant, use cautious and conduct thorough research. To make sure you choose a respectable and trustworthy clinic, look for patient reviews, before-and-after pictures, and accreditations or certifications. Always seek advice from several clinics and engage in thorough discussions with the medical staff to comprehend the process, potential risks, and expected results.

Please be aware that circumstances may have changed since my previous update; therefore, before making any decisions regarding hair transplant surgery in Turkey, I advise verifying the most recent information and speaking with medical specialists or travel experts.

Hair Transplant Turkey Cost 2023

The price of a hair transplant in Turkey might vary based on a variety of criteria, such as the clinic, the surgeon's qualifications, the technique employed, the quantity of grafts necessary, and the clinic's location. In general, Turkey's hair transplant prices are less expensive than those in many other nations, making it a desirable destination for medical tourists.

To give a ballpark figure, a hair transplant in Turkey could cost anywhere from $1,500 to $4,000 USD or more. This price normally covers the treatment itself, recovery expenses, and perhaps lodging and travel inside Turkey.

It's crucial to remember that choosing a facility or surgeon for your hair transplant shouldn't be based solely on cost. It's important to choose a reputable facility with skilled surgeons and a track record of successful hair transplant treatments because quality and experience are critical.

Remember that prices are subject to change and that changes can happen over time. I advise getting in touch with many clinics directly to enquire about their pricing, services, and any additional costs that might be related to the process in order to get the most current and accurate information on hair transplant prices in Turkey. It's also a good idea to read reviews and patient testimonials to get a sense of how other people felt about the facility and the doctor.

Is Turkey worth it for hair transplant?

Turkey has established a reputation as one of the top nations for this surgery and is a well-known destination for hair transplants. Turkey is a desirable location for hair transplant surgery in the eyes of numerous patients, both domestic and foreign. However, each person's preferences, demands, and circumstances will determine if traveling to Turkey for a hair transplant is worthwhile. Here are some things to think about:

Affordability: Compared to many other nations, Turkey is renowned for providing hair transplant surgeries at a far lower cost. Turkey can be a more reasonable choice if price is a major consideration.

Quality of Care: Turkey boasts a large number of qualified and experienced hair transplant surgeons, and many clinics have contemporary settings and cutting-edge equipment. However, it is essential to do your homework and pick a reputed facility with a track record of effective surgeries.

Support for Medical Tourism: Istanbul in particular has made a name for itself as a center for medical tourism, offering a variety of treatments to foreign patients. These can make the procedure more convenient and include help with lodging, airport transportation, and travel arrangements.

Minimal Waiting Times: Clinics frequently have minimal waiting times due to Turkey's high demand for hair transplants, allowing patients to book their treatments quite fast.

Combining Treatment with Travel: For patients from other countries, getting a hair transplant in Turkey gives them the chance to travel to a stunning nation with a fascinating history and culture.

However, there may be some negative aspects to take into account:

Travel dangers: There are inherent dangers in seeking medical care abroad, such as potential language difficulties or disparate medical standards. It's crucial to conduct careful research and make sure you feel at ease with the procedure.

Following a hair transplant, patients often need to be monitored and cared for in a follow-up capacity. If you are a patient from another country, you should think about how you will manage post-operative care when you get home.

Research is Important: Not every clinic in Turkey might offer the same standard of quality and attention. Finding a reliable clinic requires thorough study because some people might put financial gain before medical success.

Potential issues: Hair transplants include hazards, just like any medical operation, therefore it's important to be informed of these risks and potential issues.

In conclusion, many people may find it worthwhile to travel to Turkey for a hair transplant, especially those who are looking for a low cost and high caliber of care. However, making an informed decision and securing a positive outcome require considerable thought, rigorous research, and consultation with respected hospitals and doctors.

Hair transplant procedures are increasingly prominent in Turkey. Hair transplant in Turkey has attracted patients seeking affordable and high-quality treatment. Because of the boom in medical tourism, there are more hair transplant clinics worldwide. Each one offers specialized information and services. This blog explores Turkey's top 20 best hair transplant clinics.

1. Sapphire Hair Clinic

The cutting-edge facilities and talented surgeons at Sapphire Hair Clinic have earned it a stellar reputation. They specialize in the FUE technique hair transplant turkey, which ensures faster healing and minimal scarring compared to traditional methods. The Sapphire hair clinic is committed to giving patients natural results. The clinic has risen to the top of the patient's ranking.

Whatsapp : +90 552 396 31 32

E-Mail: info@sapphirehairclinic.com

2. Buk Clinic

The Buk Clinic employs the most recent developments in hair restoration technology and has a staff of highly educated hair transplant istanbul doctors. Each patient's demands are considered while creating their customized treatment regimens. This results in the best outcomes and a relaxing experience.

3. Dr. Levent Acar

A well-known figure in the Turkish hair transplant sector is Dr. Levent Acar. Dr. Acar's clinic offers exceptional hair transplant surgeries because of years of experience and a commitment to continual development, earning acclaim from many happy patients.

4. Smile Hair Clinic

Smile Hair Clinic, which specializes in FUE hair transplantation, provides excellent treatments under the direction of qualified doctors. Their dedication to openness, affordability, and outstanding outcomes make them a great hair transplant clinic.

5. Doku Medical

Doku Medical creates hair transplants that seem natural by fusing artistic talent with medical knowledge. To deliver excellent outcomes, their qualified workforce makes use of cutting-edge technology. They emphasize patient comfort and satisfaction.

6. Oktay Tuney

Oktay Tuney's clinic is well known for its commitment to personalized treatment and meticulous attention to detail. Due to Dr. Tuney's extensive experience and enthusiasm for excellence, many people have achieved their targeted hair restoration objectives.

7. Asmed

Asmed is a top-notch hair transplant facility recognized for its superior hairline designs and thick packing methods. It is run by renowned surgeon Dr. Koray Erdogan. The clinic has a substantial presence in the industry due to its extensive reputation and several triumphs.

8. HLC Clinic

HLC Clinic carefully plans each hair transplant operation to get natural outcomes. HLC Clinic provides exceptional hair transplant results that please clients worldwide.

9. Medart Hair Clinic

The Medart Hair Clinic provides individualized hair transplant solutions with cutting-edge methods, including Sapphire FUE and DHI (Direct Hair Implantation). Their dedication to patient care and reliable outcomes have expanded their reputation with foreign clientele.

10. Istanbul Hair Center

The Istanbul Hair Center employs physicians and workers with advanced training. They are dedicated to providing a hassle-free hair transplant experience. From their initial consultation to the follow-up makes them stand out.

11. Million Hair Center

The cutting-edge techniques used at Million Hair Center and the center's highly skilled medical personnel are well known. They employ the latest advanced hair transplant technology since they are dedicated to producing outcomes that seem natural.

12. Capil Clinic

The professionals at Capil Clinic provide individualized treatments for different forms of hair loss. They repair men's and women's hairlines using cutting-edge methods, ensuring patients depart with renewed confidence.

13. Turkey Ana Clinic

Turkey Ana Clinic's dedication to combining modern techniques with time-tested procedures has led to its success. Their highly skilled surgeons provide attentive care to every patient. This ensures patients receive the best treatment possible.

14. Natural Hair Clinic

Natural Hair Clinic aims to give patients hair transplant outcomes that closely resemble their own natural hair. They are popular due to their dedication to creative hairline design and careful patient care.

15. Elit Hair Clinic

The medical personnel and surgeons at Elit Hair Clinic are experts in various hair transplant techniques. Elit Hair Clinic puts the needs and pleasure of the patient first.

16. Este Medical Group

Este Medical Group provides top-notch hair transplant surgeries. They have gained many clients' trust worldwide. This is because of their patient-centric approach and knowledgeable professionals.

17. Estenove

The staff at Estenove offers customized hair transplant solutions to meet the demands of a wide range of patients. Positive patient experiences are guaranteed by their devotion to natural results and utilization of cutting-edge technologies.

18. Tecnifue

DHI and Sapphire FUE are only two of the cutting-edge hair transplant methods offered by Tecnifue. Patients prefer them because of their competent personnel and first-rate amenities.

19. Body Expert

Body Expert specializes in hair transplants and aesthetic surgeries. Their thorough approach to hair restoration has helped them build a devoted clientele.

20. Longevita Hair Clinic

Longevita Hair Clinic offers individualized hair restoration procedures supported by skilled doctors and cutting-edge medical equipment. They are a popular destination for medical tourists. This is because of their commitment to patient happiness and open pricing.

Conclusion

The top hair transplant clinics worldwide are said to be located in Turkey. The top mentioned above 20 clinics provide specialized hair transplants and cutting-edge technology. Whether experiencing hair loss or seeking a hairline enhancement, these clinics offer outstanding results and a satisfying patient experience.

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.
State-owned Bank of India reported its Q1FY23 results today. The net profit doubled for the June quarter.

In Q1FY23, the company reported significant growth in various key financial metrics. Net Profit surged by an impressive 176% year-on-year (YoY) to reach Rs. 1,551 Crores. Operating Profit also displayed substantial growth, increasing by 72% YoY to Rs. 3,752 Crores. The Net Interest Income saw a substantial rise of 45% YoY, amounting to Rs. 5,915 Crores.

Moreover, the Net Interest Margin (NIM) on a global scale showed improvement, increasing by 49 basis points (bps) YoY. The company successfully reduced its Gross NPA ratio by 263 bps YoY and the Net NPA ratio by 56 bps YoY, reflecting improved asset quality. Additionally, the Provision Coverage Ratio (PCR) witnessed a positive trend, improving by 156 bps YoY to enhance risk coverage.

The company's business performance demonstrated positive growth, with the Global Business crossing the remarkable milestone of Rs. 12 lakh crore, marking an 8.61% YoY increase. Global Deposits and Gross Advances also displayed healthy growth, rising by 8.71% and 8.48% YoY, respectively. Of the Advances, RAM Advances showed notable growth, increasing by 11.75% YoY, accounting for a significant share of 55.39%.

In terms of lending, the company's focus on retail credit proved fruitful, with Retail Credit witnessing robust growth of 15.05% YoY. Agriculture Credit and MSME Credit also reported growth of 10.10% and 9.19% YoY, respectively.

Furthermore, the company's focus on CASA deposits yielded positive results, with CASA deposits increasing by 7.56% YoY, resulting in a CASA ratio of 44.52%. Notably, the GNPA ratio improved significantly by 263 bps YoY, standing at 6.67%, and the Net NPA ratio saw improvement, reducing by 56 bps YoY to 1.65%. The Provision Coverage Ratio (PCR) reached an impressive 89.52%.

The company maintained a strong capital adequacy position, with the CRAR (Capital Adequacy Ratio) standing at 15.60%. The CET-1 ratio, an important measure of core capital strength, was recorded at 13.02% as of Jun'23.

Overall, the company's financial results for Q1FY23 exhibited strong performance across various key parameters, showcasing its robust growth and sound financial health.
Domestic brokerage, Nuvama Institutional Equities in its recent report highlighted key points from the recent ITC analyst call following ITC and ITC Hotels demerger.

The ITC board granted in principle permission for the National Company Law Tribunal's (NCLT) scheme of arrangement to demerge its hotel business through the establishment of a wholly owned subsidiary, ITC Hotels Ltd on Monday, July 24. ITC analyst call was held on Thursday, July 27.

The domestic brokerage reported after the ITC analyst call that the demerger of the hotel division creates value for current ITC shareholders. The brokerage has kept its buy recommendation with a target price of 560 based on SoTP.

Let's look at some key takeaways from the ITC analyst call that were highlighted by brokerage.

The newly formed company ("ITC Hotels") will be recognised as an associate company following the demerger.

After the demerger, ITC's RoCE and RoIC are expected to increase by double digits (10%) each.

It will be decided how to use ITC and the accompanying brand assets. A royalty arrangement based on an industry benchmark (at a rate that has not yet been determined) will be in place.

The asset right model will be the new entity's main focus, and ITC Hotels will have a healthy financial sheet free of debt.

Shareholders of ITC will continue to have a financial stake in the hotel industry. To put it into perspective, if an investor has a 10% interest in ITC after the merger, they will also indirectly control 4% of ITC Hotels and 6% of ITC Hotels directly through ITC Ltd.

In addition to continuing to receive all of ITC Ltd.'s strategic support, the 40% interest ITC will own in the new organisation will guarantee sufficient flexibility.

The newly formed company and ITC will both have West Bengal (WB) registered offices, hence WB is also where the stamp duty on share issuance must be paid. The stamp duty rate is 0.5% on the fair value of new shares, therefore the stamp duty would be calculated by multiplying the issued 60% stake share by its fair value and 0.5%.

The demerger and issuance of shares to shareholders will be a tax-neutral transaction. Additionally, there won't be any effects from indirect taxes like GST.

Since the new firm will be accounted for as an associate company, the capital employed (20%) and segment EBIT (5%) for the hotels segment will be eliminated from consolidated figures.

The new the company has the ability to raise money on its own if it needs more capital. The business would not have any issues taking on more debt.

The newly formed company will primarily be focused on asset rights, hence capital needs will differ from those in the previous. The capex in the hotel industry is almost equivalent to the amount of depreciation after switching to the asset-right approach.

Also Read: ITC hotels unit stock expected to be valued in 15-27 range; here's what analysts have to say on ITC demerger

ITC Hotel listing date

A board meeting over a potential reorganisation is scheduled for Monday, August 14, according to the brokerage's report. ITC Hotels will list on exchanges following clearances, and they estimate that the process will take 12 to 18 months (approvals from regulators, notably NCLT, are required).

ITC share price today

ITC share price opened at intraday high of 469.95 apiece on BSE on Friday's session. ITC shares touched an intrday low of 463.50. According to trendlyne data. ITC share price rose 53.1% and outperformed its sector by 2.6% in the past year.

The overall trend for ITC, according to Ruchit Jain, Lead Research Analyst at 5paisa, is still good. Due to heavy open interest and frequent call writing at the 500 strike price, ITC shares saw unfavourable price action when they hit resistance at the 500 level.

According to Jain, any dip towards the 450455 zone would probably find support. The 500 level will continue to operate as barrier. After the big rally, the ITC share price may have a short-term pullback; support is anticipated near the 450 level.

Investors should adopt a 'buy on dips' strategy, using the declines towards the 450 support level as buying opportunities, given the highest open interest is at 450 put suggesting that the broader trend for ITC remains positive," added Jain.

Also Read: Yatharth Hospital IPO closes today: GMP, subscription status, should you apply or not?
Bengaluru-based realtor RMZ Corp is postponing its planned development of office spaces in key gateway cities in US and Europe. The company feels that India is a relatively safer bet with the prices of commercial properties plummeting in major world cities like Paris, Manhattan and Hong Kong.

Factors including macroeconomic growth, the influx of companies, and availability of capital keep development deals healthy in IndiaThe builder yields, or margins that you get for developing in this country, cannot be matched anywhere in the world." Chairman of RMZ Corp Manoj Menda was quoted as saying by Bloomberg.

The right time to start evaluating acquisition or development in overseas markets is toward the end of this year or early next year. Well be ready to invest in 2024 if the pricing is right for us," Menda added.

India is among the fastest growing major economies of the world which has led to demand for office space and commercial buildings, making it a much safer proposition for Menda's as compared to other major economies.

The development yield is over 9% for office spaces in Indian cities in comparison to 6% in London or New York, noted Arjun Menda. Development yield is a metric that measures the returns on building a property. RMZ Corp holds around 67 million square feet of space in India and plans to grow fivefold in the ensuing decade.

RMZ Corp is one of the largest privately held developers in India, controlled by Manoj Menda and his brother Raj Menda. The company had made India's biggest real estate deal in 2020 when it sold $2 billion worth of properties to Brookfield Asset Management. RMZ Corp has remained debt-free since that deal and has gone on an expansion drive by foraying into sectors like warehousing, hospitality etc.

RMZ Corp has also signed a deal with Canada Pension Plan Investment Board and Mitsui Fudosan Co. for commercial offices in India. Arjun Menda says the company is also in talks to form partnerships with two other sovereign funds. RMZ's technology and business parks include many important clients like Accenture Plc, Alphabet Inc and HSBC Holdings etc.

According to GROHE-HURUN India, Arjun Menda and his family were third on the list of wealthiest Indian real estate entrepreneurs with 37,000 crore wealth.
Mumbai: Private equity firm BPEA EQT has acquired 60% of Indira IVF Hospital Pvt. Ltd, Indias largest chain of fertility clinics, from TA Associates and the fertility companys founders at a valuation of about $1.1 billion, according to two people familiar with the transaction.

On Friday, the companies confirmed the transaction without disclosing financial details. BPEA is expected to pay over $600 million for this deal, the people said, requesting anonymity. Indira IVF founders Ajay Murdia, Kshitiz Murdia and Nitiz Murdia will retain a significant minority stake and continue to lead the company. Private equity firm TA Associates, which first picked up a minority stake in 2019 for an undisclosed sum, will exit the company with the transaction.

We see strong potential in further expanding India IVFs presence across India and entering adjacent markets while continuing to invest in its R&D capabilities and technology, drawing on EQTs in-house expertise within healthcare and digitalization," Ashish Agrawal, partner, BPEA EQT said, adding that fertility services are a fast-growing space in India. Mint reported on 26 June that BPEA EQT was a shortlisted bidder for this stake.

Jimmy Mahtani, partner and co-head of BPEA EQT India, said: This investment aligns with EQTs commitment to investing in companies that address critical societal needs and have the potential to impact peoples lives for the better."

Partnership with BPEA EQT is the beginning of a new phase of sustainable growth for Indira IVF. Starting from a single clinic in Udaipur to becoming the largest provider of assisted reproductive technology (ART) services in India today, Indira IVFs journey has been a remarkable success story. The ART sector in India is at an exciting stage of development, and we are lucky to have a great company, partners, and colleagues to lead the growth of this segment," said Kshitiz Murdia, CEO of Indira IVF.

BPEA EQT was advised by JSA (legal), Lincoln International, Price Waterhouse & Co LLP (transaction and tax, operational DD), Deloitte (financial and tax DD, structuring, ESG), and Awelin (digital). The selling shareholders were advised by Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan.

With this transaction, BPEA Private Equity Fund VIII is expected to have around 35-40% of its funds invested, considering closed and signed investments, announced public offers, and less any expected syndication.

Founded in 1988 by Ajay Murdia, Indira IVF has grown from a single clinic to a nationwide network encompassing 116 centres across 20 states in India. The company offers assisted reproductive technology services in India and conducts about 40,000 IVF cycles each year. So far, it has helped more than 125,000 couples achieve pregnancy, according to the company.

Indira IVF reported a profit of 340 crore on a revenue of around 1,200 crore in the year ended 31 March.
Ed-tech startup Buju's, already embroiled in numerous controversies recently, is now facing allegations from one of its employees about a sudden termination.

A woman named Akansha Khemka from Kolkata got burst into tears in a video message, seeking the government's support for saving employees from a 'toxic' work culture.

Khemka, who worked as an Academic Specialist with Byju for 1.5 years, claimed that she did not take a single day's leave.

Further, she said that her reporting manager informed her she has been terminated on account of her performance and behavior, while HR noted this was not the reason behind the layoff.

The management wants people to resign on their own, and those doing so will receive their salaries on the first (August). On the other hand, for people who do not resign voluntarily, and are sacked, the company may take 30 to 45 days to pay their salaries," Khemka quoted the HR as saying.

Khemka says she is the sole breadwinner for her family. She said both Byju and the company's founder Raveenderan would be directly responsible if she was to take an extreme step.'

Khemka also sought the support of the Central government. She said instead of going abroad and talking about justice, the government must ensure justice for the people of the country first.

Further, Khemka mentioned about complaints from parents, especially regarding refunds, "They (Byju's) burned through all the parents' money. Every time there's a meeting, parents keep demanding their money back. Why is this happening? Byju's has been eating away everybody's money. What they are doing with parents and employees is fraud."

Also, she requested other professionals not to join Byju's. "Do whatever you want in life, teach wherever, do not get a job at Byju's and ruin your lives. I ruined 1.5 years of my life here."

Khemka uploaded the video on LinkedIn on 26 July. Recently, another video clip went viral where a Byju employee was engaged in a tense discussion with her senior, allegedly over incentive-related matters.

Byju's crises

Tensions have gripped Byju's as once high-flying tutoring startup failed to file its financial accounts on time, skipped an interest payment on its term loan, and triggered a legal fight with its creditors. Several US-based investors accused Byjus of hiding half a billion dollars, prompting lawsuits.

Also, the crisis-ridden startup has cut down on its office spaces in Bengaluru in a bid to cut costs and ramp up liquidity.

Byju vacated one of the three offices in Bengaluru. Also, it has vacated three out of the six floors it occupied at its main corporate office.

This week, one of Byju's investors-Prosus NV asserted that the company's reporting and governance structure did not evolve sufficiently for an entity of this scale and it "regularly disregarded advice" by the Dutch-listed firm.

Prosus, which this year slashed the valuation of Byju's to $5.1 billion from $22 billion last year, said the decision for its director to step down from Byju's board last month was mainly because he was "unable to fulfill his fiduciary duty to serve the long-term interests of the Company and its stakeholders".

Meanwhile, the governemnt has ordered an inspection of the books of BYJU's. The corporate affairs ministry decided to inspect after taking note of the developments, including that the company has been unable to finalise its financial statements and that its auditor has resigned
Civil aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has imposed a financial penalty of 30 lakhs on IndiGo Airlines and also directed them to amend their documents and procedures in line with DGCA requirements and OEM guidelines.

IndiGo witnessed four tail strike incidents on A321 aircraft within a span of six months this year, following which the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) carried out a special audit of the airline.

In a release, DGCA said that during the audit, it reviewed the airline's documentation and procedure on operations, training, engineering and FDM programme.

DGCA also issued a show cause notice to IndiGo Airlines directing them to submit a reply within the stipulated time period. The reply was reviewed at various levels and was not found satisfactory. Subsequently, DGCA has imposed a financial penalty of 30 lakhs on Indigo Airlines and also directed them to amend their documents and procedures in line with DGCA requirements and OEM guidelines.

Indigo Airlines experienced four tail strike incidents on A321 aircraft within a span of six months in the year 2023. DGCA carried out a special audit of Indigo Airlines, and reviewed their documentation and procedure on operations, training, engineering and Flight Data Monitoring programme. During the special audit, certain systemic deficiencies were observed in Indigo Airline's documentation pertaining to operations/training procedures and engineering procedures," said DGCA.

During the special audit, certain systemic deficiencies were observed in IndiGo's documentation pertaining to operations/training procedures and engineering procedures.

A show cause notice was issued to the airline and DGCA said the carrier's reply "was reviewed at various levels and was not found satisfactory".

"Subsequently, DGCA has imposed a financial penalty of 30 lakh on IndiGo Airlines and also directed them to amend their documents and procedures in line with DGCA requirements and OEM guidelines," the release said.

Earlier, aviation regulator DGCA has suspended the flying licences of two IndiGo pilots for violating safety norms as the aircraft they operated suffered a tail strike while landing at the Ahmedabad airport last month, according to a senior official.

The senior official at the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Wednesday said the licence of the Pilot-In-Command (PIC) has been suspended for three months and that of the co-pilot for one month.

*With inputs from agencies
Mumbai: The Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT) on Friday set aside the Securities and Exchange Board of Indias (Sebis) April 2021 penalty of 25 crore on Mukesh Ambani, Anil Ambani, Reliance Industries Holding, and eight other entities for alleged violation of takeover regulations in a more than two-decade-old case.

While SAT observed that the inexplicable and inordinate" delay on Sebis part to impose a penalty is reason alone for setting aside the order, the bench led by Justice Tarun Agarwala held that it found the appellants have not violated Regulation 11 (1) of SAST (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) Regulations, 2011. The imposition of penalty upon the appellants is without any authority of law. Consequently, in view of this, the Sebi order cannot be sustained and therefore quashed, and the appeal is allowed."

The tribunal added that it was informed that the penalty amount was deposited with the regulator. Since the bench set aside the Sebi order, the market regulator has been directed to refund 25 crore within four weeks.

The bench observed that a penalty of 25 crore could not have been imposed, and, even assuming that the violation had occurred, a maximum penalty of 5 lakh could be imposed.

The order comes after an appeal was filed by the Ambanis and Reliance Industries Holding challenging the Sebi order of 7 April 2021.

The case involves Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) issuing shares worth 12 crore to 38 entities in January 2000 as a conversion of warrants, which Sebi deemed a breach of takeover regulations.

It was claimed by the regulator that RILs promoters acquired 6.83% of the company with a few other entities by converting 30 million warrants issued in 1994, thus exceeding the 5% limit prescribed in the takeover regulations for promoters.

Sebi regulations deem that if a promoter acquires more than 5% of voting rights in any financial year, then they need to make a public announcement.

The capital market watchdog issued show-cause notices to RILs promoters in February 2011, and six months later, some of the entities filed settlement applications. Sebi rejected their settlement applications after nearly a decade of filing.

RIL promoters then initiated legal proceedings for a significant lapse of time in settling the case.

The markets regulator imposed a joint penalty of 25 crore on Reliance Industries Holding, Mukesh and Anil Ambani. Tina, Nita, Isha Ambani, Kokilaben Ambani, and Reliance Realty were also part of the matter, along with some other entities.

Since the promoters and PACs (persons acting in concert) have not made any public announcement for acquiring shares, it is alleged that they have violated the provisions of regulation 11(1) of Takeover Regulations," the regulators order held.

Harish Salve, senior counsel for Reliance and the Ambani family, argued that imposing an obligation to make an open offer to acquire further shares on persons who have acquired warrants was nothing but a retrospective application of the SAST Regulations. It was contended that the plain language of the SAST Regulations makes it clear that the regulation does not apply retrospectively. Salve also informed the bench that SAST regulations came into force on or after 20 February 1997 and, therefore, the question of applying the SAST regulations retrospectively did not arise.

Sebi, in turn, defended itself, stating that there was no delay in the matter.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Priyanka Gawande Priyanka Gawande is a senior legal correspondent at Mint. She has worked as legal reporter for four years with both television and digital mediums. Based in Mumbai, she reports on disputes across sectors including banking, corporates and finance. This also includes insolvency and bankruptcy cases and intellectual property rights (IPR) litigation. Her focus also comprises tracking capital markets and disputes relating to securities law. Previously, Priyanka worked with Informist Media for 2.5 years covering major insolvency and bankruptcy cases and corporate developments. She started her career in journalism with Business Television India (BTVi) where she reported on primary markets, banking, finance and insurance companies. Read more from this author
President of Georgia, Salome Zourabichvili, condemned the decision of the so-called Abkhazian Parliament to transfer the strategic facility, Sokhumi Airport, to Russia. She published the statement on Twitter."I strongly condemn and protest the decision by the so-called parliament of temporarily occupied Abkhazia to transfer strategic location - Sokhumi airport to RussiaThe illegal act by Russia that requires a categorical and firm reaction of the international community!" wrote Zourabichvili.The parliament of the de facto republic of Abkhazia supported the so-called agreement signed between Moscow and Sokhumi on June 16 by 30 votes to 2 (with one deputy abstaining). The ratification of the intergovernmental agreement opened the way for Russian companies (legal entities) to restore and manage Sokhumi Airport on preferential terms for 49 years.In a letter published on social media, the Chairman of the Parliament of Georgia, Shalva Papuashvili, urges those seeking friendship with Georgia to refrain from engaging in ongoing Russian-style propaganda targeting the country. The letter highlights concerns about disinformation campaigns following the arrest of Mikheil Saakashvili, emphasizing the need to address such challenges for modern democracies. Papuashvili calls for comprehensive responses and greater openness to uphold values and strengthen friendships."Disinformation and other hybrid warfare tactics are one of the main challenges for modern democracies and rule-of-law states. Therefore, we expect that everyone who wants to be friends with the Georgian people will distance themselves from the ongoing Russian-style propaganda against Georgia.Under these conditions, it is surprising to find that current and former politicians and diplomats do not shy away from communicating with Russian-style disinformation campaign lobbyists.Therefore, the obligation to explain now lies with all those organizations and individuals who, as it is evident from the registry of the US Department of Justice, cooperated with a private company producing a disinformation campaign against the Georgian people, instead of distancing themselves by giving them media platforms, making notes in resolutions, or using telephone communication," Papuashvili wrote.
After the boom period of venture capital firms came to an end, American firm Sequoia Capital is following its peers in terms of its restructuring plans. Recently, Sequoia Capital cut seven people in its talent operations division, a sign of continued retrenchment in the world of Silicon Valley startups. The company's talent division is involved in recruiting for startups.

Also Read: Sequoia Capital witnesses departures of long-time partner Michael Moritz, other key partners

Other than layoffs, the company is changing fund allocation and opting for other measures to survive the current period of economic uncertainty. The venture capital firm is working on its extensive two-year "restructuring" initiative within the company.

Also Read: Sequoia splits into 3 entities: India, China and US entities to operate independently from March 2024

Sequoia Venture Capital restructuring plan

With this restructuring, the company is planning for its transition from being the provider of one-on-one support to a model that caters to a large number of founders simultaneously. The company is aiming to divide its operations into three distinct branches with its U.S. and European divisions continuing under the existing Sequoia brand.

Also read: Sequoia Capital to sell 10.18% stake in Go Fashion via block deal: Report

Steps taken for Sequoia capital's restructuring plan

1. The company cut down its two major funds as part of its downsizing in the middle of a broad startup downturn. The company reduced its cryptocurrency fund to $200 million from $585 million, reported Wall Street Journal on Thursday, citing people familiar with the matter. The American firm has also cut down its ecosystem fund, which mainly pumps money in other venture funds. The amount was slashed to $450 million from $900 million.

Also read: Sequoias split sends warning to US companies doing business in China

2. The company is also parting ways with its key partners. Those partners include onetime firm leader Mike Moritz, and Michelle Fradin, who had championed Sequoias doomed backing of crypto exchange FTX. The company had also announced that it would spin off its India and China divisions.

3. The startup firms are facing the heat of current economic uncertainty. Those firms that are not associated with AI industry, are forced to cut costs as part of an industry-wide push towards profitability.
Multinational fast food franchise Subway is offering its customers a lifetime of free sandwiches if they decide to legally change their first name to 'Subway'. The company will pick a winner and even pay the legal fees of the person who wants to adopt a new iconic identity.

To take part in Subway's new offer, users can visit SubwayNameChange.com from 1 to 4 August for a chance to win a Subway Deli Heroes sandwich for life.

Subway's new offer is part of the company's ongoing efforts to transform the brand with the help of its fans. Subway is the world's largest quick service restaurant with around 37,000 franchises in over 100 countries.

However, this is not the first time Subway has come up with a unique way to offer free sandwiches. In 2022, the company announced that users could get free sandwiches by getting a tattoo and the reward would be decided on a first-come, first-serve basis.

As per the terms of this campaign, a customer with a 2 x 2 inch tattoo on the wrist, bicep or foot will win Subway footlong sandwiches for a month, while a 3 x 3 inch tattoo on the shoulder, calf or arm could win free sandwiches for a year. Meanwhile, the grand prize of a lifetime supply of free sandwiches worth $50,0000 was reserved for a 12 by 12 inch tattoo on the chest or back.

Rising competition and falling consumer ratings had left Subway in the doldrums by 2015. In 2019, the company appointed a new CEO and embarked on a journey to upgrade its restaurants, menu and digital offerings. Subway claims the changes are working, with guests surveyed in 2022 describing the brand as 'updated', 'energetic' and 'innovative'.

(With inputs from Bloomberg)
US based Silicon Power Group plans to invest Rs10 billion ($121.73 million) to establish a facility in India's Odisha state for manufacturing 150 millimetre silicon carbide, a semiconductor component, the state's chief minister's office stated on 27 July. The investment will be made through the group's Indian unit, RiR Power Electronics , and the company aims to commence operations within the next 18 to 24 months, the chief minister's office said in a statement.

Silicon carbide is a crucial component used in chips for electric vehicles and various industrial power and energy applications.

Also read: Rags to riches: How a miracle crop is making tribals millionaires

This move aligns with an effort by the Modi government's ambition to become a significant player in the semiconductor manufacturing industry and attract investments. The country's local chip market is projected to grow to $80 billion by 2028, nearly four times its current size of $23 billion.

Also read: UK-based firm plans to set up semiconductor unit worth 30,000 cr in Odisha

UK-based SRAM & MRAM Group's Indian unit, SRAM & MRAM Technologies and Projects India Pvt Limited, plans to invest 30,000 crore in the first phase to establish a semiconductor fabrication unit in Ganjam district, Odisha, reported officials to PTI on 1 July.

The company signed an MoU with the state government in March for this project. The unit aims to produce memory chips for various electronic devices. The company plans to finalise the site within two years and provide employment to 5,000 people. Subsequent phases will see an additional investment of around 2 lakh crore by 2027. This move comes as India seeks to reduce its dependency on semiconductor imports, which currently amount to 3 lakh crore annually.

The Indian government is actively promoting the development of the semiconductor sector, with efforts to establish itself as a competitive semiconductor manufacturing hub comparable to countries like Taiwan. To attract further investments, top executives from companies like Foxconn, Micron, and AMD are set to attend a conference in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's home state of Gujarat.

PM Modi inaugurated the Semicon India 2023" event today, which saw delegates from 23 countries in attendance. The event featured stalls from Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat, showcasing their efforts to support the semiconductor industry. Speakers for the three-day event include Foxconn Chairman Young Liu, Micron CEO Sanjay Mehrotra, and AMD CTO Mark Papermaster. The event will see participation from prominent players in the semiconductor sector, such as IBM, Marvell, Vedanta, Lam Research, NXP Semiconductors, STMicroelectronics, Grantwood Technologies, Infineon Technologies, and Applied Materials, among others.

(With inputs from Reuters)
New Delhi: SaffronStays, which operates in the holiday homes monetization sector with 290 properties on its listings platform, is planning to expand across the north and south India.

The companys co-founder Devendra Parulekar said that there is a significant untapped market in India, with around 10,000 luxury holiday homes requiring effective inventory management solutions.

SaffronStays said it has seen a surge in demand for its top-tier properties, consistently maintaining 35-40% occupancy rates, or 120-150 days every year.

While it has so far focussed on Maharashtra, the company is planning to establish a stronger presence in Goa in the second half of this year.

Anything above 40% occupancy is not healthy because it is then considered over utilization of an asset. We are comfortable with 30-40% since it is a home at the end of the day, and should not be fully commercialized," he added.

The Mumbai-based company, which raised 9 crore in pre-Series A round from venture capital firm Sixth Sense Ventures in 2018, turned profitable in 2023, following the post-covid demand revival.

At present, 236 properties are live, and 54 more are being exclusively branded and marketed by the platform, the company said. About two years ago, it had about 125 properties. Apart from direct bookings, around 35% of its business comes from online travel agencies and other distribution channels like Booking.com, Makemytrip and Airbnb. The company competes with the likes of Lohono Stays and StayVista. Its average booking size is around 35,000 and average duration of stays is 1.75 room nights per booking or family.

In FY22, it had posted revenues of 30 crore, and in FY23 it was up at 44.5 crore. It expects to clock 60% rise this fiscal year to 70-73 crore, Parulekar said. We are seeing unlocking of land and people are building more holiday homes because they can see a return on investment if they are able to give out their homes on rent when they dont use the property. A vacation home can offer up to 5% annual returns to owner," he added.

Parulekar said in most cases, home owners get about 40% in profit and have similar investment in running the property. The best thing covid did for us was to make this type of holiday more mainstream."

In the next five years, we will be a 500 crore gross revenue entity with 1,200-1,300 homes," he added.

The company also tied up with Marriott Bonvoy this week to be part of a global members programme where its points can be used to book homestays.

The trend that the company has observed is that the travellers looking to stay in these homes especially when they fall in the luxury category since most such travellers are HNI customers.

Conversely, if the quality of the home is not so good, then the demand for it also goes down. Its luxury category, for instance, had an occupancy of 34% in the month of June, as compared to its one step below category, which saw only a 20% occupancy average.

Alternative accommodations have been a growing segment. While companies dont actively track it as a segment since it is staggered, according to a recent report by online travel agency Booking.com, in the first half of 2023, along with hotels, alternative accommodations (resorts, guest houses, homestays, hostels, apartments, villas, etc.) were the most popular choices of stay.
Intellect Design Arena share price jumped over 15% on Friday's trading session and was hovering near its 52-week high level after the software company reported a robust Q1FY24 numbers on Thursday. Intellect Design Arena share price opened at 601.55 apiece on BSE.

According to the company's exchange statement, the total revenue for the first quarter of fiscal year 24 increased by 19% year over year, from 540 to 644 crore rupees. Profit after Tax increased by 36% YoY to 93 Cr in Q1 FY24 from 69 Cr in Q1 FY23.

Profit after Tax jumped by 36% YoY to 93 crore in Q1 FY24 from 69 crore in Q1 FY23. EBITDA, or earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation, climbed by 33% year over year to 155 crore in Q1 FY24 from 116 crore in Q1 FY23.

Intellect Design Arena closed 11 deals in Q1FY24. Some of the notable agreements included Aspen opting to use IntellectAI's Magic Submission, OTP Bank selecting Intellect's prestigious IDC Banking platform, and others. A leading bank in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has adopted iGTB's DTB solution, and a fintech startup located and operating in the UK has chosen IntellectAI's Magic Invoice.

I wish to celebrate the power of the Research and Development teams at Intellect this quarter. 2 million person-hours of sustained investments annually and 16 million personhours during the last 8 years in R&D have catapulted the company from Product to Technology company. eMACH.ai, with its 5 built-in technologies, drives holistic and agile transformation at double the speed and half the costs.

Turmeric Technology is first-of-its-kind Composable platform (No code), choreographing Events, Microservices, APIs, Business Rules, UX and Generative AI seamlessly to deliver high performance with inbuilt ease to use. Fabric Technology brings in enterprise decision-grade knowledge from Structured and Unstructured Data. Intellects Platform First strategy in building technology is powering unparalleled efficiencies in Insurance, Wealth, Retail, Risk and Corporate. Extremely high point in building commercial IPs," said Arun Jain, Chairman and Managing Director, Intellect Design Arena.

The company also disclosed that Vasudha Subramaniam, Senior Vice President and Financial Controller of our company, has been approved for appointment as Chief Financial Officer of the firm, effective September 1, 2023.

As of that day, the company's current CFO, Venkateswarlu Saranu, will transition into a new position.

On the technical front, as per trendlyne data, Intellect Design Arena share price rose 0.2% and underperformed its sector by 11.8% in the past year. Intellect Design Arena shares touched intraday high at 665.50 and low at 601.50.

INTELLECT DESIGN ARENA More Information
Small-cap stock at 50: TruCap Finance shares are one of those small-cap stocks, which is priced around 50 apiece levels. This small-cap financial stock is one of those rare stocks that are FII's favourite. Foreign institutional investors like Nomura Singapore and Aviator are long term investors in this small-cap stock which has a market cap of around 590 crore. As per the shareholding pattern of the small-cap financial company for April to June 2023 quarter, Singapore-based FII, Nomura Singapore has remained steady in this small-cap company during Q1FY24.

TruCap Finance shareholding pattern

According to shareholding pattern of TruCap Finance Ltd for April to June 2023 quarter, Nomura Singapore holds 14,75,000 company shares, which is 1.27 per cent of total paid up capital of the company. Comparing TruCap Finance shareholding pattern of Q1FY24 with the shareholding pattern of the company for Q4Fy23, the Singapore-based FII is holding same 14,75,000 company shares or 1.27 per cent stake in the company. This means, the FII has kept its faith in the company during April to June 2023 quarter despite share moving from around 45 apiece levels to 66.50 apiece levels in recently ended June 2023 quarter.

However, other foreign investor Aviator Emerging Market Fund (EMF) booked partial profit in the small-cap stock after such sharp rise in the scrip. As per the latest shareholding pattern of the company, Aviator EMS holds 5.99 per cent stake in the financial company that stood at 6.07 per cent in March 2023 quarter.

TruCap Finance Ltd caters to the financing needs of MSMEs. The company's objective is to empower these enterprises by providing them with the necessary financial resources to grow and thrive. The small-cap financial company has disbursed around 2.61 billion in the quarter ended June23against near 2.37 billion in Mar23 and around 1.64 billion in Jun22 translating to an AUM in excess of close to 6.5 billion with over 65,000+ active borrowers. Cumulatively, the company has disbursed around 20.8 billion to more than 1,90,000 borrowers over the last five years.

The company adopted a strategic roadmap in August 2021 to prioritize co-lending and BC partnerships with large lenders in Lending as a Service (L-a-a-S) to make the balance sheet capital efficient and more profitable. In L-a-a-S, TruCap has partnered with HDFC Bank, DCB Bank, Central Bank of India, Shivalik Small Finance Bank, and UGRO Capital. The share of loan-book attributed to L-a-a-S Partnerships has risen from 1% in FY22 to over 30% in June23.

The small-cap stock around 50 apiece has been investing to build a formidable distribution ecosystem by setting up Dhanvarsha branches in a cluster-based approach. The company opened 31 branches in the first quarter of this fiscal year (operating as brand Dhanvarsha  powered by TRU), including 7 new branches in Rajasthan, marking its entry in the state. This takes the total branch count to 103 branches at the end of the quarter. The company has its presence in the States of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Goa, Delhi NCR, Punjab, and now Rajasthan. More than 75% of its branch presence is in tier 2/tier 3/tier 4 towns.

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.

UGRO CAPITAL More Information

CENTRAL BANK OF INDIA More Information

TRUCAP FINANCE More Information

DCB BANK More Information
The Bollywood film Bawaal is facing criticism for its portrayal of the Holocaust, with a Jewish organisation, the Simon Wiesenthal Center, urging Amazon Prime to remove the film from its platform. The organisation contends that the movie "trivialises" the suffering and systematic murder of millions" during the Holocaust.

Bawaal is a romantic drama featuring popular actors Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor as a recently-married couple traveling in Europe. Varun played the role of a history teacher and with an aim to make Instagram reels to teach World War Two to his students and Janhvi wishes to make one last attempt to save their failing marriage.

Also read: Varun Dhawan's Bawaal gets trolled on Twitter for references to Auschwitz, comparisons with Hitler

The film includes scenes and dialogues that draw parallels between the protagonists' love story and the Holocaust. For instance, a fantasy scene inside a gas chamber and the use of Adolf Hitler and the Auschwitz death camp as metaphors have sparked controversy. The couple dressed in striped clothing are placed inside a gas chamber in a recreation of the horrors at the camp, where they are surrounded by people who are screaming and suffocating.

Critics have accused the film of using the Holocaust imagery and dialogue in bad taste. In one scene, Hitler is used as a metaphor to describe human greed, and in another instance, the character played by Kapoor mentions "every relationship goes through their Auschwitz," referring to Nazi Germany's largest death camp where almost a million Jews were killed, reported BBC News.

"Hmm yeah I'd say that "every relationship goes through its Auschwitz" has got to be one of the more ill-judged lines I've heard in a while," said South Asia correspondent for Guardian, Hannah Ellis-Petersen.
Bihar Katihar Superintendent of Police, Jitendra Kumar, on Friday informed that the two deaths during a protest were not caused by police firing. Officials claimed that bullets shot by an "unidentified" person killed two people during the protests.

Two persons were killed and several others injured as police opened fire on Friday in Bihar's Katihar district following stone-pelting by protesters who were demanding better power supply on 26 July, Wednesday.

According to the police headquarters in Patna, "more than a dozen police personnel and power department employees" sustained injuries in the incident that took place barely "100 meters away from Barsoi police station".

"Nearly 1,000 local residents were staging a demonstration in front of the power department office. Some anti-social elements had found their way into the crowd and they started hurling stones. When a police party tried to quell the disruptors, they too were attacked with bricks, stones and sticks," said the PHQ, which also shared photos of injured policemen.

"Today, we came here (incident spot) for an inquiry. Whatever we do will be fact-based. We checked the CCTV camera...We first went where the body was recovered and found that it is impossible for the bullet fired by the police to have hit the deceased given the distance. It is visible in the CCTV that a youth comes and opens fire at the two deceased..." Kumar told reporters on Friday.

District Magistrate Ravi Prakash and Superintendent of Police Jitendra Kumar made the claim while sharing with the press a CCTV footage of the incident that took place on Wednesday.

"It is a planned conspiracy. We had been smelling a rat since the police had fired its shots from a place too far to have hit any of the protesters," claimed the SP.
The Supreme Court on Friday issued an official notice stating that the Chief Justice of India (CJI), DY Chandrachud, would not take up scheduled matters in court on Friday as he is unwell.

"Honble the Chief Justice of India will not be holding Court on 28.07.2023 (Friday). Hence, the sitting of the Bench comprising the Chief Justice and Manoj Misra in Court No.1 stands cancelled. The matters listed before this Bench will not be taken up for hearing and the same stand adjourned," read an official statement.

As per the statement, Justice Manoj Misra will handle chamber matters alongside a single-judge bench.

"Justice Manoj Misra will now take up Chamber Matters along with Single Judge Bench matters i.e. Transfer Petitions on 28.07.2023 in Court No.10 at 11.30 A.M for which the list is being issued accordingly," added the statement.

These were the cases to be listed in the Supreme Court on Friday.

SC to hear a batch of pleas related to Manipur ethnic violence, including a case on the viral video of two women being paraded naked. The Centre had filed an affidavit on Thursday.

Meanwhile, the apex court will hear a plea of TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee and his wife Rujira in a money laundering case.

On Friday, July 28, the Supreme Court of India had a busy day ahead with a set of significant cases on its docket. Among them, the court was scheduled to hear a plea from Moninder Singh Pandher, one of the accused in the infamous Nithari killings case.

Additionally, the Supreme Court was set to deliver its verdict on the bail pleas of Vernon Gonsalves and Arun Ferreira, who were both accused in the sensitive Bhima Koregaon case. Another crucial matter on the agenda was a plea presented by the National Platform for the Rights of the Disabled, advocating for welfare measures to support differently-abled individuals.

(With inputs from agencies)
New Delhi: The 10th meeting of the sub-committee on military cooperation between India and Malaysia was held here on 27 July, the ministry of defence said in a statement.

The Indian delegation was led by Amitabh Prasad, joint secretary (International Cooperation), Ministry of Defence, while the Malaysian side was headed by Maj Gen Dato Khairul Anuar bin Abd Aziz, assistant chief of staff, Defence Operations and Training Division.

During the meeting, the existing defence cooperation between the two countries was reviewed and wide-ranging discussions were held on issues of mutual interest. Both sides explored effective and practical initiatives to further expand the bilateral defence engagements.

The Indian side highlighted the potential of the Indian defence industry with capacity and capability to cooperate with the Malaysian Armed Forces in its shipbuilding and maintenance plans. Both the co-chairs also deliberated on the possible outcomes for the 12th Malaysia-India Defence Cooperation Committee (MIDCOM) meeting which will be held at the level of Defence Secretary in India in September this year," the ministry said.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to fully implement the enhanced strategic partnership based on mutual trust and understanding, common interests and shared values of democracy and rule of law, it added.

The enhanced strategic partnership was established during the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Malaysia in 2015.
The district administration in Maharashtra's Palghar has announced the closure of schools and colleges on Friday due to a heavy rainfall alert issued by the weather department in the district. Similar closures will be observed in Ratnagiri and Thane districts as well.

Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a yellow alert for Mumbai on Friday. Different parts of the city witnessed waterlogging on Thursday.

Schools and colleges were closed as Mumbai received 90 per cent of its average seasonal rainfall until Thursday, as reported by the weather department.

"Out of the 7 lakes that supply water to Mumbai, the Tansa Lake started overflowing today at 4:35 AM (Wednesday)," Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) noted.

"Monsoon in entire Maharashtra has aggravated as it is active in the Southwest region. We've given a red alert warning for Mumbai since 223 mm of rainfall has been recorded in Colaba in the last 24 hours and 145 mm in Santacruz. For today, we've given an orange alert warning in Mumbai...We've announced yellow and orange alerts for Vidarbha and Marathwada respectively," IMD official Sunil Kamble said.

On Thursday, the IMD in Mumbai issued a red alert for the city and the neighbouring Raigad district, indicating the prediction of heavy rainfall. At the same time, the adjoining Thane and Palghar districts were issued orange alerts, signalling the likelihood of significant rainfall in those areas as well.

In the 24-hour period ending at 8.30 am on Thursday, both the Colaba observatory (representative of the island city) and the Santacruz observatory (representative of suburbs) recorded significant rainfall, IMD Mumbai stated.

A Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport Undertaking spokesperson said buses on five routes in the western suburbs had to be diverted due to rain in the evening, though there were no diversions during the first half of the day, PTI reported.

The Colaba observatory recorded extremely heavy rainfall at 223.2 mm, while the Santacruz observatory recorded 145.1 mm rainfall during the same period. These rainfall measurements indicate that there were substantial precipitation levels in both areas, with the island city experiencing a higher amount of rainfall compared to the suburbs.

(With inputs from agencies)
Pakistan has criticised Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's remarks that India is ready to cross the Line of Control (LoC) to maintain its honour and dignity, saying the is a threat to regional peace and stability.

Speaking at the Kargil War Memorial in Ladakh's Drass town on the occasion of the 24th Kargil Vijay Diwas on Wednesday, Singh said no compromise will be made in protecting the sovereignty, unity and integrity of the country.

Our greatness is not in never falling, but in getting up every time we fall. Despite the adversary having tactical military advantage during the war, our forces displayed unmatched bravery and skill to push them back and reclaim our land. With the victory, India sent a message to Pakistan and the world that our military will not back down at any cost if the nations interests are harmed," said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

Defence Minister assured all that the Government is fully committed to safeguarding national interests, no matter the challenge. No compromise will be made in protecting the sovereignty, unity and integrity of the country. We have given a free hand to the Armed Forces to eliminate the nations enemies. India is a peace-loving nation which believes in its centuries-old values and is committed towards international laws, but to safeguard our interests, we will not hesitate in crossing the LoC. Earlier, the nation and the Armed Forces lacked political will, which has now been provided by our Government, led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. We stand firm with our forces. The people and Parliament have full faith in our soldiers," he said.

"The Kargil war was imposed on India. At that time, India had tried to solve the issues with Pakistan through talks... we are backstabbed by Pakistan," he said, adding that the armed forces have been given a free hand to eliminate the "nation's enemies".

Responding to Singh's remarks, the Foreign Office in Islamabad said Pakistan is fully capable of defending itself against any aggression.

"We counsel India to exercise utmost caution as its belligerent rhetoric is a threat to the regional peace and stability, and contributes to destabilising the strategic environment in South Asia," it said in a statement on Wednesday.

This is not the first time that Indias political leaders and senior military officers have made "highly irresponsible" remarks about Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, it said.
Modi urged investors to seize the opportunity to invest in India and assured them that reforms to improve the business environment will continue.

Last year, the question people were asking at Semicon India was why they should invest in India, but in one year, the question has changed to why not invest. The winds have changed, and the perception of India has changed," he said at Semicon India 2023 on Friday.

This is the right time for India and the world," he said. Companies assembled at the event, including AMD, Foxconn, Micron, Applied Materials, Cadence and Vedanta concurred, with AMD announcing a $400 million investment in India and Micron appreciating the governments efforts to quickly allocate land for building its packaging and testing unit with an investment plan of $825 million.

Foxconn chairman Young Liu praised Indias determination in attracting investments. I can feel the determination of the Indian government. I am very optimistic about the way India will be headed. PM Modi once mentioned that IT stands for India and Taiwan. Taiwan is and will be your most trusted and reliable partner," said Liu of Foxconn, one the largest Taiwanese companies that have now made India its next investment destination and has invested billions into creating mobile phone manufacturing facilities. The company is looking at other avenues, including electric vehicles and semiconductors.

Modi said India would be best positioned to attract industry at a time when the world was emerging from headwinds and uncertainties.

[We are] emerging from a global pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war. The world needs a trusted, reliable chip supply. What can be better than the largest democracy in the world?" Modi said.

Prabhu Raja, president, semiconductor products group at Applied Materials, said India is poised to play an important role in the global semiconductor industry.

We firmly believe this is Indias time to shine. No company or country can overcome challenges in the sector alone. Its time for collaborative partnerships in this sector. This new collaborative model can provide us [the opportunity] to be a catalyst in the sector," he said.

For the first time, geopolitics, domestic policies and private sector capacity are aligned in Indias favour to become a player in semiconductor production," said Ajit Manocha, president and chief executive of SEMI, the industry body supporting semiconductor makers globally.

Micron is committed to building a semiconductor assembly and test facility in Gujarat. We estimate that our project in Gujarat will create nearly 5,000 direct jobs and additional 15,000 jobs in the community. We are hopeful that this investment will help catalyze other investments in the sector," said Sanjay Mehrotra, CEO of Micron Technology.

The Prime Minister added that India was a trusted destination amid geopolitical tensions. The worlds trust in India is increasing. Investors trust India because of a stable, responsible and reform-oriented government. The semiconductor industry trusts India because we have a massive talent pool, skilled engineers and power of designers," he said.

He added that exponential growth was being seen in the digital electronics manufacturing sector. Today, our share has risen from $30 billion in 2014 and has crossed $100 billion today. In two years, electronics exports have more than doubled. From an importer, India is making the best mobile phones and exporting them as well. Before 2014, there were two units. Today, there are more than 200 mobile manufacturing units," he added.

He noted that there are people in India who may not have used a basic home appliance but are going to make use of interconnected smart devices. The growing neo-middle class of India has become the powerhouse of Indian aspirations", Modi said.

He underlined that the chip-making industry is a market filled with opportunities and expressed confidence that those who begin early will get a first-mover advantage over others.

The Prime Minister said India understands its global responsibilities and is working on a comprehensive roadmap with friendly countries, which is why it is building a vibrant semiconductor ecosystem. Recently, the National Quantum Mission was approved. Furthermore, the National Research Foundation Bill is also going to be introduced in Parliament.

He underlined that the policy reforms in India will have a positive impact on the construction of the semiconductor ecosystem. He also highlighted, among others, that India had many tax exemptions for the new manufacturing industry, lowest corporate tax rate, and special incentives for the semiconductor industry.
Randy Meisner, a key founding member of the legendary music band Eagles, has passed away. The band confirmed the news on July 27. He was known for his exceptional vocal harmonies on hits like "Take It Easy" and "The Best of My Love", and renowned for his soulful rendition of the ballad Take It to the Limit".

The iconic bassist, aged 77, breathed his last in Los Angeles on July 26 night (local time), succumbing to complications arising from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, as stated in an official statement by the Eagles.

In recent years, Meisner had faced various health issues, and in 2016, he endured a personal tragedy when his wife, Lana Rae Meisner, accidentally passed away due to a gunshot wound.

Alongside these difficulties, Randy Meisner had also been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and had struggled with alcohol-related challenges, as disclosed in court records and comments made during a 2015 hearing where a judge ordered him to receive consistent medical care.

Called the sweetest man in the music business" by former bandmate Don Felder, the baby-faced Meisner joined Don Henley, Glenn Frey and Bernie Leadon in the early 1970s to form a quintessential Los Angeles band and one of the most popular acts in history.

Randy was an integral part of the Eagles and instrumental in the early success of the band," the Associated Press quoted the Eagles statement as saying. His vocal range was astonishing, as is evident on his signature ballad, Take It to the Limit."

The band said funeral plans were pending.

Also Read: YouTube Music introduces redesign to app Mini Player for enhanced user experience

From their early days as a country rock band to their transformation into hard rock icons, the Eagles carved a path of success marked by a string of hit singles and albums over the course of a decade.

Their journey began with the well-received "Take It Easy" and continued with notable releases such as "Desperado", "Hotel California" and "Life In the Fast Lane" among others.

(With AP inputs)
Elon Musk-led Twitter has run into a few rebranding snags as it morphs to an anything app" called X. The iconic blue bird was abruptly retired this week as the billionaire businessman announced a change of logo and plans for a deeper overhaul into X.com. Indonesia however blocked access to the new web domain, citing anti-pornography laws.

The Muslim majority country with a population of 270 million prevented access to x.com on Tuesday under its robust anti-pornography laws. Officials contend that the domain had a history of association with gambling and pornography. A Telegraph report quoting officials from the Ministry of Communication said that they were waiting for a confirmation from the Musk-owned company about the domain. The website in question has been been left blank for the past six years except for a single letter x.

Musks move had wiped out anywhere between $4 billion and $20 billion in value, according to analysts and brand agencies.

On Monday, the company began removing the word Twitter" from the sign at its headquarters. The brand change was so spontaneous that the city of San Francisco asked the crane to stop removing letters, leaving just er." Twitter, or X, never proactively gave notice or inquired about sign removal/updates to the City, so its on pause until the Planning Department gives guidance to the Department of Building Inspections," a spokesperson for Mayor London Breed said in a statement.

Meanwhile efforts to obliterate the word 'tweet' have not gone in Musk's favour thus far. For one, the word is still plastered all over the site formerly known as Twitter. Write a post, you still need to press a blue button that says tweet" to publish it. To repost it, you still tap retweet".

Beyond the obvious however, Twitter had managed to become a verb implanted itself into the lexicon of the world over the past decade. Upending that overnight with a top-down declaration has proved an impossible task for even Musk.

(With inputs from agencies)
Indian and Japanese officials held discussions in New Delhi, exploring potential collaboration in crucial areas such as semiconductors and establishing robust supply chains. The talks aimed at achieving a target of $35.9 billion Japanese investment in India by 2027.

During the meeting, the Foreign Ministers of both countries, S. Jaishankar and Yoshimasa Hayashi, also deliberated on enhancing cooperation in defence equipment and technology. The discussions took place as part of a two-day visit by Hayashi to the Indian capital, AP reported. The global supply of components and raw materials required for various products, ranging from automobiles to computer chips, has been severely impacted by Russia's conflict in Ukraine.

According to a statement by the External Affairs Ministry, Hayashi and Jaishankar also emphasized the crucial role of a strong partnership between India and Japan in ensuring an open and prosperous Indo-Pacific region that is inclusive and rules-based."

As part of their discussions, they explored cooperation within multilateral and plurilateral frameworks, which included the Quad grouping involving the United States and Australia. The main objective of this coalition is to address the increasing challenges presented by China's assertive actions in the region.

Jaishankar and Hayashi expressed contentment over the enhancement of defence and security cooperation between India and Japan, which included frequent exercises and dialogues involving all three services, as per the statement.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's aspirations of establishing a domestic chipmaking industry faced a possible setback recently when electronics giant Foxconn withdrew from a $19.5 billion semiconductor joint venture with Indian mining conglomerate Vedanta Ltd.

Earlier on July 21, India and Japan signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on semiconductor development, which will include design, manufacturing, equipment research and talent development.

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that the agreement as a substantial step to create a resilient complete value chain.

"The MoU is on five fronts, viz. semiconductor design, manufacturing, equipment research, talent development, and bringing resilience to the semiconductor supply chain," said Vaishnaw.

He added that the agreements such as the US-India initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) and the one with Japan provided clear directional support when industries from the respective nations engage in talks. The government's strategy is now evidently focused on supporting industries in India, whether collaborating with the US or Japan, he said.

The Japan MoU follows investments from Micron Technology which recently announced to set up a semiconductor unit in India with an investment of $2.75 billion and Applied Materials which is going to set up a collaborative R&D centre with an investment of $400 million.

In February of the previous year, the two companies made a public announcement about their collaborative effort to establish a joint venture in India aimed at manufacturing chips and display panels.

AP further reported that India has placed significant emphasis on developing a robust chipmaking sector as part of its self-reliance strategy to ensure stable supply chains. To support semiconductor and display manufacturing projects, the country has introduced financial incentives of up to 50% of the project costs, totalling $10 billion.

India and Japan have a robust economic relationship, with trade between the two nations amounting to $20.57 billion in the fiscal year 2021-2022.
Hirsh Vardhan Singh, in his official announcement as a Republican candidate for the presidency of the United States, declared his intention to seek the party's nomination. As a lifelong Republican, the Indian-American identified himself as an America First, Constitutional Carry and Pro-Life Conservative. Singh highlighted his role in rejuvenating the conservative wing of New Jersey's Republican Party, starting from 2017.

As a New Jersey native, Singh described himself as the only 'pure blood' candidate who resisted COVID vaccinations, earning the nickname 'Trump on steroids' from the state's Democrat Senate President.

Also Read: Pakistan to lose US financial aid worth billions of dollars If Nikki Haley becomes president

I am the only pure blood candidate for president because I never gave in to the COVID vaccinations. Even New Jerseys Democrat Senate President labelled me as Trump on steroids," he said.
Singapore on Friday conducted its first execution of a woman in 19 years for drug trafficking despite calls for the city-state to cease capital punishment for drug-related crimes. Activists said another execution is set for next week, according to a report published by The Associated Press.

The Central Narcotics Bureau said that Saridewi Djamani, 45, had been sentenced to death in 2018 for trafficking nearly 31 grams (1.09 ounces) of diamorphine, or pure heroin. It added that the amount was sufficient to feed the addiction of about 370 abusers for a week."

Singapore's 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.

Djamani's execution came two days after that of a Singaporean man, Mohammed Aziz Hussain, 56, for trafficking around 50 grams (1.75 ounces) of heroin, AP reported.

The narcotics bureau said that both prisoners were accorded due process, including appeals of their conviction and sentence and petition for presidential clemency.

However, human rights groups, international activists, and the United Nations have requested Singapore to halt executions for drug offenses, saying that there is increasing evidence it is ineffective as a deterrent.

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.

Last woman known to have been hanged in Singapore was 36-year-old hairdresser Yen May Woen, also for drug trafficking, in 2004," said anti-death penalty activists.

On the contrary, Singapore authorities argued that capital punishment is important to halt drug demand and supply.

A new execution notice has been issued to another prisoner for Aug, 3  the fifth this year alone," said Transformative Justice Collective, a Singapore group that advocates for the abolishment of capital punishment.

Critics said that Singapore's harsh policy merely punishes low-level traffickers and couriers, who are typically recruited from marginalized groups with vulnerabilities, as per AP reports.

They say Singapore is also out of step with the trend of more countries moving away from capital punishment. Neighbouring Thailand has legalized cannabis while Malaysia ended the mandatory death penalty for serious crimes this year.

(With AP inputs)
Global technology markets are evolving rapidly, and India has emerged as a prominent player on this landscape. India's electronics consumption is projected to hit an astounding $300 billion by 2026, with semiconductors accounting for about $80 billion of this. This growth trajectory reflects India's position as the fastest-growing electronics market worldwide. Notably, these numbers comprise around 8% of global demand and 7% of India's GDP.

It is against this backdrop that Micron, an American semiconductor company, has announced a significant investment in India. The investment has the potential to accelerate Indias journey towards economic development, help the country achieve self-reliance in technology, and foster technological sovereignty.

Job creation and skill development: One of the primary benefits of Micron's investment in India will be the creation of high-value jobs. With its state-of-the-art semiconductor manufacturing facilities, Micron will not only hire top-tier talent but also collaborate with local educational institutions, fostering the development of skilled professionals in microelectronics. This transfer of knowledge and expertise is crucial to nurturing indigenous innovation and allowing homegrown technology companies to flourish.

Impact on the Indian economy: Micron's investment will have a ripple effect on the Indian economy, generating a positive impact in various ancillary sectors. The semiconductor industry relies on a complex network of suppliers, logistics and support services. As a result, small and medium businesses in India will also experience growth, leading to increased economic activity and improved living standards.

Micron's investment will have a ripple effect on the Indian economy, generating a positive impact in various ancillary sectors. The semiconductor industry relies on a complex network of suppliers, logistics and support services. As a result, small and medium businesses in India will also experience growth, leading to increased economic activity and improved living standards. Catalysing innovation and technological excellence: Micron's commitment to research and development (R&D) in India is poised to stimulate innovation and foster a culture of technological excellence. Collaborations with local research institutions and startups could catalyse breakthroughs in emerging technologies such as AI, Internet of Things (IoT), and 5G connectivity. The Indian tech ecosystem will reap substantial benefits from such partnerships.

Micron's commitment to research and development (R&D) in India is poised to stimulate innovation and foster a culture of technological excellence. Collaborations with local research institutions and startups could catalyse breakthroughs in emerging technologies such as AI, Internet of Things (IoT), and 5G connectivity. The Indian tech ecosystem will reap substantial benefits from such partnerships. India's position in the global semiconductor industry: The investment comes at a crucial juncture, when the world's appetite for advanced computing solutions is growing rapidly, driven by new technologies such as AI and quantum computing. The investment will elevate India's position in the global semiconductor industry, opening new avenues for growth and collaboration. The history of semiconductor design in India, which began when Texas Instruments established a design centre in Bangalore in 1985, bears testimony to the potential of India's semiconductor manufacturing sector.

Nonetheless, it is essential to address potential challenges and ensure that Micron's investment maximizes its intended benefits. Collaboration between the private sector and the government is crucial to tackle infrastructural hurdles, streamline bureaucratic processes, and strengthen the talent pipeline. With concerns about access to capital mitigated to a large extent by support from the central and state governments, the only potential constraint is a lack of quality human capital. To that end, policymakers must remain proactive in fostering an environment conducive to innovation, research and development.

Scepticism

As with any major investment, there will be sceptics who question the benefits of Micron's decision. However, it is important to remember past success stories that have transformed regions and industries in India. For instance, the automotive manufacturing industry in Gurgaon and in Sriperumbudur near Chennai completely changed their landscapes, creating modern centres of manufacturing excellence where they were once sleepy villages.

Today, India is an acknowledged leader in chip design, and premier institutes such as IISc, IITB, and IITG have their own R&D fabs. Micron's decision to invest is strategic when seen against the backdrop of the planned collaboration between the US and India in critical and emerging technologies (ICET). As the wheels of progress continue to turn, India's transformation into a leading technology hub appears to be an increasingly tangible reality.

The author is CEO and president, Indian Electronics and Semiconductor Association.
I am become death, the destroyer of worlds," said Dr J Robert Oppenheimer, quoting (or misquoting, according to some) the Bhagavad Gita after witnessing the mushroom cloud that marked the success of the Manhattan Project in building the worlds first nuclear bomb. Twenty days later, an American bomber dropped Little Boy, as the first bomb was named, on Hiroshima. Three days later, Fat Man burnt Nagasaki to a cinder. The combined death toll was estimated to be 200,000.

But destruction was not the only possible use for the power of the atom. Charles Oppenheimer, grandson of the father of the atomic bomb, said in an interview with Time that if politicians had decided not to engage in an arms race and build ever-larger nuclear arsenals, the public would have accepted nuclear energy more readily than they have, sparing the world of human-induced climate change.

The distaste for nuclear energy stems from fears of the atom bomb. But the fact is that nuclear power started being generated in the US in 1952 before spreading to other parts of the world until the late 1970s. In 1979, almost 20% of power generated in the US was derived from nuclear reactors.

Then, there was a partial meltdown at one of the reactors at the Three Mile Island plant near Harrisburg, capital of Pennsylvania. This set off a series of vigorous anti-nuclear protests in the US, with celebrities such as Jane Fonda taking the lead. President Jimmy Carter, who had dealt with nuclear power during his stint in the navy, described the accident as minor in private but refused to say that in public and instituted a lengthy review of nuclear safety. Before the review could conclude, Chernobyl happened in 1986. That settled public opinion on the safety of large-scale nuclear power.

Not every country was infected by irrational fears about nuclear radiation. France was not deterred by the and put faith in learning from mistakes by improving design and safety protocols. It proceeded to build a power-generation industry with 80% nuclear energy. Japan, the only country to have experienced the trauma of a nuclear attack, also built nuclear reactors to generate power. In the wake of the Fukushima accident in 2011, the Japanese publics faith in nuclear power nosedived but has since recovered. But in Germany, the people have stood by their decision, taken in the wake of Fukushima, to phase out nuclear power altogether. Russia and Britain continue to expand nuclear power generation. So does India.

In fact, there is every reason to expand nuclear power and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Nuclear energy is relatively free of greenhouse gas emissions (they are emitted only during the mining and transport of the radioactive fuel). Unlike wind and solar, nuclear power is continuous and stable. On a large enough scale, it could become cheap as well. For India, with a domestic supply of monazite sands, a rich source of thorium, thorium-based nuclear power offers the most viable route to independence from fossil fuels and associated greenhouse gases.

For countries that lack abundant thorium, conventional uranium-based nuclear energy is an option. New-generation small modular reactors (SMRs) are far cheaper to build and install, and have better safety design and protocols. Conventional nuclear power plants are custom-built and thus costly. SMRs have standardised components, which are built at scale and assembled on site, reducing costs significantly. India, too, has plans to use SMRs with 300 MW capacity.

Continuing research in fission is needed to master nuclear fusion as well. Fusion holds the promise, albeit elusive so far, of limitless supplies of cheap energy with little of the nuclear waste generated by fission reactors.

The world still has a choice to use nuclear power instead of, or in addition to, fossil fuels. But that is a political choice based on public trust in science, evidence, and the integrity and efficacy of government. Societies that can be swayed by social-media campaigns claiming covid spreads through 5G networks, or that vaccines are the work of the devil, will find it hard to trust scientific evidence on the safety of nuclear power.

Science and technology are not just about deepening our understanding of nature and learning to master its forces. As Oppenheimers reference to the Bhagavad Gita showed, peoples view of science determines their ability to harness nature.
According to US epidemiologist Eric Feigl-Ding, there is evidence of SARS-CoV-2 resurging in the United States, indicating the emergence of a new COVID-19 wave. Taking to Twitter, Epidemiologist and health economist Eric Feigl-Ding said that the immunity levels are declining, and the availability of new booster shots is not yet imminent. A new COVID wave is clearly emerging in the US, all while immunity levels are waning and new boosters arent even close to arriving yet. You dont need another original Omicron winter wave to cause disruptionthe Delta variant killed a lot in Aug-Oct 2021. Plus dont risk Long Covid." Speaking on the effective SARS-CoV-2 virus concentration in the last six months. The upward movement in wastewater puts us about equal to April levels, but we clearly could be headed to another wave." Also Read: Another Covid-like pandemic in US? What report reveals View Full Image There is also considerable immune waning from such a long time between waves. (Photo: Twitter/JPWeiland) Meanwhile, when asked about the potential toll of the new wave compared to the Delta variant, Eric explained that while it might not result in the same level of fatalities, it can still cause significant disruption.

He emphasized that hospitals can easily become overwhelmed even without a surge in deaths.

Earlier in June, Reuters reported that COVID-19 vaccines being developed and manufactured for the 2023-2024 campaign should target one of the currently dominant XBB variants, the US Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) staff reviewers.

In May, an advisory group to the World Health Organization (WHO) proposed updating the COVID-19 booster shots for the year to target XBB subvariants. In the United States, last year's COVID vaccine boosters included a bivalent shot containing both the original strain of the vaccine and the Omicron variant.

According to CDC data available up to early May, approximately 17% of people in the United States received a COVID booster shot during the 2022-2023 vaccination season.

Vaccine manufacturers such as Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna Inc, and Novavax Inc are currently in the process of developing updated versions of their COVID-19 vaccines specifically targeting the XBB.1.5 variant and other strains that are currently circulating, Reuters reported.

(With inputs from agencies)
In a detailed post at X, the newly renamed company, a former Twitter product manager named Esther Crawford expressed her views about Elon Musk 's leadership style.

As reported by AFP, Crawford stated that Musk runs the company based on instinct rather than data, and he is surrounded by sycophants.

Following the viral picture of her sleeping in a Twitter office last year, Esther Crawford highlighted that Elon Musk's mood is erratic, which creates a difficult and unpredictable work atmosphere. Her remarks came as she discussed her experiences at the company, now renamed X, in a recent statement.

"I disagree with many of his decisions and am surprised by his willingness to burn so much down, but with enough money and time, something new and innovative may emerge," Crawford said in the post.

Esther Crawford became a part of Twitter when her startup was acquired by the company in 2020. This was before Elon Musk purchased the social media platform for $44 billion.

"In person, Elon is oddly charming and he's genuinely funny," Crawford said.

"The challenge is his personality and demeanor can turn on a dime going from excited to angry."

As reported by AFP, Twitter employees feared being called into meetings with him or having to deliver negative news", according to Crawford.

"At times it felt like the inner circle was too zealous and fanatical in their unwavering support of everything he said," Crawford wrote, adding, Product and business decisions were nearly always the result of him following his gut instinct, and he didn't seem compelled to seek out or rely on a lot of data or expertise to inform it."

Musk seemed to trust random feedback and Twitter polls more than employees working to solve problems at the company, according to Crawford.

"His boldness, passion and storytelling is inspiring, but his lack of process and empathy is painful."

Musk has proven success tackling engineering problems, but a social networking platform requires emotional intelligence, Crawford said.

She did not spare the previous management, calling it "bloated" and "soft and entitled" where "teams could spend months building a feature and then some last-minute kerfuffle meant it'd get killed for being too risky."

This week, Elon Musk made a significant change to Twitter's branding by replacing the iconic blue bird logo with a white X.

After acquiring Twitter, Musk had expressed his vision of developing a super-app, drawing inspiration from China's WeChat. The idea was to create a platform that combines social media, messaging, and payment functionalities.

Since taking ownership of Twitter in October of the previous year, the platform's advertising business has experienced a sharp decline. This was attributed to dissatisfaction among marketers regarding Musk's management approach and the extensive employee layoffs, particularly in the content moderation department.

As a response to the declining advertising business, Elon Musk has shifted his focus towards creating a subscriber base and implementing a pay model to explore new revenue streams.

However, this change in strategy has not been well-received by many users and advertisers. They have expressed dissatisfaction with the introduction of charges for services that were previously free, alterations to content moderation policies, and the reinstatement of right-wing accounts that were previously banned, AFP further noted.
DeSantis is defending new slavery teachings. Civil rights leaders see a pattern of 'policy violence'

Civil rights activists cheered when Ron DeSantis pardoned four Black men wrongfully convicted of rape as one of his first actions as Floridas new governor
Authorities responded to a boater operating a cabin cruiser with two weed-eater motors, allegedly involved in collisions with two other boats in the marina.
Crime

By Chris Boyle Published: July 28 2023

Willem Specht was allegedly intoxicated when he reversed his car in parking lot and struck 61-year-old Joseph Devito.

Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly announced that a Wantagh man has been indicted for allegedly driving drunk and killing a pedestrian in a diner parking lot in January 2023.

Willem Specht, 62, was arraigned today before Judge Robert McDonald on charges of Aggravated Vehicular Homicide (a B felony), Vehicular Manslaughter in the First Degree (a C felony), Manslaughter in the Second Degree (a C felony), Vehicular Manslaughter in the Second Degree (a D felony), Assault in the Second Degree (a D violent felony), Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated (an unclassified misdemeanor), and two counts of Driving While Intoxicated (an unclassified misdemeanor).

The defendant pleaded not guilty, and bail was continued at $125,000 cash, $250,000 bond, and $1.25 million partially secured bond. He is due back in court on September 7, 2023. If convicted, the defendant faces up to 25 years in prison.

Joseph Devito was saying goodbye to a lifelong friend outside a diner after having lunch together, when this defendant, who was allegedly drunk, rapidly reversed his vehicle into the 61-year-old man, and killed him, said DA Donnelly. The reckless actions allegedly committed by this defendant cost an innocent family-man his life. No family should have to endure this kind of loss and we continue to express our condolences to the Devito family as we aggressively prosecute this case.

DA Donnelly said that, according to the investigation, at approximately 2:30 p.m. on January 28, 2023, Joseph Devito was standing on the sidewalk in front of the On-Parade Diner in Woodbury. The 61-year-old man was talking to a friend he had known since high school, and they had just finished lunch at the diner. At that time, the defendant, William Specht, allegedly rapidly reversed his car from a parking spot in the diner and struck the victim. The defendant narrowly missed striking the second man as well.

After allegedly hitting Devito, the defendant continued to drive his 2004 Infiniti G35 in reverse and drove over another sidewalk, struck a ramp and a metal fence leading into the diner, and eventually reversed into the exterior wall of the diner. Specht then allegedly drove forward and stopped his car in a parking spot in the direction where he originally came from, exited his car, and stood in the lot for a short period of time. The defendant then allegedly attempted to leave the scene but was stopped by a witness.

Devito suffered catastrophic head injuries and died shortly afterwards at Syosset Hospital.

Specht was arrested shortly thereafter by the Nassau County Police Department.

The case is being prosecuted by Chief Michael Bushwack and Assistant District Attorney Alexandra Russell of the Vehicular Crimes Bureau. Specht is represented by Steve LaMagna, Esq.
Local News

By Chris Boyle Published: July 28 2023

CareCube to Fully Refund New Yorkers Who Were Wrongfully Charged for COVID-19 Tests and Pay Penalties.

New York Attorney General Letitia James has announced that her office secured full refunds plus interest for New Yorkers who were wrongfully charged by CareCube, a health clinic in New York City, for COVID-19 tests. The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) received numerous consumer complaints about CareCube charging patients for COVID-19 tests that should have been covered by insurance plans. Todays agreement concludes OAG's investigation into CareCube and requires the company to retain an independent auditor to identify and refund all patients who were wrongfully charged for COVID-19 tests from March 2020 to July 2023. CareCube must also pay the state $300,000 in penalties.

CareCube created unnecessary financial burdens for many New Yorkers who were trying to stay safe and healthy at the height of the pandemic, said Attorney General James. This predatory behavior was unjust and illegal, and I am pleased that New Yorkers who were wrongfully charged will get their money back. I thank my colleagues in government for their partnership in protecting consumers and holding CareCube accountable.

CareCube exploited vulnerable New Yorkers seeking essential services during a time of crisis, said New York City Comptroller Brad Lander. This type of deception erodes peoples trust in our medical facilities, which is why I am pleased to see the Attorney General's commitment to providing full refunds to those who were deceitfully charged by CareCube for COVID-19 tests. This sends a strong message to companies that health care fraud in New York will not be tolerated and ensures that the affected individuals get the justice they deserve.

Last year, we stood outside of CareCube to send a clear message: New York will act to protect its consumers, especially during vulnerable times, said State Senator Zellnor Y. Myrie. I'm proud we enacted the COVID-19 Fraud Accountability Act, and pleased the Attorney General has continued the fight against unscrupulous billing practices. New Yorkers should feel confident their government will defend their interests against businesses only concerned with their bottom line.

There will always be companies looking to take advantage of vulnerable consumers, said Assemblymember Nily Rozic. CareCube is finally being held responsible and patients are being refunded. We cannot undo the harm that was caused but we can make sure future perpetrators know that we will bring them to justice if they attempt to defraud consumers.

I saw firsthand people being unfairly charged by CareCube at their site down the block from my district office and received numerous complaints about CareCube from constituents conscientiously seeking tests to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, said Assemblymember Robert Carroll. I reported what was occurring to Attorney General James and commend her for taking action against CareCube for their deceitful and predatory practices. It is disgraceful that businesses were profiteering during the citys hour of need. This settlement provides a modicum of relief to those wronged by CareCube, and I hope serves as a warning to other businesses who may unscrupulously seek to take advantage of a crisis.

At the height of the pandemic, CareCube operated more than 20 COVID-19 testing sites in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx. In 2021, OAG received dozens of consumer complaints about CareCubes billing practices. An OAG investigation determined that the company improperly charged for COVID-19 tests that should have been free for patients where CareCube was an in-network provider with their health plans. The OAG also found that CareCube improperly charged patients $125 for COVID-19 tests for children under 18. The investigation concluded that CareCube also provided inaccurate information about billing for patients who were asymptomatic and who at the time should have also received free testing.

As a result of todays agreement, CareCube must retain an auditor to identify all patients who were wrongfully charged. After the audit is complete, CareCube must send eligible consumers a refund check in the mail with nine percent interest on what they paid. Eligible consumers include those who paid for a covered COVID-19 test and/or related service when CareCube was an in-network provider in the consumers health plan. Consumers who paid a surcharge for an office visit for a childs COVID-19 test will also receive refund checks.

If a patient believes they have been a victim of misleading billing practices, they should contact OAG's Health Care Bureau online or call 1-800-428-9071.

This matter was handled by Assistant Attorneys General Adrienne Lawston and Michael D. Reisman of the Health Care Bureau under the supervision of Deputy Bureau Chief Leslieann Cachola and Bureau Chief Darsana Srinivasan. The Health Care Bureau is part of the Division for Social Justice, led by Chief Deputy Attorney General Meghan Faux and overseen by First Deputy Attorney General Jennifer Levy.
Ukraine appears to have launched the main thrust of its counteroffensive. The next few weeks will likely determine whether the counteroffensive succeeds or fails.

How We Got Here

Since Kyiv began its counteroffensive in early June, it has sought to advance in several directions. In the east, the Ukrainian military has made incremental gains near Bakhmut, most notably on the citys southern flank. In southern Ukraine, forces from the 9th Army Corps have sought to advance along a broad front comprising two primary axes. The first is the area near Velyka Novosilka, located at the junction of the Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia regions. The second axis is the area south of Orikhiv in Zaporizhzhia Oblast.

The latter is where Ukraine concentrated its main effort, led by the newly formed 47th Mechanized Brigade, equipped with U.S.-provided Bradley infantry fighting vehicles. Kyivs forces seek to push southward to Tokmak and then Melitopol, severing the so-called land bridge connecting Russia to Crimea. Even getting within tube artillery range of Melitopol, the Russian militarys main hub in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, could seriously disrupt Russian logistics in the south.

Meanwhile, Russia has launched a localized offensive along the Kreminna-Svatove-Kupyansk line in eastern Ukraine. Moscow may hope this push will relieve pressure elsewhere  much as the earlier battle for Bakhmut eased Ukrainian pressure on the Svatove-Kreminna line during the winter. Russian forces have made some modest advances. But the Russian military likely lacks sufficient offensive potential for more than tactical gains. And its offensive here could deprive Moscow of troops and materiel needed elsewhere.

Ukraines Strategy of Attrition

In the south, Ukraine has liberated a handful of towns but has generally struggled to advance against dug-in Russian forces. Dense minefields, which the Russians continually regenerate, including with remote-mining systems, have posed a particular challenge. Even if they do not disable Ukrainian vehicles, Russian mines at least force the attackers to slow down, and they are easily spotted by Russian drones while advancing over the regions flat, open terrain. This leaves Ukrainian forces vulnerable to artillery fire, loitering munitions, and anti-tank guided missiles launched by ground crews and rotary aviation.

For their part, the Ukrainians have struggled to conduct combined-arms operations at scale. Ukrainian units lack the requisite training and experience for such operations, and they are short on breaching equipment and other key enablers. After losing a significant number of vehicles during their initial mechanized assaults, Kyivs forces shifted to a more familiar, attritional approach: Ukrainian artillery bombards Russian positions, then small teams of sappers and dismounted infantry attempt to inch forward. This has earned Ukraine some modest gains while allowing it to husband its Western-donated vehicles.

To prevent Ukraines higher-than-expected artillery shell consumption from causing the counteroffensive to culminate prematurely, Washington granted Kyivs longstanding requests for DPICM cluster munitions. Ukraine will likely now have enough ammunition to sustain it at least through the summer.

Kyiv bet that it could attrite Russian forces enough to eventually enable a breakthrough. Both sides have probably taken significant losses, although gauging the relative rates and impact of attrition is difficult through open sources. Ukraine appears to be significantly outpacing the Russians in their counter-battery duel, leveraging the superior precision and (for tube artillery) range of its Western-donated artillery systems.

Meanwhile, Ukraine has sought to degrade Russian logistics and command and control through periodic strikes deep in the Russian rear. But although it has struck some notable targets, Ukraines efforts do not appear to have achieved a crippling effect. Kyiv no doubt hopes it will get some help from dysfunction within Russias military leadership, including the recent sacking of the commander of Russias 58th Combined Arms Army, the main formation defending in Zaporizhzhia Oblast.

10th Army Corps Enters the Fray

The coming weeks will tell whether Ukraines strategy of attrition has succeeded in enervating the Russian defense. On Wednesday, two Pentagon officials told The New York Times that Ukraine had launched the main thrust of its counteroffensive, sending thousands of additional troops into battle, many of them trained and equipped by the United States and its allies. This is the big test, said one senior U.S. official. Kyiv reportedly told Washington that the push, if successful, could take one to three weeks.

The Melitopol direction apparently remains the main effort, as Ukrainian officials reportedly indicated to Washington. On Wednesday, the Russian Ministry of Defense (MoD) spokesman said Ukraine resumed intensive offensive actions south of Orikhiv, conducting a massive attack with the forces of three battalions, reinforced by tanks. He claimed that units from Russias 810th Naval Infantry Brigade and 71st Motor Rifle Regiment repulsed the attack.

Geolocated video footage indicates Ukraine is concentrating its efforts near the town of Robotyne, which anchors Russias first defensive line on the Orikhiv-Tokmak highway. Kyivs forces appear to have made some gains while also suffering significant vehicle losses. The Ukrainians seem to be trying to bypass Robotyne to the east near Verbove, where they may have reached Russias main defensive line as of Thursday.

Kyiv has likely begun to commit significant portions of its 10th Army Corps, perhaps because units from the 9th Corps were running out of steam. In the Orikhiv sector, the Russian MoD spokesman said the attacking units came from Ukrainian strategic reserve brigades. Rybar, a Russian Telegram channel run by a former MoD press officer, claimed Ukraine had committed forces from its 116th, 117th, and 118th mechanized brigades near Robotyne and elsewhere in Zaporizhzhia Oblast. A local Russian-installed official similarly alleged Ukraine had committed elements of the 116th and 118th brigades near Robotyne. Those three units comprise a third of the nine newly formed brigades trained and equipped by the West.

In the Velyka Novosilka sector, Kyiv appears to have introduced its newly formed 38th Marine Brigade in recent weeks. Ukraine probably retook the town of Staromaiorske by Thursday, although that settlement  like most of the others Ukraine has liberated  was taken by preexisting units rather than newly formed ones. Ukrainian forces remain around 10 kilometers from Russias main defensive line in this sector.

On Thursday, Ukrainian officials denied having committed reserve units, insisting the brigades already in the fight were still working to breach Russian defensive lines. But a U.S. official confirmed Ukraine has begun committing forces from the 10th Corps, caveating that it was not certain whether all its units had entered battle. CNN cited a U.S. official who said that while some units remain in reserve, Ukraine has now committed the main bulk of its forces set aside for the counteroffensive.

Open-source information indicates the 116th, 117th, and 118th brigades had indeed recently deployed to Zaporizhzhia Oblast. But which, if any, have actually joined the fight remains uncertain. The Russian MoD has yet to mention those brigades in its daily reports, although it did claim on Friday to have destroyed a 10th Army Corps command post near Mala Tokmachka, southeast of Orikhiv. The MoD spokesman said Ukraine conducted further attacks on Friday, but using forces from the 47th Mechanized Brigade, reinforced by Western-donated tanks. A Ukrainian source asserted on Thursday that troops from the 118th Brigade were attacking near Robotyne, but this remains unconfirmed.

If those three units have been introduced, Kyiv will have committed the vast majority of its at least 19 mechanized infantry, marine, and air assault brigades formed for the counteroffensive, including eight of the nine trained and equipped by the West. If and when Ukraine breaches Russias main defensive line, it will need to have sufficient forces in reserve to exploit that breakthrough and breach Russias fallback lines, assuming Russian troops manage to reposition effectively. Committing too much of the force now risks running out of steam later.

Kyivs counteroffensive appears to be entering its decisive phase. Whatever the outcome, it will not end the war. But it will shape the conflicts trajectory.

John Hardie is the deputy director of FDDs Russia Program and a contributor to FDD's Long War Journal.

Are you a dedicated reader of FDD's Long War Journal? Has our research benefitted you or your team over the years? Support our independent reporting and analysis today by considering a one-time or monthly donation. Thanks for reading! You can make a tax-deductible donation here.
(Alliance News) - Bushveld Minerals Ltd on Friday noted that VRFB Holdings Ltd has received notice from Garnet Commerce Ltd regarding its option in Enerox Holdings Ltd, which wholly owns Enerox GmbH, the owner of the CellCube brand and energy storage system.

South Africa-focused iron ore and tin exploration and development company Bushveld Minerals said Garnet has told VRFB-H it will take a 60% stake in Enerox, an option which was set out in April. VRFB stands for 'vanadium redox flow battery'.

Garnet will pay USD3.3 million for the Enerox stake, with VRFB-H to hold the remaining 40% stake.

Mustang Energy PLC on Friday also noted Bushveld's announcement. In May, Mustang said it received approval of the Federal Ministry of Labour & Economic Affairs of the Austrian government regarding the proposed change of control of Enerox Holdings.

In mid-April, Mustang entered into a conditional agreement with Garnet and VRFB-H under which VRFB-H agreed to acquire Garnet's 50% interest in Enerox. Mustang was responsible for paying or procuring the payment of the consideration to Garnet upon completion. The total consideration to Garnet for its shareholding in Enerox was USD33.2 million.

Bushveld said both Garnet and VRFB-H will ensure that both Enerox and its holding company with continue to deal with Bushveld Energy Ltd, whose assets are in the process of being carved out from the Bushveld group.

Bushveld said Garnet and VRFB-H will agree to Bushveld Energy retain its rights of first refusal to supply electrolyte to Enerox projects for six months, subject to offering best pricing.

After this, Bushveld said Bushveld Energy will instead be provided with the right to bid on any such projects and Enerox will not grant a right of first refusal to any other third party.

This is alongside Enerox supporting Bushveld Energy completing installation and provide ongoing contracted support for the Bushveld minigrid, Bushveld said.

Shares in Bushveld were down 15% to 2.69 pence each in London on Friday afternoon, while Mustang Energy shares are currently suspended.

By Greg Rosenvinge, Alliance News reporter

Comments and questions to newsroom@alliancenews.com

Copyright 2023 Alliance News Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
State to cover 50% of bill for new stations to be installed at locations across Luxembourg, most of them on private business premises

Almost 250 new e-car charging stations are to be installed by companies across Luxembourg through a state subsidy scheme, the government said on Friday.

The 17 companies will receive a 50% subsidy for installing the 246 charging points, at a cost of around 5 million to the state, the Energy and Economy Ministries said in a joint press release.

Applications for new stations came from a variety of businesses, including petrol stations, shopping centres and industrial companies. The vast majority of the charging points - 180 - will be located on private premises, with the remainder open to the public.

The latest round of the scheme comes after the government approved subsidies to companies last October for nearly 700 e-car charging stations to be installed across the country.

A separate existing aid scheme, limited to small and medium-sized enterprises, allows subsidies of up to 50% of the cost of charging stations and up to 60% of the cost of the connection to the electricity grid.

Two further projects to help companies build electric charging points will open for applications later this year, with the first offering a 70% subsidy for firms with heavy-duty commercial vehicles such as buses, trucks and lorries.

A second project, to be launched in December, will be open to all types of vehicles, with a 50% subsidy.

Majority-state-owned energy company Encevo is among those investing in the growing trend toward e-cars, moving deeper into the e-car charging market after acquiring a charging station software from a bankrupt Belgian company earlier this month.

However, despite the government's attempts to encourage motorists to make the switch, the traditional petrol car remains dominant in Luxembourg.

As of last October, almost 95% of all Luxembourg-registered cars were petrol-powered, Transport Minister Francois Bausch said last year.

Luxembourg has the highest number of cars per resident in the EU, accounting for the highest level of carbon emissions compared to population size.
Actor and QCD1 Representative Arjo Atayde and TV host Maine Mendoza have officially tied the knot, as they exchanged vows in Baguio City, Benguet, on Friday afternoon, surrounded by their dear friends and loved ones.

Before their wedding day, Arjo and Maine delighted their fans by sharing some charming retro-themed photos on Instagram. The pictures, skillfully captured by Jaja Samaniego and Pearl Studios, featured the couple strolling through the streets of Los Angeles in a vintage car, having a blast at an arcade, exploring a museum, and donning suits for an exciting indoor skydiving adventure.

The journey to their wedding day has been filled with love and growth. They got engaged precisely a year ago, four years after making their relationship public.

For their wedding, rather than accepting gifts, Arjo and Maine consider their careers as blessings and have chosen to give back. They plan to organize a donation drive after the wedding to support indigenous groups in Luzon, personally extending their assistance.

The date, July 28, holds a special significance for both Maine and Arjo. It was on this day in 2018 that they first met during the story conference of the film Jack Em Popoy: The Puliscredibles, a Metro Manila Film Festival entry. They got engaged on July 28, 2022, and now, on July 28, 2023, they celebrate their weddinga meaningful date indeed, especially as Maine turns 28 years old this year.

As of now, specific details and images from their wedding have not been made public. However, the couple allowed attendees to take pictures, with a strict request to refrain from sharing them on social media until July 29. Additionally, they have asked guests not to geotag or include location information in their posts.

Images from Maine Mendoza-Ataydes Instagram, taken during their wedding pre-nup in LA

Here are the photos of their wedding:

Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus.
Just in time for Shark Week, a new study released in a scientific journal suggests that Cape Cod is a hot spot for white shark activity.

In the latest edition of the Marine Ecology Progress Series published on Thursday, white shark researchers Greg Skomal, Megan Winton with the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy and Gavin Fay of the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth co-wrote that between 2015 and 2018, 800 white sharks were detected around Cape Cod.

Researchers looked over around 3,000 videos from 137 trips, identifying 393 different sharks, according to the study. This data, analyzed through statistical modeling, estimated a population size of 800 individual white sharks.

Its only a small segment of the population but previously we knew nothing about numbers of white sharks here in this part of the world, Skomal, a senior fisheries scientist at Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries, told NBC 10 Boston. At some point we believe the population is likely stabilizing at a pretty consistent number, just given the fact that youre dealing with a limited area that has a limited carrying capacity.

Efforts to understand how many white sharks lived in the North Atlantic were previously challenging, the study said. But the appearances and seasonal reappearances of sharks off of the Cape provided a unique opportunity to apply capture-recapture methods to generate the first robust estimate of white shark abundance in any portion of its (western North Atlantic) range.

These sharks travel thousands of kilometers every year to optimize foraging opportunities but are only available to survey efforts at coastal aggregation sites that constitute a small fraction of their overall range, the study said. This provided a challenge in documenting their presence over time, which especially depends on how frequently sharks are seen in one particular area year after year.

Using our actual survey design and the proportion of tagged individuals, we conducted simulation testing to determine the impact of accounting for variation in space use, temporary emigration, and using acoustic telemetry data on demographic parameter estimates, the study read.

The co-authors credit efforts to protect white sharks for their abundance around the Cape, and the need for reliable abundance estimates is more important than ever.... Despite this, the opportunity for humans to encounter sharks becomes an increasing possibility, and the sensational media coverage that typically accompanies white shark sightings and attacks on humans generates fear and can skew perceptions of risk, the study said.

The number of large sharks found in the waters off of North Americas east coast declined by about 50% in the decades since the 1975 release of Jaws, Smithsonian Magazine reported in 2022. Jaws author and shark conservationist Peter Benchley noted in 2005 to the News-Press in Florida that the movie sparked a spurt of macho madness. Even Jaws director Steven Spielberg told BBC Radio 4s Desert Island Discs that he regrets the decimation of the shark population because of the book and the film.

Without an understanding of the population size of sharks around the Cape, researchers said this could heighten this sense of risk by raising doubt about the scientific basis for management decisions and eroding public trust.

Therefore, we view reliable abundance estimates as not only critical for management but also for navigating the complex societal conflicts that will arise when and where white shark populations recover, which will likely present the next major conservation challenge for this iconic species, the study concluded.
Through the last week of July, one shark seen going up Cape Cods coast was Big Daddy.

Despite his name, the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy notes that hes an 8-and-a-half-foot-long white shark. Since he was tagged on Sept. 21, 2022, hes been seen 647 times.

On Wednesday, July 26, Big Daddy was first spotted at around 12:12 a.m. at Nauset Harbor in Orleans, according to the conservancys Sharktivity app, which tracks and showcases white sharks found around the Cape. The day before, Wannabe was seen at 12:34 p.m., Portal was detected at 9:03 a.m. and Warren was spotted at 3:51 a.m.

An 11-foot-long male white shark named Wannabe was last detected off Cape Cod at around 8:50 a.m. on Friday, July 21. Courtesy of the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy.

Acoustic tags transmit the data of shark detections in real-time. Sharktivity shares this information and photos of the sharks.

Big Daddy was next spotted miles north off of Marconi Beach in Wellfleet at 1:03 a.m. on Friday, July 28. Warren was also seen in that area on Tuesday, at around 1:34 p.m., along with Cow on Saturday at around 2:35 a.m.

An hour and a half later, Big Daddy made his way further north and was found off of Newcomb Hollow Beach in Wellfleet. Cow was spotted in the area on Wednesday at 1:03 a.m., along with Crater on Tuesday at 5:36 a.m., and Mr. Pallas at 11:49 p.m. and Ken (just in time for Barbies film premiere) at 12:53 p.m. on Friday, July 21.

Big Daddys pal Cow was detected by the conservancy 12,596 times since he was tagged on Aug. 10, 2020. Hes bigger than Big Daddy at 11 feet long.

Cow is 11 feet in length. He was first tagged Aug. 10, 2020, and has since been detected 12,596 times. Photo by the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy

Mr. Spot Claw also made an appearance on Friday, July 28, seen at around 9:32 a.m. in the area of North Beach in Chatham, not far from the conservancy. He was tagged on Aug. 31, 2020, and has been detected 9,617 times since then.

White shark Mr. Spot Claw was last detected at 8:15 a.m. on Friday July 14.

Overall, there were about 49 sharks detected or spotted since July 21. The number of white sharks in Cape Cod waters began to uptick in July, according to researcher Greg Skomal, the senior fisheries scientist at Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries.

See below to see all other sharks spotted or detected around Cape Cod since July 21:
One person has died after getting hit by a vehicle in Malden on Thursday afternoon, according to Malden Police.

At 3:08 p.m., the Malden Police and Fire departments responded to a person whod been hit on Broadway at Eastern Avenue in the city, Massachusetts State Police said.

Read More: American International College president reveals cause of Springfield building fire

The incident caused Broadway to be closed between Eastern Avenue and Waite Street, Malden Police said on Facebook. The area was eventually reopened to traffic.

NBC10 Boston reported that two men in their 20s were on a moped when the crash occurred. One man was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead while the other was being treated for his injuries.

Members of the state polices Collision Analysis and Reconstruction section, along with the Crime Scene Services section, were responding to the scene to assist local police.

The crash remains under Investigation by the Malden Police Traffic Division and Massachusetts State Police, Malden police said.
Multiple people were ejected and one was killed after a vehicle rolled into a median on Interstate 95 north in Topsfield, according to Massachusetts State Police.

The crash occurred Friday at about 4:19 p.m., which resulted in heavy delays in the area, according to a tweet from Massachusetts State Police.

#MAtraffic Crash Route 95 northbound in #Danvers. Serious injuries reported. Expect heavy delays in the area, seek alternate route if possible.  Mass State Police (@MassStatePolice) July 28, 2023

Three northbound lanes and two southbound lanes were closed as of 5 p.m., police said. As of 5 p.m., state police suggested drivers seek [an] alternative route if possible.

Patrols, crash reconstruction and crime scene personnel were on the scene Friday afternoon.

Editors note: Massachusetts State Police initially said the crash occurred in Danvers but later said it occurred in Topsfield.
SPRINGFIELD  Chicago-based rap phenom G Herbo pleaded guilty to wire fraud conspiracy and lying to federal agents in U.S. District Court Friday.

The rapper, whose real name is Herbert Wright III, was indicted in 2020 on fraud and identity theft in this city along with six codefendants  accused of reaping the benefits of stolen credit card information to make sham purchases of private jet charters, yachts, exotic cars and designer puppies.
A Boston man who died Thursday after he was hit by a vehicle in Malden has been identified, according to the Middlesex District Attorneys office.

Rojas Ramirez, 23, of Boston, was identified as the motorist who was hit by a vehicle, a press release from the DA said.

At around 2:37 p.m. on Thursday, the Malden Police Department responded to a crash involving a Jeep and a moped with two riders who were at the intersection of a bike path and Broadway at Eastern Avenue in Malden, said the release.

Ramirez was sent to a medical facility in Everett where he was pronounced dead, said the DAs office.

The Jeep driver remained on the scene.

The crash caused Broadway to be closed between Eastern Avenue and Waite Street, Malden Police said in a Facebook post. The area was eventually reopened to traffic.

As of Friday, the incident is an open and active investigation and no charges have been filed, said the press release.

The crash is being investigation by the Middlesex District Attorneys Office, the Malden Police Department and the Northeast Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section.
For the first time in 40 years, the NAACP will be hosting its national convention in Boston, a city where prominent Black figures such as Malcolm X, Martin Luther King Jr. and Mel King all lived. This year, the convention, which runs through August 1, will be featuring a lineup of high-profile guest speakers from across the country. Here are just some names to look out for.

Our city will be buzzing, Lori Nelson, Bostons Senior Advisor for Racial Justice in the Equity & Inclusion Cabinet told The Boston Globe. People will be able to experience what we are as a destination city.

The full list of speakers can be viewed here.

Ayanna Pressley

Rep. Ayanna Pressley, D-Mass., speaks during an immigration rally asking Congress to support the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), citizenship for workers and to pass President Joe Biden's legislative agenda on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2021. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)AP

U.S. Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley will be speaking at the Juanita Jackson Mitchell Youth Awards on July 31. Pressley, known for her progressive politics as a member of The Squad, was the first woman of color elected to Congress from Massachusetts. In her positon, Pressley has fought for reproductive justice, womens rights and educational equality.

Hillary Clinton

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton speaks during the Hillary Rodham Clinton awards ceremony at Georgetown University in Washington on Monday, Dec. 5, 2022. The award is given annually by Clinton and the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security for leadership in promoting women's rights and peace around the globe. (AP Photo/Amanda Andrade-Rhoades)

Former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton will be speaking at the Spingarn Freedom Fund Awards Dinner on August 1 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Clinton has been a champion for womens rights for decades. As the First Lady, she co-founded the Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families and worked on initiatives like the Childrens Health Insurance Program. In 2016, she became the first female presidential nominee of a major political party.

Kamala Harris

Vice President of the United States Kamala Harris speaks at the Munich Security Conference in Munich, Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023. The 59th Munich Security Conference (MSC) is taking place from Feb. 17 to Feb. 19, 2023 at the Bayerischer Hof Hotel in Munich. (AP Photo/Michael Probst)AP

Vice President Kamala Harris will be speaking at the NAACPs Open Public Mass Meeting on Saturday, July 29. Vice President Harris is the first woman of color to hold the position. She is of Indian and Jamaican descent. Growing up, the Vice President and her sister Maya Harris, who worked as a senior policy adviser in the Clinton campaign, were inspired by their parents commitment to activism and justice. Vice President Harris has brought this sense of justice to her political life. As Vice President, she has worked to protect voting rights, reproductive rights and to get America vaccinated.

Meek Mill

In this April 2, 2019, file photo, rapper Meek Mill speaks at a gathering in Philadelphia to push for drastic changes to Pennsylvania's probation system. Philadelphia's District Attorney's office wants a new trial with a new judge for rapper Meek Mill. Larry Krasner submitted the brief Wednesday, May 22, 2019. He said former Judge Genece Brinkley's court "abused its discretion" after sentencing Mill in 2017 to two to four years in prison for violating an old gun charge. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)AP

Rapper Meek Mill will be speaking at the Plenary Session on Sunday, July 30. Mill, who is known for hits like Dreams and Nightmares and Amen has also been a vocal activist. In 2018, after he was released from incarceration over a crime he said he never committed, he founded the REFORM Alliance, a nonprofit dedicated to reducing the number of young people who are unjustly punished by the criminal justice system. The REFORM Alliance pools leaders from a variety of fields like activism, entrepreneurship, politics and business to advocate for criminal justice reform in America.

Henry Louis Gates Jr.

Henry Louis Gates Jr. chairs the Anisfield-Wolf Book Awards jury. 2013 photo by Joshua Gunter, The Plain DealerJoshua Gunter, The Plain Dealer

Henry Louis Gates Jr. will also be speaking at the Plenary Session on July 30. Gates serves as the Hutchins Center for African and African American Research at Harvard University. Gates is well-known for his significant contributions to African-American literature and culture, particularly in the field of African-American studies. He his TV series Finding Your Roots has been instrumental in encouraging people from various backgrounds to explore their own genealogy and understand the interconnectedness of human history.

Geraldine Hines

Now former Associate Justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court Geraldine S. Hines speaks during her swearing-in ceremony at the John Adams Courthouse, Thursday, July 31, 2014. (Photo by Angela Rowlings/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald via Getty Images)MediaNews Group via Getty Images

Geraldine S. Hines will be speaking at the Race and Justice Workshop: We Are Done Dying: Combating Over-Policing on July 29. Hines is a former Associate Justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, she now teaches at Boston College Law School. She was the first Black woman to serve on the Commonwealths highest court. While on the bench, Hines authored two groundbreaking opinions. In Commonwealth v. Warren, she wrote that a Black man running from the police in Boston, might just as easily be motivated by the desire to void the recurring indignity of being racially profiled as by the desire to hide criminal activity. And in Commonwealth v. Brangan, she wrote an opinion that changed the bail procedure in the Commonwealth to consider a defendants financial circumstances in setting bail.
A Waltham man is wanted in connection with the killing of Sheldon Jules, who was shot dead in May, according to the Middlesex District Attorneys Office.

Josh Pierre, 21, of Waltham, has been charged with murder and possession of a firearm in connection with the fatal shooting of Jules on May 22 at 1:29 a.m. on Lyman Street in the area of Faneuil Road in Waltham, said a press release from the DAs office.

Read more: Officials ID person killed in Waltham fatal shooting

After the shooting, investigators determined Pierre and other people were in a vehicle together when they travelled to Waltham to meet Jules, said the DAs office. After a brief exchange, Pierre is accused of firing several times, hitting Jules twice from behind and then leaving.

Man Wanted in Connection with Murder of Shelson Jules of Waltham. Anyone with any info about the whereabouts of Josh Pierre should contact 781-897-6609 or 781-314-3550.

MORE INFO: https://t.co/VEoRcvxJ7K @WalthamMAPolice @MassStatePolice pic.twitter.com/F38muxE0tW  Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan (@DAMarianRyan) July 28, 2023

Pierre is described as a Black man whos 5 feet 4 inches tall with black hair, brown eyes, and weighs about 150 pounds, according to the press release.

He was last seen in a 2016 silver Honda Accord with Mass. registration 2XGH85.

The DAs office said Pierre should be considered armed and dangerous, and that members of the public should not approach him and should immediately call police.

Police have also arrested another person who was accused of being in the vehicle during the shooting.

Friday morning, police arrested Strawensky Cebeat, 21, of Waltham, on charges of accessory after the fact to murder and withholding evidence from a criminal proceeding. He was arraigned Friday morning in Waltham District Court and held in lieu of posting $50,000 cash bail, plus other conditions of pretrial release, said the DAs office.

If anyone has information about Pierres whereabouts, the DAs office says they should contact Christopher Murgo with the Massachusetts State Police assigned to the Middlesex District Attorneys Office at 781-897-6609 or Waltham Police Detectives at 781-314-3550.
Years after it was pitched, a 5.3-mile natural gas pipeline from Longmeadow to Springfield remains only a sketch on a map.

Officials in the two communities stand opposed. Eversource and trade unions sing its praises.

Heres what you need to know about the project, in the wake of a pivotal state decision this month.

What is this project?

An Eversource pipeline from Longmeadow through parts of Springfield. It would start at a new gas delivery station near the Connecticut state line and run to a regulator station on Bliss Street in Springfield.

The $65 million project would be paid for in large part by utility customers. Eversource proposed the project after buying Columbia Gas in 2020. The utility has said ratepayers would cover as much as $33 million of the cost. The current gas line reaches customers in Southwick, Agawam, Longmeadow, West Springfield, Chicopee and Springfield.

Why is the pipeline in the news again?

This month, the states energy secretary, Rebecca L. Tepper, said Eversource must answer additional questions, beyond what it addressed in a draft environmental impact statement.

I have reviewed the draft  and hereby determine that it does not adequately and properly comply with MEPA (the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act) and its implementing regulations, Tepper said. Among other things, the state wants to know about other steps that could be taken to provide backup access to gas.

The (draft environmental impact report) has not fully justified the purpose and need for the project, and does not explain why the risk of outage was determined to be unacceptably high at this location so as to warrant immediate action, the report said.

Teppers 244-page answer puts the ball back in the utilitys court, years after the pipeline was proposed.

A spokeswoman for Eversource said the utility is working diligently to provide information the state seeks.

Last December, the states Energy Facilities Siting Board held a public hearing in Springfield on the project.

Why Eversource thinks the pipeline is needed

The utility says a new pipeline would improve reliability of gas delivery to about 58,000 customers in the region. They are served now by a pipeline thats more than 70 years old, Eversource says.

Problems with the existing line would bring dire consequences to consumers, the utility has said.

What opponents say

A second pipeline would extend reliance on a fuel that is linked to greenhouse gas emissions. Pipelines are known to release amounts of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, according to environmental studies.

Opponents also cite concerns about health impacts, particularly on children and people with asthma.

Members of Springfield Climate Justice Coalition speak out against a proposed pipeline project by Eversource in the Greater Springfield area. (File photo courtesy of Rene Theberge)

Who is opposed?

The Longmeadow Select Board and the Springfield City Council are among those opposed. At a public hearing last December, Josh Levine, chairman of the Longmeadow Select Board, said running a pipeline through a residential area would have negative impacts on this community  and flagged traffic problems and strain on the towns budget.

The Springfield council backed a resolution, 9-0, calling for the state to block the pipeline. U.S. Sen. Edward Markey has said he doesnt believe the pipeline is needed.

Springfield City Council President Jesse Lederman is on record saying the project is costly, unnecessary and could harm the environment. At a gathering in 2022, Lederman said Eversource should be investing in renewable energy sources that would help the state reach its goal to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030. The bottom line is it is time for us to take action for a cleaner, more affordable future at every level, Lederman said.

Area lawmakers have also been critical of the project. Those on record opposing the pipeline include former state Sen. Eric P. Lesser of Longmeadow, state Sen. Adam Gomez of Springfield, and Reps. Brian M. Ashe of Longmeadow, Orlando Ramos and Bud L. Williams of Springfield, and Jacob R. Oliveira of Ludlow. All signed a letter calling the project a health and safety risk.

The Interfaith Council of Greater Springfield is against the pipeline, as is the Springfield Climate Justice Coalition, which submitted a petition signed by 6,000 people.

What proponents say

Last summer, an Eversource spokesman, Willian Hinkel, said the pipeline is one of the companys priorities and would protect customers. He said the company is paying attention to alternative energy sources as well, saying it is committed to providing customers with safe, reliable energy sources while also working to transition to clean energy sources in the future.

A year ago, when opponents marched to City Hall in Springfield, they were met by representatives of three trade unions. Halting the project, union members said, would cost hundreds of jobs.

Daniel DAlma of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local #7, said the pipeline is needed to ensure people can heat their homes.

Where would it go, exactly?

Eversources plans as of a year ago show the preferred route as running from Laurel Street to Route 5 in Longmeadow, crossing into Springfield to Longhill Street. From Longhill, it would go to Main Street in the South End and over to West Columbus at Bliss Street.

The route has some variations: It could cut through Forest Park to Longhill Street. Or take a more round-about route that bypasses the park by going along Dickinson Street from the Longmeadow line to Sumner Avenue  then over to Longhill.

Anti-Eversource gas pipeline signs dot Harzardville Road in Longmeadow.

What lies ahead?

Further review by the state, once Eversource answers the states new questions  and conducts more outreach in economic justice neighborhoods. Tepper asked the company to hold at least one, well-publicized public meeting in Springfield to discuss the impacts of the project.

She said that session should be held in person at a place reached by public transit. Eversource should provide childcare and food, to encourage attendance, she said, and have translators available for people who speak Spanish and Russian.

In addition to answering questions laid out by the state, the project must gain a zoning exemption from the state Department of Public Utilities and get the OK for a highway access permit from the state Department of Transportation. It needs Conservation Commission approvals from Longmeadow and Springfield as well.
Lightning is what sparked a fire on the campus of American International College in Springfield Thursday evening, leaving a building significantly damaged, according to the colleges president.

In an emailed prepared statement that was also posted on Twitter, AIC President Hubert Benitez said a fire that burst through the roof of Courniotes Hall some time around 5:30 p.m. Thursday was caused by lightning. Major rain and thunderstorms rolled over the city starting about 4 p.m.

Benitez said campus police walked through the building to make sure no one was inside and declared it empty.

Courniotes Hall houses AICs nursing program and provides classroom space for additional health sciences courses, Benitez wrote. While there is significant damage to the building, AIC is committed to taking all actions necessary to ensure that we provide students with continuity in their course of studies in the fall of 2023.

Springfield firefighters battled the fire on the State Street campus in the midst of a severe thunderstorm, striking at least two alarms, according to a tweet from the Springfield Fire Department posted at about 5:30 p.m.

Springfield Fire Chief Drew Piemonte had confirmed to MassLive he was at the site of the fire.

Read more: Firefighters battle fire at American International College building

By 6:30 p.m., most firefighters had stopped spraying water on the building and were using a chainsaw and prybar while a paramedic stood off to the side next to an unused stretcher.

AIC is known for its resilience and we will come back stronger than ever thanks to the help of our community, the college president wrote. We want to sincerely thank our first responders, including Springfield Fire and Police Departments as well as our Campus Police who acted swiftly to help mitigate further damage to our campus.
Despite the gallons of free water pouring from the sky, Springfield Fire Captain Drew Piemonte said thunderstorms actually present serious danger for firefighters when battling a fire, just as Thursday evenings severe storm did for the firefighters battling the blaze at American International College.

Firefighters were at the college at 5:30 p.m. on July 27, battling not only a two-alarm fire taking over the roof of Courniotes Hall but heavy, torrential rain, and lightning striking down from the sky.
Springfield firefighters are battling a fire on the campus of American International College on State Street in the midst of a severe thunderstorm Thursday evening, with fire shooting out of the roof of Courniotes Hall.

At least two alarms were struck, according to a tweet from the Springfield Fire Department posted at about 5:30 p.m. They are at 1000 State St., the tweet said, which is the AIC campus.

All companies arrived to knock down the fire, the tweet also said.

37 1 / 37 Firefighters battle fire at American International College building

Springfield Fire Captain Drew Piemonte confirmed to MassLive he was at the site of the fire.

By 6 p.m., firefighters stopped spraying water on the building. They started work using a chainsaw and prybar.

Meanwhile, a paramedic stood off the side next to an unused stretcher.

This is a breaking news story. We will update once more information becomes available.
SPRINGFIELD  Tenants at Pynchon Townhomes and Edgewater Tower and members of a nonprofit focused on housing issues demanded Peabody Property to address numerous issues that residents say affect current living conditions.

About a dozen people marched into the management companys offices at Edgewater Tower Thursday and presented copies of a letter that asked the company to, for instance, provide monthly exterminations, on-call maintenance staff and quarterly meetings between tenants and staff. The letter asked for about a dozen changes in all.

We are tired of being treated like second class citizens, the letter reads. We deserve a safe home where the owners, staff and tenants can take pride in. We deserve to live in a place that fosters a sense of community. We deserve a home that isnt making us sick by living in it. We deserve a home that is secure, where management doesnt use the threat of eviction when we speak up.

The letter was submitted under the name All owners on record.

Attempts to reach a representative of Peabody Property Management were unsuccessful. According to its website, the company manages more than 50 buildings in the city, which includes a high-rise apartment building. It says it manages over 600 apartments.

The protest was organized by Neighbor to Neighbor Massachusetts, a nonprofit focused on housing and environmental issues. Katie Talbot, lead organizer with Neighbor to Neighbor, said the nonprofit organized the protest after she spoke with approximately 100 residents who all recounted similar living conditions. She added that many residents were afraid of retaliation.

Stephanie Pacheco, whos lived in her two-bedroom apartment on Clyde Street for 13 years, said living conditions have seemingly grown harsher.

She said she has dealt with gaping holes throughout the apartment, gas leaks, bug infestations, low water pressure and leaks when it rains.

The rain destroys everything, she said.

Pacheco said she has had to spend over $2,000 on repairs herself since the maintenance worker has not responded to her calls.

Ive become my own maintenance man, she said.

She added the office does not answer her call and on one occasion, it left her on hold for six-and-a-half hours.

Lisandra Santos, who has lived at her property in Pynchon Townhomes for 15 years, said she had to rely on the citys Department of Code Enforcement to address a two-month leak that damaged her clothes dryer and other items in her living quarters.

Just today, they told me if I didnt pay, they wanted me out, Santos said. Ive had this experience with these people for years.
WESTFIELD  Project Manager Aaron Keegan and engineers from his team at Fuss & ONeill in Springfield presented the top 15 projects in the Complete Streets Prioritization Plan for Westfield at a public meeting in City Council Chambers on July 26. Fuss & ONeill was contracted by the Engineering Department to create the plan over the winter using a $30,000 grant from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation.

Keegan said Complete Streets is a program of MassDOT that looks at safe and accessible options for all transit modes, including walking, biking, public transit and vehicles, and offers up to $500,000 per community every four years for smaller projects. The Westfield City Council passed the Complete Streets ordinance in April 2022.
I had never before been to a book launch in an abbey, and certainly not one where the books subject lay buried. So the launch in Ballintubber Abbey of a new edition of Ann Chambers biography of Tibbott-ne-Long Bourke, son of Grace OMalley, was both fascinating and atmospheric. (The book, Lord Mayo, published by Mayo Books Press, 2023, shares those attributes.)

In the austere abbey, one could almost imagine oneself back in the late 16th or early 17th century, when control of Irelands governance was being decided by people like Tibbott as the old, fractious and ineffectual Gaelic order was confronted by relentless English military and civil incursions.

It is sobering to reflect that if Westport House, the seat of the Marquesses of Sligo since the Act of Union, had suffered the same fate as many other stately homes in Ireland during the War of Independence (burnt to the ground by the IRA), it is unlikely that we would have such vivid accounts of Grace OMalley, of her son Tibbott and of the 2nd Marquess of Sligo (Howe Peter Browne). Anne Chambers books uniquely benefitted from access to Westport House archives that recorded the familys role in Irish history since the 16th century.

It must have been something of a trial to be the son of such a famous personality as Grace OMalley. A kind of nautical superwoman who had an uncanny ability to read the evolving complex political and military situation.

During that latter part of the 16th century, the English faced possible invasion by Spain and feared that Ireland might be used as a back door. If Grace was the end of a long line of tribal chieftains who ruled with panache under the old Gaelic laws, her son was among the first to be forced to compromise with a new world order of English laws and military dominance. If Grace was the last romantic, Tibbott was the first of the new realists. We inherited Tibbotts world, not Graces.





Parallels

As I read of Tibbotts subterfuges and struggles to emerge from the collapse of the old Gaelic order with at least some of his property intact, I kept being reminded of two quite different cases where unity and decisiveness in the face of overwhelming odds made all the difference between winning and losing: Prime Minister Churchill in Britain of 1939 and President Zelenskiy in Ukraine in March 2022. Their association with Gaelic Ireland of the late 16th century is not as farfetched as you might think.

Churchill and Zelenskiy acted as charismatic national leaders in situations where charisma was a necessary, though not sufficient, quality for effectiveness of leadership. Crucially, there was a willingness of all factions in their countries to unify behind the leader to fight for survival against an external enemy. In 1939 in the UK and in 2022 in Ukraine, the situation looked completely hopeless. In 1939, the Nazis had conquered all of Europe and were poised to invade Britain. In 2022, Russian forces had reached the suburbs of Kyiv and nobody gave Ukraine much of a chance.

Faced with overwhelming odds, Zelenskiy, when offered extraction by the Americans, is reputed to have declared: The fight is here; I need ammunition, not a ride. Churchill famously declared to the nation that he had nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat.





Divided they fell

A fascinating aspect of Lord Mayo is the portrait Chambers paints of the utterly chaotic and poisonous relationships that existed between the Gaelic tribal leaders. When they were not forming fractious coalitions among themselves to fight each other, they regularly sided with the British to do down a hated neighbour and devastate his lands. Inter-tribal warfare was exacerbated by the complexity and confusion created by the Brehon Laws on succession and inheritance. You might call it a Society of Disunited Irishmen.

All this worked to the advantage of the English, since their policy was to control Ireland as cheaply as possible and avoid having to finance an invasion using massive and expensive military force. In such a situation, the old Gaelic order (or, rather, disorder) never stood a chance and probably never deserved to survive.

The Gaelic tribal chieftains behaved like violent and rapacious robber barons. If they had united and had recognised the strategic dilemma that an independent and hostile Ireland posed for England, then they might just have secured a better outcome for themselves and their people. However, as described by Anne Chambers, speaking of Tibbott: Personal ambition was the primary motivation for his actions, which often led him and his family [] to put their hands far in blood and upon their nearest kinsman.

Tibbott stayed, eventually worked out a compromise with the English, and sought to make the new political dispensation work. But mainly for himself, not for his country. As for many of the rest, the Earls created by the English process of surrender and re-grant, they took the ride and abandoned their people to a fate that became catastrophic in later centuries.

We will never know what might have happened had the Disunited Irishmen been united. We do know for sure what happens to a country when they are not.

Just as we have learned what happens to a region.





Lord Mayo  Tibbott-ne-Long Bourke, Son of the Pirate Queen, 1567-1629, by Anne Chambers, published by Mayo Books Press, is available in local stockists and online at mayobooks.ie.
THE Claremorris branch of The Irish Red Cross was the beneficiary of a recent fundraising night in memory of Liam Hans, who passed away in 2020.

Liam had worked in Wardes Bar and Hardware shop for over 40 years, and was very popular in the community.

Liam passed during the Covid restrictions, Greg Warde, of Wardes Bar said at the cheque-presentation ceremony.

So while there was a huge stand-out for the removal and burial  almost like a State funeral  at the time, there was no proper traditional funeral for Liam.

On the third anniversary of his death, we had a huge gathering for Liam. We held a fundraising auction and people and businesses donated various items so willingly. We had everything from heating oil to oil paintings, even calves! We raised close on 8,500 on the night.

Liams widow Christina was asked which charity should receive the funds, and she selected the Red Cross.

We were honoured to be chosen, Ger McCallig, Chairperson of the Red Cross said. We knew Liam so well; he was a hugely popular figure in the town and was so well respected.

Happy memories

GREG Warde said he he had known Liam all his life and that he was like an older brother to him. Liam joined the business from school in the late 1970s.

He worked initially in the hardware shop and later, from the early 90s, as a bartender, when the Warde family closed the hardware shop and concentrated on the bar business  one of the most successful in the west of Ireland.

When we were young lads, wed knock over a tin of paint messing in the hardware shop in the evening, Greg said, and Liam would clean it up in the morning without a fuss or without getting us into trouble. Later, he often gave me the loan of his car, if I was going on a date and hadnt transport. He was a big lover of Ford cars  particularly Sierras, and of course the GAA.

Family man

LIAM was fond of a game of cards, and he travelled around the area to games on his time off. In the bar, Liam had a tremendous rapport with customers. His greatest love, however, was for his family; his wife, Christina (nee Nevin), and their daughter, Rebecca.

He was a real family man, Greg Warde said. They were always number one.

The Warde family have been operating in their corner location since 1934, when Michael Warde acquired the premises previously known as Bretts Stores.

Greg is the third generation of the family in the business, and the family have other business interests in the town. His mother Anne, is a highly-accomplished artist.

Were very grateful for the donation, and well put it to good use, Ger McCallig said.

The Red Cross provides first-aid cover for sporting and community events, and since the Covid pandemic, have partnered with Food Cloud to distribute surplus food to the needy in the greater Claremorris area. The branch also offers first aid classes from their training centre on Convent Road.
A leading Democrat politician in the US city of Scranton, Pennsylvania wants to open a museum dedicated to the work of Michael Davitt in his home city.

Bill Gaughan who is the Democratic nominee to run for Commissioner for Lackawanna County in Pennsylvania in November's General Election is on a visit to Co Mayo this week to visit the ancestral homes of his great-grandparents, who came from Lisaniska in Knockmore and Attymass.

A 36-year-old teacher, Gaughan topped the poll in the Democratic primary in May and is seen as one of the leading lights of the party in Scranton, which is also the hometown of US President Joe Biden.

Gaughan visited the Michael Davitt Museum in Straide on Thursday in recognition of Davitt's connection with Scranton. Michael Davitt's father Martin is buried in Scranton and Gaughan said he wants the Davitt story to be told in his home city.

I did not know a lot about Michael Davitt but I found out he had a very connection with the city of Scranton as it is where his father and some of his family is buried. I have done my own research on Michael Davitt and he used to come over to the city of Scranton and stay in his brother-in-law's hotel. I found an article in the Scranton Tribune where there is a beautiful article where Michael Davitt stood for four and a half hours by himself at the grave [of his father].

I stumbled upon another article where there were Land League groups formed because of Michael Davitt in the city of Scranton. In one meeting there were around 1,500 people in Nay Aug Park in Scranton who met because of Michael Davitt. The history is rich, the tradition is rich and we want to keep the story going and keep the faith.

One of the things I want to do if I win in November is to open up a museum in the city of Scranton that honours the story of Michael Davitt and the contribution Michael Davitt played not only to north Mayo but also to the city of Scranton. Hopefully we will get funding for that and tell the story because a lot of people in Scranton and Lackawanna County do not know that story but they should, he said.

Mr Gaughan, who was elected to Scranton City Council at the age of 26 was welcomed to Straide by Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, Cllr Michael Loftus and by Yvonne Corcoran Loftus, the curator of the Michael Davitt Museum in Straide.

This was Mr Gaughan's first visit to Ireland and he admitted it was his first time on a plane. He joked he had the rosary beads out as he experienced turbulence for the first time crossing the Atlantic. He said he was overjoyed by the welcome he and his parents have received as they visit family members in the Knockmore and Attymass areas.

North Mayo has a rich connection with Scranton dating back to the mid 1800s and Mr Gaughan said that he hopes to strengthen the ties between Scranton and north Mayo if he is elected Commissioner.

The connection between the city of Scranton and north Mayo is an unbelievable story. One of our first Mayors was a guy called John Loftus who was from Foxford. He was the man who laid out most of the streets in the city of Scranton. That was the story of the Irish immigrants who came to Scranton, he said.
Minister for Justice Helen McEntee has been heavily criticised for not meeting the chairman of the countys Joint Policing Committee (JPC) during her recent trip to Mayo. The minister attended numerous engagements in Castlebar and Westport on Tuesday and Wednesday but the fact that she didnt meet Councillor Al McDonnell has drawn the ire of some public representatives.

Theres a huge increase in crime locally and nationally, yet she wouldnt meet the chair of our JPC. What message does that send out? Its simply not good enough, Cllr Michael Kilcoyne stated at Wednesdays meeting of Castlebar Municipal District.



Im very concerned about the number of gardai in our town. Recently, there was a Church of Ireland service here in Castlebar remembering all who had died during the pandemic and cars were broken into and valuables taken.

People need to feel safe and then we have Helen McEntee saying she feels safe walking down through Dublin city with armed guards around her. Who is she kidding?

Its unbelievable whats happening and what shes allowing to happen. The guards on the ground are at the end of their tether and if the commissioner or the leadership of the guards arent doing their job, then its up to her (Minister McEntee) to sort it.

The fact that she wouldnt meet Cllr McDonnell, the chairman of our countys JPC while she was here in Mayo says all you need to know. Its more than disappointing, Kilcoyne added.



He was supported by Cllr Blackie Gavin who said the minister should certainly have met Cllr McDonnell, the leader of a very active JPC.

However, Fine Gael members of the council disagreed and said there had been no need for the minister to meet Cllr McDonnell.

The three Fine Gael members here, Cllr Deere, Cllr Bourke and myself met Minister McEntee last night and had a long discussion with her about whats required. There was no need for her to meet anyone else. We got the message across in no uncertain terms, Cllr Donna Sheridan stated.
AROUND two thirds of the public want the government to ban the sale of disposable electronic cigarettes, new research shows.

A survey carried out by the independent polling organisation Ipsos found that 64% of respondents support the banning of disposable e-cigarettes, also known as vapes, while only 28% opposed the measure and 8% were unsure.

The results are published ahead of the Governments public consultation period on disposable e-vaping devices.

Welcoming the Ipsos research, Mark Murphy, Advocacy Manager, Environmental Health and Tobacco, with the Irish Heart Foundation said; It showed the public know disposable vapes are not only a health risk but also pose a threat to the environment.

Mark added only a comprehensive ban of all forms of disposable e-cigarettes could prevent another generation of young people from becoming nicotine addicts.

In 2019, 18.1% of teens admitted to using vapes but this number will have soared since the introduction of disposable vapes, he said.

Just over one thousand adults aged 15 and over took part in the Ipsos survey between July 3-15.

Of the 1,016 people questioned, 57% in the 15-24 age group supported a disposable vape ban, while half of the 24-35 cohort were in favour.

The majority of all other age groups who took part in the survey also agreed the sale of disposable vapes in Ireland should end.

In its submission to the Government, the Irish Heart Foundation said a Health Research Board study showed that teenagers who use vapes are between three and five times more likely to start smoking than those who dont.

A similar pattern was found by EU health researchers, the national stroke and heart charity said, who found that e-cigarettes were a gateway to smoking for young people.

Mark added that research carried out earlier this year by anti-smoking group Action on Smoking and Health revealed that 69% of the youngsters across the United Kingdom who vaped used disposable vapes which is up from just 7.7% in 202 saying; A similar pattern could easily emerge in this country.

The charitys submission also highlighted the risk to the environment from disposable vapes, which cannot be recycled and which contain plastic, copper and a lithium battery.

A clean-up operation on the River Bride, Co Cork, found 50 single-use discarded vapes in one afternoon.

Mark continued; There is simply no place for disposable vapes in Ireland, and we need to ban them now. They are fuelling teenage vaping and nicotine addiction while damaging our planet. These single-use vapes are designed as fashionable, trendy lifestyle products which make them highly appealing to young people. Moreover, their sleek design makes them easy to hide from parents and teachers.Ireland led the way with its workplace smoking ban, but we are fast losing ground again in the fight against tobacco addiction.We simply cannot allow another generation of young people to become addicted to nicotine.
by Laurie Sullivan @lauriesullivan, July 27, 2023

Microsoft Advertising is rebranding its products, strategy and services, combining and renaming the technology from its recent acquisitions of Xandr and PromoteIQ, and changing some of the processes across its product line. The shift officially begins in August.

The new brand strategy -- called a "transformation" by Microsoft Senior Brand Strategy Lead Richard Oliver, highlights connected services, as Microsoft looks to convince brands that its services offer more choices than Google.

The change begins with search, but will expand into artificial intelligence and a variety of services from a business network of partners, gaming platforms, and browsers as well as a supply-side platform for publishers, a demand-side platform for buyers, and a retail media stack.

We were very much embedded in performance search, Oliver said, calling it a legacy perception of the company.

advertisement advertisement

He said when you talk with someone on the street, they would think of Microsoft as Bing. That has changed with generative artificial intelligence (GAI) and the acquisitions of Xandr, which supports programmatic ad campaigns; and PromoteIQ, which focuses on retail.

With this change, the Xandr products become Microsoft Monetize, Invest, and Curate. PromoteIQ becomes Microsoft Retail Media. All services integrated with GAI to re-imagine the customer and ad experiences.

For the next 12 months we will work internally to embed the purpose, and how the Microsoft culture aligns with this transformation, he said. We wont flip a switch and everything will change. Know that it will happen over time."

Oliver was careful to avoid calling the rebranding a mission statement -- a tag that solely belongs to the entire company. Xbox, for example, will have a different purpose then Microsoft Advertising. Each sector will have a purpose to meet the needs of its clients.

Microsoft Advertising has also introduced a new visual identity to tell its story of transformation, calling it a graphic mark. This visual identity, rather than a corporate brand, aims to provide a more human and relatable image. Part of telling the story is a graphic to represent the business, Oliver said. The symbol, meant to look like multiple sectors joined together, creates a visual language. It is not a logo. Its more of a graphic design that sits in the background on a variety of marketing materials.

Name changes, a visual ID, colors, and text are only part of the transformation. Change also means new policies. Microsoft Advertising will restrict or disallow some ad categories in specific markets. Beginning September 1, 2023, Microsoft will disallow advertisements related to alcohol and gambling. On October 1, 2023, the company will disallow ads related to politics, tobacco and vaping, CBD, third-party government services, and tabloid and advertorials.

Failure to comply with these policies will result in ad accounts being considered non-compliant with Microsofts buying policies, and subject to removal from the ad platform.
by Sarah Mahoney @mahoney_sarah, July 28, 2023

To make shopping easier for those on public assistance, Walmart is cutting the price of its Walmart + membership program to $6.47 a month, or $49 per year. Thats half of the standard price of $98. Members potentially get hundreds in annual savings.

The announcement has outsized significance for retailers as seismic changes pressure lower-income Americans. First, funding related to the COVID emergency ended earlier this year, drastically reducing the benefits people can receive. Further cuts, which became a sticking point in recent debt-ceiling legislation, go into effect in September and should intensify retail food declines.

Walmart is the most vulnerable to these changes, since it's the favorite store of Americas 41.2 million Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program customers. Data from Numerator finds that Walmart captures 25.5% of SNAP grocery dollars, and 97% of recipients have shopped for food at Walmart in the last year. Dollar General, Dollar Tree, 7-Eleven and Winco Foods are also popular with this group.

advertisement advertisement

The end of some COVID-related funding earlier this year, dubbed the hunger cliff by some policy experts, meant that recipients in 32 states saw a cut to SNAP benefits. Those reductions averaged about $82 per month.

The average household benefit is $182 per month per household, or about $6 per day, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.

The end of COVID benefits means those consumers have $23 billion less to spend each year. Circana, the market research company, says SNAP households have responded by cutting monthly food and beverage spending by about 35% of cut benefits. They pared back non-food purchases at a much higher rate.

The new laws, set to go into effect in September, focus on work-reporting requirements for certain age groups. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities says this means up to one million American adults are set to lose SNAP benefits, with 750,000 older Americans newly at risk.

We continue to monitor changes in buying behaviors of SNAP households, writes Alastair Steel, executive, client engagement at Circana, in its report. Over the coming months, SNAP households may reduce their discretionary spending more than they have to date to free up dollars for food and beverage purchases. The SNAP benefits cuts are still likely to impact food and beverage spending for these consumers in the months ahead.

Walmart launched the membership service, which brings together online and in-store benefits, in 2020 as a way to compete with Amazon Prime. Amazon has been providing a similar discount to government-assistance customers since 2017.

Circana reports that SNAP customers are less likely to buy groceries on Amazon, while non-SNAP shoppers spend about 18% more, likely due to larger household size.

Walmart also partnered with the USDAs SNAP program back in 2019, piloting an online purchase test. And with the recent addition of Alaska, it is now the first retailer to accept SNAP benefits online in all 50 states.

It estimates that by using Walmart +, customers can save up to $75 in gasoline, and hundreds in free shipping and grocery delivery fees.
by Joe Mandese @mp_joemandese, July 28, 2023

News circulating this week that Microsofts Xandr unit plans to ban political advertisers beginning in October is part of an ongoing reassessment of the ad category, especially for big digital media companies.

Microsoft already began restricting political ads on the Microsoft Advertising Network, effective with a policy update last month, and Big Tech companies including Google and Meta normally place moratoriums during active political cycles.

On the other end of the spectrum  you know, analog media like TV and radio  cant seem to get enough of it, and based on MediaPosts last Marketing Politics conference in Washington, D.C. earlier this year, neither can political campaign operatives, who declared broadcast still is their favorite and most dominant ad medium.

As quaint as that may sound, I think its because broadcast advertising seems, for the most part, pretty transparent, and doesnt carry the same potential liabilities for media companies as digital does -- especially now as big advertisers are waking up, rolling up their sleeves and getting into the weeds with log-file data to better understand the publishing sources their consumer advertising ends up on. (Many of those sites tap into mainstream programmatic ad dollars, but publish misinformation and, often, explicit disinformation.)

advertisement advertisement

Following a similar pattern that created a cottage industry for brand-safety companies like DoubleVerify, IAS, and others, the emergence of made for advertising sites, AI-generated news sites, and -- how shall I say this -- less-than-transparent disinformation sites, the supply chain is already coming up with solutions, including one announced recently by NewsGuard, as well as one announced this week by TAG (Trustworthy Accountability Group) that utilizes an inclusive strategy reminiscent of Good Housekeepings seal of approval.

TAGs new Certified for Transparency Seal was actually unveiled last November, but this week TAG announced that ten companies have been certified to brandish it, including:

Adform

DoubleVerify

Frameplay

Horizon Media

Integral Ad Science

Octillion

Omnicom Media Group

OpenX

Oracle Advertising

Xandr

These companies stand at the vanguard of our industrys efforts to create a more transparent digital advertising supply chain, TAG CEO Mike Zaneis said in a statement.

So heres my suggestion: Why not create a Certified for Political Advertising Transparency seal that could be used to sanctify the transparency of political advertising sources and campaigns in a similar way?

Frankly, Im not sure how the program would work technically, but I think there are some very good innovators and developers in the ad-tech industry who could figure that out.

The idea would be similar to TAGs general transparency seal, but given explicitly to political-advertising operatives who meet whatever those minimum technical standards are.

Unlike outright bans on political advertising, a transparency seal would encourage political advertisers to be fully disclosed and would also serve as a public service for voters.

Okay, so call me naive and Pollyanna-ish, but I dont think political advertising will actually go away.

Even if big tech firms ban or restrict it, operatives will find workaround and other ways of buying, owning or renting media access to get their messaging out there in less-than-transparent ways.

So how about a political ad=transparency seal to encourage good actors to act appropriately and in a fully disclosed way?
by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, July 28, 2023

Meta Platforms is asking a federal judge to throw out a lawsuit over its alleged collection of taxpayers' information from online filing sites.

In papers filed late Thursday with U.S. District Court Judge Susan Illston in San Francisco, Meta argues that it didn't want the information, and tried to prevent filing sites from sending the data.

Plaintiffs incorrectly assert that Meta broke the law when third-party tax websites allegedly used Metas Pixel tool to send financial information that Meta both contractually prohibited them from sending and attempted to filter out, the company writes in a motion asking Illston to dismiss the lawsuit at an early stage.

Offering a standard tool is not enough to impose liability merely because some third parties might misuse it, Meta adds.

Meta's papers come in response to a class-action complaint alleging that its tracking code, the Meta Pixel, was present on tax-filing sites and transmitted filers' personal information to the social platform.

advertisement advertisement

The complaint came soon after The Markup reported that the Meta Pixel, was on several popular tax services' sites, including H&R Block, TaxAct, and TaxSlayer. After The Markup contacted some of the companies, they reportedly revised their practices: TaxAct stopped sending financial information to Meta, while TaxSlayer removed the pixel from their filing sites.

Earlier this month, Democratic lawmakers released a separate report stating that online tax preparation services shared millions of users' sensitive information with Meta, Google, and other tech companies.

That report said the tax sites shared people's filing status, approximate adjusted gross income, refund amount, and names of dependents, among other information.

Meta confirmed that it used the data for ad targeting and to train artificial intelligence algorithms, according to that report, which was issued by Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Massachusetts), Ron Wyden (D-Oregon), Richard Blumenthal (D-Connecticut), Tammy Duckworth (D-Illinois), Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-Rhode Island), along with Representative Katie Porter (D-California).

The class-action complaint against Meta includes claims that the company violated federal and state wiretap laws, as well as other state statutes.

Meta argues in its new court papers that it isn't responsible for other companies' decisions to transmit data, arguing that there's no valid legal basis to hold Meta liable for how third-party tax filing services chose to configure their own websites, in violation of Metas terms and policies.

Counsel for the taxpayers is expected to respond to Meta's argument by mid-September.
by Tanya Gazdik , July 28, 2023

Hyundai and Healthy Seas are in a third year of partnership with a clean-up project in the Mediterranean Sea.

This endeavor proved to be one of the most challenging thus far for the partnership, as the divers encountered difficult conditions, including a remote location and limited supplies on board, according to Hyundai.

Over the course of an eight-day expedition that concluded on June 29, volunteer divers from five countries managed to remove nearly one ton of ghost gear.

The location where the divers retrieved the ghost gear was a shipwreck from World War II, sunk during the Battle of Convoys, and still containing several aerial bombs and vehicles.

While wrecks provide excellent habitats for marine life, they are also the most common entanglement sites for fishing nets, says Pascal van Erp, deputy director of Healthy Seas and founder of Ghost Diving.

advertisement advertisement

It is estimated that 640,000 tons of fishing gear are lost or abandoned annually in the worlds seas and oceans, leading to the suffering and death of millions of marine animals.

The two companies have not only tackled challenging clean-up projects but also raised awareness about the importance of preserving our underwater heritage, says Michael Cole, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor Europe.

Under Hyundai Motors Progress for Humanity brand vision, the company aims to create shared value by scaling social impacts and building a sustainable business ecosystem, among others. This mission inspired HMCs latest CSV initiative, Hyundai Continue.

The effort aims for a sustainable future through its three core areas: Continue Earth, Continue Mobility, and Continue Hope.

Continue Earth represents Hyundai Motors desire to take care of the planet and combat climate change. The technology and advancements from Continue Mobility will democratize mobility and make it safer. Continue Hope aims to educate future generations and support the growth of talented young people, according to the automaker.
If youre a desi, by now your Instagram feed must have been inundated with the Uncle ji, mujhe paani pila dijiye and yeh buddha mere beech mei bahaut bolta hai'' reels of late. Cringe has infiltrated mainstream culture thanks to the internet. And we dont need to look far for evidence. Social media personalities Puneeth Superstar and Elvish Yadav have reached mass awareness thanks to their stints on Bigg Boss OTT 2, and it looks like it's not going anywhere.

Both aforementioned creators had their own cult followings based on the back of their supposed cringe content, however, their presence in the BB-universe is but an acknowledgement by the masses of the rapidly growing popularity, much to the chagrin of some.

Defined by its awkward, embarrassing, or socially uncomfortable nature, cringe content has managed to captivate and repel audiences in equal measure. While the American and British versions of The Office, as well as other popular sitcoms like Curb Your Enthusiasm and Parks and Recreation, used cringe-comedy to their benefit, its now become a tool in the arsenal for individual creators as well.

While some unabashedly enjoy its awkwardness, a vast majority finds it simply revolting, if not frustrating. I, for one, need my daily dose of cringe videos to knock me out of my nigh-Sisyphean days. Whether it be as a breath of fresh air or like the waft of blue cheese, it grabs my attention, a welcome distraction.

 iStock

In an age where memes and cat videos reign supreme, and internet trends keep shifting every micro-second, cringe content stands tall as a slightly odd playground of amusement. But as the online world becomes increasingly saturated with cringe content, it begs the question: Why does it receive such relentless scrutiny and disdain? And more importantly, is the widespread criticism truly justified?



The Appeal of Cringe Content

 iStock

In the labyrinthine realm of internet culture, cringe content emerges as a fascinating enigma  a realm where we are simultaneously drawn to and repelled by its ability to make us feel awkward and uncomfortable. Its allure, inherently paradoxical, requires us to dig deeper and take a look at the inner machinations of our psyche, in order to better understand it.



You Cant Escape The Schadenfreude

 iStock

Schadenfreude, a German term for pleasure derived from witnessing others misfortunes, is a fundamentally universal emotion. Cringe content can elicit a similarly peculiar sense of comfort in us as we vicariously experience anothers awkward and embarrassing moments.



In "The Joke and Its Relation to the Unconscious," the evangelist of contemporary mommy-and-daddy issues, Freud, Sigmund, posited that humour often arises from our desire to distance ourselves from the vulnerabilities we see in others. Cringe content may be enabling a brief indulgence in this strange form of humour, where the missteps of others bring solace to our own insecurities.

The Temptation of Superiority

 iStock

However, its a slippery slope, laughing at the expense of others that is. In a world that often magnifies our own insecurities, cringe content can become a breeding ground for us to project our self-assumed superiority over its creators. Its fine if you dont enjoy it, but no need to look down on it.



A lot of this projection stems from a desire to feel more poised, intelligent, or socially adept in comparison. In psychological terms, this feeling of superiority stems from a phenomenon called "upward social comparison," its where we bolster our self-esteem by contrasting ourselves favourably with others who appear less adept or skilled.

The Surreal Realm

 iStock

From days of yore, human beings have found ways to find respite from the monotony of everyday realities. Absurdism, a term coined and popularized by the James Dean of Philosophy, Albert Camus in "The Myth of Sisyphus. He talks about the innate absurdity of the human experience, and cringe, in all its forms, offers a disarming glimpse into this existential absurdity.



Whether it be in the form of ludicrous dance routines, bizarre fashion choices, or overly-melodramatic sketches, and awkward vox-pops, cringe-comedy can transport us to a realm where the boundaries of normalcy are delightfully blurred. In this theatre of the absurd, we encounter a twisted reflection of our own existence, where imperfections can be celebrated as an intrinsic part of the human condition.

Cathaharsis

 iStock

Whether it be as a snort, a chuckle or a full-blown laughing fit, humour offers a cathartic release, capable of dissipating stress and anxiety, even as we bear witness to others' most cringe-worthy moments. It is a form of psychological coping mechanism, enabling us to navigate the complexities of the human experience by finding levity in the seemingly absurd.



You Need To Go Viral, Baby!

I was at the tail-end of my teenage years when a certain Californian popstar by the name of Rebecca Black dropped a track that heralded the era of virality. The eleven-year-old track, Friday, has been viewed around 166 million times on YouTube. And despite the notoriety Black received due to it, she went home with a reported $40,000. Thats around Rs. 32 lakhs off of the song.

It signalled the rise of cringe culture. Birthing a subversive fascination with hilariously terrible performances. Social media platforms, fueled by algorithms that amplify engagement, only further incentivized cringe content for everybody. These platforms became fertile grounds for all kinds of content, but cringe content became a popular avenue for many.

Take for example, Darshan Magdum, a social-media sensation thanks to his peculiar and highly-autotuned covers of popular songs, from across genres. His first cover was 100 weeks ago, a rendition of the Jubin Nautiyal track, Raataan Lambiyan. Nearly two years later, hes built a 141K strong following on Instagram, gets major brands to not just acknowledge him, but also collaborate with him, and also continues to explore his passion for singing.

For Ishaan Ali, the brain behind the viral, Yeh buddha mere beech mei.. reel, its a means to a better life as well. He went from being too broke to afford a visit to the doctor to becoming a mini-celebrity, all thanks to the popularity he amassed on the back of his content creation.

As someone who's been doing this for roughly a decade, Ali is remarkably professional. In a conversation with Dostcast, he compared making videos to running a shop. He said he didnt feel satisfied with the day if they hadn't recorded around three to four videos at least, with that figure rising to seven on certain days. In his own words, he and his team produce thirty-five to forty videos in a month. So, any arguments of cringe content creation being an easy job remains moot.

The Dark Side of Cringe Culture

Rebecca Black was just thirteen years old when she faced the wrath of the entire internet for making Friday; at worst an annoying song. At no point should that become a free pass to cyber bully someone. As Arthur Schopenhauer cautioned in "On the Sufferings of the World," ridicule can be a potent and malicious weapon, inflicting wounds that may take years to heal.

Having said that, cringe-creators, like other creatives or artists, are not and should not be exempt from criticism either. But theres a fine line between ridicule and critique. Add to that, the class-and-caste divide evident even in the world of content, makes earnest criticism of cringe difficult. This, in turn, makes it all the more necessary for those who can, to critically discern between harmless and malicious when navigating the surreal world of online cringe content.

While cringe content may have found a comfortable spot in the vast landscape of internet culture, it is essential for content creators and consumers to navigate this realm with a sense of responsibility.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, the whole debate effectively boils down to personal preferences. While there may be certain intersections within this Venn diagram, still, what is cringe and what isnt largely still remains in the realm of subjectivity.

Whether you like it or not, cringe content is here to stay, in some shape or form. Its enduring appeal and seemingly insatiable demand call for a nuanced examination of its place in the digital world.

So the next time youre navigating the endless corridors of the internet, and stumble upon a piece of content you deem cringe, maybe humour yourself by attempting to look at it from a fresh lens? Try and peel away a few more layers and see what kind of stories stand out.

Or just keep swiping. I dont know, man. Its your life. Do what you want. Telling people what to do is so cringe.
Our company is selling wood pellets from Latvia.

We can supply up to 4 trucks monthly.

If you are interested in getting an offer please provide us with the following information:

1) What is your company name?

2) What is your target price?

3) delivery details

Looking forward to your inquiries.
The USS Boxer, one of the Navy's amphibious warships, is struggling to get to sea despite recently coming out of a maintenance period that cost the Navy $200 million and was supposed to ready the ship for the services newest fighter jet.

The Boxer was supposed to go to sea on July 21 but couldnt because of ongoing maintenance issues, Cmdr. Arlo Abrahamson, a spokesman for the Naval Surface Force, told Military.com in a statement.

The Navy did not offer details on what issues specifically kept the ship in port, citing operational security, but Abrahamson was clear that the Boxers preparation for sea trials identified additional maintenance requirements before the ship could get underway.

Read Next: How the Army's Retiring Top Enlisted Soldier Fought to Make Life Better for Troops by Being Open About Himself

The problems for the Boxer come at a time when they should be least expected -- about a year after the ship left a maintenance period that began in the summer of 2020 and cost $200 million, according to a statement from BAE systems, the contractor for the work.

The most notable upgrade was a new deck that would be able to support the new F-35B Lightning II strike fighter. However, the ship also received work on its hull as well as tank and mechanical work and other shipboard improvements, according to BAEs statement.

The ship began its service in the Navy in 1995, nearly 30 years ago.

Abrahamson confirmed that the Boxer completed this maintenance period "in mid-2022, undergoing upgrades and modernizations to the ship while other Navy statements highlighted the fact that this overhaul lasted more than two years.

After the maintenance period, the ship briefly put to sea in June 2022. Images posted online show the ship at sea with an F-35B fighter flying near the ships deck. However, it appears that's the only time the ship managed to set sail since leaving the shipyards.

Abrahamson said that after this cruise, the "Boxer executed additional maintenance requirements in preparation for its sea trial period," but those sea trials have yet to take place.

"The ship expects to begin sea trials in the near future as part of its workup cycle for deployment," Abrahamson said.

Military.com also previously reported that the Boxer had an incident on a 2016 deployment in which its sailors were ordered to dump fuel overboard. That incident resulted in fuel-contaminated drinking water and suspected health impacts for the sailors aboard.

Now, Abrahamson said that "the ship's crew remains focused on readiness and preparing for sea trials and the eventual deployment of the ship."

Editor's Note: This story was updated to remove a reference to a shipboard fire after the Navy disputed the account.

-- Konstantin Toropin can be reached at konstantin.toropin@military.com. Follow him on Twitter @ktoropin.

Related: Poisoned Water: How a Navy Ship Dumped Fuel and Sickened Its Own Crew
An Army general died when his small private plane crashed near Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland on Tuesday, according to the service.

Maj. Gen. Anthony Potts, who recently oversaw the Army's Program Executive Office for Command, Control and Communications-Tactical, or PEO C3T, died when the single-engine Piper PA-28 Cherokee airplane he was piloting crashed in Havre de Grace, Maryland. He was the only person in the craft.

It's unclear what caused the crash, and the incident was still under investigation Friday.

Read Next: The Next Frontier for Warfighters Might Be Implants in Their Brains. Is the Pentagon Ready for the Consequences?

"Maj. Gen. Potts completed over 36 years of distinguished service," Bryce Dubee, an Army spokesperson, said in a statement to Military.com. "The entire U.S. Army is grateful for his service, and we extend our deepest and most sincere condolences to the entire Potts family."

Potts, 59, led a 1,600-person team at Aberdeen Proving Ground, a research site for the service, in the development of upgraded body armor, weapons and network technology, among other efforts in the Army's move to redesign its force by next decade.

Those efforts are part of a shift from counterterrorism operations to new equipment and doctrine for conventional warfare.

Potts, a father of two, was commissioned into the Army as an aviation officer in 1987.

He served much of his early career as an AH-64 Apache pilot. His awards include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal and Air Medal with Valor.

-- Steve Beynon can be reached at Steve.Beynon@military.com. Follow him on Twitter @StevenBeynon.

Related: Bird Smashing into Cockpit Caused T-38 Trainer Crash in Mississippi
The Army and Navy are set to join the Marine Corps in being without a full-time top officer as the Senate leaves for a five-week break without finding a way to end Republican Alabama Sen. Tommy Tuberville's blockade on general and admiral promotions.

Army Chief of Staff Gen. James McConville is set to retire next week, while Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday will depart in mid-August.

The Senate began its summer recess Thursday night without confirming replacements for either officer and is not scheduled to return until Sept. 5, ensuring the Army and Navy will join the growing cadre of military services led by acting chiefs.

Read Next: The Next Frontier for Warfighters Might Be Implants in Their Brains. Is the Pentagon Ready for the Consequences?

The rare scenario is playing out because Tuberville is using a procedural tactic known as a hold to prevent quick confirmations for all general and flag officer nominees to try to force the Pentagon to reverse its recently implemented policy covering travel and leave for troops who need to get abortions.

Tuberville first placed the hold in late February, and it has since ensnared 273 nominees. And as the summer proceeds, the Joint Chiefs of Staff are increasingly feeling the pinch.

Already, the commandant of the Marine Corps retired earlier this month without his replacement being confirmed, leaving the service with an acting commandant for the first time in 164 years. Now, the Army and Navy face the same fate, and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff will leave at the end of September.

As the effects of Tuberville's hold mount, congressional Democrats and the Biden administration have issued increasingly harsh rebukes.

At a speech Thursday night at a civil rights symposium, President Joe Biden described a "growing cascade of damage and disruption" caused by Tuberville's hold.

"Military families who have already sacrificed so much, unsure of where and when they change stations, unable to get housing or start their kids in the new school because they're not there yet," Biden said. "Military spouses forced to take critical career decisions, not knowing where or if they can apply for a new job."

Tuberville, though, has shown no signs of backing down, demanding that either the Pentagon reverse the abortion travel policy or Congress enshrine it in law. In a "document that separates myths from facts" sent to reporters ahead of Biden's speech Thursday, Tuberville's office insisted the hold is "well within his rights as a senator" and "does not affect readiness, unlike the Pentagon's woke policies."

Tuberville also sent a letter to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Friday reiterating that he is "strongly opposed to this immoral policy, and believe[s] its development and implementation run afoul of legal authority granted to the executive branch."

Austin announced the policy after a Supreme Court ruling last year allowed states to ban abortion, prompting concerns that female service members who do not get to choose where they are stationed would lose access to reproductive health care. The department maintains the policy does not violate legal restrictions against the Pentagon paying for abortions because the department is not covering the procedure itself.

Members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff have legally mandated four-year terms, meaning they have to step down even if their successors aren't in place.

As happened with the Marines and as prescribed by law, the vice chiefs of the Army and Navy will take over as acting chiefs. In the Army, that's Gen. Randy George, and in the Navy, it's Adm. Lisa Franchetti.

Franchetti will be the Navys first acting chief since 1996 when Adm. Michael Boorda died in office, according to the Navy. Army officials were unsure when its last acting chief of staff was, but an Army history website lists at least one acting chief in 1972.

Both George and Franchetti are also the nominees to become the next Army chief of staff and chief of naval operations, respectively.

The White House named Franchetti, who would be the first female Navy chief and first woman on the Joint Chiefs of Staff, as Biden's pick only last week, meaning it would have been a heavy lift for the Senate to confirm her before its August recess even without Tuberville's hold.

But the effects of acting chiefs manifest in ways both small and large. The Marine commandant portrait in the Pentagon has been replaced with a black rectangle, and the official social media site X, previously known as Twitter, account has gone silent since Gen. David Berger retired as commandant.

More urgently, acting chiefs are limited in their ability to issue sweeping strategic guidance on the future of their force and don't command the authority abroad that Senate-confirmed leaders do. George and Franchetti will also need to be careful not to take steps that appear to presume they'll be confirmed.

Since Tuberville's hold only prevents the Senate from using an expedited process for confirmation, Senate Democrats could schedule individual roll call votes on each nominee when they return from break, and some senators have suggested doing so for at least the most important officers, such as the Joint Chiefs.

But Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., appeared Thursday to downplay the possibility he will schedule roll call votes on individual officers, again calling on Republicans to pressure Tuberville to relent.

"I think in August pressure is going to mount on Tuberville," Schumer said at a news conference.

Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., suggested Republican leadership should kick Tuberville off the Senate Armed Services Committee over the hold.

"If Harry Reid were alive and the leader, he would do that, plus extract some fingernails from me if I were trying something like this," Kaine told reporters Friday, referring to the former Senate Democratic leader who died in 2021. "The real end game on this is the Republican leadership is going to have to get him to back off of this, and we just got to keep the pressure on until they do."

Konstantin Toropin and Steve Beynon contributed to this report.

-- Rebecca Kheel can be reached at rebecca.kheel@military.com. Follow her on Twitter @reporterkheel.

Related: Military Spouses Deliver Petition Calling for End to Tuberville Blockade on Senior Officer Promotions
A Republican congressman from Florida has walked back his claim that the Defense Department "placed a heavy financial burden" on the family of a Marine killed in a suicide bombing during the chaotic U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Rep. Cory Mills, an Army veteran, told Fox News on Tuesday that after meeting with the families of 13 U.S. service members killed on Aug. 26, 2021, at Hamid Karzai International Airport's Abbey Gate, he learned that the family of Marine Sgt. Nicole Gee was stuck with a $60,000 bill from the Pentagon to transport her remains to Arlington National Cemetery.

But Gee's family said they were not billed by the Pentagon at all. Since the article was published, Mills issued a statement saying the family was confused in its grief, and Fox News edited its headline and story without noting a correction. On Friday, it appeared the article had been removed entirely.

Read Next: The Next Frontier for Warfighters Might Be Implants in Their Brains. Is the Pentagon Ready for the Consequences?

"We did not have to pay any bill and never had a bill presented," Christy Shamblin, Gee's mother-in-law, told Military.com on Friday via social media.

Honoring Our Fallen, a nonprofit that supports families of deceased service members -- to include help during the transfer of dignified remains, paid for Gee's remains to be transported by private flight from California to Arlington National Cemetery.

Gee, 23, deployed to aid in the evacuation and withdrawal of Afghanistan in the late summer of 2021. There, a suicide bomb attack killed a Navy corpsman, a soldier and 11 Marines, including Gee.

About a week before her death, the Department of Defense released a picture of Gee holding a baby in Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan. She posted the picture on her Instagram with the caption: "I love my job."

A day after the Fox story was published, Task & Purpose reached out to Shamblin, the Pentagon and Honoring Our Fallen. All three denied that the family was stuck with a bill or that they had requested the Pentagon pay for transportation to Arlington.

The Pentagon said it had no record of any charges.

"I reached out to Mills early yesterday to make sure I could clarify and set the details

straight," Shamblin told Military.com "I am truly very sorry, and Congressman Mills has been very supportive and helpful."

On Thursday, the day Shamblin said she reached out to the congressman, Mills released a statement acknowledging the response.

"I understand the family of Sgt. Nicole Gee was, in their time of grief, confused regarding transportation proceedings," his statement read, in part. "I am thankful that Honoring Our Fallen was able to assist the family and that the DoD was able to provide clarification on this matter."

Gee's remains were transported from Afghanistan to the U.S. in August 2021 by the government, and a memorial was held in her home state of California. Gee was then to be interred at Arlington National Cemetery, but the process for transporting her remains across the country was unclear to the family at the time, according to Shamblin.

If a family wants a service member's remains transported to another resting place, like Arlington, they would pay for that transportation up front, according to the DoD. The military would then reimburse the family for those expenses.

Mills addressed the policy in his response, saying that "no fallen servicemember's family should ever have to question whether transportation will be paid for or if they will have to pay and be reimbursed at a later date."

The details of that policy would prove moot, however.

According to Shamblin, Honoring Our Fallen stepped in before the transportation or reimbursement process began. The organization paid for a private flight for Gee's remains.

"No monies were exchanged or expected to be paid by our organization or the family," Laura Herzog, CEO of Honoring Our Fallen, told Task & Purpose on Wednesday, adding that the cost of the private flight was paid by a veteran who donated the unspecified funds in Gee's honor.

The Marine Corps stayed consistent with the policy that all costs associated with interment be borne by the government, a Pentagon spokesperson said this week.

"At this time, we have no record of any incurred charges or any pending requests for reimbursement associated with the transportation of Sgt. Gee's remains to Arlington National Cemetery," the spokesperson said in the released statement. "The Marine Corps takes very seriously the transfer of remains of our Marines -- they never leave a Marine behind, and they care for the families of their fallen Marines."

Shamblin told Military.com that the Marine Corps "has always been, and I anticipate will always be, very supportive," adding that the service reaches out often and is responsive to the family.

"At the time, I just understood we would be responsible for the cost of her transportation to Arlington," she told Military.com. "I now understand there is a reimbursement process for this."

The original Fox News story spread on social media and was used to lambaste the DoD for its apparent callousness and blame the Biden administration for its handling of the tumultuous withdrawal from Afghanistan -- and its tragic aftereffects. The story's central claim was repeated by other outlets like the Daily Mail.

The Fox News story was headlined, "Family forced to pay to ship body of Marine killed after Pentagon policy change: 'Egregious injustice,'" before it was muted with softer language.

Before the piece was apparently deleted, the first paragraph of the article was changed from saying that Mills was "sounding the alarm" about Gee's family being "forced to pay to move the body of their loved one" to read that the family secured funding from Honoring Our Fallen and that Mills was concerned they had trouble "navigating" the DoD process.

Shamblin told Military.com she reached out to the Fox News reporter and "asked for their help making sure the details were clarified."

Media relations representatives for Fox News did not respond to Military.com's repeated requests for comment asking why the article was changed without an editor's note after publication, and why it is unavailable online now. As part of journalism best practices, stories that are changed or corrected after publication are updated with an editor's note explaining the decision.

"At the time, I was just grateful for Honoring Our Fallen stepping up with a donor willing to help," Shamblin said. "I hope in the future the process of getting your loved one to Arlington after their hometown is without any upfront costs to the family."

-- Drew F. Lawrence can be reached at drew.lawrence@military.com. Follow him on Twitter @df_lawrence.

Related: After Marine's Testimony, Republicans Seek Answers from Pentagon on Bombing During Afghanistan Withdrawal
After a report revealing a deadly Osprey crash that claimed the lives of five Marines was caused by a persistent clutch issue -- a problem the Marine Corps knew about for years -- the wife of one of the pilots is questioning the service's claims of a near-perfect fix.

"How could they have a model that says this one part will fix it in 99%?" Amber Sax, the wife of Capt. John Sax, a pilot who died on the Marine Corps Osprey when it crashed into the southern California desert on June 8, 2022, asked Military.com. "How are they even mathematically certain about that?"

Amber Sax is not alone in her skepticism. Aviation experts who spoke to Military.com raised similar questions over what appears to be an extraordinary claim about the safety of the primary assault support aircraft for the Marine Corps, as well as an aircraft used by the Air Force and Navy.

Read Next: The Next Frontier for Warfighters Might Be Implants in Their Brains. Is the Pentagon Ready for the Consequences?

But the program manager of the V-22 program, Col. Brian Taylor, defended the model in an exclusive interview and said that, while officials can't identify why hard clutch engagements are happening, he's confident in the research the military has done to mitigate future incidents.

The fix Sax is referring to is a part swap aimed at stopping a hard clutch engagement, often referred to as HCE. It's an issue with the Osprey's complex web of clutches and linkages that, when encountered, shreds the components responsible for powering the aircraft's propellers.

The Marine Corps revealed last August that the issue has plagued the Osprey platform for years, with 15 mishaps.

The five Marines who took off on a training flight June 8, 2022, died when their Osprey suffered a catastrophic clutch issue, the Marine Corps revealed in an investigation report last week. They were the first known casualties of a hard clutch engagement. According to the documents included in the report on the crash, the crew was among the best the Corps had to offer.

The part being replaced is known as the input quill assembly. The news of the part replacement was first announced in February, but last week's release of the investigation into the downing of Swift 11 -- the call sign for the Osprey that crashed in June 2022 -- revealed that HCE likely happens after 800 hours of flight.

But what is actually causing the hard clutch engagements to occur remains elusive for military officials, though they've claimed to have identified some potential issues.

Despite no clear understanding of what causes the problem, the office that runs the Osprey program for the Pentagon claimed in a statement released last week that, "through a combination of efforts, including the recent input quill assembly replacement bulletin in February 2023, the risk of a HCE event occurring was reduced by greater than 99%."

Amber Sax, who has a graduate degree in analytics, said she questioned the Marine Corps about the figure at the briefing held for the families last week ahead of the report's public release.

"They told me they didn't have the exact model figures or details in front of them," she said. "You'd think if they were releasing that level of optimism to the press, they'd want to share that with the families."

Aviation experts, such as Ron Alvarado, a retired Marine Corps aviator and consultant with Aero Consulting Experts, told Military.com that the claim of a fix, while still not having identified the underlying problem, raises questions. He chalks it up to being another problem with an aircraft that's had a tumultuous time in service.

"It sounds like it's either semantics or they just used the wrong language," Alvarado told Military.com. "This has always been a very controversial aircraft, and this does not surprise me that a problem like this is occurring."

Taylor, the head of the office that manages the V-22 Osprey aircraft for the Marine Corps, Air Force and Navy, said that much of the military's confidence in the effectiveness of the replacement part comes from an uptick in HCE incidents in the fall of 2022.

"Once we had added the additional data points that we gathered last fall, we really got a good indication in this Weibull model that we're looking at a 'wear-out mode,'" he said, referring to the wearing out of the input quills, during a phone interview Thursday.

Taylor said the Weibull is a mathematical model that is "a statistically recognized industry standard for mechanical systems." The Weibull distribution model is a probability distribution used to determine failure rates.

"Once we had the data to substantiate that, we moved very quickly on the implementation of the life limit," Taylor said, referring to the amount of estimated time before the input quills begin to malfunction.

However, all of the data Taylor referenced was from 16 incidents -- 15 of which have already been publicly disclosed. Its not clear how, from those 16 incidents, the Marine Corps came to its 99% risk mitigation calculation.

Sax said she asked Marine Corps officials how many additional clutch mishaps happened between August and February to perfect the model.

"They wouldn't answer me," she said.

Marine leaders quoted in the July 21 crash report and Taylor both acknowledged that the true cause of the issue remains unknown.

"We have a good understanding of what happens and where it happens, and it happens inside of the input quill," Taylor said. "The piece that we're missing, really, is just the initiating events ... that's the part that we're continuing to look for."

Taylor said that they continue to follow the data and are still working to get to the bottom of the issue.

"I will tell you that all of these hard clutch engagement events have been a call to action for me and this entire program team to better understand this particular issue," Taylor said. "This is a process, and this process is ongoing at Naval Air Systems Command to ensure all of our systems are as safe as possible."

Alvarado, adding to Taylor's observation, told Military.com that the services can't stop flying the V-22. The aircraft are needed for missions, so it's clear efforts have to be focused on risk mitigation, even if the overarching problem has not yet been identified.

"Nobody wants to lose Marines, nobody wants to lose airmen," Alvarado told Military.com. "In order for these to fly, they've got to do some type of risk management and risk assessments. ... They want to keep them flying, keep them safe and keep the Marine safe, but at the same time they can't keep these things on the ground."

Meanwhile, Sax still has serious doubts about what the 99% figure really means.

"I think they got to the bottom of the input quill degradation but not HCE," she said. "It's likely not just a single part failure, but a combination of many things."

Air Force Special Operations Command, which also flies the Osprey, told Military.com that it is "confident in the mitigation measures put in place and CV-22s remain ready and able to support operations around the globe as needed."

Notably, last August, AFSOC made a decision -- independent of the Marine Corps -- to ground its Ospreys as the hard clutch engagement issue was being investigated. The day after the Air Force's stand-down, the Marine Corps said it would continue to fly the aircraft.

But now, when asked by Military.com whether it would again consider standing down aircraft like a year ago, AFSOC spokeswoman Lt. Col. Rebecca Heyse said the command is committed to "following the data" and will coordinate with the Joint Program Office.

Heyse told Military.com that they are taking steps to alleviate any concerns airmen have over the platform.

"In coordination with the JPO, we conducted town halls with all CV-22 aircrew this week to inform them of the results of the USMC investigation and answer any questions they had about the ongoing efforts to identify the cause of HCE," Heyse said.

Meanwhile, Japan, which began flying the aircraft in 2020, grounded its fleet of 14 Ospreys a day after the crash report was released, Stars and Stripes reported. The country, which is the first outside the U.S. to fly the aircraft, also grounded its fleet after the Air Force did so back in August 2022.

Sax and other families of the Swift 11 crash victims now say they want answers, but that desire is tempered by the understanding of the crucial role the Osprey plays for the Corps.

"John loved being a Marine, and he loved flying the Osprey. If he were with us today, he would still be flying them. The Marine, aviation and Osprey communities became our second families throughout our marriage," Sax said. "My quest for more information is fueled by the earnest desire to safeguard that family."

Kelsie Hancock, a reservist Marine and fiancee of pilot Capt. Nicholas Losapio, who died in the Swift 11 crash, said in a recent Instagram post that she loves the Osprey but that she's "determined to fight with everything I've got to make sure we don't have another mishap like we did on June 8, 2022."

Sax has also hired an aviation attorney, Timothy Loranger, and his team to look into the clutch issue and the crash of Swift 11.

"Loranger and his team ... are combing over the military's report to try to find additional answers, including reviewing past hard clutch engagement investigations," she said.

She said she hopes that will apply pressure to developer Bell-Boeing and the manufacturers to find the root cause -- and some answers.

"This type of unrecoverable, catastrophic failure can't happen again," Sax said.

-- Konstantin Toropin can be reached at konstantin.toropin@military.com. Follow him on Twitter @ktoropin.

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

Related: A Mysterious Osprey Clutch Issue Caused the Deaths of 5 Marines. But V-22s Remain Flying.
NIAMEY, Niger  Mutinous soldiers who staged a coup in Niger declared their leader the new head of state on Friday, hours after the general asked for national and international support despite rising concerns that the political crisis could hinder the nations fight against jihadists and boost Russias influence in West Africa.

Spokesman Col. Maj. Amadou Abdramane said on state television that the constitution was suspended and Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani was in charge.

Various factions of Nigers military have reportedly wrangled for control since members of the presidential guard detained President Mohamed Bazoum, who was elected two years ago in Nigers first peaceful, democratic transfer of power since independence from France.

Niger is seen as the last reliable partner for the West in efforts to battle jihadists linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group in Africas Sahel region, where Russia and Western countries have vied for influence in the fight against extremism. France has 1,500 soldiers in the country who conduct joint operations with the Nigeriens, and the United States and other European countries have helped train the nation's troops.

The coup sparked international condemnation and the West African regional group ECOWAS, which includes Niger and has taken the lead in trying to restore democratic rule in the country, scheduled an emergency summit in the Nigerian capital, Abuja, on Sunday.

The U.N. Security Council, which is charged with ensuring international peace and security, held emergency closed consultations Friday morning.

Britain's deputy U.N. ambassador James Kariuki, who chaired the meeting, told reporters afterward that all 15 members condemned the military's action and expressed the need to restore constitutional democracy." He said an official council statement is expected. Russia is a veto-wielding member.

Extremists in Niger have carried out attacks on civilians and military personnel, but the overall security situation is not as dire as in neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso  both of which have ousted the French military. Mali has turned to the Russian private military group Wagner, and its believed that the mercenaries will soon be in Burkina Faso.

Now there are concerns that Niger could follow suit. Before the coup, Wagner, which has sent mercenaries around the world in support of Russias interests, already had its sights set on Niger, in part because its a large producer of uranium.

We can no longer continue with the same approaches proposed so far, at the risk of witnessing the gradual and inevitable demise of our country, Tchiani, who also goes by Omar Tchiani, said in his address. "That is why we decided to intervene and take responsibility.

I ask the technical and financial partners who are friends of Niger to understand the specific situation of our country in order to provide it with all the support necessary to enable it to meet the challenges, he said.

If the United States designates the takeover as a coup, Niger stands to lose millions of dollars of military aid and assistance.

The mutinous soldiers, who call themselves the National Council for the Safeguarding of the Country, accused some prominent dignitaries of collaborating with foreign embassies to extract the deposed leaders. They said it could lead to violence and warned against foreign military intervention.

Bazoum has not resigned and he defiantly tweeted from detention on Thursday that democracy would prevail.

It's not clear who enjoys majority support, but the streets of the capital of Niamey were calm Friday, with a slight celebratory air. Some cars honked in solidarity at security forces as they drove by  but it was not clear if that meant they backed the coup. Elsewhere, people rested after traditional midday prayers and others sold goods at their shops and hoped for calm.

We should pray to God to help people come together so that peace comes back to the country. We dont want a lot of protests in the country, because it is not good ... I hope this administration does a good job, said Gerard Sassou, a Niamey shopkeeper.

A day earlier, several hundred people gathered in the city chanting support for Wagner while waving Russian flags. Were fed up, said Omar Issaka, one of the protestors. We are tired of being targeted by the men in the bush. ... Were going to collaborate with Russia now.

That's exactly what many in the West likely fear. Tchianis criticism of Bazoums approach and of how security partnerships have worked in the past will certainly make the U.S., France, and the EU uneasy, said Andrew Lebovich, a research fellow with the Clingendael Institute.

So that could mark potentially some shifts moving forward in Niger security partnerships, he said.

Even as Tchiani sought to project control, the situation appeared to be in flux. A delegation from neighboring Nigeria, which holds the ECOWAS presidency and was hoping to mediate, left shortly after arriving, and the president of Benin, nominated as a mediator by ECOWAS, has not arrived.

Earlier, an analyst who had spoken with participants in the talks said the presidential guard was negotiating with the army about who should be in charge. The analyst spoke on condition they not to be named because of the sensitive situation.

A western military official in Niger who was not authorized to speak to the media also said the military factions were believed to be negotiating, but that the situation remained tense and violence could erupt.

Speaking in Papua New Guinea, French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the coup as completely illegitimate and profoundly dangerous for the Nigeriens, Niger and the whole region.

The coup threatens to starkly reshape the international communitys engagement with the Sahel region.

On Thursday, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris said the country's substantial cooperation with the Government of Niger is contingent on Nigers continued commitment to democratic standards."

The United States in early 2021 said it had provided Niger with more than $500 million in military assistance and training programs since 2012, one of the largest such support programs in sub-Saharan Africa. The European Union earlier this year launched a 27 million-euro ($30 million) military training mission in Niger.

The United States has more than 1,000 service personnel in the country.

Some military leaders who appear to be involved in the coup have worked closely with the United States for years. Gen. Moussa Salaou Barmou, the head of Nigers special forces, has an especially strong relationship with the U.S., the Western military official said.

While Russia has also condemned the coup, it remains unclear what the juntas position would be on Wagner.

The acting head of the United Nations in Niger said Friday that humanitarian aid deliveries were continuing, even though the military suspended flights carrying aid.

Nicole Kouassi, the acting U.N. resident and humanitarian coordinator, told reporters via video from Niamey that 4.3 million people needed humanitarian aid before this weeks military action and 3.3 million faced acute food insecurity, the majority of them women and children.

Jean-Noel Gentile, the U.N. World Food Program director in Niger, said the humanitarian response continues on the ground. He said the U.N. is providing cash assistance and food to people in accessible areas and that the agency is continuously assessing the situation to ensure security and access.

This is Nigers fifth coup and marks the fall of one of the last democratically elected governments in the Sahel.

Its army has always been very powerful and civilian-military relations fraught, though tensions had increased recently, especially with the growing jihadist insurgency, said Karim Manuel, an analyst for the Middle East and Africa with the Economist Intelligence Unit.

___

Associated Press reporters John Leicester in Paris; Chinedu Asadu in Abuja, Nigeria; and Edith M. Lederer at the United Nations in New York contributed to this report.
The Yankees announced Friday that theyve reinstated reigning American League MVP Aaron Judge from the 10-day injured list. Infielder Oswald Peraza was optioned to Triple-A in a corresponding move.

A toe injury has kept Judge out of the lineup since June 3, and details surrounding his potential return have been somewhat vague. Manager Aaron Boone said earlier this week that its possible Judge could return for the Yankees weekend series against the division-leading Orioles, and it appears hell be active for all three of those critical games.

Judge, 31, has once again been outstanding in 2023, hitting .291/.404/.674 with 19 home runs in just 213 plate appearances. Hes been sorely missed in a Yankees lineup that is devoid of other notable offensive threats; since Judge landed on the injured list, the Yankees have batted just .220/.296/.374 as a team. Their 163 runs scored in that time rank 29th in the Majors, leading only the Royals. They went 19-23 with Judge on the injured list.

At least initially, Judge will split his time between right field and designated hitter, tweets Greg Joyce of the New York Post. The Yankees will understandably ease him back into the outfield alongside Harrison Bader and whichever of Jake Bauers, Billy McKinney or Greg Allen is in left field on a given day. Willie Calhoun was designated for assignment earlier this morning. Stanton has already been playing a fair bit of right field but could see an uptick in outfield reps, given Judges occasional rest days at designated hitter.

The Yankees currently sit two and a half games out of a Wild Card spot, and much has been made about their status leading up to Tuesdays trade deadline. Judges return will push them closer to full strength as the front office makes its final decisions on how to proceed with the roster. The Posts Jon Heyman reported this week that the Yankees would target an outfielder and reliever if they didnt slip too far in the standings, but theyll face a tough task against Baltimore this weekend.
MENOMINEE COUNTY, MI  A Florida man led police on high-speed chase through multiple Upper Peninsula counties before being arrested.

According to the Menominee County Sheriffs Office, the chase began on U.S. 2 in Dickinson County at approximately 7:55 p.m. on July 26.

The Dickinson County Sheriffs Office had requested the use of stop stick as the suspect, a 53-year-old man, was approaching the Menominee County line.

The suspect avoided several sets of stop sticks and entered Menominee County going more than 80 miles per hour just after 8 p.m. The pursuit continued on the highway and several county roads until coming to a close on a two-track in Nadeau Township.

The suspect was taken into custody after the 35-mile pursuit, deputies said. There were no injuries.

The suspect has been charged with fleeing and eluding and lodged in the Menominee County Jail.

The Iron Mountain Police Department, Michigan State Police and Hannahville Tribal Police Department also assisted in the pursuit.

READ MORE:

Man, 58, dies after crashing dirt bike in Northern Michigan

Woman, 24, charged with murder of woman outside Livonia party store

1 dead, 1 injured after motorcycle hits truck at Northern Michigan gas station
PONTIAC, MI -- The eerie, monotone, hopeless voice of Michigan school shooter Ethan Crumbley played over speakers in the packed courtroom.

Now 17, Crumbley recorded a 15-minute monologue of himself speaking at 10:05 p.m. on the eve of the Nov. 30, 2021 Oxford High School shooting that left four classmates dead.

The audio was played during a pre-sentencing hearing that will determine if the convicted, mass-murdering teen will one day die in prison.

My name is Ethan Crumbley, age 15, and Im the next school shooter, the recording opened.

Twenty months later, he sat at the defense table in a courtroom between two attorneys with his head slumped, wearing an orange Oakland County Jail uniform. He expressed no emotion while listening to his own cryptic words.

Ive always been fascinated by guns, he said in the recording, before discussing his crumbled life plan to become a Navy Seal or Army Ranger.

I kept lying to myself that there was something out there for me. That there was something that was going to make me happy, Crumbley said. But its bullshit.

A year prior to the Nov. 30, 2021 shooting, Crumbley said he was still focused on a career in the military.

Then I realized thats not going to work out,, Crumbley said. The future, through the eyes of the kid who made that video, was grim.

He spoke about suicidal military veterans and schools brainwashing and teaching a working class into this world. Those who strive for higher education find themselves in debt and working useless jobs, he said. There is no Heaven, there is no God, there is no Satan, there is no Hell, but the world is Hell in its own way.

The ramblings turned to the upcoming shooting.

Unfortunately, the people that I kill ... Im sorry that their families have to go through this, but its for the right of humanity, Crumbley said. Democrats and Republicans want to fight, fight, fight, and people are going to keep on taking sides and sides and sides ... It is just leading to a collapse.

He referred to the period of time between 1820 to 1980 as the Golden Ages of humanity, when large countries knew that they could cooperate and live together.

Now people are just taking that away, Crumbley said in the recording. What Im doing is an act to show that people are taking it away and Im trying to preserve it and show that no one is safe, no matter how hard they work.

Your protests arent going to do anything. Theyre just words, not actions.

Related: Oxford High killer wanted to shoot pretty girls in back of their heads, his journal said

He talked about emerging from a bathroom with a black jacket on and firing a bullet into somebodys skull.

I will open fire on everyone in that hallway ... " Crumbley said. Im going to try and get as many people as I can and then I will reload and I will find people hiding and Im going to teach them a lesson on how theyre alone, on how theyre being brainwashed.

Crumbley acknowledged he would likely spend the rest of his life in prison.

Even though I am going to kill people, I do not want to die, he said. I realize how valuable life is ... I broke the code of whats happening. I realize what is actually happening and these people dont have the capabilities of understanding it.

Im going to teach the entire nation and the world whats happening and how were on the brink of downfall.

Related: Rushing past victims is the most difficult thing, detective says at hearing for Michigan school shooter

Crumbley is heard discussing the gun his father purchased him days prior that he planned to use in the shooting. He had three 15-bullet magazines.

I cant take it anymore, I am broke, he said. I fought it for years, lying to myself over and over again, but its taught me the truth.

Theres no voices in my head. The voices are me.

He called the voice that was taking over the thing that other people call the demons.

I am the demon, he said. You are the demon. There is a demon and everyone has the voice. The demon will take over.

Crumbley forecast a miserable future for himself if he kept heading down the same path.

I have the chance to teach the world to become a better place and I have to take that chance, Crubmley said. Ive missed many opportunities in my life and Im not missing this one.

He closed with a message to his parents, Jennifer and James Crumbley, who are each jailed themselves, facing four counts of involuntary manslaughter for the lives their son took with the gun they bought him.

Im sorry for not obeying you, Mom and Dad, Crumbley said. You have trust in me. I made sure you had trust in me ... but you should know its for a cause.

Oakland County Judge Kwame Rowe listened to the recording as part of evidence entered in a Miller hearing that is scheduled to continue Friday, July 28.

Rowe is being asked to determine if Crumbley can be sentenced to life in prison.

Other testimony at the hearing came from three Oakland County Sheriffs Office deputies who responded after the shooting, and a teacher who was shot by Crumbley before barricading her classroom with students.

More on MLive:

Rushing past victims is the most difficult thing, detective says at hearing for Michigan school shooter

Oxford High killer wanted to shoot pretty girls in back of their heads, his journal said

Oxford High shooters parents have been in jail 600 days. Is $500K bond excessive?

Judge wont eliminate possibility of life prison sentence for Oxford High School shooter
PONTIAC, MI -- The day seemed ordinary. Then she saw the gun.

Just before 12:50 p.m. on Nov. 30, 2021 at Oxford High School in Michigan, Heidi Allen, didnt know it at the time, but her life was about to change forever.

Amid the chaos and confusion that erupted when troubled 15-year-old Ethan Crumbley opened fire inside Oxford High School, she acted quickly, calmly and compassionately -- and potentially saved a wounded classmates life.

In a boys bathroom, another student, then-freshman Keegan Gregory, hid in a stall atop a toilet texting his father in real time as gunshots rang out in the distance. They got closer.

Related: Haunting words of Michigan school shooter: I am the demon

The bathroom door opened about 12:50 p.m.

Hes in the bathroom, Gregory texted.

Both students shared their harrowing stories from the witness stand in an Oakland County courtroom during the second day of a sentencing hearing for the now-17-year-old shooter.

Crumbley faces possible life in prison after pleading guilty in October to 24 crimes, including four counts of first-degree murder, for the killings of Madisyn Baldwin, 17, Tate Myre, 16, Hana St. Juliana, 14, and Justin Shilling, 17.

I asked her if she knew who God was

Heidi Allen, a 17-year-old Oxford High School senior, was a 15-year-old sophomore at the time.

She dropped her books, phone and other personal items at her fifth-hour math class and went to use the bathroom between classes.

As she approached the bathroom, 15-year-old sophomore Ethan Crumbley walked out of the nearby boys bathroom. He wore all black with a hat and mask, but she recognized him. It was the quiet kid shed known since middle school. Theyd only ever spoken once or twice, never socialized, she testified.

Allen saw the gun at his side but couldnt process what was happening, until he raised it and pulled the trigger.

There was a pause and everything slowed down for me, Allen said. It was all very slow motion.

She instinctually dropped to the floor.

I just prayed and I covered my head because I didnt know if those were my last moments, Allen testified.

There were more gunshots that she described as very loud, like a balloon popping, or like a locker slamming.

Behind the darkness of her eyelids, Allen remembers Crumbley walking or running by her. She could feel it.

Related: Oxford High killer wanted to shoot pretty girls in back of their heads, his journal said

There was a pause and silence. The shooter was gone. Allen testified that she opened her eyes and saw a girl. The girl started to cry. Other shooting victims were nearby, unresponsive on the hallway floor.

A lockdown announcement came over the loudspeaker. Classroom doors shut -- and locked.

Allen picked up the crying girl, who she later learned was 14-year-old freshman Phoebe Arthur. They were looking for a place to hide and found an empty classroom. The teacher had a prep hour, Allen said. They entered.

Allen used a door barricading device that all classrooms at the school are equipped with. Shed learned how to use it during a drill the prior month. Once locked safely inside they went to the middle of the room.

I asked her where she had been shot, Allen testified. Arthur didnt know, but her arm hurt and there was blood was everywhere.

Arthur removed her sweatshirt. There was a bullet hole in her chest, another injury to her neck. She had blood on a protective mask students were required to wear at the time due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Allen immediately placed a sweatshirt to the chest wound and applied pressure.

I asked her if she knew who God was, Allen testified. She had said, not really. I said I think Im supposed to be here right now, because theres no other reason that Im completely untouched.

They took turns calling parents. Allen reassured Arthurs mother that her daughter would be OK, even though she admits now that she she didnt know that for sure. Eventually police arrived and they rolled Arthur, who could no longer walk, out of the room on swivel chair to receive medial help.

Arthur survived. She was released from the hospital a week later.

Text messages Oxford High School freshman Keegan Gregory sent to family during the Nov. 30, 2021 school shooting were shown at Ethan Crumbley's presentence hearing on July 28, 2021.

I just watched him kill someone

Keegan Gregory had just finished lunch and walked into the bathroom with a couple minutes to spare before fifth hour. He heard gunshots.

Gregory briefly walked into the hallway. There was screaming and yelling, so he reentered the bathroom.

I was in shock, he said. I did not want to believe what was happening.

He wasnt alone the bathroom. Justin Shilling, a 17-year-old senior, waved him over to to one of the stalls. Gregory knew Shilling as one of the nice upperclassmen who helped welcome incoming freshman to the high school as part of a mentoring program. Shilling shared Smarties candies with him, he remembered.

Shilling told Gregory to get on top of a toilet and squat so his feet couldnt be seen from outside the stall. Shilling positioned himself in the corner. They didnt talk but had their phones out.

Gregory sent messages to the fam, a chat group on his phone that included his father.

Im hiding in the bathroom, Oh, my God, Help, Mom, Gregory texted in quick succession. Theyre here ... right outside the bathroom.

Gregorys father instructed him: Stay down, quiet and calm.

At 12:54 p.m. the door opened. There were footsteps. Hes in the bathroom, Gregory texted.

Stay down and dont move, or engage, Gregorys father replied. We lovey you.

Crumbley realized there was someone hiding in the stall. He kicked in the door.

He just stared for a second and then walked out, Gregory testified, but Crumbley didnt leave the bathroom. Justin used his cell phone camera like a periscope and mouthed to Gregory: Hes still there.

Gregory texted his family: He saw us. Im with one other person ... Hes standing here. I see the gun. Oh, my God.

Crumbley returned to the stall. He told me to stay put and for Justin to come out of the stall with him ... It was quiet for a second and then I heard a shot.

Crumbley came back to the stall. He tells me to come out with him, Gregory testified. Gregory saw Shillings body on the ground in a pool of blood.

When I saw his body, I realized if I stayed I was going to die, Gregory said in court. He took his chance, darting behind Crumbleys back out the door into the hallway, passing bodies as he wove through the school, hoping that if Crumbley was giving chase, hed lose him.

A detective who later reviewed surveillance video of the shooting from the school previously testified that Gregory was running so fast that he showed up blurry in the footage.

Gregory made it safely to the office and was escorted outside. He remained in shock for weeks. One day, he saw a social media post about Shillings death and broke down.

A reminder of the day sticks with Gregory in the form of a tattoo he had inked on his arm. Its the date of the shooting in Roman numerals next to four hearts for the lives lost, Gregory testified. One of the hearts is colored in red. It has a halo for Justin.

If he didnt die in there, Gregory said, then Id be dead right now.

Crumbleys presentence hearing to determine if he will spend the remainder of his life in prison began Thursday and continued with more testimony on Friday.

More on MLive:

Haunting words of Michigan school shooter: I am the demon

Oxford High killer wanted to shoot pretty girls in back of their heads, his journal said

Rushing past victims is the most difficult thing, detective says at hearing for Michigan school shooter
ANN ARBOR, MI - Tom Jensen could think of no better way to commemorate his 1,000th-straight day of walking at least 10 miles than to revisit many of the schools he loved and held fond memories of as an Ann Arbor Public Schools student.

Realizing he was going to be in Ann Arbor for the 1,000-day milestone, the Chapel Hill, North Carolina, resident mapped out one of his most ambitious walks yet: Visit all 32 Ann Arbor Public Schools buildings in a single day.
ANN ARBOR, MI -- A popular breakfast sandwich restaurant known for operating out of a walk-up window in Detroit is expanding into Ann Arbor.

Iggys Eggies recently announced it will be opening its second Michigan location in the former Salads UP at 611 E. Liberty St.

Salads UP opened on East Liberty Street in 2014 and was known for bringing a variety of salad options to downtown Ann Arbor. Salads UP did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding when it officially closed.

Related: Salads UP restaurant opens Tuesday in downtown Ann Arbor

Owner of Iggys Eggies, Eli Boyer, hopes to open his new location as soon as possible either later in 2023 or early 2024. He said the business plans to expand the locations kitchen, but everything is in the planning process right now.

This expansion of Iggys is only the beginning, Boyer said, adding he hopes the restaurant can add more locations in other high density cities across the state.

We just think its a very fertile ground for a business like ours, he said. With this being our second location ... I couldnt think of a better place to do it.

Iggy's Eggies at its original location at 34 W. Grand River Ave. in Detroit.

Iggys Eggies began in December 2018 and is known for offering build-your-own jammy-yolk egg sandwiches, burgers, hashbrowns, hand-cut fries and fresh squeezed orange juice. Boyer is a University of Michigan alum and said his love for Ann Arbor has always made him want to open a business in the area.

My favorite thing about Iggys is that you just never know whos gonna be in line ... which is not something you see in most restaurants anymore, he said. Im hoping that we can kind of cultivate the same kind of thing wherever we are and represent diverse towns like Ann Arbor.

Boyer said Iggys will bring affordable, fast and fresh breakfast and brunch options while making sure there is something for everybody. He said the approachable business makes it easy for someone to get breakfast and a drink for under $10.

The Ann Arbor business will not operate out of a walk-up window like its Detroit location. Instead, the new spot will feature a small space to place pick-up orders and will include casual seating options.

As Iggys prepares for its expansion, Boyer said he is excited to bring his restaurant to Ann Arbor as soon as possible.

My hope is that when people come and check out Iggys they recognize ... (we make menu items) fresh, source ingredients the right way and the way we do our eggs and our special sauce really sets it apart from other other egg sandwiches that youve had, he said.

Find Iggys Eggies online or on social media.

Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Ann Arbor daily newsletter.

More from The Ann Arbor News:

Peoples Food Co-Op in Ann Arbor reopens cafe after 3-year hiatus

Whats that? New boutique, nail services available in Ann Arbor

Monahans Seafood in Ann Arbor is changing ownership after 40 years
ANN ARBOR, MI  A nonprofit founded by the mother of a young cancer survivor brightened the day of every patient at Ann Arbors C.S. Mott Childrens Hospital on Thursday.

The Bottomless Toy Chest, which is responsible for a monthly round of toy giveaways across Motts pediatric oncology ward, hosted its annual Toytacular on July 27, handing out gifts ranging from stuffed animals to Bluetooth speakers and Barbie dolls.

With the hospital at full capacity, about 280 patients received a toy.

Founder Mickey Guisewite started the organization in 2008 after her son Jack successfully completed cancer treatment at Childrens Hospital of Michigan in Troy. She was inspired by the positive memories that donated gifts created during her sons treatment, and set out to spread the same joy others grappling with the challenges of treatment.

We saw what a difference that those toys made in Jacks life, and also met a lot of families that were just so emotionally and sometimes financially tapped that getting a toy or anything extra wasnt really a possibility, Guisewite said.

C.S. Mott Childrens Hospital was one of the first partners for the program outside Detroit. Today, the program serves 25 hospitals in 13 states.

Everybody loves a visit from the Toy Chest, Guisewite said. On day filled with anxiety and unpleasant things happening, the Toy Chest is here to bring comfort, joy and hope, and emotional support.

The volunteer-based organization collects donations directly via its website and through local organizations. Staff draws inspiration from the young patients they meet along the way, Guisewite said.

One time a couple of years ago when we were doing our monthly delivery, a young boy popped his head out of his room and said, Here comes the cart of joy! So now we have little signs on our carts that say that.

Young patients on each floor of the hospital were paid a visit by the Cart of Joy loaded with a selection of toys, games and other gifts from Bottomless Toy Chests Troy-based warehouse. To Guisewite, its important to present each child with a variety of choices and let them pick out a toy of their own.

Luanne Thomas Ewald, chief operating officer for C.S. Mott Childrens Hospital and Von Voigtlander Womens Hospital, was on hand Thursday to help hand out toys and greet patients alongside the hospitals staff of Child Life Specialists, who work one-on-one with patients and their families every day to help make hospital visits more pleasant.

(Bottomless Toy Chest) helps us bring joy to our patients every single month, but this is the big day, she said. We want to help them get their mind off of why theyre here in the middle of July - we try to bring some of that summer fun into the hospital.

Those who would like to contribute to Bottomless Toy Chest can donate via a fundraiser, toy drive or online wishlist, or make monetary donations via the website.

More from MLive/The Ann Arbor News:

C.S. Mott Childrens Hospital is top childrens hospital in Michigan, rankings say

Splash pad coming to Ann Arbor park with $1M boost from state

New birthing rooms coming with $5.7M expansion at Michigan Medicine

Caped Crusader: Superhero costumes give 5-year-old courage in battle with kidney cancer
GRAND RAPIDS MI - A unique book club straying from the traditional monthly deadlines and group discussions is growing in popularity in the Grand Rapids area.

Silent Book Club is coined as a global community of readers and introverts, representing over 300 chapters worldwide led by volunteers. Members gather in person and online to read together in quiet camaraderie, according to the main website.

The national organization started in 2012 with Guinevere de la Mare and Laura Gluhanich at a hotel bar in San Francisco. Kara Murphy, the current Grand Rapids chapter leader and friend of the founders, kicked off her first meeting in 2018.

Kara Murphy told MLive/The Grand Rapids Press she just started being consistent with the monthly meetings this year due to a 2019 cancer diagnosis and the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic through 2021.

This year is where things really took off, Murphy said. And so I always recommend people, If you want anything to workout, you need to be consistent. Now that I am healthy, theres no reason not to have monthly meetups.

The chapters July 18 event in Comstock Park saw over 50 bookworms at Bier Distillery & Brewery, a significant increase from Februarys modest group of eight readers.

Murphy said she believes the increase in attendance is due to an Instagram reel about Silent Book Club that went viral in early July. Soon, readers were flocking to Facebook to try and find a chapter near them.

She said one of the founders Laura Gluhanich called her up one day and informed her there still wasnt a chapter in the Grand Rapids area. Now, there is a chapter on every continent, except for Antarctica, Murphy said.

The beauty of Silent Book Club is you bring whatever youre reading, and you can be anywhere in the book, she said. You can either read in silence or you can talk to other people. Thats why we call it the Introvert Happy Hour because you dont need to be on the whole time and feel pressured to be social constantly, but you can be in the company of other people.

The free monthly book club usually meets every third Wednesday from 6 - 8:30 p.m. Readers and introverts alike can either participate in a roundtable discussion where they can introduce themselves and talk about the book theyre reading, or retreat to a cozy corner to read in silence with a refreshing drink or bite to eat.

The chapters latest event saw over 50 people at Bier Distillery & Brewery in Comstock Park on Tuesday, July 18, a jump from Februarys modest group of eight readers. (Photo provided to MLive by Kara Murphy)

Murphy said she had the first meeting this year at The Space, a small co-working space at 1119 Burton St. SE #100. From there, she hosted the book club at Cafe Boba in Kentwood, The Stray Music and Arts Cafe and the Little Space Studio, both on Division Ave. SE.

What people want is to check out different breweries and different venues around Grand Rapids, Murphy said. So, I am honoring that by asking people for suggestions in our Facebook community forum.

She said that when she contacted Bier Distillery & Brewery, she told them she excepted about 15 people to show up. The brewery reserved the upstairs mezzanine just to be sure, Murphy said.

In the fall, Murphy said she wants to move to offering two monthly meetups. But the challenge, she said, is finding a big enough venue to accommodate the growing book club.

I wonder if people will naturally break into their own groups and then decide to meet, she said. I dont know where it will end up going, but I am going to do my best to keep the whole vibe and community standards intact. I like giving people a voice because I may be the chapter organizer, but this is everyones group and I want everyone to get something out of it.

The next meeting for the Grand Rapids chapter is scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 23, from 6 - 8:45 p.m., at Archival Brewing, 6266 West River Dr. NE in Belmont.

Organizers encourage shyer individuals to arrive 15 minutes earlier to grab a cozy spot.

Visit the chapters Facebook page to learn more.

Want more Grand Rapids-area news? Bookmark the local Grand Rapids news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Grand Rapids daily newsletter.

Read more:

Snoop Dogg iced out by Grand Rapids jeweler with $10K custom chain after concert

2023 Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival ultimate guide: Live music, ship tours on deck

See dragon boat races along Grand River at the 2023 Global Water Fest in Grand Rapids
JACKSON COUNTY, MI -- Two weak tornadoes happened just minutes apart and in nearly the same area of southern Michigan during storms Wednesday, July 26, the National Weather Service confirmed.

Both of the tornadoes happened near Stockbridge, about 22 miles northeast of Jackson. The area is in northeast Jackson County.

National Weather Service staff in Grand Rapids said the first tornado, classified as an EF-0, started at 2:39 p.m. about 4.5 miles southwest of Stockbridge. It ended about 2:43 p.m.

The tornado had an estimated peak wind speed of 80 mph, traveled about 1.5 miles and had a width of about 150 yards.

The tornado touched down east of Fitchburg Road and south of Baseline Road. The damage consisted of some uprooted trees and minor roof damage to homes on Musbach Road. The tornado lifted near Dewey Road, NWS staff said.

Related: Homeowner south of Jackson hears boom as storm destroys sunroom

The second tornado happened at 2:47 p.m. about 2.4 miles south of Stockbridge.

With an estimated peak wind of 70 mph, the tornado traveled about two miles with a width of 50 to 100 yards. It ended at 2:51 p.m.

NWS staff said the tornado touched down just north of Whitehead Lake and south of Territorial Road. It crossed Hill Road and lifted just northeast of Leeke Road, just a few hundred feet into Livingston County.

The tornado, also an EF-0, caused some tree and crop damage. One business had some minor roof damage and outbuilding had some siding damage.

The area to the north and south of Jackson was an active area Wednesday for storm damage.

Near Somerset Center, just south of the Jackson County line in Hillsdale County, a NWS damage survey showed that 80 mph winds cut through the area about 2:19 p.m. At this point, the winds are being described as a downburst, but surveyors expect to look further into whether there was any circulation.

The winds there destroyed a sunroom on a home on Waldron Road along Lake LeAnn. There also was tree damage on the west side of Lake Somerset.
SAGINAW, MI  An investment in a new dancefloor for Friday Night Live will pay off Friday, July 28, when the summertime concert series hosts its popular annual Latin music-themed event, organizers said.

The thing I love about Latin Night is people pack the dancefloor, said Jeanne Conger, director for the Positive Results Downtown Saginaw that coordinates Friday Night Live. I mean, its always packed, all night long.

The free concert kicks off at 5:30 p.m. at Morley Plaza.

Conger and her organization during the offseason added a freshly-carved wooden dancefloor  measuring 32 feet by 32 feet  to replace its predecessor for the concert series. She said carpenters with UA Local 85 created the amenity, which sits in front of the stage where the bands play.

Oh yeah, were going to fill that up this week, Conger said.

And its probably going to be a loud crowd too, she said. The first 200 people to arrive Friday will receive maracas, which are musical instruments that rattle when shaken. The instruments often are associated with Latin music.

Two bands will perform Friday including Los G Notes as well as Los Aztecas, a popular Toledo, Ohio-based band featuring four brothers.

For a sample of Los Aztecas music, visit the bands YouTube channel or click here.

Want more Bay City- and Saginaw-area news? Bookmark the local Bay City and Saginaw news page or sign up for the free 3@3 daily newsletter for Bay City and Saginaw.

Read more from MLive:

A construction zone now, new Handley Elementary on schedule for classes Aug. 28

Madonnas debut album arrived 40 years ago

After teens shooting death, youth group grapples with Saginaw violence
Ghanaian musician KiDi has spoken out about the trauma his family suffered when rumours emerged that he had suffered a stroke.

The rumours started swirling earlier this year after KiDi announced he had cancelled an international tour for health reasons.

However, without reevealing the illness some media outlets falsely reported the "Touch It" hitmaker was battling a stroke.

In an interview on Accra-based Asaase Radio on Thursday, July 27, KiDi said this was "a very dark moment in my life.

The popular musician said he hopes to move forward from this difficult period.

To be honest, it was a very dark moment in my life that sometimes I feel like moving past over there...There was so much going on with me that I wasnt in a right mind that I had to cancel the tour I was going. People took the notice I issued concerning my health not being able to allow me go on the tour to insinuate I was having stroke. It was a very terrible moment for my family, he recounted.

KiDi reiterated that the rumours were completely false, saying "I dont have a stroke or liver issues."

He said the widespread rumours had impacted his family and even business partners who were calling to check if they were true.
Dr Kingsley Krugu

27.07.2023 LISTEN

Dr Kingsley Krugu has filed his nomination forms in a sober mood to contest the New Patriotic Party parliamentary primaries for Zebilla Constituency in the Upper East Region.

Dr Kingsley Krugu, who on Wednesday 24th July with no drumming, blowing of horns and dispatching of motors walked to present his form to the election committee in the party office in Zebilla.

In the short ceremony, Dr. Kingsley Krugu told the gathering that, his reason not to come with large crowds, motors escorts, drumming and dancing was to honour the late Madam Grace Adongo, wife of the former Member of Parliament and Deputy Minister for Upper East Region Hon Frank Fuseini Adongo whose sudden death occurred last month due to short illness and also the crisis in Bawku.

Dr Kingsley Krugu said the late Madam Grace Adongo was a mother for all and was therefore pained over her demise.

Dr Kingsley Krugu said his comeback was informed and supported by the youth of the constituency who went ahead to buy him the form.

He thanked the youth and the party supporters for the efforts and the trust reposed in him to deliver them from their suffering.

According to him, he is someone who has the constituency at heart and can lobby and deliver development projects to improve the wellbeing of the people.

Dr Kingsley Krugu cautioned aspirants to campaign with humility, share ideas and never indulge in insults which can divide the party.

Dr Kingsley Krugu has initiated a lot of projects in the Zebilla constituency such as Youth Harvest Foundation, Ghana, built Apotdaboogo JHS, Butt-tis Buuri Scholarship, solar plant project, remedial classes for students, supporting students in tertiary schools among others

Dr Kingsley Krugu when elected will face Hon Ebenezer Ndebilla Alumire of the National Democratic Congress in the 2024 general elections.
Algerians in the fire-ravaged northeast were Thursday counting the cost of the blazes that killed 34 people, destroyed homes and reduced vast forest areas to scorched wastelands.

The wildfires raged for days, mainly through the mountain forests of the Kabylia region on the Mediterranean coast, fanned by winds during blistering summer heat.

"Many people are traumatised. Our aim is to provide moral support and psychological care," said a member of a psychiatrist support unit sent to the disaster area.

This image grab taken from AFPTV video footage shows smoke clouds covering the sky during wildfires in the forests of Bejaia in northern Algeria on July 25, 2023. By - (AFP)

Water and electricity remained cut off in wide areas but aid supplies were arriving.

"We need help, all the help we can get," said a man at an aid supply point in Bejaia, 250 kilometres (150 miles) from Algiers. "We need clothes, mattresses, things like that."

In the small village of Ait Oussalah, 16 people were killed as they tried to flee the flames, witnesses said, pointing out that they made up 10 percent of the village population.

Tahar Chibane, 35, from the town of Ait Oussalah, lost several family members and almost all of his farmlands.

"We've lost 99 percent of our land, and suffered great human losses," he said at a funeral ceremony in nearby Souk el-Dejemaa. "We're still standing on our feet, because of God's protection."

Map of northern Algeria showing areas affected by fires. By Valentin RAKOVSKY, Sabrina BLANCHARD (AFP)

Djudi Zenoud, also burying a loved one, said: "How can you remain sane when so many members of your family are lost at once?"

Algeria's President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has sent his condolences to the families of those killed, among them 10 soldiers trapped by flames in Bejaia province.

At the height of the disaster, more than 100 fires burned across 17 provinces, said Interior Minister Brahim Merad, the fires forcing the evacuation of more than 1,500 people.

Northern and eastern Algeria battle forest fires every summer, but they have been exacerbated by this year's Mediterranean heatwave. By - (AFP)

More than 8,000 civil defence personnel were mobilised, along with 500 fire trucks and multiple chartered aircraft.

Merad said local authorities have been instructed to assess the damage and losses, and to "identify the victims in order to compensate them as soon as possible".

Northern and eastern Algeria battle forest fires every summer, but they have been exacerbated by this year's Mediterranean heatwave.
27.07.2023 LISTEN

The flagbearer hopeful of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Alan Kyerematen has said the New Patriotic Party (NPP) primaries should be free, fair and transparent.

According to Mr. Kyerematen, the process must be such that the party can be united toward breaking the 8-year electoral cycle.

The former Minister of Trade and Industry said after picking the number 2 spot Everything went well, we hope we can be guaranteed and fair and transparent election so that we can work toward breaking the 8.

Seven out of the 10 flagbearer hopefuls were available at the partys headquarters in Accra for the exercise.

Two rounds of balloting were done. The first, according to a spokesperson of the Elections Committee, was to pick the order in which the positions will be picked.

The second was the balloting proper, which saw Assin Central Member of Parliament (MP) Kennedy Ohene Agyapong picking the Number 1 position.

Former Minister of Trade and Industry Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen picked the number 2 position.

Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia sunk to the bottom in the number 10 position.

The special congress will be held in all 16 regions of the country, a decision affirmed by the National Council at its crucial meeting on Thursday, July 20.

The final five will contest again for the presidential primaries on November 4.
27.07.2023 LISTEN

The rapid advancement of technology has made photocopying more accessible and convenient than ever before. As a result, the act of photocopying has become a common practice among university students in Ghana. One of the main reasons behind the increasing popularity of photocopying is the escalating prices of textbooks. With the cost of education constantly on the rise, purchasing original copies of all the required textbooks can place a heavy financial burden on students. Considering the number of courses they take each semester, it becomes nearly impossible for many students to afford all the necessary books. As a result, photocopying becomes an affordable alternative that allows students to access the required readings without straining their wallets.

Moreover, the presence of photocopying centres conveniently located within the campus premises adds to the widespread adoption of this practice. These centres serve as a convenient one-stop solution for students, offering speedy and efficient photocopying services at reasonable rates. Their proximity to lecture halls and libraries makes them easily accessible, thereby further encouraging the culture of photocopying among students. Yet, beneath the veneer of convenience and easy access provided by photocopying, lies a concealed landscape fraught with legal issues that require our careful consideration. While students often photocopy with the noble goal of expanding their knowledge and advancing their education, it's vital to understand the impact of copyright laws and the legal issues involved.

Permitted Use of Work Protected by Copyright

Generally, copyright laws have a twofold purpose: protecting the creations of authors and creators and ensuring that users can access important information. It aims to encourage the sharing of ideas and diverse viewpoints. To make the copyright system work well, there are rules that allow some uses of copyrighted works, like fair use. These rules balance the rights of authors and creators with the needs of users. They also provide additional safeguards for creators, such as long periods of copyright ownership.

The Copyright Act, 2005 (Act 690) serves as the legal framework for copyright protection in Ghana. While the Copyright Act restricts the unauthorized reproduction of copyrighted materials, it also includes provisions for fair dealing. Fair dealing allows for the limited use of copyrighted works for educational purposes, provided that certain conditions are met. Section 19(1) (a) of Act 690 establishes that the use of a literary or artistic work, either in its original language or in translation, does not infringe upon the rights of the author or require the consent of the copyright owner when the use is for exclusively personal use. This provision allows individuals, such as students, lecturers, and library patrons, to reproduce, translate, adapt, arrange, or transform a work for their personal use, provided that the work has been made public.

However, Section 19(2) (b) of Act 690 sets a limitation on this permission. It states that the exemption for personal use does not extend to the reproduction, through reprography, of an entire book or a substantial part of a book, or the notation of a substantial part of a musical work. While there is no specific quantitative measure for determining what constitutes a substantial part, it generally involves a qualitative assessment. Even if a relatively small portion of a work is copied, it may still be considered substantial if it captures the essence or key elements of the original work. In contrast, copying an insignificant or peripheral part of a work may not be considered substantial. Essentially, the Act restricts the photocopying of a book to exclusively encompassing sections or chapters of the book allowing libraries and archives to engage in this permitted use as outlined in Section 21 of Act 690.

The implication is that, while students can make copies of specific portions of copyrighted works, they must exercise caution and avoid reproducing significant portions or completing works without proper authorization. Determining whether the use of copyrighted materials falls within the boundaries of fair use can sometimes be subjective. Various factors come into play, including the purpose and character of the use, the nature of the copyrighted work, the amount and substantiality of the portion copied, and the effect of the use on the market for the original work. These factors help determine the balance between the rights of copyright holders and the rights of users.

Therefore, it is crucial for students, educators, and researchers to be aware of these factors and assess the extent of their photocopying accordingly. Fair use should be employed judiciously, with a focus on using reasonable portions of copyrighted materials to support learning, research, and educational endeavours. By doing so, individuals can ensure they are acting within legal boundaries while still benefiting from the wealth of knowledge and information contained within copyrighted works.

Penalties for Copyright Infringement

The act of infringing upon copyright through unauthorized photocopying is deemed an offence in Ghana, as stated in the Copyright Act (Act 690). Section 43 of this legislation outlines the potential penalties for individuals found guilty of copyright infringement. Upon summary conviction, individuals who violate protected rights under the Copyright Act can be subjected to fines ranging from five hundred to one thousand penalty units. Additionally, depending on the severity of the infringement, they may face a maximum prison term of three years or a combination of both fine and imprisonment. If the offence persists over an extended period, it is classified as a continuing offence. In such cases, the perpetrator may face an additional fine, which can range from twenty-five to one hundred penalty units for each day that the offence continues.

Based on the current valuation of a penalty unit at GHC 12.00, as specified in the Fines (Penalty Units) Act, 2000 (Act 572), a student who is found guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction is likely to incur a fine ranging from GHC 6,000.00 to GHC 12,000.00. In cases of a continuing offence, there may be an additional penalty ranging from GHC 300.00 to GHC 1,200.00 per day.

Some Useful Guidelines for Photocopying

While fair use provides students with the opportunity to make limited photocopies of copyrighted materials, it is essential for students to exercise responsibility and adhere to the principles of fair use. Responsible photocopying entails understanding and following certain guidelines to ensure that the rights of copyright holders are respected and protected.

First and foremost, students should avoid excessive copying. Fair use allows for the use of reasonable portions of copyrighted works, but it does not permit wholesale reproduction of entire books or substantial parts of works. Students should assess the necessity of each copy they make and ensure that it aligns with their specific educational needs. By being mindful of the amount they photocopy, students can strike a balance between accessing the information they require and respecting the rights of creators.

Moreover, students should use the copies solely for personal or educational purposes. This means refraining from distributing photocopies to others who may not have a legitimate need for them. Copying materials for personal study, research, or classroom discussions is generally considered within the boundaries of fair use. However, sharing copies with individuals who do not fall under these categories can potentially infringe upon copyright laws. It is crucial for students to understand that fair use is intended for personal and educational benefit, not for commercial or unauthorized distribution. In addition to student responsibility, photocopying centres on campus also play a significant role in promoting lawful practices. These centres should display clear guidelines and warnings regarding copyright infringement. Informative signs and notices can educate students about the importance of fair use and the limitations it entails.

Furthermore, photocopying centres should refrain from running copies of copyrighted materials without permission. It is their responsibility to ensure that they are not contributing to copyright infringement. By obtaining proper authorization from copyright holders or utilizing licensed materials, photocopying centres can operate within the legal framework and provide students with access to legitimate and lawful copies.

Conclusion

The practice of photocopying copyrighted materials among university students in Ghana has raised important legal considerations. Understanding the provisions of the Copyright Act of Ghana, particularly Section 19(1)(a) and Section 19(2)(b), is crucial for students to navigate the legal boundaries of photocopying. Embracing the doctrine of fair use while exercising responsible use is essential to avoid legal trouble. Ultimately, adherence to fair use principles and responsible photocopying practices is crucial for students and photocopying centres alike. It not only respects the rights of copyright holders but also upholds the integrity of the educational system. By fostering a culture of responsible copying, we can ensure that intellectual property is appropriately protected while allowing students to access necessary resources for their academic pursuits.

Author: Joshua Nunya Agbogbo

[email protected]

+233(0) 546018735

Joshua Nunya Agbogbo is a research analyst and is currently a third-year LLB student at the Faculty of Law, University of Cape Coast. Prior to pursuing his law degree, he obtained a bachelor's degree in management from the same university.
Coup leaders in Niger who say they have overthrown the elected government won broad army support and called for calm on Thursday, after young demonstrators ransack the ruling party headquarters.

The latest target of a coup in Africa's turbulent Sahel region, President Mohamed Bazoum has been confined at his residence since Wednesday by his own presidential guard.

Bazoum had defiantly stood his ground as condemnation of the putsch swelled from African and international organisations and allies France, Germany and the United States.

"The hard-won (democratic) gains will be safeguarded," Bazoum said on Twitter, which is being rebranded as X.

"All Nigeriens who love democracy and freedom would want this."

In a late-night TV address, coup leader Colonel Amadou Abdramane said 'the defence and security forces... have decided to put an end to the regime'. By - (ORTN - TAlA Sahel/AFP)

But Armed forces chief General Abdou Sidikou Issa on Thursday swung his weight behind the putschists.

"The military command... has decided to subscribe to the declaration made by the Defence and Security Forces... in order to avoid a deadly confrontation," he said in a statement.

The landlocked state is one of the world's poorest, experiencing four coups since gaining independence from France in 1960, as well as numerous other attempts -- including two previously against Bazoum.

The 63-year-old is one of a dwindling group of elected presidents and pro-Western leaders in the Sahel, where since 2020 a rampaging jihadist insurgency has triggered coups in Mali and Burkina Faso.

Map of Niamey locating the presidential palace, the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Defence and the Parliament of Niger. By Valentin RAKOVSKY, Jan MROZINSKI (AFP)

Their juntas have forced out French troops and in Mali, the ruling military has woven a close alliance with Russia.

Pro-coup demonstrations

The coup leader Colonel Amadou Abdramane appeared on national television Thursday urging "the population to remain calm", after youths peeled off from a gathering in support of the putschists in Niamey and ransacked the headquarters of Bazoum's PNDS party, setting fire to vehicles in the carpark.

About 1,000 people, mostly youngsters, had turned out before the National Assembly in the capital as well as several hundred in the town of Dosso, AFP journalists saw.

Some held Russian flags and chanted anti-French and pro-Russian slogans.

"We want the same thing as in Mali and Burkina Faso," shouted 19-year-old student Alassane Alhousseini.

"We want to take our destiny in our own hands."

Bazoum's election in 2021 paved the way to Niger's first peaceful transition of power since independence. By Issouf SANOGO (AFP)

The Niger coup leaders -- 10 men in military uniform -- had appeared on television overnight.

Colonel Abdramane announced they were taking power following "the continued deterioration of the security situation, poor economic and social governance".

Under the banner of the Defence and Security Forces (FDS), they had "decided to put an end to the regime," and all institutions were being suspended, the borders closed and a night-time curfew imposed.

Party political activity has also been suspended.

The president of neighbouring Benin, Patrice Talon, had been expected in the capital to mediate, but there was no further news of the mission.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on Thursday "demanded the immediate release of president Mohamed Bazoum who remains the legitimate and legal President of Niger."

Coup-prone

The latest coup effort raises fears of further instability and a "risk of disengagement" on the security front, said Alain Antil, head of the Sub-Saharan Africa Centre at France's International Relations Institute (IFRI).

Niger. By Valentin RAKOVSKY (AFP)

"Bazoum was very fragile. His election was contested by the opposition .. and it was known that a certain number of army officers were fairly unhappy with the situation," said Antil.

The statement from the army "seems to confirm that the coup is in the process of succeeding," he added.

The parties in Niger's ruling coalition denounced "a suicidal and anti-republican madness" and condemnation poured in from regional and global leaders.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres voiced alarm at instability in the Sahel, saying he is "extremely worried" about the extremism and military upheaval.

"We are seeing a disturbing trend. Successive unconstitutional changes of government are having terrible effects on the development and lives of civilian populations," he said.

UN humanitarian operations have been suspended in Niger following the coup, a spokesman said.

Several hundred people, some holding Russian flags, took part in a show of support for the coup leaders. By - (AFP)

The number of people in need of humanitarian assistance in the country climbed from 1.9 million in 2017 to 4.3 million in 2023, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said he had spoken to Bazoum to offer support from Washington, which deploys about 1,100 troops in Niger.

France, a key ally which has 1,500 soldiers in Niger, called for "the restoration of the integrity of Nigerien democratic institutions."

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock branded the coup a "slap in the face" for Nigeriens.

Russia -- isolated since invading Ukraine in February 2022 -- joined nations appealing for Bazoum's release and peaceful dialogue.

Poverty and jihadism

Bazoum took office after elections two years ago, in Niger's first-ever peaceful transition since independence.

He had been interior minister and right-hand man to former president Mahamadou Issoufou, who voluntarily stepped down after two terms.

But an attempted coup took place just before Bazoum's inauguration, according to a security source at the time.

A second bid to oust him occurred last March "while the president... was in Turkey", according to a Niger official.

The country of 22 million is two-thirds desert and frequently ranks at the bottom of the UN's Human Development Index.

Niger faces two jihadist campaigns -- one in the southwest, which swept in from Mali in 2015, and the other in the southeast, involving jihadists from northeastern Nigeria.

burs/bp/yad
The Upper East Regional branch of the Ghana Physician Assistants Association (GPAA) has withdrawn Out-Patient Department (OPD) and emergency services across public health facilities in the Region.

Even though per the roadmap of the strike, the Association was scheduled to embark on full-blown strike on August 1, 2023 if their concerns were not addressed, the action of members was intensive at Health Centres in Bolgatanga, the Regional capital and across the Municipalities and Districts.

When the Ghana News Agency (GNA) visited some public health facilities in Bolgatanga and across some Districts to assess the impact of the strike, it observed that nurses in some of the facilities headed by Physician Assistants (PAs), had to refer patients to the Regional Hospital for care.

The GNA also observed that there was pressure on the few Doctors at the Municipal and District levels visited.

At the Coronation Health Centre in Bolgatanga, Madam Amponsah Frimpong, the PA in charge of the facility, who was on a sit-down strike, told the GNA that Our action was not taken in a haste. There has been several dialogues, without any results, so as an Association, we were left with the option of strike since the dialogues yielded no fruits.

Madam Rahinatu Mustapha Apiigah, a nurse at the vital signs table of the facility, said We only check patients vital signs and refer them to the next level for treatment. The strike action is really affecting health service delivery.

The patients complain a lot about the new turn of events. We wish the PAs could suspend the strike and return to work, she said.

At the Regional Hospital, consulting rooms which were hitherto occupied by PAs, were empty with only two Doctors attending to patients at the OPD at the time of the GNA's visit.

Dr Samuel Aborah, the Clinical Coordinator of the Hospital, said management had to reschedule their duty roster to cater for the vacuum created by the strike action, We had to rearrange for Doctors to occupy the shifts of the PAs during the day, but at night, we sometimes have challenges.

The situation was not different at the Sandema Hospital in the Builsa North Municipality, as all four PAs who hitherto conducted ward rounds attended to emergencies and consulted patients were not at post as at 0800hours.

The Acting Medical Superintendent of the Hospital, Dr Emmanuel Opoku, told the GNA that management had to make do with the two Doctors and nurse prescribers in the facility.

We the Doctors conduct the ward rounds see to emergencies and consult the patients with the support of the nurse prescribers. The strike is actually affecting service delivery, he said.

The GPAA among several grievances, strongly opposed the Health Professions and Regulatory Bodies Amendment Bill 2023 before Parliament, noting that the Bill when passed, would impose Medical Doctors on members and frustrate their efforts to progress in their chosen profession.

The Association indicated that even though it met officials of the Ministry of Health, and the Minister assured that there would be engagement to address their concerns, leadership intercepted a purported Amendment Bill and its content when passed, could affect health service delivery, especially in the rural communities.

The GPAA noted that the Bill sought to take away the right of PAs from prescribing, practicing medicine and dentistry, and would push them under the direction and supervision of medical and dental practitioners.

Among the several grievances raised in a statement jointly signed by the Association's President, Mr Peter Akudugu Ayamga, and Mr Peter Eyram Kuenyefu, the General Secretary, to declare the strike, was also the issue of more than 2,500 qualified unemployed Physician Assistants (PAs) not posted for the past four years.

GNA
28.07.2023 LISTEN

Minister for Trade and Industry, Hon K. T Hammond has called for the establishment of a direct flight between Ghana, Nigeria and Houston to help boost trade.

The minister mentioned during his meeting with Mayor Sylvester Turner, the mayor of the city of Houston, USA.

He articulated Ghanas interest in deepening the Ghana-Houston trade and investment partnership relationship for economic growth.

According to him, there has been a mutual benefit for the two nations in critical sectors like Economic Hub, Health Care, Services, Oil and Gas, among others.

He said as Ghana seeks to further strengthen its position in the global market and foster economic growth and opportunities. According to him, it is imperative to explore and deepen the partnership relations with strategic international partners through trade and private enterprises.

He stated that Houston is a major economic hub, not only for the US but also for international trade and commerce.

By forging a stronger partnership with Houston, KT Hammond indicated that Ghana can tap into the well-established infrastructure, logistics capabilities, and access to a vast network of businesses, providing Ghanaian exporters with enhanced avenues for reaching global markets he said.

He emphasized that Ghana welcomes investors from Houston to establish businesses in the services sector such as consulting, transportation & logistics, free financial services, communication and tourism.

He stated that Ghana is a good place for doing business given its longstanding political stability and its growing economy.

He mentioned that the Ministry of Trade is implementing a Ten Point Agenda comprised of ten pillars for industrial transformation, primarily aimed at establishing Ghana as a regional hub for certain industries.

The minister stressed that Ghana is fully committed to further developing its trade relations with the United States through the connection of the private sector in Ghana with their counterparts in the United States, and especially the involvement of women in endeavors.

The mayor on his part said the whole goal is to strengthen the relationship for business to follow.

He said, Houston has a very large African population which adds to the vibrancy of the city and a part of my representation of being in Africa is to make sure that we go to the countries that many of these persons come from.

"It is our hope that when it comes to trade, we can increase what we are doing in trade.

The Mayor of Houston explained that in 2022, trade between Ghana and Houston was around $293 million which may sound huge, however, a lot needs to be done to increase it.

So we believe there are a lot of synergies between Houston and Ghana that we want to build on and it needs to be a win-win relationship where there are mutual benefits, he added.
Samuel Koku Anyidoho, the CEO of the Atta Mills Institute, has expressed concern over recent action of parliament he describes as an "abuse of the parliamentary system."

In a tweet on Thursday, Mr Anyidoho cited the minority caucus's frequent boycotting of parliament in support of Assin North MP James Gyakye Quayson amidst his ongoing criminal trial.

He also cited the alleged suspension of a parliamentary sitting by Speaker Alban Bagbin to attend a function.

The former NDC Deputy General Secretary accused parliamentarians of abusing their powers.

Mr Anyidoho stated in his tweet: "MPs decide to boycott Parliament for baseless reasons, Speaker chides them and gets applause.

He continued, Then Speaker too decides against all rules that there will be no Sitting yesterday because he has a function to attend. Is that how they are abusing our Parliamentary system? Yoo!"
The Adisadel College student who was captured in a viral video assaulting his colleague is expected in court today, July 28.

The student was arrested by the Police in Cape Coast earlier this week, cautioned with causing harm and assault, and then released to the school's Headmaster to be produced in court on Friday.

The arrest came after the video showed the disturbing incident where one student violently attacked another in a dormitory.

The authorities are taking swift action to address the incident and hold the perpetrator accountable for his actions.

Meanwhile, the victim has been recalled to the school after he was initially suspended. The school is taking measures to ensure his well-being and recovery.

The school's administration has expressed its commitment to ensuring a safe learning environment for all students and taking firm action against any form of violence or misconduct.

The school and relevant authorities are working together to ensure that the victim receives the necessary support and the perpetrator faces the appropriate legal consequences for his actions.

Citi Newsroom
Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has provided a clear explanation that Parliament has not legalised cannabis for recreational purposes.

He emphasised that promoting the use or smoking of cannabis is not in the best interest of the legislative body.

Addressing the issue in Parliament on Thursday, July 17, Mr. Bagbin asserted that Parliament remains committed to upholding the country's constitution by not legalising recreational cannabis use or smoking. He clarified that the purpose of their legislative action has never been to endorse such practices.

In light of recent media representation, the Speaker reiterates that the House's intention is not to promote or legalize the recreational use or smoking of cannabis. Instead, Parliament has passed the Narcotics Control Commission Bill 2023 into law.

The passing of this bill grants the Interior Ministry the authority to issue licenses for the cultivation of cannabis with a maximum of 0.3% utility content on dry weight spaces, solely for industrial or medicinal purposes. The Supreme Court had previously struck out section 43 of the law as unconstitutional, delaying its passage. However, the Speaker, along with Interior Minister Ambrose Dery, amended the law and reinserted the provision that permits the issuance of licenses.

While welcoming the passage of the bill, Mr. Bagbin cautioned against misinterpretation and misuse of the law. He warned that anyone misunderstanding or misapplying the legislation would face the consequences.

The Speaker made it clear that the cultivation and distribution of any narcotic plants, including cannabis, without lawful authority remain offenses punishable by law. He urged law enforcement agencies, particularly the police, to arrest and prosecute individuals who cultivate cannabis in the name of the new law.

In conclusion, Parliament's focus remains on enforcing the law against the unlawful use of cannabis. They will continue to act in a manner that upholds the Constitution, serves the public interest, and advances the nation's development while ensuring that cannabis is not legalized for recreational purposes.

 Classfmonline
Political Scientist, Dr. Richard Amoako Baah has argued that finding the right leaders for Ghana is always difficult because the right systems are not in place.

Speaking to TV3, Dr. Amoako Baah said the entire political setup is a beauty contest that only features the rich in society.

Our whole political setup is not set up for the right person, it s set up for a beauty contest and in that beauty contest, only rich people participate in it. If presidential aspirants dont have the means, dont bother, the Political Scientist said.

Dr. Amoako Baah believes is the reason the country lacks good leaders to solve the problems of the country.

In his view, Ghana needs a President who is a jack-of-all-trades and has an idea of everything.

That is why we find it difficult to find the right person. We need to have a jack of all trades, not just one who looks good or speaks well and makes promises.

We need someone who knows what he wants to do, it doesnt mean he knows everything but he has a working idea of everything he is doing. We dont have such people running for president, Dr. Amoako Baah added.
French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna said there were "ways out" for coup plotters in Niger who chose to heed international condemnation of President Mohamed Bazoum's ouster.

The latest target of a coup in Africa's turbulent Sahel region, Bazoum has been confined to his residence since Wednesday by his own presidential guard.

He stood his ground as denunciations of the putsch swelled from African and international organisations and allies Germany and the United States, as well as former colonial power France.

"The hard-won (democratic) gains will be safeguarded," Bazoum said on Twitter, which is being rebranded as X.

Colonna said Friday that Bazoum was in "good health" and had spoken to President Emmanuel Macron.

"If you hear me talking about an attempted coup, it's because we don't consider things final," she said. "There is still a way out if those responsible listen to the international community."

She said the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) would hold a summit "probably on Sunday", where "possible sanctions could be decided", adding that France would support sanctions.

France, which has 1,500 soldiers in Niger, previously called for "the restoration of the integrity of Nigerien democratic institutions".

Meanwhile, on Thursday, coup leaders in Niger said they had won broad army support and called for calm.

Coup leader Colonel Amadou Abdramane made the plea after a group in support of the putschists in Niamey and ransacked the headquarters of Bazoum's PNDS party, setting fire to vehicles in the car park.

About 1,000 people, mostly youngsters, had turned out before the National Assembly in the capital as well as several hundred in the town of Dosso, according to journalists from French agency AFP.

Poor governance

Under the banner of the Defence and Security Forces (FDS), Colonel Abdramane explained they were taking power following "the continued deterioration of the security situation, poor economic and social governance".

As a result, all institutions were being suspended, the borders closed and a night-time curfew imposed.

Some hours later, the armed forces chief General Abdou Sidikou Issa said he had swung his weight behind the putschists to avoid confrontation.

The president of neighbouring Benin, Patrice Talon, had been expected in the capital to mediate, but there was no further news of the mission.

ECOWAS on Thursday demanded Bazoum's "immediate release", saying he "remains the legitimate and legal President of Niger".

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said he had spoken to Bazoum to offer support from Washington, which deploys about 1,100 troops in Niger.

Russia  isolated since invading Ukraine in February 2022  joined nations appealing for Bazoum's release and peaceful dialogue.

Risk of disengagement

The latest coup effort raises fears of further instability and a "risk of disengagement" on the security front, said Alain Antil, head of the Sub-Saharan Africa Centre at France's International Relations Institute (IFRI).

"Bazoum was very fragile. His election was contested by the opposition... and it was known that a certain number of army officers were fairly unhappy with the situation," Antil told AFP.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres voiced alarm at instability in the Sahel, saying he was "extremely worried" about the extremism and military upheaval.

UN humanitarian operations have been suspended in Niger following the coup, a spokesman said.

The landlocked state is one of the world's poorest. Since gaining independence from France in 1960, it has experienced four coups as well as numerous other attempts -- including two previously against Bazoum.

The 63-year-old is one of a dwindling group of elected presidents and pro-Western leaders in the Sahel, where a jihadist insurgency has triggered coups in Mali and Burkina Faso.

Their juntas have forced out French troops, and in Mali the ruling military has woven a close alliance with Russia.

(with AFP)
28.07.2023 LISTEN

On Wednesday July 26, His Excellency Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the President of Ghana, was the Guest of Honour at the 176th Independence Day celebration of Liberia.

The President was hosted by his good friend and Liberias President, George Manneh Oppong Weah.

In his speech, President Akufo-Addo congratulated Liberia on behalf of the Government and people of Ghana, and all the countries present, for achieving such a momentous milestone.

He expressed admiration for Liberias resilience and the will to persevere through numerous challenges and obstacles, making them a perfect example for the rest of West Africa.

President Akufo-Addo further noted Liberias unique distinction as the only country on the African continent that has never suffered foreign colonisation.

He lauded their achievements in organising free, credible, and transparent elections, something that they have upheld since the coming into force of the Accra Comprehensive Peace Agreement.

The President expressed his confidence that Liberia would continue to show exemplary leadership in conducting the impending presidential and legislative elections due in October, following the tradition of a free, credible, and transparent election.

He ended his speech by wishing Liberia well in this regard.

This celebration will serve as a way for both nations to strengthen their already strong bonds and continue to promote peace and cooperation within the region.

DGN online
You remember that before the IMF deal went through, Ghana was forced to accept an IMF Director at the Bank of Ghana and when the Vice President of US came here, she recommended a Director from the US to be at the Finance Ministry. There is an urgent need for an IMF or US Director at the Jubilee House to put things in order for the country.

About a month or two ago, we all witnessed how the President got very angry over a chief for not standing to respect the National anthem. The Jubilee House, through some rented media houses forced this chief to officially write to apologize to the President and the country.

Two or three week later, when the same National anthem was being played, the first daughter of the President, standing right beside the President, and in full focus of the camera, was seen receiving calls and talking on her phone. These rented media houses saw nothing wrong with that and up until now, that Presidents daughter has not issued any statement why she disrespected our National anthem. This girl of about 30 years has disrespected everybody in the country and the Jubilee House is quiet.

At a parliamentary hearing, the Chief Director at the Lands Commission was bold to tell our representatives that he has hired one Jato, a private land guard. to protect government lands. The Chief Director saw no reason to employ the services of either the Police or the military to protect governments property. Stuff like this can only happen in a country where the leadership is sick.

The President, whilst accepting Cecilia Dapaah, former Sanitation Ministers resignation letter wrote that he is confident that at the end of the day, Cecilia Dapaahs integrity, whilst in office, will be established.

This is a President who in 2016, told us that if anyone wants to come to his government to be rich, that person better go to the private sector. This same man didnt see the need to let Ghanaians know that he is also not happy to have $1m, 300,000 and millions of Cedis stolen from his Ministers room. The President, in his letter even said he regretted that Cecilia is leaving his government. (Such an insensitive, unprincipled, and corrupt President)

To add to all the madness going on at the Jubilee House, the President has instead of putting the Sanitation Ministry under another Ministry to save some money, has quickly appointed a replacement of Cecilia Dapaah. I mean, how bad can it be?

When you put all these together and how Boakye Agyarko was fired as the Energy Minister, it clearly tells you that, there in no one in charge at the Jubilee House. The best for the country is to have an IMF or US Director at the Jubilee House to fix the mess there before NDC takes over in January 2025.

Lawrence Appiah-Osei
There was an invasion of Labone Senior High School on Wednesday, July 26 by machete-stone-and cudgel-wielding thugs, which sparked chaos and pandemonium on campus.

Panic-stricken students and passersby were seen running for dear life as the thugs rushed on them.

Some machete-wielding male students of the school were also seen chasing away passersby who dashed into the school for protection from the on-rushing thugs.

The police had to intervene with warning shots to bring the situation under control.

The motive behind the attack is still unknown but some eyewitnesses said the thugs were avenging a junior student who was beaten by a senior.

There have been no arrests yet.

Meanwhile, the Municipal Education Directorate has launched an investigation into the disturbance which comes on the heels of a recent brawl between two students of Adisadel College in Cape Coast where a bully was captured on video choking and smacking the head of a mate against a metal bed in their dormitory.

Just like the Adisadel College incident, the Labone SHS disturbance was also captured on video and gaining social media traction.
A contempt suit filed against Trades Minister Kobina Tahir Hammond by Assin North MP James Gyakye Quayson would be ruled by the court on 19 October 2023.

The court has given Mr Hammond and Mr Quayson up to 31 August 2023 to file their written addresses.

The judge would then make a ruling on 19 October 2023.

Mr Hammond was widely quoted by the media some weeks ago, to have said in an interview that Mr. Quayson would be jailed at the end of his ongoing perjury trial.

The opposition lawmaker is being prosecuted for allegedly lying about his dual citizenship ahead of the 2020 general elections through which he won the Assin North seat for the first time.

The Supreme Court annulled his victory on grounds that he still held a Canadian citizenship as of the time he was first filing to run for office.

A by-election was subsequently held, which he won.

He is, however, still being prosecuted for his earlier sin.

Mr Hammond, while commenting on the matter, made reference to a court precedence in which late MP Adamu Sakande was jailed for holding multiple citizenship.

Mr Quaysons lawyers argue that the comments by Mr Hammond are prejudicial and likely to bring the ongoing judicial processes into disrepute.

That by the words of the Respondent, which have been widely publicised nationally and internationally, the Respondent is violating the right of the Accused/Applicant to be presumed innocent as well as the right of the accused to a fair trial. That the said words of the Respondent are also in contempt of this Honourable Court as they are extremely prejudicial to the lawful process of this Honourable Court, the writ said.

The lawyers added that such prejudice undermines the lawful judicial process and may even bring the said judicial process into disrepute as it will create in the minds of members of the public that no other conclusion other than that pronounced by the Respondent can occur. That the Respondent is brazenly usurping the function of Her Ladyship, the trial judge, in this court.

classfmonline
28.07.2023 LISTEN

Former Central Regional Minister, Kwamena Duncan has urged Mr. Daniel Osei Kufour, the husband of Madam Cecilia Dapaah to address the ongoing controversies surrounding the huge amounts of money found in their residence.

The controversies came to light when two house helps, Patience Botwe (18) and Sarah Agyei (30) stole $1million dollars, 300,000 and millions of Ghana cedis.

They were charged with conspiracy to commit a crime and five counts of stealing.

The alleged incidents took place between July and October 2022 at the Ablekuma residence of the former Sanitation Minister.

Some members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) communications team have been trying to defend Madam Cecilia Dapaah, claiming that the money found in her residence belongs to her husband, who is a businessman.

Kwamena Duncan, speaking on Peace FM's Kokrokoo morning show reacted that if indeed the money belongs to Madam Dapaah's husband, he should come out and clear the air.

Mr Duncan emphasized that in this critical situation, it would help protect his wife's reputation, for him to disclose the source of the money.

He stated, "If it indeed belongs to the husband who is a private person and no law compels him to indicate his source unless he's engaged in something illegal.

But for the purposes of clearing the head of the wife who is at the center of all of this, the husband should open up."

It's a special circumstance; the wife is a public officer so he can just indicate that this is my source so that the wife will be vindicated," he added.
Rev John Ntim Fordjour, the Deputy Minister for Education, has cautioned students of the legal repercussions for acts of indiscipline beyond regular school punishments such as suspensions and dismissal.

He noted that there were criminal and other related laws in the country, which when breached, could land them into serious trouble with the state irrespective of their status as students.

There are laws in every space you find yourself and being a student does not immune you. If you commit any offence in breach of these laws, remember that the school or the ministry cannot prevent the law enforcement agencies from doing their work, he said.

He, therefore, urged them to stay away from perverse behaviours and live a decent life to have a successful and fulfilling future.

Rev Fordjour made the admonition when he and Mr Stephen Kwaku Owusu, Deputy Director General of the Ghana Education Service, visited the Adisadel College as part of efforts to conclusively deal with the viral assault case which happened in the school.

They met with school heads, teachers, housemasters and students to discuss how to eliminate all forms of hostilities in the school and ensure a conducive learning environment for academic and behavioural excellence.

The discussions also touched on discouraging the culture of cover-ups among students and encourage them to report serious issues of this nature.

It is now known that the students involved in the incident were mates fighting over a SIM card, which resulted in one of them smashing the other's face on a metal bed frame.

The graphic incident, which caused a public uproar over general bullying in schools, has caught the attention of the Ministry of Education and the Attorney General and has since taken a legal twist.

So far, the perpetrator has been arrested, cautioned and released to the school's headmaster to produce him in court on Friday, July 28.

The victim, who was also suspended, has been recalled on the instruction of the Ministry of Education.

Rev Fordjour noted that a thorough medical examination conducted on the victim revealed he was doing well.

He intimated that the legal and serious nature of the case would serve as a lesson for students to know that there were consequences for everything.

He, however, noted that the priority of the Ministry now was to ensure that all the students involved were psychologically sound enough to write their final exams.

To that end, he said the ministry had deployed psychologists to provide the affected students with psycho-social support as they prepare for their WASSCE.

He pledged the ministry's resolve to ensure the matter ended conclusively.

GNA
Tribal bigots that lived in both Ghana and overseas; do not pity the oppressed people and don't give a damn about the harm that the NPP administration and Akufo Addo have done to the nation. They, therefore, continue to make frequent public appearances to convince Ghanaians that it is not worthwhile for John Mahama, the former leader of Ghana, to return. Ghanaians shouldn't be misled by such false articles. The destruction this government has caused is enough.

Why should Ghanaians be told over and over again why Mahama shouldn't run for president when he has outperformed Akufo Addo? They want to stop him from showing up to humiliate the incumbent president because they are aware that he is much better than Akufo Addo. Many of John Mahama's projects are scattered across the nation in different places, and some of them are still unfinished. The NPP government has been Ghanaians' worst nightmare, yet hasn't achieved anything.

The degree of damage that Akufo Addo and the NPP politicians have inflicted on the country cannot be supported in 2024, since the nation's entire infrastructure has crumbled. Most Ghanaians expect that John Mahama will arrive and fix things since people are suffering and dying from poverty.

Was Ghana entirely ruined in such a terrible way under John Mahama's leadership? Was systemic corruption so bad that it caused Ghana's economy to collapse, along with the banking industry, local and foreign investments, and enormous levels of debt without accountability? I'm really glad that most Ghanaians are aware of the damage that Akufo Addo has caused to the nation; as a result, they don't need anyone to tell them whether Mahama's return is worth it or not.

Although the majority of African presidents are corrupt, many don't choose to engage in illegal mining, as Akufo did, which has harmed the country's water resources and ecosystem. It is the same person who promised to protect the public's purse and rather was exposed by Al Jazeera in the documentary "Gold Mafia," which revealed that the president was involved in an illicit gold trade that cost the nation billions of dollars. Why did Akufo Addo not sue Al Jazeera after threatening them if it weren't true?

Tribal bigots have time to persuade Ghanaians that it doesn't worth it for Mahama to return, but they choose to promote and ignore Akufo Addo's crimes and widespread corruption. I won't stand by and watch this happen. The NPP continues to humiliate and treat Ghanaians like fools by using the corrupt judges that Akufo Addo selected as a shield to defend him and keep the people from receiving justice. Do Ghanaians want a government like this? No, in my opinion; the truth must be said.

Ghanaians shouldn't expect any better from Akufo Addo and all those thieves, including Bawumia, because their leader knows best is corruption and the naming of already-built institutions. They are attempting to run for president on the NPP platform, but they are useless since they are a part of the destructive and dishonest government that still embezzles money from the taxpayers. Anyone who believes Cecilia Dapaah, the former minister of sanitation, is not a thief ought to consult a psychiatrist.

Despite all of Akufo Addo's boasts that he is coming to make the administration better than John Mahama, even individuals without formal education are aware that it is the worst in Ghana's political history. Since the entire NPP are not only lazy but also corrupt, dishonest, and destructive, I feel extremely bad for the people who are wasting their time opposing Mahama's comeback. Power belongs to the people, not rigging, therefore; nothing can stop Mahama from coming back.
28.07.2023 LISTEN

The High Court in Accra has set October 19, to deliver judgment on the contempt case brought against Adansi Asokwa Member of Parliament, KT Hammond.

Gyakye Quayson's lawyers filed the contempt application following comments made by the Trade and Industry Minister during a media interview, deemed contemptuous.

He is alleged to have equated the Gyakye Quayson case to that of Adamu Sakande and indicated that the Assin North MP will suffer the same fate.

The complaint in the case, Gyakye Quayson was hoping to move the case on Friday, but it was rather adjourned.

The court has directed the parties in the matter to file their written addresses by August 31.

The parties will then return on October 19 for the ruling.

Meanwhile, the respondent, KT Hammond who was late for the hearing was represented by his lawyer Kwaku Paintsil.

Head of NDC legal affairs Abraham Amaliba who represented Gyakye Quayson addressed the press after the proceedings.

You are aware there has been a contempt application filed against KT Hammond. Today was the day stated for the matter to be heard. Dont forget that we had already come to court on this matter, and the court ordered that if we have to file any process, we need to do that before July 25. We filed our supplementary affidavit on July 25, today we are back in court and the court has stated that we should file written addresses, it doesnt want oral submissions, we filed our written addresses on August 31, but return to court in October for the ruling. He made some comments that we think affect the trial of Gyakye Quayson, thats why we brought him to court. We choose our victim, everybody chooses his/her victim, and we decided to bring KT Hammond, today we have chosen him, he explained.

Meanwhile, the Adansi Asokwa Member of Parliament who came to the court premises after the case says the contempt was filed because he is a target for the complainants.

He clarified the reason for his absence when the case was called.

Its not for them to decide. The arbiter in this matter is the presiding judge, but I was misinformed, I was told that it was 11:30 am, but my lawyers were there. My understanding is that its being adjourned to October 19. KT Hammond will always be a target, you do know that, he said.
28.07.2023 LISTEN

The Cape Coast District Court 2 has granted bail to the student involved in the assault case at the Adisadel College.

The court presided over by His worship Eric Oheneba Antwi Boasiako granted bail to the culprit to reappear before the court on August 2, 2023, as the court could not have the required number of persons to sit as jury over the juvenile case.

The student was arrested by the Police in Cape Coast earlier this week, cautioned with causing harm and assault, and then released to the school's Headmaster to be produced in court on Friday.

The arrest came after a video showed the disturbing incident where one student violently attacked another in a dormitory.

The authorities are taking swift action to address the incident and hold the perpetrator accountable for his actions.

Meanwhile, the victim has been recalled to the school after he was initially suspended. The school is taking measures to ensure his well-being and recovery.

citinewsroom
The Cape Coast District Court 2 has adjourned the case involving the student of Adisadel College seen in a viral video allegedly assaulting his colleague, to 2nd August 2023.

The case which was being heard in court for the first time had to be adjourned because the court did not have a full panel for the case, TV3s Central Region correspondent Thomas Cann reported on Friday, July 28.

Earlier this week, the Housemaster of Quaque House at Adisadel College was interdicted pending investigations into a viral video involving two students.

The video showed the 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 school's administration took immediate punitive actions, one of them being the interdiction of Ekow Holman.

I regret to inform you that you have been relieved from your position as Quaque Housemaster with immediate effect, a letter dated Monday, July 24 and signed by the Headmaster, Samuel Kofi Agudogo opened.

You may be reinstated as a housemaster based on the outcome of investigations.

The letter pointed out that Mr Holman did not deliver as expected of you as housemaster as far as this video is concerned.

The Ghana Education Service (GES) condemned the incident, applauding the school's authorities for the swift punitive actions taken.

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.

3news.com
Ghana is portrayed as a nation grappling with a vanishing conscience, where ethical values and moral principles seem to crumble. Despite a significant percentage of the adult population identifying themselves as Christians, there is a stark disconnect between religious affiliation and Christian ethos.

Conscience is an integral aspect of human morality, serving as an internal moral compass that guides individuals in making ethical decisions and evaluating their behavior. It reflects an individual's values, empathy, and sense of responsibility for others. A combination of nature and nurture shape its development and influence.

When faced with moral dilemmas or situations that require ethical choices, a person's conscience comes into play by generating feelings of guilt or remorse for actions that many perceive as morally wrong and feelings of approval or contentment for actions that align with one's ethical principles. Conscience is closely linked to empathy, as it involves the ability to put oneself in others' shoes and understand the potential impact of one's actions on them.

In the Bible, the concept of a "seared conscience" is mentioned in the New Testament. The term is in the first letter to Timothy. In 1 Timothy 4:1-2, it says: "Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared."

A seared conscience refers to a state where a person's moral sensitivity has become desensitized or calloused due to repeated sinful behavior or the acceptance of false teachings. It implies that the person can engage in deceit, lying, and other unethical actions without feeling a sense of guilt or remorse.

It is disheartening to know that deceitfulness, lying, and cheating have become prevalent in our society, a nation that many viewed as a paragon of virtue in West Africa decades ago. Ghana's corruption is pervasive in the government and bureaucratic institutions. Politicians and bureaucrats engage in bribery and corruption, diverting crucial national resources into private pockets. This misuse of resources directly impacts the population's well-being, leading to inadequate public services and essential facilities like healthcare, education, and infrastructure.

Trust erosion is a severe consequence of widespread corruption and unethical behavior. When people witness their leaders engaging in dishonest practices, it erodes their confidence in the government and institutions. This lack of trust extends beyond the political realm and affects interpersonal relationships, making it difficult for people to rely on one another.

Mismanagement of resources exacerbates social disparities, as wealth and resources are concentrated in the hands of a privileged few. In contrast, the majority of the population struggles to meet their basic needs. This has led to increased poverty and a lack of opportunities, which may lead to social unrest.

Christian politicians and bureaucrats are corrupt, raising questions about their sincerity. When those in positions of power and influence fail to uphold the values they espouse, it can lead to disillusionment among the general population. This can weaken religious institutions' influence.

Sexual immorality is rampant, suggesting that traditional values and societal norms are being undermined. This could result from a combination of factors, including exposure to external influences, weakened family structures, and ethical erosion.

The commercialization of religion, with churches as lucrative businesses, is concerning. When religious leaders exploit their followers through unbiblical teachings and practices, it not only harms individuals spiritually but also contributes to societal distrust and skepticism towards religious institutions.

Ghana's complex cultural and societal fabric can play a role in these challenges. Traditional beliefs, cultural norms, and historical legacies may intersect with modern issues, influencing attitudes and behaviors.

Addressing these deep-rooted problems requires comprehensive and sustained effort. Solutions must focus on promoting responsible governance, ethical behavior, and accountability at all levels of society. By fostering a culture of transparency, honesty, and integrity, it is possible to rebuild trust and work towards a more just and equitable nation.

It is important to note that change is a gradual process, and overcoming these challenges may require generational effort. There is no one-size-fits-all approach, and solutions must be tailored to Ghana's unique context and circumstances. Engaging all stakeholders, including government, civil society, religious leaders, and citizens, in an inclusive dialogue and collaborative effort will be essential in charting a path toward a brighter and more ethical future for Ghana.
Introduction

Phishing attacks have become one of the most prevalent and serious cyber risks in today's digital world. These fraudulent schemes seek to deceive people into disclosing private information including usernames, passwords, and financial information. We will delve into the world of phishing attacks in this article, examining its methods and its consequences. To effectively limit the risks associated with phishing attempts and prevent your personal and professional information from getting into the wrong hands, we will discuss useful methods and best practices.

Understanding Phishing Attacks

Phishing attacks are designed to deceive individuals and gain unauthorized access to their sensitive information. Attackers often impersonate reputable entities such as banks, social media platforms, or government organizations to establish trust and manipulate their victims. By understanding the common types of phishing attacks and their anatomy, individuals can become more aware and better equipped to identify and protect themselves against such threats.

What is Phishing?

Attacks including phishing utilize deceptive techniques to coerce people into disclosing their personal data. Attackers' main objectives are typically to steal personal information, perpetrate financial fraud, or obtain illegal access to systems or accounts.

Types of Phishing Attacks

Phishing attacks can take a variety of forms and can target victims in many ways.

The following categories are the most typical:

Email phishing: Attackers send fake emails with malicious links or attachments while posing as trustworthy organizations. Spear phishing: It is more difficult to identify this targeted attack because the messages have been crafted to look like they are from reliable sources. Smishing (SMS phishing): Attackers use text messages to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information or downloading malicious content. Vishing (voice phishing): Attackers utilize voice calls to trick victims into disclosing personal or financial information. Pharming: Attackers manipulate DNS settings or create counterfeit websites to redirect victims to fraudulent platforms.

Anatomy of a Phishing Attack

Phishing attacks involve several stages, each carefully crafted to exploit human vulnerabilities. Attackers conduct research to gather information about their victims, then craft compelling messages that create a sense of urgency, fear, or curiosity. These messages are delivered through various channels, and once victims take the desired action, such as clicking a link or providing personal information, the attackers exploit the obtained data for their malicious purposes.

Consequences of Phishing Attacks

The consequences of falling victim to a phishing attack can be severe:

Identity theft

Attackers can use stolen information to assume someone's identity, opening the door to various fraudulent activities.

Financial losses

Phishing attacks can lead to unauthorized transactions, drained bank accounts, or credit card fraud.

Reputational damage

Both individuals and organizations can suffer reputational harm if their information or data is compromised.

Compromised accounts and systems.

Phishing attacks can result in unauthorized access to personal or business accounts, leading to further data breaches or cybercrimes.

Defending Against Phishing Attacks

Both individuals and businesses must implement proactive risk-mitigation strategies to protect themselves from phishing attacks. The potential impact of phishing attacks can be significantly reduced by increasing awareness, installing security measures, and practicing secure procedures.

Raising Awareness and Education

The prevention of phishing attacks depends heavily on cybersecurity awareness. People and employees should regularly get training on the characteristics of phishing attacks, how to spot fraudulent emails or messages, and the significance of immediately reporting such events. People become more attentive and less prone to fall for phishing scams when we promote cybersecurity-awareness to society.

Effective email and web filtering

Identifying and blocking phishing emails, complex filtering methods must be implemented. SPF (Sender Policy Framework), DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail), and DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance) are three examples of technologies that can be used to authenticate emails and confirm their validity. Malicious websites can be identified and blocked with the use of URL analysis tools and website reputation services.

Multiple-Factor Authentication (MFA)

User accounts are made more secure by using multi-factor authentication (MFA). By turning on MFA, users are forced to give other authentication factors in addition to their usernames and passwords, such as one-time passwords (OTP), biometric information, or physical tokens. Even if login credentials are stolen via phishing, the risk of unlawful access is much minimized as a result.

Secure Password Practices

To protect yourself from phishing attacks, you must use strong, distinctive passwords. Instead of using simple passwords that can be guessed, people ought to create complex ones that include uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. By generating and securely storing passwords, password managers assist in minimizing the danger of password reuse by removing the need for users to remember their passwords.

Email Conversation Demands Extra Care

People should take caution and follow these steps to prevent being a victim of phishing emails:

Examine the email address of the sender for irregularities or slight modifications by reviewing it. Avoid clicking on suspicious or unidentified websites by hovering over links to check the destination Uniform Resource Locator (URL). Avoid opening attachments from unknown or suspicious sources because they can be infected with viruses or malware.

Keeping Systems up to date.

Updating software on schedule is essential for ensuring strong security. Operating systems, web browsers, and applications should all regularly be patched to guarantee that vulnerabilities are quickly fixed. Enabling automatic updates streamlines the procedure and minimizes the chance that known vulnerabilities will be exploited.

Incident Response and Reporting

One way for people and organizations to effectively handle phishing scenarios is to establish an incident response strategy. It should have instructions on how to report phishing attempts promptly and provide specific routes for doing so. It could be required to work together with security teams and law enforcement organizations to mitigate the damage and take the proper countermeasures against attackers. For instance, the Cyber Security Authority (CSA) of Ghana Incident Reporting Form is one of the Point of Contacts that is available on CSA website (https://www.csa.gov.gh/report) for reporting cyber incidents. The information provided is sent to the CERT-GH for triaging and further investigation. CERT-GH (Computer Emergency Response Team) is the national Point of Contact (PoC) for coordinating cybersecurity incidents. Other point of contacts at the CSA are:

Email: [email protected]

Call: 292

SMS: 292

WhatsApp: 0501603111

Mobile App: CSA GHANA



Conclusion

Phishing attacks remain a serious risk in the cyberspace. People as well as businesses can strengthen their defences by understanding the various phishing attack types and methods and putting these into practice along with effective mitigation strategies. Promoting cybersecurity awareness, utilizing cutting-edge filtering technologies, implementing multi-factor authentication, using secure passwords, being alert when sending emails, keeping systems up to date, and having an incident response plan in place are important steps in reducing the risks associated with phishing attacks. We can successfully defend against phishing attacks and prevent the misuse of our personal and professional information by combining these security measures.

Author: Joseph Amaning Kwarteng, CPEH, CDFE, ISO 27001 Lead Auditor | Member, IIPGH

For comments, contact +233245054509 or email [email protected]
Atik Mohammed has raised concerns about the source of the huge sums of money that were stashed at the former Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources' home.

During a panel discussion on Peace FM's Kokrokoo morning show, Atik Mohammed, former General Secretary of the People's National Convention (PNC) condemned the action of Madam Cecilia Dapaah.

According to him, his comment was not rooted in any personal hatred towards Madam Cecilia Dapaah, but rather in her work as a public servant.

Atik Mohammed pointed out that Cecilia Dapaah, as a public servant should know better.

"This is wrong on many levels; this is reprehensible on all accounts. I'm interested in this issue not because I dislike Cecilia Dapaah but because she's a public servant.

We all know she's not the Queen of Arabia or Brunei, and we also know she's not Dangote's partner... even so, there should be accounts for those monies," he asserted during the discussion.
Dr Clement Apaak

28.07.2023 LISTEN

Member of Parliament for Builsa South Dr Clement Apaak has said that it appears indiscipline among students in senior high schools has gone up due to the implementation of the free senior high school (Free SHS) programme.

Dr Apaak said with the free SHS policy, the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) arrangement has been relegated to the background.

Parents, he said, are no longer able to play a role in instilling discipline among the students in school.

Speaking on the Ghana Tonight show on TV3 Thursday, July 27 in relation to the alleged assault on a student that took place at the Adisadel College, Dr Apaak who is a member of the select committee on education said this has been a concern for the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT).

These developments are worrying and unfortunate but let me be quick to add that while in the past we have heard and seen acts of indiscipline there seems to be an upsurge, particularly in the last few years. Even before these instances, we heard of situations where students beat up teachers, beat up exam invigilators, and supervisors. Some even went on to destroy properties and destroyed the farms of a headteacher because they were being prevented from cheating.

It is beginning to seem as though with the introduction of the free SHS policy, there has been an emergence of indiscipline. Dont take it from me, I have heard the leadership of NAGRAT complain that their members have constantly given instances where they are unable or are constrained in terms of disciplining students.

I will want to add that perhaps one of the reasons why we are seeing degeneration as far as indiscipline on the campuses of our secondary schools is concerned is also this relegation of parent-teacher association to the background.

With the introduction of the Free SHS policy, the role of PTAs has largely become voluntary, many parents are no longer engaged, and they are not participating. In the past where parents were actively engaged in helping managers of the schools to manage the schools to enforce discipline, I believe it has suffered.

Earlier this week, the Housemaster of Quaque House at Adisadel College was interdicted pending investigations into a viral video involving two students.

The video showed the 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 school's administration took immediate punitive actions, one of them being the interdiction of Ekow Holman.

I regret to inform you that you have been relieved from your position as Quaque Housemaster with immediate effect, a letter dated Monday, July 24 and signed by the Headmaster, Samuel Kofi Agudogo opened.

You may be reinstated as a housemaster based on the outcome of investigations.

The letter pointed out that Mr Holman did not deliver as expected of you as housemaster as far as this video is concerned.

The Ghana Education Service (GES) condemned the incident, applauding the school's authorities for the swift punitive actions taken.

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.

Meanwhile, the Cape Coast District Court 2 has adjourned the case involving the student of Adisadel College seen in a viral video allegedly assaulting his colleague, to 2nd August 2023.

-3news.com
28.07.2023 LISTEN

Tobacco industry has used deception and lies to market its deadly tobacco products and lure children and young people to killer addiction over the decades. But it was only data, science and evidence that provided rock solid ground to health justice and corporate accountability advocates worldwide to expose the nefarious designs of tobacco industry, and advance historic progress in form of global tobacco treaty, as well as range of domestic laws and its enforcement.

It is indisputable that tobacco kills, and there is no safe limit of tobacco use. Over 8 million die of tobacco use every year worldwide  each of the deadly disease or untimely death due to tobacco use could have been prevented. Tobacco is entirely a preventable epidemic, said Dr Tara Singh Bam, Asia Pacific Director of International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The Union).

The United Nations (UN) health agency, the World Health Organization (WHO) confers its World No Tobacco Day awards every year to recognize stellar contribution of those advancing lifesaving tobacco control policies worldwide.

Prestigious WHO award 2023 to Thailand National Statistical Office

Among the 2023 WHO Director Generals World No Tobacco Day Awardees is Thailand National Statistical Office (TNSO). TNSOs data has provided a strong evidence-base to implement tobacco control effectively in Thailand and help save lives.

Dr Piyanuch Wuttisorn, Director-General, National Statistical Office of Thailand, said in an exclusive interview with CNS (Citizen News Service): A lot of policy making bodies such as tobacco control agencies, use tobacco control data and information from us (TNSO). For example, information on awareness about tobacco health hazards is important. It is only because of data from our surveys that we know which province in Thailand has higher problem of tobacco use. This data is vital so that we can tailor the measures and activities targetted in these specific areas. This helps us and other relevant agencies to impact change and reduce tobacco use."

Most of tobacco use begins among children and young people, as tobacco industry continues to hooks them young. Dr Piyanuch said that We do not want children and young people to begin tobacco use. But if survey shows young people are getting involved in tobacco use, we can have stricter policy implementation to control that early on. That is why TNSOs survey is so important."

The TNSOs survey has generated data on range of other important information that has helped shape more effective policies in Thailand. For example, expenditure on particular items in different provinces of Thailand is known because of such a survey. Increasing taxation on all forms of tobacco products is among the strong evidence-based policies of Thailand to improve tobacco control. TNSOs data also shows tobacco user type, or quantity of tobacco products consumed (and this includes electronic cigarettes or other forms of electronic nicotine delivery systems or vaping products). Thailand had banned electronic cigarettes in 2014 setting an important precedent to follow for several other nations worldwide.

Our surveys have shown if tobacco control policies were effective or not  this monitoring and evaluation is vital so that relevant national policy making bodies can use our data and improve enforcement and public health outcomes, said Dr Piyanuch.

There is an important legal principle that says ignorance of the law is no excuse, because violators of any law cannot defend their actions by saying they did not know that it was illegal. But there is no doubt that awareness about laws should reach far and wide.

It is important that prohibition on sale of tobacco to anyone below the age of 20 years in Thailand, should be widely publicized and enforced strictly. If our data shows health information is not reaching a population, then we can tailor our advocacy activities for better adherence to health laws and policies said Dr Piyanuch.

We need to encourage that all people are aware about the prohibition of any form of tobacco advertising, promotion or sponsorship, because such marketing activities, either online or offline, are banned. TNSOs monitoring and evaluation of the compliance of tobacco control law 2017 in Thailand is playing an important role, said Dr Piyanuch.

National Statistical Office of Thailand has done surveys and generated data on range of issues. National Health Behaviour Survey is one of them. TNSO looked at tobacco control, alcohol intake, other diseases and activities that impact health adversely, and range of other indices.

Dr Piyanuch who leads TNSO, had earlier served as Inspector-General, Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, Thailand; Director, Social Data-based and Indicator Development Office, Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council; Senior Advisor in Plan and Policy for Director of the International Cooperation office, Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council; and Secretary-General, Office of the National Digital Economy and Society Commission of Thailand.

Despite key role of data, challenges remain

Stakeholders who are involved on various health issues have high demand and high requirement for credible and reliable data. Disaggregated data is even more in demand. As of now, Thailand has disaggregated data up to the provincial level (called Changawat in Thai), said Dr Piyanuch.

Also, many stakeholders want TNSO to add more questions in the survey questionnaire to collect more information that may prove valuable for policy making, monitoring and evaluation.

But it is very difficult to ask people so many questions frequently. People are fatigued. Also we need to realize that in urban areas, people tend to deny answers to questionnaire from any governmental agency. In urban areas it is hard to get them to respond, said Dr Piyanuch.

People are also concerned about sharing personal data. Thailands Personal Data Protection Act or PDPA is considered the first Thai law designed to govern data protection in the digital age and has been considered comparable to the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDRP). Key aspects of the PDPA include data processing, data collection, data storage, and data consent protocols.

This is why it is very challenging to drill down any further than provincial level, said Dr Piyanuch.

Although national tobacco use has dropped substantially over the years in the land of smiles, still TNSO data has shown that tobacco use among young people and males, needs to be more effectively addressed. Those growing tobacco crop should be encouraged to transition to other crops. Those who are using tobacco should benefit from tobacco cessation services in Thailand and get rid of this deadly addiction, said Dr Piyanuch.

Bobby Ramakant  CNS (Citizen News Service)

(Bobby Ramakant was awarded the 2008 WHO World No Tobacco Day Award and serves as Health Editor of CNS (Citizen News Service). Follow him on Twitter @BobbyRamakant or read www.bit.ly/BobbyRamakant )
A 33-year-old hairdresser, who stole GH39,000.00 from a businesswoman has been sentenced to pay a fine of GH18,000 by an Accra Circuit Court.

Bernice Kwanor, who was charged with stealing, initially pleaded not guilty.

However, at the end of the trial, she was found guilty by the Court presided over by Mrs Evelyn Asamoah.

The Court, therefore, sentenced the accused person to pay 1,500 penalty units (GH18,000.00) and in default would serve eight months imprisonment in hard labour.

The Court ordered the convict to refund the remaining money to the complainant.

The facts as presented by Police Chief Inspector Benson Benneh, were that the complainant was a businesswoman and resided in Teshie, while the convict was a resident of Akosombo No.1 Teshie.

The prosecution said on October 2, 2020, the complainant employed the convict as a salesgirl to take care of her provision shop situated at Ayorkor Wuo, Teshie, where she also sold cold store products and local foodstuff.

It said the complainant later travelled to the United States of America on a business trip.

The prosecution said during October 2020 and February 2021, the convict had stolen an amount of GH39,000.00, in sales, she had made from the shop and recorded the same down in a sales book.

It said on April 1, 2021, the complainant returned from her trip and asked the convict to render an account to her, but the convict could not account for the sales.

The prosecution said the convict, who could not account for the stolen money thereafter went into hiding.

It said efforts made by the complainant to locate the convict proved futile.

The prosecution said on April 16, 2021, a complaint was made to the Police and on the same day, the investigation led to the arrest of the convict from her hideout.

It said during investigations, the convict admitted the offence and said she only stole an amount of GH800.00.

The prosecution said the convict later refunded to the Police an amount of GH1,000.00.

GNA
Chief Justice (CJ) Gertrude Torkornoo

28.07.2023 LISTEN

Chief Justice (CJ) Gertrude Torkornoo has bemoaned the high cases of land litigation recorded at Kwabenya in the Ga East Municipality of the Greater Accra Region.

Justice Torkornoo was speaking at the inauguration of a new Kwabenya Circuit Court complex in the Dome Kwabenya Constituency in the Greater Accra Region on Friday, 28 July 2023.

The CJ noted the new Court House which is purpose-built is designed to respond to all the various needs for all justice delivery.

She noted that the old circuit court was housed in a rented property rented by the Ga East Municipal Assembly but it could no longer fully cater for the justice needs of the municipality forging the need for a new court complex.

Justice Torkornoo emphasised the need for Ghana, like all developing countries, to make law central to its development agenda reiterating that: The law is an instrument for regulating human behaviour and punishing ill conduct. It is first and foremost a tool for dispute resolution and a tool for ensuring that differences in opinions and perspectives are resolved peacefully.

The law is, therefore, a tool for peace, and peace is a necessity for prosperity. In fact, I was very pained to hear about all the land litigation, because Im sure you know that this community is one of the most beautiful communities in our country, the hills, the trees, it is just so beautiful and calming. You can be sure that everybody wants to come here so we need to have a system that allows people to come live, conduct business without controversy and without dispute.

She indicated that the survival of societies depends on the system of justice available for them as without justice there will be no peace and without peace there will be no prosperity while justice must be free from corruption and must be accessible to all citizens regardless of rank or social standing at the same time being physically within the reach of those who need it.

The CJ further indicated the judiciary has since independence strived to fulfill all of these conditions and keep up as well with population growth and physically.

On her part, Member of Parliament (MP) for Dome Kwabenya Adwoa Safo revealed the project commenced 3 years ago.

According to the MP, the new court will ensure the law and order needed in the constituency while the justice delivery system will improve and be well facilitated

The Kwabenya Circuit court project forms part of the nationwide construction of 100 court houses embarked on by the government in 2020 to improve judicial infrastructure.

The facility has adequate office space for various court functions, solar power, standby generator, washroom, electric fencing to boost security, dedicated space for court connected alternative dispute resolution, among others.

Source: classfmonline.com
28.07.2023 LISTEN

Parliament of Ghana has passed the Wildlife Resources Management Bill 2022, into law after the third reading on Friday, July 28, 2023.

Mr Benito Owusu-Bio, a Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, in charge of Lands and Forestry, who moved the motion on behalf of the sector minister said the Bill seeks to revise and consolidate all laws relating to wildlife and protected areas to bring it in conformity with existing policies and emerging trends in the natural resources sector.

The new legislation will also ensure the effective implementation of International Conventions on Wildlife, of which Ghana is a signatory.

Additionally, it will also give legal backing to local communities managing wildlife through the creation of Community Resource Management Areas (CREMAs).

Also, it will introduce higher penalties and sanction regimes for wildlife offences, which is a deterrent enough to protect wildlife resources.

The government, through the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, thus extended its appreciation and commendation to all stakeholders and key actors for their inputs and support throughout the review process and final passage of the Bill into law.

GNA
The Ministry for the Interior has issued a press release declaring Friday, August 4 as a public holiday.

In the release, the Ministry said the day which marks Founders Day will be observed as a Statutory Public Holiday throughout Ghana.

The Day has been set aside in honour of Ghana's founding fathers who played a pivotal role in Ghanas path to independence.

The general public is hereby informed that Friday, 4th August 2023 which marks Founders Day, is a Statutory Public Holiday and should be observed as such throughout the country, an official release from the Ministry for the Interior said.

August 4 was set aside as a Public Holiday following a broad consultation after President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo proposed amendments to the Public Holiday Act in 2018.

The Public Holidays Amendment Bill, 2018, resulted in the cancellation of three existing public holidays and birthed two holidays.

While Founders' Day was designated on August 4, September 21, became a memorial day for Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana's first president.
Genevieve Partington, Country Director for Amnesty International

28.07.2023 LISTEN

Genevieve Partington, Country Director for Amnesty International hailed Parliament for passing bills to enhance the protection of human rights in the country.

According to the Country Director, the new development is a step in the right direction.

She said in an interview with Citi FM on July 28, This is a major step for Ghana regarding the protection of vulnerable groups.

This is a major step for Ghana regarding the protection of vulnerable groups such as elderly women are the ones mostly accused of witchcraft. Ghana has made history to pass three private members bill within such a short period of time. This is not just a win for Ghana but a win for humanity. We are happy that the legislature of this country is putting human rights at the forefront, Genevieve Partington stated.

The Criminal Offences Amendment Bill 2022 approved by Parliament aims to stop attacks on accused witches among other things.

The purpose of the bill is to modify Act 29 of the Criminal Offences Act of 1960 to make it illegal for anybody to practice as a witch doctor or witchfinder.

It will make it illegal to declare, accuse, name, or designate someone else as a witch, as well as for other similar offenses.

According to the sponsor of the private members bill, Francis Xavier Sosu who is also a Member of Parliament (MP) for Madina, all witch camps in the country are now illegal.

Its such goodness that I cannot hide my joy now, the reason being that all the 539 persons locked up in witch camps across the country are looking up to us to take some decisive steps in dealing with the situation. This problem has been with us for over 100 years and we have been struggling to deal with it.

To the extent that this 8th parliament has found the needful to pass it into law, for me, Its going bring about a mind-shift, it is going to correct lots of ills in society, Im confident that we are just building a better society for ourselves, Francis Xavier Sosu stated.
Fellow Ghanaians, if you have not heard the news yet in the aftermath of the flagbearership balloting of the New Patriotic Party, NPP, on the 26th July, Hon. Kennedy Ohene Agyapong surprisingly picked the number one (1) position as the first candidate on the ballot paper, and vice President Dr. Mahmoud Bawumia picked the number ten (10) position as the last candidate on the ballot paper. It can be noticed that from their vetting results two weeks ago, there was similar similarity between the two when Dr. Bawumia came first with 88.3% and Kennedy Agyapong had 61.3 at the bottom of all the other candidates. Could it be their birth circumstances God Himself has been interested in in bringing forth with these similarities or what? And what does the NPP seek to hide from the public with latest political distraction they orchestrated with Mrs. Dapaah, former minister of Water and Sanitation, washing her dirty linen in public?

While as a shepherd growing up in the then Tolon-Kumbungu Constituency, one method we used a lot to get our lunch from people's farms was to allow few of us to remain behind  the "thieves committee" strictly selected by the leader  then the rest of us would intentionally allow the sheep into the farm to graze. Immediately, out of anger, all the attention of the farmer would go to the grazing sheep and their reckless and careless herders. Then the few of us positioned from behind would steal his farm produce  maize or yam. And that would serve as our lunch for the day. Sometimes, we could get caught and severely caned. But most times, we had our way, because the farmer would notice the premature harvest another day.

For those of us who were always unlucky and got selected by the leader for the theft and yet we always got caught by the farmer, we carried the stigma till date as "thieves". It was a great way of distracting the farmers to get our lunch, but the victimization and subsequent stigmatization was another issue. This must have been 23, 22 or 21 years ago  between the 2000 general elections and the Dagbon crisis in 2002. Yet, some of us still carry the label by mostly our naysayers. Thats why its dangerous for anyone to allow himself or herself to be labeled as a thief simply for any form of joke or distraction by anybody (leaders, politicians).

Fellow Ghanaians, the Cecilia Dapaahs money laundering  saga has been nothing but a political distraction, and the people who agreed to be used to do it would soon carry the stigma the rest of their lives, including the minister herself.

You see, it was William Shakespeare who said that, the robbed who smiles steals something from the thief. And former President Obasanjo of Nigeria observed that, Nigeria is the only country where a thief would steal and is the first to go to court again. But methinks in Ghana the thieves are the first to accuse innocents of thievery and are the first to report to the police. In a lump sum, Henry Georges attempt to explain what Shakespeare said in connection with former President Obasanjos lamentations, averred that, the three ways to make money as an individual is either by work, gift or thievery. He however lamented that, the obvious reason why the workers (citizens) get so little is that the beggars and the thieves (govt officials) have gotten so much. And the Cecilia Dapaahs money galore in our bedroom saga, is an eloquent testament to this.

On his part, Murat ildan suggests politicians are the known thieves in any society. For him, instead of the politicians, the monkeys be made to govern; at least they would steal only bananas. Aesop agrees, when he asserts that the petty thieves are hanged and the significant ones  many politicians  are left to occupy public offices. And Israel Ayivor thinks an atomic bomb should not have been constructed to destroy nations. That, politicians who value their pockets more than the lives of their citizens are worse than the atomic bomb. Because they kill their citizens on a large-scale daily. Everyone is negatively affected in one way or the other. Hunter Thompson sums up everything as an advice against being stupid again amidst being a victim of thievery. According to him, in a world of thieves, the last sin anybody can commit is to be stupid. (Now, this is a kind of literature review in an opinion article, not academic, and it is not expected to be forwarded to thesis supervisor for marking. Hence, no references captured and that cant render the work a plagiarized piece of writing)

Fellow Ghanaians, by and large, in our political experimentation of late, we have been unable to heed to this priceless and timeless piece of advice by Hunter Thompson. And Cecelia Dapaah and her thieving government, the NPP, have actually downplayed our intelligence and have sought to literally declare war on our commonsense with the latest developments in respect of thievery within government circles. Thus, we have been treated like some zombies and a nation bereft of common sense.

In July 1979, former President Jimmy Carter of the United States of America delivered his famous speech of Crisis of Confidence amidst the unfolding energy crisis he believed was accentuated by social, political, economic crisis and indecencies.

The political indecency in particular, was adjudged to be the mother of all the other crises to be exact  the foreign policies of the US government, especially the Vietnam war, cast a very evil shadow upon the USA in the aftermath of the war and drove it into an island of countries triggering a huge response of lack of confidence in the USA leadership by citizens. A situation that kept the USA descending into the dark books of history. There was the need to restore hope and confidence in the citizens, and most specifically, the capabilities of the leadership of Uncle Sam for its lack of confidence.

Fellow Ghanaians, unless we are really a nation of jokers or some collectible bunch of idiots, it is obvious that theres a serious crisis of confidence, and even competence going on in the current government of the NPP. And the government has been quite desperate to rescue that decaying situation. A reason why Cecelia Dapaah was chosen to craft a Cock and Bull story of theft case at her house to save that situation. And the incident itself has created another suspicion and crisis of confidence within the country.

So far, from the claims by the minister, its quite obvious that its not true there was such cases of theft that happened at her house: the NPP needed to cover up some sensitive issue that has the proclivity of destroying their party. The political brand of their expected presidential candidate  Dr. Bawumia  was under attack.

Now, its so interesting that the government could easily divert Ghanaians attention in such a jiffy about that unfolding issue. The compelling questions anyone must raise to expose the fact that madam Cecilia had something fishy under her sleeves for reporting herself to the police are as follow: 1. How come that madam Cecilia decided herself to report a theft case that would expose her own theft issues, almost one year later? 2. Didnt madam Cecilia know that, for reporting a case involving a huge sums of money such as what has been discovered could trigger suspicion and for which reason, she must have hidden the rest of the money from investigators? 3. Why did madam Cecilia not told by her government that theres going to be a follow up search in her house hence the need to hide the rest of the money? 4. Is there a CCTV footage of how the ladies left the house with that stealing cash? 5. And judging from the quick comments by the president regarding her integrity even before the subsequent cash was discovered not send a message that it was a well rehearsed plan?

The question now is, what did the government want to divert the attention of citizens from and which gravity and magnitude was too heavy that the reputation of the minister and her government and that of the so-called house helps, could be dragged in such a wicked mad and sacrificed in order to be carried out? Fellow citizens, the answer is that it was to safeguard the identity of Dr. Bawumia which surfaced and suggested that the Veep is I am Not Yvonne Nelson. That is, the circumstances surrounding his birth which makes Dr. Bawumia an illegitimate son of his father, if its true, has cast a big shadow over his integrity and credibility since he has never mentioned it and has chosen to present himself as legitimate even though some of his supporters, and mallams who are also deemed as illegitimate, are calling others out for their illegitimacy.

The implication of this is that, if it turns out to be true, Dr. Bawumias credibility would be highly questionable as we may not know whether his so-called economic degrees and pedigrees are also accurate. Again, in our African soil, its a serious taboo for a woman to legitimize her illegitimate children born out of wedlock, especially if the children were conceived outside the union of matrimony with other men for the husband to take care of. This is very serious taboo in our African context and can invoke the curse of the God upon us. While we believe Dr. Bawumias case must not have been about a woman giving a pregnancy to the wrong owner, however, does Dr. Bawumias case of pretending to be legitimate son of his father has some dire consequences to do with our economic woes? If his economic qualifications are right and correct, why are Ghanaians suffering this economic mess under such a most talented economic manager? Is it because he has pretended to be a legitimate son when he is not? Must Ghanaians give him the nod to continue as their president and economic manager despite the mess caused by these blatant violations of local taboos? And if he doesnt confess this or contradict it, would Ghana continue to experience this economic turbulence under him if he becomes president?

Fellow Ghanaians, this is what the NPP have realized is coming and have decided to perpetuate this false identity of Dr. Bawumia for the public so that no one gets to spotlight the highly possible genuine reasons why Ghana is struggling today like this. Because, a damning revelation like this would have triggered the most disastrous electoral consequences even before the 2024 general election is held.

As a result, the last few weeks since this anomaly about the Veep came under the scanner, the president and the NPP have been looking for a political distraction to divert public attention from X-raying the legitimacy or otherwise of the Veep and their next flagbearer. Hence, the desperation to wash a different dirty linen of the government in the public by Cecilia Dapaah in order to prevent the citizens from knowing whether Dr. Bawumia has been an economic, a political and social, or legitimate imposter or not. And the consequences it may portend for the country is greater if Dr. Bawumia is allowed to continue without confessing to Ghanaians but continues to pretend.

This is indeed a crisis of confidence challenge to the government. Thus, our economic woes are not only generated from mismanagement and corruption alone, its as a result of a very bad omen because we have a man who is supposed to be known as illegitimate child masquerading and deceiving us as legitimate, if that is true.

As a student of religion, both the Quran and the Bible as holy Books of Muslims and Christians detest adultery. While both religions do not despise children from adultery, they resist any attempt to disguise. And God is ever ready to expose their identity if attempt is made to disguise even if an economic turmoil is to befall the people.

My advice is that we must never allow ourselves to be held by the jugular vein by people who cant be honest with us.

Let Dr. Bawumia come clear on the matter. Ghana cant risk the wrath of God because of the maniacal ambition of desperate citizens to lead at all cost.
French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin says he understands the frustration and anger among the country's overworked security forces after recent bouts of street violence; However, he has been criticised for "undermining republican values" after supporting the national police chief's comments that officers under investigation should be treated differently when brought before the courts.

Darmanin's televised remarks, delivered against the backdrop of a Paris police station on Thursday, came as the French government struggles to allay discontent within the police force over what many see as tough working conditions, deepened by the recent incarceration of an officer in Marseille many officers found unfair.

"I want to say that I can understand this fatigue, sadness and emotion," Darmanin said before heading into a meeting with police union representatives, but added police agents mustn't forget their "sense of mission".

The Marseille-based officer held in detention is accused of "voluntary violence" during the wave of rioting that swept through France earlier this month that left a 22-year-old badly hurt.

His arrest sparked anger among colleagues across the country and lead to a 'go slow' through concerted sick leave in some places.

In a weekend newspaper interview, the national police chief Frederic Veaux said "a police officer does not belong in prison, even if he did wrong or committed serious errors at work."

His remarks were widely perceived as a challenge to the independence of the judiciary and caused outrage among France's political left who accused the official of disrespecting the separation of power.

On Thursday, Darmanin defended Veaux, saying he was an "excellent" police chief that he was "proud to count among my co-workers."

Call for Darmanin's resignation

This comes as Socialist Party leader Olivier Faure has called for Darmanin's resignation, who he has accused of "defying the Republic" by supporting the head of the national police force despite the "risk of sedition".

The MP for Seine-et-Marne also called for President Emmanuel Macron, "guarantor of the independence of the judiciary ... to put his own house in order ... because there cannot be a state within the state".

A tweet from Faure, claimed there is "a triumvirate made up of the Minister of the Interior, the Director General of the National Police and the Paris Police Prefect  all three of whom are defying republican rules ... the independence of the judiciary ... and the equality of citizens before the law."

The Socialist leader also denounced the fact that "the Minister of the Interior is no longer anything more than a collaborator of his own administration ... [defying] both the President of the Republic and the Republic."

Recalling that in 1983, former president Francois Mitterrand had "immediately sanctioned" a police rebellion that defied political authority, Faure added that "we expect the head of state to have the same courage".

Meanwhile, the hard-left France Unbowed party have backed calls for Darmanin's resignation, with MEP Manon Aubry tweeting: "The only thing Gerald Darmanin should now honour himself with is his resignation."

Magistrates voice concern

Senior judges have also voiced their concern over Darmanin's remarks about a "presumption of guilt" on police officers in court, calling it a "new attack" on the independence of the judiciary.

In a statement, the national conference of heads of appeal courts said this Friday, "Once again, the Minister of the Interior's questioning of the application of criminal law by magistrates, citing a failure to respect the presumption of innocence and therefore the principle of impartiality with regard to police officers, constitutes direct criticism of judicial decisions."

Magistrates and prosecutors have pointed out that the remand in custody of a police officer in the Paris suburb of Nanterre  as part of the investigation into the death of teenager Nahel  and of another in Marseille on suspicion of beating up a young man, are "reasoned" decisions that have "been appealed".
Officers in Niger declared the commander of the presidential guard, General Abdourahamane Tiani, the head of a new military government on Friday, two days after the unit seized elected President Mohamed Bazoum in a coup d'etat.

In a televised statement, the coup leaders said they had suspended the constitution and dissolved the government.

Tiani was the head of the presidential guard that shut Bazoum in his palace on Wednesday, then declared it had ousted him because of poor governance and worsening security.

The general appeared on state television on Friday, described as the president of a newly formed military council, the National Council for Safeguarding the Homeland (CNSP).

"The President of the CNSP is the head of state. He represents the state of Niger in international relations," said a statement read by an officer.

The constitution has been suspended and the government dissolved, and the CNSP will exercise all legislative and executive power, according to the statement.

While the motives of the coup leaders remain unclear, it is rumoured that they were driven into action by an attempt to force out Tiani, who is also known by the name Omar Tiani.

International alarm

African countries and Western powers have reacted with alarm to the events in Niger, insisting that constitutional order be restored.

Niger borders three countries  Mali, Burkina Faso and Chad  that have also experienced military coups in the last two years.

Before the uprising this week, it was seen as the West's most stable partner in a region facing a growing Islamist insurgency.

Some 1,500 French troops are stationed in Niger as part of the fight against jihadist rebels in the Sahel.

France turned to Niger after it was forced to withdraw from Mali following a breakdown in relations between Paris and the military junta there.

Earlier on Friday, French President Emmanuel Macron described the coup as "dangerous" for the volatile Sahel region.

"This coup is completely illegitimate and profoundly dangerous, for Nigeriens, for Niger and for the whole region," Macron said.

Macron said he had spoken to Bazoum, who is still being held in his palace, and called for him to be reinstated.

The French president also said that Bazoum is in good health.

(with Reuters and AFP)
In a reaction to the recent turn of events in Niger, the former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, expressed his shock and concern while offering prayers for the situation to be reversed.

The coup, which took place on July 26, saw President Mohamed Bazoum detained by soldiers from Niger's presidential guard.

Another group of soldiers declared his overthrow and announced the formation of a junta led by General Abdourahamane Tchiani.

Former President of West Africas most populous country Buhari, in a tweet posted on Friday, July 28, joined millions of Nigerians in expressing his deep concern about the fate of democracy in Niger and the sub-region general.

He prayed for the safety of President Bazoum and his family.

He stated, "I, like millions of other Nigerians, am shocked by the latest turn of events in Niger Republic. Concerns have been raised about the fate of democracy as a system of government in the country and in the wider sub-region, and equally so, about the safety of President Mohammed Bazoum and his family."

Acknowledging the efforts of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in addressing the crisis, Buhari expressed hope for the complete reversal of the situation.

He highlighted the effective leadership of ECOWAS under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has been instrumental in dealing with the matter.

Niger, a country that has experienced four military coups since gaining independence from France in 1960, witnessed its fifth coup with the recent events.

The last coup took place in 2010, making this the first military coup in over a decade.

The coup in Niger follows a series of similar events in neighboring countries, including Guinea, Mali, Sudan in 2021, as well as two in Burkina Faso in 2022, leading to the region being referred to as a "coup belt."

Analysts suggest that factors such as the rising cost of living, perceptions of government incompetence and corruption, and ongoing security challenges, including Islamist insurgencies led by Al-Qaeda, Islamic State, and Boko Haram, may have contributed to the unrest.
28.07.2023 LISTEN

"You people in Europe should give us peace of mind and not see us as poor beggars," shouted Madam Africa on Miss Europe.

"What exactly do you mean by your insults?" was the immediate response. Miss Europe knew what was about the come to her but was already well-prepared for an answer regardless of how shaky it stood on sandy grounds.

Madam Africa was all that prepared for the attack feeling the pain of generations long time gone in her heart with spelled blood before her eyes: "Give us peace. Give us debt relief, pay us fair prices for our products and services, stop meddling in our initial affairs, open your markets for our products, open your patents for our development, give us more direct investments, better loan conditions, and treat us as equals, stop corrupting our leaders, help us with good intentions...."

"The same old list of demands of the same old people that do not have a sense nor clue of the real African problems. Do not try to confuse people by bringing out issues from the sideline but hit the nail on the head," was Miss Europe in good swing to counterattack. She smiled all over her face confident to be on the right side.

"What nonsense are you talking about, young lady?" was Madam Africa to be heard. She folded her hands to prayers with a side look at God and Jesus Christ.

"Corruption comes from two sides. When we try it the integrity of your leaders must refuse it, simple as that. When you sell gold and diamonds as raw materials and at international Stock Exchanges the price gets fixed by ruthless speculators the consequences are clear. Don't export commodities as raw materials and only at a price that pleases you. Gold and diamonds, bauxite to oil, gas, and lithium do not get spoilt or run away from you. Even precious trees are more than willing to grow in your country and not be auctioned off at useless prices. Cocoa beans to export is stupid and subject to speculation chocolates are not. Since independence and democracy, the responsibility lies in your hands. Happiness is buried in Africa go out and dig for it."

"I have in my entire life never heard such useless insults. You people in Europe made us poor not we," did Madam shout out loud.

Jesus Christ looked at her to give her comfort and rest. She calmed down immediately.

Miss Asia commented with a big soft smile on her face:" I am relieved to hear this conversation. It makes me know we are not that bad after all...I mean all we did wrong and talked about. Gosh, now my heart is light...finally."

"Maybe I should let my people think out there in the universe are other people living they call Aliens. What do you think, my son?" whispered God leaning his head towards him.

"You mean they should know that you have a backup plan, a plan B just to scare them?"

"Why not?"

"But you have no parallel universe created and they can find out."

"And when I make them blind?"

"Blind as how they are already, you mean, my Father?"

"Why not? I am God and my will shall prevail always, my son!"

"My humble advice to you Father is, let them hear, see and feel to learn over time to do your will. Out of their free will only by experiencing hardship as you trained me in the desert for forty years will they come out as strong believers and the right people who you need and want," answered Jesus Christ.

"I will do as you said, my son, as we are one," got God up, silenced the nations, and gave his blessings over them before his throne was carried away by his angles to rest.
Alexander Afenyo-Markin

28.07.2023 LISTEN

The Member of Parliament (MP) for Effutu, Alexander Afenyo-Markin has expressed concern about the continuous politicisation of issues of national interest.

Speaking on the floor of Parliament, the Deputy Majority Leader argued that issues of illegal mining (galamsey) are of national interest and should not be fought only by the ruling party.

He proposes that the Majority and Minority in Parliament must work together in the interest of the country to curb the menace.

So Mr. Speaker, all this talk talk, talk talk will end into nothing. Will lead us to nothing unless the advocacy is aimed at ensuring that we build a national consensus on this matter. There should be no NDC, there should be no NPP, and there should be no partisanship when it comes to galamsey.

We have to know as a political class that there are some matters that are of national interest and congregate around it and deal with it without thinking about the next election. That is the problem we have as a country, Alexander Afenyo-Markin bemoaned.

The Effutu MP indicated that when government proposes a policy to the benefit of the nation, it is important for the Minority in Parliament to support it and forget about partisan gains.

For the worried MP, the galamsey issue in the country poses great health problems if it is not tackled collectively and addressed by all political parties.

I am worried about what is happening in our water bodies. We dont have clean water. The cancer going on, a lot of people are going to have colon cancer. Have we thought about that? And this is the poor in our society and they will come to us as politicians to demand support. We have to be careful as a country, the Deputy Majority Leader cautions.

The Effutu MP added that both the Majority and Minority need to pledge and take serious action towards curbing galamsey in the country.
28.07.2023 LISTEN

A dark cloud seemingly out of the unknown appeared above the nations gathered. Jesus Christ saw it first and discovered the face of the devil in it so familiar to him from his forty days in the desert. God was not aware of what was about to come. His mind was entirely focused on his nations. The winds were blowing the atmosphere changed. Something was in the air at that moment. When Jesus Christ pointed out the dark cloud to his Father God looked at it and it was no more. Gone as mysteriously as it had appeared. God stretched his body and stretched out his hands to bless his nations before he was interrupted by loud noise.

"If you in Latin America stop production of illegal drugs once and for all your presidents not being part of the dirty deals we in Europe would not have to pick up all the dead bodies in our countries. Crime and prostitution would come down. People would live a dignified life and not be shot dead in clans and gang violence in Hamburg, Germany Reeperbahn or the Bronx in New York," got Miss Europe very angry and excited. She wanted to raise but Jesus Christ calmed her down. By the look of his eyes, peace prevailed at least for the moment of the look. No guarantee given what happens when he turns his back on people or rests his eyes.

Mr. Latin America folded his hands as an unmistakable sign of innocence before calmly retaliating: "You Miss Europe and Mr. North America are hypocrites of the highest order. During the Afghan war, the USA and only the USA were mandated to destroy the poppy fields that the Taliban used to make money out of illegal drugs smuggled over the Hindukush into neighboring Pakistan. The enormous profits generated made them buy weapons and bombs that killed German soldiers and others in Afghanistan. Germans soldiers were angry with the Americans because of that as the Americans did not destroy the poppy fields. And think of Guantanamo Bay in Cuba Island. Suspects from the Taliban and other organizations were held in prison without any charges or trials brought against them. Some of them like the Iraqi prisoners of war in Iraq were torched and mistreated and the US governments insist still today that these soldiers should not be subjected to the ICC in Den Haag. They do wrong and get away with it even violating the American Constitution...but no one seems to care because of the power the USA has in this world."

"To compare apples with bananas...," wanted Mr. Arabia to moderate but was cut short.

"You want to suggest...unbelievable...you from your corner of the world not having a clean record to honor human rights...you seriously want to suggest to us that we are a banana republic?" was Mr. Latin America in his element of emotional reactions. "You better watch your words, Sir."

God whispered into the ears of his son the remarkable words for the nations not to hear: "When we allow them to come out openly with what they think about the others Cain and Abel would be around us in their numbers and our angles instead of signing and praising me on their clouds would do nothing but clean the blood poured out before my feet." He smiled with great concern engraved on his forehead. Then he asked: " How on earth were you ever able to live among them, my son? Truly the testing and training in the desert had paid off."

"My Father, my Father...you created the heavens and the earth. You as the creator of man know them better than me," humbled Jesus Christ himself under the feet of his father.
Beck Bode LLC grew its stake in shares of iShares Russell Mid-Cap ETF (NYSEARCA:IWR  Free Report) by 6.2% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 32,949 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 1,910 shares during the period. Beck Bode LLCs holdings in iShares Russell Mid-Cap ETF were worth $2,304,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Several other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Credit Suisse AG acquired a new stake in shares of iShares Russell Mid-Cap ETF in the 4th quarter worth about $26,000. Kalos Management Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of iShares Russell Mid-Cap ETF in the 4th quarter worth about $27,000. AlphaCore Capital LLC raised its holdings in shares of iShares Russell Mid-Cap ETF by 1,005.3% in the 4th quarter. AlphaCore Capital LLC now owns 420 shares of the companys stock worth $28,000 after acquiring an additional 382 shares during the last quarter. NewSquare Capital LLC acquired a new stake in shares of iShares Russell Mid-Cap ETF in the 1st quarter worth about $29,000. Finally, Laffer Tengler Investments acquired a new stake in shares of iShares Russell Mid-Cap ETF in the 4th quarter worth about $32,000.

Get iShares Russell Mid-Cap ETF alerts:

iShares Russell Mid-Cap ETF Stock Performance

NYSEARCA:IWR traded down $0.86 on Thursday, hitting $74.94. The stock had a trading volume of 788,380 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,163,336. The stock has a market cap of $29.58 billion, a P/E ratio of 15.16 and a beta of 1.09. iShares Russell Mid-Cap ETF has a 1 year low of $60.73 and a 1 year high of $76.21. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $71.42 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $70.63.

iShares Russell Mid-Cap ETF Profile

iShares Russell Mid-Cap ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares Russell Midcap Index Fund, is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the Russell Midcap Index (the Index). The Index measures the performance of the mid-capitalization sector of the United States equity market.

Featured Stories

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IWR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares Russell Mid-Cap ETF (NYSEARCA:IWR  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for iShares Russell Mid-Cap ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Russell Mid-Cap ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Albert Technologies Ltd (LON:ALB  Get Free Report)s share price traded up 56.9% on Wednesday . The company traded as high as GBX 8 ($0.10) and last traded at GBX 8 ($0.10). 833,209 shares traded hands during trading, an increase of 147% from the average session volume of 337,338 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 5.10 ($0.07).

Albert Technologies Stock Performance

The business has a 50-day simple moving average of GBX 8 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of GBX 8. The company has a market capitalization of 7.98 million and a price-to-earnings ratio of -0.53.

About Albert Technologies

(Get Free Report)

Albert Technologies Ltd. provides autonomous cross-channel artificial intelligence marketing platform in Israel and internationally. The company offers artificial intelligence-based software to brands and advertising agencies using a Software as a Service (SaaS) model. It develops and deploys algorithmic solutions to provide marketers with a self-driving solution for cross-channel campaign execution, testing, optimization, analysis, and insights.

Further Reading

Receive News & Ratings for Albert Technologies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Albert Technologies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Arrow Financial Corp trimmed its stake in shares of Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA  Free Report) by 6.0% during the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 7,182 shares of the credit services providers stock after selling 462 shares during the quarter. Arrow Financial Corps holdings in Mastercard were worth $2,610,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in MA. Pinnacle Wealth Planning Services Inc. increased its stake in Mastercard by 4.8% in the 1st quarter. Pinnacle Wealth Planning Services Inc. now owns 5,414 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $1,968,000 after acquiring an additional 246 shares during the last quarter. Symphony Financial Ltd. Co. increased its stake in Mastercard by 7.9% in the 1st quarter. Symphony Financial Ltd. Co. now owns 1,401 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $504,000 after acquiring an additional 102 shares during the last quarter. Aveo Capital Partners LLC increased its stake in Mastercard by 4.0% in the 1st quarter. Aveo Capital Partners LLC now owns 1,194 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $434,000 after acquiring an additional 46 shares during the last quarter. Summit Financial LLC increased its stake in Mastercard by 5.6% in the 1st quarter. Summit Financial LLC now owns 2,775 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $1,009,000 after acquiring an additional 147 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Soltis Investment Advisors LLC increased its stake in Mastercard by 10.9% in the 1st quarter. Soltis Investment Advisors LLC now owns 956 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $347,000 after acquiring an additional 94 shares during the last quarter. 81.33% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

Get Mastercard alerts:

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, major shareholder Foundation Mastercard sold 125,816 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, May 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $386.28, for a total value of $48,600,204.48. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 100,437,277 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $38,796,911,359.56. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. In other news, major shareholder Foundation Mastercard sold 125,816 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, May 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $386.28, for a total value of $48,600,204.48. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 100,437,277 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $38,796,911,359.56. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, insider Raghuvir Malhotra sold 11,398 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, May 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $381.62, for a total value of $4,349,704.76. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 9,465 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,612,033.30. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last 90 days, insiders sold 553,576 shares of company stock worth $211,635,322. 0.13% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Mastercard Trading Down 2.0 %

NYSE MA traded down $7.85 on Thursday, hitting $394.56. The companys stock had a trading volume of 3,562,125 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,790,949. Mastercard Incorporated has a 52-week low of $276.87 and a 52-week high of $405.19. The company has a current ratio of 1.20, a quick ratio of 1.20 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.84. The companys 50-day simple moving average is $384.05 and its 200 day simple moving average is $373.24. The firm has a market cap of $373.98 billion, a P/E ratio of 39.88, a PEG ratio of 1.90 and a beta of 1.11.

Mastercard (NYSE:MA  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, April 27th. The credit services provider reported $2.80 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.71 by $0.09. Mastercard had a return on equity of 169.12% and a net margin of 42.33%. The business had revenue of $5.75 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.64 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $2.76 EPS. The businesss revenue was up 11.2% on a year-over-year basis. Research analysts predict that Mastercard Incorporated will post 12.1 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Mastercard Announces Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, August 9th. Shareholders of record on Friday, July 7th will be issued a $0.57 dividend. This represents a $2.28 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.58%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, July 6th. Mastercards dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 22.78%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

MA has been the topic of a number of research analyst reports. Raymond James upped their target price on Mastercard from $450.00 to $453.00 in a research note on Friday, April 28th. The Goldman Sachs Group increased their price objective on Mastercard from $442.00 to $452.00 in a research report on Thursday, July 13th. BMO Capital Markets increased their price objective on Mastercard from $414.00 to $442.00 in a research report on Friday, April 28th. Citigroup increased their price objective on Mastercard from $435.00 to $440.00 in a research report on Friday, April 28th. Finally, KeyCorp increased their price objective on Mastercard from $425.00 to $430.00 in a research report on Monday, April 24th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eighteen have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, Mastercard has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $425.11.

Mastercard Company 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.

Featured Stories

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MA? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Mastercard Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Mastercard and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Aspire Private Capital LLC bought a new position in Manulife Financial Co. (NYSE:MFC  Free Report) (TSE:MFC) in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor bought 2,124 shares of the financial services providers stock, valued at approximately $38,996,640,000.

Other large investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. BlackRock Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Manulife Financial by 10.1% during the 1st quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 878,359 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $18,753,000 after buying an additional 80,450 shares during the period. Raymond James Trust N.A. lifted its stake in shares of Manulife Financial by 7.9% during the first quarter. Raymond James Trust N.A. now owns 27,503 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $587,000 after buying an additional 2,013 shares during the period. Cetera Investment Advisers acquired a new position in Manulife Financial in the 1st quarter worth approximately $428,000. Moors & Cabot Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Manulife Financial by 2.3% in the first quarter. Moors & Cabot Inc. now owns 43,078 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $920,000 after buying an additional 956 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC grew its position in Manulife Financial by 32.7% during the first quarter. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC now owns 14,560 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $311,000 after buying an additional 3,585 shares during the period. 40.71% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

Get Manulife Financial alerts:

Manulife Financial Stock Up 0.8 %

Shares of Manulife Financial stock traded up $0.15 on Friday, hitting $20.02. 340,461 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 3,195,681. The stock has a market cap of $36.70 billion, a P/E ratio of 9.12, a PEG ratio of 0.81 and a beta of 1.10. Manulife Financial Co. has a 52-week low of $14.92 and a 52-week high of $20.40. The firms 50-day moving average is $18.98 and its 200 day moving average is $19.09.

Manulife Financial Cuts Dividend

Manulife Financial ( NYSE:MFC Get Free Report ) (TSE:MFC) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, May 10th. The financial services provider reported $0.58 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.57 by $0.01. The firm had revenue of $9.32 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $10.68 billion. Equities research analysts forecast that Manulife Financial Co. will post 2.46 EPS for the current year.

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, June 19th. Investors of record on Wednesday, May 24th were paid a $0.269 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, May 23rd. This represents a $1.08 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 5.37%. Manulife Financials payout ratio is 49.54%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Separately, StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Manulife Financial in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. They set a hold rating on the stock.

About Manulife Financial

(Free Report)

Manulife Financial Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, provides financial products and services in Asia, Canada, the United States, and internationally. The company operates through Wealth and Asset Management Businesses; Insurance and Annuity Products; and Corporate and Other segments. The Wealth and Asset Management Businesses segment offers investment advice and solutions to retirement, retail, and institutional clients through multiple distribution channels, including agents and brokers affiliated with the company, independent securities brokerage firms and financial advisors pension plan consultants, and banks.

See Also

Receive News & Ratings for Manulife Financial Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Manulife Financial and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
JPMorgan Chase & Co. upgraded shares of ASUSTeK Computer (OTCMKTS:ASUUY  Free Report) from a neutral rating to an overweight rating in a research report sent to investors on Wednesday morning, FlyOnTheWall reports.

Separately, Morgan Stanley upgraded shares of ASUSTeK Computer from an underweight rating to an equal weight rating in a report on Tuesday, May 2nd.

Get ASUSTeK Computer alerts:

ASUSTeK Computer Stock Performance

Shares of OTCMKTS:ASUUY remained flat at $50.00 during trading on Wednesday. The companys 50-day moving average is $48.62 and its two-hundred day moving average is $47.99. ASUSTeK Computer has a 52-week low of $40.00 and a 52-week high of $52.00.

ASUSTeK Computer Dividend Announcement

About ASUSTeK Computer

The company also recently declared a dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, August 3rd. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, July 5th will be issued a $1.9078 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Monday, July 3rd. ASUSTeK Computers dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 56.03%.

(Get Free Report)

ASUSTeK Computer Inc researches and develops, designs, manufactures, sells, and repairs computers, communications, and consumer electronic products in Taiwan, China, Singapore, Europe, the United States, and internationally. The company offers Internet information services; maintenance and operating services for information hardware; services information technology and communication products; and leases real estate property.

Further Reading

Receive News & Ratings for ASUSTeK Computer Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ASUSTeK Computer and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Autoliv (NYSE:ALV  Free Report) had its target price upped by Mizuho from $96.00 to $106.00 in a research note released on Monday morning, Marketbeat.com reports. Mizuho currently has a buy rating on the auto parts companys stock.

A number of other research analysts have also weighed in on the stock. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft dropped their price target on shares of Autoliv from $113.00 to $110.00 in a research report on Monday, April 24th. Bank of America lowered their price objective on shares of Autoliv from $130.00 to $127.00 in a research report on Wednesday, June 7th. Kepler Capital Markets raised shares of Autoliv from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $105.00 price objective on the stock in a research report on Thursday, May 11th. Barclays lowered their price objective on shares of Autoliv from $100.00 to $95.00 in a research report on Monday, April 24th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price objective on shares of Autoliv from $95.00 to $96.00 in a research report on Monday, July 10th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have issued a hold rating and seven have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $102.67.

Get Autoliv alerts:

Autoliv Trading Down 2.9 %

ALV opened at $98.66 on Monday. Autoliv has a twelve month low of $65.74 and a twelve month high of $103.99. The company has a quick ratio of 0.79, a current ratio of 1.04 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.50. The company has a fifty day moving average of $88.11 and a 200-day moving average of $88.37. The stock has a market cap of $8.42 billion, a PE ratio of 22.02, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.53 and a beta of 1.68.

Autoliv Announces Dividend

Autoliv ( NYSE:ALV Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Friday, July 21st. The auto parts company reported $1.93 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.41 by $0.52. The business had revenue of $2.64 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.55 billion. Autoliv had a net margin of 3.98% and a return on equity of 19.67%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 26.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the company posted $0.90 earnings per share. On average, sell-side analysts predict that Autoliv will post 6.43 EPS for the current year.

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, June 13th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, May 25th were issued a $0.66 dividend. This represents a $2.64 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.68%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, May 24th. Autolivs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 58.93%.

Insider Buying and Selling

In other Autoliv news, Director Jan Carlson sold 2,614 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction 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 transaction, the director now owns 77,493 shares in the company, valued at $6,895,327.14. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. 0.20% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Autoliv

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Grey Fox Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Autoliv during the 1st quarter worth approximately $28,000. Signaturefd LLC grew its stake in shares of Autoliv by 52.5% during the 4th quarter. Signaturefd LLC now owns 526 shares of the auto parts companys stock worth $40,000 after purchasing an additional 181 shares during the period. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC purchased a new position in shares of Autoliv during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $40,000. Quadrant Capital Group LLC lifted its position in shares of Autoliv by 33.3% during the 4th quarter. Quadrant Capital Group LLC now owns 553 shares of the auto parts companys stock valued at $42,000 after buying an additional 138 shares in the last quarter. Finally, New York State Common Retirement Fund purchased a new position in shares of Autoliv during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $49,000. 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.

Read More

Receive News & Ratings for Autoliv Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Autoliv and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Axxcess Wealth Management LLC lifted its position in shares of Roper Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:ROP  Free Report) by 1.6% during the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 9,333 shares of the industrial products companys stock after purchasing an additional 143 shares during the quarter. Axxcess Wealth Management LLCs holdings in Roper Technologies were worth $4,113,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Lord Abbett & CO. LLC raised its position in shares of Roper Technologies by 1.7% in the first quarter. Lord Abbett & CO. LLC now owns 27,664 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $13,064,000 after purchasing an additional 463 shares during the period. Prudential PLC bought a new position in Roper Technologies in the 1st quarter valued at about $1,038,000. Cetera Investment Advisers lifted its position in Roper Technologies by 0.8% during the first quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 3,916 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $1,849,000 after acquiring an additional 30 shares during the last quarter. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC bought a new stake in Roper Technologies in the 1st quarter valued at $367,000. Finally, Candriam Luxembourg S.C.A. increased its position in Roper Technologies by 432.2% during the first quarter. Candriam Luxembourg S.C.A. now owns 37,205 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $17,569,000 after acquiring an additional 30,214 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 91.48% of the companys stock.

Get Roper Technologies alerts:

Roper Technologies Price Performance

ROP stock traded down $2.66 during mid-day trading on Thursday, hitting $491.19. 420,962 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 533,188. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.36, a current ratio of 0.94 and a quick ratio of 0.90. The stock has a market capitalization of $52.36 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.08, a PEG ratio of 2.86 and a beta of 1.03. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $466.86 and a 200 day moving average price of $447.95. Roper Technologies, Inc. has a 12 month low of $356.21 and a 12 month high of $502.13.

Roper Technologies Cuts Dividend

Roper Technologies ( NYSE:ROP Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Friday, July 21st. The industrial products company reported $4.12 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $3.99 by $0.13. The business had revenue of $1.53 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.50 billion. Roper Technologies had a return on equity of 10.61% and a net margin of 50.21%. Roper Technologiess revenue for the quarter was up 16.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $3.95 earnings per share. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that Roper Technologies, Inc. will post 16.44 EPS for the current year.

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, July 24th. Shareholders of record on Monday, July 10th were given a dividend of $0.6825 per share. This represents a $2.73 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.56%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, July 7th. Roper Technologiess payout ratio is 10.05%.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In related news, Director Robert D. Johnson sold 900 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, July 24th. The shares were sold at an average price of $495.19, for a total value of $445,671.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 5,846 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,894,880.74. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. In other Roper Technologies news, Director Robert D. Johnson sold 900 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, July 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $495.19, for a total value of $445,671.00. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 5,846 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,894,880.74. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, Director Christopher Wright sold 300 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, June 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $457.19, for a total value of $137,157.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 37,827 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $17,294,126.13. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last 90 days, insiders sold 1,450 shares of company stock worth $695,366. 0.94% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several research analysts have recently commented on the stock. Wells Fargo & Company raised their target price on shares of Roper Technologies from $550.00 to $555.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Monday. Argus boosted their price objective on shares of Roper Technologies from $490.00 to $550.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Monday. Barclays upped their price target on Roper Technologies from $525.00 to $550.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Monday. Oppenheimer raised their target price on Roper Technologies from $535.00 to $560.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Monday. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada raised their price objective on shares of Roper Technologies from $532.00 to $569.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Monday. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, nine have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, Roper Technologies currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $525.13.

About Roper Technologies

(Free Report)

Roper Technologies, Inc designs and develops software, and technology enabled products and solutions. The company offers management, campus solutions, diagnostic and laboratory information management, enterprise management, information solutions, transportation management, financial and compliance management, and cloud-based financial analytics and performance management software; cloud-based software to the property and casualty insurance industry; and software, services, and technologies for foodservice operations.

Featured Articles

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ROP? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Roper Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:ROP  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Roper Technologies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Roper Technologies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Bahl & Gaynor Inc. raised its stake in Bank of America Co. (NYSE:BAC) by 24.5% in the 1st quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 3,796,185 shares of the financial services providers stock after acquiring an additional 746,472 shares during the quarter. Bahl & Gaynor Inc.s holdings in Bank of America were worth $108,571,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in BAC. Altrius Capital Management Inc grew its stake in shares of Bank of America by 0.3% during the 4th quarter. Altrius Capital Management Inc now owns 92,587 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $3,066,000 after purchasing an additional 279 shares during the period. Vision Capital Management Inc. grew its position in shares of Bank of America by 0.5% during the 4th quarter. Vision Capital Management Inc. now owns 60,662 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $2,009,000 after acquiring an additional 288 shares during the period. Hemington Wealth Management grew its position in shares of Bank of America by 2.2% during the 4th quarter. Hemington Wealth Management now owns 14,010 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $464,000 after acquiring an additional 298 shares during the period. Navellier & Associates Inc. grew its position in shares of Bank of America by 1.9% during the 4th quarter. Navellier & Associates Inc. now owns 16,200 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $537,000 after acquiring an additional 300 shares during the period. Finally, Shayne & CO. LLC grew its stake in shares of Bank of America by 2.8% during the 4th quarter. Shayne & CO. LLC now owns 11,000 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $364,000 after acquiring an additional 300 shares during the period. 67.34% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Get Bank of America alerts:

Insider Activity at Bank of America

In related news, insider Dean C. Athanasia sold 77,806 shares of Bank of America 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 completion of the sale, the insider now owns 353,971 shares in the company, valued at approximately $11,143,007.08. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. 0.27% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Bank of America Trading Down 0.2 %

BAC traded down $0.05 during trading on Friday, reaching $31.90. The company had a trading volume of 33,269,266 shares, compared to its average volume of 52,251,563. The stock has a market cap of $254.22 billion, a P/E ratio of 9.17, a PEG ratio of 1.36 and a beta of 1.35. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $29.15 and a 200-day simple moving average of $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 quick ratio of 0.83, a current ratio of 0.83 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.12.

Bank of America (NYSE:BAC  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, July 18th. The financial services provider reported $0.88 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates 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 company had revenue of $25.20 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $24.98 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $0.73 EPS. Bank of Americas revenue was up 11.1% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities analysts anticipate that Bank of America Co. will post 3.41 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Bank of America Increases Dividend

The business also recently disclosed 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 is a positive change from Bank of Americas previous quarterly dividend of $0.22. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, August 31st. This represents a $0.96 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.01%. Bank of Americas dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 25.29%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of research analysts recently issued reports on BAC shares. Royal Bank of Canada reiterated an outperform rating and set a $35.00 price objective on shares of Bank of America in a research note on Friday, June 30th. Oppenheimer upped their target price on shares of Bank of America from $44.00 to $47.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, April 19th. UBS Group upped their target price on shares of Bank of America from $34.00 to $36.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, April 19th. BMO Capital Markets dropped their price target on Bank of America from $41.00 to $40.00 in a research note on Wednesday, July 19th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company dropped their price target on Bank of America from $45.00 to $40.00 in a research note on Thursday, July 6th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have given a hold rating and eight have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Bank of America has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $36.26.

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.

Featured Articles

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BAC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Bank of America Co. (NYSE:BAC  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Bank of America Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bank of America and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Bahl & Gaynor Inc. grew its holdings in EnPro Industries, Inc. (NYSE:NPO  Free Report) by 1.8% during the first quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 32,827 shares of the industrial products companys stock after purchasing an additional 577 shares during the quarter. Bahl & Gaynor Inc.s holdings in EnPro Industries were worth $3,410,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Texas Permanent School Fund Corp raised its stake in EnPro Industries by 33.4% during the 1st quarter. Texas Permanent School Fund Corp now owns 18,656 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $1,938,000 after buying an additional 4,670 shares during the period. abrdn plc raised its stake in EnPro Industries by 1.5% during the 1st quarter. abrdn plc now owns 423,073 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $43,953,000 after buying an additional 6,388 shares during the period. SG Americas Securities LLC raised its stake in EnPro Industries by 146.5% during the 1st quarter. SG Americas Securities LLC now owns 3,121 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $324,000 after buying an additional 1,855 shares during the period. Arizona State Retirement System raised its stake in EnPro Industries by 2.7% during the 1st quarter. Arizona State Retirement System now owns 5,726 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $595,000 after buying an additional 150 shares during the period. Finally, DAVENPORT & Co LLC acquired a new position in EnPro Industries during the 1st quarter worth approximately $343,000. 94.35% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Get EnPro Industries alerts:

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of research firms recently weighed in on NPO. StockNews.com raised EnPro Industries from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday. TheStreet raised EnPro Industries from a c+ rating to a b- rating in a research note on Tuesday, May 2nd. Finally, KeyCorp increased their price objective on EnPro Industries from $145.00 to $158.00 in a research note on Wednesday, July 5th.

EnPro Industries Stock Up 0.1 %

Shares of EnPro Industries stock traded up $0.17 on Friday, hitting $136.53. The company had a trading volume of 40,456 shares, compared to its average volume of 113,631. The stock has a market capitalization of $2.85 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.68 and a beta of 1.51. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.54, a quick ratio of 2.79 and a current ratio of 3.58. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $124.38 and a 200-day moving average of $111.83. EnPro Industries, Inc. has a 1 year low of $83.69 and a 1 year high of $144.86.

EnPro Industries (NYSE:NPO  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, May 2nd. The industrial products company reported $1.95 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.46 by $0.49. The company had revenue of $282.60 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $273.40 million. EnPro Industries had a return on equity of 11.87% and a net margin of 19.21%. EnPro Industriess quarterly revenue was up 4.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $1.83 earnings per share. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that EnPro Industries, Inc. will post 6.78 earnings per share for the current year.

EnPro Industries Profile

(Free Report)

EnPro Industries, Inc design, develops, manufactures, and markets proprietary, value-added products and solutions to safeguard critical environments in the United States and internationally. It operates through two segments, Sealing Technologies and Advanced Surface Technologies. The Sealing Technologies segment offers single-use hygienic seals, tubing, components and assemblies; metallic, non-metallic, and composite material gaskets; compression packing products; hydraulic components; expansion joints; wall penetration products; and dynamic seals, resilient metal, elastomeric, and custom-engineered mechanical seals for chemical and petrochemical processing, pulp and paper processing, power generation, food and pharmaceutical processing, primary metal manufacturing, mining, water and waste treatment, heavy-duty trucking, aerospace, medical, filtration, and semiconductor fabrication industries.

Read More

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding NPO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for EnPro Industries, Inc. (NYSE:NPO  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for EnPro Industries Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for EnPro Industries and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Boeing (NYSE:BA  Free Report) had its price objective upped by Susquehanna from $260.00 to $270.00 in a research note released on Thursday morning, FlyOnTheWall reports.

A number of other research firms have also commented on BA. Credit Suisse Group lifted their price objective on shares of Boeing from $200.00 to $220.00 in a research note on Monday, April 10th. Royal Bank of Canada lowered their target price on shares of Boeing from $225.00 to $220.00 in a report on Thursday, April 27th. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their target price on shares of Boeing from $237.00 to $250.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Thursday. StockNews.com raised shares of Boeing from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday, June 26th. Finally, Bank of America raised shares of Boeing from a neutral rating to a buy rating and boosted their price objective for the stock from $225.00 to $300.00 in a report on Thursday. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $240.86.

Get Boeing alerts:

Boeing Price Performance

Shares of NYSE:BA traded up $4.94 during mid-day trading on Thursday, reaching $238.69. 7,052,259 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 5,941,931. The firm has a market cap of $143.59 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -31.20 and a beta of 1.41. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $211.71 and its 200 day simple moving average is $208.84. Boeing has a 1 year low of $120.99 and a 1 year high of $240.13.

Insider Buying and Selling

Boeing ( NYSE:BA Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, July 26th. The aircraft producer reported ($0.82) earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of ($0.99) by $0.17. The firm had revenue of $19.75 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $18.59 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted ($0.37) earnings per share. Boeings revenue for the quarter was up 18.4% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, research analysts forecast that Boeing will post -1.42 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

In other news, EVP Howard E. Mckenzie sold 412 shares of Boeing stock in a transaction on Monday, May 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $204.36, for a total transaction of $84,196.32. Following the completion of 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 Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. 0.15% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Boeing

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in BA. Grey Fox Wealth Advisors LLC purchased a new position in shares of Boeing during the 4th quarter valued at $25,000. Mendota Financial Group LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Boeing in the 4th quarter valued at about $29,000. Richard W. Paul & Associates LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Boeing in the 4th quarter valued at about $30,000. Steward Financial Group LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Boeing in the 4th quarter valued at about $30,000. Finally, M&R Capital Management Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Boeing by 90.7% in the 2nd quarter. M&R Capital Management Inc. now owns 143 shares of the aircraft producers stock valued at $30,000 after acquiring an additional 68 shares in the last quarter. 60.22% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Boeing Company Profile

(Get 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.

Featured Stories

Receive News & Ratings for Boeing Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Boeing and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Boston Beer (NYSE:SAM  Get Free Report) posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday. The company reported $4.72 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $3.45 by $1.27, Briefing.com reports. The firm had revenue of $603.30 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $590.03 million. Boston Beer had a net margin of 2.82% and a return on equity of 7.58%. The companys revenue was down 2.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $4.31 earnings per share. Boston Beer updated its FY23 guidance to $6.00-$10.00 EPS.

Boston Beer Trading Up 16.8 %

Shares of SAM traded up $52.58 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $366.10. The stock had a trading volume of 733,701 shares, compared to its average volume of 140,149. The firm has a market cap of $4.49 billion, a P/E ratio of 76.31 and a beta of 1.03. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $319.04 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $329.41. Boston Beer has a fifty-two week low of $296.27 and a fifty-two week high of $422.75.

Get Boston Beer alerts:

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, insider John C. Geist sold 10,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, June 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $341.35, for a total transaction of $3,413,500.00. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 5,573 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,902,343.55. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. In other news, insider John C. Geist sold 10,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, June 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $341.35, for a total value of $3,413,500.00. Following the sale, the insider now owns 5,573 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,902,343.55. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, CEO David A. Burwick sold 1,644 shares of Boston Beer 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 completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 47,910 shares of the companys stock, valued at $15,636,865.80. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 23.30% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Boston Beer

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the business. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted its holdings in Boston Beer by 2.0% during the 1st quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 16,610 shares of the companys stock valued at $6,452,000 after purchasing an additional 333 shares during the last quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. grew its position in Boston Beer by 64.3% in the first quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. now owns 1,778 shares of the companys stock valued at $691,000 after acquiring an additional 696 shares during the last quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. grew its position in Boston Beer by 3.3% in the first quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 2,961 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,151,000 after acquiring an additional 95 shares during the last quarter. Bank of Montreal Can grew its position in Boston Beer by 220.8% in the first quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 6,080 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,414,000 after acquiring an additional 4,185 shares during the last quarter. Finally, MetLife Investment Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of Boston Beer by 42.6% during the first quarter. MetLife Investment Management LLC now owns 6,488 shares of the companys stock worth $2,520,000 after purchasing an additional 1,938 shares during the last quarter. 65.46% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

SAM has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. UBS Group reduced their price target on Boston Beer from $364.00 to $349.00 in a research report on Friday, April 28th. Wedbush increased their target price on shares of Boston Beer from $325.00 to $350.00 in a research note on Friday. TD Cowen decreased their price target on shares of Boston Beer from $350.00 to $300.00 and set a market perform rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, July 19th. Morgan Stanley cut their price target on shares of Boston Beer from $270.00 to $260.00 in a report on Friday, April 28th. Finally, StockNews.com began coverage on shares of Boston Beer in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They set a hold rating for the company. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have issued a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $314.64.

Boston Beer Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

The Boston Beer Company, Inc engages in the production and sale of alcohol beverages primarily in the United States. The company's flagship beer is Samuel Adams Boston Lager. It offers various beers, hard ciders, flavored malt beverages, and hard seltzers under the Samuel Adams, Twisted Tea, Truly Hard Seltzer, Angry Orchard, Dogfish Head, Angel City, Coney Island, and Havana Lager brand names.

Read More

Receive News & Ratings for Boston Beer Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Boston Beer and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (TSE:CM  Free Report) (NYSE:CM) had its price objective hoisted by Canaccord Genuity Group from C$62.00 to C$64.00 in a report issued on Monday morning, BayStreet.CA reports. They currently have a buy rating on the stock.

Several other analysts have also issued reports on the stock. National Bankshares boosted their price objective on shares of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce from C$62.00 to C$64.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a report on Friday, May 26th. Cormark boosted their price target on shares of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce from C$61.00 to C$64.00 in a research note on Friday, May 26th. CSFB decreased their price objective on shares of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce from C$65.00 to C$60.00 in a report on Tuesday, May 16th. Barclays boosted their target price on Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce from C$56.00 to C$58.00 in a research report on Friday, May 26th. Finally, Fundamental Research set a C$69.38 price objective on Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, June 6th. Eight investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of C$64.56.

Get Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce alerts:

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce Trading Down 0.1 %

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce stock opened at C$57.53 on Monday. The company has a 50-day moving average price of C$56.82 and a 200 day moving average price of C$57.96. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce has a 12-month low of C$53.58 and a 12-month high of C$68.74. The stock has a market cap of C$52.80 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.08, a PEG ratio of 31.58 and a beta of 1.02.

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce Increases Dividend

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce ( TSE:CM Get Free Report ) (NYSE:CM) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, May 25th. The company reported C$1.70 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of C$1.62 by C$0.08. The business had revenue of C$5.70 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of C$5.58 billion. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce had a net margin of 23.32% and a return on equity of 10.00%. As a group, analysts forecast that Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce will post 7.0695971 EPS for the current year.

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, July 28th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, June 28th will be given a dividend of $0.87 per share. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, June 27th. This is an increase from Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerces previous quarterly dividend of $0.85. This represents a $3.48 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 6.05%. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerces payout ratio is currently 67.05%.

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, a diversified financial institution, provides various financial products and services to personal, business, public sector, and institutional clients in Canada, the United States, and internationally. The company operates through Canadian Personal and Business Banking; Canadian Commercial Banking and Wealth Management; U.S.

Read More

Receive News & Ratings for Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Cassaday & Co Wealth Management LLC lessened its stake in iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (NYSEARCA:EEM  Free Report) by 4.2% in the 1st quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 2,296,507 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 101,624 shares during the period. iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF accounts for 3.9% of Cassaday & Co Wealth Management LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 7th largest holding. Cassaday & Co Wealth Management LLC owned about 0.37% of iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF worth $90,620,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. WFA of San Diego LLC bought a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF during the 4th quarter valued at $29,000. Householder Group Estate & Retirement Specialist LLC bought a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF in the 1st quarter valued at $31,000. Ahrens Investment Partners LLC bought a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF in the 1st quarter valued at $33,000. Regimen Wealth LLC bought a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF in the 4th quarter valued at $46,000. Finally, Phillips Financial Management LLC increased its position in shares of iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF by 26.8% in the 4th quarter. Phillips Financial Management LLC now owns 1,420 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $54,000 after buying an additional 300 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 82.70% of the companys stock.

Get iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF alerts:

iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF Price Performance

Shares of EEM traded down $0.50 during trading hours on Thursday, reaching $40.96. The stock had a trading volume of 37,544,413 shares, compared to its average volume of 32,202,320. iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF has a 52 week low of $33.49 and a 52 week high of $42.53. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $39.86 and a 200 day moving average of $39.69.

iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF Profile

iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF, formerly iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Index Fund (the Fund), seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of publicly traded equity securities in global emerging markets, as measured by the MSCI Emerging Markets Index (the Index).

Featured Stories

Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
CGI Group (TSE:GIB  Get Free Report) had its price objective reduced by equities researchers at Desjardins from C$155.00 to C$154.00 in a research report issued to clients and investors on Thursday, FlyOnTheWall reports.

A number of other equities analysts have also recently commented on GIB. Scotiabank boosted their price target on CGI Group from C$140.00 to C$155.00 in a report on Thursday, April 27th. CIBC boosted their price target on CGI Group from C$146.00 to C$150.00 in a report on Thursday, April 27th. National Bank Financial boosted their price target on CGI Group from C$160.00 to C$175.00 in a report on Monday. Royal Bank of Canada boosted their price target on CGI Group from C$145.00 to C$155.00 in a report on Thursday, April 27th. Finally, Raymond James boosted their price target on CGI Group to C$150.00 in a report on Thursday, April 27th.

Get CGI Group alerts:

CGI Group Price Performance

CGI Group (TSE:GIB  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, April 26th. The company reported C$1.82 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of C$1.70 by C$0.12. The company had revenue of C$3.72 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of C$3.53 billion.

Featured Articles

Receive News & Ratings for CGI Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for CGI Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
CGI Group (TSE:GIB  Free Report) had its target price raised by National Bank Financial from C$160.00 to C$175.00 in a research report report published on Monday, FlyOnTheWall reports.

A number of other brokerages have also recently commented on GIB. Desjardins lifted their target price on shares of CGI Group from C$140.00 to C$155.00 in a report on Thursday, April 27th. CIBC lifted their target price on shares of CGI Group from C$146.00 to C$150.00 in a report on Thursday, April 27th. BMO Capital Markets lifted their target price on shares of CGI Group to C$150.00 in a report on Monday, April 24th. Raymond James lifted their price objective on shares of CGI Group to C$150.00 in a research report on Thursday, April 27th. Finally, Scotiabank lifted their price objective on shares of CGI Group from C$140.00 to C$155.00 in a research report on Thursday, April 27th.

Get CGI Group alerts:

CGI Group Price Performance

CGI Group (TSE:GIB  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, April 26th. The company reported C$1.82 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of C$1.70 by C$0.12. The company had revenue of C$3.72 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of C$3.53 billion.

Featured Articles

Receive News & Ratings for CGI Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for CGI Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Chemed (NYSE:CHE  Get Free Report) posted its earnings results on Wednesday. The company reported $4.71 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $5.09 by ($0.38), Briefing.com reports. The company had revenue of $553.80 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $562.54 million. Chemed had a net margin of 11.07% and a return on equity of 37.83%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 4.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the company posted $4.84 earnings per share. Chemed updated its FY23 guidance to $19.90-20.10 EPS and its FY 2023 guidance to $19.90-$20.10 EPS.

Chemed Price Performance

CHE traded down $45.90 during trading on Thursday, reaching $520.74. The stock had a trading volume of 238,915 shares, compared to its average volume of 71,360. The firm has a market capitalization of $7.82 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 32.34, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.16 and a beta of 0.53. The company has a quick ratio of 0.89, a current ratio of 0.93 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.02. Chemed has a 1-year low of $430.16 and a 1-year high of $574.66. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $540.66 and a two-hundred day moving average of $530.24.

Get Chemed alerts:

Chemed Dividend Announcement

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, June 14th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, May 25th were given a $0.38 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, May 24th. This represents a $1.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.29%. Chemeds dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 9.57%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Insiders Place Their Bets

CHE has been the subject of several analyst reports. Oppenheimer boosted their price objective on Chemed from $580.00 to $610.00 in a research report on Friday, April 28th. StockNews.com initiated coverage on Chemed in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. They set a buy rating for the company. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada boosted their price objective on Chemed from $587.00 to $610.00 in a research report on Monday, May 1st.

In other Chemed news, EVP Nicholas Michael Westfall sold 1,330 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, May 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $540.34, for a total value of $718,652.20. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 6,346 shares in the company, valued at $3,428,997.64. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. In other news, Director Patrick P. Grace sold 294 shares of the stock in a transaction on Friday, May 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $544.24, for a total transaction of $160,006.56. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 3,270 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,779,664.80. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, EVP Nicholas Michael Westfall sold 1,330 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, May 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $540.34, for a total value of $718,652.20. Following the sale, the executive vice president now owns 6,346 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,428,997.64. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 5,624 shares of company stock worth $3,076,019 over the last ninety days. Company insiders own 4.03% of the companys stock.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Chemed

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board acquired a new stake in shares of Chemed during the 1st quarter valued at $46,000. CENTRAL TRUST Co lifted its position in shares of Chemed by 2,283.3% during the 3rd quarter. CENTRAL TRUST Co now owns 143 shares of the companys stock valued at $62,000 after acquiring an additional 137 shares during the last quarter. Fortis Capital Advisors LLC lifted its position in shares of Chemed by 155.6% during the 1st quarter. Fortis Capital Advisors LLC now owns 115 shares of the companys stock valued at $62,000 after acquiring an additional 70 shares during the last quarter. Fred Alger Management LLC lifted its position in shares of Chemed by 295.3% during the 1st quarter. Fred Alger Management LLC now owns 170 shares of the companys stock valued at $91,000 after acquiring an additional 127 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Quantbot Technologies LP acquired a new stake in shares of Chemed during the 1st quarter valued at $109,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 95.37% of the companys stock.

Chemed Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Chemed Corporation provides hospice and palliative care services to patients through a network of physicians, registered nurses, home health aides, social workers, clergy, and volunteers primarily in the United States. The company operates in two segments, VITAS and Roto-Rooter. It offers plumbing, drain cleaning, excavation, water restoration, and other related services to residential and commercial customers through company-owned branches, independent contractors, and franchisees.

Further Reading

Receive News & Ratings for Chemed Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Chemed and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Chevron (NYSE:CVX  Free Report) had its price objective reduced by Truist Financial from $194.00 to $163.00 in a research note issued to investors on Monday morning, FlyOnTheWall reports.

Other equities analysts have also recently issued reports about the stock. BNP Paribas raised shares of Chevron from an underperform rating to a neutral rating and set a $200.00 target price on the stock in a report on Tuesday, April 4th. Scotiabank upgraded shares of Chevron from a sector perform rating to a sector outperform rating and lifted their price objective for the company from $195.00 to $200.00 in a research report on Thursday, April 13th. Morgan Stanley lowered their price objective on shares of Chevron from $198.00 to $197.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, July 18th. HSBC upgraded shares of Chevron from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $189.00 price objective on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, May 23rd. Finally, UBS Group assumed coverage on shares of Chevron in a research report on Wednesday, April 19th. They issued a buy rating and a $212.00 price objective on the stock. Eight research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and thirteen have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $190.16.

Get Chevron alerts:

Chevron Stock Performance

Shares of Chevron stock opened at $159.60 on Monday. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $155.98 and its 200-day simple moving average is $162.80. The stock has a market capitalization of $302.38 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 8.62, a PEG ratio of 0.88 and a beta of 1.16. Chevron has a 12 month low of $140.46 and a 12 month high of $189.68. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.13, a current ratio of 1.43 and a quick ratio of 1.16.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Chevron ( NYSE:CVX Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Friday, April 28th. The oil and gas company reported $3.55 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $3.41 by $0.14. The business had revenue of $50.79 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $49.49 billion. Chevron had a net margin of 14.74% and a return on equity of 23.15%. The companys quarterly revenue was down 6.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $3.36 EPS. As a group, equities analysts forecast that Chevron will post 13.02 earnings per share for the current year.

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in CVX. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich raised its stake in shares of Chevron by 100,509.4% during the 2nd quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 426,861,553 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $67,166,665,000 after buying an additional 426,437,277 shares during the last quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC raised its stake in shares of Chevron by 104,997.3% during the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 24,490,824 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $4,395,858,000 after buying an additional 24,467,521 shares during the last quarter. Norges Bank acquired a new position in shares of Chevron during the 4th quarter worth $3,058,235,000. Commonwealth Equity Services LLC raised its stake in shares of Chevron by 908.4% during the 1st quarter. Commonwealth Equity Services LLC now owns 11,450,777 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $186,830,000 after buying an additional 10,315,292 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. raised its stake in shares of Chevron by 76.5% during the 1st quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 23,667,484 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $3,839,241,000 after buying an additional 10,257,980 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 69.65% of the companys stock.

Chevron Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Chevron Corporation, through its subsidiaries, engages in the integrated energy and chemicals operations in the United States and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Upstream and Downstream. The Upstream segment is involved in the exploration, development, production, and transportation of crude oil and natural gas; liquefaction, transportation, and regasification associated with liquefied natural gas; transportation of crude oil through pipelines; and processing, transportation, storage, and marketing of natural gas, as well as a gas-to-liquids plant.

Read More

Receive News & Ratings for Chevron Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Chevron and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Compania de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A. (NYSE:BVN  Get Free Report) released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday. The mining company reported ($0.03) EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.11 by ($0.14), MarketWatch Earnings reports. The firm had revenue of $173.25 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $187.33 million. Compania de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A. had a return on equity of 2.31% and a net margin of 9.29%. During the same period last year, the firm earned ($0.16) EPS.

Compania de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A. Price Performance

NYSE:BVN traded up $0.05 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $7.54. 2,765,227 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,457,425. The company has a current ratio of 1.72, a quick ratio of 1.45 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.22. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $7.32 and a 200-day simple moving average of $7.66. Compania de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A. has a 52 week low of $5.09 and a 52 week high of $8.73.

Get Compania de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A. alerts:

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of research analysts have recently issued reports on BVN shares. StockNews.com raised Compania de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A. from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, June 30th. Morgan Stanley dropped their price target on Compania de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A. from $9.30 to $8.60 in a research note on Wednesday, June 21st.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

About Compania de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A.

A number of large investors have recently bought and sold shares of BVN. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted its holdings in Compania de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A. by 1,390.0% during the 1st quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 991,322 shares of the mining companys stock worth $8,109,000 after buying an additional 924,791 shares during the last quarter. Bank of America Corp DE increased its position in Compania de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A. by 234.1% in the 4th quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 979,259 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $7,295,000 after acquiring an additional 686,155 shares during the period. BlackRock Inc. increased its position in Compania de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A. by 4.4% in the 3rd quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 15,531,799 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $104,529,000 after acquiring an additional 660,711 shares during the period. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership increased its position in Compania de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A. by 291.4% in the 1st quarter. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership now owns 730,981 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $5,979,000 after acquiring an additional 544,225 shares during the period. Finally, Millennium Management LLC acquired a new stake in Compania de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A. in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $1,911,000.

(Get Free Report)

Compania de Minas Buenaventura SAA. engages in the exploration, mining, concentration, smelting, and marketing of polymetallic ores and metals in Peru, the United States, Asia, and Europe. The company explores for gold, silver, lead, zinc, and copper metals. It operates operating mining units, including Tambomayo located in the Caylloma province, Orcopampa Unit located in the province of Castilla, Uchucchacua located in province of Oyon, Julcani located in province of Angaraes, Peru, as well as San Gabrie located in the province of General Sanchez Cerro, in the Moquegua region.

Featured Articles

Receive News & Ratings for Compania de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A. Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Compania de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A. and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Fortis (TSE:FTS  Free Report) had its target price cut by CSFB from C$62.00 to C$61.50 in a research note released on Monday morning, BayStreet.CA reports. They currently have a neutral rating on the stock.

FTS has been the topic of a number of other reports. UBS Group dropped their price target on Fortis from C$54.00 to C$53.00 in a research report on Friday, May 19th. Scotiabank upped their price objective on Fortis from C$58.00 to C$60.00 in a research report on Thursday, May 4th. National Bankshares upped their price objective on Fortis from C$56.00 to C$57.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research report on Friday, May 5th. TD Securities upped their price objective on Fortis from C$63.00 to C$66.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, May 4th. Finally, Raymond James upped their price objective on Fortis from C$58.00 to C$65.00 in a research report on Thursday, May 4th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, Fortis presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of C$58.46.

Get Fortis alerts:

Fortis Stock Performance

Shares of FTS opened at C$56.68 on Monday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.36, a current ratio of 0.68 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 127.94. The businesss 50 day moving average price is C$56.90 and its 200-day moving average price is C$56.96. Fortis has a 52 week low of C$48.45 and a 52 week high of C$62.00. The stock has a market cap of C$27.46 billion, a P/E ratio of 19.28, a P/E/G ratio of 2.93 and a beta of 0.19.

Fortis Announces Dividend

Fortis ( TSE:FTS Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, May 3rd. The company reported C$0.91 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of C$0.82 by C$0.09. Fortis had a return on equity of 7.28% and a net margin of 12.85%. The firm had revenue of C$3.32 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of C$3.02 billion. Equities research analysts anticipate that Fortis will post 2.9979003 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, June 1st. Stockholders of record on Thursday, June 1st were paid a $0.565 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, May 16th. This represents a $2.26 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.99%. Fortiss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 76.87%.

Fortis Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Fortis Inc operates as an electric and gas utility company in Canada, the United States, and the Caribbean countries. It generates, transmits, and distributes electricity to approximately 443,000 retail customers in southeastern Arizona; and 102,000 retail customers in Arizona's Mohave and Santa Cruz counties with an aggregate capacity of 3,328 megawatts (MW), including 68 MW of solar capacity and 250 MV of wind capacity.

Read More

Receive News & Ratings for Fortis Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Fortis and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Nia Impact Advisors LLC decreased its position in Digital Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:DLR  Free Report) by 1.7% in the 1st quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The institutional investor owned 40,464 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after selling 717 shares during the period. Digital Realty Trust makes up about 2.1% of Nia Impact Advisors LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 23rd largest position. Nia Impact Advisors LLCs holdings in Digital Realty Trust were worth $3,978,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other large investors have also bought and sold shares of the company. Carolinas Wealth Consulting LLC boosted its position 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 valued at $77,000 after purchasing an additional 90 shares in the last quarter. Kentucky Retirement Systems boosted its position 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 valued at $2,266,000 after purchasing an additional 98 shares in the last quarter. Sompo Asset Management Co. Ltd. boosted its position in shares of Digital Realty Trust by 1.1% during the 4th quarter. Sompo Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 9,280 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $931,000 after purchasing an additional 100 shares in the last quarter. Brinker Capital Investments LLC boosted its stake in shares of Digital Realty Trust by 3.3% during the 1st quarter. Brinker Capital Investments LLC now owns 3,358 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $476,000 after acquiring an additional 107 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Roman Butler Fullerton & Co. boosted its stake in shares of Digital Realty Trust by 1.4% during the 4th quarter. Roman Butler Fullerton & Co. now owns 8,060 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $861,000 after acquiring an additional 110 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 97.76% of the companys stock.

Get Digital Realty Trust alerts:

Insider Buying and Selling

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 directly owns 10,176 shares in the company, valued at approximately $991,854.72. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. In related news, CAO Peter C. Olson sold 700 shares of the 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 $753,849.78. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, Director Jean F. H. P. Mandeville sold 1,500 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, May 15th. The stock was 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. 0.39% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Digital Realty Trust Stock Down 2.9 %

DLR traded down $3.49 during trading on Thursday, reaching $115.15. 3,386,389 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 2,654,647. 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 stock has a market cap of $34.23 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 103.74, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.87 and a beta of 0.55. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $108.39 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $104.22. Digital Realty Trust, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $85.76 and a fifty-two week high of $138.09.

Digital Realty Trust (NYSE:DLR  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly 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 during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.41 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $1.67 EPS. Digital Realty Trusts quarterly revenue was up 18.8% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities research analysts expect that Digital Realty Trust, Inc. will post 6.67 EPS for the current year.

Digital Realty Trust Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently disclosed 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 was Wednesday, June 14th. This represents a $4.88 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.24%. Digital Realty Trusts dividend payout ratio is presently 439.64%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several equities research analysts have recently weighed in on the company. 22nd Century Group reissued a reiterates rating on shares of Digital Realty Trust in a research note on Tuesday, May 30th. Barclays raised their target price on shares of Digital Realty Trust from $79.00 to $80.00 in a report on Monday, May 1st. Truist Financial decreased their target price on shares of Digital Realty Trust from $175.00 to $130.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Tuesday. StockNews.com began coverage on Digital Realty Trust in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a sell rating for the company. 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 investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, five have given a hold rating, four have assigned a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Digital Realty Trust has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $114.62.

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.

See Also

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding DLR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Digital Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:DLR  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Digital Realty Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Digital Realty Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
First National Bank of Omaha reduced its position in shares of Eaton Co. plc (NYSE:ETN  Free Report) by 7.8% during the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 56,552 shares of the industrial products companys stock after selling 4,784 shares during the period. First National Bank of Omahas holdings in Eaton were worth $9,690,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Los Angeles Capital Management LLC boosted its position in Eaton by 140.5% during the 4th quarter. Los Angeles Capital Management LLC now owns 7,609 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $1,194,000 after acquiring an additional 4,445 shares during the period. Western Financial Corp CA acquired a new stake in shares of Eaton during the 4th quarter valued at about $310,000. ProShare Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Eaton by 0.4% during the 4th quarter. ProShare Advisors LLC now owns 49,307 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $7,739,000 after buying an additional 219 shares during the last quarter. InterOcean Capital Group LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Eaton during the 4th quarter valued at about $219,000. Finally, Nations Financial Group Inc. IA ADV acquired a new stake in shares of Eaton during the 4th quarter valued at about $270,000. 81.31% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Get Eaton alerts:

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several equities research analysts have recently issued reports on ETN shares. Citigroup lifted their price target on Eaton from $190.00 to $235.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, July 18th. Wells Fargo & Company boosted their target price on Eaton from $180.00 to $195.00 in a report on Monday, July 10th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft boosted their target price on Eaton from $188.00 to $189.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, April 12th. Evercore ISI boosted their target price on Eaton from $201.00 to $221.00 in a report on Tuesday, May 9th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. started coverage on Eaton in a report on Tuesday, June 6th. They issued a neutral rating and a $178.00 target price for the company. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have issued a hold rating, six have assigned a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Eaton presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $191.31.

Eaton Price Performance

Eaton stock traded up $1.20 on Friday, reaching $203.30. The companys stock had a trading volume of 2,030,845 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,036,918. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.50, a quick ratio of 0.91 and a current ratio of 1.50. The company has a market cap of $81.04 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 31.54, a PEG ratio of 2.18 and a beta of 1.13. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $193.65 and its 200 day moving average price is $175.95. Eaton Co. plc has a twelve month low of $129.85 and a twelve month high of $211.83.

Eaton (NYSE:ETN  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, May 2nd. The industrial products company reported $1.88 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.78 by $0.10. The company had revenue of $5.50 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5.23 billion. Eaton had a return on equity of 18.70% and a net margin of 12.00%. The businesss revenue was up 13.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $1.62 earnings per share. Equities analysts expect that Eaton Co. plc will post 8.48 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Eaton Dividend Announcement

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, August 25th. Stockholders of record on Monday, August 7th will be paid a dividend of $0.86 per share. This represents a $3.44 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.69%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, August 4th. Eatons dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 53.67%.

Insider Activity

In related news, insider Taras G. Jr. Szmagala sold 2,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, June 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $183.93, for a total value of $367,860.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 7,300 shares in the company, valued at $1,342,689. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. 0.53% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Eaton Profile

(Free Report)

Eaton Corporation plc operates as a power management company worldwide. The company's Electrical Americas and Electrical Global segment provides electrical components, industrial components, power distribution and assemblies, residential products, single and three phase power quality and connectivity products, wiring devices, circuit protection products, utility power distribution products, power reliability equipment, and services, as well as hazardous duty electrical equipment, emergency lighting, fire detection, explosion-proof instrumentation, and structural support systems.

Read More

Receive News & Ratings for Eaton Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Eaton and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Edwards Lifesciences (NYSE:EW  Get Free Report) had its price target upped by analysts at Jefferies Financial Group from $103.00 to $107.00 in a report released on Tuesday, MarketBeat Ratings reports. The firm currently has a buy rating on the medical research companys stock. Jefferies Financial Groups price objective suggests a potential upside of 29.43% from the stocks previous close.

A number of other equities analysts also recently issued reports on the company. Mizuho upped their price target on Edwards Lifesciences from $95.00 to $102.00 in a report on Monday, July 17th. Truist Financial increased their price objective on Edwards Lifesciences from $101.00 to $105.00 in a report on Wednesday, July 19th. Wells Fargo & Company increased their price objective on Edwards Lifesciences from $78.00 to $90.00 in a report on Thursday, April 27th. StockNews.com began coverage on Edwards Lifesciences in a research note on Thursday, May 18th. They set a buy rating for the company. Finally, 58.com restated a reiterates rating on shares of Edwards Lifesciences in a research note on Tuesday, June 27th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, nine have given a hold rating and nine have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Edwards Lifesciences has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $93.16.

Get Edwards Lifesciences alerts:

Edwards Lifesciences Trading Down 9.8 %

EW traded down $8.96 on Tuesday, hitting $82.67. The company had a trading volume of 11,578,089 shares, compared to its average volume of 3,106,868. The firm has a market cap of $50.12 billion, a P/E ratio of 34.30, a PEG ratio of 5.21 and a beta of 1.03. Edwards Lifesciences has a 1 year low of $67.13 and a 1 year high of $107.92. The companys fifty day moving average price is $88.94 and its 200 day moving average price is $84.11. The company has a current ratio of 3.01, a quick ratio of 2.17 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.10.

Insiders Place Their Bets

Edwards Lifesciences ( NYSE:EW Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, July 26th. The medical research company reported $0.66 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.65 by $0.01. The firm had revenue of $1.53 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.51 billion. Edwards Lifesciences had a net margin of 27.07% and a return on equity of 25.81%. Edwards Lifesciencess revenue was up 11.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $0.63 EPS. As a group, equities analysts expect that Edwards Lifesciences will post 2.55 earnings per share for the current year.

In related news, VP Donald E. Bobo, Jr. sold 3,500 shares of Edwards Lifesciences stock in a transaction 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 sale, the vice president now owns 39,503 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,671,408.82. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. In other news, VP Donald E. Bobo, Jr. sold 3,500 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 $325,290.00. Following the completion of the transaction, 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 document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, VP Donald E. Bobo, Jr. sold 5,635 shares of Edwards Lifesciences stock in a transaction on Friday, May 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $88.62, for a total transaction of $499,373.70. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president now owns 56,225 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,982,659.50. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 228,316 shares of company stock worth $20,215,378 in the last 90 days. 1.29% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Edwards Lifesciences

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of EW. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich boosted its holdings in shares of Edwards Lifesciences by 98,836.3% in the 2nd quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 759,315,387 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $71,626,220,000 after buying an additional 758,547,908 shares during the period. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Edwards Lifesciences by 104,971.3% in the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 15,399,249 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $1,148,938,000 after buying an additional 15,384,593 shares during the period. Norges Bank acquired a new position in shares of Edwards Lifesciences in the 4th quarter valued at about $658,390,000. Alliancebernstein L.P. boosted its holdings in shares of Edwards Lifesciences by 27.5% in the 4th quarter. Alliancebernstein L.P. now owns 21,874,280 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $1,632,040,000 after buying an additional 4,712,819 shares during the period. Finally, Two Sigma Advisers LP boosted its holdings in shares of Edwards Lifesciences by 161.5% in the 4th quarter. Two Sigma Advisers LP now owns 3,503,803 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $261,419,000 after buying an additional 2,164,100 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 79.78% of the companys stock.

Edwards Lifesciences Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Edwards Lifesciences Corporation provides products and technologies for structural heart disease, and critical care and surgical monitoring in the United States, Europe, Japan, and internationally. It offers transcatheter heart valve replacement products for the minimally invasive replacement of heart valves; and transcatheter heart valve repair and replacement products to treat mitral and tricuspid valve diseases.

Featured Stories

Receive News & Ratings for Edwards Lifesciences Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Edwards Lifesciences and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Facet Wealth Inc. raised its holdings in shares of iShares National Muni Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:MUB  Free Report) by 4.3% in the first quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 943,623 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after purchasing an additional 38,502 shares during the quarter. iShares National Muni Bond ETF accounts for approximately 6.2% of Facet Wealth Inc.s portfolio, making the stock its 6th largest position. Facet Wealth Inc.s holdings in iShares National Muni Bond ETF were worth $101,666,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the business. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. raised its position in iShares National Muni Bond ETF by 11.3% in 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 buying an additional 1,411,367 shares during the last quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in shares of 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 worth $1,096,748,000 after buying an additional 10,385,897 shares during the last quarter. Betterment LLC boosted its holdings in shares of 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 worth $1,020,191,000 after buying an additional 2,650,115 shares during the last quarter. Wells Fargo & Company MN increased its stake in shares of iShares National Muni Bond ETF by 10.8% during the 4th quarter. Wells Fargo & Company MN now owns 6,413,899 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $676,795,000 after purchasing an additional 623,269 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Morgan Stanley increased its stake in shares of iShares National Muni Bond ETF by 13.2% during the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 6,323,506 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $667,256,000 after purchasing an additional 739,269 shares during the last quarter.

Get iShares National Muni Bond ETF alerts:

iShares National Muni Bond ETF Trading Down 0.5 %

Shares of MUB stock traded down $0.50 during trading hours on Thursday, hitting $106.72. 2,891,300 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 2,467,692. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $106.48 and a 200 day simple moving average of $106.87. iShares National Muni Bond ETF has a 52-week low of $101.35 and a 52-week high of $108.82.

iShares National Muni Bond ETF Company Profile

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).

Featured Articles

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MUB? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares National Muni Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:MUB  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for iShares National Muni Bond ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares National Muni Bond ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
First National Bank of Omaha lessened its position in Laboratory Co. of America Holdings (NYSE:LH  Free Report) by 77.7% in the 1st quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 4,543 shares of the medical research companys stock after selling 15,798 shares during the period. First National Bank of Omahas holdings in Laboratory Co. of America were worth $1,042,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

Other large investors also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Van ECK Associates Corp increased its position in Laboratory Co. of America by 0.9% in the 1st quarter. Van ECK Associates Corp now owns 5,298 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $1,215,000 after acquiring an additional 49 shares during the period. Smith Salley & Associates lifted its position in Laboratory Co. of America by 2.6% during the first quarter. Smith Salley & Associates now owns 58,982 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $13,531,000 after purchasing an additional 1,477 shares during the last quarter. Savant Capital LLC raised its stake in shares of Laboratory Co. of America by 26.1% during the first quarter. Savant Capital LLC now owns 2,286 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $525,000 after acquiring an additional 473 shares in the last quarter. Hohimer Wealth Management LLC increased its stake in shares of Laboratory Co. of America by 22.2% in the first quarter. Hohimer Wealth Management LLC now owns 11,237 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $2,578,000 after buying an additional 2,040 shares during the period. Finally, Hunter Associates Investment Management LLC increased its stake in shares of Laboratory Co. of America by 0.8% in the first quarter. Hunter Associates Investment Management LLC now owns 19,521 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $4,477,000 after buying an additional 152 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 87.75% of the companys stock.

Get Laboratory Co. of America alerts:

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of brokerages have weighed in on LH. Citigroup decreased their target price on Laboratory Co. of America from $260.00 to $235.00 in a research report on Wednesday, April 26th. Mizuho cut their price target on Laboratory Co. of America from $277.00 to $257.00 in a research note on Tuesday, May 16th. StockNews.com began coverage on Laboratory Co. of America in a report on Saturday, July 8th. They set a buy rating for the company. Truist Financial lowered their price target on Laboratory Co. of America from $275.00 to $270.00 in a report on Friday. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reduced their price target on Laboratory Co. of America from $265.00 to $240.00 in a research report on Wednesday, April 26th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $272.88.

Insider Activity at Laboratory Co. of America

Laboratory Co. of America Stock Performance

In other news, CEO Paul R. Kirchgraber sold 4,300 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, May 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of $216.91, for a total value of $932,713.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 12,946 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,808,116.86. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link . In related news, CEO Paul R. Kirchgraber sold 4,300 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, May 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of $216.91, for a total transaction of $932,713.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 12,946 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,808,116.86. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link . Also, EVP Der Vaart Sandra D. Van sold 212 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, June 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of $240.00, for a total value of $50,880.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 7,605 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,825,200. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . Insiders have sold a total of 6,012 shares of company stock valued at $1,308,748 over the last quarter. Insiders own 0.65% of the companys stock.

Shares of LH stock traded down $1.41 during trading on Friday, reaching $214.64. 711,499 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 737,306. The company has a current ratio of 1.63, a quick ratio of 1.46 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.50. Laboratory Co. of America Holdings has a 1 year low of $166.93 and a 1 year high of $222.33. The firms 50-day moving average is $220.64 and its 200 day moving average is $230.15. The company has a market capitalization of $19.02 billion, a P/E ratio of 19.63 and a beta of 1.06.

Laboratory Co. of America (NYSE:LH  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, July 27th. The medical research company reported $3.42 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $3.47 by ($0.05). Laboratory Co. of America had a return on equity of 15.56% and a net margin of 6.78%. The company had revenue of $3.03 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.77 billion. During the same period last year, the firm posted $4.96 EPS. Laboratory Co. of Americas quarterly revenue was up 3.8% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities research analysts expect that Laboratory Co. of America Holdings will post 13.96 EPS for the current year.

Laboratory Co. of America Announces Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 8th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, August 8th will be given a $0.72 dividend. This represents a $2.88 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.34%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, August 7th. Laboratory Co. of Americas payout ratio is 26.13%.

Laboratory Co. of America Profile

(Free Report)

Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings operates as a life sciences company that provides vital information to help doctors, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, researchers, and patients make clear and confident decisions. It operates in two segments, Labcorp Diagnostics and Labcorp Drug Development.

Further Reading

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding LH? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Laboratory Co. of America Holdings (NYSE:LH  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Laboratory Co. of America Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Laboratory Co. of America and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Freeport-McMoRan (NYSE:FCX  Get Free Report) had its price objective reduced by analysts at Scotiabank from $49.00 to $48.00 in a research note issued to investors on Tuesday, FlyOnTheWall reports. Scotiabanks price target suggests a potential upside of 10.89% from the stocks current price.

Other equities analysts also recently issued research reports about the company. Raymond James upped their price objective on Freeport-McMoRan from $43.00 to $44.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Friday, July 21st. 3M reissued an initiates rating on shares of Freeport-McMoRan in a research report on Thursday, June 29th. StockNews.com downgraded Freeport-McMoRan from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Friday, June 9th. Sanford C. Bernstein started coverage on Freeport-McMoRan in a research report on Thursday, June 29th. They set a market perform rating and a $41.00 price target on the stock. Finally, Morgan Stanley restated an equal weight rating and set a $38.50 price objective on shares of Freeport-McMoRan in a research note on Friday, July 21st. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, nine have given a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $39.29.

Get Freeport-McMoRan alerts:

Freeport-McMoRan Stock Performance

Shares of Freeport-McMoRan stock traded down $0.12 during trading hours on Tuesday, reaching $43.29. 13,402,172 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 12,762,932. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $38.35 and a 200 day moving average price of $39.95. The firm has a market capitalization of $62.04 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 29.95 and a beta of 2.01. Freeport-McMoRan has a one year low of $26.03 and a one year high of $46.73. The company has a quick ratio of 1.72, a current ratio of 2.94 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.36.

Insider Buying and Selling

Freeport-McMoRan ( NYSE:FCX Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, July 20th. The natural resource company reported $0.35 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.36 by ($0.01). The company had revenue of $5.74 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.61 billion. Freeport-McMoRan had a net margin of 9.63% and a return on equity of 9.45%. The companys revenue was up 5.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $0.58 earnings per share. On average, equities research analysts expect that Freeport-McMoRan will post 1.53 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

In related news, Director Sara Grootwassink Lewis bought 4,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, May 12th. The stock was purchased 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 approximately $621,220. The purchase was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. 0.78% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the business. America First Investment Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of Freeport-McMoRan during the 1st quarter worth about $25,000. Fairfield Bush & CO. purchased a new stake in shares of Freeport-McMoRan in the 1st quarter valued at about $26,000. KB Financial Partners LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Freeport-McMoRan in the 1st quarter valued at about $26,000. WFA of San Diego LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Freeport-McMoRan in the 4th quarter valued at about $27,000. Finally, ICA Group Wealth Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Freeport-McMoRan in the 4th quarter valued at about $28,000. 79.35% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

About Freeport-McMoRan

(Get Free Report)

Freeport-McMoRan Inc engages in the mining of mineral properties in North America, South America, and Indonesia. It primarily explores for copper, gold, molybdenum, silver, and other metals, as well as oil and gas. The company's assets include the Grasberg minerals district in Indonesia; Morenci, Bagdad, Safford, Sierrita, and Miami in Arizona; Tyrone and Chino in New Mexico; and Henderson and Climax in Colorado, North America, as well as Cerro Verde in Peru and El Abra in Chile.

Recommended Stories

Receive News & Ratings for Freeport-McMoRan Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Freeport-McMoRan and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Fresnillo (OTCMKTS:FNLPF  Get Free Report) had its price target lowered by stock analysts at Credit Suisse Group from GBX 660 ($8.46) to GBX 620 ($7.95) in a research report issued to clients and investors on Thursday, FlyOnTheWall reports.

Other analysts also recently issued reports about the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their price target on Fresnillo from GBX 650 ($8.33) to GBX 600 ($7.69) in a research note on Friday, April 28th. UBS Group raised shares of Fresnillo from a sell rating to a neutral rating in a research report on Tuesday, April 18th. Barclays cut their price objective on shares of Fresnillo from GBX 630 ($8.08) to GBX 525 ($6.73) in a report on Monday, July 10th. Berenberg Bank cut their target price on Fresnillo from GBX 700 ($8.98) to GBX 670 ($8.59) in a research report on Friday, July 7th. Finally, Morgan Stanley increased their price target on shares of Fresnillo from GBX 690 ($8.85) to GBX 750 ($9.62) in a research report on Thursday, March 30th.

Get Fresnillo alerts:

Fresnillo Price Performance

FNLPF traded down $0.10 on Thursday, reaching $7.89. The company had a trading volume of 2,507 shares, compared to its average volume of 17,937. The company has a quick ratio of 2.10, a current ratio of 2.82 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.22. Fresnillo has a fifty-two week low of $7.30 and a fifty-two week high of $11.95. The companys fifty day moving average is $8.10 and its 200 day moving average is $9.12.

About Fresnillo

Fresnillo plc mines, develops, and produces non-ferrous minerals in Mexico. It operates through seven segments: Fresnillo, Saucito, Cienega, Herradura, Noche Buena, San Julian, and Juanicipio. The company primarily explores for silver, gold, lead, and zinc concentrates. Its projects include the Fresnillo silver mine located in the state of Zacatecas; Saucito silver mine situated in the state of Zacatecas; Cienega gold mine located in the state of Durango; Herradura gold mine situated in the state of Sonora; Noche Buena gold mine located in the state of Sonora; San Julian silver-gold mine situated on the border of Chihuahua/Durango states; and Juanicipio mine located in the state of Zacatecas.

Further Reading

Receive News & Ratings for Fresnillo Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Fresnillo and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
General Electric (NYSE:GE  Get Free Report) had its price target raised by The Goldman Sachs Group from $121.00 to $133.00 in a report issued on Tuesday, MarketBeat Ratings reports. The firm presently has a buy rating on the conglomerates stock. The Goldman Sachs Groups price objective would suggest a potential upside of 15.22% from the stocks previous close.

Several other analysts also recently issued reports on the stock. Citigroup raised their price objective on shares of General Electric from $114.00 to $126.00 in a research note on Monday, July 10th. Wolfe Research lifted their price target on shares of General Electric from $107.00 to $125.00 in a research note on Wednesday, June 28th. Morgan Stanley lifted their price target on shares of General Electric from $90.00 to $110.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, March 31st. StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of General Electric in a research note on Thursday, May 18th. They set a buy rating for the company. Finally, UBS Group lifted their price target on shares of General Electric from $95.00 to $109.00 in a research note on Thursday, April 13th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and fourteen have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, General Electric currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $116.31.

Get General Electric alerts:

General Electric Trading Up 0.6 %

GE traded up $0.71 on Tuesday, hitting $115.43. The company had a trading volume of 6,178,117 shares, compared to its average volume of 6,699,566. The company has a quick ratio of 0.92, a current ratio of 1.25 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.61. The company has a market cap of $125.70 billion, a PE ratio of 13.76, a PEG ratio of 7.70 and a beta of 1.27. General Electric has a 12-month low of $48.06 and a 12-month high of $117.96. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $106.87 and its 200 day simple moving average is $95.56.

Insider Activity

General Electric ( NYSE:GE Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, July 25th. The conglomerate reported $0.68 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.46 by $0.22. The business had revenue of $15.85 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $14.76 billion. General Electric had a net margin of 13.32% and a return on equity of 9.30%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 18.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $0.78 earnings per share. Equities research analysts expect that General Electric will post 2.17 EPS for the current year.

In other General Electric news, VP Thomas S. Timko sold 7,254 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, May 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $100.82, for a total value of $731,348.28. Following the sale, the vice president now directly owns 20,953 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,112,481.46. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. In other General Electric news, SVP Scott Strazik sold 173,873 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, May 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $99.56, for a total value of $17,310,795.88. Following the completion of the transaction, the senior vice president now owns 56,049 shares in the company, valued at $5,580,238.44. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, VP Thomas S. Timko sold 7,254 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, May 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $100.82, for a total transaction of $731,348.28. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president now owns 20,953 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,112,481.46. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 239,419 shares of company stock valued at $24,144,151 over the last ninety days. 0.67% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. TFO TDC LLC purchased a new stake in General Electric during the 4th quarter valued at about $31,000. Global Wealth Management Investment Advisory Inc. grew its stake in General Electric by 808.1% during the 1st quarter. Global Wealth Management Investment Advisory Inc. now owns 336 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $31,000 after acquiring an additional 299 shares in the last quarter. Syverson Strege & Co grew its stake in General Electric by 53.6% during the 1st quarter. Syverson Strege & Co now owns 338 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $32,000 after acquiring an additional 118 shares in the last quarter. Ridgewood Investments LLC purchased a new stake in General Electric during the 1st quarter valued at about $34,000. Finally, FSC Wealth Advisors LLC grew its stake in General Electric by 97.8% during the 2nd quarter. FSC Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 366 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $40,000 after acquiring an additional 181 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 74.75% of the companys stock.

About General Electric

(Get Free Report)

General Electric Company operates as a high-tech industrial company in Europe, China, Asia, the Americas, the Middle East, and Africa. It offers gas and steam turbines, full balance of plant, upgrade, and service solutions, as well as data-leveraging software for power generation, industrial, government, and other customers.

Featured Stories

Receive News & Ratings for General Electric Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for General Electric and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Hess (NYSE:HES  Get Free Report) posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday. The oil and gas producer reported $0.65 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.57 by $0.08, Briefing.com reports. The business had revenue of $2.32 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.32 billion. Hess had a net margin of 18.47% and a return on equity of 25.85%. The firms quarterly revenue was down 22.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $2.15 earnings per share.

Hess Price Performance

NYSE:HES traded up $0.30 during trading hours on Thursday, hitting $147.92. 2,776,906 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 1,745,413. The firm has a market cap of $45.42 billion, a P/E ratio of 21.19 and a beta of 1.57. Hess has a 52 week low of $98.27 and a 52 week high of $160.52. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $135.43 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $138.18. The company has a quick ratio of 1.55, a current ratio of 1.65 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.98.

Get Hess alerts:

Hess Cuts Dividend

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 $0.4375 per share. This represents a $1.75 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.18%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, June 14th. Hesss dividend payout ratio is 25.07%.

Insider Activity at Hess

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

In other Hess news, Director Corp Hess sold 6,382,500 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, May 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of $26.12, for a total transaction of $166,710,900.00. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink . 9.93% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Several large investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. B. Riley Wealth Advisors Inc. boosted its position in Hess by 5.0% during the 1st quarter. B. Riley Wealth Advisors Inc. now owns 1,667 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $221,000 after acquiring an additional 80 shares in the last quarter. Advisory Services Network LLC boosted its position in Hess by 14.5% during the 1st quarter. Advisory Services Network LLC now owns 792 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $105,000 after acquiring an additional 100 shares in the last quarter. Rockefeller Capital Management L.P. boosted its position in Hess by 9.2% during the 1st quarter. Rockefeller Capital Management L.P. now owns 8,957 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $1,184,000 after acquiring an additional 751 shares in the last quarter. Chevy Chase Trust Holdings LLC boosted its position in Hess by 0.9% during the 1st quarter. Chevy Chase Trust Holdings LLC now owns 162,867 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $21,554,000 after acquiring an additional 1,429 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Sunbelt Securities Inc. bought a new stake in Hess during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $142,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 82.89% of the companys stock.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several equities research analysts have recently issued reports on HES shares. Susquehanna raised their price target on shares of Hess from $183.00 to $187.00 in a research note on Thursday. UBS Group started coverage on Hess in a research report on Wednesday, April 19th. They issued a buy rating and a $184.00 target price for the company. Piper Sandler decreased their target price on Hess from $168.00 to $164.00 in a research report on Tuesday, June 13th. Morgan Stanley decreased their target price on Hess from $158.00 to $154.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, July 18th. Finally, Evercore ISI decreased their target price on Hess from $155.00 to $153.00 in a research report on Monday, July 10th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have given a hold rating and ten have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $167.29.

About Hess

(Get Free Report)

Hess Corporation, an exploration and production company, explores, develops, produces, purchases, transports, and sells crude oil, natural gas liquids (NGLs), and natural gas. The company operates in two segments, Exploration and Production, and Midstream. It conducts production operations primarily in the United States, Guyana, the Malaysia/Thailand Joint Development Area, and Malaysia; and exploration activities principally offshore Guyana, the U.S.

Recommended Stories

Receive News & Ratings for Hess Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hess and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Symphony Financial Ltd. Co. grew its stake in Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE:ITW  Free Report) by 22.1% in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 5,238 shares of the industrial products companys stock after buying an additional 948 shares during the period. Symphony Financial Ltd. Co.s holdings in Illinois Tool Works were worth $1,257,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other large investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Spire Wealth Management boosted its stake in Illinois Tool Works by 39.8% during the 4th quarter. Spire Wealth Management now owns 3,055 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $673,000 after purchasing an additional 870 shares during the period. Balentine LLC lifted its stake in shares of Illinois Tool Works by 25.9% in the 4th quarter. Balentine LLC now owns 5,063 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $1,115,000 after acquiring an additional 1,043 shares during the period. Flputnam Investment Management Co. lifted its stake in shares of Illinois Tool Works by 41.6% in the 1st quarter. Flputnam Investment Management Co. now owns 7,547 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $1,837,000 after acquiring an additional 2,216 shares during the period. CX Institutional lifted its stake in shares of Illinois Tool Works by 77.6% in the 4th quarter. CX Institutional now owns 2,092 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $461,000 after acquiring an additional 914 shares during the period. Finally, Edmond DE Rothschild Holding S.A. lifted its stake in shares of Illinois Tool Works by 0.8% in the 4th quarter. Edmond DE Rothschild Holding S.A. now owns 13,920 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $3,067,000 after acquiring an additional 109 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 79.37% of the companys stock.

Get Illinois Tool Works alerts:

Illinois Tool Works Price Performance

NYSE:ITW traded up $0.23 during mid-day trading on Thursday, hitting $255.63. 908,598 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 1,077,906. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.78, a quick ratio of 0.84 and a current ratio of 1.20. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $241.34 and its 200 day simple moving average is $236.33. Illinois Tool Works Inc. has a 1 year low of $180.27 and a 1 year high of $257.80. The company has a market cap of $77.69 billion, a PE ratio of 25.65, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.86 and a beta of 1.13.

Illinois Tool Works Dividend Announcement

Illinois Tool Works ( NYSE:ITW Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, May 2nd. The industrial products company reported $2.33 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.23 by $0.10. Illinois Tool Works had a net margin of 19.27% and a return on equity of 92.13%. The firm had revenue of $4.02 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.98 billion. During the same period last year, the firm posted $2.11 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 2.0% on a year-over-year basis. Sell-side analysts expect that Illinois Tool Works Inc. will post 9.64 EPS for the current year.

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, July 13th. Shareholders of record on Friday, June 30th were paid a dividend of $1.31 per share. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, June 29th. This represents a $5.24 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.05%. Illinois Tool Workss dividend payout ratio is currently 52.40%.

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 dated Monday, June 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $239.23, for a total transaction of $1,297,822.75. Following the sale, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 8,870 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,121,970.10. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. 0.88% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several analysts have recently commented on the stock. Wells Fargo & Company raised their target price on shares of Illinois Tool Works from $235.00 to $240.00 in a research note on Monday, July 10th. Barclays increased their price target on shares of Illinois Tool Works from $203.00 to $210.00 in a report on Monday, July 10th. 3M reiterated a maintains rating on shares of Illinois Tool Works in a report on Wednesday, May 3rd. StockNews.com upgraded shares of Illinois Tool Works from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Monday. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus increased their price target on shares of Illinois Tool Works from $236.00 to $250.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, July 19th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have issued a hold rating and two have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Illinois Tool Works has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $234.92.

About Illinois Tool Works

(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.

Featured Articles

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ITW? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE:ITW  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Illinois Tool Works Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Illinois Tool Works and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Essent Group Ltd. (NYSE:ESNT  Get Free Report) SVP Vijay Bhasin sold 2,502 shares of Essent Group stock in a transaction on Thursday, July 27th. The stock was sold at an average price of $50.09, for a total transaction of $125,325.18. Following the sale, the senior vice president now directly owns 218,457 shares in the company, valued at approximately $10,942,511.13. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website.

Vijay Bhasin also recently made the following trade(s):

Get Essent Group alerts:

On Tuesday, July 25th, Vijay Bhasin sold 3,681 shares of Essent Group stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $50.02, for a total transaction of $184,123.62.

Essent Group Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE ESNT traded down $0.16 during midday trading on Thursday, hitting $49.80. The companys stock had a trading volume of 367,301 shares, compared to its average volume of 475,127. Essent Group Ltd. has a 1-year low of $34.27 and a 1-year high of $50.37. The firms fifty day moving average price is $46.03 and its 200-day moving average price is $43.03. The firm has a market cap of $5.34 billion, a P/E ratio of 7.37, a P/E/G ratio of 0.80 and a beta of 1.15.

Essent Group Announces Dividend

Essent Group ( NYSE:ESNT Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Friday, May 5th. The financial services provider reported $1.59 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.43 by $0.16. The business had revenue of $256.30 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $250.57 million. Essent Group had a net margin of 73.35% and a return on equity of 16.47%. The companys quarterly revenue was down 3.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $2.52 EPS. As a group, research analysts predict that Essent Group Ltd. will post 6.16 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, June 12th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, June 1st were paid a $0.25 dividend. This represents a $1.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.01%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, May 31st. Essent Groups dividend payout ratio is currently 14.75%.

Institutional Trading of Essent Group

Institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Lazard Asset Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of Essent Group by 43.9% in the 1st quarter. Lazard Asset Management LLC now owns 1,668 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $68,000 after acquiring an additional 509 shares during the period. Counterpoint Mutual Funds LLC bought a new stake in shares of Essent Group in the 1st quarter worth approximately $83,000. SG Americas Securities LLC bought a new stake in shares of Essent Group in the 4th quarter worth approximately $137,000. Quantbot Technologies LP bought a new stake in shares of Essent Group in the 1st quarter worth approximately $149,000. Finally, Van ECK Associates Corp raised its holdings in shares of Essent Group by 15.7% in the 4th quarter. Van ECK Associates Corp now owns 3,796 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $148,000 after purchasing an additional 515 shares in the last quarter. 93.34% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several equities research analysts recently issued reports on ESNT shares. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods downgraded shares of Essent Group from an outperform rating to a market perform rating and set a $50.00 price target on the stock. in a research note on Monday, June 12th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their target price on shares of Essent Group from $50.00 to $48.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Monday, April 17th. Finally, StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of Essent Group in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a hold rating for the company. Four equities 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, Essent Group presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $46.50.

About Essent Group

(Get Free Report)

Essent Group Ltd., through its subsidiaries, provides private mortgage insurance and reinsurance for mortgages secured by residential properties located in the United States. Its mortgage insurance products include primary, pool, and master policy. The company also provides information technology maintenance and development services; customer support-related services; underwriting consulting; and contract underwriting services.

Featured Articles

Receive News & Ratings for Essent Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Essent Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Salesforce, Inc. (NYSE:CRM  Get Free Report) CEO Marc Benioff sold 15,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, July 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of $224.77, for a total value of $3,371,550.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 16,326,166 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,669,632,331.82. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this link.

Marc Benioff also recently made the following trade(s):

Get Salesforce alerts:

On Monday, July 24th, Marc Benioff sold 15,000 shares of Salesforce stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $225.04, for a total value of $3,375,600.00.

On Friday, July 21st, Marc Benioff sold 15,000 shares of Salesforce stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $228.39, for a total value of $3,425,850.00.

On Wednesday, July 19th, Marc Benioff sold 15,000 shares of Salesforce stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $234.71, for a total value of $3,520,650.00.

On Monday, July 17th, Marc Benioff sold 15,000 shares of Salesforce stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $228.86, for a total value of $3,432,900.00.

On Friday, July 14th, Marc Benioff sold 15,000 shares of Salesforce stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $229.80, for a total value of $3,447,000.00.

On Wednesday, July 12th, Marc Benioff sold 15,000 shares of Salesforce stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $224.87, for a total value of $3,373,050.00.

On Monday, July 10th, Marc Benioff sold 15,000 shares of Salesforce stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $211.24, for a total value of $3,168,600.00.

On Friday, July 7th, Marc Benioff sold 15,000 shares of Salesforce stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $210.71, for a total value of $3,160,650.00.

On Wednesday, July 5th, Marc Benioff sold 15,000 shares of Salesforce stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $213.32, for a total value of $3,199,800.00.

On Monday, July 3rd, Marc Benioff sold 15,000 shares of Salesforce stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $210.95, for a total value of $3,164,250.00.

Salesforce Trading Down 0.2 %

Shares of Salesforce stock traded down $0.42 on Thursday, reaching $225.16. 4,293,632 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 7,501,027. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $215.63 and a 200-day moving average price of $192.41. The firm has a market capitalization of $219.31 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 602.28, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.23 and a beta of 1.19. The company has a current ratio of 1.02, a quick ratio of 1.02 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.16. Salesforce, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $126.34 and a fifty-two week high of $238.22.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Salesforce ( NYSE:CRM Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, May 31st. The CRM provider reported $1.69 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.61 by $0.08. Salesforce had a return on equity of 5.75% and a net margin of 1.18%. The business had revenue of $8.25 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $8.17 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $0.41 earnings per share. On average, analysts expect that Salesforce, Inc. will post 5.26 EPS for the current year.

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of CRM. Farmers & Merchants Trust Co of Chambersburg PA grew its stake in Salesforce by 374.1% in the second quarter. Farmers & Merchants Trust Co of Chambersburg PA now owns 128 shares of the CRM providers stock valued at $27,000 after purchasing an additional 101 shares in the last quarter. Capital Directions Investment Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of Salesforce during the 4th quarter worth about $28,000. NewSquare Capital LLC raised its holdings in Salesforce by 132.8% in the 1st quarter. NewSquare Capital LLC now owns 149 shares of the CRM providers stock valued at $30,000 after acquiring an additional 85 shares in the last quarter. Tradewinds Capital Management LLC grew its stake in shares of Salesforce by 44.4% in the 4th quarter. Tradewinds Capital Management LLC now owns 244 shares of the CRM providers stock valued at $32,000 after purchasing an additional 75 shares during the period. Finally, GHP Investment Advisors Inc. grew its stake in shares of Salesforce by 30.4% in the 4th quarter. GHP Investment Advisors Inc. now owns 270 shares of the CRM providers stock valued at $36,000 after purchasing an additional 63 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 81.13% of the companys stock.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several research firms have recently commented on CRM. Loop Capital upped their price target on Salesforce from $190.00 to $215.00 in a research note on Thursday, June 1st. Societe Generale cut Salesforce from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, June 1st. Oppenheimer increased their price objective on Salesforce from $225.00 to $235.00 in a research report on Thursday, June 1st. Wedbush increased their price objective on Salesforce from $230.00 to $240.00 in a research note on Thursday, June 1st. Finally, Evercore ISI increased their price objective on Salesforce from $230.00 to $240.00 in a research note on Thursday, June 1st. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, thirteen have given a hold rating, twenty-four have assigned a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, Salesforce currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target 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.

Featured Stories

Receive News & Ratings for Salesforce Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Salesforce and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Family Asset Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of iShares U.S. Basic Materials ETF (NYSEARCA:IYM  Free Report) by 248.2% during the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 5,282 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 3,765 shares during the quarter. Family Asset Management LLC owned approximately 0.08% of iShares U.S. Basic Materials ETF worth $700,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. Prudential Financial Inc. grew its position in iShares U.S. Basic Materials ETF by 1,149.7% during the first quarter. Prudential Financial Inc. now owns 284,949 shares of the companys stock valued at $42,617,000 after acquiring an additional 262,147 shares during the period. Allianz Asset Management GmbH acquired a new stake in iShares U.S. Basic Materials ETF during the 1st quarter worth approximately $12,213,000. Prospera Financial Services Inc acquired a new stake in iShares U.S. Basic Materials ETF during the 4th quarter worth approximately $6,932,000. Millennium Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of iShares U.S. Basic Materials ETF in the 2nd quarter valued at $5,651,000. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada lifted its stake in shares of iShares U.S. Basic Materials ETF by 75.2% during the first quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 95,331 shares of the companys stock worth $14,258,000 after purchasing an additional 40,932 shares in the last quarter.

Get iShares U.S. Basic Materials ETF alerts:

iShares U.S. Basic Materials ETF Trading Down 0.7 %

Shares of IYM traded down $0.90 during midday trading on Thursday, reaching $136.32. 57,791 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 76,237. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $129.31 and a 200-day moving average price of $131.30. The company has a market cap of $811.10 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.00 and a beta of 1.14. iShares U.S. Basic Materials ETF has a 1-year low of $106.29 and a 1-year high of $141.48.

iShares U.S. Basic Materials ETF Company Profile

The iShares U.S. Basic Materials ETF (IYM) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in materials equity. The fund tracks a broad, market-cap-weighted index of US basic materials companies that includes raw materials such as metals, chemicals and forestry products. IYM was launched on Jun 12, 2000 and is managed by BlackRock.

Featured Stories

Receive News & Ratings for iShares U.S. Basic Materials ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares U.S. Basic Materials ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Koninklijke Philips (NYSE:PHG  Get Free Report) was upgraded by investment analysts at StockNews.com from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report issued on Thursday.

A number of other equities research analysts have also commented on PHG. Citigroup upped their price target on shares of Koninklijke Philips to 19.00 ($21.11) in a report on Friday, July 7th. TheStreet upgraded shares of Koninklijke Philips from a d+ rating to a c- rating in a report on Monday. The Goldman Sachs Group assumed coverage on shares of Koninklijke Philips in a report on Wednesday, July 12th. They set a buy rating for the company. Finally, Societe Generale upgraded shares of Koninklijke Philips from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, April 25th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, five have issued a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $17.06.

Get Koninklijke Philips alerts:

Koninklijke Philips Price Performance

PHG stock traded down $0.28 during midday trading on Thursday, reaching $20.61. The company had a trading volume of 1,091,773 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,551,394. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.59, a current ratio of 1.20 and a quick ratio of 0.78. Koninklijke Philips has a 1 year low of $11.75 and a 1 year high of $23.30. The company has a market capitalization of $19.14 billion, a P/E ratio of -8.81 and a beta of 0.94. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $20.74 and a 200-day moving average price of $18.90.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Koninklijke Philips ( NYSE:PHG Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Sunday, July 23rd. The technology company reported $0.31 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.23 by $0.08. Koninklijke Philips had a negative net margin of 10.84% and a positive return on equity of 7.95%. The company had revenue of $4.87 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.30 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $0.15 EPS. On average, research analysts anticipate that Koninklijke Philips will post 1.04 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. Advisory Services Network LLC increased its stake in shares of Koninklijke Philips by 28.7% in the 1st quarter. Advisory Services Network LLC now owns 2,226 shares of the technology companys stock worth $41,000 after acquiring an additional 496 shares in the last quarter. Fifth Third Bancorp grew its position in Koninklijke Philips by 31.6% during the 2nd quarter. Fifth Third Bancorp now owns 2,268 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $49,000 after purchasing an additional 545 shares during the last quarter. Credit Suisse AG purchased a new stake in Koninklijke Philips during the 2nd quarter valued at about $65,000. Global Retirement Partners LLC grew its position in Koninklijke Philips by 47.8% during the 1st quarter. Global Retirement Partners LLC now owns 3,016 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $63,000 after purchasing an additional 975 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Geneos Wealth Management Inc. grew its position in Koninklijke Philips by 1,070.3% during the 1st quarter. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. now owns 3,745 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $69,000 after purchasing an additional 3,425 shares during the last quarter. 6.58% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

About Koninklijke Philips

(Get Free Report)

Koninklijke Philips N.V. operates as a health technology company in North America, the Greater China, and internationally. It operates through Diagnosis & Treatment Businesses, Connected Care Businesses, and Personal Health Businesses segments. The company provides diagnostic imaging solutions, includes magnetic resonance imaging, X-ray systems, and computed tomography (CT) systems and software comprising detector-based spectral CT solutions, as well as molecular and hybrid imaging solutions for nuclear medicine; echography solutions focused on diagnosis, treatment planning and guidance for cardiology, general imaging, obstetrics/gynecology, and point-of-care applications; integrated interventional systems, and interventional diagnostic and therapeutic devices to treat coronary artery and peripheral vascular disease; proprietary software to enable diagnostics and intervention; and enterprise diagnostic informatics products and services.

Featured Stories

Receive News & Ratings for Koninklijke Philips Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Koninklijke Philips and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
As agreed by the two sides, the ninth China-France High Level Economic and Financial Dialogue will be held on July 29 in Beijing. The Dialogue will be co-chaired by He Lifeng, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, Vice Premier of the State Council and the Chinese lead person of the Dialogue, and Bruno Le Maire, Minister of Economy, Finance and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty of France and the French lead person of the Dialogue.

Yonhap News Agency: According to reports, during his visit to the DPRK, Li Hongzhong, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National Peoples Congress, delivered a personal letter from Chinese President Xi Jinping. Could you share with us the content of the letter and also tell us more about Vice Chairman Lis visit?

Mao Ning: The Chinese side will release the information on this visit in due course. Please check back for updates.

CCTV: According to reports, the Japanese defense ministry released its Defense of Japan 2023 white paper on July 28. The white paper hypes up Chinas military threat, raises concern over Chinas build-up of defense capabilities and maritime and air military activities, and plans to further increase Japans defense budget to strengthen defense capabilities. The white paper also hypes up tensions across the Taiwan Strait and says that the military balance between Chinas mainland and Taiwan is rapidly tilting in favor of the former. Whats your comment?

Mao Ning: The Defense of Japan 2023 white paper gravely interferes in Chinas internal affairs, smears Chinas normal defense development and maritime and air military activities, deliberately hypes up the China threat narrative, and creates tensions in the region. We deplore and reject this and has made serious demarches to Japan.

China is committed to the path of peaceful development and a defense policy that is defensive in nature. Chinas defense development and military activities are legitimate and justified. Our military cooperation with relevant countries including joint patrols is consistent with international law and customary international practice. Taiwan is Chinas territory. The Taiwan question is purely Chinas internal affair that brooks no external interference. The so-called military balance across the Taiwan Strait is a groundless subject to begin with. On the Taiwan question, Japan bears grave responsibilities for the historical crimes committed against the Chinese people and should act all the more prudently and draw lessons from the history.

I need to stress that given Japans history of militarist aggression during the last century, Japans military and security moves have been closely watched by its Asian neighbors and the international community. In recent years, Japan has been increasing defense spending, readjusting defense policy and seeking military breakthrough. It has triggered strong concerns over whether Japan will still stick to the path of peaceful development. We urge Japan to earnestly respect the security concerns of neighboring countries, deeply reflect on its history of aggression, stop hyping up so-called security threat in the region and finding pretexts for rearming itself, and earn the trust of its Asian neighbors and the wider international community through concrete actions.

Reuters: President Xi today said that China will upgrade its bilateral relations with Georgia to strategic partnership. Will China support Georgias ongoing bid to join NATO?

Mao Ning: We have released a readout on President Xi Jinpings meeting with Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili this morning.

Shenzhen TV: It was reported that according to unnamed US officials, due to relevant sanctions, the US will not invite Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region John Lee to the APEC Leaders Meeting to be held in the US towards the end of this year. What is your comment?

Mao Ning: It is widely understood that APEC host economies have the responsibility and obligation to ensure the smooth participation of the representatives of all members in APEC meetings. Imposing illegal and unreasonable sanctions on Chief Executive John Lee and other Chinese officials is in itself a bullying act which seriously violates the basic international norms. To not invite Hong Kongs Chief Executive to the APEC meeting by citing those sanctions as the reason is yet another mistake, which blatantly violates APEC rules and gravely contravenes the US commitment as the host. China strongly disapproves of and firmly opposes this and has made serious demarches to the US.

We ask the US to correct the wrong move immediately, lift the sanctions on Chief Executive John Lee and other SAR officials, fulfill its due responsibility as the APEC host, invite Chief Executive John Lee to the meeting according to customary practice, make sure that representatives of all APEC members, including those of Hong Kong, China, will participate smoothly in the APEC events, and stop undermining the solidarity and cooperation of APEC. China will firmly safeguard the legitimate and lawful right of Hong Kong, China to attend APEC meetings.

AFP: According to US intelligence report, China is giving economic lifeline to Russia, which helps limit the effect of western sanctions. Do you have a comment on this?

Mao Ning: China is engaged in normal economic and trade cooperation with Russia and other countries on the basis of equality and mutual benefit. We oppose unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction that have no basis in international law or mandate from the Security Council. China-Russia cooperation does not target any third party and shall be free from disruption or coercion by any third party.

AFP: China repeatedly said that it abides by UN sanctions on North Korea. Today in Pyongyang, a Chinese delegation attended a parade where weapons banned by UN sanctions were displayed. Do you have any comment on this?

Mao Ning: What I can tell you is that Chinas position on the issues concerning the Korean Peninsula has not changed. On implementing UN Security Councils resolutions, China always fulfills its due international obligations.
Lloyds Banking Group (NYSE:LYG  Get Free Report) had its price objective reduced by investment analysts at Royal Bank of Canada from GBX 70 ($0.90) to GBX 68 ($0.87) in a note issued to investors on Thursday, FlyOnTheWall reports.

Several other equities analysts also recently issued reports on the stock. BNP Paribas downgraded shares of Lloyds Banking Group from an outperform rating to a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday, June 21st. Morgan Stanley dropped their price target on shares of Lloyds Banking Group from GBX 63 ($0.81) to GBX 60 ($0.77) in a research note on Thursday, July 6th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. downgraded shares of Lloyds Banking Group from an overweight rating to a neutral rating in a research note on Monday, June 26th. Credit Suisse Group dropped their price target on shares of Lloyds Banking Group from GBX 70 ($0.90) to GBX 69 ($0.88) in a research note on Thursday, May 4th. Finally, StockNews.com raised shares of Lloyds Banking Group from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, three have assigned a hold rating and two have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Lloyds Banking Group currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $63.57.

Get Lloyds Banking Group alerts:

Lloyds Banking Group Price Performance

Lloyds Banking Group stock traded down $0.05 during mid-day trading on Thursday, reaching $2.27. The company had a trading volume of 6,635,033 shares, compared to its average volume of 10,363,359. Lloyds Banking Group has a fifty-two week low of $1.70 and a fifty-two week high of $2.63. The company has a current ratio of 1.16, a quick ratio of 1.16 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.83. The company has a market cap of $36.60 billion, a P/E ratio of 5.66, a P/E/G ratio of 0.76 and a beta of 1.27. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $2.25 and a 200 day simple moving average of $2.35.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Lloyds Banking Group

Lloyds Banking Group ( NYSE:LYG Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, May 3rd. The financial services provider reported $0.11 earnings per share for the quarter. Lloyds Banking Group had a net margin of 21.31% and a return on equity of 11.52%. The firm had revenue of $5.65 billion for the quarter. On average, equities research analysts predict that Lloyds Banking Group will post 0.4 earnings per share for the current year.

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Ballentine Partners LLC increased its stake in Lloyds Banking Group by 34.1% in the second quarter. Ballentine Partners LLC now owns 55,755 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $123,000 after purchasing an additional 14,171 shares in the last quarter. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. increased its stake in Lloyds Banking Group by 3.2% in the second quarter. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. now owns 573,924 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,263,000 after purchasing an additional 17,599 shares in the last quarter. Raymond James & Associates increased its stake in Lloyds Banking Group by 115.3% in the second quarter. Raymond James & Associates now owns 1,959,262 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $4,310,000 after purchasing an additional 1,049,282 shares in the last quarter. Summit Trail Advisors LLC bought a new stake in Lloyds Banking Group in the second quarter valued at $31,000. Finally, Creative Planning increased its stake in Lloyds Banking Group by 14.4% in the second quarter. Creative Planning now owns 377,350 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $830,000 after purchasing an additional 47,453 shares in the last quarter. 2.18% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

About Lloyds Banking Group

(Get Free Report)

Lloyds Banking Group plc, together with its subsidiaries, provides a range of banking and financial services in the United Kingdom. It operates through three segments: Retail; Commercial Banking; and Insurance, Pensions, and Investments. The Retail segment offers a range of financial service products, including current accounts, savings, mortgages, motor finance, unsecured loans, leasing solutions, and credit cards to personal and small business customers.

Featured Stories

Receive News & Ratings for Lloyds Banking Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Lloyds Banking Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Mainstay Capital Management LLC ADV trimmed its position in shares of McCormick & Company, Incorporated (NYSE:MKC  Free Report) by 5.3% during the first quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 10,929 shares of the companys stock after selling 616 shares during the period. Mainstay Capital Management LLC ADVs holdings in McCormick & Company, Incorporated were worth $909,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other large investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Axxcess Wealth Management LLC increased its position in shares of McCormick & Company, Incorporated by 6.6% during the first quarter. Axxcess Wealth Management LLC now owns 7,096 shares of the companys stock worth $590,000 after acquiring an additional 437 shares during the period. J.W. Cole Advisors Inc. increased its position in shares of McCormick & Company, Incorporated by 3.0% during the first quarter. J.W. Cole Advisors Inc. now owns 9,572 shares of the companys stock worth $796,000 after acquiring an additional 279 shares during the period. Gyroscope Capital Management Group LLC purchased a new stake in shares of McCormick & Company, Incorporated during the first quarter worth $2,496,000. Moseley Investment Management Inc. increased its position in shares of McCormick & Company, Incorporated by 1.7% during the first quarter. Moseley Investment Management Inc. now owns 19,436 shares of the companys stock worth $1,617,000 after acquiring an additional 323 shares during the period. Finally, Nichols & Pratt Advisers LLP MA increased its position in shares of McCormick & Company, Incorporated by 6.8% during the first quarter. Nichols & Pratt Advisers LLP MA now owns 72,997 shares of the companys stock worth $6,089,000 after acquiring an additional 4,675 shares during the period. 79.92% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Get McCormick & Company Incorporated alerts:

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, Director Jacques Tapiero sold 5,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, July 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $89.88, for a total transaction of $449,400.00. Following the transaction, the director now owns 25,612 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,302,006.56. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. In related news, Director Jacques Tapiero sold 5,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, July 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $89.88, for a total transaction of $449,400.00. Following the transaction, the director now owns 25,612 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,302,006.56. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, CEO Lawrence Erik Kurzius sold 39,906 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, May 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $90.02, for a total value of $3,592,338.12. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 159,579 shares in the company, valued at approximately $14,365,301.58. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 48,506 shares of company stock valued at $4,356,666 over the last quarter. 19.00% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

McCormick & Company, Incorporated Stock Performance

A number of analysts have recently weighed in on the company. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft upped their price objective on McCormick & Company, Incorporated from $69.00 to $75.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, March 29th. Bank of America raised McCormick & Company, Incorporated from an underperform rating to a buy rating and increased their target price for the company from $75.00 to $100.00 in a report on Tuesday, June 6th. TheStreet raised McCormick & Company, Incorporated from a c+ rating to a b- rating in a report on Friday, June 23rd. Stifel Nicolaus initiated coverage on McCormick & Company, Incorporated in a report on Thursday, April 13th. They issued a hold rating and a $82.00 target price on the stock. Finally, Barclays increased their target price on McCormick & Company, Incorporated from $77.00 to $85.00 in a report on Sunday, July 2nd. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, four have assigned a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $83.40.

NYSE MKC traded down $0.36 during trading hours on Thursday, hitting $89.57. The company had a trading volume of 1,444,473 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,476,651. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.83, a quick ratio of 0.33 and a current ratio of 0.85. McCormick & Company, Incorporated has a 1-year low of $70.60 and a 1-year high of $94.39. The company has a market cap of $24.03 billion, a PE ratio of 34.58, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 4.50 and a beta of 0.58. The business has a 50 day moving average of $88.67 and a 200-day moving average of $82.90.

McCormick & Company, Incorporated (NYSE:MKC  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, June 29th. The company reported $0.60 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.58 by $0.02. McCormick & Company, Incorporated had a net margin of 10.74% and a return on equity of 14.76%. The company had revenue of $1.66 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.67 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $0.48 earnings per share. McCormick & Company, Incorporateds revenue for the quarter was up 8.0% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities research analysts expect that McCormick & Company, Incorporated will post 2.66 EPS for the current year.

McCormick & Company, Incorporated Announces Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, July 24th. Stockholders of record on Monday, July 10th were paid a dividend of $0.39 per share. The ex-dividend date was Friday, July 7th. This represents a $1.56 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.74%. McCormick & Company, Incorporateds dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 60.23%.

McCormick & Company, Incorporated Company Profile

(Free Report)

McCormick & Company, Incorporated manufactures, markets, and distributes spices, seasoning mixes, condiments, and other flavorful products to the food industry. It operates in two segments, Consumer and Flavor Solutions. The Consumer segment offers spices, herbs, and seasonings, as well as condiments and sauces, and desserts.

See Also

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MKC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for McCormick & Company, Incorporated (NYSE:MKC  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for McCormick & Company Incorporated Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for McCormick & Company Incorporated and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Mizuho Markets Americas LLC lifted its position in Brookfield Asset Management Ltd. (NYSE:BAM  Free Report) (TSE:BAM.A) by 1,602.4% in the first quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 1,276,798 shares of the financial services providers stock after purchasing an additional 1,201,798 shares during the quarter. Mizuho Markets Americas LLCs holdings in Brookfield Asset Management were worth $7,750,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of BAM. American Century Companies Inc. boosted its stake in Brookfield Asset Management by 0.7% during the first quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 38,228 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $2,161,000 after buying an additional 268 shares during the period. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP boosted its stake in Brookfield Asset Management by 3.9% during the first quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 537,451 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $30,404,000 after buying an additional 20,309 shares during the period. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board purchased a new position in Brookfield Asset Management during the first quarter worth about $22,369,000. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC purchased a new position in Brookfield Asset Management during the first quarter worth about $340,000. Finally, Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its stake in Brookfield Asset Management by 2.8% during the first quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 44,050,716 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $2,491,950,000 after buying an additional 1,220,298 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 57.29% of the companys stock.

Get Brookfield Asset Management alerts:

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

BAM has been the subject of several research analyst reports. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods lowered shares of Brookfield Asset Management to an underperform rating in a research note on Tuesday, April 18th. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Brookfield Asset Management in a research note on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a hold rating for the company. Scotiabank started coverage on shares of Brookfield Asset Management in a research note on Thursday, July 13th. They issued an outperform rating for the company. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft started coverage on shares of Brookfield Asset Management in a research note on Tuesday, May 30th. They issued a hold rating for the company. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have issued a hold rating, five have issued a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $43.57.

Brookfield Asset Management Stock Down 1.7 %

BAM stock traded down $0.57 on Thursday, hitting $33.57. The companys stock had a trading volume of 522,926 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,515,600. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $32.30 and a two-hundred day moving average of $32.48. Brookfield Asset Management Ltd. has a 1 year low of $26.76 and a 1 year high of $36.50.

Brookfield Asset Management (NYSE:BAM  Get Free Report) (TSE:BAM.A) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, May 10th. The financial services provider reported $0.32 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.33 by ($0.01). The company had revenue of $966.00 million for the quarter. Sell-side analysts expect that Brookfield Asset Management Ltd. will post 1.34 earnings per share for the current year.

Brookfield Asset Management Dividend Announcement

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, June 30th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, May 31st were given a dividend of $0.32 per share. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, May 30th. This represents a $1.28 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.81%.

Brookfield Asset Management Company Profile

(Free Report)

Brookfield Asset Management Ltd. provides alternative asset management services. Its renewable power and transition business includes the ownership, operation, and development of hydroelectric, wind, solar, and energy transition power generating assets. The company's infrastructure business engages in the ownership, operation, and development of utilities, transport, midstream, data and sustainable resource assets.

Recommended Stories

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BAM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Brookfield Asset Management Ltd. (NYSE:BAM  Free Report) (TSE:BAM.A).

Receive News & Ratings for Brookfield Asset Management Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Brookfield Asset Management and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Mizuho Markets Cayman LP purchased a new stake in Bausch Health Companies Inc. (NYSE:BHC  Free Report) during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor purchased 7,000,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $56,700,000. Bausch Health Companies comprises 2.3% of Mizuho Markets Cayman LPs investment portfolio, making the stock its 13th biggest position.

Several other large investors have also modified their holdings of the business. Aviva PLC grew its holdings in Bausch Health Companies by 2.2% during the 1st quarter. Aviva PLC now owns 45,626 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,044,000 after purchasing an additional 971 shares in the last quarter. Oakworth Capital Inc. grew its holdings in Bausch Health Companies by 22.9% during the 1st quarter. Oakworth Capital Inc. now owns 9,952 shares of the companys stock valued at $81,000 after purchasing an additional 1,852 shares in the last quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC grew its holdings in Bausch Health Companies by 24.2% during the 1st quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC now owns 10,763 shares of the companys stock valued at $245,000 after purchasing an additional 2,100 shares in the last quarter. Penn Capital Management Company LLC grew its holdings in Bausch Health Companies by 2.1% during the 1st quarter. Penn Capital Management Company LLC now owns 108,535 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,531,000 after purchasing an additional 2,232 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Creative Planning grew its holdings in Bausch Health Companies by 4.5% during the 4th quarter. Creative Planning now owns 67,576 shares of the companys stock valued at $424,000 after purchasing an additional 2,882 shares in the last quarter. 74.38% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Get Bausch Health Companies alerts:

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several research analysts have weighed in on BHC shares. Royal Bank of Canada raised their price objective on shares of Bausch Health Companies from $8.00 to $9.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a report on Monday. Jefferies Financial Group raised their price target on shares of Bausch Health Companies from $7.00 to $9.50 in a research report on Monday, May 22nd. TD Cowen downgraded shares of Bausch Health Companies from an outperform rating to a market perform rating in a research report on Friday, June 16th. Finally, StockNews.com downgraded shares of Bausch Health Companies from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, June 27th. Six equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, According to MarketBeat.com, Bausch Health Companies presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $8.17.

Bausch Health Companies Stock Down 1.2 %

BHC traded down $0.11 on Thursday, reaching $9.35. 1,117,396 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 4,058,899. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $8.01 and its 200-day moving average price is $7.84. Bausch Health Companies Inc. has a 52-week low of $4.00 and a 52-week high of $10.23. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 139.36, a quick ratio of 0.77 and a current ratio of 1.08.

Bausch Health Companies (NYSE:BHC  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, May 4th. The company reported $0.52 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.75 by ($0.23). Bausch Health Companies had a negative net margin of 4.38% and a positive return on equity of 381.67%. The business had revenue of $1.94 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.95 billion. As a group, analysts anticipate that Bausch Health Companies Inc. will post 3.26 EPS for the current fiscal year.

About Bausch Health Companies

(Free Report)

Bausch Health Companies Inc operates as a diversified pharmaceutical company. It develops, manufactures, and markets a range of products primarily in gastroenterology, hepatology, neurology, dermatology, international pharmaceuticals, and eye health. The company operates through five segments: Salix, International, Solta Medical, Diversified, and Bausch + Lomb.

Recommended Stories

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BHC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Bausch Health Companies Inc. (NYSE:BHC  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Bausch Health Companies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bausch Health Companies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Mizuho Markets Cayman LP purchased a new stake in Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY  Free Report) in the first quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund purchased 1,739,189 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock, valued at approximately $120,543,000. Bristol-Myers Squibb makes up 4.8% of Mizuho Markets Cayman LPs holdings, making the stock its 7th largest position. Mizuho Markets Cayman LP owned 0.08% of Bristol-Myers Squibb as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in BMY. Dakota Wealth Management acquired a new stake in Bristol-Myers Squibb in the first quarter valued at $332,000. Covestor Ltd grew its holdings in Bristol-Myers Squibb by 111.5% during the 1st quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 2,052 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $150,000 after acquiring an additional 1,082 shares during the period. NewEdge Advisors LLC grew its holdings in Bristol-Myers Squibb by 53.2% during the 1st quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 165,336 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $12,075,000 after acquiring an additional 57,444 shares during the period. Ergoteles LLC acquired a new stake in Bristol-Myers Squibb during the 1st quarter worth about $1,997,000. Finally, Mackenzie Financial Corp grew its holdings in Bristol-Myers Squibb by 25.1% during the 1st quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp now owns 338,563 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $24,725,000 after acquiring an additional 68,018 shares during the period. 74.57% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Get Bristol-Myers Squibb alerts:

Insider Activity at Bristol-Myers Squibb

In other news, EVP Rupert Vessey sold 50,385 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, May 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $67.06, for a total value of $3,378,818.10. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 47,751 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,202,182.06. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. 0.09% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Bristol-Myers Squibb Stock Performance

BMY traded down $2.65 during trading on Thursday, hitting $60.76. The companys stock had a trading volume of 22,623,438 shares, compared to its average volume of 8,244,220. The company has a quick ratio of 1.28, a current ratio of 1.42 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.10. Bristol-Myers Squibb has a one year low of $60.38 and a one year high of $81.43. The firm has a market cap of $127.65 billion, a PE ratio of 17.79, a P/E/G ratio of 1.31 and a beta of 0.43. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $64.37 and its 200-day simple moving average is $67.99.

Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, April 27th. The biopharmaceutical company reported $2.05 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.98 by $0.07. The firm had revenue of $11.34 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $11.50 billion. Bristol-Myers Squibb had a net margin of 15.95% and a return on equity of 51.75%. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 2.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $1.96 earnings per share. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that Bristol-Myers Squibb will post 8.01 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Bristol-Myers Squibb Announces Dividend

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, August 1st. Investors of record on Friday, July 7th will be paid a dividend of $0.57 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, July 6th. This represents a $2.28 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.75%. Bristol-Myers Squibbs payout ratio is 66.47%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of analysts have weighed in on BMY shares. SVB Securities began coverage on Bristol-Myers Squibb in a report on Monday, July 10th. They set a market perform rating and a $66.00 price target for the company. Daiwa Capital Markets initiated coverage on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb in a report on Wednesday, June 28th. They issued an outperform rating and a $70.00 price target on the stock. SVB Leerink reaffirmed a market perform rating on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb in a report on Monday, July 10th. Cantor Fitzgerald lowered their price target on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb from $88.00 to $85.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, July 19th. Finally, Credit Suisse Group reduced their price objective on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb from $72.00 to $66.00 in a research note on Wednesday, July 12th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have given a hold rating, seven have issued a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $74.19.

About Bristol-Myers Squibb

(Free Report)

Bristol-Myers Squibb Company discovers, develops, licenses, manufactures, markets, distributes, and sells biopharmaceutical products worldwide. It offers products for hematology, oncology, cardiovascular, immunology, fibrotic, and neuroscience diseases. The company's products include Eliquis, an oral inhibitor for reduction in risk of stroke/systemic embolism in NVAF, and for the treatment of DVT/PE; Opdivo for anti-cancer indications; Pomalyst/Imnovid indicated for patients with multiple myeloma; Orencia for adult patients with active RA and psoriatic arthritis; and Sprycel for the treatment of Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia.

Read More

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BMY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Bristol-Myers Squibb Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bristol-Myers Squibb and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
NorthRock Partners LLC lessened its stake in shares of The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO  Free Report) by 21.0% during the first quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 17,738 shares of the companys stock after selling 4,725 shares during the quarter. NorthRock Partners LLCs holdings in Coca-Cola were worth $1,100,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in KO. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC lifted its position in Coca-Cola by 103,297.9% in the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 57,734,303 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,672,479,000 after acquiring an additional 57,678,466 shares in the last quarter. Norges Bank acquired a new position in Coca-Cola during the 4th quarter valued at about $2,937,315,000. Morgan Stanley boosted its stake in Coca-Cola by 15.7% during the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 79,101,856 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,031,669,000 after purchasing an additional 10,722,435 shares during the last quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. boosted its stake in Coca-Cola by 7.7% during the 4th quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 58,090,088 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,662,834,000 after purchasing an additional 4,147,833 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Capital World Investors boosted its stake in Coca-Cola by 61.4% during the 1st quarter. Capital World Investors now owns 10,764,084 shares of the companys stock valued at $667,373,000 after purchasing an additional 4,095,881 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 68.61% of the companys stock.

Get Coca-Cola alerts:

Coca-Cola Stock Performance

KO stock traded down $0.60 during midday trading on Thursday, reaching $62.45. 11,515,641 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 13,532,755. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $60.92 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $61.29. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.34, a quick ratio of 0.95 and a current ratio of 1.15. The Coca-Cola Company has a 52 week low of $54.01 and a 52 week high of $65.47. The firm has a market capitalization of $270.05 billion, a PE ratio of 27.43, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.53 and a beta of 0.54.

Coca-Cola Dividend Announcement

Coca-Cola ( NYSE:KO Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, July 26th. The company reported $0.78 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.72 by $0.06. Coca-Cola had a net margin of 22.69% and a return on equity of 42.96%. The business had revenue of $12 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $11.74 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $0.70 EPS. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 6.2% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that The Coca-Cola Company will post 2.61 EPS for the current year.

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, October 2nd. Stockholders of record on Friday, September 15th will be given a dividend of $0.46 per share. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, September 14th. This represents a $1.84 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.95%. Coca-Colas dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 80.70%.

Insider Activity

In related news, insider Henrique Braun sold 16,950 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, May 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $64.03, for a total value of $1,085,308.50. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 26,272 shares in the company, valued at $1,682,196.16. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. In related news, CMO Manuel Arroyo sold 734 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, May 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $63.40, for a total value of $46,535.60. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief marketing officer now directly owns 114,580 shares in the company, valued at $7,264,372. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, insider Henrique Braun sold 16,950 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, May 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $64.03, for a total transaction of $1,085,308.50. Following the sale, the insider now owns 26,272 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,682,196.16. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 420,786 shares of company stock worth $26,886,224 in the last three months. Corporate insiders own 1.00% of the companys stock.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of equities analysts have issued reports on KO shares. HSBC cut their price target on Coca-Cola from $77.00 to $74.00 in a research note on Wednesday, June 7th. StockNews.com began coverage on shares of Coca-Cola in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. They set a buy rating on the stock. Evercore ISI lifted their target price on shares of Coca-Cola from $68.00 to $70.00 in a research report on Tuesday, April 25th. Royal Bank of Canada lifted their target price on shares of Coca-Cola from $69.00 to $70.00 in a research report on Thursday. Finally, Barclays dropped their target price on shares of Coca-Cola from $73.00 to $69.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, July 20th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have assigned a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Coca-Cola has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $68.27.

Coca-Cola Company Profile

(Free Report)

The Coca-Cola Company, a beverage company, manufactures, markets, and sells various nonalcoholic beverages worldwide. The company provides sparkling soft drinks, sparkling flavors; water, sports, coffee, and tea; juice, value-added dairy, and plant-based beverages; and other beverages. It also offers beverage concentrates and syrups, as well as fountain syrups to fountain retailers, such as restaurants and convenience stores.

Further Reading

Receive News & Ratings for Coca-Cola Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Coca-Cola and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Perigon Wealth Management LLC lifted its position in iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (NYSEARCA:EEM  Free Report) by 171.7% in the 1st quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 136,897 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after buying an additional 86,515 shares during the quarter. Perigon Wealth Management LLCs holdings in iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF were worth $5,402,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. Fairfield Bush & CO. bought a new stake in iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF in the first quarter valued at approximately $146,000. AMI Investment Management Inc. lifted its holdings in iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF by 5.7% during the 1st quarter. AMI Investment Management Inc. now owns 11,268 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $509,000 after purchasing an additional 605 shares during the last quarter. BRITISH COLUMBIA INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT Corp lifted its holdings in iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF by 62.5% during the 1st quarter. BRITISH COLUMBIA INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT Corp now owns 65,005 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $2,935,000 after purchasing an additional 25,000 shares during the last quarter. Moors & Cabot Inc. lifted its holdings in iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF by 14.5% during the 1st quarter. Moors & Cabot Inc. now owns 8,965 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $405,000 after purchasing an additional 1,135 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Baird Financial Group Inc. lifted its holdings in iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF by 9.3% during the 1st quarter. Baird Financial Group Inc. now owns 892,269 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $40,286,000 after purchasing an additional 76,229 shares during the last quarter. 82.70% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Get iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF alerts:

iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF Stock Down 1.2 %

EEM traded down $0.50 on Thursday, reaching $40.96. The company had a trading volume of 37,544,413 shares, compared to its average volume of 32,202,320. iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF has a fifty-two week low of $33.49 and a fifty-two week high of $42.53. The companys fifty day moving average is $39.86 and its 200 day moving average is $39.69.

About iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF

iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF, formerly iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Index Fund (the Fund), seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of publicly traded equity securities in global emerging markets, as measured by the MSCI Emerging Markets Index (the Index).

Further Reading

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EEM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (NYSEARCA:EEM  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Pinnacle Wealth Planning Services Inc. lifted its stake in Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC  Free Report) by 94.2% in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 30,344 shares of the financial services providers stock after purchasing an additional 14,722 shares during the quarter. Pinnacle Wealth Planning Services Inc.s holdings in Wells Fargo & Company were worth $1,134,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Several other large investors have also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Silicon Valley Capital Partners purchased a new position in Wells Fargo & Company in the 4th quarter worth about $26,000. US Asset Management LLC purchased a new position in Wells Fargo & Company in the 4th quarter worth about $28,000. Studio Investment Management LLC purchased a new position in Wells Fargo & Company in the 4th quarter worth about $28,000. Capital Advisors Ltd. LLC raised its position in Wells Fargo & Company by 494.8% in the 4th quarter. Capital Advisors Ltd. LLC now owns 2,754 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $30,000 after buying an additional 2,291 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Activest Wealth Management purchased a new position in Wells Fargo & Company in the 1st quarter worth about $30,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 72.11% of the companys stock.

Get Wells Fargo & Company alerts:

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of equities analysts have weighed in on the company. Barclays decreased their target price on Wells Fargo & Company from $64.00 to $54.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, April 12th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods boosted their price target on Wells Fargo & Company from $44.00 to $46.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Monday, April 17th. VNET Group restated a maintains rating on shares of Wells Fargo & Company in a research note on Monday, June 26th. Raymond James boosted their price target on Wells Fargo & Company from $48.00 to $51.00 and gave the company a strong-buy rating in a research note on Monday, July 3rd. Finally, Wolfe Research downgraded Wells Fargo & Company from an outperform rating to a peer perform rating in a research note on Friday, July 7th. Eight analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, seven have assigned a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $48.13.

Wells Fargo & Company Price Performance

WFC stock traded down $0.67 during midday trading on Thursday, hitting $45.77. The companys stock had a trading volume of 19,361,629 shares, compared to its average volume of 21,919,260. Wells Fargo & Company has a 12 month low of $35.25 and a 12 month high of $48.84. The company has a quick ratio of 0.83, a current ratio of 0.84 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.05. The firm has a market capitalization of $171.74 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.44, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.92 and a beta of 1.12. The company has a 50 day moving average of $42.45 and a two-hundred day moving average of $42.24.

Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Friday, July 14th. The financial services provider reported $1.25 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.16 by $0.09. The business had revenue of $20.53 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $20.11 billion. Wells Fargo & Company had a return on equity of 11.15% and a net margin of 16.18%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 20.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $0.74 EPS. On average, analysts expect that Wells Fargo & Company will post 4.86 EPS for the current year.

Wells Fargo & Company Increases Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 1st. Stockholders of record on Friday, August 4th will be issued a dividend of $0.35 per share. This represents a $1.40 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.06%. This is a boost from Wells Fargo & Companys previous quarterly dividend of $0.30. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, August 3rd. Wells Fargo & Companys dividend payout ratio is 30.00%.

Wells Fargo & Company Profile

(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.

Featured Articles

Receive News & Ratings for Wells Fargo & Company Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Wells Fargo & Company and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Pinnacle Wealth Planning Services Inc. raised its holdings in The Charles Schwab Co. (NYSE:SCHW  Free Report) by 194.0% in the first quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 25,128 shares of the financial services providers stock after acquiring an additional 16,580 shares during the quarter. Pinnacle Wealth Planning Services Inc.s holdings in Charles Schwab were worth $1,316,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of SCHW. Ruedi Wealth Management Inc. bought a new stake in Charles Schwab in the 4th quarter valued at $33,000. WFA of San Diego LLC bought a new stake in Charles Schwab in the 4th quarter valued at $34,000. Sittner & Nelson LLC bought a new stake in Charles Schwab in the 4th quarter valued at $37,000. Heritage Wealth Management LLC increased its holdings in Charles Schwab by 153.0% in the 4th quarter. Heritage Wealth Management LLC now owns 468 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $39,000 after buying an additional 283 shares during the period. Finally, Beacon Capital Management LLC bought a new stake in Charles Schwab in the 1st quarter valued at $25,000. Institutional investors own 82.77% of the companys stock.

Get Charles Schwab alerts:

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, Chairman Charles R. Schwab sold 75,760 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, July 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $66.60, for a total transaction of $5,045,616.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chairman now directly owns 59,672,778 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,974,207,014.80. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. In other news, Chairman Charles R. Schwab sold 72,047 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, July 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $66.66, for a total value of $4,802,653.02. Following the completion of the sale, the chairman now owns 59,748,538 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,982,837,543.08. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. Also, Chairman Charles R. Schwab sold 75,760 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, July 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of $66.60, for a total value of $5,045,616.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chairman now directly owns 59,672,778 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,974,207,014.80. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last three months, insiders sold 225,447 shares of company stock valued at $13,866,915. 6.60% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Charles Schwab Trading Down 1.2 %

Several brokerages have issued reports on SCHW. Raymond James raised shares of Charles Schwab from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $63.00 price target on the stock in a report on Monday, May 15th. StockNews.com upgraded shares of Charles Schwab from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 19th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their target price on shares of Charles Schwab from $86.00 to $85.00 in a research note on Tuesday, April 18th. Citigroup boosted their target price on shares of Charles Schwab from $65.00 to $75.00 in a research note on Wednesday, July 19th. Finally, Bank of America boosted their target price on shares of Charles Schwab from $46.00 to $53.00 in a research note on Thursday, June 15th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, three have given a hold rating and thirteen have given 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 $71.91.

Shares of SCHW stock traded down $0.79 on Thursday, reaching $65.83. The company had a trading volume of 9,194,870 shares, compared to its average volume of 18,835,463. 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 stock has a market cap of $116.46 billion, a PE ratio of 19.65, a PEG ratio of 3.75 and a beta of 0.88. The company has a 50-day moving average of $56.62 and a 200-day moving average of $62.07. 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 announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, July 18th. The financial services provider reported $0.75 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.71 by $0.04. Charles Schwab had a return on equity of 27.81% and a net margin of 33.15%. The company had revenue of $4.66 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.61 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $0.97 EPS. Charles Schwabs revenue was down 8.6% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities analysts forecast that The Charles Schwab Co. will post 3.29 earnings per share for the current year.

Charles Schwab Announces Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, August 25th. Investors of record on Friday, August 11th will be paid a dividend of $0.25 per share. This represents a $1.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.52%. Charles Schwabs payout ratio is 29.15%.

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.

Read More

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SCHW? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Charles Schwab Co. (NYSE:SCHW  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Charles Schwab Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Charles Schwab and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Polaris (NYSE:PII  Get Free Report) updated its FY 2023 earnings guidance on Tuesday. The company provided earnings per share guidance of $10.20-$10.75 for the period, compared to the consensus earnings per share estimate of $10.13. The company issued revenue guidance of $8.80 billion-$9.10 billion, compared to the consensus revenue estimate of $8.79 billion.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of research firms recently weighed in on PII. Robert W. Baird increased their price target on Polaris from $125.00 to $140.00 in a research report on Wednesday. Roth Capital reiterated a neutral rating on shares of Polaris in a research report on Tuesday, April 25th. Royal Bank of Canada increased their price target on Polaris from $115.00 to $121.00 in a research report on Wednesday. KeyCorp increased their price target on Polaris from $135.00 to $145.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday. Finally, Citigroup raised their price objective on Polaris from $130.00 to $138.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday. Ten investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $124.18.

Get Polaris alerts:

Polaris Stock Down 2.1 %

Shares of Polaris stock opened at $134.32 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $7.64 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.54 and a beta of 1.61. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.21, a current ratio of 1.20 and a quick ratio of 0.37. Polaris has a 52-week low of $91.86 and a 52-week high of $138.49. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $120.18 and a 200-day simple moving average of $113.36.

Insider Activity

Polaris ( NYSE:PII Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, July 25th. The company reported $2.42 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.21 by $0.21. The business had revenue of $2.22 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.14 billion. Polaris had a return on equity of 57.98% and a net margin of 6.89%. The firms revenue was up 7.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $2.42 EPS. On average, equities research analysts expect that Polaris will post 10.47 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

In related news, SVP James P. Williams sold 14,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, July 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $130.00, for a total value of $1,820,000.00. Following the transaction, the senior vice president now directly owns 16,001 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,080,130. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. 2.75% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Money Concepts Capital Corp raised its stake in shares of Polaris by 89.1% in the 4th quarter. Money Concepts Capital Corp now owns 312 shares of the companys stock valued at $32,000 after acquiring an additional 147 shares in the last quarter. Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. bought a new position in shares of Polaris in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $47,000. Resurgent Financial Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of Polaris in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $114,000. Covestor Ltd raised its stake in shares of Polaris by 108.0% in the 1st quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 1,215 shares of the companys stock valued at $128,000 after acquiring an additional 631 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Centiva Capital LP bought a new position in Polaris in the 4th quarter worth approximately $206,000. 88.29% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

About Polaris

(Get Free Report)

Polaris Inc designs, engineers, manufactures, and markets powersports vehicles worldwide. It operates through three segments: Off-Road, On-Road, and Marine. The company offers off-road vehicles (ORVs), including all-terrain vehicles and side-by-side vehicles; military and commercial ORVs; snowmobiles; motorcycles; moto-roadsters, quadricycles, and boats; and aftermarket parts and apparel.

Featured Stories

Receive News & Ratings for Polaris Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Polaris and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
PPG Industries, Inc. (NYSE:PPG  Get Free Report) Chairman Michael H. Mcgarry sold 58,378 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, July 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $145.46, for a total transaction of $8,491,663.88. Following the sale, the chairman now owns 195,706 shares in the company, valued at $28,467,394.76. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website.

PPG Industries Price Performance

NYSE:PPG traded down $1.38 during trading hours on Thursday, hitting $144.80. The companys stock had a trading volume of 1,616,265 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,488,266. The businesss 50-day moving average is $142.79 and its two-hundred day moving average is $136.15. The company has a market capitalization of $34.10 billion, a PE ratio of 26.24, a PEG ratio of 1.18 and a beta of 1.19. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.78, a quick ratio of 1.03 and a current ratio of 1.49. PPG Industries, Inc. has a 52-week low of $107.40 and a 52-week high of $152.89.

Get PPG Industries alerts:

PPG Industries (NYSE:PPG  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Friday, July 21st. The specialty chemicals company reported $2.25 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.14 by $0.11. The firm had revenue of $4.87 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.84 billion. PPG Industries had a return on equity of 23.59% and a net margin of 7.38%. PPG Industriess revenue was up 3.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted $1.81 earnings per share. As a group, research analysts anticipate that PPG Industries, Inc. will post 7.52 EPS for the current fiscal year.

PPG Industries Increases Dividend

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, September 12th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, August 10th will be given a $0.65 dividend. This is a boost from PPG Industriess previous quarterly dividend of $0.62. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, August 9th. This represents a $2.60 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.80%. PPG Industriess dividend payout ratio is presently 44.52%.

Several large investors have recently bought and sold shares of PPG. WFA of San Diego LLC acquired a new stake in PPG Industries in the 4th quarter worth about $25,000. Fiduciary Alliance LLC acquired a new position in PPG Industries during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $32,000. Harbour Investments Inc. lifted its position in PPG Industries by 84.9% during the 1st quarter. Harbour Investments Inc. now owns 220 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $29,000 after acquiring an additional 101 shares in the last quarter. Riverview Trust Co lifted its position in PPG Industries by 81.7% during the 4th quarter. Riverview Trust Co now owns 238 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $30,000 after acquiring an additional 107 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Clear Street Markets LLC acquired a new position in PPG Industries during the 4th quarter worth approximately $30,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 78.95% of the companys stock.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

PPG has been the topic of several recent analyst reports. Robert W. Baird increased their price target on shares of PPG Industries from $150.00 to $160.00 in a research note on Monday, April 24th. Citigroup increased their price target on shares of PPG Industries from $161.00 to $174.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 19th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upgraded shares of PPG Industries from a neutral rating to an overweight rating and increased their price target for the company from $130.00 to $156.00 in a research note on Monday, April 24th. StockNews.com assumed coverage on PPG Industries in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a buy rating for the company. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada increased their price objective on PPG Industries from $145.00 to $158.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a report on Monday. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have issued a hold rating and ten have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $156.47.

About PPG Industries

(Get Free Report)

PPG Industries, Inc manufactures and distributes paints, coatings, and specialty materials worldwide. The company operates through Performance Coatings and Industrial Coatings. The Performance Coatings segment offers coatings, solvents, adhesives, sealants, sundries, and software for automotive and commercial transport/fleet repair and refurbishing, light industrial coatings, and specialty coatings for signs; and coatings, sealants, transparencies, transparent armor, adhesives, engineered materials, and packaging and chemical management services for commercial, military, regional jet, and general aviation aircraft.

Read More

Receive News & Ratings for PPG Industries Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for PPG Industries and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Prossimo Advisors LLC increased its holdings in LyondellBasell Industries (NYSE:LYB  Free Report) by 14.0% in the 1st quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 3,745 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock after buying an additional 460 shares during the quarter. Prossimo Advisors LLCs holdings in LyondellBasell Industries were worth $352,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other large investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Compass Wealth Management LLC bought a new position in shares of LyondellBasell Industries during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $25,000. Community Bank N.A. bought a new position in shares of LyondellBasell Industries during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $28,000. Kistler Tiffany Companies LLC bought a new position in shares of LyondellBasell Industries during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $31,000. US Asset Management LLC bought a new position in shares of LyondellBasell Industries during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $33,000. Finally, Delta Asset Management LLC TN bought a new position in shares of LyondellBasell Industries during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $33,000. 70.58% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

Get LyondellBasell Industries alerts:

LyondellBasell Industries Trading Up 2.0 %

LyondellBasell Industries stock traded up $1.94 during mid-day trading on Thursday, hitting $96.93. The companys stock had a trading volume of 2,797,971 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,004,467. The company has a 50 day moving average of $90.52 and a 200-day moving average of $92.35. The stock has a market cap of $31.53 billion, a PE ratio of 10.49, a P/E/G ratio of 1.33 and a beta of 1.21. 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 has a one year low of $71.46 and a one year high of $101.30.

LyondellBasell Industries Increases Dividend

LyondellBasell Industries ( NYSE:LYB Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Friday, April 28th. The specialty chemicals company reported $2.50 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.80 by $0.70. LyondellBasell Industries had a return on equity of 28.95% and a net margin of 6.40%. The business had revenue of $10.25 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $10.80 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $4.00 EPS. The businesss revenue was down 22.1% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, research analysts anticipate that LyondellBasell Industries will post 8.81 EPS for the current year.

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, June 6th. Investors of record on Tuesday, May 30th were paid a dividend of $1.25 per share. This is a boost from LyondellBasell Industriess previous quarterly dividend of $1.19. This represents a $5.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 5.16%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, May 26th. LyondellBasell Industriess dividend payout ratio is 54.11%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of research analysts recently issued reports on LYB shares. Jefferies Financial Group downgraded LyondellBasell Industries from a buy rating to a hold rating and cut their price objective for the company from $113.00 to $90.00 in a research note on Thursday, April 13th. Morgan Stanley reissued an overweight rating and issued a $100.00 price target on shares of LyondellBasell Industries in a report on Wednesday, July 19th. Piper Sandler lowered their price target on LyondellBasell Industries from $113.00 to $108.00 in a report on Thursday, June 29th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft boosted their price target on LyondellBasell Industries from $100.00 to $110.00 in a report on Monday, May 1st. Finally, Barclays lowered their price target on LyondellBasell Industries from $100.00 to $95.00 in a report on Tuesday, July 11th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, ten have issued a hold rating and seven have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $97.00.

LyondellBasell Industries Company 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.

See Also

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding LYB? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for LyondellBasell Industries (NYSE:LYB  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for LyondellBasell Industries Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for LyondellBasell Industries and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Digital Realty Trust (NYSE:DLR  Get Free Report) had its price objective lowered by Raymond James from $155.00 to $140.00 in a report released on Friday, FlyOnTheWall reports. Raymond James price objective points to a potential upside of 14.20% from the companys current price.

A number of other research analysts have also commented on the company. Royal Bank of Canada reiterated an outperform rating and set a $125.00 price target on shares of Digital Realty Trust in a report on Monday. Truist Financial reduced their price target on shares of Digital Realty Trust from $175.00 to $130.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Tuesday. Jefferies Financial Group boosted their price objective on shares of Digital Realty Trust from $132.00 to $144.00 in a report on Friday. 22nd Century Group reiterated a reiterates rating on shares of Digital Realty Trust in a research note on Tuesday, May 30th. Finally, Barclays boosted their price target on Digital Realty Trust from $79.00 to $80.00 in a research note on Monday, May 1st. Three analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, four have issued a hold rating, five have assigned a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $116.36.

Get Digital Realty Trust alerts:

Digital Realty Trust Stock Performance

Digital Realty Trust stock traded up $7.44 on Friday, reaching $122.59. 2,323,792 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 2,651,577. The company has a current ratio of 0.62, a quick ratio of 0.62 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.05. Digital Realty Trust has a twelve month low of $85.76 and a twelve month high of $136.90. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $108.39 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $104.22. The stock has a market cap of $36.44 billion, a PE ratio of 109.78, a PEG ratio of 2.83 and a beta of 0.55.

Insider Activity

Digital Realty Trust ( NYSE:DLR Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, April 27th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.19 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.65 by ($1.46). The business had revenue of $1.34 billion for 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%. Digital Realty Trusts revenue for the quarter was up 18.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $1.67 EPS. Sell-side analysts anticipate that Digital Realty Trust will post 6.66 EPS for the current year.

In related news, CAO Peter C. Olson sold 700 shares of the firms 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 sale, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 7,134 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $753,849.78. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. In related news, Director Jean F. H. P. Mandeville sold 1,500 shares of Digital Realty Trust stock in a transaction that occurred 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 transaction, the director now owns 10,176 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $991,854.72. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, CAO Peter C. Olson sold 700 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, June 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $105.67, for a total value of $73,969.00. Following the sale, 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 currently owned by corporate insiders.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Digital Realty Trust

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. Baillie Gifford & Co. boosted its holdings in shares of Digital Realty Trust by 22.7% in the second quarter. Baillie Gifford & Co. now owns 5,624 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $640,000 after buying an additional 1,042 shares during the period. Leisure Capital Management increased its holdings in Digital Realty Trust by 2.8% during the 2nd quarter. Leisure Capital Management now owns 8,310 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $946,000 after purchasing an additional 226 shares in the last quarter. JLP Asset Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Digital Realty Trust in the 2nd quarter valued at about $3,348,000. WASHINGTON TRUST Co lifted its holdings in shares of Digital Realty Trust by 23.9% in the second quarter. WASHINGTON TRUST Co now owns 519 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $59,000 after purchasing an additional 100 shares in the last quarter. Finally, B. Riley Wealth Advisors Inc. boosted its position in shares of Digital Realty Trust by 13.8% during the second quarter. B. Riley Wealth Advisors Inc. now owns 3,289 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $374,000 after buying an additional 398 shares during the period. 97.76% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Digital Realty Trust Company Profile

(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.

See Also

Receive News & Ratings for Digital Realty Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Digital Realty Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Rio Tinto Group (LON:RIO  Free Report) had its price objective trimmed by Credit Suisse Group from GBX 7,400 ($94.88) to GBX 6,800 ($87.19) in a research report report published on Monday morning, FlyOnTheWall reports.

Other equities research analysts have also recently issued reports about the stock. Barclays reissued an equal weight rating and issued a GBX 6,400 ($82.06) target price on shares of Rio Tinto Group in a research report on Tuesday, July 18th. Berenberg Bank lowered their price target on shares of Rio Tinto Group from GBX 6,400 ($82.06) to GBX 6,100 ($78.22) and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, July 19th. Royal Bank of Canada upped their price objective on shares of Rio Tinto Group from GBX 5,000 ($64.11) to GBX 5,100 ($65.39) in a report on Friday, July 7th. Citigroup reissued a buy rating on shares of Rio Tinto Group in a report on Tuesday, July 18th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft upgraded Rio Tinto Group to a buy rating and dropped their target price for the company from GBX 6,200 ($79.50) to GBX 6,000 ($76.93) in a report on Monday, June 5th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have assigned a hold rating and six have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of GBX 6,095.38 ($78.16).

Get Rio Tinto Group alerts:

Rio Tinto Group Stock Down 0.3 %

Shares of Rio Tinto Group stock opened at GBX 5,213 ($66.84) on Monday. The firm has a fifty day moving average of GBX 5,055.50 and a two-hundred day moving average of GBX 5,436.79. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 23.47, a quick ratio of 1.34 and a current ratio of 1.63. The company has a market cap of 65.16 billion, a P/E ratio of 885.06, a PEG ratio of -0.64 and a beta of 0.71. Rio Tinto Group has a one year low of GBX 4,424.50 ($56.73) and a one year high of GBX 6,406 ($82.14).

Rio Tinto Group Cuts Dividend

Insider Activity at Rio Tinto Group

The business also recently announced a dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, September 21st. Stockholders of record on Thursday, August 10th will be issued a GBX 137.67 ($1.77) dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, August 10th. This represents a dividend yield of 2.55%. Rio Tinto Groups dividend payout ratio is presently 6,910.02%.

In other Rio Tinto Group news, insider Ngaire Woods bought 500 shares of Rio Tinto Group stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, May 11th. The stock was acquired at an average cost of GBX 4,921 ($63.10) per share, for a total transaction of 24,605 ($31,548.92). 14.67% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

About Rio Tinto Group

(Get Free Report)

Rio Tinto Group engages in exploring, mining, and processing mineral resources worldwide. The company operates through Iron Ore, Aluminium, Copper, and Minerals Segments. It offers aluminum, copper, iron ore, diamonds, gold, borates, titanium dioxide, salt, silver, molybdenum, and lithium. The company also owns and operates open pit and underground mines, refineries, smelters, and concentrator facilities, as well as power stations, research, and service facilities.

See Also

Receive News & Ratings for Rio Tinto Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Rio Tinto Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Rio Tinto Group (LON:RIO  Get Free Report) had its price objective increased by stock analysts at JPMorgan Chase & Co. from GBX 5,390 ($69.11) to GBX 5,440 ($69.75) in a report released on Thursday, FlyOnTheWall reports. JPMorgan Chase & Co.s price objective indicates a potential upside of 4.35% from the stocks current price.

RIO has been the subject of several other research reports. Citigroup restated a buy rating on shares of Rio Tinto Group in a research report on Tuesday, July 18th. Morgan Stanley reduced their price target on shares of Rio Tinto Group from GBX 5,600 ($71.80) to GBX 5,500 ($70.52) in a research report on Monday. Barclays reissued an equal weight rating and issued a GBX 6,400 ($82.06) price target on shares of Rio Tinto Group in a research report on Tuesday, July 18th. Berenberg Bank cut their price objective on shares of Rio Tinto Group from GBX 6,400 ($82.06) to GBX 6,100 ($78.22) and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, July 19th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft raised shares of Rio Tinto Group to a buy rating and cut their price objective for the company from GBX 6,200 ($79.50) to GBX 6,000 ($76.93) in a research report on Monday, June 5th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have assigned a hold rating and six have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of GBX 6,095.38 ($78.16).

Get Rio Tinto Group alerts:

Rio Tinto Group Trading Down 0.3 %

Shares of LON:RIO traded down GBX 16 ($0.21) during trading on Thursday, reaching GBX 5,213 ($66.84). The stock had a trading volume of 1,935,472 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,735,760. The business has a fifty day moving average price of GBX 5,055.50 and a 200-day moving average price of GBX 5,436.79. The company has a quick ratio of 1.34, a current ratio of 1.63 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 23.47. The stock has a market cap of 65.16 billion, a P/E ratio of 885.06, a PEG ratio of -0.64 and a beta of 0.71. Rio Tinto Group has a fifty-two week low of GBX 4,424.50 ($56.73) and a fifty-two week high of GBX 6,406 ($82.14).

Insider Activity at Rio Tinto Group

About Rio Tinto Group

In related news, insider Ngaire Woods acquired 500 shares of Rio Tinto Group stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, May 11th. The stock was bought at an average price of GBX 4,921 ($63.10) per share, with a total value of 24,605 ($31,548.92). 14.67% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

(Get Free Report)

Rio Tinto Group engages in exploring, mining, and processing mineral resources worldwide. The company operates through Iron Ore, Aluminium, Copper, and Minerals Segments. It offers aluminum, copper, iron ore, diamonds, gold, borates, titanium dioxide, salt, silver, molybdenum, and lithium. The company also owns and operates open pit and underground mines, refineries, smelters, and concentrator facilities, as well as power stations, research, and service facilities.

See Also

Receive News & Ratings for Rio Tinto Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Rio Tinto Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Commonwealth Retirement Investments LLC grew its position in Rio Tinto Group (NYSE:RIO  Free Report) by 0.7% in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 53,169 shares of the mining companys stock after purchasing an additional 345 shares during the period. Rio Tinto Group makes up approximately 2.2% of Commonwealth Retirement Investments LLCs holdings, making the stock its 20th biggest position. Commonwealth Retirement Investments LLCs holdings in Rio Tinto Group were worth $3,647,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other large investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in RIO. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership boosted its stake in Rio Tinto Group by 58.9% during the first quarter. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership now owns 12,899,694 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $1,037,135,000 after buying an additional 4,783,488 shares in the last quarter. Cowa LLC acquired a new position in shares of Rio Tinto Group in the 1st quarter worth approximately $26,000. Wellington Management Group LLP grew its stake in shares of Rio Tinto Group by 26.9% in the 1st quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 5,475,787 shares of the mining companys stock worth $440,253,000 after purchasing an additional 1,161,737 shares during the last quarter. Neuberger Berman Group LLC grew its stake in shares of Rio Tinto Group by 14.4% in the 4th quarter. Neuberger Berman Group LLC now owns 6,247,953 shares of the mining companys stock worth $444,853,000 after purchasing an additional 787,650 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Encompass Capital Advisors LLC grew its stake in shares of Rio Tinto Group by 67.8% in the 4th quarter. Encompass Capital Advisors LLC now owns 1,329,021 shares of the mining companys stock worth $94,626,000 after purchasing an additional 537,221 shares during the last quarter. 10.44% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Get Rio Tinto Group alerts:

Rio Tinto Group Stock Down 1.3 %

Shares of RIO stock traded down $0.90 during trading on Thursday, hitting $67.05. 2,870,727 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 3,184,806. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.21, a quick ratio of 1.10 and a current ratio of 1.64. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $64.42 and its 200 day simple moving average is $68.08. Rio Tinto Group has a twelve month low of $50.92 and a twelve month high of $80.51.

Rio Tinto Group Increases Dividend

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

The business also recently declared a semi-annual dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, September 21st. Stockholders of record on Friday, August 11th will be issued a dividend of $1.77 per share. This is a boost from Rio Tinto Groups previous semi-annual dividend of $1.10. This represents a dividend yield of 6%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, August 10th.

A number of equities research analysts have recently commented on the company. Sanford C. Bernstein upgraded Rio Tinto Group from a market perform rating to an outperform rating in a research report on Friday, May 5th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft upgraded Rio Tinto Group from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Monday, June 5th. Citigroup upgraded Rio Tinto Group from a neutral rating to a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, June 8th. Morgan Stanley raised shares of Rio Tinto Group from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, May 26th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised shares of Rio Tinto Group from an underweight rating to a neutral rating in a research report on Monday, May 15th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have assigned a hold rating, seven have issued a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $72.00.

About Rio Tinto Group

(Free Report)

Rio Tinto Group engages in exploring, mining, and processing mineral resources worldwide. The company operates through Iron Ore, Aluminium, Copper, and Minerals Segments. It offers aluminum, copper, iron ore, diamonds, gold, borates, titanium dioxide, salt, silver, molybdenum, and lithium. The company also owns and operates open pit and underground mines, refineries, smelters, and concentrator facilities, as well as power stations, research, and service facilities.

Featured Articles

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding RIO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Rio Tinto Group (NYSE:RIO  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Rio Tinto Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Rio Tinto Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Riverview Capital Advisers LLC purchased a new position in The Charles Schwab Co. (NYSE:SCHW  Free Report) in the 1st quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund purchased 107,882 shares of the financial services providers stock, valued at approximately $5,651,000. Charles Schwab comprises about 2.4% of Riverview Capital Advisers LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 13th largest position.

Several other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in SCHW. Jump Financial LLC purchased a new position in Charles Schwab in the 1st quarter worth approximately $7,296,000. Perigon Wealth Management LLC increased its holdings in Charles Schwab by 25.8% during the 1st quarter. Perigon Wealth Management LLC now owns 45,692 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $2,393,000 after purchasing an additional 9,364 shares during the period. TCI Wealth Advisors Inc. increased its stake in shares of Charles Schwab by 179.1% during the first quarter. TCI Wealth Advisors Inc. now owns 18,786 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $984,000 after buying an additional 12,056 shares during the period. Pinnacle Wealth Planning Services Inc. lifted its stake in Charles Schwab by 194.0% in the first quarter. Pinnacle Wealth Planning Services Inc. now owns 25,128 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,316,000 after acquiring an additional 16,580 shares during the period. Finally, Summit Financial LLC boosted its holdings in Charles Schwab by 41.7% in the first quarter. Summit Financial LLC now owns 4,601 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $241,000 after acquiring an additional 1,354 shares in the last quarter. 82.77% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Get Charles Schwab alerts:

Charles Schwab Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE SCHW traded down $0.79 during trading on Thursday, reaching $65.83. 9,194,870 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 18,835,463. 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 firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $56.62 and a 200-day simple moving average of $62.07. The Charles Schwab Co. has a 52-week low of $45.00 and a 52-week high of $86.63. The stock has a market capitalization of $116.46 billion, a PE ratio of 19.19, a P/E/G ratio of 3.75 and a beta of 0.88.

Charles Schwab Dividend Announcement

Charles Schwab ( NYSE:SCHW Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results 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 company had revenue of $4.66 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.61 billion. Charles Schwab had a net margin of 33.15% and a return on equity of 27.81%. The firms quarterly revenue was down 8.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $0.97 earnings per share. Equities research analysts anticipate that The Charles Schwab Co. will post 3.29 earnings per share for the current year.

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, August 25th. Investors of record on Friday, August 11th will be given a dividend of $0.25 per share. This represents a $1.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.52%. Charles Schwabs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 29.15%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several equities research analysts have recently commented on SCHW shares. StockNews.com raised shares of Charles Schwab from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 19th. Redburn Partners cut Charles Schwab from a neutral rating to a sell rating in a research report on Thursday, April 20th. Piper Sandler increased their target price on Charles Schwab from $77.00 to $86.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Monday. Bank of America lifted their price target on Charles Schwab from $46.00 to $53.00 in a research report on Thursday, June 15th. Finally, Wolfe Research decreased their price objective on Charles Schwab from $62.00 to $60.00 in a report on Monday, June 26th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, three have given a hold rating and thirteen have given a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Charles Schwab currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $71.91.

Insider Buying and Selling at Charles Schwab

In other Charles Schwab news, Chairman Charles R. Schwab sold 72,047 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, July 24th. The shares were sold at an average price of $66.66, for a total transaction of $4,802,653.02. Following the completion of the sale, the chairman now directly owns 59,748,538 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,982,837,543.08. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. In related news, Chairman Charles R. Schwab sold 72,047 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, July 24th. The shares were sold at an average price of $66.66, for a total value of $4,802,653.02. Following the completion of the transaction, the chairman now owns 59,748,538 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,982,837,543.08. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, Chairman Charles R. Schwab sold 75,760 shares of Charles Schwab stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, July 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $66.60, for a total value of $5,045,616.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chairman now owns 59,672,778 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,974,207,014.80. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last 90 days, insiders have sold 225,447 shares of company stock valued at $13,866,915. 6.60% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

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.

Featured Articles

Receive News & Ratings for Charles Schwab Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Charles Schwab and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Rogers Communications (TSE:RCI  Get Free Report) had its price target increased by analysts at National Bank Financial from C$79.00 to C$80.00 in a research note issued to investors on Thursday, FlyOnTheWall reports.

A number of other equities research analysts have also weighed in on the company. Desjardins boosted their price objective on Rogers Communications from C$68.00 to C$69.00 in a research report on Thursday, April 27th. TD Securities boosted their price objective on Rogers Communications from C$80.00 to C$83.00 in a report on Thursday, April 27th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their target price on Rogers Communications from C$74.00 to C$90.00 in a report on Monday, April 10th. BMO Capital Markets upped their price objective on Rogers Communications from C$70.00 to C$72.00 in a research note on Thursday, April 27th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada increased their price objective on Rogers Communications from C$68.00 to C$70.00 in a research report on Thursday, April 27th.

Get Rogers Communications alerts:

Rogers Communications Stock Performance

Rogers Communications (TSE:RCI  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, April 26th. The company reported C$1.09 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of C$1.11 by C($0.02). The company had revenue of C$3.84 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of C$3.81 billion.

Featured Stories

Receive News & Ratings for Rogers Communications Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Rogers Communications and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Whirlpool (NYSE:WHR  Free Report) had its price target lifted by Royal Bank of Canada from $118.00 to $121.00 in a research report released on Wednesday morning, FlyOnTheWall reports.

Several other analysts also recently weighed in on the stock. StockNews.com began coverage on shares of Whirlpool in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. They set a hold rating for the company. Credit Suisse Group restated a neutral rating and issued a $150.00 price objective on shares of Whirlpool in a research note on Tuesday. Bank of America cut their target price on Whirlpool from $90.00 to $87.00 in a research report on Tuesday, July 18th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group raised Whirlpool from a neutral rating to a buy rating and decreased their target price for the company from $170.00 to $160.00 in a research report on Tuesday, April 11th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, three have given a hold rating and one has issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Whirlpool currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $131.00.

Get Whirlpool alerts:

Whirlpool Stock Down 1.2 %

Shares of Whirlpool stock traded down $1.79 during trading on Wednesday, hitting $141.78. 900,560 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 756,327. The stock has a market cap of $7.76 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -4.98, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.15 and a beta of 1.52. The firms 50-day moving average price is $144.32 and its 200 day moving average price is $141.16. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.92, a current ratio of 0.87 and a quick ratio of 0.63. Whirlpool has a 12-month low of $124.10 and a 12-month high of $178.05.

Insider Buying and Selling

Whirlpool ( NYSE:WHR Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Monday, July 24th. The company reported $4.21 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $3.76 by $0.45. Whirlpool had a positive return on equity of 29.70% and a negative net margin of 8.13%. The business had revenue of $4.79 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.81 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $5.97 EPS. The businesss quarterly revenue was down 6.0% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, analysts forecast that Whirlpool will post 16.23 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

In other news, EVP Juan Carlos Puente sold 420 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, May 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $134.16, for a total value of $56,347.20. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 17,699 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,374,497.84. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Corporate insiders own 1.85% of the companys stock.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Whirlpool

A number of institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in WHR. Meiji Yasuda Asset Management Co Ltd. lifted its holdings in shares of Whirlpool by 3.6% in the 2nd quarter. Meiji Yasuda Asset Management Co Ltd. now owns 1,719 shares of the companys stock valued at $266,000 after buying an additional 60 shares during the period. Viking Fund Management LLC boosted its position in shares of Whirlpool by 0.3% during the 2nd quarter. Viking Fund Management LLC now owns 27,070 shares of the companys stock worth $4,028,000 after purchasing an additional 70 shares in the last quarter. Itau Unibanco Holding S.A. boosted its position in shares of Whirlpool by 1.6% during the 4th quarter. Itau Unibanco Holding S.A. now owns 4,735 shares of the companys stock worth $678,000 after purchasing an additional 75 shares in the last quarter. New York Life Investment Management LLC grew its stake in shares of Whirlpool by 0.9% during the 4th quarter. New York Life Investment Management LLC now owns 8,973 shares of the companys stock worth $1,269,000 after purchasing an additional 76 shares during the period. Finally, Assetmark Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Whirlpool by 8.9% in the 1st quarter. Assetmark Inc. now owns 968 shares of the companys stock valued at $128,000 after purchasing an additional 79 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 89.04% of the companys stock.

Whirlpool Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Whirlpool Corporation manufactures and markets home appliances and related products and services in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, and Asia. The company's principal products include refrigerators, freezers, ice makers, and refrigerator water filters; laundry appliances, and commercial laundry products and related laundry accessories; cooking and other small domestic appliances; and dishwasher appliances and related accessories, as well as mixers.

Further Reading

Receive News & Ratings for Whirlpool Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Whirlpool and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Stifel Financial (NYSE:SF  Get Free Report) posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday. The financial services provider reported $1.20 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.33 by ($0.13), Briefing.com reports. Stifel Financial had a net margin of 14.24% and a return on equity of 15.28%. The company had revenue of $1.05 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.07 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $1.40 EPS. The companys revenue was down 5.2% compared to the same quarter last year.

Stifel Financial Trading Down 1.3 %

SF traded down $0.84 on Thursday, reaching $62.43. 992,823 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 710,049. The companys 50 day moving average is $59.59 and its 200-day moving average is $60.97. The company has a market cap of $6.63 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.98 and a beta of 1.25. Stifel Financial has a twelve month low of $49.31 and a twelve month high of $68.77. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.35, a quick ratio of 0.80 and a current ratio of 0.83.

Get Stifel Financial alerts:

Stifel Financial Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, June 15th. Investors of record on Thursday, June 1st were given a dividend of $0.36 per share. This represents a $1.44 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.31%. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, May 31st. Stifel Financials dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 27.64%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Insider Buying and Selling

A number of research firms have recently commented on SF. StockNews.com downgraded shares of Stifel Financial from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, June 28th. Citigroup dropped their price objective on shares of Stifel Financial from $72.00 to $65.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, April 11th. Finally, JMP Securities reaffirmed a market outperform rating and set a $91.00 price objective on shares of Stifel Financial in a research note on Friday, June 30th.

In other Stifel Financial news, SVP Thomas B. Michaud sold 24,036 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, May 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $58.85, for a total value of $1,414,518.60. Following the completion of the transaction, the senior vice president now owns 100,240 shares in the company, valued at approximately $5,899,124. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. In other Stifel Financial news, SVP Thomas B. Michaud sold 15,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, May 16th. The stock was sold at an average price of $57.75, for a total value of $866,250.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the senior vice president now owns 144,276 shares in the company, valued at approximately $8,331,939. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, SVP Thomas B. Michaud sold 24,036 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, May 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $58.85, for a total value of $1,414,518.60. Following the completion of the transaction, the senior vice president now owns 100,240 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $5,899,124. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Corporate insiders own 3.52% of the companys stock.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Stifel Financial

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in SF. Citigroup Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Stifel Financial by 22.0% during the 1st quarter. Citigroup Inc. now owns 58,283 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $3,957,000 after buying an additional 10,500 shares during the last quarter. Bank of Montreal Can lifted its stake in Stifel Financial by 118.2% during the first quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 81,633 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $5,808,000 after purchasing an additional 44,219 shares during the last quarter. Great West Life Assurance Co. Can lifted its stake in Stifel Financial by 8.4% during the first quarter. Great West Life Assurance Co. Can now owns 57,088 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $3,985,000 after purchasing an additional 4,405 shares during the last quarter. Sei Investments Co. lifted its stake in Stifel Financial by 1.3% during the first quarter. Sei Investments Co. now owns 165,260 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $11,192,000 after purchasing an additional 2,135 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Canada Pension Plan Investment Board bought a new position in Stifel Financial during the first quarter worth $550,000. 81.39% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About Stifel Financial

(Get Free Report)

Stifel Financial Corp., a financial services and bank holding company, provides retail and institutional wealth management, and investment banking services to individual investors, corporations, municipalities, and institutions in the United States, the United Kingdom, the rest of Europe, and Canada.

Further Reading

Receive News & Ratings for Stifel Financial Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Stifel Financial and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Nia Impact Advisors LLC decreased its holdings in STMicroelectronics (NYSE:STM  Free Report) by 8.4% in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 111,748 shares of the semiconductor producers stock after selling 10,194 shares during the quarter. STMicroelectronics accounts for about 3.2% of Nia Impact Advisors LLCs holdings, making the stock its 10th biggest holding. Nia Impact Advisors LLCs holdings in STMicroelectronics were worth $5,977,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of STM. Cookson Peirce & Co. Inc. purchased a new position in STMicroelectronics in the first quarter worth approximately $38,588,000. 9258 Wealth Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of STMicroelectronics during the 1st quarter worth $267,000. Integrated Wealth Concepts LLC acquired a new position in shares of STMicroelectronics during the first quarter worth $291,000. Quantinno Capital Management LP boosted its position in shares of STMicroelectronics by 9.0% during the 1st quarter. Quantinno Capital Management LP now owns 12,177 shares of the semiconductor producers stock worth $651,000 after acquiring an additional 1,007 shares in the last quarter. Finally, West Family Investments Inc. purchased a new stake in STMicroelectronics during the first quarter worth approximately $203,000. 6.62% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Get STMicroelectronics alerts:

STMicroelectronics Stock Performance

Shares of STMicroelectronics stock traded up $2.71 during trading hours on Thursday, hitting $54.26. 5,354,861 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 3,577,029. STMicroelectronics has a 1 year low of $29.09 and a 1 year high of $55.85. The company has a current ratio of 2.58, a quick ratio of 1.87 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.18. The business has a 50-day moving average of $47.72 and a 200-day moving average of $47.21. The stock has a market capitalization of $49.28 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.22, a P/E/G ratio of 2.43 and a beta of 1.59.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

STMicroelectronics ( NYSE:STM Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, July 27th. The semiconductor producer reported $1.06 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.10 by ($0.04). The firm had revenue of $4.33 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.37 billion. STMicroelectronics had a net margin of 25.30% and a return on equity of 35.62%. STMicroelectronicss revenue for the quarter was up 12.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $0.92 EPS. As a group, analysts expect that STMicroelectronics will post 4.25 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Several equities research analysts recently weighed in on STM shares. Jefferies Financial Group upgraded STMicroelectronics from an underperform rating to a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 12th. Susquehanna reduced their price target on shares of STMicroelectronics from 55.00 to 54.00 in a research report on Sunday, May 7th. Finally, StockNews.com raised shares of STMicroelectronics from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Friday, May 12th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have assigned a hold rating, eight have issued a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $54.22.

STMicroelectronics Profile

(Free Report)

STMicroelectronics N.V., together with its subsidiaries, designs, develops, manufactures, and sells semiconductor products in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Americas, and the Asia Pacific. The company operates through Automotive and Discrete Group; Analog, MEMS and Sensors Group; and Microcontrollers and Digital ICs Group segments.

Recommended Stories

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding STM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for STMicroelectronics (NYSE:STM  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for STMicroelectronics Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for STMicroelectronics and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Symphony Financial Ltd. Co. lessened its position in AutoZone, Inc. (NYSE:AZO  Free Report) by 8.3% in the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 398 shares of the companys stock after selling 36 shares during the period. Symphony Financial Ltd. Co.s holdings in AutoZone were worth $959,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. AdvisorNet Financial Inc grew its position in shares of AutoZone by 83.3% in the 4th quarter. AdvisorNet Financial Inc now owns 11 shares of the companys stock valued at $27,000 after acquiring an additional 5 shares during the period. RFP Financial Group LLC bought a new position in shares of AutoZone in the 4th quarter valued at about $27,000. Ameritas Advisory Services LLC bought a new position in shares of AutoZone in the 1st quarter valued at about $27,000. MCF Advisors LLC grew its position in shares of AutoZone by 600.0% in the 1st quarter. MCF Advisors LLC now owns 14 shares of the companys stock valued at $34,000 after acquiring an additional 12 shares during the period. Finally, MUFG Americas Holdings Corp boosted its holdings in shares of AutoZone by 166.7% during the 3rd quarter. MUFG Americas Holdings Corp now owns 16 shares of the companys stock worth $34,000 after buying an additional 10 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 98.36% of the companys stock.

Get AutoZone alerts:

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several analysts recently commented on AZO shares. The Goldman Sachs Group reduced their target price on shares of AutoZone from $2,899.00 to $2,840.00 in a report on Tuesday, May 23rd. Raymond James lifted their target price on shares of AutoZone from $2,650.00 to $2,850.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, April 19th. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of AutoZone in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They set a buy rating for the company. 3M reaffirmed an upgrade rating on shares of AutoZone in a report on Thursday, June 1st. Finally, UBS Group raised shares of AutoZone from a neutral rating to a buy rating and lifted their target price for the stock from $2,800.00 to $2,900.00 in a report on Friday, June 16th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eighteen have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $2,716.00.

AutoZone Stock Down 1.8 %

Shares of NYSE:AZO traded down $45.83 during midday trading on Thursday, hitting $2,446.90. The stock had a trading volume of 175,573 shares, compared to its average volume of 167,441. The companys 50-day moving average price is $2,475.62 and its 200-day moving average price is $2,497.64. The company has a market capitalization of $44.44 billion, a P/E ratio of 19.67, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.54 and a beta of 0.68. AutoZone, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $2,050.21 and a fifty-two week high of $2,750.00.

AutoZone (NYSE:AZO  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, May 23rd. The company reported $34.12 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $30.84 by $3.28. The business had revenue of $4.09 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.12 billion. AutoZone had a net margin of 14.45% and a negative return on equity of 62.38%. The firms revenue was up 11.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $29.03 EPS. Research analysts expect that AutoZone, Inc. will post 130.32 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Insider Activity at AutoZone

In related news, SVP K. Michelle Borninkhof acquired 217 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, June 12th. The stock was acquired at an average price of $2,406.36 per share, with a total value of $522,180.12. Following the purchase, the senior vice president now directly owns 501 shares in the company, valued at $1,205,586.36. The purchase was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. In other AutoZone news, VP Domingo Hurtado sold 90 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, May 31st. The shares were sold at an average price of $2,376.49, for a total value of $213,884.10. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president now directly owns 275 shares in the company, valued at $653,534.75. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, SVP K. Michelle Borninkhof acquired 217 shares of AutoZone stock in a transaction dated Monday, June 12th. The shares were acquired at an average price of $2,406.36 per share, with a total value of $522,180.12. Following the completion of the acquisition, the senior vice president now directly owns 501 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,205,586.36. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 8,535 shares of company stock valued at $21,414,854 in the last quarter. Insiders own 2.59% of the companys stock.

AutoZone Company Profile

(Free Report)

AutoZone, Inc retails and distributes automotive replacement parts and accessories. The company offers various products for cars, sport utility vehicles, vans, and light trucks, including new and remanufactured automotive hard parts, maintenance items, accessories, and non-automotive products. Its products include A/C compressors, batteries and accessories, bearings, belts and hoses, calipers, chassis, clutches, CV axles, engines, fuel pumps, fuses, ignition and lighting products, mufflers, radiators, starters and alternators, thermostats, and water pumps, as well as tire repairs.

Recommended Stories

Receive News & Ratings for AutoZone Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for AutoZone and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Equities researchers at Jefferies Financial Group started coverage on shares of Toyota Boshoku (OTCMKTS:TDBOF  Get Free Report) in a research report issued on Tuesday, FlyOnTheWall reports. The firm set a hold rating on the stock.

Toyota Boshoku Stock Performance

Shares of TDBOF stock remained flat at $14.00 during midday trading on Tuesday. The companys fifty day moving average price is $14.00 and its 200-day moving average price is $14.00. Toyota Boshoku has a 52 week low of $14.00 and a 52 week high of $14.00.

Get Toyota Boshoku alerts:

Toyota Boshoku Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Read More

Toyota Boshoku Corporation manufactures and sells automotive interior systems and products, automotive filter and power train equipment components, automotive components, and fabric goods in Japan, the Americas, rest of Asia, Oceania, China, Europe, and Africa. The company offers automobile, aircraft, and railway seats; door trims; headliners, such as molded headliners for a panorama roof, overhead console illumination, and grab handles; and floor carpets, package trays, tonneau covers, and deck boards, as well as exterior components consisting of bumpers, fender liners, and engine undercovers.

Receive News & Ratings for Toyota Boshoku Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Toyota Boshoku and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
TransAlta Renewables Inc. (OTCMKTS:TRSWF  Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant drop in short interest in the month of July. As of July 15th, there was short interest totalling 585,600 shares, a drop of 56.7% from the June 30th total of 1,352,100 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 32,100 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 18.2 days.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several research analysts recently commented on the stock. National Bank Financial cut their price target on shares of TransAlta Renewables from C$13.00 to C$12.50 in a report on Thursday, July 6th. Credit Suisse Group lowered shares of TransAlta Renewables from an outperform rating to a neutral rating in a report on Tuesday, July 11th. TD Securities increased their price objective on shares of TransAlta Renewables from C$12.00 to C$12.50 in a research report on Monday, May 8th. Finally, Raymond James lowered their price objective on shares of TransAlta Renewables from C$15.50 to C$13.00 in a research report on Wednesday, July 12th.

Get TransAlta Renewables alerts:

TransAlta Renewables Stock Up 0.6 %

OTCMKTS:TRSWF traded up $0.06 during trading hours on Friday, hitting $10.06. The stock had a trading volume of 1,186 shares, compared to its average volume of 6,269. TransAlta Renewables has a 1-year low of $7.78 and a 1-year high of $14.27. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $9.23 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $9.07.

About TransAlta Renewables

TransAlta Renewables Inc owns, develops, and operates renewable and natural gas power generation facilities and other infrastructure assets in Canada, the United States, and Australia. The company operates through Canadian Wind, Canadian Hydro, Canadian Gas, US Wind and Solar, US Gas, and Australian Gas segments.

See Also

Receive News & Ratings for TransAlta Renewables Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for TransAlta Renewables and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Bahl & Gaynor Inc. increased its stake in shares of Utz Brands, Inc. (NYSE:UTZ  Free Report) by 1.9% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 144,430 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 2,634 shares during the quarter. Bahl & Gaynor Inc.s holdings in Utz Brands were worth $2,379,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of UTZ. Engle Capital Management L.P. purchased a new position in Utz Brands during the 4th quarter worth $9,294,000. Renaissance Technologies LLC grew its position in Utz Brands by 597.5% during the 2nd quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC now owns 549,300 shares of the companys stock worth $7,591,000 after purchasing an additional 470,551 shares during the last quarter. Copeland Capital Management LLC grew its position in Utz Brands by 10.8% during the 1st quarter. Copeland Capital Management LLC now owns 2,367,998 shares of the companys stock worth $39,001,000 after purchasing an additional 231,461 shares during the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its position in Utz Brands by 3.3% during the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 6,518,592 shares of the companys stock worth $96,345,000 after purchasing an additional 210,934 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Jennison Associates LLC grew its position in Utz Brands by 13.6% during the 4th quarter. Jennison Associates LLC now owns 1,707,881 shares of the companys stock worth $27,087,000 after purchasing an additional 204,816 shares during the last quarter. 83.96% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Get Utz Brands alerts:

Utz Brands Price Performance

Shares of NYSE UTZ traded up $0.28 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $16.75. The company had a trading volume of 919,409 shares, compared to its average volume of 472,001. The company has a quick ratio of 1.11, a current ratio of 1.69 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.65. Utz Brands, Inc. has a twelve month low of $13.85 and a twelve month high of $19.98. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $16.46 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $16.82. The firm has a market capitalization of $2.35 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 165.20, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.05 and a beta of 0.80.

Utz Brands Announces Dividend

Utz Brands ( NYSE:UTZ Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, May 11th. The company reported $0.11 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.10 by $0.01. Utz Brands had a net margin of 0.57% and a return on equity of 5.71%. The firm had revenue of $351.43 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $352.13 million. Equities research analysts anticipate that Utz Brands, Inc. will post 0.54 earnings per share for the current year.

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, July 6th. Investors of record on Monday, June 19th were paid a $0.057 dividend. This represents a $0.23 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.36%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, June 15th. Utz Brandss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 230.00%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Separately, Credit Suisse Group reissued a neutral rating and set a $19.00 price objective on shares of Utz Brands in a research report on Thursday, March 30th.

Insider Activity at Utz Brands

In other Utz Brands news, Director Roger K. Deromedi sold 2,887 shares of Utz Brands stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, May 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $19.01, for a total transaction of $54,881.87. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 3,372,094 shares in the company, valued at $64,103,506.94. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In other Utz Brands news, Director Roger K. Deromedi sold 2,887 shares of Utz Brands stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, May 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $19.01, for a total transaction of $54,881.87. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 3,372,094 shares in the company, valued at $64,103,506.94. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, Director Roger K. Deromedi sold 6,310 shares of Utz Brands stock in a transaction dated Monday, May 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $19.01, for a total transaction of $119,953.10. Following the transaction, the director now owns 3,374,981 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $64,158,388.81. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Company insiders own 17.32% of the companys stock.

Utz Brands Company Profile

(Free Report)

Utz Brands, Inc operates as a snack food manufacturing company. It offers a range of salty snacks, including potato chips, kettle chips, tortilla chips, pretzels, cheese snacks, pork skins, pub/party mixes, salsa and queso, ready-to-eat popcorn, veggies, and other snacks under the Utz, Zapp's, ON THE BORDER, Golden Flake, Good Health, Boulder Canyon, Hawaiian, TGI Fridays, TORTIYAHS!, and other brand names.

See Also

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding UTZ? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Utz Brands, Inc. (NYSE:UTZ  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Utz Brands Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Utz Brands and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Van ECK Associates Corp raised its stake in Equinox Gold Corp. (NYSEAMERICAN:EQX  Free Report) by 11.2% in the 1st quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 32,347,265 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 3,263,817 shares during the period. Van ECK Associates Corp owned approximately 0.10% of Equinox Gold worth $166,586,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the business. Goodman Advisory Group LLC bought a new stake in Equinox Gold during the 4th quarter worth $38,000. Deutsche Bank AG bought a new stake in shares of Equinox Gold in the 4th quarter valued at about $41,000. Evergreen Capital Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Equinox Gold in the 4th quarter valued at about $49,000. First Trust Advisors LP grew its position in shares of Equinox Gold by 38.1% in the 3rd quarter. First Trust Advisors LP now owns 15,136 shares of the companys stock valued at $55,000 after buying an additional 4,178 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Savant Capital LLC acquired a new position in shares of Equinox Gold in the 1st quarter valued at about $70,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 32.55% of the companys stock.

Get Equinox Gold alerts:

Equinox Gold Stock Up 4.3 %

EQX stock traded up $0.21 during trading on Friday, reaching $5.06. 1,947,717 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 2,133,143. The company has a market cap of $1.58 billion, a P/E ratio of -20.75 and a beta of 1.22. Equinox Gold Corp. has a twelve month low of $2.35 and a twelve month high of $5.84. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.35, a quick ratio of 2.11 and a current ratio of 3.30.

Equinox Gold Company Profile

Equinox Gold ( NYSEAMERICAN:EQX Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, May 2nd. The company reported ($0.03) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of ($0.08) by $0.05. The company had revenue of $234.10 million during the quarter. Equinox Gold had a negative return on equity of 3.23% and a negative net margin of 7.14%. On average, research analysts expect that Equinox Gold Corp. will post -0.02 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

(Free Report)

Equinox Gold Corp. engages in the operation, acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral properties in the Americas. The company primarily explores for gold and silver deposits. It holds 100% interest in the Mesquite Gold Mine and Castle Mountain Gold Mine located in California, the United States; Los Filos Mine Complex located in Guerrero State, Mexico; Aurizona Gold Mine located in Maranhao State, Brazil; Fazenda Gold Mine and Santa Luz Gold Mine located in Bahia State, Brazil; and RDM Gold Mine located in Mina Gerais State, Brazil.

Featured Articles

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EQX? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Equinox Gold Corp. (NYSEAMERICAN:EQX  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Equinox Gold Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Equinox Gold and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Webster Financial (NYSE:WBS  Get Free Report)s stock had its overweight rating reiterated by analysts at Morgan Stanley in a research report issued on Tuesday, Benzinga reports. They presently have a $43.00 price target on the financial services providers stock. Morgan Stanleys price objective indicates a potential downside of 7.23% from the stocks current price.

Several other research firms have also weighed in on WBS. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft assumed coverage on shares of Webster Financial in a report on Thursday, May 25th. They issued a buy rating and a $47.00 target price on the stock. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods decreased their target price on shares of Webster Financial from $75.00 to $63.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, April 6th. Wells Fargo & Company decreased their target price on shares of Webster Financial from $55.00 to $50.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research report on Friday, April 21st. StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of Webster Financial in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a sell rating for the company. Finally, Wedbush raised their target price on shares of Webster Financial from $40.00 to $50.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Friday, July 21st. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have issued a hold rating and six have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Webster Financial presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $51.40.

Get Webster Financial alerts:

Webster Financial Price Performance

NYSE WBS traded down $0.72 on Tuesday, reaching $46.35. The companys stock had a trading volume of 1,397,076 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,356,734. The firm has a market cap of $8.10 billion, a PE ratio of 8.82 and a beta of 1.24. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $38.77 and a 200 day moving average price of $42.25. Webster Financial has a 52 week low of $31.03 and a 52 week high of $56.46. The company has a current ratio of 0.89, a quick ratio of 0.89 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.67.

Insider Transactions at Webster Financial

Webster Financial ( NYSE:WBS Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, July 20th. The financial services provider reported $1.50 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.47 by $0.03. Webster Financial had a net margin of 26.69% and a return on equity of 13.68%. The firm had revenue of $673.20 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $690.83 million. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $1.29 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was up 10.8% compared to the same quarter last year. Sell-side analysts expect that Webster Financial will post 5.97 EPS for the current year.

In other Webster Financial news, COO Luis Massiani sold 16,000 shares of Webster Financial stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, June 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $37.27, for a total value of $596,320.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief operating officer now owns 115,153 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,291,752.31. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. 0.88% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Webster Financial

A number of large investors have recently modified their holdings of WBS. Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Webster Financial by 88.3% in the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 17,401,872 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $976,594,000 after purchasing an additional 8,161,424 shares in the last quarter. Invesco Ltd. boosted its holdings in shares of Webster Financial by 219.4% in the 1st quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 4,782,300 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $268,381,000 after purchasing an additional 3,285,002 shares in the last quarter. State Street Corp boosted its holdings in shares of Webster Financial by 68.8% in the 1st quarter. State Street Corp now owns 7,511,290 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $421,534,000 after purchasing an additional 3,061,831 shares in the last quarter. Norges Bank acquired a new stake in shares of Webster Financial in the 4th quarter valued at $84,632,000. Finally, Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Webster Financial by 107.7% in the 1st quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 3,259,858 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $182,944,000 after purchasing an additional 1,690,140 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 85.34% of the companys stock.

Webster Financial Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Webster Financial Corporation operates as the bank holding company for Webster Bank, National Association that provides a range of financial services to individuals, families, and businesses in the United States. It operates through three segments: Commercial Banking, HSA Bank, and Consumer Banking. The Commercial Banking segment provides commercial real estate and equipment financing, business banking, asset-based lending, and commercial services; public sector finance; mortgage warehouse financing; treasury management services; credit, deposit, and cash flow management services; and wealth management solutions to business owners and operators, including trust, asset management, financial planning, insurance, retirement, and investment products, as well as derivative, treasury, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and trade products and services.

Recommended Stories

Receive News & Ratings for Webster Financial Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Webster Financial and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
West Family Investments Inc. reduced its position in Chevron Co. (NYSE:CVX  Free Report) by 15.6% in the 1st quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The firm owned 24,000 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after selling 4,436 shares during the period. Chevron comprises approximately 1.6% of West Family Investments Inc.s holdings, making the stock its 19th biggest holding. West Family Investments Inc.s holdings in Chevron were worth $3,916,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Tobam acquired a new position in shares of Chevron during the 1st quarter valued at $38,000. MTM Investment Management LLC grew its position in shares of Chevron by 0.7% during the 1st quarter. MTM Investment Management LLC now owns 27,629 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $4,508,000 after buying an additional 188 shares during the last quarter. WealthTrust Axiom LLC grew its position in shares of Chevron by 0.6% during the 1st quarter. WealthTrust Axiom LLC now owns 16,959 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $2,767,000 after buying an additional 107 shares during the last quarter. Savant Capital LLC grew its position in shares of Chevron by 36.8% during the 1st quarter. Savant Capital LLC now owns 45,301 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $7,391,000 after buying an additional 12,196 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Goldstream Capital Management Ltd bought a new position in Chevron in the 1st quarter worth about $183,000. 69.65% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Get Chevron alerts:

Chevron Stock Performance

NYSE CVX traded down $1.29 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $158.37. The company had a trading volume of 837,283 shares, compared to its average volume of 8,022,922. The company has a quick ratio of 1.16, a current ratio of 1.43 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.13. The stock has a market cap of $300.05 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 8.62, a P/E/G ratio of 0.87 and a beta of 1.16. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $155.98 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $162.80. Chevron Co. has a fifty-two week low of $140.46 and a fifty-two week high of $189.68.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Chevron ( NYSE:CVX Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Friday, July 28th. The oil and gas company reported $3.08 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $3.19 by ($0.11). Chevron had a net margin of 14.74% and a return on equity of 23.15%. The business had revenue of $48.90 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $48 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $5.82 earnings per share. Chevrons revenue was down 28.9% on a year-over-year basis. Equities analysts forecast that Chevron Co. will post 13.06 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Several research firms have recently issued reports on CVX. Scotiabank upgraded shares of Chevron from a sector perform rating to a sector outperform rating and increased their price objective for the company from $195.00 to $200.00 in a report on Thursday, April 13th. StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of Chevron in a research note on Thursday, May 18th. They set a hold rating for the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised shares of Chevron from an underweight rating to a neutral rating and increased their target price for the company from $161.00 to $170.00 in a research note on Wednesday, May 31st. BNP Paribas raised shares of Chevron from an underperform rating to a neutral rating and set a $200.00 target price for the company in a research note on Tuesday, April 4th. Finally, Mizuho increased their target price on shares of Chevron from $202.00 to $205.00 in a research note on Tuesday, July 11th. Eight equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and thirteen have given a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $190.16.

Chevron Company Profile

(Free Report)

Chevron Corporation, through its subsidiaries, engages in the integrated energy and chemicals operations in the United States and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Upstream and Downstream. The Upstream segment is involved in the exploration, development, production, and transportation of crude oil and natural gas; liquefaction, transportation, and regasification associated with liquefied natural gas; transportation of crude oil through pipelines; and processing, transportation, storage, and marketing of natural gas, as well as a gas-to-liquids plant.

Recommended Stories

Receive News & Ratings for Chevron Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Chevron and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Westpac Banking Corp raised its holdings in shares of Extra Space Storage Inc. (NYSE:EXR  Free Report) by 57.0% in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 235,954 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after buying an additional 85,673 shares during the quarter. Extra Space Storage comprises about 0.5% of Westpac Banking Corps holdings, making the stock its 28th largest position. Westpac Banking Corp owned 0.17% of Extra Space Storage worth $38,444,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in EXR. Norges Bank purchased a new position in shares of Extra Space Storage in the 4th quarter worth about $380,823,000. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD lifted its stake in shares of Extra Space Storage by 104.8% in the 2nd quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 779,098 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $132,540,000 after acquiring an additional 398,729 shares during the last quarter. Ceredex Value Advisors LLC lifted its stake in shares of Extra Space Storage by 69.0% in the 4th quarter. Ceredex Value Advisors LLC now owns 934,970 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $137,609,000 after acquiring an additional 381,727 shares during the last quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Extra Space Storage by 79.3% in the 2nd quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 850,517 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $144,690,000 after acquiring an additional 376,279 shares during the last quarter. Finally, CI Investments Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Extra Space Storage by 513.1% in the 4th quarter. CI Investments Inc. now owns 406,605 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $59,844,000 after acquiring an additional 340,281 shares during the last quarter. 96.81% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Get Extra Space Storage alerts:

Extra Space Storage Stock Down 1.8 %

Shares of NYSE:EXR traded down $2.56 during trading on Thursday, hitting $142.00. The stock had a trading volume of 1,601,119 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,434,730. Extra Space Storage Inc. has a 12 month low of $139.97 and a 12 month high of $216.52. The company has a market capitalization of $19.18 billion, a PE ratio of 22.33, a PEG ratio of 4.31 and a beta of 0.54. The firms fifty day moving average is $147.16 and its 200 day moving average is $153.47. The company has a quick ratio of 0.27, a current ratio of 0.27 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.82.

Extra Space Storage Cuts Dividend

Analysts Set New Price Targets

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, July 19th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, July 13th were given a $1.01 dividend. This represents a $4.04 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.85%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, July 12th. Extra Space Storages dividend payout ratio is currently 63.52%.

A number of research firms have recently weighed in on EXR. KeyCorp lowered their target price on Extra Space Storage from $190.00 to $172.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, April 5th. Truist Financial lowered their target price on Extra Space Storage from $165.00 to $155.00 in a research note on Thursday, June 15th. Raymond James raised Extra Space Storage from an outperform rating to a strong-buy rating and set a $185.00 price target for the company in a research report on Tuesday, April 4th. StockNews.com initiated coverage on Extra Space Storage in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. They set a hold rating for the company. Finally, Bank of America initiated coverage on Extra Space Storage in a research report on Monday, May 8th. They set a buy rating for the company. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have given a hold rating, three have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Extra Space Storage currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $165.43.

About Extra Space Storage

(Free Report)

Extra Space Storage Inc, headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, is a self-administered and self-managed REIT and a member of the S&P 500. As of March 31, 2023, the Company owned and/or operated 2,388 self-storage stores in 41 states and Washington, DC The Company's stores comprise approximately 1.7 million units and approximately 180.0 million square feet of rentable space.

Recommended Stories

Receive News & Ratings for Extra Space Storage Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Extra Space Storage and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Westpac Banking Corp boosted its stake in shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (NYSE:ARE  Free Report) by 85.3% during the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 226,526 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after purchasing an additional 104,299 shares during the quarter. Westpac Banking Corps holdings in Alexandria Real Estate Equities were worth $28,449,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other large investors also recently bought and sold shares of the stock. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC increased its holdings in shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 107.4% in the 4th quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 253 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $37,000 after acquiring an additional 131 shares during the last quarter. Resurgent Financial Advisors LLC purchased a new position in shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities in the 4th quarter valued at about $38,000. Addison Advisors LLC grew its stake in Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 94.8% during the 4th quarter. Addison Advisors LLC now owns 298 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $43,000 after buying an additional 145 shares during the last quarter. HM Payson & Co. grew its stake in Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 100.0% during the 1st quarter. HM Payson & Co. now owns 400 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $50,000 after buying an additional 200 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Ronald Blue Trust Inc. grew its stake in Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 192.8% during the 4th quarter. Ronald Blue Trust Inc. now owns 448 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $62,000 after buying an additional 295 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 85.60% of the companys stock.

Get Alexandria Real Estate Equities alerts:

Insider Transactions at Alexandria Real Estate Equities

In other news, Chairman Joel S. Marcus sold 7,500 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, May 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $122.20, for a total value of $916,500.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chairman now directly owns 351,354 shares of the companys stock, valued at $42,935,458.80. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Insiders own 1.60% of the companys stock.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Alexandria Real Estate Equities Stock Performance

A number of research firms recently issued reports on ARE. Royal Bank of Canada dropped their price target on Alexandria Real Estate Equities from $198.00 to $166.00 in a research note on Thursday, May 4th. JMP Securities dropped their price target on Alexandria Real Estate Equities from $180.00 to $160.00 and set a market outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday. 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. Mizuho dropped their price target on Alexandria Real Estate Equities from $180.00 to $145.00 in a research note on Monday, April 24th. Finally, StockNews.com downgraded Alexandria Real Estate Equities from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note on Wednesday, June 14th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating and seven have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $160.88.

Alexandria Real Estate Equities stock traded down $1.59 during mid-day trading on Thursday, reaching $125.76. 1,324,981 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,037,281. Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. has a twelve month low of $108.81 and a twelve month high of $172.65. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $117.14 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $130.90. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.49, a quick ratio of 0.53 and a current ratio of 0.39. The firm has a market cap of $21.76 billion, a PE ratio of 37.32, 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 posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, July 25th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.51 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $2.20 by ($1.69). Alexandria Real Estate Equities had a net margin of 20.65% and a return on equity of 2.54%. The business had revenue of $713.90 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $700.22 million. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $2.10 earnings per share. The firms quarterly revenue was up 10.9% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities analysts predict that Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. will post 8.95 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Alexandria Real Estate Equities Increases Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, July 14th. Investors of record on Friday, June 30th were paid a $1.24 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, June 29th. This is an increase from Alexandria Real Estate Equitiess previous quarterly dividend of $1.21. This represents a $4.96 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.94%. Alexandria Real Estate Equitiess payout ratio is 147.18%.

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.

See Also

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ARE? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (NYSE:ARE  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Alexandria Real Estate Equities Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Alexandria Real Estate Equities and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
StockNews.com began coverage on shares of WidePoint (NYSE:WYY  Free Report) in a report released on Thursday morning. The firm issued a sell rating on the stock.

WidePoint Trading Up 2.6 %

NYSE:WYY traded up $0.05 during trading hours on Thursday, reaching $1.95. 5,320 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 26,902. WidePoint has a 1 year low of $1.70 and a 1 year high of $3.06.

Get WidePoint alerts:

About WidePoint

(Get Free Report)

See Also

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.

Receive News & Ratings for WidePoint Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for WidePoint and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
The Lok Sabha has given its approved the proposed changes to Indias mining rules to boost exploration, including allowing private players to search for critical metals like lithium, a key component of the electric vehicle (EV) industry.



Earlier this month, the union cabinet had approved amendments to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, allowing for the mining of lithium and other minerals.



The Act empowers the government to auction mining leases and composite licences for certain critical metals, aiming to improve transparency in the allocation of metals from Indias offshore basins. A composite licence is a two-stage licence for exploration and production.



Also Read: India targets home-mined minerals to boost its clean energy plans



Further, in case of atomic metals used in the manufacture of atomic energy, the grant of an exploration licence or production lease shall be made only to a government or public sector undertaking (PSU).



According to the objective of the bill, the amendments would facilitate, encourage, and incentivise private sector participation in all spheres of mineral exploration for critical and deep-seated minerals. It would remove lithium-bearing minerals and five other atomic metals from a restricted list.



The changes assume significance as it paves the way for the auctioning of recent lithium blocks identified in regions of Jammu & Kashmir and Karnataka.



Also Read: India considers lithium mining royalty at 3% of LME price: Report



Further, the statement mentioned that critical metals have gained significance in view of India's pledge towards energy transition and achieving net-zero emission by 2070. India wants to bolster its metals supply to cut dependence on imports and achieve Prime Minister Narendra Modis net-zero ambitions. The Centre is leaving no stone unturned to build local supplies of critical metals such as lithium as the world phases out petrol and diesel vehicles.



At present, New Delhi is dependent on imports to meet the demand for critical metals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and so on. Beijing accounts for 70 percent of supplies globally.



Also Read: Gradual shift from coal to other essential minerals likely in mining sector: RBI staff



Critical metals have a significant role in energy transition as they are used in batteries and wind turbines. This move will help establish a domestic supply chain to support the Centre's push for building up a chip manufacturing base in the country.



For the first time, the Centre recently published a list identifying 30 critical metals essential for the countrys economic development and national security. More importantly, for the first time the government is opening up the countrys huge metal-bearing offshore areas.



Compared to surficial or bulk metals, deep-seated minerals such as gold, silver, copper, zinc, nickel, lead, cobalt, platinum, and diamonds are expensive to explore and mine. These have been removed from the restricted list, and opened up for exploration and mining by private entities. Therefore, mining of these minerals is likely to increase considerably.



These minerals are also crucial for new age electronics, and in traditional sectors such as infrastructure, defence, and so on.



These amendments will be a game changer. We are also going to produce 1 billion tonnes of coal and make India self-sufficient in energy, Union Minister for Coal and Mines Pralhad Joshi told the Lok Sabha.
Global fast-food chain McDonald's is creating a spinoff restaurant chain known as CosMcs, stated executives on July 27. During its second-quarter earnings call, the giant shared a few details about this upcoming project. "Our new business ventures team is in the process of developing a new concept we will call CosMc's, which we will test in a small handful of sites in a limited geography beginning early next year," said CEO Chris Kempczinski."CosMc's is a small-format concept with all the DNA of McDonald's but its own unique personality." The chain further confirmed with Business Insider that CosMc is a character from McDonaldland, a fictional universe home to characters such as Ronald McDonald. This part-alien part-vehicle character first appeared in the last 1980s. This new announcement comes in as the chain steps up the pace of new restaurant openings in the current year. Earlier this year in January, they commented that they will spend upwards of $1 billion to open 1900 stores across the globe, of which over 400 stores are aimed for the USA and certain other markets including Canada, the UK and parts of Europe. Along with this, the company is also focussing on the modification of traditional restaurants to meet the worlds growing digital demands. "While our primary focus is on opening traditional units, we are always testing and learning new ways to meet the needs of our customers," said the CEO. McDonalds reported second-quarter net income of $2.31 billion, or $3.15 per share, an increase from $1.19 billion, or $1.60 per share, a year ago.

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
Apollo APL (APL Apollo Tubes Limited) recently revealed its comprehensive capex and pricing/market share strategy during a press conference. The company's Chief Strategy Officer, Anubhav Gupta, shed light on their plans for capacity expansion, funding initiatives, and projected growth.



Capacity Expansion and Funding Strategy:



Apollo APL is executing a robust expansion plan to increase its capacity by 2.86 lakh tons. The Dadri-2 expansion is on track and expected to commence production by Q4 FY24, adding to the volume this year. Moreover, the company is aggressively pursuing land acquisitions in Maharashtra, East India, and South India to establish new greenfield plants. Each plant is anticipated to mirror the size of Apollo APL's flagship plant, with a significant investment of Rs 135 crore per unit.



To finance this expansion, Apollo APL is leveraging a combination of equity infusion and internal cash flows. An earlier announcement indicated that promoters and non-promoter investors have already infused Rs 2.6 billion into the company, constituting 25 percent of the total capital required. The remaining 75 percent will be sourced as and when the company needs funds. Additionally, Rs 2.4 billion will come from internal cash flows, with an estimated 55-45 ratio of equity infusion to internal funds.



Commitment to ROCE and Pricing Strategy:



Apollo APL maintains a steadfast commitment to achieving 25 percent or more Return on Capital Employed (ROCE). To achieve this goal, the company has implemented a cash-and-carry model in the northern region, where it enjoys a dominant market share. This move has successfully rationalized working capital, propelling ROCE to mid-double-digit levels. The company aims to further improve ROCE and reach targeted levels within the next 2 to 3 years.



Market Share Strategy and Pricing Impact:



The company's current sales strategy focuses on gaining market share from weaker and unorganized players, driven by the ongoing industry shift from unorganized to organized sectors. In pursuit of this objective, Apollo APL is offering additional incentives and discounts to its distributors to secure more wallet share. "While this strategy may have resulted in a slight dip in gross profit per ton on a sequential basis, it has effectively contributed to reducing working capital days", stated Anubhav Gupta.



Moreover, the dip in gross profit per ton is partly attributed to the decline in PVC prices by INR 8 to INR 10 per kilo between April and June 2023. Additionally, non-uPVC raw materials such as HDPE and cPVC experienced a decrease, leading to channel destocking and necessitating aggressive push sales for these product categories.



Outlook and Growth Projections:



Despite the lower gross profit per ton in the short term, Apollo APL remains confident in its growth projections. With the aggressive sales strategy in place, the company anticipates a 35 percent Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) in revenue over the next four years. Furthermore, they aim to achieve a ROCE of 25 to 30 percent, supported by working capital efficiencies despite the significant proposed investments.



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.
Binance and its CEO Changpeng Zhao have filed a motion to dismiss a complaint against the cryptocurrency exchange by the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), the company said in a court filing on Thursday.



The CFTC sued Binance, Zhao and former Chief Compliance Officer Samuel Lim in March, alleging they violated the Commodity Exchange Act and certain related federal regulations, and for operating what the regulator said was an "illegal exchange and a "sham compliance program.



Binance, the worlds largest cryptocurrency exchange, said the CFTCs case should be dismissed because it sought to regulate foreign individuals and corporations that reside and operate outside the United States.



It also quoted a 2007 ruling that stated, "United States law governs domestically but does not rule the world.



The holding company of Binance is based in the Cayman Islands, while CEO Zhao is a Canadian citizen.



The CFTCs complaint said that from at least July 2019, Binance "offered and executed commodity derivatives transactions on behalf of U.S. persons in violation of U.S. laws.



In its reply, Binance said that by June 2019, Binance.com had begun implementing steps to restrict and off-board potential U.S. users and ensure that new users were not U.S. persons.



"Importantly, Binance.com did not begin to offer the alleged digital asset derivative products until July 2019 and later after it began to restrict and off-board potential U.S. users, the company said.



Lim filed a separate motion to dismiss the CFTC claims against him.



The CFTC, which is responsible for the oversight of commodities and derivatives markets, including Bitcoin, declined to comment on the filing.



Binance and Zhao were also sued by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in June for allegedly operating a "web of deception, listing 13 charges against Binance, Zhao and the operator of its purportedly independent U.S. exchange.
Vedant Fashion shares were down 1.56 percent at Rs 1216.20 at 10.03 am as the company's net profit fell 8 percent year-on-year to Rs 91.9 crore in Q1FY24. Sales also fell 4 percent year-on-year to Rs 311 crore in the April-to-June quarter. Low sales were due to fewer wedding dates in Q1FY24, said Nuvama Institutional Equities in a report dated July 28. The April-to-June quarter had only 22 auspicious wedding dates as compared to 37 in the same period last year. The same phenomenon happened in Q1FY17, when there was a smaller number of auspicious wedding dates. However, Vedant Fashion registered a 17-percent growth back then as majority of the shopping happened in second half of the year. What analysts are saying Morgan Stanley has an overweight rating on the stock with a target price of Rs 1,335. The foreign brokerage firm said that it sees progress on scaling of new brands especially Twamev. Nuvama Institutional Equities has a buy rating on the stock with a target price of Rs 1,457. The brokerage firm sees Vedant Fashions performance rebounding in the later half year of FY24. However, the brokerage firm has cut its earnings estimate by 2 percent for FY24 factoring a muted performance in the April-to-June quarter and a bleak outlook in July-to-September quarter. Store additions Same store sales fell 22 percent in the April-to-June quarter, while secondary revenues fell 16 percent during the same period, said Nuvama Institutional Equities. Vedant Fashion expanded its retail footprint presence by adding around 85,000 sqft retail area in Q1FY24, and added 13 new stores. It includes three exclusive Twamev flagship stores in Bengaluru, New Delhi, and Hyderabad. Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed by experts on Moneycontrol.com are their own and not those of the website or its management. Moneycontrol.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
India has asked Japan and South Korea to renegotiate their free-trade agreements (FTAs) with the South Asian nation to make it "more balanced and equitable", India's trade minister said on Thursday, amid a widening trade gap with the countries. "Japan and Korea - we opened our markets for them. They have not allowed our exports to their country... What it was 10 years ago, it is the same today with Japan," Trade Minister Piyush Goyal said at an event in New Delhi. Japan's exports to India have, meanwhile, grown 200%, he added. Goyal also termed India's free trade agreement with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) "ill-conceived" and "unfair" to the Indian industry.

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
Chennai-based Indian bank is aiming for 20 percent growth in its gold loan portfolio by the end of this year, MD &CEO Shanti Lal Jain told Moneycontrol in an exclusive interview on July 28.



Currently we have a gold loan portfolio of Rs 64,000 crore, which comprises 15 percent of all segments. We are targeting between 18 to 20 percent growth in this portfolio by the end of this year, said Jain.



Jain added that the bank was open to lending to airlines, if there were good opportunities. Also said Indian banks GNPA should be below 5 percent at the beginning of 2024.



Edited excerpts:



What is the target for your gold loan portfolio?



Currently we have a gold loan portfolio of Rs 64,000 crore, which is 15 percent of all our segments. We are targeting 18 to 20 percent growth in this portfolio by the end of this year.



Give us an update on writeoffs during the quarter.



In FY24, Rs 2,000 crore of loans were written off. But you see, here, continuous recovery is more than our slippage. So, when your recovery is more than your slippage, your gross and net NPA numbers will come down.



The chairman post has been vacant since 2018...



The chairman is appointed by the government of India. We have independent directors and full-time directors.



So, a number of committees are headed by independent directors. our risk management committee is headed by an independent director or the IT strategy committee is headed by an independent director. So, day-to-day operations have absolutely no issues for us.



Are you open to lending to airlines?



We have very small exposure to airline companies. One is SpiceJet, but very low. On giving loans to airline companies, it depends from company to company. There are a lot of opportunities in the aviation sector.



You see, passenger traffic is increasing. So, it is always on a call based on the promoters, based on the leverage they have. Other than airlines you have scope for airports; even in handling systems there are several opportunities. So, wherever there are good opportunities, we are open to them.



Allahabad Bank has merged with Indian Bank effective 1st April 2020. What kind of experience have you had post-merger?



The amalgamation is successful and revenue has increased. It has happened because of the synergy we are getting, because of the customers we are adding. Indian Bank and Allahabad Bank were on opposite sides of the country, which helped us to increase our pan-India presence.



Are you planning to join the RBI's CBDC initiatives?



We'll join the RBI's CBDC pilot project in the next round. We are talking to technology partners and all. So, we should be ready; there is no second thought about it.



In which segment are you looking for opportunities?



Last year, we grew RAM (Risk Assessment Model) by 13 percent and 12-13 percent in the corporate segment. This quarter also the same 12 or 13 percent.
Hero MotoCorp, which has signed an agreement with Zero Motorcycles to collaborate on premium electric motorcycles, is now looking to also manufacture, assemble and sell the California-based EV makers product lines in India.



While no formal announcement was made by either of the partners, Hero MotoCorps annual report revealed that high-performance electric machines produced by Zero Motorcycles will be assembled in the country.



We have recently partnered with Zero Motorcycles to develop premium electric motorcycles. This is a significant force multiplier on our sustainable mobility journey. This partnership will allow us to marry Zeros world-class expertise in developing powertrains and electric motorcycles with our manufacturing and distribution capabilities, the two-wheeler maker said in its annual report 2022-23.



The collaboration combines the expertise of Zero with the scale of manufacturing, sourcing, and marketing of Hero MotoCorp, the report added. In the same report, Hero has reaffirmed that it made a substantial investment of $60 million (approx. Rs 490 crore) in Zero Motorcycles in September 2022, and will be co-developing all-new premium electric motorcycles with the US EV maker.



The report further reads, We will be bringing the Zero portfolio into India, increasing access for the Indian consumer to the best of international clean mobility options. California-headquartered Zero will be manufacturing its products in India. With Zero as our partner, we look forward to accelerating the transition to electric mobility in India and across our global markets.



However, no timeline is set. Also, the report doesnt mention the key Zero models that will be built and sold by Hero MotoCorp. It is to be mentioned that Zero Motorcycles is an American manufacturer of electric motorcycles and is present internationally across North America, the UK and Europe and offers a wide range of products like street, dual-sport and adventure bikes.



Pawan Munjal, Chairman & CEO, Hero MotoCorp, had earlier said in an official release: Our partnership with Zero Motorcycles is a significant milestone in our journey towards ushering in an era of sustainable clean technology in the mobility space. With Zero as our partner, we look forward to accelerate the transition of electric mobility in India and across our global markets.
Indian conglomerate Vedanta, which has outlined ambitious semiconductor manufacturing plans for India, has identified a world-class technology partner and is in the process of tying up with them, its Chairman Anil Agarwal said on Friday. Gujarat will emerge as semiconductor hub, he said, adding it "is right place for creating silicon valley of India". "For semiconductor we have identified world class partner, we have already identified a world class partner for technology and are in process of tying up with them," he said at SemiconIndia 2023.

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
State-owned Indian Bank received Rs 7,000 crore worth of Rs 2,000 notes until July 26, 2023, as stated by Shanti Lal Jain, MD & CEO of Indian Bank in an interview with Moneycontrol on July 28.



We have received Rs 7,000 crore worth of Rs 2,000 notes till July 26, 2028, out of which Rs 560 crore is in exchange form and the rest Rs 6,440 crore is in deposit form, said Jain.



He further added that they have provided the best services at their branches for the smooth exchange of notes.



The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had announced the withdrawal of the Rs. 2,000 bills on May 19 as part of its clean note policy. To facilitate the exchange or deposit process, the RBI allowed all banks adequate time until September 30, 2023. It also advised banks to stop issuing the Rs 2,000 denomination banknotes immediately.



No deadline extension



During the current monsoon session of the parliament on July 24, the finance ministry stated that there is no proposal to extend the deadline for the exchange of Rs 2,000 notes beyond September 30.



In a written reply in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary responded in the negative to a question about whether there is a proposal to extend the deadline for the exchange of Rs 2,000 notes in banks beyond September 30. "At present, this matter is not under consideration," the minister said.



Chaudhary also replied in the negative to another question about whether the government is planning to demonetise other high-denomination currency notes to eliminate black money.



Earlier, on July 3, the RBI stated that Rs 2.72 lakh crore worth of Rs 2,000 banknotes, which account for 76 percent of circulation, had returned to the banking system as of June 30. Consequently, the Rs 2,000 banknotes in circulation as of June 30 remained at Rs. 0.84 lakh crore.



According to the RBI, 87 percent of the returned notes have been deposited in bank accounts by the public, while the remaining 13 percent have been exchanged for other denominations.



Economy requirement



The minister further stated that the withdrawal was a currency management operation planned to avoid any inconvenience to the public or disruption in the economy.



The Rs 2,000 denomination banknotes were introduced on November 10, 2016, to meet the currency requirement of the economy after the demonetisation of all Rs. 500 and Rs. 1,000 banknotes in circulation at that time.



As of June 30, the value of the withdrawn Rs. 2,000 currency notes in circulation has continued to fall, with only Rs. 84,000 crore of them remaining outside the banking system, as informed by the finance ministry to the Parliament.



"According to RBI, as on 30.6.2023, the value of Rs 2000 denomination banknotes in circulation is Rs. 0.84 lakh crore, and the percentage of Rs. 2000 denomination in total banknotes in circulation is 2.51 percent," Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary said in a written response to a question in the Lok Sabha on July 24.



The update from the government on the matter is the first official one after the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had said on June 8 that around Rs. 1.8 lakh crore of these notes had returned to the banking system.



As of March 31, there were Rs. 3.62 lakh crore worth of Rs. 2,000 notes in circulation.
India's real-money gaming industry executives have approached the finance ministry to propose imposing a 28% GST on the sum total of 'net deposits' at the company level, instead of the previously suggested 28% tax on gross deposits, sources familiar with the matter told Moneycontrol.



This proposal comes in response to the controversy caused by the GST Council's recommendation to tax the country's online real-money gaming industry earlier this month. Several startup executives, industry associations, and investors had previously warned that this move could "wipe out the entire industry and lead to job losses."



The GST Council is scheduled to meet virtually on August 2 to discuss the mechanism of levying a 28% GST on the real-money gaming sector, in addition to the necessary legal amendments required to the GST law, as reported by Moneycontrol on July 26.



Sources suggest that if the 28% tax is imposed on gross deposits, it could have a significant impact on real-money gaming formats that involve one-on-one matches such as rummy, poker, chess, and pool. This could potentially result in up to a 70% reduction in overall prize winnings for players.



As a consequence, there might be a major drop in the number of players participating in these platforms, leading to a significant decline in transaction volumes, according to industry insiders.



Hence, the industry has put forward a proposal to levy GST on 'net deposits', which is calculated as the sum of all money deposited to the pool minus player withdrawals.



On July 11, the GST Council decided to impose the top GST slab of 28% on the full value of the money paid by users to play skill-based games in a uniform manner, without distinguishing between games of skill and chance. Gaming platforms currently pay an 18% GST on platform fees.



In response to this decision, a group of approximately 130 real-money gaming startup founders, CEOs, and industry associations signed an open letter to the government, requesting them to reconsider the GST levy, as reported by Moneycontrol on July 15.



Following that, a group of 30 prominent domestic and international startup investors, including Tiger Global, Peak XV Partners, and Steadview Capital, wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that a 28% GST on online real-money gaming could lead to a potential write-off of the $2.5 billion in capital invested, as well as the loss of over 50,000 high-skilled jobs, according to Moneycontrol on July 21.



These investors expressed concerns that the current GST proposal would create the "most onerous tax regime for the gaming sector" worldwide.



Revenue Secretary Sanjay Malhotra, however, downplayed these concerns in an interview with Moneycontrol on July 13. He stated that when online games are based on wagers, regardless of whether they are skill-based or chance-based, they have always been taxed on the face value under GST.



According to a recent FICCI-EY report, the real-money gaming segment accounted for 77% of India's gaming sector revenues in 2022, amounting to Rs 13,500 crore. These revenues are projected to grow to Rs 16,700 crore in 2023 and Rs 23,100 crore in 2025.
The Maharashtra government has decided to confer the first 'Udyog Ratna' award on veteran industrialist and chairman emeritus of Tata Sons, Ratan Tata, state Industries minister Uday Samant has said. Awards for young entrepreneur, woman entrepreneur and Marathi entrepreneur will also be given, Samant announced in the state legislative council on Thursday. "Just like the Maharashtra Bhushan award, which is presented to distinguished persons, the state government has decided to confer the Udyog Ratna award to Ratan Tata," said on Thursday. He said a meeting was held regarding this by a committee comprising Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar and him as the industries minister.

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
Luxury powerhouse Kering makes a bold acquisition move, announcing plans to buy a substantial 30 percent stake in the esteemed Italian luxury fashion house, Valentino. This deal comes at a time when Kering-owned brand Gucci is struggling to meet performance expectations.



The deal, valued at a staggering 1.7 billion euros, will see Kering taking a significant step forward in its fashion business. The strategic purchase comes hand-in-hand with the release of Kering's Q2 financial results, adding even more buzz to the news.



Read more: Gucci owner acquires creed to expand in luxury fragrances



As part of this landmark agreement, Kering secures the enticing option to eventually gain full ownership of Valentino, as it holds the right to acquire 100 percent of the fashion house's share capital by the year 2028.



Interestingly, there are hints that Qatars Mayhoola, the owner of Valentino, might potentially invest in Kering as well, suggesting a broader tie-up between the two luxury entities.



The acquisition of Valentino and the possibility of further collaboration between Mayhoola and Kering indicate a strategic move by both companies to strengthen their positions in the competitive luxury fashion market. While Kering announced its deal to acquire a 30 percent share in Valentino, concerns have arisen among investors due to Gucci's ongoing underperformance.



Gucci's second-quarter sales rose by just 1 percent on a comparable basis, falling significantly short of the 4.2 percent growth that analysts had anticipated. In response to this underperformance, Kering, which derives two-thirds of its profit from Gucci, has taken action to revive the brand's appeal. Last week, Gucci's CEO, Marco Bizzarri, announced his impending exit, and Jean-Francois Palus, a trusted lieutenant of Kering's CEO Pinault, will serve as the temporary replacement. Kering will initiate the search for a permanent Gucci CEO starting in September.



In contrast to Kering's situation, other luxury companies, including its larger rival LVMH, have experienced double-digit growth. Earlier this week, LVMH reported a remarkable 21 percent increase in sales of its fashion and leather goods division, which includes renowned brands like Dior and Louis Vuitton. The discrepancy in growth rates highlights the challenges Kering is facing in the luxury market and underscores the need for strategic measures to regain momentum and competitiveness.
India's biggest engineering company, Larsen & Toubro (L&T), plans to give back extra money to its shareholders by repurchasing up to Rs 10,000 crore worth of shares through a buyback.



The engineering conglomerates board has approved the proposal to buy back 3.33 crore shares, representing 2.4 percent of the total paid-up equity share capital, at a tentative price of Rs 3,000 per share, which is the maximum being considered by L&T at the moment. The offer represents an over-17 percent premium to the July 25 closing price of Rs 2,561.95.



Once the shareholder's approval for the buyback is received, L&T will decide on a date and the final price, the infrastructure giants Chief Financial Officer R Shankar Raman said in a post-earnings conference call with the media.



Boost returns?



The buyback is part of L&T's plan to improve its Return on Equity (RoE) as part of the group's 'Lakshya 2026' plan, Raman added.



According to an analyst from a foreign brokerage firm, the buyback is expected to boost L&T's Earnings per share (EPS) and Return on Equity (RoE). The analyst foresees a potential enhancement of RoE by 40-60 basis points (bps), while EPS could see a slight upward revision of merely 4-5 percent.



When a company buys back its own stock, it reduces the number of outstanding shares. As a result, the company's earnings are divided among fewer shares, which automatically increases its EPS. The return on equity would also improve because there is less outstanding equity.







This (buyback) will likely help the company achieve its strategic target of 18 percent RoE by FY25-26, said ICICI Securities.



Even Nuvama Institutional Equities believes the buyback is a positive surprise.



The conglomerates decision indicates its confidence in the future growth, and the perception that its stock is undervalued, pointed out Sonam Srivastava, Founder and Fund Manager at Wright Research.



This may buoy the stock price in the short-term, but in the long-term its performance will be dictated by its capital allocation policy. If the company is able to deploy capital to drive higher growth and better quality of earnings, the stock will see good compounded growth, she said.



As on June 30, 2023, L&T's cash-on-books stood at around Rs 40,000-45,000 crore on a consolidated basis.



Brokerage commentary



The buyback has largely been factored in the stock price. What would now carry the stock higher or make it ripe for re-rating is the divestment of non-core assets such as the Hyderabad Metro or Nabha Power.







Kotak Institutional Equities is of the view that L&Ts stock is expensive given its 28 times and 23 times its one- and two-year forward earnings.



However, Prabhudas Lilladher is optimistic about the engineering major's prospects. It believes L&T is well-placed to benefit in the long term due to several factors, including strong tender opportunities, improved domestic order conversion, a notable increase in hydrocarbon and renewable energy orders from international markets like Saudi Arabia, and an anticipated rise in private investment in the domestic market.



The EPC major registered an order inflow of Rs 65,500 crore, up 57 percent year-on-year (YoY) in Q1 FY24, taking the order book as of June-end 2023 to an all-time high of Rs 4.1 trillion, which is around 2.3 times its FY22-23 revenue. The domestic market accounts for 71 percent of this, the rest being international business.



Management commentary



The management has maintained sales growth guidance of 12-15 percent and an order inflow growth target of 10-12 percent.







Raman had said during the conference call that L&T is likely to meet the higher end of its revenue and order inflow guidance for 2023-24, and may consider revising its guidance for both revenue and operating margin after the October-December 2023 quarter.



He said that L&T's order inflow is likely to taper towards the second half of 2023-24 due to the upcoming general election in India between April and May 2024.



"We will have to be wary of a slowdown in order inflow due to the upcoming general election and plans of the subsequent government that may take over," Raman said.
Speculations are ripe in the market about drug maker Cipla's promoters being in talks with major private equity (PE) players to pare a part of their total stake in the company.



Moneycontrol reported, quoting three independent sources, that PE firms Blackstone and Baring Asia, among others, are in talks to explore a deal. While there is no confirmation from either side, rumours are agog in the market.



The paring of some promoter stakes, which is seen as part of the company's succession plans, has also triggered a spark of bullishness among analysts and investors alike.



Aside from the drug maker's already strong growth prospects, analysts believe that an entry of a PE investor has the potential to take the company to even greater heights.



A private equity player generally invests in a company and helps turn things around for them to eventually exit with large profits on their initial investments.



Also Read: Cipla promoters said to explore stake sale to Blackstone, Baring Asia



As for Cipla, Kotak Institutional Equities has pegged a fair value of Rs 1,230 for the stock, but analysts expect the number to rise significantly in the coming years, backed by the strong prospects of the drug maker.



As per Bloomberg data, consensus FY24/FY25 EPS estimates for the stock sit at 45.07/51.88.



Over the past five years, Cipla has seen sales compound at 8 percent but it has been able to show brisk growth in profits at the rate of 16 percent annualised. Its return ratios have also improved over the past two years. In FY23, it posed a ROCE (Return on Capital Employed) of 18 percent.



How will Cipla benefit?



An analyst, who spoke on condition of anonymity, explained that the entry of a PE investor doesn't just bring financial capital but also intellectual expertise and a strong management pedigree, which holds the potential to turn things around.



In Cipla's case, the already strong base set by the company's resilient business provides even greater scope for magnified growth in the long term.



The changing dynamics within the global pharmaceutical space also present a greater expanse for growth for one of India's leading drug makers. The analyst mentioned earlier also highlighted the upcoming slew of patent expiries lined up from FY25, which opens the doors for Cipla to enter into newer territories and maximise its potential, which can also be taken to new heights with a PE player on board.



Also Read: Cipla zooms 9% on stronger-than-expected Q1; brokerages cheer, raise targets



"Several patents for small and large molecules, along with biosimilars, are also set to go off patent from FY25, which gives Cipla a greater room to explore more opportunities," the analyst said. With the expiry of patents, Cipla may also look to expand its presence in the biosimilar segment from around FY28.



The other molecules in Cipla's pipeline include 4-5 peptides, slated for a launch within the next two years. These molecules are very complex to manufacture but provide great revenue opportunities, adding another star to Cipla's ratings.



As for Cipla's current standing, the future only looks brighter. The drug maker is going big on complex drugs, with a pipeline consisting of big-ticket blockbuster drugs like the generics of Advair and Abraxane, which will incrementally fuel Cipla's financials.



To top it all, another analyst highlighted Cipla's industry-leading growth and presence in the Indian pharma market that remains unmatched as compared to its peers. Moreover, there are expectations, both among the company's management and analysts, that this industry-leading growth for Cipla is most likely to continue in the coming time.



With the growth engines well-oiled by Cipla, analysts say they will not be surprised to see the company firing from all cylinders with the arrival of a PE player.



Reasons are aplenty for the market to anticipate magic happening at the hands of PE players, if they were to gain some control over Cipla, especially after the success stories of KKRs bet on JB Chemicals, Quadria Capital's turnaround of Concord Biotech and Capital Group's take on Mankind Pharma.



Also Read: Cipla raises margin guidance for FY24 to 23% on strong Q1



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.
Karnataka Real Estate Regulatory Authority (KRERA) in an order has held that the minimum parking space provided for allottees should not be less than 18 square metres (3m X 6m), in accordance with the local municipal bylaws in Bengaluru.



The Authority also noted that the sale of an apartment should be solely based on carpet area and not super built-up area.



Passing an order partly for project Signature Crest, which is close to Sarjapura, KRERA said on July 2023, "The developer is directed to transfer the common area to the association and provide the buyer with a parking space as per the municipal corporation (Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike) bylaws."



In this case, the buyers Sandeep JW and Jonali Das signed the sale deed in the project developed by Signature Dwellings Pvt Ltd in December 2021.



Parking spaces



The homebuyers claimed that their cars incurred multiple scratches due to the defective parking space. "There are two types of parking spaces; some are 7.5 in width while others are 11.5 feet. The parking spaces, which were allotted through a lucky draw, have become congested with cars," the buyers told KRERA.



Additionally, they contended that the developer sold the apartment based on the super built-up area instead of the carpet area and demanded a differential cost in terms of calculation.



The super built-up area is the saleable area which includes the apartment along with a terrace, balconies, areas occupied by walls, and areas occupied by common or shared construction. Whereas carpet area is the area of an apartment that can be covered by a carpet, or the net usable area.



According to the order, the carpet area of the apartment was 576 square feet (sq ft) and the super built-up area was 860 sq ft.



RERA findings



A team of KRERA engineers which inspected the project found that each car parking was 2.3 m X 4.8 m in size. Additionally, the order said the developer had built only 120 parking spaces instead of 130 as promised.



The order said, "Each of the street car parking spaces provided for motor vehicles should not be less than 18 square metres (3m X 6m) as per Section 16(a) of BBMP Building Byelaws 2003."



After looking at the evidence submitted by both parties, KRERA said it is apparent that the developer had charged the buyers for the super built-up area and received the amount accordingly.



"RERA Act says that the sale of the flats should be based on carpet area. Nowhere in the Act it is mentioned that the developer can sell flats based on a super built-up area. RERA Act has not defined the term super built-up area," it added.



The order



The developer contented before the Authority that the homebuyers had read all terms and conditions given in the sale deed, which also contained a break up of super built-up and carpet area, before signing it.



But partly admitting the homebuyers' complaint, the Authority asked the developer to transfer the common areas to the resident welfare association immediately after its formation and provide a proper parking space for the homebuyers.



However, the Authority asked the buyers to file a separate complaint for the compensation they demanded based on the difference in payments made between the super built-up area and the common area.
Tech major AMD announced on July 28 at the Semicon India 2023 that it will invest $400 million and hire 3,000 engineers in its Bengaluru facility over the next five years.



"AMD will invest approximately $400 million in India over the next five years. It will set up its largest R&D centre in Bengaluru, which is expected to open before this year ends. It also expects to add 300 additional engineers by 2028-end," said Mark Papermaster, executive vice president and chief technology officer, AMD.



Also Read: India is laying out a red carpet for the semiconductor industry, says PM Modi



Papermaster said that AMD's presence in India has expanded significantly over the years, starting with just a few employees in 2001 and currently employing over 6,500 people. He attributed this growth to the solid groundwork laid by local leaders and the availability of highly skilled professionals in the country.



Also Read: SemiconIndia 2023 | Optimistic about India semiconductor path; let's do this together: Foxconn Chairman



AMD has one of the industrys broadest product portfolios fuelled by growth in artificial intelligence, networking and 6G communications, and our India teams will continue to play a pivotal role in delivering the high-performance and adaptive solutions that support AMD customers worldwide, the AMD CTO mentioned.



Also Read: $10-billion semiconductor PLI to help India do in a decade what China did in 25-30 years: Rajeev Chandrasekhar



He said: By further investing and expanding our presence in Bangalore, we are committed to driving innovation in India to support the India Semiconductor Mission.



Many industry players like AMD, Micron, Cadence, Lam and others have gathered at Gandhinagar in Gujarat at an annual semiconductor conference, with PM Modi in attendance.



"Semiconductor is like a mother industry. If you jave it, you can have many iother sectors. Semiconductors today are required from farm tractors to mobile phones, from cars to fridges," said Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw at Semicon India 2023.



Also Read: With semiconductor focus, India emerging as trusted partner in global value chain: Ashwini Vaishnaw



"PM Modi has always guided us to develop a semiconductor ecosystem. In an ecosystem approach we have focussed on every component from fab to fabless, from design to talent," he added.



Also Read: India, Japan explore collaboration in semiconductors and other critical technologies



"I welcome AMD's decision to set up its largest R&D centre and expansion of the India-AMD partnership. It will certainly play an important role in building a world class semiconductor design and innovation ecosystem. It will also provide tremendous opportunities for our large pool of highly skilled semiconductor engineers and researchers and will catalyse PM Modi's vision of India becoming a global talent hub," Union minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar wrote on Twitter.



The Semicon India roadshow comes at a time when India is trying to attract major semiconductor players to set up chip fabrication and assembling plants in the country with a $10 billion subsidy programme.



During Modi's visit to the US, semiconductor major Micron committed to set up a $2.7 billion assembling plant in the country. According to estimates, the Centre and state government of Gujarat will cumulatively bear 70 percent of the cost of the project in the form of subsidies.



Meanwhile, semiconductor equipment maker Applied Materials has said it would invest $400 million to design chipmaking machinery in the country.



However, the government has yet been unable to attract any major foreign foundry to the country at a time when advanced economies like the US, Germany, the European Union and Japan have announced large subsidy programmes in a global race to corner the semiconductor pie.



The theme of the Conference is Catalysing Indias Semiconductor Ecosystem. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Union Minister of IT Vaishnav, and Minister of State (MoS) for Electronics and IT Chandrasekhar, were present at the inaugural ceremony.
The most important metric is not returns achieved, but returns weighed against risks incurred. Nothing should be more important than the ability to sleep soundly at night. ~ Seth Klarman



Till a month back, the market was rallying and the mood was one of cautious optimism or benign scepticism, as one would like to see it. Over the past few days, the market has been sinking, but anecdotal evidence suggests that sentiment is much better than what it was last month. Thats because there is a growing belief that the downside is likely to be limited for a variety of reasons. For one, despite concerns that stocks may have become overvalued, people are reluctant to sell.



And many PMS/advisory service providers who burnt their fingers in the midcap meltdown of 2017-18 feel that it is different this time.



Unlike in the previous bull market of 2017-18 or even 2007-08, you are not seeing concentrated bets in a single sector or just 2-3 sectors, money has been constantly moving across sectors, said one such PMS fund manager. Two, because corporate balance sheets dont have much debt, the pain will be much lower in the event of a slowdown. Three, mutual fund investors are unlikely to redeem in panic as they have done during the previous downturns.



Another value investor, who has been around for over three decades in the market says this is not a buyers market, but at the same time, there is much less leverage in the system than there used to be during previous market peaks.



The market for loan-against-shares has shrunk considerably unlike in 2007-08 when some MNC banks would write out cheques for Rs 150-200 crore without batting an eyelid, the investor told Short Call. Also brokers cannot fund clients through their NBFC arms because of the new SEBI rules, so that has also reduced system leverage considerably. Corporates are not highly levered (debt on books) like before, government balance sheet is in good shape, very few HNIs are taking crazy bets.the excesses of the past are missing, and that makes the market appear much safer.



So where is the catch?



"This is a peculiar market where investors are rushing to load up on mid and small cap stocks, but not willing to buy frontline stocks that are a play on the economy," said Shyam Sekhar, founder of Chennai-based ithought Advisory told Short Call.



"It is not the dash for trash that was seen in 2017-18, though there will always be some junk companies in every bull run. It is more like investors are over paying for decent ideas. So you may not see a sharp correction, but those buying at these prices will have to wait longer to make a good return," he said.



Mahindra & Mahindra



When valuations become expensive, any debatable decision by a company will be viewed harshly. That was seen in the way the market punished M&M shares after the auto major said it had picked up a 3.5 percent stake in RBL Bank. Some veteran players pointed out M&Ms history of poor capital allocation and worried that the company may be slipping back into old ways. Others fretted that the purchase was contradictory to its stated goal of cutting back on non-core businesses.



And here is the company now talking about possibly increasing its stake in RBL Bank to 9.99 percent (assuming the RBI green lights further purchases after the 5 percent mark). And yet another section that market reaction was just an excuse for a correction in the stock, considering it had run up a fair bit from the March lows. Why the investor angst over M&Ms decision? The company has spent Rs 417 crore on the purchase already and looks ready to spend more. This comes at a time when automakers in general are facing multiple demands on their cash flows, as they look to strike a balance between internal combustion engine, hybrids and electric vehicles. And since EV is a developing technology, it will require some serious R&D, and hence cash.



At this point, the street is not seeing this as a signal of M&Ms ambition to get into banking at some point, given RBIs aversion to corporate ownership of banks. Some see this as a collaborative move whereby RBL Bank will be the preferred financier for M&Ms products and services in urban centres.

Interestingly, a bank that had been written off by the Street barely a year ago, is now attracting a motley set of investors. Zerodha picked up a 1.26 percent in the December quarter last year, Hydra Equity Investments, in which philanthropist Vita Dani is a director, picked up a 1.26 percent stake in the March quarter, and now Mahindra & Mahindra.



Indian Hotels



The first quarter numbers were slightly below analyst estimates, partly because of seasonal factors, but the view on the hospitality sector, in general, remains positive. Some frequent business travellers say hotels are not as packed as they were a couple of months back, and room rates too have been stable after a one-way climb over the last year. But backers of the hotel story again attribute it to seasonal factors..people are traveling less because of the rains, they say.



Despite the bullish outlook, hotel stocks have risen at a much slower pace in 2023 compared to stocks from other sectors. Hotel owners are upbeat and see scope for raising room rates further, but the stock price performance indicates that the market would rather wait to see that happen than jump the gun. The structural story may be compelling, but at the end of the day, hotels remain a cyclical business.



Jefferies on Indian Hotels: While 1Q EBITDA was a miss and stock may remain range bound in near term, we believe IHCL is an attractive proxy to domestic macro tailwinds over medium to long term. 2HFY24 bodes well for space with occupancy boosting events.



Target deferred



Electric vehicle is among the hottest stories in markets across the globe, but things on the ground are playing out differently. Ford Motor on Thursday pushed back production targets for its electric vehicles, saying adoption of electric vehicles was happening at a slower-than-expected pace. The auto major now aims to produce 600,000 vehicles sometime in 2024, against the previous estimate of late 2023. Also, it said it was not sure when it would hit its target of 2 million vehicles per annum, initially forecast for end 2026.



Small banks



Shark Tank investor Kevin OLeary is in the camp that believes that the optimism over the US economy could be misplaced and that more regional US bank could fail if the Fed continued to raise interest rates.



I am just predicting  and I am very cautious on this  it will break down in the regional banks, which supports 60 percent of the economy, he told CNBC, .. lets wait 90 days to see what happens in the small banking arena in the United States, OLeary said.
Geojit's report on Agri Picks

Barring dhaniya other spices ended Thursdays session on a positive note. Turmeric futures rose supported by firm demand and on prospects of lower acreage this season. Jeera futures inched higher as well, after posting losses for the four straight sessions. Dhaniya futures, in the meantime, stretched losses. Tepid demand weighed on. However, concerns over supply lend support. India received 15.6 mm rainfall on Thursday, 61% above the weighted average of 9.7 mm, data from the IMD showed. Rainfall was above normal in three homogeneous regions of the country, while one region received below-normal rain. South peninsular India received 369% above-normal rainfall at 30.5 mm, and in central India, rains were 31% above normal at 15.1 mm. Rainfall in the northwest India was 38% above normal at 10.9 mm. In east and northeast India region, rainfall was 45% below normal at 7.3 mm. Of the 36 subdivisions in the country, rainfall was 'large deficient' in six and 'deficient' in eight. Ten subdivisions got 'large excess' rainfall, while three received 'excess' showers. Nine subdivisions received normal rainfall today, according to the data. Since Jun 1, the country has received 437.2 mm rainfall, 7% above the normal weighted average of 408.9 mm for the period. The Agricultural Meteorology Division of the IMD has advised farmers in Telangana to postpone sowing of cotton, groundnut, castor, and red gram due to forecasts of heavy rainfall over various parts of the country. The weather department has also asked farmers in Konkan, Madhya Maharashtra and Telangana to defer transplanting of rice. The IMD has forecast heavy-tovery heavy rainfall in some areas of Telangana, coastal Karnataka, and north interior part of Karnataka till Friday. Farmers in Maharashtra have sown various crops on 11.9 mln ha this kharif season, as on Tuesday, according to state government data. The acreage accounted for 84% of the normal acreage of 14.2 mln ha in the state, the data showed. As on Tuesday, acreage under cereals in the state was 1.9 mln ha, compared with the normal of 3.5 mln ha. The area under cereals so far in the current kharif season accounts for 55% of normal. Regions where the acreage under pulses exceeded 50% of the respective normal were Konkan, Nashik, Aurangabad and Amaravati. Acreage under pulses, as on Tuesday, was 1.4 mln ha, 64% of the normal 2.1 mln ha. Regions accounting for more than half of the region-wise normal acreage were Konkan, Nashik, Pune, Aurangabad, Latur, Amaravati and Nagpur. Foodgrains, comprising cereals and pulses, were sown over 3.3 mln ha, 58% of normal acreage of 5.6 mln ha. Konkan, Nashik, Aurangabad, Amaravati and Nagpur accounted for more than half of the normal acreage. The state reported 4.7 mln ha under oilseeds, as of Tuesday, exceeding the normal of 4.4 mln ha. As of Tuesday, Pune, Aurangabad and Latur had exceeded their respective normal acreage, while Konkan, Nashik, Kolhapur, Amaravati and Nagpur had exceeded 50% of the normal. Sown over 4 mln ha, cotton had a share of 96% of the normal. Acreage in Nashik, Pune, Kolhapur, Amaravati and Nagpur exceeded the normal area by Tuesday, whereas Aurangabad and Latur accounted for more than 80% of regional normal. No figure was reported for Konkan. Including sugarcane, the overall sawn acreage in the current kharif season in the state was 12.1 mln ha, 79% of the normal acreage of 15.3 mln ha. The area under cultivation in the state a year ago was 12.7 mln ha without taking into account the area under sugarcane. Inclusive of sugarcane, the area was 13.0 mln ha, the state government data showed.

For all commodities report, click here

Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed by investment experts/broking houses/rating agencies on moneycontrol.com are their own, and not that of the website or its management. Moneycontrol.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.

28072023 - comm
A broad consensus on trade of goods between India and UK especially on the prickly issues of whiskey and automobiles has been achieved during the currently ongoing Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations, sources said on July 28.



However, the countries are yet to iron out their differences on intellectual property rights, rules of origin (RO) as well as the investment treaty, aforementioned source further added.



As per the source, while principal agreements have been made in RO, modalities remain to be finalized... Product specific rules continue to be discussed.



As per the source, both countries are working towards negotiating an FTA which targets GDP, trade and employment growth of both countries.



Also Read: India-UK yet to iron out differences on IPR, rules of origin in FTA talks



While discussions on 14 of the 26 chapters concluded at the last round of negotiations on June 5-9, there are at least five 5 chapters where issues persist, the commerce ministry officials had said. Now, 19 of 26 chapters have been completely closed.



"UK FTA is the most complex FTA India will sign. This is also the most comprehensive FTA India will have with a developed country. It will pave the way for other such agreements," commerce secretary Sunil Barthwal said during the release of trade data on July 14.



Also read: India and UK are working closely on energy security: Shapps



As per the secretary, India is expecting to close the negotiations of this FTA before year-end.



Indias merchandise exports to the UK totalled $10 billion during the April 2022 to February 2023 period, accounting for 2.5 percent of the countrys total exports. Merchandise imports from the UK stood at $8 billion during this period, with a share of 1.3 percent of all imports, data from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry showed. The UK was Indias 15th top trade partner during this period.




A Paris-bound Air India flight returned to the national capital shortly after the take-off on Friday afternoon, following a sighting of suspected tyre debris on the runway after departure. In a statement, the airline said the flight landed safely at Delhi airport at 1418 hours. "Flight AI143 operating Delhi-Paris on 28 July 2023 air-returned shortly after take-off, following the Delhi ATC's information to flight crew about suspected tyre debris sighted on the runway after departure," it said. Sources in the know said the aircraft had apparently suffered a tyre burst and that there were around 208 passengers onboard the plane. Another aircraft carrying the passengers departed for Paris from Delhi airport at around 2047 hours, an airline official said. According to the Flight Radar app, the airplane, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, circled over Charkhi Dadri in Haryana, about 100 km from Delhi, for about 40 minutes before landing safely at the Delhi airport. The airline said the aircraft is undergoing necessary checks, and alternate arrangements are being planned for the passengers of AI143.

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
Environment ministers from G20 nations meeting in India on Friday raced against time to reach a last-minute consensus on the most contentious issues to redress the global climate crisis.



No major breakthrough is expected with delegates from the Group of 20 major economies stuck on climate change adaptation finance, mitigation and peaking emissions by 2025 in hectic negotiations.



The Chennai meeting comes days after the bloc was criticised for failing to agree on a roadmap to cut fossil fuels from the global energy mix.



All present at Friday's conference understood "the severity of the crisis" facing the world, Adnan Amin, chief executive of this year's COP28 climate talks, told AFP.



"But I think there's a kind of political understanding that still needs to be achieved," he added on the sidelines of the meeting.



Any agreements reached in Chennai will be signed by the leaders of G20 nations -- constituting more than 80 percent of global GDP and CO2 emissions -- at a summit in New Delhi this September.



The lack of accord on fossil fuel cuts last week was seen as a blow to mitigation efforts even as climate experts blame record global temperatures for triggering floods, storms and heatwaves.



Some major oil producers -- such as Russia and Saudi Arabia -- were blamed for the lack of progress.



"Given the scale of the triple global crises, climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, we truly have no time left to waste," Steven Guilbeault, Canada's environment and climate change minister, warned in Chennai on Thursday.



Amin said it was clear that questions of "national interests" still had to be resolved before firmer commitments could be made on fossil fuels.



"It's very clear that every country in the world will start by looking at its immediate self-interest," he said.



"As long as that demand is there, that energy source will continue," the COP28 CEO added.



Most delegations were led by their environment and climate change ministers, while the US delegation was headed by Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry.



Also at the talks is Emirati oil boss Sultan Al Jaber, who will lead the upcoming COP28 talks in the United Arab Emirates starting in late November.



He has been heavily criticised for his apparent conflict of interest as head of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, because burning fossil fuels is the main driver of global warming.



- Livelihoods destroyed -



With raging wildfires in Greece and a heatwave in Italy, European Union environment commissioner Virginijus Sinkevicius said that there was "growing evidence on the ground of devastating climate impact" and "the livelihoods of people are being destroyed".



But progress in global negotiations has been slow, with the G20 polarised by Russia's war in Ukraine and sharp divisions on key issues.



Questions on financing the transition and ameliorating its short-term impacts have long been a point of contention between developing and wealthy nations.



Major developing countries like India argue that legacy emitters need to spend more to underwrite global mitigation efforts in poorer nations.



Big energy-producing nations have resisted stronger commitments on emissions cuts over concerns about the impact of drastic mitigation on their economies.
Chip making major Foxconn on July 28 expressed optimism about the direction of India's semiconductor roadmap and asserted that Taiwan is and will be India's most trusted and reliable partner.



Lets do this together, Young Liu, Chairman of Foxconn said at the SemiconIndia 2023 in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.



Building an ecosystem for chips in India is for very brave, he said, adding Where there is a will, there is a way.



Industry players like AMD, Micron, Cadence, Lam and others also attended the annual semiconductor conference with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in attendance.



The Foxconn chairman also praised the determination of the Indian government in this regard and expressed optimism about where the nation is headed in its semiconductor journey.



Taiwan is and will be your most trusted and reliable partner... Lets do this together, he said.



Also read: Semicon India 2023: AMD to invest $400 million over 5 years in Bengaluru, hire 3,000 engineers



Foxconn is the worlds largest contract electronics manufacturer based in Taiwan.



Addressing the gathering at SemiconIndia 2023 in Gandhinagar, PM Modi said that India is laying out a red carpet for the semiconductor industry and that policy reforms are being undertaken at a fast pace to help the sector come up in the country. India is ticking every checkbox of becoming a very good partner to the semiconductor industry. We laying out a red carpet for the semiconductor industry," he said.



Also read: India is laying out a red carpet for the semiconductor industry, says PM Modi



"Semiconductor is like a mother industry. If you have it, you can have many other sectors. Semiconductors today are required from farm tractors to mobile phones, from cars to fridges," Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said at Semicon India 2023.



The Semicon India roadshow comes at a time when India is trying to attract major semiconductor players to set up chip fabrication and assembling plants in the country with a $10 billion subsidy programme.
USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
The Supreme Court on Friday granted bail to activists Vernon Gonsalves and Arun Ferreira in the Elgar Parishad-Maoist links case, noting that they have been in custody for five years. A bench of Justices Aniruddha Bose and Sudhanshu Dhulia said Gonsalves and Ferreira shall not leave Maharashtra and surrender their passports to the police. It also directed the two activists to use one mobile each and let the National Investigation Agency (NIA), which is probing the case, know their addresses. The activists had moved the top court against a Bombay High Court order rejecting their bail pleas. The case pertains to the Elgar Parishad conclave held in Pune on December 31, 2017, which according to the Pune police was funded by Maoists. The inflammatory speeches made there led to violence at the Koregaon-Bhima war memorial in Pune the next day, police had alleged.

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
The replacement of Qin Gang as minister was not the only change that took place in Chinas ministry of foreign affairs this week. The appointment of a new minister is like a routine cabinet reshuffle, which happens in every country from time to time. Inevitably, interpretations of such changes by pundits follow. China has been no exception. But some of the other changes in the Chinese foreign ministry have been bizarre, yet unnoticed in the worldwide excitement over bringing back Silver Fox Wang Yi as foreign minister on July 25. Wang is so nicknamed because of his silver hair and wily talents.

The ministry now emphasises the sex and ethnicity of its spokespersons. Mao Ning, the most articulate of the three public faces of Chinas global engagement, is now described in her brief biography as female, Han ethnicity. It is like officially describing KC Singh, who was spokesman of the ministry of external affairs (MEA) at the time of the Pokhran II nuclear tests as Sikh. Or formally notifying that Navtej Sarna, who was the longest-serving MEA Spokesman, is a Punjabi. Wang Wenbin, the older and less opaque face of his ministry is described as born in April 1971. Graduated with a masters degree in economics. Member of the CPC. The acronym stands for the Communist Party of China. Imagine the MEA publicly declaring upon the appointment of civil servant Raveesh Kumar, who was the ministrys spokesman during three years of the Narendra Modi government, as a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party. Hypothetically speaking, since Kumar is not a BJP member by any public reckoning.

It's Not Official, Yet

Equally bizarre is that Chinas foreign ministry, till the time this is published, has not recognised the appointment of Wang as the new foreign minister. His predecessor Qins removal from the post, however, has been acknowledged. On the ministrys official website, the ministers job is not even shown as vacant. It says the position is updating. Such a situation is unprecedented since the internet was invented, although China has had six foreign ministers in the new millennium. It is reminiscent of the chaotic years of the Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution in the decade that spanned the mid-1960s to the mid-1970s when decisions of the state were pasted on public walls of Beijings streets and often contradicted one another in quick succession.

These suggest a bigger turmoil in Chinas foreign affairs than what missing names or weird official biographies convey. It is a cause for worry at a time when China and the United States of America are attempting to reset their troubled relations, and when Chinas increased activism over the situation in Ukraine in recent weeks can impact the world. It is a cause for worry for India too, with an unstable border and confusing signals from both capitals about bilateral investments.

It is virtually certain that when Wang met national security adviser Ajit Doval in Johannesburg on July 24, he knew that he would take up charge as foreign minister within 24 hours, in addition to his continuing responsibilities as Politburo member and director of the CPC Central Committees Foreign Affairs Commission. His is now the last word on his countrys foreign policy: President Xi Jinping is known to trust Wangs judgement over the long years that he has held several top foreign affairs positions in Chinas state and party apparatus. Chinese reportage of Wangs meeting with Doval has been more exhaustive than Indian coverage. India is willing to work with China in a spirit of mutual understanding and mutual respect to find a fundamental solution to the border issues and improve their bilateral relations in a timely manner, so as to make positive contributions to world peace and prosperity, the Chinese side quoted Doval as having told Wang. It typifies a traditional Confucian approach: Confucius said in one of his memorable quotes that it does not matter how slowly you go so long as you do not stop. This is in line with what Wang told his interlocutors when he visited India in March last year as foreign minister.

According to an Indian official statement on the Johannesburg meeting, bridging the trust deficit between both sides is very important. The Indian National Security Advisor conveyed 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. NSA emphasised the importance of continuing efforts to restore peace and tranquility in the border areas.

Salacious Stories

Meanwhile, Washingtons Beltway rumour mill has been working overtime with salacious stories about the reasons for Qins ouster. Some of the stories  with even photos in circulation, but beyond verification  relate to the time he was Ambassador in Washington on an unusually short tenure of just over two years. Recently, Chinas foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning was asked about an alleged extra-marital affair by Qin during his Washington tenure. Mao denied any knowledge of such a scandal with a characteristically bland expression.

Taking all factors into account, Wangs assumption of the foreign ministers job is likely to be a stopgap arrangement. His two high-level CPC jobs give him veto power over decisions made by Chinas foreign ministry in any case. That being the case, what Beijing needs is a successor to Qin for a largely ceremonial role of receiving foreign counterparts or acting as a messenger or postman to President Xi. China has eight designated Principal Officials in the foreign ministry who could be groomed in the coming months to become foreign minister. Wang and Xi are likely to test their mettle to see who among them could be the permanent successor to the ousted minister.

KP Nayar has extensively covered West Asia and reported from Washington as a foreign correspondent for 15 years. Views are personal, and do not represent the stand of this publication.
Dear Reader,



The Panorama newsletter is sent to Moneycontrol Pro subscribers on market days. It offers easy access to stories published on Moneycontrol Pro and gives a little extra by setting out a context or an event or trend that investors should keep track of.

Last week we wrote why Indias banks resemble Barbies. A strong and shiny garb of capital has spruced up balance sheets amid decadal low delinquencies. Banks, even the worst of them, are all dressed up to party in the loan market and the celebrations have already begun.

Who wouldnt want to be a Ken to these Barbies?

Enter Mahindra & Mahindra, the automobile giant that sells tractors with the same gusto as it does its newest SUV Thar. The company picked up a 3.5 percent minority stake in RBL Bank with a promise of buying more if the regulator allows. This has left several analysts scratching their heads. Why is M&M enamoured by a bank just when the automaker is shedding non-core and loss-making bets it had made earlier?

Remember, M&M already has a foot inside the loan market with its non-bank finance company Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services. The NBFC has had a rough time, but is emerging stronger with a promise to scale up the business and take it further beyond its parents backyard.

The easy and logical explanation is that Indias conglomerates have always wanted an entry to the banking space, but have faced an immovable regulator on the other side. That hasnt changed because for M&M to even take a back-entry labelled as a strategic investment, it requires the blessings of the Reserve Bank of India. But a banking licence is less attractive than it was before as the regulatory landscape of both banks and non-banks is similar now. NBFCs dont have carte blanche in lending even though they are not as fiduciary as banks, and banks are not regulated to death either.

But why RBL Bank?

The lender has come a long way to become a growing pan-India private sector bank with over 500 branches. In this journey, it has had quite a few bumps and bruises. In FY22, the banks chief Vishwavir Ahuja unexpectedly left, and the regulator appointed a director on the board. Amid a cacophony of concerns over the banks loan book, a veteran distress assets specialist R Subramaniakumar took charge which only fuelled the worries. As of Q1 of the current financial year, RBL Bank reported a neat 43 percent increase in its net profit and a 21 percent loan book growth. Subramaniakumar has put to rest all speculations about the banks health.

This brings us to the likely motivation behind M&Ms stake purchase.

Note that lending as a business gives the best rewards at scale. The loan market currently is also the most crowded one, but it still gives the best bang for the buck. The co-lending model, floated by the regulator, is a quick way for banks and NBFCs to build scale and most lenders are eager to enter a handshake deal.

M&Ms home-grown Mahindra Finance needs to scale up and so does RBL Bank. A co-lending pact would work for them, but does not necessarily need a common investor. With the stake buy, M&M not only gets to invest in future high returns due to scale, but it also gets a slice of profits immediately from both businesses.

That should suffice for the conglomerate until the regulator eases its stance over industrial houses entering banking. If that day never comes, the consolation prize is investing in a bank with a clean balance sheet at a time when lending has never looked better. For now, the regulator wants M&M to be just Ken.

Investing insights from our research team



Weekly Tactical Pick: Contra call on this chemical pick

Indian Hotels Company: Strong results; to consolidate leadership position in industry



Dr Reddys: US business momentum cannot be extrapolated



Nestle India: Consistent performance across the board



Shriram Finance: Profit surge on lower provision and operating costs



Tata Consumer Products: Food business to drive growth in the longer term



Amber Enterprises Q1: A temporary pause in an otherwise strong growth story



Tracker



Monsoon Watch 2023 | Rains progressing well; rural demand should emerge with a lag



What else are we reading?



The rebranding of Vistara and Twitter defies understanding



The Feds stance poses risks for an overheated stock market



ITC's Hotels Demerger: Has the air cleared after the analyst call?



Chart of the Day: CASA deposits to make banks sweat



The mantra to boost exports  globalise to localise



Is Indian agriculture ready for robotics and AI?



GuruSpeak | Manoj Mishra - How a telecom executive quit his high-profile job to trade options



Personal Finance | Is there one best equity investment product?



Emerging market bonds: Peers show Powell better turn of speed (republished from the FT)

Climate change impact on jobs and livelihoods in India needs careful study

More reforms are needed to attract serious investment in oil & gas



Europe has a plan to avert a sovereign-debt crisis



What happened to all those Chinese tourists?



Secretive chatbot developers are making a big mistake



Markets



Dr Reddys Q1: Just an overdose of Revlimid, not much growth ahead, say brokerages



Technical Picks: Granules, Manappuram Finance, Indian Oil Corporation, HAL and Gold mini (These are published every trading day before markets open and can be read on the app).



Aparna Iyer

Moneycontrol Pro
Despite offering an attractive policy environment under the New Exploration and Licensing Policy (NELP) and the Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy (HELP), also known as the Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP), exploration and production (E&P) of oil and gas hasnt picked up on the required scale. A major bottleneck has been regulatory hurdles which the government is now trying to address.

Three important measures have been implemented by the Union government in recent times to remove regulatory and procedural hurdles faced by E&P companies. One, 0.67 million sq km sedimentary basin lying offshore, which was declared no go due to security reasons has been released. This will give a boost to E&P activity. Two, contractors are to be granted E&P rights over the entire economic life of the allotted fields instead of the current system of allowing extensions. This will enthuse global firms to undertake long-term investment commitments. Three, pre-approved clearance of blocks and self-certification of documents will be permitted, which will substantially cut the time lost in taking approvals.

Hydrocarbon exploration is a highly capital-intensive and technology-intensive business and is risk-prone especially when it comes to drilling in deep/ultra-deep and high-pressure/high-temperature (D/UD/HP/HT) fields in offshore areas such as the Krishna-Godavari (KG) basin, off the coast of Andhra Pradesh. However, these areas offer maximum promise in terms of reserves.

Two decades of efforts by the government to woo investors have yielded little results. For instance, the production sharing contracts under NELP allow operators to fully recover the cost incurred in exploration and development of the field before they start sharing profits with the Union government. Yet, global giants such as ExxonMobil, Chevron and Total did not come.

Cumbersome procedures, multiple approvals and bureaucratic red tape discourage investors. Approvals were needed at every stage starting from the preparation of field development plans, drilling wells, conducting tests to determine the commercial viability of the field, laying the pipeline and reviewing production. Besides, operators were not allowed to pick a block of their choice. They also have to contend with government control over price as well as the marketing of the produce.

As a result, domestic gas production declined from a high of about 52 billion cubic metres (bcm) in 2010-11 to 28.6 bcm in 2020-21 before improving to 34 bcm in 2021-22. Crude oil production has declined steadily from 35.9 million tonnes (MT) in 2014-15 to 29.7 MT in 2021-22.

Impediments Removed

The HELP/OALP, launched in 2017, attempted to address some of these impediments faced by E&P companies. Since the operator shares an agreed percentage of the revenue with the government under this policy, a lot of bureaucratic intervention and resulting delays are avoided. Besides, operators were allowed to pick up a block of their choice, as also the freedom of pricing and marketing. The efficacy of HELP/OALP is yet to be tested, given the long gestation period inherent in E&P projects. Meanwhile, the recent steps taken by the government will expedite things.

Of Indias 3.4 million sq km sedimentary basin area that could be searched for hydrocarbon resources, 1.73 million sq km lies offshore. Out of this, 40 percent or 0.69 sq km lies in the prohibited zone. With the no go area reduced to a mere one percent, 0.67 million sq km will be available for exploration. The government has also moved the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, which says that seismic surveys wont be treated as a non-forest activity. This implies that explorers would be granted prompt access to forest areas, thereby saving the time spent on seeking permits. A seismic survey is done in the initial stage to determine evidence of economically viable hydrocarbon resources below the ground.

The short tenure of lease rights, though extendable by 10 years for gas/oil & gas fields and by five years of oil fields, deterred operators from undertaking long-term investment commitment. Granting rights over the entire economic life of the field will give a big push. For cutting bureaucratic red tape, the government identified 22 processes for which self-certification of documents by contractors is accepted. They have also got the freedom to carve out operational areas from within the blocks. The government is also keen to opt for globally recognised and accepted dispute resolution mechanisms and play-based exploration.

While many hurdles have been removed, more than a dozen processes and approvals are still needed. Unshackling marketing and pricing will enable operators from the pre-HELP era to optimise supplies.

Uttam Gupta is a policy analyst. Views are personal, and do not represent the stand of this publication.
Sam Altmans imprimatur has given a new lease of life to cryptocurrency Worldcoin, whose orb-shaped iris scanners  key to verifying individuals who can then claim free tokens  are now being pitched as humanitys future ID system in a world dominated by artificial intelligence. The hype has certainly been very human: After launching this week, the digital money more than doubled in value before falling as much as 90 percent.



So far, so crypto. Clearly, therell always be some kind of market for speculative tokens lacking intrinsic value. But Worldcoin does have something worth taking a closer look at: Those orbs, and the apparent willingness of 2 million people and counting to scan their irises in return for well, what exactly? In a world where our data is regularly hoovered up by web browsers, social-media networks and smartphone apps, why would people willingly hand sensitive biometrics to Worldcoin and its opaque foundation, based in the regulation-lite Cayman Islands, especially after reports of hacks and fraud?



I decided to take a look for myself and booked an appointment with a newly-arrived Worldcoin orb in Pariss Latin Quarter, where 1960s students once rebelled against the established order. Today, theyre more likely to relish the chance to work on an AI project like this one. When I step into the hipster-ish cafe where the tell-tale chrome orb is busy scanning one of its first customers on Thursday, Im greeted by a Worldcoin operator called Paul, a graduate audio engineer, whos doing this as a summer job after finishing his studies.



As Paul runs through the familiar pitch of Worldcoins end goal of proving personhood by scanning 8 billion peoples eyes, in turn generating unique identifiers and using that database to verify access to anything from financial services to universal basic income, I note the company logo on his T-shirt  a picture of the world combined with the Greek letter epsilon and a circle. It all feels like a bad episode of Star Trek: A utopian vision intended to escape a future of AI machines, but with its own gloomy unintended consequences. Why should we trust this company to manage such a global digital turnstile? How easy will it be for others to enrich this ID with more of my personal data? And arent Worldcoins early backers  including the likes of Sam Bankman-Fried and Three Arrows Capital  best placed to cash out first whatever happens?



Unlike Worldcoins first field tests in countries such as Indonesia, which prompted accounts of exploitation and invasion of privacy, I have a hard time believing many French people would willingly peer into a chrome-shaped orb for a few tokens, at least not without asking some tough questions about reports of a black market for those ID codes in territories such as China. After all, this is Western Europe, the land of the GDPR, where people take privacy seriously and where tech regulation comes before tech innovation.



Im wrong, it turns out, as a steady line of willing eyeballs mostly belonging to trendy-looking men forms. Theres little chit-chat  the aim is to claim ones free Worldcoin, and data privacy seems less urgent. One bewildered-looking middle-aged man who finishes his scan asks: Do I have to pay? Seeing his relief at the answer, I point out: But you already did pay. You gave your iris scan. I am quickly corrected by Paul, who tells me that the orb deletes the scan  instead, whats transmitted is a unique ID code that proves its owner is a human, but nothing more.



That may be true, but it shows to what extent consent becomes a fuzzy concept when handing over sensitive data, even if it cant be traced back to its original owner. Do I really know how my unique ID, based on my biometrics, will be used in the future, or potentially cross-pollinated with other data? Hence why the UKs data regulator is taking a closer look  it told Bloomberg News that users need to be able to withdraw their consent without detriment  and why other European regulators will, too.



Its finally my turn to volunteer my eyeball to Worldcoin  something I probably wouldnt do without writing this column in mind. The process takes seconds rather than minutes: The app generates a QR code, the orb scans it, and then I look into its eye for a few seconds. I cant hear it speak above the hubbub of the cafe, but Im assured that a soothing female voice is guiding me through the whole thing. The Worldcoin vision for the future is of orbs manufactured everywhere, bringing in ID revenue  again, the kind of dystopian sci-fi concept that Parisian students might once have equated with social order and discipline. Today, techs panopticon is greeted as data-driven, utilitarian  and of course potentially profitable. One can imagine what the reaction would be if the government tried to roll out its own all-seeing orbs, though.



As I leave, I ask another happy customer, a 37-year-old developer called Jonathan, holding a futuristic-looking monocycle, why he got his iris scanned. He tells me hes interested in the project, the aim of verifying human-ness, and in Altmans vision. But when I ask him whether he would have done this without free crypto, he admits hes been looking at the price since launch. Its starting to look expensive, he says, and usually its not a good idea to buy when theres buzz. Getting something for nothing, though, was evidently worth a closer look  as long as you turn a blind eye to the cost of giving up more of your personal data.



Lionel Laurent is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering digital currencies, the European Union and France. Views are personal and do not represent the stand of this publication.



Credit: Bloomberg
Tired of seeing their hard work pilfered by the tech sectors artificial intelligence giants, the creative industry is starting to fight back. While on the surface its argument is about the principle of copyright, what the clash reveals is just how little we know about the data behind breakthrough tech like ChatGPT. The lack of transparency is getting worse, and it stands in the way of creatives being fairly paid and, ultimately, of AI being safe.



A trickle of legal challenges against AI companies could soon become a downpour. Media conglomerate IAC is reported to be teaming up with large publishers including the New York Times in a lawsuit alleging the improper use of their content to build AI-powered chatbots.



One reading of this is that publishers are running scared. The threat AI poses to their businesses is obvious: People who might have once read a newspapers restaurant reviews may now choose to ask an AI chatbot where to go to dinner, and so on.



But the bigger factor is that publishers are beginning to understand their value in the age of AI, albeit somewhat after the horse has bolted. AI models are only as good as the data put in them. Text and images produced by leading media organisations in theory should be of high quality and help AI tools like ChatGPT generate better results. If AI companies want to use great articles and photography, created by real people, they should be paying for the privilege. So far, for the most part, they havent been.



Forcing them to change is going to prove difficult, thanks to some willful acts of obfuscation. As AI has grown more sophisticated, transparency has taken a back seat. In a distinct departure from the early days of machine-learning research, when teams of computer scientists, such as the Transformer 8, went into intricate detail over the training data, leading AI developers are now using vague language about their sources.



OpenAIs GPT-4 is trained using publicly available data [such as internet data] as well as data weve licensed, the company explained in its release notes for the model, revealing little else. Metas equivalent, the newly released Llama 2, was similarly vague. The company said it had been trained on a new mix of data from publicly available sources.



Contrast that with what Meta said in February when it unveiled the first version of Llama. Then, it broke down in a spreadsheet the various sources that had been used: 4.5 percent of the dataset, for example, consisted of 83 gigabytes-worth of Wikipedia articles, in 20 languages, scraped between June and August 2022.



Those old disclosures were enough to provoke two recent class action lawsuits fronted by comedian Sarah Silverman and two other authors. They argue that even those vague early descriptions from OpenAI and Meta about sources raised the likelihood the companies used the writers books without permission.



But it isnt an exact science: Getting to the bottom of where training data for AI comes from is like unstacking a Russian nesting doll. By the time data is picked up by a company like OpenAI, it may have been gathered and processed by any number of smaller groups. Accountability becomes a lot more difficult.



In the search for common sense regulation on AI, insisting on transparency seems like a straightforward place to start. Only by understanding what is in datasets can we begin to tackle the next step of limiting the potential harm of the technology. Knowing more about the data reveals not only the owners of that content but also any inherent flaws within, allowing outsiders to examine for bias or blind spots.



Plus, only by supporting the economy that creates content can more of it be sustainably made. The risk of inbreeding  where AI-generated text ends up training future models  could exacerbate quality control issues within large language models. If they bankrupt the creative industry, theyll end up bankrupting themselves, said Matthew Butterick, one of the attorneys behind the Silverman effort.



At a White House meeting last week, seven of the largest AI companies

agreed to voluntary measures around safety, security and trust. Included were smart suggestions on pre-release testing, cybersecurity and disclosures to the end user on when something has been made by AI.



All good ideas. But whats urgently needed are laws requiring standardised disclosures on what data sources have been used to train large language models. Otherwise, the pledges to avoid the same mistakes made with social media, when black box algorithms caused great societal damage, ring hollow. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is preparing sweeping regulations with a promise to take into consideration how to protect copyright and intellectual property. The European Unions proposed AI Act could set a standard by forcing disclosure when copyrighted material is used. The US Federal Trade Commission, in a letter to OpenAI this month, demanded more information on all sources of data for GPT. Well see what that turns up.



In the meantime, content licensing agreements, such as the one recently entered into by the Associated Press and OpenAI, seem like a step in the right direction, though with the terms undisclosed its hard to know who benefits the most.



Unlike the all-smiles agreement by the AI companies on the White House voluntary measures  which should be reason enough to be suspicious of them  tougher data disclosure requirements wont come without heavy resistance from Silicon Valley. Content creators and the tech titans are headed for a cultural collision. OpenAI Chief Executive Officer Sam Altman gave a recent taste, writing on Twitter: Everything creative is a remix of things that happened in the past.



Expect this to become both the moral justification for scraping content at will, but also the legal foundation. Tech companies argue that such use of data can be covered under fair use, the legal doctrine that has long allowed for building on copyrighted works as an inspiration, subject to some stipulations over its intended use.



Its becoming clear that protections designed to help creatives are at risk of being weaponised as a justification for not paying them; for not even telling

them their work has been taken at all. Were just starting to see this defense tested in court. It can only be a fair trial if AI companies are forced to be honest about how their technology really works.



Dave Lee is Bloomberg Opinion's US technology columnist. Views are personal and do not represent the stand of this publication.



Credit: Bloomberg
Before COVID, Malaysias luxury mall beneath Kuala Lumpurs iconic Petronas Towers echoed with the sound of Chinese tourists and their dialects. But recently, during a busy dinner hour, they were missing. Din, the malls outlet of famous Taiwanese chain Din Tai Fung, a favorite of Chinese tourists, was half-full with local Malaysians and Middle Eastern customers. When I asked a cashier whether they had served many Chinese lately, she shook her head with a tight smile.



Thats a problem.



China was once the worlds most plentiful source of international tourists, and Southeast Asia was among their top destinations. The buildup happened quickly. In the 2000s, affluence, a growing surplus of leisure time and a relaxation of government travel restrictions made tourism available to Chinas rapidly expanding middle class. From 2009 to 2019, the number of travelers grew from 47.7 million to 154.63 million.



These new tourists spent handsomely. In 2019, Chinese accounted for one-fifth, or $255 billion, of international tourism spending. The effect on Southeast Asia was immense. Tourist receipts accounted for 5.7 percent of Malaysias gross domestic product in 2019, and Chinese tourists accounted for 17.8 percent of that revenue. Similarly, 11.4 percent of Thailands GDP was generated by tourism, with a whopping 28.1 percent accounted for by Chinese spending.



COVID interrupted the trend, but many governments and businesses believed it would be temporary. That turned out to be false. In 2021, Chinese tourists fell below 2000 levels to 8.5 million globally; in Southeast Asia, the arrivals dropped to negligible levels. For example, Chinese arrivals to Malaysia dropped to 7,701 for all of 2021, down from 3.1 million in 2019. In Thailand, there were 13,043 Chinese arrivals in 2021, a catastrophic drop from the 11 million who visited in 2019. The recovery, so far, has been disappointing. Chinese bookings of summer tours this year are at 30 percent of their pre-pandemic levels in Malaysia and 10 percent in Thailand.



Will the tourists ever return? Southeast Asia could be waiting a long time.



There are several problems. Flight capacity  especially between China and Southeast Asia  hasnt returned to 2019 levels, and Chinas economic downturn is making the countrys consumers cautious. Both problems will reverse eventually, but Southeast Asias travel sector shouldnt count on a return to the booming 2010s when they do.



Long term, deep structural issues exist. First, younger Chinese are no longer interested in the group travel experiences that long dominated Chinese holidays, which their parents took overseas. A recent survey of 2,000 likely Chinese travelers found that 76 percent were seeking fewer people and fewer itineraries driven by online posts. Rather, todays Chinese travelers are seeking niche experiences that provide access to unique cultural attractions. Phukets crowded beaches and chains like Din Tai Fung dont qualify.



Second, Chinese are spending more money at home, especially on luxury goods. In 2019, Chinese accounted for 35 percent of the global luxury market, yet just 11 percent of their purchases were made in China thanks to high taxes at home. Luxury boutiques and duty-free shops in places like Bangkok, Phuket and Kuala Lumpur were the beneficiaries. But thanks to a government effort to open duty-free shops at home, luxury sales are expanding quickly in China and could account for nearly 90 percent of Asia-Pacifics duty-free sales in a few years.



Finally, theres the ever-present risk of politically motivated interruptions. For example, in 2017 China banned Chinese tour groups from visiting South Korea in retaliation for the deployment of a US-built missile defense system, causing billions of dollars in losses to South Korean business. Southeast Asia has yet to experience a tourist trade retaliation, but as tensions over the South China Sea grow, tourism-dependent countries must be prepared to be squeezed.



Its time for Southeast Asia to expand the welcome mat.



Destinations across the region cultivated growth by customising hotels and other travel experiences for Chinese tourists, expanding air routes, easing visas and developing marketing relationships in China.



In the short term, its impossible for Southeast Asian countries to make up for Chinas missing tourists. But in the long term, countries should expand tourist marketing and outreach to other countries with expanding middle classes. India is a good place to start. Like China in the 1990s, its home to an increasingly affluent population with a bug to travel and a growing airline industry. Earlier this year, the Asian Development Bank argued that India could emerge as the next China in terms of outbound tourism. It has a point. In May, Indian tourists outnumbered Chinese in Singapore, and numbers are surging in other parts of the region.



Cultivating the Indian tourist market will require taking many of the same steps that Thailand, Malaysia and other countries have long taken with China: ease visa policies, expand air links and assist hotels, restaurants and attractions in customising their offerings for Indian arrival. India wont soon make up for the decline in China tourists. But by diversifying its tourist marketing, Southeast Asia sets itself up for a more sustainable tourism industry. For years, the region rushed out the welcome mat for China. India and other countries should receive an invitation, too.



Adam Minter is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering Asia, technology and the environment. Views are personal and do not represent the stand of this publication.



Credit: Bloomberg
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday alleged that the BJP in its "greed for power" is playing with "women's respect" as well as the self-respect of the country. In a Facebook post, Gandhi shared a video montage built with media reports about incidents of sexual assault to attack the central government. The video referred to such incidents as the sexual assault on two women who were stripped and paraded by a mob in Manipur, alleged sexual harassment of women wrestlers by outgoing WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, alleged killing of a woman in Uttarakhand in which the son of a BJP leader was accused, and the release of the convicts in the Bilkis Bano gangrape case. "A country which does not respect its women can never progress. In the greed for power, the BJP is playing with both the respect of women as well as the self-respect of the country," the former Congress president said in his post in Hindi. Gandhi's remarks come amid the opposition's continued attack on the government over its handling of the situation in violence-hit Manipur, where two women were stripped and paraded naked by a mob. The video of the May 4 incident, which only surfaced earlier this month, sparked nationwide outrage and has since become a polarising political fault line between the ruling BJP and the opposition bloc INDIA.

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
The delegation of INDIA bloc MPs which will visit Manipur over the weekend will assess the ground situation first-hand and then make recommendations to the government and Parliament for a solution to the problems in the violence-hit state, opposition leaders said on Friday.



Ahead of the visit, Congress deputy leader in Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi called for an inquiry under a retired Supreme Court judge into the violence in Manipur.



The delegation is likely to include Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury and Gaurav Gogoi of the Congress, TMCs Sushmita Dev, JMMs Mahua Maji, DMKs Kanimozhi, NCPs Vandana Chavan, Jayant Chaudhary of RLD, Manoj Kumar Jha of RJD, N K Premachandran of RSP and T Thirumavalavan of the VCK.



Gogoi said, "The BJP wants to give the picture that everything is fine in Manipur but it is not so with violence continuing. That is why we want that an inquiry should be conducted under a retired Supreme Court judge as to how did the state government fail, how did people got access to weapons in this quantity, what was the administration doing. The chief minister (N Biren Singh) himself admits that there are more than 100 FIRs. "Why was the administration sleeping for two months? There should be an inquiry under a retired Supreme Court judge and all INDIA (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance) MPs will go to Manipur and find out the truth and will put forward that truth before Parliament, he told PTI outside Parliament.



Trinamool Congress Dev said the opposition delegation wants to give the message that "we are with the people of Manipur. "We are concerned, we want peace to returnthe government has failed, so we want to go there and see what solution can be found, she said.



Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam leader T R Baalu said the opposition delegation will be leaving for Manipur Saturday morning and will find out what went wrong, the extent of damage and loss of lives and property. Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP) leader Premchandran said the intent of the visit is to have first-hand information about the happenings in the state.



"The violence is still going on so we would like to have first-hand information and suggest some solutions and recommendations to the government and Parliament before the discussion comes there, he said. "We would like to visit the relief camps regarding rehabilitation of the victims. What is the real cause of the violence, we want to find out, he added.



The opposition bloc had been demanding that a delegation of their leaders be allowed to visit the state but till now they had been denied permission in view of the situation there. The opposition has been demanding a statement from the prime minister in Parliament on the situation in ethnic strife-torn Manipur followed by a full-fledged discussion on it. The northeastern state of Manipur has been engulfed in ethnic violence since May 3, in which more than 160 people have lost their lives.
An AIX Connect (formerly AirAsia) flight took off from the Bengaluru airport on Thursday without waiting for the Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot. The protocol officers of the Governor have lodged a complaint at the airport police station, a police officer requesting anonymity told news agency PTI.



Governor Gehlot was to take a flight to Hyderabad on Thursday from Terminal-2 of the Bengaluru airport. He was then planning to travel to Raichur by road to attend a convocation.



Gehlot was delayed in reaching the terminal, PTI quoted sources as saying. His luggage, however, was loaded into the plane as soon as it arrived.



By the time he could reach from the VIP lounge to take the flight, the plane took off for Hyderabad, sources said.



The Governor was not late and there was still five minutes for the take-off. The ATC and the flight attendants could have permitted the Governor to enter the flight. It is a violation of protocol. A letter has been written seeking legal action. This is the first time a Governor has not been allowed to board a flight after being on time, the Indian Express quoted sources as saying.



He took another flight to Hyderabad 90 minutes later.



We sincerely regret the incident. An investigation is being conducted and appropriate action will be taken. The senior leadership team of the airline is in contact with the Governor's Office to address the concerns. Our commitment to the highest standards of professionalism and adherence to protocol remains unwavering, and we deeply value our relationship with the Governor's Office," an AIX Connect spokesperson said in a statement.



Thaawarchand Gehlot was appointed as the Governor of Karnataka in 2021. Governor Gehlot, a former Rajya Sabha member, served as cabinet minister of Social Justice and Empowerment in Prime Minister Narendra Modis government before being sent to Karntaka.



(With inputs from PTI)
Life is incomplete without some setbacks. You just need people that still motivate you through it all. And for a dejected mathematician whose research paper was rejected by an American Mathematics Journal, it was Anand Mahindra who came to his rescue.



So, Srinivasa Raghava was looking for a morale boost after his research paper on the Riemann Hypothesis got rejected by an American Mathematics Journal. Raghava, who describes himself as a coder, science writer and aspiring data scientist in his Twitter bio, had dedicated six years towards his work. He turned to Twitter to look for some motivation.



I'm feeling deeply disheartened as my research paper on the Riemann Hypothesis has been rejected yet again by an American mathematics journal. Despite numerous revisions and resubmissions over the years, I'm at a loss as to why it keeps getting turned down. I've dedicated six years of my life to this work, and this recurring rejection is truly disappointing. Right now, I'm in desperate need of a morale boost, Raghava wrote in a post that went viral.



I'm feeling deeply disheartened as my research paper on the Riemann Hypothesis has been rejected yet again by an American mathematics journal. Despite numerous revisions and resubmissions over the years, I'm at a loss as to why it keeps getting turned down. I've dedicated six

 July 12, 2023





The Mahindra Group Chairman was there among the several people who urged Raghava to move forward. Resharing his tweet, the industrialist wrote, "Keep at it. You will get there. Rejections are opportunities to renew your resolve. Were cheering for you.





Keep at it. You will get there. Rejections are opportunities to renew your resolve Were cheering for you https://t.co/SmJMZouGmS



 anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) July 26, 2023









Social media users were also quick to console Raghava and encouraged him to move on from the same in the comments section.



Don't get disheartened. I'm sure it's a matter of time, a user wrote.



Another user commented, Did you enjoy doing the research paper? If yes, you have lost absolutely nothing, only gained.



Rejection is more valuable than inaction. All that I have learned until now has been because of rejections. Inaction didn't teach me a thing. Rejection teaches you about where you stand, a third user remarked.
Autorickshaws, in recent times, have carried different messages at the back which have varied from interesting to strange. One of the messages that was seen recently and would fall into the latter category spoke about the importance of money and people in life. A Twitter user recently shared a photo of a message posted at the back of an autorickshaw which read, "Money is a doesnt matter but person is a matter." There was no clarity as to in which city the auto was seen in. Solid, Liquid, Gas is also the matter pic.twitter.com/k48yhCxGqI  Anu (@Escapeplace__) July 27, 2023 The tweet saw many responses and a large number of users were left confused and some were left in splits. "Plasma particles is also a matter. Matter is anything occupies space," one user wrote. "Anything which occupies space and have mass is also a matter," another user wrote. "I want to ruin this sentence further," a third user wrote. In recent times, messages behind autorickshaws have led to strong debates on social media. A photo on an autorickshaw in Karnataka carried a message, which asked those living in the state to learn the local language- Kannada- if they intended to live in the state. "U are in Karnataka, learn (Kannada). Dont show attitude U f***r. U come to beg here," the message read. The messages caused a lot of outrage on social media, with many questioning the words and the need to learn the local language. Also read: CEO says he paid Rs 100 for 500 metre auto ride in Bengaluru: 'In Mumbai it's the fare for 9 km'

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
Justice Tara Vitasta Ganju of Delhi High Court on July 28, ordered status quo with respect aircrafts leased to grounded airline Go First by lessor SMBC Aviation Capital.



The status quo is with respect to handling and carrying out non-revenue activities on the aircraft.



The order was passed in an application filed by SMBC alleging that Go First violated the previous order of Delhi High Court as it had 'handled' the aircraft against explicit directions of the court. Appearing for SMBC, senior advocate Rajiv Nayyar sought for an order of status quo. He argued that the airline conducted test flights with



Appearing for Go First's Resolution Professional (RP) senior advocate Ramju Srinivasan argued that the airline was merely carrying maintenance work to check the airworthiness and not operate them. Srinivasan also sought for time to file a response to SMBC's application.



However, the court sought for more clarification on how 'handling' could be considered. The high court while permitting the RP to file a response, noted that SMBC had made a case for ordering a status quo and thus passed the order.



On July 26, the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) refused to restrain Go First from using leased aircraft for its operations, noting that those aircraft are essential to keep Go First as a going concern company. However, this order as passed in respect to seven lessors who had not moved the Delhi High Court.



On July 12, a two judge bench of the Delhi High Court refused to entertain an appeal by Go First's Resolution Professional (RP) challenging a previous order that had allowed lessors to conduct inspections of 30 aircraft and their parts at regular intervals. The court upheld the decision, granting permission to the lessors to carry out inspections regularly.



The court, however, permitted Go First to continue maintaining the aircraft.



On July 5, a single-judge bench of the Delhi High Court granted permission to the lessors to inspect and perform maintenance work on their 30 leased aircraft and their parts twice a month. The order also prohibited Go First's resolution professionals and employees from removing, replacing, or taking out any part or component of the leased aircraft without the explicit permission of the lessors.



Order upheld



The aircraft lessors, including Pembroke Aviation, Accipiter Investments Aircraft 2 Ltd, EOS Aviation and SMBC Aviation, filed a writ with the Delhi High Court seeking instructions to release the planes leased to Go First, which is currently facing financial distress.



On May 22, the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) upheld the National Company Law Tribunal's (NCLT) order to admit Go First's plea for insolvency.



On May 10, the principal bench of the NCLT in Delhi accepted Go First's voluntary plea to initiate an insolvency resolution process. As a result, the tribunal appointed an Insolvency Resolution Professional (IRP), suspended the board and imposed a moratorium on the airline's financial obligations.




Jalan Kalrock Consortium (JKC) told the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) on July 28 that the Committee of Creditors (CoC) is not permitting them to commence operations even though they had obtained all the requisite permissions from the government.



JKC argued that it had obtained the Air Operator's Certificate (AoC) for one year from 2022-23, however, since the CoC objected to the transfer of ownership at every stage, they could not commence operations.



Senior Advocate Krishnendu Dutta, who appeared for the consortium, told the appellate tribunal that the slots it had obtained will be given to others if the airline does not commence operations at the earliest.



JKC told the court that it had been "left in a zone of uncertainty now" since DGCA is pursuing litigation against them at various forums. The CoC is taking contrary stands in every forum and the NCLAT should conclusively decide on their ownership, the consortium said.



Appearing for the CoC, ASG Venkatraman argued that the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) had permitted JKC to assume ownership of Jet Airways based on various condition precedents. However, the consortium has failed to fulfil any of them.



The ASG told the court that the consortium is neither pumping the requisite cash nor commencing the operations. The AoC's validity has been extended only for a limited time and it is uncertain if DGCA will renew it after September, the ASG added. He argued that liquidation of Jet Airways was sought at the Supreme Court as JKC was not fulfilling any of its obligations and with the permits and certificates expiring, it may not be possible for the operations to recommence.



The tribunal on hearing both the parties, agreed to commence hearing the case on August 7.



On July 10, the CoC told the Supreme Court the airline be wound up as the resolution plan approved by the NCLT was not workable.



A CoC is formed once a company is admitted to insolvency. It is a body of financial creditors that represents the interest of stakeholders. The voting percentage in the committee is proportional to the amount a financial institution has lent to the company in insolvency.



On July 5, the CoC told the court it had spent Rs 470 crore since the implementation of the Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP), without getting any return on investment. The creditors said they were incurring Rs 23 crore in expenses every month.



The Jet Airways Workmen Association agreed with the CoC and told the court they had not been paid their dues.



In May 2023, the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) granted Jalan Kalrock Consortium, which emerged as a successful bidder to take over Jet Airways, more time to make payments to the State Bank of India (SBI).



While the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) approved the transfer to Jalan Kalrock in January, the decision was challenged in NCLAT, which ruled in favour of the consortium on March 3, 2023.



Hence, Jalan Kalrock was entitled to exclude November 16, 2022, to March 3, 2023 period, during which the ownership hearing was on, to comply with the payment deadline.



On January 13, NCLT allowed the transfer of the beleaguered airline to the consortium led by London-based Kalrock Capital and UAE-based entrepreneur Murari Lal Jalan.



The lenders approached the NCLAT, opposing the ownership transfer, saying the consortium had not fulfilled its obligations.



Jet Airways was grounded in April 2019 over growing losses and a debt of about Rs 8,000 crore. In October 2020, the airline's Committee of Creditors (CoC) approved the revival plan submitted by the Jalan-Kalrock consortium.
It just wasnt his day. In an unfortunate incident, a 29-year-old Pune man who was on his way to the police station to report the theft of his mobile phone was also robbed of his motorcycle by a different thief. What makes it even worse is that in both cases, he was trying to help the criminals when they made off with his belongings.



The victim had recently moved to Pune for a job and was not very familiar with the city. On July 20, he was returning home from work when a man approached him for help. The man told him that he needed some money to travel back to Buldhana, according to a Times of India report.



The unsuspecting victim gave him Rs 500 though a UPI transaction, after which the beggar asked if he could borrow his phone to make a quick phone call. The victim allowed the man to use his cell phone, but came to regret his decision when the man ran away with the device before he could do anything to stop him.



Stunned and disoriented, the unnamed victim approached a person standing nearby to ask for directions to the nearest police station as he was unfamiliar with the area. The person told him he knew a number of cops and would help him file a complaint  on the condition that the victim buy him a cigarette.



When the 29-year-old went to buy a cigarette, the stranger fled with his bike too.



The Pune resident lodged a complaint with the Bhosari police station on Tuesday after realising that Rs 3,000 had been transferred out of his account by the same thief who stole his phone. Police have registered a case under sections 406 and 420 of the Indian Penal Code against two unidentified men.
A top Pakistani official has admitted to the country using drones to drop drugs in Indian Punjab. Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan, a close aide of Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his special assistant on defence, recently revealed in an interview that drugs are dropped across the border using drones and that Pakistani agencies are trying to stop it. There have been two recent instances in which 10 kg heroin were tied to two drones and thrown. Agencies are working to stop this This is why, when they get an intelligence, they shut off the connections (mobile signals), Khan told Pakistanis Geo News. Khan is a politician from Kasur, a town in Pakistani Punjab, bordering India. He belongs to the countrys ruling Pakistan Muslim League (N),and has served as the Member of the Provincial Assembly of the Punjab thrice. This is a Rangers area. There are some sensitivities due to border regulations, Khan said. Veteran Pakistani journalist Hamid Mir shared a video of the politician making the admission. Big disclosure by PMs advisor Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan. Smugglers using drones In the flood affected areas of Kasur near Pakistan-India border to transport Heroin. He demanded a special package for the rehabilitation of the flood victims otherwise victims will join smugglers. pic.twitter.com/HhWNSNuiKp  Hamid Mir (@HamidMirPAK) July 17, 2023 Big disclosure by PMs advisor Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan. Smugglers using drones in the flood affected areas of Kasur near Pakistan-India border to transport heroin, Mir tweeted. He demanded a special package for the rehabilitation of the flood victims otherwise victims will join smugglers.

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
A shocking incident has been reported from West Bengal wherein a couple sold their 8-month-old son to buy an iPhone 14, which they wanted to use to create Instagram Reels while travelling across the state. According to a Times of India report, the couple, Jaydev and Sathi Ghosh, live in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district. Police apprehended Sathi after the crime came to light, but Jaydev Ghosh is still on the run and cops are searching for him. The incident came to light after the couples neighbours got suspicious. They noticed that the couple did not seem worried or anxious about their 8-month-old baby who had been missing for some time. Additionally, the couple was spotted with an iPhone 14, which costs around Rs 70,000. Since they had a meagre income and had experienced financial difficulties in the past, their possession of an Apple iPhone 14 raised eyebrows. Concerned neighbours informed local councillor Tarak Guha, who in turn asked police to investigate. Upon being questioned, the mother reportedly confessed to having sold her baby for an iPhone. It also emerged that they had earlier tried to sell their 7-year-old daughter. Police have filed a complaint against the couple. The woman who bought their 8-month-old child has also been charged with human trafficking.

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
India and Brazil are pushing back against a Chinese bid to rapidly expand the BRICS group of emerging markets to grow its political clout and counter the US, officials with knowledge of the matter said.



The countries have raised objections in preparatory talks for a summit in Johannesburg next month where Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa will discuss potentially expanding the group to include Indonesia and Saudi Arabia. China has repeatedly lobbied for expansion during those meetings, said the officials, who asked not to be identified as the discussions are private.



Dozens of other nations are also clamoring to join the alliance, fueling western concerns the group is moving to become a counterweight to Washington and the European Union.



Brazil wants to avoid expansion partly because of these worries, while India wants strict rules on how and when other nations could move closer to the group, without formally expanding it. Any decision will require consensus among the members who will meet Aug. 22-24.



India and Brazil want to use the summit to discuss potentially bringing in additional countries with observer status, the officials said. South Africa supports discussing different membership options to accommodate this, but doesnt necessarily oppose expansion, two of the officials said.



The BRICS leaders meeting last year authorized the expansion of membership, adding more members to BRICS is the political consensus of the five BRICS countries, Chinas foreign ministry said in a response to Bloomberg.



The meeting aims to showcase the blocs goals to establish itself as a serious political and economic force. The group has already discussed the potential establishment of a common currency, although significant progress toward that goal isnt expected.



The summit comes at a time of heightened tensions between Washington and Beijing, and after South Africa fretted over Russian President Vladimir Putins attendance. Hell participate virtually so South Africa doesnt have to execute an International Criminal Court arrest warrant for him.



BRICS members have refused to join the likes of the Group of Seven in blaming and sanctioning Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, although the New Development Bank started by BRICS froze Russian projects and Moscow hasnt been able to access dollars via the blocs shared foreign currency system.



Russia does not hold a firm position on expanding BRICS said Fyodor Lukyanov, head of the Council on Foreign and Defense Policy, which advises the Kremlin.



Its broadly in favor of BRICS expansion, but without any huge enthusiasm. Its following the others lead. We wont block any decision.



Formed officially in 2009-2010, the bloc has struggled to have the kind of geopolitical influence that matches its collective economic reach. Current BRICS members represent more than 42% of the worlds population and account for 23% of global gross domestic product and 18% of trade.



Draft rules for admission to the group were drawn up after Indias opposition to Chinas push for expansion, said two Indian officials. The guidelines are expected to be discussed and adopted during the leaders summit next month, the officials said.



India has put forward the idea that BRICS nations should look to emerging economies as well as democracies like Argentina and Nigeria if they want to expand the group, rather than Saudi Arabia, with its dynastic and autocratic rule, one of the officials said.



Indias Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed issues with Saudi Arabias potential admission with the kingdoms Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman last month, the official said. The Ministry of External Affairs in India didnt comment. Saudi Arabias government didnt respond to requests for comment.



Joining BRICS would bolster Crown Prince Mohammeds attempts to diversify his nations economy, an effort that has bought it closer to Russia and China in recent years. China is the kingdoms top oil customer, while it relies on relations with Russia for the OPEC+ alliance.



The Saudis are having their Asian moment right now, said Saudi analyst Salman Al-Ansari, who said bilateral trade is expected to grow exponentially.







Brazil is working quietly to avoid direct confrontation in the BRICS bloc and resist pressure from China to make it an antagonistic body that challenges the G7, a Brazilian official said. China has reiterated the request for expansion at all preparatory meetings, including two last week which took place virtually, the official said.



Brazils proposal is to create observer and partner country categories. New nations would first move through these categories before being considered for promotion to members, the official said, adding Brazil would support Indonesia beginning the process.
The decision by U.S. prosecutors on Wednesday to drop a campaign finance charge against Sam Bankman-Fried may keep his trial focused on what the government considers his main crime: stealing billions of dollars from cryptocurrency customers at his now-bankrupt FTX exchange.



Bankman-Fried, 31, is fighting to stay out of jail ahead of his Oct. 2 trial on fraud charges, after prosecutors in Manhattan accused him of tampering with witnesses by sharing personal writings of his former romantic partner Caroline Ellison with a New York Times reporter.



He got a modest victory on Wednesday night when prosecutors decided to drop a campaign finance charge claiming the former billionaire illegally directed associates to donate millions of dollars to political campaigns.



That decision came after the Bahamas, where FTX was based and Bankman-Fried was arrested in December, told the U.S. Attorney's office in Manhattan it had not intended to extradite Bankman-Fried on that charge.



Bankman-Fried still faces seven counts of defrauding or conspiring to defraud customers, investors and lenders in what prosecutors called one of the "biggest financial frauds in American history."



He faces a second trial next year on five charges brought after his extradition, including foreign bribery conspiracy and bank fraud conspiracy.



Mark Kasten, a lawyer at Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney in Philadelphia, said dropping the campaign finance charge could help Bankman-Fried by letting his lawyers "focus their narrative" on the fraud case.



"Jurors have a visceral reaction to campaign finance charges: campaign finance charges are crimes on the public, and jurors themselves are indirect victims," he said. "Victims of the other charges by comparison are customers of or investors in Alameda or FTX."



While admitting that FTX had inadequate risk management, Bankman-Fried has pleaded not guilty and denied stealing funds.



Bankman-Fried rose to prominence as an entrepreneur promising safety in volatile cryptocurrencies and as a prolific donor, mainly to Democrats, in the 2022 U.S. midterm elections.



Ellison, the former chief executive of Bankman-Fried's crypto-focused hedge fund Alameda Research, pleaded guilty to fraud charges and is expected to testify against him.



Nishad Singh, FTX's former director of engineering, pleaded guilty to fraud and campaign finance charges, saying he used transfers from Alameda to make political donations in part to bolster Bankman-Fried's and FTX's political influence.



A third former member of Bankman-Fried's inner circle, former FTX technology chief Gary Wang, has also pleaded guilty.
Four Pakistani state-owned petroleum companies have signed a memorandum of understanding with Saudi Arabia to build Pakistan's largest oil refinery with an investment of USD 10 billion in the strategic Gwadar Port, according to a media report on Friday.



The MoU to set up the facility with a production capacity of 300,000 barrels per day was signed on Thursday with the state-owned Oil and Gas Development Company Ltd (OGDCL), Pakistan State Oil (PSO), Pakistan Petroleum Ltd (PPL), and Government Holdings Private Ltd (GHPL) signed the MoU to join hands and provide comfort to the Saudi firm to enter Pakistan with a major investment, the Dawn newspaper reported.



The four SOEs would join the project through equity participation.



The government headed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is reportedly in the advanced stages of negotiations with Saudi giant Aramco to execute the greenfield refinery project at the strategic Gwadar Port and wants to complete the initial paperwork before its tenure ends in two weeks.



The tenure of Pakistan's current government will end on August 14.



To facilitate the Saudi investment in refining, the government has recently passed a new policy under which a new deep conversion oil refinery of a minimum of 300,000 bpd achieving financial close of the project within five years shall be eligible for a customs duty of 7.5 per cent for 25 years on petrol and diesel of all grades produced effective from the date of commissioning of the refinery.



The project envisions setting up an integrated refinery petrochemical complex with a crude oil processing capacity of a minimum 300,000 bpd along with a petrochemical facility.



The integrated complex shall comprise various components such as marine infrastructure, petrochemical complex, storage for crude oil and refines utilities, pipeline connectivity etc.



According to the Petroleum Division, despite being integral to the growth of the economy, no new refinery project has materialised in Pakistan for more than a decade and only two refineries have been added in the last 40 years.



Compared to the 20 million tonnes of refining capacity, the actual capacity utilisation is at around 11 million tonnes.



This is mainly due to the decreasing furnace oil demand in the country as a result of a change in the energy mix in the power sector and the fixed production slate of refineries that cannot produce just petrol and high-speed diesel and all products are produced simultaneously.



Thus, as furnace oil demand declines, refineries have to lower their overall production and struggle to maintain their throughput at optimal levels.



This is despite the fact that independent consultants forecast Pakistan's demand for petrol and diesel to grow beyond 33 million tonnes per annum by 2023.



The said refinery shall also enjoy a 20-year tax holiday and would also be entitled to exemption from levy of customs duties, surcharges, withholding tax, general sales tax, any other ad valorem tax or any other levies and duties on import of any equipment to be installed, or material to be used in the refinery projects without any precondition for obtaining certification by the Engineering Development Board.



These fiscal incentives and other facilitation would be recorded and protected under the project agreements between the project company, the key sponsors, investors and the concerned government and would be protected through a grant to Special Economic Zones Act.



Minister for State Musadiq Malik, who witnessed the MOU signing ceremony, said the Saudi oil firm showed a willingness to inject the entire equity into the multibillion-dollar refinery project, leading the Pakistani government to decide on a joint venture with key SOEs, the report added.
July 28, 2023 Washington Post Still Covers Up U.S. War Crimes And Use Of Biological Weapons The Washington Post is still covering up U.S. war crimes. Seiichi Morimura, who exposed Japanese atrocities in WWII, dies at 90

His book about Unit 731, a secret biological warfare branch of the Imperial Army, helped force Japan to confront its wartime past The obituary says: Seiichi Morimura, a Japanese writer who helped force a reckoning upon his country with his 1981 expose of Unit 731, a secret biological warfare branch of the Imperial Army that subjected thousands of people in occupied China to sadistic medical experiments during World War II, died July 24 at a hospital in Tokyo. He was 90. Morimura's book sold astonishingly well even when it was unusual to confronted people in Japan with the imperial crimes of their nation. Unit 731 was at its time only comparable to some Nazi doctors who widely experimented on humans: At a time when Japanese textbooks often minimized atrocities committed by Japan during the war, Mr. Morimura interviewed dozens of veterans of Unit 731 and documented in harrowing detail the conduct of the operation, which was established in 1938 near the Chinese city of Harbin by Japanese medical officer Shiro Ishii. Disguised as an epidemic prevention and water purification department, the unit functioned through the end of the war as a testing ground for agents of biological warfare. Mr. Morimuras work helped prompt more investigations in the 1980s and 1990s, which in turn led to a court case that further revealed the extent of the atrocities. The perpetrators included many respected Japanese physicians. Thousands of people  mainly Chinese, but also Koreans, Russians and prisoners of eight total nationalities, according to Mr. Morimura  endured medical experiments that have been compared to those of Nazi doctor Josef Mengele. Victims, referred to in Japanese as marutas, or wooden logs, were infected with typhus, typhoid, cholera, anthrax and the plague with the goal of perfecting biological weapons. Some prisoners were then vivisected without anesthetic so that researchers could observe the effects of the disease on the human body. I cut him open from the chest to the stomach, and he screamed terribly, and his face was all twisted in agony. He made this unimaginable sound, he was screaming so horribly. But then finally he stopped, one unnamed member of the unit told the New York Times in 1995, recalling a victim who had been infected with the plague. This was all in a days work for the surgeons, but it really left an impression on me because it was my first time. Several thousand people, and maybe many more, were experimented to death by the unit. When the second world war was over Unit 731 members were supposed to be put on trial for the war crimes they had committed. The U.S. military stopped that as it had planned to use what Unit 731 had learned for its own wars: The same year that Mr. Morimuras book was released, an American journalist, John W. Powell, wrote in the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists that the U.S. government had granted immunity to members of Unit 731 in exchange for the laboratory records from their research. Mr. Morimura alleged the same. For years, the United States dismissed reports of the units experiments as Cold War propaganda. There is no further mentioning of this in the rest of the Washington Post obit. The reader is left hanging without learning if those U.S. government claims of 'Cold War propaganda' were true or false. The U.S. did of course do what had been alleged. Documents were released that proved it. The U.S. had done much more. The Post also repeats false U.S. claims that the Japanese government had hindered war crime trials against the units members: However, according to U.S. officials, the Japanese government continued to decline to assist American efforts to place perpetrators on a list of war criminals prohibited from entering the United States. Ishii lived in freedom until he died of throat cancer in 1959. The Times reported that other Unit 731 veterans became governor of Tokyo, president of the Japan Medical Association and chief of the Japanese Olympic Committee. It was the U.S. government, not the Japanese one, which gave immunity to Unit 731 members. It even paid them high amounts for their knowledge: The US government offered full political immunity to high-ranking officials who were instrumental in perpetrating crimes against humanity, in exchange of the data about their experiments. Among those was Shiro Ishii, the commander of Unit 731. During the cover-up operation, the U.S. government paid money to obtain data on human experiments conducted in China, according to two declassified U.S. government documents. The total amount paid to unnamed former members of the infamous unit was somewhere between 150,000 yen to 200,000 yen. An amount of 200,000 yen at that time is the equivalent of 20 million yen to 40 million yen today. 40 million yen today are the equivalent of $284,000. Nicer to have than not to have ... The U.S. military used the knowledge gained from Unit 731 to developed a number of biological weapons and to test them, allegedly also on humans. It even used those weapons, like Unit 731, during the war against North Korea and China. As Jeffrey Kaye, who has long studied the case, writes: A preponderance of the evidence over the past couple of years has established that the U.S. used biological weapons in its war with North Korea and China in the early 1950s. This is based on CIA, Department of Defense and other government documents, as well as a close reading of the confessions of twenty-five U.S. airmen. It is time now to move on to an examination of how the U.S. pulled off the operation. The story that follows documents what seems like an unsuccessful attempt by Air Force flyers to tip off the press and government officials to the secret U.S germ warfare campaign then underway in Korea and Northeast China. This attempt at military whistleblowing allows for a wider consideration today of the evidence surrounding the germ warfare charges, especially how the bioattacks were organized. By repeating the U.S. government false claims of 'Cold War propaganda', by not correcting it and by repeating false U.S. statements which accuse the Japanese government of hindering the war crime trials, the Washington Post is covering up the U.S. war crimes that were based on the experiments Unit 731 had made. Posted by b on July 28, 2023 at 16:45 UTC | Permalink Comments next page  next page 
Sung Kook (Bill) Hwang, the founder and head of a private investment firm known as Archegos exits the Manhattan federal courthouse in New York City, U.S., April 27, 2022. REUTERS/Shannon/File Photo
U.S. Capitol police stand outside the Capitol building as the Senate votes on debt ceiling legislation to avoid a historic default at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, U.S., June 1, 2023. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein/File Photo
U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers assigned to the 797th Engineer Vertical Construction Company emplace metal roofing under FEMAs Rise Up program in the wake of Typhoon Mawar.
The Guam Judicial Center in Hagatna is shown Thursday, July 27, 2023. The Judiciary of Guam is still waiting to submit a budget to lawmakers after its hearing was canceled for the second time this week.
Vatican and Vietnam agree to open resident Holy See office in Hanoi, as relations improve View Photo

VATICAN CITY (AP)  Vietnam formally agreed Thursday to let a Vatican representative live in the country and open an office, a notching up of relations that could have implications down the line for the Holy Sees delicate ties with China.

The Holy See announced the conclusion of the agreement during a visit to the Vatican by Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong, who met with Pope Francis and the Vatican secretary of state, Cardinal Pietro Parolin.

The agreement still falls short of full diplomatic relations, which have been strained for decades. But the two sides have held regular talks since at least 1990 studying the renewal of ties, with Parolin overseeing the process for years, first as foreign minister and now as secretary of state.

A Vatican statement said the appointment of a resident representative of the pope to the communist country would support the local Catholic community, contribute to the development of the country and help serve as a bridge to advance relations between Vietnam and the Holy See.

The Vaticans delicate relationship with Vietnam has long been seen as something of a model for its relations with China, which severed diplomatic ties in 1951, following the Communists rise to power and the expulsion of foreign priests.

The Vatican and China signed an agreement in 2018 on bishop nominations, which both sides claimed as their own prerogative. But Beijing has repeatedly flouted it by appointing bishops without consulting the Holy See.

Recently, Parolin acknowledged the violations of the accord and said in comments to Vatican Media that one hoped-for way to improve relations with Beijing would be via the opening of a stable office in China.

Such a presence would favor not only dialogue with civil authorities, but would contribute also to the full reconciliation inside the Chinese church and its path toward a desired normality, Parolin told Vatican Media earlier this month.

Vatican officials have stressed that the opening of a Beijing office would have nothing to do with the status of diplomatic relations or suggest an imminent transfer of diplomatic ties from Taiwan to Beijing. Rather, they have said, a fixed presence of an office in Beijing would facilitate dialogue over the issue of bishop nominations and the life of the Catholic Church.

The Vaticans agreement with Vietnam to establish a resident Vatican envoy in Hanoi comes just months after the U.S. secretary of state, Antony Blinken, traveled to Hanoi to boost U.S.-Vietnamese relations.

Washingtons aim is to try to counter Chinas growing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region and comes 50 years after the U.S. troop withdrawal that marked the end of Americas direct military involvement in Vietnam.

By NICOLE WINFIELD

Associated Press
Japan raises alarm over Chinas military, Russia ties and Taiwan tensions in new defense paper View Photo

TOKYO (AP)  The Japanese government stepped up its alarm over Chinese assertiveness, warning in a report issued Friday that the country faces its worst security threats since World War II as it plans to implement a new strategy that calls for a major military buildup.

The 2023 defense white paper, approved by Prime Minister Fumio Kishidas Cabinet, is the first since the government adopted a controversial new National Security Strategy in December, seen as a break from Japans postwar policy limiting the use of force to self-defense.

China, Russia and North Korea contribute to the most severe and complex security environment since the end of World War II, according to the 510-page report. It says Chinas external stance and military activities have become a serious concern for Japan and the international community and present an unprecedented and the greatest strategic challenge.

On Thursday, Russian and Chinese delegates joined North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in North Koreas capital for a military parade that showed off the countrys latest drones and long-range nuclear-capable missiles.

Russia and China have also stepped up strategic ties, the white paper said, noting five joint bomber flights since 2019, and several joint navigations of Chinese and Russian warships that it said were clearly intended for demonstration of force against Japan and of grave concern to both Japan and the region.

The report predicted that China will possess 1,500 nuclear warheads by 2035 and increase its military superiority over Taiwan, in what Japan views as a security threat, especially to its southwestern islands including Okinawa.

While Okinawan Gov. Denny Tamaki has called for U.S. bases there to be reduced and for greater efforts in diplomacy and dialogue with Beijing, the central government has been reinforcing the defenses of the remote southwestern islands, including Ishigaki and Yonaguni, where new bases for missile defense have been installed.

Many residents of Okinawa have bitter memories of the Battle of Okinawa, in which Japans wartime military essentially sacrificed the local population in an attempt to delay a U.S. landing on the main Japanese islands. Many Okinawans worry they would be the first to suffer in the event of a Taiwan emergency.

Earlier this week, Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno visited Ishigaki and acknowledged the challenges of evacuating residents from remote islands, and pledged to give firm support. Ishigaki Mayor Yoshitaka Nakayama asked for airport and port facilities to be reinforced and for underground shelters to be built as preparation for a possible Taiwan emergency.

China claims self-governing Taiwan as its own territory, to be annexed by force if necessary.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, who in 2017 set a goal of building a world-class military by the mid-21st century, may move the target forward, the report said, noting his call for a rapid advancement of the Peoples Liberation Army in his speech at the Communist Party congress in October.

North Korea is rapidly progressing in its nuclear and missile development and poses a graver, more imminent threat to Japan than ever before, the report said. North Korea has test-fired around 100 missiles since the start of 2022, including ICBMs, and the report noted it is now believed to have an ability to conduct nuclear attacks on Japan and the continental United States.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said the Japanese defense paper interfered in Chinas internal affairs and deliberately played up the so-called Chinese threat and created tensions in the region. She said Japans own military buildup has drawn concern from its Asian neighbors and the international community, and urged Tokyo to stop finding excuses for its military expansion.

She said Chinas military policy is defensive, and military cooperation such as joint patrols with relevant countries is in line with international law and practice.

South Korea, despite the rapid improvement of its ties with Japan this year due to shared concern over Chinas threat, slammed Japans claim in the defense report to a South Korean-controlled contested island, calling it unjust.

The report comes seven months after Kishidas government adopted new national security and defense strategies that called for doubling the defense budget to 43 trillion yen ($310 billion) by 2027.

Questions have been raised about whether the ambitious expansion of military capability and funding for it is feasible in a country that has a rapidly aging and shrinking population.

A government-commissioned panel recently adopted a package of recommendations for Japans military to maintain troop numbers despite population concerns, including scholarships, extension of the retirement age, hiring retirees, improving the workplace environment and tackling harassment.

___

Associated Press writers Joe McDonald in Beijing and Kim Tong-hyung in Seoul, South Korea, contributed to this report.

By MARI YAMAGUCHI

Associated Press
Young Chinese opt out of the rat race and pressures at home to pursue global nomad lifestyle

Young Chinese opt out of the rat race and pressures at home to pursue global nomad lifestyle View Photo

BANGKOK (AP)  Shortly after China opened its borders with the end of zero-COVID, Zhang Chuannan lost her job as an accountant at a cosmetic firm in Shanghai and decided to explore the world.

The cosmetics business was bleak, said Zhang, 34, who explained everyone wore face masks during the pandemic. After being laid off, she paid $1,400 for an online Thai course, got an education visa and moved to the scenic northern Thai city of Chiang Mai.

Zhang is among a growing number of young Chinese moving overseas not necessarily because of ideological reasons but to escape the countrys ultra-competitive work culture, family pressures and limited opportunities after living in the country under the strict pandemic policies for three years. Southeast Asia has become a popular destination given its proximity, relatively inexpensive cost of living and tropical scenery.

There is no exact data on the number of young Chinese moving overseas since the country ended pandemic restrictions and reopened its borders. But on the popular Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu, hundreds of people have discussed their decisions to relocate to Thailand. Many get a visa to study Thai while figuring out their next steps.

At Payap University in Chiang Mai, around 500 Chinese began an online Thai course early this year.

Royce Heng, owner of Duke Language School, a private language institute in Bangkok, said around 180 Chinese inquire each month about visa information and courses.

The hunt for opportunities far from home is partly motivated by Chinas unemployment rate for people ages 16 to 24, which rose to a record high of 21.3% in June. The scarcity of good jobs increases pressure to work long hours.

Opting out is an increasingly popular way for younger workers to cope with a time of downward mobility, said Beverly Yuen Thompson, a sociology professor at Siena College in Albany, New York.

In their 20s and early 30s, they can go to Thailand, take selfies and work on the beach for a few years and feel like they have a great quality of life, Thomson said. If those nomads had the same opportunities they hoped for in their home countries, they could just travel on vacation.

During the pandemic in China, Zhang was cooped up in her Shanghai apartment for weeks at a time. Even when lockdowns were lifted, she feared another COVID-19 outbreak would prevent her from moving around within the country.

I now value freedom more, Zhang said.

A generous severance package helped finance her time in Thailand and she is seeking ways to stay abroad long-term, perhaps by teaching Chinese language online.

Moving to Chiang Mai means waking up in the mornings to bird songs and a more relaxed pace of life. Unlike in China, she has time to practice yoga and meditation, shop for vintage clothes and attend dance classes.

Armonio Liang left the western Chinese city of Chengdu in landlocked Sichuan province for the Indonesian island of Bali, a popular digital nomad destination. His Web3 social media startup was limited by Chinese government restrictions while his use of cryptocurrency exchange apps drew police harassment.

Moving to Bali gave the 38-year-old greater freedom and a middle-class lifestyle with what might be barely enough money to live on back home.

This is what I cannot get in China, said Liang, referring to working on his laptop on the beach and brainstorming with expatriates from around the world. Thousands of ideas just sprouted up in my mind. I had never been so creative before.

He also has enjoyed being greeted with smiles.

In Chengdu, everyone is so stressed. If I smiled at a stranger, they would think I am an idiot, he said.

Life overseas is not all beach chats and friendly neighbors, though. For most young workers, such stays will be interludes in their lives, Thompson said.

They cant have kids, because kids have to go to school, Thompson said. They cannot fulfill their responsibilities to their parents. What if their aging parents need help? They eventually will get a full-time job back home and get called back home because of one of those things.

Zhang said she faces pressure to get married. Liang wants his parents to move to Bali with him.

Its a big problem, Liang said. They worry they will be lonely after moving out of China and worry about medical resources here.

Huang Wanxiong, 32, was stranded on Bohol Island in the Philippines for seven months in 2020 when air travel halted during the pandemic, and he spent his time learning free diving, which involves diving to great depths without oxygen tanks.

He eventually flew home to the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou, but lost his job at a private tutoring company after the government cracked down on the industry in 2021. His next gig was driving more than 16 hours a day for a ride-hailing business.

I felt like a machine during those days, Huang said. I can accept a stable and unchanging life but I cannot accept not having any hope, not trying to improve the situation and surrendering to fate.

Huang returned to the Philippines in February, escaping family pressures to get a better job and find a girlfriend in China. He renewed his Bohol Island friendships and qualified as a dive instructor.

But without Chinese tourists to teach and no income, he flew home again in June.

He still hopes to make a living as a diver, possibly back in Southeast Asia, though he also may agree to his parents proposal to emigrate to Peru to work in a family-run supermarket.

Huang recalled he once surfaced too quickly from a 40-meter (131-foot) dive and his hands trembled from a dangerous lack of oxygen, known as hypoxia. The lesson he took was to avoid rushing and maintain a steady climb. Until his next move, he plans to use that free diver discipline to counter the anxieties of living in China.

I will apply the calm I learned from the sea surrounding that island to my real life, Huang said. I will maintain my own pace.

By YUCHENG TANG

Associated Press
President Biden to host the leaders of Japan and Korean for an August summit at Camp David

President Biden to host the leaders of Japan and Korean for an August summit at Camp David View Photo

WASHINGTON (AP)  President Joe Biden will host the leaders of Japan and South Korea next month for a summit at Camp David, the White House announced Friday.

The Aug. 18 meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is the latest sign of warming relations between Japan and South Korea as they move to set aside generations of tensions and mistrust while the United States deepens its commitment to Asia.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement that the leaders will discuss expanding trilateral cooperation across the Indo-Pacific and beyond. Expected topics include the threat posed by North Korea and ties with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and with the Pacific Islands.

The invitation spun out of a brief photo-op that the three leaders had at the Group of Seven summit in Hiroshima, Japan, in May. The Biden administration has been urging stronger economic and defense ties between South Korea and Japan as it looks to bolster the region against Chinas assertive territorial moves, as well as to secure their cooperation to support Ukraine fight off Russias invasion.

By ZEKE MILLER

AP White House Correspondent
Armenia calls on allies to help get aid to Nagorno-Karabakh during tensions with Azerbaijan

Armenia calls on allies to help get aid to Nagorno-Karabakh during tensions with Azerbaijan View Photo

YEREVAN, Armenia (AP)  Armenias authorities on Friday called on the countrys international allies to put pressure on Azerbaijan after accusing it of carrying out a three-day blockade of humanitarian aid to Nagorno-Karabakh.

The accusations mark another flashpoint in the tense relationship between Armenia and Azerbaijan which have fought over the breakaway region for decades.

The Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister, Vahan Kostanyan, accused Azerbaijan of blocking the so-called Lachin Corridor and demanded international allies step in to allow 19 trucks with 400 tons of humanitarian aid to pass. According to Armenian authorities, the trucks have been stuck there since the evening of July 26.

The additional pressure of our international partners on Baku is very important. We have heard statements from our various colleagues, but we dont think this is enough, he said.

Kostanyan previously also accused Azerbaijan of ignoring a ruling by the International Court of Justice ordering Azerbaijan authorities to ensure unimpeded movement in the Lachin Corridor, the only road from Armenia into Nagorno-Karabakh.

The ongoing dispute over the road has impeded food supplies to the region and aggravated tensions between Azerbaijan and Armenia, which have fought two wars since the end of Soviet rule.

Nagorno-Karabakh had substantial autonomy under the Soviet Union and came under control of ethnic Armenian forces backed by the Armenian military in 1994 at the end of years of separatist fighting. Armenian forces also took sizable territory surrounding Nagorno-Karabakh itself.

In 2020, Azerbaijan regained most of that surrounding territory and pieces of Nagorno-Karabakh itself in a war which killed about 6,800 soldiers. Under a Russia-brokered armistice, transit along the Lachin Corridor was to continue under the guarantee of Russian peacekeepers.

According to Armenian media, trucks and foreign diplomats are currently in the village of Kornidzor on Armenias border with Nagorno-Karabakh, which is at one end of the Lachin Corridor.

Azerbaijans Foreign Ministry said that it viewed Armenias attempt to send a convoy to Nagorno-Karabakh under the guise of humanitarian aid as a violation of Azerbaijans territorial integrity and sovereignty. Azerbaijan also accuses Armenia of smuggling weapons into Nagorno-Karabakh.

The latest flare-up comes weeks following talks in Brussels and Washington aimed at calming tensions between the two countries after Azerbaijan opened a checkpoint on the Lachin Corridor in April. At that point, the road had already been blocked for four months by demonstrators who were protesting what they claimed to be illegal mining and other ecological abuses by Armenians in the area.

By AVET DEMOURIAN

Associated Press
Brazils Indigenous chief fighting to save Amazon urges President Lula to defend peoples rights View Photo

BRASILIA, Brazil (AP)  The Amazons most famous Indigenous leader called upon Brazils president on Friday to defend the rights of Indigenous people. Chief Raoni Metuktire demanded that invaders be removed from their territories and that the government stop negotiations on carbon credits that had excluded Indigenous people from the discussions.

In a letter to President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Raoni demanded a government response to 11 specific requests by Aug. 9, the second and final day of the Amazon summit that Lula and other South American heads of state will attend in the city of Belem.

The manifest was handed over to the minister of the Indigenous peoples, Sonia Guajajara, at an event attended by 1,000 members of different ethnic groups in the town of Sao Jose do Xingu in the state of Mato Grosso.

Lula in May signed legislation paving the way for a market to trade carbon credits  generated by reducing greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change, and which may be purchased to comply with eventual limits on emissions. Lulas administration is reportedly drafting regulation for the carbon markets operation and plans to present it in the coming months.

But Raoni said in his letter that Indigenous people have not been included in the process, and that their participation is required for the drafting of just legislation that takes their rights into consideration.

Raoni, now in his 90s, also demanded the government take a concrete position on an upcoming court ruling that threatens to strip some Indigenous territories of their designations. The Supreme Court is in the process of evaluating whether Indigenous peoples must have been physically occupying their territories before 1988 in order to uphold their land claims.

For years, Raoni has campaigned for the protection of Indigenous territories in the Amazon. A 1978 documentary, Raoni: The Fight for the Amazon, contributed to his fame, as did a 1989 tour with British musician Sting.

The letter also demanded a halt to mining activities that have triggered a health crisis among the Yanomami people during the previous government of far-right President Jair Bolsonaro as illegal gold miners swarmed into their territory.

Lulas government has spent months expelling most of them from Yanomami lands. Some remain, however, working at night to avoid being caught, Rodrigo Agostinho, the head of environmental agency Ibama, said earlier this month.

Raonis letter also demanded mass testing of Indigenous people for exposure to mercury  widely used by gold prospectors to separate the metal  and medical treatment for those affected.

It also condemned so-called agricultural partnerships set up under Bolsonaro that forced Indigenous people to work in farming, saying they are unconstitutional and go against the model of cultural sustainability.

Fridays event in Sao Jose do Xingu also showcased a letter from Britains King Charles expressing support for Raoni and noting a common desire to see the Amazon protected.

As a way of safeguarding their land, Brazils Indigenous people have pushed for establishment of more Indigenous territories, a slow process that can take years. Brazil has so far established 732 Indigenous territories, occupying more than 117 million hectares (453,000 square miles)  or nearly 14% of the countrys vast expanse, according to data from the Instituto Socioambiental.

Of 14 territories that the government said would be created, only six have been established so far under Lulas latest, third term in office that started in January. However, deforestation in the Amazon rainforest has dropped 33.6% in his first six months from the same period of 2022, an encouraging sign for his administrations environmental efforts.

Lula campaigned last year with pledges to rein in illegal logging and undo the environmental devastation under Bolsonaro. Raoni walked alongside Lula up the presidential palaces ramp before his inaugural address on Jan. 1.

By CARLA BRIDI

Associated Press
Scott criticizes DeSantis over his support for Floridas slavery curriculum as they stump in Iowa

Scott criticizes DeSantis over his support for Floridas slavery curriculum as they stump in Iowa View Photo

ANKENY, Iowa (AP)  U.S. Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina has criticized fellow Republican presidential candidate and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for supporting new standards that require teachers to instruct middle school students that slaves developed skills that could be applied for their personal benefit.

What slavery was really about was separating families, about mutilating humans and even raping their wives. It was just devastating, Scott, the sole Black Republican in the Senate, told reporters on Thursday after a town hall in Ankeny. So I would hope that every person in our country  and certainly running for president  would appreciate that.

People have bad days, Scott added. Sometimes they regret what they say. And we should ask them again to clarify their positions.

DeSantis has been facing criticism from Florida teachers, civil rights leaders, President Joe Bidens White House and even Black Republicans on the school standards. Vice President Kamala Harris, the nations first Black vice president, traveled to Florida last week to condemn the curriculum.

DeSantis fired back on Friday, saying that part of the reason our country has struggled is because D.C. Republicans all too often accept false narratives, accept lies that are perpetrated by the left.

Campaigning in Iowa, he added that he was defending Florida against false accusations and against lies. And were going to continue to speak the truth.

The back-and-forth marked a shift in campaign styles for both DeSantis and Scott, who have not directly critiqued each other and have instead focused much of their antagonism toward President Joe Biden. It also comes as DeSantis effort has endured a mid-campaign reset, making staffing cuts to accommodate campaign expenses.

Another Black Republican presidential candidate, former Rep. Will Hurd of Texas, has also criticized DeSantis over the curriculum, as have Reps. Byron Donalds of Florida, Wesley Hunt of Texas and John James of Michigan, Trump allies who are among a handful of Black Republicans in Congress.

Scotts comments came as he and DeSantis stumped in Iowa before the state Republican Partys Lincoln Day Dinner. At that gathering, 13 candidates in the GOP presidential primary field, including front-runner Donald Trump, will be addressing an expected 1,200 activists on Friday. Scott, part of the GOPs most diverse presidential field ever, was asked for his opinion on the standards hours after DeSantis defended them to reporters.

At the end of the day, you got to choose: Are you going to side with Kamala Harris and liberal media outlets or are you going to side with the state of Florida? DeSantis said, citing Democrats criticism of the wording on slavery. I think its very clear that these guys did a good job on those standards. It wasnt anything that was politically motivated.

Responding on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, to reporters posts of Scotts video, a super PAC supporting DeSantis on Thursday night called the posts incredibly sloppy or intentionally disingenuous, reposting video of DeSantis defense of the curriculum earlier in the day.

___

Kinnard reported from Columbia, S.C., and can be reached at http://twitter.com/MegKinnardAP.

By MEG KINNARD and HANNAH FINGERHUT

Associated Press
Tom Durden, Georgia DA who ordered takeover of stalled Ahmaud Arbery investigation, dies at 66 View Photo

SAVANNAH, Ga. (AP)  Tom Durden, the Georgia district attorney who kick-started the prosecution of Ahmaud Arberys killing by calling in state investigators to take over the languishing case, has died at age 66.

The Atlantic Judicial Circuit District Attorneys Office, which Durden led for 24 years before stepping down last year, confirmed Durdens death in a Facebook post Friday. No cause of death was given.

During his career of nearly four decades, Durden served briefly as the second outside prosecutor overseeing the investigation into the February 2020 killing of Arbery. The 25-year-old Black man was fatally shot as he ran from white men in pickup trucks who chased him through their Georgia neighborhood. The shooter said he fired in self-defense.

The case stalled without charges for more than two months before Durden asked the Georgia Bureau of Investigation to take over from local police. GBI agents rapidly made arrests that led to three murder convictions. Durden stepped aside soon after the arrests, saying the case needed a DA with a larger staff.

He played a significant role, as we know the others before him did nothing, said Thea Brooks, one of Arberys aunts. No matter how long he had it on his desk, he did the right thing.

Following Arberys killing outside the port city of Brunswick in 2020, the local district attorney recused herself and the first outside prosecutor assigned, George Barnhill, opposed bringing criminal charges before he stepped aside.

Georgias attorney general then appointed Durden, who had the case for roughly a month amid a growing outcry for arrests. Durden asked the GBI to get involved after cellphone video of the killing leaked online May 5, 2020.

Father and son Greg and Travis McMichael were arrested on murder charges the day after GBI agents arrived in Brunswick. A neighbor, William Roddie Bryan, was charged soon after.

The fact that he sent it to the GBI was a positive turn in the case for us, and I think he deserves credit for it, said the Rev. John Perry, who led Brunswicks NAACP chapter at the time Arbery was killed.

The job of prosecuting the McMichaels and Bryan was passed to the district attorney for Cobb County in metro Atlanta. All three men were ultimately convicted of murder in 2021 and sentenced to life in prison.

Durden joined the district attorneys office as an assistant prosecutor in 1984, two years after earning his law degree from Mercer University. He was elected DA after his predecessor retired in 1998.

Durden prosecuted hundreds of criminal cases in the Atlantic Circuit, which covers six southeast Georgia counties outside Savannah.

Mr. Durden was a true public servant to the State of Georgia for close to 40 years, Pete Skandalakis, executive director of the Prosecuting Attorneys Council of Georgia, said in a statement. My sincerest condolences to Toms family.

In 1998, Durden successfully prosecuted four family members and a friend in the killing of Thurmon Martin, a case that would become known as Georgias infamous tomato patch murder.

Martin, 64, was shot while sleeping in May 1997 and buried behind his home in rural Ludowici. The case gained notoriety for the tomato plants growing atop Martins grave, as well as the defendants harrowing courtroom accounts of being abused by the slain man.

By RUSS BYNUM

Associated Press
MERIDEN  It all started with Nancy Drew. For mystery author and Meriden native Shari Randall, the mysteries she read as a young girl got her hooked on the genre. She always loved reading but never considered herself a writer.

After attending Connecticut College, Randall worked as a newsroom assistant at The Record-Journal before transitioning into a career in publishing and then becoming a librarian. She wrote many short stories but kept them in a drawer for years.

When she moved to Virginia and joined the writing group Sisters in Crime, Randall realized her writing could be more than a hobby. Sisters in Crime encouraged her to submit a story to their contest, and when Randall won, her writing career took off.

It was a total surprise, Randall said. I had always considered myself more of a reader than a writer. It changed my whole point of view, and I started looking at books as someone creating them rather than someone consuming them.

Her first book, Curses, Boiled Again! (2018), won an Agatha Award for best first novel. Randall since has written three installments of the Lobster Shack Mysteries, including her debut novel. Her second series, the Ice Cream Shop Mysteries, include The Rocky Road to Ruin, Mint Chocolate Murder and Fatal Fudge Swirl, which just came out in June.

Randall wrote the Ice Cream Shop Mysteries under the pen name Meri Allen. She chose Meri as an abbreviated version of Meriden, her hometown, and Allen because it is her fathers name.

It can be hard to mentally shift gears between series, Randall said. It made it easier to be Meri Allen and write about these other characters.

The Ice Cream Shop Mysteries follow former CIA librarian Riley Rhodes, who returns to her hometown of Penniman, Connecticut, and ends up solving crimes while running an ice cream shop. In Fatal Fudge Swirl, Halloween coincides with a big wedding weekend that goes awry when the brides mother is found dead. Riley investigates the murder and strives to identify the killer before another wedding guest dies.

Its so fun for me to play with those expectations you have of a Connecticut village and it being a pleasurable, happy place, and then you juxtapose the crime, Randall said.

Her work has been described as sweetly sinister by the Hartford Book Examiner and the literary equivalent of an ice cream sundae with sprinkles on top" by Mystery Scene. Randalls mysteries fall under the genre of culinary cozy, often including recipes for readers to try at home.

If theres a mention of food in the books, its so much fun to make that dish, Randall said. It brings an additional pleasure to reading and really brings you, the reader, into the world of the book and the characters in a new way.

As research for her books, she and her husband embarked upon an ice cream tour of Connecticut, visiting many local creameries and ice cream shops. Similarly, they did a lobster shack tour of the area for her first series. Randall finds it funny that she ended up writing culinary cozies because, as she says herself, she is not a cook.

My kids call me the takeout queen, Randall said. Its hilarious to me that I write culinary cozies. We got an ice cream machine during the pandemic so I could play around with recipes.

Ice cream shops can evoke nostalgia for many people, according to Randall, who says her readers range from ages 8 to 98. She aims to capture that nostalgia and charm for all generations by drawing inspiration from the many places she visited and the flavors she tried.

Connecticut has so much charm, Randall said. I love when readers say they feel like they went on a vacation by reading my books. I feel like an ambassador with my books. I want to share all the beautiful things we have in our area with my readers.

Her home state has shaped her journey as a writer in many ways. She lived near Mystic while writing The Lobster Shack Mysteries and went for frequent walks around the town while coming up with the setting for her stories. Randall added that growing up in Meriden, she spent a lot of time at Fair Weather Antiques, owned by her family, and the Meriden Historical Society, where her parents volunteered.

Maybe thats where I got this liking for stories. With the antiques and the historical society, I was surrounded by old objects and the stories behind them, Randall said.

She now belongs to Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, Short Mystery Fiction Society, and International Thriller Writers. Randall credits the support she has received from her author groups with propelling her further into a writing career.

As she looks to the future, Randall hopes her readers continue to enjoy her food-inspired mysteries. In addition, she might have more tricks up her sleeve in other genres as well.

Im really enjoying writing culinary cozies but am maybe ready to try something different, Randall said. Its exciting. Stay tuned!

Randall will be at Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore in Middletown on Thursday at 6 p.m. for a book talk catered by Chester-based Honeycone Craft Ice Cream, which will create a custom flavor specifically for the event.

Its got that total New England feel, RJ Julia Marketing Manager Liz Bartek said of Randalls work. I know people really love these books. Shes local to Connecticut, and we always love to support local authors.

To learn more about the Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore event, visit here. More information about Randall and her work can be found at tinyurl.com/mpzbry37.

rwachman@record-journal.com
With the states new financial literacy requirement signed into law by Gov. Ned Lamont last week, every high school student at a Connecticut public school must take a half-credit financial literacy and personal financial management course in order to graduate.

The requirement, in the form of Public Act 23-21, makes Connecticut the 22nd state with a financial literacy graduation requirement. It applies to the class of 2027 and beyond and aims to give students a solid basis in finances before they enter adulthood. Credit cards, loans, bills and taxes are among what students must navigate.

Its something everyone will benefit from, said state Sen. Paul Cicarella, who represents the 34th District, which includes Durham, East Haven, North Branford, North Haven and Wallingford.

We graduate our students and expect them to go into the real world, which they need financial literacy for.  This is something we really had to do for the state of Connecticut and for our students graduating and going into the real world. Im so happy we got it across the finish line.

Cicarella helped introduce the bill to the Connecticut legislature alongside state Sen. Henri Martin. After circulating to schools in the area and speaking with both students and educators, Cicarella realized the need for financial literacy education at a state level. The bill passed in the state Senate in early May before passing in the House later that month.

This course will help give every student a better shot at financial success, particularly those who are not fortunate enough to be given the opportunity or the resources to receive this kind of instruction at home, Lamont said in a statement. Financial education is as important as math, science, and reading.

Since the financial literacy course counts as either an elective or a humanities credit, students will not need to take an extra course in order to graduate.

Adding sections, balancing budgets

Southington High School currently offers a personal finance class and a class on money management. According to Southington Director of Teaching and Learning for Secondary Education Amy Zappone, students have previously taken these courses in the form of electives.

We get about 225 to 275 students who take these classes per year, so now its a question of offering more sections, Zappone said.

However, Frank Pepe, the assistant superintendent for Southington Public Schools, mentioned that with recent budget cuts, the school district must allocate staff to teach the extra sections of the course without making additional hires.

Despite the challenge in implementing the requirement, Pepe emphasized how important financial literacy is to students success.

Its something that whether a student goes into higher education or into the workforce, being financially literate and understanding loans and credit is part of the objective, and its critical to learning how to be a healthy adult, Pepe said.

Similar to Southington High School, Meriden Public Schools runs a personal finance class at both Platt High School and Maloney High School through the Career Technology Education department. The class, which takes place over the course of a semester, follows the Next Gen Personal Finance curriculum, with units on behavioral economics, banking, investing, credit, insurance, taxes, budgeting, paying for college and more.

Meriden Public Schools Director of Technology Susan Moore says the district has a good foundation in place for expanding its financial literacy offerings to meet the requirement.

We already have the curriculum, we already have the computer labs where the class takes place, and we already have the teachers who are certified to teach the class, Moore said.

In Meriden, the financial literacy course now counts as a STEM credit, since students gain experience using spreadsheets and tracking financial data, Moore said. Like Southington, Meriden must figure out who will teach the added sections of the class and determine how this affects scheduling as a whole.

If were offering more sections of the personal finance class, that teaching assignment has to come from somewhere, Moore said. The overall budget will be impacted in the sense that we have limited resources that we first have to apply to requirements, and then we have fewer resources to apply to electives and choice items.

For the fall, another section of the financial literacy course has already been added at Maloney High School. Moore highlighted that both Platt and Maloney can adapt to enrollment numbers as needed, and more sections of financial literacy can always be added for the second semester.

Starting young

Meriden also has a financial literacy program at the middle school level, thanks to a grant the district received for the 2020-2021 school year that allowed the implementation of a personal finance curriculum. This provides students with an introduction to the concepts which they delve into with the high school course.

Meriden Public Schools had been discussing expanded access to personal finance education for a while, Moore added.

We see the importance of students learning a basis in financial literacy, Moore said. We had been moving in this direction for a while, but this requirement ensures that every student has the chance to access the financial literacy class.

Both Meriden and Southington include financial literacy in their respective visions or portraits of their graduates.

Being financially literate is one of the components that makes the contributors to the local and global community, Zappone said. Knowing how to manage money will help them achieve this goal.

While schools must adapt to the new requirement, organizations such as the non-profit Junior Achievement of Southwest New England hope to help with the task. Working to prepare students for success by empowering them through financial literacy, work and career readiness, and entrepreneurship, Junior Achievement offers services to schools. The organization has its own financial literacy curricula and can even partner with educators to enhance pre-existing financial literacy education.

Jeremy Race, the president and CEO of Junior Achievement of Southwest New England, explained that Junior Achievement also brings business volunteers into classrooms as guest speakers so students gain well-rounded perspectives on financial literacy and its importance.

We want to be supportive, Race said. We believe all young people should have this knowledge to navigate nuances in their futures more successfully. The more pieces they have to this financial literacy education, the more theyre going to start adulthood feeling prepared.

rwachman@record-journal.com
A bipartisan social media bill championed by U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., overcame a hurdle on Thursday as a committee once again approved legislation aiming to protect minors online and hold tech companies accountable.

The vote before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation comes a few months after he reintroduced The Kids Online Safety Act alongside Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn. Congress came close to taking it up at the end of the last session in late 2022 but ultimately punted on the issue as other tech and privacy bills failed to make it to final passage.

For a second time, the committee approved KOSA unanimously  this time through a voice vote  along with a childrens online data privacy bill that Blumenthal also supports.

The latter bill would update The Childrens Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998, which protects children under age 13. The new legislation, pushed by Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass., and Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., known as COPPA 2.0, would ban targeted advertising to minors and extend protections to users between ages 13 and 16.

Both pieces of legislation can now be considered on the Senate floor, but a timeline is uncertain. There is an expectation that further changes could be made to the bill. Plus, there are no companion bills in the House.

The push to pass online safety and privacy legislation remains a challenge for stakeholders and lawmakers as tech bills have largely languished in Congress despite broad bipartisan support. KOSA has garnered its most support to date, with more than 40 co-sponsors split between the parties.

Plus, concerns from some civil liberties and LGBTQ+ rights groups persist about potential censorship of younger users, debate over what content is deemed appropriate and the discretion that would be given to state attorneys general.

But Blumenthal said he is very hopeful about the fate of the bill and getting a floor vote in the Senate because they have much more time this session to get it done.

Last session, we had to craft the legislation, we had to work with some of the groups, we just ran out of time, Blumenthal said in an interview. Our leadership is extremely supportive and sympathetic. They recognize that the politics here are very much on our side.

Blumenthal also pointed to the powerful lobbying efforts of social media and tech companies opposed to the bill. He argued that holding a vote before the full Senate will force lawmakers to publicly deal with the issue and own their position.

They prevailed, but this time around, what we want is a floor vote, where its all out in the open and colleagues have to go on record, he said. They cant kill it behind the scenes.

KOSA aims to put in place stricter settings by allowing children and parents to disable addictive features, enable privacy settings and opt out of algorithmic recommendations. It requires tech companies to conduct an annual independent audit to analyze the risks to minors and see if they are working to reduce it.

The bill also establishes a duty of care for sites that are likely used by young individuals to act in the best interests of a minor in matters related to certain mental health disorders, physical violence, online bullying and sexual exploitation.

Since its introduction in early 2022, Blumenthal and Blackburn have made several changes to try to address critics ongoing concerns about censorship and the authority of state attorneys general. KOSA now specifies the issues surrounding mental health instead of a broad interpretation when it comes to duty of care: suicidal behaviors, anxiety, depression, eating disorders and substance use disorders.

It also identifies protections for services like the National Suicide Hotline, substance abuse organizations and LGBTQ+ youth centers. The clarification likely seeks to assuage concerns that the bill would prevent vulnerable children from reaching vital services. Blumenthal also noted that schools and educational software are excluded from the measure.

Some concerns, however, still remain from both advocates and lawmakers.

At Thursdays hearing, Senate Commerce Committee Chairwoman Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., said she has heard from LGBTQ+ advocates about continuing concerns about KOSA. She noted that lawmakers will keep working to address them.

Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, ranking member of the Senate Commerce Committee, said he would like to consider adding a pre-emption provision since a number of states across the country have passed their own social media laws that may be inconsistent with this bill. He said he feared it would become a litigation magnet.

Other social media bills, including from lawmakers in Connecticut, are still on the table.

Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., who has also signed onto KOSA, introduced his own bipartisan social media bill in April alongside Sen. Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., and Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark. Over the past few months, the bill gained half a dozen co-sponsors.

The Protecting Kids on Social Media Act would bar anyone under 13 from using social media and require minors between 13 and 17 to get consent from a parent or legal guardian to sign up. The bill would also block social media companies from recommending content through algorithms for people under 18.

Blumenthal and some youth-led advocacy groups have raised concerns about age verification of minors and the ability to enforce such requirements, though Blumenthal noted the two measures share some common goals when it comes to reining in the algorithms that suggest and monitor what users see on their accounts.

Schatz, who sits on the Senate Commerce Committee, had an amendment to KOSA at Thursdays hearing but withdrew it since The Protecting Kids on Social Media Act is expected to get its own markup later in the year.

Were trying to see if theres a possibility  for parts of our bill to come together with Sen. Blumenthals bill, Murphy said in an interview. But whichever direction we go, we should tackle social media on the floor of the Senate this year.

Blumenthal said he is talking with Murphy and Schatz about possible consensus in some areas of protecting children online but noted the tenuous situation of trying to get legislation through Congress with the most support possible.

We welcome different ideas, and were seeking to accommodate the best of them, Blumenthal said. We want to keep together our coalition based on this very carefully crafted combination of ideas that is frankly most importantly supported by parents and young people who see this problem firsthand. Theyre not in favor of age cutoffs and certain kinds of bans.

Cantwell confirmed that she wants to work with Murphys group after the August recess and get a future markup of the bill in front of her committee, though the exact timing is unclear.

The Kids Online Safety Act isnt the last of privacy issues that we will consider in this committee, Cantwell said. And we hope that when we return in September, we will be considering many more other issues related to this as well.

This story originally appeared on the website of The Connecticut Mirror, www.ctmirror.org.
Plainvilles newest ice cream shop, Lacroixs Homemade Ice Cream, offers a sweet spot for a cool treat on these hot summer days.

The shop offers a variety of flavors, from white chocolate raspberry to peanut butter cup to orange pineapple. Lauren Minty and Sean Williston, the shops owners, are eager to get people to try flavors they had never tried before.

How the shop got its name

The name Lacroix comes from Mintys grandfather, who was a very big part of her life and her inspiration for the ice cream business itself.

Her grandfather was obsessed with ice cream. When she would go up to visit her grandfather, they always went out for ice cream. The two would visit a homemade ice cream shop in Rhode Island.

His favorite ice cream flavor was orange pineapple, a flavor that Mintys shop carries. The flavor resembles a creamsicle.

I worked at an ice cream shop in high school and college, Minty said. We both love ice cream, and Sean has always wanted to enter the food industry.

Finding the right spot

Mintys father found the business on Loopnet  an online site that lists businesses for sale.

We came and looked at the shop and made the jump, Minty said.

Minty and Williston bought the shop just after Memorial Day and opened at the beginning of July.

The couple is excited to work in the ice cream business. Williston quit his full-time job to run the shop, while Minty still works in the fashion industry in sales. She sells to big department stores and commutes to the city daily while working at the ice cream shop on nights and weekends.

The couple moved from Stamford to Plainville to be closer to their new business.

Peanut butter cup a hit

So far, peanut butter cup is their top selling flavor, selling more than they had planned.

We ran out of peanut butter cup one night, and people were angry, Williston said.

They are still debating whether to run the shop seasonally or stay open year-round. It all depends on the demand.

The response so far has been incredible, Minty said. Everyone seems to like it, so were super excited and thankful.

The couple had to close a few times to restock, and Williston said people were very understanding.

Williston will often come in at 9 a.m. and work until midnight making ice cream. To keep up with the demand, the shop is closed on Mondays and Thursdays to be able to stock up and make fresh ice cream.

The couple came to Plainville not knowing what to expect.

We never officially announced when we opened, Minty said. Word just blew up over Facebook, and everyone came in.

History of the previous ice cream shop

The shop was previously owned by Roger Leardi, who had shops in Plainville, Old Saybrook and Cheshire. When his kids graduated from college, he closed the Old Saybrook and Cheshire shops, then decided to go wholesale out of Plainville.

Leardi was in the business for 20 years. When he closed the retail shop, he sold wholesale to local restaurants, nursing homes, and hospitals.

When COVID-19 happened, Leardi decided he was finished and put the shop up for sale.

Minty said Leardi wrote down a list describing the type of person he wanted to sell the shop to. Minty recalls he told her that he wanted the new owners to think of the shop as their baby.

It was just a little after COVID-19 when the couple purchased the shop from Leardi and went through training for the ice cream business.

How people are reacting

Erica Donovan, a Plainville resident, decided to see what all the hype was after seeing people talking about it on Facebook.

I dont even like ice cream, but I hate being left out of things, so I decided to stop and see what all the fuss was about, Donovan said in a Facebook post. I now believe that I never liked ice cream because I wasnt eating the right ice cream. This place is spectacular, and as everyone has said, theyre incredibly friendly. Im definitely an ice cream fan now.

The ice cream shop is located at 161 Woodford Ave. It is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from noon to 9 p.m. It is closed on Monday and Thursday.

nzappone@record-journal.com203-317-2212
SOUTHINGTON  A town man was sentenced Thursday to 12 years in prison after pleading guilty to possessing child pornography last year.

Richard Smith, 67, of Southington, was sentenced to 12 years, followed by 15 years of supervised release, in New Haven federal court on Thursday. The sentence comes after Smith was found with millions of images and videos depicting child sex abuse, according to a press release from Tom Carson, spokesman for the U.S. Attorneys Office, District of Connecticut.

Smith pled guilty on Nov. 28, 2022 to possession of child pornography. On Oct. 1, 2020 agents from Homeland Security Investigations conducted a court-authorized search of Smiths home. His computer was running and connected to a website on the dark web dedicated to child pornography, the statement said. One of his four monitors showed a spreadsheet with child pornography filenames and internet hyperlinks. The items were seized and a forensic analysis was conducted. The search revealed millions of images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children, including infants and toddlers, the statement said.

Smith has been detained since he was arrested on Oct. 1, 2020.

His criminal history includes convictions related to sexual assault of boys in 1990 and 1998, the statement said.

lsellew@record-journal.com203-317-2225Twitter: @LaurenSellewRJ
HARTFORD, Conn.  Connecticuts public safety commissioner on Wednesday told state lawmakers to expect a federal investigation into a recent audits findings that showed hundreds of state troopers submitted false information from 2014 to 2021 on at least 26,000 traffic stops  information ultimately reported to a racial profiling board.

State legislators from two committees called the legislative informational meeting after data analysts with the University of Connecticut said the traffic stop reports resulted in too many drivers being identified as white.

The Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, which oversees the Connecticut State Police, is already complying with a subpoena related to the traffic stop matter issued by the Office of Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Transportation, department head James Rovella confirmed. The DOT intends to determine whether the false data was used to secure federal money, he said.

I dont think thats it, ladies and gentlemen, Rovella told lawmakers. I think theres more to come from our federal agencies, at least the Department of Justice on this one.

On Monday, Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont ordered an independent investigation to learn how it happened, why it happened, and how to prevent it from ever happening again.

Ken Barone, associate director of UConns Institute for Municipal and Regional Policy and project manager of the Connecticut Racial Profiling Prohibition Project, said the group did not assess the intentions of the troopers in the analysis of the traffic reports. He said no member of the public actually received a ticket. Rather, it was erroneous data entered into the system.

While Barone said further investigation could determine some of the false records were due to human error, he stressed how researchers used very conservative methodology that gave troopers the benefit of the doubt.

We ran the analysis well over 20 times. One of the things that stood out to me: The trend never changed. And thats telling in statistical analysis, he said. The more we ran it, the more the trend stayed the same.

The audit was spurred by a Hearst Connecticut Media report last year that said four state troopers in an eastern Connecticut barracks intentionally created hundreds of bogus traffic stop tickets to boost their productivity numbers. After internal affairs investigations, one trooper was suspended for 10 days, another was suspended for two days and the other two retired before the probe was completed.

The audit found the number of false traffic infractions reported to the Connecticut Racial Profiling Prohibition Project advisory board didnt match those reported to the state court system, which handles all traffic citations. The false tickets also more often identified drivers as being white.

The UConn analysts determined 130 troopers  62 retirees and 68 active duty  had more than eight traffic stops in a single year that didnt match court records and which accounted for 20% of their reported motor vehicle infractions. That represents about 10% of the department.

Rovella said one trooper decided to identify more than 90% of the people he stopped as a Native American/Alaskan Native.

For all accounts, he was a model trooper, a model trooper, and did his job correctly. I just dont know what happened at that time, said Rovella, noting the trooper has been suspended.

Rovella, who said he was taking the falsified reporting seriously and was angry, to say the least, said he doesnt understand why someone would intentionally submit erroneous information. After the four original troopers were disciplined, steps were taken to make sure troopers would not be motivated to submit bogus tickets in order to get a newer police cruiser, a favorable assignment or benefits.

What was the purpose? Thats what were trying to figure out, said Rovella, noting an internal investigation will also be conducted. If youre not getting a better assignment, if youre not getting a better car, why falsify?

Rovella pledged to dig into the numbers and said anyone found to have intentionally falsified records will be held to account.

State Police union officials urged legislators not to rush to judgement and said many of the troopers identified as having submitted false reports have had stellar careers.

This isnt a systemic issue, said Andrew Matthews, the unions executive director and counsel. Its an individual issue.

State Rep. Steve Stafstrom, D-Bridgeport and co-chair of the Judiciary Committee, acknowledged the point of the hearing is not to jump to conclusions about whether the erroneous reports were intentionally submitted. However, he said lawmakers need to take a closer look at the issue because it calls into question police data the General Assembly relies on to oversee law enforcement.

Claudine Constant, the American Civil Liberties Union of Connecticuts director of public policy and advocacy, called for swift, transparent, meaningful accountability for individual troopers determined to have falsified traffic stop records as well as for the State Police as a whole.

This problem was widespread, long-lasting, and it happened because of lack of systemic oversight of police, she said in a statement. The question now is how our elected officials are going to respond when police violate an anti-racist law tens of thousands of times for years.
On the sales floor of the A-1 Toyota dealership in New Haven, Katie Dykes was selling a vision of Connecticuts car-buying future Wednesday: A rapidly increasing number of electric vehicles, a network of fast chargers and incentives that Dykes jauntily called cash on the hood.

Dykes, the commissioner of energy and environmental protection, has a mixed record of closing deals with a General Assembly that readily acknowledges the reality of climate change and transportation-related pollution but often has dragged its heels on giving her powers enjoyed by peers in other states.

The occasion Wednesday was a relatively esoteric public-policy milestone: The publication of proposed regulations ensuring Connecticut continues to meet evolving California standards for passenger-car emissions, a commitment made 20 years ago during the administration of a Republican governor, John G. Rowland.

More recently, the Connecticut Clean Air Act passed in 2022 at the urging of Dykes and her Democratic boss, Gov. Ned Lamont, requires increasingly cleaner emissions for trucks through 2032. By 2035, auto manufacturers must offer only zero-emission electric vehicles in the state.

We cannot meet our goals to do our part to reduce emissions and slow climate change if we do not reduce emissions for the transportation sector, and a big part of the solution is offering more electric vehicle and clean vehicle options for Connecticut drivers, Dykes said.

With weather extremes ranging from drought to deluge, interspersed with periodic heat waves like that one expected to settle over the region for the remainder of the week, the summer of 2023 is emerging as a potential catalyst for climate legislation.

The press conference featuring Dykes, Lamont, New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker, lawmakers and advocates came on a day when the front page of the New York Times featured a story warning that warming ocean waters were showing signs of reaching a tipping point towards disrupting crucial currents that shape the climate around the North Atlantic.

The messaging for climate-change bills has broadened in Connecticut from an emphasis on how state policies can eventually reduce greenhouse gases to the more immediate impacts that cleaner air will have on urban children who suffer from some of the highest rates of asthma in the U.S.

New Haven was called one of the nations asthma capitals.

The air thats flowing into our state is already out of attainment with ozone standards. And our transportation sector is contributing, exacerbating those ozone and smog impacts because of vehicle exhaust, Dykes said. And we have many of our cities that are where we have communities living adjacent to major transportation corridors.

Elicker noted that New Haven now has an Office of Climate and Sustainability run by Steven Winter, a former city alder who worked on Lamonts unsuccessful 2010 campaign for governor while a student at Yale.

Sen. Tony Hwang, R-Fairfield, said, Clean air is critical, and its a non-partisan issue.

While other measures have generated broader support, Hwang was the only Republican in the Senate to vote in 2022 for passage of the Connecticut Clean Air Act. Every House Republican was opposed.

Passage of the law was one of the victories that made the 2022 session a high point for environmentalists and Dykes. On climate change, the 2023 session that concluded in June was largely a bust.

The Lamont administrations major bill died in committee. It would have given Dykess agency authority to designate greenhouse gas emission targets for specific sectors of the economy and levy penalties if they werent met. Opposition came from Republicans and the fossil fuel industry.

The 2035 all-electric deadline in the 2022 law is a mandate on automakers and will not ban the purchase or sale of used gas-powered vehicles in 2035. But in concert with federal policy and rules adopted or being adopted in another dozen states, the Connecticut regulations will reinforce the direction already set by makers of cars and trucks.

With the publication of the proposed regulations, Connecticut joins Rhode Island, Maryland, New Jersey and New Mexico in announcing an intention to adopt the new standards. Massachusetts, New York and Vermont already have finalized adoption of the rules.

Connecticut and our neighboring states are taking decisive action to meet our climate pollution reduction targets, Lamont said. Cars and trucks represent the largest air pollution sector in our state, and these regulations are moving in coordination with commitments made by vehicle manufacturers to go all in on electrification.

Read the full story on the website of The Connecticut Mirror, www.ctmirror.org.

As Dykes spoke, Lamont glanced towards one of Toyotas oddly named offerings in its all-electric line, the bZ4x sports-utility vehicle. The first two letters stand for beyond zero emissions, and X marks it as a cross-over.

The version on the floor was the more expensive of the two basic versions: one a front-wheel drive car with a single electric motor; the other, with a motor on each axle and all-wheel drive. It carried a sticker price of $49,899 and had a range of more than 220 miles.

There are only 36,000 electric vehicles currently registered in Connecticut, but Dykes said a shift to EVs is underway: Registrations are up 20% since January and 42% over a year ago.

With federal funds, the state Department of Transportation is currently mapping a network of fast chargers on its interstates, with construction expected in 2024. Once completed, the federal funds can be used for chargers on secondary roads.

This story originally appeared on the website of The Connecticut Mirror, www.ctmirror.org.
Saviour Kasukuweres dream of an election comeback and presidential bid have been left in tatters after the Supreme Court upheld a ruling blocking his nomination.

Kasukuwere, once a powerful ZANU PF faction leader nicknamed Tyson, had been planning an ambitious vote-swing operation after five years in self-imposed exile.

But the High Court ruled last month that Kasukuwere failed to meet residency requirements to be a candidate, forcing him to scramble an expensive legal fightback.

Insiders say Kasukuwere had already poured a kings ransom into billboards, rallies and teams of strategists ahead of the August vote.

A clearly disappointed Kasukuwere tweeted: Disappointed, and we are now considering our next steps and will keep the nation informed. God bless.

Disappointed, and we are now considering our next steps and will keep the nation informed.

God bless.  Saviour Kasukuwere (@Hon_Kasukuwere) July 28, 2023

Political sources suggest Kasukuweres years outside Zimbabwe left him with few allies inside the country, hampering his legal efforts.

Kasukuwere is not alone  LEAD partys Linda Musarira who failed to raise nomination fees on time also suffered a huge blow after her court application was thrown out.

Breaking News via Email
Patient readers, sorry for the slight delay. VPN problems! lambert

Where do deep-sea creatures live? Where they wont dissolve Science

Endangered birds experience virgin birth, a first for the species National Geographic

U.S. durable goods orders climb 4.7% led by Boeing contracts MarketWatch

GDP grew at a 2.4% pace in the second quarter, topping expectations despite recession calls CNBC. Commentary:

About 0.4pp of Q2s 2.4% real GDP growth came from construction of manufacturing structures such as factories. The last time factory construction contributed so much to quarterly growth was 1981 Q1. https://t.co/m6EJAOIRSd

Climate

Why we need more venture capital funding for impact-led start-ups now World Economic Forum

Americans are moving toward climate danger in search of cheaper homes Bloomberg

#COVID19

COVID-19 Metrics See First Increase Since January: CDC US News. As NC readers have known for some weeks.

The failures of our political and health care leaders are a feature, not a bug Halifax Examiner

As groups celebrate the Americans with Disabilities Act anniversary, COVID still looms large The 19th

ICAN FOIA: Moderna Data Shows Alarming Lot Specific Data on mRNA Shots UncoverDC. The datas not very clean, though. And the captcha for subscribing is 45th President of the United States? (last name). Still worth watching!
Yves here. I wish we have more of this sort of investigation, not just in the climate arena but generally. Anyone who has attained the status of influencer is a public figure and cant claim to have an expectation of privacy. Whether their views are their own or are paid advertisements ought to be a subject of disclosure, not unlike the way some media outlets feature articles clearly labeled as sponsored content. But I doubt youll see much change in conduct until some naming and shaming winds up denting some of these brand images.

By Dimitris Dimitriadis, Joey Grostern and Sam Bright. Originally published at DeSmogBlog

Oil and gas supermajors including Shell and BP are using UK influencers to push false solutions to the climate crisis and manufacture a more family friendly image, DeSmog can reveal.

The influencers have included a popular former BBC presenter, a polar explorer, and an exasperated father of five who needs a break and finds it in the form of BPs rewards app.

The campaigns have been deployed across a number of social media platforms and are part of a global effort to give millennials a reason to connect emotionally with oil and gas firms, and to tackle their perception as the bad guys.

DeSmog analysed examples of more than 100 influencers being paid to promote fossil fuel firms worldwide since 2017, from the US to Malaysia, in campaigns that have reached billions of people.

Our analysis uncovered promotional material from two PR firms representing Shell, boasting of the success of their online advertising. One of the PR companies claimed that content fronted by UK inventor Colin Furze reached nearly a billion people, while another claimed that a campaign with explorer Robert Swan OBE made Shells audience 31 percent more likely to believe that the oil company is committed to cleaner fuels.

This comes as major polluters are increasingly deploying digital tactics to detract from negative headlines about their record profits and decades-long contribution to climate change.

In 2020, leaked internal documents from BP showed how the firm sought to reach influencers in order to become more relatable, passionate, and authentic and win the trust of the younger generation  admitting that the company is seen as one of the bad guys.

Shell last year advertised for a new staff member to manage its TikTok campaigns, while oil and gas giant ExxonMobil has been the highest advertising spender on Facebook and Instagram in the last five years, shelling out $23.1 million since June 2018.

Theres an endless supply of greenwashing adverts on social media, environmental content creator Jacob Simon told DeSmog. While theres more knowledge in general around climate change and the harms of fossil fuels, I think that people have a lot of trust in creators. When influencers that people know and respect talk about something, theyre likely to believe them.

We Needed Them to Think Differently About Shell

Shell appears to have been the most prominent employer of influencer advertising over the last seven years.

In April, for example, the fossil fuel giant released a five-part YouTube series hosted by ex-BBC presenter Dallas Campbell, which touted the net zero benefits of hydrogen and featured one-on-one interviews with two Shell executives.

Oil and gas companies have been heavily promoting hydrogen as a green fuel, despite the UNs Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change estimating that hydrogen will represent at best 2.1 percent of total energy consumption in 2050.

Shell has the ambition to make enough hydrogen from renewable power to kick-start this energy revolution, Campbell said in the first video of the series, which has gained nearly 30,000 views.

The former BBC presenter has also promoted the series on his personal social media channels. On Instagram, Campbell encouraged his followers to watch his Hydrogen powered adventure! but did not tag Shell, nor mention his commercial relationship with the brand.

This was also not the first time that Campbell had partnered with Shell. In 2016, he presented the social media coverage of the companys Make the Future London festival. Dallas was fantastic, Shell said in a testimonialfollowing the event, adding that the social media campaign had fetched over a million views, which the company described as absolutely huge!

In 2022, a Harvard University paper found that a green innovation narrative was one of the key social media tactics deployed by fossil fuel companies. Analysing 2,325 social media posts from 22 major European polluters, the report found that 72 percent of posts from oil and gas firms tried to emphasise their spending on green technology.

As the study also pointed out, however, these firms invested just 1.7 percent of their annual capital expenditures in low carbon technologies between 2010 and 2018.

It also appears that major polluters have been using influential environmentalists to bolster their social media campaigns.

This includes Robert Swan, a popular advocate for the protection of Antarctica who received an OBE in 1995 after becoming the first person to walk both poles.

In late 2017, Shell sponsored Swan and his son, Barney, to travel to the South Pole and promote its renewable biofuels, with Shell distributing the campaign widely on social media.

Behind the publicity stunt was one of Shells principal PR agencies, Edelman. The PR firm boasts on its website that the expedition organically reached 600 million people on social media and was so successful that it increased positive attitudes towards [Shell] by 12 percent, and made Shells audience 31 percent more likely to believe that the oil company is committed to cleaner fuels.

The company [Shell] tasked Edelman with the job of giving millennials a reason to connect emotionally with Shells commitment to a sustainable future, the Edelman website says. We needed them to forget their prejudices about big oil and think differently about Shell.

Robert Swan told DeSmog that he is not a celebrity or an influencer but an explorer and that Shell helped in their effort to support biofuel.

We needed a backup fuel because the sun doesnt always shine, he said.

This was echoed by his son Barney, who advises businesses on reducing their environmental impact and runs an environmental charity. He told DeSmog that to make meaningful progress towards the energy transition you have to work with big industry, adding that Shells biofuels are part of that solution.

Ive definitely copped a lot of criticism for it [working with Shell], he said, yet adding that Shell offered him, a younger person, the opportunity to feel represented and build more trust in their so-called nature based solutions.

Ultimately, he said the expedition was not a Shell story  it was a father and son story, having a good go of it.

The Wrong Side of History

British inventor Colin Furze, who has 12.5 million followers on YouTube, has also worked with Shell on its social media output. In a campaign produced for the fossil fuel giant by advertising agency EssenceMediacom, Furze co-hosted a six week virtual competition challenging students to solve real life energy challenges.

The campaign was co-hosted by US-based science influencer Astronaut Abby and won World Media Groups 2021 Corporate Influencer Award. According to the award submission, the competition generated 127 million views and nearly one billion impressions, with EssenceMediacom boasting that Shell-branded content actually outperformed Colin [Furzes] own organic content benchmarks, achieving 59 percent more interactions than the norm for posts on Colins owned channels.

EssenceMediacom, which belongs to multinational communications company WPP, has previously claimed to help clients integrate sustainability into their advertising and marketing strategies.

Environmental content creator Jacob Simon told DeSmog that, Any agency with fossil fuel clients is on the wrong side of history. Agencies have a responsibility to use their talent and skills for good, to connect and make ads that benefit society and make the world a better place instead of harming us and contributing to global pollution and destruction.

YouTube also appears to have been a target for Shell. In December 2021, the popular motoring channel Seen Through Glass was paid to host a collaboration with Shell, during which its host Sam Fane was shown around Finali Mondiali, the World Finals of the Scuderia Ferrari Challenge Series. Seen Through Glass has 600,000 YouTube subscribers and was named as one of the Sunday Timess top 50 UK influencers in 2019.

In 2021, Shell also sponsored GadgetsBoy  a consumer tech channel with 73,000 YouTube subscribers  to testthe firms new e-scooter.

These public messaging efforts form part and parcel of a broader greenwashing strategy of which the objective is to portray Shell as a global champion in the energy transition, Gregory Trencher, an Associate Professor at the Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies, Kyoto University, told DeSmog.

Yet this is far from the reality, as despite having a goal in place to reach net zero emissions, Shell has abandoned its plan to reduce its production of oil by 1-2 percent each year up to 2030 and has reaffirmed its plans to grow its gas production.

A Shell spokesperson said that, People are well aware that Shell produces the oil and gas they depend on today. However, what many dont know is that we are also investing billions of dollars in low- and zero-carbon solutions globally as part of our efforts to support the energy transition.

No energy transition can be successful if people are not aware of the alternatives available to them. Making our customers aware  through advertising or social media  of the low-carbon solutions we offer now or are developing is an important and valid part of our marketing activities.

Global Reach

Fossil fuel companies have also relied on family lifestyle influencers to promote their products and improve their reputations.

In June 2019, oil and gas supermajor BP used Alex Galbally, a UK-based dad influencer, to promote its reward app, BPme.

Galbally, who boasts over 100,000 followers on Instagram, posed outside a petrol station along with four of his kids and told his followers that the BP app really is gonna make my life!.

Galbally deleted this post after being contacted for comment by DeSmog.

This post was part of a concerted effort to promote the BPme app via lifestyle and cultural influencers across the English-speaking world, with at least 17 influencers posting content that gained at least 675,000 likes and five million views.

DeSmog also identified influencer campaigns promoting fossil fuel companies in other countries including India, Chile, Germany, and Indonesia. The total combined following of all the influencers who have posted fossil fuel partnerships since 2017, in posts analysed by DeSmog, is nearly 60 million.

These campaigns often took advantage of lax restrictions on the labelling of social media sponsorships. In the UK, influencers are required to clearly label when they have been paid to promote a brand  rules that are absent in many other countries.

In 2021, a number of Instagram influencers in India promoted a Shell advertising campaign, racking up millions of video views.

Few of the posts flagged that they were paid adverts (something that wasnt required under Indian law until this year), though they all used a similar format and included Shell corporate hashtags.

One of the few labelled campaigns was from Indian actress Radhika Apte, who posted a paid video partnership with Shell on Instagram that received 3.6 million views.

I think that fossil fuel companies are very good at shape shifting to maintain their social licence, environmental activist and influencer Francesca Willow told DeSmog. They have smart people working there who have realised that social media is where they can focus their attention, or where they should focus their attention, because other strategies have started to fail them.

Major polluters also appear to have used influencers to exaggerate the green credentials of their products. In Indonesia, Shell paid popular travel photographer Felgra Yogatama to promote its lubricant Shell Helix Ultra, which he described in an Instagram post as The worlds first carbon neutral oil, made from natural gas, claiming that it is used to ensure high performance and low emissions.

The claim of carbon neutral engine oil is ludicrous, said Professor Trencher.

Yogatama, who is followed by over 400,000 people, confirmed to DeSmog that Shell had approached him to do a project just like any other brand, but this fact was neither stated in the body of the post nor in the label, giving the impression of an organic post.

Greenwashing attempts have been rampant with the big oil and gas companies for a long time, said Arild Wraas, an Associate Professor at Oslomet Business School, who has studied corporate attempts to exaggerate their social and environmental work.

Ultimately, though, Wraas doesnt believe that social media campaigns will measurably shift public perceptions of big polluters. I dont think Shell and others will be able to improve their reputation much until they transition fully to producing green energy, he said.

Meanwhile, environmental groups are determined to expose the tactics of fossil fuel giants and to persuade influencers not to work with them.

We need to educate people more on what these companies are actually doing so that when you are approached as a creator, you dont fall for it, Tolmeia Gregory, associate creative director at Clean Creatives, told DeSmog.

This was echoed by James Turner, founder of the creative collective Glimpse. The fossil fuel industry is using the glossy sheen of influencers to stop it looking like a creaking dinosaur, he said. Thats why we need young creators of all stripes to avoid the likes of Shell and BP and use their talent to promote brands that are actually serious about climate change. This influencer stuff is just getting started, and we need to nip it in the bud while we still can.

All the individuals and firms named in this article were approached for comment.

UK influencers who have featured in social media campaigns promoting fossil fuel firms

Robert Swan OBE

Barney Swan

Colin Furze

Dallas Campbell

Alex Galbally

Alesha Dixon

Jason Bradbury

Dr Shini Somara

Letitia Wright

Anne-Marie Imafidon MBE

Remel London

Tom Kahler

GadgetsBoy

Seen Through Glass
Ever since the start of the war in Ukraine, pundits, armchair generals, and other members of the chattering classes have attempted to forecast its trajectory. While that is human nature, the propensity to try to read tea leaves may be even higher than usual due to the unprecedented amount of day to day battlefield information, the intense and too-often-visible Western efforts at narrative control, and the way this conflict has become a hegemony-breaking struggle of the US and NATO with a Russia that in the eyes of much of the rest of the world is midwifing the birth of a multi-polar order. In other words, the stakes have become disproportionate to the size of even this moderately big conflict.

Sme of the most stalwart supporters of the notion that Russia will prevail against the Collective West have recently sounded cautionary notes about timing. Recall that not just war mavens like Brian Berletic but even the Discord leaks showed Ukraine running critically short of weapons, particularly offensive and air defense missiles, over the summer and early fall. So what gives?

As well explain, independent of reasons on the military front to think the end-game might not be as near as some experts had once thought, there may also be political/geopolitical reasons for Russia to continue to go slowly, including being deliberate about the acquisition of terrain.

One key issue is that it became clear in the NATO meeting in Vilnius that most of the NATO European members have soured on Project Ukraine. That leaves the US holding the bag even more so than before. Of course, with Biden having just promoted the Russia-hater-in-chief Victoria Nuland to the #2 slot at the Department of State, theres no sign of Administration commitment softening any time soon.

But as economist Herbert Stein famously said, If something cant go on forever, it will stop. And the West is scraping the bottom of its barrels to keep supplying Ukraine with weapons. Tellingly, despite recognizing that it cant keep up with Russian production, it still has not even attempted to initiate a reindustrialization/rearming program (I am old enough to remember the post-Sputnik panic; the US quickly resolved to catch up and threw resources at the problem). A few more contracts with the usual suspects is not a remotely adequate response.

None other than the EUs Josep Borell said in May that the war would be over in days without Western military support. And let us not forget that the Ukraine government is entirely on the US/EU drip feed. Its population level per Douglas Macgregor has fallen from a pre-war 40 million-ish to 19 to 22 million. Its GDP fell by over 30% in 2022. And how, pray tell, will it rebuild? The idea of BlackRock-led public-private partnerships is silly (recall investors turned up their noses as much less basket-casey Greece in 2015). Ukraine needs a Marshall Plan, including state-led direction of what infrastructure gets rebuilt first and why. But the West does not do big dirigiste schemes any more. And let us not forget that Russia would have to supply electrical grid equipment1how is that supposed to work?

So why with little reason to be cheery about Ukraines prospects are Gilbert Doctorow and Scott Ritter making cautionary noises? For Doctorow, its about what he sees as too much optimism; Ritter has started thinking about the demands of possible occupation.

Some readers flagged the Doctorow piece but its not clear it got the attention it warrants. From Russian military experts on the current state of the war:

There is a lot of cheerleading for Russian military successes on the Western alternative news portals. There is also a fair amount of cheerleading coming from front line Russian war correspondents on Russian state television. But, as I have indicated in past essays, the more serious Russian news programs such as Sixty Minutes and Evening with Vladimir Solovyov also give the microphone to military experts from among Duma committee chairmen and others who actually bear responsibility and accountability for the war effort and are not just talking heads. These speakers are much more restrained in their remarks on the wars progress and I use this opportunity to share with readers what I hear from such sources. I will be drawing in particular on what was said on the Solovyov show two days ago. The most sober remark was that it is a mistake to gloat over reports that the Ukrainians have run out of reserves and that their soldiers at the front are now just old men and youths, who are demoralized and surrendering to Russians when they can. Saying that is to diminish our respect for the heroism of Russian soldiers who are facing, in fact, peer equals in the Ukrainian forces. This is a tough war. Moreover, the Ukrainian reserves are not yet exhausted. Out of the approximately 60,000 elite troops that received training in NATO countries only 30  40% were killed or wounded in the battle for Bakhmut and subsequent Ukrainian counter-attack after 4 June. The Russians will not begin their own massive offensive to knock out the Ukrainian military until they are confident that most of the Ukrainian reserves have been depleted in the ongoing war of attrition. Accordingly, what we are witnessing these days is localized attacks that have tactical, not strategic importance. Yes, the Ukrainians make advances here and there of a few meters at great cost in lost lives of the soldiers. Yes, the Russians make advances of three or four kilometers here or there, at significantly lower cost. The Russians are biding their time. This is not a stale-mate as Western media keep telling their audiences.

Next to Ritters concerns. He states in a new interview with Garland Nixon (starting at 46:55) that Russia has reserves of 180,000 and thats not enough to take Kharkiv or Odessa.2 Ritter also argues that these two targets have become much less attractive by virtue of most ethnic Russians having left and thus those remaining no longer being Russian-leaning.

In contrast with Ritters reservations, we also have signs of Russia taking a harder line with respect to Western Ukraine. Before, deputy Security Council chief Dmitry Medvedev had signaled that Russia might welcome the rest of Europe taking the Western Ukraine problem off Russias hands by having Poland, Hungary and Romania carve it up. But Putin in a recent Security Council meeting, and then reinforced in a staged talk with Belarus president Alexander Lukashenko, made clear that Russia would act against any Polish incursion.

As weve pointed out, Russias leadership seems attentive to the fact that this is a multi-fronted engagement, with the kinetic war only one element.3 And domestic politics are a very big part of the equation

Lets float a new hypothesis, and this is only a hypothesis, not a prediction.

The Ukraine army is approaching the point of exhaustion and collapse. Maybe that will happen on Ritters earlier timetable, of late summer/ fall, when artillery supplies were projected to become fatally low (the US supply of cluster bombs has extended Ukraines sell by date a bit but I have not seen any revised estimates). But Ukraine may carry on until mud season, and hope that the slowed tempo of the war will enable it to resupply a bit. Regardless, it seems not conceivable that Ukraine can carry on at its current tempo for as long as a year.

Even the more conservative commentators, like Doctorow, warn that Russia wont make any big moves until Ukraine forces look kaput.

Given the complexity of the domestic and international political situation, big moves may not be immediately forthcoming even then.

First, from the domestic standpoint, Russia will have a lot of unfinished business. It must first of all secure and clear Donbass. It must stop shelling and terrorist action against Donetsk. Even assuming the Ukraine army starts to break up, theres a lot of potential for rearguard action, as well as mines to clear.

Second, it still will have the crazy and very much in denial West to deal with. Some of what is logical to do next will be very much path dependent and is hard to forecast now. For instance, the promotion of Victoria Nuland makes the poor prospects for a negotiated outcome even worse. But it is possible, if Bidens approval ratings have fallen by next spring or he has had a Mitch-McConnell-level-visible health crisis, that Biden will be in lame duck territory and it will behoove Russia not to do anything too definitive until it has a better reading on possible outcomes.

That is a long winded way of saying if and when military events break decisively Russias way, it may still see fit only to take comparatively low risk moves that might (finally) get the attention of the West. Recall that once Russia clears the final line of Ukraine defense in the Donbass, it then has a pretty clear run to the Dnieper. Marching up to its bank might focus a few minds.

Third, if, as in when the US abandons Ukraine, the government funding will end or be considerably reduced. The already very bad conditions in the parts of Ukraine still under Ukraine control will go from not great to terrible. This will be an end of Soviet Union level collapse with war damage and casualties thrown in.

Most commentators have assumed Russia will take territory when it has the chance. But Russia is committed only to securing the four oblasts that it now regards as part of Russia (which does entail some additional ground-taking). It may want to take Kharkiv to better secure its borders, or Odessa to control the Black Sea coast and assure that rump Ukraine is weak and poor. But per Ritter, those are cost-benefit exercises, and that equation looks to be in flux right now.

Russia is already going to have a lot on its plate with clearing, securing, and rebuilding its new Russian territory in the former Ukraine. Could it go into wait and see mode as the rest of Ukraine becomes a failed state? Russia may decide to act only selectively and opportunistically, entering areas that seem receptive to Russian help, taking action as needed to pursue denazification aims. It may seem nervous-making and unduly fluid to wait and watch as events unfold. But taking a lot of territory would be a huge commitment and Russia does not seem to be manning up for that yet.4

To put this another way: in decision science, an important concept is the cost of information. Decisions are always made under uncertainty, but often it is worth the time and expenditure to get better intelligence before acting.

As maddening as it likely is to many Russian citizens and others with stakes in the outcome of the war, it looks to be entirely rational for Russia to persist in going comparatively slowly in the prosecution of this war,5 not just to save lives and husband resources, but also to see how events play out so as to plot the most promising path in a very high risk game. So this war may well drag on, due not to Russian failure but to prudence.

___

1 Ukraine runs on Soviet spec gear that the West does not make and is not about set up just for the purpose of fixing Ukraine. Redoing the grid for Western equipment is not a realistic alternative.

2 Ritter has always been cool on the idea of Russia taking Odessa. He posited that Russia would use it as a bargaining chip, that letting Odessa remain in Ukraines hands would assure it some measure of economic viability. But as I recall, Ritter, who reads everything Putin says, was also reacting to a throwaway remark by Putin at a Valdai Club talk, where a journalist in what was presumed to be a planted question asked if he would need a Russian or Ukrainian visa to visit Odessa in two years. Putin in ducking the question, said:

Odessa can be an apple of discord, a symbol of conflict resolution, and a symbol of finding some kind of solution to everything that is happening now. It is not a question of Russia. We have said many times that we are ready to negotiate, and I recently mentioned this publicly once again speaking in the Kremlin. But the leaders of the Kiev regime have decided not to continue negotiations with the Russian Federation. It is true that the final word belongs to those who implement this policy in Washington. It is very easy for them to solve this problem: to send the appropriate signal to Kiev that they should change their position and seek a peaceful solution to these problems. And that will do it.

At a minimum, that looked like a signal that Odessa was not necessarily on the menu. But that was last October. Russias positions have hardened since then.

3 Witness, for instance, Russia being measured in exiting the so-called grain deal, which was supposed to be a get Ukraine grain and Russian fertilizer to market but of course the West failed to deliver on the Russian bennies. And thats before getting to wee issues like Ukraine using the deal as cover for war materiels movements and storage.

Russia took the time to splain to the so-called Global South that the West was hogging the Ukraine grains and that Russia, which was always a much bigger cereals producer than Ukraine and has been having bumper harvests of late, would supply the poorest countries with grain for free and would assure supply at fair prices to the rest.

That does not mean all Russian decisions have been great. Letting Prigozhin get too big for his britches was unwise, even if (to mix metaphors), the Russian leadership was able to make lemonade from the lemon of his revolt. And theres been gears-grinding as Russia has scaled up from what it envisaged as a limited engagement to a much bigger war.

4 Some readers have argued the reverse, looking at an increase in Russias conscription rates. But that was pre-planned before the war and is at least partly due to the 1990s-early 2000s economic implosion in Russia leading to low birth rates then and thus comparatively low numbers of conscription-age adult men.

5 Russia just fired a bunch of generals. Scuttlebutt has it that included some seen as effective and liked by their men but also loudly advocating much more aggressive operations. If that is correct, the Ministry of Defense looks to be sending a message that boldness and opportunism are not in favor, that following battle plans and orders, even if they seem unduly restrictive, is paramount.
The share price of Coutts parent bank, semi-state owned Natwest, has slumped 8% over the past 10 days, wiping 1 billion off its market cap and generating juicy returns for short-selling hedge funds.

The still-blossoming scandal surrounding the prestigious London-based private bank Coutts decision, around a month ago, to close Nigel Farages bank account has already claimed two senior scalps  those of Dame Alison Rose, the CEO of Coutts parent bank and Big Four lender, Natwest (formerly known as the Royal Bank of Scotland) and Coutts chief executive Peter Flavel. Rose resigned on Wednesday (July 26), Flavel was pushed on Thursday (July 27).

Dame Rose was the first ever women to become CEO of a major British bank after leading a government investigation into the under-representation of women in business. She was at the helm of Natwest for four years before losing her job this week for leaking confidential details of Farages finances to the BBC. It was the Sunak government, which claims to have been shocked by the scandal despite holding 39% of the formerly bailed out lenders stock, that made the final call.

Per Bloomberg:

Just hours after the bank expressed full confidence in chief executive Alison Rose, aides to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt began to spread the word that she had to go. Officials told reporters that the government had significant concerns about Rose staying on after she admitted leaking information about the closure of accounts held by Brexit-campaigner Nigel Farage.

Following her resignation from Natwest, Dame Rose also lost her advisory roles on the prime ministers business council, energy efficiency taskforce and net zero council. But even that was not enough to sate Farages desire for retribution. In an interview on BBC Breakfast Time on Wednesday the former UKIP leader said the whole board should go:

Shes gone and it is right that she has gone. However, I think this brings into question the whole of the board. Frankly, because of how they have behaved, I think they should all go.

Share Price Slump

Natwests share price has slumped 8%, wiping 1 billion off its market cap, much of which is propped up with public funds, and generating juicy returns for short-selling hedge funds [1]. The rout began in earnest on July 19, the day Farage revealed the ace up his sleeve: a 40-page dossier of internal Coutts emails and memos detailing the reasons behind the banks decision to close his account, which was published in full by the Daily Mail and the Daily Telegraph.

This, of course, is not the first time that the creme de la creme of the British establishment has massively underestimated Farage and has paid a heavy price as a result. The last time culminated in the UKs rather disorderly exit from the European Union  an outcome that most global financial institutions, bar certain tax-avoiding hedge funds, as well as the City of London Corporation feared and publicly opposed.

This time, the ensuing scandal has already lead to the resignation of a Big-Four bank CEO who only months ago received a damehood for her services to the financial sector. It has caused yet more reputational damage to a bank whose reputation has never recovered from the woeful mismanagement and myriad scandals that preceded its collapse and subsequent bailout in 2008. It has also drawn much-needed public attention to a long-standing but accelerating trend (not just here in the UK but in the US and presumably other parts of the world): the de-banking of people with politically inconvenient views.

Given their acute political sensitivity, it is unlikely that the Coutts and Natwest boards took these actions without the tacit knowledge of UK banking regulators and the Bank of England, as Alexander Mercouris noted in a recent episode of The Duran. It is also hard to imagine that government officials were left out of the loop given the States part-ownership of Natwest.

Since the scandal has broken, the Financial Services Minister Andrew Griffith has pledged to instruct banks and fintechs, including the Big Four (NatWest, Lloyds, HSBC and Barclays), to take action to ensure customers do not lose access to services over their political views. The government has also outlined reforms that will compel banks to provide more notice of account closures and explain their motives. How these processes involve and indeed whether the government actually keeps to its word remains to be seen.

For those outside the UK who are unfamiliar with this story, a little background:

In late June, Farage went public with the news that a bank  later revealed as Coutts, one of the UKs oldest and most prestigious private lenders whose clients include members of the royal family  had closed his account without warning. While Farage said the bank had given no reason for the action, he believed it was because of his former designation as a politically exposed person (PEP). PEPs pose a higher risk for financial institutions due to their greater potential exposure to involvement in corrupt practices.

In a six-minute video posted on Twitter, Farage said that losing his bank account was the equivalent of being a non person and that the decision may fundamentally affect [his] future career and whether [he] can even go on staying living here in this country. Farage also accused the establishment of trying to force him out of the UK by closing [his] bank accounts. In a second Twitter video, he said his attempts to open a new bank account elsewhere had been rebuffed by nine other companies.

Crossing Big Ethical Red Lines

Coutts and Natwest rejected Farages accusations that their decision to close Farages account was politically motivated and they began spreading stories across the media that the real reason was that Farage simply wasnt rich enough  an allegation that Farage roundly denied. The bank requires clients to have at least 1 million in investments or borrowings, or 3 million in savings. In divulging a customers confidential account information to the BBCs business editor Simon Jack, Dame Rose crossed some pretty big ethical red lines and may have actually broken the law, though she will still no doubt walk away with a very handsome severance package.

Also, what she said was not true, or at least not entirely true. This we now know because when Farage levelled his first accusation against Coutts, what he didnt say was that he had been able to obtain, through various legal channels, a 40-page dossier from Coutts that reveals, in exhaustive detail, the actual deliberations that informed the banks decision to close his account. As Mercouris posited, Farage may have also had contacts inside the bank feeding him information.

The dossier includes 36 pages of background information presented to the banks Wealth Reputational Risk Committee in November 2022, minutes of the meeting and an email exchange confirming the decision to exit him as a customer. In direct contradiction to the banks public claims, the dossier clearly states that Farage is a commercially viable customer but his views do not align with [Coutts] values. For example, the bank cites his retweet of a Ricky Gervais joke and his friendship with Novak Djokovic to conclude that he is both xenophobic and racist.

Interestingly, the file also reveals that Farage was a lower risk PEP (politically exposed person) and Coutts was planning to declassify him as a PEP altogether on the next review since he was no longer associated with any political party. But given his mortgage was set to expire in July 2023, the bank decided ahead of time that it did not have the appetite to renew his mortgage or provide banking facilities. Without a mortgage, Farage fell below the banks financial threshold.

As mentioned here a couple of weeks ago, there are plenty of other Coutts customers whose accounts are also below the necessary financial threshold yet they have not been threatened with account closure. Presumably they dont pose the same reputational risk as Farage. From the dossier:

The relationship has been below commercial criteria for some time and upon review of Nigels past public profile and connections, the perceived risks for the future weighed against the benefit of retention, the decision was taken to exit upon repayment of an existing mortgage.

The (Alleged) Russian Connection

Also noteworthy are the banks concerns about Farages alleged Russian links. One of the key risks the bank identified was Farages potential connections to Russia. The alleged Russian ties/connections increased post the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The notes claim he has regularly been seen to be pro-Russia/pro-Putin and that even following the invasion, he did not criticise Putin but instead blamed the EU and NATO. That said, it could not unearth any evidence of direct Russian regime connection.

It also stated:

Despite the adverse press, NF has not been formally charged of any wrong doing, and is not subject to regulatory censure.

Yet, the bank concluded that continuing to do business with Farage was not compatible with Coutts given his publicly-stated views, adding bizarrely that the decision was not political but centred around inclusivity and purpose.

As mentioned earlier, arguably the most important impact of this scandal so far is the public debate it has engendered around the issue of debanking, which in turn is pushing the government into enacting legislation to protect bank customers. Certain figures in the media have tried to downplay the importance of the scandal by arguing that Farage is an attention-seeking chancer with loathsome views who is uniquely adept at whipping up a populist storm. They also downplayed the broader risk posed by banks closing customer accounts on political grounds.

They also argue that Coutts is hardly what youd call a high street bank  as the financial commentator Frances Coppola said in a debate with Farage on Newsnight, its a specialist provider of private banking services to very rich people  and has every right to choose which people it wants to do business with. Former BBC news presenter Emily Maitlis offered a similar line of reasoning while exhorting her audience to put aside the leaking of customer confidentiality, which, she said, we probably all agree is egregious:

Lost us at if you put to one side the leaking of customer confidentiality. Absolute dross @maitlis pic.twitter.com/E1UgnhC4p7  STOPCOMMONPASS  (@org_scp) July 26, 2023

Maitlis conveniently ignores Farages claims that nine high street lenders refused to open an account for him, and Natwest only did so after the scandal around Coutts debanking of Farage had erupted.

And this is hardly a one-off event: as I reported a couple of weeks ago, banks on both sides of the Atlantic are increasingly debanking their customers, often without explanation. I gave the example of California-based writer, activist, and social and political commentator Elad Nehorai, whose political views and ideals could not diverge more from those of Nigel Farage. Yet he, too, had his account at Bank of America, his bank of many years, summarily closed with no apparent warning or explanation. And Bank of America is hardly what youd call a posh bank.[2]

Maitlis claim that a banks services should not be considered a public utility is also dangerously wrong. Without a bank account, it is almost impossible to participate in the economy. And it is getting more difficult as cash becomes harder and harder to access and use. As Alex Lo writes for South China Morning Post, Banking is a fundamental utility like water and electricity, and thats precisely why democratic societies are increasingly turning to its use as a method of censorship and repression.

Unfortunately, this problem is likely to get worse rather than better if/when central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) go live. Given their programmable nature, CBDCs will make it even easier for commercial banks, through their prospective role as public interface providers (PIPs), to debank politically inconvenient customers, at the behest of the government or central bank.

[1] Regulatory filings unearthed by The Telegraph reveal that hedge fund Marshall Wace had the biggest short position in the lenders shares, which apparently dates back to the global banking jitters earlier this year. One of the hedge funds co-founders, Sir Paul Marshall, is also the owner of GB News, one of Farages fiercest defenders and one of most vocal critics of Coutts actions.

[2] In the US this week, another high-profile figure, Joseph Mercola, who was recently described by the New York Times as the most influential spreader of Coronavirus misinformation online, had his personal and business accounts closed by JP Morgan Chase  again, it seems, without warning or explanation. Steve Rye, CEO of Mercolas company, Mercola Markets, told The Florida Standard that Mercolas name was included in the Twitter Files. The bank has also apparently closed Ryes account, his wifes account and his sons account.
If theres a will, theres a way: China finds loophole in the Wests attempts to hobble Russian armed forces

Evidence has emerged that China is supplying Russia with dual-use military technology , such as protective gear, drones and thermal optical sights.

According to customs records, Shanghai H Win, a Chinese manufacturer of military-grade protective gear, has been providing Russia with large orders of bulletproof vests and helmets. Customs data revealed that Russian buyers have declared orders for hundreds of thousands of bulletproof vests and helmets matching those listed in the online catalog of Shanghai H Win.

Dual-use technology, which can have both civilian and military uses, allows the Chinese to maintain plausible deniability and makes it challenging for Western countries to directly accuse them of helping the Russians. Meaning, China has found a loophole in the West's attempts to hobble the Russian armed forces.

Russia has imported more than $100 million-worth of drones from China so far this year, which is 30 times more than Ukraine. And Chinese exports to Russia of ceramics, a component used in body armor, increased by 69 percent to more than $225 million, while exports of the same product to Ukraine dropped by 61 percent to a mere $5 million.

"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. (Related: DOUBLE AGENT? China supplies drones to both Ukraine and Russia.)

"Then theres this situation that were in at the moment, all these dual-use components or equipment and how you handle those. I would not expect the EU [European Union] to be able to agree to sanctions on that."

China is benefiting from Russia-Ukraine war

China is reaping benefits from selling its military equipment through private channels.

A sales representative from Shanghai H Win revealed that multiple trading companies have sought their products following the war's outbreak, making inquiries on bulletproof vests.

POLITICO uncovered evidence of deals between Shanghai H Win and several Russian companies through the registry of declarations of conformity.

Silva, located in Eastern Siberia's Buryatia region, is one of those companies. It declared orders for 100,000 bulletproof vests and 100,000 helmets from Shanghai H Win. However, a Google Street View search of the address raised suspicions about its legitimacy as it revealed a dilapidated apartment block.

Rika, another Russian company, declared shipments of body armor and helmets from Shanghai H Win while denying its Chinese origins. Legittelekom, a Moscow-based freight forwarding company, also appeared as a buyer of 100,000 headgear items and 100,000 suits of outerwear from Deekon Shanghai, an affiliated company sharing an address with Shanghai H Win.

Furthermore, Pozitron, a company from Rostov-on-Don, imported goods worth over $60 million, including "airsoft helmets" and ceramics, from Chinese firm Beijing KRNatural for "civilian purposes." The Chinese company was also linked to shipments of drones known to have been used in the Ukrainian conflict.

Pozitron reported a revenue increase from 31 million rubles in 2021 to 20 billion rubles in 2022.

Visit RussiaReport.news for more news related to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

Watch the video below where former intelligence officer Jeffrey Prather and Health Ranger Mike Adams talk about China, Taiwan, Russia and Ukraine.

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Russia and China pledge friendship, denounce the West.

China pledges support for Russia following failed Wagner mercenary rebellion.

National security advisor: China providing weapons to Russia a "real mistake."

China orders citizens to leave Ukraine immediately, suggesting major war escalation by Russia.

Sources include:

Politico.eu
FBI says it has partially verified details in bribery allegations involving Joe and Hunter Biden

FBI agents informed the Delaware U.S. attorney's office that they had already verified numerous details in an FD-1023 detailing allegations of bribery involving then-Vice President Joe Biden and his son, Hunter Biden, a source told The Federalist

According to the outlet, when the Pittsburgh FBI office presented evidence linking Hunter and Joe Biden to a bribery scheme to the Delaware U.S. attorney's office, the agents also informed the Delaware team that they had already verified several elements of the confidential human source's statements.

Senator Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, released the FD-1023 summary last week. According to the source, the Ukrainian oil and gas company Burisma paid Hunter and Joe Biden $5 million each in bribes, with the intention of the then-Vice President providing protection to Burisma from various issues.

Additionally, the bribes were in addition to the more than $4 million already paid to Hunter Biden and his business partner Devon Archer for their positions on Burisma's board of directors, The Federalist noted further.

The Federalist has recently obtained information indicating that the Pittsburgh FBI office had verified several details mentioned in the FD-1023 during the intake process. This process was set up by former Attorney General William Barr before the election under the guidance of then-U.S. Attorney Scott Brady from the Western District of Pennsylvania.

Importantly, during the briefing of the Delaware U.S. attorney about the evidence pertaining to Ukraine, the Pittsburgh FBI agents disclosed that they had corroborated multiple facts presented in the FD-1023, the source told the outlet.

After conducting a late June 2020 interview with the Confidential Human Source (CHS), the Pittsburgh FBI office obtained travel records for the CHS. The records validated that the CHS had indeed traveled to the locations specified in the FD-1023 during the relevant time frame.

The trips included a visit to Kiev, Ukraine, in late 2015 or early 2016, a subsequent trip to Vienna, Austria a couple of months later, and travel to London in 2019, The Federalist noted further.

The Federalist previously reported that, during their briefing of the Delaware U.S. attorney's office, the Pittsburgh FBI agents highlighted the FD-1023's credibility and the need for further investigation. The individual familiar with the briefing has now verified that the agents also informed the Delaware office that the Pittsburgh FBI had corroborated the presence of the CHS in the various cities during the specified time periods.

The outlet has also learned that the handler of the CHS corroborated the CHS's assertion of having met with Oleksandr Ostapenko. As per a source familiar with the matter, the CHS's handler informed the Pittsburgh FBI agents that the CHS had mentioned having a future meeting scheduled with Ostapenko.

Notably, this contemporaneous claim by the CHS about the planned rendezvous with Ostapenko aligned with the timing of one of the visits the CHS had reported in the FD-1023 as having taken place with Ostapenko.

The Pittsburgh office provided the Delaware office with a briefing on the corroborating evidence obtained from the CHS's handler.

Open-source reporting regarding Burisma's acquisition of a stake in a North American oil and gas company aligned with the discussions conveyed by the CHS to the FBI, as summarized in the FD-1023, according to the source who spoke to The Federalist.

The significance lies in the fact that the Pittsburgh FBI office not only shared a comprehensive summary of the incriminating FD-1023, emphasizing its credibility but also presented multiple pieces of corroborating evidence to the Delaware office. That is crucial because, up until now, there seems to have been no action taken by the Delaware office to investigate the allegations outlined in the FD-1023, the outlet reported.

Joe Biden is dirty. His entire family is obviously corrupt. If Republicans don't impeach him, then they don't deserve to be in office.

Sources include:

TheFederalist.com

NaturalNews.com
Its time to disarm all FBI agents and return authority to local law enforcement

Republicans hammered FBI Director Christopher Wray during his recent testimony before the House Judiciary Committee. Their inquiries concerned illegal FISA searches, overly aggressive arrest tactics, investigations of parents attending school board meetings, labeling traditional Catholics as anti-government extremists, and potential misuses of undercover agents at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Throughout the hearing, Wray repeatedly denied knowing the information Republicans sought. He proclaimed FBI policy precluded him from discussing ongoing investigations.

(Article by Stephen Friend republished from TheFederalist.com)

Wrays testimony offered ample evidence of an agency in dire need of reform. In the aftermath, Republicans face questions about funding a new FBI headquarters, countering political investigations of American conservatives, FISA renewal, and how to counter Wrays unwillingness to submit to the legislative branchs oversight authority over his agency. Most importantly, Republicans must contend with growing calls from the electorate to defund the FBI. Many Republican representatives lack the political appetite to withstand a defund the police label from corporate media.

I will proffer an alternative option that may appease both factions: Disarm the FBI and force it to partner with local law enforcement agencies for any investigative and enforcement activities.

The Unarmed Criminal Investigator

The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) defines a series 1811 criminal investigator as one who supervises, leads, or performs work involving planning, conducting, or managing investigations related to alleged or suspected criminal violation of federal laws. OPM similarly defines a lesser-known 1810 general investigator. These employees supervise, lead, or perform work involving planning, conducting, or managing investigations. 1810 investigators are unarmed. Their work does not involve criminal violations of federal laws, and they can only make or invoke administrative judgments.

FBI reformation rests in the merger of the series 1810 and 1811 positions. Through budget appropriations, Republicans can defund all 1811 criminal investigators from the FBI. Eliminating special agents will disarm the agency and remove its ability to arrest alleged criminal violators.

Next, Republicans should direct OPM to create a new, 1812 unarmed criminal investigator. Any current FBI special agents can transition to unarmed criminal investigators. Like 1810 investigators, 1812 unarmed criminal investigators will not carry firearms. Like 1811 criminal investigators, the new position should be charged with all necessary duties to investigate alleged or suspected criminal violations of federal laws. In addition, 1812 unarmed criminal investigators will not earn availability pay enhancement offered to federal law enforcement personnel. This reduces total FBI investigator salary expenditures by 25 percent.

Empower Local Authorities

Of course, unarmed agents can be just as corrupt as those with firearms. So how will a new series 1812 unarmed criminal investigator position diminish the FBIs ability to investigate and persecute innocent Americans?

When OPM creates a new series 1812 unarmed criminal investigator position, Republicans can use budget appropriations to prohibit the FBI from investigating any alleged criminal violators without the expressed approval of state, local, or tribal law enforcement agencies holding arrest authorities within the area the investigation transpires. Further, Republicans can require federally deputized Task Force Officers from the approving agencies to partner and participate in all FBI investigations. The FBI presently partners with local law enforcement agencies. These partners commonly nominate personnel for federal deputization as task force officers through the United States Marshal Service. Task force officers maintain their state and tribal arrest powers in conjunction with their new, federal authorities.

These appropriation measures empower local sheriffs and police as a final stopgap measure against an out-of-control, politicized FBI. Once forced to partner with state, local, and tribal police, the FBI must demonstrate the righteousness of investigations to leaders within these agencies and gain their approval. Since these agencies are more accountable to local constituents, they will logically serve as a bulwark against FBI overreach.

Another question this plan raises is how an unarmed FBI can conduct adequate and righteous investigations and bring criminals into custody without the threat of force?

Task force officers are a vital lifeline and significant force multiplier for the FBI. The FBI employs approximately 14,000 special agents. This number is incapable of policing federal crimes for a nation rapidly approaching 400 million citizens. Task force officers enhance FBI staffing and import a wealth of investigative experience and knowledge. For its part, the FBI provides sophisticated, expensive tools and techniques to local law enforcement agencies hamstrung by budgetary constraints. Local police agencies propose task force officers due to their demonstrable abilities as detectives. These individuals are frequently the most skilled and experienced members of an FBI criminal or counterterrorism squad.

Once Republicans mandate local approval and participation in FBI investigations, task force officers are the logical choice to arrest criminal suspects. As state-certified law enforcement officers, the task force officers are qualified and approved to carry firearms in the furtherance of their duties. Republicans should leverage appropriations to mandate task force officers as solely responsible for effecting an armed arrest of an FBI subject. As was the case with opening investigations, the FBI must gain approval from local agencies before arresting a suspect.

License to Investigate Corruption

The FBI investigates local corruption within government and law enforcement. Will an enhanced partnership between federal and local agents hinder the bureaus ability to address these matters?

FBI task force officers public corruption investigations are proof of concept for effective cooperation between the FBI and local agencies. Questions commonly arise regarding FBI investigator impartiality and prospects for liaison when the FBI investigates corruption within police departments. In these situations, local FBI personnel have a conflict of interest, and outside agents conduct the investigations. Similarly, if a particular agency or law enforcement officer comes under scrutiny by the FBI, federally deputized task force officers from a neutral, state-level bureau of investigations (ie: Georgia Bureau of Investigations, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Texas Department of Public Safety, etc.) will conduct an independent investigation.

Prior to the passage of the 17th Amendment, United States senators were selected by state assemblies. This arrangement empowered the states to staff the upper chamber of our federal legislature and ensured that senators were more responsive to the needs of their state governments. Similarly, we can empower state and local authorities to restore traditionally republican government by eliminating armed FBI special agents and forcing the bureau to partner with these agencies.

The answer to a weaponized FBI may not exist in defunding the bureau, merely disarming it. The political pendulum naturally swings between right and left. Both sides should agree they wish to avoid federal government persecution when they inevitably find themselves out of the majority. If Republicans disarm the FBI, they will ensure it can never inflict a mortal wound upon citizens regardless of who holds federal power.

Read more at: TheFederalist.com
Maine Governor Janet Mills signs controversial bill that will allow post-viability abortions

Democratic Governor Janet Mills has signed into law a bill that will allow abortions post-viability

LD 1619, the bill to expand access to abortion in Maine, was one of the most controversial of this year's legislative session and only narrowly received initial passage in the state House.

Under Maine's current law, abortion is legal until viability, which is the stage of pregnancy when an unborn baby has developed enough that it is able to survive outside the uterus with medical help. It usually happens around 24 to 26 weeks of pregnancy.

But when the new Maine law takes effect this fall, LD 1619 will:

Remove the viability restriction  changing the standard for when an abortion may be performed "after viability" to when a licensed physician determines that it is necessary instead of when it is necessary to preserve the life or health of the mother.

Remove the criminal penalties for performing an abortion without a license as a physician, physician assistant or advanced practice registered nurse and for performing "back-alley" abortions.

Only Alaska, Colorado, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Vermont and the District of Columbia currently allow for abortions without gestational limits.

"We must recognize the complexity of pregnancy and, like every other health care procedure, weve got to take government out of the decision-making process and put the doctor and the patient in charge," Mills said.

During her reelection campaign, Mills had said the old law didn't need to be changed. But she reversed course when a Maine veterinarian had to travel to Colorado for an abortion after learning at week 32 of pregnancy that her unborn son had a fatal condition that would not allow him to survive.

Mills and Democratic legislative leaders say the change is needed to address the rare, but heartbreaking instances when women discover late in pregnancy that the fetus has a fatal anomaly. Right now in Maine, those women have to travel to other states to have the procedure performed.

Opponents of the bill called it extreme and said that it could allow abortions in the latter stages of pregnancy, even when a fetus does not have a fatal condition.

Mills called those arguments false, and accused abortion opponents in Maine and other states of pushing "extreme" measures to severely restrict or ban abortion.

"Today the state of Maine follows best medical practice by modernizing our laws to get politicians out of reproductive health care and make clear that the difficult decision about whether to have an abortion later in a pregnancy will be made by a woman and her doctor and no one else," Mills said during a bill-signing ceremony in her State House office suite.

As she spoke, Mills was flanked by medical professionals, lawmakers, clergy members and women who shared their personal stories during the legislative process.

LD 1619 galvanizes members of Maine's anti-abortion movement

The bill galvanized members of Maine's anti-abortion movement, who testified by the hundreds during a 19-hour-long public hearing. They filled the State House both during the public hearing day and in the weeks that followed, often holding prayer circles and singing hymns while lawmakers met in the House and Senate chambers.

And they came close to defeating the bill  at least on initial passage  in the House. But the bill ultimately received final approval in the House on a vote of 73-69, and in the Senate on a vote of 20-11. Every Republican present in the chambers voted against the bill as did a handful of Democrats.

Critics said the law's language was broader than necessary if the goal was simply to allow abortions in instances of a fatal fetal anomaly later in pregnancy. They said it could lead to a dramatic increase in post-viability abortions, and that it puts too much faith in doctors to make a determination. (Related: Abortions in Illinois surge 54% as neighboring states enact pro-life legislation.)

Visit Abortions.news for more news about abortion laws.

Watch this video about pro-life attorney Susan Swift stopping the abortion agenda.

This video is from the Warriors Rise channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Supreme Court overturns Roe vs. Wade, sending issue of abortion back to states where it always belonged.

Abortion industry wants legal immunity to kill live-birth babies who survive botched abortions.

Abortions in Texas drop 97% after Roe vs. Wade overturn.

Sources include:

MainePublic.org

Legislature.Maine.gov

PressHerald.com

Brighteon.com
Self-healing killing machines to be unleashed upon the masses no longer beyond science fiction as these techno-beasts of the future prove humanity is funding its own annihilation

While the title alone of this story over at the Daily Mail from a couple of days ago sounds crazy enough in describing our current reality,," as Steve Quayle had mentioned in an SQNote while linking to that story on his website , in so doing,

(Article by Stefan Stanford republished from AllNewsPipeline.com)

With that DM story reporting something that actually sounds like its 'beyond science fiction,' that scientists have witnessed metals 'healing' without any kind of 'human intervention,' keep THAT story in mind when you read this new story over at Breitbart titled "Transhumanist Down Under: Australian Government Funds Scientists Merging AI With Brain Cells," as well as this new story over at Futurism also reporting upon that team of scientific researchers in Australia who've just gotten a $600,000 grant to study ways of merging human brain cells with artificial intelligence.

Sounding like something many once believed we'd never witness in our lifetimes, as the Breitbart story pointed out, they've already been successful in their endeavors, having enjoyed success last year for teaching a cluster of brain cells in a Petri dish to play the video game Pong.

With Breitbart also reporting within that story that their key goal is to merge biology with AI, something that could forge new frontiers for machine learning tech for self-driving cars, autonomous drones, or delivery robots, please keep all of those stories in mind when you think about what Hollywood Director James Cameron recently RE-warned us all, that 'the weaponization of A.I.' was no doubt the biggest danger that our society faces, with Cameron originally warning us about those dangers all the way back in 1984.

Because with Hollywood and the globalists now pushing to use A.I. to 'write movie scripts,' and Cameron claiming he seriously doubts A.I. will be able to do a good job doing so, the fact that Cameron is the creator of the 'Terminator film franchise' speaks volumes, with the original 'Terminator' movie coming out in 1984. Briefly, from this Daily Mail story before we continue.:

After stating he was not concerned about AI taking over his job, Cameron expressed concern that the it will lead to a nuclear holocaust. 'I think the weaponization of AI is the biggest danger,' he told viewers.

'I think that we will get into the equivalent of a nuclear arms race with AI, and if we dont build it, the other guys are for sure going to build it, and so then itll escalate.'

'You could imagine an AI in a combat theatre, the whole thing just being fought by the computers at a speed humans can no longer intercede, and you have no ability to deescalate,' he continued.

Referencing his film, The Terminator, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, the screenwriter said: 'I warned you guys in 1984... and you didnt listen.'

The Terminator followed a human soldier, sent from 2029, to '1984 to stop an almost indestructible cyborg killing machine, sent from the same year, which has been programmed to execute a young woman whose unborn son is the key to humanity's future salvation,' according to IMBD.

In a similar sentiment about AI, Schwarzenegger warned the public that The Terminator has become a reality.'

'Today, everyone is frightened of it, of where this is gonna go,' the actor, 75, said. 'And in this movie, in Terminator, we talk about the machines becoming self-aware and they take over. Now, over the course of decades, it has become a reality.'

'...So its not any more fantasy or kind of futuristic. It is here today. And so this is the extraordinary writing of Jim Cameron,' he added.

And as this new story over at the website Caldron Pool points out, 'The Terminator' is not the only movie over the last several decades that warned us of the direction we were rapidly heading.

Titled "The Rise of the Machines: We Do Not Want a Post-Human Future," it's not too difficult to see where humanity is being herded with the globalists now endlessly pushing not only 'self healing metals' but the merging of human brain cells with 'artificial intelligence,' showing us just how close were now are to 'indestructible cyborg killing machines,' with 'The Terminator' also hinting 'time traveling' will be readily available to the 'global elite' by the year 2029, and that society by then will be a dystopian mess.

With 'The Terminator' not only having no feelings, not feeling any pain or remorse or fear, as well as not needing to sleep and having no plans of stopping its mission until it kills the completely unsuspecting 'Sarah Conner' and her unborn son, the last hope of humanity, as we had reported on ANP back on July 13th in this story titled "Angry Robots: The Whole 'Humans Create Hyper-Realistic Robots And Then Get Enslaved And Killed Off By Them' Cinematic Motif Is Playing Out In Real Life With Staggering Precision", the globalists are already 'grooming' AI power robots to take the place of human beings in the work force, 'monsters' that can work 24 hours a day, don't need to be paid wages or salaries or given health care, vacation time or be represented by 'Unions'.

Read more at: AllNewsPipeline.com
MORE, MORE, MORE! Zelensky calls on West to provide Ukraine with air defense systems

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has fervently urged the West to provide air defense systems to his country , saying that Kyiv needs a "full protective shield" against the "Russian missile terror."

"Ukraine needs a full-fledged sky shield," he posted on Twitter. "This is the only way to defeat Russian missile terror. We have already shown that we can shoot down even the Russian missiles that the terrorists boasted about."

"Thanks to the help of our partners and the air defense systems provided to Ukraine, our defenders of the sky have saved thousands of lives. But we need more air defense systems for our entire territory, for all our cities and [all our] communities."

Zelensky concluded: "The world must not get used to Russian terror. Terror must be defeated, and it is possible."

The Ukrainian leader's tweet followed July 23 missile attacks that hit the historic port city of Odessa. Prior to this, Russian missiles had also hit grain storage facilities in Ukraine. Moreover, Moscow's attacks come at a time when Kyiv's counter-offensive appears to be slowing down against entrenched Russian ground forces  the latter having air support. (Related: Wheat prices spike as Ukraine, Russia vie for control of Black Sea ports.)

Big League Politics' Jose Nino put in his two cents on Zelensky's demands for aid.

"In a sane political climate, the U.S. would not be doling out military aid to countries such as Ukraine," he wrote. "Instead, it would be using those funds to properly bolster its security at the southern border  the real area that is of the utmost strategic importance for the United States."

"Zelensky is clearly on the U.S. taxpayer's dole. What's taking place in Ukraine is of little strategic importance to the United States. It's actually the product of the West's arrogant expansionist agenda  through the expansion of NATO [the North Atlantic Treaty Organization]  on Russia's doorstep."

US earlier sent banned CLUSTER BOMBS to Ukraine

The Ukrainian leader's demands for air defense systems incidentally came weeks after Washington sent cluster bombs to the beleaguered nation. The controversial weapons were banned by 123 countries through the 2010 Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM). Washington, Moscow and Kyiv weren't signatories to the CCM, however.

U.S. President Joe Biden defended the "very difficult decision" to give Ukraine cluster bombs. He admitted that it had taken him "a while to be convinced to do it," but eventually gave the go-signal as "the Ukrainians are running out of ammunition."

The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) confirmed on July 13 that the cluster bombs from Washington had arrived in Ukraine. Cluster munitions open in mid-air after being fired and release scores of smaller bomblets that subsequently explode. Unexploded bomblets, however, pose a threat to civilians long after conflicts have ended.

According to DoD officials, the cluster bombs sent to Ukraine have a reduced "dud rate"  meaning fewer of the smaller bomblets will fail to explode. While the U.S. government is set to provide thousands of these controversial cluster bombs, it has provided no specific numbers. Zelensky meanwhile thanked Biden for the "timely" military aid, adding that the munitions would help Ukraine in its fight against Russia.

The Guardian later reported that the U.S.-provided cluster bombs have been deployed on the Ukrainian battlefield. According to a senior White House official, the munitions are making waves in the counteroffensive against Russian forces. Kyiv has pledged to only use cluster bombs to dislodge concentrations of Russian soldiers.

"We have gotten some initial feedback from the Ukrainians, and they're using them quite effectively, said White House National Security Spokesman John Kirby on July 20. He added that the cluster munitions are having an impact on Russian defensive formations and maneuvering.

Visit WeaponsTechnology.news for more stories about military aid demanded by and sent to Ukraine.

Watch this Russia Today report about an S-300 air defense system being destroyed just days after Slovakia donated it to Ukraine.

This video is from The Prisoner channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Pentagon wants to send F-16 fighter planes to Ukraine as Russia rattles nuclear saber.

Ukraine is running out of air defense missiles amid Russian aerial bombing campaign.

After securing new tanks from US and Germany, Ukraine now demanding F-16 fighter jets to combat Russia.

Biden sends 31 Abrams M1 tanks to Ukraine after previously warning that doing so would lead to World War III.

Biden sends cluster bombs to Ukraine, contradicting his admin's past statement that use of such weapons is a WAR CRIME.

Sources include:

BigLeaguePolitics.com

BBC.com

TheGuardian.com 1

TheGuardian.com 2

Brighteon.com
Charlie Robinson: The American empire is slated for DESTRUCTION

Author and podcaster Charlie Robinson has warned that the American empire is slated for destruction , with its controlled demolition already in place.

"What we are seeing is that the American empire  not necessarily the U.S.  is slated for destruction," he told Michael Fitzgerald during a recent episode of the "Monero Magazine" podcast.

"It just can't remain in its current incarnation. The One World Government lunatics have decided that if you're going to build a world government, you can't have an existing superpower in its way," Robinson told host Michael Fitzgerald during a recent episode of the "Monero Magazine" podcast.

Robinson, who penned the books "The Octopus of Global Control" and "The Controlled Demolition of the American Empire," said the American empire will experience the same thing that happened with the Soviet Union. The latter's dissolution led to the birth of 15 independent nations led by Russia. (Related: Special Report: The Health Ranger and Steve Quayle discuss The Last Days of the American Empire.)

In America's case, all of the ancillary things and privileges America had  such as the military bases worldwide, the privilege of being the world's reserve currency and the petrodollar arrangement  will go away.

"We are this American empire. We have worn out our welcome. We've treated other countries poorly. We have lost major wars. We've hyperinflated our currency. We've invaded countries. We've regime changed a hundred different countries over the last 50 years," Robinson said.

"I mean, we're diabolical and the world is done with us. And more importantly, the controllers have decided that America has been slated for destruction."

NAFTA kicked off America's economic weakening

Robinson also noted that the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) was instrumental in commencing America's weakening from the inside. The agreement resulted in all U.S. manufacturing jobs being outsourced to Asia and Mexico. He cited a warning by former presidential candidate Ross Perot about Americans hearing "a giant sucking sound of all the jobs and factories getting sucked out of America"  which indeed came true.

According to the author and podcaster, the outsourcing of 50,000 factories out to Asia has affected the blue-collar community and the American working class in general. Several industrial regions of America, including the so-called Rust Belt, also bore the brunt of NAFTA due to the lack of jobs. When the jobs go, all hope goes as well and families break up.

Aside from U.S. manufacturing, Robinson said the U.S. monetary system is among the pillars that will be taken down in the controlled demolition. He mentioned that the greenback is now "completely garbage" and has been hyper-inflated in the last couple of years.

Moreover, the author and podcaster said the funding of the private prison industry has created even more despair. This lined up with the rewriting of drug laws which put Americans in prison on disproportionately large charges for crack cocaine, as opposed to regular cocaine. He noted that all these things happened in the 1990s, and the next generation is getting it as well.

Ultimately, Robinson pointed out that the American government is the bad guy, especially with its mask already taken off. He stressed the American empire must go because it has been responsible for so much pain and suffering.

Follow Collapse.news for more news about impending destruction of the American empire.

Watch Charlie Robinson warning that the American empire is slated for destruction below.

This video is from the Alfa and Omega channel on Brighteon.com.

More related articles:

Controlled demolition of global finance system sees failing cryptos, bank runs and soon, the unveiling of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDC).

Crypto 9/11 is now under way a controlled demolition event to usher in HEAVY regulation.

Market Sniper: Interest rate spike will lead to controlled demolition of peoples assets.

The engineered TAKEDOWN of food, water and energy infrastructure will plunge entire nations into the Dark Ages.

Dr. Chris Martenson discusses with Mike Adams the significant link between FOSSIL ENERGY SHUTDOWN and looming ECONOMIC COLLAPSE.

Sources include:

Brighteon.com

TheOctopusOfGlobalControl.com

Investopedia.com
Dr. Mercolas Mercola Market account SHUT DOWN by Chase Bank without warning, for no justifiable reason

Completely out of the blue, JPMorgan Chase shut down the bank accounts of the Florida-based retail health company Mercola Market, run by Dr. Joseph Mercola  and with no warning or explanation.

A renowned specialty food, beverage, supplement, and pet product company that sells a variety of health-related items, Mercola Market is a project of Dr. Mercola, who has been practicing medicine since 1985.

During the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) "pandemic," Mercola was critical of the so-called "vaccines" that were rushed to market through Operation Warp Speed. He was also critical of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) over its handling of these experimental drugs.

It appears as though Mercola's contrarian stance against these and other plandemic rituals eventually caught up with him as Chase Bank decided to close the accounts of not only Mercola Market itself but also those of the company's CEO, CFO, and several of their family members.

All of these folks received identical letters from Chase Bank stating that their accounts were being closed, but nowhere in the correspondences was it explained why this is occurring.

"Financial institutions have an obligation to know our customers and monitor transactions that flow through our customers' accounts," the letters read. "After careful consideration, we decided to close your accounts because of unexpected activity on this or another Chase account."

#BREAKING: Retail health company Mercola Markets and their employees had bank accounts suddenly shut down by @Chase Bank with no explanation The owner, Dr. Joseph Mercola, was critical of COVID-19 vaccines and the FDA, and believed the virus originated from a NIH-funded lab pic.twitter.com/U95xz9BvkC  Floridas Voice (@FLVoiceNews) July 25, 2023

(Related: Evidence suggests that the U.S. government is trying to starve Americans by destroying the nation's food infrastructure.)

Chase Bank told Mercola Market CEO Steven Rye and his wife that it cannot disclose the reason for their accounts being shuttered "for legal reasons"

Mercola Market CEO Steven Rye and his wife both had their Chase Bank accounts closed, also for reasons that the banking entity refused to disclose. According to the bank, it cannot reveal why Rye and his wife's accounts had to be shuttered "for legal reasons."

Rye personally believes that the reason has to do with Dr. Mercola's views on the plandemic, including his belief that the so-called "virus" or bioweapon originated at a Chinese laboratory funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

"I believe they cancelled all of the accounts because of Dr. Mercola's (our employer) opinions," Rye stated to the Florida Voice. "He has carried a contradictory view throughout the COVID narrative and co-authored the best-selling book 'The Truth About COVID-19,' which exposed the likelihood that this virus was engineered in a laboratory funded by the NIH."

Rye says he was also informed by Chase Bank that his children will also be disallowed from opening up bank accounts there at any point in the future because of their parents' connection to Dr. Mercola.

Amalia Legaspi, the CFO of Mercola Market, received the same notifications from Chase Bank that she and her son's account, the latter of which is used for college expenses, will also be terminated. The account of Legaspi's bedridden husband in the Philippines was also closed, making it very difficult for his wife to provide for his medical needs.

"I have to provide all the legal documentations including notarized physicians' affidavit from the Philippines to prove that my husband is incapable of handling his finances and request the [federal government] to directly deposit the pension to my own personal account," Legaspi revealed.

The latest news about big corporations like Chase Bank that are discriminating against Americans based on their political viewpoints can be found at Tyranny.news.

Sources for this article include:

TheGatewayPundit.com

NewsTarget.com
Cigna Healthcare used AI to deny hundreds of thousands of valid health insurance claims, lawsuit alleges

A class action lawsuit has been filed in California against the insurance company Cigna alleging that they used an algorithm to review and ultimately reject hundreds of thousands of health insurance claims filed by patients. In many cases, doctors approved the denials without taking the time to review each individual case.

According to the suit, this is a violation of a California state law requiring insurers to carry out a thorough, fair and objective" investigation into every claim. Instead of giving each case the individual attention it deserves, the company trusts its PxDx algorithm, which they use to help reduce their labor costs by decreasing the amount of time doctors need to spend looking at each claim. It also saves them significant money by denying so many claims.

The suit states: "Relying on the PXDX system, Cigna's doctors instantly reject claims on medical grounds without ever opening patient files, leaving thousands of patients effectively without coverage and with unexpected bills."

In one particularly concerning case, a California woman received an ultrasound at her doctor's orders because they suspected she could have ovarian cancer. Although a cyst was found on her left ovary, Cigna denied the claim for both the ultrasound and a follow-up procedure on the grounds that they were not medically necessary. As a result, she had to cover the cost of these ultrasounds herself.

Her situation is far from an outlier. Numerous other patients had a similar experience. According to the suit, "The scope of this problem is massive. For example, over a period of two months in 2022, Cigna doctors denied over 300,000 requests for payments using this method, spending an average of just 1.2 seconds 'reviewing' each request."

In many cases, patients appealed; roughly 80 percent of the appeals resulted in the initial decisions being overturned.

Cigna's algorithm denies claims in batches of hundreds or thousands

The suit comes not long after an investigation by ProPublica this spring that revealed details of how Cigna's algorithm approves and denies claims in batches of hundreds or thousands at once and flags discrepancies between a diagnosis and what the company has deemed to be acceptable procedures and tests for the associated underlying ailments.

In May, House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Washington) wrote to the company expressing her concerns that policyholders were paying for medical procedures out of pocket that their health insurance should have covered.

Although medical doctors do have to sign insurance denials, the system used by Cigna does not even require them to open up the patient's records to review them.

This is just one of the many ways that patients can suffer when healthcare organizations trust artificial intelligence with duties that should be carried out by trained professionals. While some people believe that AI could be helpful in narrowing down certain diagnoses or helping healthcare professionals contend with paperwork, there is significant room for error, not to mention issues related to patient privacy.

Cigna is not the only company that has been overhauling its processes to incorporate AI. Google's cloud division started offering new tools to help process healthcare claims with AI this spring, boasting that it can help to streamline decision-making and keep data organized. Bupa and Blue Shield of California are already using the new tool.

The law firm that is representing the plaintiffs in this case, Clarkson Law of Malibu, is no stranger to AI-related lawsuits. The same firm filed a suit against the company behind ChatGPT, Open AI, as well as Google and its generative chat bot Bard, for stealing data from millions of people, including writers and artists whose work is copyrighted, in order to train their AI products.

Sources for this article include:

Breitbart.com

Forbes.com

Axios.com
Democrats, media running out of maneuvering room to hide Biden scandals: almost a panic setting in

The establishment is working overtime trying to bury scandal after scandal involving the Biden regime and the Biden crime family, but there are now so many scandals receiving so much attention all at once that it is a losing battle

George Washington University law professor Jonathan Turley commented recently that Democrats and their media lapdogs are running out of "maneuvering room" to squirm their way out of the bribery allegations involving the fake president.

"I think that there is almost a panic setting in the media," Turley told John Roberts of "America Reports." "They all want to move on because the alternative is to recognize one of the most significant corruption scandals in modern history, but it's something the media played a role in suppressing, so they want everyone to move on."

"That's just not going to happen. The evidence is mounting. You had these two whistleblowers testify in Congress and you'll notice the Democrat members asked very little about their specific allegations."

One of them, Rep. Dan Goldman (D-N.Y.), attempted to question one of the whistleblowers, only to have said whistleblower completely destroy Biden within minutes.

"He ended up demolishing the Biden defense in less than five minutes," Turley explained about the whistleblower's testimony. "He got the witness to confirm that Joe Biden did in fact speak to his son about business dealings."

(Related: One thing the Biden regime is trying to do that the media is covering for involves starving the nation with constant attacks on food infrastructure.)

Joe Biden lied under oath; time to IMPEACH

The exchange between Goldman and the whistleblower centered around a WhatsApp message that Hunter Biden sent to a Chinese businessman in which Hunter told said businessman that his father Joe was sitting right next to him.

"Bribery is the second crime mentioned in the impeachment clause," Turley said.

"Whenever you see that word, it raises very serious implications for a sitting president. And what's really troubling, John, is that these denials by the president were not only made when he was running for the presidency, but have continued during the presidency."

The media has been running cover for the Biden crime family ever since the New York Post reported on the contents of Hunter Biden's laptop, which was dropped off at a Delaware computer repair shop where emails related to illicit business dealings were found on its hard drive.

Big Tech did everything it could to suppress the story, as did the corporate-controlled media. As far as the establishment was concerned, the laptop story was "fake," and we were all supposed to just accept that claim and move on.

When nobody moved on and people continued to probe for the truth about the Biden crime family, the media and Democrats became more desperate. They involved the FBI and other three-letter agencies in cracking down on those drawing attention to the laptop, including the Post itself which saw its Twitter account locked as punishment.

Then-White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany also had her Twitter account silenced simply for sharing the report. Despite all this, it was confirmed that the emails were, in fact, authentic, and that Hunter and "the big guy," his dad, were involved in illegal dealings with rogue foreign nations.

"Hunter provided Burisma an analysis of geo-political conditions that closely looked like a version of a classified report," one commenter wrote about the matter. "The analytic judgments outlined were identical to those in the classified version. Hunter had zero experience in the analytics provided."

The Biden regime is arguably the worst regime to ever occupy the White House. Learn more at Treason.news.

Sources for this article include:

DailyCaller.com

Newstarget.com
Doctors strike in Israel as judiciary overhaul protests continue

Doctors in Israel went on strike July 25 as protests continue throughout the country against the passage of a key component of a controversial judicial overhaul.

The strike was held by the Israeli Medical Association, which represents roughly 95 percent of the country's doctors. They announced they would be holding a 24-hour protest, drawing criticism by some for placing politics over patient care. However, they specified that exceptions would be made for medical care in Jerusalem as well as emergency care throughout the country.

The move came following a brief strike last week that was held in warning. A large majority of interns joined the doctors in striking. The doctors believe that the judicial overhaul could devastate the countrys healthcare system.

Israeli Association of Public Health Chairman Hagai Levine said: 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. He noted that more than 1,000 physician members have already requested transfers abroad since the passage of the law.

The protests were spurred by the judicial overhaul bill, which seeks to end a reasonableness clause permitting the Israeli Supreme Court to overrule government decisions; the country's high court is not elected by the people. This clause was passed into law in a unanimous parliamentary vote on Monday, while members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus coalition all voted in favor of the move and opposition lawmakers walked out of the Knesset in protest, shouting the word "Shame!" on their way out the door.

Some 20,000 protesters made their way to the parliament building in Jerusalem, and police used skunk gas and water cannons to break up crowds blocking the roads. Meanwhile, hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets in Tel Aviv, setting off fireworks, waving Israeli flags and setting tires on fire. Many businesses and shopping centers throughout the country closed in solidarity. There were dozens of arrests and numerous scuffles between police and protesters.

In addition, thousands of officers in Israels military reserves have said they will stop reporting for voluntary service, which could compromise the country's readiness for military operations. Some high-tech business leaders have said they are considering relocating.

The countrys biggest labor union, Histadrut, meanwhile said it intends to meet soon to plan a nationwide general strike. The union represents around 800,000 workers.

Should the unrest in the country persist as the government continues to pursue the overhaul, Moody's has warned that there could be negative consequences for Israels economy and security situation.

Netanyahu calls for national unity

During a televised address on July 24, Netanyahu called for national unity and characterized the bill as a necessary democratic act" that he feels will return a measure of balance between the branches of government.

Those supporting the judicial overhaul believe that the powers of unelected judges need to be reined in to enhance the powers of the country's elected officials. Opponents insist that the move will damage Israeli democracy and diminish the only check on majority rule there. In the Israeli government, the prime minister governs via parliamentary coalition, giving him control over both the legislative and executive branches of the government. This means the Israeli Supreme Court serves in an oversight capacity.

Following the vote, opposition leader Yair Lapid vowed to push the Supreme Court to strike down the law. He said: Its a sad day. This is not a victory for the coalition. This is the destruction of Israeli democracy.

Sources for this article include:

TheGuardian.com

ABCNews.go.com

WSJ.com
Fauci wasnt the only government official involved in the COVID lab leak cover-up

Though Tony Fauci typically takes most of the blame for ring-leading the government cover-up of the Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) lab leak theory  there are numerous others , it turns out, who also contributed.

In fact, Fauci was initially open to the idea of investigating the possibility of a lab leak, but was stopped by powers above him who redirected the investigation away from the concept.

Former Wellcome Trust Director Jeremy Farrar and former National Institutes of Health (NIH) Francis Collins were the ones tasked with contacting the World Health Organization (WHO) to set up the international investigation. Fauci told numerous government officials about this at the time, claiming that those involved had "no judgment at all" concerning the investigation's outcome.

"Where that leads remains to be seen," Fauci said in an email, possibly to cover for himself. But was it also possibly because he actually believed it would be a neutral investigation? This is up for you to decide.

Fauci essentially presented the matter before his colleagues as an unresolved scientific argument, even stating that a number of scientists favored the lab leak theory.

(Related: Do not forget that Fauci lied under oath, as did the "scientists" covering for him, about the COVID lab leak conspiracy.)

The WHO's COVID "investigation" was rigged from the start

We all now know, however, that the outcome of the WHO investigation  if you can even call it an investigation  reiterated the government's false claim that the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) came from bat soup at a Chinese wet market in Wuhan.

As all this was happening, Collins contacted WHO Chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus to tell him that Farrar was "coming around to the view that a natural origin is more likely," though the WHO would be the one to make a final determination.

Collins book-ended his communications with Tedros with a push for the WHO to produce "confidence-inspiring" results that preempt "voices of conspiracy" that would otherwise do "great potential harm to science and international harmony." In other words, Collins expected a predetermined outcome that supported the natural origin theory over the lab leak theory  regardless of what WHO investigators actually uncovered in their investigation.

"This does suggest a non-neutral political agenda being pursued, much more so than Fauci's email of the day before, an agenda apparently being driven by Farrar," reported The Daily Sceptic.

It is important to note that the impartial investigation Fauci initially proposed never actually happened. Instead, just two days after proposing it, the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM) convened to redirect the investigation away from finding the truth.

Andrew Pope, an NASEM official, indicated at this meeting that "plans have changed" and that instead of an investigation "based on science," there would instead be a faux investigation with merely the trappings of a real one.

"It appears that this change was what was agreed at the teleconference, though that is not completely clear as the email doesn't specify who the 'we' are who now think the original plan is not 'appropriate,'" the Sceptic further reported.

"What makes it likely it was agreed at the teleconference is that the email does not seem to expect anyone to object to the change and assumes all are on board with the new proposal."

The NASEM tried to claim that its redirected efforts were backed by "relevant scientific specialists" who determined that the available genomic data were "consistent with natural evolution," adding that there is "no evidence" that COVID was engineered in a lab.

"Despite all the effort that has gone into investigating COVID origins, this key question remains outstanding. Who ordered the cover-up?"

The latest news about the COVID-19 cover-up and associated scandals can be found at Plague.info.

Sources for this article include:

DailySceptic.org

NewsTarget.com
First it was gas stoves, now Biden is going after your WATER HEATER

The Biden regime's Department of Energy (DoE) wants to jack up the price of water heaters in the United States to advance the so-called "green" agenda.

In addition to trying to outlaw gas stoves and gas generators, the Pedophile-in-Chief is proposing that new technology be forced into the design of all water heaters that will make the units much more expensive.

All electric water heaters will need to come equipped with heat pump technology while all gas water heaters will need to use condensing technology. Any respective water heater that does not include these forced technologies would be outlawed starting in 2029.

According to the DoE, the proposed new dictates will somehow save consumers $11.4 billion every year on their energy and water bills while reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 501 million metric tons over 30 years.

"Today's actions  together with our industry partners and stakeholders  improve outdated efficiency standards for common household appliances, which is essential to slashing utility bills for American families and cutting harmful carbon emissions," said Canadian-born Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm.

"This proposal reinforces the trajectory of consumer savings that forms the key pillar of Bidenomics."

(Related: Biden and his cronies also want to outlaw your car's gas engine.)

Republican congressman tells Biden: "Leave us alone"

Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) was quick to shoot down the proposal on Twitter, now known as "X." An engineer with two degrees from MIT, and whose Kentucky ranch is completely off the grid, Massie regularly shares tips and tricks online about how people can become energy independent.

"Leave us alone," Massie tweeted to the Biden regime about its efforts to basically ban everyone's home appliances.

"These products already exist in the free market. Consumers should decide whether the upfront costs of a heat-pump water heater is worth the possible long term savings. In many cases, the monthly savings never make up for the upfront cost of the equipment."

Massie would go on in another tweet to explain why heat-pump water heaters are not that great in terms of saving energy, especially in northern climates that get really cold winter weather.

"That's because they extract heat from the surrounding air ... warm air that your furnace will have to work harder to replace," Massie wrote. "There's 'no free lunch' from these water heaters in the winter."

Conversely, a number of efficiency and environmental groups were quick to endorse the proposed Biden plan, as was water heater manufacturer Rheem, which stands to benefit from the new regulations as they will force smaller, weaker competitors to spend lots of money and new research and development into how to attain compliance.

"Rheem has been part of a broad coalition to offer important recommendations to inform the development of the new proposed standards," said Rheem SVP Greg Miller.

Tankless water heater manufacturer Rinnai is one such competitor that issued a statement saying that the new standards are "technologically impossible," and will result in a much narrower range of choices for consumers.

"You'll have no water or hot water and you'll love it," one commenter joked, borrowing from the infamous trope of World Economic Forum (WEF) head Klaus Schwab who stated that in the future, everyone (besides himself and his fellow globalists) will "own nothing and be happy."

"How am I going to cook my bugs with no hot water?" joked another.

Numerous others asked why Congress continues to allow these kinds of proposals to be rammed through, especially since their constituents overwhelmingly oppose the communistic ideals that are driving them into the mainstream.

Has there ever been a worse (fake) president than Joe Biden? Learn more at JoeBiden.news.

Sources for this article include:

ZeroHedge.com

Newstarget.com
Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayors taxpayer-funded staff pushed colleges to purchase her books

A recent investigation exposed how the staff of Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor pressured libraries and colleges to buy copies of her books ahead of personal visits by the justice as the implicit price for speaking engagements.

The investigation, which was carried out by The Associated Press through public records requests, showed how staff members, who are paid using taxpayer money to support Sotomayor in serving as a Supreme Court justice, pushed hard to increase her book sales  and, by extension, her personal wealth.

On numerous occasions, Sotomayors staff pressured library and school officials to buy extra copies of her books and to remind those attending visits by the justice that they cannot get in the signing line without buying a book.

For example, in one 2019 email ahead of a book talk by Sotomayor in Portland, Oregon, one of her aides wrote: For an event with 1000 people and they have to have a copy of Just Ask to get into the line, 250 books is definitely not enough. Families purchase multiples and people will be upset if they are unable to get in line because the book required is sold out.

On another occasion, before a 2017 appearance at Clemson University in South Carolina, officials from the school offered to buy 60 signed copies of her book. In response, a staffer informed them that most schools order around 400 copies.

Michigan State University, meanwhile, spent more than $100,000 distributing a book written by Sotomayor to first-year students, and court workers brought the books to the justices chambers so she could sign them before they were sent to the school.

Although there are no formal binding ethics codes in the Supreme Court and Sotomayor did not technically violate any laws, it is worth emphasizing that her staffs actions would not be permitted in many other areas of public service.

The AP pointed out that involving staff in speaking events aimed at selling books is prohibited for members of Congress and the executive branch, who are barred under ethics rules from using government resources, including staff, for personal financial gain. Lower federal court judges are also instructed to not lend the prestige of the judicial office to advance their private interests.

Sotomayor has earned millions from book sales on top of Supreme Court salary

Sotomayor is currently the most senior liberal in the Supreme Court. Her Supreme Court justice salary is more than $285,000 per year, making her one of Washington, D.C.s highest-paid public officials. Her memoirs and childrens books, however, have earned her more than $3.7 million since taking her position in 2009.

Among her published works are My Beloved World, a book about herself, and childrens books she wrote with co-authors, such as Just Ask! Be Different, Be Brave, Be You. Her works are not performing well in the rankings, suggesting that sales would be quite low if her staff werent pushing universities and libraries into buying copies ahead of her visits.

The report is just the latest example of questionable ethical choices made by Supreme Court justices. The Senate Judiciary Committee recently advanced legislation requiring the nations highest court to adopt an official code of ethics in an 11-10 vote. The bill would also improve financial disclosure standards and create stronger requirements for recusal in cases where there is a conflict of interest.

Sources for this article include:

AmericanThinker.com

MSNBC.com
Whistleblower: UFOs an OPEN SECRET in the US military

Fighter pilots frequently seeing unidentified flying objects (UFOs) are already an "open secret" within the military , according to a whistleblower.

Three high-ranking military veterans testified under oath about their initial knowledge regarding UFOs and other unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP) during a July 26 hearing convened by the House Oversight Committee (HOC).

One whistleblower, Navy Lt. Ryan Graves, attested that his squadron frequently discovered unidentified craft while they were stationed off the coast of Virginia in 2014. While most of the craft were identified on radar, they were also seen by pilots "occasionally up close" with their own eyes. Graves said these became so ordinary that "over time, UAP sightings became an open secret among our aircrew."

The erstwhile Navy fighter pilot also recounted one close-call encounter with a UFO. Two jets were forced to veer out of the way to avoid slamming into an object that resembles a "dark gray cube inside of a clear sphere," which stood "motionless against the wind." (Related: F-18 fighter plane captures stunning UFO on video government admits UFO research is real.)

Aside from Graves, Navy Cmdr. David Fravor and Air Force veteran David Grusch also testified before lawmakers. Fravor was a witness to the 2004 USS Nimitz Tic Tac UFO incident, while Grusch made headlines for revealing an illegal UFO crash retrieval program run by the U.S. government.

Grusch said he learned about the program through people who were working on it. The program was allegedly part of a top-secret "80-year arms race" involving America and other nations to weaponize the wrecked UFOs. He remarked: "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."

White House, Pentagon suppressing info on UAP

"The [Department of Defense] and Washington bureaucrats have kept this information hidden for decades, and we're finally going to shed some light on it," said Rep. Tim Burchett (R-TN), a member of the HOC. "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."

According to Burchett, the HOC's hearing on UFOs has been actively undermined by the Defense Department and the U.S. Intelligence Community's efforts to "continuously block things." He nevertheless remarked: "It's gonna be the biggest show in town, though,"

The Tennessee congressman earlier remarked during an appearance on the "Event Horizon" podcast:

"We've been dealing [with government cover-ups] since 1947, probably since about 1897 in what was the Aurora Texas UFO crash."

"[Extraterrestrial craft] can travel light years or at the speeds that we've seen defy physics as we know it. They can fly underwater and don't show a heat trail," he added. According to Burchett, the aliens could simply turn humans "into a charcoal briquette" if they wanted to, given their technology that is different from what humans known on Earth.

"We are out of our league. 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 congressman added.

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL), Burchett's colleague in the HOC, remarked: "The status quo on the part of the US 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.

Follow UFOs.news for more news about UFOs and UAP

Watch Tennessee Rep. Tim Burchett giving a preview of his committee's UFO hearing during his appearance on "Bannon's War Room" below.

This video is from the GalacticStorm channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Former intelligence official: US has at least a dozen alien spacecraft in its possession.

Air Force veterans speak up about their extraordinary UFO encounters.

Sen. Marco Rubio: Senior government officials have first-hand knowledge of secret UFO programs.

Harvard scientists believe debris of unidentified object found near Papua New Guinea could be remains of INTERSTELLAR SPACECRAFT.

Pentagon says test findings on UFO wreckage could change our lives forever.

Sources include:

DailyMail.co.uk

Mirror.co.uk

Brighteon.com
The latest report showed that two cats tested positive for H5N1 strain of bird flu or avian flu in South Korea. The cat shelter was put under quarantine.

The reports noted the unusual detection of the bird flu in South Korea, as two cats became infected with the avian flu. Authorities are on alert to the possible spread of the virus to animals.

The website of World Health Organization (WHO) reported the impact of bird flu on birds and poultry. The WHO is now on alert for a potential surge of outbreaks among mammals.

The WHO warned that the bird flu infection could likely pose harm to humans. The agency has been monitoring the potential risks to humans.

Nature World News (NWN) and Associated Press (AP) recently reported that dozens of cats tested positive for H5N1 bird flu in Poland.

The report added that authorities would investigate the unusual infection and bird flu.

Scientists were concerned about the possible disease mutation of bird flu, as it can infect other animal species.

Cat owners should monitor the emergence of bird flu in their area. Keeping your pets at home will help prevent potential infection.

In addition, cats love to be around, so they can likely contract the contagious bird flu. Monitoring them for signs of bird flu is essential.

Bird flu infection in cats in South Korea

Based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), avian influenza is also known as bird flu. The virus can infect birds and other animals.

In the Reuters and Newsweek reports, thr cat shelter facility in South Korea is under quarantine to check if the other feline residents have contracted the disease and to avoid them from spreading it to other animals and possibly to humans.

The South Korean ministry explained that the country's bird flu infection in cats was unusual.

Meanwhile, no cases of human infection were reported in the country.

The authorities have been monitoring the cat shelter where the H5N1 strain was detected. People in closer contact will be under monitoring for ten days.

More facts about bird flu infection

Homeowners should take note of the symptoms of bird flu because it can spread quickly, especially for your pets.

CDC explained that birds with the H5N1 strain can quickly infect other birds and animal species in close contact, saliva or feces.

Some of the common symptoms of the bird flu virus are the following:

Cough, sore throat, headaches

Tiredness and fever

Vomiting and seizures

Furthermore, humans can also contract the virus from infected poultry.

Also Read: About 300,000 Cats Die in Cyprus 'Island of Cats' Due to Viral Virus Outbreak

Keep your pets safe from bird flu

While pets are naturally playful, homeowners should protect them from potential infection by the contagious bird flu.

They should not let their pets stray around.

Stay updated with the current bird flu reports in your communities.

Limit outdoor activities

If your pets show weakness, bringing them to the nearest veterinary clinic is best.

Also Read: Do Animals Commit Suicide? The Dark Side of Animal Suicidal Behavior

Did you know?

Recently, NWN and The Telegraph reported at least 300,000 cats in Cyprus have died from feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) since January. Cyprus has a popular spot known as the Island of Cats.

Related Article: Cats Die from Avian Influenza in Poland, Scientists Worried of Disease Mutation

For more similar stories, don't forget to follow Nature World News.
Bees are known as the buzzing winged insects able to create their own hives and some of the world's most efficient pollinators that plants and crops depend on. Aside from stinging humans and other animals when disturbed, bees also provide us with substances like honey, beeswax, royal jelly, and among others used for medicinal and nutritional purposes, according to the Food and Drug Administration.

In previous years, scientists have studied different bee species amid their widespread hives, colonies, and populations even in some residential areas in the tropical and subtropical regions of Earth. However, a new report revealed bees have been around with humans for thousands of years and as early as the kingdom of Macedon, located north of Greece. The association of bees with us is linked by a common denominator: currency.

Honeybee Coin

Around 2,400 years ago, the Macedon kingdom conceptualized on creating a silver obol coin. This monetary product is embellished with a symbol of a honeybee on its one side. Just recently, the Royal Australian Mint in 2022 issued a $2 coin with a honeybee, according from an article by The Conversation on Monday, July 24.

Several centuries have passed between these two events, showing that the symbolic connection on currency between honey and money is common, the report says. A study published in the Australian Coin Review highlights several of these link, including in 2016 where the newly released New Zealand hexagon-shaped dollar coin at that time represented a bee on its side.

Also Read: Impact of Climate Change on Wild Bees: How They Are Emerging Earlier and What It Means for Pollination

Ancient Coins

The ancient coins from the kingdom of Macedon symbolling the insect pollinator mentioned earlier are only some of the instances where bees were used as a symbol in concrete currency like money.

In ancient Greece, different Greek cities and towns also used the image of the bee on their coins, since possibly they had economic ties with Ephesus, an ancient city in Ionia (located along the Aegean coast of Turkey), where people made the bee as their civic emblem, according to the American magazine Bee Culture.

In the island country of Tonga, a coin depicts 20 honeybees surrounding a hive. It is part of the Food and Drug Administration (FAO) international coin program from 1975 to 1979 to advocate sustainable agriculture, as cited by the website ResearchGate.

The Missing Link

The main reason behind our fondness for bees and their integration with coins remains unclear. However, aside from their role in nature and pollination, The Conversation article stated public awareness and the environmental impact of bees could be factors in our interest in "bee coins."

In the United States, honey bees are significant money makes in the country's agriculture sector, according to the FAO, which described the insects as sociable and hard-working creatures that can produce six hive products such as beeswax, honey, pollen, propolis, royal jelly, and venom. Among them, honey is the most relevant and commercialized bee product.

Related Article: Study Shows that It May Take a Few Generations Before Bees Recover from a Single Exposure to Insecticide
Authorities are looking for two individuals accused of killing several animals inside a pet store in Oklahoma.

According to Fox News, the Oklahoma City Police Department received a report of animal cruelty at the Petland store on July 14.

A parakeet, rabbit, gerbil, and guinea pig were among the animals hurt or killed.

Surveillance footage shows two individuals-a young man and a female-arrived at the store at 3:30 p.m. and requested that a puppy be brought to them.

After seeing the puppy, the man headed to the section of the store that houses the bunnies and parakeets.

The man is also seen reaching into the rabbit enclosure and holding a rabbit down before looking around and releasing the bunny.

In another video, the man reached into a parakeet enclosure, and while the woman is not near the man, she appears to be keeping an eye out for him.

The man presumably breaks the bird's neck and carries on as he reaches inside the parakeet enclosure.

The police also observed in the video that the man grabbed a hamster and a guinea pig before walking out of the store with the woman.

The assistant manager said they found the hamster appeared to have been stomped to death; however, the guinea pig is still missing.

"Animals don't have a voice, so we have to be the voice, and we have to make sure justice is done when it's needed," said Crystal Slocum, an administrative specialist with OKC Animal Welfare told KOCO News 5.

Read Also: Uptick in Animal Cruelty Cases Alarms Aniwal Welfare Charity in UK, Over 800 Cases Reported

Identity of the suspect

Newsweek has reported that the police have identified the suspect with the help of the public.

However, the authorities refused to publicly identify the two, saying that they would announce their names once they were arrested and charged.

The investigation is still ongoing, and the motives of the crime are still unknown.

The two individuals are now facing animal cruelty charges, as well as other possible crimes.

"We have them on camera and we watched them," Swanson said. "One was distracting staff while the other was doing what they were doing," Swanson told Fox25.

Anyone with information on the suspects or the incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 405-235-7300 or go to www.okccrimetips.com. According to the police, tips can stay anonymous and may result in a financial reward.

Disturbing behavior

A psychologist expressed concern about the behavior of the young duo.

"Children who are intentionally harming animals is really a significant sign that that child needs professional help," Dr. Beverly Funderburk, Clinical Psychologist said, as quoted by Oklahoma's News 4.

She claims that when it comes to animals being harmed, the older they are, the more serious the problem is.

The owner of Petland says that no one has ever come into the store and abused their animals.

"We were sickened by this," Carl Swanson, Owner of Petland said. "Our staff was really impacted by this because they work with these animals. They take care of them every day, and I mean, it hurt."

Related Article: Worst Animal Cruelty Case? 24 Dead Animals Found Inside Soldier's Fort Jackson House

Related Video:
The Scottish government has given the green light to build the third spaceport in the country despite local opposition to the plan.

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, the Western Isles Council, has submitted plans to develop the facility at Scolpaig in North Uist as another spaceport.

The hub will be capable of vertically launching suborbital rockets over the Atlantic, with at least 10 launches per year.

According to a BBC report, the council stressed that Spaceport 1 would provide highly skilled jobs for the island.

"Even at this early stage, it is acknowledged by the launch industry that Spaceport 1 - and the Outer Hebrides - has a critical role to play in the expansion of the Scottish and UK space sectors," the council's spokesman said.

Read Also: Spaceports Like SpaceX are Clueless About Insurance Requirements, GAO Report Shows

Local opposition

The project has received 244 objections, as well as a petition with nearly 1,000 signatories.

Objectors are concerned about the spaceport's impact on the environment, landscape, and tourism.

The location is bordered by conservation zones for rare and endangered species such as corncrakes, dunlin, ringed plover, and redshank, as well as various coastal protection areas.

However, some Ecologists believed the project's small scale would cause insignificant harm to nearby animals, but the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds requested that launches be prohibited during the mating season.

Local fishermen also oppose the idea, as nearby fishing grounds will be closed during launches, which are scheduled to coincide with their main summer inshore fishing seasons.

The Guardian reported that the Western Isles Fishermen's Association said its members, as well as tour boats transporting guests by sea from nearby Leverburgh to St Kilda, have already felt the economic effects of Brexit, the COVID pandemic, and the cost of living problem.

The news upset Angus MacNab, one of the nearest neighbors to the site and a key figure in the protest organization Friends of Scolpaig.

The group is discussing whether it can afford to go to court to challenge the judgment.

"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 said.

Careful consideration

The Scottish government said the minister has carefully studied the spaceport proposal.

The planning applications board of the Comhairle unanimously granted clearance a month ago before referring it to the Scottish government for further review.

The spokesperson added that the ministers "have concluded there were no issues that warranted their involvement in this planning application".

"It has been cleared back to Western Isles Council for future handling," the spokesperson said, as quoted by The Scotsman.

The minister's support for the project links to Scotland's goal of earning a significant part of the global space industry, estimated to be worth 490 billion by 2030, particularly with the increased usage of microsatellites for communications and Earth monitoring.

The new facility is one of the spaceports being built in Scotland, including ones in Shetland and Sutherland in the Highlands.

Related Article: Space X Breaks Ground For its Texas 'Spaceport'

Related Video:
Two air force pilots were killed after their aircraft crashed while battling wildfires on the Greek island of Evia.

The air force confirmed that a Canadair CL-215 crashed on Tuesday at 2:52 p.m. (11:52 GMT) during a firefighting operation in Platanistos.

Greek television aired a video of the water-bombing plane flying low to drop water on fire before turning quickly into a hillside and bursting into flames.

The pilots were identified as Christos Moulas, 34, and his co-pilot, Pericles Stefanidis, 27, the BBC reported.

Three-day mourning period

The Ministry of Defense said the Greek Armed Forces have declared a three-day mourning period for the loss of the lives of the two pilots.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis offers his condolences to the victims.

"They gave their lives saving lives, proving how risky their daily firefighting missions are," he continued. "The state respectfully stands by the families of the two heroes. They are two children, two brothers of all of us."

A local news organization said the wife of Moulas is three months pregnant with their first child.

The deaths are the first to be reported in Greece, where hundreds of firefighters, aided by Turkish and Slovakian authorities, have been battling wildfires blazing on the islands of Rhodes, Corfu, and Evia for nearly a week as the Mediterranean suffocates under a scorching heat wave.

The firefighter on the ground, believed to be the last person to speak to the pilots, still cannot believe the untimely deaths of his colleagues.

"We had contact with them," he told Greek broadcaster OPEN, as quoted by The Independent. "They did not report any problems with the aircraft. They told us, 'We are ready to try. We go for a last supply and we leave."

Read Also: Greece Suffers From Challenging Heat, Wildfires; EU Provides Support, Firefighters

Thousand hectares of forest burned

A third consecutive heat wave in Greece brought temperatures back above 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) across the country.

According to the WWF Greece, an environmental NGO, fire has destroyed 35,000 hectares (86,500 acres) of forest and other land in the country in the past week.

The Greek fire service said the worst fires recorded on Tuesday were on the southern island of Rhodes and the northwestern island of Corfu, both of which are famous tourist destinations.

Four communities on Rhodes were ordered evacuated as an eight-day-old fire moved inland, torching hilly forest areas, including a nature reserve.

On Corfu, five more evacuations were ordered, while one was ordered overnight on Evia.

More than 20,000 people, mostly tourists, were evacuated from Rhodes over the weekend as fires spread over two coastal regions, according to the report from Al Jazeera.

The prime minister has declared war with the wildfire, and asked his minister to be on constant alert.

"All of us are standing guard. 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," he added.

Related Article: Pilot Killed After Helicopter Collided With The Ground While Fighting Canada Wildfire

Related Video:
More than 50 pilot whales died in a mass stranding on a remote beach in western Australia, the authorities reported.

On Tuesday, a pod of around 100 long-finned pilot whales was observed off the coast of Cheynes Beach, more than 450 kilometers (280 miles) southeast of Perth.

Local authorities reported at least 51 deaths the next morning, CNN reported.

More than 250 volunteers and a team of veterinarians and marine experts participated in a rescue attempt to bring the remaining 45 whales back into the water.

Failed rescue operations

The attempt to herd some of the pilot whales back out to deeper water failed as the cetaceans beached themselves once more.

To avoid prolonging the suffering of the whales, the experts have decided to euthanize them.

Incident controller Peter Hartley, from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation, and Attractions, called the decision "one of the hardest" he had ever made in his 34 years of career in wildlife management.

"Really really difficult. But it was a considerate and well-thought-out decision," he told reporters.

The rebeached pilot whales were carried onto the sand, where a team of six vets from Perth Zoo and Albany worked to assess them. Volunteers carried buckets of water to the stranded pilot whales.

A tractor was even used to transport dead pilot whales to the dry sand, where researchers began collecting blubber and tooth samples to try to figure out why the mammals beached.

Kaysanne Knunckey, a local volunteer, said she was waist-deep in the ocean in the morning, dragging the living mammals back into the water and supporting them with a sling.

"It was freezing and hard to stand still just holding the whales," Knuckey said, as quoted by The Guardian. "The atmosphere was fairly positive and everyone is just trying to think of the bright side. It is just so heartbreaking that so many have beached themselves."

It is still unknown why the whales became stranded, but Wildlife researcher Vanessa Pirotta said they were likely trying to avoid a predator, such as a killer whale.

She described pilot whales as "very social and dynamic with strong bonds with others," which means they could become disoriented if they followed a disoriented pod member.

Read Also: Mass Whale Stranding Due to Strong Social Bond Leads To Death Of Over 50 Whales

Never-before-seen behavior of whales

Experts are perplexed by the behavior of the whales that gathered in a heart shape before the stranding event.

Western Australia's environment minister, Reece Whitby, said that the Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions sought advice from other jurisdictions that had experienced similar events, and the experts agreed that they had never seen this before.

"It is pretty incredible from a scientific basis in terms of learning about strandings," she added.

Due to the enormous colonies of pilot whales residing in the deep oceans around both island states, Australia and neighboring New Zealand are hot spots for mass whale strandings, but the reason why they become trapped on beaches remains unknown.

Related Article: 100 Beached Whales Rescued in Sri Lanka after Mass Stranding

Related Video:




Experts recently discovered that the ground, which had been frozen for 650,000 years, could be considered as the oldest permafrost in Siberia.

According to a Live Science report, the scientists had taken samples from the Batagay megaslump, which is a huge collapsed section of the hillside that is located in Yana Uplands of northern Yakutia, Russia. This area has been branded by the locals as the "gateway to the underworld."

Studies have found that the Batagay megaslump has already grown to cover 0.3 square miles or equivalent to 0.8 square kilometers, with researchers even considering it as the largest megaslump that can be found on our planet.

The ground under the Batagay crater has been frozen, however, it continues to melt resulting in the inward appearance of the slump. The permafrost's exposure to air also contributes to the growth.

Read Also: Siberian Methane Release Is On The Rise, And That's Very Frightening

Importance of Batagay megaslump

According to Thomas Opel, a paleoclimatologist working at the Alfred Wegener Institute in Germany, the Batagay megaslump is significant because its sediments have the capability to preserve and make withstand a long, if broken, record of ancient environment and climate.

Opel explained that there was a specific area in Canada's Yukon with permafrost that were believed to be older than 700,000 years. He added that while there is a continuous record of ice in Greenland, which goes back to around 130,000 years ago, there were still some very old permafrost layers unearthed in Siberia.

"We can now just add another site to the map so that we can really start reconstructing the climate and also the environment for this period of time," Opel told Live Science.

Growing in size

An entry in Digital Journal described the crater as being situated in one of the coldest regions in the world, adding that it has been layered in permafrost. Drone videos have already shown and proven its capability to grow in size.

Earlier studies said the crater had started to form after a forest was cleared following preparations for a road that was to be built in the region during the 1960s.

In 2017, the Digital Journal first reported about the Batagay crater, noting that its depression had grown to about 0.6 miles or 1 kilometer long and 282 feet or 86 meters deep.

Scientists have discovered that this could further continue its growth at a rate of 33 feet or 10 meters on a yearly basis. On the other hand, they found out that during warmer years, the growth has increased by as much as 98 feet or 30 meters a year.

An expert, however, pointed out in a Reuters report that the expansion of the slump could actually be a sign of danger.

"In the future, with increasing temperatures and with higher anthropogenic pressure, we will see more and more of those mega-slumps forming, until all the permafrost is gone," Nikita Tananayev, the lead researcher at the Melnikov Permafrost Institute in Yakutsk, said in the report.

Previous studies said that the Batagay crater was likely triggered by deforestation during the 1940s and this had caused the ground to erode and later, an increased seasonal melting of the permafrost could be noted.

Related Article: Prehistoric Animal Viruses From the Permafrost Caught Interest of Russian Scientists

Related Video:




Viking warriors first appeared in the records of Scandinavian history with raids occurring as early as 793, wherein verbal and written tales of the Norsemen in their conquest of Great Britain were acknowledged by historians for centuries.

The Viking society became widely known when they invaded a small island off the northeastern coast of the nation in what is now the United Kingdom.

Despite our knowledge of the Viking Age, the sudden disappearance of the seafaring warriors is as mysterious as their arrival to ancient Britain and even their raids and colonization of mainland Europe.

Amid this ambiguity, various social theories have emerged to explain what triggered the large-scale Viking expeditions through the Atlantic Ocean and local seas off the coasts of Britain and Europe.

Now, a new theory is suggesting that an ancient solar flare triggered or coincided with the start of the Viking Age, a period that lasted for almost 300 years.

The ancient solar storms also guided scientists of today in terms of radiocarbon dating, as in the case of archaeologist Soren Sindbaek and his colleagues from Aarhus University in Denmark.

The Viking Age

The Viking Age spanned from 793 to 1066 during the Middle Ages, wherein the Viking warrior not only raided and conquered different communities across Europe but also traded across the continent and even reached North America.

Meanwhile, the National Museum of Denmark places the so-called Viking Era from the year 800 until 1050 AD, a period where the first kings emerged over an area in what is now modern-day Denmark. By the end of the Viking Age, Denmark's king also ruled over ancient England and Norway.

Aside from pillaging and violent conquests, the time of the Vikings was also characterized by sea travel and expeditions to foreign lands through ships and fleets.

As mentioned earlier, while the Viking society's disappearance remain unclear, early research indicated that their exodus was due to several problems, including climate change, especially in Greenland, according to the Smithsonian Magazine.

Also Read: A Massive Solar Flare Can Affect Everyone's Electricity, Phones Even the Internet

Potential Theories

From the presence of silver coins from the Middle East in Europe to attractive wealthy towns overseas, potential theories surrounding the Vikings were driven by social and economic factors.

However, the new theory pointrd out that the Viking may have further behind their horizon due to the ancient solar flare, which have effects on Earth's skies like the Aurora borealis in the Northern Hemisphere.

According to Science News, Sindbaek's team reconstructed the timeline of the Viking's initial voyages by harnessing the power, from what appears to be a powerful solar flare that occurred in the year 775.

The flare also helped the Denmark team to improve their method of radiocarbon dating.

Evidence of their findings is based on artifacts excavated from Ribe, Denmark, which served as a site of an early medieval trading post.

Although an ancient solar storm may affect human civilizations, the expansion of the Vikings over a thousand years ago could be driven more by curiosity and economic necessity, just like other ancient civilizations.

Related Article: Can a Solar Flare Be Powerful Enough to Wipe Out All Life on Earth?
Experts believed that the very high temperatures being experienced last year in Great Britain would be deemed "average" by 2060, saying that these will also cool down by the end of the century.

According to the MET Office's national weather service, the temperatures breached 40 degrees Celsius in Great Britain in July of last year for the first time, with weather experts saying that 2022 was the "warmest year" since records began in 1884 for the United Kingdom and since 1659 when it comes to its Central England Temperature series.

Mike Kendon, who works from the MET Office's National Climate Information Center, told Reuters that 2022 was an extraordinary year for UK when it comes to the weather and the climate.

"The observations show that extremes of temperature are changing faster than the average, and as our climate warms, we expect far more high temperature records to be broken, potentially by wide margins, and far fewer low temperature records," Kendon said in the report.

Read Also: Constant Exposure from Extreme Weather Drastically Impacts UK Wildlife

Changing climate in UK

The MET Office said that studies and observations have shown that the UK temperature extremes are changing on a faster pace than the average temperature.

Weather experts have discovered that the record warm 2022 as well as the July heatwave were most probably brought by human-induced climate change.

They noticed a key feature of 2022 in which the year had remained to be persistently warm throughout the year.

It was evident that all months of the entire year, except December, were warmer when compared to the 1991 to 2020 average.

Kendon said that with the fast-changing temperatures, people should expect for a higher temperature records to be broken, potentially by wide margins, and far fewer low temperature records.

"UK climate projections show that even under a medium emissions scenario a year like 2022, currently the warmest year on record, could be the norm by the middle of the century and relatively cool by the end of the century," Kendon explained.

According to Kendon, the climate in the UK has a lot of year-to-year variability, but all in all, the year 2022 could be considered as a potential warning of the climate situation in the future.

Aside from the temperatures, 2022 was also deemed as the warmest year for UK near-coast sea-surface temperature (SST) in a series from 1870.

When it comes to rainfall, experts noted that 2022 was a relatively dry year overall.

They noted that January, March, April, July and August were all notably dry, particularly in areas across England and Wales.

Possible effects

The weather conditions observed last year has also resulted in extreme heat events becoming more frequent, intense, and prolonged.

In a report posted on The Independent, the Britain's National Rail said making sure of the resilience of the network amid the fast-changing climate situation could be considered as the biggest challenge for the railway system at this time.

This as according to experts, the infrastructure in Britain was not built to stood against the increasingly changeable and turbulent weather that the public has been experiencing at present times as most of the infrastructures were designed and established during the Victorian period.

Related Article: Extreme Weather Envelops Europe as Heat Wave Grips the UK and Wildfires Engulf France and Portugal

Related Video:




In its second day, IDEF 2023, hosted by the Turkish Armed Forces Foundation, keeps Istanbul at the heart of global defense discourse. A standout feature of this event is the newly unveiled Magura V5 USV by the Ukrainian firm STE.

Follow Navy Recognition on Google News at this link

Model of the Magura V5 Unmanned surface vehicle at IDEF 2023. (Picture source: Navy Recognition)

This expo, which has experienced massive growth since its establishment in 1993, congregates important decision makers from defense areas, military officials, industry stakeholders, and individuals engaged in defense and security technologies.

Its principal objective is to function as a stage for manufacturers and vendors to display their offerings and for participants to interact and build collaborations.

Today, Army Recognition had the opportunity to explore the newest high-tech defense technologies and products presented at this special occasion. They span land, air, and naval vehicles, to advanced electronics, weapons, and security systems, signifying the extensive reach of the global defense industry.

Over time, the defense industry in Turkey has evolved and innovated, showing significant progress in multiple sectors, including drone technology, armored vehicles, and naval systems.

At IDEF, Turkish enterprises and the government have capitalized on the opportunity to exhibit these advancements, offering their products and services to local and international markets.

The occasion plays a crucial role in the development of the Turkish defense industry, aiding it in establishing connections, forming collaborations, and securing significant contracts with international purchasers and defense stakeholders. This international visibility continues to propel the growth and expanding influence of Turkey's defense industry.

As the four-day event proceeds, Istanbul continues to be the hub for defense industry innovation, placing the city, and by extension Turkey, at the leading edge of international defense technology progress.

The remaining days of IDEF 2023 are expected to bring more thrilling revelations and opportunities, further reinforcing its reputation as one of the globally significant defense industry exhibits.

Summary of Day 2 video coverage for IDEF 2023:

00:00 Introduction

00:15 Virtual walkthrough of IDEF 2023 International Defense Exhibition in Istanbul, Turkey

01:05 Meteksan from Turkey introduces new naval defense products at IDEF 2023

01:56 Unveiling of the new kamikaze naval drone ULAQ KAMA by Meteksan

04:24 Delivery of NAZAR Laser Electronic Warfare System to the Turkish navy

06:25 Meteksan introduces new retractable sonar for small vessels named YAKAMOS RT at IDEF 2023

08:40 Turkish firm BMC showcases its comprehensive range of wheeled combat vehicles at IDEF 2023

10:00 BMC presents the latest generation of locally-made Altay Main Battle Tank

10:34 Full range of wheeled armored vehicles by BMC, including Amazon, Uran, Kirpi II

11:04 Launch of Tulga armor SUV by BMC, designed for security and police forces

11:22 Display of BMC's 8x8 armored vehicle, including Altug with diverse weapon systems

11:55 Ukrainian defense industry introduces its new naval kamikaze drone, Magura, at IDEF 2023

15:46 Upcoming defense exhibitions for the Army Recognition editorial team: MSPO in Poland, DSEI in the UK, and Partner in Serbia.

16:40 Contact details for the Army Recognition Group

16:56 Outro
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: AirAsia India has received approval from the civil aviation regulator DGCA to operate its flights under the Air India Express brand. The airline in a statement on Thursday said AIX Connect, operating as AirAsia India, and a subsidiary of Air India, has received regulatory approvals to operate its flights under the Air India Express branding, thereby expediting the merger process between the different airlines of the Tata Group.

The approval will allow both Air India Express and AIX Connect flights to be marketed, distributed and operated under a common brand name Air India Express, prior to the subsequent scheduled legal merger of the two entities.

This approval comes as the Tata Group is in the process of creating two airlines by merging four entities - a low-cost airline by merging AirAsia India and Air India Express and a full-service carrier by merging Air India and Vistara. After Air India took over the remaining 16.33% held in AirAsia India by Malaysias AirAsia Group in November last year, AirAsia India was renamed AIX Connect.

Over the past few months, Air India Express and AirAsia India have taken significant steps towards integration. In March, the airlines introduced a unified website, airindiaexpress.com Both airlines will be synergising a host of other ancillary add-on services and common sub-brands. AIXL currently operates flights from 20 Indian cities to 14 regional international destinations, while AIXC serves 19 domestic destinations.

Air India Group is expecting to complete its merger process in the first half of CY2024. While the integration to create a low-cost carrier is going smoothly, the merger of Vistara and Air India faced a setback last month after the Competition Commission of India sought more information for the airline to give its nod.

NEW DELHI: AirAsia India has received approval from the civil aviation regulator DGCA to operate its flights under the Air India Express brand. The airline in a statement on Thursday said AIX Connect, operating as AirAsia India, and a subsidiary of Air India, has received regulatory approvals to operate its flights under the Air India Express branding, thereby expediting the merger process between the different airlines of the Tata Group. The approval will allow both Air India Express and AIX Connect flights to be marketed, distributed and operated under a common brand name Air India Express, prior to the subsequent scheduled legal merger of the two entities. This approval comes as the Tata Group is in the process of creating two airlines by merging four entities - a low-cost airline by merging AirAsia India and Air India Express and a full-service carrier by merging Air India and Vistara. After Air India took over the remaining 16.33% held in AirAsia India by Malaysias AirAsia Group in November last year, AirAsia India was renamed AIX Connect.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Over the past few months, Air India Express and AirAsia India have taken significant steps towards integration. In March, the airlines introduced a unified website, airindiaexpress.com Both airlines will be synergising a host of other ancillary add-on services and common sub-brands. AIXL currently operates flights from 20 Indian cities to 14 regional international destinations, while AIXC serves 19 domestic destinations. Air India Group is expecting to complete its merger process in the first half of CY2024. While the integration to create a low-cost carrier is going smoothly, the merger of Vistara and Air India faced a setback last month after the Competition Commission of India sought more information for the airline to give its nod.
Joan Mathew Jacob By

Online Desk

Giving some respite to the government, the latest data indicates that India's pharmaceutical exports returned to a healthy growth rate last financial year, leaving behind the woes of the pandemic and deaths linked to cough syrup exports.

Total pharmaceutical exports jumped 6 per cent in the year ended March to Rs 1.94 lakh crore (around USD 25 billion) from 1.83 lakh crore in the preceding year.

This is a considerable improvement over the 1.1 per cent growth seen in the financial year 2021-22.

The data comes as a major relief for the government, as Indian companies have been finding it difficult to compete in the US market due to price declines and hyper-competition. Indian companies primarily export generic or off-patent medicines and derive their competitiveness by keeping costs, and prices, low.

The numbers are also a relief to an industry that attracted considerable negative publicity last year after the World Health Organization linked India to the drugs that caused the death of dozens of children in Gambia last year. Furthermore, according to the Uzbekistan government, 19 children in Uzbekistan were killed last December after they consumed two different cough syrups made in India.

Pharma exports play a critical role in maintaining India's foreign exchange reserves and are a key forex earner for the country. The other key earner of foreign exchange for the country is IT services exports.

India depends on these industries to generate enough foreign exchange to pay for its oil imports.

Regulatory measures

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has taken various regulatory measures to ensure the quality of medicines in the country with the Department of Commerce introducing a policy of track and trace system to ensure the authenticity of the exported finished pharmaceutical products.

According to union Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers Bhagwanth Khuba, in order to ensure the authenticity of the drugs, the department of commerce has made barcoding mandatory on the secondary and tertiary packages of export shipments.

He said that the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare amended the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules of 1945, making it compulsory for a manufacturing establishment to be inspected by the Drugs Inspectors of the Central Government and State Government before the establishment is given a manufacturing license.

The amendment also meant that applicants have to submit evidence of stability, the safety of excipients etc. to the concerned authorities before being granted a manufacturing license.

He also informed that the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, of 1940 was amended under the Drugs and Cosmetics (Amendment) Act 2008, which will ensure that strict penalties will be imposed for the production of adultered drugs.

Giving some respite to the government, the latest data indicates that India's pharmaceutical exports returned to a healthy growth rate last financial year, leaving behind the woes of the pandemic and deaths linked to cough syrup exports. Total pharmaceutical exports jumped 6 per cent in the year ended March to Rs 1.94 lakh crore (around USD 25 billion) from 1.83 lakh crore in the preceding year. This is a considerable improvement over the 1.1 per cent growth seen in the financial year 2021-22.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The data comes as a major relief for the government, as Indian companies have been finding it difficult to compete in the US market due to price declines and hyper-competition. Indian companies primarily export generic or off-patent medicines and derive their competitiveness by keeping costs, and prices, low. The numbers are also a relief to an industry that attracted considerable negative publicity last year after the World Health Organization linked India to the drugs that caused the death of dozens of children in Gambia last year. Furthermore, according to the Uzbekistan government, 19 children in Uzbekistan were killed last December after they consumed two different cough syrups made in India. Pharma exports play a critical role in maintaining India's foreign exchange reserves and are a key forex earner for the country. The other key earner of foreign exchange for the country is IT services exports. India depends on these industries to generate enough foreign exchange to pay for its oil imports. Regulatory measures The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has taken various regulatory measures to ensure the quality of medicines in the country with the Department of Commerce introducing a policy of track and trace system to ensure the authenticity of the exported finished pharmaceutical products. According to union Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers Bhagwanth Khuba, in order to ensure the authenticity of the drugs, the department of commerce has made barcoding mandatory on the secondary and tertiary packages of export shipments. He said that the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare amended the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules of 1945, making it compulsory for a manufacturing establishment to be inspected by the Drugs Inspectors of the Central Government and State Government before the establishment is given a manufacturing license. The amendment also meant that applicants have to submit evidence of stability, the safety of excipients etc. to the concerned authorities before being granted a manufacturing license. He also informed that the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, of 1940 was amended under the Drugs and Cosmetics (Amendment) Act 2008, which will ensure that strict penalties will be imposed for the production of adultered drugs.
Patching Georgia's Voting System Will Not Secure Our Elections

NEWS PROVIDED BY

VoterGA

July 27, 2023



ATLANTA, July 27, 2023 /Standard Newswire/ -- As a few Georgia politicians begin advocating that Georgia's Dominion voting system be patched to address massive security and inaccuracy concerns, VoterGA expounded today upon its position that a patch from version 5.5 to 5.17 will not secure Georgia's 2024 elections nor ensure the accuracy of 2024 results because:

The Halderman Security Analysis concluded: "it would be extremely difficult to retrofit security into a system that was not initially produced with such a process.";

There is no evidence a vendor patch would mitigate most of the system security flaws identified by the Halderman Security Analysis;

There is no evidence a vendor patch would rectify other Dominion counting problems detected in Georgia and Tennessee during the 2020 and 2022 elections;

A patch would destroy forensic evidence needed for court cases attempting to force the Secretary of State to determine whether or not our voting systems were secured;

Ballots would continue being counted secretly by tabulators and then sealed after certification so voters would never be able to determine accuracy of any election;

Estimates show that an upgrade would unnecessarily cost Georgia taxpayers well over $37 million for new poll books, new printers, supplies and procedural changes.

Professor Halderman explained that the Dominion ICX touchscreen system "was developed without sufficient attention to security during design, software engineering, and testing." which is why it cannot be retrofitted for security with software updates known as "patches."



A simple solution is to hand count ballots in public at polls and processing centers to ensure election results for each race are correct and to detect any counterfeits. Two counties have already decided to perform a 100% audit of all races by hand counting their ballots to ensure accuracy of their 2024 results. More counties will likely follow. Why shouldn't the state at least do this much to improve the security of Georgia's 2024 election?



Co-founder Garland Favorito added: "And yet, the absolute best solution is to replace the system that a U.S. District Court has already found in violation of two Georgia statutes with hand marked, publicly hand counted, ballots. Recent studies show the time it takes to hand count all hand marked ballots is only slightly more than the time it takes to pack up and return all the expensive, unnecessary equipment used at the polls. Most Georgians want to protect their votes with full hand counts because it provides a secure, verifiable, accurate, legal and cost-effective election process. Anything less is an insult to Georgia voters."



VoterGA is a non-partisan, 501(c)3 registered non-profit organization created by a coalition of citizens working to restore election integrity in Georgia. We advocate for independently verifiable, auditable, recount capable, transparent and tamper proof elections.



SOURCE VoterGA



CONTACT: Sheryl Sellaway, 404-273-5133, sheryl@righteouspragency.com


By PTI

NEW DELHI: A Paris-bound Air India flight returned to the national capital shortly after the take-off on Friday afternoon, following sighting of suspected tyre debris on the runway after departure.

In a statement, the airline said the flight landed safely at Delhi Airport at 1418 hours.

"Flight AI143 operating Delhi-Paris on 28 July 2023 air-returned shortly after take-off, following the Delhi ATC's information to flight crew about suspected tyre debris sighted on the runway after departure," it said.

According to the airline, the aircraft is undergoing necessary checks and alternate arrangements are being planned for the passengers of AI143.

NEW DELHI: A Paris-bound Air India flight returned to the national capital shortly after the take-off on Friday afternoon, following sighting of suspected tyre debris on the runway after departure. In a statement, the airline said the flight landed safely at Delhi Airport at 1418 hours. "Flight AI143 operating Delhi-Paris on 28 July 2023 air-returned shortly after take-off, following the Delhi ATC's information to flight crew about suspected tyre debris sighted on the runway after departure," it said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); According to the airline, the aircraft is undergoing necessary checks and alternate arrangements are being planned for the passengers of AI143.
By Express News Service

GUWAHATI: A Manipur court has acquitted all nine police personnel accused in the 2009 BT Road alleged fake encounter case in Imphal due to lack of evidence. The incident of firing had claimed the lives of a pregnant woman and an alleged former insurgent, Ch Sanjit Meitei. Five others were also injured.

The police had alleged that Sanjit fired at police commandos while trying to escape a routine frisking operation on the busy street. When photographs of the incident appeared in a magazine, Sanjits mother Ch Taratombi lodged an FIR with the police alleging that he was killed in a fake encounter.

In an order issued on Wednesday, Session Judge (Imphal East) W Tonen Singh said the prosecution failed to prove that the photographs containing in the magazine were genuine. the prosecution has totally failed to prove the photographsas genuine by not producing the required certificate provided under section 65B(4) of the Indian Evidence Act which is mandatory, the court said. It said these were photostat copies of photographs and as such, not admissible under the law unless proved by producing primary evidence.

Whatever found in the depositions against all the accused persons cannot be taken as gospel truth in evidence, the court said, adding the prosecution also admitted that the accused persons were doing their duties as police officers, head constables, constable and rifleman.

there is no other convincing oral or documentary evidence in order to show all the accused persons acted in excess while discharging their official duties on the fateful day the court said. Due to want of prosecution sanction under section 197 Cr.P.C. and due to lack of Certificate required under section 65B (4) of the Indian Evidence Act, all the accused persons are hereby acquitted of the case, court said.

How it happened

2009: A pregnant woman, an alleged former insurgent Ch Sanjit Meitei killed and 5 injured on a busy Imphal road

A pregnant woman, an alleged former insurgent Ch Sanjit Meitei killed and 5 injured on a busy Imphal road He allegedly fired at cops while trying to escape a routine frisking operation

Sanjits mother Ch Taratombi, after seeing photographs in a magazine, lodges an FIR alleging it a fake encounter

2010: Case transferred to CBI following widespread protests

Case transferred to CBI following widespread protests 2015: Chargesheet framed against 9 cops

Chargesheet framed against 9 cops July 27, 2023 :

A Manipur court acquits all 9 police personnel

Session Judge (Imphal East) W Tonen Singh says the prosecution has failed to prove that the photographs containing in the magazine were genuine

Says photostat copies of photographs as such not admissible under the law unless proved by producing primary evidence

GUWAHATI: A Manipur court has acquitted all nine police personnel accused in the 2009 BT Road alleged fake encounter case in Imphal due to lack of evidence. The incident of firing had claimed the lives of a pregnant woman and an alleged former insurgent, Ch Sanjit Meitei. Five others were also injured. The police had alleged that Sanjit fired at police commandos while trying to escape a routine frisking operation on the busy street. When photographs of the incident appeared in a magazine, Sanjits mother Ch Taratombi lodged an FIR with the police alleging that he was killed in a fake encounter. In an order issued on Wednesday, Session Judge (Imphal East) W Tonen Singh said the prosecution failed to prove that the photographs containing in the magazine were genuine. the prosecution has totally failed to prove the photographsas genuine by not producing the required certificate provided under section 65B(4) of the Indian Evidence Act which is mandatory, the court said. It said these were photostat copies of photographs and as such, not admissible under the law unless proved by producing primary evidence. googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Whatever found in the depositions against all the accused persons cannot be taken as gospel truth in evidence, the court said, adding the prosecution also admitted that the accused persons were doing their duties as police officers, head constables, constable and rifleman. there is no other convincing oral or documentary evidence in order to show all the accused persons acted in excess while discharging their official duties on the fateful day the court said. Due to want of prosecution sanction under section 197 Cr.P.C. and due to lack of Certificate required under section 65B (4) of the Indian Evidence Act, all the accused persons are hereby acquitted of the case, court said. How it happened 2009: A pregnant woman, an alleged former insurgent Ch Sanjit Meitei killed and 5 injured on a busy Imphal road He allegedly fired at cops while trying to escape a routine frisking operation Sanjits mother Ch Taratombi, after seeing photographs in a magazine, lodges an FIR alleging it a fake encounter 2010: Case transferred to CBI following widespread protests 2015: Chargesheet framed against 9 cops July 27, 2023 : A Manipur court acquits all 9 police personnel Session Judge (Imphal East) W Tonen Singh says the prosecution has failed to prove that the photographs containing in the magazine were genuine Says photostat copies of photographs as such not admissible under the law unless proved by producing primary evidence
Preetha Nair Rajesh Kumar Thakur and Prasanta Mazu By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI/GUWAHATI: A day after moving a no-confidence motion in the Lok Sabha against the Narendra Modi government, Opposition parties on Thursday stepped up their protest in Parliament over the Manipur violence, creating a ruckus in the Lok Sabha and disrupting External Affairs Minister S Jaishankars speech in the Rajya Sabha.

Although the Lok Sabha witnessed chaos, the Treasury Bench managed to pass two important bills  the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, which seeks to improve the ease of doing business, and the Repealing and Amending Bill aimed at repealing 65 obsolete laws. The Rajya Sabha passed the Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill, 2023.

Congress Chief Whip in the Lok Sabha Kodikunnil Suresh alleged the government passed the bills without discussion. The Upper House witnessed a heated exchange between Leader of the House Piyush Goyal and Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge after Opposition members disrupted Jaishankars statement on the countrys achievements on the foreign policy front.

Taking a dig at the Opposition members for wearing black dress, Goyal said it reflected their political future. Your past, present and future is black, Goyal said to the chagrin of Opposition members.

Later, the opposition parties said they would send a 20-member delegation of MPs to Manipur on July 28 and 29 to assess the situation in the state. On Thursday, one person was killed and three others were injured in a fierce gunfight between two groups in Manipur.

NEW DELHI/GUWAHATI: A day after moving a no-confidence motion in the Lok Sabha against the Narendra Modi government, Opposition parties on Thursday stepped up their protest in Parliament over the Manipur violence, creating a ruckus in the Lok Sabha and disrupting External Affairs Minister S Jaishankars speech in the Rajya Sabha. Although the Lok Sabha witnessed chaos, the Treasury Bench managed to pass two important bills  the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, which seeks to improve the ease of doing business, and the Repealing and Amending Bill aimed at repealing 65 obsolete laws. The Rajya Sabha passed the Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill, 2023. Congress Chief Whip in the Lok Sabha Kodikunnil Suresh alleged the government passed the bills without discussion. The Upper House witnessed a heated exchange between Leader of the House Piyush Goyal and Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge after Opposition members disrupted Jaishankars statement on the countrys achievements on the foreign policy front. googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Taking a dig at the Opposition members for wearing black dress, Goyal said it reflected their political future. Your past, present and future is black, Goyal said to the chagrin of Opposition members. Later, the opposition parties said they would send a 20-member delegation of MPs to Manipur on July 28 and 29 to assess the situation in the state. On Thursday, one person was killed and three others were injured in a fierce gunfight between two groups in Manipur.
By Express News Service

BHOPAL: Union home minister Amit Shah arrived in Madhya Pradesh capital Bhopal for the second time within 15 days on Wednesday evening. Shah had earlier held a meeting on July 11 with senior state BJP leaders as well as national-level leaders responsible for the poll management in the assembly poll-bound state.

He is believed to hold a meeting with the same group of leaders, including CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan, state party chief VD Sharma, various Union ministers from the state, among them the newly appointed state poll management committee convener Narendra Singh Tomar.

The Wednesday meeting at the state BJP HQ in Bhopal continued till late night. While most BJP leaders remained tightlipped about the agenda of Shahs meeting, key sources in the state party told this newspaper that the Union home minister would take stock of the progress made on tasks assigned to state party leaders, during his last visit to Bhopal on July 11.

The meeting is also likely to finalise the five Vijay Sankalp Yatras (victory resolution procession), to be started from five parts of the state, including Chitrakoot in Vindhya region, Ujjain in Malwa-Nimar region and Gwalior. Senior party leaders, including Union ministers Narendra Singh Tomar (recently appointed the partys poll management committee convener), Jyotiraditya Scindia, Prahlad Singh Patel and Faggan Singh Kulaste are likely to lead these yatras. CM Chouhan is likely to join each of these yatras in the run-up to the year-end polls.

The meeting is also likely to discuss how to aggressively counter the opposition Congress sustained attack on the BJP and the state government. After Shahs departure from Bhopal on Thursday morning, the state BJP is likely to release the list of multiple committees, which will take care of various aspects related to poll management as well as visits of parties top leaders, including the PM, national party president, Union ministers and national leaders, besides the MP CM in various parts of the state, as the polls draw close. Around seven senior leaders will be assigned as charge.

BHOPAL: Union home minister Amit Shah arrived in Madhya Pradesh capital Bhopal for the second time within 15 days on Wednesday evening. Shah had earlier held a meeting on July 11 with senior state BJP leaders as well as national-level leaders responsible for the poll management in the assembly poll-bound state. He is believed to hold a meeting with the same group of leaders, including CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan, state party chief VD Sharma, various Union ministers from the state, among them the newly appointed state poll management committee convener Narendra Singh Tomar. The Wednesday meeting at the state BJP HQ in Bhopal continued till late night. While most BJP leaders remained tightlipped about the agenda of Shahs meeting, key sources in the state party told this newspaper that the Union home minister would take stock of the progress made on tasks assigned to state party leaders, during his last visit to Bhopal on July 11.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The meeting is also likely to finalise the five Vijay Sankalp Yatras (victory resolution procession), to be started from five parts of the state, including Chitrakoot in Vindhya region, Ujjain in Malwa-Nimar region and Gwalior. Senior party leaders, including Union ministers Narendra Singh Tomar (recently appointed the partys poll management committee convener), Jyotiraditya Scindia, Prahlad Singh Patel and Faggan Singh Kulaste are likely to lead these yatras. CM Chouhan is likely to join each of these yatras in the run-up to the year-end polls. The meeting is also likely to discuss how to aggressively counter the opposition Congress sustained attack on the BJP and the state government. After Shahs departure from Bhopal on Thursday morning, the state BJP is likely to release the list of multiple committees, which will take care of various aspects related to poll management as well as visits of parties top leaders, including the PM, national party president, Union ministers and national leaders, besides the MP CM in various parts of the state, as the polls draw close. Around seven senior leaders will be assigned as charge.
By Express News Service

AHMEDABAD: "The world is witnessing Industry 4.0 revolution today" said Prime Minister Modi at the SemiconIndia Conference in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, on Friday. He added that because of the nation's rapid expansion in the digital and electronics industries, India is emerging as a major conduit for investments in the semiconductor industry.

The Semicon India 2023, is an exhibition-cum-conference organized at the Mahatma Mandir convention center here by India Semiconductor Mission in partnership with industry and industry associations. PM Modi inaugurated the event and also addressed the gathering.

Today the world is witnessing the fourth industrial revolution - 'Industry 4.0. Whenever the world has seen an industrial revolution, its foundation has been the aspirations of people in one or more areas. The earlier Industrial Revolution and the American Dream were linked in this way. I see the same connection between the fourth industrial revolution and Indian aspirations today.

Indian aspirations are propelling India's growth; India is the only country in the world where extreme poverty is fast disappearing. India is the country with the fastest-expanding Neo Middle Class in the world. The people of India are also tech-savvy and quick to accept new technologies.

Prime Minister said that cheap data rates, quality digital infrastructure, and seamless power supply in the villages are burgeoning the consumption of digital products. Be it health, agriculture, or logistics, India is working towards a vision of smart technology usage, Modi said.

He remarked that there are people in India who may not have used a basic home appliance but are going to make use of interconnected smart devices. Similarly, a particular student population might not have used a bicycle before, but they are primed to use smart electric bikes today. The growing neo-middle class of India has become the powerhouse of Indian aspirations, the Prime Minister said.

The Prime Minister underlined that the chip-making industry is a market filled with opportunities and expressed confidence that those who begin early are bound to get a first-mover advantage over others. "A year ago when we organized the first SemiCon, people were asking Why invest? A year later, now the question has changed to Why not to invest? you have attached your future and your dreams with India, India doesn't disappoint, those who align their dreams with Indias capabilities " PM Modi Said

Prime Minister Modi said that India has to make an ecosystem for chip-making and whoever does it first would surely get first mover advantage.

"All of us have seen the global pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war impact. India also understands that semiconductors are not only our need, but the globe needs a trusted supply chain partner," the PM said.

The Prime Minister said that India understands its global responsibilities and is working on a comprehensive roadmap with friendly countries. That's why India is building a vibrant semiconductor ecosystem. Recently, the National Quantum Mission was approved. Furthermore, the National Research Foundation Bill is also going to be introduced in Parliament. The engineering curriculum to create a semiconductor ecosystem is being revamped.

The PM informed that more than 300 such prominent colleges have been identified in India where courses on semiconductors will be available. The Chips to Startups Program will help engineers. It is estimated that in the next 5 years, more than one lakh design engineers are going to be produced in our country. India's growing start-up ecosystem is also going to strengthen the semiconductor sector, he added.

AHMEDABAD: "The world is witnessing Industry 4.0 revolution today" said Prime Minister Modi at the SemiconIndia Conference in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, on Friday. He added that because of the nation's rapid expansion in the digital and electronics industries, India is emerging as a major conduit for investments in the semiconductor industry. The Semicon India 2023, is an exhibition-cum-conference organized at the Mahatma Mandir convention center here by India Semiconductor Mission in partnership with industry and industry associations. PM Modi inaugurated the event and also addressed the gathering. Today the world is witnessing the fourth industrial revolution - 'Industry 4.0. Whenever the world has seen an industrial revolution, its foundation has been the aspirations of people in one or more areas. The earlier Industrial Revolution and the American Dream were linked in this way. I see the same connection between the fourth industrial revolution and Indian aspirations today.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Indian aspirations are propelling India's growth; India is the only country in the world where extreme poverty is fast disappearing. India is the country with the fastest-expanding Neo Middle Class in the world. The people of India are also tech-savvy and quick to accept new technologies. Prime Minister said that cheap data rates, quality digital infrastructure, and seamless power supply in the villages are burgeoning the consumption of digital products. Be it health, agriculture, or logistics, India is working towards a vision of smart technology usage, Modi said. He remarked that there are people in India who may not have used a basic home appliance but are going to make use of interconnected smart devices. Similarly, a particular student population might not have used a bicycle before, but they are primed to use smart electric bikes today. The growing neo-middle class of India has become the powerhouse of Indian aspirations, the Prime Minister said. The Prime Minister underlined that the chip-making industry is a market filled with opportunities and expressed confidence that those who begin early are bound to get a first-mover advantage over others. "A year ago when we organized the first SemiCon, people were asking Why invest? A year later, now the question has changed to Why not to invest? you have attached your future and your dreams with India, India doesn't disappoint, those who align their dreams with Indias capabilities " PM Modi Said Prime Minister Modi said that India has to make an ecosystem for chip-making and whoever does it first would surely get first mover advantage. "All of us have seen the global pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war impact. India also understands that semiconductors are not only our need, but the globe needs a trusted supply chain partner," the PM said. The Prime Minister said that India understands its global responsibilities and is working on a comprehensive roadmap with friendly countries. That's why India is building a vibrant semiconductor ecosystem. Recently, the National Quantum Mission was approved. Furthermore, the National Research Foundation Bill is also going to be introduced in Parliament. The engineering curriculum to create a semiconductor ecosystem is being revamped. The PM informed that more than 300 such prominent colleges have been identified in India where courses on semiconductors will be available. The Chips to Startups Program will help engineers. It is estimated that in the next 5 years, more than one lakh design engineers are going to be produced in our country. India's growing start-up ecosystem is also going to strengthen the semiconductor sector, he added.
By Online Desk

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Friday granted bail to activists Vernon Gonsalves and Arun Ferreira in the Bhima Koregaon Elgar Parishad case, noting that they have been in custody for five years.

The activists were arrested in August 2018 on charges of inciting violence, under the stringent Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).

The Bombay High Court had earlier rejected their bail plea in December 2021. Following this Vernon Gonsalves and Arun Ferreira approached the Supreme Court of India.

A bench of Justices Aniruddha Bose and Sudhanshu Dhulia noted that activists Gonsalves and Ferreira had been in custody for five years and granted them bail.

However, the bench ordered they shall not leave Maharashtra and surrender their passports to the police.

It also directed the two activists to use one mobile each and let the National Investigation Agency (NIA), which is probing the case, know their addresses.

The case pertains to the Elgar Parishad conclave held in Pune on December 31, 2017, which according to the Pune police was funded by Maoists.

Vernon Gonsalves and Arun Ferreira, along with 14 others, have been accused by the National Investigation Agency.

The case relates to alleged inflammatory speeches made at the Elgar Parishad conclave held in Pune on December 31, 2017, which the police claimed triggered violence the next day near the Koregaon-Bhima war memorial on the outskirts of the western Maharashtra city. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) later took over the probe into the matter.

The Jesuit priest, Stan Swamy who suffered from Parkinson's disease, was the oldest to be arrested in the case.At the time of his arrest, Swamy's health had been waning. But his bail appeal on medical grounds was rejected. In the eight months he spent in Mumbai's Tajola jail, his health declined to a point where he could not even eat or bathe by himself. He died of complications at the age of 84 on 5 July 2021 bringing a renewed focus on the UAPA and its place in Indias democracy.

Many also expressed anger at the way he was jailed during Covid-19 and repeatedly denied bail.

READ MORE: Life and liberty in the Bhima Koregaon case

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Friday granted bail to activists Vernon Gonsalves and Arun Ferreira in the Bhima Koregaon Elgar Parishad case, noting that they have been in custody for five years. The activists were arrested in August 2018 on charges of inciting violence, under the stringent Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). The Bombay High Court had earlier rejected their bail plea in December 2021. Following this Vernon Gonsalves and Arun Ferreira approached the Supreme Court of India. googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); A bench of Justices Aniruddha Bose and Sudhanshu Dhulia noted that activists Gonsalves and Ferreira had been in custody for five years and granted them bail. However, the bench ordered they shall not leave Maharashtra and surrender their passports to the police. It also directed the two activists to use one mobile each and let the National Investigation Agency (NIA), which is probing the case, know their addresses. The case pertains to the Elgar Parishad conclave held in Pune on December 31, 2017, which according to the Pune police was funded by Maoists. Vernon Gonsalves and Arun Ferreira, along with 14 others, have been accused by the National Investigation Agency. The case relates to alleged inflammatory speeches made at the Elgar Parishad conclave held in Pune on December 31, 2017, which the police claimed triggered violence the next day near the Koregaon-Bhima war memorial on the outskirts of the western Maharashtra city. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) later took over the probe into the matter. The Jesuit priest, Stan Swamy who suffered from Parkinson's disease, was the oldest to be arrested in the case.At the time of his arrest, Swamy's health had been waning. But his bail appeal on medical grounds was rejected. In the eight months he spent in Mumbai's Tajola jail, his health declined to a point where he could not even eat or bathe by himself. He died of complications at the age of 84 on 5 July 2021 bringing a renewed focus on the UAPA and its place in Indias democracy. Many also expressed anger at the way he was jailed during Covid-19 and repeatedly denied bail. READ MORE: Life and liberty in the Bhima Koregaon case
Rajesh Kumar Thakur By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: BJP MP Ajay Pratap Singh on Thursday strongly pushed for a ban on live-in relationships while speaking during Special Mentions in the Rajya Sabha. The MP who belongs to Uttar Pradesh urged the government to enact a law declaring the live-in relationships as a means to curbing violence against women in the country.

The MP referred to the murder of Mumbais Saraswasti Vaidya allegedly by her live-in partner, saying she was brutally killed and her body parts were boiled in a pressure cooker and thereafter served to dogs.

He cited figures from the World Health Organisation (WHO) on the murders of women, saying that around 38 per cent of all such murders in the world have been found to be done by their intimate partners.

Quoting religious scriptures as well as Indian social traditions, the MP said, Marriage and family ties in India are considered as a cultural heritage. Our religious scriptures, customs and practices do not recognise the subculture concept of live-in relationships.

He said the Supreme Court has recognised live-in relationship, but the court has also said that Indian society considered it unethical but not illegal. I believe that if live-in relationship is unethical; then it must be declared illegal too, he said, urging the House Chair to take it up with the government.

The live-in relationship is based on mutual acceptance between an adult couple in which the two live under the same roof without marrying. In the current century of hyper-self-centred personal life, the live-in relationship is catching up among the youth not only in India but also in Europe, South East Asia, the

US and other developed countries.

NEW DELHI: BJP MP Ajay Pratap Singh on Thursday strongly pushed for a ban on live-in relationships while speaking during Special Mentions in the Rajya Sabha. The MP who belongs to Uttar Pradesh urged the government to enact a law declaring the live-in relationships as a means to curbing violence against women in the country. The MP referred to the murder of Mumbais Saraswasti Vaidya allegedly by her live-in partner, saying she was brutally killed and her body parts were boiled in a pressure cooker and thereafter served to dogs. He cited figures from the World Health Organisation (WHO) on the murders of women, saying that around 38 per cent of all such murders in the world have been found to be done by their intimate partners. Quoting religious scriptures as well as Indian social traditions, the MP said, Marriage and family ties in India are considered as a cultural heritage. Our religious scriptures, customs and practices do not recognise the subculture concept of live-in relationships.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); He said the Supreme Court has recognised live-in relationship, but the court has also said that Indian society considered it unethical but not illegal. I believe that if live-in relationship is unethical; then it must be declared illegal too, he said, urging the House Chair to take it up with the government. The live-in relationship is based on mutual acceptance between an adult couple in which the two live under the same roof without marrying. In the current century of hyper-self-centred personal life, the live-in relationship is catching up among the youth not only in India but also in Europe, South East Asia, the US and other developed countries.
Mukesh Ranjan By

Express News Service

RANCHI: Considering the seriousness of the matter, the state government is working on a plan to put the three bills -- Khatian-based local policy bill, OBC reservation bill and mob lynching prevention bill, again on the floor of the Jharkhand Assembly. Notably, these three bills have been returned by the Governor for reconsideration after they were sent for approval. The then Governor Ramesh Bais on March 2022 returned the anti-lynching bill back to the state government with two specific suggestions, including reconsidering the definition of mob which was not in consonance with the well-defined legal lexicon or glossary.

Later in January, this year, Bais also returned the 1932-Khatian-based Local Policy Bill-2022 passed by Jharkhand Assembly on the same day asking the government to review its legality so that it is in accordance with the constitution and as per orders passed by the Supreme Court. Again in April, this year, the newly appointed Governor CP Radhakrishnan returned the OBC reservation bill seeking an increase in the reservation in government jobs and education institutions up to 77 per cent.

The Governor is said to have returned on the basis of the legal opinion from the attorney general of India. Notably, any bill passed by the Legislative Assembly is sent to the Governor's Secretariat by the State Government for the assent of the Governor. When the Governor agrees or disagrees with the bill, a message is also attached by the Governor regarding the said bill, but the message has not been attached by the Governor's Secretariat in the above returned Bills.

According to an official communique from the Chief Ministers Office, the State Government is working to bring these Bills again in the Legislative Assembly. Therefore, the Governor's Secretariat has been requested to make the said message available, so that the government can re-present these bills of public interest with full force on the table of the assembly, it said.

For this, under Article 200 of the Constitution of India and Rule-98 (1) of the procedure and conduct of business of the Jharkhand Legislative Assembly, the above bills returned by the Governors Secretariat are requested to be made available to the State Government and the Legislative Assembly along with the Governor's message, stated the official communique from the Chief Ministers Office.

RANCHI: Considering the seriousness of the matter, the state government is working on a plan to put the three bills -- Khatian-based local policy bill, OBC reservation bill and mob lynching prevention bill, again on the floor of the Jharkhand Assembly. Notably, these three bills have been returned by the Governor for reconsideration after they were sent for approval. The then Governor Ramesh Bais on March 2022 returned the anti-lynching bill back to the state government with two specific suggestions, including reconsidering the definition of mob which was not in consonance with the well-defined legal lexicon or glossary. Later in January, this year, Bais also returned the 1932-Khatian-based Local Policy Bill-2022 passed by Jharkhand Assembly on the same day asking the government to review its legality so that it is in accordance with the constitution and as per orders passed by the Supreme Court. Again in April, this year, the newly appointed Governor CP Radhakrishnan returned the OBC reservation bill seeking an increase in the reservation in government jobs and education institutions up to 77 per cent. The Governor is said to have returned on the basis of the legal opinion from the attorney general of India. Notably, any bill passed by the Legislative Assembly is sent to the Governor's Secretariat by the State Government for the assent of the Governor. When the Governor agrees or disagrees with the bill, a message is also attached by the Governor regarding the said bill, but the message has not been attached by the Governor's Secretariat in the above returned Bills.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); According to an official communique from the Chief Ministers Office, the State Government is working to bring these Bills again in the Legislative Assembly. Therefore, the Governor's Secretariat has been requested to make the said message available, so that the government can re-present these bills of public interest with full force on the table of the assembly, it said. For this, under Article 200 of the Constitution of India and Rule-98 (1) of the procedure and conduct of business of the Jharkhand Legislative Assembly, the above bills returned by the Governors Secretariat are requested to be made available to the State Government and the Legislative Assembly along with the Governor's message, stated the official communique from the Chief Ministers Office.
By Online Desk

India is among the three countries that have seen the sharpest rise in anti-China sentiments since the global pandemic began, according to a new survey conducted by US-based Pew Research Center, considered one of the more credible pollsters globally.

Two others -- Brazil and Poland -- also saw comparable, or higher, increases in negative perception about China during this period.

Poland, which lies next to Ukraine, saw an increase of 33 percentage points in those who held an unfavorable opinion of China since 2019, while both India and Brazil have seen a 21 percentage point increase.

However, despite the increase, the level of negativity among the ordinary public is still considerably less in Brazil (48%), compared to India and Poland, where 67% of the population are unfavorably disposed towards China.

The poll was conducted in 24 countries for the first time since the pandemic, including most of the western countries, the three largest Latin American countries, India, Indonesia and the three major countries of Africa  Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa.

Out of the 24 countries, there were only six countries where more people supported China than criticized it.

These included all the three countries in Africa, Indonesia and two of the three countries in Latin America.

The countries where people were most likely to support China were Nigeria (80%) and Kenya (72%). In South Africa, 49% support China while 40% dont have a positive opinion of the rising power.

Outside Latin America and Africa, Indonesia was the only country where more people supported China (49%) than opposed it (25%).

However, this level of support is unlikely in Indonesia's neighbours such as the Philippines, which have running territorial disputes with China.

In South Korea  the only other SE Asian country where the survey was conducted  77% of the respondents had an unfavorable opinion of China compared to only 22% who viewed it with a favorable eye.

ALSO READ | India confirms Xi-Modi discussion in Bali, refuses to confirm 'important consensus' was reached

The poorest opinions of China and its actions on the global stage were, expectedly, seen in western countries, such as the US (83%), Canada (79%), Sweden (85%), Germany (76%), France (72%) and the UK (69%).

Disapproval of China and its actions were slightly less among people in less developed countries, with one exception. India stands out as the only middle-income country in which a majority has unfavorable views of China, pointed out Pew Research Center in its report.

Military conflicts along a contested border may have contributed to the 21 percentage point increase in unfavorable opinion, it noted, referring to the Ladakh and Sikkim border conflicts.

The survey was conducted over a three month period starting from Feb 20, and involved 27,285 people in 24 countries.

TECHNOLOGY

Despite having a poor opinion of Chinas actions in the world, most people accepted the countrys advancements in the technology and military field.

Outside of South Korea, nearly half or more in every country say Chinese technological advancements are the best in the world or above average relative to other wealthy nations. And in many of the middle-income countries, around four-in-ten call Chinese technology the best in the world, the report noted.

Meanwhile, Chinas strategy of making investments into developing countries in Africa and Latin America seems to be paying off in terms of generating some goodwill for the country.

In the survey, around half or more of the respondents in six middle-income countries said their country has benefited a great deal or a fair amount from Chinese investment. In Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa, around seven-in-ten or more shared this opinion.

As far as Chinas military is concerned, a considerable segment of the population in every country  and often the majority  term it one of the best in the world or above average.

India is among the three countries that have seen the sharpest rise in anti-China sentiments since the global pandemic began, according to a new survey conducted by US-based Pew Research Center, considered one of the more credible pollsters globally. Two others -- Brazil and Poland -- also saw comparable, or higher, increases in negative perception about China during this period. Poland, which lies next to Ukraine, saw an increase of 33 percentage points in those who held an unfavorable opinion of China since 2019, while both India and Brazil have seen a 21 percentage point increase.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); However, despite the increase, the level of negativity among the ordinary public is still considerably less in Brazil (48%), compared to India and Poland, where 67% of the population are unfavorably disposed towards China. The poll was conducted in 24 countries for the first time since the pandemic, including most of the western countries, the three largest Latin American countries, India, Indonesia and the three major countries of Africa  Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa. Out of the 24 countries, there were only six countries where more people supported China than criticized it. These included all the three countries in Africa, Indonesia and two of the three countries in Latin America. The countries where people were most likely to support China were Nigeria (80%) and Kenya (72%). In South Africa, 49% support China while 40% dont have a positive opinion of the rising power. Outside Latin America and Africa, Indonesia was the only country where more people supported China (49%) than opposed it (25%). However, this level of support is unlikely in Indonesia's neighbours such as the Philippines, which have running territorial disputes with China. In South Korea  the only other SE Asian country where the survey was conducted  77% of the respondents had an unfavorable opinion of China compared to only 22% who viewed it with a favorable eye. ALSO READ | India confirms Xi-Modi discussion in Bali, refuses to confirm 'important consensus' was reached The poorest opinions of China and its actions on the global stage were, expectedly, seen in western countries, such as the US (83%), Canada (79%), Sweden (85%), Germany (76%), France (72%) and the UK (69%). Disapproval of China and its actions were slightly less among people in less developed countries, with one exception. India stands out as the only middle-income country in which a majority has unfavorable views of China, pointed out Pew Research Center in its report. Military conflicts along a contested border may have contributed to the 21 percentage point increase in unfavorable opinion, it noted, referring to the Ladakh and Sikkim border conflicts. The survey was conducted over a three month period starting from Feb 20, and involved 27,285 people in 24 countries. TECHNOLOGY Despite having a poor opinion of Chinas actions in the world, most people accepted the countrys advancements in the technology and military field. Outside of South Korea, nearly half or more in every country say Chinese technological advancements are the best in the world or above average relative to other wealthy nations. And in many of the middle-income countries, around four-in-ten call Chinese technology the best in the world, the report noted. Meanwhile, Chinas strategy of making investments into developing countries in Africa and Latin America seems to be paying off in terms of generating some goodwill for the country. In the survey, around half or more of the respondents in six middle-income countries said their country has benefited a great deal or a fair amount from Chinese investment. In Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa, around seven-in-ten or more shared this opinion. As far as Chinas military is concerned, a considerable segment of the population in every country  and often the majority  term it one of the best in the world or above average.
By PTI

NEW DELHI: A delegation of 20 INDIA bloc MPs will pay a two-day visit to Manipur beginning Saturday to assess the ground situation first-hand and then make recommendations to the government and Parliament for a solution to the problems in the violence-hit state.

Ahead of the visit, Congress' deputy leader in Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi called for an inquiry under a retired Supreme Court judge into the violence in Manipur.

Addressing a press conference here, Congress MP and whip in Rajya Sabha Naseer Hussain said the MPs from 16 parties would visit the affected areas and people both in the valley and the hills.

They would also visit two relief camps in both places and assess the situation themselves.

Sources said the opposition bloc had written to Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh, who allowed the delegation to visit the state.

The delegation would be meeting Manipur Governor Anusuiya Uikey on Sunday morning, Hussain said.

The Congress leader said the MPs have sought to use helicopters there and if allowed, they will be able to visit the far-flung areas of Churachandpur, where fresh violence has taken place.

"We have got permissions from the state government to visit the affected areas as also the relief camps. We have also got permission to meet the governor, who has allowed time for the delegation on Sunday," Hussain told reporters.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the NDA have neither the will nor the ability to resolve the Manipur violence," he said, adding that ever since the Monsoon session of Parliament started, the opposition has been continuously demanding a discussion on Manipur.

"PM Modi should come to Parliament and give a statement and prepare a roadmap for peace in Manipur," he asserted.

The delegation will include Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury and Gaurav Gogoi of the Congress, TMC's Sushmita Dev, JMM's Mahua Maji, DMK's Kanimozhi, NCP's Mohammad Faizal, Jayant Chaudhary of RLD, Manoj Kumar Jha of RJD, N K Premachandran of RSP and T Thirumavalavan of the VCK.

JD(U) chief Rajiv Ranjan (Lalan) Singh, Aneel Prasad Hegde (JD-U), CPI's Sandosh Kumar, CPI(M)'s A A Rahim, Samajwadi Party's Javed Ali Khan, IUML's E T Mohammed Basheer, AAP's Sushil Gupta, Arvind Sawant (Shiv Sena-Uddhav Thackeray), D Ravikumar (DMK) and Phulo Devi Netam (Congress) will also be part of the 20-member delegation which will leave on Saturday morning and return on Sunday afternoon.

Gogoi said, "The BJP wants to give the picture that everything is fine in Manipur but it is not so with violence continuing. That is why we want that an inquiry should be conducted under a retired Supreme Court judge as to how did the state government fail, how did people got access to weapons in this quantity, what was the administration doing."

"The chief minister (N Biren Singh) himself admits that there are more than 100 FIRs. Why was the administration sleeping for two months. There should be an inquiry under a retired Supreme Court judge and all INDIA (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance) MPs will go to Manipur and find out the truth and will put forward that truth before Parliament," he told PTI outside Parliament.

Trinamool Congress' Dev said the opposition delegation wants to give the message that "we are with the people of Manipur".

"We are concerned, we want peace to return...the government has failed, so we want to go there and see what solution can be found," she said.

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader T R Baalu said the opposition delegation will be leaving for Manipur Saturday morning and will find out what went wrong, the extent of damage and loss of lives and property.

Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP) leader Premchandran said the intent of the visit is to have a first-hand information about the happenings in the state.

"The violence is still going on so we would like to have first-hand information and suggest some solutions and recommendations to the government and Parliament before the discussion comes there," he said.

"We would like to visit the relief camps regarding rehabilitation of the victims. What is the real cause of the violence, we want to find out," he said.

Congress leader Naseer Hussain alleged that massacres, violence and rapes are happening in Manipur for the last 86 days.

On Friday too, he said, 47 MPs have given notice under rule 267 demanding a discussion, but the discussion is not happening in either Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha.

"Instead of talking on Manipur, PM Modi is giving advice to the chief ministers of other states. Our demand is that the prime minister should come to the House and discuss Manipur," he said.

Hussain alleged that weapons looted from government armouries are being found in houses in Manipur and added this is a matter of national security.

The opposition bloc had been demanding that a delegation of their leaders be allowed to visit the state but till now they had been denied permission in view of the situation there.

The opposition has been demanding a statement from the prime minister in Parliament on the situation in ethnic strife-torn Manipur followed by a full-fledged discussion on it.

The northeastern state of Manipur has been engulfed in ethnic violence since May 3, in which more than 160 people have lost their lives.

NEW DELHI: A delegation of 20 INDIA bloc MPs will pay a two-day visit to Manipur beginning Saturday to assess the ground situation first-hand and then make recommendations to the government and Parliament for a solution to the problems in the violence-hit state. Ahead of the visit, Congress' deputy leader in Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi called for an inquiry under a retired Supreme Court judge into the violence in Manipur. Addressing a press conference here, Congress MP and whip in Rajya Sabha Naseer Hussain said the MPs from 16 parties would visit the affected areas and people both in the valley and the hills.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); They would also visit two relief camps in both places and assess the situation themselves. Sources said the opposition bloc had written to Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh, who allowed the delegation to visit the state. The delegation would be meeting Manipur Governor Anusuiya Uikey on Sunday morning, Hussain said. The Congress leader said the MPs have sought to use helicopters there and if allowed, they will be able to visit the far-flung areas of Churachandpur, where fresh violence has taken place. "We have got permissions from the state government to visit the affected areas as also the relief camps. We have also got permission to meet the governor, who has allowed time for the delegation on Sunday," Hussain told reporters. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the NDA have neither the will nor the ability to resolve the Manipur violence," he said, adding that ever since the Monsoon session of Parliament started, the opposition has been continuously demanding a discussion on Manipur. "PM Modi should come to Parliament and give a statement and prepare a roadmap for peace in Manipur," he asserted. The delegation will include Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury and Gaurav Gogoi of the Congress, TMC's Sushmita Dev, JMM's Mahua Maji, DMK's Kanimozhi, NCP's Mohammad Faizal, Jayant Chaudhary of RLD, Manoj Kumar Jha of RJD, N K Premachandran of RSP and T Thirumavalavan of the VCK. JD(U) chief Rajiv Ranjan (Lalan) Singh, Aneel Prasad Hegde (JD-U), CPI's Sandosh Kumar, CPI(M)'s A A Rahim, Samajwadi Party's Javed Ali Khan, IUML's E T Mohammed Basheer, AAP's Sushil Gupta, Arvind Sawant (Shiv Sena-Uddhav Thackeray), D Ravikumar (DMK) and Phulo Devi Netam (Congress) will also be part of the 20-member delegation which will leave on Saturday morning and return on Sunday afternoon. Gogoi said, "The BJP wants to give the picture that everything is fine in Manipur but it is not so with violence continuing. That is why we want that an inquiry should be conducted under a retired Supreme Court judge as to how did the state government fail, how did people got access to weapons in this quantity, what was the administration doing." "The chief minister (N Biren Singh) himself admits that there are more than 100 FIRs. Why was the administration sleeping for two months. There should be an inquiry under a retired Supreme Court judge and all INDIA (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance) MPs will go to Manipur and find out the truth and will put forward that truth before Parliament," he told PTI outside Parliament. Trinamool Congress' Dev said the opposition delegation wants to give the message that "we are with the people of Manipur". "We are concerned, we want peace to return...the government has failed, so we want to go there and see what solution can be found," she said. Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader T R Baalu said the opposition delegation will be leaving for Manipur Saturday morning and will find out what went wrong, the extent of damage and loss of lives and property. Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP) leader Premchandran said the intent of the visit is to have a first-hand information about the happenings in the state. "The violence is still going on so we would like to have first-hand information and suggest some solutions and recommendations to the government and Parliament before the discussion comes there," he said. "We would like to visit the relief camps regarding rehabilitation of the victims. What is the real cause of the violence, we want to find out," he said. Congress leader Naseer Hussain alleged that massacres, violence and rapes are happening in Manipur for the last 86 days. On Friday too, he said, 47 MPs have given notice under rule 267 demanding a discussion, but the discussion is not happening in either Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha. "Instead of talking on Manipur, PM Modi is giving advice to the chief ministers of other states. Our demand is that the prime minister should come to the House and discuss Manipur," he said. Hussain alleged that weapons looted from government armouries are being found in houses in Manipur and added this is a matter of national security. The opposition bloc had been demanding that a delegation of their leaders be allowed to visit the state but till now they had been denied permission in view of the situation there. The opposition has been demanding a statement from the prime minister in Parliament on the situation in ethnic strife-torn Manipur followed by a full-fledged discussion on it. The northeastern state of Manipur has been engulfed in ethnic violence since May 3, in which more than 160 people have lost their lives.
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Three days after the Chinese foreign ministry claimed that Xi and Modi had reached an "important consensus" on stabilising bilateral ties on the margins of the G20 Summit in Bali in 2022, India confirmed the interaction between the two leaders. But the Ministry of External Affairs statement refused to go any further.

"After the (Bali) Summit last year in November, Prime Minister Modi and President Xi Jinping in the dinner hosted by the Indonesian President -- they exchanged courtesies and spoke of the need to stablise our bilateral relations. We have said that the key to this resolution is the resolution of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) on the Western sector of the Indo-China border and also restoration of peace and tranquility in the border areas," said Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi.

India had earlier only said that the two leaders exchanged courtesies.

A handshake between PM Modi and Xi Jinping in Bali had prompted immediate speculations on the conversation they would have had, but both sides did not confirm what was discussed initially. It was finally China who let out the 'news'.

ALSO READ | Ties with China cannot progress without peace and tranquillity at border: Jaishankar

On July 24, a Chinese foreign ministry readout on a meeting between National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Johannesburg had contended that Xi and Modi reached an "important consensus" on stabilising bilateral ties at Bali.

The readout also said this consensus on stabilising bilateral relations should be converted into "specific policies" and "concerted actions" to enhance strategic mutual trust. This is largely in line with Beijing's contention that the military standoff on the LAC should be put in an "appropriate place" while the two countries take forward relations in other areas, such as trade.

India has always maintained that bilateral relations cannot be normalised until there is peace and tranquillity in the border areas.

In the just-concluded BRICS-NSA meet in Johannesburg, Ajit Doval had told China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi that efforts must be made to restore peace in border areas. While Wang Yi spoke about enhancing mutual trust and focus on cooperation.

"During the meeting, Ajit 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 (National Security Advisor) 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," according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

NEW DELHI: Three days after the Chinese foreign ministry claimed that Xi and Modi had reached an "important consensus" on stabilising bilateral ties on the margins of the G20 Summit in Bali in 2022, India confirmed the interaction between the two leaders. But the Ministry of External Affairs statement refused to go any further. "After the (Bali) Summit last year in November, Prime Minister Modi and President Xi Jinping in the dinner hosted by the Indonesian President -- they exchanged courtesies and spoke of the need to stablise our bilateral relations. We have said that the key to this resolution is the resolution of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) on the Western sector of the Indo-China border and also restoration of peace and tranquility in the border areas," said Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi. India had earlier only said that the two leaders exchanged courtesies. googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); A handshake between PM Modi and Xi Jinping in Bali had prompted immediate speculations on the conversation they would have had, but both sides did not confirm what was discussed initially. It was finally China who let out the 'news'. ALSO READ | Ties with China cannot progress without peace and tranquillity at border: Jaishankar On July 24, a Chinese foreign ministry readout on a meeting between National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Johannesburg had contended that Xi and Modi reached an "important consensus" on stabilising bilateral ties at Bali. The readout also said this consensus on stabilising bilateral relations should be converted into "specific policies" and "concerted actions" to enhance strategic mutual trust. This is largely in line with Beijing's contention that the military standoff on the LAC should be put in an "appropriate place" while the two countries take forward relations in other areas, such as trade. India has always maintained that bilateral relations cannot be normalised until there is peace and tranquillity in the border areas. In the just-concluded BRICS-NSA meet in Johannesburg, Ajit Doval had told China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi that efforts must be made to restore peace in border areas. While Wang Yi spoke about enhancing mutual trust and focus on cooperation. "During the meeting, Ajit 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 (National Security Advisor) 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," according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
Yeshi Seli By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Indias External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar held the 15th India-Japan Foreign Ministers Strategic Dialogue with his Japanese counterpart Yoshimasa Hayashi in Delhi on Thursday. The meeting provided an opportunity to review the progress made in the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership.

Our talks covered enhancing political, defence and security, economic and commercial, connectivity, critical technology and people-to-people domains, said Jaishankar. We share our perspectives on G20 and Indo-Pacific, and also on QUAD, EAS and UN. We also exchanged views on counter-terrorism and non-proliferation, Jaishankar added. The ministers emphasized the importance of achieving the target of JPY 5 trillion Japanese investment in India in the period 2022-27, MEA said.

NEW DELHI: Indias External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar held the 15th India-Japan Foreign Ministers Strategic Dialogue with his Japanese counterpart Yoshimasa Hayashi in Delhi on Thursday. The meeting provided an opportunity to review the progress made in the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership. Our talks covered enhancing political, defence and security, economic and commercial, connectivity, critical technology and people-to-people domains, said Jaishankar. We share our perspectives on G20 and Indo-Pacific, and also on QUAD, EAS and UN. We also exchanged views on counter-terrorism and non-proliferation, Jaishankar added. The ministers emphasized the importance of achieving the target of JPY 5 trillion Japanese investment in India in the period 2022-27, MEA said.
By Express News Service

India is now home to over 38 million students studying in about 50,000 academic institutions, including 1,100 universities, making it the second-largest higher education system globally. In the last decade, India has improved its position in the World University Rankings as well, with a total of 66 Indian universities cumulatively achieving 355 entries (an 18.7% increase in comparison to last year), making India the second most represented country in Asia in the QS World University Rankings, 2023. Despite this fact, its representation in international rankings has immense potential for development.

An increasing number of Indian students seek educational opportunities abroad, emphasising the importance of expanding internationalisation efforts at home. Year after year, a rising number of students travel abroad for education. About 7,50,000 students have travelled abroad to pursue higher education in 2022 alone.

Considered a watershed moment in Indias educational system, the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, approved by the Union government on 29th July 2020, aims to revolutionise the countrys education system. Designed to cater to the diverse needs of learners, NEP 2020 addresses crucial aspects of education such as access, equity, quality, and internationalisation. As we celebrate its third anniversary, it is imperative to highlight the remarkable progress made in the internationalisation of higher education and its significance in todays globalised world.

Higher education is pivotal in shaping individuals, societies, and the world. In an increasingly interconnected and globalised world, the internationalisation of higher education has emerged as a critical component in preparing students to thrive in a complex and diverse global environment. By embracing global perspectives, fostering cultural exchange, and collaborating with international partners, we can shape a brighter future for our students and position India as a global leader in education.

Internationalisation promotes intercultural understanding, empathy, and respect. By engaging with students from different backgrounds, our students develop a broader worldview, learn to appreciate diversity, and become global citizens who can contribute positively to a more inclusive and harmonious world. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Indian government has taken several measures to bolster internationalisation in higher education.

To enhance global collaborations, the Indian government has encouraged twinning degrees, dual degrees, and joint degree programmes in partnership with foreign universities and in this regard, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has released guidelines for the Promotion & Maintenance of Standards of Academic Collaboration between Indian and Foreign Educational Institutions. Moreover, Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) have been signed with numerous countries to facilitate student exchange programmes and study abroad initiatives. About 45 countries have MoUs signed with India, encouraging more and more student exchange programmes and fostering a truly global learning environment.

Internationalising higher education opens up a world of unique student job opportunities. Students gain valuable cross-cultural skills, language proficiency, and global perspectives that make them stand out to employers by studying abroad or participating in international exchange programmes. Exposure to diverse academic environments fosters adaptability and intercultural communication abilities, which are crucial in todays interconnected job market. Additionally, networking with international peers and faculty members enhances their professional connections, ultimately leading to unique job opportunities both locally and globally.

A dedicated portal called Study in India has been developed to address the issues of international students. The portal acts as a single entry point for all students coming to study in Indian Universities onboard all HEIs above a certain ranking, and lists all programmes they offer. This will facilitate international students in navigating all information about studies in India and act as a guide in choosing the right institute and course that fits their requirements.

To deal with the issue of brain drain as more and more students are moving overseas to seek higher education, the Ministry of Education has paved the way for the establishment of foreign universities in India by signing MoUs with two renowned Australian institutes, Deakin University and Wollongong University to set up campuses in the Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City). This move attracts global expertise and provides Indian students with access to world-class education without leaving their home country.

In a more recent development, two Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs)  IIT Delhi and IIT Madras  have gone global by signing to establish campuses in Abu Dhabi and Tanzania, respectively. These ventures expand the reach of Indian higher education while promoting cultural understanding and knowledge exchange.

Internationalisation in higher education offers a myriad of benefits. It fosters cross-cultural understanding, exposes students to diverse perspectives, and prepares them for a globalised workforce. Collaborative research opportunities with international partners help tackle global challenges and drive innovation. Furthermore, the exchange of faculty and students enhances academic excellence, creating well-rounded graduates who are equipped to contribute meaningfully to society.

NEP 2020 recognises the need for the internationalisation of Indian higher education, and the Ministry of Education is taking massive strides to transform this vision into reality. By aligning with global best practices and fostering international partnerships, Indias education system is poised to become more globally competitive and inclusive. The emphasis on internationalisation within NEP 2020 ensures that students have a global perspective, enabling them to thrive in an interconnected world.

By embracing internationalisation, India is nurturing future leaders with the skills, knowledge, and cross-cultural competencies necessary to excel in an increasingly interconnected world. Our collective responsibility is to commit to fostering an environment conducive to internationalisation and changing this persistent narrative that one must go overseas to access quality higher education.

Together with the support of all stakeholders, Under the leadership of the Honble Prime Minister, we will continue to prioritise internationalisation efforts, driving Indias education system towards global excellence. I would appeal to the students, guardians, and society to seize this opportunity and nurture the next generation of global citizens who will contribute to a more prosperous, harmonious, and interconnected world.

India is now home to over 38 million students studying in about 50,000 academic institutions, including 1,100 universities, making it the second-largest higher education system globally. In the last decade, India has improved its position in the World University Rankings as well, with a total of 66 Indian universities cumulatively achieving 355 entries (an 18.7% increase in comparison to last year), making India the second most represented country in Asia in the QS World University Rankings, 2023. Despite this fact, its representation in international rankings has immense potential for development. An increasing number of Indian students seek educational opportunities abroad, emphasising the importance of expanding internationalisation efforts at home. Year after year, a rising number of students travel abroad for education. About 7,50,000 students have travelled abroad to pursue higher education in 2022 alone. Considered a watershed moment in Indias educational system, the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, approved by the Union government on 29th July 2020, aims to revolutionise the countrys education system. Designed to cater to the diverse needs of learners, NEP 2020 addresses crucial aspects of education such as access, equity, quality, and internationalisation. As we celebrate its third anniversary, it is imperative to highlight the remarkable progress made in the internationalisation of higher education and its significance in todays globalised world.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Higher education is pivotal in shaping individuals, societies, and the world. In an increasingly interconnected and globalised world, the internationalisation of higher education has emerged as a critical component in preparing students to thrive in a complex and diverse global environment. By embracing global perspectives, fostering cultural exchange, and collaborating with international partners, we can shape a brighter future for our students and position India as a global leader in education. Internationalisation promotes intercultural understanding, empathy, and respect. By engaging with students from different backgrounds, our students develop a broader worldview, learn to appreciate diversity, and become global citizens who can contribute positively to a more inclusive and harmonious world. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Indian government has taken several measures to bolster internationalisation in higher education. To enhance global collaborations, the Indian government has encouraged twinning degrees, dual degrees, and joint degree programmes in partnership with foreign universities and in this regard, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has released guidelines for the Promotion & Maintenance of Standards of Academic Collaboration between Indian and Foreign Educational Institutions. Moreover, Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) have been signed with numerous countries to facilitate student exchange programmes and study abroad initiatives. About 45 countries have MoUs signed with India, encouraging more and more student exchange programmes and fostering a truly global learning environment. Internationalising higher education opens up a world of unique student job opportunities. Students gain valuable cross-cultural skills, language proficiency, and global perspectives that make them stand out to employers by studying abroad or participating in international exchange programmes. Exposure to diverse academic environments fosters adaptability and intercultural communication abilities, which are crucial in todays interconnected job market. Additionally, networking with international peers and faculty members enhances their professional connections, ultimately leading to unique job opportunities both locally and globally. A dedicated portal called Study in India has been developed to address the issues of international students. The portal acts as a single entry point for all students coming to study in Indian Universities onboard all HEIs above a certain ranking, and lists all programmes they offer. This will facilitate international students in navigating all information about studies in India and act as a guide in choosing the right institute and course that fits their requirements. To deal with the issue of brain drain as more and more students are moving overseas to seek higher education, the Ministry of Education has paved the way for the establishment of foreign universities in India by signing MoUs with two renowned Australian institutes, Deakin University and Wollongong University to set up campuses in the Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City). This move attracts global expertise and provides Indian students with access to world-class education without leaving their home country. In a more recent development, two Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs)  IIT Delhi and IIT Madras  have gone global by signing to establish campuses in Abu Dhabi and Tanzania, respectively. These ventures expand the reach of Indian higher education while promoting cultural understanding and knowledge exchange. Internationalisation in higher education offers a myriad of benefits. It fosters cross-cultural understanding, exposes students to diverse perspectives, and prepares them for a globalised workforce. Collaborative research opportunities with international partners help tackle global challenges and drive innovation. Furthermore, the exchange of faculty and students enhances academic excellence, creating well-rounded graduates who are equipped to contribute meaningfully to society. NEP 2020 recognises the need for the internationalisation of Indian higher education, and the Ministry of Education is taking massive strides to transform this vision into reality. By aligning with global best practices and fostering international partnerships, Indias education system is poised to become more globally competitive and inclusive. The emphasis on internationalisation within NEP 2020 ensures that students have a global perspective, enabling them to thrive in an interconnected world. By embracing internationalisation, India is nurturing future leaders with the skills, knowledge, and cross-cultural competencies necessary to excel in an increasingly interconnected world. Our collective responsibility is to commit to fostering an environment conducive to internationalisation and changing this persistent narrative that one must go overseas to access quality higher education. Together with the support of all stakeholders, Under the leadership of the Honble Prime Minister, we will continue to prioritise internationalisation efforts, driving Indias education system towards global excellence. I would appeal to the students, guardians, and society to seize this opportunity and nurture the next generation of global citizens who will contribute to a more prosperous, harmonious, and interconnected world.
Ramashankar By

Express News Service

PATNA: Katihar Superintendent of Police Jitendra Kumar on Friday informed that the death of two persons and injuries to another one during a violent protest against irregular power supply was not caused by police firing. The official claimed that bullets fired by an unidentified person in the mob killed the protestors.

The deceased were identified as Khursheed Alam and Sonu Kumar Sah.

The SP released a video footage of the incident to substantiate his claim. Today we reached the spot for physical verification of the incident that took place on Wednesday. During investigation, we checked the video footage of the incident. We noticed that a youth came from the direction where the first death took

place and opened fire. The bullet hit another victim, he said.

Kumar said that the gun-toting man can be seen opening fire causing injuries to two bystanders killing Khurdsheed Alam on the spot and Sonu Kumar Sah succumbed to his injuries during treatment in the hospital. The third victim identified as Neyaz Alam is undergoing treatment at a hospital in West Bengal, SP added.

Efforts were on to ascertain the identity of the man who fired at the victims during the protest against irregular power supply in Barsoi subdivisional area of the district.

During verification of the spot where the first victim was hit by bullets we came to know that it was almost impossible for the bullet fired by the police to have hit the deceased as claimed by people, Kumar revealed.

Katihar district magistrate Ravi Prakash said that two separate FIRs were registered at Barsoi police station in connection with the incident. While the first FIR has been lodged by the electricity department, second FIR has been registered by the police, DM said, adding that the complaint of one of the deceased

Sonu Sah's family has been clubbed with the two FIRs.

According to reliable sources, a two-member team comprising an additional collector and a DSP has been formed to conduct further investigation. We will share more information after the investigation, DM Ravi Prakash said.

Meanwhile, leader of Opposition in Bihar assembly Vijay Kumar Sinha demanded a CBI inquiry into the police firing in Katihar. The district administration is trying to give a new twist to the incident at the behest of political masters, he told the media.

Earlier, the state government had sought a detailed report from DM and SP on the police firing. The incident has taken a political colour.

PATNA: Katihar Superintendent of Police Jitendra Kumar on Friday informed that the death of two persons and injuries to another one during a violent protest against irregular power supply was not caused by police firing. The official claimed that bullets fired by an unidentified person in the mob killed the protestors. The deceased were identified as Khursheed Alam and Sonu Kumar Sah. The SP released a video footage of the incident to substantiate his claim. Today we reached the spot for physical verification of the incident that took place on Wednesday. During investigation, we checked the video footage of the incident. We noticed that a youth came from the direction where the first death took place and opened fire. The bullet hit another victim, he said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Kumar said that the gun-toting man can be seen opening fire causing injuries to two bystanders killing Khurdsheed Alam on the spot and Sonu Kumar Sah succumbed to his injuries during treatment in the hospital. The third victim identified as Neyaz Alam is undergoing treatment at a hospital in West Bengal, SP added. Efforts were on to ascertain the identity of the man who fired at the victims during the protest against irregular power supply in Barsoi subdivisional area of the district. During verification of the spot where the first victim was hit by bullets we came to know that it was almost impossible for the bullet fired by the police to have hit the deceased as claimed by people, Kumar revealed. #WATCH | Bihar: CCTV visuals of the Katihar firing incident. (Video source: IPRD) pic.twitter.com/qO1lhKtKwM  ANI (@ANI) July 28, 2023 Katihar district magistrate Ravi Prakash said that two separate FIRs were registered at Barsoi police station in connection with the incident. While the first FIR has been lodged by the electricity department, second FIR has been registered by the police, DM said, adding that the complaint of one of the deceased Sonu Sah's family has been clubbed with the two FIRs. According to reliable sources, a two-member team comprising an additional collector and a DSP has been formed to conduct further investigation. We will share more information after the investigation, DM Ravi Prakash said. Meanwhile, leader of Opposition in Bihar assembly Vijay Kumar Sinha demanded a CBI inquiry into the police firing in Katihar. The district administration is trying to give a new twist to the incident at the behest of political masters, he told the media. Earlier, the state government had sought a detailed report from DM and SP on the police firing. The incident has taken a political colour.
Pranab Mondal By

Express News Service

The demand to declare Observatory Hill, the green patch around Chowrasta and Mall Road in Darjeeling  a popular holiday destination for tourists from Kolkata  as a biodiversity heritage site is gaining ground. Sources said that an open meeting among various stake-holders was held to discuss the water and environment situation in urban Darjeeling and the threats that the town is facing owing to unplanned urbanisation, destruction of natural resources and the failure to recognise this. Once an area is declared a biodiversity heritage site, a committee is formed with the local administration, academics and NGO.

Jadavpur Univ to meet over BTech evening class

Jadavpur University has convened a meeting to decide whether it would continue with its evening BTech programmes in three disciplinescivil, electrical and mechanical engineering  from the 2023-24 academic year, as the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has stopped recognising these programmes. The AICTE now only recognises a programme that is of a four-year duration. JUs evening BTech courses are five-year programmes. The AICTEs handbook also says they recognise only programmes that are run during the day.

School, 5 clubs to be shifted for metro work

Five clubs and a riding school in Kolkatas Maidan area, some of which are of more than 100 years old, have to be shifted to make way for the construction of the underground Joka-Esplanade Metro corridor, said railway officials. The five clubs are Calcutta Police Club, Kalighat Club, Rajasthan Club, Calcutta Kennels Club and Kidderpore Sporting Club. The Calcutta Mounted Police Paddock and Riding School, which falls in the construction area, has to be shifted too. The Rail Vikas Nigam Limited has requested the clubs to vacate the sites so that works can start within a month, said the official.

Pranab mondal

Our correspondent in West Bengal

pranabm@newindianexpress.com

The demand to declare Observatory Hill, the green patch around Chowrasta and Mall Road in Darjeeling  a popular holiday destination for tourists from Kolkata  as a biodiversity heritage site is gaining ground. Sources said that an open meeting among various stake-holders was held to discuss the water and environment situation in urban Darjeeling and the threats that the town is facing owing to unplanned urbanisation, destruction of natural resources and the failure to recognise this. Once an area is declared a biodiversity heritage site, a committee is formed with the local administration, academics and NGO. Jadavpur Univ to meet over BTech evening class Jadavpur University has convened a meeting to decide whether it would continue with its evening BTech programmes in three disciplinescivil, electrical and mechanical engineering  from the 2023-24 academic year, as the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has stopped recognising these programmes. The AICTE now only recognises a programme that is of a four-year duration. JUs evening BTech courses are five-year programmes. The AICTEs handbook also says they recognise only programmes that are run during the day. School, 5 clubs to be shifted for metro work Five clubs and a riding school in Kolkatas Maidan area, some of which are of more than 100 years old, have to be shifted to make way for the construction of the underground Joka-Esplanade Metro corridor, said railway officials. The five clubs are Calcutta Police Club, Kalighat Club, Rajasthan Club, Calcutta Kennels Club and Kidderpore Sporting Club. The Calcutta Mounted Police Paddock and Riding School, which falls in the construction area, has to be shifted too. The Rail Vikas Nigam Limited has requested the clubs to vacate the sites so that works can start within a month, said the official. googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Pranab mondal Our correspondent in West Bengal pranabm@newindianexpress.com
By PTI

NEW DELHI: The Kuki-Zo Women's Forum organised a protest at Jantar Mantar here on Friday and demanded a separate administration for the tribal population of Manipur living in its hill districts.

The protesters also demanded the imposition of President's Rule in the northeastern state engulfed in ethnic violence.

Some of the protesters were seen wearing T-shirts with 'separate administration is the only solution' written on them. Many of the protesters donned their traditional attire.

They demanded an end to attacks on tribal villages and capital punishment for those accused of raping women of the community.

Members of the Kuki-Zo Women's Forum protest at Jantar Mantar demanding a separate administration for the tribal population of Manipur living in its hill districts. (Photo| PTI)

Lalhmingmawii Gangte, an assistant professor of Jamia Millia Islamia and one of the organisers of the demonstration, said, "It is a matter of survival (for the tribal community). We are trying to fight with nonviolence. We may be trampled but our spirit will not be trampled at all. There is no point in appealing to the state government now because we know it will not do anything about it."

Another organiser alleged that Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh has snatched away the fundamental rights of the tribal community.

"Manipur Police and the state government are the main culprits behind this violence. We demand our right to practise our religion," Chochong Haokip told the gathering.

The northeastern state of Manipur has been engulfed in ethnic violence since May 3, in which more than 160 people have lost their lives.

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.

NEW DELHI: The Kuki-Zo Women's Forum organised a protest at Jantar Mantar here on Friday and demanded a separate administration for the tribal population of Manipur living in its hill districts. The protesters also demanded the imposition of President's Rule in the northeastern state engulfed in ethnic violence. Some of the protesters were seen wearing T-shirts with 'separate administration is the only solution' written on them. Many of the protesters donned their traditional attire.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); They demanded an end to attacks on tribal villages and capital punishment for those accused of raping women of the community. Members of the Kuki-Zo Women's Forum protest at Jantar Mantar demanding a separate administration for the tribal population of Manipur living in its hill districts. (Photo| PTI) Lalhmingmawii Gangte, an assistant professor of Jamia Millia Islamia and one of the organisers of the demonstration, said, "It is a matter of survival (for the tribal community). We are trying to fight with nonviolence. We may be trampled but our spirit will not be trampled at all. There is no point in appealing to the state government now because we know it will not do anything about it." Another organiser alleged that Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh has snatched away the fundamental rights of the tribal community. "Manipur Police and the state government are the main culprits behind this violence. We demand our right to practise our religion," Chochong Haokip told the gathering. The northeastern state of Manipur has been engulfed in ethnic violence since May 3, in which more than 160 people have lost their lives. 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 PTI

IMPHAL: Manipur Police has got in touch with the two women, who were paraded naked in May and then sexually assaulted, and were in the process of recording their statement, officials said here on Friday.

They said keeping in mind the situation arising out of ethnic clashes that broke out in the state on May 4, a team of women officials and personnel from Manipur police was formed to probe the case.

The officials said the team had met the family members as well as the two women and the process of recording their statements has begun.

The process of identifying eyewitnesses and recording their statements has also begun, they added.

READ MORE: "If I can come from Delhi and meet those victims, why can't he?", DCW chief demands Manipur CM's resignation

According to top government sources in New Delhi, the cases pertaining to the sexual assault were likely to be handed over to the CBI.

Reacting to the arrest of people in the viral video case, spokesperson of the Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF) Ginza Vualzong termed it "too little, too late".

"I would have appreciated it if the culprits were arrested before the video went viral. The FIR was registered on May 18. There are many more such cases. Having said that I would also like to clarify that arresting people would not solve the larger issues of the state which has been witnessing ethnic clashes," he said.

"I request the Centre to take the Manipur issue seriously and take steps to end the violence and come up with a solution," he said.

Police have arrested as many as seven people including a juvenile in connection with the case so far.

Tension had mounted in the hills of Manipur after a May 4 video surfaced on June 19 showing two tribal women being paraded naked by some men from the other side in Kangpokpi district.

Police had registered a case of abduction, gang rape and murder at Nongpok Sekmai police station in Thoubal district against unknown armed persons.

The video which drew widespread condemnation shows men constantly molesting the two helpless women, who cry and plead with their captors to spare them.

Manipur has been witnessing ethnic clashes since May 3 between the majority of the Meiteis, concentrated in Imphal valley, and the Kukis, occupying the hills.

Over 150 people have been killed in the violence so far. Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipur's population and live mostly in the Imphal Valley, while tribals, which include Nagas and Kukis, constitute 40 per cent and reside mostly in the hill districts.

IMPHAL: Manipur Police has got in touch with the two women, who were paraded naked in May and then sexually assaulted, and were in the process of recording their statement, officials said here on Friday. They said keeping in mind the situation arising out of ethnic clashes that broke out in the state on May 4, a team of women officials and personnel from Manipur police was formed to probe the case. The officials said the team had met the family members as well as the two women and the process of recording their statements has begun.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The process of identifying eyewitnesses and recording their statements has also begun, they added. READ MORE: "If I can come from Delhi and meet those victims, why can't he?", DCW chief demands Manipur CM's resignation According to top government sources in New Delhi, the cases pertaining to the sexual assault were likely to be handed over to the CBI. Reacting to the arrest of people in the viral video case, spokesperson of the Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF) Ginza Vualzong termed it "too little, too late". "I would have appreciated it if the culprits were arrested before the video went viral. The FIR was registered on May 18. There are many more such cases. Having said that I would also like to clarify that arresting people would not solve the larger issues of the state which has been witnessing ethnic clashes," he said. "I request the Centre to take the Manipur issue seriously and take steps to end the violence and come up with a solution," he said. Police have arrested as many as seven people including a juvenile in connection with the case so far. Tension had mounted in the hills of Manipur after a May 4 video surfaced on June 19 showing two tribal women being paraded naked by some men from the other side in Kangpokpi district. Police had registered a case of abduction, gang rape and murder at Nongpok Sekmai police station in Thoubal district against unknown armed persons. The video which drew widespread condemnation shows men constantly molesting the two helpless women, who cry and plead with their captors to spare them. Manipur has been witnessing ethnic clashes since May 3 between the majority of the Meiteis, concentrated in Imphal valley, and the Kukis, occupying the hills. Over 150 people have been killed in the violence so far. Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipur's population and live mostly in the Imphal Valley, while tribals, which include Nagas and Kukis, constitute 40 per cent and reside mostly in the hill districts.
By PTI

IMPHAL: Two security personnel, including an Army jawan, were injured in a gun-battle with militants in Manipur's Bishnupur district, police said.

The gunfight broke out in Phoubakchao Ikhai area, around 50 km from the state capital Imphal, on Thursday morning and continued for around 15 hours till late at night, when the insurgents fled the area.

At least one house in nearby Tera Khongsangbi was set on fire during the shootout. The injured Manipur Police commando has been identified as 40-year-old Nameirakpam Ibomcha.

He has sustained splinter injuries on his right leg and right ear in a mortar blast, a police officer said.

The Army jawan belongs to Kumaon Regiment but is yet to be identified, he said.

"Drone flown over the area captured footage of the militants carrying some of their comrades. But it is not yet clear whether those insurgents were injured or killed in action," he said.

Ethnic violence between the Kuki and Meitei communities 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 (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.

IMPHAL: Two security personnel, including an Army jawan, were injured in a gun-battle with militants in Manipur's Bishnupur district, police said. The gunfight broke out in Phoubakchao Ikhai area, around 50 km from the state capital Imphal, on Thursday morning and continued for around 15 hours till late at night, when the insurgents fled the area. At least one house in nearby Tera Khongsangbi was set on fire during the shootout. The injured Manipur Police commando has been identified as 40-year-old Nameirakpam Ibomcha.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); He has sustained splinter injuries on his right leg and right ear in a mortar blast, a police officer said. The Army jawan belongs to Kumaon Regiment but is yet to be identified, he said. "Drone flown over the area captured footage of the militants carrying some of their comrades. But it is not yet clear whether those insurgents were injured or killed in action," he said. Ethnic violence between the Kuki and Meitei communities 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 (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.
Yeshi Seli By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Japan has contributed to many revolutions in India, said External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday during the India Japan Forum which was also attended by his Japanese counterpart Yoshimasa Hayashi. The Maruti and Metro had an enormous ripple impact, while the high-speed rail and emerging and critical technology will present many possibilities, he added.

Meanwhile, Japan is hoping that India would extend support in providing a stable business environment to boost cooperation.

"Japanese Prime Minister Kishida set the 5-trillion-yen target of public and private investment and financing from Japan to India in the next five years from 2022. At the same time, we will work together with the Indian government to effectively address the difficulties that Japanese companies face in the Indian market," said FM Hayashi, who came to India for the second time in six months. He had come in March to attend the Quad Foreign Ministers meet in Delhi.

Japan would like to see a more predictable, transparent business environment in India  which includes tax issues.

"There are infrastructural challenges too. The Japanese Chamber of Commerce in India has been raising these issues and is also looking at a way to address them," said Yukiko Okano, Deputy Press Secretary of Japan.

Last month, Japan revised its Development Cooperation Charter, which is their basic document on development cooperation. The new Charter would enable Japan to better address development challenges including food and energy, climate change and digital transformation.

ALSO READ | India and Japan look to collaborate in building semiconductors and resilient supply chains

"Under this revised Charter, we will continue to undertake efforts to build quality infrastructure in India including the high-speed rail and urban transportation," Hayashi added.

Meanwhile, the discussions between the two ministers covered wide-ranging issues from the G20 to the Indo-Pacific, Ukraine, China and partnerships in defence.

Dr Jaishankar said that India and Japan can also work together in critical technologies and semiconductors as Japan has a powerful impact on manufacturing in India.

Ukraine and the impact of the conflict on the world was discussed too.

"At a time when there are many pressing challenges including Russias aggression against Ukraine, Japan and India fully share the necessity to lead the world towards cooperation, rather than division and confrontation.The free and open international order based on the rule of law is the key to realizing such a world.To elaborate on this concept, free means each country is free to make decisions based on its own sovereignty. The rule of law is essential for countries to enjoy such freedom. Open means respect for principles including inclusiveness, openness and diversity," said Hayashi.

The two ministers spoke about enhancing trade and defence ties with a focus on the Indo-Pacific and North East.

"In coordination with India, Japan intends to materialize such a concept by realizing a Free and Open Indo-Pacific or FOIP. In March this year, Prime Minister Kishida announced Japans new plan for FOIP here in New Delhi. This fact itself is a reflection of the critical importance Japan places on India, as your nation is an indispensable partner in achieving FOIP," FM Hayashi added.

Earlier, in April this year, Bangladeshs PM Hasina had visited Japan and was in consonance with PM Kishida to plan an industrial value chain, which would improve the connectivity of the entire Bay of Bengal region under the Bay of Bengal Industrial Growth Belt (BIG-B) which would include the development of North Eastern India.

"Japan has extended support for the development of the region including through the Japan-India Act East Forum. Going forward, Japan will continue to contribute to the development of the North Eastern region of India, by promoting such projects as the North East Road Network Connectivity Improvement Project to enhance the connectivity in the region," said Hayashi.

Meanwhile, both countries are cooperating in all areas to expand the 'Special Strategic and Global Partnership'.

"High-level exchanges have acted as the driving force to push forward our security and defense cooperation. We have conducted defense exercises on land, at sea, and in the air, including the first ever joint fighter exercise in January. The agreement between the Government of Japan and the Government of India concerning reciprocal provision of supplies and services between the Self-Defense Forces of Japan and the Indian Armed Forces is being utilized for these exercises. We see progress on cooperative initiatives in new realms including cyber and space, where discussions at the working level are being carried out. Discussions toward the realization of substantial cooperation in the areas of defense equipment and technology are also underway," Hayashi added.

NEW DELHI: Japan has contributed to many revolutions in India, said External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday during the India Japan Forum which was also attended by his Japanese counterpart Yoshimasa Hayashi. The Maruti and Metro had an enormous ripple impact, while the high-speed rail and emerging and critical technology will present many possibilities, he added. Meanwhile, Japan is hoping that India would extend support in providing a stable business environment to boost cooperation. "Japanese Prime Minister Kishida set the 5-trillion-yen target of public and private investment and financing from Japan to India in the next five years from 2022. At the same time, we will work together with the Indian government to effectively address the difficulties that Japanese companies face in the Indian market," said FM Hayashi, who came to India for the second time in six months. He had come in March to attend the Quad Foreign Ministers meet in Delhi.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Japan would like to see a more predictable, transparent business environment in India  which includes tax issues. "There are infrastructural challenges too. The Japanese Chamber of Commerce in India has been raising these issues and is also looking at a way to address them," said Yukiko Okano, Deputy Press Secretary of Japan. Last month, Japan revised its Development Cooperation Charter, which is their basic document on development cooperation. The new Charter would enable Japan to better address development challenges including food and energy, climate change and digital transformation. ALSO READ | India and Japan look to collaborate in building semiconductors and resilient supply chains "Under this revised Charter, we will continue to undertake efforts to build quality infrastructure in India including the high-speed rail and urban transportation," Hayashi added. Meanwhile, the discussions between the two ministers covered wide-ranging issues from the G20 to the Indo-Pacific, Ukraine, China and partnerships in defence. Dr Jaishankar said that India and Japan can also work together in critical technologies and semiconductors as Japan has a powerful impact on manufacturing in India. Ukraine and the impact of the conflict on the world was discussed too. "At a time when there are many pressing challenges including Russias aggression against Ukraine, Japan and India fully share the necessity to lead the world towards cooperation, rather than division and confrontation.The free and open international order based on the rule of law is the key to realizing such a world.To elaborate on this concept, free means each country is free to make decisions based on its own sovereignty. The rule of law is essential for countries to enjoy such freedom. Open means respect for principles including inclusiveness, openness and diversity," said Hayashi. The two ministers spoke about enhancing trade and defence ties with a focus on the Indo-Pacific and North East. "In coordination with India, Japan intends to materialize such a concept by realizing a Free and Open Indo-Pacific or FOIP. In March this year, Prime Minister Kishida announced Japans new plan for FOIP here in New Delhi. This fact itself is a reflection of the critical importance Japan places on India, as your nation is an indispensable partner in achieving FOIP," FM Hayashi added. Earlier, in April this year, Bangladeshs PM Hasina had visited Japan and was in consonance with PM Kishida to plan an industrial value chain, which would improve the connectivity of the entire Bay of Bengal region under the Bay of Bengal Industrial Growth Belt (BIG-B) which would include the development of North Eastern India. "Japan has extended support for the development of the region including through the Japan-India Act East Forum. Going forward, Japan will continue to contribute to the development of the North Eastern region of India, by promoting such projects as the North East Road Network Connectivity Improvement Project to enhance the connectivity in the region," said Hayashi. Meanwhile, both countries are cooperating in all areas to expand the 'Special Strategic and Global Partnership'. "High-level exchanges have acted as the driving force to push forward our security and defense cooperation. We have conducted defense exercises on land, at sea, and in the air, including the first ever joint fighter exercise in January. The agreement between the Government of Japan and the Government of India concerning reciprocal provision of supplies and services between the Self-Defense Forces of Japan and the Indian Armed Forces is being utilized for these exercises. We see progress on cooperative initiatives in new realms including cyber and space, where discussions at the working level are being carried out. Discussions toward the realization of substantial cooperation in the areas of defense equipment and technology are also underway," Hayashi added.
Rajesh Asnani By

Express News Service

JAIPUR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday attacked the ruling Congress government in Rajasthan, saying its red diary will seal its fate in the upcoming elections. Modi was referring to the diary produced in the Assembly by Congress leader Rajendra Gudha, a day after he was sacked as a minister for criticising his own governments record on law and order.

Gudha claimed it contained the details of the alleged irregular financial transactions of Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot. The red diary contains all the black deeds of the Congress and will prove to be the undoing of the Gehlot government in the upcoming elections, Modi charged.

He also hit out at the state government over the recent question papers leaks, alleging members of the ruling party were running a paper leak industry. He said the Congress government in the state needs to be removed as it is crushing the dreams of the youth.

Playing the Hindutva card, Modi claimed that crimes against Hindus have increased in the state under Gehlot. Modi also took a dig at the Opposition unity alliance saying its new acronym, INDIA, was a trick to conceal the misdeeds of the erstwhile UPA.

Todays slogan is Corruption quit India, appeasement quit India, terrorism quit India, and dynasty quit India, Modi said recalling the Quit India slogan by Mahatma Gandhi. Gehlot hit back at Modis attacks, saying, The PM can see an imaginary red diary, but not see the rising prices of red tomatoes at Rs 150 and red cylinders at Rs 1,150.

Centres for farmers

The Prime Minister dedicated the 1.25 lakh PM Kisan Samriddhi Kendras to the nation and described them as one-stop centres for farmers that would pave the way for their prosperity.

JAIPUR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday attacked the ruling Congress government in Rajasthan, saying its red diary will seal its fate in the upcoming elections. Modi was referring to the diary produced in the Assembly by Congress leader Rajendra Gudha, a day after he was sacked as a minister for criticising his own governments record on law and order. Gudha claimed it contained the details of the alleged irregular financial transactions of Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot. The red diary contains all the black deeds of the Congress and will prove to be the undoing of the Gehlot government in the upcoming elections, Modi charged. He also hit out at the state government over the recent question papers leaks, alleging members of the ruling party were running a paper leak industry. He said the Congress government in the state needs to be removed as it is crushing the dreams of the youth.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Playing the Hindutva card, Modi claimed that crimes against Hindus have increased in the state under Gehlot. Modi also took a dig at the Opposition unity alliance saying its new acronym, INDIA, was a trick to conceal the misdeeds of the erstwhile UPA. Todays slogan is Corruption quit India, appeasement quit India, terrorism quit India, and dynasty quit India, Modi said recalling the Quit India slogan by Mahatma Gandhi. Gehlot hit back at Modis attacks, saying, The PM can see an imaginary red diary, but not see the rising prices of red tomatoes at Rs 150 and red cylinders at Rs 1,150. Centres for farmers The Prime Minister dedicated the 1.25 lakh PM Kisan Samriddhi Kendras to the nation and described them as one-stop centres for farmers that would pave the way for their prosperity.
By PTI

MUMBAI: The Bombay High Court on Friday dismissed a petition filed by Pune police seeking direction to the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to furnish Aadhaar details of a murder accused who had two cards with different birth dates.

The accused had, at the time of his arrest, submitted an Aadhaar card in which his year of birth was 1999, while later he submitted another card in a lower court in Pune with the year of birth mentioned as 2003.

The 12-digit number on both cards were the same.

The lower court had sent the accused to the custody of the Juvenile Justice Board since he was a minor (taking into consideration 2003 as his birth year) at the time of arrest in 2020.

Instead of challenging this order of the Pune court, the police moved HC seeking a direction to UIDAI to furnish the documents based on which these Aadhaar cards were issued.

The HC bench said the police could file a case against the man for holding two Aadhaar cards with different details.

Advocate Sushil Halwasiya, appearing for UIDAI, told the court there are experts who forge Aadhaar cards.

The bench, in a lighter vein, said, "Then why is it called unique? You must investigate. In that Antilia case, one police officer had two Aadhaar cards. The name was the same but two Aadhaar cards."

Halwasiya said an Aadhaar card is not a proof of age but only of identity.

After hearing UIDAI, the bench said it found no merit in the case of the Pune police and asked why the police had not challenged the order of the Pune court.

It then dismissed the plea of the Pune police.

MUMBAI: The Bombay High Court on Friday dismissed a petition filed by Pune police seeking direction to the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to furnish Aadhaar details of a murder accused who had two cards with different birth dates. The accused had, at the time of his arrest, submitted an Aadhaar card in which his year of birth was 1999, while later he submitted another card in a lower court in Pune with the year of birth mentioned as 2003. The 12-digit number on both cards were the same.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The lower court had sent the accused to the custody of the Juvenile Justice Board since he was a minor (taking into consideration 2003 as his birth year) at the time of arrest in 2020. Instead of challenging this order of the Pune court, the police moved HC seeking a direction to UIDAI to furnish the documents based on which these Aadhaar cards were issued. The HC bench said the police could file a case against the man for holding two Aadhaar cards with different details. Advocate Sushil Halwasiya, appearing for UIDAI, told the court there are experts who forge Aadhaar cards. The bench, in a lighter vein, said, "Then why is it called unique? You must investigate. In that Antilia case, one police officer had two Aadhaar cards. The name was the same but two Aadhaar cards." Halwasiya said an Aadhaar card is not a proof of age but only of identity. After hearing UIDAI, the bench said it found no merit in the case of the Pune police and asked why the police had not challenged the order of the Pune court. It then dismissed the plea of the Pune police.
Preetha Nair By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Stepping up pressure on the government, the opposition alliance INDIA has decided to send over a 20-member delegation of MPs to Manipur over the weekend to assess the situation in the state. The team is likely to meet the Manipur Governor during the visit.

Sources said the delegation will visit the violence-hit state on July 28 and 29 to take stock of the situation. All parties have been asked to send one representative each, said Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP) MP NK Premachandran who will be a part of the delegation which will travel to Manipur.

Some leaders have already visited the state. We are planning to visit the violence-hit areas and relief camps. We are also planning to meet the Governor, said Premachandran. CPM Rajya Sabha MP AA Rahim will also be a part of the team. Speaking to this newspaper, Rahim said, We are visiting Manipur to see the real picture. The Modi government does not want the truth to come out. That is why they are not allowing a discussion in Parliament, said Rahim.

The decision to send a delegation to Manipur came a day after the Opposition parties moved a no-trust motion against the Modi government in the Lok Sabha. The opposition parties have been demanding a comprehensive statement from Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the Manipur issue followed by a detailed discussion on the issue.

With the government unwilling to concede the demands, the no-confidence motion was moved as a last resort to make the PM speak on the issue, according to Opposition leaders. Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi will be a part of the delegation, said sources.

The Opposition leaders have been seeking to visit the violence-hit state for some time but were denied permission in view of the situation there. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had visited a few places in Manipur earlier. More than 100 people have lost their lives since the ethnic clashes broke out in the northeastern state on May 3.

The Central government is trying to find ways to prevent violence by communicating with Kuki and Meitei groups. On Wednesday, a representative of the Centre reportedly held talks with the leaders of Kuki militant groups.

NEW DELHI: Stepping up pressure on the government, the opposition alliance INDIA has decided to send over a 20-member delegation of MPs to Manipur over the weekend to assess the situation in the state. The team is likely to meet the Manipur Governor during the visit. Sources said the delegation will visit the violence-hit state on July 28 and 29 to take stock of the situation. All parties have been asked to send one representative each, said Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP) MP NK Premachandran who will be a part of the delegation which will travel to Manipur. Some leaders have already visited the state. We are planning to visit the violence-hit areas and relief camps. We are also planning to meet the Governor, said Premachandran. CPM Rajya Sabha MP AA Rahim will also be a part of the team. Speaking to this newspaper, Rahim said, We are visiting Manipur to see the real picture. The Modi government does not want the truth to come out. That is why they are not allowing a discussion in Parliament, said Rahim.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The decision to send a delegation to Manipur came a day after the Opposition parties moved a no-trust motion against the Modi government in the Lok Sabha. The opposition parties have been demanding a comprehensive statement from Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the Manipur issue followed by a detailed discussion on the issue. With the government unwilling to concede the demands, the no-confidence motion was moved as a last resort to make the PM speak on the issue, according to Opposition leaders. Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi will be a part of the delegation, said sources. The Opposition leaders have been seeking to visit the violence-hit state for some time but were denied permission in view of the situation there. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had visited a few places in Manipur earlier. More than 100 people have lost their lives since the ethnic clashes broke out in the northeastern state on May 3. The Central government is trying to find ways to prevent violence by communicating with Kuki and Meitei groups. On Wednesday, a representative of the Centre reportedly held talks with the leaders of Kuki militant groups.
By PTI

GUWAHATI: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday said the state is being used as a corridor by the Rohingya infiltrators from Bangladesh to either go to Delhi or Kashmir with the help of some brokers in Tripura.

During the past several years, infiltration from Bangladesh into Assam was almost zero, but some recent activities have been noticed along the Indo-Bangla border in Karimganj district, Sarma said while addressing the Superintendents of Police convention at Bongaigaon.

''Assam is now being used as a corridor by the Rohingyas to go to Delhi or Kashmir. Our investigations have revealed that some brokers of Tripura facilitate this infiltration,'' Sarma said.

The director general of police has already taken some steps to prevent this while the Karimganj superintendent of police has been asked to step up vigil to stop infiltration, he said.

''(Authorities of) three districts in Barak Valley should remain active and we should not just confine ourselves by deporting the identified infiltrators but go to Tripura, arrest the brokers and break the backbone of this syndicate'', Sarma said.

The three districts of Barak Valley region are Cachar, Karimgaj and Hailakandi.

Proactive steps must be taken to prevent Rohingya infiltrators, smugglers and insurgents outside Assam from using the state as a corridor for transit to other states, he said.

This is a new emerging crime and the infiltrators mostly use the rail route and the railway police have to play a significant role in this regard.

''Intelligence should be increased in all railway stations from Barak Valley to the western border of Assam so that the Rohingyas are intercepted and decisive action is taken against them,'' he said.

Assam police should initiate action both in source states, if the situation so warrants, and also step up surveillance in railway and bus stations, Sarma added.

Rohingyas are originally from Myanmar.

Lakhs of them fled the country to Bangladesh since a military clampdown began there in August 2017 to oust the predominantly Muslim ethnic group from their homeland in Rakhine state.

Many of them have entered India from Bangladesh.

GUWAHATI: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday said the state is being used as a corridor by the Rohingya infiltrators from Bangladesh to either go to Delhi or Kashmir with the help of some brokers in Tripura. During the past several years, infiltration from Bangladesh into Assam was almost zero, but some recent activities have been noticed along the Indo-Bangla border in Karimganj district, Sarma said while addressing the Superintendents of Police convention at Bongaigaon. ''Assam is now being used as a corridor by the Rohingyas to go to Delhi or Kashmir. Our investigations have revealed that some brokers of Tripura facilitate this infiltration,'' Sarma said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The director general of police has already taken some steps to prevent this while the Karimganj superintendent of police has been asked to step up vigil to stop infiltration, he said. ''(Authorities of) three districts in Barak Valley should remain active and we should not just confine ourselves by deporting the identified infiltrators but go to Tripura, arrest the brokers and break the backbone of this syndicate'', Sarma said. The three districts of Barak Valley region are Cachar, Karimgaj and Hailakandi. Proactive steps must be taken to prevent Rohingya infiltrators, smugglers and insurgents outside Assam from using the state as a corridor for transit to other states, he said. This is a new emerging crime and the infiltrators mostly use the rail route and the railway police have to play a significant role in this regard. ''Intelligence should be increased in all railway stations from Barak Valley to the western border of Assam so that the Rohingyas are intercepted and decisive action is taken against them,'' he said. Assam police should initiate action both in source states, if the situation so warrants, and also step up surveillance in railway and bus stations, Sarma added. Rohingyas are originally from Myanmar. Lakhs of them fled the country to Bangladesh since a military clampdown began there in August 2017 to oust the predominantly Muslim ethnic group from their homeland in Rakhine state. Many of them have entered India from Bangladesh.
By Online Desk

KOLKATA: A couple from West Bengal sold their eight-month-old baby to buy an iPhone 14, it has emerged. What is even more appalling is that they bought the iPhone to shoot Instagram reels of their travels.

According to state police, the incident happened in Panihati's Ganganagar area near Kolkata.

Cops said they have already arrested the mother Sathi Ghosh. However, authorities have not yet traced the father, identified as Jaydev Ghosh, who is absconding. An active search is ongoing to apprehend the man.

The incident came to light only after locals got suspicious of the couple as they could not see the baby for weeks, and reported the matter to the police, a senior officer said.

Following a confrontation, the woman finally admitted to having sold the baby for money to purchase the iPhone 14 to travel to places like Digha and Mandarmoni and shoot Instagram reels.

It was also revealed that the father had earlier attempted to sell their seven-year-old daughter.

The police have filed a case against the couple and a woman who had bought the child on the charges of human trafficking. The police rescued the infant from Priyanka Ghosh. A detailed investigation is underway.

READ MORE: Odisha tribal woman sells nine-month-old daughter for just Rs 800, 4 held

(With inputs from PTI)

KOLKATA: A couple from West Bengal sold their eight-month-old baby to buy an iPhone 14, it has emerged. What is even more appalling is that they bought the iPhone to shoot Instagram reels of their travels. According to state police, the incident happened in Panihati's Ganganagar area near Kolkata. Cops said they have already arrested the mother Sathi Ghosh. However, authorities have not yet traced the father, identified as Jaydev Ghosh, who is absconding. An active search is ongoing to apprehend the man. googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The incident came to light only after locals got suspicious of the couple as they could not see the baby for weeks, and reported the matter to the police, a senior officer said. Following a confrontation, the woman finally admitted to having sold the baby for money to purchase the iPhone 14 to travel to places like Digha and Mandarmoni and shoot Instagram reels. It was also revealed that the father had earlier attempted to sell their seven-year-old daughter. The police have filed a case against the couple and a woman who had bought the child on the charges of human trafficking. The police rescued the infant from Priyanka Ghosh. A detailed investigation is underway. READ MORE: Odisha tribal woman sells nine-month-old daughter for just Rs 800, 4 held (With inputs from PTI)
By PTI

NEW DELHI: The YSR Congress Party has decided to support the Narendra Modi government in Parliament and vote against the no-confidence motion moved by the opposition bloc INDIA.

The 26-party opposition alliance has moved a notice of no-confidence in Lok Sabha demanding the prime minister speak on the Manipur situation inside the House.

While the notice has been admitted, a decision on the date for a debate is yet to be taken.

"How does bringing a no-confidence motion help the country? Trying to weaken the central government at this time of disturbance in Manipur and two hostile neighbours is not in the national interest," YSRCP Parliamentary Party leader Vijayasai Reddy said.

"It is the time to work together not against each other. The YSRC Party shall support the government and vote against the motion," he said.

YSR Congress Party has 22 members in Lok Sabha and nine in Rajya Sabha.

YSR Congress functionaries said the party will vote in favour of the government in Rajya Sabha when it takes up the bill to replace the Delhi Services ordinance next week.

The party's support will be crucial for the BJP-led NDA to ensure the smooth passage of the bill in the Upper House.

NEW DELHI: The YSR Congress Party has decided to support the Narendra Modi government in Parliament and vote against the no-confidence motion moved by the opposition bloc INDIA. The 26-party opposition alliance has moved a notice of no-confidence in Lok Sabha demanding the prime minister speak on the Manipur situation inside the House. While the notice has been admitted, a decision on the date for a debate is yet to be taken.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); "How does bringing a no-confidence motion help the country? Trying to weaken the central government at this time of disturbance in Manipur and two hostile neighbours is not in the national interest," YSRCP Parliamentary Party leader Vijayasai Reddy said. "It is the time to work together not against each other. The YSRC Party shall support the government and vote against the motion," he said. YSR Congress Party has 22 members in Lok Sabha and nine in Rajya Sabha. YSR Congress functionaries said the party will vote in favour of the government in Rajya Sabha when it takes up the bill to replace the Delhi Services ordinance next week. The party's support will be crucial for the BJP-led NDA to ensure the smooth passage of the bill in the Upper House.
By PTI

UDUPI: A magistrate court in Udupi on Friday granted conditional bail to three female students accused of taking a video of another student in a college washroom.

A case against the three students and the college management was registered by Malpe police on July 25.

On Friday the students surrendered before the Additional Civil Judge and Judicial Magistrate First Class Court of Judge Shyam Prakash.

On July 19, three women students of the private college were suspended for allegedly filming a fellow student using a mobile phone inside a washroom.

The incident took a communal turn after pro-Hindu Twitter handles named the accused Muslim girls while claiming that they targeted some Hindu girls.

UDUPI: A magistrate court in Udupi on Friday granted conditional bail to three female students accused of taking a video of another student in a college washroom. A case against the three students and the college management was registered by Malpe police on July 25. On Friday the students surrendered before the Additional Civil Judge and Judicial Magistrate First Class Court of Judge Shyam Prakash.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); On July 19, three women students of the private college were suspended for allegedly filming a fellow student using a mobile phone inside a washroom. The incident took a communal turn after pro-Hindu Twitter handles named the accused Muslim girls while claiming that they targeted some Hindu girls.
Rajalakshmi Sampath By

Express News Service

TIRUVANNAMALAI: The union governments ban on export of rice to other countries has left the farmers and rice-mill owners of Arani and Kalampur, known for rice production, in the district worried. Home to over 80 rice mills, both places together produce various varieties of rice including Ponni, PTD, Sona Deluxe, HMT, and IR 50.

Sources said 50% of the rice produced in Arani was sent to various states in south India and exported to international markets that include Singapore, Malaysia, Gulf countries and South Africa. We had a proper flow of our products. The ban has affected this flow, and translated to a 5% loss for the rice-mill owners in Arani within a week, said A. Babu, president of Arani All Rice Traders Welfare Association.

A rice-mill owner in Arani said there is no difference in the quality of the rice they produce for overseas and domestic customers. The price of one kilogramme of rice is just Rs 30. So, the profit also remains normal. If the ban continues, it will affect our business to a great extend, he said.

Venkatesan, a farmer from Arani, said the situation will affect them financially. If a middleman used to take 100 packs of paddy earlier, after the ban, they will take much less from us, he said. According to the farmers, if the situation persists, there will be an oversupply of rice, ultimately resulting in low prices for the product, affecting the livelihood of rice-mill owners and farmers.

For us, it is a total damage. The government should lift the ban soon, said another farmer. However, the rice mill owners said the price of rice will remain stable for a few months. But they are worried about the delay in opening direct purchase warehouse centres for paddy.

Where we will store paddy until the export ban is lifted? The country will never face a rice crisis. Only farmers will face the crisis if the ban continues, said Subramanian, another farmer from Arani.

TIRUVANNAMALAI: The union governments ban on export of rice to other countries has left the farmers and rice-mill owners of Arani and Kalampur, known for rice production, in the district worried. Home to over 80 rice mills, both places together produce various varieties of rice including Ponni, PTD, Sona Deluxe, HMT, and IR 50. Sources said 50% of the rice produced in Arani was sent to various states in south India and exported to international markets that include Singapore, Malaysia, Gulf countries and South Africa. We had a proper flow of our products. The ban has affected this flow, and translated to a 5% loss for the rice-mill owners in Arani within a week, said A. Babu, president of Arani All Rice Traders Welfare Association. A rice-mill owner in Arani said there is no difference in the quality of the rice they produce for overseas and domestic customers. The price of one kilogramme of rice is just Rs 30. So, the profit also remains normal. If the ban continues, it will affect our business to a great extend, he said. googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Venkatesan, a farmer from Arani, said the situation will affect them financially. If a middleman used to take 100 packs of paddy earlier, after the ban, they will take much less from us, he said. According to the farmers, if the situation persists, there will be an oversupply of rice, ultimately resulting in low prices for the product, affecting the livelihood of rice-mill owners and farmers. For us, it is a total damage. The government should lift the ban soon, said another farmer. However, the rice mill owners said the price of rice will remain stable for a few months. But they are worried about the delay in opening direct purchase warehouse centres for paddy. Where we will store paddy until the export ban is lifted? The country will never face a rice crisis. Only farmers will face the crisis if the ban continues, said Subramanian, another farmer from Arani.
By PTI

LONDON: A UK-based Indian-origin women's group organised a silent protest march here to register their protest against the violence in Manipur.

The Women of North East India Support Network (WNESN) organised a group of men and women in face masks to signify silence and carried placards outside the Indian High Commission in London.

The group then marched towards Parliament Square to conclude their protest at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi opposite the House of Parliament complex on Wednesday evening.

"Together we marched in solidarity to share the pain and anguish of our two Kuki-Zo sisters of Manipur who were paraded naked and gang-raped," WNESN said in a statement.

The group was formed in 2020 during the pandemic as a community-based women's support network.

Their silent march came in the wake of a video from Manipur last week of two tribal women being paraded naked, which sparked shock and outrage across the country.

A top government functionary said in New Delhi on Thursday that the CBI will probe the case of sexual assault on the two Manipuri women and that no effort will be spared to ensure stringent action against the accused in all heinous crimes in the state hit by ethnic violence.

LONDON: A UK-based Indian-origin women's group organised a silent protest march here to register their protest against the violence in Manipur. The Women of North East India Support Network (WNESN) organised a group of men and women in face masks to signify silence and carried placards outside the Indian High Commission in London. The group then marched towards Parliament Square to conclude their protest at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi opposite the House of Parliament complex on Wednesday evening.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); "Together we marched in solidarity to share the pain and anguish of our two Kuki-Zo sisters of Manipur who were paraded naked and gang-raped," WNESN said in a statement. The group was formed in 2020 during the pandemic as a community-based women's support network. Their silent march came in the wake of a video from Manipur last week of two tribal women being paraded naked, which sparked shock and outrage across the country. A top government functionary said in New Delhi on Thursday that the CBI will probe the case of sexual assault on the two Manipuri women and that no effort will be spared to ensure stringent action against the accused in all heinous crimes in the state hit by ethnic violence.
Hundreds evacuated as wildfire burns on Gran Canaria island

Madrid, July 27: Hundreds of residents, as well as 100 children attending a summer camp, have been evacuated after a wildfire began on the island of Gran Canaria in Spain, which is currently raging.

Hundreds evacuated as wildfire burns on Gran Canaria island

The regional government confirmed that the fire has burned around 200 hectares, while around 100 firefighters from the Canary Islands group have been mobilised, along with nine aircraft and helicopters, reports Xinhua news agency.Spanish Civil Guards evacuated residents from the Pico de Nieves region of the island, as well as 240 inhabitants in the municipality of Cuevas Blancas.Three roads in the area have also been closed to traffic.This week's blaze is the second major wildfire to affect the Canary Islands recently, coming just a week after another wildfire burned 3,500 hectares on the nearby island of La Palma.IANS27 July 2023

Shared Recently!
Economic, cultural, business ties between India, Bangladesh have strengthened over last couple of years: Bangladeshi Minister

Kolkata, July 27: Bangladesh Minister of Information and Broadcasting Hasan Mahmud on Thursday said the country's economic, cultural and business ties with India have strengthened under the leadership of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her Indian counterpart Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Economic, cultural, business ties between India, Bangladesh have strengthened over last couple of years: Bangladeshi Minister

"Economic, cultural and business ties have strengthened over the last couple of years under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi," the Bangladesh Minister of Information and Broadcasting said.The Bangladeshi Minister said in recent months, India-Bangladesh ties have "got new dimensions because we have started business by exchanging Rupee and Taka. So day by day, our relationship is strengthening under their leadership."Speaking on India's G20 Presidency, Mahmud said "The Indian presidency is very encouraging for us and is good for the region as well."The Bangladeshi Minister further said the two countries need to focus on their cultural exchange and that more cultural relationships will strengthen ties between the people."We have a strong relationship and we are working to strengthen the ties between the people. And day by day, that is strengthening," Mahmud said.Meanwhile, Ministry of External Affairs Secretary East Saurabh Kumar, Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen recently held in-depth consultations on Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation issues in Dhaka."Secy @AmbSaurabhKumar held in-depth consultations in Dhaka with Foreign Secretary Amb Masud Bin Momen of Bangladesh on BIMSTEC related issues," MEA Official Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi tweeted."They reviewed the recent significant progress in regional cooperation under BIMSTEC and steps taken to strengthen its institutional framework. Also discussed ways to further deepen the BIMSTEC cooperation agenda and forthcoming events," Bagchi further wrote.Bagchi wrote "India looks at Bangladesh as a key driver of the BIMSTEC process and appreciates its constructive role including as host to BIMSTEC Secretariat."Earlier in May, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar called on Bangladeshi Prime Minister Shiekh Hasina in Bangladesh's capital Dhaka."Honoured to call on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh. Conveyed personal greetings and warm regards of PM @narendramodi. The guidance and vision of our leaders continue to strengthen India-Bangladesh Maitri," Jaishankar tweeted.ANI27 July 2023

Shared Recently!
Gartex Texprocess India set to showcase advanced technologies in garment and textile machinery

PNN, New Delhi, July 27: Gartex Texprocess India, the comprehensive tradeshow on garment and textile machinery, is ready to captivate industry professionals, exhibitors and buyers at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from 3 - 5 August 2023.

Gartex Texprocess India set to showcase advanced technologies in garment and textile machinery

The exhibition serves as the definitive gateway to India's textile and garment industry, offering a one-stop platform for selling and sourcing a wide range of products, services and technologies related to the complete production value chain.The exhibition showcases cutting-edge technologies that facilitate efficient manufacturing, value added machinery, including software solutions that optimize supply chain management and streamline production processes. Furthermore, the event will feature advancements in garment manufacturing, embroidery, fabrics, digital textile printing, Knitting, washing & processing industries and much more, offering endless creative possibilities and customization options.Efforts of the Indian government have consistently been to position India as the world's leading textile manufacturing hub. The trust and support from the government have always resulted in boosting the confidence of the exhibitors and visitors in the platform. Looking forward to the show and its inauguration, Darshana Jardosh, Minister of State for Railways and Textiles, Government of India, shared: "I think this platform will help in making India a leading textile manufacturing destination and forging global partnerships for boosting the textile manufacturing across all the states in India. This exhibition will encourage textile and clothing industry stakeholders to actively participate in the inclusive growth of the sector across India. On the occasion of the upcoming exhibition, I extend my warm welcome to the exhibitors, participants and visitors from India and outside."The integration of automation and software players underscores the industry's commitment to embracing advanced technologies to enhance productivity, efficiency and creativity in garment manufacturing processes. This year, the industry can expect to explore cutting-edge offerings from renowned brands such as Jaysynth, Mimaki, Epson, Morgan Technica, Groz Beckert, DuPont, Schmetz India, Juki, Brother, Kansai, Siruba, Durkopp Adler and many more.Expressing his thoughts before the show, Raj Manek, Executive Director and Board Member, Messe Frankfurt Asia Holdings Ltd, said: "I welcome the Indian and International fraternity and professionals from the garments and textiles segment to the upcoming edition of Gartex Texprocess India. We are glad to bring an advanced version of the show with participation from companies in the domain of software and automated machinery alongside the manufacturing value chain players. With a history of successful editions of the event, I am optimistic for the great business and knowledge convergence about to happen at the upcoming show."Gaurav Juneja, Director, MEX Exhibitions Pvt. Ltd., stated, "Gartex Texprocess India represents the rapidly emerging Indian garment and textile markets, an ideal place to reach out to domestic as well as international customers through a single platform and grow the businesses multi-fold. The upcoming edition will give rise to new business opportunities and potential leads and help grow brand awareness through visibility. With some of the best brands on board and the scale of innovations they will be exhibiting, especially from the automation and software brands - it strongly indicates that the show will allow the visitors to access and experience the latest technological innovations with advanced systems."Committed to fostering a dynamic and inclusive platform, Gartex Texprocess India is excited to highlight that the show has witnessed increased participation from international players, including Sri Lanka, China, Bangladesh, Italy, Japan and Germany, reflecting the global significance and reach of the event. These international participants have either joined directly or through their Indian counterparts.Additionally, esteemed associations such as the Surat Embroidery Association and Surat Digital Textile Printing Association will come together to form a dedicated Surat Pavilion, showcasing renowned brands representing the digital textile printing, textile weaving, processing and manufacturing sectors, highlighting the strength and expertise of Surat's garment manufacturing industry.India's prestigious industry body - the Ministry of Textiles and associations like the Denim Manufacturers Association and Surat Embroidery Association cultivates an ideal opportunity for all the exhibitors to establish connects. The show also incorporates dynamic platforms like Denim Show and has created featured zones for Screen Print India and Fabrics & Trims Zone.When visiting Gartex Texprocess India, potential visitors should not miss the three-day power-packed conference on garment manufacturing, sustainability, denim trends and fashion.With eight successful editions under its belt, Gartex Texprocess India continues to be the premier platform for industry professionals, exhibitors and visitors to discover and explore the advancements in the industry. Don't miss out on this comprehensive trade show that brings together the best of garment and textile machinery.ANI27 July 2023

Shared Recently!
Equity 360 facilitates Beyond Snack's Successful USD 3.5 Million Funding Round with NAB Ventures Fund

ThePRTree, New Delhi, July 27: Equity 360, the prominent advisory firm, is delighted to announce its role as the exclusive transaction advisor in Beyond Snack's latest funding round, raising an impressive USD 3.5 million from NAB Ventures Fund, a well-known venture capital firm.

Equity 360 facilitates Beyond Snack's Successful USD 3.5 Million Funding Round with NAB Ventures Fund

This successful investment marks the latest accomplishment in Equity 360's outstanding track record, positioning them as a major player in both primary and secondary markets.Beyond Snack, a pioneering startup in the healthy snack industry has been rapidly gaining recognition for its innovative range of nutritious and delicious snacks. Their dedication to providing consumers with healthier snacking options has struck a chord with health-conscious individuals, making them a compelling investment opportunity in the market.The infusion of USD 3.5 million from NAB Ventures Fund will fuel Beyond Snack's growth and expansion initiatives. The capital injection will be utilized to scale up production capacities, strengthen distribution networks, and invest in research and development for new product lines. This funding round will enable Beyond Snack to capitalize on emerging opportunities, driving its mission to make healthy snacks accessible to consumers worldwide.Equity 360's role as the exclusive financial advisor in this funding round exemplifies the dedication to connecting innovative startups with strategic investors. This deal marks the fourth successful transaction in the primary market for Equity 360 this year, further solidifying its position as a leading investment advisor. Additionally, also facilitated two deals in the secondary market, aiding funds in existing investments in high-profile unicorns.Sumeet Seraf, CEO of Equity 360, commented on the achievement, "We are proud to have advised Beyond Snack in securing this funding from NAB Ventures Fund. Beyond Snack's rapid growth and commitment to delivering healthier snack options made them an attractive prospect for investors. Equity 360 is committed to supporting disruptive startups, and this deal underscores our dedication to fostering innovation in both primary and secondary markets."Equity 360's expertise in both primary and secondary market deals has positioned us as a preferred partner for startups and investors alike. The successful track record and ability to navigate complex transactions have garnered the trust of clients and solidified its reputation as a leading financial advisory firm.ANI27 July 2023

Shared Recently!
Delhi HC allows St. Stephens College to give 85% weightage to CUET, 15% for interview in admissions of Christian students

New Delhi, July 27: The Delhi High Court has allowed St. Stephen's College to implement 85 per cent of admission weightage, based on the Common Undergraduate Entrance Test score, and remaining 15 per cent for the interview of Christian minority candidates to undergraduate programmes.

Delhi HC allows St. Stephen's College to give 85% weightage to CUET, 15% for interview in admissions of Christian students

On the other hand, non-minority candidates will be admitted based solely on their CUET score, which will serve as the sole eligibility criterion, a bench of Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Subramonium Prasad said.The court said that this arrangement is temporary and will be in effect until the final decision is reached regarding St. Stephen's College's appeal against Delhi University's decision insisting on 100 per cent weightage for CUET scores for admission to the minority quota in the college."Accordingly, as an interim measure, this court directs that the admission policy as framed by this court vide judgment dated September 12, 2022 shall be followed for the Academic Year 2023- 24 and the St. Stephen's College will adopt the marks secured in the CUET with 85 per cent weightage for CUET and the College's interview for shortlisted candidates with a weightage of 15 per cent for Christian minority candidates," the court said.St Stephen's College had contested a Delhi University notification regarding the admission of undergraduate and graduate students under the minority quota purely based on the results of the CUET for academic year 2023.The plea has been filed in opposition to a recent decision by the DU that stated admission to 50 per cent of the Christian quota seats would only be based on CUET scores, with no interviews and the addition of 15 per cent marks for interviews being allowed in the academic session of 2023.The plea had challenged the decision of DU's Executive Council dated December 8, 2022 and notification issued on December 30, 2022, as being ultra vires and unconstitutional.A declaration was also sought that the decision of DU insisting on 100 per cent weightage for CUET score for admission to minority quota is against Article 30 of the Constitution. The plea makes reference to a High Court ruling from September 12, 2022, which stated that while St. Stephens College is still allowed to conduct interviews in addition to the CUET for the admission of students from minority communities, it is not allowed to create a policy that compels non-minority communities to do the same.Granting this interim relief, the court stated that giving 85 per cent weightage to CUET scores and 15 per cent weightage to interviews for admission of minority community candidates is in the best interest of the students and aligns with their rights under Article 30(1)."A conjoint reading of the aforesaid judgment, the minutes of the meeting dated December 8, 2022 and the impugned notification dated December 30, 2022 prima facie shows a complete lack of reasoning as to why the judgment of this Court has been given a go-by by the Respondents and indicates non-application of mind on their part while making the impugned decision."As the college made a prima facie case of suffering irreparable loss without interim relief and the balance of convenience favoured them, the court accepted the writ petitions for consideration.IANS27 July 2023

Shared Recently!
Japanese Foreign Minister Hayashi arrives in Delhi on two-day visit

New Delhi, July 27: Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi arrived in New Delhi on Thursday evening as part of his two-day visit to India.

Japanese Foreign Minister Hayashi arrives in Delhi on two-day visit

Later in the evening, Hayashi is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar at the Hyderabad House.On Friday, the Japanese Foreign Minister will attend the India- Japan Forum at Imperial Hotel in New Delhi.Hayashi will depart for his country on Friday late evening.He will travel to India as part of his visit to Southwest Asia and Africa to bolster relations with a group of nations known as the Global South, NHK World-Japan reported.Speaking to reporters in Tokyo earlier this week, Yoshimasa Hayashi said he will visit India, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, South Africa, Uganda and Ethiopia through August 4. During his visit, he plans to hold meetings with foreign ministers of those countries and other senior officials, according to the NHK World-Japan report.He also highlighted the importance of listening to the views of the Global South and responding to the needs of the group.This is his second visit to India this year.Earlier in March this year, Hayashi visited Delhi to attend the Quad Foreign Minister's meeting.This visit is part of a push to realise 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 emphasised that India is "indispensable" in Tokyo's 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."Had an excellent meeting with PM @kishida230this morning. We reviewed the full range of India-Japan relations and also discussed the focus areas of India's G-20 Presidency and Japan's G7 Presidency towards making our planet better," PM Modi said in a tweet.India and Japan established diplomatic relations in 1952. India, Japan, Australia, US are part of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, commonly known as the Quad.ANI27 July 2023

Shared Recently!
Wockhardt Ltd aims to turnaround business operations with restructuring of US operations and vaccine tie-up with Serum

PNN, Mumbai, July 27: Wockhardt Ltd - global pharmaceutical and biotechnology is aiming to turnaround its business operations and has perused important strategic initiatives for the same.

Wockhardt Ltd aims to turnaround business operations with restructuring of US operations and vaccine tie-up with Serum

Company is eying big on the restructuring of the US Business, vaccine tie-up with Serum for vaccine manufacturing in UK and Novel Antibiotics research to drive the business forward. For the Q4FY23, company posted strong operational performance with 7% Y-o-Y growth in revenue with three fold jump in the EBITDA to Rs. 47 crore.In the restructuring of its US operations, company is shutting down its manufacturing facility at Morton Grove and transferring the site to contract manufacturing organisations. This restructuring is estimated to result in annual savings of ~US$ 12 Mn. Post restructuring company looks to maintain sales with a 40 percent gross margin and manufacture few products with higher margin through a third party.Additionally, in March 2022, company had signed a 5149 Joint Venture with Serum Institute of India for manufacturing vaccines at its UK facility. As contribution for reserving capacity, Wockhardt has received a consideration of 10 million Pounds. The contract with Serum is for 150 million doses across 15 years and it has already identified two vaccines for the same. Company plans on manufacturing these vaccines post regulatory approvals and exhibit batches over the next 8-12 months.Wockhardt is a leading R&D company and have comprehensive end to end drug discovery programs in Antibiotics. Six of the company's programs have been granted Qualified Infectious Disease Product status by the USFDA. Company's novel antibiotic - Emrok, which is already being marketed in India is expected to win approvals in eight other emerging markets in the next six to nine months. The flagship novel antibiotic - WCK 5222 is currently under global phase III clinical trials, which are expected to complete in the next 15-18 months. The company expects to market the product in the US, China, and India by 2025.Wockhardt is a global pharmaceutical and biotechnology organisation, providing affordable, high-quality medicines for a healthier world. It is India's leading research-based global healthcare enterprise with relevance in the fields of Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology and a chain of advanced Super Speciality Hospitals. Company has 3 research centres and 12 manufacturing plants, with businesses ranging from the manufacture and marketing of Pharmaceutical and Bio-pharmaceutical formulations, Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients and Vaccines.The company has reported improvement in the operation and financial performance over the period of time and also managed to bring down its long-term external debt to Rs 608 crore from Rs 3,218 crore in financial year 2017. For Q4FY23, company reported 7% growth in revenues to Rs. 710 crore with EBITDA rise 3-fold to Rs. 47 crore.Recently, CARE Ratings Limited have assigned a rating of CARE BBB- to the Company and reaffirmed the ratings of CARE BBB- for the Long/Short Term Bank Facilities and Non-Convertible Debentures of the Company. The reaffirmation and revision in outlook factors in the strong operational profile and experienced promoters along with healthy liquidity maintained by the Group.ANI27 July 2023

Shared Recently!
Japans population fell by more than 8,00,000 last year: Report

Tokyo, July 27: Japan's population fell by more than 8,00,000 last one year. The country's population crisis is accelerating, echoing similar trends seen in other East Asian countries, CNN reported.

Japan's population fell by more than 8,00,000 last year: Report

Japan's total population as of January 1, stood at 125.4 million, including both Japanese and foreign residents, according to data released on Wednesday by Japan's internal affairs ministry. The number of foreign residents rose by nearly 2,89,500 compared to the previous year - a significant increase of more than 10 per cent.But the number of Japanese residents shrank by 8,00,523, marking the 14th consecutive year of contraction since a peak in 2009, said the ministry. And for the first time, all prefectures across the country saw a decrease in the number of Japanese nationals, a ministry spokesperson told CNN.However, Tokyo, due to the rise in foreign residents, saw a slight increase in the overall population of all residents regardless of nationality.The number of deaths last year also hit another record high, with 1.56 million recorded - compared to less than half the number of births recorded, just 771,801 newborns, according to the ministry.As per CNN, deaths have outpaced births in Japan for more than a decade, posing a growing problem for leaders of the world's third-largest economy. They now face a ballooning elderly population, along with a shrinking workforce to fund pensions and health care as demand from the ageing population surges.Since Japan's economic boom of the 1980s, its population has been in steady decline, with a fertility rate of 1.3, far below the rate of 2.1 required to maintain a stable population, in the absence of immigration.The country also has one of the highest life expectancies in the world; in 2020, nearly one in 1,500 people in Japan were age 100 or older, according to government data.Nearby, China, South Korea, Singapore and Taiwan are experiencing similar crises, struggling to encourage young people to have more children, in the face of rising living costs and social discontent, as per CNN.ANI27 July 2023

Shared Recently!
No question of holding elections under a caretaker government: Bangladesh minister

Kolkata, July 27: Bangladesh incharge Minister of Information and Broadcasting Muhammad Hasan Mahmud on Thursday said that there is no question of holding the general elections in Bangladesh under a caretaker government.

No question of holding elections under a caretaker government: Bangladesh minister

"As usual the general elections will be conducted under the supervision of the Election Commission of Bangladesh," Mahmud said while answering to the queries of the media persons on the apprehensions expressed by the Bangladesh's principal opposition party Bangladesh Nationalist Party that general elections might be conducted under the supervision of a caretaker government.Mahmud said that conducting general elections under the supervision of a caretaker government will be unconstitutional."How can something, which is not approved by the constitution of the country, be done? Everything will be done according to the norms laid down in the constitution," he said.He also indirectly referred to the incidents of violence in recently conducted panchayat system in West Bengal while substantiating his point on the kind of strict supervision under which the polls in Bangladesh are conducted."You have witnessed what has happened during the local election here. Recently, there were polls for Bangladesh City Corporation elections. There was an incident where one individual was being jabbed. Not only the offender but those around were also arrested. One individual was heckled during a recent by-election there. The Election Commission of Bangladesh took strong action against him," Mahmud said.He also refuted international allegations regarding human rights violations in Bangladesh."What the supporters of Donald Trump did at the Capitol after being defeated in the last elections? How George Floyd was brutally killed there. Nothing of that sort happens in Bangladesh. We are in a much better position as regards to protection of human rights," he said.IANS27 July 2023

Shared Recently!
Pagaria Group Unveils Empanelment Of ProxKey USB Token With Certifying Authorities in India

PNN, New Delhi, July 27: In November 2022, the Office of the Controller of Certified Authorities released new "Security Requirements For Crypto Devices." As a prominent global partner for ProxKey USB tokens under the Watchdata OEM brand, Pagaria Group is delighted to announce the successful empanelment of ProxKey USB token has in compliance with these regulations.

Pagaria Group Unveils Empanelment Of ProxKey USB Token With Certifying Authorities in India

The new security guidelines have been effective since 1st July 2023. Henceforth, all new signatures must be created using the updated series of USB tokens, adhering to the latest regulations. The CCA office published these guidelines to outline the security prerequisites for crypto devices employed by end users to execute digital signature functions. The recent guidelines also define the specific requirements for crypto devices used to carry digital signatures in India.The Controller of Certified Authorities is a crucial regulatory body responsible for overseeing the issuance of digital signatures in India. As part of the Government of India, its primary focus is to encourage the widespread adoption of digital signatures, promoting E-commerce, and facilitating E-governance initiatives. To achieve this, licensed Certifying Authorities ensure the legal validity and enforceability of digital signatures in India by issuing digital certificates that comply with the Indian IT Act, 2000.As per the regulations in India, Federal Information Processing Standards validation of USB tokens holds great significance. This validation ensures that the USB tokens meet the strict security standards established by the United States government, particularly those set by the National Institute Of Standards And Technology .Digital Signatures have found numerous applications in India across various sectors in recent years. Some of the critical applications of USB token devices in terms of digital signature applications include e-governance and digital transactions, income tax and GST filings, banking and financial services, digital certificate and document signing, legal and court documents, academic and examination records, healthcare and telemedicine, real estate transactions, and digital identity verification.USB tokens are hardware devices that generate and secure private keys for digital signing. They provide enhanced security compared to software-based methods, as the private key remains within the token. USB tokens offer an unparalleled level of security by generating and safeguarding private keys for digital signing purposes. Unlike software-based approaches, the private key never leaves the token, ensuring an impenetrable fortress against potential cyber threats."We are thrilled to announce the compliance and empanelment of the ProxKey USB token with the new security guidelines released by the office of CCA. With these new security guidelines, CCA is encouraging a favorable ecosystem for adoption and growth of digital signatures in the country," says Project Consultant to Pagaria Group Ankush Pagaria.The Pagaria Group has promoted USB token sales and growing applications for over a decade. The company has established itself as a reputed brand in India, the Middle East, and APAC regions with its easy, secure, and value-for-money offerings, such as the ProxKey USB token. With compatibility with most commercial certifying authorities and digital signature applications in India, it provides users peace of mind when handling sensitive digital transactions.Designed to be one securest and lightweight cryptographic token USBs in the world, ProxKey is a FIPS 140-2 Level 3 validated USB-based PKI, which offers unmatched security, portability, and ease of use for online authentication, digital signatures, encryption, and secure online transactions. To further support its clients, Pagaria Group is offering free bulk PDF signers with the purchase of ProxKey USB tokens.ANI27 July 2023

Shared Recently!
Indian coast guard rescue research vessel RV Sindhu Sadhna along with 36 crew onboard

Karwar, July 27: In a remarkable display of swift and efficient response, the Indian Coast Guard successfully averted a potential environmental disaster on Thursday when they rescued a research ship of NIO that suffered engine failure and was drifting perilously close to Karwar, with eight esteemed scientists and total crew 36 on board.

Indian coast guard rescue research vessel RV Sindhu Sadhna along with 36 crew onboard

The vessel, named RV Sindhu Sadhana had been adrift view engine failure at a speed of 03 knots and was approximately 20 nautical miles from the land when the distress signal was received."@IndiaCoastGuard Ship Sujeet successfully attended to a distress situation and averted the potential threat of grounding, when rescued a research ship of #NIO that suffered engine failure and was drifting close to #Karwar, with 08 esteemed scientists & total crew of 36 onboard," tweeted Indian Coast Guard.The situation was critical, as the NIO, a state-of-the-art research vessel, was carrying valuable scientific equipment and research data. Moreover, the proximity of the ship to the ecologically sensitive Karwar coastline posed an imminent threat of grounding, which could have resulted in a major oil spill and devastating pollution to the pristine marine environment.Upon receiving the distress call, the Indian Coast Guard immediately swung into action and activated a high-priority rescue operation, dispatching their highly advanced Ship with skilled team to the area. Recognising the potential magnitude of the disaster, the Indian Coast Guard got activated to safeguard the ship so as to protect the fragile ecosystem, and save the vessel from running aground.Despite challenging weather conditions and the vessel's considerable distance from the coastline and size of the ship, the Indian Coast Guard team took the Ship under tow for safely bringing Ship to Goa, thereby executed a seamless rescue operation. The crew onboard the NIO ship is safe and sound.The Indian Coast Guard remains committed to ensuring the safety of maritime seafarers in the region and safeguarding the pristine marine ecosystems. Their rapid response and strategic coordination have once again proven their unwavering commitment to protecting both human life and the environment.ANI27 July 2023

Shared Recently!
India will never leave its people behind...: Jaishankar in Rajya SabhaA A

New Delhi, July 27: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday said that the Indian government through its evacuation operation in Sudan and Ukraine has proved that India will never leave its people behind during a crises.

India will never leave its people behind...: Jaishankar in Rajya SabhaA A

While speaking about the latest developments in India's Foreign Policy in Rajya Sabha, Jaishankar spoke about Operation Kaveri which was launched to evacuate Indian nationals from Sudan. He said that 4075 Indian nationals were safely evacuated from Sudan when armed clashes broke out between the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces .He was giving a suo moto statement in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday on India's foreign policy in the past few months and said, "On 15 April 2023, an armed conflict broke out between Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces . In order to protect and evacuate the Indian citizens from Sudan, Operation Kaveri was launched on 24 April, 2023. Indian nationals were brought to Port Sudan from different conflict zones and then ferried to Jeddah, using Indian Air Force aircraft and Indian Naval ships.""During Operation Kaveri, like Operation Ganga, we not only evacuated thousands of Indians, but also assisted in the evacuation of citizens from other countries who sought our assistance," he said.At the end of the Operation, 4075 Indian nationals were safely evacuated. During such a difficult and challenging endeavour, "our diplomats and our armed forces displayed exemplary courage"He pointed out that during movements in the midst of firing, the landing of an aircraft was very challenging."Through this massive evacuation exercise, we have proven once again that India will never leave its people behind during a crisis- be it in Ukraine last year, or in Sudan in this one," he added.Notably, Operation Ganga was an evacuation mission carried out by the Indian government to rescue its citizens stranded in Ukraine when the conflict between Moscow and Kyiv started on February 24, 2022. Similarly, this year, the Indian government launched Operation Kaveri to rescue Indian nationals from conflict-ridden Sudan.Highlighting India's Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief operations, Jaishankar said that India provided medical supplies and relief materials for the people of Myanmar affected by Cyclone Mocha. He further said India supplied the first tranche of the total 10,000 metric tons of wheat to Afghanistan through Chabahar Port. He said that India also donated 25 tons of medical aid to people of Sudan."As part of India's Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief operations, India provided medical supplies and relief materials for the people of Myanmar affected by Cyclone Mocha. India also donated 25 tons of Medical aid to the people of Sudan. India supplied thefirst tranche of the total 10,000 MT wheat to Afghanistan through Chabahar Port. Subsequent shipments are underway," Jaishankar said."Essential and anti-cancer medicines were supplied to Malawi; anti-TB drugs to Central African Republic, Fiji, Maldives, Sao Tome and Principe, and Tuvalu; and anti-Retroviral drugs toFiji. 10 Haemodialysis chairs, operation theatre accessories and medicines were also sent to Palau," he added.ANI27 July 2023

Shared Recently!
Modern education not obligatory: General Director of Afghanistans Invitation and Guidance Directorate

Kabul, July 27: General Director of Afghanistan's Invitation and Guidance Directorate Mohammad Hashim Shaheed Wror has said modern education is not obligatory but Islamic education is obligatory for both men and women, TOLO News reported.

Modern education not obligatory: General Director of Afghanistan's Invitation and Guidance Directorate

The Invitation and Guidance Directorate is an independent body that determines religious policies within the Taliban.TOLO News is an Afghan news channel broadcasting from Kabul.Hashim Shaheed Wror said "The education that we say is obligatory at every stage for both men and women is religious education, not other education."Speaking at a gathering in Kabul, Shaheed Wror also said that the necktie originated from the Christian cross and that it is "ordered in Shariah that you should break it and eliminate it.""The history of is obvious in Islam. What is a tie? It is the cross. The cross looks like this. It is ordered in Shariah that you should break it and eliminate it," he said. "The cross is a symbol of pagans. The cross is the symbol of Jesus' martyrdom. They say Jesus was hung like this," he said as per TOLO News.The Taliban-appointed Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Mohammad Tahir Ahmadi, while speaking at the same gathering, said that learning modern education is also obligatory and that the Afghans need to learn it."The education that this Muslim nation needs is obligatory and through it the people can be saved from poverty, misery and other problems, so getting an education that rescues a human from misery is obligatory," he said, as per TOLO News."An educated human is thousands of times better than an individual who is not educated," said Amir Jan Saqib, deputy head of the Academy of Science.Mohammad Hasham Shaheed Wror also said that doctors lack Islamic lessons and they perform haram acts and that the treatment of women by male doctors is haram .ANI27 July 2023

Shared Recently!
Bill to replace Delhi ordinance likely to be introduced in LS on July 31

New Delhi, July 27: The Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Bill, 2023, which will replace the National Capital Territory of Delhi Ordinance, 2023, is likely to be introduced in Lok Sabha on July 31.

Bill to replace Delhi ordinance likely to be introduced in LS on July 31

Highly placed sources confirmed that the proposed legislation is likely to be brought to the Lower House on July 31.According to sources, the controversial legislation, which empowers the Delhi Lt. Governor to have a final say in recommendations regarding transfer and posting of Delhi government officials, had been cleared by the Union Cabinet on July 25.Earlier, 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 Delhi chief minister along with the chief secretary and the principal (home).This proposed body will make recommendations to the lieutenant 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 lieutenant 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 lieutenant governor's decision would be final.The AAP-led Delhi government has been vehemently opposing the ordinance, as it is contrary to the verdict given by the Supreme Court, which had vested the Delhi government with the power to decide on the transfer and posting of its officials.Now, with the government ready to bring a bill replacing the ordinance in Parliament, the AAP has been speaking to like-minded parties, seeking their support against the legislation.IANS28 July 2023

Shared Recently!
Canadian pension plan investment board delegation meets Sitharaman

New Delhi, July 27: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday met a delegation from the Canadian Pension Plan Investment Board, which highlighted its investment plans in India on the long run.

Canadian pension plan investment board delegation meets Sitharaman

"Union Finance Minister Smt. @nsitharaman met a delegation from Canadian Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) @cppinvestments comprising of their global senior leadership," the Finance Ministry said in a tweet.The delegation was led by John Graham, President and CEO of the CPPIB."During the interaction, the CPPIB delegation briefed Smt. @nsitharaman regarding their global engagement and outlook, the current details of engagement with India as well their plans for #investment going forward," the ministry said in another tweet."Mr. Graham appreciated the host of reforms undertaken by the government over the years to facilitate long-term #PrivateInvestment in India. During the interaction FM Smt. @nsitharaman outlined various #investment opportunities across sectors that CPPIB may like to consider," the ministry added.IANS28 July 2023

Shared Recently!
Himachal get nod for big zoo in Kangra

Shimla, July 27: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu on Thursday said the state government has received approval from the Central Zoo Authority for the establishment of a large zoo in Kangra district.

Himachal get nod for big zoo in Kangra

The proposal for the zoo underwent an evaluation during the 108th technical committee meeting of the Central Zoo Authority in June, and it granted approval for its establishment, he said.Sukhu said the government in collaboration with wildlife experts and conservationists has worked on the proposal, ensuring it adheres to the highest standards of animal welfare, safety, and environmental sustainability."The zoo is expected to boost tourism, create employment opportunities, and will contribute to the socio-economic development of the state and is envisioned to be a world-class facility that will house a diverse range of animal species native to Himachal Pradesh and nearby regions," he said, as per an official statement.Meanwhile, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Rajiv Kumar, said the establishment of zoo at Bankhandi in Kangra was a milestone as envisioned by the Chief Minister to attract visitors and was a step ahead to make Kangra the state's 'Tourism Capital'.The Wildlife Wing of the state Forest Department will work towards fulfilling the necessary conditions outlined by the Central Zoo Authority.IANS28 July 2023

Shared Recently!
ChatGPT fined 3.6 mn won for exposing personal info of 687 S. Koreans

Seoul, July 27: South Korea's Personal Information Protection Commission on Thursday imposed a fine of 3.6 million won on OpenAI, the operator of the generative chatbot ChatGPT, for exposing personal information of its 687 citizens.

ChatGPT fined 3.6 mn won for exposing personal info of 687 S. Koreans

According to OpenAI, a now-patched bug in an open-source library on ChatGPT created a caching issue in March. It caused an unintentional visibility of payment information of ChatGPT Plus subscribers during a nine-hour window, including first and last names, email addresses, the last four digits of credit card numbers and credit card expiration dates, Yonhap reported.A total of 687 users in South Korea have been confirmed to be among those affected by the exposure.The PIPC said it has fined OpenAI for breaching its duty to report a leakage to authorities within 24 hours of finding it. But the privacy watchdog concluded the company cannot be held responsible for lax personal information protection measures.The watchdog has also recommended OpenAI take measures to prevent a recurrence of the incident, comply with South Korea's personal information protection law and cooperate actively with the commission's prior inspection activities, it said.IANS28 July 2023

Shared Recently!
DGCA okays Air Asia, Air India Express merger

New Delhi, July 27:A The Directorate General of Civil Aviation on Thursday gave its go ahead to the Tata Group's initiative to merge the budget airline AIX Connect with Air India Express, a senior DGCA official confirmed to IANS.A .

DGCA okays Air Asia, Air India Express merger

This marks a crucial step before the planned legal merger of the two entities can take place."The airline has now received regulatory approvals to operate its flights under the 'Air India Express' branding. This development marks a significant fast-tracking of the integration efforts, including harmonisation of customer touch points, products, and services across both airlines," the airline said in a statement."The approval from the regulator allows both Air India Express Ltd (AIXL) and AIX Connect (AIXC) flights to be marketed, distributed and operated under a common brand name 'Air India Express', prior to the subsequent scheduled legal merger of the two entities," it said."The proposal to synergise the consumer offerings under a unified and renewed brand within the next few months demonstrates the commitment to a superlative customer promise, streamlining product and service standards and unlocking synergies between the two companies," it further said.Earlier this month, 'Xpress Ahead' priority services were extended as an ancillary add-on to guests of both airlines, offering priority check-in, boarding and baggage. Both airlines will also be synergising a host of other ancillary add-on services and common sub-brands.AIXL currently operates flights from 20 Indian cities to 14 regional international destinations, while AIXC serves 19 domestic destinations, complementing each other's networks to provide more extensive travel options for passengers.ssh/ukIANS28 July 2023

Shared Recently!
China erases all traces of former Foreign Minister Qin Gang from official website

Beijing, July 27: The Foreign Ministry of China has removed all activities and traces of Qin Gang as foreign minister including the information on the meeting that took place between him and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Beijing five weeks ago, CNN reported.

China erases all traces of former Foreign Minister Qin Gang from official website

Anyone looking for a reference to any of the Qin's important events on the website of China's Foreign Ministry will be disappointed as all of Qin's activities as a foreign minister have been erased from the record following a shake-up on Tuesday that saw Qin abruptly replaced by his predecessor Wang Yi.The shocking ouster, approved by a top body within China's rubber-stamp legislature, had followed weeks of questions and speculation about Qin's fate after he disappeared from public view in late June, without a clear explanation, CNN reported.The latest twist in the saga - the complete erasure of Qin's swift, six-month tenure as foreign minister and his replacement by Wang, who held that post for roughly a decade before a promotion late last year, only serves to deepen the mystery.Qin's whereabouts, the reason for his removal, and his ultimate fate as a member of China's Communist Party all remain unknown, CNN reported.Unanswered questions about official decision-making are standard in China, where the political system is notoriously opaque and has only become more so under Chinese leader Xi Jinping.Senior Chinese officials have disappeared from public view in the past only to turn up months later in announcements they've been under secret disciplinary investigation.But the circumstances that have played out in recent weeks surrounding Qin have brought those features of China's political system into the global spotlight, CNN reported.Meanwhile, the timing of the episode, as China has been campaigning to present its leadership as an appealing alternative to that of the West, only ups the potentially damaging optics.Qin's appointment to the post of foreign minister last year over more experienced candidates was seen as a sign of deep trust bestowed on him by Xi, who stacked China's leadership with his close allies as he consolidated power last year while entering a norm-breaking third term as leader.As the news of the leadership changes flashed by Chinese state media Tuesday evening, China's vast apparatus for controlling public discussion around political and social events moved into gear. Social media hashtags relating to Qin's removal were censored on the popular Chinese social media app Weibo, including at least one that aimed to evade censors by discussing the decision under a hashtag about a television show set around the time of China's ancient Qin dynasty.Meanwhile, hashtags about Wang's appointment remained live on the platform Wednesday morning but were only showing posts from verified accounts, largely state media or government agencies, without any user-generated comments visible.It remains unclear when, or if, further information will be released about the reasons for Qin's removal, and that void in information has been filled with rampant rumour and speculation, CNN reported.When asked earlier this month about why Qin had missed a diplomatic gathering, a ministry spokesperson cited "health reasons."During a regular ministry briefing Wednesday, a spokesperson refused to provide information on why Qin was replaced and said the ministry website was "updated in accordance with the relevant regulations," when asked why records of Qin's time as foreign minister were removed.Qin for now appears to have retained his domestic-facing, high-level administrative post as State Councilor, CNN reported.Observers of elite Chinese politics say that the silence around why he has been replaced and his erasure from the ministry website point to political reasons, which could become clear in the coming months if there is an official announcement of an investigation against him.While Qin's mysterious disappearance and ousting make for awkward international optics, it also places China's foreign policy back in the hands of a seasoned veteran who filled the role from 2013 to 2022.When asked about Qin and Wang in a press briefing Tuesday, American diplomat Blinken said the US would engage with "whoever the relevant Chinese counterparts" are in order to manage the US-China relationship, CNN reported."I've also known Wang Yi for more than a decade. I've met with him repeatedly in my current capacity as Secretary of State and including just recently in Jakarta and I anticipate being able to work well with him as we have in the past," Blinken said, noting that he "wished well."ANI28 July 2023

Shared Recently!
India, Japan emphasize role of partnership in ensuring free, open, prosperous Indo-Pacific region

New Delhi, July 27: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, his Japanese counterpart Yoshimasa Hayashi on Thursday emphasized the role of India-Japan partnership in ensuring a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region that is inclusive and rules-based.

India, Japan emphasize role of partnership in ensuring free, open, prosperous Indo-Pacific region

EAM Jaishankar, Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi on Thursday held the 15th India-Japan Foreign Ministers' Strategic Dialogue in New Delhi.The meeting provided an opportunity to review the progress made in the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership.The two ministers engaged in comprehensive discussions covering a wide range of issues of bilateral, regional, and global significance. They highlighted the importance of further strengthening India-Japan partnership based on shared values and principles.The Ministers emphasized the importance of achieving the target of JPY 5 trillion Japanese investment in India in the period 2022-27. They explored potential areas of collaboration in critical and emerging technologies, including semiconductors; resilient supply chains; and digital public infrastructure, among others.During the meeting, the ministers also expressed satisfaction with the strengthening of defence and security cooperation, including regular exercises and staff talks between all three services. In this context, they discussed a way forward to deepen Defense Equipment and Technology Cooperation.The Ministers exchanged views on regional and global issues of interest.Jaishankar, his Japanese counterpart Yoshimasa Hayashi also discussed cooperation under multilateral and plurilateral frameworks, including Quad. They agreed on the need for early reforms of the UNSC. They also exchanged views on their respective G20 and G7 presidencies.Noting the celebration of 2023 as the Year of India-Japan Tourism Exchanges with the theme of 'Connecting Himalayas with Mount Fuji', the Ministers acknowledged the importance of people-to-people exchanges. They also discussed ways to promote the movement of skilled human resources from India to Japan.The India-Japan Foreign Ministers' Strategic Dialogue reaffirmed the commitment of both sides to strengthen their Special Strategic and Global Partnership. The meeting further deepened bilateral cooperation and set the stage for enhanced collaboration on regional and global issues.Japanese Foreign Minister arrived in New Delhi earlier on Thursday.On Friday, the Japanese Foreign Minister will attend the India- Japan Forum at Imperial Hotel in New Delhi. He will depart for his country later in the day.Yoshimasa Hayashi is in India as part of his visit to Southwest Asia and Africa to bolster relations with a group of nations known as the Global South, NHK World-Japan reported.Speaking to reporters in Tokyo earlier this week, Yoshimasa Hayashi said he will visit India, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, South Africa, Uganda and Ethiopia through August 4. During his visit, he plans to hold meetings with foreign ministers of those countries and other senior officials, according to the NHK World-Japan report.He also highlighted the importance of listening to the views of the Global South and responding to the needs of the group.ANI28 July 2023

Shared Recently!
Now Jharkhand Assembly to pass bills only in Hindi

Ranchi, July 28: The Jharkhand Assembly has decided that from now onwards the drafts of bills to be introduced and passed in the House will be prepared only in Hindi.

Now Jharkhand Assembly to pass bills only in Hindi

The draft of the Bill will be sent to the Jharkhand Governor C. P. Radhakrishnan for approval only in Hindi.In the last two years, several bills passed by the State Assembly were returned by the Governor on the grounds that their Hindi and English drafts either contained errors or lacked uniformity.The Assembly Speaker Rabindra Nath Mahato says that if the Raj Bhavan or the state government feels the need then they can get the bills passed in Hindi translated to English.Bills being returned from the Raj Bhavan only because of an error in translation from Hindi to English cost the State Assembly a lot of time in the process of getting them re-passed.In 2021, the Jharkhand government had passed the Anti-Mob Lynching Act bill in the House wherein a provision was made for life imprisonment to the culprits of mob lynching. This bill was returned by the Governor because of the differences between the Hindi and English versions of the bill.Even after two-and-a-half years, this bill could not be passed again. It is now all set to be reintroduced in the Monsoon session of the State Assembly starting on July 28.Similarly, the Pandit Raghunath Murmu Tribal University Bill was returned by the Governor due to difference in Hindi and English drafts, following which the Jharkhand government had to pass it again.Apart from this, the Jharkhand State Agricultural Produce and Livestock Marketing (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill, 2022, and the Settlement of Dues of Jharkhand Taxation Acts Bill were also returned for the same reason.Earlier this month, the Raj Bhavan, while returning the bill related to the establishment of a private university, questioned the difference in its Hindi and English drafts.IANS28 July 2023

Shared Recently!
Israel, US wrap up joint naval drill

Jerusalem, July 28: The Israeli military has said that its Flotilla 13 naval commando unit has concluded a joint exercise with the US Armed Forces.

Israel, US wrap up joint naval drill

During the drill, dubbed 'Juniper Spartan', the forces held several maritime security training scenarios, according to a statement released by the Israeli military on Thursday.Israel frequently collaborates with the US Armed Forces in joint drills, which the Israeli Army said would "lead the two sides to mutual learning, the strengthening of professional ties, and professional improvements".The recent exercise was "yet another sign of the deep and operational cooperation between the Israel Defense Forces and the US Armed Forces," the statement said as quoted by Xinhua news agency report.The drill was carried out amid heightened tensions between the Israelis and the Palestinians, growing Israeli concerns over Iran's activities in the Middle East, and internal turmoil triggered by a contentious government plan to overhaul the country's legal system.int/khzIANS28 July 2023

Shared Recently!
Researchers find genetic locations for increased hidradenitis suppurativa risk

North Carolina, July 27: Under the skin, painful lumps develop as a result of the chronic inflammatory follicular illness known as hidradenitis suppurativa . The armpits, groin, and regions beneath the breasts are common places where the lumps develop as a result of skin rubbing against the skin. The severity of HS can range from isolated fluid-filled abscesses to extensive scarring that resembles ropes, persistent discomfort, and increased infection.

Researchers find genetic locations for increased hidradenitis suppurativa risk

The condition is also very heritable. Researchers at the UNC School of Medicine have focused on genetic risk loci, or particular regions on the genome, which contribute to one's hereditary risk of getting hidradenitis suppurativa. Historically, researchers have not been able to discover a single cause or gene for HS."This discovery is highly relevant because these changes may affect nearby genes in a way that leads to improper development of hair follicles and predispose them to the rupture," said Sayed. "This results in inflammation and chronic wound formation, which are the classic findings of hidradenitis suppurativa."Their research, published in JAMA Dermatology, was led by first authors Quan Sun in the Department of Biostatistics and K Alaine Broadaway in the Department of Genetics being the first authors. Sayed was co-senior author, along with Yun Li, PhD, and Karen Mohlke, PhD from the Department of Biostatistics and Department of Genetics, respectively.Previous studies have shown that as many as 1 person out of every 100 people have the condition, or about 3.5 million people throughout the United States, but the exact number of not known. However, research has shown Black women under the age of 40 have the highest risk of developing HS and are 3 times more likely to have the condition than white people.To better understand the genetic factors behind HS, the research team performed a genome-wide association study . This type of study allows researchers to look at the entire genome to find associations between loci and certain traits, such as chronic diseases.A total of 720 patients in the Hidradenitis Suppurativa Program for Research and Care Excellence at UNC's Department of Dermatology participated in the study. After collecting saliva and blood samples from patients, the DNA was isolated and taken to the UNC Genotyping Core, so that researchers could examine the DNA sequences up close to identify differences between people.As part of the final GWAS, researchers integrated the genetic information from the ProCARE patients with controls from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health study - a large longitudinal study of 20,000 adolescents in the United States. Then, researchers combined the results with biological and genetic samples from Finland, the United Kingdom and the Vanderbilt University Medical Center .Through the course of the thorough study, researchers found genetic variants pointing to two genes, SOX9 and KLF5, which are thought to play a role in hair follicle and epidermal development. Certain mutations at these loci were more likely to be found in patients with HS than in patients without HS. This is the first report of its kind to successfully identify risk loci for HS.The gene SOX9 has two functions in the body maintaining the structure of the hair follicle and assigning stem cells to become, or differentiate into, the cells that line the hair follicle. SOX9 also triggers the activation of three other genes MMP1, MMP2, and IL-8, which are linked to the formation of basal cell carcinomas, melanomas, and inflammation.The other suspected gene, KLF5, promotes the generation of keratinocytes - the predominant type of cell within the epidermis - and the secretion of enzymes to eat up dead skin cells. If unchecked, the body produces so much keratin that the epidermis becomes thick and hair follicles can become blocked."While more studies are needed to understand how DNA variants near SOX9 and KLF5 contribute to the pathophysiology of HS, both genes are potentially highly relevant and have not previously been linked to the condition," said Mohkle, who is also a member of the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Care Center.Variations in this gene may explain the development of the characteristic cysts, skin-colored bumps, and tunnels that are seen in patients with HS. Where KLF5 functions to keep epidermal stem cells levels in check, SOX9 is does the same for hair follicle stem cells.If this careful balance between the expression patterns is disrupted by genetic factors, it may explain why the body forms chronic wounds such as inflammatory tunnels and ulcers, as well as cysts and epithelialized tunnels.Researchers also wanted to see if there was a potential overlap with other inflammatory conditions. Through a genetic correlation analysis, they found that inflammatory bowel disease, psoriasis, and type 2 diabetes may share certain genetic factors with HS. However, further study is needed to evaluate other comorbidities and uncover the biological links between HS and other conditions."As is often the case in research, new discoveries lead to many new questions," said Li. "We plan to expand our work to larger and more diverse cohorts to identify additional HS risk loci.ANI28 July 2023

Shared Recently!
Wagner chief Prigozhin seen in Russia for first time since failed mutiny

Moscow, July 28: For the first time since the Wagner mercenaries' failed rebellion against the Russian military in June, the group's chief Yevgeny Prigozhin was seen in St. Petersburg, meeting an African dignitary on the sidelines of a summit, the media reported.

Wagner chief Prigozhin seen in Russia for first time since failed mutiny

According to accounts associated with the mercenary group, the meeting took place on Thursday and the dignitary is part of the Central African Republic delegation to the Russia-Africa summit, reports CNN.For several years, Wagner had a presence in the Central African Republic.A photo of the meeting was also doing the rounds on social media, showing the two men shaking hands.CNN geolocated the photograph of Prigozhin and the dignitary to the Trezzini Palace Hotel in St. Petersburg.According to Russian media, the Wagner chief has kept an office in the hotel premises.The hotel was one of the locations searched by Russian authorities on July 6, after the June 24 rebellion.Since then, Prigozhin had only been seen in public on July 19, when he seemingly appeared in a video inside Belarus, apparently greeting Wagner fighters at a base in Asipovichy.During the rebellion, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko had claimed that he convinced his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin not to "destroy" Wagner and Prigozhin, which led to a halt in the mutiny.Prigozhin founded Wagner as a shadowy mercenary outfit that fought both in Ukraine and, increasingly, for Russian-backed causes around the world.CNN has tracked Wagner mercenaries in the Central African Republic, Sudan, Libya, Mozambique, Ukraine and Syria.Over the years they have developed a gruesome reputation and were been linked to multiple human rights abuses.After Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Wagner forces were heavily involved in taking the Ukrainian cities of Soledar and Bakhmut.IANS28 July 2023

Shared Recently!
Farmers, rice mill owners in TNs Arani worried over export ban of rice

Chennai, July 28: The Centre's ban on export of rice has left the rice farmers and rice mill owners of Arani in Tiruvannamalai district of Tamil Nadu a worried lot.

Farmers, rice mill owners in TN's Arani worried over export ban of rice

It is to be noted that Arani and Kalampur in Tamil Nadu are major areas of rice production and export. These places are home to popular rice varieties that are popular in markets in Singapore, Malaysia and even in South Africa as well as all South Indian states.The main varieties of rice produced from Arani and Kalampur are Ponni, Sona Deluxe, HMT , IR 50 and PTD and these varieties are in high demand in all the above mentioned foreign markets as also in Gulf countries.Rice mill owners told IANS that there was a regular flow of rice in place and with the ban in place owners were worried that the rice would become stagnant in warehouses. They said that there was a steady flow from Arani to both the domestic and foreign markets and this would now affect the flow.The rice mill owners also said that there was no price difference for the rice supplied to domestic and foreign markets and hence profit will also remain the same. The owners were worried that the ban would affect them gravely and wanted the government to lift it.The rice mill owners are also worried about the storage facilities as if the ban is extended rice would be in surplus and the present godowns will not be enough to store it leading to the loss of rice.Farmers are also worried about the ban and they said that if the rice was in surplus the demand would come down and thus would lead to loss for farmers.Kuppusamy, a farmer said that only the farmers will be affected as they were on meager living conditions and called upon the concerned authorities to take efforts to lift the ban.IANS28 July 2023

Shared Recently!
Embark on an AI Journey: Join a Free Webinar with a Renowned NASA Scientist

Jaipur, July 28: Meridean Overseas Education Consultants PVT LTD, a leading overseas education consultancy in India, is thrilled to announce a groundbreaking webinar on the topic of 'Multidisciplinary Function of AI'.

Embark on an AI Journey: Join a Free Webinar with a Renowned NASA Scientist

This exclusive online event will be presented by the esteemed 'Astronaut Maker' himself, Dr. Ravi Margasahayam, a prominent figure at NASA.The event will take place on 09.8.2023 at 1000 am and will last for 55 minutes. The event will be in the form of a webinar.This webinar is a golden opportunity for students, faculty members, and individuals passionate about the fields of Multidisciplinary Function of AI and space exploration to gain invaluable insights from an industry expert. Dr. Ravi Margasahayam will shed light on the latest advancements in AI and how it revolutionises various disciplines.Participants can expect to delve into the fascinating world of AI, exploring its applications in space exploration, engineering, medicine, and much more. Dr. Ravi Margasahayam's extensive experience at NASA makes him the perfect guide to navigate these complex subjects.Furthermore, every student attending the webinar will receive an E-Certificate personally signed by Dr. Ravi Margasahayam, adorned with the prestigious NASA logo. This certificate serves as a testament to their participation in this enlightening event and can be a valuable addition to their academic portfolio.Don't miss this incredible opportunity to expand your knowledge and gain insights from a renowned industry expert. Register now for the 'Multidisciplinary Function of AI' webinar by visiting the Meridean website or contacting their offices. Limited spots are available.Here is the link to register for the webinar meridean.org/webinar-and-eventsAbout Meridean Overseas Education Consultants PVT LTDMeridean Overseas is a team of experts dedicated to supporting the Study Abroad dream of students. We are more than overseas education consultants. Keeping true to our mission to make abroad education accessible to all, Meridean Overseas has helped its students reach 10+ countries for study abroad programs. We have built a stellar student network that grows and succeeds as a community. Our excellent branch network and association with leading global institutions help us to deliver the best yet affordable education services.For media inquiries or further information, please contactPrateek SinghviChief Strategy OfficerMeridean Overseas Education Consultants PVT LTDprateeksinghvi@meridean.org+91-9892288644Photo https//mma.prnewswire.com/media/2164456/Multidisciplinary_Function_of_AI.jpgLogo https//mma.prnewswire.com/media/2060215/4183907/Meridean_Logo.jpgANI28 July 2023

Shared Recently!
IISER Bhopal takes several initiatives to achieve goals of NEP 2020

Bhopal, July 28: Indian Institute of Science Education and Research has taken several initiatives to achieve the key features of the National Education Policy 2020 through various programs implemented at the Institute.

IISER Bhopal takes several initiatives to achieve goals of NEP 2020

The NEP 2020 is a comprehensive policy that aims to transform the education system in the country and make it more inclusive, flexible, and interdisciplinary. By aligning with NEP 2020, IISER Bhopal is majorly focusing on syllabus, student nurturing, well-being and performance, faculty support in research & teaching and entrepreneurship.Speaking about the implementation of NEP 2020, Director of IISER Bhopal, Siva Umapathy said, "Policy framed out under NEP is timely and futuristic and the implementation requires the participation of various stakeholders, including faculty, administrators, students and the Ministry of Education. If we all have common goals many of the policy's objectives can be achieved. There are always challenges for any new changes that we bring in but if we have proper transparent methodologies, feedback mechanisms and periodic revisions policy's goals can be achieved.""Implementation of NEP 2020 is possible at IISER Bhopal because of the faculty's active support and acceptance of the new paradigms and willingness to deliver and participate in the designing courses and supporting them," the Director of IISER Bhopal added.IISER Bhopal has implemented a few features of NEP 2020 emphasising the importance of interdisciplinary studies and research, encouraging students to explore diverse fields of knowledge and promoting collaboration between different disciplines.The Institute also has peer counsellors to look after students' mental welfare. IISER Bhopal has a novel educational program called 'Undergraduate Clubs for Research Enthusiasts in Science and Technology' . It is a unique attempt to cultivate scientific attitudes in the early days of a young graduate student.Besides, the Institute supports entrepreneurship through its Innovation and Incubation Center funded by the Department of Science and Technology to foster innovation and encourage faculty and students to explore their entrepreneurial potential.The Institute is also encouraging faculty members to file patents for their research work which can lead to valuable innovations and advancements in various fields.In addition, IISER Bhopal is also inviting entrepreneurs from different areas to give lectures to students to expose them to real-world experiences and insights which significantly enhance the entrepreneurial ecosystem and create a well-rounded learning experience.ANI28 July 2023

Shared Recently!
62 lots and World tour reveal

New Delhi, July 28: Only Watch features 62 lots of the upcoming 10th edition of its biennial charity auction of unique watches to take place on November 5, 2023, in Geneva under the hammer of Christie's at PALEXPO. For the 4th time the auction house has been selected as partner of choice and is delighted to support Only Watch once more.a.

62 lots and World tour reveal

As per previous editions and since 2005, the event will be held under the patronage of His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco. All auction proceeds will benefit research on Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and genetic diseasesThis anniversary edition celebrates Only Watch's bright and colorful story by including all colors of previous editions in its visual identity, and adding the color green, an emblem of hope, as a new component.On the research side, doctoral and post-doctoral grants for young researchers have taken a central dimension in the charity's projects, and on the watches side, the 2023 selection features iconic loyal brands and several young brilliant watchmaking talents collaborating to bring an innovative fresh touch to the offering.Auction to take place in Geneva and digitally on November 5, 2023.The one-of-a-kind timekeepers are the result of the generous, committed and creative work of 73 watchmakers/brands, featuring 16 collaborations (between watchmakers or with artists and legendary brands), and resulting in an auction of 62 lots.After the world tour (see details below), all watches will be auctioned by Christie's Geneva on Sunday November 5, starting at 2pm (CET) at PALEXPO, the auction can also be followed online via christies.com and bids can be additionally placed over phone (please liaise with Christie's). No buyer's premium or commissions are applicable for the Only Watch charity sale, as in previous editions.The genesis and purpose raising funds for research on DMD and genetic diseases.Only Watch was launched in 2005 by Luc Pettavino in collaboration with the watch industry to advance research in the field of therapeutic solutions for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (a genetic disease that affects 1 boy in 3,500), following Paul's (Luc's son) diagnosis.The Monaco-based charity benefiting from the Only Watch auctions, the Association MonAgasque contre les Myopathies, has been active internationally since 2001 in accelerating research. Its actions, all regrouped under the name the "Only Project" are focused onorganizing key conversations (roundtables, collaborative and research programs) for researchers from around the world to share knowledge and accelerate breakthroughs;financially supporting dozens of research projects with the goal of reaching and refining therapeutic outcome for DMD.Thanks to the generosity of watchmakers, collectors and partners, in recent years, the funds raised by Only Watch have allowed for a significant breakthrough in the quest for a cure. On top of grants and fellowships given out by the charity to researchers within public institutions (hospitals and universities), one of the main projects supported is a biotech operated by a consortium of parents and researchers that is currently launching a phase 1 clinical trial for a drug it has developed. The technology aims to treat patients affected by Duchenne muscular dystrophy and could be transposed and adapted for other genetic diseases. The first step in a whole new chapter of a 20+ year collaborative success story.World tour locations and datesIn the weeks preceding the auction, the watches will be presented to the public, media, and horological enthusiasts, during a promotional tour that will start on September 6, 2023, in Los Angeles, and will end on November 5, 2023, in Geneva.Tour stops hosted by ONLY WATCH and Christie'sLos Angeles September 6-9 Christie'saaNew York September 14-17 Christie'saaHong Kong October 5-6 Christie'saBangkok October 11-12 Christie'saaGeneva November 3-5 Four Seasons HAtel des BerguesTour stops hosted by ONLY WATCHaand Other PartnersMonaco September 27-30 Monaco Yacht ShowaSingapore October 20-22 Malmaison by The Hour GlassaaDubai October 27 Seddiqi at the Musem of the Futurea( IANSlife can be contacted at ianslife@ians.in)ianslife/tbIANS28 July 2023

Shared Recently!
Setting the course for success: MKES IMSR hosts first student induction programme

NewsVoir, Mumbai, July 28: Malad Kandivli Education Society's IMSR, a prestigious institution under the dynamic leadership of Hasmukh Rambhia - President and Trustee - held its first-ever PGDM students' induction programme.

Setting the course for success: MKES IMSR hosts first student induction programme

With a vision to nurture a new generation of business leaders equipped with the skills, knowledge and vision to drive innovation and success, MKES IMSR is all set to make a lasting impact in the field of business education.Since its inception in 1942, MKES has been a beacon of knowledge and a contributor to society in the realm of education. Drawing wisdom from the scriptures that 'Knowledge Alone Liberates', it has continuously evolved. Today, its illustrious 'Bhavishya Bharat Campus' encompasses schools, a junior college, a degree college and a law college, offering a comprehensive educational journey from kindergarten to doctoral programmes across various disciplines. Building upon a legacy of four decades in Commerce, Arts, Science and Law; MKES has expanded its portfolio to include the prestigious MKES Institute of Management Studies and Research, marking a significant milestone in its journey.Under the inspiring guidance of Dr Ancy Jose, the Group Director of MKES IMSR aims to provide a transformative educational experience that prepares students to thrive in the ever-evolving business landscape. She captivated the audience with an insightful speech, shedding light on the rich legacy of MKES and unveiling the essence of their new branch, IMSR. The audience eagerly looked forward to the promising future of PGDM. In her address, she also passionately shared the institute's vision for societal impact through various undergraduate programmes, instilling a sense of purpose and responsibility among the audience.They were then introduced to the distinguished faculty by the Director of the institute CA Dr Varsha Ainapure, a faculty member herself, who presented an engaging overview of the curriculum and courses. The presence of all five trustees and the entire faculty made this occasion truly momentous.During the event, the students were awestruck as they engaged in captivating conversations and forged connections with esteemed industry experts in Marketing, HR, Finance and Entrepreneurship. The faculty, predominantly composed of distinguished IIM alumni, left them in a state of astonishment, adding to their already pleasantly overwhelming experience. Dr. Sangram Tambe, an accomplished MBA & Ph.D. graduate from IIM, will be taking care of their HR specialisation. Prof. Praveen Tripathi, who holds degrees from IIT and PGDM from IIM, will guide them in Marketing. Prof. Kulkarni from IIM will mentor the marketing students and Prof. Kishor Bagri will impart his knowledge to the finance students. Prof. Rukaiya Joshi will plan their S.H.A.R.E. experience. Additionally, the students will be joined by extraordinary professors of practice, further enriching their learning journey.The 10-day induction programme started on 3rd July, 2023. The first day saw an exciting event meticulously designed to acquaint students with their new surroundings and instil within them the unique culture of the institution. It encompassed a diverse range of activities carefully tailored to ensure a smooth transition into life at MKES. The programme aimed to engage and inspire the students through informative sessions and enjoyable team-building exercises. They had the opportunity to explore the campus, meet industry experts, familiarise themselves with their soon-to-be professors and forge new friendships. The programme was thoughtfully crafted to foster a profound sense of belonging and create a lasting impact on the students. Equipped with knowledge and support, they were motivated to overcome challenges and lay the foundation for a bright future.The event saw the newly enrolled students get their laptops & set off to explore the state-of-the-art infrastructure and facilities of MKES IMSR. With spacious classrooms that have enough room to build careers, cutting-edge tech to keep students ahead of the curve, a well-stocked library to inspire budding businesspersons and dedicated spaces for collaboration and networking, the school has been designed to foster an enriching and immersive learning environment.MKES IMSR is dedicated to cultivating a culture of excellence, innovation and ethical leadership among its students. The carefully curated curriculum combines theoretical knowledge with practical application, ensuring that all students are well-equipped to tackle the challenges of the business world. The school boasts a distinguished faculty comprising industry experts who bring a wealth of knowledge and real-world experience to the classroom.Moreover, FinX is MKES IMSR's industry partner, ensuring access for its students to 30+ top recruiters as well as numerous internships, live projects and industry exposure opportunities. These collaborations bridge the gap between academia and the corporate sector, equipping students with the skills and insights needed to succeed in the competitive business landscape. The school aims to produce business leaders with the necessary technical skills and the vision to drive meaningful change in any workplace and create sustainable business ventures.With courses like PGDM that promise practical, hands-on learning, MKES IMSR aims to build industry-ready professionals, excellent at systematically analysing problems and efficiently solving them, making them highly coveted in the modern business landscape. The astounding plethora of specifications available to each student ensures that every student's need is met with a course tailored to their requirements. Here are some of the key aspects that set MKES IMSR apartFacilitation by Industry PractitionersAll Courses are facilitated by experienced industry practitioners who bring real-world insights and expertise to the classroom. This approach ensures that students gain practical knowledge and skills directly applicable to the business environment. By learning from industry experts, students are exposed to current industry trends, best practices and emerging technologies, preparing them to navigate the challenges of the corporate world.Personal Growth LabsMKES IMSR places great emphasis on the development of soft skills, which are vital for success in the professional world. To cater to this aspect, the school offers personal growth labs, specialised workshops and training sessions designed to enhance students' interpersonal and communication skills, leadership abilities and emotional intelligence. These labs provide a nurturing environment for students to develop their personal and professional competencies, equipping them with the essential skills to excel in their careers.Leadership SeriesThis series features guest lectures by distinguished CXOs, both nationally and internationally renowned, who share their insights, experiences and leadership philosophies with the students. These interactions offer valuable opportunities for students to gain valuable insights from successful business leaders, expand their network and gain inspiration from their achievements.The induction programme of MKES IMSR marked a significant milestone in the institution's journey to shape the future of business education across the nation. With a commitment to excellence, industry relevance and holistic development, this business school is poised to contribute to the field substantially.For more information about MKES IMSR and its induction programme, please visit www.mkesimsr.ac.in or call us at 86558 21102/86558 21103 or admissions@mkesimsr.ac.in.ANI28 July 2023

Shared Recently!
Akshay Oberoi wraps up shoot of Illegal 3

Mumbai, July 28: Actor Akshay Oberoi shared his shooting experience for 'Illegal 3' after wrapping up the shoot of the courtroom drama.

Akshay Oberoi wraps up shoot of 'Illegal 3'

While talking about his experience of shooting for 'Illegal 3', Akshay expressed his gratitude and said, "Working on 'Illegal' has been an incredible journey for me. I am thankful to the entire team for their unwavering support and belief in my abilities as an actor. The love and appreciation from the audience for the previous seasons have been overwhelming, and I can't wait for everyone to witness the thrilling narrative of Season 3."The actor will be seen reprising his role as a lawyer in the series. He has posted glimpses of the shoot on his social media handle also.He posted a picture of his script and a view of rain outside. Sharing the picture, he wrote, "Shoot Days. #Shootlife. #IllegalSeason3."The show explores the complexities of the Indian legal system while delving into the personal and professional lives of the characters involved.Akshay's portrayal of the son of a criminal lawyer in the series has garnered him wide critical acclaim, leaving audiences eagerly anticipating his return for the third instalment.The legal drama series also stars Neha Sharma, Piyush Mishra, and Satyadeep Mishra will return for another season. The show is directed by Sahir Raza.ANI28 July 2023

Shared Recently!
Madhya Pradesh CM hands over 250 two-wheelers to women police personnel

Bhopal, July 28: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Friday handed over 250 scooters to women police personnel across the state to empower them for effective control over crimes related to women in the state.

Madhya Pradesh CM hands over 250 two-wheelers to women police personnel

CM Chouhan flagged off the two-wheelers rally of the women police personnel from Motilal Nehru Stadium in the state capital Bhopal.On the occasion, CM Chouhan said, "Today, we have given 250 two-wheelers to the police and its purpose is to keep women safe in the state. The women police personnel will perform patrolling with the help of it. They will also watch criminals in the field and also protect the self-respect of the women in the state.""I congratulate state Home Minister Narottam Mishra and the entire team for taking a step for the safety of women in the state," he added.Women's safety is most important for the Bharatiya Janata Party government and women's empowerment is the main mission. Many schemes are initiated by the state government for women empowerment, be it Ladli Lakshmi Yojana, Kanya Vivah Yojana, Ladli Bahna Yojana, 50 per cent reservation in local body elections, Sambal Yojana and others, CM Chouhan further said.He also said that Madhya Pradesh is the first state which made a law to award capital punishment to rape convicts. Also, Madhya Pradesh is the first state to bulldoze the houses of criminals and made a provision for severe punishment for crimes against women."Earlier, whenever a woman used to go to the police station to file a complaint, she used to feel uncomfortable in front of male police personnel and could not give information about the incident. So we set up an 'Urja Women Help Desk' where women police personnel are deployed. So that women can narrate incidents with patience," the CM said.The chief minister added, "We have also started 'Abhimanyu' campaign to create awareness among boys of crimes related to women and gender equality."Besides, speaking on the occasion home minister Narottam Mishra said, "CM Chouhan has been working for the development and empowerment of women since the time he was not the Chief Minister. When he was a Member of Parliament, he used to contribute to the marriage of girls."After becoming the CM, he brought Ladli Laxmi Yojana and now started Ladli Bahna Yojana. He starts every program with Kanya Pujan. He made all the possible efforts through which the confidence of women would increase, Mishra said.He further added that earlier there were only a few women police personnel in the police department. But now there are a large number of women police personnel in the department. There is a women's police station in every district. There is a Women's Help Desk in every police station. Women can address their problems.ANI28 July 2023

Shared Recently!
UP botanists discover new plant species from Sikkim

Prayagraj, July 28: Botanists from the Botanical Survey of India in Prayagraj have discovered a new hemi parasitic plant species, Pedicularis Revealiana, in the state of Sikkim.

UP botanists discover new plant species from Sikkim

Along with making its own food, it has the ability to gather nutrients from the roots of trees and plants located nearby.The research was published in the July issue of International Nordic Journal of Botany."The new species Pedicularis revealiana, is described from Katao in Sikkim Himalaya and it possesses a combination of characters which makes it unique among all Pedicularis species. It is stout and has woody stems, bears minute flowers of pinkish-purple colour," says the scientist from BSI, Arti Garg who along with Achutanand Shukla had spotted this new species of Pedicularis group in September 2019 while on way from Lachung to Katao of Sikkim Himalayan region.After the discovery of this new species, scientists have now recommended finding out the medicinal properties of this plant.Sikkim is known for its biodiversity as this state alone accounts for 45 per cent of the total plant diversity of the Indian Himalayan region, said Shukla, who now works with Ministry of Environment Forest and Climatic Changes, New Delhi."We have named this in honour of the eminent botanist James Lauritz Reveal of the University of Maryland, who was globally renowned for his botanical contributions and work on supra-generic names," said Garg.Garg and Shukla later brought this new species from the untouched forest of Katao to Prayagraj during their visit to Sikkim in the year 2019 and started identifying it with those which have already been reported.It belongs to the species group of Pedicularis, with radical and opposite or whorled cauline leaves, hooded cilia and distinctly longer beaks. Plants around the world match species database after it was recognised as a new species.Garg said, "This new flora is found in remote forests, which are covered with snow for most of the year. This species is hemi-parasitic (partially parasitic) and is unique among all Pedicularis species."This genus includes about 677 species worldwide, of which 82 species, 13 subspecies and nine varieties have been reported so far in India.Pendicularis revealiana is the 83rd species reported and the plant is commonly known as a perennial herb.IANS28 July 2023

Shared Recently!
WhatsApp releases update to fix sorting chats issue on Android beta

San Francisco, July 28: Meta-owned messaging platform has released a bug-fix update to address a sorting chats issue on Android beta.

WhatsApp releases update to fix sorting chats issue on Android beta

Due to the issue, when a new message is received, the platform doesn't refresh the chat list and the conversation with the most recent message doesn't rise to the top of the conversation list, reports WABetaInfo.Closing and reopening WhatsApp was the only method to temporarily fix the problem.However, the issue could come again.Many users observed that the update had been installed automatically due to the Google Play Store's auto-download settings."We can finally confirm that the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.16.7 version is a bug-fix update that addresses the mentioned issue, so you can finally use WhatsApp without experiencing this issue," the report said.Last week, the messaging platform had released a bug-fix update to address emoji keyboard crash on Android beta.Also, the platform had faced a global outage, including in India, due to "connectivity issues" which lasted for about 20 minutes.When a user posted, "fix it before it is morning in India, don't want to miss out on the Good Morning messages", the Meta-owned platform replied "We're back, we don't want you to miss them!"According to the outage monitor website DownDetector, 61 per cent of people had reported problems while sending messages, 35 per cent while using the application, and 4 per cent while using the website.On Downdetector, reports of the users peaked at over 41,000.Last month, the messaging platform had faced a global outage that lasted for about two hours.Some WhatsApp users were unable to use the platform on their mobile and desktop devices, while some were experiencing issues with sending and downloading media.IANS28 July 2023

Shared Recently!
As many areas reel under floods, Maha govt enhances aid to victims

Mumbai, July 28: The Maharashtra government announced enhancement of aid for victims of natural calamities, floods and losses to shops, small businesses and homes during the current monsoon season from June-October, here on Friday.A .

As many areas reel under floods, Maha govt enhances aid to victims

In many districts, towns and villages, homes, shops, businesses and other properties of citizens have been damaged or destroyed in the ongoing spell of monsoon.Chief Minister Eknath Shinde informed the Maharashtra Legislature that presently families are entitled to Rs 2,500 for loss of clothes and a similar amount for other household items when their homes are submerged under water, washed away or totally damaged.The amounts will now be doubled to Rs 10,000 per family by relaxing the conditions of the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF), he said.Currently, the SDRF has no provision to provide help to shopkeepers suffering losses during floods or other natural calamities.Now, if the shops are submerged underwater or completely damaged or washed away, they will be extended financial assistance up to 75 per cent of the losses or a maximum amount of Rs 50,000.Shinde added that a similar helping hand will be given to small businesses, 'tapris' (stalls) run by many individuals or families in small towns.Since, they are presently not covered under any schemes in such calamities, the state will provide them a special financial assistance of up to 75 per cent of the actual losses or a maximum Rs 10,000, as per the panchnamas.For these two categories, only those who are officially registered, licenced tapri holders, local residents with their names on the electoral rolls and ration cards, shall be eligible for the special aid.In the past, over a week, many districts of the state have been lashed by torrential rains that have resulted in floods, damage to residences, businesses or shops and other properties, bridges, roads and other public infrastructure, agricultural losses, cattle, livestocks, etc, besides claiming scores of human lives.IANS28 July 2023

Shared Recently!
Govt likely to pass bills on J&K and auction of offshore minerals on July 31

New Delhi, July 28: Government is likely to seek passage of four bills related to Jammu and Kashmir in Lok Sabha on July 31, sources informed.

Govt likely to pass bills on J&K and auction of offshore minerals on July 31

The bills namely the J&K Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill 2023, The Constitution (J&K) Scheduled Castes Order (Amendment) Bill 2023, The Constitution (J&K) Scheduled Tribes Order (Amendment) Bill 2023 and the J&K Reservation (Amendment) Bill 2023.The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2023 seeks to insert new sections 15A and 15B in the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act 2019, so as to nominate not more than two members, one of whom shall be a woman, from the community of "Kashmiri Migrants" and one member from "Displaced Persons from Pakistan occupied Jammu and Kashmir", to the legislative assembly of the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir.It also seeks to amend sub-sections (3) and (10) of section 14 of the original Act which are of consequential in view of completion of delimitation process in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir.The Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Castes Order (Amendment) Bill, 2023 proposes to amend the Schedule of the Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir)Scheduled Castes Order, 1956 for inclusion of Valmiki (in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir only) in entry 5.The Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Tribes Order (Amendment) Bill, 2023 proposes to amend the Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) ScheduledTribes Order, 1989, to include the communities of "Gadda Brahmin", "Koli", "Paddari Tribe" and "Pahari Ethnic Group" in the list of Scheduled Tribes in respect of the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir.The Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Bill, 2023 aims to amend section 2 of the Reservation Act, so as to change the nomenclature of "weak and under privileged classes (social castes)" occurring in sub-clause (iii) of clause (o), to "other backward classes" and to make consequential amendment in clause (q), of section 2 of the said Act.The above amendments have been proposed on the recommendations of the Jammu and Kashmir Socially and Educationally Backward Classes Commission (SEBCC), so as to remove the confusion amongst the general public as well as the competent authorities issuing certificates to eligible persons due to difference in such nomenclature. The proposed amendment will also enable implementation of the Constitution (One Hundred and Fifth Amendment) Act, 2021, in letter and spirit.Meanwhile, the sources also informed that the government is also likely to seek passage of Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2023 which aims to allow auction of minerals mined in the sea bed, on the same day.The Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2023 seeks to provide for grant of production lease to private sector only through auction by competitive bidding.It also seeks to provide for grant of operating rights without competitive bidding to a government or a government company or a corporation in the mineral bearing areas reserved by the central government.The bill plans to introduce a composite license, which would be a two stage operating right granted for the purpose of undertaking exploration followed by production operation. This license shall also be granted only through auction by competitive bidding to the private sectorHowever, according to the provisions of the bill, in case of atomic minerals, grant of exploration license or production lease shall be made only to a government or a government company or a corporation.The proposed legislation also seeks to remove the provision for renewal of production lease and provide a fixed period of 50 years for production lease, which is similar to the provisions of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957.It also seeks to limit the area, a person can acquire in respect of any mineral or a group of associated minerals, as may be specified by rules.The bill also aims to set up an offshore areas mineral trust, to maintain a non-lapsable fund under the public account of India to ensure availability of funds for exploration, mitigation of adverse impact of offshore mining, disaster relief, research and other related activities.The proposed legislation also aims to raise the amount of fine for illegal mining and other offences.Despite objections from the Congress-led opposition, the government has got a slew of bills passed in Lok Sabha this week.On Friday, it got three bills cleared in half an hour, even as the opposition said that when the no-confidence motion against the government has been admitted in the House, business related to policy matters cannot be undertaken.The opposition termed the passage of bills today as "illegal" and "a fraud on the Constitution."IANS29 July 2023

Shared Recently!
Kohrra wa shot during 3rd wave of Covid-19

Mumbai, July 28: Sudip Sharma, the creator of the recently released crime-drama streaming series 'Kohrra', has shared that they shot for the series during the third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic in India, and it greatly helped them to bring in the authenticity.

'Kohrra' wa shot during 3rd wave of Covid-19

Sudip told IANS "What really helps is shooting on location to bring in the authenticity. The Covid third wave scare that we faced actually worked in our favour because we went to Punjab and parked ourselves before the third wave started raging across. And in the process were living the land of Punjab and imbibing its culture."Tanya Bami, series head at Netflix, who's a Punjabi herself, concurred saying the show appeals to the audience across the spectrum.She told IANS "The viewing experience truly reflects what the team felt and delivered because they soaked in so much of the vibe of that place that it all shows on the screen as a part of the show's narrative and the characters."Human relationships are often complex and with a murder in the mix, the lines get blurred, and that's what 'Kohrra' is all about. With the murder, many skeletons tumble out of the closet and the trailer manages to portray the same in a succinct manner.The show stars Suvinder Vicky, Barun Sobti, Varun Badola, Harleen Sethi, Rachel Shelly, and Manish Chaudhary.It follows dual storylines of hunting down a killer and navigating love and relationships. Helmed by Sudip Sharma, Randeep Jha, and Clean Slate Filmz Productions, 'Kohrra' presents an authentic narrative beyond the realms of classical police investigation-led storylines.The series is available to stream on Netflix.IANS29 July 2023

Shared Recently!
PM Modis only mission is to make India a developed country: BJP

New Delhi, July 28: The BJP on Friday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi's only mission has been to make India a developed country since he became the Prime Minister.

PM Modi's only mission is to make India a developed country: BJP

"Since Modi ji became the Prime Minister, his only mission has been to make India a developed country. He has been working to strengthen the economy and to ensure overall prosperity in the country," BJP spokesperson Syed Zafar Islam said at a press conference at the party headquarters here.He claimed that following the significant policy reforms under the Modi-led government, the country is making big strides on the path of development."India's economy remained resilient even during the challenging times. All the credit goes to the relentless efforts of Modi Ji . Findings of the reports of many global and multilateral institutions mentioned that India's economy has been in the strongest situation in the world," the BJP spokesperson said.He also claimed that Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) has increased under the ruling dispensation.Attacking the Opposition, Islam said, "The Opposition is creating a ruckus in Parliament. They must know Modi Hai Toh Mumkin Hain.''On Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had assured that India will be among the top three economies of the world in his third term, in an apparent reference that his government will return to power again in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections."At the beginning of our first term, India was ranked 10th among the global economies. In the second tenure, today India is the fifth largest economy in the world. I assure the country that on the basis of the track record, in the third term, India's name will be among the top three economies of the world. This is Modi's guarantee," Modi had said.IANS29 July 2023

Shared Recently!
Champaign, IL (61820)

Today

Isolated thunderstorms this evening. Skies will become partly cloudy after midnight. Low 62F. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 30%..

Tonight

Isolated thunderstorms this evening. Skies will become partly cloudy after midnight. Low 62F. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 30%.
Champaign, IL (61820)

Today

Partly cloudy skies early with heavy thunderstorms developing this afternoon. Gusty winds and small hail are possible. High 81F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%..

Tonight

Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm this evening, then some lingering showers still possible overnight. Low 64F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%.
The American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the Asociacion Costarricense de Cardiologia (ASOCAR) will host ACC Latin America 2023 Together With Asociacion Costarricense de Cardiologia on August 11-12 in San Jose, Costa Rica. The innovative educational experience brings together global experts to discuss, share and critique the latest in cardiovascular prevention to improve the heart health and care in patients throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.

In South America, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death (31%), mainly due to tobacco use, high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes. Data has shown that modifiable and behavioral risk factors are increasing trends of cardiovascular disease and mortality in the region.

Juan M. Aranda, Jr., MD, FACC, professor and chief of the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine at the University of Florida, and Daniel Quesada Chaves, MD, FACC, former president of ASOCAR, will serve as co-chairs for the conference.

The ACC Latin America conference will allow physicians from countries throughout the region to discuss success stories and challenges in cardiovascular care. The relationships built in this conference will go a long way to improve cardiovascular care across the world." Juan M. Aranda, Jr., MD, FACC, professor and chief of the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine at the University of Florida

Ana Barac, MD, PhD, FACC, will present the opening plenary "Cardio-Oncology Hot Topics: Practical Approaches For the Clinician." Other key notes include:

INOCA and MINOCA in Women: What Do We Really Understand?

Top Clinical Trials to Impact Your Practice

The Pressure Is On: Current State of the Art in Preeclampsia and Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy - A Tour From Bench to Bedside

"From basic science to clinical practice guidelines, the ACC LatAm 2023 congress hopes to provide you with relevant clinical information to optimize cardiovascular disease care. We combine the latest clinical evidence in plenary sessions and master sessions, with practical activities and workshops to develop your clinical skills. The academic and scientific proposal contemplates the best specialists in the field of cardiology," Quesada Chaves said.

Clinical cases and poster presentations

The following list provides a brief look of the clinical cases and posters to be presented during ACC Latin America 2023 Together with Asociacion Costarricense de Cardiologia. All abstracts are embargoed until Wednesday, August 2, 2023, at 10 a.m. EDT/8 a.m. CST.

Chemotherapy-Induced Cardiotoxicity in Patients with Breast Cancer - A Single Center Registry

CHAGA-Check - An AI-Based Diagnosis and Early Treatment Model for Chagas Disease in Underserved Communities: A Cost-Effectiveness Feasibility Study

Clinical Implications of Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Findings Among Women in Developing Nations

Prevalence of Self-Reported Acquired Cardiovascular Disease and Risk Factors Among Adolescents and Young Adults in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Other conference experiences

On August 10, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a pre-conference experience featuring sessions on cardiac rehabilitation, heart failure essentials for nurses and professional allies and optimizing research and productivity.

ACC Latin America chapter teams made up of fellows-in-training (FITs) will also compete in FIT Jeopardy, where they will be quizzed on a variety of topics ranging from imaging, prevention and interventional cardiology. The winning team will compete at the American College of Cardiology Annual Scientific Session 2024 FIT Jeopardy competition in Atlanta, Georgia, in April 2024.

Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in challenging clinical case discussions and experience hands-on training in the Interactive Learning Lab. This educational experience uses new technology to equip all members of the cardiovascular care team with high-quality continuing education. Participants can test their knowledge and sharpen their core cardiology skills with dynamic modules, NCD Academy courses and more.
How many stars would you give your plastic surgeon? An analysis of Yelp reviews identifies a wide range of surgeon-and practice-related factors that influence whether plastic surgery patients leave positive or negative reviews, reports the September issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). The journal is published in the Lippincott portfolio by Wolters Kluwer.

Our study also identifies some sources of bias that may affect patients' perceptions of their care  although the plastic surgeon's gender or race doesn't appear to affect the overall quality ratings." Brent R. DeGeorge, MD, PhD, Senior Author, University of Virginia, Charlottesville

Multiple factors affect five-star versus one-star ratings

The researchers analyzed 5,210 Yelp reviews of plastic surgery provider practices from 49 cities across the United States. Reviews were coded for the presence of positive and negative themes. Surgeon and practice-related factors associated with positive or negative ratings were identified, including the effects of the physician's race and gender.

80% of reviews included in the analysis were five-star reviews, indicating the highest level of patient satisfaction. Another 13.5% were one-star reviews, reflecting the lowest patient satisfaction. Two- to four-star ratings accounted for only about six percent of reviews.

In positive reviews, the most frequently mentioned surgeon-related factors were the surgical outcomes achieved, the physician's temperament, the physician's competency and knowledge, and physician-patient communication.

"Patients with positive experiences emphasized having results that looked natural and matched the look they had discussed with the physician prior to surgery," Dr. DeGeorge and colleagues write. "Patients felt most comfortable with physicians who gave thorough explanations of the procedures beforehand, often spending several hours over multiple consultation sessions."

Plastic surgeons can learn from online reviews to improve the patient experience

In adjusted analyses, positive physician factors associated with higher Yelp ratings were surgical outcomes, physical exam/procedures, injectable outcomes, competency and knowledge, and temperament. Negative mentions of the same factors were linked to lower Yelp ratings, along with cost consciousness.

On analysis of practice-related factors, interactions with office staff and issues related to scheduling significantly affected whether patients left positive or negative reviews. Additional negative practice-related factors included billing/insurance issues and wait times. The study "corroborates the results of past studies, which have found that practice factors such as wait time and courtesy of registration staff were correlated with a patient's likelihood to highly rate a practice," according to the authors.

Yelp ratings were not significantly associated with the physician's race or gender. While that's an encouraging finding, the researchers note some differences in both positive and negative factors related to race and gender. "Further research is needed to identify the effect of patient characteristics on their ratings and reviews of providers," Dr. DeGeorge and colleagues write.

While noting some limitations of the study  including the inherent subjectivity of online ratings  the researchers believe their analysis lends new insights into the range of physician and practice-related factors influencing patient perceptions of quality of care. Dr. DeGeorge and coauthors conclude: "Plastic surgeons can learn from patient ratings and reviews to develop initiatives to improve the patient experience and learn more about general biases held by patients as the field becomes more diverse."
Race/ethnicity is not an independent predictor of hospital readmission in patients undergoing breast reconstruction surgery, reports a study in the August issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). The journal is published in the Lippincott portfolio by Wolters Kluwer.

Among patients who have unplanned hospitalizations after breast reconstruction, costs are substantially higher for Black or Hispanic patients, according to the new research by ASPS Member Surgeon Kevin C. Chung, MD, MS, of University of Michigan and colleagues.

Our study lends new insights into healthcare disparities for an important reconstructive surgery and points to possible strategies to foster more equitable care." Dr. Kevin C. Chung, MD, MS, University of Michigan

Dr. Chung is Editor-in-Chief of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

Study looks at disparities in readmission and costs after breast reconstruction

The researchers evaluated potential racial/ethnic disparities in a sample of more than 17,000 patients who underwent breast reconstruction from 2006 to 2015. Data were drawn from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project, representing five states in four US regions.

The analysis focused on differences in unplanned emergency department visits and hospitalizations within 30 days after breast reconstruction. Differences in costs incurred during hospital readmissions were compared as well.

White patients accounted for 70% of the study sample, Black patients for 11%, Hispanic patients for 8%, and patients of "other" race/ethnicity for 11%. Rates of unplanned hospital visits were six percent for Black patients and seven percent for Hispanic patients, compared to five percent for White patients and those in "other" racial/ethnic categories.

However, after adjustment for other variables, race/ethnicity was not an independent risk factor for unplanned readmission. The presence of up to four comorbidities (other medical conditions) was a significant factor, associated with a 27% increase in readmission risk.

Non-White patients 'bear a higher cost burden' from unplanned readmissions

In contrast, non-White patients had higher costs for hospital readmission. Average costs were about $12,800 for Black patients, $12,350 for Hispanic patients, and $18,000 for patients in the "other" category, compared to $10,000 for White patients. In adjusted analyses, Black and Hispanic patients were about 35% more likely to experience an increased cost for their readmission and "other" patients about 70% more likely, compared to White patients.

"Racial disparities in postoperative plastic surgery care are well documented," Dr. Chung and colleagues write. "[H]owever, little is known about the consequences of this disparity as it related to unplanned hospital visits and associated costs." Breast reconstruction has benefits in restoring form and function in women who have undergone mastectomy for breast cancer.

"Although race is not an independent predictor of an unplanned hospital visit after surgery, racial minorities bear a higher cost burden after controlling for insurance status, further stimulating healthcare disparities," Dr. Chung and coauthors conclude. They highlight the need for further studies to determine the reasons for racial disparities in costs and what strategies can be followed to mitigate them, such as adjusted payment models. Additionally, the authors recognize the limitations of using an administrative database to study such a phenomenon and state that prospective studies are needed to better evaluate differences in cost for readmission among racial minorities.
New Alzheimers research from UVA Health suggests that enhanced light sensitivity may contribute to sundowning  the worsening of symptoms late in the day  and spur sleep disruptions thought to contribute to the diseases progression.

New research suggests that enhanced light sensitivity may play an important role in Alzheimer's disease and its progression. Image Credit: UVA Health

The new insights into the disruptions of the biological clock seen in Alzheimers could have important potential both for the development of treatments and for symptom management, the researchers say. For example, caregivers often struggle with the erratic sleep patterns caused by Alzheimers patients altered circadian rhythms, as the bodys natural daily cycle is known. Light therapy, the new research suggests, might be an effective tool to help manage that.

Further, better understanding Alzheimers effects on the biological clock could have implications for preventing the disease. Poor sleep quality in adulthood is a risk factor for Alzheimers, as our brains, at rest, naturally cleanse themselves of amyloid beta proteins that are thought to form harmful tangles in Alzheimers.

Circadian disruptions have been recognized in Alzheimer's disease for a long time, but we've never had a very good understanding of what causes them, said researcher Thaddeus Weigel, a graduate student working with Heather Ferris, MD, PhD, of the University of Virginia School of Medicines Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism. This research points to changes in light sensitivity as a new, interesting possible explanation for some of those circadian symptoms.

Understanding Alzheimers disease

Alzheimers is the most common form of dementia, affecting 50 million people around the world. Its hallmark is progressive memory loss, to the point that patients can forget their own loved ones, but there can be many other symptoms, such as restlessness, aggression, poor judgment and endless searching. These symptoms often worsen in the evening and at night.

Ferris and her collaborators used a mouse model of Alzheimers to better understand what happens to the biological clock in Alzheimers disease. They essentially gave the mice jet lag by altering their exposure to light, then examined how it affected their behavior. The Alzheimers mice reacted very differently than did regular mice.

The Alzheimers mice, the scientists found, adapted to a six-hour time change significantly more quickly than the control mice. This, the scientists suspect, is the result of a heightened sensitivity to changes in light. While our biological clocks normally take cues from light, this adjustment happens gradually  thus, jet lag when we travel great distances. Our bodies need time to adapt. But for the Alzheimers mice, this change happened abnormally fast.

The researchers initially thought this might be because of inflammation in the brain  neuroinflammation. So they looked at immune cells called microglia that have become promising targets in our efforts to develop better Alzheimers treatments. But the scientists ultimately ruled out this hypothesis, determining that microglia did not make a difference in how quickly mice adapted. (Thats not to say that targeting microglia wont be beneficial for other reasons.)

Notably, the UVA scientists also ruled out another potential culprit: mutant tau, an abnormal protein that forms tangles in the Alzheimers brain. The presence of these tangles also did not make a difference in how the mice adapted.

The researchers results ultimately suggest there is an important role for the retina in the enhanced light sensitivity in Alzheimers, and that gives researchers a promising avenue to pursue as they work to develop new ways to treat, manage and prevent the disease.

These data suggest that controlling the kind of light and the timing of the light could be key to reducing circadian disruptions in Alzheimers disease. We hope that this research will help us to develop light therapies that people can use to reduce the progression of Alzheimers disease. Heather Ferris, MD, PhD, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Virginia School of Medicine
As the UKHSA issues new essential health guidance for travelers going abroad, a leading testing expert warns of the increasing risks of European holidays. The Continental heatwave is leading to outbreaks of West Nile virus, tick-borne encephalitis and other diseases in previously unaffected countries.

Schools out and many Brits are preparing for a well-earned holiday to the Continent. For some of us, it may be the first overseas vacation we have enjoyed since the arrival of Covid. However, a leading testing expert is warning that some European holidays, far from being the relaxing break we crave should, perhaps, come with a health warning.

The heatwave Europe is now experiencing, coupled with the long-term impact of warmer conditions across the Continent, has fueled the spread of new infections into countries that have previously been unaffected. Thats because the hotter climate provides ideal conditions for disease-carrying insects such as mosquitos and ticks to spread into new areas.

Dr Avinash Hari Narayanan (MBChB), Clinical Lead at London Medical Laboratory, says: Many of us have been looking forward to our holiday abroad for months but, as the raging wildfires in Rhodes have shown, sometimes things dont go to plan.

Less dramatic, but as potentially deadly, the long-term rise in temperatures has resulted in the spread of insects carrying harmful diseases (termed vector-borne diseases) into popular holiday destinations in mainland Europe.

Its certainly timely that the UKs Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a series of Essential summer health tips for travelers going abroad. For example, the Aedes aegypti species of mosquito, which can spread diseases such as yellow fever, Zika, Dengue and West Nile virus, has now become established in Cyprus. There were over 1,130 human cases of West Nile virus and 92 deaths last year, with cases reported in Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Romania, Slovakia and Spain.

The good news is the West Nile virus is normally almost symptomless. However, people aged over 50 or with comorbidities such as cancer, diabetes or hypertension, are at risk of getting seriously ill and an infection may lead to fits, meningitis or encephalitis (swelling of the brain).

To prevent infection by mosquito-borne diseases, we advise people in affected areas to always:

use insect repellents (for example, 50% DEET).

cover exposed skin

wear long sleeves and trousers

sleep under an insecticide-treated mosquito net

Mosquitoes are not the only insect capable of causing health problems. There is also the increasing threat of diseases carried by ticks. Perhaps the most concerning of these is the tick-borne encephalitis virus. Very rare in the UK, this potentially fatal illness is increasingly common in a number of European countries and, like the West Nile virus, can lead to severe infections such as meningitis or encephalitis.

One other potential danger many of us dont consider when we travel abroad is that we may encounter plants, foods or insects weve never experienced before. This is increasingly likely as species settle in new areas of Europe that they have not previously inhabited.

You may be feeling adventurous and want to try camels milk, swordfish or thornback ray for the first time. You may be staying in an area where cypress trees, date palms or weeping figs are common, or where you might encounter a German cockroach or paper wasp. Potentially, these can all trigger allergies.

Rather than find out the hard way if you are allergic to something youve not encountered in the UK, its better to take an allergy blood test. For example, London Medical Laboratorys Allergy Complete blood test can detect 295 known allergens  substances that may trigger an allergic reaction in some people  and identify those which you are more susceptible to.

Weve looked at some potential health risks linked to a European vacation but, hopefully, weve also shown that, with a degree of preparation and some common sense, we should all be able to enjoy a healthy holiday.

For anyone concerned about their potential reaction to a sting or bite, as well as certain foods or other allergens, London Medical Laboratorys Allergy Complete is the UKs most comprehensive allergy test. It can be taken at home through the post, or at one of the many drop-in clinics that offer it across London and nationwide in over 95 selected pharmacies and health stores.
Thomas Greene had been experiencing pain in his right leg, a complication from diabetes, when doctors recommended a procedure to increase blood flow to the limb.

Retired from a career as an electrician and HVAC technician, he had an outpatient procedure in April 2021 to alleviate his pain by dilating the clogged artery using a balloon snaked into his blood vessel.

Greene, who lives in Oxford, Pennsylvania, came through the procedure without any problems, and it reduced his discomfort, said his wife, Bluizer Greene. She spoke with KFF Health News on behalf of Greene, who is recovering from other health problems.

Greene is covered by Medicare and a supplemental policy through Humana and did not expect to pay anything for the care, Bluizer said.

Then the bills came.

The Patient: Thomas Greene, 74, who is covered by original Medicare and a Medicare supplement policy sold by Humana.

Medical Service: Peripheral artery bypass surgery on Greene's right leg.

Service Provider: The operation was performed at Jennersville Hospital in West Grove, Pennsylvania, which closed in December 2021. Anesthesia services were provided by two providers who work for North American Partners in Anesthesia, which is private equity-owned and, with thousands of providers operating in 21 states, identifies itself as among the nation's largest anesthesia staffing companies.

Total Bill: For the anesthesia care, North American Partners in Anesthesia billed $2,965.58: $1,334.51 for a certified nurse anesthetist and $1,631.07 for an anesthesiologist.

What Gives: North American Partners in Anesthesia, or NAPA, pursued Greene to pay for his anesthesia care instead of billing Medicare on time, sending the debt to collections before the couple discovered the problem.

Medicare eventually received the claims from NAPA, months after the couple started receiving collection letters, Bluizer said. But Medicare denied them because they were filed late  nearly 17 months after the surgery. Humana also denied the claims.

Medicare requires providers to submit claims within a year of providing their services. And Medicare supplemental policies, like Greene's plan from Humana, generally do not pay for services if Medicare doesn't cover them, whether because Medicare has not paid its part yet or because the program denied the claim.

A year after Greene's surgery, in spring 2022, the couple opened a letter from a collection agency working on behalf of the anesthesia group. It demanded Greene pay about $3,000.

"Something has to be wrong, because this is the first time my husband has ever been asked to pay out-of-pocket and we've had the same insurance for years," Bluizer said.

She said for several months she called NAPA and the collection agency, C.tech Collections, of Mount Sinai, New York, to determine why it was billing her husband.

Greene was also contacted by the Faloni Law Group, a second organization working on behalf of NAPA to collect the debt, and Bluizer said she followed its instructions to respond by mail, disputing the debt on the grounds that it should be billed to insurance.

But her communication attempts did not resolve the issue, and she said her husband continued to receive collection notices.

Neither debt collector responded to requests for comment.

"We were angry, and it was very upsetting because we had never had a bill put into a collection agency for any of his hospitalizations, and it was money we did not feel that we owed," Bluizer said.

She said they may have received some letters from the anesthesia group in 2021 and 2022 that they discarded without opening because they believed her husband's medical bills would be covered by insurance, as the rest of his surgery bills were.

Worried about the situation, including its potential impact on their credit, the couple reached out late last year to Harold Ting, a volunteer counselor for Pennsylvania's MEDI program, which provides free assistance to Medicare beneficiaries. Medicare generally covers anesthesia services.

"This is totally unfair that a beneficiary ends up having to pay for what should be a totally covered service, when the provider is at fault," Ting said.

Two explanation of benefits statements from Humana show the insurer received claims from NAPA in April 2021, shortly after Greene's surgery. The statements said the claims could not be considered at that time, though, because Humana had not yet received Medicare EOBs for the services.

Kelli LeGaspi, a Humana spokesperson, declined to comment on Greene's case. She said a Medicare EOB  a coverage statement generated when the program processes a claim  is required for the supplement carrier to consider a claim. Without it, a claim for secondary coverage cannot be considered and is denied, she said.

Supplement plans deny claims for benefits that are denied by Medicare, she said.

"If Original Medicare declines to pay the claim, then the Medicare supplement plan is required to decline the claim as well," she said in an email.

In December 2022, a NAPA representative told Bluizer in an email that NAPA billed Medicare after the April 2021 surgery and that Medicare denied the claims in August 2021. The representative provided an account statement showing the claims were sent to collections that month.

But Bluizer said a Medicare representative told her in late 2021 that the program had received no claims from NAPA.

Greene's Medicare account shows NAPA filed claims in September 2022, about 17 months after his surgery and about five months after he received his first collection letter. Both claims were denied.

A quarterly summary notice said while the time limit for filing the claims had expired, Greene also could not be billed.

Meena Seshamani, director of the federal Center for Medicare, said in an email to KFF Health News that if a Medicare provider sends a claim a year or more after a service is provided, it is denied except in very rare circumstances.

There is no exception for provider error, she said.

A spokesperson for NAPA declined to be interviewed on the record, despite receiving a signed release waiving federal privacy protections.

Martine G. Brousse, a billing expert and founder of the patient advocacy firm AdviMedPRO, said Greene's Medicare notice should have reassured the couple that he did not owe anything, despite the several overdue-bill notices they received.

If the Medicare statement "shows a zero balance to the member, then the provider cannot legally go after the patient," said Brousse, who is not involved in Greene's case. "The patient has zero liability because it is not their fault" the provider billed Medicare a year after the surgery. "That is the end of the story."

Another mystery about the claim is why NAPA billed separately for a nurse anesthetist and an anesthesiologist. Bluizer said her husband was not told why NAPA billed individually for the two medical professionals  a practice some insurers believe constitutes double billing.

Brousse said there could be a simple explanation, such as if the nurse anesthetist started the procedure and the anesthesiologist finished it or if the company charged for the anesthesiologist to work in a supervisory role.

But the Medicare claims document shows each provider billed for the same amount of time  a little over an hour.

"As far as I can tell, this looks like two providers billed with the same 'I did the job' Medicare procedure code," she said. "Medicare cannot accept that without an explanation."

The Resolution: Unable to get answers, Ting connected Greene to the nonprofit, Pennsylvania-based Center for Advocacy for the Rights and Interests of Elders.

In March, Ariel Rabinovic, an advocate with the center, contacted NAPA on Greene's behalf and explained that federal law does not allow the group to bill Medicare patients for services Medicare does not cover. He said he was told the company would stop billing Greene.

Bluizer said the couple has not received any collection notices since then.

Rabinovic said he has seen other situations in which health providers who agree to accept Medicare try to bill patients for services Medicare does not cover, which is not allowed.

"Older folks have a lot of things going on, and dealing with this can be very confusing for them," he said. "A lot of people end up paying because they don't want to deal with it."

Greene has faced several health issues and spent time in a rehabilitation hospital this winter. His wife said she was happy the billing issue had been resolved without their having to pay anything.

The Takeaway: When a Medicare statement says the patient may not be billed anything for a health service, that's the bottom line. Don't write a check, but also don't ignore bills and collection notices, because they could ultimately hurt your credit.

Read your mail, the experts said. While Greene was not responsible for paying the anesthesia bill given that Medicare said he did not owe anything, the couple may have prevented the debt from being sent to collections if they had responded to the anesthesia group's communications and confirmed it had Greene's insurance information, Brousse said.

Keep copies of bills and insurance statements, especially Medicare EOB documents, or follow them on an online portal.

The couple was smart to reach out to advocates for help resolving the issue when they could not do so on their own, Rabinovic said.

"This is why people need to read their notices from Medicare even when it says 'This is not a bill,'" he said.

Also, when an anesthesia bill includes charges for both a nurse anesthetist and an anesthesiologist, question the charges. Many insurers will not pay for both.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services recommend beneficiaries call 800-MEDICARE with questions about their care or bills or file a complaint online.

Bill of the Month is a crowdsourced investigation by KFF Health News and NPR that dissects and explains medical bills. Do you have an interesting medical bill you want to share with us? Tell us about it!
Biofabrication or 3D bioprinting aims to create tissue constructs for numerous applications including animal free testing, drug screening and regenerative medicine. One crucial aspect of the technology is the use of suitable materials to enable the 3D printing of living cells which are called bioinks. These bio inks must support the cells and keep them alive during and after the printing process. Currently, the majority of bioinks are derived from non-human materials (animal-based i.e., collagen or gelatin). In contrast, the present IraSME research project Human bioinks for 3D printing (HU3DINKS) aims to push this field forward by developing human tissue-based bioinks for multiple 3D bioprinting technologies.

High resolution 2PP Printed structures in the presence of living cells. Image Credit: BIO INX

The most commonly applied materials in 3D bioprinting are still derived from animal sources such as gelatin or collagen. Hence, there is a huge need for animal free alternatives, not only to replace animal testing, but also to resemble processes and conditions in human tissue more closely. In this respect, synthetic polymers have also been explored, and while several of these materials are safe to use in the human body, these synthetic options are an oversimplification of the complex natural situation in vivo and dont fully bridge the gap between current in vitro tests and animal models.

The HU3DINKS project aims to overcome these limitations via the development of high-performing human tissue-based bioinks suited for different 3D bioprinting technologies including extrusion printing, and high-resolution laser-based printing. While there are already commercial human tissue-derived materials available on the market, their bioactivity and printing performance remains poor. Thus, the HU3DINKS consortium aims at converting commercially available human tissue-derived materials into bioinks, which can be printed in a straightforward manner.

Future applications of biofabrication include regeneration of human tissues and organ printing. However, while still many hurdles need to be overcome to convert these applications to clinical reality, the bioprinting technology already offers solutions in the field of animal free testing. Here, the human 3D inks can make a huge difference to make bioprinting truly animal free says Jasper Van Hoorick, CEO of BIO INX.

As a result, drugs, or cosmetics can be tested on 3D printed human tissue models, which form a better mimic of native 3D tissues in comparison to conventional 2D cell culture techniques. This approach is in line with the 3R principle of reducing, replacing, and refining animals used for scientific purposes.

To achieve this goal, especially high-resolution bioprinting based on 2-photon polymerization (2PP) can be crucial for bringing the field to the next level, as it is the only technology allowing printing at subcellular resolution, thereby making it possible to mimic the complicated microcellular architecture. It is also one of the only technologies enabling direct printing within microfluidic chips to enable straightforward drug screening.

The technology has made some tremendous advances in performance but is now mainly limited by the absence of high-performing biological materials. The HU3DINKS project can induce a paradigm shift in the field by truly mimicking the human cellular environment both in terms of architecture and composition. Markus Lunzer, Materials specialist, UpNano

The project has been granted in the framework of the international research activities by small and medium-sized enterprises (IraSME) initiative, which aims to stimulate cross-border collaborations between member countries. The HU3DINKS consortium unites partners with a unique complementary expertise from Belgium (funded by VLAIO) and Austria (funded by FFG). THT Biomaterials (Vienna, Austria) will contribute with their unique expertise on human placenta-derived materials. BIO INX (Ghent, Belgium) is expert in the field of bio ink development for multiple printing technologies and is responsible for turning the human placenta-derived materials from THT Biomaterials into ready-to-use printable formulations for different printing technologies. The project is also supported by Morphomed (Vienna, Austria) and their medical grade silk technology, and UpNano (Vienna, Austria), specialists in the development of 2PP (bio) high-resolution bio 3D printing technologies. Additionally, the Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Traumatology, (the Research Center in cooperation with AUVA) will be responsible for the biological validation of the newly developed bioinks.
The three women sitting around a table at a busy lunch spot share a grim camaraderie. It's been more than a year since an 1849 law came back into force to criminalize abortion in Wisconsin. Now these two OB-GYNs and a certified midwife find their medical training, skill, and acumen constrained by state politics.

"We didn't even know germs caused disease back then," said Kristin Lyerly, an obstetrician-gynecologist who lives in Green Bay.

Like undertakers and garbage haulers, obstetricians see the nitty-gritty of human existence that can be ghastly and grotesque. A fetus with organs growing outside its body. A woman forced to birth a baby with no skull to push open her cervix.

OB-GYN Anna Igler regularly performed abortions for medically indicated reasons before the Supreme Court overturned the right to abortion last year. She is beyond fed up.

"I'm at a different level with it now," she said. "Part of me is so upset at people for sticking their head in the sand." With her world inside a Green Bay hospital in turmoil, she said, she cannot fathom that people might be oblivious to the government's incursion into their medical care. "So many people I've talked to have no idea what our laws are in our state."

Even now, a year later, Igler said, expectant parents come into her office with the assumption that if their fetus has a lethal genetic disorder, like anencephaly or trisomy 13 or 18, they can end the pregnancy safely.

"They are shocked when I tell them they can't," Igler said, "and they are shocked when I tell them we are following the law from 1849."

She was referring to the state's original abortion law, which was passed before the Civil War, when women could not vote or own property. The law makes it a felony to perform an abortion at any stage of pregnancy, unless it would prevent the death of the pregnant person.

It had been some time since these women were together, and they were eager to compare notes. The certified midwife spoke on the condition of anonymity because she's not authorized to talk to the media and is concerned about losing her job at a local health system. "My biggest issue right now is getting medication to end a pregnancy that has already passed," she said. "I'm finding locally that pharmacists just won't dispense the medication."

She offered a rundown: One pharmacist told her patient that misoprostol, a drug that causes cramping to expel the pregnancy tissue, had expired. Another, at a Walgreens, simply canceled the order. A third said he needed preauthorization, noting, "It's a $3 pill, and we're not going to get preauthorization on a weekend."

The midwife said she and physician colleagues in her practice have half-joked that they'd send a gift basket to one pharmacist in town she'd found who will fill their prescriptions for abortion pills.

Now, when a patient miscarries, the midwife said, "we warn patients that this might happen, and they are like, 'But my baby is dead,' and I tell them, 'I'm sorry. I don't know why, but a lot of pharmacists in Green Bay think it's their job to police this.'"

A year into this new era of compulsory birth for most women with pregnancies, the dismay and disorientation of those first few months have settled into, if not acceptance or resignation, a kind of chronic fear. Obstetricians and gynecologists are fearful of practicing medicine as they were trained.

A recent survey by KFF pollsters of OB-GYNS in states with abortion bans found 40% felt constrained in treating patients for miscarriages or other pregnancy-related medical emergencies since the Supreme Court's Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization decision last summer. Nearly half of them said their ability to practice standard medical care has become worse.

The specter of felony charges and losing a medical license has led to futile exercises.

Under the Wisconsin abortion ban  and bans in at least 13 other states  physicians who cannot detect fetal cardiac activity should, in theory, not face criminal charges for prescribing pills for a medication abortion or performing abortions. But physicians here in Green Bay, and others interviewed in Madison, said they  and the litigation-averse hospitals they work for  are requiring patients whose pregnancies are no longer viable, or who have gestational sacs that do not contain an embryo, to return for multiple ultrasounds, forcing them to carry nonviable pregnancies for weeks.

Before Wisconsin's abortion ban, Igler would typically use the ultrasound machine in her office to detect when a patient's pregnancy had ceased. She would break the news to expectant parents there. In some cases, a patient wanted further ultrasounds and she would refer them to the fetal-imaging department. It might help with their grieving, and "I was happy to do that for them," Igler said.

But her bedside ultrasound can't record and save the images that Igler would now need to prove that her medical judgment was reasonable during a criminal prosecution, so she is compelled to send all her patients for additional imaging.

"It seems cruel to show a woman her nonviable, dead baby and then say, 'Well, now I have to bring you over to fetal imaging so we can record a picture and you have to see it again,'" she said.

In March, Rep. Ron Tusler, a Republican who represents a rural swath of Wisconsin south of Green Bay, posted on Facebook, "Thank God for the Dobbs decision!" In response, a local resident asked, "If my non-verbal, non-ambulatory 14-year-old daughter is assaulted, should she be forced to carry?"

The exchange escalated into a confrontation. "Is her health jeopardized?" Tusler asked. "Is she unable to leave the state? Can she provide consent?"

In the torrent of vitriol, certain moments stand out. Igler was incensed at the callous response and jumped in, writing: "Are you a monster, Ron Tusler? Do you know what compassion is? Come the next election, you will feel the backlash of your inhumane and outdated views. Get your hands off women's bodies and out of the exam room. I'm an obstetrician. I'm the expert, not you."

Tusler shot back that Igler was "angry she can't kill babies until and occasionally after birth and asked whether I'm a monster for stopping her." He wrote, "Honestly, how many babies have you aborted? How much money have you made from it? Did your hospital harvest the bodies for stem cells?"

The lunchtime rush at the restaurant in Green Bay had eased, and the women stared at the Facebook post on Igler's phone.

She shook her head in baffled amusement. "This doesn't even make sense," she said. "It's a conspiracy theory. I make so much more money if people actually have their babies. And if I don't give out birth control, I would make a lot more money."

Those sitting at the table laughed at the absurdity.

The salad bowls were empty. Everyone had told their own abortion stories. Igler was forced to travel to Colorado after her baby, at 25 weeks, was ravaged by a viral infection; Lyerly had lost a pregnancy at 17 weeks and did not want to endure the trauma of a vaginal birth.

Some 22 million women living today have had an abortion. It doesn't take much effort to find a few of them.

Igler has found a community of women to grieve with, in a Facebook group called "Ending a Wanted Pregnancy." There are an untold number of other online groups.

"Politicians would like to believe we live in a perfect world where these things don't happen," she said.

The Wisconsin Legislature is one of the most gerrymandered in the country, according to Princeton University's Gerrymandering Project. Republicans hold a majority in the state Senate and Assembly, and last month Senate Republicans voted unanimously to keep the 1849 abortion ban.

But a judicial alternative to restoring abortion rights has begun to unfold. In April, Janet Protasiewicz, an abortion rights supporter promoted by Democrats, won a seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court, giving liberal justices a narrow majority and opening a path for a ruling on the legitimacy of the 1849 law. On July 7, a Circuit Court judge in Dane County, Diane Schlipper, appeared to doubt the validity of the pre-Civil War-era ban, allowing a lawsuit by Attorney General Josh Kaul, a Democrat, to proceed.

For now, Lyerly is driving across the border to work in rural Minnesota. "I want to practice medicine here," she said, "but first we have to get rid of this law."
People without Medicare can now access government-funded HIV treatment, after a $39 million investment from the federal government.

Image Credit: ASHM

Under the new funding model, people with HIV without Medicare will access free or subsidized treatment from hospital pharmacies or sexual health clinics, depending on which state or territory they live in.

Previously, people with HIV without Medicare accessed treatment through an industry-sponsored compassionate access scheme.

To ensure medical professionals understand what these changes mean and how to provide accurate information and advice to clients, ASHM has released state-specific webinars and online resources on these new protocols.

ASHM CEO Alexis Apostolellis said that its crucial we equip doctors, nurses, pharmacists, community health workers and sexual health workers with the information they need to realize these significant changes.

These new arrangements will increase access to treatment for hundreds of people with HIV in Australia a significant step towards achieving Australias goal of ending HIV transmission by 2030. To seamlessly and effectively implement these changes, we need to make sure medical professionals are aware of them  so they clearly understand what this means for their clients. Alexis Apostolellis, CEO, ASHM

Greater access to treatment for people with HIV in Australia without Medicare will improve health outcomes for individuals, while decreasing transmission of HIV, and working towards the goal of ending HIV transmission by 2030.

All Australian states and territories have now signed on to the new scheme.
Originally, the powerhouses of higher cells, the mitochondria, were independent organisms. Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt have investigated to what extent their metabolism has blended with that of their host cells in the course of evolution, using the example of a mitochondrial stress response. They have discovered that mitochondria send two different biochemical signals. These are processed together in the cell and trigger a support mechanism to restore cellular balance (homeostasis). The work was partly done within the ENABLE cluster initiative (now EMTHERA) at Goethe University Frankfurt.

As life propagated across Earth in the form of the widest variety of single-celled organisms, sometime between 3.5 and a billion years ago one such organism managed an evolutionary coup: Instead of devouring and digesting bacteria, it encapsulated its prey and used it as a source of energy. As a host cell, it offered protection and nutrition in return. This is referred to as the endosymbiotic theory, according to which that single-celled organism was the primordial mother of all higher cells, out of which all animals, fungi and plants developed. Over the course of billions of years, the encapsulated bacterium became the cell's powerhouse, the mitochondrion, which supplies it with the cellular energy currency ATP. It lost a large part of its genetic material  its DNA  and exchanged smaller DNA segments with the mother cell. However, now as in the past, mitochondria divide independently of the cell and possess some genes of their own.

How closely the cell and the mitochondrion work together in human cells today is what a team of researchers led by Dr. Christian Munch of Goethe University Frankfurt is investigating. They have now discovered how the mitochondrion calls for help from the cell when it is under stress. Triggers for such stress can be infections, inflammatory diseases or genetic disorders, for example, but also nutrient deficiencies or cell toxins.

A certain type of mitochondrial stress is caused by misfolded proteins that are not quickly degraded and accumulate in the mitochondrion. The consequences for both the mitochondrion and the cell are dramatic: Misfolded proteins can, for example, disrupt energy production or lead to the formation of larger amounts of reactive oxygen compounds, which attack the mitochondrial DNA and generate further misfolded proteins. In addition, misfolded proteins can destabilize the mitochondrial membranes, releasing signal substances from the mitochondrion that activate apoptosis, the cell's self-destruction program.

The mitochondrion responds to the stress by producing more chaperones (folding assistants) to fold the proteins in order to reduce the misfolding, as well as protein shredding units that degrade the misfolded proteins. Until now, how cells trigger this protective mechanism was unknown.

The researchers from Goethe University Frankfurt artificially triggered misfolding stress in the mitochondria of cultured human cells and analyzed the result. "What makes it difficult to unravel such signaling processes," explains Munch, himself a biochemist, "is that an incredibly large number take place simultaneously and at high speed in the cell." The research team therefore availed itself of methods (transcriptome analyses) that can be used to measure over time to what extent genes are transcribed. In addition, the researchers observed, among other things, which proteins bind to each other at which point in time, at which intervals the concentrations of intracellular substances change, and what effects there are when individual proteins are systematically deactivated.

The result is that the mitochondria send two chemical signals to the cell when protein misfolding stress occurs: They release reactive oxygen compounds and block the import of protein precursors, which are produced in the cell and are only folded into their functional shape inside the mitochondrion, causing these precursors to accumulate in the cell. Among other things, the reactive oxygen compounds lead to chemical changes in a protein called DNAJA1. Normally, DNAJA1 supports a specific chaperone (folding assistant) in the cell, which molds the cell's newly formed proteins into the correct shape.

As a consequence of the chemical change, DNAJA1 now increasingly forces itself on the folding assistant HSP70 as its helper. HSP70 then takes special care of the misfolded protein precursors that accumulate around the mitochondrion because of the blocked protein import. By doing so, HSP70 reduces its interaction with its regular partner HSF1. HSF1 is now released and can migrate into the cell nucleus, where it can trigger the anti-stress mechanism for the mitochondrion.

It was very exciting to discover how the two mitochondrial stress signals are combined into one signal in the cell, which then triggers the cell's response to mitochondrial stress. Moreover, in this complex process, which is essentially driven by tiny local changes in concentration, the stress signaling pathways of the cell and the mitochondrion dovetail very elegantly with each other  like the cogs in a clockwork." Dr. Christian Munch, biochemist, Goethe University Frankfurt
Construction workers, airport baggage handlers, letter carriers, and other outdoor workers  many of whom traveled to Washington, D.C., from Texas  gathered at the steps of the Capitol on Tuesday. They were joined by labor organizers and lawmakers for what was billed as "a vigil and thirst strike" to protest a law Texas Gov. Greg Abbott recently signed, which, as a downstream consequence, eliminates mandated water breaks for construction workers.

The Republican governor signed House Bill 2127  known as the Texas Regulatory Consistency Act but dubbed the "Death Star" by critics  the same month the state saw at least 13 heat-related deaths amid a scorching heat wave that's on track to break records.

The measure, heavily backed by business and building sectors, was designed to replace "the regulatory patchwork" of county and municipal rules across the state "with a single set of predictable, consistent regulations," according to a fact sheet circulated by its supporters. That means cities would no longer have the authority to enforce local ordinances related to agriculture, natural resources, finance, and labor; and local protections against extreme heat, such as water break requirements, would be rolled back.

The group of about three dozen people stood in the early-afternoon sun and held signs that read "Working Shouldn't Be a Death Sentence," "Water Breaks = Basic Right," and "People Over Profits," sweating and squinting. In the nation's capital, the heat index had already reached 91 degrees. But protesters were focused on the plight of employees working in their even-hotter home state, where the thermostat had been reaching triple digits.

Rep. Greg Casar (D-Texas), who organized this week's protest, joined more than 100 other U.S. legislators in signing a letter urging acting Labor Secretary Julie Su to continue the development and implementation of federal standards for rest and water breaks to prevent occupational heat illness and death.

Casar, along with others in the group, including members of San Juan, Texas-based La Union del Pueblo Entero and civil rights activist Dolores Huerta, didn't eat or drink from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., both to push for national action to reverse Abbott's law and as a sign of solidarity with Texas employees, especially those who work outside.

"A basic thing like the right to a water break, a basic thing like being able to go to work and know that working is not a death sentence, is the baseline of what our democracy should be able to do," Casar said, with sweat dripping from his forehead.

Huerta, 93, who worked alongside the legendary labor activist Cesar Chavez to create organizations like La Union, reminded the crowd that in the 1960s farmworkers in California went on strike to protest poor and dangerous working conditions, including the lack of job security, bathroom access, and water during the day.

"This is such a cruel thing," Huerta said.

A steady stream of lawmakers came by to express support for the rally, including House Minority Leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries of New York and well-known progressives like Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), and other members of "The Squad," a small group of liberal House Democrats. And from California, another state in the midst of a heat wave, Democratic Reps. Katie Porter, who is running for the Senate, and Ro Khanna also made appearances. California is among those states that have rules in place to protect workers from extreme heat.

Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-Texas) was in attendance and challenged Abbott to spend a day without water. "One day in the governor's mansion, the air-conditioned governor's mansion, without water," he said. "Or better yet, one day with the folks who are out in the fields, the folks who are out on top of roofs, the folks who are at construction sites."

At the front of the crowd were Jasmine and Daisy Granillo, younger sisters of Roendy Granillo, a construction worker of Fort Worth, Texas, who died in July 2015 from heat exhaustion. He was 25 and was installing hardwood flooring in a house without ventilation. The temperature was in the high 90s, he was wearing extra layers of protection because of the chemicals in the wood, and his request for a water break was denied. "My parents were told that his organs were cooked from the inside," Jasmine said.

On the day Roendy passed away, he told his sisters he would take them to the flea market when he came home from work. He didn't come home. They're now committed to making sure others don't suffer from heat exhaustion as he did. "I know that a simple water break, a simple water break, could have prevented his death," Jasmine told KFF Health News.

This is the second time Jasmine and her family have rallied for water breaks for outdoor workers. After her brother died, she and others pushed the Dallas City Council in 2015 to pass an ordinance establishing 10-minute rest breaks every four hours for construction workers. In 2010, Austin passed its own such rule. Abbott's law, set to take effect Sept. 1, will dissolve those ordinances and prohibit local governments from passing similar ones.

The protesters gathered at the Capitol steps also said they worried that corporate interests would try to block the national rule from seeing the light of day. "They delay them as long as they can until they die a slow death, and we're here today to make sure that doesn't happen," Casar said.

Taylor Critendon, a registered nurse who specializes in critical care at Ascension Seton Medical Center in Austin, attended the event to monitor the congressman's vitals and keep an eye on the group's well-being. She said she has been treating more patients because of heat exhaustion than before. "It's definitely taking a toll on our community," she said.

She emphasized that not drinking enough water while outside in hot temperatures can cause someone's heart rate to rise and blood pressure to drop. Often, patients start to feel weak and faint and lose blood flow, she said, referencing the body's internal mechanism to cool itself down. People shouldn't wait to experience these symptoms before drinking water.

"When you're thirsty, then you're already farther down the line of dehydration," Critendon said, explaining why outside workers need regular water breaks. "You can't really wait until your body says, 'Oh, I'm thirsty,' because by that time it's already late."

Tania Chavez Camacho, president and executive director of La Union del Pueblo Entero, also participated in the daylong hunger and thirst strike. The union has historically protected the rights of migrant farmworkers in South Texas but has more recently expanded to include others, such as construction workers.

"We've been here for just about an hour," she said. "We're sweating" and "it's really, really hot," she added. "Can you imagine what it is like for construction workers every single day?"
University Hospitals (UH) has received numerous American Heart Association/American Stroke Association Get With The Guidelines - Stroke achievement awards for demonstrating commitment to following the latest, research-based guidelines for the treatment of stroke, ultimately leading to more lives saved, shorter recovery times and fewer readmissions to the hospital.

Stroke is a leading cause of adult disability and the No. 5 cause of death in the nation. Every 40 seconds, someone in the U.S. suffers from a stroke. Studies show patients can recover better when providers consistently follow treatment guidelines.

University Hospitals is committed to improving care by adhering to the latest treatment guidelines and streamlining processes to ensure timely and proper care for patients with stroke. The Get With The Guidelines program makes it easier for our teams to put proven knowledge and guidelines to work daily, which helps us ensure more people in Cleveland and surrounding areas can live longer, healthier lives. We are proud to be recognized for our efforts this year, and are especially proud of our rural hospitals who have made it a goal to ensure certain hurdles, like transportation times and staffing, do not affect the standard of care our patients receive." Cathy Sila, MD, Chair of the Department of Neurology at University Hospitals and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, and the Gilbert W. Humphrey Endowed Professor of Neurology

The awards recognize hospitals that demonstrate at least 85 percent compliance in each of the seven Get With The Guidelines- Stroke Achievement Measures. Tier levels are determined by the length of demonstrated performance.

The following UH hospitals received these American Heart Association levels of achievement this year:

Get With The Guidelines  Stroke Gold Plus and Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite Plus

Gold recognizes performance of 24 consecutive months or more. Gold Plus awards are advanced levels of recognition acknowledging hospitals for consistent compliance with quality measures. Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite Plus recognizes 75% of applicable patients experiencing door-to-needle times of 45 minutes or less, and 50% of applicable patients experiencing door-to-needle times of 30 minutes or less. (Door-to-needle times refer to the time between hospital arrival and intravenous thrombolytic therapy (IVT) administration.)

UH Cleveland Medical Center

UH Portage Medical Center

Get With The Guidelines  Stroke Gold Plus and Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite

85% of applicable patients experiencing door to needle times of 60 minutes or less

UH Ahuja Medical Center

UH Lake Health Medical Centers

UH Parma Medical Center

UH Samaritan Medical Center

Southwest General Hospital (a joint-venture hospital)

UH St. John Medical Center

Get With The Guidelines  Stroke Gold Plus and Target: Stroke Honor Roll

75% of applicable patients experiencing door to needle times of 60 minutes or less

UH Geauga Medical Center, a campus of UH Regional Hospitals

Western Reserve Hospital (a joint-venture hospital)

Get With The Guidelines  Stroke Gold Plus

UH Elyria Medical Center

UH Geneva Medical Center

Get with The Guidelines  Stroke Silver Plus

Silver recognizes performance of 12 consecutive months or more. Silver Plus awards are advanced levels of recognition acknowledging hospitals for consistent compliance with quality measures.

UH Conneaut Medical Center

Get With The Guidelines  Rural Stroke Bronze (new award category this year)

This award recognizes hospitals for their efforts toward acute stroke care excellence demonstrated by composite score compliance to guideline-directed care for intravenous thrombolytic therapy, timely hospital inter-facility transfer, dysphagia screening, symptom timeline and deficit assessment documentation, emergency medical services communication, brain imaging and stroke expert consultation.

UH Conneaut Medical Center

UH Geneva Medical Center

UH Samaritan Medical Center

UH Ahuja, Cleveland, Elyria, Geauga, Geneva, Parma, Portage, Samaritan, and St. John medical centers, as well as Southwest General Health Center and Western Reserve Hospital received Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll awards. These awards recognize hospitals for providing the most up-to-date, evidence-based care for patients with type 2 diabetes who are hospitalized with heart failure, heart attack or stroke.

"We are pleased to recognize University Hospitals for their commitment to caring for those in their community who need cardiovascular care," said John Warner, MD, FAHA, past president of the American Heart Association and CEO of The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. "Hospitals that follow the American Heart Association's quality improvement protocols often see improved patient outcomes, fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates -; a win for healthcare systems, families and communities."
Mr Lee (fifth left) and the Minister of Transport of Malaysia Loke Siew Fook (fifth right) attend a business lunch with representatives of various enterprises and institutions.

Chief Executive John Lee said today his visit to three countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) had brought achievements in five areas, including building friendship with the leaders of Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia.

At a media session in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia this afternoon, Mr Lee said the first area of achievement was that he had built friendship and communication with the leaders of the three countries, while also establishing communication with the Secretary-General of ASEAN.

He said: I attach great importance to Hong Kongs relationship with ASEAN member states and that is one of the key purposes of our visit this week. I am very pleased and satisfied that the leaders of the three countries that we have visited, all attach similar importance to our visit and we have started a very good dialogue and built up our friendship.

Mr Lee said the second area of achievement was represented by the 33 memoranda of understanding (MOUs) and agreements signed with different organisations in the three countries over the past week.

The number of MOUs and agreements signed was higher than on similar trips in the past and covered areas such as trade and commerce, investment and finance, as well innovation and technology, logistics, academic research and cultural exchange. Mr Lee said that the agreements signified that the importance accorded to Hong Kong in the three countries far exceeded expectations.

A third achievement, he noted, was that Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia had reaffirmed their support to Hong Kong's accession to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

With the support of the 10 member countries of ASEAN for Hong Kong to get into the RCEP as a member, we feel, of course, very happy and grateful for their support, he said.

The Chief Executive added: We do think that Hong Kong can contribute to the overall value creation of the region once we have become a member because Hong Kong is a free economy (and) we have a lot of strengths and professional services that we can offer to regional co-operation.

The fourth achievement hailed by Mr Lee was that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and the Government of Singapore have agreed to reconvene a civil service exchange programme that was suspended due to the pandemic.

Finally, he said the Government of Malaysias extension of visa-free entry to the country for Hong Kong SAR passport holders from one month to 90 days, was a fifth achievement.

The Chief Executive and the Hong Kong SAR delegation he is leading continued their ASEAN visit in Malaysia today.

After having breakfast at a local hawker centre this morning, Mr Lee and the delegation visited a major Malaysian conglomerate, Berjaya Corporation Berhad, to better understand its diverse operations, including the development of its retail business in Hong Kong. Mr Lee encouraged the corporation to use Hong Kong to tap into the Greater Bay Area market.

At noon, Mr Lee attended a business lunch jointly organised by the Hong Kong SAR Government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council.

Addressing attendees, Mr Lee said Hong Kong is bestowed with unique advantages under one country, two systems, meaning it enjoys both strong support from the motherland and close connections with other parts of the world. He added that he looked forward to more enterprises in Malaysia and the ASEAN region coming to Hong Kong to explore business opportunities.

Enterprises and institutions from Hong Kong and Malaysia signed 11 MOUs and agreements.

Mr Lee then visited another Malaysian conglomerate, Sunway Group, taking a tour of its medical and elderly facilities. He explained the Hong Kong SAR Government's latest policies and measures to attracting talent and enterprises, and encouraged the group to expand its investment and trade in Hong Kong.

Mr Lee and the delegation will return to Hong Kong tomorrow.
Yashar Latifov has been dismissed from the post of Vice-President of the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR).

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed a relevant decree in this regard.

This decree comes into force from the date of its signing.
Over 70 per cent of construction in Delhi is unauthorised where no clearances are taken, which unfortunately leads to accidents including fire, said Delhi Fire Services Director Atul Garg while highlighting the need for the adoption of new technology for the construction of new buildings to ensure safety.

He was speaking at the CII Delhi Interactive Session with RERA-Delhi and Delhi Fire Services in New Delhi.

Speaking at the same event, RERA-Delhi Chairman Anand Kumar addressed various concerns of the real estate industry and assured registration of projects within 15 days of receiving the required documents. He also announced to release RERA guidelines soon and invited inputs from the real estate community for the same.

Kumar emphasised the significance of transparency and collaboration in fuelling Delhis real estate growth.

The real estate industry has long been facing challenges because of the multiplicity of agencies as well as delayed registrations in Delhi," said Harsh Vardhan Bansal, who is the chairman of the sub-committee (infrastructure, real estate and urban development) of CII Delhi and co-founder of Unity Group.

He highlighted the challenges faced by the sector, particularly regarding RERA regulations on common areas, usage of funds, the extension of project duration in force majeure, etc, and fire safety clearances.

Highlighting the ban on construction in anticipation of poor air quality under the revised GRAP guidelines, he said that there are a number of non-polluting activities in construction like plumbing, electrification, furniture & fittings. He requested RERAs support to secure permission for it. He also requested for exemption of RERA-registered project from the ban under GRAP guidelines just like the public interest projects as it involves public money.

Anand Kumar, chairman of the RERA-Delhi, said some developers are currently announcing selling farmhouses built on 1 acre on the proposed policy under MPD 2041, which is completely illegit. The farmhouses in Delhi are identified to be in low-density areas which currently have no clearance from DDA, and the industry must be careful in making such commitments.

Kumar announced to release RERA guidelines soon and invited inputs from the real estate community, furthering RERAs focus on continuous improvement. He concluded stating RERA was established to bridge the trust deficit between the five major stakeholders builders, agents, buyers, planners, and regulators and all of them need to work together for a sustainable, and conducive environment.

He highlighted the need of creating awareness through sessions and campaigns on RERA regulations which are drawn for the benefit of all.

Atul Garg, director of Delhi Fire Services, highlighted the need for the adoption of new technology in the construction of new projects and building to ensure fire safety. He shared that in Delhi over 70 per cent of construction is unauthorised where no clearances are taken, which unfortunately leads to accidents including fire.

He also said that in the last 15 years not even a single casualty has happened in buildings cleared by the Delhi Fire Service department.

Garg said Delhi Fire Services is currently reviewing the limit of high-rise buildings in line with other states in India and is open to taking suggestions. He also highlighted that the department is also exploring new innovations and best practices in countries like Singapore and Dubai.

The CII event was attended by promoters, senior leaders and legal heads of various real estate and urban development entities.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said technology firms will be given a 50 per cent financial assistance for setting up semiconductor manufacturing facility in the country, announcing that the government has rolled out the red carpet for semiconductor industries. Speaking after inaugurating Semicon India 2023 conference in Gandhinagar, Modi said India is establishing an entire ecosystem for the semiconductor industry to grow in the country.

We were offering incentives as part of the Semicon India programme. It has been increased, and now technology firms will get 50 per cent financial assistance to set up semiconductor manufacturing facilities in India," Modi said adding that the semiconductor industry will witness exponential growth in India.

A year ago, people used to ask why should they invest in the Indian semiconductor sector. Now, after one year, they ask why not invest in India, he added. India is becoming a grand conductor for investments in the semiconductor sector, Modi said.

The world needs a trusted and reliable chip supply chain, he said. Modi said 300 colleges in India have been identified for starting courses on semiconductor design.

Every industrial revolution that the world witnessed was driven by aspirations of people at different times, Modi said, adding he believes the fourth industrial revolution being witnessed now is driven by Indias aspirations. The Semicon India 2023 highlights investment opportunities in Indias semiconductor sector.

He said that in 2014, Indias electronics production was less than $30 billion. Today, it has crossed $100 billion. Within the past two years, Indias electronic exports have risen more than twice.

Mobile phone exports from India have also doubled, he said. The country that once was an importer of mobile phones is now making one of the best mobile phones in the world and exporting them."

(With PTI Inputs)
Stocks to Watch on July 28: Nifty futures traded 34 points, or 0.17 per cent, higher at 19,798, signaling that Dalal Street was headed for a positive start on Friday. Heres a slew of stocks that will be in focus today for various reasons.

Q1 results today: Marico, Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services, Indian Oil Corporation, Exide Industries, Equitas Small Finance Bank, United Breweries, RITES, SBI Cards, among others.

Cipla: In one of the largest potential transactions this year, private-equity majors Blackstone and Baring have initiated talks with the Hamied family, the promoters of pharmaceutical firm Cipla, to acquire up to 20 per cent in the company. The family owns 33.47 per cent and may become minority owners if the talks succeed, said a source close to the development.

Adani group shares: Barclays, Deutsche Bank AG and Standard Chartered are in talks to lend between $600 million and $750 million collectively to the Adani group, as part of discussions to refinance the debt taken to fund its purchase of Ambuja Cements, reported Bloomberg. READ

Adani New Industries, an arm of Adani Enterprises, on Thursday, raised $394 million (Rs 3,231 crore) from Barclays PLC and Deutsche Bank AG. The proceeds will be used to secure the working capital requirements for its integrated solar module manufacturing facility.

Bharti Airtel: Despite a 10 per cent increase in revenue, telecom provider Airtel Africa announced a net loss of $151 million in the first quarter (April-June) of FY24 on Thursday. This compares to a profit of $178 million in the same quarter of the previous year. In the quarter immediately preceding Q1 FY24, the company reported a net profit of $227 million.

ACC: The Adani Group-promoted cement company reported a twofold rise in profit for Q1FY24 backed by strong volume growth of 23 per cent. ACC reported a consolidated profit of Rs 466.14 crore, a significant increase of 105 per cent compared to the year-ago quarter. Revenue from operations for the company rose by 16.4 per cent year-on-year (yoy) to Rs 5,201.11 crore.

Indus Towers: Telecom infrastructure company Indus Towers posted a consolidated net profit of Rs 1347.9 crore in the first quarter (April-June) of FY24, 182 per cent higher year-on-year than the Rs 477 crore posted in Q4FY23. However, on a sequential basis, net profit fell 3.6 per cent from the Rs1,399 crore posted in Q4 FY23. Revenue from operations also rose 3 per cent to Rs 7,076 crore from Rs 6,897 crore in Q4FY23.

BEL: Bharat Electronics has reported a 23 per cent YoY rise in net profit to Rs 531 crore for the quarter ended June. Revenue from operations came in at Rs 3,446.69 crore for the quarter as compared to Rs 3,063.58 crore a year ago.

RailTel: RailTel has posted a net profit of Rs 38.4 crore for the first quarter from Rs 25.9 crore a year ago. The companys revenue rose to Rs 467.6 crore from Rs 376.9 crore in the same quarter last year.

Lupin: The drug maker has addressed the concerns raised in the warning letter by the U.S. FDA for its Goa and Pithampur facilities through its corrective actions.

Indian Hotels: The Tata Group hospitality firm on Thursday reported a 30.5 per cent rise in consolidated net profit at Rs 236.01 crore for Q1FY24. Consolidated revenue from operations was at Rs 1,466.37 crore during the quarter as compared to Rs 1,266.07 crore in the year-ago period.

Further, the company or one of its subsidiaries will purchase 100 per cent equity in Pamodzi Hotels PLC, a listed company in Zambia, from Tata International Singapore PTE Ltd. It will buy 90 per cent of Tatas stake while acquiring the remaining 10 per cent through the delisting process in Zambia.

JK Lakshmi Cement: The company has acquired a 100 per cent stake in Hidrive Developers and Industries for Rs 16.33 crore in cash. It has also agreed to raise up to Rs 2,500 crore through debt to partly finance its ongoing projects and for various growth opportunities.

Rail Vikas Nigam: The government has agreed to exercise the green shoe option in Rail Vikas Nigams offer for sale. It will divest an additional 1.96 per cent stake in Rail Vikas Nigam under its green shoe option.

Ipca Laboratories: The Competition Commission of India has approved Ipca Laboratories proposal to acquire a controlling stake in Unichem Laboratories.

Sterlite Technologies: Optical and digital solutions companyposted a 156 per cent higher profit after tax of Rs 46 crore in the first quarter (April-June) of FY24, up from Rs 18 crore in Q4FY23. The companys revenue rose 2 per cent to Rs 1,522 crore in Q1FY24, up from Rs 1,487 crore.

Welspun Enterprises: The company has signed a share purchase agreement with Authum Investment & Infrastructure, Sansaar Housing Finance, and Michigan Engineers to acquire a 50.10 per cent stake in Michigan Engineers for Rs 137.07 crore in cash.
A PhD student from Central University of Rajasthan (CURAJ) died by suicide on Wednesday night. The 29-year-old research scholar named Phunstog Dolma, who hailed from Ladakh, was found hanging in her hostel room. As per reports, the PhD scholar had joined the university in 2019.

The incident has sparked protests on the campus. Several students are organising a dharna outside the administrative block of the university. Taking to social media, several students demanded a fair probe into the matter. We demand that the university promptly establish a 247 medical assistance facility on campus, ensuring comprehensive healthcare for all students. And a Proper Investigation in this matter," wrote one Twitter users.

Also read| Highest Student Suicide Cases at IITs from 2018-2023, Rajya Sabha Told; Most Such Deaths Reported Last Year

Others blamed the university administration for the incident. A girl committed suicide in Central University of Rajasthan. Administration is dead," wrote one user. While another said, The blatant medical negligence displayed is truly alarming, reflecting a complete disregard for the well-being of the university community. Today, we mourn the loss of Dolma, and we fear for who may be next. It is our collective responsibility to address this pressing issue."

Already 12 HR done but No Action taken by Curaj administration , Suicide case in @CURajasthanA PhD scholar commited suicide Oxygen unavailability - the girl struggled for 1 hour before taking her last breath. @rashtrapatibhvn@EduMinOfIndia@ugc_india#curaj_suicide #SOSCURAJ pic.twitter.com/NKZ7xCZJ4s PRASHANT KAUSHIK (@physiqoprashant) July 27, 2023

The blatant medical negligence displayed is truly alarming, reflecting a complete disregard for the well-being of the university community. Today, we mourn the loss of Dolma, and we fear for who may be next.It is our collective responsibility to address this pressing issue. shafeekali cholakkal (@shafeekalichol4) July 27, 2023

We demand that the university promptly establish a 247 medical assistance facility on campus, ensuring comprehensive healthcare for all students. And a Proper Investigation in this matter. shafeekali cholakkal (@shafeekalichol4) July 27, 2023

The university has also postponed events scheduled on the occasion of the third anniversary of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Due to some unavoidable circumstances, event proposed on the occasion of third anniversary of National Education Policy is postponed till further notice," tweeted the varsity. (sic)

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)
Studying abroad can be financially challenging for many meritorious students who often opt out due to the expensive course fee, visa charges, accommodation and food expenses. Therefore, scholarships help many to pursue their dreams. News18 Scholarship Guide brings the best and most prestigious grants for Indian students to study in Australia, with most of them covering flight tickets, accommodation and course fee; and some also providing stipend.

With nearly 48 hours of work rights per fortnight, post-study work visa, a large Indian population, strong bilateral ties, and high-quality education make Australia one of the top choices for Indian students to study abroad. Studying in Australia, however, is quite expensive. No wonders, the land Down Under offers a wide range of scholarships to ease-off financial burden from international students such as covering the entire or partial fee, expand opportunities for students from different regions.

For most of the scholarships in Australia, there are no qualifying exams, thus, a candidate is selected based on merit including academic and co-curricular activities.

There are two types of scholarships available for Indian students in Australia. While the government scholarships are majorly based on need and merit, there are also college-based grants, which, however, require an acceptance letter. The percentage of university-based scholarships is hardly 100% and are given those who demonstrate leadership skills and well-rounded personality and not just based on academic merit, Ankur Dhawan, President, upGrad Abroad.

Here are some of the scholarships that can help fulfil your Australia dream.

Destination Australia Scholarship

The University of Queensland offers scholarship to international students to pursue graduation and post-graduation. Students who have excellent academic record, work experience, or have financial constraints and are from rural or remote background will be preferred.

Who can apply: International students interested in studying UG, PG courses in agriculture and animal sciences, science and mathematics can apply for the scholarship. Students need to have an offer study from the university.

Selection Procedure: Students will be shortlisted based on their application form and personal statement. Academic merit, personal statement, and eligibility will be considered while shortlisting.

Where to apply: https://scholarships.uq.edu.au/scholarship/destination-australia-scholarship-international-students

ASO READ: Scholarship Guide | Top 8 Govt & University Grants That Will Help Fulfil Your Dream to Study in US

Vice Chancellors International MBBS

The University of Sydney offers a scholarship up to $40,000 to support high achieving international students to pursue MBBS in Australia.

Who can apply: International students, who have applied for a CRICOS-registered bachelor coursework degree and have received an unconditional offer, are eligible for the scholarship.

Selection Procedure: The scholarship will be awarded on the basis of academic merit, and the nomination by a selection committee.

Where to apply: Applicants are considered automatically for the scholarship and they do not have to apply separately. Students can read details on https://www.sydney.edu.au/scholarships/e/vice-chancellor-international-scholarships-scheme.html

ALSO READ: Scholarship Guide | Studying in UK Can Be Affordable, Less Daunting; News18 Brings You Top 10 Grants

JN Tata Scholarship

The JN Tata Endowment loan scholarship is a merit-based one-time award. The amount of the loan scholarship, ranges between Rs 1 lakh and Rs 10 lakh. The selected scholars may also be recommended for a gift scholarship based on their overseas academic performance. It can range from Rs 2,00,000 and Rs 7,50,000.

Who can apply: Indian nationals who have obtained a masters degree and wish to purse postgraduate, PhD, research fellowship or postdoctoral study in Australia can apply for the scholarship.

Where to apply: https://science.anu.edu.au/study/scholarships/j-n-tata-endowment-loan-scholarship

Selection Procedure: Applicants in their final year of degree can apply. Candidates will be selected based on their academic performance, GRE/GMAT/TOEFL/PTE/IELTS score. Other selection criteria also include statement of purpose, work experience, if any. Shortlisted candidates will have to undergo an online test and a technical interview, followed by a final interview. Those who pass all stages will be eligible for the scholarship. These candidates should not be older than 45 years.

Engineering International High Achievers Scholarships

Monash University offers $ AUD 15,000 per 48 credit points paid towards tuition fee for up to four years for undergraduate and $ AUD 15,000 per 48 credit points paid towards tuition fee for postgraduate courses for international students. Each year, 25 students from UG and 25 for PG courses are offered the scholarship.

Who can apply: Students who want to study at Monash University can apply. They need not apply separately and will be assessed automatically by the university, based on the admission application.

Selection Procedure: Students will be selected on the basis of their achievements including both academic and overall. To sustain the scholarship, students have to maintain weightage average marks of 70 in PG and 75 in UG courses. Students must have ATAR of 95+ or equivalent.

Where to apply: https://www.monash.edu/study/fees-scholarships/scholarships/find-a-scholarship/engineering-international-high-achievers-scholarship-6204

Tasmanian International Scholarship

The University of Tasmania offers the scholarship to international students. Candidates get a 25% reduction in their registration fee for the duration of their undergraduate courses.

Who can apply: Students who apply at the university for admission to undergraduate courses will be automatically considered for the scholarship. This scholarship is not applicable for Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine, Bachelor of Dementia Care and AMC Seafaring courses.

Selection Procedure: Candidates will be selected based on their academic performance in the degree, diploma or level of education in the courses before applying at the varsity.

Where to apply: https://www.utas.edu.au/study/scholarships-fees-and-costs/international-scholarships/tasmanian-international-scholarship

Global Citizens Scholarship

The University of Adelaide offers scholarship to international students pursuing full-time postgraduate or undergraduate degrees. Students can get a rebate of 15% or 30% of their tuition fee. Applicants need not apply for the scholarship separately as it is automatically awarded to students who meet the eligibility requirements.

Who can apply: Candidates who have applied at the University of Adelaide for a full-time course can apply for the scholarship.

Selection Procedure: Candidates need to score at least 80 ATAR or equivalent points to get 15% scholarship and 90 or equivalent ATAR for 30% scholarship is needed. For PG courses, 5 GPA can get students 15% scholarship and 6 GPA can guarantee 30% scholarship.

Where to apply: https://international.adelaide.edu.au/admissions/scholarships/the-university-of-adelaide-global-citizens-scholarship

Global Academic Excellence Scholarship

The University of Adelaide offers scholarship to students seeking admission to undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in commerce stream. The scholarship will offer 50% rebate in the tuition fee.

Who can apply: International students aiming to study at the University of Adelaide can apply for the scholarship.

Selection Procedure: The scholarship is offered based on academic performance. Students need to score ATAR (or equivalent) score of 97 for undergraduate courses. PG students need a score of 6.8 GPA out of 7, or equivalent.

Where to apply: Scholarship will be automatically awarded to students who meet the eligibility requirements. No separate scholarship application form is required. For more details, however, students can refer to the link -https://international.adelaide.edu.au/admissions/scholarships/global-academic-excellence-scholarship

Shah Rukh Khan La Trobe University PhD Scholarship

Actor Shah Rukh Khans charity organisation offers scholarships to Indian women who want to pursue PhD in Australias LaTrobe University. As part of the scholarship, the beneficiaries receive a travel allowance of $ AUD 3,000 and a three-and-half-year-long grant worth $ AUD 32,500.

Who can apply: Indian women interested in pursuing PhD in LaTrobe University can apply for the scholarship. Applicant needs to hold a masters degree, to be an Indian citizen and have a high level of academic achievement which is equivalent of 70 or above score as per LaTrobes university degree standards.

Selection Procedure: The candidates will first have to submit an expression of interest. The shortlisted candidates will be called for an interview. Candidates will also be assessed based on their application

Where to apply: https://www.latrobe.edu.au/industry-and-community/partnerships/indian-film-festival/srk/phd-scholarship

Other scholarships offered to international students to study in Australia include CSIRO Scholarship Program, University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarship, The University of New South Wales Business School International Scholarship, International Scientia Coursework Scholarship by University of New South Wales, Monash International Leadership Scholarship, The Monash MBA International Excellence in Leadership Scholarship, Peter Faber Business School Postgraduate Scholarship, University of Sydney Dr. Abdul Kalam International Postgraduate Scholarship, The University of Queensland - School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences Indian Scholarship, Griffith University Postgraduate Research Scholarship among many others.

Students can refer to comprehensive data at official websites including Study in Australia, and Australian governments education department website among other resources before applying for scholarships.
The Indian Metrological Department has predicted heavy rainfall in Maharashtras Thane district for today, July 28. Taking early precautions the district administration has called off the schools in the district for today. The administration notification announces that all government, private, and aided schools and colleges in the Thane district will remain closed today.

School kids in all mediums/boards from classes 1 to 12 may have inconveniences in commuting to school due to the high rainfall witnessed in the area and the potential for heavy rains anticipated by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Due to the urgency of the situation and the need to ensure student safety, a holiday has been declared for July 28, 2023, at all district-run schools.

Over the past week, Maharashtra witnessed strong to very high rainfall, causing certain places to experience landslides and floods. According to a statement made by the district collector, schools have been closed in the Palghar district. Due to the areas severe rain today, July 28, 2023, both public and private schools will be closed.

Additionally, Raigad has been placed under a red alert, and local schools have been closed since July 26, 2023. From Wednesday at 8 p.m. to Thursday, IMD has issued a red alert warning of extremely heavy rain in the city and suburbs. In addition, an orange alert has been issued for todays rainfall in the districts of Thane, Palghar, and Raigad. Maharashtras Raigad district recorded an average of 104 mm rainfall in the 24 hours ending at 10 am on Wednesday, reported PTI quoting officials. At the same time, certain parts in the financial capital are under red alert.

The Konkan region of Goa and Maharashtra is also expected to receive heavy rainfalls amid rain alerts in several parts of Maharashtra. Yesterday as well, all schools and educational institutes were shut down in Mumbai amid rain and thunderstorm warnings as the weather body predicts a possible rise in Yamuna level.
Kapil Sharma and his teams ongoing tour in the United States has been a tremendous hit. Their live performances have garnered a warm and enthusiastic response at each location, making the shows an undeniable success. Throughout the tour, Kapil Sharma has been actively sharing delightful moments from his entertaining journey on his social media handles, adding much to the joy of his fans.

After giving a dazzling performance in Seattle, Kapil Sharma rocked the stage in California, United States. The comedian-actor treated his Instagram family with a few glimpses from his hit live show held at the Golden State. In the pictures, Kapil Sharma can be seen performing, holding a mike, and engaging with the mass audience to the fullest.

Talking about his outfit, Kapil Sharma donned a printed white shirt which he teamed up with black cargo pants. For the footwear, he opted for white sneakers. The actor complemented his overall look by wearing sunglasses which suited him the most.

Take a look at the post here:

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kapil Sharma (@kapilsharma)

Accompanying the pictures, Kapil Sharma expressed his gratitude for all the love that he received from the people of California. Thank you for the love California. Now its time to rock Florida on July 29," the actor wrote in the caption.

As soon as the post surfaced on the internet, fans got frenzy. They flooded the comment section with fire and red heart emoticons. The internet users showered immense love to the actor. Reacting to the post, a user commented, Respect for comedy king, Kapil Sharma," while another wrote, Woaaa, amazing, love it."

East or west Kapil ji is the best.we love you paji," a fan commented.

Earlier, Kapil Sharma treated his followers to an Instagram reel showcasing the highlights of his mesmerising performance in Seattle. In the video, the comedian presents some candid moments from his highly successful shows during the US tour. Kapil Sharma playfully pokes fun at the unprofessional" antics of artists rehearsing in the car on their way to the venues. Despite his laid-back rehearsal approach, Kapil Sharmas shows have achieved tremendous success.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kapil Sharma (@kapilsharma)

The clip then smoothly transitioned to Kapil on stage, captivating the enthusiastic audience. Along with delivering his signature jokes, the actor impressed everyone with his musical talent as he sang the popular Bollywood song Kajra Mohabbat Wala and fulfilled a request to perform one of Sidhu Moosewalas songs.

The reel has left fans and many of Kapils industry colleagues amazed. Reacting to the post, The Kapil Sharma Shows judge Archana Puran Singh commented, Wow. So much love, Mindblowing!" Actress Mahhi Vij responded with excitement, Woohoo bhai ka jalwa." On the other hand, comedian Anubhav Singh Bassi expressed admiration with several heart emoticons.

Starting his US tour in Dallas, Kapil Sharma received a warm and enthusiastic welcome from a sizable audience. The shows have been a resounding success, with the excitement of the crowds escalating as he made his way from Chicago to New Jersey. The next destination on their itinerary is Florida as per the scheduled plan. In addition to the US tour, Kapil Sharma recently made an announcement that his team would be embarking on their next tour in the UK in August.

The team comprises of Kiku Sharda, Kangna Sharma, Vikalp Mehta, Anukalp Goswami, and others. Meanwhile, The Kapil Sharma Show featured live interactions with audiences and celebrities from diverse backgrounds, aired on Sony TV. However, the show has recently gone off-air, and it will be replaced by Indias Got Talent, starting on July 29.
Netflixs upcoming docuseries The Hunt For Veerappans teaser is out and it has created a lot of buzz among the audience. The series will map the journey of Indias most dreaded criminal, who was also known as Robin Hood of India. Directed by first-time docu director Selvamani Selvaraj, the series will premiere on August 4.

For 17 years, Veerappan was the subject of Indias longest and costliest manhunt. The cinematic series delves into the unseen and unheard, presenting firsthand accounts from individuals close to Veerappan and those who tirelessly sought to capture him. Director Selvamani Selvaraj said, For years, we had heard tales about Veerappans notoriety, yet no one truly knows what made him the dreaded criminal that he became and still be known as the Robin Hood for a section of society. In this docu-series, through meticulous research, we have been able to dig deep into his complexities, unearthing untold stories and unexplored facets of his life. Our partnership with Netflix has allowed us to unravel the enigmatic personality and contribute to a broader dialogue that transcends Veerappans individual story.

Watch the teaser here

Pointing out the significance of the documentary, producer Apoorva Bakshi of Awedacious Originals said, Veerappan was the most infamous outlaw in the 90s India, and his story is still relevant today for its profound historical and cultural significance. We strived to uncover his unique psyche beyond the physical image many know, through the accounts of those who have labored tirelessly with and against him. Our continued association with Netflix has enabled us to deliver an authentic, thought-provoking and seminal show giving viewers a comprehensive understanding of the man and his life.

Tanya Bami, Series Head, Netflix India said, We are committed to telling the most compelling untold stories from India in many diverse formats. Our next offering, The Hunt for Veerappan is a docu-series about the most notorious and dreaded bandits of India. This is an important story that Selva, Apoorva and Monisha have brought to life with a great amount of passion and rigour to uncover facts and truths about Veerappans life. Indian docu-series such as House of Secrets: The Burari Deaths, Indian Predator, Bad Boy Billionaires have resonated well with our audience and we are extremely excited about this series and are confident that our audience will be intrigued, shocked and moved by this story.

The four-part docu-series will take viewers through the hunt in Tamil and English. It will also be available in Hindi, Kannada, Telugu, and Malayalam, ensuring that audiences across different regions can join in the pulse-pounding chase and experience the untold story of Veerappan in their own language.

The series is produced by Apoorva Bakshi and Monisha Thyagarajan, founders of Awedacious Originals along with Kimberley Hassett.
A remarkable discovery in a Hampshire field has brought to light a 500-year-old seal matrix used to authenticate medieval indulgences.

These indulgences were written pardons granted by religious institutions in exchange for financial donations, offering a fast track to heaven by reducing time in purgatory after death. The find sheds light on the historical practice of selling pardons and its connection to the rise of the Protestant Reformation. Now, the rare seal matrix is set to go on display at Mottisfont, an Augustine priory and former site of pilgrimage near Romsey, Hampshire, currently owned by the National Trust, as per a report by The Guardian.

Unearthing the Past: A Detectorists Discovery

The small carved mould, dating from the late 15th to early 16th century (between 1470 and 1520), was unearthed by a metal detectorist about two miles from Mottisfont.

The Augustine priory had been known for its wealth, but the devastating Black Death plague in the 1340s significantly depleted its income. To counter this financial strain, the pope granted the priory permission to sell indulgences to raise funds. These documents granted pardon for sinful behavior and promised a reduction of one year and 40 days in purgatory after death.

Seal Matrix: Gateway to Heavenly Reprieve

To certify these indulgences, religious institutions used a seal matrix made of cast copper-alloy. This matrix was pressed into hot colored wax, leaving behind an impression that authenticated the document. The recently discovered seal matrix is inscribed in Latin and features a carved depiction of the Trinity, along with a figure of a praying cleric. Such authentications offered believers hope for a place in heaven after death and the chance to bypass purgatory.

The Controversy and Legacy of Indulgences

While indulgences initially served as a means to financially support religious institutions like Mottisfont, they later became entangled in accusations of corruption, sparking tensions that fueled the Protestant Reformation. As a result, Mottisfont priory eventually closed its doors in 1536 with the dissolution of the monasteries, as per a report.

Pilgrims en route between the cathedrals of Salisbury and Winchester likely passed through Mottisfont, where they might have worshipped with the priory community. Seeking to secure their place in heaven, many would have been tempted to obtain indulgences to reduce their time in purgatory.

This rare artifact, found in the nearby parish of Lockerley, will be put on public display at Mottisfont starting Saturday. Visitors will have the opportunity to witness a tangible piece of history, shedding light on the religious practices and beliefs that shaped medieval society and the quest for spiritual redemption.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has declared that the era of global warming has come to an end, giving way to the alarming era of global boiling."

As scientists confirm Julys trajectory towards becoming the hottest month ever recorded, Guterres emphasizes that climate change is now a terrifying reality. The burning of fossil fuels has driven global temperatures to unprecedented levels, resulting in extreme weather events and environmental disruptions.

Humanitys role in this crisis is unequivocal, with Guterres urging immediate and drastic climate action. He called upon world leaders to lead by example, leaving no room for hesitancy or excuses, as the consequences of inaction are devastating, as per a report by The Guardian.

Why Has July Gotten Everyone Worried?

July has been exceptionally hot, with scientists predicting it will be the hottest month ever recorded globally and likely the warmest in human civilizations history. The World Meteorological Organization and the Copernicus Climate Change Service confirm that Julys heat has surpassed all previous records, temporarily surpassing the key warming threshold of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

This extreme heat has led to heatwaves affecting North America, Europe, and Asia, with devastating consequences such as floods, wildfires, and extreme weather events.

The alarming rise in temperatures signals the urgent need for action to combat climate change. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasizes the gravity of the situation, calling for stronger efforts to reduce heat-trapping gas emissions from rich nations and worldwide. He asserts that climate change is terrifyingly real and marks the end of the era of global warming, giving way to the era of global boiling."

What Caused Such a Hot July?

Copernicus Director Carlo Buontempo and other scientists attribute the record-breaking temperatures to human-caused climate change, intensified by a natural El Nino event in the central Pacific, which affects global weather patterns. However, they were surprised by the significant ocean warming in the Atlantic, independent of El Nino, indicating complex factors at play. The climate has shown unprecedented behavior, with extreme ocean temperatures and a record loss of sea ice in Antarctica.

According to Copernicus calculations, the average Earth temperature for the first 23 days of July was 16.95 degrees Celsius, nearly one-third of a degree Celsius hotter than the previous record set in July 2019. This significant deviation from typical records, which usually differ by hundredths or tenths of a degree Celsius, highlights the severity of the situation.

Buontempos team noted that 21 of the first 23 days of July were hotter than any recorded days in the database, further emphasizing the exceptional nature of this months temperatures. Scientists from both Copernicus and an independent German researcher reached these conclusions by analyzing various data, including forecasts, live observations, past records, and computer simulations.

Karsten Haustein, from Leipzig University, conducted his own calculations and found that July 2023 will likely break the old record by 0.2 degrees Celsius, underscoring the unprecedented nature of the ongoing temperature surge. The situation demands urgent attention and action to address the underlying causes of climate change and its potentially catastrophic impacts.

Hottest in 12,000 Years

According to Hausteins analysis, even though temperature records only go back to the middle of the 19th century, this months temperatures are the hottest the Earth has experienced in approximately 120,000 years. Similar calculations by other scientists support this finding, indicating that we are currently facing unprecedented climate conditions.

The significance of these new temperature records cannot be understated. As University of Wisconsin-Madison climate scientist Andrea Dutton explains, soaring temperatures are placing immense strains on power grids, infrastructure, and most importantly, human bodies, which are not equipped to withstand such extreme heat.

The impacts of the hottest July on record are evident across the globe, with deadly heatwaves, wildfires, and floods affecting regions like the U.S., Mexico, China, and southern Europe. Climate scientists, including Friederike Otto from Imperial College London and Katharine Hayhoe from Texas Tech, emphasize that we are entering uncharted territory in terms of climate changes, and these record-breaking events were predicted to occur as the planet continues to warm.

The records serve as a clear message for humanity to take immediate action in reducing emissions of heat-trapping gases from burning fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas. University of Arizona climate scientist Katharine Jacobs urges us to stop playing political games and take serious measures to protect ourselves and future generations from the increasingly severe impacts of climate change.

Associated Press contributed to this report
Japan population fell by more than 8 lakhs in the past year signalling signs of growing population crisis in the country. The population of Japan fell to 122.4 million in 2022, decreasing by 0.65 percent, falling for a 14th straight year, according to government data.

The number of foreign residents rose by nearly 289,500 compared to the previous year, a significant jump of a 10.7% jump.

After peaking in 2008, Japans population has since shrunk steadily due to a declining birthrate. The country saw a record low of 771,801 births last year. And for the first time, all prefectures across the country saw a decrease in the number of Japanese nationals.

Demographic Concern

Japan has a rapidly declining population and deaths have outpaced births in Japan for more than a decade. The demographic concern for the worlds third-largest economy comes at two levels- lower birth rate and a large elderly population.

The country has an expansing elderly population which is putting a burden on the shrinking workforce to fund pensions and health care of the growing population of the elderly. Japans life expectancy is among the highest in the world, nearly one in every 1,500 people were age 100 or older, according to government data.

To add to the problem, the birth rate of Japan is one of the lowest in the world. Studies have predicted that in eight years, the number of women of child bearing age will fall to a point where population decline cannot be reversed.

Japans population has been in steady decline since its economic boom in the 1980s, with a fertility rate of 1.3, far below the replacement rate of 2.1 required to maintain a stable population.

Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has warned that the country is on the brink of not being able to maintain social functions and added that the time to act is now.

How is Japan Govt Tackling it?

Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has set tackling the declining birth rate as one of his top policy goals. He has pledged to secure annual funding of about 3.5 trillion yen ($25.2 billion) over the next three years for a new child care package, which includes financial assistance to help child rearing, preschool education and nursing care services.

In the recent years, Japanese authorities have pushed for more immigration inviting foreign residents and workers.

In 2018, Japan approved a policy proposed by former PM Shinzo Abe that created new visa categories to allow over 3.4 lakh foreign workers to take high-skilled and low-wage jobs.

In 2021, the Japanese government announced it was considering allowing some foreigners to stay indefinitely.

As per reports, Japan requires about four times more foreign workers than the 2020 level by 2040 to achieve the governments economic goals.

Similar concerns for Neighbours

Other Aian countries like China, South Korea, Singapore and Taiwan are also experiencing demographic crises and are struggling to encourage young people to have more children.

Chinas population shrank last year for the first time in more than six decades, official data showed Tuesday, and it is expected to be overtaken by India this year as the most populous nation. China is expected to lose nearly half of its population by 2100, falling from more than 1.4 billion to 771 million inhabitants.

South Korea has undergone the most rapid fertility decline in recorded human history. The birth rate in the country has fallen steadily since 2015 and the deaths have exceeded births for the third year in a row. South Korea is the only country in the world to register a fertility rate of less than one child per woman.
Parliament is the temple of democracy and parliamentary procedures the rites by which the will of the people is translated into practice. But the terms and jargon involved in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha processes can be difficult to grasp. The News18 series, House Talk, brings you a ready reckoner to make sure that none of it is Greek to you.

The Lok Sabha on Thursday passed the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill that seeks to promote ease of business by decriminalising minor offences.

The proposed legislation was first introduced in Parliament by the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry in December last year. It was later referred to a Joint Committee of the Parliament for review.

ALSO READ | How PM Modi Coined the term Jan Vishwas for the Bill Passed by LS

The JPC presented its report with seven general recommendations to Parliament during the Budget Session in March, out of which 6 recommendations were accepted by the Union Cabinet.

What does the Bill propose?

The Jan Vishwas Bill aims to decriminalise around 180 offences by amending 42 laws across sectors including environment, agriculture, media, industry and publication.

The Acts which are being amended include The Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940; Public Debt Act, 1944; Pharmacy Act, 1948; Cinematograph Act, 1952; Copyright Act, 1957; Patents Act, 1970; Environment (Protection) Act, 1986; and Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.

#LokSabha passes The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2023, as reported by Joint Committee. #MonsoonSession2023 pic.twitter.com/VWD1LeeCID All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) July 27, 2023

The other laws include Trade Marks Act, 1999; Railways Act, 1989; Information Technology Act, 2000; Prevention of Money-laundering Act, 2002; Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006; Legal Metrology Act, 2009; and Factoring Regulation Act, 2011.

ALSO READ | Heres What Govt Seeks to Change with Delhi Services Bill & Why AAP is Opposing it

The decriminalisation would mean that the imprisonment would be removed in some cases or the fine would be converted into penalties to provide a boost to the business ecosystem and improve the well-being of the public. Moreover, all offences under the Post Office Act, 1898 are being removed.

These 42 laws are administered by various Union ministries, including finance, food production and distribution, financial services, agriculture, commerce, environment, road transport and highways, posts, electronics and IT.

How will it Benefit Citizens?

The Bill will benefit citizens in the following ways:

The Bill will help in rationalizing criminal provisions to ensure that citizens, businesses and the government departments operate without fear of imprisonment for minor or technical defaults. The bill establishes a balance between the severity of the offence or violation committed and the gravity of the prescribed punishment. The technical and procedural lapses and minor defaults had been burdening the justice delivery system and delaying the adjudication of serious offences. Therefore, the bill would reduce undue pressure on the justice system and reduce the pendency of cases. The decriminalization of provisions which affect citizens and some government employees will help them live without the fear of imprisonment for minor violations. Lastly, it will help in rationalizing laws, eliminating barriers and bolstering growth of businesses and will save time and cost for both the government and businesses.

The NDA government has repealed 1,486 laws and once this bill gets nod from the parliament, the number of laws removed from statute books will go up to 1,562, Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal said.

Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal said around 40,000 provisions and procedures which had the possibility of creating problems for people were either simplified or removed by the Narendra Modi government over the last nine years.
The 2021 coup in Myanmar that pushed people from that country into Manipur and prompted the creation of new tribal villages in forests, an announcement of revenue villages without cabinet approval, and a high court judgement that asked for Scheduled Tribe status for Meiteis  these factors may have led to the flare-up in Manipur.

News18 has learnt from government sources that the last two events angered the Meiteis and Kukis, respectively, leading to the violence that erupted on May 3. The Centre was aware of the exodus from Myanmar since last year and took steps to take iris impressions and thumbprints of people coming from the neighbouring country to put them on the negative list of voters so they do not become citizens. But an announcement by a Manipur minister to make revenue villages in the hills, without any cabinet approval, created unrest among Meiteis.

Land allocation is a sensitive issue in Manipur as the hills have 90 per cent of the area but 42 per cent of the population, while the valley has 10 per cent of the area but 60 per cent of the populationMeiteis have always feared that these foreigners could come to the valley one day, a government source said.

Under the India-Myanmar Free Movement Regime in place since 1968, people from either side can go up to 16 km inside the borders without any visa or passport and stay for 72 hours. The narcotics trade in the region had also grown since the coup in Myanmar which also became a reason for the violence. For example, the seized quantity of drugs in 2022 increased to 10,232 kg, from 2,707 kg in 2021 and only 1,996 kg in 2020.

What angered the Kukis, meanwhile, was a high court judgement in mid-April that asked the state government to take action on the inclusion of Meiteis in the ST list by May 19. Government sources say this judgement came from the court without consulting the Centre or the state. The Supreme Court has also criticised the ruling. The government went in for a review before the high court around the end of April but the concerned judge was on leave. Seeing that the decision would not be reviewed, violence broke out on May 3 from the Kukis who started a protest. The Centre acted quickly by rushing in 36,000 central forces within 30 hours. The high court subsequently stayed its judgement for a year.

Government sources also point out how Manipur has a history of insurgency and tribal violence, including the Naga-Kuki clash in 1993 that went on from April till December and the impact of which was felt on the state for almost a decade as 750 deaths were reported and 350 villages were uprooted. It had taken 14 days for the CRPF to reach Manipur then. Only the minister of state for home replied in Parliament on the Manipur issue and went on a 3.5-hour visit to the state, of which he spent two hours at the airport and an hour at the CMs house, said the sources.

The Centre is now fast-tracking a survey of the Manipur-Myanmar border for a fencing project to stop infiltration and a 10-km area has been fenced in Moreh while 100 km of fencing is on. This was started after the exodus from Myanmar began in 2022.
A 55-year old passenger has landed in trouble in Kerala after he allegedly claimed that there was a bomb in the baggage of another passenger at the Cochin International Airport here while waiting for the security procedure to board a flight. The incident was reported on Thursday, police said. According to Nedumbassery police, Pathanamthitta native Sabu Varghese was arrested on Thursday after he allegedly claimed there was a bomb in one of the suitcases of another passenger.

It seems like he was irritated due to the long security procedures. While waiting for the security check, he said there was a bomb in another mans baggage, Nedumbassery police said. The airport authorities, after carrying out checks found the mans claim to be a hoax and after necessary procedures, handed over the man to the Kerala police, which later recorded his arrest.

He was later let off on bail.
A bomb threat call was received on the Delhi-Jammu Tawi Rajdhani Express at around 9 pm on Friday, following which the train was stopped at 9:35 pm in Haryanas Sonipat for inspection. However, the bomb threat turned out to be a hoax.

All the passengers were confirmed to be safe, and the train finally departed from the Sonipat station at 2 am.

Earlier, upon receiving the threat call, the Northern Railways stated that a team comprising bomb disposal squad, sniffer dogs, and police promptly reached the site and conducted a thorough inspection of the train.

Northern Railways CPRO Deepak Kumar said the first team reached the spot at 11:40 pm, while another is on its way. Besides this, an ambulance, fire brigade, Government Railway Police (GRP), Railway Protection Force (RPF), and railway officers reached the site.

As per the preliminary probe, nothing suspicious was found on the train. And all passengers onboard were reported to be safe.

Many passengers took to Twitter and complained that the train had been halted at Sonipat station for two hours without any explanation from the railway officials.

Rajdhani train to jammu is standing on Sonepat station for the last 2 hours  No body is answering about the situation @PMOIndia @indianrailway__ @RailMinIndia @aajtak @timesofindia pic.twitter.com/O8c6mnrhkd harpreet singh (@optionstyles) July 28, 2023

Sonipat station comes under the Delhi division. The train started its journey on its usual time at 8:40 pm from New Delhi railway station and the next stoppage was Ludhiana.

On general days, the train arrives at Jammu at 5 am, but in view of the bomb threat inspection  that went on till 2 am  the train is delayed.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said on Friday that a plot has been identified for the rehabilitation of the survivors of the Irshalwadi landslide and state planning agency CIDCO will construct permanent homes for them.

He also announced higher financial aid for people affected by heavy rains and floods.

At least 27 people have died and 57 are missing in the landslide that struck the hilly hamlet of Irshalwadi in Raigad district on July 19.

Speaking in the assembly, Shinde said the survivors of the tragedy have been put up in containers and the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) will build homes for them.

In a veiled dig at his former party chief and Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray, the CM said, Some people went to meet the (Irshalwadi) survivors in a vanity van and some like me walked in the mud. We are the people who work in the field and not work from home.

Shinde said his government works for peoples welfare and does not harbour ego while seeking funds from the Centre for the development of the state.

He said the state will provide Rs 10,000, up from Rs 5,000, to each family affected by heavy rains and floods. Those having small shops will be given Rs 50,000, while tapris (roadside shops) will be given Rs 10,000, he said.

The financial assistance will be given to those affected by natural calamities from June to October 2023, he said.

Shinde said the honorarium of agriculture workers has been increased from Rs 6,000 to Rs 16,000.

He said 14.5 lakh farmers who repay their dues on time have been given Rs 50,000 each and another 50,000 farmers will be given the amount.

The Maharashtra government is providing crop insurance to farmers at Re 1, the CM said.
India is preparing to host more than 40 health ministers from around the world at its co-branded event on traditional medicine with the World Health Organization in Gujarat next month.

News18 has learnt that this will be the health agencys first WHO traditional medicine global summit to share evidence, data and innovation on the contribution of traditional medicine to health. In April 2022, WHOs first-of-its-kind project, the Global Centre for Traditional Medicine (GCTM) at Gujarats Jamnagar, was officially launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and WHO director-general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

READ | 100-Plus Rooms and 6 Wings, This is What WHOs Traditional Medicine Centre in Jamnagar May Look Like

The latest event has been shaped by the same centre working on consolidating research and evidence practices in alternative medicine. It will take place on August 17 and 18 in Gandhinagar, alongside the G20 joint finance health ministers meeting on August 19.

Apart from these two main events, India has organised the Medical Value Tourism (MVT) Summit  with an agenda to promote medical tourism in India  on the sidelines along with other events such as India MedTech Expo and One Earth One Health Advantage Healthcare.

While 20 health ministers from G20 countries will already be present in India for the finance meeting, additionally, at least 22 health ministers from other countries have been invited to attend the MVT Summit, a government official told News18, adding that more invites could be sent in the next one week.

We are busy finalising the plans but so far, it has been decided that India may announce the launch of the Heal in India, heal by India portal during the medical value tourism event, the official said.

The official added: The launch of this scheme has been on hold for several months. However, with the presence of several health ministers, it could be the right platform and a global-level launch.

WHO finalising plan

WHO, in an email response, told News18 that the list of participants and speakers is still being finalised. We are updating the website as information becomes available. A press release and a media advisory with additional information for the press will be sent before the summit starts.

According to government sources, the two-day event planned by WHO will be attended by top UN officers, including Ghebreyesus. It will focus on digital health, national and global policy landscapes, legal and regulatory policy framework for alternative medicine.

On the second day, as India holds the G20 presidency, it has invited ministerial dialogue towards the contributions of indigenous knowledge and traditional medicine. The majority of the planning is being done in collaboration with the Ayush ministry, ministry of health and family welfare and WHO. The industry lobby, Federation of Indian Chambers and Commerce Industry (FICCI), is incharge of planning the medical tourism event.
In a horrific incident reported from Madhya Pradesh, a 12-year-old girl was raped, bitten multiple times and brutalised by two men in Satna district, police said on Friday. The accused, who have been arrested, reportedly worked for a trust managing a famous temple in the Maihar town of Satna.

The incident took place on Thursday in Maihar, a temple town about 45 km from the district headquarters. The accused allegedly lured the girl to an isolated place and assaulted her, an official said.

Quoting police sources, a PTI report said the accused, identified as Ravindra Kumar Ravi and Atul Bhadoliya, allegedly inserted a hard object in her private parts. However, a senior official said it can be confirmed only after the victims medical examination report is received.

I am not denying that a stick or some other object was inserted into the 12-year-olds private parts by accused Ravindra Kumar Ravi and Atul Bhadoliya. But this is something that can only be confirmed only in a medical report. We are still awaiting her medical report. Yes she was bleeding and doctors are monitoring her health, Satna Superintendent of Police Ashutosh Gupta told PTI.

The girl was admitted to a hospital at the divisional headquarters Rewa for advanced medical care, police added.

The victims body bore bites and injuries pertaining to sexual assault, SP Gupta said, adding that the team of doctors treating her said her condition was okay at the time.

We are taking legal action against the accused," Gupta added.

The accused, both aged 30, were produced in a local court which sent them into 14-day judicial custody on Friday.

They were booked under IPC sections 376 (punishment for rape), 376DB (punishment for gang rape on a female under 12 years of age), 366A (procuration of minor girl), 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 324 (voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapons or means), 34 (common intention) and relevant provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, the police said.

Maa Sharda Devi Mandir Management Committee, Maihar, released a statement stating that the accused, Ravi and Bhadoliya, who were employed with them, were sacked forthwith after a criminal case was filed against them.

Their indecent act has tarnished the image of the temple," the statement said.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan directed the police to take strict action against the accused and assure the best possible medical treatment for the girl.

MP Congress president Kamal Nath condemned the incident and demanded financial assistance of Rs 1 crore for the victim.

The incident of rape with a small girl in Maihar is highly condemnable. Like the Nirbhaya case, the matter of inhumane treatment of the girl child is also coming to the fore. Incidents of atrocities against girls in the state have proved that the Shivraj government has completely failed to provide security to the sisters and daughters. I demand from the Chief Minister that the best treatment should be provided to the daughter and she should be given financial assistance of one crore rupees immediately," the Congress leader tweeted.
Pakistan is making another attempt at reviving the separatist movement in Kashmir, giving it the local form and face of the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front and the separatist conglomerate Hurriyat Conference. The countrys Inter-Services Intelligence is desperate to start a soft movement" after its failure to launch terror strikes well inside the union territory, sources told CNN-News18.

According to sources, the arrest of separatist and former militants in Kashmir was the first attempt of reviving separatism in Kashmir. Investigators believe that revival was being done on the behest of some elements" based in Pakistan.

Sources said these elements wanted to restart hartal and stone pelting once again to disturb the peaceful situation in the Valley. The ISI feels that it has only been able to carry out strikes at the Line of Control and most of their infiltrators were killed, sources added.

The ISI wants to start the separatist movement before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections while another reason is that the separatists were facing acute paucity of funds since 2017, sources said. Investigators believe that separatist leaders were promised funds for revival, besides these Pakistani elements" were tasked to organise small protests to keep separatism alive.

Sources further said the organisers took about two months to hold the event and their activity was being tracked by agencies based in the UT as well as central agencies. Jammu and Kashmir police said they had detained 10 former terrorists and separatists who had assembled at a Srinagar hotel for a meeting.

Police said the detained separatists were trying to revive the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) and the separatists conglomerate Hurriyat Conference. They have been booked under Section 121A (conspiracy to commit offences) of the Indian Penal Code and provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

Sources in the police said the separatists had assembled for a seminar that was being organised by the Democratic Political Movement (DPM), an affiliate of the Hurriyat Conference led by late separatist Syed Ali Geelani before he parted ways with it.
LJP national president Chirag Paswan expressed disappointment over the logjam in the Parliament over Opposition protest regarding demands for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss Manipur situation in the House. It has been 7-8 days since Parliament proceedings began. If a single round of discussion would have taken place so far, we would have reached some conclusion. If, after discussions, you do not find the governments response satisfactory, you could have said that we need an answer from the PM and created a ruckus as much as you want, he said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a two-day visit to Gujarat, said Bharat never disappoints anyone" during his address at the Semicon India 2023 exhibition on the semiconductor industry at the Mahatma Mandir convention center in Gandhinagar on Friday. Foxconn, Micron, AMD, IBM, Marvell, Vedanta, LAM Research, NXP Semiconductors, STMicroelectronics, and other prominent companies participated in the event, showcasing Indias significant progress in nurturing a global semiconductor manufacturing and design ecosystem.

Here are the top updates

Addressing the event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, Many Indian, foreign, and startup companies came to participate in Semicon India. Bharat never disappoints anyone; you have only opportunities in 21st-century India."

PM Modi said, The relations with industry, experts and policymakers get updated through Semicon India. I believe that this is crucial for the synchronisation of our relations."

Our share has increased multifold in the global manufacturing sector. We are making the best mobile phones in India and exporting them as well. There is a relation between the 4th industrial revolution and Indias aspirations. Extreme poverty is eradicating at speed in India," Prime Minister Modi said.

We were offering incentives as part of the Semicon India programme. It has been increased, and now technology firms will get 50 per cent financial assistance to set up semiconductor manufacturing facilities (in India)," PM Modi said.

The Prime Minister said the India is working on a wide roadmap together with friendly countries." We are taking special efforts to create a semiconductor ecosystem in India," he said, adding that the country recently approved the National Quantum Mission and is going to introduce the Nation Research Foundation Bill in Parliament.

PM Modi said, Investors trust India because here we have a stable, responsible, and reform-oriented government. Three hundred colleges have been identified where there will be a separate course on semiconductors."

Indias growing neo-middle class is the powerhouse of the countrys aspirations. We need to build chip-making ecosystem in the country and I am confident that whosoever works on this will quickly will get the first mover advantage, the Prime Minister said.

He also appealed to the youth to visit the exhibition and get to understand about the new technology of semiconductors."

Ahead of the inaugural ceremony, Prime Minister Modi was seen visiting stalls at the exhibition.

#WATCH | Gujarat | Prime Minister Narendra Modi attends the SemiconIndia 2023 at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar. pic.twitter.com/PLoT8CSjAo ANI (@ANI) July 28, 2023

Speaking at the event, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said, PM Modi has driven reforms in sector after sector. As a result, from 10th position in the global league of nations in 2014, India today ranks as the fifth largest economy in the world. And in his third term, PM Modis vision and policies will lead India to join the top three economies of the world." Every sector needs semiconductors and that is why, it is important to develop the semiconductor industry for an Atmanirbhar Bharat," he added.

Ajit Manocha, President and CEO of SEMI said: Throughout my career, I have been asked whether India is ready to be part of the global semiconductor industry. Today, I can say - the journey has begun. For the first time, geopolitics, domestic policies, and private sector capacity are aligned in Indias favor to become a player in semiconductor production."

The current semiconductor industry is likely to grow to a $1 trillion industry. India would be the next powerhouse in semiconductors in Asia," Ajit Manocha added.

Prabhu Raja, President of the Semiconductor Products Group at Applied Materials, said, With the strong vision of PM Modi to develop manufacturing, India is poised to play an important role in the global semiconductor industry. We firmly believe this is Indias time to shine. No company or country can overcome challenges in the sector alone. Its time for a collaborative partnership in this sector. This new collaborative model can provide us with a catalyst in the sector. I would like to thank you for considering us a valuable partner in Indias semiconductor vision."

Micron Technology CEO Sanjay Mehrotra said, I thank PM Modi for your vision to make India a global hub for semiconductors. Micron is committed to building a semiconductor assembly and test facility in Gujarat. We estimate that our project in Gujarat will create nearly 5000 direct jobs and an additional 15,000 jobs in the community. We are hopeful that this investment will help catalyze other investments in the sector. Prime Minister, your support for the semiconductor industry and workforce development has fostered an environment of innovation and business growth that is already creating strong results. Digital India and Make in India are creating a truly transformative energy that will continue to drive positive progress."

The Prime Minister will address the mega event, which aims to provide valuable insights into cutting-edge chip-making technologies and innovations, bringing together major players from the semiconductor and technology industry.

According to the PMO statement, the theme of the conference is Catalysing Indias Semiconductor Ecosystem, and it will focus on ways to bring together global leaders from the industry, academia and research institutions.

Minister of Electronics and Information Technology, Railways and Communication Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar and Minister of State for Electronics and IT, Skill Development, and Entrepreneurship Rajeev Chandrasekhar were scheduled to be present at the event.

Semicon India, a prestigious national-level event, promises to be a catalyst for the semiconductor industrys progress through invaluable 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," an official statement said.

The main goal of the exhibition is to educate visitors about the complex semiconductor manufacturing process and the remarkable progress achieved in the evolving industry, according to the statement. Notably, US President Joe Biden announced the establishment of a state-of-the-art semiconductor assembly, testing, marking, and packaging (ATMP) facility in India by Micron Technology Inc. during Prime Minister Modis recent visit to Washington.

Renowned leaders in the semiconductor chip, display fab, chip design, and assembly industries will convene to discuss the burgeoning prospects in India. Anil Agarwal, Chairman of Vedanta Group, Sanjay Mehrotra, President, and CEO of Micron Technology, and Young Liu, Chairman of Foxconn, will also be present during the event, along with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.

The Gujarat government has introduced the Semiconductor Policy (2022-2027) as a strategic initiative, demonstrating its dedication to promoting rapid and inclusive growth in the domestic semiconductor chip manufacturing sector.

Micron, a leading computer storage chip manufacturer, has revealed its intention to establish a semiconductor assembly and test plant in Gujarat, involving a significant investment of USD 2.75 billion (approximately Rs 22,540 crore).

The second edition of the event is being held in Gujarat, following the successful first edition held in Bengaluru last year.

Gujarat had previously won the Rs 1.54 lakh crore Vedanta-Foxconn semiconductor project, but the joint venture between the two entities fell apart this year. According to reports, the firms are expected to pitch for separate projects.

In 2008, at the Vibrant Gujarat summit, Hindustan Semiconductors and Manufacturing Company (HSMC) had proposed to set up a Rs 30,000 crore unit on 700 acres at Prantij in North Gujarat, according to an Indian Express article.

In February 2014, the Government of India gave approval for setting up a Semiconductor Wafer Fabrication (FAB) manufacturing facility at Prantij at a cost of Rs 29,013 crore. M/s HSMC Technologies India Pvt Ltd along with ST Microelectronics and Silterra Malaysia Sdn. Bhd were expected to set up this unit. However, the project could not materialize despite the state government providing land and the Centre giving the necessary approvals, it said.

(With inputs from PTI)
Police have arrested a 47-year-old professor for allegedly sexually harassing a woman doctor on a Delhi-Mumbai flight, an official said on Friday. The incident took place on Wednesday, he said. The 24-year-old victim and the accused were seated next to each other on the flight, which took off at 5.30 am from Delhi, the police official said. 

In her complaint, the woman doctor said that the accused touched her inappropriately some time before the flight was about to land at the Mumbai airport, he said.

An argument broke out between the two passengers, following which the victim informed the flights crew members, who intervened. After the flight landed at the Mumbai airport, they went to Sahar police station, he added.

Based on the complaint filed by the victim, a case of sexual harassment was registered against the professor and he was arrested, the police official said.

The accused was produced in a court, which granted him bail, he said, adding that a probe was on.
Protesters in violence-torn Manipur have begun aerial monitoring of forces amid the governments push for the method to disperse crowds and maintain the law and order situation in the state.

According to a top government official, protesters are using drones to monitor the movement of forces, number of troops and crowds on the other side.

There have been multiple instances of forces noticing the movement of unknown and illegal drones by protesters, especially near the buffer zone.

Sources said shoot at sight orders have already been given to the forces with respect to drones and they have also tried to shoot down the flying objects but without any success so far.

Sources said the drones were found flying especially during night hours to monitor movement of forces that have been deployed to maintain law and order in the state.

A senior official deployed in Manipur said protesters are using drones to know the extent of forces deployed on the other side of the buffer zone, number of people gathered there, vehicles of the forces etc. It is expected that these are high-quality drones normally used for high resolution photography and videography. We have received reports from ground commanders that a UAV was noticed flying near buffer zones. We have already asked forces to shoot down such drones, a top government official told News18.

The Centre has, in addition to the existing companies, been providing additional companies of CAPFs to the state from May 3. According to an official figure, 124 additional companies of CAPFs and 185 columns of Army/Assam Rifles are presently deployed in Manipur in addition to the local police.

A Unified Command comprising representation from all the security forces and civil administration under the chairmanship of Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh has also been established. The focus is on intelligence gathering in collaboration with the civil administration to restore normalcy in the conflict zone. A total of 13,782 people have been detained/bound down for violating curfew and other laws.

The government is also working on a proposal for aerial monitoring using drones to prevent any crowd gathering and ensure swift action to disperse crowds. Gatherings will be video-recorded to ensure law breakers are apprehended at the earliest.
Two weeks after her son was killed in a violent carjacking incident in Canadas Mississauga city, Narinder Kaur from Punjabs Karimpur Chahwala village allegedly took her own life on Friday. The village falls in the Nawanshahr district of Punjab and the residents were still mourning the death of 24-year-old Gurvinder Nath when the incident occurred.

Nath was a student who was also working as a pizza delivery person. He was assaulted on July 9 when he had gone to a home to drop off an order. He remained hospitalised for five days and died on July 14, sparking off demonstrations against the incident in Canada.

His mother Narinder Kaur was reportedly not informed about his passing. She learnt about it on Friday ahead of the arrival of her sons body late in the evening. She allegedly could not bear the shocking news and ended her life by consuming some poisonous substance even before seeing the body.

Nath was delivering pizza at around 2.10 am on July 9 in Mississaugas Britannia and Creditview roads, when unknown suspects confronted him and tried to steal his vehicle, CTV News channel reported.

Investigators do believe that there are multiple suspects involved and that the food order was placed as a means of luring the driver to this specific area, Inspector Phil King of Peel Regional Polices Homicide Bureau said, adding that investigators have obtained an audio recording of the pizza order placed before the attack.

After Nath arrived, he was violently assaulted and left critically injured by a suspect who robbed him of his vehicle and fled the scene, police said. Multiple witnesses came to his aid and called for help before Nath was rushed to a trauma centre where he was pronounced dead on July 14.

Family members shared that both cremations could be held on Saturday.
Telangana has lost a total of eight lives to rain-related incidents since July 22 as the state continued to battle record-breaking downpour. The incessant rainfall also swamped the low-lying areas, causing damage to agricultural crops and roads.

The heavy rainfall  took a huge toll on the state over the last week  bringing regular life to a pause. The actual amount of rainfall surpassed the heavy to very heavy rainfall prediction of the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD).

The damaged roads have posed a major problem for people travelling around the state for work and other chores.

#WATCH | Due to heavy rains in Telangana, roads damaged at several locations. In Parakala area, a road connecting Warangal to Medaram damaged, causing inconvenience to commuters. pic.twitter.com/dBvMwZqi4P ANI (@ANI) July 28, 2023

The formation of a strong vortex is said to have been the reason behind the record-breaking rainfall in Telangana, said a NDTV report. A vortex  a rotating column of air  forms when there is a high amount of moisture in the atmosphere.

In its weather forecast for Telangana on Thursday, the Met Centre said exceptional heavy rainfall occurred at many places in Hanumakonda and at a few places in Mulugu, Jayashankar Bhupalpally districts and at isolated places in Jangaon, Bhadradri Kothagudem, Karimnagar, and Warangal districts of Telangana.

A local weatherman took to Twitter to share visuals of the incessant rains that lashed the Bhupalpally district.

Insane rains happen in BhupalpallyDistrict now under flash floodsHelp them people stay safe #Bhupalpally pic.twitter.com/hlvPk2JzEc Telangana state Weatherman (@ts_weather) July 27, 2023

Following a cloudburst early on Wednesday, the districts of Mulugu and Bhupalpally were flooded, causing houses and roads to be submerged in water. The waterlogged, blocked roads cut off access to villages across, said reports. Rescue ops saved hundreds of people by boats and helicopters.

Although the intensity of rainfall is expected to go down on Friday, but the situation in many parts of the state remains to be critical.

State capital Hyderabad has been out of danger and reportedly has had no rainfall since Thursday evening. Meanwhile, the flooding situation in Warangal has forced the government to deploy boats for search and rescue operations. According to reports, over 50 people have been rescued and over 10,000 people were shifted to relief camps across the rain-hit areas.

Union Tourism and Culture Minister G Kishan Reddy, who spoke with Union Home Minister Amit Shah on the current situation in Telangana. Reddy took to Twitter and said, Honble HM has promised all possible help in the rescue and relief work for safeguarding the people of Telangana during this situation." He added that at present, two helicopters and five NDRF teams have been deployed for rescue operations.

The rescue missions for people who got stranded by the rain is underway.

Meanwhile, in Mumbai, heavy rainfalls triggered traffic snarls and waterlogged roads. Mumbai and the district of Raigad were on a red alert on Thursday. For Friday, IMD issued a yellow alert for Mumbai, predicting heavy rainfall at some isolated places.

(With PTI inputs)
Can you dream of a world with zero power cuts? Shivkumar Sethuraman from Hyderabad achieved the seemingly impossible target by installing a solar power generation unit in his house.

If you have some savings and a terrace that gets plenty of sun, it is possible to drastically reduce your dependence on fossil fuels for electricity. This not only reduces your carbon footprint, but also creates a more sustainable future. The best part of the deal is that you can sell electricity to the government too.

This is why the government of India has been encouraging citizens to install their own solar power units. State governments provide the service at subsidised rates to reduce the per capita consumption of grid electricity.

Speaking about the process of setting it up, Shivkumar said: There are agencies approved by the government which will do all the work, including application, sanction and installation. You can either go for a low or a high capacity one depending on the electricity load in your house. For example, if your connection has a load of 5 KVA, you will be sanctioned 5 KVA solar panels. In case you need more, you have to upgrade your native connection first. The approval comes within 15 days and installation work starts in the meantime.

Telangana has vast solar potential with average solar insolation of nearly 5.5 kWh/m2 for more than 300 sunshine days. The Telangana state solar power policy was introduced in 2015 with the objective of harnessing the vast solar power potential of the state. This policy provided various incentives to prospective solar power developers. There are various categories of panels one can choose.

We went for the high-rise ones in which the panels are mounted on a pergola. We have panels that have a capacity of 5KVA. One KVA panel generates 4-5 units of power on an average per day. So we have 20-22 units of power every day, and approximately 600 units every month. This is the estimate barring rainy days. The panels have to face south so that they get maximum sun exposure. It cost us Rs 3.2 lakh to buy and install the panels, said Shivkumar.

We always have excess electricity which is passed on to the grid. At night, when there is no Sun, we use the electricity from the government. The government pays us for the power we supply. The amount is adjusted in our electricity bills. There is another way of doing this where you can store the extra electricity in batteries. However, in that case, you cannot avail of the subsidies provided by the state, added the HR professional.

In 2021-22, Telangana produced 7,439.12 MW of renewable energy, making up 41.17 per cent of the total installed capacity of electricity in the state.
The Law Commission of India has received more than 70 lakh responses to its notice inviting suggestions from the public and recognised religious institutions pertaining to the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). The number is expected to reach about 1 crore till the deadline for submission of views ends on Friday. CNN-News18 has learnt exclusive details about the proposed UCC, including that it wont touch the practices and rituals of tribal populations.

Tribal communities are already granted protection under the Constitutions Article 371 and Schedule 5 and 6, and so they wont be included in the Uniform Civil Code, said sources.

Codification of the practices of various tribes in the country is nearly impossible, they added.

Over 8 million responses received so far on #UCC; Tribals won't be included in the #UniformCivilCode due to special provisions: Law Commission sources News18's @anany_b gets you all the details @JamwalNews18 | #LawCommission #India pic.twitter.com/TvqfHxoeAq  News18 (@CNNnews18) July 28, 2023

Live-in relationships are also unlikely to come under the UCC as, sources said, having a parallel institution to marriage would give rise to many legal complications.

The focus of the UCC drafters is on promoting gender equality and family harmony, they said.

The UCC drafters are deliberating strongly on linking marriage registrations with Aadhaar, they added.

Unnecessary fear is being spread as UCC is an inclusive law, said sources.

Significantly, they said that humongous support has been received for the Uniform Civil Code from Muslim women, a fact borne out by CNN-News18s recent comprehensive survey.

Some of the responses to the survey indicated that many prominent Muslim women bodies seek:

Polygamy to be made illegal under section 494 of the Indian Penal Code.

Provisions for regularisation of irregular marriages that have happened without witnesses, without a qazi, or if the mehr is not paid.

Witnesses to a marriage must be adults with verifiable documents of age and residence.

Halala, Misyar, and Muta marriages must be declared illegal.

Without the express consent of the bride, the marriage cannot be considered to be solemnised.

A marriage must be considered to be a contract between two adults and not a sacrament.

All Muslim marriages must be registered.

Nikahnama/Iqrarnama must be a mandatory document.

Registration of qazis should be made mandatory. Only registered qazis should be able to solemnise a marriage.

Women qazis must be given priority to register themselves.

The procedure of the solemnisation of nikaah must be laid down clearly.

While Muslim women are among huge supporters of the UCC, men from the community have opposed it in large numbers.

Prominent Muslim bodies have suggested to the Law Commission that women from the community too should be granted adoption rights under the Juvenile Justice Act.

Sources also told CNN-News18 that some of the responses received by the Law Commission after inviting public comments contain unparliamentary language in a bid to oppose the exercise pertaining to the Uniform Civil Code.
The husband of Indian woman Anju, who has travelled legally to a remote Pakistan village to meet her Facebook friend, said Thursday they are not divorced yet and hence she cannot marry the man from across the border.

Anju has said she submitted divorce papers in Delhi three years ago but I have not received any summons or notice from the court yet. On papers, she is still my wife. She cannot marry anyone else. The government should get the matter investigated, Anjus husband Arvind Kumar told reporters in Alwar.

According to a report Anju (34) married her Facebook friend in Pakistan after converting to Islam and now has a new name, Fatima.

Kumar said on Thursday the government should also investigate her passport and visa documents to check if she used fake documents and signatures to travel to Pakistan.

She did not inform me about for getting the visa process done, he said, adding he will file an FIR in the matter after she returns to India. He said his daughter has denied accepting Anju as her mother and it will be difficult for him to settle with her in such a scenario.

Asked about claims that Anju could be mentally disturbed and eccentric, Kumar said she used to get tensed due to work but he never imagined she would take such a step! He said theirs was an arranged marriage and she used to get along with the children well. He said if Anju intended to do anything she would get it done.

Kumar said children should live with him and government should cancel her visa and passport and not allow her to go. 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 visa to meet Nasrulla.
A woman, identified as Renu Goyal, was shot dead outside her house in Delhis Dabri on Thursday night. The shooter, who fled the scene after shooting her in the head, killed himself on the terrace of his house later.

The 23-year-old shooter, identified as Ashish, used a country-made pistol to shoot himself, an India Today report said.

According to the police, a team went to a house in the neighbouring area where Ashish used to live with his parents. He was found to have committed suicide by shooting himself with a country-made pistol, the police added.

VIDEO | A 42-year-old woman was allegedly shot dead near her house in southwest Delhis Dabri area on Thursday night. Police investigation is underway. More details are awaited. pic.twitter.com/gxXX1Oskm4 Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 28, 2023

The 42-year-old Renu and Ashish reportedly knew each other from a gym, where they both used to go couple of years earlier.

Immediately after the attack, Renu was rushed to a hospital where she was declared to be brought dead. The assailant had walked on foot to the scene and shot her from a point-blank range, said the police.

Prima facie, it appears to be a personal dispute though we are probing all angles", Deputy Commissioner of Police (Dwarka) M Harsha Vardhan said.

As per the police, the Dabri police station had received information about an incident around 8:45 pm. It was found that one Renu suffered a gunshot injury near her house, they said, adding that multiple teams have been formed to nab the accused.

The DCP also added that the areas CCTV footage is also being checked, adding that, further investigation is underway, reports.

Previously, in one such case, two women were shot dead in Delhis Ambedkar Basti area in June this year. The two sisters were identified as Pinky and Jyoti.

ALSO READ | Delhi: 2 Women Shot Dead in RK Puram, Cops Say Assailants Came Looking For Their Brother

The assailants, Arjun and Michael, reportedly had a monetary dispute with the brother of the victims. The RK Puram police station received information about the incident and rushed to the spot. The woman were taken to the SJ Hospital in Delhi.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had also addressed the incident and condemned the killing. In the moment, he also took on Centre about law and order, adding that, people feel unsafe in the national capital.

(With inputs from PTI)
The glory of royalty, the free spirit of the nomade and the glamour of the art deco are three constant expressions of JJ Valaya couture. For someone who loves his research and unearthing long lost treasures and sharing it with the world, JJ Valaya is a storyteller par excellence.

Ahead of the showcase, JJ Valaya spoke to News18 about his much-awaited collection Baroda, which tells a story about Gujarat, focusing on Indian couture and why he loves showcasing at India Couture Week every season.

Excerpts from the interview:

Every couture show is incomplete without your constant expressions Royale-Nomade-ArtDeco. How did this seasons couture collection theme Baroda become the voice of JJ Valaya?

Yes thats true, we have always been helming a tagline which says Royale, Nomade and Art Deco and all three expressions are a constant in everything we do. Baroda is essentially the name of the collection but the story behind it is how Gujarat as a territory has been under several rules over the past several centuries.

The ones that we have highlighted this time are the rule of the Maratha Empire, Mughal Empire and the Portuguese. Such diverse influences and we kind of juxtaposed little elements from all these various cultures and combined it with nuances from Gujarat including the Kutch, the nomadic tribes, lippan art work, a craft uniquely done in Gujarat, mashru fabrics which is also unique to the region.

All this comes together in a complete collection which obviously will be laced with the spirit of our three attributes, the glory of royalty, the free spirit of the nomad and the glamour and modernity of the art deco period.

JJ Valayas couture has always highlighted a story of the past and has weaved it into a story of the present. How would you describe the silhouettes of this seasons couture collection?

Silhouettes are getting sharper and sort of more refined with every passing season. It is a couture collection, so we dont get overtly experimental with silhouettes, because the focus is always on Indian couture, which essentially means weddings. Therefore one sees a lot of lehengas, sarees, shararas and sherwanis, and bridal finery for both women and men. Within the silhouettes theres a lot of developments, theres always a nip or tuck which kind of makes the blouse sexier or the saree more special or the lehenga more glorious.

Storytelling through fashion has always been one of your fortes, and has given a new meaning to couture presentations. What should we look forward to at India Couture Week?

We work close to eight to 10 months to put a collection together, right from research to prototyping to developments, to actually putting it all together. And it all has to come together in a presentation which lasts 20-25 minutes but it is a culmination of so much hard work. It is not just a showing of clothes, it is a showing of a dream, a sentiment, an emotion which has ruled us over six to eight months.

We have to tell a story, not only through the clothes, but also through the set, music, lights, styling, and choice of models. Everything goes in synchronicity to create something which is absolutely mindblowing and very special. I am hopeful that we will be able to live up to what we have been doing for the past 33 years, which is simply creating magic and trying to do something really special and interesting. We will be presenting 66 garments on the runway.

JJ Valaya is synonymous with Indian craftsmanship. For this collection, what embroideries and prints will be unveiled at the show?

Yes, we are synonymous with Indian craftsmanship and now the modern avatar of it is our prints. And between the two we kind of achieve our ethiopia. Of course it is a never ending journey, whenever we think we have done something brilliant, we start work all over again and think of what we can do which will make it even more special. And thats the true evolution of a fashion brand. In fact, in couture we are fortunate to have the luxury to create such masterpieces year after year, which are accepted, embraced and loved by so many.

What makes India Couture Week special and why do you love showcasing every year?

India Couture Week over the years has become the ultimate platform to showcase the ultimate luxury in couture in India, which means the finest of clothing. The finest of Indias craft being interpreted by the finest designers across the country. And I think what can be more special than getting to see all of them in one place and at one time. I am a couturier at heart. I have always enjoyed creating beautiful clothes where we get to kind of experiment with our special embroidery, prints, colours, fabrics and styling. So theres no reason why we should not be a part of it [India Couture Week].

View this post on Instagram A post shared by JJ VALAYA OFFICIAL (@jjvalaya)

JJ Valaya the designer or JJ Valaya the photographer, which one of the two has made you who you are today?

Its not about the designer, the photographer or the interior decorator. I think it is the creative nomad in me. The restless soul thats constantly rediscovering and reinterpreting the world in our sort of unique way and thats really the very soul of who I am. I find it incredibly boring to keep doing the same things again and again. So my quest is kind of discovering, going back in time and finding lost visual treasures, which need to be brought to the world and thats the journey and lets just say I am enjoying every single moment of it.

JJ Valayas collection Baroda will be showcased at the JW Marriott Hotel, New Delhi at 9:30 pm.
Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar and holds great religious importance. It is the month when the prophet Muhammad emigrated from Mecca to Medina. Although, Muslims mourn on the tenth day of this holy month to mark the death of the Prophet Muhammads grandson, Hussain Ibn Ali during the battle of Karbala back in 680 CE. Muharram began on July 20 in India this year. The month of Muharram holds a historic significance for both Sunni and Shia Muslims.

The History Of Muharram

The Battle of Karbala was a conflict between Imam Hussein ibn Ali, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, and the ruling Umayyad army. It took place during the caliphate of Yazid I, the second Umayyad caliph.

Imam Hussein ibn Ali started traveling to present-day Iraq with his family and supporters, but as they reached Karbala, they were stopped by a large Umayyad army. On the tenth day of Muharram Imam Hussein and his supporters fought against Umayyad forces. However, they all ended up being mercilessly killed. Muharram is the time to remember and honor the sacrifices of Imam Hussein.

The Significance of Muharram

As Muharram marks the beginning of the Islamic New Year, it signifies a fresh start. The word Muharram itself means not allowed or forbidden, and hence Muslims refrain from engaging in activities such as warfare during the holy month and try their best to use this time for prayers and self analyses.

How Muharram is observed?

Sunni and Shia Muslims observe Muharram in different ways. The Shia Muslims take out mourning processions called Majlis in mosques, Hussainiyas, or community centers and listen to sermons by religious leaders. They can also be seen self-flagellating or beating their chests as an expression of pain. The Shia Muslims also observe abstinence, and faaka (fast).

On the other hand, Sunnis keep a fast on this day as Prophet Muhammad observed a roza on the 10th day of Muharram. They may also observe fasts on the 9th and 10th or 10th and 11th of Muharram, known as Ashura, as recommended by the Prophet Muhammad. In addition to this, it was in the month of Muharram that Allah saved the Children of Israel from Pharaoh.
MUHARRAM 2023: Muharram is the first month of the Islamic New Year, which has immense religious significance for Muslims worldwide. It is the second holiest month after Ramadan, beginning with the sighting of the new moon on the last day of the Islamic calendar.

What is Ashura?

Ashura, which falls on the 10th day of Muharram, is one of the most important days. It represents a time of peace and introspection for Sunni Muslims, commemorating historical events such as Nuhs departure from the Ark and Prophet Musas salvation from the Pharaoh by Allah, crossing the Red Sea with his people.

What Is The Religious Significance?

For Shia Muslims, however, Ashura takes on a more solemn and self-reflective tone. It is a day of sorrow and remembrance because it commemorates the passing of Prophet Muhammads beloved grandson, Hussein Ibn Ali. Hussein challenged the legitimacy of Caliph Yazid and was tragically killed at the Battle of Karbala in AD 680, a month when warfare is completely forbidden in Islamic tradition. This occurrence caused tremendous anguish, and Shia Muslims honour the Prophets familys fortitude throughout this period.

In Arab nations such as Lebanon and Iraq, the sheikh of the mosque in Shia communities retells the heartbreaking account of the Battle of Karbala to remind the audience of Hussein and his familys suffering and loss. Passion plays that reenact the fight are also performed in some areas.

While both Shia and Sunni Muslims fast on Ashura, the days meaning and observance may differ due to their distinct beliefs and historical views. Nonetheless, Ashura is an important day of reflection, commemoration and religious practice for Muslims all around the world. They may also participate in other religious activities like reading the Quran and charitable donations.

Date of Ashura in Saudi Arabia, India, Oman, and Other Countries

This year, Ashura will be observed on July 27 in countries like India, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Iran, and the US. However, in the UK, EU and Oman, it will fall on July 28. Muslims around the world will fast and pray in order to honour Hussein Ibn Alis legacy and maintain the principles of their faith.
Bollywoods most anticipated films, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, directed by Karan Johar and featuring the alluring Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt in the key roles has hit theatres today. This movie is the first one directed by Karan Johar since Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (2016), which makes it much more exhilarating. In addition, Alia Bhatts stunning chiffons are another draw for this Dharma Production film.

Those chiffons, created by Manish Malhotra, have been a visual treat throughout the films promotion as well as during the actual filming. As she and Ranveer visited the nation for the films promotion, Alia made the conscious choice to wear gorgeous chiffon sarees from Manish Malhotras inventory. In addition to adding a characteristic Bollywood flair, these sarees are a fantastic choice for weddings and other formal occasions. Indeed, drool-worthy is the elegance of those pieces of 6-yard.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Karan Johar (@karanjohar)

Alia Bhatts 7 Best Saree Moments

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Manish Malhotra (@manishmalhotra05)

The charming pair brought their infectious zeal and star power to Vadodara, captivating onlookers and generating anticipation for their next love tale. At a promotion for the film, Alia wore a pink and green sari. Her pink sarees neon hem and borders extend throughout the entire garment. She paired her saree with a dual-toned top in pink and vibrant colours. Alia chose silver earrings as the only eye-catching addition to the formal ensemble. She had nude-toned lips, well-contoured cheeks, kohl-filled eyes, and plenty of mascara. Her open hairstyle complemented her outfit beautifully.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Alia Bhatt  (@aliaabhatt)

Alia Bhatt looked stunning in an ombre pastel saree as she arrived in Delhi to promote Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani with Ranveer Singh. The multi-pastel saree had a flowy chiffon pallu and a lovely lace border. By pairing the saree with a sleeveless shirt with a low neckline, the actress emphasised her beauty.Alia Bhatt, channelling her inner Rani, transformed this exquisite saree into a trend. The light blue, peach, and mauve colours of the saree were expertly blended to create an ombre effect. The actress wore a flowy pallu with her chiffon saree. Its subdued lacey border added a scallop motif and supported the minimalist style. Alia wore a strapless blouse with a plunging neckline with her saree. The straps are separated into two and extend rearward to create a backless aspect.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Alia Bhatt  (@aliaabhatt)

The actor has been turning attention at every film promotion event with her eye-catching choice of sarees. Alia recently shared a photo on Instagram of herself rocking a solid saree to pull off the regal appearance. Recently, Alia Bhatt appeared to promote Rocky Aur Rani while wearing a Manish Malhotra saree. In addition to her 6-yards, Alia Bhatt wore a sleeveless top with an exposed back and upper back support. The saree was chosen from the racks of one of Indias most renowned designers, Manish Malhotra, and is made of sheer cloth in a single colour. With dangling earrings, strong kohl eyes, groomed brows, and glossy lips, Alia Bhatt enhanced her elegant appearance.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Alia Bhatt  (@aliaabhatt)

In a dual-toned saree, Alia Bhatt captivated Kolkata as she promoted her movie Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani. For the purpose of promoting their movie Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani and the release of the song Dhindora Baje Re, Alia Bhatt and Ranveer Singh landed in Kolkata, the City of Joy, on Monday. Ranveer Singh rocked trousers and a shirt, while Alia Bhatt wore a pink saree for the event. A gorgeous georgette saree with two tones of pink was worn by Alia Bhatt. Alia Bhatt wore her 6-yards with a sleeveless top with an exposed back and a plunging neckline. Ami Patel, with the help of Gargima Garg, put together Alia Bhatts outfit for her day out in Kolkata.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Alia Bhatt  (@aliaabhatt)

The next stop on Ranis promotional train was Chandigarh, where the actress dressed in a stunning purple saree with black sequin embroidery and made everyone fall in love with her. This shirt shared the deep sweetheart neckline of the other blouses. She matched the other styles by keeping the accessories to a minimum as well. Manish Malhotras contemporary design on Alia looked absolutely beautiful. Doesnt she appear unbelievably stunning?

Alia most recently wore an absolutely amazing tie-dye saree with green, pink, and yellow tones for the Pink City of Jaipur. Everyone was amazed when they saw the combination of hues and colours on this stunning saree by Manish Malhotra. She opted for a very traditional look with this one by wearing only a black bindi and silver bangles as accessories. Is it really so difficult to be seduced by Alias stunning smile?

Up till this point, Alia Bhatt has always used a variety of colours in her sarees when promoting Rocky Aur Rani. Sometimes there are two, other times there are more. She has established the style, therefore it wont surprise us if Indian women copy her looks in the near future!

Which one of these looks did you absolutely love?
The term gaslighting originated from the 1938 play titled Gas Light, which was later adapted into the 1940 movie Gas Light. In these stories, the male protagonist employs manipulative tactics to convince his wife that she is imagining things that are, in fact, real occurrences, such as the dimming of the houses gas lights. This psychological manipulation leads the wife to question her sanity and believe she is going insane. The concept of gaslighting has since become synonymous with the manipulation of someones perception and reality to gain control over them emotionally and psychologically.

Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation and emotional abuse that occurs within a power dynamic where the abuser exerts control over the victim. In gaslighting situations, the abuser often exploits existing prejudices or vulnerabilities based on a persons gender, sexuality, race, nationality, or socioeconomic class to gain power and control over the victim. Gaslighting can occur in any given situation be it at the office, school or even home.

Here are a few examples of gaslighting at work:

Offensive Remarks

When a colleague makes offensive remarks, the gaslighter might first make racist or sexist comments before criticizing the behaviour, deflecting attention from their own inappropriate actions.

When a colleague makes offensive remarks, the gaslighter might first make racist or sexist comments before criticizing the behaviour, deflecting attention from their own inappropriate actions. Denying Submissions

The gaslighter claims they never received an important presentation from you, even though you know you submitted it on priority. This tactic is meant to make you doubt yourself and your competence.

The gaslighter claims they never received an important presentation from you, even though you know you submitted it on priority. This tactic is meant to make you doubt yourself and your competence. Invalidating Your Opinions

Whenever you bring up a topic that is important to you, the gaslighter becomes defensive, disagrees with your opinion, and may even become aggressive. They undermine your thoughts and feelings, making you question your judgment.

Whenever you bring up a topic that is important to you, the gaslighter becomes defensive, disagrees with your opinion, and may even become aggressive. They undermine your thoughts and feelings, making you question your judgment. False Claims

A gaslighting boss might claim to have completed a task or accomplished something significant, but in reality, they did nothing of the sort. This tactic is meant to inflate their importance and deceive others.

How Can Gaslighting Affect Your Mental Health?

Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation that aims to create uncertainty, doubt, and confusion in the victim. It may cause:
The Directorial debut of actor Anshuman Jha - the much talked about black comedy thriller Lord Curzon Ki Haveli (Lord Curzons Manor) - starring Arjun Mathur, Rasika Dugal, Paresh Pahuja, Zoha Rahman & Tanmay Dhaninia - will have its World Premiere as the Centrepiece Spotlight Film (Official Selection - Out Of Competition) at the prestigious IFFM 2023, Australia.

Written by the award winning Bikas Mishra - the film is a revealatory tale about the Asian diaspora in the UK & is the first mainstream Indian feature film to be shot on a single lens. The film was shot in the UK last year & it is touted as a unique new age cinema experience for worldwide audiences. Paolo Bertolin - Selection Committee - Venice International Film Festival has opined it as Lord Curzon Ki Haveli is a cinematic work that muses over identity & gender in a very contemporary way, within the framework of an entertaining mystery."

Anshuman, who has openly spoken about being inspired by International Artists who are multi-faceted like Bradley Cooper, Ben Affleck, etc, now joins the illustrious band of Actor-Filmmakers in India like Kangana Ranaut, Farhan Akhtar who are simultaneously seen in both capacities as leading actors & film makers.

Says Anshuman I am thrilled to present Lord Curzon Ki Haveli at Indian Film Festival Of Melbourne 2023. I thank the jury at IFFM 2023 for selecting us as the Centrepiece Spotlight. And I am very grateful to my team(cast&crew) & Golden Ratio Films for their trust & support through this challenging but memorable experience. We are excited to start the films festival festival run in Australia & I hope the audience enjoys this cinematic journey. I hope Mr.Alfred Hitchcock is blessing us from there as this is my homage to him.

Adding to this, Rasika said, I am delighted that our film is premiering at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne which always has a discerning audience with an appetite for fun! It was an absolute joy collaborating with, and playing off, my co-actors who helped me experience Ira in a very special way - a woman who navigates and negotiates patriarchy with an undeniable spirit and with a sense of mischief. I hope the film resonates with the audience.

Produced by Golden Ratio Films & First Ray Films - it has its UK Premiere, American Premiere and Indian Premiere lined up - post which it will see a worldwide release in the coming winter.
Dhanush is celebrating his 40th birthday on Friday, July 28. On this special day, the makers of his upcoming film Captain Miller surprised all by dropping the teaser of the much-awaited movie. It begins with a glimpse of a WANTED poster of Miller aka Eesa aka Analeesan, played by Dhanush. The teaser then features several top-notch action sequences. From soldiers running around to gunshots and Dhanush walking in the middle of a battlefield, it promises that the film will be a treat for action lovers.

What will surely impress you in Captain Miller teaser is Dhanushs look. He is seen sporting a long beard and a man bun. The actor looks intense and leaves fans excited about the movie. Watch the Captain Miller teaser here:

Reacting to the teaser, one of the fans wrote That handpump scene literally giving me goosebumps now. Imagine the crowd reaction when it will be played in the theatre." Another user sent best wishes to the makers and wrote, All the best to the entire team of captain miller." This movie going to be one of the best action-adventure films," another fan commented.

Captain Miller is a historical action-adventure film which also stars Priyanka Arul Mohan in the lead opposite Dhanush. It also features several other actors including Nassar, Elango Kumaravel, Sundeep Kishan, John Kokken, Edward Sonnenblick, Nivedhithaa Sathish, Vinoth Kishan, Viji Chandrasekhar, Bala Saravanan, and Sumesh Moor. Directed by Arun Matheswaran, Captain Miller is currently in the final stages of its production.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dhanush (@dhanushkraja)

Captain Miller is presented by T.G. Thyagarajan of Sathya Jyothi Films and produced by Sendhil Thyagarajan and Arjun Thyagarajan. The film is co-produced by G. Saravanan and Sai Siddharth.

Captain Millers release date has not been announced as of now but it has been confirmed that it will be released in Tamil, Telugu and Hindi.
There is an exciting piece of news for fans. The Deol clan is going to make the cinema-going experience more enriching as the three generations - Dharmendra, Sunny, and Rajveer, are all set to give back-to-back exciting films. Yes, you are reading right. Well, many details have not been shared on this.

On one hand, Dharmendra Ji will grace the silver screen with Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani on the 28th of July, promising to captivate us once again with his timeless charm. Meanwhile, fans eagerly anticipate the return of the iconic Gadar" franchise, with Sunny Deol reprising his unforgettable role in Gadar 2. Dont forget to mark your calendars for the release of Dono, a captivating love story and the exciting launch of Rajveer Deol. Get ready for a rollercoaster ride of emotions, action, and romance, as the Deol dynasty brings an unparalleled cinematic experience to the big screen.

Coming to Sunny Deol, he will be soon seen in Gadar 2, which is releasing on August 11. The film also stars Ameesha Patel. Gadar 2 has already created a lot of buzz among the fans. It is the sequel to the hit film Gadar which has the same star cast. The trailer was released on Wednesday at a mega event.

Dharmendra, s seen in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani co starring Alia Bhatt and Ranveer Singh. He has returned to the silver screen after a long time. Karan Johars directorial has released today and fans are loving it.

Rajveer Deol is also making his acting debut with Dono veteran actress daughter Poonam Dhillons daughter Paloma in the lead role. The teaser has already released. Sunny Deol also shared the teaser on his social handle and wrote, Welcoming back the innocence of love with two strangers who have one destination. A new journey unfolds in cinemas soon!
Sunny Deols Gadar 2 is one of the biggest releases of 2023. The film is the sequel to one of the most iconic films of Bollywood, Gadar: Ek Prem Katha. The highly-anticipated film is slated to hit the screens on August 11. Furthermore, there is a tremendous buzz over Gadar 2 on social media in the run-up to the release. With the trailer of the film being out now and received well by the masses, Esha Deol gave a sweet shoutout to her half-brother Sunny Deol by resharing the trailer of the film on her social media timeline. The Dhoom actress took to her Instagram Stories on Thursday and shared the trailer with a slew of emojis such as clapping hands emojis, heart emoji, evil eye emoji and more. She also tagged Sunny Deol in the post and thus displayed her affinity and doting nature towards her brother ahead of his big release this year.

For more info: Hema Malini Family Reacts For 1st Time To Sunny Deols Gadar 2; See Esha Deols Message

Boy meets girl. Sparks fly. Families oppose. Minds change. Lovers reunite. Happy ending. This has been the formula for quintessential Bollywood love stories across generations. The last few years might have witnessed a dry spell as far as spectacular and gossamer love sagas infused with generous doses of family drama are concerned. But filmmaker Karan Johar has finally come to our rescue. And thank god for that. Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani brings about a halt to the tsunami of cop thrillers and whodunits that brought with them a wave of monotony. It takes you back to the good old times and fills your heart up with joy. But its so much more than the regular template of love stories.

For more info: Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani Review: Alia Bhatt Is Fab But Ranveer Singh Steals The Show

Veteran actress Rekha has been making all the headlines over her alleged relationship with her secretary Farzana. Its been speculated that Rekha and Farzana have been together in a live-in relationship due to a biography that was penned by Yasser Usman. While the author himself lashed out such speculations and even threatened to take legal action against those who are amplifying the alleged relationship, paparazzi pictures of the two arriving at the YRF studios for a special screening of Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani has gone viral on Friday morning.

For more info: Rekha Watches Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani With Her Secretary Farzana; Photos Go Viral

Kapil Sharmas team has landed in trouble. Kunaal Vermaa has demanded an apology from the comedians team, accusing them of wrongfully crediting his song Tum Hi Aana from Sidharth Malhorta starrer Marjaavaan to AM Turaz during one of the last episodes of The Kapil Sharma Show. In the statement that Kunaal Vermaa issued, he mentioned that he is deeply hurt by the incident. When an artists very work is being mistaken on a national platform in a live show like this, I cant express it in words how I have been feeling since a week post watching the episode," a part of his statement read as quoted by Bollywood Hungama.

For more info: Kapil Sharmas Team In Trouble, Lyricist Demands Apology For Wrongfully Crediting His Song

Hrithik Roshan and Saba Azad never fail to grab attention. Fans just love their chemistry and always praise them. Well, the couple also always praise each other on their Instagram posts related to their work or fashion. Just like today, Saba and Hrithik who are currently having some leisure time in Argentina snuck out a couple of adorable pictures for the fans, in one of which Saba called Hrithik her hippo heart.

For more info: Hrithik Roshan Is Girlfriend Saba Azads Hippo Heart, Their Cute Vacation Photos Set Couple Goals
Sidharth Malhotra and Kiara Advani are currently the most happening couple from the tinsel town. The duo that got married earlier this year had sparked dating rumours since the release of their highly-acclaimed film Shershah. While they had stayed mum about it, their bond couldnt escape the eagle eyes of the fans that were shipping the two actors right from Shershah. Considering the palpable chemistry between the two actors, its not a surprise if they like to do something special on important dates. Thus, ahead of her 32nd birthday, the lovebirds are off to an undisclosed vacay spot, as they were papped early morning at Mumbai Airport.

On Friday, popular paparazzo handle Viral Bhayani shared a clip in which Sidharth Malhotra and Kiara Advani can be seen arriving at the Mumbai Airport. As they walked hand-in-hand, they smiled for the camera. Sidharth Malhotra opted for a white shirt, grey t-shirt and blue baggy pants for his airport look. On the other hand, Kiara Advani looked gorgeous in a peach co-ord set and white top. Before entering the airport premises, Sidharth Malhotra turned and gave a thumbs up to the paps. Kiara Advani also waved for them.

Check out this clip:

Meanwhile, in the comment section, fans were gushing over SidKiaras perfect jodi. One of them wrote, These two are made for each other!" Another one commented, All hearts to protect them!" Someone else said,"Beautiful couple!" A fan also stated,"Yayyy birthday weekend it is! How beautiful these two are!!"

Later, Kiara Advani also shared a cute selfie with Sidharth Malhotra from inside the airport. In the picture, we can see Kiara resting her head on Sidharth Malhotras shoulders. Sidharth Malhotra also smiled with her lovely wife in tandem. She also wrote, Time to fly as the caption. Check out the adorable photo:

Kiara Advani is currently basking under the success of her recently released film SatyaPrem Ki Katha co-starring Kartik Aaryan. The romantic drama has impressed fans and they have been showering a lot of love on the film. Satyaprem Ki Katha has been earning rave reviews and the box numbers are proof. The film witnessed tremendous acceptance across all age groups and families, resulting in great word of mouth ensuring solid upwards growth.

While Sidharth was last seen in Mission Majnu with Rashmika Mandanna. He will be next seen in Yodha which is all set to release on December 15, clashing with Katrina Kaif starrer Merry Christmas.
Ex-couple Johnny Depp and Amber Heard are seen airing out their dirty laundry once again in the trailer of Depp v. Heard. The new Netflix docuseries is set to revisit their courtroom drama a year after the legal proceedings were televised live. The trailer debuted on Wednesday, thereby making the infamous defamation case the talk of the town all over again. It begins with the divorced couple explaining to the jury their reasons behind filing the civil suit. Ms Heard accused me of abuse," says Johnny Depp on the stands. Following suit is Ambers testimony, My ex-husband is suing me." While the Aquaman actress describes their situation as humiliating, Johnny counters that all the accusations made against him are false.

The narrative of how Amber has changed her ex-husbands life and reputation is brought to light just moments before a persons voiceover notes, Depp was the one who wanted the cameras in the courtroom. She didnt." Another person adds, I would argue its a PR campaign disguised as a defamation case." Several footage of the trial becoming a circus of social media commentary from influencers and creators are a part of the trailer. Additionally, major highlights of the case including Amber leaving a human fecal matter on Johnnys bed are re-examined. At one point, a crowd can be heard chanting Ambers a liar" outside the courtroom. Meanwhile, an influencer is heard saying, This has moved away from a news story or a lawsuit and has transformed into a cultural moment."

Millions of people after watching the live proceedings, commented and shared their opinions, and the collective social media engagement of the case is described to be phenomenal." With the majority siding with Johnny, evidence and public reactions make it difficult which side to believe in. A segment also discusses why the case garnered global attention emphasizing it has little to do with legal merits but rather the public perception. Toward the end, it all boils down to the real question, What is the actual truth?"

Take a look at the trailer here:

In June last year, the jury sided with Johnny Depp while giving their final verdict in the Virginia trial. The defamation case about the 2018 op-ed suggesting claims of domestic abuse were considered defamatory against Johnny Depps reputation even though the article didnt mention his name. Amber Heard later appealed the verdict, prompting Depp to respond with an appeal of his own. In December, the divorced couple settled with the court.

Depp v. Heard is a three-part documentary series set to be released on August 16.
Shah Rukh Khan and Gauri Khan are one of the most admired couples in the country. After being together through thick and thin for over three decades, this couple beats every odd together. The power duos chemistry and understanding have transcended in their professional lives. Shah Rukh and Gauri together run a production company besides endorsing several leading brands in commercials and campaigns. As the couple would say, after 38 years of being together, even Valentines day doesnt arrive without asking them. While fans continue to love their bond, a netizen unearthed some rare pictures of SRK-Gauri Khans wedding and you wont be able to stop yourself from gushing.

On Friday, a reddit user going by the name Mellow-Sid shared a bunch of never-seen-before pictures of the hottest couple of Bollywood. As one could ascertain from the caption, these pictures were part of a Zee TV program Jeena Isi Ka Naam Hai. In the first snap, we can see Shah Rukh Khan grabbing Gauri by her hair and feeding her something amid jubilant guests. In the second slide, Gauri dances with Swaroop Sampat, former Miss India. The third picture showed the couple holding each others hands and dancing among the guests. In the fourth snap, Shah Rukh Khan can be seen sporting a moustache and holding Gauris arms. There was also a group picture of SRK with his friends.

Take a look:

Shah Rukh was all of 18 when he fell head over heels for a beautiful young Gauri. The duo reportedly met in Delhi at a party when SRK wanted to ask Gauri out. They spoke to each other for five awkward minutes sipping colas before they parted ways. But as fate would have it, SRK got Gauris number and started pursuing his soulmate.The young couple fell in love with each other but their journey was a bumpy ride. They dated for many years and during the time, faced several hurdles. At one point in time, they got into a huge fight leading Gauri to travel to Mumbai from Delhi without informing SRK. He followed her to the Maximum city and at the Gorai beach, they patched up. In 1991, SRK married Gauri Chibber, a Hindu.

Shah Rukh is also always seen celebrating his wifes milestone moments. Gauri is a renowned interior designer who has designed many high profile commercial spaces and residence pads around the city. The couple welcomed their son Aryan, six years after their wedding and in 2000, they were blessed with their daughter, Suhana. In 2013, the couple became parents to AbRam Khan, via surrogacy.
Kannada actress Ragini Dwivedis upcoming bilingual movie Sheela was released on the big screens today in Kerala. The movie, a Kannada-Malayalam bilingual, involves the story and journey which takes place between two states, Kerala and Karnataka. Despite releasing in Kerala today, Ragini Dwivedi said that the movie will not be released on Kannada screens this week. This movie also marks Raginis comeback to Malayalam cinema after 11 years. Actor Riyaz Khan will also be seen in the lead role opposite the actress in the movie. The film is jointly produced by DM Pillai and VC Lalan under the banner of Priya Lakshmi Media.

There is a press meeting for our Kannada film on July 28. But the release of the film is not happening this week, said Ragini Dwivedi during the interaction. Sheela will release a Kannada version of the movie next week, she added. The movie is written and directed by Balu Narayanan. The streaming platform for the movie has not been decided yet.

The trailer of the movie was released by Priya Lakshmi Media on July 25. The movie is expected to be a full-length thriller drama that will undoubtedly provide viewers with a unique experience of suspense. The actress also uploaded the trailer on her official Instagram account while announcing the theatrical release of the film.

The film follows a story of a young woman named Sheela who travels to Kerala to find a solution to a grave issue which she encountered in Bangalore. During an interview with OTTplayan online media platform, Ragini said that this film will be her return to Malayalam cinema after her movie Face 2 Face in 2012. While explaining the movie, the actress said that the first part of the movie is nice with some glamour but the second half is raw and gory.

The cast of the movie includes Riyaz Khan, Avinash, Shobhraj, Mahesh, Sreepathy, and Chitra Shenoy. Ragini Dwivedi is busy with the shooting of the movie Virushabha while doing promotions. The production of the movie is already going on in Mysore. The Kannada actress is paired with Superstar Mohanlal for her upcoming film.
Swastika Mukherjee plays tough, challenging roles on-screen. Be it in Paatal Lok or Qala, her screen presence is contagious and her dialogue delivery is smooth and flowy. She will again grace the screens in the upcoming Hoichoi series Nikhoj where she is playing the role of a distraught mother whose daughter goes missing. In the series, Tota Roy Choudhary also plays a solid role. In a talk with Hindustan Times, Swastika opened up about her character as the trailer of Nikhoj went live. From divulging details about her character in the show to answering questions regarding Aishwarya Rai, Swastika, in detail, explained everything with composure.

Excerpts from the interview here:

On being asked how she picks the strong roles, something which she has always been seen in, Swastika replies saying, I dont do roles which arent strong and I dig my own grave (laughs). I always try to do something I have not done before this is how you see me playing a cop for the first time in Nikhoj. I am as CDP lalbazar Brinda Basu."

This role is especially challenging because I am playing a single mother. I had to maintain a balance between being a mother and a cop. I kept asking my director if my mother part was becoming overwhelming. Women naturally as mothers, tend to think by our heart; our mother mode is always on", she added.

Swastika was asked how she prepared for the role, to which she said that she has never had to prepare for playing a mother. I have completed 23 years in the industry. At the beginning of my career, I played a mother to a 10-year-old at 21. My focus has always been performance. I played a 60-year-old at 31. I have experimented with everything. So, things like I will not play a mother or an aunt was never really a concern."

In Nikhoj, Swastika would be seen using the F-word and other cuss words at times when a lot of celebrities have talked about censorship on OTT platforms. Sharing her thoughts on the same, she said, I am not in favour. Let me use the word. You should allow what is coming naturally. Not just the F-word it can be anything, even a love-making scene between two adults, you can show it the way it is supposed to be. For how long you can fake a kiss or flowers? Let the people behave in real life. The F-word really helped me to control my anger in the scenes. I told my director either I use this word or you let me slap someone. He said he will let me beat up people in the second season."

Chokher Bali, which starred many popular faces, had set Swastika Mukherjee in a different league after her performance in Mastan. The film featured Aishwarya Rai and Swastika, recalling memories of the 2003 film, Swaskita said, Yes, I wore such nice clothes and decked up in jewellery. It was my second trip to Benaras and we stayed in a 5-star. Nowadays with so much of a budget crunch, actors just go and shoot for their number of days and come back. 23 years back, we used to go and stay there for a longer period of time. I saw the process of Rituparno Ghoshs work; a life-changing experience."

On being asked if she remembers Aishwarya Rai, Swastika immediately said, Yes, she was there. I remember I had gone (to her) and checked her jeans." A candid yet curious Swastika answered why. To see the size of her jeans because I couldnt believe you can actually be that thin and wear adult clothes. I realised my waist was just 2 inches bigger than hers. I was like Its fine. I can reach there. It was my goal to have a waist like that. Its interesting how you can find motivation from random spaces. I came back home and told my mom that my waist needs to be 26 inches. I would have to do everything in my power to get it."
Urvashi Rautela has once again hit headlines for all the wrong reasons! The actress is heavily being trolled for referring to Pawan Kalyan as the chief minister of Andhra Pradesh" in her latest tweet. Urvashi on Thursday took to Twitter to share her photo with Pawan Kalyan and Sai Dharam Tej. The trio posed together at a promotional event of their latest release Bro The Avatar, which is a remake of the 2021 Tamil film Vinodhaya Sitham.

Sharing the photo, Urvashi wrote, Delighted to share screen space with the esteemed Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh @PawanKalyan in our film #BroTheAvatar releases tomorrow 28th July worldwide. A story about an arrogant person who is given a second chance to fix his mistakes after death. See you all. @IamSaiDharamTej."

Urvashis tweet went viral in no time, with netizens trolling her for making a major error. One user wrote, When Pawan Kalyan became chief minister of Andhra Pradesh?? Are you from different world? He is just an ACTOR and we call him #PackageStarPK in Andhra Pradesh." Another one said, CM of andhra pradesh? You are an actor doesnt mean you need to be so dumb. He himself got defeated in two places at same time as an MLA Get a bit educated."

CM of andhra pradesh???? You are an actor doesnt mean you need to be so dumb.. he himself got defeated in two places at same time as an MLA..Get a bit educated https://t.co/HkYBtzpvpo Pavan_GR (@pavan_gr) July 27, 2023

When @PawanKalyan became chief minister of Andhra Pradesh ?? Are you from different world ? He is just an ACTOR and we call him #PackageStarPK in Andhra Pradesh https://t.co/gppKvuHiEe Suneel Reddy (@SuneelReddynlr) July 27, 2023

Meanwhile, while speaking at the promotional event of Bro The Avatar, Pawan also strongly reacted to the reports regarding the Film Employees Federation of South India (FEFSI) issuing fresh guidelines to Tamil film industry as per which only Tamil artists should be employed in Tamil films.

Pawan requested the Tamil film industry to be inclusive" and reconsider their decision. Similarly, the Tamil film industry should also be inclusive. If it remains restricted to only Tamilians, its growth will be limited, Pawan said.
As the highly-anticipated release date of Rajinikanths upcoming film Jailer draws near, fans are buzzing with excitement. Building up to the films release, the song Kaavaalaa featuring the stunning Tamannaah Bhatia has already become a sensation. Tamannaahs captivating performance in the song has drawn comparisons to the international sensation Shakira.

In a recent event held in Mumbai, the films team gathered to launch the Hindi version of the song, titled Tu Aa Dilbara. Tamannaah left the audience enthralled with her live performance, showcasing her immense talent and charisma, leaving a lasting impression on everyone present. The event further fueled the excitement surrounding the film, making fans eagerly anticipate its release even more.

While the Tamil version was sung by Shilpa Rao, the Hindi version is beautifully sung by Sindhuja Srinivasan and the lyrics have been penned by Raqueeb Alam.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Instant Bollywood (@instantbollywood)

Tamannaah Bhatias electrifying dance performance at the launch event quickly went viral, amassing an incredible 2 million views. Social media users were left in awe of Tamannaahs flawless moves and praised her incredible talent.

Reacting to the clip, a user wrote, So beautiful, superb dance, while another one wrote, This woman is getting Bold day by day.

Meanwhile, Tamannaah Bhatia, during the press conference for Tu Aa Dilbara in Mumbai, expressed her joy and gratitude for the overwhelming response she has been receiving for the original song Kaavaalaa. The actress shared that ever since she made the reel, her Instagram notifications have been flooding non-stop with amazing feedback from fans.

She expressed her happiness for being a part of such a successful song and acknowledged that it is the love and support of the audience that has made Kaavaalaa such a big hit. She now hopes that the Hindi version will be equally loved by the audience.

Jailer, directed by Nelson Dilipkumar, promises to be an action-packed treat for Rajinikanth fans. Alongside the superstar, the film features a star-studded cast, including Jackie Shroff, Tamannaah Bhatia, Ramya Krishnan and a special cameo by Mohanlal. The movie is all set to hit the theatres on August 10.
Karnatakas Deputy Chief Minister, DK Shivakumar, candidly admitted in a recent discussion with party legislators that the Congress government would not be able to carry out development activities in the state this year. This confession strikingly illuminates the underlying issue of overreliance on freebies. Given that resources are inherently finite, the practice of dispensing freebies may only sometimes reflect the best use of the fiscal capacity. This approach ultimately creates an imbalance, stifling growth and impeding the optimal allocation of resources.

Despite their appeal to the voting masses, freebies significantly threaten states fiscal health. Wrapped in the guise of welfare, these giveaways often consume a disproportionate share of a states budget, limiting its capacity to invest in critical areas such as infrastructure, education, and healthcare. Moreover, these freebies can distort economic incentives, foster a culture of dependency, and undermine the spirit of self-reliance among citizens. The allure of short-term political gains frequently overshadows the long-term economic ramifications, leading to ballooning deficits, reduced investor confidence, and potentially, a debt trap that future generations will inherit. For genuine, sustainable progress, states must resist the temptation of these seemingly benevolent gestures and focus on strategic, growth-oriented fiscal policies.

When governments prioritise short-term appeasement over infrastructural and socio-economic advancement, it leads to financial constraints that hamstring their ability to deliver on essential projects. If a significant portion of the states budget is earmarked for these guarantees without a clear plan to stimulate economic growth and enhance revenue streams, the state risks creating a culture of dependency. It is also telling that the MLAs are voicing concerns about delayed developmental works, showcasing that even within the partys ranks, theres a growing unease with the status quo.

To truly grasp the gravity of this issue, consider the situation in Karnataka before its recent elections. The state boasted a revenue surplus. Yet, even with this financial advantage, Karnataka found itself struggling to allocate funds for developmental projects due to a significant portion of its expenditure being redirected towards freebies. This should sound alarm bells for us. If a fiscally stable state can face such challenges, imagine the dire consequences for states that are already in precarious fiscal health and yet continue to promise freebies. We ought to be deeply concerned and even outraged by such fiscal irresponsibility.

Consider the situation in Punjab as a prime example of this troubling trend. In a recent working paper from the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister, authored by Shamika Ravi and Mudit Kapoor, a time trend analysis of state budgets from 1990-2020 was conducted. The findings were startling. Punjab and West Bengal  two states that are already trailing the national average in real per-capita growth, have invested the bare minimum in capital outlay for development. This may be a direct result of significant capital disbursement towards the payment of internal debts, leaving virtually no space for the funding of development, which could explain the slowed growth of these states. Despite these daunting economic indicators, the Punjab government has introduced an array of freebies. Theres an alarming disconnection between the states fiscal reality and the election promises made by political parties to attract votes. This approach, far removed from any concept of a developmental model, is akin to a ticking time bomb for the states.

According to the RBIs State of State Finances report, released in January 2023, states like Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan and Punjab exceeded both debt and fiscal deficit targets for 2020-21 set by the 15th Finance Commission (FC-XV). Kerala, Jharkhand and West Bengal exceeded the debt target, while Madhya Pradesh overshot the fiscal deficit target. Haryana and Uttar Pradesh were exceptions as they met both criteria. The report also projected that Rajasthan, Kerala and West Bengal would surpass the FC-XV targets for debt and fiscal deficit. The report also had a section on subsidies and freebies. It rightly pointed out that subsidies and freebies crowd out resources for other useful purposes. Further, the RBI also flagged that the freebies have exceeded 2 percent of GSDP for some of the highly indebted states such as Andhra Pradesh and Punjab.

One of the prevalent misconceptions in political discourse is the notion that the median voter, especially if they are recipients of government freebies or incentives, is oblivious to the broader failures of governance in terms of overall development. This perspective does a disservice to the voters, presuming them to be solely driven by short-term benefits rather than long-term vision and aspirations.

Development is multifaceted, encompassing education, infrastructure, healthcare, and a robust economy. Mere handouts cannot replace the vast potential that comprehensive development offers. Moreover, the very character of contemporary India is aspirational. The youth, forming a significant portion of the population, looks beyond today. They dream of a brighter future for themselves and their children. This Aspirational India envisions a nation that offers world-class education, job opportunities, and an environment that allows innovation and entrepreneurship to thrive.

Assuming that these aspiring citizens are content with just immediate gratification is not only inaccurate but also dismissive. To position freebies as an alternative to development is to miss the pulse of the people. True progress is achieved not when a government provides fish to its citizens but when it teaches them to fish and, more importantly, ensures that theres a conducive environment for fishing.

Drawing from philosopher John Lockes principles on property rights and the social contract, freebies offered by the government can be viewed critically. Locke emphasised the individuals natural rights to life, liberty, and property, attained through their labour without waste. While freebies aim to uphold the right to life by addressing essential needs, their unchecked distribution could compromise others property rights, potentially causing economic strain or higher taxes. Locke would stress judicious administration to avoid undermining the labours value. Given Lockes belief in the governments role to safeguard citizens rights under a social contract, unsustainable freebies could be seen as a breach of this agreement. Thus, a Lockean viewpoint underscores the need for a balanced and sustainable approach to welfare provisions.

Following the widespread distribution of free goods and services, the Sri Lankan economic collapse stands as a stark reminder of the perils of not ensuring public debt sustainability. Without corresponding revenue generation, commitment to freebies could lead to a reliance on increasing borrowings, endangering fiscal stability.

The debate around freebies isnt just an economic one, but a moral and philosophical one as well. Sustainable development is the bedrock on which nations build a prosperous future. True leadership requires a balance: attending to immediate needs while ensuring robust, long-term development. Our collective responsibility is to champion sustainable strategies over transient allure, safeguarding our nations future.

The author is Additional Private Secretary (Policy & Research), Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister. He tweets @adityasinha004. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.
If we want to save the country from the Himalayan disaster, prevent desertification of the Ganga valley and progress, the only remedy is to thaw all road, infra and construction activities for some time. Devastating floods, landslides, mudslides in Himachal, Uttarakhand and drowning of large tracts in Delhi because of dam overflows for the first time in 45 years is unprecedented but experts say these are natural outcomes of three factors  climate crisis, a young mountain range and unplanned infrastructure projects.

This years devastation has been precipitated by intense constructions like road widening, dam construction and other poorly planned activities, which weakened the hill slopes and triggered major landslides. Crucial road links between Kalka and Shimla, Kullu and Manali, Chandigarh and Manali, Manali and Leh, and Dehradun and Haridwar have been disrupted as roads caved in or landslides occurred. A total of 170 routes had to be closed in Uttarakhand alone.

In both Himachal and Uttarakhand, it is visible that the blasting of the hills has changed the hydro flow pattern that winded through the forests and myriad hilly tracks. The rainwater earlier used to replenish the aquifers and would flow through hundreds of natural paths. Having now destroyed this naturality, it flows straight down the pucca, often concretised roads, which turn into massive artificial drains with logs and boulders rolling down. As the roads were built, trees were felled. Those that could not be sold were dumped under the roads. It dislodged with heavy rain and dangerously flowed through habitats.

Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) physicist Dr Vikram Soni, who has closely studied the river systems of North India, told a researcher that he repeatedly emphasised the need to ban construction on the floodplains completely. The Sutlej and Beas have wreaked so much havoc because indiscriminate construction was allowed on their flood plains. During the monsoon, when the river flow increases, so does its velocity. The situation is worsened with the dumping of debris and other muck from road construction.

According to the Landslide Atlas of India prepared by the National Remote Sensing Centre, ISRO, all 12 districts of Himachal are susceptible to landslides. These also have the maximum construction activities. Earlier, a different pattern was followed for hill constructions. Now tall concrete constructions are the most susceptible. The landslide exposure analysis carried out in the mountainous areas covering 147 districts in 17 states ranked Mandi district of Himachal at 16th place, followed by Hamirpur 25, Bilaspur 30, Chamba 32, Solan 37, Kinnaur 46, Kullu 57, Shimla 61, Kangra 62, Una 70, Sirmaur 88 and Lahaul and Spiti 126 in socio-economic parameter risk exposure map.

The scale of disasters in the hilly regions has multiplied with the creation of smaller states like Uttarakhand. Checks and balances that a larger Uttar Pradesh ensured have been thrown to the winds. UP was blamed for neglecting the region but nobody talked of how it prevented major disasters. Construction, building and real estate greed has been yet another major setback.

Scientists at the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology have repeatedly warned that 51 percent of Uttarakhand has crossed the very high susceptibility zone. Therefore, landslides will increase, as will flooding. These scientists have documented Uttarakhands 300-plus landslides in 2023. In such a situation, even mitigation measures will not work.

In Uttarakhand, the railway tunnel to Karnaprayag is a disaster. It has not only weakened the hill structure, but also devastated the aquifers that used to feed the various water bodies and natural falls, causing severe water scarcity in the villages. The greed may cause the entire Ganga Valley to turn into a desert.

Everybody can see now how methodical the colonial rulers were. Their ecologically crafted roads exist till today without damaging the Himalayan ecology. A stark replica of that is seen at the India Gate Central Vista. During rains, Delhiites used to throng the Boat Club lawns. It never submerged. But now, even the redone lawns submerge.

Most devastations are along the roads and riverside, which were encroached upon for the convenience of driving vehicles and real estate activity to boost tourism. Nobody can estimate how much is lost. It will be all guesses. The obvious is that the spree of investment since the Himalayan Char Dham roads has literally gone down the rivers. Innumerable bridges and culverts, resorts, townships and vehicles have been washed away. Himalayan warnings are grim and a reality. If not heard, a sub-continental disaster may be an epochal reality.

The writer is a senior journalist. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.
Union Home Minister and senior BJP leader Amit Shahs visit to Hyderabad on Saturday has been postponed due to incessant rain in Telangana. As per sources, he was set to visit Hyderabad for a day-long meeting with the organisation. Meanwhile, Bharatiya Janata Partys national president JP Nadda will be in the poll-bound Rajasthans capital city Jaipur on Saturday for a day-long meeting.

A few days back, Shah had meetings in Madhya Pradesh. Nadda is also likely to hold a similar round of meetings during his Jaipur visit. He will be joined by BJP election in charge Pralhad Joshi, Union Ministers Gajendra Shekhawat and Arjun Meghwal among others.

Those aware of the developments in the BJP said that both Nadda and Shah, who have extensive experience in understanding the functioning of the party as an organisation, work as a cohesive unit.

While Shah will focus largely on Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, sources mentioned that Nadda will focus primarily on Rajasthan. The matters in Telangana will be looked at jointly by both of them.

The organisational meetings come at a time when there is an element of doubt regarding BJPs plan in poll-bound states, especially Rajasthan.

The organizational meetings come at a time when there is an element of doubt regarding the BJPs plan in poll-bound states, especially Rajasthan.

The party, which normally does not declare a chief ministerial face, will be pressed to take a decision sooner or later for Rajasthan, on whether an individual will be named as a chief-ministerial candidate or whether the party will go with collective leadership.

Sources close to the development said, The fate of Vasundhara Raje is likely to determine the fate of the BJP. The party will soon form organizational committees in all the poll-bound states.

In 2018, BJP suffered a major poll drubbing in the Hindi-belt states, losing elections to Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh. However, in Madhya Pradesh, the BJP came to power after Jyotiraditya Scindia was able to create a destabilization of the Kamal Nath government.

Many had jumped ship to join BJP to form a government with Chitra Singh Chauhan as the Chief Minister. The focus ahead of the 2024 elections is to win back all three crucial states.
Manohar Bhide, better known as Sambhaji Bhide or Bhide Guruji among right-wing groups, has made a controversial statement about Mahatma Gandhi. Addressing a function at Maharashtras Amravati on Thursday, he said: Mahatma Gandhis father is not Karamchand Gandhi, his real father was a Muslim landlord.

Bhide is the founder of a right-wing outfit, Shiv Pratishthan Hindustan, and has made several such controversial statements in the past. He was also at the centre of a controversy during the 2018 Bhima Koregaon violence near Pune.

We have been told that Karamchand Gandhi was the father of Mahatma Gandhi, but his real father was a Muslim landlord who had employed Karamchand Gandhi. Karamchand had stolen a big amount from that Muslim landlord, hence he had brought Karamchands wife to his house and kept her as one of his wives; that is why Mohandass real father is not Karamchand Gandhi but that Muslim landlord, Bhide said.

Bhide further claimed that Gandhi was raised by a Muslim father and there was proof available. The repercussions of Bhides controversial statement were seen in the state assembly, where the monsoon session is underway.

Congress leader Balasaheb Thorat questioned the Eknath Shinde-led government over Bhides statement. The government should answer on who is shielding Bhide when he is making such controversial statements on a regular basis. By making such statements, his aim is to disturb the harmony in the state. For whose political benefit is he making such statements? We demand strong action against him. The state government should also make a statement on the floor of the House about the action taken against him.

He added: These big leaders (like Mahatma Gandhi) are the idols of many; they have contributed a lot to building society but some people want to entirely finish off progressive thought propagated by great leaders and we will not tolerate this. If the government does not take action against Bhide, it will be clear that it is not serious about this issue.

Bhide has often rejected and protested the idea of secularism propagated by the Constitution. This time, while speaking at the same function, Bhide said leaders who supported or professed the idea of secularism should be barred from politics.

Hindustan is the only country that has a large Hindu population brave enough, but has forgotten their responsibilities towards their religion. After the division of Hindustan, weak leaders led India, Bhide said.

Clyde Crasto, NCP spokesperson, also took a dig at the Shinde-led government over the controversial statement. Bhide has lost his mental balance; there is a need to admit him to a hospital. How did he not feel ashamed while making such a statement about Mahatma Gandhi? he asked.

Another Congress leader Sachin Sawant tweeted against Bhides statement: Strictest action should be taken against Manohar Bhide, who has made a statement against Mahatma Gandhi. Earlier, he had insulted the Indian Flag, made controversial statements about Independence Day and now he has insulted the Father of the Nation, which is an anti-national act. The government is shielding him only because the PM (Narendra Modi) called him his guru.
At a time when the world needs new solutions, we find that our old ways of thinking arent working. We can no longer think in increments - a little improvement in efficiency here, a little reduction in emissions there wont help solve problems like climate change. Small improvements wont bring about the gains we need in public health. Small changes in mindset wont make our workplaces and educational institutes as diverse as our populations are. We wont educate everyone unless we radically rethink our education systems.

Fortunately, the sort of blue sky thinking that changes the world already exists. These are the thinkers, tinkerers, experimenters, innovators and doers who operate in the realm of the impractical, the creative, the disruptive. They are young, they are unfettered by our rules and limiting mindsets, and they dont see impossibility as an absolute. They are the next generation that is emerging from our schools and colleges, and they are raring to fix the problems they have inherited from us.

Samsung has known this for a while. Samsung started the Solve for Tomorrow competition in 2010 in the US with a vision to bring together young minds and empower them to achieve their full potential and pioneer positive social impact. Today, the competition is present in 33 countries, and after the resounding success of the first ever Solve for Tomorrow competition in India last year, Samsung knew this year would only scale greater heights.

In the second year of the Solve for Tomorrow competition in India, over 70,000 teams applied. Of these, 30 have been shortlisted, and in addition to winning 20,000 as prize money to be spent on prototyping, these teams of intrepid innovators are attending a 5-day site visit with the best and brightest at Samsung offices across the country. Here, they are working with mentors and guides on refining their designs, learning about the latest technologies they can leverage in their prototypes and solutions, getting expert guidance on design, engineering, critical thinking and all other aspects that go into making a winning solution that will, one day, have real world significance.

Day One of the site visit saw the teams visit Samsung Opera House in Bengaluru. While Karan Vaishnav was excited about being in his dream city, Bhasha Tyaagi of Team Musketeers was thrilled to connect with the experts at Samsungs R&D Institute.

Day Two brought the teams to the Samsung R&D Institute India (SRI) at Bengaluru. Mithun Nandish Reddy from Team TEG was beyond thrilled. Ill always remember it as my first experience walking into a corporate environment. Radhika Todi from Team Dreamers, on the other hand, made the most of her time by interacting with her (many!) mentors and getting feedback on her ideas.

On Day Three, teams travelled to SRI Noida & SDD, where the superhero vibe really picked up. According to Saibindu Domala of SwapBee, she felt like Rajinikanth walking into the lead role of a movie. Harshil Mistry too, had his dream come true moment as he walked into a space hed been striving towards. Aditi Topariya of Team NIT was able to change her approach using the knowledge she gained during this visit and is looking forward to redefining her solution.

Day Four at SRI Delhi was also equally hectic, and the teams definitely soaked up the get to work atmosphere, in addition to attending several sessions with Samsung experts.

Day Five wrapped up the site visit at Samsung RHQ at Gurugram. Divisha Tahilian of team Flutal summed it up perfectly, The journey, the people here, and all the services are great. Im looking forward to upcoming events and getting our mentor, which will help us shape our idea. Saibindu waxed poetic, The guidance from the Samsung expert team was like a beacon of light on dark roads.

If the success of last years Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Competition is anything to go by, we cant help but be excited to see what these innovators come up with. The shortlisted teams have worked on areas as diverse as Education and Learning, Environment and Sustainability, Health and Wellness, and finally, Diversity and Inclusion. Breakthroughs in any of these areas are going to reverberate around the world, bringing positive changes where they are needed most.

With the conclusion of the site visits, teams are now heading into the next phase - creating their prototypes. From these 30 solutions, the Samsung jury will pick 10 teams to proceed to the next phase. Each of these teams will win 1 Lakh for further development of their prototypes in addition to a bevy of Samsung products. From there on, the teams will be further whittled down to 3 winning teams who will take home up to 1.5 Crores between them to build their solution into a real world game changer.

If, like us, youre also thrilled about the disruptions to come, you can keep an eye on developments here, at Samsungs Solve for Tomorrow Competition.
South Koreas Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) on Thursday imposed a fine of 3.6 million won ($2,829) on OpenAI, the operator of the generative chatbot ChatGPT, for exposing personal information of its 687 citizens.

According to OpenAI, a now-patched bug in an open-source library on ChatGPT created a caching issue in March.

It caused an unintentional visibility of payment information of ChatGPT Plus subscribers during a nine-hour window, including first and last names, email addresses, the last four digits of credit card numbers and credit card expiration dates, Yonhap reported.

A total of 687 users in South Korea have been confirmed to be among those affected by the exposure.

The PIPC said it has fined OpenAI for breaching its duty to report a leakage to authorities within 24 hours of finding it. But the privacy watchdog concluded the company cannot be held responsible for lax personal information protection measures.

The watchdog has also recommended OpenAI take measures to prevent a recurrence of the incident, comply with South Koreas personal information protection law and cooperate actively with the commissions prior inspection activities, it said.
Students from Army Public Schools across India are reportedly receiving calls and messages on WhatsApp from Pakistani Intelligence Operatives (PIOs). As per reports, Indian Army sources said that students are being asked to join specific social media groups and share sensitive information through calls and messages. This suggests that Pakistani intelligence is making a new spying attempt.

According to reports, the callers or message senders pretend to be school teachers and approach students with requests to join new class groups; while sending them one-time passwords (OTPs).

To gain the students trust, they may use references to someone or something familiar to them. Their goal is to make the students believe that it is their actual teachers reaching out to them.

Reports revealed that students are receiving calls and WhatsApp messages from certain mobile phone numbers (8617321715 and 9622262167), allegedly from Pakistani Intelligence Operatives (PIOs). The principals of Army Public Schools have issued an advisory to students and staff about these calls.

The advisory warns that once students join the groups, they may be asked to share sensitive information such as their fathers job, school routine and timings, teachers names, and uniform details. The PIOs may use different numbers and tactics to approach the students, so parents are advised to be vigilant about any suspicious calls.

Meanwhile, WhatsApp is also rolling out safety tools when receiving messages from unknown phone numbers. The app will present a new screen the first time the user receives a message from an unknown phone number. With the new safety tools screen, WhatsApp aims to explain what users can do when receiving such messages.

As always, they can block unknown contacts or report them to the moderation team. In addition, WhatsApp also provides users with some information regarding how to stay safe in chat by checking the profile name, the profile photo, and the country code of the phone number.
India is rolling out the red carpet for the semiconductor industry, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday as he inaugurated the 2023 edition of the Semicon India conference at Mahatma Mandir in Gujarats Gandhinagar.

During the first edition of this summit, the discussion was about why companies should invest in the semiconductor sector in India but now the question has changed  why not to invest, PM Modi said. He added: India knows that semiconductor is not only about our need, but the world also needs a trusted and reliable supply chain supplier and who will be a better partner than the biggest democracy in the world.

During the inauguration ceremony, Union minister for electronics and IT Ashwini Vaishnaw as well as minister of state Rajeev Chandrasekhar and Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel were present along with the executives from major companies such as SEMI, AMD, Applied Materials, Cadence, Vedanta Group, Micron Technology and Foxconn.

The participation of top chipmakers such as Foxconn, AMD and Micron in the Semicon India conference can have significant implications for India amid the dominance of Taiwan and Chinas efforts in the semiconductor sector.

The Impact

The presence of these major chipmakers at the conference indicates that India is becoming an attractive destination for semiconductor companies. It shows that the Indian governments efforts to promote the semiconductor industry and create a conducive business environment are gaining traction. This could potentially attract further investments and collaborations, bringing in advanced technologies and expertise to bolster Indias semiconductor capabilities.

Taiwan is home to TSMC, the worlds largest contract chipmaker, and China is investing heavily in the semiconductor industry. However, geopolitical tensions or supply chain disruptions in these regions could impact the availability of semiconductor components for the rest of the world. Indias efforts to build its semiconductor industry and attract major players can help reduce its dependence on these regions, ensuring a more diverse and resilient supply chain.

India has been striving to enhance its domestic semiconductor manufacturing capabilities to support its electronics and technology sectors. The participation of these chipmakers can lead to the establishment of semiconductor fabrication facilities in India or increased collaboration with local manufacturers. This would not only strengthen Indias position in the semiconductor market but also create job opportunities and contribute to the countrys economic growth.

Industry experts strongly believe that collaboration with established chipmakers can accelerate technological advancements in India. By gaining access to cutting-edge technologies, research, and development, India can improve its semiconductor ecosystem and become more competitive in the global market. This could pave the way for the development of innovative products and solutions in various industries.

The conference can serve as a platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration. It may facilitate partnerships between Indian research institutions and these chipmakers, leading to joint R&D initiatives and technology transfer. This exchange of knowledge can be instrumental in strengthening Indias semiconductor industry and fostering a culture of innovation.

Overall, the participation of major chipmakers at the Semicon India conference represents a positive development for Indias semiconductor sector. It indicates a growing interest in India as a potential hub for semiconductor manufacturing, research, and development.

Where Are We Now?

The US and Japan have already signed a memorandum of collaboration with India for developing a semiconductor ecosystem in the country. Micron Technology, Applied Materials and Lam Research have already announced their plans to boost the ecosystem.

Vedanta and Foxconn may have ended their pact, but Vedanta is committed to proceeding with setting up its unit in India, while Foxconn is reportedly in talks with TSMC and Japans TMH Group for technology and joint venture partnerships to start a semiconductor fabrication unit in India.

Even though there is no confirmation about Vedanta and Foxconn projects, Micron Technology is set to lead the way as it has already confirmed to build semiconductor assembly and test facility for memory chips in Gujarat.
Indian conglomerate Vedantas Anil Agarwal on Friday outlined ambitious semiconductor manufacturing plans for India, saying that the global mining company has identified a world-class technology partner and is in the process of tying up with them, its Chairman Anil Agarwal said on Friday.

Vedanta is fully committed to build semiconductor and display fab. The kind of response we have got in Japan, Korea, America  the ecosystem will be built around Gujarat and we have signed 100s of MoUs for this purpose, he said.

Gujarat will emerge as semiconductor hub, he said, adding it is right place for creating silicon valley of India. For semiconductor we have identified world class partner, we have already identified a world class partner for technology and are in process of tying up with them, he said at SemiconIndia 2023.

Vedanta Group too has made it clear that it remains committed to building Indias first semiconductor and display fabs in Dholera Special Investment Region in Gujarat, and substantial progress has happened to tie up technology and equity partners in semiconductors. Akarsh K Hebbar, Global MD of Vedanta Semiconductors and Display, recently said that the company will await the government nod to its applications under the modified scheme for semiconductor and display fabs.

Thereafter, we will immediately begin construction and set out on the path to make India atmanirbhar in electronics in line with the vision of our honourable prime minister, Hebbar had said in a statement. In an update earlier this week, the oil-to-metals conglomerate said its semiconductor application under the modified scheme is under consideration by the government, while for display fabs, it is now proceeding with filing a fresh application under the modified display scheme.

The Indian conglomerate expressed its resolve and commitment to produce critically important semiconductors and display glass/modules for the growing Indian market.
Amid the Anju-Nasrullah and Seema-Sachin cross-border romance, the love story of Chinas Gao Feng and Pakistans Javed is hogging the limelight. Gao, a 21-year-old woman from China, travelled to Islamabad via road last week. She was received by her lover 18-year-old Javed, a resident of Bajaur tribal district bordering Afghanistan, the police said on Thursday. Gao arrived in Pakistan via Gilgit on a three-month tourist visa.

Javed and Gao met each other on Snapchat and were in touch with each other for three years before they fell in love.

According to the police, Gao was taken to Javeds maternal uncles home in Samarbagh Tehsil of Lower Dir district. Due to the prevailing security situation, he didnt take Gao to his hometown in the Bajaur district bordering Afghanistan.

Izzatullah Khan, Javeds maternal uncle, told PTI that Gao and Javed got married on Wednesday after Gao converted to Islam and adopted the name Kiswa. According to Javeds maternal uncle, Gao, now Kiswa arrived in Islamabad on July 20, where Khan and Javed received her.

They came to the Lower Dir district on July 21, where Gao stayed at Izzatullahs residence in Samarbagh.

Izzatullah said, Javed and Gao performed nikkah on Wednesday and then left for Islamabad after the local police and district administration convinced them that her stay in the district was unsafe due to security reasons and the Holy Month of Muharram.

According to Javeds uncle, Gao, and Javed will do court marriages in China. Gao will return to China in a few days and Javed, who is pursuing a Computer science course at Bajaur Degree College, will join his wife in China after completion of his course.

District Police Officer of Lower Dir District Ziauddin, Gao was provided with full security during her stay in Sambarbagh. However, her movement is restricted due to Muharram and security concerns in the area. The police confirmed that the travelling documents of Gao were in order.
Jhunjhunu, a city in the vibrant state of Rajasthan, has long been celebrated for its diverse attractions, including its lush trees, historical landmarks, and captivating paintings. One particular delicacy that has put Jhunjhunu on the culinary map is the mouthwatering sweet known as rajbhog. Hailing from the charming town of Nawalgarh, these delectable treats have garnered widespread fame, with their demand surpassing not only the citys boundaries but also reaching far beyond the countrys borders. Enthusiastic sweet connoisseurs from distant places make special journeys to savour the unique flavours of rajbhog.

News18 recently paid a visit to the heart of this delightful creation, Babulal Halwais shop, where the team witnessed the intricate process of crafting these exquisite sweets. Babulal, the master behind this delectable art, takes immense pride in sharing the traditional method used to prepare rajbhog. The secret to the sweets unparalleled taste lies in the use of pure cow milk and the absence of any harmful chemicals during its preparation. Before frying, rajbhog flaunts its pristine white colour, which transforms into a delectable shade of brown after being fried to perfection.

For almost seven decades, Babulal has been perfecting his craft, and his son Mahendra continues to uphold the family legacy. Beyond rajbhog, Babulal is also renowned for his expertise in creating saffron bati. The love for rajbhog is deeply rooted in its simplicity and purity, as it comprises only milk and sugar syrup, devoid of any added chemicals or oil. Priced at Rs 18 per piece in the market, this delicacy boasts a shelf life of 3 to 4 days during summers and an impressive 10 to 15 days during winters. Those seeking to preserve it for longer periods can opt for refrigeration, a simple yet effective method.

The creation of rajbhog is an artful process, requiring ingredients like milk, saffron, and a delightful assortment of dry fruits, including pistachio, almonds, and cashews. Some paneer and green cardamom are also incorporated into the mix, and the milk is allowed to spoil, adding to the sweetness and depth of flavor. The dough is then skillfully shaped into small tikkis, while simultaneously preparing the sugar syrup. These tikkis are gently fried in the sugar syrup until they acquire the tempting brown hue, signifying their readiness to be relished.
Eleven women municipality workers in Kerala have hit the jackpot as they jointly won the Rs. 10 crore prize in the state governments 2023 Monsoon Bumper lottery, according to sources. These women, who are members of the Haritha Karma Sena, a green army under the Parappanangadi Municipality, pooled their money to buy a lottery ticket worth Rs. 250 weeks ago. Little did they know that this decision would turn them into crorepati in an instant, despite some of them not even having Rs. 25 in their purse at the time.

Radha, one of the fortunate winners, expressed her disbelief, saying, I am still in shock. Its unbelievable. We had to check with multiple people to make sure that we won and still, we couldnt believe it." She and her fellow winners are involved in the doorstep collection and segregation of non-biodegradable waste for processing.

Their financial struggles are quite evident as Radha revealed, We all come from very poor families with lots of debt and liabilities. I myself have a debt of 3 lakh which I hope to clear with the amount I get from the lottery. So, it has reached us at the right time." No doubt the lottery win couldnt have come at a better moment for them.

Also Read: She Spent Life Savings On Daughters Cancer Treatment And Then Won Rs 16 Crore Lottery

Reflecting on the win, Sheeja Ganesh, the coordinator of the 57-member Haritha Karma Sena, expressed surprise and happiness for the winners. Its very surprising but I am very happy for them. These are extremely hard-working people who go to great lengths to make ends meet. Of the 11 people, three collect the waste from households while the rest are engaged in segregating and weighing the waste. They earn between Rs. 8000 to Rs. 14000 a month. they said. Check Live News Here.

Apart from the Rs. 10 crore jackpot, the lottery also offers multiple prizes ranging from Rs. 10 lakhs, Rs. 5 lakhs, Rs. 3 lakhs, Rs. 1 lakh, and more. The winning ticket was submitted at the Punjab National Bank branch in Parappanangadi, and after deducting income tax and agent commission, the prize money will be deposited in one of the winners accounts.

Also Read: Canadian Woman Wins Rs 290 Crore in Lottery, Buys 5 Mercedes And A Plane

Its worth noting that this was the fourth time the group had purchased a bumper lottery ticket, having previously won Rs. 1000 in the Onam bumper. The latest victory, however, far surpasses any previous winnings and has brought immense joy and relief to these women who can now envision a brighter future ahead!
In Christopher Nolans Oppenheimer, which delves into the life of Robert J. Oppenheimer and his pivotal role in creating the atomic bomb, the scientists most famous quote takes center stage. As described in the 1965 NBC News documentary, The Decision to Drop the Bomb, Oppenheimer recalled thinking of a verse from Hindu scripture while witnessing the Trinity Test, the first-ever atomic bomb explosion: Now I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds."

However, Desis have taken this renowned dialogue and infused it with their own humorous twists, adding funny contexts and relating it to bizarre scenarios. The trend has, indeed, taken on a hilarious life of its own.

Interestingly, the quotes appearance in the film was tied to a significant moment in Oppenheimers personal life. During his first tryst with Jean Tatlock, she playfully asked him to translate a portion of the Bhagavad Gita mid-coitus. Unknowingly, the passage she selected contained the very words that would later become famous among English speakers: Now I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds."

Later in the film, as portrayed by Cillian Murphy, Oppenheimer witnesses the staggering power of the atom bomb he helped create. Once again, he recites the line from the Hindu scripture, as it seems to be the only phrase capable of capturing the magnitude of their creation at the Manhattan Project.

Also Read: Virat Kohli in Barbie vs Oppenheimer Avatar: AI Portrait of King Goes Viral as Movies Hit Theatres

While the historical accuracy of Oppenheimers utterance during the Trinity Test remains uncertain, he did restate the words 20 years after the attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in the mentioned documentary. Reflecting on that momentous time, We knew the world would not be the same. A few people laughed; a few people cried. Most people were silent. I remembered the line from the Hindu scripture, the Bhagavad Gita; Vishnu is trying to persuade the prince that he should do his duty, and to impress him, takes on his multiarmed form and says, Now I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds. I suppose we all thought that, one way or another.
Carrying your own food during a train journey is very common in India. Even though Indian Railways serve all sorts of veg and non-veg food, the quality is not always top notch. Sometimes the items are even stale and low quality of meals has become a given when it comes to a train journey. While many people have accepted this and are okay carrying their own food, one Twitter user took to the micro blogging platform and called out the Railways. This happened after he found a cockroach in his food.

Also Read: Passenger Protests Halal Tea Packs Being Served in Vande Bharat Express, Video Ignites Discussion

The passenger was traveling from Bhopal to Gwalior in Vande Bharat Express on July 24. He was left shocked when he found a cockroach in the meal served by IRCTC. Taking to Twitter, the passenger shared several images.

The images that have been shared show a small cockroach being stuck in one of the rotis. Found a cockroach in my food, in the Vande Bharat train, wrote the Twitter user as he tagged IRCTC.

Since being uploaded, the images have gone viral. Many people expressed their shock and displeasure. Railway Seva responded to the complaint and issued an apology for the unpleasant experience. "We did not intend for this unpleasant experience. Appropriate actions will be taken to ensure that such incidents will not repeat. Request you to share your PNR and mobile number preferably in Direct Message (DM) with us," they wrote.

Also Read: BYJUs Employee Shares Tearful Video Saying She Was Forced to Resign, Makes Shocking Revelation

Meanwhile, a video which recently went viral showed passenger refusing to use tea packets with Halal certification. This incident also took place in Vande Bharat Express. In the video, the man can be seen speaking to an official while he tries to pacify him. He claims that all of these products are vegetarian. The video sparked debate on Twitter regarding food certification and its religious connotations.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar (EAM) on Friday informed the Lok Sabha that 8,330 Indians are languishing in foreign prisons at present, a majority of which are in UAE, Saudi Arabia and Nepal. In a statement laid on the Table of the House, Jaishankar stated that India has signed an Agreement on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons (TSP) with as many as 31 countries.

Under the provisions of TSP, Indian prisoners lodged in foreign countries can be transferred to India to serve the remainder of their sentence and vice-versa. Out of the total Indian prisoners, including undertrials, 1,611 are in United Arab Emirates (UAE), followed by 1,461 in Saudi Arabia and 1,222 in Nepal.

The minister said due to strong privacy laws prevailing in many countries, the local authorities do not share information on prisoners unless the person concerned consents to the disclosure of such information. Even countries which share information do not generally provide detailed information about the foreign nationals imprisoned," he added.

Jaishankar stressed the government attaches the highest priority to the safety, security and well-being of Indians in foreign countries, including those in the foreign jails. Indian Missions/Posts abroad remain vigilant and closely monitor the incidents of Indian nationals being put in jail in foreign countries for violation/ alleged violation of local laws," the minister informed.

As soon as the information about the detention/arrest of an Indian national is received by an Indian Mission/Post, it immediately gets in touch with the local Foreign Office and other concerned local authorities to get consular access to the detained/arrested Indian national to ascertain the facts of the case, confirm his or her Indian nationality and ensure his or her welfare," he added.

In a separate unstarred question, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) was also asked whether the Government has maintained any data on the Indian citizens killed in terror attacks abroad.

In response, the Minister of State for MEA, Meenakshi Lekhi, said 139 Indian citizens have died in terror attacks while staying abroad since 1985. The Government of India accords the highest priority to safety, security and well being of Indian citizens abroad and regularly engages with the authorities of other countries in this regard," she said.

In case of incidences of terror attacks involving death of Indian citizens abroad, the Government suitably requests the concerned foreign Government to take appropriate action to bring to justice the perpetrators of such terror attacks," she added.

(With inputs from Shalinder Wangu)
Peru's freedom was achieved after a period of fight and sacrifice, by men and women who gave their lives to achieve sovereignty of the homeland.

According to, head of the Professional School of History at Lima-based San Marcos University , the Independence of Peru endedand marked the beginning of a new stage of autonomy and self-determination for the Peruvian people.

"Peru's Independence story involves a rich and complex narrative, full of fights, sacrifices, and heroism. The proclamation of independence was a result of a number of historical events that occurred since 1780, with the great rebellion of Tupac Amaru II, which sowed the seeds of discontent and resistance against Spanish colonialism in Peru and became a symbol of resistance and fight for freedom in the Vice-royalties of Peru, Buenos Aires, and New Granada," Valdizan told Andina news agency.
Nigers putschists named an army general as the new leader of the unstable jihadist-hit nation on Friday, the third day since elected President Mohamed Bazoum was detained.

Former colonial master France said hours earlier that it did not consider the coup final", adding there was time for plotters to heed international calls to leave democratically-elected Bazoum in office.

But General Abdourahamane Tchiani, head of the Presidential Guard since 2011, read a statement on national TV as the president of the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland".

The general presented the coup as a response to the degradation of the security situation" linked to jihadist bloodshed.

French President Emmanuel Macron described the events in Niamey as a coup affecting the wider Sahel region as Western powers scramble to preserve a key ally in the insurgent-stricken region.

This coup is completely illegitimate and profoundly dangerous, for Nigeriens, for Niger and for the whole region," Macron said, calling for Bazoums release.

General Tchiani said that while Bazoum had sought to convince people that all is going well the harsh reality (is) a pile of dead, displaced, humiliation and frustration".

The security approach today has not brought security to the country despite heavy sacrifices," he said.

Bazoum and his family have been confined since Wednesday morning to their residence at the presidential palace located within the Guards military camp.

He is said to be in good health and has been able to talk by telephone to other heads of state including Macron.

The Guards chiefs staged the coup and on Thursday they won broad army support.

Armed forces chief General Abdou Sidikou Issa swung his weight behind the putschists saying it was in order to avoid a deadly confrontation".

The latest target of a coup in Africas turbulent Sahel, Bazoum has tried to stand his ground as condemnations swelled from African and international organisations, allies Germany and the United States, as well as France.

The hard-won (democratic) gains will be safeguarded," Bazoum said on Twitter, which is being rebranded as X.

French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna had held out hope for Bazoums position.

If you hear me talking about an attempted coup, its because we dont consider things final," she said. There is still a way out if those responsible listen to the international community."

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) would hold a summit probably on Sunday", where possible sanctions could be decided", Colonna said.

Former colonial power France, which has 1,500 soldiers in Niger, would support sanctions.

ECOWAS has demanded Bazoums immediate release", saying he remains the legitimate and legal President of Niger".

Pro-coup demonstrations

The landlocked state is one of the worlds poorest. Since gaining independence in 1960, it has seen four coups as well as numerous other attempts  including two previously against Bazoum.

The 63-year-old is one of a dwindling group of elected presidents and pro-Western leaders in the Sahel, where a jihadist insurgency has triggered coups in Mali and Burkina Faso.

Their juntas have forced out French troops, and in Mali the ruling military has woven a close alliance with Russia.

What happened in Niger is nothing more than the struggle of the people of Niger against colonisers, who tried to impose their own rules of life," Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin appeared to say Thursday night in a message shared by a Russian body linked to the mercenary group.

While the voice in the audio message resembles Prigozhins, AFP was unable to confirm its authenticity.

The coup plotters had on Thursday urged the population to remain calm", after young men ransacked Bazoums PNDS party headquarters, setting fire to vehicles.

They had split off from a 1,000 people, mostly youngsters, who had demonstrated in the capital.

Some held Russian flags and chanted anti-French and pro-Moscow slogans.

We want the same thing as in Mali and Burkina Faso," shouted 19-year-old student Alassane Alhousseini.

We want to take our destiny in our own hands."

Despite the violence and an army ban on demonstrations, a coalition of parties opposed to Bazoum have called for a show of support Friday for the motivations" of the putschists while disapproving of all change by force".

Bazoum took office after elections two years ago, in Nigers first peaceful transition since independence.

The country of 22 million is two-thirds desert and frequently ranks at the bottom of the UNs Human Development Index.

It faces two insurgent campaigns: one which swept in from Mali in 2015 and the other involving jihadists from Nigeria.
Florida governor Ron DeSantiss woes following his states adoption of new standards on the teaching of Black American history continues to pile up and possibly impacting his campaign.

The recent criticism of the new education policy came from fellow presidential candidate and member of the Republican party, South Carolina senator Tim Scott.

There is no silver lining in slavery. Slavery was really about separating families, about mutilating humans and even raping their wives. It was just devastating, Scott said, while speaking to Politico.

Floridas teachers have been instructed to teach middle-school students that enslaved people developed skills which, in some instances, could be applied for their personal benefit, news agency the Associated Press said.

Scotts remarks came during a campaign stop in Iowa on Thursday. The South Carolina senator said there was no upside to the system whatsoever.

The only Black Republican in Floridas congressional delegation Representative Byron Donalds also criticised the move. Vice President Kamala Harris said that the teachings are propaganda at an event last week. They dare to push propaganda to our children. Adults know what slavery really involved. It involved rape. It involved torture. It involved taking a baby from their mother, Harris was quoted as saying by US-based media agencies.

The Black Conservative Federation, which is one of the US leading Black conservative organisations, also condemned the new education policy. This stance undermines the historical reality of slavery and the unimaginable hardships endured by millions of enslaved individuals. In reality, slaves were oppressed and denied access to education, equal opportunities, and social mobility, the group said in a statement.

Several other Black American - conservative and liberal - have criticised DeSantis over his new policy.

DeSantis shot back and said that anyone listening to the Vice President knows that she was lying. Anyone that actually reads that and listens to Kamala would know that shes lying. That particular provision about the skills, that was in spite of slavery not because of it, DeSantis was quoted as saying by the Hill.

Republicans around the US have cracked down on how race is being taught in American schools. Not just Florida but Alabama, Kentucky, North Carolina and Ohio are pushing legislation that stops or changes how teachers instruct on race.

This is being implemented through curriculum updates, book bans and providing parents with more say in what is being taught to their children, the Hill said.
A suspected Peruvian drug smuggler shot and wounded a customs officer with her own gun at Pariss main international airport after being ordered to undergo a search, prosecutors said on Friday.

The suspected smuggler seized the agents service weapon and shot her in the waist at Charles-de-Gaulle airport on Thursday, regional prosecutors said.

The customs check had revealed the suspected smuggler was carrying three kilograms (6.6 pounds) of cocaine in her luggage.

The suspect, in her 20s, was detained and was being investigated for suspected attempted voluntary homicide on a state official and violating drugs laws, the prosecutors said.

The Valeurs Actuelles news magazine, which first reported the incident, said the customs agent was hospitalised but her life was not in danger.

The incident happened when the agent was escorting the young woman to the toilets. Another agent prevented a potentially more serious outcome by striking the perpetrators arm and forcing her to shoot lower than intended, the magazine added.
Environment ministers from G20 nations meet in India on Friday in a race against time to reach a last-minute consensus to redress the global climate crisis. But no major breakthrough is expected as delegations were stuck on climate change adaption finance, mitigation and peaking emissions by 2025 in hectic negotiations until late Thursday.

Any agreements reached at the one-day conference in Chennai will be signed by the leaders of G20 nations  constituting more than 80 percent of the global GDP and CO2 emissions  during a summit in New Delhi this September.

The meeting comes only days after the groups energy ministers were criticised for failing to agree on a roadmap to cut fossil fuels from the global energy mix. It was seen as a blow to mitigation efforts even as climate experts blame record global temperatures for triggering floods, storms and heatwaves.

Some major oil producers  such as Russia and Saudi Arabia  were blamed for the lack of progress. Given the scale of the triple global crises, climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, we truly have no time left to waste," Steven Guilbeault, Canadas Environment and Climate Change Minister, warned in Chennai Thursday.

With raging wildfires in Greece and a heatwave in Italy, EU Commissioner for the Environment Virginijus Sinkevicius said that there was growing evidence on the ground of devastating climate impact" and the livelihoods of people are being destroyed".

Most delegations were led by their environment and climate change ministers, while the US delegation was headed by Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry.

Emirati oil boss Sultan Al Jaber was also at the Chennai meeting, ahead of leading the upcoming COP28 talks. He has been heavily criticised for his apparent conflict of interest as head of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company.

The world needs its leaders to unite, act and deliver; and that must start with the G20," Al Jaber and UN climate change chief Simon Stiell said in a joint statement on Thursday.

Those at the frontline of climate change need our support now, not in five years time," they said, calling for a tripling of global renewable energy capacity by 2030.
Argentine cryptocurrency influencer Fernando Perez Algabas remains were found inside a suitcase near a water body in the capital city of Buenos Aires. Algaba was missing for more than a week, the New York Post said in a report.

The body was found by a group of children who were playing beside the stream last week. Algaba has been missing since July 19. The children informed their parents about the red suitcase filled with body parts. The New York Post said that the parents inspected the package and found Algabas legs and forearms and his other arm was found in the water body.

The police found the missing head and torso on Wednesday.

The report citing local news media outlets said that the body parts were cleanly amputated which indicates that a professional could have been involved. The autopsy revealed that Algaba was shot thrice before body was chopped up.

Police identified the body using Algabas fingerprints and the distinctive tattoos on the body parts.

A separate report by Marca said the self-made billionaire was based in Barcelona. He earlier lived in Miami. He had only recently shifted to Argentina - a week before his murder. In Miami, he found a luxury car and jet ski rental firm.

Algaba had over a million followers on Instagram to whom he flaunted his lavish lifestyle. He accumulated his wealth by renting luxury vehicles and selling cryptocurrency. Algaba owned a large warehouse full of high-end cars, motorcycles and jet skis by the time he was 24.

The property owner in Buenos Aires filed a missing complaint to the police after he did not return the keys to the owner on the expected date of July 19. He also did not answer the phone.

One person has been arrested so far in connection with Algabas death. The probe into his death continues. Police suspect Algaba was killed over his numerous debts.

Algaba owned a large warehouse full of high-end cars, motorcycles and jet skis by the time he was 24.
Myanmar civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who was ousted in a 2021 military coup, has been moved from prison to a government building, an official from her party said Friday.

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has been moved to a high-level venue compound on Monday night," an official from the National League for Democracy told AFP Friday on condition of anonymity.

Suu Kyi has been seen only once since she was held after the February 1, 2021 putsch  in grainy state media photos from a bare courtroom in the military-built capital Naypyidaw.

The coup plunged the Southeast Asian nation into a conflict that has displaced more than one million people, according to the United Nations.

The party official also confirmed Suu Kyi had met the countrys lower house speaker Ti Khun Myat and was likely to meet Deng Xijuan, Chinas special envoy for Asian Affairs, who is visiting the country.

A source from another political party said Suu Kyi had been moved to a VIP compound in Naypyidaw.

There have been concerns about the health of the Nobel laureate, 78, since her detention, including during her sprawling trial in a junta court that required her to attend hearings almost daily.

Suu Kyi has been sentenced to 33 years in jail for a clutch of charges, including corruption, possession of illegal walkie talkies and flouting coronavirus restrictions.

Rights groups slammed her trial as a sham and a tool designed to remove the popular leader from politics.
Vladimir Putin told leaders and officials from most African countries Thursday that Russia is making every effort to avert a global food crisis despite concerns that its withdrawal from a deal allowing grain shipments from Ukraine will cause price spikes.

The Russian leader spoke at the opening session of a two-day Russia-Africa summit attended by a sharply lower number of African heads of state and government compared with a previous summit in 2019. While discussing the halted Black Sea grain deal, he promised large no-cost shipments of grain to six African countries.

Our country will continue supporting needy states and regions, in particular, with its humanitarian deliveries. We seek to actively participate in building a fairer system of distribution of resources. We are taking maximum efforts to avert a global food crisis, Putin said.

I have already said that our country can replace Ukrainian grain, both on a commercial basis and as grant aid to the neediest African countries, more so since we expect another record harvest this year, he said.

Russia intends to ship up to 50,000 tons of grain aid to Burkina Faso, Zimbabwe, Mali, Somalia, Eritrea and Central African Republic in the next three to four months, Putin said.

Without directly referring to Putins promise, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres took a swipe Thursday at donations of grain to developing nations, saying they cannot compensate for the impact of Moscows cutoff of grain exports from Ukraine, which along with Russia is a major supplier to the world market.

The U.N. chief said the United Nations is in contact with Turkey, Ukraine, Russia and other countries to try to reestablish the deal that saw Ukraine export over 32,000 tons of grain, allowing global food prices to drop significantly.

Guterres told reporters at U.N. headquarters in New York that taking millions of tons of Ukrainian grain out of the global market will lead to higher prices. The higher costs will be paid by everybody, everywhere, and namely by developing countries and by the vulnerable people in middle income and even developed countries, he said.

So, its not with a handful of donations to some countries that we correct this dramatic impact that affects everybody, everywhere, Guterres added.

U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric noted that Guterres pointed at Russias systematic bombardment of Ukrainian ports and grain facilities, which he called a serious escalation. Dujarric said the bombing will have a serious impact on any resumption of Ukrainian grain exports.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre also said Russias promise to donate grain to African nations did not compensate for pulling out of the deal on Ukrainian grain.

A handful of donations to some countries cannot replace the millions and millions of tons of grain exports that help stabilize food prices around the world, Jean-Pierre said.

U.S. State Department spokesman Vedant Patel noted the U.S. pays for about half of the budget for the World Food Program compared to Russias contribution of less than 1%. So its pretty clear to us who is actively committed to addressing the dire concerns of food security, Patel said.

Both Russia and Ukraine are major grain suppliers. They agreed a year ago on a U.N.- and Turkey-brokered deal that reopened three Ukrainian Black Sea ports blocked by fighting and provided assurances that ships entering the ports would not be attacked. Russia declined to renew the agreement last week, complaining that its own exports were being held up.

Promising Russian food exports to Africa is key to Putins stated goal of using the summit in St. Petersburg to bolster ties with 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 actions in Ukraine.

The Russian mercenary group Wagner has been active in Mali and Central African Republic, and Eritrea has voted against more U.N. General Assembly resolutions criticizing Russias invasion of Ukraine than any other African nation.

Burkina Faso is seen by some observers as a likely next target for Wagner, and Zimbabwe has long been bitter about U.S. sanctions against it. Somalia, while a U.S. ally, is often held up as an African country most affected by any restrictions on grain supplies related to the conflict in Ukraine.

The Russia-Africa event follows an annoucnement by South African authorities last week that Putin had agreed not to attend an economic summit in Johannesburg next month because the trip could expose him to arrest under an International Criminal Court warrant for alleged war crimes in Ukraine.

Putin on Thursday announced other moves to deepen relations with Africa, including increased enrollment of African students in Russian universities, the opening of Russian state news media bureaus in many African countries and a proposed common information space in Russia and Africa, within which objective, unbiased information about events taking place in the world will be broadcast to Russian and African audiences.

Putins foreign affairs adviser, Yuri Ushakov, said that while only 17 heads of state were at the summit, 32 other African countries were represented by senior officials or ambassadors. The Kremlin said crude Western pressure to discourage African nations from taking part caused the number of leaders taking part to shrink. In 2019, 43 heads of state attended.

Along with grain, another issue likely to be on the agenda was the fate of the Wagner mercenary group led by Yevgeny Prigozhin following its brief rebellion against Russias top military leadership last month. The private contractors future will be an urgent issue for countries such as Sudan, Mali and others that contract with Wagner in exchange for natural resources like gold.

Russian officials and Prigozhin have said the company would continue working in Africa.

Messaging app channels linked to the mercenary chief posted pictures of him meeting with African officials at a St. Petersburg hotel. It wasnt immediately clear when the meetings took place.

A peace proposal for Ukraine that African leaders have tried to pursue was set to be discussed as well.
In a rare execution, Singapore hanged a 45-year-old Singaporean woman, Saridewi Binte Djamani, for drug trafficking. She was convicted of possessing over 30.72 grams of pure heroin, which is more than twice the threshold for the death penalty under the countrys strict drugs legislation. The execution marks the city-states first female execution in nearly 20 years.

The capital sentence of death imposed on Saridewi Binte Djamani was carried out on 28 July 2023," the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) said in a statement. Singapores Narcotics Bureau said that the capital punishment was carried out on the stipulated date after Saridewi exhausted all legal avenues, including an appeal that was dismissed in October 2022. Her petition for clemency was also unsuccessful.

Singapores strict drug laws include the death penalty for drug trafficking offenses involving significant quantities of drugs. Capital punishment is seen as a critical component of Singapores comprehensive harm prevention strategy, targeting both drug demand and supply.

The execution of Saridewi has sparked debates on the effectiveness and ethics of capital punishment, especially for drug-related offences. The latest case highlights Singapores firm stance on combating drug trafficking and its commitment to enforcing stringent laws to deter drug-related crimes.

This comes a few days after 57-year-old Mohd Aziz bin Hussain was hanged on Wednesday after being convicted of trafficking approximately 50 grams of heroin.

Human rights groups, including Amnesty International, called on the government to halt the practice, arguing that there was no evidence to support the death penaltys effectiveness as a deterrent to crime.

Singapores stance on capital punishment for drug-related offenses places it alongside China, Iran, and Saudi Arabia as one of the four countries that executed prisoners for such crimes last year.

(With agency inputs)
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson is extremely worried" about the consequences if more demonstrations go ahead in which the Quran is desecrated, he said on Thursday, amid growing Muslim anger at a series of attacks on Islams holy book.

On June 28 this year, two men stood outside a mosque in the Swedish capital Stockholm and set fire to a Quran. The move was the latest incident of Islams holy text being burned in the country.

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said on Thursday he was extremely worried about the consequences if more such demonstrations go ahead. He told Swedish news agency TT that further requests for protests where Qurans could be set alight had been filed with police.

He said: If they are granted, we are going to face some days where there is a clear risk of something serious happening. I am extremely worried about what it could lead to."

Demonstrations against the Quran burning have been staged in a number of countries. On Monday, thousands took to the streets in Yemen holding up copies of the Muslim holy text, and denouncing Sweden and Denmark.

Rules on freedom of speech in both countries mean that burning the Quran is legal, though both governments have said they deplore the act.

On Saturday, thousands in the Iraqi capital Baghdad also demonstrated. That came after a man set fire to a book purported to be the Quran on a square across from the Iraqi, Egyptian and Turkish embassies in Copenhagen.

Swedens embassy in the city was stormed and set ablaze by protesters last week, who were angered by a planned Quran burning. Turkey has also publicly condemned the burnings, and could create a diplomatic issue for Sweden, whose application for NATO membership Ankara can still veto.

Stockholm struck a deal with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan earlier this month at a NATO meeting in Lithuania. Sweden has accused other countries - such as Russia - of manipulating the crisis to damage its interests and its bid to join NATO.
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunaks plans to address sky-high property prices in London has led to a war of words between him and London mayor Sadiq Khan. While announcing the plan to reduce home prices, Sunak blamed Khan for failing to deliver the required number of homes which made it difficult for Londoners to own properties.

Labours Sadiq Khan has failed to deliver the homes London needs, driving up prices and making it harder for families to get on the housing ladder. So Im stepping in to boost house building and make home ownership a reality again for Londoners, Sunak said, according to a report by LiveMint.

Sadiq Khan shot back by saying that Sunaks party, the Conservatives, were aiming to distract people from other pressing issues like the mortgage crisis by bringing this argument.

Sadiq Khan claimed that his City Hall surpassed the governments own affordable housing targets as it has initiated construction for a record number of council-built homes.

Are you the same guy who dropped his house building targets? Because Im the guy who started building more council homes than the rest of England combined, exceeded your affordable homes targets & built more homes of any kind than since the 1930s. This is desperate nonsense, Khan said in response.

A dataset presented by London Council suggested that 143,000 new homes could be built in the city once certain viability challenges" were identified. The challenges like additional grant funding and improved coordination across the government, if met, would help attain the target, the Evening Standard said in a separate report.

Sunak plans to direct 150 million funding directly to boroughs (parts of town or district in England) in order to set up brownfield sites for housing along with infrastructure upgrades.

The plan also allots 53 million to the Old Oak West project in west London. The goal is to build over 9,000 new homes and support 12,000 jobs, the Evening Standard said.

Sunak also plans to relax rules on the use of 1 billion for affordable housing. The money will be used for regenerating old social housing estates. Docklands 2.0 will be initiated to create more homes in various boroughs like Thamesmead, Becton and Silvertown. The government says it will lead to building of beautiful, well-connected homes surrounded by landscaped parkland.
Fierce fighting raged Thursday in southeastern Ukraine, where a Western official said Kyiv has launched a major push and Russian President Vladimir Putin said hostilities have intensified significantly. Battles in recent weeks have taken place on multiple points along the over 1,000-kilometer (600-mile) front line as Ukraine wages a counteroffensive with Western-supplied weapons and Western-trained troops against Russian forces who invaded 17 months ago.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy congratulated his troops on reclaiming control of a village, while Putin praised Russian troops heroism in repelling attacks in the southeastern Zaporizhzhia region. Putin insisted on state TV that the Ukrainian troops push wasnt successful and charged that they suffered heavy casualties, although it was not possible to independently verify his claim. Putin was in St. Petersburg at a summit of African leaders.

Ukrainian troops have made only incremental gains since launching a counteroffensive in early June, and Putin has repeatedly claimed Ukraine has suffered heavy losses, without offering evidence.

Ukraine has committed thousands of troops in the region in recent days, said a Western official who was not authorized to comment publicly on the matter.

A U.S. official said Ukraine has begun to commit troops from the 10th Corps, although its not certain all of its units are moving into the fight. Ukraine had been holding the 10th Corps in reserve, with the expectation it would be used to exploit gaps or soft spots the ground forces opened up. Those additional new forces would be used to take advantage of places where Ukrainian troops have been able to break through some of Russias defenses.

The U.S. official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss ongoing military operations.

Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told Pentagon reporters last week that Ukraine was preserving their combat power and that a significant amount of it had not yet entered action as Ukrainian forces slowly and deliberately worked their way through the Russian minefields.

It was unclear how the current effort differs from previous ones by the Ukrainian military to break through deeply entrenched Russian defenses. The Russian army has set up vast minefields to stymie Ukrainian advances and used combat aircraft and loitering munitions to strike Ukrainian armor and artillery.

Zelenskyy posted a video Thursday in which a group of Ukrainian soldiers said they had taken control of the village of Staromaiorske in the Donetsk region next to the Zaporizhzhia province. Our South! Our guys! Glory to Ukraine! Zelenskyy declared.

Russian military bloggers have confirmed that Ukrainian forces have taken part of the village that was the focus of Ukraines attacks in recent days. If Russian defenses in the area collapse, it would open the way for the Ukrainian forces to push southward toward the coast.

Ukrainian authorities have kept operational details of the counteroffensive under wraps, and they have released scant information about its progress.

However, Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar said Wednesday that troops are advancing toward the city of Melitopol in the Zaporizhizhia region.

The seizure of Melitopol near the Sea of Azov would be a major success for Ukraine, which hopes to punch through the land corridor between Russia and the Crimean Peninsula, illegally annexed by Moscow in 2014. That could split Russian forces into two and cut supply lines to units farther west. Russia currently controls the whole Sea of Azov coast.

The Institute of Study of War, a Washington-based think tank, reported that Ukrainian forces launched a significant mechanized counteroffensive operation in western Zaporizhzhia on Wednesday and appear to have broken through certain pre-prepared Russian defensive positions.

The reinvigorated Ukrainian push comes in the wake of Russian military and political turmoil in June that saw Yevgeny Prigozhin, head of the Wagner private military company, stage a short-lived rebellion that posed the gravest threat to Putin in his 23-year rule.

The mercenaries have withdrawn from the battlefield in Ukraine, where they played a pivotal role in capturing the stronghold of Bakhmut following the wars longest battle. Thousands of Wagner troops have reportedly deployed to Belarus to help train its troops before moving to Africa.

Zelenskyy, meanwhile, visited the city of Dnipro, along the Dnieper River to the north of Zaporizhzhia, meeting with military commanders to discuss air defenses, ammunition supplies and regional recruitment.

He also visited a medical facility caring for the wounded from the front, thanking the staff and emphasizing the importance of their work in saving the lives. A recent increase in wounded at a Dnipro hospital hinted that the tempo of fighting had increased.

In what appeared to be a precautionary move, Russias Federal Security Service, known as the FSB, prohibited civilian access to the Arabat Spit in Crimea, a narrow strip of land that links the peninsula to the partially occupied Kherson region. The open-ended ban is needed to contain security threats, the FSB said in a statement quoted by Russias state news agency RIA Novosti.

U.S. officials, who have provided Kyiv with weapons and intelligence, declined to comment publicly on the latest developments, though they have previously urged patience as Ukraine seeks to grind down Russian positions.

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said during a visit to Papua New Guinea that Kyivs effort to retake land seized by Russia since its full-scale invasion in February 2022 would be tough and long, with successes and setbacks.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said an intense battle is taking place but declined to provide details.

We believe that tools, the equipment, the training, the advice that many of us have shared with Ukrainians over many months puts them in good position to be successful on the ground in recovering more of the territory that Russia has taken from Ukraine, Blinken said in New Zealand.

Meanwhile, a missile strike on Ukraines southern Odesa region killed one civilian and further damaged its port infrastructure in the latest attack since Moscow broke off a grain export agreement, Odesa Gov. Oleh Kiper said.

The attack used Kalibr cruise missiles launched from the Black Sea, he said.

Ukraines air force said it intercepted 36 Russian missiles launched from Tu-95MS strategic bombers.
Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Seymour Hersh on Thursday said that Washington enabled both Ukrainian attacks on the Kerch Bridge, citing US intelligence officials.

Hersh, writing on his Substack page in the article, Opera Buffa in Ukraine, said the Biden administration played a vital role in both attacks.

The Biden administrations role in both attacks was vital, Hersh wrote.

Of course it was our technology. The drone was remotely guided and half submergedlike a torpedo, Hersh said, citing an unnamed American intelligence official.

Ukraine attacked the Kerch Bridge for the second time since the onset of the 2022 Russo-Ukrainian war on July 17. Later, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the bridge is a legitimate target. The bridge suffered another attack in October when there was an explosion in the bridge, resulting in its temporary closure.

In October, a truck bomb exploded killing three civilians. The recent attack killed two people and orphaned a 14-year-old girl.

Hersh also says that his post looks at events from the point of view of those in the American intelligence community who dont feel they have the ear of President Joe Biden but should.

The people Hersh claimed he spoke to in the intelligence community said that they do not know yet how Vladimir Putin, the Russian President, will respond.

What will Putin do? We dont think that far, the people he mentions said.

They also seemed to warn regarding the free hand the Biden administration has given to Zelenskys government regarding how to go on about the war. Hersh also signals that the much-awaited Ukrainian counteroffensive is off to a slow start and may have been thwarted by Russia.

Our national strategy is that Zelensky can do whatever he wants to do. Theres no adult supervision. Zelensky has no plan, except to hang on We have no real idea of what Zelensky and his crowd are thinking, the people familiar with the developments told Hersh.

Bidens support of Zelensky can only come from Zelenskys knowledge of Biden, and not just because he was taking care of Bidens son, they further added.

Hersh also said that Russians responded to the attack by ending the grain deal.
Smugglers in Pakistan are using drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to smuggle drugs across the border into India, Malik Mohd Ahmad Khan, a top Pakistan government official has said, during a discussion with senior Pakistani journalist Hamid Mir in Kasur.

Kasur is a city that borders Punjab and is located on the Pakistan-India border. The video released by Mir where Khan is heard making the statement is also the first time Pakistani authorities have admitted that peddlers are using hi-tech means to smuggle narcotics into India.

Big disclosure by PMs advisor Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan. Smugglers using drones In the flood affected areas of Kasur near Pakistan-India border to transport Heroin. He demanded a special package for the rehabilitation of the flood victims otherwise victims will join smugglers. pic.twitter.com/HhWNSNuiKp Hamid Mir   (@HamidMirPAK) July 17, 2023

Malik Mohd Ahmad Khan, special assistant on defence to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, said that the scale of smuggling is scary and agencies are trying to stop this.

ALSO READ | OPINION | After Aerial Drones, Seaborne Drug Trafficking By Narco Subs: The New Challenge Ahead

Khan is also a Member of Provincial Assembly (MPA) from Kasur.

The video, shared by Mir on July 17, shows Khan saying: Yes, and (smuggling) is very scary. Recently there have been two incidents where 10 kilos of heroin was tied to each drone and thrown across. Agencies are trying to curb this.

Mir also uploaded the video with the caption: Big disclosure by PMs advisor Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan. Smugglers using drones in the flood affected areas of Kasur near the Pakistan-India border to transport heroin. He demanded a special package for the rehabilitation of the flood victims, otherwise victims will join smugglers.

Punjab police say that the drugs they have seized are from those districts that border Pakistan. India has raised the issue of illicit drug trafficking and trafficking of weapons and ammunition using drones with Pakistan but the latter has not acted to curb the menace.

A report by the Indian Express said that at least 260 kilos of heroin were recovered from Punjabs border areas till July 2023.

The report citing the Pakistani journalist said that Khan, Kasur MPA, faced a lot of flak in Pakistan for making this admission on live television. The journalist said that Khan is close to the Pakistani military establishment. Khan has been trying to grab the attention of the Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in order to restore mobile connectivity - which is poor because of signal jammers being placed to halt cross-border drone movements - and also to show the plight of Kasur villagers affected by the floods.

(with inputs from Shalinder Wangu)
Describing Japan as the examplar moderniser," External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar praised the Asian power on Friday for its significant impact on India through the Maruti and Metro" revolutions. Speaking at the India-Japan Forum here, Jaishankar said Japan is the modernising inspiration that is particularly relevant as Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government advances the idea of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

For India, and not just for India, for many Asian countries, Japan is in many ways an examplar moderniser. It was Japans effort to progress, modernise, and industrialise in the 19th century which became a trendsetter. It is still an example in this age," Jaishankar said while delivering his address at the India-Japan Forum.

Over Japans significant impact on India, the external affairs minister stressed that Japan has truly unleashed" many revolutions in India.

There is the Maruti revolution, where it wasnt just the Suzuki car coming in, it was an entire lifestyle, it was a way of thinking and industrial culture that got changed. Second was the Metro revolution which had a profound impact on the urban infrastructure of India. The third revolution is in the making, the highspeed rail. When we will complete the project, people will see in India, what a transformational impact it will have," he said.

The minister further spoke of one more possible revolution in the area of critical technologies and semiconductors, adding that there is a huge possibility to work in this field. If you put them all cumulatively, I think Japan had a powerful impact on manufacturing in India, on our urbanization process, on the organization of the logistics in this country," he added.

Spoke at the India-Japan Forum today in New Delhi. Appreciate my colleague FM Yoshi Hayashis thought provoking ideas and views.Made the following 6 points: 1.For India, Japan is the modernising inspiration that is particularly relevant as the Modi Government advances pic.twitter.com/h7ayNPRd5u  Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) July 28, 2023

While recognizing Japans contribution to India, Jaishankar stressed, with changing times, the relationship now should be more collaborative and localized in nature.

Last year, India and Japan marked the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations and further strengthened the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership. Earlier this year in May, Prime Minister Modi and his Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida held talks on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Hiroshima.

The two leaders deliberated on ways to synergise efforts to combat pressing global challenges under Indias G20 presidency and Japans leadership of the G7 advanced economies.

Jaishankars address comes a day after both ministers reviewed their Special Strategic and Global Partnership. They held discussions on joint collaboration in critical and emerging technologies, including semiconductors. The talks took place in New Delhi as part of the 15th India-Japan Foreign Ministers Strategic Dialogue during Hayashis ongoing visit.

Jaishankar stated that talks covered a host of issues including, political, defence, economic, critical technology and people-to-people domains. He emphasised the crucial role of a strong and enduring partnership in ensuring a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific.

The two sides also highlighted the importance of achieving the target of five trillion Yen Japanese investment in India in the period 2022-27.
"To date, 100% of the proposed regulatory measures have already been approved, with an unprecedented economic injection of S/8 billion (about US$2.22 billion), which includes a set of actions that will boost the country's economic growth and development, as well as investment and employment," Mrs. Boluarte noted.

This event took place at Congress headquarters in the Peruvian capital, Lima.

#MensajeALaNacion | Mi Gobierno ha puesto en marcha un ambicioso plan de reactivacion economica, a traves de "Con Punche Peru" que, a la fecha, ya aprobo el 100% de las medidas normativas propuestas, con una inyeccion economica sin precedentes de 8 mil millones de soles, que pic.twitter.com/9q7lEwCvsd
#MensajeALaNacion

Turismo



El @MINCETUR, a traves del plan Con Punche Turismo, transfirio 316 millones de soles a diversos sectores y Gobiernos subnacionales para la implementacion y ejecucion rapida de acciones e inversiones para recuperar este importante sector que ha sido pic.twitter.com/CEde1m6NOQ
UPDATE

Jul 28, 2023 10:59 AM CDT

The family of a Michigan woman who was erroneously declared dead in 2020, then declared dead for real eight weeks later, tried to sue the city of Southfield and four first responders whose bad judgment, they say, contributed to Timesha Beauchamp's demise from a brain injury. Her family says the paramedics and EMTs violated her 14th Amendment rights to due process, per Law & Crime. On Wednesday, however, a three-judge federal appeals court in Cincinnati ruled the civil complaint can't be brought, noting it wasn't shown that the first responders violated Beauchamp's constitutional rights, therefore entitling them to qualified immunity protections offered to government workers. An attorney for the city of Southfield said the first responders, who initially had their medical licenses suspended in the aftermath of the incident, have since been reinstated, reports the Washington Post.

Oct 20, 2020 2:29 PM CDT

A 20-year-old Michigan woman found alive in a funeral home in August after being wrongly declared dead is now genuinely deadand her relatives blame the earlier mistake for her demise. Family attorney Geoffrey Fieger said Southfield resident Timesha Beauchamp "was allowed to die peacefully" Sunday at the Children's Hospital of Michigan, WDIV reports. Beauchamp, who had cerebral palsy, "died as a result of massive brain damage that was suffered when Southfield paramedics wrongly declared her dead and failed to provide her much needed oxygen," Fieger said. "Instead, she was sent to a funeral home which then discovered that her eyes were open, and that she was alive."
July has been so hot that scientists calculate that this month will be the hottest globally on record and likely the warmest human civilization has seen, even though there are several days left remaining to sweat through. The World Meteorological Organization and the European Union's Copernicus Climate Change Service on Thursday proclaimed July's heat is beyond record-smashing, the AP reports. They said Earth's temperature has been temporarily passing over a key warming threshold: the internationally accepted goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degree Celsius2.7 degrees Fahrenheit. Some scientists calculate that this month is the hottest in about 120,000 years.

Temperatures were 1.5 degrees higher than in pre-industrial times for a record 16 days this month, but the Paris climate accord aims to keep the 20- or 30-year global temperature average to 1.5 degrees. A few days of temporarily beating that threshold have happened before but never in July. This month has been so off-the-charts hot, with heat waves blistering three continentsNorth America, Europe and Asiathat researchers said a record was inevitable. The US Southwest's all-month heat wave is showing no signs of stopping while also pushing into most of the Midwest and East with more than 128 million Americans under some kind of heat advisory Thursday.

"Unless an ice age were to appear all of sudden out of nothing, it is basically virtually certain we will break the record for the warmest July on record and the warmest month on record," Copernicus Director Carlo Buontempo told the AP. Scientists say that such shattering of records is a harbinger for future climate-altering changes as the planet warms. Those changes go beyond just prolonged heat waves and include more flooding, longer-burning wildfires, and extreme weather events that put many people at risk. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged world leaders, in particular of rich nations, to do more to reduce emissions of heat-trapping gases. Despite years of international climate negotiations and lofty pledges from many countries and companies, greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise.

"Climate change is here. It is terrifying. And it is just the beginning," Guterres told reporters in a New York briefing. "The era of global warming has ended; the era of global boiling has arrived." Buontempo and other scientists said the records are from human-caused climate change augmented by a natural El Nino warming of parts of the central Pacific that changes weather worldwide. Copernicus calculated that through the first 23 days of July, Earth's temperature averaged 16.95 degrees Celsius, 62.5 degrees Fahrenheit. That's nearly one-third of a degree Celsius (almost 0.6 degrees Fahrenheit) hotter than the previous record for the hottest month, July 2019.

(Read more climate change stories.)
The soldiers who staged a coup returned to TV on Friday, telling Niger that the commander of the presidential guard is the nation's new leader. Col. Maj. Amadou Abdramane, who also spoke to the nation on Wednesday to announce the overthrow , said on state television that Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani is in charge. He reiterated that the nation's constitution has been suspended. A banner proclaimed Tchiani as "President of the national council for the preservation of the homeland," CNN reports. The democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum is being held by the presidential guard. The soldiers have ignored international pleas to release and restore Bazoum.

A presidential aide and analysts have said Bazoum intended to remove Tchiani, who also goes by Omar Tchiani, as head of the presidential guard, per the New York Times. Tchiani said Bazoum was removed because of his mismanagement of the economy and the battle against militants. "We can no longer continue with the same approaches proposed so far, at the risk of witnessing the gradual and inevitable demise of our country," Tchiani told the nation, per the AP. "That is why we decided to intervene and take responsibility." An officer announced that a transitional body now holds executive and legislative powers, and that it will be led by Tchiani.

The European Union on Friday called the coup a "serious attack on stability and democracy" and warned that aid could be cut off. France suggested the change of government isn't final, saying that if the coup leaders heed the international outcry, there's "still a way out" of the crisis. Apparently referring to the US and European countries, Tchiani asked Niger's "technical and financial partners" to understand the nation's situation and offer their support. Someone close to Bazoum said he's in good health and is allowed to use a telephone, per the Times. "He and his family are a bargaining chip now," a Western analyst said. (Read more Niger stories.)
The UAE has signed a finalised air transport services agreement with Austria, a landlocked country in Central Europe, at a special ceremony held in the capital Vienna.

The agreement aims to strengthen air transport relations between the two countries, stated Hamad Al Kaabi, the UAE Ambassador to Austria, after signing the agreement with Peter Launsky Tieffenthal, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Austria.

"This agreement paves the way for strengthening bilateral relations and increasing trade exchange, especially in light of the expected rise in reciprocal flights and the bolstered air transport services network, which will benefit transport companies in both countries and support the tourism sector," he stated.

Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the General Civil Aviation Authority, said the signing of this agreement will enhance the distinguished relations between the two countries and also create new opportunities for trade.

It will also support the operations of national carriers in addition to enhancing the private sector partnership, and encouraging the economic competition, he added.
Declaracion del Secretario de Estado, Antony Blinken, por el aniversario de la independencia del Peru:https://t.co/LzYTJAN0qT
Japanese universities are being incentivized to build or expand their science-related departments, per an announcement made by the education ministry on Friday.

As part of an effort to bolster Japans science education, especially in fields related to green and digital technologies, 111 Japanese universities and technical colleges could receive grants through a 300 billion ($2.1 billion) fund set up by the government.

The country is seeking to improve its international standing in science and technology research. A report released by a ministry-affiliated think tank last year revealed that Japan ranked 12th worldwide for the number of highly cited scientific papers in the three years through 2020.

Thats a significant drop from its standing in the early 2000s, when Japan was fourth in the world.

The issue has been traced back to Japanese universities, where only 35% of students graduate with a degree in the STEM fields  in the US, its 38%, South Korea sees 42% and in Britain the number reaches 45%. ...continue reading
Action Coalition on Human Trafficking (ACT) Alberta rolls out new translated materials for frontline industries

EDMONTON, AB, July 28, 2023 /CNW/ - Edmonton International Airport (YEG) is the first Canadian airport to sign on to a new initiative led by Action Coalition on Human Trafficking (ACT) Alberta that provides translated materials to Canadian newcomers about their rights in Alberta. This summer, QR code stickers with access to materials in English, French, Spanish, Punjabi, Chinese and Tagalog will be installed in washrooms at YEG. Materials will also be provided to all YEG transportation partners.

Working towards an Alberta free of human trafficking (CNW Group/Edmonton International Airport (YEG))

YEG is always looking for progressive and innovative ways to increase safety measures for every single person who comes through our airport. As the prevalence of human trafficking in our communities grows, we know that as an international airport, we have an important and unique opportunity to help prevent it."





- Steve Maybee, Vice President Infrastructure, Facilities and Airside Operations, Edmonton International Airport

Since 2021, YEG has partnered with ACT Alberta to provide industry-specific human trafficking awareness training to RCMP, CBSA, Security and leadership staff at the airport. As a continued response to the successful and widely attended "Human Trafficking Airport Training" hosted by YEG, ACT Alberta and YEG are expanding this collaborative learning for new airport staff at all points of contact, as well as annual refresh learnings. To date, almost 2,000 airport workers have gone through the training program.

The expansion of this program includes the rollout of ACT Alberta's newly translated materials, including Temporary Foreign Workers Rights in Alberta, What is Human Trafficking, Have you been Labour Trafficked and Have you been Sex Trafficked.

"We consistently hear from survivors that language is one of the biggest barriers in understanding their rights and knowing if their situation is ok or if there is something off. This partnership with YEG is a monumental step towards allowing individuals access to their rights in Alberta in their own language. Our hopes are that by knowing these rights from the onset, the signs of a trafficking situation will be clearer to potential victims."

- Kate Price, Executive Director of ACT Alberta

The importance of these translated documents for potential victims of human trafficking cannot be understated. Often traffickers will falsify information about what the victims' legal rights are, what is required of them to work in Canada and much more. Knowing that in Canada, all workers are protected by law is of the utmost importance in the fight against human trafficking in our country.

"This is just the start. We hope YEG will be the first in a long list of airports and transportation partners across the country to join this initiative and continue gaining momentum in this very important movement," continues Price. "This work cannot be done by one organization alone, it takes powerful compassion and collaboration to end human trafficking, and we believe by joining forces, that goal is within reach."

About Edmonton International Airport

Edmonton International Airport (YEG) is a self-funded, not-for-profit corporation driving economic prosperity for the Edmonton Metropolitan Region and beyond. YEG is Canada's fifth-busiest airport by passenger traffic and the largest major Canadian airport by land area, generating an economic output of over $3.2 billion and supporting over 26,000 jobs pre-pandemic. From sustainability initiatives like Airport City Sustainability Campus to being the first airport in the world to sign The Climate Pledge and the first in Canada to begin regularly scheduled drone delivery operations, YEG is a global leader in the aviation industry. YEG approaches equity, diversity and inclusion by creating an airport for everyone.

For more information, please visit: flyeia.com, follow @flyyeg on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn or Facebook.

About ACT Alberta

ACT Alberta, the Action Coalition on Human Trafficking, is a provincial charity and non-profit organization that provides front-line services to victims and survivors of both labour and sex trafficking. As one of the oldest anti-trafficking agencies in Canada, we have been steadfast in our vision of an Alberta free of human trafficking. We provide essential services to victims and survivors, empower and mobilize our communities, and partner with allies across the country to raise awareness.

For more information or to stay informed about human trafficking in our province, please visit: actalberta.org or follow us @actalberta on Instagram, LinkedIn or Facebook.

SOURCE Edmonton International Airport (YEG)

For further information: Media Contacts: Edmonton International Airport (YEG), Jody Hrabiwchuk, Senior Communications Campaign Advisor, [email protected], 825 975 7336; ACT Alberta, Kate Price, Executive Director, [email protected], 780 499 4121
A roundup of the most newsworthy press releases from Cision Distribution this week

TORONTO, July 28, 2023 /CNW/ - With thousands of press releases published each week, it can be difficult to keep up with everything on Cision. To help journalists and consumers stay on top of the week's most newsworthy and popular releases, here's a recap of some major stories from the week that shouldn't be missed.

The list below includes the headline (with a link to the full text) and an excerpt from each story. Click on the press release headlines to access accompanying multimedia assets that are available for download.

Cision Canada - The Weekly Round-Up (PRNewsfoto/Cision Canada)

Read more of the latest releases from Cision, see our resources for journalists, and stay caught up on the top press releases by following @cnwnews.

About Cision Canada

Cision is a comprehensive communications platform enabling more than 100,000 public relations and marketing professionals around the world to understand, influence and amplify their stories. As the market leader, Cision enables the next generation of communication professionals to strategically operate in the modern media landscape where company success is directly impacted by public opinion. Cision has offices in 24 countries through the Americas, EMEA and APAC, and offers a suite of best-in-class solutions, including Newswire, Brandwatch, Cision Communications Cloud and Cision Insights. To learn more, visit www.cision.ca and follow @CisionCA on Twitter.

SOURCE Cision Canada

For further information: For questions, contact the team at [email protected].
The Oppenheimer movie has brought up the question of whether two fission bombs were needed to end the war with Japan.

This question requires understanding the situation in 1945. Germany did not surrender until after Berlin was taken. Germany was pushed back to near its own borders by Dec, 1944. Germany was mainly defending within the borders of their country in 1945. Germany lost over 700,000 soldiers and civilians in defense of their country. They were hit by the Soviets at the

225,000 soldiers and civilians were killed in the Battle of Berlin. The Western Allies had the Battle of Bulge with about 60k to 80k killed on both sides.

The most commonly cited estimate of Japanese casualties from the actual US air raids in 1945 was 333,000 killed and 473,000 wounded. Other estimates of total fatalities range from 241,000 to 900,000. This means far more Japanese were killed in conventional air bombing than from the two nuclear bombs. The US hit over

The strategy for Japan final WW2 defense was a plan called Ketsu-Go. It was outlined in an 8 April 1945 Army Directive. It stated that the Imperial Army would endeavor to crush the Americans while the invasion force was still at sea. They planned to deliver a decisive blow against the American naval force by initially destroying as many carriers as possible, utilizing the special attack forces of the Air Force and Navy. When the amphibious force approached within range of the homeland airbases, the entire air combat strength would be employed in continual night and day assaults against these ships. In conducting the air operations, the emphasis would be on the disruption of the American landing plans. The principal targets were to be the troop and equipment transports. Those American forces which succeeded in landing would be swiftly attacked by the Imperial Army in order to seek the decisive victory. The principal objective of the land operation was the destruction of the American landing force on the beach. Ketsu-Go operation was designed as an all-out joint defense effort to be conducted by the entire strengths of the Army, Navy and Air Force.

Continued Deaths in China, Philippines and Asia

The war between China and Japan had 19 million Chinese deaths. Famines and the occupation of China was still resulting in military and civilian deaths.

The Nationalists fought in 22 major engagements, most of which involved more than 100,000 troops on both sides, 1,171 minor engagements most of which involved more than 50,000 troops on both sides, and 38,931 skirmishes. The Chinese communists fought a guerilla war behind the lines against Japan. Japan used chemical and biological weapons against China because China did not have chemical weapons.

In January, 1945, over 100,000 civilians were slaughtered by the Japanese Navy in the Battle of Manila.

The Soviets attacked Japan in Machuria in August, 1945. In less than two weeks the Kwantung Army, which was the primary Japanese fighting force, consisting of over a million men but lacking in adequate armor, artillery, or air support, had been destroyed by the Soviets.

Each month of world war 2 in 1945 was causing the death of 200,000 to over 1 million people.
South Korean researchers published papers suggesting they had discovered a room temperature superconductor. However, another paper with resistivity charts shows resistance that is like regular copper. A group in China is reported to have made the LK-99 material and is not getting superconductivity. However, it is early and we are waiting for published results for confirmation. It might just be a strong diamagnetic material. There is more work and study needed to determine and confirm if the hoped for superconductor is confirmed.

Diamagnetism is a property of all materials, and always makes a weak contribution to the materials response to a magnetic field. However, other forms of magnetism (such as ferromagnetism or paramagnetism) are so much stronger such that, when different forms of magnetism are present in a material, the diamagnetic contribution is usually negligible. Substances where the diamagnetic behavior is the strongest effect are termed diamagnetic materials, or diamagnets. Diamagnetic materials are those that some people generally think of as non-magnetic, and include water, wood, most organic compounds such as petroleum and some plastics, and many metals including copper, particularly the heavy ones with many core electrons, such as mercury, gold and bismuth.

Above  Diamagnetic levitation of pyrolytic carbon

Superconductors may be considered perfect diamagnets because they expel all magnetic fields (except in a thin surface layer) due to the Meissner effect.

Diamagnetism is a property of matter, superconductivity is a state of matter. Diamagnetism describes how a material reacts when plunged into a magnetic field.

Diamagnets may be levitated in stable equilibrium in a magnetic field, with no power consumption. Earnshaws theorem seems to preclude the possibility of static magnetic levitation. However, Earnshaws theorem applies only to objects with positive susceptibilities, such as ferromagnets (which have a permanent positive moment) and paramagnets (which induce a positive moment).

I have bad news. I am growing increasingly convinced that LK-99 is simply diamagnetic, rather than superconducting. It lines up well with existing evidence (susceptibility, levitation, lack of heat capacity singularity, etc.) Expectation vs. reality. https://t.co/1Rh26ZV4Nj pic.twitter.com/tWhVAVu0Yq  Alex Kaplan (@alexkaplan0) July 27, 2023

Note that they did NOT observe levitation. Could be signs that the levitation is a diamagnetic artefact with some luck in fabrication and the B field breaks superconductivity.  Alex Kaplan (@alexkaplan0) July 27, 2023

This is an emotional rollercoaster. I translated the original Korean paper. Are we back??? https://t.co/PsCMyRGjd6 pic.twitter.com/22xIXuNXJL  Andrew McCalip (@andrewmccalip) July 27, 2023

Seems like a straightforward error. We'll do both. Team should have the PbO + Pb(SO4) Lanarkite in the furnace tonight. We'll do photo dump later. PSA. This is all for fun. We're a few enthusiastic engineers doing this as a hobby project, we just want to see the rocks float. pic.twitter.com/m406JbCYdT  Andrew McCalip (@andrewmccalip) July 28, 2023




The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, Ladi Adebutu, has closed his case at the election petition tribunal after calling 94 witnesses.





The petitioner, who is challenging the alleged refusal of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to comply with the Electoral Act, has also tendered over 200,000 documents before the tribunal to prove his case.





In his petition, Adebutu alleged that elections were disrupted by thugs in over 99 polling units, disenfranchising over 40,000 voters from participating in the March 18 polls.





In the last two weeks he opened his case, the petitioner called voters and party agents from Sagamu, Ikenne, Odogbolu, Remo North, Ogun Waterside, Ijebu-Ode, Abeokuta South, Abeokuta North, Ado-Odo/Ota and other local governments as witnesses to prove that there were disruptions in different polling units across the State.





The petitioner also summoned, with a subpoena, two INEC ad-hoc staff, an official of the West African Examination Council (WAEC), a statistician and a forensic expert to testify before the tribunal.





Adebutu also tendered in evidence, certified true copies of INEC electoral materials, result sheets, voters registers, printouts from the Bimodal Voters Accreditation (BVAS) machines, incident forms, video evidence, forensic reports, etc.





He and the PDP said they have closed their cases, waiting for the petitioners  INEC, Abiodun and the APC to open their defence.





Addressing newsmen after the sitting, counsel to the petitioners, Chris Uche, disclosed that, We have called 94 witnesses on behalf of the petitioners and we have tendered over 200,000 INEC documents before the court as well as our own documents.





Uche explained that, having done all these, we formerly ended the calling of witnesses on behalf of the petitioners. It is the turn of the respondents to start their response. They have asked for an adjournment to Wednesday, which has been granted to them.





When we come on Wednesday, well find out what their defence to all these various allegations in respect of which weve brought overwhelming evidence before the court is. And we are going to confront them with all these documents we have tendered if they call their witnesses.





Meanwhile, INEC is expected to open its defence on Wednesday, being the first respondent in the petition.





INECs Counsel, Abiodun Owonikoko, during the pre-hearing session, told the tribunal that the electoral umpire would be calling just one witness.




Ebonyi South Senator, Dave Umahi, has said President Bola Tinubu was solely responsible for his nomination as a minister from his state.





Umahi promised to work assiduously in justifying the confidence reposed in him, adding that he had no inkling on the ministry to superintendent, NAN reports.





He spoke in Abakaliki while addressing journalists after he was received by Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State.





The former governor said he owed profound appreciation to President Tinubu for fulfiling his promise during the trying period.





According to Umahi: My governor (Nwifuru) should be happy because he wished for it.





I will work with the president to ensure that all promises he made are kept.





I cannot determine the particular ministry to head but I will justify the Ebonyi character of resourcefulness and exceptionality.
For a second time, a Bergen County jury has convicted a Manhattan man of shooting his wifes lover and then torching the dead mans body in the bedroom in Teaneck where the affair took place.

A jury on Thursday convicted Sui Kam Tony Tung of murder, aggravated arson, desecration of human remains and related charges for the March 5, 2011 attack on Robert Cantor at his home in Teaneck.

Tung faces 30 years to life in prison when he returns to Superior Court for sentencing on September 8.

Tung stood trial in 2015 on the same charges and was found guilty and sentenced to life plus 10 years. But an appellate court vacated the conviction after it determined that it determined that the trial court erred by allowing the prosecution to infer to the jury that Tung was guilty simply because he refused to allow investigators to search his computer and car and because he sought an attorney.

The second trial was held before Bergen County Superior Court Judge Christopher Kazlau and lasted eight weeks. The prosecution re-presented its case that Tung, enraged that his estranged wife was having an affair with the 59-year-old Cantor, went to the mans Teaneck home on the night of March 5, 2011 armed with a .380 handgun.

Tung took Cantor into the basement bedroom where he believed the couple had consummated their affair, then shot the man once in the head. Tung then set the mans body on fire atop the bed and fled the home, the prosecution maintained.

Tung maintained his innocence at the second trial, but did not testify. The defense argued that there was no physical evidence of DNA tying Tung to the scene, but the prosecution presented testimony by Tungs wife and evidence that Tung had wiped his computer following the killing.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

Richard Cowen may be reached at rcowen@njadvancemedia.com.
Dion Miller said he followed the trail of blood across the hallway of his grandmothers Jersey City apartment building one day in 2003 to find an elderly neighbor beaten about the head. He tried to help the man as they waited for an ambulance to arrive.

But when 74-year-old Romeo Cavero later died of his injuries, authorities now admit, police wrongly pegged Miller with the murder.

More than 20 years after a grueling 17-hour interrogation in which the Hudson County man gave three conflicting  and false  confessions, New Jerseys top law enforcement official acknowledged authorities got it all wrong.

The state does not seek to set aside a jury verdict lightly, Attorney General Matthew Platkin told reporters during a Newark press conference, adding that a re-investigation by his offices Conviction Review Unit revealed Miller was an innocent man.

But given our findings in this case, it is the only just outcome for Mr. Miller.

Miller, now 54, was not present for the announcement. His attorneys, members of the New Jersey Innocence Project at Rutgers University, said he was still adjusting to life on the outside and was staying with family.

These have been unspeakably difficult times for them, and they have stayed united, said Laura Cohen, the groups director.

Now, authorities face the difficult task of re-investigating a 20-year-old murder. A state cold-case unit is already seeking Caveros killer, Platkin said.

The development also raises questions about the tactics used by homicide detectives at the time to elicit Millers false confession, opening an unknown number of old cases to renewed scrutiny.

Authorities say a trio of now-retired detectives  two from Jersey City and one from the Hudson County Prosecutors Office  fed Miller details to make his confession seem more credible and should have known the story was bogus.

Platkin said, going forward, the conviction unit would prioritize cases involving these officers where confessions were the basis of the convictions.

Cavero was walking home from his job as a tailor when he was attacked, according to an account in The Jersey Journal at the time. He managed to make it back to his apartment in the Harwood Pavilion, a subsidized senior citizens building on Van Nostrand Ave. in the Greenville section of the city.

He was still conscious when he was rushed to Jersey City Medical Center, but later slipped into a coma and died. Before he succumbed to his injuries, Cavero told police an unknown man grabbed his cane and beat him about the head with it, making off with $180 in cash.

Mr. Cavero never identified Mr. Miller  whom he knew well  as his attacker, said Carolyn Murray, the conviction review units director.

Miller frequently visited the complex to care for his grandmother, authorities said, and the two were practically neighbors.

But to the detectives in the case, he became a suspect, Murray told reporters.

Miller was arrested four days after the attack. Over the course of nearly a full day, he gave three tape recorded statements confessing to the murder. An alcoholic at the time, authorities now say he was intoxicated during the interrogation.

Why would someone confess to a crime they didnt commit? Experts say a significant number of innocence cases involve false confessions.

When innocent people are worn down by the interrogation process, they cave to their interrogators, Cohen said.

But they also believe the legal system will reveal the truth in the end. They have faith in that system that, too often, is betrayed.

Millers first trial ended in a hung jury, so prosecutors offered him a plea deal that would result in a sentence of time served, meaning he could have soon walked a free man.

He rejected the deal.

Throughout this entire process, Mr. Miller never stopped proclaiming his innocence, the attorney general said.

A second jury convicted him in 2007. He was sentenced to 30 years in prison without the possibility of parole.

But the New Jersey Innocence Project, launched in 2022 at the state universitys Camden campus, took on Miller as one of their first clients. They got state authorities to give the case another look earlier this year.

Many of the tactics investigators used at the time  interrogating a suspect for long periods and recording only portions of the interview, for example  would have gotten the case thrown out today.

State Conviction Review Unit director Carolyn Murray speaks to reporters during a Newark press conference as Attorney General Matthew Platkin looks on.

We hope that the lessons learned from this matter, particularly with regard to the causes and frequency of false confessions, will lead to exonerations of other innocent people and help prevent future wrongful convictions from occurring in New Jersey, Cohen said.

Millers case is the second exoneration from the attorney generals conviction review unit, which was launched in 2019 and heralded at the time as the nations first statewide unit devoted to reviewing credible claims of innocence.

In the years since, it has faced criticism from advocates for the wrongly convicted, who have rallied in Trenton calling on the attorney general to re-examine more cases.

The most conservative estimates say just 1% of New Jersey jail and prison inmates may have been wrongly accused, a figure that would suggest the state could have more than 200 innocent inmates languishing behind bars. Other estimates say as many as one out of 10 prisoners may be wrongly convicted. The government does not reliably track such data.

Reviewing the cases takes time, officials contend.

Hunting down witnesses, reviewing forensic material and re-examining evidence is a time-consuming process, Platkin said, one that was further complicated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Do I wish we could move more cases across the board? Of course, he said. Nobody wakes up in the morning saying they want somebody who is innocent to stay incarcerated.

Under New Jerseys Mistaken Imprisonment Act, wrongly convicted prisoners can recoup up to $50,000 for every year they spent locked up, meaning Miller could be entitled to more than $1 million in compensation. But hell have to sue the state to get it  a process overseen by the attorney generals office that often takes years to work its way through the court system.

I hope he gets everything hes entitled to, the attorney general said.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

S.P. Sullivan may be reached at ssullivan@njadvancemedia.com.
A 23-year-old police officer from New Jersey suddenly died this week during a routine workout, according to his family.

Patrolman Samuel Irvin, who had just become a police officer two weeks earlier, suffered a catastrophic cardiac arrest on Sunday, said his mother, Deb Irvin.

Irvin, of Columbus, graduated the from Gloucester County Police Academy earlier this month and began working for the Mansfield Township Police Department on July 10.

He was the most amazing son, brother and a devoted fiance, his mom said.

Irvin and his fiancee, Kenzie Santucci, had a Golden Retriever named Bailey and were expecting a baby.

His fiancees sister, Mikaela Santucci, has started a GoFundMe campaign in an effort to raise funds for the fallen officers unborn child.

Sam brought so much joy into everyones lives. He would go out of his way to make you smile, Santucci wrote in a description on the GoFundMe page. He loved to joke around and his laugh was infectious.

His mother said his colleagues at the police department and classmates at the academy spoke highly of his work ethic.

We have been told that there was nothing he couldnt do, she said. He ran over 300 miles in the police academy and never faltered.

The Mansfield Township Police Department, where Irvin worked for just two weeks, posted a written eulogy on social media earlier this week, speaking of him as a more than just a colleague.

Sam was not only a colleague, he was a brother and a friend, the post read. It is difficult to write this because we are all at a loss for words. We are trying our hardest to honor him in the best way we can, but nothing we do will amount to the Man, Expectant Father, Fiance, Brother, Son, and Friend that Samuel Irvin was.

Thank you for relying on us to provide the local news you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription.

Nicolas Fernandes may be reached at nfernandes@njadvancemedia.com.
A man was arrested Thursday after allegedly helping hide a driver accused of crashing his car and abandoning it with a passenger  who later died  still inside, investigators said.

Angel Garcia-Rodriguez, 26, of Lakewood, was driving a car west on James Street around 2:25 a.m. on July 22 when he allegedly lost control, hit a utility pole on the passenger side and left the scene, leaving behind the critically-injured occupant, according to a release from the Ocean County Prosecutors Office. The passenger, who was not identified Thursday, was taken to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, where he was pronounced dead.

Garcia-Rodriguez was located at a home in Lakewood, arrested and charged with leaving the scene of a motor vehicle crash resulting in death and endangering an injured victim, authorities said.

He was taken to Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus in Lakewood, where a court authorized sample of his blood was taken, the office said. The results of the test were not released Thursday.

Detectives alleged Emmanuel Rodriguez-Galindo, 36, of Lakewood, picked up Garcia-Rodriguez after the crash and took him to his home to avoid apprehension, officials said. On Thursday, Rodriguez-Galindo was arrested and charged with hindering the apprehension of another and obstruction of justice.

Both men were being held in the Ocean County Jail pending a detention their detention hearings, prosecutors said.

Thank you for relying on us to provide the local news you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription.

Chris Sheldon may be reached at csheldon@njadvancemedia.com.
Gov. Phil Murphy is about to leave New Jersey for his latest summer vacation in Italy.

Murphy is scheduled to depart Friday to spend the next two weeks there with his family, his office confirmed to NJ Advance Media.
While growing up in New Jersey in the 1970s, Doug Emhoff spent four of his summers attending Camp Cedar Lake, a Jewish summer camp, just across the Delaware River in Pennsylvania.

Five decades later, Emhoff, now the U.S.s first-ever second gentleman, will return to the camp next week to speak to a new generation of campers about the need to combat recent rises in hate and antisemitism across the country, his office told NJ Advance Media.

Emhoff, the husband of Vice President Kamala Harris and the countrys first Jewish spouse of a president or vice president, is slated to visit the camp in Milford, Pennsylvania on Thursday to take part in both a fireside chat and a roundtable discussion.

He has been on the road promoting the U.S. National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism that President Joe Bidens administration launched in May.

During comments at an event last week in New Zealand, Emhoff said pushing back against antisemitism is very personal for me and warned we are witnessing a global epidemic of hate, accelerated by online radicalization, misinformation, and disinformation.

We must speak out against hate and call out those who dont, he said. Silence is not an option.

There were a record 2,717 incidents of antisemitic assault, harassment, and vandalism across the U.S. in 2021, according to the Anti-Defamation League.

New Jersey, home to more than 500,000 Jewish residents, is not immune. The ADL reported there were 370 antisemitic incidents in the state in 2021, the most ever recorded here and the second-most in any state that year. It was also a 25% increase from the year before.

Emhoff, 58, has also visited Columbus, Ohio, and Aspen, Colorado on his tour. But his return to his home region Thursday is the most personal.

He is expected to speak about how important the camp and Judaism was to him growing up. Emhoff attended the Cedar Lake  part of the NJY Jewish summer camp program  in each summers from 1975 to 1978. At 13, he was voted the most athletic in his division at the camp in Milford, located just across the river from Montague in the northwest tip of New Jersey.

Get politics news like this right to your inbox with the N.J. Politics newsletter. Add your email below and hit "subscribe"



Emhoff lived about 90 minutes away at the time in Old Bridge, a Central Jersey suburb. He spent ages 6 to 17 in the Middlesex County township before he and his family ultimately moved to California.

Thursdays visit will come two years after Emhoff returned to New Jersey in 2021, visiting a COVID-19 vaccination clinic at a Newark high school and tour a river walk in Elizabeth to tout the Biden administrations efforts to protect the environment and battle climate change.

The trip will also come a few weeks after First Lady Jill Biden, who was born in New Jersey, spoke at a National Governors Association conference in Atlantic City, about 30 miles from her birth place of Hammonton.

Standing alongside her, Gov. Phil Murphy joked that Jill Bidens and Emhoffs ties to New Jersey should give the state another nickname: The In-Law State.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

Brent Johnson may be reached at bjohnson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter at @johnsb01.
The religious ceremony took place at the Cathedral Basilica of Lima.

This event also saw the presence of Ministers of State, among other high-ranking officials.

#FiestasPatrias | Ministros de Estado se dirigen a la Catedral de Lima para participar de la misa y tedeum. ???? #28dejulio #ConPunchePeru ???? ? pic.twitter.com/uFQ6UeIoLn

#FiestasPatrias ???? La presidenta de la republica, Dina Ercilia Boluarte Zegarra, junto a los ministros de Estado y altas autoridades, participa de la misa y tedeum en la Basilica Catedral de Lima por el 202. aniversario de la independencia del Peru. ???? pic.twitter.com/P9EIFGs7VX
Six-day (Tuesday through Sunday) print subscribers of the Watertown Daily Times are eligible for full access to NNY360, the NNY360 mobile app, and the Watertown Daily Times e-edition, all at no additional cost.

If you have an existing six-day print subscription to the Watertown Daily Times, please make sure your email address on file matches your NNY360 account email. You can sign up or manage your print subscription using the options below.
Trumpeter Sam Irwin would have been happy to bring his Baton Rouge traditional jazz band, the Florida Street Blowhards, to Satchmo SummerFest on Aug. 5-6 at the New Orleans Jazz Museum. But hell be leading a talk instead.

In January, he released Hidden History of Louisianas Jazz Age, and it includes a couple of chapters about Louis Armstrong.

The festival features two days of live music on two stages outside the museum, plus piano performances and scholarly presentations indoors. The festival generally falls on the first weekend in August, around Armstrongs birthday, which scholars believe is Aug. 4.

Irwins talk is titled Born on the 4th of July: What Independence Day Meant to Louis Armstrong.

Irwin is a fan of Armstongs early work as well as early New Orleans jazz from Kid Ory and King Oliver. But he got back into music several years ago, more because of Allen Toussaint and Nicholas Payton.

After Toussaint died in 2015, Irwin listened to The Bright Mississippi, an album with a bunch of jazz standards.

I was knocked out by the music, Irwin says. Nicholas Payton was the trumpet player on there. He made it sound so easy, I had the foolish notion I could do it. I was a trumpet player years ago. So I got my horn out and started practicing. After six months, I started recruiting, and now I have this traditional jazz band in Baton Rouge.

To promote the band, Irwin started blogging about it and Louisiana music history.

The book came out of newsletter that I sent out to promote the band, he says. After a couple of years, I had half a book.

Irwin had written two books about Louisiana food, and he decided to expand on some areas of Louisiana music history.

He devotes one chapter to Armstongs birthday. Satchmo often said that he was born on July 4, though on different occasions, he said it was 1900 and 1901. Its often been suggested that he chose that day.

Scholars have said that people without birth certificates or those born into poor communities often chose holidays as their birthdays. Irwin says thats not an adequate description of the reasons Armstrong might have had for saying he was born on Independence Day.

In the chapter, he discusses the importance of Independence Day celebrations among Black communities in the South, where for many years after the Civil War and Reconstruction, whites didnt celebrate the holiday.

In a couple of his autobiographies, he says that in New Orleans they really celebrated the 4th of July, Irwin says. When he says that, hes talking about Black celebrations. Hes not talking about white celebration.

The chapter also includes other significance of the date beyond the legacy of the Civil War. On July 4, 1910, heavyweight boxer Jack Johnson defeated Jim Jeffries in Reno, Nevada. Jeffries, who was white, came out of retirement to battle the champion, and lead-up to the fight was framed as a racial showdown. After Johnson won, there were white riots across the country that left a reported 20 people dead.

Irwin will explore the significance of the date during Armstrongs young life in his talk. It's at 3-3:45 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 5.

The book has a forward by Ricky Riccardi, who has written books about Armstrong and is the director of the research collections at the Louis Armstrong House Museum in Queens, New York. Riccardi is a regular at Satchmo SummerFest, and hell make several presentations this year.

On Saturday, Ricardi and jazz historian Maxine Gordon will discuss Armstrongs 1960 tour of Africa with the Louis Armstrong Allstars. On Sunday, Riccardi will discuss the musical A Wonderful World with director Christopher Renshaw. The show comes to New Orleans in October before heading to Broadway. Also that day, Riccardi looks at Armstrong in 1923, when he made his first recording with King Olivers band, and Melissa Weber will interview Riccardi.

The festivals musical lineup spans traditional and modern jazz and features an array of local bands. Kermit Ruffins will deliver his annual tribute to Armstrong to close out the festival on Sunday. Also performing at the festival are Leroy Jones and New Orleans Finest, Rebirth Brass Band, Charmaine Neville, John Boutte, 79rs Gang, Delfeayo Marsalis with Corey Henry and Tonya Boyd-Cannon, Preservation Brass, Joe Lasties New Orleans Sound and more.

The festival also has other events, including a jazz Mass and second line parade. Visit the festival website for schedule and details. Festival admission is free.
En el marco del Mensaje a la Nacion de la Presidenta de la Republica, Dina Boluarte, se expusieron los principales logros alcanzados en materia de politica exterior. Conoce cuales son ?? #ConPunchePeru pic.twitter.com/9vpLiin56G
A foliage-draped cross and flowers, and signs with the writing washed away by rain mark a spot on Burbank Drive near where Madison Brooks was fatally struck by a car around 2:50 a.m. Jan. 15, according to authorities. The 19-year-old LSU sophomore was raped in the back of a car before being dropped off in a nearby neighborhood, authorities said. She had been drinking at Reggie's bar before the incident, and deputies said Brooks had a blood-alcohol level of .319, nearly four times the legal limit to drive and enough to give someone alcohol poisoning and render them unconscious.
The Jefferson Parish Housing Authority is being sued by Acre Road apartment tenants who object to its plan to evict them with nothing but vouchers that they say will send them to poorer, more segregated, crime-ridden neighborhoods  if they can find a place at all.
YEREVAN, JULY 28, ARMENPRESS. German Member of the European Parliament Lars Patrick Berg has called on the German government and the EU to pressure Azerbaijan into ending the blockade of the Lachin Corridor and not allowing an escalation of the situation.

The Lachin Corridor must be opened. The fact that even the humanitarian aid by the International Committee of the Red Cross isnt reaching Nagorno-Karabakh is a totally unacceptable situation. The federal government and the EU Commission must put pressure on Azerbaijan so the situation doesnt escalate, Berg tweeted.

Lachin Corridor, the only road connecting Nagorno-Karabakh with Armenia and the rest of the world, has been blocked by Azerbaijan since late 2022. The Azerbaijani blockade constitutes a gross violation of the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh ceasefire agreement, which established that the 5km-wide Lachin Corridor shall be under the control of Russian peacekeepers. Furthermore, on February 22, 2023 the United Nations highest court  the International Court of Justice (ICJ) - ordered Azerbaijan to take all steps at its disposal to ensure unimpeded movement of persons, vehicles and cargo along the Lachin Corridor in both directions. Azerbaijan has been ignoring the order ever since. Moreover, Azerbaijan then illegally installed a checkpoint on Lachin Corridor. The blockade has led to shortages of essential products such as food and medication. Azerbaijan has also cut off gas and power supply into Nagorno-Karabakh, with officials warning that Baku seeks to commit ethnic cleansing against Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh. Hospitals have suspended normal operations and the Red Cross has been facilitating the medical evacuations of patients.

Armenia has sent a humanitarian convoy carrying over 361 tons of food and medical supplies for Nagorno-Karabakh. The convoy stopped near the border village of Kornidzor near the entrance of the blockaded Lachin Corridor.

If Azerbaijan blocks the Armenian humanitarian aid convoy from entering Lachin Corridor it corroborates Armenias fears that Baku seeks to commit genocide in Nagorno-Karabakh, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan warned Thursday.
You are clearly a super-user of NUVO.net. Thats a good thing. It means you depend on independent and local news sources to keep you informed. You are a smart person.



Coincidentally, independent and local news sources depend on you too. Youve read 25 articles this month and now, wed like you to be join our mission and become a NUVO Supporter. For as little as $4 a month, you can keep us alive and fighting -- and can have unlimited access to the independent news that cant be found anywhere else.
Pink sauce on that Burger King burger? What about Barbie-fying" your pet with sweaters and beds with Barbie motifs? If that's too low-brow, perhaps you'd be interested in hot pink Barbie monogrammed knit leggings by luxury designer Balmain instead, selling at Neiman Marcus for a cool $2,150.

Welcome to the wonderful and weird world of Barbie movie marketing.

Ahead of Friday's U.S. release of the Barbie" movie, parent company Mattel has created a product marketing blitz with more than 100 brands plastering pink everywhere.

There are pink benches at bus stops and pink clothing displayed in store windows. Microsoft's XBox has come up with a Barbie console series and HGTV is hosting a four-part Barbie Dreamhouse Challenge. Bloomingdale's launched a Barbie Dreamhouse popup shop featuring Barbie-themed merchandise at its Manhattan flagship store and at its Century City, Los Angeles location.

And then there are all the unofficial collaborators trying to grab a piece of the Barbie craze. Restaurants across the country are offering special pink cocktails, while interior decorators are showing options like vibrant pink backsplashes to Barbiefy your kitchen.

Even the organization I Support the Girls  a nonprofit that has provided 22 million bras and menstrual hygiene products to homeless people, refugees and immigrants  is creating a social media campaign around menstrual periods using Barbie and having volunteers create miniature packages of Barbie-sized menstrual pads and tampons as teaching tools.

The capability to share stories and knowledge through playing with Barbie is what made us realize we need to jump on this pop culture Barbie bandwagon, said Dana Marlowe, founder and executive of I Support the Girls. If you can see yourself in a toy or in a doll, we want to also make sure that were raising awareness about bras and clean underwear and the like.

Some experts say all the marketing beyond the movie is only good for the 64-year-old brand, helping to attract multi-generations of fans.

When a brand owns something as iconic as the color pink, it's good news and bad news," said Marc Rosenberg, a Chicago-based toy consultant who led the global marketing teams for Hasbro's brands like Furby, GigaPets, and Hit Clips. In this case, I think its all good news. Everyone in the world wants a piece of pink now.

But pundits also say it's going to be hard for many of the products to stand out when the world is awash in pink.

There is such a stampede toward this that most people are going to get stepped on and will not be noticed, said Allen Adamson, co-founder of marketing consultancy Metaforce, noting he believes there will be more losers than winners.

For some shoppers like Hollie Krause of Mahwah, New Jersey, Barbie pink blitz that ramped up since June is already getting too much.

Krause, 31, said that she loved her Barbie dolls growing up and had about 20 of them along with a Barbie Dreamhouse. So when some of the merchandise started to roll in earlier this year, she bought Barbie-themed pajamas, a Barbie T-shirt, Barbie-trademarked pink lemonade, along with some other pink outfits.

Now she's feeling overwhelmed.

Barbie is supposed to be for everyone, but these nostalgic collaborations should feel a little bit more unique or a little bit more creative, said Krause, who plans to focus on limited edition items.

Barbie's first live action movie, an homage to the doll with some biting satire, comes at a time when Barbie sales have been up and down after slumping from 2012 to 2015, when it faced stiff competition from other dolls and was under attack for pushing unrealistic beauty standards to girls and lost some relevance. It enjoyed a big bump in sales during the depths of the pandemic when parents were looking to entertain their children.

Barbie now accounts for one-third of Mattel's revenue and it has been diversifying the dolls with more skin tones and versions with prosthetic legs, wheelchairs and hearing aids. This year, it unveiled its first Down Syndrome doll.

As a result, according to market research firm Circana, Barbie has remained the top fashion doll for the past four years starting in 2019 and through June of this year in the U.S. as well in the combined 12 countries that Circana tracks.

So far, product marketing around the movie has done well.

Mattel's Barbie that was specifically made for the movie and is dressed in a pink gingham dress, is No. 1 in sales for dolls and for the pre-school dolls and dollhouse category sold on Amazon, according to the retailer's website.

Neiman Marcus noted that it launched its exclusive Barbie collaboration with Balmain last year and sold out of many items in the first few days. Based on the success of last years collaboration and the current Barbiecore cultural phenomenon, it has reissued the collection starting July 10, the retailer said.

Then there's the mixed social media reviews for the Pink Burger offered by Burger Kings franchisee in Brazil. It's offering a slice of melted cheese, bacon and a smoky-flavored hot pink sauce. The Pink Burger comes in a Barbie Combo, which also features French fries (dubbed Kens Potatoes), a pink shake and a pink-frosted donut.

Has BK completely lost its creativity or is just too lazy to think of something better? said one comment on Burger King Brazil's Instagram account.

Restaurant Brands noted it is a limited-time partnership sold exclusively in the Brazil market and will not be available in the United States nor elsewhere.
YEREVAN, JULY 28, ARMENPRESS. Minister of Defense Suren Papikyan has said that authorities will soon initiate steps for significantly increasing the combat readiness level of members of the Armed Forces.

Papikyan made the announcement during a session of the collegium of the defense ministry, an advisory board involving the top brass.

The military officials discussed the results of combat readiness training of the Armed Forces of Armenia of the first half of 2023.

Papikyan said that the issues discussed at the session are of utmost importance for strengthening the combat readiness of the military. Minister Papikyan said that a number of programs have already been completed and soon additional steps will be made to significantly increase the combat readiness of the troops.
PORTAGE  Just a few days before David Gant allegedly robbed a local Horizon Bank, he had a run-in with police after being picked up in a stolen vehicle and accused of stealing from the Ace Hardware store at 5979 Central Ave, according to arrest reports.

Police said they were called out around 7:25 a.m. July 20 to the hardware store where they were told a man had walked out with a drill and adaptor kit valued at $340.

Watching surveillance footage from the store, police identified 31-year-old Gant of Portage as the suspect and sought a felony theft charge against him, according to the incident report.

At 9:05 p.m. that same day, Indiana State Police reported pulling over a stolen vehicle at U.S. 12 and County Line Road and identified Gant as the driver.

Gant reportedly denied going to the Ace Hardware store earlier that day, police said. When questioned specifically about the theft, he asked for a lawyer and was taken to the Porter County Jail on allegations of stealing the vehicle.

Hammond police then took Gant into custody early Wednesday afternoon on a charge of robbing the Horizon Bank at 2650 Willowcreek Road in Portage on Monday.

Gant appeared Friday morning before Porter Superior Court Judge Jeffrey Clymer, who set bond in the case at $4,500 cash.

Clymer also appointed public defender Mark Chargualaf to represent Gant and set a trial for Jan. 8 with preliminary hearings Oct. 6 and Dec. 1.

"Why are they so far out?" Gant asked of the court dates.

Clymer responded, "That's the dates we have available sir."

Portage police said they had been called out around 2:25 p.m. Monday to the Horizon Bank in response to a panic alarm. They discovered the bank had been robbed by a man who presented the teller with a note demanding money.

"No direct threats were made, and no weapons were displayed or implied during this incident," police said.

The suspect, later identified as Gant, fled the bank with money and was not immediately apprehended.

Gant had quickly been identified as a suspect in the robbery after Portage officers reviewed surveillance video footage and recognized him from a previous incident, Portage Police Lt. Rob Maynard said.

His vehicle had been picked up by a license plate recognition system in Portage shortly after the robbery and later by a similar system in Hammond.

Portage police shared what they knew about the robbery with surrounding departments and Hammond officers located Gant's vehicle Tuesday outside a hotel in their jurisdiction, Maynard said.

"We extend our thanks and appreciation to the Hammond Police Department for dedicating numerous hours toward locating Mr. Gant and taking him into custody," Maynard said.
VALPARAISO  A 35-year-old Hobart man was stabbed and beaten to death in June at a public fishing area near Portage during what police said was a sexual encounter arranged on a hookup app.

"The three exited the vehicle and walked along a small dirt path," according to a charging document that had been sealed by a judge until Friday morning.

"Sexual activity was engaged in and during the course of the contact Derek (Hartz) was struck with the brick and stabbed multiple times with the knife."

"Domonic (Brothers) and Jada (Monroe) then left the body of Derek on the path in the wooded area and drove away in his vehicle," police said.

Brothers, 28, of Gary, and Monroe, 28, of Virginia, were later picked up in Ohio and each face criminal counts of murder, murder in perpetration of a robbery and robbery resulting in serious bodily injury in the death of Hartz, according to court records.

Brothers, who also goes by the last name of Weaver, has since been returned to Porter County and appeared Friday morning on the charges before Porter Superior Court Judge Jeffrey Clymer, who lifted the seal on the details of the case.

Brothers, who is being held without bond as a result of the murder charge, questioned having to stay behind bars until his Jan. 8 trial. He was appointed the services of Public Defender Mark Chargualaf.

Police say the mother of Hartz told them she last saw her son playing video games at home around 4:30 a.m. June 13. She woke later to find a note from him advising he took their 2017 Volkswagen Passat to travel to a friend's house.

When she texted him later that morning, she got no immediate response and then a message reading, "I'll be there soon," according to a charging document. The message was sent after his dead body had been found, police said.

Region woman guilty of murdering, dismembering husband, forcing kids to help, prosecutor says "She then admitted she had to cut Randy's legs off because she wasn't able to fit him inside the tote," police said.

The body of Hartz was found around 11 a.m. June 13 at the Chustak Public Fishing Area located at 331 W. County Road 600 North in Portage Township. The area was described by police as a 76-acre public fishing area just off Indiana 149.

The body was found on a small trail on the edge of the site on a deflated air mattress, according to court documents. Hartz had "excessive bleeding" from his skull and was nude from the waist down, officials said.

An autopsy revealed Hartz died as a result of a stab wound that punctured his heart, along with blunt force trauma to his head, police said.

"A knife tip was located embedded into the top of his skull and recovered."

Police said a fanny pack discovered under the body of Hartz contained identification belonging to Monroe. Police then tracked down the victim's phone to the area of Interstate 65 and 61st Avenue in Merrillville, and discovered it contained the Grindr hookup app and messages beginning June 12 with the accused men.

"U wanna have some fun with us?" the accused allegedly wrote to Hartz.

UPDATE: Man accused of Portage bank robbery had run-in with police days earlier, reports show At 9:05 p.m. that same day, Indiana State Police reported pulling over a stolen vehicle at U.S. 12 and County Line Road and identified David Gant as the driver.

Hartz then restarted the conversation early June 13 and left to pick up the two accused men, police said.

Police said they used cell phone information to locate Brothers and Monroe in Ohio. After contacting police there, the men were reportedly located in the Cincinnati area and taken into custody following a chase and crash.

The men admitted to taking part in the sexual encounter with Hartz and said they prepared by placing a butcher knife and landscaping brick in a purse, police said.

Brothers and Monroe said they had been planning to leave the state, but did not have transportation or the funding necessary, according to police.

"It was indicated that prior to Derek's arrival, a 'plan' was developed," a court document says.

The accused said they fled the scene after the death of Hartz and packed to leave the area, but tried to return after discovering the fanny pack and identifications had been left behind.

"They drove back to the scene and observed law enforcement vehicles and immediately left the area," police said.

Anyone in the area of the Chustak Public Fishing Area from 4 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. June 13 is encouraged contact the sheriff's department at 219-477-3140.
LAPORTE  A local jury took less than 30 minutes Thursday to find a LaPorte woman guilty of murdering her husband, partially dismembering his body with an ax at their apartment and then involving her two teenage children in a failed attempt to drive the body to South Bend to be burned.

Thessalonica Allen was found guilty, following a four-day trial, on charges of murder, two counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor, abuse of a corpse, alteration of a death scene, two counts of neglect of a dependent and interference with the reporting of a crime, LaPorte County Prosecutor Sean Fagan said.

"(Deputy prosecutors) Julianne (Havens) and Atley (Price) have decades of experience working complex and challenging cases," Fagan said. "Their dedication to LaPorte County and its people shows. They spent a lot of time working the case. Their hard work got results."

Fagan continued, "Good police work is why we have good cases. The LaPorte Police Department did a lot of the legwork. The sheriff's office detective bureau also provided valuable assistance."

Thessalonica Allen murdered Randy Allen on July 27, 2021, records show.

Police were tipped off about the killing, and Thessalonica Allen confessed to shooting her husband following a physical altercation, court records state. The partially dismembered body was found inside a tote in her apartment.

UPDATE: Man accused of Portage bank robbery had run-in with police days earlier, reports show At 9:05 p.m. that same day, Indiana State Police reported pulling over a stolen vehicle at U.S. 12 and County Line Road and identified David Gant as the driver.

"She then admitted she had to cut Randy's legs off because she wasn't able to fit him inside the tote," police said. "She stated she panicked and did not know what to do after she had shot him. She stated she used an ax to cut his legs off."

Her teen children told police Randy Allen was helping them do homework on the computer July 27, 2021 and came across a website their mother had visited, according to a court document. He confronted Thessalonica Allen about the website when she got home, and while the pair argued in a bedroom, the children heard a loud bang, court records state.

After being told not to call police by their mother, the children said Thessalonica Allen woke them up in the middle of the night and asked to help make an unsuccessful effort to drag Randy Allen's body into her vehicle, court documents state.

They saw Thessalonica Allen come home the following day with cleaning supplies and an ax, police said. She asked for help dragging the body back into the bedroom, and they were awoken again that second night to help put Randy Allen's dismembered body into a tote, court records allege.

"The children stated that mom had plans to take the vehicle and body to South Bend and set it on fire," according to police.

The children reportedly told police they did not see any physical altercation on the day in question and said Randy Allen had mentioned he planned to leave.

An autopsy revealed Randy Allen sustained a gunshot wound to the right arm that entered his chest and abdomen, court records show. The shot entered the spinal cord area, which doctors said most likely left Randy Allen unable to move as he bled to death.

Gallery: Recent arrests booked into LaPorte County Jail William Conner Robin Hensley Benjamin Soulcheck Daniel Jones Kyle Knoll Kellen Wilson Joshua Shepherd Melissa Chambers Lucas Bradford Lakisha Walker Jaqwaun Summers Delancy Brown Caitrin Demask Arthur Smith Josiah Hostetler Corey Newsome Brian Hoops James Blackwell Jovanny Orduna
Franciscan Health will host a girls' night out in which the ladies can gather to discuss their health.

The Mishawaka-based health care system which operates several hospitals in Northwest Indiana, will host PJs, Popcorn & Girl Talk in Munster.

The event will take place at 5 p.m. Aug. 10 at the Theatre at the Center at 1040 Ridge Road in Munster. It will include health screenings, a movie, food, drinks, chair massages and healthcare information.

"Attendees are encouraged to come in their pajamas," Franciscan Health said in a press release. "The event features complimentary wine, soft drinks, popcorn, charcuterie, health screenings, chair massages, a showing of the movie 'Mamma Mia!' and a live panel discussion with medical professionals specializing in oncology."

Speakers include Breast Surgeon Cosmina Cristea, Medical Oncologist Meshaal Khan, Medical Oncologist Naina Mahngar, Cancer Genetic Counselor Malivka Praseed McGrail, Radiation Oncologist Robert Prock and OB/GYN Jessica Siegler.

Doors open at 5 p.m. for the event, which is free and open to the public. A question-and-answer session about women's cancer will take place at 6:30 p.m. and the musical film starring Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan and Amanda Seyfriend belting out ABBA turns will follow immediately after.

"Prizes will be awarded for the best pajamas and other prize drawings will also take place," Franciscan Health said in a news release. "Attendees will receive a free pair of Vera Bradley slippers when the movie credits roll."

The event is free and open to the public but requires advance registration.

For more information or to register, call 1-800-931-3322.
MERRILLVILLE  The Dean and Barbara White Community Center was the hottest spot in town on Thursday, and it had nothing to do with the weather.

Hundreds of job-seekers attended Merrillvilles third annual job fair, which featured more than 75 businesses and organizations from Merrillville and Northwest Indiana.

Companies from A to Z, well, really A to W, displayed job opportunities to close to 600 guests, some of whom were offered jobs right on the spot, Merrillville Town Council President Rick Bella said. This not only benefits residents but also our area businesses who are seeking qualified employees.

The Job Fair opened at 11 a.m., and the crowds were eager to participate.

At 10:30, the line was already out the door and around the corner to the front of the building, and its been pretty consistent with that flow since it started, said Kate DeRolf, a business service representative from WorkOne Northwest Indiana.

It wasnt long into the job fair, and Karry Leukert, corporate recruiter for the Bosak Auto Group, already received a handful of resumes from prospective employees.

Leukert was impressed with the turnout Thursday, and she said Bosak was happy to participate in the event. She said shes attended many job fairs in the area, and Merrillvilles stands out.

Whatever youre doing, keep doing it, Leukert said.

DeRolf said Merrillvilles job fair has clearly grown over the years.

This event, year-to-year, keeps getting better and better because they have a great blend of people from across industry and different areas of focus, DeRolf said.

Linda Rosas, Merrillvilles administrative and building manager and assistant to the town manager and Town Council, coordinated the job fair. Rosas said this years event attracted the largest turnout and most sponsors, and many participating businesses indicated they plan to return next year.

Everybody I spoke with that was represented at the job fair was very pleased with the amazing turnout, Rosas said. Albanese hired more than 45 people on the spot, ready to start.

Albanese used multiple areas in the event center to meet with prospective employees, gather information about their backgrounds and conduct interviews.

Zeke Rowan, a principal at Avison Young, attended Thursdays event representing the Silos at Sanders Farm development on Mississippi Street.

Avison Young is currently marketing the space available at Silos. That includes a 263,000-square-foot spec building thats been delivered as well as Lake Countys first 1 million-square-foot spec building thats under development. Companies that could eventually occupy space in those facilities likely will participate in future job fairs in town.

While at Thursdays event, WorkOne spent time meeting with job-seekers to explain the services the organization provides, such as resume building, workshops, a place to print off job-related materials, and support from career advisers.

A career adviser works as a matchmaker, and they basically get to know the individual, what their short- and long-term job goals are because we want to create stayers, not players, DeRolf said. WorkOne also met with business representatives participating in the job fair to learn about the barriers theyve encountered when hiring employees. DeRolf said that could be access to childcare and mental health resources.

Any sort of thing they need to become successful and make their applicants and people working for them more productive, she said.

DeRolf said WorkOne was pleased with the outcome of the Towns job fair, and the organization plans to continue to take part in it in coming years.

Theyre making it bigger and better, she said. Merrillvilles really got their stuff together, its great.
Like a time machine, SerbFest transports Christopher Kosovich back to previous festivals with his family.

The sounds and the flavors, these are powerful reminders of all the family connections I am fortunate to have today, Kosovich said. And what makes it all the more easier to remember those who are not here any more.

He can instantly recall the smile on his grandfathers face when SerbFest returns each summer at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church in Merrillville. Kosovichs late grandfather will again join him, in spirit, during this years SerbFest, which runs Friday through Sunday.

For me, it's something that I have grown up with my entire life that I can remember, Kosovich said. This is the heart of the festival to me. It's a bridge to the past as much as it is a bridge to the future.

I have similar time-machine moments at SerbFest, recalling all the Croatian picnics in Gary that I attended in my youth. Barbecue lamb. Sweet cheese strudel. Fresh bread. Green onions. Tamburitza music. If I close my eyes, I can smell, taste and hear all of it from decades ago.

Kosovich taps into these sensory memories with his churchs social media posts about the festival.

Seeing the pastries and the items on the grill elicit powerful emotions, he said. Here I am in my middle 40s and every bite of strudel or lamb transports me to the festivals on 49th Street before our present-day church was built.

Here I am in my 60s and I clearly remember my grandmother stretching out strudel dough across her tiny kitchen table in the Glen Park section of Gary. Shed be smoking Virginia Slim cigarettes, drinking bottomless cups of Folgers coffee and talking in Croatian on the phone to my great aunt, who I called Teta (pronounced tett-ah).

The only Croatian language I can still speak is curse words, but I wont even whisper them this weekend at SerbFest. When I was a boy, I was often asked if I was Croatian or Serbian. I always answered with cautious hesitance so I didnt anger my elders. Back then, it mattered much more than it does today.

I dont know the complex and combative history between Croatians and Serbians. I instead focus on the cultural similarities. Its what I enjoy most about SerbFest.

The festival is a place for people within the Serbian community to come together and share something special, Kosovich said. It amazes me that while many people living in Northwest Indiana today may not have an Eastern European-sounding last name. But peel back a few layers of that family tree and you might be surprised.

The theme of this year's SerbFest is the immigrant experience. My family also has one to share.

Mihael Podnar is a younger relative of mine who lives in Bilaj, a small village near the town of Gospic in Croatia. A few years ago, he was searching online for members of his family tree when he stumbled onto a newspaper column of mine with old photos of my ancestors.

According to this photo, I think we are related, he wrote to me on Facebook. I saw that photo and it was so familiar to me, especially because of the big mustache of Joseph Davich.

This is my late fathers name, I told him.

It turned out that he was right about our family relation. My great-grandmother, Filka Butkovich, was born in his village in 1885. My great-grandfather, Josip Devcic, was born in Gospic, Croatia, in 1882.

After marrying on May 10, 1906, in Yugoslavia and emigrating to this country, they started a family in Hibbing, Minnesota, where their last name became Davich.

He was a rock blaster, called a powder monkey, for the iron mines in the northern part, the coldest part, of that state. She housed boarders to make ends meet while raising seven children. Their grandkids later called him Dede (pronounced Dee-dee) and called her Baba (Bub-ba).

One of the couples seven children was named George Davich. He left Hibbing for Gary, where he worked for the city, raised a family and raised hell. He was my grandfather. He married my late grandmother, Diana Davich, whose birthday was Wednesday.

I would have loved to take her to SerbFest this weekend for her birthday. She would have likely criticized how the sarma (stuffed cabbage) was prepared, but still.

It excites me when people like you get excited about the festival because it touches something very special, Kosovich said.

St. Sava also is something very special. Nestled amid 140 acres at 9191 Mississippi Street in Merrillville, the eye-catching church houses a parish that has been around for more than 100 years. SerbFest offers an opportunity for the Northwest Indiana community to engage with a place where they may not visit on any other day.

The building with the big domes with the crosses on top, Kosovich said. The festival is an opportunity to engage people within the heart of the church community, the people who inhabit the building, sharing the sights, sounds and flavors of our culture.

On a surface level, SerbFest is just another church fundraiser. On a deeper level, its a cultural time capsule that gets unearthed and opened every summer. Older generations find memories from previous festivals. Younger generations make fresh memories for future time capsules.

In a dream scenario, I would attend SerbFest with my grandson, Landon, who turns 5 on Sept. 11, my fathers birthday. We would eat lamb and strudel, listen to tamburitza music and secretly learn how to curse in Croatian, just as my dad would do at the old picnics.

This is the generational beauty of this summertime festival.

When Landon first learned my wifes name, Karen, it came out of his mouth, Teta. We have no idea why or how, but he will likely call her this nickname throughout his life, just as my ancestors did.

Josip Devcic and Filka Butkovich would be so proud.
When the French interior designer Camille Vergnes throws a dinner party in Paris, she opts for unfussy white table linens and white plates. This allows her Art Deco-style set of serving spoons, salad servers and carving knives, all with almond green shagreen handles, to take center stage. I use [the serving set] as the key piece of the table along with the flowers or candleholders, she says. Vergness approach reflects a shift in focus when it comes to tableware, away from handblown glassware and patterned napkins to sculptural utensils. In Copenhagen, stirred by her homelands history of silversmithing, the Danish jeweler Olga Bonne has added delicate hand-wrought silver spoons, forks and knives with handles in the shape of fish, kestrels or hares to her roster of whimsical creations. She takes inspiration from eras past, when arts and crafts did not have to be functional but most of all ornamental and extravagant, she says. Some designers are marrying the functional and fanciful: In Brighton, the British designer Alessandra Williams recently launched her namesake homeware label with sets of hand-carved salad servers in green leopard stone and blackened jacaranda wood made by Fair Trade co-operatives in Zimbabwe and Nairobi. Frank Traynor, the United States-based artist behind the Perfect Nothing Catalog, adorns everything from cheese graters to cake knives with copper and tin combined with semiprecious stones and shells, lending quotidian objects new charm. Then theres the British chef and farmer Ben Bodman, who makes carbon Damascus steel knives with swirling patterns on the blades and myrtlewood and rosewood handles in Melksham, a small town in Wiltshire, England, under the label Bodman Blades. Presented to a hostess in lieu of a bottle of wine, these are practical gifts that will pull double duty as decor.

Video Credit Credit... For our 2023 Summer Entertaining Issue , T stops by dinner parties from Ibiza to Long Island  and shares recipes for the best warm-weather snacks and spritzes. - Three Easy Summer Dishes: The French chef Yann Nury elevates classic seasonal recipes with fresh flavor combinations and a few luxurious additions. - A Lebanese Feast in Amsterdam: In a traditional Dutch canal house, a creative strategist organizes a dinner party to introduce a new collection inspired by her mothers homeland. - Host Gift Guide: What Ts editors and contributors are bringing to thank their hosts this summer, including surreal serving spoons and cozy quilts.

top shelf

Feast-Worthy Ferments
On a balmy recent evening, the Carl Freedman Gallery in the English coastal town of Margate was the setting for a double celebration. Fourteen guests gathered to mark both the opening of To Be Held  a group show curated by the filmmaker, photographer and fashion designer Ronan Mckenzie  and the launch of Plentiful, the debut cookbook by the Jamaican-born British musician and vegan chef Denai Moore. The two honorees first met at a vegan cafe in London in 2019, where they bonded over their shared Caribbean heritage (Mckenzies family is from Barbados) and approach to their creative pursuits. The foundations we come from are quite similar, said Mckenzie. In our practices, theres a sense of connection through shared experience.

Video Credit Credit... For our 2023 Summer Entertaining Issue , T stops by dinner parties from Ibiza to Long Island  and shares recipes for the best warm-weather snacks and spritzes. - Three Easy Summer Dishes: The French chef Yann Nury elevates classic seasonal recipes with fresh flavor combinations and a few luxurious additions. - A Lebanese Feast in Amsterdam: In a traditional Dutch canal house, a creative strategist organizes a dinner party to introduce a new collection inspired by her mothers homeland. - Host Gift Guide: What Ts editors and contributors are bringing to thank their hosts this summer, including surreal serving spoons and cozy quilts.

In the years since, Moore has catered parties for Mckenzie through her supper club, Dees Table, which she founded in 2017, turning a lifelong hobby into something more professional. I was always creating these menus in my head and making these elaborate dinners for friends, so one day I decided to take a risk, said Moore, who grew up in Kingston eating her mothers expertly made fried chicken and rice and peas. Hosting that first supper club changed my life. I love the community aspect of food and how it brings people together.
To many tourists, Madrid is kind of an afterthought, Spains second city after Barcelona, which, in their minds, abounds with youthful energy, quirky architecture, a thriving arts scene, beautiful beaches and superb restaurants.

But Madrid, with its relaxed disposition, warm generosity and excellent museums, is full of wonderful restaurants that are great places to drink wine. Madrid is a terrific place to visit, too.

I have passed through the city many times over the last 15 years, generally for a night or two on my way to somewhere else in Spain, but over 10 days in late spring, I explored its restaurants, tapas joints and wine bars.

I was thrilled by the breadth and variety I found in many places, which went far beyond the deep selections of Spanish wines that I remember on earlier trips. Like so much of the world, Madrid has fallen in love with Burgundy and Champagne, with many excellent bottles at prices far below what Id expect to pay in New York. That goes for Spanish wines, too.
A federal judge on Thursday ordered the compassionate release of three Hudson Valley men who were part of a group known as the Newburgh Four after finding that F.B.I. agents had used an unscrupulous operative to persuade them to join a plot to blow up synagogues and bring down military planes more than a decade ago.

The decision, by Judge Colleen McMahon of United States District Court in Manhattan, was scathing in its description of the methods used by the F.B.I. in its pursuit of the three  Onta Williams, Laguerre Payen and David Williams  calling the plot in which they were convicted of participating in 2010 an F.B.I.-orchestrated conspiracy.

A person reading the crimes of conviction in this case would be left with the impression that the offending defendants were sophisticated international terrorists committed to jihad against the United States, Judge McMahon wrote. However, they were, in actual reality, hapless, easily manipulated and penurious petty criminals.

Under the judges order, Onta Williamss, David Williamss and Mr. Payens sentences will be reduced to time served plus 90 days. They were sentenced in 2011 to at least 25 years in prison.
Americans began to grapple with a nationwide epidemic of child abuse in Catholic parishes and other religious organizations in 2002, after a landmark Boston Globe investigation revealed a pattern of misdeeds and cover-ups in Boston that went back decades.

Ten years earlier, Sinead OConnor became a pop culture pariah in the United States for an on-air protest intended to raise awareness of the same problem.

The backlash to her actions  tearing up a picture of Pope John Paul II on Saturday Night Live and then shouting Fight the real enemy!  was swift.

Prominent Americans, including celebrities like Madonna and Joe Pesci, denounced her. Protesters brought a 30-ton steamroller to crush her cassettes in Rockefeller Center. Catholic leaders were outraged, including some who were forced to resign years later for their roles in covering up abuse.
For nearly 40 years, the remains of a body found on an abandoned farm in rural Indiana were known as those of Adam Doe.

The remains were discovered in October 1983 along with those of three other bodies. All four were victims of Larry Eyler, the serial killer known as the Highway Killer, who murdered at least 21 young men, the authorities said. He preyed across the Midwest, and some of his victims were young gay men whom he stabbed several times. He died in prison in 1994 while on death row for the 1984 murder of 15-year-old Danny Bridges of Chicago, according to court documents.

Mr. Eyler admitted to several murders, including of two people whose bodies were among the four found on the farm. The authorities concluded that he had killed all four people.

Two of the victims were identified within months. A third victim was identified in 2021. But the fourth victim remained unidentified until this week, when the Newton County Coroners Office in Indiana said that Adam Doe had been identified as Keith Lavell Bibbs, of Chicago, who was 16 when he disappeared.
House Republicans abandoned efforts to pass a spending bill to fund the Agriculture Department and the F.D.A. on Thursday before heading home for summer break, stymied by internal divisions over funding and social policy that threaten to make it impossible for them to avoid a shutdown in the fall.

Caught between hard-right conservatives who wanted tens of billions of dollars cut from the legislation and more mainstream Republicans who oppose abortion-related restrictions that the far right insisted upon adding, G.O.P. leaders abruptly pulled the plug on their plans to pass the $25 billion bill. That added the agriculture measure to a looming legislative pileup in September, when Congress will have just weeks to pass a dozen spending bills or a temporary patch to avoid a government shutdown on Oct. 1.

The House did manage to approve its first spending bill of the year, to fund veterans programs and military construction projects. But that legislation  which typically sails to approval with little opposition  squeezed through on a nearly party-line vote of 219 to 211, with two conservative Republicans joining all Democrats in opposition. Democrats said the bill shortchanged construction by more than $1.5 billion and limited abortion access for women serving in the military.

The spending clashes encapsulated the difficulties ahead for Republicans as Speaker Kevin McCarthy tries to mollify conservatives by cutting spending and adding culture-war provisions without losing the support of more mainstream Republicans, particularly those in districts won by President Biden.
Whats happening in the Senate is a stark contrast to the partisan race to the bottom we saw in the House, where House Republicans are pushing partisan legislation that has zero chance of passing, Senator Chuck Schumer of New York, the majority leader, said on the floor Thursday. We are passing important bipartisan legislation; they are throwing on the floor partisan legislation that has no chance of passing.

House Republican leaders capitulated to pressure from right-wing lawmakers to load up the legislation with partisan provisions, prompting all but four Democrats to oppose it. That measure would shutter the Pentagons diversity training offices, end military health coverage for gender transition treatments, and block the Pentagon from offering time off and travel reimbursement to service members needing to travel out of state to obtain an abortion in the wake of the Supreme Court striking down Roe v. Wade.

Democrats have made clear that they would never support those measures. On Thursday, party leaders in the Senate predicted they would be able to protect the Pentagons abortion access policy during negotiations with the House.

Were going into conference with the position that the Senate basically has concluded that the policy of the Department of Defense is both legal and one that should be retained, said Senator Jack Reed, Democrat of Rhode Island and the chairman of the Armed Services Committee. Were going to stick to that position, and I think we will prevail.

The Senates bill is silent on the matter of abortion and transgender services. But it nods to Republicans frequent complaints that the Pentagon has been overtaken by liberal policies run amok; it would bar the Pentagon from requiring that people list their preferred pronouns on official correspondence, and impose salary caps and a hiring freeze on positions dedicated solely to promoting equity and inclusion.
Ukrainian forces trying to punch through Russian lines are facing perhaps their biggest test of the war as, according to two Pentagon officials, Kyiv begins the main thrust of its counteroffensive, pouring the bulk of their Western-trained reserves into the fight to sever Moscows hold on the south.

The task facing the advancing Ukrainian troops is monumental. Since seizing Ukrainian territory in last years invasion, Russia has built a dense defensive web of minefields, trenches, bunkers, tank traps and other obstacles. That has made the counteroffensive slow going, frustrating Ukrainians and international supporters.

The Ukrainians mounted a massive assault with three battalions, reinforced with tanks, south of the town of Orikhiv, and then another a few miles farther south near the village of Robotyne, said Igor Konashenkov, a spokesman for Russias defense ministry, according to Tass, a state news agency. Both were repelled, the ministry said. The area around Orikhiv is one of three main axes of assault.

Other American officials said that the most recent Ukrainian attack might be preparatory operations for the main thrust or reinforcements to replenish war-weary units.
The exhibition, called Des cheveux et des poils in French, which means something like Hair and Fur, runs through Sept. 17 and takes up both floors of the museums main gallery space. It is billed as delving into the hairy history of hair from the 15th century to the present day, with over 600 objects and art works gathered from museums around the world, exploring the evolution of womens hairstyles, the question of removing facial and body hair for men and women, hairpieces, hair dye, razors, hair dryers, cultural attitudes to baldness, the pixie and sauerkraut of the 1960s and the hurluberlu of the mid-17th century. Hair, hair, hair.

When first entering the space  through a doorway printed with a close-up of a rugby players rampant chest hair from a 1912 painting by Eugene Pascau  the prospect of so much hair-themed material ahead seems something of a chore. How long can thoughts of hair occupy the attention, really? How interesting can 600-plus hair-related objects actually be?

Yet hair  and what we think it says about ourselves and others  turns out to be one of the interesting subjects in the world, and 600 objects isnt nearly enough. An exhibition about hair is also an exhibition about self-presentation and self-perception, difference and hierarchy, race, religion, control, disgust, childhood, adulthood, masculinity and femininity.

Take Louis Leopold Boillys Portrait of Madame Fouler (1810), in the first room of the show. A young woman with an arrestingly chic haircut  cropped, curly and imminently due a revival, if anyone is looking for an image to show their hairdresser  looks off to one side with a halfhearted smile. The accompanying label explains that the seemingly anachronistic shortness of Madame Foulers style, known as the Titus, had its origins in the bals des victimes, dances that were held during the French Revolution for the relatives of people whose life was cut short by the guillotine. There is a description from a contemporary witness, who recounts that some of the balls required that attendees cut their hair short around the neck, just as the executioner cuts the hair of victims. A haircut is an announcement, as Madame Fouler knew.
When the country superstar Jason Aldean released his new single Try That in a Small Town, it was met largely with a shrug, and didnt seem likely to become one of his signature hits. But when the songs video was released, full of footage (actual news and stock) of disruptive crowds, criminal activity and anti-police sentiment  and a scene filmed at a site known for the 1927 lynching of an 18-year-old Black man  the song suddenly became a culture war flashpoint.

Out of nowhere, it hit No. 2 in the country, on the strength of support in right-wing circles. Its success has opened up the usual wounds in the country music business about its lack of inclusivity, and publicly pitted some of its biggest names against each other.

On this weeks Popcast, a conversation about how the idea of the small town has been weaponized in country music; Nashvilles tug of war between social progressives in the industry and right-wing audiences; and how culture war content plays out commercially, on radio and in sales.

Guests:

Marcus K. Dowling, who reports on country music for The Tennessean

Amanda Marie Martinez, a historian and postdoctoral fellow at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill who has written extensively about race and country music

Connect With Popcast. Become a part of the Popcast community: Join the shows Facebook group and Discord channel. We want to hear from you! Tune in, and tell us what you think at popcast@nytimes.com. Follow our host, Jon Caramanica, on Twitter: @joncaramanica.
Mari Ruti, who in wide-ranging writings on gender and sexuality found food for thought not only in psychoanalysts like Sigmund Freud and Jacques Lacan but also in online pornography, self-help books and a Julia Roberts movie, died on June 8 at a hospital near her home in Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia. She was 59.

Heather Jessup, a friend, said the cause was complications of cancer.

Dr. Ruti, a longtime professor at the University of Toronto, was known for tackling, both in the classroom and in more than a dozen books, subjects like how to lead a meaningful life and the effects of rigid gender roles.

Bringing together psychoanalysis, feminism and queer theory, Mari focused on the fissures in society and considered how we might most authentically respond to them, Hilary Neroni, a professor at the University of Vermont and Dr. Rutis literary executor, said by email. For her, this meant not trying to cover them over but rather working to engage them.

She did that in books like Feminist Film Theory and Pretty Woman (2016), in which she took a fresh look at the 1990 movie starring Ms. Roberts as a beautiful prostitute and Richard Gere as the businessman who falls for her, and at other romantic comedies  a genre that is often derided by critics as fluff yet has proved popular among women. Pretty Woman, she concluded, was more complex than it seemed.
The mood in the London household of Mrs. Violet Wood ought to be one of happiness and satisfaction. It is 1873, and shes the pre-eminent medium in a city thats been seized by spiritualist fervor. But, as we quickly discover in Lucy Barkers sprightly first novel, THE OTHER SIDE OF MRS. WOOD (Harper, 400 pp., $30), life at the seance table can be fraught with uncertainty for a woman with a carefully camouflaged past. About to turn 40 and painfully aware that mediums simply didnt have long careers, Mrs. Wood needs to spark the possibly flagging interest of her well-heeled clientele. And so she agrees to tutor lovely 16-year-old Emmeline Finch, whose fledgling talents could be an eye-catching accompaniment to Mrs. Woods mature expertise.

In the process, Barkers heroine must perform a high-wire act of grand proportions. How, after all, does one impart the skills of a Medium without giving away the skills of a Medium? The clandestine paraphernalia of Mrs. Woods profession  the pulleys and secret pockets, the quiet information-gathering  are shared with the reader if not with Miss Finch. However, as their sessions proceed it becomes apparent that Miss Finch has some knowledge of her own, knowledge that becomes a not-so-veiled threat to her increasingly unsettled patron.

All too soon it is Miss Finch who is the toast of London spiritualist society, aided by the oleaginous, besotted Magnus Clore, editor of the citys most influential spiritualist newspaper. Retreating to her now-darkened mansion, Mrs. Wood faces a consequential decision: sink into a haze of sherry and humiliation or give this traitorous girl her comeuppance. Guess which option she chooses.
YEREVAN, JULY 28, ARMENPRESS. The situation in Nagorno-Karabakh continues to deteriorate as a result of the ongoing total blockade of the Lachin Corridor by Azerbaijan, Deputy Foreign Minister Vahan Kostanyan said at a meeting with members of the diplomatic corps of Armenia in Kornidzor.

120,000 residents of Nagorno-Karabakh are factually besieged for over 220 days beginning 12 December. Human rights are violated in Nagorno-Karabakh, the right to life, right to education, right to healthcare. Its difficult to imagine that something like this could happen in the 21st century. And it is difficult to imagine the international community not uniting efforts in such conditions to try and resolve the deteriorating humanitarian crisis with a united front. These seven months showed that Azerbaijan not only ignores the international communitys calls on opening the Lachin Corridor, but is also displaying explicit disregard for the UN International Court of Justice 22 February and 6 July rulings, according to which Azerbaijan must ensure unimpeded passage of persons, vehicles and goods along the Lachin Corridor in both directions, precisely how it is envisaged under the 9 November 2020 statement, which is also signed by the President of Azerbaijan, Kostanyan said.

Azerbaijan is trying to mislead the international community, falsely claiming that the Lachin Corridor is open, and presents the rare movement of vehicles of the Red Cross and the Russian peacekeepers as attempted corroboration to this false claim.

The humanitarian convoy sent by the Armenian government which is unable to cross into Lachin Corridor from Kornidzor is direct evidence that the Lachin Corridor is blocked and Azerbaijans previous statements have been lies.

Kostanyan noted that it would be difficult to consider Azerbaijans latest statements as constructive ones.

Basically, the statements made by the authorities of Azerbaijan and the actions they take show that there is a clear goal to create conditions incompatible with life for the people living in Nagorno-Karabakh, which in turn will lead to ethnic cleansings. I believe that this cant anyhow be acceptable for the civilized society in the 21st century. And I hope you will clearly convey to your capitals everything you saw here today. And we hope that all capitals will make relevant statements and actions, which will allow to immediately unblock free and unimpeded movement along Lachin Corridor, Kostanyan told the foreign ambassadors.
Mastercard instructed U.S. financial institutions this week to stop allowing purchases of cannabis on its debit cards, stripping customers of a convenient way to purchase marijuana without cash. Cannabis businesses say the decision will increase the risk of robbery and violent crime.

Because federal law prohibits the sale, possession and use of marijuana in all its forms, Mastercard said that purchases were not allowed on its systems, even when customers use bank cards and PINs to access their own cash to buy cannabis in states where the drug is legal for recreational or medical reasons.

As we were made aware of this matter, we quickly investigated it, a spokesman for Mastercard, one of the worlds largest payment processors, said in a statement on Friday. In accordance with our policies, we instructed the financial institutions that offer payments services to cannabis merchants and connects them to Mastercard to terminate the activity.

Medical marijuana is legal in 38 states, three territories and the District of Columbia. Recreational use of the drug is legal in 23 states, two territories and the District of Columbia.
The fallout from the Hollywood actors and writers strikes continues.

The 75th Emmy Awards will be postponed because of the strikes, according to a person briefed on the plans. The ceremony, originally planned for Sept. 18, does not yet have a new date but will most likely be moved to January, the person said.

Emmy organizers are hopeful that would give the Hollywood studios enough time to settle the labor disputes. A new date will be finalized in the next few weeks.

Fox, which is broadcasting this years event, and the Television Academy, which administers the Emmys, had concluded last month that it would have to postpone the event if the writers strike continued to linger until the end of July, The New York Times reported last month. The writers have now been on strike for 88 days and have not returned to the bargaining table with the major Hollywood studios since negotiations broke down in early May.

By the time tens of thousands of actors joined the writers on picket lines and went on strike on July 14, it all but put a nail in the coffin for an Emmys ceremony in September.
Five years ago, I began volunteering as a bill payer for a legally blind, 95-year-old woman on public assistance. The job involved handling paperwork that clients could no longer handle themselves, thus helping enable them to remain at home. I came to learn that this woman had no family or friends left, and she came to think of me as her only friend. During my time with her, she was also put under the care of Adult Protective Services (A.P.S.), because one of her caregivers was fraudulently using her credit card.

Last August, she fell out of bed in the middle of the night. A caregiver found her the next morning and called 911. She was taken to the hospital, treated and then sent to a rehabilitation center in a nursing home. After 100 days, as per her insurance, she was now considered a long-term patient.

She is now 100 years old, blind and lying in bed 24 hours a day, except when I visit her and take her to the patio in a wheelchair. She is in an unfamiliar place and hears screaming, crying and cursing all night from other patients. She is relatively lucid despite her circumstances, and the only thing that is keeping her alive is the hope that she can go back to her small studio apartment soon, a place where she has lived for 50 years. She has said she wants to die if she cant go home.

Because she was protected by A.P.S. and is now in a guardianship arrangement under the care of the nursing home, I can no longer legally pay her bills or take care of any paperwork. This has meant that her rent has not been paid, and eviction proceedings are in the works. I have tried to get myself listed as a contact for her, to at least be able to advocate for better services but have come up against a wildly frustrating Catch-22 situation. She has been deemed incompetent by the nursing home and therefore cant name me as a contact. I requested to have her evaluated again, because I dont believe she is incompetent, and the answer was that only her contact can make that request.
Everybody Loves Jeanne

Stream it on Mubi.

Anyone with an overactive inner critic will feel seen and heard by this bittersweet debut feature from the illustrator and filmmaker Celine Devaux, which charts a middle-aged Frenchwomans coming to terms with grief and professional failure. As Jeanne (Blanche Gardin) deals with the aftermath of her mothers suicide and the televised collapse of her own invention to rid the ocean of microplastics, Devaux imagines her protagonists anxiety as an animated figure that nags her constantly, voicing Jeannes worst thoughts about herself. This nifty conceit is one of the many inspired quirks that imbue Everybody Loves Jeanne with wit and charm, without undercutting its more serious themes.

With brisk editing and bright colors, the film unfolds as a tale of whimsy. Jeanne travels to Lisbon to clear out her mothers apartment and sell it to save herself from bankruptcy. On the way, she runs into Jean (Laurent Lafitte), a goofy kleptomaniac who claims to know her from her school days. As Jeanne confronts difficult memories (and even ghostly hallucinations) of her mother and exasperating encounters with her ex, her path keeps crossing with that of Jean, whose kooky exterior slowly chips away to reveal his own battles with mental health. Brimming with warmth and hope, Everybody Loves Jeanne is a light-as-air tale about the heaviest of themes: the grown-up struggle to love oneself.

Father

Stream it on Ovid.
The two-time Oscar winner Kevin Spacey said last month that he was ready to return to acting after years in the wilderness following sexual assault allegations.

I know that there are people right now who are ready to hire me the moment I am cleared of these charges in London, Mr. Spacey told a German magazine, referring to accusations that he had assaulted four men. The second that happens, theyre ready to move forward.

Mr. Spacey was right in several ways: A British jury found him not guilty of nine counts of sexual assault this week, nearly a year after a federal jury in Manhattan cleared him of battery in a civil case filed by the actor Anthony Rapp. And he has two small projects awaiting release, with directors who could not be more publicly supportive.

But the starry Hollywood roles, like Mr. Spaceys conniving politician in House of Cards and droll advertising executive in American Beauty, may not come back anytime soon, if at all.
As New Yorkers slogged through another day of blast-furnace July heat on Friday, some bore the benefits of advance planning.

People left their homes earlier than normal to run errands. Workers brought extra water bottles or sports drinks. Some carried an extra shirt in case excess perspiration necessitated a change.

Others, like Kenneth Chapman, 34, a Postal Service driver, not only planned ahead  stashing his mail truck with frozen water bottles  he also made sure to look forward to what awaited him at days end: splashing in his infant sons inflatable kiddie pool at home in Westchester.

Thats a motivation to get through the day, Mr. Chapman said, as sweat coursed down his neck as he delivered packages in Prospect Lefferts Gardens, Brooklyn.
Ever since researchers identified a handful of places around the world where people lived remarkably long, healthy lives, there have been efforts to replicate the magic recipe.

The inhabitants of these Shangri-Las known as Blue Zones  where people were said to live to age 100  shared certain customs thought to contribute to their longevity. They stayed physically active, maintained lasting friendships and ate mostly plant-based meals, among other things.

While some of these lifestyle practices may seem obvious today, the idea of borrowing ideas from Blue Zones  which tend to be small, remote communities that evolved organically, like those on the Japanese island of Okinawa  has gained traction across the country.

But can their fountain-of-youth promise be transplanted to one of the poorest neighborhoods in one of the densest cities in the United States? That is the proposition of a 2.5-million-square-foot affordable housing development going up in the Brooklyn neighborhood of East New York.
The latest luxury tower to rise in New York could distinguish itself not for its sky-high views, but for its residents: survivors of the Sept. 11 attacks, and some of the lowest-income renters in the city.

On Thursday, a state oversight board cleared the way for a 900-foot mixed-use tower to be built at 130 Liberty Street, also known as 5 World Trade, the only site on the World Trade Center campus that is expected to be residential.

It took two decades of political wrangling. But the real feat, spurred by a group of local agitators, could be the inclusion of an unexpected share of permanently below-market-rate apartments.

One-third, or 400, of the 1,200 units will be reserved for low- and middle-income renters, spread across the soaring tower. A portion of those units, 80 apartments, will be offered to people who lived or worked in Lower Manhattan between Sept. 11, 2001, and the end of June 2002.
Take the Boggs Act, which mandated two to five years for a first offense, five to 10 years for a second offense and 10 to 20 years for a third. It made no distinction between drug use and sales or between marijuana and heroin. By 1955, however, lawmakers were already concerned that it wasnt working, saying that the United States had the highest rate of addiction in the West  and blaming China for supplying heroin. They increased penalties in 1956. Still, drug use by teenagers and young adults continued rising. Indeed, what came next was the 1960s. About 90 percent of those who were born at the peak of the baby boom have at least experimented with illegal drugs.

Though by 1970 both parties agreed the Boggs Act had flopped, New York States moderate Republican governor, Nelson Rockefeller, didnt take note of its ineffectiveness. In 1962 he tried mandating lengthy periods of residential treatment for people with addiction. But in 1973 he reversed course. In this state, we have allotted over $1 billion to every form of education against drugs and treatment of the addict through commitment, therapy and rehabilitation, he said in his annual address to the legislature. Lets tell it like it is: We have achieved very little permanent rehabilitation and have found no cure.

At the time, New York City was grappling with rising crime and increased heroin addiction, which rose with deindustrialization, social services cuts and the reduced tax base from so-called white flight.

The state legislature enacted what became known as the Rockefeller drug laws in 1973. They mandated a 15-years-to-life sentence, even on a first offense, for possession of four or more ounces or sales of two or more ounces of heroin, cocaine or marijuana. The sentencing was deliberately harsher than for rape or murder because drugs were seen as a crime against the whole community.

The laws did not reduce drug use or crime. Dealers began using children to run drugs in order to avoid these penalties. A 1978 study conducted by the Drug Abuse Council and the New York City Bar Association found no decrease in heroin use and no significant difference in other crime and drug-use rates compared with those in similar states. New Yorks prison population more than quintupled from 1972 to 1992, to more than 60,000 from 12,000. Corrections spending rose to around 25 percent of the states general fund operations in the mid-1990s from 10 percent of the budget in the early 1980s.
When House Republicans return from their recess this fall, theyre likely to have an item on their agenda besides pushing the government toward shutdown: impeaching Joe Biden. Youve got to get to the bottom of the truth, and the only way Congress can do that is go to impeachment inquiry, the Republican House speaker, Kevin McCarthy, said on Tuesday. Some Republicans are pretending that a mere inquiry doesnt imply an actual impeachment, but its hard to imagine MAGA congressmen being satisfied with an investigation that stops short of bringing charges.

What Im hearing from Republicans is that Speaker McCarthy basically has no choice, Jamie Raskin, the ranking Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, said when I asked him whether impeachment was likely. This is what they want. And with yet another Trump indictment imminent, I suspect impeachment momentum will only accelerate. Amid the drama of a presidential front-runner facing multiple felony charges, Republicans are going to need counterprogramming.

To be clear, impeachment is not what all Republicans want: As The New York Times wryly noted, some in the party argue that the House must find actual corruption or wrongdoing before lawmakers consider impeachment. Given McCarthys very thin margins in the House, he may not have the votes to begin a process some of his members are dreading. Nevertheless, with the Republican base clamoring for impeachment, McCarthy has clearly signaled its a live possibility. Which raises a question: Impeachment for what?

This is less obvious than it should be, at least if youre not immersed in the Fox News cinematic universe. Democrats are largely tuning out the Houses lurid and shambolic investigatory hearings, which have so far featured photos of a naked Hunter Biden and a much-hyped star witness who turned out to be a fugitive indicted on charges of, among other things, arms trafficking and acting as an unregistered Chinese agent. Behind this circus, however, is something rather astonishing: A major part of the pretext for a possible impeachment of Joe Biden is exactly the same set of lies about Ukraine that helped persuade Democrats to impeach Donald Trump the first time.
Saudi-based Integrated Telecom Company (Salam) has signed a deal with Khazzan Information Technology (Edgnex Data Centres by Damac) that designs, builds and operates data centers across the kingdom, along with Cinturion Corp, a global provider of integrated submarine and terrestrial capacity-based network solutions and Emaar, The Economic City (EEC)  the master developer of King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC)  to explore opportunities in the field of telecom and digital infrastructure.

A fully licensed fixed, mobile, data and voice services provider that owns telecommunications infrastructure across the KSA, Salam said it aims to create an integrated digital hub that enables multi-services to all targeted customers national and globally from one place - KAEC.

The companies sealed the strategic MoU in the field of telecom & digital infrastructure whilst contributing to the Saudi 2030 Telecommunication Transformation Vision led by Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (MCIT).

Salam said the parties have identified a common interest in exploring the opportunity to develop digital infrastructure hub that will include initiatives such as an international submarine cable project, data centers, fiber infrastructure, cloud, and Internet, among others and building of a seamless and innovative digital experience in KAEC that aims to become an intelligent national city contributing to the transformation program and accelerating digital economy and quality of life programs under the #Vision 2030.

"As a recognized Telecom & ICT Service provider, Salam is delighted to participate with distinguished parties in this strategic initiative that goes in-line with the Saudi National Digital Economy Strategy and our transformation plans," remarked its CEO Ahmed Al Anqari.

On the partnership, Aqil Jaffer Ali, the Senior Vice President at Damac Group, said: "We are not just building world-class data centres we are aiming to create and innovate hyper-connected digital hubs with highly secure facilities and connectivity to give customers direct and reliable access to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabias digital economy. We are supporting Saudi Vision 2030 and this is another great milestone for our business in the KSA.

KAEC Chief Executive Cyril Piaia said its partnership with Salam, Edgnex Data Centers and Cinturion was another step towards making KAEC one of the worlds leading digital hubs.

"This collaboration will greatly contribute to our citys reputation as a vision ready platform, making KAEC an ideal destination for the latest and greatest up-to-date digital infrastructure technology. It reinforces our commitment to continuing the citys growth in its role as an ultramodern ecosystem that has all the ingredients of a national economic enabler," he added.

Cinturion CEO Greg Varisco said: "We are excited to team up with top firms to explore establishing an Open-Access carrier neutral cable landing station in KSA."

"Their trust in Cinturions management team and our international network reinforces our dedication to provide their customers with greater connectivity and global reach," he added.-TradeArabia News Service
YEREVAN, 28 JULY, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs Armenpress that today, 28 July, USD exchange rate down by 0.14 drams to 386.22 drams. EUR exchange rate down by 5.64 drams to 424.57 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate down by 0.04 drams to 4.25 drams. GBP exchange rate down by 4.20 drams to 496.33 drams.

The Central Bank has set the following prices for precious metals.

Gold price down by 268.99 drams to 24155.92 drams. Silver price up by 4.12 drams to 310.56 drams.
This transcript was created using speech recognition software. While it has been reviewed by human transcribers, it may contain errors. Please review the episode audio before quoting from this transcript and email transcripts@nytimes.com with any questions.

katherine miller

Im Katherine Miller. Im a writer and editor in the Opinion section. I write about politics and elections and democracy. One thing thats very different about right now is people really dont want to see Biden and Trump run against each other. They dont want to live through the 2020 election again. Voters have said that repeatedly in both parties. They dont want them to be the nominees. So there could be this situation theoretically where a third party candidate could do really well. No Labels is a nonpartisan political group that was founded during the Tea Party era. Theyve been around for more than a decade. They have realized conditions are right to consider running a third party unity ticket, so a Republican and a Democrat together, against Joe Biden and Donald Trump if theyre the nominees next year. And so No Labels is starting to see what that looks like with a series of town halls. I went to New Hampshire to see this first No Labels Town Hall because I really wanted to see what the message actually looked like in person and how people would feel about it in the room.

archived recording 1 We are here today because of you, the American people and especially the people of New Hampshire.

katherine miller

This one featured Joe Manchin, the West Virginia senator, whos a Democrat, and Jon Huntsman, who was once the governor of Utah. Hes a Republican. They were going to share solutions that they agreed on, and this was kind of the point of the town hall. But pretty early on in the town hall, they disagreed on something pretty sharply. A woman from New Hampshire asked a question about climate change 

archived recording 2  and with this, or do you agree that fossil fuel companies should be responsible for the mess they created 

katherine miller

 and the idea of holding carbon emissions producing companies accountable. And this was clearly a question for Joe Manchin, whos a Democrat, but who has not been the most forward climate change person in the party.

archived recording (joe manchin) Im happy to speak to that because I believe in an all in energy policy. This country cannot run unless we have an all in energy policy. And basically 

katherine miller

He gave an answer that was primarily about energy prices and pipelines and that sort of thing. At that point, Jon Huntsman starts talking about how hes always supported putting a price on carbon.

archived recording (jon huntsman) I was part of a carbon pricing initiative with Democratic governors in the western part of the United States. My own party thought I was crazy.

katherine miller

Joe Manchin jumps in to say that he has always opposed putting a price on carbon.

archived recording (joe manchin) Because Jon and I have a different opinion. We might agree to disagree to a certain extent. But theres a pathway for it, and Ill tell you this. I have never, ever supported a price on carbon for this reason because I never saw the proceeds from that price being used to find out how I could make this table with less carbon.

katherine miller

So youve got Jon Huntsman and Joe Manchin at this event thats about how theres all these obvious things that we could be doing, bringing the parties together, disagreeing about carbon pricing. It just sort of sat there. They never resolved whether No Labels is for carbon pricing or against carbon pricing. So at that point, the moderator for the event, Kevin Cirilli, starts to ask them, well, hows it going to work if this actually happens if theres a Republican and a Democrat in the White House?

archived recording (kevin cirilli) And because if there is a Republican and a Democrat, respectively  archived recording (jon huntsman) We can fix problems. archived recording (kevin cirilli)  who are in the White House together, how would that work?

katherine miller

And Huntsman responds  well, he like makes a joke.

archived recording (jon huntsman) A hell of a lot better than what you have today. archived recording (kevin cirilli) But how  but practically  [APPLAUSE]

katherine miller

And people laughed, and it was like a funny, little moment, but the moderator kind of stuck with it and was like, well, no, but how would it actually work?

archived recording (kevin cirilli) Practically speaking, I mean, practically speaking, because if were as polarized as we are now, how would it actually work inside of the White House with two opposing parties in power? archived recording (joe manchin) Well, nobody knows. Weve never tried it.

katherine miller

Manchin says 

archived recording (joe manchin) Well, they tried in 1864. Yeah, right.

katherine miller
For those who have never been through something like this, our tragedy is probably difficult to imagine. A decade ago, I couldnt have imagined it myself. When catastrophe came for us, it crept up so gradually that at first we couldnt see it for what it was. Thats how it often comes.

I was born in 1969 in Kashgar, an ancient city in the southwest of our homeland. After attending college in Beijing, I returned to the Uyghur region to work as a teacher, and in my free time continued writing poetry  my lifelong passion. When I attempted to go abroad for masters studies, I was arrested on an absurd charge of attempting to take illegal and confidential materials out of the country and imprisoned in a labor camp. After three years, when I was finally released, I began a new career as a film director in Urumqi. Although the heavy hand of the state could be felt in every corner of our homeland, things were somewhat better in the regional capital.

After large-scale inter-communal violence broke out in Urumqi in the summer of 2009, new forms of repression gradually made themselves felt in the city and throughout the Uyghur region. Even locals, though, could not foresee the magnitude of the approaching danger.

Little attention was paid as, in the early 2010s, surveillance cameras were installed in every nook and cranny of our cities. When the police began random cellphone checks on the street, people were alarmed at first, but gradually grew used to it. Not long after, when highway checkpoints expanded and multiplied, folks privately expressed concern but ground their teeth and bore it. When, in 2016, police posts were constructed every 200 meters along city streets, people ignored them and hurried past.

As time passed, we adapted to these changes and to this new, more authoritarian way of life.

When the first internment camps were constructed in 2014, people took note. But at the time, the camps were only for Uyghur Islamic leaders, and we comforted ourselves knowing that the clergy members were all released after a month or two.
He has created an entirely new phase of musical art and has produced a thoroughly American opera.

The anonymous critic who wrote these bold words didnt have a performance of Scott Joplins Treemonisha to evaluate, or a recording. In June 1911, all the reviewer had to go on was Joplins 230-page piano-vocal score.

Its production would prove an interesting and potent achievement, the critic added, and it is to be hoped that sooner or later, it will be thus honored.

It turned out to be decidedly later.

More than half a century passed before the opera finally premiered. When it did, its brilliance, shortcomings and unfinished aspects made it a work begging to be completed  giving creative artists room to experiment boldly with this new phase of musical art.

  

Written and narrated by John Leland
An awkward elevator ride was all Rosemary Kalonaros and Christena Pyle needed to kick-start their relationship.

They recalled meeting in passing at Omnicom, an advertising firm on Madison Avenue in New York City, where they both worked in 2018. But when Ms. Kalonaros switched departments and began working as the global manager for content and culture on Ms. Pyles floor that August, Ms. Pyle, then the director of diversity and inclusion, took note.

Everybody notices Rosemary, Ms. Pyle, 41, said. Because the two worked on separate teams, it took them a month to have their first one-on-one conversation at a co-workers farewell party. Both of them acknowledged that something had clicked during their interaction, Ms. Pyle said, but neither knew what it was.

A few weeks later, they walked into the elevator together. We just immediately started talking and talking and talking, like word vomiting, Ms. Kalonaros, 31, said. When the doors opened, they realized that neither had pressed a floor button.
Rebecca Ann Woodfork and Jennifer Kathryn Ziegler had been talking on the phone daily for about six weeks when Ms. Ziegler, who lived in New York City, suggested she visit Ms. Woodfork in Boston for her 40th birthday.

Ms. Ziegler booked an Airbnb apartment for a weekend in March 2021. But Ms. Woodfork had a feeling she would be visiting longer.

She told me, Id pack enough for four weeks, Ms. Ziegler said.

Not long before that, Ms. Woodforks therapist had told her to write down the most important qualities she wanted in a wife. Generosity and kindness topped the list, as did a pride and confidence in being gay. After she and Ms. Ziegler began talking, Ms. Woodfork quickly realized that Ms. Ziegler, with whom she had matched on Tinder in February 2021, was everything I ever wanted, she said.

When they met in person for the first time on March 20, Ms. Woodfork realized the depths of her feelings immediately. I could have married her right there, she said.
Its no secret that nonalcoholic cocktails are suddenly ubiquitous. Whereas until a few years ago, nondrinkers had to make do with cranberry-splashed club soda, now seemingly every noteworthy bar offers a Phony Negroni or a margarita-inspired mocktail. There are so many people who are nonimbibing, for whatever reason, but who still want to be a part of the mood, says Stacey Swenson, who designed the menu at the Swan Room bar in downtown Manhattan, which serves drinks including the Champaxne Cocktail (nonalcoholic sparkling wine, orange blossom and bitters) and the Chinola Mule (a tequila alternative with lime, passion fruit and spiced soda). The biggest change: teetotalers arent the only ones ordering them. Nine out of 10 of our customers also drink alcohol, says Nicholas Bodkins, one of the founders of Boisson, a store specializing in zero-proof spirits. This is more of an and than an or. He gives credit for this shift to distillers, who, refining early iterations that often tasted soapy or medicinal, have figured out how to effectively extract the flavors of botanicals without the use of ethanol. Today, the best bitter aperitifs (the term for nonalcoholic alternatives to spirits like Campari and Aperol) have all the complexity and layered flavors of their boozy counterparts. Theyre also easy to find  Boisson, for example, has locations in New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco and a forthcoming Miami store, in addition to an online shop  which makes stocking a home bar with nonalcoholic options a breeze. Here, the best bottles and other ingredients to have on hand.  Oliver Strand

Video Credit Credit... For our 2023 Summer Entertaining Issue , T stops by dinner parties from Ibiza to Long Island  and shares recipes for the best warm-weather snacks and spritzes. - Three Easy Summer Dishes: The French chef Yann Nury elevates classic seasonal recipes with fresh flavor combinations and a few luxurious additions. - A Lebanese Feast in Amsterdam: In a traditional Dutch canal house, a creative strategist organizes a dinner party to introduce a new collection inspired by her mothers homeland. - Host Gift Guide: What Ts editors and contributors are bringing to thank their hosts this summer, including surreal serving spoons and cozy quilts.
Pamela Blair, who as the sassy and profane dancer Val in the original production of A Chorus Line delivered a showstopping song about enhancing her breasts and butt with silicone to get work as an actress, died on Sunday at her home in Mesa, Ariz. She was 73.

Her former husband, the director Don Scardino, said the cause was complications of colon surgery, including pneumonia and sepsis. She also had Clippers disease, a chronic inflammation of the central nervous system.

Ms. Blair was one of the performers who were invited to the workshops where A Chorus Line was developed, and who told the creative team  led by Michael Bennett, who conceived, directed and choreographed the show  deeply personal stories, which were used as material to build its characters.

The core of Val came from the anarchic character that was Pam, Mr. Scardino said in a phone interview.
Midmorning on the Dolores River, you could feel how recently the water had been snow. Its probably about 48 degrees right now, our guide Samy said, as she carefully angled the boat so the paddlers in front got wet and she stayed dry in the back. The white water was splashy and rolling without being scary, but it picked up speed as we headed downstream.

We were in Colorados Ponderosa Gorge, along the line where the Rockies slip into the red edge of the desert. Sky-scraping pines sent off a dusty cinnamon smell, and there was a shock of new green growth on the red-rock cliffs. The canyon got deeper, redder and more angular as the day went on. I kept taking off my sunglasses to make sure the colors were real.

We were on a single-day trip with Mild2Wild Rafting, based in Durango, Colo., but from the launch where we pushed our rafts into the river, you can float for 173 miles, and 10-ish days, uninterrupted, until the Dolores, named the River of Sorrows by the Spanish explorers who came across it in 1776, runs into the Colorado River, right over the Utah state line.
Dr. Wright and six other members who were serving this spring while the standards were being written said they had not been consulted. The standards have drawn backlash for saying that slaves developed skills which, in some instances, could be applied for their personal benefit. Another contested section said that students should learn about race massacres of the 20th century, including violence perpetrated not just against but also by African Americans.

I would not be a party to standards of African American history that homogenizes our history, said Brenda Walker, a task force member and an education professor at the University of South Florida whose research has focused on Black students and recruiting male teachers of color.

Few details have been publicly released about how the standards, which lay out concepts that students are expected to learn, were created. Even Mr. DeSantis, who has often embraced his role as a warrior against woke ideology in schools, sought to distance himself amid a faltering 2024 presidential campaign.

I wasnt involved in it, he told reporters last week.

To craft the 216-page document, his Department of Education created a 13-member work group, which drafted the standards from February to May.

The work group members, whose names the state has not released in full, included Frances Presley Rice, a retired Army lieutenant colonel and a staunch conservative who has led the National Black Republican Association; William Allen, a professor emeritus at Michigan State who served on the United States Commission on Civil Rights under Ronald Reagan; and teachers and school district officials from around the state.
Nancy Pelosi, the Democratic former House speaker, and George W. Bush, the Republican former president, do not agree on much. But earlier this year, they joined a high-powered gathering in Washington  with the Irish rock star Bono on video from Dublin  to mark the 20th anniversary of Americas biggest and, arguably, most successful foreign aid program.

Mr. Bush created that program, the Presidents Emergency Program for AIDS Relief, in 2003. In the two decades since, PEPFAR, as it is known, has saved 25 million lives and served as a powerful tool for soft diplomacy, a symbol of Americas moral leadership in the world. It has had extraordinary support from a bipartisan coalition of liberals and Christian conservatives.

But now PEPFAR is in danger of becoming a victim of abortion politics  just as the State Department is reorganizing to make the program permanent.

The program is set to expire at the end of September. But House Republicans are not moving forward with a bill to reauthorize it for another five years, because abortion opponents  led by a G.O.P. congressman who has long been a supporter of PEPFAR  are insisting on adding abortion-related restrictions.
YEREVAN, JULY 28, ARMENPRESS. The United States on Friday reiterated Secretary of State Antony Blinkens call for an immediate reopening of the Lachin corridor to commercial and private traffic.

U.S. Acting Deputy Chief of Mission John Allelo was among the members of the diplomatic corps to travel to Syunik on Friday, the U.S. Embassy said in a statement.

Acting DCM John Allelo joined the diplomatic corps in Syunik and heard from displaced persons and regional officials about the suffering caused by continued blockage of the Lachin corridor. We reiterate Secretary Blinkens call for an immediate reopening of the corridor to commercial and private traffic, the US Embassy said in the statement.

Representatives of the diplomatic corps in Armenia visited on Friday the village of Kornidzor in the Syunik Province where a humanitarian convoy carrying emergency food and medical aid to Nagorno-Karabakh remains blocked by Azerbaijan at the entrance of Lachin Corridor.

The members of the diplomatic corps took stock of the situation on the ground.

Lachin Corridor, the only road connecting Nagorno-Karabakh with Armenia and the rest of the world, has been blocked by Azerbaijan since late 2022. The Azerbaijani blockade constitutes a gross violation of the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh ceasefire agreement, which established that the 5km-wide Lachin Corridor shall be under the control of Russian peacekeepers. Furthermore, on February 22, 2023 the United Nations highest court  the International Court of Justice (ICJ) - ordered Azerbaijan to take all steps at its disposal to ensure unimpeded movement of persons, vehicles and cargo along the Lachin Corridor in both directions. Azerbaijan has been ignoring the order ever since. Moreover, Azerbaijan then illegally installed a checkpoint on Lachin Corridor. The blockade has led to shortages of essential products such as food and medication. Azerbaijan has also cut off gas and power supply into Nagorno-Karabakh, with officials warning that Baku seeks to commit ethnic cleansing against Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh. Hospitals have suspended normal operations.
For years, advocates of sexual assault victims in the military complained that their cases were not taken seriously and were in many cases blocked by the commanders of the service members making the accusations. Over time, complaints grew  especially among young people  about the Pentagons tepid response to sexual assault cases.

Weve heard horrific cases of women being brutally, brutally assaulted and then disbelieved and retaliated against for coming forward, Ms. Gillibrand said in an interview. And so we needed to create a justice system that was worthy of the sacrifice they make every day. And thats what these reforms are.

Members of the top military brass were for years among the chief opponents of changing the code of justice for the armed forces. But that gradually changed. Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III, a retired Army general, endorsed the changes in 2021. Gen. Mark A. Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, had long opposed them, but acknowledged that same year that younger enlisted troops no longer had confidence that sexual assault cases were being taken seriously by the militarys command.

The fading of the military resistance provided the opportunity for bipartisan negotiations, eventually leading to the law in 2021 and, on Friday, Mr. Bidens executive order.

The move to change the military justice system was also galvanized by the 2020 case of Specialist Vanessa Guillen, whose burned and mutilated body was discovered after she had tried to report instances of sexual harassment by another soldier, who the Army said killed her and later himself.
Hugh Carter Jr., who helped run the presidential campaign of his cousin Jimmy Carter, then became an aide in charge of reining in the White House budget, earning the nickname Cousin Cheap among staff members, died on Sunday at his home in Tampa, Fla. He was 80.

A funeral notice in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution announced his death but did not give a cause.

President Carters grandson, Jason, said in a statement on the website of the Carter Center, the human rights organization founded by President Carter, that Hugh Carter was crucial in my grandfathers election as president by organizing the famous Peanut Brigade, and he skillfully implemented true zero-based budgeting within my grandfathers White House.

The Peanut Brigade was a group of Georgians who hit the campaign trail for Jimmy Carter, a former governor of Georgia (who had taken over his fathers peanut farm), helping to give him the national profile he lacked and the momentum that led to the Democratic nomination. Hugh Carter, known as Sonny, recruited a number of those volunteers and often handled the logistics of getting them to crucial primary states to do grass-roots campaigning.
This week, he sat down for an interview with The New York Times in which he spoke candidly (and sometimes profanely) about an array of topics, including his view that Congress is fixated on pointless fights, stumbling at times over his words  and noting that his political opponents were likely to attack him for it. He also spoke emotionally about the toll his new job has taken on his family.

The interview has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity.

Youve now been in Congress for just over six months. What is your overall impression of how the place functions?

Theres a fixation on a lot of dumb shit. Bad performance art is really what it gets down to. The debt ceiling  there should have been no drama with any of that. The fact that were playing with something like that is antithetical to the stability of our democracy. It really is. Everything is turning into a culture war. Not everything has to be a think piece, you know.

Does all of that political posturing make you cynical about Washington?

Everyone here is cynical, of course. But we can fight for things that are meaningful. That we should have no hungry. Hanger. Hangry. Hanger. Hangry.
Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida hit back on Friday at one of his leading Republican rivals, Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina, accusing the senator of credulously repeating liberal criticisms over Floridas educational standards for the teaching of slavery.

A day earlier, Mr. Scott had joined a long list of politicians, educators and historians in criticizing Floridas new standards for African American history, which include a widely denounced line that middle schoolers should be instructed that slaves developed skills which, in some instances, could be applied for their personal benefit.

Speaking to reporters in Iowa, Mr. Scott, the only Black Republican in the Senate, said: What slavery was really about was separating families, about mutilating humans and even raping their wives. It was just devastating.
The F.E.C. has allowed committees to not itemize subvendor payments when those payments are an extension of the original vendors work. But in recent years, this interpretation of the law has widened into a gaping loophole that campaigns are exploiting. Experts say it is illegal for campaigns to pay campaign staff members through limited liability companies, or for vendors to serve merely as conduits to hide the ultimate recipient of campaign money.

In recent years, the F.E.C., whose six commissioners are deadlocked between the parties three to three, has essentially allowed campaigns to get away with minimal disclosures.

A spokeswoman for the commission declined to comment.

Indeed, while the use of limited liability companies by Mr. Scotts campaign is striking in its scale, it is not unique among Republican presidential candidates.

The campaign of Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida made two payments last quarter, totaling more than $480,000, for travel to a company in Athens, Ga. The company was set up around the time he entered the race, and lists Paul Kilgore  a Republican political operative  as a manager.

Neither Mr. Kilgore nor the DeSantis campaign responded to requests for comment.

Former President Donald J. Trumps 2020 campaign was the subject of litigation over its use of limited liability companies run by campaign staff and family members that were allegedly conduits for hundreds of millions of dollars of spending. His campaign defended the practice, saying the intermediary companies were acting as the primary vendors.
Demanding that evidence be destroyed is the most basic form of obstruction and is easy for a jury to understand, said Mr. Goldstein, who is now a white-collar defense lawyer at the firm Cooley.

It is more straightforwardly criminal than the obstructive acts we detailed in the Mueller report, he said. And if proven, it makes it easier to show that Trump had criminal intent for the rest of the conduct described in the indictment.

The accusation about Mr. Trumps desire to have evidence destroyed adds another chapter to what observers of his career say is a long pattern of gamesmanship on his part with prosecutors, regulators and others who have the ability to impose penalties on his conduct.

And it demonstrates how Mr. Trump viewed the conclusion of the Mueller investigation as a vindication of his behavior, which became increasingly emboldened  particularly in regards to the Justice Department  throughout the rest of his presidency, a pattern that appears to have continued despite having lost the protections of the office when he was defeated in the election.

In his memoir of his years in the White House, John R. Bolton, who served as Mr. Trumps third national security adviser, described Mr. Trumps approach as obstruction as a way of life.
The commander of Nigers presidential guard claimed the leadership of the West African country with a televised address on Friday, two days after his military unit detained the democratically elected president and threw the future of a key Western ally in the region into uncertainty.

We have decided to intervene and seize our responsibilities, Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani, who goes by the first name, Omar, said on state television. We cant continue with the same approaches.

Niger, a poor country rich in uranium, lies in the Sahel, the arid region south of the Sahara that has faced growing insecurity amid the worsening effects of climate change, political instability and armed insurgencies. The United States has 1,100 troops and two drone bases in Niger. France, the former colonial power, more than 1,500 troops.

The military takeover in Niger is the sixth in West Africa in less than three years, following Burkina Faso, Guinea and Mali, and threatening to upend regional efforts to fight Islamist insurgencies by groups affiliated with Al Qaeda and the Islamic State.
China is the greatest strategic challenge. Russias invasion of Ukraine is a serious violation of international law. North Korea is an imminent threat. And Japan needs to fundamentally strengthen its military and work more closely with countries like South Korea to preserve regional stability.

The tough assessment comes from Japans annual defense white paper, approved by the cabinet office Friday amid growing security concerns that have pushed Tokyo to rethink its decades-long commitment to pacifism.

The document, which borrows much of its language from the national security strategy released in December, is a reaffirmation of Tokyos commitment to playing a more active role in East Asian security. It highlights future military cooperation with South Korea as both countries face an increasingly uncertain security environment.

The continuing effort to improve that contentious relationship exemplifies how Japan has changed its national priorities and its defense policy since Russias invasion of Ukraine. Tokyo has pledged to double its military spending, harden local defenses and deepen coordination with countries in the Asia-Pacific and beyond.
According to the Australian Strategic Policy Institutes critical technology tracker, China appears to be lagging more in quantum computers  which perform many calculations in one pass, making them faster than todays digital computers that perform each calculation separately  while narrowing the gap in quantum sensing for navigation, mapping and detection. Chinese scientists have even said they are building a quantum-based radar to find stealth aircraft with a small electromagnetic storm, though quantum specialists outside China have questioned their claims.

One of the doubters is Michael Biercuk, 43, the founder of Q-CTRL, an American physicist with a military mien and a Harvard Ph.D. who moved to Australia in 2010 to teach at the University of Sydney. He and his start-up, with offices in Sydney, Los Angeles, Berlin and Oxford, are among a cutting-edge group of global quantum leaders who see hyperbole and statecraft in many Chinese quantum announcements and hope to capitalize on what technology-sharing partnerships like the AUKUS security agreement represent.

AUKUS, for us, is exceptionally important, said Professor Biercuk, noting that Q-CTRL works on sensors and quantum computing. Its a real opportunity for the homegrown capability were building in Australia to be deployed into an international framework.

About half of Q-CTRLs 100 employees are Australian, half from other countries, and many, including Professor Biercuk, have experience working for Americas elite defense and civilian laboratories. The companys main software product, which stabilizes the hardware against everything that goes wrong in the field, Professor Biercuk said, is already being used by quantum developers in the United States, Canada and Europe, where precise sensor technology is also advancing.
Brazil has denied the U.S. governments extradition request for an accused Russian spy in Brazilian custody, weakening hopes that he could be used in a potential prisoner swap between the United States and Russia for either or both of two Americans being held in Russia on espionage charges that Washington considers bogus.

Brazil said it denied the U.S. request because it was still investigating the case and had already begun processing a Russian request for the extradition of the accused spy, Sergey Cherkasov, though it also appeared unlikely that Brazil would ultimately send him to Russia.

At the moment, the citizen in question will remain in detention in Brazil, Brazils justice minister, Flavio Dino, said on Twitter.

The United States has been seeking ways to free the two Americans being held in Russia. One is Evan Gershkovich, a reporter for The Wall Street Journal who has been detained in Russia for four months. The other is Paul Whelan, who was detained in 2018 and is now serving a 16-year prison sentence. The United States considers both wrongfully detained, meaning the equivalent of political prisoners.
YEREVAN, JULY 28, ARMENPRESS. An article published by the Azerbaijani AzerNews media outlet has been strongly condemned by StopAntisemitism, a US-based organization fighting and exposing anti-Semitism.

StopAntisemitism is horrified to see a newspaper in Azerbaijan publish this. Adolf Hitler massacred 6 millions Jews and 5 million others. The word humanist and his name do not belong in the same sentence. Shame on you AzerNews, StopAntisemitism tweeted after the Azeri media outlet published the anti-Armenian article with the outrageous headline Hitler is more humanist than any Armenian leader in history.

Armenias Permanent Representative to the Council of Europe Arman Khachatryan, reacting to the headline, called on the Council of Europe to urge Azerbaijan to take decisive measures to cease state-sponsored hate speech, racial, ethnic and religious intolerance towards Armenians.

This is deplorable display of hate speech, clearly racist content and praisal of Nazism. Council of Europe should urge Azerbaijan to take decisive measures to cease state sponsered hate speech, racial, ethnic&religious intolerance towards Armenians, Khachatryan tweeted.
In Mediterranean countries like Greece, Italy, Spain and Portugal, traditional houses tend to include qualities that allow for breezes to run through them. Thick walls help absorb heat during the day and release it at night, and features that provide shade, like pergolas, also serve to keep residents cool and reduce sun exposure, said Catalina Spataru, a professor of global energy and resources at the University College London Energy Institute. Narrow passageways in some city centers and tree-lined streets also provide shade for pedestrians.

Europe is experiencing heat waves at a rate that is more frequent and more intense than in many other parts of the world, and numerous homes are not equipped with air-conditioning. Governments in Greece, Italy and Spain have imposed measures to protect residents from the heat, including directing people toward public cooling spaces, relying on warning systems for extreme heat and making plans to create smaller neighborhood parks, which can be several degrees cooler than the streets.

Cooling experts say that increased reliance on energy-guzzling air-conditioning is not a sustainable solution. Conventional cooling devices, including air-conditioners and refrigerators, already account for as much as 10 percent of all global greenhouse gas emissions, according to a World Bank report published in 2019. That amount is twice the emissions generated from aviation and sea travel combined, the report found.

Annual sales of air-conditioning units around the world have tripled since 1990, according to the International Energy Agency, an intergovernmental organization that provides policy recommendations on the global energy sector. In 2022, 89 percent of U.S. households had air-conditioning, compared with 19 percent in Europe, the I.E.A. found.
The groom could not wait to kiss the bride.

He kissed her when she walked down the aisle, and during the ceremony. He kissed her after his vows, after hers, and again when they finally said I do.

Maksym Merezhko, 43, and the bride, Yuliia Dluzhynska, 39, both serve in Ukraines military and had traveled to Kyiv the night before from the eastern Donetsk region. They had no time to lose.

After a three-day honeymoon in the Carpathian Mountains, Ms. Dluzhynska said, We will go to war.

The celebration was provided free of charge by Zemliachky, roughly translated as Women Compatriots, a charity group that provides uniforms, boots and other essentials to female soldiers but, because of demand, recently started to organize their weddings. The couple had been officially married days before, signing a marriage license in a stuffy room in Sloviansk. But they wanted a true celebration.

It takes a lot of time to organize a wedding, and when you are on the front line, you dont have that free time, said Kseniia Drahaniuk, Zemliachkys co-founder.
At least two public desecrations of the Quran in Sweden in recent weeks have provoked riots, caused a diplomatic crisis and placed the country, long regarded as peaceful and tolerant, under an awkward international spotlight.

Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson of Sweden has voiced concerns about the implications for Swedes domestically and abroad, and on Sunday, he said the security situation in the country was at its most serious level since World War II.

The governments of many predominantly Islamic countries have issued withering denunciations of the Swedish authorities for allowing such desecrations of the Muslim holy book. The Swedish government has condemned the recent anti-Muslim acts, but the authorities say that the countrys laws on freedom of speech mean there is little they can do to prevent them.
The United States and Europe have wrestled for months with the question of how to pay for Ukraines reconstruction from the war. As Russia pounds cities, factories and infrastructure in Ukraine, the estimated costs have swelled to $500 billion, with some experts citing numbers as high as $1 trillion.

One solution seemed brilliant in its simplicity: What better way to foot the bill, and to make a moral point, than to make Russia pay?

But that has proved far more difficult than first imagined, and it appears less and less likely. Experts warn that it would likely violate international law and potentially set a dangerous precedent for countries to take the assets of others.

The money once seemed easily within reach  since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion, Western nations have frozen more than $330 billion in Russian Central Bank assets held abroad.
Just days after his coalition passed the first stage of a judicial overhaul plan that has divided the country, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel struck a defiant tone, saying he hoped to reinstate a key ally convicted of a felony and declining to say if he would respect a Supreme Court ruling on the plan if it did not go his way.

In a flurry of interviews with U.S. broadcasters on Thursday, Mr. Netanyahu sought to play down concerns about the law passed Monday, which reduces the influence of the Supreme Court, calling it a minor correction of the judiciary.

We dont want a subservient court, we want an independent court  but not an all-powerful court. Those are the corrections that were doing, Mr. Netanyahu told Wolf Blitzer on CNN.

But he also made clear that he would not be backing down in the face of a wave of criticism he has faced over the judicial plans, which many in Israel see as undermining the countrys democracy. He said he expected to bring Aryeh Deri, an ally whom the Supreme Court had barred from serving as a minister because of his conviction for tax fraud, into his cabinet.
Rhodess Pulitzer-winning book has been having a renaissance among people grappling with the potential destructive force of other new technologies. Writing in The Atlantic, Charlie Warzel called it a kind of holy text for a certain type of A.I. researcher  namely, the type who believes their creations might have the power to kill us all.

Long before Oppenheimer, a different portrayal of atomic science captured my imagination. Copenhagen, a play by Michael Frayn, dramatizes the mysterious 1941 visit by Werner Heisenberg, the German physicist who ran the Nazis atomic research program, to the Danish scientist Nils Bohr at his home in Copenhagen.

In the play, Heisenberg, Bohr and Bohrs wife Margrethe  long after their deaths  argue about the real purpose of Heisenbergs visit, and whether he was trying to hasten the dawn of the nuclear age or delay it. (I think it works best as a live play, but if youre looking for streaming options, the BBC did make a television version starring Daniel Craig in 2002 and a radio version starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Simon Russell Beale in 2013.)

From the outside cover, the Aug. 31, 1946, edition of The New Yorker looked like an ordinary summer issue. But inside, readers found that the entire thing was devoted to one single article: Hiroshima, by John Hersey. Through the stories of six survivors, Hersey documented in detail the consequences of the bomb for innocent civilians:

A hundred thousand people were killed by the atomic bomb, and these six were among the survivors. They still wonder why they lived when so many others died. Each of them counts many small items of chance or volition  a step taken in time, a decision to go indoors, catching one streetcar instead of the next  that spared him. And now each knows that in the act of survival he lived a dozen lives and saw more death than he ever thought he would see. At the time, none of them knew anything.

Reader responses: Books that you recommend

Its always nice to find moments of connection with Interpreter subscribers, so I was pleased to see that Suzanne Batchelor, a reader in Central Texas, seconded my recommendation of Hiroshima by John Hersey:
An unemployed man in Russia managed to live out his dream of being a traffic policeman by putting on a fake police uniform and going on patrols with actual traffic inspectors for two months.

Tired of sitting around all day, Viktor, a 48-year-old unemployed man from Russias Stavropol Region, bought himself a realistic-looking police uniform and joined the ranks of law enforcement officers in the village of Pyatigorsky. Relying on his traffic inspector attire, great acting skills, and enviable self-confidence, the man patrolled the streets of Pyatigorsky, actively stopping negligent drivers and educating them on various traffic rules. It is unclear why Viktor chose this specific profession, or whether he actually took any bribes from motorists during his voluntary service, but his career was short-lived. Two months after joining the ranks of the Stavropol traffic police, his cover was blown.

Photo: Unsplash+/Ahmet Kurt

While checking footage from the body cams of traffic inspectors out on patrol on Pervomaiskaya Street in Pyatigorsky, authorities noticed that there were actually five inspectors on duty, despite official records only mentioning four. Footage from the fifth officers body cam was also conveniently missing, and when trying to identify the fifth traffic inspector, they found that he was no policeman.

An investigation showed that Viktor had gone on patrol with the four actual traffic inspectors at least five times since May, and none of them had reported anything bizarre about him. The would-be cop admitted to impersonating a police officer and was charged with traffic violations, illegal wearing of official uniforms, and obstruction of the performance of police duties.

Viktor actually got off easy for his stint as a traffic police officer. His colleagues in the last couple of months were not so lucky. They are now facing charges of fraud, but deny the accusations, claiming that they had never met Viktor before May and have never had any dealings with him.
YEREVAN, JULY 28, ARMENPRESS. Representatives of the diplomatic corps in Armenia visited on Friday the village of Kornidzor in the Syunik Province where an Armenian humanitarian convoy carrying emergency food and medical aid to Nagorno-Karabakh remains blocked by Azerbaijan at the entrance of Lachin Corridor.

Azerbaijan refuses to let through the relief convoy, falsely accusing Armenia of provocation.

The members of the diplomatic corps took stock of the situation on the ground.

Diplomats from the following countries and representatives of the following organizations visited Kornidzor: United States, Belarus, Bulgaria, Spain, Italy, Iran, Iraq, Poland, Lithuania, India, UK, Switzerland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Ukraine, France, United Nations, ICRC.

Photos by Hayk Manukyan

Lachin Corridor, the only road connecting Nagorno-Karabakh with Armenia and the rest of the world, has been blocked by Azerbaijan since late 2022. The Azerbaijani blockade constitutes a gross violation of the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh ceasefire agreement, which established that the 5km-wide Lachin Corridor shall be under the control of Russian peacekeepers. Furthermore, on February 22, 2023 the United Nations highest court  the International Court of Justice (ICJ) - ordered Azerbaijan to take all steps at its disposal to ensure unimpeded movement of persons, vehicles and cargo along the Lachin Corridor in both directions. Azerbaijan has been ignoring the order ever since. Moreover, Azerbaijan then illegally installed a checkpoint on Lachin Corridor. The blockade has led to shortages of essential products such as food and medication. Azerbaijan has also cut off gas and power supply into Nagorno-Karabakh, with officials warning that Baku seeks to commit ethnic cleansing against Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh. Hospitals have suspended normal operations.

On July 25, the Government of Armenia said that it will try to send over 360 tons of flour, cooking oil, sugar, and other foodstuffs and medication to Nagorno-Karabakh to mitigate the humanitarian crisis resulting from the blockade of Lachin Corridor. Armenia requested the Russian peacekeepers in Nagorno-Karabakh to escort the aid. Armenia has also requested Azerbaijan to not obstruct the convoy.

On Thursday, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said Azerbaijan would only corroborate Armenias fears that Baku seeks to commit genocide in Nagorno-Karabakh if the convoy gets blocked.
Located in Havana, Cuba, Coppelia Park is the worlds largest ice cream parlor. Also known as the Ice Cream Cathedral, it serves around 30,000 customers per day and up to 600 at a time.

Built in 1966, Cubas Parque Coppelia consists of a two-storey domed pavilion inspired by Oscar Niemeyers iconic Cathedral of Brasilia outside which people queue for ice cream every single day, and a lush park complete with hundreds of tables where up to 1,000 people can enjoy the frozen treats at a time. The story goes that Fidel Castro ordered the building of Coppelia Park shortly after the success of his Communist revolution. He reportedly ordered twenty-eight containers of ice cream from American producer Howard Johnsons, and upon tasting it decided to respond by creating something bigger and better, but cheap enough that anyone could afford. His idea was a huge hit, and to this day thousands of people continue to enjoy subsidized ice cream at Coppelia Park, the worlds largest ice cream parlor.

Photo: Bit Boy/Flickr

Before the revolution, the Cuban people loved Howard Johnsons ice cream, Fidel Castro famously told a visiting journalist shortly after the inauguration of Coppelia Park. This is our way of showing we can do everything better than the Americans.

There was a time when even some visitors in the U.S. conceded that Coppelia Park was serving the best ice cream in the world. It came in dozens of different flavors  26 of them at the height of the parlors popularity  was routinely shipped in dry ice to Communist dignitaries around the world as a sign of Cuban pride. Unfortunately, the fall of the Soviet block had dire consequences on the Cuban economy, and the ice cream cathedral was not spared either.

Unable to reach dairy self-sufficiency and with its supply chains for butter and powdered milk cut off, Castros Cuba had to choose between butter and ice cream. It chose the latter and reduced butter rations. It was the most populist move, and the most obvious one in a country where people were addicted to the frozen treat. Coppelia didnt serve as many flavors, but everyone could still enjoy subsidized ice cream here anytime.

Even today, the worlds largest ice cream parlor remains extremely popular in Havana. Its the place most children celebrate their birthdays, where couples go on first dates, and its also one of the Cuban capitals main tourist attractions. And for about 5 Cuban pesos (20)per scoop, its definitely worth a visit.
Daniel Tietz

Oaktree Solutions names Daniel Tietz chief operating officer and managing director for policy. Tietz joins the firm from the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, where he served as commissioner. He previously led a wide range of nonprofit and governmental organizations and departments including Bronx Parent Housing Network and Bailey House, which provides housing and essential support to individuals and families with HIV/AIDS and other conditions. Oaktree, which was started up by NYC mayor Eric Adams chief of staff, Frank Carone, also hired former US Rep. Max Rose as managing director for federal and international affairs in May. Daniels impressive career spans more than four decades of serving marginalized New Yorkers and folks across our country with compassion and leadership, said Carone. His experience scaling operations and driving outcomes is second to none.

Bruce Bishop

TobinLeff, a mergers and acquisitions advisory firm, brings on Bruce Bishop as a partner. Bishop, a founding member of the CFO roundtable for the Council of Public Relations, most recently ran Bishop Management Consulting, which focuses on the marketing communications industry. He has also held the CFO post at firms including Next Fifteen, Text 100 Corporation and Incepta. For years, my partners and I have known Bruce as we sat on the opposite side of the table on M&A transactions, said TobinLeff founder David Tobin. We have always admired his knowledge, professionalism, and creativity.

Kristen Majdanics

Pet Paradise, which provides pet health care, overnight boarding, resort-style day camp, professional grooming and dog training hires Kristen Majdanics as VP of marketing and communications. Majdanics was most recently senior VP of marketing at Firehouse Subs, where she led the companys consumer marketing function and was instrumental in developing its brand strategy and customer loyalty program. In her new role, she will lead all marketing and branding strategies for the company, including advertising, creative development, customer experience, public relations and digital marketing for Pet Paradise and NewDay Veterinary Care. She will also lead the companys philanthropic initiatives. Her expertise and strategic outlook will be a valuable addition to Pet Paradise, said president and CEO Fernando Acosta-Rua.
IRISH Water ''taken over the coals'' for the manner in which it handled the recent boil water notice in Tullamore, believes Councillor Tony McCormack.

Cllr McCormack was speaking at the July meeting of Tullamore Municipal District when he said the communication from Uisce Eireann as it is now know was ''terrible.'' He said many people didn't even know there was a boil water notice.

''I know other people who tried to contact Irish Water and they were fobbed off. They didn't know when the water was going to be back up and running. They [Uisce Eireann] also put a map up and you would want to be Bear Grylls to figure out where on the map it was, there were no names, no points marked out, no streets, bridges, canal. It was impossible to find out unless you put another map beside it,'' said the Tullamore based councillor.

The Boil Water Notice was issued on June 20 for all customers supplied by Tullamore South and Clonaslee Water Supply. Uisce Eireann said it was ''to protect the health of approximately 3,900 customers due to raw water quality issues which impacted the treatment processes at the water treatment plant".

The notice has since been lifted.

At the Municipal District Meeting, Cllr McCormack said: ''An awful lot of people weren't able to figure out where the boil notice was and where it wasn't. He said some pubs, bars and restaurants were using water because ''they didn't know any different. The communication was terrible. We need to be sending a strong message to Irish Water that this is not on. If there is a boil notice then obviously there is a danger to some people, especially vulnerable people. We need to get that word out to them. How we do it, I don't know. We have never had so many forms of communication whether it be social media, or through papers, radio or through whatever means we can get that point across.''

''I think it's an absolute disgrace, Irish Water or Uisce Eireann need to be taken over the coals for this it could have been an awful lot more serious and thankfully it wasn't,'' he said.

Councillor Sean O'Brien said he received calls from people regarding the notice. Most people think it's still the function of Offaly County Council and I tried to explain it to them that it's Uisce Eireann.''

Cllr O'Brien advised people to log on to water.ie and then to go to water quality to enter their eircode and they will get an update on the water quality in their area.

Uisce Eireann said, ''Drinking water experts from Uisce Eireann and Offaly and Laois County Councils worked hard to lift the notice as quickly as safely as possible, carrying out a number of upgrade works at the treatment plant and substantial reconfiguration of the water network. Following satisfactory water samples confirming that the drinking water was compliant with EU drinking water regulations, the Boil Water Notice was lifted.''

Uisce Eireanns John Gavin acknowledged the impact of the notice on the community, adding: Uisce Eireann regrets the inconvenience that the Boil Water Notice had on these communities in Offaly and Laois. I would like to thank them for their patience and support while our drinking water experts worked tirelessly with our colleagues in Offaly and Laois County Councils to lift the Boil Water Notice as quickly as it was safe to do so. I would also like to thank the local councillors and the media for their assistance in sharing the information during the period of this boil water notice."
YEREVAN, JULY 28, ARMENPRESS. Council of Europe Secretary General Marija Pejcinovic Buric has strongly reiterated her previous calls to restore the free movement along the Lachin corridor.

In a statement released Friday, Buric expressed extreme concern about the serious humanitarian and human rights situation in Nagorno-Karabakh.

I am extremely concerned about the serious humanitarian and human rights situation in Nagorno-Karabakh and my thoughts go to the residents who are bearing the brunt of this situation. I strongly reiterate my previous calls to restore the free movement along the Lachin corridor. I draw attention to the interim measures indicated by the European Court of Human Rights concerning the Lachin Corridor seven months ago. I also call on both sides to engage in a genuine dialogue with a view to rapidly ensuring free and safe passage through the Lachin corridor. This dialogue should lead as well to de-escalating tensions and restoring peace, also in line with the commitments undertaken by Armenia and Azerbaijan upon acceding to the Council of Europe more than 23 years ago, Buric said in the statement.

Lachin Corridor, the only road connecting Nagorno-Karabakh with Armenia and the rest of the world, has been blocked by Azerbaijan since late 2022. The Azerbaijani blockade constitutes a gross violation of the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh ceasefire agreement, which established that the 5km-wide Lachin Corridor shall be under the control of Russian peacekeepers. Furthermore, on February 22, 2023 the United Nations highest court  the International Court of Justice (ICJ) - ordered Azerbaijan to take all steps at its disposal to ensure unimpeded movement of persons, vehicles and cargo along the Lachin Corridor in both directions. Azerbaijan has been ignoring the order ever since. Moreover, Azerbaijan then illegally installed a checkpoint on Lachin Corridor. The blockade has led to shortages of essential products such as food and medication. Azerbaijan has also cut off gas and power supply into Nagorno-Karabakh, with officials warning that Baku seeks to commit ethnic cleansing against Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh. Hospitals have suspended normal operations.

An Armenian humanitarian convoy carrying emergency food and medical aid to Nagorno-Karabakh remains blocked by Azerbaijan at the entrance of Lachin Corridor for the second day.
Udupi's Toilet Cam Incident: BJP Worker Arrested Over A Tweet On Siddaramaiah

Bengaluru

oi-Prakash KL

A BJP worker has been arrested in Udupi for her tweet against Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramiah in connection with the incident where three girls had placed a camera inside a washroom in a college.

In the Tweet, which has not been deleted yet, she had questioned whether the Congress would have called the incident a "child's play" if a such video was made on Siddaramaiah's wife or daughter-in-law.

As the tweet had gone viral, a complaint was filed at High Grounds Police Station in Bengaluru following which the police arrested her.

The Row

An FIR was registered against three girl students of a paramedical college in Udupi over the alleged recording of a video of their fellow student in the college washroom. Three students, Shabhnaz, Alfiya and Aleema were arrested in connection with the incident.

The college administration has also been named in the FIR, which has been filed under sections 509, 204, 175, 34 and 66 (e) of the IT Act, sources told PTI.

A police statement said two separate suo motu cases have been registered regarding the video recording in the washroom of Netra Jyothi Institute of Allied Health Sciences.

Meanwhile, Karnataka Home Minister Dr G Parameshwara has dubbed the filming of the girl student in the restroom by fellow female students in a Udupi college as "a small incident blown out of proportion.

Hitting out at the BJP, he said they should stop blowing up these "small issues" simply for political reasons. They should keep in mind that there should be peace in society.

"Weren't these things happening in the past? Weren't these things happening in the past in colleges and universities? No one did politics then, why are they doing it now? There are many other works but they (BJP) never speak on them. They did not speak about drought, floods. BJP is doing petty politics. They should have other works. Now it appears that they don't have any other work," Parameshwara added.

National Commission for Women (NCW) member Khushbu Sundar, who visited Udupi on Thursday, said a thorough probe into the incident, before jumping to conclusions or giving it a communal angle.
Two Chennai Women Assault A Biker, Cops In Road Rage Incident

Chennai

oi-Prakash KL

A man was assaulted by two women after questioning them over rash driving. The incident occurred in the Ashok Nagar police station limits on Tuesday.

The shocking part of the story is that the two women chased the biker, and assaulted him inside the police station. If it was not enough, they attacked the Sub Inspector who intervened to solve the issue.

According to reports in the Tamil media, Antony Savaripitchai from Vadapalani confronted two women for riding recklessly and dangerously close to his bike while they were on Third Avenue Road in Ashok Nagar. A heated argument ensued between the parties, and in full view of the public, the two women began physically assaulting the man.

The man decided to flee the spot, but they chased him. Hence, he directly went to the Ashok Nagar police station and the two women arrived there.

Woman Accuses Manchester Police of Sexual Assault Inside The Jail

Sub Inspector Hemalatha and Constables Rani and Ramkumar intervened to put an end to the altercation. However, during the commotion, the women even assaulted the Sub Inspector.

Based on his complaint, the cops registered a case and arrested two women (23-year-old K Sona and 22-year-old M Priya). They are from Vadapalani. They have been sent to judicial custody.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Friday, July 28, 2023, 17:25 [IST]
25-Year-Old Woman Killed in Delhi After Being Attacked with Rod

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

In another shocking crime against women in Delhi, a 25-year-old student lost her life in a brutal attack with a rod outside Aurobindo College in Malviya Nagar, south Delhi, on Friday.

Upon discovering the woman's lifeless body, the police team found a rod beside her. The area has been sealed off, and the authorities are conducting a thorough investigation into the matter.

DCP South Chandan Chowdhary said,''We received information that the body of a 25-year-old girl was found near Aurbindo College in South Delhi's Malviya Nagar. An iron rod was found near her body. According to a preliminary investigation, the girl was attacked with a rod. Further investigation is in progress.''

Delhi | We received information that the body of a 25-year-old girl was found near Aurbindo College in South Delhi's Malviya Nagar. An iron rod was found near her body. According to a preliminary investigation, the girl was attacked with a rod. Further investigation is in pic.twitter.com/eCOeVAd1yi  ANI (@ANI) July 28, 2023

Chandan Chowdhary, Deputy Commissioner of Police, South Delhi, said, "The incident took place inside the park. The deceased is a college student. She had come to the park with her friend. There are injuries on the deceased's head. A rod was also found near her body. We are investigating the matter."

Bill To Replace Centre's Ordinance On Delhi To Be Introduced In Parliament Next Week

This tragic event occurred within 24 hours of another dreadful incident in West Delhi's Dabri, where a 42-year-old woman was killed by a youth who subsequently took his own life at his residence.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Friday, July 28, 2023, 14:10 [IST]
AirAsia Flight Takes Off Without Karnataka Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot On Board

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

An AirAsia flight bound for Hyderabad departed from Terminal 2 of the Kempegowda International Airport on Thursday afternoon, but to the surprise of many, Karnataka Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot was not on board. The airline claimed that the Governor's delayed arrival at the terminal was the reason, but officials assert that he was waiting in the airport lounge. This incident has also raised accusations of breaching protocol against the airline.

The refusal to allow Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot to board the AirAsia India flight is considered a clear violation of protocol. The flight was scheduled to depart for Hyderabad at 2.05 pm, but it left without the Governor on board.

It remains to be seen whether the Governor was genuinely late for the flight or if it was a mistake on the part of the flight crew. Later on, Governor Gehlot took another AirAsia India flight to reach Hyderabad.

Reports have varied, with some sources denying any delay on Governor Gehlot's part in reaching the terminal. According to the usual protocol for VVIPs like the President, Prime Minister, Home Minister, Chief Minister, and Supreme Court Justice, they wait at the ceremonial lounge and board the flight once the passengers' boarding gate is closed, with the VVIP, in this case, being the last to board.

Karnataka Govt Decides To Hike Nandini Milk Price By Rs 3 Per Litre

The team accompanying the Governor has denied any delay on his part, with reports quoting them stating that the boarding gate was still open when he arrived at the flight.

The crew of the AirAsia flight that did not allow the Governor to board is currently under questioning until Thursday evening as investigations into the incident continue.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Friday, July 28, 2023, 13:27 [IST]
Bill To Replace Centre's Ordinance On Delhi To Be Introduced In Parliament Next Week

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

The Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023, which has been a topic of contention, is scheduled to be introduced in Parliament next week, as revealed by Union Minister V Muraleedharan during the Rajya Sabha session on Friday.

This upcoming introduction of the bill sets the stage for a potential dramatic confrontation between the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the opposition I.N.D.I.A block. One of the constituents of the I.N.D.I.A block, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), will be directly affected if the legislation is passed in Parliament. The opposition has consistently criticized the bill, labeling it as an "attack" on India's federal structure.

The Union Cabinet reportedly approved a Bill aimed at replacing the Centre's ordinance on the control of services in Delhi. During a Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday evening, the decision was taken, and the Bill is expected to be introduced in the current session of Parliament, according to sources.

Jagan Mohan Reddy-led YSRCP to Support NDA On Delhi Services Control Bill

The Delhi ordinance was promulgated by the Centre on May 19, following the Supreme Court's decision to grant control of services in Delhi, excluding police, public order, and land, to the elected government led by AAP leader and Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. The ordinance aimed to reverse the SC order that granted executive powers to the Delhi government in service matters, including the transfer and posting of officers. The proposed Bill is likely to solidify the authority of Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena to differ from the Delhi government's decisions on service matters.

The ordinance established a National Capital Civil Service Authority responsible for the transfer and disciplinary proceedings of Group-A officers from the Delhi, Andaman and Nicobar, Lakshadweep, Daman and Diu, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli (Civil) Services (DANICS) cadre. It also granted the Lieutenant Governor the final say in any decision made by the Authority.

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has expressed his concerns in the past, stating that the ordinance places bureaucrats above the elected government in the capital, allowing them to challenge and question the decisions made by ministers.

Delhi Ordinance: How Numbers Stack Up In Rajya Sabha

Ordinances are promulgated by the President on the recommendation of the Union Cabinet when Parliament is not in session. However, it is mandatory for the Parliament to pass a law replacing the ordinance within six weeks of the commencement of the next session.

The Delhi government had previously approached the Supreme Court against the ordinance, and the apex court recently referred the plea to a Constitution Bench.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Friday, July 28, 2023, 12:39 [IST]
Andhra Girl Holds On To Pipe After Being Pushed Off Bridge By Mom's Partner, Dials Cops To Save Life

CCTV Footage Of Firing In Bihar's Katihar Incident Out

India

oi-Prakash KL

A video of the recent firing incident in Katihar district in Bihar is out online.

In the CCTV footage shared by ANI on Twitter, a man is attacking people. The officials claimed that the CCTV footage showed a gun-toting man "coming from the direction where the first death took place. He can be then seen shooting at and injuring two other bystanders, one of whom died later".

On Wednesday, two persons were killed and several others injured as police opened fire following stone-pelting by protesters who were demanding better power supply.

The incident took place barely 100 meters away from Barsoi police station in which over a dozen police personnel and power department employees sustained injuries.

"Nearly 1,000 local residents were staging a demonstration in front of the power department office. Some anti-social elements had found their way into the crowd and they started hurling stones. When a police party tried to quell the disruptors, they too were attacked with bricks, stones and sticks," said the PHQ, which also shared photos of injured policemen.

However on Friday, officials claimed that the two persons killed during a protest did not die in police firing, but by bullets shot by an "unidentified" person.

District Magistrate Ravi Prakash and Superintendent of Police Jitendra Kumar made the claim while sharing with the press a CCTV footage of the incident that took place on Wednesday. "It is a planned conspiracy. We had been smelling a rat since the police had fired its shots from a place too far to have hit any of the protesters," claimed the SP.

Two persons had died while several others, including many police personnel and power department officials, were injured in the district's Barsoi area where a demonstration demanding better

Notably, while Khurshid Alam had died on the spot, Sonu Kumar Sahu succumbed to injuries at a hospital a few hours later. Another person, Neyaz Alam, is undergoing treatment at a hospital in Siliguri in West Bengal for his bullet injury.

The officials said an FIR has been lodged, both against named and unidentified persons, though they did not disclose the identities of the accused.
Enormous Good Fortune For Country To Have Somebody Like Him: Jaishankar Hails PM Modi

Disrupted in Parliament, EAM Jaishankar Posts Foreign Policy Statement On Twitter

India

oi-Prakash KL

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday slammed the Opposition parties for the disruptions in the Parliament during his statement on foreign policy.

He shared a video on social media listing out details of visits of President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi abroad.

"Sadly, the Opposition repeatedly disrupted my statement in both Houses of Parliament. Obviously, for them, partisan politics was more important than national progress," Jaishankar said in a video statement on Twitter.

During Thursday's session, opposition members strongly protested in both Houses of Parliament while the external affairs minister presented a list of foreign policy achievements and shared information about visits of foreign dignitaries to India, along with the foreign tours of President Murmu and Prime Minister Modi.

Yesterday, my statement to the Parliament on recent developments in Indian foreign policy was continuously disrupted.

Here is a thrust of my remarks. https://t.co/fXikQSVhfj  Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) July 28, 2023

"Through these efforts at multiple levels, we were able to advance our national objectives and interests in a volatile and uncertain world," Jaishankar said.

Jaishankar highlighted that the foreign policy of the Modi government centers around matters that directly affect the well-being of the public and the everyday lives of ordinary citizens. He mentioned examples like the situation of our detained fishermen abroad or those who find themselves in conflict zones.

"It may be the improved visa facilities or working conditions for students and professionals abroad. Or indeed, it may be about the future of our country through progress in critical domains and technologies. Be it engine technology and semiconductors, drones or fintech, these are the building blocks of New India," he said.

"It is unfortunate that these matters were not allowed to be discussed and debated with the seriousness that they deserve," Jaishankar added.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Friday, July 28, 2023, 20:46 [IST]
YEREVAN, JULY 28, ARMENPRESS. The new French Ambassador to Armenia Olivier Decottignies has presented the copy of his credentials to Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan.

FM Mirzoyan congratulated Ambassador Decottignies on assuming office and expressed certainty that he will make all efforts for maximally developing the relations between the two countries, in line with the current special nature of the ties, the ministry said in a readout.

The sides underscored the high level political dialogue between Armenia and France, the active mutual visits and regular contacts in high formats, which contribute to finding new areas of partnership in the current situation full of challenges.

The Foreign Minister and the French ambassador also discussed the programs of bilateral agenda, addressing the implementation of the 2021-2026 Roadmap of Armenian-French Economic Cooperation , and expansion of cooperation with the French Development Agency and in the areas of culture and education.

Speaking about Armenias vision of peace and stability in the region, FM Mirzoyan underscored the need for clear actions by, and continuous involvement of, actors interested in this issue.
How Soon Can Rahul Gandhi Regain His Membership In Parliament? Can He Attend No-Confidence Motion Debate?

Manipur Violence: SC Sets Up Panel Of 3 Former HC Judges To Look Into Relief, Rehabilitation

Elgar Parishad-Maoist Links Case: Activists Vernon Gonsalves, Arun Ferreira Granted Bail By SC

India

oi-PTI

The Supreme Court on Friday granted bail to activists Vernon Gonsalves and Arun Ferreira in the Elgar Parishad-Maoist links case, noting that they have been in custody for five years.

A bench of Justices Aniruddha Bose and Sudhanshu Dhulia said Gonsalves and Ferreira shall not leave Maharashtra and surrender their passports to the police.

It also directed the two activists to use one mobile each and let the National Investigation Agency (NIA), which is probing the case, know their addresses.

The activists had moved the top court against a Bombay High Court order rejecting their bail pleas.

The case pertains to the Elgar Parishad conclave held in Pune on December 31, 2017, which according to the Pune police was funded by Maoists.

Elgar Parishad case: SC rejects NIA's plea challenging bail granted to Anand Teltumbde

The inflammatory speeches made there led to violence at the Koregaon-Bhima war memorial in Pune the next day, police had alleged.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Friday, July 28, 2023, 15:05 [IST]
Ana Law Group is a premier IP Law firm based out of Chicago and here's what you need to know about them

Indian Woman Who Ended Up On Chicago Streets To Be Given Every Help: Consulate

India

oi-PTI

The Consulate General of India in Chicago is trying to locate a woman student hailing from Hyderabad who is reported to be depressed, starving and has said that all assistance will be provided to her.

The woman, who hails from Telangana and came to the US to pursue higher education, was seen on a street in Chicago on the verge of starvation. Her mother has written a letter to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar seeking his help to bring her back home.

In a letter that was posted on the Twitter page of Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader Khaleequr Rahman, the mother said her daughter Syeda Lulu Minhaj Zaidi went to the USA to pursue MS from TRINE University, Detroit in August 2021.

Hyderabad Woman Studying in US, Found Starving On Chicago Street After Belongings Stolen

"For the last two months she was not in touch with me and recently through two Hyderabadi youths, we came to know that my daughter is in deep depression and her entire belongings have been stolen due to which she is on the verge of starvation and was spotted on roads of Chicago, USA," the mother said in her letter.

India's Consulate in Chicago is trying to locate her.

"The Consulate is aware of the case of Syeda Lulu Minaj Zaidi. With the help of local police and NGOs, the Consulate is trying to locate her. The Consulate will extend all possible Consular, medical, or other support she might need," the Consulate General of India in Chicago told PTI.

Rahman in an update on his Twitter page said he was able to get in touch with an individual, Mukarram, who is a social worker in Chicago.

He and his family met Zaidi and she is currently undergoing treatment in a hospital.

Hyderabad: Patancheru MLA's Son Passes Away at 34

He further said he was informed that she was depressed and in a mentally unstable condition due to the financial situation she got into as she could not get a job in the US. She needs to get out of the depression in order to travel back to India, Rahman said quoting Mukarram.

The BRS leader said he would request Jaishankar to help Zaidi's mother to travel to the US.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Friday, July 28, 2023, 13:46 [IST]
Karnataka Govt Decides To Hike Nandini Milk Price By Rs 3 Per Litre

India

oi-PTI

The Karnataka cabinet has decided to hike price of Nandini milk by Rs three per litre from August 1.

Nandini is the brand name of products of Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF).

The decision was taken on Thursday in the cabinet meeting in view of the demands of the milk producers.

Defending the move, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said on Friday that Karnataka is selling milk at the lowest price whereas in the other states it is much higher.

How To Check Ration Card Status In Karnataka?

''The milk (toned) that costs Rs 39 will be sold at Rs 42 per litre. Elsewhere it is sold between Rs 54 and Rs 56 per litre. In Tamil Nadu the price is Rs 44 per litre,'' the Chief Minister said.

Commenting on the decision, Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar said, ''We have to give money to the farmers (milk producers). Today in the entire country it's (toned milk) Rs 56 per litre. In our state people are getting at a very less price.'' He also said the government had decided to hike milk price by three rupees to help farmers.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Friday, July 28, 2023, 13:11 [IST]
Manipur Violence: SC Sets Up Panel Of 3 Former HC Judges To Look Into Relief, Rehabilitation

Congress Has Blood On Its Hands In Northeast: Himanta On Manipur Violence

Only 4 Min 34 Seconds: Cong Claims Less Screen Time For Rahul Gandhi's LS Speech On Manipur

Manipur CM Is Operated With The Centre: Shah Defends Biren Singh Amid Demand For Resignation Over Violence

Manipur: Two Security Personnel Including Army jawan Injured In Gunfight With Militants

India

oi-PTI

Two security personnel, including an Army jawan, were injured in a gun-battle with militants in Manipur's Bishnupur district, officials said.

The gunfight broke out in Phoubakchao Ikhai area, around 50 km from state capital Imphal, on Thursday morning and continued for around 15 hours till late at night, when the insurgents fled the area.

At least one house in nearby Tera Khongsangbi was set on fire during the shootout.

As the two sides were engaged in the shootout, the police personnel intervened to disperse the mobs, they said.

The injured Manipur Police commando has been identified as 40-year-old Nameirakpam Ibomcha. He has sustained splinter injuries on his right leg and right ear in a mortar blast, a police officer said.

The Army jawan belongs to Kumaon Regiment but is yet to be identified, he said.

Manipur Viral Video Case: CBI Arrests 10 Accused, 6 FIRs Filed

"Drone flown over the area captured footage of the militants carrying some of their comrades. But it is not yet clear whether those insurgents were injured or killed in action," he said.

Ethnic violence between the Kuki and Meitei communities 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 (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.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Friday, July 28, 2023, 11:35 [IST]
Medical Negligence: Doctor Removes Wrong Organ During Surgery in Varanasi

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

In a shocking incident of medical negligence, a private doctor in Varanasi district, Uttar Pradesh, mistakenly removed the wrong organ during surgery. The accused doctor, identified as Praveen Tiwari, runs a private nursing home in the city. Instead of removing the patient's gall bladder, he mistakenly took out her uterus.

Following the incident, a local court ordered the booking of the doctor for serious negligence. He has been charged under IPC sections 336, 337, 338 (causing grievous hurt by an act endangering life or personal safety of others), and 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace), among others. The Chief Medical Officer, Sandeep Chaudhary, stated that a panel of doctors would investigate the matter once the police request an inquiry.

The incident dates back to 2020 when Usha Maurya, a resident of Bela village in Varanasi's Cholapur block, experienced severe abdominal pain. She sought help from an ASHA worker in her village, who took her to Dr. Tiwari's private nursing home in Gola. After a diagnosis of gall bladder stones, she underwent surgery for gall bladder removal on May 28, 2020, at the doctor's clinic.

27-Year-Old Doctor Loses Rs 1.40 Lakh While Ordering Samosas in Mumbai

However, in March of the following year, Usha once again experienced sharp pain in her abdomen. Upon examination at another private nursing home in Baniyapur, it was discovered that her gall bladder was still intact with stones, but her uterus was missing.

Feeling deceived, Usha confronted Dr. Tiwari with the test reports, but he allegedly threatened her instead of providing an explanation. After facing difficulty in seeking justice, she approached a local court, which led to the filing of a case against the doctor. The Cholapur station officer, Rajesh Tripathi, assured that the matter was under investigation, and appropriate action would be taken soon.

In June of this year, a family in Jaipur, Rajasthan, accused Fortis Hospital of negligence during a heart surgery, alleging that the doctors had inadvertently left surgical scissors inside the patient's body, leading to his death.

According to the family members, after the surgery, the patient's health continued to deteriorate, and he passed away 12 days later. To their shock, when they went to collect the bones after the cremation, they discovered the presence of surgical scissors.

US: Indian-Origin Doctor Who Drove Family Off Cliff In US Barred From Practising Medicine

Upon contacting the hospital to address the issue, the family was met with denial and the hospital officials refuted all allegations, claiming that the family was lying.

In response to this distressing incident, the family of the deceased has taken legal action and lodged a complaint against the hospital at the Jawahar Circle police station.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Friday, July 28, 2023, 10:32 [IST]
Mumbai Court Acquits Chhota Rajan In Datta Samant Murder Case

India

oi-PTI

A special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court on Friday acquitted gangster Chhota Rajan in a case related to the 1997 murder of trade union leader Datta Samant for want of evidence.

There was nothing on record to prove that Rajan -- whose real name is Rajendra Sadashiv Nikalje -- hatched the conspiracy, the court said.

The gangster, however, is not likely to be released from jail anytime soon as he is facing trial in dozens of cases in various cities. Samant, who organised the 1981 textile mill workers' strike in Mumbai, was shot dead on January 16, 1997, while travelling in his Jeep to his office in Pant Nagar in suburban Ghatkopar.

The assailants, who came on a motorbike, fired 17 rounds. The prosecution claimed that Rajan hatched the murder conspiracy. But special judge B D Shelke said in the verdict on Friday that nothing was produced to prove that Rajan hatched the conspiracy.

"The material witnesses have turned hostile. They do not support the case of the prosecution. The testimony of other witnesses is not sufficient to prove the charges against the accused," the court said.

In the first phase of the trial, the judgment was pronounced in July 2000. In the case against Rajan, gangster Guru Satam and Rajan's trusted lieutenant Rohit Verma were shown as absconding accused and their trial was separated. Rajan was arrested in October 2015 from Bali in Indonesia. Later, the CBI took over all the cases registered against him.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Friday, July 28, 2023, 23:43 [IST]
UP court sentences AAP MP Sanjay Singh, five others to 3-month imprisonment in a 22-year old case

On Kharge Advice, AAP MPs To Stop Overnight Protest, Continue It During Day

India

oi-PTI

AAP MP Sanjay Singh and other party MPs, staging a round-the-clock protest in the Parliament House Complex against his suspension, will now hold the agitation only when parliamentary proceedings are on and not during the night.

The decision was taken after Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday urged the suspended Rajya Sabha MP not to sit in protest overnight and end it every day when Parliament's proceedings conclude.

He told Singh that the sit-in should be started when the day's proceedings begin and end when both Houses are adjourned for the day.

Singh readily agreed to Kharge's suggestion and said he would follow what the leader of the opposition bloc said.

Kharge, along with other Congress members and those of other opposition parties, had come to join Singh's protest when he gave his suggestion.

AAP's Sanjay Singh Suspended From Parliament's Monsoon Session Over Manipur Protest

''Fellow MPs of team INDIA came along with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge at the protest site. INDIA has unanimously decided that the protest will continue, and start every day at 10 am and continue for the day till the Parliament proceedings continue,'' Singh later said in Hindi on Twitter.

Singh has been protesting in the Parliament premises since his suspension Monday from Rajya Sabha for ''unruly behaviour'' for the entire session which ends on August 11.

Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha have been witnessing disruptions every day since the Monsoon session began on July 20.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Friday, July 28, 2023, 9:19 [IST]
If your imagination of India is one of Hindutva, its unconstitutional, says Author Mukulika Banerjee

Have you met Talwar Bhai, the most authentically musical, the best and biggest rapper of Rajasthan

Minor Girl Reaches Jaipur Airport To Go To Pakistan To Meet Her Instagram Friend, Handed Over To Police

Pakistan Girl Stayed In India Illegally For 3 Years, Finally Caught In Jaipur

India

oi-Prakash KL

A Pakistani girl, who was illegally staying in India for three years, has been arrested at Jaipur airport, Hindustan Times reported.

The airport cops arrested her when she tried to book a ticket to Pakistan, the website reported citing an official familiar with the matter.

The 16-year-old has been identified as Ghazal Parveen, who is a resident of Lahore. The report claims that the minor girl had come to India three years ago along with her aunt. They have been staying at Sikar's Shrimadhopur.

The girl has come to the airport to book ticket along with two other men. Dikpal Singh, the station house officer (SHO) of the Jaipur Airport Police Station, said, "We have also held those two men. The girl said she travelled to India three years ago on a flight. But she has no idea how her aunt visited the country without any documents. We are still interrogating the girl. Her aunt will also be questioned later."

In the recent past, a Pakistani woman named Seema Haider was caught after entering India illegally via Nepal with her four children. She entered the country to be with her boyfriend named Sachin Meena.

They got into contact through PUBG game during the pandemic and their friendship bloosomed to love. Once she entered India, she landed in Noida and stayed with Sachin before the cops arrested them.

In a similar incident, an Indian woman named Anju went to Pakistan to meet her Pakistani Facebook friend Nasrullah. The only difference being she travelled to Pakistan legally.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Friday, July 28, 2023, 21:45 [IST]
'Vow Of Silence' Over Ethnic Violence In Manipur: Opposition Invokes Atal Bihari Vajpayee To Attack PM Modi

Becoming A Grand Conductor For Investments In Semiconductor Sector: PM Modi

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate 'Semicon India 2023', a national-level event focusing on the semiconductor industry, in Gandhinagar on Friday.

PM Modi, who has been on a two-day Gujarat visit, is scheduled to inaugurate the event at 10.30 am.

On Thursday, the first day of his tour, the prime minister inaugurated a greenfield international airport near Rajkot city and other development projects on the first day of his tour. He also addressed a gathering in Rajkot city later.

The 'Semicon India 2023' inaugural programme will highlight investment opportunities in India's semiconductor sector through an informative presentation and a stimulating panel discussion led by industry, a government release said.

PM Modi, Xi Jinping Discussed Need to Stabilise Bilateral Ties At Bali G20 Meet

The event aims to catalyse the semiconductor industry's progress through networking, technology demonstrations and lucrative business prospects, it said.

During the three-day conference ending on July 30, experts in the fields of semiconductor chip, display fab, chip design and assembling, will gather from various corners of the globe to share their knowledge and perspectives on emerging opportunities in India, it added.

Foxconn, Micron, AMD, IBM, Marvell, Vedanta, LAM Research, NXP Semiconductors, ST Microelectronics, Grantwood Technologies, Infineon Technologies, Applied Materials, and other prominent companies in the sector will participate in the event, the release said.

"With a strong focus on innovation, participation and growth, the event holds immense significance in shaping the future of the semiconductor industry in both - India and Gujarat," it said. Prior to the commencement of the main event on Friday, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel inaugurated a six-day exhibition on July 25.

The exhibition showcases the intricate manufacturing process of semiconductors and gives an insight into the cutting-edge technologies and innovations driving the industry.

On behalf of the Union government, Minister of Electronics and Information Technology, Railways and Communication Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar, and Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology Rajeev Chandrasekhar will mark their presence at the Friday event.

Heads of leading semiconductor industries will also participate in the event, with a presentation to be given on investment opportunities in India's semiconductor sector, the government release said.

PM Modi Inaugurates Rajkot International Airport In Gujarat

Notably, the Gujarat government signed an memorandum of understanding (MoU) worth Rs 22,500 crore with semiconductor chip giant Micron Technology to establish an Assembly, Testing, Marking, and Packaging (ATMP) facility in the state.

During PM Modi's recent visit to the United States of America, US President Joe Biden announced the establishment of a state-of-the-art semiconductor facility by Micron Technology Inc in India.
PM Modi, Xi Jinping Discussed Need to Stabilise Bilateral Ties At Bali G20 Meet

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Bali last November, and discussed the need to stabilise bilateral relations.

The meeting was the first public interaction between the two leaders since the border standoff began in May 2020.

In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said that the two leaders exchanged pleasantries and discussed the need to stabilize bilateral relations.

"Our consistent stance has been that resolving the issue along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the western sector of the India-China boundary and restoring peace and tranquillity in the border areas is crucial for the overall resolution," the statement said.

India Making Great Efforts In Green Growth: PM Modi At G20 Energy Ministers' Meet

The MEA also said that India is making all the necessary preparations for the successful participation of all invited leaders at the G20 summit in Delhi.

This statement came in response to Beijing's claim, made two days earlier, that PM Modi and Xi Jinping had reached an "important consensus" on stabilising bilateral ties during their interaction at the G20 Summit in Bali. The Chinese foreign ministry has said that the meeting between PM Modi and Xi Jinping was "positive".

MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi clarified that during the Bali G20 summit, after a dinner hosted by the Indonesian President, PM Modi and President Xi Jinping exchanged pleasantries and had a conversation about the necessity of stabilizing the India-China bilateral relations.

Recommended Video

PM Modi and Xi Jinping spoke on bilateral ties during G20 Summit in Bali, says centre |Oneindia News

Bagchi reiterated India's consistent stance on resolving issues along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the western sector of the India-China boundary and restoring peace and tranquillity in the border areas as crucial for overall resolution.

The MEA had previously mentioned the exchange of pleasantries between the two leaders during the G20 summit, which marked their first public interaction since the border standoff began in May 2020.

Regarding Chinese President Xi Jinping's attendance at the G20 summit in Delhi, Bagchi stated that India is making all necessary preparations for the successful participation of all invited leaders.

PM Modi Proposes G20 Membership for African Union

The border standoff between India and China began in May 2020, when Chinese troops entered Indian territory in the Galwan Valley.

The standoff has continued since then, and there have been several rounds of talks between the two sides to resolve the issue. However, no breakthrough has been achieved so far.

The meeting between PM Modi and Xi Jinping in Bali was seen as an opportunity to improve relations between the two countries.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Friday, July 28, 2023, 9:47 [IST]
YEREVAN, JULY 28, ARMENPRESS. German lawmakers have called for an immediate reopening of the Lachin Corridor, which has been blocked by Azerbaijan for nearly 8 months, resulting in a humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh.

The Lachin Corridor must be opened, Member of the Bundestag Renata Alt (FDP) tweeted. The fact that even the transfer of humanitarian aid by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) from Armenia to Nagorno-Karabakh has become impossible is unacceptable. It is necessary to pressure Azerbaijan so that the situation doesnt escalate, Alt, the chairwoman of the Bundestag Committee on Human Rights and Humanitarian Aid added.

Robin Wagener, a Member of the Bundestag and Coordinator for Intersocietal Cooperation with the Southern Caucasus, the Republic of Moldova and Central Asia at the Federal Foreign Office of Germany said that he is following the humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh with deep concern. All actions must be based on the welfare of the local population, and we must be guided by this. This includes the guarantee of uninterrupted and safe routes of transport of persons and goods, including of Lachin Corridor, Wagener, who heads the Bundestag delegation to the OSCE PA, tweeted.

Member of the Bundestag Merle Spellerberg, a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee and rapporteur on South Caucasus of the Alliance 90/The Greens faction, underscored that "any blockade of the Lachin Corridor by Azerbaijan must immediately end."

"Human lives cannot become geopolitical levers, Spellerberg added.

Representatives of the diplomatic corps in Armenia visited on Friday the village of Kornidzor in the Syunik Province where an Armenian humanitarian convoy carrying emergency food and medical aid to Nagorno-Karabakh remains blocked by Azerbaijan at the entrance of Lachin Corridor for the second day.

Lachin Corridor, the only road connecting Nagorno-Karabakh with Armenia and the rest of the world, has been blocked by Azerbaijan since late 2022. The Azerbaijani blockade constitutes a gross violation of the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh ceasefire agreement, which established that the 5km-wide Lachin Corridor shall be under the control of Russian peacekeepers. Furthermore, on February 22, 2023 the United Nations highest court  the International Court of Justice (ICJ) - ordered Azerbaijan to take all steps at its disposal to ensure unimpeded movement of persons, vehicles and cargo along the Lachin Corridor in both directions. Azerbaijan has been ignoring the order ever since. Moreover, Azerbaijan then illegally installed a checkpoint on Lachin Corridor. The blockade has led to shortages of essential products such as food and medication. Azerbaijan has also cut off gas and power supply into Nagorno-Karabakh, with officials warning that Baku seeks to commit ethnic cleansing against Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh. Hospitals have suspended normal operations.

On July 25, the Government of Armenia said that it will try to send over 360 tons of flour, cooking oil, sugar, and other foodstuffs and medication to Nagorno-Karabakh to mitigate the humanitarian crisis resulting from the blockade of Lachin Corridor. Armenia requested the Russian peacekeepers in Nagorno-Karabakh to escort the aid. Armenia has also requested Azerbaijan to not obstruct the convoy.

On Thursday, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said Azerbaijan would only corroborate Armenias fears that Baku seeks to commit genocide in Nagorno-Karabakh if the convoy gets blocked.
Telangana Grapples with Record-Breaking Rain: Houses, Roads Submerged, Six Lives Lost

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

Telangana is currently facing the wrath of "record-breaking" rainfall, claiming six lives as the deluge continues to wreak havoc across the state. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall, but the actual downpour surpassed all expectations, leading to widespread flooding and extensive damage to roads and crops.

Meteorologists attribute the unprecedented rainfall to the formation of a strong vortex, a rotating column of air created when moisture levels in the atmosphere are high. This vortex has caused a cloudburst in Mulugu and Bhupalpally districts during the early hours of Wednesday, resulting in severe flooding. The rising waters have submerged houses and blocked roads, rendering access to several villages impassable. To combat the crisis, rescue efforts have been undertaken, with hundreds of people being saved by boats and helicopters.

While the intensity of rainfall is expected to decrease today, certain areas of the state continue to face critical conditions. Hyderabad, the state capital, has experienced a respite from rain since yesterday evening. However, the situation remains dire in Warangal, compelling the state government to deploy boats for search and rescue operations. The Warangal Police have already rescued 50 individuals, while over 10,000 people have been relocated to relief camps across the affected districts.

Heavy Rains Continue To Lash Telangana; State Govt Puts Administration On Alert

Amid the ongoing crisis, Union Tourism and Culture Minister G Kishan Reddy communicated with Union Home Minister Amit Shah to discuss the flood situation in Telangana. The Home Minister has pledged full support for rescue and relief operations, with two helicopters and five NDRF teams currently engaged in rescue missions for the stranded populace.

Meanwhile, in Maharashtra, Mumbai has been grappling with heavy rainfall over the past few days, resulting in waterlogging, traffic jams, and delays in suburban train services. The IMD has issued a red alert for Mumbai and Raigad district, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall at a few places and extremely heavy rainfall at isolated locations. Thane has been issued an orange alert, while Mumbai has been issued a yellow alert for today, predicting heavy rainfall at isolated places.

As a testament to the severity of the weather, a landslide occurred on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway near Kamshet tunnel on Thursday night, blocking one lane and leading to traffic congestion. Highway police personnel have been tirelessly working to clear the debris on the busy 6-lane road and restore normalcy to the region.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Friday, July 28, 2023, 11:18 [IST]
BJP Youth Leader SG Suryah gets Doctorate in Corporate Law

Partner Content

oi-Oneindia English Desk

SG Suryah, the Tamil Nadu BJP State Secretary, has been conferred with a doctorate in corporate laws by Vels University in Chennai. His doctoral thesis focused on corporate social responsibility practices and its impact in Indian companies after the advent of new Companies Act 2013. Coming from a modest background, Suryah completed his Bachelor's in Business Administration from renown PSG College of Arts and Science in Coimbatore, where he excelled as the College's Student Union Chairman, receiving the Best Outgoing Student Award.

Later, he pursued a degree in law from the India's prestigious ILS Law School in Pune, Maharashtra, while actively engaging in politics and contributing to Narendra Modi's Digital Campaigns Team for the 2012 Gujarat Assembly Elections. Suryah also completed an MBA through distance learning and is a practicing company secretary, having completed his ACS qualification.

Enrolling for his PhD at Vels University in 2019, Suryah's journey through education was greatly influenced by his mother and maternal grandfather, who instilled the value of education and supported him throughout. He expressed gratitude to his Guide Professor Ashok Kumar Katta and his friend Professor Veera Tirunavukarasu for their encouragement during his doctoral studies.

As the youngest State Secretary of BJP Tamil Nadu, Suryah has been an active participant in regional and national television debates, advocating for the BJP and critiquing the DMK. He has been recognized as an emerging young political leader and has been part of international exchange programs to Israel and South Korea. Suryah is also an accomplished author with several critically acclaimed and bestselling books to his credit, including translations of works by Veer Savarkar and Yogi Adityanath to Tamil, among others.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Friday, July 28, 2023, 13:01 [IST]
Top 5 Stock Market Training Institute in India

Partner Content

oi-Oneindia English Desk

Discover the top 5 stock market training institutes in India that the best stock market classes and investment training, catering to beginners and experienced traders alike. Develop your understanding of the stock market, trading strategies, and investment techniques.

New Delhi (India), July 27: Investing in the stock market can be a beneficial journey, but it also comes with significant risks. To explore this financial world, gaining proper knowledge

and training is very crucial. India, with its continuously evolving stock market, offers many training institutes to help people gain relevant knowledge. In this article, we will explore the top 5 stock market training institutes in India.

1. GTF - A Stock Market Institute

GTF - A Stock Market Institute is one of the largest stock market training institutes in India. In the last 8 years, they have built a student base of more than 15,000 people and they have taught 2 lakh+ students with their elementary course which is free of cost. They provide lifetime mentorship support to their live class students which makes them unique from all other institutes.

They provide two courses which are:-

1. Trading in the zone

2. GTF options

Trading in the Zone course basically teaches you all the technical concepts of trading like Demand and Supply, Trend analysis, Moving Averages, Sectorial Analysis, Price action, and much more help you trade like a pro whereas GTF options is for people who want to trade in Options only in which they teach the concepts like Option Greeks ( delta, theta, vega, gamma ), Implied volatility, single-leg, and multi-leg strategies, etc.

2. Nifty trading academy

Nifty Trading Academy offers comprehensive stock market training programs designed to educate both beginners and advanced learners. The institute focuses on delivering in-depth knowledge of fundamental analysis, market trends, and trading psychology. Nifty Trading Academy also provides personalized mentoring for the benefit of students, which compliments their overall growth as successful traders. It is recognized for its commitment to excellence and the fundamental knowledge provided by its knowledgeable instructors.

3. Rachana Ranade Academy

Rachana Ranade Academy is one of the most trusted stock market training institutes. Their aim is to improve financial literacy in India. She is a famous fin-influencer in India with more than 1 lakh YouTube subscribers. This academy is providing different types of courses for fundamental and technical learning in the stock market. Their courses cover topics such as the basics of Stock Market, Equity Research, Technical Analysis Tools, and Trading Strategies.

Apart from this, they have both paid as well as unpaid courses starting from beginners to advance level.

4. Avadhut Sathe Training Academy

The instructor at this training Academy named Mr. Avadhut Sathe has worked in various fields like equity, derivatives, and commodity markets and he is a skilled and very passionate trainer. All of the courses offered by him include practical examples leading to independent trading choices. Some of their courses are the GEO program, Secrets of Market Millionaires, and many more that can be investigated on their website only. Avadhut Sathe has been one of the most trusted platforms for students who are in the equity market.

5. NIWS

NIWS Stock Market Institute is known for its positive approach to stock market training. They provide a wide range of courses, starting from Banking, Finance, Stock Market, Portfolio, and Wealth Management to Technical and Fundamental analysis. Their instructors are experienced in both domestic and international markets. If any aspiring trader wishes to go through the simplest yet most efficient program, then they can join them for offline or online classes. They also focus on strengthening leadership and communication skills in their students.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Friday, July 28, 2023, 14:21 [IST]
The premier is adamant police haven't lost control of the streets in the wake of another deadly gangland shooting.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni made her first visit to the White House. Her politics may differ from US President Joe Biden's, but the G7 partners have found common foreign policy ground of late.
Upworthy 29 Jul 2023

The second day of the far-right, Alternative for Germany (AfD) party congress saw 600 delegates from all over Germany gather in..
As specialists attempt to restore the cathedral, President Zelenskyy examined the extent of the damage. Meanwhile, the US reportedly aims to deliver Abrams tanks to Kyiv by September. DW has the latest.
Donald Trump has been accused of asking an employee to delete security footage at his Florida estate in an effort to obstruct the federal investigation into the classified documents case.
To prepare for a potential invasion from mainland China, Taiwan updated its annual war games with strategies used by Ukrainians against the Russian military.
Oneindia 29 Jul 2023

According to reports, Ukrainian soldiers were observed using North Korean rockets that they said were seized by a friendly..
Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed concerns over the humanitarian situation in Nagorno Karabakh sparked by a seven-month blockade by Azerbaijan.

July 28, 2023, 11:38 Dutch Foreign Ministry expresses concerns over humanitarian situation in Artsakh

STEPANAKERT, JULY 28, ARTSAKHPRESS: The Netherlands follows the humanitarian situation affecting the population in the former Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast with serious concern, and fully supports the statement of Josep Borrell, reads the statement published on the ministrys X/Twitter account.
Senate Democrats thwarted a Republican measure that bans the flying or displaying of flags other than the American flag on government-used buildings.
President Biden has acknowledged his granddaughter, Navy Joan Roberts, for the first time after refusing to do so for over four years.
Rumble 01 Aug 2023

We start by taking a look at the Hunter Biden plea deal that fell apart when he appeared in court this week. It's..
President Joe Biden is praising Italy's far-right Premier Giorgia Meloni for her country's "very strong support" of Ukraine. Biden welcomed Meloni on Thursday for her first visit to the White House since she became prime minister last year. (July 27)


Upworthy 30 Jul 2023

A top Israeli lawmaker said on Sunday that any forging of relations with Saudi Arabia did not appear imminent, citing what he..
Rumble 29 Jul 2023

The European Union has suspended its financial support and cooperation on security with Niger following immediate effect after the..
Gov. Tina Kotek will allow a bill allowing self-serve gasoline across Oregon to become law, ending a 72-year ban on most drivers pumping their own gas.

Announcing a slate of potential vetoes Friday, as required by the Oregon Constitution, Kotek did not include House Bill 2426, which will permit Oregon gas stations to open up to half of their pumps for self-serve gas. The law will still require gas stations to staff at least half their pumps for people who cant, or dont want to, pump their own gas.

Kotek said nothing of the self-serve gas bill in her statement. Shortly after the legislative session concluded last month, shed singled out the bill as one on which she wanted to hear from Oregonians before making her decision.

Hear from Oregonians she did. While remaining coy about whether she would veto the bill, Kotek noted to reporters Thursday that her office had received more than 5,000 emails on the bill.

The self-service portion of the bill would take effect soon as Kotek signs it, or it will take effect automatically on Aug. 4 if the governor declines to sign it. A spokesperson declined to elaborate on the Koteks intentions.

The new law will simplify Oregons patchwork of self-serve gas regulations. Since 2015, some rural counties have permitted self-serve gas at night. And each summer since 2020, the state fire marshal has permitted self-serve gas statewide during wildfire season and heat waves, when smoke or extreme temperatures make it dangerous to be outside.

The self-serve gas bill has divided Oregonians. Some cheered its promise of speedier fill-ups, while others wanted Oregon to keep the decades-old ban, either to preserve jobs or the convenience of full-service stations.

Prior efforts to legalize self-serve gas in Oregon never made it out of the Legislature. In the 2022 short session, lawmakers introduced a similar bill that died before reaching a vote.

In 2021, two statewide polls showed that more than 60% of Oregonians favored the option to pump their own gas.

Fuel companies had also long pushed for the change, citing growing challenges with staffing fuel pumps. Earlier this year, the Northwest Grocery Association argued that the bill wouldnt eliminate jobs because many gas stations already have gas pumps closed due to lack of staffing.

After the Oregon bill becomes law, New Jersey will be the only state that bans self-serve gas.

Related coverage

-- Jayati Ramakrishnan; jramakrishnan@oregonian.com
Multnomah County deputies seized more than 58,000 fentanyl pills and 16 pounds of fentanyl powder in Portlands Goose Hollow neighborhood earlier this week in what the sheriffs office called its largest ever fentanyl bust.

Deputies involved in a monthslong investigation took a man into custody Tuesday near Southwest 20th Avenue and Main Street and discovered the fentanyl, as well as scales, two pill presses, a handgun and $5,000 in cash while executing search warrants on his car and apartment, the sheriffs office said Friday.
Portland police stopped 80% fewer drivers in 2022 than 10 years ago, while the number of crash fatalities in the city nearly doubled in the same period, rising from 32 in 2012 to 62 last year.

The Portland Police Bureau expects the number of traffic stops to increase this year with the partial reinstatement of the bureaus traffic division in May, which sent 14 traffic officers back onto city streets. Going forward, officials said the bureau plans to add traffic enforcers, but its unclear when  if ever  the division could reach the level of staffing it had a decade ago.
U.S. Rep. Claudia Tenney and nearly all House Republicans voted to pass a key appropriations bill despite Democratic opposition.

The bill, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, passed 219-211 on Thursday. The $317.4 billion measure usually receives bipartisan support, but the House GOP added provisions targeting abortion, diversity, equity and inclusion training, gender-affirming care.

Tenney, R-Canandaigua, supported the legislation. U.S. Rep. Brandon Williams, a Sennett Republican, missed the vote. He is receiving treatment for an infection after having heart surgery two weeks ago.

Other votes in the House this week:

 The Satellite and Telecommunications Streamlining Act failed to pass because it required a two-thirds vote. The roll call tally was 250-163, with Tenney and Williams supporting the bill.

The legislation would require the Federal Communication Commission to establish new rules for licensing satellites.

The bill had bipartisan support in the House, with 163 Republicans and 87 Democrats voting for the measure. But there was also bipartisan opposition. Fifty Republicans joined with most Democrats to oppose its passage.

U.S. Rep. Frank Lucas, a Republican who chairs the House Science, Space and Technology Committee, opposed the bill because it would give too much power to the FCC.

 By a 409-1 vote, the House approved the Protecting and Securing Chemical Facilities from Terrorist Attacks Act. Tenney and Williams voted for its passage.

The bill would extend the Department of Homeland Security's Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards Program until July 27, 2025. According to its website, the program is the first "focused on security at high-risk chemical facilities" and "identifies and regulates high-risk facilities to ensure security measures are in place to reduce the risk that dangerous chemicals are weaponized."

 A resolution was approved to nullify a rule issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service that would list lesser prairie-chickens under the Endangered Species Act. Republicans oppose the rule, in part, because of its impact on farmers.

Environmental advocates say the protections are needed because of the declining lesser prairie-chicken population.

The House passed the resolution by a 221-206 vote, with Tenney supporting the measure. President Joe Biden will veto the resolution.

 The House also passed a resolution that would nullify another rule issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service listing the northern long-eared bat as an endangered species. Before the rule was published in November 2022, the northern long-eared bat was considered a threatened species.

The vote was 220-209. Tenney voted for its passage.

It's expected that Biden will veto this resolution, too.
A judge on Friday moved the case of a Salem teenager charged with raping and killing a 13-year-old girl in Beaverton into adult court.

Daniel Gore could face a much longer prison sentence, if convicted, on a first-degree murder charge in the killing last year of Milana Li, a sixth-grader at Conestoga Middle School.
Nicks Italian Cafe, the James Beard Award-winning Oregon restaurant that has hosted aspiring winemakers and visiting wine lovers for generations, has closed after 46 years in downtown McMinnville, the restaurant announced Friday.

The restaurant and its neighboring deli are for sale, and the hope is for someone to ladle the minestrone soup for many years to come.

As recently as July 2, Nicks announced that it was hiring for its waitstaff team, and Google still lists its operating hours as 5 to 9 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday. But two days ago, the restaurant posted a temporary closure notice on Facebook, and now says it will not reopen in its current form.

In a McMinnville News-Register article posted in full to Nicks Facebook page Friday, a Peirano family member is quoted as saying that the compounding challenges of running a business these days as a primary reason for the closure, while calling it a difficult decision.

With little more than his grandmothers pasta recipes to his name, Nick Peirano moved from the San Francisco Bay Area to Oregon to take over the old Cafe Dinette space, 521 N.E. Third St., in 1977. Unbeknownst to him, the surrounding hills were filled with young winemakers whose dream of making wines to compete with the best of Burgundy was almost as far-fetched as the idea of opening a top Italian restaurant in McMinnville.

When it opened, it was the best restaurant north of San Francisco, the late Oregon pinot pioneer David Lett told Saveur magazine in a 2008 feature. (In those early days, fellow Oregon wine trail blazer Dick Erath recalled Peirano calling up vintners to tell them a customer had enjoyed a bottle of their wine, and would love to meet them.) The idea for a premier Willamette Valley wine event began with an informal gathering at Nicks in 1985. The International Pinot Noir Celebration, which starts today, was first held two years later.

Nicks daughter, Carmen Peirano, took over day-to-day operations at the restaurant in 2007, updating the menu with a wood-fired pizza oven and house-made charcuterie while keeping the pasta dishes  including the Dungeness crab and pine nut lasagna  and the beloved pesto-finished minestrone in place.

In a 2010 review in The Oregonian, Roger Porter described Nicks Italian cafe as one of Oregons most iconic restaurants, while writing that under Carmen bright stewardship its once again the place that impressed the region so many years ago.

In 2014, Nicks Italian Cafe was given a James Beard Americas Classics award, which acknowledges restaurants that have timeless appeal and are beloved for quality food that reflects the character of their community. Only one other Oregon restaurant  The Original Pancake House in Southwest Portland  has received the honor.

 Michael Russell; mrussell@oregonian.com

Our journalism needs your support. Please become a subscriber today at OregonLive.com/subscribe
Washington County civil Deputy Charles Doze, shot and critically wounded while serving an eviction notice at a Tualatin apartment complex, is now in serious condition and recovering, the sheriffs office announced Friday.

Doze, with the Washington County Sheriffs Office for 10 years, was shot several times in the face, chest and arms on Tuesday, sheriffs officials said.

Doze was conscious and spending time with his children and wife, a sheriffs office spokesperson said. Other family members continue to arrive at the hospital to show support.

Doze told fellow deputies that he is working hard to recover, sheriffs officials said in a statement.

As one of five civil deputies, Doze serves and enforces court orders, prepares reports, tows abandoned vehicles and manages seized property, the sheriffs office said. Civil deputies are uniformed and armed sworn members of the sheriffs office.

Civil Deputy Samantha Burkhead, Deputy Chris Schroeder and Deputy Cory Hoffman were also involved in the shooting and have been placed on standard administrative leave as Washington Countys Major Crimes Team continues to investigate, the sheriffs office said.

Doze, Burkhead and Schroeder went to 34-year-old Kristafer James Graves apartment in The Timbers apartment complex shortly after 10 a.m. to serve a court-ordered eviction notice. Graves fired at the deputies from inside his apartment, striking Doze, investigators said.

At least one of the deputies returned fire, said Washington County sheriffs Detective Anel Ceric. Sheriffs officials declined to say how Hoffman was involved.

Graves landlord, FPI Management Inc. and Pacific Urban Investors LLC, filed an eviction complaint against Graves on June 20 in Washington County for failing to pay $1,266 in rent since May 23, court records show. A Washington County circuit judge granted the eviction order July 10, according to court records.

Deputies found Graves dead from a gunshot wound inside the bathroom of his second-floor apartment on Southwest Nyberg Street. Authorities do not know whether Graves was shot by deputies or if the injury was self-inflicted. A medical examiner will conduct an autopsy to determine Graves cause of death, investigators said.

The Washington County police union has organized a GoFundMe campaign to assist Doze's family. As of Friday afternoon, the union raised over $2,400 toward their goal of $50,000.

 Nick Gibson, ngibson@oregonian.com, 971-393-8259; @newsynicholas

Our journalism needs your support. Please become a subscriber today at OregonLive.com/subscribe
A passenger who died in a Southwest Barbur Boulevard crash July 21 has been identified as 23-year-old Seraphin Ibrahim.

Ibrahim died around 1:33 a.m. near Southwest 22nd Avenue after police say driver Espoir M. Kaneke crashed his silver 2011 Toyota Scion into a gray 2011 Honda Odyssey minivan. Police arrested Kaneke, 26, on allegations of first-degree manslaughter, driving under the influence of intoxicants and reckless driving.

Both cars hit the exterior wall of the nearby Rustix Pub.

A woman died near the same stretch of Barbur Boulevard one week earlier.

Forty-two people have died in Portland crashes so far this year, compared with 63 in all of 2022.

Police ask anyone who might have information about the crash to email crimetips@police.portlandoregon.gov and reference case number 23-191095.

 Beth Slovic; bslovic@oregonian.com; 503-221-8551

Our journalism needs your support. Please become a subscriber today at OregonLive.com/subscribe
Im sure Archbishop Sample does not condemn trans kids as one letter writer suggests, (Readers respond: Beatitudes matter when considering gender, July 12). Of course, God is love, and loving our neighbor is of utmost importance; but God has a moral order for sexuality and gender to which many religions, not just Catholicism, subscribe, and to which even non-religious people adhere. Are we as a progressive society going to demand that religious institutions subscribe to woke ideology rather than what they have taught and believed for thousands of years?

If I sent my kids to a private religious school, Id research its tenets and support its beliefs. But the core issue here is that the world is confusing enough for children, no matter what they want to be called or how they wish to be referenced. In my view, to support any kind of gender transition for a child is a dangerous experiment. I dont doubt that parents of trans kids love them. But I can only pray that these children dont resent their parents for allowing life-altering decisions at such a tender young age, a decision that will make them dependent upon pharmaceuticals for their entire lives and probably render them infertile.

How sad that Sample had to temporarily close his schools department. I just hope the new leadership holds fast to its core beliefs and is not bullied by woke parents and staff.

Priscilla Johnson, Tigard

To read more letters to the editor, go to oregonlive.com/opinion.
Nearly 2,700 firefighters across Oregon are battling four wildfires that have consumed more than 34,000 acres, prompting evacuations and destroying 48 homes.

The largest of the fires  the Flat fire located two miles southeast of Agness in Curry County  has burned 23,678 acres as of Thursday. Nearly 1,650 firefighters, 38 crews, 11 helicopters and 50 engines are responding to the fire, which is 4% contained, according to the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center.
Wednesday 26 July 2023 2:03pm

The death of three babies in Aotearoa from whooping cough this year were likely caused by an infant-mother immunity gap, according to a group of infectious disease and immunisation experts.

The collaborative research comment, published in The Lancet, focuses on the death of three babies, aged between 4 and 8 weeks old, in the North Island in February and March this year.

Lead author Professor Peter McIntyre, of the University of Otagos Department of Womens and Childrens Health, says the most plausible explanation for the cluster of deaths is a maternal-infant immunity gap, due to three factors.

Physical distancing and border closures due to COVID19 significantly reduced exposure to pathogens spread by the respiratory route  on the upside that reduced infections, but the downside is that circulation of infections in the community, many of which did not cause symptoms, helps maintain population immunity and that has been missing, he says.

Unfortunately, despite being fully funded since 2013, uptake of maternal whooping cough vaccination in pregnancy among those living in areas of high deprivation, particularly Maori and Pacific women, sits at between 20 and 30 per cent and is also too low generally, with a maximum of only 60 per cent.

To add to the immunity gap this creates among newborns born to unimmunised mothers, New Zealand has long-standing poor timeliness for the whooping cough vaccine doses at ages 6, 12 and 20 weeks  especially in areas of high deprivation. The timeliness of these immunisations deteriorated further during 2022.

These three factors could lead to a complete absence of protective antibodies in an increased proportion of mothers, and complete absence is in turn the main risk factor for fatal whooping cough in newborn infants, Professor McIntyre says.

Whooping cough has been a notifiable disease in Aotearoa since 1996, with four to five year peaks. After an epidemic beginning in October 2017, all-age notifications decreased to 1,206 in 2019, followed by record lows of 171 (2020), 41 (2021) and 18 (2022). In 2023, 33 cases were notified by 17 June.

Infant hospitalisations represented three to six per cent of total notifications between 2018 and 2020 and none in 2021 and 2022, but by the middle of June this year had reached 11 (33 per cent).

The cluster of three whooping cough deaths this year was tragic in so many ways  even if no more deaths occurred during 2023, this translated to a five-fold increase in whooping cough deaths compared with any previous year in Aotearoa. In relative terms this is double the number of infant whooping cough deaths which triggered a national emergency in England in 2012.

Co-author Dr Owen Sinclair chairs the independent New Zealand Immunisation Taskforce which in April this year recommended a range of measures to improve access to and uptake of infant and maternal vaccines, with a focus on service provision to the most underserved groups.

Reaching as many pregnant women as possible so they have whooping cough vaccine during pregnancy is the only way to protect babies too young to receive even the first dose at age six weeks, Dr Sinclair says.

This is a dangerous, but preventable illness  we need to be doing all we can to protect our vulnerable pepi.

Publication details

Pertussis deaths in New Zealand without community transmission  an infant immunity gap?

Peter B. McIntyre, Emma Best (University of Auckland), Catherine A. Byrnes (University of Auckland), Owen Sinclair (Te Whatu Ora, Waitemata), Adrian Trenholme (University of Auckland), Cameron C. Grant (University of Auckland).

The Lancet

For more information, contact:

Professor Peter McIntyre

Department of Womens and Childrens Health

University of Otago

Email peter.mcintyre@otago.ac.nz

Dr Owen Sinclair

New Zealand Immunisation Taskforce, Chairman

Waitakere Hospital, paediatrician

Email owen.sinclair@waitematadhb.govt.nz

Dr Cameron Grant

Department of Paediatrics: Child & Youth Health

University of Auckland

Email cc.grant@auckland.ac.nz

Lea Jones

Communications Adviser, Media Engagement

University of Otago

Mob +64 21 279 4969

Email lea.jones@otago.ac.nz
U.S. Rep. Brandon Williams is receiving treatment for an infection after having heart bypass surgery two weeks ago.

Williams' office announced Wednesday that the central New York congressman would miss votes due to a complication following heart surgery.

Taylor Weyeneth, Williams' spokesperson, told The Citizen Thursday that the complication was "a localized but serious infection that required immediate treatment this week."

"The medical team at George Washington University Hospital placed him on an IV antibiotic treatment, self-administered in his apartment," Weyeneth continued. "This procedure has followed the expected recovery path, even with this slight complication. Rep. Williams is impatient to get back to work."

Williams, R-Sennett, had heart bypass surgery July 12 at St. Joseph's Health in Syracuse. The surgery followed an examination by doctors at Crouse Hospital, whom he credited for "avoiding a crisis and ensuring my timely treatment."

The procedure caused Williams to miss votes for the first time since he took office in January. He returned to work on July 17, five days after the surgery.

With the House of Representatives in session this week, Williams was present for two votes before dealing with the infection. Weyeneth said Wednesday that the complication would prevent Williams from fulfilling his House duties, at least for the remainder of this week.

Williams, 56, represents the 22nd Congressional District, which includes all of Onondaga, Madison and Oneida counties, plus a small portion of Oswego County. He was elected in 2022.
Nairobi, Kenya (PANA)  Human Rights Watch (HRW) on Thursday asked military forces responsible for the coup in Niger to immediately restore fundamental human rights and protect people from harm
Geneva, Switzerland (PANA) - Civilians fleeing attacks by extremist groups in Burkina Faso must be allowed to shelter in neighbouring countries and not sent back, amid a spike in violence and horrifying rights abuses, the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) said on Friday
Canfor Pulp Reports Results for Second Quarter of 2023

"Financially, this was a challenging quarter for the pulp business as declining global pulp market conditions weighed heavily on results."  Kevin Edgson, President and CEO of Canfor Pulp Products. "Financially, this was a challenging quarter for the pulp business as declining global pulp market conditions weighed heavily on results."  Kevin Edgson, President and CEO of Canfor Pulp Products.

July 28, 2023 - Canfor Pulp Products Inc. (CPPI) today reported its second quarter of 2023 results.

Overview

Q2 2023 reported operating loss of $38 million; net loss of $28 million, or $0.44 per share

Significant deterioration in global pulp market fundamentals throughout the quarter driven by record high pulp producer inventory levels and weak global pulp demand

Completed closure of pulp line at Prince George Pulp and Paper mill

Subsequent to quarter-end, a labour dispute at British Columbian ports resulted in transportation bottlenecks and a short curtailment at the Company's Northwood NBSK pulp mill

The Company reported an operating loss of $37.9 million for the second quarter of 2023, compared to an operating loss of $25.2 million for the first quarter of 2023. After taking into consideration a net $6.9 million inventory write-down in the current period, the Company's adjusted operating loss was $31.0 million for the second quarter of 2023, compared to an adjusted operating loss of $21.6 million for the first quarter of 2023. These results, for the most part, reflect the impact of substantial global pulp pricing declines in the current quarter driven by elevated global market pulp producer inventory levels and weak global softwood pulp demand.

In January 2023, the Company announced the decision to restructure its operating footprint to align its manufacturing capacity with the long-term supply of economic residual fibre and, as a result, in April 2023, the Company wound down and permanently closed the pulp line at its Prince George ("PG") Northern Bleached Softwood Kraft ("NBSK") Pulp and Paper mill. In connection with this closure, the Company's Intercontinental NBSK pulp mill ("Intercon") was successfully converted to provide slush pulp to its specialty paper facility. The combined impact of these operating structure changes is a reduction of approximately 280,000 tonnes of market kraft pulp production annually.

Commenting on the Company's second quarter of 2023 results, CPPI's President and Chief Executive Officer, Kevin Edgson, said, "Following our difficult decision to permanently close the pulp line at the Prince George Pulp and Paper mill, we had a smooth and efficient wind down of the pulp line and an effective transition of slush pulp supply to our paper machine. We want to thank our employees for their unwavering commitment to safety along with their determination, dedication, and resilience to continue to strive for improved operating performance and reliability.

"Financially, this was a challenging quarter for the pulp business as declining global pulp market conditions weighed heavily on results. While we continue to navigate the current external challenges facing our pulp business, including the ongoing weak global pulp market fundamentals, we greatly appreciate our employees' continued efforts in navigating through these difficult conditions."

Global softwood pulp market fundamentals and pricing experienced considerable pressure during the second quarter of 2023 as tepid global demand was combined with rising global softwood pulp producer inventory levels. As a result, NBSK US-dollar list prices to China dropped sharply throughout the quarter to end June at a low of US$648 per tonne.

For the current quarter overall, US-dollar NBSK pulp list prices to China averaged US$668 per tonne, down US$223 per tonne, or 25%, from the previous quarter. Prices to other global regions experienced less pronounced declines in the current period, with the average US-dollar NBSK pulp list price to North America at US$1,510 per tonne (before discounts), down US$165 per tonne, or 10%, from the prior quarter.

Global softwood pulp producer inventories climbed substantially throughout the current quarter and, at the end of May 2023 were significantly above the balanced range at 54 days of supply, an increase of five days from March 2023. (Market conditions are generally considered balanced when inventories are within a normal range of 32-43 days of supply).

Pulp production was down 17% from the previous quarter, mainly due to the aforementioned operating platform changes, and, to a lesser extent, operational challenges at the Company's Northwood NBSK pulp mill in the current period.

Operating income in the Company's paper segment was $0.7 million, down $2.6 million from the previous quarter, as a reduction in slush pulp costs, linked to lower Canadian dollar NBSK pulp market prices, was more than outweighed by a decrease in paper production and shipments as a result of a scheduled maintenance outage completed in the current period, as well as higher energy costs quarter-over-quarter.

Looking Forward

Looking forward, global softwood kraft pulp markets are anticipated to remain challenging through the third quarter of 2023, as record high global pulp producer inventory levels are projected to continue to be met with weak global pulp demand, particularly for paper and writing grades. In addition, the traditionally slower summer months are anticipated to further soften global pulp demand, particularly in the short-term. The Company will continue to monitor the challenging market conditions and will adjust operating rates, if appropriate, through the balance of 2023.

The labour dispute at the Ports of Vancouver and Prince Rupert that commenced on July 1, 2023, put pressure on a constrained logistics network in British Columbia. As a direct result, with pulp mill inventories at capacity, the Company curtailed its Northwood pulp mill in July for approximately one week, with an estimated 10,000 tonnes of reduced NBSK pulp production.

Results in the third quarter of 2023 are also forecast to reflect a scheduled maintenance outage at Northwood in September, with a projected 25,000 tonnes of reduced NBSK pulp production, as well as higher associated maintenance costs and lower projected shipment volume. As part of this outage, the Company will complete an inspection of its assets at this facility, including the two recovery boilers, with the intention of formulating a re-investment plan for Northwood's recovery boiler number one ("RB1"), as well as the facility as a whole, that is focused on optimizing this mill for the long-term.

Bleached kraft paper markets are anticipated to weaken through the third quarter of 2023, particularly in the North American markets, as tepid demand is combined with above-average paper inventory levels.

Canfor Pulp Products Inc. (TSX: CFX) is a leading global supplier of pulp and paper products with operations in the central interior of British Columbia. Canfor Pulp owns and operates two mills in Prince George, BC with a total capacity of 780,000 tonnes of Premium Reinforcing Northern Bleached Softwood Kraft Pulp and 140,000 tonnes of kraft paper.

SOURCE: Canfor Pulp Products Inc.
Photo: (Photo : PAN XIAOZHEN on Unsplash)

In the digital age, children have evolved from being mere passive spectators to active contributors in the online world. The widespread accessibility and ubiquity of the internet necessitate an unyielding focus on the online safety of children. UNICEF warns about the multitude of potential threats to children in the online environment, including privacy breaches, exposure to inappropriate content, and the alarming possibility of cyberbullying. As such, ensuring a safe digital space for kids has become a priority mission for parents, educators, and policymakers.

The Crucial Role of Digital Literacy in Online Safety

Imparting digital literacy forms the first line of defense in bolstering children's online safety. Statistics from the Pew Research Center reveal that a staggering 95% of teens can access a smartphone, and nearly half of them are online 'almost constantly." This heavy digital engagement underscores the need for parents and educators to equip children with the understanding to make informed and safe decisions online. Essential topics include the risks associated with sharing personal information online, the importance of creating strong, unique passwords, and developing a comprehensive understanding of appropriate online behavior and etiquette.

Leveraging Parental Controls for Children's Online Safety

In addition to inculcating digital literacy, utilizing technological tools such as parental controls can provide an additional layer of protection for children online. Parental controls, built into most digital devices and platforms, enable adults to limit children's access to certain types of content and manage screen time effectively. Resources like the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) offer thorough guides to help parents set up these controls, tailored to specific devices and platforms.

Addressing the Menace of Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying poses a substantial risk, impacting a child's mental well-being significantly. The Cyberbullying Research Center highlights that roughly 37% of young people aged between 12 and 17 have been bullied online. Therefore, parents must maintain vigilance, foster open communication about online experiences, and create an environment where children feel secure reporting any incident of online harassment.

Read Also: Social Media Etiquette for Kids -- The Unwritten Rules

Recognizing and Respecting Age Restrictions on Social Media

Understanding and adhering to age restrictions on various social media platforms can play a crucial role in preserving a child's online safety. Many popular platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, mandate that users be at least 13 years old. By ensuring your child is of an appropriate age for a platform, you can protect them from potentially harmful content and interactions.

Healthy Screen Time Habits: A Cornerstone of Online Safety

Last but certainly not least, promoting healthy screen time habits is an essential aspect of online safety. The American Academy of Pediatrics encourages the practice of designated 'media-free' times for children and teenagers, thereby striking a balance between their online and offline lives.

Towards a Safer Digital Environment for Children

The digital world, with its wide array of learning opportunities and wealth of information, also brings with it unique challenges and threats. Prioritizing children's online safety, promoting their digital literacy, utilizing parental control tools, effectively addressing issues like cyberbullying, and encouraging healthy screen time habits are critical steps towards creating a safer and more secure digital environment for our younger generation.

Related Article: 'Sharenting' Risks: Parents' Over-Sharing of Children on Social Media Raises Concerns
In a major move, Oman-based OQ Gas Networks (OQGN) has signed three financing agreements with 16 local and regional banks, including Oman Arab Bank, to the tune of $1.2 billion.

A major financial group in the sultanate, Oman Arab Bank is the only Omani bank among the lead arrangers, that has been signed up for the syndicated loan.

Oman Arab Bank said it had showcased its expertise, strong relationships, and unwavering commitment to its clients and proved its ability to undertake such complex and large corporate deals.

Collectively, this financing move is considered one of the largest syndicates of sharia-compliant financing in Oman, providing the company with access to capital in dual currencies (RO225 million and $620 million) to support its ongoing corporate activities and refinancing requirements.

On the agreements, OQGN Vice President of Finance Khalid Al Qassabi said these terms were agreed to be compliant with sharia financing rules and it was in the process of certifying them with local and regional sharia boards.

Oman Arab Bank CEO Sulaiman Al Harthi said: "We are honored to have been appointed as a strategic financial partner for OQGN, as they pursue their ambitions and robust growth strategy. Combining their vision with our financial expertise, we aim to facilitate their journey towards becoming a crucial infrastructure player in the country. We will continue to leverage our extensive resources, industry knowledge, and financial solutions to provide the necessary support to OQGN."

"The oversubscription of the syndicated loan facility underscores our strong reputation and expertise in structuring such financing arrangements," stated Al Harthi.

"The syndicated loan not only reflects the confidence of the financial community in OQGNs potential but also serves as a testament to OABs capabilities in providing tailored financing solutions and leading large-scale transactions," he added.

Sulaiman Al Hinai, Head of Wholesale Banking, said Oman Arab Bank continues to be the partner of choice for numerous key socio-economic projects, enabling the growth and progress of the nation in developmental, economic and urban fields, all the while contributing to the evolving financial system.
David Wilcox Features editor Follow David Wilcox Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today

Nucor Steel in Auburn is challenging its property assessments by the city, arguing they should be $12.7 million less and potentially lowering the amount of local taxes the company pays by millions.

Nucor filed the challenge in New York State Supreme Court in June. According to the company's petition, it believes its properties at 25 Quarry Road, 19 Quarry Road, 279-287 North St. and 33 York St. in Auburn should be assessed at a combined $2,649,600. That's $12,714,200 lower than the city's final 2023 combined assessment of $15,363,800  a decrease of 83%.

Jason Curtis, general manager of Nucor Steel in Auburn, told The Citizen the company based its challenge on a review of comparable industrial facilities in the city by a consultant in 2021. The review led the company, which employs more than 250 people, to conclude that its assessments are "dramatically" higher than those comparable properties, Curtis said.

Though Nucor already received one reduction after challenging the city's tentative 2023 assessments, the final assessments are still "excessive" and "illegal," the company's petition said.

"Because of these errors, (Nucor) will be required to pay significantly higher taxes than it would be required to pay if the assessment(s) had been made correctly," the petition said.

Curtis said Nucor has been working with the city, provided its assessor's office information about the company's properties and the steel industry, and offered tours of the facility. The company has also discussed its assessments with representatives of Cayuga County and the Auburn Enlarged City School District, which receive tax revenue from Nucor's properties as well.

"We value our relationship with the city and being part of the local business community," Curtis said. "We are simply hoping that we can come to a fair and reasonable property value assessment."

But assessor Jeanne Hering, with the city of Auburn's Office of Real Property Assessment, told The Citizen on Thursday that she does believe Nucor's assessment is fair.

The company's assessments were based on "a lot of analysis," Hering said, including the prices of other steel mills that have recently sold in the Northeast. She also provided The Citizen a spreadsheet of 32 city properties zoned for manufacturing and processing, and how much they've been assessed per square foot. Nucor is the 12th highest, at $32.66.

The company's 2023 assessments are low historically, too. According to city records, Nucor's main 25 Quarry Road property was assessed at about $30 million until 2021, when it dropped to $15.2 million.

"They really haven't given us anything to prove that what they think their assessment should be is correct," Hering said.

If Nucor's assessment is lowered, the amount of taxes the company pays to the city, county and school district will probably lower as well. But that amount will vary over the next eight years due to Nucor's payment-in-lieu-of-taxes agreement with the Auburn Industrial Development Authority. The 2007 agreement was extended in 2020, and continues through 2031.

The 2023-2024 tax year will see Nucor return to being taxed based on its assessed value. Under the PILOT, the company paid taxes based on a total value of $4.5 million in 2021-2022 and $5.25 million in 2022-2023. But Nucor will receive a 60% tax abatement in 2023-2024, and that figure will decrease incrementally every year until it's 10% in 2030-2031.

Nonetheless, with the city's current total tax rate at 35.4%, the amount of revenue at stake as Nucor challenges its assessment is indeed significant, said Michael Miller, executive director of the Cayuga Economic Development Agency. That's why the agency, which staffs the Auburn Industrial Development Authority, is watching the challenge closely, he told The Citizen.

Depending on how the challenge plays out, AIDA could revise its PILOT agreement with Nucor, Miller said.

"All PILOTs are here to help induce economic activity. If it's not assisting both the company and the community, then there's a disconnect," he said. "But I think Nucor has been a good employer for the city of Auburn for a long time. That's part of the reason they've had a longstanding PILOT with AIDA. I don't imagine that how this falls would be considered a contentious issue."
Photo: (Photo : Anna Moneymaker / Getty Images)

An 11-year-old girl from Florida found herself in hot water after a misguided YouTube prank led to her arrest for falsely reporting an armed kidnapping.

The young girl, whose identity remains protected due to her minor status, texted authorities, claiming that her friend, a 14-year-old, had been abducted by an armed man driving a white van on South I-95 in Oak Hill.

However, her seemingly harmless prank quickly spiraled into a dangerous situation, prompting a massive response from law enforcement agencies.

A YouTube Prank Gone Wrong

On a seemingly ordinary Wednesday morning, the Volusia County Sheriff's Office received a troubling text message reporting a suspicious incident.

According to NBC News, the 11-year-old girl had sent a distressing message to 911, alerting them to her friend's alleged abduction.

According to the news release from the sheriff's office, the young prankster claimed she was following the white van in a blue Jeep, providing vivid updates on the supposed suspect's appearance and the presence of a firearm.

Taking the report seriously, deputies from various agencies, including the sheriff's office aviation unit and officers from neighboring towns, immediately launched a full-scale search operation to locate the van and rescue the abducted teenager.

The situation escalated rapidly, putting both the public and law enforcement officers at risk.

Unmasking the Prankster

According to The Messenger, the young girl's purported prank involved deceiving authorities by providing false identities, claiming to be 'Lily Lee Combs' and falsely stating that her friend was 'Maddie Lawson.'

As the minutes turned into an hour and a half, the deceitful text messages continued to pour in, leading the authorities on a wild goose chase. However, their determined efforts eventually led them to the source of the troubling texts.

Tracing the cellphone that sent the messages, the deputies arrived at a residence in Port Orange. There, they confronted the girl's father, who confirmed that she was safe inside with her family.

When the deputies approached the 11-year-old girl, she was holding her cell phone, which was still receiving incoming calls from the 911 dispatcher. It was evident that the young prankster had been caught red-handed, and she promptly confessed that her actions were inspired by a reckless "YouTube challenge" she had come across.

Unaware of the gravity of her actions, she believed it would be amusing to deceive law enforcement and create a viral video for the platform.

Read Also: U.S. Department of Education Investigates Harvard's Legacy Admissions Policy for Civil Rights Violation

Facing Legal Consequences

Despite her age, the consequences for the 11-year-old prankster were severe. She was charged with two offenses-a felony for making a false police report concerning the use of a firearm in a violent manner and a misdemeanor for misuse of 911.

The gravity of her actions was evident, as her prank not only wasted valuable resources but also diverted attention and resources that could have been allocated to genuine emergencies.

The girl was subsequently transported to the Family Resource Center for processing before being transferred to the Volusia Regional Juvenile Detention Center. The news snippet shared by the sheriff's office revealed a remorseful young girl with her hands cuffed behind her back, promising not to repeat her dangerous prank.

Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood condemned the misguided YouTube challenge that led to this unfortunate incident, emphasizing the importance of parents monitoring their children's social media activities.

According to CBS, Chitwood issued a statement, expressing the perilous nature of such prank activities and emphasizing their commitment to thoroughly investigate each incident. He lamented the fact that valuable resources were squandered in responding to the false report, resources that could have been utilized to aid someone in genuine need.

In response to the incident, the sheriff's office also announced plans to conduct five community forums in the coming month dedicated to educating parents on safeguarding their children from online hazards. The first forum is scheduled for Monday.

For the 11-year-old girl, this arrest could serve as a pivotal lesson, shaping her understanding of accountability and the potential consequences of her choices for years to come.

Related Article: Missing Glendale Teen Alicia Navarro Found Safe After Four Years in Small Montana Town
Photo: (Photo : Anthony Tran on Unsplash)

In a shocking display of outdated gender norms, Onomichi City in Japan's Hiroshima prefecture has come under fire for distributing flyers to pregnant women, prompting nationwide outrage and sparking discussions on gender equality and societal pressures faced by women.

The controversy originated from a public survey conducted in 2017, which served as the basis for the offensive flyers. The flyers contained patronizing and stereotypical messages, suggesting that men and women inherently possess distinct thought processes due to structural brain differences. It went on to advise pregnant women to understand and accommodate these supposed differences to "divide roles well" within the family.

Public Apology Issued: Mayor Responds to Widespread Anger

According to CNN, the flyers went further to state that husbands and fathers should be thanked for carrying out basic tasks such as washing dishes, changing diapers, and participating in childcare, implying that such actions were praiseworthy exceptions rather than shared responsibilities. Additionally, the flyers suggested that wives should avoid getting frustrated while taking care of the baby and performing household chores.

Social media platforms were soon flooded with reactions expressing anger and disbelief over the sexist content. Many users criticized the city's promotion of traditional gender roles and urged authorities to recognize fathers as equally essential actors in childcare. The flyers were seen as emblematic of Japan's deeply ingrained patriarchal society, where women often bear a disproportionate burden of raising children and maintaining the household.

In response to the growing backlash, Onomichi's mayor, Yukihiro Hiratani, publicly apologized on the local government website. He acknowledged that the flyers did not align with the sentiments of pregnant women and others involved in child-rearing and acknowledged that the expressions used in the flyers perpetuated harmful gender stereotypes. Consequently, the city discontinued the distribution of the flyers.

However, the incident brought to light the broader issue of Japan's gender inequality and the challenges faced by women in the country. Japan has been ranked 125th out of 146 countries in the Global Gender Gap Index, highlighting the significant disparity between men and women in various aspects of life, including politics and the workforce.

Political representation remains woefully imbalanced, with women occupying only 10% of parliamentary seats. Although more women have joined the workforce in recent years, they still hold only 12.9% of senior or managerial positions, lagging far behind countries like the United States and Sweden. Moreover, structural obstacles persist, preventing many working men and women from balancing their careers with family responsibilities.

Read Also: 2023 International Women's Day Celebrates' DigitALL' Innovation, Technology for Gender Equality

Falling Birth Rate Threatens Japan's Social Fabric

Mothers, in particular, often face the difficult choice of sacrificing their jobs to care for their children, while those who return to work may encounter lower wages and limited career growth. Efforts to encourage fathers to take an active role in childcare have encountered challenges, as many men fear negative repercussions from employers when seeking paternity leave.

The consequences of these societal norms are evident in Japan's declining birth rate, which poses significant concerns for the country's future. Despite various initiatives aimed at promoting childbirth, Japan recorded fewer than 800,000 births in 2022, the lowest number since records began in 1899. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida warned that the nation is on the verge of being unable to sustain its social functions due to this demographic challenge.

As the nation grapples with the repercussions of these outdated gender norms, there is a growing call for more comprehensive efforts to address gender equality, promote work-life balance, and empower women in all aspects of society. The incident in Onomichi serves as a powerful reminder that progress towards true gender equality requires a concerted effort to challenge and dismantle deeply ingrained stereotypes and discriminatory practices.

Related Article: Transwoman in Target Idaho Caught Taking Photos Of Teen While Changing In Dressing Room
Including Documentation of His Stated Views & Mindless Smears Sent My Way in a Catholic World Report Combox

The background of this latest incident where Dr. Williams (his words will be in blue below) has taken it upon himself to personally attack my work and myself in a very public venue (The Catholic World Report) is the dispute between Catholic philosopher Dr. Ed Feser (words in green below) and Catholic apologist Michael Lofton (which I have dealt with at length in a Facebook post). The Catholic World Report has seen fit to publish (and endorse via its editor, Carl E. Olson) two articles from Dr. Feser critiquing Michael Lofton (both had already been published on Fesers very popular blog). Olson wrote in the combox of the longer of the two:

Ive been following and reading Dr. Fesers work for many years, and I have yet to see an instance in which he misrepresents people. On the contrary, he consistently quotes them at length and provides necessary context. The I expect better of CWR approach doesnt fly in the face of the evidence.

I wrote in direct reply to this observation:

Hi Carl, Hope you are well these days. Does the following qualify as Dr. Feser misrepresenting people? Is it ad hominem or a sweeping personal attack?: Longtime readers might recall Dave Armstrong, a Catholic apologist who, to put it gently, has a tendency to stretch the truth in bizarre ways. His odd behavior has even inspired a definition: armstrong, verb. Boldly but casually to insinuate a falsehood in the hope that others will go along with it. Dave tried to armstrong me into a debate. Can you believe that guy? Well, Dave Stretch Armstrong is at it again. [Title] Daves armstronging again (6-3-21 on his blog) [complete with a ridiculous image of Stretch Armstrong]

Feser in this asinine hit-piece, stated that I posted several logorrheic comments attempting to rationalize my mischaracterization of his views by way of telepathy. And he ended with the ultra-condescending flourish, If some of them . . . come to know what kind of a person Dave Armstrong is, that is Daves fault, not mine.

Dr. Williams happily endorsed this cynical view:

Thanks for the link to the really good read. Fesers blog article about your remarks and your tendencies is quite accurate. You cant armstrong your way out of it either.

Michael Lofton was subject to the same disdainful treatment:

Lofton is a contrarian attention-seeker, but he is hardly alone in that capacity in the Youtube world of self-styled Catholic apologists. The medium fosters this approach, because everyone there has to get their Likes and Subscribers. If Dr. Feser had written an article making nearly the opposite points, I suspect Lofton would still have jumped in with contrarian views designed to agitate and intimidate the easily-impressed.

I also wrote in the same combox:

Personally attacking those who have an honest disagreement is not a good thing, and its not wrong to point it out. This is the problem with Internet discourse today. When one tries to point out that ad hominem attacks are unethical, irrelevant (non sequiturs and logically fallacious), and pollute online discussion, instead of engaging the point and taking action to reform, the person critiqued and their followers almost always simply savage and attack the one making the critique: thus amply proving the original point . . . Hence Christians online (in this case, Catholics against Catholics) now habitually engage [in] the usual secular tactics of shouting down any dissenter. This impresses no one who is interested in substantive discussion.

Then I replied to Dr. Williams potshot above:

Thanks for the classic, playbook example of precisely what I am talking about. It doesnt matter whether the attack is against me. Thats irrelevant. My case was but an illustration and an example of how Dr. Feser sometimes behaves. What matters is the scandal and terrible witness of Catholics attacking other Catholics in these inane, fatuous, vapid ways. Its bearing false witness, and a mortal sin to boot. God is watching, and Hes not fooled by all the nonsense that passes for legitimate discussion. Were accountable for all of our words and actions. There is legitimate criticism and holding someone accountable (faithful are the wounds of a friend) and there is juvenile insults and worthless ad hominem garbage.

Undaunted, Dr. Williams doubled down:

It is remarkable how many times Armstrong and Lofton have posted on this thread. They have afforded themselves limitless occasions for expressing outrage at those who object to their methods, all people who  of course  are engaged in mortal sin. I would challenge anyone to try such argumentation on Armstrongs and Loftons own domains and see how that works out for you.

Having had enough of this verbal diarrhea, I replied:

You are more than welcome to come onto my blog at any time and defend in debate with me the proposition: Does Dave Armstrong Habitually Stretch the Truth and Lie and Descend to Sophistry, Since Dr. Feser has Declared So?

You have free access to my 4,300 + online articles, and Ill even give you free e-book files of any of my 51 books, to help you in your noble endeavor to document the truthfulness of Dr. Fesers claims, which you have gleefully and manfully endorsed in this combox. All of your words will appear on my blog for all to see, just as I have done for most of my more than a thousand back-and-forth debates on my blog. Then when were done with that, Ill be more than happy to host on my blog a second debate between you and Michael Lofton, where you would defend the proposition, Is Michael Lofton Obliged to Shut Down His Full-Time Catholic Apologetics Ministry Because Dr. Feser Declares That He Ought Not Write About Theology At All, As a Result of His Outrageously Daring to Express an Honest Disagreement with Dr. Feser, and That Loftons Replies to Him in Protest Against Alleged Libel [the non-legal definition, mind you] Are Worthless Dreck [a potshot on Twitter] etc.? [Dr. Feser had, after all, written at the end of the article under consideration: Well, as the Scholastics and the pre-Vatican II popes who commended Scholasticism emphasized, training in philosophy is a prerequisite to doing theology well. The reason is that it disciplines the intellect, teaching one to use words precisely, to make careful conceptual distinctions, to reason with logical exactness, and to evaluate texts and arguments with caution and charity. Loftons response to my article provides evidence that he is lacking in these capacities. Hence Id suggest that he might consider sticking to his own lane, which is making facile YouTube videos  but about topics other than theology, which requires levels of rigor and charity that he appears to lack.] Anytime youre ready to do that, just drop me a line. * Oh, by the way, I have been published in this magazine twice [ one two ], and editor Carl E. Olson reviewed my book, The One-Minute Apologist (Sophia Institute Press, 2007) at National Catholic Register (8-21-07) , writing: * This book is commendable for being pithy and precise while never being either simplistic or dense, an indication of how well Armstrong knows his subject matter and his audience. In fact, this is the sort of book that could only be written by someone who has spent countless hours studying, articulating and discussing the Catholic faith, to the point that he knows how to accurately answer questions and clearly correct misunderstandings. . . . * The writing is punchy but never pugnacious. . . . Accessible and substantial, The One-Minute Apologist will help readers in need of timely answers. And, just as important, it should serve as an inviting introduction to the richness and fullness of the Catholic Faith. * So I guess I dont need to shut down my full-time apologetics ministry (active now for over twenty-one years). And  contra Dr. Feser  I dont think [soon to be Dr.] Michael Lofton needs to do so, either, simply because Dr. Feser says so. * Sorry for making yet another comment here, as pitiable evidence of the remarkable frequency of same. My bad . . .

Thanks again to Carl and CWR for allowing dissenting opinions to be expressed.

Now, personally, I think it would be worthwhile to document some of Timothy J. Williams extremist, radical Catholic reactionary viewpoints, seeing that he has taken it upon himself to savage my apologetics apostolate in a very public Catholic place. A mans prior dubious views often predispose him to say idiotic things about others who dont hold to the same views, and who, indeed, are solidly orthodox and faithful in every Catholic sense of those words. * Dr. Timothy J. Williams, is, or has been (not sure which) a professor of French at the Franciscan University of Steubenville (see his Curriculum Vitae ). He also has a masters degree in music and has composed. Thus we see that  admirable as these accomplishments are  he has no formal training in theology, and is hardly the one (also not being my priest or bishop) to decide whether my apologetics work is of such a low and dishonest quality that I should cease writing. He has written fifteen recent articles for Crisis Magazine, which is a radical Catholic reactionary venue. He also has at least two articles published at One Peter Five, which has always been a reactionary outlet as well. Despite our differences of opinion, I am friends with Timothy Flanders, the editor of One Peter Five, and have engaged in several cordial, substantive debates with him. It is actually possible to talk across party lines. Timothy recognizes that we are both serious Catholics, and thats enough for him (and vice versa).

The extremity of Dr. Williams theological / ecclesiological views are seen  ironically and conveniently enough  in another combox of The Catholic World Report. Lets take a look at it, shall we? On February 26, 2021, Douglas Bushman wrote an article for that magazine entitled, How should we think about Vatican II? It was a defense of the orthodoxy of the council, and its continuity with Catholic tradition. Dr. Williams comments in the combox reveal quite clearly where he stands regarding the authority and veracity of this ecumenical council:

It is hard to believe that this sort of article is still being written in 2021. For some people at least, the human mind has an infinite capacity to delude itself in the search for comfort. Nowhere outside of academia  universities, institutes, schools of theology  is this sort of nonsense still believed. The remaining members of the dwindling remnant of the Church have moved on. We know that only a radical about face can salvage what was lost, what was destroyed by Vatican II. (2-27-21, 9:53 AM) * I tried to read them [the documents of Vatican II] all. I really did. I got through only Sacrosanctum Concilium and Lumen Gentium. The rest I read only here and there. It was insufferable boredom. What is most apparent is that the sheer number and length of the documents . . . were intended to confuse and to conceal, to allow the implementation of the Council to take whatever shape the modernists wished. Somewhere, in all that verbiage, a line or two can be found (and have been found) to justify everything. (2-27-21, 12:32 PM) [note how  as is true of many of these anti-Vatican II naysayers  he barely read the documents at all] * The problem I have with this real Council vs. false spirit argument is simply that the same prelates who approved the documents of Vatican II also implemented them in their respective dioceses, leading to our present shipwreck. If those who read and signed the documents misinterpreted them, what possible value could these documents have? (2-27-21, 8:08 PM)

Bushmans article was reprinted at The Catholic World Report on 12 February 2023. Williams, true to form, had choice words for it again, on that occasion, in the following Valentine:

I am curious to know why this article is being resuscitated at this time? Are we supposed to give one last consideration to the hackneyed authentic Council vs. false spirit of the Council idea? I used to hold to that, until I realized that the same Church periti who crafted the documents of the Council and the bishops who voted to approve them went home to their various dioceses and implemented the Council according to their understanding of those documents and with the catastrophic results only a sightless fool can deny. We can argue and debate all we want concerning the state of the Faith prior to the Council, and what may or may not have been needed to revive the Faith in the hearts and minds of the faithful. What we CANNOT argue is that Vatican II was the medicine for our age, the gift of the Holy Spirit, yadda yadda yadda. I red pilled on that nonsense twenty years ago. (2-14-23, 8:04 AM) [note here that Dr. Williams repudiated the Second Vatican Council as far back as 2003. This is no post Francis disillusionment phenomenon. No, Williams is an old-school reactionary  I was refuting them back then, too  , who has spewed this toxic garbage for more than two decades now]

The really interesting and revealing two cents worth from Dr. Williams comes under an article posted at the reactionary site Rorate Caeli, which was a hit piece on Pope Francis on his first day in office: 13 March 2013 (!). I later discovered that the key source in the article, Marcelo Gonzalez, is a Holocaust denier

*

Rorate Caeli has disabled its comment section: a practice followed by many reactionary sites, including One Peter Five and Crisis Magazine. I sure understand why; its because of relentless comments like those of Williams, that I am presently documenting. Comments on reactionary sites are the worst imaginable PR for the reactionary cause. Here is what our brave weaver of words wrote:

I am a Roman Rite Catholic who has attended a Byzantine Liturgy for the past 18 years, because the Roman liturgy in my diocese changes with every new breeze. . . . Now, I am a hard-core Trad. But what is amazing is that there are many, more moderate Catholic parents doing exactly the same thing I am doing. And yet, our Catholic sensibilities have been so poisoned by Vatican II and the Novus Ordo that we hardly even recognize the monstrosity of this situation. Even good Catholics think of things as almost normal or getting better! And people wonder why Bishop Fellay hesitates! The only reasonable hope for the Papacy of Francis is that he will will not do considerably more damage than his predecessors. Any expectation beyond that is simply delusional. Oremus! (3-13-13)

Note three extraordinary things here: his antipathy to the Novus Ordo [New / Pauline / ordinary form] Mass, which is in addition to his vehement opposition to Vatican II; his belief that Pope Francis predecessors (one of whom is a saint) did damage to the Church, and the fact that he was already trashing and being cynical about Pope Francis on literally his first day in office, before he had done anything at all.

*

Im unable to access the original at Internet Archive. Fortunately, I preserved Williams words at the time (an article of mine dated 20 September 2017). Reactionaries always reveal their own true stripes. One just has to know where to look, to find them.

*

When we understand that a person is an extremist, fringe Catholic, far out of the mainstream, then their slanderous attacks against faithful, orthodox members and defenders of Holy Mother Church and the Holy Father (whomever he may be), like myself and Michael Lofton, are put into much clearer perspective. We defend the things and persons that Dr. Williams savages, and so he throws crap at us as a result, since he seems to be either unable or unwilling to form a cogent, coherent rational argument on these topics.

*

With utter predictability, Dr. Williams responded to my long comment at CWR:

*

Do you not realize all this is starting to sound a little unhinged?

*

And I replied:

*

Yes, of course you would think that. And of course you attack my work, seeing that you detest Vatican II and the New Mass, and this pope and the two previous ones: things and people that I am proud  and duty-bound  to defend, as a Catholic apologist. My next blog paper will document all of this (most of it drawn from your past comments in this very venue). This is why you oppose me, because you cant tolerate what I stand for. Its as simple as that (in case anyone was wondering what you had against me).

*

***

*

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.

*

***

Photo credit: Rory112233 (8-21-17) [Wikimedia Commons / Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license]

***

Summary: Documentation of radical reactionary (anti-Vatican II / anti-New Mass / anti-papal) views of Dr. Timothy J. Williams: public trasher of my character and apostolate.
Peruse the Known issues section of the release notes for the latest release of Windows 11 22H2, and youll see Third-party UI customization apps might prevent the Start menu from opening right at the top. Those apps might be familiar to anyone whos turned to aftermarket tools to return some Windows 10 functionality to the smoother, cleaner, and markedly less functional Windows 11 Start menu and taskbar. Microsoft isnt particularly interested in fixing the issue. The official recommendation for the 22621.30000 build is, uninstall them.

We recommend uninstalling any third-party UI customization app before installing KB5028254 to prevent this issue, says the documentation, with further instructions to contact customer support for the app developer if your Start menu has already disappeared. According to XDA, several users of the awesome and popular ExplorerPatcher program are experiencing the issue. The free, open-source program adds back features from the Windows 10 taskbar and alt-tab interface.

Of course, Microsoft doesnt have a responsibility to support users of apps that deliberately alter the user interface its designed. But usually the company at least tries to accommodate Windows users when its updates cause issues for popular software. In this case, the company seems uninterested, recommending that people simply stop using the tools or take their problems to the developers instead. Undoubtedly, the developers of such tools will attempt to fix the problems on their end, as has happened before.

Its worth noting that perhaps so many Windows 11 users wouldnt be seeking out these kinds of interface tweaking apps if Microsoft hadnt removed so much of the basic functionality of the Windows 10 Start menu and taskbar in favor of a more streamlined appearance. Such basic options as always showing text labels or placing the taskbar on the top of the display are still unavailable in vanilla Windows 11, nearly two years after the operating systems official release.

So far the KB5028254 is only in preview going out to Windows Insiders and other early users, but it will be hitting the general release in the next few weeks. If Microsofts attitude to these issues in the support documentation is indicative of its new laissez faire approach to interface tweaks, you can expect to see similar problems in the future.
U.S. Embassy Ghana, U.S. Commercial Service, the American Chamber of Commerce in Ghana (AmCham), the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Embassy of Ghana in Washington, D.C. will co-host the U.S.  Ghana Business Expo on August 10-11, 2023 at the Labadi Beach Hotel in Accra.



The event will prioritize opportunities to form new partnerships between U.S. and Ghanaian companies.



Last year, our bilateral trade in goods totaled $3.7 billion and our bilateral trade in services is growing as well. Our trade relationship and the more than 100 American companies active in the Ghanaian market support jobs and economic prosperity on both sides of the Atlantic.



"We look forward to the many new business relationships and connections the U.S.-Ghana Business Expo will generate, said U.S. Ambassador to Ghana Virginia E. Palmer.



The Expo trade pavilion will feature more than 40 companies. It will showcase visiting U.S. companies and trade associations, American Chamber of Commerce member companies, and local companies from various industries. The trade pavilion will be open to the public throughout the day on August 10 and 11.



As part of the U.S.  Ghana Business Expo, the U.S. Department of Commerce will lead a Global Diversity Export Initiative (GDEI) trade delegation that includes 19 companies and six trade associations, including the National Black Chamber of Commerce, the National Business League, U.S. Black Chambers Inc., Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce, the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development and the Organization for Women in International Trade.



The GDEI delegation represents diverse communities and industries from across the United States with a focus on the information and communications technology, consumer goods, and automotive sectors.



For more information about the GDEI companies and how to arrange business matchmaking meetings with them, please see: https://bit.ly/GDEI-Companies.



Under the theme Leveraging U.S.  Ghana Trade Relations for Growth and Prosperity, the U.S.  Ghana Business Expo will feature panels on Sustainable Business Climate in Ghana: Fostering Growth and Prosperity and Strengthening Diasporan Relations: Catalyst to Promote U.S.-Ghana Trade, and keynote addresses from Senior Government of Ghana and U.S. officials.



For more information about, and to exhibit at, the U.S.  Ghana Business Expo, please visit:



https://amchamghana.org/event/ 2023-u-s-ghana-business-expo/







Source: Isaac Kwame Owusu/Peacefmonline.com/[email protected]









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
Dr. Benjamin Otchere-Ankrah, a lecturer at the Central University, has questioned the logic in the decision by the management of Adisadel College to suspend a housemaster at the school over the violent fight between two of their students.



The students' scuffle, which was videoed and leaked to the public, saw one of them holding the neck of the other as though to strangulate him and later hit the victim's head on a bunk bed.



The victim, who struggled to free himself from the grip of his perpetrator, had a swollen cheek as a result of the impact.



Following the incident that occurred in a dormitory at Quaque House of the Adisadel College, the management suspended both students and the housemaster named Ekow Holman.



But Dr. Benjamin Otchere-Ankrah finds it disturbing that the housemaster would be punished for what he believes is no fault of his.



He noted that reports indicate the students lied about the incident after the housemaster got a wind of it and inquired from them.



They are said to have told the housemaster that they were playing and one got hurt in the process.



In respect of this, Dr. Otchere-Ankrah slammed the authorities of the College for suspending the housemaster saying "there are some people who will refuse to take up the position of a housemaster. The work of a housemaster is very difficult".



"How is it like to even monitor your three children; talk of putting all these many children in one house and you being told to supervise them? Your own report indicates that they lied to the housemaster that they were playing and the boy got hurt. On what basis do you suspend the housemaster?", he further queried.



To him, if care is not taken, teachers may become lame in responding to incidents involving their students to avoid being punished for something that is not their fault.



"We should be careful about the way we gagging teachers," he warned.

Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
A lecturer at the Central University, Dr. Benjamin Otchere-Ankrah has vehemently condemned the action of a student at Adisadel College who nearly strangled his fellow student on the campus.



Two students of the Quaque House at Adisadel College engaged in a fierce fight over a SIM card, reports indicate.



The fight ended up with one of the students holding tight the neck of the other to the extent that the latter was gasping for breath but perpetrator ignored the pain of his victim and violently hit the victim's head on a bunk bed causing him to have a swollen cheek.



Reacting to the incident during Peace FM's 'Kokrokoo' show, Dr. Benjamin Otchere-Ankrah called on the management of the school to take the students through psycological therapy, particularly the one who tried to strangle the other.



To him, the perpetrator exhibited signs of a criminal and seriously needs counselling to avoid him growing up to become one.



"At this level and he is doing this, he could grow up into a criminal. This child needs counselling. If we don't psyche him and shape his mind, he might turn into a criminal . . . I wouldn't be surprised to find out that this child took some hard drugs because if you are in the right frame of mind, you wouldn't hit your brother's head against a metal bed. If his eye has got damaged, how do you replace it?"

Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
Northern Regional Minister Hon. Alhasan Saani Shaibu has commissioned a 1000 cubic meter Wastewater Treatment Plant at Gbalahi a suburb of Tamale in the Sagnarigu Municipality in the Northern Regional.



"Only 2% of the faecal matter generated in the Tamale Metropolis is properly treated currently, the remaining 98% of it is diverted sadly and helplessly into people's farms which has a negative public health effect on the people" he lamented.



He said Tamale is the fourth largest city in Ghana and the population growth rate stands at about 3.5 which has a ripling effect on waste generation.



Hon. Shaibu said the New Patriotic Party government led by H. E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has been strategic in implementing sustainable development policies that will address many teething problems of the country.



The facility which was designed and constructed by Sewerage Systems Ghana Limited (SSGL) a member of the Jospong Group of Companies in partnership with Pureco of Hungary is a 20 million Euro project financed by the Hungary Exim Bank.



The wastewater treatment plant which seeks to drastically reduce if not end the inappropriate sludge water disposal in the Tamale Metropolis will receive faecal sludge from Tamale and the adjoining municipal and district administrative areas such as Sagnarigu, Savelugu, Naton and Mion among

others.



The State Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary, Mr. Tristan Azbej, was delighted the Hungary and Ghana relationship has is yielding results and hope it is sustained in the interest of the people of the two countries.

He urged workers of the facility to manage it properly to last for the country.



On her part, the Chief Operating Officer of the Environment and Sanitation cluster of the JGC, Mrs. Florence Larbi gave glory to God for making the dream a reality and appreciated the Ghana and Hungary partnership which was keenly led by the Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources and the President of the Republic.



She was hopeful that the partnership will continue for the benefit of the people of Ghana and Hungary.



The COO who was read a speech on behalf of the Executive Chairman, Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong also commended the Tolon Naa on whose land the facility is situated and all his royal able chiefs and people who flanked him at the colourful ceremony for the willful release of the land for the purpose.





Source: Peacefmonline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
Walking into Auburn Wegmans, shoppers are greeted by rows of carts, retail displays and, on select days of the week, a police officer.

The additional security was Wegmans' idea, according to Auburn Police Chief James Slayton. He told Auburnpub.com that the Rochester-based supermarket chain contacted his department about having an officer assigned to the store.

Slayton said Wegmans' initial request was for an officer to be at the store seven days a week. Both sides agreed on a four-day schedule, from 5:45 to 11:45 p.m. Thursday through Sunday.

For the officers, it's an off-duty shift. Slayton explained that the timing of the Wegmans detail coincides with the department's shifts. For example, an officer could work six hours at Wegmans and then work the midnight shift for the police department. It doesn't affect staffing for police shifts, he said.

"They sign up for this as an off-duty detail and they do it on their own time," Slayton said, adding that Wegmans is covering the costs of the detail  the company reimburses the city  and the officers are paid based on their rank and salary.

Wegmans did not answer Auburnpub.com's questions, including why an officer was requested for the Auburn store. Evelyn Ingram, a Wegmans spokesperson, said in a statement that the supermarket chain has "security coverage in all our stores and have a variety of security measures that we utilize on a daily basis."

She continued, "For security and safety purposes, we do not get into the specific tactics used at each store."

There wasn't a specific incident that led to Wegmans' outreach, according to Slayton. He said the Auburn store "had a few issues in the past," which led Wegmans to contact the police department requesting an officer.

One incident occurred in April involving a man who entered Wegmans carrying two knives. Officers responded and ordered the man to drop the knives. He complied and an interview determined he had mental health issues. He was transported to a hospital and was not charged.

Since the Wegmans detail began this summer, Slayton said he's received feedback, most of which is from people who "love seeing the officer there."

"It's just another added protection that they feel safe with coming and going out of Wegmans," he said. "As you evolve and realize some things need to change, Wegmans took it upon themselves to reach out to us and we try to accommodate as best we can based on our manpower."
The Ambassadors of the United States, Japan, and the Republic of Korea to Ghana, has announced a historic partnership, at an event hosted by Ghanas Minister of Health, Honorable Kwaku Agyeman-Manu.



This agreement between the United States, Japan, and the Republic of Korea supports Ghanas goal of Universal Health Coverage.



The three countries shared commitment will improve primary health care and strengthen global health security defenses in Ghana against current and future pandemic threats  at a time when the world is emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic but with many countries experiencing backsliding in some essential health services.



The agreement signed will help align individual countries efforts, allowing each to focus on comparative strengths in support of Ghanas public health institutions.



The United States is committed to working with our global partners to invest in primary health care and global health security, said U.S. Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia Palmer. No country can afford to stand alone during a pandemic. COVID-19 showed us the power of strategic partnership with our allies to build a healthier, more equitable, and more prosperous world. We are proud to join Japan and the Republic of Korea in this partnership to achieve Universal Coverage in Ghana.



The Japanese Ambassador to Ghana, MOCHIZUKI Hisanobu, said "This MOC is the first of its kind between all parties and we aim to contribute further to the achievement of universal health coverage in Ghana with USAID and KOICA, by facilitating more efficient development aid. Together with our esteemed partners, we will be committed to ensure we achieve this objective for the people of Ghana."



The Ambassadors of the Republic of Korea, Japan, and the United States with Ghana Ministry of Health Officials celebrate the signing of the new agreement.



Through this Memorandum of Cooperation, the Republic of Korea reaffirms its unwavering commitment to supporting Ghana in achieving Universal Health Coverage and strengthening health security. We will work hand in hand with our esteemed partners to improve primary health care services, ensuring that they are easily accessible and of the highest quality, said the Republic of Korea Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Jung-taek Lim.



The three countries, through their respective development agencies  the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA)  will leverage their individual expertise and resources to support three key health priorities in Ghana: (1) primary health care; (2) health governance at the sub-national level (regions and districts); and (3) global health security. The partnership will build on Ghanas primary health care system  the Community-Based Health Planning and Services and health centers to strengthen the quality of health services.



The agreement comes at a pivotal time when public health experts are focusing on building capacity for the next epidemic or pandemic, yet health indicators including global life expectancy and childhood vaccinations are slipping. Investments in primary health care and global health security are critical to allow countries to rebuild their health systems and prepare for current and future health emergencies.

The United States, through USAID, plans to invest up to $135 million through 2027, subject to appropriate approvals, in these efforts in Ghana. KOICA will invest approximately $23 million dollars, and JICA will invest its technical and financial resources as approvals are obtained.



About USAID



The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is the lead U.S. Government agency that works to end extreme global poverty and enable resilient, democratic societies to realize their potential. USAID's activities and strategic partnerships support Ghana's journey to self-reliance. Our work advances an integrated approach to development. It promotes accountability, sustainable systems, and inclusive development.



About JICA



The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is a government agency of Japan, in charge of administering Japans Official Development Assistance (ODA) aiming to promote human security and quality growth. JICA works together with its partners, leading the world with trust. JICAs activities in Ghana focuses on quality infrastructure for economic growth, industrial and agricultural development, Universal Health Coverage (UHC), and capacity development for effective public service.



About KOICA



Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) was established in 1991 by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea as a governmental organization to implement the Korean governments Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) programs. KOICA Ghana Office has been supporting and implementing developmental programs in Ghana in four key sectoral areas: Public Health, Agricultural and Rural Development, Education, and Governance.

Source: Isaac Kwame Owusu/Peacefmonline.com/[email protected]









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 Chairman of the Hajj Board, Ben Abdallah Banda says there will be major improvements in the operations of the Ghana Hajj Board next year to ensure better service for Ghanaian pilgrims.



Welcoming the final batch of Ghanaian Hajj pilgrims home from Mecca over the weekend, the Hajj Board Chairman admitted that, as a human institution, they did not get everything right this year and duly apologized to the pilgrims for any inconveniences they may have encountered during this year's Hajj.



"Ghana Hajj Board is a human institution and surely, we could not have had everything right," Ben Abdallah told the pilgrims.



"I want to take this opportunity to apologize to you all on behalf of the board for any inconvenience our actions or inactions may have caused you throughout this process."



The Hajj Board Chairman, however, assured the pilgrims and to some extent, Ghanaians, that things won't be the same.



"Whatever it is, the status quo is not going to remain. In shaa Allah, things will change and we will have a marked improvement in our operations."



"On behalf of Government, I want to congratulate all of you for completing the Hajj and returning home. We thank the Almighty Allah."



The Board Chairman was accompanied by Board Members Abdul Aziz Haruna Futa and Alhaji Masawudu Osman.

Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
Supporters of a coup in Niger have attacked the headquarters of the ousted president's party, setting it on fire and stoning and burning cars outside.



The small group of arsonists had broken away from a larger show of support for the coup leaders outside parliament, where Russian flags were on show.



The army has now given its backing to the troops who took President Mohamed Bazoum captive on Wednesday.



Russia joined other countries and the UN in calling for Mr Bazoum's release.



The 64-year-old, who was elected as Niger's president two years ago, is a key Western ally in the fight against Islamist militants in West Africa.



The US and France, the former colonial power, both have military bases in the uranium-rich country - and have condemned the coup.



US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called up Mr Bazoum promising Washington's "unwavering support".



Mr Bazoum took to Twitter on Thursday morning to issue a defiant statement: "The hard-won achievements will be safeguarded. All Nigeriens who love democracy and freedom will see to it."



His foreign minister has also been trying to rally support and urge dialogue, but the army chief of staff said he was backing the takeover to avoid fighting within the armed forces.



It remains unclear who is really in charge of Niger as the junta has not announced its leader.

Source: BBC









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 founder of now-defunct UT Bank, Capt. (rtd) Prince Kofi Amoabeng, has warned Ghanaians against accepting chieftaincy titles.



According to him, anybody who accepts chieftaincy titles in Ghana puts him or herself up for exploitation, citinewsroom.com reports.



He added that not only does accepting chieftaincy titles drain one financially, but it also consumes a lot of time.



Dont accept chieftaincy titles. They will drain your finances and time. You will be responsible for the expenses of durbars, and you will have to provide financial support to the community.



These are the things that have set this country back, make sure you dont fall prey, he warned.



The retired army captain also warned Ghanaian business owners against allowing family members, politicians and pastors to meddle in their businesses.



He explained that even though politicians and pastors can be great business connectors, their actions can lead to the collapse of businesses.



Politicians and pastors are necessary evils because they can give you the right connections. However, they also need to milk you, and they can raise your company to a high status if you have the right relationships but be careful, he said.



He added that business owners must be strong enough to sack their family members who are misbehaving because failure to do that might lead to them losing their business.













































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.

Featured Video
Mr. Kwaku Gyebi, a Ghanaian based in America and affiliated with the House of Prayer Evangelistic Ministry in Twifo-Praso, has been apprehended by the police for his alleged involvement in illegal mining activities at Perwudie, near Twifo Praso, in the Twifo-Atti-Morkwa District of the Central Region.



The arrest, which took place last Sunday, came after the Minerals Commission filed a formal petition, urging authorities to take action against the suspect for his illegal mining operations in the area.



Kwaku Gyebi is currently in police custody to aid in the ongoing investigations.



The petition, signed by Mr. Charles Zantione, the Acting District Officer of the Minerals Commission in Assin Fosu, was addressed to various authorities, including Mrs. Justina Marigold Assan, the Central Regional Minister, the Twifo Atti-Morkwa District Police Command, seadeayo Kwesi Kennin IV (the Paramount Chief of Twifo Atti-Morkwa), and the Small-Scale Miners Association. It implored them to take decisive action against Gyebi's illegal mining activities as a deterrent to others.



According to records from the Commission, the suspect held two concessions, namely GMA Gyebi Mining Enterprise and Eastside Precious Mining Enterprise, at Mintaso. However, he was operating outside the allocated concessions and had no legal mineral rights over the site he was currently mining.



The Commission accused Gyebi of intimidating and driving away other prospective concessionaires from their rightful sites by forcefully claiming ownership of areas that did not belong to him. Additionally, he and his armed men were alleged to have vehemently resisted the Commission's orders to halt their operations, even going so far as to drive the inspection team out of the site.



Furthermore, the Commission noted that Gyebi did not comply with the necessary provisions for reclaiming the mined-out portions of the site, making his illegal mining activities environmentally hazardous and posing risks to neighboring communities.









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.

Featured Video
Below is the speech delivered on the floor of Parliament by Dakoa Newman MP, Okaikwei South Constituency on the effects of screen time on early childhood development.





Mr. Speaker,



Thank you for the opportunity to speak on a matter that concerns all parents, including my good self. This has to do with the negative effects of screen time on early childhood development. Screen time refers to time spent with any screen including televisions, smart phones, tablets, video games and computers. Lately, screen time has become a more complex concept with an expanding variety of electronic media devices available at every home and even at early childhood education centres.





Researchers in South Africa in assessing the influence of screen time on language development have found that an increase in the amount of screen time at an early age has negative effects on language development. In place of overexposure of children to screens at a very early age, we must resort to stimulation by reading to children and providing them with playthings or toys that are beneficial in their formative years. Research shows that home environment is key for childrens language development in the first 1000 days (3 years) of life, as this is a critical stage for brain development and maturation and is the most intensive period of acquiring speech and language skills.





I am fully aware of the challenges parents and teachers face in juggling child care and all other responsibilities. In recent times this has resulted in an increase in the use of screens to entertain or distract children to enable parents attend to other demands. Although the screen captures the attention of the children it has an impact on young brains. UNICEF, quoting the work of Prof. Patricia Kuhl of University of Washington and one of the worlds leading brain scientists, indicates that little babies, under a year old, do not learn from screens but from human interaction. Screens hijack the attention of our babies without imbibing knowledge. We have to understand that if we allow our babies and toddlers to spend a lot of time with televisions, tablets or smartphones, all of which are highly entertaining, it would affect their creativity and imagination which are gained from interactions with non-electronic activities, such a playing with toys, exploring outdoors, and playing with other children which also helps in the development of appropriate social skills. Quality time spent with children in interactive non-screen-based activities such as reading, storytelling, puzzle activities and singing is very important for child development.



Studies show that the negative effects of too much screen time for babies and toddlers range from shorter attention span to lower empathy. Children under a year old get zero learning from screens even though they may be captivated by it. For a childs brain to develop, it needs essential stimuli from the outside world, this it to say that overexposure to screens retards brain development. Over exposure to screen time also inhibits young childrens ability to read faces and learn social skills, two factors needed to develop empathy. Face-to-face interactions are the only way children learn to understand verbal cues and interpret them. The benefits of limiting and even eliminating screen time in these early moments will last a lifetime.



I am not against technology. On the contrary, research indicates that beginning from two (2) years, quality screen time, that is, well-designed, age-appropriate programs with specific educational goals can provide an additional route to early language and literacy for children. However, while screens may help with language learning when quality content is co-viewed and discussed with a parent or teacher, pre-schoolers learn best from live, direct and dynamic interactions with caring adults.



Mr. Speaker,



For the development of our children and its ripple effect on the nation as a whole, I will suggest that we follow the recommendations of World Health Organization:



 Infants (less than 1 year) should be physically active several times a day in a variety of ways, particularly through interactive floor-based play. The kids should not be restrained for more than 1 hour at a time (e.g. prams/strollers, high chairs, or strapped on a caregivers back). Screen time is not recommended. They could be engaged with reading and storytelling.





 Children 1-2 years of age should spend at least 180 minutes in a variety of types of physical activities at any intensity, including moderate-to-vigorous-intensity physical activity, spread throughout the day. They should also not be restrained for more than one hour at a time (e.g., prams/strollers, highchairs, or strapped on a caregivers back) or sit for extended periods of time. For 1-year-olds, sedentary screen time (such as watching TV or videos, playing computer games) is not recommended. For those aged 2 years, sedentary screen time should be no more than 1 hour; less is better. When sedentary, engaging in reading and storytelling is encouraged.





To conclude, let us bear in mind that early childhood development forms the foundation and basis for all learning and once we get this right as a nation, we are ensured of a better tomorrow.







I thank you for your kind attention.





Source: Peacefmonline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
Abass Nurudeen, the Ashanti Regional Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has stated that his party is far better than the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).



Abass Nurudeen's remarks were made in response to the news of theft of a significant amount of money, amounting to US$1 million, 300,000, and 350,000 Ghana cedis, from the private residence of a former Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, Cecilia Abena Dapaah.



Speaking on a panel discussion on Oyerepa TV, Abass Nurudeen said government's much-touted promise of providing one million cedis per constituency has seemingly vanished into the personal coffers of certain ministers.



He accused the NPP of denying financial support to struggling businesses, citing the inability of individuals to access their own money from banks.



"A lot of businesses are collapsing. The businesses that have not collapsed yet are also struggling. When we said it, the government said there is no money to the extent that you cannot even access your own money from the bank. But now we know that the one million per constituency are under the beds of some ministers," oyerepafmonline.com quoted him to have said,



He added "I am not saying we [NDC] are saints, I am not implying that during our time bad things didn't happen. But when you look at the NPP and what they are doing, we can attest that the NDC is 1000 times better than the NPP. With all our weaknesses and our defects, we are 1000 times better than the NPP.



Cecilia Dapaah has since July 22 resigned her ministerial position and has been arrested and released on bail by the Special Prosecutor after a search was conducted at her residence.



Meanwhile, police have submitted the docket of the case of theft as reported by the minister and her husband to the Attorney-General for advice.



However, some relatives of the former minister have also been questioned about the stolen monies from her Abelemkpe residence which led to her resignation from office and the current probe by the Office of the Special Prosecutor.























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
New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential aspirant and Member of parliament (MP) for Assin Central, Kennedy Agyapong has assured the Savannah Regional Minister, Saeed Jibril that he will shame him by building factories in the region.



Speaking on Wa based Home Radio on July 24, 2023, Kennedy Agyapong indicated that the Savannah Regional minister's work as a former classroom teacher is different from politics and so will ignore all those insulting him.



It would be recalled that the Savannah Regional Minister after the visit of the NPP presidential aspirant, Kennedy Agyapong to Damongo charged delegates of the NPP across the Savannah Region to vote for a personality not like John Dramani to lead the NPP going into the 2024 elections and not radicals who are on an insulting spree.



Saeed Muhazu Jibril described the campaign methods of the Assin Central MP and the former general secretary of the NPP, Kwabena Agyapong as very insulting targeting the personality of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, which at the end will spell doom for the NPP party.



Speaking on Damongo based Kasha FM on Wednesday July 19, 2023, Muhazu said all campaigns are supposed to be tilted towards the achievements of the party since you cant speak against the same party you seek to lead.



He described them as unpatriotic members of the party who should not come near to leading the party.



However, Kennedy Agyapong responding to the comments of the Savannah Regional Minister on Wa based Home Radio said; many people not only in Ghana dont like the truth so when you are telling the truth you become the targetso its been difficult for me right from the beginning that people are going out there insulting Kennedy Agyapong when Im giving my message.



He added; But I wait for a while with insults.. insults then I hit them one and all the insults they did not hear but the one that Kennedy Agyapong defends himself is a problem to the party very unfair!.



Kennedy Agyapong further said "but I ignore a lot of things and move on and given an example of the teacher who is now a Regional Minister at Savannah insulting meIve just ignored him but one day I will build factories in Savannah for him to see adding if he doesnt believe he should come, I will take him to Tema for him to see the steel plant Ive built.. let him come and see Ive built the biggest cold store facility in Africa not Ghana or West Africa, the whole Africa.. check one cold store that is thirty- one thousand tonnes, but Ive built it, no loan, nothing, I dont owe no bank in this country".



A livid Kennedy further said; call all the banks in this country that Kennedy Agyapong says he doesnt owe a bank..Ive never taken a loan so we have to appreciate this..it is not your classroom work.













Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
Former Deputy General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Obiri Boahen, has criticized parliament's decision to abolish the death penalty from the constitution, stating that it could lead to an increase in mob justice.



In an interview on Kumasi-based Wontumi TV/Radio morning show hosted by Nana Abu-Prah on Wednesday, July 26, the lawyer expressed support for mob attacks, saying, "I will support mob attack on this note, why should you imprison someone for life for a murder case and describe his punishment which is death as a human right issue?



"What happens to the right of the person who was killed, doesnt he/she also have the same right?"



Obiri Boahen continued by emphasizing his stance on the matter, declaring, "I'll scrap this law and bring back the killings. You can't have freedom of movement anymore in this country because victims are having the same right to life.



"We have created an atmosphere of fear and panic for ourselves because we pardon and pamper murderers on human right grounds. Im telling you, if I, Obiri Boahen became the president, you'll see what would happen in this country. Enough of that ugly noise! Ghanaians are sick and tired of the panic."



The lawyer went on to express his belief that life imprisonment does not effectively deter crime and warned against the dangerous consequences of abolishing the death penalty.



He referred to the loss of discipline in Ghana over the years and criticized past presidents for not implementing the death penalty in the name of safeguarding human rights credentials.



According to him, this approach means the rights of those killed are overlooked.



















Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
Former Central Regional Minister, Kwamena Duncan is worried Attorney General (AG), Godfred Dame might have an "avalanche" of requests following his intervention in the Adisadel College assault saga.



Godfred Dame has called on the Ghana Police Service to initiate an investigation for possible prosecution in the case in which a student of Adisadel College is seen bullying a fellow student in a viral video.



Even though "it is within his (AG) power", Kwamena Duncan however believes going forward, others might expect him to do same when such incident occurs again.



Contributing to a panel discussion on Peace FM's morning show 'Kokrokoo', Kwamena Duncan said: "My only worry is his direct call for the investigation and eventual prosecution".



"Attorney General is also an old boy but my fear on his part is his intervention after watching the video and maybe he's not driven or motivated by his association with the school...then there might be going forward an avalanche because every video that might emerge in the future as an Attorney General you must call for police investigations and all of that."



"It is within his power but my worry is that this is the first time we are getting something like that; where an Attorney General has watched a video and he's calling on the police for investigation. Not just calling for investigation but investigation in order to build a docket; a prosecutable one. So in future, even if you don't watch the video, you'll get people calling on you to intervene; that is the avalanche," he added.



Listen to him in the video below





Source: Peacefmonline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
The car carrier on fire near the Netherlands coast has almost 500 electric cars on board, according to its operator, more than was previously reported.

The cause of the blaze on the Fremantle Highway is still unknown, according to the Dutch coast guard, which previously said the initial cargo list they received suggested just 25 EVs were on the ship. The coast guard has denied reports that it had been confirmed the fire broke out in a section of the carrier where electric cars were stored.

Whether EVs had anything to do with precipitating the blaze, the number on board is relevant to whats likely to be a days-long effort to put it out. Lithium-ion battery fires burn hotter and last longer than gasoline. They can also be difficult to extinguish, sometimes reigniting hours or days after seemingly having been put out.

The ship is carrying a total of 3,783 vehicles, including 498 electric cars, according to its charterer Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha Ltd. The fire was still ablaze with the situation stable as of Friday. Dutch authorities have established a towing connection with the vessel, but havent been able to extinguish the fire because putting too much water on board would cause stability problems.

Also Read : Ocean shippers playing catch up to electric vehicle fire risk

There are several hundred BMW AG cars on board, as well as roughly 300 Mercedes-Benz Group AG vehicles, representatives for the companies have said. The Panama-flagged Fremantle Highway was en route to Port Said, Egypt, after a recent stop in the German port of Bremerhaven, according to ship-tracking data compiled by Bloomberg.

Shoei Kisen Kaisha Ltd., the Japanese firm that owns the vessel, said the final destination for the carrier was Singapore. The company also owned the Ever Given, the huge container ship that got stuck in the Suez Canal in March 2021.

First Published Date:
"This is collateral damage to the NPP..." Bernard Allotey Jacobs, a social commentator, has joined the conversation about the theft of millions of foreign currencies and other items from the home of former Sanitation Minister, Cecilia Dapaah.



Two house helps and others are standing trial for allegedly stealing $1 million, 300,000 and millions of cedis from the Ablekuma residence of the former Sanitation Minister.



The two 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.



A stab in the back



Allotey Jacobs suggests the monies would not have been stolen if she had taken it to the bank; insisting "It is the fault of Cecilia Dapaah".



During a panel discussion on Peace FM's morning show 'Kokrokoo', Allotey Jacobs expressed his disappointment that the former Minister has provided ammunition to the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) in their fight against the ruling government, especially as the country approaches the 2024 elections.



". . I won't be nice to her; this is collateral damage to the NPP...because of what happened in 2015/2016; 'Woyome Woyome'. The opposition has picked it up and playing the same music back to you (NPP). The husband should have been the sole complainer. You know what is happening in this country where the opposition has vowed to use every propaganda means to win the election, you've (Cecilia) given them the knife to stab your party in the back," he fired.



Listen to him in the video below





Source: Peacefmonline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
The Member of Parliament (MP) for North Tognu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has condemned the former Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources, Cecilia Dapaah, stating that her actions have not only brought shame to the entire political class but also put the lives of cabinet ministers from Akufo-Addo's regime in jeopardy.



The MP was speaking after Professor John Evans Mills' memorial lecture at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) on July 27, 2023



The former minister for sanitation and Water Resources, Cecilia Dapaah has been in the news all week following the theft case that took place in her home.



She reported her maids to the police for stealing her $1million, 300, 000 and millions of Ghana cedis from her room.



Cecilia Dapaah and her saga have been leading most public discussions for the past few days because of her position as a minister of state and the amount involved in the theft case.



According to the North Tongu MP, the saga involving the former minister has had severe consequences for the reputation of Ghanaian politicians.



He believes that her behaviour has not only embarrassed all members of the political class but also damaged their credibility in the eyes of the public.



He suggested that the revelation of such actions by the embattled former minister raises concerns about the safety and security of cabinet members, as it may lead to public distrust and resentment towards those in power.



It has brought colossal shame unto the political class, and it has embarrassed all of us. And it is time for the political class in Ghana to reflect.



But yes, certainly it has put the lives of cabinet ministers of Akufo-Addos regime in danger. They should be more worried because the Ghanaian people know that there is no way those of us in opposition will have that kind of money, he said.



To him, leadership should be synonymous with service, sacrifice, and setting a positive example for others just like the late Professor John Evans Atta-Mills



But you see most importantly, leadership should be about service, sacrifice and the example that prof mills set.



And that is why today, every speaker is saying lets us return to Prof Mills' character and blueprint, that is what will save our country, he added.



Cecilia Dapaah was arrested by the Office of the Special Prosecutor and granted bail. The OSP has since been investigating the case.































Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
Former PNC General Secretary, Atik Mohammed has hailed Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as being one of the finest brains Ghana and the New Patriotic Party is blessed with.



Atik Mohammed, contributing to Peace FM's "Kokrokoo" morning show, tagged Dr. Bawumia as a competent leader saying, "I trust in the competence of the Vice President. I do. You see circumstances may somewhat create impressions about what he could otherwise have done but you cannot take his competence away from him".



Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia is among the ten candidates vying for the position of flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party as the party gears up for its Special Delegates Congress on August 26 and main congress on November 4, 2023.



The Special Delegates Congress is to trim the number of the aspirants to five and the five compete in the main Congress.



Atik absolved the Vice President of blames that he being the Head of the Economic Management Team (EMT) is responsible for the economic woes visited upon Ghanaians as a result of financial misdirection.



He argued that Dr. Bawumia, although Head of the EMT, is somehow only a figurehead of the team and that when it comes to making financial decisions, the buck stops with the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta.



"The Finance Minister does not answer to him. He has answers to the President. The point I am trying to establish is he is not the Head of the EMT in the sense that he controls economic policy. He is just a part of a team; he happens to chair that team...The team itself answers to somebody. You report to someone. The Finance Minister is answerable to only one person who is the President," he said.





Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
Ghana's Amapiano King, DJ Azonto, says Yvonne Nelson has helped revive the music career of Sarkodie after she released her memoir.



In a recent interview, Azonto stressed the importance of dating an educated woman citing the case of Sarkodie and Yvonne Nelson and how both are greatly benefiting from the memoir.



According to DJ Azonto, who is married to a prominent banker, despite his street life and influence, he believes education is the key to success, both in relationships and in careers.



"Sometimes having just an educated partner can help boost your career, as it did for Sarkodie recently after Yvonne Nelson released her book. Before the book, he cancelled most of his tour, but after the book, he's headlining major international shows, which is very good," DJ Azonto stated.



He added: "Yvonne Nelson's memoir was a major turning point for Sarkodie's career. It helped to bring attention to him and allowed him to reach a wider audience."



DJ Azonto further advised every hustler to try to get some level of education or marry an educated woman.



He is set to release another groundbreaking single featuring his wife, Mrs. Diana Arthur, popularly known as Anita Gucci, along with an iPhone 15 dance challenge to fans for the song titled "Anita".



He is also nominated for major international award shows such as the Ghana Music Awards USA, Ghana Music Awards UK, Ghana Music Awards Europe, and Global Music Awards South Africa.

Source: Peacefmonline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
Carlee Russell was booked into the Hoover City Jail in Alabama and freed on bond Friday afternoon in her staged disappearance two weeks ago.

Russell, who just days ago turned 26, is charged with false reporting to law enforcement authorities and falsely reporting an incident, according to her attorney.

Both crimes are misdemeanors. The two charges each carry a $1,000 bond.

Russell was with her parents. They went in through a side entrance of the jail and left about 12:40 p.m.

As we all know, actions can have consequences and thats why we are here today, Hoover police Chief Nick Derzis said at a press conference this Friday afternoon.

You can watch the press conference below:

Her decisions that night created panic and alarm for the citizens of our city, and even across the nation as concern grew that a kidnapper was on the loose, using a small child as bait, Derzis said on Friday.

Numerous law enforcement agencies, both local and federal, began working tirelessly not only to bring Carlee home to her family, but locate a kidnapper that we now know never existed. Many private citizens volunteered their time and energy into looking for a potential kidnapping victim that we now know was never in any danger.

This story opened wounds for families whos loved ones really were victims of kidnapping-some of which even helped organized searches in hopes that they could help Carlees family not experience the pain and suffering that they felt when their loved ones did not return home, the chief added.

Derzis said police initially presented the case to District Attorney Lynneice Washington of the Bessemer Cutoff.

After consulting with the Court Clerk for Jefferson County- Bessemer Division, the case was referred back to municipal court for charging because the only applicable charges were both misdemeanors, Derzis said.

Derzis said that judging from the amount of phone calls and emails we have received from people all across the country, I know many are shocked and appalled that Ms. Russell is only being charged with two misdemeanors, despite all of the panic and disruption her actions caused.

Derzis said he too shared that frustration.

The existing law only allows the charges that were filed, to be filed. I can tell you that I will be contacting our state legislators on behalf of law enforcement in Montgomery and asking them to look at this law as applied to these facts and urge them to add an enhancement to the current legislation when someone falsely reports a kidnapping or other violent crime, Derzis said.

Derzis said that due to the attention this case has garnered, Hoover police said Attorney General Steve Marshalls office agreed to handle case at the departments request.

Marshall joined Derzis at the press conference.

We dont see this as a victimless crime, Marshall noting the resources that went the investigation and the volunteers that showed up to aid in the search.

Marshall said his office would assemble a team to prosecute the case.

How we got here:

The charges come days after Russell, through her attorney Emory Anthony, admitted that she was not kidnapped and did not see a toddler walking alone on I-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.

My client was not with anyone or with anyone at any hotel during the time she was missing, Anthony said.

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.

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 misdemeanors are punishable by not more than one year in a county jail or a year of labor in the county, according to state statutes. They also carry a fine up to $6,000.

The charges followed a Tuesday meeting between Anthony and Hoover police.

The night Carlee Russell disappeared

Russell seemingly vanished Thursday, July 13, after calling 911, and a family member, to report seeing a child, about 3 or 4 years old only wearing a diaper, walking alone on the busy interstate.

The family member reported hearing a scream, and then only interstate noise through the open cell phone line.

Russells disappearance sparked a massive search and widespread concern.

Two days later, Russell showed up alone at her parents Hoover home. She was taken to UAB Hospital for evaluation.

While at UAB Hospital, Russell told Hoover police she escaped the clutches of a man and woman who abducted her.

Authorities determined Russell left her job at Woodhouse Day Spa  from which she has since been fired  after taking a robe, toilet paper and a small amount of cash.

She ordered food from Tazikis at The Colonnade. Carlee then traveled to Target on U.S. 280 where she bought some granola bars, Cheez-its, and a drink.

She remained in the parking lot there until 9:21 P.M., then drove to I-459.

Russell called 911 at 9:34 p.m. She then called her brothers girlfriend, and about 9:36 p.m. went missing.

No one else ever reported seeing a toddler there.

Russell traveled approximately 600 yards while on the phone with 911.

Police found Russells wig, cell phone and purse near her vehicle. Her Apple Watch was in her purse.

The food from Tazikis was in her car. Items from Target, as well as the items taken from the spa, were not at the scene.

What Carlee Russell originally told police

In her interview after her return, Russell told police she was abducted.

She told detectives that while traveling down the interstate, she saw a baby walking down the side of the road and called 911. When she got out of her vehicle to check on the child, a man came out of the trees, Derzis previously said.

That man then picked her up and she screamed. He then made her go over a fence. He then forced her into a car and the next thing she remembers is being in the trailer of an 18-wheeler. She stated that the male was with a female, however she never saw the female, only hearing her voice. She also told detectives she could hear a baby crying, he said.

She told detectives the male had orange hair with a big bald spot on the back. She was able to escape the 18-wheeler and fled on foot, only to be captured again and put into a car, Derzis said.

Carlee Russell was seen leaving her attorney's office in Birmingham Friday morning ahead of a Hoover police news conference. Also seen leaving attorney Emory Anthony's office with Carlee Russell were her parents, Talitha and Carlos Russell. https://t.co/wmghJcK6bS pic.twitter.com/ZAXmS0aY24  WVTM 13 (@WVTM13) July 28, 2023

She said that they took her into a house and made her get undressed. She believes they took pictures of her, but she does not remember them having any physical or sexual contact with her. She stated that the next day, she woke up and was fed cheese crackers by the female, according to Derzis.

She stated the woman also played with her hair, but she could not remember anything else.

She was put back in a vehicle that she claims was able to escape from while it was west Hoover area. She told detectives that she ran through lots of woods until she came out near her residence, the chief said.

Detectives noted that Carlee had a small injury to her lip, and she complained of her head hurting. She also had a tear in her shirt. Detectives also noted that she had $107 in cash in her right sock.

Russells parents, Talitha and Carlos Russell, made an appearance on the Today show two days after Russell returned home, maintaining she had been abducted. They have since declined comment.

This is a developing story and will be updated.
A teenager was fatally hit and left for dead while riding a bike Friday morning.

Now, authorities are searching for the driver, according to news sources.

The incident took place in northeast Philadelphia at about 4:35 a.m. along the block of Woodhaven Road near Byberry Road, according to reports from 6ABC and NBC10.

When authorities and medics responded to the scene, they found the teen  who is believed to be about 18 years old  on the ground in the outer westbound lanes of Woodhaven Road

The unidentified victim was suffering from severe trauma to the face, head, chest and back. While at the scene, a pair of sandals that belonged to the victim were found 200 feet away.

He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he died of his injuries at 4:53 a.m.

The teen was said to have been riding a mountain bike, which was located at the scene, but its currently unclear if he was riding in the bike lane or the main road, NBC10 reported.

To help with the investigation, authorities are checking surveillance cameras in the area for more information on the vehicle that struck the teen, 6ABC reported.

Using evidence collected at the scene, authorities believe they may be in search of a Dodge with some front-end damage.

We found a large plastic part from the striking vehicle, we believe that appears to be from a wheel well. We also found a fresh Dodge emblem, Chief Inspector Scott Small said to the news outlet.

Read More:
HARRISBURG  Pennsylvanias top elections official said Wednesday that he is deeply concerned counties wont have enough time to adjust thousands of polling locations for the 2024 presidential primary election if lawmakers wait too long to change the date.

The statement from Secretary of State Al Schmidt was made in a letter to Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward, R-Westmoreland, and is a ripple effect of the ongoing budget stalemate in Harrisburg. Many lawmakers and Gov. Josh Shapiro have said they want to change the current April 23 primary date for reasons that include a conflict with the first day of Passover and the fact it makes Pennsylvania late  and possibly irrelevant  in the national primary schedule.

Lawmakers left Harrisburg earlier this month without completing a budget package on time after a sharp break between Republicans who control the Senate and Mr. Shapiro, a Democrat. Currently, they are not scheduled to return until late September, although lawmakers have been put on standby for a short-notice callback before then.

Mr. Schmidt, a former Philadelphia official who ran elections there for years, is worried about the timetable.

I know that Gov. Shapiro hopes to work with the General Assembly to make this date change a reality, Mr. Schmidt said in the letter. At the same time, he said, the current schedule for lawmakers means no action on a proposed change would happen for about two months, at the earliest.

I am deeply concerned we will not give county election officials the time they need to adjust thousands of polling locations to accommodate a new, earlier primary date, Mr. Schmidt said. Typically, county election boards reserve polling locations and poll workers a year or more in advance of an election to avoid conflicts with other events and to have ample time to inform voters of where they will cast their votes.

He said, for instance, that the election administrator in Westmoreland County must secure 307 polling places and the administrator in Montgomery County, 301 polling places.

A spokesperson for Ms. Ward said she had not yet received the letter.

It was sent as top lawmakers in both parties have said they still want Pennsylvania to have an earlier presidential primary election next year. But for some, the budget impasse has undermined confidence that everyone can agree in time to make the change happen.

The split between Mr. Shapiro and Senate Republicans came July 5, when the governor announced he would line-item veto a single, $100 million item in a $46.6 billion spending bill for fiscal 2024. That item would have provided funds for a proposed new, voucher-style school scholarship program that both Republicans and Mr. Shapiro supported, but which was rejected by Democrats who control the House.

Senate Republicans said they negotiated the funding as part of a larger deal with Mr. Shapiro and that he had broken the deal. Mr. Shapiro denied their claims. The impasse reached 26 days on Wednesday

The spending bill  the key legislation in the budget package  must be signed with the Senate in session. Ms. Ward, as Senate president pro tempore, is vested with the power to call the chamber back to session before late September.

Mr. Schmidts letter came a day after Sen. Jay Costa, D-Allegheny and the Senate minority leader, and Sen. David Argall, R-Schuylkill and prime sponsor of a bill seeking a date change, said in separate interviews that various options for new primary dates are being considered.

To make a change, the divided state Legislature would have to pass a bill that would be signed into law by r. Shapiro.

I dont believe October is too late, Mr. Costa said of passing a primary date change. But the later in the year we go, the dicier it gets.

Mr. Argall said nothing would be lost if the Legislature did not act until late September or early October. He and Sen. Sharif Street, D- Philadelphia, crafted a bill that would change the primary date to March 19.

Mr. Costa, who said he has talked to lawmakers in both chambers and both parties about the issue, said April 2 and March 26 also are being considered. Mr. Costa said April 2 makes the most sense.

Other lawmakers see more urgency. Sen. Judy Schwank, D- Berks, said shes concerned the Legislature will not act in time.

While I hope we reconvene sooner than late September, if we return to Harrisburg then, our first order of business will likely be to get the 2023-2024 budget completed, Ms. Schwank said. We are running out of legislative days to take care of other important business.

Sen. Tim Kearney, D-Delaware, said he wasnt sure lawmakers would have enough time to get the job done. Nonetheless, he said a change makes sense because it is hard to argue with the idea of relevancy.

The scholarship program was a prime topic at a Senate Education Committee hearing on Tuesday in Reading. The committee, led by Mr. Argall, heard testimony about public education in Reading and the operations of a private school in Berks County.

A spokesperson for Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward, R-Westmoreland County, shown during a light moment on May 1, 2023 with Gov. Josh Shapiro, said he had not yet seen the letter. Dan Gleiter | dgleiter@pennlive.com

Sara Torres, the single mother of a Reading High School student, said her 16-year-old son is in the gifted program but had not been on a field trip or even a no-expense nature walk for about 10 years.

I want him to make it, she said of her son. Ms. Torres urged lawmakers to pass the taxpayer-funded scholarship program, which would give families in the states lowest-performing public schools money so their children could attend private ones.

The Reading school district has a budget of about $429 million. It was referred to at the hearing as the most underfunded in the state. Reading Superintendent Jennifer Murray said its biggest current challenge is the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, which created food, mental health and other issues for children in Reading.

Any program that diverts public resources away from school districts, Ms. Murray testified, is a disservice.

Ford Turner of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette wrote this story. Ford Turner: fturner@post-gazette.com

(c)2023 the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Visit the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette at www.post-gazette.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Marzia Varvaglione represents the fourth generation of a family business whose roots date back to over one century ago and which today is one of the most innovative wineries in Puglia, contributing to reshape the reputation of the region.

She is the head of business and marketing at Varvaglione 1921, a family-run winemaker in Italys Apulia region, which combines traditional, award-winning wines with a young team and innovative branding. It is the only Italian winemaker that is on Europes fastest-growing companies list, according to its website.
By Rong-Gong Lin II, Los Angeles Times (TNS)

Summer has brought an uptick in coronavirus transmission, but experts say it is still too early to tell whether the upswing represents a significant public health concern.

The U.S. recorded a 10% increase in new COVID-19 hospital admissions for the week that ended July 15 compared with the previous seven-day period. Still, hospitalizations remain near a record low for the pandemic.

Hospitalizations are rising fastest in the South, Great Plains and Rocky Mountain states.

The extent of the increase in transmission is difficult to quantify. Official case counts are now largely unreliable due to the proliferation of at-home testing and reduced data reporting.

Experts and officials say its not surprising that a summer coronavirus uptick has arrived, given seasonal patterns in recent years.

Travel has also roared back from pandemic-era lows. The Transportation Security Administration recently said that, nationally, June 30 was the busiest day ever for the agencys operations, exceeding the previous record set on the Sunday after Thanksgiving in 2019.

And as vacations and conferences return, with most people having shed masks, chances for infection have increased.

Timing also plays a role. Most people are well removed from their last COVID-19 booster shot and, given that the most recent coronavirus uptick occurred last winter, its probably been months since many were exposed to significant circulation of the virus.

This comes at a time when peoples collective immunity is waning, said UC San Francisco infectious-disease expert Dr. Peter Chin-Hong. So its kind of like the force field is weaker, so to speak.

The U.S. reported 7,109 COVID-19 hospital admissions for the week that ended July 15, the most recent for which data are available. Thats slightly up from the pandemic record low of 6,294, which was set during the week that ended June 24.

The national hospital peak came the week that ended Jan. 15, 2022, during the height of the first omicron surge. In that seven-day period, there were 150,674 COVID-19 hospital admissions.

That deaths havent started to increase nationally could be explained either by the traditional lag or, more optimistically, by lower mortality rates, Chin-Hong said. It could end up being the case, he said, that while COVID-19 patients might still seek emergency room care, fewer will need to be admitted into the hospital and far fewer still will die.

However, it remains possible COVID-19 could pose a larger problem in the winter, Chin-Hong said.

Officials say people should still take prudent steps to avoid infection, such as avoiding sick people and getting tested if you have COVID symptoms. Keeping a mask handy so you can wear it if needed  for instance, if youre unlucky enough to sit on a plane next to coughing people spraying droplets in your face  would also be a good idea.

The rise in viral transmission will increase the risk of people being exposed to someone who is contagious. Chin-Hong said hes heard of a number of people who have never had COVID-19 before who are getting it now.

If you have more people transmitting stuff around  and particularly if few people are testing  then people who havent gotten it before will continue to get it, he said. Many people will do well, but some of those people, statistically speaking, wont.

Aside from the chance of serious illness, some people may go on to develop long COVID  the umbrella term for a long list of symptoms that can endure months or years after an infection.

Now that Paxlovid, an anti-COVID oral drug that can be taken after infection, has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, higher-risk people can talk to their healthcare providers about getting Paxlovid in advance of, say, an overseas trip if they think itll be hard to obtain the drug later. That would enable people to take the pills quickly should they test positive for the coronavirus, Chin-Hong said.

The FDA says Paxlovid significantly reduces the percentage of people with COVID-related hospitalization or death from any cause.

People who come down with COVID symptoms or test positive for the virus should isolate for at least five days after their symptoms begin or after they first test positive, whichever comes first, health officials say.

According to the L.A. County Department of Public Health, COVID patients can generally exit isolation after the fifth day, provided their symptoms are mild and improving and they dont have a fever. The agency does recommend, however, that people wait until they test negative if exiting isolation before 10 days are up.

County health officials also suggest wearing a mask when near other people for 10 days after the onset of symptoms or their first positive test. But they also say residents can stop masking after the fifth day if they meet the criteria to end isolation and have two negative COVID-19 test results in a row, taken at least a day apart.

Isolation and mask wearing can generally end after the 10th day, without the need of a negative test result. But people who still have a fever should stay isolated for at least a day after the fever ends. People who are immune-compromised or have severe COVID-19 should speak with a doctor about when they can be around others.
Tickets for the Eagles concert this fall in Pittsburgh went on sale today, Friday, July 28.

The Eagles, with Steely Dan, announced their final tour, The Long Goodbye, earlier this month.

The band will perform at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 15, at PPG Paints Arena. The Pittsburgh date was added after the first 13 concerts in the tour were announced. The Eagles said they will will perform as many shows in each market as audience demands. The tour is expected to last through 2025.

Here are places fans can get tickets for the Pittsburgh concert:

Ticketmaster , there is a line. Ticketmaster says tickets are limited because of demand.

VividSeats , prices start at $224

StubHub, prices start at $179

SeatGeek , prices start at $217 prices start at $217

TicketCity, prices start at $227 prices start at $227

Randy Meisner, 77, a founding member of the Eagles known for his vocals in favorites including Take It to the Limit, Take It Easy and The Best of My Love, died July 26, 2023, in Los Angeles.

The band said on its website, In 1971, Randy, along with Glenn Frey, Don Henley, and Bernie Leadon, formed the Eagles and contributed to the bands albums, Eagles, Desperado, On The Border, One of These Nights, and Hotel California. He was inducted with the Eagles into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998.

Randy was an integral part of the Eagles and instrumental in the early success of the band. His vocal range was astonishing, as is evident on his signature ballad, Take It to the Limit.
Beijing (Gasgoo)- In a recent development, T3 Go, the Chinese online ride-share platform, has successfully secured hundreds of millions of yuan in A+ round funding from Hongtai Aplus, according to the investor.



Photo credit: T3 Go

The funds raised in this round will be primarily utilized to expand the user base and enhance operational capabilities of T3 Go. Additionally, a considerable portion of the proceeds will be allocated towards incubating ecosystem products and services and the R&D of the companys autonomous driving commercialization platform.

Notably, since concluding its impressive 7.7-billion-yuan A round financing in 2021, T3 Go has consistently secured over 1 billion yuan in A+ round financing. The company is currently pursuing Pre-IPO round financing ahead of its planned Initial Public Offering (IPO), with intentions to eventually launch dual listings on both the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and the A-share market.

T3 Go, established in 2019, is a national-level intelligent mobility platform initiated by three Chinese ministries, namely, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission, and the Ministry of Science and Technology. It was founded collaboratively by leading industry players such as FAW Group, Dongfeng Motor, Changan Automobile, Tencent, and Alibaba.

Presently, the platform's services have reached more than 120 cities across China, including Nanjing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, and Hangzhou. With a daily order volume exceeding three million, T3 Go boasts an impressive user base of over 200 million registered users, having facilitated over 1.4 billion safe trips to date.

In April of this year, T3 Go unveiled its ambitious "1521" strategy, which aims to achieve a daily order peak of ten million, a revenue target of 50 billion yuan, expand its services to over 200 cities nationwide, and operate 1,000 L4 autonomous driving vehicles by the end of 2026.
PONTIAC, Mich.  Molly Darnell can still see the scars where the bullet entered and exited her left arm.

She was the only teacher shot among 11 people injured and killed at Oxford High School in November 2021 by 15-year-old student Ethan Crumbley, who pleaded guilty in October.

Darnell testified Thursday during the first day of the shooters Miller hearing, where an Oakland County Circuit Court judge heard evidence to determine if the teen should be sentenced to life without parole or a term of years in prison. She was the fourth and final witness of an emotional day of testimony.

On the day of the shooting, Nov. 30, 2021, Darnell had just ended a meeting with a student and moved to her computer to check an email when she noticed a rush of students running past her door. The way they were running concerned her, though she assumed there was a fight or something else going on. She called the main office, but it went immediately to voicemail.

She poked her head out of the door and saw the hallway was empty. Then an announcement came over the public address system: Lockdown, this was not a drill.

Darnell heard doors slamming and several pops. She reached for the Nightlock, a device used to barricade doors in classrooms, but saw movement in her peripheral vision. She looked up and locked eyes with the shooter.

I remembered thinking in my head no orange tip, Darnell said, referring to the orange tip that usually comes on a BB-gun to indicate it is not a real gun. Thats when I jumped to the side, to my right.

She saw him raising his gun, then heard  and felt  three loud pops.

It felt like someone had burned her with hot water, and she noticed her cardigan had ripped. Looking behind her, she saw a bullet hole in the window leading outside.

She remembers thinking that a BB gun wouldnt have been able to do that. She said she crawled over to the door to put the barricade in, and she grabbed a rolling cabinet and shoved it against the door, crouching behind it.

Darnell texted her husband: I love you. Active shooter.

It was at that point she realized she had been shot. She used her cardigan to tie a tourniquet above the wound, then received texts from another teacher and her daughter. She didnt tell her 16-year-old daughter, who attended a nearby district, that she had been shot. She said she didnt want to worry her.

Another announcement came, telling the school they were still on lockdown. Darnell began to uncontrollably shake. She had told her husband that she had been shot, but no one else knew. She was waiting to tell anyone else until she knew the shooter was in custody and anyone who needed help had received it.

She ultimately told a teacher in the room next door she had been shot. About 20 minutes later, officers escorted her out of the classroom and into an ambulance.

Darnell went back to the classroom in January, wanting to be able to go back to her old job. She loved the work she had been doing. But she said Thursday she couldnt do it. She now works as a middle school mentor at Oxford Virtual Academy.

It wasnt until last week that she saw photos of the door of her classroom, with three bullet holes in it. She met with Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald to go over her testimony and saw the photo then.

He was aiming to kill me, Darnell said. The top shot was intended for my head and the two shots (below) were intended for my chest.

Kara Berg of The Detroit News wrote this story.

2023 www.detroitnews.com. Visit at detroitnews.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

More:

Man found in burning car in Cumberland County died by suicide: coroner
Elon Musks surprise rebranding of Twitter to X means brings the new http://X.com URL that has a Pennsylvania connection.

According to Jimmy Soni, the author who wrote The Founders, a book about the early history of PayPal, the X.com address has its origins in Pittsburgh.

On Thursday, Soni posted on the site formerlyu known as Twitter that X.com started in the early 1990s when two engineers, Marcel DePaolis and Dave Weinstein, bought it for their company, Pittsburgh Powercomputer, when they lost the rights to ppc.com.

After their company was sold, the two kept the X.com URL and used it for their personal email addresses, according to Soni.

Over the years, they turned down bids to sell the URL, underwhelmed by the various offer terms, he wrote.

In light of the Twitter name change, heres what I found about https://t.co/THS7Dz83Qi while researching THE FOUNDERS, an early history of PayPal. I communicated with https://t.co/THS7Dz83Qis pre-Elon owners and interviewed Elon as well as other https://t.co/507D2lmryp employees  Jimmy Soni (@jimmyasoni) July 25, 2023

Musk came calling in early 1999 when he was involved with PayPal and envisioning a financial behemoth he wanted to call X.com. Sound familiar?

We checked him out and liked his story and plan, Soni quoted the engineers as saying. The two sold X.com to Musk for cash and a small stake in Musks burgeoning company.

A year later, Soni said Musk was removed as PayPals CEO after he pushed for X.com to replace the well-known PayPal name. In 2017, he went on Twitter to thank PayPal for allowing me to buy back http://X.com!

Soni wrote that Musk addressed speculation about his intentions with the URL by saying that he had no plans right now, but it has great sentimental value to me.

After spending $44 billion to buy Twitter last year, it seems that Musk is poised to bring his X.com dream to the world, but it will always have Pennsylvania roots.
WILLIAMSPORT  A federal judge for the second time has dismissed the wrongful death lawsuit that stems from a September 2021 inmate suicide at the Northumberland County Prison.

U.S. Middle District Judge Matthew W. Brann on Friday granted the defense motion to dismiss the suit of Sherry Beers for failure to state claim.

She sued as the administrator of the estate of her son Sean Beers the county, its commissioners, a former warden and an unnamed female corrections officer.
Want a say in the news? Email Claudia at todayinpa@pennlive.com to have your thoughts on the stories covered here or on PennLive heard during Listening to Listeners, an original Today in Pa. segment that occurs every other Friday.

You can listen to the latest episode of Today in Pa at this link, or on any of your favorite apps including Alexa, Apple, Spotify, and Stitcher. Episodes are available every weekday on PennLive. Feel free to subscribe, follow or rate Today in Pa. as you see fit!

Today in Pa. Daily Podcast | July 28, 2023

A student at Penn State Universitys Abington campus has been charged with lying to the FBI about contacting ISIS sympathizers. Farmers across the state will get $14.3 million in grant money to clean up the Chesapeake Bay. Mayflies are hatching along the Susquehanna. Finally, patients at a childrens hospital get a super visit.

Those are the stories we cover in the latest episode of Today in Pa., a daily weekday podcast from PennLive.com and hosted by Claudia Dimuro. Today in Pa. is dedicated to sharing the most important and interesting stories pertaining to Pennsylvania that lets you know, indeed, whats happening today in Pa.

Todays episode refers to the following articles:

If you enjoy Today in Pa., consider leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts or on Amazon. Reviews help others find the show and, besides, wed like to know what you think about the program, too.

As sponsored by Renewal by Anderson of Central PA.
A SEPTA trolley that was being worked on rolled away from a service area, crashing into a vehicle and a building Thursday night, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.

The trolley hit an SUV and then the front of the Blue Bell Inn, a historic tavern that is being maintained by a woman who lives there.

NBC 10 in Philadelphia said the trolley hit the stone facade of the building, which dates to 1766.

A SEPTA trolley just went through my living room, said Delia King, the woman who lives in the inn, per the station. She wasnt injured.

The crash happened around 10:30 p.m. Thurday at Island Avenue and Cobbs Creek Parkway.

The Inquirer reported three people were hurt: a mechanic in the trolley and two people in the SUV.

More:

1 dead, 13 hurt as Pa. transit buses collide

Bear dead after pickup truck crash on Route 15
Members of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps youth crews from Harrisburg and Chambersburg visited Kings Gap Environmental Education Center, Carlisle, on Wednesday morning to participate in a promotional program that highlighted their accomplishments so far this summer.

They were accompanied by members of the states Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), who discussed the job opportunities and career paths connected to conservation.

Then the crews presented the five projects theyve completed or are working on. Projects include making the park more accessible and safe along with rehabbing a water feature and pond outside the education building. The park staff expressed their gratitude for the crews hard work in completing these large projects.

The Pa. Outdoor Corps is a signature program within DCNR that was created in 2016. More than 1,200 young people have participated in the program, which provides opportunities for paid work experience, job training, leadership skill development, and environmental education. It is a signature program for DCNR under Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn.

The corps offers young people (ages 15 to 25) the opportunity to serve on a team and complete conservation projects that protect, enhance and restore Pennsylvanias public lands. It also teaches participants about public service and provides job skills, interpersonal communications and ethics to prepare them for the modern workplace.

One of the crews discusses their project on the porch of the mansion at Kings Gap Environmental Education Center on Wednesday morning. June 27, 2023

In 2016 the program started with just five youth crews. This year there are 26 crews with 181 participants across the commonwealth.

Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps members this year are working in more than 100 parks, forests and communities across the state on projects including:

Trail work

Habitat enhancement

Improving park and forest assets such as buildings, drainage structures and landscaped areas

Tree planting

Storm damage restoration

Inventorying trees planted in communities

Alumni of the PA Outdoor Corps have obtained employment with conservation organizations including DCNR, SCA, National Parks Service, National Forest Service, and other conservation organizations, thanks in part to experience with the corps.

The Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps is financially supported by DCNR and the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industrys Reemployment Program, along with private contributions made through the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation.

The Student Conservation Association is the operating partner for the program.

More information on the Outdoor Corps is available on the DCNRs website.\

More:

Stream ecology lesson, experience planned at Dauphin County camp

75th anniversary celebration planned for 1st Appalachian Trail thru-hike
State government employees covered under the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 13 contract could see pay raises totaling 20.25% over the next four years.

A tentative agreement reached with Gov. Josh Shapiros administration provides the greatest percentage increases achieved through labor negotiations with this largest of the state employee unions in the past 20 years, if not longer.

The Shapiro Administration also confirmed it reached a tentative agreement with another of the governments large unions, Service Employees International Union Local 668, said Dan Egan, a spokesman for the governors Office of Administration. He indicated the administration is continuing to negotiate in good faith with 13 other unions that had a contract expire on June 30.

The terms of contracts negotiated with AFSCME 13, which represents 27,000 employees under the governors jurisdiction and thousands more who work elsewhere in state government, and SEIU 668 historically have been nearly identical.

While Egan declined to provide details of the tentative pacts, a copy of the proposed AFSCME contract terms obtained by PennLive show employees would receive a 2.25% step increase in January of each of its four years. It also would give them across-the-board raises of 5% this month, 2% next July; 2.25% in July 2025; and 2% in July 2026.

When compounded, salaries would rise by 22.1% over the term of the contract.

According to the most recent workforce statistics from the states Office of Administration, the average AFSCME employee earns a salary of $49,680. By the end of the four-year contract, the proposed deal would raise that average to $60,658.

AFSCME members will be voting on the proposed agreement through next week, said Dave Henderson, executive director of AFSCME Council 13. He declined further comment at this time.

Steve Catanese, president of SEIU 668, confirmed his union, which represents close to 10,000 employees, reached a multi-year deal with the commonwealth and said members will be voting on it over the next few weeks.

We went through a multi-month bargaining process with the state, Catanese said. It took a while to get to where were at. I dont think anything was easy. Were hopeful this is the type of economic package that puts our members in a position to thrive in the coming years.

The proposed AFSCME agreement also calls for an increase in employees contribution to health care by a quarter of 1% this month and again in July 2026 while increasing the employers  or taxpayers  contribution by 28% over the contracts life.

Nobody on the union side wanted to see an increase in employee healthcare costs, states a document AFSCME members received detailing terms of the proposed contract. Negotiators held the line to ensure the impact on employees was minimal AND succeeded in securing an additional .25% to the July 2025 [general pay increase] to offset the increased contribution.

The tentative agreement also provides for Juneteenth to be recognized as a holiday, two hours of paid leave each year to allow most members to vote, and gives new employees up to three days of sick leave in their first year of employment, among other changes, according to the document.

It also indicates that through bargaining sessions with management, AFSCME fended off proposals that among others, would have raised salaries by 14.5% over the four years and eliminated meal allowances.

A 2016 law requires the states Independent Fiscal Office to perform a cost analysis of proposed collective bargaining agreements before they can take effect. That occurs after the union ratifies them.

Matt Knittel, the offices director, confirmed on Friday his office had not yet received any of the tentative agreements to begin work on arriving at the cost taxpayers will pay for changes in salaries, benefits, paid leave and working conditions over the contracts life.

The proposed agreement with AFSCME picks up where the last four-year agreement that expired in June left off. That contract granted employees a cumulative increase of 16.75% over its life.

Nate Benefield, senior vice president of the conservative Commonwealth Foundation, said its unfortunate that the contract negotiations happen behind closed doors without taxpayers knowing the cost they will have to bear as a result.

Its one of the major costs of state government that drives up taxes and significant increases like this can impact all of Pennsylvanians but most Pennsylvanians have no input in this deal, which is largely between Governor Shapiro and his campaign donors quite frankly, Benefield said.

Jan Murphy may be reached at jmurphy@pennlive.com. Follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @JanMurphy.
Forecasters are continuing to urge central Pennsylvanians to limit outdoor activity amid extremely hot weather that will likely last at least one more day.

A heat advisory in effect until 8 p.m. Friday said temperatures will reach nearly 100, and the heat index could peak at up to 105.

The hot temperatures and high humidity, which started on Thursday, could lead to heat-related illnesses again on Friday, the National Weather Service said.

Forecasters said central Pennsylvanians should reschedule strenuous outdoor activities for the early morning or evening, and wear light, loose-fitting clothing if they do go outside.

Showers, storms, and gusty winds could move into the area after 3 a.m. Saturday, forecasters said. The rain will let up before sunrise, but forecasters said it will likely return after 2 p.m. Saturday. The second set of storms could last until about 8 p.m.

Saturday will be sunny and hot, with highs in the low 90s, forecasters said.

Forecasters said Sunday will be sunny, except for a slight chance of showers between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. Temperatures will likely fall back into the low 80s on Sunday.

READ: As central Pa. hits hottest days, heres how to keep cool, stay safe, save money

Today

Mostly sunny, with a high near 97.

Tonight

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 75. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Saturday

Mostly cloudy, with a high near 92. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Saturday Night

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Sunday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 83. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Sunday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 61.
Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada David Lametti arrives to Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Thursday, June 8, 2023. Lametti was one of seven former cabinet ministers Prime Minister Justin Trudeau dropped from his inner circle Wednesday when he unveiled his new front bench, only months ahead of his two-year anniversary of his 2021 federal election win. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick
Beijing (Gasgoo)- BMWs R&D team in China has initiated localized development of Level 3 autonomous driving functions, ensuring full compliance with local regulatory requirements for the adaptation and implementation of this technology in China, the company disclosed on July 27.

Photo credit: BMW

The German auto giant is intensifying its efforts to develop Level 3 autonomous driving capabilities, with global plans to launch the technology by the end of 2023 or early 2024.

The BMW Future Mobility Development Center, situated in Sokolov, Czech Republic, was officially inaugurated in the summer of 2023. This center is dedicated to the research and testing of driver assistance systems and autonomous driving technologies.

As a pioneer in transforming the automotive industry, BMW has consistently invested heavily in R&D, with a total expenditure of 6.624 billion in 2022, representing a year-on-year increase of 5.2%. These investments primarily focus on two key areas, including the development of new vehicle models and the sixth-generation BMW eDrive electric powertrain technology, as well as digitalization, particularly in the fields of artificial intelligence, autonomous driving, and human-machine interaction.

The Future Mobility Development Center is a prime example of BMW's dedication to advancing innovation in the future mobility sector, driving the comprehensive development of the autonomous driving ecosystem.

In July of this year, BMW's new Shanghai R&D Center was officially inaugurated, further expanding and upgrading the company's research institutions in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenyang, and Nanjing. With this move, BMW has established its largest and most comprehensive R&D system outside of Germany in China, embracing an open innovation concept. By bringing together all R&D functions under one roof, BMW aims to achieve more efficient collaboration.

In China, BMW possesses full-process automotive R&D capabilities and comprehensive intelligent connected vehicle software development capabilities, embodying its corporate strategy rooted in China. Furthermore, BMW is dedicated to creating appealing products for its users, offering luxurious and emotionally engaging travel experiences.
Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On July 27, EVE Energy made an announcement stating that it had signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Energy Absolute Public Company Limited (EA), a Thai renewable energy service provider.

According to the agreement, EVE Energy and EA Group (including EA and its subsidiaries) plan to establish a joint venture in Thailand, with the purpose of constructing a battery production base with a minimum production capacity of 6 GWh per year.

Photo credit: EVE Energy

EA Group, a registered company in Thailand, is currently engaged in a comprehensive range of renewable energy businesses, including biodiesel manufacturing, renewable energy power development, electric vehicle and EV charger development and operation, as well as primary lithium battery manufacturing. There is no existing affiliation between EA Group and EVE Energy.

The investment structure of the joint venture to be established in Thailand will be based on a 51% stake for EA Group and a 49% stake for EVE Energy, with net profits shared on a 50:50 basis.

EVE Energy expressed that this collaboration will enable both parties to fully integrate their advantageous resources, complement each other, and facilitate the smooth progress of their overseas operations, in order to meet the demands of customers in Thailand and Southeast Asia. This move represents an important step for the company in enhancing its global industrial layout, aligning with the company's development strategic plan, and benefiting all shareholders.
What It May Mean to You: New Euro Visa Law Will Impact US Poker Players' Travel Abroad

July 27, 2023 Jon Sofen Senior Editor U.S.

A new law starting in 2024 will require US citizens to apply for further authorization beyond a passport when visiting many European nations, and it will impact travel for the thousands of poker players who do so each year.

For those heading to Barcelona, Cyprus, or Prague for upcoming European Poker Tour (EPT) events before the end of the year, there won't be any issues. The law doesn't go into effect until January 1.

What Poker Players Need to Know

At present, a passport is required of US citizens when entering and returning from a foreign land, including European nations, for pleasure or to play poker. That will continue to be the case, but come 2024 there's going to be another step in getting approval to visit 30 European countries.

Even if you're a regular traveler abroad, starting in 2024 you must apply for authorization through the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS). You can do so online at the ETIAS website where you'll also pay a $7.79 administration fee. According to the site, approval will be done instantly in most cases, so it is a simple pain-free process except for those who may have some travel restrictions.

Once approved, it will be valid for three years. Tourists can visit a European Union (EU) nation for a period not exceeding 90 days within a 180-day period.

Who Should Apply?

For those traveling to popular poker tournaments in 2024 such as the World Series of Poker Europe (WSOPE) or most EPT destinations, it would be wise to apply for ETIAS authorization well in advance.

Citizens of the United States aren't the only current visa-exempt travelers who will be required to apply prior to traveling to the 30 ETIAS European nations. Those in 57 other countries will have to do the same. Canada, Brazil, South Korea, New Zealand, and Mexico are among those countries.

Travel only to nations within the EU will be impacted. As such, this does not apply to United Kingdom travel. The full list of ETIAS travel authorization requirement are as follows:

Nationals of the United Kingdom will also be required to obtain ETIAS authorization when traveling to the EU nations. Those who are nationals of the EU nations will not have to apply for authorization when traveling country to country, however.

When applying for ETIAS authorization you must provide passport information, occupation, dates of planned travel, personal information, and disclose your criminal background, if one exists.

Click here for more on the European Poker Tour!

Sharelines A visa will be required for Americans traveling to Europe.
A burglary in Doney Park ended in an officer-involved shooting Thursday, according to the Coconino County Sheriffs Office.

The burglary suspect, identified as 32-year-old Peoria man Eric Adamson, was shot at least once after officers say he physically attacked a deputy who was attempting to put him in handcuffs.

CCSO released edited body camera footage of the incident via Facebook.

Just after 3:10 a.m. Thursday, a burglary was reported to CCSO. Deputies responded to Hidden Hill Road, where a caller said someone had broken into their home through a shattered window.

The caller told dispatch they were holding the suspect at gunpoint. By the time deputies arrived, the suspect had jumped back out of the window in an attempt to flee the scene.

Deputies on scene determined the caller was unharmed, and started to search the area for the suspect.

Sergeant Jess Payne found Adamson just west of the house hed allegedly broken into.

In the footage released by CCSO, Payne gets out of his patrol vehicle and shouts commands at Adamson. He approaches the suspect alone.

On the tape, Payne says, Turn around, face away from me, walk backward toward the sound of my voice. Do it now!

At first, Adamson appears to cooperate with the deputy. Then, as the officer approaches to put him in handcuffs, Adamson jumps back to his feet.

According to a statement from CCSO, the suspect attacked the deputy, who tried to put him in a choke hold. The suspect attempted to jump on Paynes back and ultimately grabbed his drawn duty weapon.

In the body camera footage, the officer screams get off me and fires his gun.

Adamson was taken into custody and paramedics were called to the scene. In the meantime, deputies applied a tourniquet to his left arm to stop its bleeding.

On the edited tape, Payne says he fired his weapon twice and there is murmuring about the suspect being hit in the ribs. The nature of the suspects injuries are not yet clear, but he was transported to Flagstaff Medical Center in stable condition.

Upon his release, Adamson will be booked into the Coconino County Detention Facility on several felony charges.

Payne was evaluated by paramedics at the scene and suffered minor injuries. The 11-year veteran at the sheriffs office is being placed on temporary administrative leave pending an investigation.

That investigation will be conducted by the Northern Arizona Multiagency Officer Involved Shooting Investigation Team  a group of specially trained detectives from CCSO, the Flagstaff Police Department and the Northern Arizona University Police Department.
Facebook

Twitter

Pinterest

Email

Print

Special Counsel Jack Smith filed three new felony charges against Donald Trump in the classified documents case, including an allegation that Trump attempted to delete the Mar-a-Lago security footage.

Trump has been charged with two new obstruction counts and a charge of willfully retaining national defense information.

Smith has evidence that Trump ordered his employees to delete the Mar-a-Lago security camera footage.

From page 29 of the superseding indictment:

Trump and his lawyers were told earlier on Thursday that he could be indicted at any moment. All eyes were on the Washington, DC grand jury, which still could indict the former president at any time. No one expected that Trump would face more felony charges related to his theft, retention, mishandling, and refusal to return classified documents.

For years, Republicans have been falsely claiming that Hillary Clinton bleached her email server. Hillary Clinton did no such thing, but it was Donald Trump who attempted to destroy criminal evidence that was on a server.

Nothing screams innocence like trying to destroy evidence before the federal government can get it.

The funny thing is that the server wasnt deleted because Donald Trump didnt have any employees in on the conspiracy who knew how to delete the security footage.

The Department of Justice ended up with the footage and the evidence that Trump and two employees conspired to destroy it.

The superseding indictment is explosive, and while it wont change the minds of any Trump supporters, it should doom the former president to defeat if he is the Republican nominee in 2024.
Facebook

Twitter

Pinterest

Email

Print

In the new superseding indictment against Donald Trump that expands on the previous felony charges in the classified documents case, the government used the former Presidents public 2016 statements about the importance of protecting classified documents against him.

These statements show that Trump knows and understood the importance of maintaining the security of our classified documents before he allegedly chose to steal them, hide them, and willfully retain them even while the government sought their return.

The indictment reads:



As a candidate for President of the United States, TRUMP made the following public statements. among others. about classified information:

a. On August 18, 2016. TRUMP stated, In my administration Im going to enforce all laws concerning the protection of classified information. No one will be above the law.

b. On September 6. 2016. TRUMP stated, We also need to fight this battle by collecting intelligence and then protecting, protecting our classified secrets. . . . We cant have someone in the Oval Office who doesnt understand the meaning of the word confidential or classified.

c. On September 7, 2016, TRUMP stated, (O)ne of the first things we must do is to enforce all classification rules and lo enforce all laws relating to the handling of classified information.

d. On September 19. 2016, TRUMP stated. We also need the best protection of classified information.

e. On November 3. 2016. TRUMP stated, Service members here in North Carolina have risked their lives to acquire classified intelligence to protect our country.

24. As President of the United States, on July 26.2018. TRUMP issued the following statement about classified infonm1tion:

As the head of the execu1ive branch and Commander in Chief, I have a unique Constitutional responsibility to protect the Nations classified information, including by controlling access to it. More broadly. the issue of a former executive branch officials security clearance raises larger questions about the practice of former officials maintaining access to our Nations most sensitive secrets long after their time in Government has ended. Such access is particularly inappropriate when former officials have transitioned into highly partisan positions and seek to use real or perceived access to sensitive information to validate their political attacks. Any access granted to our Nations secrets should be in furtherance of national, not personal, interests.

Trump made these statements in an attempt to criminalize Hillary Clintons unintentional mishandling of potentially classified documents by using a personal e-mail server, but the FBI investigated her and so did the Republican House, to no avail. No crime committed.

Again, the FBI is a profoundly conservative organization that has always been run by a Republican. The chances that James Comey, who made the announcement linked to above about Clintons private e-mail system, was trying to help Clinton are zero.

Cut to Trumps retention of classified documents after his presidency. The new indictment reads:

In January 2021, as he was preparing to leave the White House, TRUMP and his White House staff, including NAUTA, packed items, including some of TRUMPs boxes. TRUMP was personally involved in this process. TRUMP caused his boxes, containing hundreds of classified documents, to be transported from the White House to The Mar-a-Lago Club.

26. From January through March 15, 2021, some of TRUMPs boxes were stored in The Mar-a-Lago Clubs White and Gold Ballroom, in which events and gatherings took place. TRUMPs boxes were for a time stacked on the ballrooms stage, as depicted in the photograph below (redacted to obscure an individuals identity).

27. In March 2021, NAUTA and others moved some of TRUMPs boxes from the White and Gold Ballroom to the business center at The Mar-a-Lago Club.

28. On April 5, 2021, an employee of The Office of Donald J. Trump (Trump Employee I) texted another employee of that office (Trump Employee 2) to ask whether TRUMPs boxes could be moved out of the business center to make room for staff to use it as an office. Trump Employee 2 replied, Woah!! Ok so potus specifically asked Walt for those boxes to be in the business center because they are his papers.

Later that day, Trump Employee I and Trump Employee 2 exchanged the following text messages:

Trump Employee 2:

We can definitely make it work if we move his papers into the lake room?

Trump Employee I:

There is still a little room in the shower where his other stuff is. Is it only his papers he cares about? Theres some other stuff in there that are not papers. Could that go to storage? Or does he want everything in there on property

Trump Employee 2:

Yes  anything thats not the beautiful mind paper boxes can definitely go to storage. Want to take a look at the space and start moving tomorrow AM?

29. After the text exchange between Trump Employee I and Trump Employee 2, in April 2021, some of TRUMPs boxes were moved from the business center to a bathroom and shower in The Mar-a-Lago Clubs Lake Room, as depicted in the photograph below.

Well, it goes on and on, but you get the idea. This is very different treatment of classified material than advocated for by candidate Trump or even President Trump.

Donald Trumps loose lips and willful conflation of using a private email server (something several on his team did, including seven officials) with deliberate mishandling of classified documents led to his Lock her up! chants at his rallies that live on today.

Except its not Hillary Clinton who is threatened with being locked up in reality. In reality, its Donald Trump who faces serious charges for endangering the safety of the United States, our military, our intelligence assets, and more.
Facebook

Twitter

Pinterest

Email

Print

The boss wants the server deleted, Carlos De Oliveira, a property manager at the Mar-a-Lago Club, told the Director of It at the club, according to the new superseding indictment. This was followed by extraordinary comments and actions more befitting of a crime boss than a former president.

According to prosecutors, after the Justice Department had issued a subpoena for the surveillance video, Special Counsel Jack Smith obtained evidence that Trump ordered his employees to delete the Mar-a-Lago security camera footage.

On March 30, 2022. the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) opened a criminal investigation into the unlawful retention of classified documents at The Mar-a-Lago Club. A federal grand jury investigation began the next month. The grand jury issued a subpoena requiring TRUMP to tum over all documents with classification markings. TRUMP endeavored to obstruct the FBI and grand jury investigations and conceal his continued retention of classified documents

On June 22, 2022 the DOJ emailed a draft grand jury subpoena requiring the production of certain security camera footage from The Mar-a-Lago Club, including footage from cameras on ground floor (basement), where the Storage Room was located.

On June 24, they emailed the final grand jury subpoena, which included (a)ny and all surveillance records, videos, images. photographs and/or CCTV from internal cameras.

OK, so heres where we get into the mob boss business (which, to be fair, is hardly new for Trump but it still worth examining here because its impossible to ignore and has ramifications for trials, witnesses, and more). Also on June 24, Trump Attorney I spoke with TRUMP by phone regarding the subpoena for security camera footage. At 3:44 p.m., NAUTA received a text message from a co-worker. Trump Employee 3. indicating that TRUMP wanted to see NAUTA. Less than two hours later, NAUTA-who was scheduled to travel with TRUMP to Illinois the next daychanged his travel schedule and began to make arrangements to go to Palm Reach, Florida instead.

The government says Nauta gave different accounts to colleagues for the change in plans, citing a family emergency in Florida to some with the shushing emoji and later told one of the same people he was in Florida to work.

Around the same time on June 24 that NAUTA was making his travel plans to go to Florida, NAUTA and DE OLJVEJRA contacted Trump Employee 4. who was the Director of Information Technology (IT) at The Mar-a-Lago Club.

Cut to June 27 after a lot of back and forth and we get to the boss wants that server deleted (my bold to highlight passages suggestive of the way a crime boss operates):

83. On Monday, June 27, 2022, at 9:48 a.m., DE OLIVEIRA walked to the IT office where Trump Employee 4 was working with another employee in the IT department. DE OLIVEIRA requested that Trump Employee 4 step away from the office so that DE OLIVEIRA and Trump Employee 4 could talk.

84. At 9:49 a.m., Trump Employee 4 and DE OLIVEIRA left the area of the IT office together and walked through a basement tunnel. DE OLIVEIRA took Trump Employee 4 to a small room known as an audio closet near the White and Gold Ballroom. Once inside the audio closet, DE OLIVEIRA and Trump Employee 4 had the following exchange:

a. DE OLIVEIRA told Trump Employee 4 that their conversation should remain between the two of them.

b. DE OLIVEIRA asked Trump Employee 4 how many days the server retained footage. Trump Employee 4 responded that he believed it was approximately 45 days.

c. DE OLIVEIRA told Trump Employee 4 that the boss wanted the server deleted. Trump Employee 4 responded that he would not know how to do that, and that he did not believe that he would have the rights to do that. Trump Employee 4 told DE OLIVEIRA that DE OLIVEIRA would have to reach out to another employee who was a supervisor of security for TRUMPs business organization. DE OLIVEIRA then insisted to TRUMP Employee 4 that the boss wanted the server deleted and asked, what are we going to do?

At 3:55 Trump called De Oliveira and they spoke for about 3 and a half minutes.

Now for the Omerta part of our program:

On August 26, 2022, NAUTA called Trump Employee 5 and said words to the effect of, someone just wants to make sure Carlos is good.

In case this is unclear, In response, Trump Employee 5 told NAUTA that DE OLIVEIRA was loyal and that DE OLIVEIRA would not do anything to affect his relationship with TRUMP.

This is not normal working at a club talk. This is the kind of talk that organized crime engenders.

The government writes that on that same day, TRUMP called DE OLIVEIRA and told DE OLIVEIRA that TRUMP would get DE OLIVEIRA an attorney.

Trump has a long habit of paying for attorneys of witnesses who could spill the beans against him. These attorneys then often operate as if they represent Trump more than they do the individual.

Donald Trump has continued to maintain that he is not guilty of any of these charges and that all of these indictments are witch hunts.

This part of the indictment is damning not only because of what these people were allegedly conspiring to hide, but also because it shows a wild unlawfulness on Trumps part and a deep comfort with lying to and evading law enforcement, using a large network of people to conspire to hide evidence, and treating employees as pawns in his criminal agenda.

What makes this even more remarkable is that right now, Republicans are desperately trying to paint, without evidence or cause, President Joe Biden as a crime boss. Joe Biden. The man weve all known for decades and not a peep of criminality has been uttered against him, not even when he was running as Vice President or President.

Yet right here, we have mountains of evidence of Trump operating like an organized crime boss. And its hardly the first time. Trump was criminally indicted in March of 2023 in New York for falsifying business records in an effort to suppress negative press resulting in a hush money payout scheme to an adult film actress to silence her about their affair. Those charges stemmed from subsidiaries of the Trump organization being found guilty of 17 charges, including tax fraud, in December 2022.

And to further blow all of our minds, this man is currently the Republican front-runner for the presidential nomination and he might well be a convicted felon before he even gets the nomination. If the Republican Party were not operating as a crime organization itself, it would have run far away from Trump the first time the words criminal indictment were uttered against the former president. And surely by the time they heard that he endangered our national security and our troops, they would have run as far away as they could get.

But their willing complicity has taken them to the gates of Hell in efforts to falsely conflate their ginned-up nonsense against Biden with the very alarming evidence against Donald Trump. Perhaps being led by an organized crime boss is not, actually, an error in judgment, but rather a perfect fit for the party that corrupted our political processes to such an extent that they are endangering democracy.

Don the Con, operating as a crime boss, fully supported by a party that has completely lost its way.
Facebook

Twitter

Pinterest

Email

Print

The Houston Independent School District will eliminate librarians and turn some libraries into discipline centers in certain neighborhoods, that just so happen to be predominantly low-income communities of color.

Houston Independent School District will be eliminating librarian positions at 28 schools this upcoming year and utilizing some of the libraries as Team Centers where kids with behavioral issues will be sent, Click 2 Houston reported.

This is part of a reform program by the new superintendent Mike Miles, who was appointed by state Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath, who was previously a software developer and who advocated to convert the school district into a home-rule charter system. Morath was appointed by Republican Gov. Greg Abbott.

Miles was appointed as part of a state takeover of Houston ISD (giving former Michigan Republican Gov Rick Snyder Detroit emergency manager and Flint water vibes).

Currently, there are a total of 85 schools that have joined Miles program, and of those, 28 campuses will lose their librarians. The district said they will have the opportunity to transition to other roles within the district, Click 2 Houston reported.

Scandal-ridden Mike Miles was appointed by the state as part of Texass recent takeover of the district, and doesnt have a great past with education.

He brought controversy the last time he was in Texas to fix education issues in Dallas, by doing things like paying his chief communications officer $185,000, which the Dallas News reported was more than twice what she had made in Harrison while other early Cabinet hires made as much as $225,000.

Then There was Jerome Oberlton, Miles chief of staff, who resigned in 2013 because he faced federal indictment. He later pleaded guilty to taking kickbacks in a prior job in Atlanta Public Schools.

On and on it went. Perhaps this history is why he was chosen to oversee Houston Independent School District. One can never be sure in Texas.

At any rate, Miles started in Houston in a manner eerily similar to how he ended his embattled time in charge of Dallas Independent School District: with everyone asking where he was

Maybe he was really good at his job, though and the test scores went up and he attracted great teachers? Not so much.  (W)hile his management methods laid the foundation for some future success in Dallas ISD, they also left behind various scandals, caused veteran educators to leave the district and ultimately scores remained largely flat on states standardized test.

Whatever could be the motive then?

Most of the 28 schools that were designated for the NES program are in the feeder patterns for Kashmere, North Forest and Wheatley high schools, which are located in low-income communities of color, Houston Public Media pointed out, writing that Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner asked Miles to reverse course on his decision to overhaul libraries in certain schools while allowing others to continue operating with dedicated professionals.

You cannot have a situation where youre closing libraries for some schools in certain neighborhoods and there are other neighborhoods where there are libraries fully equipped, Turner said. What the hell are you doing?

Turning libraries in low-income communities of color into discipline centers is as racist as it sounds. Libraries are the ultimate sign of freedom and possibility, because they give kids and adults the opportunity to learn for free. They are a great equalizer. Cutting off access to libraries and turning them into little mini prisons to punish kids from lower-income communities is the opposite of what is supposed to make this country free.

Libraries uphold democracy by (my bold) providing access to information so that citizens can make the decisions necessary to govern themselves. The public library is the only institution in American society whose purpose is to guard against the tyrannies of ignorance and conformity, and its existence indicates the extent to which a democratic society values knowledge, truth, justice, books, and culture, Reading Rockets pointed out.

Its safe to say that Texas Republicans do not value democratic society values and very much would like to impose the tyrannies of ignorance and conformity upon their constituents.

Its not an accident that the conservative driven book bans are aiming at specific books that discuss racial inequality and LGBTQ themes and now Texas is using its state power to turn libraries in communities of color into discipline centers.

Right when you think weve hit peak encroaching fascism with banning books, Texas steps in to say Hold my beer.

Remember, courage is contagious. Democracy heroes can make a sidewalk library in a community being targeted.
An explosion on the grounds of a factory that makes optical equipment for Russias security forces has injured 56 people north of Moscow. Officials said the blast occurred Wednesday at a warehouse storing fireworks though it was on the grounds of the Zagorsk optics manufacturing plant. The regional governor said the company rented out the warehouse for storage. He later said the plant was mostly producing pyrotechnics and had nothing to do with optics or mechanics. The explosion produced a tall plume of black smoke and added to Russian jitters over recent drone attacks on Moscow. Officials said Russian air defenses shot down two drones aimed at the capital overnight. Read moreExplosion at Moscow area factory adds to Russian jitters as officials blame Ukraine for drone attack
Loving and fun are how a mom and a best friend are remembering Jamarquious Tompkins.

Its been hard because he was outgoing and we were very close, Cynthia Tompkins said. He was still like my baby.

Thompkins and others are trying to cope and move on following the sudden death of Jamarquious Tompkins who was killed in a car accident Sunday in Edgefield County.

Jamarquious Tompkins, 24, of Trenton was killed in a three-vehicle accident on South Carolina 191, three miles south of Johnston.

The 2007 Chevrolet sedan Tompkins was driving was struck by a northbound 2012 Nissan pickup while it was trying to swerve to avoid a 2014 Chevrolet pickup.

Tompkins died from his injuries after being transported to Augusta University Medical Center.

Jamarquious Tompkins was one of three siblings and was the middle child, his mother said.

Some memories she shared with her son are going to the grocery store and him looking for ways to keep her happy.

I am used to him every day talking to me, Cynthia Tompkins said.

She said on the night he died, he was going to his job at Shaw Industries.

It was his second home and he was ready to go in on his days off, she said.

His mother couldnt believe it because she was expecting her son to pick her up and take her to work. She said she called him, but he never picked up the phone.

She didnt know what happened because he would always call.

She said once she heard the knock on her door from the coroner, she couldn't believe it.

Its a shock for any parent to know that their child died, she said.

Since her son's death, she has been relying on support from friends and family.

His best friend, Noah Torres, had great memories with him. Torres first met Jamarquious when in 2011 when he lived in Fort Pierce, Florida. Torres said when Jamarquious moved to South Carolina, the friends stayed in touch with Jamarquious, spending the summer at Torres's house.

Torres said it's still hard to believe his best friend is gone.

"I thought of him as a brother," he said.

Torres said one memory he had with his friend was how Jamarquious would make a new kid in school feel welcome. He recalls a time when Jamarquiuos told a joke about him liking all the girls in school.

Torres said he and his friend like to play Guitar Hero and watch anime shows such as "Naruto."

"Hanging out with Jamarquiuos reminded me of my childhood," Torres said. "Every time hung around it felt like we were kids again. "

Cynthia Tompkins said she will remember her son for being an overall good person who stayed out of trouble and never had arguments with anyone.

He was such a good person, she said.

Funeral arrangements will be made by Amos and Sons Funeral Home in Johnston at a later date.
A federal appeals court has sided with the union representing dockworkers at the Port of Charleston in a dispute over who will operate container cranes at the $1 billion Leatherman Terminal, handing the State Ports Authority's longtime hybrid labor model another defeat.

The three-judge panel at the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals on July 28 ruled 2-1 in favor of the International Longshoremen's Association in its bid to run the towering devices that move cargo to and from ships docked at the former Navy base.

The ruling upholds a decision in December by the National Labor Relations Board, which the SPA appealed. Oral arguments were heard by the Richmond, Va.-based appeals court on June 6.

It's not clear whether the SPA will ask the U.S. Supreme Court to hear the case.

We are disappointed in the Fourth Circuits majority opinion," Barbara Melvin, the SPA's president and CEO, said in a written statement. "We are reviewing the opinion and weighing all options for appeal. Leatherman Terminal is a significant supply chain asset for all port-dependent businesses in South Carolina and beyond, and our longstanding hybrid operating model works.

The ILA said it was "pleased and gratified" by Friday's decision.

"The SPA tried to argue that this case was only about South Carolina, but the Court of Appeals properly saw that it was much bigger than that," union spokesman Jim McNamara said.

The decision deals a blow to a decades-old working arrangement, with SPA employees operating the cranes and union members moving cargo through the container yards.

The ruling gives the ILA the right to operate cranes only at Leatherman, which opened its first phase in March 2020 along the Cooper River. SPA workers will continue to run the ship-to-shore heavy-lift equipment at the older Wando Welch and North Charleston terminals.

The ruling also sets a precedent for ILA members to operate cranes at any new port terminals built in Georgia and North Carolina, which have also used the hybrid labor model.

The court's decision hinged on whether a 2012 clause in the master contract between shipping lines and the union members they hire was an effort to preserve work historically performed by the ILA or an illegal jobs grab. The clause called for ILA members to operate cranes at any new port terminals built in the Southeast. Leatherman was the first test of that pact.

A two-judge majority said the crane jobs amount to work preservation, because the ILA historically has filled that role at most ports from Maine to Texas covered by the master contract. Chief Judge Albert Diaz wrote in the majority opinion that previous case law "instructs us to look beyond the locus of a dispute and consider traditional work patterns more broadly."

Diaz added that the master contract aims "to preserve jobs against the steadily dwindling volume of cargo work" and the Leatherman Terminal "contributes to that dwindling" by assigning the crane work to SPA employees who don't belong to a union.

McNamara, the ILA spokesman, said the decision affirmed the NLRBs ruling "that this was a dispute between the ILA and its primary employers: the shipping carriers. And, therefore, South Carolina had no right to interfere with a valid agreement between a union and its employers."

The judicial panel's majority, which included Judge Diana Motz, also rejected the SPA's argument that the ILA created an illegal third-party boycott by pressuring shipping lines not to use Leatherman while SPA workers were operating the cranes. The majority said the lines were within their rights to bypass terminals that violate their contract with the union.

Judge Paul Niemeyer, in a dissenting opinion, said "the ILA's effort to bring about change in the Port of Charleston to eliminate the hybrid model in favor of 100 percent ILA work was clearly an effort to acquire work, which, as it was attempted, was illegal, and not the lawful effort to preserve work."

"The record shows further that the ILA faced no loss or threatened loss of work in the Port of Charleston from the opening of the new terminal," Niemeyer wrote, adding "there is no record evidence that the opening of the new terminal caused or threatened to cause loss of work at any other port on the East Coast or Gulf Coast."

It's unclear how the decision will affect the SPA's operations at Leatherman, which has been practically shut down by the labor dispute. The equivalent of about 92,000 20-foot-long containers were moved on or off ships during the fiscal year that ended June 30, or 13 percent of what the new terminal was designed to handle.

Gov. Henry McMaster said earlier this month that a union victory would send a bad message to businesses interested in setting up shop in the state. In a written statement Friday, a spokesman said the governor remains committed to defending South Carolinas ports, jobs and businesses against big labor unions and their threatening tactics, which have hamstrung the economies of many other states across the country.

The spokesman added that McMaster will support any efforts to appeal the decision to the Supreme Court as quickly as possible."

Mark Mix, president of the National Right to Work Foundation, said the ruling puts the jobs of hundreds of union-free South Carolina state employees at Charlestons Leatherman Terminal on the chopping block.

"It is outrageous that these jobs, created with the investment of over $1 billion ... will now be handed over to ILA union bosses to protect their monopoly on port jobs that stretches from Texas to Maine," said Mix, whose organization had filed a "friend of the court" brief supporting the SPA in the appeal.

The three judges who presided over the Leatherman hearing are among a group of 18 who handle appeals at the 4th Circuit, which covers five states, including South Carolina. Niemeyer has been on the bench since 1990 as a nominee of President George W. Bush. Motz, nominated by President Bill Clinton, joined in 1994. Diaz has been on the court since 2010 as a nominee of President Barack Obama.
Elizabeth Archibeques 6-year-old son starved to death on March 2, 2020. On Thursday in Flagstaff, after pleading guilty to first-degree murder, she was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

The victim and his 7-year-old brother were regularly kept inside a 21 x 25 bedroom closet for 16 hours a day and denied access to food and water.

Archibeque, according to testimony presented at her sentencing, did not allow her two sons to attend school. She also admitted to enforcing the policy that the boys be kept in the closet between the hours of 8 p.m. and noon every day.

According to the medical examiner, the 6-year-old victim weighed just 18 pounds at the time of his death.

Sgt. Melissa Seay with the Flagstaff Police Department was called by the state to testify Thursday. In 2020, Seay was one of the detectives investigating the childs starvation death and the abuse of his brother.

She described the closet, which was lined with orange plastic. Seay said the room, which was no wider than three volleyballs stacked side by side, smelled putrid and like urine.

Archibeque told investigators at the time of her sons death that the boys were kept in the closet as punishment for stealing food.

On the morning of the victims death, the older brother had tried to crawl out of the closet to retrieve food from the kitchen. Seay said Archibeque told her she had caught the boy and told him to get back inside the confined space. That was just a few hours before her younger son died.

On Thursday, the attorney for the state, Michael Tunink, projected pictures on the courtroom wall. Those pictures, taken by investigators and narrated by Seay on the stand, showed a refrigerator stocked with food, a freezer that held cuts of meet, frozen fruit and ice cream, and a pantry lined with boxes of cereal, soda, snacks and cookies.

Tunink made the case, in showing image after image of the food that investigators found in Archibeques home, that the issue was not that she had a lack of resources.

Also admitted into evidence were photos of both boys  those pictures were not shown in court, and Tunink asked that they remain sealed from public record due to their upsetting nature.

Starved over the years

At the time of his death, the victim weighed less than he did at his 1-year wellness-check appointment.

According to records obtained from the childs physician by Seay, the boy weighed 27 pounds at age 5, 34 at age 4, 27 at age 3, 24 at age 2 and 18.5 pounds at age 1.

The victims surviving brother was described by Seay as skeletal, and was starving to such a degree that he was hospitalized and tube-fed at Phoenix Childrens Hospital for weeks.

Archibeque was also handed a consecutive 10-year sentence for the abuse of her 7-year-old. In addition to submitting a guilty plea for first-degree murder on May 24, she pleaded guilty to child abuse for her treatment of her surviving 7-year-old son.

I have never seen something so horrific before in my life, said Seay, who has been a police officer more than 21 years. She took several long pauses to contain tears on the witness stand on Thursday.

While the two boys were locked in a closet, their 4-year-old sister was allowed to attend school. On the morning of the victims death, Archibeque had set an alarm for 11 a.m. to make sure she got her daughter ready for school on time.

When investigators encountered all four of Archibeques children, her two daughters were described as healthy and well-dressed.

When Seay interviewed the 7-year-old boy, he was not wearing a shirt or shoes and was unable to eat normally as a result of malnutrition. His foster mother said his arms were the size of a broom handle and he looked like he swallowed a beach ball the day she met him, and was so used to kneeling in the closet he couldnt straighten his legs for almost a year.

The three surviving siblings are being cared for in the same foster home. Their foster mother presented their victim statement to Coconino Superior Court Judge Ted Reed on the morning of Archibeques sentencing.

In her statement, the childrens foster mother spoke to the enduring trauma suffered by the victims 7-year-old brother in particular.

At an age when most children are attending second grade, Archibeques surviving son had to be pushed in a stroller and reminded that he could leave his room to use the bathroom, according to his foster mothers testimony.

In her statement, she told the judge the boy had suffered brain damage and would remain developmentally delayed. She also said the two girls, despite the difference in their physical care, also suffered lasting emotional harm.

They still play games set for four, she told the judge.

Turning to Archibeque, the childrens foster mother said, I am eternally saddened that you threw away the privilege of being a mother.

Cycle of trauma?

Archibeques defense team did not present any evidence or call any witnesses on Thursday.

However, in her presentation, Archibeques attorney, Christine Brown told the court that Lizzie was not a monster, but rather the victim of extreme trauma.

Brown argued Archibeque had suffered years of physical and emotional abuse at the hands of the childrens father  Anthony Martinez. Prior to that, the defendant had survived multiple suicide attempts and setbacks after being born with methamphetamine dependency.

Brown said Archibeque and Martinez had started dating when the defendant was just 16. Not long after, Martinez allegedly demanded that Archibeque drop out of school because he didnt want her to be in different classrooms without his supervision.

The defense argued Martinezs controlling and jealous behavior continued after the children were born, and said Martinez never let Archibeque breastfeed or comfort the boys.

The girls were a different story. Archibeques attorney argued that when she was allowed, Archibeque had tried to be an adequate mother to her children.

According to Brown, Archibeque told her that after more than two years of incarceration at the Coconino County Detention Facility, she felt more free behind bars than she was with him [Martinez].

Archibeque appeared in person to face her sentence Thursday, a soft-spoken and diminutive 29-year-old woman with dark curly hair pulled into a high bun. For most of the morning, she kept her eyes downcast, her expression hidden from onlookers in the gallery.

During her statement to the court she said, I dont take this lightly, I blame myself.  Im just grateful theyre in a home right now and I fully accept what is given to me [today]"

She added: "All I can do now is not give up on my three angels that are still here. My heart is shattered.

Reed found Archibeques past extreme trauma beginning at birth to be a mitigating factor in her case. He also acknowledged she had violated a very special position of trust as their mother.

Reed found her crimes to be absolutely heinous and cruel behavior, especially given that she would have seen the boys declining condition, and had denied them outside contact and the ability to ask for help.

Ann Marie Martinez, the childrens grandmother, also lived in the apartment where the abuse occurred. She is set to stand trial beginning Jan. 25, 2024.

The childrens father also faces charges in this case and has entered a not-guilty plea. A date for his trial has not yet been set.
GEORGETOWN  A nearly 1,000-acre waterfront property once owned by a Revolutionary War commander is on the market for the first time in almost 30 years for nearly $15 million.

Dover Plantation, listed for $14.75 million, sits on 957 acres next to Winyah Bay south of Georgetown and was the slave-owning property of Col. Peter Horry, who inherited the land and served with Gen. Francis Marion in the war for independence. He later became a brigadier general in the militia. Horry County, home to Myrtle Beach, bears his name.

Originally part of the 12,000-acre Winyah Barony, the property has changed hands just four times outside of family since a land grant in 1711, according to the Montana-based listing agency Hall and Hall and its Southeast affiliate, The Wings Group, of Chattanooga.

The main 2-story house, at 7,910 square feet with five bedrooms, four full bathrooms, two half baths, wine cellar, cigar room and widow's walk, is not the original structure. That house burned at some point, according to Hall and Hall.

Cornelia Sage and husband Henry, a New York businessman and politician, bought the property in the early 1900s.

After his death, she started constructing the residence standing on the site now in 1949 from parts of other dwellings, mainly the Woodlawn Plantation house that previously had been taken apart and moved from Berkeley County to make way for the Santee Cooper lakes.

Sign up for our real estate newsletter! Get the best of the Post and Courier's Real Estate news, handpicked and delivered to your inbox each Saturday. Email

Sign Up!

"It was quite an undertaking," said listing agent Elliott Davenport of The Wings Group. "She had the disassembled house moved down the Santee River to Dover to keep it from being flooded and had it reassembled later."

The staircase and wallpaper came from Mendenhall House in Newberry, and a doorway, Palladian window and balcony came from Hunter House in Savannah, according to a history of the house provided by the Georgetown County Museum.

The property, on a gated entrance off South Island Road, has several other structures including three guest cottages, a staff residence, owner's office, small theater, picnic building, recreation room, standalone sauna, skeet range and three-car garage.

"It also has tremendous hunting and fishing opportunities with brackish and fresh water," Davenport said. "It's a sportsman's paradise."

Cornelia Sage died in 1969 and left the property to her son. Dover Partners sold about 925 acres in 1995 for at least $3.1 million to the current owners, real estate developer Harry J. Butler Jr. of Butler Properties in Atlanta and wife Beckie, according to county land records. He's a former chairman of the S.C. State Ports Authority.
Did you know, you can do much of your business online with Social Security? This means no need to call or visit a local Social Security office. You can take your time completing our online applications and even save your progress to return to later. Read moreApply for Social Security benefits online
Former Hampton banker Russell Laffitte should spend at least nine years in prison for helping ex-attorney Alex Murdaugh steal millions and attempting to hide the crimes, federal prosecutors argued July 27.

Laffitte is set to become the first of Murdaughs convicted co-conspirators to go to prison. U.S. District Judge Richard Gergel will decide his sentence in Charlestons federal courthouse Aug. 1.

Days beforehand, prosecutors agreed with the U.S. Probation Offices recommendation that Laffittes prison sentence stretch as long as 11 years and 5 months. They say a severe punishment is warranted by the position of power he held as a banking executive, the millions of dollars stolen, the vulnerability of the victims and his unwillingness to take responsibility for the crimes.

Laffitte, the former chief executive of Hamptons Palmetto State Bank, was convicted in November on six charges, including fraud, conspiracy and misapplications of bank funds. A jury found that he helped Murdaugh, who faces scores of state and federal charges for his alleged financial crimes, divert money from his legal clients to pay off the lawyers debts and pad his often-empty bank account.

The scheme centered on a group of clients who needed a court-appointed custodian to manage their money. Murdaugh recommended Laffitte for the role, giving the banker a unique double role: As a custodian, he was responsible for protecting their money. As a banker, he handled the transactions that put it to Murdaughs benefit.

The stolen funds did not go to Laffitte directly, but prosecutors argued at trial that he benefitted indirectly. By cooperating with Murdaugh, they contended, Laffitte got well-paid appointments as the clients' custodians, and he ingratiated himself to one of Palmetto State Bank's most important customers. Murdaugh's law firm was the bank's biggest depositor outside of the government, and its partners routinely sent clients to the bank for loans.

The Defendant was the only person who could have stopped him, prosecutors wrote. Instead, the Defendant enabled him. Repeatedly.

Laffitte was the first person in Murdaughs orbit to be found guilty of a crime, shortly before Thanksgiving. But his sentencing has been delayed by a long series of legal maneuvers: He fired his lawyers, tried twice to overturn his conviction and contested "nearly every aspect" of the Probation Offices sentence recommendations, prosecutors say.

Prosecutors pointed to the wrangling as evidence of his complete unwillingness  and apparent inability  to take responsibility for his actions or show genuine remorse.

Lafffitte, for his part, has asked the judge to impose a lighter sentence, but the details of his argument are not known to the public: His attorneys moved to file it under seal because they say it contains extensive personal information.

The resolution of Laffitte's federal case will not bring his legal problems to a close: He also faces more than 20 state charges related to the stolen money.
LORIS  The rumors open wounds that havent healed.

This time, it was a TikTok video showing police cars gathered near rural North Carolina woods. The audio and a caption suggested the scene depicted the end of the long search for Tyler Doyle, a missing 22-year-old boater from Horry County.

Shay Boyd, Tylers aunt, knew it couldnt be true. Could it? It never is.

She called the Brunswick County (N.C) Sheriffs Office to ask about this TikTok video that sent Tylers family into another tailspin of grief and hope. It was an old video, authorities confirmed.

There was no news about Tyler.

Then came word of a $1,416 collections bill for Tyler from a North Carolina hospital claiming it treated him in an emergency room on May 5, more than three months after he was last seen.

Boyd and Linda Doyle, Tylers grandmother, felt their hearts racing. Was this a reason to hope? Or did it foretell another round of phone calls leading nowhere?

Were frozen, Linda Doyle said in tears. Were in a place where we cant move on.

Its been six months since Tyler Doyle was last seen on his sinking boat as it was drifting out to sea in rough waters near the North Carolina-South Carolina border. The ocean hasn't given him back, but the familys pain still comes in waves.

Youll have a day when you think everythings going to be OK and then you wake up one morning and it just hits you right in your stomach, Boyd said.

Sometimes the pain comes out as sorrow. Why him? Why us?

Other times its anger. Why doesnt anyone have answers? And why do the rumors keep spreading?

Like the woman who taunted the Facebook prayer group for Tyler by saying her friend had hung out with him days before. She recanted once investigators called to ask for details.

Or the strangers who called his parents to say hes not really missing, that their pain is some sort of elaborate hoax. Others hurled death threats at Tylers widow.

Tylers family tries to shake off the hate and misdirection. But one key question lingers: Did investigators miss their best chances at finding him?

Two people reached out to the U.S. Coast Guard directly that day to get help for Tyler, then dialed 911 when those calls went unanswered.

And in the precious first moments of the search, with light rapidly dwindling, one rescue boat was diverted to the shore for an erroneous report that Tyler was safe on the beach.

Its impossible to pinpoint any one decision that might have led to a different outcome. Could the shrimp boater who offered help the next day have recovered the body if state authorities had allowed him to assist?

Still, Boyd said her family believes investigators missed key search opportunities, dismissed their concerns and required prodding to take basic steps to help bring closure, like declaring Tyler missing.

The S.C. Department of Natural Resources, the state agency leading the search, said it sympathizes with Tylers family and remains committed to finding him even after a massive canvas came up empty.

That has been our goal from the beginning, and we share in their pain, DNR spokesman Stephen Fastenau said. The ocean is a powerful force, but we remain committed to that goal in this case and others moving forward.

DNR announced this week that it was collecting DNA samples in Tyler's case, months after the family pressed for action. Tyler's family said the DNA still has not been collected as of press time July 27.

Boyd said the lead investigator in the case repeatedly told her Tyler isnt missing, hes dead.

Drifting out to sea

The Little River Inlet is notorious among Grand Strand boaters. The inlet is where the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway and Little River meet and empty into the Atlantic Ocean through a kind of funnel created by a pair of jetties a few hundred yards from the state line.

For a boat to reach one jetty from the other, it would need to pass through a powerful current that rushes through the center of the inlet, bounded on either side by buoys and posts acting as warnings. Boaters avoid the current, or drive gingerly through it.

During the shift to low tide, that current rushes out toward the ocean.

Randy Gardner, chief of North Myrtle Beach Rescue Squad, said potentially treacherous conditions can be created by the 4- to 5-foot waves breaking onto the jetty rocks and the strong current pushing through the jetties.

This particular Horry County area is a known danger spot for boaters. Little River ranks among the top 10 waterways in South Carolina for boating accidents, with 25 between 2018 and 2022, according to U.S. Coast Guard data.

On July 19, an 11-year-old girl was killed in a boat crash in the area when she and 11 other passengers were thrown overboard by another boats large wake. Then, weeks earlier, two other fatal crashes occurred along the Intracoastal Waterway, with one causing critical injuries, according to officials.

Horry County recorded the most boat crashes and fatalities in South Carolina between 2018 and 2022, and Little River had more accidents than anywhere in the county, apart from the Waccamaw River and the Intracoastal Waterway near Myrtle Beach.

It was in this potentially treacherous area that Tyler Doyle, a 22-year-old husband and father-to-be, went duck hunting with his friend Christian Holden on Jan. 26. The tide was heading out.

A doorbell camera caught him walking out the door toward the truck with the boat behind it at 2:58 p.m. Tyler and Christian wanted to squeeze in a little bit of hunting with what daylight was left that Wednesday afternoon.

Choppy waters wouldnt deter Tyler, a seasoned hunter and known risk-taker. He started duck hunting, boating and racing when he was around 6 years old, after being inspired by his father. Standing strong at 5-foot-10 and at about 200 pounds, Tyler could do the work of three men and lift heavy appliances, his family said.

Sometimes hed drive a boat like it was his race car, the front hovering above the water.

He wasnt afraid of anything, said Boyd, who remembers a young Tyler speeding toward her house on a four-wheeler, his younger brothers arms wrapped around him.

Chris Sweatt, Tyler's boss at an appliance repair shop in Loris, said Tyler would often go out on a boat before or after work during hunting season. Sometimes hed sleep on his boat while docked in the marshes, wanting to be ready at sunrise.

On Jan. 26, duck-hunting season was nearing its end, but the water wasnt cooperating. The National Weather Service issued a small-craft advisory about the hazardous conditions. With 30-degree temperatures, the water was less than 60 degrees  cold enough to cause hypothermia or shock.

Tyler and Christian were undeterred. Tyler bought this 16-foot jon boat only a month before, with Boyd co-signing to help him qualify for a four-year loan. The first payment had been due Jan. 20, six days earlier.

Tyler dropped off Christian near the north jetty so he could scout and put out decoys. Alone in the boat wearing waders and a green camo shirt, Tyler was headed through the dangerous current. The boat motor cut out.

Tyler called Christian, worried, Call Sea Tow. Call the Coast Guard. Im taking on water.

Tylers calls became increasingly frantic. He then called his friend Brandon Tyler, who works on boats. How do I get the motor running? Nothing is working.

A friend out on a kayak called Tyler to ask how the hunt was going. Im sinking. Call the Coast Guard. Ive got to go. The call lasted 18 seconds.

At 4:49 p.m., Christian called the Coast Guard. Then he called again, phone records show.

In his first 911 call at 4:51 p.m., Christian told the dispatcher that he needed the Coast Guard.

Tyler was stuck in the ocean, drifting out into the ocean and I cannot get nobody to answer, Christian said on the call.

When Brandon Tyler called 911, he also told the dispatcher he tried calling the Coast Guard but couldnt get through.

A Coast Guard spokesman told The Post and Courier he couldnt confirm what numbers had been called, and that theres a chance they had called non-emergency numbers. The spokesman added that the Coast Guard responded immediately when 911 operators relayed the call to them.

Meanwhile, Christian flagged down a boater, who tried to sail over to look for Tyler before turning around because the waters were too rough.

Less than 90 seconds into the 911 call, Christian said he had lost sight of Tyler.

Tyler and the sinking boat had drifted out past the jetties into the ocean. Its the last time anyone would see Tyler.

But in the confusion of the search early on, word spread that hed been found.

When the boater who stopped to help asked later that day if authorities rescued the missing boater, they told him yes.

Some of the first rescue boaters on scene were told a person had made it to the beach. So they headed to land, only to find a shell collector and dog walker on the shore. No sign of Tyler.

We knew the seas were going to be rough, and hurt people who were in the water that day would be starting to have some signs and symptoms of hypothermia, Gardner said, describing rescues that day. We want to get out there as quickly as possible so that we can make any rescues because people start getting cold, and its hard to keep yourself floating.

Rescue crews picked up Christian off the jetty, and found Tylers boat mostly submerged with the bow up.

Tyler, the young daredevil, had disappeared into the current.

Hope, then despair

Tylers family thought they were heading to the waterfront for a reunion.

They heard a rescued boater was being taken to the boat landing of Windjammer Village, a private, gated Little River community.

Tylers family rushed there to see him. While on the drive, Boyd also called 911, the relief evident in her tone as the conversation began.

She apologized. I think that we may have just found him. The dispatcher asked her to stay on the line.

She got out of her car and, for 53 seconds, believed everything was OK.

But it was a miscommunication, someone told her.

Jesus, please, we are begging you to bring him home safely, she said, sobbing. They told us that he was OK.

At the boat landing ramp, as the daylight dwindled, she and her brother Brian Doyle stood hand-in-hand waiting, hoping.

We knew that they were going to get him, Boyd said. I just knew he was going to be saved because he was strong. He was smart.

At 7:21 p.m., authorities pinged Tylers cellphone in the hope that it might reveal his location. The phone was off.

Sweatt, Tyler's boss, assisted in the search for three weeks with his wife and son. They walked over beaches with flashlights and flew a drone over the ocean from Sunset Beach down to Myrtle.

As the trio searched along the North Carolina coastline, Sweatt said the search felt eerie because they couldnt find any signs of Tyler.

If we hadn't been a part of it from the beginning, it was almost hard to believe that a human being can vanish like that, Sweatt said. I've never experienced anything like it.

For 43 days, federal, state and local agencies would search the waters and beaches nearby.

There were boats with sonar and helicopters with infrared devices scanning above and below the surface. Anything that looked like it might be a body was checked by a diver, DNR said. The dive team spent more than 300 hours on the search.

Northstar Search and Rescue was among the groups that brought cadaver-sniffing dogs to assist. Astor, Sophie and Deacon signaled they smelled human remains at spots in the water not far from the jetties.

Nothing came of it.

Boyd and Brian Doyle searched for weeks. They drove Jet Skis through the canals looking for any signs of Tyler until they wrecked them running over an oyster bed. They rode electric bikes from Sunset Beach down to the jetties, flying one drone and putting another in the water.

A few days after Tyler disappeared, Boyd was on a boat with family members when they found waders with Tylers wallet inside, somehow unseen during the search so far. That would be the only other shred of evidence to wash up.

Missed opportunities?

Shrimp boat captain Danny Juel has sailed these waters for more than four decades. He said the water rushing out of the Intercoastal Waterway at low tide could be dangerous, especially for a smaller jon boat stuck in its current.

He said a life vest wouldnt have helped much to keep someone alive as water broke over them.

The afternoon after Tyler went missing, Juel told DNR investigators he planned to comb the bottom of the water. With his shrimp net reaching 40 feet across and tied off enough to not capture anything smaller than a body, he could cover nearly every inch of the sea floor within several hours. He could also map out a grid to ensure sea floor coverage.

They said no, that the reason I couldnt drag my net was because shrimp season was closed, Juel said. I said, 'You've got to be kidding me.' I just wanted to help the family and DNR is sitting there scratching their tails, more or less.

Juels son had died earlier that month. He knew the family needed a body to grieve over.

He pleaded to help, suggesting that he could stay away from diving areas and that a DNR agent could stay on his boat to make sure he didnt keep any shrimp that he might catch. But DNR agents remained firm, saying their bosses wouldnt allow it.

Juel maintains there was a one- to two-day window to retrieve Tylers body before it was claimed by the sea and that his plan would have worked.

So when DNR called back a few days later to ask if hed bring his net out and drag the inlet, he said no. Theyd missed their chance.

DNR later told The Post and Courier that it didnt refuse Juels request to drag his nets.

He initially offered his help, but when we were ready for him to participate, he rescinded that offer, Fastenau said.

The agency said it was grateful for other agencies and volunteers who helped search for Tyler, and that its agents continue the search as part of their regular patrols.

After Tyler went missing, his family was criticized online because they had not filed a missing person report.

But Boyd blames DNR for dragging its feet on registering Tyler into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System.

NamUs is a national centralized repository for missing and unidentified people in the United States where criminal justice agencies can file a missing persons report and submit DNA, fingerprints, dental records and other forms of identification. This DNA would be submitted into NamUs database.

Then, if any remains turned up, agencies could use the database to verify if those remains could possibly belong to a person who has been officially reported missing.

NamUs website states that family members of missing people cannot collect and submit their own DNA samples. Criminal justice personnel of the agencies in charge of the cases must request DNA kits from NamUs, collect the DNA from the family members and submit the kits.

In Tylers case, the leading investigative agency is the S.C. Department of Natural Resources.

Boyd said she was told that DNR had to be in charge of filing the missing persons report for Tyler, and that DNR Investigator Ronnie Floyd repeatedly delayed filing the report and dismissed her concerns by saying, Tyler is dead. Tyler is in heaven.

One time after Boyd asked for the report, she said, Floyd allegedly dismissed her by saying, I think you and your family need to go to church.

She said Floyd did not provide her with any regulations as to why they could not file the report after Tylers accident.

On March 27, Boyd and Brian Doyle created a profile for Tyler on NamUs because they believed DNR would never do it.

DNR announced this week that it was working to collect DNA samples as part of Tylers missing person registration. The update came after DNR received an email from The Post and Courier that included questions about why the process had been delayed.

Tylers family said the move came after months of phone calls asking investigators to act.

Our sympathy is with Tylers family and loved ones who have not yet received closure in this case, DNRs statement read. That has been our goal from the beginning, and we share in their pain.

As of July 27, none of the DNA samples had been collected.

Remembering Tyler

When Tyler first went missing, Boyd would stay up at night and scroll through live beach camera feeds. Part of her hoped he wouldnt wash ashore while she watched. But part of her wanted to spot him and spare others from having to see it. Mostly, she wanted an answer.

She said Brian Doyle temporarily covered pictures of Tyler in his house because he couldn't handle seeing them. Also, she said while he walked his dog, he would wrestle with God, asking, "Why didnt you take me instead?"

Linda Doyle often holds a folded shirt with Tylers face on it close to her chest, weeping and begging him to come home.

It remains difficult for some of Tylers friends and family members to talk about him.

Brian Doyle and Tylers younger brother Reed Doyle both declined to be interviewed, citing the emotional toll of his disappearance. Christian and Tyler's widow Lakelyn Doyle did not respond to interview requests.

Sweatt said Tyler was the glue that held his family together.

Still, Tylers friends and family have continued to keep his memory alive.

A couple of Tylers friends got tattoos commemorating him that feature duck hunting and his race car, No. 38.

Doyle built the car in his fathers garage and enjoyed racing at Lake View, Fayetteville and Halifax County Motor Speedways. His number was inspired by those of Dale Earnhardt (No. 3) and Dale Earnhardt Jr. (No. 88).

The Lake View Motor Speedway held a memorial event in Tylers honor June 10, which included a walk around the track featuring his family members. Lakelyn Doyle also added $150 in her missing husband's honor as a prize for the racer who gained the most positions that night, according to track officials.

Track owner Scott Tripp described Tyler as someone with a glowing personality who always wore a dimpled grin.

We know Tyler as a hard worker, great kid, great racer, and an asset to our racing community and race track, Tripp said. I wish we had 100 Tyler Doyles racing at Lake View.

Tylers legacy also lives on in his infant daughter Paisley, who was born in April. His family members pray they can continue seeing her. Although Tyler never got to meet Paisley, she shares his cheeky smile and signature dimples. The striking family resemblance can be seen in baby photos of Paisley, Tyler and Tylers grandfather Ricky Doyle.

Some of the family bonds have frayed since Tylers disappearance. His relatives say they have not seen his widow, Lakelyn Doyle, or his daughter, Paisley, since June 5, when Lakelyn moved out of the house where she and Tyler had lived.

Brian Doyle filed a lawsuit in county court against Lakelyn Doyle on June 23 in an attempt to reclaim three rifles she took when she left. He confirmed she has since returned them.

Boyd said she hopes to advocate for stricter laws regarding boating safety and missing person reports.

Tyler had such a big heart and passion for people who couldn't stand up for themselves, she said. We have to be his voice.

On the worst days, she imagines what might have taken him once he was underneath the waves. Other times, she pictures him walking through the door.

Any answer would be better than not knowing.
BERKELEY COUNTY  Two former North Charleston Police Department employees charged in state court with felony insurance fraud pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor offense in exchange for agreeing not to serve in South Carolina law enforcement for perpetuity.

The agreement was described in documents filed July 25 in Berkeley County's General Sessions Court.

Armani Christopher Ellison, 26, and Tariq Rishi Jeremy Ramkalup, 27, were arrested by the State Law Enforcement Division in February 2022 on allegations they falsified reports to an insurance company after Ellison wrecked Ramkalup's Mercedes-Benz vehicle. Ellison was a North Charleston police officer at the time, while Ramkalup was a recruit at the agency. They were also roommates.

The North Charleston Police Department fired the pair in January 2022 after determining they defrauded Allstate Insurance of $29,000 in falsified insurance claims. They were arrested by SLED the following month on charges including misconduct in office and presenting false claims for payment. The misconduct in office charges were dismissed.

Presenting false claims for insurance payment at a value of $10,000 or more carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. The defendants pleaded guilty July 25 to presenting false claims for insurance payment at a value not exceeding $2,000  a misdemeanor that carries a maximum penalty of 30 days and a fine of not more than $1,000.

The defendants are required to pay $1,000 each as part of their guilty pleas, per court records. They also agreed to pay an additional $2,000 in civil penalties.

They will not serve any time in prison or on probation.

The South Carolina Department of Insurance prosecuted the cases.

Roommates and colleagues at the time, Ellison and Ramkalup told Traveler's Insurance that on Oct. 16, 2021, they were respective drivers of two vehicles that collided on an exit ramp in Berkeley County, according to SLED arrest warrant affidavits. They also asserted to the insurance company that they were strangers to each other.

In fact, Ellison later told SLED agents, he had wrecked his roommate's Mercedes in a single-vehicle collision and then schemed to obtain funds through insurance to fix the damages, according to the affidavits.

The SLED affidavits do not describe the nature of the one-vehicle collision. But one account of the crash appears in separation paperwork the North Charleston Police Department sent to the S.C. Criminal Justice Academy. The academy certifies and maintains files on all law enforcement officers throughout the state.

Ramkalup alleged during a recorded interview that Ellison was driving Ramkalup's Mercedes on Interstate 26 when another vehicle ran Ellison off the road and onto the westbound exit ramp for U.S. Highway 17A in Summerville, causing Ellison to lose control of the car and crash, according to the North Charleston police report.

The driver of the other vehicle walked up to Ellison, who was reportedly intoxicated, and exchanged words, according to the paperwork filed with the Criminal Justice Academy. Ellison then got out of the car, fired eight rounds from his service weapon and then drove off.

A spokesman for SLED told The Post and Courier in February 2022 that the agency could not confirm those accusations and did not plan to bring additional charges.

Ellison joined the North Charleston Police Department as an officer in November 2020, while Ramkalup started with the department in 2021 as a recruit and was not yet certified as an officer.

North Charleston Police Department spokesman Harve Jacobs declined to comment July 28 on the former employees' guilty pleas.

Editor's Note: This article was updated Aug. 2 to reflect that the South Carolina Department of Insurance was the agency that prosecuted the case.
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.
The best explanation of the proposed Hunter Biden plea deal that went south before Judge Noreika this week comes in Will Scharfs Federalist column How A Federal Judge Turned The Tables On Hunter Bidens Sweetheart Plea Deal. The subhead adds: Judge Noreika knew lawyers were trying to paint her into a corner and hide the ball while forcing her to rubber-stamp their absurd bargain.

I have argued that the deal exposes the corruption of the Biden Department of Justice. Scharf elaborates on the devious nature of the deal:

Typically, if the government is offering a defendant to either drop charges or decline to bring new charges in return for the defendants guilty plea, the plea is structured under Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 11(c)(1)(A). Pleas under this subsection are subject to judicial approval. So if a judge believes the governments decision to decline prosecution or dismiss charges in return for a plea to other charges is unjust, the judge can reject the plea agreement.

The deal reached between the DOJ and Hunter seems to have been that, in return for his pleading guilty to the two tax misdemeanor charges that were the subject of his plea, the government would agree not to prosecute Hunter for unlawful possession of a firearm, Foreign Agent Registration Act (FARA) violations, and other crimes related to his international business schemes in China and Ukraine with Bohai and Burisma, among others. In any normal case, this would have been structured as a Rule 11(c)(1)(A) plea, which would have made it subject to judicial approval.

In Hunters case, though, the parties were apparently worried that Judge Norieka might reject such a broad grant of immunity from prosecution in return for such minor guilty pleas. As a result, Hunters plea was structured under a different provision, Rule 11(c)(1)(B), which is usually just a plea agreement in return for a nonbinding sentencing recommendation, and which does not provide any ability of a court to intervene or reject the plea.

To insulate Hunters plea from judicial oversight  and the possibility of judicial rejection  Hunters lawyers and the Department of Justice included no mention of the agreement not to prosecute Hunter for further crimes in the plea agreement. Instead, they buried it in a separate pretrial diversion agreement, which they argued the judge was not a party to and therefore lacked the power to reject.

Publicly, this pretrial diversion agreement was described as applying just to the unlawful possession of a firearm charge. This was a wild mischaracterization of the agreement. Included in the agreement was a provision that bound the United States to not prosecute Biden for any federal crimes encompassed by . . . the Statement of Facts attached to the Plea Agreement.

The referred-to Statement of Facts includes: Hunters role with and compensation from Burisma; Hunters role with and compensation from Chinese private equity firm Bohai, Harvest, and Rosemont; Hunters holding company Owasco; Hunters consulting firm Rosemont Seneca; and many other aspects of Hunters controversial web of business relationships.

In other words, if Hunter were to complete probation, this pretrial diversion agreement would prevent DOJ from ever bringing charges against Hunter for any crimes relating to the offense conduct discussed in the plea agreement, which was purposely written to include his foreign influence peddling operations in China, Ukraine, and elsewhere.

Hunter and DOJ put the facts in the plea agreement, but put their non-prosecution agreement in the pretrial diversion agreement, effectively hiding the full scope of what DOJ was offering and Hunter was obtaining through these proceedings. Because this allowed them to, in their view, structure the plea agreement as a Rule 11(c)(1)(B) plea, it insulated the agreement from judicial oversight.

They went even further, though. In an apparent effort to shield Hunter from a new administration, which might try to throw out the pretrial diversion agreement by claiming that Hunter had violated his probation terms, they included a provision  which they admitted was entirely novel, with no precedent  stating that the government could not deem Hunter to have violated the agreement without first proving up violations in front of the judge. So the agreement they stated the judge had no role in and therefore no ability to reject, also placed the judge in a position of having to sign off on any future prosecution.
Lower temperatures, and the smell of petrichor -- the pleasant scent of rain on dry soils -- in the past several days may have many northern Arizona asking the same question.

Are the monsoons finally here?

Well, yes and no. At least thats the answer from meteorologists at the National Weather Service office in Bellemont.

Technically, monsoon season began on June 15 and will end on Sept. 30. But just because the area finds itself in the midst of monsoon season, that doesnt mean it will see the monsoonal moisture that normally accompanies it, NWS meteorologist Matthew Davies said.

Davies said their forecasts show that while the region could certainly get some moisture, it might not be to the level that many locals might be hoping for.

Case in point, Davies said that while there is currently a high-pressure system over the Four Corners area, it could just bring scattered showers across northern Arizona.

Throughout this weekend, he said, residents should expect to see some traditional monsoonal moisture.

But that likely wont last.

It's kind of spotty, Davies said. Towards this weekend, precipitation starts to increase across the area. However, as we go into next week, we do have another trough that will be moving through providing more southwesterly flow, which could inhibit some of that monsoonal moisture we are needing for widespread convection.

In other words, drier and warmer winds from California are likely to push that moisture away from northern Arizona.

And that pattern of scattered rain showers bringing some relief before being pushed out by warmer and drier southwestern winds, may be what residents should continue to expect for weeks to come.

The drier monsoons are in line with weather predictions earlier this year that suggested that after such a cold and wet winter and spring, there was an increased chance for a drier monsoon season.

That may be due to the mechanism that creates monsoons. Hot air over northern Arizona, and much of the Southwest, pulls cooler and moister airflows off the Pacific Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. As the theory goes, the heavier winter and wet spring impacted the land mass heating up, and interfered with the traditional pattern.

Davies said while monsoon rains may be spotty at best, its unlikely the region will see the temperature reach the same highs that blanketed the area through much of July.

Flagstaff saw 10 consecutive days of temperatures reaching into the mid- and high 90s, nearly breaking the record of 11 days from about 30 years ago.

The highest recorded temperature in Flagstaff is 97 degrees on July 5, 1973. On July 16 of this year, the temperature reached 96 degrees, as recorded at the Flagstaff Pulliam Airport.

Davies said residents may still see hot temperatures, especially as those southwestern winds push moisture out.

It starts to kind of pick back up once we start to get that drier airflow come in from the Southwest and that starts to increase the temperature. But I would say definitely not the upper 90s like we did see a couple of weeks ago, Davies said.
Back when Black Lives Matter and its adjunct causeDefund the Policegot underway following the shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri in 2015 (justified, according to Obamas Department of Justice review of the incident), critics such as Heather Mac Donald, Charles Murray, and others predicted that blacks would become the principal victims of this movement. Of course they were right, but the response was always, Shut up, racist! Youre not allowed to say this.

Yesterday the Oakland, CA, chapter of the NAACP released a public letter whose contents are a complete vindication of critics such as Mac Donald. It calls for declaring a state of emergency over rising crime, and advocates for hiring more police urgently. The letter commits one heresy after another against the progressive and Critical Race Theory catechism. Ive posted the complete letter below, but here are some highlights (with emphasis added in bold):

Oakland residents are sick and tired of our intolerable public safety crisis that overwhelmingly impacts minority communities. Murders, shootings, violent armed robberies, home invasions, car break-ins, sideshows, and highway shootouts have become a pervasive fixture of life in Oakland. We call on all elected leaders to unite and declare a state of emergency and bring together massive resources to address our public safety crisis. . . African Americans are disproportionately hit the hardest by crime in East Oakland and other parts of the city. . . Failed leadership, including the movement to defund the police, our District Attorneys unwillingness to charge and prosecute people who murder and commit life threatening serious crimes, and the proliferation of anti-police rhetoric have created a heyday for Oakland criminals. Unfortunately, progressive policies and failed leadership have chased away or delayed significant blue collar job development in the city, the Port of Oakland, and the former Army Base. . . We also encourage Oaklands White, Asian, and Latino communities to speak out against crime and stop allowing themselves to be shamed into silence. There is nothing compassionate or progressive about allowing criminal behavior to fester and rob Oakland residents of their basic rights to public safety. It is not racist or unkind to want to be safe from crime.

It will be interesting to see whether this NAACP chapter gets blowback for defecting from CRT, or if this common sense spreads to other chapters elsewhere the country.
Rep. Jim Jordans House committee has been trying for some time to extract documents from Facebook relating to the Biden administrations leaning on that platform to censor content. Jordan eventually threatened to hold Mark Zuckerberg in contempt, and Facebook finally produced the files. Jordan has now released some highlights on Twitter. These documents, similar to the Twitter files, clearly show the administrations effort to use the social media companies to impose censorship on disfavored ideas.

I believe that in all the instances that have been published so far, the issue is vaccine hesitancy. The Biden administration wanted to censor any dissent from the proposition that everyone must be vaccinated. Here is what Rep. Jordan has published so far:

THE FACEBOOK FILES, PART 1: SMOKING-GUN DOCS PROVE FACEBOOK CENSORED AMERICANS BECAUSE OF BIDEN WHITE HOUSE PRESSURE  Thread:  Rep. Jim Jordan (@Jim_Jordan) July 27, 2023

During the first half of 2021, social media companies like Facebook faced tremendous pressure from the Biden White Houseboth publicly and privatelyto crack down on alleged misinformation."  Rep. Jim Jordan (@Jim_Jordan) July 27, 2023

In another April 2021 email, Nick Clegg, Facebooks president for global affairs, informed his team at Facebook that Andy Slavitt, a Senior Advisor to President Biden, was outraged . . . that [Facebook] did not remove a particular post. pic.twitter.com/5muflAQjcx  Rep. Jim Jordan (@Jim_Jordan) July 27, 2023

What did the Biden White House want removed? A meme. Thats right, even memes werent spared from the Biden White Houses censorship efforts. pic.twitter.com/6BhDxTHsUi  Rep. Jim Jordan (@Jim_Jordan) July 27, 2023

What happened next? Facebook panicked. In another April 2021 email, Brian Rice, Facebooks VP of public policy, raised the concern that Slavitt's challenge felt very much like a crossroads for us with the [Biden] White House in these early days. pic.twitter.com/9WafdltXuS  Rep. Jim Jordan (@Jim_Jordan) July 27, 2023

This wasnt the first time that the Biden White House was angry that Facebook didnt censor more. According to these documents, the Biden White House demanded to know why Facebook had not censored a video from @TuckerCarlson. So, Facebook prepped its response.  Rep. Jim Jordan (@Jim_Jordan) July 27, 2023

Public pressure mounted as well. In July 2021, President Biden publicly denounced Facebook and other social media platforms, claiming they were killing people by not censoring alleged misinformation.https://t.co/fv8843rkAD  Rep. Jim Jordan (@Jim_Jordan) July 27, 2023

August 2, 2021: [Facebooks] Leadership asked Misinfo Policy . . . to brainstorm some additional policy levers we can pull to be more aggressive against . . . misinformation. This is stemming from the continued criticism of our approach from the [Biden] administration. pic.twitter.com/bfNSeujQI7  Rep. Jim Jordan (@Jim_Jordan) July 27, 2023

These documents, AND OTHERS that were just produced to the Committee, prove that the Biden Admin abused its powers to coerce Facebook into censoring Americans, preventing free and open discourse on issues of critical public importance.  Rep. Jim Jordan (@Jim_Jordan) July 27, 2023

Based on Facebooks newfound commitment to fully cooperate with the Committees investigation, the Committee has decided to hold contempt in abeyance. For now. To be clear, contempt is still on the table and WILL be used if Facebook fails to cooperate in FULL.  Rep. Jim Jordan (@Jim_Jordan) July 27, 2023

To be continued  Rep. Jim Jordan (@Jim_Jordan) July 27, 2023



The administration justifies its unAmerican conduct by claiming that covid was a public health emergency, and lives were at stake if people failed to get vaccinated. Of course, the First Amendment is predicated on the idea that the more important the issue, the more vital is free debate and free exchange of information.

And pretty much everything the federal government does is, at some level, a matter of life and death. Thus, for example, if we continue down the path of green energy, there will be blackouts and people will die as a result. Using the Biden administrations rationale, I could argue that it is appropriate to suppress all advocacy in favor of wind and solar energy in order to save lives.

For what it is worth, it seems to me that the vaccine skeptics were half right and half wrong. The vaccines turned out not to do a lot of good, but they didnt cause a lot of harm, either. But this became clear (assuming that it is clear now) only after the fact. At the time, it was important that information be disseminated and that people (not just experts) debate the merits of various policy approaches. It turned out that the shutdowns, for example, were a disaster. Some of us saw that coming, and it is a good thing that we were able to advance anti-shutdown arguments and data.

It strikes me that everything we experienced during the covid fiasco simply reinforces the importance of free speech.
PR-Inside.com: 2023-07-28 05:00:14

Press Information





Published by

ACCESSWIRE News Network

888.952.4446

e-mail

http://www.accesswire.com







# 400 Words

ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446

GREENWOOD VILLAGE, CO / ACCESSWIRE / July 27, 2023 / Amber Personal Care, the leading home care agency in Colorado, is excited to announce its acquisition of Healing Hearts Home Health, a premier home health agency. This merger marks a significant milestone in the company's journey to provide skilled and non-skilled services to the community, solidifying their commitment to delivering the highest standard of care.The union of Amber Personal Care and Healing Hearts Home Health brings together a wealth of expertise and experience in the home care industry. This strategic partnership promises to create an unparalleled care experience for clients, offering a comprehensive range of services designed to meet their unique needs. "We are thrilled to join forces with Healing Hearts Home Health," said Sophia Akrami, President of Amber Personal Care. "Our shared vision and commitment to exceptional care will enable us to make a lasting impact on the lives of countless individuals in our community." Amber Personal Care has been a trailblazer in the home care industry, providing compassionate care solutions that enable individuals to age in place and live more fulfilling lives. With this acquisition, the company is poised to expand its reach and enhance its offerings, further empowering clients with heartfelt compassion and exceptional care. As they embark on this exciting new chapter, the company remains dedicated to upholding the values that have brought them to this point.The acquisition of Healing Hearts Home Health is a testament to Amber Personal Care's ongoing commitment to redefining quality care within the home care industry. With their shared passion for making a positive impact on the lives of clients and caregivers alike, this partnership promises to shape a brighter future for home health care services in the community.For more information about Amber Personal Care and their services, please visit www.amberpersonalcare.com About Amber Personal Care: Amber Personal Care is a leading home care agency based in Greenwood Village, CO. Founded with a mission to provide exceptional care solutions, the agency is committed to empowering individuals to age in place and lead more fulfilling lives. With a team of compassionate caregivers and a range of services tailored to meet clients' unique needs, Amber Personal Care continues to be a trusted provider of home care services in the region.For media inquiries, please contact:Carli Morss Director of Digital Marketing303-955-7018cmorss@ amberpersonalcare.com SOURCE: Amber Personal Care
PR-Inside.com: 2023-07-28 12:00:54

Press Information





Published by

ACCESSWIRE News Network

888.952.4446

e-mail

http://www.accesswire.com







# 343 Words

ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446

LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / July 28, 2023 / The Schall Law Firm, a national shareholder rights litigation firm, reminds investors of a class action lawsuit against Danaher Corporation ("Danaher" or "the Company") (NYSE:DHR) for violations of 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.Investors who purchased the Company's securities between April 21, 2022 and April 24, 2023, inclusive (the "Class Period"), are encouraged to contact the firm before September 15, 2023.If you are a shareholder who suffered a loss, click here to participate.We also encourage you to contact Brian Schall of the Schall Law Firm, 2049 Century Park East, Suite 2460, Los Angeles, CA 90067, at 310-301-3335, to discuss your rights free of charge. You can also reach us through the firm's website at www.schallfirm.com , or by email at brian@ schallfirm.com The class, in this case, has not yet been certified, and until certification occurs, you are not represented by an attorney. If you choose to take no action, you can remain an absent class member.According to the Complaint, the Company made false and misleading statements to the market. Danaher's revenue growth from its business related to COVID-19 was declining. Despite the Company's claims, revenues from other business units were not able to compensate for this decline. The Company overstated its ability to sustain the growth it enjoyed in 2020 and 2021. The Company would be incapable of hitting its revenue targets. Based on these facts, the Company's public statements were false and materially misleading throughout the class period. When the market learned the truth about Danaher, investors suffered damages.Join the case to recover your losses.The Schall Law Firm represents investors around the world and specializes in securities class action lawsuits and shareholder rights litigation.This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and rules of ethics.CONTACT:The Schall Law FirmBrian Schall, Esq.,Office: 310-301-3335info@ schallfirm.com SOURCE: The Schall Law Firm
PR-Inside.com: 2023-07-28 22:40:54

Press Information





Published by

ACCESSWIRE News Network

888.952.4446

e-mail

http://www.accesswire.com







# 1093 Words

ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446

Not for distribution to United States newswire services or for dissemination in the United States.TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / July 28, 2023 / GHP Noetic Science-Psychedelic Pharma Inc. (TSXV: PSYF.P) ("GHP") is pleased to provide an update on its previously announced acquisition (the "Transaction") of all of the issued and outstanding securities of Xcyte Digital Corp. ("Xcyte") which will constitute GHP's "Qualifying Transaction" (as such term is defined in Policy 2.4 - Capital Pool Companies of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange")) and will result in a reverse takeover of GHP by Xcyte.On closing of the Transaction ("Closing"), it is expected that GHP (being, following Closing, the "Resulting Issuer"), will be listed as a Tier 1 Technology Issuer on the Exchange, and its business will be the business currently carried on by Xcyte, which is ultimately the business carried on, conducted and operated by Onstream Media Corporation ("Onstream") and its subsidiaries as of the date of the amended and restated business combination agreement dated June 15, 2023 (the "Transaction Agreement"), being event technology aggregation and development.See GHP's news releases dated June 22, 2023 and February 9, 2023 for additional information regarding, among other things, Xcyte, the business carried on by Onstream, the material terms of the Transaction, the Consolidation (as defined below) and the proposed directors and officers of the Resulting Issuer and their respective biographies.Concurrent FinancingThe previously announced majority arm's length non-brokered private placement (the "Concurrent Financing") is now expected to consist of the issuance by GHP of a combination of (a) units (the "SV Units") comprised of one subordinate voting share (a "SV Share") and one-half of one share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"), (b) units (the "MV Units", and together with the SV Units, the "Units") comprised of one multiple voting share (a "MV Share") and one half of one Warrant, (c) subscription receipts automatically convertible into SV Units (the "SV Subscription Receipts") upon satisfaction of the Escrow Release Conditions (as defined below) and (d) subscription receipts automatically convertible into MV Units upon satisfaction of the Escrow Release Conditions (the "MV Subscription Receipts", and together with the SV Subscription Receipts, the "Subscription Receipts". The SV Units and the SV Subscription Receipts will be issued at a price of $0.25 per SV Unit or SV Subscription Receipt, as the case may be, and the MV Units and MV Subscription Receipts will be issued at a price of US$1900 per MV Unit or MV Subscription Receipt. Each Warrant will entitle the holder to purchase one SV Share (each, a "Warrant Share") at a price of $0.50 per Warrant Share for a period of 36 months following the Closing. The SV Shares and Warrant Shares will be issued on a post-consolidation basis as GHP expects to undertake a consolidation of its common shares (to be re-designated as SV Shares) on the basis of one post-consolidation SV Share for each 1.25 pre-consolidation GHP common shares (the "Consolidation"). SV Units and SV Subscription Receipts may only be issued to purchasers resident outside of the United States and MV Units and MV Subscription Receipts may only be issued to purchasers resident in the United States. The Company expects to complete the Concurrent Financing for aggregate gross proceeds of a minimum of $4,300,000 (the "Minimum Financing") and up to a maximum of $6,000,000 (the "Maximum Financing") or such other amount as may be mutually agreed upon by GHP and Xcyte.The Warrants may be governed by a warrant indenture (the "Warrant Indenture") to be entered into by GHP and TSX Trust Company, as warrant agent. If entered into, a copy of the Warrant Indenture will be filed following the Closing under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com The Subscription Receipts, if issued, will be governed by a subscription receipt agreement (the "Subscription Receipt Agreement") to be entered into between GHP and TSX Trust Company (the "Subscription Receipt Agent"). The gross proceeds raised from the issuance of Subscription Receipts, if any, will be held in escrow by the Subscription Receipt Agent pending (i) the completion of the Consolidation and the reorganization of the capital of the Company, to among other things, create the MV Shares and redesignate the GHP's common shares as SV Shares, (ii) the satisfaction or waiver of all conditions precedent to the completion of the Transaction, other than the release of the escrowed proceeds, and the conversion of the Subscription Receipts, (iii) the receipt of all government or regulatory approvals and third party consents required in connection with the  Transaction (other than the final approval of the Exchange), (iv) the receipt of the conditional approval of the Exchange for the Transaction and the listing of the SV Shares and the Warrant Shares on the Exchange, and (v) the delivery by GHP to the Subscription Receipt Agent of a release notice confirming the conditions in (i) through (iv) have been satisfied (collectively, the "Escrow Release Conditions").In connection with the Concurrent Financing, GHP may pay cash commissions (the "Cash Commission") equal to, in aggregate, up to 8% of the gross proceeds of the Concurrent Financing and issue such number of compensation warrants (each, a "Broker Warrant") as is equal to up to 8% of the gross proceeds of the Concurrent Financing divided by $0.25. Each Broker Warrant will be exercisable into one SV Share for a period of 36 months at a price of $0.50 per SV Share. Assuming the Minimum Financing, it is expected that GHP will pay a Cash Commission of up to $344,000 and issue up to an aggregate of 1,376,000 Broker Warrants, and assuming the Maximum Financing, it is expected that GHP will pay a Cash Commission of up to $480,000 and issue an aggregate of 1,920,000 Broker Warrants.The Company also expects to issue to Echelon Wealth Partners Inc. a fiscal advisory fee of 500,000 fiscal advisory warrants (each, a "Fiscal Advisory Warrant"). Each Fiscal Advisory Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to acquire one SV Share for a period of five years at a price of $0.25 per SV Share.Closing of the issuance of the Subscription Receipts, if any, under the Concurrent Financing is expected to occur on or before August 31, 2023. Closing of the issuance of the Units, if any, is expected to occur concurrently with the closing of the Transaction. It is anticipated that the net proceeds
PR-Inside.com: 2023-07-28 17:45:14

Press Information





Published by

ACCESSWIRE News Network

888.952.4446

e-mail

http://www.accesswire.com







# 546 Words

ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446

ROCK HILL, SC / ACCESSWIRE / July 28, 2023 / The next business day, Monday, July 31, 2023, is the deadline for employers to file Form 941 with the IRS. Businesses that withhold taxes from their employee's wages are required to file this form quarterly with the IRS. This includes Medicare, social security, and federal income taxes. This payroll tax form reports information about the business's tax liabilities to the IRS.Businesses that are scrambling to meet their deadline, or are just seeking a more effective option for e-filing Form 941 can find a great solution with TaxBandits.An Easy Form 941 E-file SolutionTaxBandits offers a complete 941 e-filing solution for businesses, tax professionals, and service providers of all sizes. Businesses filing one form per quarter, tax professionals filing for multiple clients, and Payroll Service Providers managing the filing requirements of hundreds of businesses can all meet their IRS filing requirements with ease and accuracy.Streamlined High-Volume FilingTaxBandits provides bulk upload templates to help high-volume filers to upload their form data. This enables them to generate and e-file their Form 941 in large batches and eliminates manual form entry. In addition to saving time, TaxBandits also helps their clients save money with a volume-based pricing structure.TaxBandits supports Form 941 Schedule R for PEOs, CPEOs, 3504 agents, and other reporting agents.E-file Form 941 for Current and Previous QuartersTaxBandits also supports prior year filings of Form 941 for 2022, 2021, and 2020. Businesses seeking a solution for getting caught up on their quarterly 941 filings can benefit greatly from this.To accommodate employers that are located outside of the U.S., TaxBandits supports Form 941-PR for employers of Puerto Rico as well as Form 941-SS for employers of American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the US Virgin Islands.Built-in Error Checks for Accurate FormsThe TaxBandits e-filing process is designed to help their clients file accurate forms. Completed 941 forms are audited using the IRS Business Rules to catch common filing errors that could result in a form rejection.When asked about today's quarterly Form 941 deadline, the CEO and Co-Founder of SPAN Enterprises, the parent company of TaxBandits, responded stating, "TaxBandits is a streamlined solution for meeting the IRS e-filing requirements of every business. Meet the deadline this quarter with the help of TaxBandits' simplified filing, time-saving features, and excellent customer support." Visit taxbandits.com today to create an account and begin filing Form 941!About TaxBanditsThe 1099 and W-2 experts! TaxBandits is a SOC 2 Certified, IRS-authorized e-file provider of 1099, W2, Form 1095-C, Form 1095-B, 940, 941, 943, 944, 945 and W-9, serving businesses, service providers, and tax professionals of every shape and size.Additionally, software providers and other high-volume filers can take advantage of TaxBandits API. The integration allows them to add value for their clients and expand monetization efforts. TaxBandits API enables seamless preparation and e-filing of 1099, W-2, 941, 940, and ACA 1095 forms. Software providers can also use the developer-friendly 1099 API to request W-9s and use that information to automate 1099 filings efficiently.About SPAN EnterprisesBased in Rock Hill, South Carolina, SPAN Enterprises has been developing industry-leading software solutions for IRS e-filing and business management tools for over a decade.The SPAN Enterprises portfolio of products includes TaxBandits, Tax990, ACAwise, ExpressExtension, 123PayStubs, and TruckLogics.For any media inquiries, please reach out to Stephanie Glanville, Content Writer at stephanie@ spanenterprises.com SOURCE: TaxBandits
PR-Inside.com: 2023-07-28 15:25:24

Press Information





Published by

ACCESSWIRE News Network

888.952.4446

e-mail

http://www.accesswire.com







# 806 Words

ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446

EASTON, PA / ACCESSWIRE / July 28, 2023 / Paragon Technologies (OTC:PGNT), which owns approximately 4.0% of the outstanding shares of Ocean Power Technologies, Inc. (NYSE American:OPTT), has filed a complaint in the Delaware Court of Chancery to enforce its rights, pursuant to Section 220 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, to inspect the books and records of OPTT (the "Inspection Complaint").On July 17, 2023, Paragon sent a demand letter (the "Inspection Demand") to OPTT requesting to inspect the Company's books and records for the purpose of investigating apparent wrongdoing and/or mismanagement by OPTT's Board of Directors (the "OPTT Board") and/or members of management, inquiring into the independence of the members of the OPTT Board, assessing possible breaches of fiduciary duty by the Company's directors and officers, and communicating with other OPTT stockholders regarding matters relating to their interests as stockholders.Paragon believes that its Inspection Demand states a proper purpose and complies with the requirements of Delaware law. Nevertheless, OPTT has adamantly refused to produce any of the books and records requested by Paragon. OPTT's actions lead us to believe that it must be hiding something that it does not want its stockholders to see.The Inspection Complaint alleges multiple bases to infer that mismanagement and/or wrongdoing has occurred, justifying the Inspection Demand. Specifically, the Inspection Complaint alleges, among other things:In its filings, OPTT admits that, "[s]ince [its] inception, the cash flow from customer revenues have not been sufficient to fund [its] operations and provide the capital resources for [its] business."OPTT further admits that it "ha[s] incurred net losses since [it] began operations in 1994."OPTT has never been able to successfully commercialize any of its products or services, despite repeatedly issuing Form 10-Ks touting the enormous market size and opportunity for OPTT's solutions.In 2021, the Company acquired Marine Advanced Robotics, Inc., but, as OPTT admits in its filings, it has "not achieved profitability of this product line" and does not know whether it will ever be able to do so.Under the current Board and management, OPTT's financial decline has only accelerated, and the Board and management appear to have no viable strategy to successfully commercialize OPTT's products, generate revenues, and put OPTT on a path to profitability.According to OPTT's July 12, 2023 earnings report, the net cash used in operating activities for fiscal year 2023 was approximately $21.7 million, which was similar to the $21.3 million spent in fiscal year 2022. On the earnings call on July 13, 2023, OPTT CFO Robert Powers stated that OPTT "expect[s] [its] OpEx to be materially in line with [its] level of OpEx for fiscal 2023."OPTT reported that, as of April 30, 2023, it had combined cash, unrestricted cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments totaling $34.7 million.At OPTT's current burn rate, we believe it will run out of cash in a little over one year or require additional capital that will likely be secured on terms that are very punitive for existing shareholders.Notwithstanding what we believe to be a disastrous financial record, the Board has been approving, and the directors and named executive officers have been receiving, compensation that significantly exceeds the total revenue of the Company, and that Paragon believes is wasteful and unfair to OPTT and its stockholders.Considering the above facts, Paragon, as a large (and likely the largest) shareholder of OPTT, believes its demand to inspect the books and records of OPTT is justified and substantiated. Unfortunately, OPTT has denied our request and instead decided that the Company's assets are better served fighting to hide the requested documents.___Paragon Technologies, Inc. intends to make a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") of a proxy statement to be used to solicit votes for the election of director nominees at the 2023 annual meeting of shareholders of Ocean Power Technologies, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "company").Paragon Technologies, Inc. is the beneficial owner of 2,229,443 shares of common stock of the company, par value $0.001 per share ("Common Stock").Paragon Technologies, Inc., and Paragon's director nominees will be the participants in the proxy solicitation. Updated information regarding the participants and their direct and indirect interests in the solicitation, by security holdings or otherwise, will be included in Paragon's proxy statement and other materials filed with the SEC. SHAREHOLDERS OF THE COMPANY SHOULD READ THE PROXY STATEMENT AND OTHER PROXY MATERIALS CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY AS THEY BECOME AVAILABLE AS THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION RELATING TO THE COMPANY'S ANNUAL MEETING, PARAGON'S SOLICITATION OF PROXIES AND PARAGON'S NOMINEES TO THE BOARD. SUCH PROXY MATERIALS WILL BE AVAILABLE AT NO CHARGE ON THE SEC'S WEB SITE AT WWW.SEC.GOV OR FROM PARAGON TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Please email us at ir@ pgntgroup.com if you would like to learn more.SOURCE: Paragon Technologies Inc.
PR-Inside.com: 2023-07-28 14:50:10

Press Information





Published by

ACCESSWIRE News Network

888.952.4446

e-mail

http://www.accesswire.com







# 943 Words

ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446

-- Sharpened Focus on Profitable Growth Yields Double Digit Growth in Revenue and Gross Margins -VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / July 28, 2023 / PlantX Life Inc. (CSE:VEGA)(Frankfurt:WNT1)(OTC PINK:PLTXF) ("PlantX" or the "Company"), the digital face of the plant-based community, operating a one-stop shop for plant-based products, today reported its audited consolidated financial results for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023. All amounts are reported in Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated.Fiscal 2023 HighlightsRevenue increased 11.0% to $13,299,891 compared to $11,984,809 in 2022Gross margin increased 30.4% to $5,088,767 compared to $3,903,314 in 2022, with gross margins expanding 570 basis points to 38.3% compared to 32.6% in 2022Net loss improved to $21,384,656 compared to $54,802,666 in 2022Commented Lorne Rapkin, PlantX CEO, "Fiscal 2023 was a tremendous year for PlantX. We sharpened our focus on driving profitable growth, and this focused approach yielded strong financial performance and positions us for continued success in the years ahead. As we forge ahead, profitability remains a central focus, driving growth, expansion, and success across our diverse business units. We are committed to delivering exceptional experiences within the plant-based industry while continually striving for improvement." Business ReviewIn fiscal 2023, PlantX's strategic approach has been to nurture its high-growth business units and make necessary adjustments to those that do not meet stringent growth and margin thresholds. During 2023, PlantX focused on building certain verticals, including, but not limited to, Bloombox Club, XMarket Chicago and Little West. Additionally, by design, the Company's business operates with limited overhead and inventory, thus maximizing margins and, ultimately, net profit.To further optimize operations, the company made the strategic decision to close two Canadian locations inside the Hudson's Bay (Yorkdale, Toronto, and Rideau, Ottawa) due to insufficient foot traffic. All inventory from these stores was transferred to the Chicago warehouse, making it available for purchase on both PlantX.com and VeganEssentials.com . Additionally, the equipment from these locations was repurposed for the XMarket Uptown store.XMarket Uptown is currently undergoing construction as the Company embarks on the creation of Chicago's pioneering Vegan Foodhall. With all necessary permits obtained and successful inspections completed, the highly anticipated opening is scheduled around Labor Day. The Vegan Foodhall will showcase six local vegan restaurants, accompanied by a coffee shop run by PlantX's Portfolio Coffee brand, and a fully licensed bar offering an extensive selection of vegan-friendly beverages.In an effort to enhance efficiency and customer experience, PlantX consolidated XMarket Squamish and the Cloudburst Coffee shop at the Locavore Bar and Grill. This move allowed for the expansion of the lounge area, providing customers with a more inviting space to spend time onsite. As a result, daily sales increased, and the Company gained additional revenue opportunities through hosting private events.The Company's focused approach on profitability was transformative at BloomBox Club. The team size was reduced from 30 to 4 employees, positioning BloomBox Club on the verge of achieving profitability.The Company's cold-pressed juice vertical, Little West, experienced continued expansion. Under the leadership of Chris Dodigovic overseeing operations, Little West successfully expanded to Northern California, Nevada, Montana, and structured a deal with Dr. Munsch to bring the juices to the East Coast. The Venice Beach location continued to experience growth and excitement through successful popup initiatives. Notably, TiNDLE extended its three-month popup for an additional three months, further driving customer engagement and sales.In terms of e-commerce, the Company further strengthened its relationship with KEHE. Leveraging KEHE's inventory, the Company offered consumers case packs of every single plant-based item carried by KEHE, including frozen and refrigerated products. This offering, in addition to the Company's own curated assortment of vegan products shipped from the Chicago warehouse, contributed to increased sales and customer satisfaction. Geo Lopez was promoted to logistics manager at the Chicago warehouse. Geo's expertise in shipping cold products and his ability to source materials at the lowest possible costs played a crucial role in ensuring products reached end customers in optimal condition.PlantX has recently entered into a share exchange agreement with a newly formed Cayman Islands corporation to secure additional funding and further grow its U.S. operations. Under this agreement, PlantX will exchange a selection of its assets, including wholly owned subsidiaries Vegaste Technologies US Corp., Little West LLC, Plant Based Deli LLC, and PlantX Living Inc., as well as its 53% interest in Portfolio Coffee, Inc. and 51% interest in Eh Coffee Corp. Upon completion of the transaction, it is anticipated that PlantX will own approximately 60% of the issued and outstanding shares of the newly formed corporation, referred to as NewCo, with any adjustments dependent on the NewCo Financing.Additional InformationThe Company's complete financial statements and management's discussion & analysis ("MD&A") for 2023 are available on PlantX's website ( www.plantx.com) and SEDAR ( www.sedar.com) Neither the CSE nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release or has in any way approved or disapproved of the contents of this press release.About PlantX LifeAs the digital face of the plant-based community, PlantX's platform is a one-stop shop for plant-based products. With its fast-growing category verticals, PlantX offers customers across North America more than 5,000 plant-based products. PlantX also has other brands in the PlantX portfolio including a juice brand, a coffee company, a plant shop, and brick-and-mortar grocery stores. PlantX uses its digital platform to build a community of like-minded consumers and, most importantly, to provide education. PlantX's digital presence eliminates entry barriers for anyone interested in living a plant-based lifestyle and thriving in a longer, healthier, and happier life.Connect with PlantX: Email | Website | Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter |Instagram | YouTube | TikTokContactLorne RapkinChief Executive Offic
PR-Inside.com: 2023-07-28 13:00:32

Press Information





Published by

ACCESSWIRE News Network

888.952.4446

e-mail

http://www.accesswire.com







# 944 Words

ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446

TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / July 28, 2023 / Predictmedix Inc. ("Predictmedix" or the "Company") (CSE:PMED) (OTCQB:PMEDF) (FRA:3QP), a leading provider of rapid health screening solutions powered by proprietary artificial intelligence (AI), is pleased to announce significant progress in its commercialization roadmap to integrate Safe Entry Stations (SES) into the Indonesian healthcare sector. Through a series of innovative initiatives and collaborations, Predictmedix AI is making remarkable strides in enhancing public health and safety in several Indonesian regions.Innovative and Novel Research and DevelopmentIn a groundbreaking effort, Predictmedix AI has conducted cross-testing on more than 4000 individuals, encompassing a comprehensive range of vital signs, including body temperature, heart rate, respiration rate, HRV, blood pressure, fatigue, and body weight. The extensive data collected has been instrumental in developing and successfully validating new deep-learning modalities. These advanced models, powered by AI algorithms, significantly enhance the accuracy and effectiveness of Safe Entry in detecting potential health and safety concerns.Collaborative Research GrantPredictmedix AI has joined forces with a prestigious Indonesian University to submit a joint research grant to the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Health. The grant aims to facilitate cutting-edge research and development of Safe Entry Stations tailored specifically for Indonesia. This collaboration underscores Predictmedix AI's commitment to forging partnerships that drive technological advancements in healthcare and public safety.Engaging Local Government DepartmentsTo raise awareness and foster meaningful connections with local stakeholders, the Indonesian University has extended invitations to various government departments to experience the company's Safe Entry Stations at the university's facility. The university's facility showcases the latest advancements in AI-powered health technology and offers a firsthand experience of SES's capabilities in ensuring a safe and secure environment.Strong Endorsement from Indonesian University's ManagementThe management of the Indonesian University has demonstrated unwavering confidence in the effectiveness and reliability of Safe Entry Stations. To promote a culture of health and safety on campus, the university is utilizing Safe Entry for daily check-ins of all faculty and students. This proactive approach ensures the early detection of potential symptoms and creates a safer and healthier environment for everyone."It's very exciting to be at the forefront of advancing healthcare technology in Indonesia. Our collaborations with esteemed partners and the successful validation of our new deep-learning models mark significant milestones in our mission to enhance public health and safety in the region," commented Dr. Rahul Kushwah, Chief Operating Officer of Predictmedix AI."As an advocate of cutting-edge technology and healthcare innovation, I firmly believe that AI-powered screening, utilizing rapid, non-invasive, and contactless methods, represents the future of healthcare. The Safe Entry Station has remarkable accuracy and diverse applications. We are enthusiastic about securing its recognition as a medical device for Indonesia and actively supporting its commercial deployment," affirmed Dr. Ankur Bist, AI Lead for Predictmedix AI. "This technological leap holds the potential to revolutionize Indonesia's healthcare landscape, ushering in unparalleled progress and improved well-being for the entire nation." About Predictmedix Inc.Predictmedix (CSE: PMED) (OTCQB: PMEDF) (FRA:3QP) is an emerging provider of rapid health screening and remote patient care solutions globally. The Company's Safe Entry Stations - powered by a proprietary artificial intelligence (AI) - use multispectral cameras to analyze physiological data patterns and predict a variety of health issues including infectious diseases such as COVID-19, impairment by drugs or alcohol, fatigue or various mental illnesses. Predictmedix's proprietary remote patient care platform empowers medical professionals with a suite of AI-powered tools to improve patient health outcomes. To learn more, please visit our website at www.Predictmedix.com or follow us on Twitter, Instagram or LinkedIn.Public Relations ContactFor further media information or to set up an interview, please contact:Nelson HudesHudes Communications International(905) 660 9155Nelson@ hudescommunications.com Dr. Rahul Kushwah(647) 889 6916Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information:This news release may contain forward-looking statements and information based on current expectations. These statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results of the Company. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those implied by such statements. Although such statements are based on management's reasonable assumptions, there can be no assurance that such assumptions will prove to be correct. We assume no responsibility to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances. The Company's securities have not been registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or applicable state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold to, or for the account or benefit of, persons in the United States or "U.S. Persons", as such term is defined in Regulations under the U.S. Securities Act, absent registration or an applicable exemption from such registration requirements. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in the United States or any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. Additionally, there are known and unknown risk factors which could cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any Page 4 of 4 future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information contained herein, such as, but not limited to dependence on obtaining regulatory approvals; the ability to obtain intellectual property rights related to its technology; limited operating history; general business, economic, competitive, political, regulatory and social uncertainties, and in particular, uncertainties related to COVID-19; risks related to factors beyond the control of the Company, including risks related to COVID-19;
PR-Inside.com: 2023-07-28 21:50:56

Press Information





Published by

ACCESSWIRE News Network

888.952.4446

e-mail

http://www.accesswire.com







# 970 Words

ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446

MONTREAL, QC / ACCESSWIRE / July 28, 2023 / Quebec Precious Metals Corporation (TSXV:QPM)(FSE:YXEP)(OTCQB:CJCFF) ("QPM" or the "Corporation") is pleased to announce that, in connection with its previously announced non-brokered private placement offering (the "Offering"), the Corporation closed the second tranche of the Offering for an amount of $ 594,000. The second tranche consists of 3,712,500 charity flow-through common shares (the "CFT Shares") at a price of $0.16 per CFT Share. A total of 2,200,000 Common Shares were acquired by Societe de developpement de la Baie-James in the context of the structured charity flow-through share financing.In total, including the first tranche which closed on July 12, 2023 and the second tranche of the Offering, the Company has issued 10,866,873 common shares for gross proceeds of $1,378,575.06"The completion of this financing allows us to focus on our 2023 exploration program in James Bay: drilling for gold at Sakami and perform field follow-up on the best targets identified from the lithium potential study that is being finalized by ALS GoldSpot", commented Normand Champigny, CEO.The net proceeds received by the Corporation from the sale of the CFT Shares will be used for exploration expenditures on the Corporation's projects located in the Province of Quebec. More specifically, the gross proceeds from the issuance of the CFT Shares will be used for Canadian exploration expenses (as such term is defined by the Income Tax Act (Canada)) which, once renounced, will qualify as "flow-through critical mineral mining expenditure", as defined in subsection 127(9) of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the "Qualifying Expenditures"), which will be incurred on or before December 31, 2024 and renounced to the subscribers with an effective date no later than December 31, 2023. For a Quebec resident subscriber who is an eligible individual under the Taxation Act (Quebec), which qualifies (i) as an expense for inclusion in the "exploration base relating to certain Quebec exploration expenses" within the meaning of section 726.4.10 of the Taxation Act (Quebec), and (ii) as an expense for inclusion in the "exploration base relating to certain Quebec surface mining expenses or oil and gas exploration expenses" within the meaning of section 726.4.17.2 of the Taxation Act (Quebec).The CFT Shares are subject to a four-month "hold period" commencing on the closing sate pursuant to National Instrument 45-102 - Resale of Securities and, in Quebec, Regulation 45-102 respecting Resale of Securities, and the certificates or DRS advices representing such securities bear a legend to that effect. The Offering remains subject to the final approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.Annual shareholders meetingThe Corporation also announces that at its Annual shareholders meeting (the "Meeting") held on July 18, 2022, shareholders of the Company overwhelmingly approved all the resolutions, as follows:Election of Genevieve Ayotte, Normand Champigny, Wanda Cutler and James Shannon as directors; andAppointment of KPMG LLP as auditors.Ms . Ayotte is a new member to QPM's Board of directors (the "Board") and has been appointed as Chair of the Audit and Risk Management Committee. She is a CPA and currently holds the position of Chief Financial Officer of Arianne Phosphate Inc. and is also a director of Kintavar Exploration Inc. Outside of Ms. Ayotte's accounting profession, she also serves as President of Women in Mining- Montreal. Since 2008, Ms. Ayotte developed extensive mining knowledge, specifically in public accounting at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. Ms. Ayotte is a member of the Certified Professional Accountants of Quebec and graduated from HEC Montreal with a Bachelor's in Business Management and a D.E.S.S in public accounting (2008)."On behalf of QPM, I would like thank Julie Robertson for her outstanding contribution during her term as a Board member and Chair of the Audit and Risk Management Committee, We will miss Julie's advice and guidance and are very indebted for all her efforts", commented Normand Champigny, CEO.About Quebec Precious Metals CorporationQPM is a gold explorer with a large land position in the highly prospective Eeyou Istchee James Bay territory, Quebec, near Newmont Corporation's Eleonore gold mine. QPM's flagship project is the Sakami project with significant grades and well-defined drill-ready targets. QPM's goal is to rapidly explore the Sakami project and advance to the mineral resource estimate stage.For more information please contact:Normand ChampignyChief Executive OfficerTel.: 514 979-4746nchampigny@ qpmcorp.ca Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward-Looking InformationThis press release may include forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. Statements with respect to final approval of the Exchange and the Corporation's expected work programs in 2023 are forward looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by the management of the Corporation. Although the Corporation believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking information is based on are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking information because the Corporation can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks, including but not limited to the risks that market conditions, commodity prices, or other circumstances can affect the Corporation, as well as other risks with respect to the Corporation described in the Corporation's public disclosure filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com . Forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release. The Corporation disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, other than as required by applicable securities laws.Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) has reviewed or accepted responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.SOURCE: Quebec Precious Metals Corporation
PR-Inside.com: 2023-07-28 17:41:08

Press Information





Published by

ACCESSWIRE News Network

888.952.4446

e-mail

http://www.accesswire.com







# 393 Words

ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446

SAN FRANCISCO, CA / ACCESSWIRE / July 28, 2023 / Hagens Berman urges RTX Corporation f/k/a Raytheon Technologies 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 844-916-0895RTX Corporation (RTX) Investigation:The investigation focuses on RTX's 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]t's 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."We're 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 firm's 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 BermanHagens Berman is a global plaintiffs' rights complex litigation law firm focusing on corporate accountability through class-action law. The firm is home to a robust securities litigation practice and represents investors as well as whistleblowers, workers, consumers and others in cases achieving real results for those harmed by corporate negligence and fraud. More about the firm and its successes can be found at hbsslaw.com . Follow the firm for updates and news at @ClassActionLaw.CONTACT:Reed Kathrein, 844-916-0895SOURCE: Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP
PR-Inside.com: 2023-07-28 04:41:08

Press Information





Published by

ACCESSWIRE News Network

888.952.4446

e-mail

http://www.accesswire.com







# 424 Words

ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446

NEW ORLEANS, LA / ACCESSWIRE / July 27, 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
Again, for the third time in three years, famous Nigerian comedian and skit maker Abdulgafar Oluwatoyin, best known as Cute Abiola, has incurred the wrath of a Nigerian law enforcement agency as he stands the risk of being arrested over skit costume.

This time around, the Nigerian police are breathing down his neck because of what they describe as his disrespectful and derogatory portrayal of the police in his recent comedy skits.

Cute Abiola, in two recent videos posted on his Instagram page, Thursday and Tuesday, respectively, made a comedy satire of the Nigerian police begging for money from citizens while discharging their responsibilities amidst the hiked fuel prices.

His donning of the police uniform, apparently without permission, violates the Armed Forces Social Media Policy, which many Nigerian skit makers and comedians have disregarded in recent times.

The Nigeria police, in a press statement issued on Wednesday and signed by its PRO, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the comedian would be investigated and prosecuted for deliberately desecrating the police uniform in comedy skits.

Statement

The Nigerian police, in the statement, acknowledged the citizens fundamental human rights of individuals and warned against the unauthorised use of police costumes and other accoutrements. It is an offence punishable by section 251 of the Criminal Code and section 133 of the Penal Code Law.

The police statement reads, In as much as the law grants Nigerians the right to enjoy their fundamental human rights, the same law prohibits an individual, under whatever guise, from rubbishing the police institution or grossly violating its provisions regarding the use of uniforms.

READ ALSO:

We vehemently condemn the contemptuous act displayed by comedian Abdulgafar Abiola, popularly known as Cute Abiola, in two recent skits posted on his social media handles on 20th and 24th July 2023. The skits in question show a highly disrespectful and derogatory portrayal of the police uniform. This action violates Section 251 of the Criminal Code and Section 133 of the Penal Code Law. Such acts are offensive and undermine the integrity and dignity of the men and women who wear the uniform to serve the nation.

Abdulgafar Abiola will be investigated and possibly prosecuted for his deliberate acts as the NPF had warned skit makers and filmmakers to desist from desecrating their uniform or accoutrements. The Force is committed to upholding the sanctity of the uniform and will pursue due legal process to ensure accountability for any individual or entity that seeks to bring shame to the uniform or the institution it represents. We call on all members of the public, including media personalities, to exercise their freedom of expression responsibly and avoid engaging in actions that could erode public trust in our revered law enforcement institutions.

This police statement is coming a few weeks after the Economic and Financial Crime Commission, EFCC, warned content creators, movies and skit producers against using EFCC-branded jackets, symbols, insignia, and other accoutrements without authorisation.

Serial Offender

However, this is not the first time Cute Abiola, formerly a Nigerian naval officer, would be in trouble with the forces for using military uniforms to make comedy videos.

In several recent skits on his Instagram page, Cute Abiola has consistently made comedy videos clad in Police uniforms and military attire.

Cute Abiola, who recently welcomed a son with his wife in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, in June, has been arrested twice for violating the Nigerian Armed Forces Social Media Policy.

He was arrested in November 2021, where he spent over 10- days in naval custody, which later led to his dismissal from the naval force.

Again, he was arrested in 2020 after his birthday pictures in a naval uniform went viral. He was later released on 4 May 2020.

He often posts videos of himself clad in military uniform and wielding a gun.

Cute Abiola became a household name in 2015 and has been featured in several comedy skits and movies.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


Concerned about the numerous cases of aged Nollywood veterans seeking financial assistance, actor Segun Arinze has proffered a solution while addressing the cause.

At a media briefing organised by the Actors Guild of Nigeria on Tuesday in Lagos, the actor exonerated the actors body of any blame.

He said, In Nollywood, there are people who just want to be acting without belonging anywhere, but when they fall sick, they go on social media to beg for money, and people come back to blast the guild for not supporting its members, yet when you check their records, you would see that in their almost 20 years of acting practice, they never belonged to any guild.

READ ALSO:

It is time we ask our favourite actors, What guild do you belong to? It would create that awareness in them. As we speak, no actor in Hollywood is not a member of SAG-AFTRA.

SAG-AFTRA is the collaboration of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA). It is the umbrella body for all American actors and media practitioners.

Segun, who shot into the limelight as Black Arrow in Chico Ejiros 1996 classic, Silent Night, also said the National Film and Video Censors Board DG, Adedayo Thomas, has requested the statistics of every Nollywood practitioner in their various associations.

Worrisome

Recently, many famous Nollywood veterans have not had it so good, especially in their old age, and the once reserved and glamorous celebrities are now turning to social media begging for aid, leaving fans and critics intrigued and concerned.

In July 2023, veteran Yoruba actor and producer Dayo Adewunmi, popularly known as Baba Sule Suebebe, appealed to Nigerians for financial assistance on social media to foot his medical bills.

In February 2023, another veteran Yoruba actor Ojo Arowosafe, popularly known as Fadeyi Oloro, was in dire straits as his landlord served him an eviction notice for failing to pay his rent.

Mr Arowosafe, who played Fadeyi Oloro in a Yoruba TV series titled Arelu in the 80s, has been ill for over three years. In December 2021, in an interview with PREMIUM TIMES, the actor cried out to Nigerians seeking financial assistance amidst health challenges.

However, he later died in March 2023.

AGN Intervention

To change the narrative, the AGN says it has created a pension account and health insurance initiatives for members to leverage when needed.

Speaking about some of these initiatives, the AGN president, Emeka Rollas, encouraged actors to identify with the guild to enable them to access these welfare packages.

Mr Rollas said, Recently, we have also introduced on-the-spot accident insurance during shooting, which is keyed into the identity card you see any member carrying. This on-spot insurance is for an actor who gets injured on set.

There is also a Stanbic IBTC pension scheme which a member ought to join. If you dont join, it is pay-as-you-go, and if, after 20 years of practising, you fall sick, you should blame yourself. We also have health insurance.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


Nollywood actress Rita Edochie has returned for Yul Edochies second wife, Judy Austin.

Rita, who is Yuls aunt, is married to Pete Edochies younger brother, Tony. Yul, is a veteran actor, Petes youngest and most prominent son.

Since 21st April 2022, when Yul publicly unveiled Judy as his second wife, all hell has been let loose as his fans and family, especially Rita, have kicked against the union.

In November 2021, they welcomed their son, Star Munachimso.

Rita called out Judy earlier in June. She warned her to stop deceiving herself as part of the Edochie family.

The mother-of-four also claimed that Yuls father disapproved of his union with Judy.

While she supports May, Yuls first wife, she claims Judy cast a spell on Yul to marry her.

In a recent video posted on her official Instagram page on Thursday, Rita, who hails from Anambra State, warned Judy to let go of Yul.

Her caption read, Snatch my husband anyhow; I will correct you by sending you to God knows where.

No, be every woman you fit snatch him, husband, now. For you wey snatch Yul, time don come to release am. Yes, na I talk am. I am still fear that fears fear.

To bolster her warnings, she also went to her comment section to anticipate Judys response, including those supporting her actions.

I am waiting for the drama devil to talk so I can come live for all of you supporting this evil. Your generations to generations would go through what May is going through so that you will understand how it tastes, She added.

The Voice Over

The video shared by the 59-year-old actress captured a short clip displaying different pictures of herself.

In the video, a background male voice admonishes women who are in the business of snatching other womens husbands.

The voiceover reminded them of the Karma that awaited them due to their actions.

It said, If a man can choose a second wife over you. Trust me, and he can choose a third wife over you, the second wife. Coming to break someones home, entering the home, and feeling you have gained grounds. Its a matter of time.

If you can snatch somebodys husband from the person, trust me, another person can snatch that man from you. Anybody can snatch him. Its just time for the right person to come and snatch him.

The voiceover also told women that the woman they snatched a man from was feeling at that time in her life that she was the chosen one.

One day, youll understand the pain of what it means to snatch what is not yours. I pray that things give you joy to create pain for another person. Another person would collect that joy from you and make you understand pain.

Controversial Marriage

Before the wedding of Juduth, Yul was still married to May, a union of over 17 years that produced four children: a girl and three boys.

READ ALSO: I met Yul Edochie years after divorcing my first husband Judy Austin to critics

However, May, who didnt seem pleased with the union, revealed that her husband paid Judys bride price on 24 April 2022 without informing her.

Meanwhile, there were unverified claims that Judy was dating Yul while she was with her first husband.

However, on 19th July, during a Facebook Live, Judy denied having an affair with Yul while she was still married to her ex-husband, Emmanuel Obasi.

Since their marriage, several controversies have trailed them, particularly on social media.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


At a corner of a crowded female hospital ward, Mabel Dauda groaned loudly in pain from where she lay.

Nurses dressed in white and blue uniforms moved around the ward, pushing along with them trollies containing medications and other items, as they attended to the patients.

Ms Dauda, who appeared to be mid-30, had been diagnosed with liver disease. According to the medical official on duty, the disease had reached the end stage. The patient was surrounded by family members who were crying as they hoped and prayed for a miracle. But that did not happen.

Ms Dauda died right where she lay in a corner of the ward. The end came for her sooner than anticipated.

If only her case was presented earlier. The infection had already caused serious damage to her liver before she was brought in, the doctor assigned to Ms Dauda murmured as he stepped away from the ward.

The scenario was in 2016 at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH) in Ado Ekiti, the state capital, where this reporter was also on admission at the time.

Although the doctor did not exactly mention the cause of Ms Daudas death, some of her wailing relations had mumbled the word hepatitis, after the doctor confided in them.

Hepatitis, a viral infection, is known as a major cause of liver disease, which leads to death if not promptly and properly managed.

A consultant gastroenterologist at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Emuobor Odeghe, said hepatitis B, one of the five strains of hepatitis virus, can infect the liver and cause liver damage, calling it the commonest cause of chronic liver disease and its complications in Nigeria.

Ms Odeghe said hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver that can be self-limiting or can progress to cirrhosis or liver cancer.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) said approximately 296 million people were living with chronic hepatitis B in 2019, and that 1.5 million new infections are recorded each year.

The global health body also disclosed that hepatitis B resulted in an estimated 820,000 deaths in 2019, mostly from cirrhosis and primary liver cancer, also known as hepatocellular carcinoma.

Nigeria is one of the most affected countries. With an estimated population of over 200 million people, the country has a hepatitis B prevalence rate of 8.1 per cent and hepatitis C of 1.1 per cent, according to the 2018 Nigeria AIDS Indicator and Impact Survey (NAIIS) report.

The malignant nature of hepatitis may have informed the decision to set aside a day every year to raise awareness about the viral infection and share knowledge on how to halt its danger.

WHD 2023

World Hepatitis Day (WHD) is marked on 28 July every year to raise awareness about the global burden of viral hepatitis and to influence real change.

The theme for the 2023 WHD, We are not waiting is a call to accelerate elimination efforts of viral hepatitis now and the urgent need for testing and treatment for the people who need it.

More about hepatitis

According to Ms Odeghe, the consultant gastroenterologist, hepatitis viruses are the most common cause of hepatitis in the world. She listed its five types including hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E.

Although all five strains are of great concern, because of the burden of illnesses and deaths they cause and the potential for outbreaks and epidemic spread, Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) are said to be the most common cause of long-term liver damage and cancer, accounting for about 90 per cent of deaths from viral hepatitis.

Ms Odeghe said while hepatitis A and E are caused by ingestion of contaminated food or water, B, C, and D usually occur as a result of contact with infected body fluids.

Hepatitis B virus can be transmitted through contact with infected body fluids such as from mother to child, one child to another child through skin cuts or infections that get in contact with infected blood during play, sharing of sharps and personal items; unsafe sexual practices; using unsterilised instruments for surgeries and other medical procedures; unsafe blood and blood product transfusion and needle stick injuries sustained by health care workers, she said.

A consultant paediatrician, infectious diseases, at Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital, Kaduna State, Shuaibu Musa, also reiterated that hepatitis B and C virus are transmitted through direct contact with infected blood or certain bodily fluids.

Mr Musa said hepatitis is a silent epidemic because most people do not have symptoms when they are newly infected or chronically infected, hence they unknowingly spread the virus to others.

He said most patients with hepatitis B and C remain asymptomatic until the liver is significantly damaged. Some symptoms of the viral infection include loss of appetite, stomach pain, dark-coloured urine, nausea, yellowish eyes or skin, and vomiting.

Global health threat

Of the five strains of hepatitis, B, and C have been described as global public health threats and the worlds most common causes of liver infection.

According to WHO, approximately 296 million people were living with chronic hepatitis B in 2019, and 1.5 million new infections each year. The health body also disclosed that hepatitis B resulted in an estimated 820,000 deaths in 2019, mostly from cirrhosis and primary liver cancer, also known as hepatocellular carcinoma.

Data also reveals that about two billion people globally have been infected with the hepatitis B virus (one out of three people).

In Africa, more than 90 million people are living with hepatitis, representing 26 per cent of the global total.

A medical doctor at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Gusau, Zamfara State, Bashir Gusau, said hepatitis B has become a global threat that requires urgent attention.

Mr Gusau said people are not presenting for hepatitis tests as often as they should, hence the continuous spread of the virus.

There are many persons living with hepatitis for long and they are ignorant of their health status. This infection has become an epidemic that must be tackled quickly to prevent more deaths, he said.

Meanwhile, in Nigeria, the NAIIS survey  a national household-based survey that assessed the prevalence of HIV and related health indicators including the national prevalence of two additional blood-borne viruses of HBV and HCV  gave an estimated number of about 19 million Nigerians living with Hepatitis B and or C.

Nigerias former health minister, Osagie Ehanire, also said that hepatitis is under-reported, under-diagnosed, and under-treated in the country.

Late case presentation

Although there is no cure for hepatitis B, health experts say cases can be well managed if presented early.

Mrs Odeghe, the consultant gastroenterologist, said early detection and treatment of hepatitis B will reduce the risk of complications including liver cirrhosis and cancer.

She explained that late case presentation has led many manageable cases to deaths, one of which was that of Ms Dauda.

Being hepatitis B positive is not a death sentence. Anyone who is positive should immediately see his/her doctor for further evaluation because there is an effective and safe treatment for it, she said.

Salma Abdulrasheed, a resident of Masaka in Nasarrawa State, said she is currently undergoing treatment for hepatitis B at the National Hospital, Abuja.

Ms Abdulrasheed said although she presented to the hospital at the chronic stage of the infection, the doctor said her condition can still be managed as hepatitis B has no cure.

Mr Musa, the infectious diseases consultant, said hepatitis B becomes chronic if it lasts more than six weeks in the human body, noting that 25 per cent of chronic hepatitis B infections progress to liver cancer.

For people who are chronically infected but dont have any symptoms, their liver is still being silently damaged which can develop into serious liver disease, he said.

Sadly, most patients with hepatitis B and C infections are asymptomatic and can remain so until the liver is significantly damaged. According to WHO, only about 10.5 per cent and 19 per cent of patients with chronic HBV and HCV are aware of their status.

The case of Daniel Benjamin is not different from that of Ms Abdulrasheed. Mr Benjamin said he never experienced any symptoms associated with hepatitis B until he became very ill and was rushed to the hospital.

In all honesty, I didnt observe any unusual symptoms with my body, I was 100 per cent fine until one morning I suddenly fell ill and was rushed to Garki Hospital, he said.

Preventable but not curable

Unlike its counterparts, hepatitis B has no cure but can be managed effectively.

Mr Musa explained that the treatment options available for hepatitis B infection include focusing on controlling the viral replication, reducing liver damage, and preventing the progression of the disease.

For acute hepatitis B, supportive care is often sufficient. But chronic hepatitis B requires long-term management using drugs that can kill the virus which is prescribed to slow down the replication of the virus and reduce the liver damage, he said.

He noted that these drugs can help control the infection, improve liver function, and lower the risk of complications.

READ ALSO:

Mr Musa, however, said the killer infection can be prevented with the use of approved vaccines which he said are highly effective and recommended for everyone especially those at high risk.

He said the vaccines provide long-lasting protection against the virus as some studies show that immunity will persist for at least 20 years.

Some studies also indicate that complete doses last for a lifetime and also the duration of immunity can vary between individuals because of certain factors like the age the vaccine was administered, the dosage received, the individuals immune response, and other underlying health issues of the individual, he said.

Recommended doses, vaccines availability, accessibility

Rukayya Muhammad, a nurse at the Specialist Hospital, Sokoto, said a full course of hepatitis B vaccine is given in three doses and it offers lifelong protection for some people.

Ms Muhammad said the recommended dose of vaccine for a child is at zero, one, and six months and for adults, zero, one, and two months.

She, however, said recommended doses vary based on countries and vaccine type.

Investigations carried out by our reporter show that the costs of hepatitis B vaccines and tests vary based on location, health facility, and the nurse and or medical practitioner on duty.

At Asokoro District Hospital, Abuja, a dose of the vaccine costs N2,000. Three doses are required for an adult to achieve full immunity against the virus, making a total of N6,000. A patient is also required to first undergo a hepatitis B test for N2,000. If negative, the patient can proceed with vaccination.

At Wuse District Hospital, Abuja, a dose of the vaccine costs N3,000 and the test is N2,000, according to one of the nurses. When the reporter approached another nurse for confirmation, she said one dose cost N2500.

At the National Hospital, Abuja, a dose is N4,200 while the test to confirm the patients status is N4,000.

Emmanuel Ishaku, a resident of Kabala Doki, in Kaduna North LGA of Kaduna State told PREMIUM TIMES that he received the vaccine free of charge at the primary health centre in his community.

Mr Ishaku, however, said he paid N500 to carry out the hepatitis B test.

Vaccines not free for adult

The Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Faisal Shuaib, said the Hepatitis B vaccine is given under the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) schedule in Nigeria.

Mr Shuaib in his response to an FOI sent to the agency said Hepatitis B vaccine is among the childhood vaccines given to infants to prevent the viral disease and that it is readily available for children in all public and private health facilities providing routine immunisation services across the country.

He, however, said the vaccine is not readily accessible for adults because the EPI policy is yet to include it as a routine vaccine for adults.

Apart from the fact that the focus of routine immunisation is essential to ensure all children get all the antigens, it is also required that adults get tested for hepatitis disease before they take the vaccine, he said.

Once an adult tests positive for hepatitis, taking the vaccine is no more necessary.

Mr Shuaib said adults are able to access the vaccine through arrangements by private health facilities and some NGOs who make special requests to the agency.

He noted that there are already ongoing efforts by the Nigerian government to make the vaccine more available and accessible for adults.

To increase vaccine uptake, Mrs Odeghe, the consultant gastroenterologist, said the government must ensure vaccine availability and make it affordable for average Nigerians.

She said the full course of vaccine costs at least N5,000 in major parts of the country, a cost that many people cannot afford.

Increased awareness, screening

Mr Musa, the infectious diseases consultant, reiterated the need for increased awareness, especially for those in rural communities where many people are ignorant of such diseases.

He said regular screening will also ensure more cases are captured and placed on treatment before the infection gets to the chronic stage.

Hepatitis B cases are still on the increase due to ignorance and lack of awareness and that is because a lot of people dont know the causes and ways to prevent the infections. They are unaware of the very potent vaccines against hepatitis B, he said.

Ms Abdulrasheed and Mr Benjamin, currently managing the infection, said they were not aware of the vaccines until they were diagnosed.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


The ongoing strike by Nigerian doctors under the aegis of the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has disrupted activities across public tertiary hospitals in Nigeria.

PREMIUM TIMES reporters observed that health activities were skeletal on the second day of the strike in some hospitals in Nigerias capital city, Abuja, and Lagos State.

The doctors embarked on an indefinite industrial action in the early hours of Wednesday following what they described as the failure of the Nigerian government to meet their demands.

This came after the expiration of a two-week ultimatum earlier issued to the government.

The association said the two-week ultimatum, which ended on 19 July, was to give the government adequate time to begin implementation of the resolutions of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) previously agreed on.

Doctors demands

The doctors, among other issues, are demanding the immediate payment of the 2023 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), tangible steps on the upward review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) and payment of all salary arrears owed its members, since 2015.

The doctors also want immediate massive recruitment of clinical staff in the hospitals and abolishment of the bureaucratic limitations to the immediate replacement of doctors and nurses who leave the system.

They also want the immediate review of hazard allowance by all the state governments as well as private tertiary health institutions where any form of residency training is done.

The resident doctors comprise the bulk of medical personnel in Nigerias tertiary hospitals; hence health activities are mostly crippled when they are on strike.

Situation in FCT

Some of the hospitals visited in Abuja on Thursday were offering skeletal services to patients after several hours of delay.

At the time PREMIUM TIMES visited the Asokoro district hospital, many patients were waiting to be attended to. Medical consultants, nurses and other healthcare workers were attending to some patients at the eye clinic department.

However, a family leaving the hospital at the time of the visit said the management directed them to vacate the premises because there are no doctors to attend to them.

My son has been on admission since last week but they suddenly asked us to leave the hospital because doctors are on strike, the mother identified as Mrs Joseph said.

At the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Jabi, it was observed that only a few patients were at the General Outpatient Department (GOPD). A patient, Aisha Sani, said she and others have been waiting for long hours to be attended to.

Ms Sani said some people have been forced to go back home because they could not wait any longer.

A nurse on duty said the hospital was offering skeletal services, describing the workload as overwhelming but all hands are on deck to ensure patients on ground are responded to.

At the Wuse District Hospital, patients were stranded. One of the them, identified as simply as Benjamin, said he got to the hospital at 8 a.m. but that as of 12:30 p.m., he was yet to be attended to.

LASUTH

At the surgical outpatient department of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), PREMIUM TIMES observed that patients were being attended to but ongoing strike may have slowed the services.

A patients relative, identified simply as Mrs Aliu, said her son had been on admission at the facility before the strike.

Another patients relative at the LASUTH Medical emergency department, Susan Abraham, said they took her 18-year-old son to the hospital on Thursday morning as a result of a swollen leg but could only be attended to later in the afternoon.

Another woman who refused to mention her name said her daughter was admitted on Tuesday due to a sickle cell crisis and that she has been attended to by different doctors.

Demands from Lagos government

The president of ARD at LASUTH, Salmon Abeeb, confirmed that the branch had complied with the directive of the national body, adding that only the consultants and medical officers were working.

He disclosed that the leadership of NARD were as of the time engaged at a meeting with the representatives of the government in Abuja.

We pray that it yields favourable results and I hope that the government does the needful, he said.

As regards Lagos State, we are yet to get any response from the government, despite the fact that the strike has commenced and we believe they are on it.

By the end of this week, if we dont receive any favourable response, it means the strike will continue.

Mr Abeeb noted that if the Lagos State Government pays the medical residency training fund for 2023, we can call ourselves together and deliberate on our position.

We want them to grant the most pressing of our demands, he said.

Speaking to PREMIUM TIMES, a consultant family physician and resident doctor in LASUTH, Oluwajimi Sodipo, decried the lackadaisical attitude of government to issues that concern doctors welfare.

We must realise that no health practitioner wants to go on strike, but unfortunately the government doesnt react until people go on strike, he said.

He said NARD had raised a number of issues over the past few months and there have been several meetings with the government but nothing happens until a strike is declared.

The notification for strike action should be the trigger action for the government to prevent the industrial action.

Way forward

Shortly after the strike commenced on Wednesday, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, said the federal government was working towards ending the doctors strike.

Mr Abbas, who spoke after a meeting between the principal officers of the lower chamber and President Bola Tinubu, said there are plans to meet some of the demands of the doctors.

It is a work in progress. I am sure with some of the issues that they have raised, if we can be able to meet some of their expectations; of which we are already working on that, he said.

We have already set up an ad-hoc committee chaired by the majority leader of the House to look at the issues they raised. I am sure one or two interventions in their areas of concern will prevail on them to come back to the negotiation table.

Mr Abbas said Mr Tinubu asked the doctors to exercise patience because he had not been fully briefed on their demands.

He said he is just coming on board and we should ask them to please give him more time as he is completely unaware of most of the things that they mentioned and he is yet to be briefed about the issues, Mr Abass said.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


President Bola Tinubu Thursday announced a list of 28 nominees for cabinet positions. The names of the 28 nominees were sent to the Senate for approval on Thursday, two days before the deadline.

The list includes former governors, economists, finance experts, health experts, lawyers and allies of Mr Tinubu, who took office on 29 May.

Among them were former Governor of Rivers State Nyesom Wike, ex-Ebonyi State Governor Dave Umahi, and presidential spokesperson Dele Alake.

11: States without nominees

At least 11 states have no representation in the list of ministerial nominees sent to the Senate on Monday. The Nigerian constitution enjoins the president to ensure that at least one minister is appointed from each state of the federation to ensure that the federal character of Nigeria is reflected in the appointment of ministers.

In the nomination list, Mr Tinubu left out 11 states namely Adamawa, Bayelsa, Gombe, Kano, Kebbi, Kogi, Lagos, Plateau, Osun, Yobe and Zamfara.

This means the president will have to send a supplementary list that will cover these states to meet the requirements of the law. Mr Tinubu admitted that the list is not exhaustive and that additional nominations will be announced in due course.

7: Female nominees

Of the 28 nominees, only seven are women: Hannatu Musawa, Betta Edu, Dorris Uzoka, Nkeiruka Onyejocha, Stella Okotette, Uju Ohaneye, and Iman Suleiman-Ibrahim. President Tinubu had promised to feature women and youth prominently in his administration.

In his manifesto document titled Renewed Hope 2023  Action Plan for a Better Nigeria, Mr Tinubu said he will work with the National Assembly to increase womens participation in government to at least 35 per cent of all governmental positions.

With 7 out of 28 women on the first list, this means Mr Tinubu will have to increase the number of women to meet the 35 per cent he promised in his campaigns.

6: Former lawmakers

Former lawmakers on the list are Abubakar Momoh, Yusuf Tuggar, Ekperipe Ekpo, Abubakar Kyari, John Enoh, and Sani Danladi.

Messrs Momoh, Tuggar, and Ekpo were members of the House of Representatives. The triad of Mr Kyari, Mr Enoh and Mr Danladi were in the Senate.

4: Former governors

The president nominated four former governors including Nasir El Rufai, Abubakar Badaru, Dave Umahi, and Nyesom Wike. There is no law that bars former governors from serving; they are appointed at the discretion of the president.

The four aforementioned nominees were governors for eight years between 2015 and 2023. Mr Wike is a member of the main opposition PDP while the three others are household names in the APC.

READ ALSO:

A longtime member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr Wike did not back the partys presidential candidate, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, in this years election and instead headed a team of five breakaway PDP governors who insisted on having a president from southern Nigeria.

3: Serving lawmakers

There are at least three serving lawmakers on the list: Nkeriuka Onyejeocha, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo and Dave Umahi.

Mr Umahi is a senator while Ms Onyejeocha and Mr Tunji-Ojo are members of the House of Representatives.

With their nominations, the members will have to relinquish their positions to take up ministerial appointments. This means the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will conduct a new election when their seats are thrown vacant.

3: Presidential Advisers

President Tinubu also asked the senate to confirm three of his advisers as ministers  Dele Alake, Wale Edun, and Hannatu Musawa.

Mr Alake, a former Lagos Commissioner for Information, is Mr Tinubus adviser on Special Duties, Communications and Strategy. Mr Edun is the presidents close ally and adviser on Monetary Policies while Ms Musawa advises the president on culture.

3: States with two nominees

While 11 states have no representation for now, the trio of Bauchi, Cross River and Katsina states have two nominees each on the list.

Ali Pate, a physician and professor who declined to take the position of head of the global vaccine alliance GAVI earlier this year, is from Bauchi State. Yusuf Tuggar, a former Nigerian Ambassador to Germany is also from Bauchi State in the countrys north-east.

Betta Edu, a trained medical doctor and APCs Women Leader is from Cross River. She was a former commissioner of health in the state. Also, John Enoh, a former senator, is also from the South-south state.

Then, the president also nominated Ahmed Dangiwa and Hannatu Musawa both from Katsina State. Mr Dangiwa is currently the Secretary to the State Government of Katsina while Ms Musawa, a trained lawyer, is Mr Tinubus adviser on culture.

1: Head of federal agency

In the list, Mr Tinubu nominated one serving federal parastatal head: Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim. Ms Suleiman-Ibrahim is a former director-general of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).

Currently, she heads the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons, a position she held since 2021.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


Some staff members of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU), Awka, Anambra State, on Thursday staged a peaceful protest over non-payment of their four years salaries.

The protesters lamented that since they got their employment letters in 2019, they had yet to be captured in the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that members of the group displayed placards with different inscriptions.

Some of the inscriptions were: Federal Government, do come to our rescue, Its been 4 years of employment with NAU without pay and Senate and House of Reps, our case needs urgent attention.

Others read: We are dying of hunger and depression, We are now Debtors, Presidency and Head of Service, save our souls.

Addressing reporters, the groups spokesperson, Echezonam Ibezi, said he could not understand why they were yet to get their salaries after going through the processes of employment.

Since 1 January, 2019, when we got our employment letters and resumed work, we have not been paid a dime till today. The school management said we have to be captured in IPPIS.

At some point, about 120 persons were sent text messages to go to Enugu for IPPIS capturing and after that, the remaining 1,311 persons were yet to be captured.

They keep saying they are working on it, but this is four years running, nothing has been done, no salaries.

We come to work regularly, the students I taught from year one have all graduated. What is our crime? We are suffering, many of us cannot afford to pay our rents and pay other bills.

We are holding this protest to call the attention of the National Assembly, the HOS and Nigerians, to our plights. The Federal government should come to our rescue, he said.

Responding, Joseph Ikechebelu, the deputy vice-chancellor, Administration, NAU, thanked the protesting staff for being civil.

He said the management was working to resolve the problem and assured them that their concerns would be considered.

(NAN)

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


Xi meets Indonesian president

Xinhua) 08:07, July 28, 2023

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Indonesian President Joko Widodo in Chengdu, capital city of southwest China's Sichuan Province, July 27, 2023. Widodo is in Chengdu to attend the opening ceremony of the 31st summer edition of the FISU World University Games and visit China. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu)

CHENGDU, July 27 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday met with Indonesian President Joko Widodo in Chengdu, capital city of southwest China's Sichuan Province.

Widodo is here to attend the opening ceremony of the 31st summer edition of the FISU World University Games and visit China.

Xi noted the opening of a new chapter in building a China-Indonesia community with a shared future last year.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Indonesia. Xi said China is willing to take the occasion as an opportunity to deepen strategic cooperation with Indonesia, set an example for developing countries of sharing a common future, pursuing solidarity and cooperation and boosting common development, and inject more certainty and positive energy into the region and the world.

China is willing to maintain regular strategic communication with Indonesia, strengthen the exchanges of state governance experience, initiate the "2+2" dialogue mechanism for foreign and defense ministers of the two countries, and build high-level strategic mutual trust, Xi said.

Major achievements have been made in synergizing the Belt and Road Initiative with Indonesia's vision of the Global Maritime Fulcrum, Xi said.

With the Jakarta-Bandung High-speed Railway soon coming into operation, the two sides need to ensure the high standard and high quality of the project, injecting more impetus to Indonesia's development, said Xi, adding that the two countries need to further the cooperation on comprehensive industrial parks.

China supports Indonesia in developing its new capital and the North Kalimantan Industrial Park, and is willing to expand cooperation in areas including new energy vehicles and smart cities and jointly promote the industrial digital transformation, Xi said.

China is willing to continue to expand imports of bulk commodities and high-quality agricultural products from Indonesia, deliver on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, and strengthen cooperation in fields including food security, poverty reduction, rural revitalization, vocational education, language education, medicine and health, culture and tourism, he said.

China is ready to deepen its comprehensive strategic partnership with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and support the work of Indonesia as the rotating chair of the ASEAN, Xi said.

China stands ready to strengthen communication and coordination with Indonesia under G20, BRICS and other multilateral mechanisms, promote the implementation of the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, safeguard regional and global peace and stability, and promote the building of a community with a shared future for humanity, Xi said.

Widodo said the bilateral relations have made substantial progress since he received Xi in Bali last year.

Indonesia firmly upholds the one-China policy and is willing to continue to enhance cooperation with China in areas including investment, marine fisheries, food security and healthcare, he said.

The Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative put forward by Xi are open and inclusive, Widodo said, adding that Indonesia actively supports the initiatives.

Indonesia is willing to strengthen its strategic communication with China and jointly safeguard regional peace, stability, development and prosperity, Widodo said.

After the meeting, Xi and Widodo witnessed the signing of bilateral cooperation documents.

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Indonesian President Joko Widodo in Chengdu, capital city of southwest China's Sichuan Province, July 27, 2023. Widodo is in Chengdu to attend the opening ceremony of the 31st summer edition of the FISU World University Games and visit China. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Wu Chaolan)
James McMurtry remembers the first time he visited Montana.

"It was in 1976," he recalled. "My dad was doing some research for a screenplay. He said Montana at that time reminded him of Texas before World War II."

James' dad was Larry McMurtry, the iconic author whose work defined how people viewed the West for much of the 20th century. In 1985 he released "Lonesome Dove," a massive 843-page novel that follows a pair of old cow hands who drive one last herd from Texas to Montana. The book won a Pulitzer Prize, and in 1989 it was adapted into a TV miniseries starring Tommy Lee Jones and Robert Duval that netted 7 Emmys on 18 nominations and helped pave the way for the "Prestige TV" genre that still dominates the airwaves today. The elder McMurtry also won an Oscar for the "Brokeback Mountain" screenplay, and adaptations of his work like "The Last Picture Show" and "Terms of Endearment" helped usher in the New Hollywood era of American filmmaking.

With a pedigree like that, it's all the more remarkable that James has stepped out from his father's inimitable shadow. The younger McMurtry is also a writer, but he uses his words in songs. And he uses them expertly, too. McMurtry has gained a sterling reputation as the consummate "songwriter's songwriter." Even if you're not super familiar with his work, the folks you listen to almost certainly are. Since 1989, he's released 10 records. 2021's "The Horses and the Hounds" is his newest and one of his best, a good entry point for an artist with so many beloved songs it can feel tough to find an in.

James isn't sure what his dad would make of Montana today.

"It looks different to me," he said. "There's a lot more custom order log houses. That wasn't going on much in the '70s."

That's a perfectly James McMurtry-esque sentence. He's a songwriter who notices tiny details like a great journalist, able to drill right into the essence of a place and breathe out a neatly succinct observation about it that goes way deeper than even the most practiced writers are able to get to.

McMurtry will soon get a chance to see what Montana looks like right now in person. He's at The Coop in Columbia Falls on Saturday, July 29, and then returns for a more dedicated run through Big Sky Country the first week in August, with a gig at the Rialto Theatre in Bozeman on Friday, Aug. 4, a slot at the Wildlands Festival in Big Sky on Saturday, Aug. 5 and a night in Billings on Sunday, Aug. 6 at the Pub Station.

With that in mind, the Gazette sat down with McMurtry to discuss his outspokenness about the drag bans being passed around the country (including Montana), his love of driving, and the controversy surrounding Jason Aldean's new single. (This interview has been lightly edited for clarity and brevity).

Are you paying attention to this controversy going on about this Jason Aldean song? [Aldean's new single "Try That in a Small Town" has garnered criticism saying the song calls for vigilante violence and recycles racist stereotypes].

Yeah, sort of vaguely.

Why do you think so many country musicians feel this need to pander to audiences like this?

It's their brand. And it's been that way for a long time. Jason Aldean did not invent the violent redneck cheerleader genre. That's been done for a long time. Hank Williams Jr. had "A Country Boy Can Survive." It's the same themes about self-reliant survivalists and also how small towns and rural America are somehow morally superior to urban America. Which is stupid. As if rural America doesn't have fentanyl and meth and incest and murder and rape. It's kinda sad because there was a time when Nashville had the best songwriters in the country. "Skip A Rope" [Henson Cargill's 1967 hit that touched on abuse and racism] was cutting edge back then.

And now you've got all this rural life that's just full of tragedy, which is terrible. But it makes good, interesting music. But they would rather rewrite "What have they done with the old home place?" and paint this pastoral, innocent rural America which does not exist. I don't know if it ever did.

Do you think there's a way forward for mainstream country and Americana music to avoid some of these stereotypes?

They're not going to because it doesn't sell. The myth always sells better than the reality. And it takes a lot of work to make something out of that reality. I'd rather do that. I'd rather have enough people to fill a club and really relate to my songs and sing along with it than sell it on the radio.

But that's easy for me to say. Nobody's gonna believe that other stuff coming from me. I couldn't get on mainstream radio to save my life, no matter what I say. Those of us that can't be stars remain artists. And I don't want to say that in a mean way. There's nothing wrong with stars. There's nothing wrong with people who can do that. It's just a different thing. And it sells better.

Are you on social media at all?

Well, we have to, but I hire to have it done. I'm kind of a luddite. If anybody ever friends you saying they're me, it's not me. I don't friend. Facebook is strictly for business.

Social media is where a lot of the furor over the Aldean thing has bee happening.

I just don't understand why people are surprised by it. Because it's been that way a long time. The only difference now is they're wearing the racism on the outside. It's always been there.

You performed in drag recently in protest of the anti-drag bill in Tennessee. Did you see any material change come from that?

We did three Tennessee shows, and for all of them I did the encore in drag. At the first on in Knoxville, one guy got real upset and went out on the street and flagged down a policeman and tried to get him to come arrest me. He just shrugged his shoulders and walked off. And I did it again in Texas a couple of times. And finally that Texas bill actually passed and it hasn't been frozen by a federal judge like it did in Tennessee. I did one of my residency shows [at the Continental Club in Austin, Texas] all in drag, because we don't really do an encore at those shows.

In so many of your songs, like "Canola Fields" and "Lights of Cheyenne", you talk about driving. Is it a meditative experience for you to get out on long drives?

Yeah, I have to drive. When I get home, I get kind of weird. It's strange, it's just the motion addiction of specifically the wheel of a rented Chevy van. I can't get in a car and do the same thing. It doesn't work.

Montana is like that. There's a lot of place that take a long time to get to, and it gives you a lot of time to think.

For me, it's not so much the space. I like traffic, too. I love driving the L.A. freeway. Very well constructed, well designed roads and people who know how to drive. You come around a corner at 75 miles an hour and suddenly there's a wall of brake lights. Everybody stops. Nobody hits anything. You just kind of sway with the traffic like it's a school of fish. It's the motion as much as anything. Motion and math. Spatial relations.

That about does it for the questions. Anything else you'd like to add?

I have a question, actually. I know there was a drag bill proposed in Montana. Did that go through?

As I remember, there was some language in that bill that says something about flamboyant costumes and makeup. Would that not apply to rodeo clowns? I've seen rodeo clowns out there with skirt before. And they certainly have makeup and a flamboyance about them. So are they going to enforce that at a PBR event? Or a PRCA rodeo? Looks like that would put them in jeopardy, if you really want to enforce that. We should launch a complaint.
The police in Anambra State, south-east Nigeria, have spoken about a lady who was found dead in a swimming pool at Cosmila Hotel in Awka, the state capital.

Background

The victim, Chinyere Awuda, a 27-year-old lady, was found dead, on 17 July, inside the hotels swimming pool in the state.

Ms Awuda, an indigene of Nnobi in Idemili South Local Government Area of the state, was accused of picking some money that was being sprayed on a birthday celebrant at a party.

The victim was said to have been beaten to death when she was caught, and her body was subsequently dumped at the swimming pool.

However, the hotel management denied the claim and explained that the victim ran out after allegedly stealing part of the money being sprayed at the party and mistakenly fell into the pool, which they said, was long abandoned.

The victims family alleged a cover-up by the hotel management, insisting that their daughter had bruises on her body when her body was recovered from the pool and that the police stopped them from taking photographs of the body.

They consequently appealed to the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Aderemi Adeoye, to carry out an investigation into the incident.

The police would later arrest the celebrant and his three friends before commencing investigation.

ALSO READ: Suspected cultists behead rival cult leader in Anambra

The state government immediately ordered the hotels closure pending the conclusion of the investigation into the matter.

Police speak

The police spokesperson in Anambra State, Tochukwu Ikenga, in a statement on Friday, said an autopsy report conducted on the victims body showed that drowning, not beating, was the cause of her death.

Contrary to claims that the deceased was beaten to death, the pathologist found no sign of trauma on the body, Mr Ikenga, a deputy superintendent of police, said.

The police spokesperson said the finding was in line with the initial report that the lady ran away over the allegation of stealing at the party and was not found afterwards, despite several efforts by some persons at the party.

It would appear that she fell into the abandoned swimming pool and drowned, he said.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Adeoye, has directed that the case file be forwarded to the states attorney-general for vetting and legal advice, Mr Ikenga said.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


The Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) on Friday announced that three suspected cable thieves have been arrested by the security operatives at the International wing of the Murtala Muhammad Airport (MMA) in Lagos.

A combined patrol team of officers from Aviation Securitys Crime Investigation and Intelligence (CII) Unit and the Joint Military Task Force(JMTF) arrested three persons suspected to be cable thieves around the FAAN Training School.

According to a statement issued by FAANs Public Affairs and Consumer Protection Director, Abdullahi Yakubu-Funtua, the three suspects were arrested at about 4:00 a.m on Friday while digging and vandalising electrical cables connection of the MMA powerhouse.

Two of the suspects were caught at about 03:52 hours today while digging and cutting electric cables connecting the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Powerhouse (International Wing, MMA) to the Domestic Terminal(MMA), while the third suspect, who serves as a link between the two other suspects and buyers at Arena Market, Oshodi was apprehended at exactly 05:56hours, at Hajj & Cargo Terminal following confessions made by the two other suspects, the statement said.

Mr Yakubu-Funtua noted that an ongoing investigation revealed that one of the suspects was convicted and sentenced to 28 days imprisonment for a similar offence sometime in April 2022.

The suspects are presently being interrogated by officials of FAAN AVSEC after which they will be handed over to the Police for prosecution, the statement said.

The latest arrest of alleged cable thieves within the premises of the airport by the security operatives occurred about a week after a similar incident was recorded at the airport.

Last week, the guards on duty at the Nigeria Airforce gate of the airport halted three cable thieves along the perimeter fence of the Air Force security base by the airport road.

According to the statement issued by FAAN last week, the three suspects were also sighted digging the FAAN underground armoured cable with the aid of a digger, shovel and cutlass.

ALSO READ: Abuja Airport shifts date for new toll fare

But on sighting the guards, FAAN said the thieves took to their heels and a guard opened fire on them, aiming at the shoulder of Usman Musa, 28.

FAAN said that Mr Musa, a native of Adamawa State, and a resident of the Ijora axis of Lagos, sustained gunshot wounds, but was subsequently arrested and taken to 661NAFH Ikeja.

Usman Musa will be properly interrogated after he has stabilised, FAAN said.

The authority said last week that the incident could be a relevant clue to unravelling the theft of the runway lighting at the airport.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


The Ondo State Government has proposed the creation of 33 new local council development areas (LCDA) in the state.

The State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Bamidele Ademola-Olateju, told journalists that the state executive council approved the proposal at its weekly meeting on Thursday.

Ondo State currently has 18 statutory local government areas. The proposal, if pased into law by the state legislature, will take the number of local councils in Ondo to 51.

The state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Charles Titiloye, who joined the information commissioner to brief the journalists, explained how the proposed new LCDAs will operate.

He said they would perform the same functions as the existing 18 local governments in the state.

Mrs Ademola-Olateju added that the enabling law had been sent to the State House of Assembly for enactment.

Speaking more on the 33 LCDAs, Mr Titiloye said that they would have the same functions and operate side-by-side with the existing 18 LGAs in the state.

He said the approval followed the recommendation of the Committee on LCDAs set up by Governor Rotimi Akeredolu. The committee was headed by Lanke Odogiyan.

The procedure for local government creation will not be complete without an enabling law, he said.

The Council received today, the proposed Bill for the establishment of the 33 LCDA.

This proposed Bill was approved by the State Executive Council, and is to be sent to the State House of Assembly for enactment to give necessary legal backing.

In 2019, Governor Akeredolu received recommendations for the creation of more local government areas to extend governance to the people.

The government then set up an 11-member committee to work out the modalities for the creation of new LCDA.

The new LCDAs are the product of the Review Committee headed by Mr Odogiyan.

The creation of new LCDAs in the Fourth Republic was pioneered by the Lagos State Government under the administration of Bola Tinubu.

It led the state government into confrontation with then President Olusegun Obasanjo who eventually withheld statutory allocations to LGAs in Lagos.

Mr Obasanjo had insisted that federal revenue can only be allocated to the 774 LGAS listed in the 1999 Constutution.

However, Mr Obasanjos successor, the late President Umaru Yaradua, released the withheld funds to Lagos LGAs and the state has sustained the LCDAS.

Since then, the other South-west states of Osun, Oyo, Ogun and Ekiti have created their own local council development areas, even though the National Assembly has refused to amend the constitution to recognise them.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


The Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, says President Bola Tinubu did not attach portfolios to the ministerial nominees sent to the senate for screening because ministers do not have permanent posting.

Mr Gbajabiamila said this on Thursday while speaking with journalists after submitting the ministerial list to the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio.

PREMIUM TIMES had reported that Mr Tinubu forwarded 28 ministerial nominees to the Senate for approval but the nominees had no portfolios attached.

Mr Gbajabiamila explained that the president wants to retain the discretionary power to shuffle his cabinet or move ministers around, noting that attachment of portfolios could complicate things.

What happens then if you change your mind, do you then bring the person back for screening again, because the President is at liberty to change his mind.

For instance, if I decide I want somebody as Minister of Labour, and then after sending the name, later on, I decide that, you know what, I didnt know this about this person, this person would actually be better with another portfolio, Mr Gbajabiamila said.

He noted that the presidents team will work on appropriate portfolios to each nominee while the screening is in progress.

Some people have criticised the list submitted by the president as having more of politicians than technocrats.

The current list has about four former governors and several past and present National Assembly members.

Speaking on the composition of the nominees, Mr Gbajabiamila said the list before the parliament is a blend of politicians and technocrats.

Its a good mix of both people with political acumen and technocrats. So this is a good balance, he said.

Mr Gbajabiamila appealed to the Senate to speed up the confirmation process.

Eleven states are without ministerial nominees. They include Adamawa, Bayelsa, Gombe, Kano and Kebbi States.

Others are: Kogi, Lagos, Osun, Yobe, Plateau and Zamfara states.

The 1999 Constitution makes it mandatory that every state must have at least a minister.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


In separate telephone conversations with President Bola Tinubu on Thursday evening in Abuja, United States Vice President Kamala Harris and United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed strong support for Nigerias efforts toward the restoration of constitutional order in the Republic of Niger.

The two leaders also commended the Nigerian President, who is also the Chairman of ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, for spearheading the peace moves.

On Wednesday 26 July 2023, some soldiers from the Presidential Guard had moved to depose President Mohamed Bazoum.

President Tinubu had quickly rejected the threat to democracy in that country, sending a strong delegation to talk with all the parties with a view to restoring constitutional order in Niger.

In her telephone conversation with President Tinubu, at the instance of the US authorities, Ms Harris praised the reform initiatives of the Federal Government, urging the country to continue in that direction.

While pledging to support democracy in Africa including the West African sub region, Ms Harris also said the US would assist Nigeria in the battle against terrorism.

READ ALSO:

The US Vice President spoke on the need for Africa, including Nigeria to embrace energy transitions.

In his response, President Tinubu thanked Ms Harris for the telephone call and her words of encouragement on the efforts taken so far on the economy, but added that the developments in Niger Republic dampen spirits.

Today, I spoke with President Tinubu of Nigeria about the strong ties between the Nigerian and American people and our shared work on global and regional issuesfrom defending democracy in West Africa and the Sahel to promoting digital inclusion and economic growth. pic.twitter.com/v1or2CECKt  Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) July 28, 2023

He said ECOWAS under his watch would do all that is necessary to restore democracy in Niger, while counting on the support of the US.

On Nigeria, President Tinubu craved for more private sector investment, urging the US to lead the way in this regard.

We had to get rid of the fuel subsidy that is laden with fraud with a few people appropriating the wealth of the country to themselves.

We would need the US to help push for investments that will help alleviate the effects of subsidy removal in Nigeria. We need foreign direct investment to come in.

We have abundant gas resources in the country and not been able to fund gas pipelines to Europe and compete in that gas market is a handicap, he said.

On climate change, the president said Nigeria would stay focused on alternate energy but he pleaded for the developed nations to understand the situation in developing countries including Africa.

The two leaders also spoke on strengthening relations between their two countries and on their shared work on global and regional issues.

Other matters that featured in the discussions that lasted about 40 minutes are defending democracy in West Africa and The Sahel and digital inclusion.

Speaking with the UN Secretary- General Guterres, President Tinubu said he was doing everything possible to resolve the impasse in Niger.

While expressing the hope that the situation in Niger could still be reversed for better, he said ECOWAS would require UNs support for restoring democracy and building institutions in that country.

Mr Guterres had earlier pledged the commitment of the UN for Tinubus peace efforts in Niger.

Dele Alake,

Special Adviser, Special Duties, Communication & Strategy

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Friday, transmitted the list of his proposed cabinet members to the Lagos State House of Assembly for ratification.

The list consists of 39 names, Gboyega Akosile, the chief press secretary of the state, announced via his Twitter handle.

The list consists of 39 names with 30% women, youths, technocrats and politicians, Mr Akosile posted.

Mr Akosile did not mention the names of the nominees that make up the list.

The development is in line with the 1999 constitution as amended, which requires the president and governors to submit the names of persons nominated as ministers or commissioners within 60 days of taking the oath of office for confirmation by the Senate or state House of Assembly.

Mr Sanwo-Olus counterparts from Ogun, Gombe, Plateau, Benue, Kwara, Adamawa, Kaduna and others have also submitted their list to the state House of Assembly.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


Some police officers have arrested a popular broadcast journalist in Imo State, south-east Nigeria.

The journalist, Chinonso Uba, otherwise known as Nonso Nkwa, was whisked away on Thursday by the officers after he finished anchoring his morning programme on Ozisa FM, a radio station in Owerri, the state capital.

Ozisa FM, where the journalist works, is owned by the Catholic Diocese of Owerri.

The station is within the premises of Assumpta Cathedral of the diocese.

Mr Uba was said to be driving out of the cathedral in his Highlander SUV when the officers, who reportedly laid an ambush, double-crossed him at a junction in the state and arrested him.

Sources told PREMIUM TIMES that the officers  who operated in a Toyota Hilux truck, Lexus SUV, and ES 330 saloon car  forced the journalist into one of their vehicles and zoomed off, abandoning the journalists SUV.

The journalist was said to have initially resisted arrest, expressing fears that he might be killed by the officers.

The officers reportedly prevented passers-by from recording the incident, it was learnt.

The Manager of Ozisa FM, Raymond Nzereogu, confirmed the arrest of the journalist to reporters in Owerri.

Mr Nzereogu, a Catholic priest, said he visited police headquarters in the state and saw the journalist in the custody of the police.

When contacted on Friday morning, the police spokesperson in Imo State, Henry Okoye, confirmed the arrest of the journalist to PREMIUM TIMES.

Mr Okoye, an assistant superintendent of police, said he was arrested by police operatives from the Criminal Investigation Department of the Force Headquarters in Abuja.

The police spokesperson said he was unaware of the offence committed by the journalist that informed his arrest by the officers.

He promised to contact the Force Headquarters and revert later with details of the journalists offence.

Uba, the arrested journalist, at a glance

Mr Uba contested in the 2023 House of Representatives election for Mbaitoli/Ikeduru Federal Constituency on the platform of the African Democratic Congress but lost to Akarachi Amadi, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The journalist, who is also an activist, has been critical of the administration of Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State.

Mr Uzodinma is a member of the APC, under which he is seeking reelection in the forthcoming 11 November governorship in the state.

READ ALSO: Katsina journalist alleges threat to life after arrest for criticising police on Tiktok

Mr Uba, after losing in the House of Representatives election, continued working as a journalist but became even more critical of the governors policies, it was learnt.

Some reportedly warned him of his media colleagues to choose between journalism and politics, but he ignored the warning.

It is not clear, for now, if he was arrested in connection with any of his remarks against the governor and his policies.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


Leaders of West African countries will hold a meeting in the Nigerian capital, Abuja, to discuss Wednesdays coup in Niger.

The meeting was announced by Dele Alake, spokesperson of Nigerias President Bola Tinubu who also chairs the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Following the coup in Republic of Niger that has upended the constitutional political leadership in the West Africa country, the Chairman of ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, President Bola Tinubu will host a special meeting of the regional leaders on Sunday, July 30th in Abuja, Mr Alake wrote.

President Tinubu as Chairman of ECOWAS, in a statement he personally signed on Wednesday July 26, 2023, condemned the current political situation in the neighbouring country and promised that ECOWAS and the international community would do everything to defend democracy and ensure democratic governance continues to take firm root in the sub-region.

US Vice President Kamala Harris and United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in separate telephone calls Thursday evening with President Tinubu affirmed the support of the US and UN for the position taken by ECOWAS and the Nigerian leader to restore constitutional order in Niger.

PREMIUM TIMES reported how soldiers executed a coup in Niger after holding the president hostage.

The coup has been condemned by ECOWAS and the international community.

Details later

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


President Bola Tinubu has expressed the willingness of the Federal Government of Nigeria to support global tech giant, Google Incorporated, to create one million digital jobs in Nigeria.

The president gave the assurance at the State House, Friday evening during the visit of Google Global Vice President, Richard Gingras, to his office.

President Tinubu told the visiting Google executive that Nigeria had creative and talented young people who are ready and motivated to learn especially at this age of Artificial Intelligence, stressing that the tech giant has the capabilities and tools that the young people need to excel.

I am glad that Google is ready to partner with us. You have answered our call on digital innovation and to help our youths. You are supporting our efforts to promote digital economy. We are ready to work with you on your commitment to create 1 million digital jobs in Nigeria.

We will give you all the support you need to have a beneficial corporate responsibility. We have started our economic reforms, even though tortuous.

On Googles promotion of free speech, freedom of the press and democracy through its platforms, President Tinubu declared that it is in public interest that free speech and press freedom should not be impeded.

It is in public interest to continue to defend free press and free speech. We are committed to supporting a free society, the president said.

In his address, the Google Vice President had earlier told President Tinubu that he was in Nigeria for West Africa Journalism Innovation Conference.

He said he had been inspired by the creativity and talent of young people in Nigeria who are embracing technology and digital tools to expand access to information and promote democracy.

Mr Gingras told President Tinubu that his organisation has deep interest in Nigeria and stands ready to support the Federal Government.

He listed the many capabilities of Google to include areas of Artificial Intelligence and other digital innovations that are empowering young people to become digital entrepreneurs, adding that Google subsea cable, Equiano, named after Nigerian slave abolitionist that will significantly impact future internet connectivity demands, landed in Nigeria in April 2022.

He also promised that Google would help to secure Nigeria in the age of disinformation and fake news, saying that his organisation seeks to continue its partnership with the Nigerian government.

Google has deep interest in Nigeria. We want to support the governments efforts to create 1 million digital jobs. We have all the tools and capabilities to make this happen. We will also help ro secure Nigeria and we have discussed that with your National Security Adviser.

ALSO READ: Google announces payment on Play Store with Verve

I came to Nigeria to learn. I am going back home very impressed with what I saw. You have very vibrant, creative and talented young people who are embracing innovation.

We will continue to support your programmes to expand your digital economy, Mr Gingras said.

He was accompanied on the visit by the Government and Public Affairs Manager for Google in West Africa, Adewolu Adene, and PREMIUM TIMES Publisher, Dapo Olorunyomi.

Dele Alake

Special Adviser to the President

(Special Duties, Communications & Strategy)

July 28, 2023

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


Vice President Kashim Shettima says Nigeria is now at a new dawn to chart and re-position its destiny for greatness going by the current measures adopted by the Bola Tinubu administration to diversify the economy and address emerging challenges.

Mr Shettima stated this while addressing political and business leaders at the second plenary session of the Russia-Africa Summit held in St. Petersburg on Friday.

The government is taking decisive steps to fight crime, punish offenders, directly tackle the insurgency, and do everything necessary to secure lives and investments in the country, he said.

Highlighting the Tinubu administrations economic agenda, Mr Shettima said, We have resolved and are firmly determined to consolidate on industrialising Nigeria and diversifying its economy into sectors that the country has a comparative advantage.

The administration of President Tinubu recognises the private sector as the engine of growth and a veritable partner in our economic agenda and will therefore give the fullest possible support to foreign and domestic investors.

The administration has identified key growth drivers and sectors that are very important to the diversification of Nigerian economy, including power, transportation, infrastructure, maritime, agro-processing, mining, manufacturing, petrochemicals, food processing and textiles etc. The Nigerian government considers these sectors as key priority areas that will drive the countrys economic agenda, the VP added.

Speaking further about investment opportunities in Nigeria, Mr Shettima said, In view of the current geopolitical situation, we must begin to think of real-time investment in addition to trading in commodities. We call on Russian companies to take advantage of the vast potentials in Nigeria, being the largest market in Africa, to invest in strategic areas and to derive maximum benefits.

On peace and security, the VP said, No meaningful development can take place without peace. The Russia-Ukraine crisis is impacting all nations in different ways.

The ongoing situation between two brotherly countries is unfortunate. Nigeria remains non-aligned in any conflict situation, but we are deeply concerned about the potential impact of the crisis on global peace and security, and we call on parties to resolve the conflict through diplomatic means as that is the best option for resolving conflicts and fostering international peace and security, he said.

Vice President Shettima then commended President Putin and the Russian government for convening the Summit, noting that it is very significant to Nigeria in many respects.

According to him, the second session of the Russia-Africa Summit is coming at a time when the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is implementing a home-grown and private sector-driven Economic Agenda that is predicated on good governance, infrastructure and human capital development, as well as business climate reforms with the expected outcomes in job creation, and poverty alleviation.

The need, therefore, to invite private sector participation in the Nigerian economy cannot be over-emphasized. Moreover, the timing of the summit is very appropriate, as it is a case of Investments meeting Opportunities.

Earlier in his opening remarks, the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, paid glowing tributes to the continents founding fathers, noting their contributions to the development of the current African State.

President Putin, who spoke on a wide range of areas of cooperation between both countries, including security and defence, commerce, agriculture and climate agenda, reiterated his countrys commitment to the full economic transformation of the African continent.

He said, Russia is sincerely ready and willing to stand by African countries in their efforts to address challenges confronting them. We cherish our relationship with each African nation and will make efforts to sustain it.

Altogether, 17 African Heads of State, five vice presidents, 10 Heads of government, and some business leaders from Russia, Africa and beyond, are attending the second edition of the summit at St Petersburgs ExpoForum.

*Olusola Abiola*

*Director Information*

*Office of the Vice President*

*28th July 2023*

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


Two Yellowstone County residents, one of whom was arrested Thursday on a $500,000 warrant, are facing multiple counts of child sex abuse following an investigation on the part of Yellowstone and Lewis and Clark County law enforcement.

Emily Elizabeth Hale, 34, has been charged with three counts of child rape and an alternative charge of attempted child rape. A second suspect, a 51-year-old man, is facing similar charges along with one count of incest. The Billings Gazette is not identifying the second suspect in the interest of protecting the identity of the alleged victim.

County prosecutors are alleging Hale and the second suspect sexually abused a girl at a residence in Ballantine several times when the girl was less than 12 years old. The charges came after the girl disclosed the abuse to her mother.

In August 2022, court documents said, the Lewis and Clark County Sheriffs Office received a call regarding a sexual assault. An LCCSO deputy met with the victims mother, who allegedly said the girl revealed being abused by Hale and her former step-father nearly four years prior while they were living in Ballantine.

Details of the case were sent to the Yellowstone County Sheriffs Office, and a deputy contacted the girls mother the same day. That conversation led to a forensic interview between the victim and a child advocate, according to charging documents, during which the child said her former step-father sexually abused her while her mother was at work. On at least three occasions, Hale allegedly joined in the abuse.

During the forensic interview, court documents said, the girl described a situation where her former step-father tried to bribe her with toys, asking her to tell her mother that Hale alone had been sexually abuse her.

In January 2023, a YCSO detective allegedly spoke with Hale. When speaking with the detective, according to charging documents, Hale said she had been forced to engage in sexual activity with the girl by her step-father at the time.

Yellowstone County prosecutors filed charges against both suspects July 26. Per those documents, a YCSO detective made several attempts to contact the girls former step-father but was unsuccessful. The same day charges were filed, District Judge Donald Harris signed $500,000 arrest warrants for Hale and the second suspect.

While the crime of sexual abuse impacts all demographics in the United States, young girls are especially vulnerable. Underage girls represent 82% of all minor victims of sexual violence, according to data from the non-profit Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network.

In Montana, according to the most recent publication of the U.S. Department of Public Health and Human Services report on child maltreatment, there were 3,077 children victimized in 2021. Of the categories tracked by HHS, the majority of children identified as victims in Montana most frequently suffered from neglect. However, there were 90 children in Montana who were victims of sexual abuse that year, down slightly from the 107 victims identified in 2020.

Hale was booked in Yellowstone County Detention Facility on Thursday, and is scheduled to make her initial appearance in court July 31. She faces up to 100 years of prison if convicted of rape or attempted rape.

Anonymous reports of child abuse of any kind can be made through the National Child Abuse Hotline at 800-4AC-HILD (422-4453). The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services also maintains a 24-hour hotline for child abuse reports at 1 (866) 820-5437.
Nigerias biggest beer-maker Nigerian Breweries sank to its first half-year loss in at least ten years and its heaviest since it started brewing beer 1949 in Lagos.

The loss was recorded against the backdrop of the ripple effect of a series of currency reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu, which are taking their toll on the half-year financials of a good number of companies in Africas largest economies.

The local subsidiary of Heineken Brouwerijen B.V relies on imports for almost half of its input costs, forcing it to incur as much as N85 billion in net loss on foreign exchange transactions.

That was about 12 times higher than the figure reported a year ago.

Roughly 83 per cent of the loss happened in the second quarter, the period during which Nigeria allowed its currency to weaken significantly in the boldest move in decades aimed at narrowing the spread between the official and black-market rates.

The 2nd Quarter of 2023 was significantly impacted by various factors including the effect of fuel subsidy removal on consumers, naira devaluation and its effect on input cost, and mostly the revaluation of foreign exchange obligations, the brewer said in a statement on Friday.

Together with the cash crunch which materially impacted the 1st quarter, the Companys net loss was escalated in H1, it added.

Net loss came in at N47.6 billion, according to the unaudited earnings report issued on Thursday in stark contrast to a net profit of N18.7 billion one year prior.

Net revenue was modestly stronger at N277.4 billion, only growing 1.2 per cent. Cost of sales rose at a faster pace to N165.1 billion, dealing a blow to gross profit, which by weakened 5.4 per cent.

Nigerian Breweries announced in May it had received an approach from Heineken Beverages Limited South Africa for it to acquire the latters majority holding in Distell Wines & Spirits Nigeria Limited.

Distell Nigeria, a unit of Distell International Limited, has interests in local production of wines and ciders as well as in the importation of wines, spirits and flavoured alcoholic beverages from Distell Group in South Africa.

Finance costs for the period climbed to N11.1 billion from N3.1 billion a year earlier.

Loss before tax stood at N67.8 billion compared to a profit before tax of N25.7 billion.

Nigerian Breweries majority-owns another listed beer-maker Champion Breweries, in which it holds an 86.4 per cent stake through Raysun Nigeria Limited.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


The Defence Headquarters says the military has neutralised 59 terrorists, arrested 88 criminals, 10 kidnappers, 20 gunmen and 19 suspected oil thefts in one week.

The Director, Defence Media Operations, Edward Buba, a major general, in a statement on Friday, said the troops also rescued 88 kidnapped hostages within the period.

He said the Armed Forces of Nigeria was engaged in several operations across the six geopolitical zones to tackle the security challenges confronting the nation.

Mr Buba said the troops recovered a total of 68 weapons and 1,364 ammunition comprising 26 AK47 rifles, one GPMG, one AKMS rifle, one FN rifle, four pump action, five pistols and 19 dane guns.

Also recovered by the troops were 1,083 rounds 7.62mm special, 228 rounds 7.62mm NATO, 14 rounds 5.56 x 45mm, 15 fully loaded AK47 magazines, nine rounds of 9mm ammo and sum of N41,915.00 only and CFA 49,000.

Others, according to him include 323,650 liters of stolen crude oil, 128,700 liters of illegally refined AGO and 4,000 liters of DPK, while an estimated sum of N388,441,660.00 was denied the oil thefts.

As at 28 July 2023, the military has neutralised 59 terrorists, arrested a total number of 88 criminals, 10 kidnappers, 20 gunmen and 19 suspected oil thefts, he said.

In the North-east, Mr Buba said the troops of Operation Hadin Kai conducted offensive operations against the terrorist enclaves in Gwoza, Konduga, Bama and Mafa Local Government Areas of Borno, neutralising terrorists, rescued hostages and recovered weapons.

He said the offensive caused some terrorist fighters to surrender and denounce their ideology while some gunrunners and collaborators were also arrested in Yobe.

According to him, troops neutralised 13 terrorists, arrested 12 and rescued 18 hostages, while a total of 764 terrorists comprising two adult males 336 adult females and 426 children surrendered to the troops at different locations within the theatre.

In North-central, Mr Buba said the troops of Operation Safe Haven raided criminal hideouts at Logo, Takum, Ukum Local Government Areas of Benue and Taraba states respectively.

He said the troops made contacts with the criminal elements and neutralised several, rescued hostages and recovered weapons.

According to him, troops also arrested kidnappers/criminals and recovered weapons at Lere and Sanga Local Government Areas of Kaduna State.

He added that troops of Operation Whirl Stroke raided kidnappers hideouts at Wukari, Ukum, Logo and Takum Local Government Areas of Benue and Taraba states.

According to him, troops also arrested suspected cattle rustlers and bandits in Guma, in Benue and a gunrunners in Doma in Nasarawa State recovering large quantity of ammo, adding that a total of 17 suspects were apprehended.

In the North-west, Mr Buba said the troops of Operation Hadarin Daji rescued 50 kidnapped victims in Talata Mafara and Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State and neutralised five terrorist in Katsina, Zamfara and Sokoto states.

He said the Air Component of Operation Hadarin Daji conducted air interdiction on terrorists hideouts in Sola in Zamfara State where the terrorists used to attack commuters along Road Jibia-Katsina and take hostages.

According to him, troops neutralised 13 terrorists and recovered one GPMG, 3 AK47 rifles, one PKT gun, one FN rifle, one fabricated rifle, two dane guns, two locally made pistols, 8 dane guns, 28 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 123 rounds of 7.62mm NATO and 22 rounds of 7.62mm empty cases.

Others include: 12 motorcycles, two tricycles, six mobile phones, four cutlasses, one boafeng radio, one solar radio charger, one dagger and 12 arrows.

Troops also arrested three terrorist collaborators and rescued 75 kidnapped civilians, he said.

In the South-south, Mr Buba said the troops of Operation Delta Safe haven, recovered 498,650 litres of crude oil, 168,145 litres of Automotive Gas Oil, and 4,400 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosine.

He said the troops also recovered 152 assorted rounds of ammunition, 23 calibers of weapons and eight AK47 magazines.

Others, according to him, include six vehicles, two boafeng radios, one 8HP, electric saw, matchetes, axe and IPOB flag dagger.

Troops destroyed 42 illegal refining sites, 36 wooden boats, 68 storage tanks, 77 ovens, 19 dugout pits, 4 speedboats and 5 outboard engines.

Meanwhile, a total of 41 suspected criminals were apprehended while an estimated sum of N388.4 million was denied the oil thefts during the period in focus.

In the South-east, the defence spokesperson said troops of Operation UDO KA neutralised three gunmen and apprehended 23 suspects as well as recovered cache of arms and ammunition during the period.

In South-west, he said the troops of Operation AWATSE recovered 5,407 wraps of substances believed to be cannabis.

He added that the troops also recovered four vehicles, 10 mobile phones, 14 cylinders, among others while seven criminals were arrested.

The aggressive posture of troops is yielding the desired results and denying the perpetrators of insecurity in the country the freedom of action.

The sustained momentum by the military will certainly cause them to reconsider their decisions.

The military will continue to take the fight to defeat these forces of evil, he said.

(NAN)

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has urged security agencies to take decisive action against purveyors of violence and other undemocratic activities ahead of the 11 November off-cycle governorship elections.

INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, spoke at an Inter-agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) meeting on the review of the 2023 general election, on Friday in Abuja.

The governorship elections on that day are due to hold in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi states.

Mr Yakubu said that the meeting was convened to review 2023 general elections, and it was important to draw lessons from the challenges that occurred for improved performance.

He said it was necessary not only for the next general election but also for the bye-elections, the eight off-cycle governorship elections and other electoral activities to be held over the next three years.

As we review the conduct of the last general election, we also need to focus our attention on the forthcoming by-elections and the three off-cycle governorship elections in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi States.

Campaigns in public in the three states commenced on July 14 and will continue until Thursday November 9 i.e. 24 hours to the opening of polls on Saturday November 11.

Already, there are ominous signs in the form of violent clashes between opposing political parties and candidates.

While maintaining strict neutrality, security agencies should take decisive action against purveyors of violence and other undemocratic activities such as vote buying, attacks on election officials and disruption of the electoral process, Mr Yakubu said.

He commended the security agencies and other members of ICCES for their contributions towards peaceful conduct of the 2023 general elections.

As you are aware, election is a multi-stakeholder activity. Although INEC drives the process, a secure environment for the conduct of peaceful elections is the responsibility of the security agencies working in partnership with the Commission.

The synergy enabled us to overcome many of the challenges prior to the 2023 General Election, including the targeted attacks on INEC offices nationwide.

Indeed, the concern that the perennial insecurity in some parts of the country before the election may make our deployment of personnel and materials, and consequently the conduct of polls, impossible did not materialise, he said.

Mr Yakubu congratulated all the service chiefs, the acting Inspector-General Police, the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), his counterpart in the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), the acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and all other heads of agencies for their appointments.

In his remarks, the National Security Adviser and Co-Chair of ICCES, Nuhu Ribadu, assured INEC of the security agencies support for secured environment to conduct peaceful governorship election in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi.

We believe that we are a in position to guarantee safety of Nigerians and INEC staff to conduct election.

We will be by yourself to work for Nigerians, he said.

Mr Ribadu commended INEC for the peaceful conduct of the 2023 elections and the innovations adopted, saying INEC is doing well, especially on the adoption of technologies for election.

The meeting was attended by heads or representatives of the security agencies in the country.

(NAN)

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


this sermon illustrates the importance of the rights of a husband upon his wife and the importance of the rights of a wife upon her husband in Islam, through the analysis of three noble Prophetic Hadiths It established that the wife is required to live in full submission towards her husband if he does not command her to disobey Allah and he does not oppress her In return to her obedience, the husband is expected to keep her happy.

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful

Verily, all praise is for Allah. We praise Him, we seek His assistance and we ask for His forgiveness. And we seek refuge in Him from the evils of ourselves. Whoever Allah guides, none can misguide. Whoever He misguides, none can guide. And I bear witness that there is no deity other than Allah and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and messenger.

Dear brothers and sisters, know that Islam depicts marriage to be the foundation of any society and all family life. All Muslims are encouraged to marry. Islam teaches every aspect of life, in a concise manner, including the chapter of marriage in an individuals life. In order to live a life of peace and tranquility, both partners in the relationship are required to fulfil each others rights. In an atmosphere of harmony, these rights and duties initiate a framework to balance the household and family life. Islam secures the rights of man and woman equally. It does not degrade either of them. They have both been given their due rights. Todays sermon aims to illustrate, that both partners in a relationship have equal rights and responsibilities to establish a stable society. This will be illustrated through analysing three different Prophetic Hadiths concerning spousal rights.

Respected servants of Allah, know that the relationship between a husband and wife is not like any other ordinary relationship, rather it is more extreme. It is a unit of love. The noble Quran expresses this in the following verse:

And of His signs is that He has created for you, from yourselves, spouses that you may gain peace through them and He has set among you love and compassion. Surely in this there are signs for thoughtful people. [Quran, 30:21]

To gain that love and compassion, Islam has ordained specific rights upon the husband and wife. The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said:

Marriage is half of Iman (faith).

It is a source of protection against temptations. One interesting Prophetic Hadith in respect to the rights of a husband upon his wife is as follows:

When a husband calls his wife at night to have relations with her and she refuses without a valid Shariah reason she is cursed throughout the night by the angels.

This Hadith signifies the rights of a husband upon his wife. It symbolises that the desires of a man should not be neglected by his wife, regardless of the circumstances.

Imam Ibn Hazm has stated regarding this Hadith:

It is obligatory on women not to refuse their masters or husbands if they call them, so long as the woman who is called is not menstruating or sick in such a way that intercourse will be harmful to her, or observing an obligatory fast. If she refuses with no excuse, then she is cursed. This curse which has been recorded for a woman, (in case of her refusal) is entitled to her if her husband remains displeased with her throughout the night. However, if he forgoes his own right and forgives her then she is pardoned against this curse by the mercy of Allah. In the case, of a man insisting to call her to have relations at night whilst she has a genuine Shariah excuse, he will be sinning instead of his wife.

There is no obedience to any creation if it coincides with the disobedience of the Almighty Creator.

Islam emphasises upon two main aspects in life. Firstly, the rights of Our Creator. Secondly, the rights of His creation. Mankind has been expected to fulfil the rights of everyone. Precisely the rights of a husband and wife have been prioritised over all others. To gain the ability of understanding and fulfilling the rights ordained upon a husband and wife it is necessary to know the importance of marriage and its status in Islam. Indeed, marriage is a means of attaining piety and it is a source of protecting ones chastity. Allah Almighty says:

They are a garment for you, and you are a garment for them.

This verse denotes that a man is a covering for his wife. Simultaneously, she is a covering for her husband. They shield one another. They shroud each others weaknesses and shortcomings. Therefore, marriage allows one to enter a citadel of safety which in return protects against immorality. To attain these benefits of marriage, Islam has enlightened its followers through Quranic verses and Prophetic Hadiths, which teach the men and women equally, etiquettes of marriage. It has been narrated in Sunan Ibn Majah by Abu Umamah that the Prophet (Peace be upon him) used to say:

Nothing is of more benefit to the believer after Taqwa of Allah than a righteous wife whom, if he commands her she obeys him, if he looks at her he is pleased, if he swears an oath concerning her she fulfils it, and when he is away from her she is sincere towards him with regard to herself and his wealth.

Amongst the many lessons and advice that the Prophet (Peace be upon him) left for his Ummah, one of the most comprehensive life lessons for a woman is the one mentioned above. Life will become blissful for each household that holds unto the practices and teachings of the blessed Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him). The Prophet (Peace be upon him) has emphasised multiple times upon the importance of obedience to the husband. He said:

If I was to command anyone to prostrate to anyone besides Allah, I would command a wife to prostrate to her husband.

The Hadith narrated by Abu Umamah focuses on the rights of a husband upon his wife. A man is encouraged to choose a wife according to four aspects; beauty, wealth, lineage and religion. A wife that aids him in gaining nearness to Allah and is submissive to her husband. The righteous wife is the one who brings joy into the life of a man, provided she lives up to his expectations and possesses the quality of obedience. This is supported by a Quranic verse mentioned in surah Nisai. Allah Almighty says:

Therefore, the righteous women are devoutly obedient, and guard in (the husbands) absence what Allah would have them guard. [Quran, 4:34]

Well explained in the narration is the expectation from an ideal wife. She must obey her husband under all circumstances, provided that his command is not contrary to the command of Allah and His Prophet (Peace be upon him). The Hadith further explains that the husband should feel a sense of pleasure and happiness when he sees her. This phrase denotes that she beautifies herself for him and she possesses qualities which please her husband according to his nature. After a person has earned the fear of Allah and righteousness, he cannot find a better bounty or favour from Allah than that mentioned above, i.e. an ideal wife.

The Muslim should choose a wife who gives him comfort when he sees her, and he feels joy in his heart when she is present, so she fills his house and his life with ease, joy and happiness.

This is not only what is expected from her. Rather the Hadith follows on to explaining that she fulfils every oath which is taken by her husband regarding her. She must also be sincere towards him, not only during his presence but in his absence too. If he entrusts her to his wealth, property, belongings etc that trust must not be violated. It is the right of every husband to have a trustworthy wife. She is entitled to live with the quality of sincerity, man is also required to live with the quality of sincerity towards her. These are the minor aspects which form every household. They bring understanding and respect for one another which in return positively influences the children also.

The third Hadith to be analysed in this essay is reported in Bukhari by an eminent companion of the Prophet (Peace be upon him), namely Saad Bin Abi Waqqas; Allahs Messenger (Peace be upon him) said:

You will be rewarded for whatever you spend for Allahs sake even if it were a morsel which you put in your wifes mouth.

This Hadith illustrates the enormous rewards which Allah has kept for giving charity for His sake, to the extent that whatever a husband feeds his wife he is rewarded for that. The Prophet (Peace be upon him) explains that every action done with sincerity is loved by the Allah Almighty. Charity for the pleasure of Allah is highly ranked. Explicitly charity to the wife. Not necessarily through means of giving her money, clothing etc. Rather, a single morsel of food that she is given with love, care and sincerity of intention by the husband is a rewarding act. A man is encouraged to be loving, playful and enjoyable with his wife, not serious and strict.

A man should be like a child (playful) with his wife, but if she needs him, he should act like a man.

Islam emphasises upon the rights of a wife and a husband. Several Prophetic Hadiths teach the way of living and creating an atmosphere of harmony within the home. Loving actions performed by the husband towards the wife will naturally build confidence within her and enable her to explore her own qualities, hence she will be grateful towards him. Our beloved Prophet (Peace be upon him) was the most loving husband. He showed affection towards his wives. He reassured them about his love for them through his noble actions. For instance, when Aisha (RA) used to drink water from a glass, he (Peace be upon him) would drink after her from the same glass and the same place that she drank from. These actions teach a husband how to treat his wife. Every virtuous deed is charity. The best charity is that which is for the family.

When you give begin with the members of your family.

Dear servants of Allah, here are the lists of some rights of a husband and wife in Islam:

 Rights of Husband

1. The husband must give his wife the marriage gift/dowry/sadaq. A marriage contract is not considered legal and complete unless a dowry has been specified. This right cannot be forfeited, even if the bride approves, until after the marriage contract is completed. She has the freedom to do whatever she wants with it. Allah Almighty says:

You shall give the women their due dowries, equitably. [Quran, 4:4]

2. The husband must give proper and sufficient sustenance/financial support to his household according to his status and means. The wife should receive full maintenance from her husband including food, clothing, housing, education, recreation, medication etc Even if the wife is rich, she does not need to spend anything on her husband or household. Allah the Most High says:

Let the rich man spend according to his means, and the man whose resources are restricted, let him spend according to what Allah has given him. Allah puts no burden on any person beyond what He has given him. Allah will grant after hardship ease. [Quran, 65:7]

And Allah Almighty says:

Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, because Allah has made one of them to excel the other, and because they spend (to support them) from their means. [Quran, 4:34]

3. A husband must be kind to his wife. His behaviour towards her is a measure of his Iman (faith). Allah the Most High says:

Consort with women in kindness. [Quran, 4:19]

Again Allah Almighty says:

Among His signs is that He has created for you mates from among yourselves, that you may dwell in tranquility with them, and He has put love and mercy between your (hearts). Verily in that are Signs for those who reflect. [Quran, 30:21]

And Allah Almighty says:

It is He Who created you from a single person, and made his mate of like nature in order that he might dwell with her in love. [Quran, 7:189]

And Allah the Most High says:

They (wives) are your garments and you are their garments. [Quran, 2:187]

The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said:

A woman is like a curved rib, so be kind and considerate to her. [Bukhari]

The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said:

The most complete of the believers in his belief is he who perfects his manners, and the best of you in manners are those who act best towards their wives. [Tirmidhi]

The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said:

Be kind to women. [Bukhari]

4. A husband cannot ask his wife to do anything that is against Islam. The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said:

No obedience is due to creatures in disobedience of the Creator. [Bukhari]

5. He must exercise patience and should be prepared to listen to his wifes opinions in every situation. The Prophet (Peace be upon him) listened to the advice of his wives in matters ranging from the smallest to the greatest.

6. He must respect her and pay attention to her needs as she will respect him and pay attention to his.

7. If the wife works outside the house, it is admirable for the husband to hire help to relieve her from the burden of housework.

8. A husband must avoid excessive and useless jealousy. The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said:

Do not be excessively jealous of your wife lest evil be hurled at her on your account.

9. A husband must not beat his wife. The Prophet (Peace be upon him) condemned the man who beats his wife in the day and then approaches her at night. If a husband beats his wife to the extent of inflicting serious injury, it is enough grounds for her to obtain divorce from a judge. The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said:

Do not beat your wife.

He also said:

Do not strike your wife in the face.

10. He must never ever divulge the secrets of his household or marriage.

11. He must treat her generously at all times. The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said:

The best gift or charity is that spent on ones wife.

12. The wife has the right to live in separate accommodation with her husband and children if she does not want to share it with anyone like her in-laws or relatives.

13. It is the obligation of the husband to make sure that his wife acquires all the Islamic knowledge, like how to pray, how to fast etc., that is obligatory for her to learn. If this means that he has to spend money on books or tapes, then he must do so. The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said:

All of you are shepherds and all of you will be asked about your wards. The ruler is a shepherd and shall be asked about his wards. The man is a shepherd of his family and will be asked about his ward. [Bukhari]

14. A husband must protect his wifes honour and not place her in situations where it is compromised or belittled. This includes in interactions with the husbands brother, uncle, and nephew, let alone non-related friends, neighbours, and complete strangers. The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said:

Allah will not ever let him enter Paradise who cares little, who shares his wifes privacy.

15. The husband should not stay away from his wife or keep his wife in a state of suspense, whether at home or abroad, for a prolonged period of time except with her consent. Allah Almighty said:

Turn not away (from your wife) altogether, so as to leave her hanging. If you come to a friendly understanding and practice self-restraint, then Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Merciful. [Quran, 4:129]

16. A husband must exercise patience and forgiveness in the case of disagreement or dispute, and not rush to divorce. The declaration of divorce is a grave matter. The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said:

Of permitted matters the most loathsome before Allah is divorce.

And the Prophet (Peace be upon him) said:

The best intercession [i.e. intervention of a third party] is that which brings back together the husband and the wife.

 Rights of Wife

1. A wife must obey her husband, be respectful towards him, and always be eager to please him and make him happy. Allah Almighty says:

And they (women) have rights (over their husbands as regards living expenses) similar (to those of their husbands) over them (as regards obedience and respect) to what is reasonable. [Quran, 2:228]

And the Prophet (Peace be upon him) said:

No human being is permitted to prostrate to another, but if this were permitted I would have ordered wives to prostrate to their husbands, because of the greatness of the rights they have over them. [Tirmidhi]

The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said:

Pay attention to how you treat him, for he is your Paradise and your Hell. [Ahmad and al-Nisai]

The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said:

If a woman prays her five daily prayers, fasts her month (of Ramadan), obeys her husband and guards her chastity, then it will be said to her: Enter Paradise by whichever of its gates you wish. [Ahmad and al-Tabarani]

The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said:

Any woman who dies, and her husband is pleased with her, will enter Paradise. [Ibn Majah]

The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said:

Shall I not tell you about your wives in Paradise? They are fertile and loving. If she becomes angry or is mistreated, or her husband becomes angry, she says, My hand is in your hand; I shall never sleep until you are pleased with me. [al-Tabarani]

The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said:

There are three people whose prayers will not be accepted, neither their good works: a disobedient slave until he returns to his masters and puts his hand in theirs; a woman whose husband is angry with her, until he is pleased with her again; and the drunkard, until he becomes sober. [Ibn Hibban]

The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said:

If a man calls his wife, then let her come, even if she is busy at the oven. [Tirmidhi]

Allah the Most High says:

As to those women on whose part you see illconduct, admonish them (first), (next) refuse to share their beds, (and last) beat them (lightly, if it is useful). [Quran, 4:34]

2. A wife cannot allow anyone to enter their home without her husbands permission. She also cannot leave her house without his knowledge and permission. The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said:

It is not permitted for a woman who believes in Allah to allow anyone into her husbands house whom he dislikes; or to go out when he does not want her to; or to obey anyone else against him; or to forsake his bed; or to hit him. [Al-Hakim]

3. Wives are expected to ask their husbands permission before doing nawafil (voluntary acts of worship) that may conflict with his rights, such as observing nawafil fasts. The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said:

No woman should fast when her husband is present except with his permission. [Bukhari]

4. A woman should make herself look beautiful for her husband.

5. It is forbidden for a woman to dress in mourning for more than three days for anyone, except in the case of her husbands death, then she is permitted to mourn for four months and ten days. The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said:

It is not permitted for a woman who believes in Allah and the Last Day to grieve for more than three days, except for her husband, (for whom she may grieve) four months and ten days.

6. A wife should help her husband to worship Allah. The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said:

May Allah have mercy on the man who gets up at night to pray and wakes up his wife to pray, and if she refuses, he sprinkles water in her face. And may Allah have mercy on the woman who gets up at night to pray, and wakes her husband up to pray, and if he refuses, she sprinkles water in his face. [Abu Dawud]

7. A wife should be tolerant and forgiving. She shouldnt bear a grudge against him or remind him about his mistakes often. There is no quality that will endear her to her husband like the quality of tolerance and forgiveness, and there is nothing that will turn her husband against her like resentment, counting faults and reminding him about his mistakes. Allah the Most High says:

Let them forgive and overlook, do you not wish that Allah should forgive you? [Quran, 24:22]

8. A wife should take responsibility for her husbands wealth, not spending without his permission and being careful not to be wasteful. The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said:

The best women among the Arabs are the most compassionate towards their children when they are small, and the most careful with regard to their husbands wealth. [Muslim]

The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said:

And she would not give in charity from his money except with his permission.

9. A wife expresses respect towards her husband by honouring and respecting his family, especially his mother. She helps him to honour and respect his mother by doing the same.

10. A wife cannot disclose her husbands secrets, and cannot talk to anyone about their secrets and other matters there may be between him and her. The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said:

Among the worst type of people in the sight of Allah on the Day of Judgment is a man who enjoys his wifes intimate company, and she enjoys his intimate company, then one of them goes and discloses the secret of the other. [Muslim]

11. Wives are expected to help their husband in dealing with the outside world and to play their role in life by offering their opinions and advice, and supporting him in all his affairs. They never hesitates to stand by his side, encouraging him, supporting him and offering advice and consolation.

12. A wife should show gratitude to her husband. The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said:

Allah will not look at the woman who does not thank her husband at the time when she cannot do without him. [Al-Hakim]

13. She has to be vigilant in the husbands absence. The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said:

Shall I tell you the best a man can treasure? It is a good wife. If he looks at her, she gives him pleasure; if he orders her, she obeys; and if he is away from her, she remains faithful to him. [Abu Dawud]

Respected servants of Allah, in conclusion this sermon illustrates the importance of the rights of a husband upon his wife and the importance of the rights of a wife upon her husband in Islam, through the analysis of three noble Prophetic Hadiths. The chain of transmission and the body of each Hadith has been analysed. It established that the wife is required to live in full submission towards her husband if he does not command her to disobey Allah and he does not oppress her. She is also obliged and expected to be loyal and trustworthy towards him. His trust should not be violated under any circumstances. In return to her obedience, the husband is expected to keep her happy. He is the leader of the house; he should win her heart through his thoughtful actions and caring nature. Consequently, by fulfilling the rights of one another the environment of the house is brightened causing a strong bond between the couple. This strong relationship will also impact the children of the household. Islam teaches every minute detail of every facet in life. It specifically emphasises upon rights and responsibilities of husband and wife. If these advices are practiced correctly this will create a harmonious society filled with positive vibes and it will help create stronger generations with confidence.

All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all creation; may Allah extol the mention of our noble Prophet Muhammad in the highest company of Angels, bless him and give him peace and securityand his family, his Companions and all those who follow him correctly and sincerely until the establishment of the Hour.

Murtadha Muhammad Gusau is the Chief Imam of Nagazi-Uvete Jumuah and the late Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Okenes Mosques, Okene, Kogi State, Nigeria. He can be reached via: gusauimam@gmail.com or +2348038289761.

This Jumuah Khutbah (Friday sermon) was prepared for delivery today, Friday, Muharram 10, 1445 AH (July 28, 2023).

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


Coups succeed in Africa mainly because the people are alienated from the state and their leaders, who are guarded by Praetorian guards. So all that is required is for these guards to conspire, arrest the president, and a coup is on. That was what happened to Guinean President Alpha Conde in 2020 after he imposed himself for a third term in office. That is what happened this week to President Bazoum, whose presidential guards put him under arrest.

Exactly 70 years separate the 26 July, 1953 suicidal attack on Moncada Barracks by Cuban youths who wanted to remove the military from power, and this Wednesdays coup in Niger Republic, which removed elected President Mohamed Bazoum and restored military rule.

The coup plotters, styling themselves as the National Council for the Safeguarding of the Country, said in a speech by Air Force Colonel Major Amadou Abdramane that their treasonable move is as a result of the continuing degradation of the security situation, the bad economic and social governance.

Indeed, Niger, like many other African countries, is a paradox. It is one of the poorest countries in the world, with 41% of its 20 million people living on less than a dollar a day. It depends a lot on aid. Nigeria, under former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2022, provided it with N1.4 billion worth of vehicles to run its government and also took loans to build a railway line from Nigeria to Maradi in Niger Republic. Yet, the country is rich in minerals such as oil, silver, salt, gold, gypsum, coal, tin, iron ore, phosphates and uranium. Indeed, it has the fifth largest uranium deposit in the world. Its primary problem, like that of many African countries, is that its wealth is controlled by foreign companies and countries.

Although bodies like the United Nations, the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States, and countries such as Nigeria, Benin, the United States of America and France have condemned the coup, the plotters are consolidating. In any case, who knows the backers of the coup?

In the case of Cuba, six years after their first attempt, the youths, led by colourful historical figures like Fidel Castro, Camilo Cienfuegos, Haydee Santamaria and Ernesto Che Guevera, not only removed the military from power, but also disbanded it. In its place flowered a new military loyal to the Cuban people. Since then, nobody has dared to organise a military coup in that country.

There have also been coups in Mali and Burkina Faso, while there have been strenuous efforts not to classify the 20 April, 2021 power grab in Chad by General Mahamat Deby as a coup. There is also the Ivorien President Alassane Ouattara imposing himself, in October 2020, on the country through an unconstitutional third term and declaring himself re-elected with 95.31% of the votes. What is this if not a coup?

In contrast, within two decades of initially saying farewell to coups in Africa, they have simply multiplied. Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, who styles himself a Field Marshall, executed a brutal coup on 3 July, murdered scores of Egyptians, allowed elected President Mohammed Morsi to die in prison due to the lack of medical care and turned the country into a huge prison, where the rule of law is not respected. Tragically, Sisi who also became Chairman of the African Union, is the toast of the so-called advanced countries.

In Sudan, the military led by General Fattah al-Burhan, in April 2019, imposed itself on a popular uprising. It then aligned itself with the rogue elements of the murderous Sudanese Arab Janjaweed militia, now renamed the Rapid Support Forces, to soak the country in the blood of its patriots. On 15 April, the Sudanese military and the Janjaweed turned their weapons on each other, drenching the entire country in blood. Within three months of this senseless conflict, the Sudanese coup plotters have killed over 2,000, displaced 2.2 million people from their homes, forced about 550,000 into exile and with some 25 million people in desperate need of basics like food.

There have also been coups in Mali and Burkina Faso, while there have been strenuous efforts not to classify the 20 April, 2021 power grab in Chad by General Mahamat Deby as a coup. There is also the Ivorien President Alassane Ouattara imposing himself, in October 2020, on the country through an unconstitutional third term and declaring himself re-elected with 95.31% of the votes. What is this if not a coup?

Coups succeed in Africa mainly because the people are alienated from the state and their leaders, who are guarded by Praetorian guards. So all that is required is for these guards to conspire, arrest the president, and a coup is on. That was what happened to Guinean President Alpha Conde in 2020 after he imposed himself for a third term in office. That is what happened this week to President Bazoum, whose presidential guards put him under arrest.

In all these, the populace, who are continuously pushed into extreme poverty by the programmes and policies of the government in power, hardly see the need to sacrifice their lives in defence of such governments.

This Wednesday evening, the Cuban Charge DAffairs, Pavel Bauza, on behalf of new Ambassador Miriam Morales Palmero, filled in guests on the effects of the 26 July uprising and how Cubans, despite over six decades of US sanctions and blockade, have built a country that cares for all its citizens. A country that provides one of the best healthcare systems in the world for all its citizens

This is in contrast with the situation in Cuba since 1959, where anybody who dares to organise a coup, knows it has the populace to contend with, as there would be massive resistance in the streets. I had concluded that a military coup is virtually impossible in Cuba when I visited the island as a young journalist in 1986.

The first morning I went out in the streets, I came across columns of people in army uniform cleaning the gutters and emptying drains. I asked my Cuban friend who these people were and he confirmed they were serving soldiers. Later, I came across building sites and the builders were soldiers.

I asked my friend why soldiers were so deployed, and he answered that since the country was not at war, what else would the soldiers be doing? How will they earn their pay? I reflected that back home in Nigeria, the soldiers simply report at their offices, do some parade and go home. In the evenings when I went out, the Cuban government had bands in the streets with free beer and the people dancing. There were soldiers drenched in sweat drinking and dancing, with no difference whatsoever from the rest of the populace, who back in Nigeria, are called bloody civilians.

I discovered that military service for Cubans from age 18 was routine, especially after high school or tertiary training. Even now, under its National Defence Act No. 75, Cubans routinely go for two to three year military training. As such, in a country where virtually every adult you meet has military training, which soldiers would be crazy enough to want to carry out a coup? This is beside the fact that unlike nearly all the armies in Africa, the Cuban army is pro-people and not neo-colonial. There is also the fact that the loyalty of the Cuban military to the elected government of the country, can be taken for granted.

This Wednesday evening, the Cuban Charge DAffairs, Pavel Bauza, on behalf of new Ambassador Miriam Morales Palmero, filled in guests on the effects of the 26 July uprising and how Cubans, despite over six decades of US sanctions and blockade, have built a country that cares for all its citizens. A country that provides one of the best healthcare systems in the world for all its citizens; in which the right to work and education are guaranteed and literacy is almost 100%. As he spoke, I reflected that the antidote against coups, is the people.

Owei Lakemfa, a former secretary general of African workers, is a human rights activist, journalist and author.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


One of the most palpable evidence of the Chinese impact in Nigeria has been through the participation of the country in the Belt and Road Initiative, or the building of a New Silk Road. This has comprised, so far and into the foreseeable future, a series of infrastructural projects driven and largely financed by the government of China, to be amortised over a number of years by Nigeria, as a crucial form of development assistance.

A Tale of Two Giants

China. Nigeria. Two giants, which history has brought together through enduring similarities, and a road paved with silk. One straddles a critical landmass in East Asia, with possibly the greatest human resource outlay in the world, painstakingly developed and harnessed for growth in less than a century. The other, a unique physical and human geography, unfolding some of the largest reservoirs of talent, capacity and natural minerals, poised to power the contemporary economy, and holding hope for leadership of the African continent.

With the bridge between these two giants having been built when diplomatic relations between them took off in 1971, the bilateral trade between the two countries has grown from about $300 million in the 1990s to over $26 billion in more recent times. Significantly, ascendant economic ties have also accentuated the movement of people between both geographical spaces over the past decades, driven by the need to explore their individual potentials.

Each passing day in Nigeria is an experience with brands such as Viju Milk, Big Treat, the Golden Imperial Chinese restaurants, or Infinix, Huawei, GTE, Alcatel, in these times of the digital ubiquity. More so, our daily pursuits are not complete without recourse to the use of payment platforms like OPay and PalmPay, etc., for the consummation of transactions. Hence, an inter-relationship with China has become a strong part of our cultural and economic identity.

While Nigeria has become home to many important Chinese brands of products and services, China has equally been a destination of choice for many Nigerians who are simply enthralled by economic and social miracle that this Asian giant has wrought within a generation. And the ever-expanding opportunities that China keeps opening up for the entrepreneurial among Nigerians, as the fastest growing hub of global production and commerce.

Mirroring an Inspiring Model

Part of the fascination of this Asian giant remains its no mean feat of having moved over 700 million people out of extreme poverty within a single generation, thereby offering a durable model of learning for a country like Nigeria, in its quest for a social re-engineering to lift many out of poverty and immiseration.

As its growing trade relationship with China holds out much promise, Nigeria is certainly a significant trading partner for China as the most populous country  and the largest market  in Africa. With a population projected at over 200 million, which is growing at 2-3% annually, Nigeria constitutes about 70% of the market on the continent. It equally has extensive natural mineral resources, including oil and gas, lead, titanium, copper, and nickel, for the powering of industry. It is equally an attractive destination for the establishment of medium to large scale industries.

Presently, trade between Nigeria and China can be said to be a winning relationship for both sides, with the trade volume between the two countries reaching about $26 billion in 2022, which is four times that of what exists between Kenya and six times that with Cameroon. As more imports from Nigeria is being encouraged by China, that is set to gradually even out the trade balance between the two countries.

According to the Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC) data, the total value of exports from China to Nigeria in 2021 was $21.9 billion, while Nigeria exported over $3 billion to China in the same period. As recently as February 2023, China exported goods more than $1.06 billion to Nigeria, while importing $221 million worth of goods from Nigeria in the same month. The main products that Nigeria has been exporting to China are petroleum gas, crude petroleum and lead ore. To other extents, the exports have included niobium, tantalum, vanadium and zirconium ore, zinc ore, and raw aluminium. It is also documented that in the past 26 years, Nigerias exports to China grown at an annual rate of 17%  from $51 million in 1995 to $3.05 billion in 2021. Chinas main exports have included telephones and other electronics, footwear, fabrics and clothing.

Chinese Entrepreneurial Interventions

With Nigeria being one of the fastest growing markets in Africa, as mentioned earlier, many Chinese businesses have become significant players in providing goods and services in the country in the areas of construction, transportation, science and technology, alongside energy supply. It was estimated by the China Global Investment Tracker that as at July 2021, many of these companies had invested about $41 billion in the Nigerian economy, and are employing over 200,000 Nigerians, who also make up to 95% of their staff strength.

OPay, which is one of the greatest payment platforms of the emerging markets in Nigeria presently has over 30 million users in the country, with monthly transaction volumes in excess of $3 billion and more than 500,000 agents. Its attraction to many Nigerians since 2019 when it entered the countrys fintech space saw it attract investments of $400 million in 2021. On the back of its resounding success in Nigeria, OPay is currently considered as the largest consumer-focused fintech player in Africa.

Many of these companies are engaged in fast moving consumer goods, creating products from iron and steel works to furniture making, textiles, home appliances, automobiles, and they  more importantly  have massive footprints in sectors such as construction, and the building of digital communications infrastructure, and also in financial services, particularly through fintechs.

With the development of a communications and digital ecosystem in Nigeria over the past two decades, Chinese companies have been central to the building of infrastructure for these new technologies, while providing services for the novel digital highways of commerce, alongside the expansion of the Nigerian digital economy and its interwoven networks. These have particularly accelerated in more recent times with the implementation of policy frameworks such as the National e-Government Master Plan in 2019, and then the National Broadband Plan (2020-2025).

Companies like Huawei have been vital to the building of communications infrastructure in the country like the galaxy backbone network, and is equally aiding the rolling out of 5G in the country. These are efforts that have taken further initial ones involving the building and deployment of communications satellites  such as NigComSat-1R  for Nigeria by the China Great Wall Industry Corporation (GCWIC).

Perhaps the most important tools of participation in a new world of opportunities and the digital ecosystem, from learning to recreation, and commerce, smartphones have become highly ubiquitous and essential to Nigerians at this crucial historical juncture. And, from a period when access to the smartphone was quite elitist, Chinese companies have made them a lot more affordable and accessible. Hence, in no less than the past 15 years, over 300 Chinese phone brands have been introduced into the Nigerian market.

With smartphone shipment in Nigeria reaching over eight million in 2022, Chinese phones have become the top brands, with smartphone manufacturer, Transsion Holdings, considered as having about 60% of the market share. Some of the major Chinese phone brands in Nigeria include Xiaomi, Oppo, Vivo, Tecno Mobile, ZTE, Huawei, Zopo, Meizu, OnePlus, Lenovo, Umi, etc.

How China has become essential to the daily reality in Nigeria is evident in the resounding success stories of the investment of its companies in the financial technology (fintech) space, particularly through OPay and PalmPay  with the former leading the pack as Nigerias fourth unicorn, after attaining a valuation of over $2 billion in 2021.

OPay, which is one of the greatest payment platforms of the emerging markets in Nigeria presently has over 30 million users in the country, with monthly transaction volumes in excess of $3 billion and more than 500,000 agents. Its attraction to many Nigerians since 2019 when it entered the countrys fintech space saw it attract investments of $400 million in 2021. On the back of its resounding success in Nigeria, OPay is currently considered as the largest consumer-focused fintech player in Africa.

In similar vein has been the fintech, PalmPay, which also came into Nigeria a payment startup in 2019. Having raised about $100 million in a series A funding in 2021, making it have a cumulative investment of $140 million then, this payment platform processed monthly transactions standing at $100 million in June 2021. It had 10 million users in 2022, and a network of mobile money agent of 200,000.

The appeal of the two apps are evident in their ranking as first and second in terms of the most downloaded apps from the Google PlayStore in March 2023. And, their huge uptake in Nigeria has been due to being some of the most reliable payment options available to Nigerians, with the advent of the crisis in digital banking that came on heels of the currency redesign policy of the Federal Government.

Taking the leadership in this has been the state-owned China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), which has actually been around in Nigeria for some 43 years. Yet, more recently, and in the spirit of the BRI, the projects that it has increasingly been engaged in lately have grown in complexity to include the construction of rail lines such as that linking Kaduna and Kano, Lagos and Kano, and Lagos and Ibadan.

Paving the New Silk Road  In Nigeria

One of the most palpable evidence of the Chinese impact in Nigeria has been through the participation of the country in the Belt and Road Initiative, or the building of a New Silk Road. This has comprised, so far and into the foreseeable future, a series of infrastructural projects driven and largely financed by the government of China, to be amortised over a number of years by Nigeria, as a crucial form of development assistance. Hence, Nigeria is one of about 150 countries of the world to benefit from the BRI programme, which has been described as the centrepiece of the foreign policy of the Chinese leader, Xi Jinping to enhance global trade connectivity. From this, China has become Nigerias preferred partner in terms of development assistance.

Since Abuja formally joined this Initiative in 2018 during the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit in Beijing, a flurry of infrastructural projects has been kicked off by China, towards the building of a more enduring relationship for trade and commercial activities.

Taking the leadership in this has been the state-owned China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), which has actually been around in Nigeria for some 43 years. Yet, more recently, and in the spirit of the BRI, the projects that it has increasingly been engaged in lately have grown in complexity to include the construction of rail lines such as that linking Kaduna and Kano, Lagos and Kano, and Lagos and Ibadan. In addition, there is the 44 kilometre Abuja light rail, the 27.5-kilometre Marina-Iddo-Okomaiko Lagos Light Rail Project, and the Lagos-Calabar rail line.

CCECC has also been engaged in construction of four vital airport terminals in Kano, Port Harcourt, Lagos and Abuja. The company is also handling the construction of the Lekki Free Zone in Lagos. Many of these projects are financed through concession loans from the China EXIM bank.

The company, which is said to have about 20,000 workers, a good number of who are Nigerians, has over 120 construction projects going on across the country, and is also engaged in CSR seeing it sponsoring many Nigerians to study civil engineering in Chinese institutions.

Also, there is the China Ocean Shipping Group which is involved with the Olokola Deepwater Project; and a plethora of other firms handling power projects in the country, such as the construction of the 3.05GWs Mambilla hydroelectric power plant. This is being jointly executed by the China Gezhouba Group (CGGC; which is a subsidiary of CCECC), Sinohydro Corporation Limited, and the CGCOC (formerly CGC Overseas Construction). This massive power project is being 85% funded by the China EXIM bank.

Other power generation projects being handled by Chinese companies include the 700MW Zungeru hydropower project and the 360MW Gurara hydropower plant in Kaduna.

As the two giants steadily consolidate their relationship into the future, this can only portend a mutually beneficial development that will bode well for the countries and their people.

Lade Bandele, a journalist, writes from Lagos.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has sworn in 23 new commissioners and a special adviser to assist in the implementation of his ambitious economic blueprints, Arise Agenda.

All the new appointees except one served as commissioners and special adviser in the cabinet of Mr Enos predecessor, Udom Emmanuel.

Mr Eno, who repeatedly addressed the newly sworn-in commissioners as my colleagues, served as a commissioner for Lands and Water Resources in Mr Emmanuels cabinet, before he resigned to contest the governorship election.

At the swearing-in ceremony, held at Government House in Uyo, on Thursday, the governor told the new appointees that they already have a well-condensed roadmap to guide them in the execution of the responsibilities of their different offices.

Why I returned former commissioners

Many people, including members of the ruling party in the state, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have expressed disappointment at the governor for reappointing all the commissioners.

Mr Eno, in his reaction, described his former colleagues as his foot soldiers that have to be rewarded, adding that besides being tested, they possessed vast experience to deliver his economic blueprint.

You do not abandon your foot soldiers shortly after a successful execution of an election victory. As old blood, we were together in all of the campaigns.

A lot of you took bullets for me, a lot of you stood up for me when no one believed I could ever emerge, spent several nights strategising for me. My conscience would not allow me to throw you away.

Therefore, it is only fitting that we bring back tested hands with the right experience who understands the system to join us and work for the continuation of peace, growth and transformation of our state in line with the Arise Agenda, he said.

Speaking further, the governor announced the creation of the Ministry of Internal and Waterways Security and said the new ministry is to collaborate with security agencies to ensure peace and harmony in the state.

The governor directed that all other smaller security groups that feature at government functions would henceforth be trained and coordinated by the new ministry.

The commissioners

The Secretary to the State Government in a statement released hours after the swearing-in assigned portfolios to the commissioners.

Checks by PREMIUM TIMES shows that about 80 per cent of the commissioners have been returned to the former ministries they left less than two months ago.

Those who are to resume work in their former ministries include, Eno Ibanga  Works and Fire Service, Ini Ememobong  Information; Uko Udom  Justice and Attorney General; Monday Uko  Youth and Sport; Linus Nkan  Finance; Iniobong Ekong  Lands; Bassey Okon  Special Duties and Ibom Deep Seaport; Imo Moffat  Ministry of Science and Technology; Augustine Umoh  Health; Frank Archibong  Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

Others are, Ini Adiakpan  Women Affairs and Social Welfare; Idongesit Etiebet  Education; Raphael Bassey  Housing; Bob Emem  Economic Development; Aniefiok Nkom  Labour and Manpower Planning; Offiong Offor  Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

For other commissioners, it is a redeployment from their former ministries to new ones.

For instance, Charles Udoh, former commissioner for Environment has been moved to Culture and Tourism, while Orman Esin who headed Culture and Tourism before has been moved to Transportation. Uno Uno is moved from Transportation to Environment and Mineral Resources.

Others include Camilus Umoh, now assigned to the Ministry of Power, Enobong Moffat, Water Resources and Sanitation, John Etim, Trade and Investment.

The only new commissioner, Koko Essien, is assigned the newly created Ministry of Internal Security, while Amanam Nkanga retains his portfolio as Special Adviser  Bureau of Political and Social Re-orientation.

The newly sworn-in commissioners are to attend the first cabinet on Friday, 28 July according to the governor.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has nominated Lloyd Ekweremadu, son of a former Deputy Senate President of Nigeria, Ike Ekweremadu, as a commissioner.

Apart from Mr Lloyd, a lawyer, Mr Mbah, in a letter addressed to the State Assembly, also nominated 14 others as commissioners.

Mr Ekweremadu, his wife, Beatrice and a doctor were convicted of organ trafficking by a UK court in March.

They were found guilty of facilitating the travel of a young man to Britain with a view to his exploitation after a six-week trial at the Old Bailey.

While Mr Ekweremadu was later sentenced to nine years and eight months in prison, his wife bagged four years and six months jail term. The couple are currently serving their prison terms in the European country.

More nominations

Former commissioner for lands in the state, Okey Ogbodo, and his counterpart in rural development, Kingsley Udeh, are among the nominees.

While Mr Ogbodo served under the administration of Chimaroke Nnamani, who governed the state between 1999 and 2007, Mr Udeh served in the immediate past administration of Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.

A popular broadcast journalist, Akachukwu Eze of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, was among the nominees.

The list, signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Chididebere Onyia, was read on the floor of the House by the Speaker of the assembly, Uche Ugwu, on Friday.

Other nominees in the list include Ndubueze Mbah, Ngozi Eni, Lawrence Eze, Sam Ugwu, Emmanuel Obi, Chika Ugwoke and Ben Ugochi Madueke.

Gerrald Otiji, Nathaniel Urama, Malachy Agbo and Adaoro Chukwu were also among the nominees.

Three professors were among the nominees.

The portfolios for the nominees were not indicated in the letter.

While this may not be the exhaustive list, Im optimistic that this request will receive your usual expeditious consideration, the governor told the lawmakers in the letter, indicating that more nominees would be submitted for consideration.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has ordered a controversial Biafran agitator, Simon Ekpa, to desist from issuing sit-at-home orders in the South-east.

Mr Ekpa was one of the lieutenants of Mr Kanu and has claimed to have taken over the leadership of IPOB following Mr Kanus incarceration.

Mr Kanu, in a handwritten letter to Mr Ekpa, asked the agitator to make a public announcement acknowledging receipt of the order from him.

Aloy Ejimakor, special counsel to Mr Kanu, posted copies of the handwritten letter from the IPOB leader on his verified Twitter handle on Friday.

Mr Ejimakor, in a statement which accompanied the letter, said Mr Kanu wrote the letter on 24 July when he (Ejimakor) visited him at the facility of the State Security Service (SSS).

The lawyer said the IPOB leader instructed him to issue a press statement and make the letter public if Mr Ekpa failed to announce the end of the sit-at-home.

He said, after unsuccessful attempts, he reached Mr Ekpa at about 1:44 a.m. on 25 July and subsequently sent him a snapped copy of the direct order from Mr Kanu to completely stop the civil action in the region.

He (Ekpa) therefore acknowledged receipt (of the order) and we spoke briefly on it and exchanged a couple of text messages thereof, Mr Ejimakor said.

The special counsel said Mr Ekpa failed to implement the order which made Mr Kanu to authorise him (Ejimakor) to make the order public on Friday.

The IPOB spokesperson, Emma Powerful, confirmed to PREMIUM TIMES, Friday night, that Mr Kanu made the order himself.

The order

Mr Kanu, in the letter, also ordered Mr Ekpa to stop antagonising governors and other political office holders in the region.

The exact words of the Mr Kanu have been reproduced below:

Simon (Ekpa), this is a direct order from me. I hereby instruct you to desist from calling for any sit-at-home henceforth.

Equally refrain from antagonising governors or persons in political positions because you are not in a position to know what they are doing on my behalf.

I am ordering you to make a public announcement to the effect that you are in receipt of a direct order from me to cancel any pending or future sit-at-home order at the moment.

I embarked on this movement to liberate our people, not to enslave them. I despise and will despise any person or entity that wishes to inflict unnecessary hardship on our people.

I have authorised Aloy (Ejimakor) to issue a press statement if you fail to make this announcement on your platform.

Simon Ekpa reacts

But reacting, Mr Ekpa described the letter as fake.

The Biafran agitator said attributing the letter to Mr Kanu was not only a joke but an insult taken too far.

As the prime minister of Biafra under the leadership of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, I call on all Biafrans to disregard the fake letter coming from the SSS. We cant take any order from the Islamic SSS and that is final, Mr Ekpa wrote on his verified Twitter handle on Friday night.

Mazi Nnamdi Kanu must be released and he must address Biafrans from Finland. That is the condition of the prime minister of Biafra and the Biafra Republican Government in Exile, he added.

Background

IPOB, in August 2021, introduced a sit-at-home order every Monday across the South-east to pressure the Nigerian government to release its detained leader, Mr Kanu, who is facing terrorism trial at the Federal High Court, Abuja.

The separatist group later suspended the order, in preference for it to be implemented only on days Mr Kanu appears in court.

But despite its suspension, residents of the five South-east states  Enugu, Ebonyi, Imo, Abia and Anambra  have been observing the Monday sit-at-home order, mostly out of fear.

IPOB had repeatedly distanced itself from the Monday sit-at-home across the region, saying those who still enforce the order were criminals attempting to blackmail the separatist group.

Mr Ekpa, a leader of Autopilot, a faction of the IPOB, has continued to declare sit-at-home orders in the region despite being suspended by the IPOB faction led by Mr Kanu.

IPOB is leading the agitation for an independent state of Biafra, which it wants carved out from the south-east and some parts of the south-south Nigeria.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


Last year, the U.S. Department of Agricultures Wildlife Services division increased its expenditures for wolf damage management in Montana by almost 70% when compared to 2021, even though fewer wolves were killed.

The increase in expenditures can be traced to a larger infusion of federal dollars for nonlethal predator control methods, such as electric fencing around calving yards and range riders to patrol herds while grazing, according to Dalin Tidwell, Wildlife Services Montana director.

So far, the funding has paid for three range rider positions in the state and two year-round fencing technicians as well as for seasonal help, Tidwell said.

Montanas former Wildlife Services director, John Steuber, can take partial credit for the funding. He partnered with Zack Strong, a former Natural Resources Defense Council staffer, to tentatively test drive the nonlethal work in 2015.

Two years afterward, Strong wrote the collaboration exceeded all expectations and continues to open new doors to further cooperation.

According to the USDA, Congress provided $1.38 million to state programs for nonlethal livestock protection in 2020 and 2021. Of that total, Montana saw $150,000 each year and Wyoming collected $80,000 in 2020 and 2021.

In 2022, Congress boosted funding for the program to $2.5 million and then in 2023 to $4.5 million, the Natural Resources Defense Council reported. The group hailed the increase as demonstrating a continued shift toward promoting solutions that work for both people and wildlife and breaking through old cycles of loss and killing.

Since the program was funded, Montana has seen a slow decline in the number of wolves killed by Wildlife Services for livestock depredation. In 2020, the agency killed 47 wolves. By 2021 that dropped to 38 and in 2022 it fell again to 35.

The decline in wolves killed by Wildlife Services took place at the same time as Montanas GOP Legislature was enacting laws to make it easier for hunters and trappers to kill wolves. Despite the measures, the states wolf harvest dropped in the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons.

Wolf kills by hunters and trappers peaked in the 2020-21 season at 329 animals and fell the following two years to 273 and 258 animals, respectively.

Included in the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks 2022 wolf report was a population forecast for the animals. It noted that even with the below-average public harvest last season, the states estimated wolf population has declined, although only slightly.

If the wolf harvest by hunters, trappers and Wildlife Services were to reach the 450 animal quota the Montana Legislature approved, or higher, the forecast found the states wolf population could decline significantly, especially if continued for more than a year.

Justin Gude, chief of FWPs Research and Technical Service Section, helped compile the report. He said a harvest of 450 to 500 wolves a year would not threaten the states requirement to keep 15 breeding pairs, but could reach that point pretty quickly if it continued for more than three years.

Tidwell said hes hopeful the investment in nonlethal methods of controlling predators like wolves leads to a downturn in depredations across Montana, but for now its too early in the process to tell.

According to FWP, wolves were blamed for killing 80 head of livestock and two dogs last year. That was down from depredations recorded in the 2021 report  99, with an additional 18 livestock listed as probable kills. Overall, the number of complaints and confirmed wolf damage has flattened out since 2016 after peaking in 2009.
"She is, quite simply put, the world's pre-eminent watercolorist, persisting over the past four decades in the mastery of her idiom." -Museum Director Charles Riley

PORT CLYDE, Maine , July 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Barbara Prey Projects announces Still Light August 1  September 4 an exhibition of Barbara Prey's new monumental watercolors which push the medium in new directions and size, continuing the investigation between reality and imagination.

Her attention to details recalls Vermeer..it's a painter's job to notice, and to draw out the nuance and light in what the rest of us ignore. Prey has that eye and hand... what she makes touches the divine and has staying power. -The Boston Globe

Barbara Prey with her MASS MoCA commissioned painting. The museum commissioned Prey to paint the largest watercolor in the world for the opening of their new Building 6. The painting, on long term exhibit is of the building's interior before renovation. Prey's architectural drawings appeared in The New Yorker for 10 years. Her other interior paintings include the Presidential commissioned White House Christmas Card (collection the White House) and The National Gallery's Fibonaccis Workshop. Gatekeeper, watercolor on paper 40x60 inches. Part of the Nocturne Series highlights Prey's use of color and light incorporating atmosphere from her NASA commissioned work of the International Space Station, on exhibit at Kennedy Space Center. The watercolor's large size is an extension of her MASS MoCA commission which is considered the largest watercolor in the world currently on long term view at the museum. Prey draws inspiration from nature and augments what is real.

The artist's innovative eye for the American landscape has placed her paintings in the private collections of U.S. Presidents and dignitaries, business titans, European Royalty, celebrities including Orlando Bloom and Tom Hanks, as well as the prominent public collections of The National Gallery of Art, The Brooklyn Museum, The Smithsonian American Art Museum, Kennedy Space Center and the permanent collection of The White House, where she is one of two living female artists represented, among many other institutions. Commissioned by NASA (the only female commissioned four times), she was recently commissioned by contemporary art museum MASS MoCA to paint the largest watercolor in the world for their new building currently on long term exhibition at the museum. PBS referred to the MASS MoCA commissioned artists as "global leaders in contemporary art". Prey was appointed by the President of the United States to the National Council on the Arts, the advisory board to the National Endowment for the Arts. Artists are appointed for their contributions and recognition in American Art

Prey's highly original approach to painting has challenged conventional understandings of the genre. She steers her way between realism and abstraction, painterliness and reduction, perception and synthesis. She references art history but transcends and creates a contemporary view with her unmistakable voice., establishing within the trajectory of American Art a 21st Century female lens. As an artist working often en plein air, environmental issues and climate change are concerns that inform her paintings. Her layered, luminous, and nuanced paintings also speak to issues of gender, climate and ecology, and spiritual wonder. Prey's practice evokes the seemingly every day to push the boundaries of what the medium of watercolor can do

Presskit: barbarapreyprojects.com/presskit

BARBARA PREY PROJECTS

Main Street, Port Clyde, Maine

207.372.8087

[email protected] www.barbaraprey.com

SOURCE Barbara Prey Projects
WILLOW GROVE, Pa. , July 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- AnswerNet, a full-service provider of inbound, outbound, automated, and BPO contact center services, today officially marks its 25th Anniversary in business. The company rolled out a new corporate logo to further mark the important milestone.

On this commemorative day, AnswerNet is thanking its clients, partners, and employees who the company believes would not be where they are today without their ongoing support. AnswerNet is humbled by their profound loyalty and dedication throughout their business journey.

"I started AnswerNet to be at the forefront of call center innovation  and that's exactly where we are," said Pudles. Tweet this

AnswerNet was founded in 1998, with roots tracing back to 1929. Its AnswerAmerica division began as The Western Union Telephone Answering Service answering calls for individual businesses, many of which they still service today. AnswerNet steadily grew, and by 2000, became the largest telemessaging and call center business in the country.

Fast forward to 2023, AnswerNet services some of the largest companies in the world across multiple communication channels, including SMS, live chat, email, social media, interactive voice response, and AI. The business is a thriving global organization with over 2,000 full-time premised-based and remote employees across 6 continents and 30 delivery teams.

"AnswerNet's 25 years of growth and success reflect my original vision and the company's overall dedication to helping our clients and partners grow profitably while providing fulfilling career paths for our employees, said Gary Pudles, AnswerNet's President & CEO. "I started the business with a mission to position AnswerNet as an industry leader at the forefront of call center technology and innovation  and that is exactly what we've become."

AnswerNet's commitment to its culture and work environment is reflected in the accolades both Gary Pudles and the company have received over the years, including the prestigious "Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year," "Philadelphia Titan 100", "Inc. Power Partner," as was as landing on the 21st spot of Inc. Magazine's "Inc. 500."

As the AnswerNet journey continues, the company remains focused on bringing their clients the people and technology that allows them to run their businesses, their way.

About AnswerNet

Headquartered in Willow Grove, PA, AnswerNet is a full-service provider of inbound, outbound, automated, and BPO contact center services. Founded in 1998, with roots tracing back to 1929, the company has over 2,000 full-time premised based and remote employees across 6 continents and 30 delivery teams. Specialty divisions include Agriculture, Nonprofit, Education, Appointment Setting, Energy, and Third-Party Verification.

Contact: Lynette Byrnes

[email protected]

SOURCE AnswerNet
CHICAGO, July 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The global AR and VR in education market was valued at USD 2.9 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 14.2 billion by 2028; it is expected to register a CAGR of 29.6% between 2023 and 2028 according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets. The rise in demand for AR and VR devices is attributed to Enhanced understanding through visualization, transforming corporate training through immersive augmented and virtual reality technologies, advancing education through ongoing innovation and expansion in AR & VR technology, the emergence of advancing personalized learning experiences, and real-world application and career readiness.

Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=203811025

Browse in-depth TOC on "Augmented and Virtual Reality in Education Market"

130  Tables

60  Figures

250  Pages

Augmented and Virtual Reality in Education Market Report Scope:

Report Coverage Details Market Revenue in 2022 $2.9 billion Estimated Value by 2028 $14.2 billion Growth Rate Poised to grow at a CAGR of 29.6% Market Size Available for 20192028 Forecast Period 20222028 Forecast Units Value (USD Million/Billion) Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends Segments Covered By Offering Type, device type, deployment, application, end user and Region Geographies Covered North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of World Key Market Challenge Inadequate infrastructure and technical support Key Market Opportunities Immersive Collaboration and Communication Key Market Drivers Enhanced understanding through visualization



By offering type: software segment to account larger market share in the forecasted year.

The software segment accounted for the larger market share in 2028. The growth of software AR and VR in education is supported by technological advancements and cost reductions. As technology advances, it becomes more accessible and affordable, allowing educational institutions to integrate AR and VR solutions into their curricula. The availability of user-friendly software tools and platforms also reduces the barriers to entry for educators and encourages the development of AR and VR content. Also, the increasing adoption and integration of AR and VR technologies into educational settings, transforming traditional learning methods and enhancing the overall educational experience.

By deployment: cloud to account for a larger market share in the forecasted year.

The cloud deployment accounted for the larger market share in 2028. The growth of the cloud deployment segment in AR and VR for education is driven by factors such as scalability and flexibility, reduced infrastructure costs, accessibility and anytime, anywhere learning, collaboration and content sharing, centralized management and updates, enhanced security, and data privacy, integration with learning management systems, and continuous innovation and updates.

By device type: projectors & displays device type to account for a larger market share in the forecasted year.

The projectors & displays accounted for the larger market share in 2028. The advancements in display technology have greatly contributed to the growth of projectors and display devices in AR and VR. High-resolution displays, improved color reproduction, and faster refresh rates have enhanced the visual quality of AR and VR content, creating more realistic and immersive experiences. This has increased the demand for high-quality projectors and display devices capable of delivering these enhanced visuals.

Inquiry Before Buying: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_BuyingNew.asp?id=203811025

North America is expected to hold the largest share of the AR and VR in the education market during the forecast period.

North America held the largest share of the AR and VR in education industry in 2028. The education industry always seeks growth in North America, due to the presence of many prominent educational institutions and the quality education provided by them. Technological advancements have led to the rise in the adoption of smart education and technologically advanced classrooms in educational and corporate setups, which help to create a learning environment that is focused on an individual's or organization's learning needs. The US and Canada are the top contributing countries to the virtual classroom market in this region. These countries have established economies, which empower them to strongly invest in R&D activities. Moreover, the startup culture in North America is growing rapidly in comparison to the other regions. The rapid digitalization across industry verticals, the increasing adoption of smart connected devices, and the rising technological advancements have further fueled the growth of the education sector in this region.

The key players in the AR and VR in education companies are Sony Group Corporation (Japan), HTC Corporation (Taiwan), Meta (US), Google (US), Microsoft (US), Panasonic Holdings Corporation (Japan), Vuzix (US), Cornerstone OnDemand, Inc. (US), Anthology Inc. (US), Lenovo (Hong Kong).

Get 10% Free Customization on this Report: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestCustomizationNew.asp?id=203811025

Browse Adjacent Market: Semiconductor and Electronics Market Research Reports &Consulting

Related Reports:

Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality Market by Technology Type (AR: Markerless, Marker-base; VR: Non-Immersive, Semi-immersive and Fully Immersive Technology), Device Type, Offering, Application, Enterprise, and Geography - Global Forecast to 2027

Interactive Projector Market by Technology (DLP, LCD), Projection Distance (Ultra short throw, short throw, and standard throw), Dimension (2D, and 3D), Application (Education, Corporate, and Government), Resolution, and Region - Global Forecast to 2022

AR and VR Display Market by Device Type (AR HMDs, VR HMDs, AR HUDs, VR Projectors), Technology, Display Technology (LCD, OLED, Micro-LED), Application (Consumer, Commercial, Enterprise, Healthcare, Aerospace & Defense) & Region - Global Forecast to 2028

Augmented and Virtual Reality in Healthcare Market by Offering (Hardware and Software), Device Type, End User, Application (Patient Care Management, Medical Training & Education, Pharmacy Management, Surgery), and Geography - Global Forecast to 2023

Human Augmentation Market by Product Type (Wearable Devices, Virtual Reality Devices, Augmented Reality Devices, Exoskeletons, Intelligent Virtual Assistants), Functionality, Application, & Geography (2021-2026)

About MarketsandMarkets

MarketsandMarkets is a blue ocean alternative in growth consulting and program management, leveraging a man-machine offering to drive supernormal growth for progressive organizations in the B2B space. We have the widest lens on emerging technologies, making us proficient in co-creating supernormal growth for clients.

The B2B economy is witnessing the emergence of $25 trillion of new revenue streams that are substituting existing revenue streams in this decade alone. We work with clients on growth programs, helping them monetize this $25 trillion opportunity through our service lines - TAM Expansion, Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy to Execution, Market Share Gain, Account Enablement, and Thought Leadership Marketing.

Built on the 'GIVE Growth' principle, we work with several Forbes Global 2000 B2B companies - helping them stay relevant in a disruptive ecosystem. Our insights and strategies are molded by our industry experts, cutting-edge AI-powered Market Intelligence Cloud, and years of research. The KnowledgeStore (our Market Intelligence Cloud) integrates our research, facilitates an analysis of interconnections through a set of applications, helping clients look at the entire ecosystem and understand the revenue shifts happening in their industry.

To find out more, visit www.MarketsandMarkets.com or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Contact:

Mr. Aashish Mehra

MarketsandMarkets INC.

630 Dundee Road

Suite 430

Northbrook, IL 60062

USA: +1-888-600-6441

Email: [email protected]

Visit Our Web Site: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/

Research Insight: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ResearchInsight/virtual-classroom-market.asp

Content Source: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/PressReleases/virtual-classroom.asp

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/660509/MarketsandMarkets_Logo.jpg

SOURCE MarketsandMarkets
Sunny Kim joined Bespin Global in 2018 and lead the company's expansion into the U.S. market since 2021

Kim's extensive knowledge and global experience will help drive Bespin Global's rapid growth and create synergies between its overseas bases

SEOUL, South Korea, July 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Bespin Global( https://www.bespinglobal.com/ ), a multi-cloud operations management company, announced that Sunny Kim, CEO of Bespin Global U.S. was appointed as its new CEO. In his new role, Mr. Kim will be responsible for positioning Bespin Global as a global cloud MSP managing cloud MSP businesses in Korea, US, China, Singapore, Vietnam and Indonesia. Each of the regions will be directly reporting to Sunny Kim.

New Bespin Global CEO, Sunny Kim

Since joining the company in 2018, Sunny Kim has led the software business unit and contributed to the company's innovation and growth. Since 2021, he has been the head of Bespin Global's U.S. operation, where he has led the fastest growing region within Bespin Global and contributed significantly to the company's global expansion. Prior to joining Bespin Global, he was with Samsung Electronics for 12 years. His last post was as a Vice President of Samsung Next where he led investments into technology startups. Prior to Samsung, he was with Accenture and Siebel Systems(Oracle). He graduated from Georgia Tech and Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management (MBA).

"My goal and mission as the new global head of Bespin Global is for the Korean-born cloud company to grow in the largest markets such as North America and Europe, and eventually become a top player in the global cloud market," said Sunny Kim. "I will explore and pursue various ways, including M&A, to accelerate global growth and secure leadership in the market. I will also strengthen connections and exchanges among Bespin Global's overseas bases, currently located in 14 cities in 9 countries, to create greater synergies and contribute to our transformation into a truly global company."

"Sunny Kim is a brave leader who can deliver results. He created our US beach head during the height of Covid. He then made it into the fastest growing division while reaching the profitability before any other division. He also embodies our Learn Do Share core values. There is no one better suited to keep spreading our core value throughout our global operations. He will be instrumental in making sure that Bespin Global becomes a truly global cloud MSP," said John HanJoo Lee, CEO and Chairman of Newberry Global.

John HanJoo Lee will continue to serve as CEO and Chairman of Newberry Global which is the holding company that owns and operates technology companies around the world including Bespin Global, OpsNow, joint ventures in Japan and UAE, and others. Sunny Kim will report to John HanJoo Lee.

SOURCE Bespin Global
LONDON, July 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Bettingsites.co.uk is delighted to announce the successful acquisition of fairbettingsites.co.uk , a significant step in its strategic expansion within the online gambling industry.

Renowned for its impartial and unbiased approach to reviewing online betting platforms, fairbettingsites.co.uk will now join forces with bettingsites.co.uk , creating the most comprehensive and trustworthy source of information for players searching for the best betting sites.

This strategic acquisition marks a major milestone for bettingsites.co.uk and aligns with the company's overarching vision of expanding its presence in the online gambling market. By integrating fairbettingsites.co.uk 's valuable features and content, bettingsites.co.uk is poised to deliver the most in-depth and user-friendly resources for online bettors in the UK and around the world.

Neil Roarty, spokesperson for Bettingsites.co.uk, expressed excitement about the acquisition, stating, "We are thrilled to welcome fairbettingsites.co.uk into our brand. Our primary mission has always been to assist users in finding the most reputable sportsbooks and online casinos. Incorporating fairbettingsites.co.uk will enable us to broaden our reach and uphold our commitment to providing accurate and transparent information to our users."

This acquisition comes at a pivotal moment, as the online betting industry in the UK experiences rapid growth. By combining forces with fairbettingsites.co.uk, bettingsites.co.uk is uniquely positioned to meet this escalating demand and cater to the evolving needs of its expanding user base.

In addition to the merging of assets, both bettingsites.co.uk and fairbettingsites.co.uk will unite their content teams to ensure the highest quality of betting review content in the UK market.

About Bettingsites.co.uk

Bettingsites.co.uk stands as a prominent resource, offering expert reviews, invaluable information, and real user comparisons of the top betting sites to empower players in making well-informed decisions when gambling online.

Unwavering in its dedication to transparency, Bettingsites.co.uk has earned the trust of bettors seeking reliable information in the fiercely competitive online gambling landscape.

Contact - [email protected]

SOURCE bettingsites.co.uk
NEW YORK, July 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The biostimulants market size is estimated to grow by USD 1,512.9 million from 2022 to 2027. The market will accelerate at a CAGR of 10.68% during the forecast period, according to Technavio. Download a Sample Report Now!

Biostimulants market insights -

Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Biostimulants Market 2023-2027

Vendors : 15+, Including ADAMA Ltd., Bayer AG, Bioiberica S.A.U., Biolchim Spa, Biostadt India Ltd., Biovert SL, Crop Demetra Ltd., FMC Corp., Haifa Group, Idai Nature S.L, Italpollina Spa, Koppert, Micromix Plant Health Ltd., Novozymes AS, OMEX, RAG Stiftung, SEIPASA SA, SICIT Group Spa, UPL Ltd., and Atlantica Agricola, among others

: 15+, Including ADAMA Ltd., Bayer AG, Bioiberica S.A.U., Biolchim Spa, Biostadt India Ltd., Biovert SL, Crop Demetra Ltd., FMC Corp., Haifa Group, Idai Nature S.L, Italpollina Spa, Koppert, Micromix Plant Health Ltd., Novozymes AS, OMEX, RAG Stiftung, SEIPASA SA, SICIT Group Spa, UPL Ltd., and Atlantica Agricola, 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: Product (Acid-based, Extract-based, and Others), Application (Foliar, Soil, and Seed), Type (Row crops and cereals, Fruits and vegetables, Turfs and ornaments, and Others), and Geography ( Europe , APAC, North America , South America , and Middle East and Africa )

To understand more about the biostimulants market, request a sample report

Biostimulants market - Vendor Insights

The growing competition in the market is compelling vendors to adopt various growth strategies such as promotional activities and spending on advertisements to improve the visibility of their services. Technavio report analyzes the market's competitive landscape and offers information on several market vendors, including ADAMA Ltd., Bayer AG, Bioiberica S.A.U., Biolchim Spa, Biostadt India Ltd., Biovert SL, Crop Demetra Ltd., FMC Corp., Haifa Group, Idai Nature S.L, Italpollina Spa, Koppert, Micromix Plant Health Ltd., Novozymes AS, OMEX, RAG Stiftung, SEIPASA SA, SICIT Group Spa, UPL Ltd., and Atlantica Agricola.

Biostimulants market  Market Dynamics

Major Drivers -

Increasing demand for biostimulants in the agricultural industry is a major factor driving the biostimulants market. Biostimulants are formulations used in agriculture to improve crop vigor, yield, quality, and stress tolerance. They offer different benefits, such as enhancing plant metabolism, increasing stress tolerance, enhancing nutrient assimilation, and improving water use efficiency. They also contribute to soil fertility and the development of beneficial microorganisms.

However, China, India, the US, and Brazil are major players in the global agriculture market, producing major crops. The use of biostimulants is anticipated to increase in China and India to meet the food demands of their large populations. In Europe, countries like Hungary, Greece, France, and the Czech Republic dominate the biostimulants market, using them extensively in fruit cultivation and horticulture. Hence, The market for biostimulants will benefit from the growth in agricultural output.

Significant Trends -

Reduction in arable land is an emerging biostimulants market trend. The global arable land has been diminishing due to industrialization, urbanization, and population growth, leading to reduced fertility. Emerging economies like China and India will require additional land to meet the growing demand for food. By 2050, the global arable land area is expected to drop by 11%.

To increase food production, biostimulants can help improve crop yield. With shrinking arable land and diminishing agricultural productivity, the use of biostimulants is crucial to enhance crop productivity and meet the increasing food demand. The demand for biostimulants is expected to rise as arable land continues to shrink.

Key Challenges -

The rise in demand for fertilizers is a biostimulants market challenge hindering market growth. Micronutrients are trace minerals needed in small quantities by plants to improve crop quality and soil fertility. Despite their requirement in small quantities, the deficiency of micronutrients can limit some of the critical plant functions, which can result in a low yield, decreased growth, and other plant abnormalities. Micronutrients, including zinc, iron, phosphorous, and magnesium, are required at different stages of plant growth.

However, nutrients can be efficiently applied to plants to overcome nutrient deficiency in plants. These nutrients enhance the nutritional content of horticultural crops, including fruits and vegetables. Hence, these nutrients are key ingredients in the composition of fertilizer, which are generally used to enhance the fertility of the soil. The increasing demand for fertilizers will decline the sales of biostimulants during the forecast period.

Drivers, Trends, and Challenges have an impact on market dynamics, which can impact businesses. Find more insights in a sample report!

The biostimulants 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 future prospects.

Why Buy?

Add credibility to strategy

Analyzes competitor's offerings

Get a holistic view of the market

Grow your profit margin with Technavio- Buy the Report

What are the key data covered in this biostimulants market report?

CAGR of the market during the forecast period

Detailed information on factors that will drive the growth of the biostimulants market between 2023 and 2027

Precise estimation of the size of the biostimulants 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 biostimulants market across Europe , APAC, North America , South America , and Middle East and Africa

, APAC, , , and and A thorough analysis of the market's competitive landscape and detailed information about vendors

Comprehensive analysis of factors that will challenge the growth of biostimulants market vendors

Gain instant access to 17,000+ market research reports.



Technavio's SUBSCRIPTION platform

Related Reports:

The foliar spray market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 6.38% between 2022 and 2027. The size of the market is forecast to increase by USD 2,387.73 million. This report extensively covers market segmentation by application (horticultural crops, field crops, and others), type (nitrogenous, potassic, phosphatic, and others), and geography (APAC, Europe, North America, South America, and Middle East and Africa). The increasing efficiency of foliar spray products is notably driving market growth.

The Global Agrochemicals Market size is estimated to grow by USD 49 million exhibiting a CAGR of 4.48% between 2022 and 2027. This report extensively covers market segmentation by product (fertilizers and pesticides), application (cereals and grains, oilseeds and pulses, and fruits and vegetables), and geography (APAC, North America, Europe, South America, and Middle East and Africa). Increasing the use of herbicides is a major agrochemicals market driver.

Biostimulants market scope Report Coverage Details Base year 2022 Historic period 2017-2021 Forecast period 2023-2027 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 10.68% Market growth 2023-2027 USD 1,512.9 million Market structure Fragmented YoY growth 2022-2023 (%) 8.45 Regional analysis Europe, APAC, North America, South America, and Middle East and Africa Performing market contribution North America at 32% Key countries US, Canada, China, Japan, India, and Germany Competitive landscape Leading Vendors, Market Positioning of Vendors, Competitive Strategies, and Industry Risks Key companies profiled ADAMA Ltd., Bayer AG, Bioiberica S.A.U., Biolchim Spa, Biostadt India Ltd., Biovert SL, Crop Demetra Ltd., FMC Corp., Haifa Group, Idai Nature S.L, Italpollina Spa, Koppert, Micromix Plant Health Ltd., Novozymes AS, OMEX, RAG Stiftung, SEIPASA SA, SICIT Group Spa, UPL Ltd., and Atlantica Agricola Market dynamics Parent market analysis, Market growth inducers and obstacles, Fast-growing and slow-growing segment analysis, COVID-19 impact and recovery analysis and future consumer dynamics, Market condition analysis for the forecast period. Customization purview If our report has not included the data that you are looking for, you can reach out to our analysts and get segments customized.

Table of Contents

1 Executive Summary

1.1 Market overview

Exhibit 01: Executive Summary  Chart on Market Overview



Exhibit 02: Executive Summary  Data Table on Market Overview



Exhibit 03: Executive Summary  Chart on Global Market Characteristics



Exhibit 04: Executive Summary  Chart on Market by Geography



Exhibit 05: Executive Summary  Chart on Market Segmentation by Product



Exhibit 06: Executive Summary  Chart on Market Segmentation by Application



Exhibit 07: Executive Summary  Chart on Market Segmentation by Type



Exhibit 08: Executive Summary  Chart on Incremental Growth



Exhibit 09: Executive Summary  Data Table on Incremental Growth



Exhibit 10: Executive Summary  Chart on Vendor Market Positioning

2 Market Landscape

2.1 Market ecosystem

Exhibit 11: Parent market



Exhibit 12: Market Characteristics

3 Market Sizing

3.1 Market definition

Exhibit 13: Offerings of vendors included in the market definition

3.2 Market segment analysis

Exhibit 14: Market segments

3.3 Market size 2022

3.4 Market outlook: Forecast for 2022-2027

Exhibit 15: Chart on Global - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 16: Data Table on Global - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 17: Chart on Global Market: Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 18: Data Table on Global Market: Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

4 Historic Market Size

4.1 Global biostimulants market 2017 - 2021

Exhibit 19: Historic Market Size  Data Table on Global biostimulants market 2017 - 2021 ($ million)

4.2 Product Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021

Exhibit 20: Historic Market Size  Product Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ million)

4.3 Application Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021

Exhibit 21: Historic Market Size  Application Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ million)

4.4 Type Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021

Exhibit 22: Historic Market Size  Type Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ million)

4.5 Geography Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021

Exhibit 23: Historic Market Size  Geography Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ million)

4.6 Country Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021

Exhibit 24: Historic Market Size  Country Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ million)

5 Five Forces Analysis

5.1 Five forces summary

Exhibit 25: Five forces analysis - Comparison between 2022 and 2027

5.2 Bargaining power of buyers

Exhibit 26: Chart on Bargaining power of buyers  Impact of key factors 2022 and 2027

5.3 Bargaining power of suppliers

Exhibit 27: Bargaining power of suppliers  Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027

5.4 Threat of new entrants

Exhibit 28: Threat of new entrants  Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027

5.5 Threat of substitutes

Exhibit 29: Threat of substitutes  Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027

5.6 Threat of rivalry

Exhibit 30: Threat of rivalry  Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027

5.7 Market condition

Exhibit 31: Chart on Market condition - Five forces 2022 and 2027

6 Market Segmentation by Product

6.1 Market segments

Exhibit 32: Chart on Product - Market share 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 33: Data Table on Product - Market share 2022-2027 (%)

6.2 Comparison by Product

Exhibit 34: Chart on Comparison by Product



Exhibit 35: Data Table on Comparison by Product

6.3 Acid-based - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 36: Chart on Acid-based - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 37: Data Table on Acid-based - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 38: Chart on Acid-based - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 39: Data Table on Acid-based - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

6.4 Extract-based - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 40: Chart on Extract-based - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 41: Data Table on Extract-based - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 42: Chart on Extract-based - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 43: Data Table on Extract-based - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

6.5 Others - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 44: Chart on Others - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 45: Data Table on Others - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 46: Chart on Others - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 47: Data Table on Others - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

6.6 Market opportunity by Product

Exhibit 48: Market opportunity by Product ($ million)

7 Market Segmentation by Application

7.1 Market segments

Exhibit 49: Chart on Application - Market share 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 50: Data Table on Application - Market share 2022-2027 (%)

7.2 Comparison by Application

Exhibit 51: Chart on Comparison by Application



Exhibit 52: Data Table on Comparison by Application

7.3 Foliar - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 53: Chart on Foliar - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 54: Data Table on Foliar - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 55: Chart on Foliar - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 56: Data Table on Foliar - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

7.4 Soil - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 57: Chart on Soil - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 58: Data Table on Soil - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 59: Chart on Soil - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 60: Data Table on Soil - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

7.5 Seed - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 61: Chart on Seed - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 62: Data Table on Seed - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 63: Chart on Seed - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 64: Data Table on Seed - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

7.6 Market opportunity by Application

Exhibit 65: Market opportunity by Application ($ million)

8 Market Segmentation by Type

8.1 Market segments

Exhibit 66: Chart on Type - Market share 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 67: Data Table on Type - Market share 2022-2027 (%)

8.2 Comparison by Type

Exhibit 68: Chart on Comparison by Type



Exhibit 69: Data Table on Comparison by Type

8.3 Row crops and cereals - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 70: Chart on Row crops and cereals - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 71: Data Table on Row crops and cereals - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 72: Chart on Row crops and cereals - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 73: Data Table on Row crops and cereals - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

8.4 Fruits and vegetables - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 74: Chart on Fruits and vegetables - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 75: Data Table on Fruits and vegetables - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 76: Chart on Fruits and vegetables - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 77: Data Table on Fruits and vegetables - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

8.5 Turfs and ornaments - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 78: Chart on Turfs and ornaments - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 79: Data Table on Turfs and ornaments - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 80: Chart on Turfs and ornaments - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 81: Data Table on Turfs and ornaments - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

8.6 Others - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 82: Chart on Others - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 83: Data Table on Others - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 84: Chart on Others - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 85: Data Table on Others - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

8.7 Market opportunity by Type

Exhibit 86: Market opportunity by Type ($ million)

9 Customer Landscape

9.1 Customer landscape overview

Exhibit 87: Analysis of price sensitivity, lifecycle, customer purchase basket, adoption rates, and purchase criteria

10 Geographic Landscape

10.1 Geographic segmentation

Exhibit 88: Chart on Market share by geography 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 89: Data Table on Market share by geography 2022-2027 (%)

10.2 Geographic comparison

Exhibit 90: Chart on Geographic comparison



Exhibit 91: Data Table on Geographic comparison

10.3 Europe - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 92: Chart on Europe - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 93: Data Table on Europe - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 94: Chart on Europe - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

- Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

Exhibit 95: Data Table on Europe - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

10.4 APAC - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 96: Chart on APAC - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 97: Data Table on APAC - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 98: Chart on APAC - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 99: Data Table on APAC - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

10.5 North America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 100: Chart on North America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 101: Data Table on North America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 102: Chart on North America - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

- Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

Exhibit 103: Data Table on North America - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

10.6 South America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 104: Chart on South America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 105: Data Table on South America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 106: Chart on South America - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

- Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

Exhibit 107: Data Table on South America - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

10.7 Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

and - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 108: Chart on Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

and - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 109: Data Table on Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

and - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 110: Chart on Middle East and Africa - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

and - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

Exhibit 111: Data Table on Middle East and Africa - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

10.8 Germany - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 112: Chart on Germany - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 113: Data Table on Germany - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 114: Chart on Germany - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

- Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

Exhibit 115: Data Table on Germany - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

10.9 China - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 116: Chart on China - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 117: Data Table on China - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 118: Chart on China - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

- Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

Exhibit 119: Data Table on China - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

10.10 US - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 120: Chart on US - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 121: Data Table on US - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 122: Chart on US - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 123: Data Table on US - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

10.11 Japan - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 124: Chart on Japan - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 125: Data Table on Japan - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 126: Chart on Japan - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

- Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

Exhibit 127: Data Table on Japan - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

10.12 Canada - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 128: Chart on Canada - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 129: Data Table on Canada - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 130: Chart on Canada - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

- Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

Exhibit 131: Data Table on Canada - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

10.13 India - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 132: Chart on India - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 133: Data Table on India - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 134: Chart on India - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

- Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

Exhibit 135: Data Table on India - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

10.14 Market opportunity by geography

Exhibit 136: Market opportunity by geography ($ million)

11 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends

11.1 Market drivers

11.2 Market challenges

11.3 Impact of drivers and challenges

Exhibit 137: Impact of drivers and challenges in 2022 and 2027

11.4 Market trends

12 Vendor Landscape

12.1 Overview

12.2 Vendor landscape

Exhibit 138: Overview on Criticality of inputs and Factors of differentiation

12.3 Landscape disruption

Exhibit 139: Overview on factors of disruption

12.4 Industry risks

Exhibit 140: Impact of key risks on business

13 Vendor Analysis

13.1 Vendors covered

Exhibit 141: Vendors covered

13.2 Market positioning of vendors

Exhibit 142: Matrix on vendor position and classification

13.3 ADAMA Ltd.

Exhibit 143: ADAMA Ltd. - Overview



Exhibit 144: ADAMA Ltd. - Business segments



Exhibit 145: ADAMA Ltd. - Key offerings



Exhibit 146: ADAMA Ltd. - Segment focus

13.4 Bayer AG

Exhibit 147: Bayer AG - Overview



Exhibit 148: Bayer AG - Business segments



Exhibit 149: Bayer AG - Key offerings



Exhibit 150: Bayer AG - Segment focus

13.5 Biolchim Spa

Exhibit 151: Biolchim Spa - Overview



Exhibit 152: Biolchim Spa - Product / Service



Exhibit 153: Biolchim Spa - Key offerings

13.6 Biostadt India Ltd.

Exhibit 154: Biostadt India Ltd. - Overview



Exhibit 155: Biostadt India Ltd. - Product / Service



Exhibit 156: Biostadt India Ltd. - Key offerings

13.7 Biovert SL

Exhibit 157: Biovert SL - Overview



Exhibit 158: Biovert SL - Product / Service



Exhibit 159: Biovert SL - Key offerings

13.8 Crop Demetra Ltd.

Exhibit 160: Crop Demetra Ltd. - Overview



Exhibit 161: Crop Demetra Ltd. - Product / Service



Exhibit 162: Crop Demetra Ltd. - Key offerings

13.9 FMC Corp.

Exhibit 163: FMC Corp. - Overview



Exhibit 164: FMC Corp. - Product / Service



Exhibit 165: FMC Corp. - Key offerings

13.10 Haifa Group

Exhibit 166: Haifa Group - Overview



Exhibit 167: Haifa Group - Product / Service



Exhibit 168: Haifa Group - Key offerings

13.11 Idai Nature S.L

Exhibit 169: Idai Nature S.L - Overview



Exhibit 170: Idai Nature S.L - Product / Service



Exhibit 171: Idai Nature S.L - Key offerings

13.12 Italpollina Spa

Exhibit 172: Italpollina Spa - Overview



Exhibit 173: Italpollina Spa - Product / Service



Exhibit 174: Italpollina Spa - Key offerings

13.13 Koppert

Exhibit 175: Koppert - Overview



Exhibit 176: Koppert - Product / Service



Exhibit 177: Koppert - Key offerings

13.14 OMEX

Exhibit 178: OMEX - Overview



Exhibit 179: OMEX - Product / Service



Exhibit 180: OMEX - Key offerings

13.15 RAG Stiftung

Exhibit 181: RAG Stiftung - Overview



Exhibit 182: RAG Stiftung - Product / Service



Exhibit 183: RAG Stiftung - Key offerings

13.16 SICIT Group Spa

Exhibit 184: SICIT Group Spa - Overview



Exhibit 185: SICIT Group Spa - Product / Service



Exhibit 186: SICIT Group Spa - Key offerings

13.17 UPL Ltd.

Exhibit 187: UPL Ltd. - Overview



Exhibit 188: UPL Ltd. - Business segments



Exhibit 189: UPL Ltd. - Key news



Exhibit 190: UPL Ltd. - Key offerings



Exhibit 191: UPL Ltd. - Segment focus

14 Appendix

14.1 Scope of the report

14.2 Inclusions and exclusions checklist

Exhibit 192: Inclusions checklist



Exhibit 193: Exclusions checklist

14.3 Currency conversion rates for US$

Exhibit 194: Currency conversion rates for US$

14.4 Research methodology

Exhibit 195: Research methodology



Exhibit 196: Validation techniques employed for market sizing



Exhibit 197: Information sources

14.5 List of abbreviations

Exhibit 198: 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
ATLANTA, July 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today Autoliv of Japan paid $56 million to settle the Andrews v. Autoliv case which resulted in a $127 million bench verdict on January 3, 2022.1 The case was tried before Judge Steve C. Jones of the Northern District of Georgia in October 2021. The payments were made on Thursday, July 27, 2023.

Plaintiff was represented at trial by Tedra Cannella of Cannella Snyder LLC,

Jim Butler of Butler Prather, LLP; and Rory Weeks of Weeks Law LLC (all three were at the Butler firm at the time of trial). The Plaintiff's trial Team included paralegals Cathy Huff and Beth Telgenhoff and Beth Glen of Butler Prather.

Defendant Autoliv was represented at trial by Doug Scribner, Jay Repko, and Jenny Hergenrother of Alston & Bird.

Of the $56 million, $42 million was paid to Plaintiff Jamie Andrews, whose husband Micah was killed by Autoliv's defective seatbelt, and $14 million was paid to the State of Georgia, which post-trial made a claim to get part of the $100 million punitive damages award, ostensibly pursuant to the escheat provision of O.C.G.A. 51-12.5.1 (e)(2). Under that statute, adopted as part of the 'tort reform' bill in 1987, punitive damages in a products liability case are unlimited, but 75% of any judgment for punitive damages that are actually collected go to the State. In Andrews, as in other prior cases where the State asserted an interest, there was vigorous disagreement between Plaintiff Andrews' legal team and the Georgia Attorney General's office about whether the State had any interest at all in damages not yet collected. The State was wholly uninvolved in the case until it filed a motion to intervene in the appeal by Autoliv to the Eleventh Circuit.

The case arose from a wreck on April 12, 2013, when Micah Andrews was driving home on I-575 from his job at the Atlanta Aquarium. He swerved to avoid something in the road and ran off a steep shoulder into a group of small trees, hitting them head on. The airbag on his 2005 Mazda 3 failed to function because the electronic front sensor, which was meant to actuate the airbag, failed to send a signal and the airbag failed to deploy. The airbag is, by designation, a "supplemental restraint system." The primary restraint system, the driver's seatbelt, also failed. It spooled out 20 inches - so much that his face hit the steering wheel hub hard enough to fracture his skull. Mr. Andrews died at the scene.

At the time of his death, Micah Andrews was 39 years old. The lawsuit was brought by Mr. Andrews' wife, Jamie Lee Andrews, as surviving spouse and administrator of the Estate, on behalf of herself and their minor daughter.

The case was settled during Autoliv's appeal to the Eleventh Circuit. Autoliv filed its appeal from Judge Jones' Judgment on November 1, 2022. On appeal, the Plaintiff's legal team was joined by Mike Terry and Frank Lowrey of Bondurant Mixson & Elmore, LLP and Autoliv's legal team was joined by Keith Blackwell of Alston & Bird.

"We are pleased for Micah Andrews' family to have finally won justice for Micah," said Butler. "It took too long, but this is a great result for the Andrews family."

"The verdict in this case and today's resolution represents an enormous team effort," Cannella said. "Like Ms. Andrews, every person who worked on Ms. Andrews' case believed deeply that putting a stop to this dangerous design would save lives. Autoliv is the world's largest manufacturer of automotive airbags and seatbelts. It is now indisputably on notice that Autoliv must not sell safety products that are unsafe."

The verdict and judgment is believed to be the largest verdict ever obtained for a defective seatbelt against a component manufacturer.

Mazda was responsible for the airbag. Autoliv was responsible for the seatbelt. Mazda settled in 2016 on confidential terms. Autoliv persisted in the litigation, never offering more than $200,000 to settle before the verdict.

Plaintiff contended that the seatbelt was designed with excessive and unsafe "spool out" that prevented it from properly restraining occupants of the vehicle. At trial, when called for cross examination by Mr. Butler, Autoliv's designated corporate representative David Prentkowski admitted that so much spool out was foreseeable to Autoliv and was actually foreseen in crash tests, that the spool out was avoidable, that it was foreseeable the consequences of so much spool out could be catastrophic, and that failing to prevent what was foreseeable and avoidable and could cause catastrophic results was no different than intentional misconduct. Autoliv's lawyers put Prentkowski back on the stand three days later, and on cross examination by Mr. Butler he was forced to admit the same things a second time.

The Court's Final Order and Judgment took note: Autoliv's corporate representative "twice admitted that refusing to avoid the foreseeable when opportunities exist to do so is, as a practical matter, the equivalent of intentional misconduct." Order at 83.

Judge Jones' Final Order and Judgment was 96 pages long and detailed the bases for his decision. The Judgment granted compensatory damages for the full value of Micah Andrews' life in the amount of $25 million, granted compensatory damages for pain and suffering in the amount of $2 million, and imposed punitive damages against Autoliv in the amount of $100 million. The Court's Final Order and Judgment found that Plaintiff proved with clear and convincing evidence that Autoliv's conduct "showed that entire want of care which would raise the presumption of conscious indifference to consequences."

The settlement leaves in place the Court's Order finding the Autoliv seatbelt defective and finding Autoliv's conduct demonstrated a conscious indifference to consequences.

As the Court held, public filings by Autoliv Inc. report annual sales for seatbelts of over $2.5 billion every year since 2013, and over $45 billion in seatbelt sales since 2003. At the end of 2020 Autoliv Inc. reported $8.1 billion in assets. Order at 90.

Judge Jones "apportioned" 50% of the compensatory damages to Mazda, under O.C.G.A. 51-12-33. Plaintiff Andrews filed a cross-appeal to Autoliv's appeal to the Eleventh Circuit, in which cross appeal Plaintiff sought to reverse that apportionment, based upon the Georgia Court of Appeals' decision in Georgia CVS Pharmacy, LLC v. Carmichael, 362 Ga. App. 59 (2021).

The Georgia Supreme Court recently declined to reverse Carmichael. Plaintiff was confident the Eleventh Circuit was bound to reverse the apportionment to Mazda based on Carmichael.

With the apportionment to Mazda, the total judgment against Autoliv for Ms. Andrews was $113,509,671.70. Because Autoliv turned down an offer to resolve the case for $9.5 million in 2015, prejudgment interest of $4,734,349.55 was added to the judgment.

The case was originally filed in Fulton County State Court in 2014. Ms. Andrews approached lawyers Greg Feagle and Bill Ballard about a potential case. They brought in the Butler firm because of its extensive success in product liability and other high-stakes litigation. The defendants removed the case to federal court.

"Jamie Andrews and her legal team are very happy this long ordeal is finally over and pleased with the results," said Tedra Cannella.

Cannella added, "the public relies on auto component manufacturers to make safe products. This case is scary because the very thing that was supposed to keep Mr. Andrews safe was the thing that caused his death  a useless seatbelt."

When Autoliv and Mazda removed the case to federal court the case was first assigned to former Judge William Duffey. After Mazda and Bosch settled, Duffey granted summary judgment to Autoliv. That decision was reversed on appeal by the Eleventh Circuit  just five days after oral argument. "I told Tedra her argument on appeal was so good the Court of Appeals reversed before she could get back to the office," Butler said. Judge Duffey then retired and did not take senior status, and the case was reassigned to Judge Jones.

Because Ms. Andrews did not accept Autoliv's offer of settlement under O.C.G.A. 9-11-68(a-d), Autoliv filed a motion to make the widow Jamie Andrews pay Autoliv's attorneys' fees. That motion was granted by Judge Duffey, but vacated after the Eleventh Circuit reversed the grant of summary judgment to Autoliv.

O.C.G.A. 51-5-12.1 was passed in 1987, as part of a "tort reform" bill. "The escheat provision giving the State 75% of any collected punitive damages judgment is a real impediment to deterring wrongful conduct," Butler said. "That was its purpose to begin with  to discourage plaintiffs from taking such cases to verdict. Ask the State how many times in the past 36 years the State has collected anything based on that statute."

Another feature of the 1987 'tort reform' bill that resulted in O.C.G.A. 51-12.5.1 is what is called the "one-bite rule." In a products liability case, once one judgment for punitive damages is collected in Georgia for a particular product then the manufacturer is immune from any further punitive damages verdicts for that same product. The jury is not told that its verdict will be the only punitive judgment for the manufacturer's acts. "That deal was made by one of the GTLA members then fighting the 'tort reform' bill - without permission or knowledge by the rest of our team," Butler said. "Without authority from anyone he agreed to exchange those provisions for the cap on punitive damages in all non-products cases. We tried to get that taken out of the bill, but by then the die was cast, and legislative leaders would not change the result."

The result is a windfall to the State in exchange for immunity to a manufacturer for a product that has been found to be defective, and which is still endangering Georgia citizens.

1 The actual named defendant at trial was Autoliv Japan, LTD, but as the Court found that entity was a subsidiary of the multinational corporation Autoliv, Inc. and that "Autoliv has ignored formal divisions among corporate Autoliv entities." Final Order and Judgment at 91. In fact, the defendant's own corporate representative at trial was not an employee of "Autoliv Japan LTD" but of another Autoliv, Inc. subsidiary. Order at 94. The design for the seatbelt component at issue in the case came from yet another Autoliv Inc. subsidiary. Order at 92.

MEDIA CONTACT  James E. (Jim) Butler, Jr. ([email protected])  office 800-242-2962, cell 706-315-5018; Tedra L. Cannella ([email protected])  cell 404-831-5462, 404-800-4828 office. Please copy Susie Wynn ([email protected]) on any emails, just in case we miss the email.

SOURCE Butler Prather LLP
As record high temperatures are recorded around the nation and world, Yellowstone National Parks fisheries division is proposing to protect its native cutthroat trout by securing a high mountain stream as a coldwater refuge.

Buffalo Creek is fed by streams cascading from the peaks of Montanas Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, and therein lies the rub for a portion of the project. To secure a place for Yellowstone cutthroat trout in the stream, the Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks, Custer Gallatin National Forest and Yellowstone Park are proposing to use a helicopter to fly in equipment, prompting opposition from the conservation group Wilderness Watch when the proposal was announced in 2021.

The Forest Service has not issued a final decision just yet on the project, said Mike Thom, Gardiner District ranger, in an email.

He said the agency is hoping to have a decision issued within the next couple of weeks.

Wilderness Watch, and any others, will have the option of litigation following the decision signature, Thom added.

Yellowstone National Park only recently released an environmental assessment regarding its portion of the proposed work on Buffalo Creek where it runs through the park. The concept was, however, outlined in the parks 2010 Native Fish Conservation Plan.

The public has until Aug. 9 to comment on Yellowstones proposal. The document, as well as a place to comment, can be found online at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/document.cfm?parkID=111&projectID=107438&documentID=130776.

Flights

Yellowstones EA is proposing the use of a helicopter 10 times a year over three years to fly in equipment to remove rainbow trout. The park is also proposing another 10 flights  two per year for up to five years  to restock fish in Buffalo Creek.

Under the 1964 Wilderness Act, federal agencies are responsible for preserving the wilderness character of designated wildlands. The use of motor vehicles and motorized equipment  except in emergencies  is forbidden.

To help mitigate the action, the park is proposing the helicopter fly from a staging area near the Slough Creek Campground up the creek to the Silver Tip Ranch, outside of the wilderness area, before motoring over the mountains to the Buffalo Creek drainage. The helicopter would fly at least 500 feet off the ground to reduce disturbance of wildlife. The helicopter landing zone would be inside the park, just south of its northern border.

Rotenone

Under the Forest Service and FWP plan, rotenone would be applied to about 33 miles of the creek and in two lakes over about 12 to 14 days each summer for up to three years. Rotenone has been widely used as a fish poison in other streams to remove nonnative fish. The poison is neutralized by applying potassium permanganate to the water.

Yellowstones fisheries chief, Todd Koel, has advocated for the project because the rainbow trout in Buffalo Creek can swim into Slough Creek and interbreed with cutthroat trout there. The park has been working successfully since 2010 to remove nonnative fish, such as rainbow trout, from its waters at other locations. The Buffalo Creek project is one of the largest and most complex because of the remote location and size of the stream.

Slough and Buffalo creeks are tributaries to the Lamar River, just upstream from where it joins the Yellowstone River near Tower Junction. Slough Creek and the Lamar River are highly valued by anglers who fish the streams extensively.

Yellowstone cutthroat trout are also recognized by the park as an important source of food for an estimated 16 species of birds and mammals, including bears, river otters and mink.

Warming

Without the removal of rainbow trout and restocking of cutthroats, the parks fishery division fears that as stream temperatures warm, the amount of suitable habitat for Yellowstone cutthroat trout may be considerably reduced, the EA noted.

In addition to the direct effects of changing thermal regimes, Yellowstone cutthroat trout are likely to become increasingly exposed to diseases in streams where temperatures warm dramatically, the EA said.

Written comments on the parks proposal can be mailed to: Yellowstone Center for ResourcesCompliance Branch, Attention: Buffalo Creek EA, P.O. Box 168, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming 82190.
World's largest cruise company honored for the second year on Forbes' annual listing of U.S. companies leading the way to empower women in the workforce

MIAMI, July 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK), the world's largest cruise company, today announced it was named for the second year as one of America's Best Employers for Women for 2023 by Forbes, a leading source of business news worldwide. The prestigious annual listing recognizes the top employers in the U.S. for their success in cultivating a workforce that empowers women in the workplace. Of the top 400 companies included on the list across 24 major industries, Carnival Corporation was the only cruise company recognized for its efforts to prioritize a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Presented by Forbes and Statista Inc., the world-leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider, the listing of the Best Employers for Women was determined through an independent survey of approximately 60,000 U.S. employees, including more than 40,000 women, working for companies employing at least 1,000 people. Respondents anonymously rated their workplaces on topics such as parental leave, family support, flexibility, pay equity, and representation and career. Women were also given the chance to evaluate other employers in their respective industries with regard to diversity. Based on these direct and indirect employee recommendations, and an evaluation of women in executive management or board positions, Forbes recognized only the top 400 companies out of thousands of organizations.

"At Carnival Corporation, we care deeply for our team members who reflect the diversity of the 700 ports and destinations we visit around the world and strive to always cultivate an atmosphere of openness, respect and trust where people from all walks of life can be supported and successful," said Bettina Deynes, global chief human resources officer for Carnival Corporation. "This recognition from Forbes underscores our commitment to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for our dedicated and passionate team members who are at the heart of our success."

The recognition as one of America's Best Employers for Women builds on a series of other distinguished honors Carnival Corporation has earned for its companywide operations and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace. Earlier this year, Carnival Corporation was named as one of America's Best Employers for Diversity by Forbes and as one of America's Greatest Workplaces for Diversity by Newsweek. In 2022, the company was named to the Forbes listings of the World's Best Employers and the Best Employers for Diversity, in addition to being named as one of the Best Companies for Latinos by Latino Leaders Magazine. Carnival Corporation also earned a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's 2022 Corporate Equality Index, designating the company as a Best Place to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality for the sixth consecutive year.

Diversity, equity and inclusion have long been priorities at Carnival Corporation and the company has intentionally engineered opportunities for hiring, growth and advancement for all types of individuals. The company champions all forms of diversity, including gender, ethnicity, background, upbringing, education, geographic origin and experience.

About Carnival Corporation & plc

Carnival Corporation & plc is the largest global cruise company, and among the largest leisure travel companies, with a portfolio of world-class cruise lines  AIDA Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Costa Cruises, Cunard, Holland America Line, P&O Cruises (Australia), P&O Cruises (UK), Princess Cruises, and Seabourn.

Additional information can be found on www.carnivalcorp.com, www.aida.de, www.carnival.com, www.costacruise.com, www.cunard.com, www.hollandamerica.com, www.pocruises.com.au, www.pocruises.com, www.princess.com , and www.seabourn.com.

For information on Carnival Corporation's industry-leading sustainability initiatives, visit www.carnivalsustainability.com.

SOURCE Carnival Corporation & plc
Ms. Huser teaches first grade at North Davis Elementary and has more than 30 years teaching experience

DAVIS, Calif., July 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union , the largest credit union serving school employees and their families, in partnership with ABC10 Sacramento and Sacramento State's College of Education, today announced that Cathryn Huser of North Davis Elementary School in Davis, CA is ABC10's Teacher of the Month for July 2023.

Cathryn Huser of North Davis Elementary School in Davis, CA is SchoolsFirst FCU and ABC 10S Teacher of the Month for& July& 2023.

Coming from a family of educators, Ms. Huser always knew she wanted to become a teacher. With more than 30 years of experience, she is known for being a good listener and creating an inclusive environment for her students. Ms. Huser teaches first grade at North Davis Elementary School where she also volunteers in school related programs and frequently funds book fairs to make sure all students leave with a book of choice.

When asked what she loves most about teaching, Ms. Huser said, "I love seeing the growth in my students academically and socially. Those who teach know there is nothing better than seeing a child's eyes light up when they learn something new or connect with another student through a funny read aloud or a shared experience. It is such a joy to remind children of how much they have learned and see a sense of pride and accomplishment in their eyes."

As part of being recognized as Teacher of the Month, Ms. Huser will receive $1,000 from SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union. She will also be eligible for the title of Esquire IMAX ABC10's Teacher of the Year award that includes a $5,000 prize which will be announced at a special awards program next year.

"Teachers like Ms. Huser who have a passion for education and instill a love for learning in their students at such an early age have a positive impact on their students that can last a lifetime," said Josh Smith, vice president, school and community relations at SchoolsFirst FCU. "As an organization, we are proud to serve school employees and their families and support recognition programs like Teacher of the Month to showcase outstanding educators who make an impact."

More about information Ms. Huser and her award is available here . To nominate a local teacher in the greater Sacramento/Stockton/Modesto area for an upcoming Teacher of the Month, please visit www.abc10.com/teacherofthemonth.

About SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union

SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union is the fifth largest credit union in the country and has been recognized by Forbes as the number one credit union in California. Serving school employees and their families, the organization is dedicated to delivering World-Class Personal Service and improving the financial lives of its Members. Today they serve more than 1.3 million Members with a full range of financial products and services. SchoolsFirst FCU was founded in 1934, when 126 school employees pooled $1,200 and established a Member-owned cooperative to help improve each other's lives. In 2022, the Credit Union reported nearly $28 billion in assets and remains the largest credit union in California. For more information about SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, visit schoolsfirstfcu.org.

Insured by NCUA

SOURCE SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union
CHENNAI, India, July 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ --

COP28 President Designate Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber and Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) on the sidelines of the G20 ministerial meeting in Chennai

With only 125 days to go, COP28 President-Designate Dr. Sultan Al Jaber and UNFCCC Executive Secretary Simon Stiell issue joint statement on sidelines of G20 ministerial meeting in Chennai.

President-Designate Dr. Sultan Al Jaber and UNFCCC Executive Secretary Simon Stiell issue joint statement on sidelines of G20 ministerial meeting in Chennai. "The science demands a strong mitigation outcome at COP28 that drives a significant reduction in emissions and builds on the progress of previous COPs," the leaders said in statement.

that drives a significant reduction in emissions and builds on the progress of previous COPs," the leaders said in statement. While the discussions at the G20 Energy Ministerial considered energy transition and aligning current pathways with the Paris Goals, the outcome did not provide a sufficiently clear signal for transforming global energy systems, scaling up renewable and clean energy sources and responsibly phasing down fossil fuels.

The G20 must affirm its commitment to achieve the operationalization of the fund and funding arrangements for loss and damage. Those at the frontline of climate change need our support now, not in 5 years' time.

The G20 must show that it can deliver for the most climate vulnerable, including the least developed countries and small island developing states.

The leaders also urged G20 nations to raise the importance of defining a Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA) and operationalizing the loss and damage fund and funding arrangements "to an equal level."

G20 nations called on "to urgently prioritize revised commitments, whether NDCs, NAPs or on climate finance, including contributions to the ambitious replenishment of the GCF to align with the Paris Goals."

Dr. Sultan Al-Jaber, COP28 President-Designate and Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), have called upon G20 nations to take a greater leadership role in climate change mitigation and adaptation. With only 125 days to go, the leaders today issued a joint statement on the sidelines of the G20 ministerial meeting in Chennai, calling on G20 nations to "lead the way" on delivering a positive outcome on mitigation at the COP28 climate conference this year.

"The science demands a strong mitigation outcome at COP28 that drives a significant reduction in emissions and builds on the progress of previous COPs, and we call on the G20 to lead the way on the basis of both science and equity and lay the path to a strong and credible outcome that provides developing countries with the basis to undertake a just transition," the leaders said in the statement.

"Together, we must take necessary steps to accelerate the inevitable phase-down of all fossil fuels in a responsible manner, in order to have an energy system free of unabated fossil fuels by the middle of this century while enabling access for all and promoting sustainable development," they said in the statement, which reiterated the importance of tripling global renewable energy capacity and doubling the rate of energy efficiency improvements across sectors by 2030.

While the discussions at the G20 Energy Ministerial considered energy transition and aligning current pathways with the Paris Goals, the outcome did not provide a sufficiently clear signal for transforming global energy systems, scaling up renewable and clean energy sources and responsibly phasing down fossil fuels.

"It is our hope that any progress achieved by the G20 drives decisively a strong outcome at COP28 under the Global Stocktake and capitalizes on the Just Transition Work Programme established at COP27 to ensure that this transition is fair, leaves no one behind and supports the broad development challenges faced by developing countries in launching this transition," the statement added.

The leaders also urged G20 nations to raise the importance of defining a Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA) and operationalizing the loss and damage fund and funding arrangements "to an equal level, to ensure that the human face of the climate change is at the center of all our decisions." Adaptation finance must be doubled urgently, the leaders said.

"The G20 must affirm its commitment to achieve the operationalization of the fund and funding arrangements. Those at the frontline of climate change need our support now, not in 5 years' time. This is the benchmark for ambition," they said in the statement. They also called on the G20 to show that it can deliver for the most climate vulnerable, including the least developed countries and small island developing states.

Delivering on the 2030 agenda will depend on making climate finance more available, affordable and accessible to developing countries, the leaders state. "Climate finance arrangements will need to be transformed to deliver at the necessary scale, to work better as a system and to support private finance mobilization at unprecedented levels."

The leaders also called on G20 nations "to urgently prioritize your revised commitments, whether NDCs, NAPs or on climate finance, including contributions to the ambitious replenishment of the GCF to align with the Paris Goals."

"We must leave Chennai on the right path and with a clear signal that the political will to tackle the climate crisis and launch a new era of development is within our grasp, because it is only a short path to COP28. Every meeting counts, every outcome must bring us closer. The world needs its leaders to unite, act and deliver; and that must start with the G20," the statement concludes.

For all media enquiries and requests for interviews, please contact [email protected] For up-to-date COP28 news, follow us on Twitter @COP28_UAE

Notes to Editors:

COP28 UAE:

COP28 UAE will take place at Expo City Dubai from November 30-December 12, 2023 . The Conference is expected to convene over 70,000 participants, including heads of state, government officials, international industry leaders, private sector representatives, academics, experts, youth, and non-state actors.

. The Conference is expected to convene over 70,000 participants, including heads of state, government officials, international industry leaders, private sector representatives, academics, experts, youth, and non-state actors. As mandated by the Paris Climate Agreement, COP28 UAE will deliver the first ever Global Stocktake  a comprehensive evaluation of progress against climate goals.

The UAE will lead a process for all parties to agree upon a clear roadmap to accelerate progress through a pragmatic global energy transition and a "leave no one behind" approach to inclusive climate action.

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2164610/COP28_UNFCC.jpg

SOURCE COP28
CHICAGO, July 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- As cyber dangers increase and broader coverage and sector-specific policies become more prevalent, the market for cybersecurity insurance is projected to experience growing demand in the future. Because of evolving cyberthreats and rising business awareness, the market may be shaped by advanced risk assessment techniques, regulatory influence, and cybersecurity partnerships.

The Cybersecurity Insurance Market is projected to grow from USD 14.4 billion in 2023 to USD 33.4 billion by 2028, at a CAGR of 18.3% during the forecast period, according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets. The rise in cyber threats, such as data breaches, ransomware, and phishing attacks, has driven the demand for cybersecurity insurance as organizations seek financial protection against potential losses.

Browse in-depth TOC on "Cybersecurity Insurance Market"

250 - Tables

50 - Figures

300 - Pages

Download PDF Brochure @ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=47709373

Scope of the Report

Report Metrics Details Market size available for years 2018-2028 Base year considered 2022 Forecast period 20232028 Forecast units Value (USD) Million/Billion Segments covered By Offering, Insurance coverage, Insurance type, Compliance Requirements, End user, and Region Region covered North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and Latin America Companies covered Technology Vendors - BitSight (US), Prevalent (US), RedSeal (US), SecurityScorecard (US), Cyber Indemnity Solutions (Australia), Cisco (US), UpGuard (US), Microsoft (US), Check Point (US), AttackIQ (US), SentinelOne (US), Broadcom (US), Accenture (Ireland), Cylance (US), FireEye (US), CyberArk (US), CYE (Israel), SecurIT360 (US), and Founder Shield (US).

Insurance Vendors - Allianz (Germany), AIG (US), Aon (UK), Arthur J. Gallagher & Co (US) and many more.

Based on insurance type, the standalone segment holds the largest market and highest CAGR during the forecast period.

The demand for dedicated cybersecurity insurance policies and the need to mitigate the risks associated with "silent cyber" have led to the increasing popularity of standalone cybersecurity insurance policies. These standalone policies are projected to surpass packaged cybersecurity insurance policies regarding market growth. Organizations are increasingly concerned about cyber risks and seek specialized coverage solely for cyber risk protection, driving the demand for standalone cyber policies. Insurance providers such as AIG, Lloyd's, and Allianz are embracing affirmative cyber and witnessing the growth of standalone policies. These policies are designed to address more complex cyber risks compared to packaged cybersecurity insurance. For example, AIG offers its clients a comprehensive cybersecurity insurance package that includes traditional property and casualty policies and a standalone CyberEdge policy. The CyberEdge policy provides policyholders with a broader range of security protection than the packaged endorsement. Key players in the market offering standalone cybersecurity insurance solutions include AXA XL, AIG, Travelers Insurance, Beazley, Zurich, Fairfax, Tokio Marine, Liberty Mutual, and CNA.

Request Sample Pages @ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=47709373

Based on insurance provider end users, healthcare & life sciences is projected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

The healthcare industry faces various challenges, including regulatory fluctuations and the ever-evolving landscape of cyberattacks and breaches. Compliance with privacy and data security regulations such as HIPAA and HITECH necessitate the reliance of healthcare organizations on cybersecurity insurance policies to cover penalty fees. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated cyber threats, with healthcare organizations experiencing increased attacks like ransomware and misinformation campaigns. Cybersecurity insurance is a crucial safeguard for healthcare providers, offering financial protection against cybercrimes, ransomware, data breaches, and other cybersecurity incidents.

Based on region, Asia Pacific is projected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

Asia Pacific, an emerging economy, is projected to achieve the highest CAGR in the Cybersecurity Insurance Market during the forecast period. Countries in the Asia Pacific region, such as China, Japan, ANZ, and Singapore, are highly concerned about rising security spending due to increasing cyber threats. With its strong government regulations and technological advancements, Asia Pacific presents promising growth opportunities for the Cybersecurity Insurance Market. Insecure interfaces, data breaches, and data losses are top cybersecurity risks in the region, fueled by rapid connectivity and digital transformation. Asia Pacific faces an 80% higher risk of cyberattacks than other regions. Increasing regulatory measures are expected to drive the demand for cybersecurity insurance. Zurich Insurance predicts significant market growth in APAC, with leading players like AIG, Allianz, Chubb, and Zurich operating in the region.

Top Key Companies in Cybersecurity Insurance Market:

The major vendors covered in the Cybersecurity Insurance Market include BitSight (US), Prevalent (US), RedSeal (US), SecurityScorecard (US), Cyber Indemnity Solutions (Australia), Cisco (US), UpGuard (US), Microsoft (US), Check Point (US), AttackIQ (US), SentinelOne (US), Broadcom (US), Accenture (Ireland), Cylance (US), FireEye (US), CyberArk (US), CYE (Israel), SecurIT360 (US), and Founder Shield (US). The insurance vendors covered in the Cybersecurity Insurance Market are Allianz (Germany), AIG (US), Aon (UK), Arthur J. Gallagher & Co (US), Travelers Insurance (US), AXA XL (US), AXIS Capital (Bermuda), Beazley (UK), Chubb (Switzerland), CNA Financial (US), Fairfax Financial (Canada), Liberty Mutual (US), Lloyd's of London (UK), Lockton (US), Munich Re Group (Germany), and Sompo International (Bermuda). The startup vendors covered in the Cybersecurity Insurance Market are At-Bay (US), Cybernance (US), CyberCube (US), Coalition (US), Arceo.ai (US), Kovrr (Israel), Sayata Labs (Israel), Zeguro (US), RiskSense (US), SafeBreach (US), and Cronus Cyber Technologies (Israel).

Recent Developments:

In May 2022 , Microsoft developed Defender to support security systems of SMEs and reduce cyber risk. The solution provides end-point security, which includes Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR).

, Microsoft developed Defender to support security systems of SMEs and reduce cyber risk. The solution provides end-point security, which includes Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR). In April 2022 , AttackIQ entered into partnership with Vectra, an AI based threat detection and response platform. This integration enabled customers to use AttackIQ's PCAP and Vectra AI Platform to check efficacy.

, AttackIQ entered into partnership with Vectra, an AI based threat detection and response platform. This integration enabled customers to use AttackIQ's PCAP and Vectra AI Platform to check efficacy. In November 2021 , BitSight and Marsh McLennan collaborated to improve cybersecurity performance and efficiency of the organization and help to reduce cyber risk. The Cyber Risk Analytics Center offered by Marsh McLenna leverage the capabilities of BitSight rating, data which help client to monitor their cyber security system performance.

Inquiry Before Buying @ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_BuyingNew.asp?id=47709373

Cybersecurity Insurance Market Advantages:

Data breaches, ransomware attacks, and company email intrusion are all examples of cybersecurity mishaps that can result in major financial losses. Cybersecurity insurance covers these damages, including data recovery costs, legal fees, regulatory fines, and consumer notification costs. It assists organizations in reducing the financial impact of cyber events.

Businesses can shift some of the possible risks and liabilities connected with cyber threats to the insurance provider by purchasing cybersecurity insurance. This enables organizations to concentrate on their core business rather than continuously worrying about the financial consequences of a cyber assault.

Access to incident response services is included in many cybersecurity insurance policies. These services often entail a team of professionals that may assist the covered organization in properly dealing with the consequences of a cyber catastrophe. They can help with breach investigations, containment, data recovery, and cleanup, allowing for a more timely and coordinated response.

Cybersecurity events can significantly harm a company's brand, resulting in client distrust and lost commercial possibilities. Cybersecurity insurance may cover public relations and reputation management fees, assisting organizations in rebuilding their reputation following a breach.

Cybersecurity insurance companies frequently provide counsel and support to assist firms in meeting regulatory obligations and industry standards for data protection. Meeting these compliance criteria might be difficult, but insurance companies can aid in putting in place the appropriate security measures.

Cybersecurity insurance can also cover liabilities deriving from third-party claims. For example, if a data breach in one organization's network impacts its clients or partners, the impacted parties may claim compensation. Cyber insurance can assist handle these risks.

Cybersecurity incidents can affect business operations, resulting in lost revenue and downtime. Cyber insurance may cover financial damages incurred as a result of business interruption, allowing the organization to continue operations as smoothly as feasible.

Report Objectives

To determine and forecast the global Cybersecurity Insurance Market by offering (solutions, and services), insurance coverage, insurance type, compliance requirements, end user, and region from 2023 to 2028, and analyze the various macroeconomic and microeconomic factors that affect the market growth.

To forecast the size of the market segments with respect to five main regions: North America , Europe , Asia Pacific (APAC), Latin America , and the Middle East and Africa (MEA).

, , (APAC), , and the and (MEA). To provide detailed information about the major factors (drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges) influencing the growth of the Cybersecurity Insurance Market.

To analyze each submarket with respect to individual growth trends, prospects, and contributions to the overall Cybersecurity Insurance Market.

To analyze the opportunities in the market for stakeholders by identifying the high-growth segments of the Cybersecurity Insurance Market.

To profile the key market players; provide a 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.

In the market, track and analyze competitive developments, such as mergers and acquisitions, product developments, partnerships and collaborations, and Research and Development (R&D) activities.

Browse Adjacent Market: Information Security Market Research Reports & Consulting

Browse Other Reports:

Blockchain Interoperability Market - Global Forecast to 2028

Operational Technology (OT) Security Market - Global Forecast to 2028

Fraud Detection and Prevention Market- Global Forecast to 2028

Digital Evidence Management Market - Global Forecast to 2028

Blockchain Market - Global Forecast to 2027

About MarketsandMarkets

MarketsandMarkets is a blue ocean alternative in growth consulting and program management, leveraging a man-machine offering to drive supernormal growth for progressive organizations in the B2B space. We have the widest lens on emerging technologies, making us proficient in co-creating supernormal growth for clients.

The B2B economy is witnessing the emergence of $25 trillion of new revenue streams that are substituting existing revenue streams in this decade alone. We work with clients on growth programs, helping them monetize this $25 trillion opportunity through our service lines - TAM Expansion, Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy to Execution, Market Share Gain, Account Enablement, and Thought Leadership Marketing.

Built on the 'GIVE Growth' principle, we work with several Forbes Global 2000 B2B companies - helping them stay relevant in a disruptive ecosystem. Our insights and strategies are moulded by our industry experts, cutting-edge AI-powered Market Intelligence Cloud, and years of research. The KnowledgeStore (our Market Intelligence Cloud) integrates our research, facilitates an analysis of interconnections through a set of applications, helping clients look at the entire ecosystem and understand the revenue shifts happening in their industry.

To find out more, visit MarketsandMarkets or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Contact:

Mr. Aashish Mehra

MarketsandMarkets INC

630 Dundee Road

Suite 430

Northbrook, IL 60062

USA: +1-888-600-6441

Email: [email protected]

Visit Our Website: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com

Research Insight: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ResearchInsight/cyber-insurance-market.asp

Content Source: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/PressReleases/cyber-insurance.asp

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/660509/MarketsandMarkets_Logo.jpg

SOURCE MarketsandMarkets
LAS VEGAS, July 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Daiso, the renowned global retail chain offering a wide range of affordable and unique products, is thrilled to announce the grand opening at Best on the Boulevard in Las Vegas, Nevada on August 5th. "We are thrilled to open our store at Best on the Blvd in Las Vegas," said Jack Williams, Chief Retail Operations Officer for Daiso USA. "This achievement reflects the dedication and support of our customers who have embraced Daiso's unique concept and diverse product range. We are excited to provide an exceptional shopping experience to the vibrant Las Vegas community and look forward to serving our customers with the utmost care and dedication."

The new Daiso store at Best on the Blvd encompasses 4,758 square feet and promises to be a haven for shoppers seeking quality merchandise at affordable prices. With its extensive range of products spanning various categories, including Japanese inspired home decor, stationery, food, and more, Daiso has become synonymous with accessible and innovative offerings. John Clarke, Chief Development Officer for Daiso USA says, "Nevada based Daiso customers have shown us through our online business and social media their desire for us to have more stores within the state, influencing our immediate growth strategy in this region. We currently operate 100 units in 7 states with more states opening in 2024".

On both Saturday, August 5th and Sunday, August 6th, the first 100 customers to shop at the Best on the Blvd location and make a minimum purchase of $30 will receive an exclusive tote bag and a plushie. These special offerings are Daiso's way of expressing gratitude to its loyal customers and welcoming new shoppers to the Daiso community.

Daiso invites customers to join in the celebration. The Best on the Blvd Daiso is anchored by neighboring tenant Wing Stop and is open Monday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

About Daiso:

Daiso is a global retail chain founded in Japan, known for its vast array of unique and affordable products across various categories such as household goods, stationery, beauty, and more. Daiso entered the US market in 2005 and continues to expand its global footprint while maintaining its commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction. The Daiso US headquarters is located in La Mirada, CA.

SOURCE Daiso USA
SHANGHAI, July 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Daqo New Energy Corp. (NYSE: DQ) ("Daqo New Energy," the "Company" or "we"), a leading manufacturer of high-purity polysilicon for the global solar PV industry, today announced the appointment of Mr. Guoqing Chen as an independent director of the Company, effective on July 28, 2023. With the inclusion of Mr. Guoqing Chen, the Company has an independent majority on its board, as 6 out of its 11 directors are now independent directors.

Mr. Guoqing Chen has served as the head of Shanghai Horizon Economic Research Institute since 2002. He is also the chair professor at Shanghai National Accounting Institute and the deputy director at the China Management Accounting System Research Center of Shanghai University of Finance and Economics. Mr. Chen currently serves as the chairman of Horizon International Financial Management Consulting (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., and Shanghai Horizon Value Management Software Co., Ltd. He is also an independent director at Heilongjiang Longmay Mining Group Co., Ltd., and Hongxing Xuan Paper Co., Ltd., as well as a director at Jilin Provincial Coal Industry Group Co., Ltd., and Jilin Province State-Owned Capital Operation Co., Ltd.

Mr. Guangfu Xu, Daqo New Energy's Chairman, commented, "We are pleased to welcome Mr. Guoqing Chen to our board. His extensive experience and professional expertise in accounting, finance and management will contribute great value to the Company's future growth."

About Daqo New Energy Corp.

Daqo New Energy Corp. (NYSE: DQ) ("Daqo" or the "Company") is a leading manufacturer of high-purity polysilicon for the global solar PV industry. Founded in 2007, the Company manufactures and sells high-purity polysilicon to photovoltaic product manufactures, who further process the polysilicon into ingots, wafers, cells and modules for solar power solutions. The Company has a total polysilicon nameplate capacity of 205,000 metric tons and is one of the world's lowest cost producers of high-purity polysilicon.

Safe Harbor Statement

This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "guidance" and similar statements. Among other things, quotations from the chairman in this announcement contain forward-looking statements. The Company may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its reports filed or furnished to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in its annual reports to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, all of which are difficult or impossible to predict accurately and many of which are beyond the Company's control. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: the demand for photovoltaic products and the development of photovoltaic technologies; global supply and demand for polysilicon; alternative technologies in cell manufacturing; the Company's ability to significantly expand its polysilicon production capacity and output; the reduction in or elimination of government subsidies and economic incentives for solar energy applications; and the Company's ability to lower its production costs. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in the reports or documents the Company has filed with, or furnished to, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. All information provided in this press release is as of the date hereof, and the Company undertakes no duty to update such information or any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

SOURCE Daqo New Energy Corp.
ASHVILLE, N.C., July 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Amid the cloud of uncertainty created by a recent DEA letter, Earthy Select reaffirms its commitment to supplying superior THCa flower products. The North Carolina-based company, a pioneer in the hemp industry since 2018, continues to grow its reach across the United States while reassuring customers of the legality of post-harvest hemp-derived THCa flower, compliant with the US Farm Bill.

A recent statement from the DEA raised questions about the legal status of THCa, particularly in relation to its potential conversion into Delta-9 THC. Yet, Rod Kight, a prominent cannabis attorney, and other legal experts clarified that according to the Farm Bill, the determinant for hemp compliance is post-harvest Delta-9 THC levels, not THCa.

More about DEA's stance can be found on Earthy Select's blog .

Earthy Select underscores the importance of understanding the intricacies of federal laws in an industry marked by legislative complexities yet ripe with potential.

Despite the confusion introduced by the DEA's statement, Earthy Select forges ahead, offering a selection of eight premium AAA and traditional strains of THCa flower for consumers. The company's commitment to quality matches its dedication to compliance. While it maintains a robust presence in its home state of North Carolina, Asheville, Earthy Select is also rapidly expanding into markets in states like Texas, Tennessee and Alabama, where demand for compliant hemp-derived THCa flower products is increasing rapidly.

Earthy Select offers peace of mind in a complex industry for those seeking premium, compliant THCa flower, THCa pre-rolls, and THCa concentrates like THCa diamonds, rosin and THCa hash. The company takes extensive measures to ensure their products align with laws and regulations, thanks to their partnership with expert legal counsel and rigorous third-party lab Testing.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding THCa, Earthy Select continues to stand at the forefront of the hemp industry, delivering high-quality THCa flower and products to its growing client base.

Learn more about their THCa flower on their website .

Earthy Select

Customer Service Email [email protected]

Asheville, NC 28804

Media Contact:

Earthy Select

1-844-890-1713

362861@email4pr.com

SOURCE Earthy Select
LOS ANGELES, July 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Emjay, the leading cannabis retailer and delivery service based in California, proudly stands in support of actors and writers participating in the nationwide strike. In a heartfelt gesture, Emjay's Los Angeles dispensary representatives will be present at various strike locations this weekend, distributing vouchers that grant card-carrying members of SAG-AFTRA or WGA the privilege of exempting all cannabis taxes from their next purchase at Emjay.

"We're excited to connect with the strikers on a deeper level," said Chris Vaughn, Emjay CEO. Tweet this Emjay shows solidarity with SAG-AFTRA & WGA.

The team from Emjay will make stops at prominent studios such as Netflix, CBS, and Fox, aiming to provide a dose of lighthearted relief to the hardworking members of SAG and WGA through cannabis.

Chris Vaughn, the CEO of Emjay, expressed enthusiasm about the team's involvement with the local community, stating, "The CBS Studio is just down the street from our West Hollywood dispensary, so we're really seeing the strikes first hand. We're excited to connect with the strikers on a deeper level and, hopefully, offer them some value while they fight for fairness."

Emjay extends the exclusive offer to card-holding members of SAG-AFTRA or the WGA, enabling them to redeem their vouchers at Emjay's Los Angeles location at 345 N. Fairfax, Los Angeles, 90036, or conveniently order online for delivery through their website, heyemjay.com.

Learn more about how to get verified using the online option by visiting Emjay's blog .

The Emjay team eagerly looks forward to building stronger bonds with the creative and hardworking members of their community during these trying times.

For more information about Emjay's offerings in the Los Angeles area, please visit https://heyemjay.com/cannabis-delivery-los-angeles .

About Emjay:

Emjay, the premier California-based cannabis delivery and retail platform, was launched in early 2019 with a mission to redefine the cannabis shopping experience for consumers. Boasting retail locations in West Hollywood and La Mesa, California, Emjay distinguishes itself by offering an unparalleled selection of products that surpasses its competitors. Emjay's commitment to customer satisfaction is exemplified by their immediate and scheduled delivery services, providing customers with convenience at prices that surpass those offered by competing dispensaries and services.

SOURCE Emjay
Pioneering Green Energy Solutions: DrSignal Biotech and J&V Energy's Promising Alliance

TAIPEI, July 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- At the 2022 Healthcare Expo Taiwan, Dr.Signal Biotech showcased the remarkable 3A-GTP technology, succeeding a significant breakthrough. This technology accelerates the popularization of stem cell therapy, enabling large-scale production of stem cells, and providing the unique capability of quantifying and standardizing cell processing for cell therapy CDMO service in Taiwan, paving the way for a new era in regenerative medicine. At the 2023 BioAsia Expo, Dr.Signal Biotech collaborated with J&V Energy to unveil their exclusive positive to negative carbon emission conversion technology, offering a revolutionary solution for global governments and businesses to overcome carbon anxiety. With the theme "Green Power  Golden Bio," it heralds the arrival of Taiwan's golden age in the biotech industry, leading the way for the blossoming of both the biotech and green energy sectors.

Innovative 3A-GTP Technology Spearheads Taiwan's Biotech Industry, CDMO Market Holds Bright Future

According to Frost & Sullivan's market research, the global CDMO market rapidly rose from $35.3 billion in 2016 to $55.5 billion in 2020, with an impressive compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12%, far surpassing the pharmaceutical market's 3% during the same period. Looking ahead, it is estimated that the market size will reach $106.6 billion by 2025.

Taiwan's biotech industry has achieved remarkable results through long-term efforts. As reported recently, the revenue of Taiwan's biotech industry has been steadily climbing from NT$421.5 billion in 2015 to NT$591.3 billion in 2020. Even more promising is that it surpassed the trillion-dollar market cap in 2015 and again in 2020, indicating the potential for the biotech industry to become a two-trillion-dollar sector. The key to achieving this goal lies in the leading role of CDMO. Moreover, this immense opportunity signals that the entire CDMO business model will become a future trend, bringing unprecedented development prospects for Taiwan's biotech industry.

Dr.Signal Biotech is firmly advancing intelligent automation in cell processing, utilizing a unique combination of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Augmented Reality (AR), and Automation (Auto), while incorporating Good Tissue Practice (GTP) guidelines to accomplish the goal of digital cell processing. Chairman of Dr.Signal Biotech, Hsin-Wu Mi, pointed out that the groundbreaking 3A-GTP technology led by the company has outperformed traditional GTP laboratories with astonishing efficiency. Data shows that 3A-GTP technology boasts a 10-fold increase in cell production per person, 6-fold higher average productivity per unit area, and a cell processing cost per 0.1billion cells only 1/10 of that in manual cell culture.

Simultaneously, tens of thousands of digital parameters related to cell processing are collected daily, providing a basis for deep learning in the AI intelligence system. With seamless integration of software and hardware in the future, the comprehensive efficiency of 3A-GTP technology is projected to reach hundreds of times that of old-style GTP laboratories, establishing Dr.Signal Biotech's competitive edge in the cell therapy CDMO service.

Leading the Way to a Greener Future: Dr.Signal Biotech's Positive to Negative Carbon Emission Conversion Solution

Global climate change threat spurs 130+ nations to aim for 'Net Zero Emissions by 2050.' Dr.Signal Biotech takes lead in carbon footprint audit for cell processing, identifying consumables as major carbon emitters causing significant CO2 output. Leveraging 3A-GTP technology in cell production yields 849 kg CO2e passive carbon reduction monthly, highlighting CO2 demand in cell processing to be tens or even hundreds of times higher, resulting in an active carbon reduction of approximately 800 kg CO2e monthly equivalent to planting around 1,000 mature tree's annual CO2 consumption in Taiwan. Pioneering green CO2 purification from combustion waste gas for cell processing and potential use in various industries, including carbonated beverages, emerges as a future trend. Dr.Signal Biotech's Founder and Chairman, Hsin-Wu Mi, Advocates for green CO2 sourcing to address global carbon anxiety and catalyze sustainable development worldwide.

Biotech and Energy Converge to Shape the Future: Dr.Signal Biotech Partners with J&V Energy to Achieve Carbon Neutrality

Dr.Signal Biotech's Founder and Chairman, Hsin-Wu Mi, reiterates that the use of CO2 in cell processing is a widely known fact, but conventional CO2 supplied to biotech industry is synthetically produced and does not truly reduce carbon emissions. In pursuit of innovation, Dr.Signal Biotech proposes an alternative approach by exploring the use of green CO2 derived from the exhaust of biomass power plants for cell processing. In response to this collaboration, J&V Energy's vice president, Kai Tan, actively plans for the first biomass power plant in the world to realize net-zero carbon emissions, fronting a new era of green energy and fostering mutual development for both industries.

SOURCE DrSignal
A portion of the Yellowstone River closed to the public following a June 24 train derailment and bridge failure will be reopened on Saturday, July 29.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, working with Unified Command for the Stillwater Train Derailment, announced it would lift the closure it had enacted from one mile above the bridge to 2.5 miles downstream of the derailment.

Boaters are encouraged to float under the railroad bridge on river left.

All other sites that were previously closed in conjunction with the incident have reopened. River and access site closures are subject to change based on condition assessments and the needs of emergency response agencies, including FWP.

The railroad bridge has been rebuilt and is once again in use.

For more information on the Stillwater Train Derailment, visit: response.epa.gov/site/site_profile.aspx?site_id=16083.
LONDON, July 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Fastmarkets announces the acquisition of Hardwood Market Report, a 101-year-old price reporting agency offering prices and news on sawn North American and tropical hardwoods. Hardwood Market Report serves customers including sawmills, wholesalers and manufacturers of furniture, flooring, panels and pallets.

The acquisition of Hardwood Market Report allows Fastmarkets to accelerate plans to support trade and investment decisions across forest products, including softwood, hardwood, wood products and biomass.

Fastmarkets is an industry-leading price reporting agency (PRA) serving the forest products, agriculture, and metals, mining and minerals industries. Fastmarkets is a trusted source for pricing, news, analytics and events. It also aims to continuously enhance the value delivered to customers by advancements in its content, products and global operations. As a part of Fastmarkets, Hardwood Market Report will have access to world-class price reporting infrastructure that will strengthen its position in its markets.

"I am excited to welcome the customers and team from Hardwood Market Report to Fastmarkets," Fastmarkets CEO Raju Daswani said. "Hardwood Market Report is a business built on trust and credibility in providing transparency for the markets it serves. At Fastmarkets, we have built our business on these pillars, and we believe this will be an exciting opportunity to provide the hardwood industry with new products and services."

"This acquisition builds on the successful integration of leading providers of forest products intelligence such as RISI and Random Lengths. By uniting the expertise, networks and resources of renowned brands under Fastmarkets, we empower all our forest products customers with unparalleled advantages," Fastmarkets Chief Strategy and Product Officer Steve D'Souza said.

Hardwood Market Report managing director Judd Johnson said: "Fastmarkets' expansive human and data-collection resources in global forest products markets instantly add deeper and richer information than Hardwood Market Report could have gained on its own. The possibilities from this union are exciting for both new and existing Fastmarkets customers and will be transformative."

ABOUT FASTMARKETS

Fastmarkets is an industry-leading price reporting agency (PRA) and information provider for global commodities, providing price data, news, analytics and events for the agriculture, forest products, metals and mining, and new generation energy markets. Fastmarkets' data is critical for customers seeking to understand and predict dynamic, sometimes opaque markets, enabling trading and risk management. Fastmarkets is a global business with a history dating back to 1865 and is built on trust and deep market knowledge. It has more than 500 employees spread across global locations in the UK, US, China, Singapore, Brazil, Belgium and Finland. Fastmarkets is an Astorg portfolio company.

ABOUT HARDWOOD MARKET REPORT

Hardwood Market Report, a 101-year-old Tennessee based PRA, provides hardwood lumber price assessments and market data, including coverage of more than 400 prices for North American hardwood lumber, oak strip flooring, industrial timbers (pallets, rail ties) and selective tropical hardwoods.

SOURCE Fastmarkets
BEIJING, July 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- This is a report from China Daily:



China's leading automaker FAW Group achieved a robust increase in vehicle exports in the first half of this year as it continues to expand its presence in the global market.

The 55.77 millionth vehicle of FAW Group rolls off the production line in Changchun, Jilin province, on July 15.

Its premium brand Hongqi posted a 172 percent surge in exports with 5,003 vehicles, while Jiefang experienced a 122 percent rise with 18,001 vehicles. Bestune exported 7,029 vehicles, up 127 percent year-on-year.

As of 2022, FAW's overseas business covered 85 countries and regions, including Europe, Africa, Southeast Asia and Latin America. With more than 120 overseas dealers, it has exported a total of 400,000 vehicles. The company has established three subsidiaries in Eastern Europe, South Africa and Tanzania, employing over 300 local staff members.

FAW has established multiple international capacity cooperation projects and built an integrated auto industry chain for global markets, encompassing research and development, procurement, manufacturing, logistics and marketing. These initiatives have expanded FAW's presence in high-end overseas markets.

Based in Northeast China's Changchun, Jilin province, FAW Group celebrated its 70th anniversary on July 15 as its 55.77 millionth vehicle rolled off the production line.

On July 13, 1956, China's first domestically made vehicle, the Jiefang loading truck, rolled off FAW's assembly line, bringing an end to China's inability to produce motor vehicles. FAW manufactured the Dongfeng, China's first passenger car, and the Hongqi, the country's first luxury sedan, establishing the automaker as a symbol of China's auto industry.

Over the past 70 years, the loyalty, wisdom and sweat of generations of FAW employees have propelled the company's growth, expansion and innovation, yielding remarkable accomplishments.

FAW's operating income stands at nearly 8.3 trillion yuan ($1.16 trillion) by now, with total profit and tax earnings surpassing 1.87 trillion yuan. Its total assets have exceeded 600 billion yuan.

The brand value of FAW surpasses 420 billion yuan in 2023 while the value of the Jiefang and Hongqi brands each exceeds 110 billion yuan.

On the occasion of FAW's 70th anniversary, its partnership with Volkswagen and Audi celebrates the 35th anniversary. On July 14, the three parties signed a memorandum of understanding on deepening strategic cooperation in Changchun.

FAW and Volkswagen announced they would jointly enhance the Volkswagen's product portfolio, advance the development of electric vehicles and introduce more Chinese technologies.

SOURCE China Daily
SILVER SPRING, Md., July 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is providing an at-a-glance summary of news from around the agency:

On Thursday, the FDA approved Ervebo, a vaccine for the prevention of Ebola virus disease caused by Zaire ebolavirus in individuals 12 months through 17 years of age. Ervebo has been approved for use in individuals 18 years of age and older since December 2019 . Cases of Ebola are very rare in the U.S., and those that have occurred have been the result of infections acquired by individuals in other countries who then traveled to the U.S., or health care workers who became ill after treating patients with Ebola.





in individuals 12 months through 17 years of age. Ervebo has been approved for use in individuals 18 years of age and older since . Cases of Ebola are very rare in the U.S., and those that have occurred have been the result of infections acquired by individuals in other countries who then traveled to the U.S., or health care workers who became ill after treating patients with Ebola. On Thursday, the FDA's Mutual Recognition Agreement with Switzerland entered into force, allowing the FDA and Swiss medical product regulatory authority, Swissmedic, to begin relying on each other's factual findings from a good manufacturing practice inspection of a pharmaceutical manufacturing facility.





entered into force, allowing the FDA and Swiss medical product regulatory authority, Swissmedic, to begin relying on each other's factual findings from a good manufacturing practice inspection of a pharmaceutical manufacturing facility. On Thursday, the FDA published "Catching Up with Califf:" "An Update on Sesame Allergen Labeling on Food Packages," by Robert M. Califf , M.D., commissioner of Food and Drugs. Sesame was added as the ninth major food allergen earlier this year when the Food Allergy Safety, Treatment, Education, and Research Act went into effect. This means sesame is now required to be listed on food labels as a major allergen. The blog provides an update on the work underway to help sesame-allergic consumers find safe food options.





, M.D., commissioner of Food and Drugs. Sesame was added as the ninth major food allergen earlier this year when the Food Allergy Safety, Treatment, Education, and Research Act went into effect. This means sesame is now required to be listed on food labels as a major allergen. The blog provides an update on the work underway to help sesame-allergic consumers find safe food options. On Thursday, the FDA announced the fiscal year (FY) 2024 user fee rates for importers approved to participate in the Voluntary Qualified Importer Program , and accreditation and certification bodies interested in participating in the Accredited Third-Party Certification Program . The user fee rates are authorized by the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act and allow the agency to assess and collect fees to cover the FDA's cost of administering these programs.





for importers approved to participate in the , and accreditation and certification bodies interested in participating in the Accredited . The user fee rates are authorized by the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act and allow the agency to assess and collect fees to cover the FDA's cost of administering these programs. On Wednesday, the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) issued final guidance for CDER's Program for the Recognition of Voluntary Consensus Standards Related to Pharmaceutical Quality, and launched a new portal to submit standards for potential recognition. Under this program, stakeholders can propose pharmaceutical quality standards for recognition by CDER, providing industry with additional resources for pharmaceutical development and manufacturing. In this CDER Conversation, Pallavi Nithyanandan , director of the Compendial Operations and Standards staff in CDER's Office of Pharmaceutical Quality, outlines the program, explaining how stakeholders can participate and how the program may provide industry with additional resources for pharmaceutical development and manufacturing.

Additional Resources:

Media Contact: FDA Office of Media Affairs, 301-796-4540

Consumer Inquiries: 888-INFO-FDA

The FDA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, protects the public health by assuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products for human use, and medical devices. The agency also is responsible for the safety and security of our nation's food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, products that give off electronic radiation, and for regulating tobacco products.

SOURCE U.S. Food and Drug Administration
-- Nomination Recognizes Progress and Promise of Geneos' Personalized Therapeutic Cancer Vaccines --

PLYMOUTH MEETING, Pa., July 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Geneos Therapeutics, a clinical stage biotherapeutics company focused on the development of personalized therapeutic cancer vaccines (PTCV), today announced that it has been nominated for the Prix Galien Startup Award for 2023. The Galien Foundation is the premier global institution dedicated to honoring innovators in life sciences and oversees the Prix Galien, an international awards program dedicated to progress through innovative medicines development.

The Galien Foundation today announced the 2023 Prix Galien USA Award nominees for Best Startup, Best Digital Health Solution, Best Medical Technology, and Incubators, Accelerators and Equity. Category winners will be announced during the Prix Galien USA Awards Ceremony on October 26, 2023 at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City.

The 2023 Prix Galien USA Awards Committee is composed of nine renowned leaders from the biomedical industry and academia, responsible for evaluating nominees. The 2023 Prix Galien Sub-Committees and Advisory Boards conduct a pre-screening of all applications before submitting the shortlist of award candidates to the Awards Committee. The list of committee members and category nominees, as well as other information about Prix Galien, can be found in their press release issued yesterday.

"We are honored to be nominated for the 2023 Prix Galien Startup Award and are delighted to be in such excellent company of the other nominees," stated Niranjan Sardesai, Ph.D., president and chief executive officer of Geneos Therapeutics. "We share the Galien Foundation's vision of impacting medical practice and saving lives of the next generation and have already begun to demonstrate that our personalized therapeutic cancer vaccines could potentially change the paradigm for how cancers may be treated in the future."

"This great list of nominees reflects the undeniable courage, dedication, and passion behind each researcher continually working to deliver answers to patients around the world. We applaud their efforts and look forward to celebrating our shared goal of improving the human condition," stated Bernard Poussot, director, Roche Holding, former chairman and CEO, Wyeth, and committee chairman for Prix Galien award selection (Quote from yesterday's Galien Foundation press release).

About the Galien Foundation

The Galien Foundation fosters, recognizes, and rewards excellence in scientific innovation to improve the state of human health. Our vision is to be the catalyst for the development of the next generation of innovative treatments and technologies that will impact the state of medical practice and save lives.

The Foundation oversees and directs activities in the US for the Prix Galien, an international awards program dedicated to progress through innovative medicines development, with chapters in 14 countries and Africa. The Prix Galien was created in 1970 by Roland Mehl in honor of Galien, the father of medical science and modern pharmacology. Worldwide, the Prix Galien is regarded as the equivalent of the Nobel Prize in biopharmaceutical research.

About Geneos Therapeutics

Geneos Therapeutics, a privately held, clinical stage biotherapeutics company, believes that the company's personalized therapeutic cancer vaccines (PTCVs) may serve an important role in new immunotherapeutic paradigms for cancer. The company's approach, using its proprietary GT-EPIC platform, is to target neoantigens (abnormal mutations produced by cancer cells) from individual patient tumors to develop novel and uniquely personalized treatments for cancer. Encouraging clinical data from a Phase 1b/2a clinical trial in hepatocellular carcinoma has prompted planning for a potentially registrational clinical trial. Geneos' experienced management team has a track record of success in building immunotherapy-based companies. For more information, please visit www.geneostx.com.

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements relating to our business, including our plans regarding the development of personalized therapeutic cancer vaccines, our expectations regarding our research and development programs, including the planned expansion and conduct of clinical trials and the availability and timing of data from those trials, and the use of our capital resources. Actual events or results may differ from the expectations set forth herein. There can be no assurance that any product candidate in Geneos' pipeline will be successfully developed, manufactured or commercialized, that final results of clinical trials will be supportive of regulatory approvals required to market licensed products, or that any of the forward-looking information provided herein will be proven accurate. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this release, and Geneos undertakes no obligation to update or revise these statements, except as may be required by law.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities.

SOURCE Geneos Therapeutics, Inc.
WASHINGTON, D.C., July 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - The International Joint Commission (IJC) is pleased to announce that the appointment of Gerald (Jerry) Acker as US Section chair has been confirmed by the US Senate.

Mr. Acker is the founder of Goodman Acker P.C. and served as a managing partner from 1993  2022. Having received his undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan in 1977, he went on to earn a Juris Doctorate in 1981 from Wayne State University Law School. Early in his studies, Mr. Acker interned in the United States Congress and has remained active in state and federal politics by serving on several national finance committees. Mr. Acker was elected as President of the Michigan Association for Justice in 2012 and remains a member of the Bar in the state of Michigan and the District of Columbia. He succeeds Ms. Jane Corwin, who served from 2019  2022.

The IJC prevents and resolves disputes between the United States of America and Canada under the 1909 Boundary Waters Treaty and pursues the common good of both countries as an independent and objective advisor to the two governments. US and Canadian Commissioners work together to play a binational oversight role, in matters involving water quality and quantity issues on the topics and in the basins where the governments have requested the IJC's assistance.

SOURCE International Joint Commission
Global Airlines and American Express sign agreement to partner on payments processing and exclusive Cardmember offers.

Amex Cardmembers will be among the very first to book seats on Global Airlines and benefit from exclusive offers and promotions.

Announcement made at "Welcome Aboard" party at Kettner's, Soho House

Over 200 media, industry figures, and airline partners in attendance.

LONDON, July 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Global Airlines, the world's newest long-haul airline, has announced a significant partnership with American Express, meaning high-spending Amex Cardmembers can book tickets and benefit from exclusive offers with the airline.

Ahead of the first flight in 2024, American Express and Global will collaborate on bespoke offers for Amex Cardmembers on the inaugural services between London Gatwick and New York's JFK. The agreement will also see a range of exclusive fly-drive offers, hotel stays, and restaurant bookings made available to Cardmembers.

American Express and Global Airlines

Global will commence operations with two transatlantic routes. Through the new partnership, American Express Cardmembers will be among the first to be able to purchase tickets across all three cabins onboard the Global Airlines A380 aircraft; First, Business and Economy. The airline is also determined to improve the way people travel when working and is seeking to attract business travellers to its newly designed and refurbished cabins.

Commenting on the partnership, the CEO and Founder of Global Airlines, James Asquith said: "I'm delighted to announce our latest major partnership with one of the world's leading brands. Teaming up with American Express to provide its Cardmembers with exclusive offers and promotions and the chance to join us on some of our very first flights, alongside delivering a best-in-class payments experience, is a really important step for the airline.

"Both Global Airlines and Amex are united by a desire to offer the best possible customer service and experience, and I can't wait to encourage as many of its Cardmembers as possible to go Global when flying transatlantic."



Dan Edelman, Vice President and General Manager, UK Merchant Services at American Express, said: "We're committed to ensuring that Amex is accepted wherever our Cardmembers want to spend, so are delighted to bring them the opportunity to be among the first passengers on Global Airlines. With our long history in travel, this new partnership is hugely exciting for us."

Passengers booking to fly with Global will also be able to pay with American Express' award-winning Pay with Bank Transfer solution, a simple, speedy and secure way for consumers to pay directly from their bank account.

The announcement was made at the airlines "Welcome Onboard" event, held at Kettner's, Soho House on Thursday night.

Over 200 guests were in attendance, including representatives from national media, investors and aviation & brand partners.

Laurent Perrier was served throughout, and, to bring to life the airline's onboard service, all guests were given a luxury amenity kit featuring products from Margaret Dabbs, Waken, Murdock, Mermaid Vodka, and Longbottom.

About Global Airlines

Global Airlines was launched in 2023 with an aspiration to offer passengers the best way to fly. The airline is a wholly owned subsidiary of Holiday Swap and headquartered in London, United Kingdom. The airline is led by CEO James Asquith and backed by aviation experts and investors around the world. The airline has commenced an aircraft acquisition programme with one A380 secured and more to follow in the summer of 2023. The inaugural transatlantic flights are expected in 2024.

About American Express

American Express is a globally integrated payments company, providing customers with access to products, insights and experiences that enrich lives and build business success. Learn more at www.americanexpress.com/uk and connect with us on facebook.com/AmericanExpressUK, instagram.com/americanexpress UK , linkedin.com/company/american-express, twitter.com/AmexUK, and youtube.com/AmericanExpressUK.



Key links to products, services and corporate responsibility information: personal cards, business cards, travel services, gift cards, prepaid cards, merchant services, Accertify, Kabbage, Resy, corporate card, business travel, diversity and inclusion, corporate responsibility and Environmental, Social, and Governance reports.

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2164841/American_Express_and_Global_Airlines.jpg

SOURCE Global Airlines
DUBLIN, July 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Global Anti Acne Mask Market (2023-2028) by Type, Gender, Packaging Type, Distribution Channel, and Geography, Competitive Analysis, Impact of Covid-19 with Ansoff Analysis" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The Global Anti Acne Mask Market is estimated to be USD 3.43 Bn in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 4.83 Bn by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 7.10%.

Competitive Quadrant



The report includes a Competitive Quadrant, a proprietary tool to analyse 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 Anti Acne Mask 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 Anti Acne Mask 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 Anti Acne Mask 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 Attributes:

Market Dynamics

Drivers

Rising Consumption of Cosmetics by Both Men and Women

Rising Incidences of Acne Due to Unhealthy Lifestyle

Increasing Number of E-commerce Platforms

Restraints

Lack of Adoption of Anti Acne Masks

Chances of Skin Irritation, Redness, and Rashes

Opportunities

Rising Advancements in Cosmetic Manufacturing

Challenges

Easy Availability of Substitutes for Anti Acne Masks Type

Companies Mentioned

Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay

Beauty Bay Ltd.

Burt's Bees (The Clorox Company)

CFEB Sisley

Cult Beauty

Himalaya Wellness Company

Innisfree Corp.

Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc.

Kate Somerville Skincare, LLC

Kiehl's LLC

Lush Retail Ltd.

Mary Kay , Inc.

, Inc. Olay (Procter and Gamble Espana SA)

Espana SA) Origins Natural Resources, Inc.

Peter Thomas Roth , LLC

, LLC Reviera Overseas

Sephora USA , Inc.

, Inc. Shiseido Co., Ltd.

SkinCeuticals International (L'Oreal)

The Clarins Group

TWASA Cosmetics

Unilever PLC

Market Segmentation



The Global Anti Acne Mask Market is segmented based on Type, Gender, Packaging Type, Distribution Channel, and Geography.

By Type, the market is classified into Cleanser & Toner, Creams & Lotions, Mask, Oil, and Soap.

By Gender, the market is classified into Men and Women.

By Packaging Type, the market is classified into Container/Jars, Sachets, and Tubes.

By Distribution Channel, the market is classified into Offline Mode and Online Mode.

By Geography, the market is classified into Americas, Europe , Middle East & Africa , and Asia-Pacific .

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/96uhud

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

[email protected]



For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470

For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630

For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900



U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907

Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/539438/Research_and_Markets_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Research and Markets
DUBLIN, July 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Global Idiopathic Membranous Nephropathy (IMN) Industry Insights, 2023-2032" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

Advancements and Opportunities in Idiopathic Membranous Nephropathy (IMN) Treatment: A Comprehensive Market Research Report

Membranous Nephropathy (MN), also known as membranous glomerulopathy, is a rare kidney disease affecting the filters of the kidney. This condition results in increased protein in the urine, abnormal kidney function, and swelling. In primary or idiopathic MN, the disease is associated serologically with antibodies to known antigens, such as M-type phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R) or thrombospondin type-I domain-containing 7A (THSD7A). It is estimated that primary MN is responsible for approximately 75-80% of cases identified on kidney biopsy in adults. To diagnose primary MN, circulating autoantibodies, specifically anti-PLA2R and anti-THSD7A, are used as biomarkers with high specificity.

Market Size and Projections

In 2022, the United States recorded the highest market size for IMN, accounting for around USD 100 million. Looking forward to 2032, the IMN market in the US is expected to increase further. The prevalence of IMN is also on the rise globally, making it a significant concern for healthcare providers and pharmaceutical companies alike. The total prevalent cases of Idiopathic Membranous Nephropathy in the US, EU4 countries (Germany, France, Italy, Spain), the United Kingdom, Japan, and China reached approximately 380,000 cases in 2022 and are projected to increase during the forecasted period.

Current Treatment Landscape

The primary goal of IMN treatment is to achieve remission or reduce the amount of protein lost in the urine. Long-term treatment aims to prevent protein relapses and preserve kidney function. Immunosuppressive therapies like steroids, alkylating agents, and calcineurin inhibitors have been used to manage the condition. However, these therapies have limitations, including adverse reactions and higher relapse rates. Recent studies have shown promising outcomes with rituximab, an immunosuppressive drug, leading to increased attention and consideration for its use as a first-line treatment option.

Emerging Therapies and Market Potential

The IMN market is set to experience significant growth due to the emergence of novel therapies. Companies like Hoffmann-La Roche, MorphoSys, Cerium Pharmaceuticals, BeiGene, and GlaxoSmithKline are actively developing innovative treatments targeting IMN. Therapies like obinutuzumab, felzartamab, SNP-ACTH (1-39) Gel, zanubrutinib, and belimumab are under investigation and hold the potential to revolutionize IMN management.

Market Access and Reimbursement

As the cost of newly approved medications tends to be high, ensuring market access and reimbursement options becomes crucial. Patients often face challenges in accessing expensive treatments, and reimbursement decisions depend on factors like clinical efficacy, patient population size, and cost-effectiveness. Understanding country-specific accessibility issues is essential for pharmaceutical companies to overcome barriers and provide better patient access to novel therapies.

Conclusion

The market for Idiopathic Membranous Nephropathy is witnessing significant growth and advancements due to increased awareness and emerging therapies. The demand for effective treatments has led to the development of innovative drugs, offering hope to IMN patients. With primary MN affecting a substantial number of individuals globally, the need for improved treatment options is evident. Pharmaceutical companies and healthcare providers must collaborate to ensure better market access and reimbursement, enabling patients to benefit from the latest therapies. As research progresses and new treatments are introduced, patients with IMN can look forward to improved outcomes and a better quality of life.

Reasons to Buy

The report will help develop business strategies by understanding the latest trends and changing treatment dynamics driving the IMN market.

Insights on patient burden/disease prevalence and factors contributing to the change in the epidemiology of the disease during the forecast years.

Understand the existing market opportunity in varying geographies and the growth potential over the coming years.

Distribution of historical and current patient share based on real-world prescription data along with reported sales of approved products in the US, EU4 ( Germany , France , Italy , Spain ) and the United Kingdom , Japan , and China .

, , , ) and the , , and . Identifying strong upcoming players in the market will help devise strategies to help get ahead of competitors.

To understand Key Opinion Leaders' perspectives around the accessibility, acceptability, and compliance-related challenges of existing treatment to overcome barriers in the future.

Detailed insights on the unmet need of the existing market so that the upcoming players can strengthen their development and launch strategy.

Key Topics Covered



1. Key Insights

2. Report Introduction

3. IMN Market Overview at a Glance

4. Executive Summary of IMN

5. Disease Background and Overview

6. Treatment and Management

7. Methodology

8. Epidemiology and Patient Population

9. Patient Journey

10. Emerging Drugs

11. IMN: 7MM + China Market Analysis

12. KOL Views

13. SWOT Analysis

14. Unmet needs

15. Market Access and Reimbursement

16. Appendix

A selection of companies mentioned in this report includes:

Hoffmann-La Roche

MorphoSys

Cerium Pharmaceuticals

BeiGene

Reistone Biopharma

Eternity Bioscience

GlaxoSmithKline

ValenzaBio

ACELYRIN

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/qwy0ca

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

[email protected]

For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470

For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630

For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900

U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907

Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/539438/Research_and_Markets_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Research and Markets
DUBLIN, July 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Global Medical Writing Market (2023-2028) by Type, Application, End-User, and Geography, Competitive Analysis, Impact of Covid-19, Impact of Economic Slowdown & Impending Recession with Ansoff Analysis" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The Global Medical Writing Market is estimated to be USD 4.73 Bn in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 8.38 Bn by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 12.1%.

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 Medical Writing 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 Medical Writing 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 Medical Writing 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

Market Dynamics

Drivers

Rapid Growth in the Medical Sciences

Increasing Demand for Outsourcing of Medical Writing Capabilities

Growth in Drafting Trial Regulation and Patent Registration Documents

Restraints

Lack of Standardized Guidance Concerning Acknowledgment for the Medical Writer's Specific Contributions

Opportunities

Role of New Technologies in Medical Writing

Increasing Dependence Upon the Internet and Digital Communications

Growth in Medical Device Regulations

Challenges

Lack of Quality Evaluation Instruments and Challenges Involved in Regulatory Medical Writing

Companies Mentioned

Cactus Communications

Cardinal Health

Certara (EQT)

Clinexa Life Sciences Pvt

Covance

Freyr Solutions

Icon PLC

InClin, Inc.

Indegene

InfocusRx

Intertek Group PLC

IQVIA Holdings, Inc.

MakroCare

Nucleus Global (Huntsworth)

OMICS International

Parexel International Corporation (Pamplona Capital)

Quanticate

SIRO Clinpharm Pvt. Ltd.

Synchrogenix (Certara)

Syneos Health

Trilogy Writing & Consulting

UDG Healthcare PLC

Market Segmentation



The Global Medical Writing Market is segmented based on Type, Application, End-User, and Geography.

By Type, the market is classified into Regulatory Writing, Scientific Writing, Clinical Writing, and Others.

By Application, the market is classified into Medical Journalism, Medical Education, and Medico Marketing Writing.

By End-User, the market is classified into Biotechnology & Pharmaceutical Companies, And Contract Research Organizations (CROs).

By Geography, the market is classified into Americas, Europe , Middle East & Africa , and Asia-Pacific .

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/8mo2jw

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

[email protected]



For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470

For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630

For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900



U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907

Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/539438/Research_and_Markets_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Research and Markets
CHENGDU, China, July 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Chinese President Xi Jinping not only greatly values culture, he has also developed a profound understanding of it.

For him, culture plays a unique and irreplaceable role in the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and the building of a global community of shared future. He speaks for Chinese wisdom, which has been passed down for millennia, advocates for mutual prosperity of global civilizations, welcomes the flourishing of popular cultural products, and encourages young people to inherit and reinvent their proud traditions.

During a recent inspection in Sichuan Province, a region rich in both culture and nature, Xi highlighted the need for inheriting and developing traditional Chinese culture and building an ecological civilization.

Chinese President Xi Jinping inspected Southwest China's Sichuan Province on Tuesday and Wednesday, and visited a section of an ancient road system known as "Shudao" in Guangyuan and the Sanxingdui Museum in Deyang.

Xi learned about Sichuan's efforts in historical and cultural heritage inheritance, the latest progress in the excavation and research of historical and cultural heritage sites, as well as the protection and restoration of cultural relics.

Chinese experts said that the ancient Shudao, or Shu Road meaning "the road to the Shu kingdom," and Sanxingdui Ruins epitomize China's rich cultural heritage. They are testaments to the resilience, creativity, and inclusiveness of the Chinese nation throughout history.

The preservation and research efforts surrounding these cultural treasures not only contribute to the understanding and appreciation of China's civilization but also serve as sources of inspiration for future generations.

As Xi inspects these cultural heritage sites, the importance of preserving these legacies and enhancing cultural confidence in the Chinese people has been reinforced.

Abundant natural, cultural treasures

The ancient Shu Road, spanning the provinces of Sichuan and Shaanxi, served as a vital transportation route for centuries, connecting the mountains-surrounded Shu region with the Central Plains. The renowned Tang Dynasty poet, Li Bai, vividly depicted the arduous journey along the Shu Road in his famous poem The Difficulty of the Shu Road, illustrating its long and storied history.

Zhang Jun, a guest professor at the History Department of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, highlighted the significance of the ancient Shu Road as an important part of the ancient Silk Road. Facilitating cultural exchanges between ancient China and other countries along the Silk Road, it resonates with the Belt and Road Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative proposed by Xi.

During his visit, Xi explored the Cuiyun Corridor, which has been designated as a national key cultural heritage site, as part of the ancient Shu Road. Cuiyun Corridor features not only the hardship of ancient people's travel in the mountains in order to enter Sichuan, but also the lush greenery of the province as a result of ecological preservation efforts. Spanning over 150 kilometers, it boasts the largest collection of ancient hand-planted cypress trees - a spiritual symbol of the Shu Road. Currently, more than 12,000 ancient cypress trees are preserved along the Cuiyun Corridor, with 7,803 located within Jiange county. Since the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), local authorities have implemented a system of handing over and replanting ancient cypress trees, which continues to this day.

President Xi has on multiple occasions called for building ecological civilization for sustainable development that features harmonious coexistence between human beings and nature.

The history of the Shu Road also showcases the indomitable spirit of the Chinese people and their unwavering perseverance in the face of hardships, Professor Zhou Xueying from the School of History at Nanjing University said.

Today, these ancient mountain paths are rarely used for travel apart from sightseeing or hiking, as expressways, high-speed rail, and airways have become part of everyday life for locals. From the ancient people who carved cliff-side paths to the dense network of modern transport facilities, the evolution of the ancient Shu Road signifies the resilience imprinted in the Chinese nation's bloodline.

Not far from the Shu Road, on the banks of a river on the Chengdu Plain, a remarkable civilization left its unique mark when Bronze Age winds blew across this ancient land. The Ancient Shu shined brightly, leaving an extraordinary cultural imprint. The Sanxingdui archaeological site from the Ancient Shu is considered one of the greatest discoveries, representing the culture from approximately 4,500 to 2,900 years ago. It was the largest and most culturally rich royal city site in the Yangtze River Basin during that period. Zhang stated that the Sanxingdui culture is a "radiant star" within Chinese culture. Its presence enriches Chinese civilization, adding more mystery to the nation.

Tang Fei, director of the Sichuan Provincial Cultural Relics and Archaeology Research Institute who participated in the visit, told the Global Times that the innovation and inclusiveness of Chinese civilization find vivid representation in Sanxingdui. The open-mindedness of the Ancient Shu people and their absorption of cultural influences from the Central Plains and the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River led to the appearance of "imported" artifacts such as jade cong, three-legged pottery, and bronze vessels in Sanxingdui. Moreover, Sanxingdui's uniqueness lies in its distinctive creativity. Based on the assimilation of cultures and technology from outside the region, the ancient people of Sanxingdui created captivating and enigmatic bronze divine trees, monumental human figures, and imposing masks - a remarkable feat when compared to other bronze civilizations around the globe.

Also taking part in the visit, Ran Honglin, head of the archaeological team at the Sanxingdui Ruins, told the Global Times that many bronzes and jades related to sacrificial activities at Sanxingdui are unique in China and even the world.

Confidence from inheritance

It's not the first time President Xi has called for carrying forward and learning from fine traditional Chinese culture in Sichuan.

Xi once emphasized that the Chinese people should respect fine traditional Chinese culture and build up cultural confidence while visiting San Su Ci, the memorial temple and former residence of Su Xun and his two sons Su Shi and Su Zhe, three literary masters of the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127), to learn about local efforts in protecting historical and cultural heritage, in Meishan, Sichuan Province, on June 8, 2022.

Chinese culture has a long and continuous history while Chinese civilization is extensive and profound. A profound understanding of the history of Chinese civilization is essential to promoting the creative transformation and innovative development of fine traditional Chinese culture in a more effective manner, pushing more strongly ahead with the building of a cultural sector with Chinese characteristics and developing a modern Chinese civilization, Xi said in a meeting on cultural inheritance and development on June 2.

President Xi also called for attaching greater importance to archaeological research to deepen people's understanding of Chinese civilization that features a long history and profoundness, thus providing strong support for promoting fine traditional culture and strengthening people's confidence in Chinese culture.

Learning more about China's profound cultural heritage is inseparable from one particular important project - the National Project to Trace the Origins of Chinese Civilization.

Tracing the origins of civilization is an extremely important subject in the study of human history. How long ago did Chinese civilization begin? How did this civilization form and develop? What factors and internal mechanisms impacted this formation and development? China's national origin's project aims to answer the above questions, Wang Wei, director of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences' Academic Division of History, told the Global Times after attending a traditional culture-themed meeting with Xi.

Wang has worked on the national project for decades. He explained that the project, initiated in 2002, is the largest interdisciplinary endeavor dedicated to unraveling the origins and early development of Chinese civilization over a span of over 5,000 years.

Over the past two decades, more than 400 experts and scholars from over 20 disciplines and numerous institutions have conducted extensive excavations at four urban sites dating back to 3500BC to 1500BC, as well as large-scale archaeological surveys of settlements in the Yellow, Yangtze, and Liao river basins. With the expansion of the project, sites such as Liangzhu, Shimao, Taosi, and Erlitou have unequivocally demonstrated that the Chinese people entered the realm of civilization over 5,000 years ago.

The global archaeological community has long regarded "metallurgy, writing, and cities" as the three key elements of civilization. In May 2018, a team of Chinese experts on the project announced China's criteria for the elements of civilization: the development of production, population growth and the emergence of cities; social division of labor, class differentiation, and the appearance of classes; the establishment of a monarchy and state systems.

Based on these standards, the project has achieved fruitful results. For example, 5,500 years ago in regions such as the middle and lower reaches of the Yellow, Yangtze, and Liao rivers, close interactions formed among the upper echelons of society, leading to the worship of the Chinese dragon, the appreciation of jade, and a system of ceremonial objects that symbolize the elevated status of their owners.

Rowan K. Flad, a John E. Hudson professor of archaeology in the Department of Anthropology, Harvard University, told the Global Times that China's national origins project is "very high quality work."

Flad noted that the most important contributions that come from scholarly projects such as the national origins project is new data, made widely available, that illustrate the variety and complexity of the ancient life of people in China at different points in time.

Furthermore, Chinese civilization is the only uninterrupted ancient civilization in the world. Research and interpretation of its origins, development, and other aspects not only hold global significance but also can help countries worldwide to better inherit the best of traditional Chinese culture.

SOURCE Global Times
More than 2,500 deer licenses that remain available in five hunting units for North Dakotas 2023 deer gun season have been available since Wednesday.

The licenses are being issued on a first-come, first-served basis, according to the state Game and Fish Department. Details on the remaining licenses are at https://gf.nd.gov/news/6672.

Residents and nonresidents who have not already received a lottery or landowner license are eligible to apply online at the department website, gf.nd.gov.

Hunters who want to purchase additional licenses can do so beginning Aug. 16 at 8 a.m. Central time. Any remaining licenses will be issued as a concurrent season license, which can be used during the archery season with a bow; deer gun season with a bow, rifle or muzzleloader; or during the muzzleloader season with a muzzleloader. Youth under age 14 at the end of the calendar year will be issued a concurrent season license for archery only.

There is no limit on the number of concurrent season licenses a hunter can purchase. Hunters with concurrent season licenses are restricted to the type of antlerless deer printed on the license and must stay in the unit in which the license is assigned.

Game and Fish made 53,400 deer licenses available this year, down 17% from last year and the lowest number since 2016. The drop came amid a continued decline in habitat, and following one of the harshest and prolonged winters in recent memory.

More than 68,500 people applied for a gun license. The lottery was held earlier this year.

North Dakotas 2023 deer gun season opens Nov. 10 at noon and continues through Nov. 26.
DELAWARE, Ohio, July 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Greif, Inc. (NYSE: GEF, GEF.B), a global leader in industrial packaging products and services, announced today it will report the company's 2023 third quarter financial results after the market closes on Wednesday, August 30, 2023. A conference call will be held on Thursday, August 31, 2023 at 8:30 a.m. ET to discuss the quarter results.

Greif will provide conference call slides in combination with its third quarter earnings press release on August 30, 2023. The call on August 31, 2023 will include management's live remarks and a question and answer session.

Participants may access the call using the following online registration link: https://register.vevent.com/register/BI6181bb19be8d45c68f4259ed9acf6e79. Registrants will receive a confirmation containing dial in details and a unique conference call code for entry. Phone lines will open at 8:00 a.m. ET on August 31, 2023. A digital replay of the conference call will be available two hours following the call on the company's web site at http://investor.greif.com.

Webcast Details

Title: Greif, Inc. Q3 2023 Earnings Conference Call

URL: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/s2cv85dw

About Greif, Inc.

Greif is a global leader in industrial packaging products and services and is pursuing its vision: be the best performing customer service company in the world. The Company produces steel, plastic and fibre drums, intermediate bulk containers, reconditioned containers, jerrycans and other small plastics, containerboard, uncoated recycled paperboard, coated recycled paperboard, tubes and cores and a diverse mix of specialty products. The Company also manufactures packaging accessories and provides filling, packaging and other services for a wide range of industries. In addition, Greif manages timber properties in the southeastern United States. The Company is strategically positioned in over 35 countries to serve global as well as regional customers. Additional information is on the Company's website at www.greif.com.

Contact:

Matt Leahy

740-549-6158

matthew.leahy@greif.com

SOURCE Greif, Inc.
HANQUYOU is the China -developed biosimilar with the most marketing approvals, covering 41 countries and regions

-developed biosimilar with the most marketing approvals, covering 41 countries and regions The launch of HANQUYOU kicks off the competition between Chinese pharmaceutical companies and the world's bio-pharmaceutical companies in biosimilar monoclonal antibodies

Henlius will continue to expand its overseas footprint and accelerate the delivery of high-quality and affordable biological medicines to patients worldwide

SHANGHAI, July 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- HANQUYOU (trastuzumab, trade name in Europe: Zercepac; trade names in Australia: Tuzucip and Trastucip), the first China-developed trastuzumab biosimilar independently developed by Shanghai Henlius Biotech, Inc. (2696.HK), welcomes the 3rd anniversary of its marketing approval in the European Union. Dating back to July 27, 2020, the approval of HANQUYOU by the European Commission (EC) signaled that Henlius took the lead among the Chinese biopharmaceutical companies in breaking into the European Union market and kicks off the competition between Chinese pharmaceutical companies and the world's bio-pharmaceutical companies in biosimilar monoclonal antibodies. Up to date, HANQUYOU has received marketing approvals in 41 countries and regions globally with a cumulative global shipment volume totaling over 3 million units. With world-class quality, clinically-proven safety and efficacy, and high accessibility, HANQUYOU is highly recognized by doctors and patients at home and abroad. It has also achieved significant milestones in major and emerging biopharmaceutical markets to deliver warmth and hope to patients all over the globe.

Commercialization sees bountiful accomplishments

HANQUYOU is a trastuzumab biosimilar developed in accordance with the guidelines from the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), the European Medicines Agency (EMA), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and other international biosimilar regulations. In July and August 2020, it was approved in European Union and China successively for the treatment of HER2-positive early breast cancer, metastatic breast cancer, and metastatic gastric cancer, which covers all indications of the trastuzumab originator, and embarked on a new journey in global pharmaceutical market. HANQUYOU is the China-developed biosimilar with the most marketing approvals covering 41 countries and regions, including China, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Switzerland, Australia, Finland, Spain, Argentina, and Saudi Arabia. The Biologics License Application (BLA) for HANQUYOU was accepted by the FDA in February 2023, which makes HANQUYOU potentially the first Chinese biosimilar approved in China, the EU, and the U.S., and further consolidates its global commercialization network.

Up to now, Henlius has established a specialized commercial team with more than 550 sales agents to make full efforts to develop and further tap into China market. With the advantages of dual-dosage form, no preservatives and "ready-to-use" formulation, HANQUYOU has been widely used in clinical practice and achieved rapid market acceptance and strong commercial growth. In 2022, the domestic sales revenue of HANQUYOU reached approximately RMB1.69 billion, and in the first quarter of 2023, its domestic sales revenue surged approximately 66.7% year-on-year to RMB538.6 million during the same period. As of now, HANQUYOU has benefitted about 140,000 patients in China.

Henlius has aggressively pursued overseas commercialization of HANQUYOU, collaborating with global renowned partners such as Accord, Abbott, Cipla, Eurofarma, Elea, the Jacobson Group, and KG Bio to bring its therapeutics to patients in major biopharmaceutical markets in the U.S. and Europe, as well as emerging markets. After HANQUYOU (Zercepac) in 150mg dosage forms was approved for marketing in EU in July 2020, HANQUYOU (Zercepac) in 60mg and 420mg dosage forms were approved for marketing in EU, respectively. The marketing application of HANQUYOU (Zercepac) in 150mg dosage forms was also approved by Swissmedic in July 2021. Up to date, HANQUYOU (Zercepac) has been launched in approximately 20 European countries, and it is reimbursed nationally in countries and regions including the United Kingdom (UK), France and Germany. Henlius further expanded its overseas presence in 2022, with the launch of HANQUYOU in Cambodia, Australia, Singapore, and Argentina. As of the end of 2022, the overseas sales revenue of HANQUYOU exceeded RMB120 million and its overseas license revenue was in excess of RMB280 million.

Make solid strides in manufacturing and innovation to further improve competitiveness

By virtue of Henlius' world-class quality management systems and increasing manufacturing capabilities, HANQUYOU is seeing a robust expansion in the global market, with a total supply over 3 million units worldwide. Henlius has established a quality management system in line with international quality standards of China, the U.S., and the EU, which covers the entire product life cycle, from research and development to material management, product manufacturing, quality control, product supply management and particularly, product post-marketing surveillance. The company's commercial production facility and supporting quality management system have been certificated by China and the EU Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP). They have also passed on-site inspections and audits conducted by the NMPA, the EMA, the EU Qualified Person (QP), and multiple international business partners. In April 2020, Henlius' Xuhui Facility successfully passed the on-site inspection for EU GMP certification, making HANQUYOU the first domestically produced biosimilar in China to receive such certification and breaking the GMP barriers for China-developed mAb biologics launched in global market. In 2022, the Songjiang First Plant was approved for the commercial production of HANQUYOU, which works in synergy with the Xuhui Facility in manufacturing and product supply. To meet ever-expanding market demand, Henlius has established three manufacturing facilities: Xuhui Facility, Songjiang First Plant, and Songjiang Second Plant, with the total commercial production capacity of 48,000 liters so far, and it is expected to reach 144,000 liters by 2026. A giant leap in productivity also promotes the global sales growth of HANQUYOU. Notably, Henlius has achieved a stable supply in the Chinese and EU markets to meet the growing demand for clinical medication worldwide and will continue to adhere to international high standards to improve the production efficiency and capacity of HANQUYOU, thereby establishing a solid foundation for medium- to long-term global commercial production and business development.

Henlius planned to pitch HANQUYOU to the global market at the early-stage of research and was heading for the global commercialization. Therefore, Henlius has initiated a series of head-to-head clinical studies that compared HANQUYOU with the trastuzumab originator. The clinical results demonstrated the remarkable similarity between HANQUYOU and the trastuzumab originator in terms of quality, safety, and efficacy. The results of some comparative studies, preclinical research, as well as Phase 1 and international multicenter Phase 3 clinical trials on HANQUYOU have been published on many prestigious international journals such as BioDrugs, Cancer Chemotherapy and Pharmacology, and the Journal of Oncology. Several real-world studies on HANQUYOU conducted at esteemed medical institutions, including Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing, and Mudanjiang Tumor Hospital. In 2021, the results of a prospective, open, multi-center clinical study of pyrotinib combined with trastuzumab (HANQUYOU) and nab-paclitaxel in neoadjuvant treatment for stage II-III HER2-positive breast cancer patient was released as the abstract and poster at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS). What's more, the results of a real-world study featuring trastuzumab (HANQUYOU) plus Pertuzumab as dual-target neoadjuvant therapy for HER2-positive breast cancer was published at the 2022 SABCS. This study included 85 patients, and the overall pathologic complete response rate reached 64.7%, aligning closely with the efficacy results observed in real-world studies and previous Phase 3 clinical trials of the originator. With these scientific study data, HANQUYOU is proved as a world-class monoclonal antibody with outstanding efficacy and reliable safety, which boosts the confidence in clinical practice.

Over the past three years, HANQUYOU has provided economical and convenient options to patients with its advantages in clinical care, pharmacoeconomics, gaining wide recognition in the field of oncology. Many authoritative guidelines and regulations, such as the Chinese Consensus on Biosimilars (2020), CSCO Guidelines for Breast Cancer (2023), CSCO Guidelines for Gastric Cancer (2023), and CACA Breast Cancer Guideline (2022), recommend HANQUYOU. Moreover, HANQUYOU is highly recoginzied by all walks of life. It was honored with a national key new drug creation program during the "12th Five-Year Plan" and "13th Five-Year Plan", "Famous and Excellent Products" by Shanghai Pharmaceutical Profession Association, listed in the "2022 Shanghai Biomedical 'New Excellent Medical Equipment' Product Catalog" by Shanghai Municipal Commission of Economy and Informatization, and the "13th China Health Annual Forum  Top 10 New Medicine" by People's Daily Health APP.

Focus on unmet clinical needs and push ahead with patient-centric ecosystem

Henlius is devoted to anti-HER2 studies to meet unmet clinical needs and address the challenges of medication. Following the launch of 150mg dosage form, HANQUYOU was launched with another dosage form of 60mg in August 2021. Nowadays, it has been widely used in clinical practice due to its advantages such as dual-dosage form (150mg& 60mg), "ready-to-use" formulation and flexible combination in use. In addition, HANQUYOU has no preservatives, which plays a positive role in treatment.

To benefit more patients, Henlius is continuously enhancing the accessibility of HANQUYOU through efficient market access and expansion. HANQUYOU was included in the National Medical Insurance Catalog since it was launched. In 2021 H1, all the provincial medical insurance access work and tendering process completed for 150mg dosage form. By the end of 2022, the 60mg dosage form of HANQUYOU had completed the tendering process in 29 provinces and was included into the medical insurance procurement platform in all provinces in Chinese mainland.

To improve the diagnosis and treatment level in HER2-positive tumors and maximize the benefits for patients, Henlius collaborates with various partners to create an integrated medical ecosystem of "Leaving No HER2-positive Patients Behind". It connects patients and their families with medical institutions and doctors, associations, government, and relevant enterprises and tries to optimize the entire chain of HER2-positive treatment on leveraging the market access, big data analysis, HER2 testing, patient management and healthcare education, etc. On the other hand, Henlius actively practice corporate social responsibility and has initiated a series of public welfare projects in science popularization on breast cancer, clinical diagnosis and treatment and patient care, etc. As one of the key projects, the "Medical Care for Rural Patients" was initiated by the Fosun Foundation, the CSCO Foundation, People's Daily Health app, Health Times and Henlius in 2020, aiming to improve the medical infrastructure, diagnosis and treatment, and hospital management capabilities in remote villages in China, and to raise the awareness of health among villagers. Over the past three years, the project teams have visited 19 counties, involving 162 experts, benefiting near 3,400 patients and 1,500 local medical staff. They have also donated a total of more than RMB 190,000 to support local hospitals and village clinics.

With the vision of "Leaving no HER2-positive patient behind", Henlius will make all-round efforts to help patients achieve longer survival and improve the quality of life. In addition, the company will continue to enhance the capabilities of innovation, manufacturing and commercialization, steadily advancing the market expansion of HANQUYOU and bringing more hopes to patients across the world.

About HANQUYOU

HANQUYOU (trastuzumab, trade name in Europe: Zercepac; trade names in Australia: Tuzucip and Trastucip is a trastuzumab biosimilar developed in accordance with the guidelines from the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), the European Medicines Agency (EMA). In 2020 HANQUYOU was launched in European Union and China successively. HANQUYOU is now indicated for the treatment of HER2 positive early breast cancer, metastatic breast cancer and metastatic gastric cancer. Henlius has established a specialized commercial team with more than 550 sales agents to make full efforts to develop and further tap into China market. As of now, HANQUYOU has benefitted about 140,000 patients in China. In August 2021, HANQUYOU was launched with another dosage form of 60mg, which can be flexibly combined with 150 mg dosage form to provide a personalized and more cost-effective option for patients with different weights. On another hand, Henlius has aggressively pursued overseas commercialization of HANQUYOU, actively collaborating with global partners to bring its therapeutics to patients in the United States, Canada, Europe, and other emerging markets, covering about 100 countries and regions. Up to date, HANQUYOU has received marketing approvals globally covering over 40 countries and regions, including China, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Switzerland, Australia, Finland, Argentina, and Saudi Arabia. Moreover, its Biologics License Application (BLA) was accepted by the U.S. FDA, which makes HANQUYOU potentially the first Chinese biosimilar approved in China, the EU, and the U.S.

Henlius (2696.HK) is a global biopharmaceutical company with the vision to offer high-quality, affordable, and innovative biologic medicines for patients worldwide with a focus on oncology, autoimmune diseases, and ophthalmic diseases. Up to date, 5 products have been launched in China, 1 has been approved for marketing in overseas markets, 18 indications are approved worldwide, and 3 marketing applications have been accepted for review in China, the U.S., and the EU, respectively. Since its inception in 2010, Henlius has built an integrated biopharmaceutical platform with core capabilities of high-efficiency and innovation embedded throughout the whole product life cycle including R&D, manufacturing and commercialization. It has established global innovation centers and Shanghai-based manufacturing facilities in line with global Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), including Xuhui Plant certificated by China and the EU GMP and Songjiang First Plant certificated by China GMP.

Henlius has pro-actively built a diversified and high-quality product pipeline covering over 20 innovative monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and has continued to explore immuno-oncology combination therapies with proprietary HANSIZHUANG (anti-PD-1 mAb) as backbone. Apart from the launched products HANLIKANG (rituximab), the first China-developed biosimilar, HANQUYOU (trastuzumab for injection, trade name in Europe: Zercepac ; trade names in Australia: Tuzucip and Trastucip , the first China-developed mAb biosimilar approved both in China and Europe, HANDAYUAN (adalimumab) and HANBEITAI (bevacizumab), the innovative product HANSIZHUANG has been approved by the NMPA for the treatment of MSI-H solid tumors, squamous non-small cell lung cancer (sqNSCLC) and extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC), making it the world's first anti-PD-1 mAb for the first-line treatment of SCLC. Its NDA for the treatment of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is under review. What's more, Henlius has conducted over 30 clinical studies for 16 products, expanding its presence in major markets as well as emerging markets.

SOURCE Henlius
SHANGHAI, July 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- HANQUYOU (trastuzumab, trade name in Europe: Zercepac; trade names in Australia: Tuzucip and Trastucip), the first China-developed trastuzumab biosimilar independently developed by Shanghai Henlius Biotech, Inc. (2696.HK), welcomes the 3rd anniversary of its marketing approval in the European Union.

HANQUYOU is now indicated for the treatment of HER2-positive early breast cancer, and gastric cancer. It was developed in accordance with the guidelines from the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In 27 July and 12 August 2020, HANQUYOU was approved for marketing in European Union and China successively. Up to date, HANQUYOU is the China-developed biosimilar with the most marketing approvals, covering 41 countries and regions with a global shipment totaling over 3 million units. Moreover, its Biologics License Application (BLA) was accepted by the U.S. FDA, which makes HANQUYOU potentially the first Chinese biosimilar approved in China, the EU, and the U.S.

Henlius has aggressively pursued overseas commercialization of HANQUYOU, collaborating with global partners such as Accord, Abbott, Cipla, Eurofarma, Elea, the Jacobson Group, and KG Bio to bring its therapeutics to patients in major biopharmaceutical markets in the U.S., Europe, likewise emerging markets. As of now, HANQUYOU (Zercepac) has been launched in approximately 20 European countries. Moreover, Henlius further expanded its overseas presence in 2022, with the launch of HANQUYOU in Cambodia, Australia, Singapore, and Argentina.

HANQUYOU has been widely used in clinical practice. As of now, HANQUYOU has benefitted about 140,000 patients in China. To benefit more patients, Henlius is continuously enhancing the accessibility of HANQUYOU through efficient market access and expansion. HANQUYOU was included in the National Medical Insurance Catalog of China since it was launched, and it is reimbursed nationally in countries and regions including the United Kingdom (UK), France and Germany. With the rapid market acceptance, HANQUYOU achieved the strong commercial growth. As of the end of 2022, the domestic sales revenue of HANQUYOU reached approximately RMB1.69 billion, and its overseas sales revenue exceeded RMB120 million, while the overseas license revenue was more than RMB280 million.

With the vision of "Leaving no HER2-positive patient behind", Henlius will make all-round efforts to enhance the capabilities of innovation, manufacturing, and commercialization, steadily advancing the market expansion of HANQUYOU, and bringing more hopes to patients across the world.

SOURCE Henlius
NEW YORK, July 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Healthcare Cloud Computing Market is estimated to grow by USD 42.21 billion from 2022 to 2027. The market is estimated to be decelerating at a CAGR of 20.55% during the forecast period. North America is estimated to account for 39% of the market growth during the forecast period. The US, Canada, and Mexico are the major adopters of healthcare cloud computing solutions in the region. Various healthcare institutions in the US adopt cloud computing. For instance, LifePoint Health signed a multiyear strategic partnership with Google LLC to implement Google Cloud's healthcare data engine in its hospitals across the US. Hence, such collaborations are expected to drive the growth of the market in the region during the forecast period. For Comprehensive details on the market size of the historic period(2017 to 2021) and forecast period (2023-2027) - View Sample report

Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Healthcare Cloud Computing Market 2023-2027

Healthcare Cloud Computing Market - Vendor Landscape

The healthcare cloud computing market is fragmented; the vendors are competing with competitors and are trying to get a greater market share. The market is growing, and the chances of new entrants cannot be overlooked. The major vendors have well-established economies of scale and market presence and generally rely on positioning technological advances, and the price of the products -The report provides a full list of key vendors, their strategies, and the latest developments. Buy Now

Healthcare Cloud Computing Market - Market Dynamics

Major Drivers & Challenges-

The increased number of cloud vendors drives the healthcare cloud computing market growth. Several vendors have entered the market to provide services such as EHR and EMR facilities. For instance, Alibaba has launched ET Medical Brain, an AI-assisted solution suite that acts as a virtual assistant in medical imaging, drug development, and hospital management. Also, the market is dominated by a few players. However, other companies are providing cloud services by partnering with existing vendors. For instance, Rackspace offers cloud services in collaboration with Amazon.com. Hence, owing to a rise in the number of cloud service providers, the market is expected to grow rapidly during the forecast period.

The shortage of cloud professionals in the healthcare industry challenges the healthcare cloud computing market growth. There is a high demand for trained cloud computing professionals. However, there is a shortage of qualified and trained cloud computing professionals in the industry. Healthcare organizations employing cloud computing will need to hire trained specialists for application development, data security, and management. The cost of hiring these specialists is high due to their demand. Therefore, a shortage of trained professionals will hamper the growth of the market.

Key Trends-

The introduction of edge computing is a trend in the healthcare cloud computing market. Edge computing is a method of optimizing cloud computing systems. It can help speed up data collection and analysis, thus improving the overall process speed. Furthermore, vendors such as BioLert are providing software that uses edge computing for monitoring patients. For example, it can be used for detecting and notifying about the occurrence of epilepsy episodes in patients to their family members or caretakers. Hence, such factors support the growth of the market during the forecast period.

Drivers, Trends, and Challenges have an impact on market dynamics, which can impact businesses. Find more insights in a sample report!

Company Profiles

The healthcare cloud computing market report includes information on the product launches, sustainability, and prospects of leading vendors, including Allscripts Healthcare Solutions Inc., Athenahealth Inc., CareCloud Inc., Carestream Health Inc., ClearDATA Networks Inc., Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp., Dell Technologies Inc., DXC Technology Co., General Electric Co., Intelerad Medical Systems Inc., International Business Machines Corp., Microsoft Corp., NextGen Healthcare Inc., NTT DATA Corp., Oracle Corp., Salesforce.com Inc., Siemens AG, VMware Inc., and Amazon.com Inc.

Competitive Analysis

The report includes competitive analysis, a proprietary tool to analyze and evaluate the position of companies based on their industry position score and market performance score. The competitive scenario categorizes companies based on various performance indicators. Some of the factors considered include the financial performance of companies over the past few years, growth strategies, product innovations, new product launches, investments, and growth in market share, among others.

Healthcare Cloud Computing Market - Market Segmentation

This report extensively covers market segmentation by product (SaaS, IaaS, and PaaS), component (hardware and services), and geography (APAC, North America, Europe, Middle East and Africa, and South America).

The SaaS segment will be significant for market growth during the forecast period. The growth of this segment will be driven by factors such as the increasing migration of healthcare organizations toward cloud service and the high popularity of SaaS solutions. Various vendors are providing SaaS-based products for healthcare organizations owing to the high potential for cloud computing in healthcare.

Gain instant access to 17,000+ market research reports.

Technavio's SUBSCRIPTION platform

Related Reports:

The healthcare RCM outsourcing market size in the US is projected to grow by USD 1.67 billion with a CAGR of 7.75% between 2021 to 2026. Furthermore, this report extensively covers the healthcare RCM outsourcing market in the US segmentations by service (back-end services, middle services, and front-end services). The improvement in healthcare administrative processes is notably driving the healthcare RCM outsourcing market growth in the US.

is projected to grow by with a CAGR of 7.75% between 2021 to 2026. Furthermore, this report extensively covers the healthcare RCM outsourcing market in the US segmentations by service (back-end services, middle services, and front-end services). The improvement in healthcare administrative processes is notably driving the healthcare RCM outsourcing market growth in the US. The healthcare information systems market size is projected to grow by USD 136.04 billion with a CAGR of 10.1% between 2021 to 2026. The market is segmented by application (revenue cycle management, hospital information systems, medical imaging information systems, pharmacy information systems, and laboratory information systems) and geography ( North America , Europe , Asia , and Rest of World (ROW)). The high demand for EHR solution is notably driving the healthcare information systems market growth.

Healthcare Cloud Computing Market Scope Report Coverage Details Base year 2022 Historic period 2017-2021 Forecast period 2023-2027 Growth momentum & CAGR Decelerate at a CAGR of 20.55% Market growth 2023-2027 USD 42.21 billion Market structure Fragmented YoY growth 2022-2023 (%) 23.08 Regional analysis North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa Performing market contribution North America at 39% Key countries US, Canada, UK, Germany, and France Competitive landscape Leading Vendors, Market Positioning of Vendors, Competitive Strategies, and Industry Risks Key companies profiled Allscripts Healthcare Solutions Inc., Athenahealth Inc., CareCloud Inc., Carestream Health Inc., ClearDATA Networks Inc., Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp., Dell Technologies Inc., DXC Technology Co., General Electric Co., Intelerad Medical Systems Inc., International Business Machines Corp., Microsoft Corp., NextGen Healthcare Inc., NTT DATA Corp., Oracle Corp., Salesforce.com Inc., Siemens AG, VMware Inc., and Amazon.com Inc. Market dynamics Parent market analysis, Market growth inducers and obstacles, Fast-growing and slow-growing segment analysis, COVID-19 impact and recovery analysis and future consumer dynamics, Market condition analysis for forecast period. Customization purview If our report has not included the data that you are looking for, you can reach out to our analysts and get segments customized.

Table of Contents

1 Executive Summary

1.1 Market overview

Exhibit 01: Executive Summary  Chart on Market Overview



Exhibit 02: Executive Summary  Data Table on Market Overview



Exhibit 03: Executive Summary  Chart on Global Market Characteristics



Exhibit 04: Executive Summary  Chart on Market by Geography



Exhibit 05: Executive Summary  Chart on Market Segmentation by Product



Exhibit 06: Executive Summary  Chart on Market Segmentation by Component



Exhibit 07: Executive Summary  Chart on Incremental Growth



Exhibit 08: Executive Summary  Data Table on Incremental Growth



Exhibit 09: Executive Summary  Chart on Vendor Market Positioning

2 Market Landscape

2.1 Market ecosystem

Exhibit 10: Parent market



Exhibit 11: Market Characteristics

3 Market Sizing

3.1 Market definition

Exhibit 12: Offerings of vendors included in the market definition

3.2 Market segment analysis

Exhibit 13: Market segments

3.3 Market size 2022

3.4 Market outlook: Forecast for 2022-2027

Exhibit 14: Chart on Global - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)



Exhibit 15: Data Table on Global - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)



Exhibit 16: Chart on Global Market: Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 17: Data Table on Global Market: Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

4 Historic Market Size

4.1 Global healthcare cloud computing market 2017 - 2021

Exhibit 18: Historic Market Size  Data Table on Global healthcare cloud computing market 2017 - 2021 ($ billion)

4.2 Product Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021

Exhibit 19: Historic Market Size  Product Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ billion)

4.3 Component Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021

Exhibit 20: Historic Market Size  Component Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ billion)

4.4 Geography Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021

Exhibit 21: Historic Market Size  Geography Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ billion)

4.5 Country Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021

Exhibit 22: Historic Market Size  Country Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ billion)

5 Five Forces Analysis

5.1 Five forces summary

Exhibit 23: Five forces analysis - Comparison between 2022 and 2027

5.2 Bargaining power of buyers

Exhibit 24: Chart on Bargaining power of buyers  Impact of key factors 2022 and 2027

5.3 Bargaining power of suppliers

Exhibit 25: Bargaining power of suppliers  Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027

5.4 Threat of new entrants

Exhibit 26: Threat of new entrants  Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027

5.5 Threat of substitutes

Exhibit 27: Threat of substitutes  Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027

5.6 Threat of rivalry

Exhibit 28: Threat of rivalry  Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027

5.7 Market condition

Exhibit 29: Chart on Market condition - Five forces 2022 and 2027

6 Market Segmentation by Product

6.1 Market segments

Exhibit 30: Chart on Product - Market share 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 31: Data Table on Product - Market share 2022-2027 (%)

6.2 Comparison by Product

Exhibit 32: Chart on Comparison by Product



Exhibit 33: Data Table on Comparison by Product

6.3 SaaS - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 34: Chart on SaaS - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)



Exhibit 35: Data Table on SaaS - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)



Exhibit 36: Chart on SaaS - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 37: Data Table on SaaS - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

6.4 IaaS - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 38: Chart on IaaS - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)



Exhibit 39: Data Table on IaaS - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)



Exhibit 40: Chart on IaaS - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 41: Data Table on IaaS - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

6.5 PaaS - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 42: Chart on PaaS - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)



Exhibit 43: Data Table on PaaS - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)



Exhibit 44: Chart on PaaS - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 45: Data Table on PaaS - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

6.6 Market opportunity by Product

Exhibit 46: Market opportunity by Product ($ billion)

7 Market Segmentation by Component

7.1 Market segments

Exhibit 47: Chart on Component - Market share 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 48: Data Table on Component - Market share 2022-2027 (%)

7.2 Comparison by Component

Exhibit 49: Chart on Comparison by Component



Exhibit 50: Data Table on Comparison by Component

7.3 Hardware - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 51: Chart on Hardware - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)



Exhibit 52: Data Table on Hardware - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)



Exhibit 53: Chart on Hardware - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 54: Data Table on Hardware - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

7.4 Services - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 55: Chart on Services - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)



Exhibit 56: Data Table on Services - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)



Exhibit 57: Chart on Services - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 58: Data Table on Services - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

7.5 Market opportunity by Component

Exhibit 59: Market opportunity by Component ($ billion)

8 Customer Landscape

8.1 Customer landscape overview

Exhibit 60: Analysis of price sensitivity, lifecycle, customer purchase basket, adoption rates, and purchase criteria

9 Geographic Landscape

9.1 Geographic segmentation

Exhibit 61: Chart on Market share by geography 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 62: Data Table on Market share by geography 2022-2027 (%)

9.2 Geographic comparison

Exhibit 63: Chart on Geographic comparison



Exhibit 64: Data Table on Geographic comparison

9.3 North America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 65: Chart on North America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)

Exhibit 66: Data Table on North America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)

Exhibit 67: Chart on North America - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

- Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

Exhibit 68: Data Table on North America - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

9.4 Europe - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 69: Chart on Europe - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)

Exhibit 70: Data Table on Europe - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)

Exhibit 71: Chart on Europe - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

- Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

Exhibit 72: Data Table on Europe - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

9.5 APAC - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 73: Chart on APAC - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)



Exhibit 74: Data Table on APAC - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)



Exhibit 75: Chart on APAC - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 76: Data Table on APAC - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

9.6 South America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 77: Chart on South America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)

Exhibit 78: Data Table on South America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)

Exhibit 79: Chart on South America - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

- Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

Exhibit 80: Data Table on South America - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

9.7 Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

and - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 81: Chart on Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)

and - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)

Exhibit 82: Data Table on Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)

and - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)

Exhibit 83: Chart on Middle East and Africa - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

and - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

Exhibit 84: Data Table on Middle East and Africa - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

9.8 US - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 85: Chart on US - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)



Exhibit 86: Data Table on US - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)



Exhibit 87: Chart on US - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 88: Data Table on US - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

9.9 Canada - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 89: Chart on Canada - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)

Exhibit 90: Data Table on Canada - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)

Exhibit 91: Chart on Canada - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

- Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

Exhibit 92: Data Table on Canada - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

9.10 UK - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 93: Chart on UK - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)



Exhibit 94: Data Table on UK - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)



Exhibit 95: Chart on UK - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 96: Data Table on UK - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

9.11 Germany - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 97: Chart on Germany - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)

Exhibit 98: Data Table on Germany - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)

Exhibit 99: Chart on Germany - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

- Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

Exhibit 100: Data Table on Germany - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

9.12 France - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 101: Chart on France - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)

Exhibit 102: Data Table on France - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)

Exhibit 103: Chart on France - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

- Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

Exhibit 104: Data Table on France - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

9.13 Market opportunity by geography

Exhibit 105: Market opportunity by geography ($ billion)

10 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends

10.1 Market drivers

10.2 Market challenges

10.3 Impact of drivers and challenges

Exhibit 106: Impact of drivers and challenges in 2022 and 2027

10.4 Market trends

11 Vendor Landscape

11.1 Overview

11.2 Vendor landscape

Exhibit 107: Overview on Criticality of inputs and Factors of differentiation

11.3 Landscape disruption

Exhibit 108: Overview on factors of disruption

11.4 Industry risks

Exhibit 109: Impact of key risks on business

12 Vendor Analysis

12.1 Vendors covered

Exhibit 110: Vendors covered

12.2 Market positioning of vendors

Exhibit 111: Matrix on vendor position and classification

12.3 Allscripts Healthcare Solutions Inc.

Exhibit 112: Allscripts Healthcare Solutions Inc. - Overview



Exhibit 113: Allscripts Healthcare Solutions Inc. - Business segments



Exhibit 114: Allscripts Healthcare Solutions Inc. - Key news



Exhibit 115: Allscripts Healthcare Solutions Inc. - Key offerings



Exhibit 116: Allscripts Healthcare Solutions Inc. - Segment focus

12.4 Amazon.com Inc.

Exhibit 117: Amazon.com Inc. - Overview



Exhibit 118: Amazon.com Inc. - Business segments



Exhibit 119: Amazon.com Inc. - Key news



Exhibit 120: Amazon.com Inc. - Key offerings



Exhibit 121: Amazon.com Inc. - Segment focus

12.5 Athenahealth Inc.

Exhibit 122: Athenahealth Inc. - Overview



Exhibit 123: Athenahealth Inc. - Product / Service



Exhibit 124: Athenahealth Inc. - Key offerings

12.6 Carestream Health Inc.

Exhibit 125: Carestream Health Inc. - Overview



Exhibit 126: Carestream Health Inc. - Product / Service



Exhibit 127: Carestream Health Inc. - Key offerings

12.7 Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp.

Exhibit 128: Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp. - Overview



Exhibit 129: Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp. - Business segments



Exhibit 130: Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp. - Key news



Exhibit 131: Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp. - Key offerings



Exhibit 132: Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp. - Segment focus

12.8 Dell Technologies Inc.

Exhibit 133: Dell Technologies Inc. - Overview



Exhibit 134: Dell Technologies Inc. - Business segments



Exhibit 135: Dell Technologies Inc. - Key news



Exhibit 136: Dell Technologies Inc. - Key offerings



Exhibit 137: Dell Technologies Inc. - Segment focus

12.9 DXC Technology Co.

Exhibit 138: DXC Technology Co. - Overview



Exhibit 139: DXC Technology Co. - Business segments



Exhibit 140: DXC Technology Co. - Key news



Exhibit 141: DXC Technology Co. - Key offerings



Exhibit 142: DXC Technology Co. - Segment focus

12.10 General Electric Co.

Exhibit 143: General Electric Co. - Overview



Exhibit 144: General Electric Co. - Business segments



Exhibit 145: General Electric Co. - Key news



Exhibit 146: General Electric Co. - Key offerings



Exhibit 147: General Electric Co. - Segment focus

12.11 International Business Machines Corp.

Exhibit 148: International Business Machines Corp. - Overview



Exhibit 149: International Business Machines Corp. - Business segments



Exhibit 150: International Business Machines Corp. - Key offerings



Exhibit 151: International Business Machines Corp. - Segment focus

12.12 Microsoft Corp.

Exhibit 152: Microsoft Corp. - Overview



Exhibit 153: Microsoft Corp. - Business segments



Exhibit 154: Microsoft Corp. - Key news



Exhibit 155: Microsoft Corp. - Key offerings



Exhibit 156: Microsoft Corp. - Segment focus

12.13 NextGen Healthcare Inc.

Exhibit 157: NextGen Healthcare Inc. - Overview



Exhibit 158: NextGen Healthcare Inc. - Product / Service



Exhibit 159: NextGen Healthcare Inc. - Key offerings

12.14 NTT DATA Corp.

Exhibit 160: NTT DATA Corp. - Overview



Exhibit 161: NTT DATA Corp. - Product / Service



Exhibit 162: NTT DATA Corp. - Key offerings

12.15 Oracle Corp.

Exhibit 163: Oracle Corp. - Overview



Exhibit 164: Oracle Corp. - Business segments



Exhibit 165: Oracle Corp. - Key news



Exhibit 166: Oracle Corp. - Key offerings



Exhibit 167: Oracle Corp. - Segment focus

12.16 Salesforce.com Inc.

Exhibit 168: Salesforce.com Inc. - Overview



Exhibit 169: Salesforce.com Inc. - Product / Service



Exhibit 170: Salesforce.com Inc. - Key news



Exhibit 171: Salesforce.com Inc. - Key offerings

12.17 Siemens AG

Exhibit 172: Siemens AG - Overview



Exhibit 173: Siemens AG - Business segments



Exhibit 174: Siemens AG - Key news



Exhibit 175: Siemens AG - Key offerings



Exhibit 176: Siemens AG - Segment focus

13 Appendix

13.1 Scope of the report

13.2 Inclusions and exclusions checklist

Exhibit 177: Inclusions checklist



Exhibit 178: Exclusions checklist

13.3 Currency conversion rates for US$

Exhibit 179: Currency conversion rates for US$

13.4 Research methodology

Exhibit 180: Research methodology



Exhibit 181: Validation techniques employed for market sizing



Exhibit 182: Information sources

13.5 List of abbreviations

Exhibit 183: 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
DETROIT, July 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- We are deeply saddened to announce that Alan E. Schwartz, 97, a founder and partner at Honigman LLP, passed away on July 27, 2023. He joined Jason L. Honigman and Milton J. (Jack) Miller in 1952 creating the firm, which was then known as Honigman Miller and Schwartz.

Alan E. Schwartz was a founder of Honigman LLP in Detroit. He passed away on July 27, 2023.

"Alan was in every sense of the word a gentleman. He treated everyone he met with kindness and dignity. Alan was a lawyer, businessman and friend to his clients, whom he served with integrity and intelligence," said Honigman Chairman and CEO David Foltyn. "He was a selfless leader and volunteer in civic, cultural and nonprofit organizations devoted to improving Detroit from a business and a social perspective. He was involved in nearly every major development project in the city as an attorney and as a leader in business organizations. His commitment to the cultural treasures of Detroit is well known. It was his vision for Honigman 'to be the best law firm for the best lawyers' which has inspired and guided our firm for over half a century."

Schwartz was raised in Detroit and was a graduate of Cranbrook Schools and the University of Michigan. His undergraduate studies were interrupted by two years of service in Guam during World War II. After graduating, with distinction, from U-M, he earned an LL.B., magna cum laude, from Harvard Law School. Schwartz began his career on Wall Street but in 1952, he and his wife, Marianne, decided to return to Detroit where they both grew up.

His legal practice at Honigman focused on corporate organization, governance, acquisitions, mergers, and divestitures. He served on approximately 20 public company boards, including AT&T, Burroughs, Comerica and Detroit Edison.

The list of community organizations that benefited from his leadership is extensive. He was a founding trustee of the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan and among the first to serve on the boards of New Detroit, Inc., Detroit Renaissance (now Business Leaders for Michigan) and the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation. At the time of his death, Schwartz was an honorary board member of the Detroit Institute of Arts and a director emeritus of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Both organizations honored him for his generosity as a volunteer and as a donor. He was also a trustee emeritus of New Detroit, Inc., which honored him for his contributions in 2012, and a lifetime board member of the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit, which bestowed upon him the Fred M. Butzel Memorial Award in 2008.

In 2013, then Detroit Mayor Dave Bing created the Alan E. Schwartz award, making him the first recipient. This award is given annually to an individual in recognition of his or her outstanding commitment to community service, as exemplified by Schwartz. His other awards include the George W. Romney Award for Lifetime Achievement in Volunteerism, the Max M. Fisher Community Service Award from United Way for Southeastern Michigan, the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Detroit Institute of Arts and the Judge Learned Hand Award from the American Jewish Committee. He also has received honorary Doctor of Law degrees from Wayne State University and the University of Detroit.

In addition, Schwartz was inducted into the International Institute of Metropolitan Detroit Hall of Fame in 1984 and named a Detroit News Michiganian of the Year in 1987.

Schwartz was preceded in death by his wife, Marianne, in 2017. He is survived by his children, Marc (Emily Camiener) Schwartz, Kurt (Susan) Schwartz and Ruthanne (Joe) Fuller, and five grandchildren.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Maggie Nonnenkamp, [email protected], Honigman LLP, 630.715.0350

Carolyn Artman, CRIMSON on behalf of Honigman LLP, [email protected], 313.269.4729

SOURCE Honigman LLP
The "Global Human Capital Management Software Market Size By Deployment Model, By Component, By Geographic Scope And Forecast" report has been published by Verified Market Research. The report provides an in-depth analysis of the global Human Capital Management Software Market, including its growth prospects, market trends, and market challenges.

JERSEY CITY, N.J., July 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Global Human Capital Management Software Market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 37.82% from 2023 to 2030, according to a new report published by Verified Market Research. The report reveals that the market was valued at USD 21.90 Billion in 2022 and is expected to reach USD 206.87 Billion by the end of the forecast period.

Download PDF Brochure: https://www.verifiedmarketresearch.com/download-sample?rid=153383

Browse in-depth TOC on "Human Capital Management Software Market"

202 - Pages

126  Tables

37  Figures

Human Capital Management Software Market: Optimizing HR Functions and Driving Organizational Growth

The Human Capital Management Software Market continues to gain significant momentum as organizations worldwide recognize the crucial role it plays in optimizing various HR functions. HCM software and services streamline critical processes such as sourcing, hiring, payroll, candidate monitoring, staff scheduling, and time and attendance management, leading to enhanced workforce efficiency and productivity. A comprehensive market research report, highlighting the market outlook, key drivers, emerging trends, opportunities, and leading market players, has been released.

Overview of HCM Software and Services:

HCM software stands as a cornerstone in the Human Resource industry, encompassing core HR functionalities, applicant monitoring systems, HR analytics, and workforce management tools. The adoption of HCM solutions has become indispensable for businesses seeking to enhance their HR operations and gain valuable insights into their workforce dynamics.

Human Capital Management Software Market Opportunities:

The HCM industry is experiencing rapid growth, driven by several key factors. Small and medium businesses' increasing adoption of cloud technology for field and office staff management presents ample opportunities for HCM vendors to expand their market presence. Moreover, the escalating demand for workforce organizational insights has propelled the Human Capital Management Software Market share. Notably, the integration of advanced technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), is a primary catalyst driving HCM software and service adoption across various regions.

Key Growth Drivers:

The flourishing Human Capital Management Software Market is underpinned by the following essential growth drivers:

Managing a Diverse Workforce: In the contemporary globalized business landscape, organizations face the challenge of effectively managing a diverse and multi-cultural workforce. HCM software equips businesses with comprehensive tools to address this complexity, ultimately improving overall workforce management.

Enhancing Employee Productivity: Efficient HCM solutions empower businesses to optimize employee performance through robust talent management, performance tracking, and skill development programs.

Regulatory Compliance: Compliance with employment regulations and data privacy laws is of paramount importance for any organization. HCM software offers critical features to ensure adherence to relevant laws and to maintain data security.

Security Concerns: Despite the promising growth prospects, the HCM industry faces significant security concerns related to the adoption of cloud-based HR automation platforms. Organizations are increasingly conscious of data privacy and protection issues, given the risks of salary data theft, identity theft, and regulatory law violations. The potential for HR infrastructure attacks leading to denial of service presents a considerable threat to business growth.

Prospects in the Human Capital Management Software Market:

The HCM Software Industry presents a diverse array of prospects for organizations aiming to optimize their HR operations:

HR Management: HCM software empowers HR divisions to make informed decisions during recruitment, employee management, and talent retention.

Employee Management: Efficient employee management tools aid businesses in effectively tracking employee performance, skill development, and overall engagement.

Talent Management: HCM solutions play a pivotal role in identifying and nurturing talented employees, strategically positioning them in roles that contribute to the organization's profitability and productivity.

Payroll and Compensation: Automated payroll and compensation management streamline processes, reduce errors, and enhance overall efficiency.

Leading Market Players:

The Human Capital Management Software Market is driven by the remarkable contributions of prominent industry players. Key players in the market include:

Workday (US)

Oracle (US)

ADP (US)

SAP (UK)

Microsoft (US)

IBM (US)

Ultimate Software (US)

Ceridian (US)

SumTotal (US)

Kronos (US)

The Human Capital Management Software Market continues to thrive, leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) and continuous technological advancements. Organizations stand to significantly benefit from the adoption of HCM solutions, enhancing their HR functions and effectively leveraging their workforce. However, industry stakeholders must address data privacy and security concerns to ensure sustainable growth and widespread adoption of cloud-based HR automation platforms.

To get market data, market insights, financial statements and a comprehensive analysis of the Global Human Capital Management Software Market, please Contact Verified Market Research.

Based on the research, Verified Market Research has segmented the global Human Capital Management Software Market into Deployment Model, Component, And Geography.

Human Capital Management Software Market, by Deployment Model

Cloud



On-Premise

Human Capital Management Software Market, by Component

Software



Core HR





Applicant Tracking System





HR Analytics





Workforce Management



Services



Integration and Implementation





Training and Education





Support and Maintenance





Consulting

Human Capital Management Software Market, by Geography

North America



U.S





Canada





Mexico



Europe



Germany





France





U.K





Rest of Europe



Asia Pacific



China





Japan





India





Rest of Asia Pacific



ROW



Middle East & Africa

&



Latin America

Browse Related Reports:

Human Capital Management (HCM) In SMB Market By Type(Talent Acquisition, Talent Management, and HR Core Administration), By Application(Financial Services, Retail/Wholesale, Professional/Technical Services), By Geography, And Forecast

Human Capital Management Market By Component (Software, Service), By Deployment Mode (On-premise, Cloud), By Geography, And Forecast

Revenue Cycle Management Market By Product (Integrated, Standalone RCM), By Deployment (Cloud-Based, On-Premises), By End User (Hospitals, General Physicians), By Geography, And Forecast

Workday Human Capital Management Service Software Market By Type (Cloud-Based, On-Premises), By Application (Large Enterprises (1000+ Users), Medium-Sized Enterprise (499-1000 Users), Small Enterprises(1-499 Users)), By Geography, And Forecast

Top 10 Human Capital Management Companies transforming traditional HR functions

Visualize Human Capital Management Software Market using Verified Market Intelligence -:

Verified Market Intelligence is our BI Enabled Platform for narrative storytelling in this market. VMI offers in-depth forecasted trends and accurate Insights on over 20,000+ emerging & niche markets, helping you make critical revenue-impacting decisions for a brilliant future.

VMI provides a holistic overview and global competitive landscape with respect to Region, Country, Segment, and Key players of your market. Present your Market Report & findings with an inbuilt presentation feature saving over 70% of your time and resources for Investor, Sales & Marketing, R&D, and Product Development pitches. VMI enables data delivery In Excel and Interactive PDF formats with over 15+ Key Market Indicators for your market.

About Us

Verified Market Research is a leading Global Research and Consulting firm servicing over 5000+ customers. Verified Market Research provides advanced analytical research solutions while offering information-enriched research studies. We offer insight into strategic and growth analyses, Data necessary to achieve corporate goals and critical revenue decisions.

Our 250 Analysts and SMEs offer a high level of expertise in data collection and governance use industrial techniques to collect and analyze data on more than 15,000 high impact and niche markets. Our analysts are trained to combine modern data collection techniques, superior research methodology, expertise and years of collective experience to produce informative and accurate research.

We study 14+ categories from Semiconductors & Electronics, Chemicals, Advanced Materials, Aerospace & Defense, Energy & Power, Healthcare, Pharmaceuticals, Automotive & Transportation, Information & Communication Technology, Software & Services, Information Security, Mining, Minerals & Metals, Building & Construction, Agriculture industry and Medical Devices from over 100 countries.

Contact Us

Mr. Edwyne Fernandes

Verified Market Research

US: +1 (650)-781-4080

US Toll Free: +1 (800)-782-1768

Email: [email protected]

Web: https://www.verifiedmarketresearch.com/

Follow Us: LinkedIn | Twitter

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2015407/VMR_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Verified Market Research
The growing popularity of hunting as a recreational activity across the globe is anticipated to drive the growth of the global hunting accessories market during the forecast period from 2023 to 2032. The North America region is projected to hold a major market share by 2032.

PORTLAND, Ore., July 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research has recently published a report, titled, "Hunting Accessories Market by Type (Hunting Rifles and Guns, Bow and Arrow, Binoculars, Weapon Ammunition, Others), by Game Species (Big Game, Small Game, Migratory Bird, Other Animals), by Sales Channel (Online, Offline): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032". According to the report, the global hunting accessories market generated $20.3 billion in 2022, and is anticipated to generate $43.1 billion by 2032, witnessing a CAGR of 7.9% from 2023 to 2032.

Download Request Sample Copy of the Report: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/14763

Prime Determinants of Growth

Over the years, there has been growth in the popularity of hunting as a recreational activity across the world. As a result, there has been an increase in demand for hunting accessories which is predicted to be one of the important factors driving the growth of the global hunting accessories market in the forecast timeframe. However, the strict regulations on hunting in various countries to manage wildlife populations and protect endangered species may hamper the hunting accessories market growth in the coming period. On the contrary, the introduction of technologically advanced hunting accessories is expected to offer growth opportunities for expansion of the hunting accessories market in the 2023-2032 forecast period.

Report Coverage & Details:

Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 20232032 Base Year 2022 Market Size in 2022 $20.3 billion Market Size in 2032 $43.1 billion CAGR 7.9 % No. of Pages in Report 290 Segments covered Type, Game Species, Sales Channel, and Region Drivers Growing popularity of hunting as a recreational activity Development of innovative products that improve the efficiency and effectiveness of hunting Opportunities The introduction of technologically advanced hunting accessories for enhanced performance, increased precision, and improved functionality The advent of e-commerce allowing manufacturers and retailers to target hunting enthusiasts around the world Restraints Strict hunting regulations imposed by various governments to manage wildlife populations and protect endangered species

COVID-19 Scenario

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative impact on the growth of the global hunting accessories market. The manufacturing of hunting accessories was hampered due to disruptions in global supply chains which resulted in an inconsistent supply of raw materials.

Also, the travel restrictions put in place across the world to curb the spread of the virus resulted in a decrease in hunting expeditions, thus leading to a decline in demand for hunting accessories.

The hunting accessories market is, however, projected to show steady growth in the future due to the introduction of technologically advanced hunting accessories for enhanced performance and increased precision.

Procure Complete Report (290 Pages PDF with Insights, Charts, Tables, and Figures): https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/checkout-final/e56ad6abb213fa4113d34f4b8e0dc217

Type: Hunting Rifles & Guns Sub-segment Projected to be Highly Dominant During the Forecast Period

The hunting rifles & guns sub-segment accounted for the highest hunting accessories market share in 2022 of 29.2% and is expected to continue its dominance during the forecast period. In the last few years or so, the development of more accurate and efficient firearms has gained a lot of pace. As a result, there is a huge demand for rifles and guns with innovative features, such as improved scopes and adjustable triggers, which is predicted to boost the sub-segment's growth by 2032.

Game Species: Big Game Sub-segment to Flourish Immensely by 2032

The big game sub-segment generated the highest market share in 2022 of 44.6% and is predicted to grow at a high CAGR by 2032. Big game hunting involves pursuit and hunting of large animals like deer, elk, moose, bears, and big cats. The thrill and excitement associated with big game hunting has led to an increase in demand for hunting accessories which is predicted to boost the sub-segment's growth by 2032.

Sales Channel: Offline Sub-segment Projected to Gather Huge Market Revenue During the Forecast Period

The offline sub-segment accounted for the highest hunting accessories market share in 2022 of 65.1% and is expected to continue to hold the majority of market share during the forecast period. Offline retail stores offer a personalized customer experience thus allowing hunters to physically examine and try out products before making a purchase. As a result, there has been an increase in the popularity of offline sales channels which is predicted to boost the sub-segment's growth by 2032.

Region: North America Market to be One of the Fastest Growing by 2032

The North America region accounted for the highest share in the global hunting accessories market in 2022 of 34.8% and is expected to rise at a high CAGR during the forecast period. The rapid increase in popularity of hunting as a recreational activity and rising disposable incomes of the people in this region are expected to be the two main growth drivers of the market in North America region by 2032.

Enquire before buying: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/14763

Leading Players in the Hunting Accessories Market:

American Outdoor Brands Corp.

BPS Direct LLC

Vista Outdoor Inc.

Sturm Ruger and Co. Inc.

and Co. Inc. SPYPOINT

Under Armour, Inc.

Beretta Holding SA

Buck Knives, Inc.

Spyderco, Inc.

Dick's Sporting Goods, Inc.

The report provides a detailed analysis of the key players of the global hunting accessories 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 their dominance in different regions. The report is valuable in highlighting business performance, operating segments, product portfolio, and strategic moves of market players to showcase the competitive scenario.

Country Reports We Have in this Industry:

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.

Contact:

David Correa

5933 NE Win Sivers Drive

#205, Portland, OR 97220

United States

USA/Canada (Toll Free): +1-800-792-5285, +1-503-894-6022

UK: +44-845-528-1300

Hong Kong: +852-301-84916

India (Pune): +91-20-66346060

Fax: +1(855)550-5975

[email protected]

Web: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/reports-store/consumer-goods

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/636519/Allied_Market_Research_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Allied Market Research
CALGARY, AB, July 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - Parkland Corporation ("Parkland", "we", the "Company", or "our") (TSX: PKI) today announced that Jim Pantelidis, Parkland's Chair of the Board, has announced his retirement from the Board effective today. Although Mr. Pantelidis will no longer be a director of the Company, he will remain as an advisor to the Board, with the honourary title of "Chairman Emeritus", until the next annual general meeting of shareholders in recognition of his significant contributions to the Company.

For over two decades, Mr. Pantelidis guided the company through its evolution from a small regional player to an international organization operating in 25 countries. "On behalf of the Board of Directors I would like to thank Jim for his invaluable contributions to Parkland's growth and strategy," said Bob Espey, President, and CEO of Parkland. "We wish him well in retirement and look forward to his support as an advisor to the company."

Effective immediately, the Board has appointed Steven Richardson as Chair of the Board. Mr. Richardson joined the Board in 2017 and currently serves on the Human Resources and Compensation Committee and is the Chair of the Audit Committee. Mr. Richardson has over 30 years of experience in the financial and retail sectors. From 2003 to 2009, Mr. Richardson held senior financial positions at Hudson's Bay Company, including Chief Financial Officer from 2006 to 2009. Previously, Mr. Richardson held senior executive positions with financial services companies, including Chief Financial Officer of Wells Fargo Financial Canada, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Associates Financial Services of Canada, and Chief Financial Officer of Beneficial Canada.

Mr. Richardson currently serves on the Board of Directors of SupremeX Inc., where he chairs the Audit Committee. He previously served on the Board of Directors for RONA Inc. and easyhome Ltd. (currently goeasy Ltd.), where he served on both Audit Committees.

Mr. Pantelidis' retirement, and Mr. Richardson's appointment as Chair of the Board, form part of Parkland's ongoing Board refreshment process.

About Parkland Corporation

Parkland is an international fuel distributor and retailer with operations in twenty-five countries. Our purpose is to power what moves people, and every day, we provide over one million customers with the essential fuels, convenience items and quality foods on which they depend.

With approximately 4,000 retail and commercial locations across Canada, the United States, and the Caribbean region, we have developed supply, distribution, and trading capabilities to accelerate growth and business performance. In addition to meeting our customers' needs for essential fuels, we provide a range of choices to help them lower their environmental impact. These include carbon and renewables trading, solar power, renewables manufacturing and ultrafast Electric Vehicle charging.

Our proven business model is centred around organic growth, our supply advantage, driven by scale and our integrated refinery and supply infrastructure, acquiring prudently, and integrating successfully. Our strategy is focused on developing our existing business in resilient markets, growing our food, convenience, and renewable energy businesses, and helping customers to decarbonize. Our business is underpinned by our people, and our values; safety, integrity, community, and respect, which are deeply embedded across our organization.

SOURCE Parkland Corporation
KANSAS CITY, Mo., July 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Kansas City Life Insurance Company recorded net income of $4.5 million or $0.46 per share in the second quarters of both 2023 and 2022. In the first six months of 2023 we recorded net income of $1.2 million or $0.13 per share compared to a net loss of $3.2 million or $0.33 per share in the first six months of 2022.

The results for the second quarter of 2023 reflected higher investment revenues and lower amortization of deferred acquisition costs compared to the second quarter of 2022. Partially offsetting these improvements, insurance revenues declined, primarily from an increase in reinsurance ceded premiums, and policyholder benefits and operating expenses increased.

The improvement in the first six months of 2023 compared to the prior year reflected increases in investment and insurance revenues and lower amortization of deferred acquisition costs. Partially offsetting these, policyholder benefits and operating expenses increased.

Kansas City Life Insurance Company (OTCQX: KCLI) was established in 1895 and is based in Kansas City, Missouri. The Company's primary business is providing financial protection through the sale of life insurance and annuities. The Company operates in 49 states and the District of Columbia. For more information, please visit www.kclife.com.

Kansas City Life Insurance Company Condensed Consolidated Income Statement (amounts in thousands, except share data)



Quarter Ended

Six Months Ended

June 30

June 30

2023

2022

2023

2022 Revenues $ 123,952

$ 114,579

$ 249,921

$ 233,810 Net income (loss) $ 4,463

$ 4,485

$ 1,222

$ (3,191) Net income (loss) per share, basic and diluted $ 0.46

$ 0.46

$ 0.13

$ (0.33) Dividends paid $ 0.14

$ 0.14

$ 0.28

$ 0.41 Average number of shares outstanding

9,683,414



9,683,414



9,683,414



9,683,414

SOURCE Kansas City Life Insurance Company
WESTBURY, N.Y., July 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Kensington Capital Acquisition Corp. V (NYSE: KCGI.U) (the "Company") announced that on July 28, 2023 it filed a definitive proxy statement (the "Definitive Proxy Statement") for the solicitation of proxies in connection with an extraordinary general meeting (the "Extraordinary General Meeting") of the Company's shareholders to be held on August 15, 2023 to consider and vote on, among other proposals, an amendment to the Company's Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association, to extend the date by which the Company must consummate a business combination from August 17, 2023 to August 17, 2024 (such proposal, the "Extension Amendment Proposal"). The Extension Amendment Proposal is described in more detail in the Definitive Proxy Statement.

If the Extension Amendment Proposal is not approved at the Extraordinary General Meeting, the Company will (i) cease all operations except for the purpose of winding up, (ii) as promptly as reasonably possible but not more than ten business days thereafter, redeem all of the Company's Class A ordinary shares (the "Public Shares") included as part of the units sold in the Company's initial public offering (the "IPO") that was consummated on August 17, 2021, at a per-share price, payable in cash, equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit in the trust account (the "Trust Account") established in connection with the IPO including interest earned on the funds held in the Trust Account and not previously released to the Company to pay its taxes, net of taxes payable (less up to $100,000 of interest to pay dissolution expenses), divided by the number of then outstanding Public Shares, which redemption will completely extinguish public shareholders' rights as shareholders (including the right to receive further liquidating distributions, if any), and (iii) as promptly as reasonably possible following such redemption, subject to the approval of the Company's remaining shareholders and its board of directors, dissolve and liquidate, subject in each case to the Company's obligations under Cayman Islands law to provide for claims of creditors and the requirements of other applicable law. Such redemption would occur by the close of business on August 18, 2023 with the last day of trading of the Company's securities on August 17, 2023.

About Kensington Capital Acquisition Corp. V

Kensington Capital Acquisition Corp. V is a special purpose acquisition company formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, stock purchase or similar business combination with a business in the industrial sector. Kensington's management team of Justin Mirro, Dan Huber, John Arney, Peter Goode, and Julian Ameler is supported by a board of independent directors including William Kassling, Anders Pettersson, Mitchell Quain, Mark Robertshaw, and Nickolas Vande Steeg.

For more information, please contact

Dan Huber

Chief Financial Officer

[email protected]

(703) 674-6514

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release may include "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this press release are forward-looking statements. When used in this press release, words such as "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "intend" and similar expressions, as they relate to us or our management team, identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs of management, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, the Company's management. Actual results could differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors detailed in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). All subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are qualified in their entirety by this paragraph. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous conditions, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including those set forth in the Risk Factors section of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on April 3, 2023 and other documents filed with the SEC. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this release, except as required by law.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND WHERE TO FIND IT

The Company will mail to its shareholders of record as of July 25, 2023, the Definitive Proxy Statement for the Extraordinary General Meeting to approve, among other proposals, the Extension Amendment Proposal. The Company urges investors, shareholders and other interested persons to read the Definitive Proxy Statement as well as other documents filed with the SEC, because these documents contain important information. Shareholders may also obtain a copy of the Definitive Proxy Statement, and other documents filed with the SEC, without charge, through the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov. Shareholders will also be able to obtain a copy of the Definitive Proxy Statement, without charge, by directing a request to: Kensington Capital Acquisition Corp. V, 1400 Old Country Road, Suite 301, Westbury, NY 11590, Attention: Secretary.

PARTICIPANTS IN THE SOLICITATION

The Company and its directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the Company's shareholders in connection with the Extraordinary General Meeting. Security holders may obtain more detailed information regarding the names, affiliations and interests of certain of the Company's executive officers and directors in the solicitation by reading the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on April 3, 2023, the Definitive Proxy Statement and other relevant materials filed with the SEC when they become available. Information concerning the interests of the Company's participants in the solicitation, which may, in some cases, be different from those of the Company's shareholders generally, is set forth in the Definitive Proxy Statement.

NO OFFER OR SOLICITATION

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, or constitute a solicitation of any vote or approval and shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy the Company's securities, nor shall there be any sale of any such securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such state or jurisdiction. No offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

SOURCE Kensington Capital Acquisition Corp. V
The Mandan City Commission has submitted its preferred option for a North Dakota Department of Transportation project that would expand the Interstate 94 Sunset Drive interchange.

The project seeks to address deteriorating pavement along the highway to meet future traffic needs, according to the DOT. It also evaluates options to provide accommodations for pedestrians and cyclists, which would improve safety along Sunset Drive, a major north-south corridor on the west side of the city.

The city chose to recommend a single-point urban interchange with lights at intersections over several other options.

State data shows that 95 crashes occurred in the interchange area  between Boundary Street Northwest and Old Red Trail Northwest  from 2017-22, with 37 taking place at the intersection of Sunset Drive and Old Red Trail.

The project is separate from a Bismarck-Mandan Metropolitan Planning Organization feasibility study underway on upgrading the parts of Sunset Drive north and south of the interchange. Construction on that project is at least five years away.

Physical work on the interchange project is expected in two years.

Project consultants Mead & Hunt evaluated four alternatives for the interchange and presented them at a public meeting on April 20 where public feedback was welcomed. Mead & Hunt also ranked the alternatives based on overall efficiency. Three alternatives can be constructed with stop lights or roundabouts at intersections  the fourth alternative was only considered with roundabouts  for a total of seven options, though only six were ranked.

The alternatives presented were a single-point urban interchange, a partial cloverleaf interchange, a diverging diamond interchange and a diamond interchange with roundabouts at intersections.

The current structure is a diamond interchange.

The top-ranked alternative was a single-point urban interchange with stop lights at intersections. The next ranked choice was also the single-point urban interchange but with roundabouts at intersections.

A single-point urban interchange is similar in form to a diamond interchange but has the advantage of allowing opposing left turns to proceed simultaneously by compressing the two intersections of a diamond into one single intersection over or under the free-flowing road.

That particular configuration gives us more space between the on and off ramps and our intersections, Mandan City Engineer Justin Froseth said.

The next-ranked choice was a partial cloverleaf interchange with stop lights at intersections.

The partial cloverleaf would have four straight ramps and a loop ramp. The loop would be used by drivers heading south on Sunset Drive wanting to head east. It would remove the left turn that currently takes place.

The diverging diamond interchange ranked fourth with stop lights at intersections and fifth with roundabouts.

In a diverging diamond, opposing directions of travel on the non-freeway road would cross each other on either side of the interchange, to reduce the amount of vehicles turning in front of oncoming traffic.

The fourth alternative, the diamond interchange with roundabouts at intersections, was not even ranked as it failed to address the needs of the project. This alterative would be the most similar to what is currently in place, but the lights at the exit and entrance ramps would be replaced with roundabouts.

The partial cloverleaf interchange with roundabouts ranked last.

The consultants will gather recommendations from over 15 groups  mostly divisions within DOT  to choose the alternative to go forward with.

The Mandan City Commission unanimously chose to submit the single-point urban interchange with stoplights as the citys preferred alternative.

The total cost of the project will range from $20.8 million to $26.4 million, depending on the final alternative chosen. It will mostly be funded by the DOT, but the city would need to pick up costs if construction expands past the DOT right-of-way.

We would potentially need to participate in any costs that are outside of the right-of-way if its the stoplights or changes to intersections that are on our side, but nothing is set in stone on that, Mandan City Planner Andrew Stromme said.

A second public meeting will be held in the coming months to present the rankings and preferred alternative.

Following that meeting an environmental report will be done of the preferred alternative, and design work can then begin. Utility relocations will begin in 2025 and the project will be finished by 2026.

More information is at https://bit.ly/46EX4Q2.
SHENZHEN, China, July 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- World's leading power converter expert KSTAR (002518.SZ) was named the top local Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) brand in China in terms of units sold, according to CCID's annual UPS market report.

Benefits from technological innovations, demand for digital transformations, and government strategies for the data center industry, China's UPS market totaled RMB 9.15 billion in 2022 with an 8% Y-O-Y growth.

Despite fierce competition in the Chinese UPS market, homegrown UPS producer Kstar kept its reputation as the favorite local supplier. According to the latest market report by CCID, Kstar UPS shipments in 2022 are about 243,000 units, occupying 14.2% of the market share. The report also ranked Kstar fourth in the fast-growing modular UPS and large-capacity UPS (200kva) market, moving one place from last year.

"We remain No.1 for 22 consecutive years thanks to consumers' trust. This is also a result of the company's continuous investments in more efficient technology." said Ivan Liang, the deputy director of Kstar's pre-sales department.

Last year, Kstar launched the KLi lithium-ion battery for its modular UPS systems, offering more options for data center operators interested in new battery technology for their infrastructures.

What's more, Kstar took advantage of the growing demand for highly-efficient and sustainable data centers by launching the 100/125 kW power module in 3U height for modular UPS system. The new modular solution, the HPM3300E, offers customers the benefits of high density, less space, and low energy consumption, making it a hit in new data centers, which has helped the company perform well in the modular and high-capacity UPS market.

Advantages in capacity also contributed to the success of the company. The 30-year-old UPS vendor owns five factories in 4 Chinese cities, and one in Vietnam, scaling its total output to 3 million annually. With plans to build even more UPS and battery factories worldwide, Kstar will solidify its leadership position in the coming years.

About KSTAR

Founded in 1993, the China-based company Shenzhen KSTAR Science And Technology Co Ltd (KSTAR) has a portfolio covering data center infrastructure, solar inverters and energy storage. With nearly 4,200 employees, Kstar is not only the best-selling local UPS brand in China and also the 5th largest UPS vendor worldwide via offering complete OEM & ODM services to global customers.

For more information:

Email: [email protected]

Related Links

https://www.kstar.com/

SOURCE Shenzhen KSTAR Science & Technology Co., Ltd
HONG KONG, July 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- In the face of ever-changing circumstances, technological innovation remains the eternal driving force behind the long-term growth of biopharmaceutical companies. It continuously breathes life into these enterprises, enabling them to successfully transition from concept to reality in research and development, and ultimately achieve commercial success. Recently, there have been exciting developments in Viva 's seven investment and incubation enterprises: DTx Pharma has reached an acquisition agreement with Novartis; Riparian has signed an exclusive licensing and research agreement with Pfizer; Arthrosi has completed a round of financing; AceLink, VivaVision Biotech, and Domain Therapeutics have all made significant strides in their respective research fields; and HAYA has appointed a new clinical advisory board chairperson.

Riparian Pharmaceuticals Announces Exclusive License Agreement and Research Agreement with Pfizer for Novel Cardiovascular Programs

WATERTOWN, Mass.-- Riparian Pharmaceuticals, a Viva Biotech portfolio company, is a biotechnology company focused on discovering novel therapeutics for cardiovascular diseases. Riparian today announced it has entered into an exclusive license agreement and research agreement with Pfizer.

In exchange for exclusive rights to a Riparian preclinical program, Pfizer will make upfront and milestone payments, as well as pay royalties on sales of resulting therapeutics. As part of the research agreement, Pfizer will support Riparian's efforts to discover further drug targets leading to vasoprotection and will have an option on such targets.

Dr. Zhixiong Ye, CSO of Viva Biotech, said, "Since September 2018, Viva Biotech has been investing and incubating Riparian, embarking on a long-term collaboration with their team in the discovery of novel targets, as well as compound design, synthesis, and testing. Leveraging our years of experience in First-in-class drug development and unique platform advantages, combined with our comprehensive one-stop service capabilities, we have supported Riparian in developing high-quality clinical drug candidates under the guidance of our seasoned team of scientists."

DTx Pharma Reached the Acquisition Agreement with Novartis

SAN DIEGO, July 17, 2023 -- DTx Pharma, invested and incubated by Viva BioInnovator (VBI), is a preclinical stage biotechnology company addressing the delivery challenges of oligonucleotide therapeutics with its Fatty Acid Ligand Conjugated OligoNucleotide (FALCON) platform. DTx Pharma utilizes its groundbreaking FALCON platform, a conjugated oligonucleotide technology using fatty acid ligands, to tackle the delivery challenges of oligonucleotide therapies. According to the terms of the agreement, Novartis will provide an upfront payment of $500 million, with an additional payment of up to $500 million upon the achievement of specified milestones.

The FALCON platform represents a significant advancement as it facilitates the delivery of small interfering RNA (siRNA) therapeutic drugs to tissues beyond the liver, enhancing their activity and enabling more effective biologic distribution and cellular uptake of siRNA drugs.

Notably, DTx Pharma's lead pipeline candidate, DTx-1252, is currently undergoing preclinical development and has obtained FDA orphan drug designation for treating Type 1A Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT1A). In addition to the promising CMT1A project, Novartis will also gain exclusive rights to the FALCON platform and two other early-stage projects aimed at addressing neuro-muscular and central nervous system indications.

Dr. Han Dai, CIO of Viva Biotech and head of Viva BioInnovator, stated, "We are thrilled to have been a part of DTx Pharma's growth story, supporting them from concept validation to preclinical research, and actively participating in multiple rounds of financing. This acquisition is yet another testament to the strategic foresight and expert post-investment support provided by Viva's investment team."

Arthrosi Secures $75M in Series D Financing

SAN DIEGO, July 11, 2023 -- Arthrosi Therapeutics, invested and incubated by Viva BioInnovator (VBI), is a clinical-stage biotechnology company. Recently they announced the successful securing of $75 million in Series D financing. This round is led by Guangrun Health Industry (Hong Kong) Co. Limited and backed by a consortium of investors, including Reichstein Biotech (HK) Co. Limited, a subsidiary of ApicHope Pharmaceuticals. The participation of these notable investors underscores their continued confidence and commitment to the development of AR882. This financing represents another milestone in the development of AR882, a highly potent and selective next-gen URAT1 inhibitor delivered in a once-daily immediate-release oral capsule. AR882 has the potential to change the treatment paradigm for gout, addressing critical aspects such as serum uric acid (sUA) levels, flares, and tophi reduction.

AceLink Therapeutics has been granted FDA approval to commence Phase 2 clinical trials of AL1211 for patients with Fabry disease.

NEWARK, Calif. -- AceLink Therapeutics, Inc., a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company incubated and invested by Viva BioInnovator (VBI), is working on the development of a next-generation oral substrate reduction therapy (SRT) to address significant unmet medical needs and improve the quality of life for patients with inherited glycosphingolipid metabolic disorders. On June 21st, the company announced that it has received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to initiate Phase 2 clinical trials for its leading project, AL1211.

VVN539, a dual-target innovative drug for glaucoma independently developed by VivaVision, reached the primary research endpoint in the Phase II clinical trial in the United States

Recently, VivaVision Biotech-an innovative ophthalmic drug company, which is invested and incubated by Viva BioInnovator (VBI), announced that its dual-target drug VVN539 has reached the primary study endpoint in the US phase II clinical trial for patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

Compared with the vehicle group, the 0.04% VVN539 dose group achieved statistical significance and clinical significance at all time points, and the intraocular pressure reduction range was about 5-6 mmHg. The 0.02% VVN539 dose group also achieved statistically significant reductions in IOP compared to the vehicle group at most time points. No significant treatment-related adverse events were observed in the study.

Domain Therapeutics announces nomination of first-in-class PAR2 NAM candidate, DT-9045, to unlock new cancer treatment possibilities

STRASBOURG, France, and MONTREAL, Canada, June 5, 2023 -- Domain Therapeutics ("Domain" or "the Company"), invested and incubated by Viva BioInnovator (VBI), is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing innovative drug candidates in immunooncology targeting G Protein-Coupled Receptors (GPCRs). On June 5th, Domain announced the nomination of a drug candidate, a Negative Allosteric Modulator (NAM) of protease-activated receptor 2 (PAR2), DT-9045, with first-in-class potential for immuno-oncology, particularly for fibrotic tumors.

Domain nominated DT-9045 as a first-in-class PAR2 NAM clinical candidate based on its added value, unique properties, and greater therapeutic potential in comparison to biologics targeting PAR2 currently in the clinic by several competitors. DT-9045 has demonstrated proof-of-concept efficacy in syngeneic models potentiating the antitumor activity of an anti-PD1 treatment.

HAYA Therapeutics has named medical doctor Douglas L. Mann as the chairperson of clinical advisory board

LAUSANNE, Switzerland, and SAN DIEGO -- On June 20th, HAYA Therapeutics, a precision medicine company incubated and invested by Viva BioInnovator (VBI), specializing in the development of targeted therapies for tissue and cell-specific long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), announced the appointment of Dr. Douglas L. Mann as the chairperson of clinical advisory board. Dr. Mann, a renowned expert in cardiology, clinical researcher, and cardiovascular investigator, joining the team is expected to accelerate the advancement of HAYA Therapeutics' heart failure candidate drug, HTX-001, towards clinical trials.

About Riparian Pharmaceuticals

Riparian Pharmaceuticals, Inc., is a privately held biotechnology company founded to discover drug targets and therapeutics that impact endothelial dysfunction and vascular inflammation. These two processes underly and drive several cardiometabolic diseases. Riparian has raised $6M in combined investment and research services from Viva Biotech and JMCR Partners, as well as support from research foundations including the National Institutes of Health and the Massachusetts Life Science Center.

About DTx Pharma

DTx Pharma, Inc. is a privately held biotechnology company, addressing the challenges associated with delivering RNA-based therapeutics beyond the liver with the company's proprietary Fatty Acid Ligand Conjugated OligoNucleotide (FALCON) technology platform. The FALCON platform leverages fatty acids for enhanced biodistribution and cellular uptake to tissues and cell types throughout the body. In preclinical studies, FALCON siRNAs have demonstrated potent and durable repression of target genes in the peripheral nervous system (PNS), skeletal muscle, heart, skin, and CNS. FALCON siRNAs can be delivered by intravenous, subcutaneous, and intrathecal routes of administration and can be manufactured at a relatively low cost. The company has a pipeline focused on PNS, CNS, and neuromuscular diseases. DTx Pharma has raised more than $115M in combined investment from several of the world's leading healthcare investors including RA Capital Management, Access Biotechnology, Surveyor Capital (a Citadel company), Eli Lilly and Company, Friedman Bioventure, Viva Biotech Holdings, as well as support from research foundations including the CMT Research Foundation (CMTRF) and the National Institutes of Health. To learn more about DTx Pharma, please visit www.dtxpharma.com and follow DTx on LinkedIn and Twitter @DTxPharma.

About Arthrosi

Arthrosi Therapeutics, Inc. was founded in San Diego, CA, in 2018 with a mission to create a revolutionary treatment option to target uric acid levels and reduce joint damage for people living with gout. With its vast therapeutic and treatment knowledge, Arthrosi has accumulated a comprehensive and robust intellectual property portfolio and impressive Phase 1 and Phase 2b data showing industry-leading efficacy rates and superior safety profiles.

About AceLink Therapeutics, Inc.

Founded in 2018, AceLink Therapeutics is an innovative biopharma startup focusing on developing safe and effective medicines to address genetic diseases with high unmet needs. The company's initial focus is to develop novel therapeutics for Fabry disease. For more information, please visit www.acelinktherapeutics.com.

About VivaVision Biotech

VivaVision is a clinical stage pharmaceutical company focused on best-in-class and first-in-class therapies for ocular diseases. VivaVision's current pipeline includes VVN001 for treating dry eye syndrome, VVN539 for the treatment for Glaucoma or Ocular Hypertension, and VVN461 for the treatment of non-infectious ocular inflammation of Uveitis. VivaVision is also engaged in discovery and development of novel therapies for the treatment of other anterior and posterior eye diseases. For more info, visit www.vivavisionbio.com.

About Domain Therapeutics

Domain Therapeutics is a cutting-edge biopharmaceutical company operating in both France and Canada, dedicated to discovering and developing innovative candidate drugs targeting G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). GPCRs represent one of the most significant drug target classes today. The companys primary focus is on developing high-value candidate drugs to tackle GPCR-mediated immune suppression in the field of immuno-oncology. In early 2022, the company successfully raised 39 million euros to advance the development of these high-value candidate drugs. For more information, please visit www.domaintherapeutics.com.

About HAYA Therapeutics

HAYA Therapeutics is a precision therapeutics company that discovers and develops innovative tissue- and cell-selective genomic medicines for fibrotic diseases and other serious health conditions associated with aging, including cancer. The company's discovery engine focuses on long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) within the "dark matter" of the human genome -- key tissue and cell-specific drivers of fibrosis and other disease processes -- to identify novel targets and drug candidates with the potential for greater efficacy and safety than existing treatments.

About Viva Biotech Holdings

Established in 2008, Viva Biotech (01873.HK) provides one-stop services ranging from early-stage Structure-Based Drug R&D to commercial drug delivery to global biopharmaceutical innovators. We offer leading early-stage to late-phase drug discovery expertise by integrating our dedicated team of experts, cutting-edge technology platforms, and state-of-the-art equipment in X-ray crystallization, Cryo-EM, ASMS, SPR, HDX, CADD, and much more. Our business covers all aspects of therapeutic strategies and drug modalities, including small molecules and biologics across the pharma and biotech spectrum. The experienced chemistry team, led by senior medicinal chemists and drug discovery biologists, provides services for drug design, medicinal chemistry (hit to lead and lead optimization), custom synthesis, chemical analysis and purification, kilogram scale-up, peptide synthesis and corresponding bioassays. With our subsidiary, Langhua Pharma, we offer our worldwide pharmaceutical and biotech partners a one-stop integrated CMC (Chemical, Manufacturing, and Control) service from preclinical to commercial manufacturing. Additionally, Viva embedded an equity for service (EFS) model to high potential startups to address unmet medical needs.

SOURCE Viva Biotech Holdings
NEW YORK, July 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The lead acid battery market in US is set to grow by USD 1,170.19 million from 2022 to 2027. However, the growth momentum will progress at a CAGR of 3.01% during the forecast period, according to Technavio. The lead acid battery market in us is fragmented, and the vendors are seeking strong partnerships with automotive, industrial, and commercial companies to compete in the market. C and D Technologies Inc., Camel Group Co. Ltd., Clarios, Concorde Battery Corp., Crown Equipment Corp., East Penn Manufacturing Co. Inc., Energizer Holdings Inc., EnerSys, Exponential Power Inc., HBL Power Systems Ltd., Johnson Controls International Plc, Panasonic Holdings Corp., Power-Sonic Corp., Robert Bosch GmbH, Surrette Battery Co. Ltd., Teledyne Technologies Inc., Trojan Battery Co. LLC, U.S. Battery Manufacturing Co., UPS Battery Center Ltd., and Wirtz Mfg Co. Inc. are some of the major market participants -. To know about the vendor offerings - Request a sample report

Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Lead Acid Battery Market in US

Lead Acid Battery Market in US 2023-2027: Scope

Technavio presents a detailed picture of the market by way of study, synthesis, and summation of data from multiple sources. The lead acid battery market in the US report covers the following areas:

The lead acid battery market in US is fragmented, and the degree of fragmentation will accelerate. The rising focus on green telecom towers will offer immense growth opportunities. However, the Declining costs of lithium-ion batteries will hamper the market growth.

Lead Acid Battery Market in the US 2023-2027: Drivers & Challenges

DRIVERS

The increasing focus on green telecom towers drives the lead acid battery market growth in the US during the forecast period. There is increasing mobile and smartphone penetration across the US due to the rising population and rapid advancements in technology in the region. Additionally, there is a significant increase in the growth of the telecommunication industry in the US due to reduced tariffs caused by severe market competition. As a result, it led to an increase in the installation of green telecom towers. Furthermore, several telecom providers in the US are under severe pressure to minimize their carbon footprint and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions. Hence, prominent manufacturers such as C&D Technologies INC, Clarios, EnerSys, and East Penn manufacturing co. are diversifying their power system portfolios. Hence, such factors are expected to have a positive impact on the market which in turn will drive the lead acid battery market growth in the US during the forecast period.

TRENDS

An increase in vendor partnerships is a primary trend in the lead acid battery market in the US during the forecast period. There is significant collaboration between several prominent vendors and stakeholders in the lead-acid battery market. One of the main focuses of such collaborations is to develop advanced lead-acid battery technology to produce lead-based batteries more competitive than lithium-ion batteries in terms of performance. Several focus areas of research include pre-competitive research, technology development, and technology sharing. Furthermore, many pre-competitive research organizations such as the Consortium for Battery Innovation (CBI) are included in the lead-acid battery market in the US which includes lead-acid battery manufacturers, raw material suppliers, technology suppliers, research institutions, and a panel of specialists constituting members from the world's leading lead-acid battery manufacturing companies and R&D companies. Hence, such vendor partnerships are expected to drive the lead acid battery market in the US during the forecast period.

CHALLENGES

The declining costs of lithium-ion batteries can be a major challenge hindering the market growth during the forecast period. There is an increasing preference for lead-acid batteries over lithium-ion batteries due to their lower cost. However, there are several advantages to lithium-ion batteries when compared to lead-acid batteries. One of the main advantages of lithium-ion batteries is that they can provide superior performance due to higher current density, longer power-holding capacity, and longer shelf life compared with lead-acid batteries. As a result, the preference for lithium-ion batteries is gradually increasing in the market. Additionally, the improved production scale and manufacturing efficiency have significantly decreased the cost gap between the two types of batteries. Hence, such factors are expected to hinder the lead acid battery market in the US during the forecast period.

To learn more about the global trends impacting the future of market research, download

a PDF sample

Lead Acid Battery Market in the US 2023-2027: Segment Analysis

The lead acid battery market in the US market is segmented as follows:

Application

Mobile



Stationary

Type

Flooded



Sealed

Lead Acid Battery Market in the US 2023-2027: Segmentation Highlights

The market share by the mobile segment is significant during the forecast period. Some of the main mobile segment includes the lead-acid batteries used in cars, internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles Electric vehicles (EVs), commercial vehicles, and two-wheelers. The main requirement for lead acid batteries in the automotive industry is SLI ((starting, lighting, ignition) in ICE vehicles as well as start/stop applications in conventional vehicles and EVs. The rising demand for automobiles, mainly in emerging economies as well as in developed markets such as the US is expected to significantly fuel the growth of this segment. Hence, such factors are expected to drive market growth 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

Lead Acid Battery Market in the US 2023-2027: Key Highlights

CAGR of the market during the forecast period 2023-2027

Detailed information on factors that will assist the lead acid battery market in US growth during the next five years

Estimation of the lead acid battery market in US size and its contribution to the parent market

Predictions on upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior

The growth of the lead acid battery market across the US

Analysis of the market's competitive landscape and detailed information on vendors

Comprehensive details of factors that will challenge the growth of the lead acid battery market vendors in US

Get Instant access to 17000+ market research report

Technavio's Subscription Platform

Related Reports:

The lithium-ion battery (LIB) separator market size is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 10.91% from 2022 to 2027. The market size is forecast to increase by USD 2,526.16 million. This lithium-ion battery (LIB) separator market report extensively covers market segmentation by application (automotive and non-automotive), material (polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon, and others), and geography (APAC, Europe, North America, Middle East and Africa, and South America). Rising demand for smart devices is the major factor notably driving the market growth.

The hydro-pumped storage plants market size is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 7.71% between 2022 and 2027. The market size is forecast to increase by USD 147.54 billion. This hydro-pumped storage plants market report extensively covers market segmentation by application (load balancing, ancillary grid services, stability, and storage capacity), type (open-loop and closed-loop), and geography (APAC, Europe, North America, South America, and the Middle East and Africa). The demand for new water resources due to urbanization and safety concerns is driving market growth.

Lead Acid Battery Market Scope In US Report Coverage Details Base year 2022 Historic period 2017-2021 Forecast period 2023-2027 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 3.01% Market growth 2023-2027 USD 1,170.19 million Market structure Fragmented YoY growth 2022-2023 (%) 2.79 Competitive landscape Leading Vendors, Market Positioning of Vendors, Competitive Strategies, and Industry Risks Key companies profiled C and D Technologies Inc., Camel Group Co. Ltd., Clarios, Concorde Battery Corp., Crown Equipment Corp., East Penn Manufacturing Co. Inc., Energizer Holdings Inc., EnerSys, Exponential Power Inc., HBL Power Systems Ltd., Johnson Controls International Plc, Panasonic Holdings Corp., Power-Sonic Corp., Robert Bosch GmbH, Surrette Battery Co. Ltd., Teledyne Technologies Inc., Trojan Battery Co. LLC, U.S. Battery Manufacturing Co., UPS Battery Center Ltd., and Wirtz Mfg Co. 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 the forecast period Customization purview If our report has not included the data that you are looking for, you can reach out to our analysts and get segments customized. Customization purview If our report has not included the data that you are looking for, you can reach out to our analysts and get segments customized.

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 Application



Exhibit 05: Executive Summary  Chart on Market Segmentation by Type



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 US - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 12: Data Table on US - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 13: Chart on US: Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 14: Data Table on US: Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

4 Historic Market Size

4.1 Lead acid battery market in US 2017 - 2021

Exhibit 15: Historic Market Size  Data Table on lead acid battery market in US 2017 - 2021 ($ million)

4.2 Application Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021

Exhibit 16: Historic Market Size  Application Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ million)

4.3 Type Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021

Exhibit 17: Historic Market Size  Type Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ million)

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 Application

6.1 Market segments

Exhibit 25: Chart on Application - Market share 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 26: Data Table on Application - Market share 2022-2027 (%)

6.2 Comparison by Application

Exhibit 27: Chart on Comparison by Application



Exhibit 28: Data Table on Comparison by Application

6.3 Mobile - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 29: Chart on Mobile - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 30: Data Table on Mobile - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 31: Chart on Mobile - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 32: Data Table on Mobile - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

6.4 Stationary - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 33: Chart on Stationary - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 34: Data Table on Stationary - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 35: Chart on Stationary - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 36: Data Table on Stationary - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

6.5 Market opportunity by Application

Exhibit 37: Market opportunity by Application ($ million)



Exhibit 38: Data Table on Market opportunity by Application ($ million)

7 Market Segmentation by Type

7.1 Market segments

Exhibit 39: Chart on Type - Market share 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 40: Data Table on Type - Market share 2022-2027 (%)

7.2 Comparison by Type

Exhibit 41: Chart on Comparison by Type



Exhibit 42: Data Table on Comparison by Type

7.3 Flooded - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 43: Chart on Flooded - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 44: Data Table on Flooded - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 45: Chart on Flooded - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 46: Data Table on Flooded - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

7.4 Sealed - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 47: Chart on Sealed - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 48: Data Table on Sealed - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 49: Chart on Sealed - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 50: Data Table on Sealed - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

7.5 Market opportunity by Type

Exhibit 51: Market opportunity by Type ($ million)



Exhibit 52: Data Table on Market opportunity by Type ($ million)

8 Customer Landscape

8.1 Customer landscape overview

Exhibit 53: 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 54: Impact of drivers and challenges in 2022 and 2027

9.4 Market trends

10 Vendor Landscape

10.1 Overview

10.2 Vendor landscape

Exhibit 55: Overview on Criticality of inputs and Factors of differentiation

10.3 Landscape disruption

Exhibit 56: Overview on factors of disruption

10.4 Industry risks

Exhibit 57: Impact of key risks on business

11 Vendor Analysis

11.1 Vendors covered

Exhibit 58: Vendors covered

11.2 Market positioning of vendors

Exhibit 59: Matrix on vendor position and classification

11.3 C and D Technologies Inc.

Exhibit 60: C and D Technologies Inc. - Overview



Exhibit 61: C and D Technologies Inc. - Product / Service



Exhibit 62: C and D Technologies Inc. - Key offerings

11.4 Camel Group Co. Ltd.

Exhibit 63: Camel Group Co. Ltd. - Overview



Exhibit 64: Camel Group Co. Ltd. - Product / Service



Exhibit 65: Camel Group Co. Ltd. - Key offerings

11.5 Concorde Battery Corp.

Exhibit 66: Concorde Battery Corp. - Overview



Exhibit 67: Concorde Battery Corp. - Product / Service



Exhibit 68: Concorde Battery Corp. - Key offerings

11.6 Crown Equipment Corp.

Exhibit 69: Crown Equipment Corp. - Overview



Exhibit 70: Crown Equipment Corp. - Product / Service



Exhibit 71: Crown Equipment Corp. - Key offerings

11.7 East Penn Manufacturing Co. Inc.

Exhibit 72: East Penn Manufacturing Co. Inc. - Overview



Exhibit 73: East Penn Manufacturing Co. Inc. - Product / Service



Exhibit 74: East Penn Manufacturing Co. Inc. - Key news



Exhibit 75: East Penn Manufacturing Co. Inc. - Key offerings

11.8 Energizer Holdings Inc.

Exhibit 76: Energizer Holdings Inc. - Overview



Exhibit 77: Energizer Holdings Inc. - Business segments



Exhibit 78: Energizer Holdings Inc. - Key offerings



Exhibit 79: Energizer Holdings Inc. - Segment focus

11.9 EnerSys

Exhibit 80: EnerSys - Overview



Exhibit 81: EnerSys - Business segments



Exhibit 82: EnerSys - Key news



Exhibit 83: EnerSys - Key offerings



Exhibit 84: EnerSys - Segment focus

11.10 Johnson Controls International Plc

Exhibit 85: Johnson Controls International Plc - Overview



Exhibit 86: Johnson Controls International Plc - Business segments



Exhibit 87: Johnson Controls International Plc - Key news



Exhibit 88: Johnson Controls International Plc - Key offerings



Exhibit 89: Johnson Controls International Plc - Segment focus

11.11 Power Sonic Corp.

Exhibit 90: Power Sonic Corp. - Overview



Exhibit 91: Power Sonic Corp. - Product / Service



Exhibit 92: Power Sonic Corp. - Key offerings

11.12 Robert Bosch GmbH

Exhibit 93: Robert Bosch GmbH - Overview



Exhibit 94: Robert Bosch GmbH - Business segments



Exhibit 95: Robert Bosch GmbH - Key news



Exhibit 96: Robert Bosch GmbH - Key offerings



Exhibit 97: Robert Bosch GmbH - Segment focus

11.13 Teledyne Technologies Inc.

Exhibit 98: Teledyne Technologies Inc. - Overview



Exhibit 99: Teledyne Technologies Inc. - Business segments



Exhibit 100: Teledyne Technologies Inc. - Key news



Exhibit 101: Teledyne Technologies Inc. - Key offerings



Exhibit 102: Teledyne Technologies Inc. - Segment focus

11.14 Trojan Battery Co. LLC

Exhibit 103: Trojan Battery Co. LLC - Overview



Exhibit 104: Trojan Battery Co. LLC - Product / Service



Exhibit 105: Trojan Battery Co. LLC - Key offerings

11.15 U.S. Battery Manufacturing Co.

Exhibit 106: U.S. Battery Manufacturing Co. - Overview



Exhibit 107: U.S. Battery Manufacturing Co. - Product / Service



Exhibit 108: U.S. Battery Manufacturing Co. - Key offerings

11.16 UPS Battery Center Ltd.

Exhibit 109: UPS Battery Center Ltd. - Overview



Exhibit 110: UPS Battery Center Ltd. - Product / Service



Exhibit 111: UPS Battery Center Ltd. - Key offerings

11.17 Wirtz Mfg Co. Inc.

Exhibit 112: Wirtz Mfg Co. Inc. - Overview



Exhibit 113: Wirtz Mfg Co. Inc. - Product / Service



Exhibit 114: Wirtz Mfg Co. Inc. - Key offerings

12 Appendix

12.1 Scope of the report

12.2 Inclusions and exclusions checklist

Exhibit 115: Inclusions checklist



Exhibit 116: Exclusions checklist

12.3 Currency conversion rates for US$

Exhibit 117: Currency conversion rates for US$

12.4 Research methodology

Exhibit 118: Research methodology



Exhibit 119: Validation techniques employed for market sizing



Exhibit 120: Information sources

12.5 List of abbreviations

Exhibit 121: 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
CENTEGIX praises panic alarm legislation by Representative Gottheimer

WASHINGTON, July 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- CENTEGIX, the leader in incident response solutions, commended Representative Joshua Gottheimer (D-NJ) and other Congressional leaders for their introduction of the Alyssa's Legacy Youth in Schools Safety Alert (ALYSSA) Act today. The legislation will require public schools across America to provide all classrooms with silent panic alarm technology.

Lori Alhadeff, mother of Alyssa Alhadeff - a victim of the 2018 Parkland, Florida shooting - speaks in front of the U.S. Capitol Building to support the ALYSSA Act. Named in Alyssa's honor, the ALYSSA Act would mandate silent panic alarms in schools nationwide. Supporters of the ALYSSA Act, which would mandate silent panic alarms in schools nationwide, stand in front of the U.S. Capitol Building.

"This is a major step forward in the effort to keep our schools safe," said CENTEGIX CEO Brent Cobb. "We as a nation have gotten far too many reminders that, in a crisis, a fast emergency response is crucial to saving lives. An effective emergency alert system is key to enabling the fastest response possible. Through the work of leaders in Congress like Representative Gottheimer, students, parents and teachers across the country are that much closer to peace of mind that their schools are secure."

The ALYSSA Act is named for Alyssa Alhadeff, a victim of the 2018 Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, and has been championed by Alyssa's parents, Lori and Dr. Ilan Alhadeff. As part of a nationwide effort to bring panic alarms to classrooms, six states across the political spectrum, including New Jersey, Florida and New York, have passed their own versions of the legislation. The ALYSSA Act has garnered support across the political spectrum for its effective, common-sense solution for school safety, including in Texas, whose version of the bill recently passed unanimously in both legislative chambers.

CENTEGIX offers its CrisisAlert platform, a rapid incident response solution that protects students and staff members by empowering teachers and staff to immediately get help with a discreet panic button on a wearable badge. CrisisAlert operates via a private network, the ideal solution for schools where gaps in Wi-Fi and poor cellular signals often disrupt connectivity. With built-in location technology and campus-wide notification capabilities, CrisisAlert can simultaneously send a school into lockdown while immediately providing first responders with actionable information enabling them to respond faster in any situation.

Exceeding the ALYSSA Act's requirements, CENTEGIX protects over 11,500 schools nationwide, including in 3 of the 10 largest school districts in the United States, helping bring peace of mind and security to classrooms across the country.

Nationwide, CENTEGIX's CrisisAlert platform has successfully delivered more than 100,000 alerts in the 2022/2023 school year. Ninety-eight percent of K-12 alerts were attributed to everyday events, such as a medical emergency or student altercation. To learn more about school safety trends, download CENTEGIX's 2023 Spring School Safety Trends report here .

About CENTEGIX:

CENTEGIX is the leader in incident response solutions. Our CrisisAlert platform is the fastest and easiest way for staff to get help in any emergency, from the everyday to the extreme. CENTEGIX creates safer spaces by innovating technology to empower and protect people and leaders nationwide trust our safety solutions to provide peace of mind. To learn more about CENTEGIX, visit www.CENTEGIX.com .

MEDIA CONTACT

Dylan MacInerney

(512) 481-2496

[email protected]

SOURCE CENTEGIX
RESTON, Va., July 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Leidos Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:LDOS) today announced that its Board of Directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.36 per outstanding share of common stock of Leidos Holdings, Inc. The cash dividend is payable on September 29, 2023, to stockholders of record as of the close of business on September 15, 2023.

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.

Media contact:

Melissa Lee Duenas

(571) 526-6850

[email protected]

Investor Relations:

Stuart Davis

(571) 526-6124

[email protected]

SOURCE Leidos
LUBUMBASHI, Democratic Republic of the Congo, July 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Malaika , the NGO founded by Congolese model and activist Noella Coursaris Musunka to empower the next generation of leaders through access to education, water, and healthcare, celebrated its 2023 graduation ceremony on 27 July. Marking a historic moment for the organization, the ceremony celebrated the graduation of 17 girls , who have received an education from Malaika for the past 12 years. Hip-hop star and actress Eve, a longstanding Malaika Ambassador who has been named as President of the First Cohort of Malaika Students, attended as the graduation ceremony's guest of honor.

Malaikas first-ever graduating class celebrating the completion of their education at the Malaika school.

In just 15 years since its 2007 founding, Malaika has become a transformative ecosystem in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Today, the Malaika School educates 430 girls, offering free, accredited education in STEM, coding, arts, and sports. The Malaika Community Center impacts 6,000 youth and adults annually, hosting technical training supported by the Caterpillar Foundation. Malaika's initiatives also provide clean water for 35,000 people and nutritious meals for students and staff, all at no cost.

Also in attendance were Governor Jacques Kyabula Katwe and Url Kluser, General Secretary of UEFA Foundation. This historic moment was celebrated with performances and speeches by students and youth of the Community Center. Eve, as President of the First Cohort also spoke. After the ceremony, guests had the opportunity to visit the Malaika Scientific Village, organized by the students to showcase their comprehension of STEM education.

"This summer marks a big milestone for Malaika, as we say farewell to our very first cohort of students. These 17 students are embarking on the next chapter of their lives, taking everything that they've learned at Malaika with them," commented Founder & Executive Director Noella Coursaris Musunka. "Our students will always remain part of the Malaika family, and our work doesn't stop when our girls close the school's doors behind them."

Malaika Ambassador Eve, a hip-hop star and actress, commented: "Coming together as one big Malaika family this summer means so much as we celebrate the past 12 years of education for these 17 girls and set them off on their next chapter. Malaika is rewriting the narrative for girls and their families, and I couldn't be prouder to be part of the Malaika family."

For press enquiries, contact [email protected] .

For imagery of the graduation, click here.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2165090/Malaika_Foundation_Graduation.jpg

SOURCE Malaika Foundation
DETROIT, July 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Holm Belsheim has joined McDonald Hopkins LLC as an Associate in the Litigation Department, adding his expertise to the firm's national Data Privacy and Cybersecurity Practice Group.

Belsheim is accredited by the International Association of Privacy Professionals as a Certified Information Privacy Professional for the United States, the gold standard certification for information privacy professionals. He is also accredited by the IAPP as a Certified Information Privacy Professional for Europe.

Holm Belsheim has joined McDonald Hopkins LLC as an Associate in the Litigation Department, adding his expertise to the firms national Data Privacy and Cybersecurity Practice Group.

Belsheim's practice focuses on advising companies in a wide variety of industries on best practices for preventing and responding to data privacy and cybersecurity incidents. His experience includes revising privacy policies and data processing agreements, advising clients on third-party privacy agreements, drafting licensing and privacy agreements, and performing risk assessments. Belsheim has specific expertise on data privacy and cybersecurity matters involved in M&A transactions, including advising on breach notification and privacy law compliance and performing diligence on information technology, intellectual property and software agreement licensing.

Belsheim earned his J.D. from the University of Minnesota Law School and his B.A. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

He can be reached at 312.642.6027 and [email protected]

About McDonald Hopkins

Founded in 1930, McDonald Hopkins is a business advisory and advocacy law firm with locations in Baltimore/Annapolis, Chicago, Cleveland, Columbus, Detroit, and West Palm Beach. With more than 50 service and industry teams, the firm has the expertise and knowledge to meet the growing number of legal and business challenges our clients face. For more information about McDonald Hopkins, visit mcdonaldhopkins.com .

CONTACT:

Cynthia Stewart

McDonald Hopkins LLC

600 Superior Avenue, East, Suite 2100

Cleveland, Ohio 44114

Phone: 216.348.5733

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE McDonald Hopkins
Chevrolet takes top two truck spots with Ford taking five spots in the top ten; Fiat is the most budget-friendly SUV to insure with Honda having three in the top ten

LOS ANGELES, July 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Consumers continue to gravitate towards larger vehicles as truck and SUV segments dominate sales in the U.S., a trend that shows no signs of slowing down. Mercury Insurance (NYSE: MCY), a leading personal and commercial auto insurer in California, the car capital of the U.S., and provider of auto insurance in 10 other states, has generated a list of the most affordable new SUVs and trucks to help car-buyers find a vehicle that will save them money on insurance.

Mercury's research and development team examined 2023 model year (MY) trucks and SUVs that are available at car dealerships today to compile this list1.

"The appeal of trucks and SUVs is that they can handle weekday work commutes as well as weekend excursions," said Mercury Insurance Director of Product Management R&D Chong Gao. "New models have fantastic fuel economy for pickups and a variety of sizes to fit your lifestyle. Mercury Insurance wants to let consumers know about which truck or SUV might be the best fit for them and their families."

Here is the top-ten list for new 2023 trucks, beginning with the most affordable make and model to insure:

Chevrolet Colorado

Chevrolet Silverado

Ford Maverick

Ford Ranger

Hyundai Santa Cruz

Toyota Tundra Crewmax

Ford F350 Super Duty

Ford F150

Toyota Tacoma

Ford F250 Super Duty

The top-ten list for new 2023 SUVs, also beginning with the most affordable make and model to insure is the:

Fiat 500X

Hyundai Santa Fe

Honda Passport

Honda Pilot

Jeep Cherokee

Chevrolet Blazer

Mazda CX-9

Kia Sportage

Honda CR-V

Ford Escape

About Mercury Insurance

Mercury Insurance (NYSE: MCY) is a multiple-line insurance carrier predominantly offering personal auto, homeowners, renters and commercial insurance through a network of independent agents in Arizona, California, Georgia, Illinois, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Texas and Virginia, as well as auto insurance in Florida. Mercury writes other lines of insurance in various states, including commercial, business owners and business auto, landlord, home-sharing, ride-hailing and mechanical protection insurance.

Since 1962, Mercury has provided customers with tremendous value for their insurance dollar by pairing ultracompetitive rates with excellent customer service. Mercury has earned "A" ratings from A.M. Best and Fitch, as well as "Best Auto Insurance Company" designations from Forbes and Insure.com. For more information visit www.MercuryInsurance.com or follow the company on Twitter or Facebook.

1 Mercury Insurance developed the list based on full coverage premium (BI, PD, COMP, COLL, MP, UMBI and UMPD) for a hypothetical driver with average factors for each rating element.

SOURCE Mercury General Corporation
MCKINNEY, Texas, July 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Looking to enter new markets and serve homebuyers in the North Carolina area, a 26-year-old mortgage company, SFMC, LP is adding a top-producing Loan Officer to the team under the dba Home Orbit Lending.

Last week, Home Orbit Lending announced that Matthew Valentine, a long-time resident of Raleigh, joined the team to further build his career, serve his local community, and help build the Home Orbit Lending brand in North Carolina.

Matt Valentine

"I'm excited about Matt leading the charge in North Carolina as we continue to grow and serve homeowners in these new communities," said CEO Shawn Broussard.

Having deep roots in the Raleigh area, Valentine is proud of his community, talked about how he has seen the area change over time, and expressed how much he enjoys helping buyers get into homes.

"I love seeing first time homebuyers that are Raleigh born and raised," he said. "Getting to guide them through the process, learn their goals, and see their excitement is really fun."

Making his entrance into the mortgage business 10 years ago, Valentine learned the ropes and started to continually push the envelope to help himself grow as a Loan Officer and take his production to the next level.

Mentioning that there can be misinformation surrounding the mortgage process, Valentine said that he and his team take a planning approach when helping buyers with their financing journey. He said it's important to make sure that they are showing their buyers options that could help them with their short- and long-term goals.



In addition to helping people achieve homeownership, Valentine also enjoys supporting his community in his free time helping with his wife's non-profit organization, a therapeutic horseback riding center for kids with special needs.

When asked what drew him to Home Orbit Lending, he said that the technology and processes were great and that he was a big fan of how the company was run with a linear management structure.

"If I ever need something, I know I can go to someone who can make a decision, and that was really important to me," Valentine said. "I am really looking forward to building this brand in the Raleigh market and helping people get into homes."

Media Contact:

James Wallace

817-614-4387

[email protected]

SOURCE Home Orbit Lending
Outstanding ERTC claims remain at nearly half a million despite IRS claims backlog is cleared

WASHINGTON, July 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Hundreds of thousands of small businesses remain at risk of layoffs or closure despite the Internal Revenue Service's assertion that the backlog of Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) claims has been cleared, the National Association of Professional Employer Organizations (NAPEO) told lawmakers Thursday.

Speaking before the House Ways and Means Committee's Oversight Subcommittee, NAPEO President and CEO Pat Cleary warned that the backlog of ERTC claims remain on the rise, despite a July 26 announcement from IRS Commissioner Daniel Werfel that the backlog has been cleared.

"They're entitled to their own opinion, not their own facts," said Cleary, noting that the most recent figures from the IRS show there are still 488,000 outstanding ERTC claims  114,000 higher than a month prior.

Cleary also noted that the problem is much bigger than the numbers indicate. Many claims are filed on an aggregate basis, meaning multiple small business claims are filed together in the same form. The IRS counts aggregate filers as only one case, when in fact there could be hundreds or thousands of businesses on a single form. He pushed the IRS to dedicate additional resources to processing ERTC claims until all older claims filed from 2020-2022 are completely processed and resolved. Panel members committed to follow up on this with the commissioner.

"We urge you to continue to focus on resolving this logjam at the IRS until every single small business has received the ERTC funds they deserve - and that they so desperately need," Cleary told lawmakers, noting that NAPEO had created a website (ertcdelayshurtsmallbiz.com) with scores of testimonials from small businesses severely impacted by the delays. "Don't think of these as mere numbers. These are businesses. These are people."

Congress enacted the ERTC in March 2020 as part of the CARES Act to encourage businesses to keep employees on the payroll during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite lawmakers' intent that the ERTC provide immediate tax relief to employers experiencing financial harm during the pandemic, tens of thousands of employers are still waiting for the IRS to process their ERTC claims. These businesses have laid off employees, shuttered facilities, and taken on high interest loans as they wait just to stay afloat.

Rep. Claudia Tenney (R-NY), a small business owner herself, disagreed with Werfel, noting that this backlog is far from cleared.

"I wish the IRS would come out and say there are a half million claims still outstanding," Tenney said. "This is real money. We have low margins as small businesses."

Rep. Beth Van Duyne (R-TX), an outspoken advocate for small businesses, presented a chart showing the true scope of the backlog, which rose as high as 1,000,000 claims in April before Werfel was called to testify before Van Duyne and the full House Ways and Means Committee that month. Only then was the backlog cut by more than half after the IRS dedicated additional staff to the clear the ERTC. Werfel said Wednesday that staff was being taken off the ERTC.

"Our request today is the IRS keep that surge in place until that backlog hits zero," Cleary told lawmakers.

NAPEO recently surveyed 43 of its members and found among just those respondents a small sampling that nearly 18,000 small business clients are still waiting for the IRS to approve at least $3 billion in ERTC credits that were filed before 2023.

NAPEO's grassroots campaign to urge action on clearing the backlog of ERTC claims has generated more than 1,800 letters from PEOs and their clients to Congress detailing the very real consequences of the processing delays. Excerpts from these letters can be found on ertcdelayshurtsmallbiz.com.

The IRS' delays in processing ERTC claims have also led to the rise of so-called "ERTC mills" that prey on small businesses and have collectively defrauded them out of millions of dollars. Cleary stressed that the easiest way to end the mills  which advertise heavily on television and radio - is by clearing the ERTC backlog.

About NAPEO

The National Association of Professional Employer Organizations (NAPEO) is The Voice of the PEO Industry. NAPEO's 250 PEO members provide payroll, benefits, workers' comp, regulatory compliance assistance, and other HR services to more than 173,000 small and mid-size businesses employing 4 million people. Our members account for more than 90 percent of the industry's $254 billion in revenue. An additional 250 companies that provide services to PEOs are associate members of NAPEO. For more information, please visit www.napeo.org .

SOURCE National Association of Professional Employer Organizations (NAPEO)
The state Industrial Commission approved funding for five projects through the Clean Sustainable Energy Authority on Friday, doling out $222.5 million in loans and $8.5 million in grants.

More than half the money is going to Minnkota Power Cooperatives Project Tundra through a loan of $150 million to help finance the countrys largest carbon dioxide storage project. The state previously provided the project a loan of $100 million.

Project Tundra would store up to 4 million metric tons of climate-warming CO2 emissions per year permanently underground in the Broom Creek Formation from the Milton R. Young coal-fired power plant in Oliver County, south of Center.

The Industrial Commission initially approved the $1.4 billion plan in 2022. It could begin construction as early as 2024 if Minnkota decides to go ahead with the project.

Minnkota announced in June that Project Tundra had entered into its final development stage and that the cooperative had reached agreements with TC Energy, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Kiewit.

Minnkota Communications Manager Ben Fladhammer said the loan is a positive signal to project investors.

"We have the strong support needed to make this project a reality," he said.

State officials are pushing for North Dakota to become a leader in CO2 storage as they work to get many of the states industries in line with lower emissions standards seen in an increasing amount of markets.

The state has approved CO2 storage facility permits for four operators, and studies are being done to consider more. The commission awarded $525,000 to Oklahoma-based Oneok, a natural gas company, for a feasibility study on CO2 storage in McKenzie County through the state's Oil and Gas Research Program.

Some environmental groups are critical of CO2 storage technology. They argue that it is costly and unproven in its ability to meet emissions reductions goals. Many have also questioned its safety in the event of a leak.

Other projects

The 2021 Legislature created the Clean Sustainable Energy Authority, which is tasked with recommending state funding for projects that could reduce climate-warming emissions, and facilitating the commercialization of emerging technology.

The authority brought four other projects to the Industrial Commission for consideration Friday; all received funding.

Bushel Inc. received a $3.5 million grant for a farm traceability dashboard. The project would enable farmers to better monitor agriculture emissions. Bushel's application maintains that the project could help tamp down the emissions of the states biofuels industry.

A $5 million grant was awarded to WellSpring Hydro for a project to better utilize produced water. The byproduct of oil production is saltwater that can contain oil and drilling chemicals. Hydro expects to be able to extract lithium from produced water. Lithium is a critical mineral used for several products including electric vehicle batteries. The project will also use the water to produce caustic soda and hydrochloric acid, which are used in the industrial and energy sectors.

A $30 million loan was approved for Newlight Technologies Project Phoenix, a plan to create biodegradable plastics from greenhouse gasses such as methane and CO2. Newlight lists Nike, Target, Sysco and a number of other companies as partners and customers in its loan application.

Rainbow Energy Center received a $42.5 million loan for a project to utilize waste materials from the Coal Creek Station coal-fired power plant in McLean County. The project would turn coal combustion materials into commodities such as concrete and gypsum. The plant was sold to Rainbow Energy in 2022, preventing an impending closure by its previous owner.

The Clean Sustainable Energy Authority was appropriated $30 million for grants and $250 million for loans in the most recent legislative session. The authority received funding requests for eight projects.

Unused money will go back to the Clean Sustainable Energy Authority and be available for future projects. The next submission deadline for funding is Nov. 1. More information is at https://www.ndic.nd.gov.

Gov. Doug Burgum, Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring and Attorney General Drew Wrigley make up the Industrial Commission. Burgum said he believes these projects will be a boon for the state, regardless of how seriously one takes climate change.

The money is flowing from people that want to pay premiums for carbon reductions, he said.
WASHINGTON, July 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- NASA astronaut and geophysicist Drew Feustel, a veteran of three space missions and nine spacewalks, who also held key leadership positions within the Astronaut Office at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, is retiring from the agency after 23 years. His last day is Monday, July 31.

Feustel spent 226 days in space over three missions, servicing the Hubble Space Telescope from space shuttle Atlantis and flying to the International Space Station twice on two different spacecraft  the space shuttle Endeavour and a Soyuz spacecraft.

"I want to thank Drew for his exceptional service and dedication to NASA's mission," said Vanessa Wyche, center director, NASA Johnson. "His leadership, aptitude, and his kindness impacted not only his fellow astronauts, but the next generation of explorers who come after him as well."

The Lake Orion, Michigan, native spent two years as deputy chief of the Astronaut Office and recently served as acting chief astronaut prior to stepping down to leave the agency.

"From shuttle to Soyuz, and from Hubble to the International Space Station, Drew consistently provided excellent leadership and invaluable contributions that spanned more than two decades of human spaceflight achievement," said Norm Knight, director of flight operations, NASA Johnson. "We extend a personal thank you to Drew for his dedication to the Astronaut Office and our space program."

Feustel was selected as an astronaut by NASA in July 2000. Following the completion of two years of evaluation, he was assigned technical duties in the Astronaut Office's space shuttle and space station branches. Feustel was qualified as a space shuttle and space station robotic arm operator, spacecraft communicator, and instructor astronaut for robotics and spacewalk training.

"Drew epitomized what it means to be a public servant, astronaut, and friend," said Joe Acaba, chief astronaut, NASA Johnson. "He has served as a mentor and leader during a complex transition period. Throughout his career, he ensured our continued capability to conduct science with his service of the Hubble Space Telescope, aboard the International Space Station, and now the Artemis program. He will be missed and we all wish him success in his next adventures."

Across his career, Feustel conducted nine spacewalks totaling 61 hours and 48 minutes working in the vacuum of space. He leaves third among all U.S. spacewalkers for aggregate spacewalking time.

"I am thankful for the opportunity to work among, and learn from, the exceptional and highly skilled professionals that enable human spaceflight," Feustel said. "As a child I was inspired by early space pioneers and I always believed that one day I would become an astronaut and explore space. I hope that my story serves to inspire others to pursue their own goals and aspirations."

Feustel's first spaceflight was in 2009 aboard the shuttle Atlantis on the fifth and final Hubble servicing mission, STS-125. His second spaceflight was in 2011 aboard Endeavour, that shuttle's final flight, and the penultimate Space Shuttle Program mission. STS-134 delivered to the space station the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer, a stateoftheart cosmic ray particle physics detector designed to examine fundamental questions about matter, and the origin and structure of the universe.

His most recent spaceflight was as space station Expedition 55 flight engineer and space station commander during Expedition 56 in 2018. Launching and landing on a Soyuz spacecraft, he saw the arrival and departure of six visiting spacecraft, participated in dozens of educational downlink events and ventured outside the station on three spacewalks to perform maintenance and upgrades.

While attending Oakland Community College in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, Feustel worked as an auto mechanic restoring 1950s antique automobiles. At Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, he served as a residence hall counselor. His summers were spent working as a commercial glazier near his Michigan home. During his master's degree studies, Feustel worked as a research and teaching assistant in Purdue's Earth and Atmospheric Sciences Department. In 1991, Feustel moved to Kingston, Ontario, Canada, to attend Queen's University, working as a graduate researcher and teaching assistant while earning his doctorate in seismology. In 1996, Feustel and his family moved to Houston for his work with the ExxonMobil Corp. before joining NASA in 2000.

Learn more about how NASA explores the unknown and innovates for the benefit of humanity at:

https://www.nasa.gov/

SOURCE NASA
WASHINGTON , July 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- During a ceremony at the Casa Rosada in Buenos Aires on Thursday, July 27, Argentina became the 28th country to sign the Artemis Accords. NASA Administrator Bill Nelson participated in the signing ceremony for the agency, and Daniel Filmus, Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, signed on behalf of Argentina.

Argentine President Alberto Fernandez and Marc Stanley, the U.S. Ambassador to Argentina, were also in attendance.

The Artemis Accords establish a practical set of principles to guide space exploration cooperation among nations, including those participating in NASA's Artemis program.

"As the United States and Argentina mark two centuries of diplomatic relations this year, we know our partnership over the next century will be deepened by discoveries made together in space," said Administrator Bill Nelson. "Along with our fellow Artemis Accords signatories, the United States and Argentina are setting a standard for 21st century exploration and use of space. As we explore together, we will explore peacefully, safely, and transparently."

NASA, in coordination with the U.S. Department of State, established the Artemis Accords in 2020 together with seven other founding member nations.

"We are convinced that the Artemis Accords constitute a contribution to the development of space activities with peaceful purposes at a global level and that they will increase international cooperation with Argentina," said Filmus.

The Artemis Accords reinforce and implement key obligations in the 1967 Outer Space Treaty. They also reinforce the commitment by the United States and signatory nations to the Registration Convention, the Rescue and Return Agreement, as well as best practices and norms of responsible behavior that NASA and its partners have supported, including the public release of scientific data.

"It is very important we take this step as it is key that we move forward in the field of space development. We are convinced that it must be a state policy," said President Fernandez. "We have done a lot to retain our scientists, we have always been interested in science and technology, we believe that this is the way to go."

Additional countries will sign the Artemis Accords in the months and years ahead, as NASA continues to work with its international partners to establish a safe, peaceful, and prosperous future in space. Working with both new and existing partners will add new energy and capabilities to ensure the entire world can benefit from our journey of exploration and discovery.

Learn more about the Artemis Accords at:

https://www.nasa.gov/artemisaccords

SOURCE NASA
WASHINGTON, July 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Following is a statement from National Press Club President Eileen O'Reilly and National Press Club Journalism Institute President Gil Klein naming Iranian women journalists Niloofar Hamedi and Elaheh Mohammadi as the 2023 International honorees for the John Aubuchon Award, the Club's highest honor for press freedom.

"This has been a year of momentous struggle for press freedom in Iran. According to studies, as many as 90 journalists were arrested during the protests that followed the murder of Mahsa Amini by the Iranian morality police. Our honorees: Niloofar and Elaheh, created some of the journalism that told Mahsa's story and captured the hearts of protestors and especially Iranian women.

Niloofar gained access to the hospital where Mahsa was taken after being beaten and took a photo of Mahsa's parents hugging and crying. The photo went viral. She was arrested just days later. Elaheh was arrested for her coverage of Mahsa's funeral and the unrest around it.

Both women attended their closed trials this week in Tehran. They are in prison awaiting sentencing on charges related to national security -- which can carry a death sentence. We are deeply concerned for them and anticipate sentencing soon.

In the current climate the global journalism community has worked hard to raise awareness of Niloofar and Elaheh. They have been named to Time magazine's Time 100 Most Influential People of 2023, among other recognition. This Aubuchon award is being announced at this time to help draw attention to these two brave women and to protest their brutal treatment. We adamantly call for their safety and release.

The Club recognizes two Aubuchon Awards annually  an International Award and a Domestic Award. The Domestic Award honoree, announced earlier this year, is Evan Gershkovich of the Wall Street Journal. Honorees will be recognized at the Club's Fourth Estate Gala scheduled for this fall."

Founded in 1908, the National Press Club is the world's leading professional organization for journalists. With 3,000 members representing nearly every major journalism organization, the Club is a leading voice for press freedom worldwide.

The National Press Club Journalism Institute promotes an engaged, global citizenry through an independent and free press and equips journalists with the skills and standards to inform the public. The Institute is the non-profit affiliate of the National Press Club

Contact: Bill McCarren, 202-725-7787 for the National Press Club

SOURCE National Press Club
WASHINGTON, July 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Following is a statement by National Press Club President Eileen O'Reilly and National Press Club Journalism Institute President Gil Klein on the trial in Beijing of journalist and former Harvard University Nieman Fellow YuYu Dong on espionage charges Tuesday, July 25 in Beijing.

"We understand the trial of journalist Yuyu Dong took place July 25 in China and there was no verdict after a full day of proceedings. We now expect the verdict September 27.

"We are astonished and outraged to hear that Yuyu faces possible conviction of up to 10 years -- a harsh sentence in a case where no laws were broken. We are heartbroken for Yuyu and his family.

"Under Chinese law, the state must prove that Yuyu is part of an espionage organization for a conviction. According to people familiar with the court proceedings, no such evidence was presented. Yuyu is a journalist and journalism is not a crime. The only information presented was that Yuyu received the standard stipends paid to all journalism fellows at a Japanese University and at Harvard.

The prosecution alleged that the stipends were proof that he was a spy, even though the stipends were paid to the fellows by the universities, not the government. In addition, no work or information was exchanged for the stipends, which are meant to defray living expenses. These charges and this alleged evidence are insulting.

The Club notes that Yuyu has been held in isolation for more than a year. Family members including his wife have not been allowed to visit.

We call on China to immediately release Yuyu. Yuyu Dong is a globally respected journalist. Journalism is not a crime.

Founded in 1908, the National Press Club is the world's leading professional organization for journalists. With 3,000 members representing nearly every major journalism organization, the Club is a leading voice for press freedom worldwide.

The National Press Club Journalism Institute promotes an engaged global citizenry through an independent and free press and equips journalists with the skills and standards to inform the public. The Institute is the non-profit arm of the National Press Club.

Contact: Bill McCarren, 202-662-7534 for the National Press Club

SOURCE National Press Club
MELBOURNE, Australia, July 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Nutromics has announced today that its lab-on-a-patch technology has attracted the support of multiple world-class experts from leading US and Australian institutions, who now comprise its Biosensor Advisory Board. Nutromics is a leader in continuous DNA-based sensing and is developing the world's first precision diagnostic platform.

The board consists of researchers from Columbia University, University of California, Johns Hopkins, North Carolina State University, and the University of New South Wales.

"We've attracted the most acclaimed researchers in the field because we're world leaders in the space of continuous DNA-based sensing," said Nutromics CEO and co-founder Peter Vranes. "Our mission is to revolutionize diagnostics with our novel technology. To achieve this, we need to collaborate with the most experienced experts, and this advisory board represents a major step in that direction."

The advisory board is being led by Prof Kevin Plaxco, the inventor of Nutromics' DNA-based sensor technology and distinguished Professor of Chemistry and Biological Engineering at the University of California, Santa Barbara.

Prof Plaxco, who is recognized by Thomson Reuters as one of the most highly cited chemists in the world, has co-authored more than 250 papers and a dozen patents on protein folding, protein dynamics, and folding-based sensors. He met Nutromics co-founders Peter Vranes and Hitesh Mehta in 2017 and has been an early believer in the company's vision to transform diagnostics.

"The scientists on this panel are masters in their field of study. They offer enormous intellectual input, keep us abreast of the latest developments, and their involvement shows that Nutromics is a credible leader in this idea of in-vivo diagnostic monitoring," said Prof. Plaxco. "Their intellect and guidance will be invaluable in helping us master new receptors, adapt them into sensors, and put them in-vivo."

Members of the Biosensor Advisory Board include:

Dr Milan Stojanovic, a Professor at Columbia University and organic chemist who made important contributions to the generation of functorial oligonucleotides.

Dr Netzahualcoyotl Arroyo-Curras*, an Assistant Professor in Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine who leads a multidisciplinary research group focused on the development of biosensing technologies for real-time molecular monitoring in biological systems.

Dr Yi Xiao, a tenured Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry at North Carolina University focused on the development of new methods to accelerate the isolation and characterization of high-quality aptamers.

Prof Justin Gooding, a Scientia Professor at the University of New South Wales known internationally for his work on surface modification, biosensors, developing functional nanomaterials, cell-based diagnostic devices and electroanalysis.

*Participation by Netz ARROYO as an advisor to Nutromics Corp. and its affiliates does not constitute of imply endorsement of Nutromics Corp. by Johns Hopkins University

About Nutromics

Nutromics is an Australian-born, global diagnostics company on a mission to revolutionize diagnostics through its LAB ON A PATCHTM, a DNA-based sensor platform. It was founded in 2017 by Peter Vranes and Hitesh Mehta. The technology combines multiple DNA-based sensors with minimally invasive microneedles to track multiple crucial targets continuously and in real-time, giving clinicians critical, personalized insights. Nutromics' vision is one patch for every patient: one device that can continuously monitor several essential targets. The company aims to solve some of the biggest challenges in healthcare, tackling disease states with the highest unmet clinical needs, saving lives. The company has raised US$30 million in funding to date. For more information, please visit www.nutromics.com

LAB ON A PATCHTM is a registered trademark of Nutromics Technology Pty Ltd.

SOURCE Nutromics
CHARLOTTE, N.C., July 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Okuma America Corporation, a world-leading builder of computer numerical control (CNC) machine tools, controls and automation systems, is honored to be nationally recognized as a 2023 Top Workplace, receiving two awards within the manufacturing industry and compensation and benefits categories. These awards were granted by Top Workplaces, the leading employer recognition organization in the United States.

Okuma America Corporation is honored to be nationally recognized as a 2023 Top Workplace, receiving two awards within the manufacturing industry and compensation and benefits categories.

Okuma America Corporation is recognized as one of 60 top employers which employ 150 to 499 employees within the manufacturing industry in the USA. The company has also received recognition as a top employer for compensation and benefits for companies with 150 to 499 employees among a variety of industries across the nation. Okuma America Corp. is proud to represent the machine tool industry amongst the wide variety of industries that also received recognition for these awards.

The Top Workplace selections were made based on feedback from participating companies' employees. In the Spring of 2023, Okuma members were offered an opportunity to complete an anonymous employee engagement survey which polled for feedback on various topics related to job satisfaction and company culture. Nearly 80% of Okuma's employees completed the survey, which was well beyond the minimum rate of 35% participation to be considered for the award. The results were then compared to other participating companies and ranked accordingly, with the highest-scoring companies receiving a Top Workplace designation.

Jim King, President and COO of Okuma America Corp, shared his thoughts on receiving these awards, stating "We're incredibly fortunate to have such an excellent team here at Okuma, and it's a privilege to serve them in my role. We continuously strive to be a leader within the manufacturing industry and are diligent in ensuring our team is compensated competitively for their efforts. While these endeavors are done for the sake of our team members and customers, we're grateful to be recognized in these areas and to receive these national Top Workplace awards."

About Okuma America Corporation

Okuma America Corporation is the U.S.-based sales and service affiliate of Okuma Corporation, a world-leading builder of CNC (computer numeric control) machine tools, controls and automation systems. The company was founded in 1898 in Nagoya, Japan, and is the industry's only single-source provider of CNC machines, drives, motors, encoders, spindles and automation systems, all manufactured by Okuma. The company designs its own CNC controls to integrate seamlessly with each machine tool's functionality. In 2014 Okuma launched the Okuma App Store, the industry's only centralized online marketplace for machine tool apps and related content. Along with its extensive distribution network (largest in the Americas), and Partners in THINC network of enhanced manufacturing technologies, Okuma is committed to helping users gain competitive advantage through the open possibilities of machine tools today and into the future. For more information, visit Okuma.com or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.

SOURCE Okuma America Corporation
Customized Trips for the Best of Both Worlds

FAIRFAX, Va., July 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Omega World Travel now offers even more extensive options for the busy business traveler -blended travel! Through blended travel, Omega provides an enhanced experience that combines the best of business and leisure. Business travelers can make the most of their valuable time by adding a vacation before, during, or after a work event.

Visit Omega World Travel's Vacation Portal: http://www.omegatravel.com/vacations

Tim Wrigley, Omega's Director of Business Development, explains the growing demand for blended travel: "When working with our corporate and government customers, I am always asked 'Can our employees book their personal trips with Omega?'. While the answer has always been yes, we can now help business and government travelers in a much more compelling way. What excites us most about our new vacation portal is that Omega World Travel is truly a single source for all travel, regardless of travel purpose. Business, government, groups and meetings, vacation -at some point it all becomes blended travel."

Omega's Leisure Travel Experts plan specialized experiences ranging from America's national park tours to national and international luxury cruises. Travelers can explore the majestic sights of the western US, hiking on our most iconic trails, including Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and the Grand Canyon. These all-inclusive tours allow business travelers to relax and enjoy a stress-free vacation during which they are fully supported by Omega's experts.

As a leader in the Internet retail travel marketplace, Omega provides luxurious excursions at heavily discounted rates. Through Cruise.com, a wholly owned Omega subsidiary and one of the largest online cruise sellers, LuxuryTravelTeam.com, HomesAndVillasInternational.com, and TourDeals.com, we provide low-cost, high-quality vacations around the world. In fact, our clients can benefit from negotiated group savings of up to 70%. And when it comes to adventure, the options are limitless: whitewater rafting, scuba diving, mountain climbing, biking, jungle treks, and zero-gravity flights.

With Omega's Customized Vacation Portal, we have consolidated the best of our leisure services capabilities: Cruise.com, highly experienced Vacation Travel Counselors, online hotel booking, global destinations, tour packages, and local in-country excursions. Omega's Portal also offers travelers around-the-clock travel support and self-booking options.

Omega can further tailor the portal for each individual company. Each client can receive their own URL branded with their company or organization's name which will be linked to their company site. Omega is also able to tailor leisure marketing materials, such as fliers and brochures, to highlight discounts and special programs that clients can offer to their employees.

Whether it's an African safari or a Caribbean cruise, Omega's blended travel options provide the best of both worlds -a unique, personalized, combined business and leisure experience. Let the Omega Leisure Travel Experts plan your blended travel adventure within the US or abroad!

Omega World Travel is a Woman Owned travel management company, a full-service travel agency, and a leader in the internet retail travel marketplace. The largest woman-owned travel management company in the U.S., Omega designs customized travel management programs for corporate, government, and nonprofit clients. Omega's travel service offerings include its wholly-owned meeting, conference, and event management services. Omega also owns Cruise.com, one of the largest sellers of cruises online, and Travtech, a technology development company.

Visit Omega World Travel's Vacation Portal: http://www.omegatravel.com/vacations

For additional information about Omega World Travel please visit: OmegaTravel.com.

This press release was issued through 24-7PressRelease.com. For further information, visit http://www.24-7pressrelease.com.

SOURCE Omega World Travel
PUNE, India , July 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- PanGrow is thrilled to announce the launch of its cutting-edge Local SEO services. In today's highly competitive online landscape, businesses must adopt effective strategies to enhance their local visibility and attract potential customers in their vicinity. With PanGrow's Local SEO services, businesses can now elevate their online presence and establish a dominant position in their local markets.

Local SEO plays a pivotal role in helping businesses thrive in their local markets. As consumers increasingly rely on search engines to discover nearby businesses, having a robust local online presence has become imperative. Local SEO offers several benefits, including increased website traffic, higher conversion rates, improved brand credibility, and a competitive edge over local competitors.

Introducing PanGrow's Local SEO Services

PanGrow's Local SEO services are designed to empower businesses with the tools and strategies needed to excel in local search results. This comprehensive service covers all aspects of local SEO, ensuring that businesses can maximize their online visibility and reach their target audience effectively.

Google My Business (GMB) Optimization : PanGrow will optimize and maintain customers' Google My Business listing, providing accurate and up-to-date information to potential customers. This optimization enhances your chances of appearing in Google Local Search and Google Maps.

: PanGrow will optimize and maintain customers' Google My Business listing, providing accurate and up-to-date information to potential customers. This optimization enhances your chances of appearing in Google Local Search and Google Maps. Local Keyword Strategy : The service includes thorough research and implementation of local keywords, enabling your business to rank higher in location-specific search queries.

: The service includes thorough research and implementation of local keywords, enabling your business to rank higher in location-specific search queries. Citation Building : PanGrow will create consistent and accurate citations across reputable local directories, establishing trust and authority in your local market.

: PanGrow will create consistent and accurate citations across reputable local directories, establishing trust and authority in your local market. Local Backlink Building: High-quality local backlinks will be acquired to boost your website's authority and credibility in local search results

Talk to PanGrow's SEO consultants today to design an effective SEO strategy & put your business on a rapid growth path

Benefits for Businesses

Increased Local Visibility : PanGrow's Local SEO services ensure that your business appears in relevant local searches, making it easier for potential customers to find you.

: PanGrow's Local SEO services ensure that your business appears in relevant local searches, making it easier for potential customers to find you. Better Online Reputation : Positive customer reviews and accurate information on local listings enhance your online reputation, building trust among potential customers.

: Positive customer reviews and accurate information on local listings enhance your online reputation, building trust among potential customers. Higher Conversion Rates: By targeting local customers actively seeking your products or services, the likelihood of conversion increases significantly.

PanGrow's Local SEO services offer businesses a unique opportunity to thrive in their local markets. By optimizing Google My Business listings, implementing effective local keyword strategies, building citations and backlinks, and encouraging customer reviews, businesses can significantly enhance their local online presence and attract potential customers within their vicinity. With PanGrow's expertise and dedication, businesses can confidently venture into the world of local SEO and witness remarkable growth and success.

Connect with our team & supercharge your business for exponential growth

About PanGrow

PanGrow is a best-in-class digital marketing agency that prioritizes revenue and lead growth through a range of powerful services, including SEM, SMM, website design, CRM, and SEO. Our expertise lies in helping businesses boost website traffic and achieve impressive online conversions by ensuring that their websites are optimized to meet the highest standards of user experience.

Explore PanGrow's suite of service offerings:

Contact Information:

Saurav C.

Customer Engagement Specialist

PanGrow

Phone: +91-775-598-0288

Web: https://pangrow.com/

Email: [email protected]

Follow us on LinkedIn

SOURCE PanGrow
SAN ANTONIO, July 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Parry's Pizzeria & Taphouse is thrilled to announce the Grand Opening of its second San Antonio, TX location on Monday, July 31st, in the Culebra Commons shopping center! The Parry's team is excited to serve up some NY-style pizza, wings, sandwiches, pasta and more, plus 72 beers on draft, to residents of west San Antonio!

Parry's Pizzeria & Taphouse in San Antonio, TX (Culebra Commons) The Parry's Culebra Team

A ribbon-cutting ceremony, presented by the Helotes Area Chamber of Commerce, will begin at 10:30am on Monday, and all are welcome to join. PLUS, in celebration of Parry's newest location, the first 25 parties in line for the opening on the 31st will receive a guaranteed Grand Opening prize bag valued up to $50. Arrive early to secure your prize!

AND, all day Monday and Tuesday, Parry's will be raffling off FREE PIZZA AND FREE LUNCH SPECIALS EVERY WEEK for the rest of 2023! A total of 20 guests will win these incredible raffles.

The fun continues all week! Tuesday, August 1st is Family Day, with a balloon artist and more raffle drawings throughout the day. Wednesday will feature Parry's famous Wednesday Special, an unbeatable family value. Finally, craft beer lovers will not want to miss Thursday night, with Real Ale Brewing Company in for a Pint Night featuring a limited-release summer beer, Coney Island Creamsicle, brewed specially for Parry's Grand Opening in Culebra Commons!

Parry's Pizzeria & Taphouse is located at 6626 W Loop 1604 N Bldg 4, San Antonio, TX 78254.

About Parry's Pizza

Parry's launched in 2007 as a New York-style pizza joint that was great for a quick bite and perhaps a beer or a glass of wine. Over the past 16 years, the restaurant's reputation for "craveably crafted" food at a family-friendly value has grown, and Parry's has evolved into a complete dining experience. Sure, pizza, wings and fried dough (customer favorites) are still on the menu, but Parry's also has become a craft beer haven with some of the best rotating tap lists around.

Parry's restaurants are built with a unique, industrial New York warehouse feel, complemented with inviting fixtures and decor that allow you to feel even closer to the city that never sleeps.

Parry's mission is simple, and the company strives to deliver on it every single day: Craveably Crafted Food & Beer Served with Uncommon Hospitality.

Media Contact:

Nate Lyon

303-902-8786

[email protected]

SOURCE Parry's Pizzeria & Taphouse
LONG BEACH, Calif., July 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- MemorialCare's Long Beach Medical Center and Miller Children's & Women's Hospital Long Beach has named Patti Pilgrim as its new Chief Financial Officer. She succeeds Yair Katz, who was recently named Chief Executive of Miller Children's & Women's Hospital Long Beach and Senior Vice President of Pediatrics of MemorialCare.

Patti Pilgrim, chief financial officer, MemorialCare's Long Beach Medical Center and Miller Children's & Women's Hospital Long Beach

As Chief Financial Officer, Pilgrim will provide strategic financial planning and decision guidance to the executive team at Long Beach Medical Center and Miller Children's & Women's. She will work side by side with the operations and strategy teams to ensure financial prudence, while ensuring there is programmatic funding and support to meet the community's health needs.

Pilgrim has more than 30 years of finance executive leadership experience with a background in non-profit hospitals and healthcare systems. Prior to her appointment at MemorialCare, Pilgrim worked as Regional CFO for Providence St. Joseph Health's Northern California region. She holds a degree in Business Administration, a Master of Public Health, as well as Certification in Global Public Health.

"We are very pleased Patti accepted the position and has joined our senior executive team for our two Long Beach hospitals," says Blair Kent, Chief Executive Officer of MemorialCare's Long Beach Medical Center and Miller Children's & Women's Hospital Long Beach. "Not only does Patti bring her excellent financial leadership background to the role, she has a passion for productivity and process improvement, tremendous analytical skills and a strong background with federal programs that enhance patient services and access to care. She has quickly embraced her role and is already leveraging her expertise and perspective to help move us forward."

Pilgrim serves as a bridge between financial and operational departments, aligning staff to solve complex problems and develop strategies to achieve the organizational vision.

"I am honored to be joining such an amazing group of people who approach health care finance through a patient-first lens," says Pilgrim. "MemorialCare is continually recognized for its medical excellence, serving as the region's first choice for comprehensive care."

About MemorialCare's Long Beach Medical Center and Miller Children's & Women's Hospital Long Beach

MemorialCare's Long Beach Medical Center and Miller Children's & Women's Hospital Long Beach are members of MemorialCare, a not-for-profit, integrated health care delivery System. Long Beach Medical Center and Miller Children's & Women's are designated with the prestigious Magnet recognition for excellence in nursing. Long Beach Medical Center has been providing compassionate care with the latest state-of-the-art technology for more than 100 years and is the region's first choice for comprehensive care in virtually every medical and surgical specialty. Miller Children's & Women's provides specialized pediatric care for children and young adults  as well as maternity care for expectant mothers  under one roof. Since both hospitals share one campus, they are uniquely able to care for patients of all ages, from a newborn to an older adult. Visit memorialcare.org/LongBeach and millerchildrens.org for more information.

SOURCE MemorialCare's Long Beach Medical Center and Miller Children's & Women's Hospital Long Beach
40,524 views Nov 24, 2022

The Tuskegee Airmen were the first African-American military aviators in the United States Armed Forces. During World War II, black Americans in many U.S. states were still subject to the Jim Crow laws and the American military was racially segregated, as was much of the federal government. The Tuskegee Airmen were subjected to discrimination, both within and outside the army. They formed the 332nd Fighter Group and the 477th Bombardment Group of the United States Army Air Forces. The name also applies to the navigators, bombardiers, mechanics, instructors, crew chiefs, nurses, cooks and other support personnel. All black military pilots who trained in the United States trained at Moton Field, the Tuskegee Army Air Field, and were educated at Tuskegee University, located near Tuskegee, Alabama. The group included five Haitians from the Haitian Air Force, and one pilot from Trinidad. It also included a Hispanic or Latino airman born in the Dominican Republic. Although the 477th Bombardment Group trained with North American B-25 Mitchell bombers, they never served in combat. The 99th Pursuit Squadron (later, 99th Fighter Squadron) was the first black flying squadron, and the first to deploy overseas (to North Africa in April 1943, and later to Sicily and Italy). The 332nd Fighter Group, which originally included the 100th, 301st, and 302nd Fighter Squadrons, was the first black flying group. It deployed to Italy in early 1944. In June 1944, the 332nd Fighter Group began flying heavy bomber escort missions, and in July 1944, with the addition of the 99th Fighter Squadron, it had four fighter squadrons. The 99th Fighter Squadron was initially equipped with Curtiss P-40 Warhawk fighter-bomber aircraft. The 332nd Fighter Group and its 100th, 301st and 302nd Fighter Squadrons were equipped for initial combat missions with Bell P-39 Airacobras (March 1944), later with Republic P-47 Thunderbolts (JuneJuly 1944), and finally with the aircraft with which they became most commonly associated, the North American P-51 Mustang (July 1944). When the pilots of the 332nd Fighter Group painted the tails of their P-47s red, the nickname Red Tails was coined. The red markings that distinguished the Tuskegee Airmen included red bands on the noses of P-51s as well as a red rudder; the P-51B and D Mustangs flew with similar color schemes, with red propeller spinners, yellow wing bands and all-red tail surfaces. In all, 992 pilots were trained in Tuskegee from 19411946. 355 were deployed overseas, and 84 lost their lives. The toll included 68 pilots killed in action or accidents, 12 killed in training and non-combat missions and 32 captured as prisoners of war. The Tuskegee Airmen were credited by higher commands with the following accomplishments: 1578 combat missions, 1267 for the Twelfth Air Force; 311 for the Fifteenth Air Force 179 bomber escort missions, with a good record of protection, losing bombers on only seven missions and a total of only 27, compared to an average of 46 among other 15th Air Force P-51 groups 112 enemy aircraft destroyed in the air, another 150 on the ground and 148 damaged 950 rail cars, trucks and other motor vehicles destroyed (over 600 rail cars) One destroyer put out of action. The ship concerned was a World War I-vintage destroyer (Giuseppe Missori) of the Italian Navy, that had been seized by the Germans and reclassified as a torpedo boat, TA22. It was attacked on 25 June 1944 and damaged so severely she was never repaired. She was decommissioned on 8 November 1944, and finally scuttled on 5 February 1945. 40 boats and barges destroyed Contrary to negative predictions from some quarters, Tuskegee Airmen were some of the best pilots in the U.S. Army Air Forces due to a combination of pre-war experience and the personal drive of those accepted for training. Nevertheless, the Tuskegee Airmen continued to have to fight racism. Their combat record did much to quiet those directly involved with the group, but other units continued to harass these airmen. After segregation in the military was ended in 1948 by President Harry S. Truman with Executive Order 9981, the veteran Tuskegee Airmen now found themselves in high demand throughout the newly formed United States Air Force. Some taught in civilian flight schools, such as the black-owned Columbia Air Center in Maryland. On 11 May 1949, Air Force Letter 35.3 was published, which mandated that black Airmen be screened for reassignment to formerly all-white units according to qualifications. Tuskegee Airmen were instrumental in postwar developments in aviation.
Rapidly growing specialty sandwich franchise brand recognized for craveable offerings, commitment to service and customer satisfaction

WESTVILLE, N.J., July 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- PrimoHoagies , the beloved sandwich chain that has been rapidly expanding its presence across the nation, proudly announced today it secured the top spot for Best Sandwich or Sub Shop in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Awards, a celebration of the finest establishments across various sectors. PrimoHoagies securing the top spot in such a competitive category speaks volumes about the quality, taste and dedication the brand consistently delivers to its customers.

PrimoHoagies Crowned #1 Sandwich by USA Today 10Best Readers Choice Awards

The USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Awards are widely regarded as one of the country's most reputable and influential culinary awards. Nominees are carefully chosen by a panel of relevant experts, including editors from USA Today and editors from 10Best.com. Upon nomination, voting was opened to the public, during which anyone could vote once daily for their favorite brands in each category.

To recognize and thank its loyal customers for helping PrimoHoagies secure the coveted title of best sandwich or sub shop, PrimoHoagies will be hosting a customer appreciation day at participating locations, offering primo-sized hoagies for just $6.99 for a limited time. More celebration details to come from the brand via social media, @primohoagies, across all platforms.

Since its inception, PrimoHoagies has been dedicated to crafting exceptional sandwiches on its award-winning seeded bread, with Thumann's meats and cheese piled high and prepared with a passion for delivering an unforgettable eating experience. The brand's commitment to excellence has resulted in a loyal customer base, and this recognition from the esteemed USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Awards serves as a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire PrimoHoagies team.

"Being Voted #1 sandwich in the nation is a humbling honor but is a true reflection of the dedication of our team members, franchisees and suppliers, who work tirelessly to bring the PrimoHoagies experience to communities across the nation," said Nicholas Papanier Jr., owner & CEO of PrimoHoagies. "Our customers inspire us to innovate and push the boundaries of our customer experience. We are committed to upholding this award's high standards and will continue to exceed customer expectations with our unique flavors and unwavering passion."

With humble beginnings as a family-owned business offering mouthwatering hoagies using only the freshest, highest-quality ingredients, PrimoHoagies has come a long way, with 100 locations open to-date. More growth is on the horizon, with more than 70 locations in development across 10 states, setting the stage for PrimoHoagies to continue capturing the hearts and taste buds of sandwich enthusiasts from coast to coast. As the brand expands, it remains steadfast in providing an exceptional sandwich experience that showcases the finest ingredients and culinary artistry.

Capitalizing on its momentum as the undisputed champion for the most beloved sandwich shop around, PrimoHoagies is actively seeking to continue its growth through franchising across markets in the eastern, midwestern and southern United States, with franchise opportunities available in over 25 states. More information on PrimoHoagies and how to inquire about franchise opportunities nationwide is available at ownaprimo.com .

To learn more about PrimoHoagies or to find a location near you, visit primohoagies.com .

About PrimoHoagies

PrimoHoagies, established in 1992 in South Philadelphia, is a renowned specialty sandwich and sub shop known for its authentic, mouthwatering hoagies. PrimoHoagies create flavorful masterpieces using the highest quality Thumann's meats and cheeses, sliced fresh and piled high on award-winning seeded bread. With a diverse menu, including vegetarian and vegan options, PrimoHoagies caters to all preferences. Headquartered in Westville, NJ, the brand has expanded nationwide with franchise locations now open as the go-to destinations for sandwich lovers across Pennsylvania, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Maryland, New Jersey, North Carolina, South Carolina and Texas. Experience the essence of PrimoHoagies at primohoagies.com - where every sandwich tells a flavorful story. Franchise opportunities are available via ownaprimo.com .

SOURCE PrimoHoagies
NEW YORK, July 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ --

WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, announces an investigation of potential securities claims on behalf of shareholders of NatWest Group plc (NYSE: NWG) resulting from allegations that NatWest Group may have issued materially misleading business information to the investing public.

SO WHAT: If you purchased NatWest Group securities you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. The Rosen Law Firm is preparing a class action seeking recovery of investor losses.

WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the prospective class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=17876 call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] or [email protected] for information on the class action.

WHAT IS THIS ABOUT: On July 26, 2023, the BBC released an article entitled "NatWest boss Dame Alison Rose quits after row over Nigel Farage account." The article stated, "NatWest boss Dame Alison Rose has resigned hours after admitting she had made a mistake in speaking about Nigel Farage's relationship with the bank. She had been heavily criticized for being the source of an inaccurate BBC report about Mr. Farage's account at Coutts, which is part of NatWest Group."

Another article discussed how Rose leaked the inaccurate information regarding Farage's account despite NatWest Group's policy on protecting privacy and customer confidentiality, which states, "We see privacy as a vital component to achieving our purpose and [it] is therefore embedded across all parts of our business", that "anyone breaching the [privacy] policy can be subject to disciplinary action" and that "All our customers [. . .] can therefore be confident that we treat protection of their data with the utmost seriousness."

On this news, NatWest Group American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs") declined by 1.85%, to close at $6.36 on July 26, 2023.

WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Contact Information:

Laurence Rosen, Esq.

Phillip Kim, Esq.

The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.

275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor

New York, NY 10016

Tel: (212) 686-1060

Toll Free: (866) 767-3653

Fax: (212) 202-3827

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

www.rosenlegal.com

SOURCE Rosen Law Firm, P.A.
NEW YORK, July 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, announces an investigation of potential securities claims on behalf of shareholders of AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) resulting from allegations that AT&T Inc. may have issued materially misleading business information to the investing public.

SO WHAT: If you purchased AT&T securities you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. The Rosen Law Firm is preparing a class action seeking recovery of investor losses.

WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the prospective class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=17730 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] or [email protected] for information on the class action.

WHAT IS THIS ABOUT: On July 17, 2023, during market hours, The Wall Street Journal released an article entitled "Environmental Groups Ask EPA to Shield Public From Abandoned Lead Cables", which followed up on a series of exposes showing that "AT&T and other telecom companies have left behind more than 2,000 toxic lead cables on poles, under waterways and in the soil across the U.S.", leaving various spots with lead levels which exceeded EPA safety guidelines. The article also discussed how various environmental groups had requested that the Environmental Protection Agency investigate the matter and remove certain lead-covered cables, and take other action as needed.

On this news, the price of AT&T stock fell by $0.59 per share, or 4.2%, to close at $13.53 on July 17, 2023.

Then, on July 26, 2023, after the market closed, The Wall Street Journal released an article entitled "Justice Department and EPA Probe Telecom Companies Over Lead Cables." The article stated, in pertinent part, "The Justice Department and Environmental Protection Agency are investigating the potential health and environmental risks stemming from a sprawling network of toxic lead-sheathed telecom cables across the U.S." It highlighted how the EPA had said it takes "the issues raised in the articles very seriously and will move expeditiously under our statutory authorities to protect the public from legacy pollution."

On this news, AT&T stock fell by $0.38 per share, or 2.55%, to close at $14.51 on July 27, 2023.

WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

-------------------------------

Contact Information:

Laurence Rosen, Esq.

Phillip Kim, Esq.

The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.

275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor

New York, NY 10016

Tel: (212) 686-1060

Toll Free: (866) 767-3653

Fax: (212) 202-3827

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

www.rosenlegal.com

SOURCE Rosen Law Firm, P.A.
$600 million Silicon Valley Firm, Founded by the Father-Son Team Chris and Michael Glomb, Look to Expand its Successful Business

INDIANAPOLIS, July 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Sanctuary Wealth (Sanctuary), home to the next generation of elite advisors, welcomes Glomb Private Wealth (Glomb) a fast-growing family practice with $600 million in client assets. The firm includes founders and private wealth advisors Chris Glomb, CFP and Michael Glomb, CFP. The father-son team is joined by Jessica Regidor, Managing Director and Chief Operations Officer and Sara-Belle Guglielmino, Client Service Associate. The Los Gatos, California team joins from UBS, and is the latest breakaway firm to choose independence with Sanctuary.

With a combined experience of over 70 years in the industry, Glomb Private Wealth specializes in helping affluent families, successful executives and business owners navigate through life events and financial transitions. The team has grown its practice by putting financial planning at its core, with the goal of providing clarity, preserving wealth and creating continuity for its clients. The team is committed to providing clients with the highest level of comprehensive, proactive and differentiated wealth management support.

"I was incredibly impressed with this team from my first meeting with Chris and Michael nearly two years ago. Then after meeting Jessica and Sara, I was truly blown away. The word that best describes them to me is professionalism," said Vince Fertitta, President, Wealth Management, Sanctuary Wealth. "They knew what they were doing when conducting their due diligence. Chris had kept up with the evolution of supported independence, having been an RIA back in the 90s and Michael was extremely well informed about the independent space. I'm extremely proud that after a methodical search, the Glombs determined that the unique partnered independence model at Sanctuary is the best long-term option for their practice, team and clients. We look forward to providing them with all the service, support and expertise they need to reach their ambitious growth goals."

Highly experienced team

Chris Glomb, CFP, Founder, Glomb Private Wealth, is a 40+ year wealth management industry veteran. He was a Senior Vice President- Wealth Management at UBS, where he built his practice over the past 21 years. Prior to that, he spent 10 years as a financial advisor and Vice President at Kidder Peabody. In 1987, he received the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER designation. graduated from Santa Clara University with a bachelor's degree in finance and commerce.

"When we decided to go independent, we were searching for a partner who shared our values and our steadfast commitment to serving clients with distinction," said Chris Glomb. "We were also looking for the operational, technology and multi-clearing support we need to proudly grow our practice through client loyalty and referrals. Sanctuary presented us with the best of both worlds. They are small enough to give us personal attention, while large enough to provide all the resources we need to scale our business as we look to expand."

Michael Glomb, CFP, Founder, Glomb Private Wealth, has been in financial services for the past 15 years, including the last 11 as financial advisor at UBS. A recognized as an industry leader, he was named one of Forbes America's Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors Best-in-State, for 2022. In 2014, he received the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER designation. He graduated from Loyola Marymount with a Bachelor of Business Administration, Finance and a Master of Arts, General Education.

"We are extremely impressed by the caliber of teams that tend to join Sanctuary's network," added Michael Glomb. "They attract high-performing, experienced advisors, mostly from the wirehouses, who have impressive certifications, multiple licenses and run sophisticated practices. Sanctuary is already working with us to ensure a smooth transition by working closely with us as we establish ourselves as an independent wealth management firm."

Adam Malamed, CEO of Sanctuary Wealth, concluded, "Christian and Michael were looking for a true partner who would help them achieve their vision. They didn't rush their decision, but when they made it, they recognized that Sanctuary was uniquely positioned to help breakaways seamlessly transition to independence and grow their business on their own terms. Our track record of success in attracting high-quality wirehouse teams is a testament to our expertise and deep understanding of the specific needs of former wirehouse teams. Michael Glomb is the 5th Forbes recognized Top Next-Gen Advisor to launch their own firms with Sanctuary so far this year. On behalf of our entire staff, I welcome Glomb Private Wealth to the firm and can't wait to see all we will do together."

About Sanctuary Wealth

Sanctuary Wealth (sanctuarywealth.com/) is the advanced platform for the next generation of elite advisors, who have the entrepreneurial spirit to build and own their own practices and desire the freedom to deliver the tailored service their clients deserve. Sanctuary Wealth's ecosystem of partnered independence provides a complete technology and operations platform, as well as support from a community of like-minded advisors and the resources of invaluable affiliated businesses. Currently, the Sanctuary Wealth network includes partner firms in 28 states across the country with approximately $25 billion in assets under advisement. Sanctuary Wealth includes the fully owned subsidiaries; Sanctuary Advisors LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser, Sanctuary Securities, Inc. a FINRA member broker-dealer as well as Sanctuary Alternative Holdings, Sanctuary Asset Management, Sanctuary Insurance Solutions, Sanctuary Global, and Sanctuary Global Family Office.

Media Contact:

Donald Cutler

Haven Tower Group

424-317-4864

[email protected]

SOURCE Sanctuary Wealth
HONG KONG, Germantown, Md. and SUZHOU, China, July 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Sirnaomics Ltd. (the "Company", Stock Code: 2257.HK, together with its subsidiaries, the "Group" or "Sirnaomics"), a leading biopharmaceutical company in discovery and development of RNAi therapeutics, today announced that Dr. Francois Lebel, M.D., an experienced biopharmaceutical industry executive, has been appointed as Senior Vice President for preclinical and clinical development of the Group.

"With multiple drug candidates moving into clinical studies, including two clinical trials advancing to late-stage development, Sirnaomics is embarking on a journey to push its innovative drug candidates past the finish line, which requires a seasoned leader with a successful track record," said Dr. Patrick Lu, Founder, Chairman of the Board, Executive Director, President and Chief Executive Officer of Sirnaomics. "With Dr. Lebel's indepth knowledge and experience in novel drug product marketing approvals, Dr. Lebel's addition to Sirnaomics' senior leadership will greatly enhance our capability to advance its therapeutic candidates through the late-stage product development. Dr. Lebel is a strategic leader with broad drug development experience including immunooncology and nucleic acid therapeutics. Throughout his 30-year biopharma career at companies such as GSK, Pfizer, Baxter Healthcare, Medlmmune, and Chiron Corporation, Dr. Lebel has designed and managed international research and development programs to successfully achieve multiple product marketing approvals. His recent senior leadership roles include Executive Vice President for Research & Development and Chief Medical Officer at Spectrum Pharmaceuticals, where he was responsible for preclinical and clinical development, regulatory affairs and pharmacovigilance/drug safety, and successfully secured a novel drug marketing authorization at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2022. After joining Sirnaomics as Senior Vice President for preclinical and clinical development, Dr. Lebel will take a leading role in the Group's late-stage product development of the innovative RNAi drug candidates.

Dr. Lebel indicates, "I am delighted to join the Sirnaomics team at this pivotal time for STP705 with the recent positive data in skin cancer and the Group's evolving diversified pipeline. I look forward to working closely with the U.S. FDA and investigators to efficiently generate the required data to support a marketing application."

About Sirnaomics

Sirnaomics is an RNA therapeutics biopharmaceutical company with product candidates in preclinical and clinical stages that focuses on the discovery and development of innovative drugs for indications with medical needs and large market opportunities. Sirnaomics is the first clinical-stage RNA therapeutics company to have a strong presence in both Asia and the United States. Based on its proprietary delivery technologies: Polypeptide Nanoparticle Formulation and the 2nd generation of GalNAc conjugation, the Group has established an enriched drug candidate pipeline. Sirnaomics is currently holding a leadership position on advancing RNAi therapeutics for oncology application with multiple successes of its clinical programs for STP705 and STP707. STP122G represents the first drug candidate of GalAhead technology entering clinical development. With the establishment of the Group's manufacturing facility, Sirnaomics currently is undergoing a transition from a biotech company to a biopharma corporation. Learn more at: www.sirnaomics.com.

SOURCE Sirnaomics
SK bioscience identified 11 top-priority issues by adopting Double Materiality Assessment.

Company established three main agendas: Establishing net zero roadmap, Strengthening human rights management, Enhancing supply chain ESG management.

SEONGNAM, South Korea, July 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- SK bioscience, an innovative vaccine and biotech company committed to promoting human health from prevention to cure, today released its 2023 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report.

This is the company's second ESG Report following last year to fulfill its commitment to engaging in sustainability in accordance with ESG principles under its long-term vision.

SK bioscience Releases 2023 ESG Report, Reaffirming Its Commitment to Sustainability

SK bioscience's 2023 ESG Report complies with updated Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards 2021, one of the most widely used ESG reporting frameworks in the world.

Additionally, SK bioscience has adopted the so-called 'Double Materiality Assessment', which includes both impact materiality and financial materiality. The double materiality assessment is designed to quantify the interaction between the company's corporate finance, and society and the environment.

The company has completed the assessment by conducting media research, stakeholder surveys and peer benchmarking, followed by applying evaluation indicators focused on the bio industry.

As a result, a total of 24 issues have been identified, and 11 of them have been finalized as the company's top priorities after assessing the materiality and impact of the issues from financial, social, and environmental perspectives.

Furthermore, SK bioscience highlighted its key performances in three agendas such as climate change, human rights, and supply chain ESG management.

To prioritize environmental management, SK bioscience established a '2031 Net Zero Roadmap' to deliver net zero carbon emissions by 2031 and analyzed the financial impact of the net zero scenario.

To strengthen human rights management, the company identified the main issues from an employee survey to prepare a response roadmap for human rights.

To accelerate ESG management across the supply chain, the company implemented a risk diagnosis of its 46 partners by introducing an online platform called 'Click ESG' that would allow its partners to evaluate their own ESG management level.

To enhance the transparent corporate governance, the company disclosed major activities of Board of Directors and its committees and established a new performance evaluation program called 'Board Skills Matrix (BSM).'

SK bioscience continues strive to meet global standards by achieving both economic value (EV) and social value (SV) based on aggressive investment and enhanced ESG management. Additionally, the company will proactively comply with the regulations and disclosure requirements to solidify its sustainability management system.

Separately, SK bioscience received an overall grade of A in the 2022 Listed Company ESG Assessment conducted by the Korea Council on Global Sustainability (KCGS) in November 2022.

The company also published a Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) Report containing business sustainability and response strategies to fight climate change for the first time in the pharmaceutical and bio industry.

About SK bioscience

SK bioscience is an innovative vaccine and biotech company, committed in vaccine development and manufacturing to enable more equitable access of vaccines in the world. In leveraging strengths on cutting-edge technologies, SK bioscience has been dedicated to promoting human health from prevention to cure across the globe. With cooperation of domestic and international governments, regulatory agencies, healthcare providers, doctors and medical experts, all of the SK colleagues are passionately committed to providing high-quality vaccines to those who need them and better public healthcare solutions.

- SK bioscience Website

- SK bioscience LinkedIn

Contact

SK bioscience Communications Team

Changhyun Jin ([email protected])

Jeannie S. Pak ([email protected])

Tae-Gyun Kim ([email protected])

SOURCE SK bioscience
LJUBLJANA, SLOVENIA, July 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- In an unprecedented collaborative endeavor, Slovenia's Ministry of Environment, Climate and Energy, in partnership with Global Footprint Network, announces a critical date for the planet: this year's Earth Overshoot Day lands on August 2nd.

The date, calculated by Global Footprint Network each year using National Footprint and Biocapacity Accounts, marks when humanity's demand for biological resources exceeds the Earth's capacity to regenerate them within that year. To spotlight this issue, the Ministry and Global Footprint Network are organizing a high-level event on August 1st, held in Ljubljana and online, to discuss the implications of overshoot. The high-level event enjoys support from key figures including President of the Republic of Slovenia Natasa Pirc Musar, UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP28 and IUCN President Razan Al Mubarak, and Co-Chair of the International Resource Panel at UNEP Dr. Janez Potocnik.

"Slovenia, as the first EU country, joins the ranks of countries such as Ecuador, Japan, the Philippines, Switzerland, and the United Arab Emirates, leveraging Ecological Footprint data and officially endorsing the metric as a useful tool to steer environmental policy," affirms Bojan Kumer, Slovenia's Minister of the Environment, Climate and Energy. He further elucidates that efforts to reduce Slovenia's Ecological Footprint by 20% by 2030 will spur greater opportunities for the country amid a future marked by climate change and resource constraints.

Razan Al Mubarak notes the Ecological Footprint's utility, "With this metric in hand, any country, region, city, or company can assess its current standing and determine how it can contribute to postponing this date (Earth Overshoot Day)." It provides valuable insights for forward-thinking strategies that address resource security and enable the transition towards a sustainable economy.

Earth Overshoot Day coincides with the European Parliament's recent vote on the Nature Restoration Law. The persistence of overshoot has led to land and soil degradation, fish stock depletion, deforestation, biodiversity loss, and greenhouse gas accumulation. These symptoms are becoming more prominent every day across the planet, with unusual heat waves, wildfires, droughts, and floods, exacerbating the competition for food and energy.

"The biggest risk, apart from ecological overshoot itself, lies in complacency towards this crisis. Entities that act now are not just safeguarding the environment but future-proofing their economy and the wellbeing of their residents," underlines Steven Tebbe, CEO of Global Footprint Network.

Contacts

[email protected]

[email protected]

Watch event https://video.sta.si/

SOURCE Republic of Slovenia Ministry of the Environment, Climate and Energy
SINGAPORE, July 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Singapore Management University (SMU) College of Integrative Studies () Associate Professor Winston Chow () has been successfully elected as Co-Chair for Working Group II on Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)'s Seventh Assessment Report (AR7) Cycle Bureau. He will be working with Professor Bart van den Hurk from the Netherlands as fellow Co-Chairs.

Associate Professor (A/P) Winston Chow is Singapore's first elected member of the IPCC Bureau, the United Nations body for assessing the science related to climate change. IPCC assessments provide a scientific basis for governments to develop climate-related policies and contribute to global climate action under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

A/P Chow says, "I've never shaken so many hands in my life before - but I guess it's a testament to the strong faith many countries have in my capacity to lead this body in assessing global climate change impacts and adaptation over the next several years. I truly am humbled by the privilege of being elected to the IPCC Bureau, and I look forward to working closely with fellow IPCC experts to enhance knowledge leading to sustainable climate action."

Working closely with Professor Jim Skea from the UK, the newly-elected Chair of the IPCC Bureau, A/P Chow will contribute actively to shaping the work of AR7, which will inform global climate action. The 34-member IPCC Bureau guides the IPCC on the scientific and technical aspects of its work, advises on management and strategic issues, and takes decisions on specific issues within its mandate.

An Associate Professor of Urban Climate and Lee Kong Chian Fellow at SMU, A/P Chow has a sustained track record of publishing research with a focus on urban climate change risk and vulnerability, and on urban climatology with a focus on heat island adaptation and mitigation. Since 2017, he has been a Principal Investigator for the multi-institute Cooling Singapore Initiative, which develops climate-resilient solutions to address the urban heat challenge in Singapore. He teaches courses on climate solutions and urban sustainability in SMU, and is also a sought-after speaker by members of business, government and communities who regard climate impacts and risk reduction as a priority.

"I've been fortunate to work on my climate research here in SMU, while educating our students on what can be done to enable climate solutions as they face a complex world after they graduate. I'm proud not just to represent Singapore in leading global climate discussions, but also representing the SMU vision of making an impact globally," says A/P Chow.

A/P Chow's election into the top UN climate body and continued research into robust climate adaptation solutions are aligned with SMU's strategic priority of Sustainable Living. Together with Digital Transformation and Growth in Asia, Sustainable Living is one of SMU's three strategic priorities in working towards realising the University's Vision 2025. Through focusing on sustainable living, SMU intends to serve as a thought leader and solution partner in managing environmental change, contributing to sustainable city living, furthering resource sustainability and enhancing quality of life.

Commenting on A/P Chow's successful election into the IPCC Bureau, Singapore's Minister for Sustainability and the Environment, Ms Grace Fu said, "With his experience, I am confident that he will serve the IPCC well. A/P Chow will contribute towards a better understanding of the impact of climate change, and the continued development of resilient climate adaptation solutions. The IPCC's work continues to guide the global community, especially developing countries, in our environmental response. In Singapore, we will also take reference from AR7's findings in refining our #SGGreenPlan."

SOURCE Singapore Management University
KANSAS CITY, Mo., July 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Attorney Advertising: Stueve Siegel Hanson LLP, a national leader in data breach and privacy cases, is investigating potential claims against UnitedLex resulting from a data breach that exposed the personal information of current and former employees.

UnitedLex Corporation Data Breach

Stueve Siegel Hanson is investigating potential claims against UnitedLex resulting from a data breach. Tweet this

What is UnitedLex Corporation: UnitedLex based in Overland Park, KS, is a data and professional services company that works with law firms and corporate legal departments in the areas of litigation and investigations, intellectual property, contracts, compliance and legal operations.

What happened: On July 11, 2023, UnitedLex started notifying current and former employes via mail that employment information was stolen and offered for sale on an online hacking forum. The hacker claimed to have leaked over 200 GB of files.

What information was accessed: The stolen information includes:

Current and former employee names;

Social Security numbers;

Financial account information;

Benefits information; and

Dependent Social Security numbers.

The hacker selling this information also claims to have confidential and proprietary information from UnitedLex's clients.

What can you do: If you were impacted by the breach and wish to seek a free legal consultation, you can contact Stueve Siegel Hanson.

Stueve Siegel Hanson attorneys have represented data breach victims in many of the largest data breach cases in history, including cases against Equifax, T-Mobile, and Capital One. The firm's Data Breach and Privacy class action practice has received local and national recognition, including being named among Law360's Cybersecurity & Privacy Practice Groups of the Year.

Disclaimer: This is attorney advertising sponsored by Stueve Siegel Hanson LLP, located at 460 Nichols Road, Kansas City, Missouri 64112. The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements.

SOURCE Stueve Siegel Hanson LLP
VANCOUVER, BC, July 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - Taseko Mines Limited (TSX: TKO) (NYSE American: TGB) (LSE: TKO) (the "Company") will release its second quarter 2023 financial results after market close on Wednesday, August 2, 2023.

The Company will host a telephone conference call and live webcast on Thursday, August 3, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time (8:00 a.m. Pacific) to discuss these results. After opening remarks by management, there will be a question and answer session open to analysts and investors.

To join the conference call without operator assistance, you may pre-register at https://emportal.ink/46Kh6Zm to receive an instant automated call back just prior to the start of the conference call. Otherwise, the conference call may be accessed by dialing 888-390-0546 toll free, 416-764-8688 in Canada, or online at tasekomines.com/investors/events.

The conference call will be archived for later playback until August 17, 2023 and can be accessed by dialing 888-203-1112 toll free, 416-764-8677 in Canada, or online at tasekomines.com/investors/events and using the entry code 191584#.

Stuart McDonald

President and CEO

No regulatory authority has approved or disapproved of the information contained in this news release.

SOURCE Taseko Mines Limited
Based on the novel by Ernest Hemingway. Santiago goes out on his usual fishing trip and makes a huge catch, the biggest of his life. Then a shark attacks and tries to steal his catch. Santiago battles with the shark for days. He returns to the shore beaten, tattered and torn, and his catch consisting now of mostly bones.

Show less



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GH2VI5JzBq4



What is the theme for novel "The Old Man And The Sea" by Ernest Hemingway? Santiago goes out on his usual fishing trip and makes a huge catch, the biggest of his life. Then a shark attacks and tries to steal his catch. Santiago battles with the shark for days. He returns to the shore beaten, tattered and torn, and his catch consisting now of mostly bones.

ChatGPT

The theme of the novel "The Old Man and the Sea" by Ernest Hemingway is the triumph of the human spirit and the struggle against adversity. The story revolves around Santiago, an aging and impoverished fisherman, who goes on an epic fishing journey and manages to catch a gigantic marlin after days of persistence and resilience. This achievement represents the pinnacle of Santiago's skill and determination, as well as his ability to overcome physical and mental challenges.

However, the novel also explores the harsh realities of life and nature's relentless force. Santiago's triumph turns bittersweet as he faces the challenges of protecting his prized catch from hungry sharks during his journey back to the shore. Despite his valiant efforts to fend off the sharks, the creatures reduce the marlin to mere bones, leaving Santiago exhausted and defeated.

Throughout the story, Hemingway delves into themes of endurance, courage, and the indomitable will of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Santiago's struggle against the sea and the sharks serves as a metaphor for the broader human experience, where individuals must confront life's challenges with bravery and determination, even when the outcome might not be as expected. The novel highlights the idea that true success is not solely determined by the final result, but by the efforts, one puts forth and the resilience displayed during the journey.

[User]tied sharks in your story?ChatGPT

Apologies for any confusion, but there might be a misunderstanding. In the original story "The Old Man and the Sea" by Ernest Hemingway, there are no tied sharks.

In the novel, Santiago catches a massive marlin, which he struggles to reel in for days. However, during his journey back to the shore, sharks are attracted to the marlin's blood and attempt to steal his catch. Santiago fights fiercely to protect his prize, using his harpoon and any means available to ward off the sharks. Despite his valiant efforts, the sharks manage to devour much of the marlin during the battle, leaving Santiago with just the skeleton of the fish by the time he reaches the shore.

The novel's focus is on Santiago's perseverance, courage, and determination as he faces the challenges posed by the marlin and the sharks. The story emphasizes the themes of human spirit, resilience, and the struggle against nature's forces.

[User]stubborn old man SantiagoChatGPT

Yes, that's a fitting description of the protagonist, Santiago, in "The Old Man and the Sea." Santiago is portrayed as a stubborn and determined old fisherman who refuses to be defeated by the challenges he faces. Despite his age, poverty, and several weeks of bad luck with fishing, he remains persistent in his pursuit of catching a big fish. His strong will and perseverance are evident in his decision to venture far out into the sea, even though others believe he is unlucky.

Santiago's stubbornness becomes even more apparent when he hooks the enormous marlin. Instead of giving up or cutting the line, he holds on and engages in an epic struggle with the powerful fish, lasting for days. Despite being physically and mentally exhausted, he refuses to relinquish his catch, demonstrating a deep determination to prove himself as a skilled fisherman.

Similarly, when the sharks attack and threaten to take away his prized marlin, Santiago fights with all his might to defend his catch, even though he knows the odds are against him. His tenacity and refusal to give in make him a compelling and admirable character in the novel.

Ernest Hemingway portrays Santiago's stubbornness not as a negative trait but as a testament to the strength of the human spirit. Santiago's unwavering determination and resolve to face challenges head-on are central to the novel's themes of endurance, courage, and the triumph of the human spirit over adversity.

[User]who is the boy? His daughter?ChatGPT

The boy in "The Old Man and the Sea" is a young boy named Manolin. He is not Santiago's son or daughter, but rather his devoted apprentice and close friend. Manolin has been fishing with Santiago since he was a young boy, and their bond is like that of a mentor and protege or surrogate grandfather and grandson.

In the novel, Manolin has a deep admiration and affection for Santiago, considering him the best fisherman despite Santiago's recent run of bad luck. However, at the beginning of the story, Manolin's parents force him to leave Santiago's boat and join a more successful fishing crew, believing Santiago to be unlucky. Despite this separation, Manolin remains loyal to Santiago and continues to care for him deeply.

Throughout the novel, Manolin's admiration for Santiago is evident in the way he looks after the old man, helps him with his fishing gear, and brings him food and other necessities. He serves as a symbol of hope, faithfulness, and the passing down of tradition and wisdom from one generation to another.

The relationship between Santiago and Manolin is one of the essential elements of the story, representing the themes of friendship, mentorship, and the passing on of knowledge and values from the older generation to the younger. Their bond contributes to the emotional depth of the novel and adds a layer of warmth and humanity to Santiago's character.

[User]which country the story occur?ChatGPT

The story "The Old Man and the Sea" by Ernest Hemingway is set in Cuba. The novel takes place in the waters off the coast of Havana, where the protagonist, Santiago, embarks on his epic fishing journey. Cuba's coastal environment and the rich fishing grounds of the Gulf Stream provide the backdrop for Santiago's struggle with the marlin and the subsequent battle with the sharks.

Ernest Hemingway had a strong connection to Cuba and spent a considerable amount of time there. He was known to be an avid deep-sea fisherman himself and drew inspiration from his experiences in Cuban waters while writing the novel. The story's Cuban setting adds to its authenticity and cultural context, as well as enriching the themes of the human-nature relationship prevalent throughout the book.

[User]Ernest Hemingway is American. How come did he write about Cuban?ChatGPT

You are correct that Ernest Hemingway was an American author. Despite being American, Hemingway had a deep fascination and connection with Cuba, which is reflected in several of his works, including "The Old Man and the Sea."

In the 1930s, Hemingway first visited Cuba and fell in love with the island's natural beauty, its people, and the vibrant fishing culture. He found solace and inspiration in the tranquility of Cuban life and spent a significant amount of time there throughout his life. He had a home in the small fishing village of Cojimar, near Havana, where he frequently engaged in deep-sea fishing, a passion that he shared with the locals.

"The Old Man and the Sea" was published in 1952, and by that time, Hemingway had already been living in Cuba for many years. The novel was heavily influenced by his experiences in Cuban waters and his interactions with Cuban fishermen. The setting of the story in Cuba allowed Hemingway to draw on the local fishing culture, knowledge of marine life, and the unique environment of the Gulf Stream.

Hemingway's love for Cuba is evident in his writing, as he often portrays the country with affection and authenticity. His decision to set "The Old Man and the Sea" in Cuba was a natural extension of his personal connection to the place and its significance in his life. Through his portrayal of Cuba and its fishing community, Hemingway was able to capture the essence of the human struggle against nature and the themes of endurance and courage that are central to the novel.

[User]What made Ernest Hemingway worth winning the Nobel Prize?ChatGPT

Ernest Hemingway was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1954 for his influential and significant contributions to modern literature. Several factors contributed to his recognition and made him deserving of this prestigious honor:

1) Literary Style: Hemingway's writing style was revolutionary and had a profound impact on modern literature. He developed a distinctive prose characterized by simplicity, clarity, and economy of language. His use of short, direct sentences and omission of unnecessary details became known as the "Iceberg Theory" or "Hemingway's Style." This minimalist approach had a lasting influence on generations of writers and helped shape the development of modern fiction.

2) Realism and Authenticity: Hemingway was known for his ability to capture the essence of human experience with a focus on realism. He often drew upon his own life experiences, including his time as a journalist, ambulance driver during World War I, and his passion for hunting and fishing, to infuse his work with authenticity. His characters and settings were often based on real people and places, which added depth and credibility to his stories.

3) Exploration of Themes: Hemingway's works delved into essential themes such as love, war, loss, and the human condition. He portrayed characters facing moral dilemmas and existential challenges, reflecting the complexities of life. His exploration of themes like courage, stoicism, and the struggle for meaning resonated with readers and contributed to the enduring appeal of his writings.

4) Impact on Literature: Hemingway's influence extended beyond his own generation. He was part of the "Lost Generation," a group of American writers who came of age during World War I and explored disillusionment and the effects of war. His works, such as "The Sun Also Rises," "A Farewell to Arms," and "For Whom the Bell Tolls," are considered classics of 20th-century literature and have left a lasting impact on subsequent writers and literary movements.

5) International Recognition: Hemingway's works were widely translated and read around the world, making him a global literary figure. His international popularity and the profound impact of his writings on literature and culture played a significant role in earning him the Nobel Prize.

Overall, Ernest Hemingway's innovative writing style, authentic portrayal of human experiences, and his profound impact on modern literature made him a deserving recipient of the Nobel Prize in Literature. His contributions continue to be celebrated and studied by readers and literary scholars alike.

**

He seek meaning in life. he did not find it so he kills himself?

ChatGPT

The ending of Ernest Hemingway's life was marked by his own tragic death by suicide, but it's important to note that the reasons for suicide are complex and cannot be attributed solely to the search for meaning in life. While Hemingway did explore existential themes in his works, it is essential to separate his literary explorations from the personal circumstances surrounding his suicide.

Hemingway struggled with mental health issues throughout his life, including depression and alcoholism. His experiences as a war correspondent during World War I and World War II, as well as various personal and professional challenges, undoubtedly had an impact on his mental well-being. It's crucial to understand that suicide is a multifaceted issue with numerous contributing factors, and it is not appropriate to simplify or reduce it to a single cause.

As an author, Hemingway's literary exploration of themes such as the search for meaning, the human condition, and the challenges of existence provided insight into the complexities of life. However, interpreting his own life events solely through the lens of his literary works would be oversimplifying a complex situation.

If you or anyone you know is struggling with mental health issues or suicidal thoughts, it is crucial to seek help from mental health professionals, friends, or family members. There are resources available to provide support and assistance during difficult times.
NEW YORK, July 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The DevOps platform market is to grow by USD 25,113.89 million from 2022 to 2027. However, the growth momentum will be progressing at a CAGR of 24.5% during the forecast period, according to Technavio. The DevOps platform market is fragmented, and the vendors are seeking strong partnerships with automotive, industrial, and commercial companies to compete in the market. Accenture Plc, Alphabet Inc., Amazon.com Inc., Atlassian Corp. Plc, Broadcom Inc., Cigniti Technologies Ltd., Cisco Systems Inc., CloudBees Inc., Dell Technologies Inc., Digital.ai Software Inc., HashiCorp Inc., Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co., Infosys Ltd., International Business Machines Corp., Microsoft Corp., Open Text Corp., Oracle Corp., Progress Software Corp., Rackspace Technology Inc., and Red Hat Inc. are some of the major market participants -. To know about the vendor offerings - Request a sample report

Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global DevOps Platform Market

DevOps Platform Market 2023-2027: Scope

Technavio presents a detailed picture of the market by way of study, synthesis, and summation of data from multiple sources. The DevOps report covers the following areas:

The DevOps platform market is fragmented, and the degree of fragmentation will accelerate. The reduced delivery time will offer immense growth opportunities. However, the Technical glitches during DevOps application deployment will hamper the market growth.

DevOps Platform Market 2023-2027

Key Driver

The reduced delivery time is the key factor driving the market growth. IT departments face increasing pressure from customers to deliver services faster. Therefore, software companies must provide timely updates and upgrades to avoid losing customers. As a result, many executives are focused on developing faster service delivery models. This trend has led to the emergence of DevOps third-party providers who play a key role in coordinating and integrating the goals of traditional application developers, quality assurance (QA), and operations teams to reduce time to market. Using DevOps tools has been proven to increase the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the IT environment. Hence, these factors are expected to drive market growth during the forecast period.

Major Trends

Increased adoption of Infrastructure as code (IAC) is the major trend in the market. IAC uses programming and coding techniques to automate IT infrastructure for software development and operations teams. By including a programmable IT infrastructure, these teams can automate the provisioning and management of IT resources throughout the software development process. This approach significantly reduces cycle times, simplifies complexity, and minimizes errors, enabling rapid development of software products. As a result, organizations are increasingly adopting DevOps tools to move from manually configured IT infrastructures to more efficient, automated, and programmable IT infrastructures. Hence, the increasing adoption of IAC is expected to drive market growth during the forecast period.

Significant Challenges

The technical glitches during DevOps application deployment are a significant challenge restricting market growth. One of the biggest challenges in DevOps is predicting how your application will behave in the real world. Software may behave differently in real-world and internal environments, creating potential risks and strains in supplier-customer relationships. Developing a product for cross-platform use does not guarantee its effectiveness in a real-world environment. Hence, these factors are expected to drive market growth during the forecast period.

To learn more about the global trends impacting the future of market research, download a PDF sample

DevOps Platform Market 2023-2027: Segment Analysis

End-user

IT



BFSI



Telecommunication



Retail



Others

Component

Solutions



Software

Geography

North America



Europe



APAC



South America



Middle East and Africa

DevOps Platform Market 2023-2027: Segmentation Highlights

The market share growth by the IT segment will be significant during the forecast period. The IT industry is rapidly adopting DevOps solutions to improve the development and release of multiple software products in a short period of time. This adoption is due to the growing demand for better software quality and better customer service in various IT industry sectors. Furthermore. with the widespread development of IT software and the increasing adoption of cloud platforms, businesses are undergoing major changes in their operations. Thus, the rapid adoption of DevOps solutions is expected to drive segment growth in the market during the forecast period.

will be significant during the forecast period. The IT industry is rapidly adopting DevOps solutions to improve the development and release of multiple software products in a short period of time. This adoption is due to the growing demand for better software quality and better customer service in various IT industry sectors. Furthermore. with the widespread development of IT software and the increasing adoption of cloud platforms, businesses are undergoing major changes in their operations. Thus, the rapid adoption of DevOps solutions is expected to drive segment growth in the market during the forecast period. North America is estimated to contribute 34% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period. The North American region's advanced technology maturity has played a key role in the spread of DevOps platforms in the region. Particularly in the BFSI sector, there is increasing adoption of DevOps tools to acquire digital banking solutions. For example, Bank of America, successfully implemented a DevOps solution to automate processes and enable faster application delivery. Thus, these factors are expected to drive market growth in the 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

DevOps Platform Market 2023-2027: Key Highlights

CAGR of the market during the forecast period 2023-2027

Detailed information on factors that will assist DevOps platform market growth during the next five years

Estimation of the DevOps platform market size and its contribution to the parent market

Predictions on upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior

The growth of the DevOps platform market 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 DevOps platform market vendors

Get Instant access to 17000+ market research report

Technavio's Subscription Platform

Related Reports:

The banking, financial services, and insurance (BFSI) security market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 11.13% between 2022 and 2027. The market size is forecast to increase by USD 36,747.11 million. Furthermore, this report extensively covers market segmentation by delivery mode (service and solution), type (physical security and cyber security), and geography (North America, Europe, APAC, Middle East and Africa, and South America). The rise in the adoption of the Internet in the BFSI sector is a key factor driving market growth during the forecast period.

The IT professional services market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 9.09% between 2022 and 2027. The market size is forecast to increase by USD 461.56 billion. Furthermore, this report extensively covers market segmentation by type (project-oriented services, information technology outsourcing, IT supporting and training services, and enterprise cloud computing services), end-user (large enterprises, small, and medium enterprises), and geography (North America, Europe, APAC, Middle East and Africa, and South America). The growing digital transformation is a key factor driving market growth during the forecast period.

DevOps Platform Market Scope Report Coverage Details Base year 2022 Historic period 2017-2021 Forecast period 2023-2027 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 24.5% Market growth 2023-2027 USD 25,113.89 million Market structure Fragmented YoY growth 2022-2023 (%) 24.2 Regional analysis North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa Performing market contribution North America at 34% Key countries US, China, India, France, and Germany Competitive landscape Leading Vendors, Market Positioning of Vendors, Competitive Strategies, and Industry Risks Key companies profiled Accenture Plc, Alphabet Inc., Amazon.com Inc., Atlassian Corp. Plc, Broadcom Inc., Cigniti Technologies Ltd., Cisco Systems Inc., CloudBees Inc., Dell Technologies Inc., Digital.ai Software Inc., HashiCorp Inc., Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co., Infosys Ltd., International Business Machines Corp., Microsoft Corp., Open Text Corp., Oracle Corp., Progress Software Corp., Rackspace Technology Inc., and Red Hat Inc. Market dynamics Parent market analysis, Market growth inducers and obstacles, Fast-growing and slow-growing segment analysis, COVID-19 impact and recovery analysis and future consumer dynamics, and Market condition analysis for the forecast period. Customization purview If our report has not included the data that you are looking for, you can reach out to our analysts and get segments customized. Customization purview If our report has not included the data that you are looking for, you can reach out to our analysts and get segments customized.

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 Component



Exhibit 07: Executive Summary  Chart on Incremental Growth



Exhibit 08: Executive Summary  Data Table on Incremental Growth



Exhibit 09: Executive Summary  Chart on Vendor Market Positioning

2 Market Landscape

2.1 Market ecosystem

Exhibit 10: Parent market



Exhibit 11: Market Characteristics

3 Market Sizing

3.1 Market definition

Exhibit 12: Offerings of vendors included in the market definition

3.2 Market segment analysis

Exhibit 13: Market segments

3.3 Market size 2022

3.4 Market outlook: Forecast for 2022-2027

Exhibit 14: Chart on Global - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 15: Data Table on Global - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 16: Chart on Global Market: Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 17: Data Table on Global Market: Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

4 Historic Market Size

4.1 Global devOps platform market 2017 - 2021

Exhibit 18: Historic Market Size  Data Table on Global devOps platform 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 Component Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021

Exhibit 20: Historic Market Size  Component Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ million)

4.4 Geography Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021

Exhibit 21: Historic Market Size  Geography Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ million)

4.5 Country Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021

Exhibit 22: Historic Market Size  Country Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ million)

5 Five Forces Analysis

5.1 Five forces summary

Exhibit 23: Five forces analysis - Comparison between 2022 and 2027

5.2 Bargaining power of buyers

Exhibit 24: Chart on Bargaining power of buyers  Impact of key factors 2022 and 2027

5.3 Bargaining power of suppliers

Exhibit 25: Bargaining power of suppliers  Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027

5.4 Threat of new entrants

Exhibit 26: Threat of new entrants  Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027

5.5 Threat of substitutes

Exhibit 27: Threat of substitutes  Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027

5.6 Threat of rivalry

Exhibit 28: Threat of rivalry  Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027

5.7 Market condition

Exhibit 29: Chart on Market condition - Five forces 2022 and 2027

6 Market Segmentation by 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 IT - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 34: Chart on IT - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 35: Data Table on IT - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 36: Chart on IT - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 37: Data Table on IT - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

6.4 BFSI - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 38: Chart on BFSI - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 39: Data Table on BFSI - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 40: Chart on BFSI - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 41: Data Table on BFSI - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

6.5 Telecommunication - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 42: Chart on Telecommunication - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 43: Data Table on Telecommunication - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 44: Chart on Telecommunication - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 45: Data Table on Telecommunication - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

6.6 Retail - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 46: Chart on Retail - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 47: Data Table on Retail - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 48: Chart on Retail - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 49: Data Table on Retail - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

6.7 Others - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 50: Chart on Others - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 51: Data Table on Others - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 52: Chart on Others - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 53: Data Table on Others - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

6.8 Market opportunity by End-user

Exhibit 54: Market opportunity by End-user ($ million)

7 Market Segmentation by Component

7.1 Market segments

Exhibit 55: Chart on Component - Market share 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 56: Data Table on Component - Market share 2022-2027 (%)

7.2 Comparison by Component

Exhibit 57: Chart on Comparison by Component



Exhibit 58: Data Table on Comparison by Component

7.3 Solutions - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 59: Chart on Solutions - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 60: Data Table on Solutions - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 61: Chart on Solutions - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 62: Data Table on Solutions - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

7.4 Software - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 63: Chart on Software - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 64: Data Table on Software - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 65: Chart on Software - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 66: Data Table on Software - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

7.5 Market opportunity by Component

Exhibit 67: Market opportunity by Component ($ million)

8 Customer Landscape

8.1 Customer landscape overview

Exhibit 68: Analysis of price sensitivity, lifecycle, customer purchase basket, adoption rates, and purchase criteria

9 Geographic Landscape

9.1 Geographic segmentation

Exhibit 69: Chart on Market share by geography 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 70: Data Table on Market share by geography 2022-2027 (%)

9.2 Geographic comparison

Exhibit 71: Chart on Geographic comparison



Exhibit 72: Data Table on Geographic comparison

9.3 North America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 73: Chart on North America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 74: Data Table on North America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 75: Chart on North America - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

- Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

Exhibit 76: Data Table on North America - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

9.4 Europe - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 77: Chart on Europe - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 78: Data Table on Europe - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 79: Chart on Europe - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

- Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

Exhibit 80: Data Table on Europe - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

9.5 APAC - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 81: Chart on APAC - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 82: Data Table on APAC - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 83: Chart on APAC - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 84: 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 85: Chart on South America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 86: Data Table on South America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 87: Chart on South America - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

- Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

Exhibit 88: 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 89: Chart on Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

and - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 90: Data Table on Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

and - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 91: Chart on Middle East and Africa - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

and - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

Exhibit 92: Data Table on Middle East and Africa - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

9.8 US - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 93: Chart on US - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 94: Data Table on US - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 95: Chart on US - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 96: 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 97: Chart on China - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 98: Data Table on China - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 99: Chart on China - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

- Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

Exhibit 100: Data Table on China - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

9.10 France - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 101: Chart on France - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 102: Data Table on France - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 103: Chart on France - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

- Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

Exhibit 104: Data Table on France - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

9.11 Germany - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 105: Chart on Germany - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 106: Data Table on Germany - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 107: Chart on Germany - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

- Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

Exhibit 108: Data Table on Germany - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

9.12 India - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 109: Chart on India - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 110: Data Table on India - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 111: Chart on India - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

- Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

Exhibit 112: Data Table on India - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

9.13 Market opportunity by geography

Exhibit 113: 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 114: Impact of drivers and challenges in 2022 and 2027

10.4 Market trends

11 Vendor Landscape

11.1 Overview

11.2 Vendor landscape

Exhibit 115: Overview on Criticality of inputs and Factors of differentiation

11.3 Landscape disruption

Exhibit 116: Overview on factors of disruption

11.4 Industry risks

Exhibit 117: Impact of key risks on business

12 Vendor Analysis

12.1 Vendors covered

Exhibit 118: Vendors covered

12.2 Market positioning of vendors

Exhibit 119: Matrix on vendor position and classification

12.3 Accenture Plc

Exhibit 120: Accenture Plc - Overview



Exhibit 121: Accenture Plc - Business segments



Exhibit 122: Accenture Plc - Key news



Exhibit 123: Accenture Plc - Key offerings



Exhibit 124: Accenture Plc - Segment focus

12.4 Alphabet Inc.

Exhibit 125: Alphabet Inc. - Overview



Exhibit 126: Alphabet Inc. - Business segments



Exhibit 127: Alphabet Inc. - Key news



Exhibit 128: Alphabet Inc. - Key offerings



Exhibit 129: Alphabet Inc. - Segment focus

12.5 Amazon.com Inc.

Exhibit 130: Amazon.com Inc. - Overview



Exhibit 131: Amazon.com Inc. - Business segments



Exhibit 132: Amazon.com Inc. - Key news



Exhibit 133: Amazon.com Inc. - Key offerings



Exhibit 134: Amazon.com Inc. - Segment focus

12.6 Atlassian Corp. Plc

Exhibit 135: Atlassian Corp. Plc - Overview



Exhibit 136: Atlassian Corp. Plc - Product / Service



Exhibit 137: Atlassian Corp. Plc - Key offerings

12.7 Broadcom Inc.

Exhibit 138: Broadcom Inc. - Overview



Exhibit 139: Broadcom Inc. - Business segments



Exhibit 140: Broadcom Inc. - Key news



Exhibit 141: Broadcom Inc. - Key offerings



Exhibit 142: Broadcom Inc. - Segment focus

12.8 Cigniti Technologies Ltd.

Exhibit 143: Cigniti Technologies Ltd. - Overview



Exhibit 144: Cigniti Technologies Ltd. - Product / Service



Exhibit 145: Cigniti Technologies Ltd. - Key offerings

12.9 Cisco Systems Inc.

Exhibit 146: Cisco Systems Inc. - Overview



Exhibit 147: Cisco Systems Inc. - Business segments



Exhibit 148: Cisco Systems Inc. - Key news



Exhibit 149: Cisco Systems Inc. - Key offerings



Exhibit 150: Cisco Systems Inc. - Segment focus

12.10 Dell Technologies Inc.

Exhibit 151: Dell Technologies Inc. - Overview



Exhibit 152: Dell Technologies Inc. - Business segments



Exhibit 153: Dell Technologies Inc. - Key news



Exhibit 154: Dell Technologies Inc. - Key offerings



Exhibit 155: Dell Technologies Inc. - Segment focus

12.11 Digital.ai Software Inc.

Exhibit 156: Digital.ai Software Inc. - Overview



Exhibit 157: Digital.ai Software Inc. - Product / Service



Exhibit 158: Digital.ai Software Inc. - Key offerings

12.12 Infosys Ltd.

Exhibit 159: Infosys Ltd. - Overview



Exhibit 160: Infosys Ltd. - Business segments



Exhibit 161: Infosys Ltd. - Key news



Exhibit 162: Infosys Ltd. - Key offerings



Exhibit 163: Infosys Ltd. - Segment focus

12.13 International Business Machines Corp.

Exhibit 164: International Business Machines Corp. - Overview



Exhibit 165: International Business Machines Corp. - Business segments



Exhibit 166: International Business Machines Corp. - Key news



Exhibit 167: International Business Machines Corp. - Key offerings



Exhibit 168: International Business Machines Corp. - Segment focus

12.14 Microsoft Corp.

Exhibit 169: Microsoft Corp. - Overview



Exhibit 170: Microsoft Corp. - Business segments



Exhibit 171: Microsoft Corp. - Key news



Exhibit 172: Microsoft Corp. - Key offerings



Exhibit 173: Microsoft Corp. - Segment focus

12.15 Open Text Corp.

Exhibit 174: Open Text Corp. - Overview



Exhibit 175: Open Text Corp. - Product / Service



Exhibit 176: Open Text Corp. - Key news



Exhibit 177: Open Text Corp. - Key offerings

12.16 Oracle Corp.

Exhibit 178: Oracle Corp. - Overview



Exhibit 179: Oracle Corp. - Business segments



Exhibit 180: Oracle Corp. - Key news



Exhibit 181: Oracle Corp. - Key offerings



Exhibit 182: Oracle Corp. - Segment focus

12.17 Red Hat Inc.

Exhibit 183: Red Hat Inc. - Overview



Exhibit 184: Red Hat Inc. - Product / Service



Exhibit 185: Red Hat Inc. - Key offerings

13 Appendix

13.1 Scope of the report

13.2 Inclusions and exclusions checklist

Exhibit 186: Inclusions checklist



Exhibit 187: Exclusions checklist

13.3 Currency conversion rates for US$

Exhibit 188: Currency conversion rates for US$

13.4 Research methodology

Exhibit 189: Research methodology



Exhibit 190: Validation techniques employed for market sizing



Exhibit 191: Information sources

13.5 List of abbreviations

Exhibit 192: 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
PANAMA CITY, Fla., July 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Prominently featured in The Inner Circle, Patrick Tamim is acknowledged as a Top Pinnacle Professional for his contributions to the Vascular Surgery Field.

Patrick Tamim

Dr. Tamim pursued higher education at Southern Methodist University where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Chemistry. He continued his education at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School where he earned a Medical Degree. He then completed a general surgical residency at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit and Abbington Hospital in Pennsylvania; and a one-year critical care fellowship at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. He capped his scholarship with a fellowship in vascular surgery at Hartford Hospital in Connecticut to complete his higher education.

Dual board-certified in vascular surgery by the American Board of Surgery and notes that the ABS is an independent, non-profit organization located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, founded for the purpose of certifying surgeons who have met a defined standard of education, training, and knowledge. In the field since 2010, the doctor provides treatment for carotid disease; aortic aneurysm; and peripheral artery disease surgery. He is considered an expert in aortic aneurysm; carotid endarterectomy; deep vein thrombosis; dialysis; access surgery; peripheral vascular diseases; peripheral artery disease; spider vein removal; stroke; and varicose veins.

Dr. Tamim explained that vascular surgery is a surgical subspecialty in which diseases of the vascular system, including the arteries, veins, and lymphatic circulation, are managed by medical therapy; minimally invasive catheter procedures; and surgical reconstruction. Vascular surgeons, like the doctor, also diagnose, treat, and manage conditions in the arteries and veins, also called the blood vessels, and treat a range of health problems, from spider and varicose veins to life-threatening aneurysms, and can help patients manage chronic conditions throughout their lives.

Dedicated to providing the latest advancements in the vascular surgery field, the doctor is affiliated with Bay Medical Sacred Heart and Gulf Coast Regional Medical Center. He has been the recipient of the Patients Choice Award (2018, 2017, 2016, 2014, 2013, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008); Compassionate Doctor Recognition (2018, 2017, 2016, 2014, 2013, 2011, 2010); Top 10 Doctors in the State (2014); and On-Time Doctor Award (2018, 2017, 2016) and is associated with the Society for Vascular Surgery and Emerald Coast Medical Association. In addition to his medical practice, Dr. Tamim participates in a lecture series through the Council on Aging at his local hospital and speaks multiple languages, including English, French, and Arabic.

The doctor would like to dedicate this honor to his father, Marwan Tamim, MD, for all his inspiration and also to his mentors, David Drezner, MD; Phillip Allmendinger, MD; and Mary Windels, MD.

For more information, please visit his website at www.pcvascular.com.

Contact: Katherine Green, 516-825-5634, [email protected]

SOURCE The Inner Circle
A roundup of the week's most newsworthy consumer and retail industry press releases from PR Newswire, including mustard-flavored Skittles, a cat-inspired "feastival," and 3D-printed footwear.

NEW YORK, July 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- With thousands of press releases published each week, it can be difficult to keep up with everything on PR Newswire. To help journalists covering the consumer and retail industries stay on top of the week's most newsworthy and popular releases, here's a roundup of stories from the week that shouldn't be missed.

The list below includes the headline (with a link to the full text) and an excerpt from each story. Click on the press release headlines to access accompanying multimedia assets that are available for download.

PR Newswire Weekly Consumer Press Release Roundup, July 24-28, 2023. Photo provided by Ninja. https://prn.to/3KdScI3

Read more of the latest consumer-related releases from PR Newswire and stay caught up on the top press releases by following @PRNcnsmr, @prnfood, @prnbeauty, and @prnfashion on Twitter.

Can't-Miss Earnings

In addition to these popular releases, several must-read earnings reports crossed the wire this week, including the quarterly results for Domino's Pizza, Crocs, and eBay.

Catch up on all the latest earnings reports here.

Helping Journalists Stay Up to Date on Industry News

These are just a few of the recent press releases that consumers and the media should know about. To be notified of releases relevant to their coverage area, journalists can set up a custom newsfeed with PR Newswire for Journalists.

Once they're signed up, reporters, bloggers and freelancers have access to the following free features:

Customization: Create a customized newsfeed that will deliver relevant news right to your inbox. Customize the newsfeed by keywords, industry, subject, geography, and more.

Create a customized newsfeed that will deliver relevant news right to your inbox. Customize the newsfeed by keywords, industry, subject, geography, and more. Photos and Videos: Thousands of multimedia assets are available to download and include with your next story.

Thousands of multimedia assets are available to download and include with your next story. Subject Matter Experts: Access ProfNet, a database of industry experts to connect with as sources or for quotes in your articles.

Access ProfNet, a database of industry experts to connect with as sources or for quotes in your articles. Related Resources: Read and subscribe to our journalist- and blogger-focused blog, Beyond Bylines, for media news roundups, writing tips, upcoming events, and more.

About PR Newswire and PR Newswire for Journalists

For more than 65 years, PR Newswire has been the industry leader with the largest, most comprehensive distribution network of print, radio, magazine, television stations, financial portals and trade publications. PR Newswire has an unparalleled global reach of more than 200,000 publications and 10,000 websites and is available in more than 170 countries and 40 languages.

PR Newswire for Journalists (PRNJ) is an exclusive community that includes over 20,000 journalists, bloggers and influencers who are logging into their PRNJ accounts specifically looking for story ideas. PR Newswire thoroughly researches and vets this community to verify their identity as a member of the press, blogger or influencer. PRNJ users cover more than 200 beats and verticals.

For questions, contact the team at [email protected].

SOURCE PR Newswire
A roundup of the week's most newsworthy culture press releases from PR Newswire, including a celebration of Black businesses and an Indigenous film festival.

NEW YORK, July 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- With thousands of press releases published each week, it can be difficult to keep up with everything on PR Newswire. To help journalists covering different cultural groups stay on top of the week's most newsworthy and popular releases, here's a roundup of stories from the week that shouldn't be missed.

The list below includes the headline (with a link to the full text) and an excerpt from each story. Click on the press release headlines to access accompanying multimedia assets that are available for download.

PR Newswire Weekly People & Culture Press Release Roundup, July 24-28, 2023. Photo provided by Boeing. https://prn.to/44H20SR

Read more of the latest culture-related releases from PR Newswire and stay caught up on the top press releases by following @PRNmltcult on Twitter.

Helping Journalists Stay Up to Date on Industry News

These are just a few of the recent press releases that consumers and the media should know about. To be notified of releases relevant to their coverage area, journalists can set up a custom newsfeed with PR Newswire for Journalists.

Once they're signed up, reporters, bloggers and freelancers have access to the following free features:

Customization: Create a customized newsfeed that will deliver relevant news right to your inbox. Customize the newsfeed by keywords, industry, subject, geography, and more.

Create a customized newsfeed that will deliver relevant news right to your inbox. Customize the newsfeed by keywords, industry, subject, geography, and more. Photos and Videos: Thousands of multimedia assets are available to download and include with your next story.

Thousands of multimedia assets are available to download and include with your next story. Subject Matter Experts: Access ProfNet, a database of industry experts to connect with as sources or for quotes in your articles.

Access ProfNet, a database of industry experts to connect with as sources or for quotes in your articles. Related Resources: Read and subscribe to our journalist- and blogger-focused blog, Beyond Bylines, for media news roundups, writing tips, upcoming events, and more.

About PR Newswire and PR Newswire for Journalists

For more than 65 years, PR Newswire has been the industry leader with the largest, most comprehensive distribution network of print, radio, magazine, television stations, financial portals and trade publications. PR Newswire has an unparalleled global reach of more than 200,000 publications and 10,000 websites and is available in more than 170 countries and 40 languages.

PR Newswire for Journalists (PRNJ) is an exclusive community that includes over 20,000 journalists, bloggers and influencers who are logging into their PRNJ accounts specifically looking for story ideas. PR Newswire thoroughly researches and vets this community to verify their identity as a member of the press, blogger or influencer. PRNJ users cover more than 200 beats and verticals.

For questions, contact the team at [email protected].

SOURCE PR Newswire
A roundup of the week's most newsworthy technology industry press releases from PR Newswire, including Lockheed's spacecraft development and new AI-powered scam detection from Norton.

NEW YORK, July 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- With thousands of press releases published each week, it can be difficult to keep up with everything on PR Newswire. To help journalists covering the business technology industry stay on top of the week's most newsworthy and popular releases, here's a roundup of stories from the week that shouldn't be missed.

The list below includes the headline (with a link to the full text) and an excerpt from each story. Click on the press release headlines to access accompanying multimedia assets that are available for download.

PR Newswire Weekly Technology Press Release Roundup, July 24-28, 2023. Photo provided by Lockheed Martin. https://prn.to/475ekxQ

Read more of the latest business technology releases from PR Newswire and stay caught up on the top press releases by following @PRNtech on Twitter.

Can't-Miss Earnings

In addition to these popular releases, several must-read earnings reports crossed the wire this week, including the quarterly results for Meta, Texas Instruments, ADP, and AT&T.

Catch up on all the latest earnings reports here.

Helping Journalists Stay Up to Date on Industry News

These are just a few of the recent press releases that consumers and the media should know about. To be notified of releases relevant to their coverage area, journalists can set up a custom newsfeed with PR Newswire for Journalists.

Once they're signed up, reporters, bloggers and freelancers have access to the following free features:

Customization: Create a customized newsfeed that will deliver relevant news right to your inbox. Customize the newsfeed by keywords, industry, subject, geography, and more.

Create a customized newsfeed that will deliver relevant news right to your inbox. Customize the newsfeed by keywords, industry, subject, geography, and more. Photos and Videos: Thousands of multimedia assets are available to download and include with your next story.

Thousands of multimedia assets are available to download and include with your next story. Subject Matter Experts: Access ProfNet, a database of industry experts to connect with as sources or for quotes in your articles.

Access ProfNet, a database of industry experts to connect with as sources or for quotes in your articles. Related Resources: Read and subscribe to our journalist- and blogger-focused blog, Beyond Bylines, for media news roundups, writing tips, upcoming events, and more.

About PR Newswire and PR Newswire for Journalists

For more than 65 years, PR Newswire has been the industry leader with the largest, most comprehensive distribution network of print, radio, magazine, television stations, financial portals and trade publications. PR Newswire has an unparalleled global reach of more than 200,000 publications and 10,000 websites and is available in more than 170 countries and 40 languages.

PR Newswire for Journalists (PRNJ) is an exclusive community that includes over 20,000 journalists, bloggers and influencers who are logging into their PRNJ accounts specifically looking for story ideas. PR Newswire thoroughly researches and vets this community to verify their identity as a member of the press, blogger or influencer. PRNJ users cover more than 200 beats and verticals.

SOURCE PR Newswire
Local owner's customer service focus and reliable, durable fencing installation set the company apart and support economic growth in the scenic corridor

SALT LAKE CITY, July 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Top Rail Fence, the on-time professionals in fence design, quality, installation, and service, announced today the opening of its first Utah branch with a location in the Wasatch Front corridor.

Top Rail Fence Wasatch Front owner Rudy Bennett plans to focus on customer service and reliable fencing installation to set the company apart from its competitors.

"Top Rail Fence allows us to tailor our services to meet the unique needs of each customer," said owner Rudy Bennett. "Fencing plays a crucial role in enhancing security and safety at your home and within your community. In addition, adding well-maintained fences improves a property's overall appearance, increases property values and provides privacy. Top Rail Fence has a direct economic impact on the community by providing employment opportunities, as well."

Bennett said he first became interested in owning a franchise after reading articles highlighting the importance of franchising as an option for local business ownership.

"It's not just McDonald's," he said of franchising. "There are a variety of franchising opportunities to fit every personality type. In doing my research, I discovered that Top Rail Fence was a match for my background and personal experiences."

He and his partner, Julia Shepherd, have three children and a fourth on the way. Bennett is originally from Rhode Island but has lived in Utah for the past 25 years, making the Wasatch Front area home for himself and his family.

Bennett has worked in the education, finance and management sectors and has had experience in the home service sector as a project manager in the solar industry.

"Communication is huge for me," he said. "I value feedback from customers and actively seek it out. This is the best way to constantly improve our services and ensure that we are delivering the best possible experience. I want to surprise and delight our customers."

Bennett comes from a large family and said he wants to extend his family-oriented background into his running of the business. He foresees his Top Rail Fence location becoming an integral part of the community.

"We have a close-knit and tight community feel here, and I want my Top Rail Fence location to become part of the fabric of this community," he said. "I want to take what I've learned throughout my professional career on how to establish and maintain strong relationships with our suppliers, contractors and customers and build a company that the community is proud of."

Top Rail Fence is a part of HomeFront Brands, a family of emerging, franchised residential and commercial property service brands that includes Top Rail Fence, Temporary Wall Systems, BiltRite Home Inspections, The Designery, Window Hero Exterior Cleaning Services and Mozzie Dome.

To learn more about Top Rail Fence Wasatch Front, please visit https://toprailfence.com/locations/wasatch-front/.

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 in 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 HomeFrontBrands.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Heather Ripley

Ripley PR

865-977-1973

[email protected]

SOURCE HomeFront Brands
World's Longest Elevated Pedestrian Loop

Now Open

APPLE VALLEY, Minn., July 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Minnesota Zoo Treetop Trail, the world's longest elevated pedestrian loop, is now officially open to the public. The 1.25-mile Treetop Trail takes guests to new heights  up to 32 feet above the ground - as they travel into the trees and gain new perspectives of many Zoo animals, including tigers, moose, bison, and camels. The Treetop Trail will be open year-round for guests to experience Minnesota's four seasons.

Minnesota Zoo Treetop Trail Now Open - World's Longest Elevated Pedestrian Loop opens to thousands of enthusiastic nature lovers. Minnesota Zoo Treetop Trail provides elevated views of nature and animal habitats including tigers, bison, moose, and camels.

Minnesota Lieutenant Governor, Peggy Flanagan, helped kick off the historic grand opening by proclaiming it "Minnesota Zoo Treetop Trail Day" in the state in front of an enthusiastic crowd of nature, animal, and zoo lovers.

"The Minnesota Zoo has always been a special place for our family. By creating new opportunities to get outdoors and encouraging Minnesotans of all ages to take new perspectives, the Treetop Trail is a treasure and a true gift to Minnesotans," said Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan. "The Treetop Trail takes us one step closer to making Minnesota the best state for kids and families  for generations to come. I'm grateful to everyone who put their time, energy, and care into making this vision a reality."

In his opening remarks, Minnesota Zoo Director John Frawley proclaimed that the Treetop Trail is a gift for Minnesotans. "The Treetop Trail will provide an accessible and immersive pathway to nature for all ages, abilities, backgrounds, and communities."

Opening appropriately on World Nature Conservation Day (July 28), the Treetop Trail reaffirms the Minnesota Zoo as a worldwide leader in wildlife conservation and as a trusted nature destination. The Minnesota Zoo opened in 1978 with a mission to connect people, animals, and the natural world to save wildlife.

"For the last 45 years, the Zoo has done a tremendous job connecting people and animals. The Treetop Trail allows us to reimagine the traditional zoo experience and further the connection between people and the natural world," said Frawley.

The Treetop Trail gives guests year-round access to hundreds of acres of hardwood forest, ponds and marshes, and the diverse wildlife that calls Minnesota home. And, of course, a bird's eye view for bird watchers. It adds more than 70,000 square feet to the Zoo and includes 22 bump-out overlooks to enhance the viewing experience while walking the trail.

Integrating into the Minnesota Zoo's original monorail track, which opened in 1979 and was retired in 2013, the Treetop Trail is the ultimate reuse construction project. Planning began in June 2018 and a ceremonial groundbreaking was held in April 2022. "Thanks to the full support from our Boards, legislative and government champions, as well as the philanthropic community, we have secured $39 million in public and private partnership to support our Step Into Nature campaign and this transformational project," said Frawley.

The Zoo contracted with award-winning Snow Kreilich Architects; engineering firm Buro Happold (known for its work on the High Line in New York City); TEN x TEN Landscape Architecture and Urbanism; and construction partner, PCL. Together, they have been committed to minimizing disruptions to the Zoo's animals and guests before, during, and after construction of the trail.

The Minnesota Zoo would like to express profound gratitude to the following for their support of the Treetop Trail: State of Minnesota, K.A.H.R. Foundation, Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, Target, Best Buy Foundation, Hubbard Broadcasting Foundation, Flint Hills Resources, and hundreds of individual donors.

To learn more about the Minnesota Zoo's Treetop Trail, please visit mnzoo.org/treetoptrail.

Background and assets can be found here: Minnesota Zoo Treetop Trail Assets.

About the Minnesota Zoo

The Minnesota Zoo is a year-round destination providing a window into the natural world. With hundreds of species of animals, worldwide conservation efforts, and acres of scenic beauty, the Zoo is a resource to connect people, animals, and the natural world to save wildlife. The Minnesota Zoo is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and an institutional member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA). For more information visit mnzoo.org.

About the Minnesota Zoo Treetop Trail

The 1.25-mile Treetop Trail at the Minnesota Zoo is the world's longest elevated pedestrian loop. An inspired repurposing of the Zoo's original monorail trail, the path brings guests up to 32 feet above the ground providing them a bird's eye view and access to hundreds of acres of hardwood forest, wetlands, wildlife, and, of course, the Zoo's beloved animals. The mission of the Treetop Trail is to provide a year-round, welcoming, and accessible journey into nature for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities through self-guided experiences as well as special events and programming. mnzoo.org/treetoptrail

SOURCE Minnesota Zoo
"I applaud the filmmakers for capturing the unprecedented energy and excitement  though not the facts  surrounding the original release of Beanie Babies 30 years ago. The movie is, by its own admission, partly fiction. But, like the filmmakers, I am in the business of dreams, and I admire their creative spirit. To the fans and collectors of Beanie Babies who have been there for the last three decades, thank you for all the love you have shown."

In honor of Beanie Babies' 30th anniversary, Warner announced that his company, Ty Inc., will give away Beanie Babies for free at The Beanie Bubble showings in 54 theaters across the United States and in the United Kingdom. Moviegoers in the 37 U.S. theaters where the movie is showing will receive the Patti II Platypus Beanie Baby, a snuggly soft Ty fabric buddy complete with the official Ty Heart and a special birthday poem. In the 17 UK theaters where The Beanie Bubble is playing, moviegoers will receive Peanut II, Squealer II or Snort II.

"We hope you like our new Beanie Baby collection. We've tried to capture all the magic again  30 years later," Warner said.

The Beanie Bubble opened in New York City and Los Angeles on July 21 and opens in other cities and premieres on Apple + on July 28. In an acknowledgment that the movie is fictionalized, it opens with a title-card disclaimer: "There are parts of the truth you just can't make up. The rest, we did."

In the U.S., cities where the movie is or will be playing include: Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta, Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Addison, Ill.; Cleveland Heights, Ohio; Columbus, Ohio; Dallas; Dayton, Ohio; Canton, Mich.; Grandville, Mich.; Overland Park, Kan.; Lincoln, Neb.; Chino Hills, Calif.; Santa Monica, Calif.; Coconut Grove, Fla.; Lakeville, Minn.; Hackettstown, N.J.; Omaha, Neb.; Orlando, Fla.; West Melbourne, Fla.; Chandler, Ariz.; Mesa, Ariz.; Scottsdale, Ariz.; Sedona, Ariz.; Lincoln, R.I.; Sandy, Utah; South Jordan, Utah; San Antonio; San Rafael, Calif.; Santa Barbara, Calif.; Tampa, Fla.; Tucson, Ariz.; Fairfax, Va.; Jupiter, Fla.

In addition, the movie will be showing UK theaters in London, Doncaster, Banbury, Bolton, Cambridge, Wallasey, Sheffield, Sittingbourne, Stockport, Walsall, Wisbech, Addlestone, Bradford, Redhill and Northampton.

The Beanie giveaway will last while supplies last.

To learn more about Ty's products, please visit: https://shop.ty.com/

About Ty Warner

Ty Warner is an American toy manufacturer and owner of luxury hotels worldwide. He is Chairman, CEO, and founder of Ty Inc, the largest manufacturer of soft toys in the world. A philanthropist, Warner has donated more than $300 million to a variety of charities. Most recently, Warner released Max the dog Beanie Baby, with 100% of profits being donated to NEXT for Autism to raise awareness of autism support.

In April 2020, the United Way Worldwide COVID-19 Fund received 100% of the profits from the sale of Hope, a limited-edition praying bear. In addition, Warner was the first to organize and prepare his Four Seasons Hotel New York as a safe haven for first responders during the pandemic. He made it possible for doctors and nurses working the frontlines to reside at the Four Seasons Hotel New York free of charge. This prevented unnecessary COVID exposure to their families and loved ones, reduced extensive travel to and from the city and allowed first responders the much-needed rest from their exhausting schedules.

Other charities that have benefitted from Warner's philanthropy efforts include Children's Hunger Fund, World Vision, Toy Bank, International Toy Bank, Today Show, Children's Miracle Network, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Toys for Tots, Princess of Wales Foundation, Andre Agassi Foundation, American Red Cross, Save the Children, Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, NY Police and Fire Widow's Fund, Ronald McDonald House, USO, Mayo Clinic and UNICEF.

For more information about Ty Warner's company, Ty Inc., visit https://shop.ty.com/.

SOURCE Ty Inc.
RALEIGH, N.C., July 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- VinFast announced today it has officially broken ground at its electric vehicle manufacturing site, located within the Triangle Innovation Point in Chatham County, North Carolina. The groundbreaking ceremony, which took place today at the site, marked a significant milestone toward VinFast's global expansion and the company's supply chain development in North America.

VinFast's US factory project is the first electric vehicle manufacturing facility in North Carolina, as well as the largest economic development initiative in the state's history.

VinFast Manufacturing Facility Groundbreaking

North Carolina Governor, Roy Cooper, Vietnamese Ambassador to the US, Nguyen Quoc Dung, and representatives from state and federal governments attended the event along with a gathering of VinFast's partners, customers, industry experts and journalists. Bottom of Form

The plant, which has a Phase 1 total investment of up to $2 billion USD, spans an area of approximately 1,800 acres and is divided into five main production areas, including a body shop, general assembly, press shop , paint shop and an energy center. Th ere will also be other functional facilities in the factory premises .

In the initial phase, the factory will focus on building VinFast's VF 7, VF 8 and VF 9 electric vehicles with an expected production capacity of 150,000 vehicles per year. The supplier base for components and materials will be primarily concentrated in the US, Vietnam and a few other countries. Future expansion and updates for the factory will be identified in the next phase.

Currently, VinFast has appointed Clayco as the general contractor and construction management company to lead the project and will begin the bidding process to select subcontractors soon.

"North Carolina's skilled and diverse workforce is our greatest strength, and we have the largest manufacturing workforce in the Southeast," said Governor Roy Cooper."This VinFast factory will create thousands of good-paying jobs in our state, along with a healthier environment as more electric vehicles take to the road."

"Today's event marks a new milestone for VinFast, affirming our commitment to the North American market," said Madam Le Thi Thu Thuy, CEO of VinFast, during the ceremony. "Not only will this project create thousands of jobs and contribute to North Carolina's economic development, but VinFast's electric vehicles produced here will also bring additional economic benefits to consumers. We also look forward to contributing to the development of the North Carolina community  our second home  during the production and business operation here."

The VinFast electric vehicle manufacturing plant is expected to commence production in 2025, creating an ecosystem of suppliers and thousands of jobs.

The manufacturing complex, VinFast's first electric vehicle factory outside of Vietnam, will also play an important role as the company strives to reach world-class levels of sustainable mobility on a global scale.

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/.

SOURCE VinFast
SUZHOU, China, July 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- WuXi Vaccines, a leading global vaccine CDMO (Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization), today announced the successful GMP release of its CHO cell-based drug substance (DS) manufacturing facility located in Suzhou, China. DS production has already begun at the facility. The GMP release of its first DS facility in China enhances WuXi Vaccines' capability in providing global partners with comprehensive end-to-end solutions, and demonstrates the company's continued commitment to meeting increased demand for vaccine development and manufacture, as well as expanding vaccine accessibility around the world.

The DS facility employs the proven and reliable CHO cell-culture platform, and utilizes single-use bioreactors up to 1000L  a combination that enhances both the efficiency and quality of drug substance production. To further cater to the diverse needs of global partners, the Suzhou site is also expanding manufacturing capability by developing its DS capacity based on microbial and viral platforms up to BSL2, and building a fill & finish facility that will offer liquid, lyophilization, suspension and emulsion processes. Dedicated to maintaining the highest levels of quality and safety, the Suzhou site upholds stringent global cGMP standards and complies with the regulatory guidelines of the U.S. FDA, EU EMA, China NMPA, and WHO.

Mr. Jian Dong, CEO of WuXi Vaccines, commented, "The release of the drug substance facility at our Suzhou site and the start of manufacturing marks a major milestone for WuXi Vaccines. Leveraging our expertise, advanced facilities, and innovative technology platforms, while adhering to global cGMP standards and regulatory guidelines, we are primed to meet the rising demand for vaccine development and manufacture, and advance the availability of safe and effective vaccines worldwide."

About WuXi Vaccines

WuXi Vaccines is a leading contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) that focuses on vaccine development and manufacturing. It provides world-class integrated development and manufacturing platforms to expedite partners' vaccines to the clinical stage and the market, regardless of the vaccine modality (i.e., protein, virus, VLP, DNA, mRNA/RNA). With its technical expertise, broad regulatory knowledge, premium quality system, advanced CMC development capabilities, multiple production platforms (mammalian, microbial), and extensive GMP manufacturing capacities, WuXi Vaccines provides an end-to-end service  from vaccine discovery and development to large-scale commercial production and distribution. The company can enable any global partner to deliver critical vaccines anywhere in the world, making it an essential partner in protecting public health. For more information about WuXi Vaccines, please visit: https://wuxivaccines.com.

Contacts

Business

[email protected]

Media

[email protected]

SOURCE WuXi Vaccines
At the first time, I met Ms. W, I could see she was very sick. A petite, old lady, sitting in a wheelchair, she was wrapped in layers of clothing and a pair of super heavy gloves, and had an urinary bag attached to her. She was accompanied by her sister.When the nurse checked her vital sign, she needed her sisters help to remove her clothing to have her blood pressure taken. When the finger oximeter did not get her blood oxygen level, her sister suggested that it could be caused by the low temperature of her finger. So the nurse got a special instrument to check her blood oxygen level on her forehead.

Ms. W was significantly underweight and weak, and the only other person I had seen in a comparable condition was an old lady with end-stage pancreatic cancer at the very end of her life. Her sister is a chatty person. Although her understanding of English was very limited, she always had many questions and requests for the conditions and treatment of her sister. It was obvious that she cared about her sister a lot.

Because of her sister, I got to know some story of Ms. W. She graduated from a well-known University in mainland China with a bachelors degree in English. Before moving to the USA at least 20 years ago, she lived in Hongkong for many years. She was married with no children, and her husband also only had meager knowledge of English. Besides, both her husband and her sister have little computer skills. Therefore, before she became very sick, she was the person in her family to deal with English and computers.

Ms. W. had a genetic condition called Raynauds syndrome, which means she is very sensitive to cold. If her hands were exposed to cold conditions for a little bit, it would become red or purple. Thus, she needed to wear gloves all the time, even inside of a building. Despite this condition, she was mostly healthy for most of her life. However, She became very sick in the last two to three years, and her diseases involved many organs. Last year, she was hospitalized for more than one month. For a long time, doctors had difficulties diagnosing her, and she went back and forth among many specialists, such as rheumatologist, cardiologist, urologist et al. Finally, during her hospitalization, she got her diagnosis, scleroderma. This is a rare autoimmune disease, causing the hardening of not only her skin, but also her blood vessels and internal organs, and in turn leading to the problems of her multiple organs.At present, she had many serious conditions, such as pulmonary fibrosis, rheumatoid arthritis, hematocytopenia, urinary retention et al.

Because of her disease, Mr. Ws response was very slow, so she rarely spoke or made any movement. However, I remembered that at the end of one of her doctor visits, she asked the doctor in English if there was no hope for her disease, and if she was dying. Kneeling down in front of her wheelchair, the doctor told her that when she was hospitalized last year, her condition was so bad she was close to death. But at present, although she still had many problems, she was in fact much better now, and she was very lucky to have devoted caregivers, her sister and her husband. Ms. We knotted and both her sister and her husband had tears in their eyes.

It is so hard to live with a horrible disease, but with devoted caregivers and great doctors, a person can get the best out of a dismal situation. Whenever I meet such a patient, I have a refreshed appreciation for life.
SINGAPORE, July 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- In recent years, along with the iterative innovation of beauty science and technology, the growth of Chinese beauty industry has been gaining the attention of the international market. The 25th World Congress of Dermatology (hereinafter referred to as WCD), known as "the Olympic of dermatology", was held in Singapore from July 3 to 8. Yatesn Holding limitedYSGfor the first time as official sponsor with its skincare brands, DR. WU and Galenic, and became one of the few China domestic cosmetic enterprises in this grand international event.

YSG at WCD Galenic at WCD

WCD, the international dermatology conference held every four years, is the world's longest history conference and one of the most influential academic events in the field of dermatology. This year's WCD attracted more than 12,000 renowned experts and scholars, representatives of dermatology, industry leaders, and representatives of enterprises from more than 180 countries and regions around the world to gather in Singapore.

At the congress, YSG not only delivered the Innovative achievements in dermatology, such as VC ActiveAnchor Technology and nanoencapsulated sustained-release technology, but also shared the new solutions in the field of anti-aging and medical skincare, such as Super Retinoids of step-by-step anti-aging solutions, multi-dimensional anti-aging by regulating on both the endogenous and exogenous factors, etc. The innovative ideas of beauty technology have been approached and approved by many dermatologists and professors from all over the world.

First time at "Olympic of dermatology", YSG showing up with multiple R&D achievements

As the theme of the Congress, "Dermatology Beyond Borders", YSG is commited to break through the boundaries, jointly with numbers of scientific research institutes, laboratories, universities and hospitals around the world in order to serve segmented skincare needs of Chinese and global customers, to carry out industry-university-academy-medicine cooperation, and devoted to building a powerful moat for the sustainable development of enterprises with the open innovation system  Open Lab.

Based on the Open Lab R&D system, YSG has successfully transformed a series of exclusive proprietary technological achievements in recent years, which have gone through clinical trials in hospitals to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the products, such as TransHealer, vitis vinifera stem cell extract, PATENTED ALGAE-TIDE* and so on. During WCD, these innovative achievements and various on-site products experience halted overseas visitors for more information.

In recent years, YSG has continued to increase its investment in R&D. In 2022, the Company upgraded its annual R&D expense ratio to 3.4%, which continued to be in the front rank globally. By the end of 2022, YSG has submitted 174 patent applications worldwide,, among which 43 are invention patents (some of them are in assignment of patent).

YSG's participation in WCD will be an important step in the layout of its global R&D system. YSG will keep leading the new development of the beauty and health industry by grasping the world's cutting-edge scientific research intelligence and concepts and the global trends of medical skincare, and seeking common development with global dermatology experts.

Relying on the core advantage of the Group's global R&D resources, its brands DR. WU and Galenic have also exploited and found out innovative paths integrating industry, universities, academies and medicine.

20 years of Dermetologists developed, DR. WU takes clinical research achievements to the international stage

This year marks the 20th anniversary of DR. WU. While exhibiting its remarkable dual clinical study at the WCD, it is also celebrating the brand's 20th anniversary in Singapore.

Prof. Yen Loo LIM, Secretary General of WCD, addressed the 20th anniversary ceremony, "It is great to see a brand like DR. WU providing big impetus to the original development of dermatology", and hoped that DR. WU would keep contributing to dermatology research and development in Asia and the world.

At the 20th anniversary celebration, Prof. Zhizhong ZHENG, Chairman of DR. WU's Brand Expert Committee, an authoritative leader in the field of acne, the first president of Chinese Dermatologist Association (branch of Chinese Medical Doctor Association), launched a joint initiative to advocate that "efficacy-based skincare needs to follow evidence-based therapy and return to ultimate user value of building healthy skin". The initiative was supported by Secretary General of WCD, Prof. Yen Loo LIM, CEO of YSG, Mr. Jinfeng Huang, and other guests.

On the day of the event, DR. WU also invited Prof. Qiang Ju, an outstanding dermatologist at home and abroad to share the latest advances in acne diagnosis and treatment and clinical research on Mandelic Mutiple acid, and brought two new products the new members of the Mandelic famliy, "DR.WU Mendelik Purifying Renewal Essence Toner", and DR. WU's first professional 3A retinol anti-aging essence "DR.WU Tri-Retinoid Intensive Revitalizing Serum".

In recent years, DR. WU has continued to consolidate the power of dermatology, empowering the co-created and developed products of clinical practice and research, and launched Multiple Acid Renewal Mask and Gel, Triple Action Repair Series, etc. Among them, DR. WU's Triple-Action Repair Serum applies the exclusive proprietary formula "TransHealer" nanoencapsulated sodium heparin and other four active ingredients, which can provide precise solutions to red post-acne marks and redness repair. Relevant results have been published in the world peer-reviewed journal Molecules and indexed by SCI, one of the world's top three scientific and technical literature retrieval systems. DR. WU thus became one of the few Chinese beauty brands with papers included in SCI.

Focused on the Functional Ingredients, Galenic's 45-year devotion to in-depth research on ActiveAnchorTMTechnology

As a cutting-edge brand that combines medical practise with skincare application, Galenic was invited to this year's WCD. Over the years, Galenic has not only been highly recognized by the International League of Dermatological Societies (ILDS), but also, since its birth over the past 45 years, has been active in the world's major events with the technology pillars of the industry's high-standard scientific researches of and academic resources.

One of the highlights of this year's WCD is Galenic's launch of its PATENTED ALGAE-TIDE* and VC ActiveAnchor Technology.

The PATENTED ALGAE-TIDE*, an exclusive ingredient that has taken more than 20 years of research, is the latest achievement of Galenic in the field of anti-aging. The scientific combination of snow algae essence and its exclusive Rheolique, which is applied in the third generation of Couture Secret D'excellence Active Cream, can accurately solve the problem of skin aging, demonstrating Galenic's professionalism in dermatological research.

Besides the PATENTED ALGAE-TIDE*, Galenic golden-3 principles of VC have also gained high attentions from dermatological professionals around the world, and its product GALENICEUTICALS [N1]BRIGHTENING RADIANCE ENERGY SERUM has been recognized and praised by many customers.

The five-day trip at WCD has injected new vitality and elements into YSG's product upgrading and technological development. The Company will take this exhibition as a good opportunity to link academic organizations, medical institutions and related industry experts and other resources to provide consumers with better products, and contribute to dermatology with the wisdom and strength of Chinese enterprises.

SOURCE Yatsen Global
They don't call it Trader Joe's Unexpected Broccoli Cheddar Soup for nothing  the "unexpected" ingredient turns out to be bugs. At least that's the surprise customers can expect this week if they own a current batch of the soup, which "has insects in the frozen broccoli florets," according to a report issued by the FDA. (The exact species of insect hasn't been disclosed.)

But if bugs aren't your cup of tea, er, soup as it were, Trader Joe's is recalling nearly 11,000 cases of their store brand product that went out to seven states, including California, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Texas and Washington.

At least the unexpected protein is far better than the tooth-cracking rocks offered in Trader Joe's Almond Mill Cookies and Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies that were recalled earlier this week.

From Today:
Frozen in the Siberian permafrost for the last 46,000 years, this tiny roundworm was revived by scientists. While the worm has since died, it did birth numerous babies in the lab before its final goodbye.

From the Washington Post:

Beyond the "wow" factor of a time-traveling nematode, there's a practical reason to study how these tiny, spindle-shaped creatures go dormant to survive extreme environments, said Philipp Schiffer, group leader at the Institute for Zoology at the University of Cologne and one of the authors of the study. Such work may reveal more about how, at a molecular level, animals can adapt as habitats shift because of soaring global temperatures and changing weather patterns.

"We need to know how species adapted to the extreme through evolution to maybe help species alive today and humans as well," Schiffer wrote in an email.

The recipe for reviving these creatures is fairly simple, Schiffer said. Researchers thaw the soil, taking care to not warm it too quickly to avoid cooking the nematodes. The worms then start wriggling around, eating bacteria in a lab dish and reproducing.
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
New York, July 28 : A prominent Indian-American restauranteur, who helped convict a powerful local politician and exposed widespread corruption, has been sentenced to four years for bribing him.

Harendra Singh was handed the relatively lenient sentence on Wednesday by Federal Judge Joan Azrack who credited him for his cooperation with the government "possibly unmatched by any defendant in a corruption prosecution," according to Newsday.

His testimony during the trial of Edward Mangano, the former head of the county government, "exposed the corrupt culture that was business as usual in Nassau County", which adjoins New York City, the judge was quoted as saying.

News 12 Long Island TV said that the judge cited his cooperation in the trial of Mangano as a reason for imposing on Singh a lower sentence than prescribed.

The prosecution had asked for a sentence of 14 A to 17 years.

Singh, 64, who operated about a dozen restaurants and catering facilities, had admitted in court in 2016 to eight charges, including bribery, tax law violations and making a fake claim of $1 million, to a federal agency for damages he said one of his businesses suffered in a storm.

He had also asserted that he gave a bribe to former New York Mayor Bill de Blasio for a concessional city lease for a waterfront restaurant, but prosecutors did not charge the politician as they said there was no evidence that he personally benefitted from the money given to his campaign.

The allegation was one of the factors that helped end de Blasio's run against President Joe Biden for the Democratic Party's presidential nomination.

Another official whom Singh claimed to have bribed, John Venditto, the late head of the town of Oyster Bay, was put on trial but acquitted.

Mangano is serving a 12-year sentence for accepting from Singh bribes of money, a no-show job paying $100,000 per year for his wife, vacations, furniture and a home improvement project.

Manganoas wife, Linda, was sentenced to 15 months.

The same day that Singh was sentenced, Fredrick Mei, a lawyer for Oyster Bay, was sentenced by the same judge to two years for taking bribes of $70,000, a car lease and vacations from him.

The bribery schemes centred on Singh's bid to get a loan of $20 million by having the town of Oyster Bay guarantee it.

Arzac ordered Singh to pay $22 million in restitution.

He spent 15 months in a federal jail and about two-and-a-half years in home detention with an ankle monitor in the nearly seven years since admitting guilt, which amounted to a conviction.
Lucknow, July 28 : Lucknow witnessed a midnight drama at the Gautam Palli police station after the police detained Ankush Sharma, the Personal Secretary of Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Shivpal Yadav, a police official said.

As soon as he learnt of his Secretaryas detention, Shivpal and his supporters reached the police station.

Within half an hour, hundreds of party workers also reached the police station and started shouting slogans.

Police said Ankush, who was going in a car was asked to stop during a checking drive near the SP office.

However, instead of stopping Ankush tried to flee and his car was intercepted and he was brought to the Gautam Palli police station.

Shivpal, meanwhile, alleged that policemen stopped Ankush's car and hid some 'weapon' on the rear seat in a clear attempt to frame him.

Ankush was later allowed to go home and Shivpal went across to meet SP Chief Akhilesh Yadav who lives nearby even as the crowds outside continued to swell.

Shivpal later asked party workers to return home.

Deputy Commissioner of Police, Central Zone, Aparna Rajat Kaushik, dismissed the allegations and said police were only doing routine checking.
Lucknow, July 28 : Lucknow University (LU) has signed an MoU with the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) for academic activities and research.

With this the students in the Lucknow University (LU), will now be able to get practical experience of archives, museums, art galleries, state information centres and heritage libraries like Rampur Raza Library and Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Public Library.

"The LU's department of library and information science is the first in India to join hands with INTACH, the largest network of conservation centres in the world. Prominent Indian cities, including New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar, Jodhpur, Kolkata and Lucknow, also have INTACH centres. Students and teachers will be significantly benefited from this collaboration," LU vice-chancellor Prof Alok Kumar Rai said on Friday.

He said that the MoU signed between the two institutes laid the foundation for an enriched learning experience for library science students, with a focus on preserving documentary resources, manuscripts, rare books, old paintings and indigenous cultural heritage.

INTACH will conduct academic activities such as training workshops and internship programmes, providing students with opportunities to learn from experienced professionals.--IANS

amita/dpb
7 killed as bus falls into canal in Andhra. Image Source: IANS News

Jammu, July 28 : Three persons were injured on Friday when a vehicle carrying Amaranth pilgrims skidded on Jammu-Srinagar highway in Ramban district.

Police sources said that persons were injured when a vehicle carrying Amarnath Yatris skidded off the road at Gangroo near Ramsoo on the Jammu-Srinagar highway in the district.

"Injured persons have been shifted to a primary health centre in Ramsoo for treatment," sources said.
Seoul, July 28 : North Korea has staged a massive military parade to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the signing of the armistice of the Korean War, displaying its latest intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and drones in a show of its military might, Pyongyang's state media reported on Friday.

With senior delegations from China and Russia present, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un took to the reviewing stand to observe the military parade in Kim Il Sung Square late Thursday to mark Victory Day, according to the North's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

The Korean War, which started with an invasion by the North in 1950, ended with the armistice on July 27, 1953.

But the North claimed victory in the war, celebrating the date of the armistice signing as Victory Day, reports Yonhap News Agency.

In the latest parade, the second in about five months, the North showcased advanced drones and long-range missiles, such as liquid-propellant Hwasong-17 ICBMs and solid-fuel Hwasong-18 ICBMs.

North Korea had invited Chinese and Russian officials to its celebrations, marking its first known foreign visitors since Pyongyang's tight border closure over the Covid-19 pandemic in early 2020.

A Russian delegation led by Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and a Chinese group led by Li Hongzhong, a politburo member of the Chinese Communist Party, arrived in Pyongyang this week to take part in the commemorations.

The North's leader gave Shoigu a tour of an arms exhibition on Wednesday, which showcased new advanced weapons, including ICBMs and an unmanned aerial vehicle that appears to be modeled after the US Global Hawk surveillance aircraft.

North Korea fired a Hwasong-18 ICBM earlier this month following its first test in April.

The solid-propellant ICBM type is among the high-tech weapons that the North has vowed to develop, which also includes a military spy satellite and a nuclear-powered submarine.

Under Kim's rule, the North has staged 14 military parades, including this week's event.

The last parade was held in February to mark the 75th founding anniversary of its armed forces and the North introduced the Hwasong-18 ICBM for the first time during the parade.
Madrid, July 28 : The number of jobholders in Spain has reached an all-time-high of about 21.96 million, the country's Statistical Office said.

In its quarterly Economically Active Population Survey (EPA), the office said that 610,000 new jobs were created in the private sector linked mainly to the tourism and service, reports Xinhua news agency.

Meanwhile, the number of people registered as unemployed fell by 365,300 between April and June, meaning 2,762,500 people without a job. This corresponds to an 11.6 per cent unemployment rate.

While the number of people working in the public sector has decreased by 6,200, the unemployment data is still the best since 2008, especially as the data from 15 years ago was partly due to an overheated construction sector, which subsequently lead to a financial and economic crisis.

The number of unemployed fell by 208,600 and 23,400 in the service and construction sectors, respectively.

Seven of Spain's autonomous regions, Catalonia, the Balearic Islands, Aragon, Navarra, Euskadi, La Rioja and Cantabria now have unemployment rates below 10 per cent.

Deputy Prime Minister Nadia Calvino called the quarterly figures "historical" data, while praising the "strength and dynamism of the Spanish economy", which now benefits "both families and companies".

Meanwhile, Acting Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who is currently in negotiations to form a government in the wake of last week's general election, called the results "extraordinary data that shows the strength of our economy".
Brasilia, July 28 : Five inmates were killed and two injured in a day-long riot at a maximum security prison in the Brazilian state of Acre, jail sources said.

The riot erupted on Wednesday morning at the Antonio Amaro Alves prison in the city of Rio Branco when 13 inmates attempted to escape but were captured by prison guards outside the facility, Xinhua news agency quoted the Acre State Secretariat of Justice and Public Security as saying late Thursday.

The inmates then took two guards hostage.

One of the guards managed to flee, while the other was held by the prisoners until Thursday morning when authorities quelled the riot.

Civilian police were at the prison to identify the victims, whose identities are yet to be disclosed.

Police recovered 15 weapons inside the prison and are investigating how the arms were smuggled in.

Built 15 years ago, the Antonio Amaro Alves maximum security prison houses 99 inmates, all of them leaders of criminal organisations.
New Delhi, July 28 : A day after the Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping discussed the border crisis during their brief meeting at the G20 Bali Summit in 2022, the Congress on Friday once again targeted the government saying "is this a consensus or a concession by the Prime Minister".

Slamming the Prime Minister, Congress General secretary Jairam Ramesh said, "Ever since Prime Minister's public clean chit to China on June 19, 2020, the Modi government has been acting as if it is being tough on China, and that there have been no compromises or meaningful conversations between Prime Minister Modi and President Xi Jinping while Chinese troops remain in violation of previous LAC agreements."

"On November 16, 2022, the Modi government characterised a dinner conversation between the two leaders at Bali as just an 'exchange of courtesies'. On July 25, 2023, a Chinese Foreign Ministry statement mentioned the "important consensus" reached by Prime Minister Modi and President Xi at Bali," the Rajya Sabha MP said.

"On July 27, our Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that more than mere courtesies were exchanged at Bali. Is this a consensus or a concession by Prime Minister Modi? Will Chinese troops finally withdraw from Depsang and Demchok where they have blocked Indian patrols for more than three years? Meanwhile, economic relations between the two countries are proceeding as if the Chinese incursions in Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh never even happened. So much for 'lal aankh' (red eye)," the Congress leader said.

His remarks came a day after MEA on Thursday confirmed that Prime Minister Modi and the Chinese President discussed the need to stabilise bilateral relations at the G20 summit in Bali last November, a day after China's foreign ministry claimed that the two leaders reached a "consensus" on the issue at the time.

Arindam Bagchi, Spokesperson of the MEA, confirmed that the two leaders had spoken of the need to stabilise bilateral ties. However, he also stated that India's perspective was that the situation on the LAC remains a key issue that must be resolved.

"During the Bali G20 Summit last year, Prime Minister and President Xi Jinping, at the conclusion of the dinner hosted by the Indonesian President, exchanged courtesies and spoke of the need to stabilize our bilateral relations," Bagchi said at the weekly press conference.

"I think Foreign Secretary did mention maybe he didn't mention the second part of it. He did talk about exchanging courtesy and I think there was a general discussion or spoke of the need to stabilize our bilateral relationship or relations," Bagchi added.

--IANSaks/dpb
Having lived in the U.S. now for more than 20 years, I can safely report that one of its greatest marvels is The Cheesecake Factory, with its 250-item menu, bizarre Vegas-strip decor and colossal portions. It's the palace of "premium mediocre" and one of the first places I take visitors unfamiliar with suburban American cuisine. At Vox, Alex Abad-Santos uneasily describes the restaurant chain's enduring success. Why do people want to sit under those Eye of Sauron fixtures, and why do they never change?

Plainly describing what a Cheesecake Factory looks like to someone who has never been to one may cause them to think you're lying or trying to trick them. That's what happens when you invite someone to imagine the unimaginable. Who would expect that you could walk from your local mall right into a place where Egyptian columns flank Greco-Roman accents, where mosaics buttress glass fixtures that look like the Eye of Sauron? With soaring ceilings, interior palm trees, and faux-wicker chairs (but, somehow, no water feature), it is a factory only of chaotic phantasmagoria. The rhyme and reason behind the restaurant's decor is that Cheesecake Factories are meant to evoke wealth and extravagance. And what better exemplifies American opulence than the unrestrained acquisition of things already deemed splendid from everywhere but home? All these touches are markers of luxury, features and silhouettes borrowed from the places that rich people see on their rich people vacations. Smashing them all together should, if aesthetic functioned like arithmetic, create the most classiest place in history.

Everything from the farm to the fondant-striated poop you extrude two days later is part of a perfectly-engineered consumer machine. I'll take "things that haven't changed since the end of the cold war because boomers are in heaven there" for 500 please, Alex.
Singapore, July 28 : Singapore's Indian-origin ministers K. Shanmugam and Vivian Balakrishnan have sent lawyers' letters to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's brother, Lee Hsien Yang seeking an apology and damages for defamation.

Yang, who is currently in self-exile overseas, had written posts on Facebook accusing the ministers of corruption over their rental of state-owned colonial bungalows.

Home Affairs and Law Minister Shanmugam and Foreign Minister Balakrishnan had undergone anti-corruption investigations, which found no wrongdoing with their respective leases of the houses, The South China Morning Post reported.

"Lee Hsien Yang has accused us of acting corruptly and for personal gain by having Singapore Land Authority (SLA) give us preferential treatment by illegally felling trees without approval, and also having SLA pay for renovations to 26 and 31 Ridout Road. These allegations are false," the Ministers wrote in their Facebook posts on Thursday.

"We have asked him to apologise, withdraw his allegations and pay damages, which we will donate to charity. If he does not do so, we will sue him," Shanmugam added.

Yang, the younger son of Singapore's first Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, was asked on Tuesday to carry a correction notice on a Facebook post he made last week accusing ministers of graft, The Straits Times reported.

A statement from the Law Ministry said on Tuesday that Yang's Facebook post had made untrue statements, which included that the State had paid for the renovations to 26 and 31 Ridout Road because the properties were leased by the two ministers, and that trees at the two premises were felled because the properties were leased by them.

The issue of the Ridout Road rentals was debated in Parliament in July, following a Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) investigation and a review by Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean.

The CPIB said in its report that it did not find any wrongdoing on the part of the two ministers, while Teo's review found that processes had been followed.

The Straits Times reported Yang and his wife Lee Suet Fern had left Singapore after coming under police investigation for lying during judicial proceedings.

In his Facebook post, Yang had said that "trust in the PAP (People's Action Party) has been shattered" due to the Ridout Road and other recent episodes, including the arrest of Minister for Transport S. Iswaran as part of a corruption probe.

--IANS

mi/ksk
New Delhi, July 28 : The Central government has informed the Supreme Court that investigation has been transferred to the CBI in relation to the disturbing incident where two young tribal women were paraded naked on a road by a large mob in Manipur.

Further, the Centre requested the top court on Thursday to order transfer of the entire case, including trial to any state outside the State of Manipur. Also, it sought a direction that the trial be concluded within a period of six months from the date of the filing of charge sheet by the CBI.

On July 20, the Supreme Court took suo moto cognizance of the disturbing viral videos and asked the Centre and the state government to apprise it about the steps taken by July 28.

"The Central government with the consent of the state government has taken a decision to entrust the investigation to an independent agency, i.e., CBI," said the affidavit filed by the Union Home Secretary, Ajay Kumar Bhalla before the Supreme Court.

"It is submitted that 'law and ordera is handled by the state government, however keeping in view the gravity of the incident....the Government of India is keeping a close watch on the proceedings besides providing requisite assistance towards security," it added.

The affidavit stated that the state government has formed District Psychological Support teams for providing mental health intervention and legal aid has also been offered to the victim through District Legal Service Authority.

"The state government has informed that during investigation, seven main accused have been arrested and are in police custody for further examination," said the reply further.

"Using women as instruments for perpetrating violence is simply unacceptable in a constitutional democracy," said a bench headed by CJI D.Y. Chandrachud on July 20, a day after the viral video surfaced on social media.

The bench told the Solicitor General of India that the top court will be constrained to "step in" if the state government does not take action. "We will give a little time to the government to act otherwise we will take action," it had said.

It directed the Centre and Manipur governments to take immediate steps and apprise the Court of the action taken before July 28.

The Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum (ITLF) claimed that the two women were also gang-raped in a paddy field after being paraded naked on May 4, and demanded stern actions against the perpetrators.
Patna, July 28 : Body of a ten-year-old girl, who mysteriously disappeared from her house on July 24, was found buried in a neighbour's house in Bihar's Begusarai, a police official said here on Friday.

Suspecting rape, the district police kept a close watch on the neighbour Guddu Singh and arrested two of his domestic helps.

The incident took place in a village that comes under the jurisdiction of

Bachwara police station in the district.

In a statement to police, the victim's parents said that she had gone to pluck henna leaves from the premises of Singh's residence on July 24 and did not return.

Her parents lodged an FIR in the matter and suspected the involvement of Singh or his help in the girl's disappearance.

On being summoned by police, the accused appeared but categorically denied any involvement in the crime.

When the family managed to take one of Singh's servants into confidence, he revealed that the girl was buried in the basement of the house. They recorded the video statement and sent it to the SP Yogendra Kumar.

The district police soon raided the house of Guddu Singh and arrested both

the servants.

"We then called the dog squad and recovered the semi-naked body wrapped in a polythene bag from the basement. We have sent it for post-mortem to ascertain sexual assault and cause of death. The servants are being interrogated," said Ajay Kumar, ASI of Bachwara police station.

The character of Guddu Singh is under the question mark. He is absconding

at the moment.
Patna, July 28 : At least six people suffered electric shocks in Bihar's Gopalganj district during the Tazia march of Muharram on Friday.

The incident occurred around 9 a.m. between Harpur Safi Tola and Dharmchak village in the district.

The police said that a green bamboo carried by the mourners in the procession came in contact with an overhead electric wire. It worked as a conductor of electricity and gave jolt to the people.

The victims sustained injuries and were admitted to a local hospital. They are out of danger, said hospital sources.

The electricity department was informed about the incident.

The district Superintendent of Police Swarn Prabhat appealed to the people to stay calm and peacefully do Tazia march. Ends.
Protests in US after footage releases of Tyre Nichols being beaten by police in Memphis.(photo:vimeo.com/cityofmemphis). Image Source: IANS News

Washington, July 28 : The US Department of Justice (DOJ) announced that it has opened an investigation into the City of Memphis and the Memphis Police Department (MPD) to see whether there was a pattern of policing that violates civil rights.

The investigation was propelled by the death of Tyre Nichols, a n African-American man who died in January this year after being beaten by police officers in Memphis, Tennessee, reports Xinhua news agenct.

"The investigation will seek to determine whether there are systemic violations of the Constitution or federal law by MPD. The investigation will focus on MPD's use of force and its stops, searches and arrests, as well as whether it engages in discriminatory policing," the DOJ said in a statement issued on Thursday.

The civil rights investigation is separate and independent from the federal criminal civil rights investigation of MPD officers related to the death of Nichols, it said.

This investigation is also separate and independent from the technical assistance being provided by the DOJ's Office of Community Oriented Policing Services. While the investigation is ongoing, the office will continue to provide technical assistance to MPD.

"The tragic death of Tyre Nichols created enormous pain in the Memphis community and across the country," US Attorney General Merrick Garland was quoted as saying on Thursday.

"The Justice Department is launching this investigation to examine serious allegations that the City of Memphis and the Memphis Police Department engage in a pattern or practice of unconstitutional conduct and discriminatory policing based on race, including a dangerously aggressive approach to traffic enforcement."

Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division said there were enough grounds for such an investigation.

"Based on an extensive review of publicly available information and information provided to us, there are grounds to open this investigation now. We have reviewed information that indicates that the Memphis Police Department may be using an approach to street enforcement that can result in violations of federal law, including racially discriminatory stops of Black people for minor violations," she said.

Body camera videos and surveillance footage from Nichols' arrest after a traffic stop, released after his death, triggered public outrage.
Gurugram, July 28 : A report from the District Revenue Officer (DRO) revealed that the Haryana Real Estate Regulatory Authority (HRERA) Gurugram issued 240 recovery certificates against several defaulter builders, but only one had been realised so far.

The report added that the remaining 239 certificates have been sent to the concerned district collectors or tehsildar in Gurugram and other states like Delhi and Kolkata.

The certificates were issued to major builders, like IREO Realtech Pvt Ltd, Parasvnath Developers Ltd, Spaze Towers Pvt Ltd, Ansal Housing Pvt Ltd, Ashiana Dwellings Pvt Ltd, Imperia Structure Pvt Ltd, Raheja Developers Pvt Ltd, Emaar MGF Land Ltd, International Land Developers Pvt Ltd, among others.

Former HRERA Gurugram chairman in February this year had claimed that 25,509 complaints it received since February 2018 when the authority came into force at New PWD Resthouse Civil Lines Gurugram with an objective to bring relief to Gurugram homebuyers cum aggrieved allottees in what the authority had claimed to have disposed of 7,000 cases.

The authority had said they received 25,509 complaints till February 3, 2023, of which 12,640 cases were pursued further by the complainants through the court and the remaining 12,869 cases have been settled between the parties outside court due to interventions of HRERA.

But the authority has not been able to achieve its objective when it comes to fixing erring promoters and the regulator has been able to realise only one of the total 240 recovery certificates from the builder issued by it for the return of allotteesa money.

It has now come to the knowledge that most of the home buyers despite getting refund orders and recovery certificates from the HRERA have not been able to get the money refunded from the developer as the execution of recovery certificates by the Collector has not been effective enough.

The execution of recovery certificates has become a bottleneck in the successful execution of the RERA Act.

In November 2022, the authority had put the ILD promoter behind the bar for not obeying the order of the Adjudicating Officer (AO) of HRERA by not refunding the recovery amount to the bonafide decree holder allottee and the matter later escalated to the Punjab and Haryana High Court after which the DRO Gurugram was delegated with the power of recovery amounts from the promoters based on the decisions of the AO of HRERA Gurugram.

Once the recovery certificate is issued by the HRERA and sent to the DRO, it becomes the responsibility of the Collector and Tehsildar concerned to execute the same as per the procedure prescribed.

"The Punjab and Haryana High Court had recently issued direction to the state government to execute the decree order within three months. So that any recoverable amount is recovered within the shortest possible time but the government body did not take any action in this regard. So without execution of the decree recovery of money and the objective of HRERA is toothless and ineffective," said Sukhbir Yadav, an advocate at the HRERA authority of Gurugram.
Jaipur, July 28 : Former Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot has questioned the silence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the Manipur issue and accused the Centre of "miserably" failing to check the violence.

Pilot was addressing a programme after appointing Hariprasad Bairwa as the new district president of Congress in Tonk on Thursday.

Underlining that rapes and murders have become the order of the day in Manipur, he said, "The Prime Minister has vowed to stay silent as Manipur burns for the past three months. The BJP government has failed. Despite that, the PM is maintaining a silence on the issue. The Parliament is functioning but the BJP is just not ready to discuss Manipur," he said.

Pilot, however, chose to be silent on a question of "Lal Diary" of former minister Rajendra Singh Gudha.

He further said that the BJP has even failed in the role of opposition in Rajasthan.

The Congress leader accused the BJP-led Centre of discriminating against the Rajasthan government.

"The central government is not granting funds for welfare schemes in Rajasthan. In fact, the PM is also refraining from speaking on ERCP," he added.
Singapore, July 28 : For the first time in 20 years, Singapore on Friday executed a woman convict who was found guilty of trafficking 30 grams of heroin in 2018.

Singaporean national Saridewi Djamani, 45, is the second drug convict to be executed this week, after fellow Singaporean Mohd Aziz bin Hussain, and the 15th since March 2022, reports the BBC.

Under Singapore's anti-drug laws, which are some of the world's toughest, death penalty is imposed on anyone caught trafficking more than 500 grams of cannabis or 15 grams of heroin.

In a statement, Singapore's Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) said that Saridewi, who was sentenced to death on July 6, 2018, was accorded "full due process" under the law.

The city's highest court had dismissed the appeal against her conviction on October 6 last year.

A petition for presidential pardon was also unsuccessful, according to authorities.

Her execution came just two days after Aziz was hanged on Wednesday, following his conviction of trafficking 50 grams of heroin in 2017.

According to Amnesty International, China, Iran, Saudi Arabia and Singapore are the only four countries to have recently carried out drug-related executions.
Moscow, July 28 : The Russian Defence Ministry on Friday accused Ukraine of carrying out a drone attack in the Moscow region.

In a statement on Telegram, the Ministry said that an attempt by Ukraine "to carry out a terrorist attack by unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) on facilities in the Moscow region has been foiled, reports CNN.

"The UAV was destroyed by means of air defence," the Ministry said, adding that there were no casualties or damage.

Meanwhile, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin also confirmed the attack.

Friday's development coms five days after drone strikes hit two buildings in Moscow city.

The Ministry had claimed that the "two Ukrainian drones" were "suppressed" and "crashed" in Moscow during the attack on Monday.

On July 23, Russian missiles badly damaged a historic Orthodox cathedral in the Ukrainian port city of Odesa, sparking outrage and prompting President Volodymyr Zelensky to vow retaliation.
New Delhi, July 28 : Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Pralhad Joshi on Friday said discussion on no-confidence motion will be held within the time period, adding that the government will not have any problem as it has the numbers.

"There is a time period for the discussion of no-confidence motion. The discussion will be held within that time period," Joshi told reporters at the Parliament premises here, referring to Opposition's demand for immediate discussion on the no-confidence motion against the government.

He said, "We will give a reply. We are hopeful that there will no problem as we have the numbers."

On Wednesday, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla informed the House that he has

received the no-confidence motion from Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi under rule

193.

"Let them go. If they want to discuss, if they want truth to come out. There is no better floor than this. We are ready for discussion. Everything will be clear," Joshi said in response to a question on Opposition MP's visit to strife-torn Manipur.

Notably, ethnic clashes erupted in the northeastern state on May 3 and since then hundreds of people have lost their lives, while 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 state and demanded his dismissal.
The Guardian ran a profile of William Simpson, a California activist who argues that wild horses can play a part in wildfire mitigation by reducing forests' flammable biomass through grazing. Link here.

Simpson argues that the steep decline of herbivores in the region  the deer population in California has shrunk to less than 500,000 from an estimated peak of about 2m in 1960  is a factor in the state's overgrown forests and grasslands, which in turn feeds increasingly extreme wildfires. "We've lost our herbivory so now we have abundant, abnormally high levels of vegetative materials  that is what's driving the fires," says Simpson.

Simpson has taken on the management of about 180 wild horses on and near his land, and is studying the effect that grazing has on managing grass and brush. His project is called the Wild Horse Fire Brigade.

In fact, two years ago, the Journal of Applied Ecology published a paper titled "Effects of large herbivores on fire regimes and wildfire mitigation." Its authors concluded:
Vijayawada, July 28 : Vehicular traffic between Hyderabad and Vijayawada came to a halt on Friday due to flooding of the highway.

Flood waters from Munneru river flooded the National Highway 65 at Itavaram near Nandigama in NTR district.

Vehicles heading for Vijayawada from Hyderabad were being diverted at Kodad in Telangana.

Officials said the traffic was being routed through Huzurnagar and Miryalguda.

The diversion has led to massive traffic jams up to a distance of five kilometers on Kodad-Huzurnagar road.

Munneru river in Khammam district is in spate since Thursday and heavy flow downstream has led to inundation of the key national highway in NTR district.

The highway was also flooded at the Keesara tollgate in Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh.

In view of this, the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) has suspended its services between Hyderabad and Vijayawada on the national highway.

TSRTC Managing Director V. C. Sajjanar said the buses were being operated through alternate route via Miryalguda, Piduguralla and Guntur.

Buses on this route will be operated with a frequency of every 30 minutes.

People travelling by TSRTC and Andhra State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) buses were stranded for hours on Thursday evening.

Initially, police tried to regulate traffic on one side of the four-way highway, but had to suspend the movement of vehicles completely as both the roads were submerged.

--IANS

ms/ksk
New Delhi, July 28 : The Delhi High Court on Friday granted interim bail to former Rajya Sabha MP Vijay Darda, his son Devender Darda and JLD Yavatmal Energy Pvt Ltd's Director Manoj Kumar Jayaswal, who were handed four-year jail on Wednesday for their involvement in irregularities in the allocation of a coal block in Chhattisgarh.

A bench of Justice Dinesh Kumar Sharma issued notice on the pleas moved by Dardas and Jayaswal against the trial court order convicting and sentencing them in the case.

The court sought Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)'s response and directed to file it within eight weeks.

A Delhi court had awarded four-year jail term to them while the former coal secretary, H.C. Gupta and two other officials, K.S. Kropha and K.C. Samaria, were handed a three-year jail sentence, the court imposed a fine of Rs 50 lakh on M/s JLD Yavatmal.

The Dardas and Jayaswal were granted bail by the special judge to enable them to challenge their conviction before the high court.

A fine of Rs 15 lakhs each was also imposed by the special judge on the Dardas and Jayaswal. The other three convicts were directed to pay a fine of Rs 20,000 each.

On July 13, Special Judge Sanjay Bansal delivered the verdict convicting them.

The accused have been held guilty under Sections 120-B (criminal conspiracy) and 420 (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code, and sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act.

The court had earlier acknowledged the arguments presented by senior public prosecutor A.P. Singh, stating that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has successfully proven its case beyond any reasonable doubt.

During the hearing on quantum of punishment, the probe agency had sought maximum punishment, claiming that Darda and his son had met then CBI Director Ranjit Sinha at his residence to scuttle the investigation. It was further claimed that a witness in the case stated that he was threatened by Jayaswal, who tried to influence him to not depose against him.

On November 20, 2014, the court had rejected the closure report submitted by the CBI in this case. The court had directed the probe agency to initiate a fresh investigation, citing that the former MP Darda had "misrepresented" facts in letters addressed to then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who also held the Coal portfolio.

According to the court, Vijay Darda, who is the Chairperson of the Lokmat Group, resorted to such misrepresentations in order to obtain the Fatehpur (East) coal block in Chhattisgarh for JLD Yavatmal Energy.

The court had ruled that the act of cheating was carried out by private entities as part of a conspiracy involving both private parties and public servants.

JLD Yavatmal Energy was granted the Fatehpur (East) coal block by the 35th Screening Committee. Initially, the CBI alleged in its FIR that JLD Yavatmal had unlawfully concealed the previous allocation of four coal blocks to its group companies between 1999 and 2005. However, the agency later filed a closure report, stating that no undue benefit had been granted to JLD Yavatmal by the Coal Ministry during the coal block allocation.

--IANSspr/dpb
Los Angeles, July 28 : Hollywood star Tom Cruise has been branded an "egocentric control freak" by 'Eyes Wide Shut' writer Frederic Raphael.

The veteran writer - who has been open about the issues he had working with the 1999 film's late director Stanley Kubrick - blasted the 'Mission: Impossible' actor and questioned the chemistry between him and his then-wife Nicole Kidman in the movie, even though they have never met, reports 'Female First UK'.

The 91-year-old scribe made the remarks in a letter he has written in his new book 'Last Post', in which he accused Tom, along with the filmmaker's wife Christiane Harlan and her brother Jan of being responsible for his unflattering Wikipedia entry and trying to write him out of the director's "history".

According to MailOnline, he wrote: "There has been an incessant campaign, led by the Harlans, whom I never met during the two or three years of addressing myself exclusively to you, to deny that I had anything much to do with the final version of 'Eyes Wide Shut'. The Harlans and Master Cruise have managed to insert some derogatory stuff in my Wikipedia entry.

He further mentioned, quoted by 'Female First UK', "There must be some way of excising the libel, but I lack the modern skill or the dreary energy to pursue the matter. Their sullen purpose is to establish your grand-masterliness. I have never been called a liar by anyone as I have been by the Harlan clan and by Tom Cruise, egocentric control freak to whom I have never spoken. He did offer me a job though, soon after you finished shooting; the better to have me on a leash, no doubt. In his turn, he too seems to need the control he finds in Scientology".

"'Since Eyes Wide Shut', he has spent a lot of time running for his living, winning fixed fights or hurtling into space. Nothing like a helmet for heading off dialogue", he added.

Frederic then questioned Kubrick's judgement and motive behind his casting for the film.

He wrote: "It was never admiration for his versatility, was it? From all accounts, you gave him slow hell for Warner Brothers' money. You slave-drove him for what he cost and he took it like a man. What do you suppose he ever told the Scientology brass that locked him in hock to them? Was there something just a touch naive in your idea that casting a married couple as a married couple would enable you to put 'the truth' on the screen? One thing you can be pretty sure of: whatever any conjugal duo may disclose in public about their relationship, they rarely let any crucial cat out of the bag".
Mumbai, July 28 : The Mumbai Police have arrested a professor from Patna who allegedly molested a woman doctor board a Delhi-Mumbai IndiGo flight earlier this week, officials said here on Friday.

The accused, identified as 47-year-old Rohit Shrivastava, and the 24-year-old woman were seated next to each other on the flight that took off at around 5.30 a.m. on Wednesday morning from New Delhi.

As per the victimas complaint, the accused touched her inappropriately with maliciois intent, shortly before the flight was preparing to land in Mumbai.

Taking strong umbrage, the doctor and professor had a loud altercation, and the victim informed the flight crew.

After the flight landed, they were taken to the Sahar Police Station which registered a complaint of sexual harassment against the professor, invoking IPC Sections. 354 and 354A and arrested him, said the official.

On Thursday, he was produced before a court which sent him to judicial custody and later granted him bail even as further investigations are underway.

An IndiGo official said that the airline is likely to issue a statement on the incident later Friday.
New Delhi, July 28 : The Delhi High Court on Friday dismissed a PIL seeking to restrain incarcerated alleged conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar from releasing derogatory letters to the media about actors Jacqueline Fernandez, Nora Fatehi and Chahatt Khanna.

The PIL was filed by Nishant Singh, who claimed to be a devoted fan of the three actors and accused Chandrashekhar of intentionally demeaning India's women artists, displaying ruthless behaviour towards emotions.

The plea also sought action against the Centre through the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the AAP government in Delhi for allegedly "conniving" with each other in outraging the modesty of the actors.

The division bench headed by Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma rejected the PIL, stating that it should be dismissed with heavy costs.

However, the bench also comprising of Justice Sanjeev Narula, refused to entertain the plea as no evidence was provided to support the allegations of collusion between the governments and the attempt to outrage the actors' modesty, and noted that the authorities were baselessly accused for the sake of publicity.

The plea contended that Chandrashekhar's alleged public discussions about his relationships with some women artists, particularly Jacqueline Fernandez, are an attempt to violate the dignity of women in the country.

"Mr. Sukesh Chandrasekhar, lodged in Delhi's Mandoli Jail in many cases of cheating and illegal extortion, is writing letters from jail on his so-called love affairs with Woman film artist Ms. Jacqueline Fernandez. In these letters, by publicly talking about his alleged relationship with some women film artists, Mr. Sukesh Chandrasekhar is trying to violate the dignity of the women of this country and especially actress Ms. Jacqueline Fernandez," the petitioner had alleged.

It claimed that Chandrashekhar's unrestrained statements in the media about his alleged relationship with Jacqueline Fernandez would hamper her ability to lead a dignified life.

Singh cited various examples from the letters to support his argument and asserted that Chandrashekhar's public actions need to be stopped immediately, characterising his understanding of love as weird.

The plea also mentioned the alleged conman's actions during the time his legal wife was in judicial custody, claiming he was busy nurturing a relationship with Jacqueline Fernandez.

"In a time when his legal wife was in judiciary custody, he was busy making, nurturing and grooming his 'love' with Ms. Jacqueline Fernandez with his dubious efforts. His skill set were truly master class...," the plea said.

--IANS

spr/ksk
Srinagar, July 28 : Amazon India on Friday announced its first ever 'floating space' store on the famous Dal Lake in J&K's Srinagar city.

In a press statement, the giant online shipping bazaar, Amazon India said, "We announce today the setting up of our first ever floating 'I Have Space' store on Dal Lake in Srinagar.

"The onboarded 'I Have Space' store is in line with Amazon India's commitment to providing its customers with reliable and convenient delivery experience and to empower small businesses with additional earning opportunities.

"Srinagar-based, Murtaza Khan Kashi, who owns and operates a houseboat named 'Selec Town', will enable delivery to Amazon customers residing on and around Dal Lake and Nigeen Lake as Amazon's 'I Have Space' partner.

"The onboarding of Selec Town as an 'I Have Space' store addresses the challenges faced by hundreds of customers who reside and run their businesses on Dal Lake and Nigeen Lake, which are also the most visited places in Srinagar by tourists and locals.

"Previously, these customers had to travel to the shores of the two lakes by shikaras or rely on nearby shops to collect their packages. With Selec Town, Murtaza will deliver packages to these customers every day, safely and on time at the doorstep of their houseboats".

Karuna Shankar Pande, Director, Amazon Logistics, India said on the occasion, "We are thrilled to onboard India's first floating 'I Have Space' store on Dal Lake, Srinagar. This will enable us to provide customers across Srinagar with reliable, efficient and faster deliveries. This also reaffirms our commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for individuals, and introducing new capabilities to empower our delivery network."

Houseboat owner, Murtaza said, "While I have a houseboat as my primary business, it only brings in seasonal income from tourists in Srinagar. However, the cost of managing the houseboat is very high, which has made it very difficult for our family. To address increasing expenses, I began looking for additional income opportunities. It was then that I came across Amazon's 'I Have Space' program, which allows local store owners like me to supplement our regular income by delivering packages to Amazon customers.

"I saw this as the right fit for me to utilize my free time, use my shikara to deliver packages to Amazon customers and also earn additional income," said Murtaza Khan Kashi.

Through its last-mile delivery program, 'I Have Space.' Amazon India partners with local stores and business owners to deliver products to customers within a 2 to 4 kilometers radius of their store, enabling them to earn additional income. Launched in 2015, the program has more than 28,000 neighborhood and kirana partners in close to 420 towns and cities across its network in India.
New Delhi, July 28 : A 25-year-old woman was brutally killed by a man near South Delhi's Aurobindo College on Friday, a Delhi Police official said.

The deceased is yet to be identified and police have also recovered an iron rod lying near the woman's dead body.

Sharing the details, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (South) Chandan Chowdhary said that on Friday at around 12:08 p.m. an information was received in which the caller said that a man had fled away after killing a woman near Aurobindo College in Vijay Mandal Park.

"Acting on the call, a police team rushed to the spot.

"The dead body of a woman was found in the park beneath a bench. Blood was oozing out from her head and blood was lying around her head. An iron rod was found near her body," said the DCP.

More details are awaited.

--IANS

ssh/dpb
New Delhi, July 28 : In the wake of a blistering attack by Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh against his Mizoram counterpart Zoramthanga, sources in Aizawl have revealed that the Mizo National Front (MNF) government's offer to help bring peace in the violence-hit neighboring state was turned down by authorities in Imphal.

"In the first week of May within three days of the violence, the Mizoram government had decided to depute a peace team led by Law Minister T.J. Lalnuntluanga. But the idea was not entertained," one of the sources told IANS.

Mizoram Home Commissioner H. Lalengmawia was tasked by the Chief Minister to ensure the team's travel and visit to Manipur because "Zoramthanga could smell that the trouble could be bigger than a mere clash over Scheduled Tribe (ST) status issue", the source added.

Lalengmawia then spoke to the "secretary of the Manipur chief Minister" to convey the Mizoram governmentas offer but after about an hour, the Mizoram official received a "negative" text message.

The MNF is part of the BJP-led NDA and North East Democratic Alliance.

Zoramthanga is also the senior-most Chief Minister in the northeastern state.

Addressing a Kargil Diwas function in Imphal on Wednesday, Biren Singh strongly condemned the use of "abusive words" against him in a solidarity rally held in Aizawl, which was also attended by Zoramthanga.

Biren Singh urged Zoramthanga "not to interfere in the internal affairs of another state".

On Thursday, Biren Singh told reported that the "involvement of a Chief Minister in that particular rally, I think, it is not nice".

"I respect him (Zoramthanga) as a senior but he has gone beyond ethics. As a Chief Minister he should not interfere in other state's affairs... This applies to me too. When something happens in Assam, without the consent of the Assam Chief Minister, I cannot intervene or interfere," he added.

The mega Solidarity rally was organised by the NGO Coordination Committee in Aizawl on Tuesday.

Mizos share ethnic bonds with the Kuki and other tribal communities of Manipur. Around 12,000 of them, including women and children, are now residing in Aizawl and other places in Mizoram.

Sources in the Mizoram government have said that state Chief Secretary Renu Sharma also tried to reach out to her Manipur counterpart about a "goodwill mission" in May.

But she was was told that only Chief Minister Biren Singh will take a call if such teams from Mizoram should be allowed or not.

(Nirendra Dev is a New Delhi-based journalist. He is also author of the books 'The Talking Guns: North East India',

and 'Modi to Moditva: An Uncensored Truth'. Views expressed are personal)
Thiruvananthapuram, July 28 : Leader of Opposition V.D.Satheesan and State BJP President K. Surendran on Friday demanded resignation of Kerala Higher Education Minister R. Bindhu for tampering with the college principals list which were be appointed in 43 state run arts and science colleges.

"We had raised this issue of the intervention of Bindhu in the appointment of principals in the floor of the assembly on 17th May this year. It was after her intervention that in-charge principals were appointed. She had done favour to some of the candidates who did not have the required qualifications. Bindhu was also an in-charge principal while in service as a college teacher," said Satheesan.

Satheesan said had Bindhu not intervened, 43 teachers would have been appointed as principals.

"She has no moral right to continue as education minister. As things stand now, it is crystal clear that she has intervened as the list of 43 principals was cleared by the Public Service Commission. It is a blatant violation of power," Satheesan said.

Surendran said the higher education sector has been turned into the party headquarters of the CPI-M.

"Bindhu has committed a serious crime after finding that those known to her do not figure in the list of principals. She decided to intervene and tampered with the list and the documents. Hence she has violated her oath of secrecy and should resign," said Surendran.
Agartala: A health worker gives a rose to a patient on World Tuberculosis Day, at a hospital in Agartala on Thursday, March 24, 2022. (IANS/Abhisek Saha). Image Source: IANS News

Lucknow, July 28 : Uttar Pradesh Health Department is set to launch an intensive Tuberculosis (TB) screening and testing of jail inmates.

Efforts are on to reduce TB prevalence among the vulnerable population which includes jail inmates.

India has pledged to make the country TB-free by the year 2025.

According to India TB Report 2023, about 11 per cent of the total jail inmates screened for TB in Uttar Pradesh had tested positive which is more than the national average of 2 per cent.

Besides, a recently released Lancet study indicates that jail inmates in India have a five times higher risk of contracting TB than the usual population.

The study published in the Lancet in July also noted that in India, 1,076 inmates carried TB infection per one lakh population which is way higher than the national average of 210 per lakh population in general.

In addition, the researchers found that 30 to 40 per cent TB cases are either detected late, or go undetected.

As a result, they keep spreading the infection (a TB patient can infect 10 to 15 persons in a year).

The paper rang alarm bells in the State Health Department besides catching the attention of the Chief Minister's office.

An official spokesperson said that the Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has instructed the concerned officials to launch a fresh screening and testing drive in all UP jails.

The Chief Minister has also said that the task must be achieved through mutual coordination among the departments concerned to minimise risk and ensure complete treatment for the patient.

Additional Mission Director, National Health Mission, UP, Dr Heera Lal said: "Doctors and paramedical staff are already trained -- technically and practically --for the TB screening and the orders to launch a drive will be implemented very soon."

Adding that UP State AIDS Control Society and non-profit UPNP Plus were on board for the purpose, he said: "Not just TB, jail inmates will also be screened for HIV, hepatitis B and C and syphilis  something that is done twice a year."

State TB Officer Dr Shailendra Bhatnagar said that UP has recently started holding Integrated Nikshay Divas organised on 15th of every month to ensure that no possible case is missed.

Dr Bhatnagar said: "State organises 'active cases finding' campaigns  exercises in which health teams visit households in search of possible TB patients  periodically.

"Jails and prisons are covered in this exercise and once an inmate tests positive, treatment is started immediately. His/her details are also updated on the Nikshay portal apart from getting government facilities.

"They can get Rs 500 per month for proper nutrition during treatment."
As noted earlier this week by The Intercept, Netflix recently posted a job listing for a Product Manager-Machine Learning Platform  someone who can use AI/Machine Learning tech to help them produce content.

This single AI producer role offers a salary range between $300,000 and $900,000. While the high end of that job listing is likely an obfuscation related to California's new pay transparency laws  pretty much every Netflix job listing in California offers a higher-end salary of up to $900,000 it's still quite a slap in the face when you consider the fact that the average pay for SAG-AFTRA actors is around $27 an hour, and that only about 12% of SAG-AFTRA members earn the $26,470 annual minimum required to qualify for the union's health insurance plan.

Not to be outdone by their streaming content competitors, Disney is also hiring for some high-end AI content producer jobs, according to The Hollywood Reporter:

One job, for an R&D Imagineer focused on generative AI, is looking for someone who has the "ambition to push the limits of what AI tools can create and understand the difference between the voice of data and the voice of a designer, writer or artist." The role will "collaborate with third party studios, universities, organizations, and developers to evaluate, adopt, and integrate the latest generative AI." The job promises a base salary of up to $180,000 per year, with the possibility of bonuses or other compensation as well. Another role, for a machine learning engineer in the Disney Streaming Advanced Research division (it's "responsible for creating AI-enabled solutions for Disney+, Star+, and ESPN+," per the listing) will use AI to "work on advanced personalization efforts involving digital avatars." In total, THR spotted some half-dozen AI-focused jobs at Disney. But the company is far from alone in exploring the space.

Of course, these companies would still end up hiring well-paid AI/Machine Learning content producer jobs even if there weren't an actor/writer strike on. The only thing the strike did was speed up the HR pipeline so they can show off to investors that they're prepared for the AI future.

As actors strike for AI protections, Netflix lists $900,000 AI job [Ken Klippenstein / The Intercept]

Studios Quietly Go on Hiring Spree for AI Specialist Jobs Amid Picket Line Anxiety [Alex Weprin / The Hollywood Reporter]
In the fog of war, Pakistan Taliban says Islamabad is its sworn enemy.. Image Source: IANS News

Islamabad, July 28 : A report compiled by a UN Security Council (UNSC) monitoring committee has shed light on the resurgence of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) terrorist group and regrouping inside Pakistan, specifically after the Taliban's return to power in Afghanistan The report highlighted that the TTP has gained considerable momentum in its efforts to regain control on the tribal areas of Pakistan bordering Afghanistan as it has gained encouragement by the fall of Kabul and the "under the umbrella" support it has been able to get on its cross-border coordination.

"Member states assess that the TTP is gaining momentum in its operations against Pakistan. Since the reunification with several splinter groups, the TTP has aspired to re-establish control of territory in Pakistan after being emboldened by the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan," says the report.

It also highlighted the recent terror attacks in Pakistan, maintaining that the TTP has been focusing on "high-value targets" in border areas and "soft targets" in urban areas.

"The TTP's capability is assessed as not matching its ambitions, given that it does not control territory and lacks popular appeal in the tribal areas.

"The member states are concerned that the TTP could become a regional threat if it continues to have safe operating base in Afghanistan," the report added.

Some UNSC member states have also expressed concerns over TTP's regrouping that might result in its affiliation with different foreign outfits, as well as the possiblity of merging with Al-Qaeda in Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) in the near future.

The report further claimed that the AQIS was already providing guidance to the TTP and facilitating it in carrying out targeted terror attacks within Pakistan.

It revealed that TTP fighters were using the training camps of the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM) banned outfit in Kunar province, Afghanistan, implying the coordination and support that exists between various groups with a comfortable umbrella of the Taliban regime.

Afghanistan has been a place of global interest and significance in relations to terrorism and counter-terrorism operations. The country has remained a safe haven for over 20 terrorist groups, who have operated to spread unrest around the globe and in its bordering neighbors with porous border, Pakistan.

It is also an established reality that the Taliban, TTP and Al Qaeda continue to remain in close relationship, symbolically and ideologically.

In contrast to the situation on ground, the Taliban and Al Qaeda operate covertly in Afghanistan to promote the narrative that the regime in complying with agreements not to use Afghan soil for terrorist activities.

The report also highlighted that while the Al Qaeda's capability to conduct large-scale terror attacks remains condensed, its intent remains firm.

The Al Qaeda "uses Afghanistan as an ideological and logistical hub to mobilise and recruit new fighters, while covertly rebuilding its external operations capability".

"Thus implying that the external narrative of the Afghan Taliban is being used to gain time and space for Al Qaeda's reorganisation by establishing new training centres in Kunar and Nuristan provinces. Al Qaeda would likely remain dormant in the short-term while developing its operational capability and outreach.

"Al Qaeda leaders seek to strengthen cooperation with regional terrorist groups of non-Afghan origin located in Afghanistan, including the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU), ETIM/TIP and the Jamaat Ansarullah, intending to infiltrate and establish strongholds in countries in Central Asia," the report warned, adding that the long-term prospects of the terror group depended on the complex ground situation in Afghanistan.

"Should Afghanistan descend into chaos and insecurity, the base for Al Qaeda would likely strengthen. Should the country achieve stability, Al-Qaeda would likely seek to shift," the report added.
New Delhi, July 28 : Amid total chaos and bedlam in Lok Sabha on Friday, three bills were passed within minutes, which included the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2023, which will allow private sector to bid for mining critical minerals like Lithium.

After the passage of the three bills, the Lok Sabha was adjourned for the day till July 31.

The other two bills included the National Nursing and Midwifery Commission Bill, 2023 and the National Dental Commission Bill, 2023.

While the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2023, was passed after a brief discussion, the other two bills were clubbed together and passed without discussion.

Even as the opposition kept up with their protests while jumping in the well of the House, seeking Prime Minister Narendra Modi's response on Manipur violence and his presence in the House, the government first introduced the IIM (Amendment) Bill and then within half an hour, three bills were passed.

Opposition members indulged in slogan shouting and termed the passing of bills despite the fact that the no-confidence motion has been moved in the House, as "illegal" and "a fraud on the Constitution."

Leader of the Congress in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury was seen gesticulating angrily from his seat, even as Sonia Gandhi watched the chaotic scenes quietly from her seat.

Coal, Mines and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi while piloting the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2023, called it as a "game changer."

Interestingly, as noisy protests by opposition members continued, both Joshi and Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya went to the back benches, when their respective bills were being passed, to avoid the protesting members.

The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2023, will allow private sector to bid for mining critical minerals like Lithium.

Out of the list of critical minerals, a few of them have been brought under the proposed amendment, which will allow their mining by private entities.

In addition, the proposed amendments will also allow Central government to auction these minerals while the royalty will go to states.

In the bill, it is proposed to omit six minerals, namely Beryl and other beryllium-bearing minerals, Lithium-bearing minerals, Niobium-bearing minerals, Titanium bearing minerals and ores, Tantallium-bearing minerals and Zirconium-bearing minerals and ores from the list of critical minerals.

Upon removal of these minerals from the said list, their exploration and mining will be opened up for the private sector as well.

As a result, exploration and mining of these minerals is expected to increase significantly in the country.

The National Nursing and Midwifery Commission Bill, 2023 provides for regulation and maintenance of standards of education and services by nursing and midwifery professionals, assessment of institutions, maintenance of a National Register and State Registers and creation of a system to improve access, research and development and adoption of latest scientific advancement.

The National Dental Commission Bill, 2023 will regulate the profession of dentistry in the country, to provide for quality and affordable dental education, and to make accessible high quality oral healthcare.
Lucknow, July 28 : Rashtriya Lok Dal on Friday demanded President's rule in the strife-torn Manipur and a probe by a sitting SC judge in the incidents of violence in the state.

RLD National Spokesman Anil Dubey said that they have also handed over a memorandum addressed to President Draupadi Murmu through district officials.

The party in its memorandum demanded that the government of Manipur be dissolved with immediate effect and President's rule be imposed.

It also further sought that a committee led by a sitting Supreme Court judge be constituted for an impartial inquiry into the ethnic violence raging in Manipur.

It demanded that the President's intervention against atrocities against women, tribals, Dalits, and the poor in Manipur and to ensure compensation to the families of those killed in the violence that began in May.

RLD Spokesman Anil Dubey also alleged that the Centre and Manipur government have been mute spectators to the violence which has created tension in the entire north-eastern region.

He said the "unfortunate and barbaric" incidents in Manipur and the incident involving women is a shame for humanity.
Manila, July 28 : The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Friday said the death toll due to the capsize of an overcrowded passenger boat on Laguna de Bay off Rizal province has increased to 26.

The PCG said the boat, which has a maximum capacity of 42, was carrying up to 70 people when the accident occurred on Thursday, reports Xinhua news agency.

The passengers were not wearing life vests.

As search and retrieval operations continued on Friday, the PCG has accounted for 66 passengers, including 26 deaths and 40 survivors.

The boat was traveling to Talim island in Laguna de Bay, the largest lake in the Philippines, from Binangonan town.

The accident occurred while Typhoon Doksuri was blowing away from the Philippines, triggering floods and landslides.

The PCG said strong winds buffeted the motorboat approximately 45 meters away from Binangonan town, triggering panic among the passengers.

Survivors interviewed by local media said the passengers rushed to one side of the boat when the wind and rain poured, causing the boat to tilt on one side, trapping many passengers under the boat.

Meanwhile, the PCG and police have also launched a joint probe to determine the liability of the boat captain and the Coast Guard personnel.

PCG spokesman Armando Balilo said in the official manifest submitted by the boat captain to the local Coast Guard unit, only 22 passengers were listed, plus two crew and the captain.

"The boat's captain has admitted that he overloaded the boat and did not ask the passengers to wear life jackets," Balilo said, adding there were indeed "excess" passengers on the ill-fated boat.

Cesar Ynares, mayor of Binangonan, said the PCG should be investigated for not inspecting the overloaded boat before it departed.

One male survivor told local media that there was no PCG personnel when the boat left the port.

"Many were trapped in the overturned boat," he said, adding they were not wearing life jackets but admitted to having seen the lifesaving device on the boat.
Kolkata, July 28 : West Bengal government on Friday again approached the Calcutta High Court's single judge bench of Justice Sabyasachi Bhattacharya seeking a stay on the NIA probe in violence incidents of Ram Navami processions this year.

The move of the State government just 48 hours after NIA has moved Calcutta High Courtas single judge bench of Justice Jay Sengupta accusing the West Bengal police administration of non-cooperation in the matter especially as regards to handing over the case related documents to the central agency.

The order for NIA probe in the matter was given by the division bench of Calcutta High Courtas Chief Justice T.S. Sivagnanam and Justice Hiranmay Bhattacharya.

However, the State government challenged that order at the Supreme Court on grounds that the NIA probe was ordered based on public interest litigation, which according to the state government, was unjustified.

The State government petition was dismissed by the apex court three judge bench of Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud, Justice J.B. Pardiwala and Justice Manoj Mishra.

On April 27 this year, while ordering the NIA probe in the matter, Calcutta High Courtas division bench observed that it is beyond the ability of the state police to find those who were responsible for the clashes or who instigated it and hence asked the for a probe by the central agency.

Earlier, the same division bench also questioned the efficiency of the intelligence wing of the state police regarding pelting of stones from the roofs of residences in the troubled belts.

The bench questioned the failure of the intelligence in getting information about stones being accumulated on the rooftops.
Seoul, July 28 : The South Korean government on Friday said multiple warnings went unheeded ahead of the deadly underpass flooding that claimed the lives of 14 people earlier this month.

The underground roadway in the central city of Cheongju, 112 km southeast of Seoul, was flooded on July 15 after an embankment was brought down by the rising water level amid torrential downpours, submerging several vehicles, including a bus, reports Yonhap News Agency.

The Office for Government Policy Coordination, under the Prime Minister's Office, conducted an inspection to determine the causes behind the tragic flooding and detected criminal suspicions involving a total of 36 people.

"It was the result of numerous agencies failing to recognize the seriousness of the situation and respond actively, despite receiving several warnings, such as reports," Government Policy Coordination Minister Bang Moon-kyu told a press briefing.

The inspection revealed a total of three calls were made to the 112 and 119 hotlines on the day of the flooding, the office said.

Additionally, a construction supervisor had warned authorities seven times before the incident about the possibility of flooding.

The inspection identified 63 officials who exhibited negligence and will be reported for disciplinary measures.

Moreover, two individuals were found to have demolished the original embankment and constructed a feeble emergency embankment without reporting the change to the authorities.

In consideration of the gravity of the situation, the government launched the inspection just two days after the accident.
Mumbai, July 28 : Pan-India star Prabhas, who was most recently seen in 'Adipurush, recently got his Facebook account hacked following which he issued a statement as well on the Stories section of his Instagram. However, the actor's account has now been restored.

Notifying his followers, he wrote on Instagram Story, "Hello everyone, my Facebook page has been compromised. The team is sorting this out." Prior to this, some inappropriate content was posted on the Facebook page. The content was captioned as "Humans Being Unlucky." It was posted along with a viral video. inappropriate content was posted on his page. The content is captioned as "Humans Being Unlucky."

Some internet users commented on the posts trolling Prabhas. Prabhas team swung into action and retrieved the official account by taking corrective measures. The page has now been restored and the posts, along with the comments, have been removed.

Prabhas is not usually much active on social media. He only uses this page to share the content of his films and wish the co-stars.

Meanwhile, on the film front, Prabhas has 'Kalki 2898 AD Part 1' lined up for release on January 12, 2024. The film recently had its grand reveal at the San Diego Comic-Con International.

Earlier, the film's poster was also displayed at the iconic location of Times Square in New York. The film, directed by the National Award winner Nag Ashwin, will make its debut in the iconic H Hall at San Diego Comic-Con. The film boasts an ensemble cast of some of the biggest stars in the industry, including Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, and Disha Patani.

The multilingual sci-fi film is produced by Vyjayanthi Movies.
New Delhi, July 28 : A Delhi court on Friday took cognisance of Delhi Police's Special Cell charge sheet against gangster Deepak Pahal alias Boxer in a case registered under the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA).

Special Judge Shailendra Malik of Patiala House Courts has listed the matter for hearing next on August 9.

The court had, on July 11, refused to extend the investigation period beyond 90 days in the case against Boxer, who was declared a proclaimed offender on December 9, 2020.

Boxer was arrested on April 15 following his deportation from Mexico.

A five-member team of Delhi Policeas Special Cell had landed with the gangster at the IGI Airport after apprehending him in Mexico with the assistance of the FBI.

Police said that Boxer, a resident of Haryana's Sonipat, was wanted in 10 criminal cases including murder, attempted murder, and under the MCOCA, among others.

Boxer was also handling the Jitender Gogi gang after Gogi was killed by his rivals in the Rohini court. He was also in touch with the members of Lawrence Bishnoi gang.

Police said that the operation was launched after the Delhi Policeas Special Cell received a tip-off about Boxeras location.

Sources said that he got a fake passport made in the name of Ravi Antil from Uttar Pradeshas Bareilly before fleeing abroad from Kolkata airport. The authorities traced him to the Mexican beach city of Cancun.
Kochi, July 28 : Kerala High Court on Friday asked the state government to take necessary steps to verify the education certificates of all doctors working in government run hospitals.

"Certain guidelines are necessary to ensure that appointment orders of medical practitioners in the state are issued to selected candidates only after getting their educational certificates verified and authenticated by the Universities/institution that have issued to them. If necessary, steps should be taken to verify the education certificates of all government doctors working as on today," read the High Court order.

The Court said that this is not to demoralise the hard working doctors, who are the strength and pride of the state, but only to make sure that culprits are not there in the profession and also to built confidence in the society.

"It is the duty of the government to rule out these apprehensions and to create a doctor friendly atmosphere in our society," the Court added.

The Court also pointed out the words of Carl Jung, 'medicines cure diseases but only doctors can cure patients'.

The Court directions came after hearing a petitioner, Sreedevi, who was admitted in the Taluk Headquarters Hospital, Karunagappally for delivering her baby.

She was taken directly to the labour room since she was already going through mild labour pain. A doctor examined her and then left the hospital.

When the patient started experiencing severe labour pain few hours later, this doctor did not turn up even though nurses tried to contact her. After some complications arose in the pregnancy and by the time the doctor returned, Sreedevi had delivered a still born baby.

The petitioner claimed that there was gross negligence on the part of the doctor. However, the doctor claimed that she has an MBBS degree and an MS in obstetrics and gynecology.

But through an RTI application, the petitioners found out that the doctor had actually failed in Diploma in Gynecology and Obstetrics course.

This prompted the petitioners to approach the High Court seeking Rs 20 lakh compensation from the State government, to be recovered from the doctor.

The Court noted from a statement filed by the Directorate of Health Service that the doctor had not received the degrees as she claimed.

Upon being informed that a crime has been registered in the case, the Court ordered the State Police Chief to constitute a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the case within one week and file an action taken report within one month.

The Court also opined that the public health sector needs more scrutiny and, therefore, directed the government to include its views on the matter in its affidavit and posted the case for further hearing on September 4th.
Lucknow, July 28 : The prestigious King George's Medical University (KGMU) which has 75 per cent of its terrace surface area vacant, will now use it to install solar plants.

Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, who is also the health minister, said that only 25 per cent of the medical university's terrace surface area has been used for solar panels, including a recent 1-MW plant and an earlier 1. 3-MW plant.

He urged energy minister Arvind Kumar Sharma to utilize the remaining 75 per cent of the terrace area, along with the hostel area, for installing solar panels to generate clean energy and reduce the university's electricity bill.

The Deputy CM also suggested a change in the land use classification of the university from commercial to domestic to further reduce the electricity bill burden.

He emphasised that the health department works for the welfare of the public by providing free treatment in district hospitals and offering minimal-cost treatment at KGMU and SGPGIMS.

However, as a commercial building, they are subject to commercial bills. He made a request to explore ways to reclassify the building to reduce the current electricity bill of Rs 5 crore per month at KGMU, providing significant relief.

The minister said, "Campus cleanliness is remarkable. It should be preserved and biomedical waste disposal should also be improved."
Today is the sentencing day for MAGA rioter Thomas Sibick (37), who pleaded guilty to assaulting, resisting, and impeding police during the attempted overthrow of the United States government on January 6, 2021.

Sibick's lawyer told the judge to go easy on his client because he had only been trying to "help" former D.C. Metropolitan Police Officer Michael Fanone. In fact, Sibick stole Fanone's badge and radio.

According to Raw Story, the judge in the case stopped the lawyer right there:

As reported by CBS News' Scott MacFarlane, the attorney representing the 37-year-old Sibick on Friday tried to convince Judge Jackson that he got caught up in "commotion" during the riot and was actually trying to "help" former D.C. Metropolitan Police Officer Michael Fanone, whose badge and radio he stole. At this point, recounts MacFarlane, Judge Jackson stepped in to shut down the attorney's argument. "But he pleaded guilty [to] assaulting, resisting, impeding police," she said incredulously. "He didn't plead guilty to trying to help!"

Fanone was also in court today and had this to say: "Mr. Sibick, in an act of cowardice, stripped me of my badge, the emblem of my duty. My radio is my lifeline. It was all I had in those moments to call for help. It was taken to be used as a trophy!"

Here's Wikipedia's account of what happened to Officer Fanone that day: he was "dragged down the Capitol steps, beaten with pipes, stunned with a Taser, sprayed with chemical irritants, and threatened with his own gun. Fanone suffered burns, a heart attack, traumatic brain injuries, and post-traumatic stress disorder as a result."

Fanone is despised by the GOP for attempting to protect the Capitol instead of allowing insurrectionists to execute Mike Pence and Nancy Pelosi in order to install election loser Donald Trump as dictator. Rep. Andrew "normal tourist" Clyde refused to shake Fanone's hand when Fanone spoke to Congress after the attack.
Lucknow, July 28 : Uttar Pradesh government on Friday released funds for various projects to give a boost to homeopathic education in the state.

"Yogi Adityanath government is committed to improving public health. By improving the infrastructure of homeopathic clinics, the government is not only providing convenience to doctors and staff, but also ensuring quality healthcare to people," a government spokesperson said.

The spokesperson said that the third installment of Rs 1. 85 crores for the construction of the PG hostel at the Government National Homeopathic Medical College in Lucknow has been released by the government.

The hostel is being built at a cost of Rs 4. 08 crores, out of which the first installment of Rs 1. 44 crore and the second installment of Rs 78. 67 lakhs have been released.

" A total Rs 2. 25 crores have been received to complete hostel construction in two phases, and the third installment of Rs 1. 85 crores have been released along with additional funds that have been allocated for vehicle purchases and other expenses," he said.

"An amount of Rs 4 crores has been allocated for various important works, including the strengthening of inpatient and outpatient departments of Pt Jawaharlal Nehru Homeopathic College in Kanpur, Rajkiya Lal Bahadur Shastri Homeopathic Medical College in Prayagraj, and Government National Homeopathic Medical College in Lucknow," he said.

The department was focusing on 24 major construction projects for homeopathic medical colleges in Kanpur, Prayagraj, and Lucknow.
Gandhinagar, July 28 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday revealed that India's electronic manufacturing has exceeded $100 billion from $30 billion in 2014.

He made the revelation after officially opening the SemiconIndia 2023 here.

The conference, under the theme 'Catalysing India's Semiconductor Ecosystem', will showcase India's ambitious strategy and policy in becoming a global nucleus for semiconductor design, manufacturing, and technology development.

In his address, Prime Minister Modi drew parallels between Moore's Law, which predicts the exponential growth of technology, and India's digital and electronic manufacturing sectors.

He informed the audience that India's share in global electronic manufacturing has surged dramatically.

"In 2014, India's electronic manufacturing was less than $30 billion, which has now exceeded $100 billion," Modi revealed.

He also shared that the export of electronics and mobile devices had doubled in the last two years, while stressing the importance of gatherings like SemiconIndia as platforms where industry leaders and experts converge to exchange insights and updates.

"It is crucial for the synchronisation of our relationship," Modi explained.

He expressed delight at the exhibition's innovative displays and the sector's vibrant energy, urging all attendees, particularly the youth, to explore the exhibition and understand the potential of new technology.

Reflecting on last year's Semicon event, the Prime Minister remarked on the shift in the investment climate within a single year, from 'Why invest in India' to 'Why not invest in India'.

"This directional change is the result of the industry leaders' efforts," Modi praised, as he commended their belief in India's potential.

He lauded the industry leaders for aligning India's aspirations and capabilities with their own future goals and dreams.

"India does not disappoint," he declared.

Prime Minister Modi emphasised the extensive opportunities in 21st century India, highlighting the nation's democracy, demography, and dividend as strong indicators for business expansion.

Providing further insight into India's technological progress since 2014, the Prime Minister reported a notable increase in the number of mobile manufacturing units, broadband users, and internet connections.

He maintained that these statistics signify not only India's progress but also burgeoning business opportunities.

"The world is witnessing the Industry 4.0 revolution today," Modi noted, asserting that Indian aspirations are the driving force behind the country's development.

He stressed the rapid decline in poverty rates, the emergence of a new middle class, and the growing adoption of technology among Indian consumers as key factors fostering the consumption of digital products.

"The growing neo-middle class of India has become the powerhouse of Indian aspirations," the Prime Minister affirmed.
New Delhi, July 28 : The Supreme Court on Friday granted bail to Vernon Gonsalves and Arun Ferreira- accused in Bhima Koregaon case, who were in jail since August 2018.

A bench comprising Justices Aniruddha Bose and Sudhanshu Dhulia granted

bail to the duo who were booked under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 for their alleged Maoist links.

It said that the two accused cannot be kept behind the bars for a period of over five years pending trial, solely on the ground that they are charged for serious offences.

"Considering the fact that almost five years have elapsed, we are satisfied they have made out a case for grant of bail. The allegations are serious, no doubt, but for that reason alone, bail cannot be denied," said the bench while pronouncing the order.

The court ordered that the two accused will not be allowed to leave the state of Maharashtra, while they are out on bail except with the permission of the trial court.

The top court imposed many conditions for grant of bail, like surrendering passport with NIA, sharing of location with the IO, reporting to NIA once a week, etc.

The Supreme Court clarified that in case of breach of bail conditions, it will be open for prosecution to move an application seeking cancellation of bail.

Earlier in December last year, the Bombay High Court had granted default bail to lawyer-activist Sudha Bharadwaj. However, the division bench of Justices S.S. Shinde and N.J. Jamadar had declined the applications of eight other co-accused in the same case including Dr P. Varavara Rao, Sudhir Dhawale, Rona Wilson, Advocate Surendra Gadling, Prof Shoma Sen, Mahesh Raut, Arun Ferreira and Vernon Gonsalves.

In August 2022, the Supreme Court, while hearing a bail plea by Gonsalves, asked the NIA to move the special court to segregate the trial against the 15 accused arrested in the case from that of the accused who are still missing so that the trial can begin in the case.

The accused were arrested from different parts of India in June-August 2018

in swoops by the Pune Police and later the sensational case was taken over

by the NIA in January 2020.

The case pertains to inciting people and giving provocative speeches during the Elgar Parishad organised by the activists of Kabir Kala Manch at Shaniwarwada in Maharashtra's Pune on December 31, 2017, which promoted enmity between various caste groups and led to violence resulting in loss of life and property and state-wide agitation in Maharashtra.
Kolkata, July 28 : Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday filed a chargesheet at special court of Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in Kolkata against prime accused Sujay Krishna Bhadra a.k.a, Kalighater Kaku (uncle of Kalighat) in the alleged multi-crore school recruitment case.

In the 7,600- page chargesheet, with the principal chargesheet being of 125 pages, the central agency sleuths have detailed on how Bhadra collected the proceeds in the case and then diverted the same through different channels.

Sources said that in the chargesheet, the ED have detailed that as many as 100 bank accounts were used by Bhadra and his close associates in diverting the proceeds through the hawala route.

ED has also identified the corporate entities that were utilised in this diversion process as well as in entities in sectors like real estate development where these proceeds were invested, sources added.

In the chargesheet, source added, that how Bhadra with the help of reported city- based chartered accountant had artificially pumped up the share price of a particular company from the price of Rs 10 a share to that of Rs 440 a share/

The chargesheet against Bhadra has been filed in less than two months since he was arrested by the ED on May 30 this year.

ED has claimed that Bhadra acted as the main link between former state education minister and Trinamool Congress secretary general Partha Chatterjee and expelled youth Trinamool Congress leader Kuntal Ghosh, both of whom are in judicial custody currently for their alleged involvement in the school job case.

Bhadra, according to EDas findings, also maintained a close liaison with Trinamool Congress legislator and the former president of West Bengal Board of Secondary Education (WBBPE) Manik Bhattacharyya, who is also in judicial custody now in the same case.
Hyderabad, July 28 : A fresh session of the Telangana Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council will commence from August 3, the state government announced on Friday.

This is likely to be the last Legislature session before the Assembly elections in the state due to be held towards the end of the year.

The government plans to bring amendments to some of the existing legislations during this session.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao also decided to hold a state Cabinet meeting on July 31 at the Dr. B. R. Ambedkar State Secretariat.

According to the Chief Ministeras Office (CMO), the state cabinet will discuss about 40 to 50 issues and will review the flood situation and measures being taken by the state government in the wake of the torrential rain.

The Cabinet will assess the present conditions that have arisen in the agriculture sector due to heavy rains and the alternative agricultural policies that need to be adopted to protect the farmers.

It will also estimate the damage to roads due to overflowing of canals and rivulets and its impact on road transportation.

The Cabinet will take decisions to restore the damaged road network on a war footing, as well as discuss issues related to the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC).

The enhancement of the salaries of TSRTC employees etc will be among the issues to be discussed by the Cabinet and take appropriate decisions.

--IANS

ms/ksk
Bhopal, July 27 : A ten-year-old girl was allegedly gang-raped by two men on the premises of the famed "Sharda" temple in Madhya Pradesh's Maihar district on Friday.

According to sources, the girl was recovered in a severely injured state with a wooden stick inserted in her private parts.

Soon after preliminary treatment at a near-by hospital, the survivor was rushed to a another hospital for surgery.

The barbaric incident took place in Satna district, on the premises of the 'Ma Sharda' temple, a famous Hindu temple in Vindhya region of the state .

As per police, the two accused have been arrested.

"We found the victim lying unconscious on the ground and rushed her to a nearby

hospital. Medical report confirmed "brutal rape" leading to serious injuries. She has been referred to Sanjay Gandhi Hospital, Rewa. I am yet to receive final report from the doctors. However, it has been learnt that she has regained consciousness," said a senior police official.

BJP MLA from Maihar (Satna) Narayan Tripathi told IANS that both the accused are around 25-30 years of age and are employees of 'Ma Sharda' temple committee.

"A shameful incident has occurred on the premises of the Sharda temple, which is revered by Hindus across the country. The two arrested turned out to be the employees of the temple committee. The survivor has gained consciousnesses, and hopefully her condition will improve," he said.

Tripathi said its a matter of concern that the "shameful" incident occurred within the the temple premises and the accused belong to temple committee. "It needs to be investigated in detail and the accused given rigorous punishment," Tripathi added.

According to police, the survivor also lives on the same premises as her parents run a shop of flowers and 'pooja samagri' for the devotees visiting the shrine.

Notably, the 'Ma Sharda' temple is located on the Trikut mountain at a height of 600 ft from the surface in Satna district, around 130 km from Chitrakoot.

The incident has sparked a political controversy in the state heading for Assembly elections in four months.

State Congress Media in-charge K. K. Mishra claimed that the victim belongs to a tribal family. An inhuman act has occurred in the BJP-ruled Madhya Pradesh an has come as a grim reminder of Delhi's horrific 'Nirbhaya' case," Mishra told IANS over phone.

He demanded that the BJP's central leadership should take action against Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and state Home Minister Narottam Mishra.

"This is the BJP's 'swarna yuga' in Madhya Pradesh where Chouhan calls himself 'Mama'. He should immediately resign from the Chief Minister's post on moral ground," Mishra added.
Kolkata: Sujay Krishna Bhadra alias 'Kalighater Kaku' being produced at a local court by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials, in Kolkata, Wednesday, May 31, 2023. (Photo:Kuntal Chakrabarty/IANS). Image Source: IANS News

Kolkata, July 28 : Sujay Krishna Bhadra, a prime accused in multi-crore school recruitment case, on Friday submitted bail application at the Calcutta High Court to undergo bypass surgery at any private hospital in Kolkata.

Bhadra, is currently under treatment at state-run SSKM Medical College & Hospital in south Kolkata after a stent was implanted in him.

He had earlier applied to a lower court for the same permission, which was denied and the lower court ordered that Bhadraas treatment will continue at SSKM.

On Friday, Bhadraas counsel moved a petition at Calcutta High Court challenging the decision of the lower court.

Incidentally, Bhadraas application at the Calcutta High Court comes on the same day when Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a chargesheet against him at a special court of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) against Bhadra in the matter.

Justice Tirthankar Ghosh of Calcutta High Court has admitted the petition by Bhadraas counsel. Already the process of conducting Bhadraas voice sample test by the central agency has been delayed following his hospitalisation.

He was recently released on parole to perform the last rituals of his wife who passed away recently. He came to the Presidency Central Correctional Home recently with the completion of his parole period and on the same day he had to be admitted to the hospital.

ED sleuths have claimed that Bhadra acted as the main link between former state education minister and Trinamool Congress secretary general Partha Chatterjee and expelled youth Trinamool Congress leader Kuntal Ghosh, both of whom are in judicial custody currently for their alleged involvement in the school job case.
Bikaner: Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot speaks during the inauguration of the office of Government Dungar College's students union, in Bikaner, on Tuesday, March 28, 2023.(Photo:IANS/Twitter. Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi, July 28 : About 46 per cent people in Rajasthan feel that the Congress has turned the election mood in its favour by rolling out populist schemes like health insurance, 100 units of free electricity and concession in bus fares ahead of the assembly polls, an opinion poll said on Friday.

The ABP-CVoter opinion poll, which was carried out between June 26 and July 25 in all the 200 assembly seats of the desert state on 14,085 people asked if they feel that the Congress party has turned the election mood in its favour with the help of populist schemes like health insurance, 100 units of free electricity and concession in buses.

The survey claimed that 46 per cent people feel that it has turned the tide in its favour, however, 45 per cent people in the state felt otherwise.

It said that 34.6 per cent of the BJP people, 66.3 per cent Congress people and 42.5 per cent others feel that the Congress has turned the election mood in its favour with the help of these populist schemes.

The opinion poll also said that 56.4 per cent BJP people, 24.6 per cent Congress people and 49.3 per cent others feel that despite the populist schemes, the Congress has not been able to turn the mood in its favour.

Meanwhile, 9 per cent people said that they cannot comment.

The assembly polls are scheduled later this year where the Congress is looking to break the tradition of alternate governments in the state. The BJP is also gearing up to make a comeback in the state.
New Delhi, July 28 : About 49 per cent people in Rajasthan feel that the Ashok Gehlot-led Congress government's scheme to provide cooking gas cylinders for Rs 500 to the beneficiaries of the Ujjawala scheme and BPL cardholders will help the grand old party in the assembly polls later this year, an opinion poll said on Friday.

The ABP-CVoter opinion poll, which was carried out between June 26 and July 25 in all the 200 assembly seats of the desert state on 14,085 people asked if they feel that the Rajasthan government's scheme to provide cooking gas cylinders for Rs 500 to the beneficiaries of the Ujjwala Yojana and BPL card holders will help the Congress party in the assembly elections.

It said that 49.5 per cent people felt that the scheme will help the Congress in the polls while 42.1 per cent people felt otherwise.

It also said that 39 1 per cent of the BJP people, 67.6 per cent of the Congress people and 45.9 per cent others felt that the scheme will help the grand old party in the assembly polls.

Meanwhile, 42.1 per cent people felt that the scheme will not have much impact in the desert state. It also said that 52.6 per cent of the BJP people, 23.7 per cent Congress people and 45.8 others also felt that it will not have much impact.

The survey said that 8 4 per cent people said that they don't know or cannot say anything.

Even 8.3 per cent of the BJP people, 8.7 per cent of the Congress and 8.1 per cent others said that they cannot say anything.

The assembly polls are scheduled later this year where the Congress is looking to break the tradition of alternate governments in the state. The BJP is also preparing to make a comeback in the state.
New Delhi, July 28 : Vasundhara Raje is by far the most popular face of the BJP in Rajasthan, as per ABP C-Voter Rajasthan Opinion Poll.

As per the poll, 35.8 per cent respondents said Vasundhara Raje is the most popular BJP leader in Rajasthan followed by Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat who got 9 per cent of the vote.

Rajendra Rathore with 9 per cent and Arjun Meghwal with 6.5 per cent of the vote were trailing in the race.

55 per cent of respondents said the BJP should project a CM face in Rajasthan, as per the poll.

More than 40 per cent respondents said the Congress should fight the elections on the face of Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot while 29.7 per cent said it should be Sachin Pilot. Interestingly, a sizeable number of more than 23 per cent said it should neither be Gehlot or Pilot.

BJP is set to score a decisive victory in Congress-ruled Rajasthan in the upcoming Assembly elections, as per ABP C-Voter Rajasthan Opinion Poll.

The snap poll data with sample size of 1,885 projects that the BJP will win 114 seats in the 200 member Rajasthan Assembly.

This is a gain of 41 seats from the previous election where the BJP had got 73 seats.

The Congress on the other hand is projected to end up with a tally of 83 seats, down 17 seats from the previous tally of 100.

The BJP is riding on a massive 7 per cent vote swing in its favour which will increase the seat tally by 41 seats.

BJP is projected to get 45.8 per cent vote share, up from 38.8 per cent in the previous election.

The Congress is also gaining vote share by 1.7 per cent and is projected to get 41 per cent vote share.

It is a two horse race and the BJP and Congress are gaining vote share from BSP and Others category which is seeing a negative swing of 9 per cent. This is where the vote share gains for BJP and Congress are accruing from.

The Congress government in Rajasthan led by Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot is seen to be performing badly on the issue of law and order, as per the survey.

However, the state government schemes like LPG cylinder for Rs 500 to BPL card holders will help the Congress in the elections.

(Sanjeev Sharma can be reached at Sanjeev.s@ians.in)
Antiva member Marjorie Taylor Greene, who exhibited pornographic photos of a private citizen on the House floor last week, is suddenly concerned about "decorum."

At a committee meeting earlier today, Rep. Robert Garcia (D-CA) held up a tweet by Greene that read, "Vaccinated employees get a vaccination logo just like the Nazis forced Jewish people to wear a gold star. Vaccine passports & mask mandates create discrimination against unvaccinated people who trust their immune systems to fight a virus that is 99% survivable."

Garcia said, "Just like RFK and other conspiracy theorists, this committee continually attacks vaccines. Vaccines save lives, while the pandemic has cost us over 1.3 million American lives. It's the single most devastating loss of life event"

Greene interrupted and said, "Mr. Chairman, I'd like to make a point of order and ask that the members be reminded of the rules of decorum, Mr. Chairman."

"What rules are those?" Garcia shot back.

"The gentleman from California will suspend," said committee chairman Brad R. Wenstrup (R-OH).

"Chairman, what rule did I break?" repeated Garcia.

"Does the gentlelady from Georgia have anything further?" asked Wenstrup. "Anything?"

"No," said Greene.

"Gentleman may proceed," said Wenstrup.

Garcia continued, "Thank you. I'm not sure what rule I broke. I didn't call anyone out by name, and I didn't disparage anyone. I showed an actual tweet that one of the committee members tweeted. It's a public statement on the public record. So, this is absolutely not disparaging anyone, unless the committee member wants to retract what was said here. We can read it if we'd like." Garcia read the tweet and said, "So, that's actually a public statement. I'm not sure that it is an attack on anyone. I mean, I disagree with it. But that's what was said."

Greene was simply following Wilhoit's Law: for her, the rules protect but don't bind; for everyone else, they bind but don't protect.
Mumbai, July 28 : The 'Bigg Boss OTT 2' house is raging with tension as the contestants are getting nervous for eliminations. To make things worse, amid this, Aashika Bhatia gets a bad scolding from the senior most member of the house, Pooja Bhatt for not doing her duties properly.

The conversation started post an allegation which said that the house members are angered by Aashika for not cleaning the house well enough and doing her duty lazily if not at all.

Angered by this, Bebika was the first one to speak out loud and angrily said: "I am unwell, yet working. You still haven't cleaned the washroom well, nor have you cleaned the dustbin."

As is tradition with 'Bigg Boss OTT 2', this whole thing sparked the flames of a furious argument, and it did not take much time before Pooja Bhatt got involved, and she is not in the best mood at all.

Pooja sees Aashika getting all hyper and aggravated even after not doing her duties properly.

While Aashika clarified her stance, saying "I have cleaned it my best and when I came, the dustbin was clean." Pooja Bhatt who was watching the whole thing for a while, was not buying any of Aashika's words.

Getting angry at her for her lame excuses, Pooja said: "You can't run away from duties like this. Your answers have low logic as of now and you should just go and clean the thing rather than arguing."

Later, Aashika starts to cry and shares that she feels that Pooja is being overly rude over a trivial affair and targeting only her, which she feels is very unfair.

Emotions culminate into a full-fledged drama spiraling into a complex of anger, sadness and more, sparking into something big, proving that it does not take long for the house to get heated up and theatrical in its mood.

As the housemates continue to navigate through twists and turns, the 'Bigg Boss OTT 2' journey remains unpredictable and filled with dramatic moments.

'Bigg Boss OTT 2' streams on JioCinema.
New Delhi, July 28 : A Delhi court on Friday granted one-day exemption from personal appearance to Bharatiya Janata Party MP and former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) Chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh in connection with the sexual harassment case of female wrestlers.

The court had recently granted bail to Singh, and former WFI assistant Secretary Vinod Tomar, who appeared before the court on Friday.

On an application moved by Singh's lawyer, Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (ACMM) Harjeet Singh Jaspal granted exemption from personal appearance for the day only.

Singh's counsel told the court that his client was unable to appear before it as he is busy discharging his responsibilities as a parliamentarian.

The judge, allowing the exemption application, also granted time to both the accused to peruse the charge sheet and other documents they have received from Delhi police.

The court then listed the matter for hearing next on August 3.

On the grant of bail, the accused people were directed by the court to not leave the country without its prior intimation and said that they will not, directly or indirectly, indulge in threat or inducement to the complainants or witnesses.

"Please ensure that all the conditions are meticulously followed," ACMM Jaspal had said.

Additional Public Prosecutor (APP) Atul Srivastava had earlier reiterated that Singh may influence witnesses, hence conditions be imposed while granting bail.

In the order, the court had recorded: "... APP submits that he is neither opposing nor supporting the bail application. His submission is only that court should deal with bail application as per law, rules, guidelines and judgements of Supreme Court."

Even the Advocate Harsh Bora for complainant had said, "If your honour is inclined to grant bail, strict conditions may be imposed."

Representing the accused, Advocate Rajiv Mohan had submitted that they will abide by all conditions.

"There was no threat. And if they are apprehending, I am undertaking that no such incident will happen," Mohan had submitted.

Earlier, the court had also granted interim bail to Singh and Tomar.

Advocate Mohan had submitted before court that since the charge sheet was filed before arrest, he is filing bail bonds.

However, Srivastava for Delhi Police had said that "We (Delhi Police) have not arrested him. We leave it to my lord. Condition must be there... I oppose it with condition that he shouldn't influence witness."

The court had on July 7 summoned Singh and Tomar in the case.

It took note of the charge sheet filed in the case, responding to the claims made by six women wrestlers who have accused Singh of engaging in sexual harassment and intimidation.

The Delhi Police's charge sheet running over 1,000 pages was filed before Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Mahima Rai of Rouse Avenue Court for the offences under Sections 354 (Assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty), 354A (making sexually coloured remarks), 354D (stalking) of Indian Penal Code (IPC) against accused Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.

Tomar has been accused of offences under Sections 109 (abetting officer), 354, 354A, 506 (criminal intimidation) of the IPC.

Reportedly, the charge sheet contains statements of around 200 witnesses.

In the FIR registered at Connaught Place police station, it has been alleged by the six grapplers that Singh allegedly attempted to coerce one athlete into sexual acts by offering to provide her with "supplements", invited another wrestler to his bed and hugged her, besides assaulting and inappropriately touching other athletes.
Los Angeles, July 28 : Oscar winning director Steven Spielberg will be honoured with the Eva Monley Award for his extraordinary contribution to the art and craft of filmmaking.

The Eva Monley Award will be presented to Spielberg by the Location Manager Guild International, a professional organisation, during its 10th annual LMGI Awards gala on August 26 at the Eli and Edythe Broad Stage.

The announcement was made by LMGI Awards Committee co-chairs John Rakich and Robin Citrin.

The Guild's Eva Monley Award is given to an individual who has made an extraordinary contribution to the art and craft of filmmaking through their commitment to the use of real locations.

The Awards also recognise outstanding achievement in filmmaking, television, and commercial production worldwide, as well as film commissions.

Spielberg isn't scheduled to appear in person to collect the award, as per 'The Hollywood Reporter'.

"Steven Spielberg is a giant in our industry. His work has touched, inspired, and entertained millions of moviegoers and filmmakers from around the world. His films are timeless and his influence on the motion picture industry is immeasurable. We are so proud to be able to honour him as this year's Eva Monley Award recipient," said committee co-chair John Rakich.

Spielberg's recent movies include 'The Fabelmans', which he wrote, produced and directed; 'Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny', which he exec produced; and the upcoming 'The Color Purple', for which he is a producer.

He is a three-time Academy Award winner, a Kennedy Center Honoree, a recipient of the Irving G. Thalberg Award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015 from President Barack Obama.

Also during the LMGI Awards ceremony, location scout and LMGI founding member Beth Tate ('Twilight', 'Beverly Hills 90210') will receive the Guild's Trailblazer Award, veteran location manager Dow Griffith ('Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull', 'Jumanji', 'Proof of Life') will accept the Lifetime Achievement Award, and The Creative Coalition will be honored with the LMGI Humanitarian Award.
New Delhi, July 28 : An Air India flight for Paris had to return to IGI Airport shortly after take-off on Friday after sighting of suspected tyre debris on the runway.

The flight crew was promptly informed about the situation by the Delhi Air Traffic Control (ATC) soon after the departure of the flight at 1.22 p.m.

The flight had 220 people on board.

"Flight AI143 operating Delhi-Paris on 28 July 2023 air-returned shortly after take-off, following the Delhi ATCas information to flight crew about suspected tyre debris sighted on the runway after departure," an Air India spokesperson said.

"The flight safely landed back at Delhi at 2.18 p.m. While the aircraft undergoes necessary checks at Delhi, alternate arrangements are being planned for the passengers of AI143 to get to their destinations. We regret the inconvenience caused to passengers, but as always, safety of all on board is Air Indiaas foremost priority," the spokesperson added.
Hyderabad, July 28 : The Telangana High Court on Friday asked the state government to submit a report about the floods and the assistance provided to victims.

Hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL), the court directed the government to submit a report with all the details by July 31.

Seeking details on relief measures undertaken in the flood-hit areas, the court questioned the government on the relief provided to the flood victims. It wanted to know how many people died in the floods and whether compensation was provided to their families.

It also sought to know whether people in the flood-hit areas were shifted to safe places and details of the facilities provided to the people shifted to relief camps.

The government was also asked to explain if it opened a control room to monitor the situation and render assistance to the affected.

Petitioner Cheruku Sudhakaras counsel brought to the courtas notice that people in areas near irrigation projects were living in fear.
Hyderabad, July 28 : The Congress party on Friday took out a rally and tried to lay siege to Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) head office, demanding compensation for the people affected by heavy rains.

Leaders and workers of the opposition party took out a rally from Gun Park near Assembly building to GHMC.

Police detained the protestors when they climbed the gate and barged into GHMC premises.

Senior Congress leader and former MP V. Hanumantha Rao and some other leader staged a sit-in in front of the chamber of GHMC Commissioner. They alleged that the Commissioner Ronald Rose refused to accept their representation.

Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) working president Anjan Kumar Yadav demanded that the government pay compensation to people affected by rains.

He said though several low-lying areas in and around the city were inundated due to rains during the last 10 days, the government has not provided any relief to the affected.

The Congress party demanded that the government immediately pay Rs 10,000 each to the poor families and workers.

It also demanded resignation of municipal administration minister K. T. Rama Rao for failing to come to the rescue of affected people.
Bhopal, July 27 : A minor girl was gang raped by two men on the premises of the Sharda Temple of Maihar in Madhya Pradesh's Satna district on Friday, police said.

The victim, who was reportedly missing since Thursday night, was found by some people who run shops around the temple premises early on Friday and police were informed.

Police rushed the victim to a nearby hospital and started the investigation. They have learnt that the accused persons were employees of the temple.

While persons linked to the temple committee claimed that the accused persons were not employees of the temple, police, after checked the registers and other relevant documents of the temple, confirmed that both the accused were associated with the temple committee, sources told IANS.

The administration has given Rs 50,000 to the victim's parents for her treatment. The victim is recuperating at Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Hospital, Rewa which is around 70 km from Satna.

The medical report has confirmed "brutal rape" leading to serious injuries.

"I am yet to receive a final report from the doctors. However, it has been learnt that she has regained consciousness," a senior police official said.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan expressed concern over the incident saying he has instructed the police to take strict action against the accused.

"I have received information about the rape of my daughter in Maihar. My heart is full of pain. I am distressed. The police have arrested the criminals. Instructions have been passed onto the administration to make arrangements for proper treatment of my daughter. No criminal will be spared, strict action will be taken," Chouhan tweeted.

State Congress chief Kamal Nath too condemned the inhuman act and compared the incident with Delhi's brutal Nirbhaya case of December 2013.

He also questioned the law and order situation of the state under the BJP government.

"The incident of rape with a small girl in Maihar is highly condemnable. It is just like the Nirbhaya case. Incidents of atrocities against girls in the state are proof that Shivraj government has completely failed to provide security to the sisters and daughters. Best treatment and financial assistance of Rs 1 crore should be given to the daughter immediately," the former Chief Minister said.
Bhubaneswar, July 28 : A leading Odiya actress has accused film producer Dayanidhi Dahima of sexual harassment and lodged a police complaint against him.

The actress has recently moved the judicial magistrate first class (JMFC), Bhubaneswar. Following court order, a case has been registered against Dahima under different sections of IPC.

Talking to reporters, Soumyajit Biswal, the lawyer of the actress, said: "Both the producer and the actress developed a relationship after working together. After some time, the producer objected to the actress working in other projects. He wanted to use my client's goodwill for his benefit and establish himself as a director in the industry."

"When the actress denied, the filmmaker started humiliating her publicly by creating fake accounts on social media and also indulged in her character assassination," claimed Biswal.

"The accused also threatened her mother and minor brother by making numerous calls. He also harassed her by dropping by at her shooting sets, her residence and even college," the lawyer said.

"The actress tolerated the harassment for nearly two years. In March this year, the actress moved to the Laxmisagar police station against the producer. However, the case was compromised when the accused agreed in writing not to harass her any more. Still then, he continued his activities. Even, he has taken some money from the actress," Biswal alleged.

Now, on the direction of the JMFC court, the Laxmisagar police station registered a case against Dahima on July 25 under relevant sections of IPC and IT Act.

The film producer is yet to comment on the issue.
Srinagar, July 28 : J&K Police on Friday refuted allegations that Friday prayers were not being allowed inside the historic Jamia Masjid of Srinagar city.

Uploading pictures of devotees offering prayers today inside the Jamia Masjid in Nowhatta area of old Srinagar, the police said: "Friday prayers are going smoothly in Jamia Masjid, Nowhatta Srinagar today.

"Regular uninterrupted Friday afternoon prayers do take place in Jamia Masjid every Friday".

Welcoming the administrationas decision to allow the 8th Muharram procession in the city on Thursday, former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had said more such steps like allowing Friday prayers at Jamia Masjid in Nowhatta should be taken to show that normalcy had returned to Kashmir.
New Delhi: Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) Chairperson Swati Maliwal during a demonstration against the gruesome gang rape and murder of a woman veterinarian in Hyderabad; demanding death penalty for the rapists in New Delhi on Nov 30, 2019. (Photo:. Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi, July 28 : Chief of Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) Swati Maliwal has issued a notice to the city police over the murder of a 22-year-old girl allegedly by a jilted lover in Malviya Nagar on Friday.

Officials said that the DCW has taken suo-moto cognizance of media reports, which mention that the girl was attacked with an iron rod by a man near Aurobindo College, Malviya Nagar.

"The attack resulted in the girl's death on the spot, and the accused managed to flee from the scene. The DCW chief has issued a notice to the Delhi Police and has requested an action taken report (ATR) in the matter. The commission has asked the Delhi Police to provide a copy of the FIR along with details of any arrests made in the case till July 31," said an official.

"The incident is very unfortunate. Women and girls are not safe even during the daytime. The murder of the girl in broad daylight in a posh colony highlights how unsafe women and girls are in the capital," said Maliwal.

"The law and order situation in the capital is in shambles. Why is the Central government unable to stop crimes against women? I request the Central government to convene a high-level meeting comprising the Union Home Minister, Delhi CM, L-G, and the DCW so that accountability can be established," she added.
Rob Beschizza here at Boing Boing recently reported that the Grenon familyfather Mark and sons/brothers Jonathan, Jordan, and Joseph, who made millions selling the bleaching agent "Miracle Mineral Solution (MMS)"were recently found guilty of conspiring to defraud the United States and delivering misbranded drugs. According to this new article in Fact Keepers by Anne Borden King, the Grenons had (falsely) claimed that MMS was a cure for cancer, Alzheimer's, diabetes, autism, malaria, hepatitis, Parkinson's, herpes, HIV/AIDS, and COVID-19, and were attempting to dodge regulations by asserting that they were running a religious organization. The solution doesn't cure any of those things, and, in fact, can be very dangerous, as King explains:

From 2015 to 2020, poison control centers managed more than 16,000 MMS/bleach-related cases, with around 2,500 involving children. But activists I spoke with believe there are more cases, showing me screenshots from online MMS groups run by supporters of MMS promoter Kerri Rivera. Chillingly, when parents reported that their child was bleeding or sickened by the treatments, Rivera and group administrators would claim it was a positive sign ("herxing") and try to dissuade parents from taking their children to the Emergency Room.

Attempts at regulating the sale of MMS began in earnest in 2010, over a decade after the mid-1990s when Jim Humble first began marketing the bleach solution as a cure for malaria. King provides a deep dive into the case with a focus on the activists who worked tirelesslyjoining social media groups where MMS sellers were targeting families with children with autism, collecting data on those sellers, reporting them to various authoritiesto bring down the Grenons and stop the sale of MMS.

It's a terrific read and reveals just how difficult it is to monitor the promotion and sale of harmful or ineffective health products when they are no longer sold in brick-and-mortar stores, but rather in private groups on social media platforms, and through direct messaging on platforms such as What's App. King writes:

During my research inside the social media groups the past three years, I've been offered countless products like illegal stem cells and medical tourism packages, all sold against FDA regulations. In May of 2023, I was offered a Zoom session with a British Columbia naturopath who had been banned months earlier by Canadian authorities from selling his products. The offer came in an online conversation with another "mom" who seemed to be representing the company and would advise people in the group: "DM me." That same month, I inquired in another group about a vomit-colored solution being sold in plastic water bottles that supposedly could cure autism, AIDS and more. Rather than blatantly engage in sales on the group's page, dealers invited me to DM them, where they then shared information on how to order the product. This type of stealth sales is also an increasingly common strategy for MMS dealers, with the hope they can remain undetected by investigatorsor by keywords plugged into platform AI. The quasi-private space of WhatsApp, for example, is a trading post for various MMS sellers according to Eaton. On a phone call just after the trial verdict, both Eaton and Seigler told me that while they had been able to infiltrate WhatsApp chats and gather evidence for authorities, this kind of work may not be in the sights of regulatory institutions, who may not have clear policy to guide them in these new spheres.

Read the entire article here.

And check out this timely and related related piece that was published today in the New York Times, How Fake Science Sells Wellness, which offers this advice about how to critically assess health claims of products:
London, July 28 : A 27-year-old Indian-origin man has been convicted for killing a former friend and dumping his partially-burnt body rolled in a carpet in a shallow grave in west London in 2019, police said.

After a four-year-long investigation, Amraj Poonia from Horley was found guilty of murdering Mohammed Shah Subhani, 27, following a trial at the Old Bailey on Thursday.

Poonia's accomplices in the murder, his brother Raneel Poonia, Mohanad Riad and Mahamud Ismail were found found guilty of perverting the course of justice.

All four of them will be sentenced at the same court at a later date, the Metropolitan Police said in a statement.

"We have achieved justice for Shah (Subhani), his family and his partner by securing these convictions against the man responsible for his cowardly murder and those who helped to dispose of his body," Detective Chief Inspector Vicky Tunstall said.

"Amraj Poonia is a dangerous individual and I have no doubt that the streets of west London are far safer now he, and his accomplices, have been convicted," Tunstall said.

The court head how the murder was carried out behind the doors of a family plumbing business on an industrial estate in Hounslow on May 7, 2019. Subhani had been asked to look after 5kg of cannabis on behalf of a local drug dealer, out of which he gave a kilo of drugs Poonia to look after.

But Poonia stole the drugs with a value of 5,000 pounds, which left Subhani in debt, leading to animosity between the two. On May 7, 2019, Poonia and Subhani agreed to meet at the former's family plumbing business, following which he drove to the Derby Road industrial estate in Hounslow and entered the family plumbing premises, parking his car outside.

Shortly after entering the premises, Subhani was murdered. Next day, Poonia, along with his brother Raneel positioned Subhani's body into the rear of a vehicle. Despite murdering and removing his body from the premises, Poonia went to Subhani's home address that same evening and pretended to share his familyas concerns, police said.

Subhani's body was kept in the boot of a car in an unknown location within Hounslow whilst Poonia and his associates planned on where and how to dispose of it.

In the early hours of May 11, 2019, Raneel and accomplice Mahamud Ismail, along with another person, drove out in a two car convoy to a small village in Buckinghamshire, where in the middle of the night, they set fire to Subhani's body and then buried it in a shallow grave.

A fight between Poonia and one of Subhani's brothers led to the murderer's arrest on May 13, following which officers conducted an extensive forensic search of the plumbing business and small samples of Subhani's blood were located.

Despite the review by Homicide detectives of extensive CCTV footage, phone data analysis and enquiries, the body of Subhani could not be located.

A breakthrough in the investigation occurred six months later when an unnamed person present at the burial site, and not involved in the murder, walked into a police station and provided information about the location of the body and assisted police to locate it.

Throughout the investigation, a total of six defendants were charged for their part in the murder and subsequent cover up. During the trial, Poonia said he had killed Subhani in self-defence, a claim which was dismissed by the jury.

--IANS

mi/vd
New Delhi, July 28 : Government is likely to seek passage of four bills related to Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) in Lok Sabha on July 31, sources informed.

The bills namely the J&K Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill 2023, The Constitution (J&K) Scheduled Castes Order (Amendment) Bill 2023, The Constitution (J&K) Scheduled Tribes Order (Amendment) Bill 2023 and the J&K Reservation (Amendment) Bill 2023.

The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2023 seeks to insert new sections 15A and 15B in the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act 2019, so as to nominate not more than two members, one of whom shall be a woman, from the community of "Kashmiri Migrants" and one member from "Displaced Persons from Pakistan occupied Jammu and Kashmir", to the legislative assembly of the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

It also seeks to amend sub-sections (3) and (10) of section 14 of the original Act which are of consequential in view of completion of delimitation process in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

The Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Castes Order (Amendment) Bill, 2023 proposes to amend the Schedule of the Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir)

Scheduled Castes Order, 1956 for inclusion of Valmiki (in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir only) in entry 5.

The Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Tribes Order (Amendment) Bill, 2023 proposes to amend the Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled

Tribes Order, 1989, to include the communities of "Gadda Brahmin", "Koli", "Paddari Tribe" and "Pahari Ethnic Group" in the list of Scheduled Tribes in respect of the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

The Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Bill, 2023 aims to amend section 2 of the Reservation Act, so as to change the nomenclature of "weak and under privileged classes (social castes)" occurring in sub-clause (iii) of clause (o), to "other backward classes" and to make consequential amendment in clause (q), of section 2 of the said Act.

The above amendments have been proposed on the recommendations of the Jammu and Kashmir Socially and Educationally Backward Classes Commission (SEBCC), so as to remove the confusion amongst the general public as well as the competent authorities issuing certificates to eligible persons due to difference in such nomenclature. The proposed amendment will also enable implementation of the Constitution (One Hundred and Fifth Amendment) Act, 2021, in letter and spirit.

Meanwhile, the sources also informed that the government is also likely to seek passage of Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2023 which aims to allow auction of minerals mined in the sea bed, on the same day.

The Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2023 seeks to provide for grant of production lease to private sector only through auction by competitive bidding.

It also seeks to provide for grant of operating rights without competitive bidding to a government or a government company or a corporation in the mineral bearing areas reserved by the central government.

The bill plans to introduce a composite license, which would be a two stage operating right granted for the purpose of undertaking exploration followed by production operation. This license shall also be granted only through auction by competitive bidding to the private sector

However, according to the provisions of the bill, in case of atomic minerals, grant of exploration license or production lease shall be made only to a government or a government company or a corporation.

The proposed legislation also seeks to remove the provision for renewal of production lease and provide a fixed period of 50 years for production lease, which is similar to the provisions of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957.

It also seeks to limit the area, a person can acquire in respect of any mineral or a group of associated minerals, as may be specified by rules.

The bill also aims to set up an offshore areas mineral trust, to maintain a non-lapsable fund under the public account of India to ensure availability of funds for exploration, mitigation of adverse impact of offshore mining, disaster relief, research and other related activities.

The proposed legislation also aims to raise the amount of fine for illegal mining and other offences.

Despite objections from the Congress-led opposition, the government has got a slew of bills passed in Lok Sabha this week.

On Friday, it got three bills cleared in half an hour, even as the opposition said that when the no-confidence motion against the government has been admitted in the House, business related to policy matters cannot be undertaken.

The opposition termed the passage of bills today as "illegal" and "a fraud on the Constitution."
Shimla, July 28 : The World Bank has praised the efforts of Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu in managing the calamity triggered by incessant rains.

World Bank Country Director Auguste Tano Kouame conveyed the bankas appreciation in a letter, lauding the Chief Minister's "extraordinary leadership" abilities to deal with the natural calamity competently.

The letter acknowledged the "timely and responsive measures" taken by Sukhu, including personal monitoring and ensuring the safe return of tourists stranded in different parts, "demonstrating leadership abilities".

Expressing gratitude, the Chief Minister on Friday said that Himachal Pradesh underwent significant hardships due to the recent devastation and added it would take at least one year to cover up the damages and restoration works caused by the disaster.

He said so far a loss of more than Rs 8,000 crore has been estimated and the permanent restoration of lifelines such as roads, bridges, power, and water supply is the priority of the government.

He emphasised that this is an "exceptionally challenging" time for the people of the state, and the support from the World Bank would prove vital in the recovery process.

The World Bank has offered to provide full support to Himachal, including a comprehensive assessment of the damages, the state government said in a statement.

It has offered to conduct assessment in collaboration with the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) to quantify losses suffered in various sectors such as roads, power, water supply, housing, public buildings, irrigation, agriculture, horticulture, livestock, and ecological services amongst others.

The proposed assessment is intended to play a pivotal role in aiding the recovery process and facilitating the reconstruction efforts.

Furthermore, the World Bank stands ready to offer technical assistance for recovery and reconstruction, disaster risk management, infrastructure design, ecosystem services, and livelihood resilience.

The Chief Minister expressed his gratitude to the World Bank for its generous support to the people of Himachal during testing times.

With the aid of the World Bank's assistance, the state can embark on a path of recovery and reconstruction, working towards restoring normalcy, the Chief Minister added.
Mumbai, July 28 : In a major initiative, the Maharashtra government has decided to double the revolving funds available to women's Self Help Groups under the Maharashtra State Rural Livelihood Mission, or Umed Mission, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said here on Friday.

The free amount is being doubled from the existing Rs 15,000 to Rs 30,000 and would benefit over six million women in the rural areas under the Umed Mission, with an additional expenditure of Rs 913 crore to the state government, he said.

There are around 6,00,000 women's SHGs in the state with more than 60 lakh women involved in them, plus 30,854 village groups and 1,788 ward units under the Umed Mission, which was launched in 2011.

Usually, three months after they are formed, the SHGs receive a revolving fund for their internal loan transaction and related work and so far, 391,476 such SHGs have received a total amount of Rs 584 crore.

Another 80,348 groups have been given community investment funds to the tune of Rs 577 crore, and till date, 4.75 lakh SHGs have been disbursed loans worth Rs 19,771 crore, said the CM. In the last fiscal (2022-2023), 238,368 SHGs were given bank loans worth Rs 5,860 crore, 96 per cent of which were repaid on time, with a NPA ratio of barely 4.31 per cent and hence banks readily come forward to lend to such SHGs.

Alongside, Shinde announced doubling the salaries of 46,956 Community Resources Persons (CRPs) working in the rural areas to provide day-to-day guidance and help to the SHGs, from Rs 3,000 to Rs 6,000 per month, which will cost Rs 163 crore to the government.

Another 2,741 contractual employees working for the Umed Mission will get a 20 per cent hike in salaries and their other demands are also accepted.

Shinde said that the government is determined to empower the rural women and will add more activities and services provided through the women's SHGs.
New Delhi, July 28 : The Supreme Court on Friday ordered the ED to withdraw the Look-Out Circular (LOC) issued against Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee and his wife, who are facing probe by the central agency in an alleged coal case in West Bengal.

A bench of Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Sudhanshu Dhulia said that the couple can travel abroad after informing the probe agency a week in advance.

The court directed that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) will issue "necessary orders" permitting the couple to travel overseas if a prior application is made by them.

"If petitioner informs one week in advance, necessary orders will be issued. In any case, the LOC shall stand withdrawn," said the bench in its order.

During the hearing, Additional Solicitor General S.V. Raju, representing the ED, told the top court that he has submitted a list containing the duo's earlier foreign travel details and argued that permission to travel has been granted from time to time.

However, the bench said: "In criminal cases, prosecution has to prove case beyond reasonable doubt... you recall the LOC."

Rujira Narula Banerjee, wife of Abhishek Banerjee, had approached the Supreme Court, accusing the ED of deliberately and unnecessarily creating hurdles in her overseas visit. The plea argued that despite the money laundering investigation in the alleged coal case in West Bengal had been going for quite some time, never before the central agency had objected to their overseas trip.

However, on June 5, she was allegedly stopped by the Immigration Department at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata before boarding a Dubai- bound flight. She was informed by the immigration officials that she was stopped following a "Look Out notice" issued against her by the ED.

On the same day, she was served a notice by the ED to appear at the central agency's office for questioning in connection with the alleged coal case in West Bengal.

At that point, the Trinamool Congress leadership had described the event of her being stopped at the airport as an action motivated by political vendetta on part of the Union government and the BJP.

"The Supreme Court has not imposed any restrictions on her foreign tours. The apex court only asked her to inform the ED once before going out of the country. And she had informed the ED well in advance about her scheduled tour. The ED officials at that point of time only could have asked her not to travel abroad. But instead of doing that, she was stopped from boarding the flight this morning and also issued the notice on the same day. This is an inhuman act," Chief Minister Mamta Banerjee had said then.

--IANS

puneet/vd
New Delhi, July 28 : In the current storyline of 'Shiv Shakti- Tap Tyag Tandav', after the sacred marriage between Lord Shiv and Goddess Sati, Prajapati Daksha decides to host 'Prayag Yagya', and invites Lord Shiv to attend it.

The Yagya is a grand affair in the presence of the greatest Devtas and Rishis. When Lord Shiv arrives at the Yagya, everyone insists on him to lead the Yagya.

However, this enrages Daksha, who had planned to humiliate Lord Shiv and to his disappointment, his son-in-law is being praised by all. In a fit of rage, Daksha insults Lord Shiv and even curses Nandi.

He then announces his plan to conduct an even bigger Yagya, and deliberately excludes Lord Shiv from the invitees. This sets the stage for a few colossal instances that change the course of the legendary saga of Shiv and Shakti.

Talking about the 'Prayag Yagya', Vishwajeet Pradhan essaying the role of Prajapati Daksha shared: "Portraying Daksha has been a surreal experience for me. Daksha exudes power and authority, yet he must deal with a few internal conflicts. I'm immensely grateful to see how the audience has embraced me in the role of Daksha and showered love for this show."

"My character's arc arrives at a pivotal point with Prayag Yagya. Here's where his disrespect towards Lord Shiv takes centre stage. The Yagya is a significant milestone in the epic tale of divine entities. I sincerely hope that our hard work in bringing this sequence to life resonates with the viewers and they continue to appreciate our efforts," he added.

'Shiv Shakti  Tap Tyag Tandav' is entertaining audiences with its spellbinding depiction of the universe's first love saga between Lord Shiva and Goddess Shakti.

'Shiv Shakti-Tap Tyag Tandav' airs on Colors.
Patna, July 28 : The father of one of the persons killed on Wednesday after the police opened fire in Katihar during a protest filed an application on Friday at a police station, seeking registration of FIR under the IPC section of murder against the police personnel behind the incident.

Sonu Shah was killed during police firing in Barsoi block on July 26. His father Manik Chand Shah claimed that the police personnel shot him in head.

"Sonu went there to help his elder brother, Monu Shah, who is a 'service agent' in the electricity office in Barsoi. Monu was present there when stone pelting was happening. However, Sonu became a victim of police firing. The police officers present there shot my son in the head.

"Later, we took him to Katihar medical college and hospital where he died during the treatment later at 10 p.m. on Wednesday night," Shah mentioned in his application to the Barsoi SHO.

Besides Sonu Shah, one Mohammad Khurshid, was also killed in the police firing, while another person sustained injuries.

Two persons were killed and another injured as police opened fire when a protest demonstration turned violent in Biharas Katihar district on Wednesday.

The incident occurred at Barsoi block when local villagers were staging a dharna at the block office with a demand to provide uninterrupted power supply in the region.

The area is facing electricity scarcity for the last few weeks and this is badly affecting their farming and irrigation. The villagers have claimed that the absence of rain led to a drought-like situation and they may face heavy loss if plantation of paddy does not take place at time.
Chennai, July 28 : The Madras High Court on Friday refused to stay the verdict of its single judge's bench that caste would not have any role in the appointment of Archakas (temple priests) .

The single-judge's bench had, in its June 26 verdict, said that any person properly trained to perform pujas and other rituals as per Agama Sastra could be appointed to the post.

Hearing a challenge, a division bench of Chief Justice S.V. Gangapurwala and Justice P.D. Audikesavalu issued notice to Advocate General R. Shanmugasundaram and special government pleader Arun Natarajan on behalf of the state Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department and adjourned the case to September 22.

The judges refused to pass an interim order which was sought by appellant Muthu Subramania Gurukkal of Salem, saying that such a relief could not be given without the granting an opportunity for the other side to file a reply.

The appellant had, in his petition for a stay, said that the single judge bench of Justice N. Anand Venkatesh had totally misconstrued the decisions rendered by the Supreme Court in His Holiness Srimad Perarulala Ethiraja Ramanuja Jeeyar Swami versus state of Tamil Nadu.

He also said that the verdict of the single judge was "ex-facie erroneous, unsustainable in law and liable to be reversed".

"The learned judge erred in traversing beyond the scope of the writ petition and in the process, issuing general directions contrary to the law laid down by the Supreme Court in Seshammalas case (1972). The appellant claimed that the Karama Agama as well as the other 27 Saiva Agamas clearly prescribe that only persons belonging to the denomination of Adi Saivars/Sivacharayars/Gurukkals are eligible to become Archakas in the temples governed by 28 Saiva Agamas and that his custom was upheld by the Supreme Court in Seshammalas case," the plea said.

--IANS

aal/vd
Patna, July 28 : Bihar Police on Friday arrested six persons in connection to an alleged rape and murder of a 10-year-old girl in Begusarai district.

The arrested accused included Sudip Kumar Singh alias Guddu, the victim's neighbour and the owner of the house where her body was buried.

The girl disappeared on July 24 from her native village Chamatha under the Bachwara police station of the district and her parents suspected Singh's involvement behind her disappearance.

It is suspected that the girl was initially raped and then murdered before being buried in the basement of the house.

In their the statement to the police, the victimas parents claimed that she to pluck henna leafs from the premises of Singh's residence at 11 a.m. on July 24 and did not return.

"On suspicion, we dug the basement of the accused 's house and recovered the body. The body was in semi-naked and was wrapped in a polythene bag. The FSL team was also called to the spot to collect scientific evidence. We have sent the body for postmortem and are waiting for the report. The charges may be changed once the postmortem report comes in," said Yogendra Kumar, SP of Begusarai.

"We have arrested the house owner Sudip Kumar Singh alias Guddu Singh, Shivam Kumar alias Om Kumar, Mahesh Kudur, Rakesh Kumar Singh, Navin Kumar Singh and Sanjiv Kumar Singh. When the incident came to the knowledge of local villagers, they set the house of the accused on fire," he added.
New Delhi, July 28 : The online gaming industry has suggested a new formula to the government for levy of 28 per cent GST on its activities, mainly seen as a measure to protect its interests, as per reports.

On July 11, the GST Council, headed by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, had decided to levy the highest slab of 28 per cent GST on the full value of money paid by users to play skill-based games, without any differentiation between games of skill and chance.

As of now, there is an 18 per cent GST levy on gaming platforms.

The decision has come as a rude shock for the gaming industry, which, in an open letter to the government, has urged it to reconsider the decision.

Now, with the GST council scheduled to meet virtually on August 2 to take a call on the mechanism for implementing the July 11 decision, the industry is learnt to have suggested to the government that 28 per cent GST should be levied on the sum total of net deposits at the company level, rather than on gross deposits, reports said.

Industry sources say that 28 per cent GST levy on gross deposits could break the gaming industry's back and seriously impact the real money gaming formats like rummy and poker, as it would result in a major reduction of overall prize money.

--IANS

ans/vd
Rochester-based Greenlight Networks is expanding its fiber optic internet service with a $2 million investment to bring service to more than 2,000 homes on Buffalos East Side, the company said. It is part of a $20 million investment Greenlight is making in the Buffalo Niagara region this year.

The companys network equipment will be hosted at Say Yes Buffalo headquarters on Jefferson Avenue, in exchange for free high-speed internet.

The company recently lowered the price of its fastest internet plans and has introduced an even speedier 5-Gigabit broadband internet plan. The company charges $50 monthly for 500 Mbps service, $75 for 1 Gigabit service, $100 for 2 Gigabit service and $200 for 5 Gigabit service.

Greenlight Network services about 14,000 homes locally. Construction is underway to bring service to another 6,000 homes in North Tonawanda, Cheektowaga, on the West Side and in the Elmwood Village.

By comparison, Spectrum offers an introductory rate of about $50 for 300 Mbps service, with planned rate increases.

- Samantha Christmann
Mumbai, July 28 : Sudip Sharma, the creator of the recently released crime-drama streaming series 'Kohrra', has shared that they shot for the series during the third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic in India, and it greatly helped them to bring in the authenticity.

Sudip told IANS: "What really helps is shooting on location to bring in the authenticity. The Covid third wave scare that we faced actually worked in our favour because we went to Punjab and parked ourselves before the third wave started raging across. And in the process were living the land of Punjab and imbibing its culture."

Tanya Bami, series head at Netflix, who's a Punjabi herself, concurred saying the show appeals to the audience across the spectrum.

She told IANS: "The viewing experience truly reflects what the team felt and delivered because they soaked in so much of the vibe of that place that it all shows on the screen as a part of the show's narrative and the characters."

Human relationships are often complex and with a murder in the mix, the lines get blurred, and that's what 'Kohrra' is all about. With the murder, many skeletons tumble out of the closet and the trailer manages to portray the same in a succinct manner.

The show stars Suvinder Vicky, Barun Sobti, Varun Badola, Harleen Sethi, Rachel Shelly, and Manish Chaudhary.

It follows dual storylines of hunting down a killer and navigating love and relationships. Helmed by Sudip Sharma, Randeep Jha, and Clean Slate Filmz Productions, 'Kohrra' presents an authentic narrative beyond the realms of classical police investigation-led storylines.

The series is available to stream on Netflix.
New Delhi, July 28 : The BJP on Friday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi's only mission has been to make India a developed country since he became the Prime Minister.

"Since Modi ji became the Prime Minister, his only mission has been to make India a developed country. He has been working to strengthen the economy and to ensure overall prosperity in the country," BJP spokesperson Syed Zafar Islam said at a press conference at the party headquarters here.

He claimed that following the significant policy reforms under the Modi-led government, the country is making big strides on the path of development.

"India's economy remained resilient even during the challenging times. All the credit goes to the relentless efforts of Modi Ji . Findings of the reports of many global and multilateral institutions mentioned that India's economy has been in the strongest situation in the world," the BJP spokesperson said.

He also claimed that Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) has increased under the ruling dispensation.

Attacking the Opposition, Islam said, "The Opposition is creating a ruckus in Parliament. They must know Modi Hai Toh Mumkin Hain.''

On Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had assured that India will be among the top three economies of the world in his third term, in an apparent reference that his government will return to power again in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

"At the beginning of our first term, India was ranked 10th among the global economies. In the second tenure, today India is the fifth largest economy in the world. I assure the country that on the basis of the track record, in the third term, India's name will be among the top three economies of the world. This is Modi's guarantee," Modi had said.
Jaipur, July 28 : A businessman in Rajasthan who suffered a loss has attempted self-immolation, accusing the Ashok Gehlot-led government in the state of sheltering criminals.

BJP leader Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore on Friday played the self-immolation video of businessman Ashok Gautam during a press conference here at the state BJP headquarters.

Gautam, who is in the mining business, set himself on fire on Thursday near the DSP office in Ajmer.

Rathore said that the video was shot on the birthday of former minister Raghu Sharma, saying "Gautam's mother alleged that his son was forced into the self-immolation act by

Congress workers".

According to sources, Gautam was a partner of Raghu Sharma and he had invested some amount in a project.

However, after some differences arose, Gautam sought back the money that he invested.

He also registered an FIR against a colleague of Sharma.

But, according to sources, under government pressure, no action was taken.

When his money was not returned, Gautam shot a video on the birthday of Sharma, threatening self-immolation.

On this, Rathore said: "In the video, Gautam while accusing Gehlot and the Congress government of sheltering criminals, said that a message of 'fear of the leaders' should be put outside police stations."

"Gautam's mother claimed that the former minister along with his partner tried to murder her son," said Rathore.

Gautam, who sustained 85 per cent burn injuries, is currently hospitalised in a critical condition.
New Delhi, July 28 : The Supreme Court on Friday sought responses from the Union and state governments on a PIL filed against the alarming rise in cases of lynchings and mob violence done against Muslims, particularly "done by cow vigilantes".

A bench of Justices B.R. Gavai and J.B. Pardiwala issued notice to the Centre and the Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Odisha, and Maharashtra governments on the plea filed by the National Federation of Indian Women.

"This is a very serious matter," urged senior advocate Kapil Sibal, who appeared for the petitioner organisation.

He submitted that approaching different high courts would not redress the situation and requires intervention of the top court.

The petition, filed through advocate Sumita Hazarika, seeks directions to the Director General of Police of the states concerned to take immediate action in lynchings and mob violence cases in accordance with the directions laid down by the Supreme Court.

It referred to a recent incident, amongst others, where a 55-year-old truck driver named Jaharuddin was allegedly lynched by a mob on suspicion of carrying beef on June 28 in Saran district of Bihar.

The plea prays for a minimum uniform compensation to be determined by the court that should be granted to the victims or their families in addition to the amount determined by the authorities.

"In most cases, minimal action of merely registering FIRs is the only thing that is done by the authorities which seems to be more of a formality than any genuine initiation of the criminal machinery," it alleged.

The petition said that the lynching and mob violence should be seen as the result of the general narrative of ostracisation of the minority communities through false propaganda that is being spread by means of public events where hate speeches are made targeting the minorities as well as through social media channels, news channels, and films.

Further, it stated that the state has a "sacrosanct duty to protect its citizens from unruly elements and perpetrators of orchestrated lynching and vigilantism with utmost sincerity and true commitment".

"The positive duty of the State to protect the fundamental rights and freedoms of all individuals and the primary responsibility of the State to foster a secular, pluralistic and multiculturalist social order, have been recognised by this Court in several judgments," the plea contended.

--IANS

puneet/vd
Chennai, July 28 : Tamil Nadu Director General of Police, Shankar Jiwal warned cadres of the PMK that police will act tough on the perpetrators of violence at Neyveli on Friday.

He said that 300 cadres of PMK who had pelted stones at police were taken into custody.

The PMK cadres had indulged in stone pelting at the police after the party state President, Dr Anbumani Ramadoss was taken into custody while trying to break the police barricades.

In the stone pelting, 8 policemen were injured and two police vehicles were damaged.

Speaking to media persons before leaving for Neyveli, the DGP stressed that the police would deal with the perpetrators of violence with an iron hand. He said that more than 1,000 personnel are being posted in the area to prevent any further violence.

He said that they would review the photos and videos taked during the clash and arrest those who were violent during the protest.

The PMK is protesting against the Neyveli Lignite Corporation, taking over acquired farmlands in the area.

--IANS

aal/vd
Aizawl/Imphal, July 28 : Around 700 people belonging to the non-tribal Meitei community have left Mizoram out of fear after the issuance of an "advisory" by the Peace Accord MNF Returnees' Association (PAMRA) last week following the emergence of a viral video of two women being stripped and paraded by a mob in Manipur on May 4, an official said on Friday.

According to the police officials in Aizawl, the Meitei people left Mizoram by road through Assam, and by flight on their own arrangements.

Around 2,000 to 2,500 Meitei families from Manipur and Assam have been living in various places in Mizoram, including Aizawl, for many years and are engaged in various government and nona"government work, studies, and business.

The Mizoram government earlier assured the Meitei people that it would provide adequate security to them and not to leave the state.

After the issuance of an "advisory" by the Peace Accord MNF Returnees' Association (PAMRA) last week, Meitei community people in Mizoram started leaving the state for Manipur.

The PAMRA, however, had clarified that they did not ask the Meitei people to leave Manipur but asked them to remain alert in view of the Manipur situation.

All Mizoram Manipuri Association (AMMA) vice president Rambir Singh said that most of the Meitei people are unwilling to stay in Mizoram as they felt "insecure" due to the recent protest rally in Mizoram by a conglomerate of major civil society organisations.

On Tuesday, NGO Coordination Committee, a conglomerate of five major civil society organisations, including the Central Young Mizo Association (CYMA), organised massive protest rallies in different parts of the state expressing solidarity with the Kuki-Zo ethnic community in Manipur.

Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga, his deputy Tawnluia, ministers and legislators cutting across party lines also took part in the protest rally in Aizawl.

Police said that there have been no report of any untoward incidents since the solidarity march.

Last month, Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh talked with his Mizoram counterpart, Zoramthanga, to provide security to the Meitei people in Mizoram and the latter assured Singh to provide adequate security to the Meitei people.

Meanwhile, so far, 12,584 displaced Chin-Kuki-Zo community people from Manipur have fled to Mizoram seeking safer places.

These displaced people are now living in various relief camps, rented houses, community centers and church complexes.
New Delhi, July 28 : Amid rumblings in the Karnataka Congress where several party legislators have raised voice against their own government ministers, former Congress president Rahul Gandhi is likely to meet the state ministers in the national capital on August 2, sources said on Friday.

Party sources said that the former Lok Sabha MP is likely to have a meeting with the ministers of his party in the national capital on August 2.

The source said that Rahul Gandhi would urge the ministers to work collectively to meet the promises Congress has made to the people of Karnataka in the run up to the state assembly elections.

The source said that the Congress leader will also ask the ministers to give a message to the people of the state that all the ministers, the MLAs and the party leaders are united in the state and they will work for the people and also fulfill the five guarantees that the party has made to them.

The source said that during the meeting of Rahul Gandhi with the Karnataka ministers, party chief Mallikarjun Kharge, state incharge Randeep Singh Surjewala, general secretary (organisation) KC Venugopal will also be present.

The source also said that the party leadership will also speak to senior party leader B.K Hariprasad, who is currently the MLC in the state.

In the Congress Legislature Party meeting (CLP) held on July 27, party MLAs had expressed their anger over the ministers not prioritising the works of their constituencies.

The meeting of the CLP was called in the backdrop of voices of dissent within the party.

Hariprasad has challenged the leadership of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and made his displeasure clear by raising the banner of revolt against him.

Congress came to power in the state earlier this year by winning 135 seats.
Patna, July 28 : Two days after two persons were killed in police firing in Bihar's Katihar district, the District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police claimed the bullets fired by the police personnel were not responsible for the deaths.

Katihar Superintendent of Police, Jitendra Kumar, and District Magistrate, Ravi Prakash claimed during a press conference that the distance between the police and protesters was "quite significant".

Kumar also released the CCTV footage of the spot from where an unidentified man was seen emerging coming from the same place where Mohammad Khurshid was killed. The man was also firing on two more persons.

"After committing the crime, he managed to escape as there was a huge crowd. When we analysed the CCTV footage, the distance between the bodies and the position of police personnel was quite long. It is not possible to hit someone from that distance. We also scanned the CCTV camera installed on the top of the sub-divisional office and found an unidentified person shooting two persons from a close range," Kumar said.

"We are making efforts to identify the accused. Some anti-social elements, in a pre-planned manner, tried to disturb the peace. We have registered FIR against 41 people and over 1,200 unidentified individuals in Barsoi police station," Kumar added.

The police officer further said: "We will inform the media of all the facts. I also appeal to the mediapersons to not show any video without cross-checking with the authorities. Some anti-social elements are trying to disturb the peace in the region and doctored videos may send wrong messages among common people."

Katihar District Magistrate Ravi Prakash said: "The place where the body of Sonu was found is behind a tree. The police personnel were standing quite far from the tree. Sonu Shah (22) sustained a gunshot injury on his head and it is not possible to take aim from such a long distance."
Hyderabad, July 28 : Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar Azad called on Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao here on Friday and lauded the state government for implementing various schemes for upliftment of Dalits.

Azad said that the schemes and programmes including Dalit Bandhu have become a role model for the country.

He stated that CM KCR is laying a strong path for the emancipation of the Dalits from social and economic discrimination and attain self respect.

According to the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), Azad and the CM discussed Dalit issues, the rulers' attitudes towards Dalits, division of people in the name of caste, subjecting them to social discrimination, sanctions on food habits, and attacks on Dalit communities in the country.

The Bhim party chief expressed hope that the Dalit development activities in Telangana state will pave the way for solving the problems of Dalits in the country in future.

Azad said that Dalit Bandhu scheme, which is being implemented in Telangana, is unprecedented in the history of the country.

The success stories of Dalit Bandhu and qualitative change in the lives of Dalit communities is commendable.

The Dalit Bandhu scheme is fulfilling the aspirations of Dr BR Ambedkar, who dreamt of promoting Dalits as entrepreneurs in the country.

Azad said that the installation of India's largest 125 feet statue of Ambedkar in Hyderabad is a proof of CM KCR's admiration for Ambedkar and his sincerity towards fulfilling the aspirations of the author of Indian Constitution.

It is also first time in the history, the state secretariat is named after BR Ambedkar.

"CM KCR's vision to build Dr. BR Ambedkar Secretariat aiming for the development of Dalits and all other sections and oppressed communities is laudable," he said.

Azad said that Telangana is the only state which imparted Gurukulam education system in the country.

Hundreds of Gurukulas run by the Telangana government are playing the role of global centers for education with a big goal of training the students of SC, ST, BC and minority communities to be talented and compete with others in the competitive world.

Azad said that the implementation of the Ambedkar Overseas Education Fund Scheme, which provides financial assistance to the Dalit students to pursue education in foreign universities, is fulfilling the dreams of Dalit families.

Azad invited CM KCR as the chief guest at the Bhim Army Mahasabha to be held on August 26 in Jaipur.
Panaji, July 28 : Former AICC Secretary Girish Chodankar has expressed concern over the violence incidents in Manipur and has alleged that along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP MLAs in Goa, including the turncoats, have failed the people of Manipur.

"These turncoats have won on secular minority votes but failed to protect the Christian community in Manipur by requesting its 'main engine' (Central government) to intervene. It is a shame that Goa BJP MLAs remained silent, while world leaders condemned it," he said.

"After feeling the pressure from the Opposition, the BJP MLAs did the formality to console the people of Manipur and have not condemned the killings and the communal acts to save themselves. I condemn the insensitive approach of the BJP government towards the riots-affected state," Chodankar added.

aViolence in Manipur has killed over 150 innocent people and the destruction of several minority settlements and churches has taken place. The people of Goa are pained by several reported incidents and have expressed their solidarity with the people of Manipur. However, BJP MLAs have failed to raise their voice against the destruction in Manipur. This illustrates the failure of the Central government to control the situation," Chodankar alleged.

"In the Goa Assembly, they have only consoled the deaths, not condemned the killings. The government must condemn such acts and urge the Central government to initiate strict action and take control over the situation," he said.

Chodankar added that the Congress has expressed concern over the situation in Manipur and their party leaders are trying their level best to restore peace.

Attacking the Central government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi over their failure, the Congress leader said that BJP's priority is to win elections and not to resolve issues faced by the people.

"The Prime Minister visited many countries and states, while Manipur was burning. He showed no care for the people of Manipur and didn't visit the state. This is condemnable," he added.
Alexandre Nseka and his family arrived in Buffalo in October after an arduous, monthslong journey from Angola in Central Africa. His dream was to be granted asylum in the United States.

But a routine medical checkup turned up a devastating diagnosis  the father of three had advanced stage liver cancer and he would have only a few months to live.

A man of faith, he held on to hope that he would survive, said Abby Grainge, a nurse practitioner at Jericho Road Community Health Center, who treats asylum-seekers living at the Vive Shelter on Buffalos East Side, which Jericho operates.

At the same time, Nseka worried about what would become of his family.

He asked Grainge, Do you think that Im going to feel well enough to work so I can leave money for my family? she recounted.

Nseka underwent treatment at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center but his cancer had spread too far. He died June 26 at a temporary home where his family was living during the final 10 days of his life.

Nsekas widow, Sandra Kiabala, gave permission to Grainge to share the familys story with The Buffalo News.

Last summer, Nseka fled Angola with his wife and their three children  two boys and a girl.

Nseka, a businessman, was fleeing from political prosecution, Vive staff said. They didnt know the details, but saw the evidence of past torture  part of his ear was missing and he had scars on his head.

The family first fled to Brazil and then they made their way north, sometimes on foot. Their journey included trekking through the jungles of the treacherous Darien Gap in Panama to the U.S./Mexico border.

In the fall, Nseka and his family arrived at the Vive Shelter.

Vive was founded in 1984 by a group of Catholic nuns who wanted to help Central and South American asylum-seekers whom they saw living on the streets. It was first housed in a convent in Lackawanna, but for decades has been at 50 Wyoming Ave.

Jericho, which provides health care and community services to refugees and low-income people, acquired Vive in 2015. Since then, tens of thousands of people from around the world have turned to Vive as they try to get asylum in the U.S. or Canada.

All Vive residents are screened for communicable diseases, explained Grainge, who treats most of the Vive residents. The biggest worry is tuberculosis, she said. They also screen for hepatitis B and C. This is common for people around the world, Grainge said.

Nseka went for his screening at Jerichos clinic on Doat Street and he tested positive for hepatitis B, which came as a surprise. The clinic did a follow-up lab panel and saw there was something terribly wrong with his liver. It looked like cancer. The clinic arranged for him to have a CT scan, which confirmed the cancer diagnosis.

It was advanced, Grainge said. It had spread to his lungs.

Grainge recalled how sad she felt when she saw the extent of the cancer.

You know he only has a few months to live, she thought.

To explain the situation and to give Nseka the best care possible, Grainge worked with a nurse at Jericho, Rosaline Kabongo, who is from the Democratic Republic of Congo and speaks Lingala, Nsekas native language.

She could explain whats going on medically. She knows the culture, Grainge said.

Vive helped Nseka get covered by Medicaid, which is not always readily available to people in the asylum process. That allowed him to get treatment at Roswell Park.

Until the end, he kept believing there was going to be a way. He had a few rounds of chemo, Grainge said.

The staff at Vive wanted to help Nseka and his family move into their own home.

The living standards at Vive are tough, Grainge acknowledged, even for healthy people.

Vive Director Matt Tice and his stepmother, Laurie Tice, started a GoFundMe campaign.

A staff social worker, Roberta Pickens, helped him create a pain medicine chart to keep track of his medications, and even made him soup.

By June, it was clear that Nseka likely only had a few days to live.

Yet, he knew he had saved his family. He was happy he had paved the way for his children to have a better life, Grainge said.

Vive staff arranged for Nseka and his family to temporarily move into an apartment. They also made arrangements with Hospice Buffalo.

The goal was for him to be able to pass alone with his family in a comfortable home. We did not want him to die at Vive, Grainge said.

Part of the money raised in the GoFundMe campaign went to cover the cost of his funeral. Dozens of people from the Angolan community attended the burial service, Grainge said.

I used to be an ICU nurse, Grainge said. Ive seen a lot of people die.

But this was an experience I have never witnessed before. Knowing him for eight months before he died. I would talk to him at least once a week. I definitely have cried. Not only was he patient, he became a friend. He also had such a sweet spirit. He was so thankful for everything he was being offered. It broke your heart that someone who suffered so much already to go through this.
New Delhi, July 28 : The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday said it has attached properties worth Rs 22 crore in a case related to the alleged illegal sale of cooperative land in Madhya Pradesh's Indore.

The financial probe agency in a statement said it has attached properties under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

The case pertains to the illegal sale and alienation of the lands of Housing Co-operative Societies.

As per ED, the current market value of these assets is approximately Rs 500 crore.

The ED registered a case of money laundering based on various FIRs lodged in Indore in case of illegal sale and alienation of the lands of Housing Co-operative Societies by Dilip Sisodiya a.k.a. Deepak Jain Madda in connivance with others.

The ED probe revealed that the accused persons, in connivance with each other, illegally sold and alienated prime land belonging to co-operative societies in Indore.

"These lands were originally acquired by housing cooperative societies from the state government to allot housing plots to its own members. These lands were fraudulently sold to various accused persons causing huge loss to the housing society and depriving its members from their rightful ownership of plots," the ED said.

It also said that several instances of defrauding the Society by siphoning away the movable assets such as bank accounts etc., of the Housing Societies have also come to notice.

The ED had arrested Sisodiya on June 3 this year and he is currently in judicial custody.

The ED has also filed a chargesheet in this matter before the Special Court.
Hyderabad, July 28 : The Indian Air Force (IAF) air dropped around 600 kg of food packets for people stranded in flood-hit areas of Telangana on Friday.

The food packets included relief material contributed by the members of the Air Force Family Welfare Association, popularly known as 'Sanginis'.

Continuing their unflinching endeavour in providing relief to the marooned and grief-stricken populace in the flood-affected regions of Telangana, the IAF helicopters dropped around 600 kgs of food packets, a defence statement said.

The IAF personnel, apart from being the guardian of Indian aerospace, have always been at the forefront in providing Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) whenever nature wreaks havoc, it said.

In the instant case, the helicopters from Air Force Station Hakimpet in Hyderabad, which provide cutting-edge helicopter flying training to the IAF pilots, are specially tasked to undertake such an important commitment, the statement said.

They were instrumental in evacuating six people stranded atop a JCB in flood-stricken Nainpaka village in the Jayashankar Bhupalpally district on Thursday. The rescue operations will continue in the state, till the normalcy returns.

Meanwhile, Chief Secretary Santhi Kumari has asked district Collectors to continue rescue and relief works for another 24 hours. As the flood caused by the rains has receded, the Collectors were told to carry out sanitation programs vigorously to prevent the spread of infectious diseases in those areas. Proper care should be taken in providing infrastructure, adequate food and fresh water to the victims in the already established relief camps, she said.

The NDRF teams which are already in place should continue providing relief. Of the 10 NDRF teams, two teams are in Bhadrachalam and Nirmal while one team is placed in Kothagudem, Mulugu, Warangal, Khammam, Bhupalpally and Hyderabad.

She made it clear that the government is ready to provide whatever assistance is needed for the rehabilitation programmes.
New Delhi, July 28 : BJP MP Naresh Bansal on Friday stirred a row in Parliament after he stated in the Rajya Sabha that the name 'India' is a symbol of "colonial slavery" and it "should be removed from the Constitution". He also sought the renaming of the country's name to 'Bharat'.

Bansal, while speaking in the Upper House, asserted that the term 'India' was imposed by the British colonial rulers. He emphasised that the country's "true ancient name" is 'Bharat', which has roots in ancient Sanskrit texts and has been in use for thousands of years.

The BJP MP further said that as a nation with a rich historical identity, India should abandon the colonial-era designation. "The British changed Bharat's name to India. Under Article 1, the Constitution states, 'India, that is Bharat'. Our country has been known by the name 'Bharat' for thousands of years... it is this country's ancient name and is found in ancient Sanskrit texts. The name 'India' was given by the colonial Raj and is thus a symbol of slavery. The name India should be removed from the Constitution," Bansal said.

He also referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech on August 15 last year, where he stressed for eradicating all remnants of colonialism. "I propose that under Amrit Kaal of Independence, we change the beginning of Article 1 to simply Bharat and remove the name 'India'," he added.

Bansal urged that renaming the nation as 'Bharat' would be a significant step towards "honouring the country's heritage and decolonising its identity".

The BJP has been targeting the Opposition bloc of Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance or INDIA by repeatedly declaring that the name 'India' is a remnant of the colonial past.

Meanwhile, many Congress leaders, however, pointed out that even though the BJP was seemingly adamant on removing all colonial legacy, the BJP government has continued to use the name 'India' in its major schemes and movements such as Make in India, Start-Up India and New India among others.

--IANS

aks/sha
New Delhi, July 29 : The Delhi Police on Friday said they were investigating the Dabri murder-suicide case, in which a 23-year-old youth shot dead a 40-year-old woman before killing himself, from all angles including personal enmity.

A police officer said the bodies were handed over to their families for last rites.

"As the motive behind the murder is not yet clear, we are probing the case from all angles," the official said.

Initial inquiries suggested that the motive behind the woman's murder could be linked to personal enmity.

"Both individuals' phones have been recovered. The devices are currently being examined by forensic experts," a source said, adding, no previous complaint of stalking in connection with the case was found.

Renu, 40, was shot dead by 23-year-old Ashish on Thursday night near her house. After shooting Renu in the head, Ashish fled. Subsequently, the police launched an investigation into the matter. Their search led them to a nearby house where Ashish used to reside with his parents. Shockingly, they discovered that Ashish had ended his own life on the terrace using a country-made pistol.

Even as Renu was rushed to the hospital, she could not be saved and was pronounced dead upon arrival.

It was learnt that Ashish and Renu had been known each other for the last two years.
Jaipur, July 29 : Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will be visiting Rajasthan's Banswara on World Tribal Day (August 9) to address a gathering.

The Congress is making preparations for this huge meeting at Mangarh Dham in Banswara and the event is being considered as a show of political power by the party in tribal areas and the beginning of its electoral campaign in the state for the upcoming Assembly polls.

The gathering at Mangarh Dham assumes added significance as Mangarh Dham is the centre of faith of the tribals and Congress seeks to show its strength by mobilising a large number of tribals on the occasion of World Tribal Day.

Congress state President Govind Singh Dotasra said: "We are going to hold a big meeting at Mangarh Dham on August 9 on the occasion of World Tribal Day. An invitation was sent to Rahul Gandhi for this meeting. The state in-charge has said that he has approved it."

"PM Narendra Modi has held six meetings in Rajasthan so far. We will have more people than all the people who came in six gatherings of Modi. More than that will come to the meeting of World Tribal Day in Mangarh," he added.

Noting that there was a demand for years to declare Mangarh Dham as a national monument, Dotasra said: "The Prime Minister did not say a word on that. We would like our government to give such a gift in the presence of Rahul Gandhi, so that their enthusiasm remains. We cannot declare it as a national monument, but we can make announcements in this direction which always remained as a memory among the tribals."

"The coming of Rahul Gandhi among the tribal brothers and the going of all of us there is not a political but a social message that we are standing with them. Whatever we can do for the welfare and progress of the tribals, we will do. We will be partners in their happiness and sorrow. In fact we will give message like this," he added.

In the presence of Rahul Gandhi, CM Ashok Gehlot can make a big announcement to garner tribal votes.

A project has already been announced for the development of Mangarh Dham.

Looking at the election year, Gehlot will make some more announcements for the tribal area, said sources.

The tribal vote has been the traditional vote of the Congress, but in the last few elections, the BJP and local parties have made inroads into it. The BTP and a new party are spoiling the equation of Congress, which faces a challenge before the Congress is to win seats in tribal-dominated Banswara, Dungarpur, Pratapgarh, and Udaipur as there is general belief in Rajasthan that the party which wins more seats in the tribal areas forms the government.
New Delhi, July 29 : Ashwini Kumar, Member Secretary of National Capital Civil Services Authority (NCCSA), has said the NCCSA cannot be made "defunct and non-workable lest it may result in mal-administration".

He added this after the Friday's scheduled meeting of the NCCSA was deferred.

"Hon'ble Chief Minister/Chairperson (NCCSA) has observed that the Union Cabinet, in its meeting held on July 25, 2023, has replaced the ordinance with a bill. The bill is likely to be presented in Parliament on July 31 (Monday) as per media reports. Though technically the ordinance is still in vogue, however, it would be proper to wait for the new bill to be passed in the Parliament and work according to that. In view of the same, the Authority meeting scheduled today, July 28, is postponed," said the communication from the Chief Minister's Office, Kumar claimed.

The Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023, which will replace the National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Ordinance, 2023, is likely to be introduced in the Lok Sabha on July 31.

Kumar in his response to the communication, wrote, "The meetings of NCCSA have been postponed for more than five times. The last communication dated July 28, postponed the meeting indefinitely without communicating the next time and date to NCCSA which has to work as per law in force."

"The administration cannot be left to come to standstill keeping in view the present situation that too in capital city of this country, especially when the city is facing the all-time high water level in Yamuna resulting into floods in the city, and considering the forthcoming G-20 Summit as well as linked events which are going on," he said.
Moscow, July 29 : At least 15 people were injured following an explosion in the city of Taganrog in Russia's Rostov region, Governor Vasily Golubev said.

According to preliminary information, no one was killed, and those injured have already sought medical assistance after the explosion, Golubev said in a Telegram post on Friday.

He added that the blast likely occurred when a rocket exploded near a cafe in the city centre, Xinhua news agency reported.

The Russian Defence Ministry said the country's air defences intercepted a Ukrainian missile targeting residential infrastructure, and fragments of the downed rocket fell on the territory of Taganrog.
Athens, July 29 : Firefighters were still battling rekindled blazes in parts of Greece, while wildfires raging across the country for two weeks now slowly abated.

The situation also improved in the greater Volos area, where on Thursday a blaze triggered a series of explosions at an ammunition depot of the Air Force base of Nea Anchialos, the Greek national news agency AMNA reported on Friday.

No injuries were reported as nearly 2,000 people and the base personnel had to be evacuated as a precaution, according to the authorities. The explosion shattered windows in surrounding areas.

On Friday, residents of nearby settlements were gradually returning to their homes and businesses to assess the damage, Xinhua news agency reported.

On the islands of Corfu and Rhodes, where 20,000 people had been evacuated as a precaution a few days earlier, residents started to return to their homes on Friday.

In the past 10 days, Greece registered 667 wildfires, Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister Vassilis Kikilias told a press briefing here on Friday.

Most of these were man-made either by neglect or intentionally, and were fueled by high temperatures as the country experienced three consecutive heatwaves, he said.

The climate crisis is not going away, and the authorities must adapt their policies on all levels, he added.

Five people have lost their lives in the wildfires this week, including the pilots of an airplane that crashed while battling a forest fire.
Bobby Zankel's new Mahakala Records release, "A Change of Destiny." It becomes easy to write when I know who I'm writing for. And having those players provides such a rich palette. I like a big band, but I prefer a midsize unit because you can hear everything.

Philadelphia alto saxophonist and composer Bobby Zankel explores a darker side of his longtime citys history with "A Change of Destiny," set for a September 22 release on Mahakala Records. The album is a distillation of music that Zankel wrote for a dance piece, "The Spirits Break to Freedom," in the 2010s, and was recorded with Zankels Wonderful Sound 8 (a byproduct of his Warriors of the Wonderful Sound Big Band), featuring Philadelphia jazz greats drummer Pheeroan AkLaff, trombonist Robin Eubanks, vocalist Ruth Naomi Floyd, violinist Diane Monroe, alto saxophonist Jaleel Shaw, bassist Lee Smith, and pianist Sumi Tonooka.

A six-section suite of resistance, revolution, and renewal, according to its composer, "A Change of Destiny" is a response to the 2007 excavation of slave quarters on the site of the Presidents HouseGeorge Washingtons residence in Philadelphia. The opening track Destiny, based on a Jymie Merrittinspired cross rhythm, asks the question Why have we been brought here? and proclaims, My destiny belongs to me!

Spirits Break to Freedom is an epic journey from rainforest hocket rhythms to Afrobeat groove, 21st-century urban angularity, and freedom. Naming Names is an Ornette Colemaninfluenced praise song in which vocalist Ruth Naomi Floyd intones the names of our nations nine founding mothers and fathers whose forced labor made the Presidents House functional. The gospel ecstasy of Ring Shouting and the Billie Jean groove of Rituals of Resistance express two cultural revolutionary modes of joyful freedom, while To Be a Human Being, constructed over a 14-beat rhythmic mode, features the powerful self-declaratory words of Malcolm X.

If the octet here is a spin-off of Zankels large ensemble, it is also a new band unto itself. Similarly, while "A Change of Destiny" is related to the prior work "Spirits Break to Freedom," it is also a stand-alone project, with fresh arrangements written especially for the Wonderful Sound 8. It becomes easy to write when I know who Im writing for, says Zankel. And having those players provides such a rich palette. I like a big band, but I prefer a midsize unit because you can hear everything. On "A Change of Destiny," there is indeed much to hear.

Bobby Zankel was born December 21, 1949 in Brooklyn. He first began attracting national attention in 1971, while at the University of Wisconsin as a member of Cecil Taylors Unit Core Ensemble and simultaneously working with drummer George Browns quartet with organist Melvin Rhyne.

In the early to mid-1970s, Zankels underground reputation grew on the New York loft scene, where he performed with the likes of William Parker and Ray Anderson while continuing his apprenticeship with Taylor. In 1975, Zankel moved to Philadelphia to raise his family and expand his artistic vision without heed to commercialism or the trends of the times. He has performed and recorded with such diverse masters as Johnny Coles, Odean Pope, Ralph Peterson, Jamaaladeen Tacuma, Oliver Lake, and Marilyn Crispell, among others. Zankel continued working occasionally with Taylor for the remainder of the pianists life.

The saxophonist became a devoted son to his adopted city, working with several generations of the finest of Philadelphia jazz musicians. In 2001, Zankel founded the jazz advocacy and education nonprofit Warriors of the Wonderful Sound, Inc., and established an eponymous 18-piece big band as its centerpiece. Composers from Muhal Richard Abrams to Rudresh Mahanthappa have written for the ensemble. All of this creative work has been balanced with 32 years of teaching in the Pennsylvania prisons.

The Bobby Zankel Wonderful Sound 8 will perform at Mt. Morris Ascension Presbyterian Church, 15 Mt. Morris Park (at 122nd Street), NYC, on Friday 10/20, a performance curated by Craig Harris; and at the Painted Bride Art Center, 5230 Market Street, Philadelphia, on Saturday 10/21.
Law Office of Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP For more information about the class action lawsuit against American Airlines, Inc., call (800) 568-8020 to speak to an experienced California employment attorney today.

The San Diego employment law attorneys, at Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP, filed a class action complaint alleging that American Airlines, Inc. violated the California Labor Code. The American Airlines, Inc. class action lawsuit, Case No. 37-2023-00025600-CU-OE-CTL, is currently pending in the San Diego County Superior Court of the State of California. A copy of the Complaint can be read here.

According to the lawsuit filed, American Airlines, Inc. allegedly (a) failed to pay minimum wages, (b) failed to pay overtime wages, (c) failed to provide legally required meal and rest periods, (d) failed to provide accurate itemized wage statements, (e) failed to reimburse for required expenses, (f) failed to pay sick wages, and (g) failed to pay wages when due, all in violation of the applicable Labor Code sections listed in California Labor Code Sections 201-204, 226, 226.7, 233, 246, 510, 512, 1194, 1197, 1197.1, 2802, and the applicable Wage Order(s), and thereby gives rise to civil penalties as a result of such alleged conduct.

Additionally, American Airlines, Inc. allegedly failed to reimburse employees for required business expenses. California Labor Code 2802 expressly states that "an employer shall indemnify his or her employee for all necessary expenditures or losses incurred by the employee in direct consequence of the discharge of his or her duties..." During employment, Plaintiff and other California Class Members were allegedly required to use their personal cellular phones as a result of and in furtherance of their job duties.

For more information about the class action lawsuit against American Airlines, Inc., call (800) 568-8020 to speak to an experienced California employment attorney today.

Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP is an employment law firm with offices located in San Diego, San Francisco, Sacramento, Los Angeles, Riverside and Chicago that dedicates its practice to helping employees, investors and consumers fight back against unfair business practices, including violations of the California Labor Code and Fair Labor Standards Act. If you need help in collecting unpaid overtime wages, unpaid commissions, being wrongfully terminated from work, and other employment law claims, contact one of their attorneys today.

***THIS IS AN ATTORNEY ADVERTISEMENT***
The Buffalo Police Department reported a 73% decline in homicides involving guns, a 60% decline in the number of people injured by guns and a 59% decline in shooting incidents in the first half of 2023, compared to the same period in 2021.

The reductions in gun violence in Buffalo far exceeded the same data from 20 other police departments participating in New York states Gun Involved Violence Elimination initiative, according to Gov. Kathy Hochul.

These numbers are great, she said. The progress is undeniable, and people around the country have taken notice. This makes me really proud.

The governor came to Buffalo on Friday to tout the citys crime statistics and to announce $2 million in state funding for community-based organizations in Buffalo  one of seven cities participating in a new program designed to strengthen neighborhoods affected by gun violence.

From January to June last year, there were 42 total homicides in Buffalo, she said. This year, there were 16.

Fatal shootings are down 73% from a peak in 2021, she said. Last year, there were 36 fatal shootings in Buffalo, including 10 in the May 14 shooting at a Tops grocery. This year theres been 11 total, Hochul said.

In the first half of 2021, there were 184 shooting victims in Buffalo. During the same period last year, there were 143. This year, the number is 73.

Thats a 60% decrease since 2021, the peak of the pandemic, the governor continued. Shooting incidents are down tremendously, (with) 153 shooting incidences in 2021 in Buffalo, 104 the next year, which we are very proud of, and then this year, 63.

But its not only homicides and shootings that are down, violent crimes such as robberies, rapes and assaults are down, too. Theyve dropped 20% in the last two years  from 1,122 violent crimes in 2021 to 894 this year.

To put it in perspective, this is the lowest number of violent crimes seen per month in the last three decades here in Buffalo. Thats extraordinary, Hochul said.

She referenced a report from the Council on Criminal Justice, which reviewed 37 American cities, and found Buffalo was one of the cities leading the way in reducing homicides. And The Atlantic reviewed a study of 90 cities, and it highlighted Buffalo, where the murder rate is dramatically declining.

However, gun seizures are on the rise. In Buffalo, nearly a thousand guns were seized last year, the highest in more than a decade, Hochul said.

This is an intentional effort, as I mentioned before, to get the guns off the streets, and I want to thank the Buffalo Police Departments leadership and all the officers who are working so hard to just get those weapons of destruction and death out of the hands of people on our streets, Hochul said. And thats whats helped make these public safety improvements possible.

Mayor Byron Brown partly attributed the reduction to law enforcement partnership between the Buffalo Police Department, the Erie County District Attorneys Office and Sheriffs Office, New York State Police and federal agencies.

That law enforcement partnership is critical, the mayor said.

We are very pleased to see a significant reduction in violent crime in the City of Buffalo, Brown said.

It was great to showcase Buffalos numbers, said Buffalo Police Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia, but the people behind the numbers are most important.

I love to talk data. I love to talk numbers, but we are talking human lives. Were talking people. We have significantly less people shot, Gramaglia said. And our officers of the Buffalo Police Department are working very, very hard to bring those numbers down.

Funds for community organizations

Hochul also announced $2 million in new state funding for 16 community-based organizations in Buffalo, one of seven cities participating in a new program designed to strengthen neighborhoods affected by gun violence.

The 16 organizations in Buffalo that will receive funds are Be Elite, Inc., Bury the Violence, Candles in the SUN, Confident Girls Mentoring Program, Feed Buffalo, The Foundry, FruitBelt United, Full Circle, Galactic Tribe, Johnny B. Wiley, Massachusetts Avenue Project, P.E.A.C.E. Inc., Project Monas House, RAWTools Buffalo, REALTalk and Unit Promise.

Also on Friday, Hochul marked the completion of a $15.3 million project to convert a former hospital building into 44 affordable and supportive homes for New Yorkers aged 62 and older. Folwell Apartments is part of a larger redevelopment of the historic eight-acre Women and Childrens Hospital located in Buffalos Elmwood Village neighborhood.
Freeman Motor Company Now Offers Tire Rotation Services for the Portland, OR, Area

Freeman Motor Company, a leading automotive dealership in the heart of Portland, Oregon, is delighted to announce the addition of tire rotation services to its comprehensive range of automotive maintenance offerings. With a commitment to providing top-notch service and enhancing customer satisfaction, Freeman Motor Company now caters to the tire rotation needs of vehicle owners in the Portland metropolitan area.

Tire rotation is a vital aspect of vehicle maintenance that ensures even wear and extends the lifespan of tires. By rotating tires regularly, drivers can optimize their vehicle's performance and maintain optimal traction and handling, contributing to a safer driving experience. With the introduction of this service, Freeman Motor Company aims to assist customers in preserving the longevity and efficiency of their tires while offering unparalleled convenience.

At Freeman Motor Company, customers can expect the same level of expertise and dedication that the dealership is renowned for. A team of skilled technicians will perform the tire rotation service using state-of-the-art equipment and by adhering to industry best practices. Moreover, Freeman Motor Company values its customers' precious time, so appointments for tire rotation can be conveniently scheduled through their website or by contacting the dealership directly.

In addition to tire rotation services, the dealership offers a wide selection of premium luxury vehicles catering to various preferences and budgets. Their commitment to quality extends beyond its services to exceptional customer experiences throughout the car ownership journey.

For more information about the services available at the Freeman Motor Company dealership, interested customers are advised to explore the official website: https://www.freemanmotor.com/. For comprehensive details regarding the wide selection of pre-owned luxury vehicles offered, shoppers can visit Freeman Motor Company in either Portland or Salem. Questions can be directed to 503-310-5555 (Portland).
Performance Brokerage Services "George was the consummate dealmaker and professional to manage the process and sale!" - Brett Sutherlin

Performance Brokerage Services, North Americas highest volume dealership brokerage firm, is pleased to announce the sale of Sutherlin Nissan of Fort Pierce, Florida from Sutherlin Automotive Group.

Sutherlin Automotive Group was founded over 50 years ago by George Sutherlin, a pioneer in the automotive industry. George Sutherlin built an impressive automotive empire in his tenured career, owning over 60 new car franchise automotive dealerships. The group currently operates seven locations across the southeast.

George Sutherlins son, Brett Sutherlin, has taken over the family business as owner and CEO, carrying on his fathers legacy. Bretts lifelong passion for the automotive industry combined with his education in Automotive Marketing from Northwood University, has amassed over 26 years of expertise in automotive and digital marketing.

Sutherlin commented, Having recently acquired a Subaru dealership through George Chaconas of Performance Brokerage Services as a buyers agent, it made sense to engage him to market and sell Sutherlin Nissan of Ft. Pierce. George was the consummate dealmaker and professional to manage the process and sale! I look forward to working with George and his team to buy more car stores!

Over the last 5 years, Performance Brokerage Services has advised on the sale of over 300 dealerships, making it the highest volume dealership brokerage firm in North America. In 2022, the company consummated 92 transactions, marking a record-breaking year. George C. Chaconas, Senior Partner and Courtney Bernhard, Partner of the Southeast Office for Performance Brokerage Services, were the exclusive advisors for this transaction.

Chaconas remarked, It was an honor and pleasure to exclusively represent Brett Sutherlin of the Sutherlin Automotive Group to facilitate the sale of Sutherlin Nissan to a growing automotive group that I have helped to acquire three dealerships over the last several years. I want to thank Brett for the opportunity to be of service. Our team looks forward to working with the Sutherlin Automotive Group in the near future!

The dealership will remain at its current location at 4815 South US Highway 1 in Fort Pierce, Florida and will be renamed Nissan of Fort Pierce.

Brett Sutherlin was represented by J. Gregory Humphries and J. Cameron Katz of Shutts & Bowen LLP.

About Performance Brokerage Services

Performance Brokerage Services, Inc. is North Americas highest volume dealership brokerage firm, specializing in buy-sell activity for automotive, RV, commercial truck, powersports, and equipment dealerships.

With over 25 years of experience, 700 dealerships sold, and a 90% closing rate, the companys reputation is unmatched and governed by the utmost ethical conduct and integrity.

The company offers a unique approach by providing complimentary estimates of value with no upfront fees or retainer, no reimbursement of costs, and paid a success fee only after the transaction closes.

Headquartered in Irvine, California, and supported by 9 regional offices in Utah, Texas, Illinois, Florida, Virginia, Ohio, New Jersey, Alberta and Ontario, clients benefit from national exposure with local representation.

As trusted and respected experts in the field, the company utilizes an extensive network of industry related attorneys, accountants, hundreds of registered buyers, and longstanding relationships with various vehicle manufacturers.

For more information about the services offered by Performance Brokerage Services, visit https://performancebrokerageservices.com.
One of the top startups by Forbes At HashCash Consultants, we strive to reach beyond conventional norms. We align towards value creation by fostering a culture of excelling, team empowerment, and strategic partnership.

HashCash Consultants continues moving forward. The blockchain firm's efforts to spread value through collaboration have grabbed attention worldwide. Forbes in its annual report lists HashCash Consultants as one of the best US startup employers.

Forbes Americas Best Startup Employer 2023:

The Forbes annual list is an independent study in collaboration with Statista. The team surveyed 2600 US diverse startups each with over 50 employees. For the 5th Annual Report, they asked employees to rate their company on three parameters. The criteria included growth opportunities, employee satisfaction, and employer reputation.

HashCash - Merging Innovation with Scalability:

HashCash has its headquarters in Palo Alto, California. It remained at the forefront of global blockchain and crypto development with services deployed in over 26 countries. With products like PayBito and Billbitcoins, the firm played a major role in elevating global crypto adoption. The former is a digital assets exchange, while the latter ranks among the worlds top crypto payment processors.

Not Just About Revenues and Market Expansion:

HashCash CEO and blockchain pioneer Raj Chowdhury states, At HashCash, we strive to reach beyond conventional norms. We align towards value creation by fostering a culture of excelling, team empowerment, and strategic partnership.

Products and Services:

Established in 2015, the company is the worlds leading provider of white label crypto exchange architecture. It offers customized solutions for institutional investors venturing into crypto trading and brokerage. Through PayBito, HashCash has also launched the worlds first cloud-based crypto broker platform, standardizing affordable crypto brokerage access.

The company specializes in the following segments:



1. Digital Asset Exchange-

The PayBito crypto exchange, developed and maintained by HashCash, operates on a global scale. The platform features bank-grade security, multiple trading options and tools, high liquidity access, auto KYC and AML updation. It is also compliant with the latest global crypto regulatory frameworks. PayBito facilitates crypto trading as well as brokerage, with additional crypto banking, lending, and custodial services.



2. Payments and Remittances-

Besides Billbitcoins, HashCash also offers a white-label crypto payment processor for B2B fintech use. Additional products include cost-effective solutions for corporate crypto payments and cross-border remittances such as HC Commerce, HC Remit, and HC Corporate Payment.

3. Blockchain Development-

HashCash has won multiple awards as the top global blockchain development company. The firm has successfully delivered customized business solutions across multiple domains, including banking and finance, crypto development, supply chain, and research.

4. Banking and Financial Services-

HashCash uses blockchain to offer next-gen banking and financial services to institutions worldwide. Notable products under the HashCash stable include DI(digital Identity) and ACH(Automated Clearing House). The firm also offers white-label exchange software for forex, equity stocks, and more.

Building Upon Success: One Step at a Time:

Growth is the constant pursuit of excellence. Nurturing talents is instrumental to any brands success. Beyond that, innovation, collaborative partnership, and customer-oriented goals are essential. Chowdhury said.

The HashCash chief attributes the companys success to its expert team. Professionals from diverse backgrounds like banking, law, cybersecurity, and IT have been contributing to the firms steady ascent. The firm focuses on consistent innovation to solve real-world problems. HashCash also values collaboration and strategic alliances and has an extensive track record of successful projects, positive client testimonials, and long-term customer relationships.

Looking Forward:

HashCash had previously announced business expansion plans on a global scale, leading to extensive talent acquisition. The company looks forward to inviting and working with the brightest minds to improve lives across the world.

About HashCash Consultants:

HashCash is a global software company. HashCash Blockchain products enable enterprises to move assets and settle payments across borders in real-time for Remittances, Trade Finance, Payment Processing, and more. HashCash runs a US-based digital asset exchange, PayBito & digital asset payment processor, Billbitcoins. HashCash offers custom crypto exchange and payment processor software solutions, ICO services, and customized use cases. HashCash propels advancement in technology through Blockchain1o1 programs and its investment arm, Satoshi Angels. HashCash offers AI, Big Data, and IoT solutions through its platforms, products & services. HashCash solves the most demandable challenges by executing innovative digital transformation strategies for clients around the world.
The Derby Apartments Rendering With extensive experience building affordable housing communities across the country, we look forward to bringing Lincoln Avenue Capitals vision to life and delivering high-quality homes that are financially accessible."

McShane Construction Company was selected by Lincoln Avenue Capital to provide design-assist construction services for The Derby Apartments in Madison, Wisconsin. The affordable housing development will integrate 70 apartments and 1,100 square feet of ground-floor office space for a local community group.

Were thrilled to partner with Lincoln Avenue Capital to strengthen the Madison community through affordable housing, commented Alison Gorham, Director of Wisconsin Market at McShane. With extensive experience building affordable housing communities across the country, we look forward to bringing Lincoln Avenue Capitals vision to life and delivering high-quality homes that are financially accessible.

With partial funding for the project provided by the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA), 14 of the units will meet WHEDA accessibility requirements, four of which will have roll-in showers for wheelchair access.

The units will boast stainless steel kitchen appliances, shaker-style cabinets, cultured marble bathroom vanity tops, and in-unit washers and dryers. Each apartment will feature luxury vinyl plank flooring in the living areas and carpeted bedrooms. First-floor units will offer private patios and units on floors two through four will have private balconies. The building will integrate 2,600 square feet of amenity space including a common area with a full kitchen and a fitness room.

The first-floor office suite will incorporate three private offices, a conference room, a classroom, and a reception and work area.

Designed by Knothe & Bruce Architects, the building will feature four stories of wood frame construction atop an underground precast parking garage with 61 parking spaces. The exterior facade will combine composite lap and panel siding with brick veneer.

The project was designed to meet Enterprise Green Communities standards and will integrate Energy Star rated appliances and a full solar array system on the roof to power the common areas.

As a design-assist project, McShane collaborated with the client and architect throughout the design and pre-construction phases. Benefits of this delivery method include a reduction in schedule overruns, improved constructability, and added value to the project.

Partial funding for the project is being provided by the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA).

Completion of The Derby Apartments is scheduled for September 2024.
Dr. Michelle Pennie of Bliss Dermatology, with offices in Venice, FL and Englewood, FL I am thrilled to launch my new practice at Bliss Dermatology, where we help patients feel better about their skin."

Bliss Dermatology, a new locally-owned, woman-owned dermatology practice, is now open to serve patients at two locations in Venice and Englewood.

315 Nokomis Avenue South

Venice, FL 34285

941-477-4007

Monday to Thursday, 8:30am  5:00pm

699 South Indiana Avenue

Englewood, FL 34223

941-548-2550

Monday to Thursday, 8:30am  5:00pm

Bliss Dermatology is owned by Dr. Michelle Pennie, who is well-known and respected as the founder of Paradise Dermatology. Dr. Pennie is a Board-Certified and fellowship-trained dermatologist who specializes in the Mohs Micrographic Surgery treatment of skin cancer and all aspects of medical and cosmetic dermatology. The full spectrum of Bliss Dermatology services, both medical and cosmetic, will be available in both locations.

I am thrilled to launch my new practice at Bliss Dermatology, where we help patients feel better about their skin, said Dr. Pennie. We live in a world-class coastal destination famous for our warm climate and sunny beaches, but the Southwest Florida lifestyle exposes us to a greater risk for skin cancer, and I encourage our community to be vigilant with prevention, screenings, and treatment.

Dr. Pennie is one of a few dermatologists on the West Coast of Florida who is Board-Certified and fellowship-trained in Mohs Micrographic Surgery. This procedure is the most effective and precise treatment for most types of skin cancer.

As of 2023, Dr. Pennie has been consecutively honored with the SRQ Magazine Top Doctors Award in Dermatology. The award is given to Sarasota-area physicians who are nominated by peers with personal knowledge of their skill and expertise.

Bliss Dermatology will accept most health insurance plans. Please call 941-477-4007 or 941-548-2550 to schedule an appointment.



About Dr. Michelle Pennie

Dr. Michelle Pennie earned her undergraduate degree at Dartmouth College before completing medical school and residency at Emory University. She also completed a year-long fellowship training with Dr. George Hruza at The Laser and Dermatologic Surgery Center in Chesterfield, Missouri, where she performed hundreds of Mohs Micrographic Surgery procedures and advanced reconstructions.

Dr. Pennie has served as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the University of Florida, teaching Mohs surgery and advanced reconstruction techniques to medical students and residents. Dr. Pennie is also an active member of many national medical societies including the American Academy of Dermatology, the American College of Mohs Surgery, and the American Academy of Dermatologic Surgeons.

###


Premium online access is only available tosubscribers. If you have an active subscription and need to set up or change your password, please click here

New to PW? To set up immediate access, click here.

NOTE: If you had a previous PW subscription, click here to reactivate your immediate access. PW site license members have access to PWs subscriber-only website content. If working at an office location and you are not "logged in", simply close and relaunch your preferred browser. For off-site access, click here. To find out more about PWs site license subscription options, please email Mike Popalardo at: mike@nextstepsmarketing.com.
According to a recent report from PEN America, Texas continues to lead the nation in book bans. So its fitting that one of the most important lawsuits in defense of the freedom to read in decades will now play out in the Lone Star State. As we reported this week for Publishers Weekly, a coalition of booksellers and book industry advocacy groups has filed a federal lawsuit seeking to strike down a controversial new law in Texas that would require library material vendors to create and implement a rating system for books sold into Texas schools and school libraries based on the book's sexual content.

Signed into law by Texas governor Greg Abbott on June 12, the lawdubbed the READER Act by its Republican supportershas been a major cause of concern since its inception last year. But the July 26 suit filed in Texas is just one of number actions in what is shaping up to be something of a mounting legal counteroffensive by freedom to read advocates.

In February, the ACLU joined with librarians in Missouri to file a federal suit over Senate Bill 775, a school library obscenity law that opponents say forces librarians to censor their collections under the "threat of arbitrary enforcement of imprisonment or fines."

In May, PEN America and Penguin Random House joined forces with a group of authors and parents to sue school administrators in Escambia County, Florida, over the removal of allegedly inappropriate books from school libraries.

And last month, a library-led coalition of 18 plaintiffs, including the same industry associations suing in Texas, filed a federal lawsuit challenging a new Arkansas law, Act 372, that would, among its provisions, expose librarians and booksellers to criminal liability for making allegedly inappropriate books accessible to minors.

The Arkansas law is set to take effect on August 1. But watch the news, because a federal judge is expected to rule at any moment on a motion to block the law from taking effect after oral arguments were heard on July 25. In the Arkansas Advocate, Tess Vrbin has a report on the nearly five hour hearing. "John Adams, the plaintiffs lead attorney, told U.S. District Judge Timothy Brooks on Tuesday that the law creates a 'content-based restriction' on librarians speech, violating the First Amendment. Adams also argued that the law is unclear about how librarians can avoid criminal charges," Vrbin reports. "The lead attorney for the states defense, Noah Watson of the Arkansas Attorney Generals Office, argued that the state has a certain amount of power to limit speech in the interest of protecting children from harm."

The Northwest Arkansas Democrat Gazette also has coverage of the oral arguments, which suggests that the court had some tough questions for the state about the law's vague and overly broad standard. "[Judge] Brooks said the law appeared to force prosecutors in a criminal case involving a librarian or bookseller to use what's harmful to a kindergartner as a standard for what is harmful to minors under the law, even if the content was not harmful to a 17-year-old," the paper reported.

In Washington, The Olympian reports on the public's rejection of a potential book-rating system for the Timberland Regional Library system. "The public comment was triggered by the Lewis County Commission, which recently sent a letter to the countys library board trustees suggesting the library create new policies delineating age-appropriate books and other printed materials," including a rating system, the report notes. "However, no one agreed with the Lewis County Commission during public comment at the Wednesday library board meeting. 'If you see a book with content you dont agree with, dont read it, but please dont tell me I cant,' said Laura Hewett of Chehalis."

Houston Public Media reports on the fallout from a plan by new Houston ISD superintendent Mike Miles to "eliminate librarians at dozens of schools" and turn the libraries into "multi-use spaces where misbehaving students will be disciplined." Librarian and media specialist positions are being eliminated at 28 campuses under the plan, the article notes, with the plan drawing sharp criticism from city leaders, including Mayor Sylvester Turner. Miles appears to be standing by his plan, however. "On Wednesday night, after Turner and a few city council members voiced their opposition to the plan for libraries, Miles wrote a letter to Turner that was publicized by HISD," the report notes. "The new superintendent invited the mayor to tour some of the NES campuses once the school year starts in August, so Turner could see firsthand the unique attributes of this model and its ability to support student achievement.

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports on how some Missouri libraries are beginning to curb library access in the wake of secretary of state Jay Ashcroft's new 'harmful for minors' rule in the state (which certainly appears ripe for a legal challenge of its own). "Under new Missouri regulations, libraries have until Monday to show that they comply with the State Library, which is under the secretary of states office. If libraries dont tweak policies to adhere to the rules, they could lose funding from the state," the report notes. Some libraries are acting cautiously by cutting off access entirely for some older teens. Others are opting to keep serving their patrons. "Waller McGuire, director of the St. Louis Public Library, said the areas three large library systems relied on the same legal advice and were told they could keep their current cards. If parents or guardians want to change a childs library use, they can either tear up a card or monitor all library check-outs themselves. In addition, library use through school partnerships will not be revoked unless a parent cancels a students access."

 Bearing the brunt of the anger is the librarys staff and its 15-member, all-volunteer Board of Trustees, who include a retired Air Force general, a lawyer, an accountant, parents, grandparents, churchgoers and home-schoolers 

Leading off her weekly censorship column for Book Riot, Kelly Jensen offers a great breakdown of why creating age-restricted library cards is a bad compromise for libraries facing pressure from book banners in their community. "[These] age-restricted cards are opening up the potential for endless lawsuits at public libraries," Jensen writes. "Although it is parents/guardians who will determine what card is appropriate for their child, that is where the parental responsibility ends. Now, every decision afterward falls explicitly on the public library."

The Washington Post has a piece on the battle over library policies in Front Royal, Virginia. "In recent years, clashes over whether to ban bookspart of a national movement of parental grievance against cultural change in educationhave largely played out in school libraries in Texas, Florida, Georgia, Pennsylvania and Virginia. Now the issue is spreading to public libraries, too," the article notes. "In Front Royal, the librarys opponents accuse it of terrible violations of the social order, of sexualizing and brainwashing children. Bearing the brunt of the anger is the librarys staff and its 15-member, all-volunteer Board of Trustees, who include a retired Air Force general, a lawyer, an accountant, parents, grandparents, churchgoers and home-schoolers."

The local Sun reports that the book banners have come for some Dakota County (Minnesota) libraries, but that community members are standing up to efforts to remove books after consideration and public comment. "The nations culture wars have reached the Dakota County Library system, where challenges to books have risen and more than 150 people packed a July 13 meeting of the countys Library Advisory Committee," the report notes, adding that "the crowded meeting" was preceded in June by "a series of direct action protests against Pride Month displays and events, including letters specifically decrying LGBTQ+ inclusion.

In Wyoming, the Gillette News Record reports that the board is pressuring the director to simply pull allegedly inappropriate books from library shelves. "At a board meeting Monday, some of the board members suggested that library staff begin weeding books that are 'egregious' in their sexual content," the report notes. But when the library director correctly questioned the legality of such a move, a board member suggested that "she should find another job.

Alabama.com reports that a Republican legislator proposed to strip $5 million in state funding from the Alabama Department of Archives and History because it hosted "a one-hour lecture on LGBTQ history." The measure failed. "But the sponsor, Sen. Chris Elliott, a Republican from Baldwin County, said he plans to bring legislation next year that he said would make Archives and History more accountable to taxpayers and responsive to legislators," the report notes. "Elliott said he believes the LGBTQ history lecture clashed with what most people in Alabama believe is appropriate for a state agency and that Archives and History Director Steve Murray should have cancelled it after he and other lawmakers raised objections."

And finally this week, the Biden Administration announced new proposed rules ahead of 33rd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act that would improve online access to state and local services, which would certainly include library services, for nearly 50 million people with vision, hearing, cognitive, and manual dexterity disabilities. "Clearer standards will both ensure that people with disabilities can access vital services and make it easier for states and localities to understand their ADA obligations," a White House Fact sheet notes. "The proposed rule will move us toward a more inclusive nation through equal access to crucial state and local services."

The Week in Libraries is a weekly opinion and news column. News, tips, submissions, questions or comments are welcome, and can be submitted via email. Previous columns can be viewed here.
Cafeteria monitors, bus drivers, clerk typists. School districts are still looking for workers to fill the ranks this fall.

Depew is having a job fair Aug. 3, and Lake Shore is taking the recruitment search up a notch. In an effort to attract bus drivers, attendants and mechanics, the district is holding a transportation open house with hot dogs, face painting, bounce houses, snow cones and cotton candy.

Lake Shore's recruitment fair starts at 11 a.m. Saturday at 8710 N. Main St. in Angola. Visitors can tour the transportation facility, have something to eat and ride on small and large buses, including an electric bus. Potential drivers can talk with veteran bus drivers, attendants and mechanics, while being entertained by DJ Dan.

Depew's job fair will take place from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Thursday in the high school gym. The district is looking for full- and part-time bus drivers, clerk typists, laborers, cafeteria monitors, hall monitors, kindergarten and first-grade monitors, middle school monitor and food service helpers.

The district also is looking for substitute aides and monitors, bus drivers, bus monitors, cleaners, clerical and food service helpers.

- Barbara O'Brien
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind.  Nicole Claudins passion for nursing shows in everything she does.

Claudin, a 22-year nursing veteran who wanted to be a nurse since she was 7 years old, is one of four Purdue Global nursing students honored among the 2023 recipients of The DAISY Award.

The award to the four students is the result of a partnership between Purdue Globals School of Nursing and The DAISY Foundation to celebrate the extraordinary compassion nurses and nursing students provide their patients and families every day.

Claudin, of Farmington Hills, Michigan, is enrolled in Purdue Globals Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Postgraduate Certificate program.

Additional Information

Nursing is truly a work of the heart, and I strive each day to give back to what was offered to me, Claudin said. I am grateful to be a student at Purdue Global, as the support they have provided me has made my dream of becoming a nurse practitioner a reality. Nursing is a wonderful profession where we get the opportunity to take care of individuals. It is truly an honor to be called a nurse, and beside being a wife and mother, it is one of my greatest accomplishments.

This years recipients also included:

Gabrielle Morgan, of Evansdale, Iowa. Morgan is a first-generation college student who is working on her Associate of Science in Nursing degree.

Heather Weaver, of Meadowbrook, West Virginia. Weaver is a recent graduate of the Doctor of Nursing Practice Weaver is known for being outgoing, innovative and enthusiastic in her work in caring for patients, implementing interventions that improve the detection and management of hepatitis C.

Daw Kyi, of Norwalk, California. Originally from Myanmar, Kyi came to the U.S. with the goal of being in the medical field. After volunteering at a hospital, she fell in love with nursing. She is working on her RN-to-BSN degree program.

We are extremely proud of the work that our nursing students do  both in their coursework and also in the health care settings they serve, said Melissa Burdi, dean and vice president of the Purdue Global School of Nursing. This years DAISY recipients truly go above and beyond to care for patients while continuing their education journey.

The students were honored during a virtual ceremony.

It was a delight to participate in the recognition of both new and advanced nursing students who will address current and future challenges impacting our nations health, wellness and safety. DAISY is honored to partner with Purdue Global in honoring these outstanding examples of the future of nursing practice, said Deb Zimmerman, CEO of The DAISY Foundation.

The DAISY (Diseases Attacking the Immune System) Foundation was created in 1999 by the family of J. Patrick Barnes to express gratitude to nurses for the care and compassion they experienced during his illness and at the end of his life. Barnes died in 1999 from the autoimmune disease ITP (idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura). DAISY is an evidence-based form of meaningful recognition that can positively impact many aspects of a healthy work environment, including job satisfaction, retention, well-being, resilience, the patient/family experience and community loyalty. Over 6,000 health care organizations and schools of nursing participate worldwide, and more than 200,000 nurses have been honored.

About Purdue Global

Purdue Global is Purdues online university for working adults who have life experience and often some college credits. It offers flexible paths for students to earn an associate, bachelors, masters or doctoral degree, based on their work experience, military service and previous college credits, no matter where they are in their life journey. Purdue Global is a nonprofit, public university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and backed by Purdue University. For more information, visit https://stories.purdue.edu/purdue-global/.

Writer/Media contact: Matthew Oates, 765-496-6160, oatesw@purdue.edu; @mo_oates

Sources: Melissa Burdi, Deb Zimmerman
This week, we discuss public reports of unidentified aerial phenomena; the effects of a potential change in U.S. policy toward Taiwan; how neurodiversity can help national security organizations; treatment for people facing opioid use disorder and mental illness; Ukraine's path to victory; and pain care for U.S. service members.

Photo by Stringer/Reuters Where Are Americans Reporting Unidentified Aerial Phenomena? The federal government is responsible for tens of millions of square miles of airspace, and it has finite resources to monitor this vast area. At the same time, more people and companies are operating commercially available drones, which both capture and contribute to increased activity in the skies. Public reports of unidentified aerial phenomena, or UAPs, could help U.S. officials identify potential threats from above. A new RAND report dives into the existing data, analyzing more than 100,000 public reports of UAP sightings across the country. (Our analysis should not be interpreted as an endorsement of any individual reports, however.) The most consistent and statistically significant finding: Reported sightings were more likely to occur in areas within 30 kilometers of military operations areas, where routine military training occurs. This suggests that some UAPs may be authorized military aircraft. To continue gathering valuable insights such as theseand to monitor the wide range of threats lurking in our skies more effectivelythe authors recommend building a robust system for reporting UAP sightings.

Photo by Florence Lo/Reuters How Would Allies View Changes in U.S. Policy Toward Taiwan? A new RAND study considers how America's Indo-Pacific alliesJapan, South Korea, and the Philippinesmight react if the United States either increased or decreased support to Taiwan. Japan favors increases in many forms of U.S. diplomatic and military support, while South Korea and the Philippines favor the status quo. All three countries oppose reductions in American support to Taiwan, seeing it as a signal of waning U.S. commitment to their own security.

Photo by VectorMine/Getty Images National Security Organizations Need Neurodiversity Within the U.S. intelligence community, archaic policiescombined with dated understandings about autism spectrum disorderhave created an environment where neurodiversity is not valued. This leads many autistic or otherwise neurodivergent people working in the field to hide their diagnoses. A recent study led by RAND's Cortney Weinbaum shows that national security organizations are missing out on key benefits by failing to embrace those who don't use their brains in typical ways.

Design by Dori Walker/RAND Corporation from proksima/Getty Images Transforming Care for Patients with Mental Health and Opioid Use Disorders Millions of people in the United States have opioid use disorder. And for many of them, this isn't the only health challenge they face. Studies suggest that more than a quarter of those with opioid use disorder also have a serious mental illness, such as depression or PTSD. A recent RAND study examined a promising new treatment program for those struggling with these co-occurring conditions. The key to its success: collaboration.

Photo by Celestino Arce/NurPhoto/Reuters Ukraine Is Russia's 'Forever War' Many believe that the war in Ukraine can only end at the negotiating table. But RAND's Brian Michael Jenkins argues that Ukraine is right to think that talks with Russia will only lead to more aggression. Russian President Vladimir Putin may not even be willing to negotiate anything other than ending Western support for Ukraine, he says. This is one reason why NATO should focus on ensuring the war is a Russian quagmire. That is Ukraine's path to victory, Jenkins says, and Russia knows it.
Twenty years after the adoption of the Maputo Protocol by the African Union, inequality and discrimination against women are still on the rise in Africa. To fight this trend, the African Union needs to look to the example of western nations.

According to womens rights advocacy group UN Women, violence against women and girls remains one of the most prevalent human rights violations worldwide, occurring every day in every corner of the globe.. While the UNs figures indicate the global average of around 30%, based on a 2020 study, approximately 44% of women in Africa face gender-based violence. And studies show cases of sexual violence and femicide in Africa increased during the COVID-19 pandemic.

On July 11, 2003 the African Union (AU) adopted the Maputo Protocol, also known as the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa, to address womens rights in Africa and promote their well-being in various spheres of life, including social, political, and economic. The act has since been ratified by 42 member states under the AU. However, this legal instrument has been ineffective at curbing violence against women. This is due to the numerous barriers that have hindered its implementation, as well as weak reporting mechanisms within the African Commission.

The primary barrier limiting the Protocols impact is the absence of a unified body to ensure its implementation in governing member states. Moving forward, the African Union must develop robust monitoring and reporting mechanisms to ensure that member states laws align with the Protocols provisions.

Currently, national laws work against the Protocol, perpetuating the gender inequality that leads to the physical, economic, and psychological abuse exercised on African women. For example, consider Malawi, where women account for 70% of Africas food production, yet by law often do not have secure access to land. Or Guinea and Somalia, where over 90% of women and girls aged 15  49 have undergone some form of genital mutilation often as a prerequisite for marriage or entrance into womanhood.

Such practices go against the Maputo Protocol Articles V and VI that prohibit and condemn all forms of harmful practices and guarantee equality for women. Tackling these issues will mean conducting comprehensive reviews of existing legislation and enacting new laws to address gaps and inconsistencies by the African Union and the African Union Member States.

The United States Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) is an excellent example of how gender equality legislation can be effectively implemented. VAWA enhances investigations and prosecutions of offenders and provides grant programs to tackle violence against women from various angles, including law enforcement.

The establishment of offices like the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW), a branch of the Department of Justice (DOJ), has been crucial to Americas success in this area. The OVW administers funding to grantees and facilitates technical assistance across sectors, serving as a key entity for coordinating efforts and providing resources.

African countries can draw insights from VAWAs provisions and measures, especially by establishing relevant offices when domesticating the Maputo Protocol to inform their own legislative and policy frameworks.

African countries poor state reporting process further hinders the Protocols progress monitoring. This could be remedied by augmenting the Maputo Protocol documents that contain some ambiguities. For example, there is a requirement that state parties take measures to ensure the realization of rights, but the document did not clearly spell out what these measures should be or how they should be achieved. The report only focuses on the timeline for report submission and not how reports on the African Women's Protocol should be drafted.

The African Commission needs to establish a more effective and robust monitoring and evaluation mechanism to encourage state parties to understand the value of reporting. The U.S. has established reporting mechanisms at the national level to monitor the implementation of international human rights obligations. The U.S. Department of State prepares annual reports on human rights practices worldwide, including within the United States, to address and identify issues. The African Commission needs to establish such an effective monitoring and evaluation mechanism to encourage state parties to understand the value of reporting.

The implementation of the Maputo Protocol holds significant potential for both the economic growth of Africa and the advancement of womens rights. African nations can harness the full potential of their population and achieve sustainable development, but they will need to follow suit with their western neighbors.

Oluwabukola Adimula is a dedicated advocate for human rights and gender equality with experience in communications and project management. She is a Prometheus fellow, African Liberty writing fellow, and an Opinion Contributor with Young Voices. Bukola writes about women's rights, politics, Free trade, policy, and human rights.
Property details:

1.26 ACRES IN LAKE WALESPOLK COUNTY, FLORIDA High bid wins! Cash sale!NEAR ORLANDO, FL ABOUT THE PROPERTY:Parcel Number: 30-31-02-000000-034210Size: 1.26 AcreUtilities - Not to lotDirt road to propertyProperty Type: Vacant ResidentialTaxes: Approx $30/yearHOA: NoneDocument Fee $299 Payment/Terms: Payment accepted via Zelle, Venmo, cashiers check, or wire transfer. We do not take Paypal, as they will no longer allow real estate transaction payments thru them. Payment must be made by the winnin...

Price: $ 3,000 Seller State of Residence: California Zoning: Residential City: Lake Wales State/Province: Florida Location: 305**, Cleveland, Georgia

You will be redirected to eBay



Nearby Florida
Property details:

Sherwood Ave 881A102227 229.18-1-40 311 Res vac land VILLAGE TAXABLE VALUE 4,300 533401 4,300 COUNTY TAXABLE VALUE 4,300 FRNT 60.00 DPTH 4,300 TOWN TAXABLE VALUE 4,300 Greenwich, NY 12834 ACRES 0.18 SCHOOL TAXABLE VALUE 4,300 EAST-0761157 NRTH-1555134 DEED BOOK 20230 PG-129 FULL MARKET VALUE 4,300 ************************************************************************************* This is a small piece of land locked land in the small town of Greenwich, NY. $150 above wiining price for transfer...

Price: $ 50 Seller State of Residence: New York Type: Homesite, Lot Property Address: 94 Fort Miller Rd Zip/Postal Code: 12834 Zoning: Residential City: Greenwich, NY State/Province: New York Location: 128**, Greenwich, New York

You will be redirected to eBay



Nearby New York
Property details:

Resort NameVacation Village at Parkway# of Points166,500 EvenPoint Renewal Date / Expiration DateNAUnit Size2 Bedroom Sleeps8Week # / Fixed or FloatMultiUnit # / Fixed or FloatMultiBuilding #NAExchange CompanyRCICheck In DayMultipleUsage TypeEven YearsFirst Year of Usage2023 (Remaining Available Points)Maintenance/Taxes Amount$2,200Maintenance ScheduleEven Years OnlyBuyers First Maintenance2024 (Prepayment may be required at closing)Total Closing / Transfer FeesBuyer pays RCI sign up fees ($9...

Price: $ 1 Seller State of Residence: Tennessee Number of Bedrooms: 2 City: Kissimmee State/Province: Florida Location: 378**, Sevierville, Tennessee

You will be redirected to eBay



Nearby Florida
Property details:

Parkside Resort You are purchasing the DEED to Parkside Resort in Williamsburg, VA. You will be the new owner and can use year after year. This is NOT a one time purchase to use only one time. You will OWN it outright and be responsible for everything regarding this deed including paying the annual maintenance fees. You will get 5000 annual points on the yearly anniversary upon paying the maintenance fees. You can use at this resort OR any Bluegreen Resort. Once Bluegreen completes the transfer ...

Price: $ 535 Seller State of Residence: South Carolina Type: Attractions Property Address: 1827 Merrimac Trail Zip/Postal Code: 23185 City: Williamsburg State/Province: South Carolina Location: 298**, North Augusta, South Carolina

You will be redirected to eBay



Nearby South Carolina
GUN WICK-IPEDIA

Photos by Mad Pig Customs, Melissa McMinn, Haley Press, and Akita Yasunari

Hollywood is notorious for flubbing details on firearms. Weve all seen suppressed revolvers, repeated hammer falls on Glocks, handguns being aimed with the slide to the rear, and magazines that never need swapping. Its enough to make any semi-knowledgeable firearm aficionado want to throw up their hands and say, Cant they ever get it right?

Every now and then, they actually do. Especially when you have an armorer like Rock Galotti working on the film, and guys like Taran Butler building guns and training actors for it.

To be fair, most errors are caused by poor editing, inexperienced artists or sound people, or firearms randomly chosen because they look cool to the director. However, when they do get it right, we tend to notice. This is especially true when the firearms in question are custom or exotic, like they were literally ripped from the pages of RECOIL.

John Wick: Chapter 4 is a perfect example of getting it right, while tempering whats essentially a fantasy film. These exotic guns arent the tools of the trade for real assassins or hitmen, but in a world of make believe, theyre on point. Below are some of our favorites, and you can thank Galotti for the effort.

GLOCK 34 (TTI COMBAT MASTER PACKAGE)

At the start of the film, John Wick (Keanu Reeves) uses a Glock 34 pistol that has been customized with the Taran Tactical Innovations Combat Master Package. It includes a grip reduction with a single undercut, a full wrap stipple on the frame, and a TTI Full-Size Carry Magwell.

The barrel is coated in a bronze Ionbond finish, and the slide is finished in a TTI Black DLC Coating, for a two-toned effect. A Timney Alpha trigger with TTI competition trigger job is installed, along with a TTI MOS standard height sight set with green fiber optic insert.

It makes for a serious-sounding build sheet at the very least. And its actually one of the more affordable firearms from TTI, costing a little over $2,000 on a customer- supplied Glock.

TTI PIT VIPER

Later in the film, Wick receives a Pit Viper from the Bowery King, who describes it as a 9mm Pit Viper, 21-round capacity magazine with a built-in compensator for virtually no muzzle flip. Fiber optic front sight, ambidextrous safeties, flared magwell for faster reloads, 2-pound extreme trigger.

This is another TTI build that was created specifically for JW4 as the ultimate fighting pistol. Not only is this gun one of the most badass handguns in Hollywood history, but Taran sent it (incognito) to take the overall title at the first-ever USPSA 2-Gun Nationals in 2021.

With a static fiber-optic front sight, large single-port compensator, DLC-coated match-grade barrel, ghost profile adjustable rear sight, Extreme Engineering LiteSpeed fire control group, Aftec Extractor, TTI carry magwell, extended slide release, extended and checkered mag release, DLC coated steel mainspring housing, and seamlessly blended beaver tail grip safety, it delivers reliability, accuracy, and ergonomics like no other. It has a traditional, full-wrap stipple rather than silicon carbide on the grip, along with a black DLC coating on the frame mated to a highly polished slide.

Lastly, it features a built-in bladed stand-off, or fangs.

Theres a 12-month wait for one of these, and the cost is $6,000.

THOMPSON/CENTER ENCORE DUELING PISTOLS

A pair of engraved Thompson/Center Arms Encore pistols are used by Wick and Caine (Donnie Yen) in a duel. The engraving was performed by Melissa McMinn and encompasses over 1,000 hours of work on these two pistols.

Galotti, the master armorer on the film, came up with the idea for the base receiver of a Thompson/Center Encore with a bull barrel and gold bead front sight. Steve Parker of SAP Fine Furniture created the exquisitely figured walnut presentation boxes, as well as the trays in which a single round could be served to the duelists.

Troy at Bullberry Legacy Barrel Works crafted the bull barrels with the gold bead front sights, rough cutting the grips and forends from the same museum-grade, figured walnut the boxes were made of. Rick at Fickle Pelican Woodwork helped to provide the finishing of the grips and forends, sanding, polishing, and oiling them to perfection. McMinn designed and drew all of the artwork and executed the engraving by hand, in deep relief.

This included the baroque scroll and skull on the receivers, the custom designed fleur-de-lis grip medallion inserts, barrel engraving, and finally the round casings themselves.

The artwork design was extensive and took well over 100 hours of drawing, brainstorming, changes of direction, and revisions before ultimately settling on a design to execute in steel, using that art in the two variations to differentiate the pistols slightly.

A story old as time, good and evil, yin and yang, which is why one pistol features deep relief engraving inked in black, and the other a polished background for the skull and scrolling and hammered texture surround.

To start the project, each receiver had to be surface prepped for the engraving, taking a bead-blasted receiver and finishing it, by hand, to 800-grit on all surfaces. Once the preparation was up to quality standards, McMinn sized her hand-drawn artwork to the proper dimensions and printed transfers of the art to apply to the metal.

MARLIN 1894 LEVER GUN BY MAD PIG CUSTOMS

The story of the lever gun seen in JW4 has some interesting turns. The production company needed rifles, and Marlin had recently gone out of business. Ruger bought the company but was nowhere close to being able send product to a movie.

Galotti was able to source 13 Marlin 1894 Dark rifles in .44 Magnum. Why so many guns? Filming is expensive. When guns go down, it burns time, so multiple guns were needed for each location. Since this gun was used by Mr. Nobody throughout the movie, it also was needed in multiple filming locations, including Paris and Berlin. International permits and such required that each location have a set of guns to ensure filming could be done effectively.

Mad Pig Customs reached out to Wild West Guns to perform the takedown conversions on the rifles. Midwest Industries supplied the Marlin M-LOK handguards, and SilencerCo provided both actual and inert Octane 45s with ASR mounts. The barrels were cut down to 14.5 inches and the top of the handguards scalloped. They had to permanently attach the ASR muzzle brakes; the .44 Magnum barrel is too thin for a shoulder, so each barrel was cut to fit a specific brake by indexing off the muzzle.

For a tactical look, XS Sights extended the optic rail all the way to the end of the barrel. Its sandwiched between the front sight and the barrel to hold it in place, and even the screws used were one-offs. The front sights werent just standard XS 1894 sights either, they were prototypes supplied by XS with luminescent stripes. Slate Black Industries provided the Slate Stop hand stop and rail covers that covered the entire handguard.

The process of turning these into takedown models was its own endeavor. Due to the compressed schedule, there wasnt time to build all 13 guns into takedowns, so only four were made  the other nine were conventional guns that externally looked nearly identical to the others. Wild West Guns was asked to make quarter-turn takedowns, requiring the use of interrupted threads. That isnt the best idea on these guns for longevity, so two were made with interrupted threads, and the two used for prolonged firing were fully threaded.

The extended top rails on the takedowns were wire EDMd to ensure the tightest possible fit.

Wild West Guns uses a large aluminum block to support the magazine tube and affix the Midwest Industries Handguard on their takedown conversions, which needed to be slightly modified. Since there were rail panels on nearly every M-LOK slot, each slot needed holes drilled and tapped to allow the panels to be screwed directly into the block.

The stock and trigger were Ranger Point Precision items. Even the Grim Hunter Tactical Gear stock cuffs with 10-round ammunition cards were modified for the film. Normally, the elastic webbing is 1.5 inches wide, but the brass ammo needed to be more visible, so they used thinner elastic.

Speaking of ammo, there was an interesting issue with blanks and the guns. According to Mad Pigs owner, Steve Tyliszczack:

One of the most interesting challenges with this project was the feeding and function of the rifles. Lever guns are complex, and they are designed to function in a very specific way. What we learned is that the .44 high flash blanks didnt want to function in the guns.

The blank has all the weight in the rim, as opposed to the bullet up front so they sit rim down instead of nose down. This change in orientation of the round significantly affected how the rifles fed, and each gun had to have the actions tweaked for feeding until we were able to get them to feed reliably.

Unfortunately, during the process of filming, some of these rifles had other issues and a few of the parts were discontinued and are no longer available. So, as of this writing, its not possible to get an exact copy of one of the movie guns, but that doesnt mean we wont see something special in the future from Mad Pig Customs.

TTI JW4 DRACARYS GEN-12 SHOTGUN

TTI bills the Dracarys Gen-12 Shotgun as the ultimate CQB weapon, and theyre probably not too far off the mark on this one. A 10.5-inch barreled magazine-fed semiautomatic 12-gauge is nothing to sneeze at.

The build includes a Hipertouch 2.5-pound Genesis Trigger by HiperFire, Battle Arms Pro ambidextrous safety selector, and Battle Arms lower parts kit. BCM supplies the QD KeyMod sling point, endplate, Gunfighter grip, and a unibody stock with a Kick-EEZ custom butt pad and cheek pad.

Other features include a KeyMod rail and a QD muzzle device to accept a direct thread JK Armament 12-gauge suppressor. Lastly, its topped with an EOTech EXPS3-1 holographic sight, which is exclusive to TTI.

Price on this build is $4,600, plus tax stamp. If thats a little rich for your blood, you can shoot the full-auto version for free at RECOILs CANCON event in Georgia this fall.
WASHINGTON  Thomas Sibick and his lawyer came to the federal courthouse here Friday to tell the judge that Sibick is a changed man: not the manic rioter who ripped a cops badge and radio away from him amid the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, but a stable and increasingly healthy fellow with a new wife and a good job and a heart full of regret for an appalling action he still doesnt understand.

But former D.C. Police Officer Michael Fanone  the cop Sibick assaulted on one of the most dire days in American history  came to the courthouse, too, to speak of how much Jan. 6 changed him. Visibly angry throughout the hearing, Fanone made clear that the attack he suffered that day, and the heart attack and brain injury that resulted, ended his law enforcement career.

Jan. 6 rioter who stole beaten officer's badge, radio apologizes in bid to avoid prison Hoping to avoid prison, an Amherst man who robbed a beaten police officer of his badge and radio amid the storming of the U.S. Capitol apologized in a letter to a judge and said a years-long misdiagnosis of mental illness contributed to his actions.

Fanone urged U.S. District Court Judge Amy Berman Jackson to show Sibick little mercy. And in the end, she didnt, sentencing Sibick to 50 months in prison and then 36 months of supervised release. Sibick will also have to pay $7,500 in restitution.

I cant treat this as the biggest calamity in your life when someone elses life was ruined, Jackson told Sibick.

That culminated a dramatic three-hour sentencing hearing that featured a tear-filled apology from Sibick, an obscenity-laced diatribe from Fanone and what appeared to be taunts between Fanone and Sibicks father.

Capitol riot prosecutor seeks nearly 6 years in prison for Amherst man: 'One of the most violent rioters' A federal prosecutor has recommended a nearly six-year prison sentence for Thomas Sibick, saying his repeated assaults against police officers "mark him as one of the most violent rioters who attacked the Capitol on Jan. 6."

Appearing before the judge, Sibick struggled through tears to read a letter that explained why he deserved a lesser sentence  or, as his lawyer argued in court papers, no additional time at all behind bars. But several times and in several ways, Sibick turned away from his letter to address Fanone directly.

Officer Fanone, I sincerely regret what I did, Sibick said at one point. I really do.

Fanone replied with icy stares as Sibick tried to explain what he himself sees as inexplicable.

Sibick in March pleaded guilty to two felonies and a misdemeanor, acknowledging that he grabbed Fanones police radio and badge shortly after the officer had been pulled away from an entrance to the Capitol and shocked with a stun gun several times by another rioter.

I still wonder why I did it, Sibick said. I really do.

Jan. 6 rioter from Amherst admits assaulting DC police officer and stealing badge and radio Thomas Sibick, who initially faced 10 counts when indicted in April 2021, admitted to three charges in federal court in Washington: two counts of theft and a single count of assaulting, resisting or impeding an officer.

Meanwhile, Sibicks lawyer argued that his client did it because he wasnt healthy. Long misdiagnosed with attention deficit disorder, Sibick was on the maximum legal dose of Adderal, said the lawyer, Stephen F. Brennwald. Incarcerated in D.C. after his arrest, Sibick saw another doctor who correctly diagnosed him as suffering from bipolar disorder. And Adderal, Brennwald said, makes bipolar people manic.

Now, though, Sibick is properly medicated and managing his mental illness, Brennwald said. Since late 2021 when the judge allowed him to leave jail and live at home while awaiting the outcome of his legal case, Sibick has been working full time. In addition, his father, Eugene Sibick, said his son met a woman online and eventually married her during his 21 months of home confinement.

Noting the progress he has made and pleading to not be sentenced to prison, Sibick told the judge: Please understand my struggles ... The consequences of incarceration would be devastating.

But earlier in the hearing, Fanone made it clear that the consequences of Jan. 6 were devastating to him.

My radio was my lifeline, he said. It was all I had in those moments to call for help. It was taken from me to be used as a trophy.

Jailed Capitol rioter from Amherst now says he loathes Trump: 'January 6th was a disgrace' An Amherst man charged in the attack on an officer amid the Jan. 6 storming of the Capitol called his conduct "unequivocally an aberration" and that he was "consumed by the mob mentality."

Given what Sibick did, I ask you to ignore his inevitable pleas for mercy, Fanone told the judge. On Jan. 6, he and his cohorts gave me none.

Seething with anger, Fanone also noted that Sibick lied about his actions on Jan. 6 before his arrest and got to await his legal case at home, rather than in jail. Ending his comments by labeling Sibick an entitled ahole, Fanone stormed away from the judge toward the back of the courtroom, winking at the Sibick family as he passed by.

Wow! exclaimed Sibicks father, who later asked Fanone: Who wrote that for you?

Leaving the courtroom during a break at the time, Fanone replied by simply shaking his head.

Returning to the courtroom about 40 minutes later, Jackson launched into an hourlong presentation in which she described the Jan. 6 insurrection and Sibicks part in it in great detail.

D.C. officer details alleged attack by Amherst man, others As Amherst resident Thomas F. Sibick remains in custody on charges connected to the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, the officer he is accused of assaulting told a congressional committee of the brutal beating he suffered that day.

He lied to try to cover up his actions, saying he threw Fanones badge and radio in a dumpster, when, in fact, he buried the badge in his backyard, said Jackson, who agreed with Fanones argument that Sibick wanted to keep the badge as a trophy.

Jackson also made clear that she didnt make much of the defenses argument that Sibicks mental health struggles led to his actions on Jan. 6. While the defense presented a letter from a doctor reiterating that argument, the judge noted that that doctor was Sibicks aunt.

Theres an absence of even a shred of expert testimony that attributes Sibicks actions to his misdiagnosis and improper prescription, Jackson said.

Jackson said she also had to take into account the sentences that other Jan. 6 defendants got, which, in many cases she mentioned, were several years long.

The prosecution had argued for a sentence of 71 months in prison for Sibick, saying he deserved no less.

Amherst man charged in Capitol attack to be held until trial A judge has reversed an earlier ruling that had allowed Thomas Sibick to remain free while awaiting trial on charges that could put him in federal prison for up to 15 years.

To grab Officer Fanones badge and radio was particularly sinister, Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly L. Paschall said.

But the judge sentenced Sibick to 50 months on a felony assault charge, 50 months on a felony charge of resisting or impeding a police officer charge and 12 months on a misdemeanor theft charge.

Jackson ordered those terms to be served concurrently, making his total term 50 months. It is likely, though, that he will serve far less time than that, given that he will get credit for more than seven months he already spent in jail in D.C., and could win a sentence reduction for good behavior.

Still, the sentence rocked the Sibick family. Eugene Sibick held his head in his hands while his wife, Carol, wept openly. Meanwhile, Sibicks three brothers and his new wife sat stone-faced nearby.

Fanone left the courtroom during the break, though, and never returned to hear the sentence.
We as customers have to be conscious and careful to sidestep numerous types of frauds made possible under a mindless shift to a digital ecosystem without customer-redress procedures, warns Debashis Basu.

Officials of Bank of Baroda (BoB), India's second-largest public-sector bank, reportedly used fake mobile numbers to meet targets for new registrations to the bank's new app, Bob World, when it was launched last year.

According to an investigative report by Al Jazeera, one officer in each branch had been given the target of taking on board at least 150 existing bank customers.

When the registrations were lower, the officials came up with the idea of linking the mobile numbers of random unknown people to boost the registrations.

It appears that BoB officials followed this modus operandi across the country.

They first fetched the list of bank accounts not linked to mobile numbers.

They then linked these accounts to any mobile numbers they could gather to generate the one-time password (OTP) needed to join the app from the back-end.

The employees claim that they deregistered these customers from the app and reused the same mobile number in the same manner with other bank accounts to meet targets, the report says.

In many cases a single mobile number was linked to more than 100 bank accounts.

BoB's own policy states that one mobile number cannot be linked to more than eight accounts, and only if all these accounts are of the same family/address. (The bank has denied the report.)

While this may shock most people, claiming fake hits on Web sites, boasting high but bogus app downloads and fake registrations are common underhand tactics among digital companies.

In 2021, Japanese investment giant SoftBank invested over $170 million in a little-known social media app called IRL, valuing it at $1.17 billion.

It turns out that 95 per cent of its claimed 20 million user base was fake.

But when employees of India's second-largest PSB with a market valuation of over Rs 1 trillion reportedly participate in fake app registrations to meet steep targets, it is not only reprehensible but has much bigger implications for customers of banks and financial services.

This episode raises three issues in the Indian context.

Safety of customers:

If a fake contact number can be inserted from the back-end to generate bogus registrations for a genuine bank customer, it is obvious that the customer's safety is compromised.

According to Al Jazeera, internal emails from BoB acknowledged that the safety of tens of thousands of bank accounts was at risk since they were linked with mobile numbers of strangers.

One internal e-mail shows that in the Bhopal zone, close to 1,300 mobile numbers were tied to anywhere from 30 to 100 bank accounts, putting nearly 62,000 bank accounts at risk.

That is, on average, 47 bank accounts linked to a single mobile number.

This is a serious breach of fiduciary responsibility, which assumes significance in the light of widespread digital frauds happening on bank customers.

Integrity of bankers and breach of trust:

The genesis of this problem is steep compulsory targets, which automatically lead to bad behaviour.

The same target-oriented approach and high incentives for selling life insurance as a protection-cum-savings product have led to massive mis-selling and fraud.

Apart from dubious incentives, we have also come across cases of bank fraud where the role of insiders is highly suspect.

Ajay Sood, a non-resident Indian settled in the US, found Rs 1.33 crore (Rs 13.3 million) withdrawn from his account in Bank of India, that too when the original cheques ostensibly used for withdrawal remained with him.

His registered mobile number was changed and an Aadhaar number which does not belong to him was added to the account.

This simply could not have happened without the involvement of bank insiders.

There was a fraudulent communication with the bank in 'my' name via a non-registered email before a bank official approved the transfer of funds, he told us.

He had kept this large sum in the bank for his mother, who lived in India.

Now consider how BoB has made tens of thousands of people extremely vulnerable.

A BoB official told Al Jazeera that many staffers had inserted their own mobile numbers with customer accounts.

He also said the bank staff often entered their own mobile numbers to bank accounts if customers had not registered their numbers, in order to fulfil mandates.

What are the implications? Digital transactions are driven by one-time passwords (OTP) that would go to that fake mobile number.

Indeed, an internal e-mail admits the risk of fraud: 'It is a fraud-prone area, and if any fraud happens, the officials from the branch, as well as regions, will be held responsible.'

Redress for customers:

In the financial services business (also health care services), the service provider is the king and the consumer is at his/her mercy.

In the case of bank fraud, the default response of banks is to blame the customer and deny wrongdoing.

In Dr Sood's case, he ran from pillar to post, calling and speaking to several officials at Bank of India and even the Reserve Bank of India.

His calls and e-mail complaints to the bank chairman and managing director, nodal officer, and assistant general manager at Chandigarh did not elicit any response.

The RBI's Consumer Education and Protection Department never bothered to answer his calls and e-mails.

Dr Sood finally got his money back after our intervention.

But the fight for justice is a tortuous process of escalation to the internal and external banking ombudsman, which requires enormous effort, time, and patience and is largely ineffective.

The bank is apparently working on a clean-up, but that is not enough.

The regulator is also investigating the case, but what will come of it?

The culpability of banks (especially in mis-selling) is hard to pin down.

When proven, monetary penalty is never high enough and never personal, and penalty alone can act as deterrence.

Fraud and malpractices will escalate and many customers may find their accounts cleaned out.

The RBI is fully aware of mis-selling by banks and digital fraud by staff but is moving with glacial speed.

We as customers have to be conscious and careful to sidestep numerous types of frauds made possible under a mindless shift to a digital ecosystem without customer-redress procedures.

Debashis Basu is editor of moneylife.in and a trustee of the Moneylife Foundation

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com
Taiwan-based Hon Hai Technology Group, the subsidiary of Foxconn Industrial Internet (Fii), is in talks with the Tamil Nadu government to invest around $200 million to set up an electronic components unit in the state.

Photograph: Tyrone Siu/Reuters

According to a Reuters report, FII, which makes communication, mobile network and cloud computing equipment, has shared the plan with the Tamil Nadu state officials.

Business Standard had reported last week that Fiis chief executive officer (CEO) Brand Cheng met Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin and Minister for Industries, Investment Promotion and Commerce TRB Rajaa.

This is part of the companys larger strategy to bolster its presence in India.

In the last few months, Foxconn had announced significant investment plans in states like Karnataka, Telangana and Tamil Nadu, bolstering its presence in South India.

Early this month, it proposed to come up with a unit in Karnatakas Tumakuru near Bengaluru at an investment of Rs. 8,800 crore.

Both the company and the Tamil Nadu government officials had an initial round of talk in this regard, a state government source told Business Standard.

Interestingly, Tamil Nadu is considered a strong base for the group in India.

It has also forayed in India through investments in the state, back in 2006.

Fii, the world's largest contract electronics manufacturer, and a spokesperson for Tamil Nadu's industries department declined to comment.

Foxconn already has a sprawling campus near Chennai city where it assembles Apple's iPhones.

The sources, who declined to be named as the talks are private, did not elaborate on the plan or say if parts made at the proposed facility would be used in iPhones or another company's products, the report said.

Fii aims to complete the plant by 2024, with further investments expected afterward, the report added.

Foxconn is also in talks with the Gujarat government, as it eyes entry into India's semiconductor sector.

The groups recent investment plans were rolled out after its chairman Young Lius visit to India in March.

This was his second visit to the country in a year.

Following this, Fii announced two major investments of Rs. 8,000 crore in Karnataka and $500 million in Telangana.
'After exiting jail, I thought some of my IIM-A classmates would contact me. None did.'

'The case indeed scared people, which perhaps was the objective of the State.'

IMAGE: Anand Teltumbde, accused in the Elgar Parishad-Maoist links case, following his release from prison. Photograph: PTI Photo

Anand Teltumbde in his corporate life spanning four decades has been an executive director of the Bharat Petroleum Corporation and managing director and CEO of Petronet India Limited.

Shunning the allurements associated with such a corporate career, he chose to accept an offer from IIT-Kharagpur to be a professor at its B-school.

In 2016, he accepted an invitation from the Goa Institute of Management to take charge as senior professor and chair of a new centre he would establish. He started a post-graduate programme in management based on Big Data Analytics there, India's first.

It was in Goa on August 29, 2018 that the police raided Professor Teltumbde's home, accusing him of having a connection to the Elgar Parishad and Bhima Koregaon case.

"If my mother had not died of shock on seeing (brother) Milind's body, she definitely would have died seeing me surrounded by police," Professor Teltumbde tells Rediff.com Senior Contributor Neeta Kolhatkar in the second segment of a three-part must-read interview.

Part I of the Interview: 'I never imagined I would have a jail life'

In this entire journey of yours, from arrest to bail, did many people distance themselves from you and your family? Did it come as a shock?

Yes. Oh, I have experienced so much of it to my utter shock.

For instance, we, the alumni of IIM-Ahmedabad, had a WhatsApp group and a close social network.

My younger daughter has also passed out from that institute. Right from my implication in the case, most faculty and students in various IITs and IIMs tried their best to campaign for me.

Most were positive, except for a few.

In her anxiety, my daughter sent some communication to IIM-A alumni. In response to it, one of my classmates, who I considered a balanced person, wrote something in the language used by bhakts, which my daughter didn't like.

In her anger, she asked me to exit the group and I did it instantly.

It was not unusual with MBAs who pragmatically shun controversies. But it was still unexpected from my classmates who knew me so intimately over nearly four decades.

It is a fact that the majority in such institutes are Modi supporters.

But this happened when there was a huge signature campaigns launched in my support by Pan IITs and Pan IIMs, signed by hundreds of faculty, alumni and students including the director of IIM-Ahmedabad, in the wake of my arrest.

After exiting jail, I thought some of those classmates would at least contact me privately and stay in touch. None did.

After my release, many people from across the country and even abroad came over to meet me.

I thought some of my IIM-A classmates would do so, but none did it.

The case indeed scared people, which perhaps was the objective of the State.

With such State propaganda, people do tend to believe that there must be something. Why would the police otherwise arrest a person?

What about your families? Yours and Rama's?

My side of the family, my brothers and their families, are simple and they don't understand all these issues.

They just kept quiet and were sad. I was like a towering figure in my family; nobody would have ever imagined that I would end up going to jail.

I couldn't expect them to do anything for me. I was only worried for my mother.

My brothers, Rama and our daughters told her that I was abroad and that because of the COVID-19 lockdown, I was unable to come.

Rama Teltumbde: She believed us, because in his corporate career Anand used to go abroad very often. Moreover, both our daughters being abroad, she easily believed that he would have gone to see them and got stuck due to the lockdown. This story worked very well during the pandemic.

Anand: We would have phone mulaqats (prisoners can call their families on the telephone) in that period; I took an opportunity to speak with her. I would speak with Rama thrice and once with my mother. She used to be happy. Until I came out on bail, she didn't know. Now, of course, she knows.

Very few know about your mother and her background. She was a farm labourer and how hard she worked.

Yes, it's true. My mother being an unlettered person has been unusual in her intellect, courage and determination.

My father worked in the lime factory and was relatively a sober person.

It was not unusual for women in poor households to supplement the earnings of their husbands. But the contributions of my mother exceed this dictum.

Her hard work knew no bounds. It is with sheer physical labour she has seen eight of us through with good education and culture.

Even Dalits who have written autobiographies and exaggerated their family situations would find it difficult to describe our story.

We were the poorest of the poor, you can't even imagine. We had no assets. (Chokes).

She had confidence, that's all. I was only worried she should not know, because if she got to know of my arrest she would have died of shock and I didn't want that to happen. (Voice cracks).

Rama: Yes, all credit goes to her. She worked hard from morning to evening her entire life. She is a very strong woman.

IMAGE: Rama, whose grandfather is Dr B R Ambedkar, and Anand Teltumbde. Photograph: Neeta Kolhatkar

It was a tough situation for your mother. Pardon me for asking, but with you away in jail and your brother Milind being killed by the police and she had to see his bullet-ridden body. This must have been the hardest moment for her.

Yes, it naturally was. Although all of the family members had reconciled with such an eventuality, but when it actually happened, it would naturally pain them.

I was not around and could not imagine the grief of my mother.

There was a TV in one corner on my floor in the jail. I watched the headlines every morning.

One such morning, breaking news of an encounter near Gadchiroli was reeled off on all channels with added emphasis that a top Maoist leader was one among the dead.

They did not name him, but still a shiver ran through my body that it could be Milind, as the police always projected him so.

My worst fears were confirmed after some hours.

All these years, every time there was news of Maoists being killed in encounters, it would scare us for him.

It must have been the worst moment for your mother.

Naturally. But I would not know it as I was away. When he disappeared, the family had reconciled to the fact that we would never see him again.

The only solace was (clears throat), he wasn't a dacoit, rapist or a criminal.

He decided to sacrifice his life for the service of oppressed people. That was his own decision.

People can take different views of this. For me, that is the ultimate sacrifice one can make.

He had a good job; he had everything and could have lived a comfortable middle class life. He had earned a name and fame too as a trade union leader.

He was reasonably well-read and a thinking person. It was his decision none could influence.

In the early years, my mother would always ask if Milind was keeping well and how he was.

I would tell her not to speak of him; he was living his own life. I always encouraged her to be proud of him. (Chokes. Pauses.)

Do you think one of the reasons the authorities arrested you was because of Milind and his being a Maoist? And you are accused of supporting him?

I don't know.

I am not the only brother to him. We were total eight siblings and all had their independent ways of living. I would not like to speak about the case at all as it is in court.

The authorities allowed you to meet your mother around the time Milind was killed. You were given two days to meet her?

As I said I was most worried about my mother. I wanted to personally console her in her grief.

I moved the court and requested permission to see my mother on the lines it was granted to two of my co-accused.

My plea was rejected by the lower court as was theirs.

In appeal, the high court granted it for two days against my request for 15 days. But it laid down such conditions as though I was a dreaded terrorist.

If my mother had not died of shock on seeing Milind's body, she definitely would have died seeing me surrounded by police.

I was told I could meet my mother only, and not any other person in the family.

I was not permitted even to sleep in the house of my brother, where my mother lived. They were humanly impossible conditions.

Rama: Worse still, he had to stay every night in police custody when he went to meet his 90-year-old mother.
'We cannot leave our entire unorganised sector to the vagaries of market forces.'

IMAGE: A scene from Rajasthan. Photograph: Adnan Abidi/Reuters

The Ashok Gehlot government in Rajasthan passed a historic piece of legislation this week providing social security to gig workers.

It came on the heels of another legislation -- Rajasthan Minimum Guaranteed Income Bill 2023 -- which promises employment guarantee for 125 days every year and a minimum pension of Rs 1000 per month to the elderly, women, widows, and disabled people, with a provision of 15 percent increment every year.

This was the brainchild of Nikhil Dey, founder member of the Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan and Soochana Avam Rozgar Adhikar Abhiyan.

So what went into these laws, and how will they help poor people?

Syed Firdaus Ashraf/Rediff.com spoke to Nikhil Dey to find out. The first of a two-part interview:

How will the lives of the poor change after the Rajasthan Minimum Guaranteed Income Bill 2023 providing social security comes into effect?

Destitution and starvation will go from Rajasthan state.

The pension amount is Rs 1,000 (per month) even as it keeps going up every year. This will not make you rich but you will have a basic amount and earn other amount as well.

The work you are getting is fallback work. It is 125 days a year of work out of 365 days in rural or urban area.

Most people are under-employed and are not totally unemployed, be it in villages or cities.

This law will have assurance for people to have wages for 125 days which will make them comfortable and then look out for other work in the rest of the year.

This is a comprehensive package of social security. You are getting Rs 2 kilo anaj (grain). You are getting a new packet of food which has 1 kilo oil, sugar, salt and masalas. You are getting 100 units of electricity free. If you are a woman you are getting bus fare at half price.

The central government pension is Rs 200 a month. This is since 2007 which means Rs 7 a day, Just imagine what you can buy with that money.

Now in Rajasthan there is a law that there will be minimum pension of Rs 1,000 per month which will automatically increase by 15 percent a year.

How does it get implemented or how does one register for this?

In Rajasthan there are 80 lakh (8 million) households who are active job card holders of MGNREGS (the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme). Every year in Rajasthan Rs 10,000 crore (Rs 100 billion) is spent on NREGA. Now those who complete 100 days in NREGA will get additional 25 days of work.

We do have an Urban Employment Guarantee Scheme in Rajasthan, but now we are making a law. So according to this law if you do not get work when demanded, then in 15 days you are entitled to unemployment allowance. This puts a burden on the state government to provide you with work.

Does the state government have work for so many people, and that too for 125 days in a year?

Workers have 100 days work from NREGA and extra 25 days out of 125 days are not bound by NREGA norms.

There are other kinds of work that the state government can do in those 25 days.

Let us elaborate. For instance, every state institution like schools, aanganwadis or public health centres needs extra hands.

Now say if they go to public health centres, then these workers can do cleaning or caring work in community health centres. In Rajasthan these workers will get Rs 260 per day.

The advantage here is if unskilled workers join a contractor, then the contractor is happy to get free labour and after 125 days of training that labour becomes a skilled labour.

If you put three plumbers or three electricians in such job, then how much skill they will learn, and these jobs are in demand all the time in cities.

It was in February 2023 that NREGA workers were agitating as several states had large unpaid dues. In this scenario, how will this new law help workers in Rajasthan?

This because the central government did not put the money and when you do not put money (into bank accounts) nothing works.

They have said they will pay money and even in West Bengal where the state and Centre are fighting, the Centre says that paisa toh dena hai. In Rajasthan they will fund through the budgetary allocation for this scheme.

How come in today's age there can be a guaranteed income or for that matter guaranteed social security pension? Can any state government deliver on such promises?

There is a difference. This is guaranteed income against work.

In NREGA we have been doing so for the last 15 years. Payment may be late, but by law they get paid.

If you didn't have NREGA, you would have guaranteed (more) deaths during Covid.

There is a cost to the economy, but NREGA made a huge difference to very poorly functional places of economies.

There is a multiplier effect in the market. Money is injected in the market.

There are productive assets that have been built.

Jean Dreze (economist) did a study in Jharkhand of NREGA workers (external link) where fallow land mango cultivation was done and the productivity was incredible. The returns were much more than what would have given any industrialists money.

If that is the reason, why has the government reduced the budget of MGNERGA from Rs 1.11 lakh crore in 2020-2-21 to Rs 60,000 crore in 2022-2023?

It is because the government wants to put money in projects like Bullet Train and Vande Bharat. Their priorities are different and if you want to build six more airports you will not have money for other things.

We also need to look at the cost of this development model. Both are development and to not understand that the infrastructure development in a village or a road or a check dam or tree plantation is also capex (capital expenditure).

We only think of capex as massive highways.

Here we are doing work for development and not cash.

In Madhya Pradesh, the state government is giving straight cash and no work.

Karnataka is giving straight cash in the Gruha Lakshmi scheme to women.

Rajasthan is saying you work and get wages. If you don't work you will not get wages. And pension is a part of your work.

If I am working till 60 and I am not entitled to pension, what will I do?

We cannot leave our entire unorganised sector to the vagaries of market forces.
Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot was on Thursday denied boarding on an Air India subsidiary AIX Connect flight over alleged 'delay' in reporting.

The Governor's office lodged a complaint over 'breach of protocol' and the airline on Friday expressed regret over the incident.

The flight took off from Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport here without allowing the Governor on board. The Governor's Protocol Officer M Venugopal lodged a complaint at the Airport police station seeking action against AIX Connect and the airline officials responsible for it.

According to the complaint, Gehlot was supposed to fly to Hyderabad on Thursday afternoon from Terminal-2 by boarding flight number I5 972 at 2.05 pm

Accordingly, the Governor left Raj Bhavan at 1.10 pm and reached the VIP Lounge of the Terminal-1 at 1.35 pm. By that time, the luggage belonging to the Governor was loaded onto the plane, it said.

The protocol officer added that he, along with Airport Guest Relations Assistant Sanskriti, made arrangements for the Governor to board.

He said he also informed the ADC to the Governor to reach Terminal-2.

The Governor reached the ladder of the plane at 2.06 pm.

However, AirAsia (AIX Connect) employee Arif denied entry to the Governor saying that there was a delay in arrival, though the door of the plane was still open, the complaint alleged.

"Besides this, the Governor's luggage was unloaded in which 10 minutes were lost. The Governor was still standing near the ladder and the door of the plane was still open. Yet, the Governor was ignored and insulted by not allowing him inside the flight," Venugopal said.

Gehlot later returned to the VIP Lounge, he stated.

The Governor had to take another flight after 90 minutes to reach Hyderabad, sources said.

'This incident has deeply hurt the Governor, who is the first citizen of Karnataka. By obstructing him from discharging his official duty, his protocol has been breached. We request you to initiate legal action against (AIX Connect Station Manager) Zico Soares, Arif and AirAsia (AIX Connect),' the complaint said.

The airline expressed regret over the incident and said they are in touch with the Governor's office to address the concerns.

'We sincerely regret the incident. An investigation is being conducted and appropriate action will be taken. The senior leadership team of the airline is in contact with the Governor's Office to address the concerns,' an AIX Connect spokesperson said in a statement.

The statement said that the company's commitment to the highest standards of professionalism and adherence to protocol remains unwavering, adding that AIX Connect deeply values its relationship with the Governor's Office.
Sizzling temperatures return today, prompting the City of Buffalo to open cooling centers while the National Weather Service issued a heat advisory for some areas.

Temperatures will be in the upper 80s in Buffalo and hover around 90 in Niagara Falls.

A heat advisory is in effect from noon to 8 p.m. in Niagara, Orleans and Genesee counties in Western New York. The National Weather Service said heat index values in those areas are expected to be in the mid- to upper 90s.

The weather service advises taking extra precautions if working or spending time outside, wearing lightweight and loose-fitting clothing when possible and scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments.

There is a chance of thunderstorms overnight, and they may produce locally higher winds and waves on Lake Erie and Lake Ontario through the first half of Saturday.

Western New York has not had the heat felt around the country this summer, but the temperature reached 91 on July 6 and June 2. It was 90 degrees June 1.

The record for this day is 93, which occurred in 1964.

Mayor Byron W. Brown today encouraged Buffalo residents without access to air conditioning to make use of cooling centers located throughout the city.

We are about to experience another round of hot and humid weather conditions. With the forecasted temperature hovering around 90 degrees on Friday, these conditions can be challenging for our senior citizens and children, Brown said in a news release. Its important for all of our residents to take the necessary precautions to stay cool and hydrated.

City pools and splash pads are open, and the following locations will be open as cooling centers today:

 Arlene Mychajliw Community Center, 82 Harrison St., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

 Autumnwood Senior Center, 1800 Clinton St., 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

 Delavan Grider Community Center, 877 E. Delavan Ave., 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

 The Belle Center, 104 Maryland St., 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

 Friends of the Elderly, 118 E. Utica St., 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

 George K. Arthur Community Center, 3056 Genesee St., 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

 Gloria J. Parks Community Center, 3242 Main St., 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

 Hennepin Community Center, 24 Ludington, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

 Old First Ward Community Center, 62 Republic St., 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

 Richmond-Summer Senior Center, 337 Summer St., 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

 Schiller Park Senior Center, 2057 Genesee St., 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

 Seneca-Babcock Community Center, 1168 Seneca St., 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

 Tosh Collins Senior Center, 35 Cazenovia St., 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
China is providing technology and equipment to Russia, which is engaged in war with Ukraine, according to a report from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, United States.

IMAGE: Russian President Vladimir Putin, left, with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping at a meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow. Photograph: Sputnik/Mikhail Klimentyev/Kremlin/Reuters

The report titled, "Support Provided by the People's Republic of China to Russia," stated that China has become the most important trading partner of Russia after trade with Western countries plunged in 2022.

"The customs records show PRC state-owned defence companies shipping navigation equipment, jamming technology, and fighter-jet parts to sanctioned Russian government-owned defence companies," the report read.

"Russia has continued to acquire chips through circuitous routes, with a large portion flowing through small traders in Hong Kong and mainland PRC, according to the foreign press," it further added.

China's buying has been spurred by steep discounts on oil and is providing Moscow much-needed revenue particularly after the Group of Seven (G-7) imposed a USD 60 price cap on Russian crude in December 2022, it said.

The report was mandated by the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023, passed by Congress, and was released by House Intelligence Committee Democrats

According to the report, Russian imports from China have increased by 13 per cent to USD 76 billion in 2022, and its exports to the PRC increased by 43 per cent to USD 114 billion. Total bilateral trade between the PRC and Russia hit a record high level of USD 190 billion in 2022, which is a 30 per cent increase from 2021.

China is also providing supertankers and insurance coverage to move Russian Urals crude to PRC ports, as Moscow seeks vessels for exports after a G-7 oil price cap restricted the use of Western cargo services and insurance.

It is difficult to ascertain the extent to which the PRC has helped Russia evade and circumvent sanctions and export controls. Russia has turned to the PRC for critical components, according to PRC firms involved in the shipments, which has provided some measure of protection against the adverse effects of sanctions and export controls, the report read.

Earlier, US President Joe Biden-led administration has repeatedly raised concerns with China over its companies selling non-lethal equipment to Russia for use in Ukraine, but US officials say they have seen no signs so far that China has provided weapons or lethal military aid to Russia, as per CNN.

The US believes that at the outset of the war, China intended to sell Russia lethal weapons for use in Ukraine, a US official previously told CNN. But China significantly scaled back on those plans as the war progressed, this person said something the Biden administration has considered a victory.

However, China has claimed neutrality over the war in Ukraine and called for peace in the conflict. But Beijing has also avoided publicly criticizing Russia's war efforts and the two countries have repeatedly emphasized their cooperation, with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese Defense Minister Li Shangfu declaring a "boundless" military partnership after a meeting in April.
The Congress on Friday asked the Union government whether a consensus between India and China on the border dispute has been reached, pouncing on the foreign minister's claim that more than "mere pleasantries" were exchanged between the two countries leaders in Bali last November.

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets Xi Jinping, general secretary of China's Communist party, at the G20 summit at the Garuda Wisnu Kencana cultural park in Badung, Bali, Indonesia. Photograph: PTI Photo

Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh also asked whether Chinese troops from Depsang and Demchok in Ladakh will now be withdrawn.

His questions came a day after the External Affairs Ministry claimed that more than mere courtesies were exchanged between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and China President Xi Jinping at Bali G20 Meet in November 2022.

"Ever since Prime Minister's public clean chit to China on June 19th, 2020, the Modi government has been acting as if it is being tough on China, and that there have been no compromises or meaningful conversations between PM Modi and President Xi Jinping while Chinese troops remain in violation of previous LAC agreements," Ramesh said on Twitter.

On November 16, 2022, he said, the Modi government characterised a dinner conversation between the two leaders at Bali as just an "exchange of courtesies."

On July 25, 2023, he claimed that a Chinese Foreign Ministry statement mentioned an "important consensus" reached by PM Modi and President Xi in Bali.

"On July 27, our Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that more than mere courtesies were exchanged at Bali. Is this a consensus or a concession by PM Modi? Will Chinese troops finally withdraw from Depsang and Demchok where they have blocked Indian patrols for more than three years," Ramesh asked.

Meanwhile, he claimed that economic relations between the two countries are proceeding "as if the Chinese incursions in Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh never even happened."

"So much for 'lal aankh'!" the Congress leader said.

The Congress has been critical of the government's handling of the border dispute with China.
A couple allegedly sold their eight-month-old son in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district to buy an iPhone for making reels, police said on Friday.

Photograph: Carlos Barria/Reuters

The incident happened in Panihati's Ganganagar area near Kolkata, and police said they have already arrested the mother and are looking for the father who is on the run.

The incident came to light after locals got suspicious of the couple as they could not see the baby for weeks, and reported the matter to the police, a senior officer said.

"We have arrested the mother and started looking for the father who has been absconding after the incident was reported to us. The couple sold the infant to someone, and purchased an iPhone 14 to make reels (short video clips for social media)," he told PTI.

"The mother has also admitted that they spent the money that was earned by selling the baby to travel to places like Digha and Mandarmoni," he added.

The incident happened a month ago, but was reported to the police on July 24, the officer said.

"We have started an investigation and are looking for the father," he said.

The mother is being interrogated, police said, adding that they are also searching for the couple who bought the baby.

"We will also book them as this is illegal," the officer said.
A dreaded gangster, wanted in at least 30 criminal cases, was shot dead near a temple in Jharkhand's Dumka district in the early hours of Friday by men who were dressed as 'kanwariyas', police said.

Amarnath Singh, a resident of Jamshedpur, went to Basukinath temple in Dumka along with his family to offer obeisance in the holy month of 'Shravan' when the gunmen shot him from point blank range, they said.

The incident happened near Nandi Chowk around 12.45 am, said Dumka's Superintendent of Police (SP) Amber Lakra.

Six empty cartridges were found at the spot, he said, adding that the post-mortem would reveal the exact number of bullets he received.

Around 30-40 criminal cases were pending against Singh, most of which were registered in Jamshedpur, the SP said.

The gunmen are yet to be identified, he said.

They took advantage of the ongoing 'Shravan Mela' and executed their plan by dressing up like 'kanwariyas', Lakra said.

Millions of devotees, known as 'kanwariyas', undertake the 'Kanwar Yatra' every year during the month of 'Shravan' to fetch holy water from the Ganga and carry them on their shoulders for kilometres to offer it to Shiva temples. The 'kanwariyas' usually dress in saffron outfits.

"It seems the incident is an outcome of gang rivalry," the SP said, maintaining that an investigation is underway.

Almost simultaneously, six members of Singh's gang were arrested from East Singhbhum district following an encounter with police on National Highway 33 in Ghatsila police station area.

One of those arrested suffered injury in the leg, while some police personnel also sustained minor injuries in the gunfight, officials said.

East Singhbhum's SSP Prabhat Kumar said "criminals" should mend their ways or face stringent action.
Activists Vernon Gonsalves and Arun Ferreira, accused in the Elgar Parishad-Maoist links case, are likely to walk out of jail only next week after securing bail from the Supreme Court on Friday as certain formalities are to be completed before they are released, defence lawyers said in Mumbai.

IMAGE: Vernon Gonsalves. Photograph: PTI Photo

An SC bench of Justices Aniruddha Bose and Sudhanshu Dhulia granted bail to the duo, noting they have been in custody for five years.

The apex court, while giving relief, asked them not to leave Maharashtra and surrender their passports to the police.

It also directed the two activists to use one mobile each and let the National Investigation Agency (NIA), which is probing the case, know their addresses.

The accused, however, are likely to walk out of Navi Mumbai's Taloja jail, where they are currently lodged under judicial custody, some time next week as their bail formalities are yet to be completed before the trial court in the metropolis.

As per a lawyer related to the case, the bail order was yet to come from the Supreme Court, and after receiving the same, the special NIA judge in Mumbai presiding over the matter will set conditions for their release.

The activists had moved the SC against a Bombay High Court order rejecting their bail pleas.

Gonsalves and Ferreira were arrested in August 2018 for their alleged role in the case and have been in judicial custody since then.

As many as 16 persons, mostly activists and academicians, have been arrested in the case of which three are currently out on bail.

Scholar-activist Anand Teltumbde and lawyer Sudha Bharadwaj are out on regular bail, while Telugu poet Varavara Rao (82) secured bail on health grounds.

Another accused, human rights activist Gautam Navlakha, is currently under house arrest as per direction of the Supreme Court.

The case pertains to the 'Elgar Parishad' conclave held in Pune on December 31, 2017, which according to the Pune police, was funded by Maoists.

The inflammatory speeches made at the event led to violence at the Koregaon-Bhima war memorial near Pune city the next day, police had alleged.

The case was later handed over to the NIA.
Manipur Police has got in touch with the two women, who were paraded naked in May and then sexually assaulted, and was in the process of recording their statement, officials said Imphal on Friday.

IMAGE: Members of the Ranglong Youth Association take out a candlelight march to protest against the Manipur violence, at Dharmanagar, in North Tripura on Thursday. Photograph: ANI Photo

They said keeping in mind the situation arising out of ethnic clashes that broke out in the state on May 4, a team of women officials and personnel from Manipur police was formed to probe the case.

The officials said the team had met the family members as well as the two women and the process of recording their statements has begun.

The process of identifying eyewitnesses and recording their statement has also begun, they added.

According to top government sources in New Delhi, the cases pertaining to the sexual assault was likely to be handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Reacting to the arrest of people in the viral video case, spokesperson of the Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF) Ginza Vualzong termed it 'too little, too late'.

"I would have appreciated it if the culprits were arrested before the video went viral. The FIR was registered on May 18. There are many more such cases. Having said that I would also like to clarify that arresting people would not solve the larger issues of the state which has been witnessing ethnic clashes.

"I request the Centre to take the Manipur issue seriously and take steps to end the violence and come up with a solution," he said.

Police have arrested as many as seven people including a juvenile in connection with the case so far.

Tension had mounted in the hills of Manipur after a May 4 video surfaced on June 19 showing two tribal women being paraded naked by some men from the other side in Kangpokpi district.

Police had registered a case of abduction, gangrape and murder at Nongpok Sekmai police station in Thoubal district against unknown armed persons.

The video which drew widespread condemnation shows men constantly molesting the two helpless women, who cry and plead with their captors to spare them.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud had expressed deep anguish and called the incident 'shameful' and 'unacceptable'.

Manipur has been witnessing ethnic clashes since May 3 between the majority the Meiteis, concentrated in Imphal valley, and the Kukis, occupying the hills.

Over 150 people have been killed in the violence so far.

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh had said he will ensure strict action is taken against all the perpetrators, including considering the possibility of capital punishment.

'My heart goes out to the two women who were subjected to a deeply disrespectful and inhuman act, as shown in the distressing video that surfaced yesterday,' Singh had tweeted.

'A thorough investigation is currently underway and we will ensure strict action is taken against all the perpetrators, including considering the possibility of capital punishment. Let it be known, there is absolutely no place for such heinous acts in our society,' he said.

Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipur's population and live mostly in the Imphal Valley, while tribals, which include Nagas and Kukis, constitute 40 per cent and reside mostly in the hill districts.
A 12-year-old girl was raped, bitten multiple times and brutalised allegedly by two men working for the trust managing a famous temple in Maihar town of Satna district in Madhya Pradesh, police said on Friday.

The two men, who have been arrested, also allegedly inserted a hard object in her private parts on Thursday, police sources stated, but a senior official said this can be confirmed only after her medical examination report is received.

The profusely bleeding girl was admitted to a hospital at the divisional headquarters Rewa for advanced medical care, said the police, adding the accused were identified as Ravindra Kumar Ravi and Atul Bhadoliya.

"I am not denying that a stick or some other object was inserted into the 12-year-old's private parts by accused Ravindra Kumar Ravi and Atul Bhadoliya. But this is something that can only be confirmed only in a medical report. We are still awaiting her medical report. Yes she was bleeding and doctors are monitoring her health," Satna Superintendent of Police Ashutosh Gupta told PTI over the phone.

Her body bore bites and injuries which pertain to sexual assault, he said.

Asked about the condition of the girl, the SP said a panel of doctors treating her said her condition was 'okay at his point of time.

"We are taking legal action against the accused," Gupta said.

The accused, both aged 30, were on Friday produced in a local court which sent them in 14-day judicial custody, Gupta said.

The duo was booked under Indian Penal Code sections 376 (punishment for rape), 376DB (punishment for gang rape on woman under 12 years of age), 366A (procuration of minor girl), 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 324 (voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapons or means), 34 (common intention) and relevant provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, the police said.

In a related development, a press statement issued by the Maa Sharda Devi Mandir Management Committee, Maihar, bearing the signature of its administrator, stated they have sacked Ravi and Bhadoliya, employed with them, forthwith after a criminal case was registered against them.

Their indecent act has tarnished the image of the temple, said the statement.

The rape incident took place in Maihar, a temple town about 45km from district headquarters, another official said.

The accused allegedly lured the girl and took her to an isolated place, where they raped and assaulted her her, he said.

The police arrested the duo on Friday morning, Maihar sub-divisional officer of police (SDOP) Lokesh Dabar said.

The victim was admitted in the Rewa hospital after being administered first aid at Maihar, he said.

Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan directed the police to take strict action against the accused and provide best of possible medical treatment to the girl.

Condemning the incident, Madhya Pradesh Congress president Kamal Nath said the victim was subjected to an inhuman attack that was reminiscent of the 2012 Nirbhaya case of Delhi.

The gruesome 2012 episode, commonly known as the Nirbhaya case, involved rape and fatal assault on a 23-year-old woman in the national capital which caused nationwide outrage and triggered protests.

Such incidents with sisters and daughters have become a routine affair in Madhya Pradesh and it proved that Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan's government has failed to provide them security, Nath claimed in a tweet.

He demanded best medical treatment and a financial assistance of Rs 1 crore for the girl.
After heavy rains in Mumbai and its suburbs over the past few days, the intensity of rainfall reduced on Friday with the city witnessing only occasional spells of moderate to heavy showers till noon.

Photograph: Sahil Salvi for Rediff.com IMAGE: Waterlogging on railway tracks following heavy rains in Mumbai.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has, however, predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall in the city during the day, officials said.

Incessant rains over the past few days raised the aggregate water stock in seven lakes providing potable water to Mumbai as it reached 68 per cent on Friday morning. Of these seven lakes, four have overflowed so far, they said.

As the intensity of rain reduced, no major water-logging was reported anywhere in the metropolis, the officials said.

Some commuters complained that traffic on the Eastern as well as Western expressways was moving slow, but there was no issue on the Eastern Freeway connecting Chembur to south Mumbai.

The city traffic police said there was congestion on the Sion-Panvel highway in the morning after a chemical tanker overturned at Uran Phata in Navi Mumbai.

"There was no major waterlogging anywhere in the city as the intensity of rain reduced in the morning. Most parts of the city have been witnessing mostly light rain with occasional spells of heavy rain," a civic official said.

The IMD has issued a yellow alert, predicting heavy to very heavy rainfall in the city and suburbs with the possibility of extremely heavy rainfall at isolated places, he added.

There could be occasional gusty winds reaching 40-50 kmph as per the weather bureau's prediction, the official said.

Photograph: Sahil Salvi for Rediff.com IMAGE: Vehicles wade through waterlogged Mumbai streets.

The island city, its eastern suburbs and western suburbs received average rainfall of 100.82 mm, 94.79 mm and 129.12 mm, respectively, in the 24 hours ending 8 am, officials said.

According to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), there was a 3.46 metre high tide in the Arabian Sea at 8.08 am and the next high tide is at 3.20 pm.

On Thursday, heavy rains lashed the city, especially its northern parts, causing water-logging at many places which badly affected the movement of vehicles.

The BMC had declared a holiday for all schools and colleges on Thursday. However, all government and private schools as well as all colleges are open on Friday.

The civic body said it did not announce a holiday for schools and colleges in the city for Friday as there was just a 'yellow' alert of rainfall.

A fake letter announcing a holiday for schools and colleges on July 28 was going viral on social media, the BMC said, and appealed to people not to believe it.

Due to heavy rains, water-logging was witnessed on Thursday in Matunga, DN Nagar, Byculla, Trombay, Azad Maidan, Kandivali, Kalbadevi, Oshiwara, Dahisar, Magathane on Thursday, with water being almost half-feet in most of these areas.

The Modak Sagar lake built on the Vaitarna river in neighbouring Thane district started overflowing at 10.52 pm on Thursday night, a civic official said.

This is the fourth lake, after Vihar, Tansa and Tulsi, to overflow this monsoon season.

Mumbai receives 3,800 MLD (millions of litres per day) water from the seven reservoirs -- Bhatsa, Upper Vaitarna, Middle Vaitarna, Tansa, Modak Sagar, Vihar and Tulsi -- located in Mumbai, Thane and Nashik districts.
Ahead of the second anniversary of its grabbing power in Afghanistan, the Taliban has banned women's beauty salons in the country.

Beauty salons were where Afghan women -- who were forced out of schools and colleges and out of their jobs since the Taliban returned to rule the country in August 2021 -- gathered to have a chat while getting their faces or nails done.

The Taliban stated that services provided in beauty salons were forbidden in Islam and can cause economic hardships for grooms' families.

IMAGE: Beauticians close their salon. All photographs: Ali Khara/Reuters

IMAGE: A beautician removes a poster at a salon.

IMAGE: Beauticians collect equipment from a salon, here and below.

IMAGE: Cosmetics seen at a salon.

IMAGE: An empty salon.

IMAGE: A salon with defaced pictures of women.

IMAGE: An Afghan woman walks past a closed salon.

IMAGE: Maryam, a child who polishes boots for a living, sits next to a shut salon.

IMAGE: An abandoned salon.

IMAGE: The salon's name has been removed.

IMAGE: A man walks pass a shut salon.

Photographs curated by Manisha Kotian/Rediff.com

Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff.com
'Even the President does not have the power to overrule the ECI.'

A revealing excerpt from T N Seshan's Through the Broken Glass: An Autobiography.

Photograph: Rediff.com Archives IMAGE: Then chief election commissioner T N Seshan, right, with then prime minister P V Narasimha Rao in New Delhi, September 9, 1994.

The bad blood between PM Narasimha Rao and me probably started with an incident in October 1991.

The office of the then law minister, Vijaya Bhaskara Reddy, would routinely ask the ECI to prepare replies to parliamentary questions to which I would object. I made it clear to them that the poll panel was no appendage of the ministry.

Reddy was angered by my instructions to my office not to prepare any replies, and that it should only provide the relevant details which the ministry needed for its reply in Parliament.

He took up the matter with the PM who summoned me to his office. In the presence of the PM, Reddy told me, 'You are not co-operative.'

I replied, 'I am not a co-operative society. I represent the Election Commission.' Apparently, the PM was stunned.

Then, turning to him, I said: 'Mr Prime Minister, I cannot do business with your minister if this is his attitude.'

More trouble followed. Narasimha Rao had become the PM in June 1991, and he had to be elected to Parliament before December. The law was that if he did not have a seat in Parliament in six months, he stood to lose the appointment.

On 8 October 1991, the attorney general of India, G. Ramaswamy rang me to inform me something the judge had mentioned in court that day.

Ramaswamy said the judge sent for him and asked whether he would give them an assurance that a certain constituency -- Etawah -- which was coming up for by-elections would not be notified.

Ramaswamy told the court that he was not the standing counsel of the ECI and that he would refer it to me.

Photograph: Rediff.com Archives IMAGE: Seshan briefs the media on the election schedule in New Delhi, January 14, 1994.

What happened was that someone had moved the high court of Delhi that day to stop the by-election being notified in Etawah, where there was a vacancy. The lawyers moving it had asked for assurance of some kind that the elections would not be notified.

So, the court had asked Ramaswamy to do so, and he, in turn, passed it on to me.

The next morning, I was getting ready to go to the office when one of my secretaries at the ECI rang me up and reported a call from Rama Devi, saying that the government wanted Etawah to not be notified.

Rama Devi was the officer who processed all the notifications in the law ministry. When my deputy asked me for a response to Rama Devi's message about the government wanting a constituency to be excluded, I said, 'Tell her that this is not a matter to be decided at her level. She should talk to me if she wants to.'

Rama Devi then talked to Bagga, the deputy election commissioner, and repeated the same request, mentioning that the minister of state for law, Rangarajan Kumaramangalam, desired it.

What had happened was that Ramaswamy had written a letter to me and had marked a copy of it to the law minister.

In the law minister's copy, the minister had said that a certain constituency should be excluded. It is not within the power of anybody in government to exclude a constituency.

Not even the President can order such a thing unless there is something legally wrong. Nobody has the authority to decide when the notification for a particular constituency is to be issued except the ECI.

This was my first real test of autonomy.

I rang up Rama Devi and informed her that this was unacceptable to me as a CEC and that it is the ECI that decides when a particular constituency is to be notified or not. The government has no role in it.

The courts had given a stay order for elections in the case of Patna, Purnea and Meerut constituencies, but there was no stay on polls in Etawah.

Therefore, there was no reason why polls for Etawah should not be notified. That a reply had to be given to the high court judge was another matter, but as far as the decision of notifying Etawah was concerned, the law had put the ball in the ECI's court.

Photograph: Rediff.com Archives IMAGE: Seshan (looking over his shoulder) and then election commissioners M S Gill, left, and G V G Krishnamurthy addressing a meeting of officials assigned by the Commission as observers to monitor the April-May elections.

It is not open to elected representatives either to delete a constituency from the list or to demand that the ECI delete it, unless it senses a legal foul play.

If they had given reasons explaining why it would be legally wrong to notify polls in the constituency, I could understand. But in this case, no clear reasons were mentioned.

The only reason mentioned was that the Congress would not win the election. That is no reason for the ECI to accept the non-inclusion of the constituency.

However, Rama Devi hummed and hawed, and said that it was the minister's decision and that she could not do anything about it. Understandably, she couldn't oppose the minister.

I rang up the PM, and to make a very difficult conversation short, I said, 'In the government, there seems to be a misconception that I am the horse and the government is a rider.'

These were my exact words, 'I won't accept this. Nobody in the government has the right to dictate what I should do. If you have a good reason, please tell me. I'll listen to the reason. I'll not listen to dictates.'

The PM, after carefully listening to my words, said, 'Yes, yes, you settle it with Rangarajan.'

I said, 'No, I am not going to settle it with him. I am going to settle it with you. I need an apology from Mr Rangarajan for having tried to overrule the ECI, which he does not have the power to do.

'With great respect, even the President does not have the power to overrule the ECI. That is a critical issue; the critical issue is the authority of the ECI. If we do something wrong, you can come back and say we need to change it.

'If there is something we are not aware of a famine, a flood, a plague, cholera -- you can say we cannot hold the election because there are a lot of administrative problems. But you can't direct me to delete or include anything.'

Photograph: Rediff.com Archives IMAGE: Former prime minister Chandra Shekhar, left, presents the Sulabh Award 'Honest Man of the Year 1995' to Seshan, center, as then Congress MP Sunil Dutt, right, applauds.

Rangarajan telephoned me and, breaking into Tamil, he asked, 'What is the problem?'

I said, 'I have no problem. I want an apology. I want an apology from the government for trying to overrule me.'

He said, 'Shall I send it?'

I said, 'I don't mind it if you send it. But as a person who has worked in the government for 30-40 years, I know that normally the communications are sent by the civil services and not by the minister. I have no objections to either one of them. But I want it by one o'clock.'

I further said, 'If I don't get the letter by one o'clock, I am going to scrap the entire lot of elections and one of the persons to be affected would be the PM, because his elections have to be completed by December, and I won't do it. I'll say until the issue is resolved, I won't hold the election. There is nothing the PM or anybody can do about it.

To make a long story short, by 12 or 12.30 pm that day, there was a joint secretary coming up the stairs to my office with the letter from Rama Devi.

In the letter, she had written, 'If you think that there was anything improper in whatever I did or said or if anything has been informed to you in this regard that you think is improper, I wholly apologize.' It further read, 'If anything I've said or done has caused any offence, I am sorry.'

Having obtained this apology, I appended it to a letter to the minister of law and justice, recounting the incidents of the day as well as the previous day.

In it, I also informed that the commission had not received any kind of notice or order from the high court about petitions pertaining to the Etawah elections. I was standing by my earlier advice to the President of issuing a notification of fresh election in Etawah too.

Excerpted from Through the Broken Glass: An Autobiography by TN Seshan, with the kind permission of the publishers, Rupa Publications India.

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com






That looked fishy

A pair of state environmental conservation officers netted themselves an interesting illegal-fishing case earlier this month in Clarence.

Officer Ike Bobseine got a tip that some people were using a cast net to fish in the 240-acre Tillman Road Wildlife Management Area in Clarence, the Department of Environmental Conservation later posted on its Facebook page. He asked Officer Don Damrath, who was closer to the scene, to check it out.

Damrath saw a man using a cast net, in violation of state freshwater fishing regulations, before trying to hide it in some bushes. As Damrath walked closer, the mans young son, who was assigned as a lookout, ran back to warn his parents an officer was approaching.

Despite being wet, muddy, and barefoot, the man denied using the cast net, even after ECO Damrath found the net and bucket holding dozens of fish, as the DEC put it.

The plastic bucket contained 107 pumpkinseeds and bluegills  82 over the catch limit of 25 panfish  and a 1-inch largemouth bass fry.

The mans wife finally admitted her husband used the net because the child couldnt catch anything with a fishing pole, the DEC reported. The agencys Facebook post includes photos of the net, the bucket and the fish laid out on the ground.

The kid may have struggled, but the father had no trouble reeling up to $1,000 in fines on the charges he faces.

 Stephen T. Watson

Goodbye, Larry

Larry, the orange lobster that landed in a tank at Tops Markets in Hamburg in May, has found a home  and its 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.

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.

 Samantha Christmann

Doggone it

Getting your dog vaccinated is usually no laughing matter.

This may be the exception.

With the help of Petco Love, the SPCA Serving Erie County is holding what it is calling a low-cost canine vaccine clinic in August.

The cost varies, based on which vaccinations your furry friend will be getting, as much as $30 and as little as $5.

Thats not the funny part.

The funny part is the names for the services.

Theres A La Bark Pricing for individual items such as the leptospirosis shot for $10 or a dewormer for $5.

The next step up is the Baby Bundle, which is targeted at puppies.

If you want to go whole hog  or whole dog  and get everything from a rabies shot to microchip and registration, thats $30 and called The Whole Shebark.

The clinic is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 16 at the True Bethel Baptist Church at 907 E Ferry St., Buffalo. No appointments are needed, but limited spots are available.
You are the owner of this article.
Don't miss the big stories. Like us on Facebook.

Natalie Harding is a Physician Assistant practicing at Grace Cottage Family Health in Townshend. Natalie earned her Master of Physician Assistant Studies from Franklin Pierce College in New Hampshire. She worked in Greenfield, MA, before joining Grace Cottage Hospital in 2014.
Brattleboro, VT (05301)

Today

Mainly sunny to start, then a few afternoon clouds. High 82F. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Mostly clear. Low 59F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph.
People head to Spofford Lake in Spofford, N.H., to cool down as the temperatures climb into the 90s on Friday, July 28, 2023.
Brattleboro, VT (05301)

Today

Sun and clouds mixed. High 82F. Winds NW at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Mostly clear. Low 59F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph.
The request is seemingly simple.

STAMP Sewer Works, a corporation created under Genesee County, wants three temporary easements on private properties to install a wastewater pipeline for a long-awaited industrial park.

But that request is being fiercely contested by a broad coalition of Orleans County officials, Tonawanda Seneca Nation members, environmentalists, business owners and landowners. During a public comment session held Thursday, 24 attendees argued that the pipeline would harm nearby wildlife refuges, endanger the health and well-being of the nearby Tonawanda Seneca Nation, and break the law.

The pipeline is crucial to the construction of STAMP  Science and Technology Advanced Manufacturing Park  a sprawling, 1,250-acre industrial park in northwestern Genesee County. Since its inception in 2010, the park has recruited two tenants: Power Plug, a hydrogen cell manufacturer, and Edwards, a British vacuum pump manufacturer.

Capable of carrying 6 million gallons of water per day, the proposed plastic pipeline would stretch 9 miles, cross through the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge and deposit wastewater in Oak Orchard Creek. Sewer Works needs the temporary easements  one in Genesee County and two in Orleans  to legally cross three plots of privately owned land to install the pipeline.

Plug Power plans $387 million STAMP plant expansion The expansion is on top of the $291 million investment the company is making in a facility it is building at the Town of Alabama site.

Environmental activists, who have long opposed STAMP, said the project would overflow Oak Orchard Creek with wastewater at minimum and, if disaster struck, flood the creek and wildlife refuges with untreated wastewater.

There is no way to tell how harshly these things will affect the animals, the plants or the water in the long term, said Grandell Logan, activist and member of the Towanda Seneca Nation. Were told that this forced main is safe, but anything made by man will break. This would have a negative impact on the wetlands, the watershed, and even if the pipe works as planned, it will be putting effluent water into Oak Orchard Creek, further degrading an already impaired water body.

Citizens of the Tonawanda Seneca Nation have led the charge against STAMP, saying that the project would interfere with the unique biodiversity found in the Big Woods, where many reservation residents hunt and gather medicinal plants.

But theyre not just worried about the forest  theyre also concerned for their own health. Algae blooms, accidental sewage overflows, unregulated forever chemicals and permitted but high concentrations of chlorine and fecal matter could harm the health of Tonawanda Seneca Reservation residents, said Kirk Scirto, the Nations family physician.

Id be quite concerned about seeing a great deal of more cases of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, rashes, Scirto said. Theyve expressed their opposition very clearly, and they should be respected as a sovereign nation.

The pipeline would deposit wastewater in Orleans County, which drew the ire of county officials there. While they dont oppose STAMP in its entirety, Orleans County officials at the meeting objected to the pipeline and their countys lack of input in the process.

It would be inconsistent with our mission to support a project that threatens to compromise our local infrastructure capabilities and is projected to erode the countys recreational waterways, said Michael Dovell, CEO of Orleans Countys Industrial Development Agency.

Orleans County isnt the projects only legal obstacle. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which had previously allowed construction of the pipeline, suspended one of STAMPs permits until the group conducts a supplementary environmental review.

The aim is to have more endurance, more stamina, to outlast the process, to outlast them in this process, Logan said. Theyve been working at constructing Plug Power, for instance, for ages now, and theyre still not up and running. So, the hope is that that will frustrate their stakeholders.

STAMP Sewer Works is accepting written comments from the public until 5 p.m. Tuesday. A decision is expected shortly thereafter.
Stitch Buffalos donation closet is packed floor to ceiling with old quilts, used clothes and garbage bags of fabric scraps  all from one day of donations.

How Bills-inspired Water Buffalo hats help refugees working at Stitch Buffalo The hats are sold as part of membership into the club and are made through Stitch Buffalo, a women's workshop for refugees on Niagara Street.

Ive never seen it this full, a volunteer remarked earlier this month.

Its not just the closet  Stitch Buffalo is bursting at the seams.

Stacks of fabric line the kitchen counters. The basement and second floor teem with supplies and textiles. The walls of the main office are lined with instructional books, documents and sewing supplies.

Thats precisely why the West Side staple is moving.

After almost five years in a donated building on Niagara Street, Stitch Buffalo  described on its website as a textile art center committed to empowering refugee and immigrant women  will move to 284 Plymouth Ave. on the Lower West Side early next year.

Nothings been done in haste. Ive felt the impact on our space and the growth of Stitch Buffalo for at least two years now, founder and Executive Director Dawn Hoeg said. We have to move out.

A decade of growth

Stitch started in 2014 as a series of weekly sewing classes for immigrants and refugees in Buffalos Dream Center.

Every session was packed. Hoeg eventually realized Stitch Buffalo could become something bigger.

It just exploded, she said. I thought, I can do this. I can create these bridges of opportunity for the women and for communitys sake.

Stitch became a nonprofit in 2017 and moved into its current building  a two-story, 1,700-square-foot house donated by Rich Products  the following year.

In that time, Stitch seamstresses have garnered regional acclaim for exhibiting their art at the Buffalo History Museum and for crafting Water Buffalo hats for Bills fans.

Not having to pay rent on their donated building is pretty great, Hoeg said, but Stitch has simply outgrown its current space.

Since moving in, Stitch has provided more and more supplies to more and more immigrants and refugees, who started selling their creations out of Stitchs showroom. They started offering classes to community members for a small fee. Uninterrupted donations of fabric and supplies led to the creation of Second Stitch, a sustainability program that reuses or sells donations.

With the growth of each one of those programs, each one needs 1,000 square feet, 1,500 square feet, Hoeg said.

The lack of space has created a constant shuffle of people and supplies, the executive director said. Stitch is closed on Tuesdays and Thursdays so that Hoeg and her volunteers have the space they need to sort through donated materials and restock Second Stitchs secondhand supply store.

Welcome to the Stitch Buffalo dance, Hoeg said as she moved a chair to give a volunteer access to the office printer. The new building, nearly three times the size, is nicknamed The Cube, she said, and is perfect.

Once renovations are complete, the 4,800-square-foot building will be outfitted with more retail space, a community room, a larger sewing workshop and a wet space for dyeing and screen printing. Each Stitch Buffalo program will have its own designated space, allowing the center to expand its hours and offerings. The new building is still on the West Side, still in a residential neighborhood and still directly on a bus line.

Hoeg sees nothing but opportunities: Hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays; more community classes at more times; workshops for students, veterans, retirees; and, best of all, the return of Stitchs 16-foot community table, which Hoeg has missed terribly since moving to Niagara Street.

There is no place for us to sit, and have a conversation, and really check in with the population that we serve, she said. We sacrificed the community table for retail space, thats essentially what happened there.

Finding the perfect fit

Despite Hoegs excitement for The Cube, it wasnt an easy sell at first. She was determined to stay on Niagara Street. Its where Stitch had always been, after all.

Hoeg considered several buildings on the street, but for one reason or another, none of them fit the bill, she said.

In the middle of that long and frustrating process, a Stitch board member asked if Hoeg had checked out the old auto body shop at 284 Plymouth Ave.

Hoeg wasnt having it.

I was very close-minded at the time, Hoeg said. We were settling on a place on Niagara, and I was just going to make it work.

But once she saw it, Hoeg immediately knew shed found Stitchs new home.

I drove by, and I was like, This is perfect, Hoeg said. Its sandwiched between businesses, including DYouville College and a neighborhood, and thats really compelling to me because I think we can continue to build our community bridges between both communities that are there.

Stitch now has a 15-year lease at The Cube. All the interior walls were demolished in April. Renovations are expected to start as soon as the City of Buffalo approves their plans, likely in August. Stitch needs just one more thing to seal the deal: capital.

In order to make the move, the organization needs to raise $650,000. As of Tuesday, it has raised just over $638,000.

Hoeg said she hopes closing that gap will help Stitch become a largely self-sufficient organization.

The community support has been tremendous, Hoeg said. This is an organization that will continue to serve Buffalo for a long time because the need is not going to go away; its a very real situation. And the opportunity for women that Stitch Buffalo offers is probably the only one in the city like it.

The future of Stitch Buffalo

Stitchs relocation is still months away, but it isnt Hoegs endgame.

She said the new building is a modest upgrade that will serve the organization well for five to eight years until it outgrows that space, too. She already has plans to open another second Stitch location on the West Side.

But no matter how big Stitch Buffalo gets, Hoeg says its mission will remain the same.

The community is the pulse of the organization, and Im just guiding it, Hoeg said while trying to hold back tears. Thats the beautiful part of it because you can see it. Weve got all these people coming, and we can help them.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, in a significant diplomatic statement, made a veiled attack on Pakistan, emphasising the need to address not only the "root cause" but also the "root countries" behind the challenges posed by terrorism. Speaking at the inaugural session of the India-Japan forum in the national capital, Jaishankar, along with his Japanese counterpart Yoshimasa Hayashi, discussed critical global issues, including terrorism and nuclear proliferation.

At the forum's discussion on Friday, Yoshimasa Hayashi, the Japanese Foreign Minister, asserted that countering terrorism is an "unquestionable issue" and highlighted the importance of cooperation between like-minded countries such as India and Japan to combat this menace effectively.

"This is an unquestionable issue. Everybody should be very strict over activities such as terrorism. Cooperation between like-minded countries like us (India and Japan) to counter-terrorism is a top priority issue," said Hayashi who arrived in Delhi on Thursday on a two-day visit.

Responding to the question on Japan's view on terrorism, EAM Jaishankar articulated the multifaceted challenges that the world faces, encompassing missile nuclear proliferation and terrorism. In his eloquent response, he stressed the significance of addressing the root causes and the countries responsible for fostering such issues. While not explicitly naming Pakistan, the Minister's remarks alluded to the nation's role in propagating terrorism and fueling instability in the region.

"There are some really important challenges in the world, like missile nuclear proliferation and terrorism & it is imp that we address root causes and root countries which are behind this and it is important that Japan and India are on the same page," he said.

EAM S Jaishankar's veiled attack on Pakistan

Jaishankar's astute remark demonstrated the intellectual depth of India's approach to global challenges. He underscored that India and Japan, as like-minded nations, need to be on the same page when it comes to tackling terrorism and related issues. This statement further solidifies the growing strategic partnership between the two Asian countries.

The focus on nuclear proliferation highlighted by Jaishankar is pertinent to both India and Japan. India, being a responsible nuclear power, has consistently emphasised the importance of disarmament and non-proliferation. On the other hand, Japan, which faced the devastation of nuclear attacks during World War II, advocates for nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation globally.

Drawing common lines between the issues (nuclear and terrorism-related) faced by both countries, Jaishankar's veiled attack on Pakistan assumes significance. Pakistan has been a source of concern for India as it continues to sponsor terrorism on its soil, leading to a loss of innocent lives and fostering instability in the region. Additionally, Pakistan has been accused of involvement in nuclear proliferation activities, with accusations of supplying nuclear technology for military purposes to North Korea-- a hostile neighbour of Japan who on multiple occasions issued nuclear threats.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday said the state is being used as a corridor by the Rohingya infiltrators from Bangladesh to either go to Delhi or Kashmir with the help of some brokers in Tripura.

During the past several years, infiltration from Bangladesh into Assam was almost zero, but some recent activities have been noticed along the Indo-Bangla border in Karimganj district, Sarma said while addressing the Superintendents of Police convention at Bongaigaon.

''Assam is now being used as a corridor by the Rohingyas to go to Delhi or Kashmir. Our investigations have revealed that some brokers of Tripura facilitate this infiltration,'' Sarma said.

The director general of police has already taken some steps to prevent this while the Karimganj superintendent of police has been asked to step up vigil to stop infiltration, he said.

''(Authorities of) three districts in Barak Valley should remain active and we should not just confine ourselves by deporting the identified infiltrators but go to Tripura, arrest the brokers and break the backbone of this syndicate'', Sarma said.

The three districts of Barak Valley region are Cachar, Karimgaj and Hailakandi.

Proactive steps must be taken to prevent Rohingya infiltrators, smugglers and insurgents outside Assam from using the state as a corridor for transit to other states, he said.

This is a new emerging crime and the infiltrators mostly use the rail route and the railway police have to play a significant role in this regard.

''Intelligence should be increased in all railway stations from Barak Valley to the western border of Assam so that the Rohingyas are intercepted and decisive action is taken against them,'' he said.

Assam police should initiate action both in source states, if the situation so warrants, and also step up surveillance in railway and bus stations, Sarma added.

Rohingyas are originally from Myanmar. Lakhs of them fled the country to Bangladesh since a military clampdown began there in August 2017 to oust the predominantly Muslim ethnic group from their homeland in Rakhine state. Many of them have entered India from Bangladesh.
The Anti-Terror Squad (ATS) of the Uttar Pradesh Police on Friday arrested a member of a gang alleged to be involved in smuggling counterfeit Indian currency notes printed in Pakistan, officials said.

Subhash Mandal was among six persons accused of an inter-state gang smuggling fake Indian currency from the border areas of Bangladesh to different states of the country, they said, adding that a case was registered against him and five others last year.

Mandal, carrying a reward of Rs 50,000, was arrested by the Varanasi unit of the ATS from Mohansarai under Rohania Police Station area of Varanasi district, Special Director General of Police (Law and Order) Prashant Kumar said in a statement issued here.

According to the statement, Mandal (26) is a resident of Joynpur under Vaishnav Nagar Police Station area of Malda district in West Bengal.

A permanent warrant is also issued against Mandal in connection to an indictment from the Civil Lines Police Station of Police Commissionerate, Prayagraj. Last year on August 11, a case was registered against Mandal and five others under relevant sections for allegedly smuggling counterfeit notes at Naini Police Station in Prayagraj.

High-quality fake Indian currency notes, illegally printed in Pakistan, were smuggled into different states by Mandal and his associates from the India-Bangladesh international border, the police statement said. Police are taking further action in the matter, it said.
The political landscape of Niger was thrown into disarray on Wednesday when President Mohamed Bazoum was removed from power in a swift coup. In the aftermath of the upheaval, General Omar Tchiani, also known as Abdourahamane Tchiani, emerged as the face of the new military government. As the commander of the presidential guards and a close ally of former President Mahamadou Issoufou, Tchiani's rise to prominence raises questions about his motivations and the direction in which Niger is headed.

A question that may arise in some minds is this - why does Niger even matter? Niger is seen as the last partner in the Wests efforts to battle jihadists linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group in Africas Sahel region, where Russia and the west have been vying for influence in the fight against extremism.

Al-Qaida clip from Burkina Faso looks like it could be out of a Mad Max film. But this thing is on the move in West Africa.



(Thanks to @michaeltanchumI recommend following him.) pic.twitter.com/hqQWBT5lLS  Yoram Hazony (@yhazony) July 27, 2023

Little is known about General Omar Tchiani, also known as Abdourahmane, the man who now stands at the helm of the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland. A native of Niger's western region of Tillaberi, a significant recruitment area for the army, Tchiani has been heading the presidential guards since 2015. Under his leadership, this special unit of about 2,000 soldiers remained a formidable force, and he played a pivotal role in foiling an attempted coup in March 2021, just days before Bazoum's swearing-in as president.

What was Tchiani's motive?

The motivations behind Tchiani's spearheading of the coup that ousted President Bazoum remain shrouded in mystery. Speculations abound, including rumors that the deposed president intended to dismiss the general just days before the coup. Paul Melly, a Niger expert at London's Chatham House, suggested that Bazoum's desire to replace Tchiani may have been a bid to establish his authority separate from his predecessor, Mahamadou Issoufou.

However, the coup's swift execution indicates that Tchiani's influence reaches far beyond the confines of the presidential guards. He appears to wield considerable power behind the scenes, which has led to speculation about potential discontent within the army and presidential guards over Bazoum's leadership. Nevertheless, the truth remains elusive, as independent verification of these speculations is difficult to obtain.

Using state TV to address the world, Tchiani said: "The country needed to change course to avoid the gradual and inevitable demise and thus he and others had decided to intervene," as per a report from AP. I ask the technical and financial partners who are friends of Niger to understand the specific situation of our country in order to provide it with all the support necessary to enable it to meet the challenges, he added.

The Nigerien military has long been influential in the nation's politics, and the current coup further underscores its role in shaping the country's trajectory.

As the leader of the transitional government, Tchiani faces critical challenges in guiding Niger through this period of political uncertainty. The international community has expressed concern over the upheaval. French President Emmanuel Macron, speaking in Papua New Guinea said that "(the coup is) completely illegitimate and profoundly dangerous for the Nigeriens, Niger and the whole region". He added that he had spoken with Mohamed Bazoum, the deposed President. Macron stated that the deposed President was in good health. French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna said that "if you are hearing me speak of an attempted coup, thats because we do not regard things as definitive".

Niger's journey towards democracy has been far from smooth. The nation's political landscape is delicate, and the choices made by Tchiani in the coming days and weeks will undoubtedly shape Niger's future.

The situation in Niger is closely watched by neighboring countries and the international community, as the implications of the coup extend beyond the nation's borders. With Tchiani at the helm, the world anxiously awaits the path he will chart for Niger and the implications it holds for the stability of the West African region. As the dust settles and the transitional government takes shape, the spotlight remains on General Omar Tchiani.

Here is what else you need to know about Niger

The West African nation of Niger has a complex political history marked by challenges, triumphs, and a quest for stability. From gaining independence from France in 1960 to recent upheavals, the country has navigated a path towards democracy while facing numerous obstacles. Understanding Niger's political journey sheds light on the context in which the nation finds itself today.

Independence and Early Years: On August 3, 1960, Niger gained independence from its colonial ruler, France, marking the beginning of its sovereign existence. Hamani Diori, a key figure in the country's independence movement, became the first President. The early years were characterized by a one-party system under the Nigerien Progressive Party (PPN-RDA), which led the nation through its formative years.

Cycles of Coups and Instability: The decades that followed were marred by political instability, marked by cycles of military coups and civilian rule. In 1974, Diori was overthrown in a coup led by Seyni Kountche, who established a military government. The country remained under military rule for the next 14 years.

In 1991, popular discontent with military rule led to a pro-democracy movement, forcing the military government to hold national conferences. These conferences paved the way for a transition to civilian rule, and in 1993, Niger held its first multiparty elections. Mahamane Ousmane emerged as the country's first democratically elected president.

Challenges of Democracy: Despite the progress towards democracy, Niger's political landscape remained fraught with challenges. The subsequent years saw a series of political transitions and power struggles. The military returned to power in 1996, and political instability continued to plague the nation.

In 1999, Mamadou Tandja won the presidential election, signaling a renewed commitment to democratic governance. However, his presidency was also marked by controversial actions, including a constitutional change that allowed him to extend his rule beyond the constitutionally mandated two-term limit.

Transition to Democracy: Niger's journey towards stable democracy faced significant obstacles in the early 2000s. In 2010, President Tandja was overthrown in a military coup led by Salou Djibo. The military junta pledged to transition back to civilian rule, and in 2011, Niger held a presidential election. Mahamadou Issoufou emerged victorious and took office as the nation's democratically elected leader.

Issoufou's presidency marked a period of relative stability and progress for Niger. His commitment to democratic principles and economic reforms earned him international recognition. During his tenure, Niger experienced significant economic growth and increased engagement in regional and international affairs.

The 2021 Peaceful Transition of Power: One of Niger's most significant milestones in recent history was the 2021 presidential election, which marked the country's first truly peaceful and democratic transfer of power. Mohamed Bazoum, a longtime political figure, won the election and succeeded Issoufou as president. The successful transfer of power was seen as a positive step in Niger's democratic journey.

Recent Challenges and Political Unrest: However, despite the progress made, Niger's political landscape remains dynamic and complex. The recent coup that removed President Bazoum from power has raised concerns about political stability. General Omar Tchiani, a key figure in the coup, now heads the new military government, leading the nation through another period of uncertainty.
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.

Thanks to years of research and more powerful computers, scientists can now determine almost in real-time whether climate change is contributing to the intensity of heat, storms, floods and drought  and by how much.

A generation ago, calculating such connections took up to a year, but researchers at World Weather Attribution made their conclusions about this summer's heat wave in less than a week. Their study is the first to look at three simultaneous heat waves on three different continents.

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 wave  the one in China  50 times more likely.

A stagnant atmosphere, warmed by carbon dioxide and other gases, made the European heat wave 4.5 degrees Fahrenheit hotter, the one in the United States and Mexico 3.6 degrees warmer and the one in China 1.8 degrees toastier, the study found.

Had there been no climate change, such an event would almost never have occurred, said Mariam Zachariah, a climate scientist at Imperial College of London and the lead author of the study. She called heat waves in Europe and North America virtually impossible without the increase in heat-trapping gases since the mid-1800s. Statistically, the one in China could have happened without global warming.

Relying on data gleaned from tree rings and other stand-ins for temperature records, several climate scientists say this months heat is likely the hottest Earth has been in about 120,000 years, which would make it easily the hottest of human civilization.

The global average temperature has been hotter in 22 of the first 24 days of July than on any other single day recorded, according to calculations by the University of Maine's Climate Reanalyzer.

Since the advent of industrial-scale burning, the world has warmed 2.2 degrees Fahrenheit, so 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.

The 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 and more than a week when the nighttime temperature never dropped below 90 degrees.

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 said 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.

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.

25 terms you should know to understand the climate change conversation 25 terms you should know to understand the climate change conversation Weather Climate Ice sheet Global warming Carbon dioxide PPM Methane Emissions COP and UNFCCC Tillage Fossil fuels Ocean acidification Particulate matter INDC Sea ice IPCC Greenhouse gas Global average temperature Biofuels Pre-industrial levels of CO2 Ozone Sea level rise Algal bloom Renewable energy Mitigation
Wildfires reached the outskirts of Athens on Thursday as strong gusts of wind caused flare-ups around Greece, disrupting highway traffic and rail services.

The fires have raged across parts of the country during three successive Mediterranean heat waves over two weeks, leaving five people dead, including two firefighting pilots, and triggering a huge evacuation of tourists over the weekend on the island of Rhodes.

Water-dropping helicopters and a ground crew scrambled early Thursday to a blaze in Kifissia, just north of Athens, which was quickly put out.

Near the central city of Volos, a wildfire burned on two fronts, forcing a section of Greeces busiest highway to close for several hours, while national rail services passing through the area were delayed.

Greek firefighters also battled flames on Rhodes for a 10th successive day, while flare-ups were reported on the island of Evia.

A European Union disaster response agency announced that it was sending two more firefighting planes, provided by France, to Greece.

As Southern Europe fights extreme heat and wildfires, parts of central Europe have been hit with winter conditions. Subfreezing temperatures, frost and snow have been reported in the Tatra mountains, which run through Poland and Slovakia.

In Italy, firefighters battled brush fires in the southern mainland regions of Calabria and Puglia, as well as the islands of Sicily and Sardinia, helped by temperatures dropping some 13 degrees Celsius (55 F) into the low- and mid-30s C (high 80s F).

Sicily remained the focal point, with fires continuing to burn near the capital Palermo as seven aircraft were engaged to douse flames.

Without doubt, we can see that all across the Mediterranean the climate crisis is here and its affecting us all more strongly than perhaps even scientists had warned us about, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said Thursday during a meeting with the countrys president, Katerina Sakellaropoulou.

Wildfire carbon emissions for July in Greece were the highest by a huge margin  totalling over 1 metric megaton and doubling the previous record  since records started 20 years ago, according to the EU agency that analyses satellite data, the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service.

Unfortunately, it is not all that surprising, given the extreme conditions in the region, said Mark Parrington, a senior scientist at the agency. The observed intensity and estimated emissions show how unusual the scale of the fires have been for July relative to the last 20 years of data. In Athens, senior members of the armed forces paid tribute to the two pilots killed in a firefighting plane crash this week, at a ceremony held at the Defence Ministry.

Cpt Christos Moulas and Lt Pericles Stephanidis died during a low-altitude water drop on the island of Evia.

Defence Minister Nikos Dendias said the operators had shown self-denial in the line of duty.

Greece today is in mourning. Their memories will live on, Dendias said.

Funeral services for the two airmen will be held in northern Greece later Thursday and on the island of Crete on Friday.
India has exported it's first indigenously designed and developed Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher System (MBRLS) Pinaka to Armenia via Iran, filling a void left by Russia's preoccupation with the Ukraine war. This development has drawn attention from the region and raised concerns about India's expanding military cooperation with Armenia during the ongoing conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijani sources claim Indian-made military equipment was transferred to Armenia through Iran.



The cargo was delivered to the Iranian port of Bandar Abbas.



Armenia and India have signed military contracts worth over $400 million over the recent months. pic.twitter.com/VHfVNmzcdd July 26, 2023

Azerbaijani media claims that the first consignment of Pinaka MBRLS, designed by India's Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is en route to Armenia through Iran's Bandar Abbas port. The export deal aims to enhance Armenia's military capabilities in response to regional tensions.

Azerbaijan expresses concerns over military cooperation

Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan, Hikmet Hajiyev, met with Indian diplomat Sridharan Madhusudhanan to express concerns over the burgeoning military cooperation between India and Armenia. Notably, this cooperation comes at a time when both countries are engaged in conflict.

In January 2023, Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev criticised India's supply of weapons to Armenia, considering it an 'unfriendly move'. President Aliyev emphasised that Azerbaijan would respond to any perceived threats, whether within its territory or beyond its borders.

The roots of the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan lie in the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region, which has been a contentious issue since the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Although a cease-fire agreement was signed in 1994, periodic violence has continued to plague the region.

Pinaka MBRLS: A game-changer for Armenia

The Pinaka system, on par with the US HIMARS, offers advanced features that attracted Armenia's interest. Developed to replace the Russian GRAD BM-21, the Pinaka MK-1's "Shoot and Scoot" capability enables the launcher to evade counter-battery fire effectively. This feature is crucial, given Azerbaijan's heavy use of drones in the conflict.

Image: Twitter/@adgpi (An operational Pinaka-ER Multi Barrel Rocket Launcher System)

The Pinaka MBRLS export contract with Armenia is a significant milestone for India's Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The system boasts near-zero import content, underlining India's growing self-sufficiency in defence production. Already in service with the Indian Army, the Pinaka MBRLS has been effectively deployed along India's borders with China and Pakistan. Its track record of reliability and performance has contributed to its appeal in the international market. Armenia, historically reliant on Russian-supplied weaponry, is now seeking to diversify its military supplies. The government-to-government contract with India has secured four batteries of the Pinaka rocket system, bolstering Armenia's defence capabilities.

In addition to the Pinaka system, Armenia acquired four indigenous Swathi weapons-locating radars from India in 2020. Developed jointly by DRDO and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), the Swathi radars utilise phased array technology for detecting and directing counter-battery fire against enemy ordnance. India's foray into international defense exports is gaining momentum with the successful export of the Pinaka MBRLS. As India strengthens its position in the global defense market, it emerges as a reliable partner for nations seeking modern and indigenous military solutions. The export of advanced defense systems showcases India's growing self-reliance and capabilities.
India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj, has assumed the chairship of the 62nd Session of the Commission for Social Development, the first time in nearly 50 years the country has held this position within the UN agency.

"India takes immense pride in assuming this Chairmanship and remains steadfast in its commitment to leading with its core principles, working diligently for the welfare and prosperity of the global community, Kamboj said in a tweet on Thursday as she assumed the Chair for the 62nd session of the UN Commission for Social Development on behalf of India.

In a statement, the Permanent Mission of India to the UN said Kamboj assumes the role with a primary focus on bolstering international cooperation concerning social development matters.

India's election as the Chair of the 62nd Session of the Commission for Social Development on February 15 marks a "momentous occasion" as it was the first time since 1975 that India has held this position within the Commission for Social Development, it said.

The Chair is backed by vice-chairs from Luxembourg, North Macedonia, Dominican Republic, and a forthcoming African State election.

The central theme for the 62nd session is "Fostering Social Development and Social Justice through Social Policies to accelerate Progress on the Implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and to achieve the overarching goal of poverty eradication".

The theme underscores the vital connection between social development and social justice as they form the bedrock for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, the statement said.

As she assumed the Chairship, Kamboj stressed that the commission's crucial role is as an eminent intergovernmental body dedicated to addressing social challenges.

The purpose of the commission is also to advise the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) on social policies of a general character and, in particular, on all matters in the social field not covered by the specialised inter-governmental agencies.

The commission has 46 members, who are elected by the ECOSOC, based on equitable geographical distribution for four-year terms. India is a member of the 62nd session of the Commission for Social Development, and its term expires in 2027.

Since the World Summit for Social Development in Copenhagen in 1995, the Commission for Social Development has been the key UN body in-charge for the follow up and implementation of the Copenhagen Declaration and Programme of Action.

At the World Summit for Social Development (WSSD), held in March 1995 in Copenhagen, governments reached a new consensus on the need to put people at the centre of development.

The summit was the largest gathering ever of world leaders at that time. It pledged to make the conquest of poverty, the goal of full employment and the fostering of social integration overriding objectives of development.

At its conclusion, governments adopted a 'Declaration and Programme of Action' which represented a new consensus on the need to put people at the centre of development.
Ousted State Counsellor and the civilian leader of Myanmar Aung San Suu Kyi was unexpectedly moved from prison on Monday sparking speculations. According to the Dutch news outlet -- Nederlandse Omroep Stichting (NOS), a senior government official from her party told local reporters that the politician was taken to an apartment. The move came just days after reports emerged that the countrys draconian military junta was planning to transfer the ousted human rights activist to home confinement.

A source close to the prison department told Burmese news outlet DVB that the prominent political figure might be granted Amnesty by August 1 during a ceremony to mark the consecration of new Buddha statue. As per the news outlet, Suu Kyi has reportedly met with Burmas lower house speaker Ti Khun Myat and is likely to meet Deng Xijuan, Chinas special envoy for Asian Affairs, who is currently visiting the country. The prominent politician was arrested in February 2021, immediately after the military junta threw her out of power. The 78-year-old leader was sentenced to 33 years in prison and since then she was kept in solitary confinement.

Junta loosening her grip due to mounting pressure

Ever since the military coup, Myanmar has been isolated from the entire world with draconian laws in place. Since the coup, the junta has been under tremendous pressure from around the world. Hence, some consider this move as an outcome of that pressure. The junta has been under tremendous pressure since the 2021 coup and has had many failures, so they brought out Suu Kyi to find a way out of this situation, a source from the National Unity Government told DVB. In an effort to loosen the grip, the draconian regime allowed Thailand's Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai to visit Suu Kyi in prison, making him the first foreign visitor to be granted access to her since she was detained.

Following the meeting, Don told the local reporters that Suu Kyi was in good health as he conveyed Thailands willingness to engage in talks with the Junta to resolve the crisis situation. The countrys military confirmed the meeting and stated that it lasted for an hour and a half. However, the military did not share any further details on the meeting since it was a one-on-one between the ousted leader and the Thai diplomat.

(With inputs from Associated Press)
Vladimir Putin told leaders and officials from most African countries Thursday that Russia is making every effort to avert a global food crisis despite concerns that its withdrawal from a deal allowing grain shipments from Ukraine will cause price spikes.

The Russian leader spoke at the opening session of a two-day Russia-Africa summit attended by a sharply lower number of African heads of state and government compared with a previous summit in 2019. While discussing the halted Black Sea grain deal, he promised large no-cost shipments of grain to six African countries.

Our country will continue supporting needy states and regions, in particular, with its humanitarian deliveries. We seek to actively participate in building a fairer system of distribution of resources. We are taking maximum efforts to avert a global food crisis, Putin said.

"I have already said that our country can replace Ukrainian grain, both on a commercial basis and as grant aid to the neediest African countries, more so since we expect another record harvest this year, he said.

Russia intends to ship up to 50,000 tons of grain aid to Burkina Faso, Zimbabwe, Mali, Somalia, Eritrea and Central African Republic in the next three to four months, Putin said.

Without directly referring to Putin's promise, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres took a swipe Thursday at donations of grain to developing nations, saying they cannot compensate for the impact of Moscows cutoff of grain exports from Ukraine, which along with Russia is a major supplier to the world market.

The U.N. chief said the United Nations is in contact with Turkey, Ukraine, Russia and other countries to try to reestablish the deal that saw Ukraine export over 32,000 tons of grain, allowing global food prices to drop significantly.

Guterres told reporters at U.N. headquarters in New York that taking millions of tons of Ukrainian grain out of the global market will lead to higher prices. The higher costs will be paid by everybody, everywhere, and namely by developing countries and by the vulnerable people in middle income and even developed countries, he said.

So, its not with a handful of donations to some countries that we correct this dramatic impact that affects everybody, everywhere, Guterres added.

U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric noted that Guterres pointed at Russias systematic bombardment of Ukrainian ports and grain facilities, which he called a serious escalation. Dujarric said the bombing will have a serious impact on any resumption of Ukrainian grain exports.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre also said Russias promise to donate grain to African nations did not compensate for pulling out of the deal on Ukrainian grain.

A handful of donations to some countries cannot replace the millions and millions of tons of grain exports that help stabilize food prices around the world, Jean-Pierre said.

U.S. State Department spokesman Vedant Patel noted the U.S. pays for about half of the budget for the World Food Program compared to Russias contribution of less than 1%. So its pretty clear to us who is actively committed to addressing the dire concerns of food security, Patel said.

Both Russia and Ukraine are major grain suppliers. They agreed a year ago on a U.N.- and Turkey-brokered deal that reopened three Ukrainian Black Sea ports blocked by fighting and provided assurances that ships entering the ports would not be attacked. Russia declined to renew the agreement last week, complaining that its own exports were being held up.

Promising Russian food exports to Africa is key to Putins stated goal of using the summit in St. Petersburg to bolster ties with 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 actions in Ukraine.

The Russian mercenary group Wagner has been active in Mali and Central African Republic, and Eritrea has voted against more U.N. General Assembly resolutions criticizing Russias invasion of Ukraine than any other African nation.

Burkina Faso is seen by some observers as a likely next target for Wagner, and Zimbabwe has long been bitter about U.S. sanctions against it. Somalia, while a U.S. ally, is often held up as an African country most affected by any restrictions on grain supplies related to the conflict in Ukraine.

The Russia-Africa event follows an annoucnement by South African authorities last week that Putin had agreed not to attend an economic summit in Johannesburg next month because the trip could expose him to arrest under an International Criminal Court warrant for alleged war crimes in Ukraine.

Putin on Thursday announced other moves to deepen relations with Africa, including increased enrollment of African students in Russian universities, the opening of Russian state news media bureaus in many African countries and a proposed common information space in Russia and Africa, within which objective, unbiased information about events taking place in the world will be broadcast to Russian and African audiences.

Putins foreign affairs adviser, Yuri Ushakov, said that while only 17 heads of state were at the summit, 32 other African countries were represented by senior officials or ambassadors. The Kremlin said crude Western pressure to discourage African nations from taking part caused the number of leaders taking part to shrink. In 2019, 43 heads of state attended.

Along with grain, another issue likely to be on the agenda was the fate of the Wagner mercenary group led by Yevgeny Prigozhin following its brief rebellion against Russia's top military leadershiplast month. The private contractor's future will be an urgent issue for countries such as Sudan, Mali and others that contract with Wagner in exchange for natural resources like gold.

Russian officials and Prigozhin have said the company would continue working in Africa.

Messaging app channels linked to the mercenary chief posted pictures of him meeting with African officials at a St. Petersburg hotel. It wasn't immediately clear when the meetings took place.

A peace proposal for Ukraine that African leaders have tried to pursue was set to be discussed as well.
Yevgeny Prigozhin, the enigmatic founder of the Wagner private military company, has resurfaced in Russia after leading an armed rebellion against the Russian military. On Thursday, Prigozhin was spotted in St. Petersburg, engaging in a meeting with an African dignitary on the sidelines of the Russia Africa summit.

The dignitary in question is a member of the Central African Republic delegation attending the summit. Wagner has maintained a presence in the Central African Republic for several years. The photograph of Prigozhin and the dignitary was geolocated by CNN to the Trezzini Palace Hotel in St. Petersburg, where Russian media states that Prigozhin keeps an office. The hotel was among the locations searched by Russian authorities on July 6 in the aftermath of the rebellion.

Before this, Prigozhin was last seen on July 19 in Belarus

Prior to this sighting, Prigozhin had been seen publicly on July 19 in a video from Belarus, seemingly greeting Wagner fighters at a base in Asipovichy. Prigozhin's rebellion posed a significant challenge to Putin's long rule. Known for his preference to operate in the shadows, Prigozhin and his fighters gained prominence following Russia's invasion of Ukraine last year, with Wagner mercenaries playing pivotal roles in different battles.

The relationship between Prigozhin and Putin goes back to the 1990s. Initially, Prigozhin rose to wealth and prominence by securing lucrative catering contracts with the Kremlin. However, in the aftermath of the 2014 Russian-backed separatist movement in eastern Ukraine's Donbas region, he seemingly transformed into a ruthless warlord. His reappearance in Russia has drawn attention, with many speculating on the implications of his actions and connections.

A look at Wagner's role in Africa

Wagner has been involved in various African countries, often supporting regimes aligned with Russia's interests or participating in resource-related ventures. Its activities in Africa have raised concerns about destabilization, human rights abuses, and interference in local conflicts.

Central African Republic (CAR): Wagner's presence in CAR has been particularly notable. Since 2017, the PMC has been supporting President Faustin-Archange Touadera's government in its efforts to combat armed groups and maintain control over the country. Wagner's involvement in CAR has included providing military training to government forces, strategic advisory services, and direct engagement in combat operations.

Libya: Wagner's involvement in Libya has been widely reported, with the PMC allegedly deploying fighters to support Libyan military strongman Khalifa Haftar in his offensive against the UN-recognized Government of National Accord. Reports indicate that Wagner mercenaries were instrumental in Haftar's offensive on Tripoli in 2019, leading to increased international scrutiny of the PMC's activities in the North African nation.

Sudan: In 2018, Wagner was reportedly contracted by the Sudanese government to provide security services to protect President Omar al-Bashir's regime. The PMC's presence in Sudan raised alarm as it coincided with widespread protests against Bashir's rule and the Sudanese military's crackdown on demonstrators.

Other African Countries: There have been reports and allegations of Wagner's presence or activities in other African countries, including South Sudan and Mozambique. However, details about its exact role in these countries remain more elusive due to the secretive nature of the PMC's operations.
The eldest son of Prime Minister Hun Sen posted a message a day after his father announced his retirement.

Hun Manet, son of Cambodias Prime Minister Hun Sen, gives a thumbs-up as he leads a procession to mark the end of a campaign rally for the Cambodian Peoples Party in Phnom Penh on July 21, 2023.

The eldest son of Prime Minister Hun Sen vowed to maintain peace in Cambodia when he takes over as head of the government next month, saying on Facebook and Telegram that hell also aim to ensure the development and tranquility of the people.

Hun Manets message on Thursday came a day after his father announced he would hand over the prime minister position next month.

The 45-year-old posted a photo along with the message that shows Hun Sen dressed in a military uniform and standing in a jeep at a 2019 anniversary celebration for the Royal Cambodian Army Commands headquarters.

Hun Manet, who until recently served as deputy commander of Cambodias armed forces, is also dressed in uniform in a second jeep following just behind Hun Sen.

My fathers word that I will always remember and be determined to apply in all circumstances: When you become the prime minister of Cambodia, you must maintain peace to ensure the development and tranquility of the people, Hun Manet wrote.

Hun Manets statement is welcome, but peace doesnt just refer to no war, said Ny Sokha, the president of the Cambodian Human Rights and Development Association (ADHOC) NGO. It must also include respect for human rights, social justice and social equality, he said.

Determination is not enough. It needs real practice so that people can believe in him, he told RFA. We are waiting to see what priority issues he will address after he officially becomes the new prime minister of Cambodia.

Cambodias Prime Minister Hun Sen claps during the 71st anniversary celebration of the Cambodian Peoples Party at its headquarters in Phnom Penh on June 28, 2022. Credit: Heng Sinith/AP





Peace and the political opposition

Hun Sen, 70, has served as prime minister since 1985. He told reporters on Wednesday that a new Hun Manet-led government would be formed on Aug. 22, after the National Election Committee officially reports the results from Sundays election.

Preliminary results show the ruling Cambodian Peoples Party winning 120 of 125 seats in the National Assembly in the July 23 vote, which included Hun Manet as a first-time candidate for parliament from Phnom Penh. Critics have said the tightly controlled election was neither free nor fair.

Hun Sen was a signatory to the 1991 Paris Peace Accords and often touts his win-win initiative to persuade the remaining bands of Khmer Rouge guerillas to lay down arms in the 1990s.

He has also methodically co-opted all political opposition over the years, and he often points out that his long reign as prime minister has brought peace and economic development to Cambodia after decades of civil war.

In the months leading up to last Sundays election, Hun Sen persuaded dozens of opposition activists to switch their allegiance to the CPP, while others were threatened with legal action.

Now Hun Sen uses the word peace to arrest and put people in prison, Chea You Horn, the president of the Khmer Association of Victoria in Australia, told Radio Free Asia last month.

Men Sothavrin, a former parliamentarian from the now-banned Cambodia National Rescue Party, said Hun Manet appears to be copying his fathers dictatorship style.

Hun Manet must show that he is different from his father and never repeat his fathers dictatorship, he said. He must reinstate genuine multi-party democracy and respect human rights, especially political rights, freedom of press and expression.

Translated by Chandara Yang. Edited by Matt Reed.
Biggest deal is a commitment from one of the worlds largest glass makers, Xinyi.

Indonesian President Joko Jokowi Widodo attends a business meeting with members of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce in China (INACHAM) at the Shangri-La Hotel in Chengdu, China, July 28, 2023. Credit: Handout photo/Press, Media and Information Bureau of the Indonesian Presidential Office

Indonesian President Joko Jokowi Widodo secured billions of dollars in investment commitments from Chinese companies during a two-day visit to China that wrapped up on Friday, his ministers said.

One of the biggest deals was an U.S. $11.5 billion commitment from one of the worlds largest glass makers, Xinyi, to build a manufacturing plant in Indonesia, said Investment Minister Bahlil Lahadalia, who accompanied Jokowi on the trip.

This will be the second largest factory in the world after China, the minister told a press conference, referring to Xinyis planned investment. The output will be almost 95% for export because the market is overseas.

If realized, Xinyis investment would create 35,000 jobs, Bahlil said.

Indonesia has a potential resource of 25 billion tons of quartz sand, the main raw material for making glass and solar panels, according to official data. And China is the worlds main producer of solar panels, with a 70% market share.

Bahlil said Xinyi had already invested $700 million in Indonesia last year to build a factory in Gresik, East Java.

At a meeting on Thursday, Jokowi and Chinese President Xi Jinping focused on mutually beneficial economic cooperation, Indonesias top diplomat Retno Marsudi said.

During the visit to China, Jokowi sought more Chinese investment in renewable energy, health, food security and the construction of a new Indonesian capital city, Retno said.

In the health sector, Chinese businesses made investment pledges worth about $1.4 billion, she said.

China is Indonesias biggest trading partner and a major source of investment. Last year, Indonesias exports to China were recorded at $65.9 billion while imports were $67.7 billion, according to the Indonesian governments statistics agency.

China was the second largest source of investment in Indonesia in 2022 with $8.2 billion, behind Singapore with $13.3 billion, according to data released by the Indonesian Investment Coordinating Board.

Market leader

Energy analysts welcomed the governments move to sign investment deals with China for processing quartz sand.

This is the right move because China is a market leader [in producing solar panels], said Daymas Arangga, executive director of Energy Watch, an independent think-tank in Jakarta.

But he suggested the government also invite other countries, such as South Korea and Japan, to invest in the sector to prevent a price monopoly by China.

The issue is that China controls the price. So other countries should also be offered to invest to maintain the market, he told BenarNews.

Indonesian President Joko Jokowi Widodo (second from left) and his wife Iriana Widodo (left) pose for a photo with Chinese President Xi Jinping (second from right) and his wife Peng Liyuan at the Jinniu Hotel in Chengdu, China, July 27, 2023. Credit: Handout photo/Indonesias Presidential Palace via Reuters file photo

Fahmy Radhi, an energy observer at Gajah Mada University in Yogyakarta, said Indonesia could boost its profits 10 times by processing quartz sand at home.

This is a smart step to add value to the mineral, and we should support it, he told BenarNews.

Fahmy noted that Indonesia, the worlds largest nickel producer, similarly added value to its nickel ore resources by boosting domestic processing.

Indonesia increased its profits from processing nickel, a key metal for making stainless steel and batteries, to $30 billion last year from $3.3 billion in 2018.

Indonesia banned raw nickel ore exports in 2020 to encourage the domestic smelting and refining industries. The country has also attracted investments from foreign companies  especially from China  to build battery factories in the country as part of its ambition to become a hub for electric vehicles.

Maintain peace, stability in region

Meanwhile in his meeting with Xi on Thursday, the Indonesian president called on major powers to manage their rivalries and avoid conflicts that could threaten Southeast Asia, Retno said on Friday.

President Jokowi stressed that all countries, including China, must maintain peace, stability and prosperity in the region, she said.

She said Jokowi also welcomed the resumption of communication between China and the United States, the worlds two largest economies and strategic rivals.

Tensions have been brewing between China and several Southeast Asian nations over overlapping maritime claims in the South China Sea, a strategic waterway that carries about a third of global trade.

Indonesia, while not a claimant to any of the disputed islands or reefs in the South China Sea, has repeatedly clashed with China over fishing rights and energy exploration near the Natuna Islands.

These islands lie within Indonesias exclusive economic zone but are also claimed by China under its sweeping nine-dash line map.

Indonesia has rejected Chinas claim as having no legal basis.

Earlier this month, China and Southeast Asian nations agreed to speed up an agreement to prevent conflict in the South China Sea.

A code of conduct to prevent conflicts and promote cooperation in the disputed South China Sea has been under negotiation between China and the 10-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) since 2002, but progress has been slow.

BenarNews is an RFA-affiliated online news organization.
Rights groups have been calling on the Biden administration to bar him from attending under ongoing sanctions.

John Lee, chief executive of the Hong Kong special administrative region, speaks during a business dinner marking the partnership between Singapore and Hong Kong in Singapore on July 24, 2023. Credit: Roslan Rahman/AFP

China on Friday demanded the United States invite Hong Kong leader John Lee to attend the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in November amid media reports that Washington has barred him from entering the country, amid an ongoing crackdown on dissent in his city under the national security law.

"The APEC host country has a responsibility and obligation to allow all member representatives to attend the meeting smoothly," foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told a regular news briefing in Beijing.

"The U.S.' illegal and unreasonable sanctions on Chinese personnel, including Chief Executive John Lee, is an act of bullying that seriously violates the basic norms of international relations," she said.

Lee was placed under U.S. sanctions in 2020 as a "person involved in the erosion of the obligations of China" under the terms of the 1997 handover of Hong Kong to Chinese rule, in which the city was promised the continuation of its traditional freedoms for at least 50 years.

Chief Superintendent of Police (National Security) Li Kwai-wah speaks during a press conference to issue arrest warrants for eight activists and former lawmakers, in Hong Kong, July 3, 2023. Credit: Joyce Zhou/Reuters

Calls have been growing among activists and rights groups for Lee to be barred from U.S. soil after Hong Kong's national security police this month placed bounties on the heads of eight prominent democracy activists in exile, two of whom are based in the United States.

Mao said China expressed "strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition" to the sanctions.

"We urge the U.S. to immediately correct its wrongdoing, lift the sanctions on Chief Executive John Lee ... and invite [him] to attend the meeting as usual," Mao said.

Violent police crackdown

The Hong Kong government made a very similar statement citing the rules of APEC.

The Washington Post quoted unidentified U.S. officials on Friday as saying that Lee would be barred from the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting in San Francisco under sanctions imposed on him in 2020, after he oversaw a violent police crackdown on the 2019 protest movement before being promoted to chief executive.

London-based rights group Hong Kong Watch, which co-signed an open letter to President Joe Biden on the matter, welcomed the decision not to allow Lee to attend the APEC summit.

"This decision is in line with stated U.S. policy that officials who are sanctioned, have poor human rights records, or have not been democratically elected are not invited to summits," the group's policy director Sam Goodman said in a statement. "John Lee meets the criteria for all three of these areas."

"Given that the Hong Kong Government is no longer autonomous as a result of the National Security Law, the US and likeminded countries should consider whether it deserves a seat at future bilateral and multilateral summits and negotiations," he said.

Police stand guard outside the High Court ahead of the hearing for an injunction to ban the 2019 protest anthem Glory to Hong Kong, in Hong Kong, July 21, 2023. Credit: Tyrone Siu/Reuters

The decision comes as more than 45% of Japanese businesses in Hong Kong cited the national security law as a key reason for falling investor confidence in the city.

A joint survey of business confidence by Japan's Consulate-General, the Japan Economic and Trade Office and the Hong Kong Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry for the first half of the year found that 45.2% of respondents were "very concerned" or "concerned" about the law, compared with 40.7% compared with the same period last year.

More than 16% said it had had a "negative impact on business," while nearly 70% said the ongoing exodus of qualified people made it "difficult to secure excellent human resources," the survey said.

More than half cited the "weakening of Hong Kong's autonomy" due to Chinese government intervention, it said.

Rising risk

Overall, the law was associated with the "resignation of local employees due to emigration," "increased business risk" and a "decline in Hong Kong's reputation."

A Japanese journalist based in Hong Kong who gave only the nickname Atom said Japanese companies once viewed Hong Kong as the ideal place from which to enter the Chinese market, as business there was also profitable.

"I think the reason Japanese-invested companies set up branches in Hong Kong was to get information about China ... but the most worrying thing right now is that that information isn't available," Atom said. "They are also worried that their employees could get arrested in Hong Kong."

"I've started noticing when interviewing people in Hong Kong that there are certain topics you can't talk about," he said. "There are some messages that it's not safe to send on your phone."

"These are things that used to happen [only] in mainland China, but now I'm having such fears in Hong Kong -- mainland China and Hong Kong are becoming more and more similar," he said.

In May, Sebastien Lai, son of jailed pro-democracy media mogul Jimmy Lai, warned that Hong Kong is now a risky place to do business due to the suppression of promised freedoms under Chinese rule.

Translated by Luisetta Mudie.
This photo taken on May 24, 2023 shows excavators transferring coal at a port in Lianyungang, in China's eastern Jiangsu province.

Chinas coal consumption grew by 4.6% in 2022 to a new all-time high of 4.5 billion metric tons, dragging with it global coal demand offsetting declines in Europe and North America, a new report by an energy watchdog said.

The coal market globally rose by 3.3% to hit a fresh new record of 8.3 billion metric tons in 2022, and will stay near that record level this year due to solid growth in Asia for both power generation and industrial applications, said the Paris-based organization International Energy Agency.

The news comes as climate monitors warn of global temperatures reaching record highs in July, and coal is a major source of the emissions that cause global warming.

Continued strong growth in Asian economies offset declines in Europe and North America, highlighting the need for more robust policies and investments to accelerate clean energy development, IEA said in their mid-year Coal Market Update, published on Thursday.

Demand in China was higher than expected last year due to lower quality coal that resulted in higher-than-expected volumes, while more coal than expected was gasified to produce synthetic liquid fuels, plastics and fertilizers that increased the demand for non-power by 7%.

Coal demand in Indonesia soared by about 36% to 201 million metric tons, making Indonesia the fifth largest coal consumer after China, India, the United States, and Russia.

The IEA said 10,440 terawatt hours were generated from coal in 2022, which accounts for 36% of the global electricity generation.

Coal, being a fossil fuel, exerts a significant toll on the environment. Environmental organization Greenpeace has labeled it the most environmentally harmful and polluting method of energy production.

Coal is the largest single source of carbon emissions from the energy sector, and in Europe and the United States, the growth of clean energy has put coal use into structural decline, said Keisuke Sadamori, IEAs director of energy markets and security.

But demand remains stubbornly high in Asia, even as many of those economies have significantly ramped up renewable energy sources. We need greater policy efforts and investments  backed by stronger international cooperation  to drive a massive surge in clean energy and energy efficiency to reduce coal demand in economies where energy needs are growing fast.

Coal consumption will grow in 2023

China is the world leader in renewable energy, but it also continues to devour coal, mainly to continue with its economic growth trajectory and tackle power failures due to heat waves and drought.

In 2023, global coal demand is estimated to have grown by about 1.5% in the first half to about 4.7 billion metric tons. It was mainly due to the two largest consumers, China and India, growing by over 5%, more than offsetting declines elsewhere.

Global coal consumption, 2021-2023. Credit: IEA

IEA projected China, India and Southeast Asian countries together are expected to account for 3 out of every four metric tons of coal consumed worldwide.

In total, we expect Chinas coal demand in 2023 to grow by about 3.5% to 4.6 billion metric tons, with demand from the power sector up 4.5% and demand from non-power uses growing by 2%, the report said.

China and India account for two-thirds of global coal consumption, which means they use twice as much coal as the rest of the world combined.

In 2023, the duo could account for nearly 70% of the worlds global coal consumption, while the United States and the European Union could account for just 10%, IEA said.

Meanwhile, on the production side, the three largest coal producers  China, India and Indonesia  all produced record amounts in 2022.

IEA said China and India set new monthly records in March this year, with China surpassing 400 million metric tons for the second time ever and India surpassing 100 million metric tons for the first time.

That month, IEA said that Indonesia exported almost 50 million metric tons, a volume never shipped by any country before.

Edited by Joshua Lipes.
We are reminded, regardless of circumstances, to always do the right thing, whether it is popular or not. That need not apply to Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz when it comes to restoring the name of Dr. Matthew A. Gajewski to a medical building on Buffalos East Side. In fact, after four years of runarounds, I have come to characterize the county executives responses regarding this matter as The Poloncarz Shuffle.

Gajewski was a physician who practiced medicine on the East Side of Buffalo for more than 50 years. He administered to all residents of the East Side and served on the Buffalo Board of Education as its president. Gajewski served his country during World War II and was involved in the Army Reserves, where he was a colonel. He also was elected as a committeeman for the Erie County Democratic Party.

During the 1990s, Gajewski was honored by having the health care facility located at 1500 Broadway named the Dr. Matt Gajewski Human Services Center. It was closed by Erie County in 2009. In 2014, after renovations, the facility reopened as the Health Mall, with Gajewskis name absent from the structure.

After receiving complaints from the Polish American Community, I contacted Poloncarz and received a statement that said that it would be impossible to name the Health Mall after any one individual without snubbing someone else. It also included the phrase, in the interest of fairness and inclusivity to all.

Further attempts made by other Polish American leaders to restore the Gajewski name to the building were equally unsuccessful.

The various reasons cited for not reinstating the Gajewski name have included: The company that leases the building does not approve of the name; the name was lost when the building closed; the building tenants feel that the name is too difficult to pronounce; the building is in an area where Polish Americans no longer reside; and the mortar joints are too weak to reinstall the sign.

These responses caused concerns within Polonia. When the Ampol Eagle newspaper attempted to get these concerns addressed, it was brushed aside.

Poloncarz calls himself a proud Polish American. The time to do the right thing is now! Restore the Gajewski name.

James L. awicki II is president of the Polish American Congress, WNY Division.
A party official suggests the junta was responding to pressure to end the political stalemate.

Myanmars junta has relocated Aung San Suu Kyi, the jailed head of the deposed National League for Democracy, from a prison in the capital Naypyidaw to a more comfortable state-owned residence, a party official and a source with ties to the prison said Friday.

It has been confirmed that Aung San Suu Kyi has been placed in a house in a residential area of Naypyidaw," an NLD official who declined to be named due to security concerns told RFA Burmese.

A source with connections to Naypyidaw Prison, where Suu Kyi had been held since the military seized power in a Feb. 1, 2021 coup detat, also confirmed that the former State Counselor had been relocated, speaking to RFA on condition of anonymity.

Both sources could only confirm that the move had taken place recently, but were unable to confirm the exact date or location.

Media reports said Suu Kyi had been transferred to a residence for deputy ministers in the capital on July 24.

Attempts by RFA to contact junta Deputy Information Minister Major Gen. Zaw Min Tun for comment went unanswered Friday.

Junta courts found the 78-year-old Suu Kyi guilty of corruption charges and in violation of election and state secrets laws in December 2022. She faces a total of 33 years in jail for 19 cases, and had been held in solitary confinement in Naypyidaw. Suu Kyis supporters say the charges were politically motivated.

A second NLD official suggested to RFA on Friday that the transfer may have been made in response to increased domestic and international pressure on the junta to end Myanmars political stalemate.

The junta has let the world know through this transfer that it is also facing difficulties in resolving the turmoil in Myanmar, the official said.

The junta has been embroiled in a protracted conflict with Myanmars increasingly formidable armed resistance groups and ethnic armed organizations since the military detained Suu Kyi and other top leaders of the NLD during the coup.

Its also possible that the move was made to make it easier for international diplomats to visit her, according to Min Lwin Oo, a Burmese human rights lawyer who lives in Norway.

Next steps scrutinized

International media reports said Friday that Suu Kyi could be permitted to meet with Deng Xijun, the Chinese Foreign Ministrys special representative for Asian affairs, who is currently in Naypyidaw. As part of Dengs third visit to Myanmar since the coup, he has met with top military generals, including junta chief Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing.

Its most important that Aung San Suu Kyi agrees to meet only the people she wishes to, NUG spokesman Kyaw Zaw said. She must have the right to deny meeting with anyone she doesnt want to see. Thats why it is crucial to unconditionally release not just her but all political prisoners.

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, and observers are closely watching for signs of the regimes next move.

The move is just a political charade that does nothing to change the fact that she has been imprisoned for 33 years on bogus, politically motivated convictions in military controlled kangaroo courts, said Phil Robertson, Human Rights Watchs deputy Asia director.

Its also a continuation of an approach that started earlier this month when acting Thai Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai met with her in prison just before an ASEAN ministers meeting  its designed to make the junta look somehow reasonable rather than inherently rights abusing, he said.

But the approach is unlikely to work, said Hla Kyaw Zaw, a Burmese political analyst in China. In the years before the coup, she tried to work with the military for the sake of the peoples security, he said.

I think she seems to have finally realized that the military cannot be persuaded by any means, he said. Thats why she chose prison over reconciliation with the military.

The NLD has said it will hold a special meeting of its central committee on Saturday to discuss the latest developments.

Last month, a source with knowledge of the situation in Naypyidaw Prison told RFA that three military officers visited Suu Kyi at the facility on May 27 and June 4 to enlist her help in peace negotiations with the armed resistance, only to be rebuffed by the former state counselor.

As an opposition leader, Suu Kyi had been the face of Myanmars democracy movement and lived under house arrest imposed by previous military rulers for 15 of 21 years between 1989 and 2010.

Translated by Myo Min Aung. Edited by Joshua Lipes and Matthew Reed.
Family members believe that transfers are an excuse to execute the prisoners without accountability.

An inmate is given a medical checkup at Shwe Mya Yar Detention Facility in Bago region, Myanmar, July 30, 2023.

At least 13 political prisoners in Myanmar have been killed by the junta while transferring from one detention facility to another, family members and rights organizations told Radio Free Asia.

During the month of June alone, 37 political prisoners transferred from Daik-U prison, in the Bago region north of Yangon, went missing before reaching their destinations.

At least eight of these have been killed, the Thailand-based Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, or AAPP, announced on July 19.

Several family members have suggested that the junta is transferring the prisoners as a pretext to execute them away from surveillance, and they doubt the official explanations of how the prisoners died.

In one such explanation seen by RFAs Burmese Service, in a letter from prison authorities, a family was informed that the prisoner was shot while trying to escape after the prison transfer vehicle carrying him overturned in a road accident.

Prisoners are released from Pyay Prison in Bago region, Myanmar, May 3, 2023. Credit: Citizen journalist

In another case, prison authorities notified the family of 31-year-old Nay Aye that he had died in a strikingly similar way, one of Nay Ayes friends told RFA.

The mail arrived after 3 p.m on the 14th. It was the notification letter from the Daik-U prison department signed by Kyaw Zay Ya, Nay Ayes friend said. The letter said that he was shot dead while he and other prisoners were attempting to escape when the prison transfer vehicle transporting them from Daik-U to Tharyarwaddy Prison almost overturned on a road accident.

He said that the report was not believable and that he considered it to be a deliberate and premeditated murder.

Nay Aye was arrested in Yangon on Nov. 24, 2021, sentenced to life imprisonment by the secret tribunal in Insein Prison under the Anti-Terrorism Act, and then sent to Daik-U Prison by the junta.

While at Daik-U, he was praised by the prisoners for trying to open an in-prison clinic, get access to clean water and secure the right for political prisoners to read.

Zin Win Htut, 27, is another prisoner who was killed in a transfer. He had been incarcerated since December 2021 and was serving a 15-year sentence for violating the Anti-Terrorism Act.

His family was informed of his death on July 18, sources close to him told RFA. A member of the Myingyan University Student Union which Zin Win Htut once vice-chaired, said he believes it was an intentional murder.

Anti-junta activities

According to AAPP, the eight prisoners killed on transfers in June are Zin Win Htut alias Ta Yoke Gyi, Nay Aye alias Arkar Htet, Paing Myo, Yar Lay alias Zin Myint Tun, Pyae Phyo Hein alias Ko Pyae, Wai Yan Lwin alias Jar Gyi, Khant Lin Naing alias Ko Khant, Bo Bo Win alias Htan Taw Gyi, and Aung Myo Thu.

According to a junta report issued on Dec. 12, 2021, all eight were arrested for their association with the Bago Peoples Defense Force, or PDF, one of many grassroots militias formed by citizens after the Feb. 1, 2021 coup.

In addition to those eight, Aung Soe Moe alias Mae Lone died in Daik-U Prison on July 16. Maung Dee, a former lawmaker who was ousted during the coup from Waw township in the Bago region, died on July 17 after being transferred to Bago Hospital due to ill health, AAPP reported.

Earlier, in May, 19-year-old student activist Thant Zin Win and two other political prisoners whose names cannot be confirmed, were killed when 24 political prisoners from Daik-U Prison were taken out and interrogated again by the junta authorities, according to people close to the prison.

These incidents summed up the total deaths of 13 political prisoners in Daik-U Prison alone.

No bodies

Whenever the families of the dead political prisoners ask to see the body, the prison authorities always refuse, a person close to one of the families told RFA.

They said that he died but we couldnt see or know anything about the body, the source said. They issued notification letters to the families but we don't know what purpose they were issued for. We want to know the truth about what happened.

RFA reached out to Naing Win, the spokesman and the deputy director general of the prison department for comment, but his phone rang unanswered.

An AAPP official told RFA that these killings are human rights violations. He said that AAPP urges the international community, including the United Nations, to investigate and take effective action as soon as possible.

It was evident that the junta shot and killed the inmates from Daik-U prison outside, he said.  It is a really horrible and brutal violation of human rights.

Translated by Myo Min Aung. Edited by Eugene Whong.
UPDATED at 12:20 p.m. EDT on 08-01-2023

When she was just 13, Ngawang Sangdrol was arrested for protesting Chinese Communist Party (CCP) rule in Tibet. She spent more than a decade in prison before international pressure led to her release in 2002.

Now an activist who has worked with the International Campaign for Tibet, her mission to draw attention to human rights abuses in her homeland like what she endured is complicated, she said, by Chinas tight control over information in and out the region.

Arbitrary detention and arrests take place in Tibet at a regular pace, Sangdrol told RFA. But heavy restrictions on communications  digital surveillance is widespread  makes it hard to tell the scope of the abuse, she added.

A study from Rand Europe, a research group, released this week sheds new light on the extent of Chinas detention operations in Tibet - by measuring light from 79 sites in the region previously identified as detention centers of various security levels.

Rand researchers examined NASA satellite images from January 2014 until July 2022. While they believe that the number of prisons, jails and other detention facilities has remained the same over the past decade, they noticed that lighting at Tibets long-term, high security prisons experienced a major period of growth in 2019 and 2020.

The finding suggests a shift toward longer detentions as seen in Xinjiang against Uyghurs and other Muslim minority groups that have attracted greater international attention, the study says, although it adds that firm conclusions remain difficult.

In both Tibet and Xinjiang, growth in night-time lighting has been concentrated in higher-security facilities, suggesting that in both regions there may be an increased emphasis on long-term imprisonment and detention of dissidents rather than shorter-term detention, the report said.

The Chinese Embassy in Washington did not respond to a request for comment on the allegations by press time.

An information black hole

Rand chose to focus on light in part because there are few other options.

According to activists, Tibetans who speak out against alleged abuses face severe punishments. Tibetans have been detained for everything from communicating with foreigners to promoting Buddhist culture over Han teachings, a number of reports by the U.S. government and other entities have alleged.

But Rand said that information flows have become even more restricted as protocols put in place for COVID-19 made it harder for Tibetans to travel and as a system of surveillance has expanded.

Tibet is a black hole of information, said Ruth Harris, Rand Europes research director for defense and security.

Satellite imagery and nighttime analysis is an important methodology for understanding whats going on and to help policymakers to make good and informed decisions as much as they can, Harris told RFA.

The Rand study identified this complex as a low security detention center in Shigatse Prefecture, June 9, 2021. Credit: Google Earth





Stability maintenance

Rand used a similar study lighting in 2021 to document what it called the rapid, coordinated growth of detention facilities in Chinas Xinjiang region over the previous decade.

As many as 1.8 million Uyghurs and other Muslim minority groups are thought to have been detained by Chinese authorities. In a report last fall, the United Nations said it found allegations of torture and other severe human rights abuses to be credible and said they may constitute crimes against humanity.

China has called the allegations baseless.

Policies in Xinjiang and Tibet fall under Chinas policy of stability maintenance, a post-Tiananmen euphemism for crackdown on dissent. But the broader world has a much better picture of what has transpired in Xinjiang than in Tibet even though Chinese authorities have conducted a similar campaign of preventive repression there, Rand said.

Rand used data by the Tibet Research Project, which had previously identified potential detention centers in the region, as the basis for its own report.

Most of the 79 facilities appear to have light security, indicating that they may be holding facilities used to detain people for a short period.

A call for more investigation

There are 14 facilities identified as higher security in Rands report on Tibet. The facilities have a larger footprint and at least three watchtowers.

Researchers noticed an increase in lighting in facilities in Ngari prefecture in Western Tibet Autonomous Region, as well as in Lhoka, Nagchu and Lhasa, the capital of the TAR.

The report lists a number of limitations in its findings. Little to no information exists on whether a facility has been decommissioned, or who is responsible for running particular detention centers, or the overall policies guiding their operations.

Conditions inside the facilities are largely unknown too.

The precise workings, nature and scale of the CCPs efforts to imprison and detain Tibetans currently remain poorly understood and deserve greater study, the report states.

Sangdrol, a Buddist nun now in her 40s, said prisoners of her era endured brutal punishments during their incarceration. Shes heard tales of torture within the current prison system too, including through the use of electric batons.

But the groups overarching finding  that the detention facilities remain active  didnt come as a surprise to Sangdrol.

The expansion of higher-security detention centers and prisons are very likely considering the number of people arrested and gone missing, Sangdrol said.

Correction: Ngawang Sangdrol is a human rights activist who has worked with the International Campaign for Tibet but isn't a member of the group's staff.

Edited by Jim Snyder
Welcome back to The Azadi Briefing, an RFE/RL newsletter that unpacks the key issues in Afghanistan. To subscribe, click here.

I'm Mustafa Sarwar, a senior news editor at RFE/RL's Radio Azadi. Here's what I've been tracking and what I'm keeping an eye on in the days ahead.

The Key Issue

The Taliban created a special commission last year to help convince exiled former officials from the deposed Western-backed Afghan government to return to their homeland.

A spokesman for the commission this month claimed that more than 600 political figures, ex-officials, and other prominent Afghans who were promised amnesty had returned to Afghanistan since March 2022.

But dozens of returnees told RFE/RL's Radio Azadi that they left Afghanistan again over their disillusionment with the Taliban and fears for their safety.

Janat Fahim Chakari, the head of the private Karwan University in Kabul, said he left the country after receiving "many threats." "Unfortunately, we were not treated well" by the Taliban, he said.

Meanwhile, Lal Mohammad Gharibzadeh, a local anti-Taliban leader in northern Afghanistan who had returned to the country, was killed by unidentified gunmen last month. Gharibzadeh's relatives, speaking on condition of anonymity for fear of retribution, suspect that he was targeted by the Taliban.

Why It's Important: The Taliban appears to be using the return of former Afghan officials for propaganda purposes. Many of the homecomings have been heavily publicized, with Taliban officials meeting the returnees at the airport and taking photos with them.

Observers have said the militant group wants to boost its internal legitimacy and show that it is inclusive.

Yet, the extremist group has monopolized power, sidelining many ethnic and political groups as well as women since forcibly seizing control of Afghanistan in 2021. The Taliban's theocratic government remains unrecognized and appears to have little support among Afghans.

The Taliban has shown no signs that it is willing to form an inclusive government or accept any political opposition to its rule.

What's Next: More prominent Afghans who have returned to their homeland are likely to leave the country again amid concerns over their safety and mounting Taliban repression.

Zarifa Ghafari, a former mayor, is the only prominent Afghan female political figure who has returned to the country since the Taliban takeover. But she left Afghanistan soon after arriving and has since criticized the Taliban.

What To Keep An Eye On

Authorities in Iran's western province of Kermanshah have imposed new restrictions on Afghan migrants.

Hamzeh Soleimani, a local official, was quoted as saying that Afghans would no longer be allowed to live or work in the province as of August 10. He said any Iranian employers who violated the order would be punished.

It is unclear how many Afghans will be affected by the order in Kermanshah. Iranian officials have not specified the reasons for the move.

Why It's Important: The new rules in Kermanshah are the latest restrictions imposed on members of Iran's large Afghan community, many of whom have complained of widespread discrimination and abuse.

An estimated 3 million Afghans, many of them undocumented refugees and migrants, live in Iran. Over 1 million Afghan have arrived in Iran following the Taliban takeover, although Tehran is believed to have deported more than half of the recent arrivals.

Afghans in the Islamic republic say they have come under growing pressure from the authorities amid rising tensions between Iran and the Taliban over cross-border water resources.

In May, authorities in Iran's southwestern province of Fars banned retail stores and grocery shops from employing foreigners, including Afghans, as salespeople and shop assistants.

Juma Gul, an Afghan migrant who lived and worked in Fars, said he was arrested by police at his workplace and deported from Iran. "They beat us and said, 'your government does not give us water,'" he told Radio Azadi. "They treated us with cruelty and disrespect."

That's all from me for now. Don't forget to send me any questions, comments, or tips that you have.

Until next time,



Mustafa Sarwar



If you enjoyed this briefing and don't want to miss the next edition, subscribe here. It will be sent to your inbox every Friday.
The chairman of the African Union said on July 28 that proposals by Russian President Vladimir Putin to provide grain to Africa were insufficient.

In a closing address to a Russia-Africa summit in St. Petersburg, Azali Assoumani also said that a cease-fire is necessary in Ukraine.

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.

Putin earlier told the African leaders that Russia was ready to supply Africa with grain, some of it for free, after refusing last week to extend the Black Sea Grain Initiative before it expired. The deal, brokered last year by the United Nations and Turkey, allowed Ukraine to export grain safely from Black Sea ports despite the war.

The global price of grain has soared since Russia withdrew and since it subsequently began bombing Ukrainian grain export facilities.

Russia wants to provide 25,000 to 50,000 tons of grain for free in the next three to four months, Putin told the African leaders on July 27. Zimbabwe, Mali, Burkina Faso, Somalia, Eritrea, and the Central African Republic are to receive the grain.

Assoumani said Putin had demonstrated that he is ready help us in the field of grain supply," adding that this is important, but it may not be quite enough. We need to achieve a cease-fire."

Putin has shown that he is ready to engage in dialogue and find a solution," he said. "Now we need to convince the other side."

Putin told the African leaders that Kyiv was refusing to negotiate under a decree Moscow passed shortly after Putin claimed in September to have annexed four Ukrainian regions. Russia has long said it is open to talks but that they must take account of these "new realities" on the ground.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has rejected the idea of a cease-fire, saying it would leave Russia in control of about 20 percent of his country and give its forces time to regroup after 17 months of war.

Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhaylo Podolyak criticized what he called the Russians' "traditional negotiating whine." He said it "makes no sense" for Ukraine currently to negotiate with Russia.

"If Moscow wants to negotiate, the path is clear. 1. Get out of Ukraine. 2. Change the political elite. 3. Admit war crimes. 4. Extradite the authors of the war to the tribunal," Podolyak tweeted.

The expired Black Sea Grain Initiative previously enabled the export of 30 million tons of Ukrainian grain.

The British Defense Ministry warned on July 28 that African countries will experience prolonged consequences due to Russias decision to suspend its participation in the deal.

"The impact of the war in Ukraine will almost certainly compound food insecurity in Africa for at least the next two years," the ministry said.

Putin also said Russia signed agreements during the summit for military cooperation with more than 40 African countries.

"For the purposes of bolstering the defense capability of the continents countries, we are developing partnership in the military and military-technical spheres," Putin said.

Representatives of 49 out of 54 independent countries on the African continent, as well as leaders of the African Union and other continental organizations, took part in the summit, the second after the inaugural in Sochi in 2019. Of the 54 African delegations invited to the summit, only 17 were led by presidents.

With reporting by Reuters and dpa
Armenia has vowed not to turn back a convoy of 19 Armenian trucks carrying emergency food aid to Nagorno-Karabakh that has been blocked at an Azerbaijani checkpoint for the past two days as Baku refused to allow it access through the Lachin Corridor -- the only road linking Armenia with the breakaway Azerbaijani region.

The corridor has been blocked by Baku for more than seven months.

Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister Vahan Kostanian said on July 28 that although "there are no positive developments at the moment," the vehicles will continue to stay there "as long as necessary."

The Armenian government said on July 25 that it will try to send 360 tons of flour, cooking oil, sugar, and other basic foodstuffs to Nagorno-Karabakh to alleviate severe food shortages there caused by the blockade.

"We will try to ensure the opening of the Lachin Corridor through all the political means available to us. The trucks will continue to stay here at the moment," Kostanian told the media in front of the convoy.

He was accompanied by representatives of the diplomatic corps and international organizations accredited in Armenia.

Armenian officials expressed hope that Russian peacekeepers would escort the relief supplies.

But Vardan Sargsyan, a representative of the Nagorno-Karabakh separatists, told the media late on July 27 that no progress has been made and that the Russian side has not yet responded to the request.

In a statement on July 26, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry condemned the aid convoy as a provocation and said it was an attack on Azerbaijans territorial integrity.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian defended the attempted delivery of the humanitarian aid.

"We cannot turn a blind eye to the situation that Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh are currently facing," Pashinian wrote on Twitter.

"The 360 tons of vitally important foodstuff sent to Nagorno-Karabakh [are] exclusively for humanitarian purposes."

Tensions have been high over the situation on the Lachin Corridor.

Azerbaijan earlier this month suspended traffic through a checkpoint on the corridor pending an investigation after it said "various types of contraband" had been discovered in the Red Cross vehicles coming from Armenia.

The suspension of traffic heightened concerns over a humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh.

Both Armenia and separatist authorities in the enclave have said that Azerbaijan has blockaded the territory since December, resulting in shortages of food, medicines, and energy.

Armenia and Azerbaijan have fought two wars over Nagorno-Karabakh, a predominantly Armenian-populated mountainous enclave that is internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan. The most recent war lasted six weeks in late 2020 and left 7,000 soldiers on both sides.

As a result of the war, Azerbaijan regained control over a part of Nagorno-Karabakh and seven surrounding districts. The war ended with a Russian-brokered cease-fire under which Moscow deployed about 2,000 troops to serve as peacekeepers.
Brazilian authorities said they have rejected a request by the United States to extradite Sergei Cherkasov, who Washington alleges collected information on the war in Ukraine while posing as a graduate school student.

According to Brazils Justice and Public Security Ministry, Washington's request is without grounds as Brazils Supreme Court had already approved Cherkasov's extradition to Russia, which had been paused as Cherkasov is currently under investigation on espionage charges in Brazil.

In addition, Cherkasov is currently serving a prison term in Brazil he was handed for document forgery, the statement said.

In June 2022, authorities in the Netherlands said they had prevented a Russian spy, identified as Cherkasov, from infiltrating the International Criminal Court (ICC) as it investigates war crimes allegedly committed by Russian troops during Moscow's ongoing full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The General Intelligence and Security Service of the Netherlands (AIVD) said at the time that the suspect came to the country in April 2022 using an elaborate deep cover story that he had built up over the previous 12 years.

According to AIVD, Cherkasov is an agent with Russia's military intelligence (GRU) and used a fake identity to portray himself as a 33-year-old Brazilian citizen named Viktor Muller Ferreira.

The statement also said that Cherkasov was immediately deported to Brazil upon his arrival, where he was arrested on a charge of identity fraud.

Brazilian police said then that Cherkasov initially arrived in the country in 2010, positioning himself as a Brazilian national. He then resided for several years in Ireland and the United States before he returned to Brazil and started preparations to move to the Netherlands.

In April this year, the United States officially requested Brazil to extradite Cherkasov, saying the Russian man had conducted espionage activities in Washington in 2018, posing as an international student.

However, Russia was first to request Cherkasov's extradition, saying the man is suspected of international drug trafficking.

Bellingcat and The Insider investigative groups suggested then that Russia's move was to secure Cherkasov's safe return to Moscow.

The Wall Street Journal has named Cherkasov as a possible candidate for exchange for its correspondent Evan Gershkovich, who was detained while on a reporting trip in the Russian city of Yekaterinburg in late March.
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.

WATCH: Armenian police detained more than a dozen protesters outside a government building in Yerevan on August 8 after they demanded authorities take steps to unblock the Lachin Corridor.



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."
Residents of Stepanakert told RFE/RL of severe shortages of food and medicines after Azerbaijan blocked the main road to the mostly ethnic Armenian-inhabited parts of Nagorno-Karabakh. Armenia and Azerbaijan have fought two wars over the breakaway region, with the most recent major conflict in 2020.
With the ink still drying on the new Buffalo Bills stadium agreement, there is already disturbing talk of missed expectations and goals for the community. The time to rectify this problem is now.

This is an unacceptable situation, but it cant be entirely blamed on the Bills since a stadium construction team is in place. Among that teams responsibilities is to recruit minority contractors and its not happening, according to the chairwoman of the Erie County Legislature. Lead construction firms have not done nearly enough to recruit minority contractors, said April Baskin.

Delay is not an option. The construction team needs to communicate with the underrepresented contingent that are meant to play an active role in constructing the stadium.

If the team is making the effort, it will be easy enough to demonstrate. It just takes something the chairwoman is demanding  transparency:

Respond to the inquiries that Baskin says have gone unanswered.

Show the public evidence of concerted outreach to qualified contractors who fall within the realm of minority and women business entrepreneurs, veteran and disabled owners.

Display the call logs and meeting notes. That is if such evidence exists. If it doesnt, that tells a tale.

Baskin is disgusted, and rightly so. She says she has heard from a laundry list of people who tell her, We want to work. We just dont know how we can figure it out. Shes not accepting excuses like waivers and good faith effort and neither should the public. So far, evidence is mounting that the big-league players in the construction field are still hogging the ball.

Even Empire State developments assessment last month concluded that the Bills hiring through early June of minority and women-owned businesses, as well as service-disabled and veteran-owned businesses, is well below its expected performance under project participation goals. This is a $1.54 billion project. There should be plenty of work to go around.

Baskins anger should be shared by anyone concerned about public dollars being spent on a project that is legally and morally supposed to benefit the entire community.

The Bills are required to make and document a good faith effort to achieve at least an overall participation goal of 30% for minority and women-owned businesses, divided equally between each group. In addition, the Bills must meet a 6% goal for service-disabled veteran-owned businesses.

Kathryn DAngelo, the Bills general counsel and senior vice president for business administration, offered a pitiful excuse in explaining that 10% of the stadiums construction value has been awarded to contractors so far. DAngelo would have minority subcontractors believe that there is still time to access information and be hired for smaller bid packages. Why not earlier?

A spokesman for the Gilbane/Turner construction management team said fewer than 10 construction contracts have been awarded. But achieving the goal requires reaching out and explaining the process to those interested. It doesnt happen by osmosis.

Baskin said many state- and county-certified minority business owners told her that they have not received useful information about how to get started so they can participate in the stadium construction project.

The Legislatures chairwoman is right to be worried that the window is closing for underrepresented business owners to participate in what could be a life-changing opportunity. The Bills reps and project construction manager claim there is still time on the clock. Use it wisely, starting with communicating with all players. And do it yesterday.

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.
Civil servants who can't speak Kyrgyz will be fired from their jobs, officials in Bishkek warned as a law came into force making it compulsory for public-sector workers to be proficient in the state language.

Kanybek Osmonaliev, the head of the National Committee for the State Language, said on July 27 that officials who don't speak Kyrgyz have had enough time to learn it, as efforts to strengthen the status of the state language have been under way for years.

Russian is widely spoken in Kyrgyzstan, a close ally of Russia, with many ethnic Kyrgyz speaking it as their first language. While Kyrgyz is known as Kyrgyzstan's state language, Russian is called the country's "official" language.

"They had three to four years to learn Kyrgyz and had they been [diligent] they would have learned it in six months," Osmonaliev said. "All deadlines have now passed. Officials [who can't speak Kyrgyz] will be fired," he said without providing details.

The comment came days after President Sadyr Japarov signed a law that says Kyrgyz must be used in the activities of all state institutions, parliament, courts, the army, and the science and cultural sectors, among others.

Additionally, all television and radio channels -- both public and private -- must have at least 60 percent of their broadcasts in Kyrgyz, though Russian-language television is extremely popular.

The law also requires all state workers to be fluent in Kyrgyz. The list includes government officials, lawmakers, central bank employees, law enforcement officers, judges, prosecutors, defense lawyers, and notary officials.

But the new state-language law angered politicians in Russia, with Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov calling it "undemocratic" and "discriminatory."

Japarov rejected the criticism and said the law didn't discriminate against Russian, which -- he emphasized -- will remain an official language in Kyrgyzstan, according to its constitution.

Japarov spoke about the importance of Russian, especially its role as a lingua franca for citizens of the Commonwealth of Independent States. He said Kyrgyz officials often speak Russian even during official visits to China, the Middle East, and Europe.

But at the same time, Kyrgyz officials must also "fully master" their own language, Japarov said. "Look at how our state officials and deputies speak: half in Russian, half in Kyrgyz. None of us is fluent in either Russian or Kyrgyz," he said in an interview on July 24.

Kyrgyzstan first adopted a Law on State Language in 1989, and it has been amended several times.

"The previous law stated that 'official documents must be drawn up in either the state or official language.' Just because of this 'or,' all documents and paperwork had been written in Russian for 34 years. We removed that [in the new law]," Osmonaliev said.

The new law declares that all official documents must be written in Kyrgyz and will be translated into other languages if necessary, the official explained.

There have been calls in Kyrgyzstan since it gained independence in 1991 to switch from the Cyrillic alphabet to the Latin one, as three of its neighbors in Central Asia have decided to do. But Japarov and his predecessors have resisted such calls.

In April, Japarov said it was "premature" to talk about a transition to Latin.

The capital, Bishkek, is the only city in Central Asia that has kept the Soviet-era names of its districts, including one named after Vladimir Lenin.

When some Kyrgyz called for the renaming of the districts last year, Russian politicians and media furiously interpreted it as a "call to de-Russify Bishkek" and "the first small step toward squeezing out the Russian language completely."

Addressing angry reactions from Russia, Osmonaliev said on July 27 that "no country in the world is so accommodating to the Russian language as Kyrgyzstan." Like Kyrgyzstan, the former Soviet republics of Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Tajikistan also have Russian as a de jure official language.

"Russian officials claim Russian is being squeezed out in Kyrgyzstan. Look at the [new] law, which clearly states Russian is an official language. It is the same in the Kyrgyz Constitution. No other country has this," Osmonaliev said, adding sarcastically, "Or should we repeat it 100 times?!"
ODESA, Ukraine -- Tilted columns barely holding the dome above the altar, smashed windows, and chunks of debris on the floor of the Transfiguration Cathedral stunned and outraged residents who came to see the destruction wrought by a Russian missile strike. Polina Horobets and Polina Hrodovska, two 16-year-old girls who live nearby, cried and hugged each other. "My flat was shaking. I am shocked. I feel only fear," Hrodovska said. Serhiy Tkachenko, a priest who came to the cathedral shortly after the strike, when it was still dark, said it was "a soul-shattering sight." "I don't know how it could have happened," he said.

Volodymyr Vysotskiy, one of the workers collecting the shards of broken glass and shattered plaster, bitterly laughed off the crowd's indignation: "It is as surprising and incomprehensible as every single day of this war," he said. Odesa residents endured several sleepless nights as Russia launched a series of missile and drone strikes on the port city and other coastal areas, many targeting food storage and export facilities, after announcing its withdrawal from the UN-brokered Black Sea Grain Initiative on July 17. The Russian missile attack on July 23 -- the biggest air attack on Odesa since the start of the full-scale invasion in February 2022 -- killed at least one person and wounded at least 22, including four children. It also damaged or destroyed at least 25 historic buildings in the city center, which was added to the UNESCO list of endangered World Heritage locations this past January.

The destruction of cultural heritage in the city once regarded as "St. Petersburg on the Black Sea" by many Russians was something so far unprecedented -- unlike the fear and death caused by air strikes. At least 25 civilians have been killed and more than 100 wounded in air attacks on the city of Odesa since the start of the full-scale invasion. In the sprawling Odesa region, the numbers are even higher. 'Nothing Worse Than Idleness' The morning after the July 23 attack brought a spontaneous demonstration of defiance and unity, as hundreds of residents rushed to the hard-hit sites to clear the rubble and clean up the mess. Zenoida and Anastasia Chumak, a mother and her adult daughter, came to help out at the House of Scientists, a municipal organization dedicated to teachers and professors that is housed in the former palace of the Russian aristocratic family best known for its scion Leo Tolstoy.

When a missile hit private houses meters from the palace, its old stained-glass windows were knocked out and numerous pieces of early 19th-century furniture were damaged or destroyed. To Anastasia, a doctor who had attended conferences and concerts at the former palace in the past, the attack was tragic proof of Russian barbarism." "But there is nothing worse than idleness, so we came here," she added. Another building hit by the same shockwave was a mid-19th-century residence that has hosted a kindergarten for several decades. The twin daughters of Oleksandr Babich, a local historian and tour guide, used to come here every day for many years. The beautiful place that was their "second home" will now be out of use, and months of renovations will be necessary to bring it back to its original state, Babich told RFE/RL.

Babich was a member of the team that wrote a report for UNESCO that helped ensure Odesas historical center the status many residents expected would protect it from destruction. "We did what we could, but international organizations are hardly ever efficient or proactive in this war," he said, looking at a row of demolished buildings on Preobrazhenska Street. Massive Attack In the wake of the attack on July 23, Russia's Defense Ministry claimed that the cathedral was damaged by a projectile from Ukraine's air defenses -- not a Russian missile. The claim was picked up by some pro-Russian Telegram channels widely read in Odesa. The trajectory of the attack is now being studied in detail. Analysts point out that Russia is also to blame when Ukrainian air defenses do damage, because they would not be operating if it had not conducted air attacks in the first place.

Hennadiy Horbach, an Odesa architect who came to Cathedral Square after the attack, told RFE/RL that the destruction at the site clearly indicated it was hit by a missile. "The Russians want to humiliate us, but they only make us hate them even more," he said, adding that he believes the attack on historical sites in city center was intentional. Such sentiment was expressed by many residents on the day of the attack. According to Ukraine's military, Odesa was targeted with at least five types of missiles, including high-precision Onyx missiles, sea-to-shore Kalibr cruise missiles, Iskander ballistic missiles, and inaccurate but powerful Kh-22 missiles.

Lieutenant Colonel Serhiy Sudets, an officer of the National Guard, told RFE/RL that the cathedral was "undoubtedly" hit by a missile and that the accuracy of the weapons used in the attack indicates that the city center was targeted intentionally. But experts say that Kh-22 missiles have a 50 percent chance of hitting a target with a deviation of 300 meters, suggesting that some of the specific sites that were hit may not have been targeted. 'Direct Hit' In any case, the controversy gained traction among some people in Odesa because the city's main Orthodox cathedral is arguably the most unfortunate target for a Russian attack. The Transfiguration Cathedral belongs to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), the denomination historically linked to Moscow that is facing intense criticism in Ukraine over its reluctance to sever all ties with the Russian Orthodox Church and its head, Moscow Patriarch Kirill, who has vocally backed Russia's invasion of Ukraine and said Russian soldiers who die in battle are performing "a sacrifice that cleanses away all of that person's sins."

The UOC, which still dominates in Odesa, is a bitter rival of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU), which was recognized as independent in 2019 by the spiritual head of all Orthodox Christians, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople, ending centuries of Russian dominance over Orthodox Christianity in Ukraine. The cathedral itself -- originally built in the late 18th century, torn down during Soviet dictator Josef Stalin's atheism drive in the 1930s, and rebuilt after Ukraine gained independence in 1991 -- was consecrated in 2010 by Patriarch Kirill, who was accompanied by Vladimir Putin, then the Russian prime minister. "Hitting the Moscow Patriarchate is the only plus in this situation," Yuriy -- a friend of Horbachs who recently left the city of Kherson, near the front line further east, because of the constant Russian shelling there -- said with a half-joking sneer. After the attack, the head of the OCU, Metropolitan Onufriy, said that "anyone who aims at the sky eventually hits himself," without laying clear blame on Russia or Ukraine. But to the surprise of many, the Odesa Eparchy, which is under his authority, condemned what it said was a direct hit by an enemy Russian missile" and called the attack a "terrorist act." In an act of solidarity with the outraged worshippers, after the attack the local priests displayed a copy of an icon known as the Kasperovskaya Mother of God in front of the cathedral -- the original is held in another Odesa church and is said by believers to protect the city -- and organized a public prayer, saying that it was miraculously saved. Hard-Won Unity According to Valeriy Bolhan, editor in chief of the independent local media outlet Intent and associate at the Center for Public Investigations, an anti-corruption NGO in Odesa, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church is the "last bastion of pro-Russian sentiment in Odesa." Echoing an accusation frequently made in Ukraine against the UOC, he claimed that its leaders in Odesa have "close connections to the FSB, Russia's main intelligence agency. But sympathy for Russia is not just the province of UOC priests, and there are others who spread pro-Russian narratives among residents of Odesa, many of whom have relatives living in Russia or occupied Crimea. Some of the Telegram channels focusing on Odesa, such as the popular Typical Odesa channel, which is run by people residing in Russia, oppose the ongoing Ukrainization of the public sphere and take frequent aim at the patriotic course set by local authorities.

Many Odesa officials -- most notably the longtime mayor, Hennadiy Trukhanov, who was openly sympathetic to Moscow in the past -- have backed the national governments fierce resistance to Russia's invasion and significantly changed their rhetoric. Trukhanov, who angrily condemned the recent attacks, was detained by Ukraine's Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office in May. Investigators accuse him of embezzling 92 million hryvnyas ($2.5 million) from the city budget through a scheme involving the purchase of a building belonging to a bankrupt factory in 2016. He denies wrongdoing.

The mayor, whose rapid switch to Ukrainian and fiercely patriotic slogans bring amused smiles to city residents, had to wear an electronic ankle tag for two months but continues to govern as the case progresses slowly. Bolhan told RFE/RL that the authorities in Kyiv most likely use this situation to keep the controversial but popular politician "under their watch." When President Volodymyr Zelenskiy visited whats left of the Transfiguration Cathedral during a visit to the Odesa region, Trukhanov was conspicuously absent. Despite the strained relationships of the local authorities with Kyiv, the war has shifted public sentiment in Odesa further in favor of Ukraine. Bolhan says this transformation has been ongoing at least since the Euromaidan protests that pushed a Moscow-friendly president from power in Kyiv in 2014 and the deadly incident on May 2 of that year in Odesa, where supporters and opponents of the Euromaidan movement clashed and 42 people died in a fire at the Trade Unions House. "The full-scale invasion strengthened the pro-Ukrainian orientation of the city, and the recent attack will only fuel the anger at Russia," Bolhan said. He added that he hopes that the spurt of media interest sparked by the images of the damaged city center will draw the attention of Ukraine's Western backers to the citys insufficient air defenses. 'Russia Will Get More Aggressive' Those defenses were dramatically tested when Russia scuttled the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which for a year had provided for the safe transport of Ukrainian grain to the Bosphorus and out to world markets, and launched numerous attacks on Ukrainian food export facilities.

Following Moscows withdrawal from the deal, the Russian Defense Ministry announced that all ships traveling to Ukraine would be considered as potentially transporting military cargo. Kyiv responded by saying that it would treat ships traveling to Russia or the Ukrainian territories it occupies in the same way. Sidharth Kaushal, a research fellow at the Royal United Services Institute in London, said that Russia is extensively mining the Black Sea, will become "more aggressive," and may try to stop ships and continue to attack ports. However, he said Russia is likely to refrain from firing on ships, fearing the possible international reaction. At a briefing in Odesa on July 25, Kaushal said it is unlikely that Turkey or other countries in the region will help Ukraine overcome this blockade because Ankara, which is the only country in the Black Sea region capable of securing Ukrainian exports, has overlapping interests with Russia in North Africa, the Middle East, and Syria. "Russia is effectively blocking the northern Black Sea. And these actions can cause hunger, and we also see violations of food security," he said.

Andriy Klymenko, head of the Institute for Strategic Black Sea Studies in Kyiv, told RFE/RL that the campaign of air strikes on Ukrainian ports was "absolutely expected" and preceded by largely successful Russian attempts to minimize the export of Ukrainian grain by slowing bureaucratic procedures within the Black Sea Grain Initiative. "They wanted to show that they are leaving the deal for real and manifest to Erdogan and the UN that they can do whatever they wish," he said of the Russian attacks. Klymenko also said that a hybrid and conventional war over the Black Sea has been going on since 2014, when Russia seized Crimea, and that the recent escalation is developing against the backdrop of Ukraines current counteroffensive and its strikes at the peninsula, most notably at the Crimea Bridge. He argued that "until NATO frees itself from the irrational fear of Russia, the Kremlin will raise the stakes to the brink of international conflict and try to turn the Black Sea into its internal lake to pursue its economic and political interests."

'We Get On Your Nerves' Meanwhile, no vessels have been visible at the horizon from the beaches of Odesa, which are emptier than ever before -- the result of a ban on swimming due to the mining of the sea and pollution resulting from the breach of the Kakhovka dam on the Dnieper River, which led to an ecological disaster in the region.

Some people swim, and life goes on -- but in the second summer of the full-scale invasion, Odesans cant escape the reality of the war, and some who have suffered are seething with pain and anger.



Anastasia Sirchenko, a 23-year-old Odesa native, told RFE/RL that the missile attacks of the past week were "just scary," but that people in the city had "made their peace with the prospect of a long war. She left Ukraine for Poland after the beginning of the invasion in 2022, only to return a couple of months later as she understood that she is "at home only in Ukraine." Odesa is going through a large-scale transformation: As many as 300,000 of the citys roughly 1 million residents left after the full-scale Russian invasion and a limited number have come back, while more than 120,000 internally displaced people have registered in the city since February 2022. After she returned, Sirchenko joined what she calls a "nationalist organization" called Robimo Vam Nervy, or We Get On Your Nerves. The Ukrainian name comes from a phrase from an Odesa patois that mixes Russian, Ukrainian, Yiddish, and other influences. "We take what we find relevant from nationalists such as Yuriy Lypa" -- a writer and politician from Odesa -- and "fight with the weapon we have that is social media," she said.
I'm Steve Gutterman, the editor of RFE/RL's Russia/Ukraine/Belarus Desk.

Welcome to The Week In Russia, in which I dissect the key developments in Russian politics and society over the previous week and look at what's ahead. To receive The Week In Russia newsletter in your inbox, click here.

Scuttling a deal that helped feed the hungry, Russia attacked Odesa and a Ukrainian port 200 meters from NATO territory. President Vladimir Putin mixed threats against Poland with twisted history. Aleksei Navalny, already imprisoned, faced a verdict that could hand him two more decades behind bars.

Here are some of the key developments in Russia over the past week and some of the takeaways going forward.

Horrible Histories

In the months before he launched the large-scale invasion of Ukraine, Putin stepped up his efforts to denigrate that country in the eyes of the world, twisting centuries of its history and suggesting that it should not exist at all unless it is roped tightly to Russia.

Putins remarks, including a July 2021 article with the sweepingly presumptuous title On The Historical Unity Of Russians And Ukrainians, coincided roughly with an increasingly massive military buildup on Ukraines borders.

Seven months after its publication, Putin moved to seize what he falsely claimed had essentially been stolen, sending the military across the border to subjugate Ukraine -- a campaign that failed spectacularly in its first months, as Russian forces were driven back from Kyivs outskirts, but is still continuing today with no sign of an end anytime soon.

While Putin seems obsessed with Ukraine above all, his penchant for bending history goes beyond its borders. Lately he has turned his attention to Poland, a NATO member that borders Russia and -- despite a history of tense ties with Ukraine -- has staunchly supported its defense against Moscows onslaught.

At a meeting of his Security Council on July 21, Putin said that in 1939, Poland was thrown to the German war machine and formally lost its independence and statehood, which were restored in large part thanks to the Soviet Union  neglecting to mention that the Soviet Union invaded Poland that year as well, after Stalin and Hitler forged a pact paving the way for attacks from the west and east.

Putin said that western Polish territories are Stalin's gift to Poland and threatened to give Warsaw a reminder of this nonfact. He also repeated a baseless claim that has been made numerous times by Russian officials and lawmakers in recent years, suggesting that Polish leaders want to tear off a good chunk of Ukraine for themselves and that they dream of Belarusian lands, too.

He added that any attack on Belarus would be considered an attack on Russia, which would respond with all means at our disposal.

Putins remarks were echoed by a chorus of Kremlin-connected pundits and public figures, and Belarusian ruler Alyaksandr Lukashenka got into the act. As if on cue, he claimed that Wagner fighters who have apparently traveled to Belarus since the mercenary groups short-lived mutiny in Russia last month were eager to push across the border into NATO member Poland.

Big In Belarus

"The Wagner guys have started to stress us. They want to go weston a trip to Warsaw and Rzeszow'," Lukashenka said on July 23.

What does all this mean? Maybe not much, despite appearances, though it does seem to point to the possibility that Moscow could stage a false-flag operation to test NATO, whose members have provided increasingly powerful weapons to Ukraine but have avoided direct involvement in the war.

It also could be a way -- on top of sending tactical nuclear weapons and Wagner mercenaries -- for the Kremlin to tighten its grip on Belarus, which is the closest thing Moscow has to an ally, and to warn Lukashenka that he has little freedom of movement.

And it could be intended to divert Ukraines attention  and maybe some of its troops  away from the front lines in the south and east, where Kyivs forces are pushing ahead with a crucial counteroffensive they launched in early June.

Meanwhile, amid the Kremlins evidence-free talk of potential mayhem on Polands borders with Belarus and Ukraine, Russia has repeatedly attacked Odesa, Ukraines main Black Sea port, after scuttling a UN-brokered corridor agreement that for a year had allowed for the safe shipment of Ukrainian grain across to the Bosphorus and then to destinations around the world.

Using missiles and drones, Russia has attacked port installations and grain storage facilities in and around Odesa and Mykolayiv, further east. Early on July 24, Russia unleashed a massive drone strike on the Danube River port of Reni, about 200 meters from NATO member Romania on the opposite shore.

'Odesa Hates You'

But the attacks have not been limited to targets linked to the grain trade. Russia has hit residential areas and numerous cultural sites in Odesa, whose historical center is a UNESCO World Heritage property. An overnight attack on July 23 badly damaged the Transfiguration Cathedral, Odesas largest Christian house of worship and part of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church branch long affiliated with the Moscow-based Russian Orthodox Church.

The attacks have rendered Putins claim that Moscow is protecting Russian-speakers even more ridiculous than it already was and have fueled increasing anger at the attackers in a city where connections with Russia have traditionally been strong.

If you only knew how much Odesa hates you, the citys mayor, Hennadiy Trukhanov, who was highly sympathetic to Russia in the past, said in a video posted on Telegram. You are fighting against small children, Orthodox churches. You will not break us, but only make us angrier."

An Empire of Spite was how Eugene Finkel, a professor at Johns Hopkins University's School of Advanced International Studies in the United States, described Russia following the attack that damaged the cathedral.

The near-daily strikes over the past week are far from the first Russian attack on Odesa since the full-scale invasion began on February 24, 2022. Two months after that, a Russian missile attack on Odesa killed eight people in an apartment building including a 28-year-old woman, her mother, and her 3-year-old daughter.

Russias withdrawal from the Black Sea grain deal did further damage to the countrys image, which was already badly harmed by the death and destruction it has inflicted in the unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on July 17 that Russias decision would strike a blow to people in need everywhere at a time when hundreds of millions of people face hunger and consumers are confronting a global cost-of-living crisis.

On July 25, the chief economist at the International Monetary Fund said that grain prices could increase by 10-15 percent following Russias pullout.

'Stupid And Senseless'

Putin sought to court support among African nations at a summit in St. Petersburg on July 27-28, but the outcome was unclear. Far fewer heads of state and government were in attendance than at the previous summit, in 2019.

At the summit, Putin claimed that Moscow seeks to actively participate in building a fairer system of distribution of resources, asserted that said Russia is capable of replacing Ukrainian grain exports to Africa, and said it would be ready to start supplying grain for free to six African countries in three or four months.

Guterres was unimpressed, saying that process will rise as millions and millions of tons of grain are taken out of the market. He said that a handful of donations to some countries would not "correct this dramatic impact that affects everybody, everywhere."

In Russia, meanwhile, the clampdown on dissent that was intense for a decade but gathered more force following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine continued.

In a trial behind closed doors on extremism and other charges that supporters dismiss as politically motivated and absurd, Putins most prominent foe, Aleksei Navalny, heard the state prosecutor call for a conviction and a 20-year sentence.

Navalny, 47, is already serving prison sentences of nine years and 2 1/2 years on previous convictions that he also rejects. He has been behind bars since he returned to Russia in January 2021 after treatment in Germany for a near-fatal nerve-agent poisoning that he blames on Putin and the Federal Security Service.

In a last word in court that was posted on social media as the trial wound down, Navalny said that Russia is floundering in a pool ofmud or blood, with broken bones, with a poor population that has been robbed, and [with] tens of thousands who have died in the most stupid and senseless war of the 21st century.

The verdict is expected on August 4.

That's it from me this week.

If you want to know more, catch up on my podcast The Week Ahead In Russia, out every Monday, here on our site or wherever you get your podcasts (Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts).

Yours,

Steve Gutterman
We are writing this to call attention to a bill that was passed last week in the House of Representatives. This bill to fund federal labor, health and human services, education and related services for the fiscal year that begins in October was approved by a U.S. House of Representatives subcommittee last week. The Republican measure includes a cut of $60.3 billion - or 29% - for programs under these departments as compared to funding levels for this year. As advocates for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, we are very worried about the effects this will have on their services that are critical lifelines and supports for living in their communities. We are concerned that our representatives dont see the value that these services provide, and we urge the U.S. Senate to push back on these extreme cuts; and for the House to reconsider their decision that will ultimately hurt citizens with disabilities.
Gas Leak in Giaspura, Ludhiana

Recurring Nightmare: Another Gas Leak Hits Giaspura, Woman Faints, Prompting Authorities to Respond Swiftly

LUDHIANA: In a distressing incident, a gas leak has occurred again in the Giaspura area of Ludhiana, leaving a woman unconscious. The incident has raised concerns among the residents as it happened in the same location where a tragic gas leak incident claimed 11 lives three months ago.

According to reports, the gas leak, believed to be caused by sewage gas, led to a woman fainting due to suffocation. Upon receiving the complaint, the authorities swiftly responded, with the woman immediately rushed to the hospital for medical attention. The local police and civil administration officials have already arrived at the scene to assess the situation and are taking necessary measures to address the issue.

Advertisement

Inspector Inderjit Singh from Sahnewal police station confirmed the incident and stated that the area has been sealed off for safety reasons. The collection of samples and further investigations are underway to determine the exact cause and extent of the gas leak.

Residents in the Giaspura area are grappling with fear and anxiety as memories of the previous gas leak tragedy resurface. The incident that claimed 11 lives has left a lasting impact on the community, leading to a sense of insecurity regarding gas-related safety in the region. Authorities are taking this latest incident seriously and are working diligently to prevent any further harm to the residents.
The Canadian market ended notably lower on Thursday, weighed down by losses in real estate, communications, materials and utilities sectors.

Several stocks from energy, , consumer discretionary and industrials sectors fell as well, a few stocks from the healthcare sectors posted strong gains.

Weak bullion prices hurt materials shares. Investors were also reacting to quarterly earnings updates. The market also digested the European Central Bank's monetary policy.

The ECB raised its lending rate by 25 basis points today, and signaled a pause in rate hikes as soon as September.

The benchmark S&P/TSX Composite Index ended lower by 176.17 points or 0.86% at 20,385.47.

Among the stocks in the real estate sector, Colliers International (CIGI.TO) dropped 6.65%. CDN Apartment (CAR.UN.TO) drifted down 2.8% and Granite Real Estate Investment Trust (GRT.UN.TO) ended lower by 1.8%.

FirstService Corp (FSV.TO) ended down 0.41% despite reporting adjusted EPS of $1.46 for the second quarter, up from C$1.12 per share in the year-ago quarter.

In the communications section, Rogers Communications (RCI.B.TO) ended 5.5% down. Quebecor (QBR.B.TO), Telus Corp (T.TO) and BCE Inc (BCE.TO) lost 0.7 to 0.9%.

Atco Ltd. (ACO.X.TO), down 2.4%, was the biggest loser in the Utilities index. Atco posted adjusted net earnings of $87 million ( $0.77 per share) in the second quarter, $5 million ($0.04 per share) lower compared to $92 million ($0.81 per share) in the second quarter of 2022.

Among materials shares, Endeavour Silver Corp (EDR.TO) tumbled 8.8%. Silvercrest Metals (SIL.TO), MAG Silver Corp (MAG.TO), First Majestic Silver (FR.TO), Iamgold Corp (IMG.TO), Eldorado Gold (ELD.TO) and Seabridge (SEA.TO) ended lower by 6 to 7.6%.

Energy stocks Crescent Point Energy (CPG.TO), Athabasca Oil Corp (ATH.TO), Tamarack Valley Energy (TVE.TO), Secure Energy (SES.TO) and Vermilion Energy (VET.TO) lost 2 to 5%.

Among the gainers, Tilray (TLRY.TO) soared 10.6%. Celestica Inc (CLS.TO) and Precision Drilling Corporation (PD.TO) climbed 9.3% and 7%, respectively.

Ag Growth International (AFN.TO) ended stronger by 2.7% and Fairfax Financial Holdings (FFH.TO) gained 1.8%.

On the economic front, a report from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business said Canada's CFIB Business Barometer long-term optimism index edged higher by 0.2 points from the previous month to 54.2 in July.

Data from Statistics Canada showed average weekly earnings of non-farm payroll employees in Canada rose to 3.6% year-on-year to $1,201 in May 2023, after a 2.9% increase in the prior month. It was the highest increase in earnings since November last year.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com
Honda could use an existing brand name for the new bike, something similar to the strategy used for Shine 100

Every year during the festive season, most 2W OEMs introduce new or updated products. Its when consumer sentiments are at an all-time high. There is increased willingness to spend on big-ticket items like bike and cars.

In case of Honda, one of the upcoming products is a new motorcycle. Scheduled to debut on August 02, the new bikes displacement could be in the range of 150cc to 180cc. Honda already has popular products in this space such as Unicorn 160, X-Blade and CB Hornet 2.0.

Speculating Hondas New 150cc-180cc Bike: Whats in Store for Riders?

If Honda chooses to go with an existing brand name, the options include Shine, X-Blade and SP. These are currently among the popular commuter bikes in the country. For a long time, Hondas X-Blade has been crumbling in terms of sales. Numbers hardly cross double digits and often sees single digits and even zero.

Given that sporty 160cc street bikes are seeing new entrants and updates, Honda could cash in from a new vehicle. Honda has dropped first teaser. It shows a motorcycle with with chunky proportions. It is less likely to be a scooter as it boasts a long exhaust pipe. Which is a motorcycle trait.

Honda is only showing tail light signature, which could very well be an evolved X-Blades defining element. It even mentions Get ready to leave behind a trail of awe. Outgoing X-Blade already features slightly crossover-ish design attributes. It even has a fancy tail light signature resembling a Batwing.

Outgoing model already carries a lot more flamboyance in comparison to other commuter bikes from Honda. LED headlamps, sporty graphics, layered fuel tank, long and wide comfortable seat, premium chrome muffler cover and sporty tail light.

Balancing Style Formats: SP125 vs. 160cc/180cc Honda Bikes

There is a possibility of this as well. If it is an SP125, this new bike will be sharing much of the hardware with outgoing model. It will be interesting to see how Honda achieves a balance between the distinct style formats of its 125cc and 160cc / 180cc bikes.

In case Hondas new bike is a 160cc model, it will utilize the same 162.71 cc engine as outgoing X-Blade. It generates 13.67 bhp of max power and 14.7 Nm of peak torque. It is mated to a 5-speed gearbox. Some of the key highlights of X-Blade include a maintenance-free battery, single-channel ABS, a fully digital instrument panel and more.

This new bike is less likely to be a 180cc bike. But if it is, it will share Hornets engine developing 17.26 PS and 16.1 Nm, mated to a 5-speed gearbox. Because this new bike has halogen turn indicators, we doubt it is a 180cc grade like Hornet 2.0 is.

Honda has under-delivered to massive hypes before. So, there is a possibility of this being a very minuscule update to one of its existing motorcycles as well. Launch or unveil could happen on August 2nd.
Switch already supplies double-decker electric buses for BrihanMumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST)  Now Tata Motors Joins the Electric Bus Race

Double decker buses have proved to be one of the smartest mobility solutions as they take almost twice the passengers that their single-deck counterparts can seat. In a number of cases our single-deck buses are already hauling almost twice the passengers as compared to their official seating capacity.

There is a novelty factor in a double-decker bus and will prove to be quite an attraction as well. Tata Motors, Indias largest commercial vehicle manufacturer is betting on this genre too and has patented its design in India. Lets take a look.

Double Decker: The New Face of Urban Mobility

We recently saw Switch EiV22 electric double-decker bus that BrihanMumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) procured. The name is Switch EiV22 and it pays tribute to iconic red double-decker ICE buses of Mumbai. For India, Switch didnt just import an electric double-decker bus from UK and call it a day.

Instead, Switch transformed a 9m single-deck bus into a double-decker with extensive re-engineering of chassis, suspension and body. It is highly likely that Tata Motors will take a similar approach with its first double-decker electric bus.

To have a baseline, Tata Motors already has multiple 9m and 12m electric buses in its Indian lineup. These buses are available within Ultra, Urban and Starbus range of Tata Buses. These lineups further have AC and non AC variants along with low floor options. Tata offers both 400mm low floor height variants and 900mm floor height variants as well.

A couple of years ago, Tata made headlines suggesting development of quad axle buses for ultimate comfort. But the patent image shows only two axles. The patent image doesnt look like a 12m bus. So, a 9m length bus with a double-decker layout is highly likely. The colour is red, which is a nice touch.

What to Expect: Double the Space, Smart Design, Smarter Commute

A wheelbase of 4,920mm, a floor height of 900 mm, and overall width of 2,340mm is highly possible. Switch EiV22 is a 9m bus with 900mm floor height as well. So, this is likely to be a sweet spot for India and what Indian bus manufacturers seem to be aiming at. Powertrain options will probably be similar to Tata Ultra electric buses too.

Were talking about 245 kW peak power (329 bhp) and 145 kW (194 bhp) continuous power along with 3000 Nm peak torque and 1145 Nm continuous torque from its motor/generator. A large 124 kWh battery with 150 km of range and 75 km/h top speed like its Ultra 9m electric bus is probable.

Tatas 12m Starbus lineup offers 250 kWh battery with 200 km of range. Tata Electric double decker bus batteries will be scalable and Tata will offer bespoke solutions depending on orders. Export potential is high too.
PONTIAC, Mich. (AP)  Prosecutors began making their case Thursday for a life sentence for a Michigan teenager who killed four students at his high school in 2021, introducing dark journal entries, chilling video and testimony from a wounded staff member who dropped to the floor to block her door.

He was aiming to kill me," said Molly Darnell, who was one of seven people wounded that day.

Ethan Crumbley, 17, has pleaded guilty to murder, terrorism and other crimes at Oxford High School. But a no-parole sentence for minors isnt automatic after a series of decisions by the U.S. Supreme Court and Michigan's top court.

Oakland County Judge Kwame Rowe must consider many factors. Crumbleys lawyers argue that he should be released at some point, saying the violence was the climax of the teens untreated mental illness and abhorrent family life.

But in her opening remarks, prosecutor Karen McDonald said Crumbley was an offender like no other, torturing and killing birds months earlier, meticulously planning the shooting and willing to surrender to spend his life behind bars.

We must tell the truth. Our witnesses must tell the truth, and they must tell all of it, McDonald told the judge in support of a life sentence.

At Oxford High, Darnell worked with teachers on their lesson plans. She didn't know Crumbley, who was 15 at the time.

She recalled seeing an unusual rush of students outside her office at lunch.

I'm like, OK, it could be a prank. Is there something happening in the parking lot? Darnell recalled. That's when an announcement came on that we were headed into lockdown. It was not a drill. There were doors slamming and the sound of pops.

She said she suddenly locked eyes with a boy in baggy clothes raising a gun toward her.

I heard three very loud (shots), physically loud. I could feel them, said Darnell, who was struck in the upper left arm. I kind of jumped to the right and felt my left shoulder move back. It felt like someone had burned me with hot water.

She said she dropped to her knees to install a portable door lock and moved a cabinet in place for protection.

At that point I had sent my husband a text message, Darnell said. I said, I love you. Active shooter. He said, Just get safe.

She made a tourniquet with her sweater to stop the bleeding and called her husband to say she had been shot. Darnell did not return to her job when the school reopened a few months later.

It was just too hard to be there, she said.

There was a tense moment during cross-examination when a lawyer for Crumbley asked Darnell whether she knew anything about the teen's mental health or background.

Do you know how hard it is to heal from something like this? she replied. Learning what happened is not part of my healing process.

Earlier, relatives of the victims quietly wept as video of the shooting, recorded on school security cameras, was played in court. Crumbley, meanwhile, looked down.

Lt. Timothy Willis said a 22-page handwritten journal was found in a bathroom stall, apparently left behind by Crumbley before he emerged in a hallway with a gun.

I wish to hear the screams of the children as I shoot them, he wrote.

Crumbley also made a video on the eve of the shooting, rambling about the state of education and politics as well as God and the devil. He said he would kill the next day.

I'm sorry the families have to go through this, Crumbley said.

His lawyers introduced passages from his journal to try to show that Crumbley was deeply disturbed and in poor mental health.

I can feel the evil around me and even dogs sense it. ... I dont want to be evil, he wrote.

Crumbleys lawyers plan to offer testimony from an expert in child brain development and another who has spent time with the teen and performed psychological tests.

Crumbley is not one of those rare individuals who is irreparably corrupt and cant be rehabilitated, attorney Paulette Michel Loftin said in her opening statement.

He could be given a minimum sentence somewhere from 25 years to 40 years. He would then be eligible for parole, though the parole board has much discretion to keep a prisoner in custody.

On the day of the shooting, Crumbley and his parents met with school staff after a teacher was troubled by drawings that included a bloody body and a gun pointing at the words, The thoughts wont stop. Help me.

Crumbley was allowed to stay in school, about 40 miles (64 kilometers) north of Detroit, though his backpack was not checked for weapons.

His parents, James and Jennifer Crumbley, are separately charged with involuntary manslaughter. They're accused of buying a gun for their son and ignoring his mental health needs.
News / Local

by Staff reporter

PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has said the country is agreeable to the use of alternative forms of payment for various transactions as opposed to the sole use of the United States dollar.Yesterday during a bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the ongoing Russia-Africa Economic and Humanitarian Summit in St Petersburg, the President also appealed to his host to consider Zimbabwe's request to join the BRICS New Development Bank.This comes as many nations, such as Russia, China and India have been dumping the use of the US dollar with more nations, fed up by the US unilateralism and coercive approach to international relations, now seeking a new inclusive democratic order."In view of the sanctions imposed on both our countries and subsequent challenges in undertaking US-dollar denominated transactions, Zimbabwe is agreeable to pursue alternative autonomous solutions and the use of alternative forms of payment for various transactions. I am happy that the Russian Federation has already accomplished this as a result of the sanctions imposed on your Republic."May I highlight that Zimbabwe intends to bid for a non-permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council for the period 2027-28, we appeal for the support of the Russian Federation. Similarly, Zimbabwe submitted a request to you Your Excellency to join the BRICS New Development Bank; we equally count on the support of Your Excellency in this endeavour," said President Mnangagwa.The President said long-standing relations between Zimbabwe and Russia remain very solid and excellent, rooted in both countries' firm belief in the sovereign right of the countries to determine their own destinies.He said Russia has been a steadfast friend for Zimbabwe in both good and bad times, and that he is confident that those relations will continue to grow and strengthen.With Zimbabwe and Russia relations stronger, the President said he expects high level visits and exchanges between the two countries."On economic cooperation, as we forge ahead it is important for our two sides to work harder to further deepen bilateral trade and commercial exchanges," he said.He also acknowledged investments made by Alrosa, the world's biggest diamond company, in Zimbabwe saying it has contributed to economic growth.Zimbabwe recently took delivery of helicopters from Russia that have been distributed among other sectors to health delivery and policing, another batch is on its way.President Mnangagwa also invited Russian companies to take advantage of the investor-friendly policies of Zimbabwe and invest in lithium mining, agro-industry and infrastructure development.The President disembarks from the M1-38 helicopter that he was presented with by President Putin at the Russia Helicopter Company in St Petersburg yesterday.  Pictures: Presidential Photographer Tawanda MudimuRussia donated 11 000 tonnes of potash fertiliser, 9 000 tonnes of ammonium nitrate fertiliser in a gesture that the President said is testimony of the friendly relations between the two countries.Zimbabwe and Russia have also collaborated in space technology, enabling the finalisation of the testing of a satellite by the former with education in nuclear energy also set to start this year.Russia has been supporting Zimbabwe in the construction of the African Liberation Museum with its flag having been raised as a critical symbolic gesture to the role Russia played for the liberation of African countries."On international cooperation, the solid collaboration between our two countries at multilateral forums, moreso against continued Western aggression against the two countries, Zimbabwe strongly opposes the use of sanctions as a foreign policy tool which undermines sovereignty of nations."Zimbabwe has been under the sanctions from the West for the past 23 years but as a result, we now think outside the box and use our domestic resources to grow and expand our economy."Your Excellency, allow me to state that Zimbabwe is in solidarity with the Russian Federation in your country's special operation in Ukraine. As current chair of the Kimberly Process Certification Scheme (KPC), Zimbabwe unreservedly condemns the unjustified and vindictive ban on the sale of Russian diamonds on the world market. We reassure you of Zimbabwe's support within the KPC," said President Mnangagwa.In his remarks, President Putin said Zimbabwe and Russia have built well tested friendly ties that date back to the liberation struggle and continue to work together on the international platform."Russia and Zimbabwe speak on unified or close positions on most issues of the international agenda, your country has traditionally been supporting Russia initiatives within the UN, Zimbabwe votes for our nomination and supports us, we highly appreciate that."We know that your country is going to hold yet another general election, we are confident that this election is going to happen in full compliance to the national and international standards. We would like to wish you and the party you lead every success," said President Putin.
News / Local

by Staff reporter

EXILED presidential candidate Saviour Kasukuwere will know his fate today when the Supreme Court makes a ruling on his bid to contest for the presidency on August 23.Kasukuwere approached the Supreme Court after High Court judge Justice David Mangota barred him from contesting the presidential election.Mangota made the ruling after Zanu-PF activist, Lovedale Mangwana, approached the High Court seeking an order declaring Kasukuwere's candidacy null and void.Mangwana said the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) erred by accepting Kasukuwere's nomination papers when he had been out of the country for more than 18 months.The Zanu-PF activist made another urgent application seeking the execution of the judgment.He wanted Zec to start printing ballot papers without Kasukuwere's name, but the case was struck off the roll early this week.Yesterday, Kasukuwere's lawyers Welshman Ncube and Method Ndlovu told Supreme Court Justices Chinembiri Bhunu, George Chiweshe and Susan Mavangira that Mangwana had no locus standi."The right to approach Zec is vested upon voters registered in the same constituency," Ncube submitted."A voter registered in Bulawayo cannot challenge the voter in Chimanimani."Voters are registered in constituencies and not the whole country in the first instance."I submit that in terms of the Electoral Act, there was no locus standi."Ncube said a voter cannot approach the High Court to remove someone's candidacy.Ndlovu said Kasukuwere never ceased to be a Zimbabwean citizen."Absence does not mean one ceases to be a resident of Zimbabwe," he said."The question is did he cease or was he absent and the judgment court a quo says absent throughout."He never ceased to be a resident so the court a quo embarked on a wrong inquiry."The judges dismissed Mangwana's argument that the Supreme Court was a wrong court to approach.Mangwana's lawyer Lewis Uriri said the argument by the appellant was without merit. He said there was a distinction between nomination and election, adding that they do not mean the same thing.Uriri said Kasukuwere was failing to produce his passport or an affidavit confirming that he was not absent from Zimbabwe.Last week, Kasukuwere made another High Court application, saying Justice Mangota was a compromised judge "who had received a house from the State three working days before rendering his judgment.""I was shocked to learn that Justice Mangota was given an immovable property by the State on July 7, 2023, the date upon which he heard the matter and reserved his judgment," Kasukuwere submitted."Judges of the Constitutional Court had their contracts for purchase of houses cancelled by sellers after Treasury failed to release the funds."I am thus shocked that a High Court judge could get a house ahead of his superiors, that is the judges of the Constitutional Court and the Supreme Court. Even the Judge President herself has no house from the State."
Astronomers using the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope have captured a new image of Herbig-Haro (HH) 46/47, a tightly bound pair of actively forming stars located in the constellation of Vela.

Herbig-Haro objects are small bright patches of nebulosity associated with newborn stars.

They are formed when hot gas ejected by a newborn star collides with the gas and dust around it at speeds of up to 250,000 kmh (155,000 mph), creating bright shock waves.

These objects come in a wide array of shapes, the basic configuration is usually the same: twin jets of heated gas, ejected in opposite directions from a forming star, stream through interstellar space.

Herbig-Haro objects are transient phenomena  they disappear into nothingness within a few tens of thousands of years.

These objects were first observed in the 19th century by the American astronomer Sherburne Wesley Burnham, but were not recognized as being a distinct type of emission nebula until the 1940s.

The first astronomers to study them in detail were George Herbig and Guillermo Haro, after whom they have been named.

The pair of such objects, HH 46/47, resides approximately 1,470 light-years away from Earth in the constellation of Vela.

The most striking details are the two-sided lobes that fan out from the actively forming central stars, represented in fiery orange, Webb astronomers said.

Much of this material was shot out from those stars as they repeatedly ingest and eject the gas and dust that immediately surround them over thousands of years.

When material from more recent ejections runs into older material, it changes the shape of these lobes.

This activity is like a large fountain being turned on and off in rapid, but random succession, leading to billowing patterns in the pool below it.

Some jets send out more material and others launch at faster speeds.

Why? Its likely related to how much material fell onto the stars at a particular point in time, they said.

The stars more recent ejections appear in a thread-like blue. They run just below the red horizontal diffraction spike at 2 oclock. Along the right side, these ejections make clearer wavy patterns.

They are disconnected at points, and end in a remarkable uneven light purple circle in the thickest orange area.

Lighter blue, curly lines also emerge on the left, near the central stars, but are sometimes overshadowed by the bright red diffraction spike.

All of these jets are crucial to star formation itself. Ejections regulate how much mass the stars ultimately gather.

Now, turn your eye to the second most prominent feature: the effervescent blue cloud.

This is a region of dense dust and gas, known both as a nebula and more formally as a Bok globule.

When viewed mainly in visible light, it appears almost completely black  only a few background stars peek through.

In Webbs near-infrared image, we can see into and through the gauzy layers of this cloud, bringing a lot more of HH 46/47 into focus, while also revealing a deep range of stars and galaxies that lie well beyond it, they said.

The nebulas edges appear in a soft orange outline, like a backward L along the right and bottom.

This nebula is significant  its presence influences the shapes of the jets shot out by the central stars.

As ejected material rams into the nebula on the lower left, there is more opportunity for the jets to interact with molecules within the nebula, causing them both to light up.

There are two other areas to look at to compare the asymmetry of the two lobes.

Glance toward the upper right to pick out a blobby, almost sponge-shaped ejecta that appears separate from the larger lobe.

Only a few threads of semi-transparent wisps of material point toward the larger lobe.

Almost transparent, tentacle-like shapes also appear to be drifting behind it, like streamers in a cosmic wind.

In contrast, at lower left, look beyond the hefty lobe to find an arc.

Both are made up of material that was pushed the farthest and possibly by earlier ejections.

The arcs appear to be pointed in different directions, and may have originated from different outflows.
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 mis-regulation of a brain protein known as CaMKII which is crucial for memory and learning," said the study's co-senior author Ulli Bayer, PhD, 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."
Researchers have developed a new method for capturing the complex behavior of turbulent flames produced during combustion. Insights provided by this high-speed 3D imaging approach could be used to develop more efficient and cleaner combustion systems for cars, airplanes, factories and power plants.

"The high-speed imaging approach we developed provides detailed insights into flame dynamics, ignition processes and combustion behavior," said Qingchun Lei from Northwestern Polytechnic University in China. "This can provide insights into combustion efficiency, pollutant emissions and the optimization of energy production processes that could be used to improve the design and operation of power plants, engines, and other combustion devices, leading to reduced environmental impact and enhanced energy efficiency."

In the Optica Publishing Group journal Optics Letters, the researchers describe their new technique which adds high-speed image reconstruction and 3D information to schlieren imaging, a well-established technique for imaging and measuring phenomena in fluids. The new method can be used to quantitatively obtain the 3D density and velocity distribution of turbulent flames.

"The detailed understanding of flame behavior and ignition processes facilitated by this technique can also contribute to more effective fire safety measures by providing information on how fires spread, develop and can be suppressed," said Lei. "This can be used to enhance fire prevention strategies, improve building designs and develop more efficient fire suppression systems that could ultimately help save lives, protect property and improve overall fire safety standards."

Adding speed and multiple perspectives

Because turbulent combustion is highly dynamic and 3D in nature, it is difficult to quantitatively capture it sufficiently using measurement methods such as traditional schlieren imaging. To solve this problem, the researchers combined three imaging methods: fiber imaging, schlieren imaging and computed tomography (CT).

The new technique uses a series of fiber bundles to transmit light containing flame information from different angles. Each angle of light rays forms a Toepler's lens-type schlieren system that can image the density variations of the target flames. CT, which is commonly used in medical imaging, is then employed to reconstruct the 3D schlieren images. Finally, post-processing of the 3D schlieren images is used to obtain 3D density and velocity information.

advertisement

"Fiber imaging enables high-speed, simultaneous schlieren imaging from multiple perspectives in a flexible and cost-effective manner while adding CT enables the 3D reconstruction of target flames based on the multi-angular 2D images," said Lei. "The resulting high-speed 3D schlieren imaging technique achieves a frame rate beyond tens of kHz, which allows the capture of rapidly changing flame phenomena with exceptional temporal resolution, providing detailed insights into transient flame events."

Capturing complex flame dynamics

To validate the effectiveness and performance of the high-speed 3D schlieren imaging approach, the researchers conducted experiments on turbulent and laminar premixed flames as well as transient ignition processes. The experimental setup included a single high-speed camera, two Xenon lamps and a series of fiber bundles. The fiber bundles were positioned to capture schlieren images of the flames from seven different orientations simultaneously while the camera recorded the images at a high frame rate. The experimental setup is relatively affordable compared to more complex and specialized equipment, such as lasers, used in other techniques.

The results of the experiments showed that the high-speed 3D schlieren imaging approach successfully captured and measured the flame dynamics, structure and ignition processes.

The researchers are now working to enhance the technique's practicality and potential for commercialization. This includes testing its robustness and reliability across a broader range of flame conditions and configurations as well as optimizing the image processing and reconstruction algorithms. They also want to improve system integration and automation and further simplify the setup.
Fork-tailed drongos, belligerent birds from sub-Saharan Africa, lay eggs with a staggering diversity of colours and patterns. All these colours and patterns are forged by the African cuckoo.

African cuckoos lay their eggs in drongos' nests to avoid rearing their chick themselves (an example of so-called brood parasitism). By forging drongo egg colours and patterns, cuckoos trick drongos into thinking the cuckoo egg is one of their own.

But drongos use knowledge of their own personal egg 'signatures' -- their eggs' colour and pattern -to identify cuckoo egg 'forgeries' and reject them from their nests, say scientists. These 'signatures' are like the signatures we use in our daily lives: unique to each individual and highly repeatable by the same individual.

Through natural selection, the African cuckoo's eggs have evolved to look almost-identical to drongo eggs -- a rare example of high-fidelity mimicry in nature.

A team led by researchers at the University of Cambridge and the University of Cape Town, working in collaboration with a community in Zambia, set out to explore the effectiveness of 'signatures' as a defence against highly accurate mimicry.

They found that despite near-perfect mimicry of fork-taileddrongo eggs, African cuckoo eggs still have a high probability of being rejected.

The findings are published today in the journal, Proceedings of the Royal Society B.

advertisement

Researchers carried out field work in the Choma district of Zambia during September to November across four years. The first step was to measure the differences in colour and pattern of the fork-tailed drongo eggs and cuckoo eggs. The team found that the colour and pattern of cuckoo eggs was, on average, almost identical to that of drongo eggs, and that all the broad types of drongo egg 'signatures' were forged by the cuckoos.

"It is incredible how perfect the mimicry is. We have occasionally missed cuckoo eggs in the field because they looked exactly like the drongo clutch that they were found in," said lead researcher and Zoology PhD student Jess Lund.

The second step involved 'egg rejection' experiments in which the researchers simulated cuckoo visits by 'parasitising' drongo nests with foreign eggs from other drongo nests (as a proxy for African cuckoo eggs). They then checked the nest daily to see whether the drongo parents accepted the foreign egg as one of their own, or realised it was an imposter and rejected it by removing it from their nest. The team could then test what differences in colour and pattern between the foreign egg and the drongo's own eggs best predicted whether or not the drongo parents were tricked.

By combining results from both steps of the study, the researchers were able to create a model that predicted how often, on average, an African cuckoo would have its eggs rejected by a fork-tailed drongo host. They found the predicted rate of rejection to be 93.7%.

"We were surprised to see that so many of the cuckoo eggs were predicted to be rejected," said Lund "Our additional simulations show this is likely due to drongos having evolved 'signatures' on their eggs. Even though cuckoos have evolved excellent 'forgeries', individual cuckoos don't target individual drongo nests that match their own eggs. This means that for each cuckoo egg laid, the likelihood that it will be a good enough match to that drongo's 'signature' is very low."

Fork-tailed drongos have likely honed these 'signatures' and detection abilities through natural selection, explains Lund. "It's very costly for drongo parents if they don't have these skills. If they can't tell a 'forgery' from their 'signature' their own chicks will be killed by the cuckoo when it hatches, and they will be stuck raising a ravenous cuckoo for a whole breeding season."

The results of the study suggest that a female cuckoo may only fledge two chicks in her lifetime -- only just replacing herself and her mate. Researchers say that this would not amount to a sustainable population, which presents a puzzle because African cuckoos remain a common bird in many parts of Africa.

The researchers think that the fork-tailed drongos where the research took place could be particularly good at spotting 'forgeries'. "Perhaps this part of Zambia is a hotspot for parasitism, where drongos have particularly fine-tuned defences, and against which cuckoos stand little chance," said Lund.

The research was supported by the DST-NRF Centre of Excellence at the FitzPatrick Institute at the University of Cape Town, the BBSRC, the Royal Society, and the Department of Zoology at the University of Cambridge, and carried out with the crucial support of a community in Zambia who find and access drongo nests.
News / Local

by Staff reporter

A BULAWAYO High Court judge yesterday barred 12 parliamentary candidates from the main opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) from standing in next month's election, handing three Zanu-PF candidates, including Finance minister Mthuli Ncube, free tickets to Parliament.In a double blow to the Nelson Chamisa-led CCC, Harare High Court judge Justice Neville Wamambo also dismissed an appeal by the opposition party challenging 17 "bogus" candidates it accused of forging officials' signatures to file their nomination papers.Bulawayo High Court judge Justice Bongani Ndlovu disqualified the CCC candidates after 12 registered voters suspected to be Zanu-PF members approached the courts seeking their disqualification for allegedly filing their nomination papers after the 4pm deadline on June 21.Nine other constituencies will, however, still be contested because they have more than three contesting parties.In a judgment handed down on his behalf by Justice Nokuthula Moyo yesterday, Justice Ndlovu ruled that the applicants proved that the CCC candidates filed their papers after the stipulated deadline."It is ordered that the first respondent (Zimbabwe Electoral Commission) is prohibited from including the names of the following respondents in the preparation of ballot papers to be used in the general election scheduled for August 23, 2023."The respondents shall jointly and severally pay the cost of the suit," Justice Moyo said.Zanu-PF candidates Ncube (Cowdray Park), Industry deputy minister Raj Modi (Bulawayo South) and Tendai Charuka (Bulawayo Central) could benefit from the ruling if CCC's appeal is not successful as they will be left uncontested.But CCC spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere said they would appeal the ruling."Citizens have the right to nominate candidates within the ambit of the law and to be represented by Members of Parliament (MPs) that they choose in a free and fair election," Mahere said.In a statement, Mahere said the disqualification of the 12 CCC National Assembly candidates "is uncostitutional and further confirmation that Zanu-PF can never win a free and fair election in Zimbabwe"."The decision militates against citizens' right to vote in leaders of their choice. Section 117 of the Constitution unequivocally states that the legislative authority of Zimbabwe is derived from the people, not Zanu-PF or any other State institution," Mahere said."Accordingly, the thinly-veiled attempt to impose candidates on the citizens of Bulawayo is a dark stain on our democracy and confirms that Zimbabwe is now a full-blown dictatorship, worse than (under) Robert Mugabe."Yet even worse, Robert Mugabe never tried to brazenly remove opponents he knew he would lose against from the ballot."Mahere argued that the disqualified candidates filed their nomination papers "well within the time limits stipulated by the electoral law", adding that this fact "was admitted by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission, which is the constitutional and administrative body mandated to receive nomination papers within the ambit of the Constitution and the Electoral Act".CCC lawyer Thabani Mpofu said: "We respectfully disagree with it (ruling) and will be taking the necessary legal steps to ensure that elections are held."Candidates must continue with their work undeterred."The applicants had cited Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) Bulawayo elections officer Innocent Ncube, Zec chairperson Justice Priscilla Chigumba and the respective CCC candidates as respondents.In court, lawyers representing the CCC candidates submitted that the case was based on hearsay (and) without any evidence.Zec lawyer Tawanda Kanengoni had also opposed the application, saying the applicants had approached the wrong court.Kanengoni prayed for the court to "decline jurisdiction" and dismiss the application.Mpofu submitted that the applicants were not physically present before the nomination court and had no evidence that CCC candidates filed their nomination papers outside the deadline."Nomination court outcome does not give right to challenge it because that right is purposively accorded if they show a legal interest," Mpofu submitted."Applicant's legal interest should be in voting and if that right is taken away, then they can go to court, but as applicants, they have no right to tell people who want to vote for the other side that they don't vote for opposition candidates."Mpofu said the case was politically-motivated and sponsored by Zanu-PF.Another CCC lawyer, Welshman Ncube, submitted that the applicants' attempt to remove the nomination of opposition candidates based on hearsay was inadmissible in court.In Harare, Justice Wamambo ruled that the CCC approached the court with the wrong law in challenging the double candidates. He also said the nomination papers submitted were not different.The judge also ruled that the issue of signatures could only be verified by an expert.Mpofu had challenged Zec saying it registered the candidates under their party despite them providing specimens of signatures of persons from their party who were allowed to sign for candidates.Kanengoni argued that prior to elections, there was no letter that provided a specimen logo."There was no reasonable suspicious that the nomination officer would suspect that this is not the CCC logo."The signatures, I don't know what aspects of that signature the appellant has made," Kanengoni submitted."When you look at those signatures, there is no real basis where you can say they are different."They are substantially similar."Any nomination officer who looks at the specimens and the nomination papers would not say they look different. None of us are experts in that."
Imaging techniques such as computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography and ultrasound have become indispensable in the medical world. Each method not only opens up unique insights into the inside of people, but also allows physicians to draw conclusions about defects or functional processes in the human body.

A team of physicists and medical doctors from the Julius-Maximilians-Universitat Wurzburg (JMU) has now succeeded in making another -- and radiation-free -- imaging technology ready for use on humans. Its name: Magnetic Particle Imaging (MPI). With the portable scanner they developed, it is possible, among other things, to visualise dynamic processes in the human body, such as the blood flow.

Professor Volker Behr and Dr. Patrick Vogel from the University's Institute of Physics are responsible for this study; they have now published the results in the journal Nature Scientific Reports.

A sensitive and fast alternative

Magnetic particle imaging is a technique based, as the name suggests, on the direct visualisation of magnetic nanoparticles. Such nanoparticles do not occur naturally in the human body and must be administered as markers. "As with positron emission tomography, which relies on the administration of radioactive substances as markers, this method has the great advantage of being sensitive and fast without 'seeing' interfering background signals from tissue or bone," explains Volker Behr.

MPI is not based on the detection of gamma rays from a radioactive marker like positron emission tomography, but on the response signal of the magnetic nanoparticles to magnetic fields that change over time. "In this process, the magnetisation of nanoparticles is specifically manipulated with the help of external magnetic fields, whereby not only their presence but also their spatial position in the human body can be detected," says physicist Patrick Vogel, first author of the publication.

A small scanner for big insights

The MPI idea is not new. As early as 2005, the Philips company was able to show the first images of this novel approach in a small demonstrator, which, however, could only take samples a few centimetres in size. And the development of devices suitable for examining humans proved more difficult than expected, leading to large, heavy and expensive constructions.

advertisement

In 2018, the team led by Professor Volker Behr and Patrick Vogel found a new way to implement the complex magnetic fields required for imaging in a much smaller design. In a multi-year research project funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG), the scientists succeeded in implementing the novel concept in an MPI scanner (interventional Magnetic Particle Imaging -- iMPI) specifically designed for intervention.

"Our iMPI scanner is so small and light that you can take it almost anywhere," Vogel explains. The authors impressively demonstrate this mobility of the scanner in a simultaneous real-time measurement in comparison with a special X-ray device, which is the standard device in angiography in university hospitals. The team led by Professor Thorsten Bley and Dr. Stefan Herz of the Interventional Radiology Department of the Wurzburg University Hospital, which accompanied this project from the beginning, carried out the measurements on a realistic vascular phantom and evaluated the first images.

"This is a first important step towards radiation-free intervention. MPI has the potential to change this field for good," said Dr Stefan Herz, senior author of the publication.

Next steps in research

In addition to further exciting measurements with the iMPI device, the two physicists are now working on further developing their scanner. The main goal is to further improve the image quality.
The Orinoco crocodile (Crocodylus intermedius) is a critically endangered species native to the Orinoco River basin in Colombia and Venezuela. It is one of the largest crocodilian species in the world, reaching lengths of up to seven meters. Despite its impressive size, it is also the most endangered and least-studied of the New World crocodilians.

The species has faced a severe population decline due to commercial overexploitation of its skin, which was highly sought after by the fashion industry of Europe, the USA and Japan in the 20th century. As a result, the current estimated global population stands at less than 250 adult individuals.

Recognizing the critical status of the species, herpetologist Federico Medem established a captive breeding program for the Orinoco crocodile in 1971 at the Roberto Franco Tropical Biological Station (RFTBS) in Villavicencio. Currently, the RFTBS houses over 600 individuals, making it the largest stock of this species and the only one in Colombia. Remarkably, there might be more adult crocodiles kept there than in the wild.

Despite the success of the captive breeding program, reintroduction of animals into the wild has been challenging. This is primarily due to the lack of a comprehensive genetic characterization that can determine whether the population is genetically viable and has no signs of inbreeding, which can result in reduced fitness at the individual and population level. To ensure the successful reintroduction of the species, it was crucial to have a robust and conclusive genetic assessment that confirms the population's genetic health and viability.

"We felt a sense of urgency to determine the genetic viability of the population in order to proceed with the reintroduction of animals and establish new populations of the species in Colombia. Therefore, we conducted a comprehensive genetic characterization using fast-evolving molecular markers on a sample of 551 crocodiles," explains Ana Maria Saldarriaga, a former researcher at the Universidad Nacional de Colombia who is currently pursuing a Ph.D. at Fordham University.

"Our findings showed that the individuals within the population possess sufficient genetic diversity and are suitable for reintroduction efforts, as well as for maintaining and enhancing the genetic variability of the ex-situ population."

"We demonstrated that molecular data could be used to improve the management of ex-situ conservation programs well beyond what could be achieved with pedigree information alone," she and her colleagues write in a study just published in the journal Nature Conservation.

Based on the findings of this study, the Colombian government, along with other public and private conservation institutions and agencies, can use the individuals identified in this research to initiate the establishment of new populations in regions where the species has been completely depleted.

"Today, it is widely recognized that top predators, such as crocodiles, play fundamental roles in both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. They have a significant impact on the nutrient cycle, regulate fish populations, and contribute to important cross-ecosystem engineering processes," stated Mario Vargas-Ramirez, professor at the Genetics Institute of the Universidad Nacional de Colombia and director of the RFTBS.

"Therefore, the reintroduction of the Orinoco crocodile to the Orinoco region is an urgent priority. Additionally, as the Orinoco crocodile is considered an umbrella species, its recovery and conservation efforts will have a positive cascading effect, protecting a large number of species that coexist in the same environment."
An Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai study sheds light on the intricate interplay between mammary adipose (fat) tissue and breast health, and offers exciting possibilities for understanding breast development, lactation, cancer, and obesity and related metabolic disorders.

The study was published today in Nature. The research team was led by Prashant Rajbhandari, PhD, Assistant Professor of Medicine (Endocrinology, Diabetes and Bone Disease), and a member of the Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism Institute at Icahn Mount Sinai.

The researchers discovered a new family of locally secreted and locally acting molecules in the breast called "mammokines" that contribute not only to normal mammary biology, but to overall fat cell physiology and energy balance control.

Mammary adipose tissue has long been recognized for its essential role in breast biology. It consists of many different cell types, including fat cells (adipocytes), immune cells, sympathetic nerve fibers, and mammary epithelial cells forming a milk-producing ductal system. Mammary adipocytes play important roles in organizing mammary ducts, and the reverse is true as well.

The new studiesreveal an unexpected role for nerve-activated ductal cells in mammary adipocyte metabolism and heat generation. These mammary duct-secreted mammokines play an important role in controlling mammary gland fat abundance and could potentially orchestrate critical processes involved in breast development, lactation, and overall whole-body metabolic regulation. The findings thus have important implications for breast cancer, lactation-related disorders, newborn health, and metabolic syndromes linked to mammary adipose dysfunction.

"The discovery of mammokines is a significant milestone in our quest to comprehend the complex interplay between mammary adipose tissue and breast biology," says Dr. Rajbhandari "This breakthrough opens up new avenues for developing targeted interventions to improve breast health and combat related metabolic disorders."

The research team is currently focused on working to further identify new mammokines and characterize each of them. Their primary aim is to decipher the precise roles of these mammokines and determine whether they regulate systemic glucose and insulin homeostasis through communication with the brain, liver, and pancreas. Additionally, the team is exploring potential therapeutic applications for diseases related to the breast and metabolism.

advertisement

"This work holds enormous promise for future advancements in women's health and metabolic research and the development of personalized treatment strategies based on mammokine profiling," said Andrew Stewart, MD, Director of the Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism Institute at Icahn Mount Sinai.

This discovery is the result of the collaborative efforts of a large team of researchers with diverse areas of expertise in the United States and Europe. Research contributors include Sanil Patel, MS; Njeri Z.R. Sparman, BS; Alexandra Alvarsson, PhD; Luis C. Santos, PhD; Samuel J. Duesman, PhD; Chung Hwan Cho, PhD; Ephraim Hathaway, BS; Abha K. Rajbhandari, PhD; Peng Wang, PhD; Leigh Goedeke, PhD; Sarah A. Stanley, PhD, and Prashant Rajbhandari, PhD, Icahn Mount Sinai, along with Douglas Arneson, PhD; In Sook Ahn, PhD; Graciel Diamante, PhD; Ingrid Cely, BS; Xia Yang, PhD, and Aldons J. Lusis, PhD, University of California, Los Angeles; Alessia Centonze, PhD, and Cedric Blanpain, PhD, Universite Libre de Bruxelles; Noble Kumar Talari, PhD, and Karthickeyan Chella Krishnan, PhD, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, plus Atul J. Butte, PhD, University of California, San Francisco.

Dr. Rajbhandari is supported by The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Seed Fund, DK114571, NIDDK-supported Einstein-Sinai Diabetes Research Center (DRC) Pilot & Feasibility Award, and Diabetes Action Research and Education Foundation (DREF) Grant #501. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and interpretation, or the decision to submit the work for publication.

About the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai is internationally renowned for its outstanding research, educational, and clinical care programs. It is the sole academic partner for the eight- member hospitals* of the Mount Sinai Health System, one of the largest academic health systems in the United States, providing care to a large and diverse patient population.

Ranked 14th nationwide in National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding and among the 99th percentile in research dollars per investigator according to the Association of American Medical Colleges, Icahn Mount Sinai has a talented, productive, and successful faculty. More than 3,000 full-time scientists, educators, and clinicians work within and across 44 academic departments and 36 multidisciplinary institutes, a structure that facilitates tremendous collaboration and synergy. Our emphasis on translational research and therapeutics is evident in such diverse areas as genomics/big data, virology, neuroscience, cardiology, geriatrics, as well as gastrointestinal and liver diseases.

advertisement

Icahn Mount Sinai offers highly competitive MD, PhD, and Master's degree programs, with current enrollment of approximately 1,300 students. It has the largest graduate medical education program in the country, with more than 2,000 clinical residents and fellows training throughout the Health System. In addition, more than 550 postdoctoral research fellows are in training within the Health System.

A culture of innovation and discovery permeates every Icahn Mount Sinai program. Mount Sinai's technology transfer office, one of the largest in the country, partners with faculty and trainees to pursue optimal commercialization of intellectual property to ensure that Mount Sinai discoveries and innovations translate into healthcare products and services that benefit the public.

Icahn Mount Sinai's commitment to breakthrough science and clinical care is enhanced by academic affiliations that supplement and complement the School's programs.

Through the Mount Sinai Innovation Partners (MSIP), the Health System facilitates the real-world application and commercialization of medical breakthroughs made at Mount Sinai. Additionally, MSIP develops research partnerships with industry leaders such as Merck & Co., AstraZeneca, Novo Nordisk, and others.

The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai is located in New York City on the border between the Upper East Side and East Harlem, and classroom teaching takes place on a campus facing Central Park. Icahn Mount Sinai's location offers many opportunities to interact with and care for diverse communities. Learning extends well beyond the borders of our physical campus, to the eight hospitals of the Mount Sinai Health System, our academic affiliates, and globally.
Some organisms, such as tardigrades, rotifers, and nematodes, can survive harsh conditions by entering a dormant state known as "cryptobiosis." In 2018, researchers from the Institute of Physicochemical and Biological Problems in Soil Science RAS in Russia found two roundworms (nematode) species in the Siberian Permafrost. Radiocarbon dating indicated that the nematode individuals have remained in cryptobiosis since the late Pleistocene, about 46,000 years ago. Researchers from the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics (MPI-CBG) in Dresden, the Center for Systems Biology Dresden (CSBD), and the Institute of Zoology at the University of Cologne, all located in Germany, used genome sequencing, assembly, and phylogenetic analysis and found that the permafrost nematode belongs to a previously undescribed species, Panagrolaimus kolymaensis. They showed that the biochemical mechanisms employed by Panagrolaimus kolymaensis to survive desiccation and freezing under laboratory conditions are similar to those of a life-cycle stage in the important biological model Caenorhabditis elegans.

When Anastasia Shatilovich at the Institute of Physicochemical and Biological Problems in Soil Science RAS in Russia revived two frozen individual nematodes from a fossilized burrow in silt deposits in the Siberian permafrost, she and her colleagues were beyond excited. After thawing the worms in the lab, a radiocarbon analysis of plant material from the burrow revealed that these frozen deposits, 40 meters below the surface, had not thawed since the late Pleistocene, between 45,839 and 47,769 years ago. At the same time, the research group of Teymuras Kurzchalia at the MPI-CBG (Teymuras Kurzchalia is now retired) was already addressing the question of how larval stages of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans survive extreme conditions. When the team heard about the permafrost nematodes, they immediately reached out for a collaboration with Anastasia Shatilovich.

Vamshidhar Gade, a doctoral student at that time in the research group of Teymuras Kurzchalia, started to work with the permafrost nematodes. "What molecular and metabolic pathways these cryptobiotic organisms use and how long they would be able to suspend life are not fully understood," he says. Vamshidhar is now working at the ETH in Zurich, Switzerland.

The researchers in Dresden conducted a high-quality genome assembly of one of the permafrost nematodes in collaboration with Eugene Myers, Director Emeritus and research group leader at the MPI-CBG, the DRESDEN-concept Genome Center, and the research group of Michael Hiller, research group leader at that time at the MPI-CBG and now Professor of Comparative Genomics at the LOEWE-TBG and the Senckenberg Society for Nature Research. Despite having DNA barcoding sequences and microscopic pictures, it was difficult to determine whether the permafrost worm was a new species or not. Philipp Schiffer, research group leader at the Institute of Zoology, co-lead of the incipient Biodiversity Genomics Center Cologne (BioC2) at the University of Cologne, and expert in biodiversity genomics research, joined forces with the Dresden researchers to determine the species and analyze its genome with his team. Using phylogenomic analysis, he and his team were able to define the roundworm as a novel species, and the team decided to call it "Panagrolaimus kolymaensis." In recognition of the Kolyma River region from which it originated, the nematode was given the Latin name Kolymaensis.

By comparing the genome of Panagrolaimus kolymaensis with that of the model nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, the researchers in Cologne identified genes that both species have in common and that are involved in cryptobiosis. To their surprise, most of the genes necessary for entering cryptobiosis in Caenorhabditis elegans so-called Dauer larvae were also present in Panagrolaimus kolymaensis. The research team next evaluated Panagrolaimus kolymaensis's ability to survive and discovered that mild dehydration exposure before freezing helped the worms prepare for cryptobiosis and increased survival at -80 degrees Celsius. At a biochemical level, both species produced a sugar called trehalose when mildly dehydrated in the lab, possibly enabling them to endure freezing and intense dehydration. Caenorhabditis elegans larvae also benefited from this treatment, surviving for 480 days at -80 degrees Celsius without suffering any declines in viability or reproduction following thawing.

According to Vamshidhar Gade and Temo Kurzhchalia, "Our experimental findings also show that Caenorhabditis elegans can remain viable for longer periods in a suspended state than previously documented. Overall, our research demonstrates that nematodes have developed mechanisms that allow them to preserve life for geological time periods."

"Our findings are essential for understanding evolutionary processes because generation times can range from days to millennia and because the long-term survival of a species' individuals can result in the re-emergence of lineages that would otherwise have gone extinct," concludes Philipp Schiffer, one of the authors who oversaw the study. Eugene Myers adds: "P. kolymaensis's highly contiguous genome will make it possible to compare this feature to those of other Panagrolaimus species whose genomes are presently being sequenced by Schiffer's team and colleagues." Philipp Schiffer is convinced that "studying the adaptation of species to such extreme environments by analyzing their genomes will allow us to develop better conservation strategies in the face of global warming.." Teymuras Kurzchalia says: "This study extends the longest reported cryptobiosis in nematodes by tens of thousands of years."
News / Local

by Staff reporter

Purged independent presidential candidate Saviour Kasukuwere says his family home in Harare was Friday visited by officers from the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) amid signs the Emmerson Mnangagwa led regime was not relenting in its bid to press corruption allegations against the former Zanu PF political commissar.Posting on his Twitter handle Friday, the exiled politician, banned Friday by the Supreme Court from contesting the Zimbabwe incumbent in elections due 23 August, claimed renewed persecution for daring to challenge Mnangagwa."Desperation on steroids! Why is the regime sending ZACC to my family home. What valuation are you carrying out? @edmnangagwa. Is it criminal to contest you?" Kasukuwere said.Kasukuwere's spokesperson Jacqueline Sande confirmed ZACC officers indeed visited his home to "carry out some investigations over how he bought his house".She described the visit as an act of victimisation against the politician."The visit by ZACC is in perpetuation of the victimisation and persecution of President Saviour Kasukuwere which followed his nomination as presidential candidate," Sande said."We however wish to remind the authorities that it is not a crime to contest for presidency."If indeed such investigations were genuine, they should have been done earlier. The timing alone is enough proof that the intention is sinister."Asked to shed light on the object of their visit to Kasukuwere's home, ZACC spokesperson Thandiwe Mlobane asked this reporter to send questions via WhatsApp text saying she was driving from "out of town"."Right now, I am out of town. I am driving to Harare. Please put your questions on WhatsApp so that by the time I get to Harare, I would also have been briefed on the matter," Mlobane said.A follow-up attempt later in the evening drew blanks as she said she was not yet in Harare.Kasukuwere, once an ally to the Zimbabwe incumbent when the two served in former President Robert Mugabe's government, was hounded into exile 2017 when the military staged a coup against the late leader.Military spokespersons claimed at the time the coup was triggered by "criminals" who were allies to Mugabe from whom they sought protection.Soon after being installed by the military, Mnangagwa would open corruption charges against Kasukuwere and some former party politicians who once fronted a rival Zanu PF faction commonly referred to as G40.The politician denies acts of corruption and claims his prosecution was an attempt by the incumbent to settle grudges dating back to party's succession fights that ensued when it became apparent Mugabe was in the twilight of his long rule.
News / National

by Simbarashe Sithole in Concesion

An unlicensed Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) officer Felix Nyakurerwa (36) who fled from a roadblock along Harare-Mukumbura road while clad in police uniform driving a Toyota Wish with seven passengers on board has been issued a warrant of arrest at the Concession magistrates courts today.Nyakurerwa (36) who works at ZRP Protection Unit in Harare defaulted court today for judgement by magistrate Mr Joshua Nembaware.The state alleged on December 3 Nyakurerwa was stopped by his collegues at the 40 kilometre peg along Harare-Mukumbura highway while driving his black Toyota Wish registration number AEO2478 with seven passangerson board.He briefly stopped and was asked to produce his identification card and he sped off.One of the officers made a chase and caught him at Mazowe bus stop where he arrested him.Precious Khanye prosecuted.
Tracy Spincich

Northwest Ed has strong early childhood partnerships across the region.

GSRP is Michigans preschool program that's funded in all of the states 56 intermediate school districts.
Central African Republic: Yesterdays Vote on the Extension of the Sanctions Regime*

Yesterday (27 July), the Security Council adopted resolution 2693, extending the sanctions measures on the Central African Republic (CAR) until 31 July 2024 and the mandate of the Panel of Experts assisting the 2127 CAR Sanctions Committee until 31 August 2024. Thirteen members voted in favour and two abstained (China and Russia). The draft text was authored by France, the penholder on the CAR.

France circulated a zero draft of the resolution on 18 July and convened one round of expert-level negotiations on 20 July. After Council members submitted their comments, the penholder circulated a revised text on Monday (24 July) and placed it under silence procedure until Tuesday morning (25 July). The Councils A3 members (Gabon, Ghana, and Mozambique) and China broke silence. At that point, Russia also circulated an alternative text. The penholder revised its draft text and placed it under a second silence procedure until Wednesday morning (26 July) at 10:00 am, which was extended until 11:00 am at the request of the A3. Nevertheless, the A3 broke silence again and proposed further changes to the text. The penholder accommodated those changes and then placed the text in blue, to be voted on yesterday afternoon (27 July). Russia did not place its alternative draft text in blue.

Background

The CAR government has been calling for the lifting of the arms embargo imposed on the country under the 2127 CAR sanctions regime. The AU Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) and the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) have expressed support for this request, including most recently in communiques issued on 13 June and 1 July, respectively. The CARs Minister for Foreign Affairs, Francophonie, and Central Africans Abroad Sylvie Valerie Baipo Temon reiterated her governments request for the lifting of the arms embargo at the Councils 20 June briefing on the CAR.

The A3, China, and Russia have expressed support for the CARs request, while other Council members have opposed this move, arguing that the arms embargo does not prevent the CAR government from acquiring weapons. Some of these members also point to the benchmarks set out in the Councils 9 April 2019 presidential statement to guide the suspension or progressive lifting of the arms embargo. The Secretary-General said in his latest assessment on progress achieved on these benchmarks, dated 14 June, that the authorities still need to take further steps to fulfill the benchmarks, in particular to implement the national disarmament, demobilization, reintegration and repatriation programme (DDRR) and to establish a more effective weapons and ammunition management system.

Negotiations

In an apparent attempt to address the CAR governments concerns, the zero draft circulated by the penholder proposed the lifting of the notification requirement for [s]upplies of weapons and ammunition, military vehicles and equipment, and provision of related assistance, to the CAR security forces, including state civilian law enforcement institutions, and intended solely for support of or use in the CAR process of SSR [Security Sector Reform]. This proposal seems to mirror the Security Councils decision in December 2022 to remove a similar notification requirement imposed on the Congolese government under the 1533 Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) sanctions regime. (For more information, see our 19 December 2022 Whats in Blue story.) Therefore, the negotiations on the draft resolution were expected to be straightforward, but the CAR government was apparently not satisfied with the penholders proposal and insisted on the total lifting of the arms embargo. This entails removing the sanctions measures not only on the government but also on the armed groups, an issue that divided Council members and complicated the negotiations.

Before Council members began negotiating the zero draft circulated by the penholder, Temon sent a letter to the Security Council on 18 July reaffirming her countrys position and appealing to Council members for their support. Although France apparently consulted with the CAR authorities in Bangui about the extension of the sanctions regime, Temon denied in her letter that such consultations had taken place and described the zero draft text as a regressive step that did not acknowledge the CARs progress in implementing the benchmarks. Furthermore, Temon referred to the regional security dynamics, focusing on the escalation of violence in Sudan, and argued that the arms embargo has undermined the CARs ability to defend itself. She also complained about the draft text allegedly equating the legitimate CAR government with armed groups, which are equipping themselves outrageously, according to Temon.

Several Council members strongly opposed the CAR governments request, apparently because of serious concerns about the possible proliferation of weapons, which could further exacerbate the security situation in the country. However, some of the Council members who supported the CAR governments request maintained that the arms embargo has not effectively prevented armed groups from acquiring weapons. After the first round of negotiations, the penholder circulated a revised text proposing a compromise to lift the arms embargo on the CAR government. The revised text stated that the arms embargo measures established by resolution 2127 (2013) and the notification requirements set out in paragraph 1 of resolution 2648 (2022) shall no longer apply to the supply, sale or transfer of arms and related materiel and the provision of assistance, advice and training to the CAR security forces, including state civilian law enforcement institutions and intended solely for support of or use in the CAR process of security sector reform (SSR). The revised text retained all other sanctions measures, however, including the obligation for bilateral and multilateral partners to notify the 2127 CAR Sanctions Committee, except for deliveries to the CAR government. The A3 broke silence on this draft text, expressing their position that the lifting of the arms embargo should not be conditioned on support for the SSR process.

At the same time that China and the A3 broke silence, Russia presented an alternative text proposing the complete lifting of the arms embargo, in line with the CARs request. The Russian text also contained language which opens for discussion the mandate of the Panel of Experts assisting the 2127 CAR Sanctions Committee. It seems that the panels final report, submitted on 18 May, was critical of Russia. Among other issues, the report says that the CAR authorities did not provide clarity on weapons and aircraft that were transferred from Russia without advance notification to the 2127 CAR Sanctions Committee. It notes other cases in which advance notification was given on the transfer of Russian military vehicles that were then used in mining sites, contrary to what was stated in the notification.

The penholder made further revisions to its draft text and removed the SSR reference to accommodate the A3s comments and placed the text under a second silence procedure. Apparently, the penholder was not willing to open discussion on the mandate of the Panel of Experts because it was not an issue raised during the negotiations. The A3 broke silence, followed by China and Russia. The A3 suggested the further restructuring of the text to separate operative paragraph 1, which lifts the arms embargo, from the rest of the paragraph that refers to retaining all other sanctions measures. They also proposed deleting the reference to paragraph 4 of resolution 2488 of 12 September 2019, which requires that all notification or exemption requests provide a detailed explanation of how the assistance supports the SSR process. Russiawho continued engaging on the penholders draft despite proposing an alternative draftand China insisted on the need to reflect the CAR governments request. The penholder again made further revisions to the draft text to address the concerns expressed by the A3 and placed it in blue.

While there were concerns ahead of yesterdays vote that Russia might cast a veto to block the draft text authored by France, it did not do so. The fact that the A3 were comfortable with the penholders draft text in blue may have contributed to Russias decision. Temon attended yesterdays vote and conveyed the CAR governments dissatisfaction with the resolution, saying that the governments request for the total lifting of the arms embargo was not fully accommodated.

____________________________________________________________

*Post-script: On 27 July, the Security Council adopted resolution 2693 extending the sanctions measures on the Central African Republic (CAR) until 31 July 2024 and the mandate of the Panel of Experts assisting the 2127 CAR Sanctions Committee until 31 August 2024 with 13 votes in favour and two abstentions (China and Russia). The Council also lifted the arms embargo imposed on the CAR government, while maintaining all other sanctions measures, including the obligation for bilateral and multilateral partners to notify the 2127 CAR Sanctions Committee, except for deliveries to the CAR government.
Opinion / Columnist

Seized by the prophetic words of the mystic and condemned Mbuya Nehanda, "My bones will rise again", young Jorum left home without telling anyone. School, parents and siblings did not matter anymore, none but ourselves would free Zimbabwe from the shackles of colonialism. The 'gospel' of Chimurenga preached to him by freedom fighters at an all night 'pungwe' in his village in Chiweshe the previous weekend had found a recruit in him. Jorum left before dawn for the base in the mountains by Monera River.Shouting a slogan to announce his arrival and camaraderie, the comrades responded and emerged from behind some trees. Sons of the soil, children of war staying in the bush to liberate the motherland. Assault rifles in hand, the group of ten and four recruits sat down to serious discussion on do's and don'ts, they were to lie low till sunset to leave for Mozambique.Travelling by night and resting by day with food supplied by the ruralfork they reached Penhalonga. Jorum's legs swollen, clothes now mere rags, going back was no option. Whilst crossing into Mozambique one recruit stepped on an anti-personal mine and lost a leg, they had to carry him on a makeshift stretcher all the way. Jorum had lost weight, hunger had become a constant companion, sometimes going for days on end without food.The training was grueling and food was scarce. The Jorum name was discarded and replaced with a war moniker, he was now Comrade JJ. The new combatant and his group were despatched to Tete war province for operations.They had to fight the settler forces, giving them no rest and chasing the Rhodesian soldiers from every corner. Somewhere near Bhobho school in Chiweshe the cadres were sold out and a battle ensued. Heavy gunfire was exchanged with the famous AK spitting fire and delivering death to the white men.A fully laden re-enforcement enemy truck from Centenary ran over a land mine and went Boom! Severed limbs and bloodied bodies lay about the twisted metals. The freedom fighters quickly melted into the bush for the AP (Assembling Point) in Banje mountains. Sounds of copters meant no food on that day since villagers would be holed in their huts trembling with fear.Whenever the colonial forces got a baptism of fire from the people's gallant fighters they would vent their anger on the hapless villagers, sometimes burning down the whole village. Comrade JJ and his men lost one Comrade Manu at that battle, one for the price of twenty enemy soldiers plus a bombed truck. Such was the sacrifice and cruelty of the war of liberation. 'Vatengesi' was another menace, lest we forget.As the Heroes Holiday nears and Zimbabwe goes to the polls very soon. Remember Comrade JJ, the sacrifice and those who died for Zimbabwe. Building Zimbabwe brick by brick. Leaving noone and no place behind. Tsepete Tsepete. Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo.Hupenyu hamadzangu.Cde Mutanda Wachingama. Mupuyo Ward 3. Chiweshe.
Pharmaceuticals giant AstraZeneca reported strong first-half growth on Friday, despite challenges related to the decline of Covid-19 medicines.

The FTSE 100 company said total revenue for the six months reached $22.3bn, representing a 4% increase.

It noted that the growth was achieved despite a decline of $2.18bn attributed to Covid-19 medicines.

Excluding the impact of Covid-19 medicines, AstraZeneca still reported a 16% increase in total revenue, and a 15% improvement in product sales.

AstraZeneca said the strong performance extended across its various therapeutic areas, with oncology medicines seeing a 22% increase in total revenue, followed closely by cardiovascular, renal and metabolism (CVRM) at 20%, respiratory and immunology (R&I) at 10%, and rare disease at 12%.

The firm also reported an encouraging improvement in core product sales gross margin, which stood at 83%, reflecting a three-percentage-point increase.

Its core earnings per share jumped 21%, reaching $4.07, as the company maintained its interim dividend at 93 US cents.

Looking ahead, AstraZeneca reiterated its guidance for the full year.

Each of our non-Covid-19 therapy areas saw double-digit revenue growth, with eight medicines delivering more than $1bn of revenue in the first half, demonstrating the strength of our business, said chief executive officer Pascal Soriot.

Several medicines grew rapidly including Ultomiris, Imfinzi/Imjudo and Farxiga, with revenues up 64%, 57% and 40% respectively.

Soriot said AstraZenecas pipeline momentum was continuing, with eight positive pivotal trials for its oncology medicines so far this year, adding that the company was encouraged by the positive data from TROPION-Lung01 - the first pivotal trial of datopotamab deruxtecan.

We look forward to sharing the data with the medical community at an upcoming medical congress and are proceeding to file the data with the US Food and Drug Administration.

Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.
Engineering company IMI reported a 12% improvement in adjusted revenue in its first-half results on Friday, to 1.08bn, while its operating profit recorded growth of 21% to 193m.

The FTSE 100 firm said its adjusted operating margin for the half-year came in at 17.8%, making for an increase of 140 basis points compared to the same period last year.

Profit before was ahead 17% year-on-year at 180m, while basic earnings per share grew by 15% to 54p.

The companys operating cash flow meanwhile surged 84% to 145m, while the board announced a 10% increase in its interim dividend, to 9.1p per share.

IMI also announced a significant reduction of its net debt-to-EBITDA ratio, which now stood at 1.6x, compared to 1.8x in the prior year.

During the first half, we have made excellent progress with our purpose-led strategy, Breakthrough Engineering for a Better World, said chief executive officer Roy Twite.

We are creating value for all our stakeholders by increasing customer intimacy, driving market-led innovation and reducing complexity.

We continue to help our customers become safer, more sustainable and more productive.

Twite said the companys new business structure from July further aligned it to its key sectors, positioning IMI to accelerate growth.

In light of the success of our Better World strategy we have expanded our financial framework with through-cycle targets of 5% organic growth, a 20% adjusted operating margin and 90% cash conversion.

In addition, as we grow the business through mergers and acquisitions, we expect return on invested capital to remain above 12%.

Based on the strong first half result and current market conditions we expect 2023 full year adjusted earnings per share to be between 112p and 117p.

At 0814 BST, shares in IMI were down 2.31% at 1,607p.

Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.
Consumer goods giant Unilever said on Friday that it has appointed Ian Meakins - who is currently chair of catering group Compass and Rexel - as a non-executive director and chair designate.

Meakins will join the board on 1 September and will succeed Nils Andersen as chair on 1 December. Andersen will step down after nine years' service at the companys AGM in May 2024.

Unilever said Meakins has "significant" global business experience across a diverse range of industries. He served as chief executive of Wolseley (now Ferguson) from 2009 to 2016, of Travelex Holdings from 2007 to 2009 and of Alliance Unichem from 2004, until its merger with Boots in 2006.

Previously, he held positions at Diageo, Bain & Company, and Procter & Gamble.

Andersen said: "I am delighted to welcome Ian to the board following a thorough global search process. Ian has a strong track record of success in executive and non-executive roles across a range of industries.

"I am sure Unilever will greatly benefit from his extensive experience and I am confident that he will provide the board with strong and effective leadership."
Cap'n Proto 1.0

kentonv on

Its been a little over ten years since the first release of Capn Proto, on April 1, 2013. Today Im releasing version 1.0 of Capn Protos C++ reference implementation.

Dont get too excited! Theres not actually much new. Frankly, I should have declared 1.0 a long time ago  probably around version 0.6 (in 2017) or maybe even 0.5 (in 2014). I didnt mostly because there were a few advanced features (like three-party handoff, or shared-memory RPC) that I always felt like I wanted to finish before 1.0, but they just kept not reaching the top of my priority list. But the reality is that Capn Proto has been relied upon in production for a long time. In fact, you are using Capn Proto right now, to view this site, which is served by Cloudflare, which uses Capn Proto extensively (and is also my employer, although they used Capn Proto before they hired me). Capn Proto is used to encode millions (maybe billions) of messages and gigabits (maybe terabits) of data every single second of every day. As for those still-missing features, the real world has seemingly proven that they arent actually that important. (I still do want to complete them though.)

Ironically, the thing that finally motivated the 1.0 release is so that we can start working on 2.0. But again here, dont get too excited! Capn Proto 2.0 is not slated to be a revolutionary change. Rather, there are a number of changes we (the Cloudflare Workers team) would like to make to Capn Protos C++ API, and its companion, the KJ C++ toolkit library. Over the ten years these libraries have been available, I have kept their APIs pretty stable, despite being 0.x versioned. But for 2.0, we want to make some sweeping backwards-incompatible changes, in order to fix some footguns and improve developer experience for those on our team.

Some users probably wont want to keep up with these changes. Hence, Im releasing 1.0 now as a sort of long-term support release. Well backport bugfixes as appropriate to the 1.0 branch for the long term, so that people who arent interested in changes can just stick with it.

Whats actually new in 1.0?

Again, not a whole lot has changed since the last version, 0.10. But there are a few things worth mentioning:

A number of optimizations were made to improve performance of Capn Proto RPC. These include reducing the amount of memory allocation done by the RPC implementation and KJ I/O framework, adding the ability to elide certain messages from the RPC protocol to reduce traffic, and doing better buffering of small messages that are sent and received together to reduce syscalls. These are incremental improvements.

Breaking change: Previously, servers could opt into allowing RPC cancellation by calling context.allowCancellation() after a call was delivered. In 1.0, opting into cancellation is instead accomplished using an annotation on the schema (the allowCancellation annotation defined in c++.capnp ). We made this change after observing that in practice, we almost always wanted to allow cancellation, but we almost always forgot to do so. The schema-level annotation can be set on a whole file at a time, which is easier not to forget. Moreover, the dynamic opt-in required a lot of bookkeeping that had a noticeable performance impact in practice; switching to the annotation provided a performance boost. For users that never used context.allowCancellation() in the first place, theres no need to change anything when upgrading to 1.0  cancellation is still disallowed by default. (If you are affected, you will see a compile error. If theres no compile error, you have nothing to worry about.)

KJ now uses kqueue() to handle asynchronous I/O on systems that have it (MacOS and BSD derivatives). KJ has historically always used epoll on Linux, but until now had used a slower poll() -based approach on other Unix-like platforms.

KJs HTTP client and server implementations now support the CONNECT method.

A new class capnp::RevocableServer was introduced to assist in exporting RPC wrappers around objects whose lifetimes are not controlled by the wrapper. Previously, avoiding use-after-free bugs in such scenarios was tricky.

Many, many smaller bug fixes and improvements. See the PR history for details.

Whats planned for 2.0?

The changes we have in mind for version 2.0 of Capn Protos C++ implementation are mostly NOT related to the protocol itself, but rather to the C++ API and especially to KJ, the C++ toolkit library that comes with Capn Proto. These changes are motivated by our experience building a large codebase on top of KJ: namely, the Cloudflare Workers runtime, workerd .

KJ is a C++ toolkit library, arguably comparable to things like Boost, Googles Abseil, or Facebooks Folly. I started building KJ at the same time as Capn Proto in 2013, at a time when C++11 was very new and most libraries were not really designing around it yet. The intent was never to create a new standard library, but rather to address specific needs I had at the time. But over many years, I ended up building a lot of stuff. By the time I joined Cloudflare and started the Workers Runtime, KJ already featured a powerful async I/O framework, HTTP implementation, TLS bindings, and more.

Of course, KJ has nowhere near as much stuff as Boost or Abseil, and nowhere near as much engineering effort behind it. You might argue, therefore, that it would have been better to choose one of those libraries to build on. However, KJ had a huge advantage: that we own it, and can shape it to fit our specific needs, without having to fight with anyone to get those changes upstreamed.

One example among many: KJs HTTP implementation features the ability to suspend the state of an HTTP connection, after receiving headers, and transfer it to a different thread or process to be resumed. This is an unusual thing to want, but is something we needed for resource management in the Workers Runtime. Implementing this required some deep surgery in KJ HTTP and definitely adds complexity. If we had been using someone elses HTTP library, would they have let us upstream such a change?

That said, even though we own KJ, weve still tried to avoid making any change that breaks third-party users, and this has held back some changes that would probably benefit Cloudflare Workers. We have therefore decided to fork it. Version 2.0 is that fork.

Development of version 2.0 will take place on Capn Protos new v2 branch. The master branch will become the 1.0 LTS branch, so that existing projects which track master are not disrupted by our changes.

We dont yet know all the changes we want to make as weve only just started thinking seriously about it. But, heres some ideas weve had so far:

We will require a compiler with support for C++20, or maybe even C++23. Capn Proto 1.0 only requires C++14.

In particular, we will require a compiler that supports C++20 coroutines, as lots of KJ async code will be refactored to rely on coroutines. This should both make the code clearer and improve performance by reducing memory allocations. However, coroutine support is still spotty  as of this writing, GCC seems to ICE on KJs coroutine implementation.

Capn Protos RPC API, KJs HTTP APIs, and others are likely to be revised to make them more coroutine-friendly.

kj::Maybe will become more ergonomic. It will no longer overload nullptr to represent the absence of a value; we will introduce kj::none instead. KJ_IF_MAYBE will no longer produce a pointer, but instead a reference (a trick that becomes possible by utilizing C++17 features).

We will drop support for compiling with exceptions disabled. KJs coding style uses exceptions as a form of software fault isolation, or catchable panics, such that errors can cause the current task to fail out without disrupting other tasks running concurrently. In practice, this ends up affecting every part of how KJ-style code is written. And yet, since the beginning, KJ and Capn Proto have been designed to accommodate environments where exceptions are turned off at compile time, using an elaborate system to fall back to callbacks and distinguish between fatal and non-fatal exceptions. In practice, maintaining this ability has been a drag on development  no-exceptions mode is constantly broken and must be tediously fixed before each release. Even when the tests are passing, its likely that a lot of KJs functionality realistically cannot be used in no-exceptions mode due to bugs and fragility. Today, I would strongly recommend against anyone using this mode except maybe for the most basic use of Capn Protos serialization layer. Meanwhile, though, Im honestly not sure if anyone uses this mode at all! In theory I would expect many people do, since many people choose to use C++ with exceptions disabled, but Ive never actually received a single question or bug report related to it. It seems very likely that this was wasted effort all along. By removing support, we can simplify a lot of stuff and probably do releases more frequently going forward.

Similarly, well drop support for no-RTTI mode and other exotic modes that are a maintenance burden.

We may revise KJs approach to reference counting, as the current design has proven to be unintuitive to many users.

We will fix a longstanding design flaw in kj::AsyncOutputStream , where EOF is currently signaled by destroying the stream. Instead, well add an explicit end() method that returns a Promise. Destroying the stream without calling end() will signal an erroneous disconnect. (There are several other aesthetic improvements Id like to make to the KJ stream APIs as well.)

We may want to redesign several core I/O APIs to be a better fit for Linuxs new-ish io_uring event notification paradigm.

The RPC implementation may switch to allowing cancellation by default. As discussed above, this is opt-in today, but in practice I find its almost always desirable, and disallowing it can lead to subtle problems.

And so on.

Its worth noting that at present, there is no plan to make any backwards-incompatible changes to the serialization format or RPC protocol. The changes being discussed only affect the C++ API. Applications written in other languages are completely unaffected by all this.
The new Make in India Samsung foldables, to be churned out from its Noida factory in Uttar Pradesh, will not only woo existing users to upgrade to the fifth generation of devices but also tap new and aspirational users join the super-premium ecosystem via its EMI route and unique offers, top Samsung India executives said here. Seoul, The new Make in India Samsung foldables, to be churned out from its Noida factory in Uttar Pradesh, will not only woo existing users to upgrade to the fifth generation of devices but also tap new and aspirational users join the super premium ecosystem via its EMI route and unique offers, top Samsung India executives said here .

Raju Pullan, Senior Vice President, Mobile Business, Samsung India, told that with Samsung Finance+ and cash-back schemes, the Galaxy Z Flip5 and Galaxy Z Fold5 are set to see major traction among aspirational Indians who seek premium smartphone experiences. Not just metros but small-town India have also joined the foldable bandwagon as we are providing people with the easiest and seamless EMI route. We have observed that 'Bharat' is equally interested in purchasing super-premium smartphones and Samsung is ready to help people residing in smaller towns and cities own those premium life experiences, Pullan emphasised.In its fifth year now, Samsung Finance+ has reached 70,000 stores in the country, driving a smartphone business worth over $1 billion. While the all-new Galaxy Z Flip5 (8GB+256GB) will be available for Rs 99,999 and 8GB+512GB variant for Rs 109,999, Galaxy Z Fold5 (12GB+256GB) will cost Rs 154,999, the 12GB+512GB model will come for Rs 164,999 and the 12GB+1TB variant will be available for Rs 184,999.

According to the company, customers pre-booking and buying the smartphones in India will get offers up to Rs 20,000 on Z Flip5 and Rs 23,000 on Z Fold5.Indian users can actually own Z Fold5 (12+512GB) for Rs 141,999 with bank cash-back up to Rs 8,000 and Samsung upgrade bonus up to Rs 5,000, along with storage benefit worth Rs 10,000. Similarly, they can buy Z Flip5 (8GB+256GB) for just Rs 79,999 with Rs 8,000 cash-back and Rs 12,000 upgrade bonus, Aditya Babbar, Senior Director, Mobile Business, Samsung India, told.According to Babbar, the Samsung upgrade bonus will work with any device, even if it is worth just Rs 5,000. Foldable as a category has cemented its place among Indians who want super-premium experiences with their devices, be it productivity, gaming or streaming. The fifth generation of foldables is only going to elevate their work-life balance to a whole new level, Babbar noted.

As per CyberMedia Research (CMR), foldable smartphone shipments in 2023 are projected to surge 65 per cent year-on-year. Foldables smartphones in the price range of Rs 60,000 to Rs 75,000 are expected to grow five times by 2026 in India. Foldable smartphones are predicted to generate sales worth over Rs 6,300 crore in India this year, contributing over 1.8 per cent of the total smartphone revenue. This is driven by the premiumisation trend and maturing user base, looking to differentiate and do more with their smartphones, and India is no different."Samsung has pioneered this category and its fifth-generation foldables, with more improvements in design, fold engineering and deeper, optimised software-apps partnerships would only cement its leadership further in India, Neil Shah, research vice president at Counterpoint Research,
In a presidential contest cycle, Senate races dont get the same kind of attention when theres still a year to go until Election Day. But the start of the second fundraising quarter earlier this month brought a host of new candidate names  some declared and some still biding their time  that will help shape the race for control of the chamber in 2024 and the ultimate power dynamics for whoever is president in 2025.

With more candidates launching their campaigns this month, the prospect of competitive primaries has become more real  especially on the Republican side. Thats especially true in the top three seats most likely to flip, which represent the GOPs best chances to pick up the one or two seats theyd need to control the chamber, depending on who wins the presidency. (Rankings are based on CNNs reporting, fundraising figures and historical data about how states and candidates have performed.)

West Virginias GOP primary  mainly between the governor and a congressman  was already brewing, but its looking even more contentious with outside groups like the Club for Growths political arm touting the millions theyre planning to spend. This race will be a marquee battle between the national GOPs more establishment forces and the conservative outside group. And, as in other races like Montana and Nevada, this one will test the National Republican Senatorial Committees new strategy of picking sides in primaries.

Its impossible to talk about Republican primaries without discussing former President Donald Trump. Ever since 2016, loyalty to him has been a key litmus test for the GOP  often much more than actual conservatism. But adherence to his election conspiracy theories has sometimes hurt Republicans in general elections, with the 2022 midterms being a prime example.

The chairman of the NRSC, Montana Sen. Steve Daines, has endorsed Trump. And for now, at least, the former president appears to be playing along. CNN reported that hes informed two House Freedom Caucus members whom hes previously backed  in West Virginia and Montana  that they wont have his support for the Senate. (In Montana, Rep. Matt Rosendale hasnt yet announced his campaign but is expected to challenge the NRSCs preferred candidate.)

This months ranking isnt all about primary drama, however. In Pennsylvania, Republicans breathed a major sigh of relief in May when election denier Doug Mastriano, fresh off his 15-point gubernatorial loss, decided not to run. The expectation that Dave McCormick will get into the race with a clearer lane  and the GOPs lack of candidates right now in other states  bumps the Keystone State up one spot on this list as slightly more likely to flip.

Overall, the Senate map remains an offensive opportunity for Republicans. Democrats hold seven of the 10 seats most likely to flip next year, an independent holds one and Republicans hold two  a breakdown thats unlikely to change much, although the order of the ranking will likely evolve in the months to come.
Amazon India announced its first ever 'floating space' store on the famous Dal Lake in J&K's Srinagar city. The giant online shipping bazaar, Amazon India said, "We announce the setting up of our first ever floating 'I Have Space' store on Dal Lake in Srinagar. "The onboarded 'I Have Space' store is in line with Amazon India's commitment to providing its customers with a reliable and convenient delivery experience and to empowering small businesses with additional earning opportunities.

"Srinagar-based Murtaza Khan Kashi, who owns and operates a houseboat named 'Selec Town', will enable delivery to Amazon customers residing on and around Dal Lake and Nigeen Lake as Amazon's 'I Have Space' partner. "The onboarding of Selec Town as an 'I Have Space' store addresses the challenges faced by hundreds of customers who reside and run their businesses on Dal Lake and Nigeen Lake, which are also the most visited places in Srinagar by tourists and locals. "Previously, these customers had to travel to the shores of the two lakes by shikaris or rely on nearby shops to collect their packages. With Selec Town, Murtaza will deliver packages to these customers every day, safely and on time at the doorstep of their houseboats.

Karuna Shankar Pande, Director, Amazon Logistics, India said on the occasion, We are thrilled to onboard Indias first floating I Have Space store on Dal Lake, Srinagar. This will enable us to provide customers across Srinagar with reliable, efficient and faster deliveries. This also reaffirms our commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for individuals and introducing new capabilities to empower our delivery network." Houseboat owner Murtaza said, "While I have a houseboat as my primary business, it only brings in seasonal income from tourists in Srinagar. However, the cost of managing the houseboat is very high, which has made it very difficult for our family. To address increasing expenses, I began looking for additional income opportunities. It was then that I came across Amazons I Have Space program, which allows local store owners like me to supplement our regular income by delivering packages to Amazon customers.

"I saw this as the right fit for me to utilize my free time, use my chikara to deliver packages to Amazon customers and also earn additional income, said Murtaza Khan Kashi. Through its last-mile delivery program, 'I Have Space.' Amazon India partners with local stores and business owners to deliver products to customers within a 2 to 4 kilometers radius of their store, enabling them to earn additional income. Launched in 2015, the program has more than 28,000 neighborhood and Kirana partners in close to 420 towns and cities across its network in India.
In a world where innovation reigns supreme, an extraordinary fusion of technology and entrepreneurship has given rise to an unstoppable force; that is bringing about an era of unmatched innovation and progress. These two key pillars' dynamic interplay has paved the door for ground-breaking solutions, transformed entire industries, and even changed the future of humanity. This article sets off on a fascinating investigation of the complex interaction between technology and entrepreneurship, revealing the powerful synergy that propels advancement and reshapes the world we once knew. We begin to realize the astounding prospective that lies ahead as we dive into the revolutionary impact of this synergy, signaling a future full of possibilities and unimaginable accomplishments.

Empowering Entrepreneurship through Technology

Technology is a critical player in the dynamic world of modern entrepreneurship, providing entrepreneurs with a wealth of tools and resources to turn their ideas into real-world triumphs. Entrepreneurs may now efficiently overcome historical obstacles thanks to advanced communication tools, cloud computing, data analytics, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things (IoT). These pioneers can now focus their talents on nurturing creativity, encouraging innovation, and developing robust business plans that result in long-term growth and profitability because the difficulties of running a business no longer burden them. A new generation of empowered and visionary leaders will help shape both company and society in the future due to technology's integration into entrepreneurship.

Fostering Innovation and Disruption

Modern entrepreneurship now naturally fosters innovation and disruption, mainly because of the transformative importance of technology. Entrepreneurs are now better equipped to challenge established norms, transform entire industries, and pave entirely new roads thanks to the quick development of technology. Entrepreneurs today have access to cutting-edge technology that lets them tackle real-world problems with scalable and long-lasting solutions, even in markets that were formerly thought to be untouchable. This newly discovered capacity to use technology has unlocked unimaginable prospects for positive change and influencing business and society.

Globalizing Markets and Reach

Technology's emergence has created a genuine global marketplace, leveling the playing field for entrepreneurs worldwide. Businesses may now engage with clients, partners, and investors without difficulty across regional borders thanks to the power of digital platforms. Social media, digital marketing, and e-commerce have fundamentally changed how businesses interact with their target markets by removing barriers and dramatically extending market reach. Additionally, this expanded accessibility across borders encourages cross-cultural cooperation, fostering a space where various viewpoints can coexist, generating creativity, and propelling advancement on an unprecedented scale. Therefore, the ability for development and success in the globally connected business world is more significant than ever.

Enhancing Efficiency and Productivity

Technology adoption has revolutionized entrepreneurship by increasing production and efficiency. Businesses may optimize their operations and complete jobs more quickly and accurately by integrating automation, machine learning, and AI-driven processes. In addition to lowering the margin for error, this enables the proper distribution of resources to more strategic projects. Additionally, cloud-based solutions have completely changed how teams collaborate when they are physically separated, fostering a dynamic and effective work environment. Technology's ability to improve company procedures and foster success is unbounded as it develops.

One of the Examples isVirtual Try-On: To alleviate the uncertainty of purchasing custom-designed clothing online, the implementation of AI-driven virtual try-on feature. Customers can upload a picture of themselves, and the AI technology superimposes the selected clothing designs onto the image, allowing customers to visualize how the final product will look. This boosts customer confidence and reduces the risk of returns, leading to higher customer satisfaction.

Startups as Tech Innovators

Startups have become effective industry drivers, advancing the sector with their innovative concepts and ground-breaking technology in the fast-paced world of technological innovation. Startups have a distinct edge over established giants of the past: nimbleness. Due to their adaptability, they can quickly spot untapped possibilities and adapt to shifting market demands. Startups continually stretch the bounds of what is possible by developing innovative solutions that defy established regulations, propelled by the zeal and commitment of their entrepreneurial teams. Their capacity for invention has been addressed, as tech behemoths are now actively looking to buy these firms to incorporate their cutting-edge products and remain competitive in the rapidly changing tech industry. The future holds a rich tapestry of ground-breaking advances in the age of startups as tech pioneers.

Online Payment Startup Razorpay:ABangalore-based fintech startup founded by Harshil Mathur and Shashank Kumar, offers online payment solutions and gateway services to businesses. Their platform enables merchants to accept payments through credit/debit cards, net banking, UPI, and digital wallets. The company's emphasis on a developer-friendly API and seamless integration has made it popular among startups and SMEs. Apart from digital payments, Razorpay has expanded into other financial services like business lending and automated invoicing. Their innovative approach has earned them recognition as one of India's leading tech innovators in the dynamic startup landscape.

Creating a Sustainable Future

The effective collaboration between entrepreneurship and technology is essential to building a sustainable future. Entrepreneurs open the door for solutions that support sustainable development and social responsibility as they maximize the potential of cutting-edge technologies. These efforts, which range from waste reduction programs to advances in renewable energy, present concepts that not only solve urgent global concerns but also positively impact the earth and its inhabitants. The movement towards a cleaner and more sustainable world is driven by sustainability-focused businesses with agility and adaptability, spurring change on a local and global level. Their dedication to building a better future exemplifies entrepreneurship and technology's importance in constructing a wealthy and environmentally responsible future.

In conclusion, the world, industries, economies, and communities are changing due to the dominant synergy between technology and entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurs are given more power by the seamless integration of technology, which increases their capacity for innovation, expansion, and worldwide connectivity. A surge of innovative businesses and ground-breaking solutions have emerged due to this dynamic exchange, providing a glimpse of a bright future in which problems are solved via creativity and cooperation. Both technology and entrepreneurship will keep developing. By embracing this synergy, entrepreneurs can change how we live, work, and connect and leave a lasting impression on the world. So, whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a tech enthusiast, remember to embrace the fusion of these two forces, for it holds the key to unlocking a future of endless possibilities!
DocChain.io, the groundbreaking enterprise blockchain platform developed by Print2Block, has emerged victorious by securing the top spot among the Top 5 innovative startups representing G20 India. The prestigious accolade was awarded during the G20 Young Entrepreneurs Alliance (YEA) Summit held at the iconic Taj Palace in New Delhi. Print2Block, a trailblazing force in the blockchain domain, garnered immense praise from a global audience of over 800 delegates representing 40+ nations.

The selection process saw 250 startups vying for a chance to pitch their groundbreaking solutions. From this pool, 40 exceptional startups were shortlisted, and following rigorous evaluation based on their pitch, business plan, and potential impact, 8 finalists were chosen. These final eight engaged in a thrilling startup duel during the summit, where DocChain.io soared to prominence, claiming the highest score of 232 from the esteemed panel of judges.

Mr. Joji Varghese, the Founder & CEO of Print2Block, and Mr. Akash Singhal, the VP-Growth, represented the company in the competition, impressing the judges and solidifying Print2Blocks position as a leader in the blockchain industry.

Commenting on this prestigious recognition, Mr. Joji Varghese said, We are honored to have achieved this remarkable milestone and to be recognized as one of the top global startups at the G20 Young Entrepreneurs Alliance Summit. This reaffirms our commitment to harnessing blockchain technology to build trust and transparency in document management across various industries. With our team from MIT, IIT, and anna university, Together, with our combined expertise and passion for innovation, we are dedicated to transforming the way organizations manage and authenticate Digital Trust.

Indias hosting of the G20 Summit after 18 years presented an exceptional opportunity for Print2Block to demonstrate its prowess on the world stage. The coveted award not only brings pride to Print2Block but also underscores Indias burgeoning role in the global startup ecosystem.
Google announced to invite applications for the eighth batch of its startup accelerator programme in India that aims to nurture startups looking to leverage the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML). "We are excited to invite AI-first startups from India between Seed to Series A stage to apply for the eighth cohort of the Google for Startups Accelerator: India programme," Google said.

Google for Startups Accelerator (GFSA) is a three-month, equity-free programme that brings the best of Google's programmes, products, people, and technology to Indian tech startups leveraging AI/ML. For the next batch, Google is looking for Indian AI-first startups working across different sectors to solve complex problems and tackle the toughest challenges in their industry. Applications for the programme are open until August 22.

Startups based in India working across different sectors using AI in their core solution or product, including generative AI are eligible to apply. They should preferably be between Seed to Series A stages, according to Google. The selected startups will receive hands-on mentorship, in addition to training on product, design, growth and leadership development.

The programme will conclude with a Demo Day to grow visibility within the ecosystem and founders can continue to receive support after the programme wraps through the Google for Startups alumni network. In June 2023, the tech giant kick-started the seventh class with 20 Seed to Series A startups. The batch is currently underway, and the startups are engaging with mentors and Google teams to address their technical, product, and business challenges.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Executive Assistant District Attorney Tom Ridges welcomed 60 new NYPD officers to the borough during a meeting at the 121st Precinct Thursday.

Ridges said 40 of the officers come from the most recent graduating class and the remaining 20 are transfers from other precincts.

If we stand any chance of reigning in rampant recidivism or preserving the status of Staten Island as New York Citys safest borough, the number of NYPD officers deployed to our shores must be restored,' Ridges said in published statement. After continued calls and aggressive advocacy from my office, this week we learned that much-needed reinforcements are on the way as we welcomed 40 new NYPD officers and 20 additional officers assigned to Staten Island.

District Attorney Michael E. McMahon has previously called for more police officers in the borough.

In June, he pointed to a historic low in terms of the head count for the Police Department, citing 200 fewer cops in the borough than there were last year.

That same month, Chief Jeffrey Maddrey announced that 40 additional cops from outside of Staten Island will come to the borough to assist officers, specifically in the 120th Precinct, following an uptick in gun violence, the Advance/SILive.com previously reported.

Tom Ridges, executive assistant district attorney, welcomed 60 new police officers to Staten Island.(Courtesy of the Richmond County District Attorney's Office)

While this most recent influx of patrol officers assigned to our borough represents a solid downpayment, so much more must be done to make up for years of recruitment and retention issues, Ridges said. We look forward to working with these newest members of New Yorks Finest and are confident that they will help keep Staten Island the safest community of its size in the country.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  A traffic stop by the NYPD near the Outerbridge Crossing netted a stolen luxury vehicle and three persons of interest on Thursday night.

Eagle-eyed officers pulled over a 2021 BMW X7 with several people in the car in the vicinity of the Outerbridge Crossing and Arthur Kill Road around 11 p.m., according to a spokesman for the NYPDs Deputy Commissioner of Public Information.

The people in the car appeared to be in their late teens and early 20s and at least some of them were wearing masks, according to a source with knowledge of the investigation.

Some of the suspects fled on foot from the vehicle, but three persons of interest from New Jersey were taken in for questioning, the police spokesman said.

The BMW was reported missing in Montclair, N.J., the police spokesman said.

More information will be posted when it becomes available.

Car thefts are up 9% this year on Staten Island, according to CompStat statistics from July 23, the NYPDs computerized system for tracking crimes.

So far this year, 241 vehicles have been reported stolen on our borough compared to 221 at this time last year, according to CompStat.

OTHER STATEN ISLAND NEWS:

>> NYPD: 17-year-old boy accused in murder of Staten Island man in Queens

>> 2 men charged in Staten Island Mall chain robbery, attack on guard

>> NYPD: Cocaine found in police van used to transport 2 drug suspects on Staten Island

>> Man, 48, accused of vandalizing cars near hospital on Staten Island

>> NYPD: Man, 76, cracked bottle over victims head at restaurant on Staten Island

>> Man accused of aiming phone camera at woman in restroom stall at Staten Island Ferry terminal

>> NYPD: At least 5 cars stolen from parking lot on Staten Island

>> Defendant in burglary at Staten Island restaurant dies at Rikers; several guards suspended
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  More than a decade after a West Brighton man was arrested in a raid by the NYPDs gang squad, the 36-year-old ex-con has been sentenced in connection with a shooting incident in his neighborhood.

Dary Harville, of Degroot Place, pleaded guilty June 20 in state Supreme Court, St. George to third-degree assault with intent to cause physical injury in connection with the December 2021 incident near the corner of Henderson Avenue and Campbell in which the complaining witness was shot.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  With Nuccis South dark since Tuesday, fans of the Richmond Valley Italian restaurant wonder if it will reopen.

Yes, it will, affirmed owner Paul Montella. He shared on Friday afternoon that it temporarily shut as he tended to a respiratory matter.

Nucci's is temporarily closed for ala carte dining. (Staten Island Advance/Pamela Silvestri)

In the meantime, the restaurants staff will focus in the short term on private parties and other already-booked affairs. Its proximity to Resurrection Cemetery and the Outerbridge Crossing make it an attractive venue for bereavement luncheons and dinners. Montella said these would continue as well.

The proprietor expects ala carte to rev back up sometime next week as he gets back into the business groove.

The restaurant is located at 4842 Arthur Kill Rd., Richmond Valley; 718-967-3600.

A pie from Nucci's South (Staten Island Advance/Pamela Silvestri)

Nuccis is a 20-year old business known for its expansive menu and pizza. The eatery originally served on the North Shore at 616 Forest Ave., starting in 1999. After two years, when the Chinese takeout place next door went out of business, Nuccis added a bakery and take-out section. The North site closed in West Brighton and the address eventually became Project Brunch and is now home to DeLucas Trattoria.

The strip mall in which Nuccis South is located also is home to Starstruck Dance NY and a storefront formerly home to a gourmet coffee and dessert operation, Royal Coffee.

Pamela Silvestri is Advance Food Editor. She can be reached at silvestri@siadvance.com.
The selling has begun.

The Mets have traded David Robertson to the Marlins in exchange for two minor leaguers. Miami will send infielder Marco Vargas and catcher Ronald Hernandez to the Mets for the right-handed reliever.

TO BUY METS TICKETS, VISIT: VIVIDSEATS, TICKETNETWORK and STUBHUB

For me personally, I wanted to be here, Robertson said, via SNY. This was the place to play. I thought this was the spot to be and have a good chance of winning it all. But Im going to move on and join a new team and try to really focus on that goal now.

Robertson signed a one-year, $10 million deal with the Mets this offseason, poised to serve in a setup position for closer Edwin Diaz. After Diaz suffered his knee injury, Robertson had to assume his role.

The 38-year-old is posting a 2.05 ERA with 48 strikeouts across 44 innings. Hes also recorded 14 saves.

I figured I would be moved, I just didnt know where, Robertson said, via ESPN. Just really didnt have an idea of where, so its kind of a shock, but its part of this game.

Robertson is no stranger to a deadline trade, having been moved by the Chicago Cubs last August to the Philadelphia Phillies, who reached the World Series. But he told Newsday last weekend that he was not looking forward to being dealt away.

Want to bet on MLB?

See the best NYC Sports Betting sites

Im not excited about it, Robertson said. I like it here. Im not excited about it. Its just what happens.

The Marlins will be the seventh team Robertson has pitched for since he made his MLB debut in 2008 with the Yankees, who he played with for eight-plus seasons.

Bridget Hyland may be reached at bhyland@njadvancemedia.com
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The Bradley Avenue and Woolley Avenue overpasses will resume two-way traffic following nearly a year of detours that were needed to accommodate ongoing rehabilitation projects.

The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) announced that two-way traffic will be restored on both the Bradley Avenue and Woolley Avenue overpasses starting Saturday, July 29, at 6 a.m.

The overpasses were converted to one-way traffic in September 2022, with the Bradley Avenue overpass only handling northbound traffic and the Woolley Avenue overpass, located roughly a half-mile down the service road, only handling southbound traffic.

The one-way conversions were required to accommodate the ongoing rehabilitation of the overpass bridges, with the NYSDOT advising that construction will continue at the locations following the restoration of two-way traffic.

Last June, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced a $46 million investment to rehabilitate four highway bridges along the Staten Island Expressway, including the Bradley Avenue and Woolley Avenue overpasses and the two bridges that carry Staten Island Expressway traffic over Richmond Avenue.

New York State is committed to rebuilding our infrastructure and ensuring that our transportation network remains safe and reliable, which will allow our economy to grow and keep our communities vibrant, the governor said at the time. These two projects will improve conditions on four critically important bridges to Staten Island motorists and help keep people and commerce on the move throughout the borough for decades to come.

The projects include structural repairs and the installation of new bridge decks, which are expected to increase the lifespan of the overpasses by 40 years and reduce the need for future maintenance work.

RICHMOND AVENUE PROJECT

In November 2022, NYSDOT implemented a new traffic pattern on the Staten Island Expressway, over Richmond Avenue, to accommodate the rehabilitation of the highway bridges at the location.

To accommodate the rehabilitation project while maintaining all travel lanes, two temporary lanes have been installed in the median between the eastbound and westbound expressway bridges.

As of July 8, two westbound travel lanes have been diverted to the temporary median bridge, resulting in all four westbound travel lanes being routed to the left of the work zone.

Motorists must use the far-right travel lane to access Exit 7 (Richmond Avenue) and Exit 6 (South Avenue) while the new traffic pattern is in effect.

Traffic patterns are being adjusted throughout the project depending on which permanent lanes are currently being rehabilitated.

The project will replace the concrete bridge decks on the two expressway bridges, as well as the approaches and lamp posts within the project area.

To bolster safety, the steel bridge railings will be replaced with concrete barriers, with new bridge joints installed at the ends of the approaches to reduce the need for future maintenance.

Workers will also repair the concrete and bricks beneath the structure, while upgrading the under-deck and adding overhead lighting systems to increase visibility for late-night Richmond Avenue drivers.
South Korea's Financial Intelligence Unit Presses Crypto Platforms to Improve Compliance Measures

Source: cooperr/Adobe

The Korea Financial Intelligence Unit (KoFIU) in a meeting on Thursday told the Korean crypto industry to double down on their efforts to prevent illegal activities.

At the meeting, KoFIU Commissioner Rhee Yunsu said that a strategic analysis team focused on crypto has been set up, and that the team will work more systematically to uncover and analyze crypto-related crimes going forward.

This will be done so that KoFIU can offer more meaningful and valuable data to law enforcement and investigators, an announcement from South Koreas Financial Services Commission said.

In addition, the agency told those in the meeting that the industry needs to strengthen the compliance capacity, adding that it is necessary to bolster response to illegal activities.

Present in the meeting were five companies from South Koreas crypto industry, including the local crypto exchanges Upbit and Bithumb.

Meeting follows creation of joint crypto crime unit

The meeting between KoFIU and the crypto industry comes just one day after an interagency investigation unit for crypto crimes was set up by the South Korean government.

The new joint unit will operate from the Seoul Southern District Prosecutors Office, and will reportedly employ 30 investigators from agencies such as the Prosecutors Office, the Financial Supervisory Service, the National Tax Service, and the Korea Customs Service.

South Korea has traditionally been among the most important markets for crypto, both in terms of interest from investors and as an incubator for companies in the space.

Despite this, authorities in the country have in recent times taken a tougher stance against the industry.

Among other things, prosecutors have raided the offices of local exchange Bithumb, accusing it of price manipulation in the crypto market.

Prosecutors in the country have in the past also taken action against Terra founder and Korean national Do Kwon, who is currently held by Montenegro after being found guilty of trying to leave the country using a fake passport.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- If you attempt to buy weed with a Mastercard debit card at a legal marijuana shop your transaction will be rejected.

Thats because Mastercard has told financial institutions to stop allowing weed transactions on its debit cards.

Because weed remains illegal at the federal level, most banks in the country wont service cannabis companies.

As we were made aware of this matter, we quickly investigated it. In accordance with our policies, we instructed the financial institutions that offer payment services to cannabis merchants and connects them to Mastercard to terminate the activity, a spokesperson for Mastercard said this week.

Because of the Controlled Substances Act, weed is still Schedule I controlled substance -- along with drugs like heroin and cocaine -- under federal law. The Controlled Substances Act permits the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) to seize the cannabis plants, cash and the real estate being used for federally illegal use.

Sunburn Cannabis CEO Brady Cobb told Reuters in a statement that this move is another blow to the state-legal cannabis industry and patients/consumers who want to access this budding category.

Weed firm Veranos President, Darren Weiss told Reuters they will continue to advocate for cannabis reform in Washington through further dialogue with elected officials and stakeholders to advance conversations supporting the growth of safe, legal cannabis across the U.S.

In addition to not being able to accept Mastercard debit cards, legal weed shop owners are restricted when it comes to doing their banking.

In fact, cannabis shop owners are limited to using weed-friendly banks, which are, more often than not, a state-chartered bank that has decided to act as a depository for cannabis operators, and hold debt on real estate thats being used for weed-related uses. Banks typically pass the regulatory costs down to the operators for whom theyre acting as the depository.

RELATED NY LEGAL WEED ARTICLES:

Wait almost over: Legal weed delivery and store now set to open on Staten Island

How much do weed industry jobs pay in New York? Its above the national average

More recreational weed dispensary licenses awarded to Staten Island

FOLLOW TRACEY PORPORA ON FACEBOOK and TWITTER

I
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Food service establishments in the five boroughs will no longer provide things like cutlery, ketchup packets and napkins for take-out starting Monday unless a customer asks.

The new rules, posted by the Department of Sanitation (DSNY), stem from a local law Mayor Eric Adams signed earlier this year after the City Council passed it in January on partisan lines.

City Councilmember Marjorie Velazquez (D-Bronx), who introduced the bill, said during a City Council hearing that more than 100 million plastic utensils are discarded in the U.S. each day, and the nation spends $40 billion on plastic utensils each year, according to an official Council transcript.

While many of us try to recycle or save these items for the future, most of them end up in landfills where they can enter our water system and harm our ecosystem, she said. Reducing this waste will hopefully help our environment at no cost to businesses, consumers or our city.

Velazquezs data  also highlighted in a report from the Council Committee on Consumer and Worker Protection, which the councilwoman chairs  comes from a host of studies conducted by non-profit organizations focused on environmental issues.

Other jurisdictions around the country have taken or are considering similar steps to limit the use of disposable items in takeout orders.

A Los Angeles County ordinance went into effect in May that required all such items to be recyclable or compostable, and New Jersey is considering a statewide ban similar to the one that goes into effect at the end of the month in New York City.

When Adams signed it in February, he said the legislation, also known as the Skip the Stuff bill, would help us secure a sustainable future by reducing plastic that ends up in our landfills.

[The bill] allows New Yorkers to Skip the Stuff when ordering take-out or delivery, preventing unused plastic from ending up in our landfills, and making our city greener for generations to come, he said.

Restaurants and other food service businesses will not be held liable for violations the first year the new rule is in effect, but starting in July of next year, businesses will be fined $50 for first violations in a 12-month period, $150 for the second violation committed on a different day within that 12 months, and $250 for the third and each subsequent violation committed within the 12 months.

Under the law, restaurants will be able to rely on information from delivery services, like Seamless or UberEats, to determine if a customer requested the items. The default option for those services will be that no eating utensils, condiment packets, napkins or extra eating containers have been requested.

The law drew broad support from environmental groups and the Councils Democratic supermajority, but the legislative bodys Republican delegation voted against the bill.

City Councilman Ari Kagan (R-Brooklyn), who just became a Republican last year, said he worried that the new law would have a negative impact on small businesses.

I believe that small businesses like cafe restaurants should not be punished for condiment or napkins in the take out order, he said. We need to support our small business, especially after this devastating pandemic

MORE NYC NEWS

NYC officials say 3 Staten Island homeless shelters will be open by end of 2023

NYC Mayor Adams says hes working to get Staten Islands fair share of opioid settlement funds

NYC to start kicking single adult migrants out of shelter system

NYC officials unveil long-awaited new staircase at St. George courthouse

NYC may soon release its new vision for Staten Islands North Shore
A fire at an upstate New York solar farm is sending possible toxic smoke into the surrounding area, prompting Gov. Kathy Hochul to issue a health warning.

The incident occurred in Jefferson County, near the town of Lyme, New York. Residents within a one-mile radius of the fire have been told to shelter in place due to the smoke from the fire, WWNY reported.

A HAZMAT team and numerous fire departments responded to the scene after the fire started at around 1 p.m. Wednesday, media outlets are reporting.

The countys fire and emergency management director, Joe Plummer, told the media that the smoke is being caused by batteries burning.

Hochul issued a statement following the report of the fire.

A large battery fire in Jefferson County has caused significant damage and is emitting large amounts of smoke that may pose health risks,' she said. I have directed all necessary state agencies to provide assistance to local and county officials, and have deployed state personnel from the Department of Environmental Conservation and the Office of Fire Prevention and Control to the site.

I urge all members of the local community to follow public health guidance to protect themselves and their families, and avoid exposure to smoke or other toxins. We will continue monitoring developments out of Jefferson County and are committed to helping this community address the ongoing situation.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  As reports of swimmers being bitten by sharks in New York and New Jersey waters make news these days, many of us are newly hesitant to take a dip in the Atlantic. But should we worry?

No, say the experts. But we should alter our behaviors, they say.

You dont need to be worried, just take precautions, said Scott Curatolo-Wagemann, a Long Island marine biologist and investigator for the Global Shark Attack File, an online open-source file that tracks human interactions with sharks.

When and where you choose to take a dip will play a big role in your chances of encountering a shark, he said. His top piece of advice is an easy one to follow: Avoid swimming where there is fishing happening nearby.

Fishing activity increases the likelihood that therell be a shark in the area that might be looking for a meal, he said, noting that the sand and tiger sharks recently tracked near the shores of New York and New Jersey are looking to dine on fish  not humans.

When theyre moving fast, mistakes happen, Curatolo-Wagemann said. They could be chasing a fish and at the last second a fish moves ... some of it could be that [a person] moves in front of what theyre going after.

Shark sightings have spiked in New York in recent years, thanks, in part, to improved water quality bringing schools of bait fish closer to shore, said Curatolo-Wagemann, echoing the observation of many environmental experts.

In the recent incidents that took place off New York and New Jersey beaches, bathers may simply have gotten in between a shark and its bait, and the shark couldnt react in time, he said. They may also have been mistaken for the sharks preferred bait, he said.

Five shark bite incidents took place off New York beaches on the South Shore of Long Island during the July 4th weekend alone, according to officials. And, off the Jersey Shore, a frequent destination of Staten Islanders during the summer months, a 15-year-old girl was bitten by a shark while surfing in late May off Stone Harbor.

The Pennsylvania teen was pulled under and suffered cuts to her left foot and calf after being bitten at around 3 p.m. off the 109th Street Beach, Stone Harbor officials said.

MORE SHARKS?

And while it might seem as though there are more sharks than ever, thats not the case, Curatolo-Wagemann said. Improved technology has simply made it easier for us to know theyre around. Examples include the Great White Shark that was tracked swimming near the Jersey Shore in spring 2022, and another that was tracked in New Jersey waters this spring.

Its not that theres more sharks, its just that we have more ways to see them, he said. We have more technology now. More researchers who have tagged them. Youve got more people using drones, recreationally and to protect beaches.

That includes New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, who recently announced that dozens of new shark-monitoring drones will be deployed to beaches in New York City and on Long Island, after the five New Yorkers were reportedly bitten during a two-day span in early July.

But should this new information keep us from swimming in the ocean?

Absolutely not, said Curatolo-Wagemann, whos safety advice basically involves trying to think more like a shark.

SAFETY ADVICE

Dont swim between dusk and dawn, he advised. The reason is that sharks are hungry then, and shadows during those hours make it easier for a shark to camouflage itself and attack prey. Sharks use dusk-to-dawn as a hunting technique, Curatolo-Wagemann said.

Another tip is to avoid wearing shiny jewelry, he said, because one of sharks favorite prey is silversides. Their sides kind of flash, he said. Shiny jewelry can confuse a shark when the sun catches it and makes a flash. The sharks can see that and mistake it for a silverside or other bait fish when they move in the water.

Of course, there are several types of sharks in the New York region of the Atlantic -- 13, according to the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). And, each has its own food, habitat and water temperature preferences, so nothings really set in stone, the experts say.

The negative interactions that have occurred between swimmers and sharks in New York have been the result of sharks misidentifying prey, a DEC spokesperson said, noting that rip current activity and water visibility may affect our ability to detect shark activity.

However, millions of people use the ocean each year and very few actually encounter a shark, according to the experts at the website trackingsharks.com, which monitors shark attacks around the world. The site reported that, as of July 25, there have been at least 26 shark attack bites in the United States  none of them fatal. Worldwide, of the 46 in 2023, eight were provoked and seven were fatal.

In 2022, there were eight reported shark bites in the waters off New York. Yet, there had only been 12 total reported in the 150-plus years prior, with shark bite data first recorded in 1837, according to the Associated Press.

Warmer, cleaner water may be to blame for bringing sharks closer to shore, because more pools of bait fish are now swimming closer to shore, Curatolo-Wagemann said.

Experts say sharks arent really that difficult to spot. Every time you go in the ocean, there are sharks nearby, one New Jersey marine researcher told the Advance/SILive.com. But theyre not hunting people, theyre hunting fish.

SHARK ACTIVITY NEARBY

Several shark encounters recently occurred in chest-deep water off Long Island. A 47-year-old man was in such water off Quogue Village Beach in the Hamptons when he experienced what felt like a bite to his right knee, but he did not see a shark, police told the media.

Soon after that, miles away, a 49-year-old man reported having a hand bitten while swimming near Fire Island Pines Beach.

Despite these incidents, New Yorkers have remained on the beach during the hot summer days in the past few weeks.

In fact, bigger crowds at beaches in the summers following the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is contributing to the growing number of shark encounters, Curatolo-Wagemann said.

But, following safety tips could keep that number down going forward, he said.

People should always swim in groups, he added.

And even in very shallow water, adults should stay with children, he said.

Even if fishing isnt taking place, people should avoid swimming near schools of fish, he added.

Birds hovering overhead are a telltale sign that school of fish are below the surface, he said. The water will change in appearance, too, he added.

If you see a change in color that seems to be moving, thats probably a school of fish, he said. Give it some time to go by.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  A Staten Island organization will finally see part of a massive opioid lawsuit settlement fund, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Friday.

Community Health Action of Staten Island (CHASI) will receive $200,000 annually for the next three years to help people returning to the community from a carceral setting, according to the governors office.

The opioid and overdose epidemic has impacted far too many New Yorkers, and this settlement fund is an opportunity for us to hold manufacturers and distributors responsible for the devastating harm they have caused, Hochul said. We continue to work with the Settlement Board to distribute this funding to the organizations and communities that need it most, so that they can continue their ongoing work to support those affected by the opioid crisis and save lives.

Funding came after an application process with the state Office of Addiction Services and Supports, CHASI Executive Director Diane Arneth said.

The funds would allow her organization to hire a pair of employees, known as navigators, who could more closely work with people returning from jail or prison as they get acclimated to the community.

Very often, people are arrested, theyre in prison or in jail, they come out, and they dont necessarily have resources to reintegrate into communities, she said. There are lots of barriers to getting housing, getting benefits, reuniting with their families sometimes, so the funding will fund two navigators.

She said going forward she hopes decision makers, particularly at the city level, take more community input when deciding what to do with the massive amount of money.

Attorney General Letitia James and Mayor Eric Adams Adams announced in April 2022 that the state had reached settlements with opioid distributors AmerisourceBergen Corporation, Cardinal Health Inc. and McKesson Corporation for a total of $256 million.

Those funds are distributed through the states Opioid Settlement Fund, which has an advisory board that recommends how to allocate the funds.

When the mayor announced the millions in funding last year, he described Staten Island as ground zero for the opioid crisis, but when announcing the initial $150 million, it was distributed among NYC Health + Hospitals (H+H), the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner and the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

Word of that initial funding drew the ire of local service providers and elected officials, including Borough President Vito Fossella, who shared a letter Tuesday that he, City Council Minority Leader Joe Borelli (R-South Shore), City Councilwoman Kamillah Hanks (D-North Shore), and City Councilman David Carr (R-Mid-Island), sent to the mayor in September calling for the issue to be rectified.

It is our understanding that the first round of investments, $150 million over the next five years, will go to the citys public hospital system and to other agencies and programs that have a minimal or no presence on Staten Island, Staten Island officials wrote in a letter to Adams this past fall, expressing concern the borough wouldnt be receiving funds in the first or subsequent rounds of funding. For example, Staten Island has no public health hospital, and we are concerned that settlement funds necessary to restore and repair our community may not be forthcoming in the first round or in possible subsequent rounds of funding.

While there is no public hospital, H+H operates two facilities on the Island  the Gotham Health clinic on the corner of Vanderbilt and Tompkins Avenue, and Sea View nursing home on Brielle Avenue.

Other elected officials, including Assemblyman Sam Pirozzolo (R-Mid-Island) and District Attorney Michael McMahon, have continued to push the city to ensure Staten Island gets its fair share of the money.

Hochuls Friday announcement marked the first dollars from the fund going specifically to Staten Island, and more money might be coming this way in the future.

During a July 17 town hall at Curtis High School, Adams fielded a question from Luke Nasta  the executive director of Camelot of Staten Island, a local non-profit organization that treats drug and alcohol abuse  about the disparity, and Adams said he completely understood the concern.

The mayor said hed do what he can to ensure more money comes to the Island, and Fossella said the administrations reinvigorated focus on the funding issue gave him cause for optimism.

We have argued for the past year that we were not only shortchanged in the settlement, but also left out altogether. The first wave of the settlement funds was distributed to the boroughs through their public health hospitals, but because Staten Island does not have a public health hospital, we were not included, he said. Our efforts have not been in vain, as the mayor expressed his strong feeling that Staten Island should get its fair share of the settlement funds. It has taken a concerted effort, and it appears the effort was worth it.

MORE NYC NEWS

New NYC takeout law starts July 31

NYC officials say 3 Staten Island homeless shelters will be open by end of 2023

NYC Mayor Adams says hes working to get Staten Islands fair share of opioid settlement funds

NYC to start kicking single adult migrants out of shelter system

NYC officials unveil long-awaited new staircase at St. George courthouse
Thank you for visiting the Daily Journal.

Please purchase an Enhanced Subscription to continue reading. To continue, please log in, or sign up for a new account.



We offer one free story view per month. If you register for an account, you will get two additional story views. After those three total views, we ask that you support us with a subscription.



A subscription to our digital content is so much more than just access to our valuable content. It means youre helping to support a local community institution that has, from its very start, supported the betterment of our society. Thank you very much!
Boutique hotels are applying the blowtorch to the traditional big-name brands as travellers seek out more experienced-based holidays in smaller, more intimate properties.

While boutique hotels have traditionally achieved lower occupancies, room rates and revenues than their larger international rivals, the tables have turned according to CBRE Viewpoint, highlighting a significant shift in domestic travel demand.

Guests are increasingly seeking a personalised, hybrid approach to their hotel stays. Credit: Ovolo The Valley, Brisbane

Boutique hotels offer a wider range of experiences, from food from nearby restaurants to free bicycles for exploring; communal hubs and bars for work and leisure; and fun, retro furnishings. Visitors feel more immersed in the hotel than just getting a comfy bed and shower.

CBREs Australian head of hotels research, Ally McDade, said an analysis of market performance showed that boutique properties had outperformed big box international hotels since the 2020 onset of the pandemic across all three key performance indicators: occupancy, average daily rate (ADR) and revenue per available room (RevPar).
Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Got it Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Most experiments with Artificial Intelligence begin with a bit of faffing on a phone app. AI Arta or Wonder, for example. Tap in any crazy thing: Old woman with tattoos nose-ring puffy rainbow hair and matching poodle... and there she is. Instant gobsmackery delivered into the palm of your hand. It feels miraculous that first time. Now watch an ad on the app (you dont get nothin for nothin in 2023) and you can tap again: Obese alien boy baby with powdered-wig waistcoat and angel wings or whatever. These are your AI prompts, instructing the app to target-harvest your concept from millions, possibly billions, of images already scraped from the internet. It scoops them according to caption (this is an important point) and mashes them into an idea of your idea. And there he is, alien angel boy. Amazing. Admittedly, a party trick that quickly wears thin but, still, amazing. Its a short leap to imagine this crazy, amazing AI thing slipping like a shiny new set of tools into the professional lives of visual creatives. Designers and photographers in the fashion industry, for example. And so it has. Despite multiplying copyright court battles and increasingly dire predictions, of course it has. Who wouldnt plunge up to their moral compass into a bucket full of such easy-peasily achievable miracles? Since AI apps started infesting phones and computers across the planet less than a year ago, the six creatives youll meet here have pushed their professional practices way beyond party tricks and into the seed phase of a new fashion industry that, by all their accounts, brings little shocks  pleasant and not-so-pleasant  with every new day. Ines Aguilars AI creations sold out on pre-order before theyd even made the leap to becoming real garments. Credit: La Casita de Wendy Spanish designer Ines Aguilar, of slow fashion brand La Casita de Wendy, was an early AI adopter; she taught herself complex AI prompts and conjured 10 dreamy couture outfits that sold out (on pre-order) before their supernaturally lush patterns and piled-on floral embroideries were even cut and stitched into existence.

Advertisement

Melbourne-based photographer Philip Castle was another early AI adopter and, in one of those small, pleasantly shocking revelations common among creatives, says he accidentally designed a pod of vintage-style floral dresses  quite lovely and as viable for market as any if he can only source similar fabrics and get them made  while working on a folio of hybrid fashion images. In the industrys fresh phygital (physical/digital) space, Melbourne-born, London-based academic and hybrid designer Oscar Keene is also inventing his own AI tests, composing prompts to ask one algorithm (ChatGPT) how best to prompt another algorithm (MidJourney) to create his design concepts. An AI-assisted design by Oscar Keene. In fashion education its taken just a few thrilling months for AI to become a reliable teaching tool too, according to academic Todd Heggie. Heggie, part of the team at Melbournes LCI design institute, says its accelerated fashion course learning by several weeks and  bonus  freed precious time for students to practise and apply finer couture crafts such as French embroidery, crochet and other embellishments to their collections. AIs most wondrous results, however, are in fashions storytelling realm and these pepper social media platforms. Punch AI fashion into any search portal and thousands of generative and hybrid (a mix of the photographers work smashed into new visual concepts with AI prompts) images of unlikely models wearing unlikely designs in unlikely locations erupt on screen. Eugenio Marongius fairytale creations have been embraced by a number of brands. Among them are Milan-based Italian photographer Eugenio Marongius often elderly models, heavily tattoo-ed or with ice-cream clouds of multi-coloured hair and weirdly wonderful fairytale wardrobes. Im still trying to understand [AIs] potential, says Marongiu, who also posts under the Instagram pseudonym Katsukokoiso.ai. He is one of AIs busiest novices, with a brace of brand collaborations, media coverage and a group exhibition in China already under his belt.

Advertisement

Melbourne photographer Liz Sunshine plays with a similar aesthetic to Marongius weirdly perfect, smooth-as-a-sucked-lozenge AI images, but she interprets it purposefully, as a radical rejigging of beauty ideals for older women. Her AI hybrid posts, featuring impeccably groomed, head-turning seniors, have also clocked up millions of views on social media. These self-taught pioneers of AI fashion are still learning the which, why and how of prompts to tap into AI systems  algorithms with names such as MidJourney, Stable Diffusion and DALL-E. Its been a trip, says Castle. I used to fantasise about this kind of thing, being able to blend this face with this face, add a dash of this and a dash of that and AI does it. Its incredible. Hybrid AI original photo by Philip Castle (detail). Castle has run increasingly meticulous prompting experiments with San Francisco-based MidJourney, one of the most popular AI systems, ostensibly developed for artists and recognisable for its painterly, Wes-Anderson-style aesthetic. In a second, even more complex process, Castle then uploads his low-resolution MidJourney images into programs such as Topaz Gigapixel AI. And with slides and dials and strings of even fussier prompts, he refines these until even the fuzz on an AI models cheeks is discernible in a final high-resolution picture. Hybrid AI original photo by Philip Castle (detail). Hes conjured a folio of ethereally beautiful new fashion portraits this way, without hiring a single model or switching on a single studio light. He has also, incidentally, rebooted a dormant chunk of his archive, a treatise on American culture he never got around to finishing in the 1990s, into a contemporary exhibition project by mashing original landscapes and AI-generated portraits into evocative new hybrid pictures.

Advertisement

Its kind of like surfing, Castle says of his AI adventure so far. Like riding a beast but theres also a substantial random factor involved. Its all in the prompts. You have to be able to describe what you want and, at a certain point youll want to upgrade [to a professional subscription in the AI program] and go into stealth mode so other people cant see your prompts. Creatives habitually refer to their way with prompts as recipes or formulas, or X factors. A single word placed in the wrong spot can change everything. Eugenio Marongiu If you dont give AI the right recipe its not going to bake a good cake, says Heggie. Im a staunch believer that to generate new, original and interesting design outcomes you shouldnt reference fashion in any way, Heggie explains. You should start by building a concept thats external from fashion ... when you get closest to what you want, I tell students to start drawing over that, start dissecting the elements of the AI. He cites the complicated case study of LCI student and emerging designer Mathilda Singaras fashion project as an example. Her idea, to use MidJourney and a blast of lateral thinking to develop garments inspired by the exoskeletons of extinct insects, at first went awry. She quickly realised that prompting with the characteristics of exoskeletons furry, crunchy bits didnt live up to her offbeat fashion concept. AI-assisted design by Mathilda Singara; styling by Joel Parkinson. Credit: Tilly Parsons She said, OK, why dont we put in [prompts for] an iris from an eye, and a lime, because theyre the shapes and colours we want. So we did. We put in images of eyes and sliced limes and the AI created all these amazing print concepts; we picked one, sent it off, scanned in the [garment] patterns, digitally aligned them and [Mathilda] cut and made them. Eyes, limes and insect exoskeletons fused perfectly into a remarkable AI hybrid fashion concept.

Advertisement

Its predicted that similarly original strings of targeted, meaningful and complex prompts will eventually be recognised legally in the realm of intellectual property. Already in the US, some companies are paying a fresh-shucked breed of non-technical professionals six-figure salaries to be their prompt engineers. Prompts are that precious. Im of the opinion that prompts, especially in cases of professional/artistic use, should remain secret, says Eugenio Marongiu. Its like a chef revealing his secret recipe or a photographer giving away the raw files of his shoots. He prompts his own AI images into existence with the same intuitive, artistic beat and process as his real-world work. I move exactly as for a photographic shoot, but everything is at the written and mental level: the type of models, the location, lighting, outfits, makeup and hairstyle ... a single word placed in the wrong spot can change everything. Creatives liken it to relearning your own language. Initially my prompts were simple; 10 words, says Liz Sunshine. But I became more precise about what I wanted to create; I found the words to describe a scene to a deeper degree, sometimes 100 or so words ... imagining women I would photograph in real life. I enjoyed seeing each subjects story unfold ... Simple details, like skirts wrinkled from sitting or a woman with lumps and bumps, make the images feel more real. Liz Sunshines AI images celebrate the beauty of age. Sunshines experiments have rocketed on social media, with one image clocking more than 16 million views. Ive been using AI in all its forms for many years [but] in photography it feels new, creating images as a collaboration between imagination, bots and words instead of cameras and light. Shes sped up her art processes and  another one of those happy AI accidents  plunged into a book project that virtually opens a new cultural gateway and wouldnt have been viable even a year ago. Im self-publishing a book that questions style as we age and presents a series of AI images that celebrate the visual qualities of ageing, she says. Ive always found older people beautiful; their grey hair and deep lines tell the story of life ... yet both myself and the women around me feel differently, we feel an urgency to cover greys and anti-age at all costs. I hope this book offers a different narrative to the one thats often [celebrated] online.

Advertisement
Cumberland County District Attorneys Office (717-240-6210)Jonah Williamson, 41, no address listed, was sentenced July 25 by Cumberland County Judge Christylee Peck to 9.5 years to 19 years in state prison for his role in the December 2021 stabbing of his girlfriend at Rodeway Inn in Wormleysburg. Williamson had been found guilty during a jury trial in May of reckless endangerment and aggravated assault. He was found not guilty of attempted homicide. The DA said Williamson had stabbed the woman multiple times in the neck, arm and hand after a verbal argument turned physical.

Lower Allen Township Police (717-975-7575)Luis Sora, 65, of East Elmhurst, New York, and Tamara Soledad Fernandez-Catalan, 23, of Cedarhurst, New York, were charged with misdemeanor retail theft and conspiracy after a retail theft at Express at the Capital City Mall at 12:50 p.m. July 22. Police said they were advised of one person stealing items and a second individual acting as a distraction. Police stopped a vehicle with Florida registration, with Sora and Fernandez-Catalan in the vehicle. During the stop, police said they discovered Fernandez-Catalan distracted employees so Sora could steal items. The total theft was $183. She remains in Cumberland County Prison on $5,000 cash bail, while Sora posted that bail.

East Pennsboro Township Police (717-732-3633)Zaheim Yahsim Green, 21, of Camp Hill, was charged with misdemeanor simple assault and summary harassment and disorderly conduct after a domestic incident in the 100 block of Marshall Drive at 2:22 a.m. July 23. Police said Green was identified by the victim of an assault, and he was arrested. He remains in Cumberland County Prison on $20,000 cash bail.

Gina Luree Burger, 55, of Enola, was charged with felony burglary and criminal trespass and misdemeanor theft by unlawful taking after an investigation on July 8 in the 100 block of Helen Street, police reported July 27. A victim reported money being stolen from the residence, and Burger was identified as the suspect. She was arrested and remains in Cumberland County Prison on $5,000 cash bail. She waived her right to a preliminary hearing on July 26, and charges were filed in county court.
THE MEDIA

Media Monsters: The Transformation of Australias Newspaper Empires

Sally Young

UNSW Press, $49.99

Sally Young has chosen to begin and end her book about Australian media between 1941 and 1972 with the story of Colin Bednall. A journalist turned media company executive, Bednall was never such a household name as the Packers, Murdochs or Fairfaxes, who loom so large in the nations media history.

There is a good reason for her choice. As she wrote at the beginning of her previous book, about the rise of Australias newspaper empires between 1803 and 1941: Newspapers have found it very difficult to tell the truth about themselves.

A newspaper seller pictured following the Apollo 11 moon landing in July 1969. Credit:

Bednall did tell the truth about the news industry in an autobiography written in the early 1970s but never published. It has languished among his private papers in the National Library of Australias archives. After working at senior levels in the Herald & Weekly Times under Keith Murdoch and as managing director of Frank Packers GTV-9 in Melbourne, Bednall fell out with the latter over cost-cutting and telephone calls from the boardroom to disreputable persons.
Like any job, creative work is mostly about showing up and putting your shoulder to the wheel. Americas great minimalist Kelly Reichardt has been doing exactly that for years, making her meticulous, allusive and quietly spoken films (Meeks Cut-off, First Cow) against all odds while supporting the work with teaching. Lizzy, played by the directors regular collaborator Michelle Williams, is similarly committed as a potter in a small college town who also works at the local arts centres office. Her mother got her that job; her flat is owned by artistic rival Joelle (Hong Chau) who needles her with tiny reminders of her debt and dependency. Life is thus a series of compromises, made more uncomfortable by Lizzys introversion: she barely speaks, swallowing her small fizzes of anger and warding off casual conversation. So much reticence does become tedious, but Lizzys story is ultimately a memorable testament to artistic persistence. SB Comedy Theatre Aug 5; Forum Aug 5 and Aug 20

The 71st Melbourne International Film Festival next week has a massive program which showcases 267 films, including features, shorts, restorations, retrospectives and more. With so much choice, its hard to know where to start. Film writer Stephanie Bunbury and critic Jake Wilson choose some of their highlights.

It begins as an old-fashioned Western, starring Viggo Mortensen, but soon both genre and leading man are left behind. Then its a downbeat police procedural set on a Sioux reservation, but once again the narrative winds up flying off in an unexpected direction. What Argentine writer-director Lisandro Alonso (Jauja) actually seems to be shooting for is a dreamlike puzzle comparable to the work of Apichatpong Weerasethakul (Tropical Malady), but with less minimalist glamour and broader hints about the intended subtext (mainly the violence of colonialism, in the US and beyond). Truth be told, I wouldnt have minded if Alonso had settled for the middle section, which believably portrays the tedium of everyday police work, offset with the sad story of a young Sioux baseball coach stoically played by 20-year-old newcomer Sadie LaPointe. This characters gradual loss of hope might have been even more affecting without the magic-realist twist. JW Forum, Aug 5 and 11.45am; Comedy Theatre, Aug 17.

From the veteran Polish documentary maker Lidia Duda, this close-up portrait of three seven-year-olds at a school for the visually impaired has an uncanny kind of intimacy, all the more so as her subjects seem genuinely unconscious of the camera. The approach is purely observational, with Duda shooting in black and white from a vantage point close to the ground (adults are mostly kept offscreen, as in a Peanuts cartoon). Theres a frank fascination with the physical being of these children, their fragile bodies and swaying movements, the way they use their hands to explore the world. Theres also an evident compassion and delicacy, as there needs to be to prevent the whole approach feeling like exploitation -- and although no comment is made either way on the Christian teachings that are part of the schools curriculum, the feeling that ultimately comes through might as well be called religious. JW ACMI, Sat 12 Aug 11.15am and Mon 14 Aug 4.15pm.

For anyone keen to wander off the beaten festival track, this three-hour debut from Vietnam is a beautifully rendered portrait of a young man ostensibly present but disengaged from his life  the conversation that swirls about him at a beer garden, for example, in the films masterly opening sequence  who is obliged to return to reality when his sister-in-law Hanh dies in a motorcycle accident. Suddenly, Thien (Le Phong Vu) becomes the default guardian of his five-year-old nephew Dao (Nguyen Thinh). First, he must ensure Hanh has a Christian burial in her village; second, he must find Daos father Tam, his brother, who disappeared years ago. The search leads to Thiens reconnection with to a woman he once loved  inadequately  and who is now a nun; such meetings with the past gradually but inexorably return him to the present. Thien An Phams film requires attention, but it unspools as gently as a dream. SB ACMI aug 13 and 16; Forum Aug 18.

Ira Sachs drama about a bisexual love triangle in modern Paris isnt totally unfamiliar in outline but feels fresh at nearly every turn, thanks to the performances, the carefully shaped script, and the overall attention to realistic detail (including in the sex scenes, both gay and straight). Franz Rogowski and Ben Whishaw star as, respectively, a German director and a British actor, whose comfortable marriage is rocked when Rogowskis character has a fling with a woman (Adele Exarchopoulos, doing a lot with a seemingly less central role). The story raises questions about identity, sexual and otherwise, and about how different kinds of relationships even today are perceived by the world at large. But the main drama lies in the way each character is forced to decide what he or she truly wants -- and in the implication that while social mores may shift, jealousy and heartbreak look to be eternal. JW Astor Aug 5; Comedy Theatre Aug 18.

For many years, the Australian writer and filmmaker Jeni Thornley has used a Super-8 movie camera to document the things that have meant most to her: friends and lovers, children and animals, the places shes lived, the causes shes fought for, the pilgrimages shes made. These gleanings form the basis for this free-form poetic documentary, which feels intensely intimate while also holding us at a distance, with spoken words eschewed in favour of printed title cards, and individuals rarely identified by name. Straight away, its clear that this isnt just a film about Thornley as an individual, but a precious glimpse of a specific slice of history, the 1970s womens movement in Australia and what grew out of it. What comes through most strongly is a dedication to finding joy in the midst of struggle, which makes the idea the personal is political seem like not just a slogan but the basis for a way of life. JW ACMI Aug 13 and 17; Kino August 15.

Mona (Eiman Yousif) is married but childless, rattling around her well appointed Khartoum home doing very little since her husband Akram (Nazar Gomaa) insisted she give up her musical career. When Akram shoots a young man from the spurned south Sudanese minority he wrongly believes is pursuing his wife  a crime easily buried with police collusion  Mona guiltily seeks out his widow. Julia (Siran Riak) smells a rat - Mona offers her a maids job at an inflated wage, a home, even an education - but she grows to love her unhappy employer. Meanwhile, Mona is staggering under a rickety scaffold of lies that is bound to collapse, creating a tension that director Mohamed Kordofani ratchets up relentlessly. His extraordinary film is both a window on a corner of the world we know only as a news headline and an uplifting portrait of an unlikely friendship. SB ACMI, Aug 9; Forum Aug 20

Trenque Lauquen

Laura Paredes in the four-hour epic Trenque Lauquen.

This leisurely narrative puzzle from Argentinean director Laura Citarella  a member of the collective that brought us the 13-hour extravaganza La Flor in 2018  starts out following two men (Rafael Spregelburd and Ezequiel Pierri) on a drive through the grey-green countryside in search of a missing botanist (Laura Paredes, who is also a co-writer). But labels such as road movie or even mystery arent much use in defining where were headed: before long weve detoured into a flashback involving one romance nestled inside another, and a couple of hours in, we seem to be dealing with a whole separate story from another genre altogether. Still, dont expect the baroque flamboyance of a director like Raul Ruiz or David Lynch: Citarella has a much calmer way of stringing us along, in the spirit of a long car journey where a succession of games might be played to pass the time. JW Screens August 5 and 11, at ACMI

Last Summer

Lea Drucker and Samuel Kircher in Last Summer.

Anne (Lea Drucker) is comfortably married, affluent, elegant and suitably respected as a lawyer specialising in childrens rights. Theo (Samuel Kircher) is her stepson, an irritating layabout recently expelled from school. Somehow, an affair erupts between them that is joyous, passionate and obviously wrong. French director Catherine Breillat, whose previous films showing real sex earned her the title porno auteuriste, tells their story with relative restraint  this time around, sexual ecstasy is revealed solely in the participants faces  but it is no less shocking for that. Theos age is never stated, but there is no question that hes the kid around here. Worse than Annes betrayal of her responsibilities as an adult is the ruthlessness with which she readily betrays Theo, thus restoring order in her bourgeois household. Based on the Danish film Queen of Hearts, Last Summer shows the 74-year-old Breillat is as vivid, intriguing and provocative as ever. SB Screening August 11 at the Forum; August 13 and 19 The Astor.

The Delinquents

Daniel Elias and Margarita Molfino in The Delinquents.

When Moran (Daniel Elias) decides to rob the bank where he works, he just walks into the vault, packs a bag with the exact sum to which he feels entitled and leaves. He knows he will be caught on camera and arrested. His plan is to serve his time and return to claim his money, if he can persuade his colleague Roman (Esteban Bigliardi) to hide it in an agreed spot by his favourite swimming hole. Somehow, the hitherto law-abiding Roman is persuaded, but is then distracted from his mission at the river by a group of young picnickers clearly having more fun than he ever has. Rodrigo Morenos long, meandering and enticingly strange film thus undercuts its initial heist premise at every turn. There are no chases, guns or femmes fatales, just the interlaced stories of two bored and boring men who resolve, against the odds, to change their lives. SB Screens August 17 and August 20 at the Comedy Theatre.

How to Have Sex

Mia McKenna-Bruce in How To Have Sex.

Few titles arrived in Cannes with a bigger buzz than British filmmaker Molly Manning Walkers thoughtful answer to the American spring-breaker comedy, which shows that even the wildest foam party cannot entirely obliterate youthful awkwardness, fear and loneliness. Tara (Mia McKenna-Bruce) and her friends Skye and Em (Lara Peake and Enva Lewis) have saved up through year 11 for a schoolies holiday in Crete. Second on their agenda, next to having the best holiday ever, is getting virginal Tara hooked up and deflowered. Badger (Shaun Thomas) in the next villa is a likeable contender, but his mate Paddy (Samuel Bottomley) is more confident and, as she discovers, more insistent. Without judging any of these kids fumbling in both the literal and emotional dark, Walker underlines crucial problems around the understanding of consent; Taras increasingly morose silences, given weight by McKenna-Bruces superb performance, tell their own story. SB Screens August 14 at IMAX Melbourne; August 17, Comedy Theatre and August 18 at The Astor.

About Dry Grasses

Ece Bagci stars in About Dry Grasses.

The Turkish master Nuri Bilge Ceylan, whose 2014 Winter Sleep won that years Palme DOr in Cannes, here focuses his Chekhovian sensibilities on to a threadbare public school in his customary stamping ground  Anatolia. Samet (Deniz Celiloglu) is an art teacher, who spends much of his day staring out of the window at the gloomily snowbound mountains; the one bright spot on his personal horizon is vivacious, clever Sevim (Ece Bagci), whom he flagrantly favours over everyone else. Even though he does nothing improper, his fixation is obvious; so is the fact that it will lead to trouble. Meanwhile, he fills his days with argument; in the absence of change, a meaningful life or an effective heater, there is still the salve of conversation. Ceylans film is long, ruminative and rich with layered thinking; for those who can succumb to its pace, it is also a rare pleasure. SB Screens August 9 at ACMI and August 13 at The Forum.

Kidnapped

Leonardo Maltese stars in Kidnapped.

In 1858, the theft of a six-year-old boy from his Jewish family by the Vatican was first a local outrage, then a European liberal cause celebre and ultimately, as suggested here by veteran director Marco Bellocchio, a founding argument for Italys establishment as an avowedly secular state. Little Edgardo Mortaro was one of eight children in a happy, prosperous and well-respected Jewish family in Bologna, until a former maid claimed to have baptised him as a baby. According to church dogma, this made him instantly Catholic. An inquisitor duly came to claim him, consigning him to a Roman seminary and the unsavoury special favour of monstrous Pope Pius IX (Paolo Pierobon). At 83, Bellocchio is on top form here, relating the facts of the case with the fury they deserve but in the beguiling style of Baroque painting, full of dark shadows, sharp angles and an appropriately forbidding grandeur. SB Screens August 6 at the Comedy Theatre; August 11 at the Forum and August 17 at The Astor.

Walk Up

Kwon Hae-hyo in Walk Up.

Hong Sang-soo, the great miniaturist of Korean cinema, is back with yet another look at what a filmmaker does when he isnt working. This one is set mainly in a single apartment block, where the directors scruffy middle-aged alter ego (Hong regular Kwon Hae-hyo) encounters a number of women who sometimes appear to be interchangeable. As usual with latter-day Hong, the plot is mostly just a series of encounters, and the black-and-white images are stripped right back, especially in his signature lengthy sequences where characters sit opposite each other and make awkward conversation while consuming too much alcohol (for once, mainly wine rather than soju). However familiar these games have become, there are still rewards to be had, provided you pay attention to the details his approach is designed to highlight  the dance of body language, the small moments of expectancy and retreat, everything that happens in the gaps. JW Forum, August 4 and 20.

Pictures of Ghosts

A scene from Pictures of Ghosts>.

There are phantoms of more than one kind in this personal documentary from the versatile Kleber Mendonca Filho (Bacauru), a guided tour round his hometown of Recife in northeastern Brazil. We begin with the apartment where Filho grew up, also a primary locations for his 2012 first feature Neighboring Sounds  and, it appears, for some horror shorts made when he was learning the ropes. From there, we go on to the movie theatres he himself haunted as a young man, landmarks of the citys downtown area which were told has since fallen into decay. The sometimes bombastic showmanship of Filhos fiction films gives way here to a more laid-back, meandering approach. But a layer of political commentary is evident throughout if you look for it  and as he shifts between aspect ratios and between past and present, it becomes evident that one constant in his career has been a knack for framing shots. JW Screens August 4 and August 10 at ACMI.

With Love to the Person next to me

Kym Gyngell in With Love to the person next to me.

With any luck, the restoration of Brian McKenzies 1987 debut fiction feature marks the beginning of a revival for a filmmaker whose work deserves to be far better-known, including his long career in documentary. But this is not the kind of filmmaking that calls attention to itself: everything is in the tone, which is dryly whimsical but never too heightened, leaving space to show the strangeness and darkness as well as the beauty to be found in any supposedly ordinary life. A time capsule of 1980s Melbourne, the film centres on a melancholic taxi driver (Kym Gyngell) and a couple of deadbeat mates (Paul Chubb and Barry Dickins) who live in the same rundown St Kilda apartment block. Theres a low-key crime plot of sorts, but at least equal attention is given to the heros nightly conversations with his passengers  which he routinely tape-records, establishing him as a documentary maker in his own right. JW Screens August 12 at the Kino. Brian McKenzie will be present.

The Melbourne International Film Festival is in cinemas August 3-20 and online August 18-27. The Age is a festival partner.

Age subscribers can get 50% off tickets to the Melbourne International Film Festival*. Discounted tickets are limited. Click here to get your tickets now.
Advertisement

Eating outJust open Browse records during dinner at this inner-west institution turned old-school dive bar Lazy Thinking has transformed The Sausage Factory site in Dulwich Hill into a music store and restaurant in one. Bianca Hrovat July 28, 2023 Save Log in , register or subscribe to save recipes for later. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share

Top Sydney venues to visit this month. See all stories .

Dulwich Hills former institution The Sausage Factory, which closed in December, has been transformed into Lazy Thinking, a record store and restaurant helmed by the sites co-owner Jim Flanagan. This time, the sausages have taken a back seat to the local music scene. Inspired by the gritty, old-school dive bars of New York and his small record label (of the same name), Flanagan has spent months plastering the walls with posters of Sydney bands. A custom-made record stand runs through the middle of the restaurant, inviting diners to browse as they eat. And there are plans to host live music on Sunday afternoons. Jim Flanagan has transformed The Sausage Factory site into Lazy Thinking restaurant, bar and record store. Supplied To me, food and music go hand in hand, Flanagan says.

Advertisement

The concept [for Lazy Thinking] was really influenced by my travels, when Id go see live music, eat out and get a feel for a new place really quickly. Flanagan resumes his role in the kitchen, creating an inventive menu filled with snacks, seafood and lesser-known street food. The food is a step up from previous Sausage Factory fare. Supplied On Friday and Saturday nights, when the kitchen amps up production, there will be dishes such as Yarrawa cheese with kimchi, blood orange, saffron marmalade and buckwheat; monkfish tiradito with strawberry, fennel and Aleppo pepper; and custom-made bacon chops from Whole Beast Butchery, and a sauce of kohlrabi, radish, apricot and cardamom. On other nights, the menu is tighter and more focused on snack plates. This is only the second kitchen Ive run, and Im entirely self-taught so Im no Heston Blumenthal, but I did want to do something more ambitious than The Sausage Factory, Flanagan says.

Advertisement

I like good, simple and inventive food. While there were once plans to cook with gas and charcoal, Flanagan has since reverted to an entirely electric kitchen to reduce carbon emissions. And where The Sausage Factory focused firmly on beers, Lazy Thinking has broadened the selection to include simple cocktails (like Poppy, made with Pash Rash sour beer, pink lemonade, white rum and makrut lime) and Australian-made, mostly natural, wines. Dogs are welcome at Lazy Thinking. Supplied The reason I took seven months to [prepare for opening] is because I put a lot of work into completely transforming the space, it needed to feel completely different to The Sausage Factory, Flanagan says.

Advertisement

But I wanted to keep the space. Its such a magical part of Sydney. The restaurant, which opened on Friday, seats 30 diners and welcomes dogs. Open Wed-Sun 5-10pm. 380 New Canterbury Road, Dulwich Hill, lazythinking.com.au

Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox. Sign up
Its been really difficult for me in the past few years, and I just cant get it out of my head, said Paul, who like me was now in his early 50s. So, to cut a long story short, I wanted to tell you Ive decided to do something about it. Ive reported Des to the police and a detective has been assigned to investigate my case. I want to put this bastard in jail for what he did.

However, one night about 20 years later, when Paul and I were under the influence of a lot of drugs and alcohol, we told each other what had happened to us at school. Then we never spoke about it again.

F---. Of all the reasons that had gone through my mind since receiving his text, this wasnt one of them. Des was Desmond John Thornton, a teacher at Marcellin College in Randwick, an all-boys Catholic high school in Sydneys east that wed both attended in the 1980s. Separately, but under similar circumstances, Paul and I were sexually abused by Thornton, who taught social sciences while doubling as the schools careers counsellor. Neither of us spoke about it at the time  not to a parent, a teacher, another student, or one another.

You might be wondering why I wanted to have dinner. I wanted to let you know that Ive been thinking a lot about Des and what happened to us at school.

We ordered promptly, and were soon raising our glasses. There was some brief chit-chat about work and how we hadnt seen each other in a while. We both apologised for being busy. Nothing out of the ordinary. Then he came out with it.

I knew there was nothing romantic about the invitation. Paul and I met at school in 1977, were friends throughout our school years and had remained in contact in the decades since we graduated. His text seemed innocent enough  it was just an invitation to dinner, after all  but I was nevertheless circumspect about agreeing. My instincts told me there had to be more to it than just dinner. Something in my subconscious was warning me: approach with caution.

Hey David, just wondering if youd like to catch up and have dinner one night soon, Paul. In July 2018, newly single after the end of a six-year relationship, I received an out-of-the-blue text message from a man inviting me to dinner. It ought to have been cause for excitement. But this message made me nervous.

But right now, at that July 2018 dinner, when Paul raised the prospect of taking Thornton to court, I didnt immediately agree to get involved. It took me more than six months to make my own contact with police.

The prospect of Thornton going to prison for what hed done to me was suddenly the realest it had ever been. If it happened, I knew Id want to have had some hand in it. This wasnt the first time Id contemplated pursuing justice  Id in fact taken a very small step towards it in 2013, when Id tracked Thornton down to Alice Springs, where he was teaching at Centralian Senior College. Having found him, I sent an email confronting him with what hed done. To my surprise, his written reply contained a kind of apology. As potentially self- incriminating as this is, I take this opportunity to apologise to you, he wrote, without specifying what it was he was sorry for. It would prove a pivotal email in years to come.

Meagher as a schoolboy in 1981. He met his abuser, Desmond Thornton, when he was 13, on his first day of year 8. Credit: Courtesy of David Meagher

Paul told me that Detective Senior Constable Annie Clark from the NSW Polices Maroubra Detectives Unit had been assigned to investigate his case, and that his official police statement was now underway. Hed told Clark there was another victim but hadnt given her my name or told her anything about me. He said she was keen to meet me.

Just call me Des, hed said when I met him in 1980, on the first day of year 8. I was 13, so normal circumstances dictated that I ought to be calling him Sir or Mr Thornton, regardless of what he asked me to do. Des implied that we were friends or contemporaries. We were neither. Just call me Des was a deliberate attempt at affability and a way to counteract the power imbalance between us. Just call me Des was his first attempt to groom me.

Hearing Paul use Thorntons first name after all those years jarred. It had been a trigger for me for more than four decades; I never liked hearing the name, even if in reference to a different Des.

I preferred the verbal abuse because I learnt to ignore it, but with hindsight it might have been better to take the punches. Bruises heal quickly, but the damage caused by insults takes a lot longer to repair. It took me years to recover and at times it seemed like it was going to get the better of me. When I was 14, I contemplated taking my own life, and even took a feeble step towards it. You cant bully or sexually abuse a dead kid is how my teenage brain rationalised it.

Being bullied at school has an amplifying effect. You become a lightning rod for the insecurities and frustrations of other students. No one wants to be a target, so they pile onto those who are, as a survival mechanism. If youre part of the bullying pack, the logic goes, no one will notice your own difference, and youll be left alone. When the persecution involves being called gay, its a double whammy. Other boys dont want to be seen with you in case theyre thought to be gay by association. All of this meant that I didnt have a lot of allies at school.

I acknowledge that the school doesnt operate in the same way today. The schools website says it provides a safe, supportive and inclusive environment to nurture the wellbeing of all students and that it rejects all forms of bullying behaviour. But my story isnt about the environment in schools today, its about how the bullying and victimisation to which I was subjected four decades ago created a perfect opportunity for a paedophile.

It might seem counter-intuitive, but sometimes I was the one who got in trouble for being bullied. Another student would whisper an insult at me in class, or throw something at me, or spit on me. They would do it when the teacher was facing the chalkboard, which meant when he or she turned to see who was speaking, Id be the one with my mouth open, muttering something back at my torturer. Id be the one given detention, or sent to see the headmaster, or to receive six cuts of the cane.

What started as gentle ribbing for not being good at sport developed into full-scale, homophobic harassment and persecution; sometimes physically violent and always emotionally wounding. By the end of year 7 Id been called every gay slur you can think of. Id been punched, kicked, tripped, spat on, threatened, ignored and excluded. Id been the subject of rumours and dirty looks.

I dont recall a time at Marcellin when I wasnt being bullied. If there was a honeymoon period at the beginning of high school, it was a brief one. Other boys were quick to recognise that I was different from them, and they pounced on it. I wasnt interested in sport and when forced to participate, was terrible at it. I was shy and introverted and found the sporty boys (that is, most of them) intimidating. I didnt know then that I was gay, but the other boys assumed my lack of sporting ability meant I must be  what other explanation could there be?  and wasted no time letting me know it.

Im concerned about you. Youre always talking in class and the other teachers tell me youre disruptive in their classes, too, he said. If you continue to talk in class and dont pay attention, your grades will suffer, and then you might have to repeat year 8. Thornton knew that repeating a year was a bullied kids worst fear; he threatened me with it a lot.

I dunno, I said. I was shy and uncomfortable around adults. I didnt like the attention and I just wanted to shut down the conversation.

When the period finished the first time this happened, and it was just the two of us in the classroom, he asked why I was so disruptive in class.

I got in trouble a lot in Thorntons classes. With a particularly finely-tuned ear for when I was talking, hed sternly instruct me to stay back after class, threatening to use the cane or give me a detention if there was one more word out of me before the bell sounded. His bluster was just for show, though. He wanted to look like a tyrant in front of the class but the last thing he wanted was for someone else to earn the punishment of staying back after class. He wanted me alone.

Aged 26, Des Thornton was an ex-student living at home with his parents in Malabar when he took the job at Marcellin, only his second teaching position. I knew this because he went to great lengths to befriend me, to ensure I saw him as different to the other teachers. Just call me Des, remember.

The last thing he wanted was for someone else to earn the punishment of staying after class. He wanted me alone.

Needless to say I hated everything about school, but the thing I dreaded most was lunchtime. At least in class there was structure and closer adult supervision. I looked for any opportunity to have something to do at lunchtime apart from socialising with the other boys. I went to the library; I hung out in the classrooms; I tried to find a quiet spot to sit. That my absence in the playground often went unnoticed proved an added bonus for Des Thornton.

Youre going to be in year 9 next year and youll have to choose elective subjects. Thats a big responsibility. If you dont choose the right ones, you might not be eligible for the university course you want. You need to start thinking about what you want to be now. All the other boys already know what they want to do.

Im sure youre good at something, we just need to find out what that is.

What do you mean you dont know? You must have some idea of what you want to do. What are you good at?

I guess so.

Im just trying to help you. Why dont you come and see me in the

careers room one lunchtime, and we can work together to find out what youre good at and what interests you. Or I can give you a detention notice, but I think you will benefit more from coming to the careers room than being on detention.

Teacher Des Thorton invited 13-year-old Meagher to call him Des, which the writer calls a deliberate attempt at affability and a way to counteract the power imbalance between us. Credit: Courtesy of David Meagher

I didnt want my parents to know that I was on detention again and I didnt want to stay back after school. The less time I spent on the school grounds, the better. Going to the careers room at lunchtime seemed like an easy alternative  and I genuinely didnt know what I wanted to be when I grew up. On top of that, it meant that for at least one lunchtime that week I wouldnt have to find something to occupy myself with. Thornton told me to come and see him on Thursday, and I did what I was told.

Early in 2019, Paul and I agreed to meet up again, this time at his home. Paul went to buy coffee and pastries at the Kings Cross markets while I sat on his rooftop terrace, admiring the view. When he returned, he handed me my coffee. Shits about to get real, he said. My first thought was that he was referring to the crowds at the markets.

Detective Annie Clark, he said, was poised to make an arrest. I immediately felt guilty that Id done nothing to help get the case to this critical point. Paul had done all the work and I was riding on his coattails. We talked about how Clarks investigation had progressed: what shed found out and what she hadnt been able to ascertain or verify. Paul told me that Clark was keen to speak to me, to add a final piece to the puzzle. I could remain anonymous  my identity would be tightly protected and suppressed if the matter went to trial. Paul assured me Clark just wanted to hear my story.

Loading

I realised that if Thornton was charged and sent to prison, it wouldnt be for anything hed done to me. I felt guilty for not helping Paul but I also had an inkling that I was missing out on something momentous. F--- it, Im in. Give her my number, call her and tell her I want to make a statement, I told Paul. Im sorry Ive been so flaky, but Im ready to do this now.

In March 2019, two weeks after that coffee meeting, I sat in an interview room at the Kings Cross Police Station, giving my official statement to Annie Clark. It was a difficult and traumatic process that would ultimately take two days and necessitate, among other things, that I describe a penis I had seen only briefly, and that I draw a floorplan of an apartment I was in for less than an hour  both based on my 40-year-old memories.

My police statement says I went to the careers room at least 10 times but since I gave that statement some memories have become clearer, and Im sure it was many more times than that. In fact, I think it was every week until the end of that year, which is what Thornton prescribed.

My police statement details what he did with me in that room. How he would place two chairs opposite each other and that they were uncomfortably close. How when I would move my chair back to regain some personal space, he would swiftly drag it closer to him.

I told Clark about how he would play with my penis through my school shorts and how he eventually took it out of my shorts. I told her how he would grab my pubic hair and pull it if I tried to move away. I told her about ejaculating for the first time ever in the careers room. That I didnt know what it was. How Thornton got angry and just left me there to clean it up.

I also told Clark about moving into year 9 the following year and deliberately choosing subjects that Thornton didnt teach, as a way to get away from him. And of how that strategy worked  until it didnt. Not being one of his students forced him to become a little more creative in thinking up ways to get one-on-one access to me.

I told Clark how, one day, Thornton showed up at my house with a story about being locked out of a nearby apartment he was looking after for his brother. He needed someone small to climb through an open window and let him in. I told her how things escalated to a terrifying new level in that apartment. I told her how frightened I was to be in a strange apartment with Thornton and how no one in my family knew exactly where I was.

I was frightened. No one in my family knew exactly where I was.

I told her that, once Id climbed through the window and let him in, Thornton gave me breakfast and sat me in front of the television, then went to the bathroom to shower. He emerged and sat down beside me on the sofa, wearing only a towel. I told Clark about how he undid the towel and masturbated himself with one hand while doing what hed done to me in the careers room with the other. And I told her how he stood up, naked, and blocked my view of the television. How he forced me to perform oral sex on him. I told her that I couldnt recall how long it lasted but that at one point I did something I still cant believe I had the courage to do. I pushed him away, stood up and moved to the other side of the room.

I dont want to do this any more, I said, crying. With that he told me to get dressed and that he would take me home, then on to school.

He never spoke to me again. At some point in the middle of the following year, Des Thornton left Marcellin College, with no apparent explanation.

When Thornton left Marcellin, the only thought I had about the abuse was that it was over. There was nothing he could do now to get me alone. There was nothing but blue skies ahead for me.

It didnt take long for me to become acutely aware of how immature that idea was; how long-lasting the effects of sexual abuse are on victims. I first saw a psychiatrist when I was in my early 20s because I couldnt put thoughts of the abuse out of my head.

Meagher took drugs to escape his thoughts, but the comedowns became persistent enough to leave him in a permanently bad mood. Credit: Nic Walker

Later in life I found other solutions, including drugs, most specifically ecstasy, MDMA and crystal methamphetamine. When I was high, I didnt have a care in the world. The only thing I had to worry about was coming down, and when I was in my 30s and early 40s, coming down was easy to handle. Drugs were fun because they were mind-altering. They took me away from my thoughts for a few hours.

However, while the highs dont get any higher, the lows gradually get lower and lower, such that the time spent high becomes immeasurably outweighed by the time spent recovering from it. Because I was often coming down, I was in a permanently bad mood, easily irritated and rarely happy. I wasnt so much a glass-half-empty guy as a glass-completely-drained one.

That said, I never considered myself an addict and never went into recovery. I managed to hide my drug-taking well. I was single and most of my friends were in relationships so it was easy to go unnoticed for a weekend while on a drug and sex-fuelled bender. I thought I was smarter than other drug users and would never let it get out of control. Then, in 2002, following one of those drug and sex-fuelled benders, I was diagnosed as HIV positive. It was caught early and Ive been on effective antiretroviral treatment ever since. Im going to live as long as the next person, but in 2002 I thought it was a death sentence.

Eventually, a psychiatrist who Id told about the abuse recommended I go on antidepressant medication. I was in my late 30s and holding down a position as a senior journalist on a magazine. I felt like I had the journalism job Id always wanted but was increasingly struggling to find the joy in it. I didnt make the connection between my drug-taking and my mood and resisted my psychiatrists advice.

What have you got to lose? he finally asked. He meant what did I have to lose from trying an antidepressant drug that might help me, but he asked it during a time in which Id been thinking that I had nothing to lose from no longer living. I had no firm plan for taking my own life, but I thought of suicide as a kind of trapdoor I could escape through if things ever got too hard to handle.

Loading

I knew it wasnt good to have those thoughts, and I was so ashamed of them that I couldnt even discuss them with my psychiatrist. Its stupid, but I thought he would judge me for my suicidal tendencies  which of course was precisely what I was paying him to do.

So, I took his advice to heart and thought, what do I have to lose from taking another drug? Ive put worse shit into my body. If this doesnt work, I will still have my trapdoor.

I took antidepressants for more than a decade and they did their job. The thing about taking antidepressants and amphetamines, though, is that they kind of cancel each other out. Recreational drugs just didnt have potency and I gradually lost interest in them. I focused on my career and the more I did, the more demanding it became. Eventually I was hired to edit a magazine, my dream job. My career took off, my dark thoughts disappeared and my memories of the abuse were no longer front of mind.

Until that dinner with Paul in 2018.

On September 4 , 2019, Des Thornton received a knock on his Alice Springs door. It was officers from the Northern Territory Police Force. They asked him to go with them to the station, where he was arrested for multiple historic sexual abuse offences relating to Paul and myself. He was taken into custody, staying overnight in the cells, and appeared before a magistrate the next day.

Detective Annie Clark: I think [Thornton] had been expecting that knock for a very long time. Credit: Jessica Hromas

By then, detective Annie Clark was on the next plane out of Sydney, bound for Alice Springs. We dont fly out until there is confirmation that they have the person, she would later tell me. The words that were said to me after he was arrested by the police in Alice Springs was that he didnt seem surprised. I think hed been expecting that knock for a very long time.

Thornton was ordered to appear at Maroubra Police Station in Sydney a couple of weeks later, where he was charged with multiple offences relating to the sexual abuse of two minors between 1980 and 1982. Our matter was handed over to the NSW Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. It proceeded with more than a dozen charges relating to me and Paul.

Thornton agreed to plead guilty to seven of the charges: five for Paul and two for me. Our lawyer, Amanda-Lee James, assured us the charges he was willing to plead guilty to would be enough to ensure a custodial sentence, so we accepted the defences revised statement of facts and avoided what would have been a traumatic trial.

On February 25, 2021, at the Downing Centre District Court of NSW, Judge Ian McClintock sentenced Desmond John Thornton to a prison sentence of four years, with a non-parole period of 18 months. In NSW, pleading guilty early attracts a 25 per cent discount on the sentence for those charges. Its a reward for saving the time and resources of the court, as well as for making the legal process less painful for the victims.

On August 24, 2022, Desmond John Thornton was released on parole. That morning, I got a phone call from NSW Victims Services to tell me the news, which Id been expecting. It was a brief call. I was asked if I had any questions. I didnt. I thanked the caller for letting me know and hung up. I dont know if they were expecting more emotion on my part, but there wasnt much to say.

Ive barely thought about Thorntons release from prison since. He served his time, and from a legal point of view, the matter has been resolved. After the

sentencing hearing, Amanda-Lee James said she thought that four years with a non-parole period of 18 months was on the lighter side. A longer sentence could however have given the defence cause to appeal, and dragged out our case further. On balance, we agreed, it was a satisfactory outcome. Thorntons release from prison meant the case was now closed. The end.

In the weeks leading up to sentencing, some of those who knew my story asked how Id feel if he wasnt sent to prison. No one asked how Id feel if he was. Bringing the person who abused me as a child to justice gave me confidence  in the police, in the law, in myself.

How did I feel when he was sentenced to prison? I felt like a changed man. I felt happier, as if a weight had been lifted from my shoulders. It was the end of a 40-year struggle and Im glad I did it. One of my reasons for writing a book about my experience has been to let go of the secrets, the shame and the stress Ive held on to for four decades.

But forgiveness? Thats the hardest thing. Im not there yet  and if I ever get there, it will be for my benefit, not his.

Lifeline: 13 11 14. Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636

This is an edited extract from Secrets and Lies: A Story of Justice, Perseverance and the Life That Comes After (Penguin Random House, $35), by David Meagher, out August 2.

To read more from Good Weekend magazine, visit our page at The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and Brisbane Times
A 16-year-old girl has been charged with the murder of a man allegedly beaten to death in a house in Sydneys west.

The girl is due to face a childrens court on Friday after she was arrested in Muswellbrook on Thursday afternoon.

A girl has been charged with murder after a man was found dead in a bedroom of a house in Tregear, near Blacktown, in June. Credit: Nine News

NSW Police allege she was involved in the fatal assault of a 32-year-old man found unresponsive in a bedroom of a house in Tregear, near Blacktown, in June.

Two males, aged 18 and 19, are also before the courts over their roles in the death. The 19-year-olds assault charge has since been upgraded to murder.
We have had to adapt, he says. We have had to change to make sure we are relevant in the 21st century and thats part of the program review that we have been doing over the last few years. The world organisation of the Scout movement, particularly around 2016 when they created a youth involvement policy, posed the question of how do you put youth at the front and centre of decision-making of everything we do? Lloyd Nurthen (left) in his earlier scouting days. Since then youth have had a bigger voice, look at the Greta Thunberg for example, and Scouts in some way, shape or form, allows youth to be able to learn to lead. He is explaining all this while keeping an eye on the sizzle. We are eating not ordinary sausages but award-winning snags from Campbells Superior Meats in West Pymble. Nurthen is celiac but as any good butcher will tell you theres no reason to add anything to a sausage recipe that would make it anything other than gluten-free.

Inevitably we have baked beans (obligatory for campers) and, for the adventurer cooking to a deadline (or clinging to a crevice on a cliff face), we have freeze-dried wild mushroom and lamb risotto from the Outdoor Gourmet Company and freeze-dried apple pie with shortbread biscuit from Back Country cuisine. Just add water. No cooking required. Just add hot water: camping convenience with freeze-dried meals. Credit: Internet The sausages were excellent but would have benefited from cooking on charcoal. The freeze-dried foods were surprisingly good, although our water wasnt quite hot enough. We toasted the glittering harbour with Tim Adams Clare Valley Pinot Gris, which is always good, scouts honour. Hard to imagine what Baden-Powell would make of air-dried food. In his definitive manual for Scouts he suggests in Camp Fire Yarn No. 10: A bird is most easily plucked immediately after being killed. Meat can be wrapped in a coating of clay and put in the red-hot embers of the fire where it will cook by itself. He also has a hint for instructors: A visit to an abattoir and butchers shop to see the cutting up is useful for boys. Nurthens climb to the top continued unabated  he ran the State Youth Council in NSW then in 2017 was the first Youth Commissioner for Scouts NSW and in 2019 deputy contingent leader for the 24th World Scout Jamboree in West Virginia. He is in the same role for this years jamboree to South Korea.

The ethos of scouting is all about teaching leadership skills and the leaders know that attending a jamboree or an overseas event improves the chances of retaining the young scouts as part of the movement. Do people have pre-conceived ideas about Scouts? Absolutely. They say it is all about knots, but its not all about knots any more. Its about the life skills, the leadership, the stuff that you cant get at school. Scouting gives you that other perspective. Camping fine dining: pork and fennel sausages, beans and freeze-dried wild mushroom and lamb risotto. Credit: Nick Moir I havent been to university. I was a young manager at Woolworths of five or six people and I learnt a lot of those leadership skills through scouts. Without scouts, I wouldnt be where I am today in my professional career. He is employed as the global customer experience manager at an aerial imagery technology company. To parents I would say that the Scouts offers what school doesnt have. Its about how do you make sure your kids are prepared for life? School doesnt teach the life skills that our kids needs. We teach you stuff you need, like how to change a tyre. Our scouts get out and exercise, they arent stuck in front of a computer screen. I know a few people who have only hired people because they have been a scout.

We do, however, embrace technology in the Scouts, sometimes when we go on hikes or adventures and theres no reception so you have to teach those life skills that are not there. We will teach people to use a digital compass or Google Maps, but they still need to learn those foundational skills because, lets say if someone turned off all our satellites, we are not going to have GPS so you still need to know how to navigate. There are, of course, other new challenges which threaten retention. Numbers dropped during COVID-19, there is competition from other after-school activities, and sometimes scout halls can be hard to find. Wolf Cubs and Boy Scouts standing outside a hall, New South Wales, ca. 1930. Credit: Fairfax After our camp lunch, Scouts NSW was back in the news in connection with a claim for compensation for child sexual abuse committed by one of its leaders. I asked Scouts NSW to comment. In response, it said its primary focus was the safety and well-being of every child in its care. Our organisation has changed since the late 1970s, it said. And has put in place processes that educate our youth members to recognise and report inappropriate behaviour. On the less controversial challenges up for discussion, Nurthen told me: We have some quite strong growth projectories. Theres a lot of growth corridors, new areas like Badgerys Creek. How do we start to look to put scouts into those areas if theres not a dedicated scouts hall? How do you start to partner with some of those other community groups? Some halls have been sold off, a lot of them are on leases.

Scouts is also good for the leaders, and we can always do with more volunteers, they also get away from their desks and are out having fun. Also, if you go canoeing or sailing you need a lot of gear, which we already have. Even when you go camping the only things you need to bring are your sleeping bag, sleeping mat and your mess kit. Scout groups have their own tents so as a parent the investment is not so high to start [something new]. So why would a girl join scouts rather than Girl Guides? I think scouting offers that next level of adventure, he says. Through scouts you can achieve your Duke of Edinburgh Award. Not just for boys: Kate Broekman, of Mirrabooka in Lake Macquarie, a NSW Venturer Scout at a scout gathering in Sri Lanka, 2013. So what has been lost along the way? The knots badge has gone, it is part of what is called camp craft these days. Then theres camper awards for your number of nights under canvas. Some kids are really attached to those awards and want to collect them, but it is really about the skills that you learn. I would say I have spent 500 nights under canvas, if not more. South Korea will be another 15 nights. And disasters? Ive never set the tent on fire. The worst was flooding and rain. I remember being at the jamboree in 2010 when water just came through the tent at Cataract. It was an interesting experience, but you learn to live with it, and we had a stretcher so, we just put our bags up off the floor, and you get around it. Weve never lost anyone. Ive never broken a bone.
More than almost anywhere else in the world, Sydney loves cocaine. This weekend, the white powder that costs more than gold will be consumed in the citys nightclubs, bars and bedrooms, fuelling a fake euphoria that keeps users emptying their wallets for more.

The more Sydney wants it, the greater the cost. Children paid the price in trauma on Thursday, when they saw the tattooed body of a dead man, likely killed in a drug dispute, half covered by a tarpaulin as they walked to school.

The body of Ferenc David Stemler, 28, the latest victim of Sydneys drug wars, lies on a Sydney street. Credit: AAP

A young man and woman paid in blood on Sunday when a bullet intended for another struck him in the neck and her in the back. Last year, Amy al-Hazouri paid with her life when she was caught in a hit intended for her friend.

The shooting of five people in five days has shocked the city. But its been shocked before; by the Milperra massacre in the 1980s, by the Cabramatta heroin gangs in the 1990s, by the battles between the Darwiches and Razzaks in the 2000s, and by Brothers4Life in the 2010s.
Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Got it Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Welcome back to Yours.Sincerely. This week, online commenters and letter writers expressed their concerns about the future, as the gulf between the seriousness of the threat of climate change and the poverty of Australias response continues to grow. Illustration: John Shakespeare Credit: This is the only planet we have. Its time to act This month is likely to be the hottest July the earth has experienced in about 120,000 years, wrote climate editor Nick OMalley and science reporter Angus Dalton. Tim ban all donors I wouldnt want to be a scientist, to be constantly shouted down and then, in the final gasp of civilisation, to be crucified for not having made the mob believe me in time. Keasty Unfortunately, there are too many ostriches in power with their heads in the sand. At what point will we even try to help ourselves? Dave H The change we need requires some effort and broad-based grassroots activism.

Advertisement

Ozhowes (Vic) The conservatives, right wing, climate change deniers have stood against any meaningful change for decades and continue to be voted in to government in many countries around the world. Suck it up, people. You are now paying the price for decades of delay at your own hands by voting for those that promised to do nothing. Loading ConcernedVoter This is the only planet we have. Unless there is an extraordinary change in policies and actions globally  including laggard Australia  the world is on track for 2.6-2.9 degrees of heating by 2100. The gulf between the seriousness and urgency of the threat of climate change and the poverty of Australias response continues to grow exponentially. Mork from Ork Climate change = extremes in temperature and precipitation. This is the perfect storm. It will get worse. The burning deck. Credit: Cathy Wilcox If we dont go woke, will the planet go broke? Columnist Sean Kelly asked readers to consider the words our eyes tend to skip over when we read about the climate catastrophe already taking place and then reflect on the cost of doing nothing.

Advertisement

Loading I love Melbourne Many no longer read the news as its too confronting and depressing; facts are not wanted. Its like going through a kind of grief cycle  denial, anger, bargaining, depression until we achieve acceptance. The Portly Possum What else can you say about the climate? The world is addicted to fossil fuel and capitalism and pollies and corporations are addicted to greenwashing. JustJoe With climate change, the boiling frog analogy resonates; people just dont see an immediate cause and the effect of inaction. Bonnieboo Unfortunately we have found out that using the term global warming originally allowed those in denial to claim that there was no problem as cold weather extremes were still happening. Climate change is probably a better term as it implies extreme weather events. Mrs Smith Climate change deniers are just going to rant about wokeness instead of realising if we dont go woke, the planet will go broke. Blaze of glory. Credit: Matt Golding

Advertisement

Do our children face a depressing future? A major climatic system that helps regulate weather in Europe and North America could collapse as soon as 2025 due to greenhouse gas emissions, far sooner than United Nations scientists had predicted, reported climate editor Nick OMalley. Paige Turner When climate scientists first rang the climate alarm bell this was exactly what they talked about. They also said that, ultimately, Australia would be hit hardest by climate change. No doubt thats on its way (some karma coming down the pipe). The only bit thats new is that scientists say its all happening more quickly than they thought it would. Loading Alephnull Ive been aware of the science of climate change for over 30 years and have watched, impotent, as the world has marched to disaster. Its ironic that, with all our wonderful new toys, the outlook for humanity has never looked less attractive. Our children face a terrible depressing future. nopo And yet this week, I heard an Australian politician obfuscating on the radio about plans for rapid decarbonisation of the country. The denial of reality is terrifying. Brenda Loots The notion that we should move from attempts to correct human-induced climate change to instead focus on adaptation is entirely driven by corporate interests to keep the party going until the current leaders, who fail us so comprehensively, all have enjoyed their riches and slinked off the planet. Future generations be damned.

Advertisement
Loading Independent Wagga Wagga MP Joe McGirr, who was an emergency physician and a hospital administrator, says greater gains will be made in making it affordable to visit the GP. In May, the federal government attempted to ease upward pressure on the cost of visiting the doctor by tripling the bulk billing incentive given to GPs. There was a freeze on indexing of Medicare rebates from 2014 to 2020, which put practices under pressure as it became increasingly difficult to bulk-bill patients and make a living. There are a lot of people with chronic illness  those people need to see a doctor whos going to care for them regularly, McGirr says. If they do, they will prevent admissions to the hospital.

AMA NSW president Dr Michael Bonning says getting on top of elective surgery waiting lists would help alleviate emergency congestion. We should also be urgently looking at a greater focus on preventative health, for example, a tax on sugary drinks, or on implementing laws to curb vaping. The aim is not to tell people what to do but to make their life easier by keeping them healthy, he said. Elective surgery waiting lists On his first official day as health minister, Park announced a task force to tackle the states elective surgery waiting lists. At the time, more than 14,000 people were waiting longer than clinically recommended for surgery. That figure dropped to 9176 in June, the ministers office says, less than half of the peak of 18,748 people at this time last year. As at December 31, 2019  before the pandemic  the waiting list sat at 1144 patients. It remains eight times higher now. The waiting list was trending downwards before the new government was sworn in  but Park has indicated it is one of his key priorities.

Those are people who are often living in pain, unable to work, unable to often engage with things that we take for granted in life, Park says. The task force stays in place, until Im happy that each local health district understands that this is a priority. Since the onset of the pandemic, the number of elective surgeries contracted to private hospitals has ballooned from about 200 to more than 5000. That means almost 10 per cent of elective surgeries performed in NSW are now conducted in private hospitals, at significant cost to the taxpayer. Staffing shortages The blow-out in emergency waiting times can be, in part, attributed to short staffing, something Park concedes. Heading into the state election, Labor promised to employ a further 1200 nurses to ensure so-called safe staffing levels. Park told the Herald this promise would come through in the September budget. But he could not promise the new nursing positions would be in addition to the states 1112 temporary nurse contracts, being made permanent, only that he would advocate for them.

At the end of 2012, 42,243 full-time nursing positions were held in the state. As at June 2022, that number had grown to 53,129 and, while it is an increase, the nurses union argues that it does not trend with hospital demand. On Friday, Health Service Union boss Gerard Hayes announced the HSU would resume industrial action next week despite members narrowly voting in favour of a flat rate $3500 pay rise offered by the Minns government. The HSU has warned the government that workers are fleeing to Queensland, the ACT and Victoria because the pay is significantly better and housing is cheaper. Nurse unit managers in Victoria, for example, earn $1.50 an hour more than their NSW counterparts. Australian Paramedics Association NSW secretary Alan ORiordan says other states are poaching paramedics with higher wages and bonuses up to $20,000. Its no wonder were seeing a mass exodus of great clinicians, he says.

Health spending In February, Labor said it would set up a royal commission-style inquiry to investigate healths $33.5 billion annual budget. Health usually receives the biggest chunk of change each year, ahead of education, which holds a $22 billion budget. Park says Labor is committed to the inquiry. You definitely [will] have the terms of reference out there before the end of this year. I just havent set one up before. So, I just dont know how quick they go. Part of the inquiry will be to examine the use of private recruitment firms to plug holes in the health system and other spending inefficiencies, such as the $40 million spent on private security contracts at western Sydney hospitals between 2020 and October last year. It is spending that Park admits is completely unsustainable. But outsourcing elective surgeries to the private system, he says, will continue.

Loading There is a price, and that price is not cheap, he says. But it is necessary, at the moment, to try and drive those [surgery] figures down. Hayes gave the state government an October deadline to get the inquiry under way, saying he expected it to rein in billions for redistribution within NSW Health. But Bonning says the inquiry is a waste of money, and spending would be better injected into helping a depleted system now. Based on previous inquiries we estimate that this special commission will cost between $50 million and $100 million in direct and indirect costs. The 2018 Special Commission of Inquiry into the drug ice cost $10 million and that was an inquiry into a single issue with just one commissioner. On the issue of locums, Bonning says: The treasurer recently stated that [visiting medical officers] cost the system more than $1 billion a year. We dont know where this figure came from, but it is wildly inaccurate. It appears he conflated the costs of locums and VMOs [visiting medical officers].

What people seem to think is that slashing the budget for VMOs would bring about some huge cost saving. It wont. Its not money thats being taken out of the health system. We need doctors to do the work, and VMOs are the ones who step up and do it. Almost all surgery is performed by VMOs. Stop funding VMOs and you stop funding surgery. Bonning says locums are used to plug holes due to absences or unusually busy periods, and are more expensive due to their temporary and often last-minute employment. A better managed budget would rectify this spending, he says. McGirr says the issue of locum doctors was felt the most in regional communities with a shortage of doctors, and any potential crackdown needed to be universal across the state and the country. Otherwise, youll just get people shifting around and going where they get paid, he says. But if we dont [fix it], we will basically be in a situation where we lock in an overpaid, non-permanent workforce. Build enough hospitals to support a growing city

Labors infrastructure commitments Upgrade of Fairfield Hospital ($115 million) Expand and upgrade Canterbury Hospital ($225 million) New hospital at Rouse Hill ($170 million over the next three years) Planning for a new hospital in the WS Aerotropolis ($15 million) $70 million to build new ambulance helicopter bases in regional NSW Increase capacity at Blacktown and Mt Druitt hospitals Despite telling the Herald that people and jobs, not infrastructure, were the priorities for him, Park says Labor will fulfil all election commitments to upgrade the states hospitals, and come good on new health infrastructure in the north-west. Labor committed to adding 600 beds across Sydneys west, half of those to go to the not-yet-built Rouse Hill Hospital, a hospital committed to by the previous government, but one that Labor will deliver. Communities are coming out of the ground there, and the infrastructure hasnt kept pace, Park says. Labors plans for Rouse Hill will cost $400 million more than the previous government predicted. But Park would not commit to a completion date for any of the projects when asked by the Herald, his office later offering only that they would be delivered within the term of government.
But Anthony Albanese pounced on what he described as serious allegations. The prime minister 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. Loading The Coalitions defence of Morrison during recent inquisitions has been lukewarm; hes now a backbencher, politically failed and an embarrassment, and on his way out of parliament. The defence of Dutton, however, as the movements leader, will be much more spirited. The Liberal leadership makes the point that, before Dutton was minister, Labor ministers operated in the same way in the portfolio, playing no part in awarding contracts. So they are pursuing him as a political stunt, runs the argument.

For Labor, the allegations are a political gift to keep pressure on the Coalition and to put Dutton on the defensive. For the Greens and the teal independents, its an opportunity to remind voters that they campaigned on integrity as a key theme. The Greens were the first of the political parties to call for a federal anti-corruption commission; this week they called for a royal commission into Home Affairs. A brace of teals  Sophie Scamps, Allegra Spender, Zali Steggall and Kylea Tink  also demanded a public inquiry. The particular Bhojani incident was one part of a much broader set of systemic concerns. As McKenzie, Bachelard and Amelia Ballinger wrote this week: Australias Home Affairs Department oversaw the payment of millions of taxpayer dollars to powerful Pacific Island politicians through a chain of suspect contracts as it sought to maintain controversial offshore asylum seeker processing centres. Loading Financial data, internal emails and whistleblower testimony implicate Home Affairs lead contractors  Broadspectrum, Canstruct and Paladin  in suspected systemic misuse of taxpayer dollars in Nauru and Papua New Guinea. Some of the biggest and most lucrative contracts were let without competitive tender. At least one of these three lead contractors was a Liberal Party donor  Brisbane-based Canstruct, which was paid $1.82 billion in taxpayer funds over five years to run the Nauru centre. The relationship between Canstruct and the Liberals is expected to come under close Labor attention in parliament.

One Liberal MP, Tasmanias Bridget Archer, crossed the party line in calling for an independent inquiry into the allegations: I certainly think they are very serious revelations and warrant further inquiry, said Archer. It was critical that there is trust and integrity in government contracts. The chair of the Centre for Public Integrity, former NSW Court of Appeal judge Anthony Whealy, says that the government is right to hold an independent inquiry, but he adds a key caveat. At the moment all thats been revealed looks bad for the Coalition, but Im not sure that it reveals what wed normally call corruption, says Whealy, one of the original campaigners for a national anti-corruption commission. The Greens will pledge to abolish Australian Border Force. Credit: Wolter Peeters Maybe it shows Home Affairs asleep at the wheel, maybe it shows Home Affairs turning a blind eye, but clearly it warrants closer examination. If theres anything worse uncovered, that could be referred to the NACC, the spanking-new National Anti-Corruption Commission, whose commission took effect this month. He makes the point that theres a rich backlog of material already on the NACC commissioners desk. For instance, just this week, the chief fundraiser for a Morrison cabinet minister, Stuart Robert, left the country and severed all ties rather than face a parliamentary committee on Friday to answer some tough questions about his dealings with Robert.

As for Robert himself, a close ally of Morrisons and a fellow member of the Morrison parliamentary prayer group, he quit parliament in May. An independent inquiry into Home Affairs and this weeks revelations, says Anthony Whealy, might generate enough extra material to make a referral to the NACC much more formidable. If it refers for investigation payments through Nauru and PNG, that may generate material  its not enough for Home Affairs to say we didnt have relationships with the sub-contractors. I think they had an ethical and certainly a moral obligation to ensure that enormous sums like these are handled correctly and not used in any way thats illegal. Loading As for the specific Bhojani incident and the $9.3 million contract, says Whealy, on the face of it, it was turning a blind eye to something that required a much more vigilant degree of oversight rather than evidence of corruption. Beyond any alleged malpractice in the management of the offshore detention centres, the Home Truths series exposed systemic, criminal abuse of the visa system. As part of the series, The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age published online, in full, a confidential report for the federal government by the former Victorian police commissioner Christine Nixon.

Nixon found what she describes as grotesque abuses of the visa system, with temporary migrants the victims. One example, exposed by the Home Truths series, was the muscling in by Albanian organised criminal syndicates: State and federal law enforcement officials have issued repeated warnings in confidential reports circulated to Home Affairs that the Albanian mafia has strategically rorted the migration system for more than a decade to build powerful criminal enterprises, write the investigative reporters. Loading Secret policing intelligence links the Albanian mafia to shootings or suspicious deaths in Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide, large-scale drug importations and money laundering. The Nixon report makes a series of recommendations for repairing the system. Home Affairs Minister Clare ONeil had already declared that the visa system for temporary workers was broken  all the rules that we use to decide who comes in and who doesnt arent working, she told this masthead. ONeil is working on a comprehensive reform of the visa system, expected to be announced in October. It will include policy responses to the Nixon report.
Sitting 1100 ft above sea level atop Stone Head mountainside, is this luxurious and idyllic Chalet. This 2,537 sq ft, 3-bedroom, 2.5 bath home, sits atop a 100' rock face commanding a breathtaking showcase view as you make your way up the inviting driveway. This Chalet provides a unique and extraordinary opportunity you won't find anywhere else in South Central Pennsylvania. The mesmerizing living room with Brazilian cherry hardwood floors and floor to ceiling windows, reveal breathtaking 25+ mile views from your couch. The living room extends into the dining room and gourmet kitchen, designed with imported Italian ceramic tile flooring, custom cherry wood cabinetry and granite countertops throughout. The master bedroom with a large his and her bathroom, also rests on the main floor along with the convenient laundry room and additional 1/2 bath. The lower floor provides additional bedrooms, another full bath, and a large family room with a walk out patio. The home features several walk in closets along with a large 3 car garage with a walk-up second floor, providing an immense amount of storage. From the serene mountain views, cozy central air, both electric heat and outside wood furnace, you'll understand the true feeling of luxury no matter the time of year. The 108 acres is comprised of three parcels with the home resting on 18 acres and a 50-and 40-acre parcel combined. Trails throughout the property provide great opportunities for horseback riding, hiking, ATV use and more. The areas where the trails don't extend, the property lays secluded providing wildlife sanctuaries for both small and big game animals along with several different bird species. For hunters looking to chase whitetail deer and wild turkeys, this property will provide an incredible opportunity as it is well populated with them both. You won't find a home like this anywhere in the area and if you don't believe me, come, and sit on the large deck with a telescope and look for yourself! Don't miss this opportunity to own luxury with priceless views here in York County Pennsylvania.

View More
The assault, probably called in by a neighbour, turned out to be a double murder carried out by one of Victorias most prolific hitmen. My partner and I were first on scene, Paul recalls. Dorothy Abbey and baby Damon. The female victim was on the couch, [the husband] was in the shed. Nothing could be done. The woman was sitting upright on the couch. Her throat was cut and she was shot. I think he used a moccasin to silence the shot because I saw a moccasin on the ground with a hole in it.

There were three kids in the one bedroom. They said dad was outside, and we thought he may have done it. Paul, believing the gunman was probably still at the scene, recalls we grabbed the kids, loaded them in the ambulance and called the cavalry, not knowing where the perpetrator was. And did they arrive! It seemed like in just a few minutes, there were police all over the place, with the chopper overhead. At first, it was a live crime scene, as police were not sure if the killer remained on the property. But he was long gone. It would take more than 20 years to find and convict him.

Police told us the husband was dead and there was nothing we could do, Paul remembers. That was 36 years ago this week  July 27, 1987  and the scene was in West Heidelberg, at the murders of Ramon and Dorothy Abbey. When asked why he had killed Dorothy Abbey, Collins said: Dead men tell no tales. The killer was hitman Rod Collins, who in 2009 was sentenced to life with a minimum of 32 years for the murders. They were not his first killings and would not be his last. He died without ever standing trial for the remarkably similar murders of Terence Hodson and wife Christine, shot dead in their Kew home in 2004. He was allegedly paid $150,000 by drug dealer Carl Williams, who acted as a go-between to ensure Hodson was silenced before he could give evidence in a trial involving corrupt police.

When the Abbey case was reactivated, Paul was asked to make a statement about that night and the scene in the house. Loading The police case was that Collins, with two accomplices (now dead) all wearing police uniforms stolen from a dry cleaner, went to the Abbeys to rip off Ramon, who Collins believed was hiding cash and drugs. He was, in fact, broke. Collins was vindictive, violent and a brooding hater. He believed Abbey was a police informer, had not returned a stolen police badge and had reneged on a promise to be part of an armed robbery crew. He also claimed Abbey had not paid him for a second-hand car. Collins was hardly the type to take this sort of dispute to mediation. He knocked on the door and Dorothy let him in, believing he was a police officer. He took Abbey to the back shed and shot him three times. Police were told that after the victim cried out his killers name, Collins walked back into the house, shot Dorothy twice and then cut her throat  with the three young children, Elicia, Stacey and Damon, in the bedroom next door.

Rodney Collins, also known as The Duke, after he was arrested for murder in 1982. Credit: Supplied I saw Rodney Collins twice in court proceedings, says Paul. He was a weedy, skinny-looking fellow who looked like he needed a good wash. I often wonder how those kids are going. They were very lucky. Did he show them mercy or did he not know they were in the bedroom? When asked why he had killed Dorothy Abbey, Collins said: Dead men tell no tales. Police believe this is why, when hired to kill Terence Hodson, Collins went on to kill his wife, Christine. This time, he bragged to Williams of his own efficiency: Quick, hey?

Nobody is really sure how many people Collins killed, although his first confirmed murder was in February 1983 at a St Patricks Day party in Reservoir when he became bored with the jokes of young Irishman Patrick Coghlan and shot him dead. When host Ronald Longmuir protested, Collins shot him in the leg. Collins was charged with murder, but when Longmuir died of complications from the gunshot wounds, the case died with him. Police believe Collins, with prison escapee Russell Cox, shot dead underworld heavy Brian Kane in 1982, in Brunswicks Quarry Hotel. His name has always been mentioned in connection with the murders of Mike Lucky Schievella, and de facto wife Heather McDonald, killed in their St Andrews home on September 16, 1990.

They were tortured, and their throats slashed in a drug rip-off. The killers have never been found. He is also a suspect in the 2006 hit on lawyer-turned-gangster Mario Condello, shot outside his Brighton home. Rod Collins bragged about killing Terence and Christine Hodson. On the outside, Collins, who died in 2018, often preferred his own company, spending time with a pet parrot he taught to say I hate coppers and not guilty. On the inside and without guns, he was largely disliked, once being bashed for using someones toothbrush in maximum security. It is a place where the most dangerous cavities are not dental but cranial, often created with a homemade icepick.

The then attorney-general Jim Kennan in the rubble and burnt-out section of Jika Jika in 1987. Credit: The Age Archives Paul would regularly be called to Pentridge Prison to deal with slashings, bashings and self-inflicted wounds. His was the first ambulance crew to attend the 1987 maximum-security Jika Jika fire, which killed five inmates  Robert Wright, 32, Arthur Gallagher, 29, David McGauley, 30, James Loughnan, 37, and Richard Morris, 23. The prisoners lit the fire as a protest against prison conditions, believing they would be able to breathe air from pumped-out toilets. They were wrong. But they were posthumously vindicated. Jika Jika, known as the electronic zoo, was found to be cruel and dehumanising and was closed.

Paul said the prisoners had stuffed mattresses against the hydraulic doors that left them trapped: There was nothing that could be done. Paul later transferred to Bendigo, where he was again the first to a deadly scene. It was in October 1999, when they were called to what appeared at first to be a minor disturbance at Kangaroo Flat. A bloke [aged] about 30 had assaulted his dad. He was pretty angry as we were treating our guy, who said his son had some guns in the house. We called it in, but the message got scrambled from he had guns to he had weapons. Emergency services at the Kangaroo Flat siege in 1999. Credit: Ken Irwin

We took the dad to the hospital. A couple of hours later, we were called back. We parked outside the house next door and there were two detectives who had been shot, and they were hiding in a road drain. We heard some shots  we were hiding behind the ambulance. The inspector got shot in the abdomen and another policeman was shot in the foot. Loading Sergeant Peter Lukaitis, the officer shot in the foot, made it to safety, then went back, risking being shot again, to rescue Inspector Ulf Kaminski. It was the bravest thing I have ever seen, says Paul. He [the offender] wasnt trying to shoot us, but I think he wanted to shoot the inspector in the head to finish him off. We backed the ambulance up and put [Kaminski] in the back and took him to the Bendigo hospital.
Melbourne councils are urgently planting thousands of trees, trialling awnings over street seating and could open libraries as heat refuges, as they forecast future sweltering summers that have climate campaigners calling on landlords to be legally required to cool rental homes.

On Friday, the United Nations confirmed July will be the globes hottest month ever recorded, amid frightening heatwaves across the northern hemisphere. Campaigners and experts say the prediction should be a warning to authorities in Melbourne of what the southern summer will bring as a likely El Nino weather pattern begins to take hold.

Melbourne councils need to prepare communities for the coming summer of heat. Credit: Penny Stephens

Its sobering, says Krista Milne, one of the City of Melbournes heat officers, of the UNs proclamation. But weve known this day was coming.

As weve seen in the northern hemisphere, [heat] actually kills more people than all other natural disasters combined. And thats both globally and locally.
For the next two years, the Australian taxpayer continued funding this politicians company to the tune of hundreds of thousands of dollars.

The 2020 document was produced by an agency within Home Affairs. So what happened as a result? The Australian Federal Police began an investigation codenamed Operation Bernie but, as the Home Truths series by The Age, The Sydney Morning Herald and 60 Minutes has shown, from another part of the same department, the payments kept flowing.

One of these politicians held a key Home Affairs contract and made millions of dollars from it. The contracts were signed and paid from Australia with the full knowledge and approval of the lead contractors and, above them, Home Affairs itself.

In the language of corruption fighters, they were politically exposed persons, and Home Affairs and its contractors should have been particularly careful and transparent in their dealings with them.

These were not just any Pacific politicians. They were Naurus gatekeepers, people who had the power to dictate the direction of a policy cherished by both the Coalition and Labor: offshore refugee processing.

In late 2020, an alarming file began circulating in the Department of Home Affairs . The file, from money-laundering watchdog AUSTRAC, raised the spectre that a number of senior Nauruan politicians might be involved in corruption using a series of Australian bank accounts.

A months-long investigation into the failures of Home Affairs, exposing deep flaws in the operation of Australias gatekeepers.

Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time.

As for technology, Parkinson found at Australias borders it was, in some cases, 40 years old.

Two official inquiries, one by former police chief Christine Nixon and the other by former public servant Martin Parkinson , are equally scathing. Commissioned by Labors Home Affairs Minister, Clare ONeil, they found criminals can eke out a 10-year crime spree on temporary visas alone. The number of people in visa limbo has been rising for years, and appeals are slowing processing times almost to a halt.

And he was the man to lead it. But, judged by the measures set out at its birth six years ago, Home Affairs is failing.

Home Affairs head, Mike Pezzullo, put it rather more colourfully. He invoked a dark universe brought into being by the globalisation of terror, crime and, indeed, evil. What the country needed, the secretary said in an October 2017 speech, was a single department with a single accountable minister running the latest possible technology. Alongside defence and foreign affairs, it would be Australias third force of security.

When Home Affairs was set up in 2017 as a single mega-department, bringing together customs, immigration and Border Force with ASIO, the Australian Federal Police, the anti-money laundering agency AUSTRAC and the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC), then prime minister Malcolm Turnbull spruiked it as a structure to meet the challenge of the times. It would, he said, entrench the co-operation between the agencies.

He has run and dominated the department, and its predecessor agency, since 2014. It surprised many on the left, who believe he was far too close to Dutton, that ONeil kept him on after the 2022 election. Now facing calls for an independent inquiry into his departments operations, some people, including his former minister Karen Andrews , believe the time has come for Pezzullo himself to step aside.

Those questions consistently lead back to Pezzullo himself, a man described by one observer as the hardest nut in government. Pezzullo came up with the concept of Home Affairs many years before its birth, shaped its structure and culture, and helped convince Turnbull to bring it into existence.

This mastheads Home Truths investigation has taken months, asked questions of dozens of current and senior officials, politicians and contractors, scrutinised secret and public documents from Australia and offshore. It has revealed that serious questions need to be asked about whether Home Affairs is doing what it says on the label.

The departments response was markedly different. A spokesman asserted there were only isolated exceptions to the departments highly successful handling of threats to the system.

ONeil blames Dutton, her political rival. The migration system was designed and run by Peter Dutton, and its failure is his lasting legacy, she said in a statement. It was, she added, completely broken.

Nixon concluded that the laser focus over the past decade on stopping boat arrivals had taken attention from the departments core business of helping legitimate migrants arrive and settle, and repelling or expelling the rest.

He is on the phone to his staff at five in the morning and midnight at night, said one senior bureaucrat not authorised to speak publicly. Pezzullo wields a blue pen to mark up documents, even news articles, sometimes with the single word  facts  or a question mark, challenging his officials to investigate and report back. He joins staff to WhatsApp groups, then peppers them with things to read and think about.

Pezzullo earned $918,000 last year, is said to sleep a handful of hours a night in his big house on a dress circle street in Canberra, and to divide the rest of his time between working, reading, thinking and his family (he is married to health economist Lynne and has four children and a grandchild).

Widely known in Canberra as The Pezz, he is the child of barely literate Italian migrants who, through brains and determination, turned himself into a well-read, hard-working, often-charming and successful life-long public servant.

When Home Affairs came into being in 2017 out of its predecessor, the Department of Immigration and Border Protection, Turnbull described it as the most significant reform of Australias national intelligence and domestic security arrangements and their oversight in more than 40 years.

In 2009, Pezzullo was entrusted to write the Defence White Paper for prime minister Kevin Rudd, which rang the alarm for the first time on the military implications of Chinas rise.

After Beazleys election defeat, according to one former close colleague speaking anonymously to protect his position, Pezzullo put his concept paper away in a safe in his office. He worked his way up through the defence department, where he became a deputy secretary  a job he told one former Labor staffer and former colleague was better than sex.

Pezzullos answer for Beazley was a new department, modelled on the British Home Office, to keep all Australias security-related agencies together. It would be, according to Labors policy document of that year, the most powerful and focused peacetime ministerial arrangement for co-ordinating Australias domestic security in our history.

It was in the heat of the 2001 election campaign that Pezzullo conceived the idea of the mega-department that became Home Affairs. He was Labor leader Kim Beazleys deputy chief of staff when prime minister John Howard was weaponising the Tampa affair and the terrorist attacks in New York to question the opposition leaders ticker.

Pezzullo abstains from alcohol (during work hours at least) and expects his underlings to do the same. A committed Christian, at Easter he sends messages to the contacts in his phone about the glory of the risen Christ. He dominates Senate estimates committee hearings, chiding politicians and making sweeping statements across his portfolio. He is well-connected and has cultivated strong relationships across the political divide, as well as with influential journalists, across his long career.

That paper is now seen as visionary, but it alarmed the Chinese government and Pezzullo was dispatched to Beijing to brief their officials. US cables released by WikiLeaks quote the Australian boasting to US diplomats of his encounter with a man he described as the bruiser  the Chinese defence ministrys deputy director of foreign affairs, Major-General Jai Xiaoning  who expressed cold fury at the White Papers account of Chinas military modernisation. Jai wanted changes but Pezzullo, according to a book by journalist David Uren, told him he had not come to negotiate.

Pezzullo is fond of telling the story, according to a Canberra journalist speaking on condition of anonymity, because it demonstrates his toughness when carrying out a brief for the boss.

They say he regards it as one of his proudest professional moments.

The snake and the crocodile

By 2013, toughness was once again in vogue in Canberra. Tony Abbott had been elected prime minister promising to stop maritime boat arrivals using the offshore processing system on Nauru and Manus Island that Labor had exhumed from the Howard years.

Pezzullo, then the chief executive of customs, played a key part in Operation Sovereign Borders. He later described his role as another career highlight. The satisfaction, he insisted, came not from the policy itself (thats between the politicians to argue about), but because it had required him to harness a dozen or more agencies to execute the plan.

Piggybacking on that success, Pezzullo pulled the Home Affairs idea out of the safe.

Senior bureaucrats from the time, who were not authorised to speak publicly, said his minister Scott Morrison loved it, but attorney-general George Brandis and foreign minister Julie Bishop objected. ASIO and the AFP also pushed back hard, and ultimately convinced Abbott to say no. Back into the safe the idea went. Brandis wrote later that governments should try, so far as possible, to avoid politicising national security policy, was not a view which all of my political colleagues shared.

In 2014, Pezzullo survived criticism from Labor after he had failed to immediately inform parliament that his brother, Fabio Pezzullo, a junior customs officer, had been charged with selling a prescription drug to other customs officers and misleading the anti-corruption commission. Pezzullo countered by launching a taskforce to tackle integrity concerns inside the customs agency.

These events did him no apparent damage: late that year, Abbott appointed him as the secretary of Immigration and Border Protection, a new agency which merged customs and immigration for the first time. Shortly afterwards, Dutton became his minister.

A new armed, uniformed and semi-independent agency, Australian Border Force, was part of the package. Under commissioner Roman Quaedvlieg, Border Force brought together the enforcement functions in customs and immigration, and Pezzullo enthused about it as a shift in services philosophy towards a law enforcement-style command and control model.

Customs officials were patting themselves on the back about the merger, according to one former senior immigration official not authorised to comment publicly. Their guy was in charge and the smaller agency had absorbed the larger. The snake swallowed the crocodile, they boasted.

The consequences quickly became apparent. Public servants in the immigration side of the department said Border Forces ability to knock on doors to pick up people dodging visas or to crack down on worker exploitation weakened as the new agency poured resources into stopping drug, gun and illegal tobacco importations. Nixons report found that, over years, investigative skills appear to have been degraded to the point where there was no compliance or investigative capability within immigration itself.

Across the new department, Pezzullo installed old colleagues from Defence into top jobs and, citing its privileged position in the security apparatus, imposed dress codes and drug and alcohol testing on bureaucrats. In step with Dutton, he hardened the rhetoric in his many speeches around immigration, talking about borders as crucial barriers between the state and the dangers outside.

An Auditor-Generals report later found that the department had suffered a loss of corporate memory due to the level of turn-over of senior executive staff. Almost half of the people at that level present in July 2015 were no longer in the department at July 2017, the watchdog found. A senior bureaucrat from the day described it as a pogrom. Among the remaining workforce, survey after survey showed morale plummeting.

Old immigration hands had also seen their job in economic and social terms, but now settlement and welfare programs were shifted to other departments. According to a former deputy secretary Abul Rizvi, Pezzullo treated immigration as second class. Some say he disparaged them as care bears  though Pezzullo has denied ever using the term. In a pair of speeches in 2015, Pezzullo declared mission  accomplished on the era of mass, nation-building migration.

He was also on the cusp of creating the department hed dreamt of for years and which is now at the centre of a political storm.

Authoritarian management

In the years 2014 and 2015 there was a global uptick in terror attacks, including at home in Melbourne and Sydney. The times suited the deepening threat-based view of the world shared by Dutton and Pezzullo.

Behind the scenes, they were agitating again for a Home Affairs portfolio. The screws got tighter and tighter on Turnbull, said one senior bureaucrat. Under threat from Dutton for his leadership, Turnbull finally agreed in 2017.

The Coalition shifted ASIO and the AFP from the Attorney-Generals Department and under Pezzullos administrative umbrella, along with other powerful agencies, the ACIC and anti-money laundering agency, AUSTRAC. They remained independent statutory bodies. Australian Border Force, however, did not. Its staff reported to the department.

Binding the massive apparatus together was Pezzullos determination to oversee one function that is wielding state power to keep our fellow citizens safe and secure. That and an Abbott-style three-word slogan: Prosperous. Secure. United.

A senior figure active in the debate described the new department as a hostile takeover of not just immigration but two-thirds of the Attorney-Generals portfolio.

The agency heads were not happy.

If my colleagues were apprehensive about Dutton, the various agencies involved in the restructure were horrified by the thought of working with Michael Pezzullo, Turnbull wrote in his memoirs. I have never known anyone in the Australian Public Service who is more disliked by his senior colleagues.

Pezzullo was one of the most brilliant civil servants in Canberra, Turnbull wrote, but much of the subsequent grief associated with the creation of the new department had been caused by his, and to some extent Duttons authoritarian management style.

A swath of senior bureaucrats who are not authorised to speak publicly agreed.

He rode roughshod over everybody, said one.

John Blaxland, an international security and intelligence studies professor at ANU, said he was concerned that there was an aggregation of too much power in too few hands, and that there were some risks to civil society that were associated with that.

The Border Force brand had become the brand for the whole department, Blaxland said.

Immigrations power slipped further. The word itself dropped from the name of the department for the first time since its establishment in 1945.

I think that when Home Affairs was first established more enforcement was a priority. National security was a priority. And immigration, the processing of visas was considered a lesser priority, concedes former minister Karen Andrews. It was seen more as an administrative function than it should have been.

A senior former bureaucrat, speaking anonymously to discuss confidential conversations, said Dutton wanted a smaller program, so fewer visas processed and fewer migrants suited him.

The Home Affairs model has been a disaster for the immigration function, wrote Peter Hughes, one of the many former senior department officials who left. An organisation which prioritises security above all else has simply choked it to death.

Justifying it all was the promised role it would play in keeping Australians safe.

The Nixon and Parkinson reports

I have been appalled, wrote Nixon, the former Victorian chief police commissioner Christine Nixon in May, by the abuses of sexual exploitation, human trafficking and other organised crime that have been presented to me.

Eight years after the customs snake swallowed the immigration crocodile, and five years after Home Affairs came into being, Nixon was commissioned by Clare ONeil to work out how transnational organised criminals were able to work so freely in Australia. This masthead released a leaked copy of the report this week.

It documented abhorrent crimes, with organised crime syndicates abusing gaps and areas of weakness in Australias visa system.

Young women were being trafficked to Australia as students by migration and education agents and placed into a shadow sex industry. Calculating foreign criminals could stay in Australia on a tourist visa or student visa before applying for a partner visa, followed by a refugee visa, appealing each rejection through the three possible layers of review and extending their temporary stay to a decade or more.

The report punctured the departments security-focused rhetoric. It had a diminished investigation function and field compliance resources, Nixon found, with degraded investigative skills. Law enforcement priorities such as illicit drugs, tobacco and Unauthorised Maritime Arrivals [people seeking asylum by boat] had taken all the focus, she found.

Meanwhile, departmental figures show the number of failed asylum seekers who are still in Australia is at 73,000 and growing, and another 27,000 cases are still waiting to be determined, meaning there more than 100,000 people who arrived by plane with mostly false refugee claims.

Only 10 are being located and removed from Australia per month  most voluntarily. Former immigration officials say funding cuts to areas processing visas means 1000 fewer staff doing the work.

Former department deputy secretary Abul Rizvi, a long-time critic of the Home Affairs model, said that once a large group of shadow workers were entrenched in a country as it is in the United States and the UK  its very difficult to reverse, because the backlog just keeps growing.

The department, says Rizvi, didnt understand that the compliance function goes hand in hand with visa processing. Separate the two and kill one off and the unscrupulous in the world flourish.

The second major report into Home Affairs, by former senior public servant Martin Parkinson, is just as damning. Immigration, he found, had been degraded over many years by piecemeal reforms and an incremental, patchwork approach to migration policy. It was governed by an excessively complex system without a clear strategy or objective, while migration expertise had been eroded. About 100 visa subclasses formed a spaghetti junction of complexity.

The result was that Australia was in danger of losing the race to attract younger and more highly educated people on the global marketplace and had grown relatively weak compared to competitors such as Britain, Singapore and Canada. People wait up to 50 years for their parents to get a visa to join them  something highly valued among many young migrants. So unfriendly was the visa system that Australia risked reputational harm.

The 1.8 million temporary migrants in the country mostly had work rights, but unclear pathways to permanent residence, creating a permanently temporary underclass that now forms about 13 per cent of Australias labour market  twice the number seen 15 years ago  which is ripe for exploitation.

In a 2015 speech, Pezzullo said the future of immigration would be made up of skilled mobile global citizens in Australia on a temporary basis, and not seeking necessarily to settle at all. Eight years later, Parkinson, in a report to the department Pezzullo runs, warned this was not in Australias national interest.

Putting people in a system that denied them a sense of belonging and a pathway to citizenship undermines our democratic resilience and social cohesion, Parkinson wrote. Perhaps the old care bears of immigration had a point.

In 2014, Pezzullo said the department needed to be world-leading in the uptake of technology, but Parkinson pointed out that, in some areas its still operating on technology from the 1980s and 1990s.

The department has a disastrous record of commissioning new technology. It has tried three times and spent more than $100 million failing to create a new permissions capability to allow users to apply for visas, licences and accreditation online. A number of Auditor-General reports have shown how poorly it has managed these projects.

Former home affairs minister Karen Andrews is critical of Pezzullo. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen

Home Affairs also suffers high staff turnover, relatively poor pay and worse morale. In the most recent survey, almost one-third of employees agreed that I want to leave my position within the next 12 months.

The former senior departmental executive pointed to constant fiddling with the structure: Every time you turn around, Pezz is restructuring with no rationale. Pezzullo, the senior former official says, is running on too many fronts.

Former minister Karen Andrews said she had noticed a lot of people moving within the department, and it wasnt always clear why they were moving and what the basis for the changes were.

She criticised Pezzullo for his tendency to centralise information, intelligence and decision-making in his office, and his attempts to mediate her relationship with the agency heads  even those with statutory independence. Despite all this, two years ago, celebrating the anniversary of Home Affairs establishment, the department produced a glossy brochure that boasted of its unalloyed success.

In her ministerial foreword, Andrews enthused that: This prescient reform by the Government has continued to safeguard Australias security and enhance our prosperity and unity.

No one is indispensable

Despite this mastheads revelations and the damning Nixon and Parkinson reports, so far ONeil, Pezzullos minister, remains firmly behind him. Anthony Albanese made it clear in his first press conference as prime minister that he would not be sacking senior bureaucrats.

ONeil pins the blame for failings on Dutton.

One of the great frauds thats been perpetrated in Australian politics, she said in a recent interview, is Peter Dutton presenting himself as the big tough guy whos tough on our borders.

Pezzullo is a most unusual public servant. Labor eminences such as former foreign minister Gareth Evans and former Labor leader Kim Beazley are supporters, and he has friends, acolytes and former colleagues in many parts of the Canberra ecosystem.

Evans told this masthead Pezzullo was a passionately loyal civil servant, who will serve whoever is his minister of the day with undivided commitment. He was also, said Evans, more sensitive to the moral dimensions of policymaking than is often attributed to him by his critics.

Pezzullo certainly speaks in sophisticated terms of the ambiguities of his role. In one speech he said public servants should be jealous of their honour and not seek to please. But, conversely, the job was to be able to both create WorkChoices and then, when the government changes, dismantle WorkChoices.

People close to Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus who are not permitted to speak publicly say he describes Pezzullo in unprintable terms. For years, Dreyfus and other members of Labor pursued the Home Affairs secretary in parliamentary hearings over offshore processing contracts that appear to be tainted by corruption. They were often met by answers that were partial or difficult to interpret.

In response to detailed questions from this masthead, Pezzullo said he had always acted with integrity and that, for the duration of my tenure, I have been the subject of integrity oversight in the form of the Australian Commission for Law Enforcement Integrity and now the National Anti-Corruption Commission.

I am proud of the record of achievements of the Department of Home Affairs, he said.

Andrews said Pezzullo could be particularly charming. When she started in the role, he bent over backwards to help me.

A former senior journalist said, half admiringly, that Pezzullos appeal to ministers was that he was a junkyard dog who made it clear that it was his mission to protect them.

But Andrews also believes Pezzullo should take responsibility for the departments many failings. It has to be, simply because hes the secretary, she said.

Asked if it could do without him, she replied sharply: No one is indispensable.

The beast that covers everything

ONeil might have kept her secretary, but last year the government pulled the AFP, the ACIC and AUSTRAC out of the department and put them back into Dreyfus portfolio.

The ANUs John Blaxland, who was concerned about the original structure, said the trimmed-down Home Affairs made him reasonably optimistic that it could work.

ONeil also appears intent on restoring her departments heft on immigration. A new position has appeared on the ever-changing Home Affairs organisational chart: an associate secretary, respected bureaucrat Stephanie Foster, who oversees all the immigration functions. Multicultural affairs and settlement are back.

A recent former departmental executive said that there is a quite clear divide coming back in between immigration and the security focus of the department, which is increasingly directed towards cybercrime. Immigration under Foster, he said, would have a level of autonomy that it used to have as a department of state that it lost back in 2014.

Pezzullos contract is up for renewal next year and if Labors intention is not to renew it, sources in the department who are not authorised to speak publicly speculate that Foster is being groomed to replace him.

There are some things that should be kept, and some things tweaked and there are some things that should be just thrown out the door, according to Andrews. Australian Border Force, for example, should become a genuinely independent authority, in charge of its own staff and budget.

When you create a beast that covers everything  its very broad, a former Home Affairs senior executive says. Other departments are big, but they have a common purpose. Home Affairs never had that. And the three-word slogan is not enough to hold it all together.

Loading

He thinks the answer is a small, central policy department administering a series of independent agencies, including separate customs and immigration functions.

Others, including former immigration officer Peter Hughes, have called for an immigration, citizenship and multicultural affairs department with its own cabinet minister. Colleen Lewis, a professor at the Australian Studies Institute at ANU, said it should be split up.

These are not just political games for the Canberra elite. This weeks revelations carry serious risks for Australia and its reputation in the Pacific.

Several former immigration hands point out how heavily reliant Australia is on migrants, and how they must be made part of our society, not just an underclass that damages national cohesion.

How we manage immigration is effectively how we manage Australia into the future, Rizvi says. Weve got to get it right.

Get the days breaking news, entertainment ideas and a long read to enjoy. Sign up to receive our Evening Edition newsletter here.
The investigation comes on top of two major independent reviews by senior public servant Martin Parkinson and former Victorian police commissioner Christine Nixon, which called out big delays in assessing genuine visa applications while criminals and sex traffickers game the system to stay in the country for up to a decade. Political editor Peter Hartcher reports today that the federal government is in the process of establishing an independent inquiry into this weeks revelations about the management of the department in recent years, with an announcement expected as soon as Monday. When Home Affairs was formed in 2017, it brought together immigration, customs and Border Force, and gave Pezzullo administrative oversight (though not operational control) of independent security agencies ASIO, the Australian Federal Police, the anti money-laundering agency Austrac and the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission. Andrews, who will step down at the next election, said a key feature of Pezzullos leadership was a desire to centralise. He was the consummate public servant and he would want to gather information into the one place as much as he could, she said.

The way that Mike Pezzullo operated was that he liked to manage the agencies as well as the employees that were part of Home Affairs. I dont think the agency heads liked it. A senior public servant who was not authorised to speak publicly agreed that Pezzullo had inserted himself into everything. Loading Pezzullo, the official said, had wanted to take over the technology, the platform that holds the data in the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission. Pezz wanted to be the organised crime tsar, they said. Andrews confirmed that Pezzullo had tried to gain control of the independent agencys aggregated data, saying: Yes, I was aware that that was one of the things that he wanted to do.

She said she had resisted this because often centralisation equates to control. Coordination between agencies doesnt mean that the department has to hold every single piece of information and determine who can access that, how they can access it and when they can access it, Andrews said. She said Pezzullo had also tried to mediate the contact that the heads of the independent agencies had with her as minister. There was a meeting of agency heads that would come together, [and] by and large, Mike Pezzullo would speak first at that meeting, and then the agency chairs followed. I asked agency heads to speak to me directly, rather than be managed by Mike Pezzullo. I never felt I reported to Mike Pezzullo, so I was under no obligation to relate those discussions in a formal sense, she said. Andrews said the size and difficulty of the Home Affairs department required particular strengths including a good relationship with the people you work with.

Thinking that youre the smartest in the room is a high-risk strategy when youre talking about people with very senior level responsibilities, she said. Last year, without fanfare, the Labor government restructured Home Affairs, removing the federal police, the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission and the anti-money laundering agency from ONeils Home Affairs and returning them to the attorney-generals portfolio. ASIO remained administratively part of Home Affairs. Asked if Pezzullo should keep his job, Andrews said: Are a fresh set of eyes needed? Well, I think that Clare ONeil has demonstrated that she wants to make some fundamental changes  and that may well mean that there needs to be some changes at senior level. With the greatest respect to Mike Pezzullo  he has been in that job now at a very senior level for a long time. Pezzullo, she said, gets to wear any deficiencies in his department.

One structural issue was that the armed, uniformed Australian Border Force was led by an independent commissioner, but his staff were public servants in the Department of Home Affairs who ultimately reported to Pezzullo. That set-up meant that the Border Force commissioner cant give an instruction effectively to the people that seem to report to him  Its dysfunctional, Andrews said. If she had remained Home Affairs minister after the last election, Andrews said she would have pushed to give Border Force statutory independence. Visa processing should be streamlined and very straightforward, but was not, she said, because immigration was seen more as an administrative function than it should have been. There are some things that should be kept, and some things tweaked and there are some things that should be just thrown out the door. The staff in the department were enthusiastic and competent, she said, So all I can think is that the instructions that they were being given was not in line with the views of the government of the day.

Asked what she had done to oversee or direct the department on the questions raised in reporting this week relating to suspect payments on Nauru and Manus Island, Andrews said procurement was at arms length [from] the ministers office. She reiterated that: The management of a department  including staffing and process  is the responsibility of its secretary and/or leadership team.There are some things that should be kept, and some things tweaked and there are some things that should be just thrown out the door. Andrews declined to answer a question about how much responsibility the long-time minister, Peter Dutton  now Opposition Leader  should take for the departments problems. Andrews comments differ markedly from those attributed to her in a glossy departmental publication called The Fourth Year to commemorate four years of the operation of the Home Affairs department. In her foreword, Andrews is quoted saying the formation of the portfolio in 2017 was a prescient reform and the most significant reform to Australias national security, intelligence and law enforcement arrangements in decades.
The 24-hour delay of a Qantas Sydney to Los Angeles flight in June, 2022, necessitated repeat COVID-19 tests within 24 hours costing $590. Qantas promised to refund the cost of the tests. Fifteen emails and six phone calls later, and with no refund up to October, 2022, I contacted NSW Fair Trading. They called the next day and within 48 hours, Qantas rang me. My relief was short-lived. Qantas accidentally cancelled my return flight to Chicago resulting in rebooking the same flight at an additional cost of $1200. My new best friend at NSW Fair Trading quickly escalated this with Qantas for a full refund of the tests and the extra cost of the rebooked flight.

Tessa Ho, Milsons Point, NSW Lets make it official Thanks for your informative winter holiday guide (Traveller, July 8). While it was a tantalising and enjoyable read, the reference to Mount Wellington in Tasmania was extremely disappointing and jarring. It is impossible to miss that it is now officially referred to by both its colonial and indigenous names, especially as all physical signage, and just about every online reference, uses the official dual name kunanyi/Mt Wellington. It would have been great if the writers had taken the time to understand this and in doing so, respect the traditional owners. I cant imagine they would have referred to Uluru as Ayers Rock. For the same reason, it is important that these small but important details are correct.

Kate Esser, Clifton Beach, Tas Host with the most I heartily agree with correspondents praising the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (Traveller Letters, July 15) and its care. On Gallipoli Peninsula we spent four days visiting all the sites no matter how off the main track and all were well-kept. If visiting there, consider staying at Gallipoli Houses. It is a delight. The host picked us up from the bus stop, drove us north to the August Offensive area and south to Cape Helles and all around the Cove, dropping us off with supplies and providing directions. Some climbing through steep and bushy terrain was involved and at most places we were alone and still remark on resting near The Nek gazing out over sea to Samothrace. It was one of our most memorable trips.

Tony Sullivan, Adamstown Heights, NSW

Grave oversight Your correspondent rightly praises the work of The Commonwealth War Graves Commission. But they are wrong in saying the Commission cares for 23,000 Commonwealth cemeteries. That should read 23,000 graves.

Peter Price, Southbank, Vic No hahs in Doha Anthony Dennis, in his encouragement to holiday in the Qatari desert (Traveller, July 8) and his review of air-conditioned luxury at a five-star hotel in Doha, just confirms my impression that the human race has a death wish. It flies in the face of logic and morality. It is an insult to our children and grandchildren. And it directly contradicts your recent policy of publishing articles about at least trying to be more responsible and sustainable when making travel choices.

Chris McGregor, Cabarita, NSW Tip of the week: Taking a liking to Lucca

Beautiful Lucca. Credit: Alamy In agreement with Ben Groundwaters column (Traveller, July 16), defending Italy as a holiday destination, I am standing in the breathtaking Piazza San Michele in Lucca, Italy on a beautiful summers afternoon, trying to comprehend the absolute beauty and intricacy of the church facade, and absorbed by the surrounding renaissance palazzo facades. I have just enjoyed a fantastic gourmet lunch at the nearby restaurant Buca di Santantonio (at half the price of dreary establishments elsewhere in Europe). Tonight I am off to see Turandot at the Puccini theatre in Torre Di Lago, but if you have other tastes in music, Norah Jones was here last night and Robbie Williams is on next week.

Peter Burton, South Melbourne, Vic Hawaii five-oh I recently took my family to Hawaii because I went there in the 80s and had the best time. Well, times have definitely changed there for the worse. In the end I felt embarrassed because Id talked it up so much only to find Hawaii is in really bad shape. Waikiki was entrenched with homeless people that spread the length and breadth of the island. The public toilets were putrid and beaches packed. The whole place looked run down, and real smiles were hard to find. Pearl Harbour was a joke and the food was shocking.

Chris Hartigan, Daylesford ,Vic Here comes to the sun

In reference to your story on the worlds great short journeys (Traveller, July 27), the 80 kilometres-long Going-to-the-Sun Road in the US is one of the worlds most spectacular highways. Its located in Montanas Glacier National Park where the prairies meet the mountains. We drove the road in half a day, with stops at the many wonderful viewpoints, but better to spend the whole day and take one of the many walks.

Alison Barr, Rowville, Vic Norway the right way Your worlds great short journey story featured a photo in the print edition of the Atlantic Road in Norway but no description. We hired a car and travelled this amazing (toll free) road in June, 2022. It is a stunning 8.3-kilometre marvel of engineering, featuring bridges that twist impossibly into the air and breathtaking coastal scenery. The road is easy to navigate and there are plenty of places to stop and explore. Columna Transatlantica is a fascinating sculpture park that runs alongside one section of the road. Afterwards, continue to Bud, where you find Draagan, the salmon smokehouse of the Norwegian royal family for delicious tasting and purchases.

Amanda Berry,

EDITORS NOTE Sorry for our inadvertent tease in relation to the size of the photo though Norways Atlantic Road was mentioned in the introduction to the feature. And thanks to our reader for providing the welcome additional detail. Stamp of approval Before we left on a trip to London in June I flicked through my folders of Traveller clippings from years past and read up on your writer Keith Austins visit to the London Postal Museum way back in January 2018. It went on our to-do list and subsequently turned out to be one of the highlights of our London holiday. The Mail Rail Tour is one of the best experiences going in London. You dont need to be a London Tube enthusiast to enjoy this secret miniature rail line buried deep underneath the busy London streets. The on-board audio commentary and the visual displays at abandoned station platforms are excellent and shed light on the goings-on of this hidden world. Thank you, Keith and Traveller. Im not sure we would have discovered this gem of a museum if it wasnt for your article.

Mark Darcy, Balmain, NSW

EDITORS NOTE: You can also save articles for later on our newly revamped website.
Charlottesville-based nanotechnology company Laser Thermal has announced a $2.9 million investment to expand its facilities in Charlottesville, promising to bring 28 new jobs to the area.

We are excited at the opportunity of hiring new workers and bringing in more people to our amazing community here in Charlottesville, John Gaskins, co-founder and CEO of Laser Thermal told The Daily Progress. We are thrilled to continue to grow our business.

Gaskins said the company will be growing its facilities at Ix Art Park in downtown Charlottesville from 2,700 square feet to 5,200. The new space will help the company establish a set manufacturing space.

We are going to use the money to not only hire new people over the next few years but expand our facilities to have a dedicated manufacturing space thatll help us maintain quality control and control over our processes, Gaskins said.

Gaskins left his research job at the University of Virginia 3 1/2 years ago to found Laser Thermal with his university colleague Patrick Hopkins. Hopkins still works at UVa, where he is the Whitney Stone Professor of Engineering, in addition to Laser Thermal.

The pair established Laser Thermal to help empower semiconductor manufacturers and other small-electronics producers to enhance their products by providing accurate nano-scale property analysis, Gaskins said.

We create products that are vital to companies understanding heat transfer at a very small scale, smaller than even a hair, Gaskins said. We work to help build better computer and phone chips, 5G and 6G technology, and other emerging and vital technology industries.

The recent investment in Charlottesville has been heralded by state and local leaders.

Laser Thermals decision to expand its research and development capacity in Charlottesville highlights the economic development generated from our world-class universities like the University of Virginia and the innovation and talent they produce, Gov. Glenn Youngkin said in a statement. The companys success also showcases Virginias ongoing technology sector growth, and we look forward to a continued partnership.

Youngkins office said the announcement showcases the business bona fides he said hed bring to the Executive Mansion in Richmond

Governor Youngkins business expertise, commitment to lower the cost of living, expand job opportunities, reduce regulations, foster economic growth, and workforce development makes Virginia such a desirable place for companies, Youngkin spokeswoman Macaulay Porter told The Daily Progress in an email.

Even local leaders crossed party lines to celebrate the news.

Our long-term fiscal health as a city depends on us having businesses located in the City; we cannot just be a bedroom community, Charlottesville Mayor Lloyd Snook told The Daily Progress via email. We need a diversified economy. ... Startups sometimes have a hard time finding space that is adequate for the next step after you start. A startup may need 2000 square feet; the next step up is for a space of about 5,000 feet. For our economic development plan, this is great.

Snook quoted from the late Massachusetts senator and presidential hopeful Paul Tsongas: You cant be pro-jobs and anti-business.

State Sen. Creigh Deeds echoed Youngkins remarks on the critical role of UVa in attracting and retaining jobs to the area and Snooks pro-business remarks.

The job growth will keep talent and innovation here in Virginia, which will provide a cascade of benefits in the years to come, Deeds said in a statement. The continued investment in our community by Laser Thermal highlights the vital importance of a strong system of higher education to economic growth and success in the Commonwealth and reflects the strength of our region in the tech space.
Asteroids are the rocky remnants of material leftover from the formation of the solar system and its planets approximately 4.6 billion years ago.

The majority of asteroids originate from the main asteroid belt located between Mars and Jupiter, according to NASA. NASA's current asteroid count is over 1 million.

Asteroids orbit the sun in highly flattened, or "elliptical" circles, often rotating erratically, tumbling and falling through space.

Related: Smashin' asteroids, Hollywood style: could nuking an asteroid save the Earth?

Many large asteroids have one or more small companion moons. An example of this is Didymos , a half-mile (780 meters) wide asteroid that is orbited by the moonlet Dimorphos which measures just 525 feet (160 m) across.

Asteroids are also often referred to as "minor planets" and can range in size from the largest known example, Vesta , which has a diameter of around 326 miles (525 kilometers), to bodies that are less than 33 feet (10 meters) across.

Vesta recently snatched the "largest asteroid title" from Ceres, which NASA now classifies as a dwarf planet. Ceres is the largest object in the main asteroid belt while Vesta is the second largest.

As well as coming in a range of sizes, asteroids come in a variety of shapes from near spheres to irregular double-lobed peanut-shaped asteroids like Itokawa. Most asteroid surfaces are pitted with impact craters from collisions with other space rocks.

Though a majority of asteroids lurk in the asteroid belt, NASA says , the massive gravitational influence of Jupiter , the solar system 's largest planet, can send them hurtling through in random directions, including through the inner solar system and thus towards Earth . But don't worry, NASA's Planetary Defense Coordination Office is keeping a watchful eye on near-Earth objects (NEOs), including asteroids, to assess the impact hazard and aid the U.S. government in planning for a response to a possible impact threat.

Asteroid definition

What is an asteroid? Using NASA definitions, an asteroid is "A relatively small, inactive, rocky body orbiting the sun," while a comet is a "relatively small, at times active, object whose ices can vaporize in sunlight forming an atmosphere (coma) of dust and gas and, sometimes, a tail of dust and/or gas." Additionally, a meteorite is a "meteoroid that survives its passage through the Earth's atmosphere and lands upon the Earth's surface" and a meteor is defined as a "light phenomenon which results when a meteoroid enters the Earth's atmosphere and vaporizes; a shooting star."

What are asteroids made of?

Before the formation of the planets of the solar system, the infant sun was surrounded by a disk of dust and gas, called a protoplanetary disk. While most of this disk collapsed to form the planets some material was left over.



"Simply put, asteroids are leftovers rocky material from the time of the solar system formation . They are the initial bricks that built the planets," Fred Jourdan, a planetary scientist at Curtin University told Space.com in an email "So all the material that formed all those asteroids is about 4.55 billion years old."

Fred Jourdan Social Links Navigation Planetary Scientist Fred Jourdan is a geochronologist and geochemist at Curtin University. Jourdan's research interests include investigating impact craters on Earth and using geochronology to age rocks and minerals found at the impact site.

In the chaotic conditions of the early solar system, this material repeatedly clashed together with small grains clustering to form small rocks, which clustered to form larger rocks and eventually planetesimals  bodies that don't grow large enough to form planets. Further collisions shattered apart these planetesimals, with these fragments and rocks forming the asteroids we see today.



"All that happened 4.5 billion years ago but the solar system has remained a very dynamic place since then," Jourdan added. "During the next few billions of years until the present, some asteroids smashed into each other and destroyed each other, and the debris recombined and formed what we call rubble pile asteroids."



This means asteroids can also differ by how solid they are. Some asteroids are one solid monolithic body, while others like Bennu are essentially floating rubble piles, made of smaller bodies loosely bound together gravitationally.

NASA's Dawn spacecraft obtained this image with its framing camera on July 17, 2011. It was taken from a distance of about 9,500 miles (15,000 kilometers) away from the protoplanet Vesta. Each pixel in the image corresponds to roughly 0.88 miles (1.4 kilometers) (Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/UCLA/MPS/DLR/IDA)

"I would say there are three types of asteroids. The first one is the monolith chondritic asteroid, so that's the real brick of the solar system," Jourdan explained. "These asteroids remained relatively unchanged since their formation. Some of them are rich in silicates, and some of them are rich in carbon with different tales to tell."



The second type is the differentiated asteroids which for a while behaved like they were tiny planets forming a metallic core, a mantle, and a volcanic crust. Jourdan said these asteroids would look layered like an egg if cut from the side, with the best example of this being Vesta, which he calls his "favorite asteroid."

"The last type is the rubble pile asteroids so it's just when asteroids smashed into each other and the fragment that is ejected reassemble together," Jourdan continued. These asteroids are made of boulders, rocks, pebbles, dust, and a lot of void spacing which makes them so resistant to any further impacts. In that regard, rubble piles are a bit like giant space cushions."

Swipe to scroll horizontally Three broad composition classes of asteroids Classification Composition C-type 'chondrite' Clay and silicate S-type 'stony' silicate and nickel-iron M-type 'metallic' nickel-iron

The differences in asteroid composition are related to how far away from the sun the asteroid formed. Proximity to the sun and high temperatures after formation caused asteroids to melt, with iron sinking to the center and forcing basaltic (volcanic) lava to the surface.

Asteroid FAQs answered by an expert

Paul Chodas Social Links Navigation Director of NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory's Center for Near Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) Paul Chodas is an expert on asteroid dynamics and impact probabilities. He is the principal architect for orbit determination and ephemeris software use by NASA's JPL Near Earth Object Program Office.

We asked Paul Chodas, the director of NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory's Center for Near Earth Object Studies (CNEOS), a few frequently asked questions about asteroids.

How often do asteroids hit Earth? Asteroids large enough to cause damage on the ground hit Earth about once per century, as you go to larger and larger asteroids, the impacts are increasingly infrequent. At the extremely small end, desk-sized asteroids hit Earth about once a month, but they just produce bright fireballs as they burn up in the atmosphere. As you go to larger and larger asteroids, the impacts are increasingly infrequent.

What's the difference between asteroids, meteorites and comets? Asteroids are the rocky/dusty small bodies orbiting the sun. Meteorites are pieces on the ground left over after an asteroid breaks up in the atmosphere. Most asteroids are not strong, and when they disintegrate in the atmosphere they often produce a shower of meteorites on the ground. Comets are also small bodies orbiting the sun, but they also contain ices that produce a gas and dust atmosphere and tail when they get near the sun and heat up.

How do we know if a potentially dangerous asteroid is heading our way? Once an asteroid is discovered it is tracked for as long as possible to be seen in Earth-based telescopes. Position measurements are fed into orbit determination software that calculates the asteroid's trajectory and projects it into the future. The tracking data spans many days, weeks, months, or years, with dozens, hundreds, or even thousands of measurements.



Most asteroid orbits can be predicted with remarkable precision, considering how far away many of these objects are, and the possibility of any potential impacts can be predicted years or decades in advance. The Jet Propulsion Lab's CNEOS calculates high-precision orbits for all asteroids and maintains a list of all that have even the slightest possibility of impacting Earth over the next century called the Sentry Risk table.



So far, there are no known asteroids large enough to cause damage that have any significant chance of impacting Earth over the next century.

What are Near Earth Objects and Potentially Hazardous Asteroids?

Asteroids are also classified by their size and their location in relation to Earth. According to the Centre for Near Earth Object Studies (CNEOS ) asteroids estimate the size of asteroids using their brightness or "absolute magnitude " and how well they reflect sunlight back into space.

"A NEO is a Near-Earth Object is an asteroid or comet whose orbit brings it into the Earth's region of the Solar System," Chodas said. "Most asteroids are on fairly circular orbits that stay in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. NEOs are on orbits that bring them closer to the sun and in the general vicinity of Earth."

Asteroids are also classified by their size and their location in relation to Earth. (Image credit: NASA)

In terms of their orbits, NASA defines a NEO as coming to distances less than 1.3 AU from Earth, where 1 AU is the distance between Earth and the sun. The majority of NEOs are "Near Earth Asteroids" (NEA) and these are divided into three sub-categories.

Athens, are NEAs that cross Earth's orbit with an orbit possessing a semi-major axis smaller than that of the orbit of our planet. They take their name from 2062 Aten. Apollos also cross Earth's orbit, but have a semi-major axis larger than our planet's and take their name from 1862 Apollo. The final group, the Armors, are Earth approaching NEAs with orbits outside our planet's, but inside the orbit of Mars.

There is a further group of asteroids, however. Ones that could potentially pose a threat to Earth.

"A PHO is a Potentially Hazardous Object, which is large enough to be hazardous if it should hit Earth, larger than about 140 meters, or about 500 feet, AND is on an orbit that brings it quite close to Earth's orbit, to within about 5 million miles," Chodas explained. "As the PHO and the Earth orbit the sun, there is a potential for them to come very close to each other, but that doesn't mean that an impact is inevitable any time soon."



NASA currently reports 586 known potentially hazardous asteroids.

Do asteroids hit Earth and how often?

An animation shows Apophis' 2029 path compared to the swarm of satellites orbiting Earth. Apophis is in the category of Potentially Hazardous Asteroids (PHAs) . (Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech)

NASA estimates that every year over 100 tons of material falls to Earth from space, but just how much of this material is in the form of asteroids?

Asteroid impacts are less frequent today than they were in the early solar system, especially between 7.8 million and 11.7 million years ago when conditions were far more chaotic.

This early bombardment of our planet by asteroids may have been vital to the development of life on Earth. As Harvard University points out analysis of asteroids indicates they could have been important in seeding water to the planet's surface.

Of course, occasionally Earth is hit by larger and more devastating asteroids. One striking (if you'll excuse the pun) example is found in the Chicxulub region of the Yucatan Peninsula. Mexico, where an asteroid thought to be between 6.2 to 9.3 miles (10 and 15 kilometers) wide struck the Earth slicing a 6.2 mile-wide (10 kilometer-wide) scar into the surface of the planet 6.5 million years ago.

Known as the Chicxulub impactor, the asteroid wiped out 75% of Earth's species, including the dinosaurs, according to the Natural History Museum . Chodas points out that impacts from such large asteroids are rare.

NASA says a space rock larger between 25 meters and just over half a mile wide (1 kilometer) would cause local damage if it hits Earth, while an asteroid between around half a mile and a mile (1 and 2 kilometers) could have global ramifications.

Related: This Asteroid Launcher simulator lets you destroy your hometown  or anywhere else

"Asteroids large enough to cause a global catastrophe impact Earth [larger than 1 kilometer or 0.62 miles] only once in a million years, and they are of much less concern because we've already discovered 95% of them," Chodas said. "We know that none of them are headed for impact over at least the next century."

The reason we know this is thanks to the impressive tracking efforts of NASA and other space agencies and observatories.

Could we save Earth from an asteroid impact?

To date, only about 40 percent of 460-foot-plus (140-meter-plus) sized asteroids have been found, according to NASA. That means it makes sense to be prepared for such an event. While many concepts exist to divert asteroids, only one has made it to practical testing away from the surface of Earth.

"The Double Asteroid Redirection Test ( DART ) mission demonstrated NASA's capability to slightly change the trajectory of a small asteroid using a concept called a Kinetic Impactor," Chodas concluded. "With this technique, a spacecraft rams into the target and imparts a small change in its velocity. If an asteroid were headed towards Earth, and we knew about the possibility of collision with many years of warning, and the asteroid was not too large, a spacecraft like DART could be used to divert the asteroid so that it would miss the Earth many years later."

DART reached its target Dimorphos on September 2022, successfully altering the asteroid's orbit . The mission represented the first time humanity has altered the course of a celestial object, but the tiny alteration demonstrates that to successfully deploy such a mission to save Earth, a long advance notice, or "lead time" is needed.



"For planetary defense, it's vital to know what asteroids are made of if we want to attempt to push them away," Jourdan said. "It's not the same pushing a chunk from a differentiated asteroid completely made of metal compared to an asteroid made of rocky rubble. Each type of asteroid would require different techniques, different approaches, and different amounts of energy to push the asteroid away.



"By studying those asteroids and meteorites we can start to think about those questions early, before the time arise when we will need precise and accurate answers to act. Hopefully not too soon, if at all!"

Thus, agencies like CNEOS must continue monitoring the heavens for asteroids tracking their orbits, and projecting them in the future. Not only could this ensure humanity won't experience the same fate as dinosaurs but studying these fossilized remnants from the early solar system could teach us more about the origins of our planet and its neighbors.

Additional resources

The DART mission was humanity's first attempt to redirect an asteroid in preparation for the possibility such an object could one day approach Earth and pose a threat to the planet. Read more about the mission here on NASA's mission page

The CNEOS database contains a list of known NEOs about to make a close approach to Earth including their velocities and distances from the planet.

Arguably the most famous asteroid in Earth's history is the one that impacted our planet over 65 million years ago wiping out around 75% of its species including the dinosaurs. You can read more about this asteroid, the Chicxulub impactor in these resources from the Natural History Museum .

Bibliography

NASA Confirms DART Mission Impact Changed Asteroid's Motion in Space, NASA,

[ https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-confirms-dart-mission-impact-changed-asteroid-s-motion-in-space ]

Asteroids, NASA, [Accessed 02/05/23], [ https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/asteroids-comets-and-meteors/asteroids/in-depth/ ]

Asteroids, Cosmos Swinburne, [Accessed 02/05/23], [ https://astronomy.swin.edu.au/cosmos/m/main+asteroid+belt ]

Origin of water on Earth, Harvard University, [Accessed 02/05/23], [ https://courses.seas.harvard.edu/climate/eli/Courses/EPS281r/Sources/Origin-of-oceans/1-Wikipedia-Origin-of-water-on-Earth.pdf ]

Discovery, CNEOS, [Accessed 02/05/23], [ https://cneos.jpl.nasa.gov/stats/ ]

Vesta, NASA, [Accessed 02/05/23], [ https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/missions/dawn/science/vesta/ ]
Amid extreme heat and triple digit temperatures across Virginia this week and through the weekend, Charlottesville is designating multiple public locations as cooling centers.

The centers include Key Recreation Center on Market Street, Tonsler Recreation Center on Cherry Avenue, the Salvation Army on Ridge Street, the Haven on Market Street and Central Library downtown, public places where people can go for air conditioning and a break from the heat.

But Charlottesville public safety spokesman Kyle Ervin said the city wants to be clear: These locations are simply public places people can go, just as they can many days of the week. Water and resources to help people handle the heat are all handled internally, separate from the citys operations.

The public cooling centers are not overnight locations to escape from the heat, Ervin said.

But overnight relief from the heat is exactly what is most needed in Charlottesville  especially among the homeless population, according to the homeless people and staff members at the Haven day shelter who spoke to The Daily Progress.

The Haven provides showers, clean clothes, water, ice and an air-conditioned space to sit during the day.

A church from North Carolina dropped off a dozen cases of water and Gatorade Wednesday night, which the day shelter distributed to guests Thursday morning, according to Anna Mendez, executive director of the Haven.

Were encouraging guests to rest, to drink plenty of water while they are here, to think about their water needs after they leave and plan accordingly by taking water with them, Mendez wrote to The Daily Progress.

But at night, the homeless population often has nowhere to go. People and Congregations Engaged in Ministry, an overnight shelter more often called PACEM, is only open in the winter. The 58-bed Salvation Army on Ridge Street is at capacity and has had to turn people away.

There should be an overnight shelter open year-round, Jamey Rush, assistant manager at the Haven, said. Just how someone could freeze to death, someone could die of heat stroke.

There are plenty of locations in Charlottesville where people can get a meal or groceries, part of the reason for the citys increasing homeless population.

The last couple of weeks Ive noticed theres been new homeless people coming into Charlottesville from out of state, said Thomas Sloan, a Charlottesville resident who described himself as a friend to many of the areas homeless and was spending time with some of them at Market Street Park on Thursday.

You can eat here, Severino Lividini, a Charlottesville resident who recently became homeless, told The Daily Progress. Theres food everywhere. They give you food, but they dont give you a place to sleep.

Lividini said no one needs to travel far in Charlottesville to witness that firsthand.

This morning at 5 a.m. I was walking up and down the street, and theres just people sitting with blankets, Lividini said. You could see the misery in their faces.

The Haven needs more partnership from the city in order to house people and protect them from the elements, according to Gabe Sherzada, a case manager at the Haven.

They [the city] could certainly support us more, Sherzada said. They share that ideology that they care about the community, that they want to ensure that its livable for everyone, but we dont see that investment or that support.

The city advertised heat-relief locations on its social media pages and website so that people can plan accordingly, Ervin said. If youre walking to your car, walking to work and youre outside, if you have preexisting medical conditions, the heat is dehydrating.

While Ervin said the citys cooling centers are not specifically for the homeless population, both the Salvation Army and the Haven, shelters for that population, are included among the list of colling centers. The people using the Havens services are almost exclusively people experiencing homelessness, housing instability and extreme poverty, Mendez said.

Were proud of our commitment to offer respite for the weary and would gladly welcome anyone exercising or on their way to or from work, Mendez said.

Obviously, the homeless population is outside more, Ervin said. But there are a lot of active people around Charlottesville, and people that commute with different modes of transit.

This affects everyone, Ervin said.
A Charlottesville man is wanted in Nelson County on suspension of committing numerous crimes.

Kahlique Rasheed Howard is suspected of threatening to bomb or damage property, actually damaging property and causing a telephone to ring with intent to annoy, according to a post on the Nelson County Sheriffs Office Facebook page.

The Charlottesville Police Department is not investigating any crimes involving the suspect, it told The Daily Progress. While investigators had heard of the search for Howard, they are not aware of any such investigation involving the city, according to Charlottesville police spokesman Kyle Ervin.

Howard is also wanted for Injuring, etc., any property, monument, etc., according to the Nelson County Sheriffs Offices Facebook post, which cites specific sections of the Virginia criminal code.

One of the mentioned sections is 18.2-137, which states that it is illegal for a person to destroy, deface, damage or remove either property or any monument or memorial for war veterans.

It is not clear whether Howard has been accused of damaging property or a monument.

It is also not clear whether he has been accused of damaging buildings. While the Facebook post mentions threats to bomb or damage buildings, the office did not clarify whether Howard was accused of making a bomb threat.

The sheriffs office did not immediately return a request for comment from The Daily Progress.

Anyone with any information on Howards whereabouts is encouraged to contact the Nelson County Sheriffs Office at (434) 263-7050, the anonymous CrimeStoppers tip line at (888) 798-5900 or enter an online anonymous tip portal at www.p3tips.com.
B ritish Airways is on watch for any threats to the peak summer getaway season after it returned to profit and broke records for half-year earnings.

Its owner  IAG  promised today to focus on operational resilience with holiday travel in full swing after most schools broke up until September.

The company pointed to the UK and parts of Europe in its update, saying there was a a challenging operating environment there. It sounded like a reference to potential strikes in continental air traffic control and planned walkouts at Gatwick Airport.

A strike involving 1,000 staff at Londons second biggest air hub was due to start today, but was called off earlier this week after a new pay deal was accepted.

Airlines including BA have voiced their determination to avoid the disruption that hit last years peak getaway season, which ended up known as the flightmare as the industry struggled to scale back up to meet demand in the first year fully free of Covid restrictions.

IAG, which also owns Iberia and Aer Lingus, said around four-fifths of the revenue expected in the third quarter of the year was already booked in an encouraging outlook for summer.

It also predicted that for 2023, its capacity would return to 97% of pre-pandemic levels.

Bookings further out from summer showed no sign of weakness, it said, but it was more cautious looking into the autumn and beyond, citing wider uncertainties, which include: the potential impact of geopolitical and macroeconomic volatility on the price of fuel and consumer confidence, as well as the impact of external factors on the operating environment, such as strikes.

For the first half of the year, its operating profit hit a record of 1.3 billion, (1.1 billion) from a loss of 446 million a year earlier. IAG said its Spanish flag-carrier led the way.

Luis Gallego, CEO, said: Customer demand remains strong, particularly for leisure travel And our airlines have put in place plans to support operations during the busy summer period.

The demand for holidays and trips to see friends and families offset what IAG called a slower recovery in the corporate market while it called the cargo market weak.
R ail passengers will suffer fresh travel chaos on Saturday as thousands of workers strike in a long-running row over pay, jobs and conditions.

Services will be disrupted when members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union, including station staff and train managers, walk out.

Passengers have been advised to check their travel arrangements because the strike action will see wide variations of services across the country, with trains due to start later and finish much earlier than usual.

In some areas only around half of train services will run, while others will have no services at all.

This will lead to disappointment, frustration and financial strain for tens of thousands of people

Services on some lines are also likely to be affected on Friday evening and Sunday morning.

A Rail Delivery Group spokesperson said the strike will disrupt the plans of families during the summer holidays.

They said: This will lead to disappointment, frustration and financial strain for tens of thousands of people. We apologise for the inconvenience caused and understand the impact on individuals and businesses.

Our advice is to check before you travel.

There is not an agreement in sight at the moment but we remain available for negotiation with the companies and with the Government

Picket lines will be mounted outside railway stations across England and workers said they were receiving strong support for their action from the public.

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said striking rail workers are still waiting for an invitation back to the negotiating table.

He said: Weve been on strike for over a year. This campaigns probably been running for two years.

The issues are the same. Theyre attacking our jobs. Theyre making redundancies. Theyre closing services.

We havent had a pay rise for four years and the people that remain, they want to cut our conditions and issue new contracts of employment.

The Government has met the rail unions, listened to them and facilitated improved offers on pay and reform

There is not an agreement in sight at the moment but we remain available for negotiation with the companies and with the Government  but thats up to them to invite us back to the table so that we can work up some solutions to the dispute.

Members of drivers union Aslef will stop working overtime next month in a separate dispute over pay.

A Department for Transport spokesperson said: The Government has met the rail unions, listened to them and facilitated improved offers on pay and reform.

The union leaders should put these fair and reasonable offers to their members so this dispute can be resolved.
A Ukrainian MP has backed workers at a Scottish munitions depot who are set to strike next month.

Staff at the Defence Equipment & Support (DES) site in Beith, North Ayrshire, will walk out between August 4 and 7 after 93% of them backed strike action.

According to the GMB union, staff are split into two categories, craft and non-craft workers, with the former tasked with assembling weapons and the latter transporting them within the site and loading shipments.

Retention bonuses, the union claims, are paid to managers and craft staff, but non-craft workers  who earn less than 21,000 per year  do not receive the payments, meaning the pay gap between the two classifications has tripled to 18,000.

The work being done by GMB Scotland members at Beith could not be more important to Ukraine as we fight for our freedom

Strikes  like the two-day walkout earlier this month  will impact on the supply of Storm Shadow and Brimstone missiles to Ukraine in its fight against the Russian invasion, but a high-profile MP from the country has backed the workers at the depot.

Lesia Vasylenko, who decided to train in the use of guns to defend Ukraine and made a number of appearances in the UK to drum up support, said: The work being done by GMB Scotland members at Beith could not be more important to Ukraine as we fight for our freedom.

I thank every one of them for their efforts, support their fight for fairness and urge managers to quickly negotiate an end to this dispute and ensure their crucial work continues.

Her intervention comes after Ukrainian trade unions sent their support to the workers at the depot earlier this week.

GMB Scotland organiser Chris Kennedy said: It is regrettable that MPs and trade unions in Ukraine have a far better understanding and greater appreciation of the importance of our workers role than their managers.

Their support is great appreciated and we would urge the Ministry of Defence to properly understand the implications of this dispute and negotiate to end what has become a two-tier system.

This is the first strike at DES and management should listen to the voices being raised in support of our members, from Scotland to Ukraine, and negotiate a settlement that treats workers with fairness and respect.

A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said: The strikes will have no effect on our ability to provide capability to Ukraine.

Pre-planned contingency measures are being implemented at DM Beith to ensure the continued operation of the site. We remain open to dialogue with GMB to discuss the issues raised and work towards resolving them.
T he extension to the ultra low emission zone is coming to an outer borough near you. The High Court has today ruled that the scheme can go ahead as scheduled on August 29, rejecting arguments made by five Conservative councils that it is unlawful.

The decision is a victory for Mayor Sadiq Khan, who has faced not only public anger over the policy, but also the dissatisfaction of Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, who attributed a loss at the Uxbridge by-election to Ulez.

But to prevent this from being merely a technical victory, the Mayor must do more to generate buy-in from Londoners. Some of that will happen when the plan comes into effect and the vast majority of car owners realise they are not subject to the charge. A more generous scrappage scheme would also smooth out opposition. Communication is vital. While good comms cannot fix bad policy, good policy can be sunk by a failure to demonstrate why the extension is necessary, and the benefits it will bring.

It is thought that the five councils have ploughed more than half a million pounds of taxpayers money bringing the judicial case. No more should be wasted. London now has the green light for cleaner air.

Great emissions test

Sir Tony Blair has raised hackles by suggesting Britain should not obsess with cutting its carbon emissions. He says the country should play its part but that any action we take will be dwarfed by bigger players such as China.

In a narrow sense, this is true. The UK is only in the global top 20 of emitters, though this ignores historic contributions for which we are responsible, as the first nation to industrialise. Where the ex-PMs analysis is stronger is that Britain, alongside other rich nations, ought to do more to help poorer nations to grow their economies without ramping up their own emissions. Top of the agenda must be ensuring the rich world meets its $100 billion a year climate finance target for low and middle-income nations.

With a challenge as existential as climate change, the reality is we must do more of everything. Not only to ensure a habitable planet for future (and indeed current) generations, but also to deliver the jobs and growth that will power the British economy over the next century.

Toasting Brangelina

It is a divorce that makes Brexit look like a simple division of assets. Finally, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt appear set to end their years-long legal battle over a vineyard, dubbed the War of the Rose.

We hope it will be a lasting settlement rather than merely peace in our vine.
T odays High Court ruling, which rejected a bid from five Tory councils to have the extension to the Ultra low emission zone deemed unlawful, represents a landmark victory for Sadiq Khan. But it has also drawn barely concealed smiles from Conservative Campaign Headquarters. Can both be right?

There are times in politics when you want the win and others when youd prefer to keep the issue alive. The judgement over which best serves your interests depends on how highly you value the issue in question. Politicians might consider it worth losing support  even an election  to secure a substantial policy gain.

This principle was perhaps most famously illustrated by US President Lyndon Johnson who, after an aide attempted to persuade him not to waste his time on civil rights  considered by many to be a lost cause  replied: Well, what the hells the presidency for?

Khan is leveraging the somewhat more limited powers of the London mayoralty for his own defining cause  that of clean air. And his court victory is self-explanatory: the flagship policy of extending the Ulez to all 32 boroughs has passed a major legal test.

The challenge itself was brought on three grounds. First, that the consultation was substandard. Second, that the mayor didnt have the legal authority for the expansion. And third, that the 110m vehicle scrappage scheme was insufficient. All three have been thrown out by Mr Justice Swift.

Speaking outside the court, Conservative mayoral candidate Susan Hall said she was very disappointed with the ruling and branded Ulez a simple tax grab. Meanwhile, Energy secretary Grant Shapps tweeted:

Labour will take this as a win, but hardworking people will lose... Lets (sic) see what kind of Leader @Keir_Starmer is. Time to get off the fence & tell your Mayor to do the right thing and stop the ULEZ expansion.

Punchy stuff. And yet, win-wins are rare in politics for a reason. Regardless of todays judgement, Ulez was always going be front and centre of Tory election leaflets come the mayoral and general elections. Defeat and therefore delay would have been toxic for Khan and Labour, pushing Ulez extension into a double election year.

Loading....

But victory means that the voting will take place after Ulez comes into effect, and after the vast majority of car drivers realise that they are not subject to the 12.50-a-day charge. Our worst fears lie in anticipation, but the wait is almost over.

In the comment pages, Tracey Emin says drink used to sustain her, but now shes free  though she must apologise to Brian May. Sadiq Khan hits back at Rishi Sunaks housing claims. While Robert Fox warns Vladimir Putins war on grain could blow up into an international fight.

And finally, from al fresco swimming at White City House to taking a bath near the top of The Shard  Alison Hammond does My London.

This article appears in our newsletter, West End Final  delivered 4pm daily  bringing you the very best of the paper, from culture and comment to features and sport. Sign up here.
Review at a glance









A long with the Comedy Store, which opened a Mumbai branch in 2010, Soho Theatre has been at the forefront of seeking out stand-up talent in south Asia and bringing it to a wider audience. In recent years they have championed numerous skilful performers, including Vir Das, who has had considerable success in London and at the Edinburgh Fringe.

This year they have five Indian comics heading to the Fringe. If they are all as good as Urooj Ashfaq the Scottish capital is in for a treat. The fast-talking, quick-thinking 27-year-old performed only her second full-length show in English last night in Soho Theatres studio space and displayed a talent for candid comedy that suggests she could soon be playing larger rooms.

Admittedly this must have felt a little like a home fixture given the high proportion of the audience that understood and, more importantly, laughed at her Hindi asides at the start of the set, but Ashfaq is clearly an assured, confident performer. She might have talked about suffering from anxiety during her set yet there was absolutely no sign of it onstage.

Urooj Ashfaq at Soho Theatre / Jonny Ruff

Much of her material focussed on the same sort of subjects you might get from a London stand-up. Not surprisingly she cites smart British stars Bridget Christie, Josie Long and James Acaster among her heroes. From her parents divorce  the only thing they agreed on  to her thoughts on pornography. From phone etiquette to the ways boys suppress emotions, this is thoughtful global humour.

A large chunk of the set was devoted to tales about her therapy. She recalled how she got into a tangle by asking questions on behalf of her very different friend who could not afford treatment herself, with the result that the therapist wondered if she was suffering from multiple personality disorder. By the end of the sessions, she quipped, even the therapists therapist needed therapy.

At one point she explained that she studied psychology because she was not clever enough to be a doctor, but this pivot seems to be a natural fit with her funny side. Her snappy wit frequently comes from trying to make sense of modern human interaction, from gaslighting to micro-aggressions.

The gig concluded with a rapidfire series of one-liners and a hilariously honest reading from her childhood diary which confirmed, as if confirmation was needed, that Muslim Indian teens have the same stupidly intense crushes as any other teens around the world.

Her show is entitled Oh No! but when it comes to Ashfaq one can only conclude Oh Yes.

Tomorrow, then Oct 30 to Nov 4; Edinburgh Fringe, Assembly George Square, Aug 2-27; sohotheatre.com
Social media star-turned-pornographer Bryan Gratata Silva, whose ill-timed social media postings brought police to his office, got 1 1/2 years in prison on drug and ammunition charges Tuesday.

The sentence caps a saga that terrified many in the wake of Novembers mass shooting that killed three University of Virginia students. Arguments in court, however, showed that Silva had no connection to any shooting and that his anger may have been provoked by the stillbirth of a child.

His is a tragic story, one of his former officemates told The Daily Progress. It doesnt excuse his threatening behavior, but it gives it a little context.

The former officemate, speaking anonymously for fear of retribution, was among several who claim to have been rattled by Silvas behavior long before police bashed in his office door on Nov. 14, the day after the shooting at UVa that left three students dead.

Prosecutor Joe Platania told the court that several concerned people independently approached police after they saw Silvas alarming posts. Saved screenshots show that Silva vowed on the afternoon of Nov. 13 to bring pain and suffering to UVa and tweeted a directive to Leave them on the floor with holes all in [their] body.

Neither of those statements brought charges, and Silva has no known connection to Christopher Darnell Jones Jr., the primary suspect in that case.

Silvas attorney said that the ammunition that Silva pleaded guilty to possessing actually belonged to his brother. And yet Silva posted to Facebook video of himself, with his distinctively tattooed arm visible, possessing bullets. As a convicted felon, he was banned from having ammunition.

Whether or not it belonged to someone else, he was holding and possessing it, Platania, the Charlottesville commonwealths attorney, told the court.

In contrast to his most recent mugshot, in which a shock of blonde hair hangs toward a scowl, the now long-haired and heavily bearded Silva sat upright with what appeared to be a mild smile throughout the proceedings, and his lawyer downplayed his crimes.

The recent charges were very minor, said attorney Peter Frazier, mentioning that the search warrant was executed based on some vague Facebook post.

In court Tuesday, Frazier revealed for the first time in a public setting what prompted his clients ire. He said that Silva and his wife, pregnant with a boy, made a visit in early November to the hospital at UVa for a prenatal checkup.

They sent her home, Frazier told the court. Two days later, the child was dead.

The prosecutor nevertheless urged a five-year sentence for the ammunition and a three-year sentence for 7 grams of cocaine found in a safe in Silvas office.

Mr. Silva is going to have to find ways to mature, said Platania.

Frazier urged a softer sentence.

There are zero aggravating factors and several mitigating factors, Frazier told the judge.

You tell me theres nothing aggravating? Judge Claude Worrell replied.

It was not an actual firearm, said Frazier. This was simply ammunition.

The judge, however, noted Silvas 2022 conviction for stalking a female UVa student, something that earned him a no-trespass order from the university, according to UVa spokesman Brian Coy.

Silva has also received a no-trespass order from the Joe H. Gieck Trust, landlord for the Downtown Mall building that evicted him in April, according to the landlords attorney. Silva earned a restraining order for allegedly making a death threat against an office tenant who had Silvas car towed.

Silvas most notorious prior convictions stemmed from a 2016 incident in which he barricaded himself inside a Jefferson Park Avenue-area apartment after pointing a gun at a 17-year-old girlfriend hed met online. The police standoff shut down JPA for about nine hours, and Silva later pleaded guilty to brandishing a firearm and felony gun possession.

Silvas internet fame started in 2014, when the then 23-year-old uploaded a six-second video to a now-defunct app called Vine. Shirtless and gunless, he recites a violent rhyme and points a finger pantomiming a handgun toward a bathroom mirror while saying Gratata, a phonetic approximation of the sound from a machine gun.

After getting invited to participate in pornographic films, he eventually settled on making explicit videos that he would post on OnlyFans. Last year, he tweeted a page purportedly showing his total earnings from early 2018 to late September 2022 totaling more than $447,000.

Silva, now 32, declined to speak at his sentencing hearing.

Judge Worrell imposed an eight-year sentence but suspended all but 1.5 years and gave Silva credit for time served. The judge said Silva must go on supervised probation upon release for two years and remain on good behavior with no drugs or alcohol for eight years.

His lawyer struck a defiant tone after the hearing, calling some state laws dumb and asserting that Silva posed no public danger last fall.

Cocaine should be decriminalized, and bullets alone are about as dangerous as AAA batteries, said Frazier. Hopefully, the dorks in our General Assembly will soon change these laws to prevent inane prosecutions in the future.
O n Thursday 27 July, just under a month after his trial began at Southwark Crown Court, US actor Kevin Spacey was found not guilty on nine charges of sexual assault. The 64-year-old former artistic director of the Old Vic Theatre broke down as the jury returned their verdict, thanking court staff and stopping to speak of his relief to journalists waiting on the court steps.

Over the past six years, Spacey has consistently denied the allegations. In the US in 2020, he was sued by actor Anthony Rapp, who accused him of assaulting him when he was 14 years old. A civil case took place in October 2022, where Spacey was found not guilty by a Manhattan jury.

With his UK legal case now settled, though, its unclear whether Spacey will attempt to return to his high-profile acting career, which ended abruptly in 2017 after allegations of sexual misconduct were made against him by numerous men, pertaining to his time in Hollywood and working in Londons theatre world.

At the time Spacey was a household name, thanks to his Academy Award-winning performances in The Usual Suspects and American Beauty and his role as corrupt politician Frank Underwood in Netflixs first hit television series, House of Cards. He had also received praise for revitalising the reputation of Londons Old Vic, where he served as artistic director from 2003 until 2015, inviting stars including Neve Campbell and Jeff Goldblum to tread the boards there.

After allegations about his behaviour were made publicly in both the UK and the US, however, Hollywood scrambled to erase him. He was removed from projects in the works, including Ridley Scotts All the Money in the World (where his scenes as oil tycoon J Paul Getty were reshot with Christopher Plummer) and Peter Soos Genghis Khan biopic Gateway to the West (he was replaced in the role of Khan by Ray Stevenson). Netflix also chose to conclude the behemoth hit House of Cards, with Robin Wright reprising her role as Clare Underwood, while Spaceys character was killed off-screen.

In the wake of the case, regardless of the acquittal, it seems unlikely Netflix will release Gore, the last project Spacey shot before the allegations came to light, Michael Hoffmans biopic of American politician and author Gore Vidal. Spacey played the titular role, and the film, which reportedly featured several graphic sex scenes, centred on Vidals attempt to seduce a much younger man.

Spacey has booked a few gigs since his legal troubles began, but those are a far cry from the reported $20 million payday he commanded in House of Cards. His most notable role during this period was as a police detective in Italian director Franco Neros 2022 drama The Man Who Drew God, in which his dialogue was dubbed over into Italian by Roberto Pedicini.

Spacey with Robin Wright in House of Cards / AP

But will A-List talent in Hollywood want to work with Spacey again? In 2018 his House of Cards co-star Wright claimed she didnt really know Spacey beyond their scenes together, but its possible other stars  and indeed studios  will be wary of attracting any residual whiff of scandal, despite his acquittal.

Allegations, whether of a criminal nature or not, dont always signal the end of a career in Hollywood, depending on the stars popularity and power. While actors like Ansel Elgort and Armie Hammer have seen their popularity decline in recent years following allegations of sexual assault (both men have denied the charge, neither has been subject to legal proceedings) and James Franco has been broadly absent from Hollywood for several years after admitting to sleeping with a number of his acting students (a sexual misconduct lawsuit brought by two of the women was settled out of court), Johnny Depp has seemingly been able to bounce back from his very public divorce and civil cases concerning alleged domestic abuse against ex-wife Amber Heard.

In 2021 Depp described himself as a victim of cancel culture , despite the fact that he has consistently booked gigs both as an actor and musician since Heards accusations, and enjoyed significant fan support. In 2022 he appeared in Rihannas Savage x Fenty fashion show, and in May of this year, he received a warm reception at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, where he starred in French director Maiwenns period biopic Madame du Barry, which opened the festival.

Depp is next set to direct a film about Italian painter Amedeo Modigliani, co-produced by Al Pacino. Similarly, Shia Labeouf, who will stand trial in December following accusations of abuse from his ex-partner musician FKA Twigs (he has denied the allegations), is set to co-star in Francis Ford Coppolas much-anticipated Megalopolis, alongside Adam Driver, Aubrey Plaza, and Dustin Hoffman, who has also been accused in the past of misconduct (Hoffman also denied the allegations, and none of the allegations against him have resulted in legal proceedings).

Perhaps Spacey will consider a move to directing. It was announced earlier this week that the Venice Film Festival would show films by Roman Polanski, Woody Allen and Luc Besson  three high-profile directors who have all been accused of sexual assault. Allen was accused of sexually abusing his daughter Dylan by his ex-wife Mia Farrow in 1992  Allen denied the allegations, and no charges were ever brought, but Dylan reiterated her claim in an open letter, published in 2014.

Roman Polanski / AFP via Getty Images

Meanwhile, Polanski is unable to travel beyond France, Poland and Switzerland due to an outstanding warrant for his arrest in the United States for the rape of a 13-year-old girl in 1977 (at the time he accepted a plea bargain which involved pleading guilty to a lesser charge, but fled before being formally sentenced), while Besson was cleared of rape charges in France earlier this year after being accused by actor Sand Van Roy, who appeared in his previous film Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets. The Venice Film Festivals director, Alberto Barbera, said he did not see an issue with inviting these directors .

The rules in Hollywood around who gets a redemption story following troubling allegations against them seem arbitrary, but with millions owed in legal expenses, it seems likely Spacey will be looking to get back in Hollywoods good graces. It remains to be seen if the industry  and audiences  will embrace him.
S Club say their new single has become a celebration of looking back on the memories they had with bandmate Paul Cattermole, after his death earlier this year.

Earlier this year, the pop band announced a reunion tour to celebrate their 25th anniversary, but months later, in April, Cattermole died unexpectedly at the age of 46.

The group later rebranded from S Club 7 to a five-piece band named S Club, as Hannah Spearritt also decided not to join the tour after the loss of her bandmate.

On Wednesday, the reformed group  consisting of Rachel Stevens, Bradley McIntosh, Jo OMeara, Jon Lee and Tina Barrett  released their first track together titled These Are The Days.

It was accompanied by a nostalgic music video which shows the group watching old clips of the original seven members singing and laughing with each other.

Speaking on Magic Radio on Thursday evening about the release, the group said they were very happy and found the support from fans so touching.

Lee admitted it was really emotional watching the video the first time after Cattermoles death.

But by that time wed had a few months to come to terms with what had happened, so its become more of a celebration of looking back and celebrating the fact that we have all those memories on film with him, he said.

From the moment we met him till the last tour, pretty much, everything weve done together has been on film, so were really lucky and really grateful that weve got all those memories.

McIntosh revealed that getting back into the studio was a really strange experience as the technology has progressed since they were first recording.

The producer was actually in Canada so we did the session via Zoom  that was quite weird were in the future now, he joked.

The group are still planning on embarking on their UK and Ireland arena tour later this year which they said will be a celebration of all the hits.

The tour will open on October 12 at Manchesters AO Arena before continuing to cities including London, Dublin, Glasgow, Newcastle and Liverpool.

The seven-piece pop group were originally created by former Spice Girls manager Simon Fuller in 1998 and produced hits including Reach, Dont Stop Movin and their debut Bring It All Back.

They disbanded in 2003 but briefly got back together in 2014 to perform a medley of their best-known songs for the BBC Children In Need appeal.

During their five years together they produced four studio albums, including their debut S Club in 1999.

They cemented their fame after starring in their own BBC TV series Miami 7 and LA 7.
Review at a glance









I magine the weakest episode of Blackadder crossed with Horrible Histories on an off-day and a woefully under-rehearsed panto. Now you have a rough idea of this shabby comedy, written by Simon (Men Behaving Badly) Nye and starring comedian Al Murray as a coarse, voluptuary Charles II. The opening of Sean Foleys production was delayed by a week because it wasnt ready. Not nearly long enough, it seems.

Based on a real attempt by Irish turncoat and self-proclaimed colonel Thomas Blood (Aidan McArdle, looking Hobbit-like and embarrassed) to steal the Crown Jewels 10 years after the Restoration, its full of schoolboy smut, knowing anachronisms and familiar TV faces. Murray and Mel Giedroyc at least demonstrate great audience rapport and comic timing.

But Inbetweeners star Joe Thomas looks lost as Bloods son while Neil Morrissey seems to have wandered into his wasted role as the drunken, religious-maniac co-conspirator Perrot by mistake. Musical theatre stalwart Carrie Hope Fletcher lustily sings the daft comic songs Nye and composer Grant Olding randomly insert into the action and endures a lot of bosom jokes.

Even so she, like everyone on stage, seemed to be having a better time than I was. The vestigial sets, the non-existent pacing, the arch performances everything here exudes a knowing, cant-be-arsed crapness. All underpinned by the assumption that audiences will pay to be hectored by Murray in a version of his Pub Landlord character, only with strangulatedly posh diction and a drag-king wig.

From left, Al Murray, Carrie Hope Fletcher and Mel Giedroyc / Hugo Glendinning

Its a shame as the source material is golden. The crown jewels, recreated after Cromwell destroyed the originals, were kept in a cupboard in the Tower of London by ancient soldier Talbot Edwards (also played by Murray, with Giedroyc as his slattern wife) and shown to anyone interested.

Blood, aided by an actress (Tanvi Virmani, overacting wildly in a thankless role), stole them, flattening the crown and sawing the sceptre in half to make them portable. He botched the escape but was mysteriously pardoned and given an Irish estate by the King.

At least, thats what Wikipedia says, which I presume is where Nye did his research. In his hands, this story becomes a vehicle for random jokes about the absurdity of monarchy, British exceptionalism, phalluses and shagging. There are token gestures towards contemporary relevance: Charless England is skint and xenophobic.

Though her performance as Edwardss wife is brash and unsubtle, Giedroyc gives an exquisite demonstration of throwaway lines and endlessly delayed punchlines as a French courtier. And Murray? Hes given license to riff with the audience as the capricious king: sometimes child-like, sometimes lip-lickingly sybaritic, sometimes prone to spittle-flecked fury. Audience members in the front stalls are not safe.

Murray and Giedroycs performances are funny because they are funny people. But those performances are not in service to any wider purpose, because there isnt one here. Though Nye is a fine writer and Foley a shrewd comic director this half-formed show seems to have been slapped together for the amusement of themselves and their onstage chums, rather than to entertain an audience. Im a Restoration man but this brought out my inner Cromwell.

Garrick Theatre, to 16 September; tickets available here
O nce upon a time, flying was probably among one of the most glamorous things you could do. The seats were spacious, the food was real and the champagne was always perfectly chilled.

In the golden olden days, you used to be able to turn up 30 minutes before your flight left with no ID. And thenoil, terror, crumbling poundtimes changed.

Today, nothing quite personifies the anxiety-inducing madness of modern air travel like an airport terminal. While most of us have to put up with endless queuing and navigating 300 WHSmiths for a bottle of normal-sized water and giant Toblerone, for A-listers and the Royal Family, airport travel looks remarkably different.

Heres how the 0.1% travel do airports

Secret terminals

Sometimes even stars and royals have to take commercial flights like the rest of us (it helps their eco credentials if theyre not always flying on their private jet). Of course, youll never see them hanging around the EasyJet bag drop or going barefoot across airport security because they dont actually step inside the main terminal at all. Instead, youll find them inside the hush-hush private terminals, far away from the prying eyes of the public and paparazzi.

At Heathrow, its called The Windsor Suite and as the name suggests, the royals are regulars here as are heads of state. Prince Harry was snapped outside its doors hours after appearing at The Kings Coronation in May, while William, Kate and their brood use this terminal every time they fly from London, even Boris Johnson frequented its hallowed halls when he was PM. You dont have to be of royal blood to use it, but youll need deep pockets  it costs just over 3,000 for up to three people  but with a slick service that sees you whisked from your front door to the aircraft, its tempting.

There are similar experiences on offer at Gatwick and Luton airports too, run by Signature Elite Class. Hannah Felt, group head of partnerships at luxury concierge Quintessentially tells me this doors-to-flight-steps service is in big demand, especially post-Covid. Our members use these services mainly for the convenience and fast track nature, but also often to enhance a special trip.

Prince Harry always travels through the Windsor Suite at Heathrow / PA Wire

Dom Perignon and Michelin-starred food on tap

Heathrow VIP guests are taken to an unmarked entrance where luggage is checked in for them while they settle into a private lounge (of which there are eight) with walls that feature a revolving curation of artworks by Warhol, Bacon and Banksy  youll want the recently reopened and sprawling royal suite. No bratty kids (unless theyre your own) or buffet hoarders to share your space here, thank you very much. While all the paperwork is taken care of, your butler will keep you wined and dined. Theres free-flowing Dom Perignon and a Michelin-starred menu from Jason Atherton for when you get peckish and a personal shopper on hand to take you around the terminal (by buggy, no one expects you to be walking).

When it's time to head to your flight, you'll have your own security lane, which takes seconds to get through. Security was so seamless, you hardly realised it was happening, said a friend who was recently treated to the experience during a work trip. That and being driven to the steps of the plane was the best thing about it. Yes, thats right, when its time to board, Windsor Suite guests are driven across the tarmac, rock star style, directly to their aircraft.

Freebies galore

Waiting around for a flight can be boring work but for VIPs, its an excellent time to indulge in a little TLC. Guests at LAs private terminal, PS LAX, which was modelled on Heathrows Windsor Suite and opened in 2017, enjoy free pre-flight massages, in-suite manicures and haircuts. You can even book a doctor to give you those last-minute travel jabs or a prescription renewal. A-listers who come here  including the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow, Chrissy Teigen and Ben Affleck  can also take advantage of the endless toiletries and travel gadgets up for grabs  from universal chargers and noise-cancelling headphones to vitamins and suncream. Its basically an all-you-can-grab complimentary Boots. Other tangible reminders of how different the other half live include organic seaweed snacks, 85 percent cacao, limitless Laurent-Perrier, scented candles and daybeds for two.

Inside PS LAX airport / LAX airport

Invitation-only tiers

If you think being a Gold Card member is as good as it gets, think again. Theres an invitation-only tier you dont even know about and airline officials are top secret about it. Youll want to be part of the club  namely Qantas Chairmans Lounge, BA Executive Club Premier or American Airlines Concierge Key. According to our sources, you cant apply, you simply wait to be asked. One insider told us to be considered for BAs Black Level, you need to control a travel budget which spends at least 2 million per year with British Airways or have the ability to influence travel policy  i.e. youre a big wig. Benefits include airlines holding flights if youre running late and use of secret airport tunnels to get you to the aircraft seamlessly.

The new British Airways Whispering Angel pop-up / British Airways

When do you have to slum it

If A-listers really have to slum it in the main terminal, its not all bad news. The Virgin Clubhouse at Heathrow has the ability to be transformed into a private space for A-listers (out come the sliding doors and opaque dividers) creating a VIP area within a VIP area, with Peloton bikes and expert mixologists on hand.

Elsewhere, British Airways just announced the arrival of its Whispering Angel pop-up bar in its Club Lounge B Gates lounge at Heathrow T5 (youll need to be flying First or Business, or be a Silver or Gold member).

Rose for breakfast, anyone?
A Royal Marine drowned in an accident during arduous military training for operations with an elite unit, a coroner has ruled.

Benjamin McQueen, 26, was brought to the surface after being separated from other divers during a drill in Portland Harbour, Dorset, on November 14 2018.

He was declared dead after CPR was performed and a post-mortem examination by Dr Mark Ashton on November 25 2018 gave his cause of death as drowning, the inquest previously heard.

The vast majority of the Marines three-week judge-led inquest at the Royal Courts of Justice in London was held in secret due to national security concerns.

On Friday, Sir Ernest Ryder, acting as judge coroner, said: On November 14 2018 Benjamin McQueen drowned during a military diving exercise in Portland Harbour, Dorset.

He experienced complications during the dive.

He carried out one or more authorised emergency drills which would have rapidly depleted the supply from his breathing apparatus.

He was recovered from the sea bed from a depth of about 18 metres, but despite appropriate attempts at (CPR) he could not be revived and was declared dead at 7.17pm.

Mr McQueen became a Royal Marine in September 2010 and later joined 45 Commando in Arbroath, Scotland.

At 19, he was deployed to Afghanistan as part of Operation Herrick 14, for which he was was awarded the Operational Service Medal.

At the time of his death, Ben had recently become a member of an elite unit, Sir Ernest said.

In a version of his finding of facts omitting national security-sensitive information, he said the sea was calm on the night of the dive but that being a dusk into night dive, the underwater visibility was extremely limited.

Sir Ernest said: There were two diving tasks being undertaken during the incident dive.

One of the dive tasks was completed successfully and the divers involved exited the water.

Ben and the other divers encountered a subsurface obstacle which they sought to negotiate.

What happened next is the first of a sequence of complications during the incident dive.

He said the complications were accidental but questioned whether they could have been foreseen.

He added: First, I find that the lack of requirement for all signals to be acknowledged was a contributory factor in Bens death because there was a missed opportunity to abort the dive at an early stage when Ben started to get into difficulties and was not ready to proceed with the exercise.

Second, Ben had to contend with becoming entangled underwater. This created a difficult situation which he attempted to resolve.

From this stage onwards, it is clear that events unfolded very rapidly.

He said the further details of his conclusions have been set out in my security sensitive findings of fact.

In a joint statement, Mr McQueens parents  Kathy, 64 and Colin, 65, from Southampton  said his death was preventable.

They also expressed concern it took about 40 minutes to locate their son and bring him to the surface.

They said: His life was cut short because he was failed by the very organisation in which he put his trust.

We do not know exactly what happened in Bens final moments, but we do believe Bens death was preventable.

His legacy will be significant changes in dive training and ethos across the forces and an inspiration for others to face their fears as he so courageously did. We do not grieve as those who have no hope because we will see Ben again and his live and death have not been wasted.

In an additional narrative conclusion, Sir Ernest said: Bens unit collectively took diver safety seriously and conscientiously.

But he said his death was contributed to by factors including not topping up breathable gas levels between the two dives and the lack of a training requirement for all signals to be acknowledged.

He also called out inadequate risk assessment for the combined use of the equipment on the exercise which failed to identify mitigating measures for the risks arising  insistence on careful progression; shallower water and ensuring breathable gas was topped up.

And he said there has been insufficiently firm instruction on when student divers should surface.

Sir Ernest intends to issue a prevention of future deaths report to the Defence Secretary calling for the following actions to be taken.

Carrying spare breathing apparatus cylinders in safety boats in addition to those carried by the stand-by driver where possible, is the first action he is calling for.

He added: I am reassured that this appears to be happening in Bens former unit but I have concern that this does not yet appear in policy guidance and it is a safety concern that may need to be more widely shared in defence.

Two, avoiding visits by senior ranking officers or VIP visitors to training courses leading to an acceleration of safety critical training.

I am reassured that action has been taken in Bens former unit such that this should not recur in relation to the relevant diving training, but I have a concern as to whether this has been shared more widely amongst other military units.

Sir Ernest also wants defibrillators to be available when particular kinds of diving training are being carried out.

He said he has seen detailed evidence from the MoD on the changes made to the relevant aspects of military diving training since Bens death, and added: It is very clear that there has been a comprehensive and far-reaching review of policies, practices and organisational structures which will have very significantly reduced the risk of future fatalities.
E vidence access laws surrounding court appeals are to be reviewed, as a charity said they hampered the case of a man who spent 17 years in prison for a rape he did not commit.

The Law Commission announced a wide-ranging examination of the appeals process, including whether it is disrupted by rules governing the retention and disclosure of evidence.

Legal charity Appeal said lawyers working on potential miscarriage of justice cases are routinely denied access to evidence by police forces and prosecutors.

Andrew Malkinson, 57, was wrongly found guilty of raping a woman in Greater Manchester in 2003 and the next year was jailed for life with a minimum term of seven years.

He served 10 more years because he maintained his innocence, but his conviction was quashed by senior judges at the Court of Appeal on Wednesday after DNA evidence linking another man to the crime came to light.

Appeal said it took Greater Manchester Police (GMP) to court twice to obtain evidence which had been withheld from the defence at Mr Malkinsons original trial.

It also accused the force of unlawfully destroying key evidence connected to the case.

Emma Torr, the charitys legal director, said: We welcome the Law Commissions review of unfair disclosure reviews, which currently prevent miscarriages of justice being brought to light.

Andy Malkinsons case is just the tip of the iceberg. We believe there are many others who have been wrongly convicted but are unable to access evidence to prove their innocence.

At the time of Mr Malkinsons trial, there was no DNA evidence linking him to the crime and the prosecution case was based only on identification evidence.

But a DNA sample held by the forensic archive was tested and found last October to link to another man, who has since been arrested. A decision on whether he will be charged is awaited.

Edward Henry KC, representing Mr Malkinson in the Court of Appeal, said GMP, which apologised after the ruling, destroyed the victims clothing.

We will consider proposals for reform that will ensure the appeals process provides a robust safeguard against wrongful convictions and instils confidence in the criminal justice system

Assistant Chief Constable Sarah Jackson said: We are truly sorry to Mr Malkinson that he is the victim of such a grave miscarriage of justice in being convicted of a crime he did not commit and serving a 17-year custodial sentence.

Whilst we hope this outcome gives him a long overdue sense of justice, we acknowledge that it does not return the years he has lost. I have offered to meet with him to personally deliver this apology.

Mr Malkinson told the BBCs Newsnight programme: The Greater Manchester Police apology its meaningless to me, absolutely meaningless.

An apology without accountability, what is that? Its nothing, its nothing, it means nothing.

Penney Lewis, criminal law commissioner, said: The appeals process is essential for rectifying miscarriages of justice and ensuring the fair and consistent application of the criminal law. In recent years, there have been many differing views on how this process can be improved to allow for the efficient and effective resolution of appeals.

In our comprehensive review, we will consider proposals for reform that will ensure the appeals process provides a robust safeguard against wrongful convictions and instils confidence in the criminal justice system.

We therefore welcome a wide range of responses to our issues paper to help us identify if there are areas of the law that are not working.
A former Metropolitan Police officer has been jailed for sexually assaulting a woman in the sea following his stag do.

Ex-sergeant Laurence Knight, 34, is said to have met the woman, a stranger, in Brighton city centre in the early hours of July 17 2021.

Prosecutors said they walked to the beach together, stripped down to their underwear and ended up in the sea, where sexual activity took place.

Knight, of Leyton, east London, was charged with rape and sexual assault following the incident, and denied both charges.

He was found not guilty of rape by a jury at Southwark Crown Court in June but convicted of sexual assault.

He was jailed for two years at the same court on Friday and will be on the sex offenders register for 10 years.

A restraining order was also put in place barring him from contacting the complainant.

Knight had been suspended from the Met and he has now left the force.

A misconduct hearing has been scheduled for August 3 to determine whether he acted in gross misconduct and if dismissal would have been justified.

In July 2021 the woman had been out for dinner and drinks and was with a friend when they came across a jovial group of men who seemed confused about where to go, as they were on a night out and the pubs were closing, the court heard.

In her police interview she told officers Knight wanted to go into the sea and she did not wish to but he persuaded her, telling her it was his stag night, he was meant to be having fun but it was turning into a rubbish night.

Jurors heard that the defendant looked as though he was going to cry so the woman said yes and took off her dress because she did not want it to get wet.

Knight went behind the woman in the water and moved her underwear, which is when the alleged sexual activity took place, the court was told.

The woman said she repeatedly told Knight to stop and reminded him that he was getting married in two weeks, jurors heard.

Afterwards, jurors heard, the woman got dressed, told her friend what had happened and called 999.

She claimed a friend of the defendant told her: Larry wants me to tell you that hes sorry.

She said she has experienced a range of feelings since that night, including feeling sick and being unable to sleep or eat properly.

In his evidence to the jury, Knight claimed it was the woman who suggested going into the sea and she who first touched his penis.

He said he then touched her vagina for a few seconds, thinking it was consensual, before she made the comment about his imminent wedding and they returned to the shore. He denied he had any intention to penetrate her.

Asked during cross-examination why he went into the sea with her, he replied: Quite honestly, I quite enjoyed having the attention. It was a very spur-of-the-moment request from her, it was not discussed before.

Having had some alcohol and being the stag and being the one that everything was deflected towards, I suppose the phrase is peer pressure.

Asked who the peer pressure was coming from, Knight said: I may have applied it myself.

The court heard that he tried to send the woman a Facebook message on July 21 that year, saying: You are not (the woman) that went for a dip in the sea on Friday whilst her guy friend looked after her bag?

The defendant, who worked for a charity and as a teacher before joining the police, told jurors he had sent the message to acknowledge I was embarrassed. She was younger, perhaps less mature, and she was the one that stepped in and stopped it going any further.

He said he later deleted the message because he became worried that his fiancee would see it.

He also told jurors his initial reaction to his arrest was believing he was being subjected to an extended prank from the stag do.

Jayne Cioffi from the Crown Prosecution Service said: As a police officer Knight clearly understood the concept of consent and realised that, without consent, he would be committing a sexual assault, but set what he knew aside for his own selfish reasons.

He persuaded his victim to go into the water with him and then callously took advantage of a woman he had just met.

It was immediately clear to her friend as soon as she came out of the sea that something terrible had happened. She called the police immediately and, when officers arrived at the scene, they found her crying and hyperventilating.

Knight said he had just wanted a bit of last minute fun on his stag night but his actions have had a devastating impact on his victim and, as a police officer, he would have been only too well aware of that.

I would like to thank the complainant for reporting what had happened to her.
T wo retired Metropolitan Police officers have been jailed for a three-year plot to share the most depraved child sexual abuse images together with a serving Met chief inspector, who was found dead before he was charged.

Jack Addis, 63, and Jeremy Laxton, 63, were sentenced at Southwark Crown Court on Friday, having previously pleaded guilty to a charge of conspiring with Richard Watkinson, 49, to distribute or show indecent images of children.

The images and videos had been shared for their own sexual pleasure via a hard drive that the men added to when they met up, the court heard.

Watkinson, who was a serving Met chief inspector for neighbourhood policing at the West Area Command Unit, was found dead at his home in Saunderton, Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire, on January 12, following welfare concerns.

The court heard he took his own life.

He had been suspended from duty following his arrest in July 2021 and was that day due to answer bail to be charged with the conspiracy, as well as three counts of making indecent photos of a child, voyeurism and two counts of misconduct in public office.

According to the charge, the three men conspired to distribute or show indecent images of children to each other between January 1 2018 and July 10 2021.

The images, which were found on a computer hard drive, included 2,516 in Category A  the worst kind, 1,032 in Category B and 1,701 in Category C.

Laxton, from Grantham, Lincolnshire, pleaded guilty to a slew of other offences for which he was sentenced.

Karen Walton, for Laxton, said her client has to live with the public deeming him part and parcel of trust in the police force being at an all-time low.

The images you traded in were of the most depraved

Mr Justice Wall jailed Addis, from Perthshire in Scotland, for three years and nine months, and Laxton for five years and nine months.

The judge said: The images you traded in were of the most depraved.

He added: You had each been policemen and although not working directly in child protection must have been fully aware of the damage done to real children by the filming of such disturbing images.

On top of the conspiracy charge, Laxton also pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent images of a child, possession of a prohibited image, possessing an extreme pornographic image and possession of cannabis on or before September 20 2021.

The images include 6,086 in Category A, 4,039 in Category B, 3,597 in Category C, seven prohibited images of a child and 56 extreme pornographic images which were grossly offensive, disgusting or otherwise of an extreme character depicting a person having sex with an animal, according to the indictment.

Investigators found devices in a cavity Laxton had created behind the walls of his home after seeing a message he sent someone to say he buried his equipment within the walls.

One officer, tasked with looking through the material, described one of the images as one of the most disturbing Category A images in existence.

Laxton further pleaded guilty to a charge of intentionally encouraging or assisting the commission of the offence of misconduct in a public office between December 1 2019 and May 1 2021.

Laxton admitted separate offences at Lincoln Magistrates Court, for which he was also sentenced on Friday.

In Lincoln, he admitted three counts of possessing indecent images of children, possessing extreme pornographic images, possessing prohibited images and possessing cannabis.
A man who stabbed a father-of-three to death in the food hall of a shopping centre has been sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 27 years for his murder.

Michael Ugwa, 29, was killed at Lakeside Shopping Centre in Thurrock, Essex, on April 28 last year after complimenting a woman, Basildon Crown Court was told.

Muhammad Khan, 24, was found guilty of Mr Ugwas murder and of affray following an earlier trial.

Judge Samantha Leigh said she was satisfied so she was sure that Khan had said, in the car on the way to the shopping mall, that he felt like killing someone today.

She said Khan was wearing a full-face balaclava, had argued with his girlfriend earlier that day and was clearly in an aggressive mood.

He had carried a knife daily for almost 18 months before the incident, the judge said, and he produced his flick-knife at Lakeside, one of the biggest shopping centres in England, it was full of people.

She sentenced Khan at Basildon Crown Court on Friday to life in prison with a minimum term of 27 years, which he must serve before he can be considered for release.

She said the murder was over a throwaway flirtatious comment, adding: This was carried out in the most public of areas, the food court of Lakeside at 4.30pm.

Members of Mr Ugwas family, wearing black t-shirts with photographs of Mr Ugwa printed on them, attended Fridays sentencing hearing and watched on from the jury seats.

Mr Ugwas mother, Lauretta, wept as she read her victim impact statement to the court.

My family have been shattered by this senseless act of violence and we are still struggling to come to terms with the enormity of our loss, she said.

She said that her 16-year-old daughter first became aware of the incident when she saw a Snapchat video, saying that someone had been stabbed at Lakeside.

She zoomed in on the face of the victim and the person looked like Michael, same facial structure, same hairstyle, she said, later learning that he had gone there to get food.

Michaels three young children will forever be fatherless

Theres no ending to our pain, our loss and our heartbreak, she said.

Michaels three young children will forever be fatherless.

We therefore ask for maximum sentences so that justice will be served for Michael and no other family will have to suffer the way we have.

Karim Khalil KC, prosecuting, said Khan and Brandon Lutchmunsing had cornered Mr Ugwa before Khan stabbed him in the chest.

Mr Ugwa, from Rainham, east London, bled to death at the scene as the two men fled.

Khan, of Ilford, east London, and Lutchmunsing, of Dagenham, east London, had denied the charges against them.

Lutchmunsing, 21, who was found guilty of manslaughter and affray, was sentenced to 13 years in prison with a further two-year extended licence period.

Jurors were told how an argument broke out after Mr Ugwa made comments towards Lutchmunsings girlfriend, Shannon Weston.

Khan is said to have brandished a knife before he and Lutchmunsing stalked Mr Ugwa through the shopping centre food hall.

Mr Khalil described the brutal attack of two on one in which the men trapped Mr Ugwa in a pincer movement.

Footage played at court showed Mr Ugwa holding up a chair in a bid to defend himself before throwing it at Lutchmunsing.

Khan then stabbed Mr Ugwa in a single and deadly blow before fleeing with Lutchmunsing in Westons red Audi, Mr Khalil said.

Weston drove Khan and Lutchmunsing away from the shopping centre, and helped her then-boyfriend to evade police between April 28 and May 4.

The 21-year-old, of Canewdon, Essex, was found guilty of three counts of assisting an offender, which she had denied.

She was sentenced to two years in prison, suspended for two years, and ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work.

In mitigation for Khan, it was said that it was a single stab wound and he lacked maturity.

For Lutchmunsing, it was said that he has mental health difficulties and was not in possession of a knife.

For Weston, it was said that she had a difficult upbringing and was effectively homeless at the time.

Khan and Lutchmunsing showed no reaction as they were led to the cells.
A murder investigation has been launched after a teenager was stabbed to death in north London.

The 19-year-old was attacked in Whitchurch Lane, Edgware about 1am on Friday.

Police were called to reports of a man suffering a stab injury.

Officers, paramedics and Londons Air Ambulance attended but despite the best efforts of the emergency services, he died at the scene.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: His next of kin have been informed and a crime scene remains in place.

Detectives said there had been no arrests and enquiries into the circumstances continue.

Five teenagers have died in knife killings in recent weeks amid concerns of escalating violence over the summer school holidays.

Claudyo Jauad Lafayette / Metropolitan Police

The Edgware victim is the 11th youngster to be murdered in London in 2023, compared to 14 for the whole of last year and 30 in 2021, the bloodiest year on record.

Previously, Claudyo Jauad Lafayette, 17, was fatally knifed when a street fight erupted at a birthday celebration on Granville Road, Brent on July 14.

Rahaan Ahmed Amin, 16, died after being stabbed in the heart in West Ham Park, Forest Gate five days earlier.

Anyone with information is asked to call 101, quoting CAD334/28Jul, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
A sportscar driver drunk and high on drugs who killed a woman and her three dogs as he raced through central London has been jailed for more than six years.

Laszlo Dancs, 28, lost control of his Audi TT as he drove along the Chelsea Embankment at more than three times the 20mph speed limit, smashing through a central reservation where 41-year-old Olivia Riley and the dogs were standing.

Ms Riley, the stepdaughter of best-selling author Lucinda Riley, died at the scene of the crash which happened at roughly 6.20am on May 14 last year on the Embankment close to Cheyne Walk in Chelsea.

She had been out for a Saturday morning walk with her familys two labradors called Lily and Maia and a golden retriever puppy called Darcy who also died from their injuries.

The Old Bailey heard Dancs, from Heathfield Road in Ealing, west London, had been drinking and taking cocaine while out celebrating his 27th birthday. Vodka bottles and a bag of cocaine under the drivers seat were recovered from the wrecked Audi.

Laszlo Dancs has been jailed for killing Olivia Riley / MPS

Dancs, a pizza restaurant worker, was accused of attempting to shift the blame for the crash on to another driver, the court heard, and tests revealed he was over the drink drive limit and had cocaine in his system.

Sentencing Dancs to six years and eight months in prison, Judge Simon Medland KC said it was a tragic, appalling, needless, and avoidable death.

Its a tragic example of how motor vehicles we all rely on can become lethal weapons if driven dangerously and at speed as you did, while highly impaired by alcohol and cocaine, he said.

Ms Rileys father Stephen said, in a statement read to the court by his brother Mark, that his first wife died when his daughter was born, and he lost his second wife to cancer in 2021.

He said Ms Riley had taken on a maternal role for her younger stepbrother and stepsister when they lost their mother, and they have both been left devastated by her death.

I have lost someone who was the brightest light in my life for 41 years and who I will miss and mourn so deeply throughout my final years, he said.

Olivia Riley was killed when she was hit by a car while out walking the family dogs / MPS

Chris Riley, a cousin, described Ms Riley as a guardian angel for her father and the wider family, telling the court: The cold reality of life without her is unbearable.

He added: I still cant believe someone high on alcohol and drugs and driving at speed killed my wonderful cousin.

Aunt Suzanne Riley said Ms Riley was in the prime of her life and on the cusp of setting up a retail business for dog lovers like herself.

She said Dancs cant be forgiven, and questioned whether he feels any sense of remorse for killing Olivia in the way he did when his actions demonstrated such contempt for the law.

Another aunt, Zoe Clayson, called the death senseless and avoidable, and turned towards Dancs to say: Olivias zest for life, endless love, loyalty to her family and friends, and her magical unspoilt nature is missed every second of every day.

Olivia Riley was killed when she was hit by a car while out walking the family dogs / MPS

She added: I find the defendants use of social media abhorrent, showing no remorse as he posted and filmed about fast cars and his pets.

Dancs pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving, driving while on drugs, and driving with excess alcohol in his system.

Prosecutor Suki Dhadda said footage from doorbell cameras, CCTV, and dashcams in other vehicles showed Dancs racing along the Embankment, firstly against a BMW and then alongside a C-Class Mercedes, prior to the fatal crash.

Over a stretch of 2.2km, Dancs was seen driving away from traffic lights at high speeds while apparently in competition with the other cars, reaching speeds of more than 65mph despite being in a 20mph zone.

He was seen accelerating from the traffic lights faster than one of the vehicles and overtaking that vehicle on the approach to the collision, said Ms Dhadda.

He lost control of the vehicle, which then slid across the carriageway prior to striking Ms Riley who was standing on the pedestrian island.

Ms Riley was declared dead at the scene within minutes of the crash alongside two of the family dogs, while a third dog died later despite the attentions of vets.

The passenger in the Audi admitted to police at the scene that they had been drinking and taking cocaine, while Dancs was heard insisting shortly after the crash that he wasnt drunk.

Jeremy Dein KC, representing Dancs, said he had not intended to drink on his birthday night out, but ended up having vodka and beer.

He became intoxicated and was given a line of cocaine, which he has always maintained was his first experience of drugs, he said.

Then of course he made the most monumental mistake imaginable to get into his vehicle and drive it.

The barrister said Dancs accepted he had been driving erratically, and he added that the driver himself is an animal lover and is truly heartbroken about what happened.

Dancs, who moved to the UK from Hungary in 2014, had no previous convictions and wrote a letter to the judge expressing his overwhelming sense of guilt, said Mr Dein.

The judge imposed driving ban of five years and four months on Dancs, and he must pass an extended driving test before he can return to the roads.
P olice are hunting the killer of a teenage boy found knifed to death on the streets of north London.

Stefan Valentine Balaban, 19, was found suffering a single stab injury in Whitchurch Lane, Edgware at 1am on Friday.

Scotland Yard said specialist officers are supporting Mr Balabans family as they come to terms with this awful news.

DCI Neil John, who is leading the investigation, said: We will do everything we can to support them and bring whoever is responsible to justice.

Pictures show a discarded knife being investigated by police as they continue to appeal for information on any suspects.

Met Police

I also recognise the impact this devastating incident will have on the wider community and local officers will remain in the area over the coming days to respond to any concerns you may have.

A significant amount of work is taking place to identify any suspect and I am asking anyone who was in the area at the time the incident occurred to contact us immediately.

I would also like to hear from any drivers who was passing through the area and have dash cam footage to come forward.

A post-mortem examination is due to take place on Saturday.

Information can be provided to the incident room by calling 020 8358 0100. Alternatively, call 101 quoting CAD 334/28Jul.

You can also provide information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
T he largest ever conference for childrens kidney disease began at a south London NHS Trust on Thursday to examine complications and treatments for children with serious kidney disease requiring dialysis.

The First International Conference Of Critical Care Nephrology In Children, held by Kings College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, will be attended by 500 healthcare professionals from over 52 different countries over the next two days.

Delegates will be given hands-on training to support them to provide safe and timely dialysis to children whose kidneys fail whilst admitted to intensive care units.

Speakers will include specialists in the management of critically ill children, including those with kidney disease.

BAFTA award winning actor Jason Watkins will also attend the event, as will Helen Hayes, MP for Dulwich and West Norwood.

King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, which runs a number of clinics and hospitals in south London, is a specialist centre for treatment for critically ill children.

Kidney disease is a condition in which the kidneys are damaged and cant filter the blood the way they should. It is not common in children but can cause complications including anaemia, cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure.

The conference was organised by Professor Akash Deep, Director of Paediatric Intensive Care at the Trust.

He told the Standard: This is a really significant event, as it brings together the very best people - both nationally and internationally - involved in the management of critically ill children with kidney disease.

This is a small but highly specialist area of medicine, and one where innovation is happening all the time - so to have so many people in one room is really important, and a big step forward.

The event has been endorsed by major academic societies, including the Paediatric Critical Care Society (PCCS) and the European Society of Paediatric and Neonatal Intensive Care (ESPNIC).
T wo tiger cubs have been captured having some good old playground fun this week at London Zoo. Sumatran tiger cubs Zac and Crispin took full advantage of their new swing, set up by zookeepers for the energetic siblings to practice their balancing and jumping skills.

The cubs, who recently turned one, were soon joined by parents Gaysha and Asim who couldnt resist getting in on the action.

Zac and Crispin both have really playful personalities, so they pounced at the opportunity to play on the swing, explained tiger keeper Tara Humphrey. Tigers can leap forward an impressive 10 metres from a sitting position, so the added challenge of a moving target in the form of the swing tested that spatial awareness cats are so well known for.

Were always thinking of new ways to encourage the tigers to use all their natural skills, so we also left a scattering of toys and a stimulating scent trail of their favourite nutmeg and cinnamon to lead them across Tiger Territory towards their new swing-set.

Like most siblings, Zac and Crispin sometimes struggle to share their toys, but they soon realised there was plenty of room on the swing for the whole family, Tara added. Sumatran tigers can sleep up to 20 hours a day, so once the excitement of the new toy had worn off a little, the swing made the perfect lazy hammock for mum Gaysha to lie back and relax in.

There are sadly only 400 Sumatran tigers left in the wild, and about 4,500 tigers left in total. Sumatran tigers are the worlds rarest subspecies of tigers, and they remain threatened by factors such as illegal hunting and habitat destruction in their native Indonesia.

ZSL London Zoo

ZSL, the international conservation charity behind London Zoo, coordinates an important and much-needed global breeding programme for the species, set up to protect and boost their numbers. The organisation works to protect tigers and other threatened species in the wild.
R ogue London landlords are avoiding being named and shamed on a public database by claiming it is not in the public interest, the Standard can reveal.

The Rogue Landlord and Agent Checker introduced by Mayor Sadiq Khan in December 2017 publicly lists those convicted in London of a criminal housing offence or fined over 500.

Launching the tool, Mr Khan vowed it would name and shame poor landlords, leaving them nowhere to hide.

But some landlords have had their name hidden from the public by convincing officials there are exceptional circumstances why it is not in the public interest, which can include risk of harm or even that it would pose a national security risk.

Figures obtained by the Standard under Freedom of Information laws reveal that at least 18 rogue landlords avoided being publicly named this way in the three years to January 2023, out of 52 applications. The precise reasons for keeping their names private are not recorded.

Other rogue landlords are simply not on the public database, the Standard has found, despite being fined up 300,000 for leaving tenants in terrible living conditions.

A spokesperson for the London Renters Union said: This database has done little to tackle the issue of unsafe housing and our rigged rental system means landlords are still able to evade accountability at every turn.

The Mayor of Londons rogue landlord checker / GLA

Councils are responsible for enforcement and for deciding whether to upload entries onto the register. But the majority of Londons 33 boroughs do not have any public records.

The currently available entries from just 12 boroughs also do not feature several landlords who were recently criticised for flouting housing and planning laws.

The Standard has identified at least 13 such landlords since August 1, 2022, although some may yet still be added to the list.

Among them are Tirath Singh, an Ilford landlord who was ordered to repay 110,000 under the Proceeds of Crime Act in May. He had turned a property into seven illegally constructed flats, and collected rent for five years.

Nirpaul Riat OBE was fined 300,000 at Isleworth Crown Court earlier this month after leaving tenants in 22 properties in west London in appalling conditions.

A third, Zulfiqar Ahmed from Walthamstow, was ordered to pay 291,000 for turning a commercial building into poor quality accommodation in October last year.

They were each described as rogue landlords by their councils, but none currently feature on the Mayors rogue landlord public database.

A spokesperson for the Mayor said he was proud that the ground-breaking tool had been used 400,000 times since its launch in 2017 to protect renters.

The Mayor set up this unique database to support renters and enforcement teams but has no formal powers over the private rented sector and cannot compel boroughs to add records to the Checker, said the spokesperson.

The fact that they do so in large numbers is testament to the value it adds to their work to keep Londons private renters safe in their homes.

Fines are routinely removed from public view a year after publication over privacy concerns.

Records are kept longer on a private list, viewable only to other enforcement agencies, and there is often a delay in councils uploading records because their housing enforcement teams are so stretched.

Our findings come amid Government plans to create a Privately Rented Property Portal, which may introduce a similar public rogue landlord checker across England.

While publicly available information is important, it is no substitute for the government investing in social housing or councils holding dangerous landlords to account, said the London Renters Union.
Loading....

Sadiq Khan on Friday confirmed he was pressing ahead with the Ulez expansion at the end of next month after winning a landmark ruling at the High Court.

Mr Justice Swift on Friday morning rejected a bid from five Tory councils to have the proposed expansion  which will now go ahead on August 29 - ruled unlawful.

Mr Khan, who was not in court, said after the judgement: This landmark decision is good news as it means we can proceed with cleaning up the air in outer London on August 29.

The decision to expand the Ulez was very difficult and not something I took lightly and I continue to do everything possible to address any concerns Londoners may have.

This unambiguous decision today in the High Court allows us to press on with the difficult but vital task of cleaning up Londons air and tackling the climate crisis.

The councils had argued that Mr Khan had acted beyond his powers in the way he set about proposing to expand the clean air zone from the inner boundary of the North and South Circular roads across all 33 boroughs.

They had described the Ulez expansion as a tax on living in outer London, where they said poorer public transport connections left residents much more reliant on cars.

Up to one in five cars and almost half of vans registered to an address in some outer London boroughs fail to meet the Ulez emission rules, meaning they will be liable for the 12.50-a-day levy.

Ulez Expansion Protests at The Royal Courts of Justice 1 / 14 Ulez Expansion Protests at The Royal Courts of Justice Getty Images PA PA AFP via Getty Images PA REUTERS Getty Images REUTERS Getty Images REUTERS AFP via Getty Images

The ruling is a landmark victory for the mayor, who had to contend with a public backlash led his own party leader, Sir Keir Starmer, who blamed the Ulez expansion for losing Labour the Uxbridge by-election.

Professor Frank Kelly, a world expert on air pollution at Imperial College London, said: "Todays verdict means there will be no delays to London taking the action it so desperately needs to take to tackle toxic air.

Sarah Woolnough, chief executive at Asthma + Lung UK, said: The Ulez scheme has successfully lowered levels of nitrogen dioxide in the air and expanding it to greater London will mean more Londoners will experience the health benefits of reduced pollution.

The Ulez expansion is a positive step towards cleaner air across the city, allowing Londoners to breathe more easily.

Delivering a summary of his 18-page ruling, Mr Justice Swift said all three grounds of claim brought by the councils had failed.

Im satisfied the Mayors decision to expand the Ulez area by amending the present road charging scheme rather than submitting an entirely new scheme was within his powers, he said.

Having carefully considered the decision published for the purposes of consultation, Im satisfied sufficient information was provided to permit this wanting to respond to the consultation to provide informed responses.

Im further satisfied that when taking the decision on the grant to meet the cost of the vehicle scrappage scheme, the Mayor understood the likely provision that would be made.

While the consultation conducted was not in-depth, it was lawful.

The five councils  Bexley, Bromley, Harrow, Hillingdon and Surrey County Council  now have to decide whether to seek to appeal the judgement. However, none mentioned the likelihood of mounting an appeal soon after the judgement was delivered.

Any appeal would depend on two issues: whether there is an issue of law at stake  and whether the councils are willing to incur further legal costs.

It is thought they will already have spent in excess of 500,000 of taxpayers cash bringing the judicial review case.

Defeat for the mayor could have forced him to delay the go live date of the expansion by a matter of weeks or possibly months  and made it more likely that next Mays mayoral elections effectively become a referendum on the Ulez.

The court did not have the power to indefinitely prevent Mr Khan from expanding the Ulez.

The 110m scrappage scheme, which is targeted at low-income Londoners, small businesses and charities, will expand next week to include London families in receipt of child benefit. It offers 2,000 grants to scrap a non-compliant car or 5,000 for a non-compliant van.

Speaking outside court, Tory mayoral candidate Susan Hall said she was very disappointed with the ruling and branded Ulez a simple tax grab.

It means poor families have to be paid 12.50 to even get in their cars, and some cant afford to do that. It will damage charities, damage families, and damage businesses. Sadiq Khan just doesnt care.

Ms Hall has vowed to axe the expansion on day one  but retain the zone in its current format  if she defeats Mr Khan.

Council leaders react

Hillingdon leader Ian Edwards said: I am hugely disappointed for our residents and businesses and I call on the Mayor of London to further reflect on his plans. Even the Mayors own supporters are now saying that it is the wrong time to be expanding this scheme. It will cause even greater financial hardship and for some it will cause the loss of business or employment.

We will continue our fight on behalf of our residents and business through Parliament and at next years Mayoral election.

Bromley leader Colin Smith said it was not the end of the matter and suggested the councils may look to Parliament to reverse the Ulez expansion after the summer recess.

Baroness ONeill, leader of Bexley council, said: The fact that the Mayor of London has got his way and that his Ulez expansion plan is to go ahead is devastating for the whole of outer London.

Paul Osborn, leader of Harrow council, said: This is not the outcome we were hoping for and is hugely disappointing. I firmly believe that Ulez expansion is the wrong scheme for outer London. I am proud to have stood up for our residents and businesses.

Councils claimed Khan acted beyond his powers

During the court hearing, which was held over two days at the start of this month, the councils claimed that Mr Khan had acted beyond his powers by seeking to expand the Ulez by varying an existing legal order rather than drafting a new one.

They also claimed there was a gaping hole in Transport for Londons consultation documents, meaning a claim that more than nine in 10 car drivers would be unaffected by the Ulez expansion could not be substantiated.

And they argued that Mr Khan had been wrong to exclude motorists living in the buffer zone just outside the Greater London boundary from being able to apply to his 110 million scrappage scheme. But TfLs legal team  which mounted a defence on the Mayors behalf  said that allowing drivers living on the outskirts of the capital had been considered by Mr Khan but rejected for good reason.

They said that TfL had told the Mayor that, with a finite amount of funds available, the scrappage scheme would be most effective if targeted at low income Londoners and small businesses in the capital.

The court was told that TfL had relied on data from only 106 of its CCTV cameras in outer London  rather than drawing on evidence gathered by almost 1,500 of its cameras in central and inner London  to calculate how many vehicles would be eligible to pay the 12.50-a-day levy. The councils said this prevented them from accurately calculating the number of drivers likely to be adversely impacted by the expansion.

Craig Howell Williams KC, representing the councils, told the court: The consultation documents were not as clear as they should have been.

He accused Mr Khan of courting disaster by allowing only nine months between his decision last November to proceed with the extension and the go live date  despite knowing a legal challenge was always likely.

Ben Jaffey KC, representing TfL, said it had provided more than sufficient information to enable an intelligent response to its consultation. He said: No further information was required for a fair consultation.

Mr Jaffey said it would have been bizarre if Mr Khan were not allowed to vary the Ulez legal orders, as they had already been varied several times previously  including to establish the central London Ulez in 2019 and the North/South Circular Ulez expansion in 2021.

The expansion is due to generate a net profit of 200 million a year for the first two years for TfL.
H olyrood ministers have been blasted as simply irresponsible for using public funds and civil service resources to produce the Scottish Governments latest paper aimed at making the case for independence.

Scottish Secretary Alister Jack wrote to First Minister Humza Yousaf to complain that his Government was putting its obsession with independence ahead of pressing priorities in Scotland.

The letter, which also criticised the inclusion of an independence minister in the Scottish Government, comes just 24 hours after Mr Yousaf unveiled the fifth document in the Building a New Scotland series, with the latest paper focused on citizenship.

But its publication comes amid increasing tensions between Holyrood and Westminster over the Scottish Governments work on the independence agenda.

In continuing to prioritise activity like this, Scottish Government ministers are putting their own obsession with independence ahead of pressing priorities in Scotland

Earlier this month, Simon Case, the Cabinet Secretary and head of the Civil Service, told how civil servants in Scotland could be issued with new guidance on this within weeks.

Now, in a letter copied to Mr Case and UK Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden, Mr Jack has insisted that the Scottish Government must cease being distracted by independence and should instead work along with ministers at Whitehall to deliver for business and people in Scotland.

Mr Yousaf said on Thursday he was confident in our position in terms of the publication of these papers, claiming then that it speaks volumes that the SNPs opponents are trying to shut down the debate instead of bringing forward their proposals for maintaining the union.

Mr Jack, however, argued that ministers have a responsibility to spend taxpayers money wisely and for governments also to use cash in the areas they are responsible for.

The Scottish Secretary said: It therefore seems clear to me that to use Scottish Government funds and civil service resources to design a prospectus for independence or support a minister for independence is simply irresponsible.

This is particularly true given there is no referendum on independence in prospect, and it has been unequivocally determined by the Supreme Court that it is outside the competence of the Scottish Parliament to legislate for such a referendum.

The Tory MP added: People expect their governments to be fully focused on the issues which matter most to them.

I believe that in continuing to prioritise activity like this, Scottish Government ministers are putting their own obsession with independence ahead of pressing priorities in Scotland.

He went on to argue this was not an effective or efficient use of the record block grant the Scottish Government has been given by Westminster, saying instead the money should be used to invest in improving devolved public services  cutting NHS waiting times, raising educational standards and providing vital transport links.

Mr Jack told the Scottish First Minister: I hope you and your ministerial colleagues will agree to cease being distracted by independence and, instead, work with us to deliver for business and people in Scotland.

A spokesman for the First Minister, however, described the Scottish Secretary as the apologist-in-chief for Westminster in Scotland, adding that it was no wonder Alister Jack wants to shut down debate on how Scotland can become a more successful, wealthier and fairer country with the powers of independence.

The spokesman said: The Scottish Government was elected with a clear mandate to provide the people of Scotland with the information they need to make an informed choice about their future.

The fact that Mr Jack and his colleagues are not prepared to set out a positive case for the Union, or put the question of independence to the people of Scotland in a referendum, speaks volumes.

Mr Jack has also not been paying attention to the new Scottish Governments substantial record of delivery.

Just in recent days, the First Minister and his team have announced record medical recruitment levels, a record number of students from the most deprived areas going to university, approved plans for a new 500 million hydro plant to support Scotland on its journey to net zero, a new strategy for Scotlands aquaculture industries, and a funding package to support our island communities cope with the cost-of-living crisis.

Unlike south of the border, Scottish ministers successfully negotiated to prevent a junior doctors strike, and Scotland is unique in the UK in having avoided strike action in our health service.
C limate activist Greta Thunberg hit out at the Government as she joined demonstrators in London to protest over the planned development of the Rosebank oil and gas field.

The famous campaigner attended a demonstration outside the office of UK Energy Security Secretary Grant Shapps, as she urged ministers to be on the right side of history.

Mr Shapps is expected to decide soon on whether to approve the development of Rosebank, 80 miles north west of the Shetland Isles, which is believed to be the UKs largest undeveloped oil and gas field and thought to be capable of producing up to 500 million barrels of oil.

Campaigners estimate that burning through that amount of oil would generate more CO2 emissions than 28 low-income countries produce in a year.

The fact that the UK Government is even considering this tells us exactly how out of touch with reality they are, Ms Thunberg told Channel 4 News.

All the record-breaking heat waves and the extreme weather events weve seen during the summer is just the beginning of a rapidly escalating existential crisis.

We will be seeing much more of this. This is not the new normal, it will continue to escalate and get worse until we start to take real action. And thats why we need to do it now before it gets even worse.

It comes amid concerns from climate campaigners that Rishi Sunak is considering watering down some of his governments environmental policies in the wake of the Tory victory Uxbridge and South Ruislip by-election.

Success in Boris Johnsons old constituency was pinned on local Conservative opposition to the expansion of Londons ultra-low emissions zone (Ulez), with some right-wing party members urging the Prime Minister to rethink the UKs net zero commitments.

Mr Sunak has said he wants a proportionate and pragmatic approach to achieving net zero amid cost-of-living pressures.

Ms Thunberg warned that any such approach would be foolhardy.

She said: To believe that you can focus on one crisis without also addressing the other is so very short sighted thinking. We seem to be physically incapable of having more than one thought in our head at the same time right now.

And thats very, very dangerous.

She warned: You have to be on the right side of history. We are many who are judging you and who are watching you.

If you think that you can just get away with a few more years, a few more months of continued business as usual to maximise short-term profits, then you are very wrong and history will judge you very poorly.
T he first British council to introduce a four-day week has pushed ahead with the scheme despite a Government order to immediately stop, according to a report.

A trial for the scheme is ongoing in South Cambridgeshire District Council despite local government minister Lee Rowley ordering officials not to proceed.

In a letter sent to the council on June 30, seen by the Telegraph, Mr Rowley said he expected to see a return to established norms around local government workforce capacity in the coming weeks ahead.

It is the first local authority in the UK to undertake such a trial, arguing that the policy could help fill vacant posts and improve the health and wellbeing of colleagues. Staff are paid full-salaries but have one extra day off.

In May, the council voted to extend the trial by a further 12 months into 2024.

Council leader Bridget Smith told the newspaper that she had not received a reply to a letter sent to Mr Rowley requesting a meeting to defend the proposals.

A spokesperson for the council confirmed that the trial was still in place.

Anthony Browne, the MP for South Cambridgeshire, accused the council of embarking on an ideological crusade on the four-day week.

He told the newspaper: Its clear from the data that its leading to worse services and theyre ignoring the clear wishes of not just Cambridgeshire residents, who are outraged by this, but also the national government.

Cllr Smith said the council had already seen strong independently-assessed evidence which showed that performance was maintained, and in some cases improved, in the first three months during the trial.

The Standard has contacted the council and the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities for comment.

Earlier this month, Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove said he is a strong believer that council staff should work a full five-day week after Mr Rowley contacted the council.

Taking questions after a speech at the Local Government Association (LGA) conference in Bournemouth, Mr Gove said: The key thing is that I believe very strongly, as indeed does the minister for local government, that when taxpayers are paying for services, they need to have people working a full five-day week.

It seems to me that for every penny that is paid in council tax, we deserve, all of us, to see those working in local government working what is a full working week for those who are council taxpayers as well.

Mr Gove said councils would have different ways of managing and motivating staff but that should not come in the form of a truncated working week.
T he Ministry of Defence has launched an investigation after officials unwittingly sent emails containing classified information to a close Russian ally because of a typing error.

A small number of emails intended for the Pentagon were sent to Mali because of the accidental omission of an i from an email address.

British officials sent the messages to an address ending with the west African countrys .ml domain, rather than the US militarys .mil.

The same error in the US was revealed last week to have resulted in millions of military emails going to Mali.

It was argued that the scale of the British mishap, first reported by The Times, paled in comparison.

An MoD spokesman said: We have opened an investigation after a small number of emails were mistakenly forwarded to an incorrect email domain.

We are confident they did not contain any information that could compromise operational security or technical data.

All sensitive information is shared on systems designed to minimise the risk of misdirection.

The MoD constantly reviews its processes and is currently undertaking a programme of work to improve information management, data loss prevention, and the control of sensitive information.

Mali was among the six African countries promised free grain shipments by Russian President Vladimir Putin after the collapse of the Black Sea deal with Ukraine.

Moscows Wagner mercenaries have also been deployed in Mali to fight alongside the army against jihadists.
S cotlands independence minister Jamie Hepburn has said spending on prospective papers setting out the case for Scottish separation from the UK was a minute proportion of the overall Government budget.

Mr Hepburn spoke to BBC Scotlands The Nine on Thursday evening after the launch of the latest paper making the case for Scotland to leave the UK.

The document proposed an independent Scotland would adopt a similar system for citizenship as Ireland, allowing people born elsewhere to apply to become Scottish citizens if they have a Scottish parent.

I don't think there is anything unusual or worrying about having civil servants working to the agenda of a democratically elected government

He said: Lets remind everyone of course that in 2021 there was a Scottish Parliament election and the SNP stood on a platform of advancing the case for independence, providing the people of Scotland with the information they require to make an informed decision, so thats work were getting on with.

This latest paper lays out the way in which people will be citizens of an independent Scotland or could acquire citizenship of an independent Scotland.

Mr Hepburn was asked about comments by the head of the UK civil service, Simon Case, who said having civil servants working to break up the UK would be unusual and worrying.

The minister responded: I dont think there is anything unusual or worrying about having civil servants working to the agenda of a democratically elected government.

Mr Hepburn, who was recently appointed to the role by First Minister Humza Yousaf, said spending on the papers was around 16,000 each which represented a minute proportion of the Scottish Government budget.

He also said there were around 20 civil servants working on the papers but his department would be able to draw upon the resources of the entirety of the civil service.

He was asked about EU membership and insisted that Scotland would be welcomed back with open arms.

Donald Cameron, Scottish Conservative MSP, said: I think most people across Scotland will be horrified that at this point in time, Humza Yousaf is focusing on another paper touting independence.

Most people in Scotland would be horrified at a waste of taxpayers money and a waste of civil servants time when of course he should be concentrating on everyday issues that affect people in their lives.
T he Government needs to replace the current outdated serious crime strategy to properly tackle smuggling gangs and people traffickers, Labour has said.

The party said convictions for criminal people smuggling have fallen by 36% since Labour were last in office in 2010 as shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper accused ministers of presiding over a failed approach.

Labour is calling for a new serious and organised crime strategy to replace the current 2018 plan, which the party said was five years out of date.

The Opposition said the current strategy does not mention Channel crossings and lacked a clear set of responsibilities for either the National Crime Agency or regional organised crime units to tackle the issue.

The 2018 document does include a section on organised immigration crime, warning it involves the illegal facilitation by organised crime groups of migrants to access or remain illegally in the UK through a variety of methods and routes.

Ministers obsession with announcing new headline-grabbing gimmicks, which then fail to deliver, has given gangs of criminals making millions of pounds a licence to operate

Labour said a new plan is needed amid the rise in small boats crossings over recent years.

More than 14,500 migrants have arrived in the UK so far this year after crossing the Channel, according to Home Office data.

The party said the successful conviction rate for all forms of illegal entry to England and Wales, and not just Channel crossings, fell by twelve percentage points between 2010 and 2022.

Ms Cooper said: Criminal smuggling gangs have been allowed to take hold along our border, yet the Conservative government has repeatedly failed to take the action needed against them.

Ministers obsession with announcing new headline-grabbing gimmicks, which then fail to deliver, has given gangs of criminals making millions of pounds a licence to operate.

The Conservatives failed approach has given a free pass to smuggler and trafficking gangs who are undermining our border security and putting lives at risk with small boat crossings.

She said Labour would redirect money being spent on the Tories failing Rwanda scheme to relentlessly target these criminal smuggling gangs while also backing a new cross-border police unit.

A Government source said: Labour has no plan to stop the boats and even the NCA accept giving them more money wont solve it. Labours so-called plan is laughable and the British public should see it for what it is  a total distraction.
A furious row has broken out between gay rights campaigners, a train company and a rail union over industrial action that will prevent thousands of people attending one of the UKs biggest Pride parades.

GoVia Thameslink Railway (GTR) has decided to cancel all Southern and Thameslink trains to and from Brighton on Saturday next week (August 5) because of the impact of a national overtime ban by drivers belonging to Aslef in a long-running pay battle.

The Brighton & Hove Pride parade is being held that day  the 50th anniversary of the first Brighton Pride march  as well as a Fabuloso fundraiser in Preston Park and a Pride village event.

GTR says the overtime ban means it could only run far fewer trains than normal, making it impossible to avoid severe overcrowding and presenting a considerable risk to passenger safety.

As a result, Brighton station will be closed for the whole of next Saturday. Rail services along the coast to Brighton will also be cancelled.

Paul Kemp, managing director of Pride, said: We are deeply disappointed GTR has announced no trains will run to Brighton on the Saturday of Pride weekend.

A well-informed source told the Standard that Mr Kemp had written privately to Aslef general secretary Mick Whelan, pleading with him to reconsider the impact of the overtime ban on Pride. An Aslef spokesman strongly denied this. Brighton Pride declined to comment.

Mr Kemp said the decision to close Brighton station would come as a huge shock to Pride participants and Brighton businesses that normally benefit from the influx of thousands of revellers.

Many Pride visitors have already booked and paid for Saturday night accommodation locally, they will now have to change plans or find an alternative way to get into the city, he said. Its truly devastating news for everyone.

We would like to be clear that we dont agree with GTRs decision, nor the reasons given for completely stopping train services and the potential of adverse knock-on effects.

We also note that an overtime ban still allows for a reduced service to operate, which is very different from the strike days. So it is very sad to see GTR put a complete service shutdown in place rather than finding a working alternative.

Trains will run as normal next Friday and on Sunday August 6.

GTR said Brighton Pride was the biggest event on its network. It said it had followed police safety advice. It said the overtime ban meant that 20,000 passengers could be stranded at Brighton station late on Saturday if it ran a partial service. We cant in good faith bring people into Brighton that cannot get home again, potentially leaving thousands of people stranded  safety must come first, it said.

Chris Fowler, network operations director at GTR, said: GTR has an extremely long-standing relationship with Pride and we are bitterly disappointed to make this unbelievably difficult decision.

Trains next Saturday will instead terminate at Three Bridges, enabling connections with Gatwick Airport to be maintained.

Aslef said the fact that trains were running to Three Bridges showed there was no reason to cut off Brighton. It said the underlying problem was GTRs failure to employ sufficient drivers to avoid the need to rely on overtime.

Mr Whelan said: It is outrageous  and utterly ridiculous  to try to blame Aslef for problems which are entirely of this train companys own making.

GTR Thameslink has known the date of Brighton Pride for a very long time. Yet they are only running trains to Three Bridges  just three-quarters of the way down the line  in a deliberate and malicious attempt to disrupt the LGBT+ day and then to blame Aslef for its own manifest failings. That, I think, is beneath contempt.
A former British paratrooper who set off to walk the UK coastline six years ago has just one mile left  and will cross the finish line with his partner, dog and baby son on Saturday.

Chris Lewis, 43, has walked more than 19,000 miles since leaving Llangennith beach on the Gower Peninsula, near his home city of Swansea, South Wales, on August 1 2017.

He set off from the beach alone, with just 10 in his pocket and a few days of supplies, in a bid to raise funds for SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity.

Since then, Mr Lewis has raised more than 350,000 for the charity, adopted a dog called Jet, fallen in love and become engaged to Kate Barron, 36, who has joined his walk.

The couple welcomed their first child, a baby boy named Magnus Lewis, in May last year. They are hoping to reach 500,000 in donations for SSAFA through their walk.

On Saturday, the family will be joined by supporters as they walk the final mile together  finishing on Llangennith beach at around 12.30pm.

Writing on Facebook, where Mr Lewis is followed by almost 150,000 people, the veteran described sitting looking down at the finish line with his family on Thursday.

He wrote: Yesterday we sat in exactly the same spot where I stood six years ago when a voice came into my head and said walk the UK coastline.

The beautiful Rhossili looking down the cliffs towards Llangennith. It was an unbelievable and momentous moment for me to say the least.

The man you see in this picture is a completely different man to the guy who stood here six years ago.

The flame inside me back then was so dim it hardly had any life left in it. And now she burns stronger and brighter than ever before.

Mr Lewis said he was filled with pride for his daughter Caitlin, to whom he was a single parent, as well as Ms Barron, their son Magnus and his dog Jet.

He continued: One mile left tomorrow and this adventure is over. What an incredible adventure it has been.

The adventure along the coast saw Mr Lewis spend the first coronavirus lockdown on an uninhabited Shetland island, Hildasay.

His bestselling book, Finding Hildasay, features a foreword by Ben Fogle who has supported Mr Lewis during his journey along with other famous faces including astronaut Tim Peake.

Mr Lewis served with 2nd Battalion, Parachute Regiment and struggled to cope after entering civilian life. He decided to walk the UK coastline after suffering with anxiety and depression.

The father-of-two was facing homelessness when he set off in August 2017, wearing an ill-fitting pair of borrowed boots with limited supplies.

Three years into the task, he met Ms Barron in Scotland and she joined his walk a few months later.

More than 147,000 people follow his Facebook page, Chris Walks the UK, while 26,000 people follow her page, Kate Walks the Coast.

Their fundraising page is https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/chriswalks
A determined firefighters body washed up on the shore of Belgium weeks after vanishing on a charity swim across the English Channel.

Iain Hughes, 42, a crew manager at West Midlands Fire Service, disappeared in French waters after pushing off from the Kent coast on the morning of June 20 accompanied by a support boat.

A desperate search involving French and Belgian military helicopters, plus navy and police patrol boats, was launched but was called off.

The father-of-twos body washed up on Belgium shores with his firefighter colleagues announcing Mr Hughes had been formally identified and repatriated to the UK on Friday.

Paying tribute, his family said: Our lives were shattered when Iain went missing. He was our world. The news that his body had been found was unbearable. It still is. We miss him more than words can ever say.We are proud of Iain for so many reasons.

He put his heart and soul into training for the swim, but that was Iain - determined to help and support others.

It is lovely to see how much money has been raised for his three charities, but also heartbreaking that he will never know the total. Thank you to everyone who has donated and who are still raising money.

We also want to send our thanks and love to everyone who has been there for us these past few weeks.

He has managed to raise over 50,000 for The Fire Fighters Charity, British Heart Foundation and Midlands Air Ambulance.

The married firefighter, who had trained for nearly two years, had complained about stormy conditions on the Kent coastline days before setting off on his endeavour.

Wayne Brown, West Midlands Chief Fire Officer, said: This is devastating news. Iains family are foremost in our thoughts at this distressing time, and we are giving them all possible support.

I know that many people have been affected by Iains disappearance. We, in turn, have been touched by the hundreds of kind messages we have received, and the overwhelming response to Iains fundraising page. Thank you.

A book of condolence can be signed here.
V eterans exposed to the effects of nuclear bombs during the UKs testing programme will be given a new medal to wear on Remembrance Sunday.

Around 22,000 people were involved in experimenting with atomic and hydrogen bombs between 1952 and 1967 putting them at risk of high levels of radiation.

After 70 years of waiting for recognition, they will be given a medal depicting an atom surrounded by olive branches ahead of the service at the Cenotaph on November 12.

Labrats International, which represents those affected by nuclear tests, said veterans will be proudly wearing the medal despite believing recognition took longer than it should have.

Founder Alan Owen told the PA news agency: This is a unique group of people who saw a nuclear explosion and for somebody like myself who is the son of a nuclear test veteran, I cant even comprehend seeing that.

People having to stand and watch it, it wouldnt happen today, to know they have actually seen it, experienced it and felt it, felt the heat, felt the blast, is something incomprehensible to the younger generation.

For the first time ever this year they will actually have their own medal proudly on their chest to march with at the Cenotaph.

The medal, which also bears the Kings face, commemorates the contributions made by veterans, scientists and local employees from the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Kiribati.

Between 1,500 and 2,000 eligible people are thought to be alive today, though the honour can also be awarded posthumously to veterans families.

Over 1,600 people have applied for the medal so far, 1,200 of whom are veterans, Labrats International said.

It is important to remember the contributions of the veterans, scientists and staff who worked on Britains nuclear programme.

The UK became the worlds third nuclear power on October 3, 1952, with the success of Operation Hurricane  the detonation of a plutonium bomb on Montebello Islands in Australia.

More tests took place in the following decades at locations including Emu Field and Maralinga in Australia, Christmas and Malden Islands in Kiribati, and Nevada in the US.

The most notorious bomb, Operation Grapple Y, in 1958, was more than 100 times more powerful than the explosions at Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Johnny Mercer, Minister for Veterans Affairs, said: As thousands flock to the cinemas to watch Oppenheimer, its important to remember the contributions of the veterans, scientists and staff who worked on Britains nuclear programme.

Our nuclear deterrent continues to underpin both our security and the security of our Nato allies and this new medal is a fitting tribute to all those who worked to develop this vital defence.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: I am delighted that this commemorative medal is rightfully given to our nuclear test veterans, who have made an invaluable contribution to the safety and security of the UK, and who we recognise and value for their service to our nation.
T housands of engineers and gas employees are to be given training to recognise signs of abuse and neglect so they can identify children at risk while they are working.

More than 18,000 workers across England, Scotland and Wales will be given safeguarding training in a new partnership between the NSPCC and Britains four Gas Distribution Networks (GDNs).

The childrens charity said almost 60,000 calls were made to its helpline last year from adults, including utility workers, reporting concerns about child safeguarding.

We visit thousands of homes every day, and thanks to this partnership we can create an army of safeguarders to help identify children at risk of neglect or abuse

Workers who visit homes have a unique chance to make a difference, the NSPCC said.

The rollout of the training with GDN workers at Cadent Gas, Northern Gas Networks, SGN and Wales and West Utilities has already begun and will continue throughout the next two years.

Edward Allard, social programmes manager at Cadent, described it as a significant and wide-reaching project which will create a real force for good across Britain.

He added: We visit thousands of homes every day, and thanks to this partnership we can create an army of safeguarders to help identify children at risk of neglect or abuse and ensure our workers know how to help them get the support they need as soon as possible.

As part of our ongoing commitment to support customers living in the most vulnerable situations, each GDN will also work with the NSPCCs safeguarding experts to ensure that the safeguarding of children and young people is fully embedded into our organisations.

By working together and sharing our resources, experience and expertise we can help engineers and gas employees across the country play their part in supporting vulnerable families and children in their communities

NSPCC chief executive Sir Peter Wanless said: We are hugely excited about this project, and grateful to Ofgem and all the GDNs for supporting this wonderful partnership.

Everyone has a role to play in preventing child abuse and neglect. With this training and support, we can create a real force for good and help protect some of the most vulnerable members of our society.

By working together and sharing our resources, experience and expertise we can help engineers and gas employees across the country play their part in supporting vulnerable families and children in their communities.

The project is funded by the Vulnerability and Carbon Monoxide Allowance (VCMA) and will also offer the chance for a network of child protection practitioners working with the NSPCC to learn about spotting carbon monoxide risks, the charity said.
T he body of a much-loved firefighter who disappeared as he attempted to swim the English Channel has been found.

Iain Hughes, crew manager at Wednesbury fire station, West Midlands, set off from the Kent coast on the morning of June 20 accompanied by a support boat but went missing later that day in French waters.

The disappearance of the 42-year-old father-of-two sparked an extensive search by French and Belgian authorities which was later called off.

On Friday, West Midlands Fire Service said the body of a swimmer found in waters off Belgium has been formally identified as Mr Hughes.

In a joint statement releases through the fire service, Mr Hughes family said they miss him more than words can ever say.

They said: Our lives were shattered when Iain went missing. He was our world. The news that his body had been found was unbearable. It still is. We miss him more than words can ever say.

We are proud of Iain for so many reasons. He put his heart and soul into training for the swim, but that was Iain  determined to help and support others.

Mr Hughes had been attempting to raise 21,000  1,000 for every mile of his swim  for the British Heart Foundation, The Fire Fighters Charity and the Midlands Air Ambulance.

It is lovely to see how much money has been raised for his three charities, but also heartbreaking that he will never know the total

As of Friday, his fundraiser had far exceeded this target by raising more than 56,000.

Mr Hughes family added: It is lovely to see how much money has been raised for his three charities, but also heartbreaking that he will never know the total. Thank you to everyone who has donated and who is still raising money.

We also want to send our thanks and love to everyone who has been there for us these past few weeks.

The photo we are releasing sums up the Iain we loved.

We will not be giving media interviews and ask that our privacy be respected. Thank you.

West Midlands Fire Service chief fire officer Wayne Brown said it is devastating news and that Iains family are foremost in our thoughts at this distressing time.

He added: I know that many people have been affected by Iains disappearance.

We, in turn, have been touched by the hundreds of kind messages we have received, and the overwhelming response to Iains fundraising page. Thank you.

West Midlands Fire Service said flags at its sites will fly at half-mast until sunset on Friday as a mark of respect to Mr Hughes.
A former UK rapper who went to Syria to join Islamic State has been found dead in his prison cell in Spain.

Abdel-Majed Abdel Bary, 32, had been tried earlier this month in Madrid on suspicion of heading a jihadist cell he formed after leaving Syria.

He was found dead on Wednesday in Puerto III prison in Cadiz where he was awaiting the trial verdict.

He was arrested with two men described as aides less than a week after they were smuggled onto a beach on Spains south-east coast in April 2020.

Spanish officials said it could be several months before the cause of death is known.

An initial autopsy was expected to take place on Thursday following the discovery of his body inside his prison cell in the town of Puerto de Santa Maria in south-west Spain.

Born in Egypt but brought up in London, Abdel Bary was stripped of his British citizenship after an image of him in Syria holding a severed head appeared on Twitter.

He was long suspected of being Jihadi John but Londoner Mohammed Emwazi was later named as that executioner.

Abdel Bary had been warned he faced up to nine years in prison in Spain.

He was the son of Adel Abdel Bary, who was jailed for 25 years for the 1998 bombings of the US embassies in Tanzania and Kenya which killed 224 people and wounded 5,000.
F ormer US president Donald Trump is accused of pressuring a staffer to delete camera footage at his Mar-a-Lago estate in the classified documents case.

Prosecutors unveiled three extra charges on Thursday, two of obstruction and one of willful retention of national defence information.

Trump is alleged to have asked for the footage to be deleted after FBI and Justice Department investigators visited in June 2022 to collect classified documents he took with him after leaving the White House.

He is said to have arranged with his valet, Walt Nauta, and a Mar-a-Lago property manager, Carlos De Oliveira, to hide the footage from federal investigators after they issued a subpoena for it.

The 77-year-old is also alleged to have illegally held onto a document about Pentagon attack plans and shown it off to visitors in New Jersey.

A Trump spokesperson dismissed the new charges as nothing more than a continued desperate and flailing attempt" by the Biden administration to influence the 2024 presidential race.

The Florida charges came as a surprise at a time of escalating anticipation of a possible additional indictment in Washington over his efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election.

Boxes of classified information in a bathroom of Donald Trumps Mar-a-Lago estate / Getty Images

Prosecutors claim video captures Nauta moving boxes of documents in and out of a storage room  including a day before an FBI visit to the property.

They say these boxes were moved at Trumps direction.

Meanwhile, De Oliveira, prosecutors said, told another employee that the boss" wanted the server deleted and asked, "What are we going to do?"

Both Trump and Nauta have pleaded not guilty to the original 38-count indictment. De Oliveira is due in court in Florida on Monday.

The trial for Trump and Nauta is currently scheduled for May 20, 2024. It was unclear if the addition of a new defendant in De Oliveira could result in a postponement.

Last week, Trump revealed he had received a letter from the Justice Department suggesting he could be charged in relation to his efforts to undo the 2020 election in the run-up to the January 6, 2021, riot at the US Capitol.

In addition, Trump still awaits trial for a hush-money case in which he faces 34 felony counts and also faces civil charges in a defamation case against author E Jean Carroll in a long list of legal troubles.
U kraine has moved its official Christmas Day state holiday from January 7 to December 25 in a snub to Russia.

President Volodymyr Zelensky said the parliamentary bill would help Ukraine abandon the Russian heritage of imposing Christmas celebrations.

The law was signed by Mr Zelensky on Friday after being passed in parliament two weeks ago.

The legislation also moved the Day of Ukrainian Statehood, from July 28 to July 15, and the Defenders' Day, which commemorates armed forces veterans, from October 14 to October 1.

The relentless and successful struggle for their identity contributes to  the desire of every Ukrainian to live their own life with their own traditions and holidays, an explanatory note to the bill on the parliaments website said.

The new law will help Ukraine to abandon the Russian heritage of imposing Christmas celebrations on 7 January, it added.

Ukraine's largest Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which has long-standing historic ties to Moscow, has previously celebrated the holidays according to the Julian calendar used by Russia.

Patriarch Kirill, the head of the Russian Orthodox church, is a supporter of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

It comes as Ukraine continues to distance itself from Russia following the annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the subsequent invasion in February 2022.

In other developments, a Russian missile strike hit a residential complex and a building of Ukraine's security service in the central city of Dnipro on Thursday.

Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said five people were injured and emergency services had completed an apartment-by apartment search of the area.

Unverified video on social media showed rubble strewn throughout a courtyard in a large complex of apartment buildings.
F ood supplies in Africa will be hit for at least the next two years by Putins war in Ukraine, British military chiefs warned on Friday.

They stressed that his decision to withdraw from the Black Sea Grain Initiative would damage food security in a number of countries who often struggle to feed many of their people.

In its latest update on the conflict, the Ministry of Defence in London highlighted the Russia-Africa Conference in St Petersburg on Thursday.

It stressed that 17 African heads of state attended the gathering which it said compared to 43 at the previous one.

The event takes place ten days after Russia withdrew from the Black Sea Grain Initiative (BSGI), the briefing added.

The BSGI had allowed the export of 30 million tonnes of Ukrainian grain to Africa, providing essential nutrition to states including Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, and Sudan.

With Putins navy now threatening ships if they are used to export food from Odesa and other Ukrainian ports, the update emphasised: As well as the direct disruption of supplies, Russias blockade of Ukraine is also causing grain prices to rise.

The impact of the war in Ukraine will almost certainly compound food insecurity across Africa for at least the next two years.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces were said to be making more limited gains in their summer counter-offensive.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky posted a video Thursday in which a group of Ukrainian soldiers said they had taken control of the village of Staromaiorske in the Donetsk region next to the Zaporizhzhia province. "Our South! Our guys! Glory to Ukraine!" he declared.

Russian military bloggers confirmed that Ukrainian forces have taken part of the village that was the focus of Ukraine's attacks in recent days. If Russian defences in the area collapse, it would open the way for the Ukrainian forces to push southward toward the coast.

Ukrainian authorities have kept operational details of the counter-offensive under wraps, and they have released scant information about its progress, though there are some reports that the main thrust by Kyiv is starting.

The Washington-based think tank, the Institute for The Study of War, said: Ukrainian forces continued counter-offensive operations on at least three sectors of the front on July 27 and made gains in some areas, although Ukrainian forces appear not to have continued significant mechanized assaults south of Orikhiv in western Zaporizhia Oblast (province).

Ukraines Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Maliar said Wednesday that troops were advancing toward the city of Melitopol in the Zaporizhizhia region.

The seizure of Melitopol near the Sea of Azov would be a major success for Ukraine, which hopes to punch through the land corridor between Russia and the Crimean Peninsula, illegally annexed by Moscow in 2014.

That could split Russian forces into two and cut supply lines to units farther west. Russia currently controls the whole Sea of Azov coast.
W hat is the one thing that can be relied on for its sheer unreliability? Thats right, the British weather.

Reinforced since our childhood, any Brit worth their salt knows theyll need an anorak to protect against the inevitable deluge of rain.

The sheer innovation and practicality of packable rain jackets from the likes of Mac in a Sac makes the previously lame accessory an admirable and covetable essential. Rather than relying on 1 plastic monstrosities from local tourist shops thatll likely, somehow, end up in the sea  why not invest in a long-lasting outer shell thatll accompany you on walks, hikes and holidays for years to come?

The hi-tech waterproof raincoat known to many as simply a Mac actually stands for Mackintosh  which will certainly sound familiar to some. Were not talking about the inimitable range of computers manufactured by Apple, which were actually named after employee Jef Raskins favourite apple  the McIntosh. Rather, were referring to the invention of the modern waterproof jacket by Scotsman Charles Macintosh in 1823.

Before his invention of his patented fabric, which was initially made out of two layers of cotton bonded together by a dyed rubber, the early 19th century had people wearing oiled cottons to repel water. These garments were not only extremely heavy when wet but ended up producing an unpleasant smell.

Nowadays, the majority of waterproof fabrics are crafted from natural or synthetic fabrics which are coated with a waterproofing material, which can be anything from wax, rubber, PVC, PU, silicone, elastomer or fluoropolymers. All of these compounds create that characteristic repellent effect, with water droplets forming small beads before rolling off the surface of the fabric.

For a round-up of the best lightweight and packable rain jackets, keep scrolling.
I dont know if it rains more consistently in damp Britannia than in any other country of the world, but it certainly feels like it.

Rain clouds seem to be constantly lurking on the periphery of the sky, ready to pounce with a change in the wind and dowse us with their soddening goodness, even during the sunniest of summer days; or maybe thats just how I picture it having been born and raised in the never-ending monsoon that is Manchester.

But downpours dont just drench us, they saturate our smart devices too, along with creating whopping great puddles of certain smartphone death if they accidentally enter them. Which is why, back in 2013, Sony got sick of people having to pay out for new phones after they dropped them in the sink, put them in the washing machine and, yes, fumbled them into the lavatory bowl while doing, well, lets not speculate on that horror, and went ahead and released the Xperia Z, the worlds first water-resistant smartphone.

After that rain-beating revelation, many other manufacturers got on-board with the idea and we started to see ever more smartblowers coming IP67 and IP68 rated.

What are IP ratings?

So, what does that mean? Well, in a nutshell, an IP code is how well a device can resist dust and water. In the case of IP67, a smartphone can survive being dunked at up to one metre deep for up to half an hour. In the case of IP68, that increases to a depth of up to 1.5-metres for half an hour.

Obviously, then, if youre the kind of person forever letting your smartphone slip into particularly damp patches, youre going to want to look for an IP68 rating, especially if your day-to-day adventures involve swimming pools and/or rivers.

As such, Ive gathered together a veritable A-Team of IP68 options to keep your smartphone-contained stuff safe from a soaking.

Best water-resistant smartphones at a glance:
O scar-winner Michelle Yeoh has wed her longtime partner Jean Todt after a 19-year engagement.

The Everything Everywhere All at Once star, 60, wed the ex-Ferrari CEO, 77, in Geneva, Switzerland, on Thursday.

The news was confirmed by Brazilian racing driver Felipe Massa, who posted about the happy occasion on Instagram.

He shared a card that was displayed at the wedding which detailed the couples love story.

The card read: We met in Shanghai on 4th June 2004. On 26th July 2004, J.T proposed to marry M.Y and she said YES!

Today after 6992 days on 27th July 2023 in Geneva, surrounded by loving family and friends, We are so happy to celebrate this special moment together!

Yeoh  who wore two dresses to the occasion  brought her Oscar to her wedding, with the golden statue visible in a number of photos.

Yeoh is set to appear in the new Wicked film, which is being shot in a village in Buckinghamshire. The release of the movie could also be affected by the writers strikes.

Last month, she was revealed as a recipient of a Hollywood Walk of Fame star.

Yeoh made history at the 95th Oscars earlier this year as Everything Everywhere All At Once took home a clutch of major awards.

The multiverse sci-fi epic, directed by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, claimed seven prizes including three acting gongs, best directing and best picture, the biggest of the night.

Last night in London: Michelle Yeohs Oscars 2023 celebration 1 / 12 Last night in London: Michelle Yeohs Oscars 2023 celebration Michelle Yeoh and Ariana Grande attend Michelle Yeohs Oscar celebrations at the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park Dave Benett Michelle Yeoh and Anya Taylor-Joy attend Michelle Yeohs Oscar celebrations at the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park Dave Benett Naomi Campbell attends Michelle Yeohs Oscar celebrations at the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park Dave Benett Michelle Yeoh attends her Oscar celebrations at the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park Dave Benett/Getty Images for Man Alice Eve and Jack Freud attend Michelle Yeohs Oscar celebrations at the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park Dave Benett Michelle Yeoh and Cynthia Erivo attend Michelle Yeohs Oscar celebrations at the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park Dave Benett Elle Dowling attends Michelle Yeohs Oscar celebrations at the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park Dave Benett Colin Vaines and Sophie Winby attend Michelle Yeohs Oscar celebrations at the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park Dave Benett Hans-Ulrich Obrist and Yana Peel attend Michelle Yeohs Oscar celebrations at the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park Dave Benett

Yeoh claimed the Oscar for best leading actress, fending off competition from two-time Oscar winner Cate Blanchett to become the first woman from an Asian background to win the prize.

Taking to the stage, she said: For all the little boys and girls who look like me, this is a beacon of hope and possibilities.

Dream big, dreams do come true. Ladies, never let anyone tell you you are past your prime.
B o Goldman, who penned the Oscar-winning scripts for One Flew Over The Cuckoos Nest and Melvin And Howard, has died aged 90.

The screenwriters son-in-law director Todd Field confirmed on Thursday that the award-winner had passed away on Tuesday in Helendale, California. No details on the cause of death were given.

Goldman found success in Hollywood later in his career after years of struggle as a playwright and it was in his 40s that he landed his first film credit when he adapted Ken Keseys One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest in 1975.

The film, which starred Jack Nicholson as a patient in a psychiatric ward, won best picture at the Academy Awards, while Goldman  along with Lawrence Hauben  picked up best adapted screenplay at the cinematic event.

Jack Nicholson starred in One Flew over the Cuckoos Nest adapted by Goldman

Goldman continued to win gold as five years on he was awarded the Oscar for Melvin And Howard. The movie was based on a luckless Utah gas station owner named Melvin Dummar who claimed to be a beneficiary of Howard Hughes after the billionaires death.

While 1992s Scent of Woman landed Goldman his third Oscar nomination. The film, which was adapted from the 1974 Italian movie of the same name, starred Al Pacino and Chris ODonnell.

It follows a young college student who goes to earn money by looking after a knowledgeable blind war veteran while his family is away. The film contributed to Goldman being considered a master of screenwriting.

The American writer also wrote the family drama Shoot The Moon, Little Nikita with Sidney Poitier and River Phoenix as well as The Rose, which starred Bette Midler.

When asked by The Washington Post about his career in 1982, Goldman said he thought of himself as a dramatist who happened to write screenplays, saying: Im a screenplaywright.

If there is a train of thought that runs through my work, it is a yearning, a longing to make the people real and capture their lives on the screen.

I think there is nothing more fulfilling in the world than to see your view of life realised in art. For me, film is unique  it has a peculiar quality for recreating life. I find life so wonderful, that to try to capture it in art is like trying to catch starlight.

Goldman, who lived in Rockport, Maine, lost a son, Jesse, in 1981 and his wife died in 2017. He is survived by four daughters, a son, seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Loading....

The British-built satellite, Aeolus, is to be deliberately crashed into the Atlantic Ocean by the European Space Agency.

This will be the first time a space agency has attempted such a re-entry for one of its dead satellites. The weather-monitoring satellite has completed a transformative mission to map the planet's winds.

Meta, Amazon, Microsoft and TomTom have teamed up in what looks like an attempt to take down Google Maps. Overture Maps has just released its first set of map data, which includes information on more than 59 million places across the world.

Vegetable oil is being used to power trains in whats believed to be a UK first. Hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) is made almost entirely from used cooking oils, and can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90%

And the rest

More fallout from the Ministry of Defence accidental email mishap, Twitter in its transition to everything app X will only have dark mode, and a study finds cars connected to the internet can identify dangerous roads before crashes happen.

Netflix faces backlash over a $900,000-a-year AI job advert, research uncovers what nap times reveal about young childrens brain development, and an ancient Roman emperors theatre is unearthed under a Four Seasons hotel.

Listen above, and find us on your Spotify Daily Drive or wherever you stream your podcasts.
A s Nasa prepares to take humans back to the moon, the agency is launching its first streaming service as a home for its live missions including Artemis .

Due later this year, the new platform will be free to watch and wont come with annoying ad breaks. Nasa+, as it will be known, will also feature original series and a handful of new shows at launch, the space agency announced on Thursday.

Putting aside the unoriginal title - which matches the now cliched naming convention used by other streaming services such as Disney+, Paramount+ and Apple TV+ - the platform has the ingredients to be a hit with astrophiles.

Nasa+ shows

As for what you can expect to see on Nasa+, the space agency teased topics including exoplanet research, climate change, and the influence of the Sun on our planet.

If youre wondering what a Nasa-produced show looks like, the agencys best-known programmes are Nasa X and the Emmy-award-winning Nasa 360. Both focus on how technologies developed by Nasa have impacted both space travel and life on Earth. These include lithium-ion batteries, sporting equipment and commercial airline safety.

Although you can already watch Nasas live launches on YouTube or the Nasa TV channel on internet-connected TVs, the new service should help to highlight the painstaking work that goes into each mission. Not to mention astronaut training, the dawn of consumer space travel, and Nasas working relationship with private partners SpaceX and Jeff Bezos Blue Origin .

Were assuming Nasa will leave genres like workplace sitcoms and revisionist dramas to the likes of Netflix ( Space Force ) and Apple TV (For all Mankind), and focus on non-fiction and documentaries. If it wants to add a bit of Hollywood glamour to the proceedings, it could always take us behind the scenes of the technical consulting it has provided to movies like Apollo 13, Armageddon, and Pixars Lightyear .

How to watch Nasa+

Upon launch, Nasa+ will be available via the NASA app on iOS and Android; streaming media players such as Roku, Apple TV, and Fire TV; and on the web.

News of the streaming service comes as Nasa prepares for the next legs of its epochal Artemis lunar mission. In September 2028, the agency plans to send the first humans to the moon since Apollo 17 in 1972, including the first woman and first person of colour.

The historic first Artemis mission, which sent an uncrewed spacecraft on a groundbreaking trip around the moon , was completed in late 2022. In late 2024, the second part of the programme is set to take humans farther than theyve ever been in space.

Nasa is also updating its websites and app as part of an overhaul of its digital services designed to make them easier to navigate. The beta version of its site is now available here .

"Our vision is to inspire humanity through a unified, world-class Nasa web experience," said Jeff Seaton, chief information officer at the agencys headquarters in Washington.

"Nasas legacy footprint presents an opportunity to dramatically improve the user experience for the public we serve. Modernizing our main websites from a technology standpoint and streamlining how the public engages with our content online are critical first steps in making our agencys information more accessible, discoverable, and secure.
Kazakhstans state-backed operator Kazakhtelecom (KT) is planning to sell one of its mobile subsidiaries before the end of this year.

Local outlet Profit.kz reported that following a Cabinet meeting, the news was announced by Kazakhstans Minister of Digital Development Bagdat Musin. The minister noted that two parties were conducting due diligence on the available mobile assets, although he declined to name them.

KT holds controlling stakes in Kcell and Mobile Telecom Service (Tele2-Altel). It in turn is controlled by Kazakhstans Sovereign Wealth Fund Samruk-Kazyna. Musin confirmed that the fund is working on due diligence for the interested parties, adding that it is checking by an interested player for compliance with the price and the asset being purchased.

As reported by TeleGeography, KT completed a 100% takeover of its associate Tele2-Altel in June 2019. Since the operator had already acquired Kcell in December 2018, KaR-Tel (Beeline) was the only independent rival, making the market an effective duopoly despite merger conditions that obliged Kcell and Tele2-Altel to remain separately branded operators.
ZTE has long been a pioneering force in the wireless data terminal space, from its 2012 launch of the world's first CAT3 portable WiFi product to its 2022 release of the FWA MC888 series, which was the first in the world to support 3GPP R16. We spoke to Bai Keke, the vendors Vice President and General Manager of Mobile Internet, to discuss its innovations in this space.

What are the key advantages offered by ZTEs MBB & FWA products?

ZTEs MBB & FWA products hold a leading position in the industry. ZTE integrates the whole chain from systems to terminals, which is a major overall advantage, but we have also invested long-term in R&D to ensure ZTE offers a continued technical edge over its competitors. Our ability to offer large-scale delivery reduces the cost for clients, and our customized deliver offering has proven attractive, with 108 global core partners using ZTEs products, giving us the worlds largest market share for 5G MBB & FWA products in 2022, according to a report by international consultancy firm TSR. We predict that this year ZTEs market share will maintain this rapid growth, with shipments expected to increase 50% year-on-year.

Could you explain more about ZTEs GIS (Green, Intelligence & Security) strategy?

While we have a strong lead in 5G MBB & FWA, it was important to develop new ideas for the digital future. With the industry trending towards mobile ecosystem development, ZTE proposed the concept of Green, Intelligence & Security (GIS) with the future of 5G devices in mind. By promoting green design, green perception, and green service, ZTE has reduced its energy consumption by a further 10% overall.

We offer more intelligent access, intelligent scenario control according to diversified user requirements, and multiple intelligent modes to regulate the access rate and device response status. Moreover, ZTE will make data transmission more secure and reliable; we have launched two security scenarios focused on households and children. Combined with a comprehensive security system and five globally distributed network security laboratories, ZTE has built the capability to guarantee the security of worldwide networks.

The 5G FWA product MC888 PRO GIS version launched this year. Incorporating ideas from the GIS concept, the model reduced comprehensive energy consumption by 10% comparing with the previous MC888 PRO model with its Green Life Mode and Night Mode. Made from 95% PCR recycled materials, the product is friendlier to the environment, and will be continually deployed worldwide this year.

How are ZTEs products innovating in the post-5G era?

5G spectrum was a key item on the agenda at the recent MWC Shanghai 2023. The 700MHz band is set to play an irreplaceable role in popularizing 5G in the future, and ZTE acknowledges this with 5G MBB & FWA products designed specifically for this low-band 5G spectrum. Our 4MIMO lets our products double the network rate under limited bandwidth resources, offering carriers the cost advantage of 700MHz band coverage while affording consumers better internet speeds.

ZTEs innovative 5G MBB & FWA products will also help to empower economic and social development. We offer three types of mobile data terminal products and solutions for global users: consumer wireless data terminals for individuals and families, customized wireless data terminals for industries, and vehicle-class wireless data terminals for V2X.

For consumers, ZTE provides full-scenario home and personal data terminal products, allowing consumers to experience faster rates, lower latency, and faster deployment of wireless data communication services. As a supplement to wired broadband, it helps popularize 4G / 5G networks.

From the perspective of the global wired access market, only 1/3 of households can access fixed-line broadband, and only 25% of households enjoy a network rate over 100 Mbps. For objective reasons like construction cost or route planning, wireless data terminals are needed for signal coverage - especially in some scarcely populated areas, where large bandwidth and higher rates have given 5G MBB & FWA products a broader space to develop. According to TSR, 5G FWA will grow at an annual rate of about 50% in the next 3 to 5 years.

In addition to helping to popularize network connectivity, wireless data terminals also play an important role in promoting the development of new formats of digital economy. Due to the flexibility and convenience of its deployment, 5G MBB & FWA products can provide more efficient network support for new digital economy practitioners such as outdoor livestreamers, tourism content creators, online car-hailing drivers, and food deliverers.

How will ZTE continue to innovate in the field of 5G MBB & FWA going forward?

Following the trend of Metaverse and extended reality (XR) in the future, ZTE will continue to promote the technological innovation of 5G MBB & FWA products, improving product performance to provide powerful underlying communication network support. At present, in the field of industrial intelligent manufacturing, trials have been carried out through VR equipment, high-speed connection and intelligent methods.

In the V2X field, ZTE is also delivering innovative integrated vehicle-road collaborative roadside computing products. Traditionally, RSUs used for roadside equipment communication enabled communication and data interaction between roads, vehicles, and the cloud, while roadside edge computing responsible for perception computing and fusion was used to provide real-time traffic situations. These are essentially two independent appliances that share an important role in intelligent transportation systems.

With the deepening of vehicle-road collaborative applications, roadside edge computing is no longer limited to providing road perception information to vehicles, but also provides decision-making and control services for driving. Computation is required in communication, and vice versa.

On the basis of the original 5G RSU, ZTE has integrated the RSU and roadside edge computing devices, redefining the connotation of RSU by the combination of communication and computing of C-V2X. The device supports full band Uu and PC5 communication, can access up to 16 channels of video + 8 channels of millimeter-wave radar + 2 channels of laser radar through the strong AI computing power up 100Tops. This product is based on the in-house integrated intelligent network computing operating system architecture, which can empower various intelligent transportation applications in multiple dimensions including computing power, algorithms, data, and scenarios.

In addition to this integrated vehicle-road collaborative roadside computing product, ZTE's mobile data terminal is also deployed in two aspects, the road end and the vehicle end in V2X. In terms of the road end, ZTE has conducted many tests in China. From the perspective of the vehicle end, ZTE is committed to being a provider of basic capabilities for digital vehicles. With the accumulation of chipset and operating system technologies in the ICT field as its core advantages, ZTE combines software, hardware and supply chain capabilities and basic advantages of digital transformation to provide 4G and 5G data transmission, smart modules, T-Box and other equipment and solutions to help automobiles become smarter.

In terms of industry, ZTE sees enterprises as the main force for the 5G digital economy development. To empower users, ZTE will focus on the five major industry fields of electricity & energy, intelligent transportation, medical care, enterprise affairs, and the Internet. Under the concept of "digital everything", ZTE will build on our years of experience and technical accumulation in communication to contribute to the development of the digital age.
On Wednesday, the nursing staff at OCH Regional Medical Center was honored by Vizient Southern States for their tireless efforts amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. They were awarded a quilt of honor, a symbol of appreciation and comfort, which was handcrafted by QUILTmania, a France-based organization.
As many as 13 people with chronic conditions from the care centre in the town of Bardesti, central County of Mures were transported to the hospital for additional medical care, the Inspectorate for Emergency Situations announced Thursday night.

ISU Mures has deployed to the centre in Bardesti three special vehicles for personal transport and multiple victims, two Mobile Emergency, Resuscitation and Extrication Service (SMURD) B2 ambulances, a SMURD C1 ambulance - Mobile Intensive Care, a minivan, as well as two first intervention and command vehicles.

"Out of the total of 30 people identified, 13 have already been transported to Emergency Reception Unit Targu Mures for additional medical care, suffering from chronic conditions. Also, one person was taken in by their relatives and another 17 people will be relocated to other care centres belonging to the General Directorate of Child Social Assistance and Protection (DGASPC) from the municipality of Sighisoara (four people) and the localities of Ludus (nine people) and Ideciu (three people)," the ISU Mures said.

Several people were found in the basement of a building in Bardesti, in improper conditions, following a call to 112, informed, on Thursday, IPJ Mures.

According to the source, the competent Prosecutor's Office was notified and the representatives of the Mures County Payments and Social Inspection Agency and the Mures Public Health Directorate were notified, to take legal measures within their competence.

The minister of Labour, Simona Bucura-Oprescu, announced, on Thursday evening, that she ordered the National Authority for the Protection of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (ANPDPD) to withdraw the license in the case of the Re-Min Association, the Casuta Lu' Min Centre in the commune of Santana de Mures, Bardesti village.

Prime minister Marcel Ciolacu too announced that he ordered urgent checks by the state institutions in the case of "inadmissible abuses and violence" committed against some beneficiaries from the Casuta Lu' Min care and assistance centre, in Mures County, following some information received from the Legal Resource Center.

The Casuta Lu' Min Care and Assistance Centre in Mures County was closed due to irregularities found during the checks carried out at all social centers in the county, and other centers were fined a total of 672,000 RON, it is shown in a release of the Mures Prefecture.

The verification of residential centers in Mures County took place between July 10-15, 2023.AGERPRES
On Thursday, 190,945 people entered Romania through the border points, of which 16,808 were Ukrainian citizens, informs the General Inspectorate of the Border Police in a press release sent to AGERPRES on Friday.

As many as 363,000 people, Romanian and foreign citizens, and more than 93,800 means of transportation went through the control formalities, both in the direction of entry and exit, through the border points throughout the country.

On the inbound, there were 190,945 people, of whom 16,808 Ukrainian citizens. Thus, starting on February 10, 2022 (pre-conflict period), 5,253,886 Ukrainian citizens entered Romania.

In the areas of competence, the crossing points and the "green border", the border police detected 60 illegal acts (36 crimes and 24 misdemeanors) committed by both Romanian and foreign citizens, and the value of the contravention fines applied amounts to 14,500 RON and goods were seized for confiscation in the amount of approximately 102,000 RON.

On Thursday, 19 foreign citizens who did not meet the conditions provided for by law were not allowed to enter the country, whilst 22 Romanian citizens were not allowed to leave for various legal reasons.
Romania's Chief of Defence (CoD) Daniel Petrescu visited Croatia Tuesday to Thursday at the invitation of his counterpart Robert Hranj, with whom he discussed the importance of stability in the Balkans.

"To us, stability in the Balkans is a strategic axis, and collaboration of the defence bodies in this region, including within the NATO and EU stability missions and operations, contributes to the achievement of this objective. On the other hand, by participating in the NATO battlegroup in Poland, the Romanian and Croatian military are an active part of the NATO Forward Presence. Together with Admiral Robert Hranj, we have identified additional ways for bilateral cooperation. We will intensify the joint training of the troops, as well as collaboration in terms of logistics, defence engineering and education," Petrescu is quoted as saying in a press statement released by the Defence Ministry (MApN).

Part of his Croatian tour, Petrescu met Croatian soldiers serving with the Admiral Sveto Letica-Barba Naval Base, and visited other military facilities in the city of Split. AGERPRES
Authorities at the western Nadlac II Border Crossing Point denied entry to Romania to two semi-trailer trucks carrying approximately 22 tons of waste consisting of furniture, second-hand mattresses and used household appliances from Germany and the Netherlands, because the legal import requirements were not met.

Both vehicles were driven by Romanian nationals.

Due to suspicions regarding the legality of the shipments, the border police sought authorized assistance from the representatives of the Arad County Commissariat within the National Environmental Guard. The checks carried out determined that the shipments consisted of 21.8 tons of waste, for which the drivers failed to present the legally required transport documentation, the Arad Border Police reported on Friday.

The authorities ordered the waste shipments to be returned to the foreign sender companies. AGERPRES
The Neptun Deep project will contribute to the future of energy security in Romania and in the region and during the project it will have a contribution to the state budget estimated at approximately 20 billion euros, Christina Verchere, CEO of OMV Petrom, said for AGERPRES.

"Neptun Deep is a strategic project both for us and for Romania. The final investment decision for Neptun Deep, made in June 2023, allows us to move to the execution phase of the project. This will be a paradigm shift for Romania and for the region, contributing to the future of their energy security. Romania will become the largest producer of natural gas in the EU," said Christina Verchere.

She stated that the next steps include the approval of the deposit development plan by the regulatory authorities, awarding the main contracts and authorizations.

Regarding the destination of gas volumes from this perimeter, Verchere emphasized that, due to its positioning, Romania stands out as an attractive market and, considering that the natural gas market operates at the European level, all available options are actively explored in European Union.

At the same time, the CEO of OMV Petrom stated that the Neptun Deep project takes into account any potential impact on the environment or on local communities.

OMV Petrom and Romgaz announced, on June 21, that they approved the development plan for the Domino and Pelican Sud commercial natural gas deposits in the Neptun Deep perimeter, which will be submitted to the National Agency for Mineral Resources for confirmation.

The two companies will invest up to 4 billion euros for the development phase of the project, which will generate a production of about 100 billion cubic meters of natural gas.

The first production is estimated in 2027. The production at the plateau will be about 8 billion cubic meters annually (about 140,000 boe/day), for about 10 years.

The perimeter of Neptun Deep in the Black Sea has an area of 7,500 km2 and is located at a distance of about 160 km from the shore, in waters with depths between 100 and 1,000 meters. Exploration of the perimeter was accelerated in 2008 and included two 3D acquisition campaigns and two exploration drilling campaigns. The first gas discovery took place in 2012.
Airtel Uganda has confirmed plans to begin deploying 5G gear at 50 sites across central Kamapala from next week.

Together with rival MTN Uganda, Airtel won 5G frequencies in the governments auction last month. The Uganda Communication Commission (UCC) has now released the spectrum to the operators, allowing them to commence their 5G launches  MTNs is expected imminently as well.

Speaking to local outlet Nile Post, Airtel Uganda Managing Director Manoj Murali said: By the end of the year we will have covered many more sites, especially in the cities. We will have transformed the way people, communities and businesses experience high speed broadband internet. 5G has a good potential to transform services like e-learning, telemedicine, manufacturing and commercial agriculture.
National chairman of the Right Force Party Ludovic Orban has publicly requested the justice minister, the attorney general, chairs of the Supreme Court and Supreme Council of Magistrates (CSM) to call on the Judicial Inspectorate to initiate a disciplinary investigation of the three Supreme Court judges who have ordered the acquittal of former political police officers Marin Pirvulescu and Vasile Hodis, accused of torturing dissident Gheorghe Ursu in 1985.

He says that the three magistrates have "destroyed the idea of justice in Romania."

"I believe that the only correct decision of the Supreme Council of Magistrates in this case can only be the exclusion from the judiciary of the three judges who decided to acquit Marin Pirvulescu and Vasile Hodis, the political police officers guilty of the murder of Gheorghe Ursu," Orban said in a social media post on Friday.

He added that he is convinced that there are solid legal grounds for the Attorney General's Office to find an extraordinary way of appeal against the "outrageous" judicial decision of acquittal.

"I cannot accept that, following an abominable judicial decision - which completely destroys the foundation of the justice system in Romania and which endangers democracy in Romania - nothing happens. That those who did their job in ill faith are not punished. In the event that none of the institutional actors who can initiate legal action will do so, it will be clear to me that, regardless of statements provided, they agree with the scandalous verdict of the three judges and they are complicit in destroying any chance of Romanian justice dispensing justice to the people," adds Orban.

The Supreme Court of Justice on Thursday ordered the final acquittal of former Securitatea political police officers Marin Pirvulescu and Vasile Hodis accused of torturing late dissident Gheorghe Ursu in 1985, for committing the crime of inhumane treatment. AGERPRES
Senate President Nicolae Ciuca met on Thursday with U.S. ambassador to Romania Kathleen Kavalec, with the two officials looking at the security challenges in the region, the Russian attacks near Romania's border included.

"Today I had a very good dialogue with Her Excellency, the Ambassador of the United States of America to Romania, Kathleen Kavalec. We focused on several topics of common interest, examining the security challenges in the region, including the recent Russian attacks in the south of Ukraine, near the border with Romania, which we strongly condemned. Also, we discussed the ways in which we can continue to support Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova," Ciuca wrote on Facebook.

According to him, the meeting also approached the subject of American investments in Romania, with emphasis on the economic opportunities for American companies and Romania's growing potential as a destination for foreign investments.

"We paid special attention to the sector of digitization, especially in the area of state institutions, with an emphasis on fiscality," the Senate's president said.

Also, Nicolae Ciuca and the U.S. ambassador discussed the Senate's priorities in the next session and about the "common desire" for a much better women's representation in the Romanian Parliament after the 2024 parliamentary election. AGERPRES
Save Romania Union (USR) Chairman Catalin Drula asks Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu to publish the report of the Control Corps on homes for the elderly.

"I ask Prime Minister Ciolacu to publish the report of his Control Corps on elderly homes. Marcel Ciolacu tries to talk on TV, but the facts are beyond him. His subordinate institutions are either incapable or do not respect the authority of the Prime Minister. It is unacceptable that, after nationwide controls ordered by Ciolacu, civil society is still bringing to light horrors in the homes. In Mures county a real concentration camp has been discovered, in Voluntari - yes, also in Voluntari of the Firea-Pandele clan - old people are kept in the greenhouse on a heat code," the USR leader wrote on Facebook on Friday.

According to Catalin Drula, this "national crisis shows the inability of the PSD" to govern for the people.

"The party networks are doing well, and the helpless people are suffering. I ask Prime Minister Ciolacu to urgently publish the report of his Control Corps. The honest people of Romania have the right to know the extent of the inefficiency of the PSD administration," added the USR Chairman. AGERPRES
Although libraries in Missouri now require teens as old as 17 to have adult permission to check out materials, many young patrons wont need new library cards immediately.

Current cards are good until their expiration dates, say librarians with the St. Louis County Library, St. Louis Public Library, and St. Charles City-County Library.

Still, smaller libraries, such as Rock Hill Public Library, will expire all childrens cards soon. On Monday, 215 cards will expire and parents or guardians will need to sign permission forms for new cards, said Erin Phelps, the library director.

Some families have been proactive and have already filled out the new form, which we began making available earlier this month, she said.

In Jefferson County, Tony Benningfield was in the process this week of cutting off cards for a couple thousand older teens.

We were a little more cautious about the new requirement for minors, said Benningfield, director of the countys public library.

It stinks that we have to take some access away from 16- and 17-year-olds, he said. They can drive around wherever they want and get a job, but they cant get a library card.

Now, the teens and their guardians will have to agree to new language on card applications.

Under new Missouri regulations, libraries have until Monday to show that they comply with the State Library, which is under the secretary of states office. If libraries dont tweak policies to adhere to the rules, they could lose funding from the state.

Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft imposed the new rules in May, saying the goal was to prevent minors from accessing books that are pornographic or labeled as obscene under state statutes. Librarians have countered that they carry no material that a court has ever ruled obscene.

Waller McGuire, director of the St. Louis Public Library, said the areas three large library systems relied on the same legal advice and were told they could keep their current cards. If parents or guardians want to change a childs library use, they can either tear up a card or monitor all library check-outs themselves. In addition, library use through school partnerships will not be revoked unless a parent cancels a students access.

An attorney advised that existing language in the library-school partnerships didnt violate the new state rules, McGuire said.

Sudden expiration of cards would have been a nightmare for children and parents, he said.

We would have had hundreds of thousands of childrens cards expire among the city, county and St. Charles systems, he said.

Ive always thought the new rules were a solution in need of a problem, McGuire added. Weve had almost no complaints about the childrens collection in my 30-odd years with the library.

Separating books by age

Most major libraries have already separated childrens books by age and away from adult materials, another new rule by Ashcroft. In addition, most libraries already had procedures in place for a resident or card holder to challenge materials as inappropriate. But now, theyve added more details to those procedures and will include decisions in reports to boards of trustees or directors (available online to patrons).

Other requirements include adding age designations on meeting room events held by outside groups. Libraries also added language to their policies advising that childrens materials are generally for ages 1 to 12, and teen materials are for ages 13 to 17.

But the standing of library cards and parental permission was the biggest conundrum for many libraries.

Most card applications now will explain that users, even minors, have access to all library materials and that it is up to a guardian or parent to monitor what a youth checks out.

New policies emphasize parental responsibility, Benningfield said.

Scott Bonner, director of the Ferguson Municipal Public Library, says his librarys cards wont immediately expire. But he fears Ashcrofts rules will have unintended consequences.

He recently received an email from a librarian asking whether book sales and fundraisers come under the rules. Bonner notes that Ashcroft didnt specify rules for lending but for facilitating access.

Because a friend-of-the-library group runs the book sales, Bonner hopes the library itself wont be held responsible for childrens purchases.

St. Louis area library systems have spent months consulting lawyers, drafting policy changes and obtaining their boards approval for adjustments. The three large library systems in the area, which have reciprocal lending agreements, collaborated on the changes. A reciprocal agreement allows card holders for one library to obtain cards in a different system. St. Louis County and the citys public library also share a catalog. Only St. Louis Public Library has an option for parents to block minors from checking out adult books.

County library policies now say that a legal guardian who signs a minors library card application acknowledges that all materials of the library will be available to the minor. Furthermore, the legal guardian accepts responsibility for items, fees, and use of the minors library card.

In addition, the county library says guardians can revoke minors cards: This is the only means of limiting that minors access to borrowing library materials.

But current cards can be used until they expire, which is the end of the month they were issued at either one year or two years, depending on the patron type, such as resident or nonresident, Jennifer McBride, communications manager for county library, said by email.

R-rated movies, M-Rated video games, and some items like Chromebooks, hotspots, telescopes, etc., are still only issued on an adult card, she said. This hasnt changed.

Because previous library card applications may not have been explicit about access, some Missouri systems have had to expire minors cards.

The Camden County Library system near the Lake of the Ozarks was one. Director Michael Davis said in May he expired about 1,000 childrens cards out of the librarys 19,000 cards.

He was especially disappointed, though, to shut down seven hotspot systems, including one at Lake of the Ozarks State Park and a couple at city parks. The library had no way to verify whether minors using the hotspots had cards with parental permission, and it would have taken thousands of dollars for software monitoring.

Its unfortunate we had to do that, he said.
ST. LOUIS  Federal authorities have charged Dr. Sonny Saggar for allegedly filing fraudulent Medicare and Medicaid claims at the group of St. Louis-area clinics he operates.

Saggar, 55, is the former emergency room director at South City Hospital  then known as St. Alexius Hospital. He served as the hospitals CEO for a brief period in 2020.

Saggar was arrested Thursday morning in connection with the indictment, a spokeswoman for the Federal Bureau of Investigation said.

Downtown Urgent Care and Creve Coeur Urgent Care, which Saggar owns, are listed in the charges. The indictment also lists St. Louis General Hospital  which, according to the documents, included a primary care clinic and an urgent care. Saggar is president and a member of the board.

In an indictment filed Wednesday in the Eastern District of Missouri, the federal government alleges that Saggar and an office manager, Renita Barringer, have fraudulently billed Medicare and Medicaid since the fall of 2017. They pleaded not guilty in court Thursday.

Neither Saggar nor Barringer could be immediately reached for comment Thursday.

Many of the allegations relate to the role of assistant physicians at the clinics. Assistant physicians are required to practice under an agreement with a doctor, who is considered their supervisor. The charges claim that the clinics offered stipends to doctors to sign up to serve in that supervisory role, but in many cases, the assistant physicians often never met and did not receive any training from those doctors.

The charges also say the clinics billed Medicaid for medical services as though they were provided by Saggar, when they were in fact provided by assistant physicians.

According to the charges, in 2022 Saggar hired a doctor who was under federal indictment in a separate case, and whose Medicaid billing privileges had been suspended since 2020. That doctor saw and treated Medicaid patients at the Creve Coeur clinic, the charges say, but Saggar was listed as the provider in the insurance claims.

That doctor is not named in the indictment.

Saggar has owned Downtown Urgent Care since at least 2012, according to the indictment.

Saggar was appointed director of the emergency room at South City Hospital  then known as St. Alexius Hospital  in 2015. Former owner Grant White appointed him CEO in February 2020. Saggar later said he was let go in the fall of 2020.

In 2018, the city of St. Louis ended a contract with Saggars urgent care to provide residents free testing for sexually transmitted infections, the Post-Dispatch reported at the time.

The decision came after other providers in the area complained that the clinic was violating the contract by charging fees, and failing to routinely conduct STI screenings. Saggar denied that the clinic charged patients, and said it did perform regular testing.
ST. LOUIS  More than 23,000 Missourians in June lost health insurance coverage through Medicaid because they could not be located or did not return necessary paperwork, according to the first numbers released Thursday since the three-year pause on verifying eligibility was lifted.

Nearly half of those  almost 11,000  were children, the data shows.

States were barred from kicking anyone off Medicaid since the COVID-19 public health emergency was declared in March 2020. That pause on verifying eligibility was lifted April 1.

Missouri began its renewal process in June, starting with those whose annual renewals were due by the end of that month.

When the pandemic started, about 900,000 Missourians received Medicaid, which is government-funded and provides health coverage to low-income adults, children, pregnant women, the elderly and people with disabilities.

That number grew to more than 1.6 million as verification was paused, and Missouri also expanded the Medicaid program to cover more adults in 2021. Expansion has added nearly 337,000 participants, data shows.

The Missouri Family Support Division is in charge of the verification process. The division was able to determine whether some participants are still eligible using enrollment databases for other federal assistance programs.

Of the nearly 117,000 Missourians whose Medicaid renewals were due in June, nearly 38,000 were automatically renewed this way.

The division has taken aggressive steps to raise public awareness and implement technology solutions to enhance their ability to electronically determine eligibility of Medicaid participants, said Caitlyn Whaley, spokeswoman for the Missouri Department of Social Services.

Staff also continues to explore and implement additional technology to increase the number of automatic renewals, Whaley said.

When the division needs to contact participants to get more information, that is where the challenges occur.

While the state was able to reach and approve more than 12,000 participants, data shows that 23,341 Missourians lost coverage in June because of procedural reasons  meaning they didnt return their renewal form or submit necessary documentation by the renewal deadline at the end of the month. Of those, 10,747 were children.

Another more than 34,000 are pending  they still have coverage but require further analysis to determine if they are still eligible. Nearly 22,000 of those are children.

In addition to the 23,341 who lost coverage, nearly 9,200 participants were determined to be no longer eligible because of increased income or other change in their status, bringing the total number of Missourians dropped from coverage to more than 32,500.

Individuals determined as no longer eligible get referred to the federal Health Insurance Marketplace, which provides premium and cost-sharing subsidies for health coverage.

Early data from other states also shows that many people are losing coverage for procedural reasons, and many who are dropped have been children.

According to KFF Health News, which has been tracking the latest data across the U.S., nearly 3.8 million people have lost Medicaid coverage since the renewal process began, based on data released so far by 37 states and the District of Columbia.

About 73% lost coverage for procedural reasons, the data shows.

In a normal year, about 17 million Americans lose their Medicaid coverage, many of whom are eligible but get caught in red tape. The federal government has projected that about 15 million people will lose coverage this year, including nearly 7 million people who are actually eligible.

This is despite federal officials working closely with states on ways to keep people covered, such as using federal databases to automatically renew qualified participants, outreach efforts and troubleshooting any problems that arise.

Our priority and commitment is to do everything within our power to help keep people covered for the coverage that they are eligible before, said Daniel Tsai, director of the Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services at the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Service,

Tsai said in a July 20 press conference that the initial numbers are raising alarm.

In particular, were very concerned that the majority of people that have lost coverage, have lost coverage for what we call procedural reasons, meaning the state has not been able to identify that someone is eligible (because) individuals have not responded, and that could be due to lack of awareness, wrong addresses, or people not getting a Medicaid renewal form in the mail, he said.

Tsai has urged state and local officials and organizations to step up their education efforts after initial feedback shows many people are in the dark.

All the survey information, focus groups, interviews, discussions with on-the-ground stakeholders that weve had indicate that most Medicaid enrollees are not aware that Medicaid eligibility checks have restarted, he said.

Family Support Division Director Kim Evans has said staff prepared by checking U.S. Postal Service data for any address changes and working with managed care companies to gather email addresses and phone numbers.

They created a new customer online portal, where participants can create an account to check when their renewal date is and respond to any requests for information. They created radio and digital ads and sent targeted emails, Evans said.

They have also been working with health advocates and local organizations to get the word out about the renewal process, she added. Materials such as flyers and social media posts are available for any organization who wants to share them, and staff will help tailor the message to specific audiences.

Officials with Affinia Heathcare, which provides primary and dental care to Medicaid and uninsured patients in the St. Louis area, say they have been working on informing clients since January about the renewal process.

Efforts include canvassing neighborhoods, hosting events at their clinics and participating in area health fairs, said LaDon Meriweather, the outreach director for Affinia.

We will set up a table basically anywhere we are allowed to set up a table and partner with any organization that is willing to let us come in, Meriweather said. Partners have included homeless shelters, libraries and schools.

Sunni Johnson, a health application coordinator, for Affinia, says staff members have called hundreds of patients directly, reminding them that a renewal form will be coming and to update their address with the state social services department.

Each month more than 100,000 Missourians will be up for Medicaid renewal. Nearly 37,000 renewal forms were mailed to those whose renewal deadline is the end of July, a department spokeswoman said.

Forms are sent about a month before their annual renewal date.

Information must be sent back by the deadline on the form. Individuals can also submit the information by using the new customer portal, calling 1-855-373-4636, uploading to myDSSupload.mo.gov or visiting a local resource center, which can be found at myDSS.mo.gov/renew.

All participants will get a letter in the mail before their renewal date, informing them that their coverage is either renewed, modified or that more information is needed.

If individuals who are eligible return the needed information within 90 days of losing coverage, their Medicaid will be reinstated and cover any lapse.

Updated at 4:47 p.m.
TOWN AND COUNTRY  A pharmaceutical company in Town and Country is carving out a niche for itself, as it works to develop medications for defense and space agencies.

On Tuesday evening, Defender Pharmaceuticals reached an agreement to license a slate of vaccines to protect against tropical diseases. And on Wednesday it applied for approval for a drug targeting motion sickness that it hopes to sell to the U.S. Navy and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

The moves come after nine years of relatively under-the-radar existence, as the companys leaders laid the groundwork for the two long-awaited milestones this week.

No one knew we were here, said CEO Barry Feinberg. Were growing And we plan on being a significant pharmaceutical presence.

The company is hiring, and will land at a 40- to 50-person headcount by years end, Feinberg said.

We plan on expanding the company significantly, based on these two events, he said.

The motion sickness drug, which is administered through the nose, uses the same active ingredient as the patches on the market, commonly used on cruise ships and airplanes.

But the company claims it takes effect more quickly, and is less likely to cause the drowsiness thats common among users of motion sickness patches because it uses a smaller, more concentrated amount of the ingredient.

Feinberg moved to St. Louis in 1986, to chair the anesthesiology department at what is now known as SSM Health DePaul Hospital. He left the hospital in 1993, and has since worked in private practice pain management, at Injury Specialists in Frontenac.

Defender was founded in 2014, the same year it purchased its predecessor company: Irvine, California-based Epiomed Therapeutics.

Feinberg joined the company in 2017.

The company ran two studies on the drug, between 2019 and 2021. To test it, participants were screened to ensure that theyd experienced motion sickness before, loaded onto fishing and whaling boats with blacked-out windows, and driven out onto the Pacific off the coast of Long Beach, California.

In a press release, Defender said its second study showed that the participants who received the medication fared better than the placebo group. The company plans to publish full results in the near term.

If approved, Feinberg said, the first round of the drug will be sold to the government agencies, and then would soon after become available for commercial use.

While the active ingredient, scopolamine is commonly used in patch form to treat motion sickness, its also in intravenous drugs used in surgeries, to dry out patients mouths and keep their heart rates from dropping. In his work as an anesthesiologist, Feinberg said, Ive administered that drug, probably tens of thousands of times.

His familiarity with the drug has Feinberg looking toward other possible markets.

Another use for the intranasal drug, he thinks, is motion sickness from using virtual reality goggles. Despite companies growing adoption of VR for training and simulations, people often get nauseated, and industry doesnt have an answer yet, Feinberg said. Defender also plans to look at the drugs potential use against depression.

Defender has a manufacturing site in San Diego, but it only makes drugs for other companies there. If the motion sickness drug is approved, the company will likely contract another pharmaceutical company to manufacture it.

Were learning the manufacturing in case we want to do that, Feinberg said. But at least for now, hed rather focus on development.
Aisha Sultan Follow Aisha Sultan Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today

I can see why right-wing commentators are so worked up about Barbie.

On a Wednesday night in a suburban theater in the Midwest, the lobby and concession areas were flooded with girls and women in shades of pink. They were posing for photos in front of a cardboard movie display, under a canopy of rose-colored balloons holding hot pink beach balls. There were grandmas and young girls, mothers and daughters, girlfriends and sisters.

I was there in a hot pink blazer with my book club. I had wanted to see Greta Gerwigs live-action film with my daughter, but she had already seen it with her friend.

This sea of pink filled nearly every single seat inside the theater screening the movie starring Margot Robbie as the iconic, high-heeled doll and Ryan Gosling as Ken. The movie smashed box-office records with a $162 million debut  beating Tom Cruises latest in the Mission Impossible franchise  making it the biggest opening weekend of the year.

It is, indeed, a Barbie world.

The film provoked conservative commentator Ben Shapiro into such a frenzy that he posted a 43-minute rant about it featuring a Barbie doll set on fire in a trash can. There have been scores of others on social media calling for a boycott of a film they describe as woke trash.

I dont think this apoplectic reaction has anything to do with the content of the feel-good, sumptuously designed, intentionally silly film itself. Rather, its a reaction to its success. They are unnerved that so many people are flocking to this mega-hit.

The message of Gerwigs film is about accepting ones self without relying on outside validation and treating others (and ones self) with compassion and respect. Even in the films alter-Barbie world, matriarchal as opposed to the real worlds patriarchy, Barbies journey makes her realize that its unfair and unkind to keep Ken subordinated and dependent on her gaze. Her human friend, Gloria, played by America Ferrera, offers a rousing self-empowered speech near the end of the film. The monologue is a rather conventional critique of the mixed messages and unrealistic societal expectations placed on girls and women.

Noting that men hold greater political and financial power in the real world is hardly a groundbreaking insight. Just because a script talks about patriarchy doesnt make it a feminist screed. Theres nothing radical in the ideas presented in this film, but its delivery is inventive and entertaining and engaging.

Perhaps thats what has triggered Shapiro and his ilk. It puts the language of empowerment in an iconic American symbol of femininity and beauty.

It gives voice to those who saw Barbie as a ballast of the patriarchy and allows her to acknowledge her role in it. Barbies discomfort in realizing she may have perpetuated the very oppression she is fighting is refreshing to see in such a commercial, mass market production. Its the subtle moments of self awareness, like when Barbie loses the unnatural arch in her feet making her high-heeled shoes painful, where the film shines.

While the movie never uses the word feminist, its clear that Barbie enjoys both her beauty and power. For those threatened by women seeking independence, agency and self-acceptance, I suppose the film is subversive.

But young girls (and boys) dont need Barbie to sell them these basic notions of empowerment. They are plenty aware.

The right uses the word woke as a political shorthand to describe whatever they dont like or consider progressive. Originally, the term was used to mean being politically conscious and socially aware. Being awakened to various forms of injustice or oppression is a good thing. But in the same way conservatives turned diversity and inclusion, long considered positive American values, into dirty words, woke is ammunition in a culture war.

Meanwhile, Barbie was woke and embracing diversity and inclusion more than 50 years ago.

Barbie started her career as a fashion designer in 1959, and shes had more than 200 careers since. She joined the space race as an astronaut in 1965. She traded a nurses cape for a surgeons coat in 1973. Mattel introduced a Black doll, Francie, in 1967, and the first official Black Barbie in 1980.

Part of the films rousing success is how it taps into our nostalgia and ambivalence toward Barbie and turns it on its head. I am part of the generation that both played with Barbies and later scorned them.

The film is both a send-up and a love letter.

Its not a feminist act to dress up and go to the movies. But sharing collective moments of joy and reclaiming a symbol of feminine beauty and success are powerful in itself.

Thats worth watching.
ST. LOUIS  Police on Thursday afternoon said they arrested a 34-year-old man suspected of grabbing a child who was riding his bike and sexually assaulting him in the St. Louis Hills neighborhood.

Investigators plan to apply for charges Friday. His name will not be released until he is charged.

On Wednesday the department released photos of a man wearing an orange shirt, khaki pants and black shoes.

They said the man snatched the 6-year-old boy on Sunday and assaulted him inside a vacant home in the St. Louis Hills neighborhood.

Police would not specify what time or where the assault happened, citing concerns for the child's privacy.

Earlier on Thursday, a St. Louis police spokesman said officers from several units were put on the case to follow up on over 100 leads from the community.

"It is rare, I think anytime we do have incidents that involve children, certainly we at the police department ... can certainly empathize with that family," Sgt. Charles Wall said. "Any time that a child is a victim of any crime, especially a crime of this nature, we certainly are going to do everything that we can to bring some justice to this child and their family."
ST. LOUIS  A man who is serving federal prison time for his role distributing drugs, obstructing justice and money laundering in a gang was indicted Wednesday on charges he helped a woman kill her fiance in 2011.

Michael Grady, 68, is facing charges of conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire, murder-for-hire and money laundering in the death of Charles Harris III on Oct. 5, 2011.

The indictment says that in 2010, Victoria Rena Williams, 65, started an application for a $250,000 life insurance policy for Harris. She asked the agent specifically if the policy would provide coverage if Harris was robbed or killed.

On multiple occasions, Williams called Grady before and after she got off the phone with the insurance company. Eventually, they agreed to kill him, the indictment says.

Harris sold suits out of his house to friends and trusted referrals, so Grady agreed to refer new clients to Harris who were actually tasked with killing him, according to court documents.

On Oct. 5, 2011, the clients showed up at Harris home in the 10500 block of Langford Drive near Castle Point and shot him in the head and shoulder.

Months later, Williams started trying to collect the life insurance money.

On Feb. 28, 2014, Williams received a check for $224,444. She sent $110,000 to Gradys wifes account, which was actually used for Grady's benefit, according to the indictment.

Williams case is still pending. She previously pleaded not guilty to conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire and murder-for-hire.

Last year, Grady was sentenced last year to nearly 19 years in prison for his role in a large gang conspiracy case. Court filings say he advised another man to flee from St. Louis to Texas while facing federal indictments.
BONNE TERRE, Mo.  Officials believe LuJuan Tucker is so dangerous that hes living behind multiple layers of locked doors and security fences here at Eastern Reception, Diagnostic and Correctional Center, a sprawling state prison that anyone would want to avoid.

Anyone, it seems, but Tucker and some of his sexually violent predator colleagues.

Tucker, 38, originally from St. Louis, was one of five inmates who broke out of the St. Francois County Jail in January and took off in a stolen car without immediate apprehension.

Those were the best four days of my life, Tucker said in a lengthy interview Tuesday about the escape and why hes glad to be back in prison. I know its sad to say. I hadnt been on the streets in 20 years.

At the time of the jail break, Tucker and two others  Aaron Sebastian and Kelly McSean  were being held there on charges stemming from aggressive incidents that happened in Farmington, a few blocks away, at Sex Offender Rehabilitation and Treatment Services. SORTS, as the controversial state program is called, is for people civilly committed against their will as mental health patients after serving full prison sentences for convicted sex crimes.

Sexually violent predators are held at the high-security SORTS facility in anticipation of what they might do. Few get out for a chance to prove themselves.

The community thinks you are going to SORTS for treatment, Tucker said. You are going to SORTS to die.

So when he kicked a metal leg off a jail bunk bed, used it to pop open a secure door leading onto the roof, there was nothing to lose  at least in his mind.

Rather a shot at freedom.

And if he didnt overcome the obstacles ahead, hed end up in a different state facility than SORTS for a while. There are more perks in prison, he said, like permission to lift weights with his shirt off, spend more money in commissary, keep food and candy in his cell.

Lashing out

The path off the roof started long before he was held in the St. Francois County Jail.

Tucker has been institutionalized since he was a student at Pattonville Heights Middle School. He racked up sexual misconduct and offensive touching complaints that were referred to juvenile court. His grandmother was given custody. She gave up, court records say, for Tuckers refusal to follow the rules and ongoing inappropriate behavior.

He was committed to the now-closed Hillsboro Treatment Center, a state Division of Youth Services facility built new in 1999. Fifteen months later, he returned to his mothers care, in 2001. He still missed a lot of school, didnt meet curfew and was found with marijuana in his shoe. He said his father served time in the California prison system.

I seen the fast money, he said of growing up. When you dont have guidance, saying try this, try that  something different  you are going to sway to what you see as glittery and gold, which is the streets.

In 2003, nearly 18, Tucker was accused of raping a 12-year-old girl in her home. He was sentenced to five years in prison. Behind bars, he received conduct violations for forcible sexual misconduct and sexual misconduct, and was diagnosed with leukemia. In 2009, when he was 24, he was deemed a sexually violent predator and committed to the SORTS program. With help from the attorney generals office, SORTS is run by the Missouri Department of Mental Health.

Tucker was one of the youngest patients there. He said he resisted treatment because there didnt seem like a clear path out.

In 2012, he was accused of sexually assaulting another SORTS resident. He was taken to the St. Francois County Jail, then returned to SORTS one month later for an additional alleged sexual assault on a fellow inmate, according to court records. He was sentenced to five years and sent back to prison. In 2016, when he returned to SORTS, he said there was a different vibe at the program thanks to a lawsuit filed by residents in federal court.

U.S. District Judge Audrey G. Fleissig had ruled one year earlier that Missouris sexually violent predator law was indeed constitutional, but that treatment was essentially a sham because nobody was being released. She wrote then that there were systemic failures and a pervasive sense of hopelessness.

After the win, the class of sex predators, state officials and attorneys were supposed to come up with a plan to make necessary reforms. The state agreed to a proposed settlement that would have required at least five years of federal oversight of the SORTS program. But the plaintiffs, as well as their attorneys, divided over the best and most realistic way forward. They ate up too much time.

In early 2017, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit reversed a similar Minnesota case. The Missouri attorney generals office pounced on the opportunity, as it argued successfully that the decision from the higher court applied in the SORTS case. With some reluctance, Fleissig wrote at the time, she dismissed the SORTS case.

Tucker said the lawsuit, originally written out by hand, still had impact for a while. He said he participated in treatment when he came back to SORTS in 2016 and tried working his way through the color-coded progress levels. Yet he seemed to always end up back on red, which also restricted his privileges, such as the job he preferred to do inside SORTS and the amount of money he could spend on commissary items.

He lashed out physically.

Dont get me wrong, it wasnt all SORTS, he said. It was also me not using my coping skills. I didnt handle it appropriately, but I kept getting tired of not getting direct answers and constantly having my past reputation being thrown in my face.

One of the charges he picked up during that time was for beating Thomas J. Ingrassia, a fellow SORTS resident who once escaped from the facility and lived a double life in Florida until he was caught and returned. The assault, and other charges, landed Tucker back at the St. Francois County Jail.

I gave up, he said. When I put my hands on Tom Ingrassia I said, I am not coming back. I want to live my life in the Department of Corrections.

If not Canada.

Sightseeing

A few years ago, two inmates escaped from the St. Francois County Jail by exploiting a vulnerability in the metal sink and toilet assembly in cell D-1. They climbed through the wall, gained access to the roof and were gone for a brief time.

On Jan. 17, Tucker, Sebastian and McSean, all held at the jail for alleged crimes committed at SORTS, and two other inmates, Michael D. Wilkins and Dakota Pace, went out the same way.

The jail was lazy, Tucker said. They never fixed the cell.

Over a matter of days, he said they were able to gain access to the locked cell with a piece of plastic. He said they would climb through the wall and try to chip away at a brick beside the lock in the secure door leading onto the roof. But the brick wouldnt budge. Thats when Tucker said he kicked the leg off a bunk bed and used it to pop the door open like a soda can.

It was dark outside, yet hours before 10 p.m. count. The jail was being upgraded at the time. A ladder for construction workers led down from the roof. At some point, they ditched their jail orange, revealing street clothes underneath to fit in. They ran to a secure lot, about one mile away at a Centene Corp. office building.

Tucker said the gray 2009 Scion TC they found had the keys in it, plenty of gas, a couple tablets, $30 in change and items like laundry detergent that could be sold along the way to aid in their escape. He said they didnt know the owner. Even still, he said, the key chain said getaway car.

They ditched Wilkins, whose odd behavior eventually alerted patrons at a Poplar Bluff bar. He was taken into custody at a thrift store on Jan. 20 without incident. Tucker said the remaining four planned to stick together and go to Canada.

The only problem, he said, was money.

Along their multiple state tour, he said, they stole random license plates for the Scion, food from stores and gas cans from garages in residential neighborhoods, both day and night. Tucker said Pace was particularly good at making up stories for donations:

My wife is pregnant.

Trying to get back to Tennessee.

Tucker said they went sightseeing in Memphis. In Cincinnati, he said, a female criminal they met in a CVS parking lot helped them. Tucker said he also had consensual sex with her, which, to him, showed that he isnt a predator.

We had chemistry, and it went from there, he said, adding: She didnt know the extent of our situation.

State troopers in Butler County, Ohio, between Dayton and Cincinnati, eventually pulled the Scion over for an apparent traffic violation. According to a video of the stop, the fugitives acted like they were looking for their IDs, then sped off.

They bailed in a residential neighborhood after a high-speed chase. Two were immediately caught. The other two, including Tucker, within hours.

Surveillance?

Chief Deputy Greg Armstrong, of the St. Francois County Sheriffs Department, verified much of the breakout story that Tucker gave. He said cell D-1 was off limits at the time, but there is a systemic problem nationwide with inmates gaining access to locked areas by jamming the doors with plastic and other items.

He said D-1 and another cell have been taken out of service indefinitely. He said the roof door and plumbing chase have been fixed and reinforced.

Told that Tucker said theyd spent multiple days trying to get out of jail, and ultimately used a metal bunk leg to pop the door open to the roof, he said he hadnt heard that but it wasnt an impossible scenario.

When you are an inmate and have nothing but time, you can do some pretty impossible things, he said.

He said he doesnt like having SORTS patients in the jail.

I have said it, and I have said, and I have said it, he repeated. SORTS is supposed to be a treatment facility. When they are here they are receiving no treatment whatsoever.

He said the jail has dozens and dozens of surveillance cameras, and recently added more. Keeping an eye on all the angles poses a challenge.

Security cameras are great, but you have to have somebody watching them, he said. We simply dont have the staff to have one person to sit and watch cameras for eight hours a shift.

He said some staff members were reprimanded for the breakout, which he said ultimately ended without injuries that he knows of. He said the owner of the Scion was cooperative and not a suspect in the crime. He said its notable that the car was stolen from a secure lot.

They had a pretty good stretch of luck, but it finally ran out, Armstrong said.

Not for Tucker, though. Hes right where he wants to be.

He was sentenced to seven years in prison for kicking the kitchen door at SORTS, beating Ingrassia and escaping from jail. He said his record on the lam four days shows hes not going to harm people. He said he wants an opportunity to legally prove that he can control his sexual impulses as an adult, living out in the community.

In January, there were 265 residents at SORTS facilities in Farmington and Fulton, with 21 detainees in county jails. Currently, there are five SORTS clients living outside the razor wire.

If I cant be free, this is where I want to be, Tucker said from the prison visiting room.

For now, hes in administrative segregation. He said he has no TV. No books. Just a cellmate and lots of uninterrupted sleep.

He put his chin on his chest, shook his head side-to-side, as he rapped the lyrics of Got Some Freedom, a song hes polished:

Yellow ladder

Down we go

Disappear

Poof!
ST. LOUIS  Authorities on Friday charged a 34-year-old man accused of grabbing a child who was riding his bike and sexually assaulting him behind a dumpster in the citys St. Louis Hills neighborhood.

Osmani Haji Gul is charged with first-degree statutory sodomy and sexual misconduct involving a child. Police said the 6-year-old boy picked Gul out of a lineup.

Gul is also charged with first-degree attempted statutory sodomy and fourth-degree assault in a separate, similar incident. Police said Gul put a 12-year-old child in a headlock July 16 at Francis Park, but the child was able to escape.

Gul eventually confessed to both incidents in an interview with authorities, police said.

He was in police custody Friday.
JEFFERSON CITY  An attempt by Gov. Mike Parsons administration to break the states prison worker union appears to be nearing an end.

Eight months after losing in court, the Republican administration is poised to resume collecting union dues from correctional officers at the Missouri Department of Corrections.

Letters notifying employees that they can have dues collected via payroll deduction are expected to be sent out in the coming days.

Details were not immediately available. Loretta Haggard, an attorney representing the Missouri Corrections Officers Association, said Friday the two sides are in the process of finalizing a settlement.

The administration had stopped payroll deduction in 2019, arguing it was no longer needed because the labor contract covering the officers had expired.

The union sued and, in December, the Western District Court of Appeals upheld a lower court decision calling the administrations arguments for ending payroll deductions absurd.

The move had left the union with a significant funding shortfall, triggering the closing of its headquarters and a reduction in its staff from three workers to one employee.

At the time, union head Tim Cutt called the administrations actions a pitiful attempt to bankrupt the organization.

In a 2021 ruling, Cole County Circuit Judge Jon Beetem said the administrations maneuver was unconstitutional because officials did not apply similar decisions to other unions representing state employees.

The appeals court agreed, saying the administrations actions were arbitrary.

The practical result of the rule is to give (the administration) an unfair advantage in the negotiations by starving the labor union for dues funding during the contract negotiations process, the appeals court said in December

The restoration of payroll deduction marks the latest win for the association, which has fought attempts to destabilize it at least since the tenure of former Gov. Eric Greitens.

Beetem earlier ruled that a 2018 law, signed by Greitens on his final day in office, was unconstitutional and directed the state to resume contract talks in good faith with the unions.

The judge also said the state must abide by the terms of the now-expired contracts until a new agreement is reached or an impasse occurs.

The 2018 law championed by Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe when he was a senator, altered the states merit system by making it easier to hire, fire and reward workers. Kehoe is now running for governor.

The Republican-backed 2018 law put all state employees under the same, nonmerit regulations. The state removed testing requirements to qualify for jobs and terminated the appeals process for a merit system employee who was disciplined or fired.

Although Parson has worked to boost the pay for state workers, his administration has not negotiated new contracts with the unions since he took over after Greitens scandal-plagued downfall.
JEFFERSON CITY  Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe this week said hed consider rape and incest exceptions to Missouris abortion ban if he receives such a bill as governor, setting him apart from his Republican rivals in the race, who quickly attacked him.

Kehoes statement follows the Missouri Right to Lifes recent endorsement of Republican Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, who this week shared a tweet by a woman who said she was born to a rape victim and that she was disgusted by the Kehoe campaign statement.

The third GOP candidate for governor, State Sen. Bill Eigel, R-Weldon Spring, told the Kansas City Star, which first reported the Kehoe campaign statement, he wouldnt back additional exceptions to Missouris law.

He added that Mike Kehoe has illustrated time and time again that he will join the Democrat Party in expanding the practice of abortion in Missouri.

Despite the criticism, Kehoes message could help the lieutenant governor appeal to a broad base in a general election campaign in which abortion rights may play a central role. Abortion rights supporters are working to place a question on the ballot to overturn Missouris near-total ban.

Polling of likely Missouri voters has shown wide majorities support abortion access in cases of rape or incest, which arent allowed under state law; abortions are only permitted in medical emergencies.

To compete in the general election, Kehoe will first have to win over Republican primary voters, who have supported officeholders in recent years that have ushered in Missouris current anti-abortion law.

But even Republican voters have signaled discomfort with the prevailing GOP policy in Jefferson City: A St. Louis University/YouGov survey last August found 60% of Republicans supported legal abortions in cases of rape, compared with 75% of all voters.

In cases of incest, 64% of Republican respondents favored legal abortions, compared to 79% of all likely voters polled.

The statement Thursday from Kehoes campaign manager said that while he supports the current law as written and would oppose a ballot measure in 2024 to overturn it, as governor and the father of three daughters, Kehoe would consider approving legislation brought forward by the General Assembly that contains exceptions for rape, incest, and life of the mother.

The only Democrat running, House Minority Leader Crystal Quade of Springfield, said these approaches are effectively one and the same. The Republicans in Jefferson City decided they know better than Missourians and their doctors.

They wanted no exceptions for rape or incest, and they have made it so even when the life of the mother may be at risk, doctors are terrified of prosecution when they simply want to do their jobs, the statement said. Republicans need to get out of the way and let Missourians decide what they want for our state and stop playing political games with peoples lives.

Mallory Schwarz, executive director of Abortion Action Missouri, formerly Pro-Choice Missouri, also panned Kehoes stance, calling rape and incest exceptions disingenuous and hollow.

Anti-abortion political candidates like Mike Kehoe want people to think they care about our bodies and families  this stunt is nothing but an anti-abortion campaign tactic to win more votes, Schwarz said.

Any legislation to loosen Missouris abortion law faces extremely long odds in the Republican-dominated Legislature.

And, it isnt guaranteed that Missourians will be able to weigh in on the topic in 2024.

The ACLU of Missouri is suing over a proposed ballot summary by Ashcroft that its attorneys argue is misleading and argumentative.

The matter is pending in Cole County Circuit Court, delaying signature collection needed to place the question on the ballot.

Pam Fichter, former president of the Missouri Right to Life, says in a video shared online this week that abortion opponents hope to delay signature collection as long as possible, which could imperil the effort.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill.  Illinois crisis pregnancy centers, which often pop up near abortion facilities to offer information about alternatives, could face penalties if they disseminate misleading or untruthful information.

The move is another Democratic effort to insulate the states virtually unfettered access to abortion, even as neighboring states restrict it.

Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed legislation Thursday to immediately apply the states consumer protection statute to the pregnancy centers, non-medical facilities that offer some services to pregnant women and girls, such as ultrasound. They often discourage abortion by using counseling, material support and/or housing in an effort to persuade women to bring their pregnancies to term.

The pregnancy centers wasted little time challenging the laws constitutionality. The National Institute of Family and Life Advocates, a national network of pregnancy help centers; and several centers in Illinois filed a federal lawsuit in Rockford seeking a restraining order and injunction against the states enforcement.

This law is a blatant attempt to chill and silence pro-life speech under the guise of consumer protection, said Peter Breen, executive vice president of the Thomas More Society, which represents the plaintiffs. Pregnancy help ministries provide real options and assistance to women and families in need.

He accused politicians of targeting the ministries solely because of their pro-life viewpoint.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists says crisis pregnancy centers represent themselves as legitimate reproductive health care clinics providing care for pregnant people but actually aim to dissuade people from accessing certain types of reproductive health care, including abortion care and even contraceptive options.

The centers are often supported by groups that oppose abortion. As unregulated non-medical sites, theyre under no obligation to follow federal health care privacy law.

Women need access to comprehensive, fact-based health care when making critical decisions about their own health  not manipulation or misinformation from politically motivated, non-medical actors, Pritzker said. Signing the law means ensuring Illinoisans can make their own decisions about their bodies using accurate and safe information.

Sponsored by Rep. Terra Costa Howard of Glen Ellyn and Chicago Sen. Celina Villanueva, both Democrats, the measure was one of several adopted last spring by the Democrat-dominated Legislature, aiming to protect abortion access. Other measures attempt to keep neighboring states from taking action against their own residents or physicians who cross into Illinois for services. Several Republican-led states have been restricting abortion in the year since the U.S. Supreme Court returned their right to do so.

States with Republican-controlled Legislatures have increased aid to pregnancy crisis centers, arguing that they provide alternatives. Missouri and Mississippi offer income tax credits to their donors; and in Kansas, anti-abortion lawmakers overrode Democratic Gov. Laura Kellys veto of $2 million in direct state funding.

Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul, whos tasked with enforcing the law, said there are about 100 crisis pregnancy centers in the state. The states new statute allows fines of up to $50,000 and carries the option of court orders to stop the banned activities.

Anti-abortion groups such as Illinois Right to Life have defended their practices.

Ralph Rivera, legislative chairman for Right to Life, was relieved to hear of the quick court action seeking a halt to the law. He maintains it not only chills free speech, is too vague in spelling out what the state might consider a violation. During debate on the House floor in May, Republicans pounded the bills sponsor for specifics and to each question, she responded that action would be at the attorney generals discretion.

These centers are scared, Rivera said. They dont know if theyve crossed the line and the attorney general will take them to court and demand all their records, a list of all their donors, Rivera said.

The pregnancy centers have won in court before. A 2016 law requiring them to provide information on where clients could get an abortion was halted by a federal appeals court and still awaits trial court argument. But the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in June 2018 that a similar law in California was unconstitutional.

AP Political Writer John Hanna contributed from Topeka, Kansas.
UNIVERSITY CITY  Victims of the severe flooding that swamped homes and businesses last summer demanded answers from the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District and elected officials at a public meeting this week, asking what they have done to prevent future rainfall from causing such devastation.

Big answers  or actions  remain elusive. But some small changes have been made in the past few weeks, in the wake of public complaints: MSD cleared a massive log from underneath the small Groby Road bridge that has long been blamed for impeding floodwater and worsening damages in the surrounding neighborhood. And the utility flew a drone partway into an underground tunnel that is cluttered with huge piles of concrete, some 5 feet high and 30 feet long, an inspection critics say is long overdue.

More than 100 people  the vast majority of whom were flood victims  streamed into the University City High School auditorium for the Wednesday event to commemorate the destructive floods one-year anniversary and weigh how the area can chart a better course forward and avoid similar devastation, even as downpours intensify and flood risks escalate.

We need to be as ready as possible for intense rain events and to ruggedize our environment to withstand terrible storms, said Peter Burgis, one of the dozens of residents who raised questions and comments through the event, both in writing or in person.

MSD insists that it does not bear responsibility for the flood-prone River Des Peres, and says the debris would not have a meaningful impact on nearby flooding. Local municipalities and the Army Corps of Engineers say theyre not in charge of debris in the channel, either.

Meanwhile, some elected leaders are pushing for further action, with Sen. Brian Williams, D-University City, telling Wednesdays crowd that hed pursue state-level legislation to formally assign and clarify channel maintenance responsibilities, if key entities dont swiftly resolve the stalemate that, for years, has left oversight of the waterway as an unclaimed hot potato  all while floods become increasingly severe.

University City is bisected by the upper River Des Peres and was among the areas most severely affected by last years flooding. Many residents offered ideas of potential solutions or actions that should be pursued in the near- and long-term future  many of which echoed recommendations that experts have voiced for years.

The stream of ideas and proposed solutions went far beyond the relatively easy and inexpensive matter of clearing debris from the River Des Peres channel  a small issue in the grand scope of regional flood problems. Plenty of the conversation hinged on the need and desire for bigger, bolder actions to reduce danger and thoughtfully adapt the area for wetter extremes wrought by climate change, and a hotter atmosphere than can unleash greater volumes of water.

Experts, MSD, and many residents all seem to agree that buyouts aimed at removing people and property from harms way represent a top priority, and perhaps the best and most cost-effective way to reduce risk.

We need to just get people out of flood plains, where theyre going to continue flooding, said Brian Hoelscher, MSDs executive director and CEO, ahead of the event.

Creating additional capacity for water storage along the river was another suggestion  perhaps by digging out cavities and basins that can hold water when storms pass through, and by restoring some of the natural features and curvature to the highly altered River Des Peres. Others called for insurance reform to shield residents from skyrocketing costs.

Residents who spoke at the event also recounted  and demanded answers about  their own struggles navigating the aftermath of the flood. Some described an exhausting year of seemingly endless and fruitless phone calls with insurance companies and different agencies, trying to piece their lives back together.

MSD, meanwhile, publicly pitched its plan to try to take on a role in tackling flooding issues  first by securing ratepayer funding for the work. The utility is preparing a ballot measure for next spring that would extend its work and customer charges to encompass flood problems, despite seeing similar proposals rejected by voters in the past.

The current draft proposal would charge a typical residential property owner about $2 per month, while commercial properties with large parking lots and impervious surfaces would face a different billing format, intended to skew more costs and responsibility their way.

One point of consensus was obvious: Everyone expects that the next severe flood is only a matter of time, creating mounting urgency to act.

The clock to the next massive rain event is ticking, said Burgis.
ST. LOUIS COUNTY  Longtime parishioners of St. Andrew Catholic Church in the Lemay area gathered in the pews Wednesday night to share memories and a prayer of lament.

In a land where faith was strong, stood a parish proud and long. Named for St. Andrews guiding light, a beacon shining through the night. ... As we bid farewell in sorrow, well keep your memory bright tomorrow.

The parish founded in 1905 is one of 34 that will permanently close on Tuesday in the largest restructuring in the history of the Archdiocese of St. Louis. While the churches are to remain open for worship, the parish names and geographic boundaries will disappear. Another 15 parishes will be merged into five new parishes with different names. Sacramental records will transfer to the archdiocese.

The implementation phase of the downsizing plan called All Things New will also see the reassignment of 155 priests. There are 27 groups of two or more parishes that will share a lead pastor.

In Lemay, St. Mark will absorb the boundaries and finances of St. Andrew, St. Bernadette, St. Martin of Tours and St. Matthias to form the sixth largest parish out of 135 in the archdiocese. A temporary schedule to ease the transition indicates all weekday and five weekend Masses will be celebrated at St. Mark, with one weekend Mass at each of the other four churches through the end of the year.

While parishioners are encouraged to change their registrations, it will not be automatic. Their offertory checks can go in the old envelopes, but they must be made out to the new parish.

What you will bring to the new parish is the spirit of St. Andrew. You owe it to your history, to yourselves and to your children to keep that spirit alive, the Rev. Allen Boedeker said at the gathering Wednesday. Boedeker, who came to St. Andrew as a deacon in 2001, will become an associate pastor at St. Mark.

There were plenty of tears as St. Andrews parishioners passed the microphone to share their memories and inside jokes. Many in the crowd of 60 graduated in the 1950s from St. Andrew Catholic School, which closed in 2003.

So many became successful and did things for the world and not just themselves, said Lee Burkemper, class of 1952.

Now in their 70s and 80s, the St. Andrew classmates mourned the loss of their parish and a bygone era, when nuns watched from the convent as hordes of children walked to school along Hoffmeister Avenue.

There was the time schoolboys were shooting BB guns at pigeons on the church roof. Sister Oliver soon ran outside, dazzled them with her own marksmanship, then told them to scram. On another day in the churchyard, some hapless kids pants were hoisted up the flagpole. The parish once had bowling lanes, dance shows and a drum corps. Mothers baked oatmeal cookies with the nuns every Christmas.

It was just a real community, Burkemper said.

Still changes to come

While several churches in closing parishes will continue to host at least one Mass a week, commemorations will be held around the archdiocese this weekend before the changes start Aug. 1.

St. Barnabas in OFallon, Missouri, will be converted to a new Hispanic parish called St. Juan Diego. On Sunday, St. Barnabas will host a Bounce Out event after the final Mass with a bounce house, balloon artist and tractor pull.

Go like a Barnabas, by wave, turmoil, fuss  tossed. We hope, we pray, we fear. Yet, God is ever dear, the Rev. Linus Dolce wrote in an elegy for St. Barnabas printed in the final bulletin. Dolce has said he will return to the St. Louis Abbey.

About 80 parish jobs from secretaries to music directors were eliminated through a combination of layoffs, retirements and transfers. One of the few remaining parish nurses, Peggy Baker at St. Rose Philippine Duchesne in Florissant, will retire but continue to host exercise classes and blood drives on the church campus. Sacred Heart in Florissant is taking on the parishes of St. Rose and Blessed Teresa of Calcutta in Ferguson after they close.

Other changes coming to closing parishes:

 Immaculate Conception in Maplewood will keep its community food pantry open after being absorbed by St. Mary Magdalen in Brentwood.

 St. John the Baptist and Immaculate Heart of Mary will host separate prayer groups, fundraisers and social clubs for the near future after merging into St. Stephen Protomartyr in south St. Louis. The choirs of the three parishes will combine.

 This month, St. Nicholas parish in downtown St. Louis hosted its last St. Ann Novena, held for the past 97 years.

The timeline for changes will be slower for the more complicated process of merging 15 parishes into five new parishes. St. David and Immaculate Conception in Arnold will keep their current Mass schedule for the next six weeks, with new times and locations to be determined.

Parishioners have completed first-round voting for a new name for the merged parish of Holy Name of Jesus in Bellefontaine Neighbors, and St. Angela Merici and St. Norbert near Florissant. Finalists include Our Lady of Perpetual Help, St. Catherine of Siena and St. Victoria. A final round of voting will take place by the end of the month.

Three south city parishes merging into one will host their traditional events for at least this calendar year, including the homecoming festival at St. Joan of Arc, craft fair at St. Mary Magdalen and breakfast with Santa at Our Lady of Sorrows.

The Mass schedule will include Sundays at all three churches except for one weekend in September, October and November when Mass will be held at one of the three. The limbo period without a name or main worship site is likely to last at least through June 2024, said the Rev. Brad Modde, the new pastor who plans to keep three offices and work out of each location at least one day a week.

Another element of uncertainty is tied to the Vatican, which has received a handful of appeals from parishioners over the closures. The appeal process through canon law can take years to complete.

At least one closing parish, St. Roch in the Skinker-DeBaliviere neighborhood of St. Louis, decided to recruit volunteer priests to celebrate Mass while awaiting a decision.
LINCOLN COUNTY  Evidence presented in court Friday revealed new details in what prosecutors call an intimidation campaign against the man leading the corruption probe into the infamous early investigations of Pam Hupp.

Lincoln County Sheriffs Chief Deputy Randy Lambert testified Friday that he received several threatening texts from an obscured number last year while he was investigating law enforcement misconduct after the 2011 stabbing death of Hupps friend Elizabeth Betsy Faria. Farias husband, Russell Faria, was initially convicted of her death, but he was found not guilty in a second trial.

The initial investigation has been widely panned for overlooking Hupp, now charged in Betsy Farias death.

Former Lincoln County Sheriffs Office Capt. Mike Merkel, 43, was one of two detectives who interviewed Hupp after Betsy Farias death and offered her a theory that led her to implicate Betsy Farias husband. Merkel and two of his relatives  his wife and former civilian sheriffs office employee Rebecca Becky Merkel, and his brother, federal agent Kevin Merkel  have since been charged with first-degree harassment and second-degree stalking of a law enforcement officer in connection with the texts to Lambert, the deputy leading the misconduct probe.

The hearing on Friday laid out the evidence in Mike Merkels case, including testimony from Lambert and two Troy, Missouri, police detectives who investigated the harassment claims.

Lambert testified that the messages came to his former department cellphone the evening of March 14, 2022, and included pictures of his county cruiser outside a Wentzville restaurant, photos of him drinking a beer as he ate dinner and a message reading: I have video of you drinking and getting into your county car. We are watching you closely. You should stop throwing stones at glass houses or yours will come down first and fast.

Lambert said he soon believed the texts were Mike Merkel telling me to back off from looking into the Faria investigation.

Betsy Farias death and the resulting investigation garnered national attention after Hupp pleaded guilty in 2019 to another killing. The saga sparked local news investigations, multiple podcasts, a series of episodes on NBCs Dateline and a scripted NBC show, The Thing About Pam, starring Renee Zellweger, exploring the crimes and glaring problems in the investigation.

Russell Faria, who spent more than three years behind bars before his conviction in his wifes death was overturned, attended the hearing Friday, calling the evidence against Mike Merkel appalling. The corruption review is ongoing, but Faria said hes eager to see its conclusions.

You can see theyre scared of what its going to find, he said after the hearing. I want to see what other names come out and just how deep it goes.

Mike Merkels defense attorney Donald Weaver argued Friday that his clients charges should be thrown out because they violate his right to free speech. He argued there was no actual threat of physical violence made in the texts and Mike Merkel never directly messaged Lambert.

Assistant prosecutor Dulany Harms countered that Mike Merkel and his family members used a shell game to mask the origins of messages that clearly threatened Lamberts job and well-being. Harms, a longtime prosecutor, was brought on to the Lincoln County Prosecutors Office exclusively to handle cases related to Hupp.

Circuit Judge David Mobley ruled Friday there was enough evidence against Mike Merkel for the case to move forward.

The evidence

The evidence presented Friday included surveillance images, phone records and testimony revealing new details about the threats to Lambert.

Lincoln County prosecutor Mike Wood announced the misconduct probe into the Faria case in December 2021 the day he charged Hupp with Betsy Farias death. Lambert said Friday that soon after, he instructed a detective who knew Mike Merkel to ask if he and an attorney would submit to an interview for the investigation.

He basically said we can go (expletive) ourselves, Lambert testified.

The threatening texts came a few months later, Lambert said. Prosecutors presented surveillance images showing that Mike and Becky Merkel were out to dinner with their children the evening of March 14, 2022, at a Texas Roadhouse in Wentzville where Lambert and his wife were also eating. Investigators testified the meeting appeared to be a coincidence. Surveillance images presented Friday appear to show Mike and Becky Merkel taking photographs of Lamberts vehicle.

Lambert said later that night his former department cell received texts that included photos of himself at the restaurant with a beer in his hand and a close-up photo of his cruiser and its license plate outside the restaurant. Lambert told the judge he was off duty and that he was not drunk that night.

Troy police detectives took over the investigation to avoid a conflict of interest with the Lincoln County Sheriffs Office.

A series of search warrants revealed the texts were sent by Mike Merkels brother, Kevin, an agent with the Drug Enforcement Agency, using his work phone and a number-masking app called Burner, detectives testified. Kevin Merkel was placed on suspension at the federal agency.

The texts introduced in court Friday also included a mention that Lambert could see a repeat of Mandeville.

Lamberts testimony shed light on that threat Friday.

Lambert said that in 2006, while working as a police officer in Mandeville, Louisiana, he faced harassment and a threat of arrest when he truthfully testified about the towns former mayor, Eddie Price. Price called him and other officers to request a reduced charge against a wealthy friend who beat a woman unconscious. A yearslong corruption investigation eventually led to another officer and Price both pleading guilty to perjury.

A prosecutor with the Louisiana Attorney Generals Office praised Lambert at the conclusion of that case, however, saying Lamberts truthful testimony led higher-ups in his own department to threaten criminal charges against him and run him out of the department, the New Orleans Times-Picayune reported.

I was threatened to be arrested for perjury, Lambert said on the stand Friday. They burned stuff in my yard and sent the same type of threats ... but I told the truth.

The judge, Mobley, said Friday that the mention of Mandeville in the texts was key in his decision to allow the felony charges against Mike Merkel to go forward.

Becky and Kevin Merkel, both of whom attended Fridays hearing, are scheduled for similar hearings in the coming weeks.

The Hupp saga

Lambert and other detectives have stayed quiet so far on the conclusions of the corruption probe.

Early investigations into Farias 2011 death, led by Mike Merkel and other detectives, did not focus on Hupp, despite her being named as the sole beneficiary of Betsy Farias $150,000 life insurance policy days before her death.

Russell Faria had an alibi backed by four people, surveillance images and receipts, but was nevertheless prosecuted and found guilty.

Mike Merkel, then still a Lincoln County Sheriffs detective, testified at the retrial that a camera at the crime scene showed absolutely nothing and seemingly malfunctioned. Farias defense attorney Joel Schwartz called that testimony into question when he presented more than 100 photos that included images showing a trail of blood at the crime scene.

Scrutiny of the initial investigation intensified in 2016 when Hupp killed a mentally and physically disabled man, Louis Gumpenberger, 33, in her OFallon, Missouri, home. Hupp claimed Gumpenberger had tried to kidnap her at knifepoint, but her story fell apart after investigators listened to the 911 call and traced money Hupp paid to Gumpenberger.

Hupp is serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole for Gumpenbergers death.

Wood took office as Lincoln County prosecutor in 2019 and charged Hupp in June 2021 with first-degree murder in Betsy Farias death. His office plans to seek the death penalty in the case, which is being tried in Greene County. No trial date has been set.

Russell Faria named Mike Merkel and two other investigators in a civil suit over his case that ended in a $2 million settlement for Faria in 2020.
WASHINGTON  Efforts to provide financial compensation to St. Louis-area residents exposed to nuclear radiation cleared a major legislative hurdle on Thursday.

In a vote that was described by Just Moms STL Co-Founder Dawn Chapman as nothing short of a miracle, the U.S. Senate voted 61-37 in favor of expanding an existing federally funded nuclear radiation exposure survivor program to include residents of St. Louis, St. Louis County and St. Charles County. The proposal was introduced by U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley, a Republican from Missouri.

Weve taken a big first step, but it is only a first step, Hawley said to reporters following the vote.

The measure, which also has the backing of Missouris other U.S. senator, Republican Eric Schmitt, now heads to a conference committee that will include members of both chambers of Congress.

Local activists, including Chapman and fellow Just Moms co-founder Karen Nickel, have long called for expansion of the relief program. Officials previously estimated that as many 80,000 people have been sickened from exposure to radioactive or other harmful materials related to the St. Louis regions role as a production center for the war effort in the 1940s.

It becomes awfully hard to vote no when you learn that it was the federal government that caused this. It was not an act of nature, or an accident, but the federal governments negligence that has caused this all, Hawley said.

Hawley said he hopes to inform members of the conference committee, once they are selected, on how widespread of an impact the nuclear testing had in Missouri and in other states.

U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Lujan, a Democrat from New Mexico, also spoke in favor of the proposal Thursday before the vote.

Not enough people have focused on the collateral damage caused by our nations nuclear weapons testing programs, Lujan said in a speech on the Senate floor, noting the impact of nuclear weapons testing in New Mexico and other states.

In his remarks to reporters, Hawley said the program, if eventually signed into law by President Joe Biden, would likely be administered by the Missouri Attorney Generals office and could be ready within weeks or months of the National Defense Authorization Acts passage. Among the items included in the defense bill is the programs expansion and a proposal to extend a benefits program for survivors of 9/11.

Residents of areas that are eligible for reimbursement would be able to apply for it if their medical condition has been directly linked to nuclear radiation exposure. Residents could also opt to receive a one-time, $50,000 payment from the federal government or to file survivors benefits if their next of kins death was caused by radiation exposure.

According to the amendment, claimants would have to document that they were physically present in an affected area  defined by 20 ZIP code areas  for at least two years after Jan. 1, 1949.

In addition, they would have to provide evidence of a specified disease, including certain kinds of cancer, leukemia, multiple sclerosis, and lymphoma. (The diseases are spelled out in the amendment.)

Affected ZIP code areas, which cover most of north St. Louis County, the north riverfront area of St. Louis and a large swath of St. Charles County anchored by Weldon Spring, are 63031, 63033, 63034, 63042, 63045, 63074, 63114, 63135, 63138, 63044, 63140, 63145, 63147, 63102, 63304, 63134, 63043, 63341, 63368 and 63367.

While the measure moves forward, efforts to force the U.S. Senates Energy Committee to hold hearings on the contamination and for President Biden, Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, and other federal officials to tour contaminated sites in St. Louis and St. Charles counties have not progressed.

Weve heard nothing from them, which is absolutely sickening after what this region has been through and what these folks have been through, Hawley said.

Hawley has also called for the release of documents related to testing at various sites in the region and for soil testing to be conducted at every school in the region after reports of uranium contamination at the now-shuttered Jana Elementary School in Florissant.

I believe that the cleanup of these sites is absolutely vital  and that needs to go forward, Hawley said. And it needs to forward on a lot faster timeline and a lot more thoroughly than what the government is pursuing it now.

Editors note: This report was updated on Saturday, July 29, to include details about the proposed compensation plan.
The Mega Millions jackpot climbed to an estimated $1.05 billion after no one took home the $940 million top prize. The numbers drawn Friday night in the nationwide lottery were: 5, 10, 28, 52, 63 and the gold ball 18. Mega Millions says the new potential jackpot is the fourth-largest in the history of the game and the fifth over $1 billion. No one has won the jackpot since April 18. The $1.05 billion prize would be for a sole winner choosing to be paid through an annuity over 30 years. Jackpot winners almost always opt for a lump sum payment, which for the next drawing Tuesday night would be an estimated $527.9 million. The odds of winning the jackpot are about 1 in 302.6 million.
The Russian Defense Ministry said Friday it shot down a Ukrainian missile over the southern Russian city of Taganrog, about 40 kilomters (about 24 miles ) east of the border with Ukraine, and local officials reported 15 people were injured.

Debris fell on the city, it added, alleging that Ukraine fired the missile as part of a terror attack.

The statement follows media reports of an explosion in a residential area of Taganrog.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. APs earlier story follows below.

KYIV, Ukraine (AP)  Russian forces on Friday pounded a key village in southeastern Ukraine that Kyiv claimed to have recaptured in its grinding counteroffensive.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, meanwhile, marked Ukraines Statehood Day by reaffirming the countrys sovereignty  a rebuke to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who used his claim that Ukraine didn't exist as a nation to justify his invasion.

Now, like more than a thousand years ago, our civilizational choice is unity with the world," Zelenskyy said in a speech outside St. Michael's Monastery in Kyiv. To be a power in world history. To have the right to its national history  of its people, its land, its state. And of our children  all future generations of the Ukrainian people. We will definitely win!

He also honored servicemen and handed out first passports to young citizens as part of ceremonies in the square. The holiday coincides with the observance that marks the beginning of the widespread adoption of Christianity in land that later became Ukraine, Russia and Belarus.

On the battlefield, the commander of Ukraine's armed forces, Col.-Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi, said his troops were pushing forward in parts of eastern Ukraine occupied by Russia and meeting stiff resistance as the war drags into its 18th month.

The enemy fiercely clings to every centimeter, conducting intense artillery and mortar fire, he said in a statement.

Recent fighting has taken place at multiple places along the more than 1,000-kilometer (more than 600-mile) front, where Ukraine deployed its recently acquired Western weapons to push out the Kremlins forces. However, it is attacking without vital air support and faces a deeply entrenched foe.

A Western official said Thursday that Ukraine had launched a major push in the southeast. Putin acknowledged that fighting has intensified there, but insisted Kyiv's push has failed.

Zelenskyy posted a video Thursday night in which Ukrainian soldiers said they had taken Staromaiorske in the Donetsk region. Russian military bloggers said artillery fire at the Ukrainian troops had effectively razed the village and reported more barrages Friday.

Capturing the village, which in 2014 had a population of 682, would give Ukraine a platform to push deeper into Russian-held territory, the bloggers noted.

The area has been a focus of Ukraine's counteroffensive since June, and its troops have previously captured several other villages there as they slowly work their way across extensive Russian minefields.

It was not possible to verify either side's claims about what is happening in the war zone.

Syrskyi said fighting that targets the enemys artillery as well as its command and control structure is a priority as his troops probe Russian lines for weaknesses.

In these conditions, it is crucial to make timely management decisions in response to the situation at hand and take measures for maneuvering forces and resources, shifting units and troops to areas where success is evident, or withdrawing them from the enemys fire, he said.

Russia is trying to hold on to the territory it controls in the four provinces it illegally annexed in September -- Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk, Kherson and Luhansk.

Meanwhile, a Ukrainian drone was shot down early Friday outside Moscow, Russias Defense Ministry said. It was the third drone strike or attempt on the capital region this month.

The ministry said there were no injuries or damage in the early morning incident. It didn't give the exact location where the drone was shot down.

The shootdown adds to concern about Moscow's vulnerability to attack as the war drags into its 18th month.

Two drones struck the Russian capital on Monday, one of them falling in the center of the city near the Defense Ministry's headquarters along the Moscow River about 3 kilometers (2 miles) from the Kremlin. The other drone hit an office building in southern Moscow, gutting several upper floors.

In an attack on July 4, the Russian military said four drones were downed by air defenses on the outskirts of Moscow and the fifth was jammed by electronic warfare means and forced down.

Heintz reported from Tallinn, Estonia.
St. Louis-area residents concerned about criminal justice are encouraged by the greatly improved operation of St. Louis citys Circuit Attorneys office. Other overdue improvements are in the wind as the Missouri state Legislature last session passed a bill automatically expunging criminal records for certain non-violent offenses, which was vetoed but could be passed again. And Illinois eliminated cash bail, taking a step toward leveling the field for those arrested who have and who dont have resources to pay bail.

But a vital component of legal justice that is in need of additional public attention and resources is the operation of the offices of Missouri State Public Defender system (MSPD). A little known fact is that MSPD provides legal representation to the majority of persons facing criminal charges in Missouri courts. The U.S. and Missouri Constitutions require legal representation for people accused or convicted of state crimes. But until 2020, many Missouri trial offices had waiting lists.

Since that time, significant additional resources have been allocated by the state to MSPD. But public defenders in Missouri are underpaid and it has been very difficult to fill vacant positions. Public defenders have very large caseloads and it can take many weeks for people who cannot afford lawyers to be assigned counsel. Meanwhile, many of those people must sit in jail. This must be addressed.

Susan Glassman  St. Louis
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis suggested that Black people benefited from slavery when he was questioned about new Florida standards for teaching Black history. The standards specifically outline instruction on "how slaves developed skills which, in some instances, could be applied for their personal benefit."

Their personal benefit? The benefits were entirely for the benefit of the slave owner. These skills rarely benefited the slave. By teaching certain skills, the value of the outcome (products mostly) of the slaves work provided larger profits to the slave owners, not the slaves.

It was often a curse for the slave to have special skills. These skills enhanced the value of the slave increasing the likelihood of being sold. Slaves with specialized skills were often fearful of being sold, separating them from the families they were able to nurture under a repressive regime.

Ron DeSantis should stay in Florida where he belongs.

John Sabourin  Richmond Heights
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / July 28, 2023 / Aton Resources Inc. (TSXV:AAN) ("Aton" or the "Company") is pleased to update investors on the results of further preliminary metallurgical testwork from its Rodruin and Hamama West projects. Rodruin and Hamama West are both located within the Company's 100% owned Abu Marawat Concession ("Abu Marawat" or the "Concession"), in the Eastern Desert of Egypt.

Highlights:

Two composite samples representing the main sulphide mineralisation types at Rodruin underwent preliminary metallurgical testwork investigating the potential to produce saleable copper and zinc concentrates. The composite samples were prepared from selected diamond drill half core intervals;

Results from a locked cycle flotation test carried out on sample ROMS-007 produced a copper concentrate of 28.1% copper at a recovery of 69.2%, and a zinc concentrate of 61.6% zinc at a recovery of 79.6%;

Sequential flotation tests carried out on the Rodruin sulphide mineralisation types indicate that potentially saleable copper and zinc concentrates can be achieved at reasonable metal recoveries and grades. Both the copper and zinc concentrates contain reasonable gold and silver credits;

A single bulk composite sample representative of the sulphide mineralisation at Hamama West underwent metallurgical testwork including cyanidation leach testing and flotation testwork to assess its amenability to cyanide leaching, and the potential to produce a saleable gold- or gold-silver bearing concentrate. The composite sample was prepared from selected diamond drill half core intervals and RC percussion drill chips;

Whole ore cyanide leach testwork showed that 49.8% of the gold was recoverable by cyanide leaching. Metal recoveries of 47.1% and 26.1% were also obtained for silver and copper, respectively;

Rougher flotation optimisation found that 81.2% and 75.7% of gold and silver were recoverable to a concentrate, at grades of 3.41 g/t gold and 84.8 g/t Ag silver, and at a high mass pull of 25.5% by weight;

A bulk sulphide float recovered 85% of the gold and 83% of the silver to a rougher concentrate assaying 2.98 g/t Au and 94.9 g/t Ag, respectively;

Bulk concentrate cyanide leach testwork showed that a gold recovery of 54.8% was achievable at a particle size of 80% passing 10m. Silver and copper recoveries of 60.3% and 47.0% were achieved, respectively;

The Hamama West sulphide mineralisation was not amenable to conventional CIL, nor flotation followed by ultra-fine grinding/CIL processing routes. A bulk sulphide float produces a potential precious metals concentrate containing gold and silver credits.

"These preliminary metallurgical testwork results from the Rodruin gold-polymetallic sulphide mineralisation are most encouraging, and indicate that saleable copper and zinc concentrates can be produced, containing very respectable gold and silver metal credits. The copper concentrate in particular recovers high grades of gold and silver, and could potentially be sold as a precious metals concentrate" said Tonno Vahk, Interim CEO. "The results from testing of the Hamama West sulphide mineralisation were less positive and indicate that the sulphide mineralisation is refractory, and is not amenable to CIL processing. However high recoveries of gold and silver to a bulk concentrate indicate that a precious metals concentrate could potentially be produced from Hamama West, and this could provide Aton with some synergies when processing sulphide material from both the Hamama West and Rodruin deposits, as well as the higher grade Abu Marawat deposit, which contains significantly higher copper grades than either Rodruin or Hamama West. In the light of the results from this phase of metallurgical testwork Aton has decided to defer the immediate work on the revised mineral resource estimate for the Abu Marawat Concession, as it evaluates a net smelter return approach to the resource estimation, in order to fully assess the potential of the Hamama West, Rodruin and Abu Marawat gold-silver-copper-zinc sulphide deposits. The Company is continuing to push ahead towards its immediate primary goal, which is the completion of its application for the exploitation licence at the Abu Marawat Concession, and plans to submit this application to the Egyptian Mineral Resources Authority within the coming two months. The application for the exploitation licence will be based on a commercial discovery' comprising open pit mine and heap leach projects on the oxide gold caps of both the Hamama West and Rodruin deposits, which will represent the first two mining projects in the planned phased development of the Abu Marawat Concession."

Figure 1: Geological plan of the Rodruin area, showing the main mineralised zones and the collars of the drill holes sampled in samples ROMS-006 and ROMS-007

Metallurgical testwork programme - Rodruin

Two composite samples were prepared from the Rodruin mineral deposit for metallurgical testing, which were representative of the two main sulphide mineralisation types, hosted in intensely phyllic altered ("phyllic") and carbonate rock types. This preliminary testwork programme was designed to follow on from testing of the oxide mineralisation types carried out in early 2023, which indicated that the Rodruin oxide mineralisation is amenable to processing using heap leach and conventional CIL technology (see news release dated March 9, 2023). The programme was specifically focused on the sulphide mineralisation at Rodruin to evaluate the potential of processing both the main sulphide mineralisation types by flotation, with the goal of producing saleable copper and zinc concentrates.

Samples were selected from diamond drill half core intervals (HQ and PQ size), to produce total sample weights between 40-45kg. 2 samples were composited from the 2 main sulphide mineralisation types, specifically phyllic and carbonate hosted mineralisation (see Figure 1). Details of the samples are provided in Table 1.

Metallurgical sample ID Drill hole ID's Mineralisation type Sample weight Estimated grades 1 Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) Cu (%) Pb (%) Zn (%) ROMS-006 ROD-071, ROD-080, ROD-112 Phyllic hosted 40.7 kg 2.33 21.6 0.25 0.03 2.94 ROMS-007 ROD-048, ROD-091 Carbonate hosted 44.4 kg 0.58 10.3 0.23 0.02 3.26 Notes: Sample grade estimated from the weighted average assays of the sampled drill core intervals

Table 1: Details of the Rodruin sulphide metallurgical samples

The diamond drill half core samples were dispatched from Egypt to Wardell Armstrong International Ltd ("WAI") in December 2022, for metallurgical testing at their laboratory located in Cornwall, UK, with testwork commencing in January 2023. The half core intervals were combined to prepare 2 composite samples, which underwent a process evaluation testwork programme consisting of head assays, XRD analysis, rougher, cleaner and locked cycle flotation testing.

Head assays

Sub-samples of the 2 composite metallurgical samples were sent by WAI for head assay analysis at ALS Minerals' geochemical laboratory at Loughrea, Ireland, and were analysed for Au (by screen fire assay), Ag, Cu, Pb, Zn, As, Fe and S. Additional analysis for deleterious elements was not undertaken, but this additional analytical work is planned. The results of the head assays are provided below in Table 2:

Head assay results Estimated Au grade (g/t) 2 Metallurgical sample ID Assay (g/t) Assay (%) Au 1 Ag Cu Pb Zn As Fe S ROMO-006 2.31 24.5 0.22 0.02 2.52 0.04 4.8 12.2 2.33 ROMO-007 0.55 10.5 0.25 0.02 3.33 0.01 9.3 >10.0 0.58 Notes: Au by screen fire assay (ALS Minerals. Loughrea, Ireland) Sample grade estimated from the weighted average assays of the sampled drill core intervals

Table 2: Head assay results

The Au head assays measured by screen fire assay show good correlation with the estimated grade of the composited drill core samples (Table 2). Ag, Cu, Pb and Zn head assays also showed good correlation with the estimated grades of the composite samples.

The good correlation in assay results indicates that the composited samples prepared for metallurgical testwork are representative of the drill core intervals sampled.

Mineralogical analysis

The XRD results showed the samples as being gangue dominated. The phyllic hosted ROMS-006 composite sample is predominantly composed of quartz, phyllosilicate minerals (chlorite, illite, mica) and pyrite. The carbonate hosted ROMS-007 composite sample contained a mixture of dolomite, talc, quartz and pyrite. Sphalerite occurs as a minor but significant constituent of both samples.

The results of the XRD analysis are shown in Figure 2:

Figure 2: Results of XRD analysis

Flotation testwork - Rodruin

Rougher optimisation tests

The two sulphide samples were subjected to flotation testing to investigate the potential to recover base metal concentrates from the sulphide mineralisation.

The flotation route tested involved sequential copper and zinc flotation. A primary grind size of 80% passing 75m was utilised for rougher flotation optimisation, except for ROMS-006 FT3 where a grind size of 80% passing 53m was used. Results are summarised in Table 3.

Sample ID Test Product Mass pull (%) Grade Recovery (%) Cu (%) Zn (%) Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) S TOT (%) Cu Zn Au Ag S TOT ROMS-006 FT1 Cu Ro conc. 8.87 2.32 10.3 17.8 37.7 23.5 87.9 35.1 66.7 74.2 56.2 Zn Ro conc. 10.1 0.16 16.0 3.78 32.7 22.0 6.86 62.6 16.1 15.6 37.5 ROMS-007 FT3 Cu Ro conc. 6.04 3.54 2.23 5.04 89.8 36.5 87.4 3.95 53.9 55.0 19.3 Zn Ro conc. 31.4 0.07 9.95 0.59 9.98 29.2 9.61 91.5 32.6 31.8 80.3

Table 3: Optimal rougher flotation test results

Rougher optimisation testwork showed optimum copper and zinc recoveries to concentrates from the ROMS-006 sample were 87.9% at a grade of 2.32% copper, and 62.6% at a grade of 16.0% zinc, respectively. For the ROMS-007 sample optimum flotation performance achieved recoveries of 87.4% at a grade of 3.54% copper, and 91.5% at grade of 9.95% zinc, respectively.

Open cycle cleaner tests

A series of open circuit cleaner flotation tests were subsequently conducted based upon the optimum rougher flotation conditions. A summary of the optimum open circuit results is provided in Table 4.

Sample ID Test Product Mass pull (%) Grade Recovery (%) Cu (%) Zn (%) Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) S TOT (%) Cu Zn Au Ag S TOT ROMS-006 FCT9 Cu Cl 3 conc. 0.50 32.3 9.17 103 1,512 32.9 54.0 1.65 19.5 28.5 2.45 Zn Cl 3 conc. 3.30 0.36 52.2 3.29 52.5 34.7 4.07 63.9 4.23 6.70 17.5 ROMS-007 FCT5 Cu Cl 3 conc. 0.31 34.9 3.24 32.4 1,012 33.3 42.4 0.30 17.7 31.1 0.92 Zn Cl 3 conc. 4.45 0.17 50.3 0.60 23.3 33.6 3.08 67.3 4.76 10.4 13.5

Table 4: Open cycle cleaner test results

Three-stage open circuit cleaner optimisation testwork demonstrated that for sample ROMS-006, final concentrate grades of 32.3% copper at a recovery of 54.0%, and 52.2% zinc at recovery of 63.9% could be achieved, respectively. Furthermore, gold and silver were recovered to the final copper concentrate at grades of 103 g/t Au and 1,512 g/t Ag, respectively.

The same three-stage cleaning conditions were utilised for sample ROM-007, from which final concentrate grades of 34.9% Cu at a recovery of 42.4%, and 50.3% Zn at a recovery of 67.3% were achieved, respectively. Gold and silver were recovered to the final copper concentrate at grades of 32.4 g/t Au and 1,012 g/t Ag, respectively.

Locked cycle tests

A single locked cycle test was carried out on the ROMS-007 sample, as the predominant lithology of the two sulphide mineralisation samples, based on the test conditions used in the FCT5 open cycle cleaner test. A summary of the flotation performance as an average of the final three cycles is shown in Table 5.

Product cycle Cycle Mass pull (%) Assay Distribution (%) Cu (%) Zn (%) Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) S TOT (%) Cu Zn Au Ag S TOT Cu Cl concentrate 4-6 0.6 28.1 4.20 30.9 659 32.5 69.2 0.73 31.5 38.3 1.68 Zn Cl concentrate 4-6 4.4 0.25 61.6 0.97 28.2 32.8 4.52 79.6 7.33 12.2 12.6 Final tailings 4-6 95.0 0.07 0.71 0.38 5.32 10.4 26.3 19.6 61.2 49.5 85.7 Feed 4-6 100.0 0.24 3.41 0.58 10.2 11.5 100 100 100 100 100

Table 5: Locked cycle test results

Results from the locked cycle flotation test carried out on ROMS-007 showed that a copper concentrate grading 28.1% Cu at a recovery of 69.2%, and a zinc concentrate grading 61.6% Zn at a recovery of 79.6% could be produced. Gold and silver were recovered to the final copper concentrate at grades of 30.9 g/t Au and 659 g/t Ag, respectively. Both the copper and zinc concentrates contain reasonable levels of gold and silver credits.

Discussion of results

The gold head assays reported by ALS correlate well with the estimated composite sample grades, calculated from the weighted diamond drill hole assays, and indicate that the composite metallurgical samples are representative of the sampled intervals.

The mineralogical (SEM, XRD) analysis confirms geological interpretation that the samples can be sub-divided into two broad categories of mineralisation, as follows:

Sample ROMS-006 represents phyllic hosted mineralisation, and is mainly composed of quartz, phyllosilicate minerals (chlorite, illite, mica) and pyrite. This sample is representative of the higher grade gold-polymetallic mineralisation intersected in holes ROD-071 (see news release dated May 10, 2022), ROD-075 (see news release dated June 1, 2022), and also the lower zone of mineralisation in hole ROD-117 (see news release dated December 20, 2022).

Samples ROMS-007 represents carbonate hosted mineralisation, and is predominantly composed of dolomite, talc, quartz and pyrite. This sample is representative of the carbonate hosted mineralisation intersected in holes ROP-050 (see news release dated January 29, 2019), and the upper zone of mineralisation in hole ROD-117 (see news release dated December 20, 2022).

Results of the locked cycle test indicate that saleable copper and zinc concentrates can potentially be produced with reasonable gold and silver credits.

Based on the open cycle cleaner test results, other final copper and zinc cleaner products which would be acceptable saleable concentrates, as shown in Table 6, could be considered.

Sample ID Test Product Mass pull (%) Grade Recovery (%) Cu (%) Zn (%) Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) S TOT (%) Cu Zn Au Ag S TOT ROMS-006 FCT9 Cu Cl 2 conc. 0.8 24.0 11.7 93.7 1,283 33.9 65.7 3.5 29.0 39.5 4.1 Zn Cl 2 conc. 3.9 0.4 49.3 4.2 61.6 35.4 5.4 72.3 6.4 9.4 21.4 ROMS-007 FCT5 Cu Cl 1 conc. 0.8 22.9 4.6 25.0 577 30.6 71.8 1.1 35.1 45.7 2.2 Zn Cl 3 conc. 4.45 0.17 50.3 0.60 23.3 33.6 3.08 67.3 4.76 10.4 13.5

Table 6: Open cycle cleaner test results

Figure 3: Hamama West drill hole collar plan, indicating the holes sampled for the bulk composite sample HAMS-01

Metallurgical testwork programme - Hamama West

A single composite sample representative of the sulphide mineralisation at the Hamama West mineral deposit was prepared for metallurgical testing. This preliminary testwork programme was designed to follow up on testing of the oxide mineralisation types carried out in 2017-18 (see news release dated February 22, 2018), which indicated that the Hamama West oxide mineralisation is amenable to processing using heap leach and conventional CIL technology. The new phase of testwork was focused on the sulphide mineralisation at Hamama West to evaluate its potential amenability to cyanide leaching, and the potential of flotation methods to produce a saleable gold-bearing, or a gold and silver-bearing precious metals concentrate.

A bulk composite sample, HAMS-01, was collected from a combination of diamond drill half core intervals (HQ and PQ size, 10 holes), and RC percussion drill chips (5 holes) to produce a total sample weight of 88.6 kg (see Table 7). The holes sampled were spread out along the strike length and the entire vertical extent of the sulphide mineralisation at Hamama West (Figure 3).

Metallurgical sample ID Drill hole ID's Zone Mineralisation type Estimated grades1 Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) HAMS-01 AHA-024, AHA-026, AHA-044, AHA-058, AHA-061, AHA-067, HAD-002, HAD-004, HAD-005, HAD-010, HAP-147, HAP-157, HAP-193, HAP-195, HAP-199 Hamama West (Main Zone) Sulphide 0.82 28.62 Notes: Sample grade estimated from the weighted average assays of the sampled drill core and RC percussion chip intervals

Table 7: Details of the HAMS-01 bulk composite metallurgical sample

The HAMS-01 diamond half core and RC percussion chip samples were also dispatched from Egypt to WAI in December 2022, for metallurgical testing at their laboratory located in Cornwall, UK, with testwork commencing in January 2023. The half core intervals and RC percussion chips were composited in order to prepare 2 composite sub-samples, which underwent a process evaluation testwork programme consisting of head assays, diagnostic leach test, rougher and cleaner flotation testing, and bulk sulphide flotation, followed by ultra-fine grinding and bottle roll cyanide leach testing.

Head assays

A sub-sample of the HAMS-01 metallurgical composite sample was sent by WAI for head assay analysis at ALS Minerals' geochemical laboratory at Loughrea, Ireland, and was analysed for Au (by screen fire assay), Ag, Cu and S. Additional analysis for deleterious elements was not undertaken, but this additional analytical work is planned. The results of the head assays are provided below in Table 8:

Metallurgical sample ID Assay (ppm) Assay (%) Estimated grades 2 Au 1 Ag Cu S Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) HAMS-01 0.94 29.26 0.021 3.01 0.82 28.62 Notes: Au by screen fire assay (ALS Minerals. Loughrea, Ireland) Sample grade estimated from the weighted average assays of the sampled drill intervals

Table 8: Head assay results

The Au and Ag head assays show good correlation with the estimated Au and Ag grades of the composited drill core and RC samples (Table 2 above).

The correlation in assay results indicates that the HAMS-01 bulk composite sample prepared for metallurgical testwork is representative of the drill core and RC percussion chip intervals sampled.

Flotation testwork - Hamama West

Rougher optimisation tests

A series of rougher flotation tests were conducted on the HAMS-01 sample to optimise suitable conditions for gold and silver recovery by means of sulphide flotation. Results of the rougher optimisation tests are shown in Table 9.

Product Mass pull (%) Residence time (mins) Assay Recovery Assay Recovery Au (g/t) Au (%) Ag (g/t) Ag (%) FT1 final Ro conc. 25.5 15 3.41 81.2 84.8 75.7 FT2 final Ro conc. 16.5 15 2.80 53.5 80.3 50.1 FT3 final Ro conc. 21.3 15 2.66 70.2 92.4 69.9

Table 9: Rougher optimisation test results

Gold grades in the rougher optimisation concentrates ranged from 2.66 g/t to 3.41 g/t gold, for tests FT3 and FT1, respectively. Silver grades ranged from 80.3 g/t to 92.4 g/t, for tests FT2 and FT3, respectively.

Open cycle cleaner tests

A single cleaner test was carried out to determine the sample's amenability to increasing the flotation concentrate gold and silver grades. Results of the open cycle cleaner test results are shown in Table 10.

Product Mass pull (%) Assay Recovery Assay Recovery Au (g/t) Au (%) Ag (g/t) Ag (%) FCT1 Ro conc. 25.1 2.75 82.2 94.4 81.0 FCT1 Cl conc. 1 20.9 2.95 73.6 101.1 72.4 FCT1 Cl conc. 2 19.3 3.08 71.0 105.7 69.8

Table 10: Open cycle cleaner test results

Final open circuit cleaner concentrate gold and silver assays indicate minimal upgrading of the material from 2.75 g/t to 3.08 g/t gold, and 94.4 g/t to 105.7 g/t silver, respectively. Based on results of the open cycle cleaner test exploring the production of a saleable gold concentrate was abandoned.

Bulk sulphide float test

A bulk sulphide flotation test was carried out to produce bulk rougher concentrate for cyanidation leach testwork. Results of the bulk sulphide float test are summarised in Table 11.

Product Mass pull (%) Assay Distribution (%) Au (ppm) Ag (ppm) Cu (%) S TOT (%) Au Ag Cu S TOT BFT1 Ro conc. 24.9 2.7 94.8 0.1 27.7 82.6 82.3 78.6 90.7 BFT1 Ro tails 75.1 0.2 6.8 0.0 0.94 17.4 17.7 21.4 9.3 BFT1 feed 100 0.83 28.7 0.0 7.61 82.6 100 100 100 BFT2 Ro conc. 26.0 2.9 88.6 0.1 27.3 86.0 82.9 83.1 90.1 BFT2 Ro tails 74.0 0.2 6.4 0.0 1.0 14.0 17.1 16.9 9.9 BFT2 feed 100 0.9 27.7 0.0 7.9 100 100 100 100 Blended Ro conc. 25.4 2.98 94.9 0.09 27.7 85.0 83.1 81.6 90.5

Table 11: Bulk sulphide flotation test results

The results shown in Table 11 indicate that 85.0% and 83.1% of the gold and silver were recovered to the bulk sulphide concentrate assaying 2.98 g/t gold and 94.9 g/t silver, respectively.

The bulk flotation concentrate produced in this phase of testwork was used as the feed material for the cyanidation leach testwork.

Cyanidation leach testwork - Hamama West

Bulk concentrate samples were leached under various conditions to evaluate gold and silver extraction kinetically via stirred beaker cyanidation.

Whole ore cyanidation leach test results

Whole ore cyanide leach testwork was conducted on the bulk flotation concentrate sample. Following this, leaching testwork was also conducted on the bulk flotation concentrate at various regrind particle sizes to enhance gold and silver liberation. Solid sample streams were subjected to gold and silver assay by aqua regia digestion with ICP-OES finish. A summary of the whole ore cyanidation leach test results is provided in Table 12.

Feed Grind size P 80 (m) NaCN concentration (g/L) Recovery (Au %) Recovery (Ag %) NaCN consumption (kg/t) Lime consumption (kg/t) Starting Maintained 8hrs 48hrs 8hrs 48hrs Whole ore 75 1.00 1.00 50.6 49.8 38.6 47.1 1.88 0.36

Table 12: Whole ore cyanidation leach test results

Gold recovery was limited to 49.8% after 48 hours of leach time, with 90.5% of the relative gold recovery occurring during the first hour of leaching. Final silver and copper recoveries were 47.1% and 26.1%, respectively, with the silver and copper having slower cyanide leach kinetics relative to gold.

Low overall gold recovery is mainly attributed to the high deportment of gold within sulphide minerals, which are inert to the cyanidation process. Additionally, copper dissolution into the leach liquor contributed to the high cyanide consumption level.

Concentrate cyanidation leach test results

Following the first phase of whole ore cyanidation, a second phase of leaching testwork was also conducted on the bulk flotation concentrate at various regrind particle sizes, in order to enhance liberation of gold and silver. A summary of the concentrate cyanidation leach test results is shown in Table 13.

Feed Grind size P 80 (m) NaCN concentration (g/L) Recovery (Au %) Recovery (Ag %) NaCN consumption (kg/t) Lime consumption (kg/t) Starting Maintained 8hrs 48hrs 8hrs 48hrs Bulk Ro conc. 71 1.50 1.50 46.1 48.9 33.5 43.4 3.94 0.44 25 1.50 1.50 49.7 50.5 40.8 51.0 3.98 0.27 10 1.50 1.50 55.6 54.8 52.3 60.3 4.54 0.36

Table 13: Concentrate cyanidation leach test results

A maximum gold recovery of 55.6% was obtained after 8 hours cyanide leaching at a grind size of 80% passing 10m, and a maximum silver recovery of 60.3% was obtained after 48 hours cyanide leaching at a grind size of 80% passing 10m.

Diagnostic leach tests

Diagnostic leaching was undertaken to evaluate the gold and silver deportment across the bulk flotation concentrate, and demonstrated significant gold deportment in sulphide species which hosted 32.4% of the total gold from the flotation concentrate. A summary of the diagnostic leach test is shown in Table 14.

Gold deportment in the flotation concentrate shows that 47.9% of the gold is recoverable by cyanide leaching, which is comparable to the results obtained from the cyanidation leach testwork on unground flotation concentrate where a gold recovery of 48.9% was achieved after 48 hours of leaching (Table 13). 32.4%, 8.1%, and 11.5% of the total gold is encapsulated within sulphide, carbonaceous or carbonate, and other species respectively.

Metal deportment HAMS-01 bulk Ro concentrate Au deportment (%)  Au extracted (%) Ag deportment (%)  Ag extracted (%) Stage Total Stage Total Cyanide recoverable 47.9 47.9 47.9 43.4 43.4 43.4 In sulphide species Nitric acid recoverable 0.0 0.0 47.9 1.6 0.9 44.3 Cyanide recoverable 62.2 32.4 80.3 35.4 20.0 64.3 In carbonaceous / carbonate species 41.4 8.1 88.5 17.9 6.6 70.8 In other species NA 11.5 100 NA 29.2 100

Table 14: Diagnostic leach test results

Sulphide mineralisation was still found to be present in the leach residue after nitric acid treatment, indicating that gold is present in sulphide mineralisation refractory to nitric acid attack, interpreted as being primarily pyrite, and accounted for in the subsequent phases of diagnostic treatment.

Silver deportment in the flotation concentrate shows 43.4% of the silver is cyanide recoverable, similar to the results from whole ore cyanide leaching (47.1% recovery after 48 hours leaching, see Table 12), and unground bulk flotation concentrate cyanide leaching (43.4% after 48 hours, see Table 13). 20.9%, 6.55%, and 29.2% of the silver is deported in sulphide, carbonaceous or carbonate, and other species respectively.

Copper deportment in the flotation concentrate shows 27.1% of the copper is cyanide recoverable, which was also similar to the results from the whole ore cyanide leaching and the unground bulk concentrate cyanide leaching. 52.4%, 9.4%, and 11.2% of the copper is deported in sulphide, carbonaceous or carbonate, and other species respectively.

Discussion of results

Interpretation of the diagnostic leach testwork indicates that a significant component of the gold is associated with sulphide minerals, interpreted as being predominantly pyrite. A smaller component is associated with carbonate gangue minerals, and other species, which make up a significant portion of the Hamama West mineralisation. Silver is interpreted as being deported partially as electrum, where it is recovered under similar conditions to that as the gold. A further significant component of the silver is deported in sulphosalt minerals (other species' in Table 14). Investigation of the Hamama West mineralisation by ore microscopy techniques has indicated gold to be deported as fine particles, frequently less than 10 m in diameter, some of which are seen to be encapsulated within pyrite, and other sulphide and sulphosalt species.

The Hamama West sulphide mineralisation was not shown to be able to produce a gold bearing sulphide concentrate (requiring a minimum grade of c. 20-25 g/t Au). This is due to the close association of a significant proportion of the fine-grained gold with pyrite, and other carbonate, sulphide and sulphosalts mineral species.

The cyanidation leach testwork indicated that the sulphide mineralisation is not treatable adopting conventional CIL, nor by flotation-UFG -CIL process routes due to the refractory nature of the sulphide mineralisation.

The sulphide mineralisation is amenable to processing by flotation. High gold and silver values were recovered to a bulk sulphide flotation concentrate, which has the potential to be sold as a precious metals concentrate due to the combined gold and silver grades.

About Aton Resources Inc. Aton Resources Inc. (AAN: TSX-V) is focused on its 100% owned Abu Marawat Concession ("Abu Marawat"), located in Egypt's Arabian-Nubian Shield, approximately 200 km north of Centamin's world-class Sukari gold mine. Aton has identified numerous gold and base metal exploration targets at Abu Marawat, including the Hamama deposit in the west, the Abu Marawat deposit in the northeast, and the advanced Rodruin exploration prospect in the south of the Concession. Two historic British gold mines are also located on the Concession at Sir Bakis and Semna. Aton has identified several distinct geological trends within Abu Marawat, which display potential for the development of a variety of styles of precious and base metal mineralisation. Abu Marawat is 447.7 km2 in size and is located in an area of excellent infrastructure; a four-lane highway, a 220kV power line, and a water pipeline are in close proximity, as are the international airports at Hurghada and Luxor. Qualified person The technical information contained in this News Release was prepared by Gary Patrick BSc, MAusIMM, CP (Met), Principal Consultant of Metallurg Pty Ltd. Mr. Patrick is a qualified person (QP) under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. For further information regarding Aton Resources Inc., please visit us at www.atonresources.com or contact: TONNO VAHK Interim CEO

Tel: +1 604 318 0390

Email: [email protected] Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Some of the statements contained in this release are forward-looking statements. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions; by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results in each case could differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE: Aton Resources, Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:
WOLLONGONG, AUSTRALIA / ACCESSWIRE / July 28, 2023 / In a world where the gap between the haves and have-nots seems to be ever-widening, two brothers from Wollongong, Australia, are stepping up to make a difference. Elie and Charbel Douna have launched SWAG Illawarra, a charity organization dedicated to feeding the homeless and less fortunate in their community.

SWAG Illawarra is a Wollongong based charity that meets every second Monday and feeds the homeless and less fortunate in the community. Wollongong is an old industrial town that has seen a downturn in opportunities which has greatly affected and impacted the local population.

The Douna brothers, who were always aware of the disparities in their society, felt a deep-seated desire to help those who didn't have the basic necessities of life. Their Christian faith played a significant role in shaping their perspectives, particularly the emphasis on love, compassion, and service to others, resonating deeply with them.

Elie Douna shared , "We were taught to 'love your neighbor as yourself," and we felt a strong calling to put this teaching into action." The brothers believe that every act of kindness, no matter how small, can make a big difference in someone's life.

Growing up in Wollongong, Elie and Charbel Douna were no strangers to the struggles of their community. They saw people who didn't have the basic necessities of life, a reality that was hard to ignore. It touched their hearts deeply and sparked a desire to make a difference.

So, they started SWAG Illawarra, a charity organization with a mission to help the less fortunate in their community. They wanted to provide support to those who needed it most, to show them that they were not alone, and that there were people who cared about their well-being.

Their faith continues to be their guiding light in this journey. It reminds them of the importance of empathy and compassion, and it motivates them to keep going even when things get tough. They believe that every act of kindness, no matter how small, can make a big difference in someone's life.

Starting and running SWAG Illawarra has been a rewarding experience. It has taught them the value of community, the power of faith, and the impact of simple acts of kindness. But most importantly, it has shown them that when they reach out to help others, they are not just giving; they are also receiving. They receive the joy of seeing someone else's life improve, the satisfaction of knowing they've made a difference, and the blessing of being able to serve others.

SWAG Illawarra operates every second Monday evening, located just behind the main Wollongong Crown St Mall on Burelli Street. The atmosphere is filled with a sense of camaraderie and purpose, as everyone works together to ensure that no one goes hungry. What's remarkable is that most of the food distributed by SWAG Illawarra is donated by local businesses. This generosity not only sustains the charity's operations but also strengthens the sense of community.

As the evening winds down, the impact of SWAG Illawarra's work is evident. The gratitude in the eyes of those who have been fed, the satisfaction among the volunteers, and the sense of community that has been fostered are all testaments to the difference that this initiative is making.

The brothers encourage anyone who feels moved to help to support their cause, reminding everyone that every act of kindness counts, and together, we can make a difference. If you feel moved to help, please consider supporting their cause. Remember, every act of kindness counts, and together, we can make a difference.

For more information, follow their Instagram page . We can all do our part to make the world a better place, one act of kindness at a time.

About SWAG Illawarra

SWAG Illawarra is a charity organization founded by brothers Elie and Charbel Douna. The initiative aims to provide support to the homeless and less fortunate in the Wollongong community, demonstrating that they are not alone and that there are people who care about their well-being.

Media Contact

Organization: SWAG Illawarra

Contact Person: Elie Douna

Website: https://www.eliedouna.com

Email: [email protected]

City: Wollongong

State: NSW

Country: Australia

SOURCE: SWAG Illawarra

View source version on accesswire.com:
Not for distribution to United States newswire services or for dissemination in the United States.

TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / July 28, 2023 / GHP Noetic Science-Psychedelic Pharma Inc. (TSXV:PSYF.P) ("GHP") is pleased to provide an update on its previously announced acquisition (the "Transaction") of all of the issued and outstanding securities of Xcyte Digital Corp. ("Xcyte") which will constitute GHP's "Qualifying Transaction" (as such term is defined in Policy 2.4 - Capital Pool Companies of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange")) and will result in a reverse takeover of GHP by Xcyte.

On closing of the Transaction ("Closing"), it is expected that GHP (being, following Closing, the "Resulting Issuer"), will be listed as a Tier 1 Technology Issuer on the Exchange, and its business will be the business currently carried on by Xcyte, which is ultimately the business carried on, conducted and operated by Onstream Media Corporation ("Onstream") and its subsidiaries as of the date of the amended and restated business combination agreement dated June 15, 2023 (the "Transaction Agreement"), being event technology aggregation and development.

See GHP's news releases dated June 22, 2023 and February 9, 2023 for additional information regarding, among other things, Xcyte, the business carried on by Onstream, the material terms of the Transaction, the Consolidation (as defined below) and the proposed directors and officers of the Resulting Issuer and their respective biographies.

Concurrent Financing

The previously announced majority arm's length non-brokered private placement (the "Concurrent Financing") is now expected to consist of the issuance by GHP of a combination of (a) units (the "SV Units") comprised of one subordinate voting share (a "SV Share") and one-half of one share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"), (b) units (the "MV Units", and together with the SV Units, the "Units") comprised of one multiple voting share (a "MV Share") and one half of one Warrant, (c) subscription receipts automatically convertible into SV Units (the "SV Subscription Receipts") upon satisfaction of the Escrow Release Conditions (as defined below) and (d) subscription receipts automatically convertible into MV Units upon satisfaction of the Escrow Release Conditions (the "MV Subscription Receipts", and together with the SV Subscription Receipts, the "Subscription Receipts". The SV Units and the SV Subscription Receipts will be issued at a price of $0.25 per SV Unit or SV Subscription Receipt, as the case may be, and the MV Units and MV Subscription Receipts will be issued at a price of US$1900 per MV Unit or MV Subscription Receipt. Each Warrant will entitle the holder to purchase one SV Share (each, a "Warrant Share") at a price of $0.50 per Warrant Share for a period of 36 months following the Closing. The SV Shares and Warrant Shares will be issued on a post-consolidation basis as GHP expects to undertake a consolidation of its common shares (to be re-designated as SV Shares) on the basis of one post-consolidation SV Share for each 1.25 pre-consolidation GHP common shares (the "Consolidation"). SV Units and SV Subscription Receipts may only be issued to purchasers resident outside of the United States and MV Units and MV Subscription Receipts may only be issued to purchasers resident in the United States. The Company expects to complete the Concurrent Financing for aggregate gross proceeds of a minimum of $4,300,000 (the "Minimum Financing") and up to a maximum of $6,000,000 (the "Maximum Financing") or such other amount as may be mutually agreed upon by GHP and Xcyte.

The Warrants may be governed by a warrant indenture (the "Warrant Indenture") to be entered into by GHP and TSX Trust Company, as warrant agent. If entered into, a copy of the Warrant Indenture will be filed following the Closing under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

The Subscription Receipts, if issued, will be governed by a subscription receipt agreement (the "Subscription Receipt Agreement") to be entered into between GHP and TSX Trust Company (the "Subscription Receipt Agent"). The gross proceeds raised from the issuance of Subscription Receipts, if any, will be held in escrow by the Subscription Receipt Agent pending (i) the completion of the Consolidation and the reorganization of the capital of the Company, to among other things, create the MV Shares and redesignate the GHP's common shares as SV Shares, (ii) the satisfaction or waiver of all conditions precedent to the completion of the Transaction, other than the release of the escrowed proceeds, and the conversion of the Subscription Receipts, (iii) the receipt of all government or regulatory approvals and third party consents required in connection with the Transaction (other than the final approval of the Exchange), (iv) the receipt of the conditional approval of the Exchange for the Transaction and the listing of the SV Shares and the Warrant Shares on the Exchange, and (v) the delivery by GHP to the Subscription Receipt Agent of a release notice confirming the conditions in (i) through (iv) have been satisfied (collectively, the "Escrow Release Conditions").

In connection with the Concurrent Financing, GHP may pay cash commissions (the "Cash Commission") equal to, in aggregate, up to 8% of the gross proceeds of the Concurrent Financing and issue such number of compensation warrants (each, a "Broker Warrant") as is equal to up to 8% of the gross proceeds of the Concurrent Financing divided by $0.25. Each Broker Warrant will be exercisable into one SV Share for a period of 36 months at a price of $0.50 per SV Share. Assuming the Minimum Financing, it is expected that GHP will pay a Cash Commission of up to $344,000 and issue up to an aggregate of 1,376,000 Broker Warrants, and assuming the Maximum Financing, it is expected that GHP will pay a Cash Commission of up to $480,000 and issue an aggregate of 1,920,000 Broker Warrants.

The Company also expects to issue to Echelon Wealth Partners Inc. a fiscal advisory fee of 500,000 fiscal advisory warrants (each, a "Fiscal Advisory Warrant"). Each Fiscal Advisory Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to acquire one SV Share for a period of five years at a price of $0.25 per SV Share.

Closing of the issuance of the Subscription Receipts, if any, under the Concurrent Financing is expected to occur on or before August 31, 2023. Closing of the issuance of the Units, if any, is expected to occur concurrently with the closing of the Transaction. It is anticipated that the net proceeds of the Concurrent Financing will be used (a) to satisfy the amounts payable in connection with the acquisition by Xcyte of certain revenue producing assets of Onstream (as further described in the Company's news release dated June 22, 2023), and (b) for fees for accounting, legal, broker and consulting services in regards to the Qualifying Transaction and general working capital purposes.

None of the securities to be issued in connection with the Transaction or the Concurrent Financing will be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"), or any state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to any U.S. Person (as defined in Regulation S under the 1933 Act) unless registered under the 1933 Act and applicable state securities laws, or an exemption from such registration is available. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in any jurisdiction where such offer or solicitation would be unlawful, including the United States.

Summary of Selected Xcyte Financial Information

The following table summarizes selected financial information for Xcyte and its affiliates, derived from audited consolidated financial statements of Xcyte for the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021; unaudited financial statements of Xcyte for the three and six months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022; unaudited combined carve-out financial statements of Xcyte and its affiliates for the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021; and the unaudited combined carve-out financials for Xcyte and its affiliates for the three and six months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022 (together, the "Combined Carve-Out Financial Statements"). Further financial information will be included in the filing statement to be prepared in connection with the Qualifying Transaction.



Xcyte Digital Corp. & Affiliates

Combined Carve-Out Financial Information

Six Months Ended Year Ended Year Ended

March 31, 2023 September 30, 2022 September 30, 2021

(unaudited) (audited) (audited)

($) USD ($) USD ($) USD







Total Revenues 753,568 3,296,085 4,681,094 Total Expenses 1,478,867 3,195,420 5,283,195 Net profit (loss) and comprehensive profit (loss) (725,299) 100,665 (602,101)

Total Assets 25,663,404 26,313,438 25,827,180 Total Liabilities 14,100,819 14,137,978 13,716,301

Omnibus Incentive Plan

In connection with the Qualifying Transaction, the Company has determined that it is advisable to adopt an omnibus incentive plan (the "Omnibus Plan"), which will replace the Company's current stock option plan dated June 18, 2020, as amended effective on October 7, 2021. The Omnibus Plan will continue to allow for the issuance of options, including, with respect to U.S. Taxpayers, incentive stock options and will now permit the issuance of share appreciation rights, restricted and performance share units and deferred share units (together with options and share units, the "Awards"). The Company is of the view that the Omnibus Plan is required in order to provide additional incentive to, and attract and retain, the key executives necessary for the Company's long-term success, to encourage executives to further the development of the Company and its operations and to motivate top quality and experienced executives. The aggregate number of Awards reserved for issue under the Omnibus Plan may not exceed 10% of the aggregate number of issued and outstanding SV Shares plus the number of issued and outstanding SV Shares the issued and outstanding MV Shares are convertible into at the applicable time. The Omnibus Plan is subject to the approval of the Company's shareholder at the annual general and special meeting of the Company to be held on August 8, 2023 (the "Meeting"). Additional information in respect of the Omnibus Plan is described in the Company's management information circular dated July 12, 2023 prepared in connection with the Meeting, a copy of which can be found on the Company's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com.

Investor Relations Agreement

In connection with the Transaction, Xcyte has entered into a capital markets advisory agreement dated May 24, 2023, effective June 15, 2023, with Sophic Capital Inc., ("Sophic"), a capital markets advisory firm (the "Sophic Agreement"), pursuant to which, among other things, Sophic has agreed to provide certain investor relations services in accordance with TSXV Policy 3.4 - Investor Relations, Promotional and Market-Making Activities. The Sophic Agreement will continue for a term of twelve months, and automatically renew for successive six month terms, unless terminated by either party. Compensation to Sophic is $8,000 per month for the first six months, and $9,000 per month after the initial six month term. The Company will grant 600,000 stock options, having an exercise price of $0.25, vesting quarterly over a twelve month period following issuance, upon completion of the Transaction. The options will be exercisable until the earlier of twelve months following the date that Sophic ceases to be a service provider, and five years following the issuance date of the options.

Sponsor

The Transaction will be subject to the sponsorship requirements of the Exchange unless a waiver or exemption from the sponsorship requirement is available. GHP expects that the Transaction will be exempt from the sponsorship requirement as a result of the Concurrent Financing being undertaken in connection with the Transaction and has requested a waiver from the Exchange's sponsorship requirements. There is no assurance that an exemption from the sponsorship requirement can or will be obtained.

Completion of the Transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to, Exchange acceptance and, if applicable pursuant to Exchange requirements, majority of the minority shareholder approval. Where applicable, the Transaction cannot close until the required shareholder approval is obtained. There can be no assurance that the Transaction will be completed as proposed or at all.

Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the management information circular or filing statement to be prepared in connection with the Transaction, any information released or received with respect to the Transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of GHP should be considered highly speculative.

About GHP

GHP is a Capital Pool Company (as such term in defined in Policy 2.4) led by Paul Barbeau (Chief Executive Officer). Its principal business activity is to identify and evaluate opportunities to acquire assets or a business. Incorporated in 2020 under the laws of the Province of Ontario, GHP is a reporting issuer in the Provinces of Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta. Its common shares are listed for trading on the TSXV under the symbol PSYF.P.

The TSXV has in no way passed upon the merits of the proposed Transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release.

For further information, please contact:

GHP Noetic Science-Psychedelic Pharma Inc.

Paul Barbeau, Chief Executive Officer

Phone: 613-232-1567

Email: [email protected]

Xcyte Digital Corp.

Randy Selman, Chief Executive Officer

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (647) 777 7501

Investor Relations

Nikhil Thadani, Sophic Capital

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (647) 777 7501

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 includes certain "forward-looking statements" under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements are statements other than statements of historical fact that can be identified by phrases such as "expects", "anticipates", "intends", "aims", "plans" and "believes", and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to: the timing and completion of the Transaction; the proposed terms of the Concurrent Financing; the anticipated uses of the net proceeds of the Concurrent Financing; approval of the Sophic Agreement; the terms of the proposed Omnibus Plan and the completion of the conditions to the Transaction. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; delay or failure to receive board, shareholder or regulatory approvals; the risk that the Exchange may not approve the Transaction; the risk that the shareholders may not approve the proposed Consolidation or the Omnibus Plan at the Meeting that factors may occur which impede Xcyte's future business plans; the results of continued development, marketing and sales; the accuracy of pro forma financial information; and other factors beyond the control of GHP and Xcyte. 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. GHP disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements in this news release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

SOURCE: GHP Noetic Science-Psychedelic Pharma Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:
SURREY, BC / ACCESSWIRE / July 28, 2023 / Gungnir Resources Inc. (GUG:TSX-V, ASWRF:OTCPK) ("Gungnir" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it intends to extend, subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange, the expiry dates of an aggregate of 15,330,667 outstanding warrants as detailed below. The subject warrants were originally issued on September 24, 2020 and October 1, 2020, with an original expiry date of three years after the applicable issue date, and September 10, 2021, with an original expiry date of two years after the issue date. The warrants were issued in connection with private placements of units consisting of common shares and warrants of the Company. The new expiry dates provide a one-year extension on the warrants from their original expiry dates. These warrants continue to be exercisable at their original exercise price.

Exercise Price Original Expiry Date Amended Expiry Date $0.09 September 24, 2023 September 24, 2024 $0.09 October 1, 2023 October 1, 2024 $0.08 September 10, 2023 September 10, 2024

About Gungnir Resources

Gungnir Resources Inc. is a Canadian-based TSX-V listed mineral exploration company (GUG:TSX-V, ASWRF:OTCPK) with gold and base metal projects in northern Sweden. Gungnir's assets include two nickel-copper-cobalt deposits, Lappvattnet and Rormyrberget, both with updated nickel resources, and the Knaften project which hosts a developing intrusion-hosted gold system, and VMS (zinc-copper) and copper-nickel targets, all of which are open for expansion and further discovery. The Company has also recently added the Hemberget property to its Swedish property portfolio, a greenfield copper-nickel target, which based on SGU (Swedish Geological Survey) maps covers an 11 km-long gabbro-ultramafic intrusion dated at 1.86 Ga. Further information about the Company and its properties may be found at www.gungnirresources.com or at www.sedar.com.

On behalf of the Board,

Jari Paakki, CEO and Director

For further information contact:

Head Office/Investor Relations Phone: +1-604-683-0484

Email: [email protected]

Jari Paakki, CEO

Email: [email protected]

Chris Robbins, CFO

Email: [email protected]

Neither the TSX VentureExchange nor its Regulation ServicesProvider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange)accepts responsibility for the adequacyor accuracy of this release.

SOURCE: Gungnir Resources Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:
Originally published on bloomberg.com

NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / July 28, 2023 / Growing up, Soojin Lee lived in four different countries and has always been drawn to diversity, trying new things, and connecting dots. She was attracted to Bloomberg for those very reasons and has made a career out of connecting people to solve complex problems.

From Sales to Financial Solutions to her latest chapter in Core Product, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance), Soojin dedicates her time trying to "democratize ESG," making it transparent and easily accessible for our customers. Read more to find out about Soojin's 17-year career journey, the top priorities of the Sustainable Finance Solutions group, and what she wishes everyone knew about ESG.

Q: Can you tell us about your background and your career journey?

A: I am from South Korea, but I grew up in Papua New Guinea, Malaysia and the US. I moved around frequently when I was younger, so I've been drawn and exposed to change, diversity, and trying new things. I believe that was one of the things that attracted me to Bloomberg.

I joined Bloomberg in Hong Kong in 2006 after I graduated from university in Korea. I was wowed by the view from the Hong Kong office, but more impressed by the intelligence, motivation and collegiality demonstrated by everyone I met regardless of rank or role within the firm. The culture also stood out to me. I immediately knew I wanted to work for the company, and now it's been 17 years!

I spent the first nine years of my career in Sales and Specialist roles in Hong Kong. I was passionate about emerging markets as well as managing APAC-wide accounts and influencing product development for the region. Then in 2016, I moved to London for three years and had an amazing role in the Financial Products Knowledge Group (now known as Financial Solutions Knowledge Group).

After three years in that group I moved to New York in 2018 and after spending time back in Sales with a broader remit as Sales Manager and COO, I joined the newly formed ESG Product team (the Sustainable Finance Solutions group) when Bloomberg was beginning to make big investments in this area. I still work on this growing team, but have since moved back to London. I feel very fortunate because the role requires me to collaborate with so many groups across Engineering, Data, UX, News & Research, Sales, Analytics, Marketing, Communications and also with many other Product teams.

Q: What are some of your top priorities?

A: In recent years, we've invested significantly in our Sustainable Finance Solutions, notably to expand the ESG content we provide to our customers, and lay the foundational infrastructure for ESG solutions.

This year, we will expand on our differentiated content and focus on delivering seamless workflows that empower customers to make thoughtful investment decisions with ease, through quality analytics and integration.

Q: Can you speak to some of the trends that are shaping the momentum around sustainable finance and ESG?

A: In the past, ESG was seen as something niche. What's changed is that the majority of our customers now integrate ESG factors into their investment process. That's been the biggest shift from five years ago. We've also recently seen an increasing demand for thematic and impact investing, from concerns for climate change and biodiversity loss among others.

Q: How is ESG data beneficial for our clients?

A: The struggle our customers have with data is lack of disclosure and lack of standardization. There is also the fact that there isn't one data provider that meets all the needs of our customers for ESG assessment. On average, customers take in data from more than six providers, so managing all of that data is another struggle.

How do we help solve that? Bloomberg is the best in the industry for transparency and robustness, and has a seamless ability to integrate. The investments that we're making in our infrastructure are to guarantee quality and provide transparency. We are continuing to expand our content offering every year, and when it comes to problems like lack of disclosure, we have models to help fill in the gaps, where we can estimate on a very large scale.

There are many reports that show ESG will only increase in significance. We're not the first and only in the industry, but Bloomberg has the ability to integrate ESG content into existing workflows in a seamless manner on the Terminal so that customers don't have to work with fragmented tools.

Q: What do you wish more people knew about the work you do?

A: Our customers are struggling and looking for simplicity and clear answers. ESG is not standardized, it's highly scrutinized, it is also constantly changing and has fragmented regulatory requirements. In that kind of dynamic environment, whether you're a new player just starting to look at ESG or you're more advanced, Bloomberg can help!

Q: What inspires you about the work that you do?

A: I like to connect people to solve customer problems, build consensus and reach a common goal. I'm in this role because I love bringing different stakeholders together and tackling issues for our customers. Each person in our group brings unique skill sets and when there's a problem, we rely on one another and work together to find solutions. I also love it when a large group of people all agree that there is a pressing customer need or opportunity, and we align on a plan - refine, work out the dependencies to deliver and accomplish a goal, and our customers validate our work with adoption and feedback.

Q: What's some of the best career advice you received? And some that you would pass on to someone entering the firm?

A: The impact you leave on others is important. When people think about working with you, they will remember how you made them feel - how you appreciated their work and invested time for them to succeed. People at Bloomberg have been my greatest assets.

The other piece of great career advice I received is to never stop learning in every role. There is always an opportunity to make connections and take the things that you learn from each role to help you grow into the next, potentially bigger role.





View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Bloomberg on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Bloomberg

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/bloomberg

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE: Bloomberg

View source version on accesswire.com:
-- Sharpened Focus on Profitable Growth Yields Double Digit Growth in Revenue and Gross Margins -

VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / July 28, 2023 / PlantX Life Inc. (CSE:VEGA)(Frankfurt:WNT1)(OTC PINK:PLTXF) ("PlantX" or the "Company"), the digital face of the plant-based community, operating a one-stop shop for plant-based products, today reported its audited consolidated financial results for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023. All amounts are reported in Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated.

Fiscal 2023 Highlights

Revenue increased 11.0% to $13,299,891 compared to $11,984,809 in 2022

Gross margin increased 30.4% to $5,088,767 compared to $3,903,314 in 2022, with gross margins expanding 570 basis points to 38.3% compared to 32.6% in 2022

Net loss improved to $21,384,656 compared to $54,802,666 in 2022

Commented Lorne Rapkin, PlantX CEO, "Fiscal 2023 was a tremendous year for PlantX. We sharpened our focus on driving profitable growth, and this focused approach yielded strong financial performance and positions us for continued success in the years ahead. As we forge ahead, profitability remains a central focus, driving growth, expansion, and success across our diverse business units. We are committed to delivering exceptional experiences within the plant-based industry while continually striving for improvement."

Business Review

In fiscal 2023, PlantX's strategic approach has been to nurture its high-growth business units and make necessary adjustments to those that do not meet stringent growth and margin thresholds. During 2023, PlantX focused on building certain verticals, including, but not limited to, Bloombox Club, XMarket Chicago and Little West. Additionally, by design, the Company's business operates with limited overhead and inventory, thus maximizing margins and, ultimately, net profit.

To further optimize operations, the company made the strategic decision to close two Canadian locations inside the Hudson's Bay (Yorkdale, Toronto, and Rideau, Ottawa) due to insufficient foot traffic. All inventory from these stores was transferred to the Chicago warehouse, making it available for purchase on both PlantX.com and VeganEssentials.com. Additionally, the equipment from these locations was repurposed for the XMarket Uptown store.

XMarket Uptown is currently undergoing construction as the Company embarks on the creation of Chicago's pioneering Vegan Foodhall. With all necessary permits obtained and successful inspections completed, the highly anticipated opening is scheduled around Labor Day. The Vegan Foodhall will showcase six local vegan restaurants, accompanied by a coffee shop run by PlantX's Portfolio Coffee brand, and a fully licensed bar offering an extensive selection of vegan-friendly beverages.

In an effort to enhance efficiency and customer experience, PlantX consolidated XMarket Squamish and the Cloudburst Coffee shop at the Locavore Bar and Grill. This move allowed for the expansion of the lounge area, providing customers with a more inviting space to spend time onsite. As a result, daily sales increased, and the Company gained additional revenue opportunities through hosting private events.

The Company's focused approach on profitability was transformative at BloomBox Club. The team size was reduced from 30 to 4 employees, positioning BloomBox Club on the verge of achieving profitability.

The Company's cold-pressed juice vertical, Little West, experienced continued expansion. Under the leadership of Chris Dodigovic overseeing operations, Little West successfully expanded to Northern California, Nevada, Montana, and structured a deal with Dr. Munsch to bring the juices to the East Coast. The Venice Beach location continued to experience growth and excitement through successful popup initiatives. Notably, TiNDLE extended its three-month popup for an additional three months, further driving customer engagement and sales.

In terms of e-commerce, the Company further strengthened its relationship with KEHE. Leveraging KEHE's inventory, the Company offered consumers case packs of every single plant-based item carried by KEHE, including frozen and refrigerated products. This offering, in addition to the Company's own curated assortment of vegan products shipped from the Chicago warehouse, contributed to increased sales and customer satisfaction. Geo Lopez was promoted to logistics manager at the Chicago warehouse. Geo's expertise in shipping cold products and his ability to source materials at the lowest possible costs played a crucial role in ensuring products reached end customers in optimal condition.

PlantX has recently entered into a share exchange agreement with a newly formed Cayman Islands corporation to secure additional funding and further grow its U.S. operations. Under this agreement, PlantX will exchange a selection of its assets, including wholly owned subsidiaries Vegaste Technologies US Corp., Little West LLC, Plant Based Deli LLC, and PlantX Living Inc., as well as its 53% interest in Portfolio Coffee, Inc. and 51% interest in Eh Coffee Corp. Upon completion of the transaction, it is anticipated that PlantX will own approximately 60% of the issued and outstanding shares of the newly formed corporation, referred to as NewCo, with any adjustments dependent on the NewCo Financing.

Additional Information

The Company's complete financial statements and management's discussion & analysis ("MD&A") for 2023 are available on PlantX's website ( www.plantx.com ) and SEDAR ( www.sedar.com ).

Neither the CSE nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release or has in any way approved or disapproved of the contents of this press release.

About PlantX Life

As the digital face of the plant-based community, PlantX's platform is a one-stop shop for plant-based products. With its fast-growing category verticals, PlantX offers customers across North America more than 5,000 plant-based products. PlantX also has other brands in the PlantX portfolio including a juice brand, a coffee company, a plant shop, and brick-and-mortar grocery stores. PlantX uses its digital platform to build a community of like-minded consumers and, most importantly, to provide education. PlantX's digital presence eliminates entry barriers for anyone interested in living a plant-based lifestyle and thriving in a longer, healthier, and happier life.

Connect with PlantX: Email | Website | Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok

Contact

Lorne Rapkin

Chief Executive Officer

(416) 419-1415

Forward-looking Information

This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements contained herein that are not clearly historical in nature may constitute forward-looking information. In some cases, forward-looking information can be identified by words or phrases such as "may," "will," "expect," "likely", "should," "would," "plan," "anticipate," "intend," "potential," "proposed," "estimate," "believe" or the negative of these terms, or other similar words, expressions and grammatical variations thereof, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" happen, or by discussions of strategy. The forward-looking information contained herein includes, without limitation, statements regarding the availability of Future Farm products, PlantX promotional events and the business and strategic plans of the Company.

By its nature, forward-looking 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. A variety of factors, including known and unknown risks, many of which are beyond our control, could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking information in this press release including, without limitation: receiving sufficient demand for the Offering; the Company's ability to comply with all applicable governmental regulations including all applicable food safety laws and regulations; impacts to the business and operations of the Company due to the COVID-19 epidemic; the conflict in eastern Europe; having a limited operating history; the ability of the Company to access capital to meet future financing needs; the Company's reliance on management and key personnel; competition; changes in consumer trends; foreign currency fluctuations; and general economic, market or business conditions.

Additional risk factors can also be found in the Company's continuous disclosure documents, which have been filed on SEDAR and can be accessed at www.sedar.com . Readers are cautioned to consider these and other factors, uncertainties and potential events carefully and not to put undue reliance on forward-looking information. The forward-looking information contained herein is made as of the date of this press release and is based on the beliefs, estimates, expectations and opinions of management on the date such forward-looking information is made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, estimates or opinions, future events or results or otherwise or to explain any material difference between subsequent actual events and such forward-looking information, except as required by applicable law.

SOURCE: PlantX Life Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:
WILMINGTON, DE / ACCESSWIRE / July 28, 2023 / Protext Mobility, Inc (OTC:TXTM) announces today as follows:

Inventory

On December 15, 2022, the Company's President and Chairman of the Board contributed approximately 15,000,000 Genus Cannabis Sativa Seeds (the "Seeds") to the Company as an equity contribution (the "Contribution"). The Contribution was recorded as Genus Cannabis Sativa Seed inventory at historical cost to the Company's President and Chairman of the Board of $15,000,000. During the three months ended March 31, 2023, the spot price for similar seeds had a retail market price in a range of $15-25 euro per seed, excluding but not limited to shipping, Customs Duty (if applicable), VAT, clearing agent fees, in-land haulage and other variable costs.

Supply Agreement

As part of the Company's general business, it plans to fulfill orders and ship products to end customers around the world, including biomass derived from hemp, raw or processed CBD, and/or finished health and wellness products containing CBD (derived from Genus Cannabis Sativa). The end products are anticipated to be shipped as partial shipments (LCL) to the end customer in compliance with the rules and regulations of each jurisdiction involved by the responsible parties. Such that the Company can fulfill orders, the Company entered into a Supply Agreement with its President and Chairman of the Board in his capacity as an independent fourth-generation farmer who controls, among other things, a 5,000-hectare farm in the jurisdiction of New Castle, South Africa. The Company's President and Chairman of the Board in his individual capacity as an independent farmer controls certain permits related to activities such as cultivation, import/export of various agricultural products including but not limited to genus cannabis sativa. The Company does not plant, own or control any farm, and has no permit. The Company's President and Chairman of the Board, in his capacity as an independent farmer and a team, managed by the Company's CEO- Dylon Du Plooy, in his individual capacity, are responsible for planting hemp crops derived from Genus Cannabis Sativa seeds at a farm controlled by the Company's President and Chairman of the Board. In the future, the Company's President and Chairman of the Board may provide the Company with access to, and/or the Company may receive benefit from, permits controlled by the Chairman. There are no guarantees that this will occur. Furthermore, the Company does not need such access, specifically to permits held by its President and Chairman of the Board in his individual capacity as a private citizen and independent farmerwithin jurisdiction of South Africa, to carry out its business endeavors such as fulfilling and shipping product to end customers

CONTACT INFORMATION

Dylon Du Plooy at: [email protected]

Dr.J at: [email protected]

Follow us at:

https://twitter.com/ProtextP

About Protext (OTC:TXTM)

Through its prior acquisitions, Protext has engaged in the research, testing and development of highly bioavailable botanical products all-natural ingredients formulated for nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications through the use of proprietary live plant extraction technology.

Website: www.protxtm.com

Safe Harbor Statement

This release contains forward-looking statements that are based upon current expectations or beliefs, as well as a number of assumptions about future events. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements and the assumptions upon which they are based are reasonable, we can give no assurance or guarantee that such expectations and assumptions will prove to have been correct. Forward- looking statements are generally identifiable by the use of words like "may," "will," "should," "could," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "believe," "intend," or "project" or the negative of these words or other variations on these words or comparable terminology. The reader is cautioned not to put undue reliance on these forward- looking statements, as these statements are subject to numerous factors and uncertainties, including but not limited to: adverse economic conditions, competition, adverse federal, state and local government regulation, international governmental regulation, inadequate capital, inability to carry out research, development and commercialization plans, loss or retirement of key executives and other specific risks. To the extent that statements in this press release are not strictly historical, including statements as to revenue projections, business strategy, outlook, objectives, future milestones, plans, intentions, goals, future financial conditions, events conditioned on stockholder or other approval, or otherwise as to future events, such statements are forward-looking, and are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The forward-looking statements contained in this release are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the statements made. The company disclaims any obligation to update information contained in any forward-looking statement. This press release shall not be deemed a general solicitation.

SOURCE: ProText Mobility, Inc.

via PRISM Mediawire, LLC

View source version on accesswire.com:
Execution of the Draft Merger Agreement Between Transition S.A. and Arverne Group S.A.S

Approval of the Merger Prospectus by the AMF

Approval of the Pipe Listing Prospectus by the AMF

PARIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Regulatory News:

Not for release, publication or distribution, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States, Canada, Japan, Australia or any other jurisdiction in violation of the relevant laws of such jurisdiction.

Transition S.A. (Euronext Paris: TRAN) (the "Company" or "Transition") announces the achievement of new major steps in the completion process of the business combination (the "Business Combination") with Arverne Group S.A.S. ("Arverne Group").

Execution of the draft Merger Agreement

Transition announces that it has signed a draft merger agreement (the "Merger Agreement") with Arverne Group, setting out the terms and conditions of the merger and absorption of Arverne Group with and by Transition (the Merger), following which the Company will acquire all of the assets and liabilities of Arverne Group. Following the completion of the Business Combination, the name of the Company will be changed to "Arverne Group" and the registered office of the Company will be transferred to 2 avenue du President Pierre Angot, 64000 Pau, France (the " Combined Entity ").

Purpose of the Merger

The purpose of the Merger is to create a major actor on the French and European markets in the field of energy transition, specialized in geothermal heat production and geothermal lithium extraction, fully integrated along the entire subsurface value chain and that will have the resources to accelerate its growth in France and Europe, while supporting the energy transition and regional prosperity.

Terms and conditions of the Merger

The terms and conditions of the Merger are detailed in the summary of the Merger Prospectus.

Approval of the Merger Prospectus and the PIPE Listing Prospectus by the AMF

Transition announces that the French financial market authority (Autorite des Marches Financiers, the AMF) approved:

under approval number 23-331, the prospectus prepared by Transition in connection with the contemplated Merger for the purpose of listing and admission to trading on the professional segment ( compartiment professionnel ) of the regulated market of Euronext Paris of 18,239,589 new ordinary shares to be issued as a result of the completion of the Merger (the  Merger Prospectus ); and





) of the regulated market of Euronext Paris of 18,239,589 new ordinary shares to be issued as a result of the completion of the Merger (the  ); and under approval number 23-332, the prospectus prepared by Transition for the purpose of admission to trading on the professional segment (compartiment professionnel) of the regulated market of Euronext Paris of (i) up to 9,292,528 new ordinary shares to be issued at a subscription price of 10.00 each (issuance premium included) in the context of two share capital increases without preferential subscription rights to the benefit of certain identified persons (the Initial Capital Increases), and, as the case may be, (ii) up to 6,887,850 new ordinary shares to be issued at a subscription price of 10.00 each (issuance premium included) in the context of a share capital increase without preferential subscription rights to the benefit of additional investors in a category of persons meeting specific characteristics (the Additional Capital Increase, and with the Initial Capital Increases, the PIPE Capital Increase) (the PIPE Listing Prospectus or the PIPE), it being specified that the PIPE Capital Increase will be limited to a maximum amount of 133 million (issuance premium included), corresponding to a maximum of 13,300,000 shares.

For information purposes, the gross proceeds of the "PIPE" Capital Increase consisting solely of the Initial Capital Increases would amount approximately to  92,925,280.00 and the maximum gross proceeds of the "PIPE" Capital Increase consisting of the Initial Capital Increases and the Additional Capital Increase would, if applicable, amount approximately to  133,000,000.00.

The subscription of new ordinary shares to be issued in the context of the Initial Capital Increases will be completed, in accordance with the provisions of Article L. 225-138 of the French Commercial Code, without preferential subscription rights to the benefit of the following designated beneficiaries (the Identified Investors):

Investors Type of investor Number of new ordinary shares to be suscribed Amount of the subscription (in ) ADEME Investissement SAS New Investor 3,000,000 30,000,000 Renault (see below) New Investor 2,580,378 25,803,780 Credit Mutuel Equity SCR New Investor 1,500,000 15,000,000 Union Chimique New Investor 1,000,000 10,000,000 Goldman Sachs Bank Europe SE New Investor 367,150 3,671,500 Herrenknecht AG New Investor 200,000 2,000,000 Groupe Idec Invest Innovation S.A.S New Investor 100,000 1,000,000 SICAV Marignan New Investor 100,000 1,000,000 SEB Alliance New Investor 100,000 1,000,000 ESTIMO S.A. New Investor 25,000 250,000 Societe Civile de lErmitage Saint-Joseph New Investor 20,000 200,000 Xavier Caitucoli(1)(3) Current shareholder 100,000 1,000,000 Erik Maris(2)(3) Current shareholder 100,000 1,000,000 Eiffel Essentiel SLP(3) Current shareholder 100,000 1,000,000 TOTAL 9,292,528 92,925,280

(1) Or via Crescendix (or an entity controlled by Crescendix), a French societe par actions simplifiee, held directly at 100% by Mr. Xavier Caitucoli. (2) Or via Schuman Invest, a French societe par actions simplifiee, held directly at 100% by Mr. Erik Maris. (3) The investment of the Founders in the PIPE would result from the net proceeds of the sale of the Class A1, A2, A3 and A4 Shares to Renault, and thus remains subject to the investment of Renault in the PIPE, itself subject to the signing of (i) a subscription agreement with the Company and (ii) the Lithium Agreement (as defined below).

Renault confirmed to the Company its intention to participate in the PIPE, for an amount of 25.8 million, at a price of 10.00 per new ordinary share. The equity investment by Renault would be part of a strategic partnership between Renault and the Company, with the signing of a supply agreement for battery-grade lithium extracted from the geothermal activities carried out by the Arverne group and its subsidiaries (the Lithium Agreement). The investment of Renault in the PIPE remains subject to the signing of (i) a subscription agreement with the Company and (ii) the Lithium Agreement mentioned above.

Copies of the Merger Prospectus and of the "PIPE" Listing Prospectus are available free of charge at the Company's registered office located at 49 bis, avenue Franklin Delano Roosevelt, 75008 Paris, France, and on the Company's website (www.spactransition.com) and the AMF website (www.amf-france.org).

The Merger Prospectus and the "PIPE" Listing Prospectus provide for a detailed description of Transition, including a section describing certain risk factors related to the Combined Entity, the Merger and the "PIPE" Capital Increase.

The approval by the AMF of the Merger Prospectus and of the PIPE Listing Prospectus were conditions to the completion of the Business Combination.

Conditions precedent to the Business Combination.

Completion of the Merger remains subject in particular to the satisfaction of the following conditions:

approval by the combined general meeting of the Company's shareholders of (i) the Merger, (ii) the capital increase of the Company through the issuance of ordinary shares in consideration for the Merger, and (iii) the " PIPE " Capital Increase;

PIPE Capital Increase; approval of all the provisions of the Merger Agreement relating to the Merger, including those relating to the evaluation of the contributed assets and their remuneration, by the general meeting of the shareholders of Arverne Group convened in the context of the Merger;

absence of any law, rule, regulation, judgment, decree, injunction or judicial or administrative decision having the effect of making the Merger or the " PIPE " Capital Increase illegal or otherwise prohibiting their consummation in any manner whatsoever;

PIPE Capital Increase illegal or otherwise prohibiting their consummation in any manner whatsoever; available Available Cash amounting to at least 133 million held by the Company on completion of the Merger, where "Available Cash" refers to the sum of (i) the principal amount and accrued interest not received from funds immediately available in the escrow account opened by the Company with Caisse dEpargne CEPAC under the business current account agreement entered into on September 27, 2021 between the acquiring entity and Caisse dEpargne CEPAC, net of expenses of any redemption requests for Class B preferred shared of the Company known as Market Shares; (ii) any other funds held by the Company that are available, excluding the funds held in escrow mentioned in (i); (iii) the proceeds from the PIPE Capital Increase and (iv) the nominal amount of the convertible bonds issued by Arverne Group on March 10, 2023;

approval by the AMF, still in force and not subject to any appeal, of (i) the Merger Prospectus and (ii) the " PIPE " Listing Prospectus;

PIPE Listing Prospectus; absence, within thirty (30) days following the publication of the notice inserted, by each of the companies participating in the Merger, in the Bulletin Officiel des Annonces Civiles et Commerciales (BODACC) (or on the Company's or Arverne Group's website) in accordance with article R. 236-2 of the French Commercial Code, of any objection having the purpose or the effect of the reimbursement by Arverne Group of a debt in an amount exceeding 2 million or the constitution by Arverne Group of a guarantee in an amount exceeding 2 million;

(BODACC) (or on the Company's or Arverne Group's website) in accordance with article R. 236-2 of the French Commercial Code, of any objection having the purpose or the effect of the reimbursement by Arverne Group of a debt in an amount exceeding 2 million or the constitution by Arverne Group of a guarantee in an amount exceeding 2 million; completion of the  PIPE  Capital Increase;

PIPE Capital Increase; completion of the contribution in kind of 418,352 ordinary shares of Lithium de France by some of its minority shareholders in exchange for 214,544 ordinary shares of Arverne Group.



Contemplated timetable

The contemplated timetable for the completion of the Business Combination is as follows:

Dates Key steps 27 July 2023 Signing of the Merger Agreement 27 July 2023 Approval by the AMF of the Merger Prospectus and the PIPE Listing Prospectus 28 July 2023 Press release on (i) the approval of the Merger Prospectus by the AMF, (ii) the key terms and conditions of the Merger, and (iii) the approval of the PIPE Listing Prospectus by the AMF Filing of the Merger Agreement and the reports of the merger auditors with the court registries (greffes des tribunaux) of Paris and Pau courts 2 August 2023 Official notice of the combined general meeting of Transition announced in the Bulletin des Annonces Legales Obligatoires (BALO) 14 September 2023 Combined general meeting of Transition 14 September 2023 General meeting of Arverne Group 19 September 2023 Settlement and delivery of shares issued as part of the PIPE capital increase - Completion of the PIPE capital increase Settlement and delivery of shares issued as part of the Merger - Completion of the Merger Conversion of Class A1 preferred shares into ordinary shares and of Class B preferred shares whose redemption has not been requested into ordinary shares of the Company 19 October 2023 Deadline for completion of the redemption of Class B preferred shares, their cancellation and payment of the redemption price to the holders of Class B preferred shares who requested the redemption

Shareholding of the Combined Entity

The table below sets out the shareholding of the Company following the completion of the Business Combination and taking into account the completion of the "PIPE" Capital Increase (for an amount of 92,925,280.00 consisting solely of the Initial Capital Increases) and the cancellation of 15,246,672 Market Shares for which a redemption request had been made, on a non-diluted basis and on a fully diluted basis.

On a non-diluted basis (1) On a diluted basis (8) Shareholders Ordinary Shares (6) Class A Shares % of share capital % of voting rights (7) Ordinary Shares % of share capital % of voting rights Arosco(2) 8,545,293 - 21.46% 24.58% 8,745,298 18.32% 18.32% Stokka(3) 628,947 - 1.58% 1.81% 778,950 1.63% 1.63% Other shareholders of Arverne Group 7,526,003 - 18.90% 21.64% 7,586,004 15.89% 15.89% Total shareholders of Arverne Group 16,700,243 - 41.94% 48.03% 17,110,252 35.84% 35.84% Xavier Caitucoli(4)(10) 1,482,062 1,455,901 7.38% 4.26% 3,168,568 6.64% 6.64% Erik Maris(5)(10) 468,947 1,455,901 4.83% 1.35% 1,988,787 4.17% 4.17% Eiffel Essentiel SLP(10) 2,495,178 1,455,901 9.92% 7.18% 4,348,351 9.11% 9.11% Total Founders (including conversion of convertible bonds) 4,446,186 4,367,702 22.14% 12.79% 9,505,706 19.91% 19.91% Other Market Shareholders 3,903,328 - 9.80% 11.23% 10,286,661 21.55% 21.55% ADEME Investissement 3,364,358 340,037 9.30% 9.68% 3,704,395 7.76% 7.76% Renault(9) 2,944,736 340,037 8.25% 8.47% 3,284,773 6.88% 6.88% Other Investors PIPE 3,412,150 - 8.57% 9.81% 3,412,150 7.15% 7.15% Total Investors PIPE 9,721,244 680,074 26.12% 27.96% 10,401,318 21.79% 21.79% Free shares plan 0.00% 0.00% 431,045 0.90% 0.90% Total 34,771,001 5,047,776 100.00% 100.00% 47,734,983 100.00% 100.00%

(1) Assuming (i) no conversions of the Class A2, A3 and A4 Shares (it being reminded that the Class A1 Shares are automatically converted into ordinary shares upon completion of the Business Combination), and (ii) no exercise of Founders Warrants and Market Warrants. (2) Held via Arosco, Pierre Brossollet's holding company. Mr Pierre Brossollet is the direct beneficiary of free shares allocated by Arverne Group. (3) Held via Sebastien Renaud's holding company. Mr. Sebastien Renaud is the direct beneficiary of free shares allocated by Arverne Group. (4) Held via Crescendix (or an entity controlled by Crescendix), a French societe par actions simplifiee, held directly at 100% by Mr. Xavier Caitucoli. (5) Held via Schuman Invest, a French societe par actions simplifiee, held directly at 100% by Mr. Erik Maris. (6) Taking into account (i) the settlement and delivery of the PIPE for an amount of 92,925,280, (ii) the repurchase of 15,246,672 Market Shares whose redemption has been requested in accordance with the by-laws of the Company, (iii) the contribution in kind of 418,352 ordinary shares of Lithium de France by some of its minority shareholders in exchange for 214,544 ordinary shares of Arverne Group and (iv) the issuance immediately prior to the Merger of (a) 73,425 ordinary shares of Arverne Group upon conversion of the 500,000 convertible bonds issued by Arverne Group on March 10, 2023 and subscribed indirectly by Mr. Xavier Caitucoli and (b) 146,850 ordinary shares of Arverne Group upon conversion of the 1,000,000 convertible bonds issued by Arverne Group on March 10, 2023 and subscribed by Eiffel Essentiel SLP. Please note that as no Forward Purchase Warrant holder has notified the exercise of its Forward Purchase Warrants within the required timeframe, the Forward Purchase Warrants have lapsed. (7) Excluding Cass A2, A3, and A4 Shares which do not give any voting rights. (8) Assuming the conversion of all the Class A2, A3 and A4 Shares (it being recalled that the Class A1 Shares are automatically converted into ordinary shares upon completion of the Business Combination), and the exercise of all Founders Warrants and Market Warrants, in each case in accordance with the terms and conditions applicable to such securities. It also takes into account the issuance of a maximum number of 841,054 ordinary shares of the Combined Entity to which the definitive acquisition of the 120,353 free shares allocated by the absorbed company on July 27, 2023 could give entitlement. (9) The investment of Renault in the PIPE remains subject to the signing of (i) a subscription agreement with the Company and (ii) the Lithium Agreement. (10) The investment of the Founders in the PIPE would result from the net proceeds of the sale of the Class A1, A2, A3 and A4 Shares to Renault, and thus remains subject to the investment of Renault in the PIPE, itself subject to the signing of (i) a subscription agreement with the Company and (ii) the Lithium Agreement.

Governance

As a result of the Business Combination, the Board of Directors of the Combined Entity will comprise 8 members, as follows:

Pierre Brossollet, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer,

Xavier Caitucoli, director,

Karine Merere, ADEME Investissement representative, director,

Tiphaine Auziere, independant director,

Colette Lewiner, Cowin representative, independant director,

Francoise Malrieu, independant director,

Karine Charbonnier, independant director,

Frederic Houssay, Arosco representative, director.

Mr Pierre Brossollet, who is currently Chairman of Arverne Group, will be appointed Chairman and Chief Executive Officer upon completion of the Business Combination. Mr. Sebastien Renaud, a non-executive director of Arverne Group, will be appointed Deputy CEO upon completion of the Business Combination.

It has also been agreed between Renault and Transition that, following the Business Combination, Renault will be appointed as member of the Board of Directors of the Combined Entity, represented by a permanent representative, or will have the right to appoint one member of the Board of Directors, following confirmation of its participation in the PIPE.

Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Information

The Merger Prospectus and the Listing Prospectus "PIPE" include unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information prepared by the Company consisting of (i) an unaudited pro forma consolidated income statement for the financial year ended December 31, 2022 and (ii) an unaudited pro forma consolidated balance sheet for the financial year ended December 31, 2022 (the Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Information). The Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Information aims to illustrate the significant effects that the Business Combination, the "PIPE" Capital Increase and the acquisition, disposal and financing transactions carried out by Arverne Group (together with the Business Combination and the "PIPE" Capital Increase, the "Transactions") would have had on the Company (i) on the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, if the Transactions had taken place on January 1, 2022, for the purpose of the unaudited pro forma consolidated income statement, and (ii) as at December 31, 2022, if the Transactions had taken place on December 31, 2022, for the purpose of the unaudited pro forma consolidated balance sheet.

The Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Information is provided for information purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the financial position and results that would have been achieved if the Transactions had been completed on the dates indicated above. Furthermore, the Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Information may not be relevant for predicting the future financial position and results of the new entity after the Business Combination and the "PIPE" Capital Increase.

Important notice

The distribution of this document may be restricted by law in certain jurisdictions. Persons into whose possession this document comes are required to inform themselves about and to observe any such restrictions.

This press release is provided for information purposes only. It does not constitute and should not be deemed to constitute an offer to the public of securities, nor a solicitation of the public relating to an offer of any kind whatsoever in any country, including France.

European Economic Area - France

This press release is not a prospectus, but an advertisement provided for information purposes only. It does not constitute and should not be deemed to constitute an offer to the public of securities by Transition, nor a solicitation of the public relating to an offer of any kind whatsoever in any country, including France.

Copies of the Merger Prospectus and a copy of the "PIPE" Listing Prospectus, approved by the AMF on July 27, 2023, respectively under number 23-331 and 23-332, are available free of charge at the Company's registered office located at 49 bis, avenue Franklin Delano Roosevelt, 75008 Paris, France, and on the Company's website (www.spactransition.com) and the AMF website (www.amf-france.org). The Merger Prospectus and the "PIPE" Listing Prospectus provide a detailed description of Transition, including a section describing certain risk factors related to the Combined Entity, the Merger and the "PIPE" Capital Increase. The approval of the Merger Prospectus and the "PIPE" Listing Prospectus by the AMF should not be considered as a favorable opinion on the Transition securities covered by these prospectuses.

Investors should not subscribe for or purchase any securities referred to in this press release except on the basis of the information contained in the Merger Prospectus and the PIPE Listing Prospectus, as applicable.

The distribution of this press release may be subject to legal or regulatory restrictions in certain jurisdictions. Any person who comes into possession of this press release must inform him or herself of and comply with any such restrictions.

The securities of Transition admitting for trading on the professional segment (compartiment professionnel) of the regulated market of Euronext Paris are addressed solely to Qualified Investors, as defined in the regulation (EU) 2017/1129 of 14 June 2017 and in accordance with the provisions of Article L. 411-2, 1 of the French Code monetaire et financier.

United Kingdom

This press release does not constitute an offer of securities to the public in the United Kingdom. In the United Kingdom, this press release is for distribution only to and is directed only at (a) qualified investors within the meaning of Article 2(e) of the Prospectus Regulation as it forms part of U.K. domestic law by virtue of the EUWA which are (b) (i) persons who have professional experience in matters relating to investments falling within the provisions of Article 19(5) of The Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the Order) or (ii) high net worth entities, unincorporated associations and other persons to whom it may otherwise lawfully be communicated, falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order (all such persons together being referred to as Relevant Persons). This press release must not be acted on or relied on, in the United Kingdom, by persons who are not Relevant Persons. Any investment or investment activity to which this communication relates is only available to Relevant Persons and will be engaged in only with Relevant Persons. Persons distributing this press release must satisfy themselves that it is lawful to do so.

United States of America

This press release and the information it contains does not, and will not, constitute an offer to the public to subscribe for or sell, nor the solicitation of an offer to subscribe for or buy, Transition securities in the United States or any other jurisdiction where restrictions may apply. Securities may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act), it being specified that the Transition securities have not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act and Transition does not intend to register securities or conduct an offer to the public in the United States.

Canada

This press release and the information it contains do not, and will not, constitute an offer to the public to subscribe for or sell, nor the solicitation of an offer to subscribe for or buy, Transition securities in any province or territory of Canada. Securities may not be offered or sold in Canada except in a transaction exempt from the prospectus requirements of applicable Canadian securities laws or pursuant to a prospectus that qualifies those securities in the relevant provinces and territories of Canada, it being specified that the Transition securities have not been and will not be qualified by way of prospectus under the securities laws of any province or territory of Canada and Transition does not intend to qualify any such securities or conduct an offering to the public in Canada.

This announcement is not being made in and copies of it may not be distributed or sent, directly or indirectly, into the United States of America, Canada, Australia or Japan.

Public information

Potential investors in Transition should consult the Merger Prospectus and the PIPE Listing Prospectus before making an investment decision in order to fully understand the potential risks and benefits associated with the decision to invest in Transition securities. In particular, potential investors should review the risk factors described in the Merger Prospectus and the PIPE Listing Prospectus that have been approved by the AMF on July 27, 2023. Copies of the Merger Prospectus and a copy of the "PIPE" Listing Prospectus, approved by the AMF on July 27, 2023, respectively under number 23-331 and 23-332, are available free of charge at the Company's registered office located at 49 bis, avenue Franklin Delano Roosevelt, 75008 Paris, France, and on the Company's website (www.spactransition.com) and the AMF website (www.amf-france.org).

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230727272585/en/

[email protected]

Source: TRANSITION
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.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230725277253/en/

(Photo: Business Wire)

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
HANGZHOU, China--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Alibaba Group Holding Limited (NYSE: BABA and HKEX: 9988 (HKD Counter) and 89988 (RMB Counter), Alibaba or Alibaba Group) today announced that it will report its unaudited financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2023 before the U.S. market opens on Thursday, August 10, 2023, and will hold a conference call to discuss the financial results at 7:30 a.m. U.S. Eastern Time (7:30 p.m. Hong Kong Time) the same day.

All participants must pre-register to join this conference call using the Participant Registration link below:

English: https://s1.c-conf.com/diamondpass/10032058-6wh8r.html

Chinese: https://s1.c-conf.com/diamondpass/10032059-05pqda.html

Upon registration, each participant will receive details for the conference call, including dial-in numbers, conference call passcode and a unique access PIN. To join the conference, please dial the number provided, enter the passcode followed by your PIN, and you will join the conference.

A live webcast of the earnings conference call can be accessed at https://www.alibabagroup.com/en/ir/earnings. An archived webcast will be available through the same link following the call. A replay of the conference call will be available for one week from the date of the conference (Dial-in number: +1 855 883 1031; English conference PIN 10032058; Chinese conference PIN 10032059).

Please visit Alibaba Groups Investor Relations website at https://www.alibabagroup.com/en/ir/home on August 10, 2023 to view the earnings release and accompanying slides prior to the conference call.

About Alibaba Group

Alibaba Groups mission is to make it easy to do business anywhere. The company aims to build the future infrastructure of commerce. It envisions that its customers will meet, work and live at Alibaba, and that it will be a good company that lasts for 102 years.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230728832672/en/

Investor Contact

Rob Lin

Investor Relations

Alibaba Group Holding Limited

[email protected]

Source: Alibaba Group Holding Limited
LEXINGTON, Ky.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The American Water Charitable Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization established by American Water, the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the U.S., and Kentucky American Water joined other leaders yesterday in a ceremonial ribbon-cutting for an unveiling of Splash! in Charles Young Park, a new all-inclusive splash pad and water play experience in the City of Lexington.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230728997416/en/

Members of the Kentucky American Water team, including Susan Lancho, Sr. Manager, External and Government Affairs, were joined by State Rep. George Brown, Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton, Bluegrass Community Foundation Executive Director Lisa Adkins, Lexington Councilmembers Tayna Fogle, James Brown and Chuck Ellinger, and Commissioner of Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs Whitney Allen, among others, in the ribbon-cutting ceremony. (Photo: Business Wire)

Kentucky American Water is pleased to partner with the American Water Charitable Foundation and the City of Lexington to provide equitable and accessible water-based play spaces to the Lexington community, said Kathryn Nash, president of Kentucky American Water. We hope this one-of-a-kind splash pad will also help raise public awareness around the Town Branch, Lexingtons historic water source, and the valuable role we each play in caring for our watersheds.

Splash! will predominantly serve community members from the east end of the city who previously lacked easy access to water- and nature-based play. Charles Young Park is a historically important park for the community and is on the National Register for Historic Places. Splash! helps to further celebrate the life of the Brigadier General, who, in addition to his many other accomplishments in the military, music and education, was the first African American to serve as superintendent of a national park. Additionally, the splash pad will encourage water stewardship through educational signage and conservation programs highlighting the splash pad features.

What a wonderful addition to Charles Young, bringing water play space downtown and to the East End neighborhood, while telling the story of Brigadier General Charles Young, said Mayor of Lexington, Linda Gorton.

Splash! was made possible, in part, with a $250,000 donation provided by the American Water Charitable Foundation.

Through our work, we have found that splash pads are a wonderful way to help provide water access for all while supporting our conservation focus and engaging community members in environmental education, said Carrie Williams, president of the American Water Charitable Foundation. We are grateful for our continued partnership with Kentucky American Water and the City of Lexington, and hope the community enjoys this wonderful new space for many years to come.

Learn more about the American Water Charitable Foundation here.

Learn more about Kentucky American Waters community impact here.

About American Water

American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886, We Keep Life Flowing by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Waters 6,500 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the companys national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders.

As one of the fastest growing utilities in the U.S., American Water expects to invest $30 to $34 billion in infrastructure repairs and replacement, system resiliency and regulated acquisitions over the next 10 years. The company has a long-standing history of executing its core operations, aligned with sustainable best practices, through its commitments to safety, affordability, customer service, protecting the environment, an inclusive workforce and strengthening communities.

American Water has been recognized on the 2023 Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index for the fifth consecutive year, ranked 18th on Barrons 100 Most Sustainable U.S. Companies 2023 List, earned the U.S. Department of Homeland Security SAFETY Act designation and U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys WaterSense Excellence Award, among additional state, local and national recognitions.

For more information, visit amwater.com and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About Kentucky American Water

Kentucky American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and wastewater services to approximately 555,000 people.

About American Water Charitable Foundation

The American Water Charitable Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides a formal way to demonstrate the companys ongoing commitment to be a good neighbor, citizen, and contributor to the communities where American Water and its employees live, work and operate. For more information, visit amwater.com/awcf and follow the American Water Charitable Foundation on Facebook.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230728997416/en/

Media

Susan Lancho

Senior Manager, External and Government Affairs

Kentucky American Water

859-268-6332

[email protected]

Alicia Barbieri

Manager, Corporate Communications

American Water

856-676-8103

[email protected]

Source: American Water Charitable Foundation
Pure, Natural True Tequila Wins Five Medals in Total

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Elevated Spirits Company is pleased to announce that Cierto Tequila was awarded five (5) medals, including the prestigious title of Best Extra Anejo, at the 2023 World Tequila Awards (WTA). With these new honors, Cierto has won seven hundred thirty-six (736) international medals and awards.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230728312701/en/

Cierto Tequila Crowned Best Extra Anejo at the 2023 World Tequila Awards

About Cierto Tequila and Elevated Spirits Company

The Elevated Spirits Company is the producer of Cierto Tequila  authentic, 100% natural, additive-free, luxury tequila made in Jalisco, Mexico. Cierto means True, the perfect word to describe this remarkable award-winning family of tequilas  patiently crafted expressions of pure Highlands agave, harvested by fourth and fifth generation agaveros at peak maturity. The Elevated Spirits portfolio includes the Cierto Private Collection Blanco, Reposado, Anejo and Extra Anejo, as well as the Cierto Reserve Collection Blanco, Reposado, Anejo and Extra Anejo. Due to their character, complexity and luxuriously smooth taste, these eight agave expressions are widely acknowledged by tequila connoisseurs as The Worlds Finest Tequila and some of the best tequilas ever made. Cierto recently became the first tequila brand to surpass 700 international medals and awards, making it The Most Awarded Tequila in History.

About the World Tequila Awards

The World Drinks Awards program is globally recognized for selecting the very best in all internationally renowned styles of drinks. As part of this prestigious program, the World Tequila Awards select and honor the worlds best tequilas to help consumers and service establishments across the globe. A panel of expert judges impartially assess spirits from around the world using rigorous judging standards.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230728312701/en/

For press or other inquiries, please contact [email protected].

Source: Elevated Spirits Company
The former commissioner for the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance will bring his extensive leadership experience to helping clients and growing the firm

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Oaktree Solutions announced today that Daniel W. Tietz has joined the firm as chief operating officer and managing director for policy.

I am inspired by Frank Carone and his teams vision and execution to build a firm that simply rolls up its sleeves and gets things done for clients, said Tietz. The worlds of business, and government, and nonprofits  and the places where the three intersect  have never been more complicated, and there is a tremendous need for advisors who can provide clarity and value.

Prior to joining Oaktree, Tietz led the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance as commissioner. Nominated by Governor Kathy Hochul and confirmed by the State Senate, he was charged with overseeing and leading support programs and economic assistance for low-income New Yorkers.

In his role as Oaktrees managing director for policy, Tietz will run a practice that builds on his extensive achievements supporting and serving those who have been systematically excluded, working with clients seeking to make a positive change. Additionally, as the firms COO, he will deploy his operational expertise to strategize and manage Oaktrees rapid growth.

Daniels impressive career spans more than four decades of serving marginalized New Yorkers and folks across our country with compassion and leadership, said Oaktree Founder and Chairman Frank Carone. We are honored he is bringing to Oaktree the expertise that has helped so many  his experience scaling operations and driving outcomes is second to none.

Over a career spanning more than four decades, Tietz has led a wide range of nonprofit and governmental organizations and departments. Before leading New Yorks OTDA, Tietz served as Interim CEO of Bronx Parent Housing Network, a provider of emergency shelter and social services. The New York State Supreme Court appointed him to serve as Temporary Receiver/CEO for Childrens Community Services, and he previously served as the CEO of Bailey House, which provides housing and essential support to individuals and families with HIV/AIDS and other conditions.

Tietz also previously served as the Chief Special Services Officer for New York Citys Department of Social Services/Human Resources Administration, where he oversaw day-to-day shelter and intake operations for approximately 60,000 New Yorkers experiencing homelessness.

A lawyer and registered nurse, Tietz has spent his career fighting for LGBTQI+ rights and social justice concerns. Other past roles include executive director of HIV research and advocacy organization ACRIA, and leadership positions at the Coalition for the Homeless and at Housing Works.

About Oaktree Solutions

Oaktree Solutions is a public affairs firm that specializes in reducing complexity to deliver strategies that work. We help our clients succeed by offering services in issue advocacy and market positioning, litigation support, crisis management, government relations strategy, business development consulting, C-suite problem-solving, and equity and sustainability consulting. You can find more information on our website.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230728492655/en/

David Meadvin

[email protected]

Source: Oaktree Solutions
Despite Aggressive Carbon Reduction Goals, Few Customers Are Aware of Utility Sustainability Initiatives and Many Believe Utilities Cant Achieve 100% Sustainability

TROY, Mich.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Nationwide, 82% of electric utility customers are served by a utility with a stated carbon-reduction target.1 However, only 19% of customers are aware of those targets, and just 26% believe U.S. utilities will ever achieve the goal of 100% clean energy, according to the J.D. Power 2023 Sustainability Index,SM released today. With imposed and self-imposed deadlines drawing nearer, consumer concerns about the seriousness of climate change remain high, and the nations electric utilities face a looming customer backlash about clean energy plans as more customers state the most important issue is affordability rather than the environment.

Electric utilities are in an incredibly tough spot when it comes to sustainability, said Andrew Heath, senior director of utilities intelligence at J.D. Power. They need customer support and participation in sustainability initiatives if they are ever going to reach their goals, but very few customers are even aware that these programs exist. In the long run, an inability to deliver on stated carbon reduction targets will negatively affect credibility and will give regulators and politicians a foothold for increased intervention and closer oversight. Now is the time for utilities to capitalize on widespread customer concern about climate change to proactively share the steps they are taking.

Following are some key findings of the 2023 index:

Low customer awareness for utility climate initiatives: Overall, just 19% of electric utility customers are aware that their utility has declared a goal to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions. The overall sustainability scores for electric utilities evaluated in the studywhich are based on customer awareness, engagement and advocacy for their local utilitys climate initiativesis 28 (on a 100-point scale), unchanged from 2022.

Overall, just 19% of electric utility customers are aware that their utility has declared a goal to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions. The overall sustainability scores for electric utilities evaluated in the studywhich are based on customer awareness, engagement and advocacy for their local utilitys climate initiativesis 28 (on a 100-point scale), unchanged from 2022. Few customers feel utilities will reach their goals: Just 26% of electric utility customers say they believe utilities will reach their goal of 100% clean energy. Moreover, the number of customers who say they believe a lot can be done to reduce climate change has declined steadily to 37.3% this year from 40.3% in 2020. More than half (52.7%) of customers say they believe climate change is serious or very serious.

Just 26% of electric utility customers say they believe utilities will reach their goal of 100% clean energy. Moreover, the number of customers who say they believe a lot can be done to reduce climate change has declined steadily to 37.3% this year from 40.3% in 2020. More than half (52.7%) of customers say they believe climate change is serious or very serious. Highest-scoring utilities: Sacramento Municipal Utility District has the highest score for a third consecutive year at 35. Other top performers include NextEra Energy (34), Portland General Electric (34), DTE Energy (32) and Southern Company (32).

The Sustainability Index evaluates electric utility customer awareness, support, engagement and advocacy for their local utilitys climate sustainability programs and goals. The index applies to the 35 largest U.S. electric utility companies and cities, each serving 500,000 or more residential customers. The study is based on responses from 70,486 business and residential electric utility customers and was fielded from June 2022 through May 2023.

Following is the full list of electric utility companies and cities that were evaluated, along with their index score:

Utility 2023 Sustainability Index Score Sacramento Municipal Utility District 35 NextEra Energy 34 Portland General Electric 34 DTE Energy 32 Southern Company 32 CMS Energy 31 Edison International 31 Emera 31 Pacific Gas and Electric 31 Salt River Project 30 Con Edison 29 L.A. Dept. of Water & Power 29 Pinnacle West 29 Puget Energy 29 Berkshire Hathaway Energy 28 CPS Energy 28 Duke Energy 28 Xcel Energy 28 Ameren 27 Dominion 27 Entergy 27 Exelon 27 OGE Energy Corp. 27 PSEG 27 Sempra Energy 27 Alliant Energy 26 PPL Corporation 26 Evergy 25 National Grid 25 AEP 24 WEC Energy Group 24 Duquesne Light 23 Eversource 23 Avangrid 22 FirstEnergy 21

For more information about the Sustainability Index, visit https://www.jdpower.com/business/sustainability-certification-program.

See the online press release at http://www.jdpower.com/pr-id/2023083.

About J.D. Power

J.D. Power is a global leader in consumer insights, advisory services and data and analytics. A pioneer in the use of big data, artificial intelligence (AI) and algorithmic modeling capabilities to understand consumer behavior, J.D. Power has been delivering incisive industry intelligence on customer interactions with brands and products for more than 50 years. The world's leading businesses across major industries rely on J.D. Power to guide their customer-facing strategies.

J.D. Power has offices in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. To learn more about the companys business offerings, visit JDPower.com/business. The J.D. Power auto shopping tool can be found at JDPower.com.

About J.D. Power and Advertising/Promotional Rules: www.jdpower.com/business/about-us/press-release-info

1 SEPA Utility Carbon-Reduction Tracker. Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA).

Retrieved July 21, 2023, from https://sepapower.org/utility-transformation-challenge/utility-carbon-reduction-tracker/

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230728977926/en/

Media Relations Contacts

Geno Effler, J.D. Power; West Coast; 714-621-6224; [email protected]

John Roderick; East Coast; 631-584-2200; [email protected]

Source: J.D. Power
- ISS has supported Oasiss proposals to install a refreshed, independent oversight function to counterbalance the control of Tsuruhas founding families that has led to the Group performance lagging peers.

- Tsuruhas Board proved incapable of independent oversight through recent decisions, including the false disclosures regarding its relationship with North Pacific Bank, and contradicting itself for the sake of opposing Oasiss proposals.

- Oasis calls for Tsuruha shareholders to vote FOR Oasiss shareholder proposals to enhance the Companys corporate governance, including the election of Oasiss five highly qualified, independent, and diverse Outside Director candidates supported by ISS, and AGAINST the re-election of the Companys incumbent Outside Directors.

More information available at www.TsuruhaCorpGov.com

HONG KONG--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Oasis Management Company Ltd. (Oasis) is the manager to funds that beneficially own over 12.8% of drugstore operator Tsuruha Holdings Inc. (3391 JT) (Tsuruha or the Company).

In June 2023, Oasis, a long-term shareholder of Tsuruha, announced its Tsuruha Corp Gov campaign, pointing out the corporate governance failures at Tsuruha, and asking fellow shareholders to support the corporate governance reforms proposed by Oasis at Tsuruhas upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM) to be held on August 10, 2023, including the nomination of five highly qualified, independent, and diverse Outside Director candidates who have now recently received ISSs full support (collectively referred to as our Proposals).

We believe the control of Tsuruha by the three founding families (Tsuruha, Ogawa, and Murakami) has deteriorated the composition of the wider Board, leading to nepotism in the President role, and effective removal of the independent oversight mechanism. The interests of the three families are clearly not always aligned with all shareholders, and as a result decisions taken for their benefit are impacting negatively all stakeholders. Such poor decisions include keeping each family-run constituent business separate from one another, which has limited the Companys organic potential. Tsuruha has not only underperformed its competitors on a variety of key financial performance indicators, but their poor relative performance has also impacted their employees who have faced stunted wage growth in an increasingly competitive labour market.

It is clear that effective independent oversight is required on Tsuruhas Board to oversee its strategic direction, oversee management, and ensure appropriate governance practices are in place to maximize corporate and shareholder value. To this end, Oasis welcomes the full endorsement of its five independent Outside Director candidates by leading independent proxy advisor Institutional Shareholder Services, Inc. (ISS). Furthermore, ISS has additionally to vote against all of the Companys incumbent outside directors, as well as the new outside directors candidates proposed by the Company.

ISS bases their recommendations on:

Tsuruhas Poor TSR Performance: The company has underperformed peers in terms of TSR and operating metrics for the past several years.

Tsuruhas Chronic Poor Fundamental Performance : In terms of fundamental performance, the company's results have steadily deteriorated since approximately FY18.

Tsuruhas Weak Governance: The board structure points to very weak governance, with a board controlled by insiders, a father/chairman supervising a son/CEO, and outside directors that have no business executive or sector experience, but rather a compliance profile.

Tsuruhas Insufficient Will to Change: The company's proposed addition of two new outside directors at this AGM does not fully address these issues, and appears to be a reactive move, made after the dissident published its proposals.

Tsuruhas Board Requires Significant Change: Importantly, there are structural governance issues that might not allow the board to properly supervise and hold management accountable. As such, the dissident has demonstrated a need for substantial change at the board level.

Oasis believes that the incumbent Board, controlled by members of the three founding families, has further demonstrated its dysfunction and inability to perform adequate independent oversight in its response to Oasiss Proposals on July 7, 2023. As detailed in our previous press release, Tsuruha has: (1) made false disclosures; (2) misled shareholders on its performance track-record; and (3) provided contradictory statements on its governance practices. This dysfunction of the Board and Nomination and Compensation Committee can be seen most notably in their recommending against Oasiss proposed director candidate, Mr. Gohara, who is Japans leading lawyer in compliance and crisis management with significant knowledge on corporate governance, while recommending the re-election of the Companys current incumbent lawyer outside director, Mr. Okazaki, whose expertise does not seem to be in this area. Additionally, despite Oasis pointing out Tsuruhas false disclosures, especially in their relationship to North Pacific Bank, the Company has failed to address any of the errors, showing a lack of accountability.

Without significant improvements in how Tsuruha is governed, we believe the Companys overall performance and the interests of all stakeholders will always come secondary to the interests of the founding families. We see clearly that the Companys Board and its Nomination and Compensation Committee is dysfunctional. We believe now is the time for the shareholders to restore the Companys monitoring function. Oasis urges all shareholders to support Oasiss Proposals to improve Tsuruhas Board composition and governance practices to pave the way for Tsuruhas success as a leading player in the drugstore industry.

We call on all Tsuruhas shareholders to vote FOR the series of the corporate governance reforms proposed by Oasis (Proposals #3 through #11), including the nomination of five highly qualified, independent, and diverse Outside Director candidates to improve the Companys corporate governance structure and enhance its corporate value, and to vote AGAINST the Companys proposed incumbent Outside Directors (Ms. Harumi Sato and Mr. Takuya Okazaki of Proposal #2).

To learn more about Oasiss proposals, please visit www.TsuruhaCorpGov.com. We welcome all stakeholders to contact Oasis at [email protected] to help improve Tsuruhas Corporate Governance.

Oasis Management Company Ltd. manages private investment funds focused on opportunities in a wide array of asset classes across countries and sectors. Oasis was founded in 2002 by Seth H. Fischer, who leads the firm as its Chief Investment Officer. More information about Oasis is available at https://oasiscm.com. Oasis has adopted the Japan FSAs Principles of Responsible Institutional Investors (a/k/a Japan Stewardship Code) and in line with those principles, Oasis monitors and engages with our investee companies.

The information contained in this press release (referred to as the "Document") is an information resource for shareholders in Tsuruha offered by Oasis, the investment manager to funds that are shareholders of Tsuruha (the "Oasis Funds"). The Document is not intended to solicit or seek shareholders' agreements to jointly exercise any voting rights with Oasis. Shareholders that have an agreement to jointly exercise their voting rights are regarded as Joint Holders under the Japanese large shareholding disclosure rules and they must file notification of their aggregate share ownership with the relevant Japanese authority for public disclosure under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act. Oasis does not intend to be subjected to such notification requirement. The Document exclusively represents the opinions, interpretations, and estimates of Oasis.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230727953243/en/

Media

For all inquiries, please contact:

Taylor Hall

[email protected]

Source: Oasis Management Company Ltd.
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- KBRA affirms the senior unsecured debt rating of BBB, the subordinated debt rating of BBB-, and the short-term debt rating of K3 for Wichita, Kansas-based Fidelity Financial Corporation ("FFC", "Fidelity" or the company). In addition, KBRA affirms the deposit and senior unsecured debt ratings of BBB+, the subordinated debt rating of BBB, and the short-term deposit and debt ratings of K2 for its subsidiary, Fidelity Bank, National Association (the bank). The Outlook for all long-term ratings is Stable.

Key Credit Considerations

The ratings are highlighted by FFC's strong management team, deeply rooted within its primary operating markets, which has demonstrated success in executing its strategy, including maintaining market share in its legacy primary operating footprint. Additionally, FFC has ample access to secondary sources of liquidity, covering the uninsured deposit balances by over 2.0x. However, FFC has historically experienced challenges within risk adjusted returns and, more recently, due to increases in funding costs. Additionally, FFC has lower than peer levels of capital, but management expects improvements during 2H23. The expected improvements within FFCs earnings are integral to the rating but have historically been moderately below peer averages with ROA trending near 1%, including modest levels of noninterest income and an efficiency ratio tracking in the 65% to 75% range. Earnings are also relatively dependent on spread-derived income (~80% of revenue). RORWA has been trending lower given the elevated risk weighted density of ~90% at 2Q23, partially impacted by the capital treatment of the MSR exceeding 25% of regulatory capital guidance. However, profitability is expected to be maintained at slightly under 1% despite significant repricing within the deposit base (total cost of deposits at 1H23: 2.38%). Loans are expected to marginally reprice upward, and rapidly rising funding costs could continue to somewhat compress NIM heading into 2H23. Overall deposit levels are relatively stable, hovering near 80% of total funding. FFC currently has an ample level of available liquidity, representing over 20% of total assets as of 2Q23. FFC is focused on reducing operating expenses and rationalizing non-essential costs, thus improving potential earnings capacity. Additionally, FFCs loan portfolio gains some benefit of geographic diversification from its national CRE lending business. However, the balance sheet is highly correlated to commercial real estate, representing over 350% of risk based capital as of 2Q23. As a result, KBRA expects improvements to FFCs core capitalization, which is currently managed to levels at the lower end of the peer rating category. KBRA notes that double leverage of ~120% at 2Q23 is elevated and the company plans on reducing double leverage via retained earnings.

Rating Sensitivities

A rating upgrade is unlikely at this time. The inability to prudently manage capital at peer-like levels over the medium term, or any material deterioration within the earnings profile or asset quality metrics could lead to a rating downgrade. Additionally, KBRA expects the gradual migration to peer like capital ratios such as a CET1 ratio above 10% by 2Q24, supported by improvements within the earnings profile and balance sheet management.

To access rating and relevant documents, click here.

Methodologies

Financial Institutions: Bank & Bank Holding Company Global Rating Methodology

ESG Global Rating Methodology

Disclosures

A description of all substantially material sources that were used to prepare the credit rating and information on the methodology(ies) (inclusive of any material models and sensitivity analyses of the relevant key rating assumptions, as applicable) used in determining the credit rating is available in the Information Disclosure Form(s) located here.

Information on the meaning of each rating category can be located here.

Further disclosures relating to this rating action are available in the Information Disclosure Form(s) referenced above. Additional information regarding KBRA policies, methodologies, rating scales and disclosures are available at www.kbra.com.

About KBRA

Kroll Bond Rating Agency, LLC (KBRA) is a full-service credit rating agency registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as an NRSRO. Kroll Bond Rating Agency Europe Limited is registered as a CRA with the European Securities and Markets Authority. Kroll Bond Rating Agency UK Limited is registered as a CRA with the UK Financial Conduct Authority. In addition, KBRA is designated as a designated rating organization by the Ontario Securities Commission for issuers of asset-backed securities to file a short form prospectus or shelf prospectus. KBRA is also recognized by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners as a Credit Rating Provider.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230728128583/en/

Analytical Contacts

Ben Rodriguez, Director

(Lead Analyst)

+1 301-969-3186

[email protected]

Bryan So, Director

+1 301-969-3246

[email protected]

Brian Ropp, Managing Director

(Rating Committee Chair)

+1 301-969-3244

[email protected]

Business Development Contact

Justin Fuller, Senior Director

+1 646-731-1250

[email protected]

Source: Kroll Bond Rating Agency, LLC
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- KBRA is pleased to announce the assignment of preliminary ratings to 38 classes of BANK 2023-BNK46, a $720.6 million CMBS conduit transaction collateralized by 32 commercial mortgage loans secured by 32 properties.

The collateral properties are located throughout 16 MSAs, of which the three largest are Washington NoVA - MD (16.3%), San Diego (13.1%), and Boston (10.0%). The pool has exposure to all major property types, with four types representing more than 10.0% of the pool balance: retail (35.8%), office (21.2%), lodging (17.0%), and mixed-use (13.0%). The loans have principal balances ranging from $1.0 million to $72.0 million for the largest loan in the pool, CX  250 Water Street (10.0%), which is secured by a 479,004 sf Class-A office and lab building located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, approximately one mile northwest of Boston CBD. The five largest loans, which also include Fashion Valley Mall (9.7%), Soho Beach House Miami (8.3%), Largo Town Center (6.3%), and Seagate Campus (6.0%), represent 40.3% of the initial pool balance, while the top 10 loans represent 65.6%.

KBRAs analysis of the transaction incorporated our multi-borrower rating process that begins with our analysts' evaluation of the underlying collateral properties' financial and operating performance, which determine KBRAs estimate of sustainable net cash flow (KNCF) and KBRA value using our U.S. CMBS Property Evaluation Methodology. On an aggregate basis, KNCF was 12.4% less than the issuer cash flow. KBRA capitalization rates were applied to each assets KNCF to derive values that were, on an aggregate basis, 38.5% less than third party appraisal values. The pool has an in-trust KLTV of 81.5% and an all-in KLTV of 81.6%. The model deploys rent and occupancy stresses, probability of default regressions, and loss given default calculations to determine losses for each collateral loan that are then used to assign our credit ratings.

To access ratings and relevant documents, click here.

Click here to view the report.

Related Publications

Disclosures

Further information on key credit considerations, sensitivity analyses that consider what factors can affect these credit ratings and how they could lead to an upgrade or a downgrade, and ESG factors (where they are a key driver behind the change to the credit rating or rating outlook) can be found in the full rating report referenced above.

A description of all substantially material sources that were used to prepare the credit rating and information on the methodology(ies) (inclusive of any material models and sensitivity analyses of the relevant key rating assumptions, as applicable) used in determining the credit rating is available in the Information Disclosure Form(s) located here.

Information on the meaning of each rating category can be located here.

Further disclosures relating to this rating action are available in the Information Disclosure Form(s) referenced above. Additional information regarding KBRA policies, methodologies, rating scales and disclosures are available at www.kbra.com.

About KBRA

Kroll Bond Rating Agency, LLC (KBRA) is a full-service credit rating agency registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as an NRSRO. Kroll Bond Rating Agency Europe Limited is registered as a CRA with the European Securities and Markets Authority. Kroll Bond Rating Agency UK Limited is registered as a CRA with the UK Financial Conduct Authority. In addition, KBRA is designated as a designated rating organization by the Ontario Securities Commission for issuers of asset-backed securities to file a short form prospectus or shelf prospectus. KBRA is also recognized by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners as a Credit Rating Provider.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230728886306/en/

Analytical



Faruk Sarikaya, Associate (Lead Analyst)

+1 646-731-1223

[email protected]



Lynn DEugenio, Managing Director

+1 646-731-2487

l[email protected]



Nitin Bhasin, Senior Managing Director (Rating Committee Chair)

+1 646-731-2334

[email protected]



Business Development



Daniel Stallone, Senior Director

+1 646-731-1308

[email protected]

Source: KBRA
The 2022 financial statements were approved as part of the 2023 Annual General Meeting.

The company witnessed a 39% increase in turnover in 2022, reaching 468.3 million, with -8.5 million in EBITDA and an improvement of 24 million compared to last year. This reflects the significant upswing experienced across the aerospace industry as the industry ramps up on the back of COVID.

Appointment of Thierry MOOTZ as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

Implementation of a reverse stock-split.

TOULOUSE, France--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Regulatory News:

Annual General Meeting:

The 2023 Annual General Meeting of LATECOERE (Paris: LAT) took place at the company's headquarters on July 26, 2023. Detailed voting results are available on the company's website: Regulated information - Latecoere

During the Annual General Meeting, the 2022 financial statements were approved, with a 39% increase in turnover reaching 468.3 million, of which 16.5% was attributed to organic growth. This achievement was a result of higher production rates, notably for the A320 and Embraer programs, and a favorable currency effect. Additionally, the company experienced significant external growth with three strategic acquisitions completed in 2022, and the successful integration of two acquisitions from the previous year, and the sale of the EWIS business in Queretaro (Mexico) to Bombardier in June 2023. The company continues to see positive momentum with the recent contract wins such as the B737 and B767 wiring systems.

Governance:

After the Annual General Meeting, LATECOERE elected Thierry MOOTZ, currently the Chief Executive Officer, as the new Chairman of the Board.

The Board has decided to combine the functions of Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, hence Thierry MOOTZs combined function

The Board of Directors also decided to adapt the composition of its committees as follows:

Audit and Risks Committee : Chair : Laurence DORS, independent director, Members : Ralf ACKERMANN and Helen LEE BOUYGUES. Pierre GADONNEIX being not replaced.

:

Appointments, Compensation and CSR Committee : Chair: Helen LEE BOUYGUES Members : Christophe VILLEMIN and Ralf ACKERMANN in replacement of Pierre GADONNEIX



The separate Group Strategy Committee has been discontinued as the Board of Directors is already involved in shaping the groups strategy as part of its normal operation.

Following these changes, the board only includes one independent director, Laurence Dors. The Appointments, Compensation and CSR Committee will take appropriate initiatives in due course regarding the appointment of a further independent director in order to comply with the recommendations of the Middlenext Code.

CONSOLIDATION OF ORDINARY SHARES AND REDUCTION OF THE COMPANY'S SHARE CAPITAL

Latecoere announces the implementation of (i) the consolidation of the ordinary shares comprising its share capital, and (ii) the reduction in its share capital by way of a reduction in the par value of all its shares decided by the Board of Directors at its meeting on July 26, 2023, in accordance with the 37th and 19th resolutions of the Combined General Meeting of shareholders of July 26, 2023 (the "2023 General Meeting").

CONSOLIDATION OF ORDINARY SHARES

The main characteristics of the reverse stock-split are as follows:

Consolidation starting date: August 16, 2023.

August 16, 2023. Basis of consolidation: the reverse stock-split will result in the exchange of ten (10) existing ordinary shares with a par value of twenty-five euro cents (0.25) each (the "Old Shares") for one (1) new ordinary share with a par value of two euros and fifty cents (2.50) (a "New Share").

the reverse stock-split will result in the exchange of ten (10) existing ordinary shares with a par value of twenty-five euro cents (0.25) each (the "Old Shares") for one (1) new ordinary share with a par value of two euros and fifty cents (2.50) (a "New Share"). Number of Existing Shares subject to the reverse split: 535,650,357 ordinary shares with a par value of twenty-five euro cents (0.25).

535,650,357 ordinary shares with a par value of twenty-five euro cents (0.25). Number of New Shares to be issued on consolidation : 53,565,035 ordinary shares with a par value of two euros and fifty cents (2.50). The definitive number of New Shares to be issued on consolidation will be recorded by the Chief Executive Officer at the end of the reverse stock-split.

: 53,565,035 ordinary shares with a par value of two euros and fifty cents (2.50). The definitive number of New Shares to be issued on consolidation will be recorded by the Chief Executive Officer at the end of the reverse stock-split. Consolidation period: 30 (thirty) days from the start date of the consolidation, i.e. from August 16 to September 14, 2023 inclusive.

30 (thirty) days from the start date of the consolidation, i.e. from August 16 to September 14, 2023 inclusive. Shares: Conversion of existing shares into new shares will be carried out automatically.

Conversion of existing shares into new shares will be carried out automatically. Fractions of shares : shareholders who do not hold a number of Existing Shares corresponding to a whole number of New Shares must personally buy or sell fractions of Existing Shares in order to obtain a multiple of ten (10) up to and including September 14, 2023. After this deadline, shareholders who have not been able to obtain a number of shares in multiples of ten (10) will be compensated by their financial intermediary in accordance with articles L. 228-6-1 and R. 228-12 of the French Commercial Code and market practices.

: shareholders who do not hold a number of Existing Shares corresponding to a whole number of New Shares must personally buy or sell fractions of Existing Shares in order to obtain a multiple of ten (10) up to and including September 14, 2023. After this deadline, shareholders who have not been able to obtain a number of shares in multiples of ten (10) will be compensated by their financial intermediary in accordance with articles L. 228-6-1 and R. 228-12 of the French Commercial Code and market practices. Non-consolidated Existing Shares will be delisted at the end of the consolidation period.

Centralization: All transactions relating to the reverse stock split will be carried out by Uptevia (89-91 rue Gabriel Peri - 92120 Montrouge), appointed as agent for the centralization of reverse stock split transactions.

In accordance with articles L. 228-6-1 and R. 228-12 of the French Commercial Code, any New Shares that cannot be allotted individually and correspond to fractional rights will be sold on the stock market by the account holders, and the proceeds of the sale will be allocated in proportion to the fractional rights of the holders of these rights.

The Old Shares subject to the reverse stock-split will be admitted to trading on the Euronext regulated market in Paris under ISIN code FR0000032278, until September 14, 2023, the last day of trading.

The New Shares resulting from the consolidation will be admitted to trading on the Euronext regulated market in Paris from September 15, 2023, the first day of trading, and will be assigned a new ISIN code.

CAPITAL REDUCTION BY REDUCING THE NOMINAL VALUE OF SHARES

At its meeting on July 26, 2023, the Board of Directors decided, subject to completion of the reverse stock-split, to implement the capital reduction motivated by losses through a reduction of the nominal value of the Company's ordinary and preference shares, in accordance with the terms of the authorization granted to it by the 2023 Annual General Meeting.

The par value of each of the Company's shares will thus be reduced from 2.50 euros (after completion of the reverse stock-split) to 0.01 euro per ordinary share, and from 0.25 euro to 0.01 euro per preferred share.

The amount of this capital reduction will be allocated to the Company's retained earnings accounts.

The capital reduction is scheduled to take effect concurrently with the effective date of the reverse stock-split of the Company's ordinary shares.

Tentative timetable :

July 28, 2023 Publication of the notice of business combination in the Bulletin des Annonces Legales Obligatoires August 16, 2023 Start of the reverse split

Possibility for shareholders to buy and sell Old Shares in order to obtain a number of New Shares without fractional shares up to and including September 14, 2023 September 14, 2023 Closing of the exchange period

Last day of trading of the Existing Shares September 15, 2023 Effective date of the reverse stock-split and capital reduction

Listing of the New Shares From September

19, 2023 to October

18, 2023 Compensation of shareholders with fractional shares by their financial intermediary

Capital increase

As announced in its communication on June 16, 2023, Latecoere and its partners entered into a recapitalization agreement, including a capital increase with preferential subscription rights for at least 100 million, subject to the exercise of a 15%1 extension clause. It is planned that this capital increase will be launched at the end of the compensation period for shareholders with fractional shares in the reverse stock split. This capital increase would be carried out at a price of 0.01 euro per share.

Searchlight Capital Partners (SCP) has agreed to backstop 100 million of this capital increase, of which 45 million have already been paid to the Company through a bridge loan provided by SCP on May 15, 2023. This loan will be repaid using the proceeds from the capital increase.

About Latecoere

Tier 1 to the worlds leading industry manufacturers (Airbus, BAE Systems, Boeing, Bombardier, Dassault Aviation, Embraer, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon Technologies, Thales), Latecoere serves aerospace with innovative solutions for a sustainable world. The Group operates in all segments of the aerospace industry (commercial, regional, business, defense and space) in two business areas:

Aerostructures (55% of sales): doors, fuselage, wings and empennage, struts & rods and customer services;

Interconnection Systems (45% of sales): wiring, avionic racks, onboard equipment, electronic systems and customer services.

As of December 31, 2022, the Group employed 5,918 people in 14 countries. Latecoere is listed on Euronext Paris - Compartment B, ISIN Code: FR0000032278 - Reuters: AEP.PA - Bloomberg: AT.FP

______________________________

1 To serve requests for reducible subscriptions

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230728632560/en/

Thierry Mahe / Media Relations

+33 (0)6 60 69 63 85

[email protected]

Source: Latecoere
The more you buy, the more you save, with up to $100 off for purchases over $500

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- During Lenovos Back to School Sale, customers can shop for the top technology products at low prices. Students and educators need the best tech as they return to school, and beginning on July 31 and running through August 20, Lenovo is offering doorbuster deals, and huge discounts on laptops, tablets, monitors, and accessories, exclusively at lenovo.com.

The sale will feature My Lenovo Rewards member deals, deep discounts on Legion products, and ThinkPads up to 72% off. Lenovo also partnered with ID.me to offer students and teachers the opportunity to save an extra 10% off sitewide to help everyone gear up for learning this year.*

Check lenovo.com each week of the sale to save big on Lenovo's best-selling products. Below are a selection of the many deals and promotions included in this years Back to School Sale**:

July 31  August 6 Double My Lenovo Rewards Sitewide!

Item Price Savings ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 $1,775.95 45% IdeaPad Slim 3i Chromebook $374.99 32% ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 6 $999.00 72% Yoga 7 (16" AMD) $749.99 35% Legion Pro 5 AMD Gen 8 $1,129.99 21%

August 7-13 Item Price Savings ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10 $1,624.00 55% IdeaPad Slim 3 (15 AMD) $414.99 41% Yoga 7i (14 Intel) $824.99 25% Legion Pro 5i Gen 8 $1,249.99 27% ThinkPad X1 Titanium $649.00 63%

August 14-20 Item Price Savings ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 $1,434.95 45% IdeaPad Flex 5i $619.99 28% Yoga 6 (13" AMD) $679.99 21% ThinkPad T14 Gen 4 $1,390.95 45%

The past few years have clearly emphasized the need for smart technology at home and in classrooms, said Carlo Savino, Vice President of North America and Latin America eCommerce at Lenovo. During the Lenovo Back to School Sale, students, parents, and educators will find great deals on the technology necessary to tackle any challenge that comes their way in the school year ahead.

For more details on the great offers included in Lenovos Back to School Sale, please visit https://www.lenovo.com/us/en/d/deals/doorbusters

Customers who sign up for the My Lenovo Rewards program and make purchases on Lenovo.com always receive a percentage of the purchase price returned to them as rewards points for use on future purchases and can earn extra rewards points during sales periods like the Lenovo Back to School Sale. My Lenovo Rewards members also receive free expedited shipping on all qualifying purchases. Learn more at https://www.lenovo.com/us/en/rewards

*Exclusions apply to doorbusters, clearance products, and other select items.

**Offers good while supplies last. Shop early for the best availability.

About Lenovo

Lenovo (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY) is a US$62 billion revenue global technology powerhouse, ranked #171 in the Fortune Global 500, employing 77,000 people around the world, and serving millions of customers every day in 180 markets. Focused on a bold vision to deliver smarter technology for all, Lenovo has built on its success as the worlds largest PC company by further expanding into growth areas that fuel the advancement of New IT technologies (client, edge, cloud, network, and intelligence) including server, storage, mobile, software, solutions, and services. This transformation together with Lenovos world-changing innovation is building a more inclusive, trustworthy, and smarter future for everyone, everywhere. To find out more visit https://www.lenovo.com, and read about the latest news via our StoryHub.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230728107818/en/

Lisa Marie Ferrell, Lenovo

[email protected]

Ph: +1 (919) 805-1919

Source: Lenovo
50% Growth in Annual Recurring Revenues

Strategic Focus on Profitability

M&A Integration Yielding Results

LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Regulatory News:

MotorK Plc (AMS: MTRK) (MotorK or the Group") announced solid financial results and commercial progress for the six months ended June 30, 2023 (H1 23).

H1 23 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Q2 23 Committed ARR (CRR) 1 of 34.8 million, including backlog, contractual price increase and Enterprise deals to be delivered

1 of 34.8 million, including backlog, contractual price increase and Enterprise deals to be delivered Q2 23 ARR of 30.1 million, compared to 20.1 million in the prior year, up 34% organically, and up 50% including M&A

of 30.1 million, compared to 20.1 million in the prior year, up 34% organically, and up 50% including M&A Consistent operational KPIs with churn of 5.6% and Net Retention Revenue (NRR)2 of 114% highlighting the proven land and expand strategy

with churn of 5.6% and Net Retention Revenue (NRR)2 of 114% highlighting the proven land and expand strategy Average annual contract value (ACV) 3 reached 18.1k, up 9% against 16.6k in the same period last year, demonstrating continued growth in multi-product adoption within the customer base fueled the commercial success of the SparK platform

3 reached 18.1k, up 9% against 16.6k in the same period last year, demonstrating continued growth in multi-product adoption within the customer base fueled the commercial success of the SparK platform Large pipeline of opportunities providing growth visibility for H2 23, totaling 7m of qualified leads in Retail and 6m in Enterprise

providing growth visibility for H2 23, totaling 7m of qualified leads in Retail and 6m in Enterprise FY22 Reported Revenues 4 of 21.9 million, up 30% on the prior year period

4 of 21.9 million, up 30% on the prior year period Reported Recurring Revenues of 17.6 million, up 63% year on year, fully driving the Companys growth, now representing 80% of total revenues, and demonstrating steady improvement in the revenue mix. Recurring Billings represented 14.3 million, up strong 69% year on year

of 17.6 million, up 63% year on year, fully driving the Companys growth, now representing 80% of total revenues, and demonstrating steady improvement in the revenue mix. represented 14.3 million, up strong 69% year on year R&D spend of 7.6 million up 67% YoY, reflecting the substantial investments performed during H2 22 to develop innovative solutions and expand the SparK platform capabilities

of 7.6 million up 67% YoY, reflecting the substantial investments performed during H2 22 to develop innovative solutions and expand the SparK platform capabilities Reported Adjusted EBITDA of -1.4 million and Cash EBITDA of -9.3 million reflect the Company's strategic investments in team expansion throughout FY22 (466 FTEs at H1 23 vs. 250 at the start of FY22) and the ongoing integration of recently acquired companies

of -1.4 million and Cash EBITDA of -9.3 million reflect the Company's strategic investments in team expansion throughout FY22 (466 FTEs at H1 23 vs. 250 at the start of FY22) and the ongoing integration of recently acquired companies Net Financial Position of 9.7million, including 5.5 million of cash and cash equivalents, with ongoing advanced discussions with several financial institutions to secure additional debt financing, anticipated to conclude shortly

of 9.7million, including 5.5 million of cash and cash equivalents, with ongoing advanced discussions with several financial institutions to secure additional debt financing, anticipated to conclude shortly Results from M&A integration are becoming evident, with a notable increase in migration pace in Spain, leading to a significant uplift in Annual Contract Value (ACV)

Amir Rosentuler, Executive Chairman said: We are highly confident in MotorK's long-term success. Our strategic M&A approach and the integration of acquired companies are now yielding tangible results. We are proud of the progress we have made, and we remain committed to unlocking the full potential of our customer base and driving growth in the digital automotive retail market.

Marco Marlia, Co-founder & CEO added: We are delighted with the strong commercial momentum and increasing adoption of the SparK Platform. Our commitment to achieving cash profitability in FY24 remains steadfast. In FY23, we are actively working towards optimizing our cost structure and streamlining operations, absorbing the investments made in FY22. We are confident that these efforts will position us for sustained growth and profitability in the future

OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

Commercial Momentum

The Group is pleased to report robust performance and strategic growth for the first half of 2023. June emerged as a record-breaking month, marked by exceptional new Retail ACV won.

This result can be credited to the successful implementation of the SparK platform, particularly in Spain, where commercial activity surged after an initial slower start. The migration and integration of clients acquired through the Dapda acquisition in late 2021 played a significant role in the substantial increase in newly won ACV. Looking ahead, the second half of 2023 holds a promising pipeline of opportunities, further reinforcing expectations for continued growth in the Spanish market.

In the Benelux region, MotorK has delivered solid overall results in line with expectations. The migration of Carflow customers onto the MotorK platform has commenced, albeit with a slight delay due to prioritizing the integration efforts in Spain. The migration process is now live and progressing well with tangible cross-sell opportunities anticipated for H2 23.

In contrast, the performance in Germany during H1 23 fell short of expectations. Nevertheless, the team has reinforced its capabilities and is now well positioned with a solid qualified pipeline. Additionally, there are promising opportunities arising from the acquired customer base of Webmobil24, leveraging a similar approach employed in Spain. These developments provide a strong foundation to bridge the gap and drive growth in the German market moving forward.

Italy and France have performed well, demonstrating a growth trajectory that aligns with their solid track records. These core and mature countries continue to be instrumental in driving the Group's overall success.

The solid performance achieved in H1 23, culminating in record-breaking results in June, should be viewed as the outcome of the concerted efforts put in place since the beginning of the year. With new leadership in Spain and Germany, as well as a restructured sales organization, the Group has effectively created the necessary commercial momentum across the board, signifying a clear inflection point in terms of pipeline creation.

The Enterprise segment has shown solid growth over the year, with ARR reaching 5.8 million in Q2 23, up 100% year on year. This substantial progress now represents 21% of the organic ARR, reflecting the strategic emphasis put on this segment over the past 12 months. Additionally, the Enterprise deals signed but not yet delivered are accounted for in the Committed ARR for 2.4 million, further highlighting the growth reservoir beyond the reported figures.

As of June 2023, the Group maintains a Retail Pipeline of 7 million and 6 million in Enterprise, which, combined with a committed ARR of 4.7 million, provides strong visibility for H2 23.

Strategic Focus on Profitability

MotorK entered FY22 with ambitious growth plans, resulting in a significant increase in the number of new hires and expanded overhead costs. The company made strategic investments in bolstering its workforce, recognizing the value of human capital in driving innovation and growth. Additionally, the acquisition of six companies further enhanced MotorK's market position and capabilities. However, it is important to acknowledge that these initiatives entail costs to activate future synergies, notably from the integration of acquired entities.

While these investments incurred additional short-term costs, they are instrumental in unlocking long-term efficiency and value for the organization. To optimize performance and align the cost structure, MotorK has initiated a comprehensive review to identify and streamline operations, leading to 2.7 million of cost savings anticipated by the end of FY24. This effort includes FTE optimization across the board, rationalization of third-party suppliers, and targeted cost savings within the acquired companies.

While these efforts have impacted short-term profitability, translating into Cash EBITDA of -9.3 million at H1 23, MotorK remains steadfast in its commitment to achieving cash profitability by FY24. The company is confident that the integration of new hires and acquired companies, coupled with ongoing cost optimization, will yield long-term benefits and contribute to sustained profitability.

Effective M&A Strategy

MotorK's M&A strategy has proven to be a driving force behind the company's growth. The recent performance in Spain has validated the Group's approach, centered around unlocking untapped potential within the customer base through upselling and cross-selling opportunities.

While the integration of Dapda in Spain took slightly longer than anticipated to fully align with the whole MotorK ecosystem, the migration is now live and yielding results. This demonstrates the significant growth potential within the Companys existing customer base, as embarking acquired customers on the full MotorK journey generates substantial value. As a reference point, with an average ACV of 30k for platform offerings compared to the group's average of 18k, the growth potential is evident.

The next focus is leveraging the Webmobil24 platform acquired last year in Germany. By replicating the successful migration and platforming strategy employed in Spain, the Group is confident in generating notable growth going forward.

Finally, the recent acquisition of GestionaleAuto.com, a leading automotive retail solutions provider in Italy, not only strengthens MotorK's market position, but presents an opportunity to leverage complementary strengths and expand offerings to a larger customer base in one of its core markets.

OUTLOOK

Looking ahead, MotorK continues to build positive momentum in FY23, confirming the initial range of 39 million to 43 million in recurring revenues, including up to 2 million of CRR. This anticipated level of CRR is related to signed large Enterprise deals that could encounter some minor delays in their rollout. Emphasizing its strategic shift towards a more Enterprise-focused revenue mix, the Group benefits from a robust pipeline of opportunities at H1 23. Based on this outlook, the Company remains confident in meeting its booking targets, while acknowledging potential delivery process delays.

Regarding Cash EBITDA, the focus has been on optimizing the organizational structure of the business and activating cost synergies in the M&A integration perimeter. These efforts have led to a short-term deviation from the initial projections for H1 23. However, MotorK is confident that these investments to activate future synergies will position the company for long-term efficiency and growth. Taking into account these additional costs together with anticipated operating leverage over H2 23, the guidance is adjusted to a more conservative range of -13 million to -10 million for the full year 2023.

This reaffirms MotorK's commitment to achieving Cash EBITDA positive status for the full year 2024 and underscores its long-term financial objectives. With a strategic focus on profitability and a robust plan for driving growth, MotorK is well-positioned to capitalize on opportunities and deliver value to its customers in the dynamic digital automotive retail market.

EARNINGS CONFERENCE CALL

MotorK will hold a conference call in connection with its H1 2023 financial results on July 28, 2023, at 09:00 AM Central European Time (CET). Details to register for the call are available on MotorKs website (www.investors.motork.io), and registered participants will have access to a replay of the webcast.

NEXT PUBLICATION: Q3 2023 TRADING UPDATE, 19 OCTOBER 2023

H1 2023 CONSOLIDATED PROFIT AND LOSS (Reclassified) In k Jun-23 Jun-22 Revenues 21,900 16,911 Costs for customers media services (3,634) (3,418) Personnel costs (16,111) (12,608) R&D capitalization 4,714 2,710 Other costs (8,236) (5,902) EBITDA Adjusted (1,367) (2,307) Extraordinary costs (1,346) (1,370) Stock Option Plan costs (668) (676) EBITDA (3,381) (4,353) Depreciation & Amortization (3,869) (2,541) EBIT (7,250) (6,894) Finance costs (500) (307) Finance income 13 82 Profit/(Loss) before tax (7,737) (7,119) Corporate income tax (62) (169) Profit/(Loss) - Continued Operations (7,799) (7,288) Profit/(Loss) - Discontinued Operations - (265) Profit/(Loss) for the period (7,799) (7,553) H1 2023 CASH FLOW STATEMENT (Reclassified) In k Jun-23 Jun-22 Cash - Beginning of the period 19,223 43,257 EBITDA Adjusted (1,367) (2,307) Decrease / (increase) in working capital (625) 1,414 Decrease / (increase) in contract assets (2,741) (1,799) Operating free cash-flow (4,733) (2,692) Taxes paid (384) (38) Cash flow from investing activities - tangible assets (86) (44) Cash flow from investing activities - R&D (4,731) (2,757) Free cash-flow (9,934) (5,531) Exceptional items (613) (823) Free cash-flow from discontinued operations 268 Cash-flow from investing activities - M&A (3,339) (4,932) Cash-flow from financing activities (1,005) 362 Cash flow from equity movements 766 - Others 367 (264) Net increase / (decrease) in cash (13,758) (10,920) Cash - End of the period 5,465 32,337 H1 2023 STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION (Reclassified) In k Jun-23 Dec-22 Tangible assets 4,386 5,000 Intangible assets 45,155 36,757 Investment in associates companies 3,538 3,538 Fixed assets 53,079 45,295 Contract assets 23,475 20,734 Net working capital (2,126) (2,805) Deferred tax liabilities (1,362) (1,471) Employees benefit liabilities (1,973) (1,895) Provisions (4,999) (4,538) Total invested capital 66,094 55,320 Cash and cash equivalents 5,465 19,223 Financial assets 193 194 Financial liabilities (15,347) (12,931) (Net financial)/net cash position (9,689) 6,486 Net equity 56,405 61,806

H1 2023 REVENUES BY PRODUCT AND SERVICES LINE In k Jun-23 Jun-22 y.o.y. change SaaS platform 16,243 11,444 42% Digital Marketing 3,704 3,639 2% Other 1,953 1,828 7% Revenues 21,900 16,911 30% H1 2023 SAAS PLATFORM REVENUES In k Jun-23 Jun-22 y.o.y. change SaaS Recurring revenues 16,125 10,811 49% Contract start-up 118 633 -81% SaaS platform revenues 16,243 11,444 42% % SaaS platform on Revenues 74% 68% 6% H1 2023 REVENUES BY GEOGRAPHY In k Jun-23 Jun-22 y.o.y. change Italy 13,335 12,012 11% Spain 2,865 2,064 39% France 2,382 2,419 -2% Germany 1,974 245 706% Benelux 1,344 171 686% Revenues by geography 21,900 16,911 30% H1 2023 R&D EXPENSES In k Jun-23 Jun-22 y.o.y. change R&D expenses 7,608 4,560 67% - of which capitalised 4,714 2,710 74% - of which expensed in the income statement 2,894 1,850 56% R&D expenses as a percentage of Revenues 35% 27% 8%

Forward-looking information and disclaimer

This press release may include forward-looking statements. Other than reported financial results and historical information, all statements included in this press release, including, without limitation, those regarding our financial position, business strategy and management plans and objectives for future operations, may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Without limitation, any statements preceded or followed by or that include the words targets, plans, believes, expects, aims, intends, anticipates, estimates, projects, will, may, would, could or should, or words or terms of similar substance or the negative thereof, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations, projections and key assumptions about future events and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. Many of these risks and uncertainties relate to factors that are beyond MotorKs ability to control or estimate precisely, such as future market conditions, the behavior of other market participants and the actions of governmental regulators. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release and are subject to change without notice. Other than as required by applicable law or the applicable rules of any exchange on which our securities may be traded, we expressly disclaim any obligation or undertaking to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise.

Important information

This press release contains information within the meaning of Article 7(1) of the Market Abuse Regulation (596/2014).

ABOUT MOTORK PLC

MotorK (AMS: MTRK) is a leading software as a service (SaaS) provider for the automotive retail industry in the EMEA region, with over 450 employees and eleven offices in eight countries (Italy, Spain, France, Germany, Portugal, Belgium, the UK and Israel). MotorK empowers car manufacturers and dealers to improve their customer experience through a broad suite of fully integrated digital products and services. MotorK provides its customers with an innovative combination of digital solutions, SaaS cloud products and the largest R&D department in the automotive digital sales and marketing industry in Europe. MotorK is a company registered in England and Wales. Registered office: 5th Floor One New Change, London, England, EC4M 9AF - Company Registration: 9259000. For more information: www.motork.io or www.investors.motork.io.

1 Committed ARR (CRR) refers to signed contracts to be delivered and billed

2 Net Retention Revenues (NRR) is defined as the percentage of Recurring Revenues retained from existing customers

3 Core Retail base, excluding clients from acquired companies (Dapda, FranceProNet, Fidcar, Carflow, WebMobil24, GestionaleAuto) not yet migrated

4 Under IFRS 15, revenue from the applicable subscription agreement is recognized for the entire value of the contract, regardless of its duration, at the time of its delivery; conversely, ARR shows revenue as if it were received on a straight-line basis over the life of the contract

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230727580420/en/

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

MotorK Investor Relations

Etienne Jacquet

[email protected]

+33 6 22 18 39 09

Source: MOTORK PLC
NYs PR Leaders and Rising Stars to be announced at Big Apple Awards Gala in November  Deadline for Entries is Midnight Friday, Aug 4

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- New York-area public relations professionals and agencies have only one more week to submit entries for the 36th Annual PRSA-NY Big Apple Awards. Through midnight August 4, organizations and individuals can take advantage of the opportunity to win the highest level of recognition by New Yorks communications leaders. Enter today at http://bit.ly/BigApple2023.

The annual awards gala -- a powerful networking event to recognize todays influential public relations professionals and identify rising stars in the industry -- will be held in New York on November 15. In addition, the PRSA-NY 15 Under 35 Awards, recognizing young leaders in the profession, will be celebrated at the Big Apple Awards gala. The deadline for 15 Under 35, which is free to enter, is September 1.

2023 BIG APPLE AWARD DETAILS

http://bit.ly/BigApple2023

The New York Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America established the Big Apple Awards program in 1988 to encourage excellence in public relations. The program has evolved to keep pace with a rapidly changing industry and continues to celebrate the exciting and innovative successes of talented professionals working in the heart of the communications universe. Today, a Big Apple Award is known as one of the highest honors bestowed in public relations, and in recognition, submissions will be open to the work of PR practitioners across the US from this year forward.

Entries Close Midnight August 4

 Member  Single-Category Entry $575

 Member  2 Category Entries $925

 Member  3 Category Entries $1,225

 Non-Member  1 Category Entry $625

 Non-Member  2 Category Entries $975

 Non-Member  3 Category Entries $1,275

More than just about any other profession, the public relations industry holds the power to reach consumers, investors, business leaders, government and media -- and New York PR professionals are at the epicenter of media and commerce, said Fay Shapiro, vice president of the PRSA-NY Big Apple Awards. The Big Apple Awards reflect the accomplishments and potential of the most influential public relations professionals. Its fitting that the Big Apple gala caps the years awards season for the communications industry. Our sponsors and participants reach professionals at the heart of the public relations business.

To learn more about Big Apple Awards sponsorship opportunities or to volunteer for the event please contact PRSA-NY at [email protected].

To submit your work, campaigns, and other related materials for the Big Apple Awards and 15 Under 35, visit http://bit.ly/BigApple2023.

About PRSA-NY

The New York Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America is the best-established, most substantial, and most influential group of public relations professionals in the country. Located in the media capital of the world, PRSA-NY offers to its members top-level career development and education, networking, mentoring, and award programs. PRSA-NY serves communications decision-makers at agencies, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and public and private institutions. For more information about PRSA-NYs upcoming events, mentorship program, jobs boards, volunteer opportunities, and membership details, go to prsany.org.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230728829916/en/

Judith Czelusniak

Vice President of Marketing

Public Relations Society of America New York Chapter (PRSA-NY)

[email protected]

+1 917 655 3217

Source: PRSA-NY
Marc Booker, Ph.D., joins the event to discuss the value of microcredentials in higher education

PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- University of Phoenix is pleased to share that Vice Provost of Strategy, Marc Booker, Ph.D., was selected as a speaker for the 2023 Badge Summit, hosted by the University of Colorado at Boulder. The event, which has grown to become one of the premier platforms for sharing groundbreaking ideas and exchanging knowledge on badging and microcredentials, took place at the university's campus in Boulder July 24-26, 2023. The annual event draws attendees from various educational institutions, industry professionals, and forward-thinking experts to explore the transformative potential of badging and microcredentials in the digital age.

Over the past seven years, the Badge Summit has grown to be one of the best places to share innovative ideas about badging and microcredentials, shares Booker. Having the opportunity to share the fantastic work that University of Phoenix is doing with its skills-aligned learning and badging initiatives is very exciting, especially when we consider the ways in which microcredentials have the ability to enhance the return on investment of a degree for students.

Bookers interactive discussion, Deep Dive: Using Microcredentials to Change the Student Value Proposition, examines the potential impact of microcredentials on higher education, including:

Creating a foundational infrastructure to support badge and microcredential initiatives

Building learning outcomes intentionally from the ground up

Using microcredentials to enhance the ROI of a degree and change the value proposition for students

This presentation was part of a two-day event focused on how a skills-mapped approach to curriculum can support equitable access to education. As one of the driving forces behind University of Phoenix's cutting-edge skills-aligned learning and badging initiatives, Booker brings a wealth of experience to the event. The University of Phoenix has long used the innovative approach to flexible, adaptable online learning to support an equitable environment. The skills-mapped approach to curriculum supports equitable access to progress; when learners obtain skills in weeks, they gain more immediate value from their education and do not have to wait years for a degree before making career decisions that can be built on skills they are already acquiring.

As Vice Provost for Strategy at the University of Phoenix, Booker oversees critical path academic initiatives to improve the student experience such as learning platform implementations, curricular enhancements, and developing empathetic solutions to drive improved student outcomes through data. Booker also serves as dean of the Pacific Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (PACRAO) Leadership Development Institute and was President of PACRAO in 2016. In 2020, Booker received a Hall of Fame recognition from Blackboard for his contributions in providing thought leadership and innovation in education.

Booker has been an employee of the University of Phoenix since 2001.

About University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix is continually innovating to help working adults enhance their careers in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant courses, interactive learning, and Career Services for Life commitment help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. For more information, visit phoenix.edu.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230728059310/en/

Michele Mitchum

University of Phoenix

[email protected]

Source: University of Phoenix
A view of the Phillips 66 Company's Los Angeles Refinery (foreground), which processes domestic & imported crude oil into gasoline, aviation and diesel fuels, and storage tanks for refined petroleum products at the Kinder Morgan Carson Terminal (backgroun

By Stephanie Kelly

NEW YORK (Reuters) -Oil prices rose on Friday and notched a fifth straight week of gains as investors were optimistic that healthy demand and supply cuts will keep prices buoyant.

Risk appetite in wider financial markets has been fueled by growing expectations that central banks such as the U.S. Federal Reserve and European Central Bank are nearing the end of policy tightening campaigns, boosting the outlook for global growth and energy demand.

Bolstered by supply cuts from the OPEC+ alliance announced earlier this month, both oil benchmarks gained nearly 5% for the week - a fifth straight week of gains. The benchmarks are on track to gain over 13% for the month.

Brent crude settled 75 cents higher to $84.99 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude gained 49 cents to $80.58 a barrel.

Both benchmarks fell by as much as $1 briefly earlier in the session, as investors took profits after WTI rose above $80 per barrel, Price Futures Group analyst Phil Flynn said.

Bullish demand expectations were boosted on Thursday after U.S. second quarter gross domestic product grew at a forecast-beating 2.4%, supporting Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell's view that the economy can achieve a so-called "soft landing."

Investors are warming up to the idea of peak rates getting ever closer, while it is looking increasingly probable that the United States will avoid recession, said PVM analyst Tamas Varga.

Fresh data released on Friday showed some of the euro zone's top economies displayed unexpected resilience in the second quarter even as a raft of indicators pointed to renewed weakness ahead, as manufacturing ails and services slow.

Meanwhile, policymakers in China have pledged to step up stimulus measures to invigorate the post-COVID recovery after the world's second-largest economy grew at a frail pace in the second quarter.

In an interview on Friday, Exxon Mobil chief Darren Woods said he expected record oil demand this year and next.

On the supply side, U.S. oil rigs fell by one to 529 this week, their lowest since March 2022, energy services firm Baker Hughes said on Friday. The data is an indication of future supply.

Evidence of tightening is mounting, given declining U.S. inventories and Saudi Arabia's voluntary cut of 1 million barrels per day, Commerzbank analysts said, highlighting this month could have seen OPEC oil production plunge to its lowest level since the autumn of 2021.

Saudi Arabia is expected to extend the voluntary oil output cut for another month to include September, five analysts said, to provide additional support for the oil market.

(Reporting by Stephanie Kelly in New York; additional reporting by Natalie Grover in London, Laura Sanicola in Washington and Andrew Hayley in Beijing; Editing by Deepa Babington, Kirsten Donovan)
According to an exclusive report from Reuters on Friday, BYD, China's top automaker in terms of sales, has communicated to its joint-venture partner, Megha Engineering and Infrastructures, that they will be putting on hold their intentions to invest $1 billion in constructing electric cars in India. The decision came about after their investment proposal underwent careful examination by authorities in New Delhi, as revealed by two individuals familiar with the matter.

Megha, a privately held company in India, joined with Chinas BYD to submit a proposal to the Indian government in April to jointly build electric cars in the country. However, in the initial review, overseen by officials from three Indian ministries, two Indian authorities expressed security concerns surrounding the investment from the Chinese company and signaled opposition.

According to the unnamed sources, a meeting was held last week where Megha advised BYD to exercise patience and await further clarity on the situation before making a final decision to abandon the EV manufacturing plan.

BYD had anticipated that its investment proposal would be subject to political considerations due to the increased scrutiny of Chinese investments in India.

India began subjecting investment from China to closer scrutiny in 2020 amid a series of border clashes between the two countries.

To proactively address these concerns, the two sources with knowledge of BYD's planning revealed that the company had made efforts to mitigate potential issues in advance, proposing that all voice-activated commands in their cars would be available in Indian languages and that all data from the vehicles would be housed in India.

India is not the only country scrutinizing Chinese investments. Just last week, it was reported that the United States House of Representatives opened an investigation into a partnership between Ford (NYSE: F) and Chinas CATL. Republican chairs of the House Ways and Means Committee and the Select Committee wrote a letter to Ford saying, "the company will be exposing itself and U.S. taxpayers to the whims of the Chinese Communist Party and its politics."

Earlier this week, GOP senators challenged a waiver that would allow companies to source EV charging materials from foreign countries without the risk of losing federal funds. Republican Senator, Marco Rubio stated that the waiver undermines American companies and allows foreign competitors, notably China, to gain influence over our energy infrastructure".

By Michael Elkins | [email protected]
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, July 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Arbor Metals Corp. (Arbor or the Company) (TSXV: ABR, FWB: 432) is pleased to announce that the Company has entered into an agreement to grant its technical team access to the data room of a strategically located set of mineral claims adjacent to the Jarnet Lithium Project in the James Bay region of Quebec, Canada. The Company believes that these mineral claims have the potential to augment the scope of the Jarnet Lithium Project significantly, and the technical team is enthusiastic about conducting a comprehensive analysis of all the past exploration information in the data room.

Mark Ferguson, CEO of Arbor , expressed excitement about this new development, stating, We are thrilled to gain access to the data room, as it allows our technical team to conduct an in-depth examination of all the past exploration data. We believe that this strategic set of claims has the potential to further strengthen our Jarnet project. If our understanding of the claims is confirmed by our analysis, it could enhance Arbor's position in the lithium market and reinforce our position in the rapidly advancing Canadian EV Industry.

The agreement will enable Arbor 's technical team to explore the historical data, geological reports, and exploration results related to the strategic claims. They will evaluate the benefits and possibilities of integrating this proximate project with the Jarnet Lithium Project . Arbor remains committed to driving the exploration and development of the Jarnet project , aiming to capitalize on the increasing global demand for lithium.

Once the technical team completes its thorough data analysis, Arbor will update its shareholders and stakeholders regarding the findings and potential implications for the Jarnet Lithium Project . The Company remains dedicated to transparency and looks forward to sharing the results of this strategic assessment with the investment community.

Arbor is dedicated to responsible resource development and is well-positioned to play a crucial role in supplying the necessary lithium to support the electrification of transportation and the transition to a sustainable future. The Company's focus on sustainable growth, innovation, and strategic partnerships will continue to drive its efforts in meeting the increasing demand for lithium in Canada's EV industry.

Dr. Peter Born, P.Geo., is the designated qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and is responsible for and has approved the technical information in this release.

About Arbor Metals Corp.

Arbor Metals Corp. is a mining exploration company focused on developing high-value, geographically significant mineral projects worldwide. Arbor is paving the way for advanced mineral exploration as it oversees world-class mining projects. The Company is confident that combining quality projects with proven strategies and a dedicated team will yield exceptional outcomes.

The Jarnet lithium project , located in the James Bay region of Quebec, comprises 47 map-designated claims, covering an area of approximately 3,759 hectares. The Jarnet project is contiguous to the Corvette-FCI property, where diamond drilling has confirmed significant lithium mineralization representing one of the highest-profile lithium exploration projects in the sector.





For further information, contact Mark Ferguson, Chief Executive Officer, at [email protected] , or 403.852.4869, or visit the Companys website at www.arbormetalscorp.com .

On behalf of the Board,

Arbor Metals Corp.

Mark Ferguson, Chief Executive Officer

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.

This news release may contain certain Forward-Looking Statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities laws. When or if used in this news release, the words anticipate, believe, estimate, expect, target, plan, forecast, may, schedule and similar words or expressions identify forward-looking statements or information. These forward-looking statements or information may relate to the development of the Jarnet Lithium Project, and the assessment of data from adjacent claims, and other factors or information. Such statements represent the Companys current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social risks, contingencies and uncertainties. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements or information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affecting such statements and information other than as required by applicable laws, rules and regulations.

CONTACT:

MRKT360 INC

https://mrkt360.com

Alex Zertuche

[email protected]

For E.S.T Office Hours, Call 1 416-477-0587

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1ac9c34f-6084-4782-a8ec-1c2f30b35a1a
Fort Lauderdale, FL, July 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The team at Male Plus understands that erectile dysfunction (commonly referred to as ED) is a very common condition. Cleveland Clinic defines the term as the inability to develop and maintain an erection for satisfactory sexual intercourse or activity. John Hopkins claims 18 million men in the U.S. alone (over the age of 20) are affected by ED. NIDDK (the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases) puts the number at 30 million men. Boston University School of Medicine claims roughly 10% of men between the ages of 40 and 70 have severe or complete erectile dysfunction, while 25% have moderate or intermittent difficulties.

While ED is clearly common, NIDDK adds that it is not a normal part of aging and that discussing the condition with a healthcare professional can help resolve the issue. The only problem is that often the solution proposed is to take strong ED medications. Drugs like sildenafil and tadalafil (the powerful active compounds in Viagra and Cialis, respectively) can certainly help men overcome low libido, but they come at a cost.

Harvard Health reports that ED drugs can leave men with headaches, upset stomachs, rashes, dizziness, diarrhea, and even vision problems. Mayo Clinic adds flushing of the skin, stuffy or runny noses, hearing loss, and back pain to the list. Both sources report the ironic and unfortunate concern of an erection lasting more than four hours as a possible problem, as well.

The plethora of side effects undoes much of the positive elements that ED drugs can provide to a mans quality of life. This is why Tim Torfs developed his groundbreaking natural libido-enhancing formula, Male Plus. I have many fitness and health clients who patronize my wellness centers in Belgium, Torfs explains, During Covid, many of these individuals struggled with stress and low libido. When I dug into the research, I was shocked to find that there was no alternative food supplement that boosts your libido. Male Plus is designed to fill that gap.

The libido booster utilizes 100% natural active ingredients, including maca, Tribulus Terrestris, and ginseng. The result is a relaxed mind, increased blood flow, and a better time in the bedroom, Torf declares, And the best part is that you dont have to worry about any of the nasty side effects that come from putting harsh ED drugs into your body. Its all the fun without any of the side effects.

About Male PlusMale Plus is an herbal supplement that naturally reduces stress and supports libido. The Belgian brand was developed by Tim Torfs, a serial entrepreneur with nearly two decades of experience in the health and wellness industry. Torfs has spent time as a male beautician, opened a wellness center, and created his own slimming concept and line of nutritional supplements.

In September of 2021, Torfs released Male Plus, which combines three 100% natural active herbal ingredients (Maca, Tribulus Terrestris, and Ginseng) as an alternative to chemical ED and libido-enhancing solutions. Male Plus is vegan, allergy-free, and is for men over 21. Consult with a doctor if youre over 60 years old or are using hypertension or antidiabetic treatments.

Tim Torfs 32 11724424 [email protected]

Source: Male Plus
Canon varioPRINT iX3200 utilized to print latest Anthology volumes for Drexel University-sponsored series

MELVILLE, N.Y., July 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Canon Solutions America, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Canon U.S.A., Inc., sponsored the printing of the ninth Anthology from Writers Room, Drexel Universitys university-community literary arts program. Featured in Anthology are works from TRIPOD, an intergenerational storytelling program supported by Canon Solutions America, where students from Drexel, Paul Robeson High School, and YouthBuild Philadelphia collaborate with older community residents, using writing and photography to document their experiences of life in Philadelphia.



Drexel, located in Philadelphia, held a release party for Anthology, which was printed by Copy General on the Canon varioPRINT iX3200.This marked the sixth year that Canon equipment was used to print Anthology, with volumes eight and nine being printed simultaneously this year.

Copy General, in business since the 1970s, operates high-tech digital printing facilities with the ability to deliver to all 50 states. It was amongst the first companies to eschew printing presses and adopt a totally digital approach and sources its paper stock from renewable paper farms located within the United States.

In addition, Writers Room recently opened the exhibition Seeing Philadelphia at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. Seeing Philadelphia presents views of the city in prints, drawings, photographs, paintings, and maps from the Atwater Kent Collection (AKC) paired with the photography and writing of students and community members who responded to these scenes. Streetscapes, birds-eye views, and other unique perspectives of photographs provide different ways for the public to see the city. More details can be found here.



The selection of AKC material is on display alongside images and writings produced by TRIPOD writers-in-residence. All exhibition images were made using Canon cameras, including the EOS 6D, EOS 5D Mark IV, and EOS Rebel SL2.

Canon Solutions America is always looking for ways to inspire students from grade school to higher education while simultaneously leaving a positive impact on the communities in which we all work and live, said Peter P. Kowalczuk, president, Canon Solutions America. TRIPOD at Writers Room is an intergenerational storytelling program that aims to empower students with tools for storytelling, and in the case of the Seeing Philadelphia exhibition, offer a special way to celebrate the history and culture of the city. We are honored to partner with Drexel for this program and look forward to future exhibitions.

The TRIPOD program at Writers Room began in 2017 when representatives from Canon Solutions America and Drexel University met to discuss opportunities to work together with the West Philadelphia community, as well as with Drexel students. Born from that meeting was the idea of combining and enhancing existing initiatives, such as Canon Solutions Americas Future Authors Project and Drexels Writers Room, as well as engaging with local high schools.

Canon Solutions America has supported the TRIPOD program since its inception in 2017, said Rachel Wenrick, Founding Director of Writers Room and Executive Director for Arts & Civic Innovation in Drexels Office of University & Community Partnerships. What weve created in real partnership has become core to Writers Room, and to all our work.

About Canon Solutions America, Inc.

Canon Solutions America, Inc. provides industry leading enterprise, production, and large format printing solutions, supported by exceptional professional service offerings. Canon Solutions America, Inc. helps companies of all sizes discover ways to improve sustainability, increase efficiency, and control costs in conjunction with high volume, continuous feed, digital and traditional printing, and document management solutions. A wholly owned subsidiary of Canon U.S.A., Inc., Canon Solutions America, Inc. is headquartered in Melville, NY and has sales and service locations across the U.S. For more information on Canon Solutions America, please visit csa.canon.com.

# # #

Attachments
CRANBROOK, British Columbia, July 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to BC Check-Up: Live, an annual report by the Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia (CPABC) on demographic and affordability trends across the province, the Kootenays added 1,802 new residents in 2022, bringing the total population to 166,301.

Over 1,800 new residents arrived in the region in 2022, which was similar to pre-pandemic population growth in 2019, said Mike Calder, CPA, CA, partner at BDO Canada. The region was able to attract new residents from other parts of the province, other provinces, and other countries. However, negative natural growth continues to hamper overall growth.

In 2022, a net of 1,214 residents from other provinces moved to the Kootenays, roughly in line with the annual average of 1,182 from 2017 to 2021. The region also added a net 587 new residents from other parts of B.C., and 686 from other countries. The majority of all new residents were 39 years old and younger. Meanwhile, deaths continued to outnumber births in the region and this negative natural growth reduced the population by 685 in 2022.

Given that our region has the second oldest population in the province and continues to age, it is a good sign to see the region attract a large number of younger immigrants to help boost the workforce and potentially start families, noted Calder. Another good sign is the region saw a large number of new housing units constructed in 2022.

The only age group to increase as a per cent of the population in the Kootenays over the past ten years has been residents aged 65-plus, who currently make up one-quarter (25.1 per cent) of the population, compared to less than a fifth (19.1 per cent) in 2012. The Kootenays average age in 2022 was 45.6 years, well above the provincial average of 42.8 and up from 43.7 in 2012.

In 2022, there were 527 housing units constructed in Cranbrook and Nelson, more than the total number units completed from 2019 to 2021 (513 units).

Given the need to house our growing population and improve housing affordability, the significant jump in housing construction is important, continued Calder. While housing prices increased modestly over the past year, they remain far above levels seen just a few years ago.

In June 2023, the average price of a home sold was $543,406, up 4.3 per cent from one year prior, and 60.3 per cent higher compared to June 2019. Rental rates also continued to rise, with the average Cranbrook one-bedroom unit costing $1,024 a month in 2022, up by 15.2 per cent from 2021 and 30.6 per cent from 2017.

In the past, the allure of our regions business prospects, employment options, and recreational offerings, coupled with reasonably priced housing have attracted newcomers, explained Calder. Regrettably, the significant price escalation in the region over the past few years is eroding our regions competitive advantage. It is imperative that we prioritize and promote increased housing construction to ensure that both present and future residents can afford to call the Kootenays their home.

To learn more, see www.bccheckup.com.

About CPA British ColumbiaThe Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia (CPABC) is the training, governing, and regulatory body for over 39,000 CPA members and 6,000 CPA candidates and students. CPABC carries out its primary mission to protect the public by enforcing the highest professional and ethical standards and contributing to the advancement of public policy.

CPABC Media Contact: Jack Blackwell, Economist 604.259.1143 [email protected]

Source: Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia
Press release

Credit Agricole and Worldline sign a binding agreement to create a major player in merchant services in France

Montrouge, La Defense, July 28th, 2023  Worldline [Euronext: WLN] and Credit Agricole [Euronext: ACA], announced today the signing of a binding agreement, a new step in the strategic partnership to create a major player in the French payment market.

Following their exclusive negotiations announced last April, the Credit Agricole group and the Worldline group have specified, in an agreement signed today, the outlines of their partnership project in the merchant payment services sector.

The Boards of Directors of all the entities concerned in each of the two groups have approved the terms of the binding, exclusive agreement, thus marking a new milestone in this partnership project. The transaction is still subject to the approval of regulators and customary authorities.

This unique and innovative alliance would enable the two partners to create a joint venture with the ambition of becoming a major player in payment services in France. It would leverage the high-level technological performance and innovation capabilities of Worldline, combined with the commercial strengths and exceptional knowledge of the French market of Credit Agricole and its distribution networks.

The operation is being conducted in accordance with the announced schedule. It is expected that the required approvals will be obtained then the joint venture be operational by the end of 2023; which will enable to launch its offers at the beginning of 2024.

Contacts

Investor Relations Worldline

Laurent Marie + 33 7 84 50 18 90 [email protected]

Benoit dAmecourt + 33 6 75 51 41 47 [email protected]

Communication Worldline

Sandrine van der Ghinst + 32 499 585 380 [email protected]

Helene Carlander + 33 7 72 25 96 04 [email protected]

Investor Relations Credit Agricole

Press contacts Credit Agricole

Alexandre Barat + 33 1 57 72 12 19 [email protected]

Olivier Tassain + 33 1 43 23 25 41 [email protected]

Mathilde Durand + 33 1 57 72 19 43 [email protected]

Benedicte Gouvert + 33 1 49 53 43 64 [email protected]

About Worldline

Worldline [Euronext: WLN] helps businesses of all shapes and sizes to accelerate their growth journey  quickly, simply, and securely. With advanced payments technology, local expertise and solutions customised for hundreds of markets and industries, Worldline powers the growth of over one million businesses around the world. Worldline generated a 4.4 billion euros revenue in 2022. worldline.com Worldlines corporate purpose (raison detre) is to design and operate leading digital payment and transactional solutions that enable sustainable economic growth and reinforce trust and security in our societies. Worldline makes them environmentally friendly, widely accessible, and supports social transformation.

About Credit Agricole Group

The Credit Agricole Group is the leading partner of the French economy and one of the largest banking groups in Europe. It is the leading retail bank in Europe as well as the first European asset manager, the first bancassurer in Europe and the third European player in project finance. Built on its strong cooperative and mutual roots, its 145,000 employees and the 27,000 directors of its Local and Regional Banks, the Credit Agricole Group is a responsible and responsive bank serving 53 million customers, 11,5 million mutual shareholders and 800,000 individual shareholders. Thanks to its universal customer-focused retail banking model  based on the cooperation between its retail banks and their r elated business lines , the Credit Agricole Group supports its customers projects in France and around the world: day-to-day banking, home loans, consumer finance, savings, insurances, asset management, real estate, leasing and factoring, and corporate and investment banking. Credit Agricole also stands out for its dynamic, innovative corporate social responsibility policy, for the benefit of the economy. This policy is based on a pragmatic approach which permeates across the Group and engages each employee.

Disclaimer Worldline

This document contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including references, concerning the Group's expected growth and profitability in the future which may significantly impact the expected performance indicated in the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties are linked to factors out of the control of the Company and not precisely estimated, such as market conditions or competitors behaviors. Any forward-looking statements made in this document are statements about Worldlines beliefs and expectations and should be evaluated as such. Forward-looking statements include statements that may relate to Worldlines plans, objectives, strategies, goals, future events, future revenues or synergies, or performance, and other information that is not historical information. Actual events or results may differ from those described in this document due to a number of risks and uncertainties that are described within the 2021 Universal Registration Document filed with the French Autorite des marches financiers (AMF) on April 25, 2022 under the filling number: D.22-0342 and its Amendment filed on July 29, 2022 under the filling number: D. 21-0342-A01.

Worldline does not undertake, and specifically disclaims, any obligation or responsibility to update or amend any of the information above except as otherwise required by law.

This document is disseminated for information purposes only and does not constitute an offer to purchase, or a solicitation of an offer to sell, any securities in the United States or any other jurisdiction. Securities may not be offered or sold in the United States unless they have been registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the U.S. Securities Act) or the securities laws of any U.S. state, or are exempt from registration. The securities that may be offered in any transaction have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act or the securities laws of any U.S. state and Worldline does not intend to make a public offering of any such securities in the United States.

Attachment
LYNCHBURG, Va., July 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Jerry Falwell, Jr. announced today that Liberty University is being sued on behalf of the Dr. Jerry L. Falwell Family Trust, of which he is a trustee and beneficiary. Upon his passing in 2007, Dr. Falwell left his intellectual property in the Trust for the benefit of his children. The lawsuit alleges that Liberty has wrongfully exploited Dr. Falwells name and image, and the Jerry Falwell trademark, by using them without permission or license to create a false association with the Jerry Falwell brand and the impression that Libertys use of Dr. Falwells intellectual property is authorized, when it is not.

Liberty announced it is spending approximately $35 million of student tuition money on an ostentatious Disneyesque shrine, including an interactive hologram, Falwell, Jr. said. I asked the University to stop improperly using my fathers intellectual property and sent the University leadership a proposed license agreement that would cover the Jerry Falwell Center, assuming there was meaningful consultation with the family about the use of my fathers intellectual property. Unfortunately, they chose to continue using it without authorization, and in an undignified manner that seems to attempt to aggrandize and deify my father in a fawning way that he would never have wanted or approved. It really is the Jerry First Center blatantly ignoring the fact that my father was known for producing millions of Jesus First lapel pins free of charge for anyone to wear.

The lawsuit contends that Liberty acknowledged the Trusts exclusive ownership of the Jerry Falwell trademark, but repeatedly employed the trademark to create confusion.

The lawsuit refers to a wide-ranging Jerry Falwell campaign that has included using Dr. Falwells name on the forthcoming Jerry Falwell Center; using his name, image, and trademark in commercials and other advertising for Liberty; using his handwriting and signature in promotional materials; and even using casts of his footprints for a walking tour of the campus. The lawsuit also alleges that Liberty is using Falwell intellectual property to solicit donations and to sell naming rights to rooms in the Jerry Falwell Center.

REF: Case # 6:23-cv-00040-NKM, U.S. District Court, Western District of Virginia

Source: Dr. Jerry L. Falwell Family Trust
Strategy is important, execution is everything.

Miami, FL, July 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Earth Science Tech, Inc. (OTC: ETST) (ETST or Company), a holding entity currently focused on the health and wellness industry, today shares financial results, highlights, and outlook from record fiscal Q1 2023 report, quarter ended June 30, 2023.

Financial Results:

As of June 30, 2023, the Company recorded:

$91,989 in cash, a 352.63% increase compared to the quarter ended June 30, 2022, and a 157% increase compared to the year ended March 31, 2023.

$2,752,719 in assets, a 759% increase compared to the quarter ended June 30, 2022, and a 2.25% increase compared to the year ended March 31, 2023.

$219,934 in revenue, versus $0 in the quarter ended June 30, 2022, and a 353.13% increase compared to the year ended March 31, 2023.

$148,769 in gross profit, versus $0 in the quarter ended June 30, 2022, and a 574.38% increase compared to the year ended March 31, 2023.

$1,263,660 in liabilities, a 44.59% decrease compared to the quarter ended June 30, 2022, and a 21.44% decrease compared to the year ended March 31, 2023.

$1,489,059 in Stockholders Equity, a 175.97% increase compared to the quarter ended June 30, 2022, and a 37.40% increase compared to the year ended March 31, 2023.

Highlights:

In April 2023, RxCompoundStore.com, LLC. (RxCompound) created ViagraMia.com and MySexGummy.com to diversify its mens health sales channels by offering rapid online telehealth consultations and fulfillment of ED prescriptions.

In May 2023, the Company created DocProtocol.com (DocProtocol) to offer patient specific protocols to doctors and wellness centers for their patients. The protocols are developed by highly respected functional medicine professionals, and we expect the majority of the prescriptions generated by DocProtocol will be fulfilled by RxCompound.

In May 2023, RxCompound created ClearUpSkinCare.com to develop and offer medical grade skincare products.

In May 2023, RxCompound received approval for its sterile compounding lab and began operations, including sales of sterile injectable prescriptions.

In June 2023, Peaks Curative, LLC. (Peaks) created MyOnlineConsultation.com (MOC) a patient to doctor referral platform to facilitate consultations for compounded prescription medications. Through MOCs doctor network, patients will be able to obtain prescriptions for compounded medications for mens health, womens health, hair and skin care, and weight loss filled by RxCompound.

Outlook:

Continue to obtain pharmacy licenses in additional states within the U.S.

Launch DocProtocol, MyOnlineConsultation, and ClearUpSkinCare.

Complete OTCQB uplist.

Expand Peaks to diversify its services.

ETSTs CEO and Chairman of the Board, Giorgio R. Saumat comments, We have come a long way in the last few months. I'm glad the company has reduced its liabilities significantly, while also increasing its cash position. These two metrics combined show hard work and dedication by the entire team. Management is committed to continuing the execution of our growth strategy.

About Earth Science Tech, Inc.

Earth Science Tech, Inc. is a holding entity currently in compounding pharmaceuticals and telemedicine through its wholly owned subsidiaries RxCompoundStore.com, LLC., Peaks Curative, LLC. and Earth Science Foundation, Inc.

To learn more, please visit: www.EarthScienceTech.com

RxCompoundStore.com, LLC.

RxCompound is a complete compounding pharmacy. RxCompound is currently licensed to fulfill prescriptions in the states of Florida, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Nevada, Colorado, Arizona, Utah, Georgia, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Massachusetts. RxCompound is in the application process to obtain licenses in the remaining states in which it is not yet approved to ship prescriptions.

To learn more please visit: www.RxCompoundStore.com

About Peaks Curative, LLC.

Peaks is a telemedicine referral site focused on mens health. Peaks orders are exclusively fulfilled by RxCompound. Patients who order Peaks via monthly subscription receive their refills automatically. Currently, Peaks is focused on Mens health, and, more specifically, ED. The company intends to expand offerings to include over the counter (OTC) (non-prescription) products such as supplements and topicals. The OTC products will be custom manufactured or fulfilled through partnered companies under the Peaks brand and offered worldwide.

To learn more please visit: www.PeaksCurative.com

About Earth Science Foundation, Inc.

Earth Science Foundation Inc. is a favored entity of the Company, effectively being a non-profit organization that was incorporated on February 11, 2019, and is structured to accept grants and donations to help those in need of assistance in paying for prescriptions.

SAFE HARBOR ACT: Forward-Looking Statements are included within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements regarding our expected future financial position, results of operations, cash flows, financing plans, business strategy, products and services, competitive positions, growth opportunities, plans and objectives of management for future operations, listing on the CSE, including words such as "anticipate," "if," "believe," "plan," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "could," "should," "will," and other similar expressions are forward-looking statements and involve risks, uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control, which may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from anticipated results, performance, or achievements. We are under no obligation to (and expressly disclaim any such obligation to) update or alter our forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Company Contact:Nickolas S. TabraueChief Compliance Officer(786) 375-7281[email protected]

Source: Earth Science Tech, Inc.
Melbourne, Australia, July 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As the premier cryptocurrency derivatives trading tool platform in the world, FameEX reaffirms its commitment to creating a fair, transparent, and free world of crypto trading. Echoing its firm belief in encryption and decentralized ecology, FameEX is excited to announce its Global Agent Program new upgrade. This new upgraded program aims to foster collaborative efforts in building cryptocurrency and blockchain futures together, as FameEX invites individuals and organizations alike to join in and share in rebate income.

The FameEX Global Agent Program is a cornerstone of the company's mission to minimize trading risks for its users and provide a just and liberal trading environment. The program enables industry leaders, community experts, and crypto influencers to partake in this vision and help materialize a world of trustworthy crypto trading. Individuals or groups interested in becoming a FameEX Global Agent simply need to register on the FameEX platform and fill out the global agent application form. Once approved, they can become the global agent, where they will receive a unique invitation link. This link can be used to invite others to partake in crypto trading, and in return, receive transaction fee rebates as referral rewards.

Special Opportunities for FameEX Global Agents

This program has successfully garnered interest from a wide range of participants owing to its appealing rewards system which has low entry requirements and dynamic market environment. FameEX's commitment to simplicity and accessibility has solidified its position in the crypto market, accounting for nearly 30% of the digital currency market and trading scale in Southeast Asia and Australia. The platform continues to simplify professional transactions while providing users with essential guides and trading aids, thus empowering newcomers to find a firm footing in the crypto world.

About FameEX

Launched in 2020. FameEX is a global cryptocurrency exchange that currently provides fiat-crypto, crypto-crypto, grid trading, futures, options, margin, spot and a hugely popular referral and affiliate program. With more than 600,000 registered users across 50 countries and regions. FameEX provides a secure, stable and efficient 24/7 trading platform. In addition, FameEX keeps pushing the boundaries of the crypto exchange industry, exploring frontier growth opportunities and strengthening core competencies, expanding into adjacent product offerings and developing innovative business models that lead the way in bringing Web3 solutions into the crypto ecosystem including recruiting more Web3 developers and researchers to enrich the Web3 product that will support those visionary traders.

Find FameEX on:

Website: https://www.fameex.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/FameEXGlobal

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/FameEX

Telegram: https://t.me/fameexgroup

Discord: https://discord.gg/V8yvKPxVCk

Trade on-the-go with the FameEX app (iOS/Android)

Mia Shi FameEX mia-at-fameex.info

Source: FAMEEX
FLOW TRADERS Q223 RESULTS

Amsterdam, the Netherlands - Flow Traders Ltd. (Euronext: FLOW) announces its unaudited Q223 results and 2023 Half Year report.

Highlights

Flow Traders recorded Normalized Total Income of 47.3m in Q223, which comprises Normalized NTI of 49.5m reflecting a subdued market trading environment and Normalized Other Income/(Loss) of (2.2m) derived from the net of unrealized gains and losses to the firms strategic investments portfolio.

Flow Traders ETP Value Traded declined 26% y/y given the decline in the overall market trading environment. Declines in volume affected the market as a whole and was therefore seen across the board in equity, fixed income and currency, crypto, and commodity trading.

Normalized Operating Expenses were at 42.3m in Q223, compared to 49.7m in Q222, with fixed operating expenses coming in slightly below last quarter.

As of 30 June 2023, Flow Traders employed 653 FTEs compared to 667 as of 31 March 2023.

Normalized EBITDA in Q223 came in at 5.0m, compared to 36.5m in Q222.

Q223 Normalized Net Profit amounted to 0.4m, with Normalized basic EPS of 0.01.

Trading capital stood at 574m at the end of the first quarter, generating a 67% return on trading capital 1 .

. Shareholders equity was 586m at the end of the quarter vs. 622m at the end of Q123.

Interim FY23 dividend set at 0.30 per share with an ex-dividend date on 15 August 2023.

Financial Overview

million Q223 Q222 Change H123 H122 Change Normalized total income 47.3 86.2 (45%) 158.9 234.5 (32%) Normalized net trading income2 49.5 83.7 (41%) 159.9 232.1 (31%) EMEA 30.7 50.4 (39%) 88.7 158.8 (44%) Americas 9.6 18.6 (48%) 42.6 40.2 6% APAC 9.3 14.7 (37%) 28.7 33.0 (13%) Normalized other income2 (2.2) 2.5 - (1.0) - (142%) Normalized employee expenses3 18.4 28.5 (35%) 58.3 82.4 (29%) Technology expenses 16.7 14.9 12% 33.3 28.7 16% Other expenses 7.2 6.3 14% 14.5 12.2 19% Normalized operating expenses 42.3 49.7 (15%) 106.1 123.4 (14%) Normalized EBITDA 5.0 36.5 (86%) 52.9 111.1 (52%) Depreciation / amortisation 4.7 3.9 19% 9.6 7.7 25% Write off of (in) tangible assets - - - - 0.2 - Normalized profit before tax 0.3 32.6 (99%) 43.2 103.2 (58%) Normalized tax (0.1) 6.4 (102%) 8.5 21.1 (60%) Normalized net profit 0.4 26.1 (98%) 34.7 82.1 (58%) Normalized basic EPS4 () 0.01 0.60 0.80 1.88 Normalized EBITDA margin 11% 42% 33% 47%





Value Traded Overview

billion Q223 Q222 Change H123 H122 Change Flow Traders ETP Value Traded 333 449 (26%) 755 971 (22%) Europe 144 193 (25%) 340 431 (21%) Americas 163 230 (29%) 370 486 (24%) Asia 25 26 (4%) 45 54 (17%) Flow Traders non-ETP Value Traded 916 1,165 (21%) 2,047 2,599 (21%) Flow Traders Value Traded 1,248 1,613 (23%) 2,802 3,569 (21%) Equity 699 831 (16%) 1,524 1,855 (18%) Fixed income 265 298 (11%) 612 616 (1%) Currency, Crypto, Commodity 247 463 (47%) 587 993 (41%) Other 39 21 86% 79 105 (25%) Market ETP Value Traded5 9,872 13,676 (28%) 21,221 28,670 (26%) Europe 464 567 (18%) 1,036 1,334 (22%) Americas 8,164 11,951 (32%) 17,696 25,256 (30%) Asia 1,245 1,158 7% 2,489 2,170 15% Asia ex China 373 400 (7%) 738 792 (7%)

Regional Highlights

EUROPE:

Maintained position as a leading liquidity provider in ETPs amidst a significant decline in market trading volumes and low volatility which resulted in lower turnover and tighter bid/ask spreads in the quarter.

In light of the subdued market environment, there was a continued focus on further developing tailored fixed income trading strategies, resulting in an increase of 40% in ADV traded in EUR IG.

Increased synergies between the CCC trading desks continued to support relationship expansion, exemplified by the 50% growth in CCC counterparty connectivity in H1 2023 and expanded product coverage with the provision of liquidity for the first European exchange listed Bitcoin futures on Eurex.

AMERICAS:

Refined focus of the U.S. fixed income trading strategy and operations to drive increased systematic trading, leveraging the growing electronification and automation trend of the asset class.

Enhanced exposure to the counterparty and issuer network while supporting the growth of the ETF ecosystem in the U.S. with the new office in Chicago, bringing the number of U.S. institutional counterparties to nearly 500.

Further strengthened existing footprint in the lead market making space by assisting with the launches and conversions of several fixed income ETFs focused on high yield and treasury ETFs, as well as co-authoring a thematic ETFs thought leadership piece with BlackRock.

ASIA:

Strengthened the regional presence with the enhancement of the local leadership team in APAC, reflecting the importance of the hub in fostering trading capabilities and partnerships.

Continued to accelerate build out of the trading operation in China with new counterparty and issuer relationships with the purpose of helping to develop the local ETF market in making domestic and international indices more efficient and available to investors.

As part of the firms expanding APAC strategy, began making markets for the new RMB Dual Counter instruments on HKEX, further underscoring the firms strong commitment to improving the accessibility of these assets to investors.





Flow Traders Strategic Capital

Interest in strategically partnering with Flow Traders remains high and while the pace of new investment activity has reduced amidst the current market environment, the pipeline for new investment in both digital assets and traditional finance ecosystems remains strong.

The dedicated team remains committed to working with our portfolio companies and continues to work through a strong pipeline of potential investment opportunities across different technologies and asset classes that align with our core business strategy.

Share Buyback

Given the subdued market trading environment in the quarter, the period of execution for the 15m share repurchase extension announced on 27 October 2022 will be extended by 12 months.

Outlook

Continued focus on operational and cost efficiencies across the business and expect Normalized Fixed Operating Expenses to be in the range of 175m - 185m and headcount to be broadly flat for the year, in-line with previous guidance.





Management Comments

Mike Kuehnel, CEO, stated:

We saw challenging market dynamics during the second quarter, with a sharp decline in trading volumes and volatility across almost all regions and asset classes as highlighted in our pre-close call. This resulted in a subdued quarter for Flow Traders, but the ability to achieve a positive Normalized Operating Profit even in such conditions demonstrates the flexibility and resilience of our business model. With the improvements in market trading volumes towards the end of the quarter we are encouraged that the lull in the market during the quarter was a cyclical adjustment to the heightened volatility we saw over the past year.

From a cost perspective, we reduced our fixed operating expenses quarter-on-quarter and we will continue to focus on improving the underlying operational efficiency of the business. We also strengthened our leadership team and welcomed three new Non-Executive Directors in April as well as Hermien Smeets-Flier joining us earlier this month. Each of them bring a wealth of experience and expertise to our firm and will positively contribute to the development and execution of our growth strategy.

We continue to be excited about Flow Traders future growth prospects, driven by our ongoing asset class and geographical diversification, growth in strategic optionality, and the ability to leverage the structural long-term financial ecosystem trends including the shift to passive investing, electronification, digitalization and regulation.

Folkert Joling, Chief Trading Officer, added:

During the quarter the low market turnover and volatility translated into fewer trading opportunities. However, we remained focused on building out new trading capabilities and infrastructure further in the different regions and asset classes in order to take advantage of opportunities when market volumes and volatility return. We are particularly encouraged by the build out and development of our ETP business in China after the receipt of the QFII license a little over six months ago, as well as the enhancement of our local leadership team in APAC to capitalize on the growing opportunities in the region.

Despite the low market turnover in the quarter, the secular tailwinds from the growth of ETPs across different asset classes around the world continues unabated. We further refined our U.S. fixed income strategy with the increased focus on systematic trading, leveraging the increasing electronification of the asset class. While regulators in the U.S. took greater scrutiny in the digital asset market during the quarter, we believe increased regulation will result in a more robust and transparent digital assets market in the future, which bodes well for regulated market participants like Flow Traders.





Preliminary Financial Calendar

15 August 2023 Proposed FY23 interim dividend ex-dividend date

16 August 2023 Proposed FY23 interim dividend record date

18 August 2023 Proposed FY23 interim dividend payment date

30 September 2023 Start silent period ahead of Q323 trading update

26 October 2023 Release Q323 trading update (no analyst conference call)

Analyst Conference Call and Webcast

The Q223 results analyst conference call will be held at 10:00 am CEST on Friday 28 July 2023. The presentation can be downloaded at www.flowtraders.com/investors/results-centre and the conference call can be followed via a listen-only audio webcast. A replay of the conference call will be available on the company website for at least 90 days.

Contact Details

Flow Traders Ltd.

Investors

Eric Pan

Phone: +31 20 7996180

Email: [email protected]

Media

Laura Peijs

Phone: +31 20 7996125

Email: [email protected]

About Flow Traders

Flow Traders is a leading global financial technology-enabled liquidity provider in financial products, historically specialized in Exchange Traded Products (ETPs), now expanding into other asset classes. Flow Traders ensures the provision of liquidity to support the uninterrupted functioning of financial markets. This allows investors to continue to buy or sell ETPs or other financial instruments under all market circumstances. We continuously grow our organization, ensuring that our trading desks in Europe, the Americas and Asia can provide liquidity across all major exchanges, globally, 24 hours a day. Founded in 2004, we continue to cultivate the entrepreneurial, innovative and team-oriented culture that has been with us since the beginning. Please visit www.flowtraders.com for more information.





Normalized Performance

Flow Traders makes certain adjustments to various IFRS expense and profit measures in order to derive Alternative Performance Measures (APM). The policy is to exclude or adjust items that are considered to be significant in both nature or size and where the treatment as an adjusted item provides stakeholders with useful information to assess the year-on-year or quarter-on-quarter underlying performance. On this basis, the following items were adjusted or excluded for the Q223 trading update: Removal of IFRS 2 treatment of share-based payments which include the deferral of a portion of the current year share plans as well as recognition of prior years share plans. This adjustment provides insights into the relationship between the current year variable employee expenses and current year trading performance. Other income line includes all the realized and unrealized results on Flow Traders long-term equity investments whether accounted for as Fair Value Other Comprehensive Income (FV OCI), Fair Value Profit and Loss (FVPL) or Results of Equity Accounted Investments. Exclusion of one-off expenses which relate specifically to the completed corporate holding structure update. These are not considered to be part of the underlying operating expenses of the business. Tax expenses are adjusted based upon the pre-tax adjustments and/or excluded items above.



IFRS Financial Overview and Normalized to IFRS Reconciliation

million Q223 Q222 Change H123 H122 Change Total income 51.4 83.5 (38%) 161.9 231.4 (30%) Net trading income 49.5 84.0 (41%) 160.0 232.7 (31%) Other income 1.9 (0.5) n/m 1.9 (1.3) n/m Employee expenses3 22.4 35.4 (37%) 67.3 90.3 (25%) Technology expenses 16.7 14.9 12% 33.3 28.7 16% Other expenses 7.2 6.3 14% 14.5 12.2 19% One-off expenses6 1.9 8.5 (78%) 3.3 11.8 (72%) Total operating expenses 48.2 65.1 (26%) 118.5 143.0 (17%) EBITDA 3.2 18.3 (82%) 43.4 88.4 (51%) Profit before tax (5.6) 14.3 n/m 29.1 80.3 (64%) Net profit (4.3) 11.2 n/m 23.5 63.5 (63%) Basic EPS4 () (0.10) 0.26 0.54 1.46 Fully diluted EPS7 () (0.09) 0.25 0.52 1.41 EBITDA margin 6% 22% 27% 38%





Normalized EBITDA and margin are based on the relevant profit share percentage of operating result for the relevant financial period without any IFRS 2 adjustments for share-based payments. The profit share percentage was adjusted to 32.5% in Q222 from 35%. 1.9m of one-off expenses are also excluded.

Tax based on estimated expected effective tax rate for the relevant financial period: Q223 - 31.6%; Q123 - 20.0%; Q222 - 19.7%.

A summary reconciliation of Normalized to IFRS is presented below:

million Q223 Q222 H123 H122 Normalized EBITDA 5.0 36.5 52.9 111.1 FV OCI adjustment (0.1) (2.9) (1.7) (3.2) Results of equity-accounted investments 4.2 0.1 4.6 0.2 One-off expenses6 (1.9) (8.5) (3.3) (11.8) Prior year share plans (1.9) (6.2) (10.0) (14.1) Current year share plan deferral (2.1) 0.4 1.0 6.2 Other variable remuneration adjustment - (1.1) - - IFRS EBITDA 3.2 18.3 43.4 88.4 Normalized net profit 0.4 26.1 34.7 82.1 Profit before tax IFRS adjustments (6.0) (18.3) (14.1) (22.9) Tax difference 1.3 3.3 2.8 4.3 IFRS net profit (4.3) 11.2 23.5 63.5

Notes

Return on trading capital defined as LTM NTI divided by end of period trading capital. Normalized NTI is adjusted for the fair value change of economic offsetting positions presented in the NTI line instead of Other income. Normalized Other income is adjusted for Fair value through other comprehensive income and Results of equity-accounted investments. Normalized employee expenses is adjusted for the impact of share-based variable remuneration payments from prior years. Fixed employee expenses for the quarter were: Q223 - 19.2m; Q123 - 20.0m; Q222 - 18.2m. Weighted average shares outstanding: Q223 - 43,289,018; Q123 - 43,142,742; Q222 - 43,731,905. Source - Flow Traders analysis. One-off expenses of 1.9m predominantly related to previously capitalized expenses incurred as part of the balance sheet review work. Determined by adjusting the basic EPS for the effects of all dilutive share-based payments to employees.

Important Legal Information

This press release is prepared by Flow Traders Ltd. and is for information purposes only. It is not a recommendation to engage in investment activities and you must not rely on the content of this document when making any investment decisions. The information in this document does not constitute legal, tax, or investment advice and is not to be regarded as investor marketing or marketing of any security or financial instrument, or as an offer to buy or sell, or as a solicitation of any offer to buy or sell, securities or financial instruments.



The information and materials contained in this press release are provided as is and Flow Traders Ltd. or any of its affiliates (Flow Traders) do not warrant the accuracy, adequacy or completeness of the information and materials and expressly disclaim liability for any errors or omissions. This press release is not intended to be, and shall not constitute in any way a binding or legal agreement, or impose any legal obligation on Flow Traders. All intellectual property rights, including trademarks, are those of their respective owners. All rights reserved. All proprietary rights and interest in or connected with this publication shall vest in Flow Traders. No part of it may be redistributed or reproduced without the prior written permission of Flow Traders.



This press release may include forward-looking statements, which are based on Flow Traders current expectations and projections about future events, and are not guarantees of future performance. Forward looking statements are statements that are not historical facts, including statements about our beliefs and expectations. Words such as may, will, would, should, expect, intend, estimate, anticipate, project, believe, could, hope, seek, plan, foresee, aim, objective, potential, goal strategy, target, continue and similar expressions or their negatives are used to identify these forward-looking statements. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the future whether or not outside the control of Flow Traders. Such factors may cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Accordingly, no undue reliance should be placed on any forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as at the date at which they are made. Flow Traders expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to update, review or revise any forward-looking statements contained in this press release to reflect any change in its expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which such statements are based unless required to do so by applicable law.



Financial objectives are internal objectives of Flow Traders to measure its operational performance and should not be read as indicating that Flow Traders is targeting such metrics for any particular fiscal year. Flow Traders ability to achieve these financial objectives is inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond Flow Traders control, and upon assumptions with respect to future business decisions that are subject to change. As a result, Flow Traders actual results may vary from these financial objectives, and those variations may be material.



Efficiencies are net, before tax and on a run-rate basis, i.e. taking into account the full-year impact of any measure to be undertaken before the end of the period mentioned. The expected operating efficiencies and cost savings were prepared on the basis of a number of assumptions, projections and estimates, many of which depend on factors that are beyond Flow Traders control. These assumptions, projections and estimates are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and actual results may differ, perhaps materially, from those projected. Flow Traders cannot provide any assurance that these assumptions are correct and that these projections and estimates will reflect Flow Traders actual results of operations.

By accepting this document you agree to the terms set out above. If you do not agree with the terms set out above please notify [email protected] immediately and delete or destroy this document.

All results published in this release are unaudited.

Market Abuse Regulation

This press release contains information within the meaning of Article 7(1) of the EU Market Abuse Regulation.

Attachment
Primary endpoints across three studies underscore the importance of accuracy, utility, and efficiency in coronary artery disease diagnostics and clinical decision making

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., July 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Respective results from the REVEALPLAQUE, DECODE, and SMART-CT clinical studies demonstrate the accuracy, utility, and efficiency of HeartFlows portfolio of coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA)-based precision coronary care technologies. Study results were presented at the Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography (SCCT) Conference in Boston, MA.



HeartFlow is the first company to offer a suite of technologies to help clinicians non-invasively identify stenoses in the coronary arteries (RoadMapAnalysis), assess coronary blood flow (FFR C T Analysis), and characterize and quantify coronary atherosclerosis (Plaque Analysis). Together, this comprehensive solution offers valuable data not currently available with traditional non-invasive diagnostics tools, allowing clinicians to see the full picture of their patients coronary artery disease (CAD).

"Until now, clinicians have not had access to a complete view of a patients heart health with accurate data on coronary anatomy, physiology, and plaque. We are thrilled to now offer HeartFlows comprehensive solution, supported and validated by the findings of these studies," said John Farquhar, Chief Executive Officer of HeartFlow. Our company remains committed to empowering providers to make the best clinical decisions by strengthening precision CAD management solutions with the CCTA pathway.

The REVEALPLAQUE Study is a large, global, prospective study with independent, blinded, core lab adjudication that demonstrated the accuracy of HeartFlows AI-based Plaque Analysis compared to intravascular ultrasound (IVUS)  the current gold standard. The HeartFlow Plaque Analysis demonstrated a 95% agreement with IVUS in quantification and characterization of total plaque volume.1

The DECODE Study evaluated changes in treatment management decisions made by clinicians using Heartflows Plaque Analysis alongside CCTA in comparison to decisions made with CCTA alone. Clinicians using the HeartFlow Plaque Analysis alongside CCTA changed their management decisions for 66% of patients compared to using CCTA alone across various patient presentations and disease stages.2 Furthermore, nearly 50% of patients with a calcium score of zero were reclassified following clinician review of the HeartFlow Plaque Analysis, highlighting the importance of quantifying total plaque beyond just calcium.

The SMART-CT study measured the difference in CCTA read time using RoadMap Analysis3 compared to without RoadMap Analysis in Level 2 and Level 3 CT readers. With the use of the RoadMap Analysis, clinicians read cases 25% faster while maintaining diagnostic accuracy, allowing them to be more efficient.4 SMART-CT also demonstrated the RoadMap Analysis elevated consistency with reliable CAD diagnoses across all CT readers and amplified their confidence in CCTA reads by over 24%.

The results from these clinical studies, along with the launch of HeartFlows all-in-one portfolio ( HeartFlow ONE ), mark a significant milestone in HeartFlows mission to build a new standard of care for people at risk of heart disease. Clinicians can now see and gain a full understanding of anatomy, physiology, and plaque  allowing them to evaluate and provide earlier, timesaving, life-altering care that is truly individualized.

About HeartFlow

HeartFlow is transforming precision coronary care with the only non-invasive integrated heart care solution across the CCTA pathway. As the pioneer of FFR CT , which is now supported by the ACC/AHA Chest Pain Guidelines, HeartFlow continues to advance the diagnosis and management of CAD. Our suite of non-invasive technologies helps clinicians identify stenoses in the coronary arteries (RoadMapAnalysis), assess coronary blood flow (FFR CT Analysis), and characterize and quantify coronary atherosclerosis (Plaque Analysis). To date, more than 500 peer-reviewed publications have validated our approach and, more importantly, our technologies have helped clinicians diagnose and manage over 200,000 patients. For more information, visit www.heartflow.com and connect on Twitter and LinkedIn .

Contacts For Media

Linly Ku

HeartFlow

[email protected]

1 REVEALPLAQUE Study, presented at SCCT 2023.

2 DECODE Study, presented at SCCT 2023.

3 AI Coronary Stenosis Quantification on Coronary CT Angiography versus Quantitative Coronary Angiography, presented at SCCT 2023.

4 SMART-CT, presented at SCCT 2023.
Toronto, July 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Peninsula Canada, one of the countrys fastest-growing businesses, has today launched a new 24/7 Employee Wellbeing Service, allowing business owners and senior managers a way to ensure the health and wellbeing of their employees no matter what time of day or night.

Darren Chadwick, CEO at Peninsula Canada, says Employee wellbeing is a key factor in determining the overall success and sustainability of a business. Its crucial for employers to support the wellbeing of staff to avoid dealing with an increase in absenteeism and a decrease in productivity. Thats why this new platform is such an exciting development. Not only will it enhance the support we currently provide, but it will also help businesses increase their productivity and guarantee success.

Mental health has been a topic that is top of mind for many across Canada. A survey conducted by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) found that 87% of those surveyed expressed their support for universal mental health care and 69% believe the country is in a mental health crisis.

Canada is taking a significant step in prioritizing mental health support by introducing its nationwide crisis hotline, 988, on November 30th. This emphasizes the crucial need for mental health services.

Additionally, according to a report by The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), every week at least 500,000 Canadians miss work due to mental illness. The financial impact of mental illness is approximately $51 billion each year, with $6.3 billion resulting from lost productivity. There are other indirect costs such as presenteeism, absenteeism, and challenges with retention and recruitment.

Management teams and business owners can call the 24/7 advice line and get step-by-step guidance on how to manage employee wellbeing in the workplace. Getting instant expert advice will help decrease sick leave absences, giving employers more peace of mind.

With access to on-demand e-learning, they will also have all the information at their fingertips to manage employee wellbeing in an instant. And a library of downloadable step-by-step guidance, tips, and help for employees, allowing their team to feel supported and cared for.

At Peninsula Canada, we recognize the critical importance of employee wellbeing and are committed to creating a work environment that prioritizes the health of staff. By focusing on the wellbeing of employees, itll foster a positive company culture, enhance productivity, and help businesses attract and retain top talent, adds Darren.

--ENDS--

Interviews available

Contact: Sally Abu-Samra  Public Relations Specialist

T: 647-988-2137 | E: [email protected]

About Peninsula Canada

Peninsula has been helping businesses with HR and health & safety compliance for 40 years. We are now trusted by over 120,000 SMB owners across the globe. In Canada, we support over 6,500 businesses in 8 provinces, providing a service tailored to your business needs.

We provide round-the-clock support to our clients with commercially focused advice, bespoke HR and OHS solutions, and software to protect and grow your business. This means were not just a source of expert help, but a trusted partner. We pride ourselves on delivering a service that mitigates risk, adds value, and allows businesses to focus their time on what they started a business to do.Peninsula Canada: HR and Health & Safety Advisory Company (peninsulagrouplimited.com)

Sally Abu-Samra Peninsula Canada (647) 988 2137 [email protected]

Source: Peninsula Canada
Pixium Vision announces the implementation of a bridge financing with Bpifrance and Sofinnova and a reverse stock split on the basis of 1 new share for 50 existing shares





Bridge financing: 3 million Euro convertible shareholders loan from Bpifrance and Sofinnova to extend c ash runway to the end of November 2023

Publication of half-year financial statements postponed to September 2023

Reverse stock split: implementation of a reverse stock split process - allocation of 1 new ordinary share with a par value of 1 E uro for 50 existing ordinary shares with a par value of 0,02 E uro

First trading day for post-reverse stock split: Thursday , September 21, 2023

Resumption of the right to exercise all the securities giving access to Pixium Vision's share capital as from Thursday, September 21, 2023





Paris, France, July 28, 2023  19:00 CET  Pixium Vision SA (Euronext Growth Paris - FR0011950641; Mnemo: ALPIX), a bioelectronics company developing innovative vision systems to enable patients who have lost their sight to live more independent lives, announces today that it successfully negotiated a 3 million Euro convertible shareholders loan with Bpifrance and Sofinnova. A reverse stock split by 50 will be implemented.

On July 28, 2023, Pixium Vision signed a shareholders loan of 3 million Euro, consisting of. 2 million Euro from Bpifrance Participations and 1 million Euro from Sofinnova Capital VII (the Shareholders Loan) to be paid before July 31, 2023. The term of the Shareholders Loan is 12 months from the execution date, unless the parties mutually agree an extension of the maturity date. The Shareholder Loan is bearing interest at 12% per annum. Apart from usual early repayment options, the Shareholder Loan provides for repayment by set-off, at each Lenders election, upon Qualified Financing (i.e. minimum financing amount of 15 million Euro through shares or securities, including but not limited to convertible bonds).

This cash injection will help extend Pixiums cash runway until the end of November 2023, providing more flexibility to pursue the Companys longer-term funding needs to support its strategic ambitions.

CEO Lloyd Diamond commented: "I am delighted to announce this 3 million Euro convertible shareholders' loan from Bpifrance and Sofinnova. This bridge financing is a testament to the confidence of our partners in our vision and potential. Together, we are building a future where AMD patients unable to benefit from pharmacological treatment due to the severity of their disease will be able to read and see faces again.

Furthermore, the Company will present its half-year financial statements in September 2023.

On July 27, 2023, the Board of Directors decided to carry out a reverse stock split, as authorized by the Annual General Meeting.

This reverse stock split is intended to reduce Pixium Visions number of shares which may help in reducing share price volatility and fostering stability.

The reverse stock split is a share exchange transaction with no impact on the amount of the share capital: only the par value of the share and, consequently, the number of outstanding shares will be modified.

The reverse stock split operation will begin on Monday, August 21, 2023, and end on Wednesday, September 20, 2023 (inclusive). The first day of trading for the new post-reverse stock split will be Thursday, September 21, 2023.

The main terms of the operation are as follows:

Number of shares covered by the reverse stock split: 149,020,186 (number of shares adjusted in particular following the exercise of securities giving access to the share capital prior to the suspension period and to be reduced by the number of free shares definitively acquired and subject to a lock-up period for which holders will have waived compensation)

Number of shares resulting from the reverse stock split: 2,980,403 shares (subject to abovementioned adjustments)

ISIN of post-reverse stock split: FR001400JX97

Mnemonic code of the new shares: ALPIX

The reverse stock split will not impact the total value of Pixium Vision shares held in shareholder portfolios, except with regard to fractional shares, which means, that each shareholder will be automatically granted one new share per block of 50 current shares by their financial intermediary.

Shareholders holding an exact multiple of 50 shares on Wednesday, September 20, 2023 will need take no further action.

Shareholders whose current shares do not convert into a whole number of new shares (i.e. who do not hold a multiple of 50 current shares) will be responsible for purchasing or selling the required number of current shares in order to avoid holding fractional shares, and to obtain a multiple of 50 by Wednesday, September 20, 2023 inclusive. After this deadline, shareholders who do not hold a multiple of 50 current shares will be automatically compensated for their fractional shares by their financial intermediary within 30 days from Monday, September 25, 2023.

In practice, in application of Articles L. 228-6-1 and R. 228-12 of the French Commercial Code, within 30 days from Monday, September 25, 2023, new shares corresponding to fractional share rights that cannot be allotted individually will be sold on the stock market by Societe Generale Securities Services. The proceeds of this sale will be distributed by their financial intermediaries among the holders of fractional share rights in proportion to their entitlement.

Notice of this reverse stock split will be published in the French legal notice gazette (Bulletin des Annonces Legales Obligatoires or BALO) on Friday, August 4, 2023 and available on the following website: https://www.journal-officiel.gouv.fr/pages/balo/.

The entire reverse stock split will be carried out by Euronext Growth Paris.

In relation to this operation, the holders of currently outstanding equity warrants, convertible bonds and all other equity derivatives are hereby notified that, in accordance with Articles L. 225-149-1 and R. 225-133 of the French Commercial Code, the Pixium Vision Board of Directors has decided to suspend exercise of these securities from Monday, August 14, 2023 (00:01 Paris time) until Wednesday, September 20, 2023 (inclusive).

The entire reverse stock split operation will be carried out in accordance with the following estimated timelines:

Friday, August 4, 2023 Publication of the notice of reverse stock split at the BALO Monday, August 14, 2023

to Wednesday, September 20, 2023 (inclusive) Period of suspension of exercise of securities giving access to the share capital. Monday, August 21, 2023

to Wednesday, September 20, 2023 (inclusive) Period of reverse stock split transactions.



Delisting of current shares at the end of September 20, 2023. Thursday, September 21, 2023 Effective date of reverse stock split



First trading day for new shares (new ISIN code).



Resumption of the right of holders of securities giving access to the share capital to obtain equity securities. Friday, September 22, 2023 Record date Monday, September 25, 2023

to Tuesday, October 24, 2023 (inclusive) Period of fractional share compensation by financial intermediaries.

As indicated in previous press releases (link), Pixium Vision continues to actively seek financing options to support its strategic ambitions. The company is actively working with investment banks mandated to assist in its search for investors worldwide.

About Pixium Vision

Pixium Vision is creating a world of bionic vision for those who have lost their sight, enabling them to regain visual perception and greater autonomy. Pixium Visions bionic vision systems are associated with a surgical intervention and a rehabilitation period. Prima System sub-retinal miniature photovoltaic wireless implant is in clinical testing for patients who have lost their sight due to outer retinal degeneration, initially for atrophic dry age-related macular degeneration (dry AMD). Pixium Vision collaborates closely with academic and research partners, including some of the most prestigious vision research institutions in the world, such as Stanford University in California, Institut de la Vision in Paris, Moorfields Eye Hospital in London, Institute of Ocular Microsurgery (IMO) in Barcelona, University hospital in Bonn, and UPMC in Pittsburgh, PA. The Company is EN ISO 13485 certified and qualifies as Entreprise Innovante by Bpifrance.

Forward-Looking Statements. This press release contains certain forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes its expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, these forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. For a discussion of risks and uncertainties which could cause the Company's actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, please refer to the Risk Factors (Facteurs de Risques) section of the Companys 2022 Annual Financial Report and other documents the Company files with the AMF, which is available on the AMF website (www.amf- france.org) or on the Companys website.

For more information: http://www.pixium-vision.com/fr

Follow us on @PixiumVision ; www.facebook.com/pixiumvision

www.linkedin.com/company/pixium-vision

For more information: http://www.pixium-vision.com/fr

Follow us on @PixiumVision ; www.facebook.com/pixiumvision

www.linkedin.com/company/pixium-vision

Contacts

Investor Relations



Pixium Vision

Offer Nonhoff

Chief Financial Officer

[email protected]



Media Relations



Rose Piquante Consulting

Sophie Baumont

[email protected]

+33 6 27 74 74 49

Attachment
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, July 27, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reflex Advanced Materials Corp. (CSE: RFLX) (OTC: RFLXF) (FWB: HF2) (Reflex or the Company), announces that it has extended its agreement with i2i Marketing Group LLC (i2i) (email: [email protected]; address: 1233 Chesapeake Drive, Odessa, Florida, 33556; phone: 312.725.3843) for marketing services to be provided by i2i beginning July 28th, 2023 for approximately one month or until budget exhaustion. i2i will utilize their online programs with the aim of increasing investor awareness and interest in the Company as well as attracting potential new investors through various online platforms and methods of engagement in consideration for the payment to i2i of $120,000 USD. The Company will not issue any securities to i2i in consideration for the marketing services. The marketing activity will occur by email, and the Google, Bing and Yahoo display ad network. i2i does not have any prior relationship with the Company other than previous marketing engagements and the Company and i2i deal at arms length.

The Company also announces that it has extended its agreement with MIC Market Information & Content Publishing GmbH (MIC) (Address: Gerhart-Hauptmann-St. 49b 51379 Leverkusen; email: [email protected]; phone: +49 2171-7766628) for additional marketing services to be provided by MIC beginning August 3rd, 2023 for one month or until budget exhaustion. MIC will utilize their online programs with the aim of increasing investor awareness and interest in the company as well as attracting potential new investors through various online platforms and methods of engagement in consideration of EUR 50,000. The marketing activity will occur by email, Facebook, and Google. MIC does not have any prior relationship with the Company, other than previous marketing engagements and the Company and MIC deal at arms length.

About Reflex Advanced Materials Corp.Reflex Advanced Materials Corp. is a mineral exploration company based in British Columbia. Its objective is to locate and, if warranted, develop economic mineral properties in the strategic metals and advanced materials space. It is focused on improving domestic specialty mineral infrastructure efficiencies to meet surging national demand by North American manufacturers. The Company is working to advance its Ruby Graphite Project, located in Beaverhead County, Montana, and ZigZag Lake Lithium Property, located in Thunder Bay Mining Division, Crescent Lake Area, Ontario.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS,

Paul Gorman CEO & Director

Reflex Advanced Materials Corp[email protected]Tel. (416-768-6101)Suite 915-700 West Pender StreetVancouver, BC V6C 1G8Canada

Forward Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking information. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of any of the words could, intend, expect, believe, will, projected, estimated and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on the Companys current beliefs or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. In particular, this press release contains forward-looking information relating to, among other things, the expected term of the marketing activities contracted for by the Company.

Various assumptions or factors are typically applied in drawing conclusions or making the forecasts or projections set out in forward-looking information, including, in respect of the forward-looking information included in this press release, assumptions regarding the efficacy of the Companys marketing program.

Although forward-looking information is based on the reasonable assumptions of the Companys management, there can be no assurance that any 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 to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such factors include, among other things, the risk that the Companys marketing program may not be as effective as anticipated by the Company and that the budget for the Companys marketing program may not be sufficient to permit the marketing activities to continue for the anticipated term. The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof, and the Company not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Because of the risks, uncertainties and assumptions contained herein, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The foregoing statements expressly qualify any forward-looking information contained herein.

Source: Reflex Advanced Materials Corp.
Vancouver, BC, July 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- RevoluGROUP Canada Inc. (TSX-V: REVO), (Frankfurt: IJA2), (Munich: A2PU92) (the "Company") today announced the resignation of Steve Marshall, Chief Executive Officer, due to health reasons.



The Board has reviewed comprehensive medical history dating back to November 2022, demonstrating continuous inquiries into a pulmonary pathology associated with suspected chronic obstructive pulmonary disease alleviated by doctor-prescribed Symbicort. Despite mandated vaccinations and correctly administered boosters, Mr. Marshall suffered three particularly aggressive bouts of COVID-19 between January 2020 and July 2022. Due to the recent worsening of symptoms, physicians have not ruled out Long COVID. Under a consensus medical recommendation, the latest medical reports show that Mr. Marshall recently traveled from Panama to Europe to consult with an internationally recognized pulmonologist on July 13th, 2023. While the specialist physician's tests continue on August 4th, Mr. Marshall must immediately reduce stress and rest. Consequently, the Board accepts his resignation after a thorough evaluation of Steve Marshall's persistent health condition, medical records, and the uncertain prognosis of his recovery.

Steve Marshall has been a key figure in guiding the Company's growth and success, and the Board of Directors expresses deep gratitude for his invaluable contributions. However, in light of the circumstances surrounding his health, Steve Marshall has made the difficult decision to step down from his position, effective immediately.

Mr. Marshall joined the Company in 2016 and served as CEO for over seven years. He oversaw and led the Company's transformation from a mining issuer to an international central bank-licensed Neobank and EU-licensed financial institution #6900 during that time. Marshall spearheaded expansion into new markets via the launch of the Company's Fintech revenue verticals and closed-loop financial system. In February 2023, the Canadian TSX Venture Exchange inducted RevoluGROUP into the Top 50 performing companies. The prestigious Top 50 honor situated RevoluGROUP in the top 3% of companies listed on the Canadian Venture Stock Exchange, serving as a testament to the Company's continued accomplishments. The Board of Directors acknowledges Steve Marshall's dedication and leadership and is committed to building upon the foundation he has established.

The Board has initiated a comprehensive search process to identify a successor who will lead the Company into its next growth phase and ensure continuity in executing RevoluGROUP's strategic objectives. The search will include internal and external candidates, and the Board aims to complete the process promptly.

"Steve Marshall has been an instrumental leader, and his departure due to health reasons deeply saddens us," said the Board of Directors. "We extend our heartfelt support and best wishes to him and his family during this challenging time. As we move forward, we are committed to finding a successor who will build upon the strong foundation Steve Marshall has laid and steer RevoluGROUP towards continued success."

RevoluGROUP remains focused on its core business operations and is confident in the capabilities of its dedicated management team, which will assume interim leadership responsibilities during the transition period.

About RevoluPAY

The Company's flagship Neobanking technology is RevoluPAY, the Apple and Android multinational payment app. Conceived entirely in-house, RevoluPAY features proprietary, sector-specific technology of which the resulting source code is the Company's intellectual property. RevoluPAY's built-in features include Remittance Payments, Forex, Crypto-to-fiat exchange, Retail and Hospitality payments, Real Estate Payments, pay-as-you-go phone top-ups, Gift Cards & Online Credits, Utility Bill payments, Gaming Credits, Leisure payments, Travel Payments, etc. RevoluPAY is aimed squarely at the worldwide multi-billion dollar Open Banking sector, cross-border forex payments, and + $595 billion family remittance market. RevoluPAY is operated by the European wholly-owned subsidiary RevoluPAY EP S.L situated in Barcelona. RevoluPAY is a licensed United States MSB, Canadian FINTRAC, and European PSD2 payment institution 6900 under the auspices of E.U. Directive 2015/2366 with E.U. 27 Country Passporting and official issuer of Visa Cards and authorized Visa Affiliate Member. RevoluGROUP Canada Inc. controls five wholly-owned subsidiaries on four continents.

About RevoluGROUP Canada Inc.:

RevoluGROUP Canada Inc. is a multi-asset, multidivisional, publicly traded Canadian Company deploying advanced technologies in; Banking, Mobile Apps, Money Remittance, Cross-Border Forex Payments, Mobile Phone Top-Ups, EGaming, Healthcare Payments, Esports, Invoice factoring, Online Travel, Vacation Resort, Blockchain Systems, and Fintech app sectors. Click here to read more.

For further information on RevoluGROUP Canada Inc. (TSX-V: REVO), visit the Company's website at www.RevoluGROUP.com. The Company has approximately 194,278,146 shares issued and outstanding.

RevoluGROUP Canada, Inc.

"The Board"

______________________

RevoluGROUP Board of Directors

For further information, contact:

RevoluGROUP Canada Inc.

Telephone: (604) 332 5355

Email: [email protected]

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.
On July 30, Parvel Pruunsild, one of the owners and current Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Bigbank, will resign from the Supervisory Board. The new member of the Supervisory Board will be Sven Raba who has previously worked in Bigbank as member of the Management Board.

Parvel Pruunsild remains one of Bigbanks large shareholders, but will no longer have a seat in the banks management bodies. The development strategy of Bigbank is working and is being carried out successfully. Sven Raba has been a pioneer in the development of the banking system Nest, which has provided a technological advantage for Bigbank, and will now continue to support the International growth of our fully digital bank in the Supervisory Board, he added.



Sven Raba, the new member of the Supervisory Board, worked in Bigbank from 2014 until 2022, including as the Groups Chief Financial Officer, Chairman of the Management Board and, most recently, Chief Technology Officer. Sven Raba has graduated from Tallinn Technical University (TalTech) cum laude in accounting and economic analysis and has a Masters degree in economics. Since October 2022 Sven Raba has been the Management Board member and CFO of fintech company Monemon and is member of the Estonian Chamber of Mentors.

Bigbank AS (www.bigbank.ee) is based on Estonian capital and focuses on loans and deposits for private and corporate customers. In addition to its activities in Estonia, Bigbank has branches in Finland, Sweden, Latvia, Lithuania and Bulgaria and also offers its products as a cross-border service in Austria, Germany and the Netherlands. Bigbanks total balance sheet exceeds 1.9 billion euros.

Additional information:

Martin Lants

Chairman of the Management Board

E-mail: [email protected]

www.bigbank.eu
Orlando, FL, July 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The 2023 Tech Tactics in Education conference has announced an all-star line-up of keynote speakers slated to share their insights on some of the biggest technology issues in K-12 and higher education. In three thought-provoking presentations, education IT leaders will join renowned experts from the Center for Internet Security, K12 Security Information eXchange, and SANS Institute to discuss current challenges in education cybersecurity, the intersection of infosec and artificial intelligence, and what to expect for the future of cyber:

Tues, Nov. 7, 9:00 a.m. ET | Cybersecurity: Practice What, and While, We Teach

Tony Sager, Senior VP and Chief Evangelist, Center for Internet Security

Phyllis Lee, Vice President of Security Best Practices Content Development, Center for Internet Security

Alex Podchaski, Chief Technology Officer, Trinity Preparatory School

Thomas Hoover, Ed.D., Vice President for IT, University of Louisiana System, and CIO, Louisiana Tech University

The opportunities and challenges of cybersecurity have moved from the domain of wizards and governments into the economic and social mainstream. And nowhere is this more evident than in the world of education. In many ways, the world of education has been a leader and a prime target, long before cyber became "cool." Bring your own devices? Operate open research communities while still protecting intellectual property? Protect personal information about students? Increasing demands for new tech, but with declining budgets? Deliver complex and rapidly changing content, in multiple forms? That's just another tough day at work for IT pros in education. In this discussion (which will also be a live podcast), CIS's Tony Sager will talk to a panel of education IT leaders who live in this complex and risky world  to hear about the problems, challenges, and successes they experience. In cyberspace, we all have more in common than different, so we have the opportunity to share, learn, and help bring focus to the most important things to be done. He'll also share how the Center for Internet Security works with education communities, helping to bring focus, priority, and technology to help education IT pros face the challenges that we all share.

Wed, Nov. 8, 9:00 a.m. ET | AIs and Hackers and Schools, Oh My!

Doug Levin, Co-founder and National Director, K12 Security Information eXchange

The cybersecurity outlook for education is nothing if not challenging. From ransomware to targeted phishing attacks, school systems across the nation are being victimized nearly every day. At the same time, those IT leaders responsible for cybersecurity defense are being asked to do more with less, often absent resources and organizational support. On the horizon, new technologies  most notably, artificial intelligence  are fast emerging and promise to introduce both new challenges and opportunities. What are the forces shaping the cybersecurity landscape in education and what can we do to prepare? This presentation will offer insights into the past, present, and future of cybersecurity in education  all in an effort to highlight the most important actions IT leaders can take today to protect their school communities tomorrow.

Thurs, Nov. 9, 12:00 p.m. ET | How Long Until Judgment Day: A Look at the Future of Cybersecurity

Dr. Johannes Ullrich, Dean of Research, SANS Technology Institute, SANS Faculty Fellow, and Founder, Internet Storm Center

Predicting the future of cybersecurity is inherently difficult. At the surface, no other industry is as volatile and fast-moving as "cyber." But at the same time, after working in the industry for over 20 years, and collecting data from the SANS Internet Storm Centers worldwide sensor network for about as long, Johannes Ullrich believes there are some ground truths and trends that stick out and may help us understand where things are going. In this presentation, he will focus on the news about and around large language models to illustrate how some of this is "nothing new"  and what may, in the end, really matter. Attendees will gain a better understanding of the effect of these new developments on the offense and defense of cybersecurity.

We are thrilled to bring these esteemed thought leaders to the keynote stage, said Rhea Kelly, Editor-in-Chief of Campus Technology. Not only will they deliver invaluable insights for every education IT practitioner, but they will also offer concrete resources to help tackle educations existential technology challenges. We hope youll join us in Orlando for these cant-miss presentations!

As the flagship titles of 1105 Medias Education Group, Campus Technology and THE Journal have a combined 88-year history covering the education technology field through their respective editorial platforms, top-notch multimedia content, in-demand virtual and in-person events, and more. With programming developed by the Campus Technology and THE Journal team of ed tech experts, the 2023 Tech Tactics in Education conference will offer hands-on learning and practical tips, tools, and ideas for decision-makers and leaders in education IT.

Registration for Tech Tactics in Education 2023 is open now at techtacticsineducation.com.

About Tech Tactics in EducationBrought to you by the producers of Campus Technology and THE Journal, the Tech Tactics in Education conference offers hands-on learning, practical tips, and strategic discussions on critical cybersecurity issues and key data infrastructure and practices across K12 and higher education. techtacticsineducation.com

Follow us:twitter.com/techtacticsedufacebook.com/techtacticseduinstagram.com/techtacticsedulinkedin.com/company/techtacticsedu#techtacticsedu

About Campus TechnologyCampus Technology is one of higher education's top information sources  delivering valuable information via a daily website, newsletters, webinars, podcast, and events. It's the go-to resource for campus professionals  providing in-depth coverage on the technologies and implementations influencing colleges and universities across the nation. You'll discover valuable hands-on articles, best practices, industry trends, expert advice and insightful articles to help administrators, campus executives, technologists and educators plan, develop and successfully launch effective IT initiatives. campustechnology.com

About THE JournalTHE Journal is dedicated to informing and educating K12 senior-level district and school administrators, technologists, IT professionals, and tech-savvy educators who serve the nation's public schools, so they may improve and advance the learning process through the use of technology. It is the leading K12 information source, delivering valuable information via daily news updates on THEJournal.com and via newsletters, webinars, podcast, and events focused on ed tech trends and the technologies influencing K12 education across the United States. thejournal.com

About 1105 Media Education GroupThe 1105 Education Group, a division of 1105 Media Inc., provides information, insight and analysis to the education sector, focusing on IT and instructional technology. Our content platforms for our core properties include magazines, websites, newsletters, events, and a broad spectrum of marketing services. 1105media.com

Olivia Urizar 1105 Media Inc. 714-439-9484 [email protected]

Source: 1105 Media Inc.
Winnipeg, Manitoba--(Newsfile Corp. - July 28, 2023) - Anacott Acquisition Corporation (TSXV: AAC.P) (the "Company" or "Anacott") is pleased to announce that further to the letter of intent entered into on March 2, 2023 with Ramp Metals Inc. ("Ramp"), a corporation incorporated under the laws of the Province of British Columbia, the Company has entered into a binding merger agreement effective July 28, 2023 with Ramp and 1429494 B.C. Ltd. ("Anacott AcquisitionCo"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Anacott (the "Merger Agreement"), in respect of an arm's length reverse-takeover transaction of Ramp by Anacott (the "Proposed Transaction"), which will constitute the Qualifying Transaction (as such term is defined in Policy 2.4 - Capital Pool Companies of the Corporate Finance Manual of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange")) of Anacott.

The completion of the Proposed Transaction is subject to the satisfaction certain conditions, including but not limited to: (i) the completion of a concurrent financing for gross proceeds of a minimum of $1,000,000 (the "Concurrent Financing") through the issuance of either units of Anacott (each, an "Anacott Unit") at a price of $0.20 per Anacott Unit, or and/or subscription receipts of Ramp (each, a "Ramp Subscription Receipt") at a price of $0.20 per Ramp Subscription Receipt; (ii) the completion of the Consolidation (as defined herein); and (iii) the receipt of all requisite regulatory, stock exchange, or governmental authorizations and consents, including the approval of the Exchange. Each Anacott Unit issuable in the Concurrent Financing will consist of one post-Consolidation common share of Anacott (each, an "Anacott Share") and one half of one share purchase warrant, with each whole warrant exercisable into one post-Consolidation Anacott Share at a price of $0.35 per Anacott Share for a period of 24 months, while each Ramp Subscription Receipt will be convertible into one Anacott Unit immediately prior to the closing of the Proposed Transaction.

Subject to satisfaction or waiver of the conditions precedent referred to herein and in the Merger Agreement, Anacott and Ramp anticipate that the Proposed Transaction will be completed no later than October 27, 2023. There can be no assurance that the Proposed Transaction, the Consolidation or Concurrent Financing will be completed on the terms proposed above or at all.

Trading in the Anacott Shares is currently halted in accordance with the policies of the Exchange and will remain halted until such time as all required documentation in connection with the Proposed Transaction has been filed with and accepted by the Exchange and permission to resume trading has been obtained from the Exchange.

THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION

The Proposed Transaction will result in Anacott acquiring all of the issued and outstanding securities of Ramp in exchange for the issuance of securities of Anacott by way of a three cornered amalgamation among Anacott AcquisitionCo, Ramp and Anacott, with the entity resulting from the amalgamation of Anacott AcquisitionCo and Ramp becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of Anacott. The existing shareholders of Ramp are expected to own a majority of the outstanding Anacott Shares after completion of the Proposed Transaction (the "Resulting Issuer Shares") and Anacott is expected to be renamed "Ramp Metals Inc.". It is anticipated that Anacott immediately after the completion of the Proposed Transaction (the "Resulting Issuer") will be a Tier 2 Mining Issuer listed on the Exchange.

Immediately prior to the completion of the Proposed Transaction, it is anticipated that Anacott will consolidate its issued and outstanding Anacott Shares on the basis of approximately 1.7603584 pre-consolidation Anacott Shares for each one post-consolidation Anacott Share (the "Consolidation").

The Proposed Transaction is contemplated as an amalgamation under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) between Anacott AcquisitionCo and Ramp and will not constitute a Non-Arm's Length Qualifying Transaction or a related party transaction pursuant to the policies of the Exchange and applicable securities laws.

As consideration for the acquisition of all of the outstanding securities of Ramp, holders of the common shares of Ramp (each, a "Ramp Share") will receive one post-Consolidation Anacott Share for each one Ramp Share held with a deemed value of $0.20 per post-Consolidation Anacott Share. The final structure of the Proposed Transaction is subject to the receipt of tax, corporate and securities law advice by both Anacott and Ramp.

Assuming the minimum of $1,000,000 is raised under the Concurrent Financing, it is estimated that there will be approximately 31,412,025 Resulting Issuer Shares outstanding upon closing of the Proposed Transaction, and 31,752,355 Resulting Issuer Shares on a fully-diluted basis, with existing securityholders of Anacott holding approximately 8.95% of the Resulting Issuer Shares, existing shareholders of Ramp holding approximately 75.31% of the outstanding Resulting Issuer Shares, and subscribers for Anacott Units and/or Ramp Subscription Receipts holding approximately 15.75% of the outstanding Resulting Issuer Shares, in each case, on a fully-diluted basis.

No finder's fee or commission is payable in connection with the Proposed Transaction.

Concurrent Financing

Prior to the completion of the Proposed Transaction, the parties to the Merger Agreement have agreed to use commercially reasonable efforts to complete the Concurrent Financing to raise gross proceeds of a minimum of $1,000,000. Ramp intends to use the net proceeds from the Concurrent Financing to carry out a work program on its Rottenstone SW property and for general working capital purposes.

Ramp Financial Information

Financial information for Ramp's fiscal years ended June 30, 2023 and 2022 is not available at this time and will be provided in a subsequent news release.

Non-Arm's Length Parties

The Proposed Transaction will not constitute a Non-Arm's Length Qualifying Transaction or a Related Party Transaction within the meanings of such terms under the policies of the Exchange and applicable securities laws, and as such, shareholders of Anacott are not required to approve the Proposed Transaction.

Insiders of the Resulting Issuer

Upon completion of the Proposed Transaction, it is anticipated that the board of directors of the Resulting Issuer will consist of five nominees: Jordan Black, Pritpal Singh, Peter Schloo, David Parker and Michael Romanik. It is anticipated that the senior management of the Resulting Issuer will be as follows: Jordan Black as Chief Executive Officer, and Rachel Chae as Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary.

Jordan Black - CEO, Director

Jordan Black, P.Eng., is a Geotechnical Engineer with 12 years of consulting engineering experience. Mr. Black has been an engineer for various infrastructure, renewable energy and mining projects, providing leadership, design solutions and project management. He is currently a geotechnical consultant for WSP Canada and previously acted as the Vice President of Business Development at GoldSpot Discoveries Inc. and the Vice President of Investments at ThreeD Capital Inc. GoldSpot is a technology company that leverages artificial intelligence to reduce capital risk while working on increasing success rates in resource exploration.

Rachael Chae - CFO, Corporate Secretary

Rachel Chae has served as CFO for various publicly traded companies, including a number of junior exploration companies based in Vancouver, BC. Ms. Chae is a Chartered Professional Accountant and Certified General Accountant working at Cross Davis & Company LLP, a Chartered Professional Accountant firm providing accounting services to publicly listed entities, primarily in the mining sector. She works directly with mining CEOs and directors, assisting with their regulatory and accounting needs.

Pritpal Singh - Director

Pritpal Singh is the Founder of Thesis Capital Inc, an independent Toronto-based capital markets advisory firm focused on providing high growth companies with a variety of advisory services. Mr. Singh has assisted some of Canada's leading junior issuers with capital markets initiatives, including marketing their companies to the North American investment community. Prior to founding Thesis, Mr. Singh spent time working in investment banking and wealth management where he developed relationships with both the buy side and sell side communities in North America.

Peter Schloo - Director

Peter Schloo holds CPA, CA and CFA designations and has 8+ years of experience in capital markets, operations and assurance. He is also a licensed prospector in the Province of Ontario. Mr. Schloo has held senior executive and director positions in a number of private companies, a majority of which were in the precious metals sector, including VP of Corporate Development and Interim CFO of Ion Energy Ltd. and CFO of Spirit Banner Capital Corp. Mr. Schloo is currently a director of Pacific Empire Minerals Corp. (TSXV: PEMC). His past successes include participating in over $85M worth of capital raising activities for both public and private companies.

David Parker - Director

David Parker is a team-orientated management professional with more than 15 years of experience in business financing, consulting and recapitalizing public/private companies in the mining, technology and media industries. Mr. Parker also has almost two decades of experience in retail, office and industrial real estate sales and development, having lead projects from initial market analysis to acquisition, design, approval, site servicing, construction and disposition.

Michael Romanik - Director

Michael Romanik has over 14 years of resource exploration and public market experience with an emphasis on management, promotion and corporate finance. He has built an impressive network of resource and investment industry contacts over the years and demonstrated a proven ability to utilize those relationships to advance his business objectives. Mr. Romanik has served as the President and CEO of GoldON Resources (TSXV: GLD) since 2009 and is a founding shareholder and the CEO of Silver Dollar Resources (CSE: SLV).

Sponsorship

Sponsorship of a Qualifying Transaction is required by the Exchange unless a waiver from the sponsorship requirement is obtained. In the event that the Concurrent Financing is brokered, Anacott intends to apply for a waiver from sponsorship for the Proposed Transaction. There is no assurance that a waiver from this requirement will be obtained.

ABOUT RAMP METALS INC.

Ramp is a battery and base metal exploration company incorporated under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) with two flagship properties located in northern Saskatchewan and one property in Nye County, Nevada. The management team is passionate about green field exploration and new technologies. The vision of Ramp is to make the next big discovery required to fuel the green technology movement.

The following is a description of the two flagship properties of Ramp, Rottenstone SW and PLD (as defined below):

Rottenstone SW

The Rottenstone SW ("Rottenstone SW") property is located in the Rottenstone Domain, in Northern Saskatchewan, Canada, approximately 115 kilometers North of La Ronge, Saskatchewan. The Rottenstone SW property consists of ten (10) mineral deposit claims covering approximately 7,366 hectares. The Rottenstone SW property is located along a regional NE-SW structure from the historic Rottenstone Mine, which produced 40,000 tons of high grade nickel-copper-platinum group elements plus gold (Ni-Cu-PGE + Au) ore grading 3.28% Ni, 1.83% Cu and 9.63 g/t (Pt-Pd-Au).

Ramp recently retained the services of Axiom Exploration Group to complete an 800km airborne time domain electromagnetics (TDEM) geophysical survey which was flown at 100m spacing. The survey generated a high-definition magnetic map of the "Rottenstone Eye" structure (Figure 1) and compelling EM targets. The eye structure and location of the conductive targets show striking similarities to geophysical response of a Nova-Bollinger deposit. Permits have been submitted for a drill program to test EM targets.







Figure 1: Total Magnetic Intensity - Rottenstone Eye Structure

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8725/175330_3e79d22e34659a11_001full.jpg

PLD

The Peter Lake Domain ("PLD") property is located in the Peter Lake Domain within the Swan River complex in Northern Saskatchewan, Canada, approximately 260 kilometers Northeast of La Ronge, Saskatchewan. The PLD property consists of four (4) mineral deposit claims covering approximately 2,163 hectares. The PLD property is interpreted as an eroded magma chamber that could have served as a pooling station for magmatic nickel sulphides. The Saskatchewan mineral deposit index notes a surface grab sample of gabbro outcrop with disseminated pyrite and chalcopyrite (SMDI 5545): values of 1860 ppm Cu, 461 ppm Ni, 41 ppb Pt, 49 ppb Pd. Previous shallow drilling intercepted a thick section of gabbro and 7.1m of disseminated sulphides at the edge of the chamber. A historical VTEM survey conducted by Geotech Ltd. outlined compelling targets. The EM anomaly consists of two parts: Northern and Southern with the strike length of the anomalies of 500m and 700m, respectively. The PLD property is fully permitted for a fall 2023 drill program.

Option Agreement

Ramp has the right to acquire a 100% right, title and interest in the Rottenstone SW and PLD properties pursuant to an option agreement between Ramp and Rottenstone Resources Ltd. ("Rottenstone Resources") dated March 16, 2022 (the "Option Agreement"), subject to a 2% net smelter returns royalty payable to Rottenstone Resources (the "Royalty"). The Option Agreement provides that Ramp has the right to acquire 1% of the Royalty at any time by paying Rottenstone Resources $1,000,000.

Pursuant to the terms of the Option Agreement, Ramp was required to issue 14,800,000 Ramp Shares to Rottenstone Resources (the "Consideration Shares") and incur an aggregate of $750,000 in exploration expenditures within 24 months of the date of the Option Agreement. As of the date hereof, Ramp has issued the Consideration Shares and incurred an aggregate of approximately $296,000 in exploration expenditures.

Nevada Property

This property consists of 50 placer claims located in Nye County, Nevada, USA (the "Nevada Property"). The Nevada Property is owned by Ramp Metals USA Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ramp.

Troy Marfleet, P.Geo, a "qualified person" under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has reviewed and approved the technical content in this news release.

ABOUT ANACOTT ACQUISITION CORPORATION

Anacott is a capital pool company (as defined in the policies of the Exchange) listed on the Exchange having been incorporated under the Canada Business Corporations Act. Anacott has no commercial operations and no assets other than cash.

This press release does not constitute an offer of securities for sale in the United States. The securities being offered have not been, nor will they be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and such securities may not be offered or sold within the United States absent U.S. registration or an applicable exemption from U.S. registration requirements.

Completion of the Proposed Transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to Exchange acceptance and, if applicable pursuant to Exchange requirements, majority of the minority shareholder approval. Where applicable, the Proposed Transaction cannot close until the required shareholder approval is obtained. There can be no assurance that the Proposed Transaction will be completed as proposed or at all.

Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the management information circular or filing statement to be prepared in connection with the Proposed Transaction, any information released or received with respect to the Proposed Transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of Anacott should be considered highly speculative.

The Exchange has in no way passed upon the merits of the Proposed Transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved of the contents of this press release.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements contained herein that are not clearly historical in nature may constitute forward-looking statements. Generally, such forward-looking information or forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology 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 may contain statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "will continue", "will occur" or "will be achieved". The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained herein include, but are not limited to, statements regarding: the completion of the Proposed Transaction; the ability of Anacott and Ramp to complete the terms on which the Proposed Transaction is intended to be completed, the ability of Anacott and Ramp to obtain regulatory and shareholder approvals; and other factors.

These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements, including but not limited to: the inability of Anacott and Ramp to complete the Proposed Transaction; the inability of Anacott and Ramp to complete the terms on which the Proposed Transaction is intended to be completed; the inability of Anacott and Ramp to obtain regulatory and shareholder approvals; risks regarding the market conditions; economic factors; the inability of management to manage and to operate the business of the Resulting Issuer; and the risks inherent in equity markets generally.

Although Anacott and Ramp have attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements or information. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Except as required by applicable securities laws, forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and neither Anacott and Ramp undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

For further information, please contact:

Michael Romanik

Chief Executive Officer

Telephone: 204.724.0613

E-mail: [email protected]

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/175330
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 28, 2023) - CanAlaska Uranium Ltd. (TSXV: CVV)(OTCQX: CVVUF)(FSE: DH7N) ("CanAlaska" or the "Company") announces that it has extended the term of its corporate communications and marketing services agreement with Rayleigh Capital Ltd. ("Rayleigh Capital") from June 30, 2023 to December 31, 2024, subject to approval from the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV")(refer to the Company's news release of January 4, 2023). Either party is permitted to terminate the extended agreement upon providing the other party with 60 days' prior written notice of termination. Rayleigh Capital focuses on global investor relations for junior and small cap companies specializing at exposing companies to a wide audience of investment professionals.

Under the extended agreement, commencing July 1, 2023, the Company will pay $7,500 per month (plus GST) to Rayleigh Capital to provide liaison, coordination, corporate growth strategy, communications and other services to CanAlaska. The fee to be paid by the Company to Rayleigh Capital under the agreement is for services only. The Company and Rayleigh Capital act at arm's length. Rayleigh Capital has no present interest, directly or indirectly, in the Company or its securities, except that it has today been granted stock options to purchase up to 100,000 common shares of the Company pursuant to CanAlaska's omnibus equity incentive plan. These options are exercisable for a period of three years at a price of $0.30 per share. Pursuant to TSXV policies, these options will vest as to 25% on each of 3, 6, 9 and 12 months from their date of grant.

The Company also announces that it has granted incentive stock options to certain directors, officers, employees and consultants of the Company to purchase up to an aggregate of 2,405,000 common shares of the Company pursuant to CanAlaska's omnibus equity incentive plan, all of which options are fully vested. These options are exercisable for a period of three years at a price of $0.30 per share.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States of America. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933 (the "1933 Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons (as defined in the 1933 Act) unless registered under the 1933 Act and applicable state securities laws, or an exemption from such registration is available.

About CanAlaska Uranium

CanAlaska Uranium Ltd. (TSXV: CVV)(OTCQX: CVVUF)(FSE: DH7N) holds interests in approximately 350,000 hectares (865,000 acres), in Canada's Athabasca Basin - the "Saudi Arabia of Uranium." CanAlaska's strategic holdings have attracted major international mining companies. CanAlaska is currently working with Cameco and Denison at two of the Company's properties in the Eastern Athabasca Basin. CanAlaska is a project generator positioned for discovery success in the world's richest uranium district. The Company also holds properties prospective for nickel, copper, gold and diamonds. For further information visit www.canalaska.com.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

"Cory Belyk"

Cory Belyk, P.Geo., FGC

CEO, President and Director

CanAlaska Uranium Ltd.

Contacts:

Cory Belyk, CEO and President

Tel: +1.604.688.3211 x 138

Email: [email protected]



General Enquiry

Tel: +1.604.688.3211

Email: [email protected]

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-looking information

All statements included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that the Company expects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve numerous assumptions made by the Company based on its experience, perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors it believes are appropriate in the circumstances. In addition, these statements involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties that contribute to the possibility that the predictions, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking statements will prove inaccurate, certain of which are beyond the Company's control. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, the Company does not intend to revise or update these forward-looking statements after the date hereof or revise them to reflect the occurrence of future unanticipated events.

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/175191
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - July 28, 2023) - Deveron Corp. (TSXV: FARM) ("Deveron" or the "Company"), a leading agriculture service and data company in North America, is pleased to announce the results of yesterday's annual and special meeting of shareholders. (the "Meeting").

All matters presented for approval at the Meeting were duly authorized and approved, as follows:

each of the following nominees was elected as a director of the Company. The results of the shares voted in person or by proxy in respect of the election of each director are:

Nominee Votes For Votes Withheld David MacMillan 57,738,604

(99.428%) 331,986

(0.572%) William (Bill) Linton 57,938,604

(99.773%) 131,986

(0.227%) Chris Irwin 51,775,036

(89.159%) 6,295,554

(10.841%) Roger Dent 52,155,104

(89.813%) 5,915,486

(10.187%) Joelle Faulkner 57,938,604

(99.773%) 131,986

(0.227%) Greg Patterson 57,938,604

(99.773%) 131,986

(0.227%) Tim Close 57,938,604

(99.773%) 131,986

(0.227%)

the appointment of Grant Thornton LLP, Chartered Professional Accountants as the Company's auditor until the next annual meeting of shareholders and the board of directors were authorized to fix the remuneration of the auditor. the approval and confirmation of the stock option plan.

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.

[email protected]

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/175246
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 28, 2023) - Doubleview Gold Corp. (TSXV: DBG) (OTCQB: DBLVF) (FSE: 1D4)(the "Company" or "Doubleview") mourns the loss of a key figure in its success, Tom (Thomas) Lisle P.Eng., former part-owner of the Hat Project. With heavy hearts, Doubleview Gold Corp pays homage to the man whose passion for exploration and dedication to the Hat Project has left an indelible mark on the Company's journey.

Tom Lisle's association with the Hat Project began in 1993 when he and his partner embarked on an exploration mission, identifying several promising mineral targets. Their efforts laid the foundation for future discoveries, particularly the noteworthy cobalt zones that remained largely unexplored but promising. In 2011, Doubleview Gold Corp acquired the Hat Project, recognizing its immense potential, and Tom's invaluable insights, became an integral part of the Company's geological team.

"Tom Lisle was more than just a colleague; he was a mentor and a friend," states Farshad Shirvani, President, and CEO of Doubleview Gold Corp. "His guidance and profound observations have been pivotal in shaping our geological endeavors. We owe him a debt of gratitude for his immense contribution to the Lisle Deposit. It is a privilege to honor him with the name of our first deposit."

Tom Lisle's legacy extends beyond his involvement with Doubleview Gold Corp. His expertise and passion led him to partake in numerous mining exploration and development projects, both big and small over many decades. A thoughtful individual with a remarkable sense of humor, he brought smiles and laughter to everyone around him.

The Lisle Deposit named in his honor, stands as a testament to his enduring commitment to the Hat Project and the mining industry. Tom's vision and dedication will continue to inspire Doubleview Gold Corp and future generations to pursue excellence in mining exploration.

"We extend our deepest condolences to Tom's family during this difficult time," says Farshad Shirvani. "His legacy will forever be cherished, and we are committed to carrying forward his vision and passion for the Hat Project."

About Doubleview Gold Corp:

Doubleview Gold Corp is a mineral exploration and development company focused on uncovering valuable resources in British Columbia and elsewhere. Through cutting-edge geological practices and a commitment to sustainable exploration, the company aims to contribute to the mining industry's growth while honoring the legacy of visionaries like Tom Lisle P.Eng.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

Farshad Shirvani, President & Chief Executive Officer

For further information please contact:

Doubleview Gold Corp

Vancouver, BC Farshad Shirvani

President & CEO

T: (604) 678-9587

E: [email protected]

NEITHER TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

Certain of the statements made and information contained herein may constitute forward-looking information. In particular references to the private placement and future work programs or expectations on the quality or results of such work programs are subject to risks associated with operations on the property, exploration activity generally, equipment limitations and availability, as well as other risks that we may not be currently aware of. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/175172
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 28, 2023) - Dynasty Gold Corp. (TSXV: DYG) (FSE: D5G1) (OTC Pink: DGDCF) ("Dynasty" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the phase 1, 2023 drill campaign has completed ten holes at the East Pelham Zone.

Ten drill holes, totaling approximately 2,000 metres, have been completed at the East Pelham Zone. Four holes were drilled into the area around drill holes DP22-02, DP22-03 and DP22-04 to get a better understanding of the controls on the high-grade gold mineralization. Three holes were step-outs to test for extensions of the gold mineralization, and three holes were placed in the central part of the Pelham Zone. The locations for these ten holes were selected using a combination of geophysical data as well as results from the 2022 holes. As gold is associated with sulphide mineralization, it appears to be correlated with IP chargeability anomalies. Assays are pending and will be reported when received.

Ivy Chong, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company states, "We are delighted with the progress made in the Summer 2023 drill program. We used a new drilling contractor that was able to complete holes to target depths rapidly. Our geological team designed a series of holes to expand on the success of the Fall 2022 program with a combination of holes to better understand the controls on the high-grade gold mineralization, as well as to step out along the geophysical anomaly associated with the East Pelham Zone. Thirteen drill holes are planned for the East and Central Pelham Zone to be followed by moving to the West Pelham Zone. There has been minimal drilling in the West Pelham Zone where the 3D modeling of geophysical data suggests that the anomaly at the East Pelham Zone continues to the West Pelham Zone".

Currently, two geological teams are on the ground. The teams include geologists with decades of experience working in similar geological environments. As in the past year, the Company has rented a facility for the exploration camp that is owned and operated by the Wabigoon First Nation. This same community has provided support for the drill campaign for this year as well as last year. The program is expected to run all summer and into the fall. The Company anticipates drilling up to 5,000 metres with additional drilling of up to 5,000 metres, if results warrant.

The technical information in this release has been reviewed by Peter Holbek, P.Geo, M.Sc., an independent consultant and a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101.

About Dynasty Gold Corp.

Dynasty Gold Corp. is a Canadian exploration company currently focused on gold exploration in North America with projects located in the Manitou-Stormy Lake greenstone belt in Ontario and in the Midas gold camp in Nevada. The Company is currently advancing its Thundercloud gold resource in northwest Ontario. A NI 43-101 Independent Technical Report, September 27, 2021 can also be found on the Company and SEDAR websites. The 100% owned Golden Repeat gold project in the Midas gold camp in Elko County, Nevada, is surrounded by a number of large-scale operating mines. For more information, please visit the Company's website www.dynastygoldcorp.com.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DYNASTY GOLD CORP.

"Ivy Chong"

_________________________________

Ivy Chong, President & CEO





For additional information please contact:

Vancouver Office:

Ivy Chong

Phone: 604.633.2100. Email: [email protected]

This press release contains certain "forward-looking statements" that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The TSX Venture Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/175235
Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois--(Newsfile Corp. - July 28, 2023) - Goldstone Financial Group has announced its tax-focused investment advisory and wealth management service for its Nashville clients. The financial planning team at Goldstone Financial Group has added tax planning to their roster of fiduciary services and has made themselves familiar with the intricacies of state tax laws in Tennessee, as well as national requirements. The goal behind Goldstone Financial Group's recently announced tax planning services is to help reduce the tax burden of their clients, both as when they earn their income, and later, when they draw on it throughout their retirement.

More information is available at https://goldstonefinancialgroup.com/



Goldstone Financial Group Nashville Announces Wealth Management To Reduce Taxes

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8814/175231_04377ddb34d6b91e_001full.jpg

In their many years of operation, Goldstone Financial Group has seen that tax represents an increasing burden on Americans, one which limits the amount of funds they can save and invest in the present, and thus draw upon in the future. Citing a recent nationwide investigation by CPA Practice Advisor, Goldstone Financial Group explains that today, the average American will pay $532,910 in taxes in their lifetime, which represents a third of their lifetime income.

As such, Goldstone Financial Group will develop a comprehensive tax and wealth management strategy that will allow clients to reduce their tax burden and therefore better arrange lifetime income.

The investment advisors and financial planners at Goldstone will create a tax minimization plan that encompasses tax-deferred investments like IRAs and 401(k)s, which takes advantage of possible social security and property tax breaks for retirees, uses Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs), and more.

With its tax-focused investment advisory and wealth management service, the team can provide clients with up-to-date advice grounded in deep knowledge of state and federal requirements and available tax breaks.

Goldstone Founder & CEO, Anthony Pellegrino describes "understanding tax laws and finding opportunities" as being "a full-time commitment," which is why their team is constantly expanding their knowledge of the field.

Brian Korienek, the Partner & Vice President Of Wealth Management at Goldstone, added, "At Goldstone Financial Group, we understand planning for your retirement taxes is a vital part of ensuring you have enough income to support your lifestyle in retirement. By understanding your tax bill, maximizing tax deductions, and taking advantage of tax-deferred investments, you can minimize your tax bill and maximize your income. With careful planning and attention to detail, you can make the most of your retirement years."

Interested readers can find out more at https://goldstonefinancialgroup.com/contact-us/

Contact Info:

Name: Anthony Pellegrino

Email: [email protected]

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/175231
A legislative update from first term State Sen. Josh Carnley was the focus of the Enterprise Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee breakfast meeting hosted by the American Legion Cook Clements Post 73 in Enterprise.

An Ino native, Carnley ran for the Alabama State Senate District 31 seat being vacated on the retirement of longtime State Sen. Jimmy Holley and won the general election in November last years. He is a 1997 graduate of Kinston High School and graduated from Auburn University with a degree in agricultural science.

Carnley is the president of Sanbuck Insurance and a farmer. He served as the Coffee County District 1 Commissioner prior to being elected to the state seat. His district includes all of Coffee, Covington, and Pike counties and a portion of Dale County.

Carnley serves on the legislative Veterans and Military Affairs Committee.

You are a group that is easy to represent because of what youve done for our country and our state and what you continue to contribute, he told the capacity crowd of active duty military and family members, veterans, and business and civic leaders. Im thankful for the opportunity to represent such great people and Im thankful that the attitude of our state is to be the most military and veteran friendly state in the country.

In Alabama there are now veteran services offices in 63 counties, Carnley said. Veteran-generated federal revenue coming into Alabama each year is some $4.53 billion, about half of which is pensions and compensation to Alabama veterans and their beneficiaries, he said.

Those who are veterans not only gave while they were serving, they continue to give to our community today and thats something I think we need to continue to recognize and continue to support.

Some of the folks here today had a vision to retain (veterans) in our community, Carnley said. Im appreciative of that and, as a community, we need to support those efforts.

Carnley said that two bills passed this legislative session are specifically military-friendly. Senate Bill 37 extends professional license reciprocity to professional service providers coming from another state. They are trying to make it easier for military families to transition here and not have to go through all the training and processes to do here what they are already trained to do.

Carnley sponsored the Senate version of the HB201 sponsored by State Rep. Marcus Paramore. That bill addresses the issue of mandatory motor vehicle liability insurance coverage. It assists Alabamas resident military members by providing an exception to the Mandatory Liability Insurance program for military personnel who are Alabama residents stationed outside of Alabama. The exception allows Alabama to accept a policy issued in the state they are stationed, as long as it meets Alabama minimums. Previously Alabama military residents temporarily stationed outside of Alabama were required to maintain an Alabama MLI policy, in addition to an MLI policy in the state of their temporary duty station.

The states fifth VA long-term healthcare facility being built in Enterprise is an amazing sight to see coming up out of the ground, Carnley said. Its just a beautiful building.

Enterprise was chosen as the new homes location in early January 2020. The facility is being built on 108 acres off Highway 51 just north of Yancey Parker Industrial Park.

To be named the Command Sgt. Maj. Bennie G. Adkins State Veterans Home, the facility will be approximately 182,000 square feet and house 174 residents. It is expected to provide jobs for more than 200 people.

In Montgomery they talk about this new veterans home a lot and how its going to be the new standard for VA homes, Carnley said. Im just proud that its being to be here in an area that really appreciates our veterans.

Enterprise is a great place for our military and our veterans and I thank the mayor and our city council and our chamber of commerce for that, Carnley said. They do an excellent job of welcoming people here and making them known that theyre appreciated.
South Texas personal injury lawyers Reyna Law Firm have announced their damage claim representation services in support of truck crash victims in and around McAllen.

McAllen, Texas--(Newsfile Corp. - July 28, 2023) - The announcement comes at a critical time in McAllen, with the city's position as an international US-Mexico trade hub contributing to high traffic accident rates on nearby roadways. Reyna Law Firm points to US Highways 83 and 281 as well as Interstate 2 as particularly dangerous, offering its new services in direct assistance of those hurt on these busy routes and others.

For more information see https://www.reynainjurylaw.com/mcallen





McAllen Truck Accident Injury Attorney Services Announced By Reyna Law Firm

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8814/175081_d7126a1a842368da_001full.jpg

Such services are crucial, says JR Reyna the firm's lead attorney, in representing victims of crashes involving big rigs and other 18-wheelers. The frequent presence of heavy commercial freight trucks transporting goods to and from McAllen leads to an increased risk of devastating collisions, suggests the firm. Its new services are designed to help evaluate and prove the cause of such accidents in support of blameless motorists.

The logical step for crash victims, as advised by the firm, is to file injury claims in pursuit of compensatory figures. With its new services, Reyna Law Firm's attorneys provide aid in the navigation of the claim process through all stages - this includes countering offers made by opposing legal counsel or insurance representatives.

Reyna Law Firm notes that any compensation amount awarded as a result of truck accident injury claims needs to be considerable. The sheer size of heavyweight freight vehicles means that crashes can cause significant destruction and bodily harm, extending to lacerations, paralysis, and severed limbs. The firm's lawyers therefore include the gathering of medical documents in its new services.

By amassing such reports as part of their investigations, Reyna Law Firm aims to build strong collections of evidence that accurately reflect the level of hardships victims continue to go through. This is described as a significant step in its new services, with its attorneys able to target settlements that cover physical therapy costs, vehicle repairs, and past, present, and future medical bills.

Reyna Law Firm announces its new services as a complement to its existing legal assistance - with the firm having two decades of experience fighting in major injury lawsuits. Its new truck accident claim aid follows its practice areas in cases of medical malpractice, oil field catastrophes, and others across South Texas.

Interested parties in McAllen and the surrounding areas can find further details about Reyna Law Firm and its new legal services at https://www.reynainjurylaw.com/mcallen

Contact Info:

Name: Juan Reyna

Email: [email protected]

Organization: Reyna Law Firm McAllen

Address: 7001 North 10th Street #Ste. G2, McAllen, Texas 78504, United States

Website: https://www.reynainjurylaw.com/mcallen

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/175081
Perth, Australia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 28, 2023) - Tempus Resources Ltd (ASX: TMR) (TSXV: TMRR) (OTC Pink: TMRFF) ("Tempus" or "the Company") is pleased to announce the completion of the first phase rock sampling program at the Elizabeth Gold Project located in Southern British Columbia.

HIGHLIGHTS

Tempus has completed the first phase of a property wide rock sampling program at Elizabeth Gold Project focused on expanding the mineralisation footprint of project beyond the current drilling zone. Three key target areas sampled over approximately 20 km 2 area 90 rock samples collected, assays pending Follow up on geophysical targets identified from the 2021 airborne magnetic survey as well as 2019 soil study area at Elizabeth East Focus on the identification of additional drill targets outside the current Elizabeth drilling area

Updated JORC/NI43-101 Resource Work is continuing on the completion on the updated JORC/NI43-101 Resource estimate for the Elizabeth and Blackdome Gold Projects Complexity of the mineralisation associated with the No. 9 and Blue Veins requires additional study work to complete the resource estimate SRK Canada have been appointed to complete a structural mapping study at Elizabeth and Blackdome scheduled for early August Following completion of the structural mapping study, SRK will complete the updated JORC/NI43-101 resource estimate for both Elizabeth and Blackdome Projects

Elizabeth Drill Program The planned 4,000 metre drill program at Elizabeth has been deferred until after the resource estimates have been completed The results of the resource modelling and estimates will be key inputs into the final field drilling plan



Tempus Resources, President and CEO, Jason Bahnsen, commented, "We have taken 90 rock samples in three key target areas within an overall area of 20 km2. This sampling program has the potential to significantly increase the overall footprint of the gold mineralisation at the Elizabeth Project and follows up on the 2021 airborne geophysics survey targets that identified magnetic lows associated with intrusive bodies prospective to host gold mineralisation."

Elizabeth Rock Sampling Program

The Elizabeth Gold Project has an overall area of approximately 11,500 Hectares. The recent drilling program at Elizabeth has focused on a small area of intrusive hosted quartz veins with an area of approximately 110 hectares.

The Blue Creek Porphyry, which hosts the Elizabeth gold-quartz veins, is thought to have intruded the Shulaps Ultramafic Complex during the late-Cretaceous and belonging to the late stages of the Coast Plutonic Complex. This timing makes it close in proximity to the timing of Bralorne mineralization (approximately 30km away) and being associated with the same, regional, transpressional environment. Bralorne is a well explored mesothermal vein system, which was mined to a depth of approximately 2,000 metres and produced more than 4 million ounces of gold over a period of 70 years. Historically, the boundaries of the Blue Creek Porphyry have been poorly defined based on mapping of sparse outcrops and therefore not well understood.

In 2021, Tempus completed a 735 line-km airborne magnetics and radiometric survey over the entire Elizabeth Project licence area, (see Tempus news release dated 13 August 2021 for full details). The geophysical surveys identified the Blue Creek Porphyry, which is the known host of the high-grade Elizabeth gold-quartz veins, as a relative magnetic low anomaly within the Shulaps Ultramafic Complex. From this correlation of geology and geophysics it was determined that the Blue Creek Porphyry, originally explored and mapped to approximately 1.1km2 in size, is likely much larger. The airborne magnetic survey and MVI 3D modelling interpret the Blue Creek Porphyry to be at least four-times the size at approximately 4.5km2.

The 2023 rock sampling and geological mapping program at Elizabeth focused on "ground truthing" the identified geophysical anomalies across three key target areas. In total, 90 rock samples have been collected across the target areas (see Figure 1). All samples have been dispatched to SGS Laboratories in Vancouver for assay.





Figure 1 - Elizabeth Rock Sample Locations



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7585/175227_31836f3374ad7bc9_001full.jpg

The sampling and mapping features of each of the key target areas is outlined below.

Elizabeth North West

Fourteen rock samples taken from an area to the north west of the Elizabeth Main zone. The samples were collected within a protruding erosion-resistant outcrop which is the upper projection of Listwanite vein. Observed within the outcrop are a multiple and intensed anastomosing quartz, calcite and barite veining, within reddish, silicified listwanitic ultramafic where fuchsite was noted. Vuggy quartz was also noted.

Three historical drill holes (E04-01, E04-03 and E04-05) indicated presence of a gold-mineralized vein structure on this area, now being called as Listwanite Vein. Hole E04-01 intersected 15.5 m wide zone @ 1.01 g/t over 15.5 m, including 2.09 g/t over 1.5 m.. This mineralized intersect is hosted by diorite, within contact zone with a listwanitic ultramafic rock.

Elizabeth East

The 2019 soil geochemistry survey identified a 400m x 150m east-west trending gold in soil anomaly in an area with no previously known mineral showings, located approximately 2.5 km east of the Elizabeth Main zone, including multiple samples > 0.1 g/t gold to a maximum of 0.66 g/t gold.

The strongly anomalous multi-element results are identified as residual soils, implying that the anomaly is true and locally derived.

The 2023 rock sampling and mapping program identified dioritic intrusive "windows" within the ultramafic-dominated Elizabeth East anomaly area. This provides further support to the overall size of the Blue Creek Porphyry intrusion that hosts the gold veins at Elizabeth being much larger in size.

Tempus took 55 rock samples across the Elizabeth East anomaly area. Samples were also taken to the north and south along trend of the anomaly area. Anastomosing, vuggy quartz-calcite-barite veining but with poor sulphide content were, noted within highly silicified ultramafic rocks, near contact with dioritic intrusive contacts, similar to that seen at North West area (Listwanite Vein area). Vuggy quartz is not a normal feature displayed by mesothermal veins. This may indicated presence of overprinted epithermal and younger; or other hydrothermal system. See Figure 2 photos below.





Figure 2 - Elizabeth East Outcrop Showing Vuggy Quartz Veining and Ultramafic / Intrusive Contact



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7585/175227_31836f3374ad7bc9_0002full.jpg

Elizabeth South

This area was visited by the team to ground truth a mag low anomaly which may indicate presence of dioritic intrusive rocks. The area is generally dominated by ultramafic outcrops, with few minor dioritic dikes and small outcrops. A total of four samples were collected from this area. Two samples were quartz floats. The other two samples were from a bleached diorite outcrop and fault zone within diorite outcrop, respectively.

JORC/NI43-101 Resource Estimate

Work on the completion of the updated JORC/NI43-101 Resource estimate for he Elizabeth and Blackdome Projects. The complexity of the mineralisation associated with the No. 9 and Blue Veins requires additional structural modeling work prior to completion of the resource estimate (see Figure 3).





Figure 3 - Elizabeth Geology - Vein Plan View



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7585/175227_31836f3374ad7bc9_004full.jpg

SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc. ("SRK") have been appointed to complete a structural mapping study at Elizabeth and Blackdome. Siote visits required for the structural mapping study will be completed in early August. The results of the structure mapping will be utilised in the resource estimate.

Following completion of the structural mapping study, SRK will complete the updated JORC/NI43-101 resource estimate for both Elizabeth and Blackdome Projects. The additional modelling and mapping work has impacted the timing of the resource estimate completion, now estimated for August/September.

Elizabeth Drill Program

The planned 4,000 metre drill program at Elizabeth has been deferred until after the resource estimates have been completed.

The results of the resource modelling and estimates will be key inputs into finalising the field drilling plan.

Competent Persons Statement

Information in this report relating to Exploration Results is based on information reviewed by Mr. Sonny Bernales, who is a Member of the Engineers and Geoscientists British Columbia (EGBC), which is a recognised Professional Organisation (RPO), and an employee of Tempus Resources. Mr. Bernales has sufficient experience which is relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration and to the activity which he is undertaking to qualify as a Competent Person as defined by the 2012 Edition of the Australasian Code for reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves, and as a Qualified Person for the purposes of NI43-101. Mr. Bernales consents to the inclusion of the data in the form and context in which it appears.

This announcement has been authorised by the Board of Directors of Tempus Resources Limited.

For further information:

TEMPUS RESOURCES LTD

Melanie Ross - Director/Company Secretary Phone: +61 8 6188 8181

About Tempus Resources Ltd

Tempus Resources Ltd ("Tempus") is a growth orientated gold exploration company listed on ASX ("TMR") and TSX.V ("TMRR") and OTC Pink ("TMRFF") stock exchanges. Tempus is actively exploring projects located in Canada and Ecuador. The flagship project for Tempus is the Blackdome-Elizabeth Project, a high-grade gold past producing project located in Southern British Columbia. Tempus is currently midway through a drill program at Blackdome-Elizabeth that will form the basis of an updated NI43-101/JORC resource estimate. The second key group of projects for Tempus are the Rio Zarza and Valle del Tigre projects located in south east Ecuador. The Rio Zarza project is located adjacent to Lundin Gold's Fruta del Norte project. The Valle del Tigre project is currently subject to a sampling program to develop anomalies identified through geophysical work.

Forward-Looking Information and 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 Tempus's control. Generally, such forward-looking information or forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology 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 may contain statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "will continue", "will occur" or "will be achieved". The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained herein may include, but are not limited to, the ability of Tempus to successfully achieve business objectives, and expectations for other economic, business, and/or competitive factors. Forward-looking statements and information are subject to various known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the ability of Tempus to control or predict, that may cause Tempus' actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied thereby, and are developed based on assumptions about such risks, uncertainties and other factors set out herein and the other risks and uncertainties disclosed under the heading "Risk and Uncertainties" in the Company's Management's Discussion & Analysis for the quarter and nine months ended March 31, 2023 dated May 12, 2023 filed on SEDAR. Should one or more of these risks, uncertainties or other factors materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking information or statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Although Tempus 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 Tempus 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. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking information and statements attributable to Tempus or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in its entirety by this notice.

Neither the ASX Exchange, the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/175227
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - July 28, 2023) - Wellfield Technologies Inc. (TSXV: WFLD) (OTCQB: WFLDF) (FSE: K8D) (the "Company" or "Wellfield"), today announced that it has signed a non-binding letter of intent (the " LOI") to enter into an agreement with Earth Corporation ("EarthCo") to acquire 517,100 common shares and 1,155,000 series B preferred shares in the capital of Bosonic, Inc. ("Bosonic") (the "Proposed Investment"), representing an approximately 9.7% interest in Bosonic on a fully diluted basis. Bosonic develops unique technology that facilitates the trading, clearance, and settlement of digital assets and digital asset securities, with a focus on elimination of counterparty credit and settlement risk. Wellfield expects to reach a definitive agreement to complete the Proposed Investment within 15 days of the signing of the LOI.

Management Commentary

Levy Cohen, CEO of Wellfield, commented, "At Wellfield, we're dedicated to pioneering advancements in the blockchain and decentralized finance ecosystem. As a part of this commitment, we are thrilled to announce our proposed strategic investment in Bosonic Inc. This investment embodies our ongoing strategy to, not only meet, but exceed the expectations of our high-net-worth and institutional investors at Wellfield Capital who demand reliable and secure liquidity solutions from both decentralized and traditional exchanges.

Bosonic's cutting-edge technology provides what we believe to be the best approach to address crucial challenges in centralized liquidity venues: settlement and counterparty risk. Our proposed investment in Bosonic is strategic, providing the opportunity for Wellfield Capital to leverage Bosonic's robust risk mitigation solutions, thereby enhancing our service offering and ensuring that we stay ahead in the rapidly evolving digital asset landscape.

As we continue to execute on our institutional facing product strategy, the proposed strategic investment and ongoing relationship with Bosonic will enrich our offerings at Wellfield Capital and provide access to digital asset securities through Bosonic's recently approved US broker-dealer and Alternative Trading System ("ATS") license. We foresee numerous synergies and partnership opportunities between Wellfield and Bosonic that can drive our mutual growth and, more importantly, provide our clients with exceptional value."

Proposed Investment Benefits

Through the Proposed Investment and an ongoing relationship with Bosonic, Wellfield believes it will be well positioned to realize strong synergies, revenue-generating potential, and competitive differentiation, including:

Accelerated Innovation: Bosonic's cutting-edge technology is expected to provide Wellfield the ability to better adapt to new trends and technologies in traditional digital asset trading venues, allowing Wellfield to continue its focus on innovation in decentralized finance.

Bosonic's cutting-edge technology is expected to provide Wellfield the ability to better adapt to new trends and technologies in traditional digital asset trading venues, allowing Wellfield to continue its focus on innovation in decentralized finance. Enhanced Risk Management: Leveraging Bosonic's advanced risk mitigation solutions is expected to allow Wellfield to enhance its offering and provide more secure and efficient liquidity solutions for its clients.

Leveraging Bosonic's advanced risk mitigation solutions is expected to allow Wellfield to enhance its offering and provide more secure and efficient liquidity solutions for its clients. Broadened Customer Offering: This strategic investment and ongoing relationship will broaden Wellfield's product portfolio and enable its clients access to a wider range of services and global trading options.

This strategic investment and ongoing relationship will broaden Wellfield's product portfolio and enable its clients access to a wider range of services and global trading options. Revenue Growth: With an expanded product offering and operational efficiency, Wellfield anticipates an increase in customer engagement and sees potential for further revenue growth.

Terms of the Proposed Investment

Under the terms of the LOI, the Company and EarthCo have agreed to exclusively negotiate the entering into of a definitive agreement with respect to the Proposed Investment. Negotiations with EarthCo are in the preliminary stages, and if acceptable to the Company, it is anticipated that the Company will acquire 517,100 common shares and 1,155,000 series B preferred shares in the capital of Bosonic in exchange for an aggregate of approximately 17,250,000 common shares in the capital of the Company to be issued to EarthCo. The Company expects to announce additional details regarding the Proposed Investment when a definitive agreement is executed.

No assurances can be made that the parties will successfully negotiate and enter into a definitive agreement, or that the Proposed Investment will be consummated on the terms or timeframe currently contemplated, or at all. The Proposed Investment would be subject to customary approvals and conditions, including, but not limited to, the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV").

About Wellfield Technologies

Wellfield is an R&D focused Fintech company that operates on public blockchains including Bitcoin and Ethereum. The Company operates a regulated platform that onboards customers globally at scale, leveraging its proprietary decentralized technology to offer highly disruptive on-chain self-custody solutions. Wellfield operates through two brands: Coinmama, which with a growing base of more than 3.5 million registered users, is one of the most trusted and enduring global brands operating in the crypto space; and Wellfield Capital, which the Company announced in late 2022 to meet the needs of institutional users and professional investors.

Join Wellfield's digital community on LinkedIn and Twitter, and for more details, visit wellfield.io

About Bosonic Inc.

Bosonic, Inc., is the developer of innovative technology to facilitate the trading, clearance, and settlement of digital assets and digital asset securities with a focus on elimination of counterparty credit and settlement risk without reliance on central counterparties or other balance sheet dependent credit intermediation. Its wholly owned subsidiary, Bosonic Securities, LLC, is a technology-driven broker-dealer and ATS that uses blockchain technology to promote market efficiency for digital asset securities.

For further information contact:

Wellfield Technologies Inc.

Levy Cohen, CEO

[email protected]

Ryan Graybill, Investor Relations

[email protected]

(832) 483-2575

Cautionary Notice on Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking information" ("forward-looking information") within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking information 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 information. Forward-looking information in this news release includes statements regarding: the timing of the execution of a definitive agreement with respect to the Proposed Investment; the receipt of required consents and approvals, including, but not limited to, from the TSXV for the Proposed Investment in a timely manner, if at all; the Company's ability to increase customer engagement and revenue, enhance its service offering, and gain access to further digital asset securities, as a result of the Proposed Investment; the synergies and partnership opportunities between the Company and Bosonic resulting in growth and value for the Company; the ability of the Company to integrate Bosonic's software and services for the benefit of its end users the Company's ability to realize strong synergies, improve its competitive edge and differentiate its offering from its competitors as a result of the Proposed Investment; the Company's ability to enhance its offering and provide more secure and efficient trading platforms for its clients and to improve its ability to adapt to new trends and technologies in the decentralized finance market, as a result of the Proposed Investment; the number of issued and outstanding securities of Bosonic and the number of common shares in the capital of the Company exchanged therefor; the ability of EarthCo to transfer securities of Bosonic to the Company in connection with the Proposed Investment; the expectation of additional revenues, the anticipated strategic, operational and competitive benefits of the Proposed Investment; post-Proposed Investment closing objectives of the Company and business, which are based on the Company's current internal expectations, estimates, projections, assumptions and beliefs, which may prove to be incorrect. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and undue reliance should not be placed on them. Such forward- looking information necessarily involves known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which may cause the Company's actual performance and results in to differ materially from any projections of future performance or results expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: the successful completion of the Proposed Investment; the receipt of required corporate and regulatory approvals, including approval by the TSXV; the failure of the Proposed Investment to result in the anticipated benefits; the ability of EarthCo to transfer securities of Bosonic to the Company in connection with the Proposed Investment; the ability of the Company to integrate Bosonic's software and services for the benefit of its end users; the ability of the Company to raise additional capital to fund future operations; compliance with extensive government regulations, domestic and foreign laws and regulations adversely affecting the Company; the decentralized finance industry generally, in Canada and abroad; and general business, financial market, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive and readers are encouraged to review the disclosure documents accessible on the Company's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com. Readers are further cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are placed will occur. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information.

All information contained in this news release with respect to Bosonic Inc. was supplied by Bosonic Inc., for inclusion herein, and the Company and its directors and officers have relied on Bosonic Inc. for any such information contained herein.

Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) has approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release, nor do they accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE Wellfield Technologies Inc.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/175238
Singapore, Singapore--(Newsfile Corp. - July 28, 2023) - XDC Network, an open-source, carbon-neutral, enterprise-grade, EVM-compatible, Layer 1 blockchain network has completed an important milestone as part of efforts to further digitalise global trade; this integration with Singapore's Infocomm Media Development Authority's (IMDA) TradeTrust, a framework that enables trusted interoperability of electronic trade documents across various digital platforms. As part of this new collaborative effort, IMDA's TradeTrust can verify and transfer documents which can bring more visibility to trades, proof of authenticity and origins of documents, enabling a more seamless and efficient flow of goods between digitally interconnected trading partners.

This partnership is another milestone for XDC Network. In the space of Trade Finance, they already have a cross-border payments and financial messaging platform which is ISO 20022 compliant. XDC Network is being used by many financial institutions for asset origination to distribution. "Incorporating TradeTrust into XDC Network brings in the much-needed utility the industry has been waiting for. We are keen to playing our part and look forward to working together with the industry and providing benefits as operational efficiencies created by digitised bills of lading, supply chain automation, risk management solutions, new capital markets, and improved access of capital for SMEs," says Sunil Senapati, CEO, XDC Trade Network.

"IMDA is excited to partner with XDC Network to provide another blockchain-enabled platform that will enable government bodies and businesses to digitalise cross-border trade. With the growing demands of blockchain globally, XDC Network, as a partner of IMDA's TradeTrust is one of the solutions for trade finance. We will continue to work closely with industry partners to push the envelope in global digital trade," said Mr Loh Sin Yong, Director, TradeTrust, IMDA.

TradeTrust is a framework that comprises globally accepted standards connecting governments and businesses to a public blockchain. TradeTrust has proven capability in tracing the source of digitally issued documents and verifying their authenticity. Examples of use cases include validating the authenticity and provenance of government-issued documents, title transfers of electronic Billing of Lading and more.

With this, XDC is also launching a special-purpose entity named XDC Trade Network. This entity will primarily focus on the Interoperability of MLETR solutions and provide liquidly for trade documents developed on a MLETR compliant solutions. Trade finance gap, which is currently estimated at $2 Trillion, affects mostly the SMEs. As this solution brings in more visibility and verifiable trade documents, XDC is confident to bring in institutional investors, non-bank liquidity providers, and alternative credit funds to participate in the trade finance market. Pilots for this solution are already underway. A fully functional solution along with a regulated custodian will go live in September.

"With MLETR gaining momentum our solution should drive digitalisation across trade participants. This would lower compliance costs, ease access to capital for SMEs, allow monitoring of logistics chains in real-time, and even help prevent documentary fraud. With so many nations actively working to push through the enabling regulatory frameworks, we feel our solution is very timely and we can say cross-border trade is increasingly looking more digital. We are keen to play our part and look forward to working together with the industry further," added Sunil Senapati, CEO, XDC Trade Network.

About IMDA

The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) leads Singapore's digital transformation by developing a vibrant digital economy and an inclusive digital society.

As Architects of Singapore's Digital Future, we foster growth in Infocomm Technology and Media sectors in concert with progressive regulations, harnessing frontier technologies, and developing local talent and digital infrastructure ecosystems to establish Singapore as a digital metropolis.

For more news and information, visit www.imda.gov.sg or email Serene Deng [email protected].

About XDC Trade Network

XDC Trade Network is a complete suite of dApps on XDC Network that aims to redefine the global trade finance Industry by enabling digitisation of cross border trades. Working closely with its solution eco-system partners it promises to deliver Interoperability of MLETR solutions and Funding for trades documents developed on a MLETR compliant solution.

For more news and information, visit www.xdctrade.network or email Sunil Senapati [email protected].

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/175240
Paid press release content from The Financial Capital. The StreetInsider.com news staff was not involved in its creation.

Elite Cloud's AWS Managed Consulting Services revolutionize businesses with top-notch cloud solutions, helping businesses optimize performance, cost-efficiency, and security with unprecedented success.



As businesses increasingly adopt cloud technology, the demand for robust and efficient cloud management solutions has soared. Recognizing this need, Elite Cloud, a renowned provider of cloud solutions, has developed a suite of services designed to optimize cloud infrastructure and enhance operational efficiency across various leading cloud platforms, including Elite Cloud - AWS Managed Consulting Services and Azure Managed Services.

Drawing on the expertise of a multicultural team with experience in Japan, Singapore, the United States, Taiwan, and other countries, Elite Cloud offers comprehensive planning and solutions tailored to specific cultural contexts. This ensures that customers receive the most complete and effective cloud strategies, maximizing their potential for success.

Elite Clouds popular cloud solution, AWS Managed Consulting Services, aims to empower businesses by providing expert guidance and support in AWS architecture, implementation, and optimization. Their team of seasoned professionals, certified in AWS, offers personalized strategies and solutions tailored to meet the unique requirements of each client. The services encompass cloud assessment, migration, cost optimization, security, and compliance, enabling businesses to harness the full potential of AWS while reducing complexities and maximizing return on investment.

One of the key components of AWS Managed Consulting Services is the AWS Cloud Assessment service. Using a meticulous evaluation process, consultants assess the existing AWS infrastructure, identify performance bottlenecks, and provide actionable recommendations to optimize resource utilization, cost efficiency, and security. This empowers businesses to achieve optimal performance, cost savings, and risk mitigation within their AWS environments.

Elite Cloud's AWS Security and Compliance services ensure clients' cloud environments are safeguarded against potential threats. Their team of experts assists in implementing robust security measures, monitoring systems, and ensuring compliance with industry regulations, enhancing overall data protection and risk management.

For more information, visit www.elite.cloud

The Elite Clouds cloud services portfolio includes Azure Managed Services, which provides businesses with comprehensive consulting services for both AWS and Azure, allowing them to leverage the benefits of multiple cloud platforms.

The Azure Managed Services offer a range of solutions, including assessment, migration, optimization, and ongoing management of Azure cloud environments. This expansion allows Elite Cloud to cater to a broader customer base and further enhance its position as a one-stop cloud services provider.

Azure, Microsoft's public cloud platform, integrates seamlessly with the Microsoft ecosystem, allowing users to run Microsoft software and tools effortlessly. With a focus on delivering exceptional performance and connectivity, Azure collaborates with Chinese cloud service providers to ensure fast connections and superior services for Chinese users.

Elite Cloud offers cloud services and solutions for AliCloud, ensuring fast and stable services for Chinese users while providing comprehensive cloud solutions to facilitate business expansion in China. It also offers GCP services from data centers in Taiwan, offering faster and more reliable cloud services to businesses in Taiwan and the Asia-Pacific region.

With Tencent Cloud, launched by Tencent Group, Elite Cloud provides a wide range of cloud computing and data processing services. With a strong presence in the gaming industry, Tencent Cloud offers game acceleration services that reduce latency and ensure smooth gameplay. Tencent Cloud excels in-game and live streaming CDN, providing users with a high-quality and stable service experience.

Beyond cloud hosting, Elite Cloud offers entrepreneurial opportunities to individuals looking to earn additional income. With comprehensive training and professional guidance, the company empowers aspiring cloud-hosting sales experts, providing them with the tools to succeed. Its mission is to deliver the highest quality cloud services while enabling entrepreneurs to thrive.

Elite Cloud offers businesses the flexibility to choose the cloud platform that best suits their need, helping them achieve higher efficiency and cost-effectiveness within their cloud environments. With its expert guidance and comprehensive support for AWS, Azure, and more, the company ensures seamless integration, optimal performance, and enhanced security. Elite Cloud remains at the forefront of cloud technology advancements, consistently delivering innovative solutions to address the evolving needs of its customers.

About the Company:

Elite Cloud is a leading provider of comprehensive cloud solutions, specializing in AWS Managed Consulting Services and Azure Managed Services. With a team of seasoned professionals and deep expertise in cloud architecture, implementation, and optimization, Elite Cloud empowers businesses to harness the full potential of cloud platforms like AWS, GCP, and Azure. Their tailored services encompass cloud assessment, migration, cost optimization, security, and compliance, enabling organizations to streamline operations, enhance performance, reduce costs, and ensure data protection. By offering end-to-end cloud solutions, Elite Cloud helps businesses drive innovation, achieve operational excellence, and accelerate digital transformation.

Contact Info:

Name: K Chen

Email: Send Email

Organization: Elite Cloud

Address: 15 Scotts Rd #03-12 Singapore 228218, Singapore

Phone: +1 (504)-612-0350

Website: https://www.elite.cloud/



Release ID: 89103262

In case of identifying any errors, concerns, or inconsistencies within the content shared in this press release that necessitate action or if you require assistance with a press release takedown, we strongly urge you to notify us promptly by contacting [email protected]. Our expert team is committed to addressing your concerns within 8 hours by taking necessary actions diligently to rectify any identified issues or supporting you with the removal process. Delivering accurate and reliable information remains our top priority.
Paid press release content from The Financial Capital. The StreetInsider.com news staff was not involved in its creation.



OPAC Global, a prominent consulting firm specializing in financial investigations, has announced the appointment of Kerem Albayrak as their new Director. The strategic hiring aims to address the persistent issue of large-scale investment investigations yielding no results, leading to a lack of asset recovery and justice for victims.

Kerem Albayrak's expertise and international connections are expected to bring significant changes to the company's infrastructure and bolster its efforts in combating financial fraud.

The decision to appoint Kerem Albayrak comes as a response to the growing concern among law enforcement agencies worldwide regarding the challenging nature of financial fraud cases. The company recognizes the necessity of creating a network of legal agencies and lawyers to address this issue collaboratively. Albayrak's role as the new Director will focus on establishing effective communication channels between international legal enforcement bodies and improving data collection and analysis methods.

With the new infrastructure set to begin implementation in mid-August, OPAC Global aims to streamline the investigation process and empower law enforcement to tackle financial fraud with enhanced efficiency. Kerem Albayrak's experience dealing with complex financial cases is expected to elevate the company's capabilities, increasing the chances of successful asset recovery and criminal prosecution.

OPAC Global's Values and what Kerem Albayrak brings to them

In line with their commitment to combat financial fraud, OPAC Global firmly believes that transparency is the key to resolving this pervasive issue. As part of its newly designed infrastructure, the company has emphasized strategic data collection to play a central role in its approach. Data collection will be conducted meticulously and ethically, adhering to all applicable data protection and privacy regulations.

One of the most noteworthy aspects of OPAC Global's strategy is its dedication to open collaboration with government-connected agencies. Recognizing the importance of a collective effort in combating financial fraud, the firm intends to make the data they gather available for request and review by relevant law enforcement and government bodies. This transparent information sharing fosters seamless cooperation between the private sector and governmental authorities, facilitating a more robust response to financial fraud.

Kerem Albayrak, the newly appointed Director, elaborated on the significance of transparency in combating financial crime, stating, "Transparency is the foundation upon which trust and collaboration are built. By making our data accessible to government-connected agencies, we are reinforcing our commitment to work hand-in-hand with law enforcement in tackling financial fraud effectively. We believe that this open exchange of information will lead to more successful investigations, asset recoveries, and ultimately, a safer environment for all stakeholders."

The decision to make their strategic data collection available to government-connected agencies reflects OPAC Global's unwavering dedication to ensuring that all necessary resources are employed in the fight against financial fraud. By embracing transparency and actively engaging with law enforcement, the consulting firm is determined to bring about positive change and strengthen the global defense against financial criminals.

As the mid-August commencement approaches, the industry awaits the positive impact of this collaborative and transparent approach on OPAC Global's mission to combat financial fraud and protect businesses and individuals from falling victim to these crimes.



Contact Info:

Name: Julie Janis

Email: Send Email

Organization: OPAC Global

Address: United Kingdom

Website: https://www.opacglobal.com/



Release ID: 89103487

In case of identifying any problems, concerns, or inaccuracies in the content shared in this press release, or if a press release needs to be taken down, we urge you to notify us immediately by contacting [email protected]. Our dedicated team will be readily accessible to address your concerns and take swift action within 8 hours to rectify any issues identified or assist with the removal process. We are committed to delivering high-quality content and ensuring accuracy for our valued readers.
Paid press release content from Send2Press. The StreetInsider.com news staff was not involved in its creation.

Features 1st Annual Family Resource Day

HUGHESVILLE, Md., July 28, 2023 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) The Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland (TCCSMD) is pleased to announce the date for the regions largest job fair, the 12th Annual #TCCSMDGetHired Hiring Event on August 23, 2023, at the Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department. New this year, the 1st Annual Family Resource Day will be featured, connecting families with important community resources. This joint event will connect Southern Maryland residents to career opportunities, assist local businesses in finding talent, and help meet the needs of our community on a holistic level.

As the demand for a skilled workforce continues to negatively impact our local businesses, hiring events are critical, says Ruthy Davis, TCCSMD Director of Regional Workforce and Business Development. Were thrilled to connect businesses with qualified jobseekers and offer attendees resources.

The hiring event will be held inside the Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department on August 23 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. and will feature local Southern Maryland businesses seeking candidates for their current job openings. Standard business registration is $150 with sponsor packages available.

Businesses interested in attending can register on Regfox by visiting https://bit.ly/2023HiringEventBusinessRegistration.

The family resource event will be hosted outside the Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department in the spacious parking area. This event will feature representatives from various organizations throughout the tri-county area ready to meet residents with information about resources such as free job training, work-ready activities such as resume assistance, interview preparation, housing and food bank information, connections for justice involved citizens and more.

This is a family friendly event which will include free food, back-to-school backpacks, haircuts, childrens games, moon bounce, face painting, and more. Community resource organizations will receive a complimentary table for the event by registering on the business registration link https://bit.ly/2023HiringEventBusinessRegistration.

Jobseekers will have the opportunity to speak with employers and gather employment information directly from hiring managers. Industries represented include healthcare, hospitality, retail, construction, government, IT/professional services, manufacturing, and more. Jobseekers may register on Eventbrite at https://bit.ly/2023_TCCSMDGetHired_HiringEvent where they will receive email updates on all participating businesses in advance of the event.

This is an exceptional opportunity for anyone seeking new or better employment to network and make connections. Jobseekers should review the list of hiring companies, visit their websites, and create a strategy for making a great first impression. Come dressed for success and bring plenty of resumes.

For jobseekers with limited transportation, Lifestyles of Southern Maryland will provide free rides from select county transit line locations. Registered jobseekers will receive detailed information via email. We thank Lifestyles of Southern Maryland for their partnership, along with the Rural Maryland Council and the American Rescue Plan Act whose funding is making this event possible.

To learn more about the 12th Annual #TCCSMDGetHired Hiring Event and Family Resource Day happening Wednesday, August 23, 2023 at the Mechanicsville VFD, 28165 Hills Club Rd, Mechanicsville, MD 20659, from 10 a.m.  4 p.m., visit https://www.facebook.com/SouthernMarylandJobSource or call 301-645-8712.

For more information about the Tri-County Council for Southern Marylands Workforce Division visit https://southernmarylandjobsource.org.

For more information about the Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland, a 501(c)(3) charity, visit https://www.tccsmd.org.

NEWS SOURCE: Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland



This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/tri-county-council-for-southern-maryland-announces-12th-annual-regional-hiring-event/

Copr.  2023 Send2Press Newswire, a service of NEOTROPE, Calif., USA. -- REF: S2P STORY ID: 92326SI.04
WASHINGTON , July 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The American College of Surgeons (ACS) strongly supports bipartisan legislation introduced today in the U.S. Senate that would expand access to STOP THE BLEED kits for states, tribal territories, and local governments.

The American Law Enforcement Sustaining Aid and Vital Emergency Resources Act (American Law Enforcement SAVER Act) (S.2644) would help ensure law enforcement and first responders have access to lifesaving supplies in a bleeding emergency. The bill, introduced today by Sens. John Cornyn (R-TX), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-NY), Thom Tillis (R-NC), and Chris Coons (D-DE), would allow for the purchase STOP THE BLEED kits and supplies using funds from the Edward J. Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program (Byrne JAG).

"This legislation ensures that the tools necessary to save lives will be available when minutes matter. The ACS thanks Sens. Cornyn, Whitehouse, Tillis, and Coons for their leadership in making it possible for more first responders to have access to STOP THE BLEED kits to protect their communities," said Patricia L. Turner , MD, MBA, FACS, Executive Director & CEO of the ACS.

About the Byrne JAG Grant

The Byrne JAG grant is administered by the U.S. Department of Justice and provides federal money to state, local, and tribal jurisdictions for "criminal justice" purposes. The American Law Enforcement SAVER Act would expand the potential use of Byrne JAG funds to also include the purchase of STOP THE BLEED Kits.

The bill would require kits purchased with these funds to include a Committee on Tactical Combat Casualty Care-recommended tourniquet and instructional materials developed by stakeholders including the ACS Committee on Trauma. Further, the bill directs the Department of Justice to work with stakeholder organizations to establish standards for trauma kits and provide best practices for law enforcement agencies on how to best use the kits.

The Importance of STOP THE BLEED

The STOP THE BLEED program empowers anyone to become an immediate responder and potentially save a life in a bleeding emergency. Through STOP THE BLEED training, participants learn to control bleeding in three ways: apply direct pressure, pack the wound, and apply a tourniquet. Similar to the widespread placement of AEDs, easy access to a STOP THE BLEED kit could be the difference between life and death in an emergency.

STOP THE BLEED was launched in October of 2015 by the White House, with a call to action to make our nation more resilient and to begin training more people to become immediate responders during a bleeding emergency until professional help arrives. The ACS STOP THE BLEED program is operated under a licensing agreement granted by the Department of Defense. More than 3 million people have participated in ACS STOP THE BLEED training.

For more information on training or to purchase personal kits, visit the ACS' STOP THE BLEED website.

Read the ACS letter in support of this legislation.

About the American College of Surgeons

The American College of Surgeons is a scientific and educational organization of surgeons that was founded in 1913 to raise the standards of surgical practice and improve the quality of care for all surgical patients. The College is dedicated to the ethical and competent practice of surgery. Its achievements have significantly influenced the course of scientific surgery in America and have established it as an important advocate for all surgical patients. The College has more than 87,000 members and is the largest organization of surgeons in the world. "FACS" designates that a surgeon is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/american-college-of-surgeons-supports-bipartisan-legislation-to-expand-access-to-stop-the-bleed-kits-301888402.html

SOURCE American College of Surgeons
SAN DIEGO , July 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Neurointerventional surgeons from around the world will convene at the Society of NeuroInterventional Surgery's (SNIS) 20th Annual Meeting from July 31 through August 3 in San Diego, California , to discuss groundbreaking research and developments in the field of neurointerventional surgery and reflect on global achievements over the two decades since the Society's first annual meeting.

Meeting sessions will cover new research on topics that include treating stroke in pediatric patients and implementing new procedures that can minimize the number of days stroke patients remain hospitalized. Sessions also will include master classes and offer a look at the future of neurointervention. In addition, attendees will discuss international developments in neurointervention, as well as how the field can better embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion in both its practices and treatments.

This year's Amy Walters Patient Lecture will be given by U.S. Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) and introduced by his treating physician, SNIS member Sudhakar Satti , MD. Professor Nobuyuki Sakai , MD, a renowned neurointerventionalist, will deliver the Grant Hieshima Luminary Lecture. Professor Sakai will discuss innovations in neurointerventional care.

"Our members' dedication to the highest levels of patient care is evident as we celebrate this 20-year milestone," said SNIS President J Mocco, MD, MS. "The field of neurointerventional surgery has changed rapidly and on a global scale. Our practitioners use the SNIS Annual Meeting to stay on top of technology and treatment paradigm innovations. The convening provides critical education, much-needed scientific discourse, and crucial opportunities for academia and industry partners to discuss better ways to help our patients."

The 20th Annual Meeting will highlight promising new neurointerventional research, with press releases available on the following abstracts:

"Projected Increase in Thrombectomy Volume Based on Large Core Trials"

"Comparing Outcomes After Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke Due to Large-Vessel Occlusion: Children vs. AdultsA Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis"

"Impact of Stent Retriever Tip Design on Distal Embolization During Mechanical ThrombectomyA Randomized In Vitro Evaluation"

"The Safety and Feasibility of a Care Hotel Model in Elective Neuroendovascular InterventionsA Single Institutional Experience"

in Elective Neuroendovascular InterventionsA Single Institutional Experience" "Safety and Functional Outcomes With Early Initiation of Antiplatelet Therapy Following Mechanical Thrombectomy in Emergent Large Vessel Occlusion Strokes: A Single Institution Registry Study"

"Treatment Outcomes for ARUBA Eligible Brain Arteriovenous Malformations: A Comparison of Real-world Data from the NVQI-QOD AVM Registry to the ARUBA Trial"

This year's conference features a hybrid format with both in-person and livestreamed content. Attendees using the virtual option can watch the sessions in real time, participate in live surveys, and pose questions to the speakers during presentations. All registrants will have access to a virtual meeting platform with recordings of every session.

When: July 31August 3, 2023

Where: San Diego, California

Registration: To register for press credentials (in-person and virtual options), please email [email protected].

Interview: To schedule an interview with SNIS President Dr. Mocco or other SNIS physicians, please contact Camille Jewell at [email protected] or 202-248-5460.

The Society of NeuroInterventional Surgery (SNIS) is a scientific and educational association dedicated to advancing the specialty of neurointerventional surgery through research, standard-setting, and education and advocacy to provide the highest quality of patient care in diagnosing and treating diseases of the brain, spine, head, and neck. Visit www.snisonline.org and follow us on Twitter (@SNISinfo) and Facebook (@SNISOnline).

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/award-for-sen-john-fetterman-new-research-on-pediatric-stroke-shortening-hospital-stays-and-global-innovations-in-aneurysm-and-stroke-care-to-be-presented-at-society-of-neurointerventional-surgerys-20th-annual-meeting-301888002.html

SOURCE Society of NeuroInterventional Surgery
Sunny Kim joined Bespin Global in 2018 and lead the company's expansion into the U.S. market since 2021

Kim's extensive knowledge and global experience will help drive Bespin Global's rapid growth and create synergies between its overseas bases

SEOUL, South Korea , July 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Bespin Global( https://www.bespinglobal.com/ ), a multi-cloud operations management company, announced that Sunny Kim , CEO of Bespin Global U.S. was appointed as its new CEO. In his new role, Mr. Kim will be responsible for positioning Bespin Global as a global cloud MSP managing cloud MSP businesses in Korea , US, China , Singapore , Vietnam and Indonesia . Each of the regions will be directly reporting to Sunny Kim .

Since joining the company in 2018, Sunny Kim has led the software business unit and contributed to the company's innovation and growth. Since 2021, he has been the head of Bespin Global's U.S. operation, where he has led the fastest growing region within Bespin Global and contributed significantly to the company's global expansion. Prior to joining Bespin Global, he was with Samsung Electronics for 12 years. His last post was as a Vice President of Samsung Next where he led investments into technology startups. Prior to Samsung, he was with Accenture and Siebel Systems(Oracle). He graduated from Georgia Tech and Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management (MBA).

"My goal and mission as the new global head of Bespin Global is for the Korean-born cloud company to grow in the largest markets such as North America and Europe , and eventually become a top player in the global cloud market," said Sunny Kim . "I will explore and pursue various ways, including M&A, to accelerate global growth and secure leadership in the market. I will also strengthen connections and exchanges among Bespin Global's overseas bases, currently located in 14 cities in 9 countries, to create greater synergies and contribute to our transformation into a truly global company."

" Sunny Kim is a brave leader who can deliver results. He created our US beach head during the height of Covid. He then made it into the fastest growing division while reaching the profitability before any other division. He also embodies our Learn Do Share core values. There is no one better suited to keep spreading our core value throughout our global operations. He will be instrumental in making sure that Bespin Global becomes a truly global cloud MSP," said John HanJoo Lee , CEO and Chairman of Newberry Global.

John HanJoo Lee will continue to serve as CEO and Chairman of Newberry Global which is the holding company that owns and operates technology companies around the world including Bespin Global, OpsNow, joint ventures in Japan and UAE , and others. Sunny Kim will report to John HanJoo Lee .

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bespin-global-appoints-new-ceo-sunny-kim-301887923.html

SOURCE Bespin Global
Crime Stoppers of Metro Alabama has honored Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall as the Crime Stopper of the Year for his work as the chief law enforcement officer in the state, prosecuting capital murderers, addressing fatal flaws in the criminal justice system, and providing support to our men and women in blue.

The luncheon highlighted the attorney generals role as the lead prosecutor in State v. McCraney where he successfully obtained a guilty verdict in the 1999 Dale County cold case murders of Dothan teens J.B. Beasley and Tracie Hawlett.

Justice is the value we place on the life that was wronged and it is the bravery and resiliency displayed by so many victims that continues to enrich and inspire the pursuit for justice," Marshall said. "Thank you, Crime Stoppers, for the recognition and for highlighting my career prosecuting violent criminals as well as the work that my office does to protect the most vulnerable in our state.

J.B. and Tracie were two young girls who were taken away from us far too early, and bringing their killer to justice reminded me why I became a prosecutor over two decades ago, he added.
ATLANTA, July 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today Autoliv of Japan paid $56 million to settle the Andrews v. Autoliv case which resulted in a $127 million bench verdict on January 3, 2022 .1 The case was tried before Judge Steve C. Jones of the Northern District of Georgia in October 2021 . The payments were made on Thursday, July 27, 2023 .

Plaintiff was represented at trial by Tedra Cannella of Cannella Snyder LLC,

Jim Butler of Butler Prather, LLP; and Rory Weeks of Weeks Law LLC (all three were at the Butler firm at the time of trial). The Plaintiff's trial Team included paralegals Cathy Huff and Beth Telgenhoff and Beth Glen of Butler Prather.

Defendant Autoliv was represented at trial by Doug Scribner , Jay Repko , and Jenny Hergenrother of Alston & Bird.

Of the $56 million , $42 million was paid to Plaintiff Jamie Andrews , whose husband Micah was killed by Autoliv's defective seatbelt, and $14 million was paid to the State of Georgia , which post-trial made a claim to get part of the $100 million punitive damages award, ostensibly pursuant to the escheat provision of O.C.G.A. 51-12.5.1 (e)(2). Under that statute, adopted as part of the 'tort reform' bill in 1987, punitive damages in a products liability case are unlimited, but 75% of any judgment for punitive damages that are actually collected go to the State. In Andrews, as in other prior cases where the State asserted an interest, there was vigorous disagreement between Plaintiff Andrews' legal team and the Georgia Attorney General's office about whether the State had any interest at all in damages not yet collected. The State was wholly uninvolved in the case until it filed a motion to intervene in the appeal by Autoliv to the Eleventh Circuit.

The case arose from a wreck on April 12, 2013 , when Micah Andrews was driving home on I-575 from his job at the Atlanta Aquarium . He swerved to avoid something in the road and ran off a steep shoulder into a group of small trees, hitting them head on. The airbag on his 2005 Mazda 3 failed to function because the electronic front sensor, which was meant to actuate the airbag, failed to send a signal and the airbag failed to deploy. The airbag is, by designation, a "supplemental restraint system." The primary restraint system, the driver's seatbelt, also failed. It spooled out 20 inches - so much that his face hit the steering wheel hub hard enough to fracture his skull. Mr. Andrews died at the scene.

At the time of his death, Micah Andrews was 39 years old. The lawsuit was brought by Mr. Andrews' wife, Jamie Lee Andrews , as surviving spouse and administrator of the Estate, on behalf of herself and their minor daughter.

The case was settled during Autoliv's appeal to the Eleventh Circuit. Autoliv filed its appeal from Judge Jones' Judgment on November 1, 2022 . On appeal, the Plaintiff's legal team was joined by Mike Terry and Frank Lowrey of Bondurant Mixson & Elmore, LLP and Autoliv's legal team was joined by Keith Blackwell of Alston & Bird.

"We are pleased for Micah Andrews' family to have finally won justice for Micah," said Butler. "It took too long, but this is a great result for the Andrews family."

"The verdict in this case and today's resolution represents an enormous team effort," Cannella said. "Like Ms. Andrews , every person who worked on Ms. Andrews' case believed deeply that putting a stop to this dangerous design would save lives. Autoliv is the world's largest manufacturer of automotive airbags and seatbelts. It is now indisputably on notice that Autoliv must not sell safety products that are unsafe."

The verdict and judgment is believed to be the largest verdict ever obtained for a defective seatbelt against a component manufacturer.

Mazda was responsible for the airbag. Autoliv was responsible for the seatbelt. Mazda settled in 2016 on confidential terms. Autoliv persisted in the litigation, never offering more than $200,000 to settle before the verdict.

Plaintiff contended that the seatbelt was designed with excessive and unsafe "spool out" that prevented it from properly restraining occupants of the vehicle. At trial, when called for cross examination by Mr. Butler, Autoliv's designated corporate representative David Prentkowski admitted that so much spool out was foreseeable to Autoliv and was actually foreseen in crash tests, that the spool out was avoidable, that it was foreseeable the consequences of so much spool out could be catastrophic, and that failing to prevent what was foreseeable and avoidable and could cause catastrophic results was no different than intentional misconduct. Autoliv's lawyers put Prentkowski back on the stand three days later, and on cross examination by Mr. Butler he was forced to admit the same things a second time.

The Court's Final Order and Judgment took note: Autoliv's corporate representative "twice admitted that refusing to avoid the foreseeable when opportunities exist to do so is, as a practical matter, the equivalent of intentional misconduct." Order at 83.

Judge Jones' Final Order and Judgment was 96 pages long and detailed the bases for his decision. The Judgment granted compensatory damages for the full value of Micah Andrews' life in the amount of $25 million , granted compensatory damages for pain and suffering in the amount of $2 million , and imposed punitive damages against Autoliv in the amount of $100 million . The Court's Final Order and Judgment found that Plaintiff proved with clear and convincing evidence that Autoliv's conduct "showed that entire want of care which would raise the presumption of conscious indifference to consequences."

The settlement leaves in place the Court's Order finding the Autoliv seatbelt defective and finding Autoliv's conduct demonstrated a conscious indifference to consequences.

As the Court held, public filings by Autoliv Inc. report annual sales for seatbelts of over $2.5 billion every year since 2013, and over $45 billion in seatbelt sales since 2003. At the end of 2020 Autoliv Inc. reported $8.1 billion in assets. Order at 90.

Judge Jones "apportioned" 50% of the compensatory damages to Mazda, under O.C.G.A. 51-12-33. Plaintiff Andrews filed a cross-appeal to Autoliv's appeal to the Eleventh Circuit, in which cross appeal Plaintiff sought to reverse that apportionment, based upon the Georgia Court of Appeals' decision in Georgia CVS Pharmacy, LLC v. Carmichael, 362 Ga. App. 59 (2021).

The Georgia Supreme Court recently declined to reverse Carmichael. Plaintiff was confident the Eleventh Circuit was bound to reverse the apportionment to Mazda based on Carmichael.

With the apportionment to Mazda, the total judgment against Autoliv for Ms. Andrews was $113,509,671.70 . Because Autoliv turned down an offer to resolve the case for $9.5 million in 2015, prejudgment interest of $4,734,349.55 was added to the judgment.

The case was originally filed in Fulton County State Court in 2014. Ms. Andrews approached lawyers Greg Feagle and Bill Ballard about a potential case. They brought in the Butler firm because of its extensive success in product liability and other high-stakes litigation. The defendants removed the case to federal court.

" Jamie Andrews and her legal team are very happy this long ordeal is finally over and pleased with the results," said Tedra Cannella .

Cannella added, "the public relies on auto component manufacturers to make safe products. This case is scary because the very thing that was supposed to keep Mr. Andrews safe was the thing that caused his death  a useless seatbelt."

When Autoliv and Mazda removed the case to federal court the case was first assigned to former Judge William Duffey . After Mazda and Bosch settled, Duffey granted summary judgment to Autoliv. That decision was reversed on appeal by the Eleventh Circuit  just five days after oral argument. "I told Tedra her argument on appeal was so good the Court of Appeals reversed before she could get back to the office," Butler said. Judge Duffey then retired and did not take senior status, and the case was reassigned to Judge Jones .

Because Ms. Andrews did not accept Autoliv's offer of settlement under O.C.G.A. 9-11-68(a-d), Autoliv filed a motion to make the widow Jamie Andrews pay Autoliv's attorneys' fees. That motion was granted by Judge Duffey, but vacated after the Eleventh Circuit reversed the grant of summary judgment to Autoliv.

O.C.G.A. 51-5-12.1 was passed in 1987, as part of a "tort reform" bill. "The escheat provision giving the State 75% of any collected punitive damages judgment is a real impediment to deterring wrongful conduct," Butler said. "That was its purpose to begin with  to discourage plaintiffs from taking such cases to verdict. Ask the State how many times in the past 36 years the State has collected anything based on that statute."

Another feature of the 1987 'tort reform' bill that resulted in O.C.G.A. 51-12.5.1 is what is called the "one-bite rule." In a products liability case, once one judgment for punitive damages is collected in Georgia for a particular product then the manufacturer is immune from any further punitive damages verdicts for that same product. The jury is not told that its verdict will be the only punitive judgment for the manufacturer's acts. "That deal was made by one of the GTLA members then fighting the 'tort reform' bill - without permission or knowledge by the rest of our team," Butler said. "Without authority from anyone he agreed to exchange those provisions for the cap on punitive damages in all non-products cases. We tried to get that taken out of the bill, but by then the die was cast, and legislative leaders would not change the result."

The result is a windfall to the State in exchange for immunity to a manufacturer for a product that has been found to be defective, and which is still endangering Georgia citizens.

1 The actual named defendant at trial was Autoliv Japan, LTD, but as the Court found that entity was a subsidiary of the multinational corporation Autoliv, Inc. and that "Autoliv has ignored formal divisions among corporate Autoliv entities." Final Order and Judgment at 91. In fact, the defendant's own corporate representative at trial was not an employee of "Autoliv Japan LTD" but of another Autoliv, Inc. subsidiary. Order at 94. The design for the seatbelt component at issue in the case came from yet another Autoliv Inc. subsidiary. Order at 92.

MEDIA CONTACT  James E. (Jim) Butler , Jr. ([email protected])  office 800-242-2962, cell 706-315-5018; Tedra L. Cannella ([email protected])  cell 404-831-5462, 404-800-4828 office. Please copy Susie Wynn ([email protected]) on any emails, just in case we miss the email.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/butler-prather-llp-autoliv-abandons-its-appeal-of-court-order-finding-seatbelt-defective-pays-56-million-to-settle-2022-judgment-301888078.html

SOURCE Butler Prather LLP
In the news release, FDA Grants Breakthrough Therapy Designation to NS-089/NCNP-02 for the Treatment of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, issued 27-Jul-2023 by NS Pharma over PR Newswire, we are advised by the company that the second paragraph, last sentence, should read "In June 2023 , NS-089/NCNP-02 was granted Rare Pediatric Disease Designation by the FDA" rather than "In July 2023 , NS-089/NCNP-02 was granted Rare Pediatric Disease Designation by the FDA" and the footnote url should read "https://www.ncnp.go.jp/topics/2022/20220317e.html" instead of "https://www.ncnp.go.jp/topics/docs/20220317eng-ncnp-release.pdf," as originally issued inadvertently. The complete, corrected release follows:

FDA Grants Breakthrough Therapy Designation to NS-089/NCNP-02 for the Treatment of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

NS Pharma, Inc. (NS Pharma; President, Tsugio Tanaka ) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Nippon Shinyaku Co., Ltd. (Nippon Shinyaku; President, Toru Nakai )

PARAMUS, N.J. , July 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- NS Pharma, Inc. announced today the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation to NS-089/NCNP-02, an investigational candidate for patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy amenable to exon 44 skipping therapy.

The Breakthrough Therapy Designation for NS-089/NCNP-02 is based on results from a first-in-human, investigator-initiated clinical trial conducted in Japan .1 The FDA issues Breakthrough Therapy Designation to expedite the development and review of medicines which are intended to treat serious or life-threatening diseases. The criteria require preliminary clinical evidence that indicates the drug may demonstrate substantial improvement over available therapies on a clinically meaningful endpoint(s). In June 2023 , NS-089/NCNP-02 was granted Rare Pediatric Disease Designation by the FDA.

NS-089/NCNP-02 is an antisense nucleotide discovered through joint research between NS Pharma's parent company, Nippon Shinyaku, and the National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry (Kodaira City, President: Kazuyuki Nakagome ).

Clinical development of NS-089/NCNP-02 includes a planned Phase 2 study in the United States conducted by NS Pharma and a Phase 2 study conducted in Japan by Nippon Shinyaku. Additional details will be provided once the trials are ready to begin enrolling participants.

About Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (Duchenne)

Duchenne is a progressive form of muscular dystrophy that occurs primarily in males. Duchenne causes progressive weakness and loss of skeletal, cardiac, and respiratory muscles. Early signs of Duchenne may include delayed ability to sit, stand or walk. There is a progressive loss of mobility, and by adolescence, patients with Duchenne may require the use of a wheelchair. Cardiac and respiratory muscle problems begin in the teenage years and lead to serious, life-threatening complications.

About NS Pharma, Inc.

NS Pharma, Inc., is a wholly owned subsidiary of Nippon Shinyaku Co., Ltd. For more information, please visit http://www.nspharma.com. NS Pharma is a registered trademark of the Nippon Shinyaku group of companies.

Contact

U.S. Media Contact:

[email protected]

Reference

National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry Press release on March 17, 2022 .

https://www.ncnp.go.jp/topics/2022/20220317e.html

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fda-grants-breakthrough-therapy-designation-to-ns-089ncnp-02-for-the-treatment-of-duchenne-muscular-dystrophy-301886646.html

SOURCE NS Pharma
LOS ANGELES , July 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Emjay, the leading cannabis retailer and delivery service based in California , proudly stands in support of actors and writers participating in the nationwide strike. In a heartfelt gesture, Emjay's Los Angeles dispensary representatives will be present at various strike locations this weekend, distributing vouchers that grant card-carrying members of SAG-AFTRA or WGA the privilege of exempting all cannabis taxes from their next purchase at Emjay.

"We're excited to connect with the strikers on a deeper level," said Chris Vaughn , Emjay CEO.

The team from Emjay will make stops at prominent studios such as Netflix, CBS, and Fox, aiming to provide a dose of lighthearted relief to the hardworking members of SAG and WGA through cannabis.

Chris Vaughn , the CEO of Emjay, expressed enthusiasm about the team's involvement with the local community, stating, " The CBS Studio is just down the street from our West Hollywood dispensary, so we're really seeing the strikes first hand. We're excited to connect with the strikers on a deeper level and, hopefully, offer them some value while they fight for fairness."

Emjay extends the exclusive offer to card-holding members of SAG-AFTRA or the WGA, enabling them to redeem their vouchers at Emjay's Los Angeles location at 345 N. Fairfax, Los Angeles , 90036, or conveniently order online for delivery through their website, heyemjay.com.

Learn more about how to get verified using the online option by visiting Emjay's blog .

The Emjay team eagerly looks forward to building stronger bonds with the creative and hardworking members of their community during these trying times.

For more information about Emjay's offerings in the Los Angeles area, please visit https://heyemjay.com/cannabis-delivery-los-angeles .

About Emjay:

Emjay, the premier California -based cannabis delivery and retail platform, was launched in early 2019 with a mission to redefine the cannabis shopping experience for consumers. Boasting retail locations in West Hollywood and La Mesa, California , Emjay distinguishes itself by offering an unparalleled selection of products that surpasses its competitors. Emjay's commitment to customer satisfaction is exemplified by their immediate and scheduled delivery services, providing customers with convenience at prices that surpass those offered by competing dispensaries and services.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/emjay-shows-solidarity-with-sag-aftra-and-wga-strikers-by-offering-cannabis-relief-301887743.html

SOURCE Emjay
CHENGDU, China , July 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Chinese President Xi Jinping not only greatly values culture, he has also developed a profound understanding of it.

For him, culture plays a unique and irreplaceable role in the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and the building of a global community of shared future. He speaks for Chinese wisdom, which has been passed down for millennia, advocates for mutual prosperity of global civilizations, welcomes the flourishing of popular cultural products, and encourages young people to inherit and reinvent their proud traditions.

During a recent inspection in Sichuan Province , a region rich in both culture and nature, Xi highlighted the need for inheriting and developing traditional Chinese culture and building an ecological civilization.

Chinese President Xi Jinping inspected Southwest China's Sichuan Province on Tuesday and Wednesday, and visited a section of an ancient road system known as "Shudao" in Guangyuan and the Sanxingdui Museum in Deyang.

Xi learned about Sichuan's efforts in historical and cultural heritage inheritance, the latest progress in the excavation and research of historical and cultural heritage sites, as well as the protection and restoration of cultural relics.

Chinese experts said that the ancient Shudao, or Shu Road meaning "the road to the Shu kingdom," and Sanxingdui Ruins epitomize China's rich cultural heritage. They are testaments to the resilience, creativity, and inclusiveness of the Chinese nation throughout history.

The preservation and research efforts surrounding these cultural treasures not only contribute to the understanding and appreciation of China's civilization but also serve as sources of inspiration for future generations.

As Xi inspects these cultural heritage sites, the importance of preserving these legacies and enhancing cultural confidence in the Chinese people has been reinforced.

Abundant natural, cultural treasures

The ancient Shu Road, spanning the provinces of Sichuan and Shaanxi , served as a vital transportation route for centuries, connecting the mountains-surrounded Shu region with the Central Plains. The renowned Tang Dynasty poet, Li Bai , vividly depicted the arduous journey along the Shu Road in his famous poem The Difficulty of the Shu Road , illustrating its long and storied history.

Zhang Jun , a guest professor at the History Department of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, highlighted the significance of the ancient Shu Road as an important part of the ancient Silk Road . Facilitating cultural exchanges between ancient China and other countries along the Silk Road , it resonates with the Belt and Road Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative proposed by Xi.

During his visit, Xi explored the Cuiyun Corridor, which has been designated as a national key cultural heritage site, as part of the ancient Shu Road . Cuiyun Corridor features not only the hardship of ancient people's travel in the mountains in order to enter Sichuan , but also the lush greenery of the province as a result of ecological preservation efforts. Spanning over 150 kilometers, it boasts the largest collection of ancient hand-planted cypress trees - a spiritual symbol of the Shu Road . Currently, more than 12,000 ancient cypress trees are preserved along the Cuiyun Corridor, with 7,803 located within Jiange county. Since the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), local authorities have implemented a system of handing over and replanting ancient cypress trees, which continues to this day.

President Xi has on multiple occasions called for building ecological civilization for sustainable development that features harmonious coexistence between human beings and nature.

The history of the Shu Road also showcases the indomitable spirit of the Chinese people and their unwavering perseverance in the face of hardships, Professor Zhou Xueying from the School of History at Nanjing University said.

Today, these ancient mountain paths are rarely used for travel apart from sightseeing or hiking, as expressways, high-speed rail, and airways have become part of everyday life for locals. From the ancient people who carved cliff-side paths to the dense network of modern transport facilities, the evolution of the ancient Shu Road signifies the resilience imprinted in the Chinese nation's bloodline.

Not far from the Shu Road, on the banks of a river on the Chengdu Plain , a remarkable civilization left its unique mark when Bronze Age winds blew across this ancient land. The Ancient Shu shined brightly, leaving an extraordinary cultural imprint. The Sanxingdui archaeological site from the Ancient Shu is considered one of the greatest discoveries, representing the culture from approximately 4,500 to 2,900 years ago. It was the largest and most culturally rich royal city site in the Yangtze River Basin during that period. Zhang stated that the Sanxingdui culture is a "radiant star" within Chinese culture. Its presence enriches Chinese civilization, adding more mystery to the nation.

Tang Fei, director of the Sichuan Provincial Cultural Relics and Archaeology Research Institute who participated in the visit, told the Global Times that the innovation and inclusiveness of Chinese civilization find vivid representation in Sanxingdui. The open-mindedness of the Ancient Shu people and their absorption of cultural influences from the Central Plains and the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River led to the appearance of "imported" artifacts such as jade cong, three-legged pottery, and bronze vessels in Sanxingdui. Moreover, Sanxingdui's uniqueness lies in its distinctive creativity. Based on the assimilation of cultures and technology from outside the region, the ancient people of Sanxingdui created captivating and enigmatic bronze divine trees, monumental human figures, and imposing masks - a remarkable feat when compared to other bronze civilizations around the globe.

Also taking part in the visit, Ran Honglin, head of the archaeological team at the Sanxingdui Ruins, told the Global Times that many bronzes and jades related to sacrificial activities at Sanxingdui are unique in China and even the world.

Confidence from inheritance

It's not the first time President Xi has called for carrying forward and learning from fine traditional Chinese culture in Sichuan .

Xi once emphasized that the Chinese people should respect fine traditional Chinese culture and build up cultural confidence while visiting San Su Ci, the memorial temple and former residence of Su Xun and his two sons Su Shi and Su Zhe , three literary masters of the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127), to learn about local efforts in protecting historical and cultural heritage, in Meishan, Sichuan Province , on June 8, 2022 .

Chinese culture has a long and continuous history while Chinese civilization is extensive and profound. A profound understanding of the history of Chinese civilization is essential to promoting the creative transformation and innovative development of fine traditional Chinese culture in a more effective manner, pushing more strongly ahead with the building of a cultural sector with Chinese characteristics and developing a modern Chinese civilization, Xi said in a meeting on cultural inheritance and development on June 2 .

President Xi also called for attaching greater importance to archaeological research to deepen people's understanding of Chinese civilization that features a long history and profoundness, thus providing strong support for promoting fine traditional culture and strengthening people's confidence in Chinese culture.

Learning more about China's profound cultural heritage is inseparable from one particular important project - the National Project to Trace the Origins of Chinese Civilization.

Tracing the origins of civilization is an extremely important subject in the study of human history. How long ago did Chinese civilization begin? How did this civilization form and develop? What factors and internal mechanisms impacted this formation and development? China's national origin's project aims to answer the above questions, Wang Wei , director of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences' Academic Division of History, told the Global Times after attending a traditional culture-themed meeting with Xi.

Wang has worked on the national project for decades. He explained that the project, initiated in 2002, is the largest interdisciplinary endeavor dedicated to unraveling the origins and early development of Chinese civilization over a span of over 5,000 years.

Over the past two decades, more than 400 experts and scholars from over 20 disciplines and numerous institutions have conducted extensive excavations at four urban sites dating back to 3500BC to 1500BC, as well as large-scale archaeological surveys of settlements in the Yellow, Yangtze, and Liao river basins. With the expansion of the project, sites such as Liangzhu, Shimao, Taosi, and Erlitou have unequivocally demonstrated that the Chinese people entered the realm of civilization over 5,000 years ago.

The global archaeological community has long regarded "metallurgy, writing, and cities" as the three key elements of civilization. In May 2018 , a team of Chinese experts on the project announced China's criteria for the elements of civilization: the development of production, population growth and the emergence of cities; social division of labor, class differentiation, and the appearance of classes; the establishment of a monarchy and state systems.

Based on these standards, the project has achieved fruitful results. For example, 5,500 years ago in regions such as the middle and lower reaches of the Yellow, Yangtze, and Liao rivers, close interactions formed among the upper echelons of society, leading to the worship of the Chinese dragon, the appreciation of jade, and a system of ceremonial objects that symbolize the elevated status of their owners.

Rowan K. Flad, a John E. Hudson professor of archaeology in the Department of Anthropology, Harvard University, told the Global Times that China's national origins project is "very high quality work."

Flad noted that the most important contributions that come from scholarly projects such as the national origins project is new data, made widely available, that illustrate the variety and complexity of the ancient life of people in China at different points in time.

Furthermore, Chinese civilization is the only uninterrupted ancient civilization in the world. Research and interpretation of its origins, development, and other aspects not only hold global significance but also can help countries worldwide to better inherit the best of traditional Chinese culture.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/global-times-xi-inspects-archaeological-achievements-in-sichuan-encourages-cultural-ecological-preservation-301887993.html

SOURCE Global Times
Announced by CPT Group, Inc.

IRVINE, Calif., July 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- CPT Group, Inc., announces a proposed Settlement in a class action lawsuit called Williamson v. Curaleaf, Inc., Case No. 3:22-cv-00782-IM, United States District Court for the District of Oregon (the "Settlement").

What is this about? The lawsuit alleges that Curaleaf ("Defendant") mislabeled products sold as Select CBD Drops that were labeled as containing cannabidiol (CBD) but in fact contained tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The Court has not decided which side is right. Instead, the parties have decided to settle this case.

Who is affected? You are a class member if you are an Oregon resident who purchased in Oregon at least one of the Defendant's allegedly mislabeled Select CBD Drops on or after June 19, 2021 .

What does the Settlement provide? The Settlement provides monetary relief.

Monetary Relief : If approved, a Settlement Fund will be created totaling $100,000.00 . Settlement Class Member cash payments will come out of this Settlement Fund. Individuals included in the Settlement will be eligible to make a claim to receive up to $200.00 , or less, depending on how many claims are submitted.

How do I file a claim? To receive a cash payment, go to www.CuraleafSettlement.com to file or download a Claim Form. You can also write Curaleaf Settlement Administrator, c/o CPT Group, Inc, 50 Corporate Park , Irvine, CA 92606, or email [email protected]. All Claim Forms must be submitted online or postmarked by September 27, 2023 .

What are my other options? You can do nothing, exclude yourself, or object to the Settlement.

Do Nothing : If you do nothing, you will give up your right to sue or continue to sue Defendant for the claims in this case.

Exclude Yourself : If you exclude yourself or remove yourself from the Class, you will keep your right to sue or continue to sue Curaleaf for the claims in this case. Exclusion requests must be postmarked by September 27, 2023 .

Object : If you do not exclude yourself from the Settlement, you may object to it or tell the Court what you don't like about the Settlement. Objections must be postmarked by September 27, 2023 . For details about your rights and options and how to exclude yourself or object, visit www.CuraleafSettlement.com.

What happens next? The Court will hold a hearing on November 14, 2023 , at 2:00 PM PST before Judge Karin J. Immergut at Courtroom 13A at the United States District Court for the District of Oregon Courthouse , located at 1000 S.W. Third Ave. , Portland, OR 97204 to consider the final approval of the Settlement, payment of attorneys' fees to class counsel, incentive awards for the class representative, and other related issues. You may appear at the hearing in person or through your attorney at your own cost, but you are not required to do so.

How do I get more information? For more information and to view the full notice, visit www.CuraleafSettlement.com, or contact the Settlement Administrator by writing to Curaleaf Settlement Administrator; c/o CPT Group, Inc, 50 Corporate Park , Irvine, CA 92606, emailing [email protected], or calling 1-888-342-1379.

PLEASE DO NOT CONTACT THE COURT OR THE COURT CLERK'S OFFICE

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/if-you-live-in-oregon-and-purchased-in-oregon-select-cbd-drops-on-or-after-june-19-2021-you-may-be-eligible-for-a-class-action-settlement-301887818.html

SOURCE CPT Group, Inc.
WESTBURY, N.Y. , July 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Kensington Capital Acquisition Corp. V (NYSE: KCGI.U) (the "Company") announced that on July 28, 2023 it filed a definitive proxy statement (the "Definitive Proxy Statement") for the solicitation of proxies in connection with an extraordinary general meeting (the "Extraordinary General Meeting") of the Company's shareholders to be held on August 15, 2023 to consider and vote on, among other proposals, an amendment to the Company's Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association, to extend the date by which the Company must consummate a business combination from August 17, 2023 to August 17, 2024 (such proposal, the "Extension Amendment Proposal"). The Extension Amendment Proposal is described in more detail in the Definitive Proxy Statement.

If the Extension Amendment Proposal is not approved at the Extraordinary General Meeting, the Company will (i) cease all operations except for the purpose of winding up, (ii) as promptly as reasonably possible but not more than ten business days thereafter, redeem all of the Company's Class A ordinary shares (the "Public Shares") included as part of the units sold in the Company's initial public offering (the "IPO") that was consummated on August 17, 2021 , at a per-share price, payable in cash, equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit in the trust account (the "Trust Account") established in connection with the IPO including interest earned on the funds held in the Trust Account and not previously released to the Company to pay its taxes, net of taxes payable (less up to $100,000 of interest to pay dissolution expenses), divided by the number of then outstanding Public Shares, which redemption will completely extinguish public shareholders' rights as shareholders (including the right to receive further liquidating distributions, if any), and (iii) as promptly as reasonably possible following such redemption, subject to the approval of the Company's remaining shareholders and its board of directors, dissolve and liquidate, subject in each case to the Company's obligations under Cayman Islands law to provide for claims of creditors and the requirements of other applicable law. Such redemption would occur by the close of business on August 18, 2023 with the last day of trading of the Company's securities on August 17, 2023 .

About Kensington Capital Acquisition Corp. V

Kensington Capital Acquisition Corp. V is a special purpose acquisition company formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, stock purchase or similar business combination with a business in the industrial sector. Kensington's management team of Justin Mirro , Dan Huber , John Arney , Peter Goode , and Julian Ameler is supported by a board of independent directors including William Kassling , Anders Pettersson , Mitchell Quain , Mark Robertshaw , and Nickolas Vande Steeg .

For more information, please contact

Dan Huber

Chief Financial Officer

[email protected]

(703) 674-6514

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release may include "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this press release are forward-looking statements. When used in this press release, words such as "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "intend" and similar expressions, as they relate to us or our management team, identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs of management, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, the Company's management. Actual results could differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors detailed in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). All subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are qualified in their entirety by this paragraph. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous conditions, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including those set forth in the Risk Factors section of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on April 3, 2023 and other documents filed with the SEC. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this release, except as required by law.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND WHERE TO FIND IT

The Company will mail to its shareholders of record as of July 25, 2023 , the Definitive Proxy Statement for the Extraordinary General Meeting to approve, among other proposals, the Extension Amendment Proposal. The Company urges investors, shareholders and other interested persons to read the Definitive Proxy Statement as well as other documents filed with the SEC, because these documents contain important information. Shareholders may also obtain a copy of the Definitive Proxy Statement, and other documents filed with the SEC, without charge, through the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov. Shareholders will also be able to obtain a copy of the Definitive Proxy Statement, without charge, by directing a request to: Kensington Capital Acquisition Corp. V, 1400 Old Country Road , Suite 301, Westbury, NY 11590, Attention: Secretary.

PARTICIPANTS IN THE SOLICITATION

The Company and its directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the Company's shareholders in connection with the Extraordinary General Meeting. Security holders may obtain more detailed information regarding the names, affiliations and interests of certain of the Company's executive officers and directors in the solicitation by reading the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on April 3, 2023 , the Definitive Proxy Statement and other relevant materials filed with the SEC when they become available. Information concerning the interests of the Company's participants in the solicitation, which may, in some cases, be different from those of the Company's shareholders generally, is set forth in the Definitive Proxy Statement.

NO OFFER OR SOLICITATION

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, or constitute a solicitation of any vote or approval and shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy the Company's securities, nor shall there be any sale of any such securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such state or jurisdiction. No offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kensington-capital-acquisition-corp-v-announces-meeting-for-shareholders-to-extend-date-for-business-combination-301888590.html

SOURCE Kensington Capital Acquisition Corp. V
LUBUMBASHI, Democratic Republic of the Congo , July 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Malaika , the NGO founded by Congolese model and activist Noella Coursaris Musunka to empower the next generation of leaders through access to education, water, and healthcare, celebrated its 2023 graduation ceremony on 27 July. Marking a historic moment for the organization, the ceremony celebrated the graduation of 17 girls , who have received an education from Malaika for the past 12 years. Hip-hop star and actress Eve, a longstanding Malaika Ambassador who has been named as President of the First Cohort of Malaika Students, attended as the graduation ceremony's guest of honor.

In just 15 years since its 2007 founding, Malaika has become a transformative ecosystem in the Democratic Republic of the Congo . Today, the Malaika School educates 430 girls, offering free, accredited education in STEM, coding, arts, and sports. The Malaika Community Center impacts 6,000 youth and adults annually, hosting technical training supported by the Caterpillar Foundation. Malaika's initiatives also provide clean water for 35,000 people and nutritious meals for students and staff, all at no cost.

Also in attendance were Governor Jacques Kyabula Katwe and Url Kluser, General Secretary of UEFA Foundation. This historic moment was celebrated with performances and speeches by students and youth of the Community Center. Eve, as President of the First Cohort also spoke. After the ceremony, guests had the opportunity to visit the Malaika Scientific Village , organized by the students to showcase their comprehension of STEM education.

"This summer marks a big milestone for Malaika, as we say farewell to our very first cohort of students. These 17 students are embarking on the next chapter of their lives, taking everything that they've learned at Malaika with them," commented Founder & Executive Director Noella Coursaris Musunka. "Our students will always remain part of the Malaika family, and our work doesn't stop when our girls close the school's doors behind them."

Malaika Ambassador Eve, a hip-hop star and actress, commented: "Coming together as one big Malaika family this summer means so much as we celebrate the past 12 years of education for these 17 girls and set them off on their next chapter. Malaika is rewriting the narrative for girls and their families, and I couldn't be prouder to be part of the Malaika family."

For press enquiries, contact [email protected] .

For imagery of the graduation, click here.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2165090/Malaika_Foundation_Graduation.jpg

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/malaikas-historic-first-graduation-students-ready-to-lead-the-drcs-future-301888474.html

SOURCE Malaika Foundation
Outstanding ERTC claims remain at nearly half a million despite IRS claims backlog is cleared

WASHINGTON , July 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Hundreds of thousands of small businesses remain at risk of layoffs or closure despite the Internal Revenue Service's assertion that the backlog of Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) claims has been cleared, the National Association of Professional Employer Organizations (NAPEO) told lawmakers Thursday.

Speaking before the House Ways and Means Committee's Oversight Subcommittee, NAPEO President and CEO Pat Cleary warned that the backlog of ERTC claims remain on the rise, despite a July 26 announcement from IRS Commissioner Daniel Werfel that the backlog has been cleared.

"They're entitled to their own opinion, not their own facts," said Cleary, noting that the most recent figures from the IRS show there are still 488,000 outstanding ERTC claims  114,000 higher than a month prior.

Cleary also noted that the problem is much bigger than the numbers indicate. Many claims are filed on an aggregate basis, meaning multiple small business claims are filed together in the same form. The IRS counts aggregate filers as only one case, when in fact there could be hundreds or thousands of businesses on a single form. He pushed the IRS to dedicate additional resources to processing ERTC claims until all older claims filed from 2020-2022 are completely processed and resolved. Panel members committed to follow up on this with the commissioner.

"We urge you to continue to focus on resolving this logjam at the IRS until every single small business has received the ERTC funds they deserve - and that they so desperately need," Cleary told lawmakers, noting that NAPEO had created a website (ertcdelayshurtsmallbiz.com) with scores of testimonials from small businesses severely impacted by the delays. "Don't think of these as mere numbers. These are businesses. These are people."

Congress enacted the ERTC in March 2020 as part of the CARES Act to encourage businesses to keep employees on the payroll during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite lawmakers' intent that the ERTC provide immediate tax relief to employers experiencing financial harm during the pandemic, tens of thousands of employers are still waiting for the IRS to process their ERTC claims. These businesses have laid off employees, shuttered facilities, and taken on high interest loans as they wait just to stay afloat.

Rep. Claudia Tenney (R-NY), a small business owner herself, disagreed with Werfel, noting that this backlog is far from cleared.

"I wish the IRS would come out and say there are a half million claims still outstanding," Tenney said. "This is real money. We have low margins as small businesses."

Rep. Beth Van Duyne (R-TX), an outspoken advocate for small businesses, presented a chart showing the true scope of the backlog, which rose as high as 1,000,000 claims in April before Werfel was called to testify before Van Duyne and the full House Ways and Means Committee that month. Only then was the backlog cut by more than half after the IRS dedicated additional staff to the clear the ERTC. Werfel said Wednesday that staff was being taken off the ERTC.

"Our request today is the IRS keep that surge in place until that backlog hits zero," Cleary told lawmakers.

NAPEO recently surveyed 43 of its members and found among just those respondents a small sampling that nearly 18,000 small business clients are still waiting for the IRS to approve at least $3 billion in ERTC credits that were filed before 2023.

NAPEO's grassroots campaign to urge action on clearing the backlog of ERTC claims has generated more than 1,800 letters from PEOs and their clients to Congress detailing the very real consequences of the processing delays. Excerpts from these letters can be found on ertcdelayshurtsmallbiz.com.

The IRS' delays in processing ERTC claims have also led to the rise of so-called "ERTC mills" that prey on small businesses and have collectively defrauded them out of millions of dollars. Cleary stressed that the easiest way to end the mills  which advertise heavily on television and radio - is by clearing the ERTC backlog.

About NAPEO

The National Association of Professional Employer Organizations (NAPEO) is The Voice of the PEO Industry. NAPEO's 250 PEO members provide payroll, benefits, workers' comp, regulatory compliance assistance, and other HR services to more than 173,000 small and mid-size businesses employing 4 million people. Our members account for more than 90 percent of the industry's $254 billion in revenue. An additional 250 companies that provide services to PEOs are associate members of NAPEO. For more information, please visit www.napeo.org .

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/napeo-tells-congress-ertc-backlog-remains-a-threat-to-small-businesses-301888506.html

SOURCE National Association of Professional Employer Organizations (NAPEO)
WASHINGTON , July 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Following is a statement by National Press Club President Eileen O'Reilly and National Press Club Journalism Institute President Gil Klein on the trial in Beijing of journalist and former Harvard University Nieman Fellow YuYu Dong on espionage charges Tuesday, July 25 in Beijing .

"We understand the trial of journalist Yuyu Dong took place July 25 in China and there was no verdict after a full day of proceedings. We now expect the verdict September 27 .

"We are astonished and outraged to hear that Yuyu faces possible conviction of up to 10 years -- a harsh sentence in a case where no laws were broken. We are heartbroken for Yuyu and his family.

"Under Chinese law, the state must prove that Yuyu is part of an espionage organization for a conviction. According to people familiar with the court proceedings, no such evidence was presented. Yuyu is a journalist and journalism is not a crime. The only information presented was that Yuyu received the standard stipends paid to all journalism fellows at a Japanese University and at Harvard.

The prosecution alleged that the stipends were proof that he was a spy, even though the stipends were paid to the fellows by the universities, not the government. In addition, no work or information was exchanged for the stipends, which are meant to defray living expenses. These charges and this alleged evidence are insulting.

The Club notes that Yuyu has been held in isolation for more than a year. Family members including his wife have not been allowed to visit.

We call on China to immediately release Yuyu. Yuyu Dong is a globally respected journalist. Journalism is not a crime.

Founded in 1908, the National Press Club is the world's leading professional organization for journalists. With 3,000 members representing nearly every major journalism organization, the Club is a leading voice for press freedom worldwide.

The National Press Club Journalism Institute promotes an engaged global citizenry through an independent and free press and equips journalists with the skills and standards to inform the public. The Institute is the non-profit arm of the National Press Club.

Contact: Bill McCarren , 202-662-7534 for the National Press Club

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/national-press-club-statement-on-trial-of-journalist-yuyu-dong-in-china-301888661.html

SOURCE National Press Club
Private non-bank discloses environmental, social and governance metrics

MERIDEN, Conn. , July 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Planet Financial Group  a fully integrated family of companies delivering innovative origination, servicing and asset management solutions  has released its inaugural Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report. The comprehensive report outlines Planet's commitment to sustainability, fair lending, fair servicing, and ethical governance frameworks.

"Planet is proud to be among the first privately held independent mortgage banks to issue an ESG Report," said Planet Financial Group CEO and President Michael Dubeck . "The report details our commitment to our customers, business partners and employees, and our ongoing efforts to create a positive impact on the world."

Environmental stewardship is a key focus for Planet. Through its Planet With a Purpose ESG platform, the company has actively supported initiatives such as planting trees with the National Forest Foundation and reducing food waste through The Farmlink Project. Additionally, Planet funds the modernization of aging homes to enhance energy efficiency.

Planet's ESG report also provides insight into fair lending and fair servicing practices. The company applies innovative solutions to help borrowers overcome barriers to homeownership. It also performs second-look reviews of loan denials and foreclosure avoidance decisions. These efforts resulted in Planet being named a Top 10 fairest lender by FairPlay.

Robust governance frameworks are central to Planet's operations, ensuring effective risk management, customer privacy protection, and adherence to ethical standards. The ESG report succinctly summarizes the company's commitment to these principles.

The report can be viewed and downloaded from Planet's website at https://bit.ly/PlanetESG.

About Planet Financial Group, LLC

Planet Financial Group, LLC, Meriden, Conn. , is a fully integrated family of companies delivering innovative origination, servicing and asset management solutions. Through this synergistic ecosystem of products, services and technologies, Planet Financial Group provides best-in-class experiences for investors pursuing value maximization and borrowers seeking streamlined end-to-end loan lifecycle support. Planet Financial Group is the parent of Planet Home Lending, LLC and Planet Management Group, LLC, which also does business under the name Planet Renovation Capital.

About Planet Home Lending, LLC

Planet Home Lending, LLC, Meriden, Connecticut , (NMLS #17022) is an approved originator and servicer for FHA, VA and USDA, as well as a Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae Seller/Servicer, a full Ginnie Mae Issuer and approved sub-servicer and a Standard & Poor's Global Ratings- and Fitch Ratings-rated special and prime residential servicer. Planet Home Lending, LLC has been assigned a corporate family rating by Moody's Investors Service viewable at www.moodys.com. Its correspondent division offers a full suite of government, agency and niche home loans. Planet Home Lending, LLC is also a special servicer managing diverse investor portfolios. Its customized servicing solutions maximize asset recovery and optimize performance through active management at the portfolio and loan levels. Planet Home Lending, LLC is an Equal Housing Lender. For more information about Planet Home Lending, LLC, please visit https://planethomelending.com. For more information about Planet Home Lending's Correspondent offerings, please visit https://phlcorrespondent.com.

About Planet Management Group, LLC

Planet Management Group, LLC, Rochester, N.Y. , maximizes the value of diverse investor assets through active management. For more information about Planet Management Group, please visit https://planetmanagementgroup.com.

Press:

Dona DeZube

Vice President, Communications

Planet Home Lending

[email protected]

(443) 263-2832

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/planet-financial-group-releases-inaugural-esg-report-301887697.html

SOURCE Planet Financial Group
Today in Sydney, 90 Japanese business leaders gathered with representatives from Australian industry, government, and research for the first-ever Decarbonising Australia Business Summit.

This two-day event, organized by the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) and hosted by the University of Sydney (UTS), aimed to foster stronger collaboration between the two nations in achieving a transition to net-zero emissions.

With a well-established trade and investment relationship, Australia and Japan are natural partners in building forward-looking industries that support the transition to net zero, create employment opportunities, and benefit both economies. Austrades Net Zero Lead and General Manager for Investment, Peter Horn, emphasized the importance of the summit as a platform for senior leaders to gain insights into Australias net-zero policies and discuss challenges and opportunities in hard-to-abate sectors such as oil, gas, steel, and aviation industries.

Among the distinguished keynote speakers were the Minister for Climate Change and Energy, the Hon. Chris Bowen, and the Assistant Minister for Trade and Assistant Minister for Manufacturing, Senator the Hon, Tim Ayres.

The potential for Australia and Japan to collaborate in the green economy is continually expanding. Austrades research reveals that 96 percent of 220 large Japanese companies view achieving decarbonization as critical to their present and future business operations. Moreover, 79 percent of respondents are eager to explore partnership opportunities with Australian research institutions and innovative start-ups to accelerate their net-zero efforts.

Austrade is actively engaged with numerous Japanese corporations, assisting them with investment opportunities and projects across the Australian economy. More than 60 percent of these projects are net-zero initiatives, valued at over $3 billion and estimated to create around 6,000 jobs, further fueling the green economy.

The significant turnout at the summit demonstrates the strong commitment of Japanese companies to take concrete steps in partnering with Australia on decarbonization efforts. Takayuki Watanabe, the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) Head for Australia, New Zealand & the Pacific Islands, expressed his enthusiasm, calling the summit a fantastic opportunity for both countries to collaborate on decarbonization initiatives and boost their green economies.

Following the summit, Japanese company representatives will visit decarbonization project sites across Australia and tour Australian university research facilities that are at the forefront of developing the technologies driving the future of decarbonization.

As close partners in the Asia region and leaders in research and development, Japan and Australia have a unique opportunity to steer the development of innovative low and zero emissions technologies that are not only commercially viable but also scalable on a global level, as emphasized by Andrew Parfitt, UTS Vice-Chancellor, and President. The partnership between these two nations holds great promise in accelerating progress toward a sustainable and environmentally responsible future.

Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
HONG KONG, Germantown, Md. and SUZHOU, China, July 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Sirnaomics Ltd. (the "Company", Stock Code: 2257.HK, together with its subsidiaries, the "Group" or "Sirnaomics"), a leading biopharmaceutical company in discovery and development of RNAi therapeutics, today announced that Dr. Francois Lebel , M.D., an experienced biopharmaceutical industry executive, has been appointed as Senior Vice President for preclinical and clinical development of the Group.

"With multiple drug candidates moving into clinical studies, including two clinical trials advancing to late-stage development, Sirnaomics is embarking on a journey to push its innovative drug candidates past the finish line, which requires a seasoned leader with a successful track record," said Dr. Patrick Lu , Founder, Chairman of the Board, Executive Director, President and Chief Executive Officer of Sirnaomics. "With Dr. Lebel's indepth knowledge and experience in novel drug product marketing approvals, Dr. Lebel's addition to Sirnaomics' senior leadership will greatly enhance our capability to advance its therapeutic candidates through the late-stage product development. Dr. Lebel is a strategic leader with broad drug development experience including immunooncology and nucleic acid therapeutics. Throughout his 30-year biopharma career at companies such as GSK, Pfizer, Baxter Healthcare, Medlmmune, and Chiron Corporation, Dr. Lebel has designed and managed international research and development programs to successfully achieve multiple product marketing approvals. His recent senior leadership roles include Executive Vice President for Research & Development and Chief Medical Officer at Spectrum Pharmaceuticals, where he was responsible for preclinical and clinical development, regulatory affairs and pharmacovigilance/drug safety, and successfully secured a novel drug marketing authorization at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2022. After joining Sirnaomics as Senior Vice President for preclinical and clinical development, Dr. Lebel will take a leading role in the Group's late-stage product development of the innovative RNAi drug candidates.

Dr. Lebel indicates, "I am delighted to join the Sirnaomics team at this pivotal time for STP705 with the recent positive data in skin cancer and the Group's evolving diversified pipeline. I look forward to working closely with the U.S. FDA and investigators to efficiently generate the required data to support a marketing application."

About Sirnaomics

Sirnaomics is an RNA therapeutics biopharmaceutical company with product candidates in preclinical and clinical stages that focuses on the discovery and development of innovative drugs for indications with medical needs and large market opportunities. Sirnaomics is the first clinical-stage RNA therapeutics company to have a strong presence in both Asia and the United States . Based on its proprietary delivery technologies: Polypeptide Nanoparticle Formulation and the 2nd generation of GalNAc conjugation, the Group has established an enriched drug candidate pipeline. Sirnaomics is currently holding a leadership position on advancing RNAi therapeutics for oncology application with multiple successes of its clinical programs for STP705 and STP707. STP122G represents the first drug candidate of GalAhead technology entering clinical development. With the establishment of the Group's manufacturing facility, Sirnaomics currently is undergoing a transition from a biotech company to a biopharma corporation. Learn more at: www.sirnaomics.com.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sirnaomics-appoints-dr-francois-lebel-as-senior-vice-president-for-preclinical-and-clinical-development-301888024.html

SOURCE Sirnaomics
SINGAPORE , July 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Singapore Management University (SMU) College of Integrative Studies () Associate Professor Winston Chow () has been successfully elected as Co-Chair for Working Group II on Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)'s Seventh Assessment Report (AR7) Cycle Bureau. He will be working with Professor Bart van den Hurk from the Netherlands as fellow Co-Chairs.

Associate Professor (A/P) Winston Chow is Singapore's first elected member of the IPCC Bureau, the United Nations body for assessing the science related to climate change. IPCC assessments provide a scientific basis for governments to develop climate-related policies and contribute to global climate action under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

A/P Chow says, "I've never shaken so many hands in my life before - but I guess it's a testament to the strong faith many countries have in my capacity to lead this body in assessing global climate change impacts and adaptation over the next several years. I truly am humbled by the privilege of being elected to the IPCC Bureau, and I look forward to working closely with fellow IPCC experts to enhance knowledge leading to sustainable climate action."

Working closely with Professor Jim Skea from the UK , the newly-elected Chair of the IPCC Bureau, A/P Chow will contribute actively to shaping the work of AR7, which will inform global climate action. The 34-member IPCC Bureau guides the IPCC on the scientific and technical aspects of its work, advises on management and strategic issues, and takes decisions on specific issues within its mandate.

An Associate Professor of Urban Climate and Lee Kong Chian Fellow at SMU, A/P Chow has a sustained track record of publishing research with a focus on urban climate change risk and vulnerability, and on urban climatology with a focus on heat island adaptation and mitigation. Since 2017, he has been a Principal Investigator for the multi-institute Cooling Singapore Initiative, which develops climate-resilient solutions to address the urban heat challenge in Singapore . He teaches courses on climate solutions and urban sustainability in SMU, and is also a sought-after speaker by members of business, government and communities who regard climate impacts and risk reduction as a priority.

"I've been fortunate to work on my climate research here in SMU, while educating our students on what can be done to enable climate solutions as they face a complex world after they graduate. I'm proud not just to represent Singapore in leading global climate discussions, but also representing the SMU vision of making an impact globally," says A/P Chow.

A/P Chow's election into the top UN climate body and continued research into robust climate adaptation solutions are aligned with SMU's strategic priority of Sustainable Living. Together with Digital Transformation and Growth in Asia , Sustainable Living is one of SMU's three strategic priorities in working towards realising the University's Vision 2025. Through focusing on sustainable living, SMU intends to serve as a thought leader and solution partner in managing environmental change, contributing to sustainable city living, furthering resource sustainability and enhancing quality of life.

Commenting on A/P Chow's successful election into the IPCC Bureau, Singapore's Minister for Sustainability and the Environment, Ms Grace Fu said, "With his experience, I am confident that he will serve the IPCC well. A/P Chow will contribute towards a better understanding of the impact of climate change, and the continued development of resilient climate adaptation solutions. The IPCC's work continues to guide the global community, especially developing countries, in our environmental response. In Singapore , we will also take reference from AR7's findings in refining our #SGGreenPlan."

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/smus-urban-climate-professor-winston-chow-is-the-first-singaporean-to-be-elected-to-the-intergovernmental-panel-on-climate-change-ipcc-301888063.html

SOURCE Singapore Management University
Tampa General is recognized nationally in the top 100 of the Best Employers for Women list and ranks #1 among Best Employers for Women in Florida in the Healthcare and Social category.

TAMPA, Fla. , July 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Tampa General Hospital has been named one of America's Best Employers for Women by Forbes for 2023, ranking in the top 100 of organizations nationally and as the Best Employer for Women in Florida in the Healthcare and Social category. The academic health system is also ranked #3 overall in the state. Tampa General has been included on Forbes America's Best Employers for Women list every year since 2020.

"The health and well-being of our team at Tampa General is our top priority and critical to our success as an organization as well as our ability to provide the highest level of care to our community and beyond. We continue to nurture a human-centered culture that both empowers everyone to be their whole, authentic selves at work and ensures every individual feels seen, heard and valued," said John Couris , president and CEO of Tampa General Hospital. "As an academic health system, we are committed to prioritizing not only the personal and professional development of all team members through education opportunities, but we also work to ensure that they have all the support they need."

Forbes partnered with the market research company Statista to identify organizations committed to the advancement of women in and out of the workplace. More than 60,000 American employees were surveyed, including 40,000 women working for companies employing at least 1,000 people within the United States . Survey responses were evaluated against various criteria, including atmosphere and development, image, working conditions, workplace, diversity, family support, flexibility, representation and pay equity.

Tampa General routinely gauges the needs of team members through annual evaluations conducted by a third-party professional survey company.

"When we talk about providing world-class care at Tampa General, that includes taking care of our team members as well as our community," said Qualenta Kivett, executive vice president and chief people and talent officer at Tampa General Hospital. "To make this a reality, our academic health system embodies a culture of belonging and fairness. Our steadfast commitment to our team members' growth and well-being is essential to recruiting and retaining high-quality and diverse talent, which results in better experiences and outcomes for the patients we serve."

Aligning with Tampa General's culture focused on helping all team members thrive personally and professionally, the academic health system has developed and continues to introduce new programs and initiatives that provide support to women team members such as:

Flexibility: Tampa General offers a competitive time-off policy as well as remote working options and flexibility for part-time positions. Over the past two years, the academic health system's team members have increasingly expressed a desire for part-time work schedules and those have been accommodated through offering seasonal contracts and part-time opportunities, where possible.

Tampa General offers a competitive time-off policy as well as remote working options and flexibility for part-time positions. Over the past two years, the academic health system's team members have increasingly expressed a desire for part-time work schedules and those have been accommodated through offering seasonal contracts and part-time opportunities, where possible. Growth and Development : In addition to competitive tuition reimbursement, skills reimbursement and scholarships, Tampa General also offers free access to career, leadership and personal development through courses in Organizational Development, such as Crucial Conversations. Through clinical and non-clinical ladders, the academic health system also offers structured systems to advance career development while the team member remains in a current position.

: In addition to competitive tuition reimbursement, skills reimbursement and scholarships, Tampa General also offers free access to career, leadership and personal development through courses in Organizational Development, such as Crucial Conversations. Through clinical and non-clinical ladders, the academic health system also offers structured systems to advance career development while the team member remains in a current position. Health, Wellness and Benefits: Along with competitive medical benefits, team members receive access to wellness activities and fitness tracking through a free app, an on-site gym and online classes through the TGH Fitness Center . The academic health system also provides free access to virtual behavioral health support that provides access to a trained mental health counselor within 72 hours. It is also available to dependents with TGH insurance. Additionally, there is a team member lounge in the hospital that includes massage chairs to allow team members to decompress.

Along with competitive medical benefits, team members receive access to wellness activities and fitness tracking through a free app, an on-site gym and online classes through the . The academic health system also provides free access to virtual behavioral health support that provides access to a trained mental health counselor within 72 hours. It is also available to dependents with TGH insurance. Additionally, there is a team member lounge in the hospital that includes massage chairs to allow team members to decompress. Family Support: An on-site daycare center provides families with an education and development curriculum for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. Understanding that family support looks different for every team member, through the TGH Foundation , the academic health system offers an annual school supply giveaway, which includes computers and an emergency fund to support team members in crisis. Other support includes gas cards to team members when gas prices skyrocketed, as well as grants to help team members rebuild their homes after sustaining hurricane damage. Tampa General offers a generous maternity leave package. All team members who give birth are guaranteed 12 weeks of job-protected leave post-delivery, regardless of whether they qualify for Family Medical Leave (FMLA) or have exhausted their FMLA entitlement for the year. In addition, Tampa General provides several options to team members needing financial assistance, including ATO leave sharing and short-term disability. TGH also provides a supportive environment to enable breastfeeding team members to express milk during work hours. Private lactation rooms or designated nursing space is available throughout the hospital and every TGH location.

An on-site daycare center provides families with an education and development curriculum for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. Understanding that family support looks different for every team member, through the , the academic health system offers an annual school supply giveaway, which includes computers and an emergency fund to support team members in crisis. Other support includes gas cards to team members when gas prices skyrocketed, as well as grants to help team members rebuild their homes after sustaining hurricane damage. Tampa General offers a generous maternity leave package. All team members who give birth are guaranteed 12 weeks of job-protected leave post-delivery, regardless of whether they qualify for Family Medical Leave (FMLA) or have exhausted their FMLA entitlement for the year. In addition, Tampa General provides several options to team members needing financial assistance, including ATO leave sharing and short-term disability. TGH also provides a supportive environment to enable breastfeeding team members to express milk during work hours. Private lactation rooms or designated nursing space is available throughout the hospital and every TGH location. People Development Institute : Tampa General has invested heavily in the continued education and professional development of all team members with programs such as its People Development Institute (PDI), which offers classes through a partnership with the University of South Florida (USF) Muma College of Business at no charge. Among the program's most impactful success stories are those of women who have leveraged PDI offerings to broaden their career horizons. One example is Stephanie Jackson , who started as a parking attendant at Tampa General and pursued advanced degrees and PDI courses to become a director for the academic health system.

Tampa General has invested heavily in the continued education and professional development of all team members with programs such as its (PDI), which offers classes through a partnership with the at no charge. Among the program's most impactful success stories are those of women who have leveraged PDI offerings to broaden their career horizons. One example is , who started as a parking attendant at Tampa General and pursued advanced degrees and PDI courses to become a director for the academic health system. AKTiVe Leadership Initiative: Through the PDI program, the AKTiVe Leadership Initiative involves all TGH leaders in their leadership development. The AKTiVe Leadership Model embodies four qualities of leaders: Authenticity, Kindness, Transparency and Vulnerability. When enacted through the behaviors of leaders, these qualities create a positive environment for leaders, team members and patients.

Through the PDI program, the AKTiVe Leadership Initiative involves all TGH leaders in their leadership development. The AKTiVe Leadership Model embodies four qualities of leaders: Authenticity, Kindness, Transparency and Vulnerability. When enacted through the behaviors of leaders, these qualities create a positive environment for leaders, team members and patients. LEAD TGH: LEAD (Leadership, Enrichment and Development) TGH provides a platform for emerging leaders to share ideas, overcome challenges and foster personal and professional development. The free program spans 12 months and creates career pathways while identifying future leaders.

LEAD (Leadership, Enrichment and Development) TGH provides a platform for emerging leaders to share ideas, overcome challenges and foster personal and professional development. The free program spans 12 months and creates career pathways while identifying future leaders. Modern Advances in Leadership: Facilitated through the University of Tampa's Sykes College of Business , the series provides transformative and interactive learning experiences to advance the skills of current and future leaders.

Inclusion on the Forbes America's Best Employers for Women list is the latest among several high-profile recognitions for Tampa General for its supportive work environment:

ABOUT FORBES

Forbes champions success by celebrating those who have made it, and those who aspire to make it. Forbes convenes and curates the most influential leaders and entrepreneurs who are driving change, transforming business and making a significant impact on the world. The Forbes brand today reaches more than 140 million people worldwide through its trusted journalism, signature LIVE and Forbes Virtual events, custom marketing programs and 32 licensed local editions in 71 countries. Forbes Media's brand extensions include real estate, education and financial services license agreements. For more information, visit the Forbes News Hub or Forbes Connect.

ABOUT TAMPA GENERAL HOSPITAL

Tampa General Hospital, a 1,040-bed, not-for-profit, academic health system, is one of the largest hospitals in America and delivers world-class care as the region's only center for Level l trauma and comprehensive burn care. Tampa General Hospital is the highest-ranked hospital in the market in U.S. News & World Report's 2022-23 Best Hospitals, and is tied as the third highest-ranked hospital in Florida , with seven specialties ranking among the best programs in the United States . Tampa General Hospital has been designated as a model of excellence by the 2022 Fortune/Merative 100 Top Hospitals list. The academic health system's commitment to growing and developing its team members is recognized by two prestigious Forbes magazine rankings  in the top 100 nationally in the 2023 America's Best Employers for Women and sixth out of 100 Florida companies in the 2022 America's Best Employers by State. Tampa General is the safety net hospital in the region, caring for everyone regardless of their ability to pay, and in fiscal year 2021, provided a net community benefit worth more than $224.5 million in the form of health care for underinsured patients, community education, and financial support to community health organizations in Tampa Bay . It is one of the nation's busiest adult solid organ transplant centers and is the primary teaching hospital for the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine. With six medical helicopters, Tampa General Hospital transports critically injured or ill patients from 23 surrounding counties to receive the advanced care they need. Tampa General houses a nationally accredited comprehensive stroke center, and its 32-bed Neuroscience, Intensive Care Unit is the largest on the West Coast of Florida . It also is home to the Jennifer Leigh Muma 82-bed neonatal intensive care unit, and a nationally accredited rehabilitation center. Tampa General Hospital's footprint includes 17 Tampa General Medical Group Primary Care offices, TGH Family Care Center Kennedy, TGH Brandon Healthplex, TGH Virtual Health, and 21 TGH Imaging powered by Tower outpatient radiology centers throughout Hillsborough , Pasco , Pinellas and Palm Beach counties. Tampa Bay area residents also receive world-class care from the TGH Urgent Care powered by Fast Track network of clinics. To see a medical care professional live anytime, anywhere on a smartphone, tablet or computer, visit Virtual Health | Tampa General Hospital (tgh.org). As one of the largest hospitals in the country, Tampa General Hospital is the first in Florida to partner with GE Healthcare and open a clinical command center that provides real-time situational awareness to improve and better coordinate patient care at a lower cost. For more information, go to www.tgh.org.

Media Contact: Beth Hardy , APR

Senior Communications Specialist

(727) 510-6363 (cell)

[email protected]

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/tampa-general-hospital-named-one-of-americas-best-employers-for-women-in-2023-by-forbes-301888637.html

SOURCE Tampa General Hospital
VANCOUVER, BC , July 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - Taseko Mines Limited (TSX: TKO) (NYSE American: TGB) (LSE: TKO) (the "Company") will release its second quarter 2023 financial results after market close on Wednesday, August 2, 2023 .

The Company will host a telephone conference call and live webcast on Thursday, August 3, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time ( 8:00 a.m. Pacific) to discuss these results. After opening remarks by management, there will be a question and answer session open to analysts and investors.

To join the conference call without operator assistance, you may pre-register at https://emportal.ink/46Kh6Zm to receive an instant automated call back just prior to the start of the conference call. Otherwise, the conference call may be accessed by dialing 888-390-0546 toll free, 416-764-8688 in Canada , or online at tasekomines.com/investors/events.

The conference call will be archived for later playback until August 17, 2023 and can be accessed by dialing 888-203-1112 toll free, 416-764-8677 in Canada , or online at tasekomines.com/investors/events and using the entry code 191584#.

Stuart McDonald

President and CEO

No regulatory authority has approved or disapproved of the information contained in this news release.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/taseko-to-release-second-quarter-2023-results-301888656.html

SOURCE Taseko Mines Limited
A Porsche electric vehicle (EV) charging point is seen during a media day for the Auto Shanghai show in Shanghai, China April 20, 2021. REUTERS/Aly Song

By Mohi Narayan

(Reuters) - China's demand for petrol is likely to peak as early as next year as electric vehicle sales soar, several analysts say, bringing forward an energy transition milestone for the world's biggest polluter and a headache for global refiners.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) and consultancy Rystad Energy have brought forward forecasts of China's peak gasoline demand by about a year to 2024, while Chinese state majors PetroChina and Sinopec see it in 2025.

The earlier halt in gasoline demand growth in the world's No. 2 oil consumer will push Chinese refiners to ramp up exports of the motor fuel to Asia and spur them to make more naphtha, diesel and jet fuel, crimping refining margins in the region.

"It will be a challenge for refiners to rebalance their output," said Toril Bosoni, IEA's head of oil industry and markets division.

"We are seeing a shift towards higher middle distillates yields like jet fuel and gasoil ... also seeing rebalancing of naphtha and gasoline into petrochemicals feedstocks."

EV BOOM

In January to May, EV's share in the world's largest car market jumped to 28%, up from 9% in the same period of 2021, while the share for petrol cars shrank to 72% from 91%, data from China Association of Automobile Manufacturers showed.

China is now looking to spur EV adoption in rural areas by improving charging infrastructure and encouraging banks, local governments and auto makers to offer support, said Gaurav Batra, consultancy EY's lead analyst of global automotive and transportation.

As a result of accelerating EV sales, Paris-based IEA now expects Chinese gasoline demand to peak in 2024 at about 3.7 million barrels per day (bpd), bringing forward an earlier projection of demand plateauing in 2025/2026.

Rystad Energy also sees the peak at 3.7 million bpd but coming as early as the first quarter of 2024, compared with an earlier projection between 2024 and 2025, said Mukesh Sahdev, senior vice president, head of downstream/oil trading.

The research arm of China's state refiner CNPC expects gasoline demand to peak in 2025, citing accelerating sales of EVs, and sees gasoline demand shrinking 2.3% annually between 2026 and 2030.

Predicting the country's refined fuel demand to peak around 2025, top Asian refiner Sinopec's chairman Ma Yongsheng said on Monday China will strictly control refining capacity and hasten the petrochemical industry's transition to low-carbon, high-end growth.

GASOLINE SURPLUS

With gasoline consumption having topped out in the U.S., the world's top gas guzzler, in 2019 and China set to peak around next year, global gasoline markets could move into a surplus from 2025.

The glut is expected to grow steadily over the next five years to about 1.3 million bpd by 2028 in the absence of any significant output adjustments by refiners, according to IEA forecasts in a medium-term outlook.

North America, China and India could each move from roughly balanced gasoline markets to net exporters in 2028 of around 600,000 bpd, 900,000 bpd and 130,000 bpd, respectively, it said.

Shifting away from transport fuels, new refineries in China are focusing on petrochemicals.

For example, Shenghong Petrochemical, the latest mega refiner to start operations, has a design yield of only 30% for gasoline, diesel and jet fuel combined, compared with 65% for Chinese majors in first quarter this year, said Jianan Sun, China energy market analyst at Energy Aspects.

Some refineries have been boosting production of feedstocks, such as naphtha, while other upgraded facilities are producing more propylene and olefin-based derivatives for processing into chemicals, an official at a Chinese state-refinery told Reuters.

China's massive move into petrochemicals is already causing a glut globally, prompting companies to shift investments to high-end energy transition materials.

(Reporting by Mohi Narayan in New Delhi; Graphics by Carman Chew and Matthew Chye; Additional reporting by Chen Aizhu in Singapore, Zoey Zhang and Andrew Hayley in Beijing; Editing by Florence Tan and Sonali Paul)
FILE PHOTO: NatWest Chief Executive Officer Alison Rose delivers a speech at NatWest's headquarters in the City of London on March 21, 2023 Daniel Leal/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo

By Brenna Hughes Neghaiwi and Tom Sims

ZURICH (Reuters) -Alison Rose's resignation from NatWest leaves just one woman in charge of a major western European bank, highlighting an acute gender imbalance that persists across the sector despite pledges to increase female representation.

But while Rose's departure means Europe's 25 biggest banks by assets are still 96% male-run, an analysis by Reuters has found that broader executive management teams have become slightly more balanced since last year.

Top management teams at Europe's largest lenders are now 30.6% female, data compiled by Reuters shows, up from 25.6% for the same group of banks in early 2022.

Since Reuters conducted its study of gender diversity in banking leadership last year, only one other woman has joined the ranks of chief executives - French cooperative bank Credit Mutuel's Isabelle Ferrand, appointed to the role in May.

New CEO jobs at UBS and SocGen both went to men.

"The loss of one of European banking's highest profile female leaders in this manner sends a worrying message to women looking for a seat at the top table," Ann Francke, CEO of the Chartered Management Institute, said of Rose's exit from NatWest.

"The loser in all of this is the wider economy as the data shows that increasing women's representation in senior positions across business, politics and public life is a positive thing: diversity of thought and experience leads to innovation - and delivers better business results."

Across the broader financial services sector, however, a recent study by EY found that hiring of women at board of directors level in Europe had actually dipped.

Companies appointed women to 44% of board openings in the 12 months through June 2023, down from 52% during the previous year. The overall gender split has nevertheless improved to 43% female and 57% male on the boards of European financial firms, EY found, from a 37%/63% split a year ago.

(Reporting by Brenna Hughes Neghaiwi; additional reporting by Tom Sims in Frankfurt, Iain Withers in London and Jesus Aguado in Madrid; Editing by Catherine Evans)
By Stella Qiu and Gopal Sharma

SYDNEY/KATHMANDU (Reuters) - The reopening of Australia's borders to international students after the pandemic has triggered an exodus from Bhutan, as young people seek opportunities abroad amid growing economic unhappiness in the landlocked Himalayan kingdom.

Student migration to Australia from Bhutan has soared, with over 12,000 long-term arrivals moving there in the 11 months to May alone, representing about 1.5% of the tiny South Asian country's population, which has a youth unemployment rate in the double digits.

Most of the recent arrivals have settled in Perth, Western Australia, where they have enrolled in courses such as childcare, hospitality and accounting.

Tashi Kipchu, a 25-year-old education consultant, is one of many who came to Australia last year in search of better opportunities.

"Right after COVID, everything died. People don't see an opportunity out there," said Kipchu, who studied marketing at the University of Western Australia.

Aside from a small humanitarian intake, migration from Bhutan to Australia had been negligible until 2017 when student arrivals started to pick up. That accelerated after the reopening of borders in Australia in 2022, with official data showing student visa applications from Bhutan jumping fivefold in the fiscal year ended June.

The influx of students in that short period has made Australia home to one of the largest communities of Bhutanese expatriates outside of South Asia.

While they represent just a small part of Australia's 600,000 international student population, the surge comes as the A$40 billion ($27 billion) education sector tries to make up for business lost from a dearth of foreign students during the pandemic. Students from key market China, in particular, are returning at a slower pace than hoped.

"Australian universities are keen to diversify - they got the message from the previous and this government that they shouldn't rely too much on just China, India and Nepal," said Phil Honeywood, Chief Executive Officer at International Education Association of Australia.

"They need to go forth and find new education agents in new countries."

Sonam Tobgay, who became Bhutan's inaugural ambassador to Australia in 2021, said Australia's appeal includes its relatively cheaper tuition fees and favourable visa regime that allows students' dependents to come and work for unlimited hours.

Six of the current 10 cabinet ministers of Bhutan have qualifications from an Australian university or institute.

Bhutan is famous for its Gross National Happiness index, an economic gauge that takes into account factors ignored by the conventional gross domestic product measures, such as recreation, emotional well-being and the environment.

However, its mostly closed economy, which is largely dependent on hydropower and tourism, has more recently been hurt by high energy prices, leading to a sharp fall in its foreign reserves.

Moreover, the government's reforms of the public sector, designed to streamline and modernise the civil service, the country's biggest employer, have also contributed to a mass exodus of working professionals.

Wedged between India and China, Bhutan reopened its borders in September, but higher tourist taxes have meant the recovery in the critical industry has not lived up to expectations. Youth unemployment hit 28% last year.

Amid bleak job prospects at home, many young people flocked to Australia, which has loosened visa restrictions to help ease its tightest labour market in 50 years.

Kipchu, who originally trained as a chemical engineer in Bhutan, saw a business opportunity soon after arriving in Perth and started an education consultancy to help prospective students from Bhutan. Now his company employs 40-50 people in his home country.

"I came to Australia to study but somehow this country gave me an opportunity," said Kipchu, predicting that the trend of moving to Australia will continue.

"The job opportunities and the flexibility for students to work here makes it more attractive."

At Kingston International College, a vocational education provider in Western Australia, about 150 Bhutanese students receive training, said managing director Tandin Dorji, himself a Bhutanese migrant. That compared with just 15-20 before the pandemic.

"It has become a cultural trend... If Bhutanese see someone being really successful, that's where they would go," said Dorji.

($1 = 1.4786 Australian dollars)

(Reporting by Stella Qiu in Sydney, Gopal Sharma in Kathmandu. Editing by Sam Holmes)
U.S. President Joe Biden takes a selfie with a person, as he attends a press conference to deliver remarks on the economy at Auburn Manufacturing, a company that produces heat- and fire-resistant fabrics for a range of industrial uses in the U.S. and abro

FREEPORT, Maine (Reuters) - U.S. President Joe Biden said on Friday that Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva wants to meet with him shortly on climate.

"Lula from Brazil wants to meet with me shortly because, you know ,theres more carbon absorbed from the air in the Amazon than all the carbon emitted in the United States of America on a yearly basis. Guess what, theyre having trouble," Biden told a campaign event.

Biden did not say when or where the meeting with Lula would take place.

In June, Lula unveiled plans to meet a pledge to eliminate deforestation in the Amazon, the world's largest tropical rainforest, by 2030.

(This story has been refiled to correct the spelling of 'emitted' in paragraph 2)

(Reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt in Freeport, Maine; Editing by Eric Beech, Dan Whitcomb and Matthew Lewis)
U.S. President Joe Biden, Japans Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and South Koreas President Yoon Suk Yeol attend a photo op on the day of trilateral engagement during the G7 Summit at the Grand Prince Hotel in Hiroshima, Japan, May 21, 2023. REUTERS/Jo

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Joe Biden will host Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol for a trilateral summit at Camp David in Maryland on Aug. 18, the White House said on Friday.

"The three leaders will discuss expanding trilateral cooperation across the Indo-Pacific and beyond  including to address the continued threat posed by (North Korea) and to strengthen ties with ASEAN and the Pacific Islands," White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement.

Washington is keen to encourage closer cooperation with its two main allies in Asia amid shared concerns about China's growing might and North Korea's nuclear and missile programs.

Japan and South Korea have been moving to mend strained bilateral ties following years of feuds over historical issues which undercut cooperation.

At Camp David, a storied presidential retreat in the mountains of western Maryland, the three leaders will "advance a shared trilateral vision for addressing global and regional security challenges, promoting a rules-based international order, and bolstering economic prosperity," Jean-Pierre said.

(Reporting by Rami Ayyub; Editing by Eric Beech)
FILE PHOTO: Smoke rises as a fire broke out on the cargo ship Fremantle Highway, at sea on July 26, 2023. Coastguard Netherlands/Handout via REUTERS/File Photo

AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - The fire which has been burning on a car carrier off the Dutch coast has lessened in intensity and salvagers have been able to board the ship to secure stronger tow lines, authorities said on Friday.

The fire on the Panamanian-registered Fremantle Highway, which was carrying new cars, resulted in the death of an Indian crew member and injury of seven others who jumped overboard to escape the flames.

Dutch water board Rijkswaterstaat said measurements by the salvage company showed that temperatures aboard the ship had dropped sharply on Friday morning, and while the fire is still burning, less smoke is now being generated.

The lower temperatures allowed salvage company staff to briefly board the Fremantle to attach new tow lines at the top of the ship, which allow better control of the vessel.

"Rijkswaterstaat is considering different scenarios for the next steps," the agency said in a statement.

Ship charter company "K" Line said on Friday that there were 3,783 vehicles on board the ship - including 498 battery electric vehicles, significantly more than the 25 initially reported.

A Tokyo-based spokesperson for K Line (Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha), which had chartered the vessel, declined to say anything about the car brands, including whether it included any cars from Japanese manufacturers.

The Dutch coastguard said on its website on Thursday that the cause of the fire was unknown, but an emergency responder is heard in a recording released by Dutch broadcaster RTL saying, "The fire started in the battery of an electric car".

EV lithium-ion batteries burn with twice the energy of a normal fire, and maritime officials and insurers say the industry has not kept up with the risks.

An investigation has been launched by the Panama Maritime Authority and the Netherlands is assisting the inquiry, the Dutch Safety Board has said.

The 199-metre (653-ft) Fremantle is drifting about 17 km from the northernmost Dutch coast, the coastguard said. It was travelling from Germany to Egypt.

The islands are on the northernmost tip of the Netherlands and comprise part of the Wadden Sea, a vast area of tidal flats and marshland stretching along Germany and Denmark that is on UNESCO's World Heritage list.

(Reporting by Miranda Murry, Daniel Leussink and Geert De Clercq; Writing by Marine Strauss and Anthony Deutsch; Editing by Tassilo Hummel, Philippa Fletcher and Leslie Adler)
Despite a job at the worlds top technology company, a wife and kids, a big house and a nice car, Tran Quang Vinh still felt empty and lonely inside.

From an early age, Vinh, now 37, finds no inspiration in any other subjects beside English and drawing on the computer. When he graduated high school, Vinh took a multimedia course, but the teacher only taught the things he already knew, so he left and took graphic design jobs to earn money.

His income grew from VND3 million ($126.63) to $4,500 per month. At age 27, he was offered a design advisor position by a company in the US, but the offer was ultimately revoked when the company changed its policies.

"I was very hopeful, so of course I felt very disappointed. My wife was pregnant with our firstborn at the time, but she still encouraged me to go find an opportunity," he says.

Right as Vinh set foot in San Francisco, he was incredibly shocked by the expensive lifestyle in the U.S. He only had about $8,000 on hand, but rent was already $2,500 per month. Vinh decided to share a place with someone else for $800.

"I waited until there was a sale at the supermarket to buy my groceries, and went to the Chinese market to buy two dumplings for $5 to eat for two meals every day," Vinh recalls.

He contacted every American colleague he used to work with in Vietnam for assistance. One person connected Vinh with a friend of theirs and he was introduced to a CEO.

On the day of his interview in downtown San Francisco, he walked and took the subway for two hours. On the way, the young Vietnamese man saw everyone walking quickly and confidently because they knew where they were going. But he felt entirely disorientated.

However, the desire to forge a path for himself rose in the young man. "I gathered all of my confidence to walk into the interview, which lasted 8 hours," he says.

After the interview, the CEO of the company gave Vinh two options for the design director position. He will either receive the salary that he negotiated, or his salary will be lower by 15%, but he will receive more company shares. At that time, due to the fact that he needed the money for his expenses, he chose the first option.

Vinh had specialty skills but was lacking in communication skills. Although his English was good, his ability to communicate his thoughts and ideas were not up to par. He practiced in front of the mirror, and then actively spoke up in meetings to receive feedback from his coworkers.

"They told me which words to use to express myself more effectively. Thanks to being in that environment, I was able to improve," he says.

Only a year later, Vinhs design was honored by Fox News as the most beautiful of the year.

With that said, living alone had given Vinh bouts of melancholy.

When his life became more stable, he brought his wife to the U.S. He felt less lonely, but there were more financial pressures. He rented a place for his family that a quarter of his salary.

Vinh (in glasses) with his coworkers at a brainstorm event about AI at Meta headquarters, New York 2023. Photo courtesy of Vinh Tran

Tran Ngoc Bich, Vinhs wife, says that during that time, when her husband came back from work, he would eat and then continue working throughout the night. He worked at three companies at once to make enough money and to buy a house.

"I watched him study every single day, if it wasnt this then it would be something else. He always said he had to learn more and gain more knowledge to advance," Bich says.

At the age of 29, Vinh bought his first house in the US.

Vinh created a website to upload the products he designed. Thanks to this, he was recruited by companies like Google, Microsoft, Uber, and Sony. After two years in America, he left his first company to look for new opportunities. Vinh chose Google, where they offered great benefits. They had made him two previous offers and he took the third.

"It took me four months to finish the application process before being interviewed," he recalls.

After 8 hours of completing three design tests back-to-back, he finally made it to the interview round. The recruiter asked: "Why dont I see any university degrees in your application?"

"I used to go to school," Vinh replied, "but I found that the fastest way to learn was through work. No books or schooling can compare."

He was accepted into a design position with the benefits of his dreams. But it was at this time, after a general health check-up, that Vinh found out he had a major depression disorder due to the trauma he experienced when he was young.

When Vinh was 8 years old, his parents divorced. When he was 15, he lived by himself when his mother remarried and his brother went to study abroad.

"Every week, my mom would bring me food and put VND100,000 on my fridge before leaving", he says.

Vinh isolated himself by listening to music constantly while drawing on his computer to express himself.

Once hed met with a doctor and gotten his diagnosis, he finally understood why he always felt lonely and empty even though he had a family and a job with a good income. He began to go to a psychiatrist for treatment.

Vinh worked at Google for three years before stopping due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Having to separate himself from his work caused his depression to worsen.

"Im afraid of the dark, so I didnt want to go inside my house, instead I would just stand outside. As soon as I went to my room, Id cry alone. The pills didnt work and only made me feel worse," he says.

When the world reopened, Vinh still had to go on leave for three months due to the poor state of his mental and physical health.

He decided to transfer to Meta after rejecting the interview 7 times, because he reasoned that working with social media would give him more exposure and being able to work remote full-time would benefit his health.

Despite this, Vinh still suffered from depression and his health declined. His prescription gave him more balance, but took away all the inspiration he needed to do his work. In meetings, he would overreact due to the influence of the medicine, so he felt incredibly awkward in front of his colleagues.

He decided he needed to do something to contribute, something to help others, especially people with depression like him.

Last year Vinh quit his job to build a software company that provides solutions and support to people with depression. Its called Murror.app.

Truong Bich Yen Chi, Vinhs colleague at Meta and also his partner for Murror.app, says that Vinh has inspired many of his coworkers.

He always listens, and has created opportunities to help everyone improve.

"Vinh does not mind the burden, whether big or small. I partnered with him because I sympathized with his story, and I believed in his abilities and the mission of the company," she says.

Currently, Vinhs company has 15 employees, including psychiatrists and technology specialists from around the world. He hopes to be able to launch the company by the end of this year.
FILE PHOTO: The Barclays headquarters building is seen in the Canary Wharf business district of east London February 6, 2013. REUTERS/Neil Hall/File Photo

By Nell Mackenzie

LONDON (Reuters) - European credit hedge funds topped a most-wanted list of global hedge fund strategies in the second half of this year, according to a report by Barclays seen by Reuters on Friday.

A net 14% of investors say they would allocate more room in their portfolios to European credit hedge funds, according to Barclays' survey of 230 investors that collectively represent about $6.5 trillion in assets under management.

While the highest total percentage of 21% of investors said they would increase their allocation to U.S. stock hedge funds which take long and short bets on equities, another 11% said they planned to pull out of this strategy. A short is a bet a stock price will fall.

Stock-focused hedge funds finished last year with a negative 8% return on average, Barclays said. They recorded a positive 5.2% performance in the first half of 2023, but this was well behind the S&P 500, which rose 18% in that time.

Among investor plans for less traditional hedge fund strategies, interest in private credit increased by the most. Almost a fifth of the investors said they were looking into funds that scoop up cheap bonds and distressed companies.

Most investors surveyed said they planned to increase hedge fund allocations.

Pension funds were keen to have cash on hand. They had plans to reduce exposure to less-liquid private equity and venture capital funds, while beefing up their bond portfolios, Barclays said in the report.

Endowments and foundations, while less interested in cash, also said they favoured hedge funds. Family offices said they would reduce their cash holdings, but were less keen on private investments.

A fifth of investors said that for new deals they have demanded that hedge funds pass a minimum performance-rate hurdle before charging fees. Most minimums are either a fixed rate or track the yield of U.S. Treasuries.

(Reporting by Nell Mackenzie; Editing by Amanda Cooper and Tomasz Janowski)
FILE PHOTO: Taiwan's armed forces hold two days of routine drills to show combat readiness ahead of Lunar New Year holidays at a military base in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, January 11, 2023. REUTERS/Ann Wang

By Mike Stone and Idrees Ali

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The United States is expected to announce as early as Friday that it will provide Taiwan with military assistance worth more than $300 million, two U.S. officials told Reuters, a move likely to anger China.

Congress authorized up to $1 billion worth of Presidential Drawdown Authority weapons aid for Taiwan in the 2023 budget.

One official, speaking on the condition anonymity, said the package is expected to be worth around $330 million.

The White House declined to comment.

The formal announcement is not expected to include a list of weapon systems being provided.

In recent weeks, four sources said the package was expected to include four unarmed MQ-9A reconnaissance drones, but noted their inclusion could fall through as officials work through details on removing some of the advanced equipment from the drones that only the U.S. Air Force is allowed access to.

Another issue was who would pay for the alterations to the drones, one of the people briefed on the matter said. Reuters could not determine if the drones were still part of the package.

The Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Taiwan had previously agreed to purchase four, more advanced, MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones, made by General Atomics, which are slated for delivery in 2025.

China views democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory and has increased military pressure on the island over the past three years. It has never renounced the use of force to bring the island under its control. Taiwan strongly rejects Chinese sovereignty claims and says only Taiwanese people can decide their future.

Foreshadowing the upcoming aid, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin on May 16 told a Senate panel: "And I'm pleased that the United States will soon provide significant additional security assistance to Taiwan through the Presidential Drawdown Authority that Congress authorized last year."

Earlier this month, the top U.S. general said the United States and its allies need to speed up the delivery of weapons to Taiwan in the coming years to help the island defend itself.

Beijing has repeatedly demanded the United States, Taiwan's most important arms supplier, halt the sale of weapons to the island.

U.S. Army General Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, had said Taiwan needed weapons like air defense systems and those that could target ships from land.

Taiwan has said its defense spending this year will focus on preparing weapons and equipment for a "total blockade" by China, including parts for F-16 fighters and replenishing weapons.

Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA) has been used on an emergency basis to expedite security assistance to Ukraine by allowing the president to transfer articles and services from U.S. stockpiles. The Taiwan PDA, however, is a non-emergency authority approved by Congress last year.

Taiwan has complained of delays to U.S. weapon deliveries, such as Stinger anti-aircraft missiles, as shipments from U.S. stockpiles moved to Ukraine.

(Reporting by Mike Stone and Idrees Ali; editing by Chris Sanders, Deepa Babington and Lincoln Feast.)
FILE PHOTO: A general view after a series of explosions at grain silos owned by agro-industrial cooperative C. Vale, in the city of Palotina, Parana State, Brazil, July 27, 2023. Brazil's Parana Firefighters/Handout/File Photo

By Ana Mano

SAO PAULO (Reuters) - Friends and family mourned seven Haitian workers killed in a grain silo explosion in southern Brazil during a wake on Friday, as a labor official flagged concerns about a spike in grain storage deaths in one of the world's top food suppliers.

At least eight workers were killed - the majority of them Haitians - and nearly a dozen others were injured in the Wednesday blast at an agricultural co-operative in southern Brazil called C.Vale in Parana state.

The deceased workers were 24- to 53-years-old and included one Brazilian national, C.Vale said.

The Haitians were temporary workers not directly employed by C.Vale, who had been outsourced from a local cargo transportation union for the peak of the grain season, a company spokesperson told Reuters.

C.Vale said on Friday that rescuers were still looking for a missing person potentially trapped under rubble and a massive pile of corn.

The silo where the explosion occurred stored about 12,000 metric tons of soybeans and 40,000 metric tons of corn, the company said.

Rudy Silva, an auditor for the Brazilian labor ministry focusing on grain storage facilities, told radio broadcaster CBN that the death toll from accidents involving silo workers is rising in the country.

Silva said workplace deaths involving silos totaled 69 in 2020, 90 in 2021 and more than 100 last year.

The labor ministry did not immediately return a request for comment on the numbers provided by Silva.

Including the deceased workers from the C.Vale blast, Silva forecast another 100 silo worker deaths in Brazil by year-end.

Experts warn that grain dust particles can be highly combustible, potentially causing fires or explosions in confined spaces. Research shows corn starch is one of the most dangerous and volatile.

(Reporting by Ana Mano; Editing by Brad Haynes and Aurora Ellis)
FILE PHOTO: British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi hold a bilateral meeting on November 16, 2022 in Nusa Dua, Indonesia. Leon Neal/Pool via REUTERS/File photo/File Photo

By Manoj Kumar

NEW DELHI (Reuters) - India and Britain could sign a free trade agreement (FTA) this year as both countries have reached consensus on the broad contours of the proposed deal aiming to boost economic growth and jobs, a top Indian trade ministry official said.

"We want to finalise the deal at the earliest," Sunil Barthwal, India's commerce secretary, told reporters on Friday.

He said that on almost all contentious issues, negotiations were completed, and the deal could be signed "much before" the end of the year.

New Delhi sees an FTA with Britain as crucial to hopes of becoming a bigger exporter, while the UK would obtain wider access for its whisky, premium cars and legal services.

For India, an FTA with the UK would be its first with a developed country after it signed an interim trade pact with Australia last year.

For Britain, it is part of a quest for diversified global trade relationships after its 2020 exit from the European Union.

"While weve made good progress in closing chapters, were now focused on the high ambition areas including goods, services, and investment," a spokesperson for Britain's Department for Business and Trade said.

"We are clear that we will only sign when we have a deal that is fair, balanced, and ultimately in the best interests of the British people and the economy."

It comes at a crucial time for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who wants to solidify New Delhi's business-friendly image ahead of national elections early next year.

The 11th round of talks was concluded recently in London during a visit by Barthwal and Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal.

Out of the total 26 chapters in the FTA, discussions on 19 have been closed including issues related to the sensitive automobile sector, Barthwal said.

However, the countries have yet to iron out differences on intellectual property rights, rules of origin and an investment treaty, separate trade ministry sources said.

An agreement in principle has been reached on the issue of rules of investment but modalities are still being worked out by customs authorities of both countries, Barthwal said.

"Nothing is final till everything is final," he said when asked about details of concessions India was offering to the UK, adding that the next round of negotiations will be held shortly.

India is pushing for a "zero tariff" for textile, leather and other labour-intensive manufacturing sectors while Britain had sought tariff concessions in other areas, said Barthwal.

Bilateral trade between India and the United Kingdom rose 16.6% year-on-year to $20.42 billion in the 2022/23 fiscal year ending in March.

(Reporting by Manoj Kumar, and Alistair Smout and Michael Holden in London; editing by Mark Heinrich)
TOKYO (Reuters) - A Japanese government panel recommended on Friday that the national average minimum wage be raised by 41 yen ($0.29) an hour to 1,002 yen, the biggest hike ever in value terms, as Prime Minister Fumio Kishida makes wages a key focus of his policies.

The health ministry panel's annual recommendation serves as the nationwide standard for minimum wages.

"I welcome this outcome," Kishida told reporters.

"Raising wages, as I've repeatedly said, is one of the most important challenges for the Kishida administration."

Kishida and the Bank of Japan are hoping that wage hikes can be sustained so that they generate more consumer spending that decisively lifts the world's third-largest economy out of decades of stagnation.

Minimum wages are set by the government, while in the annual round of spring wage negotiations, corporate management and labour unions negotiate directly over salaries.

Japan's largest labour organisation, Rengo, said this month that major companies had agreed to average pay hikes of 3.58% this year, the highest level in three decades.

($1 = 140.3500 yen)

(Reporting by Kiyoshi Takenaka; Editing by Hugh Lawson)
A view of South Korean and Japanese national flags hoisted ahead of the arrival of South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol and his wife Kim Keon-hee, at Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport) in Tokyo, Japan March 16, 2023. REUTERS/Issei Kato/File P

By Tim Kelly

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan welcomed a thaw in relations with South Korea in its annual defence paper on Friday but otherwise offered a gloomy assessment of the threat of China's territorial ambitions, its security partnership with Russia and a belligerent North Korea.

"Amid the increasing severity and difficulties we face, the need for Japan and South Korea to align has become increasingly important," the Ministry of Defence said in the 2023 Defence White Paper.

Surrounded by nuclear-armed rivals, Japan has to contend with intensifying Chinese military manoeuvres around Taiwan and disputed islands in the East China Sea, a growing threat from North Korea's ballistic missile programme and deteriorating regional security after Russia's attack on Ukraine, it said.

Shared security challenges helped U.S. allies Japan and South Korea mend relations that had soured over disputes about compensation for women forced to work in Japanese military brothels and other Koreans drafted as wartime labourers.

At a meeting in May with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on the sidelines of a Group of Seven summit in Japan, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol praised his counterpart for expressing compassion for those who suffered under Japan's colonial rule.

The two leaders will meet for the fourth time this yearwith President Joe Biden in the U.S. next month for a trilateral summit that could further cement their detente.

This year's white paper is the first since Japan announced, in December, a plan to double defence spending over the next five years to fund the acquisition of new weapons and capabilities, including longer range missiles that Japan says will help deter China from resorting to military action.

A separate national security strategy document promised close cooperation with the United States and other like-minded countries.

The defence paper said partners include Australia, India, European countries such as Britain, and South Korea. Japan is also pursuing stronger ties with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

A key aim of the white paper this year is to explain why Japan is undertaking its biggest military build-up since World War Two, a defence ministry official told a briefing.

It also outlines developments over the past decade during which Japan has more than quadrupled the number of annual military exercises it undertakes with the U.S., and tripled the number of countries it offers security assistance to.

(Reporting by Tim Kelly; editing by Robert Birsel)
David Williams, one of four suspects arrested in an FBI sting operation, is escorted out of FBI offices in New York in this May 21, 2009 file photo. REUTERS/Chip East/Files

By Rich McKay

(Reuters) - Three men convicted more than a decade ago of plotting to blow up New York City synagogues, a Jewish community center and shoot down military planes, were ordered to be released from prison by a judge on Thursday who said they had been manipultaed by the FBI.

In a scathing opinion against the FBI, the presiding judge called the men "hapless" petty criminals who were "easily manipulated" by the government in a sting operation.

The men to be released are: Onta Williams, David Williams and Laguerra Payen, who were three of what became known as the "Newburgh Four."

A fourth man, described as the ringleader by the government, James Cromitie, did not seek compassionate release and is expected to serve until 2030.

Lawyers for the men could not immediately be identified by Reuters to seek comment.

U.S. District Judge Colleen McMahon wrote in her 28-page order filed Thursday that all four men were caught up in a scheme in 2009 to attack the synagogues, community center and launch stinger missiles at military aircraft, driven by overzealous FBI agents and an "unsavory" confidential informant.

A spokesperson for the FBI was not immediately available to comment to Reuters.

The judge granted compassionate release to three men and reduced their sentence to time served plus 90 days, citing concerns for the men's health and her own qualms about the original 25-year-sentence she imposed on the men in 2011.

Cromitie was described as the ringleader by prosecutors during the trial.

But Judge McMahon wrote that Cromitie was a small-time "grifter" who was broke and unemployed when he was enlisted in the FBI driven plot, who provided fake bombs to plant in exchange for $250,000 in the "jihadist mission."

Cromitie enlisted the other three men to serve as lookouts, the judge wrote.

"Nothing about the crimes was the defendants' own doing. The FBI invented the conspiracy," McMahon wrote.

The three men are scheduled to be released in October.

(Reporting by Rich McKay in Atlanta; Editing by Michael Perry)
By Maya Gebeily

BEIRUT (Reuters) - Lebanon's central bank faces leadership uncertainty from Monday when the governor steps down with no appointed successor, risking new dysfunction in a state already hollowed out by years of political paralysis and financial collapse.

Riad Salameh leaves office after 30 years in the post, his reputation tarnished by the catastrophic financial collapse that began in 2019 and charges of corruption in France, Germany and Lebanon. He denies any wrongdoing.

The leadership crisis reflects divisions among the ruling elite that has been unable to install a president or fully empowered cabinet for over a year, while leaving the financial crisis to fester, largely unaddressed, since 2019.

The cabinet was meant to meet on Thursday to choose Salameh's successor, but it was cancelled following political disputes and there is little sign of a long-term solution on the horizon.

Under Lebanese law, that means the most senior of Salameh's deputies, Wassim Mansouri, is to replace him in the interim. But he - and the other three deputy governors - will only do so reluctantly and they are pushing for policy guarantees.

The bank's new leaders will have to grapple with a more-than $70 billion hole in the financial system, uncertain political support in a deeply fragmented state and seething public anger at the evaporation of national and private wealth.

For Lebanon, it means another key post will officially sit empty, hostage to the breakdown in Lebanon's sectarian power-sharing politics that has already driven chaos in most functions of the state.

POLITICAL PRESSURE

Caretaker prime minister Najib Mikati and parliament speaker Nabih Berri tried to forge an agreement this week after months without any progress towards finding Salameh's successor.

But the armed Shi'ite Muslim party Hezbollah and its Christian ally the Free Patriotic Movement, which are both part of the governing coalition, have rejected the moves, saying a caretaker cabinet lacks authority to make the appointment.

Thursday's cabinet meeting was abruptly cancelled when ministers affiliated to those parties did not turn up.

The governor's post, like the vacant presidency, is reserved for a Maronite Christian and the FPM has accused Mikati of trying to usurp the powers of the president by pushing through an appointment.

Mansouri and the other three deputy governors last month threatened to quit if forced to take over. They want powers to lend more money to the government if needed and to phase out a complex exchange platform for the much-devalued pound.

Mikati met the deputy governors on Thursday and his office said he viewed their demands as legitimate and their proposals as consistent with his government's plan in an apparent effort to keep them in place.

But it is not clear if Mikati could implement such changes, given Lebanon's political standoff. Mansouri declined to comment, but another of the deputies, Salim Chahine, said he expected Mansouri to be running the bank from next week.

He told Reuters the deputy governors were giving the political class six months to institute meaningful reforms, but he would not say if they would reinstate their threat to resign if no changes were enacted.

"Our condition is that you complete the required reforms, starting with a capital controls law that is very fast," he said.

Mike Azar, an expert on Lebanon's financial crisis, said the deputy governors were caught in a bind.

"The question is, will they do the right thing and act independently as the law allows them, even in the face of what will surely be fierce political pressure," he said.

(Reporting by Maya Gebeily and Laila Bassam; Writing by Angus McDowall; Editing by Toby Chopra)
FILE PHOTO: People take part in a march to demand justice for the 43 students from the Ayotzinapa Teacher Training College, in Mexico City, Mexico July 26, 2023. The banner reads "The army knows". REUTERS/Henry Romero/File Photo

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said on Friday he received a letter from the Israeli prime minister offering to help with a probe into the 2014 disappearance of 43 students, after requests from Mexico to extradite a former top official.

Tomas Zeron, head of Mexico's criminal investigation agency between 2014 and 2016, under the previous government, is wanted on accusations of having helped engineer a cover-up of the abduction of the youths from the Ayotzinapa Rural Teachers' College in the southwestern state of Guerrero in September 2014.

Zeron, who Mexican officials say fled to Israel in 2020, has previously denied allegations of wrongdoing over the matter, one of Mexico's most notorious human rights scandals.

Lopez Obrador requested help from then-Prime Minister Naftali Bennett in 2021, and last month said he had also written to current Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

"I just received a letter from Israel's prime minister about his interest in helping us. Because one of the people who participated in covering up the crime ... is in Israel," Lopez Obrador told his daily press conference, referring to Zeron.

"We are asking for him to be extradited," he said.

He did not say whether Israel had agreed to Zeron's extradition.

Israel's embassy in Mexico said it could not comment on correspondence between heads of state.

Lopez Obrador took office in 2018 promising to resolve the case, which his administration has called a "state crime" for both the disappearance and an alleged cover-up that involved multiple levels of government.

The remains of only three of the 43 students have so far been formally identified, and Lopez Obrador in recent days has vowed to find out what happened to the youths.

(Reporting by Diego Ore; Writing by Daina Beth Solomon; Editing by Rosalba O'Brien)
Firefighters work at a site of an apartment building damaged by a Russian missile strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Dnipro, Ukraine July 28, 2023. Press service of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine/Handout via REUTERS

(Reuters) -Russian missiles hit a residential complex and a nearby building of Ukraine's security service in the central city of Dnipro on Thursday, officials said, injuring nine people and causing widespread damage.

Regional governor Serhiy Lysak said on the Telegram messaging app the injured were receiving treatment at home.

Dnipro Mayor Borys Filatov said it was the third time the SBU security service building had been targeted. Both buildings were largely empty - the residential building because it had just been completed and units were being put up for sale.

"There were two hits in Dnipro at about 8.30 p.m. (1730 GMT), Iskander missiles, according to preliminary information," Lysak said on national television.

"Part of the apartment building was destroyed. It was not even yet in use and there weren't many people there. A few people were trapped but are now out. The security service building is partially destroyed."

Pictures posted on social media showed part of one building reduced to rubble and debris strewn across a large courtyard.

Russia, whose forces invaded neighbouring Ukraine in February 2022, says it does not target civilian sites.

Its forces have intensified evening and night-time missile attacks on a variety of targets - focusing in particular on port facilities around the city of Odesa after Moscow pulled out of an agreement allowing grain shipments from Ukraine's ports.

President Volodymr Zelenskiy said he had he had convened emergency meetings with the SBU, the interior ministry, emergency services and local officials following the missile strikes.

(Reporting by Ron Popeski and Nick Starkov; editing by Jonathan Oatis and Grant McCool)
Compass Offices provides global serviced office solutions to assist with the challenges of finding sufficient office space, as well as language barriers and onerous leasing procedures.

HCMC is one of the country's financial centers, contributing about a quarter of the country's total GDP. With a population of over nine million people, the city attracts a diverse range of industries, including manufacturing, technology, finance, and tourism.

Vibrant business landscape

One major highlight of the local business landscape is the new investment in the manufacturing sector. Many multinational corporations, such as Samsung, Intel, and Foxconn, are relocating their manufacturing to Vietnam.

The local government has also been actively creating a favorable business environment by implementing policies that support and encourage entrepreneurship. This has led to a surge in the number of startups and small businesses, making HCMC a hub for innovation and creativity.

As a result, the metropolis attracts local and international companies, startups, and entrepreneurs to establish businesses here, which makes office rental demands surge.

Finding the perfect office space

With the vision to provide a great place to work, Compass Offices has been supporting various types of businesses, including start-ups, entrepreneurs, MNCs, and enterprises.

The company has two premium office spaces available at the landmark buildings in HCMC: Vincom Landmark 81 and Bitexco Financial Tower. Both locations offer a range of workspace solutions, including private and secure serviced offices, shared offices, and customized workspaces.

Businesses can enjoy all the benefits of a modern workspace without the hassle of setting it up themselves, as well as the fantastic city view from both centers.

Compass Offices' workspace solution offers flexible lease terms, allowing companies to scale up or down as needed. Businesses can adjust their workspace according to their changing needs without being tied down by a rigid lease agreement.

The fully furnished office spaces, featuring enterprise-grade IT infrastructure, welcoming business lounges, a cafe area, boardrooms, and meeting rooms, and a professional English-speaking customer service team, provide businesses with everything they need to hit the ground running.

For new businesses, the Compass Offices team can also assist with company formation and visa applications.

Renting a fully furnished office space with Compass Offices starts at VND5 million per desk at Vincom Landmark 81 and VND6 million per desk at Bitexco Financial Tower. Photo courtesy of Compass Offices

This is considered a cost-effective and reliable solution for businesses that want to establish a presence in HCMC without incurring the high upfront costs associated with setting up an office from scratch.

With a range of flexible office solutions available, businesses can easily find the perfect workspace that meets their needs and budget with Compass Offices. With its flexible lease terms and professional amenities, renting an office space in HCMC can be a hassle-free experience.

Compass Offices started in Hong Kong in 2009 and currently has over 40 centers located in 10 cities, including Singapore, Shanghai, Sydney, and Kuala Lumpur.
A woman works at the Kim Jong Suk Pyongyang textile mill during a government organised visit for foreign reporters in Pyongyang, North Korea May 9, 2016. REUTERS/Damir Sagolj/File Photo

By Jihoon Lee

SEOUL (Reuters) - North Korea's economy shrank for a third consecutive year in 2022, as COVID-19 restrictions and U.N. sanctions continued to weigh on economic activity in the isolated authoritarian state, according to estimates by the South's central bank.

Foreign trade posted a record rebound, however, after drying up during the pandemic and indicating a loosening of border controls. China is by far the country's main trading partner.

Gross domestic product (GDP) contracted 0.2% in real terms in 2022, the Bank of Korea (BOK) said on Friday, after a 0.1% fall in 2021 and the prior year's 4.5% plunge - the worst since 1997.

The BOK's estimates are considered among the most reliable indicators of economic activity in the North, which does not publish official data.

"Foreign trade increased, led by intermediate goods such as textile products, and internal virus controls eased a little, but the impact from economic sanctions and border closures continued while weather conditions worsened," a BOK official told a briefing.

The data showed that industrial output fell 1.3%, while output from agriculture, forestry and fisheries dropped 2.1%. The services sector, however, rose 1.0%, the biggest gain in eight years.

The industrial, agricultural and services sectors accounted for 30.5%, 23.1% and 33.4% of the economy in 2022, respectively.

The North's trade volume rebounded by a record 122.3% to $1.59 billion, after plunging 17.4% and 73.5% in 2021 and 2020, respectively. The figure, however, was still only about half of the $3.25 billion in 2019 before the pandemic.

"It was due to resumption of trade with China, which accounted for 96.7% of total trade, while strict border controls eased a little, also contributing to growth in the transportation and services sectors," the official said.

North Korea officially declared victory over the pandemic in August 2022, three months after its first acknowledged COVID-19 outbreak and after shutting off most contact with the rest of the world.

North Korea's nominal gross national income in 2022 was estimated to be 1.43 million won ($1,116) per capita, equivalent to just 3.4% of the South's 42.49 million won.

The BOK has been publishing its estimates of the North Korean economy since 1991, based on information from various sources including intelligence and foreign trading agencies and data from the South's unification ministry.

($1 = 1,281.8600 won)

(Reporting by Jihoon Lee; Editing by Ed Davies)
FILE PHOTO: A logo of Panasonic Corp is pictured at the Combined Exhibition of Advanced Technologies at the Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan, October 2, 2017. REUTERS/Toru Hanai/File Photo

TOKYO (Reuters) -Japan's Panasonic Holdings and automaker Subaru are expected to announce plans for an electric vehicle battery partnership soon, the Nikkei newspaper reported on Friday, days before both will report first-quarter earnings.

Panasonic, which supplies almost all of its EV batteries to Tesla, is seeking to increase global market as Chinese and South Korean competitors grow their presence, the Nikkei said. It did not provide any source for its report.

The Nikkei said there was a possibility that Subaru may opt to use 4680 batteries, the newest cells championed by Tesla's chief executive, Elon Musk, for which Panasonic's energy unit is looking to increase production.

A Panasonic spokesperson said it was examining various growth strategies for its automotive business but there was no new information it could share.

A spokesperson for Subaru, which relies heavily on the North American market for its sales, declined to comment.

Panasonic will release first quarter earnings results on Monday, while Subaru will do so on Wednesday.

Panasonic's energy unit and Mazda Motor announced in June they also would start talks to set up a battery supply partnership for EVs.

Subaru said in May it was aiming for global sales of 200,000 battery-powered vehicles a year by around 2026 as it seeks to tap into the growing EV market.

(Reporting by Daniel Leussink and Kaori Kaneko; Edit by Tom Hogue, Robert Birsel)
(Reuters) - Randy Meisner, a co-founder of the Eagles who sang lead on the 1975 hit "Take It to the Limit," died on Wednesday of complications from lung disease, the band said on its website on Thursday. He was 77.

Meisner, a bass player, joined Glenn Frey, Don Henley and Bernie Leadon in forming the original Eagles lineup in 1971, performing on classic albums such as "Eagles," "Desperado," "On the Border," "One of These Nights" and "Hotel California."

He left the band at the height of its popularity in 1977, shortly after the "Hotel California" album and single by the same name became huge hits, but he was inducted along with all seven Eagles into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998.

Internal strife led guitarist Leadon to quit the band in 1975, when he was replaced by Joe Walsh, and Meisner quit two years later, replaced by Timothy B. Schmit.

"The whole thing started to end when we started taking separate limos," Meisner told Rolling Stone magazine.

Born on March 8, 1946, in Scotts Bluff, Nebraska, Meisner was also overwhelmed by the pressure, Rolling Stone said, as he resisted his bandmates' requests to take center stage to sing "Take It to the Limit" in concert.

"I liked to be out of the spotlight," Meisner said, according to Rolling Stone. "One night in Knoxville, I stayed up late and got the flu. We did two or three encores and Glenn wanted another one. I told them I couldn't do it, and we got into a spat. That was the end."

Years later, Meisner said he asked to sit in with the band for a show in Los Angeles but was denied, he told Rolling Stone in 2008.

"I thought it would be nice to sit in with Timothy B. Schmit and sing 'Take It to the Limit,' but they pretty much gave me a 'no' in a round-about way. I can't blame them. They have to keep their band the way it is," Meisner said.

Before the Eagles, he placed bass for Poco, and was also bassist and vocalist with Rick Nelson's Stone Canyon Band.

(Reporting by Daniel Trotta; edining by Diane Craft)
(Reuters) - A drone of the U.S.-led coalition in Syria dangerously approached a Russian Su-34 military jet on Friday morning, Rear Admiral Oleg Gurinov was quoted as telling TASS news agency.

According to Gurinov, who serves as deputy head of the Russian Reconciliation Centre for Syria, the incident, involving an MQ-9 drone, occurred over Raqqa province.

"The Russian pilots, demonstrating high professionalism, promptly took the necessary measures to prevent a collision with an unmanned aerial vehicle of the coalition," Gurinov said.

Similar incidents have been regularly reported in recent days by both Russia and the United States.

(Reporting by Maxim Rodionov; Editing by Ron Popeski)
Indicted FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried leaves the United States Courthouse in New York City, U.S., July 26, 2023. REUTERS/Amr Alfiky

By Luc Cohen

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Sam Bankman-Fried must be jailed pending his October fraud trial over the collapse of the FTX cryptocurrency exchange he founded because he is trying to intimidate witnesses and influence their testimony, prosecutors said on Friday.

Bankman-Fried, a former billionaire, has lived mainly under house arrest at his parents' Palo Alto, California, home since his December 2022 extradition from the Bahamas.

His bail, which includes a $250 million bond, became an issue after the New York Times on July 20 published an article containing excerpts from his former romantic partner Caroline Ellison's personal Google documents prior to FTX's collapse.

Bankman-Fried, 31, acknowledged sharing the documents with a Times reporter. The U.S. Attorney's office in Manhattan said that crossed the line, and that Bankman-Fried's efforts to intimidate witnesses amounted to witness tampering.

"[T]he defendant certainly has the right to speak and defend himself to the press," prosecutors said in a letter to U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan.

"What the defendant may not do, and what he has now done repeatedly, is seek to corruptly influence witnesses and interfere with a fair trial through attempted public harassment and shaming," prosecutors added.

A spokesperson for Bankman-Fried declined to comment. His lawyers have until Aug. 1 to respond to the government's letter.

Bankman-Fried has pleaded not guilty to stealing billions of dollars in FTX customer funds to plug losses at his Alameda Research hedge fund, where Ellison was chief executive.

Prosecutors first made their surprise request to detain Bankman-Fried before his Oct. 2 trial at a Wednesday hearing, where Kaplan barred Bankman-Fried from discussing the case.

His lawyer said at Wednesday's hearing that Bankman-Fried's communications with journalists were simply a means to protect his reputation.

Prosecutors had in January accused Bankman-Fried of seeking to influence the testimony of an FTX lawyer.

In writings cited by the Times, Ellison described being "unhappy and overwhelmed" with her job and feeling "hurt/rejected" from her breakup with Bankman-Fried.

Ellison pleaded guilty to fraud charges and is expected to testify against Bankman-Fried at trial.

She said in court last December that Bankman-Fried and other FTX executives received billions of dollars in hidden loans from Alameda.

Two former FTX executives, Gary Wang and Nishad Singh, have also pleaded guilty over FTX's collapse and agreed to cooperate with prosecutors.

(Reporting by Luc Cohen in New York; Editing by Daniel Wallis)
FILE PHOTO: A smartphone with a displayed TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company) logo is placed on a computer motherboard in this illustration taken March 6, 2023. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo

By Sarah Wu

HSINCHU, Taiwan (Reuters) -TSMC will remain "rooted in Taiwan", its chief executive said on Friday in a bid to allay concerns that the world's largest contract chipmaker could abandon its island home as it expands abroad.

CEO C.C. Wei was speaking at the opening of a massive research and development facility that TSMC, Asia's most valuable listed company and a key Apple Inc and Nvidia Corp supplier, built in Taiwan's tech hub Hsinchu.

"We want to use this opportunity to tell all the people of Taiwan that TSMC is determined to remain rooted in Taiwan," Wei said.

"Recently, to respond to customer requests, we have been building a lot of production lines around the world," he said. "But we've also heard deeply concerned voices asking if TSMC has already moved its core abroad."

While the company makes the bulk of its chips in Taiwan, it has committed $40 billion to building a chip factory in the U.S. state of Arizona. It is also building one in Japan and considering a second one there, and is in talks with officials in Germany about building a plant there.

TSMC's overseas expansions have sparked concerns in Taiwan, where chip manufacturing is the backbone of the economy, about a "goodbye to Taiwan" trend amid heightened tension with China and as other countries dangle incentives to attract chipmakers.

China has in recent years increased diplomatic and military pressure against Taiwan, raising concerns about the fate of the factories that dot its western coast and produce the majority of the world's most advanced chips.

Beijing views democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory, a claim the government in Taipei rejects.

The new home for TSMC's R&D efforts - with floor space spanning the equivalent of 42 soccer fields - will by September house more than 7,000 staff, including the researchers developing its most advanced technology as well as scholars working on exploratory research, the company said.

The company broke ground on the facility in 2020.

In 2022, TSMC ploughed T$162.2 billion ($5.16 billion) into R&D, up 30.1% from the previous year.

($1 = 31.4230 Taiwan dollars)

(Reporting by Sarah Wu; Editing by Jacqueline Wong and Miral Fahmy)
FILE PHOTO: Chief of Staff of Ukrainian Presidential Office Andriy Yermak speaks during a press conference with member of the International Working Group on the Environmental Consequences of War after a meeting with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyi

KYIV (Reuters) -A senior Ukrainian official accused Russia on Friday of threatening civilian vessels in the Black Sea, and urged the international community to condemn what he said were "the methods of terrorists".

Russia last week quit a U.N.-brokered deal allowing Ukraine, a major global grain producer, to safely export its grain via the Black Sea and warned that ships heading to Ukrainian seaports could be considered military targets.

"Russian warships are threatening civilians in the Black Sea, violating all norms of international maritime law," Andriy Yermak, head of President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's office, wrote on the Telegram messaging app.

In a separate statement, Ukraine's border guard service said it had intercepted a warning communicated by Russia to a civilian vessel passing near a Ukrainian port on Thursday.

It did not identify the name of the ship or the port, but said: "The aggressor's warships continue to behave brazenly and audaciously in the waters of the Black Sea, violating all the norms of international maritime law".

The statement quoted the Russian party as saying: "I am warning you about the ban on movement to the ports of Ukraine."

"Also, the transport of any cargo to Ukraine is considered by the Russian side to be the potential transportation of military cargo," it was quoted as saying.

The country of the vessel's flag would be considered a party to the conflict in Ukraine, it said.

Russia did not immediately respond to Yermak's comments or to the border guard service's statement.

Russia's Federal Security Service said on Thursday it had found traces of explosives on board a foreign vessel en route from Turkey to Russia that had previously entered a Ukrainian port. It was the second such announcement this week involving a foreign ship heading to Russia to pick up grain.

Russia, which sent tens of thousands of troops into Ukraine in February 2022, has carried out frequent air strikes on Ukrainian grain facilities since Moscow quit the Black Sea Grain Initiative brokered by the U.N. and Turkey in July last year.

Kyiv has suggested the attacks are intended to cut Ukraine off from the Black Sea and to elevate the importance of Russia as a global grain supplier.

(Reporting by Anna Pruchnicka and Kyiv bureau; writing by Tom Balmforth; editing by Timothy Heritage)
FILE PHOTO: The United Nations headquarters building is pictured though a window with the UN logo in the foreground in the Manhattan borough of New York August 15, 2014. REUTERS/Carlo Allegri/File Photo

By Michelle Nichols

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - The United Nations is still delivering aid in Niger although U.N. officials in the country said on Friday they have not had any contact with the military following a coup.

Niger military officers declared General Abdourahamane Tiani as the new head of state of the West African on Friday, saying they had suspended the constitution and dissolved all former institutions after overthrowing President Mohamed Bazoum.

"We are not in contact with the military," Nicole Kouassi, the current top U.N. official in Niger, told reporters.

"Concerning the president, information we have from our political office is he seemed to be at his home and he seemed to be fine," she said. "The situation in the country is quite calm."

The U.N. has called for Bazoum to be released.

The United Nations has 1,600 staff in Niger - of which about 352 are international - and Kouassi said all were safe.

The United Nations says some 4.3 million people need humanitarian help in Niger, where more than 370,000 people are displaced within the country, which also hosts more than 250,000 refugees  mainly from Nigeria, Mali and Burkina Faso.

A U.N. appeal for $584 million in aid funding is currently only 32% funded.

"The humanitarian response continues on the ground and has never stopped, actually, since the events occurred in Niger," the U.N. World Food Programme official in Niger, Jean-Noel Gentile, told reporters.

Wagner Group mercenary boss Yevgeny Prigozhin, who remains active despite leading a failed mutiny against the Russian army's top brass last month, hailed Niger's military coup as good news and offered his fighters' services to bring order.

"As of now, no sign of Wagner from the U.N. perspective," said Kouassi.

(Reporting by Michelle Nichols; editing by Paul Grant and Grant McCool)
FILE PHOTO: U.S. White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan speaks at a press briefing at the White House in Washington, U.S., December 12, 2022. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque/File Photo

By Ted Hesson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Biden administration will allow some migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela who are already in Mexico to apply to enter the United States as refugees, White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said on Friday.

The move will add to a range of new legal pathways opened up by Democratic President Joe Biden to help reduce illegal border crossings that have set records in recent years.

The Biden programs include an app that allows migrants to register for an appointment to approach the U.S.-Mexico border and an initiative that lets certain migrants enter the U.S. by air if they have sponsors.

"We encourage migrants to use these legal pathways instead of putting their lives in the hands of dangerous smugglers and traffickers," Sullivan said in a statement.

Reuters reported earlier this month that the United States and Mexico had been discussing a new U.S. refugee program for people from those four countries who were already in Mexico.

U.S. refugees have a path to citizenship and are provided government benefits not available to other migrants. Unlike asylum seekers, they are approved before entering the country.

The White House and other agencies did not respond to a request for additional details on the refugee initiative.

Mexico's incoming foreign minister Alicia Barcena said this week talks were underway related to processing migrants from the four countries, all which have had increases in the number of people trying to enter the United States in recent years.

Barcena said Mexico was looking to establish an "international space" in southern Mexico where people from those countries could seek humanitarian protection and employment assistance.

Biden's new legal programs have been coupled with a restrictive new asylum regulation that took effect in mid-May.

The number of people caught crossing illegally dropped dramatically after the implementation of the regulation, which limits who is eligible for U.S. asylum. But tens of thousands of migrants remain in Mexico in limbo.

A federal judge on Tuesday ruled the new asylum restrictions violate existing law, but postponed the effective date of the decision for 14 days as the Biden administration appeals, leaving the regulation in place for now.

(Reporting by Ted Hesson in Washington; Additional reporting by Daina Beth Solomon in Mexico City and Paul Grant; Editing by Angus MacSwan and Grant McCool)
People treat dioxin-contaminated soil at the Bien Hoa Air Base in Dong Nai, December 2022. Photo courtesy of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)

A $32 million contract has been granted to a U.S. firm to continue dioxin cleanup at Dong Nais Bien Hoa Air Base, the U.S. Mission to Vietnam announced on Thursday.

The contract, given to Tetra Tech, calls on the company to provide engineering design, construction management, environmental monitoring and treatments of dioxin-contaminated soil, among other tasks, according to a press release by the U.S. Embassy of Vietnam.

The release stated that the goal is to reduce risks of dioxin exposure and "restore the land for full use."

Back in March, Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Samantha Power announced another contract of $73 million had been awarded to U.S. firm Nelson Environmental Remediation USA to design and build a treatment facility to decontaminate soil and sediment around the air base.

USAID has collaborated with the Ministry of National Defense since 2019 to treat around 500,000 m3 of dioxin-contaminated soil at the Bien Hoa Air Base in the southern province.

In 2022, USAID also completed the remediation of an off-base lake and returned it to the community, as well as the remediation of an on-base area. It also finished constructing a long-term storage facility for soil with low contamination levels.

Cleaning up dioxin-contaminated soil at the air base will take another 10 years and cost $450 million.

The U.S. government has so far contributed $218 million out of an expected commitment of $300 million.

The Bien Hoa Air Base used to be a U.S. military base, where herbicides were stored during the Vietnam War. From 1969 to March 1970, four chemical tank leaks contaminated the area. Experts said that in terms of dioxin, the air base is the most heavily-contaminated area in the world.
FILE PHOTO: Wells Fargo Bank branch is seen in New York City, U.S., March 17, 2020. REUTERS/Jeenah Moon/File Photo

(Reuters) - Wells Fargo & Co's policies around the firearm industry are being probed by the Texas Attorney General's office, the company said in an emailed statement on Thursday.

The letter sent by Leslie Brock, chief of the AG's public finance division, to lawyers who work on bond deals in Texas said that officials are seeking to determine whether Wells Fargo has a practice or policy that "discriminates against a firearm entity or firearm trade association," Bloomberg News reported.

Reuters could not immediately verify the contents of the letter.

"We have been cooperating with the Texas AG's Office and continue to affirm our standing letter that was provided to that office," the company said.

The public finance division, which oversees most municipal bond offerings in Texas, will decide by Aug. 25 whether the bank is a "discriminating company," according to Bloomberg News.

Brock's letter said the AG will not block deals that Wells Fargo manages that are already in the works from closing before it makes the decision, as long as the bank confirms via email that it is compliant with the legislation, Bloomberg reported.

"If we determine that Wells Fargo is a discriminating company under Senate Bill 19, we will not approve any public security issued on or after that date in which Wells Fargo purchases or underwrites," the report quoted Brock as writing in the letter.

The Texas Attorney General's office did not respond to a Reuters request for comment on the report.

In January, it said that Citigroup Inc had discriminated against the firearms sector, making a decision that "has the effect" of Texas halting Citi's ability to underwrite most municipal bond offerings in the state.

(Reporting by Yana Gaur and Juby Babu in Bengaluru; Editing by Kim Coghill)
FILE PHOTO: U.S. President Joe Biden speaks about his plans for continued student debt relief after a U.S. Supreme Court decision blocking his plan to cancel $430 billion in student loan debt, at the White House in Washington, U.S. June 30, 2023. REUTERS/

By David Lawder

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The White House on Friday revised its fiscal 2023 U.S. budget deficit forecast to $1.543 trillion, a decrease of $26 billion from its March budget forecast, due largely to a major reduction in outlays after the Supreme Court struck down President Joe Biden's student loan forgiveness program in June.

The Office of Management and Budget said that the student loan decision would reduce fiscal 2023 outlays by $259 billion, partly reversing an up-front charge of $430 billion taken by the Biden administration against fiscal 2022 results to cover the program's costs.

But after the Supreme Court blocked the program to forgive up to $20,000 in student debt for many borrowers, Biden announced revisions to an income-driven student loan repayment program to reduce the amount that low-income workers pay by around $1,000 a year and end their repayments sooner.

An administration official said these changes and other changes to would result in $74 billion in added costs in 2023, reducing the overall savings from the court's decision. OMB said the same changes would add $85 billion in additional outlays through 2033.

The OMB's Mid-Session Review update estimated a net reduction in 2023 outlays of $242 billion, incorporating the student loan savings, and lower unemployment compensation, increased costs for well as increased costs for Social Security and Medicare and clean energy tax credits.

Estimates for these credits associated with Biden's Inflation Reduction Act, including for electric vehicle purchases and investments in battery production, were $4 billion higher than previously forecast for 2023, and $120 billion higher over a decade.

The reduction in outlays for 2023 was substantially offset by a $215 billion net reduction in receipts, mostly due to lower collections to date and technical revisions based on new tax reporting data, the budget office said.

Economic forecast changes had little impact on the budget forecast revisions, increasing 2023 receipts by only $4 billion compared to March forecasts. Based on data as of June 1, OMB left unchanged its forecast for 2023 U.S. real GDP growth of 0.4%, while decreasing its 2024 growth forecast to 1.8% from 2.1%

But OMB forecast lower unemployment in 2023 at 3.8% compared to 4.3% in March, while it forecast 4.4% unemployment in 2024, down from 4.6% in March.

Over the 10 year budget window, OMB estimated that if Biden's fiscal 2024 budget proposals were enacted - including substantial tax increases on the wealthy and corporations - cumulative deficits would be $107 billion higher than estimated in March. But the 10-year deficits would still be roughly $2.6 trillion lower than OMB's current-law baseline.

(Reporting by David Lawder; editing by Jonathan Oatis, Aurora Ellis and Marguerita Choy)
FILE PHOTO: NSC Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby answers questions during the daily press briefing at the White House in Washington, U.S., July 17, 2023. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein/File Photo

(Reuters) -The United States remains deeply concerned by developments in Niger in the wake of a military coup and condemns any effort to seize power by force, White House national security spokesman John Kirby said on Friday.

Kirby told a briefing that U.S. cooperation with the government of the African state was at risk, while adding there was still room for infra-African diplomacy.

Earlier on Friday, coup leaders in Niger declared General Abdourahamane Tiani as the new head of state in the wake of the seventh military takeover in West and Central Africa in less than three years.

"We remain deeply concerned about the unfolding developments ... the United States condemns in the strongest terms, any effort to seize power by force," said Kirby.

"A military takeover may cause the United States to cease security and other cooperation with the government of Niger, jeopardizing existing security and non security partnerships."

There are about 1,100 U.S. troops in Niger, where the U.S. military operates out of two bases.

(Reporting by Steve Holland; writing by David Ljunggren; editing by Jonathan Oatis and Sandra Maler)
WASHINGTON  Glitchy software and possibly human error were responsible for the crash of an F-35 fighter jet at an Air Force base in Utah last fall, according to investigators.

Four F-35s were returning to Hill Air Force Base in Ogden, Utah, after a training flight last October when one of them encountered unforeseen turbulence as it prepared to land. A few second later, the pilot ejected and the fighter jet crashed.

The pilot was not seriously injured, but the plane was destroyed.

According to a 39-page Air Force investigation report issued Thursday, the problem was in the F-35As avionics software  namely the air data application (ADA) -- which wrongly interpreted flight data when the jet encountered the disruption of air flow, which was created by the plane ahead.

Wake turbulence is a common occurrence in aviation that happens when aerodynamic forces generated by a planes energy disrupt the flow of air around it  particularly to the rear. The turbulence can violently shake a trailing aircraft if it gets too close.

In this case, the Air Force said the rumble of that turbulence caused the planes flight data system to produce faulty information.

This atmospheric disturbance resulted in erratic inputs to the air data application, the report said. This, in turn, caused erroneous outputs from the ADA and resulted in a condition in which the aircraft flight controls did not respond correctly to the actual current conditions.

In response, the [pilot] selected full afterburner power  to abort the landing and set up for another landing attempt, it added. The cause of the mishap was that the [F-35] departed controlled flight due to [software] errors immediately prior to landing, in which there was no opportunity to recover.

Investigators also discovered the pilot of the crashed F-35 didnt follow wake turbulence procedures that were in effect that day  which said all pilots had to keep a minimum separation distance of 9,000 feet between planes. Before ejecting, the pilot involved in the crash had kept a separation between 3,000 and 4,000 feet, investigators said. The report called this failure a significantly contributing factor.

This is the first known occurrence where wake turbulence had this impact on the air data system, the report added.

The Air Force said its unlikely a similar incident will happen in the future.

The crash was only the second over the past decade involving the F-35A, the variant flown by the Air Force. The loss of the destroyed plane  which was part of the 421st Fighter Squadron at Hill Air Force Base -- was worth $166.3 million, the Air Force said.

The Air Force began flying the F-35 in 2016 and has more than 400 of the fighter jets in its fleet. The planes are based at various locations around the world.

ware.doug@stripes.com
WASHINGTON  An Army general who recently retired from a post at which he oversaw the services network modernization efforts died in a plane crash this week in northeastern Maryland, local authorities said.

Maj. Gen. Anthony Potts, who was also an aviator during his military career, was piloting a single-engine Piper PA-28 Cherokee on Tuesday when it crashed in Harford County near the Armys Aberdeen Proving Ground, authorities said. No one else was aboard the plane.

The wreckage of a single-engine plane was located in an open field in that area, said Sandra Gallion, president of the Level Volunteer Fire Company based in Havre de Grace. The single occupant was pronounced dead on-scene. There were no injuries on the ground.

Officials said the plane crashed in a wooded area at about 7:20 p.m. on private farmland in Havre de Grace, a town located five miles northeast of Aberdeen Proving Ground and 65 miles northeast of Washington. Dozens of first responders were dispatched to the crash site and the National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the cause. Officials said there was no immediate indication of what caused the plane to go down.

We dont know what happened with the plane. There was no fire on the ground, Gallion said.

The NTSB said there is no indication that the small plane carried either a flight data recorder or a cockpit voice recorder, which are commonly known as black boxes. Most small planes are not required by law to carry the recorders.

Potts, 59, had served in the Army since 1986 and held several commands, including the Army Natick Soldier Systems Center in Massachusetts and Program Executive Office Command, Control and Communications-Tactical  also known as PEO C3T -- at Aberdeen Proving Ground.

As leader of PEO C3T, Potts directed the Armys network modernization efforts and guided a workforce of more than 1,600 who acquired, fielded and supported the communications networks, radios, satellite systems and other hardware soldiers require for information dominance on the battlefield, the service said.

The network in all its forms is central to everything the Army does, Douglas Bush, assistant secretary of the Army for acquisition, logistics and technology, said in late June when Potts retired from the post. Maj. Gen Potts accomplishments in leading network modernization efforts have provided lasting benefits to the Army.

The Piper PA-28 Cherokee was first manufactured in 1960 and its one of the most produced civil planes in the world. More than 32,000 of the planes have been built in the last six decades, according to Plane & Pilot magazine.

The NTSB said it has requested all air-traffic communications, radar data and weather reports at about the time of the crash and is trying to find witnesses. Also, the agency said it has requested the aircrafts maintenance records and Potts flight history.

When he entered the service, Potts was commissioned a second lieutenant in Army Aviation and was later a rated AH-64 Apache instructor pilot who saw combat in the first Gulf War in 1990. He received several decorations, including the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with Valor Device, and National Defense Service Medal.

Maj. Gen. Potts completed over 36 years of distinguished service, the Army said Friday. The entire U.S. Army is grateful for his service, and we extend our deepest and most sincere condolences to the entire Potts family.
BOWEN, Australia  Two U.S. cargo ships waited patiently about 6 miles off northeastern Australia on Thursday, their crews preparing rapidly for a massive logistics drill that would mark several firsts for the U.S. Army.

Crews aboard the USNS Bob Hope and USNS Fisher were building an 1,800-foot-long modular pier to provide access to remote beaches and enable U.S. forces to land in enemy territory or locations without an available port, according to the lead planner for the project, Army Maj. Ryan Campbell, joint operations officer for 7th Transportation Brigade (Expeditionary).

In this scenario, we dont have access to a port. So, essentially, were creating one, he told Stars and Stripes on Thursday.

A useful wartime stratagem, similar over-the-shore logistics projects came in handy during humanitarian missions. The Army used modular piers following the 2010 earthquake in Haiti and again during Operation Deep Freeze 2019, when soldiers delivered supplies to the National Science Foundation at McMurdo Station in Antarctica, Campbell said.

The project is a key component of the Armys joint logistics over-the-shore drill during the Talisman Sabre exercise. The Army plans to unload approximately 1,200 pieces of equipment, including cargo, supplies and vehicles, over a six-day period, said project spokesman Army Lt. Jared McCully, analyst for the brigade.

The Army built a modular pier during this years Balikatan exercise in the Philippines, but the Talisman Sabre project will be the longest possible modular pier and the first time a 67-ton M1 Abrams tank moves from ship to shore in that manner, McCully told Stars and Stripes on Thursday.

With the modular causeway [pier] system, think of it as giant Lego blocks, he said. As a kid with Legos, you can build your castle as small or as large as you want, he said. We have that operational freedom to adjust and tailor our requirements to beach- and site-specific activities.

The logistics drill is the largest of its kind ever conducted during peacetime in the Pacific and the first of its kind to be held in Australia, McCully added.

The Australian Defense Force is working alongside the Army, while the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard provide shore and maritime security and ship-to-ship communication.

Were working very closely to strengthen the partnerships between the United States and Australians - in fact, we have Australian [liaison officers] that work in our joint operation center, Campbell said. Even more than that, we rely on our Navy and Coast Guard counterparts to fill those critical roles and gaps that we might not have organic to ourselves.

Construction on the pier system began July 21 when USNS Fisher first arrived in Australia, followed quickly by USNS Bob Hope. The pier was about 80% complete as of Thursday afternoon, McCully said.

Troops assigned to the project planned to stab the beach on either Friday or Saturday, depending on weather and sea conditions, meeting the Armys goal of a six to 10-day deployment, he said.
CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea  Thousands of demonstrators converged outside Camp Humphreys on the 70th anniversary of the Korean War armistice, prompting a response by hundreds of police officers and snarling traffic on the U.S. Army installation.

Activists  some opposed to the U.S. presence on the Korean Peninsula, some in full-throated support  arrived in dozens of buses throughout Thursday, some coming from as far as Busan, about 150 miles south of the U.S. base in Pyeongtaek.

The atmosphere outside the gates resembled a music festival: Whistles, chants and techno music blared from speakers mounted on parked cars as delivery trucks hauled digital billboards scrolling Support U.S. alliance slowly past the crowd.

Around 8,000 people gathered near at least two of the bases six gates, the largest assembly in the area since South Korea ended COVID-19 social distancing restrictions in April 2022, according to an email Friday from Erick Crudup, operations officer for the base Directorate of Emergency Services.

Activists on both sides of the road leading to Yoon Gate  the main entrance to Humphreys  chanted USA while waving American and South Korean flags. U.S. service members driving past the scene honked their horns and waved in support.

No arrests were made and no property damage was reported as of 6 p.m. Thursday, a Korean National Police squad leader told Stars and Stripes at the site.

About 100 demonstrators from the Pyeongtaek Human-chain Roundtable Group drove with signs and banners around the base perimeter calling for the withdrawal of U.S. troops from South Korea. Wearing pink ribbons to symbolize non-violent protests and the feminist movement, they parked next to a barbed wire fence and demanded that police allow them onto the base.

Seventy years of division is long enough, said group organizer Koeun Kwang-soon.

The presence of U.S. troops hinders peace negotiations with North Korea, she said.

If war breaks out on the Korean Peninsula, Washington has been telling Seoul that it would defend South Korea by using its [military] power and by even working with Japan, Koeun said. This is not a solution but a confrontation.

Allies by blood

Hundreds of Korean National Police officers, some dispatched from Seoul, managed the crowds. When demonstrators and onlookers spilled from the narrow sidewalk outside Yoon Gate and into the road, police erected fences that split the four lanes of traffic into two.

Joung Suzie, a Christian pastor who drove from Yeosu city, roughly 160 miles south of Pyeongtaek, said she attended the rally to show support for the U.S. military.

Joung said she appreciates the U.S. role during the 1950-53 Korean War and believes the two countries are allies by blood.

However, the time may have come for U.S. forces to leave South Korea in the interest of reunifying the Korean Peninsula, she said.

Inside the base, a half-mile-long stream of cars idled along the road leading to Yoon Gate, where U.S. military police directed traffic to other, quieter exits.

Army spouse Alma Fazaldin, who lives five minutes from Humphreys, said was driving to the base gym for her evening workout when she was rerouted because of the crowds near the gate.

I was going through one of the gates, but it was closed because there was a lot of traffic in the area, she said outside the base commissary Thursday. I had to turn around a little bit; I came through another gate, but there were also people there.

Ha Chan Geun, who said he belongs to a South Korean veterans group composed of retired special forces troops, attended the rally wearing an olive-colored jumpsuit adorned with military patches.

Standing on the sidelines and watching the crowd through his sunglasses, Geun said he came, if needed, to help police prevent protestors from entering the base.

The activists dispersed by 7 p.m., after cleaning up their banners and trash.

Public support

Recent public opinion polls suggest most South Koreans view the alliance favorably.

The Seoul-based Korea Institute for National Unification between April and May found 62% of 1,001 respondents trust the U.S. policy on the Korean Peninsula.

The Federation of Korean Industries in April 2022 found 87% of 1,000 respondents believed South Korea should develop closer economic, foreign and security policy ties with the United States.

South Korea marked the 70th anniversary of the Korean War armistice with military ceremonies throughout the week.

President Yoon Suk Yeol in a televised speech at a ceremony Thursday in Busan thanked Korean War veterans in the U.S. for defending the freedom of a country they did not know.

South Korea will stand in solidarity with liberal democracies and strive for freedom, peace and prosperity not only in the Indo-Pacific region but around the word as well, with the [U.S.-South Korea] alliance as its core foundation, Yoon said. [South Korea] will forever remember its great heroes.

Stars and Stripes reporter Yoo Kyong Chang contributed to this report.
(Tribune News Service)  Who was John Forty Second Boyd and what was the Green Spot?

At Nellis Air Force Base, the U.S. Air Force Weapons School, reserved for the branchs most talented pilots, is housed in the Boyd Building, named after renowned fighter pilot and military tactics pioneer Col. John Boyd.

From the mid- to -late 1950s, none of the countrys best military pilots who came to train at the base ever did defeat Boyd in simulated air-to-air combat with the latest model military jets, according to Robert Corams 2004 book, Boyd, the Fighter Pilot Who Changed the Art of War.

He would become the most famous fighter pilot in the world, Coram wrote.

Boyd, described as at times arrogant, profane and abrasive, challenged his students and pilots in the Air Force to beat him in air-to-air over in an area dubbed the Green Spot  an oasis of grass and trees so prominent it could be seen high in the air  about 90 miles from the base in Nye County.

He would bet his rivals $40 that they could not outmaneuver him in his F-100 jet to the point where their F-100 was behind his, film him with their on-board camera and declare victory  yelling into the radio Guns! Guns! Guns!  all within only 40 seconds.

Little did anyone other than those who lost the bet know of his incredible discoveries and abilities in flying the F-100  soaring upward, turning violently and slowing down in a speed brake  to get behind his foe in under 40 seconds, and he usually did it in around 20 seconds, according to Coram.

Boyd and his challengers would take off from Nellis and fly until they were over the Green Spot rendezvous point.

At the start of the air-to-air, Boyd, in front of the other plane, would quickly move out of the other pilots view, shift, corkscrew around and suddenly show at the rear of the other F-100.

To the rival pilots shock, he would then shoot film from the F-100, shout Guns! Guns! Guns! and laugh derisively into the radio, adding, You just go hosed!

Boyd, bestowed with nickname Forty Second Boyd, had been considered a formidable fighter pilot during the Korean War, though the war ended before he could join the fighting. He was posted at Nellis as a fighter flight instructor in 1952 and stayed there for six of his 24 years in the force.

While at Nellis, the competition among pilots and the limits of what the newer jets could do made flying very dangerous  Boyd would say in an oral history that dozens of pilots died in crashes while he was there.

Boyds influence on the U.S. military in the 1960s and beyond would go way beyond flying, specifically his ideas on military theory, according to Coram.

Marine Corps Commandant Charles Krulak, among others, credited Boyds battle tactics theories, adopted by the U.S. military, for Americas victory in the Gulf War (in 1991)the concept of maneuver, intent, and agility that led to victory.

Boyd also successfully lobbied the Air Force brass to move away from larger, heavier aircraft in favor of lighter and faster planes like the F-16, Coram reported.

Today, at Boyd Hall, the Air Force exhibits Boyds flight suit and helmet and his own drawing of his innovative concept used in military decision making against enemies in war, called the OODA Loop.

Boyd died at age 70 in 1997, concerned his accomplishments would be forgotten. His remains were buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

He had more contributions to fighting tactics, aircraft design and the theory of air combat than any man in Air Force history, Coram wrote. He changed the way every air force in the world flies and fights.

2023 Las Vegas Review-Journal.

Visit reviewjournal.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
(Tribune News Service)  President Vladimir Putin told African leaders hes committed to expanding Russias role on the continent as he hit out at rival powers for what he said were attempts to impose their rules.

Russias focus on Africa is steadily increasing, which is demonstrated by our plans to expand our diplomatic presence in the continent, Putin said Friday on the second day of the Russia-Africa summit in St. Petersburg. The main thing that unites Russia and Africa is their efforts to fight for true sovereignty  the era of hegemony of one or of a group of states is fading into the past.

Putin is hosting 17 heads of state along with lower-level officials from other African countries as the Kremlin seeks to counter efforts by the U.S. and its allies to isolate Russia over its invasion of Ukraine.

Still, the turnout is far lower than the first summit in 2019 when 43 heads of state attended. The Kremlin has blamed the low attendance on unprecedented pressure from the U.S. and its allies.

The discussions have been dominated by the impact of Russias withdrawal from the Black Sea grain deal that has fueled concerns in Africa over rising global food prices.

Amid criticism from some African leaders over Russias exit from the accord on the summits first day, Putin again sought to reassure states that Moscow understood the importance of an uninterrupted food supply for political stability on the continent.

The Kremlin leader said Russia was interested in closer cooperation with law enforcement and security services of African states and would continue training armed forces personnel from countries in the region. Russia has military agreements with more than 40 African countries, supplying them with weapons and equipment, he said.

The situation in many regions of Africa is still unstable, Putin said. This, of course, is a heavy legacy of the colonial era, the divide and conquer approach that Western metropolises pursued in Africa.

The interim leader of Burkina Faso, Ibrahim Traore, who took power in a military coup last September and expelled troops from France, lashed out at what he said were efforts to subjugate his country through cruel forms of colonialism and imperialism.

Yevgeny Prigozhin, whose Wagner mercenaries are engaged in numerous African states, was pictured in St. Petersburg meeting a senior Central African Republic official in a photograph posted Thursday on a Telegram channel linked to his group.

The Wagner founders presence in the city added to controversy over the armed mutiny he led in June that posed the greatest threat to Putins nearly quarter-century rule. While Putin has said the revolt brought the country to the brink of civil war, he met with Prigozhin days later and the Wagner leader appears free to travel in and out of Russia without hindrance.

Prigozhin welcomed this weeks military coup in Niger as a declaration of independence in an audio statement posted on the Telegram channel linked to Wagner. Its getting rid of the colonizers, he said.

Russia is vying for influence in Africa with the U.S., the European Union and China. The limits of the Moscows reach is indicated by its Africa trade reaching only $18 billion in 2022, dwarfed by Chinas $282 billion in commercial exchanges that year with African nations.

Wagner has given the Kremlin a low-cost instrument to wield influence in Africa including in Mali, the Central African Republic, Sudan and Libya. Despite the mutiny, the group will be permitted to keep some of its extensive operations in the continent, according to people familiar with the matter.

French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday strongly condemned the military takeover in Niger and said it poses a threat to the entire region, calling for the release of President Mohamed Bazoum.

France and the U.S. maintain bases in Niger, which is a key center for international efforts to fight jihadists in the Sahel region.

2023 Bloomberg L.P.

Visit bloomberg.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
State President Vo Van Thuong visited the Holy See on Thursday and the two sides reached an agreement on the status of the Resident Papal Representative in Vietnam.

During meetings between President Vo Van Thuong and Pope Francis, along with the Vaticans secretary of state Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the two sides noted the positive progress in Vietnam - Holy See relations and the activities of the Vietnamese Catholic community in recent years.

Vietnam and the Holy See concluded the "agreement on the status of the Resident Papal Representative and the Office of the Resident Papal Representative in Vietnam."

In a joint statement, Thuong and Pope Francis said the conclusion of the agreement was "an important step."

The Vietnamese side pledged it would help facilitate the activities of the resident representative. The Pope emphasized that the adoption of the statute is a model of mutual trust and a basis for further promoting and expanding relations in the coming time.

Both sides expressed their confidence that the Resident Papal Representative will fulfill the role and mandate given in the Agreement, provide support to the Vietnamese Catholic community in their undertakings in the spirit of the law and, always inspired by the Magisterium of the Church, to fulfill the vocation of "accompanying the nation" and to be "good Catholics and good citizens," according to Vietnams Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

During the meeting with Pope Francis, Thuong said he appreciated recent positive developments in the Vietnam - Holy See relationship.

Thuong affirmed that Vietnam's consistent stance is to respect and ensure freedom of belief and religion, and to constantly perfect the legal framework to facilitate religious activities, including Catholicism.

Thuong welcomed the positive contributions of the Vietnamese Catholic community in charity, education, healthcare and vocational activities.

Pope Francis said President Thuong's visit was an opportunity for the two sides to discuss the Catholic situation in Vietnam and the relationship between Vietnam and the Holy See. The Pope expressed his affection for the country and people of Vietnam, and his special concern for the Catholic community in the country.

A delegation from The Holy See has visited Vietnam annually since 1990.

In January 2007, former Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung met with former Pope Benedict XVI and Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone, the first high-level contact between the two sides. In November 2008, the two sides agreed to establish a joint working group on Vietnam-Vatican relations.

The Holy See has had a non-resident papal representative in Vietnam since 2011. Currently, the position is held by Archbishop Marek Zalewski, Apostolic Nuncio to Singapore.
The fight against Islamist insurgents in Africa may have suffered a significant blow Thursday when army officers in the West African country of Niger said they were supporting the leaders of a coup against the president, a key ally of the United States and other Western governments.

Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum was detained a day earlier by soldiers, who declared on national television that they had overthrown him. Even as Bazoum said on Twitter that his rule would be "protected" by democracy-loving patriots, the army and various law enforcement agencies coalesced Thursday behind the Presidential Guard, which led the coup. The army said it was backing the coup leaders to avoid bloodshed.

Bazoum, who was democratically elected, and his predecessor had worked closely with the United States, France and other Western countries in confronting a mounting threat by Islamist militants. The United States has stationed about 800 soldiers in Niger, operates drones from a large base in the city of Agadez and trains Nigerien soldiers.

A military spokesman for the U.S. Africa Command said it was "too soon to speculate on any potential future actions or activities" in Niger. The French military, which has worked especially closely with the Nigeriens after leaving Burkina Faso and Mali following coups in those countries, declined to comment.

If the U.S. government declares the takeover in Niger a coup - which Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Wednesday was for lawyers to determine - the law stipulates that direct military aid must be suspended. That would raise questions about whether the French and other Western countries would also sever their partnerships with Niger, said Andrew Lebovich, a research fellow with the Clingendael Institute, a think tank in the Netherlands.

"It could fit into a narrative that the Malian and Burkinabe governments have used of saying, 'Our traditional security partners have abandoned us in our time of need, and so they are no longer good partners,'" said Lebovich. "And that could further complicate an already tenuous situation."

If the military takeover holds, there will be an unbroken string of countries in sub-Saharan Africa, stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to the Red Sea, led by juntas that have seized power in coups.

A senior U.S. official in Washington said Thursday that it is extremely difficult to predict what will happen next in Niger. Bazoum, the official said, assumed some risk at home by allowing the U.S. military to pursue armed militants in his country. As a result, some people would be happy to see him gone.

Rahmane Idrissa, a Nigerien political scientist based in the Netherlands, said it remains unclear what impact a Western withdrawal from Niger would have on security, partly because it is difficult to assess what those partnerships have achieved. Fatalities in Niger linked to extremists are down this year compared with last, according to data compiled by the Africa Center for Strategic Studies, but the country still faces violence along its borders. Neighboring Burkina Faso and Mali confront a security crisis.

"We have not seen much progress in the fight," Idrissa said. "But maybe the progress is coming from things we cannot see, and we will realize only when it is gone and say, 'Oh, that is why they were here.'"

In Mali and Burkina Faso, violence has worsened since the most recent coups, in 2021 and 2022, respectively. Extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances by Islamist groups linked to the Islamic State and al-Qaeda have increased. So have violent crackdowns by both countries' armies, which have been accused of killing civilians. Mali's government has welcomed the Russian paramilitary Wagner Group, which was implicated in a massacre of more than 300 civilians last year.

Idrissa said the Nigerien military, which he described as more pragmatic and less ideological than those in Mali and Burkina Faso, is portraying the coup leaders as technocrats who will focus not on politics but strictly on security. But he noted that some of the coup leaders were in Bazoum's government, so it is unclear what they would do differently now.

Ulf Laessing, director of the Regional Sahel Program at the Konrad Adenauer Foundation in Mali, said the coup leaders will probably be focused on "consolidating power after their putsch" and less supportive of international security efforts in Africa's Sahel region. He noted that the Nigerien army, with Western help, had been making some progress in containing the regional Islamist threat.

Blinken said Wednesday that the United States' "own strong economic and security partnership with Niger depends on democratic governance and respect for the rule of law."

France's Foreign Ministry did not respond to questions about whether the French partnership would continue if the coup holds. But the ministry said in a statement that it strongly condemns the coup, calls for the release of Bazoum and his family, and supports "regional efforts to find an urgent way out of the crisis that respects Niger's democratic framework and enables the immediate restoration of civilian authority."

At the Russia-Africa summit underway in St. Petersburg, the Niger coup was being "very actively discussed," according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. Wagner-affiliated Telegram channels on Thursday cheered the coup in Niger as an opportunity to extend the group's influence in the Sahel by fostering ties with the new military leadership.

"What happened in Niger is the struggle of the people of Niger against the colonizers, colonizers who impose their rules of life, their conditions and keep them in a state that was in Africa hundreds of years ago," Wagner leader Yevgeniy Prigozhin said on Telegram. "Today it is actually gaining independence and getting rid of the colonizers."

John Lechner, a researcher focused on Wagner in Africa, noted that he has seen no evidence that Russia or Wagner was directly involved in the coup, but he said it is inevitable that both pro- and anti-Russian forces will try to use the situation to advance their own agendas.

Although some supporters of the coup have express pro-Russian sentiments and linked Bazoum with France, Lechner noted that the coup in Burkina Faso, where leaders have for months rejected advances by Wagner, indicates that the group's presence "doesn't spread like a virus."

"At the end of the day, governments have to agree to Wagner coming," he said. "They don't just arrive."

In the Nigerien capital, Niamey, demonstrators burned and ransacked the headquarters of Bazoum's party on Thursday. But hundreds of others turned out to protest in favor of democracy, and were shot at with live fire by the army, according to the Associated Press.

Dije Hassane, a 38-year-old housewife, said that instead of carrying out a coup, "the military should go fight the terrorists."

"I heard some people rejoicing, but they don't know military regimes," she said. "They will not do better than Bazoum. . . . They are going to take us back 30 years, jeopardizing everything done so far."

Ousseini Hamza, a 33-year-old taxi driver, said he learned of the coup when a customer informed him. He said he believes that the military will follow in the path of Burkina Faso and Mali and "chase France out to fully exercise their sovereignty."

"As France has its say in our countries, we will have problems," he said, blaming the former colonial power for taking the riches of uranium-rich Niger. "Bazoum is a great friend of France, so he will let them do as they wish in Niger. The military in the contrary will probably seek the help of Russia to fight the terrorists like in Mali and Burkina Faso."

The Washington Post's Issa Ly Hamidou in Niamey, Robyn Dixon in Latvia, Michael Birnbaum in Wellington, New Zealand, and Dan Lamothe in Washington contributed to this report.
The head of Niger's presidential guard declared himself the leader of the West African nation on Friday, two days after soldiers detained the democratically elected president, Mohamed Bazoum.

Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani said the "harsh reality of insecurity in Niger" had led the soldiers to overthrow the president. Tchiani criticized the government for not cooperating with neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso in tackling the Islamist insurgency roiling the Sahel region of Africa and vowed to work with both nations, which are also led by military juntas. Bazoum had been a key ally of the United States and other Western countries in confronting the insurgents.

Nigerien state television identified Tchiani as the head of the National Council for the Safeguarding of the Country, which is what the coup makers calls themselves. The soldiers said they have suspended the constitution and the country's institutions.

Tatiana Smirnova, a researcher at Centre FrancoPaix in conflict resolution and peace missions, said that the security situation in Niger has not been deteriorating - and may have slightly improved - in recent years, in contrast to the spiraling violence in Mali and Burkina Faso.

"The narrative that the military put into the discourse about the declining security situation is not really relevant," she said. "It's a pretext."

Adam Sandor, a researcher based at the University of Bayreuth in Germany, described the rationale for the takeover as "pro forma theatrical coup politics."

"They need to give this narrative that 'we need to correct the course,'" he said. "This was really about micro politics within the Nigerien Armed Forces."

Sandor and Smirnova said that one of the possible motivations for the coup was that Bazoum wanted to replace Tchiani in his role in the presidential guard. She said that much remains uncertain about the direction of the coup government, noting there have rumors of tension within the armed forces.

"What I am really afraid is what will happen with Western partners," she said. "It is not clear whether he will follow Mali and Burkina Faso as examples or whether he will preserve cooperation with the West."

Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said Friday said the U.S. condemns "in the strongest possible terms the attempt to seize power by force."

"We remind those attempting this power grab by force than an overthrow of the democratically elected president places U.S. substantial cooperation with the government of Niger at risk," Kirby said.

The Sahel, which stretches across Africa below the Sahara Desert, has been rocked by Islamist insurgencies waged by groups linked with al-Qaeda and the Islamic State. This violence took root in Mali in 2012 before spreading to its neighbors. Western governments, led by the former colonial power France, had for years been helping the Sahelian countries try to beat back the militants.

But rising anti-Western - and especially anti-French - sentiment has contributed to a reduced Western presence in the region. Mali experienced its most recent coup in 2021 and is led by a populist junta that has isolated the country from the West. The Malian junta has welcomed the Russian mercenary group Wagner. Government soldiers and Wagner contractors have been accused of atrocities against civilians.

Burkina Faso, which experienced its most recent coup last year, has been seeking help from the West to combat the insurgency. The country is now at the epicenter of the violence, and officials estimate that 40 to 60 percent of its territory has been lost.

Niger has been an important American and French ally in the region, with about 800 U.S. soldiers stationed there and a large drone base.

Daniel Eizenga, a research fellow focused on the Sahel at the Africa Center for Strategic Studies, said that compared to the armies in Mali and Burkina Faso, Niger's military under Bazoum had been better at reaching out to civilians, been accused of fewer human rights abuses and had refrained from arming civilians. Now, he said, its "initiatives are all under threat."

French's foreign ministry said in a statement Friday that it reiterated "in the strongest terms the international community's clear demand for the immediate restoration of constitutional order and democratically elected civilian power."

The future of Bazoum, who had been detained with his family Wednesday, remained unclear as of Friday.
In his address to the U.N. General Assembly last September, Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum set the scene. His country, impoverished and battered by the vicissitudes of climate change, was at the nexus of a security crisis that transcended its borders. To Niger's northeast, the fragile, fractured state of Libya had become a "platform for transnational organized crime," and an illicit trafficking hotbed for arms, drugs and migrants. It was, Bazoum said, a font of "structural insecurity" and Islamist militancy that proliferated throughout the Sahel - the vast, semiarid belt of Africa that sits below the Sahara Desert, with Niger at its center.

Bazoum then spoke of the "ecosystem of violence" that had metastasized to the west in Mali, where failures to reckon with growing insurgencies, including a years-long French-led peacekeeping effort, had fueled popular discontent and led to military juntas seizing power. A similar putsch followed suit in neighboring Burkina Faso. But Niger, while no stranger to unrest and insurgency, had avoided this fate, Bazoum said. He pointed to his own democratic election - the first in his nation's history since independence from France - and the peaceful transfer of power that took place in Niamey, the capital, in 2021.

"My country is showing great resilience based on wise governance, promoting a culture of tolerance . . . as well as the rules of democracy and the rule of law," Bazoum told the gathered dignitaries in New York. He added that the "best way" to ward against "terrorist violence" was to strengthen democratic institutions.

Such rhetoric was positively received by Niger's Western allies, chiefly France and the United States. At a U.S.-Africa summit in Washington last December, Bazoum was given pride of place, seated next to President Biden at a meeting with the continent's leaders. As pro-Moscow army men in Mali angrily turned against Paris, France withdrew its peacekeeping forces there and shifted them to friendlier Niger, which also houses a squadron of U.S. drones and a detachment of U.S. Special Forces. On a visit to Niamey in March, Secretary of State Antony Blinken hailed Bazoum's government while proffering some $150 million in humanitarian assistance to the wider Sahel region.

"Niger is a young democracy in a challenging part of the world," Blinken told a news conference. "But it remains true to the values we share. Niger has been quick to defend the democratic values under threat in neighboring countries."

In this context, the turbulent events of the past couple days are a rude shock. At the time of writing, Bazoum was detained by Nigerien military officers who had carried out what appeared to be a coup Wednesday night, invoking the same failures of governance that had supposedly motivated the coups next door. By Thursday, there was growing doubt that the action could be reversed. An army spokesman announced the suspension of all political parties, as soldiers fanned out across Niamey. In scenes redolent of the putsches in neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso, jubilant supporters of military intervention were photographed in the capital, some waving Russian flags.

Waiting for the dust to settle, the French Foreign Ministry called for a regional process that "enables the immediate restoration of civilian authority." Blinken, who was traveling in the South Pacific, told reporters that if the coup holds, it would compromise Niamey's ties with Washington. The United States' "own strong economic and security partnership with Niger depends on democratic governance and respect for the rule of law," Blinken said.

Far away in Russia, Yevgeniy Prigozhin, leader of the Wagner mercenary group which operates in Mali, the Central African Republic and other crisis hot spots on the continent, said on the Telegram app that Niger was "actually gaining independence and getting rid of the colonizers" - a jab at the country's close security ties to both Washington and Paris, which may now be in jeopardy.

"It's a massive blow to the U.S. We have vouched for this leader like no other in the region," Cameron Hudson, former chief of staff to the U.S. special envoy for Sudan, told the Wall Street Journal, adding that Niger had now gone "firmly from the Western camp to a model for Russian opportunism."

Speculation and confusion surrounds what instigated the coup. Niger's security situation had improved from the previous year, while Bazoum has invested considerably in the country's economy and defense. Reports pointed to tensions between the president and Omar Tchiani, the head of the presidential guard, the elite force which surrounded Bazoum's compound Wednesday night. Turf wars and rivalries within the Nigerien military apparatus - as well as the growing unease over the scourge of Islamist militancy spreading across the border with Burkina Faso - may also play a role.

There is "an ideology within the military that civilians are not competent to deal with this issue," said Rahmane Idrissa, a Nigerien political scientist, in an interview with France 24. "It is this military ideology that led to the coups in Burkina and Mali. In Niger, some generals consider that security management is excessively politicized, that decisions aim above all to protect power and that this approach is detrimental to operations in the field."

And so the bulwark imagined by Blinken and his French counterparts appears to have collapsed. "There have always been important tensions within Niger's government and within and between parts of the armed forces that do not easily fit the characterization of a resilient democracy, even if Niger's fragile democratic achievements remained important," Andrew Lebovich, a research fellow with the Clingendael Institute, a think tank in the Netherlands, told me.

Meanwhile, the approach of military juntas in Niger's neighborhood hardly inspires confidence. "In Mali and Burkina Faso, violence has worsened since the most recent coups, in 2021 and 2022, respectively," my colleagues Rachel Chason and Adela Suliman reported. "Extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances by Islamist groups linked to the Islamic State and al-Qaeda have increased. So have violent crackdowns by both countries' armies, which have been accused of killing civilians. Mali's government has welcomed the Russian paramilitary Wagner Group, which was implicated in a massacre of more than 300 civilians last year."

And while the coup-plotters allowed supporters to mass in the streets, many Nigeriens bitterly oppose their putsch. "I heard some people rejoicing, but they don't know military regimes," Dije Hassane, a 38-year-old housewife, told my colleagues. "They will not do better than Bazoum. . . . They are going to take us back 30 years, jeopardizing everything done so far."
The Mexican navy said the crew of one of its surface vessels, operating in the Pacific late Thursday, found the capsized boat of missing Baltimore sailor Donald Lawson, two nights after searchers in a military plane spotted an overturned boat that appeared to be Lawson's craft.

Authorities said Lawson, 41, has not been found.

The announcement that the crew of a long-range navy patrol boat, searching 356 nautical miles southwest of Acapulco, Mexico, located the 60-foot, tri-hulled sailing craft eased confusion this week about whether Lawson's trimaran had been recovered.

A spokesman for Lawson's wife, Jacqueline Lawson, said Wednesday that the sailboat, named Defiant, had been found and that Jacqueline Lawson had identified it in a photo sent to her by authorities. But the Mexican navy contradicted that statement, saying that after an aircrew spotted a capsized boat Tuesday night that resembled Lawson's, surface vessels had been unable to find it in foul weather.

It is unclear whether the photo sent to Jacqueline Lawson had been taken Tuesday evening from the plane, before the crew of the patrol vessel located the stricken sailboat Thursday. The boat was found about 8 p.m. Pacific time, according to a Mexican navy spokesman, Capt. Edbert Sanchez Mijangos, who said navy divers looked for Lawson in the area but did not find him.

"The search continues," Sanchez Mijangos said.

Jacqueline Lawson said her husband set sail from Acapulco on July 5, bound for Baltimore, and that she had been communicating with him electronically from their Maryland home. She said she was last in contact with him July 13, when he told her that Defiant had lost engine and electrical power in a storm south of Acapulco.

Donald Larson, an experienced ocean sailor, is chairman of the diversity, equity and inclusion committee of U.S. Sailing, the national governing body for the sport, and founder of the nonprofit Dark Seas Project, which seeks to promote recreational sailing among African Americans and other minorities.
TOKYO  The international community is facing its greatest trial since World War II and the globe has entered a new era of crisis, according to a report released Friday by Japans Ministry of Defense.

Russia's aggression against Ukraine is an unprecedented situation, Japanese Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada said in the annual white paper, a detailed report adopted by the nations Cabinet that day.

Additionally, China is rapidly enhancing its military capability qualitatively and quantitatively, including nuclear and missile forces, while continuing and amplifying its unilateral changes to the status quo by force and such attempts in the East China Sea and the South China Sea, he wrote.

Furthermore, North Korea is rapidly advancing its nuclear and missile development, repeatedly launching missiles.

The U.S. and Japan are strengthening their alliance as China continues to expand its military with the stated goal of occupying Taiwan, a U.S.-armed democracy the communists regard as a rebellious province.

North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles into its eastern sea, South Korea's military said Tuesday, adding to a recent streak of weapons testing that is apparently in protest of the U.S. sending ballistic- and guided-missile submarines to South Korea in a show of force.

Diplomatic efforts are Japans priority, Hamada wrote in the white paper. At the same time, Japan must make efforts to "defend our country by ourselves" and increase deterrence, he states. In other words, we need to make the opponent think that attacking Japan will not achieve its goals.

Japans constitution, which outlaws war as a means to settle international disputes, in noted in the white paper, which states that "adhering under the Constitution to the basic precepts of maintaining an exclusively defense-oriented policy and not becoming a military power that poses threats to other countries, Japan has efficiently built a highly effective, integrated defense force.

In December, the nations cabinet adopted new national security and defense strategies, along with a defense build-up program.

The Ministry of Defense (MOD) will follow through on them, including reinforcement of our defense production and technology bases, Hamada said in the report.

The ministrys white paper this year touched on themes in the 2022 edition, including Chinas designs on Taiwan and an implacable Russias war against Ukraine.

Priorities include improving operational rates of existing military equipment, securing sufficient munitions and improving the resiliency of major defense facilities, according to the report.

The country plans to acquire counterstrike capabilities and unmanned assets and speed efforts to improve military personnel, the report said.

Hamada also noted discussions with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Richard Marles.

We will continue to pursue various cooperation, including the joint development of the next-generation fighter aircraft by Japan, the United Kingdom, and Italy, Hamada wrote.

Stars and Stripes reporter Hana Kusumoto contributed to this report.
Although fading in memory or forgotten entirely by many Americans, the Korean War has never ended.

That was the message peace activists and protesters wanted to reinforce in Washington this week to mark the 70th anniversary of the armistice that brought a cease fire between North and South Korea, following a bloody three-year war that killed several million Koreans and about 36,000 American troops.

The July 27, 1953, armistice ended hostilities and established a 160-mile demilitarized zone between the two nations, but it never delivered on a promised peace agreement that was to follow. That failure has haunted the peninsula for decades and represents an existential threat, said Christine Ahn, who was born in South Korea but is an American citizen and activist who has long pushed for a formal peace agreement between the countries.

"We are still in a state of war and as we see in the current growing tensions on the peninsula, with the U.S. sending three nuclear submarines and the massive military exercises and North Korea testing unprecedented numbers of missiles, we are just one step, one accident away from nuclear war," Ahn said in an interview Wednesday.

Ahn, the founder and executive director of Women Cross DMZ, which in 2015 arranged for 30 female activists, community leaders and scientists from around the world to visit North Korea and then cross the demilitarized zone into South Korea, said that tensions between the two nations "have not been this bad in a very long time."

Last year North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said the country would never give up its nuclear weapons and the regime authorized its military to launch preemptive nuclear strikes. Earlier this month, North Korea fired a suspected intercontinental ballistic missile after warning about "resolute" consequences for the U.S. military's reconnaissance activities in the region. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol convened an emergency meeting of the National Security Council to discuss the missile launch.

For Ahn, the increased hostilities have resulted from a long-failed process. "We know that the past 30 years of sanctions [against North Korea] and military exercises and isolation have failed," Ahn said. "What actually works is engagement, diplomacy and a real commitment to building a new, prosperous and hopeful future."

Women Cross DMZ helped bring several hundred people, including religious leaders, veterans and families with relatives in North Korea, to Washington this week to take part in workshops, hold rallies and meet with lawmakers and policy leaders working on Korean Peninsula issues as part of what it called a National Mobilization to end the Korean War. More than 100,000 American citizens have relatives in North Korea who they are unable to visit because of restrictions imposed six years ago.

At a news conference on the U.S. Capitol grounds Thursday morning, Reps. Barbara Lee, D-Calif., Judy Chu, D-Calif., and Delia C. Ramirez, D-Ill., joined Ahn to reiterate their support for the Peace on the Korean Peninsula Act, legislation introduced earlier this year by Rep. Brad Sherman, D-Calif., and co-signed by 33 members of Congress.

Lee, whose father served in the Korean War, said the proposed legislation calls for "urgent diplomacy" to create a road map for peace. "It's time that we wake up from our collective amnesia to remember the death and destruction that this war entailed and chart a new path forward, one based on global peace and security and rooted in human security," Lee said. "We must put an end to the longest standing war in the United States's history."

In a meeting at the White House in April, President Biden told Yoon "our mutual defense treaty is ironclad, and that includes our commitment to extended deterrence, and - and that includes the nuclear threat and - the nuclear deterrent." Biden added, "We continue to seek serious and substantial diplomatic breakthroughs with [North Korea]to bolster stability on the Peninsula, reduce the threat of proliferation, and address our humanitarian and human rights concerns for the people of [North Korea]."

Some more conservative Korean and American groups have criticized Ahn and Women Cross DMZ for not calling out North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's repressive regime and its clampdown on freedoms and human rights, said Andrew Yeo, senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and a professor at Catholic University.

"There are those on the far right who hate this group, who say they're North Korea sympathizers and communists and so forth," Yeo said. "I think [Women Cross DMZ] feel that if they raised North Korean rights abuses, they're just perpetuating the same discourse that makes Americans not think about the humanity of North Korea, the North Korean people."

The outgoing U.N. special rapporteur for North Korean human rights said last year that he was "gravely concerned about the deteriorating human rights situation under further isolation of the country, in particular the aggravation of the food crisis and stricter control of people's freedoms."

Asked about the criticisms, Ahn said she has long advocated for improved human rights and humanitarian conditions in North Korea. "But just condemning North Korea for their human rights violations without trying to actually improve their day-to-day conditions seems to me disingenuous," she said.

Dan Leaf, a retired Air Force general and former deputy commander of the U.S. Pacific Command, also spoke to the Korea peace groups Thursday and joined in their demand for an official end to the war. In an interview, Leaf said the threat of a nuclear war beginning on the peninsula has driven his call for a peace plan to be pursued.

"We are one bad decision away from nuclear war with North Korea," Leaf said in his remarks at the news conference. "They have the delivery systems, warheads and stated willingness to preemptively attack South Korea, other neighbors, and the United States. While such an attack may seem irrational, we cannot be so naive as to wish away the possibility that Kim Jong Un, out of premeditation, misunderstanding or desperation, might begin a world-altering war."

The United States cannot wait for North Korea to make the first step in a peace process, Leaf said.

"Our obstinate refusal to pursue peace, only enables Kim Jong Un's bad behavior," he said. "It doesn't impede it."

Leaf said his objective, "is to complete the work that 36,651 Americans gave their lives for, a final formal peace on the Korean Peninsula."

For Joy Lee Gebhard, who also spoke to supporters of a peace plan at the Capitol, the push for a permanent peace is not just a question of strategic geopolitics. It's personal. And it's urgent.

Gebhard, 88, was born in northern Korea in 1935. She was a promising student with four siblings. As war approached in 1950, her mother sent her with a family friend to study in southern Korea. She would never see her mother again. And it was not until 1988, 38 years later, that she was able to visit North Korea and reconnect with her sisters and brother. None of them recognized her. Nor she them.

Gebhard, who came to the United States in 1956 and now lives in Fauquier County, was able to visit her family members several times over the years in North Korea. Because of travel restrictions imposed in 2017, however, she hasn't been able to see or communicate with them since.

"As suddenly as I found my family, I have lost them again," she said. "I believe that we must end the Korean War so that families can be reunited and we can heal from the wounds of war."

She wants to see her siblings, she said, and to visit her parents' graves one last time.
CANBERRA, Australia  U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Friday the United States stands with countries fighting Chinese "bullying behavior" as he launched bilateral talks in Australia aimed at countering Beijing's growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region.

Austin and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in the Australian city of Brisbane late Thursday ahead of annual bilateral meetings on Friday and Saturday that will focus on a deal to provide Australia, a defense treaty partner, with a fleet of submarines powered by U.S. nuclear technology.

Ahead of a meeting with Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles, Austin said both countries share concerns about China's break from international laws and norms that resolve disputes peacefully and without coercion.

"We've seen troubling P.R.C. coercion from the East China Sea, to the South China Sea, to right here in the Southwest Pacific," Austin told reporters, referring to the People's Republic of China.

"We'll continue to support our allies and partners as they defend themselves from bullying behavior," he added.

China has imposed a series of official and unofficial trade barriers in recent years against Australian exports including coal, wine, barley, beef, seafood and wood. The barriers are widely seen as a punitive reaction to Australian government policy that has cost Australian exporters as much as $15 billion a year.

Australia's icy relationship with Beijing was thawing since a change of Australian government at elections last year. Meanwhile, the sharing of U.S. nuclear secrets with Australia takes that bilateral relationship to a new level.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is planning state visits to both the United States and China before the end of the year.

Under the AUKUS partnership  an acronym for Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States  Australia will buy three Virginia-class submarines from the United States and build five of a new AUKUS-class submarine in cooperation with Britain.

Australian media have focused on a letter signed by more than 20 Republican lawmakers to President Joe Biden that warned the deal would "unacceptably weaken the U.S. fleet" without a plan to boost U.S. submarine production.

Albanese said he remained "very confident" that the United States would deliver the three submarines.

The prime minister said he'd been reassured by discussions he had with Republicans and Democrats earlier in July at a NATO summit in Lithuania.

"What struck me was their unanimous support for AUKUS, their unanimous support for the relationship between the Australia and United States," Albanese said.

Marles agreed the AUKUS program was on track.

"Congress can be a complicated place as legislation makes its way through it, but actually we're encouraged by how quickly it is going through it and we are expecting that there will be lots of discussions on the way through," Marles said.

"Fundamentally, we have reached an agreement with the Biden administration about how Australia acquires the nuclear-powered submarine capability and we're proceeding along that path with pace," he added.

Australia understood there was "pressure on the American industrial base" and would contribute to submarine production, Marles said. The AUKUS deal is forecast to cost Australia up to 368 billion Australian dollars ($246 billion) over 30 years.

Albanese publicly welcomed Austin and Blinken at a media event before the three began a meeting with Marles, Foreign Minister Penny Wong, U.S. Ambassador to Australia Caroline Kennedy and Australian Ambassador to the United States Kevin Rudd, a former prime minister.

"The relationship between Australia and the United States has never been stronger," Albanese told the two visitors.
The Hong Kong government lost a bid to wipe a controversial protest song from its internet, a rare victory for free speech and internet firms such as Google in a city accused in past years of undermining the rule of law.

The High Court on Friday declined the government's application for an injunction to make it illegal for anyone with criminal intent to perform or broadcast "Glory to Hong Kong," including the lyrics and melody, on grounds of national security.

The decision hands a surprise defeat to an administration that's chalked up a string of legal victories against publishers and journalists accused of endangering Chinese national security, which has had a chilling effect on a once freewheeling global commercial hub.

The government has 28 days to appeal the verdict, as is typical in Hong Kong cases. It will "study the ruling and follow up," Chief Executive John Lee told reporters at an ad hoc briefing Friday.

The ruling could help reassure a business community worried about erosion of freedoms in a city critics say is adopting Beijing-style controls, including by silencing dissent. That decision came hours after a report that Washington will bar Hong Kong's leader from a major economic summit, underscoring pressure from Western governments against what they call a crackdown on civil liberties.

"We welcome the judgment," said Ronson Chan, chairman of the Hong Kong Journalists Association. A ban would have had a "chilling effect."

Hong Kong is trying to reestablish itself on the world stage after violent pro-democracy protests and years of punishing Covid restrictions walloped the local economy and triggered an exodus of talent. Part of that outflow of economic and human capital stems from perceptions the city is hewing closer to Beijing-style rules, which is in turn inflaming tensions between the world's most-powerful nations.

The U.S. plans to bar Chief Executive John Lee from attending the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in San Francisco in November, the Washington Post reported Friday, citing sources familiar with the matter. Lee is under U.S. sanctions for his role in an alleged crackdown on Hong Kong's civil liberties.

Wiping Glory to Hong Kong from the city's internet would have directly challenged the freedoms that differentiate the former British colony from mainland China. It would have also raised the legal risks for Silicon Valley tech giants - from Alphabet to Apple and Meta Platforms - that quit the mainland Chinese market years ago due to onerous censorship demands.

"Perfectly innocent people would distance themselves from what may be lawful acts involving the song for fear of trespassing the injunction which has severe consequences," Judge Anthony Chan said in Friday's written ruling. "The court must place great emphasis on safeguarding the fundamental rights of third parties who may be adversely affected."

Google-parent Alphabet has been pressured by local authorities to change its algorithms because searches on its platform for Hong Kong's national anthem return the protest song, which is also prominent on the company's YouTube platform. Google, which has about 500 employees in Hong Kong, has refused to comply.

The case revived broader censorship concerns in the city, raising the prospect that tech firms would have to choose between acquiescing to Beijing or exiting the local market altogether. If companies decided it was too costly to continue operating in the city, it would have fundamentally reshaped Hong Kong's internet overnight and devastated the open and free business environment it has long prided itself upon.

At the heart of the issue was the long-standing debate over whether social media firms are responsible for content posted by users. Platforms in the U.S. are protected under Section 230, a decades-old liability shield credited with helping the internet flourish.

In Hong Kong, that immunity for tech giants has become an open question. A Beijing-imposed national security law in 2020 handed the government sweeping new powers to police the internet, including issuing takedown requests for material deemed in breach of the law.

In the wake of that China-drafted legislation, Western tech platforms temporarily suspended processing data requests from the city's government and even Beijing-based ByteDance decided to pull the plug on offering its TikTok app locally.

When Hong Kong moved to strengthen its anti-doxxing laws a year later, a tech industry group representing the likes of Google and Facebook warned they would withdraw from the market if local employees were held responsible for online content on their platforms.

Mark Daly, a human rights lawyer in Hong Kong, said after the decision that concerns still remain over the government's efforts to place restrictions on the free flow of speech and information, given its attempts to seek out the injunction in the first place. "The rule of law, including respect for human rights, requires the proper balance and predictability and this effort seems to be creating more confusion for questionable reasons," he said.

The Hong Kong government is trying to find ways within the legal system to suppress individual freedoms, something the national security law has given them flexibility to do, said Dongshu Liu, an assistant professor specializing in Chinese politics at City University of Hong Kong.

"If Hong Kong continues the way it has for the past three years, it will be very challenging for the city to maintain its international financial center status," he said. "I don't see a clear path for Hong Kong to overcome this challenge."

Bloomberg's Ville Heiskanen and Olivia Tam contributed to this report.
TOKYO  Japans army grounded its fleet of V-22 Osprey aircraft after the U.S. Marines identified a mechanical problem that caused a crash that killed five service members in June 2022.

The 14 Ospreys of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force  all based at Camp Kisarazu in Chiba prefecture  were grounded July 22, a day after the Marine Corps released its report on a June 8, 2022, crash east of San Diego, Calif., a spokesman for the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force said by email Friday.

"It is to check to make sure that measures, which were mentioned in the accident investigation report released by the U.S. side, are applied in the best possible way to the Japanese Ospreys," the spokesman said.

Some Japanese government officials are required to speak to the media only on condition of anonymity.

The twin-engine tiltrotor aircraft takes off and lands like a helicopter, but in flight it can rotate its propellers, or proprotors, and cruise like an airplane. Versions of the aircraft are flown by the Marine Corps, Navy and Air Force.

In a report of 400-plus pages, the Marines said the fatal crash occurred due to a dual hard clutch engagement, which caused a drive system to fail, resulting in catastrophic loss of thrust on the right proprotor.

This caused unrecoverable departure from controlled flight, according to the Marines.

The hard clutch problem has plagued the U.S. military for some time. The Air Force temporarily grounded its Ospreys in August 2022 because of it. The Marines at the time said they were aware of the problem since 2010 but had developed a procedure for addressing it in flight.

In February, the Air Force, Marines and Navy imposed maximum flight hours because of the problem that temporarily grounded some of their tiltrotors, according to USNI News.

Japans Ospreys use parts confirmed safe and pilots are trained to respond to the situation detailed in the U.S. report, the Japanese spokesman said.

The Ground Self-Defense Force will resume Osprey flights once officials confirm that measures mentioned in the U.S. report have been addressed and all possible safety measures have been taken, the spokesman said.

Stars and Stripes reporter Seth Robson contributed to this report.
SEOUL, South Korea  North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was joined by senior Russian and Chinese delegates as he displayed his most powerful nuclear-capable missiles in a military parade marking a major war anniversary with a show of defiance against the United States and deepening ties with Moscow as tensions on the peninsula are at their highest point in years.

Kim attended Thursday night's parade with Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Chinese ruling party official Li Hongzhong from a balcony looking over a brightly illuminated Kim Il Sung Square, named after Kim's grandfather, the founder of North Korea.

Edited footage from North Korean state TV on Friday showed streets and stands packed with tens of thousands of mobilized spectators, who roared in approval as waves of goose-stepping soldiers, tanks and huge, intercontinental ballistic missiles wheeled out on launcher trucks filled up the main road. People were brought from around the country to the capital, Pyongyang, to fill the crowd, according to state media.

The parade began with warm-up events that featured ceremonial flights of newly developed surveillance and attack drones, which were first unveiled by state media this week as they reported on an arms exhibition attended by Kim and Shoigu.

The main event began with Kim arriving at the square in a limousine escorted by a formation of motorcycles. Kim saluted honor guards and military officials and walked down a red carpet to enter a building where Shoigu and Li greeted him at the balcony, as troops below chanted "protect Kim Jong Un with our lives!"

Organizers broadcast messages in Russian, Chinese and Korean while introducing Kim's guests to the crowd, drawing cheers and applause.

As the parade proceeded, Kim was constantly talking and exchanging smiles with Shoigu and Li, who respectively stood to his right and left at the balcony's center. Kim and Shoigu repeatedly raised their hands to salute the parading troops. The broadcast did not show Kim making a speech.

Kim's biggest weapons were saved for the end, when his troops rolled out new ICBMs that were flight-tested in recent months and demonstrated ranges that could reach deep into the U.S. mainland, the Hwasong-17 and Hwasong-18. Some analysts say the missiles are based on Russian designs or know-how.

North Korean Defense Minister Kang Sun Nam spoke, describing the parade as a historic celebration of the country's "great victory" against "U.S. imperialist aggression forces and groups of its satellite states."

He condemned the United States for its expanding military exercises with South Korea, which the North portrays as invasion rehearsals, and also holding new rounds of nuclear contingency planning meetings with Seoul. The allies describe their drills as defensive, and say the upgrades in training and planning are necessary to cope with the North's evolving nuclear threat.

"We solemnly declare that if they attempt military confrontation as now, the exercise of our state's armed forces will go beyond the scope of the right to defense for the United States of America and (South Korea)," Kang said, repeating previous North Korean threats of nuclear conflict.

"The U.S. imperialists have no room of choice of survival in case they use nuclear weapons against the DPRK," he said, using the initials of his country's formal name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

Clouds over Pyongyang in recent days made it difficult for satellites to monitor preparations for the parade, which took place at night.

Satellite images showed what appeared to be a massing of people at the square at 1316 GMT (10:16 p.m. local) Thursday, said Dave Schmerler, a senior research associate at the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies, which is part of the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey.

North Korea's invitation of Russian and Chinese delegates was a rare diplomatic opening since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Experts say Kim is trying to break out of diplomatic isolation and boost the visibility of his partnership with authoritarian allies to counter pressure from the United States.

The parade followed meetings between Kim and Shoigu this week that demonstrated North Korea's support for Russia's invasion of Ukraine and added to suspicions the North was willing to supply arms to Russia, whose war efforts have been compromised by defense procurement and inventory problems.

North Korean state media also highlighted a message sent by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who thanked Kim for "firmly supporting" his war efforts in Ukraine. Putin said that interests between Moscow and Pyongyang were aligning as they counter the "collective West in its policy to stand in the way of establishing a genuinely multipolar and just world order," according to the Kremlin's version of the letter.

Kim also held a luncheon and dinner banquet for Shoigu and his delegation following a second day of talks about expanding the countries' "strategic and tactical collaboration and cooperation" in defense and security, the North's official Korean Central News Agency said.

"Given Russia's need for ammunition for its illegal war in Ukraine and Kim Jong Un's willingness to personally give the Russian defense minister a tour of North Korea's arms exhibition, U.N. member states should increase vigilance for observing and penalizing sanctions violations," said Leif-Eric Easley, a professor at Ewha University in Seoul.

He added: "China's representation at North Korea's parading of nuclear-capable missiles raises serious questions about Beijing enabling Pyongyang's threats to global security."

The parade capped off the North Korean festivities for the 70th anniversary of the armistice that stopped fighting in the 1950-53 Korean War. North Korea, which triggered the war with a surprise attack on the South in June 1950, was supported by Chinese troops and the then-Soviet air force. South Korea, the United States and troops from other nations under the aegis of the U.N. fought to push back the invasion.

The July 1953 truce was never replaced with a peace treaty, leaving the Korean Peninsula in a technical state of war, but the North still sees it as a victory in the "Grand Fatherland Liberation War."

The anniversary events were more somber in South Korea, where President Yoon Suk Yeol visited a war cemetery in Busan to honor foreign troops who died while fighting for the South.

In the face of growing North Korean threats, Yoon has pushed to expand South Korea's military exercises with Washington and is seeking stronger U.S. reassurances that it would use its nuclear capabilities to defend the South in the event of a nuclear attack.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also marked the anniversary with a statement expressing concern over what he described as a growing "nuclear risk" on the Korean Peninsula.

"I urge the parties to resume regular diplomatic contacts and nurture an environment conducive to dialogue," he said.

Associated Press writers Jon Gambrell in Dubai, United Arab Emirates and Edith Lederer in New York contributed to the report.
Vietnam President Vo Van Thuong and his Italian counterpart Sergio Mattarella discussed and agreed on major orientations and measures to strengthen the Vietnam  Italy strategic partnership at their talks in Rome.

President Thuong affirmed on July 26 that Vietnam treasures Italy in its foreign policy, adding that Vietnam always remembers and is grateful to the Italian people for their valuable support in the past struggle for national independence and reunification as well as in the current process of national construction and development.

Both leaders emphasized the significance of President Thuongs ongoing visit at a time when the two countries are celebrating the 50th founding anniversary of diplomatic ties and the 10th anniversary of the bilateral strategic partnership.

Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong and his Italian counterpart Sergio Mattarella at a press conference after holding talks in Rome on July 26, 2023. Photo by VNA

President Mattarella affirmed that Italy highly appreciates Vietnams position and role in the Asia  Pacific region and stressed the friendship and close sentiments between the people of the two nations.

The Italian leader said he was impressed with Vietnams dynamic economic development and consented to join hands with the Southeast Asian country to further promote the bilateral strategic partnership, thus contributing to the sustainable development in each nation and jointly coping with global challenges.

The two leaders informed each other about their respective nations situation, exchanged views on major orientations and measures to further step up the bilateral strategic partnership and discussed regional and international issues of mutual concern.

They expressed their delight at the positive development of the bilateral relations in the past years as the two nations have promoted the exchange of visits and meetings at all levels and through all channels; effectively deployed cooperation mechanisms such as the political consultation at the deputy foreign minister level, defence policy dialogue at the deputy minister level, the joint committee for economic cooperation, and the joint committee for scientific and technological cooperation.

The two Presidents noted with pleasure that economic-trade-investment ties have been developing fruitfully with bilateral trade reaching 6.2 billion USD in 2022. Vietnam is currently the biggest trading partner of Italy in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), while Italy is a leading partner of Vietnam in Europe. Italy now ranks 33rd out of 143 countries and territories directly investing in Vietnam.

In terms of politics, the two leaders agreed to step up the exchange of delegations at all levels, especially high-level ones, via state, government and parliament channels; and continue effectively implementing bilateral cooperation mechanisms.



Regarding economic ties, President Mattarella agreed with Vietnams proposal on continuing effectively carrying out the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and supporting the European Commission (EC)s removal of its "yellow card" against Vietnamese seafood exports in a bid to further beef up economic and trade relations and contribute to economic recovery.

President Mattarella announced that the Italian Parliament ratified the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) right on the day President Thuong began his state visit to Italy, creating a foundation for Italy to increase investment in the Southeast Asian country.

President Thuong thanked Italy and stressed that the deal would bring benefits to businesses and people of both nations. He also proposed Italy urge other EU members to soon ratify the agreement.

The two leaders consented to enhance people-to-people exchanges by stepping up cooperation in education-training, culture-arts, tourism, locality-to-locality cooperation, and student exchanges, among others. Both expressed their support for the establishment of cultural centers in each country to promote understanding and connectivity between the people of the two countries.



President Thuong suggested the Italian Government create more favorable conditions for the Vietnamese community in the country to integrate into the host society, contribute to socio-economic development in Italy, and continue serving as a bridge between the two nations.

They agreed to expand cooperation in security-defense, science-technology; continue to support each other at multilateral forums such as the ASEAN-EU cooperation framework, Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), and the United Nations, and response to global issues like climate change and food security.

The host and guest also exchanged views on several international and regional issues of mutual concern such as cooperation between Italy and ASEAN, cooperation between Vietnam and the EU, and the Indo-Pacific region.

Regarding the East Sea issue, the two leaders reaffirmed the importance of ensuring peace, stability, security, safety and freedom of navigation and aviation in the East Sea, and settling disputes via peaceful measures on the basis of international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

On this occasion, President Thuong invited his Italian counterpart to visit Vietnam at an early date.
SAN DIEGO - The White House has decided it will bar Hong Kong's top government official from attending a major economic summit in the United States this fall, according to three U.S. officials familiar with the matter, in the latest test of President Biden's bid to reset relations with China.

Chief Executive John Lee, along with 10 other Hong Kong and Chinese officials, was placed under sanctions by Washington in 2020 after implementing a national security law, imposed by Beijing, that enabled the targeting of pro-democracy leaders, tarnished the reputation of the courts and earned international condemnation as leaders sought to silence dissent.

Lee, then Hong Kong's security chief, was elevated last year to chief executive, handpicked by Beijing to continue what critics say is a broader campaign of repression in the once-semiautonomous city. He has helped execute Beijing's reimagining of the territory, where institutions from schools to the media now operate under new red lines that have eroded freedoms.

The snub by the United States, which in November will host the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation leaders' summit in San Francisco, comes in the midst of a tenuous thaw in the two powers' frosty bilateral relationship. It could, some analysts say, induce Chinese President Xi Jinping to skip the APEC summit - where a meeting with Biden has been anticipated.

Others, however, say they expect Xi will attend, as China, whose economic fortunes have dimmed considerably, will want to project leadership in a bid to restore global investor confidence and show Xi's domestic audience that he is effectively managing the country's ties with the United States.

The sanctions on Lee do not prevent Hong Kong's participation in APEC, allowing for another senior representative to attend instead, U.S. officials said, speaking on the condition of anonymity because of the matter's sensitivity.

A White House spokesperson declined to comment on the matter, except to say: "We're looking forward to the participation of all APEC member delegations in accordance with U.S. laws and regulations."

Asked for comment, Liu Pengyu, a spokesman for the Chinese Embassy in Washington, said: "We express our strong opposition" to Lee's exclusion. "This violates APEC rules," Liu said, "and breaks the commitments made by the U.S."

The Hong Kong government said in an emailed statement that the United States "is obliged to fulfill its basic responsibilities as a host to follow the rules and usual practice of APEC" and invite Lee "in his capacity of the leader of Hong Kong, China."

"APEC meetings do not belong to any country or economy, and APEC has its rules and conventions," the statement added.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, who was placed under sanctions last year after ordering the invasion of Ukraine and whose travel to the United States would generally be barred unless a waiver was obtained, also will be excluded from the APEC summit, officials said. Putin faces an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court in connection with alleged war crimes in Ukraine, and also will not attend a summit of major developing nations in South Africa next month, by mutual agreement with Johannesburg.

Tensions between Washington and Beijing flared in the winter, after the Biden administration shot down a suspected Chinese spy balloon that flew over the United States. But as fallout from the incident receded, several senior U.S. officials in recent weeks have made visits to China, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Treasury Secretary Janet L. Yellen and Biden's climate envoy John F. Kerry.

Beijing had indicated as recently as June that it expected the United States, as the summit's host, to invite Lee. Hong Kong has been a member of APEC since 1991, six years before Britain handed the territory back to China. Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said then that Washington had "undertaken to fulfill its obligation, follow relevant rules and procedures of APEC, and facilitate the participation of all representatives."

Disclosure of the administration's decision will "generate political pressure for Xi Jinping to reconsider going, even if U.S.-China relations would benefit from his meeting President Biden," said Scott Kennedy, senior adviser and expert on the Chinese economy at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. But, he conceded, Xi may determine that with international confidence in China's economy sinking, APEC may be too important to skip.

"It may come down to them swallowing this [slight] because it's so important, but it makes it a larger, more bitter pill to swallow," Kennedy said, on the sidelines of a University of California at San Diego "China forum," a conference examining U.S.-China relations.

Although Hong Kong could send a substitute, Xi's reaction to Lee's exclusion could end up disrupting Washington's aims for APEC, said Kurt Tong, who from 2016 to 2019 was the top U.S. diplomat in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong was granted membership in APEC with the support of the United States and others because it was seen as a "useful voice" in favor of free trade and open markets, said Tong, now a partner at The Asia Group, a Washington-based advisory firm.

"Rather than picking a fight with China on this purely symbolic issue," Tong said, "the administration should lay out a set of expectations, that Hong Kong must participate from the perspective of what's good for the Hong Kong economy and the regional economy, and speak with a voice of autonomy rather than perform as a rhetorical puppet of the People's Republic of China."

The case has underscored the challenges Washington faces in imposing sanctions on individuals working for governments with which the United States must engage, said Peter Harrell, a nonresident fellow at Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

"Historically, we've tended to sanction folks we didn't have to deal with directly" because they represented governments that were isolated internationally, said Harrell, a former senior White House official in the Biden administration handling sanction policy.

"When we sanction officials in big countries that have global reach, it creates a dilemma of how to signal disapproval of their acts and hold them accountable while confronting the reality that this may be a decision-maker you have to deal with," he said. "The challenge here is when you're dealing with foreign officials who have done truly atrocious things."

U.S. people and entities, from banks to airlines to government officials, generally are barred from interacting with individuals under sanctions who are on the Treasury Department's Specially Designated Nationals list. That makes entry into the United States difficult unless a waiver is granted.

The news agency Reuters reported in June that a bipartisan group of lawmakers urged the State Department to bar Lee from attending the summit, citing a written acknowledgment from the department's deputy secretary, Wendy Sherman, that it was planning to invite him "to foster regional economic dialogue."

A week later, Reuters reported, the State Department walked back Sherman's statement, saying "an incorrect version of this answer was inadvertently transmitted to Congress."

Biden has been criticized by some Republican lawmakers who have accused his administration of pulling punches on China in an effort to pursue engagement. Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.), chairman of the House Select Committee on China, said last week that "it's been over two years since a single Hong Kong or [People's Republic of China] official was sanctioned for the erosion of Hong Kong's autonomy."

Instead, he said, administration officials are chasing Chinese diplomats around the world, "desperately seeking meetings like ardent suitors."

He accused the administration of delaying the imposition of tougher export controls aimed at preventing U.S. technology from aiding China's military modernization. "Clearly," Gallagher said, "the push for high-level engagement has come at the cost of defending ourselves."

A person familiar with the administration's thinking disputed the notion that Biden officials are slow-rolling policy moves to curry favor with Beijing, and cited the Lee decision as an example.

"It's really important to want to engage in stiff competition, managed responsibly," the person said. "But we're not going to stop doing the things we need to do to protect ourselves and stand up for the values we care about."

Mahtani reported from Singapore.
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan  Female American and Japanese service members donned traditional Japanese garments and shared their military experiences during a recent cultural exchange at this airlift hub in western Tokyo.

Women in the military, we dont often get to see our counterparts on the Japanese side  getting to interact not just as military members but as women and talk about our likes and dislikes, things that are fun and things that are hard, Maj. Michelle Binder, of the 374th Medical Group, said during the July 22 event at Yokotas USO. Being a leader and being a woman and being a wife or a mother and serving at the same time, those challenges are universal.

During the three-hour event, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force women showed their U.S. counterparts how to wear yukata  unlined summer kimonos. Binders was orange and covered with yellow and blue flowers.

I can see how the traditional clothing feeds the culture and the expectation of how women historically presented themselves, because the outfit almost forces you to stand up straight and have good posture and walk in a very specific way, she said. So, it really complements the feel; it really makes you feel like you're in that role.

In 2021, women made up 17.3% of the U.S. active-duty force, a small increase from 17.2% the previous year, according to a Defense Department demographics report. As of March 2022, women comprised 8% of Japans Self-Defense Forces, according to Nippon.com.

During the cultural exchange, the women also teamed up to construct paper ornaments called tsumami, which means to pinch. They are made by pinching and forming the paper into a flower shape.

Sgt. Ayami Konishi, a supply sergeant, helped the U.S. women with their yukata and tsumami. She said she was meeting U.S. military women at Yokota for the first time.

Konishi asked her American colleagues how long they have served, how many other women they serve with and how difficult they find their military service.

She said she enjoyed getting to practice her English skills during the event.

People have been very kind and very nice, Konishi said.

The Ground Self-Defense Force has been focusing on holding more womens activities and events, said event chairman Makoto Yoshinaga.
The German government this week issued a new directive that bans all its tax offices from seizing the military pay of U.S. personnel stationed in the country, ending a yearslong dispute that has wreaked financial havoc on scores of Americans.

The harassment is over, said Landstuhl attorney Patrick Rietz, whose victory in a lower German tax court on behalf of a U.S. military couple sparked the turnaround.

The decision by the German Federal Finance Ministry on Wednesday came after a state tax ministry dropped its appeal of the lower court decision.

The federal ruling states U.S. military and civilian personnel who arrived under the NATO Status of Forces Agreement cant have their pay taxed by Germany, regardless of their will to return to the United States.

For years, local tax offices have garnished anything from thousands of dollars to six-figure sums in tax penalties from service members and Defense Department workers, even after they left Germany in some cases.

The federal ministrys directive was in line with the November 2022 court decision in Rietzs favor by the Rheinland-Pfalz Finance Court, which ruled attempts to tax U.S. military pay violate the NATO troop treaty.

The new interpretation of the law is to be applied in all open cases, the Rheinland-Pfalz Finance Ministry said in a statement to Stars and Stripes on Thursday.

Going forward, salaries for service members, Defense Department civilians and contractors with appropriate SOFA status will be tax-exempt regardless of their intention to return, provided that the other requirements of NATO troop status or the supplementary agreement are met, it added.

German tax offices  especially in the greater Kaiserslautern area, which is home to tens of thousands of U.S. troops and civilians  long argued personnel must be able to prove that they intend to return to the United States if they want to avoid paying German taxes on salaries already taxed by the U.S. government.

Being married to a German, sending a child to a German school or extending overseas tours were all factors that tax offices used to build cases against Americans.

Even when Americans went back to the U.S., the ultimate proof of a will to return, the German version of the IRS continued its pursuits.

The reversal comes three years after the U.S. lodged a formal complaint over the matter, after Stars and Stripes put a spotlight on the difficulties facing military families.

But a diplomatic solution remained elusive, leaving individual service members and civilians to fight it on their own.

The situation sparked a grassroots effort by members of the military community either affected or outraged by how German authorities were able to go after American military pay virtually unchallenged.

Its truly insane (German tax offices) were able to get this far, said Mouna Litz, a spouse who has been part of the grassroots campaign. It took people getting together because numbers mean power. Families were intimidated into paying because they were made to believe they had done something so incredibly wrong.

Mike Goff, a military retiree who lived in Germany for years before moving to Florida in 2022, spearheaded a letter-writing campaign directed at everyone from senior U.S. military officials to Germanys top elected politicians.

He also gave counsel and moral support to friends who found themselves the targets of German tax collectors.

Lots of NATO-SOFA-protected Americans lost marriages, thousands of dollars and sleep because of (tax office) hatred of Americans, he said. This is the end of the battle waged only by Americans, with little to no help from Washington, D.C.

For more than a decade, German tax offices went after American military civilians mostly out of the public eye.

However, in 2020, when a tax office near Ramstein Air Base went after an active-duty airman married to a German, the situation escalated.

Service members and Defense Department civilians began to step forward in greater numbers, indicating the problem was more widespread than the U.S. military realized.

The consequences for those who got entangled in the German system have been severe.

For example, the Landstuhl-Kusel tax office, which once acknowledged it had roughly 400 open cases against SOFA-status Americans at any given time, has imposed penalties of more than $300,000.

No full accounting of how many Americans had their money taken has been made.

The penalties involved taxes on pay stretching back years. Tax authorities based penalties on housing allowances and privileges such as tax-free shopping at military installations and even access to free base fitness centers.

In at least one case, a German working as a U.S. military criminal investigator handed over inside information about on-base purchases to German tax collectors.

Georg Weishaupt, a German tax specialist who became aware of the struggle after the public attention, began writing articles in prominent domestic finance journals that highlighted how his government was undermining NATO by violating SOFA guidelines. He also helped numerous Americans involved in tax fights.

The new federal directive provides comprehensive tax protection for members of the military community who came to Germany with SOFA status, he said.

You cant overstate the magnitude of this, Weishaupt said.

The ruling makes clear that the U.S. military pay of those with SOFA status is shielded from local finance offices regardless of how much time they spend in Germany or whether they have special ties, such as being married to a German, Weishaupt said.

U.S. European Command on Friday welcomed the German Finance Ministrys decision that exempts SOFA-qualifying U.S. military and civilian personnel from German taxation.

This resolution has brought to an end a long-standing issue that has affected many U.S. Department of Defense personnel and their families stationed in Germany, Navy Capt. Bill Speaks, EUCOM spokesman, said in a statement. We thank Germany for their consideration of this important matter and appreciate their decision, which will only strengthen our two countries relationship, a relationship deeply rooted in common values.

Still, unanswered questions remain for those who were ordered in the past by German courts to pay up in cases already settled. One is whether there is a legal route to getting refunds.

Jason Ille, an Army civilian who now lives in Alaska, was issued a nearly $350,000 tax bill in 2018 by the Kusel-Landstuhl finance office, which oversees the area around Ramstein Air Base.

I had to start my life over from nothing, Ille said. They froze and drained all my accounts and then said I could appeal but it would cost me $18,000 to reopen.  I would love to see the $350,000 they stole from me, but I dont expect anything.

Legal challenges are possible, but on cases that already have been settled it could be an uphill legal fight, Weishaupt said.

He added its theoretically possible for tax offices to make a longshot argument that some personnel arent SOFA-eligible. Still, the new directive is a game-changer, Weishaupt said.

The German governments turnaround was likely a confluence of factors. Among them, a situation that was under the radar was elevated to the highest levels of government, with the public exposure and outcry garnering the attention of Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, who raised the matter with his German counterparts.

Meanwhile, last years court case with a fresh argument made by Rietz gave a legal opening for the German Finance Ministry, which in the past sited previous court decisions as a justification for taxing troops.

This was a joint effort by a bunch of people at various levels to get to this point, Weishaupt said. The stars aligned, and everything fell in place at the right time.
KYIV, Ukraine  Russian forces on Friday struck the central Ukrainian city of Dnipro and pounded a key village in the southeast that Ukraine claimed to have recaptured in its grinding counteroffensive, while Moscow accused Kyiv of firing two missiles at southern Russia and wounding 20 people.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, meanwhile, marked Ukraine's Statehood Day by reaffirming the country's sovereignty  a rebuke to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who used his claim that Ukraine didn't exist as a nation to justify his invasion.

"Now, like more than a thousand years ago, our civilizational choice is unity with the world," Zelenskyy said in a speech on a square outside St. Michael's Monastery in Kyiv. "To be a power in world history. To have the right to its national history  of its people, its land, its state. And of our children  all future generations of the Ukrainian people. We will definitely win!"

He also honored servicemen and handed out first passports to young citizens as part of ceremonies. The holiday coincides with commemorations of the adoption of Christianity on lands that later became Ukraine, Russia and Belarus.

The Russian Defense Ministry said it shot down a Ukrainian missile in the city of Taganrog, about 24 miles east of the border with Ukraine, and local officials reported 20 people were injured, identifying the epicenter as an art museum.

Debris fell on the city, the ministry added, alleging the missile was part of a "terror attack" by Ukraine.

Oleksiy Danilov, Ukraine's secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, blamed Russian air defense systems for the explosion.

Russia's Defense Ministry said it downed a second Ukrainian missile near the city of Azov, which like Taganrog is in the Rostov region, and debris fell in an unpopulated location.

Earlier in the day, a Ukrainian drone was shot down outside Moscow, the Defense Ministry said, in the third drone strike or attempt on the capital region this month. The ministry reported no injuries or damage in the latest incident, and it didn't give an exact location where the drone fell.

Since the war began, Russia has blamed Ukraine for drone, bomb and missile attacks on its territory far from the battlefield's front line. Ukrainian officials rarely confirm being behind the attacks, which have included drone strikes on the Kremlin that unsettled Russians.

The strikes have hit Russian ammunition and fuel depots, as well as bridges the Russian military uses to supply its forces, and military recruitment stations. The attacks have also included killings of Russian-appointed officials on occupied Ukrainian territory.

Three months ago, a Russian warplane accidentally dropped a bomb on Belgorod, injuring two people, in an incident where Ukraine was initially suspected.

In Dnipro, an apparent Russian missile attack wounded nine people in the area of a newly constructed and as yet unoccupied 12-story apartment building, as well as an unoccupied adjacent Security Service of Ukraine building. "Russian missile terror again," Zelenskyy wrote on social media.

Video showed the apartment building's upper floors in ruins, with gray smoke billowing from them, and flames raging in the night at ground level, where shattered concrete and glass littered a courtyard.

Russia has often struck apartment buildings during the conflict, while denying it intentionally targets civilians.

Meanwhile, the commander of Ukraine's armed forces, Col.-Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi, said his troops were pushing forward in parts of eastern Ukraine occupied by Russia and meeting stiff resistance as the war drags into its 18th month.

"The enemy fiercely clings to every centimeter, conducting intense artillery and mortar fire," he said in a statement.

Recent fighting has taken place at multiple places along the more than 600-mile front, where Ukraine deployed its recently acquired Western weapons to push out the Kremlin's forces. However, it is attacking without vital air support and faces a deeply entrenched foe.

A Western official said Thursday that Ukraine had launched a major push in the southeast. Putin acknowledged that fighting has intensified there, but insisted Kyiv's push has failed.

Zelenskyy posted a video Thursday night in which Ukrainian soldiers said they had taken Staromaiorske in the Donetsk region. Russian military bloggers said artillery fire at the Ukrainian troops had effectively razed the village and reported more barrages Friday.

Capturing the village, which in 2014 had a population of 682, would give Ukraine a platform to push deeper into Russian-held territory, the bloggers noted.

The area has been a focus of Ukraine's counteroffensive since June, and its troops have previously captured several other villages there as they slowly work their way across extensive Russian minefields.

It was not possible to verify either side's claims about what is happening in the war zone.

Syrskyi said fighting that targets the enemy's artillery as well as its command and control structure is a priority as his troops probe Russian lines for weaknesses.

"In these conditions, it is crucial to make timely management decisions in response to the situation at hand and take measures for maneuvering forces and resources, shifting units and troops to areas where success is evident, or withdrawing them from the enemy's fire," he said.

Russia is trying to hold on to the territory it controls in the four provinces it illegally annexed in September  Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk, Kherson and Luhansk.

Heintz reported from Tallinn, Estonia. Andrew Katell in New York contributed.

An earlier version corrected that Oleksiy Danilov is Ukraine's secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, not defense minister.
The suicide attack in August 2021 outside the Kabul airport that killed dozens, including 13 American troops, would not have happened if the U.S. conducted its hasty withdrawal from Afghanistan from the larger Bagram airfield, a soldier told lawmakers Thursday.

Army Command Sgt. Maj. Jacob Smith told House lawmakers that Bagrams larger, more rural footprint and its well-established defenses would have made the operation to withdraw tens of thousands of Americans, U.S. allies and Afghans safer. Smith, who remains on active duty as the senior enlisted leader of a 10th Mountain Division battalion, testified out of uniform Thursday before the House Foreign Affairs Committees subpanel on oversight and accountability to share his personal experiences during the pullout from Afghanistan.

The events that happened at Abbey Gate, I believe that would not have occurred at Bagram, Smith said about the Aug. 26, 2021, terrorist bombing at a Kabul airport entrance that killed more than 160 people. The defenses that Bagram held [with] the ability to see for hundreds of meters and the defense in depth of its control points  I do not believe the result would have been the same.

Smith served as the senior enlisted leader for the U.S. militarys Area Support Group-Afghanistan and as Bagrams senior enlisted leader from October 2020 until he left Afghanistan for the final time July 2, 2021. As State Department leaders in 2021 planned the U.S. withdrawal, Smith said he had advised officials at the U.S. Embassy in Kabul to conduct evacuation operations out of Bagram over their other option, Hamid Karzai International Airport, or HKIA, in the middle of the Afghanistan capital.

Bagram was larger, better defended and had a more capable hospital and better equipment to destroy sensitive military gear that could not be removed from Afghanistan, Smith said he told State Department officials at the time.

Bagram had a much more tactical advantage to conduct a [noncombatant evacuation operation] out of, he said. It was much easier to defend, the entry control points were very much defended in depth, and it would have been very easy to create a filtering process within those entry control points to filter out those that needed to be evacuated and those who didn't. It was just a much more tactically advantageous location.

But American officials raised concerns about Bagrams distance from the U.S. Embassy in Kabul, about 40 miles south, which they had initially planned to maintain. They also raised personal comfort issues on the sprawling base, Smith said.

He said he and Bagram leaders were ordered on June 14, 2021, to close the base by July 4. On July 2, he was one of the last conventional American troops to leave the base that U.S. forces had occupied for two decades.

In hindsight, I have looked back and tried to identify any pragmatic rationale for using HKIA over Bagram, Smith said Thursday. The only answer I have identified is the ease of evacuees living in Kabul getting to the airfield. However, this course of action presented significant issues for anyone living outside of Kabul to get into the city. As Bagram was primarily surrounded by open terrain, it would have been overall easier to access by the general [Afghan] population of those evacuating.

Republicans on the subpanel said Thursday that the decision to maintain HKIA over Bagram as the Taliban quickly advanced across Afghanistan amid the U.S. military pullout was one of dozens of poor decisions made by the State Department and President Joe Bidens administration in the chaotic last weeks of the war. They lamented, nearly two years later, after several reviews of the events during and surrounding the withdrawal, no senior public officials had been held accountable for the decisions that led to the turbulent evacuation and the Talibans return to power.

They're not taking responsibility, said Rep. Mike Waltz, R-Fla., who served in Afghanistan as a Special Forces officer. We will not let this go as long as I sit in this seat. We will drive accountability for those killed in the Abbey Gate bombing and their families.

Waltz said the decision to conduct the evacuation out of HKIA was part of a pattern of Biden and other top officials ignoring the advice of military leaders.

Biden disagreed with the advice that he was given by his top generals overseeing the war in Afghanistan, who advised him shortly after entering office to maintain the U.S. military efforts in the country, despite the Doha agreement struck between the Taliban and former President Donald Trump. That accord called for American troops to leave Afghanistan in spring 2021. Biden extended Americas military presence until Sept. 11, 2021, but that timeline was ultimately sped up as the Taliban marched on Kabul and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani fled the country on Aug. 15.

Ret. Army Col. Seth Krummrich, who was serving as the chief of staff for U.S. Special Operations Command-Central during the withdrawal, told committee members Thursday that Army Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, now retired Marine Gen. Kenneth McKenzie, then the commander of U.S. Central Command, and Army Gen. Austin Miller, the final top U.S. commander in Afghanistan, had advised Biden that the Taliban had not lived up to the Doha agreement, and he should maintain troops there.

Biden, nonetheless, has said he was committed to ending the war.

These seasoned experts were ignored, and the best-case scenario plan to withdraw immediately started the domino effect to catastrophe, said Krummrich, a former Special Forces officer who was among the first American troops in Afghanistan in 2001. There was no time for traditional military planning, to include looking at worst-case scenarios in real detail.  Prudence and patience were replaced by speed of action without the time to study the consequences and mitigate those risks. The bottom line is the administration controlled how we withdrew and when we withdrew, making them the majority stakeholder of many guilty parties in the failure and collapse of Afghanistan and the current Taliban rule.

The White House has long defended the evacuation as an operational success, given that 120,000 people were evacuated from the small airport surrounded by Taliban fighters. A State Department report published last month blamed errors by the Biden and Trump administrations for leading to the deadly withdrawal and the Talibans takeover of the country.

Democrats on Thursday defended Bidens decision to withdraw as a necessary one under tough circumstances given the agreement forged by Trump. The Trump administration declined to brief Biden officials on that status of the war or the agreement ahead of the presidential transition in January 2021, while Trump refused to admit he had lost the election.

The Biden administration walked in knowing nothing, having no transition, having no briefings, no plans in place, and they embarked on a two-month process to try to get their hands around the issue and figure out what was going on [in Afghanistan], said Rep. Jason Crow, D-Colo., the subpanels top Democrat, who served in Afghanistan as an Army Ranger officer. Then they made the decision to abide by the agreement because we had very few troops there. We were being told and the intelligence was showing that the Taliban was going to start attacking us again, if we didn't withdraw on time.

Crow said if Biden had decided to maintain American troops in Afghanistan, they were going to be forced to fight harder than we would have had to have fought for years.

Our soldiers would have been fighting and dying then, too, he said. Tough decisions.

The Democrat said U.S. officials should focus on learning from the mistakes made throughout the Afghanistan war and during the withdrawal.

Ret. Army Col. Christopher Kolenda, another Afghanistan war veteran who testified before the panel on Thursday, said the chaotic withdrawal was the latest in a long pattern of problematic evacuations at the end of American wars. He listed the withdrawal from Vietnam and the 2011 withdrawal from Iraq as other examples of poor planning in ending wars. Just three years after U.S. troops left Iraq, they were forced to return to help fight the Islamic State, which had conquered much of the country. Some 2,000 American forces remain there today.

Kolenda said the United States must better define its national security objectives and definitions for ending wars and create documents with expert knowledge on the subject to refer to the next time the United States seeks to close out a war.

We need to have a doctrine about war termination, said Kolenda, who participated as a civilian in negotiations with the Taliban. The military doesn't have one. The State Department doesn't have one. State Department's got no expert body of knowledge on how to conduct wartime negotiations in which the United States is the active participant, and it has not worked out well every single time.

Kolenda also suggested the president should designate a single individual in charge of all government efforts around a war, either a civilian or military official. Top military commanders now only oversee the efforts of the armed forces, while other parts of a war from diplomatic to intelligence operations are overseen by other leaders.

He suggested lawmakers should consider crafting legislation to create such a position to better hold leaders accountable for wartime efforts.

The senior leaders [of different organizations] on the ground  the lowest-ranking person that they all report to is the president of the United States, Kolenda said. I mean, you can't run a business that way. You certainly can't run a war that way.
WASHINGTON  The Senate on Thursday passed annual defense policy legislation boosting pay for troops and protecting U.S. membership in NATO, eschewing many of the culture war issues that the House had packed into its version of the bill.

Senators provided bipartisan support for the measure in a 86-11 vote, contrasting sharply with a polarized vote in the Republican-led House this month that saw a National Defense Authorization Act loaded with conservative priorities pass over near total Democratic opposition.

It's a stark contrast from the partisan race to the bottom we saw in the House, said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. House Republicans should look to the bipartisan Senate to see how we get things done. We are passing important bipartisan legislation, they're throwing partisan legislation on the floor that has no chance of passing. The contrast is glaring.

The Senates legislation matches the $886 billion authorized by the House for national defense programs for fiscal 2024, which begins Oct. 1, but does not include controversial amendments limiting abortion access for troops and transgender care that tanked bipartisan consensus in the lower chamber.

It also takes softer aim at the Pentagons diversity and inclusion efforts, which Republicans in both chambers have criticized. The Senate voted to prohibit the creation of positions or filling vacancies related to diversity, equity and inclusion until a Government Accountability Office review and cap salaries for officials who work on such issues. The House voted to eliminate all diversity offices and positions.

Senators largely stuck to uncontroversial additions to their bill, including an amendment that requires Senate approval for the U.S. to withdraw from the NATO military alliance. The provision is believed to be a precautionary measure in case former President Donald Trump returns to the White House and attempts to remove the U.S. from NATO as he threatened to do in the past.

Other amendments expand veterans access to breast cancer screenings, halt debt collector harassment of service members and require all components of Navy ships to be manufactured in the U.S. by 2033.

Proposals that would affect aid for Ukraines war with Russia, prevent the Pentagon from instituting another coronavirus vaccine mandate and cut the Pentagons budget by 10% failed to gain traction.

The bill notably provides for a 5.2% pay raise for service members and authorizes increased funding for the services recruiting and advertising efforts in a bid to reverse the militarys persistent enlistment shortfalls.

It also tackles the nations top geopolitical threats, authorizing investments in technologies and platforms to counter China, Russia, Iran, North Korea and terrorist organizations. The bill extends the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative through fiscal 2027, a program that has been training and arming Ukrainians for nearly a decade.

Senators are also requiring the Navy to buy an amphibious ship that the service did not request but the Marine Corps had lobbied to have. The Senate Appropriations Committee on Thursday signed off on defense spending bill that increases investment in the Navy above the White Houses budget proposal with the goal of boosting the number of ships in the fleet.

The president's budget request would have resulted in a fleet of 291 ships at the end of the next five years. That is smaller than today's fleet of 299 ships, far short of the chief of naval operations requirements for 381 ships and alarmingly smaller than the 400 ships China will have in just two years, said Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine.

The defense policy bill also prohibits the Air Force from retiring Block 20 F-22 jets, a divestment that the House approved this year but Congress blocked last year.

The Senate did not take up measures that would challenge the Defense Departments contentious abortion access policy, despite the growing impact of a hold on military promotions by Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala. Tuberville said he would only allow the Senate to proceed with confirmation votes for more than 270 nominees if a policy providing troops with leave and travel reimbursement for reproductive health care services is rescinded.

The Senates bill requires the Pentagon to outline the details and legality of its abortion policy while the House abolishes the policy entirely.

Such differences between the two chambers will need to be reconciled before a compromise bill is sent to President Joe Bidens desk for his signature into law. Votes on final defense policy legislation, as well as the bills that fund it, are not expected until September, when the House and Senate return from summer recess.
WASHINGTON (Tribune News Service)  The House passed its first fiscal 2024 spending bill Thursday, funding veterans benefits and military construction projects, by a razor-thin margin along party lines that signaled a troubled road ahead for the appropriations process.

The $317.4 billion Military Construction-VA bill, usually considered the least controversial of the 12 annual spending measures, passed on a 219-211 vote. Democrats marched in lockstep against the bill, saying it was chock-full of extremist policy riders and would cut military housing money needed by troops and their families.

Republicans Ken Buck of Colorado and Tim Burchett of Tennessee were the only two GOP "no" votes.

And in another sign of trouble, House GOP leaders abandoned plans to take up their $25.3 billion Agriculture bill this week after the party's hard-right faction demanded more spending cuts. Instead, the House was preparing to leave town Thursday afternoon for the long August recess having passed only one of the 12 bills needed by Oct. 1, when the new fiscal year begins.

After the Military-Construction-VA bill passed, Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., announced on the floor that Friday votes would be canceled and the chamber would start its August recess after the last Thursday afternoon vote series.

Minority Whip Katherine M. Clark, D-Mass., said it was irresponsible to leave town without taking up additional spending bills.

"Now the Republican conference is saying they are sending us home for six weeks without funding the government? That we have one bill, one bill out of 12 completed, because extremists are holding your conference hostage," Clark said to applause from her Democratic colleagues. "We will have 12 days when we return to fund the government.  This is a reckless march to a MAGA shutdown."

Scalise replied that negotiations would continue during the August recess "to make sure we get back to funding the priorities of the nation."

Deep cuts sought

Members of the hard-right Freedom Caucus are pushing to pare back spending to the fiscal 2022 level and eliminate about $115 billion in spending that the House Appropriations Committee would pay for by clawing back unspent funds in pandemic aid and other laws.

That effort would require chopping an additional $7.5 billion from the Agriculture bill, which would face resistance from centrist Republicans in swing districts. Democrats estimate that funding for programs in the Agriculture bill would be reduced to levels last seen in fiscal 2007 under that scenario.

Across the Capitol, bipartisanship ruled in the Senate Appropriations Committee, which was completing work on all 12 of its bills despite a last-minute hiccup on the Homeland Security measure.

Unlike their House counterparts, Senate appropriators agreed to write their bills based on the bipartisan spending levels set in last month's debt limit suspension law. Using those levels ensured bipartisan cooperation in the committee.

In quick order, the panel approved its Defense bill on a 27-1 vote, followed by its Interior-Environment bill (28-0), its Labor-HHS-Education bill (26-2) and finally its Homeland Security bill (24-4). The other eight bills were approved in previous weeks.

Although it drew more bipartisan opposition, even the Homeland Security bill got through fairly easily. Panel leaders were able to defuse a bubbling sticking point by pledging to work with Sen. Bill Hagerty, R-Tenn., on his proposal to shift funding from migrant shelter and services accounts to removal and detention programs.

"These are serious, bipartisan bills that can actually be signed into law," Senate Appropriations Chair Patty Murray, D-Wash., said at the markup Thursday. By passing the bills, she said, "We are sending a message to the American people that we are taking our responsibility seriously to keep our government funded."

September crunch

But the monthlong August recess virtually ensures there is no longer enough time to complete fiscal 2024 appropriations by Oct. 1, given that the full Senate has yet to take up any of its bills and the House passed only one.

The Senate now has only four weeks in September to make headway on appropriations, and the House is scheduled to be in session only 12 days that month unless plans change. And finding a compromise between the House and Senate bills will be a heavy lift because of wide disparities in funding levels.

Even at the House's starting point before any further cuts negotiated by hard-right conservatives, the gap between the two chambers may top $70 billion, after a bipartisan Senate deal to add more emergency funds on top of additional money informally agreed to in the debt ceiling deal. If House conservatives get their way, that gap could approach $190 billion.

A stopgap funding measure will be required in September to avoid a partial government shutdown even if a few of the regular bills can be enacted on time. But if the House's handling of its Military Construction-VA bill Thursday is any indication, those prospects appear unlikely.

That bill is one of only a few that Republicans spared from cuts, and even the hard-right Freedom Caucus largely left it alone. More than half of the bill is made up of mandatory benefit programs for veterans, and the discretionary portion, $155.7 billion, is mainly for VA health care.

But the usually noncontroversial measure triggered a firestorm of protests after Republicans insisted on culture-war provisions that included banning funding for gender-affirming care, abortion access and training programs designed to encourage diversity and inclusion, among other things.

And Democrats also took aim at a $17.5 billion military construction budget that was about $1.5 billion lower than this year's enacted level. That included eliminating funding for the cleanup of so-called forever chemicals used in household products, known as PFAS.

Republicans said the military construction budget was nonetheless $800 million more than President Joe Biden had requested.

Aidan Quigley and Suzanne Monyak contributed to this report.

2023 CQ-Roll Call, Inc.

Visit cqrollcall.com.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
A manufacturer accused of selling the military untested aircraft parts agreed to pay the U.S. $150,000 in a settlement signed this week.

Preci Manufacturing agreed to the resolution and admitted that the company flouted safety requirements and directed employees to skip mandatory testing, a Justice Department statement Thursday said.

The Defense Logistics Agency contracted the Winooski, Vermont-based machine shop to manufacture fasteners for military aircraft from 2016 to 2019, the settlement agreement said. The contracts required the company to test the parts for durability and strength.

As part of the settlement, Preci acknowledged that it did not do these tests on some fasteners before selling them to the military but submitted claims for payment as if it had, the statement said.

Precis sales to the United States of parts that it chose not to test are reprehensible, with Preci appearing to have prioritized its own profits over the safety of the products it provided to the military, Nikolas Kerest, U.S. attorney for Vermont, said in the statement.

Prosecutors agreed to drop a lawsuit brought under the False Claims Act, according to court filings.

Preci did not dispute the accuracy of the governments claims but argued that it had not violated the False Claims Act, which penalizes those who defraud the government.

The company agreed to let the government recoup any overpayment as part of the contract.

The settlement is at least the second this week involving the Defense Logistics Agency.

On Wednesday, California-based American States Utility Services agreed to pay $600,000 to settle claims that it sent inflated price estimates and overcharged the agency, a statement from the U.S. attorneys office for the Eastern District of Virginia said.

The company had been contracted by the Defense Logistics Agency to work on water and sewer projects at military installations in North Carolina from 2016 to 2017, the statement said.
WASHINGTON  The annual defense policy bill that provides salary increases for troops and outlines priorities for the Pentagon has passed both chambers of Congress in a largely bipartisan way for more than 60 years.

This year, the Senate and House are looking at a wide gulf between their versions of the National Defense Authorization Act with a culture war over sensitive social issues at the center.

The Republican-led House wants to strip abortion access, transgender care and diversity initiatives from the Pentagon while the Democrat-led Senate is fighting to keep them. The rift puts the fate of the legislation in doubt as lawmakers head into negotiations to iron out a final agreement to send to the White House.

We have a very divided country, said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. We have a divided Congress.

The Senate approved its draft of the legislation with wide bipartisan consensus Thursday, voting 86-11 after two weeks of debate on the $886 billion defense bill. The House rammed through its bill earlier in June in a partisan 219-210 vote that only four Democrats supported.

Democrats decried the conservative legislation as an attack on women, transgender people and minorities that will only exacerbate the militarys recruiting crisis. Republicans said they are attempting to stamp out frivolous liberal ideology at the Pentagon that has distracted the armed forces from their warfighting mission.

As a 26-year naval aviator, I know our armed forces exist to fight and win wars in defense of America, not to further political ideologies or social experiments, said Rep. Scott Franklin, R-Fla. The [House] NDAA... authorizes the resources and programs to do just that  nothing more, nothing less.

Abortion access is perhaps the largest sticking point between the two sides as hard-right Republicans seek to undo a Defense Department policy enacted in the aftermath of the Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade. The controversial policy provides service members with time off and reimbursement for travel expenses if they need to travel out of state for abortions or other reproductive health care services.

Republicans have argued the policy violates a federal law that prohibits the government from funding abortions. The loudest critic of the policy on Capitol Hill is Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., who said he will continue to block the Senates normally routine process for confirming senior military officers until the policy is scrapped. His monthslong hold has stalled the promotion of at least 273 nominees.

An amendment to rescind the Pentagons policy was successfully adopted on the House floor but no such amendment was offered during debate over the defense bill in the Senate. Schumer told reporters that he gave Tuberville an opportunity to put a similar amendment up for a vote but Tuberville refused.

Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I., the chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said Thursday that the committee had voted on a proposal to end the Pentagon policy and shot it down. Tuberville is a member of the panel.

Were going into conference with the position that the Senate basically has concluded that the policy of the Department of Defense is both legal and one that should be retained and were going to stick to that position and I think we will prevail, Reed said.

The staff of the congressional Armed Services committees will begin reconciling differences between the bills during the August recess. Lawmakers from both chambers will then be named to a joint conference committee to draft a compromise bill that could pass both chambers.

Negotiations will also need to address a House amendment that ends health coverage of transition surgeries and hormone treatments for transgender troops. The Senate did not address the issue in its bill. Schumer said Republicans in the upper chamber did not offer any extreme amendments because they want to get things done.

There will likely be more room for compromise on diversity issues, where Republicans succeeded in the Senate in curbing the Pentagons efforts to make the military more equitable and inclusive. The upper chambers bill imposes salary caps and a hiring freeze on Pentagon positions dedicated to diversity, equity and inclusion.

The Houses legislation shutters the Pentagons diversity, equity and inclusion offices entirely and eliminates all of their personnel. The White House said President Joe Biden would veto the House bill and warned the Senate bill would undermine efforts to promote a diverse workforce.

The House and Senate are also set to clash over the ramifications of the militarys now-defunct coronavirus vaccine mandate, which pushed more than 8,000 troops who failed to comply out of the service. The House adopted amendments that would ease their path to reenlistment while the Senate voted down a similar proposal that would have also provided ousted service members with back pay.

Reed, a strong opponent of readmitting troops who defied lawful orders, said the House focused more on sending a message than meeting the needs of service members. Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., said in a statement that the Senate's bipartisan legislation accurately reflected the nations national security priorities.

I will keep pushing to keep it that way as this bill goes to conference with our colleagues in the House, he said.

shkolnikova.svetlana@stripes.com

Twitter: @svetashko
WASHINGTON  The United States has announced $345 million in military aid for Taiwan, in what is the Biden administration's first major package drawing on America's own stockpiles to help Taiwan counter China.

The White House said Friday the package would include defense, education and training for the Taiwanese. Washington will send man-portable air defense systems, or MANPADS, intelligence and surveillance capabilities, firearms and missiles, according to two U.S. officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive matters.

U.S. lawmakers have been pressuring the Pentagon and White House to speed weapons to Taiwan. The goals are to help it counter China and to deter China from considering attacking, by providing Taipei enough weaponry that it would make the price of invasion too high.

While Chinese diplomats protested the move, Taiwan's representative office in the U.S. said the administration's decision to pull arms and other materiel from its stores provided "an important tool to support Taiwan's self-defense." In a statement, it pledged to work with the United States to maintain "peace, stability and the status quo across the Taiwan Strait."

Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense also expressed its appreciation in a statement that thanked "the U.S. for its firm commitment to Taiwan's security."

The package is in addition to nearly $19 billion in military sales of F-16s and other major weapons systems that the U.S. has approved for Taiwan. Delivery of those weapons has been hampered by supply chain issues that started during the COVID-19 pandemic and have been exacerbated by the global defense industrial base pressures created by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The difference is that this aid is part of a presidential authority approved by Congress last year to draw weapons from current U.S. military stockpiles  so Taiwan will not have to wait for military production and sales. This gets weapons delivered faster than providing funding for new weapons.

The Pentagon has used a similar authority to get billions of dollars worth of munitions to Ukraine.

Taiwan split from China in 1949 amid civil war. Chinese President Xi Jinping maintains China's right to take over the now self-ruled island, by force if necessary. China has accused the U.S. of turning Taiwan into a "powder keg" through the billions of dollars in weapons sales it has pledged.

The U.S. maintains a "One China" policy under which it does not recognize Taiwan's as an independent country and has no formal diplomatic relations with the island in deference to Beijing. However, U.S. law requires a credible defense for Taiwan and for the U.S. to treat all threats to the island as matters of "grave concern."

Getting stockpiles of weapons to Taiwan now, before an attack begins, is one of the lessons the U.S. has learned from Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Pentagon deputy defense secretary Kathleen Hicks told The Associated Press earlier this year.

Ukraine "was more of a cold-start approach than the planned approach we have been working on for Taiwan, and we will apply those lessons," Hicks said. Efforts to resupply Taiwan after a conflict erupted would be complicated because it is an island, she said.

China regularly sends warships and planes across the center line in the Taiwan Strait that provides a buffer between the sides, as well as into Taiwan's air defense identification zone, in an effort to intimidate the island's 23 million people and wear down its military capabilities.

Liu Pengyu, a spokesman for the Chinese Embassy in Washington, said in a statement that Beijing was "firmly opposed" to U.S. military ties with Taiwan. The U.S. should "stop selling arms to Taiwan" and "stop creating new factors that could lead to tensions in the Taiwan Strait," Liu said.
Who should the Covid bribe money go to?

July 27, 2023 | 05:12 pm PT

I could not find a place on Covid repatriation flights in September 2021, so I didnt get to see my father before the disease killed him at a HCMC hospital.

My father stayed in the hospital for three weeks. I was in Europe, and could have flown home in just over 10 hours.

Earlier that year, Ninh, a friend of mine in central Vietnam, had to pay nearly VND60 million (US$2,500) to board a repatriation flight from Japan.

He went to Japan under a labor export program in late 2019, before Covid hit, and when a return ticket on the same route cost only VND20 million.

He had not been able to save any money from his job, and he still owed money to the export program. The flight ticket was the final nail in the coffin: his family was drained of all resources.

Ninh and I, and at least thousands of other Vietnamese people affected by the repatriation flight scandal, are closely following the trial of 54 people accused of giving and taking bribes to organize the flights. We are waiting for justice.

According to the investigation, 21 officials on trial accepted bribes worth VND165 billion (US$7 million) in total to approve 372 flights.

Twenty businesses have confessed that in order compensate for the bribe money, they had to hike prices and add different kinds of fees that essentially robbed money from people hoping to come home amid the pandemic.

A repatriation flight bringing Vietnamese people in Europe home amid Covid-19, July 2020. Photo courtesy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Giving bribes is a crime and is considered an elevated risk in doing business. To encounter such an elevated risk, businesses need to set an exceedingly high profit margin. In this case, the money that the 20 businesses had ripped off from the passengers had to be many times more than the bribe money.

The court is likely to decide to put the retrieved bribe money into the state budget, as stipulated by a resolution on corruption trials.

But who does that bribe money, and the much more money for the hiked ticket fares, actually belong to?

The price of a repatriation flight ticket was indeed agreed upon by the customers, and they paid voluntarily. But it happened in a special situation, a global deadly pandemic, and there was an extremely high chance that people had been abused and manipulated to accept exorbitant prices.

They paid the money regardless of personal difficulties, and they followed all the instructions from the people they believed were authorized to "rescue" them.

One trial may not be able to answer the questions of who the money belongs to, and if the people who had to pay hiked ticket prices will ever get their money back.

Punishing people who violate the governments humane policies is a sure thing. But how to return justice to the affected citizens is another matter.

*Vo Nhat Vinh is a university lecturer in France.
Chinas military may be planning to build a host of overseas naval bases, as it hopes to protect shipping routes and strengthen its ability to resist sanctions from the US and its allies, analysis has found.

Hambantota in Sri Lanka, Bata in Equatorial Guinea and Gwadar in Pakistan are the three most likely locations for a Chinese naval base to be established in the next two to five years, according to an analysis by AidData, a US-based research institute, published on Wednesday.

The reports authors considered the amount of development financing issued by Chinese state-owned banks to port projects, the strategic value of existing infrastructure and strong relationships with host country governments, among other factors, to come up with a list of eight leading options for future Chinese naval bases.

Chinas Peoples Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) currently only has one overseas military base in Djibouti, on the coast of the Horn of Africa.

But as the rivalry between the US and China heats up, Beijing is catching up with Washingtons overseas maritime strength. Unlike the US, China is not party to international defence alliances  its only formal defence treaty is with North Korea. That makes developing overseas naval bases a priority for Chinas military development, argue the AidData researchers.

PLANs future ambitions may be closely aligned with Chinas belt and road initiative. Four of the eight bases shortlisted by AidData are in Africa. Although Chinas most pressing maritime ambitions are in the South China Sea and the Taiwan strait the reports authors note that those operations could be conducted entirely from the Chinese mainland and home naval bases. PLAN bases farther afield would help China to preserve shipping routes, especially in the event of western sanctions, and gather intelligence.

Hambantota port in Sri Lanka is considered to be the most likely location for a PLAN base in the near future, according to AidData. The port, which opened in 2010, was financed by a $306.7m loan from China Exim Bank, a state-owned development bank. AidData says that Beijing exercises direct control over the facility.

In 2017, a Chinese firm took over control of the port of a 99-year lease, after the Sri Lankan government fell into difficulty servicing its overseas debts. Hambantota is often cited as an example of Chinas debt trap diplomacy, but economists have argued the saga is more likely to reflect the Sri Lankan governments instability rather than a concerted Chinese strategy to take control of an overseas base.

It is a time-honoured truth that the flag often follows trade, said Blake Herzinger, a research fellow at the University of Sydneys United States Studies Centre. While these port investments are unlikely, in most cases, to become formal bases for the PLAN, it is useful for the [Chinese Communist party] to have friendly locations where the PLAN can seek resupply and repair around the world.

On Tuesday, the US satellite imagery company BlackSky released updated images of the Ream naval base in Cambodia, where the US government suspects Beijing is building a facility to boost its naval presence in the region. The base is being built with Chinese assistance, but Beijing and the Cambodian government deny that a Peoples Liberation Army presence will be allowed there. Defence analysts say a military base at Ream would give significant strategic benefits to China, including access to the Gulf of Thailand.

The images show that a pier at the base is nearing completion, and is strikingly similar to the one at Chinas Djibouti base. The pier is long enough to dock warships including aircraft carriers, BlackSky told an international newspaper, bolstering a previous assessment that the facility was being prepared for deepwater vessels. It is worth noting the Cambodian navy operates only smaller patrol boats and is unlikely to need deep channels for its own uses, AidData said in its report, which added that while other sites had a headstart, the Ream base was likely to be a future Chinese naval port.
Thomas Neville has 35 previous convictions, 34 of which are for road traffic matters and one for sexual assault.

A Dublin man will be sentenced later this year for the rape, sexual assault, and child exploitation of a child over a ten-year period.

The Central Criminal Court heard that Thomas Neville (59) of Railway Avenue, Inchicore, Dublin 8, was found unanimously guilty by a jury on July 11.

Neville was convicted of one count of rape, one count of child exploitation and 20 counts of sexual assault at various locations in Dublin between 2010 and 2020.

He has 35 previous convictions, 34 of which are for road traffic matters and one for sexual assault.

Neville does not accept the verdict of the jury. The injured party in this case has asked for Neville to be named.

Detective Garda Leonard Wheeler told Philip Rahn, SC, prosecuting, that the abuse came to light in August 2020 when the injured party told her friend about it.

This friend then told her own mother, and it was reported to the gardai. The injured party was fourteen at this time.

She was interviewed by specialist gardai and this interview was recorded and played in evidence during the trial.

The court heard the abuse consisted of Neville placing his finger in her anus and touching her breasts both over and underneath her clothes.

He told her while touching her chest that this will help them grow.

He was also found guilty of humping her while pressing his penis against her.

The court heard that on one occasion, Neville blindfolded the child and said he was going to dip a carrot in yoghurt or jam and she had to guess which it was.

The child said it didnt feel like a carrot it felt soft like skin.

When the girl was aged between nine and ten, Neville removed all her clothes and his own.

He made her put his penis into her mouth and told her to suck it. He then placed his tongue into her vagina. The charge of sexual exploitation involved Neville showing her a pornography video.

The court heard Neville gave the child cocaine and took cocaine himself in her presence.

Neville was arrested, detained and interviewed in November 2020.

He was cooperative with gardai and answered all questions, however he denied all allegations put to him.

A victim impact statement was handed into the court and read aloud by the victim.

She said, I had to grow up quickly and I still struggle with nightmares. The girl said she has struggled with mental health issues since being assaulted.

She said she was terrified at being vulnerable but was now learning how to create healthy relationships.

She thanked her family, the Director of Public Prosecutions and gardai for their support and for getting her the justice I deserve.

Mr Rahn told the court that the Director of the Public Prosecutions believes this offence lies in the more serious range and outlined a sentence of between 10-15 years.

Det Gda Wheeler agreed with Conor Devally SC, defending, that Neville had lost his brother to homicide in the past.

Mr Devally said Neville has worked in various employment throughout his life in private security, the fast-food industry, the taxi business and as a labourer.

Counsel said his client's sister not only sees him as an older brother, but as a father figure and she has entrusted him to mind her child in the past and would trust him again.

Letters were handed to the court from Nevilles family members, but not read aloud.

Judge Caroline Biggs said she was not going to finalise this case today as I want to consider this matter. She adjourned the case for finalisation until October 23.
Declan Tynans conviction was quashed when another man came forward

A Dublin man who spent 11 months in jail after being wrongly identified in relation to a violent incident at a bookmakers - only for his conviction to be quashed when another man came forward - was the victim of a miscarriage of justice, the Court of Appeal has ruled.

The court noted that a comparison by the UK's Met Police of photos of the appellant Declan Tynan and the man who claims to be the guilty party, analysed alongside stills from the bookmakers, confirmed Mr Tynan's innocence, along with other factors.

Declan Tynan (33), of Vincent Street Flats, Dublin 8, had always maintained his innocence in relation to alleged violent disorder at Ladbrokes bookmakers in Killinarden, Tallaght on December 13, 2012.

The prosecution's case was that Mr Tynan was one of three men who burst into the bookmakers on the day in question and set upon a customer standing in the middle of the shop in the context of a feud.

One of the attackers had a short blade and began stabbing the man repeatedly. When the victim's brother tried to intervene, the group of men turned on him. Neither this person nor his brother was willing to cooperate with the investigation and there were never any medical reports obtained, nor a victim impact report produced.

Two of the attackers had pleaded guilty by the time Mr Tynan, who pleaded not guilty, faced trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.

Mr Tynans barrister at trial, Eoghan Cole BL, said this was a one witness case in which the only evidence against his client was the purported visual identification of him by a garda from the bookies CCTV. A jury found Mr Tynan guilty and he was sentenced to four years imprisonment with the final year suspended by Judge Patricia Ryan on January 13, 2017.

Mr Tynan then sought to appeal his conviction focusing on the perils of visual identification. However, the three-judge Court of Appeal dismissed his application and affirmed his conviction.

However, after the rejected appeal, Tynans senior counsel, Michael OHiggins, told the Court of Appeal that someone else had "come forward in relation to the attack.

This person had provided a statement claiming he was the third person involved in the attack, Mr OHiggins said.

The case returned to the Court of Appeal in April 2018 where Tynans conviction was quashed under Section 2 of the Criminal Procedure Act 1993.

At the Court of Appeal today, Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy said the court would grant Mr Tynan a certificate of miscarriage of justice.

Mr Justice McCarthy said that the core issue in the case was the process of identification made by gardai and that there had been "a want of material regarding disclosure that could have been of use to the defence in testing the reliability of the identification".

Mr Justice McCarthy noted that Mr Tynan had asserted his innocence and that "a third party came forward, saying he was one of the miscreants at the bookmakers and not the appellant".

Mr Justice McCarthy said that a subsequent evaluation by the Met Police in the UK of photos of the appellant and the man who claims to be the guilty party analysed alongside stills from the bookmakers confirmed Mr Tynan's innocence.

"No criticism is to be made of the gardai in the manner of the investigation but we do believe a certificate should be granted. The proof is that he [Mr Tynan] was actually innocent," said Mr Justice McCarthy, who added that the opinion of the identifying garda was "honestly held and in good faith".

Mr Justice McCarthy said that the court could not make a finding that the appellant is innocent on his evidence alone but there was sufficient credibility for the request of the certificate when the independent, "factually expert" evidence of the Met Police was considered in addition to the other factors in the case.

Mr Justice McCarthy said that without the Met Police's expert opinion, the testimony of Mr Tynan, the infirmities in the identification evidence and the claim made by the other man, the civil standard required for a certificate would not have been met.

The miscarriage of justice was "not in controversy" in Mr Tynan's case, said Mr Justice McCarthy, who then granted the certificate.
The bag was taken and contained her iPhone, her sisters iPhone, car keys and a Bank of Ireland debit card.

Alan Hutch (41) was arrested and charged with the theft after investigating gardai identified him on CCTV footage.

His sentencing was adjourned for a victim impact statement when he appeared in Dublin District Court.

Hutch, from Portland Place in the north inner city, pleaded guilty to theft in the incident on September 9 last year.

The case was previously put back when psychiatric issues were raised, to determine if the accused was fit to enter a plea. It was confirmed that he was fit and he pleaded guilty, his solicitor Roy ONeill said.

Garda Sergeant Tony Flanagan told Judge Bryan Smyth in evidence the victim made a complaint at midnight that she had been in the Red Parrot pub on Dorset Street and had put her handbag down on the counter, near a fire exit.

The bag was taken and contained her iPhone, her sisters iPhone, car keys and a Bank of Ireland debit card.

Hutch was identified on CCTV. The court heard the bag and keys had been recovered.

The judge said he would need to see a victim impact statement before finalising the case.

He adjourned it to a date in September, when mitigation will also be heard.

Alan Hutch was sentenced in 2019 for burglary and assault causing harm to a man at the Office of the Revenue Commissioners on Upper O'Connell Street the previous year.

At the time, the court heard he was in protection in custody in a single cell and had formed certain views that the prison authorities were contaminating his food and water.

In a psychological report, his upbringing was described as challenging, with Hutch witnessing violence inflicted on his mother, brothers and himself by his father.

Alan Hutch is a son of Eddie Hutch (59) who was murdered at his home as part of the Hutch/Kinahan feud on February 8, 2016, in a revenge attack for the Regency Hotel shooting three days earlier.

His mother Jane Hutch (66) was found dead from a suspected heart attack at the family home in January this year.

Eddie Hutch's brother Gerry Hutch was found not guilty by the Special Criminal Court in April this year of the gangland murder of David Byrne at the Regency.

Several other members of the Hutch family have been before the courts in recent years.

CLARIFICATION: While described as The Red Parrot in court, the name of the premises the incident occurred in is Juno. The Red Parrot has ceased to exist since September 2021. We are happy to clarify.
The decision will come as a massive relief to the family of Mr Ryan, who feared the conviction was in jeopardy.

The Supreme Court has affirmed the conviction of Patrick Quirke, the man convicted of the murder of his love rival Bobby Ryan.

A seven judge panel of the court unanimously decided that computer evidence obtained unlawfully by gardai could be considered admissible in the case.

In doing so, they rejected calls from lawyers for Quirke for a retrial.

The decision will come as a massive relief to the family of Mr Ryan, who feared an earlier ruling on the legality of the computer seizure had placed the conviction in jeopardy.

Quirkes conviction was thrown into doubt after the Supreme Court ruled earlier this year the seizure of a computer was unlawful as it was not specified in an application to the District Court for a search warrant.

The computer, found during a search the married Co Tipperary farmers home in May 2013, used to search for online articles about the decomposition of human remains.

This proved to be a key piece of evidence in the circumstantial case against Quirke.

In a subsequent hearing to decide what the practical consequences of the ruling should be, Quirke's lawyers argued there should be a retrial. They said a decision on the admissibility of the evidence found on the computer was one for a trial judge in a new trial.

But lawyers for the DPP argued that while there had been an error in not telling the district court judge of the intention to seize and search computers, the Supreme Court could decide that the evidence was admissible.

In a further ruling today, dealing with the practical implications of the computer evidence decision, Mr Justice Peter Charleton said the conviction could be affirmed arising from principles laid out in a previous Supreme Court case known as JC.

This previously ruling found that evidence obtained illegally could still be deemed admissible if the illegality was inadvertent.

Mr Justice Charleton said it was inescapable the computer evidence was more than a throw-away strand of evidence.

He said it was a significant part of the prosecution case and was incapable of being extracted from the web of proof put forward by the prosecution.

As to whether it should now be excluded, he said it should not.

The gardai executed a warrant that was lawful, in circumstances where the trial judge found they acted in good faith, he said.

It would offend any sense of logic to find it was a deliberate and conscious violation of constitutional rights.

The judge said the inadvertence was the result of an unconscious mistake.

The conviction of the accused for the murder of Bobby Ryan should be affirmed, he said.

Quirke (54) was jailed for life in 2019 for the murder of his love rival Mr Ryan (52), a part-time DJ known as Mr Moonlight.

The 10-2 majority verdict came after a 15-week trial which gripped the nation.

The prosecution case was that Quirke murdered Mr Ryan in June 2011 and dumped his body in a disused underground tank on a farm at Fawnagowan, Co Tipperary he was leasing from Mr Ryans girlfriend Mary Lowry.

Prosecutors said Quirke killed Mr Ryan so he could rekindle an affair he had with Ms Lowry between 2008 and 2010.

The jury was told Quirke staged the discovery of the body in April 2013 as his lease was about to end and he feared he would be found out.

Quirke denied murder and made no admissions to gardai.

The failure by gardai to specify computers in the warrant application was brought up as an issue by Quirkes defence team at his trial, but the computer search evidence was still admitted.

The Court of Appeal subsequently backed the trial judges decision, finding that while the absence of computers from the sworn information in the warrant application was sub-optimal, the omission was not in the nature of a fundamental error.

However, the Supreme Court disagreed. In his judgment on behalf of the court yesterday, Mr Justice Peter Charleton found the warrant should have specified that it was anticipated computers might be seized during the search. The seizure of the computer was unlawful, he said.

Mr Justice Charleton said the seizure of a computer related to the non-physical space and that the seizure for entry into the digital space involves the automatic loss of privacy rights on a vast scale.

The judge said that under the relevant legislation, the Criminal Justice Act 2006, a warrant allows for the search of any place or person. But the definition of place was specific to physical places and therefore could not be extended or altered to include digital spaces, such as the contents of a computer.

Under the warrant issued, the computer could be seized in the same way as an ordinary item, such as a knife or a diary, and could be examined as a physical object for fingerprints.

But to examine the contents, it would have been necessary for gardai seeking a warrant to specify that they wanted to examine a computer device, the judge said.

Mr Justice Charleton said search warrants were essential instruments for investigations and prosecutions, but that protections were also necessary.

Due to the significant intrusion that arises where a computer device is used as a portal into the digital space, an intention to seize a computer for the purpose of running searches, and why that may be reasonably believed to potentially yield information, must be addressed before a judge, he found.
This person has alleged gardai controlled what drugs got to what dealers. The allegations relate to the period between 1997 and 2014.

The High Court is to be asked to grant an order which would protect the identity of a person who has claimed that gardai colluded in the distribution of drugs.

The allegations have been made by an unidentified person who has sworn an affidavit saying they worked in the drugs trade under the supervision and instruction of An Garda Siochana.

This person has alleged gardai controlled what drugs got to what dealers. The allegations relate to the period between 1997 and 2014.

A detective sergeant, who later rose to a senior rank in the force and is now retired, was identified in the affidavit as being centrally involved.

The Irish Independent understands that an application to redact parts of the affidavit and grant anonymity to the person who swore it is based on concerns for this persons safety if their identity was to be disclosed.

A solicitor has told the court there is a threat to the persons life.

The application came before Mr Justice Conor Dignam yesterday, but the judge was not in a position to hear it due to another case and adjourned the matter until later this year.

The application is being made by lawyers for Jack Doyle, a former garda who was stationed in Blarney, Co Cork. It is being consented to by lawyers for the Garda Commissioner.

In his lawsuit, Mr Doyle has sued the commissioner, seeking damages. He claims there was a conspiracy to force him into retirement in 1998 after he raised concerns that certain officers allowed criminals to receive drug shipments.

Following press coverage of a pre-trial application last year, the unidentified person came forward and swore and affidavit which lends credence to certain allegations made by Mr Doyle.

Earlier this year, Mr Justice Dignam ruled the affidavit could be admitted.

Yesterday, he indicated he could not grant the anonymity and redaction application just because it was being consented to by both sides.

The judge said he would have to consider the application, as justice has to be administered in public except in specific and rare circumstances.

The former senior garda named in the affidavit  dubbed Detective Sergeant A by the judge  is one of six ex-gardai who have claimed they cannot remember, due to ill health and the passage of time, drugs operations in the south of the country and other alleged events described by Mr Doyle.

In a legal filing, Mr Doyles solicitor Pat McMyler told the court that given the contents of the affidavit it seems beyond belief Detective Sergeant A would not have sufficient recall of matters to deal with his clients claim.

The solicitor said it was clear Detective Sergeant A was centrally involved with the same characters and the same modus operandi for some significant time after Mr Doyles forced retirement in 1998.

In fact, he continued to oversee similar matters in which the witness was involved up until 2013/2014, the solicitor said. Mr McMyler said the fact the witness had chosen to come forward despite a threat against his life supports the contention that these are grave matters of public interest.

The commissioner has not entered a defence in the case, claiming it has not been possible to do so due to the death and illness of some witnesses and a lack of knowledge as to the whereabouts of others.

Last year, lawyers for the commissioner sought to have Mr Doyles lawsuit dismissed, claiming there was a substantial risk there would not be a fair trial due to the passage of time. They also alleged there had been delay by Mr Doyle in proceeding with the case.

Before Mr Justice Dignam could rule on the dismissal application, the judge was informed of the person coming forward with new information.

The judge said matters alleged by Mr Doyle in relation to Detective Sergeant A were a very significant part of his case and that the new allegations would probably have an important influence on the courts assessment of whether Detective Sergeant As lack of memory was as significant as claimed.

In his lawsuit, Mr Doyle said that while he was a garda he had an informant who infiltrated a serious drugs gang, providing gardai, including Detective Sergeant A, with information on major criminals. However, according to Mr Doyle consignments of drugs were allowed go through to criminal gangs with the knowledge of gardai and leading criminal figures were not arrested.
Gardai have confirmed they have launched an investigation into the incident in Ballincollig.

Fire services on the scene in Ballincollig. Photo credit: Paul Byrne, Twitter

Gardai are investigating after a former school in Co Cork which was due to house Ukrainian refugees was set on fire in a suspected arson attack last night.

A number of people wearing balaclavas reportedly set fire to the Gaelscoil Ui Riordain building in Ballincollig after smashing a number of windows in the property.

The school building, which has been lying empty in recent years, had been earmarked to house a number of Ukrainian refugees and was undergoing refurbishment.

After locals raised the alarm, firefighters rushed to the scene and put out the blaze. The damage caused by the fire has been described as a minor.

Writing on Twitter, Virgin Media reporter Paul Byrne said three people are suspected of carrying out the arson attack.

A garda spokesman confirmed they have launched an investigation into the suspected arson attack.

Gardai are investigating an incident of criminal damage by fire that occurred at a vacant premises in Coolroe, Ballincollig in the early hours of Friday, 28th July 2023.

Gardai received report and attended the scene at approximately 12:10am. Cork City Fire Brigade were alerted, who also attended a short time later and extinguished the fire.

"The scene is currently being held, pending a technical examination.

"Enquiries are ongoing.

The Irish Examiner recently reported that the building was to be used to accommodate 94 Ukrainians.
Vietnam ranks second in number of foreign tourists to Laos in H1

Street food vendors are seen in the Laos capital of Vientiane. Photo by AFP

Nearly 399,000 Vietnamese tourists came to Laos in the first half of this year, the second biggest number of foreign visitors to Laos during the period, according to the Lao Tourism Development Department.

A recent report by the department shows that Laos welcomed over 1.67 million international arrivals in the first six months of this year. Topping the contingent is Thailand (over 668,000), followed by Vietnam, China (over 317,000), South Korea (nearly 73,000), and the U.S. (30,455).

Tourists from ASEAN countries accounted for the largest number of the visitors to Laos, with nearly 1.1 million, followed by the over 427,000 visitors from other countries in the Asia-Pacific region. In the first half of this year, Laos attracted only over 100,000 visitors from Europe, and over 41,000 visitors from the Americas.

According to the Lao media, the higher number of foreign visitors can be attributed, in part, to international media coverage from renowned publications such as National Geographic, CNN, Wanderlust, and Fodors, which have highlighted Laos as a must-visit destination in 2023.

With positive results in the first half, Laos expects to attract about 2 million international visitors this year.

The country has set goals to attract over 4 million visitors and to get a tourism revenue of about US$712 million in 2024.

To achieve this, the Lao government plans to invest in infrastructure renovations, produce tourism advertising materials, develop QR codes for tourism sites, and create a comprehensive tourism handbook.
Deirdre (18) was last seen metres from the front gate of her parents home in Newbridge, Co Kildare on Tuesday, July 28, 1998

The father of missing woman Deirdre Jacob has appealed for the public for help ahead of a prayer service to mark the anniversary of her disappearance.

The 18-year-old She was last seen metres from the front gate of her parents home in Newbridge, Co Kildare on Tuesday, July 28, 1998, at approximately 3.30 pm  exactly 25 years ago

She never made it back inside the house.

In an interview with RTE's Morning Ireland, Deirdres father, Michael Jacob said his family are asking people to search their memory for anything that might help gardai.

"We are imploring people to think and to try and remember back and remind other people.

"Maybe there is someone out there who for some reason or another wasn't in a position to come forward, maybe now their circumstances may have changed somewhat, and maybe they're more free to come forward."

He added: "There's not a time of day or a portion of a day that goes by that we do not think of Deirdre or go over in our minds what might have happened.

Deirdre Jacob

The day she went missing, Deirdre had popped into town to visit a bank, the post office, and her grandmothers shop.

She was captured on CCTV walking through the town carrying a black canvas bag with a yellow Caterpillar (CAT) logo.

When last seen she was also wearing a navy Nike jumper with a white collar, blue jeans and blue runners.

She was visiting her hometown from London, where she was studying in St Mary's Teacher Training College in Twickenham.

The student was due to return to the English capital the following week to start a job as a receptionist.

Deirdre's disappearance was treated officially by gardai as a missing persons case until August 2018, when it was formally upgraded to a murder investigation.

The decision to reclassify the case followed the emergence of new information, which led to gardai opening up fresh lines of inquiry.

Larry Murphy has previously been named as a suspect in Ms Jacobs disappearance but has never been charged in connection with the case.

Larry Murphy

During an interview with gardai while in prison, Murphy denied any involvement in her disappearance.

Gardai travelled to Britain in 2018 and, in the company of the London Metropolitan police, attempted to interview Murphy, but he refused to answer questions.

Investigators have followed 3,500 lines of inquiry, gathered more than 2,000 statements and conducted numerous searches for the missing student since 1998.

Murphy has been ruled out of involvement in the cases of Ciara Breen, Fiona Pender and Fiona Sinnott.
He also intends to unmask the men who murdered his father.

Jonathan Turley plans to hold a gun to the head of the British State.

Having just emerged from Maghaberry Prison in the wake of extradition from Thailand and a jail term in Bangkok, it seems a battle that he cant win.

Despite a life of criminality, the 41-year-old says he is taking on the State and exposing the man he claims is an MI6 agent and the man who condemned him to a Thai prison cell.

In an exclusive interview, Turley told the Sunday World how he survived in Thai prison, sharing a living space with 70 people, how, he claims, the Northern Ireland Prison Service subjected him to mental torture, and how he is fighting to keep his daughter from the clutches of organised crime in Thailand.

He also intends to unmask the men who murdered his father.

Jonathan was 15 years old when Frankie Turleys body was found dumped by the side of a railway line in Newtownabbey.

Widely believed to have been the fourth man in an aborted armed robbery in which three people were shot dead by an undercover British intelligence unit, Frankie Turley was a victim of state murder, it is claimed.

Jonathan's father Frankie was murdered 26 years ago

My daddy was shot by the State, his son told the Sunday World this week.

People can say what they like about him  and me  but he was killed by the Government  the people who are supposed to look after us, they killed him.

Turley accepts he will get little sympathy from people who regard him as a criminal.

I get that, but this is about justice, there will be no justice until people take the State on.

Turley and his family are now campaigning for a fresh inquest into Frankies death but are at risk of being thwarted by the Governments controversial Legacy Bill.

My daddys murder has been reclassified as a Troubles killing, so theyre trying to bury it, he says.

Currently studying psychology and theology while living in a Belfast hostel, Turley insists he is not the man people remember.

I understand human behaviour, I understand how people think but most importantly is I understand how the State behaves.

Jonathan Turley, left, with Tommy Diver in Thailand

People see me living in Thailand and they see someone on the run, living the high life. And dont get me wrong, I did the whole Thai thing for years  it was what it was.

He spent his time holed up with on-the-run dissident Thomas Diver, who he now claims is an MI5 agent and the man he blames for him landing in a Bangkok jail.

Hes a dirty, rotten, stinking bastard, fumed Turley.

I went to jail because of him, I shared a room with 70 people in that jail, we were fed rice that was six months out of date, we had to drink dirty water.

What I remember is the cats and dogs with the scarves round their necks, they belonged to the prisoners and the scarves or bandanas were in the gang colours.

Even the rats belonged to someone.

Turley said he sought refuge in Thailand after Diver, who is wanted in connection with a dissident rocket attack on security forces in Ardoyne, reached out to him.

Little did I know that when I went out there, MI5 and MI6 came with me. I know people will think this is James Bond stuff, but its true.

The State sent agents out to Thailand to watch me, meet me. My daddys murder is a big part of that, they dont want what they did in this country to come out.

Turley returned to Northern Ireland and a cell in Maghaberry.

If I thought Thailand was bad this was unbelievable, for five years I was tortured, mentally.

The screws would say to me choo choo because my Daddy was found near a railway line. There were many times I thought about killing myself.

That prison is a cesspit, it is horrendous what people are being put through the ringer, the mental health issues are beyond description.

He says his intention now is to dissuade others from following his path into crime.

Its not what it looks like, young people see the money and the cars and the girls, but you spend your life looking over your shoulder.

Im living proof that you can change, Im studying, theology, psychology and Latin.

Despite his new life path, he is facing criminal proceedings over seven alleged assaults on prison officers.

I can explain a lot of that, like I can explain what its like to be a criminal, a wanted man, its not fun.

Last year he hit the headlines for trashing his cell at Magilligan  an episode he says was the result of his mental torture.

Thank God I was transferred to Magilligan, he said.

Turley was extradited back to Northern Ireland from Thailand to face charges over a 2014 attack on a taxi driver

A court was told the driver had picked Turley up in Belfast.

However, the cabbie  who suspected the man he had just picked up was not the person who had made the booking  asked Turley the name of the person who booked the taxi.

Not happy with his response, the driver then asked Turley to get out of the vehicle.

His conviction last year was the latest in Turleys extensive criminal record.

In 2008, he was jailed for 10 years for stabbing a man five times.

He now insists he is a man of peace and his only concern is bringing his four-year-old daughter home from Thailand.

I just want Pim to be here with me, thats all that matters.
Them and us culture fuels discontent and needs to change at the national broadcaster, say TV sources

RYAN TUBRIDY would be welcomed back with open arms to his job as a radio presenter by his colleagues in RTE  if he takes a substantial pay cut in his rock star salary.

There is now speculation that the door is slowly opening for the return of Tubs, following his meeting with the new Director-General Kevin Bakhurst last week.

RTE said in a statement that the two men got together in person for a one-to-one meeting this week and had a good, open, and constructive conversation and will meet again in a few weeks.

RTEs Education Correspondent and National Union of Journalists (NUJ) officer Emma OKelly told the Sunday World: The way I see it among the people Im speaking to, its not the person who is the issue, its the salaries.

A colleague of mine calls them rock-star salaries. They are the issue. Its not against Ryan Tubridy per se, its the salaries that are the problem.

She said the eye-watering payments that the big names in RTE enjoy are so out of kilter with what the majority of people who work in the station alongside the people on the rock-star salaries are getting. There should be no place for these kind of inflated salaries.

Emma, who is chair of the NUJ Dublin Broadcasting Branch, adds: The NUJ position is that we want a cap on salaries. Nobody wants to deprive somebody of a living. Nobody wants to go out and attack Ryan Tubridy as an individual, because hes an affable guy and a very talented broadcaster.

Ryan Tubridy could be back working on radio



If anybody is saying he should never be back its just because of the salary.

A media observer predicted that Ryan Tubridy is likely to return to RTE on a heavily reduced salary.

His salary was going to be cut anyway because he gave up his role on The Late Late Show, but prior to the payments scandal his agent Noel Kelly would undoubtedly have hammered out a new lucrative deal for Tubridy, he says.

If Tubridy was still the presenter of The Late Late Show he would have had strong bargaining power because its the flagship of the station and it would have been difficult to quickly replace him for a September deadline if negotiations broke down.

By leaving when he did, Tubridy handed back all the power to the new Director- General. Kevin Bakhurst now holds all the cards. Tubridys departure from the Late Late, which came before the payments scandal emerged and Bakhurst took over, was a godsend to the new DG as he now tries to sort out the RTE mess.

Another RTE insider says there is a view in the station that the public will welcome back Ryan Tubridy to the airwaves and there will be forgiveness because the majority blame the culture in RTE and not the individual for the scandal.

Ryan Tubridy with his agent Noel Kelly

I think the public will forgive and forget because they like Tubridy, but the staff wont forget, he says. Ryan Tubridy is a very nice guy and I always had time for him, but hes emblematic of the them and us culture in RTE.

He is on such massive money, and its the big money that causes the divide. It will be awkward for him to walk back in and face everyone.

When I heard him saying countless times on the Late Late during Covid that were all in this together, it was really stomach churning and disingenuous because he still had his job and was taking home more than half a million a year, while many people were scraping by on a couple of hundred quid every week.

Staff in RTE said at recent meetings that they would love to be paid 75,000, which was just one of the secret payments Tubs received in a year. The salary for researchers on the Late Late is capped at 55,000 and it takes 12 years before you get to that level.

I have no animosity against Ryan, but Ive talked to people who worked with him and there was a them and us.

Kevin Bakhurst

He was part of a team, but a different person on the team because of the huge money he earns. A lot of hard-working people on the team were earning a fraction of his salary.

Another source points out that there is annoyance over the fact that while Ryan Tubridy might have left his financial dealings to his agent Noel Kelly, he was still aware that his published salary was incorrect.

He hasnt done anything to deserve losing his job, but obviously there are issues around his published salary, he says. Tubridy saw it was incorrect, but he didnt think it was necessary to disabuse the public of the notion that he was on less than half a million when he knew damn well he wasnt. So we have big issues with all of that.

But if theres one thing that the payments scandal has shown the Irish public its that the majority of people working in RTE behind the scenes... are on a very average wage. Were not all millionaires. Thats just a few elite presenters.
I want [my new album] to be opening up my story, starting to tell my story to my fans and to the audience and to the people that are going to listen

HES on his way to being one of Irelands biggest stars, and Cian Ducrot from Cork says he takes his inspiration from Eminem.

Next month, Cian (25) will release his first album called Victory, in which he documents a tortured past and pays tribute to the loved ones who helped him survive it.

Growing up, one of the artists I was really inspired by was Eminem, Cian tells Shuffle as we chat in the penthouse of a trendy Dublin hotel.

What I loved about his music was that it had the perfect balance of amazing storytelling of a story that was very personal to him. He was very in-depth with it. He opened his life to the world and so many people related to it, but the music was also really great commercial music.

When I was coming to do my debut album, for a long time I always knew I wanted my first album to be that kind of album. I want it to be opening up my story, starting to tell my story to my fans and to the audience and to the people that are going to listen. I want them to listen to it and get an insight into my life, what I grew up with and how I dealt with that.

I wanted it to be that sort of first chapter - heres what youre getting into, this is me, this is what my music is going to be like and youre welcome to come and find out more and stick around for album two and three and four and see where we go. I just want to be very real and open from the beginning.

Cian Ducrot

Cian is referring to a turbulent childhood. He no longer has any contact with his Irish father and has taken his French mothers surname.

On the other side, I had this beautiful, amazing relationship with my mum and my brother, Cian says. My mother gave us a life that were so lucky to have. She did everything she could to try and counter-balance the awful stuff that was happening at the same time. So it was kind of like this weird double life situation.

I always knew early on that there was a purpose to what I went through, or I wanted to give it a purpose. I always felt inside of me all of this bad stuff happened and I can turn it into something positive. And I will be open about my story and I will talk about it and I wont be ashamed. Ill show people that they shouldnt be ashamed (of whatever happened to them) and feel that just because it happened they cant go on and achieve great things.

There are so many angles to it. I want to show people that they can achieve their dreams, that they can go through really horrible things and come out the other side. And that they can be happy because Im a really happy person. Although my music is so emotional Im extremely happy. I have so much joy for life and my friends, my family. Living life to the full is what I learned from that.

Cian, who had a major breakthrough with his song, All For You, pays tribute on the album to both his mother and his stepfather.

To me, hes my dad, he says of his stepfather. Hes the man who raised me and Ill never forget that. I was probably five or six when Mum first met him.

Our relationship is something that I cherish. I really wanted to write a song to be able to (tell him). Its something that maybe I would just struggle to say to him, but hell hear it in the song and maybe that will open another level to our relationship.

Its an incredibly important relationship to me. It means so much to me in my life. I knew that I had to write about it.
A 246-year-old oil painting of a Maori man in Dusky Sound, done by the official artist on Captain James Cooks second voyage of exploration to the South Pacific and New Zealand, has failed to sell at an art auction.

William Hodges was on Captain Cooks Royal Navy sloop HMS Resolution from 1772 to 1775 when it visited New Zealand after three months at sea. In Dusky Sound, where there were plentiful supplies of fresh water, seafood and wild game, Hodges prepared a drawing of the sound from which he made the oil painting in 1777 afterResolution returned to England.

He named the painting A Maori Before A Waterfall in Dusky Bay and it is considered to be the beginning of oil paintings of New Zealand scenes.

At the sale of Important and Rare Art at the International Art Centre in Parnell this week there were no bids and it was passed in although it may be sold by negotiation. It was earlier thought it could sell for between $800,000 and $1.2 million.

Auctioneer and director of the International Art Centre Richard Thomson, says the Hodges work was historically unique.

This painting is of great significance and being the first oil painting of a New Zealand scene, it is unique and incredibly important."

He saYS an Australian authority on Hodges had told him if the work had featured an Australian scene, it would have sold for between $8 million and $12 million.

He believes it is one of the most important paintings to be offered in New Zealand.

This is an absolute gem and Captain Cook is quoted as saying Hodges was employed to make drawings and paintings of such places in the countries we should touch at, as might be proper to give a more perfect idea thereof, than could be formed from written descriptions only."

He says there was a lot of interest in other works in the sale but galleries throughout the country were going through a slight downturn in sales as buyer interest was diverted by other events.

At the same sale an oil painting by Charles Frederick Goldie, the leading New Zealand artist of Maori kaumatua (respected elders) sold for slightly over $1.2 million, including commission and GST.

Memories Tearara, was painted and signed by Goldie in 1933 and was of a chieftainess of the Arawa Tribe of Rotorua.

Bidding for the Goldie was fierce with 17 bids from the auction room and around the country.

Richard says such works of art rarely came on the market and although the Hodges work did not sell, there was a lot of interest in it.

The Goldie work is likely to be a protected object of art which cannot leave New Zealand without approval from the Governments Ministry for Culture and Heritage.

Still Life, a major oil on canvas work by internationally renowned Dunedin-born New Zealand artist Frances Hodgkins, was also passed in without reaching its reserve of $450,000 but Mr Thomson says a private sale may be negotiated.

Hodgkins is thought to have painted Still Life at Pound Farm in Higham, Suffolk, the seventeenth century home of her firm friends, British artist Sir Cedric Morris, whose father played rugby for Wales, and Morriss partner Arthur Lett-Haines.

A record price was achieved for Collapse, a 1944 oil painting by New Zealand artist Lois White who died in 1984 aged 81. Bidding began at $90,000 and after 24 highly competitive bids, it sold for $288,000, including commission and GST.
A Kiwi Korean War veteran was brought to tears after visiting the grave of his great friend who was lost during the war in 1951, for the first time.

John Barnett travelled to Korea, alongside veterans from 22 countries around the world, to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Korean War Armistice on July 27.

Originally from Piopio, Barnett was among the first New Zealand Defence Force Personnel to be sent to the Korean War, on board HMNZS Rotoiti in 1950. He returned on a second tour from 1952-53 on the HMNZS Hawea.

Despite this, it was during this trip that Barnett first set foot on Korean soil.

Fantastic place, fantastic people he says.

He, and fellow Kiwi Veteran Ronald Pocock, visited the United Nations Memorial Cemetery in Busan, South Korea, on Thursday and laid a wreath to remember the 32 New Zealanders buried there.

More than 6000 New Zealand Defence Force Troops served in Korea during the war. Less than 200 of them are alive today.

Barnetts friend, Able Seaman Robert (Bob) Marchioni, is one of two New Zealanders to have headstones at the cemetery, although their bodies were never recovered.

Marchioni was part of a small group of six men, one of three from his ship, the HMNZS Rotoiti, who were sent behind enemy lines to capture a prisoner, his brother previously told Stuff.

When the group was spotted, Marchioni stood up to throw a grenade and was shot in the chest, killing him.

Barnett said it was heart-wrenching to be able to visit his friends memorial for the first time.

It was something Id wanted to see for a long time. Its fantastic to see him here. I think of him most days, he says.

The pair were both 19-years-old when they served together on the Rotoiti. Barnett said Marchioni was the ships barber and that he had cut his hair the day he died.

Barnett said he would be going straight back to the Hamilton RSA to tell Marchionis brother all about the day.

Standing alongside him this week was fellow veteran Ronald Pocock, who served on the HMNZS Kaniere during the conflict.

Pocock travelled from Whanganui to Korea with his granddaughter Aimee to be there for the armistice anniversary.

He says he found it very emotional, and it was special to have her there alongside him.

Governor General Dame Cindy Kiro also travelled to South Korea for the commemoration. She laid a wreath at the New Zealand Memorial alongside the president Suk Yeol Yoon.

The pair met earlier this week and discussed the armistice commemorations, recent extreme weather events and the possibility of further collaboration and investment between the countries.

There is a strong history of friendship between our countries, and in my conversation with President Yoon, we agreed there is even more we can do to build on this, she said.

Aged 91 and 89 respectively, it is possible these will be the last living Kiwi Korean War veterans that return to Korea.

The Korean Ministry for Veterans Affairs funds a trip for veterans and their families every year to thank the men for their efforts during the war and to show the progress that peacetime has enabled them to make.

After a poignant morning in the beating sun, Barnett and Pocock were very much looking forward to finding a cold beer.

Shannon Redstall and Chris Skeltons travel to South Korea was made possible by the Asia New Zealand Foundation.

-Shannon Redstall/Stuff.
Another Tauranga mobility card-holder has come forward after being fed up and frustrated from receiving more than 10 parking infringements issued by Tauranga City Councils roving vehicle.

Reading an article in The Sun last week about a woman being ticketed by councils roving vehicle, after it failed to pick up on her mobility permit, Carol Flynn reached out to share her own story.

I park in a mobility parking spot in Elizabeth St every work day from 6am until about 3pm in the afternoon, so Im constantly getting tickets for infringements saying that Im parking for over and above what Im paying for, when the facts are that Im not, says Carol, who has her mobility permit is displayed in her car.

Tauranga City Councils rules for vehicles displaying a valid mobility card allow for double the parking time restriction (maximum two hours), and theyre permitted to pay half of their parking time needed.

Following these rules, Carol says she pays $6.50 a day for parking via the Paymypark App. Enforcing paid parking offences, TCC uses parking officers and roving vehicles that use Licence Plate Recognition technology to capture a vehicles location and check for valid parking payments against the vehicles registration.

Enforcing mobility carparks

Last week, TCCs regulation monitoring team leader Stuart Goodman commented.

The LPR is not used to enforce mobility carparks (this is still done by officers on foot), only paid parking offences. From her experience, Carol says this comment is incorrect.

The fact that [council] said they do not use the scanners, that a warden comes around to specifically check the mobility parksis not true at all. Ive received one ticket outside work from the warden and that was when my Warrant of Fitness was out inadvertently  that was the one and only time Ive received a ticket by the warden.

However, Carol says shes received about 20 parking infringement notices since April. Every single infringement notice Ive received has been via the scanner on the [roving] car.

Attempting to clear up these contradictions, The Sun followed up with TCC again.

An officer on foot will identify if vehicles parked in a mobility space have a valid mobility card displayed. If not, a $150 infringement can be issued. The LPR is used to monitor paid parking offences in all paid carparks, which include mobility parks, says Stuart.

Infringements and errors

This vehicle received six parking infringements before contacting us in April to advise they had a mobility card. This registration was entered into our system.

These infringements were waived after Carol disputed them on the basis of councils parking rules for mobility card-holders.

Yet after her mobility card was registered to her registration plate, Carol has continued receiving infringements. In email communication between Carol and councils Regulation Monitoring Team in May, council stated: We have checked our records and firstly can confirm that your Mobility Permit was in our system to ensure correct parking restrictions are adhered to. We apologise as the ticket was issued in error and can confirm that the ticket has today been cancelled and no further action is required.

Carol says: Why is the onus up to me to prove that Ive paid my parking legally when their system should be able to do that because I pay through their app? So their receipting system should be able to see it, match it and marry it up.

Few options available

This situation involves a CBD worker using a public mobility park for all-day parking outside their workplace, says Stuart.

While this is not illegal, council prefers that these parks are kept available for visitors to the CBD and that employers look at other options to cater for staff with mobility/access issues.

We dont use these mobility carpark spaces because we think were special, its because we dont have an option, says Carol. I think thats the annoying thing and then for them to keep sending infringements, its almost like it points the finger at you to prove time and time again, that youve actually got something wrong with you.

Its not a designated car space to me, but its just their attitude. If I could walk 10 miles, I would walk 10 miles. The thing is I cant walk 10 miles. I cant walk 2km.

Carol has a breathing disability which affects her the most this time of year.

This weather is just shocking for me to have to be out in it and try walk in it, and it just hits home even more how fragile I am and I dont want to feel that. I dont want to be feeling sorry for myself.

More fines

Further infringements have been issued to Carol as Stuart says shes been selecting the incorrect zone on the Paymypark App.

Initially, it was not identified that Carol had been purposely selecting the incorrect payment zone. We will advise Carol that she needs to select the correct zone going forward to avoid further fines.

Carol says she has ultimately been punished as the mobility carpark she uses is now out of action.

The consequences are Ive lost that carpark now because theyve fenced off the road to do yet more roadworks. I will basically try work from home until Christmas until all those roadworks are finished.

Im really, really angry. Theres a lot of things I dont do because of the parking situation in Tauranga  so it makes me feel like a prisoner in my own town really and yeah it does push me out.
MetService weather analysts are forecasting a mainly settled day ahead for most of the country.

"Thanks to high pressure, there is a little cloud about for some, though with a light shower or two, but its otherwise not too bad."

For Northland, Auckland, Waikato and Bay of Plenty there is a mix of sun and cloud,

Bay of Plenty will be sunny all day. Cloud will thicken in the evening for Auckland and Northland, bringing the risk of a shower. The four regions will have gentle southwesterlies with temperatures highs for the day ranging from 13  15 degrees Celsius.



Western North Island (including Central North Island)

Cloud thickens in the morning, chance of a shower from afternoon, clearing evening. Light winds.

Highs: 7  14



Eastern North Island

A mix of sun and cloud, southwesterlies develop in the morning, easing evening.

Highs: 12  14



Wellington

Partly cloudy, light northerlies.

Highs: 11  12



Marlborough & Nelson

Mostly sunny with a touch of high cloud, light winds tend onshore.

Highs: 11  13



Canterbury

Mostly sunny with a touch of high cloud, light north to northeasterly winds.

Highs: 10  12



West Coast

Mostly sunny with a few clouds for North Westland, further south skies are cloudier with showers for Fiordland. Light winds.

Highs: 10  13



Southland & Otago

Partly cloudy, Southland and Central Otago may be mostly cloudy with a spit or shower possible in the afternoon. Gentle north to northwesterly winds.

Highs: 10  13
Mijas honours Alan Burden, one of its most popular artists The Casa Museo in Mijas is to host an exhibition of the work of the English artist, who lived in the town from 1983 until his death last year

Tony Bryant Mijas Compartir Copiar enlace

WhatsApp

Facebook

Twitter

LinkedIn

Telegram

The folk museum (Casa Museo) in Mijas Pueblo is preparing to host an exhibition of paintings by Alan Burden, an English artist who lived in the town from 1983 until his death last year. The collection, which can be viewed from Friday 4 until Monday 21 August, will include landscape scenes of the Sierra de Mijas that the artist produced while living in the town that he came to love and whose residents welcomed him with open arms.

Alan moved to Mijas from the UK with his partner Stephanie, whom he married in Gibraltar two years after arriving in the town. Alan had worked as an art teacher in England, and he continued teaching at the Sunny View school in Torremolinos, and also in the Centro de Artes in Mijas Pueblo.

"We chose Mijas to live as it was known as an artists' village. When we came it was a new democratic society and the town hall was trying very hard to restore the town's culture, which interested Alan. He was greatly influenced by the landscape of Andalucia and wanted to capture the vastness and the greatness of the mountains," Stephanie told SUR in English.

Born in 1938, Alan studied art and design, then went on to study art education at the University of Newcastle Upon Tyne, receiving a diploma in Art Education. He taught art from 1967 to 1983, although he became disillusioned with the educational system, which instigated his decision to move to Andalucia.

Alan exhibited his work constantly in the UK, and also in America, Holland, Portugal, Germany and some of the major cities throughout Spain. He employed acrylic or watercolour paints with a subtle underlay of relief and more loosely applied texture. His prime interest was in the forms derived from mountain landscapes. Although a native of southern England, his earlier works were taken from the Highlands of Scotland and the wilder parts of north-east England. Since taking up residence in Mijas, his works focused on the wonders of Spanish landscape, although he also had a love for jazz.

"Another great passion of Alan's was jazz. He used to love to go to Ronnie Scott's when he lived in Essex, and he did a series of portraits called Icons, which included many of his heroes," Stephanie said.

He also developed a love of Spanish artists, especially Velazquez, who he claimed was well before his time.

"His favourite artist in this country was Velazquez. When we went to Madrid, he was absolutely bowled over when viewing his work. He also loved Sorolla and made a point of visiting the Sorolla Museum every time we went to Madrid: he loved the light and freedom in his work," Alan's proud widow explained.

In one of the many interviews he gave to the media, Alan described his work as "figurative", claiming that his work, "containing as it does geometrical symbols and using a form of perspective close to the oriental method, moves very much towards the abstract".

His interest with Gestalt ideas on perception caused him to search for the abstract fundamentals within the figurative framework of his paintings.

The Gestalt theory is widely used in psychotherapy and problem solving, but it has also become popular as one of the most attractive psychological approaches for people who believe that the way of being, behaving and feeling cannot be reduced only to what is directly observable or measurable.

Popular character

However, it was not only Alan's art that made him stand out, as he was extremely popular with other artists on the coast, one of whom was close friend Ernst Kraft, who said Alan's "creativity, personality and generosity left an indelible mark on my life".

"As well as being a talented artist, Alan had a knack for storytelling with seriousness, mockery or humour. We enjoyed great moments together. He always managed to see things from a unique perspective, being a captivating and an extremely intelligent and erudite human being," Ernst said.

The exhibition in Mijas is organised by Alan's stepdaughter, Sandra, who explained that the idea to show, and hopefully sell, some of his art is something she felt compelled to arrange.

"Before my stepfather died, we had a conversation about what he wanted us to do, and he said that the only thing he wanted was for his art to be on people's walls, and not piled high in his studio, which is where they have been since he died. This show, which will include a mixture of his landscapes and his jazz paintings, is an honour to him, because it was his final wish," Sandra explained.

The exhibition can be viewed from Monday to Sunday between the hours of 10am and 7pm.
The United States is closely following the arrest in Azerbaijan of opposition leader Qubad Ibadoglu, said State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller.

Ibadoglu is an internationally known economist and chairperson of the Azerbaijan Democracy and Prosperity Party. For years he led a nongovernmental group that focused on public finance management, good governance, and transparency. In 2014, Azerbaijani authorities forcibly closed the organization.

Facing what observers say were politically motivated charges, in 2015 Ibadoglu left Azerbaijan and taught at academic institutions in the United States and Europe. He recently returned to Azerbaijan after helping to establish an organization in the United Kingdom to support study abroad for Azerbaijani youth. He announced that funds for the endeavor would be reclaimed from money stolen from the Azerbaijani people and economy by the Azerbaijani government.

Ibadoglu was arrested July 23 outside of Baku as he was driving to meet with young activists from his political party. The next day he was sentenced to three months and 26 days of pretrial detention and charged with the production, acquisition, or sale of counterfeit money. Authorities also accused him of being a supporter of Fethullah Gulen, the U.S.-based Sunni cleric who leads a group the Turkish government claims is a terrorist organization. If convicted, Ibadoglu faces up to 12 years in prison. He denies all allegations against him.

In the State Departments most recent report on human rights in Azerbaijan, significant human rights issues were noted, including systematic government corruption; arbitrary detention; politically motivated reprisal against individuals; and pervasive problems with the independence of the judiciary.

In commenting on Ibadoglus arrest and detention, State Department Spokesperson Miller said, The United States remains strongly committed to advancing respects for human rights and fundamental freedoms. We urge Azerbaijan to protect the human rights and fundamental freedoms of its citizens, including Qubad Ibadoglu, consistent with Azerbaijanis own constitution and international obligations and commitments.
Nesh, the teacher whose Malaga-style Spanish classes go viral This Master's student, who speaks five languages, now has over 1.5 million likes on TikTok, where she is revolutionising language-learning through her fun videos, popular among locals themselves

Anna Clift / Angel Gallardo Malaga Compartir Copiar enlace

WhatsApp

Facebook

Twitter

LinkedIn

Telegram

Neshann Lacuesta, who studied languages at University College Dublin before moving to Spain in 2019, has become something of a celebrity in Malaga. Now, Nesh is recognised in the streets after a video she posted in which she spoke about her struggle adapting to the Andalusian accent went viral on various social media platforms.

In the video she explains expressions she has learned in Malaga such as 'aro' (instead of 'claro' meaning 'of course'), and 'amove' (how 'vamos a ver' meaning 'let's see' can sound in Malaga). She adds that she spent her Erasmus year in Ciudad Real in Castilla La Mancha and the Spanish she heard there was entirely different to what she is learning in southern Spain.

Speaking to SUR in English, the 27-year-old said, "I wasn't aware of the huge difference [in the accent], but I adapted to it quickly enough." However, she admitted, "I still struggle a bit with very strong accents from small towns."

Nesh is studying for a Master's degree to become a secondary school English teacher at the University of Malaga. She herself represents a mixture of cultures, being of Filipino origin and having moved to Ballina in Ireland when she was 11. She has lived in four different countries and shared flats with people from all over the world.

She first fell in love with Malaga when working as an au pair in Benalmadena in 2016. She then came back in 2019 to work as an English-language assistant and did this for two years before deciding to stay and do a Master's. She told SUR in English that she loves "the people, the language and the food" in Malaga, adding that "everything is reasonably priced".

What's more, Malaga is a city where she feels she can be herself. "I've always had an identity crisis and a crisis of not knowing where my home is. When I'm in the Philippines, I feel more Irish; when I'm in Ireland, I feel more Filipino; but when I'm in Malaga, I feel me."

In terms of Nesh's social media presence, her main page is called Live and Speak English. The idea to create the channel came when she worked as an English-language assistant at a secondary school and was asked to create an interactive video for her pupils. Then, in December 2020, she created an Instagram page for teaching English and soon after a TikTok one, as that was the platform the pupils at her school seemed to use the most.

Live and Speak English now has 156,000 followers on Instagram and 198,000 on TikTok, with most of the audience interacting from Spain or Latin America.

Last year she launched The Live and Speak Challenge, a digital course for learning English in an alternative way. After the TikTok boom, so many users have signed up that she has to select those who are going to be her students.

"We meet twice a week and every day they also have to send a video of themselves speaking English," she said.

She has also recently started a second channel called Live and Speak Spanish: "The funny thing is that most of my followers [on this channel] are now from Spain! I guess they just love learning about their language or seeing someone non-native teach their funny expressions."

This is not the first time Nesh's videos have gone viral. "The first time I blew up was in February 2022," she said. "From there my following kept increasing."

"One of my most popular videos was about Semana Santa in Malaga," she added, highlighting that videos specific to Spanish and Andalusian culture seem to be most popular.

The response to her video has been positive, particularly from Andalusians: "They have all been so welcoming."

Although she has received some comments claiming she is learning the 'wrong' Spanish, "which I then try to defend because having an accent or speaking another dialect doesn't make anyone speak the language wrong."

Nesh's channel represents a new way of teaching and learning languages - through social media.

"We have no limits on rules and the content we share. Plus, we can teach the most updated expressions that wouldn't be in normal textbooks," she explained, adding, "It's a lot more entertaining and accessible to everyone."

When asked about her future plans, Nesh told SUR in English that she aims to stay in Malaga, and to "keep making courses and spreading my passion for interculturality and multilingualism".

"I want people to know that learning a language is easy and fun and shouldn't be a burden or an obligation, that opens so many doors and lets us connect with others on a much deeper level."
Pilar Martinez Compartir Copiar enlace

WhatsApp

Facebook

Twitter

LinkedIn

Telegram

On 21 June, Malaga and Belgrade were locked in battle bidding to host Expo 2027 when the Serbian capital snatched away the prize, winning by just 11 points. Obviously, with the Costa del Sol running direct flights to this city, our curiosity has never been greater than now to learn what this city has to offer. So we packed our bags and headed to Nikola Tesla Airport, ready to discover the charms of a capital city nestled between the Sava and Danube rivers as it faces each day to build a future forged by its history.

Prices? Given that it is the high season for tourist travel, flights in July and August are more expensive and can be around 500 euros, but in a recent flight search from Thursday 7 to Sunday 10 September, the cost of one round trip was 251 euros. It is also worth knowing that flight rates change almost daily.

Ampliar Kalemegdan is a large park and the citys fortress, Belgrades most important monument

THE AIRLINE THAT LINKS BELGRADE AND MALAGA Air Serbia

Air Serbia, the national carrier for Serbia, operates flights from Malaga at different times on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sunday.

Flight time: Nearly three and a half hours.

Getting to the city from the airport.The international airport is located about 20km west of the city. The only means of transport that you can use to reach Belgrade city centre are bus and taxi. There is no train or metro service. Running hourly, the traveller can take the A1 bus route, which is the fastest as it only makes two stops before reaching the terminus at Slavija Square, less than a 10-minute walk from Knez Mihailova street, the most well-known area in Belgrade. The journey lasts 30-40 minutes and the ticket price is 400 dinars, paid onboard. There is a cheaper alternative, bus line 72: 89 dinars at the kiosk or 150 onboard. It takes 40-60 minutes because it makes many stops.

What to eat

Serbian cuisine is very rich due to its many influences. If staying in Belgrade you have to sample sarma, one of the typical dishes, consisting of a savoury filling wrapped in pickled cabbage leaves and then cooked on sauerkraut. You should also try cevapi, a type of kebab made with minced beef and lamb and served with onions and various sauces, or pljeskavica, a giant burger made with minced meat and spices. Make room to taste some burek, filo pastry stuffed with meat, spinach or cheese that is ideal for breakfast or lunch and can be found in any bakery or restaurant throughout the city.

Where to eat

The options are plenty. A classic place and an almost essential visit for tourists is Zavicaj restaurant. Following the line of traditional cuisine, but with a more modern atmosphere, is the Manufaktura restaurant, very close to the most important shopping street in Belgrade. Also, it is handy for visiting Drama Cevapi, considered the best place to eat cevapi in the Serbian capital, and Boutique, right in Republic Square and one of the most classic places to eat in the city. Another great plan is to take an early evening walk through Skadarlija, the bohemian district, to then dine at restaurants such as Skadarska ulica and Tri sesira, ending the evening with a cocktail at the Red Bar.

The main sights

Belgrade is a city of real contrasts. From palaces to buildings still in need of repair following their destruction in one of the last wars on European soil (except for the Russian invasion of Ukraine). Its most important monument is Beogradska Tvrava, an immense fortress at the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers that shows the strategic importance of the city for the Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, Serbian and Austrian empires, and its extensive Kalemegdan Park. You should also pay a visit to the Temple of Saint Sava, considered the largest Orthodox church in the Balkans and one of the largest in the world. In Terazije Square you will also find the Albania Palace, the first skyscraper in Belgrade and the tallest building in the Balkans before World War II. On a wander around the palaces of the capital, you can take in a tour of the Old Palace, (current seat of Belgrade's city assembly), the New Palace, (seat of the President of Serbia), or the Royal Palace. Belgrade is also a city of museums. A must-see would be the National Museum, the most important in the country, with a collection of more than 400,000 objects, along with that of the Yugoslav writer, Ivo Andric, who won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1961, located behind the Royal Palace. You could also visit Casa de las Flores, the mausoleum where the remains of "Tito" or Marshal Josip Broz are laid to rest. He was the leader of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia between 1945 and 1980. A visit there helps you to understand this country's history.

Shopping

The main retail hub of the city is Knez Mihailova street and the most popular shopping centre is Usce. A stroll through the Kalenic Green and Zeleni Venac markets is essential. As a souvenir and something typical of the region, buy a bottle of Rakija, the traditional Serbian drink and, although there are many varieties, the plum one is the most common.

Travelling with children

A tour of the fortress, a walk by the Danube and a visit to the Museum of Illusions, where nothing is what it seems.

Bon voyage.
Alleged phony producer changed his name after US fraud conviction Pat Andrew arrived in Spain with a new identity after being tried in absentia and sentenced to pay 6.5 million euros

Francisco Grinan Malaga Compartir Copiar enlace

WhatsApp

Facebook

Twitter

LinkedIn

Telegram

Following the apparent death of Pat Andrew, otherwise unknown profiles have appeared. The American producer held an Irish passport, so he moved around Spain as an EU citizen.

Between 2002 and 2005, an American businessman set up a publishing house in Dublin. The firm ended up with numerous debts after continual delays and promises of repayment, according to journalist Emily Hourican writing in 2016 in the Irish Independent newspaper.

The man in question, who always dressed in an impeccable suit, disappeared from the country in 2006; his name was Pat Austin. SUR has confirmed with several sources who knew the producer of Marked - The Unforgiven in person that Andrew and Austin are the same person, twenty years apart.

After Ireland, Pat Austin went back to New York, where, in 2011, he was sued for racketeering, fraud, unjust enrichment and swindling by several investors. Cited by the judge, the businessman - who according to the sentence also used the aliases Patrick Augustus and Patrick Augustine - avoided appearing and delayed the hearing. Finally, in 2013, a court ruled that he would be tried in absentia and, the following year, he was sentenced and ordered to pay 6.5 million dollars. To delete the blot on his copybook, Patrick changed his surname to Andrew and obtained a legal Irish passport with this new identity, which he validated in Spain with an NIE.

With his gold watch on his wrist, smart suits and pressed shirts, his calling card to business people in Malaga was the ever-attractive Hollywood pedigree. He called himself a former executive of famed producer Aaron Spelling in his press releases. Indeed, the Imdb film database lists a Patrick Andrew, who in 1992 appeared as an accountant for ten episodes of Melrose Place, produced by Spelling. It is not known whether this is the same Pat Andrew who turned up in Malaga or another person with the same name who the alleged producer used as a credential for potential investors and professionals. In any case, working as an accountant would not make him an executive.
Lorena Cadiz Benalmadena Compartir Copiar enlace

WhatsApp

Facebook

Twitter

LinkedIn

Telegram

Safitu has always worked in the same job. She has been braiding hair for 18 years in summer, in Benalmadena. In addition to her mother tongue, she speaks four languages perfectly: Spanish, English, French and Portuguese. Her dream has always been to do a computer science course and, despite being a mother of four, she would have done, except it cost between 4,000 and 6,000 euros and she cannot afford it. Now, as secretary general of the Senegalese association, she wants to help all her compatriots with this opportunity, which she herself will also sign up for.

Safitu said that the policy of "zero tolerance" with the street vendors will only lead to them having nothing to take home. She complained that many Senegalese workers are on building sites earning half as much as their Spanish colleagues and said that at a municipal level they are making it hard for them to claim 'arraigo' (proof that they are settled in the town), which is the first step towards becoming legally resident. "We are honest people," she said. "We just want them to listen to us, to know our problems, and that together we do everything possible to change the situation."
Juan Cano Malaga Compartir Copiar enlace

WhatsApp

Facebook

Twitter

LinkedIn

Telegram

The 35-year-old British man who had been wanted for two weeks for allegedly stabbing his girlfriend, who fell from the car in which they were travelling in Mijas, has been arrested on an international warrant in the UK, SUR has been able to confirm.

The couple had apparently been at a beach club in Mijas Costa and began to argue when they got into a car. In the course of the dispute, the individual allegedly stabbed the young woman in the thigh. Then the victim fell from the moving vehicle, although it is not know if she was trying to escape the attack or if she was pushed. She was admitted to the Costa del Sol hospital in Marbella with a stab wound to the leg, as well as more serious injuries from her fall.

The man, who allegedly has a long history of violence in Britain, fled Spain and was suspected by investigators to have flown to the UK from Gibraltar as was confirmed on Thursday 27 July.

Meanwhile, his victim who was guarded by Spanish police at all times following the stabbing, travelled back to the UK to be cared for by her relatives shortly after the attack.
The desperation of the winner of a part that never materialised Wanda-Halcyon breached an agreement with SUR in which it promised to give a reader a part and pay him 2,500 euros

Francisco Grinan Malaga Compartir Copiar enlace

WhatsApp

Facebook

Twitter

LinkedIn

Telegram

In 2020, production company Wanda-Halcyon TV made a proposal to SUR to work together and run a competition. A reader would be selected to take part in the filming of the series Corruption of Justice. More than just a part for the winner, the proposal of the production company was to offer an experience to see how a Hollywood production works from the inside by including a day of filming with the lead actors, according to the agreement. In addition, the production company promised to pay the winner a remuneration of 2,500 euros in image rights.

SUR ran its Walk-on Role competition in August of that year and Wanda-Halcyon selected local man Pedro Antonio Aguilar Lima as the winner. Now, after almost three years of complaints and thirty communications with the production company, he has still not received what was agreed. Numerous claims have also been made by SUR to the company.

On up to five occasions I was given a date for filming, but then the day came and they postponed, said the victim, who added that the first time he even lost a days work to be able to attend the film shoot. The last time he was given a date was as recent as this year, 26 and 27 January 2023, but when the day came, it was cancelled again.

I have not been able to film, nor have they paid me the 2,500 euros, although they have used my image in press releases and social media, said Aguilar, who even received an email from Wanda-Halcyon last March assuring him that he would receive a transfer in a few days.

The money never arrived and he has heard no more from the production company.
The fake life of American film producer Pat Andrew on the Costa del Sol The filmmaker took money from actors selected in his auditions, ran up debts in hotels and allegedly cheated investors with bogus series for which he never processed filming permits. The last episode: an email announces his sudden death

Francisco Grinan Malaga Compartir Copiar enlace

WhatsApp

Facebook

Twitter

LinkedIn

Telegram

The story would, in itself, make a great movie. It began at the end of 2019 with the announcement of the imminent filming in Malaga of a biker series, Marked - The Unforgiven. Weeks later, the venture got even bigger with a second project, MobKing, this time about the mafia. And when neither of the previous two had yet to see a clapper board, two other productions were announced: the spy thriller The Corruption of Justice and a crime series, Smoking Gun. All were based on the Costa del Sol.

The projects were launched by Wanda-Halcyon, a company owned by Marbella-based Hollywood producer Patrick Andrew. More than three and a half years after the announcement of the first series, the producer has not only failed to shoot a single frame, but has disappeared leaving alleged debts to companies locally, as well as taking money from investors and actors for appearing in these fake projects for which he never applied for a filming permit.

The events could well be used as the plot for another of his thrillers, this time based on a true story - with a final twist in the script that has left more than one with a face of disbelief: at the end of April, a brief email communicated the sudden death of the American.

Under the auspices of production company Wanda-Halcyon, Pat Andrew began to launch audiovisual projects in Spain in 2017. Initially it was a television programme and a series, although neither came to fruition and little more was heard of the venture.

But from 2019, when the Costa del Sol was attracting numerous film shoots, especially series that brought more than 23 million euros in revenue in the province, the alleged producer saw his opportunity and reappeared, albeit with a very different strategy. This time it was not an isolated project, but a whole set of series - he announced as many as seven titles - that gave the impression of a stable industry and helped attract financial partners.

Ampliar Pat Andrew used this blurred photograph to illustrate his alleged links with Spielberg. He was really standing next to the director's waxwork figure at Madame Tussauds (inset).

The producer reached an agreement with Almeria-based communications and marketing company Hormiguea, which promoted the series from 2019. Most of them would be filmed in Malaga and Almeria, although, later, they began to sell the same productions in Alicante, Valencia and the Canary Islands. They always followed the same pattern: the launch of the project, the organisation of much publicised auditions, the announcement of the cast and confirmation of an upcoming shoot, which, however, never happened.

Postponements and promises of payment were the modus operandi. The important thing was not the filming, but the publicity that would attract more victims. And the pandemic, paradoxically, gave Pat Andrew the perfect alibi to justify the delays in filming.

Taking money from actors

But Covid did not stop the production companys allegedly illicit activity. Wanda-Halcyon tried to make connections with well-known local businesses, hotels and even film stars to legitimise its nonexistent projects. Hence the blurry, black and white photo of Pat Andrew side by side with Steven Spielberg; the director is actually a wax figure at Madame Tussauds in London.

The American rented the Soho CaixaBank Theatre for casting and let it slip that Antonio Banderas would attend the auditions, which was completely denied by the Malaga actors company. Despite this, the call was a success with dozens of applicants and media attention. All that staging not only played with the dreams of unknown actors, but several testimonies claim that Andrew took money from those who were selected for parts.

"Pat Andrew conned me out of 12,000 dollars - I hope he will be brought to justice soon" Bill Porter Actor and business owner

Pat Andrew came in holding his hands out in front of him so I could see his gold watch and he offered me a leading role because he was looking for a Spaniard who spoke English, rode a motorbike and practised martial arts. Im looking for you, he said, and my legs went all weak because my dream had always been to work in film. He told me that, as it was an American series, I had to join the American Screen Actors Guild and he asked me for 800 euros. It seemed logical to me because the contract he was offering me was 15,000 euros per episode. I told him to deduct it from my first salary, but he said no because he had already been dumped more than once, said an aspiring local actor, who prefers to remain anonymous and who ended up paying for a phony and unnecessary procedure, as in Spain you can work on film shoots without having to be a member of a union or any other organisation.

Ampliar Audition notice for Marked - The Unforgiven, which was due to be filmed in Malaga and Almeria.

The American producer allegedly used the same move to obtain funds from both actors and investors abroad. The two figures come together in the American Bill Porter, a member of the Screen Actors Guild in his country, who combines his on-screen roles (he has appeared in Martin Scorseses The Irishman) with running his business, the Boston-based shoe company PortaHaus Shoe Collection.

Pat Andrew offered me a role in the TV series Marked the Unforgiven and a product placement deal with Wanda-Halcyon. He told me I had to pay a 10,000-dollar fee for my shoes to appear in the series and on billboards throughout Spain, plus another 1,700 dollars to join the Spanish actors union and boots for his partners in Hormiguea, explained the actor and designer, who paid these amounts in 2021 and has repeatedly demanded his money back from the filmmaker.

The last time I heard from him was in April and he told me he was in hospital and that when he got out he would pay me, added Porter, who has reported his compatriot to the US Federal Trade Commission: He conned me out of 12,000 dollars and I hope he is brought to justice soon.

Also on the list of victims is Malaga band Tarifa Plana, who were selected by Wanda-Halcyon to star in their own American-style reality show. Contracts were exchanged, filming dates set and a concert was announced as a pilot episode at the Soho CaixaBank Theatre. Once again, they used a serious and prestigious company, but without any real contact with it. Nothing of what had been promised was fulfilled.

It was an eternal coitus interruptus, it never happened, said Luismi Grayonay, the groups vocalist. The band, however, lost revenue by cancelling events to meet the shooting schedule. It left our credibility in tatters, he said. American biker George Christie and Swiss writer George Van Mellaert were used in a similar way. Their books (Marked - The Unforgiven and Corruption of Justice, respectively) were bought for alleged filming that never went beyond good intentions.

Hotel evictions and non-payments

Hotels in Malaga have also allegedly fallen victim to Pat Andrew over the past three years. In July 2020, the producer announced auditions for the series Corruption of Justice at the Miramar Hotel and used the elegant setting to claim that he had Amazon executives staying there. The following year, in December 2021, still without shooting even a trailer, he announced a deal with the Soho Hotels chain.

The producer himself confirmed in writing to the management of the hotel group that on 7 January 2022 the Marked - The Unforgiven team would arrive at the Soho Equitativa, for which he needed 33 rooms for 90 days - that is, 2,900 nights in total - and he assured them that he had given orders to pay 100,000 euros upfront.

However the producer had no plans to film anything; this newspaper checked with the Malaga Film Office (MFO) and he had not applied for filming permits or locations on those dates. And he took advantage of the deal to move into the hotel himself.

For a hotel business coming out of the pandemic, a production of this level was very significant, but when January arrived they postponed the booking to February, then to March and when nothing materialised we saw that it was all talk, said a spokesperson for Soho Hotels, who added that Pat Andrew took care of every last detail of his supposed masquerade, both wearing suits with smart shirts to his meetings and mentioning alleged connections with Malaga city council and a hypothetical collaboration with Amazon that supported his series.

He was a trickster, said a spokesman for the hotel firm, who confirmed that the filmmaker left an unpaid bill of 5,000 euros for services and rooms. Between one hotel and another, the American also lived in a penthouse next to the citys Atarazanas Market. He allegedly stopped paying the rent and was evicted. The producer then sought advice from the Malaga lawyer AJDR - he prefers to use only his initials - who confirmed, Pat Andrew had to leave when they cut off his water and electricity.

Pat Andrew was evicted from a penthouse in Malaga city centre and lived in hotels, where he ran up debts of up to 5,000 euros

Among evidence of the alleged deception is the nonexistent filming. In the case of the series, this type of production with entire seasons, as announced by the American, would involve months of filming and moving equipment around multiple locations in Malaga. However, Patrick Andrew made just one first and only attempt at filming, in 2021, as confirmed by two institutions: Malaga Film Office and the Diputacion de Malaga.

The production company Wanda-Halcyon and Hormiguea publicly announced the filming on 19 April of one of the most iconic episodes of the series Marked the Unforgiven in La Malagueta bullring, but the MFO confirms that they never managed to provide the necessary insurance so the permit was not processed.

For its part, the provincial authority, owner of the bullring, authorised only one day of filming, but when the date approached it was met with the usual response from the production company.

No filming took place. First they postponed and then they told us that they would let us know the new dates. And thats as far as it went. They gave no explanation, said Javier Gomez, the Diputacions director of communications.

Change of company

After this failed shoot, Pat Andrew continued to advertise his alleged series, organising auditions and raising funds. In 2021 there was a major business change as Wanda-Halcyon was acquired by the production company Global Television Operations (GTO), which was used to give financial legitimacy to the series.

However, Wanda-Halcyon was set up in 2016 in Marbella at the behest of Pat Andrew by lawyer Francisco Jimenez, who claims that his client was a snake charmer and that his firm never got to transfer the company to the American because he never paid me. As for the alleged buyer company, GTO, it actually belonged to Pat Andrew himself, who is listed as the sole administrator of the firm, which, since January 2022, has a debt of 2,638 euros.

Ampliar Biker George Christie with Pat Andrew at a press conference announcing a Wanda-Halcyon project. SUR

The creation of Global Television Operations was managed by the law firm of AJDR, who had advised the American on the eviction from the penthouse. After a few months, the lawyer realised that his client was telling him stories, that the point of it all was to live off others and move from one hotel to another without paying. There are people who have gifts, and this mans gift is that he knows how to deceive, the lawyer said of the characters capacity for seduction.

In 2022, the continual postponements of the filming of Marked the Unforgiven and the rest of the series promoted by Pat Andrew meant a loss of credibility among local professionals and investors, so Andrew began a silent retreat. His partners at Hormiguea, fervent backers of the producers promises until then, had to declare bankruptcy and in turn left their own list of debts and defaults.

Despite the alleged repeated defaults, Global Television Operations continued to talk of filming and promised to repay the amounts paid to its creditors and actors until April 2023. But on the 28th of that month, an email supposedly sent from the filmmakers office communicated the sad news of Pat Andrews death after a short illness. It did not say where he died, nor did it mention a funeral. The production company has not replied since. A plot twist apparently as phony as the producer himself.

Ampliar

I dont believe a word about his death, said actor and businessman Bill Porter, giving voice to what most of the people who have crossed paths with this alleged businessman think. Now they are claiming compensation from the man who took their money and, at the same time, shattered their dreams of a film career.
KLH Hyderabad Campus of KL Deemed to be University, identified as one of Indias leading universities, chooses an important step in its commitment to community service and innovative education through the Engineering Projects in Community Service (EPICS) program. The EPICS program, in partnership with Purdue University, a prestigious institution from the United States, officially launched last year following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two reputed education hubs.Dr. William C. Oaks, Director of the EPICS Programme and Professor of Engineering Education at Purdue University, recently paid a visit to the campus to continue productive conversations. Dr. A. Ramakrishna, Principal of KL University, Dr. M. Kishore Babu, Director of International Relations, and Dr. M. Saidireddy, EPICS Coordinator, presided over the visit, which was accompanied by all esteemed academic members. The discussion focused on strengthening the two universities' connection by looking into opportunities for cooperative research initiatives, student exchanges, and faculty collaborations in a variety of engineering topics.Er. Koneru Satyanarayana, Chancellor of KL Deemed to be University, stated on the occasion, "We believe in fostering a culture of innovation and social responsibility among our students in order to bring about positive change in society." EPICS, a patented initiative of Purdue University, is an exceptional program that brings together teams of undergraduate students to design, build, and deploy real systems, aiming to provide engineering-based solutions for local community service and educational organizations. As part of the EPICS program, KLH Hyderabad introduced the credit course titled Social Immersive Learning for all second-year engineering students, enabling them to actively participate in the community service initiative.Building upon the success of the EPICS program, KLH Hyderabad is now offering the same course in Phase-II for all second-year students this year. Dr. William Oaks visit served as an affirmation of the programs effectiveness and its potential to create socially responsible engineers equipped with the skills to tackle real-world issues. This year, over 340 students enthusiastically participated in the workshop, reflecting the growing enthusiasm for community service and engineering-based solutions among the student community. The Social Internship aspect of the program will reward each student with two credits upon the successful completion of their projects. Notably, all expenses incurred in creating the prototypes will be borne by the University, reaffirming its commitment to supporting community service initiatives.
Current Print Subscribers will be prompted to either login to their current site user account or to create a new one. A confirmation email will be sent when a new user account is created, which must be confirmed within three days in order to provide uninterrupted online access through your Print Subscription.

Once the email address is confirmed please provide your Account Number to activate your Print Subscription Service.
Sponsorships are still available for the prestigious 2023 Best & Brightest Awards, an event that recognizes the accomplishments of Central New York high school seniors whose contributions help make Central New York a better place. This unique ceremony celebrates the accomplishments of high achieving students in a variety of areas -- from high-performing athletes and theater leads to entrepreneurs, musicians and community activists determined to make a difference in their community.

What I love about Best & Brightest Awards is the sheer talent, purpose and drive of young people in Central New York, said Lindsay Marlenga, Senior Director of Marketing at Advance Media New York, the organizer of this event. They are facing challenges head on, speaking up and actually executing solutions that make their schools and communities better for everyone. My heart swells when I read these entries.

Students apply by submitting an essay, letters of recommendation and details about their academic successes, extracurricular activity and service to their school and community. Eligible students include seniors with at least a B or 3.0 grade point average attending school in Section 3 (Cayuga, Cortland, Onondaga, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Oswego, Oneida, Otsego counties). Students are asked to write a personal narrative about their experiences.

Applications are reviewed by a panel of community members and Syracuse.com and The Post-Standard staff members.

Winners will be announced Nov. 8 during an award ceremony at 220 S. Warren St. in Syracuse and featured in The Post-Standard and on Syracuse.com.

This event is sponsored by Upstate Honda Dealers. For more information on sponsorships, visit https://www.advancemediany.com/best-and-brightest/ or contact Lindsay Wickham at lwickham@advancemediany.com.
Wegmans is getting ready to open its first-ever store in Manhattan.

The Upstate New York-based grocery store chain announced it will open a new location in the East Village at 770 Broadway, the former site of the Astor Place Kmart, on Oct. 18. It will be Wegmans second New York City location, after opening a store in Brooklyn Navy Yard in 2019.

According to Eater, the store will open at 9 a.m. on its opening day, and then operate regularly from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. The store will employ approximately 600 people.

We are so excited to bring Wegmans to Manhattan, Wegmans Food Markets CEO and president Colleen Wegman said in 2019, when the location was first announced. This is something weve been dreaming about and working toward for a long time. The communitys response to the opening of our Brooklyn store had an excitement and energy that you can only experience in New York City. You can feel that energy returning to the city, and we are thrilled to be a part of it.

The Manhattan Wegmans will occupy the first two levels of 770 Broadway for a total of about 82,000 square feet, bigger than the Brooklyn store. There will be elevators and cartalators, or escalators for grocery carts, to take people between floors; other floors in the 15-story building are occupied by Facebook and Instagrams parent company, Meta.

The Democrat & Chronicle reports the Manhattan Wegmans will be supermarket companys first and only store without parking. The store will have direct access to the Astor Place subway stop, served by the 6 and 4 trains.

Eater reports the Manhattan location will also feature Next Door by Wegmans, a 94-seat Japanese restaurant with a 10-seat sushi bar that flies in items from Tokyo  the first Wegmans location to do so. The sushi bar will open during the first half of 2024, Wegmans said.

Wegmans, headquartered in Rochester, operates more than 100 stores in eight states and Washington, D.C. For 26 years in a row, the family-owned supermarket chain has made Fortunes list of the Best Companies to Work For, ranking No. 4 in April.
Update: Mom believed to have stabbed her 3 teenage children found dead in Pompey home

Pompey, N.Y.  Three teen siblings were stabbed by a person who is believed to be their mother Friday morning in a home in the town of Pompey.

Onondaga County Sheriff Toby Shelley said that two of the siblings are in serious condition. All three victims 2 girls and a boy  appeared to have stab wounds and were taken to a hospital, he said.

Around 9:03 a.m., a neighbor in the 3600 block of Oran Delphi Road reported that children from the adjacent home came over and said their mother was attacking them with a knife, according to Onondaga County 911 Center dispatches.

Shelley said investigators believe the suspect is still in the house but said they have not confirmed that yet. He would not confirm the identity of the suspect or the relationship to the victims.

Dispatchers were asked by personnel on the scene to alert Upstate University Hospital that they will be receiving two children with multiple stab wounds to their chests.

The teens father has been contacted and is on the way to the hospital, Shelley said.

A large police presence has flooded Oran Delphi Road. Multiple ambulances are also on the scene.

The road is currently closed between Number 2 Road East and Hills Road.

SWAT personnel, the Air-1 helicopter and a drone unit will work to determine if the suspect is barricaded in a house on Oran Delphi Road, Shelley said.

Police have secured the area and notified neighbors to keep everyone safe, Shelley said.

Note: The sheriffs office originally reported the victims were three sisters. Theyve corrected that to say they are three siblings.
Syracuse, N.Y.  An appellate court in Rochester has overturned a local judges ruling that Syracuse cannot remove the Christopher Columbus monument downtown.

The court found that the Columbus Monument Corp. lawsuit was premature because the decision to remove the statue had not gone through all the administrative steps needed for approval.

Fridays decision means theres no longer a judges roadblock to remove the statue but the city must go through the proper steps first. The monument group could file another lawsuit to try to block the removal of the statue once the remaining administrative steps are completed.

Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh issued a statement Friday that said the ruling allows us to proceed with the established process to create a heritage and education site that celebrates the rich diversity of Syracuse. I stand committed to working with all parties in creating this public space and preserving history.

Our goal has always been to create a public space that is welcoming to all and honors Italian American heritage. he said. We can do both without holding on to a symbol of colonialism in the heart of downtown Syracuse.

Anthony J. Pietrafesa, the attorney representing the monument group, would not comment on the decision Friday afternoon.

State Supreme Court Judge Gerard Neri in Syracuse ruled in March 2022 that the city could not remove the statue.

The monument group filed a lawsuit against the city in 2020 after Walsh announced plans to remove the statue put in downtown Syracuse in 1934. The group argued that Walsh breached a contract the organizations predecessor made with the city in the 1990s. The city has argued that the contract is no longer valid.

Before the appellate court on April 3, John Powers, the citys attorney, argued that the lawsuit was premature and Neris ruling should be thrown out.

Powers cited similar cases where courts prevented governments from being sued for trying to remove landmarks when the petitioners did not prove a standard of finality. This means that the plan to remove the statue would have to be in the final administrative stages before the pro-monument group could make a claim.

The lawyer pointed out that there is not even an official proposal to remove the statue or use the land for any other city projects at this time.

Pietrafesa argued that when Walsh made his position clear to remove the statue it implied the decision was final.

In the end, the appellate court ruled in favor of the city

The contract

The appellate court did not specifically comment on Neris ruling in favor of the monument groups argument that the city breached a contract.

The covenant included a clause that required the city to maintain the statue for 23 years or the useful life of the improvement.

The decision does say that the covenant contains no language that implies the monument group would be beneficiaries of the contract. The decision says the covenant was between the city and the state.

In 2021 the city received the states approval to terminate the agreement, citing that the city had met the 23-year maintenance requirement.

Neri ruled that the agreement should remain in effect and agreed with the monument group that the language of the clause meant that the city should be required to maintain the statue for whichever deadline marked a longer period of time. He found that the statue still had time in its useful life..

The history

The statue was erected in 1934  paid for mostly by Italian-American immigrants  and given to the city. Many Italian-Americans at the time had been subjected to persecution and the statue was a point of pride among the community.

In the 1990s the city turned to Italian-American donors to raise part of the $505,000 needed to restore the statue. In accepting $167,500 in private donations to help pay for the work, the city agreed to maintain the statue for 23 years or for its useful life.

In recent years the statue has been the subject of controversy as some people reevaluate Columbuss legacy and his connections to slavery and the oppression of Native Americans.

In 2020, Walsh announced his plan to remove the statue after lengthy conversations with a committee appointed to discuss the issue.

What comes next

The appellate courts ruling Friday paves the way for Syracuse to start the process to remove the statue from Columbus Circle.

There are still several administrative steps that are required to finalize and approve the plan to remove the statue, said Joe Heath, a lawyer who represents the Onondaga Nation. The Onondagas filed paperwork with the court in support of the citys plans to remove the monument.

The monument group could file another lawsuit to block the removal once those steps are completed and the plan is approved, Heath said.

The appellate courts decision Friday was unanimous, which makes it more difficult for the monument group to appeal the ruling, he said.

In the meantime, the city has two committees working to find a location for the monument to be relocated if the plan to remove it from downtown moves ahead.

Pietrafesa said the monument group is open to sitting down with representatives of the city to see if a compromise can be struck where the monument remains in the plans for Heritage Park.

READ MORE

The Columbus Monument, in Columbus Circle, was designed by the Syracuse-born architect Dwight James Baum in 1934. Ellen M. Blalock | eblalock@syracuse.com

Syracuse argues to overturn judges ruling that it cannot remove Columbus statue

Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh cant remove downtown Christopher Columbus statue, judge rules

Walsh to remove Syracuses Columbus statue, rename downtown circle

In Syracuse, the fight over a monument clouds Columbus Day events

Syracuses Columbus statue debate: Why we should remove it and why we should keep it (video)

Staff writer Anne Hayes covers breaking news, crime and public safety. Have a tip, a story idea, a question or a comment? You can reach her at ahayes@syracuse.com.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni welcomes President Vo Van Thuong (Photo: VNA)

The following is the full text of the joint statement:

JOINT STATEMENT ON STRENGTHENING THE STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN VIET NAM  ITALY

1. At the invitation of the President of the Italian Republic, H.E. Sergio Mattarella, the President of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, H.E. Vo Van Thuong, paid a State visit to the Italian Republic from 26 to 27 July 2023.

2. This was the first Head-of-State visit between the two countries in seven years.

The visit was of great significance in promoting political trust and strengthening the Viet Nam - Italy Strategic Partnership. The visit was also particularly meaningful as it took place at a time when the two countries celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations (1973-2023) and the 10th anniversary of the Strategic Partnership.

3. During the talks, in an atmosphere of friendship and mutual understanding, the two Parties expressed their high appreciation for the robust growth of the bilateral relations over the past 50 years and agreed to further advance high-level exchanges and contacts within bilateral and multilateral frameworks, in order to enhance the effectiveness of the specialized cooperation mechanisms between the two countries. The two sides extensively discussed the future direction for their relationship, as well as international and regional issues of mutual interest.

On the development of the Viet Nam - Italy relationship

4. The two Parties welcomed the positive and extensive achievements in the Viet Nam  Italy relationship, especially since the establishment of the Strategic Partnership in 2013, reinforcing mutual cooperation and delegation exchanges at all levels, including high level visits. Both sides have productively implemented bilateral cooperation mechanisms and worked in close concert at multilateral forums. In the economic domain, each country has become an important partner of the other, with Viet Nam becoming Italys largest trade partner in ASEAN. In defense and security, the two countries are developing effective cooperation mechanisms. Cooperation in education and training, science and technology, culture, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges is continuously advancing. The two Parties noted with satisfaction the two countries support for each other in vaccines and medical supplies during the challenging times of the Covid-19 pandemic.

5. The two Parties agreed on the importance of bilateral cooperation against the backdrop of complex, unpredictable and potentially unstable developments in the region and the world, as well as many increasingly serious global issues facing the international community. Accordingly, the two Parties reaffirmed their determination to strengthen the Viet Nam - Italy Strategic Partnership by continuing cooperation in traditional fields and expanding into new areas such as digital transformation, green growth, and climate change response. They also agreed to work in close concert for the prosperity and sustainable and inclusive development of the two countries, and for peace, cooperation and development in the region and in the world, in accordance with fundamental principles of international law and the UN Charter.

On strengthening political, diplomatic, defense and security cooperation

6. The two Parties agreed to strengthen cooperation between the respective Ministries of Foreign Affairs, maintain the effective Deputy Foreign Ministerial-Level Political Consultation, and support the smooth operation of both countries diplomatic and consular missions.

7. The two Parties agreed that defense and security cooperation are important pillars of the bilateral relations and affirmed to further advance delegation exchanges at all levels. On defense Cooperation, they agreed on the effective maintenance of the Deputy Defense Ministerial-Level Policy Dialogue. Viet Nam will positively consider receiving Italian Navys vessels port calls to Viet Nam, in accordance with International law and practices, Vietnamese regulations, and the actual conditions on the ground. The two sides will continue to explore the possibilities of conducting specialized training in UN peacekeeping, defense and security industry and maritime security. On Security Cooperation, the two Parties agreed on the establishment of a Joint Committee to promote cooperation between the Ministry of Public Security of Viet Nam and the Ministry of Interior of Italy. They also agreed on fostering cooperation in cyber security, prevention and suppression of transnational organized crime, hydrography. Such activities will be conducive to deepening the bilateral defense and security cooperation, thereby contributing to peace, stability and development in the region and the world.

On strengthening economic, trade, investment and development cooperation

8.The two Parties expressed their high appreciation for being each other's important trade and investment partners, and underscored the potentials and needs for sustained cooperation in many other fields, especially in infrastructure development, digital economy, high technology, green growth, renewable energy, creative industries and smart agriculture. They stressed the need to continue creating favorable conditions for each others respective stakeholders engaging in investment and business activities.

9. The two Parties pledged to continue to fully and effectively implement the Viet Nam - EU Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and improve the access to the market of each others Party, by removing unnecessary and unjustified trade restrictions. They also agreed to maintain the effective implementation of the Joint Committee on Economic Cooperation and strive to soon bring two-way trade value to 7 billion USD.

10. Viet Nam welcomed the adoption by the Italian Parliament of the law on the ratification of the EU - Viet Nam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), which will create favorable conditions for investors from both parties, on the basis of equality and mutual benefit. The Italian Party acknowledged Viet Nam's recent efforts in seriously and thoroughly implementing the EC's recommendations in the fight against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

11. The two Parties commended Italys continued ODA for Viet Nam over the past years and welcomed the expansion of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation Office in Hanoi in charge of the region, as well as Italys new strategy to promote development cooperation with ASEAN and Viet Nam.

On climate response

12. The two Parties welcomed Viet Nam's strong commitments at COP26 to achieving net-zero by 2050. They also reaffirmed the existing cooperation in the framework of the Memorandum of Understanding on mitigation and adaptation to climate change signed in 2018. In this context Italy and Viet Nam are developing the project Set up and implementation Geo-Information System for Climate Change Vulnerability, Risk Assessment and Environment monitoring for Vietnam based on remote sensing Technology. As a G7 member, Italy reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Viet Nams Government in the implementation of the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) through technology transfer, financial support, institutional development and human resource training for Viet Nam during the transition.

On expanding cooperation in other fields

13. The two Parties underscored that science and technology is a priority area for bilateral cooperation. They reaffirmed the need to maintain the Joint Commission for Science and Technology Cooperation and accordingly implement cooperation programs. They welcomed the recent call for proposals for the three-year program 2024-2026 in specific areas of common interest, such as agriculture and food science, climate change and sustainability, information society, space science and earth observation, technologies for conservation and restoration of natural and cultural heritage.

14. The Vietnamese Party welcomed the Italian proposal to broaden the resources and activities of Casa Italia under the new denomination Casa Italia - Italian Institute of Culture in Hanoi.

15. The two Parties highly appreciated the cooperation in education and training, which contributes to fostering exchanges and mutual understanding between the young generations and students of the two countries. They agreed to maintain the Action Programme on Educational Cooperation and the Higher Education Forum implemented by the two countries. Viet Nam called on Italy to increase scholarships for Vietnamese undergraduate and graduate students, support projects aiming at enhancing training, research and teaching capacity for Viet Nam lecturers. The two Parties welcomed cultural and artistic exchanges and expressed their high appreciation for the common logo and the events celebrating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the 10th anniversary of the Viet Nam - Italy Strategic Partnership in 2023.

16. The two Parties expressed satisfaction over the recent development of the relationship between local authorities and businesses of the two countries, especially the newly signed Memorandum of Understanding between Vinh Phuc province and the region of Tuscany. They welcomed, among others, the engagement and increased exchanges between Hanoi City and the city of Rome, Binh Duong province and the region of Emilia Romagna, Quang Tri province and ENI, as well as between other localities and businesses of the two countries.

17. The two Parties applauded the bridging role of each countrys resident community, and their contributions to the host country. They agreed to give attention and support to these communities to live, study and work stably in each respective country, as well as protect their legitimate rights.

On international and regional issues

18. The two Parties pledged to step up exchanges of views, collaboration and mutual support at international and regional fora, especially at the United Nations, ASEAN - EU mechanisms. The two Parties supported the building of a strong and prosperous ASEAN Community that plays a central role in the regional architecture as well as the strengthening of the ASEAN - Italy Development Partnership and the ASEAN - EU Strategic Partnership. The two Parties agreed to continue working to maintain Asia-Europe dialogue and cooperation, including through ASEF.

19. The two Parties exchanged views on international and regional issues of mutual interest. They reiteraited the importance of: preserving peace, security, stability and freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea; enforcing in good faith and responsibly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982 (UNCLOS); settling disputes by peaceful means; refraining from the threat or use of force; respecting diplomatic and legal processes in accordance with international law, especially the 1982 UNCLOS. The two sides also emphasized the universal value and integrity of UNCLOS and reaffirmed that the UNCLOS is the comprehensive legal framework governing all activities in the seas and oceans.

20. The two Parties committed to strengthening coordination to shape an ASEAN-centered regional architecture, which is open, inclusive, transparent and upholding international law.

21. The two Parties underscored the need for a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in Ukraine in accordance with the United Nations Charter and international law.

22. On this occasion, the two Parties welcomed the recent signing of the Treaty on Extradition and the Agreement on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons between the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam and the Italian Republic and witnessed the signing of the Cultural Cooperation Program between the Government of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam and the Government of the Italian Republic for the period of 2023-26, the Agreement on Mutual Legal Assistance between the Supreme People's Procuracy of Viet Nam and the Ministry of Justice of Italy, as well as the Memorandum of Understanding between the People's Committee of Vinh Phuc Province and the region of Tuscany./.
A 32-year-old man was sentenced to 22 years to life in prison Friday for the murder of a SUNY Potsdam student in 2022.

In June, Michael J. Snow, of Massena, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder for the death of Elizabeth Howell, a 21-year-old music education student from Putnam County.

According to the Watertown Daily Times, prosecutors said Snow confessed to killing Howell to create bad publicity for the college.

Related Parents of murdered SUNY Potsdam music education student believe she was random victim

A county judge said at sentencing that Snow was bent on revenge after losing a job in 2014, the newspaper reported. He stalked former co-workers but when they caught on, Snows plans became more violent, the judge said.

On Feb. 18, Snow, from his car, asked Howell to approach him. He was asking for directions, St. Lawrence County District Attorney Gary Pasqua said at the sentencing, according to the newspaper.

Howell gave the directions before Snow opened fire at close range, Pasqua said.

Howell was found unconscious on the side of College Park Road near East Drive after she was fatally shot.

Police connected Howell to the shooting through surveillance video, which showed his car.

She was just being her kind, helpful self, and you killed her, Judge Craig Carriero said to Snow.

Elizabeth Howell playing a cello. She was a student at SUNY Potsdam's Crane School of Music. (Courtesy SUNY Potsdam)

Staff writer Fernando Alba covers breaking news, crime and public safety. Have a tip, story idea, question or comment? Reach him: Email | Twitter or at 315-690-6950.
Syracuse, N.Y.  Daquan Sullivan was visiting family and friends in his old Syracuse neighborhood on a Saturday night this month when he was shot.

Friends and family told his wife he was out that night talking to some younger kids about staying off the streets, encouraging them to go home.

Sullivan, who had been in prison and had been shot before, was known to try to to use his experiences to show others that people, and life, can change, said his wife, Sade Sullivan.

The 37-year-old father of four had been shot in the head shortly after 9 p.m. on July 8 in the 1300 block of South State Street. First responders tried to save him, but he died. No arrests have been made.

His death touched many.

At his funeral, more than 300 people joined a procession through the streets led by a white horse and carriage carrying his casket from Tucker Missionary Baptist Church to Oakwood Cemetery. Daquans youngest son took the rear of the carriage, pretending to push the carriage along. More than 300 people also attended a celebration of his life held at a hall on the citys North Side.

Daquan Sullivans family says he had become an ambitious, motivated person who gave positive advice to anyone who would listen. He was outgoing and a family man, they said.

His wife said he wasnt always like that. When she started dating him in 2005, he was a 19 years old and set in his ways, she said. He wasnt ambitious, family-oriented and he didnt want to change, she said.

Daquan got into serious trouble on Syracuses streets.

In 2007, Daquan went to prison on weapon charges and was in and out of prison until 2011. Six years later, in 2017, Daquan was back in prison, this time on drug charges. He was released in April 2020.

Over the years, he has been shot and stabbed multiple times.

His wife said during his time in prison, her husband reflected on his past choices, thinking about the times he could have died and the years he lost in prison. He didnt want to continue down that path, she said.

He wanted to change, not only for himself, but for his family and his community, she said. He said he never wanted to go back to prison, she said.

The day he got out of prison, Sade said her husband made plans to start a clothing line for men. She had started a clothing business in 2018 for women called Doll Ready. The line offered scrubs, fitness gear and hair extensions.

Her husband created his business and called the brand Stay Ready, she said.

The brand name means anything can happen in life, but if you stay ready, stay motivated and focused on your dreams and goals you can overcome those obstacles, Sade explained.

You gotta stay ready so you dont have to get ready, she said. Thats the mindset.

Daquan started doing things in the community too, his family said.

He started creating community events such as weight loss challenges, women empowerment brunches, mother and son sneaker balls and father and daughter dances. Alongside Sade and his brother-in-law, Sean Herndon, Daquan would host events and hire DJs, caterers, decorators and local businesses.

Sade said Daquan decided to create the dances so families could have an event to celebrate their connection.

Theres so many broken families whose parents are on drugs, incarcerated or lost to the streets, Sade said. He wanted to create an event where families could bond.

A video on Stay Readys website shows boys dancing with their moms at the Mother and Son Sneaker Ball. Another clip shows Sullivan shouting out a young boy for paying for his and his mothers ticket for the dance so that they could attend for the boys birthday.

The dances held in Syracuse became popular so they booked dates for similar family events in Alabama, North Carolina, Missouri, Florida, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee and other parts of New York.

Daquan also worked on a mini-series with Dwight Delee called Stay Ready, Your Second Chance Black History Year. Daquan and Delee highlighted Black-owned businesses through interviews and posting them to Youtube and Facebook throughout 2021. They would give the owners a chance to talk about how they started and what they do.

Daquan and Delee knew each other growing up on the South Side. But they didnt form a bond until they met in prison. (Delee was convicted of manslaughter as a hate crime in 2009, but the conviction was overturned in 2019, a second jury acquitted him in the case.)

Herndon said Daquan always had new ideas for events to put on for the community and would call Herndon to talk about how to implement them. Daquan always sought out Herndon to create the flyers and help promote the events.

Daquan was a father of four children, ages 20, 15, 10 and 5. Sade said Daquan didnt play about our kids and didnt miss a beat with them. Herndon said his children brought him joy and if you saw him, you saw his children.

Sade said Daquan was her first and only love, something, she said, was nothing short of amazing. The both grew up in public housing in Pioneer Homes, better known by many as The Bricks. The two got married in 2017.

I cant even begin to explain how being together this long has been, Sade said. Some people never get to experience that.

As Sades brother, Herndon said he was protective of her. Herndon said he was cool with Daquan but didnt want to be too cool. Then, as time went on, he said he became an addition to the family, always taking photos and interacting with family members.

He fit right in, Herndon said.

Sade said Daquan was her best friend, they never held back from one another and each made sure to speak their minds. They also shared a lot firsts in the 18 years they spent together, such as flying, riding jet skis and going horseback riding.

Sade laughed remembering how scared he was to get on the back of the horse, but he did so because he knew it was something Sade always wanted to do.

He always wanted to try new things, both in and out of the kitchen. Sade said Daquan was an excellent cook. And though she loved all of his dishes, shell miss his rasta pasta dish the most.

Sade said she felt so many emotions following Daquans death. She was angry and sad, but mostly she doesnt understand how someone could take a life that shined so bright.

Staff writer Darian Stevenson covers breaking news, crime and public safety. Have a tip, a story idea, a question or a comment? You can reach her at dstevenson@syracuse.com
Cheektowaga, N.Y.  One community in New York has been named among the best places to live in the United States.

But it isnt the Big Apple or a quaint lakeside village. The winning community is Cheektowaga, a residential town minutes east of Buffalo.

Cheektowaga is one of the top 100 best places to live in the U.S., according to a new study by Livability, a data and marketing company that aims to promote the best places to live, work and play. The Western New York town was the only place in New York to make the list, landing at No. 61 in the 2023 edition of Livabilitys yearly ranking.

The communities on Livabilitys list have populations between 75,000 to 500,000 and median home values at or under $500,000. The company partnered with Applied Geographic Solutions and used nearly 100 data points  ranging from cost of living to safety statistics  to determine the best places in America to call home.

Home to nearly 90,000 residents as of the 2020 U.S. Census, Cheektowagas median housing price is $163,903, Livability said. The town is home to the Buffalo Niagara International Airport and Walden Galleria, the company noted, and is a short drive from downtown Buffalo and Niagara Falls.

But what makes Cheektowaga such a livable city is the towns caring, neighborly spirit, Livability said.

Cheektowaga is built on hardworking, blue-collar roots and offers a classically friendly suburb with affordable homes that make the sweet life accessible to most, Livability wrote. With the median house price at $163,903, Cheektowaga provides incredible opportunities for young homebuyers to plant roots and build a life for themselves.

Johns Creek, Georgia topped Livabilitys list as the best place to live in America in 2023. Fayetteville, Arkansas was closed off the list at No. 100. To see the full list, visit Livabilitys website.

READ MORE

Explore teeny-tiny town named Adirondacks best-kept secret

These are the 20 best places in Upstate NY to visit this year (see our list)

Most affordable town youll actually like is in Upstate NY, study finds

These 4 Upstate NY cities are among the best places to live in the U.S., study finds
Join NY Cannabis Insider at our next industry networking event on Aug. 15 at Madame Mikettes in NYC. Tickets will sell out.

Jeffrey Hoffman is a New York City-based attorney who hosts Ask Me Anything about Cannabis Legalization in New York each week on LinkedIn. Hoffman and NY Cannabis Insider have partnered to bring those sessions into print in a Q&A format.

Hoffmans practice focuses on cannabis industry clients, including licensees in the adult-use market, practitioners in the medical cannabis space, and cannabis-adjacent product and service providers.

He has a particular interest in social and economic equity cannabis license applicants, and he also informs and assists those convicted of cannabis offenses in getting such convictions expunged from their record. He can be reached at info@420jurist.com.



Sign up for the NY Cannabis Insider Newsletter

Enter your email address to get exclusive reporting on NY's cannabis market delivered to your inbox:









The following AMA from July 19 has been edited for length and clarity.

Whats new in cannabis in NY?

The big news is that the Cannabis Control Board approved 212 new CAURD licenses, bringing the total to 463. It does look like they are going to attempt to give licenses to as many folks as they can. It is very clear in the messaging that they sent out to the folks that did not get licenses yet that this is not the end that there will be additional days where licenses are given out. I have advocated for a long time for this (including in this publication) - that all the qualifying CAURDs, everyone that applied that had the qualifying conviction and the two year profitable business, be given a license. Originally the limit was 150. They then opened it up to 300. And now almost that many at one meeting.

What about these new growers events?

The Cannabis Growers Showcase looks like a very interesting idea. Many of the AUCCs have had challenges selling through their 2022 harvest. The idea behind the CGS is to allow the farmers that grew that first season to do something to at least recover their costs or try to stem their losses. Put together some farmers and a CAURD and they can basically have a farmers market. I think the main challenge to this is going to be the required municipal approval. Will be interesting to see how that plays out. I think there also needs to be an effort to turn whatever cant be sold into distillate which will have a longer shelf life than the flower.

Do you have suggestions on networking events platforms for experienced cannabis operators to connect with New York license holders for employment opportunities?

Yes - by far the best way to do this is in person. This is true in every industry but especially in cannabis.

Kristin Jordan has a fantastic mailing list - go subscribe to it. I also find Eventbrite has a lot of cannabis events. And at least so far the Cannabis Control Board meeting has been a great place to meet license holders. I mean, what better place to connect with license holders than where they give them out?

Any word on the application and when it will be open to other applicants?

Looks like it has a shot of opening in October. I do hope they release the point system before which they didnt do for CAURD. And Im putting a stake in here on todays show about an issue that folks are going to sleep on related to the application. So minority owned businesses and woman owned businesses are still social and economic equity applicants.

However, in the regs, there is a specific section that talks about issuing licenses to prioritized groups - what I am calling the priority classes for licensing. The number one priority class is the applicants that meet the special priority in MRTA, specifically those who are a member of a community disproportionately impacted by the enforcement of cannabis prohibition AND have an income lower than eighty percent of the median income of the county in which the applicant resides AND was convicted of a marihuana-related offense prior to the effective date of [MRTA], or had a parent, guardian, child, spouse, or dependent, or was a dependent of an individual who, prior to the effective date of [MRTA], was convicted of a marihuana-related offense provided the applicant is seeking to qualify as a social and economic equity applicant.

The number two priority class is distressed farmers. The number three priority class is disabled veterans. The number four priority class is basically the number one priority class without the conviction and the income element. And then the fifth priority class is everybody else. So while woman owned businesses and minority owned businesses are still social and economic equity applicants, the best I can tell is that they are not specifically listed in one of the first four priority classes, which would put them in the fifth priority class.

What are the challenges and issues that are most pressing for you and other CAURD applicants?

Real estate and unreasonable zoning requirements, especially from municipalities on Long Island.

Once the regs are final, were going to have to start talking about suing. 1000 feet is too far. I think the 500 feet that is the distance from a school should be the maximum. And frankly, the rule is 200 feet from a church. So it should probably be 500 feet from a school and then for any other restriction, the church restriction of 200 feet should be the max.

Guest, Jayson Tantalo

So the gentleman thats going to join me now doesnt really need an introduction, but Im going to give him one anyway. So Jayson Tantalo is one of the founders of the CAURD Coalition and a CAURD applicant for Finger Lakes.

Jeffrey: A lot of people got cannabis licenses today. Im sure youre very proud of a lot of your coalition members, it is very clear that there are going to be additional licenses given  what are your thoughts about almost double the number of CAURDs out there?

Jayson: Its amazing that many deserving people get the opportunity to sell legal cannabis. That was the whole goal in applying. And they went from 150 to 300 and now 463 and counting. Its a great opportunity for many of us. It only makes the coalition stronger.

Jeffrey: What are your thoughts about the other recent big news about the farmers markets? As I said before, I think the real key is the municipality approval. What are your thoughts about that?

Jason: I think I think its a dope opportunity for those that actually execute that.Its going to be

challenging for the CAURD licensees to navigate through some of the constraints  the security, is it going to have to be recorded, what are we going to store the product in on a hot day  we have to make sure you know that the framework speaks accordingly to the deterioration of the product while its sitting. But I think its an amazing opportunity, especially to the end consumers, to give them a shot at buying some products from some farmers and get the CAURD licensee the opportunity to put some cash in their pocket.

Jeffrey: What do you see happening in NY cannabis over the next 18 months?

Jayson: In the first half of the year roughly 1.5 stores opened up per month. So in the next 18 months, I can see 130+, especially if theres money invested into the CAURD licensees. 130+ stores would be great. OCM, by giving us on site consumption and delivery, essentially gave us three licenses in one. I think that was the best thing that OCM has implemented.

Jeffrey: So were at 463 dispensary licenses - what do you think is the number of dispensaries that the state of New York can support?

Jayson: New York City is definitely a lot different than upstate in Rochester. So you guys will probably be able to support maybe 1500. Just look at the gray market, take that for an example.
Syracuse, N.Y.  Catholic churches and schools across Central New York will have to make hard decisions about how to pay the bill for decades of sexual abuse and coverups at the hands of priests.

Under a new settlement reached between the Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse, the parishes and schools are responsible for half of the $100 million that will be paid out to victims and their families. The rest  $50 million  will be paid by the diocese.

Its not going to be easy, but its doable, said Danielle L. Cummings, a spokeswoman for the diocese.

The 116 parishes will be responsible for $45 million; the 21 schools, 10 missions and Catholic Charities will have to pay $5 million, Cummings said.

The money cannot come from the Hope Appeal, an amount each parish is required to raise for the diocese each year.

Cummings said its possible some parishes will have to sell property or consolidate to make the payments.

I cannot predict what will happen, she said.

Bishop Douglas Lucia, in a letter and FAQ to parishioners explaining the situation, suggested that there are an increasing number of unused buildings and parishes may decide to sell them.

If the $45 million is split evenly among the parishes, it would mean a bill of nearly $400,000 for each.

The details are part of a settlement that was announced Thursday by the diocese and lawyers for more than 120 abuse victims. The agreement was more than three years in the making, and there are still many details that need to ironed out before it is filed with the court.

All but two of the Roman Catholic Dioceses in New York filed for bankruptcy to protect their assets after New York passed the Child Victims Act, which lets anyone up to age 55 file a civil lawsuit for sex abuse that happened to them as a child. The act was passed, in large part, to deal with the sexual abuse scandal that had been covered up in the Roman Catholic Church for decades.

The Syracuse diocese filed for bankruptcy in June 2020 after more than 38 lawsuits were filed against it by victims who alleged that priests and employees sexually abused them as children. At the time, Lucia said he made the decision to ensure that every victim would get something for their pain.

But victims advocates accused the diocese of using the bankruptcy to shield itself from massive settlements and embarrassment in civil court. Once the diocese filed for bankruptcy, all of the victims cases were moved out of civil court, where there likely would have been jury trials and public airing of what happened, and into bankruptcy court.

The survivors shouldnt ever lose their right to the day in court, said Taylor Stippel of Jeff Anderson and Associates, a firm representing victims in Syracuse and across the country. Were trying to make the best of the situation.

The victims are now creditors in a process that is more sterile than a civil trial. Each person will be awarded a number of points based on the type of abuse, the extent of the abuse and when it happened, Stippel said. The more points, the higher the award.

Stippel said the money is just part of the settlement.

Some of the transparency and truth-telling that was ripped from the survivors hands will be included in the settlement, she said.

Stippel said both sides are working together to strengthen the child protection protocols that the diocese and parishes follow. Stippel said she also expects the settlement to require the diocese to release more information publicly, but she couldnt say what.

Cummings pointed out that the diocese already maintains a public list of clergy with credible allegations of sexual abuse against them.

The bankruptcy settlement has not been filed with the court yet. According to details provided by the diocese, payments to victims will not occur until next spring, at the earliest.

In his letter explaining how the settlement payments will work, the bishop announced that this weekends Mass will be dedicated to the healing of everyone who has been harmed by the sexual abuse scandal.

The settlement amount is the nations second-largest to be paid by a diocese in a bankruptcy case triggered by sexual assault victim lawsuits. The Diocese of San Diego settled its claim in the early 2000s for $107 million.

Cynthia LaFave, one of the attorneys representing Syracuse victims, said it will send ripples through the nation.

Sexual abuse survivors will understand that they are being heard, she said.

Marnie Eisenstadt writes about people and public affairs in Central New York. Contact her anytime email | Twitter| Facebook | 315-470-2246.
Micere Githae Mugo, 80, a retired Syracuse professor, died on June 30 after a 16-year battle with multiple myeloma.

Born in Kenya, she was at the forefront of desegregation of that countrys schools. She was the first black child to attend the all-white Limuru Girls School, a prestigious girls high school in Kenya.

She received a bachelors degree from Makerere University in 1966, a masters degree in literature in 1973 from the University of New Brunswick and completed her PhD at the University of Toronto in 1978.

In 1980, Mugo was elected as the first female dean of the faculty of arts and social sciences at the University of Nairobi.

Mugo became a target of the Kenyan government because of her university job and opposition to President Daniel arap Moi who tried to muzzle the press, progressive groups, unions and university professors.

She was repeatedly harassed, arrested and tortured for organizing rallies and demonstrations. Mugo and her two young daughters, Mumbi and Njeri Kui, fled the country in 1982.

She came to the United States and became a lecturer at St. Lawrence University in Canton, according to her obituary. She taught creative writing courses and Swahili to prisoners and traveled extensively throughout the United States, speaking to raise awareness of the conditions in Kenya.

She returned to Africa and became a professor at the University of Zimbabwe from 1984 to 1992. During this time, the Kenyan government revoked her citizenship, and she became a citizen of Zimbabwe. She regained her Kenyan citizenship in 2009.

In 1992, Mugo returned to the United States as a visiting professor at the Africana Studies and Research Center at Cornell University. In 1993, she joined the Department of African American Studies at Syracuse University. She remained there until her retirement in 2015.

She co-founded the Pan African Community of Central New York (PACCNY) in 1994, according to her obituary, and in 2003, she established the United Women of Africa Organization (UWAO).

Micere Githae Mugo, a Syracuse University professor and member of the United Women of Africa Organization, speaks prior to the raising of the Congolese flag at Syracuse City Hall in 2008.

She authored numerous works of poetry, philosophical and political texts and was a literary critic. She was a spokesperson for Amnesty International. She sat on the boards of many journals and consulted for multiple foundations.

In 2021, Mugo was awarded a lifetime achievement award by the Royal African Society. She was also a recipient of the Nelson Mandela Leadership Award.

She was married to John Njuguna Mugo, who died in 2020.

One person posted left this tribute to her: ...Your story at Limuru Girls School inspired generations of girls that passed through its gates. Thank you for trailblazing works, and for paving the way and being a leading light for so many women across generations...

There will be calling hours from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. today at Burns Garfield Funeral Home, 3175 E. Genesee St., Suite 6, Syracuse.

A memorial service will take place at 10 a.m. on Saturday at Syracuse University Hendricks Chapel, University Place, Syracuse.

Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery.

See the full obituary

Sign the guestbook

Micere Githae Mugo is shown in her Syracuse University office in this 2005 photo. (Syracuse.com | File photograph)

You may contact Sharon Dellinger by phone at 315-470-2265 or email.
Haines Falls, N.Y.  For the second time in two days, the Kingston Fire Departments rope rescue team was called Wednesday evening to the area of Fawns Leap, a popular swimming hole off state Route 23A in the Kaaterskill Clove.

City firefighters said in a Facebook post that the departments Rope Rescue team was called around 5 p.m. to assist the Twin Cloves Technical Rescue Team with removing an injured patient from the streambed.

Firefighters said upon arrival, they found the waters had receded after Tuesdays flash flooding, and the patient, who was not immediately identified, was on the streambed.

Firefighters said responders were lowered down to the patient and helped move them up to a waiting ambulance on Route 23A.

Firefighters said added all personnel returned to service within two hours of the initial call.

On Tuesday, several regional fire and police departments, including the Kingston Fire Department helped rescue 16 swimmers from the Kaaterskill Creek by state Route 23A on Tuesday after the visitors were trapped by rising waters, officials said.

The Greene County Sheriffs Officer said on Wednesday that its Water Rescue Team along with New York State Forrest Rangers, Town of Hunter Police, New York State Police, The Ulster County Sheriffs Water Rescue Team, and the Twin Cloves Rescue Team all worked together to rescue a total of 16 people from the Clove.

There were no injuries to any of the individuals rescued from the Clove on Tuesday when torrential rains from intense thunderstorms at higher elevations in the Catskills caused a torrent of water to come rushing downstream causing flash flooding throughout the Clove.

___

(c)2023 Daily Freeman, Kingston, N.Y.

Visit Daily Freeman, Kingston, N.Y. at https://www.dailyfreeman.com/
LAS VEGAS (AP)  Central New York native and casino mogul Steve Wynn has ended a yearslong legal fight with Nevada gambling regulators that started with claims of workplace sexual misconduct, agreeing to pay a $10 million fine and cut ties to the industry he helped shape in Las Vegas.

The Nevada Gaming Commission accepted a settlement Thursday to end the states look at allegations that led to Wynns resignation from his corporate empire in February 2018. Wynn admitted no wrongdoing. The decision was 4-0. Commission Chairwoman Jennifer Togliatti abstained from voting, citing a conflict arising from her previous work as a state court mediator.

Wynn is now 81 and lives in Florida. He did not attend the hearing held in Carson City and livestreamed on the internet. His attorney, Colby Williams, called the case the final regulatory matter that Wynn faced stemming from the allegations five years ago.

Wynn looks forward to moving on to other phases of his life, Williams told The Associated Press.

Wynn grew up in Utica and is a 1959 graduate of The Manlius School, which later merged with Manlius Pebble Hill School. He donated $50 million for a new hospital in downtown Utica that will be named after him.

The fine is the largest ever imposed by the commission, second only to $20 million paid in February 2019 by Wynns former company, Wynn Resorts Ltd., for failing to investigate the sexual misconduct claims made against Wynn.

Craig Newby, first assistant Nevada attorney general, reminded the commission that a seven-month investigation by the Nevada Gaming Control Board found evidence of sexual conduct by Mr. Wynn involving some subordinate female employees.

This stipulation, Newby said, would bring this sordid affair to conclusion.

Its a huge blemish on the (casino) industry, Commissioner Rosa Solis-Rainey said. While Mr. Wynn made some incredible contributions, the nature of the allegations that were made and the history behind that ... warrant at least the amount of fine that was negotiated.

I think its in everybodys best interest to move forward, she said.

Forbes puts Wynns net worth at $3.2 billion, among the top 400 of its ranking of richest Americans.

Wynn signed a seven-page document on July 17 acknowledging he had been accused of failure to exercise discretion and sound judgment to prevent actions that reflected negatively on the reputation of Nevada and its gambling industry.

Violating the agreement could lead to a finding of unsuitability for association with Nevada casinos and an additional fine.

Unsuitability would be extraordinary for a man widely credited with starting a boom that grew Las Vegas Strip properties from gambling halls with all-you-can-eat buffets and showrooms into huge destination resorts featuring celebrity-chef restaurants, massive gambling floors, nightclubs and huge stage productions.

Wynn developed luxury properties including the Golden Nugget, Mirage, Treasure Island, Bellagio, Wynn and Encore in Las Vegas; Golden Nugget in Atlantic City, New Jersey; Beau Rivage in Biloxi, Mississippi; Wynn Macau in the Chinese gambling enclave; and Encore Boston Harbor in Massachusetts.

He resigned after the Wall Street Journal published allegations by several women that he sexually harassed or assaulted them at his hotels. He divested company shares, quit the corporate board and resigned as finance chairman of the Republican National Committee.

Wynn has consistently denied sexual misconduct allegations in multiple courts.

In the Gaming Commission case, the Nevada Supreme Court ruled against him in March 2022, finding that a state judge in Las Vegas acted prematurely in late 2020 when she sided with Wynns lawyers and decided the state lacked authority to punish him.

Wynns attorneys, also including Donald Campbell, argued that the Gaming Control Board and Gaming Commission no longer had legal jurisdiction over Wynn.

State regulators launched their investigation after the allegations against Wynn emerged. The board said Wynns license had been placed on administrative hold and the commission moved in October 2019 to discipline or fine Wynn.

At a December 2019 hearing, which Wynn did not attend, commissioners began considering a fine of up to $500,000 and a declaration that Wynn was unsuitable to renew ties to gambling in Nevada.

Months earlier, the commission fined his former company the record $20 million.

Massachusetts gambling regulators fined Wynn Resorts Ltd. another $35 million and new company chief executive Matthew Maddox $500,000 for failing to disclose while applying for a license for the Boston-area resort that there had been sexual misconduct allegations against Wynn.

Wynn Resorts agreed in November 2019 to accept $20 million in damages from Wynn and $21 million more from insurance carriers on behalf of current and former employees of Wynn Resorts to settle shareholder lawsuits accusing company directors of failing to disclose misconduct allegations.

The agreements included no admission of wrongdoing.
This photo taken on July 27, 2023 shows dark clouds in the border area between Chaozhou and Shantou cities in south China's Guangdong Province.

China Meteorological Administration raised its emergency responses for typhoons to Level I, the highest level, on Thursday afternoon as Doksuri turned into a super typhoon.

Doksuri is expected to make landfall in the coastal areas between Dongshan and Putian in east China's Fujian Province on Friday morning, the administration said.

The administration urged local meteorological authorities in the provinces, such as Fujian, Guangdong, Zhejiang, and Jiangxi, to raise their emergency response levels based on local situations, coordinate with relevant government departments, and lead the public to prevent disasters and avoid risks. (Xinhua/Lu Hanxin)

BEIJING, July 27 (Xinhua) -- China Meteorological Administration raised its emergency responses for typhoons to Level I, the highest level, on Thursday afternoon as Doksuri turned into a super typhoon.

Doksuri, the fifth typhoon of this year, strengthened from severe to a super typhoon on Thursday afternoon and was observed about 360 km southeast of Xiamen City in east China's Fujian Province at 5 p.m.

It is expected to move northwest at 15 to 20 km per hour with increased intensity, said the administration in a statement.

Doksuri is expected to make landfall in the coastal areas between Dongshan and Putian in east China's Fujian Province on Friday morning, the administration said.

The administration urged local meteorological authorities in the provinces, such as Fujian, Guangdong, Zhejiang, and Jiangxi, to raise their emergency response levels based on local situations, coordinate with relevant government departments, and lead the public to prevent disasters and avoid risks.

The National Meteorological Center on Thursday morning renewed a red alert for Typhoon Doksuri, the most severe warning in its four-tier warning system, as the fifth typhoon of this year is expected to bring gales and heavy rain to the eastern and southern parts of the country.

The meteorological center has issued an advisory suspending indoor and outdoor gatherings and dangerous outdoor operations and recommended the timely transfer of people living in vulnerable housing.

This aerial photo shows fishing boats taking shelter at a harbor as Typhoon Doksuri approaches in Zhoushan City of east China's Zhejiang Province, July 27, 2023. China Meteorological Administration raised its emergency responses for typhoons to Level I, the highest level, on Thursday afternoon as Doksuri turned into a super typhoon.

The administration urged local meteorological authorities in the provinces, such as Fujian, Guangdong, Zhejiang, and Jiangxi, to raise their emergency response levels based on local situations, coordinate with relevant government departments, and lead the public to prevent disasters and avoid risks. (Photo by Yao Feng/Xinhua)

This aerial photo shows fishing boats taking shelter at a harbor as Typhoon Doksuri approaches in Chaozhou City of south China's Guangdong Province, July 27, 2023.

China Meteorological Administration raised its emergency responses for typhoons to Level I, the highest level, on Thursday afternoon as Doksuri turned into a super typhoon.

The administration urged local meteorological authorities in the provinces, such as Fujian, Guangdong, Zhejiang, and Jiangxi, to raise their emergency response levels based on local situations, coordinate with relevant government departments, and lead the public to prevent disasters and avoid risks. (Xinhua/Wang Ruiping)

This photo taken on July 27, 2023 shows dark clouds in the border area between Chaozhou and Shantou cities in south China's Guangdong Province.

China Meteorological Administration raised its emergency responses for typhoons to Level I, the highest level, on Thursday afternoon as Doksuri turned into a super typhoon.

Doksuri is expected to make landfall in the coastal areas between Dongshan and Putian in east China's Fujian Province on Friday morning, the administration said.

The administration urged local meteorological authorities in the provinces, such as Fujian, Guangdong, Zhejiang, and Jiangxi, to raise their emergency response levels based on local situations, coordinate with relevant government departments, and lead the public to prevent disasters and avoid risks. (Xinhua/Lu Hanxin)

This aerial photo shows fishing boats taking shelter at a harbor as Typhoon Doksuri approaches in Chaozhou City of south China's Guangdong Province, July 27, 2023.

China Meteorological Administration raised its emergency responses for typhoons to Level I, the highest level, on Thursday afternoon as Doksuri turned into a super typhoon.

The administration urged local meteorological authorities in the provinces, such as Fujian, Guangdong, Zhejiang, and Jiangxi, to raise their emergency response levels based on local situations, coordinate with relevant government departments, and lead the public to prevent disasters and avoid risks. (Xinhua/Wang Ruiping)

This aerial photo shows fishing boats taking shelter at a harbor as Typhoon Doksuri approaches in Chaozhou City of south China's Guangdong Province, July 27, 2023.

China Meteorological Administration raised its emergency responses for typhoons to Level I, the highest level, on Thursday afternoon as Doksuri turned into a super typhoon.

The administration urged local meteorological authorities in the provinces, such as Fujian, Guangdong, Zhejiang, and Jiangxi, to raise their emergency response levels based on local situations, coordinate with relevant government departments, and lead the public to prevent disasters and avoid risks. (Xinhua/Wang Ruiping)

This aerial photo shows fishing boats taking shelter at a harbor as Typhoon Doksuri approaches in Chaozhou City of south China's Guangdong Province, July 27, 2023.

China Meteorological Administration raised its emergency responses for typhoons to Level I, the highest level, on Thursday afternoon as Doksuri turned into a super typhoon.

The administration urged local meteorological authorities in the provinces, such as Fujian, Guangdong, Zhejiang, and Jiangxi, to raise their emergency response levels based on local situations, coordinate with relevant government departments, and lead the public to prevent disasters and avoid risks. (Xinhua/Wang Ruiping)

A fisherman folds fishing net in Shantou, south China's Guangdong Province, July 27, 2023.

China Meteorological Administration raised its emergency responses for typhoons to Level I, the highest level, on Thursday afternoon as Doksuri turned into a super typhoon.

Doksuri is expected to make landfall in the coastal areas between Dongshan and Putian in east China's Fujian Province on Friday morning, the administration said.

The administration urged local meteorological authorities in the provinces, such as Fujian, Guangdong, Zhejiang, and Jiangxi, to raise their emergency response levels based on local situations, coordinate with relevant government departments, and lead the public to prevent disasters and avoid risks. (Xinhua/Lu Hanxin)

This photo taken on July 27, 2023 shows dark clouds in the border area between Chaozhou and Shantou cities in south China's Guangdong Province.

China Meteorological Administration raised its emergency responses for typhoons to Level I, the highest level, on Thursday afternoon as Doksuri turned into a super typhoon.

Doksuri is expected to make landfall in the coastal areas between Dongshan and Putian in east China's Fujian Province on Friday morning, the administration said.

The administration urged local meteorological authorities in the provinces, such as Fujian, Guangdong, Zhejiang, and Jiangxi, to raise their emergency response levels based on local situations, coordinate with relevant government departments, and lead the public to prevent disasters and avoid risks. (Xinhua/Lu Hanxin)

This photo taken on July 27, 2023 shows waves off the coast of Fuzhou, southeast China's Fujian Province.

China Meteorological Administration raised its emergency responses for typhoons to Level I, the highest level, on Thursday afternoon as Doksuri turned into a super typhoon.

Doksuri is expected to make landfall in the coastal areas between Dongshan and Putian in east China's Fujian Province on Friday morning, the administration said.

The administration urged local meteorological authorities in the provinces, such as Fujian, Guangdong, Zhejiang, and Jiangxi, to raise their emergency response levels based on local situations, coordinate with relevant government departments, and lead the public to prevent disasters and avoid risks. (Xinhua/Wei Peiquan)

Fishermen finish off their work at the beach as Typhoon Doksuri approaches in Fuzhou, southeast China's Fujian Province, July 27, 2023.

China Meteorological Administration raised its emergency responses for typhoons to Level I, the highest level, on Thursday afternoon as Doksuri turned into a super typhoon.

Doksuri is expected to make landfall in the coastal areas between Dongshan and Putian in east China's Fujian Province on Friday morning, the administration said.

The administration urged local meteorological authorities in the provinces, such as Fujian, Guangdong, Zhejiang, and Jiangxi, to raise their emergency response levels based on local situations, coordinate with relevant government departments, and lead the public to prevent disasters and avoid risks. (Xinhua/Wei Peiquan)

This aerial photo shows fishing boats at a dock in Xiamen, southeast China's Fujian Province, July 27, 2023.

As Typhoon Doksuri approaches, the flood control and drought relief headquarters in the Chinese coastal city of Xiamen has taken swift action by raising the emergency response for typhoons to Level I, the highest alert level. (Photo by Zeng Demeng/Xinhua)

This photo taken on July 27, 2023 shows the closed Sanqiutian dock of Gulangyu in Xiamen, southeast China's Fujian Province.

As Typhoon Doksuri approaches, the flood control and drought relief headquarters in the Chinese coastal city of Xiamen has taken swift action by raising the emergency response for typhoons to Level I, the highest alert level. (Photo by Zeng Demeng/Xinhua)

Staff members dismantle metal fences at a construction site in Xiamen, southeast China's Fujian Province, July 27, 2023.

As Typhoon Doksuri approaches, the flood control and drought relief headquarters in the Chinese coastal city of Xiamen has taken swift action by raising the emergency response for typhoons to Level I, the highest alert level. (Photo by Zeng Demeng/Xinhua)

This photo taken on July 27, 2023 shows suspension information of ferry service on the screen of a dock in Xiamen, southeast China's Fujian Province.

As Typhoon Doksuri approaches, the flood control and drought relief headquarters in the Chinese coastal city of Xiamen has taken swift action by raising the emergency response for typhoons to Level I, the highest alert level. (Photo by Zeng Demeng/Xinhua)

Editor: WXL
The Taos News delivered to your Taos County address every week for a full year! We offer our lowest mail rates to zip codes in the county. Click Here to See if you Qualify. Plan includes unlimited website access and e-edition print replica online. Your auto pay plan will be conveniently renewed at the end of the subscription period. You may cancel at anytime.
Thank you for reading!

Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue.
Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Indonesian President Joko Widodo in Chengdu, capital city of southwest China's Sichuan Province, July 27, 2023. Widodo is in Chengdu to attend the opening ceremony of the 31st summer edition of the FISU World University Games and visit China. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu)

CHENGDU, July 27 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday met with Indonesian President Joko Widodo in Chengdu, capital city of southwest China's Sichuan Province.

Widodo is here to attend the opening ceremony of the 31st summer edition of the FISU World University Games and visit China.

Xi noted the opening of a new chapter in building a China-Indonesia community with a shared future last year.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Indonesia. Xi said China is willing to take the occasion as an opportunity to deepen strategic cooperation with Indonesia, set an example for developing countries of sharing a common future, pursuing solidarity and cooperation and boosting common development, and inject more certainty and positive energy into the region and the world.

China is willing to maintain regular strategic communication with Indonesia, strengthen the exchanges of state governance experience, initiate the "2+2" dialogue mechanism for foreign and defense ministers of the two countries, and build high-level strategic mutual trust, Xi said.

Major achievements have been made in synergizing the Belt and Road Initiative with Indonesia's vision of the Global Maritime Fulcrum, Xi said.

With the Jakarta-Bandung High-speed Railway soon coming into operation, the two sides need to ensure the high standard and high quality of the project, injecting more impetus to Indonesia's development, said Xi, adding that the two countries need to further the cooperation on comprehensive industrial parks.

China supports Indonesia in developing its new capital and the North Kalimantan Industrial Park, and is willing to expand cooperation in areas including new energy vehicles and smart cities and jointly promote the industrial digital transformation, Xi said.

China is willing to continue to expand imports of bulk commodities and high-quality agricultural products from Indonesia, deliver on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, and strengthen cooperation in fields including food security, poverty reduction, rural revitalization, vocational education, language education, medicine and health, culture and tourism, he said.

China is ready to deepen its comprehensive strategic partnership with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and support the work of Indonesia as the rotating chair of the ASEAN, Xi said.

China stands ready to strengthen communication and coordination with Indonesia under G20, BRICS and other multilateral mechanisms, promote the implementation of the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, safeguard regional and global peace and stability, and promote the building of a community with a shared future for humanity, Xi said.

Widodo said the bilateral relations have made substantial progress since he received Xi in Bali last year.

Indonesia firmly upholds the one-China policy and is willing to continue to enhance cooperation with China in areas including investment, marine fisheries, food security and healthcare, he said.

The Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative put forward by Xi are open and inclusive, Widodo said, adding that Indonesia actively supports the initiatives.

Indonesia is willing to strengthen its strategic communication with China and jointly safeguard regional peace, stability, development and prosperity, Widodo said.

After the meeting, Xi and Widodo witnessed the signing of bilateral cooperation documents.

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Indonesian President Joko Widodo in Chengdu, capital city of southwest China's Sichuan Province, July 27, 2023. Widodo is in Chengdu to attend the opening ceremony of the 31st summer edition of the FISU World University Games and visit China. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao)

Editor: WRX
Its been more than five years since I first asked whether ATSC 3.0, aka NextGen TV, would spell doom for over-the-air DVR. The answers are coming in now, and theyre not encouraging.

The latest television broadcasting standard, also called NextGen TV, is supposed to introduce new features such as 4K HDR video and dialog enhancement. But it also gives broadcasters the ultimate say over where and how you watch free local channels. With new encryption measures that many stations are now adopting, ATSC 3.0 can limit recording capabilities, block out-of-home viewing, and restrict the use of certain video player apps. Even basic playback requires seemingly endless certification hoops, potentially driving up the cost of ATSC 3.0 converter boxes.

Broadcasters say theyre trying to protect against media piracy, and that they might address some of these complaints in the future, but encryption still leaves them, rather than audiences, in control of whats possible. Over-the-air DVR has been one of the last great ways to watch TV on your own terms. NextGen TV could stop that from happening.

This story is part of TechHives in-depth coverage of the best over-the-air DVRs.

How does ATSC 3.0 encryption work?

Although broadcasters downplayed ATSC 3.0s DRM (digital rights management) features in the standards early years, theyre starting to lock things down with encryption as more stations come online, and the issue has gained wider attention thanks to recent coverage by Tyler Antenna Man Kleinle and Lon Seidman.

Users can see which ATSC 3.0 stations are encrypted on the RabbitEars website, which has been tracking the NextGen TV rollout. Out of more than 400 NextGen TV channels in the United States, roughly 16 percent of them are now encrypted.

None of this should be noticeable if you have a smart TV with an ATSC 3.0 tuner, as it should already have the necessary keys to decrypt these locked-down channels. It also doesnt affect channels that use the current ATSC 1.0 standard, which broadcasters are required to support for at least another four years.

But if you were an early adopter of external ATSC 3.0 tuners such as the HDHomeRun Flex 4K or Bitrouter ZapperBox, you wont be able to watch any encrypted channels. These devices launched without DRM support before broadcasters started encrypting their channels, and while they plan to support DRM in the near future, the complications of doing so has led to numerous delays.

DRM isnt just a temporary inconvenience. It will also introduce new restrictions on your ability to access free, over-the-air channels through external tuners. Here are some examples that Ive confirmed with device makers:

For DVR, broadcasters can set expiration dates on recordings or even block them outright. Its unclear if broadcasters will do this, but ATSC 3.0 gives them the capability.

or even block them outright. Its unclear if broadcasters will do this, but ATSC 3.0 gives them the capability. ATSC 3.0s DRM has latency restrictions that effectively block out-of-home viewing from networked tuners such as the HDHomeRun Flex 4K.

from networked tuners such as the HDHomeRun Flex 4K. Users will need an internet connection to stream local broadcasts around the home , for instance from an HDHomeRun tuner to a Roku player, and an occasional internet connection might be required for external tuner boxes.

, for instance from an HDHomeRun tuner to a Roku player, and an occasional internet connection might be required for external tuner boxes. Recordings wont work without the original tuner that captured the programming, effectively preventing users from transferring programs theyve recorded on a DVR to other devices, such as a laptop or tablet for away-from-home viewing.

that captured the programming, effectively preventing users from transferring programs theyve recorded on a DVR to other devices, such as a laptop or tablet for away-from-home viewing. With an HDHomeRun tuner, third-party apps must get independently certified to play encrypted ATSC 3.0 content. Its unclear if programs such as Channels and Plex will do so.

DVR solutions such as Channels will need their own DRM certification, and its unclear if that will happen. FancyBits

The broadcasters response

Pearl TV spokesman Dave Arland said future updates to ATSC 3.0s copy-protection system, called A3SA, could address these issues. (Pearl TV is the broadcaster consortium thats backing ATSC 3.0, and is a part-owner of A3SA.)

Remote viewing, for instance, is on the A3SA development roadmap, Arland said, and Pearl TV has proof-of-concept proposals that would allow external tuners to work without even occasional internet connectivity. While there are considerable technical challenges to letting users transfer recordings across devices, Arland said Pearl TV believes these are surmountable as well.

Arland did not deny that A3SA allows broadcasters to set expiration dates on recordings or block them outright, but said hes not aware of any broadcasters that are doing so. He also noted that A3SAs current rules prohibit restrictions on recordings for ATSC 1.0 channels that are simulcast in ATSC 3.0.

Content protection is designed to prevent piracy, not stop home recording, Arland said.

Well-intentioned or not, A3SA in its current form still serves to lock down over-the-air DVR and make it more like what you get with live TV streaming services. Instead of being free to watch local broadcasts on any device, using whichever app you prefer, youll be at the whims of the broadcasters and TV networks.

ATSC 3.0 DRM could cost you more

If youre not an over-the-air DVR user and only use an antenna for live TV, you might shrug off issues Ive raised above. But heres another reason to be concerned: DRM could make external tuner boxes more expensive.

Most existing TVs can only pick up broadcasts in the older ATSC 1.0 standard, and even some new TVs continue to ship without ATSC 3.0 tuners onboard. For viewers who dont want to replace their entire televisions, ATSC 3.0 will require an external converter box.

The HDHomeRun Flex 4K is one of only two ATSC 3.0 tuner boxes on the market right now. SiliconDust

But one device maker, who asked not to be named in this story, said that ATSC 3.0 DRM has both up-front and ongoing costs, both for licensing and certification testing. For the small vendors that are currently building ATSC 3.0 tuner boxes, these costs can be significant, and like other licensing fees they inevitably get passed onto users. (Pearl TVs Dave Arland said A3SA provides significant per-model discounts to smaller manufacturers.)

DRM can also complicate the process of bringing new products to market in the first place. Nuvyyo, makers of the Tablo over-the-air DVR line, specifically pointed to DRM as the reason for delaying its first ATSC 3.0 tuner. The status of that product remains uncertain, as Nuvyyo has since been acquired by The E.W. Scripps Company, a major broadcaster.

So far, weve yet to see an external tuner ship for less than $200, and even ADTHs upcoming tuner box has a price of around $100. While DRM might not be solely to blame, it is a factor in limiting options and keeping prices high.

The DVRs decline

While the rise of on-demand streaming has made DVR less relevant, in a way its more important than ever. As streaming services raise prices for ad-free viewing and trim their catalogs, being able to record TV programming on a device of your choosing is one of the last ways for viewers to exercise some control.

ATSC 3.0 DRM threatens to take that away. Combined with the dismantling of CableCARD, it ensures that users will be funneled into apps in which the content providers call the shotseven for free, over-the-air TV.

What can you do about it? Lon Seidman has encouraged users to complain to the FCC, which is seeking public feedback about the future of over-the-air TV. Broadcasters want the ability to turn off ATSC 1.0 as soon as its feasible, but they need the FCCs permission to do it, and a loud and sustained consumer outcry could force some concessions on the encryption front.

Alternatively, you can just ride out ATSC 1.0 until the bitter end. As of now, thatll be at least until July 2027, as the FCC is requiring broadcasters to support the old standard until then. If you buy an over-the-air DVR todayeven one without ATSC 3.0 supportyoull get at least four years of life out of it, and in a sense youll be voting against the new standard.

Either way, enjoy the unfettered state of over-the-air DVR while it lasts, because its future looks very cloudy.

Sign up for Jareds Cord Cutter Weekly newsletter to get columns like this in your inbox every Friday.
Rejoice, armchair astronomers: NASA is about to launch its very own plus-style streaming service, and unlike streamers like Disney+ and Paramount+, you wont have to worry about any price hikes.

NASA+ is go for launch later this year, and it will arrive with an upgraded NASA app. The main NASA.gov and science.nasa.gov websites are also getting makeovers, and you can check out the beta versions of the new NASA sites right now.

Set to be available on all the major streaming player platforms, including Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Roku, NASA+ will offer access to live coverage of the space agencys various missions, including NASAs upcoming Armetis missions to the moon.

NASA+ will also serve up NASAs collection of original shows, along with a handful of new shows that are slated to launch with the new service.

Some of the shows we can expect on NASA+ include NASA Talks, Space Out, The Color of Space, NASA Explorers, NASA Kids, and First Light.

While NASA hasnt revealed exactly when NASA+ will arrive, it has told us how much it will cost: nothing. Even better, NASA+ will be ad-freenot surprising given that NASA is a public agency, but still, its still nice to hear.

Besides being available on the big streaming platforms, NASA+ will also be streamable on the soon-to-be-revamped NASA app for iOS and Android.

NASA already has a streaming presence via its popular NASA YouTube channel, where it offers a simulcast of its linear NASA TV station along with live streams from the International Space Station, complete with views both inside and outside the orbital outpost.

NASA also has its own Twitch channel.

Alongside the arrival of NASA+, the new NASA.gov and science.nasa.gov websites will deliver a connected, topic-driven experience with a common search engine and integrated navigation, according to a NASA press release.
A hot potato: Range anxiety  unease over the maximum driving range before needing to recharge  has been a primary roadblock facing electric vehicle adoption. An extensive new report from Reuters claims that leading EV manufacturer Tesla has used overly optimistic range estimates and instructed staff to divert range-related complaints, but the current status of these policies is unclear.

Sources have told Reuters that Tesla at one point employed algorithms to give customers exaggerated estimates for the maximum driving range of its EVs and dedicated an entire office to silencing complaints on the issue. It isn't known if Tesla still uses the algorithms, but third-party testers recently claimed the cars fail to meet their advertised ranges.

The practice began around a decade ago for advertising purposes and was directed by Tesla CEO Elon Musk. The inflated numbers would appear on a vehicle's dashboard while at or near full charge but would switch to a more realistic estimate after falling below 50 percent, which could give drivers the impression that the range is dramatically sinking.

Part of the issue is that Tesla's numbers don't account for environmental conditions, which can significantly impact driving range. Cold weather has an especially acute effect on EV batteries, potentially cutting their range in half. Other factors like extended periods of high-throttle driving, steep inclines, and headwinds can also shorten the time between recharging. The company does, however, host information about conditions that affect driving range on its website, and recent updates to its EVs display more information about battery consumption.

Although word of the policy has only recently emerged, Tesla has previously gotten into trouble with regulators in the US and South Korea over the issue. The range estimates required to be displayed on EVs for sale in the US typically come directly from the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), but Tesla uses internal testing.

Since 2020, the EPA has required the company to revise its numbers by around three percent. In January, the Korea Fair Trade Commission fined Tesla $2.2 million for failing to tell customers about the effects of low temperatures on EV batteries and forced the company to admit false advertising.

The mismatch between advertised ranges and the ranges many drivers experienced in the wild led to so many customer complaints that Tesla opened a division in Las Vegas devoted solely to diverting and closing support cases without necessarily solving the underlying issues. Employees there regularly celebrated closing cases and resorted to various tactics to do so, diverting or canceling hundreds per week.

At one point, Las Vegas staff were instructed to try to end calls within five minutes and would cancel a case if the customer didn't pick up the first time they called. Initially, employees would run remote diagnostics before telling customers their batteries were in good health, but ceased doing so in late 2022.

The company currently handles range cases through a Utah office, and it's unclear how it conducts range estimation today, but recent outside analysis still shows discrepancies. A 2021 report from Edmunds found that most Tesla models miss EPA range estimates even when accounting for the supposed 15-mile "safety buffer." Models from other manufacturers hewed closer to EPA estimates and almost always exceeded advertised ranges. More recently, an EV analytics company told Reuters that Tesla's numbers disregard environmental factors as recently as this year.

The report resembles a May incident in which an employee leaked reports of thousands of previously unknown safety and privacy complaints. The trove of documents revealed that support staff deliberately avoided leaving paper trails of the complaints by favoring oral communication and refusing to record calls.

Despite the controversy, Tesla vehicles continue to enjoy strong sales. Recent price cuts and positive performance in China helped the Model Y become the first EV at the top of the world's best-selling car list in the first quarter of this year.
While studies show that remote work facilitates an increase in work-life balance and as a consequence, improved mental and physical health and wellbeing, an increasing number of companies including Salesforce, Disney, Amazon, and JPMorgan are ordering their staff back to the office.

And despite the evidence surrounding remote working facilitating increased productivity, 95% of executives recently admitted that they are more aware of the contributions made by workers when they are in the office.

The happy medium? Hybrid work.

Best of both worlds

"Hybrid is no longer just an employee perk but an employee expectation," suggests Ranjit Atwal, senior director analyst at Gartner.

"Many employees started to partially return to the office in 2022, but the hybrid workstyle will remain prominent in 2023 and beyond. To adapt, employers have been implementing a human-centric work design  including flexibility, intentional collaboration and empathy-based management  which suits hybrid employees."

Couple this with a 2022 report from the National Bureau of Economic Research which found that informal conversations or watercooler moments and in-person meetings lead to more creativity and innovation and you can start to see why so many companies are actively encouraging hybrid work.

Career path

Hybrid work has also been found to help younger workers at the start of their careers, too. And while Gen Z are often considered the snowflake generation that don't share the same work-ethic as their millennial and Gen X colleagues, 79% of 18- to 34-year-olds expect to be back in the office four days per week, compared to 67% of those in the 25-44 cohort, and 51% for workers over the age of 45.

Similarly, separate data found that only 27% of Gen Z workers would prefer to work full remote compared to 49% of millennials. However, if your current employer has mandated a return to the office full time, there's probably not much you can do to stop this from happening, apart from getting a new job in a company that facilitates hybrid work.

If that is the case, the TechSpot Job Board is the perfect place to start your search. It features thousands of job listings in companies that are fully remote or follow a hybrid working model, like the five below.

Microsoft

During the height of the pandemic Microsoft employees were given formal permission to work from home, however in 2022 it started calling employees back to the office on a hybrid basis.

"Hybrid work represents the biggest shift to how we work in our generation  and it'll require a new operating model, spanning people, places, and processes," CEO Satya Nadella has said of the company's attitude towards workplace flexibility. It has also introduced Microsoft Viva for staff to streamline connectivity and communication. View current opportunities at Microsoft here.

Blockdaemon

With 100% remote-friendly offices in LA, blockchain infrastructure platform Blockdaemon also offers flexible hours to all its staff. As its workforce is fully distributed across the U.S. and Ireland, the company says it has "tools and benefits'' to support every staff member in a remote work environment. Get more information about openings at Blockdaemon here.

Adobe

In 2021 Adobe's chief people officer, Gloria Chen, revealed that the creative suite company would be implementing a hybrid approach. As part of that, employees are only required to "gather for the moments that matter" and the rest of the time "an intentional mix of physical and virtual presences, with in-person gatherings driven by purpose and designed for collaboration" is encouraged.

Get more information about how you can work for Adobe here.

Shopify

Ecommerce giant Shopify is remote by default and facilitates a flexible environment in several ways including a "no-meeting Wednesday" policy so its staff can engage in deep work.

In January the company decided to limit meetings of more than 50 people to one six-hour window every Thursday and cancel all recurring meetings with more than two people. Find out more about current opportunities at Shopify here.

Zoom

As one of the most popular virtual meeting tools out there, it's little wonder Zoom champions remote working with its own workforce. Post-pandemic, the video conferencing platform still permits staff to follow a hybrid model of their choosing. See all careers at Zoom here.
What just happened? Margrethe Vestager, Executive Vice President of the European Commission and European Commissioner for Competition, is targeting Microsoft with a formal investigation for potential breach of Europe's antitrust rules. The US corporation is accused of abusing its market dominance over the office productivity business.

After a "truce" which lasted more than a decade, the European Commission is once again probing Microsoft for unfair and monopolistic business practices. The cloud and AI corporation is seemingly back to its old nasty behaviors towards competitors, trying to crush third-party companies by exploiting unfair advantages like bundling Teams with the Office 365 productivity cloud service.

Video conferencing applications achieved a spectacular popularity level during the COVID-19 pandemic, and Teams rose from 2 million users registered in the first year (2017) to 270 million users by the end of 2022. In 2020, Slack (now owned by Salesforce) filed a complaint with the European Commission, accusing Microsoft of forcing Teams installation on Office 365 subscribers as a way to boost the tool's popularity.

Three years later, the EU is now ready to conduct an official probe. Vestager says that remote communication and collaboration tools like Teams have become indispensable for many businesses in Europe, therefore the EU must ensure that they "remain competitive" and companies are still free to choose whatever collaboration tool they want to install and use.

Microsoft's proposed solution to Brussels, a halt to the forced installation of Teams with Office 365 subscriptions but only in European countries, wasn't enough to convince EU authorities to avoid the antitrust investigation. Redmond now states that the company takes its own responsibilities "very seriously," and that it will continue to cooperate with the Commission anyway.

The Commission, however, could be eventually forced to conclude its investigation with a new, hefty fine against Microsoft. In 2009, the EU charged Redmond for its anticompetitive practice with Internet Explorer tied to the Windows OS, and four years later Brussels was forced to impose a 561 million fine because the US corporation wasn't fulfilling its duty.

Furthermore, Slack isn't the only organization asking the EU to act against the new monopolistic itch Microsoft is exposing to the whole technology world. A new complaint against Teams integration with Office 365 came just last week, by a German company selling videoconferencing software known as Alfaview. In the past decade, Microsoft has been fined 2.2 billion for breaching Europe's competition rules.
WTF?! Activision is suing a TikToker after he tried to sue the company for using audio from one of his videos. The strange case involves TikTok creator/music critic/YouTuber Anthony Fantano, who uses the name TheNeedleTok or The Needle Drop, Crash Bandicoot, and pizza slices.

The story began with a TikTok Duet, which allows users to post videos side-by-side with videos from other creators, that Fantano made in 2021. The clip shows someone cutting a pizza into increasingly smaller slices, prompting him to eventually yell, "It's enough slices!"

The clip went viral and turned into a meme. Activision claims that hundreds of thousands of TikTok users added the audio (usually the "it's enough slices" line) into their own videos, which Fantano celebrated and boasted about.

It seems that Activision believed this meant it could also use the audio clip, in a TikTok video promoting Crash Bandicoot sneakers. Fantano disagreed, claiming it constituted a "false endorsement" of the sneakers and could mislead viewers into thinking he approved of or was otherwise connected to the sneakers, a violation of the 1946 Lanham Act, writes IGN. He contacted the publisher demanding it be removed or else he would sue, which they did "to avoid litigation, and without any admission of liability."

Fantano contacted Activision again to say he was still prepared to file a lawsuit in New York, despite neither party residing there. Activision says it spoke to Fantano's lawyer the next day and was told he was demanding "a six-figure sum" as a settlement. The lawyer also allegedly claimed that other companies had previously reached similar settlements with Fantano "to avoid the expense of litigation".

Activision has pointed to other TikTokers' use of the audio, referred to the platform's ToS that states users "may [...] extract all or any portion of User Content created by another user to produce additional User Content," and noted that Fantano made the audio available in TikTok's audio library deliberately for others to use.

Now, it's Activision that is suing Fantano, to prevent his lawsuit from progressing. It seeks a jury trial in California and wants the court to declare that Activision is not in violation of the Lanham Act. It also seeks "fees and costs in bringing and pursuing this action."
People try to rescue passengers from the capsized boat in Rizal Province, the Philippines on July 27, 2023. At least 21 people died after a passenger boat capsized in a lake in Rizal province, east of Manila, on Thursday afternoon, a spokesperson for the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the police said. (Philippine Coast Guard/Handout via Xinhua)

MANILA, July 27 (Xinhua) -- At least 21 people died after a passenger boat capsized in a lake in Rizal province, east of Manila, on Thursday afternoon, a spokesperson for the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the police said.

PCG spokesperson Rear Admiral Armando Balilo told a television interview that at least 21 died in the accident that happened around 1:00 p.m. local time, approximately 45 meters away from Binangonan town.

Initially, the PCG said 30 died from the accident. Balilo later corrected the figure.

The PCG said the boat was traveling to Talim island in Laguna de Bay, the largest lake in the Philippines, from Binangonan town when the accident happened.

The PCG said strong winds buffeted the motorboat, triggering panic among the people aboard the boat. "They went to rage port side of the boat, causing it to capsize," the PCG said.

The Rizal provincial police confirmed that 21 died from drowning, while 40 others survived the accident.

The PCG posted a video of rescuers plucking the body from the water. Netizens also posted videos on social media showing several rescued people lying on the ground by the bank.

The accident occurred while Typhoon Doksuri was blowing away from the Philippines, triggering floods and landslides, resulting in at least five deaths.

People try to rescue passengers from the capsized boat in Rizal Province, the Philippines on July 27, 2023. At least 21 people died after a passenger boat capsized in a lake in Rizal province, east of Manila, on Thursday afternoon, a spokesperson for the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the police said. (Philippine Coast Guard/Handout via Xinhua)

People try to rescue passengers from the capsized boat in Rizal Province, the Philippines on July 27, 2023. At least 21 people died after a passenger boat capsized in a lake in Rizal province, east of Manila, on Thursday afternoon, a spokesperson for the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the police said. (Philippine Coast Guard/Handout via Xinhua)

People try to rescue passengers from the capsized boat in Rizal Province, the Philippines on July 27, 2023. At least 21 people died after a passenger boat capsized in a lake in Rizal province, east of Manila, on Thursday afternoon, a spokesperson for the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the police said. (Philippine Coast Guard/Handout via Xinhua)

Editor: ZAD
Why it matters: Samsung this week shared its second quarter earnings report for the three-month period ending June 30, 2023. Revenue was down six percent quarter over quarter  mostly due to a decline in smartphone shipments  and the company reported a huge $3.4 billion operating loss, but there is a glimmer or two of hope on the horizon.

On page eight of its results and outlook report, Samsung said mass production of its third GAA (gate-all-around) product is going smoothly now that the company has stabilized its 3nm process. Samsung added that it is developing an improved process for 3nm based on its mass production experience with GAA.

Analysts with market intelligence firm Counterpoint Research said earlier this month that the smartphone industry experienced its eight consecutive quarter with a YoY decline in the most recent quarter. Memory chip makers have also had a hard row to hoe as of late.

TrendForce recently said it expects solid-state drive prices to dip an additional 13 percent in the third quarter. PC DRAM prices, however, have seemingly hit rock bottom. If you are in the market for the latter, now might be as good a time as any to pick up some RAM for next to nothing.

AnandTech noted that Samsung has been using its SF3E node (formerly known as 3GAE, 3nm gate-all-around early) to make chips for dedicated cryptocurrency miners for multiple outfits including MicroBot and PanSemi. A third crypto customer is also using Samsung's process, we understand, but the Korean tech giant did not mention any names.

As the publication highlights, producing chips for crypto miners is an excellent way for Samsung to test new fabrication processes in commercial applications. Even with a relatively high defect rate, yields are likely to be good enough to be viable for ASICs.

Samsung said it expects global demand for electronics to gradually recover in the second half of this year, leading to improved earnings from its component business.

Image credit: Fidel Fernando, Wu Yi
(Photo : Tara Winstead)

AI Governance is a comprehensive framework that guides organizations in the implementation, management and monitoring of AI applications in their operations. Its primary aim is to ensure adherence to regulatory standards, while also incorporating evolving ethical considerations and risk management principles. As AI technology advances rapidly, the requirements for AI Governance are continuously evolving, demanding IT Governance experts to identify and adapt to new challenges in a proactive manner.

According to Oculeus, a provider of telecom fraud management solutions, AI Governance is crucial because while AI offers exciting opportunities for organizations, it also carries significant risks to citizens, potentially causing harm through unintended consequences. The right AI Governance enables organizations to harness AI-generated insights for informed decision-making, while minimizing negative impacts.

"Society generally prizes ideals of fairness and transparency in how such processes operate, especially where important life events are concerned. So the challenge relates to how fairness and transparency can be demonstrated in the complex world of 'black box' AI processing," said Gavin Stewart, Vice President for Sales at Oculeus.

Effective and compliant AI investments for organizational success

Organizations seeking to gain from AI-related applications and systems need to ensure two things, according to Stewart. First, that the AI-enabled tools and processes are effective and useful. Secondly, that they comply not just with current regulations and best practices, but are likely to comply with the next wave of regulations that will emerge in the coming years. Neglecting these aspects could lead to wasted investments due to non-compliant systems that require replacement, coupled with severe financial and reputational repercussions arising from regulatory breaches, Stewart added.

The implications brought by an AI Governance program are organization-specific, depending on their activities and risk profiles. Analysts emphasize two key areas: first, the importance of human oversight in decision-making to prevent AI bias and potential flaws; and second, the need for record-keeping to ensure that the decision-making process was transparent.

AI Governance and emerging regulations

In the future, fully-automated AI workflows may face challenges from citizens who believe AI-based decision-making caused harm. Emerging regulations might empower citizens to challenge such decisions, obliging organizations to respond appropriately or face consequences. Additionally, upcoming regulations may classify AI use cases based on severity levels, leading to varying levels of AI automation permissions. For instance, 'low-risk' AI activities such as advertising may be permitted to use more AI-automation, whereas 'critical-risk' use cases such as police monitoring or arrest may be completely forbidden to employ AI automation. Thus, AI Governance programs will have to adopt a risk-based approach to address these potential developments.

In light of these considerations, leading countries are actively working on AI regulations. The EU's upcoming 'AI Act' is expected to become law by 2024-25, impacting the EU27 countries and potentially influencing global AI regulations. This EU regulation will empower citizens to file complaints and receive explanations for AI-based decisions affecting their rights, necessitating organizations to provide detailed audit trails in response. Other countries like Singapore are also working on similar regulations.

AI Governance for telecom industry

The telecoms industry historically has a heavy need for profiling, forecasting and predictive decision making. Accordingly, telcos have pioneered the use of AI technologies and, before that, 'big data' processes. Therefore, telcos must proactively ready themselves for upcoming regulatory changes, while conducting thorough evaluations of their customers' sentiments and expectations towards AI, as this has been the subject of widespread public concern last year, Stewart added.

As a provider of telecom risk management solution, Oculeus ensures that these government regulations are incorporated in the functionality or utilization of the company's products.

"In our anti-fraud solutions, we adopt a balanced approach to AI, leveraging its capacity to process vast amounts of complex data rapidly to derive valuable insights. This enables us to detect and block deliberate frauds or abuses before they harm customers," Stewart said while explaining the implications of these regulations on providers like Oculeus. He further added that the decision-making process resulting from AI insights incorporates human oversight and the ability to override recommendations without compromising operational efficiency. With this, Oculeus can reduce the risk of mistakenly blocking services for innocent parties flagged as suspected fraudsters. Additionally, Oculeus maintains a comprehensive audit trail of system activities, readily available for regulatory inquiries upon request.

Oculeus firmly believes that every action taken by an AI-enabled system is ultimately "owned" by a specific organization, whether it is a public body or a commercial entity such as a telecoms operator. To ensure effective AI development, organizations must take ownership of AI decisions that impact citizens. While organizations focus on preparing for AI Governance, concerned citizens should direct their attention towards lawmakers to ensure that the democratic process results in favorable regulations.

 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Galaxy Unpacked wrapped earlier this week, but one of the most important unveilings here is the Z Flip5 which features a large outer screen, with reviewers testing what it can display out there. Apart from Samsung's apps accessible despite being folded, several Google apps are also available like Maps, Messages, and YouTube.

It means that users no longer have to flip the phone open and close to use it, unlike what Samsung offered before with the Z Flip4.

Samsung Z Flip5's Outer Screen Can Play YouTube Videos

(Photo : Samsung)

When Samsung unveiled the much-anticipated Galaxy Z Flip5, it was met with massive praise and enthusiasm as it finally brought a larger outer screen for the device. And while this larger outer screen was already introduced before by the likes of Oppo's Find N2 and the Motorola razr 40, this is a cause for celebration on Samsung's part.

Many tests and reviews were conducted to see what the Z Flip5's outer screen, a.k.a. the Flex Window, can do, and one of the most important here is the many apps to use from the flip side.

According to 9to5 Google, apart from Samsung's built-in apps, Google apps are also accessible here, going as far as to allow to play YouTube videos even when it is folded.

Read Also: Does Samsung Solve Its 'Swelling' Battery Problem in 2023?

Galaxy Z Flip 5: Google Maps, Messages for Outer Screen

Apart from watching YouTube videos from the outside, Samsung also allows users to answer messages via Google Messages, as well as navigate on the outer screen with Google Maps.

These are only some of the apps that are accessible from the outside, giving users a mini experience that is enough to answer their needs.

Not flipping the phone all the time may also help in its longevity and durability, making this a plus for its users.

Samsung's Massive Changes for its Foldable Phones

Samsung had a back-to-back unveiling of its foldable smartphones in the recent Galaxy Unpacked event, and while the South Korean company only teased the new Z Flip, there is also the Z Fold5. It was also joined by the new Galaxy Tab S9 and the company's update to the Galaxy Watch, now featuring the Series 6.

One of the most important changes for the foldable smartphones from Samsung is the improved hinges that support the folding motion of its body. It was said to add dust resistance to make the device better in folding, as well as make it more durable, adding to its current water resistance feature that helps in accidental situations.

The change in Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip5's outer display is massive for the company's lineup as it provides users with more experiences without the need to unfold the device. With compatible apps for its display, its owners can do more with the device compared to before which only focused on Notifications, Weather, Music, and the like.

Related Article: Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Up For Grabs Right Now: Here's How to Pre-Order This Tablet

 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
The earthquake warning system designed by Google for Android is intended to issue timely alerts to ensure people have enough time to seek safety. However, concerns have been raised about its effectiveness during an earthquake that struck Turkey on February 6.

(Photo : OZAN KOSE/AFP via Getty Images)

TOPSHOT - A man walks among the rubble of collapsed buildings in Hatay on March 6, 2023, one month after a massive earthquake struck southeastern Turkey. A massive 7.8-magnitude earthquake rocked huge swathes of Turkey and Kahramanmaras.

Investigating Failed Earthquake Warning System of Google's Android

None of the hundreds of individuals interviewed by BBC Newsnight in three Turkish cities reported receiving any warning before the initial tremor occurred.

According to the BBC investigation, only a "limited number" of people received an alert prior to a second tremor. The Android Earthquake Alert System establishes a collaborative warning mechanism by incorporating phone accelerometers.

By analyzing data from multiple phones experiencing simultaneous vibrations, Google can pinpoint the earthquake's epicenter and magnitude. It also promptly issues automatic warnings to individuals expected to face the strongest tremors.

While the warning lead time may be limited to approximately a minute, even such a short interval can prove critical in helping people find protective cover or evacuate. This technology holds promise in assisting populations residing in areas where traditional warning systems are not readily available.

The main concern revolves around the potential failure of the earthquake warning system during a powerful earthquake. Even if the system did function, Engadget reported there is uncertainty about the number of people who should receive warnings and how many receive them in both severe and milder seismic events.

The lack of comprehensive data raises doubts about the reliability of Android's quake alerts as viable replacements for traditional warning methods such as radio and TV broadcasts. Without a clearer understanding based on more data, the effectiveness remains in question compared to the established and widely used traditional warning channels.

Google noted that the ability to send quake alerts, which is operational in dozens of countries worldwide, is a "core" part of its Android service. According to Google, the Android system can send a warning when a magnitude 4.5 tremor or higher is detected.

Also Read: Tech to the Rescue Sets Stage for Humanitarian Aid Efforts in Turkey, Syria

Google's Response

In response to concerns, Google's Product Lead Micah Berman claimed that millions of people in Turkey did receive earthquake alerts. However, the company has not provided data to substantiate the extent of these widespread notifications.

Google presented a few social media posts from individuals claiming to have received a warning, but only one was related to the first earthquake. Berman expressed uncertainty about the lack of prominent mentions regarding the alerts on social networks.

He pointed out that an earthquake's characteristics and internet access reliability can influence the system's performance. Yahoo reported that it's essential to note that the earthquake in February resulted in the tragic loss of more than 50,000 lives.

That highlights the critical importance of reliable early warning systems and raises the urgency for companies like Google to ensure the effectiveness of their services when it comes to matters of life and limb.

During an interview in Iskenderun, Alican, who lost his grandmother when a hospital collapsed during the earthquake, told BBC that he had received alerts in the past. However, he did not receive any warning this time before the devastating initial quake struck.

Related Article: Earthquake Prediction: Study Reveals Potential Precursory Phase Hours Before Quakes Through GPS

 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
During the 2020 presidential election, conservative users on Facebook experienced more isolation and encountered higher levels of misinformation compared to liberal users. However, Facebook's influence on users' political content varied widely across different groups.

(Photo : OLIVIER DOULIERY/AFP via Getty Images)

In this photo illustration a Facebook feed page is displayed on a smartphone on March 25, 2020 in WArlington, Virginia.

Experiencing False News, Disinformation on Facebook

In a recent study, researchers made an intriguing discovery about the behavior of conservatives and liberals on Facebook during the US 2020 presidential election.

According to NBC News, the study is part of an extensive research project investigating Facebook's influence on democracy, revealing that conservatives were more likely to engage with false news stories than liberals.

Analyzing data from 208 million U.S. users, researchers observed that "conservative audiences preferred untrustworthy" news sources. Moreover, nearly all (97%) of the political news webpages marked as false by Meta's third-party fact-checkers were more prominently seen by conservatives than liberals.

University of Pennsylvania's Annenberg School for Communication Professor Sandra Gonzalez-Bailon revealed that Facebook's pages and groups played a more significant role in fostering ideological segregation and polarization than users' friends.

She emphasized that unraveling these feedback loops with observational data is highly challenging and calls for further research.

Also Read: Facebook Bans 'Militarized Language' Posts in Watching Polls for US Elections in November-Preventing Kenosha Militia Part 2?

Conducting the Study

In a departure from previous academic research on Facebook, Bloomberg reported that this unique effort stands out due to its massive scale and the source of data - directly from Meta.

Unlike earlier studies that relied on various data collection methods, often involving scraping from the platform, this project ensures higher data quality and reliability.

To gain insights into the impact of social media, Meta Platforms Inc. provided internal data to 17 independent researchers from prestigious institutions like New York University, the University of Texas at Austin, and several other academic centers.

This collaboration aims to shed light on the role of social media platforms in American democracy and understand their effects on public engagement and information dissemination during critical political events.

Meta did not provide payment to the independent researchers involved in the project. The social media company committed not to reject research questions except for privacy or logistical concerns.

Meta relinquished any authority to restrict or censor the researchers' final discoveries. An independent group of researchers oversaw the process to ensure transparency throughout the collaboration, highlighting the commitment to openness and accountability.

University of Texas professor and a key figure in leading the research project Talia Stroud noted that these findings should prompt everyone, including policymakers, to approach potential solutions with caution. The issue's complexity requires careful consideration, and no straightforward answers exist.

Stroud added that it is now evident that the algorithm plays a significant role in shaping users' experiences on the platform. However, the researchers acknowledged that altering the algorithm for a short period is unlikely to bring about notable changes in people's political attitudes.

Related Article: Mark Zuckerberg is Willing to Pay Facebook Users to Quit Platform Ahead of Election, Here's Why

 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
In a shocking incident in West Bengal, India, a couple allegedly sold their 8-month-old baby to buy an iPhone 14 Pro in pursuit of creating Instagram reels. Reports further noted that the Indian couple also attempted to sell their 7-year-old daughter.

(Photo : Getty Images)

WUHAN, CHINA - SEPTEMBER 16: (CHINA OUT) New Apple iPhone 14's are put on display at an Apple store on September 16,2022 in Wuhan. Hubei, China.

All for an iPhone 14

The iPhone 14, renowned for its cutting-edge features, stands as one of the top choices in the smartphone market. However, its premium price tag has raised concerns.

The iPhone 14 Pro equates to approximately 2 percent of the average annual salary in the US, reflecting its substantial cost. This discrepancy in pricing extends to other countries, attributed not only to taxes and duties but also to currency variations.

Indeed, the iPhone 14's charm and hype can drive some individuals to take extreme actions, even if it means spending a substantial amount of money. The overwhelming excitement and popularity of the device can lead people to make impulsive decisions that they might later regret.

An incident in India's West Bengal province involved an Indian couple allegedly selling their 8-month-old baby to finance the purchase of an iPhone 14 and to fund their travels.

Phone Arena reported that the couple's neighbors became suspicious when the baby suddenly went missing, and the couple, known to be not financially well off, suddenly possessed an iPhone 14 Pro.

Also Read: Apple Claims 99% Satisfaction Rating From iPhone 14 Users Despite Being 'Statistically Impossible'

Apprehending the Indian Couple

Upon confrontation, Apple Insider reported that the mother confessed to selling the baby also to finance their travels and create Instagram reels and short-form videos using the iPhone 14 Pro.

The Indian police apprehended not only the baby's mother but also the woman who reportedly bought the child. However, the baby's father remains at large.

The incident has raised serious concerns and highlights the importance of addressing the welfare of vulnerable children and the consequences of desperation-driven actions. Reports further claimed that the father even made an attempt to sell their 7-year-old daughter.

An investigation being conducted by authorities is still ongoing to thoroughly examine the case. While instances of parents selling their children due to financial hardships have been observed in India, the act of selling a child in exchange for an iPhone represents a truly dystopian reality.

It raised concerns about vulnerable children's well-being and societal pressures' impact. The disturbing incident in West Bengal is not an isolated occurrence, as DailyO also reported equally bizarre stories from different parts of the world.

In 2016, a Chinese couple faced allegations of selling their 18-day-old newborn daughter for $3,530 to acquire an iPhone. More recently, in March, an Australian court brought to light a woman's shocking desire to trade her unborn child for an iPhone.

This revelation came to the fore during a hearing of a tragic incident in which she left her two daughters in a car for over nine hours, resulting in their heartbreaking and untimely deaths.

Related Article: Apple to Manufacture iPhone 14 in India and is Scheduled for Release in Late 2022

 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
A bipartisan effort to preserve AM broadcast radio in new vehicles is gaining momentum as a bill aiming to prevent automakers from eliminating this essential feature advances to the Senate floor for further consideration.

(Photo : MARK RALSTON/AFP via Getty Images)

The interior of Ford's first mass-market electric car the Mustang Mach-E, which is an all-electric vehicle that bears the name of the companys iconic muscle car at a ceremony in Hawthorne, California on November 17, 2019.

Passing the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act

The AM For Every Vehicle Act is heading to the Senate floor after the US Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation approved the bill on Thursday. This significant legislation, which garnered strong bipartisan support, will prevent automakers from eliminating AM broadcast radio in new vehicles.

The bill is now eligible for a full Senate vote. However, no date has yet been scheduled. Reuters reported that the Senate bill has companion measures in the House of Representatives, further highlighting the importance of these proposed changes in Congress.

According to the provisions of the bill championed by Senators Democrat Edward Markey and Republican Ted Cruz, the Department of Transportation would establish a rule that necessitates all new motor vehicles manufactured in or imported to the US after the rule's effective date to be equipped with devices capable of accessing AM broadcast stations or digital audio AM broadcast stations as standard equipment.

This initiative is driven by the recognition of AM broadcast stations' vital role in delivering crucial emergency alerts and news, making them an essential component in enhancing road safety.

In the House, Automotive News reported that Rep. Josh Gottheimer leads the companion bill, with co-leads Reps. Tom Kean, Jr., Rob Menendez, Bruce Westerman, and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, highlighting bipartisan efforts to promote road safety and enable access to vital emergency alerts and news through AM broadcast stations.

During the committee markup, Markey stated, "Our important bill will ensure that all vehicles, including electric vehicles, are equipped with AM radio and have access to critical alerts during emergencies."

Also Read: RadioGPT, World's First AI-Driven Radio Station, Launches: Here's How it Works

Automakers Removing AM Radio

To ensure compliance, automakers that do not include such devices that can access AM broadcast stations must inform buyers of this fact through clear and conspicuous labeling before the effective date of the rule.

Billboard reported that the legislation arose as several major car manufacturers have removed AM radio from their electric vehicles, including Tesla, BMW, Volkswagen, Audi, and Volvo.

Ford previously announced plans to discontinue the technology in most of its "new and updated 2024" models, though they later reversed course due to pressure from Congress.

Eight out of the world's top 20 carmakers have reportedly eliminated the broadcast format from electric vehicles, favoring streaming as the predominant source of listening, especially in Bluetooth-equipped cars.

In April, radio consultant Fred Jacobs highlighted the critical issue of the fate of radio in automotive dashboards, emphasizing its significance.

In his Jacobs Media Group listener study, he revealed that 75% of new car buyers prioritize Bluetooth as "very important," followed closely by 71% for FM radio.

AM radio lagged behind, with only 32% considering it highly important. The study underscores the growing influence of Bluetooth technology in the automotive industry and raises concerns about the future of AM radio in car dashboards.

Related Article: Oregon-Based Radio Station to Broadcast World's First AI-Powered DJ Using RadioGPT

 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi showed up at the SemiconIndia on Friday, where he met with the CEOs of well-known US semiconductor companies.

India, the world's fifth-largest economy, aspires to be a top semiconductor producer like the US, Taiwan, and South Korea. Business leaders at the event hailed India's expanding technological sector.

SEMI CEO Ajit Manocha and executives from Applied Materials, AMD, Micron, and Cadence attended.

In his keynote address, Ajit Manocha voiced optimism in India's semiconductor industry, noting that domestic policy, geopolitics, and private sector capabilities are now to India's advantage, as reported by CNBC. He described the year 2023 as a turning point in India's aspirations in the semiconductor industry.

The event's importance stems from India's ambitions to establish itself as a significant semiconductor center. The two main components of the nation's chip strategy are luring international businesses to invest and set up operations there and developing ties with other significant semiconductor producers, especially the United States.

In December, the Indian government launched a $10 billion incentive scheme for semiconductor companies worldwide. Moreover, India's semiconductor connection with the United States was enhanced by Prime Minister Modi's recent visit.

The American chip companies at SemiconIndia highlighted their investments in India and launched new initiatives, demonstrating India's attraction as an investment location for international firms.

Major Companies to Invest in India

AMD plans to invest $400 million in India over five years, TechCrunch reported. The major chip manufacturing company aims to build its largest design facility in Bengaluru to help India become a semiconductor leader.

CTO Mark Papermaster unveiled these investment plans at the SemiconIndia 2023 conference, including the opening of 10 offices in India with the 500,000-square-foot design center.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also met with Micron Technology's president and CEO, Sanjay Mehrotra. Micron thanked Prime Minister Modi for pursuing the goal of making India a global semiconductor hub and pledged to improve the Indian semiconductor manufacturing environment.

Read Also: Apple's iPhone US Market Share Hits 55% as Android Shipments Drop

#SemiconIndia2023 is an amazing platform to discuss and learn about the latest trends in semiconductors. As the world gets more interconnected and digital, the role of semiconductors becomes increasingly pivotal. Let us drive the future of tech together! pic.twitter.com/3Prro6H0cR  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 28, 2023

Before PM Modi's visit to the United States, Micron Technology revealed its investment intentions and committed up to $825 million to construct a new semiconductor assembly and testing plant in India.

The project at Gujarat's SANAND Industrial Park is anticipated to provide around 5,000 direct employment and an additional 15,000 jobs for the country, according to Devdiscourse.

India Facing Challenges in The Sector

The high-profile event may overshadow India's semiconductor sector struggles.

Pranay Kotasthane, deputy director of the Takshashila Institution, thinks India can succeed in semiconductor packing and testing, which involve low-skilled labor but large capital investments.

According to Kotasthane, contradictory rules and hefty import duties may explain why significant Taiwanese enterprises have yet to enter this sector.

India has needed help finding appropriate technical partners for starting up operations in the foundries sector, the firms in charge of semiconductor fabrication.

In the case of the Vedanta and Foxconn chip manufacturing partnership, STMicroelectronics, a European semiconductor company, purportedly provided the technology.

Related Article: US Department of Energy Announces $11.7 Million Investment for Research on Quantum Computing

 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) on Friday announced that it is set to launch its first on-demand streaming service, NASA+, later this year.

NASA+, which is aimed at space enthusiasts from around the world, will be an ad-free, subscription-free, and family-friendly streaming service.

It will feature not just NASAs live coverage found on the NASA Live website but also broadcast collections of original video series about NASAs space missions, along with new content launching with the streaming service.

Our vision is to inspire humanity through a unified, world-class NASA web experience, says Jeff Seaton, Chief Information Officer at the agencys headquarters in Washington.

NASAs legacy footprint presents an opportunity to dramatically improve the user experience for the public we serve. Modernizing our main websites from a technology standpoint and streamlining how the public engages with our content online are critical first steps in making our agencys information more accessible, discoverable, and secure.

NASA+ will be available on all the major platforms, including Android, iOS, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV, as well as on the web across desktop and mobile devices.

Were putting space on demand and at your fingertips with NASAs new streaming platform, Marc Etkind, Associate Administrator, Office of Communications, NASA Headquarters, said in a press release.

Transforming our digital presence will help us better tell the stories of how NASA explores the unknown in air and space, inspires through discovery, and innovates for the benefit of humanity, he added.

Besides the streaming service, NASA also showcased the beta version of its new website, which will serve as an ever-expanding yet consolidated homebase for information about the agencys missions and research, climate data, Artemis updates, and more.

Early access, in-progress preview of the beta website is available to users right now. Users are encouraged to visit and submit feedback to make the website look much better and more usable before it is launched to the public.

According to NASA, the updated nasa.gov and science.nasa.gov websites will provide a connected, topic-driven experience, with a common search engine, integrated navigation, and optimized publishing capabilities in a modernized and secure set of web tools.

The beta version of the NASA website will continue to be updated and improved on a rolling basis as it will continue to receive feedback from visitors. Once fully launched, the U.S. space agency will connect more of its websites and media libraries in the future to this new experience to continually streamline all the information shared across its centers, missions, and programs.

From exoplanet research to better understanding Earths climate and the influence of the Sun on our planet along with exploration of the solar system, our new science and flagship websites, as well as forthcoming NASA+ videos, showcases our discovery programs in an interdisciplinary and crosscutting way, ultimately building stronger connections with our visitors and viewers, said Nicky Fox, Associate Administrator, Science Mission Directorate, NASA Headquarters.
There are no power outages due to power shortages and they are not expected in August, but the month promises to be difficult due to the start of repair of a certain number of power units and increased consumption, said Volodymyr Kudrytsky, head of the board of Ukrenergo.

"August will be a difficult month. This is due to the subsequent withdrawal of some power units for repair. The next week or two will be especially difficult," Kudrytsky said at a press conference in Kharkiv on Thursday.

At the same time, he noted that at present, there are no restrictions on the consumption of electricity for both the population and businesses by Ukrenergo, and it is not predicted for August.

Now we do not predict consumer outages. We expect that we will cope with the increased load on the system in the face of a reduced number of power units, the head of the system operator shared his vision of the situation.

According to him, electricity import from Europe should help the energy system.

"The more it is, the easier it will be for the Ukrainian energy system to cover consumption," Kudrytsky explained.

However, he drew attention to the fact that the available cross-sectional capacity for imports, which is 1,200 MW, is not fully utilized.

We can triple or even quadruple the volume of imports from Europe. We are working to further increase the capacity, but the problem is that this one is not being used, he pointed out the problem.

Kudrytsky explained that in order to increase the volume of electricity imports on the Ukrainian market, there should be appropriate conditions - "the price of electricity should reflect the fact that there is a certain deficit in the energy system."

"Accordingly, this price should give (an opportunity) for any company - Ukrainian or European - to buy resources on the European market and sell it on the Ukrainian market without loss," the head of Ukrenergo said.

He expressed conviction that this is already a matter of regulating the Ukrainian market, "so that it can attract the necessary volumes of imports."
The head of NASA said that he does not consider Russia a participant in the space race

Woman found in Forbach: at the heart of the case, a couple in full "social disarray"

Fire in a home for the disabled in Alsace: at least 11 people "would be missing"

Circumnavigation of the moon next year: Crew of the "Artemis 2" visits their spacecraft

"Youth Word of the Year" 2023: These ten terms are up for election

Fran Perea: "It doesn't bother me that they know me for being the one from Los Serrano, it bothers me to lose jobs because of that"

Little Artai's challenge: this is what his multi-allergy holiday is like

"The dean and director have the final say", and insiders exposed the hidden medical corruption

The tense moment of Nacho Abad with an interviewee: "With fools like you I do not want to talk"

Bushido is said to have obtained an arrest warrant against Fler

France: At least nine dead in fire in holiday home for disabled people in Alsace

Inner Mongolia 15th Games Opening Ceremony Side Note: Indescribable shock, comparable to the joy of the New Year

Arsenal is the first to benefit. The FA begins to calculate the lost time applied in the World Cup in Qatar and the stars respond

Nadeshiko Japan to face Sweden "We want to win and move on to the next match"

With hope for a revival: Neymar wants to leave PSG, but Barcelona is against his return

Similar episodes continue to be interpreted in different ways: why the work of referees in the RPL requires transparency

Economy in China: Now it's getting really dangerous for the economy of the People's Republic

China's economy falls into deflation for the first time in more than two years

In the first half of the year, the import volume of dried fresh melons, fruits and nuts at Shanghai Port accounted for a quarter of the country's - Chinanews.com video

Reservations not honored: how restaurateurs redouble their ingenuity in the face of "no-shows"

Economic Watch: China's property market has undergone major changes, how will the industry develop in the future?

What are the reasons for the year-on-year decline in CPI in July? What is the future?

Agreement in the cabinet: This is how expensive the climate fund should be

This is how expensive the climate fund should be

"Kommersant": the manufacturer "May" warned of rising prices for coffee and tea in September

A woman who was attacked by a shark on a beach in New York turned out to be an emigrant from Ukraine

The authorities of Sergiev Posad said that the replacement of windows in houses near the site of the explosion will begin on August 10

Chang Erbing rocket successfully launched Environmental Disaster Reduction II 06 Star High-density launches will be carried out before the end of this year

General Stilwell's great-granddaughter: The friendship between the people of the United States and China, which spans a century, continues here

Yunnan, Guiyue and others will welcome significant rainfall Small and medium-sized rivers may have over-warning floods

NBC: Hawk dropped a snake on a Texas woman and then attacked her to get her back

In the Sergiev Posad district, an emergency mode was introduced after an explosion at a pyrotechnics warehouse

In Altai, a large-scale search for a girl who disappeared in the taiga was organized

The victim of the explosion in Sergiev Posad said that there was no dangerous work at the plant

German is said to have spied for Russia  arrest in Koblenz

A vegan influencer who had been eating only fruits and natural juices for years dies

Daniel Sancho admits his sexual link with Edwin Arrieta: what is known about the relationship between the chef and the Colombian doctor

The butcher Daniel Sancho and his victim "were going to set up a business" and saw each other in Spain

Bild: The Armed Forces of Ukraine are forced to drive their Su-24s to different airfields every day

Arrest of University of Japan American Football Club Member Discusses Whether or not to participate in league matches Kanto Student Federation

Fireworks festivals and summer festivals are canceled or curtailed one after another, against the backdrop of soaring costs and labor shortages | NHK

Keys to understanding what's going on. Why is Niger at the center of the world's attention now?

The cry of the sister of Edwin Arrieta, victim of Daniel Sancho: "I want this nightmare to stop"

 Communities 2019 - Privacy

The information on this site is from external sources that are not under our control.The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them.
Coke division of Yaroslavsky's Dniprovsky Metallurgical Plant operates with three batteries at 50-55% of their capacity, repairs other furnaces

The Coke and Chemical Division of PJSC Dniprovsky Metallurgical Plant (formerly Dniprokoks), which is part of DCH Steel of the DCH group of businessman Oleksandr Yaroslavsky, is currently operating with three batteries at 50-55% of their capacity and is repairing others aggregates.

According to information in the corporate newspaper DCH Steel on Thursday, the Coke and Chemical Division is implementing an investment project to repair the masonry of the heating walls of coke ovens. Work is being carried out on coke oven batteries Nos. 1, 4, and 5.

At the same time, a special ceramic mixture is used to restore the masonry, which is identical in its chemical parameters to refractories.

"Ceramic surfacing is the most effective method of repairing the heating walls of coke ovens. We have been actively using this technology since 2020," Director for Coke Production Oleksiy Horbulia is quoted by the corporate publication.

The masonry of the walls is destroyed over time due to constant temperature changes. Repairing with ceramic welding allows for increasing its resistance to thermal shocks, avoiding cracks, and sealing the seams. With the standard operation of coke oven batteries, the ceramic material protects the masonry for three years.

In 2020-2021, the masonry of three operating batteries was repaired at the Dniprovsky Metallurgical Plant using ceramic cladding. But the war hurt the state of the furnace fund.

"Together with the country, we survived three blackouts. The most difficult situation was in December: even after the blackout was over, we could not restore production, because there was no coke oven gas to heat the ovens. For several days, people lived at the enterprise to transfer the heating system from the coke oven to natural gas. The batteries cooled down for nine days and it seemed that it was already impossible to start them," Horbulia said.

Nevertheless, the coke production managed to be restarted thanks to promptly implemented solutions. At the same time, the cooling period harmed the furnaces and some of them had to be taken out of service due to masonry defects.

"The current repair will solve this problem: the damaged sections will be restored and the capacities that have now been stopped can again be used in the production process. They will protect the working furnaces with surfacing, which will increase their efficiency and reduce the impact on the environment. It is planned to complete the planned scope of work by the end of August," the division said.

As reported, the Coke and Chemical Division of Dniprovsky Metallurgical Plant resumed the production of metallurgical coke in March this year. To resume the production of metallurgical coke, the enterprise purchased more K-grade coking coal. At the same time, since the beginning of the war, the main products of the coke chemical division have been coal coke, nut coke, and coke breeze, which Dniprovsky Metallurgical Plant supplies to the country's ferroalloy enterprises.

Dniprovsky Metallurgical Plant specializes in the production of steel, cast iron, rolled products, and products from them. On March 1, 2018, the DCH Group signed an agreement on the purchase of the Dniprovsky Metallurgical Plant from Evraz.
Head of Starobilsk City Military Administration Yana Litvinova suggests that the Russian occupiers could have kept thousands of civilians in Starobilsk (Luhansk region) in the dungeons.

"Those people that we know about, we count in dozens. And those who were in the dungeons and held [captured] are in the hundreds and, perhaps, even in the thousands," Litvinova told Interfax-Ukraine.
Starobilsk (Luhansk region) now has 20% of the former population that was before the full-scale invasion of Russia, Head of Starobilsk City Military Administration Yana Litvinova said.

"Only 20% of the, so to speak, 'indigenous' population of Starobilsk remained. And before the full-scale invasion, there were 18,000 in the city itself," Litvinova said in an interview with Interfax-Ukraine.

However, visually, according to her, this is not noticeable, since "a major number of people have moved from Lysychansk, Severodonetsk, Rubizhne and other communities, and there are also many Russian soldiers who are constantly digging in there, trying to create the illusion of a certain resistance."

However, when asked whether the remaining local residents are provided with medicines, food, food, Litvinova said "in principle, everything is there," but she focused on the dubious quality of goods in pharmacies and shops.

"People say that the medicines that came to replace ours do not help them. For example, from cancer, diabetes, heart. The same is true with food. They are of poor quality and tasteless. There is what the locals sell at the market. People come to Starobilsky market to buy up even from Severodonetsk, Lysychansk, Rubizhne, because there is really a problem with food," the administration's head said.

In addition, she said in the hospitals of the occupied part of Luhansk region, the Russians set up military hospitals, due to which many civilians are "generally cut off from affordable medicine": they are redirected to Luhansk, where the Russian occupiers removed equipment from health facilities located in regional centers.
his work is supported with a grant funded by the Walton Family Foundation and administered by the Society of Environmental Journalists.

Email Mark Schleifstein at mschleifstein@theadvocate.com or follow him on Twitter, @MSchleifstein.
The losses of the city of Starobilsk (Luhansk region) from the Russian occupation are preliminary estimated at hundreds of millions of hryvnias, Head of Starobilsk City Military Administration Yana Litvinova has said.

"If we are talking about the housing stock, then we can roughly orient ourselves on the current pricing policy. However, if we talk about all the property taken out of the community, then we will be able to assess these losses after we enter the territory [after de-occupation]. Although I can already say that it is hundreds of millions of hryvnia," Litvinova told Interfax-Ukraine.

According to her, the most destruction as a result of Russian shelling in Starobilsk occurred in early February 2022: some houses were completely and partially destroyed, but today they have been completely demolished.
For nearly eight years, Pan Gongsheng has overseen one of the worlds biggest pots of money: Chinas $US3 trillion ($4.4 trillion) in foreign currency reserves. Now he will run the countrys central bank, playing an even more powerful role in the Chinese economy.

Pan, a prominent economist, was named Tuesday as governor of the central bank, the Peoples Bank of China. He had already been installed as the banks Communist Party secretary on July 1. It will be the first time in five years that one person will hold both top jobs, giving Pan outsize policy influence over the financial system of the worlds second-largest economy.

Pan Gongsheng will head the PBOC. Credit: Reuters

The appointment of Pan comes at a delicate time for China. The countrys post-pandemic recovery is faltering, its banking system is bloated with bad loans to real estate developers and local governments, and its currency, the yuan, is teetering near the lowest levels in 15 years. These crosscurrents are making foreign investors think twice about putting money into China and nudging domestic ones to take their investments out of the country.

Foreign currency reserves are effectively a countrys emergency fund to be used at times of financial stress. As leader of the central banks State Administration of Foreign Exchange, Pan stabilised the yuan after a devaluation, aimed at strengthening exports and increasing global use of the yuan, backfired in August 2015.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has blocked a Senate inquiry from accessing communications between the Australian Tax Office and Australian Federal Police in 2019 about the decision not to launch a criminal probe into the PwC tax leak scandal.

A letter from Chalmers this week to the Senate inquiry into the consulting industry says that releasing the information could prejudice the AFPs current criminal probe into the alleged misuse of confidential government information.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers says releasing correspondence between the ATO and AFP could prejudice the probe into PwC. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen

Following consultations between Treasury, the Australian Tax Office and the Australian Federal Police about the documents in scope, I am advised that return of the documents could prejudice the ongoing police investigation into PwC. As such, I claim public interest immunity in respect of all of the documents in scope, Chalmers wrote in the letter to the Senate president.

Chalmers declined to comment further, but has been scathing of PwCs conduct. Treasury played a central role in referring the investigation to the federal police.
Fearless and fragile, she trod on the lion and the cobra. There was so much to love about Sinead OConnor: her astonishing voice, her defiance, her ferocious independence, her candour, her denunciation of the abuse of children and abuse of power, but I think one of my favourite things was the way she mixed the sacred and the profane, raw sexuality with an assertive, singular spirituality.

Take the songs on her album Faith and Courage. Her declaration, in No Mans Woman, that she is sick of mantrolling and doesnt want to be the property of any man, swings to an insistence that she doesnt need one anyway because she has a faith  a lovin man but hes a spirit.

She looked like a monk who smoked Marlboro Lights. Credit: AP

Then, in Daddy Im Fine, she sings of growing up in Dublin, being transfixed by the first guitar she heard, and deciding she wants to be a big star with slicked back hair and black leather boots, standing up tall with her boobs upright, I get sexy underneath the lights/ Like I wanna f--- every man in sight.

This is what I was struck by when I met her in Sydney two decades ago. Then 33, she was known as Sinead Mother Bernadette Maria OConnor, archdeacon in the Order of Mater Dei. Here to promote Faith and Courage, she was funny and tiny, preternaturally beautiful with those massive eyes, and so quietly spoken it was as though she was mumbling. She looked like a monk, with her shaved head, little round glasses and a black Chinese silk jacket; a monk who smoked a series of Marlboro Lights and laughed about how her then 13-year-old son Jake liked Daddy Im Fine because he loved hearing his mother curse. Hed bounce on the bed, she said, and say: f---, f---, f---, f---, f---.
The deputy commissioner said massive seizures of drugs, at the border and on Australian soil, have not always resulted in key players being arrested. Criminals left on the streets, who have just watched millions of dollars of product evaporate, begin searching for those responsible within their own organisations. When we seize drugs it can cause an escalation unless we also arrest the individuals responsible for the import, Hudson said. Otherwise theres a debt owed to someone... There are accusations made about who has provided information to police potentially.

There are kidnappings that evolve out of that, there are shootings that evolve over that and, ultimately, there are murders that evolve as a result of that. Loading Hudson said he is impressing on investigators that they must lock up entire syndicates to prevent the retributory attacks. This week set a grim milestone in the long-escalating conflict as five people were shot in five days  two lost their lives. Stemler, one of the two killed, was shot on his driveway at Canterbury in the early hours of Thursday morning.

He was recently released from prison after trying to import almost two kilograms of cocaine disguised as printer toner in 2015. The package was intercepted by the Australian Border Force and the Australian Federal Police began searching for the would-be owner of the cocaine. An AFP officer dressed as a delivery driver and took the package to Campsie where Stemler and a friend signed for the delivery. After the driver left, the two men pumped their fists into the air in a gesture of success or triumph, court documents read.

Loading Stemler put the package in the boot of his car, unaware the AFP had already swapped the cocaine for dummy drugs. The then-21-year-old was arrested and sentenced to prison  he had participated in the import to wipe a $5000 gambling debt, the courts heard. Stemler was into his final weeks of parole when he was killed. Hudson, announcing Taskforce Magnus a few hours later, said investigators were confronted by a wall of silence investigating the drug war.

Stemler was part of that wall  the court documents reveal an associate had picked up the fake drugs from his home after two days. Trying to sort everything something went wrong and figuring it out, Stemler texted his friend. Detective Chief Superintendent Jason Weinstein is the commander of the Taskforce Magnus. But Stemler refused to identify the person higher up the chain. The Herald can reveal at least one victim in the gang violence around Sydney, from this year, is declining to provide a statement to Magnus.

These investigations are complex because many of [the crimes] have been outsourced to other [crime] groups so there are a lot of obstacles in our way, he said. Loading Its a long process but, especially for the murders, the last thing we want to do is charge someone and have them before the courts only to be acquitted. Theyve locked up suspected attackers and even charged potential victims, Hudson said, to get them off the streets until the complete case emerges. Weve prevented ... a minimum of seven homicides through proactive intervention in that manner, he said.
Speaking earlier in the day, Marles said: The families of the four aircrew have been notified of this incident and our hopes and thoughts are very much with the aircrew and their families. If the missing army personnel did not survive the incident, it is believed it would be the countrys worst peacetime military accident since 2005, when nine Australian service personnel were killed after a navy helicopter crashed in Indonesia during earthquake relief operations. Foreign Minister Penny Wong said: We are reminded that those who serve our country do so recognising the risk that that service entails and demonstrating, every day, the courage to take on that risk on our behalf. Brigadier Damian Hill, the officer in charge of Talisman Sabre, confirmed the crew were from the Sydneys 6th Aviation Regiment at Holsworthy Barracks. The aircraft accident investigation team will arrive Saturday afternoon and will commence an investigation into the incident, he said.

HMAS Adelaide and HMAS Huon will join the search on Sunday, when more experienced divers are expected to search the water. Hill said that Talisman Sabre exercises had resumed in the Northern Territory and Western Australia but that an operational pause remained in place for the entire Taipan fleet. Queensland Police Assistant Commissioner Douglas McDonald said debris recovered from the Whitsundays appears to be from a helicopter at this stage. Its very early to confirm which parts are from the helicopter  that will form part of the investigation. At this time it remains a search-and-rescue operation, he said.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said his heart was full of concern following the crash. And our hearts are full, too, because they were performing their duties alongside American servicemen and women to further strengthen our alliance, our partnership, and the work were doing together around the world, he said. They have been on our minds throughout today. They remain very much on our minds right now. The rescue planes search flightpath. Credit: FlightRadar24 US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin, a retired US Army four-star general, expressed his support for the families of the missing service members, saying that the reason that we train to such high standards is so that we can be successful and we can protect lives when we are called to answer any kind of crisis.

Its always tough when you have accidents in training, he said. Marles and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said in a statement they had the utmost confidence in the search-and-rescue teams professionalism and skill. Our first thoughts are with the loved ones of the missing, they said. All Australians hold them in our hearts, and we hold onto hope as the search-and-rescue teams go about their work right now. Australian Defence Force Chief Angus Campbell said the crash was a terrible moment for the nation. Our focus at the moment is finding our people and supporting their families and the rest of our team, he said.

A Maritime Safety Authority plane has been circling the area as part of the search. US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin (left) and Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles arriving for AUSMIN talks in Brisbane. Credit: AAP Exercise Talisman Sabre, which runs until August 4, involves thousands of people from the defence forces of Australia and the United States. Two days ago, a US Air Force commander said this exercise was the biggest, most complex Talisman Sabre weve undertaken. Opposition defence spokesman Andrew Hastie said: Our thoughts and prayers are with the four missing aircrew and their families involved in the ADF MRH-90 helicopter crash late last night in Queensland.
Allegedly corrupt property developer John Woodman is preparing to strike back at Victorias anti-corruption watchdog as part of a group claiming to be victims of the agencys Operation Sandon probe of land deals in Melbournes south-east.

On Friday, an emailed media release linked to the address of sacked former Casey mayor Susan Serey announced a press conference on Monday afternoon led by Woodman, who is described as one of the targets of Operation Sandon.

John Woodman on his bike on St Kilda Road. Credit: The Age

The Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) tabled its Operation Sandon report on Thursday, which found Woodman made more than $1 million in payments to former Casey mayors and Liberal Party members Sam Aziz and Geoff Ablett  including cash payments in suitcases and shopping bags  in return for support for lucrative planning decisions.

A later email announced that Aziz would also attend the press conference with Woodman and that Serey was the groups main contact point.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has reserved the right to call an election any time from early next year if the Greens block Labors $10 billion housing bill a second time, as the crossbench party says the government is more interested in triggering a double dissolution than negotiating on renters rights.

As the government prepares to table its unchanged housing affordability package in parliament next week, neither Labor nor the Greens have displayed any signs of compromise.

Anthony Albanese (left) said he couldnt be more serious about getting the legislation passed while Greens MP Max Chandler-Mather said the PM had committed a desperate act. Credit: Fairfax Media

The Greens will on Saturday doorknock voters in Labor-held metropolitan seats across NSW, Victoria, Queensland and South Australia to argue their case after the partys housing spokesman, Max Chandler-Mather, said they would not budge on their campaign for rent freezes and further billions for social and affordable housing.

In a letter sent to Albanese on Friday, Chandler-Mather and acting Greens leader Mehreen Faruqi said the Greens were willing to pass the Housing Australia Future Fund bill in return for funding to co-ordinate the sort of reforms being mulled in Victoria, which include two-year rent freezes, and the allocation of $2.5 billion of the budgets $20 billion surplus for public housing.
Our destination is a small nature reserve near Minca, a sleepy mountain town that has become a popular backpacker haunt in recent years. We reach the reserve about 8am (late by birding standards), but were still bombarded by a concerto of whistles, tweets, clicks and beeps as soon as we leave the car. I lose track of the number of species we see during our hour-long stroll through the forest, but it includes some of the areas endemic superstars, such as the Santa Marta brushfinch and the groove-billed toucanet. Colombia is legendary in birding circles because its home to the worlds highest number of species (exact figures vary, but its over 1900). More than 600 can be found here in the Sierra Nevada mountains, including an unusually large number of endemic species (27, according to Cristian) because it was once surrounded by an inland sea. Getting here requires effort. Theres only one access road, the 22-kilometre winding route from Santa Marta, which itself is a 4.5-hour drive east of Cartagena.

At least its paved now. It used to be a dirt track, which quickly turned into a treacherous quagmire during one of the regular afternoon downpours. The reward? The delightful town of Minca, a bohemian hamlet surrounded by thick jungle and a dramatic cluster of snow-dusted peaks. Minca, Colombia. Credit: iStock Backpackers discovered it around a decade ago, which has led to a network of impressive hostels and boutique hotels, a sprinkling of laidback eateries (including an unexpectedly good French bakery) and a handful of organised tours. Despite its burgeoning popularity, its still the kind of place where youll see a farmer walking his donkey down the main drag, scattering chickens as they go. Popular activities include a guided tour of the nearby La Victoria coffee farm, a self-sustaining plantation that still uses machinery brought over from the UK in the late 1800s, and taking a motorbike taxi up into the mountains to watch the sunset.

There are also many jungle hikes to swimming holes and waterfalls, although they start early because many get busy with Colombian day-trippers seeking a respite from the coastal heat. Minca is the sort of town that people visit and then forget to leave. One such character is Jose Gustavo Perez, the entertaining 83-year-old owner of rustic eatery Asadero Camarita. Originally from Colombias cattle-farming country, he specialises in the lowlands cowboy cuisine of slow-cooked pork, ribs and chorizo. The restaurant is also known for its special dessert  a marijuana joint. Hes been smoking pot since he was 12, and he credits the lifelong habit with his enduring good health. To prove the point, he lights one up, lets out a high-pitched yeehaw and unleashes an impressive karate kick. Clearly, Ive been following the wrong advice. Days four to five: A walk on the rock star wildlife side

Sometimes nature creates an area of such improbable beauty that you feel like giving it a standing ovation. Tayrona National Park is one such spot. Tayrona National Park: improbable beauty. Credit: Alamy Encompassing 180 square kilometres of land and ocean where the Sierra Nevada mountains plunge into the Caribbean Sea, it contains a rare diversity of habitats, from montane and cloud forests to mangrove swamps and pristine beaches. Consequently, its home to a prodigious variety of wildlife, including more than 100 species of mammals, around 30 different reptiles and over 300 types of birds. Thanks to its proximity to Santa Marta (less than an hour away), it can also be home to a lot of people, particularly during December and January when Colombians traditionally go on holiday.

Its equally popular with backpackers, many of whom stay overnight in hammocks or tents in one of the basic beachside campsites. For the rest of us, a mid-week day trip is the best option, beginning early to get a head start on the crowds and the heat. Cristian ensures were at El Zaino (one of the parks three entrances) when it opens at 8am. As a result, we pass only a handful of people as we wind our way through the forest on a mixture of dirt trails and boardwalks. It doesnt take long before we stumble across one of the parks wildlife rock stars  the endemic cotton-top tamarin monkey. With its brooding gaze and comical shock of white hair, it could be the front man for a simian Billy Idol tribute band. Once again, theres a list-ticking frenzy of birdlife, from a rufous-tailed jacamar to a whooping motmot, as well as countless lizards and a Central American agouti (a large rodent), that wanders nonchalantly across our path. As we approach the coast, pockets of dense mangrove start to appear, their roots crawling with blue-legged crabs.

Our destination is Cabo San Juan, the most famous of Tayronas string of postcard beaches and one of the few that you can swim at (many have dangerous rips). Its notable for its pair of opposing bays, which are separated by a dramatic rocky headland. It takes us almost three hours to get there, by which time the humidity has rendered me a sweat-soaked hot mess and I eagerly cool off with a dip. Given how few people we saw during the hike in, Im surprised at how crowded the beach is and a little disappointed to find a sprawling campsite with dozens of tents and a large restaurant. My advice? Head for one of the quieter bays where you can appreciate natures handiwork with fewer distractions. Day six: Here cometh the Kogi men

A Kogi Shaman: that they still exist is a miracle. Credit: iStock Spend any time in this part of Colombia and you will inevitably come across members of the Kogi, one of four indigenous tribes descended from the original Tairona pre-Columbian civilisation that thrived in the area before the Spanish arrived. Numbering about 20,000, they mainly live in remote settlements in the Sierra Nevada mountains but occasionally come down to the coast to buy supplies. As we travel around the region, we see a handful of Kogi men, always dressed in traditional white tunic and pants, handmade woollen bags slung over their shoulders, trudging along the roadside in sandals or wellington boots. That they still exist is something of a miracle given theyve been relentlessly persecuted by everyone from Spanish colonisers and drug cartels to Colombias own government.

Even after retreating deep into the mountains, they were often caught in the crossfire of the decades-long conflict between the guerillas and the paramilitary. Given all this, youd understand if they wanted to keep to themselves. For a long time they did, living simple, subsistence lives with an intensely spiritual respect for nature. Meanwhile, the rest of the planet continued to pollute and plunder until eventually the Kogi broke their self-imposed exile to warn people about the impending environmental catastrophe via a 1990 BBC documentary called From the Heart of The World - The Elder Brothers Warning. After their message went unheeded, they tried again in 2012 with a film they made themselves called Aluna. Since then, the Kogi have allowed limited interaction with outsiders, and Cristian is one of the few guides they permit to visit with tourists.

After a bumpy drive along a rough dirt road shadowing the Ancho River, we leave the car and hike uphill for 40 minutes to reach Tungaka, a Kogi settlement of 80 or so circular mud huts with thatched palm roofs. Cristian has brought some bread as a gift, so were immediately surrounded by an excited group of barefoot children, all identically dressed in simple white tunics. The adults, on the other hand, pay us little attention. The women continue weaving; most of the men are out in the fields farming. Over a picnic lunch by a nearby river, Cristian explains some of the Kogis beliefs and customs, which include strategically burying pieces of cotton to maintain environmental harmony and a meditative practice of coating a wooden gourd with a mixture of chewed cocoa leaves and lime. All in all, its the least tour-like community visit Ive ever experienced. Theres no traditional welcome, no dances, no gift shop  just an insight into an ancient culture that treats our home with the respect it deserves. Days seven to eight: Carnivals, chicharron and conversion

I lose track of the number of times Im told not to bother visiting Barranquilla. Instead, I should head to Santa Marta, its more photogenic neighbour, where Ill find attractive beaches and 16th-century colonial architecture. But Im intrigued. Surely, Colombias fourth largest city and biggest port must have some redeeming features? And it does. You just have to look a little harder to find them. Barranquilla is home to Colombias biggest carnival. Credit: iStock Barranquillas biggest claim to fame is that it hosts the countrys largest carnival, an exuberant four-day riot of dancing, parades and partying thats so impressive UNESCO awarded it a World Heritage listing. Even if you dont visit for the event (held a few days before Ash Wednesday), you can learn more about its history and see examples of the elaborate costumes worn by the annual Carnival Queen at the excellent Carnival Museum.

To help me break through Barranquillas gritty, port-city facade, I recruit the services of Andrea Vivero, founder of local operator Caribia Tours. Over the course of a day, she shows me another side to the city, starting with the ornate pastel mansions built by European immigrants in the historic El Prado district. We also visit the glamorous Beverly Hills-esque Hotel el Prado, drink the best coffee of my trip at an artisanal roaster called La Casa En El Cielo (The House in Heaven) and feast on regional specialities including chicharron (deep-fried pork belly) and cayeye (mashed plantain banana-like fruits) at Cucayo, a popular chain restaurant overlooking the Magdalena River. The experience reminded me of the reaction I often got from people when I told them I was heading back to Colombia. Isnt it dangerous? Whats there to see? Why not just go to Peru or Chile? During my eight-day trip along the coast, I never once feel unsafe and experience wildlife, landscapes and cultures you simply cant find in any other South American nation. For this Colombian convert, the countrys perennial allure endures.

Five more classic Colombian destinations Medellin Cradled by the yawning Aburra Valley, Medellin has shrugged off its violent narcos past to become one of Colombias most innovative metropolises, with first-class museums, parks and an enviable spring-like climate. Salento Salento is the gateway to Colombias best coffee plantations. Credit: iStock

Located in the heart of the countrys lush, UNESCO World Heritage-listed coffee growing region, the quaint town of Salento is the gateway to Colombias best coffee plantations. Its also the starting point for tours to the spectacular Cocora Valley, home to the worlds tallest palm trees. The lost city Its a strenuous three-day jungle trek to reach this sacred city hidden deep in the Sierra Nevada mountains, but the reward is an impressive 32-hectare archaeological site built by the Tairona people that dates back to 800AD. Bogota A bit like Barranquilla, Colombias busy capital suffers by comparison with its prettier siblings, Medellin and Cartagena, but its still a vibrant city with grand squares, excellent museums and the atmospheric La Candelaria historic quarter.

Rosario Islands Located an hour off the coast of Cartagena, this collection of 27 idyllic islands offers spectacular snorkelling and diving in a protected marine park. Visit on a day-trip or, better still, enjoy a few days in a beachfront resort. THE DETAILS TOUR Local specialist Impulse Travel can create a bespoke itinerary along Colombias Caribbean coast including accommodation, transfers and tours with English-speaking guides. See impulsetravel.co/en

CRUISE Aurora Expeditions 15-day Costa Rica and The Panama Canal cruise from San Jose, Costa Rica to Cartagena departs April 19, 2024. From $20,295 a person, twin share. See auroraexpeditions.com.au FLY Several airlines fly from Australia to Cartagena via the US or Chile, including United Airlines and LATAM. See united.com; latamairlines.com CLIMATE
EV Chargers: Republican Senators Attempt To Guarantee Buy America And Reverse Biden Pro-Chinese Anti American Manufacturing Waiver







SEE ALSO: Electric Vehicles, Solution or Diversion Or The Best Tulip Scam Ever?

Washington DC, July 28, 2023; The AIADA reported that Four Republican U.S. senators on Wednesday sought to reverse a Biden administration decision to waive "Buy America" requirements for government-funded electric vehicle charging stations.

According to Reuters, Senators Marco Rubio, Roger Marshall, Rick Scott, and Kevin Cramer said the Federal Highway Administration waiver of U.S. content requirements for steel, iron and construction materials would result in U.S. taxpayers subsidizing Chinese-made products.

"This hurts American companies and empowers foreign adversaries, like China, to control our energy infrastructure," Rubio said. The agency did not immediately issue a comment. It said in February that the short-term waiver would enable "EV charger acquisition and installation to immediately proceed."

Congress has set aside $7.5 billion (Green Deal Welfare) to fund electric vehicle charging stations. Under the 2021 bipartisan infrastructure law, federal infrastructure projects like EV chargers must obtain at least 55 percent (Big F'n Deal) of construction materials, including iron and steel, from domestic sources and be totally manufactured in the United States.

The rules adopted in February do not start imposing the 55 percent requirement until July 2024.

Click here for the full report.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, during a working trip to Odesa and Mykolaiv regions, held an "important conversation" in the presence of the Minister of Health and the commander of the medical forces, the Armed Forces of Ukraine Tetiana Ostaschenko, he said in a video address on Thursday.

The conversation, according to him, "was about issues that are of great concern to our combat medics, our warriors. Issues on which lives depend."

"I expect the commander to work together with the community of combat medics, with volunteers and, on the other hand, with government officials to find the necessary solutions," he said.

Zelenskyy also, according to him, "listened to the report on the liquidation of the consequences of Russian strikes on Odesa and the region. Here, in Spaso-Preobrazhensky Cathedral, which Russia tried to destroy, I feel that our people, our morale are still stronger. Stronger than the Russian terror."

"We are looking for air defense systems to protect Odesa and our entire south. And I am grateful to everyone in the world who has already joined us in this endeavor," the president said.
BrightNight, Rivian, and The Nature Conservancy Unite to Transform Starfire Coal Mine into Kentucky's Largest Renewable Power Project

Kentucky's

TALCUM, Ky., July 25, 2023 -- 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.

Kentucky

$1-billion

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 inand one of the largest in the nation to be built on former mine lands, representing ainfrastructure 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.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday visited the Transfiguration Cathedral in Odesa, which was destroyed by an occupiers' missile, during a working trip, the presidential press service said.

"During a working trip to Odesa region, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy viewed the damage to Spaso-Preobrazhensky Cathedral caused by the recent massive Russian shelling of civilian infrastructure and the historic center of Odesa," the office said.

The president was informed about the scale of the destruction of the temple and its current state.

Zelenskyy said specialists should determine the possibility of its restoration.

It is also noted that foreign partners showed their readiness to take part in the restoration of the cathedral.
The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine has appealed to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the parliaments and governments of its member states with a request to start consultations on the exclusion of Russia from the organization.

Some 296 MPs voted for relevant resolution No. 9535 at a plenary session on Friday, a member of the Holos faction Yaroslav Zhelezniak has said.

In its appeal, the Verkhovna Rada called on UNESCO, the parliaments and governments of its member states to initiate the necessary consultations to initiate the deprivation of Russia of membership in UNESCO and its bodies and to condemn the crimes committed by Russia against the cultural heritage of Ukraine, including world heritage sites.

The MPs request UNESCO to immediately send a mission to Odesa and Lviv to assess the damage caused by Russian attacks on World Heritage sites and determine UNESCO's assistance and possible actions to protect cultural heritage sites in Ukraine from Russian aggression.

In the appeal, the MPs listed the world heritage sites that were damaged as a result of Russian attacks in Odesa, Lviv and stressed that Russian missile attacks on these cities and Kyiv "pose a serious threat to world heritage sites, including the Hagia Sophia and related monastic structures, Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, the ensemble of the historical center of Lviv and the historical center of Odesa."
Almost three times fewer leaders come to Russia-Africa conference than before; grain prices are rising  British intelligence

The Russia-Africa conference convened in St. Petersburg on July 27, was attended by 17 African heads of state, while the previous one was attended by 43 African leaders.

"The event took place ten days after Russia withdrew from the Black Sea Grain Initiative (BSGI) As well as the direct disruption of supplies, Russia's blockade of Ukraine is also causing grain prices to rise. The impact of the war in Ukraine will almost certainly compound food insecurity across Africa for at least the next two years," the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland's Department of Defense said on Twitter on Friday morning.

However, it is noted that the Black Sea Grain Initiative had allowed the export of 30 million tonnes of Ukrainian grain to Africa, providing essential food supply to such states as Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia and Sudan.
Cheyenne, WY (82001)

Today

Plenty of sunshine. High 77F. Winds NNW at 15 to 25 mph..

Tonight

Mainly clear. Low around 55F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph.
Girl Scouts of Montana and Wyoming is proud to announce six Girl Scouts from the council have earned the highest and most prestigious award in Girl Scouting: The Girl Scout Gold Award. These Girl Scouts spent a minimum of 80 hours (completed over one or two years) working on a project, completing seven steps. Gold Award Girl Scouts identify the root cause of a problem, plan and implement innovative solutions that address that problem, and lead a team of people who support their success.

This years Gold Award Girl Scouts invested more than 520 hours and tackled prominent issues faced by their communities such as suicide, mental health care, lack of community resources, and domestic violence.

In addition to earning the Gold Award, Girl Scout Grace Regan is the recipient of the Girl Scout Gold Award Scholarship. Grace, a resident of Jackson, WY, will receive a $10,000 national scholarship to fund her secondary education.

"Gold Award Girl Scouts are visionary leaders. Grace demonstrated extraordinary leadership, innovative problem solving, measurable and sustainable impact, and addressed an issue of national significance," said Sally Leep, CEO, Girl Scouts of Montana and Wyoming. "Earning the Gold Award will unlock great opportunities for Grace; she and her fellow Gold Award Girl Scouts are transforming our communities and becoming the leaders our world needs.

For Graces Gold Award Project, she authored a mental health coloring book for teens. Grace learned from the National Institute of Mental Health that 31.9% of adolescents have an anxiety disorder. In fact, anxiety and other mental health concerns have increased substantially in adolescents and teens in the last decade. In doing her own research and talking with mental health professionals, she learned various tools and techniques for dealing with anxiety, one of which was art and coloring. My concern for teenage anxiety and my love of art helped me decide to create a coloring book. With the help of my project advisor, Dr. Kelly Gutierrez, Ph.D., I incorporated several activities in addition to coloring, such as breathing and mindfulness reported Grace.

She goes on to say, As a high school student, I experience first-hand anxiety in teens. Anxiety from school, extracurricular activities, and the COVID-19 pandemic are common in high schools. I found that when I was feeling anxious, I enjoy doing art. This inspired me to create a coloring book for others. To meet the requirements of the Gold Award, projects must be sustainable long term. In order to do this, Grace created a digital copy of her coloring book and had several hard copies printed. She provided the digital copy to various groups and presented her findings to her local school counselor, the middle school, county library, three local therapists, and local Girl Scouts. Additionally, Grace shared the coloring book with doctors, nurses, and therapists. Her coloring book was recently used at the Girl Scout National Convention in Florida. If you or someone you know could benefit from Graces mental health coloring book, you can find a copy here.

To learn more about the Gold Award Girl Scouts, to join Girl Scouts of Montana and Wyoming, to volunteer, or to donate to bring the power of the Girl Scout sisterhood to girls that are in desperate need of our programming and services, please visit www.gsmw.org or call 406-252-0488.

About Girl Scouts of Montana and Wyoming: Girl Scouts of Montana and Wyoming serves over 8,600 members across 245,000 square miles, providing a time-tested leadership experience that inspires and motivates them to take action for themselves and their communities. Girl Scouts builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.
Germany hands over new military aid package to Ukraine

Germany has handed over a new aid package to the Ukrainian army, which includes vehicles, drones and ammunition, the German government press service said.

Thus, according to the published list, the new assistance package included ten Bandvagn 206 (BV206) tracked all-terrain vehicles, some 13 Vector reconnaissance drones, some 20 RQ-35 Heidrun reconnaissance drones, six Gepard self-propelled anti-aircraft guns and 15,000 ammunition for them, some 2,600 smoke projectiles of 155 mm caliber.

In addition, eight ambulances and eight dental sterilizers have been donated.
Zaluzhny: Price of Ukrainian statehood is every reclaimed meter of our land

The price of Ukrainian statehood is every meter of Ukrainian land recaptured with incredible efforts, sweat and blood of Ukrainian defenders, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Valeriy Zaluzhny has said.

"The Ukrainian state has more than a thousand years of history, and now we are honoring all its stages: from Russia to the present. Today we live in a reality when statehood is tempered in battles. Its price is felt most of all on the frontline. In defense and offensive. Price of Ukrainian statehood is every meter of our land reclaimed by incredible efforts, sweat and blood of Ukrainian defenders," Zaluzhny said on his Telegram channel on Friday.

The AFU Commander-in-Chief thanked the Ukrainian soldiers "who defend and defend Ukrainian statehood every day, hourly in battles against the Russian aggressor."

"We are the strong nation, we will defend our statehood," he said.

Ukraine on Friday, July 28, celebrates the Day of Ukrainian Statehood.
First new Tennents lager can design in five years unveiled

Scottish beer brand Tennents Lager has revealed a new look for its cans for the first time since 2018.

The Scottish brewer worked with global creative partners, Thirst, to create a new visual identity that was both modern and reflect their heritage. The project aimed to build on Wellpark Brewerys historic place in Scottish culture.

The Thirst team  led by executive creative director Matt Burns  sought to reflect quality in the new design while still honouring the traditional colour palette of the cans and keeping the recognisable red T.

The new brand identity will roll out throughout Scotland and beyond in the coming days across the brands full packaged range. This coincides with the release of limited edition glassware featuring illustrations by Tobias Hall, and a new TV commercial.

Commenting on working on the project, Burns said: This project is a dream come true. Theres so much passion for the brand  from our team, from the Tennents team, and from everyone in Scotland. We poured all of that into the design.

It was essential we put the heart that goes into Tennents Lager onto the can. We re-visited the beloved iconography, adding depth and richness, and introduced new markers to tell the story of the quality and skill that bring the lager to life and re-energise the brand.

Paul Menzies, C&Cs brand and marketing director (Beer) added: Tennents Lager is one of Scotlands most important and enduring brands. When approaching an evolution of its visual identity, we wanted to respect that history and heritage whilst looking to embrace more current trends and design elements.

Thirst creates design and branding that goes beyond the aesthetic into what the brand really means to people. A lot of work goes into delivering that and it's reflected in the output. Over and above this, the team were a pleasure to work with throughout and sought to collaborate in a spirit that does justice to our brand icon.

More information on Thirst can be found here.

28 July 2023 - Bradley Weir
Climate Disasters





DISASTER emergency has come, and the current losses are set to multiply, if appropriate actions are not taken urgently. Over 140 disasters struck Asia-Pacific region in 2022 leading to over 7,500 deaths, affecting over 64 million people causing economic damage estimated at US $ 57 billion. Moreover, due to a narrow window to increase its resilience and protect its hard-won development gains from the socio-economic impacts of climate change, the cost of inaction now would cause average annual losses increasing from $924 billion to almost $1 trillion, or from 2.9 to 3 per cent of the regional GDP. It has been warned in the Asia-Pacific Disaster Report 2023 of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), which also finds India as one of the most vulnerable countries in the region. Floods and heatwaves are going to further intensify in the country. The report noted that fewer disaster events occurred in 2022 in the region compared to the recent ten-years period but their impact was devastating. Flooding led to the greatest loss of life and was the cause of over 4,800 fatalities primarily in India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nepal and in Bangladesh.

The two deadliest flooding events occurred in India and Pakistan, which alone accounted for almost 80 per cent of the total yearly mortality related to disasters. Heatwaves in India and Pakistan were specifically mentioned in the report. In April and May 2022, an unprecedented, early, prolonged and dry heatwave affected large parts of North India and Pakistan. India recorded its warmest March on record, with an average maximum temperature of 33.1C. This was 1.86C above the long-term average. Pakistan also recorded its warmest March in 60 years. Although the health-related economic impact from the heatwave will take time to assess, early reports have attributed at least 90 deaths to this heatwave in both countries, and an estimated 10-35 per cent reduction in crop yields in Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Punjab. Furthermore, the probability of a heatwave of such magnitude has increased by a factor of 30, and as global warming increases, heatwaves of this kind will become hotter and more common. The report also specifically referred disasters by flooding in India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and China. In India, heavy rainfall from May to September 2022 triggered multiple landslides, river overflows and floods which resulted in casualties and damage. Heavy monsoon rains affected especially the North-Eastern parts of India and Bangladesh. This disaster caused the highest number of fatalities between 2021 and 2022.

The World Weather Attribution study, released on 14 September 2022, revealed that climate change caused the extreme monsoon rainfall in Pakistan. Bangladesh and India experienced floods in 2022, which affected 7.2 million and 1.3 million people, respectively. From June to August 2022, China experienced its most severe heatwave on record, dramatically lowering the water levels of the Yangtze river and adversely impacting the national energy sector. Events such as these demonstrate the systemic nature of risk and highlight the need for governance that is anticipatory; capable of preparing for future uncertainties, rather than reactionary and merely responding to what has already occurred. India figures in existing hotspots of multi-hazard risk in baseline scenario. Even if 1.5 degree Celsius target is achieved, Parts of Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghan basin would be among hotspots of intensifying multi-hazard risk, and the entire North India would be hotspots of emerging multi-hazard risk. Existing hotspots of heatwave risks in baseline scenario are also there. Large part of India would be undergoing medium to very high risks. Even if 1.5 degree Celsius target is a achieved, hotspots of intensifying heatwave risk would prevail in many parts of India, and the entire Southern India would turn into hotspots of intensifying heatwave risk.

Western part of India would also undergo medium to very high risk in both the baseline scenario or at 1.5 degree Celsius. The report has noted the current inaction, and has estimated its future costs. Among the specific sub regions , South-East Asia would face a 5 per cent loss of GDP under the current scenario, which would increase to 6 per cent under 2C warming. South and South-West Asia would also face a 5 per cent loss of GDP across all scenarios. North and Central Asia would experience a 3 per cent loss of GDP, and East and North-East Asia would encounter a 2 per cent loss of GDP across all scenarios (Figure 2.6). While China, India, and Japan would suffer the highest absolute losses, the Pacific SIDS would bear the most significant losses as a percentage of their GDP. China would suffer the most, while India would be the second worst sufferer country in the Asia-Pacific. (IPA)
CONFIDENCE !





THE confidence of Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi that he would win a consecutive third term also in the elections due in the summer of 2024 appeared all the more amazing against the background of the No-Confidence motion proposed by the Opposition in Parliament. As he inaugurated the iconic new convention centre Bharat Mandapam at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi, Mr. Modi was brimming with a natural confidence citing example after example of what have made India what it is today -- a country whose growth trajectory the world watches with curiosity and respect. In sharp contrast, the Opposition appeared so meek and weak -- despite its bravado and sound and fury! The common people will certainly mark the contrast and know the difference between the two sides. Actually, the writing is clearly on the wall -- about the fate of the No-Confidence motion. The Opposition does not have the numbers to defeat the Government on the floor of the House. Its leaders must be aware of this reality completely. Yet, they are pushing the thought only because the motion would give them an opportunity to create a lot of cantankerous noise about what they describe as failures of the Narendra Modi Government.

The Opposition, thus, would treat the No-Confidence motion as a starting point of its campaign for the ensuing Lok Sabha elections a few months later. Beyond this, it enjoys no benefit at all. The Prime Minister appeared unfazed, to say the least. His speech at the opening of Bharat Mandapam presented the larger Indian story from an altogether different perspective. He talked of every possible count at which India can boast of the best and the biggest benefit India had created for itself over time. The political community may take that as a political statement by the Prime Minister. The common people, however, would treat the speech as a statement of national pride and overall confidence in the idea of India. At the Bharat Mandapam inaugural, Mr. Narendra Modi presented a great mix of patriotism and practicalism. When stakes are as high as those are today not just for the Prime Minister but also for the nation, what matters most is vision that guides all actions. The Prime Ministers speech at the Bharat Mandapam inaugural presented the vision the country harbours and his Government works for. Mr. Modi knows what he talks about, and also has a good idea of the path to be taken to achieve his goal. But what matters most is the fact that he -- and his government -- is hardly working to retain his prime ministership.

He is not worried on the count, which is visible from his current statements and speeches and actions. He is working to realise a great national vision -- and the common people notice that in full detail. The Opposition has no such benefit. For, it cannot boast of anything grand since it is fighting only for a small cause -- of somehow unseating Mr. Narendra Modi. The common people mark this sharp difference between the two projections, two visions, two goals. One goal is nationalist -- while the other is neurotic and narrow! The two events -- inaugural of Bharat Mandapam, and the Oppositions No-Confidence motion -- indicated both these in sharp contrast. That was the reason why those thousands of people at the Bharat Mandapam inauguration cheered lustily when the Prime Minister talked emphatically and easily what he proposed to achieve in the third term -- taking the Indian economy from the current fifth to the third position in the world. The positivism in his assertion was contagious and captured the nations imagination on that count. It will also inspire the nation to tremendous performance on all fronts in the coming times.
Cost accountants celebrateIndias Income Tax Day





Business Bureau

THE Institute of Cost Accountants of India - Nagpur Chapter, celebrated Indias Income Tax Day (Aaykar Diwas) by holding a workshop on Role of Income Tax in Nation Building # Emphasis on TDS on Monday at its premises in the city. The workshop started with lighting of lamp and welcome address by the Chairman of Nagpur CMA P S Patil. The event was inaugurated by the chief guest of the function D Ghosh, Joint Commissioner of Income Tax, who narrated the introduction of Income Tax in the budget in 1860 by James Wilson. CMA P V Bhattad, Past President of the Institute demanded a fair view towards recognition of CMA as accountant within the definition of Income Tax act. The first technical session was deliberated by B V Rao, Asst.

Commissioner of Income Tax. In the 2nd technical session Raghunandan, ITO, spoke on various sections of TDS. P D Committee Chairman CMA Nitin Alshi made the opening remarks and highlighted the contribution of MNA in Direct Tax. CMA Renu Kulkarni moderated the programme and CMA V V S Murty, Secretary proposed vote of thanks.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has vetoed a law adopted by the Verkhovna Rada to allocate an additional UAH 573.9 million to complete the construction of the National Museum of the Holodomor-Genocide.

According to the information published in the card of relevant bill No. 9437 on the Verkhovna Rada's website, on July 27 it returned to the parliament with the proposals of the head of state.

In the accompanying documents to the bill and related to the work on it, there is currently no text of the president's proposals.

As reported, on July 13, the Verkhovna Rada supported the allocation of an additional UAH 573.9 million to complete the construction of the National Museum of the Holodomor-Genocide. The adoption of bill No. 9437 as a basis and in general was supported by 312 MPs at the plenary session. The main official events dedicated to the 90th anniversary of the Holodomor of 1932-1933 are planned on the platform of this museum.
Fadnavis assures action against Twitter handle posting offensive remarks against Savitribai Phule





MUMBAI,

MAHARASHTRA Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday told the Legislative Assembly that the police are in touch with Twitter India to identify those behind a handle that posted derogatory remarks against Savitribai Phule. Responding to a question by NCPs Jitendra Awhad during Question Hour, Fadnavis said police have filed cases against the Twitter handle @bharadwajspeaks and digital platforms Indic Tales and Hindu Post that allegedly published derogatory articles about 19th-century social reformer Phule.

The Deputy CM said the police are awaiting a reply from Twitter India and action will be taken after the identity of those behind the post. However, Congress Balasaheb Thorat took strong objection to Fadnaviss reply. He asked, What did Rahul Gandhi say that he was given a two-year jail sentence and why such non-action now (in matter pertaining to Phule)? Thorat was referring to Gandhis conviction by a Surat court. The Opposition staged a walkout in protest against Fadnaviss reply. Condemning the Oppositions stand, the Deputy CM said there can be no politics over the respect and dignity of an icon like Savitribai Phule.
Khalistan: Separatist clot in pure blood of Indian Punjab





By Kartik Lokhande

There is no other ism more dangerous than terrorism. For, those professing this ism do not realise that there is error in the word terror. In case of India, which has been fighting various insurgencies and terrorist acts since independence, if there is one chapter that entwines several complex issues, then it is of Khalistan extremism. Not only has it left a permanent scar on the countrys history but also has continued to destroy the economic, social, and political fabric of Indias integral part -- Punjab -- though the extremists now operate from foreign soil. Though an overwhelming majority of Sikhs does not support Khalistani separatists, International forces have been misusing these separatists to serve their covert anti-India agenda. In the recent times, Khalistani extremists operating out of especially Canada, the US, and the UK have been in the news for reviving the ghost of the Khalistani separatism. Though the social media-fed younger generation carries a perception that the separatism is only some 40-odd years old, there is a longer history. The pro-Khalistan lobby projects that the problem dates back to the British Raj, but conveniently uses the UK to find shelter there. To understand the history, one has to go back to the era when India won her independence from the British rulers.

According to some authentic accounts, Sikh migrants from Punjab constituted the single largest group of Indian origin in the Indian diaspora in the UK, the US, and Canada in the first few years after India won her independence

from the British. Some had migrated to Canada to work in saw mills, factories and public transportation systems. Most of these migrants earned their living by working as drivers and conductors in municipal public transportation systems in the UK. Some of the farmers migrated to California in the US, where they did extremely well in citrus farming. Everything was working well for them until in the late 1950s and early 1960 when their employers particularly in the public transport companies in the UK asked them to shave of their beard and stop wearing turbans. In other countries, local municipal authorities created hurdles for them in getting permissions for acquiring land for constructing Gurudwaras (places of worship). The problem escalated when the affected Sikhs raised the matter with the Indian High Commission in London and it declined to intervene.




Senior BJP leaders, workers pay glowing tributes to Kargil heroes





Staff Reporter

A number of senior leaders and workers of Bharatiya Janata Party paid floral tributes to the brave soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice for the country on Kargil Vijay Diwas. Speaking on the occasion, City President, Prabhat Sahu said our Army always remains dedicated to the service of the nation and soldiers fight for the safeguard of the motherland. It is on the strength of their bravery and sacrifice that we are able to breathe freely in our homes and it was their valor that helped us achieve victory in Kargil, said Sahu.

The City President of BJP further said that the bravery of Kargil Vijay is historical and entire country pays homage to the soldiers who lost their lives. He said that the army and our soldiers, who leave their families behind to defend the nation are respected by every citizen. The soldiers consider the country as their family and are always ready to face the enemy in any situation so that our country remains safe.

Expressing views on the occasion, MLA Ashok Rohani said our soldiers worked hard and defeated the enemy in

Kargil War. We pay tribute to the martyrs who sacrificed their life in the war at Captain Vikram Batra Memorial, which is named after the great hero of the Kargil war. He said Captain Vikram Batra introduced unprecedented bravery in the Kargil war, sacrificing his life and was honored with Indias highest gallantry award, the Param Vir Chakra. Rohani said the name of such brave soldiers is immortalized in history and the entire country feels proud on hearing their names, because heroes like Vikram Batra always raise the glory of the country and soldiers.
The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine will provide drone manufacturers with the opportunity to become residents of Diia.City, Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal said at a government meeting on Friday, July 28.

"We are talking not only about manufacturing companies, but also about those who produce components, about those who teach drone control. Diia.City is a unique tool with appropriate benefits and preferences, so this will allow us to take drone production one step higher. All this is to ensure that there are more drones, and thanks to them there are fewer enemies of Ukraine," Shmyhal stressed.

He pointed out that at present there are many promising projects that bring Ukraine's victory closer every day.

The prime minister recalled that the government had already allocated UAH 40 billion to invest in Ukrainian drone manufacturers.
The new 2023/2024 academic year in Ukraine will start on September 1, 2023 and run until June 28, 2024. The government has approved this decision at a Friday meeting, representative of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine Taras Melnychuk said.

"The regional and Kyiv City military administrations were instructed to ensure the organization of the start of the academic year, depending on the security situation in each separate administrative and territorial unit, with the participation of the founders of secondary education institutions," he said on the Telegram channel.

In addition, changes were made to the action plan for the implementation of the School Safety Declaration.

The Education and Science Ministry was determined as one of the responsible executors for the revision of the mechanism for early warning and evacuation of participants of the educational process in the event of an attack or risk of attack on an educational institution, and it is also provided that the procedure for early warning and evacuation of participants of the educational process in the event of an attack or risk of attack on the educational institution is approved by a joint order of the Interior Ministry and the Education and Science Ministry, Melnychuk said.

Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal stressed during the government meeting that safety of children and education process is the priority. He also said that the construction of comfortable and high-quality bomb shelters is the priority task set before the communities.

"Funds have been allocated for this  UAH 1.5 billion. The local authorities and communities play the key role in making these decisions. I would like to emphasize once again that safety of children is the priority," the prime minister said.
The State Restoration Agency will start implementing pilot projects for the comprehensive restoration of Posad-Pokrovske (Kherson region) and Borodianka (Kyiv region) in August, Yahidne (Chernihiv region) - in September, head of the State Agency Mustafa Nayyem said.

As reported, the Cabinet of Ministers identified six settlements in five regions for a pilot project for a comprehensive restoration according to new principles - Borodianka and Moschun in Kyiv region, Trostianets in Sumy region, Posad-Pokrovske in Kherson region, Tsirkuny in Kharkiv region and Yahodne in Chernihiv region.

"In Posad-Pokrovske, which is on the border of Kherson and Mykolaiv regions, it is necessary to restore almost everything. Private buildings - about a thousand. At the first stage, we are laying the foundation for the restoration of 120 of them, for which there is already funding and tenders will be announced in the near future," Nayyem said during a meeting with representatives of the industry at the Confederation of Builders of Ukraine on Friday.

The function of the customer for the restoration of private buildings has already been transferred to the State Agency, the estimated budget for houses of 70-140 square meters is UAH 2-4 million. Tenders will be announced for lots of 20-30 houses.

Municipal facilities will also be restored - a community center, a kindergarten-lyceum, a security center, engineering networks, a street and road network.

According to Nayyem, the total budget for the first stage of the restoration of Posad-Pokrovske is UAH 3.1 billion.

In Borodianka, 38 objects have been prepared for tenders, of which 29 are multi-apartment residential buildings, five administrative buildings, two educational institutions, a hostel and a palace of culture.

"The average cost of an object here is higher, from UAH 100 million for overhaul to UAH 300 million for new construction. The start of implementation is August, some of the tenders have already been announced, for some we will most likely revise the terms," Nayyem said.

The projects announced in Borodianka will receive funding of UAH 4.7 billion.

The comprehensive restoration of Yahidne in Chernihiv region will begin in September, the budget for the restoration of 122 objects is UAH 404 million.

The project provides for the overhaul of 118 residential buildings, including 101 private and 17 multi-storey buildings. The average cost of overhaul of private houses is about UAH 1 million, and multi-storey houses - UAH 3.5 million. Plus, the implementation of two municipal projects - the creation of a memorial and a club. According to Nayyem, an architectural competition will be announced for the memorial in the near future. There is already a project for the club, project documentation is being prepared and a tender will be announced in the near future.
The Russian occupation forces shelled Nikopol, Dnipropetrovsk region, using heavy artillery on Friday, no casualties reported, Head of Dnipropetrovsk Regional Military Administration Serhiy Lysak has said.

"The occupation army has shelled Nikopol again. It used heavy artillery. Fortunately, there are no casualties. The consequences of the attack are yet to be clarified," he said on the Telegram channel.

Lysak also said that other towns and districts of the region were nor shelled during the day.
The Posta Moldovei (Post of Moldova) state enterprise has temporarily halted all shipping services to Russia, its website said on Friday.

"Please be informed that all Posta Moldovei services (Express Mail Service, letters, parcels) to the Russian Federation are suspended from July 28, 2023 due to the impossibility of sending mail in that direction. We are doing our utmost to find solutions and for the process of accepting and sending mail to the Russian Federation to resume as soon as possible," the statement said.

The resumption of the service will be announced additionally, it said. Clients of Posta Moldovei can still receive letters and parcels sent from Russia to Moldova, the website said.

Last year and in May-June this year, Posta Moldovei already had problems delivering mail to Russia. The problem took two or three weeks to resolve.

At present, there are no direct flights between Moldova and Russian cities. The Moldovan airline company Fly One flies via Yerevan, to which end it set up an Armenian subsidiary, Fly One Armenia.
Politicians shouldn't trivialize "Let the Poor Breathe," which is an impassioned plea for fairness and equity in the globe. "Let the Poor Breathe" is a powerful appeal. It lays an emphasis on the day-to-day struggles faced by impoverished communities, particularly those who are living in poverty.

These strange and inexplicable behaviors are taking place at a time when the First Lady of Nigeria, Remi Tinubu, and a number of other well-known Nigerians are actively working to raise awareness about issues affecting vulnerable populations, particularly women and young people.

A thorough apology is owed to Nigerians by the Godswill Akpabios Senate for its odd use of the solemn language. The Senate is a place where the destitute demand serious treatment rather than humiliation.

By making light of such a powerful phrase, these senators reveal a lack of compassion and awareness for the real difficulties faced by marginalized groups. This kind of behavior is inconsiderate and rude, and it can widen the gap between the ruled and the governing.

It is the duty of politicians to address issues of poverty and inequality seriously and with the intention of bringing about positive change, rather than making jokes about them.

Using a slogan that depicts the plight of the poor as a punchline is not only insensitive, but it also damages public faith in the government's ability to solve serious social problems.

Politicians need to watch what they say and do because it can have a major effect on the lives of the people they represent.

They need to learn about the experiences of those on the margins and do all they can to make society more welcoming and empathetic for all people.

More women than males are poor nowadays, and this is especially true in recent and emerging democratic countries like Nigeria. Despite this, there is still a shockingly high rate of male poverty in Nigeria.

It's common knowledge that the financial struggles that plague the lives of the poor also increase the strain on families.

The Senate laughed at the plight of the poor during the debate of a resolution on the rate for electricity.

After Akpabio slammed the gavel down on the table, he and the other senators burst out laughing. In addition to the hysterical laughter heard throughout the video, one of the laughing senators can be seen almost toppling over in excitement.

To poke fun at a population that is presently at such a trying time is harsh and callous. Shame.

How is it that senators in a senate that is supposed to represent the people can act so condescendingly toward Nigerians, and especially the less fortunate among them?

Making political comments about inhabitants is usual practice everywhere, but making nasty jokes about the poor is disrespectful.

A declaration titled "Let the poor breathe" was issued by President Bola Tinubu last month. "Don't suffocate them." This should be treated seriously.

Here we have senators laughing off the anger of the people the president has spoken about, despite the fact that these people are on the front lines of widespread misery, poverty, hardship, and disaster.

I believe that not every senator in the 10th senate was born with a silver spoon in their mouth; there are some that suffered lives of poverty, and I think that it is cruel and horrible and inhuman and painful to humiliate those who live in poverty, the majority of whom are women.

Some members of the 10th senate, I believe, come from humble beginnings. Are politicians, perhaps unwittingly, encouraging the less fortunate to rise up in protest by not paying enough attention to their plight?

The First Lady of Nigeria, Tinubu, is active in issues affecting women and the underprivileged, and she is dedicated to assisting those in need. An influential Nigerian, Honorable Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has been doing this sort of social course as the current head of the Nigerians in the Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) and a former member of the Nigerian Federal House of Representatives.

Women's groups, anti-poverty organizations, and other organizations providing services to the underprivileged are encouraged to continue to provide their perspectives on these issues.

Defending one's way of life and one's means of survival from attacks like these is a known motivator for the impoverished and for women to rise up in protest.

The Nigerian government should worry about powerful men who mock the poor, who are disproportionately women and young people.

Millions of people, especially women, live in poverty in this country. Elected officials who act in such a callous manner show a fundamental lack of compassion for and comprehension of the hardships endured by the poor.

While political jokes are popular, ones that mock the poor are insensitive and even cruel. Politicians and public servants must have empathy for the challenges encountered by the people they serve.

Politicians and public servants should be required to undergo psychological and ethical evaluations, in my opinion, so that we can weed out those who lack empathy and concern for the public good.

In addition, anti-poverty, women, and other civil society organizations must maintain their efforts to promote the rights and well-being of the poor and marginalized. They can help make a difference and make sure the voices of the most defenseless people of society are heard if they call attention to these problems and keep their representatives accountable.

Those in need of government assistance may lose faith in its ability to provide for them if lawmakers continue to show such callous disregard for their plight. It suggests that those in authority do not value the opinions of those on the margins.

It only adds to the widespread belief that politicians don't care about the everyday struggles of their constituents. The impoverished and the oppressed may feel rage and irritation if their representatives continue to ridicule and mock them.

The ridicule of the poor has the potential to inflame tensions, leading to civil upheaval when those who feel wronged take to the streets in protest or other acts of civil disobedience.

Mocking the poor by those in public office is extremely disturbing and could have far-reaching effects on public trust, social cohesion, and political stability.

In the end, public officials need to be held responsible for their acts, and genuine apologies followed by tangible measures can help create a more accountable and compassionate political culture.

It is important for Nigeria to emphasize the benefit of having leaders who care more about the well-being of their constituency than they do their personal interests. Stop mocking the vulnerable. What kind of yeye or nonsense is this, who does that, stop it now!

Psychologist John Egbeazien Oshodi

Professor John Egbeazien Oshodi, who was born in Uromi, Edo State, Nigeria, to a father who served in the Nigeria police for 37 years, is an American-based police and prison scientist and forensic, clinical, and legal psychologist. A government consultant on matters of forensic-clinical psychological services in the USA; and a former interim associate dean and assistant professor at Broward College, Florida. The Founder of the Dr. John Egbeazien Oshodi Foundation, Center for Psychological Health and Behavioral Change in African Settings. A former Secretary-General of the Nigeria Psychological Association. In 2011, he introduced state-of-the-art forensic psychology into Nigeria through N.U.C. and Nasarawa State University, where he served in the Department of Psychology as an Associate Professor. He has taught at various universities and colleges including Florida memorial University, Florida International University, Broward college, Lynn University, and currently an online faculty member at the Weldios university in Benin Republic, Nexus International University, Uganda, Nova Southeastern University and Walden University in USA.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 28.Veyseloglu Group of Companies made the "Pepco" brand, known for its quality and affordable price in Europe, available to Azerbaijani consumers.

A grand opening ceremony of popular European brand "Pepco" was held in a new location in Baku in July 27. Having opened its first store in Poland, the "Pepco" brand, which has been operating for 20 years, currently has more than 3,000 branches in 18 European countries. With the slogan "Feel the quality, love the price", the brand offers its customers a wide variety of home furnishings, accessories, and quality clothing at the most affordable prices. "Pepco" lovers can now conveniently find great offers for themselves, their families and their homes in one place, in line with modern trends.

Well-known figures of the society and Mr. Rafal Poborski, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Poland in Azerbaijan participated in the opening ceremony of the store that is located in Azadlig Avenue 151 A.

The brand's second location was launched on the same day at 195 E Binagadi Highway.

It should also be noted that the products of the "Pepco" brand can also be purchased from 28 stores belonging to the "Araz" supermarket chain.
Foreigner missing, feared drowned at Freedom Beach

PHUKET: A search is underway for a foreign tourist who went swimming with a group of friends at Freedom Beach earlier today (July 28) and went missing in the water around noon, Phuket Tourist Police has reported.

tourismSafety

By The Phuket News

Friday 28 July 2023 05:26 PM

As of 3.30pm today (July 28), rescue teams were still looking for a man who failed to return back to shore at Freedom Beach. Photo: Phuket Tourist Police

As of 3.30pm today (July 28), rescue teams were still looking for a man who failed to return back to shore at Freedom Beach. Photo: Phuket Tourist Police

As of 3.30pm today (July 28), rescue teams were still looking for a man who failed to return back to shore at Freedom Beach. Photo: Phuket Tourist Police

As of 3.30pm today (July 28), rescue teams were still looking for a man who failed to return back to shore at Freedom Beach. Photo: Phuket Tourist Police

As of 3.30pm today (July 28), rescue teams were still looking for a man who failed to return back to shore at Freedom Beach. Photo: Phuket Tourist Police

According to Phuket Tourist Police, the initial report was of a drowning incident at Freedom Beach. The victim was reported as a 22-year-old male of French nationality, who was spending time on the beach with two other French nationals and a Thai national.

The group had arrived at the beach at around 8am, Phuket Tourist Police said explaining the details of the report. Four hours later, at around noon, a good citizen alerted lifeguards about the tourists having trouble in the water. Three of them either made it to the shore themselves or were assisted, but the fourth person was lost at sea.

Rescue workers, who were called to the scene, confirmed to The Phuket News that the initial report was of a drowning, but later it was clarified that the victim was still missing.

As of 3.30pm, the fourth person  a foreign man of either French or Indian nationality  had not been found. Officers from relevant departments were proceeding with a search and rescue mission, trying to utilize the remaining daylight.
Growth forecast revised down to 3.5%

BANGKOK: The Fiscal Policy Office (FPO) has revised its forecast for this years economic growth to 3.5%, down by 0.1%, due to a decrease in international tourism revenues and a slowdown in exports, said Director-General Pornchai Thiraveja.

economicstourismChinese

By Bangkok Post

Friday 28 July 2023 12:18 PM

The Fiscal Policy Office revised its forecast for this years economic growth to 3.5%, down by 0.1%, due to a decrease of international tourism revenues and a slowdown in exports. Photo: Bangkok Post

He said during a press conference on the Thai economic outlook for 2023 that the economy will expand by 3.5%, down from the previous forecast of 3.6% in April, mainly due to lower estimated revenue from foreign tourists, reports the Bangkok Post.

As of July, revenue from foreign tourists is expected to be B1.25 trillion this year, down from the previous forecast of B1.3trn in April, due to lower spending per trip per tourist, particularly Malaysian visitors when compared with Chinese travellers.

As of June, 12.9 million foreign tourists had entered Thailand, with the annual target set at 29.5mn.

As for the countrys export value in 2023, it is expected to contract by 0.8% this year, compared with an estimated contraction of 0.5% in April, attributed to an economic slowdown among Thailands 15 key trading partners, which are expected to expand by 2.8%, compared with 3.4% last year.

With the budget for 2024 expected to be delayed by up to six months, this would affect the countrys GDP this year by 0.05%, Mr Pornchai said.

However, if the 2024 Budget Expenditure Act cannot become effective in time for the start of the 2024 fiscal year on Oct 1, the previous years expenditure budget could be used for the time being, including accrued investment expenditure of B150 billion, which is expected to be disbursed in fiscal 2024 by no more than B1.3bn.

The disbursement of the investment budget at the end of fiscal 2023 (Sept 30, 2023) is expected to be at B460bn, accounting for 74% of the total investment budget, while in fiscal 2024 it is expected to be B480bn, accounting for 68% of the total investment budget.

Furthermore, revolving funds could also be allocated to help vulnerable groups in the country, particularly farmers who are being affected by the El Nino phenomenon, which would help increase the money in circulation.

Mr Pornchai added that if there were more Chinese tourists visiting Thailand in the second half of this year, it would help support the economy as outbound Chinese travellers have regained momentum, reflected by an increase in the number and frequency of flights between China and Thailand.

The Dubai crude oil price is expected to be at US$79 per barrel, down from last years average of $95.4, attributed to Chinas deflation and global economic uncertainty.
Street art in Karon praised as Banksy creation

PHUKET: An Englishman walks into a bar with stencils and a question: Can I do some artwork? Kenny, the owner of the Karon Aussie Bar, didnt know who the man was, until the man asked, Do you know anything about Banksys art?

ArttourismCommunity

By Jean-Pierre Mestanza

Saturday 29 July 2023 09:00 AM

Kenny, the owner of the Karon Aussie Bar, didnt know who the man was until the man asked, Do you know anything about Banksys art?. Photo: JP Mestanza

Kenny, who believes he met Banksy nine years earlier, took a look at the man, stencil in hand, and asked flat out if he was indeed the Bristol-born, controversial street artist whose work has been seen across the globe.

After some hemming and hawing, Kenny said the man told him he was one of 12 people scouting locations for potential Bansky art pieces in Karon. After Kenny pointed to a wall near the road, a gaggle of customers arrived at the bar. After tending to them, Kenny turned around and saw that the man was gone.

He said his rules were, its got to be viewable by the road, and he listed quite a few other rules, he added.

[But] amongst all the people, he wandered off the road.

Kennys brush with the mystery man was brief, but he did gather some intel on the street artists potential plans in Phuket. Either way, Kennys wall was left empty.

But the wall of his neighbour Robin Gautami was about to see a new showpiece.

A STROKE OF ART

Nestled between a clothing shop and a small cafe in a quiet alley just off Patak Rd, a piece of street art shows a child in a peacoat riding off on top of a turtle. Most of the piece is black and white, save for the turtles taxi-yellow shell. A pole rises up from the back of the turtle, with a flag that reads taxi.

The art piece is clearly stenciled, with beautiful detail and highlighted shading. Was the mystery man actually Banksy? And did he stencil this piece?

I dont know [Banksy]. But when I was sitting in the front of the store, he [asked] Can I pen in there?, said Robin, owner of the building where the piece is displayed.

I was worried when he asked me, it was the first time anyone asked [to do this]. I was worried [about] what he was going to do, but he showed me the picture before, and I said yes, he continued.

In his 18 years of owning the shop building, Robin has never had anyone ask him to spray paint his building. But theres a reason hes keeping it there.

I like it, of course, thats why I keep it there. I like the detail, it looks simple, but there is more detail. If we see [closely], we can see more detail there, he continued, adding that it took the artist no more than 10-15 minutes to finish the piece.

It was raining too, and he brought a hat to put on because of the rain. I didnt know he was going to do it that quickly, he said.

BANKSY AND THAILAND

Phuket is full of a hodge-podge collection of street art all over the island, no more so than in Phuket Town.

But Karon is hardly known as a bastion of art, especially a work derived from stencils and clear layers of spray paint. One artist whose work is renowned for its stencil craftsmanship, unique locations and social commentary, such as exhibited by this piece, is Banksy.

The English-born artist, from Bristol, is well-known for his street art and veritable antics that even saw his famous Girl with a Balloon shred itself moments after being sold at a Sothebys auction for over 1 million in 2016.

At the end of last year, Bangkoks Museum of Contemporary Art, held a two-month exhibition of 150 pieces of art by Banksy  the first time in Southeast Asia. But Phuket is no stranger to the artist, as Kenny relays.

Well, I had a man walk in here nine years ago and ask me the exact same question. And when he said to me, Do you know anything about Banksy art?, it was like deja vu. So I think hed been around or been coming here for some time, Kenny says.

FOR THE PEOPLE

The wall where this new piece appears is owned by Robin Gautami, who has a tailor shop and clothing store on site. The piece is visible from the road, but Robin says tourists who walk by always notice the piece.

Some of the tourists come and take a picture. People see it in the nighttime, lots of people take a photo in there and ask questions, he said.

Robin added that the mystery artist had told him he was planning on doing several pieces in the area, some in restaurants as well, and even in nearby Kata Beach. Kenny was told the same thing, that four pieces of Banksy street art would come to Karon.

But he said he had a small window to get them done and it was raining that day as well so. Yeah, Im looking, Kenny said.

Banksys art is filled with meaning and social commentary, and while this piece is now different, theres an ambiguity that can make one think.

Im still trying to work out the political viewpoint, Kenny said. Are the taxis that slow like riding a turtle? Or another agenda. I mean every piece of his art has an agenda or a political viewpoint.

He mightve just got a slow taxi, Kenny said with a laugh.

Both Kennys and Robins conversations with the mystery street artist touched on topics of the COVID-19 pandemic in Thailand, and how locals had grappled  and are still grappling  with the recovery.

Thats why Kenny believes the artist chose this part of the island.

A lot of hotels as you can see are still recovering from COVID, a lot of hotels arent finished rebuilding yet [in Karon]. Perhaps hes trying to help everyone. In the recovery of rebuilding everything, lets have it bring some people into the area to have a look, Kenny said

Its a blessing, he said.

The Phuket News has contacted Pest Control, the only organisation legally empowered to authenticate original Banksy works of art. At time of press, The Phuket News had not received any response from Pest Control, not even a denial that the Karon stencil is a Banksy original
TAT adopts cautious approach to visa fee waiver scheme

BANGKOK: The Tourism Authority of Thailand is taking a cautious approach toward implementing a visa fee waiver scheme to attract more foreign tourists.

tourismeconomicsChinese

By National News Bureau of Thailand

Friday 28 July 2023 12:25 PM

Photo: NNT

In response to tourism operators urging the government to offer a visa fee waiver scheme to stimulate the market, TAT Governor Yuthasak Supasorn stated that it may not be the best strategy, given that the main issue is currently the lengthy waiting period during the visa application process, reports state news agency NNT.

He noted that the strategy previously faced problems regarding how tour package prices would be cut to benefit tourists since the TAT offered the scheme during the COVID-19 pandemic, but it was denied by the relevant authorities in charge of the issue.

Tourism has been gradually picking up, but experts predict that the market will only achieve less than 50% of the level seen in 2019, which reached a peak of around 10 million visitors.

Mr Yuthasak said that in addition to the slow recovery of the Chinese economy, flight shortages due to airlines facing shortages on the supply side such as aircraft and maintenance play an important factor in slowing its recovery.

There is, however, hope for a boost in visitor numbers in October during Chinas Golden Week holiday, as airlines are scheduled to increase their services to handle the increase in passengers during that period.

Meanwhile, In an effort to revitalize tourism, Thai Lion Air is set to open six new routes to Guangzhou, Chengdu, Hangzhou, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Xian from Aug 15. These new routes will use Boeing 737800 and Boeing 737-900ER aircraft. Currently, Thai Lion Air operates 15 aircraft in its fleet, consisting of 13 B737-800s and two B737-900ERs.

Thai AirAsia has also shown promising signs with an average load factor of 80% on Chinese routes during the first half of the year, with 13 operational routes to 12 destinations in China.

The airline said that it will gradually resume its routes to southern China and hopes to fully recover by the end of this year, both in terms of destinations and frequencies.
Thaksin can seek royal pardon, says Wissanu

BANGKOK: Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra can petition for a royal pardon on the first day of his imprisonment, acting Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam said yesterday (July 27).

politics

By Bangkok Post

Friday 28 July 2023 08:30 AM

Ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra acknowledges the crowd after arriving at Suvarnabhumi airport in Samut Prakan province in February 2008. Photo: Apichit Jinakul

All inmates have the right to seek a royal pardon on the first day of imprisonment because this right is available during the time of punishment, said Mr Wissanu, is also acting as the justice minister. Somsak Thepsuthin resigned as justice minister to join the Pheu Thai Party in March, reports the Bangkok Post.

If the pardon is not granted after the petition is lodged, it cannot be repeated within the following two years, Wissanu said.

Upon Thaksins return, he will go to court to receive an imprisonment order for his three cases, which have been finalised, resulting in a combined jail term of 10 years, said Wissanu.

Some of the cases have passed their statutes of limitations, and others have not yet reached a court, including the case concerning Thaksins escape from the country.

Corrections officials are already prepared to receive the former prime minister, as he had earlier announced his return for his birthday, Wissanu said. Thaksin turned 74 on Wednesday and has lived in self-imposed exile for 15 years.

Thaksin will be treated differently from general inmates due to his age, being older than 60 years. Ill inmates are also eligible for some privileges, which are standard for those who meet the relevant criteria, said the deputy prime minister.

Although there are special rooms at prisons, their use depends on the Corrections Department, and Wissanu said he does not believe that Thaksin could be detained outside of prison.

He will go to jail however, Mr Wissanu confirmed. Family members can receive him at (Don Mueang) airport and visit him at prison right away, he added.

Sitthi Sutheewong, deputy director-general of the Corrections Department, said yesterday that all new inmates would be quarantined for COVID-19 observation for five days, and there are special quarantine rooms for elderly inmates.

Inmates with underlying illnesses may be sent to corrections hospitals for appropriate care.

Thaksin has lived in self-imposed exile abroad since fleeing the country after receiving bail to attend the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.

Shortly before October 2008, the Supreme Courts Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions sentenced him in absentia to two years in prison for being found guilty of abuse of authority in assisting his then-wife, Khunying Potjaman na Pombejra, in winning a bid for the Ratchadaphisek property.
On the concept of Meitei patriotism : A perspective

|

Dr Mangsatabam Jitendra Singh

Manipur, a small hilly State consisting of a centrally located tiny valley, called Imphal valley or Manipur valley, the size of which is approximately one-tenth of the total area of the State and situated on the periphery of India in the North East bordering Burma (Myanmar), in spite of historical vicissitudes, was an independent country founded by the Meiteis, who had a fame for their cultural heritage that played an important role in founding a country of their own initially in the valley and its gradual horizontal expansion over the surrounding hill areas, prior to her merger with the Union of India as a part C State on 15th October, 1949, according to an agreement.

The country, among the Meiteis, however small it may be, signified the land of the mothers, eemaleipak, motherland. The Romans and some Greeks called their country fatherland, whereas some others, motherland. The word, motherland, was used in Crete, a Greek island in the Mediterranean, South-East of Greece, probably a remnant of likely matriarchal Minoan society. These two words, fatherland and motherland, are one and the same, as both the words signified the land of ones ancestors and native land. The motherland, eemaleipak, of every Meitei was a part of the soil which his traditional religion had sanctified and the land where the remains of his ancestors were deposited and which their souls occupied. It (motherland) was not a vain word. The soil was indeed sacred to every Meitei for his Gods/ancestors dwelt there. The word eemaleipak of the Meiteis was no abstraction, as they are among the moderns; they really represented a group of local divinities with a daily worship and beliefs that had a power influence over the soul. Until today, so far as we know, no one looks at the concept of patriotism of the Meiteis in their historical context and has examined what explains it (the patriotism of the Meiteis). In this article a humble attempt is made to delve into the said subject.

Before entering into particulars of our enquiry on the said topic, we would like to detail you with a few words about the method and order of investigation that seem to be prescribed by the nature of the subject. In connection with the Meitei religion whether antique/traditional religion or Hinduism, we find on the one hand certain beliefs, on the other certain institutions, ritual practices and rules of conduct. Our modern habit is to look at religion from the side of belief rather than of practice. Thus the study of religion of Manipur meant mainly Hindu religious beliefs, and instructions in religion has habitually begun with the creed, religious duties being presented to the learner as flowing from the dogmatic truths he is taught to accept. All this seems to us so much a matter of course that, when we approach the old or traditional religion of the Meiteis, we naturally assume that here also our first business is to search for a creed, and find in it the key to ritual and practices. But the traditional religion of the Meiteis had most part no creed; it consisted entirely of institutions and practices  the rites. The rite, in short, was connected not with dogma but with a myth.

In all the antique religions, mythology takes the place of dogma, that is, the sacred lore of the priests and people, so far as it does not consist of mere rulers for the performance of religious acts, assumes the form of stories about the gods. But, strictly speaking, this mythology was no essential part of ancient religion, for it had no sacred sanction and no binding force on the worshippers. What was obligatory or meritorious was the exact performance of certain sacred acts prescribed by religious tradition. This being so, it follows that mythology ought not to tale the prominent place that is too often assigned to it in the scientific study of ancient faiths. The conclusion is that, in the study of the traditional religion of the Meiteis, we must begin, not with myth, but with ritual and traditional usage.

There can be no doubt that in the latter stages of traditional religion of the Meiteis, mythology required an increased importance. In the struggle of traditional religion with scepticism on the one hand and Hinduism on the other, the supporters of the traditional religion are driven to search for ideas of a modern cast, which they could represent as true inner meaning of the traditional rites. Myth interpreted by the aid of allegory became the favourite means of infusing a new significance into ancient forms. But the theories thus developed are the falsest of false guides as to the original meaning of the traditional religions.

Let it be understood from the outset that we do not have the materials for anything like a complete comprehensive history of the traditional religion of the Meiteis. As done in China, during the reign of Chin-Wang, who reigned from 246 BC to 210 BC, built the Great Wall of China (Wan-li-Chang, the myriad mile wall) and was the first to assume the title of Kwang or emperor, Pamheiba (1709-1748), who was known now by the Hindu or Persian name Garib Niwaz and assumed the title of Maharaja, great king, for the first time in the history of Manipur determined, as it appears, that the history of Manipur should begin with his reign, and to wipe out the memory of the past events and religious beliefs and the practices, at the instigation of a Hindu fakir (who lived without possessions and survived by receiving food from other people), called Shantidas Gosvai, who came from Sylhet, Bengal, now called Bangladesh, because of apparently forcible mass Islamisation during the Mughal rule, ordered all the literary records, puyas, considered to be sacred, including the Royal Chronicle of Manipur, Cheitharon Kumpapa, to be burned so that no knowledge of past events might be transmitted to history. Thus a great mass of early Meitei literary records, which affords a fair test of the commencement of Meitei civilization and without which neither history nor civilization can properly be said to exist, were destroyed. As all the literary records were newly written and rewritten from time to time, some errors would certainly have found their way and deliberately inserted in them. Besides, religious dissents were treated with same ruthless severity as was meted out to political opponents; wholesale banishment, and execution drove the people into acceptance of the tenets of Hinduism.

In this age of most modern and developed ideas and scientific methods of research or methodology or historiography, no one looks knowingly at the historicity of the said literary records, to which modern scholars are indebted for their researches on the early history and culture of Manipur, and knows, as it appears, what historical criticism is. It may be worthy of note that historical criticism, which is so important in the history of history writing, is yet to be seen in the historical researches in Manipur. In addition to it, we would like to make a point that in modern times comparative religion has become a subject in the west, but in Manipur, nothing considerable has been done towards a systematic comparison of the traditional religious beliefs and practices of the Meiteis with that of the ancients, the people who lived in the ancient times.

(To be contd)


BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 28. The Western Azerbaijan Community condemns the biased statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of France issued on July 27, 2023 regarding the Lachin road, and calls upon France to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan and not to interfere in Azerbaijan's internal affairs, Trend reports.

The West Azerbaijani Community also calls upon France to put an end to its policy of double standards, not to selectively interpret the norms and principles of international law, to urge Armenia to hold a dialogue with the Community and to enable the safe and peaceful return of the Western Azerbaijanis to their ancestral lands in Armenia.

Earlier, Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry also firmly rejected French ministry's statement.

"The French side's selective focus on certain aspects while disregarding the presence of Armenian armed forces on Azerbaijani territory for the past three years, ongoing military provocations against Azerbaijan, illegal transfer of military products and mines, and significant violations of the tripartite statement, including hindering the opening of communications, is unacceptable.

The establishment of the Lachin border crossing point by Azerbaijan should not be misconstrued as a violation of obligations. The International Court of Justice, in its decision on July 6, unequivocally affirmed the full legitimacy of the Lachin border checkpoint. Armenia's appeals to dismantle the checkpoint and withdraw border guards were unanimously rejected.

Azerbaijan is fully authorized and obligated to prevent the unlawful use of the Lachin road and address cases of misuse by implementing control and transparency at the border," said Azerbaijan's MFA.
The method behind the madness Cooking up narratives

|

The madness continues. And there is a method behind the madness and this is what is worrying, deeply worrying. This method is starkly visible in the false narrative that has been spun with aplomb so much so that it had even convinced the European Parliament to discuss the Manipur violence, qualified by the phrase destruction of Churches. That the European Parliament was kept in the dark of the fact that it was not only Kuki Churches that were destroyed but also numerous places of worship of the Meiteis is a reflection of how effective the false narrative has been. The nude parade of two girls on May 4 was reprehensible and was a slap on the face of all that the Meiteis stand for, but the method behind harking back to this case every now and then would not have missed the attention of any keen observer. In as much as the May 4 incident is rewinded and replayed to give more credence to the victim story that has been floated around to gain the sympathy of others, the louder the silence on the gun wielding elements who took part in the May 3 Tribal Solidarity March becomes. The silence on who struck the first match stick that set on fire numerous houses at Torbung after the Tribal Solidarity March on May 4 also falls perfectly in place with the method that is being talked about here. Keeping a stoic silence on the disappearance of two youngsters including a young girl on July 6 is a case of the method that is being talked about. The conspiracy of silence here cannot be missed. Going to town with the nude parade but maintaining a stoic silence on the abduction of a young girl reeks of double standard, a feature that has become synonymous with the side playing the victim card. It is this politics of amnesia that is keeping the violence churning. The Sangai Express does not have the exact figure but quite a number of people have gone missing and here is a case of family members unable to even perform the last rites in the absence of the mortal remains of their loved ones. This is the situation and it is the missing cases which can give a totally different twist and turn to the violence that sees no sign of abating.

Close to 90 days and there is nothing to indicate that Manipur has taken the first tottering step towards normalcy. Farmers continue to be fired upon with impunity from the cover of the hills and while the Government seems to have worked out the number of guns which have been stolen or looted from police armouries, it still does not seem to have any idea on how bullets continue to rain on the villages located at the foothills. How is it that those firing from the hills never seem to run out of bullets ? And why is the Government or the Security Advisor to the Government now silent on the status of the inmates at the different SoO designated camps ? How about the status of the weapons which are reportedly kept under lock in the safe at the camps ? Or was the inspection drive at the SoO camps just a one time affair ? These questions should be viewed against the backdrop of the endless rounds of bullets being rained on the villages situated at the foothills. And can one expect any answer to the posers raised here ? Fingers of accusation have been pointed at the Meira Paibis of blocking the route of security forces but why arent armed militants stopped from firing at the villages located at the foothills ? The world has been fed on manufactured narratives for too long and to go anywhere near the truth, it is more than important to go to the genesis of the violence at Torbung in the evening of May 3. What is the status of the Meitei houses at Churachandpur and Moreh ? Can one expect any answer to this poser or should it be left to the imagination of the people ?
A day after chief minister Mamata Banerjee, who holds the home portfolio, asked Kolkata Police (KP) to bring Bhangar within the jurisdiction of South 24-Parganas, a team from Lalbazar visited several areas in the violencehit block on Thursday. The KP team, comprising a deputy commissioner of police (DCP), an assistant commissioner of police (ASP) and senior police personnel from the Bantala Leather Complex police station, visited several areas under Kashipur and Bhangar police stations.

They also met their counterparts from the South 24-Parganas district police administration. Bhangar had become a hotbed of political violence leading to deaths of workers belonging to ruling Trinamul Congress and opposition Indian Secular Front (ISF). Firing, bomb blasts and setting on fire of infrastructure marked the days preceding voting date and post polling. According to officials, Miss Banerjee, while attending a programme at Alipore Bodyguard Lines on Wednesday asked Kolkata Police commissioner Vineet Kumar Goyal to bring Bhangar under Kolkata polices jurisdiction.

Advertisement
Trinamool Congress legislature and retired Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Humayun Kabir on Friday appealed in the house for enhanced payment for Muslim women under Lakshmir Bhandar scheme.

Under the scheme, a monthly dole of Rs 500 is paid to women in general category while Rs 1,000 for women falling in scheduled caste and scheduled tribe categories.

While taking part in a discussion in the ongoing session in the assembly, Kabir quoted a report by Pratichi Trust, founded and headed by Nobel laureate economist Dr Amartya Sen, to describe the financial backwardness of the Muslim women in the state.

Advertisement

During the recent campaign programme, I interacted with many women from the Muslim community. Many questioned why they are getting just Rs 500 under the scheme, when their counterparts from the scheduled caste and scheduled tribe categories are getting Rs 1000, Kabir said.

Speaker Biman Banerjee asked Kabir to submit the report of Pratichi Trust that he was quoting to his table.

However, his demand has embarrassment the ruling party after an explanation given later in her reply by the Women & Child Development and Social Welfare Department Minister Sashi Panja.

The benefits of the scheme cannot be distributed on the basis of religion. This is a scheme planned by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for the financially marginalised people. The total number of beneficiaries under the scheme currently stands at 1,97,37,033, Panja said.

She even went to the extent of saying Kabir might have heard of any explanation from any other party.

A specific system is followed going above the political spectrum in selecting the beneficiaries under the scheme, Panja said.

However, even later Kabir stuck to his stand and said that Rs1,000 should be given at least to Muslim women who come under the other backward class (OBC) category.
Career selection is a very tricky part of every students life, after completing college life, the students real test begins as they enter into college and university life, after having battled it out in schools. As soon as they set foot in the university, so many profound decisions have to be made at the moment. One of them is course selection.

Every student has to make the choice of their subjects. In the same way, a wrong choice of subject can turn ones life upside down.

Here are some of the courses which can be chosen by Bangladeshi students in college.

Advertisement

01. Computer Science and Engineering (CSE)

Computers and software or computer sciences can be the best option for students in Bangladesh as anywhere else. CSE is the most desirable course. Many universities provide this course in graduation and under-graduation classes. This four-year undergraduate programme for software-based learning and hardware-based learning.

02. Fashion Design or Apparel Merchandising

Fashion industry is ever going and if you have creative knowledge and creative thinking, then Fashion Design will be the best choice for you. The students who love to apply new designs and ideas on clothing and its accessories are the best suited to choose this subject. Fashion design takes four years to complete this degree.

03. Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE)

If you want to build a career in the engineering field then you should choose the Electrical and Electronic Engineering subjects. It is one of the best courses in the engineering field. The Bangladeshi university provides four years based under the graduation program in this field. There are so many advantages for get a job in this sector.

04. Marketing

Marketing is everything from birth to death. Nowadays every company needs a marketing strategy and because of this, the demand for marketing-related professionals is increasing day by day not only in Bangladesh but also all over the world. So building a career in the marketing field can bring money as well as success. It is the course where students have to be publishing their presenting skills.

05. Bachelor of Pharmacy

A Bachelor of Pharmacy is an amazing subject in Bangladesh. For students who are interested in chemistry, pharmacy is the best choice for them. It is a degree at an under-graduation level and is a four-year field of pharmacy education. The students who dont want to be a doctor and want to build a career in this field can choose this course.

After completing the graduation program, a student can easily practice in this field as a pharmacist.

06. Civil Engineering

One can easily start his career in this field and also get a promotion. It is also another best course in the engineering field.

07. Economics

It is a royal course and also social science course that provides education on goods and services. According to the world economic organization, a student in this field can change the world economy and the nations economy.

If you are interested in financial systems then you can choose this course. The students in this field can easily contribute to the economy and also build ones career in finance-related fields. It is also four years based educational degree.

08. Sociology

Sociology is the best course for you if you want to build your career in an international organization like UNDP, UNESCO, UNICEF. It is an excellent field for knowing society and changing social systems.

This course makes a student decipher the many problems ailing our society like psycho-social problems and so on. This is the reason why the student in the sociology course is called a doctor of society.

09. Architecture

Architecture is also in great demand. Most of the universities provide bachelors and masters degrees in this field. A student brings to pass the bachelors degree program in four years. Students who are interested in drawing, crafts, painting, handicrafts, designing buildings, or drawing building operations can choose this course.

10. Environmental Science

Environmental degradation is the major problem of the world and people knowing environmental sciences are very important. That is the reason why this is the top-ranked subject for students of science background. There are so many posts and departments of this background. The research in this field also increasing and the students of Bangladesh are more interested in it.
In a significant move towards strengthening the semiconductor industry, semiconductor giant AMD announced on Friday its plan to invest approximately $400 million in the country over the next five years to expand research, development and engineering operations.

The company plans to build a new campus in Bangalore with the largest R&D facility in the world. The announcement came at the SemiconIndia 2023 in Gujarat in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

AMD investment is expected to create the largest AMD design center with the addition of approximately 3,000 engineering roles, the company said.

Advertisement

They are an active part of the semiconductor ecosystem in India since 2001 with the companys first site established in New Delhi.

While addressing the event, PM Modi said Bharat never disappoints anyone. The relations with industry, experts, and policymakers get updated through Semicon India. I believe that this is crucial for the synchronisation of our relations, he added.

At the event, prominent semiconductor companies like Foxconn, Micron, AMD, IBM, Marvell, Vedanta, LAM Research, NXP Semiconductors, STMicroelectronics, and others were present.

Apart from AMD, another key global player in the semiconductor industry, Foxconn shows optimism towards Indias semiconductor market and said Taiwan is and will be Indias most trusted and reliable partner.

Lets do this together, Young Liu, Chairman of Foxconn said.

India-Japan collaboration over semiconductor

In a separate development, Indian and Japanese officials held discussions in New Delhi, exploring potential collaboration in semiconductors and establishing robust supply chains.

As per reports, the talks aimed at achieving a target of $35.9 billion in Japanese investment in India by 2027.

The meeting was attended by the foreign ministers of both countries  S Jaishankar, and Yoshimasa Hayashi  who also discussed cooperation in defence equipment and technology.

Odisha bags deal with the US

Amid the deals being locked in SemiconIndia 2023, on Thursday, Odisha bagged a deal with US-based Silicon Power Group which will invest $121.73 million in the state.

The investment aims to make 150-millimeter silicon carbide, a semiconductor component. The company has committed to start operations in the next 18 to 24 months, as per a statement by the Chief Ministers Office.

The investment will be made by the groups RiR Power Electronics, it added.
In the wake growing cases of dengue in the national capital, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday chaired a high-level review meeting with senior officials of all departments concerned along with Health Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj and Delhi Mayor Shelly Oberoi, aimed to devise preventive measures to combat the vector-borne disease.

Taking cognisance of the situation, Kejriwal directed all hospitals to reserve beds for dengue patients; ensure adequate stock of essential medicines.

The Delhi government has issued a helpline number, 1031, for the vector-borne diseases. From next week onwards patients will be able to speak directly to doctors through it. If mosquito-breeding is found at anyones home, a fine of Rs 1,000 will be imposed, commercial establishments will be liable to pay Rs 5,000 fine for the same.

Advertisement

The Delhi government will soon roll out a 247 dengue control room. Doctors have also been advised not to prescribe aspirin-disprin like blood-thinners, as this could be dangerous during dengue treatment. Further, the Education Directorate will ensure all students attend school in full sleeves clothing. If any student does not have a full sleeve uniform, they will be allowed to wear any full sleeve shirt-pant of their own.

Addressing the media after the meeting, the Delhi health minister said it was observed that this years weather patterns have been unusual, with the monsoon season arriving earlier than expected. Consequently, there has been a surge in vector-borne diseases such as dengue, malaria, and chikungunya, which are being reported in July rather than their usual occurrence in August and September.

Bhardwaj emphasised the crucial role of public awareness in preventing dengue. The primary focus lies in educating the public about dengue and its transmission, empowering them to protect themselves from mosquito bites and thus prevent the spread of the disease, he said.

The health minister highlighted that dengue mosquitoes breed in clean water, such as standing water on rooftops, flower pots, utensils, and containers within households, and various other locations across the city.

The Health Department conducted genome sequencing of the dengue virus and found that 19 out of 20 samples were of type 2 dengue, which is considered more dangerous. However, due to a predominant strain, it is expected that the severity of the disease might be comparatively controlled.

Nevertheless, the Delhi government urges everyone to remain cautious, particularly school-going children, who may be more susceptible, Bhardwaj informed.

To ensure effective prevention, the Education Department has been directed to enforce a strict dress code in schools. All students are required to wear full sleeves shirts and pants, with girls wearing slacks under skirts. The schools have been instructed not to compromise on these guidelines, and students lacking appropriate attire are encouraged to wear full sleeves shirts from home.

Furthermore, the Education Department has been tasked with a dengue awareness homework assignment for students. All students, across government, MCD, and private schools in Delhi, will prepare a report about their homes dengue preparedness and submit it to their schools the following week. The teachers will inspect and return the report cards to the students for re-inspection at their homes. This mandatory exercise aims to instil a sense of responsibility and awareness among the younger population.

Kejriwal has issued additional directives to ensure that the Health Department reserves hospital beds exclusively for dengue cases and maintains sufficient stocks of dengue medicines in dispensaries, hospitals, and mohalla clinics. Chemists have been advised not to sell aspirin, disprin, or other ibuprofen-based drugs for fever, as they are blood thinners that can exacerbate dengue symptoms. Patients are being urged not to self-medicate and only take medicines as prescribed by healthcare professionals. Paracetamol is recommended as the safest option for fever relief.

In a bid to check breeding of mosquitoes, hospitals have been declared a no-tolerance zone for mosquito breeding, and relevant instructions have been provided to other departments as well. The Health Department will publish daily updates on the number of reported dengue cases through various media channels.

Additionally, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has been directed to ensure that Domestic Breeding Checkers (DBC) workers conduct door-to-door inspections for breeding grounds. Non-compliant homes and establishments will be subjected to fines, with an increased penalty of Rs 1,000 for residential areas and Rs 5,000 for commercial establishments.

Bhardwaj also said that the Delhi government is taking a proactive approach to create awareness and engage the community in this dengue prevention campaign. The helpline number 1031, previously used during the COVID-19 pandemic, will now cater to both COVID-19 and dengue-related queries, connecting callers to professionals for reliable information and guidance. A 247 control room will be set up very soon. Availability of paracetamol, both IV and oral, will be made as well. The government also plans to involve around 3000 Delhi ASHA workers in this campaign.

Furthermore, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has agreed to cooperate with the government and will start making announcements about dengue prevention, aiming to reach a wider audience. The Delhi Police, who control the public address systems in markets and other public places, have been requested to make similar announcements to increase awareness.

Last year, 21 per cent of mosquito breeding was found to occur in police compounds. So the government has written to the Delhi police to ensure this doesnt happen this year. Various government agencies and departments have also been instructed to ensure there is no mosquito breeding in and around their offices.

Bhardwaj also urged the media, especially radio, print, and news anchors, to actively participate in spreading awareness about dengue prevention, as collective efforts can significantly reduce the number of positive cases.
Delhi Social Welfare Minister Raaj Kumar Anand visited the Divyangjan Camp organised for differently-abled citizens at Maharishi Valmiki Hospital, Pooth Khurd here.

Designed to empower and support the differently-abled community, the camp offers a comprehensive range of essential services to enhance accessibility and inclusivity in their daily lives.

The Divyangjan (UDID) Unique Disability ID camp serves as a one-stop destination for differently-abled individuals to avail themselves of various services tailored to their unique needs.

Advertisement

The services the camp offers include job opportunities for differently-abled individuals, issuance of disability certificate, bus passes, railway concession passes to facilitate their participation in society.

During the camp, Divyangjans registered on the UDID portal and underwent manual assessments conducted by the Medical Board constituted by Maharishi Valmiki Hospital. This allowed them to receive Disability Certificates for various conditions, including Locomotor Disability, Blindness, Low Vision, Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Muscular Dystrophy, Leprosy, Dwarfism, and Acid Attack Victims.

A total of 670 Divyangjans were direct beneficiaries of the camps various services. This included 270 individuals who availed of UDID-related services, 11 who secured job opportunities, 27 who received differently-abled equipment, and 322 other beneficiaries who accessed additional support and facilities.

During his visit, Anand interacted with the participants and their families, gaining first-hand insights into their challenges and achievements.

Witnessing the indomitable spirit and determination of the differently-abled individuals, Anand expressed admiration and reassured them of the Kejriwal governments unwavering support and dedication towards fostering an inclusive society.

Anand said, The Kejriwal government stands firmly behind the differently-abled community, striving to provide equal opportunities and accessible services. This camp serves as a testament to our commitment to empowering every individual with dignity and respect, irrespective of their abilities.
The engagement of Raghav Chadha and Bollywood actress Parineeti Chopra created a buzz in the headlines earlier this year. Fans across social media celebrated the union of the politician and the popular actress. Since the announcement, both Parineeti and Raghav have shared glimpses of their relationship on Instagram and other platforms.

During a recent interview, Raghav Chadha briefly discussed his engagement to Parineeti Chopra while primarily focusing on his political career. When questioned about the impact of the engagement on his life and how his party colleagues perceive him now, Raghav Chadha responded, Lets stick to discussing political alliances rather than personal ones. However, I can say that my colleagues tease me less about my marital plans, as they are aware that its on the horizon.

Raghav Chadha is a Member of Parliament representing the Aam Aadmi Party.

Advertisement

Parineeti Chopra and Raghav Chadha exchanged engagement rings on May 13 in Delhi, surrounded by their families and loved ones. According to sources, their wedding is scheduled for October this year, and it is now reported that they will be holding their wedding reception in Gurugram. Initially, there were speculations about the couple organizing two wedding receptionsone in Chandigarh and another in Mumbai.

After the engagement, Parineeti shared a heartfelt note of gratitude, thanking everyone for their love and well-wishes. She expressed, Raghav and I are overwhelmed with the love and positivity we have received, especially on our engagement. Our worlds unite with this union, and we feel blessed to have gained such a loving and supportive family. To our amazing friends in the media, thank you for being there and cheering for us.

Following their engagement, Parineeti Chopra took a moment to express her sincere appreciation and heartfelt gratitude to all who showered them with love and well-wishes.

Overwhelmed by the outpouring of affection, she warmly shared, Raghav and I are deeply touched by the abundance of love and positivity we have received, particularly during this special time of our engagement. This union has brought our worlds together, and we feel immensely blessed to have embraced such a loving and supportive family. To our wonderful friends in the media, we extend our heartfelt thanks for being there with us every step of the way, offering your heartfelt cheers and support.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 28. Azerbaijans President Ilham Aliyev has sent a congratulatory letter to Dina Ercilia Boluarte Zegarra, President of the Republic of Peru, Trend reports.

"Dear madam President,

On behalf of myself and the people of Azerbaijan, I extend to You and your people my sincerest felicitations on the occasion of the national holiday of the Republic of Peru  Independence Day.

I believe that the relations between Azerbaijan and Peru will continue to develop from now on in the interests of both peoples, and our cooperation will expand within international institutions.

On this remarkable day, I wish You robust health, happiness, success in your activities, and friendly people of Peru  continuous peace and welfare," reads the letter.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Friday launched a scathing attack on Delhi Lt Governor V.K. Saxena and Union Home Minister Amit Shah over the law and order situation in the national capital after a 22-year-old woman was murdered by an alleged jilted lover in Malviya Nagar.

Another daughter was brutally murdered in Delhi. It is very sad. Law and order has become such a pressing issue in Delhi. I request L-G and Home Minister to proactively engage the police force, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal wrote in a tweet, referring to the brutal incident.

Safety of the daughters and the people of Delhi is very important, he added.

Advertisement

Echoing similar sentiment, senior AAP leader and MLA, Somnath Bharti, while addressing a press conference at the party headquarters, said: This was a tragic incident which has shaken the entire city.

The disheartening fact is that the murder occurred just 100-150 metres away from the Malviya Nagar police station, he said.

According to the Constitution, law and order, police, and land in Delhi are under the Central governments control, i.e., the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister. The responsibility to ensure a crime-free and safe environment for women in Delhi lies with the Centres representative, L-G V.K. Saxena. However, no significant actions seem to be taken from the L-Gs side, Bharti said.

Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) chief, Swati Maliwal, has issued a notice to the police regarding the murder on Friday.
Vinod Sharma, a leader of the Bihar Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has taken a tough decision by resigning from his position. He expressed that the ongoing violence in Manipur has brought shame to India on the global stage. Speaking to news agencies on Thursday, July 27, BJP leader Vinod Sharma said he made this decision with a heavy heart.

Sharma highlighted the unfortunate statement made by Manipurs chief minister, N. Biren Singh, who seemed to downplay the severity of some of the recent incidents in the North eastern state. Sharmas concerns were specifically linked to the disturbing video that went viral, showing two Kuki women being paraded naked in Manipurs Kangpokpi district on May 4, amid ethnic clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi finally addressed the issue after 79 days of silence of the state and his party, but his response was criticized for not adequately addressing the overall violence and lawlessness in the state. Opposition MPs demanded a statement from the prime minister during the Monsoon Session, leading to several adjournments.

Advertisement

In his resignation letter pasted as a banner in Patna, Bihar, Vinod Sharma held Chief Minister N. Biren Singh responsible for the ongoing violence in Manipur. He also accused the prime minister of protecting Singh in this incident. Sharma felt disheartened to work under such leadership and, therefore, chose to resign, as stated by him in the letter.

The Janata Dal (United) also criticized the BJP, sharing the text of Sharmas resignation letter on Twitter. This comes after Mizoram BJP vice-president, R. Vanramchhuanga, resigned earlier this month, accusing both the Union and state governments of supporting the burning down of churches in Manipur. It seems that these resignations reflect a growing sense of concern and dissatisfaction within the BJP ranks over the handling of the current situation in Manipur.
15 fishermen from the Rameshwaram district, who were released from Sri Lankan prison, were welcomed by BJP on their arrival in Tamil Nadus Chennai on Thursday.

Sri Lankan Navy Police arrested the fishermen on July 8, claiming that they had crossed the border and were fishing in the area under the jurisdiction of Sri Lanka. Following the arrest fishermen were produced before the court and were later remanded to judicial custody.

Their case came up for hearing in the Oorkavalthurai court on July 21, the judge ordered the release of all 15 fishermen.

Advertisement

Their release came days after Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghes official tour to India. During his visit, Sri Lankan President had a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Earlier, four Indian fishing boats were impounded and 22 fishermen apprehended by the Sri Lankan Navy on June 22, for allegedly crossing into Sri Lankan waters.

Palk Strait, which is a narrow strip of water separating Tamil Nadu from Sri Lanka, is a rich fishing ground for fishermen from both countries and because of that fishermen keep on going to the area and end up entering Sri Lankan water.
The Congress on Friday ended the suspension of three Jharkhand MLAs, who were caught allegedly with a huge amount of cash in West Bengals Howrah last year.

The suspended MLAs are Irfan Ansari, Rajesh Kachhap and Naman Bixal.

Party state president Rajesh Thakur and state Parliamentary Affairs Minister Alamgir made the announcement.

Advertisement

The MLAs were arrested by the West Bengal police, while they were travelling on national highway-16 at Ranihati in Howrah with around Rs 48 lakh in cash on July 30 last year

Congress MLA Anup Singh had filed a case against the three legislators at Argora police station on charges of conspiracy to topple Chief Minister Hemant Soren-led coalition government.

The party had also constituted a committee to investigate the matter. Later, the three MLAs got bail from the Calcutta High Court.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday alleged DMK as the most corrupt party adding that Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin did not ask for Senthil Balajis resignation because hes afraid that Balaji will reveal his secrets.

DMK is the most corrupt party. One of their ministers was arrested for a scam by the ED. However, despite being in jail, hes still the ministerBut Stalin will not ask for his resignation because the minister will reveal all the secrets about Stalin, Amit Shah said. I want to tell the Congress party and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Stalin that changing the name does nothing. As soon as you go in public, people remember the commonwealth scam, 2G scam, commonwealth scam, coal scam, choppers scam, submarine scam, ISRO scam and many more, he said.

He further said that the partys Yatra is to make Tamil Nadu free from family dynastic politics, corruption and to improve the law and order situation in the state.

Advertisement

This Yatra is not only a political Yatra, En Mann En Makkal (My land, My People) Yatra is a Yatra to spread the Tamil language worldwide. It is to make Tamil Nadu free from family dynastic politics, and corruption, and to improve the law and order situation in the state. It is a Yatra to end corruption and start development work

Amit Shah said that through this Yatra BJP state president K Annamalai will establish the nationalism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi across Tamil Nadu.

Through the En Mann En Makkal Yatra state BJP president K Annamalai is going to establish the nationalism of PM Modi across Tamil Nadu. PM Modi was the first to speak in Tamil- the worlds oldest language in UN, he added.

The Home Minister further made a scathing attack on the previous Congress-UPA government at the Centre and said, The massacre of Tamils took place in Sri Lanka during the rule of this Congress-UPA. DMK and Congress are responsible for the plight of Tamil fishermen during their rule

Amit Shah launched the BJPs six-month-long padayatra En Mann, En Makkal (My Land, My People) in the States Rameswaram town today.

The Yatra comes ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha election and seeks a decisive mandate to install party leader Narendra Modi as Prime Minister for a third term.

The padayatra that will begin from Rameswaram aims to cover all 234 assembly constituencies across the state and is scheduled to conclude on January 11 next year ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, BJP Tamil Nadu President K Annamalai who will lead the yatra had told reporters earlier.

The Yatra aims to cover 1068 Km on foot and the rest of the area by vehicle, the BJP state leader said.
After facing a disaster in the hills of Darjeeling and Kalimpong in the recently concluded panchayat polls in West Bengal, the BJP seems to be heading for yet another complication with Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) supremo Bimal Gurung hinting at distancing his party with the saffron camp unless the latter announces its definite standpoint on the issue of separate Gorkhaland state.

BJP will have to come open about its stand on separate Gorkhaland state. We will wait till August 15 to see whether the Prime Minister gives any specific message on this Gorkhaland issue. If there is no such mention, we will be forced to take our movement in demand of the separate state to the national capital, Gurung said on Friday.

He also said that on August 4, the GHM will organise a rally at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi in support of their demand for a separate state. This movement will be for the sake of our Gorkha identity. We need a government at New Delhi who understands the sentiments of the Gorkhas, Gurung added.

Advertisement

Political observers see this statement as a note of caution for BJP considering that the saffron camp managed to get its candidates elected from Darjeeling Lok Sabha constituency thrice in 2009, 2014 and 2019 entirely because of the backing from GJM.

However, in the recently concluded panchayat polls BJPs alliance with eight local hill parties, including GJM faced major set-back, with Trinamool Congress- backed and Anit Thapa founded Bharatiya Gorkha Prajatantrik Morcha (BGPM) emerging the winner in the majority of the seats contested in the rural civic body polls.

However, BJP state president in Darjeeling district Kalyan Diwan described the statements by Gurung as an immature one. The issue of separate statehood involves a lot of complications and cannot be settled in minutes. It needs lots of discussions. There is no point in opening a front against the Union government on this issue, he said.

Recently, BJP also faced criticism from his own party legislator from Kurseong Vishnu Prasad Sharma who claimed that poor results of his party and its allies from the hill areas of Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts in the recently concluded panchayat polls in the state was because of outsiders who had been dumped in the hills by the leadership.
KPCC President K Sudhakaran on Friday accused that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is not giving direction to the police to register cases against the leaders of CPI-M and BJP, who are issuing death threats to each other through their speeches.

Alleging that the Chief minister is not proposing to file a case against the leaders of CPI-M and BJP, who made speeches inciting violence, Sudhakaran said that situations in Kannur have reached a point where the atmosphere of peace will collapse at any time.

In a statement here, Sudhakaran said that Chief Minister Vijayans police, which register a case even when the mike malfunctions, are now pretending not to have heard provocative statements made by CPI-M and BJP leaders that disturb the peace of the state.

Advertisement

The police, who filed a case against him for speaking on a public matter related to the Brahmapuram garbage issue, are now keeping silent, Sudhakaran said.

It is to be suspected that these provocative speeches are a part of a planned move to create another series of murders in Kannur, he said and accused the CPM-BJP of creating martyrs and scapegoats to reap political gains.

Sudhakarans statement came in the wake of the threatening speeches being made by BJP and CPI-M leaders in the last two-three days, following Speaker AN Shamseers alleged anti-Hindu speech.

Responding to Yuva Morcha leader K Ganeshs threatening speech against Kerala Assembly Speaker AN Shamseer, senior CPI-M leader P Jayarajan warned against any actions targeting Shamseer and said: If a hand is raised against Shamseer, the place of Yuva Morcha workers will be in the mortuary.

Jayarajans threatening speech came in response to Yuva Morcha state General Secretary K Ganeshs alleged inflammatory speech against Shamseer during a protest march in Thalassery, the other day, against Shamseers alleged anti-Hindu remarks.

In his speech, Ganesh allegedly referred to the incident of the hand-chopping of a college professor in Thodupuzha by the Popular Front of India (PFI) activists in 2010 for alleged blasphemy and warned Shamseer not to test the patience of Hindu society.

Shamseer must be confident that his hand will not be lost like Prof Josephs. But Shamseer should not think that that Hindu society will sit idle forever, said Ganesh.

Responding to P Jayarajans warning, BJP state vice president Sobha Surendran said the Yuva Morcha is not one to bow down to the words of gangster leaders.

Time has moved on Mr Jayarajan. The Yuva Morcha workers are not the ones who bow before gangster mafia leaders. You put a lot of people in the mortuary earlier. You had put Panniannur Chandran, Aswani, Jayakrishnan Master, TP Chandrasekharan and many others in the mortuary previously. Now, it is better for Jayarajan to stay at home with vulnerabilities in old age, Sobha said

Starting from Jayakrishnan Master, many people were sent to the mortuary by Jayarajan. It seems that Jayarajan is back again into business at the behest of the government, BJP state president K Surendran said.

Yuva Morcha state president CR Prafulkrishnan said that it is good for Jayarajan to remember that mortuary is not only for the BJP Yuva Morcha workers.
The Supreme Court on Friday declined to hold an urgent hearing, today itself, of a plea by a Hyderabad University Professor Dr. Kham Khan Suan Hausing  a Kuki  seeking quashing of the summons issued to him by an Imphal court relating to his comments on the involvement of Meitei outfits in the ongoing conflict during an interview to Karan Thapar, a well known journalist.

Besides challenging the summons, Prof. Hausing also sought the quashing of the criminal proceedings against him by the Imphal court.

The criminal proceedings were initiated against Professor Dr. Kham Khan Suan Hausing- Head of the Political Science department of Hyderabad university  on a complaint by the Imphal East district court in Manipur.

Advertisement

Heading a bench also comprising Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia, Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul declined to hold an urgent hearing of Prof. Hausings plea saying that the matter is listed for hearing on Monday (July 31).

In a mention seeking an urgent hearing, senior advocate Anand Grover told the bench that this is about a Professor from Hyderabad who is in Manipur and has to appear before an Imphal court today.

As senior advocate Grover urged the bench to keep it today for hearing or keep it before CJI bench on Monday, Justice Kaul said that it (plea by Hausing) is coming up on Monday anyway.

Grover said that a bailable warrant could be issued against Prof. Hausing.

Justice Kaul said Sorry, its on Monday.

Senior advocate Grover mentioned the matter for hearing today itself before the bench of Justice Kaul  the senior most top court judge after Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud heads the bench in court number two as the matter was listed today before the Chief Justice court but the sitting of CJI court was cancelled due to non-availability of Chief Justice Chandrachud.

A Kuki professor and the head of the political science department of Hyderabad University had on July 24 approached the Supreme Court seeking quashing of the summons issued to him by an Imphal court relating to a criminal proceeding initiated against him in the wake of his statement during a Karan Thapar programme.

Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud heading a bench posted the matter for hearing on July 28 upon a mentioning by senior advocate Anand Grover seeking an early hearing.

The petitioner, Dr. Kham Khan Suan Hausing has approached the top court for the quashing of the summons and criminal proceedings before the Imphal court.

The Chief Judicial Magistrate, Imphal East, Manipur, issued summons to Hausing ordering him to appear before it on July 28, 2023, in pursuance of the criminal complaint filed against him by a member of the Meitei Tribes Union (MTU), Manihar Moirangthem Singh.

The Imphal court issued summons taking cognizance of the alleged offences under under section 153A (which deals with promoting enmity between different groups), 295A (which deals with acts outraging religious feelings), 505(1) (statements conducting public mischief), 298 (deliberate intention of wounding the religious feelings of any person), 120B (criminal conspiracy) of Indian Penal Code (IPC).

The criminal complaint is rooted in Prof. Dr. Kham Khan Suan Hausing statements in Karan Thapars programme.

The complainant has alleged that Dr. Kham Khan Suan Hausing has made statements defaming Meitei community and fuelling communal enmity in Manipur. Prof. Hausing in the course of the programme had sought the creation of a separate administration for the Kuki community.

Prof. Hausing has said that the summons were issued to him by the Imphal court ignoring the prevailing communal tension and disturbance in Manipur.
Expectations of the end of the Wagner Groups operations in Africa and West Asia in the wake of its aborted rebellion in Russia are not based on a realistic understanding of what the mercenary group brings to the table for the Kremlin. According to a leading expert on non-state armed actors, Wagners operations in Africa and West Asia will continue as they can and seem to have already been separated from its Ukraine-Russia actions. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, in fact, said in so many words recently that Wagner operations in Africa will persist albeit under a new leadership and structure. As Vanda Felbab-Brown points out, apart from Ukraine, the Wagner Group has mercenaries deployed in Syria, Libya, Mozambique, Mali, the Central African Republic, and Sudan, with unconfirmed reports of it having boots on the ground in the Democratic Republic of Congo too.

Wagner also maintains logistical support, smuggling, and money laundering affiliates and subsidiaries in the United Arab Emirates. While Wagner Group boss Yevgeny Prigozhin remains persona non grata for Moscow, President Vladimir Putins inner circle of advisers is apparently arguing that the groups Ukraine operations ought not to be conflated with its Africa and West Asia activities. Since the summer of 2022, the Wagner Group has not in any significant measure reduced its personnel and armour in these two geographies. Which is to say, or so goes the argument, that its operations in Africa and West Asia have nothing or little to do with those in Ukraine.

It is, of course, a self-serving argument. But Wagners military campaigns in Africa are essential for Russia which uses them to extend its strategic footprint and enhance access to crucial commodities. The Wagner Groups protection of gas and oil fields in Syria on behalf of the Bashar al-Assad regime, for example, plays into Moscows global energy security strategy and, according to Brown, at least four Russian companies linked to Wagner have exploration permits for Syrian gas and oil fields. It has long been believed in the West that the mercenary groups shell companies, across West Asia in particular, have succeeded in setting up smuggling networks which bring liquidity to the heavily sanctioned Moscow regime through gold, diamond, and even antique smuggling. Intensifying US sanctions on the Wagner Group and its affiliated and/or shell companies in Africa and West Asia have proven to be a hurdle in its functioning but not an insurmountable one.

Advertisement

The Russian military may want to cut the Wagner Group down to size, especially after Prigozhin named the senior officers he wanted kicked out of the command structure blaming them for the setbacks in the Ukraine war. The bottom line, however, is that Mr Putin could let himself be convinced that to completely cast out his most useful tool of influence may not be the way to go. At least for now
A Chinese woman named Gao Feng, who met and fell in love with a Pakistani man online, has now travelled to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region, according to authorities, in yet another cross-border love story.

With a three-month travel visa, Gao Feng arrived in Islamabad on Wednesday by road from China via Gilgit in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK). According to them, the 21-year-old was picked up by her 18-year-old friend Javed, who lives in the Afghan bordering tribal province of Bajaur.

Due to the security situation in Bajaur district, which borders Afghanistan, Javed took the woman to his maternal uncles residence in Samarbagh tehsil in Lower Dir District rather than his hometown.

Advertisement

According to the authorities, they had been in touch via Snapchat for the previous three years as their friendship turned into a relationship.

According to Lower Dir District District Police Officer Ziauddin, the Chinese woman was given complete security in the Samarbagh region. She cannot, however, travel around freely because of Muharram and local security issues.

According to the authorities, the womans travel documents are in order, and she has not yet married Javed.

The story of the Chinese woman traveling to Pakistan in search of love coincided with another incident involving an Indian woman from Rajasthan, Anju, who was 34 and married, who traveled to the Upper Dir district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

According to the authorities, they had been in touch via Snapchat for three years as their friendship turned into a relationship.

There was another romantic saga between an Indian man and a Pakistani woman who met on a gaming app PubG and caught the nations attention. According to the Uttar Pradesh Police, Sachin and Seema reside in the Rabupura neighborhood of Greater Noida, close to Delhi, where he owns a supply business.

Seema travelled all the way from Karachi to India via Nepal along with her four kids.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 28. In accordance with the Bilateral Cooperation Plan between the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Uzbekistan, UZAZ-2023 computer-assisted tactical command-staff exercises will be held in Chirchiq training range of Tashkent region, Trend reports with reference to Azerbaijan's Defense Ministry.

A group of servicemen of the Azerbaijan Army who will take part in the exercises is on a visit to Uzbekistan.

In the Uzbek-Azerbaijani joint exercises, military personnel will work out the topics on organizing and conducting special military operations.
Exciting news for students in Bangladesh! The BD SSC result 2023 is finally here, and you can view it from 28th July 2023. This moment holds immense significance for all the students as it marks a crucial step in their academic journey. The long-awaited results are about to reward all the hard work and dedication put into the exams.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina recently received the results of the SSC and equivalent exams for 2023. Students can eagerly look forward to accessing their results starting from 10:30 am.

Check your BD SSC results

To check their results via SMS, candidates need to follow a simple process. They have to type SSC. And, then followed by the first three letters of their respective board, their roll number, and the year. You should then send the message to 16222.

Advertisement

For instance, a candidate who appeared for the exams under the Dhaka board with the roll number 987654 will send the SMS in the format: SSC Dha 987654 2023 to 16222.

You can also check it from http://www.educationboardresults.gov.bd

The exams took place from April 30 to May 23, 2023, for theory exams, and from May 24 to May 30, 2023, for practical testing. For the students, passing the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) test is a major milestone, as it paves the way for their academic careers. The BD SSC Result 2023 holds immense importance as it reflects their achievements at the secondary level.

With a staggering number of approximately 2,031,889 students participating in these exams, the results carry even greater significance. The grading system, ranging from A+ to F, will provide a clear picture of their performance, opening doors to further education and various career opportunities.

As the outcome of the exams is eagerly awaited, students are filled with anticipation and excitement, ready to embrace their future endeavors and aspirations.

Its a moment of celebration and reflection on their hard work, dedication, and determination that led them to this point in their academic journey.
Saint-Laurent, CA (H4T1V6)

Today

Sun and clouds mixed. Slight chance of a rain shower. High 81F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Clear to partly cloudy. Low 64F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph.
Have an interesting bit of news youd like to see mentioned in the Along the Way column? Email it to Natasha Connolly at news@thesunchronicle.com.
Things to do in the Attleboro area and beyond
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 28. The proposal for dialogue addressed to Armenia as territorial claim is unacceptable, said Western Azerbaijan Community, Trend reports.

The community condemned the statements made in recent days by a number of Armenian officials about the return of Azerbaijanis to Western Azerbaijan. This once again clearly proves that there is Azerbaijanophobia in Armenia.

"The claims that Western Azerbaijanis allegedly were not deported, but left their ancestral lands, receiving compensation in return, do not correspond to any moral values at all, said the statement.

The community pointed out that statements of Armenian officials also show that this country has recently been extremely concerned about bringing the issue of the return of Azerbaijanis to West Azerbaijan to the international arena.

In addition, the statements of Armenian officials about the "exclusivity" of Armenians living in Azerbaijans Karabakh are fundamentally contrary to human rights. We would like to remind the Armenian government of the basic truth that according to Article 1. All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights," said the statement.
Job Title: Forest Mall Branch Teller (Fresher No Experience Customer Service Jobs)

Organisation: KCB Bank Uganda

Duty Station: Forest Mall Branch, Kampala, Uganda

About US:

KCB Bank Uganda which is part of KCB Group, East Africas largest commercial bank that was established in 1896. Over the years, the Bank has grown and spread its wings into Tanzania, South Sudan, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi completing the East African circuit in the year 2012. Today, the Group has the largest branch network in the region with over 238 branches, 950 ATMs and 8,000 agents offering banking services on a 24/7 basis in East Africa. KCB Bank Uganda was established in the year 2007 and has grown to become one of Ugandas top ten commercial banks.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

The Teller will be receiving /paying cash and cheques across the counter

Adhere to teller transaction & cash holding limits at all times.

Filing all cashiers/reserve/main summaries.

Filing all cashiers payments/receipts related correspondences directed to you

Receiving and recording cheque deposits

Correct errors highlighted in the daily cash report.

Calling and checking other tellers daily vouchers against daily report

Collect all revenue due to the bank.

Cross selling bank products, digital services and referrals as per allocated targets

Exercise due diligence as per the procedures manual

Provide excellent customer service at all times.

Any other duties that may be assigned.









Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

The Teller must hold a university degree in relevant business discipline, any professional Qualification in General Banking is an added advantage.

Thorough knowledge of banking products and services.

Strong communications and interpersonal skills.

Organized and ability to multitask, pays attention to detail.

Passion for Performance and cross selling.

Self  Drive, Flexibility, Focus and attention to detail.

Open to New Ideas in a rapidly changing Business Environment

How to Apply:

All suitably qualified and interested applicants should apply online at the link below.

Click Here

Deadline: 28th July 2023

For more of the latest jobs, please visit https://www.theugandanjobline.com or find us on our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/UgandanJobline
Choosing alternative nationality may seem like a chore at first. Since India does not allow dual citizenship, you would want to make the right decision, and Turkey can be one.

Turkey citizenship by investment is an appealing option with a wide range of advantages: from economic stability to vast global mobility  you can get it in just 6 months.

Take a closer look at the best arguments for the Turkey citizenship program, and learn how to join it.

Benefit 1. No minimum residency requirement

Some citizenship programs require naturalisation through residency  the participants must live in the country for a certain time before getting the passport. Turkey is not the case: you do not have to spend any time here if you want to get citizenship by investment.

Unlike some investment citizenship paths, Turkey does not require naturalisation through residency. You will become a citizen as soon as your application is approved.

Benefit 2. Global mobility

Indian citizens can travel visa-free or via an eTA to 60 countries only. With a Turkey passport, it's 113, including Japan, Hong Kong, South Korea, Thailand, Singapore, Philippines, Montenegro, Argentina, Brazil, and most Caribbean countries.

You will also become eligible for several US visa types:

 B-1/B-2 for tourists;

 E-2 for investors who want to live, work, and become permanent residents in the States.

Benefit 3. Life in economic stability

Turkey has a GDP of $28,400 per capita, against India's $6,100 per capita. Liquid assets such as real estate are more profitable in Turkey. Property prices here grow by 6.7% quarterly. In Istanbul, Turkeys most expensive housing market, the average house price is $1,400 per 1 m. For comparison, in Mumbai it is approximately $600 per 1 m.

Benefit 4. Broad education and healthcare opportunities

Turkey provides free compulsory education to children aged between 6 and 19. Tertiary education enrollment here is 117%, while in India it is only 26%. Despite that, annual tuition fees in India range between $3,300 and $7,800, while in Turkey the range is from $240 to $1,500. The country has around 200 universities, many of which provide scholarships.

While both countries have public healthcare systems, Turkey doesn't have a severe shortage of medical staff compared to India. Private healthcare in Turkey is more affordable and available.

Benefit 5. Life in a safe environment

Turkey has a Crime Index of 39.5 and a Safety Index of 60.5, according to Numbeo. For India, it is a Crime Index of 43 and a Safety Index of 57. Turkey also does not have capital punishment.

India's hazardous industries are comparatively unregulated, with no national chemical inventory or registration requirements to date. Turkey, however, follows the Regulation on the Inventory and Control of Chemicals, decreasing the risks of environmental disasters.

To further improve and protect the environment, Turkey follows the Paris Climate Agreement, which vouches to decrease global green gas emissions by 40% in the next 7 years. The country also aims to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2053.

How to get Turkey citizenship by investment from India

The program offers several investment options  all refundable in 3 years.

Investment of at least $400,000 in Turkish real estate: residential or commercial property, or land plots. The eligible types include apartments with a view, villas, and seafront projects that you can rent out, earning up to 8% per year.

At least $500,000 investment in:

 business  an existing company's equity or your own company with at least 50 jobs;

 bank deposit  to a Turkish account;

 government bonds  from the Turkish Treasury;

 units  in venture capital or real estate investment funds.

There are additional expenses. For instance, when purchasing real estate, fees and taxes are at least $14,000. With other options, average associated costs start at $2,400.

Which family members can apply for a Turkey passport by investment from India:

 investor  at least 18, no criminal record, with legal income;

 spouse;

 children  under 18.

How long does it take to get Turkey citizenship by investment: a timeline

1 day. Undergoing a Preliminary Due Diligence at Immigrant Invest  to ensure your eligibility, access potential risks, and find solutions. The procedure reduces the chances of denial of Turkey citizenship down to 1%.

710 weeks. Preparing the documents and fulfilling the requirements of the option you selected. For instance, if you are investing in Turkish real estate, Immigrant Invest will:

 provide a trustworthy database of titles;

 support the sale and purchase agreement;

 submit documents and proof of investment to the Turkish regulatory agencies.

34 months. Applying for citizenship and undergoing the main Due Diligence. First, you will receive a short-term Turkey residence permit, then send the application and wait for approval.

From 2 days. Receiving passports in a Turkey embassy.

Key takeaways on Turkey citizenship by investment for Indians

1. Turkey citizenship by investment program is beneficial for Indians. It provides life in an economically stable country with lower crime rates, a better environment, and broad education and healthcare opportunities. Passport of Turkey grants visa-free travel to 113 countries and eligibility for B-1/B-2 and E-2 visas to the US.

2. The program has several investment options starting at $400,000: real estate, government bonds, investment fund units, bank deposit, or business.

3. You can apply remotely from India and get Turkey citizenship for your family too. The entire process, including Preliminary Due Diligence, document preparation, main Due Diligence, and passport receipt, usually takes around 6 months. For meticulous step-by-step assistance, contact the program experts at Immigrant Invest.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 28. Yashar Latifov has been dismissed from the post of Vice-President of the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR), Trend reports.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed a relevant decree in this regard.

This decree comes into force from the date of its signing.
After streaming giant Netflix recently announced restrictions on password sharing in India, Disney + Hotstar is reportedly gearing up to introduce similar restrictions on Indian users. The platform will start a policy that will allow premium users to login from only four devices, as opposed to the current limit of 10 devices, sources told Reuters.

However, the streaming platform on its website already states that the number of devices that can be logged in is four. According to the Reuters report, Disney has started testing this rule internally and hopes to formally announce it later this year. Disney had initially hoped that not strictly enforcing the four-device login policy would attract subscribers who would watch the platform's content through password sharing but then eventually buy their own accounts.

According to another source, the restriction will also apply to the cheaper subscription plan which will limit the usage to two devices.

Disney+Hotstar, Walt Disney's streaming platform is popular in India, but has found subscriptions dip in recent times. The platform reported an eight per cent dip in subscriber base in the January-March quarter, a Livemint report stated. Multiple reasons contributed the dip; the most significant being the loss of digital rights to stream the Indian Premier League (IPL).

The termination of the its content deal with HBO which saw removed over 100 much-watched HBO originals including Succession and Game of Thrones leaving the platforms also affected subscriptions.

However, a strong hold on regional content has kept Disney + Hotstar ahead in the race in India. Disney's Hotstar topped India's streaming market between January 2022 and March 2023 with a 38 per cent share of viewership, far ahead of Netflix and Prime Video held 5 per cent each, according to data from research firm Media Partners Asia

India has emerged as a major market for streaming platforms including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Disney + Hotstar. According to Media Partners Asia estimates, the Indian streaming industry could become a massive $7 billion sector by 2027, as estimated by Media Partners Asia. Hotstar is market leader in terms of users with approximately 50 million.

In July, Netflix brought its global crackdown on password sharing in India too, limiting one Netflix account to one household. The streaming giant added nearly 6 million subscribers globally since the launch of restrictions in May.
Flagging off Tamil Nadu BJP President K. Annamalai's padayatra from Rameshwaram, Union Minister Amit Shah slammed the Congress and the newly formed INDIA alliance. Shah flagged off Annamalai's six-month long 'En Mann, En Makkal' padayatra on Friday.

Shah slammed the Congress and its allies, including the DMK, saying nothing would happen by changing the name of their alliance to INDIA. Shah was addressing a rally at Rameshwaram, ahead of kick-starting Tamil Nadu BJP President K. Annamalai's statewide 'En Mann, En Makkal (My Land, My People)' padayatra. Shah charged that the alliance doesn't want anything good to happen for the country. He accused the parties in the alliance of propagating dynasty politics. "Sonia Gandhi wants to make Rahu Gandhi prime minister; M.K. Stalin wants Udaynidhi Stalin to be the CM, Lalu Yadav wants to make Tejashwi CM, Mamata wants to make his nephew the CM and Uddhav Thackeray wants his son to be the CM. Only PM Modi is working day and night for the country," The Hindustan Times quoted Shah as saying.

"When Congress and its allies, including the DMK, go to the people seeking votes, the public would remember the corruption, including the 2G scam and Commonwealth Games scam during the UPA regime, he said. Congress and its allies have recently formed the alliance INDIA, ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls to take on the BJP. Taking forward Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Tamil pitch, Shah said Modi honoured Tamil culture by installing the 'Sengol' in the new parliament building. He hit out at the DMK regime, calling it the most corrupt in the nation and said the BJP's yatra is an attempt to usher in politics of development and good governance in Tamil Nadu.

(With PTI inputs.)
In an awkward incident, AirAsia flight took off without boarding Karnataka Governor Thawarchand Gehlot on Thursday citing late arrival. However, the office of the Governor has written to the Airport Authority of India to take action against the airline for the alleged violation of protocol despite reaching before the flight taking off.

Reportedly, Gehlot was denied entry by the airline staff as he arrived late while sources with the Governor's office said that he reached 15 minutes before the departure of the flight.

Gehlot was scheduled to catch the 2.05 pm AirAsia flight 15-972 from Bengaluru to Hyderabad.

The Governor reached the Rajiv Gandhi International airport VIP lounge at 1.50 pm, said sources. Sources also added that he had spent a small amount of time in the restroom before being escorted to the aircraft.

Reportedly, it was citing delay in arrival and closure of the flight door the Governor was not allowed to board.

The office of the Governor of Karnataka Thawarchand Gehlot has written to the the Kempegowda International Airport Limited and AirAsia as well regarding the incident and alleged violation of protocol.

"The Governor was not late and there was still five minutes for the take-off. The ATC and the flight attendants could have permitted the Governor to enter the flight. It is a violation of protocol. A letter has been written seeking legal action. This is the first time a Governor has not been allowed to board a flight after being on time," a source was quoted by The Indian Express.

However, Gehlot was later put on the next available flight to Hyderabad around 90 minutes after he missed the flight.
The BJP will embark on a six-month-long 'En Mann, En Makkal' (My Land, My People) padayatra in Tamil Nadu on Friday, in a bid to improve the party's tally in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The campaign will be flagged off by Union Home Minister and senior BJP leader Amit Shah at Rameswaram on Friday evening.

The poll campaign will cover 234 assembly constituencies in the state and will be conducted in five phases. "The campaign will be conducted in five phases to cover all the 39 Parliamentary constituencies and we have planned to conclude it on January 11, 2024, ahead of the Lok Sabha elections," Annamalai told reporters here.



The BJP state chief said he aims to meet and interact with people and take their good wishes for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "The second part of the yatra is more importantly to invoke the spirit that this soil and this people belong to us. We have a very unique Tamil spirit with Bharatiya culture and we will not allow the forces inimical to Tamil culture to swindle our precious resources," Annamalai added.



He said that the party aims to improve its tally. "when Modi comes back to power for the third straight time, Tamil Nadu has to give more MPs. We will talk about the corruption of DMK," the BJP state president added.



The campaign, set to cover over 1,770 km by foot and the remaining distance in the rural areas by vehicle, will see at least one central minister addressing each of the 10 major rallies. "We will highlight the achievements of the Prime Minister and seek the people's support to ensure the return of Modiji for a third successive term. We will also explain what the BJP has done for the betterment of the people, constituency-wise," he said.



About one lakh copies of the book, 'What Did Modi Do', will be distributed to the people.



During the 2019 elections, the BJP won just 3.66 per cent vote share in the state. It won just four seats in the 2021 assembly elections. Ever since it has been fiercely trying to expand its footprint in the state, joining hands with the AIADMK.



The party has been hitting out the DMK ever since and according to the party chief, the yatra would focus on exposing the DMKs evils, hate politics and dynasty politics.


The Beatles did not always see eye to eye. India and Japan may be pitch-perfect diplomatically, but the business relationship between the two seems slightly off-key. The Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi compared the QUAD to The Beatles, at the meeting in Delhi earlier this year, while talking about how banded together the four countriesIndia, Japan, Australia and the United Statesare.



It is clear that the band needs a little more jamming. The Japanese business community strongly requested the need for a more stable, transparent, predictable environment in India. This was the view conveyed by the community to Hayashi on his visit to India.



The Japanese foreign minister was in the national capital for a day visit. He took part in the 15th Japan-India Foreign Ministers Strategic Dialogue with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. The two leaders also participated in the first face-to-face Japan India Forum held in Delhi on Friday.



This request found itself in the read-out of the overview of the strategic dialogue released by the Japanese foreign ministry. Minister Hayashi requested cooperation to improve environment and for the establishment of a joint crediting system, the press release read. It was also strongly requested by the business sector, said Yukiko Okano, deputy press secretary foreign ministry.



This is not the first time that the Japanese business community expressed the need for a more conducive environment. In 2015, ambassador to Japan Takeshi Yagi expressed the challenges faced by the companies. "Japanese companies continue to face series of problems on customs, taxation and infrastructure," he had said while speaking at the CII's International Engineering and Technology Fair (IETF) 2015. This was during Prime Minister Narendra Modis first term. "We strongly hope that the new policies and campaigns and initiatives which have been launched by the new government will be materialised as laws and administrative measures will be materialised on the ground," he had said.



While issues of infrastructure was not raised between Hayashi and Jaishankar this time, the issues of infrastructure have been raised in the past, Okano said. This is a significant concern as Japan is keen to invest 5 trillion yen in public and private investment and loans over the next five years. This was a goal set by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida during his visit to India in March.



Japans biggestand most visibleaspect of friendship is the Delhi Metro. On the cards is the ambitious bullet train project, which also seems to have been hit by delays. We reaffirmed our commitment, said Okano. The project has not progressed as it was envisaged, she said stopping short of a criticism of the delay.



While the business sector may require some tuning, for the most part, the Indo-Japanese songs are hit. Closer cooperation in the Free and Open Indo-Pacific, Japanese investment in the North-East for better connectivity, as well as, deep defence ties. "Allow me to cite minister Jaishankars book 'The India Way', in which he describes Japan-India relation as the most natural strategic equation in Asia. I perfectly share his view, and we believe that close coordination with India is key to bringing peace and stability to the Indo-Pacific at large. In that vein, Japan intends to drive forward our cooperation in all areas to expand our 'Special Strategic and Global Partnership' with India,'' said Hayashi at the India Japan Forum.






In a chilling incident, a 13-year-old girl was gang-raped and violated with a wooden stick in Maihar of Satna district in Madhya Pradesh. The girl, who was missing for almost 18 hours, was found in critical condition and was admitted to a hospital in the neighbouring Rewa district. Her condition is said to be stable.

Two accused, Ravindra Kumar Ravi (Choudhary) and Atul Badholia, both aged 31 and working with the Maa Sharda Temple, have been arrested, Maihar police station in-charge Animesh Dwivedi told THE WEEK. The accused are residents of Udaipura and Malian Tola, respectively, situated close to the temple, and may have known the victim, the cop said.

Maa Sharda temple, also known as Maihar temple, is a revered religious place visited by hundreds of devotees from across the country throughout the year.

The girl, a resident of a settlement on the foothills of the temple, had gone out to fetch water at around 3.30 pm on Thursday when she went missing. The family found her in a seriously injured condition at around 9.00 am on Friday in the jungles of the hill on which the temple is located, Dwivedi said.

He confirmed that apart from being raped, the girl was assaulted and a wooden stick was inserted in her private parts. Dwivedi, who accompanied the girl to the hospital, said her condition was stable and the doctors hope that she would pull through the injuries.

Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan confirmed that the accused had been arrested, and assured the strictest action. I have received information about the rape of a daughter in Maihar; my heart is full of pain, I am distressed. I have instructed the police that no criminal should escape. The police have arrested the criminals. Instructions have been given to the (district) administration to make arrangements for proper treatment of the daughter. No criminal will be spared, strictest action will be taken, the CM tweeted.

However, the chief ministers statement came nearly 45 minutes after the MP Congress chief and former chief minister Kamal Nath tweeted on the issue, lashing out at the Chouhan-led BJP government in the state. The incident of rape with a little girl in Maihar is highly condemnable. Like the Nirbhaya case, the report of inhumane treatment with the girl child is also coming to the fore. Incidents of atrocities against girls in the state have proved that the Shivraj government has completely failed to provide security to the sisters and daughters. I demand from the Chief Minister that the best treatment should be provided to the daughter and she should be given financial assistance of one crore rupees immediately.

MP reports the highest number of rapes of minors

Madhya Pradesh has been reporting the highest number of rapes in the country for the past several years, including the highest rapes of minors. In 2021, Madhya Pradesh reported 6,462 rapes, of which 3,515 (54 per cent) victims were minors. Though often Rajasthan is known to be reporting the highest number of rapes, the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data shows that Rajasthan reports all rapes under IPC sections, while Madhya Pradesh reports rapes of minors separately under POCSO Act. In 2021, Rajasthan reported 6,338 rapes, lower than Madhya Pradesh.

Service of accused terminated by temple committee

The Maa Sharda Temple Management Committee, Maihar, terminated the services of the two accused, given the nature of the heinous crime and the case registered against them.

Satna District Collector Anurag Verma released financial assistance of Rs 50,000 for the family of the victim, keeping in view their poor financial condition. Superintendent of Police Ashutosh Gupta visited the spot of the crime and later visited the Rewa hospital to take stock of the health condition of the victim.
The Centre on Thursday filed an affidavit before the Supreme Court to inform it that the probe into the incident where two women were being paraded naked in Manipur will be held by the CBI. This comes as the SC bench prepares to hear pleas on the ethnic violence in Manipur on Friday. .

The affidavit also urged the top court to transfer the trial outside Manipur for conclusion of the trial in a time-bound manner.

In the affidavit filed through its Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Thursday, the government had "zero tolerance towards any crimes against women".



"The Government of Manipur vide letter dated 26.07.2023 has recommended to Secretary, DOP&T for entrusting the case to CBI for further investigation, which has been duly recommended to Secretary, DOP&T by MHA vide letter dated 27.07.2023. The investigation shall, thus, be transferred to the CBI."



The affidavit said the central government believed that the investigation should be completed at the earliest and the trial be also conducted in a time-bound manner "which must take place outside Manipur".



"The central government, therefore, makes a specific request that the entire case, including trial of the offence in question, be ordered to be transferred by this court to any state outside the state of Manipur."



"The power to transfer the case/trial outside any state is only with this court and, therefore, the central government is making this request to this court to pass such an order with a further direction to conclude the trial within a period of six months from the date of the filing of charge sheet by the CBI," it said.



The MHA also informed that seven person have been arrested in the case so far. "Several police teams have been formed at various locations to arrest identified culprits and an additional Superintendent of Police (SP)-rank officer has been entrusted to investigate the case under the supervision of other senior officials," it said.



"The approach of the central government is of zero tolerance towards any crimes against women. The central government considers the offences like the present one to be too heinous which deserve to be taken not only with the seriousness it deserves but justice should be seen to be done so that it has a deterrent effect throughout the nation with respect to crimes against women," it said.



The affidavit added that this was why the Centre decided to entrust the investigation to the CBI, with the state's consent.



The MHA also informed the court that legal aid has also been offered to the victims. "The state government has formulated rehabilitative measures for the victims, including counselling from a trained professional, shelter at a place of choice meeting secrecy and security, arrangement for education in case of willingness to pursue education, assistance with meaningful livelihood, adequate provisions for vocational training and suitable job to the victim and the next of kin subject to the willingness and suitability," the affidavit read,



Such cases would be reported to the Director General of Police (DGP) by the police station in-charge of the jurisdiction. "One senior police officer of the SP rank will monitor these investigations under the direct supervision of the DGP," the affidavit said.



A suitable reward for reporting such incidents and for providing information leading to the arrest of the absconding culprits will also be given, it said. "An all-women team of one senior special (psychiatrist), one specialist (psychiatry) and one psychologist from the district hospital in Churachandpur was deputed to assist the victims," it said.



It informed the court that the government has deployed additional companies of CRPF and columns of the Army/Assam Rifles in Manipur, in coordination with the local police. As of now, 13,782 individuals have been detained/bound for violating curfew and other laws, it read.



The top court had taken suo motu cognizance of the distressing incident and had asked the Centre and the State Government to inform it of the steps taken to bring the accused into book. "We will give a little time for government to take action otherwise we will step in", CJI DY Chandrachud said.


The launch of ISRO's PSLV-C56 carrying Singapore's DS-SAR satellite, along with 6 co-passengers, from the first launch-pad of SDSC-SHAR, Sriharikota on Sunday will be a significant milestone for ISRO. The DS-SAR satellite is developed under a partnership between DSTA (representing the Government of Singapore) and ST Engineering and it is scheduled for launch at 06.30am on Sunday.

The DS-SAR satellite is a Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite, which means it uses radar to create images of the Earth's surface. SAR satellites can operate in all weather conditions, day or night, and can penetrate clouds and fog to image the ground. This makes them ideal for a variety of applications, such as disaster response, land management, and maritime surveillance. The DS-SAR satellite will be placed into a sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of 500 kilometres. It will have a swath width of 50 kilometres and a resolution of 1 meter at full polarimetry. This means that it will be able to create detailed images of the Earth's surface at any time.

The DS-SAR satellite will be used by the Singapore government for a variety of purposes, which include disaster response, to assess the damage caused by natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, and landslides. Due to the satellite's high-resolution images, it will also be used for land management as it has the capability to monitor land use, track deforestation, and identify illegal logging.

The satellite's images will be used to monitor shipping traffic, detect illegal fishing, and track potential threats to Singapore's borders. The images will also be used to support the Singapore government's security and defence operations, explained Aerospace and Defence expert Girish Linganna.

The DS-SAR satellite is also expected to be used by commercial customers for a variety of applications like oil and gas exploration, agriculture and to monitor infrastructure. The satellite's images will be used to identify potential oil and gas fields; in agriculture, it will be used to monitor crop yields, detect pests and diseases, and plan irrigation.

The satellite's images will be used to monitor the condition of bridges, roads, and other infrastructure and will also be used to monitor deforestation, track climate change, and identify pollution hotspots.

The launch of the PSLV-C56 mission will be a significant milestone for the space programmes of India and Singapore. The mission will demonstrate the capabilities of the PSLV rocket and the latest technologies from both countries. It will also be the first time that India has launched a satellite for Singapore. PSLV C56 refers to the fact that the launch vehicle will only be using its core stage and will not be using any of its strap-on boosters. This means that the vehicle will be able to carry a smaller payload, but it will also be more fuel-efficient and easier to operate. The PSLV C56 mission is configured in its core-alone mode because it is carrying a relatively small payload, the DS-SAR satellite. The DS-SAR satellite weighs only 360 kilograms, which is well within the capabilities of the PSLV's core stage. Using the core alone also allows ISRO to save on fuel and launch costs, Linganna told THE WEEK.

The six co-passenger satellites that will be launched along with the DS-SAR satellite on the PSLV-C56 mission include VELOX-AM, a technology demonstration microsatellite developed by ISRO, designed to test new technologies for future microsatellites such as solar power systems, attitude control systems, and data communication systems. Besides this, there is ARCADE, an experimental satellite developed by the National University of Singapore (NUS). It is designed to study the coupling between the atmosphere and the ocean. The satellite will carry a number of instruments to measure the temperature, humidity, and winds of the atmosphere, as well as the temperature and salinity of the ocean.

There will also be SCOOB-II, a 3U nanosatellite developed by the University of Toronto Institute for Aerospace Studies (UTIAS). It is designed to test new technologies similar to VELOX-AM.

Additionally, there will also be NuLIoN, an advanced 3U nanosatellite developed by NuSpace, designed to provide seamless IoT connectivity in both urban and remote locations. The satellite will carry a number of payloads to test new technologies for IoT connectivity, such as a high-throughput data communication system and a low-power sensor network.

There will be Galassia-2, a 3U nanosatellite developed by the Italian company D-Orbit. It is designed to provide Earth observation services. The satellite will carry a number of payloads to image the Earth's surface, such as a high-resolution camera and a multispectral camera. There will also be ORB-12 STRIDER, a satellite developed under an international collaboration between various organizations. It is designed to test new technologies for space exploration, such as a new type of propulsion system and a new type of communication system.

Economically, India's foray into the international space business is a testament to its burgeoning capabilities and strategic vision in the global space arena," said Srimathy Kesan, founder and CEO of Space Kidz India, which is into design, fabrication and launch of small satellites, spacecraft and ground systems.

Kesan added, "With each successful mission, India's space agency ISRO has gained international recognition, establishing itself as a reliable and cost-effective launch service provider. The launch of PSLV-C56 and DS-SAR exemplifies India's growing influence in the space industry, fostering meaningful partnerships with international stakeholders and attracting commercial satellite operators worldwide. This not only generates revenue for India but also fosters knowledge exchange and technological transfer, contributing to the nation's space economy's robust growth. With this launch, India's trajectory in the international space business is destined to soar, bringing prosperity and progress to our nation and beyond our atmosphere, remarked Kesan.
A woman was brutally murdered in broad daylight at a park near Aurbindo College in South Delhi on Friday.

"We received information that the body of a 25-year-old girl was found near Aurbindo College in South Delhi's Malviya Nagar. An iron rod was found near her body. According to a preliminary investigation, the girl was attacked with a rod," news agency ANI quoted South Delhi Deputy Commissioner of Police Chandan Chowdhary, as saying.

According to media reports, the 25-year-old woman, a student of Shri Aurobindo College, was attacked with an iron rod by a man who was with her in the park. Police got the information about the incident at 12.08 pm.

The police have arrested the victim's cousin, Irfan, in connection with the murder.

The accused reportedly wanted to get married to the deceased, but her family objected to it.

"The boy was disturbed after the marriage broke off and the girl stopped taking his calls and would not talk to him. That is why he killed her," NDTV quoted DCP Chowdhary as saying.

Condemning the incident, Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) chief Swati Maliwal said the law and order has completely collapsed in Delhi. "The name of victims changes daily, but the crimes against women are not reducing," she said.

"Two incidents took place today; a girl was shot in Dabri and the second incident took place near Aurbindo College where another woman was beaten to death by an iron rod. I appeal to the Central government to call a meeting regarding the safety of women in Delhi. DCW is taking cognizance of these incidents, and we are issuing notices for the same," she said.
China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who replaced Qin Gang this week after his summary dismissal, has said in his first comments that Beijing would deepen its global partnerships while resolutely safeguarding its sovereignty, security and development interests.



Significantly, the Chinese Foreign Ministry, which scrubbed the name, photos and speeches of Qin soon after his sacking on Tuesday, restored them on Friday. Soon after China's Parliament, the National People's Congress (NPC), passed a resolution sacking Qin, 57, and re-appointed director of the ruling Communist Party's Foreign Affairs Commission Wang, 69, as the foreign minister, all references to Qin were scrubbed out by the foreign ministry on Wednesday.

However, within two days, the content of Qin's engagements during his six-month stint as the foreign minister has been reloaded on the official Chinese website of the ministry.

Asked about Qin's records reappearing on the website, the ministry urged the media not to over-decode the information. "We have taken notice that the (foreign ministry) website has been updated. It's normal to update information. You don't have to over-decode our information, the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post quoted spokeswoman Mao Ning as saying on Friday.

Wang, in his first comments after being re-appointed as China's foreign minister, said China, under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, will deepen and expand global partnerships with win-win cooperation.

At the same time, China will resolutely defend its national sovereignty, security and development interests and fully protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens overseas, he said in a message posted on the Chinese Foreign Ministry website.

While Qin was the foreign minister, he still had to answer to Wang, who as the head of the Communist Party's foreign affairs commission occupied the top diplomatic position in China's party-centric power hierarchy. Wang has now taken on Qin's job.

Qin was made the foreign minister in December last year, superseding many seniors and earning the distinction of being a rising star in the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC). 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 sacking nor his whereabouts are known yet. The high-profile minister has not been seen in public since June 25, after he met with officials from Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and Russia here.

Wang returns to a post he held for most of the past decade. From 2004 to 2007, he served as China's ambassador in Tokyo. Interestingly, Wang met India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval this week in Johannesburg on the sidelines of the meeting of NSAs of the BRICS grouping. Wang also met External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar this month on the sidelines of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Ministerial Meeting in Jakarta, Indonesia.

During both meetings, the Indian leaders conveyed to the Chinese leader 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.

They also underlined 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.
Heritage protection breathes new life into China's millennia-old road system

Xinhua) 08:23, July 28, 2023

Aerial photo taken on Sept. 17, 2017 shows Jianmen Pass scenic spot in Jian'ge County of southwest China's Sichuan Province. (Xinhua/Liu Chan)

CHENGDU, July 27 (Xinhua) -- Deep in the vast Qinling and Daba Mountains of central China, a feat of engineering stands tall. Numerous wooden planks supported by beams firmly anchored into cliffs create an intricate network of gallery roads, navigating the challenging terrain with sheer ingenuity.

Spanning over 1,000 km, this awe-inspiring road system is known as "Shudao," or roads of the Shu Kingdom. With a history of more than two millennia, Shudao winds its way through rugged mountains and tumultuous streams, connecting present-day Sichuan Province in the southwest with the northern Guanzhong Plain, once the heartland of ancient China.

"Climbing the Shudao is more difficult than reaching heaven," leaving one with no recourse but to "sit and sigh deeply, with a hand on the chest," Tang Dynasty (618-907) poet Li Bai once wrote. Such words capture the arduous journey and profound impact of this legendary road system.

"Shudao propelled the economic and cultural prosperity of Sichuan and the surrounding regions, linking the northern and southern routes of the Silk Road, and playing a significant role in the formation and flourishing of the diverse civilizations of ancient China, as well as the development and consolidation of a unified multi-ethnic nation," said Zhu Fuquan, a researcher on Shudao culture.

Nevertheless, Li Bai's poetic vision couldn't have foreseen that these once formidable roads, cutting through natural obstacles, would eventually draw flocks of people to experience the same breathtaking landscapes that once amazed ancient travelers.

The development and evolution of Shudao have transcended poetic imagination, transforming from a trade and military route into a pathway of culture, tourism and biodiversity. Its marvelous paths are adorned with a series of cultural treasures, including historical towns, temples and other relics.

The Cuiyunlang section of Shudao in Jian'ge County of Guangyuan City serves as a fine example. The ancient cypress trees along this section boast an average age of 1,050 years, with the oldest tree dating back approximately 2,300 years.

Since the Qin Dynasty (221-207 B.C.), people living along Shudao have planted and protected cypress trees, creating a tradition that continues to this day.

Presently, the Cuiyunlang section proudly harbors 7,803 ancient trees, with a staggering 7,778 being ancient cypress trees. It has become the most extensive and populous group of ancient trees lining a man-made pathway, with the longest recorded existence.

Since 2012, each outgoing county head of Jian'ge has taken the responsibility of conducting a thorough count and handover of the ancient cypresses, ensuring comprehensive and accountable management and conservation efforts.

Meanwhile, Jian'ge County has undertaken a comprehensive survey of all ancient cypresses in the region, establishing electronic information archives and implementing a system of identity-based management. Adhering to the principle of "customized conservation for each tree," dedicated measures for protection have been devised.

The protection of cultural heritage, such as Shudao, is also on President Xi Jinping's mind. He set aside time to learn about the protection of cultural relics on multiple domestic inspection tours.

During his inspection tour in Sichuan on Tuesday and Wednesday, Xi visited the Cuiyunlang section of Shudao and the Sanxingdui Museum in Deyang City, respectively. He learned about efforts in historical and cultural heritage inheritance and ecological conservation, progress in the excavation and research of historical and cultural heritage sites, as well as the protection and restoration of cultural relics.

In recent years, thanks to its remarkable transformation, the ancient Shudao has become a favored destination for tourists and history enthusiasts alike. They are drawn to embark on a captivating journey to explore this once-perilous route, marveling at the scenic spots that adorn its path and gaining a fascinating glimpse into the rich history and architectural achievements of the past.

During the five-day May Day holiday this year, Guangyuan City received a total of 2.66 million tourists, representing an increase of 25.1 percent compared to the pre-COVID level of the same period in 2019.

Chengdu, capital city of Sichuan, serves as the destination and starting point of the ancient Shudao system. From here, a "modern Shudao" is weaving its way to more of China's trade partners.

From this city, China-Europe freight trains journey westward, providing direct connections to Central Asia and various European countries. To the south, the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor, supported by the Chengdu-Chongqing economic zone, has established links to destinations in 119 countries and regions, with 393 ports across the globe.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Wu Chaolan)
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 28. Some media outlets publish unsubstantiated information allegedly about the removal of three high-ranking military officials from their posts in Azerbaijan, the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan said in the statement, Trend reports.

"We recommend that media entities and users of social networks do not share information that does not have official confirmation," the ministry said.
Singapore, on Friday, executed a 45-year-old woman, who had been convicted of smuggling drugs. This is the first woman the city-state executed in nearly 20 years, despite outcry from human rights groups. Saridewi Djamani was sentenced to death in 2018 for trafficking around 30 grams (1.06 ounces) of heroin.



The last time a woman was executed in Singapore was in 2004. Back then, a 36-year-old hairdresser Yen May Woen was hanged for drug trafficking. Rights groups have argued that executions don't necessarily prove to be a crime deterrent.

The capital sentence of death imposed on Saridewi Binte Djamani was carried out on 28 July 2023, the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) said in a statement, AFP reported.

The CNB said that Djamani was accorded full due process under the law, and was represented by legal counsel throughout the process. As per a report by the Guardian, Dajmani had pleaded that she was not in a position to give accurate statements to the police during her trial as she was suffering from drug withdrawal at the time.

The plea was rejected by a high court judge, who found Saridewi had at most been suffering from mild to moderate methamphetamine withdrawal during the statement-taking period, and that this had not impaired her ability to give statements. Djamani is the 15th prisoner to be executed since the government resumed executions in March 2022. Organisations like the Global Commission on Drug Policy, the International Federation for Human Rights and Amnesty International had urged the Singaporean government to halt the execution.

Djamani had appealed against her conviction and pleaded for clemency, both of which had been rejected. In Singapore, trafficking more than 500 grams of cannabis or over 15 grams of heroin can result in the death penalty. Singapore China, Iran and Saudi Arabia have been confirmed to have executed prisoners for drug-related offences in 2022, Amnesty said.

Campaigners say, under international standards, offenders should be sentenced to the death penalty only in the most serious crimes, such as intentional killing.
Kaalkoot is one more masterstroke by the immensely talented Vijay Verma, this time as a good-hearted cop with a conscience. (His most notable performances till date have been ones that drive you to hate him - be it in the role of a womaniser and serial killer in Dahaad, or as the voyeur Sasya in the Netflix web series SHE).

Kaalkoot is also a feather in the hat of JioCinemafinally the platform got a show worth watching, rather bingeing on.

Only three episodes were released as the first installment on Thursday and then each new episode releases after a gap of 24 hours. The script engages you to such an extent that one only hopes this show could be binge-watched. Also, another hope is that the succeeding episodes stay true to the mood built up by the first three.

Coming to the story, this is a police procedural based on victims of acid attacks in a small town of Uttar Pradesh. Verma, as Ravi Shankar Tripathi is a sub-inspector who is forced to investigate an acid attack in his jurisdiction, just when he decides to quit his job.

Created by Arunabh Kumar and directed by Sumit Saxena, it is the way the story flows that makes it an immensely watchable show. So, all the credit first goes to the writers. Kaalkoot does not hinge on needless profanity nor does it take the support of sex and sensuality to prove its point. Here, dialogues are hard hitting, story is direct and gripping and the actors are real.

As the victim, Parul continues to recover in the hospital with her parents waiting on her; Tripathi is on the mission to piece together the sequence of events that led to the attack. Here even as her parents wait on her, Tripathi's colleagues and seniors get into character assassination by calling the victim a prostitute who deserved what she got, based on the evidence of a bottle of alcohol inside her purse.

Tripathi does not agree and is trying to find his voice amid the din created by misogyny around him. Another character who lingers for long after the show is over, is that of Tripathi's mother played by Seema Biswas. She is full of heart and immediately pulls you into her small world consisting of her son and late husband, an ex-professor of Hindi literature.

Kaalkoot is totally worth a watch, the first three episodes definitely were. Now, let us hope the momentum builds up further in the upcoming episodes.

Show: Kaalkoot

Language: Hindi

Director: Sumit Saxena

Cast: Vijay Varma, Shwetha Tripathi, Seema Biswas

Streaming on: JioCinema
 2500 trees have already been planted, and the remaining are to be planted over the next three months



 5000 plants to be distributed amongst NEI employees across plants in Jaipur, Newai, Vadodara, and Manesar



JAIPUR, India, July 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- National Engineering Industries Ltd. (NEI) - part of the US$ 2.8 billion CK Birla Group and manufacturer of NBC brand of bearings, India's leading bearings manufacturer, and exporter, has pledged to plant 10,000 trees in Jagatpura, Jaipur in an effort to create a green cover for the city. The plantation drive is taking place to commemorate World Nature Conservation Day and will be part of NEI's overall commitment to sustainable development. Under the initiative, 2500 trees have already been planted so far, with 7,500 more to be planted over the next three months.



To plant trees, NEI has partnered with the Safearth Foundation, an NGO that is on a mission to reduce annual global emissions and build grassroots coping mechanisms in the communities that will be hit hardest by the threats of climate change. Through the partnership, the organization will not only ensure the plantation of trees but will also make sure that the trees are native to their environments and that they will be nurtured and monitored over time.



In addition to planting trees, NEI will also be distributing 5,000 plants to its employees on World Nature Conservation Day in an effort to create awareness about nature conservation.



Speaking on the occasion, Rohit Saboo, President & CEO, National Engineering Industries Ltd. (NEI) said, "In the world of manufacturing, our mission needs to go beyond innovation. Not only we're building a better future in terms of technology, but one that's sustainable, greener, and more vibrant. It's our responsibility to take the necessary strides towards a flourishing earth. By partnering with the Safearth Foundation, we are taking that next step - we're giving back to nature, restoring its beauty, and inspiring a culture of sustainability within our team and community. Together, we aim to become trailblazers for a greener earth. We truly believe that this is just the beginning of our extraordinary journey."



This plantation drive is one of the many ways that NEI is working to reduce its carbon footprint and move towards embracing sustainability. The company has also taken strides to improve its energy efficiency as it practices methods of sustainability by using alternate sources of energy and increasing the efficiency of the manufacturing process by leveraging the power of digitisation. The NBC's Jaipur plant is also a role model of sustainability, with 40 acres of green belt balancing the impact of the built-up area of 37 acres. NBC Bearings is committed to being carbon neutral by 2039.



About National Engineering Industries Ltd (NBC Bearings)



Founded in 1946, National Engineering Industries Ltd (NEI), is a part of the US$ 2.8 bn CK Birla group and manufacturer of the NBC brand of bearings. Enabling sustainability by making movement more efficient, NEI is India's leading manufacturer and exporter of bearings with production of 200 Mn bearings annually in over 2300+ variants for application across automotive, railways, aerospace and industrial segments to serve customers in more than 30 countries. It also serves the Indian aftermarket through a countrywide network of over 550 authorized stockists and thousands of retailers.



Headquartered in Jaipur, NEI is India's leading manufacturer in the world to win the prestigious Deming Grand Prize (2015). With an employee strength of over 2,800 and five manufacturing plants in Jaipur (2), Newai (Rajasthan), Manesar (Haryana) and Vadodara (Gujarat), NEI is equipped with global manufacturing and process technology and has one of the best R&D centres in India. Apart from being technologically advanced, the company practices methods of sustainability by using alternate sources of energy and increasing the efficiency of the manufacturing process by leveraging on the power of digitisation. NBC Bearings is committed to be carbon neutral by 2039.



In 2020, National Engineering Industries Ltd, acquired Kinex bearings in Europe through it's subsidiary NBC Global Ag, to enhance, diversify and provide best-in-class products to its existing and potential customers. In 2022, NBC Global Ag opened it's Global Technology Centre in Germany to support innovation and provide support to NEI's global growth. For details, visit: https://nbcbearings.com/



Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2164455/NBC_Bearings.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
Gandhinagar, Jul 28 (PTI) US-based semiconductor company Micron Technology on Friday said it is all geared up for setting up India's first chip facility in Gujarat, which will create 5,000 direct and 15,000 indirect jobs in coming years.

"We estimate that our project here in Gujarat will create nearly 5,000 direct jobs plus an additional 15,000 jobs in the community over the coming years," said Sanjay Mehrotra, President and CEO of Micron Technology.

Speaking at the SemiconIndia 2023 event in Gandhinagar, Mehrotra said the investment is expected to catalyse other investments, enhance manufacturing and job creation in the semiconductor space.

The upcoming facility will add to Micron's existing team in Bengaluru and Hyderabad, he said, adding, "together, we are building the future of technology manufacturing for the world."
Indore (Madhya Pradesh) [India], July 28: Himanshu Singh, a Mechanical Engineering student at IPS Academy, has achieved significant success. Himanshu Singh has been offered a job by the renowned company Tesla with a package of 4 crores per year. He will be heading to Germany for a job at the company. In Germany, Himanshu Singh will also undergo a 2-year internship sponsored by Tesla, with the company bearing expenses amounting to 1.5 crores per year for this internship.



During the internship in Germany, Himanshu Singh will work in Tesla's Electronic Vehicle segment. Sharing this information, Dr. Archana Keerti Chaudhary, the Principal of IPS Academy, Indore Institute of Science and Technology, expressed her pride not only for the college but also for the city, as landing a job at a world-renowned company like Tesla with such a lucrative package is a matter of great pride.



She also highlighted that Mechanical Engineering offers ample opportunities, and many large companies are offering attractive job packages to Mechanical Engineering students. Himanshu Singh's success has received best wishes from the college's Chairman, Architect Shri Achal Chaudhary, Vice Chairman Shri Yogendra Jain, Shri Rajesh Chaudhary, and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Amit Chanda, among others, for a bright future ahead.



(Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with PNN and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). PTI PWR

PWR
Mumbai, July 28, 2023: Blue Dart Express Limited, South Asia's premier express air and integrated transportation & distribution logistics Company, declared its financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2023, at its Board Meeting held in Mumbai today.



The company posted  59.74 crores profit after tax for the quarter ended June 30, 2023; Revenue from operations for the quarter ended June 30, 2023, stood at  1,238 crores. The company, known for its extensive network with a reach of 55,000+ locations, cutting-edge technology and unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction continued to deliver a good performance. The Company carried 839 lakh shipments (last year 771 lakh shipments) weighing 285,625 tons (last year 278,393 tons) during the quarter.



Commenting on the company's performance, Balfour Manuel, Managing Director of Blue Dart Express Ltd., stated, " A significant driver of our consistent performance has been our focus on delivering high-quality services to our customers. By prioritizing service excellence, we have gained a substantial market share across various service offerings. Our commitment to understanding and exceeding our customers' expectations has set us apart from the competition, earning us their trust and loyalty.



Speaking about the business outlook, he says, Our strategic investments during this quarter, have paved the way for a promising future. We have prioritized capacity creation through the induction of the two new aircrafts, embraced automation and digitalization to enhance our infrastructure, and expanded our market reach through retail expansion. With these initiatives, we are well-positioned for sustained growth and remain committed to leveraging technology and exploring new opportunities.



Elaborating further, Balfour Manuel says, As we progress through the year, we are excited about the potential that lies ahead. We will continue to focus on strategic investments and sustainable growth, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of the industry.



Under its credo, "Connecting People, Improving Lives," the organization has set in motion a number of technological initiatives that will drive green logistics and ESG, which are integral parts of its Strategy 2025. The organization has set a precedent well within its first quarter of the financial year 2023-24 by continuing to be a Provider of Choice, an Employer of Choice, and an Investment of Choice for all its stakeholders. The company won notable accolades during the first quarter, including 'Great Company to Work For' for the 13th time in a row. Additionally, Balfour Manuel, the Managing Director, was honoured as the Most Trusted Leader at the CEO Conclave organized by the Great Place to Work Institute.



About Blue Dart Express Ltd:



Blue Dart Express Ltd., South Asia's premier express air and integrated transportation & distribution company, offers secure and reliable delivery of consignments to over 55,000+ locations in India. Blue Dart is a provider of choice for its stakeholders due to its customer centric approach and aims to further strengthen this partnership. As part of DHL Groups DHL eCommerce division, Blue Dart accesses the largest and most comprehensive express and logistics network worldwide, covering over 220 countries and territories, and offers an entire spectrum of distribution services including air express, freight forwarding, supply chain solutions, customs clearance etc.



The Blue Dart team drives market leadership through its motivated people, dedicated air and ground capacity, cutting-edge technology, wide range of innovative, vertical specific products and value-added services to deliver unmatched standards of service quality to its customers. Blue Dart's market leadership is further validated by its position as the nations most innovative and awarded express logistics company for exhibiting reliability, superior brand experience and sustainability which include recognition as one of India's Best Companies to Work For by The Great Place to Work Institute, India, ranked amongst Best Multinational Workplaces in Asia by The Great Place to Work Institute, Asia, voted a Superbrand and Readers Digest Most Trusted Brand, listed as one of Fortune 500s India's Largest Corporations and Forbes India's Super 50 Companies to name a few. Blue Darts Diversity and Inclusion initiatives have also led to it being recognized as one of Indias Best Workplaces for Women in 2021 and Best Organisations for Women in 2022 by the Economic Times.



Blue Dart fulfils its social responsibility of climate protection (GoGreen), disaster management (GoHelp) and education (GoTeach) through its GoPrograms.



(Disclaimer: The above content is a press release and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). PTI PWR

PWR
New Delhi, Jul 28 (PTI) Japan's Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi has pitched for improvement in the investment environment for Japanese firms operating in India with many of them seeking a more predictable, transparent and stable business climate in the country.

A Japanese readout said Hayashi requested External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar for cooperation on improving the investment environment and for the early establishment of a joint crediting mechanism, during their talks on Thursday.

Separately, deputy press secretary in Japan's foreign ministry Yukiko Okano said Hayashi met over lunch on Friday representatives of Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry in India (JCCII) and officials of several Japanese companies operating in the country, and they apprised him about the issues.

The Japanese foreign minister began his two-day visit to India on Thursday.

"The view from the Japanese businesspeople here is that they would like to see a more predictable, transparent and stable business environment in India, including implementing the legislation and tax issues," Okano told reporters.

She said issues such as infrastructure challenges have been raised in the past.

"These are the requests from the Japanese companies. I understand that the Japanese Chamber of Commerce in India has been in touch with relevant authorities of the Indian government and with the Japanese embassy," Okano said.

At the same time, Okano said the Japanese business community sees a growing opportunity in operating in India for investment and trade. "So, they would like to see a more stable investment climate and business environment put in place in India," she added.

The number of Japanese companies registered in India was 1439 as of June, 2022.

Japanese outward FDI to India in 2020-21 and 2021-22 stood at USD 1.95 billion and USD 1.49 billion respectively, according to official data.

Cumulatively, from 2000 until June 2022, Japanese investments to India have been around USD 37.79 billion.

The readout issued by the Japanese foreign ministry said Jaishankar and Hayashi concurred that the Japanese and Indian public and private sectors would work together toward the target of 5 trillion yen in public-private investment and loans to India over the next five years.

This goal was set by both countries during Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's visit to India in March of last year.

"Furthermore, Minister Hayashi requested cooperation to improve the investment environment and for the early establishment of a Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM)," the readout said.

On defence cooperation, Okano said the relationship has been progressing steadily.

The official referred to both sides agreeing on transfer of defence equipment technologies in 2015 and the firming up of the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSG) over two years back.

"Under these agreements we have been steadily progressing defence cooperation," she said.

The ACSG provides for creation of an enabling framework for closer cooperation and interoperability, besides allowing militaries of the two countries to use each other's bases and facilities for repair and replenishment of supplies.

To a question, Okano said there are some domestic restrictions on transfer of defence equipment and technologies, and they can be done only under certain conditions.

"We are now reviewing and revising that policy...Once that is done, there may be some other opportunities for cooperation," she said.

The readout said the two ministers affirmed that they would continue to work together for the success of the G20 New Delhi Summit in September.

"They also affirmed cooperation in the international arena, such as in the Quad countries and Security Council reform," it said.

On Friday, Hayashi also took a ride on Delhi Metro which is a signature project involving Japanese funding.
Washington, Jul 28 (PTI) A second round of random lottery selection for the much sought-after H-1B visas for fiscal 2024 will soon begin after it was determined that "additional registrations" need to be selected to reach the numerical allocations, the US federal immigration agency has announced, a decision that could benefit more Indian professionals.

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) said on Thursday that it will select the additional registrations from the previously submitted electronic registrations using a random selection process.

In March, the USCIS conducted an initial random selection of properly submitted electronic registrations for the fiscal year (FY) 2024 H-1B cap, including for beneficiaries eligible for the advanced degree exemption.

Only those petitioners with selected registrations for FY 2024 are eligible to file H-1B cap-subject petitions. The initial filing period for those with selected registrations for FY 2024 was from April 1, 2023, through June 30, 2023.

The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. Technology companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year from countries like India and China.

"We recently determined that we would need to select additional registrations to reach the FY 2024 numerical allocations. Soon, we will select additional registrations from previously submitted electronic registrations using a random selection process," the USCIS said in a statement.

"We will announce once we have completed this second selection process and have notified all prospective petitioners with selected registrations from this round of selection that they are eligible to file an H-1B cap-subject petition for the beneficiary named in the applicable selected registration," the statement said.

Those with selected registrations will have their accounts updated to include a selection notice, which includes details of when and where to file, it added.

As mandated by Congress, USCIS can issue a maximum of 65,000 H-1B visas in a year. It can also issue another 20,000 H-1B visas to foreign students who have completed higher studies from a US university in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects.
Thiruvananthapuram, Jul 28 (PTI) The Kerala government on Friday strongly opposed the Multi-State Cooperative Societies (Amendment) Bill passed by the Lok Sabha recently, alleging that the BJP-led government was trying to sabotage the country's federal system through the new legislation. Cooperation Minister V N Vasavan said the Central government's new amendment to the legislation was an attempt to steal the freedom granted to the states under the Constitution.

His statement came days after the Lok Sabha passed the bill, which seeks to strengthen cooperatives by making their functioning more transparent, introducing a system of regular elections, and prohibiting the appointment of related persons.

Piloting the bill on July 25, Union Cooperation Minister Amit Shah said the provisions in the bill will initiate a new era for the sector that has been ignored by the previous governments. The bill was later approved by the Lok Sabha by voice vote amid the din after a short discussion in which only three members participated. The bill seeks to establish a 'Cooperative Election Authority' with a view to introduce electoral reforms in the cooperative sector.

Criticising the provisions of the bill, Vasavan said the new amendment was brought to overcome the setback the Central government suffered in the Supreme Court.

The Centre's approach undermines democracy, the minister said in a statement here.

Noting that the state governments will have no control over multi-state cooperatives if the legislation comes into force, the minister said it even prevents the primary obligation of cooperative societies to provide security for investments or to extend credit to the common man.

He said the Central government has also included provisions under which even statutory societies functioning under state cooperative registrars can be abolished and converted into multi-state societies.

"As per the provisions of the new bill, any cooperative society can be converted into a multi-state society by decision of the governing body and by a majority vote in the general body meeting," the Kerala minister alleged.

Narrating other provisions in the amendments that allegedly undermine the federal structure, Vasavan said, with this bill, the primary purpose of the cooperatives will be lost and they will become inaccessible to the common man and small farmers.

He also alleged that cooperative societies will become similar to the new generation commercial banks, which, according to him, work only for financial gain.

The minister said the new amendment will adversely affect the state cooperative sector, which is doing good work for the common people.

"This is an assault on the freedom of the states. The amendments are a threat to the cooperative societies that have become a model for the sector," Vasavan said, adding that they should be strongly opposed.

In January, the Central Government decided to establish three new multi-state cooperative societies to promote organic products, seeds, and exports.

Replying to the debate in Lok Sabha, Shah said the government has come out with model bye-laws for cooperative societies, which have been adopted by all states with the exception of West Bengal and Kerala.
Mumbai, Jul 28 (PTI) Actor Anshuman Jhas directorial debut Lord Curzon Ki Haveli, starring Rasika Dugal and Arjun Mathur, will have its world premiere at the Indian Film Festival Of Melbourne (IFFM).

The black comedy thriller will have its premiere as the 'Centrepiece Spotlight Film' (official selection - out of competition) on August 17. The 14th edition of IFFM will run from August 11 to 20.

Jha, best known for featuring in "Love Sex Aur Dhoka and "Lakadbaggha", said he is thrilled to kickstart the festival run of his movie with IFFM.

I thank the jury at IFFM 2023 for selecting us as the 'Centrepiece Spotlight film'. I am very grateful to my team (cast and crew) and Golden Ratio Films and Jetty Productions for their trust & support through this challenging but memorable experience," the actor said in a statement.

"Lord Curzon Ki Haveli" pays homage to legendary Hollywood filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock, known for many cult classics such as "Vertigo", "Rear Window" and "Psycho", Jha added.

"We are excited to start the film's festival journey in Australia," the actor said.

Dugal said she is delighted about the premiere of her film at the IFFM.

"The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne always has a discerning audience with an appetite for fun.

"It was an absolute joy collaborating with, and playing off, my co-actors who helped me experience Ira in a very special way - a woman who navigates and negotiates patriarchy with an undeniable spirit and with a sense of mischief. I hope the film resonates with the audience, she said.

Penned by writer Bikas Mishra of Chauranga fame, Lord Curzon Ki Haveli is described as a revelatory tale about the Asian diaspora in the UK.

The makers said the movie will be screened at various film festivals in the UK, US and in India, before releasing in India in December.

The film is produced by Golden Ratio Films and First Ray Films.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 28. The West Azerbaijan Community and other civil society organizations of the Republic of Azerbaijan appealed to the international community, Trend reports.

Trend presents the appeal: "Throughout the tumultuous 20th century, Armenia mercilessly subjected ethnic Azerbaijanis to unspeakable horrors, unleashing displacement and various forms of persecution that inflicted profound suffering and indelible scars on their memories.

The brutal expulsion of Azerbaijanis from Armenia between 1987 and 1991 marked the appalling conclusion of a century- long campaign to eradicate them from what was once their ancestral homeland. The Azerbaijani settlements in Armenia, which were once flourishing cradles of Azerbaijani culture, lay abandoned yearning for their rightful owners.

As if this malevolence were not enough, the 1991-1994 occupation of Azerbaijani territories by Armenia brought an even darker chapter of suffering. Approximately 800,000 Azerbaijanis were savagely uprooted from their homes, forced into a cruel fate of displacement. Cemeteries and sacred places of Azerbaijanis were demonstratively destroyed, desecrating their cultural legacy and inflicting irreparable wounds.

The brutality of Armenia knew no boundaries. It carried out numerous massacres against innocent Azerbaijani civilians, claiming the lives of over 20,000 souls. To this day, the fate of 4,000 missing individuals remains a haunting agony, a painful reminder of the unresolved grief and suffering endured by the Azerbaijani people.

In tent camps, hundreds of thousands of Azerbaijani refugees and IDPs endured unimaginable living conditions, devoid of basic services. This prolonged displacement, tore families apart, wrought havoc upon their social fabric, leaving them grappling with despair and uncertainty.

For years, Armenia brazenly defied international law, clinging to its occupation and preventing the safe return of Azerbaijani IDPs. Only in the Autumn of 2020, when Azerbaijan liberated its occupied territories while countering yet another vicious attack by Armenia, did the IDPs finally glimpse a glimmer of hope to return home.

Yet, the road to rehabilitation and reintegration has been paved with unprecedented challenges and hardships. With cruel intent, Armenia left the once-occupied territories heavily contaminated with landmines, rendering vast swaths of land uninhabitable deathtraps. With blatant disregard for human life, Armenia refuses to reveal the location of these hidden seeds of death, attacking the very essence of the international humanitarian law.

The world's response to the unprecedent injustice inflicted upon ethnic Azerbaijanis has been nothing short of disheartening, exposing glaring double standards in addressing human rights issues. Despite the gravity of Armenia's heinous actions, the global community has turned a blind eye, failing to afford the Azerbaijani plight the empathy and support it so desperately deserves.

The selective approach of the so-called "international community" is a disheartening display of bias and indifference, evident in their disregard for the immense suffering endured by the Azerbaijani people. They seem to prefer to conveniently forget the plight of ethnic Azerbaijanis, who have faced displacement, persecution, and massacres. Instead, attempts are made to shift focus towards non-existent and fabricated "potential" problems of Armenians residing in the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan.

One of the disconcerting hoaxes perpetuated is the portrayal of the area of Azerbaijan, where Russian peacekeepers are temporarily deployed, as something exclusively related to ethnic Armenians, deliberately obscuring the painful truth of the past. The fact is that Azerbaijanis were brutally expelled from multiple settlements in that very area, including from Khankendi, Karkijahan, Malibayli, Garadaghly, and Khojaly. The haunting memories of the 1992 massacre in Khojaly, where Armenian forces orchestrated a mass killing of Azerbaijani civilians, still reverberate, leaving scars difficult to heal. The displaced Azerbaijanis are still unable to return to those settlements. Such a misleading narrative, painting a picture of exclusivity for the Armenian population, only serves to perpetuate an unjust and divisive approach.

This lopsided view exposes the true colors of those who claim to uphold justice and human rights, as they blatantly ignore the rights and hardships of Azerbaijanis, fueled by ethnic and religious considerations.

Such a stance endorses Armenia's war crimes, crimes against humanity, and racial discrimination, allowing injustice to prevail and perpetuating the cycle of suffering for the Azerbaijani people.

Buoyed by this preferential treatment, Armenia persists in its arrogance, denying the right of expelled Azerbaijanis to return to their rightful homes. They shamelessly label the forced expulsion as "voluntary," a perverse attempt to strip Azerbaijani refugees of their fundamental right to return. Armenia's persistent refusal to engage in dialogue with the Western Azerbaijan Community regarding the safe and dignified return of Azerbaijanis expelled from Armenia, while labeling their legitimate cause as a mere "territorial claim," serves as yet another troubling testament to this state's adherence to a mono-ethnic policy and its deep-rooted Azerbaijanophobia.

Furthermore, Armenia's assertion of the "exclusivity of Karabakh Armenians" echoes a deeply problematic and unsettling ideology, evoking historical parallels that should serve as a stark warning. Such a notion displays a dangerous belief in racial superiority and the exclusion of others based on ethnicity.

The international community's failure to condemn Armenias misdeeds only reinforces the perception of pro-Armenia bias, leaving Azerbaijanis to bear the burden of injustice without the support they deserve.

The displacement plight of ethnic Azerbaijanis stands as a haunting testament to humanity's capacity for cruelty and indifference. The scars inflicted upon the Azerbaijani people cry out for attention and action, demanding that the world unmask its double standards and confront these grave injustices head-on

It is high time for the international community to reflect on its actions, rectify its selective approach, and truly stand up for justice and human rights, regardless of ethnic origin or religion. Only then can we hope for a more equitable and inclusive world that rejects discrimination and embraces genuine peace and reconciliation".

Aziz Alakbarov  Chairperson of the Board of the Western Azerbaijan Community;

Fatma Sattarova  Chairperson of the Organization of Veterans of War, Labor and Armed Forces Veterans of the Republic of Azerbaijan;

Tural Ganjaliyev  Chairperson of the "Return to Karabakh" Public Union; Khatira Valiyeva  Chairperson of "Khankendi  Support for Internally Displaced Persons Public Union;

Konul Behbudova  Chairperson of the "Missing Families of Karabakh" Public Union; Vugar Gadirov  Chairperson of the "Youth Organization for Return and Revival" Public Union;

Shamil Alakbarli  Chairperson of the "Raising Awareness about the Khojaly Genocide" Public Union;

Novella Jafarova  Chairperson of Azerbaijan Women's Rights Protection Society named after D. Aliyeva;

Saida Gocamanli  Chairperson of the Protection of Human Rights and Rule of Law Public Union;

Saadat Bananyarli  Chairperson of the Azerbaijani National Branch of the International Society for Human Rights;

Mehriban Mammadova  Chairperson of "Humanitarian Studies" Public Union;

Rauf Zeini  Chairperson of Azerbaijan National Non-Governmental Organizations Forum; Ramil Iskanderli  Chairperson of "Legal Analysis and Research" Public Union;

Hafiz Safikhanov  Chairperson of "Azerbaijan Campaign Against Landmines" Public Union ;

Oktay Sadigov  Chairperson of the Public Union "Support for Refugees and Deportees";

Ray Karimoglu  Chairperson of the Association of Mine Victims in Azerbaijan Public Union;

Sevinj Alizadeh  Chairperson of "Zafar  Support for the Families of Martyrs Public Union;

Shamistan Alizamanli  Chairman of the "Support to the Promotion of Patriotism" Public Union;

Bahruz Mammadzadeh  Chairperson of the "Servicemen of Special Forces, Families of Martyrs and Veterans" Public Union;

Seria Jafarova  Chairperson of "Raising Awereness about Armenian Aggression" Public Union;

Faig Ismayilov  Chairperson of the Organization for the Protection of Historical and Cultural Monuments in the Occupied Territories of Azerbaijan Public Union;

Telman Gasimov  Chairperson of the "Scientific Research" Public Union; Mushfiq Alasgarli  Chairperson of the "Support for Innovative Initiatives in the Media" Public Union; Umud Mirzayev  Chairperson of the International Eurasia Press Fund;

Nasiman Yagublu  Chairperson of the "Support to History and Press Research" Public Union;

Khalid Khalilov  Chairperson of the "Vatan"  Public Union of Akhiskha Turks living in Azerbaijan;

Maria Huseynova  Chairperson of the "Support for the development of Azerbaijan-Bulgaria Friendship" Public Union;

Elman Ahmadov  Chairperson of "Azeri  Tat Cultural Center Public Union.
Bengaluru, July 28 (PTI) "More than Bollywood, it is south films that rule India now," says Tamil film director G Vasanthabalan, whose 'Aneethi' is being described as his "darkest" film yet.

An industry veteran, who made his foray into movies as one of the many assistant directors of S Shankar's blockbuster "Gentleman" in 1993, Vasanthabalan says OTT platforms have been a gamechanger in this regard.

"The good thing is with all the available opportunities today, when you are convinced, you don't have to worry anymore. Theatre release is not the only way out these days, there are plenty of formats offering good business opportunities, he says, adding that these have given the creators a freehand in exploring genres and formats that were otherwise considered risky.

"Also, of course, blockbuster films like 'Kantara', 'KGF' and 'RRR' too have helped the south film industry in reaching that place," adds Vasanthabalan.

Vasanthabalan says his latest film, which released on July 21, is more of a psychological thriller. Although true to his credentials, he explores the social injustices and inequalities in this film as well, but unlike his earlier films, "Aneethi" gets a tad too violent.

The veteran director says it is because he has explored the neo-noir genre.

"In 'Aneethi', I tell the story of this man who happens to be a food delivery guy. That character triggers a series of incidents while he goes about delivering food. Through him, I highlight how society views people like him," adds Vasanthabalan.

Unlike his mentor Shankar, who he says sets the ball rolling for his next one on the last day of wrapping up a film, Vasanthabalan, who has been in the field for more than two decades now, has only directed a handful of films so far.

He says it is because he wants to understand the different worlds he portrays in his films. "For instance, before shooting 'Aneethi', I spent a considerable time talking to hundreds of delivery boys, just so I could understand their issues," says Vasanthabalan.

As a director, he says he is not interested in thrusting his views or in social messages. "I don't want to make a name for myself by preaching or deliberately projecting ideas. I feel social awareness can be created by just focusing on the lives of characters," says Vasanthabalan.

Mostly, he says he focuses on exploring different genres. "My film 'Veyil', set in a rural background, is about a man considered a failure. It is a biography of failure of sorts. In contrast to that is Angadi Theru, in which I portray the issues of people who work in a shop in Angadi Theru, modelled after Ranganathan Street (a famous shopping street in Chennai). I talked about their world," says Vasanthabalan.

Vasanthabalan also pointed out that his films "Aravaan", which is about the life of bandits in the 18th century and "Kavyatalaivan", which tries to capture what is considered the golden period of Tamil theatre, are different too.

In a contrast to director Shankar, Vasanthabalans lead roles are often played by actors not "heroes".

"When I am choosing my main leads, I only see how far they can push themselves as actors. That is why I zeroed in on actor Pasupati for 'Veyil'. He has been trained in Koothu-pattarai (Chennai-based theatre group) and as an actor he holds a lot. Same way, Arjun Das (main lead in 'Aneethi', who normally does negative roles in Tamil films) is also an excellent actor," says Vasanthabalan.

When it comes to writing scripts, Vasanthabalan says he has a different process from how his mentor approaches it.

In one of his interviews to a Tamil web channel, Vasanthabalan had earlier explained how Shankar gives a one-sentence storyline to his assistant directors as soon as they wrap up the production of a film, asking them to think of situations and scenes. These will later be fleshed out in a discussion, he had added.

"But I write my own story. Shankar's films are done on a bigger scale with stars  they are larger than life. My films are more like watching life unravel from up close. So, I set my characters in a milieu I know and I am comfortable with. Mostly, they are people that I come across in my life," adds Vasanthabalan.

Although his 'Veyil' and 'Angadi Theru' have been critical and commercial successes, his earlier films did not really make the cut with the audience.

"I think the journey is very important too. I am experimenting with various forms to tell the stories that I want to tell. Some click and some do not. Some films take time to get the attention of the people.

"For instance, 'Kaviyathalaivan' did not do good business. But even today someone told me that it is their favourite film of mine," says Vasanthabalan.
Colombo, Jul 28 (PTI) A shutdown was observed in Sri Lanka's Tamil-dominated northern and eastern regions on Friday with the minority community demanding a credible investigation into an alleged mass grave in the northeastern district of Mullaithivu.

The protest was called by the relatives of the disappeared people in the northern and eastern regions of Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mannar and Mullaithivu by shutting down businesses and staying indoors.

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.

The joint student organisation of the Jaffna University in a statement expressed solidarity with the shutdown.

However, the protests were unsuccessful in Vavuniya, Amapara and Trincomalee districts.

In June, an alleged mass grave was accidentally discovered at Kokkuthuduvai by the National Water Board workers while carrying out digging activities for a development project in the area.

On July 6, the Mullaitivu magistrate court supervised the digging of the alleged mass grave.

Tamil political party sources said human remains of at least 13 people were found there.

The relatives of the missing people during the separatist armed conflict have demanded an international investigation into the grave.

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.

Mullaitivu was a nerve centre of the LTTE as they ran a parallel state before May 2009 when they were defeated by the Sri Lankan military.
London, Jul 28 (PTI) An Indian-origin man, described by UK police as a dangerous individual, has been convicted of the murder of a former friend due to a feud over drugs worth around 5,000 pounds.

Amraj Poonia, 27, from Horley in south-east England, was found guilty of murder at a trial at the Old Bailey court in London on Thursday.

He had already pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice, a charge his 26-year-old brother Raneel Poonia was found guilty of at the end of the trial.

The Metropolitan Police said their four-year-long extensive and detailed police investigation into the murder of Mohammed Shah Subhani, 27, dates back to when he was murdered in west London and his body eventually recovered in a woodland in December 2019.

We have achieved justice for Shah, his family and his partner by securing these convictions against the man responsible for his cowardly murder and those who helped to dispose of his body, said Detective Chief Inspector Vicky Tunstall.

Amraj Poonia is a dangerous individual and I have no doubt that the streets of west London are far safer now he, and his accomplices, have been convicted  I hope that this outcome and the diligent investigation that led to their conviction improves the trust that communities can have in the Metropolitan Police, she said.

This has been a terrible ordeal for his family and, by listening to the evidence presented within the trial of his murder and disposal, they have been exposed to detail that no family should ever have to know about their loved ones, she added.

The trial was told how the murder of Shah was carried out behind the doors of the Poonia family plumbing business on an industrial estate in Hounslow, west London, in May 2019.

Shah had been asked to look after a large amount of cannabis (5kg) on behalf of a local drug dealer and had given some of the drugs  around 1 kg with a street value of approximately 5,000 pounds  to his friend at the time Amraj Poonia to look after. But the latter stole the drugs instead and staged a theft of them from a car as a cover for this.

This missing of drugs left Shah in debt to the local drug dealer and, believing Poonia to be responsible, caused increasing animosity between the duo and threats of retribution were made.

Shah was said to have been murdered on May 7, 2019, shortly after entering Poonias plumbing business. Shahs body was later kept in the boot of a car in an unknown location within Hounslow whilst Amraj Poonia and his associates planned on where and how to dispose of it, the Met Police said.

Officers conducted an extensive forensic search of the plumbing business and small samples of blood were located. These were later matched and confirmed to be that of Shah and the investigation was passed to a Homicide team of the Mets Specialist Crime Command. The body was ultimately recovered from a rural woodland near Beaconsfield, south-east England.

He was kind, he was helpful, and he was courageous. He was an amazing son, an amazing brother, an amazing partner and was an amazing uncle at the time. And I know had his daughter met him and known him, she would say I have the best dad ever, Shah's sister, Iqra, said in a tribute to her late brother.

Amraj Poonia claimed that he, and he alone, had killed Shah and that this had been in self-defence. However, after hearing all of the evidence the jury found him guilty of Shahs murder, dismissing his self-defence argument.

Besides his brother Raneel, associates Mohanad Riad, 23, and Mahamud Ismail, 26, were also found guilty of perverting the course of justice. All four men will be sentenced at the Old Bailey court in London at a later date.
Washington, Jul 28 (The Conversation) Former President Donald Trump was indicted yet again on July 27, 2023, by federal prosecutors.

While many were anticipating an imminent indictment related to Trumps actions on January 6, 2021, when a group of his followers violently stormed the US Capitol in an attempt to disrupt the certification of Democrat Joe Bidens election, the new indictment instead added to the charges Trump already faced for hoarding, mishandling and illegally sharing presidential documents after he left office and refusing to return them.

The new indictment  called a blockbuster on CNN by former Manhattan prosecutor Karen Agnifilo  alleges that Trump attempted to delete security camera footage at the Mar-a-Lago Club to conceal information from the FBI and grand jury by telling a maintenance worker at the club to erase it.

That worker, named in the indictment as Carlos De Oliveira, also faces charges now of obstruction in the new indictment.

The Conversation has published stories by experts on various aspects of the documents case and the unprecedented indictment of a former president. Here are a selection of them to provide background on the newly filed charges.



What are classified documents, anyway?

Before he entered academia, University of Southern California international relations scholar Jeffrey Fields worked for many years as an analyst at both the State Department and the Department of Defence.

He held a top-secret clearance and frequently worked with classified information and participated in classified meetings.

Fields explains that classified information is the kind of material that the US government or an agency deems sensitive enough to national security that access to it must be controlled and restricted.

There are several degrees of classification, he writes. Documents related to nuclear weapons will have different classification levels depending on the sensitivity of the information contained.

Documents containing information related to nuclear weapons design or their location would be highly classified.

Such documents, writes Fields, must be handled in a way that protects the integrity and confidentiality of the information they contain.

Want to know more? Fields helps you understand the different classification levels, and who gets to determine what levels each document is assigned.



Why is Trump being charged under the Espionage Act?

The documents case rests on provisions of the Espionage Act, which, despite its name, covers a lot more crimes than just spying.

Loyola University Chicagos Thomas A Durkin and Joseph Ferguson, attorneys who specialize in and teach national security law, write that one portion of the act  does relate to spying for foreign governments, for which the maximum sentence is life imprisonment.

More commonly, they write, as with the Trump investigation, the act applies to the unauthorised gathering, possessing or transmitting of certain sensitive government information.

A violation of the Espionage Act, then, does not require an intention to aid a foreign power.

And Democrats have violated the act: Two recent senior Democratic administration officials  Sandy Berger, national security adviser during the Clinton administration, and David Petraeus, CIA director during the Obama administration  each pleaded guilty to misdemeanours under the threat of Espionage Act prosecution, write Durkin and Ferguson.



No president is above the law

Trump has attacked the head of the Department of Justice investigations into his conduct, Special Counsel Jack Smith, as deranged.

Hes declared that the previous indictment represented weaponised politics. After the new indictment was revealed, he told Fox News that it constituted election interference at the highest level and said the allegations were ridiculous.

But national security law scholar Dakota Rudesill, who teaches at The Ohio State University, says the documents prosecution of Trump is lawful, constitutional, precedented, nonpartisan and merited.

Trump and his allies have argued that it is completely inappropriate for the former president to be charged, writes Rudesill.

But no part of the Constitution, no statute and no Supreme Court precedent sets a former chief executive above the law.

American history, Rudesill reminds us, is replete with criminal charges against state officials, vice presidents  a former one during the founding era, and a sitting one in the 1970s  members of Congress and other prominent politicians.

Rudesills essay walks readers through the charges Trump has made about the investigation  and the charges made by the investigators against Trump.

Trump is right that his is inevitably a sensitive case because of his continued presence in the political arena, Rudesill writes.

What he does not acknowledge is that maintaining the bedrock legal principle of equal justice requires avoiding twin hazards: politically motivated prosecutions and exempting elite politicians from the law.



The campaign will go on

Despite the extraordinary circumstances of facing multiple criminal indictments, theres nothing stopping Trump from moving ahead with his presidential campaign.

Article II of the US Constitution sets forth very explicit qualifications for the presidency: The president must be 35 years of age, a US resident for 14 years and a natural-born citizen, writes legal scholar Stefanie Lindquist of Arizona State University.

In cases involving analogous qualifications for members of Congress, the Supreme Court has held that such qualifications form a "constitutional ceiling  prohibiting any additional qualifications to be imposed by any means, she writes.

So, because the Constitution does not require that the president be free from indictment, conviction or prison, says Lindquist, "it follows that a person under indictment or in prison may run for the office and may even serve as president.

That may be hard, Lindquist acknowledges.

There seems no question that indictment, conviction or both  let alone a prison sentence  would significantly compromise a presidents ability to function in office, says Lindquist. And the Constitution doesnt provide an easy answer to the problem posed by such a compromised chief executive.

In other words, the country is in uncharted territory. (The Conversation) FZH
Niamey (Niger), Jul 28 (AP) Various factions of Niger's military wrangled for power Friday, an analyst and a Western military official said, two days after members of the presidential guard staged a coup, setting off political chaos that could set back the country's fight against jihadists and increase Russia's influence in West Africa.

It remained unclear who was in charge, and if efforts at mediation had begun. A delegation from neighbouring Nigeria left shortly after arriving, and the president of Benin, nominated as a mediator by a regional body, had not arrived.

An analyst who has spoken with participants in the talks said that the Presidential Guard, which led the coup, is negotiating with the army about who should be in charge. The analyst asked not to be named because of the sensitive situation.

A western military official in Niger who is not authorised to speak to the media confirmed that the military factions were believed to be negotiating, and said that situation remains tense and all of the ingredients are on the table for it to erupt in fighting.

Speaking in Papua New Guinea, French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the coup as completely illegitimate and profoundly dangerous for the Nigeriens, Niger and the whole region.

He said that he had spoken repeatedly with President Mohamed Bazoum, and that the detained leader is in good health.

French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna told French media that there was still time to end what she described as an attempted coup.

If you are hearing me speak of an attempted coup, that's because we do not regard things as definitive, French media quoted Colonna as saying.

She also spoke of possible exits if those responsible for this attempt hear the message from the international community.

Niger is seen as the last partner in the West's efforts to battle jihadists linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group in Africa's Sahel region, where Russia and the west have been vying for influence in the fight against extremism.

France, which ruled Niger as a colony until 1960, has 1,500 soldiers in the country, who conduct joint operations with the Nigeriens.

On Thursday, several hundred people gathered in the capital, Niamey, and chanted support for the Russian private military group Wagner while waving Russian flags. Later, they burned cars and ransacked the headquarters of the president's political party. We're fed up, said Omar Issaka, one of the protestors.

We are tired of being targeted by the men in the bush ... Down with the French people. We're going to collaborate with Russia now, he said.

The mutinous soldiers have not announced a leader and President Mohamed Bazoum, who was elected two years ago in Niger's first peaceful, democratic transfer of power since its independence from France in 1960, has not resigned.

Some of the last public communications from the government included a defiant tweet by the president Thursday declaring that democracy would prevail and a call by the Foreign Minister Hassoumi Massoudou, on media outlet France 24, for Nigeriens to stand against the mutiny.

However, it's unclear who's involved in these dialogues, the nature of the discussions or how they're proceeding.

Earlier this week, The Economic Community of West African States said it was sending Benin President Patrice Talon to lead mediation efforts, but as of Friday Talon was not in the country.

During their first address to the nation Wednesday night, the mutineers urged external partners not to interfere.

Macron said France supports regional organisations, in particular ECWAS, in the decisions that it will have to take -- of mediation or condemnation and sanctions against the putschists if they make progress and finalize their plan.

Analysts say the coup threatens to starkly reshape the international community's engagement with the Sahel region.

On Thursday, US Vice President Kamala Harris, said the country's substantial cooperation with the Government of Niger is contingent on Niger's continued commitment to democratic standards".

Niger could lose millions of dollars in military aid and assistance, which the United States and European countries have recently poured in an attempt to help in the fight against Islamic extremism.

The United States in early 2021 said it had provided Niger with more than USD 500 million in military assistance and training programs since 2012, one of the largest such support programs in sub-Saharan Africa. The European Union earlier this year launched a 27 million-euro (USD 30 million) military training mission in Niger.

The United States has more than 1,000 service personnel in the country.

The coup has dashed hopes of collaboration between Sahelian countries and Western powers, which offered a more robust response to the jihadist insurrection when compared with the strategies to arm civilians in Burkina Faso or the responsibility given to Wagner in Mali, said Ibrahim Yahaya Ibrahim, senior Sahel analyst for the International Crisis Group.

Neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso have both ousted the French military, which previously provided aid in their fight against jihadists.

Mali has contracted Wagner, and it's believed the mercenaries will soon be in Burkina Faso. Now, concerns are mounting that Niger will follow in their footsteps.

As uncertainty lingers about who's in charge, insecurity could worsen.

The army officers will be busy positioning themselves in power struggles and abandon the fight against jihadists, said Ulf Laessing, head of the Sahel program at the Konrad Adenauer Foundation.

Rights groups also warn that civilians usually bear the brunt of these mutinies.

During a coup, the first victims are always the same: the most vulnerable, women and children, said Drissa Traore, secretary-general of the International Federation for Human Rights.

On Thursday the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said it has paused operations in Niger, where more than 370,000 people are internally displaced and more than 4 million rely on aid. (AP) FZH
St. Petersburg (Russia), Jul 28 (AP) Russian President Vladimir Putin courted leaders from Africa at a summit on Friday, hailing the continent's growing role in global affairs and offering to expand political and business ties.

Addressing the two-day Russia-Africa summit, Putin said Moscow will closely analyze a peace proposal for Ukraine that African leaders have sought to pursue.

This is an acute issue, and we aren't evading its consideration, Putin said, emphasising that Russia is treating the African initiative with respect and looking at it attentively.

He encouraged the African leaders to talk to Ukraine, which has refused to engage in talks until Russian troops pull back. I believe it's necessary to also talk to the other side, although we are grateful to our African friends for their attention to the issue, Putin said.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said African leaders were looking forward to engaging further with Putin later Friday on their peace proposal.

Ramaphosa, who leads sub-Saharan Africa's most developed country, also spoke out against exploitation of the continent, saying that we must stop those countries that count their wealth and their assets in terms of the minerals that reside in African soil.

Putin in his speech reaffirmed his pledge that Russia will maintain steady supplies of grain and other agricultural products to the continent after its withdrawal from a deal allowing grain shipments from Ukraine. Moscow's withdrawal from the Black Sea agreement has fuelled concerns of a global food crisis.

Russia will always be a responsible international supplier of agricultural products and will continue to support the countries and region in need by offering free grain and other supplies, the Russian leader said.

He declared at the summit's opening Thursday that Burkina Faso, Zimbabwe, Mali, Somalia, Eritrea and Central African Republic each will receive 25,000 to 50,000 tons of Russian grain in the next three to four months.

In comparison, the UN World Food Programme shipped 725,000 tons of grain to several countries including Somalia under the Black Sea deal.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres responded to Putin's pledge of no-cost grain shipments by noting that such donations of grain can't compensate for the impact of Moscow's cutoff of grain exports from Ukraine, which along with Russia is a top supplier to the world market.

Guterres said the UN is in contact with Turkiye, Ukraine, Russia and other countries to try to reestablish the deal that saw Ukraine export more than 32 million tons of grain, allowing global food prices to drop significantly.

The deal brokered a year ago by the UN and Turkiye reopened Ukrainian Black Sea ports blocked by fighting and provided assurances that ships entering them wouldn't be attacked. Russia declined to renew the agreement last week, complaining that its own exports were being held up.

Putin used the summit to repeat his accusations against the West of obstructing the export of Russian grain and fertilizers, including proposed no-cost supplies of fertilizers to Africa.

The Russia-Africa summit marks a renewed Kremlin effort to bolster ties with a continent of 1.3 billion people that is increasingly assertive on the global stage. Africa's 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 criticising Russia's actions in Ukraine.

Only 17 heads of state were at the summit, compared to 43 at the first Russia-Africa summit in 2019, a sharp drop in attendance that the Kremlin has attributed to what it described as outrageous Western pressure to discourage African countries from showing up.

Putin hailed Africa's role in the emerging multipolar world order, noting that the era of hegemony of one or several countries is receding into the past, albeit not without resistance on the part of those who got used to their own uniqueness and monopoly in global affairs".

Russia and Africa are united by an innate desire to defend true sovereignty and the right to their own distinctive path of development in the political, economic, social, cultural and other spheres, he said.

He said Russia plans to expand trade and economic ties with Africa and continue efforts to relieve their debt burden by writing off another USD 90 million of their debts.

Putin noted that Moscow also stands ready to bolster defense ties with African countries by helping train their military and expanding supplies of military equipment, some of them on a no-cost basis. (AP) PY

PY
Niamey (Niger), Jul 28 (AP) The general who led a coup in Niger defended the takeover on state television on Friday and asked for support from the nation and international partners, as concerns grew that the political crisis could set back the country's fight against jihadists and increase Russia's influence in West Africa.

Various factions of Niger's military have reportedly wrangled for control since members of the presidential guard detained President Mohamed Bazoum, who was elected two years ago in Niger's first peaceful, democratic transfer of power since independence from France.

As Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani spoke, state TV identified him as the leader of the group of soldiers who said they staged the coup, and his appearance seemed to be an effort to show he was in charge.

Niger is seen as the last reliable partner for the West in efforts to battle jihadists linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group in Africa's Sahel region, where Russia and Western countries have vied for influence in the fight against extremism. France has 1,500 soldiers in the country who conduct joint operations with the Nigeriens, and the United States and other European countries have helped train the nation's troops.

Extremists in Niger have carried out attacks on civilians and military personnel, but the overall security situation is not as dire as in neighbouring Mali and Burkina Faso  both of which have ousted the French military.

Mali has turned to the Russian private military group Wagner, and it's believed the mercenaries will soon be in Burkina Faso.

Now there are concerns Niger could follow suit. Even before the coup, Wagner, which has sent mercenaries around the world in support of Russia's interests, already had its sights set on Niger, in part because it's a large producer of uranium.

We can no longer continue with the same approaches proposed so far, at the risk of witnessing the gradual and inevitable demise of our country, Tchiani, who also goes by Omar Tchiani, said in the address. "That is why we decided to intervene and take responsibility.

I ask the technical and financial partners who are friends of Niger to understand the specific situation of our country in order to provide it with all the support necessary to enable it to meet the challenges, he said.

If the takeover is designated a coup by the United States, Niger stands to lose millions of dollars of military aid and assistance.

Later, state TV aired a statement from the mutinous soldiers, who call themselves the National Council for the Safeguarding of the Country, accusing some prominent dignitaries of collaborating with foreign embassies in an effort to extract the deposed leaders. The statement warned that would lead to violence and also warned against foreign military intervention.

Bazoum has not resigned and he defiantly tweeted from detention on Thursday that democracy would prevail.

It's not clear who enjoys the support of most of the population, but the streets of the capital of Niamey were calm Friday, with a slight celebratory air. Some cars honked in solidarity at security forces as they drove by  but it was not clear if that meant they backed the coup. Elsewhere, people rested after traditional midday prayers and others sold goods at their shops.

A day earlier, several hundred people gathered in the capital, Niamey, that day and chanted support for Wagner while waving Russian flags. We're fed up, said Omar Issaka, one of the protestors. We are tired of being targeted by the men in the bush. ... We're going to collaborate with Russia now.

That's exactly what many in the West likely fear. Tchiani's criticism of Bazoum's approach and of how security partnerships have worked in the past will certainly make the US, France, and the EU uneasy, said Andrew Lebovich, a research fellow with the Clingendael Institute.

So that could mark potentially some shifts moving forward in Niger security partnerships, he said.

Even as Tchiani sought to project control, the situation appeared to be in flux. A delegation from neighbouring Nigeria hoping to mediate left shortly after arriving, and the president of Benin, nominated as a mediator by West Africa's regional bloc ECOWAS, had not arrived.

The bloc scheduled an emergency meeting for Sunday in Nigerian capital of Abuja.

Earlier, an analyst who had spoken with participants in the talks said that the presidential guard was negotiating with the army about who should be in charge. The analyst spoke on condition they not to be named because of the sensitive situation.

A western military official in Niger who was not authorised to speak publicly to the media also said that the military factions were believed to be negotiating, and that situation remained tense and violence could erupt.

Speaking in Papua New Guinea, French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the coup as completely illegitimate and profoundly dangerous for the Nigeriens, Niger and the whole region.

In comments to French media, French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna said Macron has spoken several times to Bazoum and that the detained leader says that he is good health.

Colonna said that there was still time to end what she described as an attempted coup.

If you are hearing me speak of an attempted coup, that's because we do not regard things as definitive, Colonna was quoted as saying.

The coup threatens to starkly reshape the international community's engagement with the Sahel region.

On Thursday, US Vice President Kamala Harris said the country's substantial cooperation with the Government of Niger is contingent on Niger's continued commitment to democratic standards".

The United States in early 2021 said it had provided Niger with more than USD 500 million in military assistance and training programmes since 2012, one of the largest such support programmes in sub-Saharan Africa. The European Union earlier this year launched a 27 million-euro (USD 30 million) military training mission in Niger.

The United States has more than 1,000 service personnel in the country.

Some military leaders who appear to be involved in the coup have worked closely with the United States for years. Gen. Moussa Salaou Barmou, the head of Niger's special forces, has an especially strong relationship with the U.S., the Western military official said.

While Russia has also condemned the coup, it remains unclear what the junta's position with regards to the Wagner group will be.

This is Niger's fifth coup and marks the fall of one of the the last democratically elected governments in the Sahel.

Its army has always been very powerful and civilian-military relations fraught, though tensions had increased recently, especially with the growing jihadist insurgency, said Karim Manuel, an analyst for the Middle East and Africa with the Economist Intelligence Unit. (AP) PY

PY
Moscow, Jul 28 (AP) The Russian Defence Ministry said on Friday it shot down a Ukrainian missile over the southern Russian city of Taganrog, about 40 kilometres (about 24 miles ) east of the border with Ukraine, and local officials reported 15 people were injured.

Debris fell on the city, it added, alleging that Ukraine fired the missile as part of a terror attack.

The statement follows media reports of an explosion in a residential area of Taganrog. (AP) PY

PY
Washington/Islamabad, Jul 28 (PTI) Several influential American lawmakers have urged the Pakistan government to announce an election date and allow international monitoring to ensure the process is free, fair and transparent, linking human rights and democracy in the country to better ties with the US.

The demand by members of the Congress came during an event, 'Status of Human Rights and Democracy in Pakistan', leading Pakistani media outlets reported from Washington on Friday.

During the event, critical issues in coup-prone Pakistan, including human rights violations, missing persons, upcoming general elections, politically-motivated arrests, as well as the significance of free media, and democracy came under discussion, the reports said.

Pakistan's current National Assembly will complete its five-year term on August 12 and the fresh general election must be conducted within 60 days as laid down in the Constitution of Pakistan.

But if the assembly is dissolved prematurely, even if by a day, it would give the government 90 days to conduct elections. The caretaker prime minister will administer the country until a new government is formed after the general elections.

"This is a difficult time for Pakistan. America is dedicated to the rule of law and democracy, more than we are dedicated to whether this prime minister or that prime minister agrees with us on this or that foreign policy issue," Congressman Brad Sherman said.

He said that US lawmakers look forward to free, transparent and monitored elections as required by Pakistani law, which he believes is "either in October or early November depending upon how things work out".

Discussing issues facing Pakistan, some US lawmakers urged the government not to try civilians in military courts as well as to repeal or change the blasphemy law.

The powerful Pakistan Army has ruled the coup-prone country for more than half of its 75-plus years of existence and has wielded considerable power in matters of security and foreign policy.

During the almost two-hour-long event, the Pakistani government was repeatedly urged to announce an election date and allow international monitoring to ensure free, fair and transparent elections.

Congressman Kweisi Mfume even demanded that "the oversight should come from the United Nations."

Mfume is one of the most influential members of Congress, associated with at least seven committees and six caucuses. He is also a former president of Americas largest rights group, the National Association for the Advancement of Coloured People (NAACP).

The call by American lawmakers came as the Pakistan government sought to appoint a person acceptable to all sides as the caretaker prime minister.

Congressmen Ted Lieu, Adam Schiff and Mike Levin emphasised the need to uphold human rights and stand up for democratic values and freedom of speech.

Levin underlined the need to ensure that human rights and democratic values are "upheld in countries like Pakistan, where violations are common.

Lieu noted that Pakistan was a critical US ally and upholding human rights and democracy would further strengthen this relationship.

Schiff emphasised the need to stand up for democracy, freedom of speech and human rights. He also suggested announcing a date for elections.

Congressman Eric Swalwell said: We pick no sides. We are on the side of democracy and human rights."

While Congresswoman Judy Chu declared that the American alliance with Pakistan was important for safety and security in South Asia, she added what was happening in Pakistan now is a threat to its own security.

Sherman, who is also a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said that there are two things that the State Department needs to say diplomatically that I will say, perhaps, undiplomatically.

"First, the relationship of the US with Pakistan depends upon fair, free, monitored and transparent elections. Second, any assassination of a journalist on American soil is an attack on America and our sovereignty and I cant imagine that that would be tolerated.

Costa said that he hoped Pakistan gets on a much better track". Since the end of the British rule, he continued, two things are constant: corruption and the Army.

Free and fair elections, democratic governments and protection of human rights are essential to make the progress that the people of Pakistan deserve and need," he added.

He went on to stress the need for the US to develop "a much more coherent diplomatic strategy to get the good results that we all seek- the goals that we would like to seek for a longstanding good relationship between the US and Pakistan".

Notably, the comments come days after the US said that democratic principles and respect for the rule of law were central to the Pak-US relationship and the values would continue to guide this bilateral partnership forward.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken this week said after his telephone call to Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari that Washington supported a productive, democratic and prosperous partnership with Pakistan.
Athens, Jul 28 (AP) Pope Francis urged governments to do more to fight climate change and protect our common home as improving weather conditions Friday helped firefighters contain wildfires in Greece, Italy and other countries in southern Europe.

Francis, who has been outspoken on environmental issues, sent a telegram of condolences to Greece, where wildfires killed five people over the past week, including the pilots of a water-dropping aircraft.

The pope noted that successive heat waves have exacerbated the dangers of the summer fire season. He offered his prayers for firefighters and emergency personnel in particular.

(I hope) that the risks to our common home, exacerbated by the present climate crisis, will spur all people to renew their efforts to care for the gift of creation, for the sake of future generations, Francis said.

Fueled by the heat waves and strong gusts of wind, wildfires in Europe's Mediterranean region have kept travelers and residents on alert. In Greece, fires scorched hundreds of square kilometers of land outside Athens, on the island of Rhodes and elsewhere this month.

As the situation improved considerably on Friday, Greece's minister for the police unexpectedly stepped down, citing personal grounds. Greek media said Notis Mitarachi's resignation was requested after it emerged he had been on a family holiday during the wildfire crisis.

The main opposition Syriza party issued a statement accusing the center-right government of using personal grounds as a euphemism for (Mitarachi's) holidays while the country was burning from end to end.

In central Greece, authorities maintained an exclusion zone around one of the country's largest air force bases after a wildfire triggered powerful explosions at a nearby ammunition depot Thursday. Fighter jets stationed at the 111th Combat Wing base were moved to other facilities.

The depot blasts near the central city of Volos shattered windows in nearby towns and prompted the evacuation of more than 2,000 people. Local news broadcasts showed a ground-shaking fireball erupting.

Residents were rushed onto private boats mobilized by the coast guard and taken to a conference center in Volos, some 20 kilometers (12.5 miles) from the weapons storage site. A civilian traffic ban and evacuation order remained in effect Friday within a 3-kilometer (2-mile) radius of the depot.

The explosions did not affect flights at Volos international airport, officials told The Associated Press.

A drop in temperatures and calmer winds helped firefighters get a handle on the blazes in Greece and all major fires were contained by midday Friday, Greek Fire Service officials said.

Conditions also improved elsewhere in Europe's Mediterranean regions thanks to cooler temperatures, allowing firefighters to contain wildfires along the Croatian coast and in Sicily.

Firefighting teams in Turkey also brought a wildfire burning close to the southern Mediterranean resort of Kemer under control, four days after it erupted, Ibrahim Yumakli, the country's forestry minister, said.

The governments of the countries hit by heat waves and fires have steered public debate away from the potential impact on tourism. Rhodes, where a fire last weekend required about 19,000 people to be evacuated from several locations on the island, was promised state support Friday for its international advertising campaign.

In Germany, Health Minister Karl Lauterbach sought Friday to address Italian irritation over a mid-July social media post in which he described the heat wave he encountered on a visit to Italy as spectacular and added that if it goes on like this, these vacation destinations will have no future in the long term.

Lauterbach told reporters in Berlin that he wasn't warning against vacations in southern Europe and plans to visit Italy again himself.

Of course, it is more difficult now for the southern countries to organize heat protection in such a way that it is also accessible for every tourist, but I think those countries will know exactly what they have to do, he said.

Vassilis Kikilias, the Greek minister for climate change and civil protection, said fires had burned 400 square kilometers (155 square miles) of land in the country in July alone, while the recent average is 500 square kilometers (nearly 200 square miles) in a year.

Is the situation any better in other countries bordering the Mediterranean? It's a fair question ... but the answer is no, Kikilias said.

The climate crisis that brought us this unprecedented heat wave is here. It's not a theory. It is our actual experience, he said. This is not something that will just occur this year. It will last and we have to face the consequences of what that means. (AP) MRJ

MRJ
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 28. Euronews has showcased the footage of the Global Media Forum that took place in Azerbaijans Shusha city from July 21 to July 23.

Hundreds of delegates gathered this month in the Azerbaijani city of Susha to take part in the Global Media Forum, an event which brought together experts, business leaders and media representatives for three days of talks.

The event was opened by Azerbaijan's President Iham Aliyev, and panelists discussed disinformation, the safety of journalists, the differences between traditional and new media, and the impact of AI on journalism, says the publication.
Mumbai, Jul 28 (PTI) Police have arrested a 47-year-old professor for allegedly sexually harassing a woman doctor on a Delhi-Mumbai flight, an official said on Friday.

The incident took place on Wednesday, he said.

The 24-year-old victim and the accused were seated next to each other on the flight, which took off at 5.30 am from Delhi, the police official said.

"In her complaint, the woman doctor said that the accused touched her inappropriately some time before the flight was about to land at the Mumbai airport," he said.

An argument broke out between the two passengers, following which the victim informed the flight's crew members, who intervened. After the flight landed at the Mumbai airport, they went to Sahar police station, he added.

Based on the complaint filed by the victim, a case of sexual harassment was registered against the professor and he was arrested, the police official said.

The accused was produced in a court, which granted him bail, he said, adding that a probe was on.
Mumbai, Jul 28 (PTI) Mumbai police commissioner Vivek Phansalkar on Friday said the force was aiming to provide training in cyber crime investigation to every personnel to curb the menace.

He was speaking at an event in which 13 special cyber cells were launched with the support of State Bank of India under 'Project Cyber Shield'.

The digital world has reached every home, every street, every person, every vendor and continued to grow, he said, adding that technology cuts both ways, bringing ease in daily operations and also throwing up risks.

Criminals have found better, greener and easier pastures in the world of cyber crime, especially with regard to bank transactions, the commissioner said.

Along with the police, which has the responsibility of registering such crimes, probing them and bringing the accused to justice, it is also for the banking sector to ensure the system becomes more secure, Phansalkar said.

"It is not just 13 police stations, we aim at training every constable and officer of Mumbai Police in the field of the cyber crime and cyber investigations because this fear is wide open, the volume is increasing and we need to tackle it with all our might," he said.

Mumbai police already has a cyber unit in each police station and it is necessary to build capacities to effectively curb the menace of cyber crimes, including sextortion, blackmail and cheating, he said, adding that SBI would support the training mechanism for each police station.

Speaking on the occasion, SBI chairperson Dinesh Khara said he had seen cases in which people have lost their lifetime savings to cyber fraudsters and pointed out that many of the victims were educated and held senior positions.

It clearly meant those involved in cyber frauds were miles ahead, Khara added.

Special Commissioner of Police Deven Bharti said only 5 per cent cases were being reported and people were not aware about what to do and where to lodge complaints.

Mumbai police has a helpline for victims and all efforts are taken to block money with the help of banks, Bharti said.

In the last 11 months, Mumbai police had managed to block Rs 14 crore, he added.

Mumbai police was the first to start a cyber police station in 2007-8, he said.
Ahmedabad, Jul 27 (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting with Gujarat ministers at the Raj Bhavan in Gandhinagar on Thursday night, sources said.



During the meeting with the PM, who is on a two-day Gujarat visit, each minister shared details about major schemes and projects being implemented at present by their respective departments and also their future plans, they said.



All members of the Council of Ministers in the BJP government attended the meet.



Modi reached Gandhinagar in the evening after attending programmes in Rajkot, where he arrived earlier in the day.



On the second day of the visit to his home state, the PM is scheduled to inaugurate an exhibition on the semiconductor industry at the Mahatma Mandir convention centre in the state capital on Friday.



On Thursday, he inaugurated a greenfield international airport near Rajkot city and other development projects.



He also addressed a gathering in Rajkot city.
Kolkata, Jul 28 (PTI) Bangladesh is working to enable its people to watch more Indian films in theatres, the country's Information and Broadcasting Minister Muhammad Hasan Mahmud has said.

Inaugurating the 5th Bangladesh Film Festival at Nandan in Kolkata on Thursday, he called for enhanced cultural exchanges between the two nations.

"I was overwhelmed to learn about the 800-metre-long queue outside Nandan to see 'Haowa'. The same cloud sheds rain in both the countries. No barbed wire can snap the bonding of our hearts," he said.

Referring to the increasing popularity of music videos and web series made in the two countries on both sides of the border, he said, "We should not put fetters on such cultural exchanges."

Mahmud said his government is working to enable its people watch more Indian films in theatres.

"We have facilitated the release of 10 Hindi films in Bangladesh," he said.

He said both India and Bangladesh are facing the same issue -- single screens closing down and multiplexes coming up.

"Both of us have to fight the trend," he added.

West Bengal's Education Minister Bratya Basu said literary works have made the barbed wire and politics irrelevant.

Eminent director Goutam Ghose, who was also present at the programme, said, "I hope people of Kolkata will enjoy Bangladeshi films."

Twenty-four films, including Radio, Gunin and Beauty Circus, will be screened at Nandan complex as a part of the festival, which will continue till July 31.
Ranchi, July 28 (PTI) The opposition BJP staged demonstrations outside the main entrance of Jharkhand Assembly on the first day of the monsoon session on Friday demanding CBI probe into the killing of a CPI(M) leader in the state and resignation of Chief Minister Hemant Soren over the alleged deterioration in the law and order situation.

State BJP president Babulal Marandi said the law and order situation in the state has "deteriorated from bad to worse" in Jharkhand.

"The job of the police is to nab criminals, but the government is using it as a tool for its own purposes," he said.



The BJP leaders and supporters waved placards demanding Soren's resignation and CBI probe into murder.

An SIT has been formed for investigating the case.

Another BJP leader Amar Bauri said that the majority of the crimes are being committed for possession of land and claimed that they were being carried out under Soren's patronage. "We demand the chief minister's resignation."

BJP chief whip Biranchi Narayan said earlier the Santhal Parganas region was unsafe for citizens due to rising crime against women. "Now capital Ranchi is also not safe".

CPI-M leader Subhash Munda was shot dead at his office at Daldali Chowk here on Wednesday by three motorcycle-borne miscreants, who allegedly pumped seven bullets in him. The case should be handed over to CBI, Narayan said.

AJSU leader Ajay Munda was shot at just a day before and his condition is critical, he said.



Congress minister Banna Gupta stoutly countered the allegations and said the police are doing their work efficiently.

"The opposition is unnecessarily creating a hue and cry," he added.



About the progress in the Subhash Munda murder case, senior superintendent of police Ranchi Kishore Kaushal when asked told PTI, "Investigation is in progress and we will reach the conclusion in the case soon. Many people are being interrogated."



On Thursday tribal organisations held a bandh here to protest against the CPI(M) leader's murder.



The officer-in-charge of Nagri police station was suspended after the killing of the CPI(M) leader.



Hundreds of tribals from different organisations took to the streets here on Thursday during the Ranchi bandh demanding immediate arrest of the assailants.
Dumka/Jamshedpur, Jul 28 (PTI) A dreaded gangster, wanted in at least 30 criminal cases, was shot dead near a temple in Jharkhand's Dumka district in the early hours of Friday by men who were dressed as 'kanwariyas', police said.

Amarnath Singh, a resident of Jamshedpur, went to Basukinath temple in Dumka along with his family to offer obeisance in the holy month of 'Shravan' when the gunmen shot him from point blank range, they said.

The incident happened near Nandi Chowk around 12.45 am, said Dumka's Superintendent of Police (SP) Amber Lakra.

Six empty cartridges were found at the spot, he said, adding that the post-mortem would reveal the exact number of bullets he received.

Around 30-40 criminal cases were pending against Singh, most of which were registered in Jamshedpur, the SP said.

The gunmen are yet to be identified, he said.

They took advantage of the ongoing 'Shravan Mela' and executed their plan by dressing up like 'kanwariyas', Lakra said.

Millions of devotees, known as 'kanwariyas', undertake the 'Kanwar Yatra' every year during the month of 'Shravan' to fetch holy water from the Ganga and carry them on their shoulders for kilometres to offer it to Shiva temples. The 'kanwariyas' usually dress in saffron outfits.

"It seems the incident is an outcome of gang rivalry," the SP said, maintaining that an investigation is underway.

Almost simultaneously, six members of Singh's gang were arrested from East Singhbhum district following an encounter with police on National Highway 33 in Ghatsila police station area.

One of those arrested suffered injury in the leg, while some police personnel also sustained minor injuries in the gunfight, officials said.

East Singhbhum's SSP Prabhat Kumar said "criminals" should mend their ways or face stringent action.
Aizawl, Jul 28 (PTI) Mizoram Deputy Chief Minister and Mizo National Front (MNF)senior vice president Tawnluia on Friday claimed that the party has been making efforts to bring all Zo ethnic tribes under one administrative unit.

Addressing a party meeting at the MNF office here, Tawnluia claimed that the re-unification of all Zo tribes and bringing them under one administrative unit was the main agenda at the time of signing the Mizoram peace accord with the Centre in 1986.

"The MNF constitution also mentions the re-unification of all Zo ethnic people and bringing them under one administrative unit. We have been pressing the Centre on this issue till now," he said.

The deputy chief minister said "Although we have been separated by geographical boundaries, we share ethnic ties and are emotionally attached. The MNF has been dreaming of living under one administrative unit and we are trying to champion this from the beginning."

He claimed that the issues of bringing the Zo tribes under one administrative unit and the state political boundary were widely discussed during parleys before the signing of the Mizo peace accord.

The Zo ethnic tribes live mainly in three countries - India, Bangladesh and Myanmar.

They are known by different nomenclatures like the Mizos (Mizoram), Chin (Myanmar), Kuki-Chin (Bangladesh) and Kukis (Manipur)

They are scattered in at least six northeastern states- Mizoram, Manipur, Assam, Tripura, Nagaland and Meghalaya.
Agartala, Jul 28 (PTI) A senior Ministry of Home Affairs official held separate meetings with two tribal parties of Tripura - opposition Tipra Motha, and the IPFT which is an ally of the ruling BJP - on the indigenous people's problems in the northeastern state.

A K Mishra, the advisor of Ministry of Home Affairs for Northeast, also met several samajpatis (village heads) of the state.

We had a meeting with the MHA advisor A K Mishra and placed our core demand in Delhi on Thursday, Tipra Motha leader Animesh Debbarma who attended the meeting told reporters at the airport here after returning from the national capital.

Tipra Motha, the main opposition party of Tripura, has been demanding a separate state for tribals.

Party supremo Pradyot Kishore Debbarma on Thursday said that a party delegation had held an official meeting with MHA officials, but did not specify the issues discussed.

Five months of trolling, abuse, insults end today as we officially meet the HM officials along with other organisations. I pray that the almighty gives some enlightenment to those who made fun of me in the last few months, Debbarma had said in a Twitter post.

On Friday, he said he is glad that the Indigenous Peoples Front of Tripura (IPFT) has raised a similar demand.

We have not compromised on the future of the Tiprasa people and I am glad the IPFT also has raised the common demand of Tipraland. If we remain united we will achieve something. Further Discussion will be held at a later date, he added.

Earlier on July 1, Debbarma had called on Union Home Minister Amit Shah and urged him to bring a "Constitutional solution" to its demand for "Greater Tipraland".

He had also discussed with Shah and BJP president JP Nadda on this issue after the swearing-in ceremony of the saffron party-led government here in March.

The concept of Greater Tipraland state has not been specified, though it is supposed to include parts of several other northeastern states and Bangladesh, besides Tripura.

In the party's plenary session held on July 16, Tipra Motha endorsed greater Tipraland as its core demand for a constitutional solution to the problems of indigenous people.
New Delhi, Jul 28 (PTI) British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is very much looking forward to attending the G20 Summit in New Delhi in September, UK High Commissioner in India Alex Ellis said on Friday.

Interacting with PTI on the sidelines of a preview of an art exhibition here, Ellis said he thought it was "great" that India is in the chair of the G20.

India assumed the G20 presidency on December 1, 2022.

About 200 meetings under different tracks of the bloc will be hosted across the country, culminating in the September 9-10 Summit.

"I think it's great, I think it's great that India is in the chair of the G20," Ellis told PTI when asked about India's role as G20 chair.

"Because, the world is quite divided at the moment, unfortunately, because of the Russian invasion of Ukraine," he added.

Praising the "vibrant" culture and diversity of India that has been attracting people from all over the world, the UK envoy, said, "India is a unique country to bring the world to it. And, India has always fascinated the rest of the world, because of this (art, culture)... because of its different shapes and styles, colours, and it attracts people".

On culture being an important element of the G20, Ellis said he hoped art can be replicated where G20 brings people from all over the world.

As India prepares for the mega G20 Summit to be hosted at a newly-inaugurated complex at Pragati Maidan in Delhi, the UK high commissioner said, "Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is very much looking forward" to the Leaders Summit.

The UK high commissioner earlier took a round at the art exhibition 'Cut from the Same Cloth' by Seema Kohli, hosted at the iconic Bikaner House, which will open to the public from Saturday and will be on view till August 4.

On Culture Working Group meetings taking place in the run-up to the G20 summit, Ellis said, "Culture can attract, it can explain, and what is also fundamental to what is to be a human being".

Of many nations, and India and the UK, and all over the world, "everyone has culture and if you can find a way to connect that, you can do a great thing," he said, referring to the theme of India's presidency of the G20 -- One Earth. One Family. One Future.

The UK government is looking forward to Prime Minister Sunak's visit to New Delhi in September for the G20 summit, UK's Minister of State for Media, Tourism and Creative Industries, Sir John Whittingdale, had last month told PTI in Goa.

He had said this after attending the G20 Tourism Ministerial meeting that had concluded on June 22. Whittingdale had also said that India is doing a fantastic job in chairing the influential bloc.

At the art exhibition in Delhi, high commissioner Ellis shared how art lets him understand India more.

"Anyone who comes from the outside... I come from the UK, you are very curious about a new country, what is the country about. How do I understand this country. And, one way to look at a country is to look at its art. So it's fantastic to have artists who can interpret art," he said.

Artists can make you look at colours and shape and form, and through that one begins to understand, he said.

"Because, India is a very big, very complicated country. And, one of the pleasures is to meet the artists, and see fantastic arts, and a way which helps me understand India," the envoy added.
New Delhi, Jul 28 (PTI) The CBI, which is probing six cases related to violence in Manipur, has not made any arrest so far, officials said on Friday.

In accordance with the procedure, the federal agency took over the FIRs from the state police last month and the investigation is continuing, they said.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has not made the FIRs public even after a month of re-registering those, considering the delicate circumstances in which it is probing these cases.

The agency formed a special investigation team (SIT) under a DIG-rank officer in June to investigate the six cases referred to it by the Union home ministry, the officials said.

Teams of the agency are investigating the cases in tough circumstances, they said, adding that they often face hostile crowds, blockades and protests and it is difficult to find witnesses in a state facing sharp faultlines on ethnic grounds.

"So far, the CBI has not arrested anyone in connection with the six FIRs related to the Manipur violence cases. The investigation is continuing," one of the officials said.

Violence broke out in Manipur after a "Tribal Solidarity March" was organised in the hill districts of the northeastern state on May 3 to protest against the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. Hundreds of people have lost their lives and many have been injured in the violence.

The clashes were preceded by tension over the eviction of Kuki villagers from reserve forest land, which had led to a series of smaller agitations.

Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipur's population and live mostly in the Imphal valley. Tribals, including Nagas and Kukis, account for another 40 per cent of the population and reside in the hill districts.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 28. 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 28. At this stage, another 16 families (56 people) moved to the city of Lachin.

Thus, as many as 168 families (647 people) were provided with permanent residence in the city of Lachin.

Moreover, a total of 19 families (89 people) were relocated to the city of Lachin on July 25.
New Delhi, Jul 28 (PTI) The AAP on Friday slammed the Delhi Police and the Lieutenant Governor over the murders of two women in the national capital in a span of 24 hours.

AAP supremo and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal while citing the "merciless murders" urged the LG and the Union Home minister to direct the police to be more active in the city.

"Another daughter in Delhi was brutally murdered. Its very sad. Law and order has become a serious issue in Delhi. It's requested to LG and Home minister to get the police activated a little more...Safety of Delhi's daughters and people is very important," Kejriwal said in a tweet in Hindi.

A 42-year-old woman was allegedly shot dead by a man known to her in Dwarka on Thursday evening.

Similarly, a woman in her twenties was allegedly killed by a man known to her in the Malviya Nagar area on Friday over her refusal to marry him.

"It is the responsibility of the LG to provide security to women by making Delhi crime-free, but he is not doing anything," alleged AAP MLA from Malviya Nagar Somnath Bharti.

He said no one should politicise such occasions but the facts should not be ignored either.

"Those who have been entrusted with the responsibility will be questioned. The responsibility to ensure a crime-free and safe environment for women in Delhi lies with the Center's representative," Bharti said.
New Delhi, Jul 28 (PTI) The Delhi High Court on Friday gave interim bail to former Rajya Sabha MP Vijay Darda, his son Devender and businessman Manoj Kumar Jayaswal, who were sentenced to four years in jail in a case related to irregularities in the allocation of a coal block in Chhattisgarh.

Justice Dinesh Kumar Sharma issued notice and sought the Central Bureau of Investigation's response on appeals filed by the three men challenging their conviction and sentence in the case.

The high court also asked the CBI to file its response to the convicts pleas seeking suspension of their four-year jail term.

The Dardas and Jayaswal, who were on bail during the trial, were taken into custody on July 26, immediately after the trial court passed the sentencing order.

The CBI counsel opposed the plea for suspension of the sentence and said they will file a detailed reply.

The high court has listed the matter for further hearing on September 26.
(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)
Rameswaram, July 28 (PTI) BJP top leader and Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday slammed the Congress and its allies, including the DMK, saying nothing would happen by changing the name of their alliance to INDIA.



Shah was addressing a rally here, ahead of kick-starting Tamil Nadu BJP President K Annamalai's state-wide 'En Mann, En Makkal (My Land, My People)' padayatra.



"When Congress and its allies, including the DMK, go to the people seeking votes, the public would remember the corruption, including the 2G scam and CommonWealth Games scam during the UPA regime, he said.



Congress and its allies have recently formed the alliance INDIA, ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls to take on the BJP.



Taking forward Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Tamil pitch, Shah said Modi honoured Tamil culture by installing the 'sengol' in the new parliament building.



He hit out at the DMK regime, calling it the most corrupt in the nation and said the BJP's yatra is an attempt to usher in politics of development and good governance in Tamil Nadu.
Bengaluru, Jul 28 (PTI) In a breach of protocol, an AirAsia flight took off from the Kempegowda International Airport here on Thursday without taking Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot on board, though he was waiting at the airport lounge, official sources said.





The protocol officers of the Governor have lodged a complaint at the Airport police station, a police officer told PTI requesting anonymity.







According to sources, Gehlot was supposed to fly to Hyderabad on Thursday afternoon from Terminal-2 from where he was to visit Raichur by road to attend a convocation.







As soon as the AirAsia flight arrived, Gehlot's luggage was loaded in it. However, there was said to be a delay in Gehlot reaching the terminal, the sources added.







By the time he could reach from the VIP lounge to take the flight, the plane took off for Hyderabad, sources said.







The Governor had to take another flight after 90 minutes to reach Hyderabad, the sources added.







Meanwhile, the Governor House officials were tight-lipped on the issue.







AirAsia officials were not available for comment.







An official of the Bangalore International Airport Limited, which operates KIA, said, "We usually do not comment on airline related matters. Please check with AirAsia."
New Delhi, Jul 28 (PTI) Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal on Friday said a bill to replace the ordinance promulgated for the creation of an authority for transfers and postings of Group-A officers in Delhi will be taken up by Lok Sabha next week.

The law and justice minister was informing the House about the business listed for the coming week.

A number of notices submitted by opposition leaders to move a statutory resolution opposing the controversial ordinance will also be taken up when the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill is tabled in the House.

The Lok Sabha Secretariat has admitted notices submitted by several opposition leaders including Congress' Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, TMC's Saugata Roy and DMK's A Raja, N K Premchandran and Dean Kuriakose.

The Union Cabinet on Tuesday gave its nod to the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, which will replace the ordinance promulgated by the Centre on May 19.

The controversial ordinance was promulgated 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.

It facilitated the setting up of a National Capital Civil Service Authority (NCCSA) 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.

Kejriwal's AAP, which is also a part of the opposition coalition INDIA, has reacted strongly against the ordinance, saying the Centre had "deceived" the people of Delhi.

The Congress and other opposition parties have also come out against the ordinance.
Westerly, RI (02891)

Today

Partly to mostly cloudy. High 84F. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Clear to partly cloudy. Low 63F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph.




A cancer prevention and awareness event that attracted more than 250 attendees was held this week in the UKs Manchester community to educate local residents on the importance of early detection and prevention.

The event was organized by Lev Chaim and was sponsored by Berman construction. Lev Chaim supports the Jewish community in early diagnosis in cancer by fast tracking appointments with renowned doctors.

The event was emceed by R Eisenberg and commenced with opening words from R Wreschner Shlita, followed by a presentation from Dr. Joe Geraghty, a consultant gastroenterologist and an expert in the full range of diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy.

Dr. Geraghty was followed by a presentation from Dr. Gulamhusein, a consultant urological surgeon who specializes in complex open and robotic retroperitoneal surgery. He has a keen interest in medical education and was a previous lead for the urology module at the Sheffield Medical School

A member of the community then spoke about his own experience with Lev Chaim, how his cancer was caught in its early stages, and how this allowed him to he require surgery, but no additional difficult treatments.

The evening concluded with closing words from Dr. Hibbert.

The organizers of the event hope that it will help raise awareness of the importance of early detection and prevention of cancer in the community. It is their goal to help ensure that people know the risks and signs of cancer and have the resources they need to seek out the necessary treatments.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 28. Major repairs and maintenance work are being carried out on the Horadiz-Zangilan highway, the State Agency of Azerbaijan Automobile Roads told Trend.

Reconstruction works were launched in accordance with the decree of the President of Azerbaijan "On measures related to the overhaul of the existing HoradizZangilan highway on the territory of the Zangilan district, which is part of the East Zangezur Economic Region".

In addition, work is being done on the 61.4 km portion of the Horadiz-Zangilan motorway (the M6 Hajigabul-Bahramtepe-Minjivan-Armenian state border).

Furthermore, the width of the roadbed, which has been rebuilt in line with the III technical category, is 12 meters.

Major repairs are being carried out on four portions of the road as part of the project: 173.6-189, 189-205, 205-220, and 220-235 km.

Work is under underway to remove the present asphalt pavement along the road, as well as to drill, pour, and build the roadbed and road base, as well as to build culverts of various sizes to assure water passage, repair bridges, and lay communication lines.

The project is being implemented in line with the "Construction Norms and Rules" under the supervision of the State Agency of Azerbaijan Automobile Roads, according to the stipulated schedule and in accordance with the technological sequence.

Furthermore, the appropriate amount of people and equipment has been drawn to the territory to ensure that building works are completed on time.

The Horadiz-Zangilan highway is one of the road infrastructure projects being developed on the territory of the economic districts of Karabakh and East Zangezur, and it will play an essential role in the socioeconomic development of Azerbaijan's freed territories.

According to the order signed by President Ilham Aliyev, 31.4 million manat ($18.4 million) has been allocated for the overhaul of the Horadiz-Zangilan highway with the length of 61 km in the territory of the Zangilan district from the reserve fund of the President of Azerbaijan provided for in the state budget of Azerbaijan for 2023 to the State Agency of Azerbaijan Automobile Roads.




A teenager who killed four fellow students at a Michigan high school in 2021 wrote about his plans in a handwritten journal, detailing how he would target his victims and make himself famous, according to evidence offered Thursday.

The lead investigator was the first witness at a unique hearing to determine whether Ethan Crumbley will be sentenced to life in prison or receive a shorter term with an opportunity for parole.

Lt. Timothy Willis said a 22-page journal was found in a bathroom stall, apparently left behind by Crumbley before he emerged in a hallway at Oxford High School and began shooting.

I want America to hear what I did, Crumbley wrote. I will cause the largest school shooting in the state. I wish to hear the screams of the children as I shoot them.

Willis said Crumbley searched the internet for information about police emergency response times, prison sentences for teenagers and whether Michigan has the death penalty.

There is no dispute that Crumbley killed four fellow students and wounded seven other people. But because he was 15 at the time, he cant automatically be given a life sentence.

A no-parole sentence is rare for Michigan teens convicted of first-degree murder since the U.S. Supreme Court in 2012 said minors must be viewed differently than adults.

Life in prison will only be imposed on a juvenile whos believed to be incorrigible, unredeemable and with no reasonable expectation of rehabilitation, said Margaret Raben, former president of a statewide association of defense attorneys.

Judge Kwame Rowe has set aside at least two days for the hearing but isnt expected to make an immediate decision. Crumbleys lawyers will argue that he should be released at some point, claiming that the violence was the catastrophic climax of the teens untreated mental illness and abhorrent family life.

In her opening remarks, Oakland County prosecutor Karen McDonald said Crumbley was an offender like no other, meticulously planning the attack and willing to peacefully surrender to spend his life behind bars.

We must tell the truth. Our witnesses must tell the truth, and we will tell all of it, McDonald told the judge in support of a life sentence.

Crumbley, now 17, also could be given a minimum sentence somewhere from 25 years to 40 years. He would then be eligible for parole, though the parole board has much discretion to keep a prisoner in custody.

On the day of the shooting, Crumbley and his parents had met with school staff after a teacher was troubled by drawings that included a bloody body and a gun pointing at the words, The thoughts wont stop. Help me.

Crumbley was allowed to stay in school, about 40 miles (64 kilometers) north of Detroit, though his backpack was not checked for weapons. He later emerged from a bathroom with a pistol.

He pleaded guilty to 24 charges, including first-degree murder, attempted murder and terrorism. Prosecutors insist Crumbleys decisions cant be mitigated by his young age or immaturity.

Crumbley took extensive time to research, plan and prepare for the school shooting, and he expressly considered the results, risks and consequences of his actions  specifically contemplating that he would spend the rest of his life in prison, assistant prosecutor Marc Keast said in a court filing.

Crumbleys lawyers plan to offer testimony from an expert in child brain development and another who has spent time with the teen and performed psychological tests.

Crumbley is not one of those rare individuals who is irreparably corrupt and cant be rehabilitated, attorney Paulette Michel Loftin said in her opening statement.

Roughly 300 people who were serving mandatory life sentences have returned to Michigans local courts and received shorter sentences as a result of the Supreme Courts groundbreaking decisions about how to assess U.S. teens convicted of murder, according to the State Appellate Defender Office.

Crumbleys parents, James and Jennifer Crumbley, are separately charged with involuntary manslaughter in the shooting. Theyre accused of buying a gun for their son and ignoring his mental health needs.

(AP)




The day after Jan. 6, 2021, then-President Donald Trump denounced the rioters who violently stormed the Capitol building, breaking through barricades, battling law enforcement and sending members of Congress  who were set to formally certify his reelection loss  running for their lives.

Like all Americans, I am outraged by the violence, lawlessness and mayhem, he said in a video, condemning what he called a heinous attack.

That condemnation was delayed and only offered amid widespread criticism  including from fellow Republicans  for his role in sparking the mayhem. But 2 1/2 years later, any sign of regret or reprimand from Trump has vanished as he prepares to face federal criminal charges for his efforts to overturn the 2020 election.

Now the early but commanding front-runner in the 2024 Republican presidential primary, Trump regularly downplays the violence, lionizes the rioters as patriots and spreads false claims about who was involved. He has not only vowed to pardon a large portion of Jan. 6 defendants if he wins a second term, but he has also fundraised for them, befriended their families and collaborated on a song that became a surprise iTunes hit.

They were there proud, they were there with love in their heart.  And it was a beautiful day, Trump said at a recent CNN town hall. When asked if he had any regrets about his actions that day, Trump voiced no remorse and instead seemed most concerned about the lack of attention paid to his crowd size.

Jan. 6: It was the largest crowd Ive ever spoken to, he said.

Trump was always reluctant to condemn the actions of supporters spurred by his lies of a stolen election. As the violence unfolded, Trump ignored the desperate pleas of aides and allies to denounce the rioters and ask them to stand down. And when he did speak out, hours later, his response was tepid: He said he loved the rioters and shared their pain.

Trumps evolution began at a time when he was garnering relatively little mainstream media coverage. And it echoed the efforts of some Republicans in Congress, who had tried to recast the mob as nonviolent despite reams of video footage, public testimony and accounts from members of Congress, journalists and Capitol Police officers, 140 of whom were injured that day.

It also coincided with a broader shift in public opinion. Polling from Monmouth University showed that between March and November 2021, Republicans grew increasingly likely to say the anger that led to the Capitol attack was justified, with 54% saying the anger was either fully or partially justified in the fall  up from 40% that spring.

The Pew Research Center also found that, between March and September 2021, Republicans grew less likely to say it was important for law enforcement agencies to find and prosecute the rioters. Only 57% said that it was very or somewhat important in the fall, down from about 8 in 10 six months earlier.

That March, in an interview with Fox News Channels Laura Ingraham, Trump claimed the rioters had posed zero threat to the lawmakers who had assembled in the Capitol to certify the Electoral College vote  even though the mob tried to breach the House chamber.

Look, they went in  they shouldnt have done it. Some of them went in, and theyre hugging and kissing the police and the guards, you know, they had a great relationship, he said.

In fact, many of the protesters violently clashed with police as they stormed the building, smashing windows and ramming through doors. Some brandished weapons; others wore tactical gear. Dozens of officers were severely injured.

By that time, many of Trumps supporters had already painted Ashli Babbitt, one of five people who died during or immediately after the riot, as a martyr unjustly killed by police,

Babbitt was fatally shot by an officer while trying to climb through the broken window of a barricaded door as Capitol Police scrambled to evacuate members.

That summer, Trump began to publicly demand the release of the shooters identity, despite the officer being cleared of wrongdoing by two federal investigations.

Who shot Ashli Babbitt? Trump asked repeatedly.

Trump called Babbitt an innocent, wonderful, incredible woman in an interview with Fox News and described his supporters that day in glowing terms, claiming that there had been a love fest between the Capitol police and the people that walked down to the Capitol.

They were peaceful people. These were great people. The crowd was unbelievable, he said. And I mentioned the word love. The love  the love in the air, Ive never seen anything like it.

That fall, Trump taped a video that was played at an event commemorating what would have been Babbitts birthday in which he demanded justice for her and her family.

In January 2022, Trump first publicly dangled the prospect of pardons for the Jan. 6 defendants at a rally in Texas.

If I run and if I win, we will treat those people from Jan. 6 fairly, he told the crowd. And if it requires pardons, we will give them pardons because they are being treated so unfairly. At that point, more than 670 people had been convicted of crimes related to the attack, including some found guilty of seditious conspiracy and assaulting police officers.

In September 2022, Trump told conservative radio host Wendy Bell that he was helping some of the defendants, though aides declined at the time to elaborate or say how much he had contributed.

Im financially supporting people that are incredible, and they were in my office actually two days ago. Its very much on my mind, he said. Its a disgrace what theyve done to them.  Contributions should be made.

Days later, Trump held a rally in Pennsylvania that included remarks from Cynthia Hughes, the founder of the Patriot Freedom Project, whose nephew was convicted for storming the Capitol. Geri Perna, whose nephew died by suicide while awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty to riot-related charges, also spoke.

Later that month, the former president called into a small rally held outside a Washington jail where Jan. 6 defendants have been held, led by Micki Witthoeft, Babbitts mother.

Were with you. Were working with a lot of different people on this. And we cant let this happen, he said via a cellphone held up to a microphone.

Trumps support has only intensified since he formally launched his third campaign.

Earlier this year, he collaborated on Justice for All, a song that features a choir of Jan. 6 defendants singing The Star-Spangled Banner, recorded over a prison phone line and overlaid with Trump reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

Trump featured the song at the first official rally of his 2024 campaign, standing with his hand on his heart as a music video featuring violent footage of the riot played behind him on two giant screens.

In June, he spoke at a Patriot Freedom Project fundraiser to support the defendants that was held at his Bedminster, New Jersey, club.

Theyve been made to pay a price that is very unfair, in many cases, he said.

Trump also recorded a video played at the groups holiday fundraising event in Washington and hosted a dinner for family members of Jan. 6 defendants at Mar-a-Lago in March.

He is very concerned for these families, Hughes said after the event.

An Associated Press review of social media posts, voter registrations, court files and other public records found that the mob was overwhelmingly made up of longtime Trump supporters, including GOP officials, donors and far-right militants.

But that hasnt stopped Trump from falsely claiming that others were responsible for the attack, including antifa and Black Lives Matter. Last weekend on his social media site, Trump amplified messages claiming that Jan. 6 had been a staged riot orchestrated by the government.

Trump was still in charge of the government at the time.

(AP)




North Korean leader Kim Jong Un met with Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu to discuss military issues and the regional security environment, state media said Thursday, illustrating North Koreas support for Russias war in Ukraine as the isolated country celebrated the 70th anniversary of an armistice that halted fighting in the 1950-53 Korean War.

The North Korean festivities were to be highlighted by a military parade Thursday evening in the capital, Pyongyang, where Kim  possibly in the presence of Shoigu and a visiting Chinese ruling party official  could showcase his most powerful, nuclear-capable missiles designed to threaten neighboring rivals and the United States.

North Koreas state media had not confirmed plans for a military parade. But two South Korean government officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity to provide background information, said the parade likely started at around 8 p.m. (0700EST/1100 GMT) with warm-up events and was ongoing as of 9:50 p.m.

The Norths official Korean Central News Agency said Kim and Shoigu talked Wednesday in Pyongyang and reached a consensus on unspecified matters of mutual concern in the field of national defense and security and on the regional and international security environment.

North Korea has been aligning with Russia over the war in Ukraine, insisting that the hegemonic policy of the U.S.-led West forced Moscow 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.

During the meeting, Shoigu conveyed to Kim a warm and good letter signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin, KCNA said.

The meeting will help to further boost the strategic and tactical collaboration and cooperation between the two countries in the field of national defense and security, KCNA said.

In a rare case of diplomatic opening since the start of the pandemic, North Korea invited delegations from Russia and China to attend the events marking the armistice of July 27, 1953. While the truce left the Korean Peninsula in a technical state of war, the North still sees it as a victory in the Grand Fatherland Liberation War.

KCNA said Kim also took Shoigu to an arms exhibition that showcased some of North Koreas newest weapons and briefed him on national plans to expand the countrys military capabilities. State media photos and video from the exhibition showed Kim and Shoigu walking near a row of large missiles mounted on launcher trucks.

Some of the weapons in the images appeared to be intercontinental ballistic missiles that the North has flight-tested in recent months as it pursues an arsenal that can pose a viable threat to the continental United States. Kim and Shoigu also walked past what were possibly new surveillance and attack drones that had not been publicly announced by the North.

Lee Sung Joon, a spokesperson for South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff, said during a briefing that the South Korean military was analyzing the military assets shown in the North Korean photos but did not share specific assessments.

When asked about the possibility that Shoigus visit was to discuss importing weapons from North Korea, John Kirby, the White Houses National Security Council coordinator for strategic communications, didnt answer directly but said it was clear Putin is reaching out to other countries for support in fighting his war in Ukraine.

Mr. Putin knows hes having his own defense procurement problems, his own inventory problems, that his military remains on the back foot, and hes trying to shore that up, Kirby said.

Some experts say North Korea sees U.S. confrontations with China and Russia over regional influence and the war in Ukraine as an opportunity to break out of diplomatic isolation and insert itself into a united front against Washington. Both Moscow and Beijing have been derailing U.S. efforts to strengthen U.N. Security Council sanctions on North Korea over its flurry of missile tests since 2022.

The last time North Korea invited foreign government delegates for a military parade was in February 2018, when it held a low-key event that excluded Kims ICBMs. North Korea at the time was initiating diplomacy with Seoul and Washington as Kim attempted to leverage his nuclear program for badly needed economic benefits.

Those efforts led to a summit between Kim and then-U.S. President Donald Trump that June, but the diplomacy collapsed after their second meeting in February 2019, when the Americans rejected North Korean demands for major sanctions relief in exchange for a partial surrender of their nuclear capabilities.

Kim has since ramped up the development of the nuclear arms that he sees as his strongest guarantee of survival while berating gangster-like U.S. sanctions and pressure.

Beijings delegation to North Korea is headed by mid-level official Li Hongzhong, a politburo member of Chinas ruling Communist Party.

Kim met Li during an anniversary concert that began at midnight and was handed a letter from Chinese President Xi Jinping, KCNA said. During a separate reception hosted by senior North Korean officials, Li said in a speech that China was ready to promote the sound and stable development of relations with the North.

Analysts say Kim sharing the center stage with Shoigu and Li at a military parade would be a key accomplishment he could show to his domestic audience as well as a statement of defiance toward the United States.

On Wednesday, Shoigu also held talks with North Korean Defense Minister Kang Sun Nam that were aimed at strengthening cooperation between our defense departments, Russias Defense Ministry said in a statement.

KCNA reported that Kang while hosting a reception for Shoigu expressed support for the just struggle of the Russian army to defend the countrys sovereignty and security, in an apparent reference to Russias war on Ukraine. The agency said Shoigu during the event praised the North Korean Peoples Army under the leadership of Kim, saying it has become the strongest army in the world. Russian media reports did not include that comment.

The Korean War was triggered by a surprise North Korean attack on the South in June 1950. The North was supported by Chinese troops and the then-Soviet air force. South Korea, the United States, and troops from various nations under the direction of the United Nations fought to push back the invasion.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol marked the armistice anniversary by visiting a cemetery in the port city of Busan that honors the U.N. troops who died during the war.

The Republic of Korea of today stands on the sacrifice, dedication and blood-drenched uniforms of U.N. soldiers, Yoon said in a speech, referring to South Koreas formal name.

In the face of growing North Korean threats, Yoon has pushed to expand South Koreas military exercises with the United States and is seeking stronger U.S. reassurances that it would swiftly and decisively use its nuclear capabilities to defend the South in the event of a nuclear attack.

(AP)




A system of ocean currents that transports heat northward across the North Atlantic could collapse by mid-century, according to a new study, and scientists have said before that such a collapse could cause catastrophic sea-level rise and extreme weather across the globe.

In recent decades, researchers have both raised and downplayed the specter of Atlantic current collapse. It even prompted a movie that strayed far from the science. Two years ago the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change said any such catastrophe is unlikely this century. But the new study published in Nature Communications suggests it might not be as far away and unlikely as mainstream science says.

The Atlantic meridional overturning circulation is a vital system of ocean currents that circulates water throughout the Atlantic Ocean, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Its a lengthy process, taking an estimated 1,000 years to complete, but has slowed even more since the mid-1900s.

A further slowdown or complete halting of the circulation could create more extreme weather in the Northern Hemisphere, sea-level rise on the East Coast of the United States and drought for millions in southern Africa, scientists in Germany and the U.S. have said. But the timing is uncertain.

In the new study, Peter and Susanne Ditlevsen, two researchers from Denmark, analyzed sea surface temperatures in the North Atlantic between 1870 and 2020 as a proxy, meaning a way of assessing, this circulation. They found the system could collapse as soon as 2025 and as late as 2095, given current global greenhouse gas emissions. This diverges from the prediction made by the Intergovernmental Panel of Climate Change in 2021, which said the collapse isnt likely to occur this century.

There are large uncertainties in this study, in many prior studies, and in climate impact assessment overall, and scientists sometimes miss important aspects that can lead to both over and underprediction of impacts, Julio Friedmann, chief scientist at Carbon Direct, a carbon management company, said in a statement. Still, the conclusion is obvious: Action must be swift and profound to counter major climate risks.

Stefan Rahmstorf, co-author on a 2018 study on the subject, published an extensive analysis of the Ditlevesens study on RealClimate, a website that publishes commentary from climate scientists. While he said that a tipping point for the collapse of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation is highly uncertain, he also called the IPCC estimate conservative.

Increasingly the evidence points to the risk being far greater than 10% during this century, he wrote, rather worrying for the next few decades.

(AP)




Donald Trump wants to see President Joe Biden impeached, and the former presidents allies in Congress and his 2024 GOP presidential rivals are eager to join that fight as his own legal challenges mount.

Trumps chief opponent, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, this week said the House Republicans are absolutely within their rights to consider an impeachment inquiry against Biden. Former U.N. ambassador Nikki Haley, also running for president, said Republicans would be justified to do it. And House GOP leaders aligned with Trump are foreshadowing whats ahead.

House Republicans will leave no stone unturned, said Rep. Elise Stefanik of New York, the fourth-ranking House GOP leader and a top Trump ally, who is sometimes mentioned as a potential vice presidential pick.

This week, the prospect of impeaching Biden over the business dealings of his son, Hunter Biden, emerged from the far corners of the GOPs right flank to the mainstream in the Republican Party.

Speaker Kevin McCarthy announced on Fox News that the House may open an impeachment inquiry into Biden, and expanded on his plans at a Tuesday press event at the Capitol.

Behind closed doors Wednesday, however, the Republican speaker told GOP colleagues its early in the impeachment process, and McCarthy acknowledged theres still much that is unknown about Joe Biden and whether he had any awareness or involvement in his sons business deals that would arise to an impeachable offense.

The speaker went through what we know and what we dont know, said Rep. Tom Cole, R-Okla., a seasoned lawmaker and committee chairman.

Theres a lot we dont know  we dont know if any money went directly to President Biden or not, Cole said, explaining the message to the House GOP. Thats what they do the investigations about.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., said McCarthy also told them if it comes to a Biden impeachment inquiry, hes going to ask that you be with me on this.

Greene, a Trump ally backing impeachment, said no one rose during the private meeting to object.

By putting Biden on notice that the House is considering an inquiry, the Republicans are elevating a once rare congressional check on executive power  the formal impeachment charges over high crimes and misdemeanors  into yet another tool being wielded in party politics.

Its a political escalation, urged on by Trump, after his own two impeachments. The prospect of a Biden impeachment inquiry also comes as Trump faces mounting legal cases, including a potential federal indictment in the investigation led by Special Counsel Jack Smith over his efforts to overturn the election in the run-up to the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol.

Trump is the only president in U.S. history that has been twice impeached  first in 2019 over his phone call urging Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to dig up dirt on the Bidens or risk losing U.S. military aid, and again in 2021 in the aftermath of the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol by Trump supporters trying to overturn Bidens election.

Now, as the Republican partys frontrunner for the nomination to take on Biden in 2024, Trump has long seethed over his impeachments at the hands of House Democrats. McCarthy has suggested the Trump impeachments could be expunged, as proposed by Stefanik and Greene. But Trump wants Biden to face similar impeachment charges.

They impeach me over a perfect phone call, and they dont impeach Biden, Trump posted online in capital letters this week, calling the current president corrupt.

Last week, at a Fox News town hall in Iowa, Trump expressed similar complaints asking: Why arent they impeaching Biden?  Why isnt he under impeachment?

House Republicans in various committees are probing the Bidens and suggesting the president may have been aware or involved in his son Hunter Bidens work, particularly when the younger Biden served on the board of the Ukrainian energy firm Burisma.

The Republicans in Congress point to testimony from two IRS whistleblowers who testified last week the Justice Department slow-walked their investigation into Bidens, a claim the agency rejects. The Republicans also publicly released what the FBI says is unverified information from a confidential informant alleging Burisma payments to the Bidens as bribes, though other documents show a top company official disputing any payments were made.

Hunter Biden had agreed to plead guilty to misdemeanor charges of tax evasion stemming from a federal investigation, but the deal unraveled Wednesday when a judge raised questions about it.

Ive seen enough. We need a special counsel who has jurisdiction over any and all Biden family investigations, Chris Christie, another Trump rival in the 2024 race, said on social media.

The White House has declined to engage in specific questions about any House GOP impeachment inquiry against Biden.

They can do whatever it is that they wish to do, but were going to stay focused, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said earlier this week, pointing to the real priorities that the American families care about.

Biden himself has repeatedly said that he does not talk with his son about his overseas business dealings.

As Hunter Biden appeared in court Wednesday, the press secretary issued a statement: As we have said, the president, the first lady, they love their son, and they support him as he continues to rebuild his life.

Not all Republicans are on board with the Houses plans to consider an impeachment inquiry, but those who object may face political retribution from Trump.

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell said Wednesday he understands House Republicans may be incentivized to launch an impeachment inquiry after Trump was impeached twice when Democrats had control of the chamber.

But the Kentucky Republican warned fellow Republicans of continuing down this path.

Impeachment ought to be rare rather than common, said McConnell, who has long endured Trumps ire and hasnt spoken to him since the month before the Capitol attack. I think this is not good for the country when we have repeated impeachment.

Trump this week singled out other Republican senators, including John Cornyn of Texas and Mitt Romney of Utah, who had expressed their reluctance to launch impeachment proceedings.

House Democrats have declared the effort to impeach Biden political extremism and signaled they will oppose it.

Im very well aware of how important it is to follow the facts and the evidence before you reach any conclusions  and the Republicans are doing the reverse, said Democratic Rep. Dan Goldman of New York, a chief prosecutor in the Houses first impeachment of Trump in 2019.

What they are talking about now is pure political retribution that is not based on facts and evidence, he said, adding thats abusing the impeachment power of the Congress.

(AP)




Recent developments in the 2024 Republican primary race have shown signs of Sen. Tim Scott gaining momentum, while Florida Gov. Ron DeSantiss campaign faces some hurdles. Several early presidential primary state polls have revealed Scotts increasing popularity, and he recently held a significant meeting with Republican governors and key GOP donors in Aspen, Colorado.

The interest in Scott comes amidst concerns over DeSantiss ability to challenge former President Trump, who still holds significant sway as the perceived front-runner in the GOP race. Although Republicans praise Scotts positive campaign message and see potential for change with his approach, they acknowledge the enduring popularity of Trump.

Since launching his campaign in May, Scott has seen a slow but steady rise in early state polling. Recent Fox Business polls in South Carolina and Iowa show Scott securing double-digit percentages. In South Carolina, he secured 10 percent support among GOP primary voters, placing fourth behind Trump, Nikki Haley, and DeSantis. In Iowa, Scott obtained 11 percent support among GOP caucus goers, again trailing Trump and DeSantis.

However, while Scotts gains in early state polls are notable, national polls still show him registering in the single digits. Trump maintains a strong lead in these polls, with DeSantis as his closest competitor.

The renewed interest in Scott may pose a threat to other candidates, particularly DeSantis, whose campaign has recently undergone restructuring due to challenges in narrowing the gap between him and Trump. Despite the setback, some argue that Scotts rise is independent of DeSantiss performance and that many Republican primary voters remain undecided.

Scotts appeal to voters largely stems from his optimistic message and inspirational personal story. Raised by a single mother in poverty, Scotts journey to becoming the Senates only Black Republican resonates with many voters, countering what he perceives as the lies of the radical Left.

Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christies recent criticism of Scott indicates the growing recognition of the South Carolina senator as a potential competitor. Christie accused Scott of avoiding the truth about Donald Trumps responsibility for the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack. Scotts campaign chose not to respond to Christies remarks.

Despite the competition, DeSantiss campaign remains confident, asserting that the 2024 GOP primary is essentially a two-person race between him and Trump. They view DeSantis as a strong candidate, who has been well-received in early primary states.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)




Republican Senator Rand Pauls recent appearance on Fox Business Network caused a stir as he expressed his take on the possibility of Republicans impeaching President Joe Biden.

During the interview, host Maria Bartiromo questioned Senator Paul about Speaker Kevin McCarthys suggestion of impeachment for President Biden, to which California Democrat Rep. Adam Schiff responded by accusing Republicans of descending into chaos. Paul found irony in Schiffs comment and laughed at the clip, but he did not hold back in his criticism of the Democratic representative.

Paul reminded viewers of Schiffs role in the impeachment of former President Donald Trump, which he believes lacked proper hearings and respect for the rule of law. He pointed out Schiffs disregard for the Fourth Amendment rights of his colleagues by illegally searching their phone records.

The senator then cautioned against repeating the Democrats hasty rush to impeach Trump, emphasizing the need for continued investigation and sufficient evidence before considering impeachment.

I dont really want to impeach every president that comes forward, Paul stated, highlighting his concern about the dangers of setting such a precedent. He expressed his belief that Democrats past impeachment efforts backfired, making them look bad and causing damage to the republic. He argued that constantly impeaching and indicting presidents is destructive and divides the nation, rather than preserving democracy.

Bartiromo questioned Pauls stance on the lack of evidence, citing whistleblower testimony and bank records indicating foreign funds reaching Biden family accounts. Despite her counterpoint, Paul remained steadfast in his position, suggesting that while the available evidence might be somewhat persuasive, he would continue pressing for more information and would urge the FBI to do the same.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)




Ukraines Ambassador, Yevgen Korniychuk, has announced that the country will impose restrictions on the number of Israeli visitors allowed to enter its borders for this upcoming Rosh Hashanah pilgrimage to the city of Uman. The decision comes in response to safety concerns arising from the ongoing Russian hostilities.

The statement issued by Ambassador Korniychuk does not specify the exact limitations, but it emphasizes the necessity to safeguard potential targets, including Jewish faith leaders and worshipers, in the face of potential threats. The fear is that the presence of a large gathering in Uman could attract hostile actions from Russian forces.

For the safety of all those involved, we feel it is essential to minimize the potential risk. Hence, we have decided to implement limitations on the number of visitors, reads the statement.

The annual pilgrimage to the kever of Rabbi Nachman of Uman has traditionally drawn a substantial number of Jewish pilgrims, primarily from Israel. In recent years, the event has seen more than 30,000 Jewish visitors converging on the city.

In 2020 and 2021, Ukrainian authorities denied entry to Israeli tourists due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, many individuals attempted to circumvent the ban, leading to challenges in managing the pilgrimages scale.

Despite ongoing warnings and the backdrop of an active war, an estimated 20,000 pilgrims defied the restrictions and arrived in Uman last year.

(AP)




The U.S. is concealing a longstanding program that retrieves and reverse engineers unidentified flying objects, a former Air Force intelligence officer testified Wednesday to Congress. The Pentagon has denied his claims.

Retired Maj. David Gruschs highly anticipated testimony before a House Oversight subcommittee was Congress latest foray into the world of UAPs  or unidentified aerial phenomena, which is the official term the U.S. government uses instead of UFOs. While the study of mysterious aircraft or objects often evokes talk of aliens and little green men, Democrats and Republicans in recent years have pushed for more research as a national security matter due to concerns that sightings observed by pilots may be tied to U.S. adversaries.

Grusch said he was asked in 2019 by the head of a government task force on UAPs to identify all highly classified programs relating to the task forces mission. At the time, Grusch was detailed to the National Reconnaissance Office, the agency that operates U.S. spy satellites.

I was informed in the course of my official duties of a multi-decade UAP crash retrieval and reverse engineering program to which I was denied access, he said.

Asked whether the U.S. government had information about extraterrestrial life, Grusch said the U.S. likely has been aware of non-human activity since the 1930s.

The Pentagon has denied Gruschs claims of a coverup. In a statement, Defense Department spokeswoman Sue Gough said investigators have not discovered any verifiable information to substantiate claims that any programs regarding the possession or reverse-engineering of extraterrestrial materials have existed in the past or exist currently. The statement did not address UFOs that are not suspected of being extraterrestrial objects.

Grusch says he became a government whistleblower after his discovery and has faced retaliation for coming forward. He declined to be more specific about the retaliatory tactics, citing an ongoing investigation.

It was very brutal and very unfortunate, some of the tactics they used to hurt me both professionally and personally, he said.

Rep. Glenn Grothman, R-Wis., chaired the panels hearing and joked to a packed audience, Welcome to the most exciting subcommittee in Congress this week. But members of both parties asked Grusch about his study of UFOs and the consequences he faced.

I take it that youre arguing what we need is real transparency and reporting systems so we can get some clarity on whats going on out there, said Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md.

Some lawmakers criticized the Pentagon for not providing more details in a classified briefing or releasing images that could be shown to the public. In previous hearings, Pentagon officials showed a video taken from an F-18 military plane that showed an image of one balloon-like shape.

Pentagon officials in December said they had received several hundreds of new reports since launching a renewed effort to investigate reports of UFOs.

At that point, we have not seen anything, and were still very early on, that would lead us to believe that any of the objects that we have seen are of alien origin, said Ronald Moultrie, the undersecretary of defense for intelligence and security. Any unauthorized system in our airspace we deem as a threat to safety.

(AP)




President Joe Biden is reportedly working on a mutual security pact with Saudi Arabia, which could pave the way for an Israeli-Saudi normalization deal. In a column published by The New York Times on Thursday, Thomas Friedman revealed that the proposed deal would present Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with a difficult choice between his governments stance on judicial reform and pursuing regional peace.

To explore this potential agreement, Bidens national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, arrived in Saudi Arabia on Thursday. Friedman emphasized that Sullivans visit was not merely for diplomatic formalities, as he had discussed the matter with President Biden during a conversation at the White House the previous week.

The suggested security pact and potential normalization between Israel and Saudi Arabia would be contingent on concessions made by Israel to preserve the possibility of a two-state solution with the Palestinians.

Although Biden has not made a final decision on pursuing the pact, he has instructed officials to explore the prospect of a quadrilateral understanding involving the US, Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the Palestinians.

The deal, however, comes with significant demands. Saudi Arabia seeks a NATO-level mutual security treaty that would require the US to defend the kingdom if attacked, particularly by Iran. In return, the US seeks an end to the conflict in Yemen, restrictions on Saudi-Chinese ties, and substantial financial support for the Palestinians. Israel, on the other hand, would need to make concessions that ensure the potential for a two-state resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Friedman highlighted that Israel might be asked to commit to never annexing portions of the West Bank, building new settlements, or authorizing outposts. Furthermore, he suggested that Israel should transfer portions of Area C, currently under Israeli control, to Palestinian Authority jurisdiction in Areas A and B of the West Bank.

The potential deal could force hard-right lawmakers in Netanyahus government to moderate their positions or compel the Prime Minister to leave them behind. However, Friedman cautioned that proceeding with an Israeli-Saudi deal without addressing the Palestinian component would be challenging, given the nature of Israels current government.

Friedman expressed doubt that President Biden would pursue a deal without significant Palestinian involvement, as doing so could lead to backlash from the progressive base of his party and make ratification of the agreement nearly impossible.

In an interview with ABC on Thursday, Netanyahu dismissed concerns that the Knessets passage of his judicial reform plan, which the US opposes, would hinder regional diplomatic efforts. He emphasized that Israel and the US are collaborating on initiatives that aim to counter Irans aggression and promote peace with Saudi Arabia, which he believes will be a pivotal moment in history. The Israeli Prime Minister also reassured that the relations with the US remain strong.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 28. The deputy minister of Agriculture of Azerbaijan will become a member of the commission for the preparation of Azerbaijans civil defense plan, Trend reports.

Azerbaijani Prime Minister Ali Asadov signed a corresponding order on this.

The commission will also include the deputy chairman of Azerbaijan's State Water Resources Agency from the Ministry of Emergency Situations.

In addition, the deputy chairman of the Board of the State Agency for Compulsory Medical Insurance in the commission will be replaced by the deputy executive director of the Association for the Azerbaijani Management Union of Medical Territorial Units (TABIB).

This order takes effect on the date it is signed.

The commission was tasked with developing an Azerbaijan Civil Defense Plan and submitting it to the Cabinet of Ministers.

A working group was formed with representatives from governmental authorities and structures as members to organize the commission's effective work.

The Ministry of Emergency Situations was tasked with organizing and coordinating the commission's operations. The commission may, in accordance with the law, enlist the assistance of independent experts and professionals in its work.
British Airways parent company IAG swung back to profit in the first half thanks to strong demand for flights and higher ticket prices.

The group, which also owns Iberia, Aer Lingus and Vuelling, expects flying capacity to return to pre-pandemic levels by the end of the year as it sees 'no sign of weakness in forward bookings'.

IAG posted a pre-tax profit of 1.04billion (900million) in the first six months of the year, having recorded a loss of 843million (721million) a year before, as revenues surged 45 per cent to 13.6billion (11.6billion).

Operating profit before exceptional items was 1.26billion, a record, compared to a loss of 446million last year.

Flying to profit: BA owner IAG is also paying down debts accumulated during the pandemic

The group's profit were boosted by higher ticket prices, which were up by an average of around 9.5 per cent.

Demand for flights has also continued to rebound strongly after years of pandemic restrictions, especially from holidaymakers.

Flying capacity was at 94 per cent of pre-Covid levels, while revenue per passenger was 18.4 per cent higher than the same period last year, with leisure traffic recovering faster than business travel.

Around 80 per cent of passenger revenue for the July-September quarter and 30 per cent for the final quarter are already booked, the firm said.

The company is paying down debts accumulated during the pandemic, with net debt at 7.6billion at the end of June, down from 10.4billion a year before.

Some cost pressures are easing, though fuel prices increased by a further 5.7 per cent year-on-year, and remain one of the uncertainties that could impact performance during the remainder of 2023.

'Whilst there is no sign of weakness in forward bookings, we continue to be mindful of wider uncertainties that might affect the full year,' the group told shareholders.

'This includes the potential impact of geopolitical and macroeconomic volatility on the price of fuel and consumer confidence, as well as the impact of external factors on the operating environment, such as strikes.'

IAG shares rose 3.3 per cent to 160p in morning trading on Friday.

IAG chief executive, Luis Gallego, said: 'Our strong profits since the start of the year are helping to fund investment for our customers, and to improve our balance sheet by reducing debt.

'We are aiming to be back to pre-pandemic capacity at the end of this year.'

To do so, it is adding new planes to its fleet.

It has ordered six 787-10 Boeing aircrafts and one A350-900 Airbus aircraft that should be delivered in 2025 and 2026 and will be used for long-haul flights by British Airways and Iberia.

IAG also has added six further Boeing 787-10 aircrafts to its order book.

Gallego said: 'These latest generation aircraft will contribute to restoring capacity to pre-pandemic levels.

'They will be among the most fuel-efficient aircraft in our long-haul fleet and will help towards our commitment to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050.'
YouGov co-founder Stephan Shakespeare is preparing to step back as chief executive, the polling data provider said on Friday.

It came as the group confirmed expectations of full-year operating profits hitting between 46million and 50million for the 12 months ending July, thanks to sustained growth in margins.

But YouGov also now forecasts that turnover will be towards the bottom end of consensus estimates of 257million to 274million, despite predictions of underlying growth being 'well ahead of the market'.

YouGov shares slumped 11.6 per cent, or 125p, to 955p by late Friday afternoon, yet their value has still more than doubled over the past five years.

Transition: YouGov co-founder Stephan Shakespeare is standing down as chief executive at the end of this month after 12 years in charge to replace Roger Parry as chairman

YouGov said trading had made 'good progress' across all territories despite more challenging economic conditions, with the firm facing lengthier sales cycles and decision-making times by customers at the start of 2023.

For the six months to January, the company saw revenue jump by 30 per cent to 131.4million due to stronger demand for data products and its panel-based custom research business.

Since then, it has significantly boosted its net cash position following a successful 51.2million equity placing earlier this month, with some of the money raised planned to fund the intended acquisition of GfK's consumer panel division.

The 315million (270.3million) takeover will boost YouGov's operations in Europe and expand its offering to the fast-moving consumer goods sector.

Founded in 2000 by Stephan Shakespeare and ex-Conservative Party chairman Nadhim Zahawi, the firm sells data insights to businesses and public bodies across dozens of countries.

It was listed five years later on London's junior AIM exchange with a market value of just 18million, which has since skyrocketed to approximately 1.1billion.

As part of a board shakeup, Shakespeare is standing down as chief executive at the end of this month after 12 years in charge to replace Roger Parry as chairman.

Steve Hatch will become the next CEO, having recently been the vice president of operations for Facebook owner Meta in Northern Europe and a non-executive director at Daily Mirror publisher Reach.

Before that, he spent 15 years at the world's largest advertising group, WPP, rising to become head of the MEC media agency - now known as Wavemaker.

YouGov is also promoting Lynda Vivian to chief operating officer, replacing Sundip Chahal, who is being made chief business officer, while ex-TSB Bank chairman Nick Prettejohn is succeeding Rosemary Leith as senior independent director.
LSV Asset Management raised its stake in Armada Hoffler Properties, Inc. (NYSE:AHH  Free Report) by 29.6% in the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 770,656 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after purchasing an additional 176,167 shares during the period. LSV Asset Managements holdings in Armada Hoffler Properties were worth $9,101,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the stock. State of Tennessee Treasury Department raised its stake in shares of Armada Hoffler Properties by 1.8% in the 4th quarter. State of Tennessee Treasury Department now owns 45,928 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $528,000 after buying an additional 813 shares in the last quarter. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. raised its stake in shares of Armada Hoffler Properties by 1.8% in the 4th quarter. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. now owns 52,480 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $604,000 after buying an additional 934 shares in the last quarter. Advisor Partners II LLC raised its stake in shares of Armada Hoffler Properties by 10.3% in the 4th quarter. Advisor Partners II LLC now owns 11,198 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $129,000 after buying an additional 1,047 shares in the last quarter. Advisor Group Holdings Inc. raised its stake in shares of Armada Hoffler Properties by 4.7% in the 4th quarter. Advisor Group Holdings Inc. now owns 24,420 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $281,000 after buying an additional 1,098 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Janney Montgomery Scott LLC raised its stake in shares of Armada Hoffler Properties by 0.4% in the 4th quarter. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC now owns 337,851 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $3,885,000 after buying an additional 1,256 shares in the last quarter. 67.53% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

Get Armada Hoffler Properties alerts:

Armada Hoffler Properties Trading Down 2.4 %

Shares of Armada Hoffler Properties stock opened at $11.94 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $1.06 billion, a P/E ratio of 14.05 and a beta of 0.93. The company has a quick ratio of 14.39, a current ratio of 14.39 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.65. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $11.81 and a 200 day simple moving average of $12.02. Armada Hoffler Properties, Inc. has a 12-month low of $10.04 and a 12-month high of $14.62.

Armada Hoffler Properties Increases Dividend

Armada Hoffler Properties ( NYSE:AHH Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, May 9th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.03 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.30 by ($0.27). The firm had revenue of $56.22 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $56.39 million. Armada Hoffler Properties had a return on equity of 12.09% and a net margin of 16.83%. Research analysts expect that Armada Hoffler Properties, Inc. will post 1.25 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, July 6th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, June 28th were given a $0.195 dividend. This represents a $0.78 annualized dividend and a yield of 6.53%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, June 27th. This is a boost from Armada Hoffler Propertiess previous quarterly dividend of $0.19. Armada Hoffler Propertiess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 91.77%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Separately, StockNews.com cut shares of Armada Hoffler Properties from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note on Thursday, May 11th.

About Armada Hoffler Properties

(Free Report)

Armada Hoffler (NYSE:AHH) is a vertically-integrated, self-managed real estate investment trust with over four decades of experience developing, building, acquiring, and managing high-quality office, retail, and multifamily properties located primarily in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern United States.

See Also

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding AHH? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Armada Hoffler Properties, Inc. (NYSE:AHH  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Armada Hoffler Properties Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Armada Hoffler Properties and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
LSV Asset Management increased its stake in shares of Guess, Inc. (NYSE:GES  Free Report) by 27.8% in the 1st quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 432,700 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 94,100 shares during the quarter. LSV Asset Management owned 0.78% of Guess worth $8,420,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Robotti Robert acquired a new position in Guess during the 4th quarter worth $161,382,000. Landscape Capital Management L.L.C. acquired a new position in Guess during the 4th quarter worth $2,979,000. Foundry Partners LLC grew its stake in Guess by 150.1% during the 4th quarter. Foundry Partners LLC now owns 204,411 shares of the companys stock worth $4,229,000 after purchasing an additional 122,675 shares in the last quarter. Maryland State Retirement & Pension System acquired a new position in Guess during the 4th quarter worth $260,000. Finally, GSA Capital Partners LLP boosted its position in shares of Guess by 367.0% during the 4th quarter. GSA Capital Partners LLP now owns 76,380 shares of the companys stock worth $1,580,000 after acquiring an additional 60,026 shares in the last quarter. 58.36% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Get Guess' alerts:

Guess Stock Down 0.9 %

Guess stock opened at $20.47 on Friday. Guess, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $14.27 and a fifty-two week high of $24.15. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.86, a quick ratio of 0.82 and a current ratio of 1.46. The company has a market capitalization of $1.10 billion, a P/E ratio of 10.83 and a beta of 1.92. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $19.77 and a 200-day simple moving average of $20.25.

Guess Increases Dividend

Guess ( NYSE:GES Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, May 24th. The company reported ($0.07) earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of ($0.28) by $0.21. Guess had a return on equity of 29.04% and a net margin of 4.87%. The business had revenue of $569.80 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $555.63 million. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $0.24 EPS. The businesss quarterly revenue was down 4.0% on a year-over-year basis. Equities research analysts expect that Guess, Inc. will post 2.81 earnings per share for the current year.

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, June 23rd. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, June 7th were paid a dividend of $0.30 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, June 6th. This is an increase from Guesss previous quarterly dividend of $0.23. This represents a $1.20 annualized dividend and a yield of 5.86%. Guesss dividend payout ratio is currently 63.49%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

GES has been the subject of several analyst reports. StockNews.com raised Guess from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Friday, May 26th. 888 reaffirmed an initiates rating on shares of Guess in a research report on Friday, June 16th. TheStreet cut Guess from a b rating to a c+ rating in a research report on Wednesday, May 24th. Finally, UBS Group initiated coverage on Guess in a research report on Friday, June 16th. They set a neutral rating and a $22.00 price objective for the company. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $22.50.

Insider Buying and Selling at Guess

In other Guess news, Director Deborah Weinswig sold 20,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, June 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $20.67, for a total transaction of $413,400.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly owns 26,069 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $538,846.23. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. 49.10% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

About Guess

(Free Report)

Guess?, Inc designs, markets, distributes, and licenses lifestyle collections of apparel and accessories for men, women, and children. It operates through five segments: Americas Retail, Americas Wholesale, Europe, Asia, and Licensing. The company's clothing collection includes jeans, pants, skirts, dresses, shorts, blouses, shirts, jackets, activewear, knitwear, and intimate apparel.

See Also

Receive News & Ratings for Guess' Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Guess' and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Security Financial Services INC. increased its position in shares of The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG  Free Report) by 2.7% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 4,043 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 106 shares during the period. Security Financial Services INC.s holdings in Procter & Gamble were worth $601,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Silicon Valley Capital Partners acquired a new position in Procter & Gamble during the 4th quarter worth $28,000. IAG Wealth Partners LLC grew its holdings in Procter & Gamble by 58.8% during the 1st quarter. IAG Wealth Partners LLC now owns 243 shares of the companys stock worth $36,000 after acquiring an additional 90 shares in the last quarter. Luken Investment Analytics LLC acquired a new position in Procter & Gamble during the 4th quarter worth $37,000. Bourgeon Capital Management LLC grew its holdings in Procter & Gamble by 39.9% during the 4th quarter. Bourgeon Capital Management LLC now owns 249 shares of the companys stock worth $38,000 after acquiring an additional 71 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Kepos Capital LP acquired a new position in Procter & Gamble during the 4th quarter worth $38,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 64.65% of the companys stock.

Get Procter & Gamble alerts:

Procter & Gamble Stock Down 1.3 %

PG stock opened at $151.97 on Friday. The Procter & Gamble Company has a 12 month low of $122.18 and a 12 month high of $158.11. The firm has a market cap of $358.19 billion, a PE ratio of 26.48, a P/E/G ratio of 3.97 and a beta of 0.42. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $148.72 and a 200 day simple moving average of $147.23. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.51, a current ratio of 0.59 and a quick ratio of 0.39.

Procter & Gamble Dividend Announcement

Analyst Ratings Changes

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, August 15th. Investors of record on Friday, July 21st will be paid a dividend of $0.9407 per share. This represents a $3.76 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.48%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, July 20th. Procter & Gambles dividend payout ratio is presently 65.51%.

Several research firms have recently commented on PG. UBS Group lifted their price target on shares of Procter & Gamble from $170.00 to $180.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Monday, April 24th. Jefferies Financial Group lifted their price target on shares of Procter & Gamble from $171.00 to $175.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Monday, April 24th. Evercore ISI lifted their price target on shares of Procter & Gamble from $160.00 to $170.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Monday, April 24th. Royal Bank of Canada lifted their price target on shares of Procter & Gamble from $160.00 to $165.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a report on Monday, April 24th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft boosted their target price on shares of Procter & Gamble from $160.00 to $170.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Monday, April 24th. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $161.06.

Insider Activity at Procter & Gamble

In related news, COO Shailesh Jejurikar sold 31,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, May 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $156.03, for a total transaction of $4,836,930.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief operating officer now directly owns 10,014 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,562,484.42. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Company insiders own 0.26% of the companys stock.

Procter & Gamble Company Profile

(Free Report)

The Procter & Gamble Company provides branded consumer packaged goods worldwide. It operates through five segments: Beauty; Grooming; Health Care; Fabric & Home Care; and Baby, Feminine & Family Care. The Beauty segment offers conditioners, shampoos, styling aids, and treatments under the Head & Shoulders, Herbal Essences, Pantene, and Rejoice brands; and antiperspirants and deodorants, personal cleansing, and skin care products under the Olay, Old Spice, Safeguard, Secret, and SK-II brands.

Further Reading

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Procter & Gamble Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Procter & Gamble and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 28. From January to June 2023, more than 197,000 services were offered to entrepreneurs in the Small and Medium Business Houses (SMB Houses), Agency for the Development of Small and Medium-Sized Businesses (KOBIA) told Trend.

The share of Baku SMB House accounts for more than 155,000 services rendered, Yevlakh SMB House - more than 29,000, Khachmaz SMB House - more than 13,000 services.

More than 190,000 services were provided by G2B (government to business), while about 7,300 - by B2B (business to business).

Entrepreneurs often applied to SMB Houses for obtaining a certificate of origin, banking, transport, tax, customs, utilities, postal and other services.

The level of entrepreneurs satisfaction with the provided services in the SMBs houses is 98 percent.

New services were provided in the SMB Houses in the first half of this year.

The SMB Houses are an organizational unit of the Small and Medium Business Development Agency in charge of coordinating services provided by government and private entities to businesses in a single location.

The purpose of SMB Houses is to ensure harmonized delivery of G2B (government to business) and B2B (business to business) services to entrepreneurs in the single space by implementing principles of promptness, transparency, courtesy, responsibility and comfort as well as applying a new approach and modern innovations.

Currently, more than 50 state and private organizations provide to entrepreneurs more than 250 services in the G2B and B2B formats in Baku, Khachmaz and Yevlakh.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 28. The meeting of the Transport Coordination Council was held under the chairmanship of Prime Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ali Asadov, Trend reports.

Issues of improving the road and transport infrastructure in Azerbaijan, solving the problem of traffic jams in Baku, increasing the accessibility of public transport and optimizing the public transport management system, developing the Baku metro, ensuring road safety were discussed at the meeting.

The report of Chairman of the Council, Minister of Digital Development and Transport of the Republic of Azerbaijan Rashad Nabiyev was presented.

In accordance with the instruction of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, presentations were held on the implementation of programs for the transformation of transport mobility and assessment of the potential of the Baku Metro.

The Transport Coordination Council was established by the decree of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on April 19, 2023, in order to ensure the coordinated activities of various means of transport and mobility of the population, the development of road transport infrastructure, coordination and improvement of activities in the areas of organization, safety and traffic regulation.
Poland, Lithuania and Latvia could jointly decide to shut their borders with close Russian ally Belarus if there are serious incidents involving the Wagner group along their frontiers with the country, Polands Interior Minister said on Thursday.

NATO member Poland on July 19 decided to move military units to its east after Wagner mercenaries began training Belarusian special forces a few miles from its border.

Two days later President Vladimir Putin accused Poland of having territorial ambitions in the former Soviet Union, and said any aggression against Belarus would be considered an attack on Russia.

Undoubtedly, should there be serious incidents involving the Wagner group on the borders of NATO and EU countries, such as Poland, Lithuania or Latvia, we will undoubtedly take an action together, the minister, Mariusz Kaminski, said.

I do not exclude that if we decide that this is the right answer at the moment, we will lead to the complete isolation of Belarus.

Poland, which denies any territorial ambitions in Belarus, has been an important refuge for opponents of Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko, and Warsaw has become one of Kyivs staunchest supporters since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022.

Road traffic between Poland and Belarus has been curbed since February amid deteriorating relations between the two countries.

Poland has also accused Belarus of artificially creating a migrant crisis on the border by flying in people from the Middle East and Africa and attempting to push them across the frontier. Belarus has repeatedly denied this.

SOURCE: REUTERS
The Supreme Court of Ireland has dismissed an appeal by Patrick Quirke over the admissibility of evidence in his trial for the murder of Bobby Ryan.

In March the court allowed an appeal by Quirke over his conviction for the murder and said the seizure of a computer during the Garda investigation was unlawful.

The court said that gardai had not specified that computer devices could be seized in the sworn information they provided to the judge who granted the search warrant.

The court had ruled that the search carried out in Mr Quirkes home on May 17 2013 was lawful, but the seizure of the computer to search within the digital space was not.

Gardai subsequently found internet searches on the computer including a human corpse post mortem: the stages of decomposition, How DNA works, and other searches relating to body decomposition.

The Supreme Court considered whether the findings on Quirkes computer should have been admitted as evidence in the trial, and whether a retrial only would decide if it was admissible.

On Friday, the seven-judge panel ruled that the conviction of Mr Quirke for the murder of Bobby Ryan should be affirmed, and that the omission of reference to the possible seizure of computers on the search warrant was due to honest inadvertence.

Mr Justice Peter Charleton said that it would defy logic that the omission was a conscious violation of constitutional rights.

The illegality attaching was due expressly to a new legal development in the law related to digital-space privacy, he said.

There was, on the trial judges ruling, no dishonesty.

The mistake in the application on oath for the warrant and the resulting search warrant was due to honest inadvertence.

The gardai followed the law as it appeared to be at the time of the search.

The conviction of the accused for the murder of Bobby Ryan should therefore be affirmed.

After a 71-day trial at the Central Criminal Court in 2019, Quirke was convicted by a majority verdict of 10-2 of murdering Bobby Ryan in Co Tipperary between June 3 2011 and April 30 2013.

Mr Ryan was reported missing on June 3 2011 by his family, who said he had inexplicably vanished.

On April 30 2013, Quirke told gardai he had found human remains, which were confirmed to be Mr Ryans, in an old run-off tank on land he had been leasing at Fawnagowan.

Mr Ryan, a DJ who went by the nickname Mr Moonlight, had been in a relationship with the owner of the land, Mary Lowry.

Quirke had previously been in a relationship with Ms Lowry, his wifes widowed sister-in-law.

Ms Lowry gave evidence during the trial and said Quirke did not take it well when she ended their affair and that he seemed to be depressed.

Quirke, who has made no admission to the murder and denied any involvement, is serving a life sentence.
The number of homeless people in Ireland has risen to a new record high, described as a disheartening surge and a terrible blight on our society by housing charities.

Sinn Fein said the figures showed that the governments housing plan is not working, while housing charity Focus Ireland called for the annual housing targets to be increased.

The number of people in emergency accommodation last month rose by 1.3% compared with the previous month to 12,600  a 20% increase compared with June last year.

This includes 8,835 adults and 3,765 children, 5,880 single people compared with 1,804 families  the latter representing a high not seen for several years.

A report for the second quarter of the year found that there was an 8% increase in homelessness compared to the first quarter.

It also found that the two most common reasons for homelessness were eviction (28.8%) and relationship breakdown or family circumstances (28.2%).

The second quarter of the year saw an 8% increase in the number of adults and their dependants who exited, or were prevented from entering, emergency accommodation, compared with the first quarter.

Figures published by the Department of Housing today show the number of people officially homeless in June reached yet another new record at 12,600. The figures show a significant rise of 159 people in one month compared to the 12,441 homeless in May this year. pic.twitter.com/ufySos3WZH  FocusIreland (@FocusIreland) July 28, 2023

Focus Ireland chief executive Pat Dennigan said the new record was a terrible blight on our society.

This should not be allowed to happen. From November 2019 to April 2021 family homelessness was cut by 45% due to work by Focus Ireland and others in partnership with the state, he said.

During the pandemic, the Government response led to the successful implementation of collaborative policies encompassing health and housing, resulting in remarkable outcomes.

One of these policies was the eviction ban and another was ensuring families who were homeless got priority for social housing.

This proves that the crisis of family homelessness is solvable, and it is very worrying to see the Government backtracking on a successful approach to tackling homelessness.

Wayne Stanley, executive director of the Simon Communities of Ireland, called the rise a disheartening surge.

Its shocking that we continue to reach record numbers of men, women and children in emergency accommodation each month, at a time when budget surpluses are running into billions of euro.

He said that progress made on homelessness during the pandemic had been lost, and called for housing assistance payment thresholds to be increased.

We also know that these figures, while indicative of the crisis, do not truly capture its scale. They do not include rough sleepers, those in squats, people in direct provision with status, those in womens shelters and those in hidden homelessness.

Minister for Housing Darragh OBrien said the situation is very challenging and every effort is being made to reduce homelessness.

Tackling this issue is a Government priority, he said.

We know that increasing the supply of new homes, particularly social and affordable homes, is key to tackling homelessness.

He cited CSO figures that show 14,017 homes were completed in the first six months of 2023, a 5.8% increase on the same period in 2022, and construction had begun on 15,561 new homes in the first six months of 2023.

Mr OBrien said: Last year we delivered a record number of social homes, the highest number since 1975. All of this will help provide more housing solutions, including for those who are at risk of homelessness.

Resources and funding for tackling homelessness are not an obstacle to the urgent work required to combat homelessness.

Budget 2023 provided funding of over 215 million euros, an increase of 10% on last year, for the delivery of homeless services. This is ensuring that local authorities can not only provide emergency accommodation but also and crucially homeless prevention measures.

It will also ensure they can support households to successfully exit homelessness into secure tenancies.

In addition to our focus on increasing supply, I introduced a number of measures to help those at risk of homelessness following the phasing out of the winter eviction moratorium.

These include introducing 1,000 additional targeted leasing units, securing at least 1,500 tenant-in-situ purchases in 2023 and expanding emergency accommodation by adding 2,000 new beds.

A new homelessness record of 12,600 people yet Micheal Martin claims we are moving in the right direction What planet is he living on? The longer FF & FG remain in power the worse this housing crisis is going to get. Time for this Gov't to go, it's time for change!  @EOBroin pic.twitter.com/VcB4v23vDM  Sinn Fein (@sinnfeinireland) July 28, 2023

Sinn Fein housing spokesperson Eoin O Broin said it is very clear that this governments plan isnt working.

Theyve been in government three years through its current incarnation, seven years through confidence and supply, Fine Gael 12 years, and we have never had homeless figures like these, and they are going to continue.

So my view at this point is very clear: This government has run out of road on homelessness.

They need to go, their minister for housing needs to go and their housing plan needs to go. And until we get a government that is serious about tackling the underlying causes of this housing and homelessness crisis, things are going to get worse.

He added: My big concern is Im still dealing with an awful lot of families who are overholding. Some of them are trying to find alternative accommodation, some of them are trying to convince landlord to do tenant-in-situ. Some of the landlords are engaging in the tenant-in-situ process, but its still very very slow.

And at some point I think were still going to see an increase in family presentations.

There are 181 people aged over 65 in emergency accommodation  you could resolve that in a matter of months. Nobody in receipt of a pension should be homeless, full stop.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 28. On July 27, the price of Azeri LT CIF Augusta brand was $88.06 a barrel, up 30 cents from the previous price., Trend reports, referring to the source from the country's oil and gas market.

The price of Azeri LT FOB Ceyhan brand amounted to $86.66 per barrel, up by 37 cents compared to the previous price.

Azerbaijan also sells its URALS oil from the Russian Black Sea port of Novorossiysk, delivering it through the Baku-Novorossiysk pipeline. The price of URALS with shipment from the port equaled $68 per barrel, up by nine cents as compared to the previous price.

Meanwhile, the price of a barrel of Brent Dated oil produced in the North Sea grew by two cents from the previous day on July 27 to $83.84 per barrel.

(1 USD = 1.7 AZN on July 28, 2023)
Urgent action is needed to protect vulnerable tenants being exploited for sex, an Irish charity has said.

In response to last nights Prime Time programme revealing how landlords seek sex in exchange for reduced rent or free accommodation, Ruhama has called for the protection of tenants and prospective tenants from sexual exploitation by landlords who are taking advantage of people, predominantly women, in extreme financial distress.

The charity, which fights sexual exploitation, prostitution and human trafficking, said that the housing crisis has driven an excess in demand for accommodation which has created a breeding ground for the sexual exploitation of women faced with a shortage of accommodation and exorbitant rents.

Sexual exploitation is the abuse of a position of vulnerability for sexual purposes, including the exchange of sex or sexual acts for money, accommodation, and other goods.

Ruhama says while it is against the law to purchase sex in Ireland, the State has not yet legislated against the exchange of sex for services or benefits.

On Thursday night, RTE Investigates revealed what it was like to come face-to-face with the people posting sex for rent ads in Ireland, showing how some landlords are seeking sex from often vulnerable prospective tenants in exchange for reduced rent or free accommodation

Barbara Condon, CEO Ruhama said: "Ruhama witnesses daily the harms and impact of sexual exploitation among individuals accessing our services. Poverty is one of the main drivers of sexual exploitation which often starts with a woman in a vulnerable situation who is at risk of being exploited by offers of money, accommodation or drugs in exchange for sex.

"Whilst this form of exploitation has been highlighted for some time, there is a danger that the true rate of coercion of sex for rent has so far remained hidden as the victim may see it as a once-off or short-term solution to survive rather than sexual exploitation.

"However, when money, accommodation or any other goods are exchanged for sex or sexual acts, there is no choice involved, it is an act of need and desperation. Sexual consent is bypassed in order to survive, and sex without consent cannot be

tolerated in a progressive society," Ms Condon said.

The charity said sexual exploitation predominantly affects women who are exploited by male predators. However, they said society continues to turn a blind eye to the injustices wrought by the social, cultural and economic power imbalance between women and men, be they landlords, perpetrators or pimps.

"The language used by the landlords exposed by RTE is reminiscent of that used by punters who rate and review women active in prostitution on the main websites, highlighting the misogyny that remains prevalent," Ms Condon said.

Ruhama calls on the Government to reconsider the Sex For Rent Bill 2022 given the delay in the review of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017. Appropriate legislation is required to recognise those offering accommodation in exchange for sex as offenders, to penalise the platforms that host their advertisements, to provide legal recourse to victims of predatory landlords and to ensure that this complex issue is treated with due regard to its seriousness.

"We need to ensure zero tolerance for domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. Tackling sexual exploitation is key to combatting and eradicating violence against women, Ms Condon said.
Justice Minister Helen McEntee has said she is happy to meet with the family of the US tourist who was assaulted in Dublin city centre.

Stephen Termini, a New Yorker in his 50s, was seriously injured in an attack in Talbot Street last week, prompting a wider debate on whether the Irish capitals streets are safe.

Three male juveniles have appeared in court this week and face charges in relation to the incident.

The attack has prompted the US Embassy in Dublin to warn visiting US citizens to keep a low profile and not to walk alone, especially after dark.

The justice minister has insisted that the city is mostly safe, while pledging to take action to deter violent attacks.

Ive said Id be happy to meet with them, she said on Friday when asked about the arrival of Mr Terminis family in Ireland.

They havent engaged with me yet. I have spoken to the American ambassador but I havent spoken to them yet.

But again, as I said, Im happy to meet with them if thats what they wish.

Ms McEntee was speaking at a ceremony for the graduation of 87 gardai from the Garda College in Templemore, Co Tipperary, as she announced an additional 10 million euro in funding for gardai in the Dublin region.

Ms McEntee said: This is the first in the newest round of recruits that are going to be coming through Templemore this year and next year.

What we need is more gardai on the ground, on the beat and this will certainly help with that.

She added: It is not where I would like us to be, I would like us to be further ahead at this stage but if we close to 800 this year I have absolute confidence that we are going to start reaching those targets of 1,000 next year.

I am the first to say I wish we were further ahead.

These 87 members will be out next week on the beat, there will be support in policing on the ground and people want to see their gardai in their uniforms out in communities and these gardai will be doing that as will the new recruits coming down the line.
The Premier People newspaper is to close with immediate effect following a Circuit Court civil action involving the owners of two Clonmel-based publications.

Kadenza Consultancies Limited and Niall Dennehy took an action against Jamie OFlaherty, a former editor of Premier Newspapers, and Premier Newspapers and Media Limited over alleged breaches of company law.

Kadenza had secured an interlocutory injunction against Mr OFlaherty and his company Premier People from publishing the freesheet newspaper last week.

As part of a settlement reached following a three-day hearing, Mr OFlaherty agreed to close his operation immediately.

He also gave a court apology to Mr Dennehy saying he regretted any upset his actions had caused.

Details of the settlement were not read out in court.

When the case was called before Judge Catherine Staines at Nenagh Circuit Civil Court last week, John Hanafin, BL (instructed by Patrick Kennedy of PJ OMeara and Company, Thurles), for the complainant, told the judge that Mr OFlaherty had been involved in what he said had been an egregious breach of company law and GDPR.

Mr Hanafin outlined that the front page of the Premier People, Mr OFlahertys newspaper, looked exactly the same as the front page of Premier South Tipperary News, which was registered to his client Niall Dennehy, who was a director of the company.

He said that his client had invested 60,000 in the operation and Mr OFlaherty had been appointed editor in April 2021 when he was a director and secretary of Kadenza.

However, Mr OFlaherty had now failed in his fiduciary duties and was in breach of his contract as secretary and director.

Mr Hanafin outlined that Premier South Tipperary News had begun as a voluntary paper following discussions in April 2021 and operated as a freesheet with advertising.

The paper had been built up to the point where it was accepted by the Press Council of Ireland, which Mr Hanafin described as a significant step.

The paper had built up a good reputation and had a good following with Instagram, Facebook and Twitter accounts attributed to Premier South Tipperary News.

Mr Hanafin told the court that the company had got to the point where it was viable financially and it was hoped to bring it to the next level.

Judge Staines told Mr Hanafin that she would like to hear directly from Mr Dennehy on how the company had been set up.

Mr Dennehy, who is an Independent councillor on Tipperary County Council, began his evidence by saying he was 69-years-old and took no pleasure from seeing Mr OFlaherty in court.

He stated that around February 2021 he had received an approach from an individual who had asked him if he and his son, Kevin, were interested in setting up a paper. They met and the individual, who was not named in court, brought Mr OFlaherty to the meeting.

It was the first time I came across Mr OFlaherty. It was agreed in principle that we would set up a newspaper. There was the prospect of a new paper doing very well, he said. However, at the third meeting in March or April that year, the original individual pulled out and Mr Dennehys son, Kevin, lost interest in the idea.

Out of a sense of compassion for Mr OFlaherty I opted to go forward, he said.

Mr Dennehy said that the 60,000 was start-up cash and for offices, and any invoices or money would be lodged with the company.

Getting Press Council of Ireland accreditation in February 2023 offered them the chance to get advertising from public bodies and they now had a plan to bring the company forward.

I went on holidays on May 5 (of this year) and that day, Mr OFlaherty went to the web company to instruct them to change it to Premier People. We had paid for the website and no one had permission to change it. There was no instruction to delete data, he said.

Mr Dennehy said the newspaper was due out the following week and while away he got notification it was not out and he believed Mr OFlaherty had commenced work the previous Monday with the other company.

It was evident a new paper was ready to be launched. In my mind it was an act of piracy. Our flag had been taken down, he said.

Mr Dennehy said that the masthead for the Premier South Tipperary News had been produced and he was happy that Mr OFlaherty had been working on their behalf at that stage.

Mr Dennehy said that he paid around 1,300 to a company to set up the website and paid 117 annually for its maintenance.

He said that the papers email address had been changed from info@premiernewspaper.com to info@premierpeople.ie on the morning he went on holidays. He stated that he had received no registered letter to say Mr OFlaherty had any intention to resign.

Mr Dennehy told Judge Staines that there was no written agreement on how the company would operate.

It might have been a good idea in hindsight, he said.

He outlined how the first edition of the Premier People was published in June 2023 and his reaction to it was one of shock. He agreed there had been some exchanges between Kadenza and Mr OFlaherty which he described as boardroom noise.

However, he didnt at any stage believe Mr OFlaherty had any intention of doing a solo run. He told Mr Hanafin that he felt badly when the paper was launched as it was a copycat of my paper. Asked by Judge Staines what he had hoped to achieve through the court action, Mr Dennehy said it was not about money. The aim was to take it forward and proceed with their own newspaper without the competition of a copycat paper.

Cross-examined by Tom ODonnell, BL, (instructed by Charles Daly of Charles C Daly and Company, Cobh) for Mr OFlaherty, Mr Dennehy said that he had put a lot into the business.

I collected papers from the printers in Cork and might drop them off to shops on the way back. He (Mr OFlaherty) probably did as much as I did - 150 outlets across south Tipperary.

Mr ODonnell put it to Mr Dennehy that Mr OFlaherty had set up the web domain in 2021 and that he had approached his client about setting up a political newsletter. Mr Dennehy said they had met in 2021 with the other individual who had brought

Mr OFlaherty along to the meeting. Asked by Judge Staines about his earlier comment about feeling compassion for Mr OFlaherty, Mr Dennehy said: I just got a sense he was a nice guy. When the other person pulled out I said we would keep in touch. We were never to be joint shareholders. I said I would pay the initial overheads - printing costs of 20,000.

There was a verbal agreement Mr OFlaherty would be editor-in-chief.

He said there was agreement on ownership of the paper and that Mr OFlaherty would be paid expenses and invest his time in it.

He said the paper was owned by Kadenza because they had the ability to provide all the back-up.

The newspaper was owned by the company, he said. Mr Dennehy said his understanding was that when they took the plan somewhere, Mr OFlaherty would receive a salary and bonuses for performance.

After accreditation we had a chat and it was suggested we both put 30,000 into the business to take it forward and he could be put on a decent salary. In my mind, he agreed. My understanding is he couldnt get a loan because he hadnt employee status, said Mr Dennehy.

He rejected a suggestion by Mr ODonnell that the 30,000 offer suggested joint ownership. I am the owner of Kadenza. The ownership of the paper never came up, he said. Was it made clear you would be the 100% owner? asked Mr ODonnell.

He never objected, replied Mr Dennehy.

Mr ODonnell put it to Mr Dennehy that in April 2023, he had sent a text message to Mr OFlaherty saying that he had invested 60,000 and it wasnt sustainable going forward, that he couldnt keep that up and the paper was going to have to pay for itself going forward.

Mr Dennehy said that a lot was being made of that exchange but that it was Mr OFlaherty who always drew up invoices.

I needed to stir it up, to get him off his backside. I would suggest he threw the toys out of the pram, said Mr Dennehy. I didnt know how much money was due to come in.

Mr Dennehy told the court that Mr OFlaherty had taken a paycheck for the issue Volume 3, Issue 10, but that it had never come out and that Mr OFlaherty had instructed that the website be changed.

Mr ODonnell said to Mr Dennehy that Mr OFlaherty had messaged him saying the paper would not come out and he had replied with a thumbs-up symbol.

Mr Dennehy said Mr OFlaherty had the ability to get money into the account and to go ahead with printing the paper.

Mr ODonnell read a registered letter his client sent to Mr Dennehy stating that he was resigning with immediate effect and asking that Mr Dennehy submit the correct B10 form to the Companies Registration Office. I didnt acknowledge receipt of the registered letter.

He never replied to other registered letters we sent, he said.

Mr Dennehy said that he sent the registered letter to the external accountant.

He didnt deny that he had received a further resignation letter on May 28, 2023.

Mr ODonnell put it to Mr Dennehy that the domain site had been set up by his client, to which Mr Dennehy said that that was not right and if that happened then he was misled.

Mr ODonnell said they had been registered by Mr OFlaherty in April using his own email address and he had made payments on them in 2021, 2022 and 2023.

He set up and paid the annual fee from his own personal account, said Mr ODonnell. Mr Dennehy replied that for some reason Mr OFlaherty had not been acting in the best interest of the goodwill he had exhibited towards him.

I consider it an underhand tactic, said Mr Dennehy. He said that he had suggested the title South Tipperary News when they met in February but Mr OFlaherty was aware of the use of Premier because the other individual had said Premier.

Mr Dennehy again said that he owned the domain and paid out of his own finances for it.

He was aware that there was an interlocutory injunction preventing Mr OFlaherty from bringing out his paper last week.

Put to him again by Mr ODonnell that Mr OFlaherty had resigned on May 2, 2023, Mr Dennehy said that the procedure had not been concluded and the Company Registration Office would not allow it until a new director and secretary had been appointed.

Mr Hanafin interjected to say no one was obliged to facilitate a pirated paper.

Mr ODonnell said that the injunction had been granted on the basis of full and frank disclosure but that what had been submitted was a selected version of events which had failed to mention that Mr OFlaherty had resigned and that there were no funds to publish the paper.

Mr Dennehy said that he had been trying to get Mr OFlaherty to collect money.

Mr Hanafin said that, to that day, Mr OFlaherty was legally secretary and director of Kadenza and he was going to compete with a company of which he was legally a director and secretary.

Mr Dennehy agreed there was no non-compete clause and no agreement in place.

Mr OFlaherty did not give evidence in court, but there was a sworn affidavit submitted setting out his defence.

Following a number of submissions, the hearing adjourned to Thursday afternoon when a final settlement was reached following lengthy negotiations.

Judge Staines complimented all parties for their sensible approach.
[July 27, 2023] Bespin Global Appoints New CEO, Sunny Kim Tweet

Sunny Kim joined Bespin Global in 2018 and lead the company's expansion into the U.S. market since 2021

Kim's extensive knowledge and global experience will help drive Bespin Global's rapid growth and create synergies between its overseas bases SEOUL, South Korea, July 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Bespin Global( https://www.bespinglobal.com/ ), a multi-cloud operations management company, announced that Sunny Kim, CEO of Bespin Global U.S. was appointed as its new CEO. In his new role, Mr. Kim will be responsible for positioning Bespin Global as a global cloud MSP managing cloud MSP businesses in Korea, US, China, Singapore, Vietnam and Indonesia. Each of the regions will be directly reporting to Sunny Kim. Since joining the company in 2018, Sunny Kim has led the software business unit and contributed to the company's innovation and growth. Since 221, he has been the head of Bespin Global's U.S. operation, where he has led the fastest growing region within Bespin Global and contributed significantly to the company's global expansion. Prior to joining Bespin Global, he was with Samsung Electronics for 12 years. His last post was as a Vice President of Samsung Next where he led investments into technology startups. Prior to Samsung, he was with Accenture and Siebel Systems(Oracle). He graduated from Georgia Tech and Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management (MBA).



"My goal and mission as the new global head of Bespin Global is for the Korean-born cloud company to grow in the largest markets such as North America and Europe, and eventually become a top player in the global cloud market," said Sunny Kim. "I will explore and pursue various ways, including M&A, to accelerate global growth and secure leadership in the market. I will also strengthen connections and exchanges among Bespin Global's overseas bases, currently located in 14 cities in 9 countries, to create greater synergies and contribute to our transformation into a truly global company." "Sunny Kim is a brave leader who can deliver results. He created our US beach head during the height of Covid. He then made it into the fastest growing division while reaching the profitability before any other division. He also embodies our Learn Do Share core values. There is no one better suited to keep spreading our core value throughout our global operations. He will be instrumental in making sure that Bespin Global becomes a truly global cloud MSP," said John HanJoo Lee, CEO and Chairman of Newberry Global.

John HanJoo Lee will continue to serve as CEO and Chairman of Newberry Global which is the holding company that owns and operates technology companies around the world including Bespin Global, OpsNow, joint ventures in Japan and UAE, and others. Sunny Kim will report to John HanJoo Lee. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bespin-global-appoints-new-ceo-sunny-kim-301887923.html SOURCE Bespin Global

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[July 27, 2023] RTX ALERT: Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C. is Investigating RTX Corporation on Behalf of RTX Stockholders and Encourages Investors to Contact the Firm Tweet

Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C., a nationally recognized stockholder rights law firm, is investigating potential claims against RTX Corporation ("RTX" or the "Company") (NYSE: RTX) on behalf of RTX stockholders. Our investigation concerns whether RTX has violated the federal securities laws and/or engaged in other unlawful business practices. Click here to participate in the action. On July 25, 2023, the Company reported its Q2 earnings which disclosed a "condition" in its Pratt & Whitney jet engine unit. The Company stated, "Pratt & Whitney has determined that a rare condition in powdered metal used to manufacture certain engine parts will require accelerated fleet inspection." The Company expects a sizable portion of the PW1100G-JM engine fleet will require acceerated removals and inspection within the next nine to twelve months.



If you purchased or otherwise acquired RTX shares and suffered a loss, are a long-term stockholder, have information, would like to learn more about these claims, or have any questions concerning this announcement or your rights or interests with respect to these matters, please contact Brandon Walker or Marion Passmore by email at [email protected], by telephone at (212) 355-4648, or by filling out this contact form. There is no cost or obligation to you. About Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C.:

Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C. is a nationally recognized law firm with offices in New York and California. The firm represents individual and institutional investors in commercial, securities, derivative, and other complex litigation in state and federal courts across the country. For more information about the firm, please visit www.bespc.com. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230727021889/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[July 27, 2023] Admitad partner network boosts Chinese sales in overseas markets by 143% and GMV by 343% Tweet

NECKARSULM, Germany, July 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Thanks to the high quality and wide range of goods offered, Chinese companies are making deeper inroads into key European, US and LATAM markets, as well as MENA and APAC secondary markets. Just a few days ago, online wholesale marketplace Alibaba.com said cross-border demand for Made in China exports over its platform had leapt by 33%. Performance-based partner marketing has played a major role in the expansion of Chinese brands. Admitad partner network is leading the charge while leveraging over a decade of positive experience of collaboration with Chinese companies. According to network estimates, their overseas sales will continue to grow in 2023. With brands paying only when positive results are achieved - results such as sales, installs and customer registrations - performance marketing enables businesses to avoid financial risk when entering new markets. It gains them transparent budget planning and a manageable order flow. Admitad brings together 100,000+ publishers and 3000+ brands. This network has become a proven partner for Chinese companies seking to successfully enter, expand their presence and drive growth within foreign markets. Current Admitad clients include Alibaba (and AliExpress), Banggood, DHgate, Taobao, SHEIN, Joom and many others.



It gives Chinese brands access to wide international audiences and customer sources, including cashback services and coupon platforms, social media and influencer marketing, native advertising, search engine marketing, traffic-buying specialists and many others. In 2022, Admitad achieved impressive results for its Chinese partners, boosting the number of sales in key global markets by 143% and the Gross Merchandise Volume (GMV) by 343%.

In Europe , orders rose by 122% and the GMV increased fourfold.

In the US, orders increase by 3.5 times, with a fourfold increase in GMV.

In LATAM, orders multiplied by 3.5 times and GMV saw an almost ninefold growth. Secondary markets also performed well, with Chinese companies in MENA and APAC seeing an average order growth of 80-90% and GMVs that more than doubled. Admitad has been a vital catalyst for Chinese success in overseas markets, offering companies of all sizes innovative marketing and e-commerce solutions. The network uses its cutting-edge tracking technologies and dedicated quality department to ensure advertisers receive only the highest standard of traffic quality. Personal managers leverage their vast experience in the field to make sure that each Chinese brand gets a lightning-fast and informative response to every request. 2023 is poised to be another successful year for Admitad's Chinese partners. The first half of the year has already seen European order numbers grow by over 30%, and the hottest sales period is yet to come. The greatest influx of new orders in the first half of the year came from the United States, Brazil, France, Spain, Poland, Mexico, Germany and the United Kingdom. Admitad remains at the forefront of partner marketing innovation - securing the successful growth and profitability of its Chinese partners worldwide. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/admitad-partner-network-boosts-chinese-sales-in-overseas-markets-by-143-and-gmv-by-343-301887214.html SOURCE Admitad

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[July 27, 2023] Met TripGenie? This AI assistant is all you need to plan for your next trip Tweet

SINGAPORE, July 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- In today's fast-paced world, travellers often seek efficient and personalised solutions to plan their trips. With advancements in technology and the rise of AI, travel companies are embracing innovative ways to enhance customer experiences. Recently, Trip.com announced the latest developments with TripGenie  our pioneering AI-powered assistant. How does this AI assistant set itself apart from competitors in the market? And how can you plan a trip with TripGenie? Will we see more of such AI-assistants in the future? Well, Amy Wei, Senior Product Director at Trip.com and product owner of TripGenie, has got all the answers. What makes TripGenie stand out from other AI-powered travel chatbots? Amy: TripGenie's major differentiator lies in its ability to provide actionable responses. Unlike traditional conversation-based AI tools, TripGenie not only answers questions but also takes users directly to relevant information. For example, when a user asks about hotels in Singapore that are family-friendly or have an outdoor pool, TripGenie quickly presents a list of hotels that match the criteria. No more sifting through search results; it's a faster and more efficient way to find what you need. This integration of voice commands and AI-driven actions simplifies the travel planning process, making it feel more like having a conversation with a helpful assistant rather than interacting with a typical OTA website. Here's how a conversation with TripGenie might look like: Why doesn't TripGenie book a flight or hotel for you? Amy: While TripGenie assists with information and suggestions, it doesn't handle booking directly. Instead, it streamlines the journey from inquiry to action. For example, after asking for flight options, TripGenie will show you the available flights, but as a customer, the customer will still retain control over selecting and booking a ticket. This approach respects the traveller's autonomy while eliminating unnecessary hassle in the search process. There is great reason to be excited for the future of TripGenie. With the rollout of large language models like ChatGPT, the possibilities are vast. Trip.com's tech team is continuously working on expanding the AI assistant's capabilities to provide even more actionable responses. Besides being fuss-free, how does TripGenie make your travels more interesting? Amy: I have personally used TripGenie during my travels to Vietnam, and found that the AI assistant's responses accurate and helpful. The conversational nature of TripGenie allowed me to refine my travel plans easily, providing me with local insights and recommendations.



On another trip to Rotterdam, Netherlands, TripGenie told me that Indonesian cuisine there was very good. Initially, I did not quite understand why I needed to go to Rotterdam to eat Indonesian cuisine there. Later on, I was chatting with friends and asked them why I should taste the Indonesian cuisine there. Their answer was very surprising, saying that there is a lively Indonesian community in Rotterdam. Therefore, that city has a lot of Indonesian restaurants. That was very surprising to me, that I had to go to Europe and taste Indonesian cuisine. How has Trip.com enhanced customer support and engagement with TripGenie?

Amy: AI has long played a role in customer service at Trip.com. Even before large language models, AI-powered tools were used to provide automatic responses and handle straightforward queries. The introduction of ChatGPT and TripGenie took customer support to a new level, allowing for more comprehensive and personalised interactions. For example, TripGenie now helps travellers with their unique questions about car rentals, local cuisines, parking, and other travel-related topics. Let's look at security and privacy issues, the concerns about data protection and privacy. Amy: Trip.com is committed to safeguarding user data and follows stringent data protection regulations. Personal data shared during conversations is protected, and sensitive information, like credit card numbers, etc, are masked before being passed to third-party AI models for processing. What languages can we expect it to have? Amy: TripGenie is actively being tested with voice interactions in English. The technology team is diligently working on the accuracy of Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) for other languages to enable voice commands more widely. What do you think is the future of TripGenie? Amy: The future is very bright - we're excited about upcoming plans for TripGenie, including much more voice-enabled interactions that make travel planning even more seamless. We envision integrating the AI assistant with voice-activated devices like smart speakers and leveraging the power of voice recognition technology to create a more natural and user-friendly experience. Furthermore, TripGenie is set to become a personalisation powerhouse. Trip.com plans to use AI to analyse user behaviour and preferences to offer more tailored suggestions for hotels, restaurants, and attractions. This hyper-personalisation will elevate the travel planning experience, saving time and effort for travellers. Any final thoughts? Amy: The recent press release from Trip.com showcased the emergence of AI-powered assistants like TripGenie, transforming the travel industry and providing travellers with smart and efficient solutions to their travel needs. While AI can greatly enhance the travel planning process, it will never replace the human touch and connection that comes from personalised recommendations and local insights. Instead, AI serves as a valuable tool that empowers travellers to make better decisions, discover new places, and create memorable experiences on their journeys. With continuous advancements and user-centric innovations, TripGenie is poised to revolutionise the way we interact with travel planning, making it more accessible, efficient, and enjoyable for travellers worldwide. To find out more about what TripGenie can do for your next trip, click here. About Trip.com Trip.com is an international one-stop travel service provider, available in 24 languages across 39 countries and regions in 31 local currencies and sites. Trip.com has an extensive hotel and flight network consisting of more than 1.2 million hotels and flights from over 480 airlines covering 2,600 airports in 200 countries and regions around the globe. Trip.com's world-class 24/7 multilingual customer service as well as additional centres in Edinburgh, Tokyo and Seoul, help to 'create the best travel experience' for its millions of customers worldwide. To book your next trip, visit trip.com View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/met-tripgenie-this-ai-assistant-is-all-you-need-to-plan-for-your-next-trip-301887991.html SOURCE Trip.com

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[July 27, 2023] L3 Homeation Introduces the Smart Energy Meter to Empower Consumers Amid Reports of Abnormal Electricity Consumption Tweet

SINGAPORE, July 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- As reports of abnormal increases in electricity consumption and prices circulate in Singapore, L3 Homeation, a leading provider of smart home solutions, is proud to announce the launch of its cutting-edge Smart Energy Meter. Designed to empower consumers with real-time insights into their energy usage, the Smart Energy Meter aims to enhance awareness, optimize energy management, and promote a sustainable energy-saving culture among households. The recent news highlighting drastic spikes in electricity consumption and bills has sparked concern among Singaporeans. Many have observed unexplained surges, despite no changes in consumption behavior or appliance usage. L3 Homeation recognizes the significance of accurate energy data and transparency for consumers and aims to address this issue with its Smart Energy Meter. Key Features of L3 Homeation's Smart Energy Meter: Real-Time Consumption Data: The Smart Energy Meter provides users with real-time, detailed statistics of electrical energy consumption, enabling them to monitor and manage their usage pattern efficiently. Load Disaggregation: Through advanced Non-Intrusive Load Monitoring (NILM) analysis, the Smart Energy Meter allows users to identify and manage individual appliance consumption, contributing to better energy balancing and informed appliance usage. p>Integration with Smart Home Systems: Seamlessly integrate the Smart Energy Meter with existing smart home systems for automation control, allowing users to optimize energy usage and increase energy efficiency.



Benchmarking and Education: L3 Homeation's Smart Energy Meter enables users to benchmark their consumption patterns against averages in their locality or country. This data-driven approach cultivates an energy-saving culture and informs consumers when selecting energy-efficient appliances. Privacy and Security Protocols: L3 Homeation prioritizes data privacy and security, implementing robust measures to protect users' personal information from potential threats or unauthorized access.

"With the growing concern over abnormal electricity consumption and rising prices, we understand the need for an accurate and user-friendly solution to empower consumers," said Khoo Aik Leong, Technology Head of L3 Homeation. "Our Smart Energy Meter aims to bridge the gap between consumers and their energy consumption, providing them with real-time insights and tools to make informed decisions about their electricity usage." In a time when energy conservation and environmental sustainability are paramount, L3 Homeation's Smart Energy Meter offers an indispensable tool for individuals and families striving to reduce their carbon footprint and make a positive impact on the environment. To learn more about L3 Homeation's Smart Energy Meter and its range of innovative smart home solutions, please visit https://www.l3homeation.com.sg/ . L3 Homeation has selected Verz Design as its trusted partner for digital marketing. Established in 2009, Verz Design offers a range of digital marketing services, including search engine optimization (SEO), social media marketing, and search engine marketing. With a proven track record of success, Verz Design has achieved top rankings on the first page of Google for keywords such as 'SEO Services ' About L3 Homeation L3 Homeation is a leading provider of smart home solutions in Singapore, dedicated to enhancing modern living with cutting-edge technology. With a focus on innovation, usability, and sustainability, L3 Homeation offers a comprehensive range of smart home devices that empower consumers to create connected and energy-efficient homes. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/l3-homeation-introduces-the-smart-energy-meter-to-empower-consumers-amid-reports-of-abnormal-electricity-consumption-301887999.html SOURCE L3 Homeation

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[July 28, 2023] Staynex Partners with Huawei to Enhance Web3 Initiatives for the Travel and Hospitality Industry Tweet

SINGAPORE, July 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Global vacation club platform, Staynex, has announced a partnership with tech giant, Huawei, to leverage Web3 technologies and enhance the travel and hospitality industry. This partnership will potentially offer users a more comprehensive travel experience with increased convenience and variety using advanced AI tools. The firm will provide travellers with a wider range of hotels and itinerary options to suit their preferences, lifestyles, and budgets. This significant development reinforces Staynex's dedication to creating superior travel solutions for a wide-ranging audience. "We anticipate that ourpartnership with Huawei will facilitate the creation of more solutions for the travel and hospitality industry," states Bernard Lau, Founder and CEO of Staynex. "We are keen to explore the numerous opportunities and aim to empower global travellers."



"We are delighted to partner with Staynex to augment its platform with our cutting-edge technological tools, while also allowing us to improve our range of corporate services," shares Rex Lei, Managing Director of Huawei Cloud Singapore. " With our expertise in cloud technology, we currently support companies across numerous industries. We are confident that this partnership will enable us to develop more efficient and advanced information and communication technology (ICT) solutions for the travel and hospitality industry." Staynex, an integral component of the Labs Group ecosystem, will offer its AI-powered Travel Solutions, supported by Huawei's innovative technology. Staynex is set to introduce solutions for everyday travellers and in addition, it will offer corporate solutions designed to streamline the process of booking travel tickets for employees attending events such as conferences.

The partnership also includes Staynex's integration into the Huawei Marketplace, providing millions of Huawei device users with easy access to Staynex's comprehensive travel platform. Staynex plans to use this partnership to accelerate its expansion into the Chinese market and beyond. About Staynex

Staynex, operating as part of the Labs Group Ecosystem, is a global vacation club platform aiming to reshape the travel and hospitality industry. It utilizes advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and Web3 to improve individual travel experiences and streamline corporate travel bookings. Staynex is committed to continuous service enhancement and global expansion, fostering a vision of making travel more accessible, efficient, and enjoyable for everyone. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/staynex-partners-with-huawei-to-enhance-web3-initiatives-for-the-travel-and-hospitality-industry-301888093.html SOURCE Huawei

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[July 28, 2023]

This Week in Policy & Public Interest News: 10 Stories You Need to See

A roundup of the week's most newsworthy policy and public interest press releases from PR Newswire, including the Teamsters' new contract with UPS and Lowe's grants for technical colleges.

NEW YORK, July 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- With thousands of press releases published each week, it can be difficult to keep up with everything on PR Newswire. To help journalists covering the policy and public interest industries stay on top of the week's most newsworthy and popular releases, here's a roundup of stories from the week that shouldn't be missed.

The list below includes the headline (with a link to the full text) and an excerpt from each story. Click on the press release headlines to access accompanying multimedia assets that are available for download.

Read more of the latest policy-related releases from PR Newswire and stay caught up on the top press releases by following @PRNpolicy and @prnedu on Twitter.

Helping Journalists Stay Up to Date on Industry News

These are just a few of the recent press releases that consumers and the media should know about. To be notified of releases relevant to their coverage area, journalists can set up a custom newsfeed with PR Newswire for Journalists.

Once they're signed up, reporters, bloggers and freelancers have access to the following free features:

Customization: Create a customized newsfeed that will deliver relevant news right to your inbox. Customize the newsfeed by keywords, industry, subject, geography, and more.

Create a customized newsfeed that will deliver relevant news right to your inbox. Customize the newsfeed by keywords, industry, subject, geography, and more. Photos and Videos: Thousands of multimedia assets are available to download and include with your next story.

Thousands of multimedia assets are available to download and include with your next story. Subject Matter Experts: Access ProfNet, a database of industry experts to connect with as sources or for quotes in your articles.

Access ProfNet, a database of industry experts to connect with as sources or for quotes in your articles. Related Resources: Read and subscribe to our journalist- and blogger-focused blog, Beyond Bylines, for media news roundups, writing tips, upcoming events, and more.

About PR Newswire and PR Newswire for Journalists

For more than 65 years, PR Newswire has been the industry leader with the largest, most comprehensive distribution network of print, radio, magazine, television stations, financial portals and trade publications. PR Newswire has an unparalleled global reach of more than 200,000 publications and 10,000 websites and is available in more than 170 countries and 40 languages.

PR Newswire for Journalists (PRNJ) is an exclusive community that includes over 20,000 journalists, bloggers and influencers who are logging into their PRNJ accounts specifically looking for story ideas. PR Newswire thoroughly researches and vets this community to verify their identity as a member of the press, blogger or influencer. PRNJ users cover more than 200 beats and verticals.

For questions, contact the team at [email protected].

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/this-week-in-policy--public-interest-news-10-stories-you-need-to-see-301887866.html

SOURCE PR Newswire
Subscription to paid content

Gain access to all that Trend has to offer, as well as to premium, licensed content via subscription or direct purchase through a credit card.
[July 28, 2023] Canadian VC funding recovers to $1.95B in Q2, reports $3.25B for first half of 2023 Tweet

H1 2023 recovery fueled by the returns of US investors

US Investors pulled ahead of Canadian investor as the top source of VC fundings (44%)

International investors increased its funding share (16%) with the retreat of Canadian investors (40%)

US VC replaced Canadian Governments as the top funding source

Ontario regained as usual top funding receiving destination

City of Toronto became first $1 billion municipal city in 2023

VC funds raised in $613 million H1 2023

Dentons Canada LLP remained as the top VC law firm All dollar ($) figures in Canadian dollars unless otherwise noted. TORONTO, July 28, 2023 /CNW/ - Canadian venture capital (VC) recovered from its recent low of $1.3 billion in Q1, 20231 to report $1.95 billion in Q2 2023 in disbursements2. For the first half of 2023, Canadian VC disbursements reached $3.25 billion, almost at par with that of Q1 2022, representing 62% decreases from the same period in 2022. H1 2023 VC funding sources The recovery was driven by the return of US investors. For the first half of 2023 (H1 2023), US investors invested $1.43 billion (44%), pulling well ahead of Canadian investors (40%) which in Q1 2023 had contributed almost equal mount as the US investors. International investors from 28 countries or regions invested $512 million, accounting for 16% of total funding in H1 2023. Canadian government investors briefly became the leader in Q1 2023. US VC investors reclaimed the title position as the single largest individual source of financing with $729 million invested, leading second place Canadian government investors which invested $433 million. Corporate investors (CVCs) combined invested $824 million in H1 2023. USA, international and Canadian CVCs invested $334 million, $277 million, and $213 million respectively. Canadian Private VCs invested $254 million, ranking as 5th in the top six $200 million plus individual investor types. H1 2023 VC disbursements Provinces

Ontario regained its position as the top VC recipient, securing $1.59 billion well ahead of $696 million, $455 million, and $365 million received by Quebec, BC and Alberta companies respectively. Municipal Cities

City of Toronto became the first $1 billion recipient city, securing $1,12 billion in VC funding. Montreal and Vancouver ranked second and third, receiving $637 million and $409 million respectively. The top $100 million recipient cities, which also including Kitchener, Calgary, Edmonton, and Ottawa, secured $2.86 billion in combined VC funding, representing 88% of total VC funding. Sectors

ICT companies raised $1,91 billion or 59% of the total amount. Biotech and Cleantech ranked as distant recipient sectors, raising $557 million and 483 million respectively. Stages

Early stage and growth/late-stage financings raised $1.55 billion and $1.14 billion respectively. Seed/pre-seed stage financings raised $272 million from 82 financings, representing 27% of the total number of financings for 8% of the total funding. Company size

Companies with 0-49 employees raised $1.55 billion accounting for 48% of the total disbursements (545%). Companies with 50-99, 100-499 and 500+ employees raised $596 million, 972 million and $133 million respectively. H1 2023 VC fund fundraising 19 private VC funds and 2 platform funds (Startup TNT funds) raised $613 million in aggregate in H1 2023. The fundraising was down substantially from $1.72 billion reported for the same period of last year. H1 2023 Leading VC law firms3

Dentons Canada LLP continued to lead all law firms with 54 financings for $472 million. "This data reveals that VC cleantech investment in Canada in H1, 2023 appears to be developing some momentum, coming off a strong 2022. However, fintech investing is firmly in the doldrums. Unsurprising, given that fintech investing has slowed down in a number of comparator jurisdictions but at the same time surprising given the intense competition in financial services. Also, of note. and contrary to recent media reports, Toronto only received about one-third of venture capital investing dollars in Canada and may not be quite as predominant in the space as thought. This may be attributed to the decline in fintech, given Toronto's pre-eminent position in the financial services industry in Canada. Finally, of note, is the roughly $2 billion raised by small firms (with fewer than 100 employees) that went to fewer than 300 such companies - considering that the small company universe in Canada stands at approximately 1.2 million firms," commented Richard Remillard, President of Remillard Consulting Group (RCG). Summary report

Summary report can be downloaded from financings.ca website: https://www.financings.ca/reports/ Methodology Included Equity and quasi-equity investments in companies directly. Excluded Secondary transactions (investor/shareholder exit events) in which companies received no money

PE transactions

Financing by foreign headquartered/domiciled companies with Canadian subsidiaries. Remillard Consulting Group (RCG) Remillard Consulting Group (RCG) is a unique, Ottawa-based, bilingual consulting firm specializing in providing private sector, government & trade association clients with creative, research-grounded solutions to business issues and public policies involving the Canadian financial services industry. For more information: [email protected] CPE Analytics With over 80,700 financing transactions in its Canadian Financings database, CPE Analytics is Canada's leading all financing intelligence provider. We provide comprehensive, verified, unbiased and unmatched insights and intelligence on private and public financings, initial public offerings (IPOs), M&As, professional investment firm fundraising activities. We cover all aspects of VC information, not limited to but including Canada's only information on VC firm fundraising, VC funding sources (where all the VC came from). CPE Analytics is the data analytics division of CPE Media & Data Company. More Info: https://cpeanalytics.ca, https://financings.ca CPE Media & Data Company Founded by Canada's the most experienced private capital and financing research experts, CPE Media & Data Company is Canada's leading all financing news and intelligence provider. More information: https://cpecompany.ca/







_______________________________ 1 Included verified Q1, 2023 financings, not financings announced in Q1 2023 but were Q4 2022 financings. 2 VC capital went to company directly. Excluded were portions of overall funding transaction in which new investor(s) acquired shares from management and/or existing investors with companies receiving no capital. A secondary is treated as an exit event and not as a fundraising event for a company. Data providers that include secondaries in total investment activities are mixing exits with investment and totally distorting Canadian venture capital investment activities. 3 Based on direct law firm submissions and various sources of information indirectly.

SOURCE CPE Media Inc.

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[July 28, 2023] Emjay Shows Solidarity with SAG-AFTRA and WGA Strikers by Offering Cannabis Relief Tweet

LOS ANGELES, July 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Emjay, the leading cannabis retailer and delivery service based in California, proudly stands in support of actors and writers participating in the nationwide strike. In a heartfelt gesture, Emjay's Los Angeles dispensary representatives will be present at various strike locations this weekend, distributing vouchers that grant card-carrying members of SAG-AFTRA or WGA the privilege of exempting all cannabis taxes from their next purchase at Emjay. "We're excited to connect with the strikers on a deeper level," said Chris Vaughn , Emjay CEO. The team from Emjay will make stops at prominent studios such as Netflix, CBS, and Fox, aiming to provide a dose of lighthearted relief to the hardworking members of SAG and WGA through cannabis. Chris Vaughn, the CEO of Emjay, expressed enthusiasm about the team's involvement with the local ommunity, stating, "The CBS Studio is just down the street from our West Hollywood dispensary, so we're really seeing the strikes first hand. We're excited to connect with the strikers on a deeper level and, hopefully, offer them some value while they fight for fairness."



Emjay extends the exclusive offer to card-holding members of SAG-AFTRA or the WGA, enabling them to redeem their vouchers at Emjay's Los Angeles location at 345 N. Fairfax, Los Angeles, 90036, or conveniently order online for delivery through their website, heyemjay.com. Learn more about how to get verified using the online option by visiting Emjay's blog .

The Emjay team eagerly looks forward to building stronger bonds with the creative and hardworking members of their community during these trying times. For more information about Emjay's offerings in the Los Angeles area, please visit https://heyemjay.com/cannabis-delivery-los-angeles . About Emjay: Emjay, the premier California-based cannabis delivery and retail platform, was launched in early 2019 with a mission to redefine the cannabis shopping experience for consumers. Boasting retail locations in West Hollywood and La Mesa, California, Emjay distinguishes itself by offering an unparalleled selection of products that surpasses its competitors. Emjay's commitment to customer satisfaction is exemplified by their immediate and scheduled delivery services, providing customers with convenience at prices that surpass those offered by competing dispensaries and services. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/emjay-shows-solidarity-with-sag-aftra-and-wga-strikers-by-offering-cannabis-relief-301887743.html SOURCE Emjay

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
KBRA Assigns Preliminary Ratings to BANK 2023-BNK46

KBRA is pleased to announce the assignment of preliminary ratings to 38 classes of BANK 2023-BNK46, a $720.6 million CMBS conduit transaction collateralized by 32 commercial mortgage loans secured by 32 properties.

The collateral properties are located throughout 16 MSAs, of which the three largest are Washington NoVA - MD (16.3%), San Diego (13.1%), and Boston (10.0%). The pool has exposure to all major property types, with four types representing more than 10.0% of the pool balance: retail (35.8%), office (21.2%), lodging (17.0%), and mixed-use (13.0%). The loans have principal balances ranging from $1.0 million to $72.0 million for the largest loan in the pool, CX - 250 Water Street (10.0%), which is secured by a 479,004 sf Class-A office and lab building located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, approximately one mile northwest of Boston CBD. The five largest loans, which also include Fashion Valley Mall (9.7%), Soho Beach House Miami (8.3%), Largo Town Center (6.3%), and Seagate Campus (6.0%), represent 40.3% of the initial pool balance, while the top 10 loans represent 65.6%.

KBRA's analysis of the transaction incorporated our multi-borrower rating process that begins with our analysts' evaluation of the underlying collateral properties' financial and operating performance, which determine KBRA's estimate of sustainable net cash flow (KNCF) and KBRA value using our U.S. CMBS Property Evaluation Methodology. On an aggregate basis, KNCF was 12.4% less than the issuer cash flow. KBRA capitalization rates were applied to each asset's KNCF to derive values that were, on an aggregate basis, 38.5% less than third party appraisal values. The pool has an in-trust KLTV of 81.5% and an all-in KLTV of 81.6%. The model deploys rent and occupancy stresses, probability of default regressions, and loss given default calculations to determine losses for each collateral loan that are then used to assign our credit ratings.

To access ratings and relevant documents, click here.

Click here to view the report.

Related Publications







Further information on key credit considerations, sensitivity analyses that consider what factors can affect these credit ratings and how they could lead to an upgrade or a downgrade, and ESG factors (where they are a key driver behind the change to the credit rating or rating outlook) can be found in the full rating report referenced above.

A description of all substantially material sources that were used to prepare the credit rating and information on the methodology(ies) (inclusive of any material models and sensitivity analyses of the relevant key rating assumptions, as applicable) used in determining the credit rating is available in the Information Disclosure Form(s) located here.

Information on the meaning of each rating category can be located here.

Further disclosures relating to this rating action are available in the Information Disclosure Form(s) referenced above. Additional information regarding KBRA policies, methodologies, rating scales and disclosures are available at www.kbra.com.

About KBRA

Kroll Bond Rating Agency, LLC (KBRA) is a full-service credit rating agency registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as an NRSRO. Kroll Bond Rating Agency Europe Limited is registered as a CRA with the European Securities and Markets Authority. Kroll Bond Rating Agency UK Limited is registered as a CRA with the UK Financial Conduct Authority. In addition, KBRA is designated as a designated rating organization by the Ontario Securities Commission for issuers of asset-backed securities to file a short form prospectus or shelf prospectus. KBRA is also recognized by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners as a Credit Rating Provider.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230728886306/en/
[July 28, 2023] Okuma America Corporation Recognized as a Top Workplace in 2023;Receives Two National Awards Tweet

CHARLOTTE, N.C., July 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Okuma America Corporation, a world-leading builder of computer numerical control (CNC) machine tools, controls and automation systems, is honored to be nationally recognized as a 2023 Top Workplace, receiving two awards within the manufacturing industry and compensation and benefits categories. These awards were granted by Top Workplaces, the leading employer recognition organization in the United States. Okuma America Corporation is recognized as one of 60 top employers which employ 150 to 499 employees within the manufacturing industry in the USA. The company has also received recognition as a top employer for compensation and benefits for companies with 150 to 499 employees among a variety of industries across the nation. Okuma America Corp. is prou to represent the machine tool industry amongst the wide variety of industries that also received recognition for these awards.



The Top Workplace selections were made based on feedback from participating companies' employees. In the Spring of 2023, Okuma members were offered an opportunity to complete an anonymous employee engagement survey which polled for feedback on various topics related to job satisfaction and company culture. Nearly 80% of Okuma's employees completed the survey, which was well beyond the minimum rate of 35% participation to be considered for the award. The results were then compared to other participating companies and ranked accordingly, with the highest-scoring companies receiving a Top Workplace designation. Jim King, President and COO of Okuma America Corp, shared his thoughts on receiving these awards, stating "We're incredibly fortunate to have such an excellent team here at Okuma, and it's a privilege to serve them in my role. We continuously strive to be a leader within the manufacturing industry and are diligent in ensuring our team is compensated competitively for their efforts. While these endeavors are done for the sake of our team members and customers, we're grateful to be recognized in these areas and to receive these national Top Workplace awards."

About Okuma America Corporation Okuma America Corporation is the U.S.-based sales and service affiliate of Okuma Corporation, a world-leading builder of CNC (computer numeric control) machine tools, controls and automation systems. The company was founded in 1898 in Nagoya, Japan, and is the industry's only single-source provider of CNC machines, drives, motors, encoders, spindles and automation systems, all manufactured by Okuma. The company designs its own CNC controls to integrate seamlessly with each machine tool's functionality. In 2014 Okuma launched the Okuma App Store, the industry's only centralized online marketplace for machine tool apps and related content. Along with its extensive distribution network (largest in the Americas), and Partners in THINC network of enhanced manufacturing technologies, Okuma is committed to helping users gain competitive advantage through the open possibilities of machine tools today and into the future. For more information, visit Okuma.com or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/okuma-america-corporation-recognized-as-a-top-workplace-in-2023-receives-two-national-awards-301888438.html SOURCE Okuma America Corporation

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[July 28, 2023]

Stueve Siegel Hanson LLP Announces UnitedLex Data Breach Lawsuit Investigation

KANSAS CITY, Mo., July 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Attorney Advertising: Stueve Siegel Hanson LLP, a national leader in data breach and privacy cases, is investigating potential claims against UnitedLex resulting from a data breach that exposed the personal information of current and former employees.

Stueve Siegel Hanson is investigating potential claims against UnitedLex resulting from a data breach.

UnitedLex Corporation Data Breach







What is UnitedLex Corporation: UnitedLex based in Overland Park, KS, is a data and professional services company that works with law firms and corporate legal departments in the areas of litigation and investigations, intellectual property, contracts, compliance and legal operations.

What happened: On July 11, 2023, UnitedLex started notifying current and former employes via mail that employment information was stolen and offered for sale on an online hacking forum. The hacker claimed to have leaked over 200 GB of files.

What information was accessed: The stolen information includes:

Current and former employee names;

Social Security numbers;

Financial account information;

Benefits information; and

Dependent Social Security numbers.

The hacker selling this information also claims to have confidential and proprietary information from UnitedLex's clients.

What can you do: If you were impacted by the breach and wish to seek a free legal consultation, you can contact Stueve Siegel Hanson.

Stueve Siegel Hanson attorneys have represented data breach victims in many of the largest data breach cases in history, including cases against Equifax, T-Mobile, and Capital One. The firm's Data Breach and Privacy class action practice has received local and national recognition, including being named among Law360's Cybersecurity & Privacy Practice Groups of the Year.

Disclaimer: This is attorney advertising sponsored by Stueve Siegel Hanson LLP, located at 460 Nichols Road, Kansas City, Missouri 64112. The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/stueve-siegel-hanson-llp-announces-unitedlex-data-breach-lawsuit-investigation-301888537.html

SOURCE Stueve Siegel Hanson LLP
[July 28, 2023]

Founder of The Dawn Project Dan O'Dowd Implores Policymakers to Address Critical Safety Defects in Tesla Full Self-Driving as Congress Considers Legislation to Regulate Autonomous Vehicles

SANTA BARBARA, Calif., July 28, 2023 /CNW/ -- Founder of The Dawn Project and secure software expert Dan O'Dowd has implored policymakers to ensure that legislation regarding autonomous vehicles prioritizes public safety. Dan O'Dowd is advocating for there to be standards that all autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles must meet, together with safety tests that they must pass, before they are released onto public roads.

Before a carmaker can sell a product whose name suggests that it is autonomous, the manufacturer must demonstrate that the product can achieve 10,000 miles between disengagements. All autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles must also be able to consistently pass a driver's test, and be retested every time there is an update to the software. These vehicles must also be able to read and be familiar with each state's Driver's Handbook, and obey all standards and instructions contained in it.

In a letter addressed to ranking members of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Innovation, Data, and Commerce, Dan O'Dowd urged regulators to ensure that legislative measures are taken to address the deadly safety risk represented by Tesla Full Self-Driving as Congress contemplates federal frameworks to regulate the AV industry.

Dan O'Dowd's public letter, which was addressed to Chairwoman Rodgers, Ranking Member Pallone, Chairman Bilirakis and Ranking Member Schakowsky, follows the news that legislators considered regulation on the adoption of self-driving vehicles at a congressional hearing on July 26, in a hearing entitled: "Self-Driving Vehicle Legislative Framework: Enhancing Safety, Improving Lives and Mobility, and Beating China."

In the absence of a comprehensive federal framework on software security and safety in the autonomous vehicle sector, safety experts have called upon Congress to introduce measures to protect road users from experimental and untested software being deployed on public roads. Dan's open letter follows other leading safety advocates pressuring Congress to act, after open source statistics provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have revealed that, since June 2021, Tesla's self-driving systems have been active in 840 accidents . As such, Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety President Cathy Chase recently commented : "Congress must take action to make our roads safer, not open them up to unproven and unregulated vehicles."

Founder of The Dawn Project and secure software expert Dan O'Dowd commented: "For the past two years, we have warned NHTSA, Congress and the public of the critical safety defects present in Tesla's dangerous and defective self-driving systems. Now is the time to act to protect the public from dangerous, experimental technology to ensure that driver control system, such as advanced driver assistance systems and autonomous vehicles, are tested to be 100% safe before they are put into production and sold to the public. Under current law, there are no restrictions to placing any technology in vehicles, no matter how dangerous that technology may be.







We implore Congress to close this dangerous gap in current law. Tesla's unchecked deployment of its self-driving systems, 'Full Self-Driving' and 'Autopilot', is a clear and present danger to our road users. Per data from NHTSA's Standing General Order on Crash Reporting , at least 23 Americans have already died in crashes involving Tesla's self-driving software since June 2021. Open-source data from community trackers of deaths involving Tesla's self-driving systems place the total number of fatalities at 38 since 2016. In its present state, this defective technology has no place on our public roads.

The Dawn Project tests have revealed a litany of defects, including that a self-driving Tesla will run down a child sized mannequin crossing the road , blow past a stop sign at 35mph , overtake stopped school buses displaying their warnings , ignore 'Do Not Enter' and 'Road Closed' signs and run over a stroller in its path.



NHTSA's statistics show the true extent of the threat that Tesla's self-driving software poses to other drivers, pedestrians and cyclists. Since June 2021, Tesla's self-driving systems have been active in 840 accidents . For context, Honda, the manufacturer with the second highest number of crashes, reported 108 during this period. Despite this, Tesla has been allowed to deploy this software on every road in the US, and has shipped its self-driving technology to over a million customers.

In 2022, we presented our findings to NHTSA's senior leadership, urging them to thoroughly investigate Full Self-Driving and providing them with all the information needed to methodically recreate our tests. I met with Senator Richard Blumenthal, where we discussed the flagrant risks of Tesla's self-driving systems. I have also met in person with many members of the Energy and Commerce and Transportation and Infrastructure Committees. Despite multiple investigations into Tesla's self-driving technology and a recall of Tesla's Full Self-Driving software, NHTSA has taken no action to remove this threat from our roads, which is why I implore you to ensure that legislative measures are taken to address this deadly safety risk.

I implore you to ensure that legislation regarding autonomous vehicles puts the safety of Americans first and foremost. Unlike other self-driving manufacturers such as Waymo and Cruise, who test their vehicles in carefully mapped and geofenced environments, Tesla has recklessly deployed their self-driving technology to "anyone in North America ", per Elon Musk. We must not stand by while self-driving Teslas continue to claim lives on our roads and threaten our national security. We cannot jeopardize the safety of ordinary Americans any longer - Tesla's self-driving systems must be taken off our roads until they are conclusively proven to be safe."

Dan O'Dowd's public letter was written on 25 July 2023, and addressed to Chairwoman Rodgers, Ranking Member Pallone, Chairman Bilirakis and Ranking Member Schakowsky. A full copy of the letter can be found here .

Dan's letter follows more than twenty other safety advocacy organizations expressing their concerns to Congress about legislation on autonomous vehicles, which can be found here .

Dan O'Dowd is an entrepreneur and CEO with over 40 years' experience in designing and writing secure, safety-critical software. Dan has built operating systems for the U.S. military's fighter jets and some of the world's most trusted organizations such as NASA, Boeing, and Airbus.

In 2021, Dan O'Dowd founded The Dawn Project , which campaigns to make computers safe for humanity by ensuring that all software in safety-critical infrastructure never fails and can't be hacked. The first danger The Dawn Project is tackling is Elon Musk's reckless deployment of unsafe Full Self-Driving cars on our roads.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/founder-of-the-dawn-project-dan-odowd-implores-policymakers-to-address-critical-safety-defects-in-tesla-full-self-driving-as-congress-considers-legislation-to-regulate-autonomous-vehicles-301888575.html

SOURCE The Dawn Project
[July 28, 2023] The Central and Eastern Europe Fund, Inc., The European Equity Fund, Inc., and The New Germany Fund, Inc. Announce Extension of Share Repurchases Tweet

The Central and Eastern Europe Fund, Inc. (NYSE: CEE), The European Equity Fund, Inc. (NYSE: EEA), and The New Germany Fund, Inc. (NYSE: GF) (each, a "Fund," and collectively, the "Funds") each announced today that its Board of Directors has approved an extension of the current repurchase authorization permitting CEE, EEA, GF and to repurchase up to 630,039, 687,213 and 1,710,430 shares, respectively (representing approximately 10% of each Fund's current shares outstanding) for the twelve month period from August 1, 2023 through July 31, 2024. Repurchases will be made from time to time when they are believed to be in the best interests of a Fund. Repurchases will not be made when a Fund's shares are trading at a premium to net asset value, which is currently the case for the shares of CEE. In addition, each Fund announced that its Board continues to reserve its discretion to determine if it would be appropriate to initiate a tender offer during the twelve-month period from August 1, 2023 through July 31, 2024. Each Board intends to continue to consider this matter on a regular basis. For more information on each Fund, including the most recent month-end performance, visit www.dwsfunds.com or call (800) 349-4281. Important Information Closed-end funds, unlike open-end funds, are not continuously offered. There is a one-time public offering and once issued, shares of closed-end funds are sold in the open market through a stock exchange. Shares of closed-end funds frequently trade at a discount to net asset value. The price of the fund's shares is determined by a number of factors, several of which are beyond the control of the fund. Therefore, the fund cannot predict whether its shares will trade at, below or above net asset value. The Central and Eastern Europe Fund, Inc. is non-diversified and can take larger positions in fewer issues, increasing its potential risk. Investing in foreign securities, particularly of emerging markets, presents certain risks, such as currency fluctuations, political and economic changes, and market risks. Emerging markets tend to be more volatile and less liquid than the markets of more mature economies, and generally have less diverse and less mature economic structures and less stable political systems than those of developed countries. Any fund that focuses in a particular segment of the market or region of the world will generally be more volatile than a fund that invests more broadly. This fund is non-diversified and can take larger positions in fewer issues, increasing its potential risk. The EuropeanEquity Fund, Inc. is diversified and primarily focuses its investments in equity securities of issuers domiciled in Europe, thereby increasing its vulnerability to developments in that region. Investing in foreign securities, particularly of emerging markets, presents certain risks, such as currency fluctuations, political and economic changes, and market risks. Any fund that concentrates in a particular segment of the market or a particular geographical region will generally be more volatile than a fund that invests more broadly.



The New Germany Fund, Inc. is diversified, and primarily focuses its investments in Germany, thereby increasing its vulnerability to developments in that country. Investing in foreign securities, particularly of emerging markets, presents certain risks, such as currency fluctuations, political and economic changes, and market risks. Any fund that concentrates in a particular segment of the market or a particular geographical region will generally be more volatile than a fund that invests more broadly. The shares of most closed-end funds, including the Funds, are not continuously offered. Once issued, shares of closed-end funds are bought and sold in the open market through a stock exchange. Shares of closed-end funds frequently trade at a discount to net asset value. The price of a fund's shares is determined by a number of factors, several of which are beyond the control of the fund. Therefore, a fund cannot predict whether its shares will trade at, below, or above net asset value. In the case of The Central and Eastern Europe Fund, Russia's invasion of Ukraine has materially adversely affected, and may continue to materially adversely affect, the value and liquidity of the Fund's portfolio.

War, terrorism, sanctions, economic uncertainty, trade disputes, public health crises and related geopolitical events have led, and, in the future, may lead to significant disruptions in US and world economies and markets, which may lead to increased market volatility and may have significant adverse effects on the Funds and their investments. The European Union, the United States and other countries have imposed sanctions on Russia in response to Russian military and other actions in recent years. These sanctions have adversely affected Russian individuals, issuers and the Russian economy. Russia, in turn, has imposed sanctions targeting Western individuals, businesses and products. The various sanctions have adversely affected, and may continue to adversely affect, not only the Russian economy, but also the economies of many countries in Europe, including countries in Central and Eastern Europe. The continuation of current sanctions or the imposition of additional sanctions may materially adversely affect the value of the Funds' portfolios. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer or solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the laws of such state or jurisdiction. Certain statements contained in this release may be forward-looking in nature. These include all statements relating to plans, expectations, and other statements that are not historical facts and typically use words like "expect," "anticipate," "believe," "intend," and similar expressions. Such statements represent management's current beliefs, based upon information available at the time the statements are made, with regard to the matters addressed. All forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, such statements. Management does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking statements: (i) the effects of adverse changes in market and economic conditions; (ii) legal and regulatory developments; and (iii) other additional risks and uncertainties, including public health crises (including the recent pandemic spread of the novel coronavirus), war, terrorism, trade disputes and related geopolitical events. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. NOT FDIC/ NCUA INSURED  MAY LOSE VALUE  NO BANK GUARANTEE

NOT A DEPOSIT  NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY DWS Distributors, Inc.

222 South Riverside Plaza

Chicago, IL 60606-5808

www.dws.com

Tel (800) 621-1148

 2023 DWS Group GmbH & Co. KGaA. All rights reserved 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. (R-097020-1) (07/23) View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230728116098/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[July 28, 2023] American Savings Bank Reports Second Quarter 2023 Financial Results Tweet

American Savings Bank, F.S.B. (ASB), a wholly owned subsidiary of Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc. (NYSE - HE), today reported second quarter 2023 net income of $20.2 million, compared to $18.6 million in the first quarter of 2023 and $17.5 million in the second quarter of 2022. "Our team delivered solid results in the second quarter, growing net income to $20.2 million," said Ann Teranishi, president and chief executive officer of ASB. "Credit quality remains strong, indicative of the continued strength and resilience of Hawaii's economy, consumers, and businesses. ASB's capital position remains healthy, with liquidity of approximately three times uninsured or uncollateralized deposits. Our loyal and long-tenured deposit base demonstrates the value of our customer relationships," said Teranishi. Financial Highlights Second quarter 2023 net interest income was $63.2 million compared to $64.9 million in the first, or linked quarter of 2023 and $61.8 million in the second quarter of 2022. The lower net interest income compared to the linked quarter was primarily due to higher interest expense from increased wholesale borrowings and certificates of deposit, and lower interest and dividends on investment securities, partially offset by higher interest and fees on loans. The higher net interest income compared to the prior year quarter was primarily due to higher interest and fees on loans, partially offset by higher interest expense. Net interest margin for the second quarter of 2023 was 2.75%, compared to 2.85% in both the linked and prior year quarters. The second quarter 2023 provision for credit losses was $0.04 million, compared to $1.2 million in the linked quarter and $2.8 million in the second quarter of 2022. As of June 30, 2023, ASB's allowance for credit losses to outstanding loans was 1.13% compared to 1.18% as of March 31, 2023 and 1.28% as of June 30, 2022. The net charge-off ratio for the second quarter of 2023 was 0.14%, unchanged from the linked quarter and up from nil in the second quarter of 2022. Nonaccrual loans as a percentage of total loans receivable held for investment were 0.22%, compared to 0.24% in the linked quarter and 0.40% in the prior year quarter. Noninterest income was $15.6 million in the second quarter of 2023 compared to $14.4 million in the linked quarter and $12.5 million in the second quarter of 2022. The increase compared to the linked and prior year quarters was primarily due to higher bank-owned life insurance income, a gain on sale of real estate and higher fees from other financial services. Noninterest expense was $53.8 million compared to $54.4 million in the linked quarter and $49.4 million in the second quarter of 2022. The decrease compared to the linked quarter was primarily due to lower deposit account expenses and lower compensation and benefits expenses. The increase compared to the prior year quarter was primarily due to higher compensation and benefits expenses and F.D.I.C. premiums. Total loans were $6.1 billion as of June 30, 2023, up 2.7% from December 31, 2022, reflecting growth across most of the portfolio. Total deposits were $8.2 billion as of June 30, 2023, a decrease of 0.08% from December 31, 2022. Core deposits declined 2.8%, while certificates of deposits increased 33.3%. As of June 30, 2023, 86% of deposits were F.D.I.C. insured or fully collateralized, up slightly from 85% as of March 31, 2023, with approximately 79% of deposits F.D.I.C. insured. For the second quarter of 2023, the average cost of funds was 0.83%, up 17 basis points versus the linked quarter and up 78 basis points versus the prior year quarter. Wholesale funding totaled $750 million as of June 30, 2023, up from $681 million as of March 31, 2023. For the second quarter of 2023, return on average equity was 16.2%, compared to 15.5% in the linked quarter and 12.2% in the second quarter of 2022. Return on average assets was 0.84% for the second quarter of 2023, compared to 0.78% in the linked quarter and 0.76% in the prior year quarter. In the second quarter of 2023, ASB paid dividends of $11.0 million to HEI. ASB had a Tier 1 leverage ratio of 7.8% as of June 30, 2023. HEI EARNINGS RELEASE, HEI WEBCAST AND CONFERENCE CALL TO DISCUSS EARNINGS AND 2023 GUIDANCE Concurrent with ASB's regulatory filing 30 days after the end of the quarter, ASB announced its second quarter 2023 financial results today. Please note that these reported results relate only to ASB and are not necessarily indicative of HEI's consolidated financial results for the second quarter 2023. HEI plans to announce its second quarter 2023 consolidated financial results on Monday, August 7, 2023 and will also conduct a webcast and conference call at 10:15 a.m. Hawaii time (4:15 p.m. Eastern time) that same day to discuss its consolidated earnings, including ASB's earnings, and 2023 guidance. To listen to the conference call, dial 1-833-470-1428 (U.S.) or +1-929-526-1599 (international) and enter passcode 910697. Parties may also access presentation materials and/or listen to the conference call by visiting the conference call link on HEI's website at www.hei.com under "Investor Relations," sub-heading "News and Events - Events and Presentations." A replay will be available online and via phone. The online replay will be available on HEI's website about two hours after the event. An audio replay will also be available about two hours after the event through August 21, 2023. To access the audio replay, dial 1-929-458-6194 (U.S.) or +(44)-204-525-0658 (international) and enter passcode 380478. HEI and Hawaiian Electric Company, Inc. (Hawaiian Electric) intend to continue to use HEI's website, www.hei.com, as a means of disclosing additional information; such disclosures will be included in the Investor Relations section of the website. Accordingly, investors should routinely monitor the Investor Relations section of HEI's website, in addition to following HEI's, Hawaiian Electric's and ASB's press releases, HEI's and Hawaiian Electric's Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings and HEI's public conference calls and webcasts. Investors may sign up to receive e-mail alerts via the Investor Relations section of the website. The information on HEI's website is not incorporated by reference into this document or into HEI's and Hawaiian Electric's SEC filings unless, and except to the extent, specifically incorporated by reference. Investors may also wish to refer to the Public Utilities Commission of the State of Hawaii (PUC) website at dms.puc.hawaii.gov/dms to review documents filed with, and issued by, the PUC. No information on the PUC website is incorporated by reference into this document or into HEI's and Hawaiian Electric's SEC filings. The HEI family of companies provides the energy and financial services that empower much of the economic and community activity of Hawaii. HEI's electric utility, Hawaiian Electric, supplies power to approximately 95% of Hawaii's population and is undertaking an ambitious effort to decarbonize its operations and the broader state economy. Its banking subsidiary, ASB, is one of Hawaii's largest financial institutions, providing a wide array of banking and other financial services and working to advance economic growth, affordability and financial fitness. HEI also helps advance Hawaii's sustainability goals through investments by its non-regulated subsidiary, Pacific Current. For more information, visit www.hei.com. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This release may contain "forward-looking statements," which include statements that are predictive in nature, depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, and usually include words such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "predicts," "estimates" or similar expressions. In addition, any statements concerning future financial performance, ongoing business strategies or prospects or possible future actions are also forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and projections about future events and are subject to risks, uncertainties and the accuracy of assumptions concerning HEI and its subsidiaries, the performance of the industries in which they do business and economic, political and market factors, among other things. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. Forward-looking statements in this release should be read in conjunction with the "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors" discussions (which are incorporated by reference herein) set forth in HEI's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 and HEI's other periodic reports that discuss important factors that could cause HEI's results to differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of the report, presentation or filing in which they are made. Except to the extent required by the federal securities laws, HEI, Hawaiian Electric, ASB and their subsidiaries undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.







American Savings Bank, F.S.B. STATEMENTS OF INCOME DATA (Unaudited) Three months ended Six months ended June 30 (in thousands) June 30,

2023 March 31,

2023 June 30,

2022 2023 2022 Interest and dividend income Interest and fees on loans $ 67,966 $ 64,842 $ 48,129 $ 132,808 $ 94,134 Interest and dividends on investment securities 13,775 14,637 14,693 28,412 28,677 Total interest and dividend income 81,741 79,479 62,822 161,220 122,811 Interest expense Interest on deposit liabilities 9,661 6,837 921 16,498 1,868 Interest on other borrowings 8,852 7,721 139 16,573 144 Total interest expense 18,513 14,558 1,060 33,071 2,012 Net interest income 63,228 64,921 61,762 128,149 120,799 Provision for credit losses 43 1,175 2,757 1,218 (506 ) Net interest income after provision for credit losses 63,185 63,746 59,005 126,931 121,305 Noninterest income Fees from other financial services 5,009 4,679 4,716 9,688 10,303 Fee income on deposit liabilities 4,504 4,599 4,552 9,103 9,243 Fee income on other financial products 2,768 2,744 2,529 5,512 5,247 Bank-owned life insurance 1,955 1,425 (142 ) 3,380 539 Mortgage banking income 230 130 372 360 1,449 Gain on sale of real estate 495 - - 495 1,002 Other income, net 678 801 475 1,479 847 Total noninterest income 15,639 14,378 12,502 30,017 28,630 Noninterest expense Compensation and employee benefits 29,394 30,204 27,666 59,598 54,881 Occupancy 5,539 5,588 5,467 11,127 11,419 Data processing 5,095 5,012 4,484 10,107 8,635 Services 2,689 2,595 2,522 5,284 4,961 Equipment 2,957 2,646 2,402 5,603 4,731 Office supplies, printing and postage 1,109 1,165 1,073 2,274 2,133 Marketing 834 1,016 934 1,850 1,952 Other expense 6,152 6,191 4,850 12,343 8,899 Total noninterest expense 53,769 54,417 49,398 108,186 97,611 Income before income taxes 25,055 23,707 22,109 48,762 52,324 Income taxes 4,851 5,145 4,643 9,996 10,988 Net income $ 20,204 $ 18,562 $ 17,466 $ 38,766 $ 41,336 Comprehensive income (loss) $ 12,994 $ 36,992 $ (71,369 ) $ 49,986 $ (169,940 ) OTHER BANK INFORMATION (annualized %, except as of period end) Return on average assets 0.84 0.78 0.76 0.81 0.90 Return on average equity 16.20 15.51 12.17 15.87 13.01 Return on average tangible common equity 19.40 18.73 14.20 19.07 14.95 Net interest margin 2.75 2.85 2.85 2.80 2.82 Efficiency ratio 68.18 68.62 66.52 68.40 65.32 Net charge-offs to average loans outstanding 0.14 0.14 0.00 0.14 0.01 As of period end Nonaccrual loans to loans receivable held for investment 0.22 0.24 0.40 Allowance for credit losses to loans outstanding 1.13 1.18 1.28 Tangible common equity to tangible assets 4.3 4.3 4.9 Tier-1 leverage ratio 7.8 7.7 7.7 Dividend paid to HEI (via ASB Hawaii, Inc.) ($ in millions) $ 11.0 $ 14.0 $ 12.0 $ 25.0 $ 27.0

This information should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto in HEI filings with the SEC. Results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for future interim periods or the full year. American Savings Bank, F.S.B. BALANCE SHEETS DATA (Unaudited) (in thousands) June 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 Assets Cash and due from banks $ 158,170 $ 153,042 Interest-bearing deposits 9,958 3,107 Cash and cash equivalents 168,128 156,149 Investment securities Available-for-sale, at fair value 1,368,037 1,429,667 Held-to-maturity, at amortized cost 1,224,917 1,251,747 Stock in Federal Home Loan Bank, at cost 18,000 26,560 Loans held for investment 6,138,182 5,978,906 Allowance for credit losses (69,068 ) (72,216 ) Net loans 6,069,114 5,906,690 Loans held for sale, at lower of cost or fair value 6,910 824 Other 683,395 692,143 Goodwill 82,190 82,190 Total assets $ 9,620,691 $ 9,545,970 Liabilities and shareholder's equity Deposit liabilities-noninterest-bearing $ 2,683,725 $ 2,811,077 Deposit liabilities-interest-bearing 5,479,510 5,358,619 Other borrowings 750,000 695,120 Other 212,268 212,269 Total liabilities 9,125,503 9,077,085 Common stock 1 1 Additional paid-in capital 357,123 355,806 Retained earnings 463,459 449,693 Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax benefits Net unrealized losses on securities $ (315,917 ) $ (328,904 ) Retirement benefit plans (9,478 ) (325,395 ) (7,711 ) (336,615 ) Total shareholder's equity 495,188 468,885 Total liabilities and shareholder's equity $ 9,620,691 $ 9,545,970 This information should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto in HEI filings with the SEC. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230728096702/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
CUPE 3338 Reaches Tentative Agreement With SFU

CUPE 3338, representing campus support workers at Simon Fraser University, has reached a tentative agreement with SFU. The agreement covers over 800 members of CUPE 3338's Unit 1, the largest bargaining unit at the University. These CUPE members include clerical workers, technical, library and bookstore workers, program assistants, lifeguards, and other workers providing on-campus services.

"Thanks to the hard work of our bargaining committee, and the on-going support of our members, we have been able to reach a fair and progressive collective agreement that recognized the cruial services provide by CUPE 3338 members on SFU campuses," says Shaneza Bacchus, president of CUPE 3338. "Guided by the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion, this tentative agreement is a big step in improving the job security of CUPE 3338 members."







When ratified, the 3-year renewed collective agreement will be in place from April 1, 2022 (retroactively) to March 31, 2025. Further details on the agreement won't be released until presented to CUPE 3338 Unit 1 members for a ratification vote to be held in mid-August.

CUPE 3338 represents over 1200 workers, mainly at SFU campuses. Its diverse membership is spread among seven bargaining units with seven employers.

cope491

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230728965842/en/
We play a bit of catch-up this morning and share some of the better crime reporting and public safety news we've been watching over the past 48 hours as local criminals also struggle to earn social media fame.

Check TKC news gathering . . .

Two wounded in shooting Thursday night in south Kansas City A double shooting Thursday night critically wounded one person and sent a second person to a hospital.

Second abandoned house catches fire in one afternoon, Bomb and Arson investigating The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but the KCFD has requested the assistance of the KCPD Bomb and Arson Unit.

Kansas City teenager accused of shooting at vehicle where 4-year-old was passenger Surveillance video captured footage of the 19-year-old running through a gas station parking lot and firing several times as the vehicle was being driven away, according to court documents.

The Kia Boys will steal your car for clout The Kia Boys, a loose collective of teenage car thieves, have been responsible for thousands of stolen cars over the last several years. They post their exploits on TikTok and elsewhere, but the aftermath rarely goes viral.

Overland Park police to host two events where Hyundai, Kia owners can get free steering wheel locks Proof of residency through a valid driver's license and proof of vehicle ownership are required, according to police.

Missouri woman pleads guilty to fraud after obtaining over $100K in pandemic loan funds (The Center Square) - A woman pleaded guilty on Wednesday to defrauding a COVID-19 pandemic loan program out of $100,927 in U.S. District Court in St. Louis. Francheska Reese, 36, of St. Peters, ...

Johnson County, Kansas, District Attorney Steve Howe to seek re-election Johnson County, Kansas, District Attorney Steve Howe announced Thursday he plans to seek re-election next year.

Platte County man sentenced for sexually assaulting young child in order to produce child pornography Andrew McCardie, 36, was sentenced to 40 years in federal prison without parole.

With homicides spiking, Club KC wants to keep kids busy with drum lines, movies and games The summer program is just the latest in a string of nighttime activities meant to keep kids busy in the summer and steer them away from guns and violence. But homicides - many of them involving kids and young adults - have topped 100 since 2015, and are on pace to set a record this year.

KCPD sergeant named Missouri's Crisis Intervention Team coordinator A sergeant with the Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department is poised to help coordinate the state's Crisis Intervention Team efforts.

Developing . . .
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 28. Belgian company Fluxys has successfully completed a deal to increase its stake in the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) consortium, the company confirmed in response to Trend.

"We can confirm that Fluxys finalized the acquisition of the 1 percent stake of Axpo on July 25, 2023," the company stated.

In January 2023, Axpo agreed the sale of its 5 percent stake in the Trans Adriatic Pipeline AG (TAP) to TAP shareholders Fluxys and Enagas S.A. Under the sale and purchase agreement, Belgiums Fluxys acquired 1 percent and Spains Enagas 4 percent of Axpos 5 percent equity stake. Both companies thus reached 20 percent ownership of TAP, which includes UK shareholder bp (20 percent), Azerbaijans SOCAR (20 percent), and Italys Snam (20 percent).

The value of the transaction amounts to 210 million euros.

TAP transports natural gas from the giant Shah Deniz field in the Azerbaijani sector of the Caspian Sea to Europe. The 878 km long pipeline connects with the Trans Anatolian Pipeline (TANAP) at the Turkish-Greek border in Kipoi, crosses Greece and Albania and the Adriatic Sea, before coming ashore in Southern Italy.

TAP facilitates gas supplies to South Eastern European countries through existing and prospective interconnectors. TAP is connected to Interconnector Greece Bulgaria (IGB) which started its commercial operations in October 2022, providing Caspian gas to Bulgaria, enhancing security of energy supplies in one more European country. TAPs exits in Greece and Albania, together with the landfall in Italy provide multiple opportunities for further transport of gas from Azerbaijan to the wider European markets.

Follow the author on Twitter: @Lyaman_Zeyn
Mike Adler is a reporter with toronto.com and Metroland Media Toronto who covers Scarborough and other overlooked parts of Toronto. He worked previously for Metroland in York Region.
Advocates for ideas and draws conclusions based on the interpretation of facts and data.
Kings Of Their Own Ocean: A fish tale featuring a tuna named Amelia tells the urgent story of the future of our seas
One of the most famous figures in Japanese history gets a modern retelling and a Netflix deal
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, July 28. Kazakhstan and Qatar have opted to boost the number of flights, increasing them from 21 to 38 flights per week, Trend reports.

According to Kazakhstan's Civil Aviation Committee, on July 26-27, 2023, consultations were held between Kazakhstan's and Qatar's aviation authorities, with officials from both countries' carriers in attendance.

The Kazakhstan delegation was led by Talgat Lastayev, Chairman of the Civil Aviation Committee of the Ministry of Industry and Infrastructure Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan, while Qatar was represented by Mohamed Al Hajri, Head of Qatar's Civil Aviation Authority.

A Memorandum of Understanding was reached as a consequence of the negotiations, expanding the legal framework for flight operations from 7 to 14 per week on the Astana-Doha route, 7 to 14 per week on the Almaty-Doha route, and 7 to 10 for cargo flights.

In addition, Qatar Airways plans to construct a new air link between Astana and Doha in mid-2024.

The Civil Aviation Committee of the Republic of Kazakhstan's Ministry of Industry and Infrastructure Development is actively striving to expand flight geography and increase the number of regular international flights on a permanent basis.
Long-pondered return to a pile of rocks

Photo by Ned Rozell

From left, Martin Truffer and Adam Bucki walk along the gravel moraine of Kennicott Glacier on an 11-hour hike to reach Fireweed rock glacier.

FIREWEED ROCK GLACIER  Ive been thinking of this stuff for the last 20 years, says Adam Bucki.

My friend, soon to be 50, was in his 20s the last time he stood on this massive pile of pointy rocks that oozes slowly downhill.

Adam has returned to Alaska from his home in suburban Texas to remove a few things that were awaiting his or another scientists return. The rock glacier was the subject of his masters thesis.

A rock glacier is a stream of rocks held together with ice. Rock glaciers flow from mountain bowls in colored bands. They are born of rocks that fall from the walls of a cirque. When the bowl gets filled up, the mass of rock on top of ice starts to creep downhill.

There are many rock glaciers on Mars, and around the town of McCarthy. Fireweed Mountain has a dozen fingering down its slopes.

By the looks of things here, no one has visited Fireweed rock glacier since Adam and independent researcher Roger Elconin walked away more than 20 years ago.

Photo by Ned Rozell

Glaciologist Martin Truffer holds raisins that had been preserved for more than 20 years in a barrel cache scientists left on Fireweed rock glacier near McCarthy.

A 35-gallon metal drum leans uphill on the rocks. In Adams former kitchen are an aluminum pot with no handle, a spatula and several large tarps. Some are dark blue and amazingly unweathered.

Adam is now in the latter stage of a career with ExxonMobil that has taken him to Norway and Houston, Texas. Before that, he worked in Alaska for the Geophysical Institute at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and the National Park Service at Denali National Park and Preserve.

Also standing here on this pleasant pile of rocks  a 13-mile hike for us from the town of McCarthy  is Martin Truffer, lead researcher in the same Geophysical Institute lab where Adam fledged as a scientist.

Many things have changed in 20 years, including this: The stroll into the heart of Fireweed Mountain massif that took five hours in the 90s somehow morphed into an 11-hour hike in July 2023.

I remember in 1999 walking a trail blazed through spruce by Roger. In 2023, we find only snippets of it; we spend a few hours flossing our teeth with dwarf birch, willow and alder. Those new branches and stems were nourished by carbon dioxide that has increased in Earths atmosphere from 365 parts per million in the late 90s to 420 today  the highest level in the last million years or so.

As we finally stand on the humped back of the rock glacier, we inventory the stuff Adam left on the rocks the last time he had walked away in 2001. Back then, he had thought Roger or some other scientist might return for it.

But disagreements between Roger and Adams former advisor (the late Keith Echelmeyer), and the fact that rock glaciers dont have the cachet of ice glaciers, mean that Fireweed has probably remained free of human footfalls for the last few decades.

Photo by Adam Bucki

Ned Rozell walks on Fireweed rock glacier near McCarthy in July 2023.

Adam returned in July 2023 to remove what he and Roger had left with the help from a helicopter from Valdez funded by the Geophysical Institute. He asked me and Martin to come along.

Wearing his bug jacket and standing a few yards from Adam, Martin twists open a bolt to inspect the metal barrel that bears had not disturbed for the past 20 years.

Nutella! he says, holding up a jar we might have sampled if Adam had not broken the seal when Bill Clinton was president.

We melt snow from a nearby patch to make some tea and activate our dehydrated dinners. As we search for rocks that are adequate for sitting, we observe a true indicator of the Rock-Glacier Comfort Scale: Martin discovers he has been sitting on a fork without noticing it.

* * *

The next morning, just after Adam folds his sleeping pad that a rock punctured and rendered useless, the helicopter arrives from McCarthy. We load two woven-nylon supersacks with the empty steel barrel (and its Nutella, pilot bread and dry spaghetti wrapped in a tarp), a length of stovepipe and every other sign of man we can find on Fireweed rock glacier.

Photo by Ned Rozell

Adam Bucki hauls a load of trash from Fireweed rock glacier to the site where a helicopter will pick it up and haul it back to nearby McCarthy. He would later dispose of the trash in a sanitary landfill.

Adam watches the second white bag zip off like a giant marshmallow on a slingline down the valley. I feel his silence and my own apprehension, knowing that we will soon be inside that same helicopter, headed for one of those quietly jarring transitions out of the wild.

We also sense the satisfaction that comes with cleaning up a mess that lingered. A debt unpaid, finally squared.

Since the late 1970s, the University of Alaska Fairbanks' Geophysical Institute has provided this column free in cooperation with the UAF research community. Ned Rozell is a science writer for the Geophysical Institute.
Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine last February, the occupying army lost approximately 40 Ka-52 reconnaissance attack helicopters, also known as Alligators.

The British Ministry of Defense reported this on Twitter with reference to intelligence data, Ukrinform saw.

"As Ukrainian forces continue major offensive operations in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, one of the single most influential Russian weapon systems in the sector is the Ka-52 HOKUM attack helicopter," British intelligence notes.

At the same time, it is reported that Russia lost around 40 Ka-52s since the invasion, but the type has also imposed a heavy cost on Ukraine.

"In recent months, Russia has highly likely augmented the force in the south with at least a small number of brand new Ka-52 variants: a heavily modified aircraft, informed by lessons from Russias experience in Syria," the British Ministry of Defense wrote.

Evidence supporting the M variants use in Ukraine includes photos posted on social media of "aircrew posing next to the new aircraft and thanking well-wishers for sending them morale items," the summary says.

Another important improvement to the Ka-52 fleet is the integration of a new anti-tank missile, the LMUR, which has a range of nearly 15 kilometers. Alligator crews have been quick to exploit opportunities to launch these weapons beyond the range of Ukrainian air defenses, the intelligence agencyadded.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, in its previous report, British intelligence said the Russian Black Sea Fleet changed its vessels deployment location at sea after Russia withdrew from the grain agreement.
In Lyman direction, service members of the National Guard of Ukraine stopped a Russian attempt to break through their positions.

"During one of the battles, the fighters of units of the 4th Brigade of the Operational Assignment stopped a daring attempt by the enemy to break through our positions. Having failed during the assault by infantry units, the enemy sent three newest T-90M Proryv tanks for help. However, the Lyman forests stood in their way, the breakthrough was not successful and the tank crews replenished to the lists of good Russians," Colonel Mykola Urshalovych, Deputy Director of the Planning Department for the Use of the Main Directorate of the National Guard of Ukraine, told a briefing, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

According to him, these tanks drove over landmines and the National Guard members burned them to the ground with anti-tank weapons.

Urshalovych noted that in the Serebryansky forest area this week, during heavy battles, the Guard members ensured the fulfillment of all combat missions determined by the command.

He added that at 04:00 on July 27, a Russian tank moved to a firing position and began a direct attack on the positions of one of the units of the 5th Slobozhansky Brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine.

"Senior Lieutenant Viktor Khomenko, having ordered his subordinates to open fire on the tank, took NLAW anti-tank grenade launcher and quickly moved towards the enemy's target. Since the conditions in the Serebryansky forest do not allow firing from a long distance, the officer, having reached the front edge, climbed out of the trench, crawled to a distance of 150 meters to the tank, and destroyed it with a well-aimed shot," Urshalovych said.

This heroic act of the commander, he added, made it possible to hold the positions and save the lives of his subordinates.

"And this is not an isolated case. In fact, every day our soldiers and officers perform combat missions honestly and courageously, risking their lives  they hold the occupied lines and liberate our land from the enemy," Urshalovych said.

In Sivershchyna direction, he informed, the Ukrainian soldiers, under constant artillery fire and strikes by army aircraft, are steadily holding the defense and repelling the Russian offensive actions.

As reported, the National Guard members shot down an Orlan-10 UAV in Lyman direction.
U.S.-made Abrams tanks are likely to arrive on the Ukrainian battlefield in September.

That's according to Politico, which refers to six people familiar with the planning, Ukrinform reports.

The plan is to send a handful of Abrams tanks to Germany in August, where they will undergo final refurbishments. Once that process is complete, the first batch of Abrams will be shipped to Ukraine the following month.

The U.S. is sending older M1A1 models instead of the more modern A2 version, which would have taken a year to get to Ukraine.

A Department of Defense official and another person familiar with Kyiv's thinking said the tanks could even arrive in Ukraine as early as August, but that timeline may be overly optimistic. The tanks are not new; instead, the older vehicles are being stripped of their most sensitive technology, including in some cases secret depleted uranium armor, before they can be sent to Ukraine.

The initial batch will involve six to eight tanks. In total the U.S. is planning to send 31 tanks, a Ukrainian battalion's worth.

Before Ukrainian forces can begin operating the tanks, they have to wrap up a roughly 10-week course on 31 trainer tanks at the Grafenwoehr Army base in Germany.

The U.S. is working with its European allies to establish heavy maintenance repair facilities, especially for battle damage to the Abrams tanks and other heavy armor that has been donated to Ukraine.
Ukraine's defense forces killed about 244,830 Russian invaders between February 24, 2022 and July 28, 2023, including 560 troops in the last 24 hours.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine said this in an update on Facebook, Ukrinform reports.

In addition, Ukraine's defense forces destroyed 4,190 (+4) enemy tanks, 8,161 (+14) armored combat vehicles, 4,775 (+30) artillery systems, 698 multiple rocket launchers, 458 (+1) air defense systems, 315 warplanes, 311 helicopters, 4,07 (+11) tactical UAVs, 1,347 cruise missiles, 18 warships/cutters, 7,240 (+11) trucks and fuel tankers, and 709 (+1) units of specialized equipment.

Data on enemy losses are being clarified.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reacted to Russias recent missile attack on the city of Dnipro, having expressed confidence that the Ukrainian side will do everything to bring Russia to full punishment for aggression and terror against civilians.

The relevant statement was made by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Telegram, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

We will do everything to bring Russia to full punishment for aggression and terror against our people. These bastards will answer. We will do everything for justice, Zelensky wrote.

The Head of State mentioned that he had promptly held conversations with the Security Service of Ukraine, the Internal Affairs Ministry, the State Emergency Service, and the head of Dnipropetrovsk Regional Military Administration.

All necessary services are on site. We respond quickly and help people. We keep the situation under control, the President of Ukraine added.

A reminder that, around 08:30 p.m., July 28, 2023, an explosion rocked the city of Dnipro. Russian invaders struck an apartment block and a building of the Security Service of Ukraine. A subsequent fire covered up to 100 square meters. At least three people were reported injured.
During the first meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council, participants discussed Russia's obstruction of free navigation in the Black Sea and condemned Russia's targeted attacks on the port infrastructure of southern Ukraine.

Ministry for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine reported this, Ukrinform says.

"Over the past 9 days alone, 26 port infrastructure facilities and 5 civilian vessels have been damaged or partially destroyed as a result of Russian attacks. Russians also restrict shipping in the temporarily occupied Crimea and near the territorial waters of Bulgaria. By doing so, Russia is blocking the movement of ships towards Ukrainian seaports," Oleksandr Kubrakov, Deputy Prime Minister for Restoration - Minister for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine, said.

The participants discussed Russia's obstruction of free navigation in the Black Sea. They jointly condemned Russia's withdrawal from the Grain Initiative and its targeted missile and drone attacks on the port infrastructure of southern Ukraine.

Read also: UK intel explains why Russia intensifies missile attacks on southern Ukraine

"We must act quickly and decisively. We cannot allow the blockade of the Black Sea by Russian troops. This could lead not only to losses for the Ukrainian economy but also to a serious food crisis in the world, particularly in such humanitarian sensitive regions as Africa and Asia. We are already discussing possible ways to counteract the enemy's cynical attacks and obstruction of free trade shipping," the deputy prime minister emphasized.

Kubrakov thanked the NATO allies for the decision to strengthen their intelligence activities in the Black Sea and expressed hope that this would help stabilize the security situation and create conditions for the resumption of normal operation of Ukrainian ports.

As a result of the night attack on Odesa region by the occupiers, Kalibr missiles destroyed the port's administrative building, damaged the production facilities of one of the terminals, and killed a security guard. The number of damaged port facilities reached 27.

As reported, on Wednesday, July 26, the first-ever meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council took place at NATO Headquarters in Brussels. This new format of political cooperation was established at the NATO Summit in Vilnius and provides for Ukraine's participation on an equal footing with NATO member states. It is also a tool for bringing Ukraine closer to NATO membership.
Romanian authorities plan to rapidly expand one of the key grain transit routes from Ukraine as Russia's increased attacks in the Black Sea increase risks to global food trade.

According to Ukrinform, Romanian Foreign Minister Luminita-Teodora Odobescu said this in an interview with Bloomberg.

Romania is in close contact with Ukraine to determine the best options for increasing and accelerating grain transit. The security situation is certainly not easy, but we are very committed to continuing to help Ukraine, she said.

According to Odobescu, Romania could open new checkpoints with Ukraine, increase staff at existing checkpoints, and engage former maritime pilots and military maritime pilots to speed up the transit of ships through the Danube Canal.

It is noted that Romania has already facilitated the transit of over 20 million tonnes of grain from Ukraine, about half of the 41 million tonnes sent through the EU's solidarity lanes since Russian invasion.

As Ukrinform reported, John Kirby, U.S. National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications, said the United States is not currently discussing with its allies the possible escort of Ukrainian grain ships in the Black Sea.
Ukraine strongly condemns the coup d'etat in the Republic of Niger and is closely monitoring further developments.

The relevant statement was made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Ukrinform reports.

In the statement, the Foreign Ministry of Ukraine also emphasizes the need to comply with Niger's national legislation and international law. In addition, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs categorically rejects any attempts to violently and illegitimately change the constitutional order.

"Political and institutional stability in Niger is a key in the context of efforts to address security challenges in the Central African and Sahel region," the statement said.

As previously reported, yesterday the military blocked Niger's President Mohamed Bazoum in his presidential palace in the country's capital, as well as the executive authorities of Niger. The previous coup attempt in Niger took place in March 2021.

The unrest in Niger and other countries in the region, including the coups d'etat that previously took place in Burkina Faso and Mali, may be related to the inability of the authorities to counter Islamist attacks that undermine stability and security throughout the Sahel.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasizes that Ukraines victory today will determine the national path for generations to come and will prove the values that were established a thousand years ago.

The relevant statement was made by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in his speech during the ceremonial events on the occasion of the Day of Ukrainian Statehood, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

For us, to win now is to determine the national path for generations to come, to win is to confirm the value guidelines that were laid back then  a thousand years before you and me, it is a choice to unite with the world, it is a choice to be a participant in world history, to have the right to our own national history, Zelensky said.

Ukrainians do not believe that Russia will not want to repeat its aggression, the Head of State stressed.

We do not believe that Russia will not want to return with aggression even after we expel the invaders from all over our land. But, Ukraines victory can and must be so that any attempts by the enemy to return do not go beyond the sick fantasy of those madmen who harbor such plans, the President of Ukraine noted.

Zelensky mentioned that the countrys defense in this war, for the freedom and independence of Ukraine, had set national priorities, and defense is now the top priority. Everything else is based on how important it is for Ukraines defense and protection.

Our desire to win has determined what Ukraine will be like in the future. Strong. Free. European. A state without internal discord. A state that values its internal unity, Zelensky said.

In his words, Ukrainian statehood is majestic, full of emotions and history. The line of Ukraines statehood stretches from Princes Askold and Volodymyr the Great to Ukrainian warriors in combat brigades and units in eastern and southern Ukraine, who are now fighting for the state.

And the line of our statehood will continue with the lives, strength and dreams of the children and grandchildren of all those millions who are fighting and working for freedom, and then their children and grandchildren and all new generations of Ukrainians who will be worthy of our heroes who are protecting and will protect Ukraine now, the Head of State emphasized.

According to Zelensky, Ukraine and Ukrainians will not be defeated even despite the fatigue that is sometimes visible in the eyes of the Ukrainian people, but which will never take over Ukraine. This fatigue will only accelerate Ukraines movement towards the national goal  victory.

A reminder that, on July 28, Ukraine marks the Day of Ukrainian Statehood and the Day of Christianization of Kyivan Rus.

Photo, video: Office of the President of Ukraine
In the Kharkiv regions Izium, the representatives of the Embassies of Canada, Sweden and Switzerland have paid a visit to a mass burial site of the victims of Russian armed aggression and a house, where 47 people were killed when hiding in its basement from Russias air attack.

This is reported by an Ukrinform correspondent.

At first, foreign diplomats came to the mass burial site in the forest area on the outskirts of Izium. Here, after the town was liberated from Russian invaders, a total of 449 bodies were discovered, including 22 Ukrainian servicemen, who had died from wounds or were tortured to death by Russian occupiers.

According to Izium City Military Administration Head Valerii Marchenko, a total of 122 bodies were identified and re-buried. He also paid attention to the enemys caponiers set up close to the burial site, which indicate the deliberate cynicism of Russian invaders, who were hiding behind graves.

Those present honored the memory of the victims with a moment of silence.

Foreign diplomats also saw the house on Pamiati (Pershotravneva) Street, which had been destroyed by Russian bombs. Two entrances were smashed and trapped 47 people inside.

Andreas Huber, Director of Cooperation at the Embassy of Switzerland in Ukraine, noted that they came to Izium to see everything with their own eyes and tell in their countries how it all happened.

At the same time, Huber noted that the town continues to live, overcome the difficulties, and gradually restore infrastructure.

The head of the political department at the Embassy of Canada, Sean Boyd, mentioned that he had been shocked by the atrocities committed by Russians. According to Boyd, Canada is glad to be among Ukraines international partners and friends, and will continue to stand with Ukraine in these difficult times.

Kharkiv Regional Military Head Oleh Syniehubov thanked foreign diplomats for the assistance provided by their countries to Ukraine.

A reminder that, during March 2022, Russian troops were shelling the Kharkiv regions Izium will all kinds of weapons. The town was under Russian occupation between April 2022 and September 10, 2022. According to the rough estimates of local authorities, at least 1,000 civilians died due to the lack of medicines and medical aid during Russian occupation.

Photo: Serhii Kozlov
Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and Qatari Prime Minister  Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani have met in Kyiv and noted the need to continue implementing the Grain from Ukraine initiative.

The relevant statement was made by Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal during a joint briefing with the Prime Minister of Qatar, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

Shmyhal emphasized that Russias withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Initiative, crimes against humanity, war crimes and genocide of the Ukrainian people require an immediate and decisive response from the international community.

According to Shmyhal, Russias grain deal exit endangered the lives of millions of people, not only in Ukraine but across the globe, and primarily in Africa, Asia and the Middle East.

Together with Prime Minister - Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar, we noted the importance of resuming the Black Sea Grain Initiative and the need to continue the implementation of the Grain from Ukraine initiative, Shmyhal mentioned.

A reminder that, on July 17, 2023, Russia terminated its agreement with the United Nations and Turkiye regarding the Black Sea Grain Initiative.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky met with Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.

"We appreciate this visit and consider it an important manifestation of Qatar's support and solidarity with our country. We are sincerely grateful for all the assistance received from Qatar," Zelensky said, the Presidents Office informs.

The President emphasized the importance of the first visit of a Qatari official to Ukraine and thanked Qatar for supporting our country and providing humanitarian aid to the Ukrainian people.

For his part, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani conveyed greetings from the Emir of Qatar and announced the country's intention to allocate $100 million to support Ukraine's humanitarian needs.

The President of Ukraine informed his counterpart about Russia's daily missile attacks on Odesa, its attempts to destroy the historic center of the city, which is under the protection of UNESCO, and the civilian port infrastructure. In this context, the parties discussed further steps to ensure global food security and continue the safe functioning of the grain corridor.

Particular attention was paid to the implementation of the Ukrainian Peace Formula and the Ukraine Recovery Plan. The Head of State emphasized the opportunities for Qatari investment funds and business circles to participate in the implementation of specific programs of development and restoration of our country.

Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal also met with Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani on July 28. This is the first visit of the Prime Minister of Qatar since the beginning of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the countries.

Photos: Presidents Office
The foreign ministers of Ukraine, Poland, and Lithuania made an address on the occasion of the third anniversary of the creation of the Lublin Triangle.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine published the relevant address by Dmytro Kuleba, Zbigniew Rau, and Gabrielius Landsbergis on Twitter.

The top diplomats underscore that they are united in countering Russian aggression and share a common vision for the future of Europe with Ukraine as a member of the EU and NATO.

"Poland and Lithuania have believed in Ukraine's victory since the first hours of the full-scale invasion and have responded with lightning speed. Today, the Lublin Triangle works around the clock to bring Ukrainian victory closer. And not just governments. Millions of Poles and Lithuanians are helping their Ukrainian brothers and sisters," the ministers of foreign affairs of Poland and Lithuania say.

The ministers emphasize that in three years, the Lublin Triangle has evolved from a ministerial initiative to a valuable political forum and alliance, contributing to building a stronger and more reliable Europe.

"The Triangle is expanding cooperation not only in diplomacy, security and defense but also in countering disinformation, energy security, transportation, and other areas. The Lublin Triangle is gaining strength, and we will continue to develop it," the ministers note.

The Lublin Triangle is a diplomatic initiative that unites Ukraine, Lithuania, and Poland. The declaration on the creation of this alliance was signed by the foreign ministers of the participating states on July 28, 2020 in Lublin, Poland. Within this format, Warsaw, Vilnius, and Kyiv cooperate in the political, economic, social, and cultural spheres.
The State of Qatar is ready to assist in the return of illegally exported Ukrainian children from the Russian Federation.

Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal said this at a briefing with Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Al Thani in Kyiv, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

Shmyhal pointed out that he has discussed a number of important issues with his Qatari counterpart, including the reconstruction of Ukraine, the implementation of specific steps of the Peace Formula proposed by President Volodymyr Zelensky, in the areas of food security, energy security, and the return of prisoners and deportees.

"We are grateful to the State of Qatar for its readiness to make mediation efforts in the return of Ukrainian children illegally taken by Russia and still kept on its territory," the Prime Minister emphasized.

He said that he agreed with the head of the Qatari government to continue cooperation within the framework of the joint intergovernmental commission on economic, trade, and technical cooperation, as well as to establish other specialized working groups and commissions to work out issues in various areas of cooperation, "from high technology and digitalization to water supply to Ukrainians in need."

As reported, Qatar is allocating $100 million to overcome the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and $20 million to provide African countries with food.
07/28/2023

By Ed Brennen

Business major Corey Perez gained a new perspective on life while visiting a chicken farm in Panama this summer.

Perez and nine other Manning School of Business students traveled to the Central American country for a weeklong service-learning trip run by Global Brigades, a nonprofit health and sustainable development organization that provides volunteer opportunities for college students.

Working in the rural village of Membrillo, the students divided into four teams and served as consultants for a community bank, a poultry farm and soapstone and handicraft artisans.

To see that this wasnt just their business, but also their life, was humbling, says Perez, a rising junior finance student from Methuen, Massachusetts, who wants to pursue a consulting career and is president of the Manning Consulting Group.

Image by courtesy Teamed with business major Angel Molekunnel and computer engineering major (and business minor) Fidel Castro, Perez helped the poultry farmer come up with a name  Pollos Gonzalez  and logo for his business.

The students also recommended a new business model: Rather than raising chickens all at once and selling them in 45-day cycles, they suggested staggering production every 15 days so the farmer could more consistently meet the demand of local markets. They also recommended he sell eggs, which he had not been doing, and they taught him how to better organize his Excel spreadsheets.

He had a really small profit margin  just $15 or $20 every 45 days, Perez says. It really changed my perspective on how fortunate we all are. Coming back to school, I dont want to take my opportunities for granted.

The Manning School sponsored the trip, covering the students program fees and airfare. Assoc. Dean of Undergraduate Programs Amit Deokar , an associate professor of operations and information systems, accompanied the group.

The students got to apply what they are learning in class and get that client and consulting feel, Deokar says. They were learning by doing while also making an impact, which was amazing.

Image by Ed Brennen Rising seniors Justin Baez and Jason McKeon worked with a community bank to develop a microlending program for small businesses in the area. Baez, an international business and management student from Norwood, Massachusetts, couldnt wait to apply what hes learned in school to a real-life bank that serves nearly 1,000 members.

When we met with them the first day, I was so excited to say, I want to see your statements! Thats something Ive wanted to say my entire life, Baez says. I was actually looking at the primary books of a business for the first time.

Baez and McKeon, who are president and vice president, respectively, of both the Class of 2024 and the International Business Association, also helped the bank create a contract for customers making one-year investments.

Ten years from now, were going to look back and be like, We actually went to Panama and created a community banks contract that hundreds of people have used, says Baez, who also helped create a loan balance sheet  and added the business to Google Maps.

Image by courtesy Deokar notes that in many developing countries, people are pretty savvy about doing business on mobile apps like WhatsApp and Instagram.

Our students are knowledgeable in that aspect, as well, and seeing them bring those new, creative ideas to leverage social media was interesting, he says.

Rising seniors Melody Veloz, Iain Gillies and Enitsamar Gonzalez and rising juniors Lorenzo Oliveira and Danny Tran also participated in the trip.

The students opened the week by leading mini-workshops at their lodge for all the business owners on marketing, customer service, accounting and inventory. The student groups then worked with their individual clients for several days before giving capstone presentations to the entire group back at their lodge on the final day.

Before returning home, the students visited the Panama Canal and Panama City.

I love new experiences, but I was initially a little nervous about the trip, says Molekunnel, a rising junior finance and management information systems student who is originally from Kuwait. But I love helping people and seeing their happy faces, so Im glad I did it.

Going on a trip or studying abroad is something everyone should do at least once. Its eye-opening and gives you a global perspective that you can use in your future.
07/27/2023

By Ed Brennen

Image by Ed Brennen

Image by Ed Brennen

It was not a foregone conclusion, Chancellorsays, that longtime Deputy Chief Ron Dickerson 13 would replace the retiring Randy Brashears as chief of theWe could have done a national search, but it was clear from the feedback we got from across campus that elevating Ron was the best decision for the university, Chen said during Dickersons recent swearing-in ceremony at University Crossing.After working mostly behind the scenes for 12 years as Brashears deputy, Dickerson appreciates the support.Its humbling that people recognized I was doing a good job, he says. You hope you have support, but youre not the one whos out front as deputy chief.Dickerson, who earned a masters degree in criminal justice from UML, takes the helm of a department with 35 sworn officers and eight dispatchers. The university also contracts with security firm Securitas, which is managed by Director of Police Dispatch and Security Operations Ken Wilson.Brashears, who led an era ofin his 13 years as UMLPD chief, says he has every confidence that Dickerson will continue that trajectory.Ron gets our DNA. He understands what we do as a student-focused public safety agency, Brashears says.A native of Billerica, Massachusetts, Dickerson earned a bachelors degree in criminal justice at Granite State College in Concord, New Hampshire. He spent the first 26 years of his career with the Nashua Police Department.In 1982, Dickerson was invited to attend a mixer on South Campus by some friends who attended UML. There, he met nursing student Michele Gagnon 85. They married in 1986 and have two grown children.Its amazing that Ive been given this opportunity to take over such a professional police department, says Dickerson, who met with us in his office at University Crossing to talk about his new role.The biggest thing is to reach out and see what the needs are of the university. We have a lot of good relationships on campus, but I don't want to assume that we are meeting everyone's expectations. In fact, I made myself a list of all the different heads of divisions at the university, and I plan on visiting everyone on this list in the next couple of months  even a five-minute visit to show them what we do and what we can do for them. We are also driving toward accreditation from the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission. Thats a big push for us  making sure all our operating procedures are in line with best practices. We're probably within a year and a half of becoming accredited.Our relationship with theis so critical. When we send them a report about a student, they address it fast  within days  so we have very few repeat offenders. And our Community Policing collaboration with the Lowell Police Department is also key. Our students live in these neighborhoods, and when Lowell Police sends us a report about a party, for instance, our Campus Resource Officers, Jeff Connors and Bill Emmons, are following up with the students the next day. They explain to them that youre in a neighborhood where someones got to get up at 5 o'clock in the morning to go to work. Imagine if that was your parents. So we have a good rapport with the students.Going out and forming relationships with different groups on campus, and letting them see that we're no different than anyone else, is important. I understand the stereotype of placing police officers in one category, but we break those barriers down. I don't think we have that negative reputation on campus, which I am thankful for. But people have to get to know you to completely trust that. So, we strive to tell our officers that every one-on-one contact is so important. Be professional and smile and show them that we are here for the community.If you go to the Campus Recreation Center, youll see me there working out when it opens up at 6:30 in the morning. I like to go four or five times a week for weight training and cardio. Its interesting to meet all the different students who work out there.
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, July 28. Kyrgyzstan exported a total of 70.9 tons of lamb and goat meat from January through May 2023, which is 66.4 percent more than in the same period of 2022 (42.6 tons), Trend reports.

As evidenced from the data provided by the State Statistical Committee of the country, over 98 percent of these exports were sent to the UAE - 69.7 tons of meat valued at $518,300, which makes it $7.4 per kilogram.

The remaining 1.2 tons of lamb and goat meat were exported to Kuwait. Value of the exports amounted to $9,100, resulting at $7.6 per kilogram.

In April this year, Hungarian Matusz-Vad company, Kyrgyzstans Toro domestic company and the National Investment Agency of Kyrgyzstan signed the contract for the deliveries of lamb meat from Kyrgyzstan to Hungarian hotels and restaurants. However, based on the statistical data, this export has started yet.

Meanwhile, Kyrgyzstans trade turnover reached near $5.2 billion from January through May 2023, which is an increase of 27.9 percent compared to the same period in 2022.

Export supplies rose by 21.9 percent year-on-year, while import receipts increased 29.2 percent.
DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, July 28. A number of tourists from Tajikistan visiting Azerbaijan amounted to 452 in June 2023, which is 53.7 percent more than in the same month of 2022 (294 tourists), Trend reports.

In total, 1,704 tourists from Tajikistan visited Azerbaijan from January through June 2023, which 2.5 times more than in the corresponding months of last year (669 visitors), according to the State Tourism Agency of Azerbaijan.

Visits of Tajikistan tourists to Azerbaijan by months:

January 2023 - 165

February 2023 - 177

March 2023 - 317

April 2023 - 294

May 2023 - 299

During the first half of the current year, Azerbaijan was visited by 919,296 foreigners, which is an increase of 44 percent year-on-year.

In 2022 overall 2,736 tourists from Tajikistan visied Azerbaijan, which was 3.3 times more compared to 2021.

At the same time, only 42 Azerbaijani citizens traveled to Tajikistan in 2022, and 59 citizens in 2021.


(Photo : Jonathan Bunge)

Mentorship plays a pivotal role in the legal profession, offering aspiring lawyers invaluable guidance, support, and opportunities for growth. This article explores the transformative power of mentorship and its profound impact on the professional development and success of individuals in the legal field. From navigating the complexities of the legal landscape to honing crucial skills and building networks, mentorship opens doors to possibilities that might otherwise remain unopened. Hear from experts like Jonathan Bunge about why mentorship matters. Discover how intentional relationships can unlock your potential, accelerate your career trajectory, and foster a strong foundation for long-term success in the legal profession.

The Definition and Importance of Mentorship

Mentorship can be defined as a professional relationship based on guidance, knowledge sharing, and support. It goes beyond formal education and equips mentees with practical skills, insights into their industry, and the wisdom of experienced professionals.

In the legal profession, mentorship plays a critical role in bridging the gap between academia and real-world legal practice. While law schools provide a solid foundation of legal knowledge, they often fail to prepare students for the intricacies of the profession. This is where mentorship steps in, providing mentees with valuable insights into the practical aspects of the legal field.

One of the primary benefits of mentorship is the opportunity for mentees to learn from the successes and failures of their mentors. Seasoned professionals can offer valuable advice on developing effective communication skills, building client relationships, and honing legal research and writing abilities. By tapping into their mentor's expertise, mentees gain a competitive edge and accelerate their professional growth.

Another crucial aspect of mentorship is the emotional support and encouragement mentors provide to their mentees. The legal profession can be demanding and stressful, and having a mentor who understands these challenges can be immensely beneficial. Mentors can offer reassurance during difficult times, share coping strategies, and instill confidence in their mentees.

Benefits of Mentorship in the Legal Profession

Mentorship plays a vital role in the legal profession, as highlighted by Jonathan Bunge, former federal prosecutor and Managing Partner of the Chicago office of Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP. It offers aspiring lawyers and legal professionals numerous advantages, helping them develop essential skills and excel in their careers.

One significant benefit of mentorship is the opportunity for mentees to enhance their trial skills and ability to think on their feet. Mentors also provide guidance on networking strategies, enabling mentees to build meaningful connections within the legal community. They impart valuable lessons in client relationship management, teaching mentees how to effectively engage with and serve their clients.

Moreover, mentorship provides a significant boost in self-confidence and motivation for mentees. This increased self-assurance translates into higher motivation and a willingness to take on new opportunities and challenges. Additionally, the support of mentors can allow early-career attorneys to explore the profession more confidently. This supports their ability to cultivate their curiosity, a trait that Jonathan Bunge values in his own professional life.

Overall, mentorship creates a safe and supportive environment in which mentees may seek guidance, gain perspective, and receive valuable feedback. Mentors share their knowledge and experiences, equipping mentees with essential skills in networking, client relationship management, and effective communication.

Finding and Establishing a Mentor-Mentee Relationship

To find mentors, mentees can explore various avenues within the legal community. Professional associations, such as bar associations or specialty legal organizations, often offer mentorship programs or resources to connect mentees with experienced practitioners. Attending networking events, both in-person and online, provides an opportunity to meet potential mentors and establish connections. Additionally, tapping into alumni networks, whether from law school or previous employers, can uncover mentors with a shared background and understanding of the mentee's professional journey.

When approaching potential mentors, mentees should do so respectfully and professionally. It is important to demonstrate a genuine interest in their expertise and a willingness to learn. Craft a personalized and thoughtful message or initiate a conversation at a networking event, expressing admiration for their work and explaining the specific reasons why their guidance would be valuable. Notably, a good mentor-mentee relationship can work in both directions. "I work with a lot of very talented younger lawyers, so I rely on them a lot in connection with my cases," said Jonathan Bunge.

Successful mentor-mentee relationships are built on qualities such as trust, open communication and mutual respect. Mentees should actively participate in their development by setting clear goals and expectations for the relationship. These goals can include specific skills they want to acquire, advice on career advancement, or guidance on work-life balance. Regular check-ins and open dialogue help maintain a strong connection between mentor and mentee.

The Role of Mentors in Career Development

Mentors play a pivotal role in the career development of mentees, providing valuable guidance and support. They offer insights into different career paths and practice areas, helping mentees navigate the complexities of the legal profession. Mentors can share their own experiences and provide advice on seizing professional opportunities, such as internships, clerkships, or partnerships. By leveraging their networks, mentors can help mentees make valuable connections and expand their professional circles, opening doors to new growth prospects.

In addition to career-related guidance, mentors also offer insights into work-life balance, ethical considerations, and personal development. They provide a well-rounded perspective on what it takes to build a successful legal career while maintaining a fulfilling personal life. Mentors can share strategies for managing demanding workloads, handling stress, and finding harmony between professional and personal commitments. They also instill important ethical values and principles, guiding mentees towards making sound decisions and upholding professional integrity.

One of the most impactful aspects of mentorship is the role mentors play as role models. They inspire mentees to aspire to greatness and set ambitious goals. Mentors offer valuable advice on navigating challenges and setbacks, drawing from their own experiences. They provide encouragement and motivation, helping mentees overcome obstacles and stay focused on their long-term objectives.

Nurturing Mentor-Mentee Relationships for Long-Term Success

Nurturing mentor-mentee relationships is key to sustaining long-term success in the legal profession. Regular communication is essential, allowing mentors and mentees to stay connected and share valuable insights. Mentees should actively seek guidance and support from their mentors, reaching out for advice or discussing challenges they may encounter. Similarly, mentors should provide constructive criticism, helping mentees identify areas for improvement, while also celebrating their achievements and milestones.

Feedback is a crucial component of mentorship. Mentors should provide timely and constructive feedback to mentees, highlighting areas of strength and offering guidance for growth. This feedback loop allows mentees to learn from their experiences and make necessary adjustments to their career development plans.

Accountability is another vital aspect of the mentor-mentee relationship. Both mentors and mentees should hold each other accountable for their commitments and goals. Mentees can set goals and regularly update their mentors on their progress, while mentors can provide support and encouragement along the way.

To foster a supportive and collaborative environment, both mentors and mentees should prioritize creating a safe space for open dialogue and trust. Mentees should feel comfortable expressing their concerns, seeking advice, and sharing their aspirations.

In conclusion, mentorship is a powerful catalyst for success in the legal profession. It offers aspiring lawyers the guidance, support, and insights needed to navigate the complexities of the legal landscape and excel in their careers. From acquiring practical skills to expanding professional networks, mentorship provides invaluable benefits that accelerate professional growth. By actively seeking mentors, fostering meaningful relationships, and embracing the wisdom of experienced professionals, individuals can unlock their true potential and pave the way for a fulfilling and prosperous legal career. Embrace the transformative power of mentorship and embark on a journey toward unlocking your success in the legal profession.
An explosion occurred at the Kuybyshevskiy oil refinery in Russia's Samara, according to the preliminary information, an explosive device was planted, there was no serious damage and no casualties, Russian lawmaker Alexander Khinshtein said on Friday

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 28th July, 2023) An explosion occurred at the Kuybyshevskiy oil refinery in Russia's Samara, according to the preliminary information, an explosive device was planted, there was no serious damage and no casualties, Russian lawmaker Alexander Khinshtein said on Friday.

"An explosion occurred on the territory of the Kuybyshevskiy oil refinery in Samara today. According to the preliminary information, an explosive device was planted. Fortunately, there is no serious damage, as well as no injuries," Khinshtein said on Telegram.
London, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 28th Jul, 2023 ) :IAG, parent group of British Airways and Spanish carrier Iberia, said Friday it returned to profit in the first half as the aviation sector recovers from the Covid pandemic.

Profit after tax was 921 million Euros ($1 billion) in the first six months after a net loss totalling 654 million euros one year earlier, IAG said in a statement.

"Our strong profits since the start of the year are helping to fund investment for our customers, and to improve our balance sheet by reducing debt," said chief executive Luis Gallego.

"We are aiming to be back to pre-pandemic capacity at the end of this year," he added.

Group revenue surged 45 percent to 13.6 billion euros.

"Customer demand remains strong across the group, particularly for leisure travel, with around 80 percent of passenger revenue for the third quarter already booked," Gallego added in the statement.
(@FahadShabbir)

Braslia, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 28th Jul, 2023 ) :Eight people were killed and 11 injured in a series of silo explosions at the site of an agricultural cooperative in Brazil's southern Parana state, authorities said Thursday.

The blasts Wednesday on the premises of the C. Vale agroindustrial company in the municipality of Palotina also left a "last victim" still "under corn and debris from the explosion," state firefighting officials said in a statement Thursday night.

"Firefighting teams are propping up the structures and moving the corn to finish the rescue," the statement added.

An initial toll late Wednesday had listed two dead and two injured.

"There was an explosion in one of the silos that triggered a second and a third," Parana fire brigade spokesman Tiago Zajac told AFP.

A video distributed on social media and broadcast by news outlets showed a vast column of white smoke coming from the site, and Palotina residents reported feeling a tremor as windows in several homes were blown out.

C. Vale, a major producer of soybeans, wheat, and corn, in a statement, confirmed that a "large-scale accident hit our central grain reception unit in Palotina... due to causes yet to be determined." Company boss Alfredo Lang said in a video he was "appalled by the tragedy," adding that a technical team was working on determining the causes.

Several dozen firefighters were deployed to the municipality of about 30,000 inhabitants.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva sent his "condolences and solidarity to the workers and their families" in a message published on Twitter, now called X.
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) will hold an extraordinary virtual session for the Council of Foreign Ministers of Member States (CFM) on July 31 to discuss the repeated incidents of desecration and burning of copies of the Holy Quran in Sweden and Denmark

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 28th Jul, 2023 ):The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) will hold an extraordinary virtual session for the Council of Foreign Ministers of Member States (CFM) on July 31 to discuss the repeated incidents of desecration and burning of copies of the Holy Quran in Sweden and Denmark.

This session has been convened at the request of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Chair of the 14th Islamic Summit, and the Republic of Iraq.

This urgent meeting of ministers has been called in response to the final statement issued by the OIC Executive Committee after an extraordinary meeting held at the OIC General Secretariat in Jeddah on July 02, this year.

The statement addressed the burning of a copy of the Holy Quran in Sweden and called for high-level emergency meetings as needed.

The meeting is being held considering the OIC Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha's consultations with the member states regarding the implementation of the final statement issued by the Executive Committee.

Further measures are also being considered in response to the repeated provocative actions that represent deliberate religious hatred and intolerance.
World Health Organization (WHO) has reiterated its commitment towards eliminating hepatitis from Pakistan

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 28th Jul, 2023 ) :World Health Organization (WHO) has reiterated its commitment towards eliminating hepatitis from Pakistan.

In a message on the occasion of World Hepatitis Day 2023, World Health Organization (WHO) Representative in Pakistan, Dr Palitha Mahipala said, "Viral hepatitis affects 360 million people worldwide and claims 3,000 lives every day." He said that in 2015, the World Health Assembly adopted a strategy to eliminate hepatitis by 2030 through prevention, testing and treatment.

Dr Palitha said, "World Hepatitis Day, observed on every 28th of July, serves as reflection on the achievements of our fight against viral hepatitis." "It is also an opportunity to address the gaps and needs to enhance our efforts in eliminating these diseases as a public health concern." He said that Pakistan is facing a considerably high disease burden due to viral Hepatitis B & C. Pakistan has the highest prevalence of Hepatitis C (7%) globally and has the highest number of people suffering from HCV, he added.

Dr Palitha said around 15 million people are estimated infected with Viral Hepatitis C in the country. Another 5 million are estimated infected with Viral Hepatitis B in the country.

He said unfortunately, our response to viral hepatitis has stagnated in recent years and added testing for viral hepatitis has not been scaled up as tests and treatment are considered expensive.

Dr Palitha said the theme of world hepatitis day this year 'Hepatitis Medicines are Cheaper - Treat to Save Lives' aims to raise awareness to scale treatment for people living with viral hepatitis.

He said that now the manufacturers have announced to lower down the price of WHO prequalified hepatitis B and C drugs in low-and middle-income countries.

This has been a concerted effort by partners to ensure affordability and accessibility to hepatitis treatment, he added.

Dr Palitha said these new drug prices will significantly reduce the cost of treatment to low and middle-income countries, and scale up hepatitis programs to meet growing demand, all towards eliminating hepatitis.

He said, "On this World Hepatitis Day, WHO calls on health authorities to scale-up viral hepatitis B & C testing and treatment, as an essential part of WHO vision of health for all by all."He said that the WHO and all stakeholders will ensure affordability and accessibility of medicines, testing and treatment to millions in low and middle-income countries. "This is indeed a major step towards elimination of hepatitis by 2030," he added.
WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 29th July, 2023) Argentina has joined the US -led Artemis Accords to regulate the peaceful use of outer space, NASA announced in a press release on Friday.

"During a ceremony at the Casa Rosada in Buenos Aires on Thursday, July 27, Argentina became the 28th country to sign the Artemis Accords," the release said.

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson participated in the signing ceremony for the agency, and Daniel Filmus, Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, signed on behalf of Argentina, the US space agency said.

Argentine President Alberto Fernandez and US Ambassador to Argentina Marc Stanley attended the ceremony, it said.

"The Artemis Accords establish a practical set of principles to guide space exploration cooperation among nations, including those participating in NASA's Artemis program," the release said.

NASA, in coordination with the U.S. Department of State, established the Artemis Accords in 2020 with seven other founding member nations. The accords maintain what the US government calls "best practices and norms of responsible behavior" in space operations and activities, NASA said.
(@FahadShabbir)

WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 28th July, 2023) US President Joe Biden will sign an executive order on Friday to reform the US military's policies and procedures in regards to sexual assault and other criminal cases, senior administrations told reporters.

Biden will sign an executive order to implement a reform to the US military's handling of sexual assault cases passed by Congress as part of the Fiscal Year 2022 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), the senior administration officials said.

"This order will amend the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), transferring key decision-making authority from commanders to specialized, independent military prosecutors in cases of sexual assault, domestic violence, child abuse, murder and other serious crimes," one of the officials said.

The measure required the US military Service Secretaries to establish an Office of Special Trial Counsel and a Lead Special Trial Counsel independent from the chains of command of both accusers and the accused.

The Pentagon is currently working to staff its Offices of Special Trial Counsel, which is expected to launch by December of this year, an official said.

The reform represents the "most significant transformation" of the US military justice system since the UCMJ was founded, an official also said.

The order establishes the rules that will govern the Offices of Special Trial Counsel, defines authorized interactions between special trial counsel and commanders, modernizes procedures to protect victims and creates a uniform evidence standard for non-judicial punishment actions, the administration said in a fact sheet.

The reforms are a "turning point" for survivors of gender-based violence in the US military, the fact sheet said. The reforms promote dignity and respect for servicemembers by protecting them and making the military a safe and more just environment, the fact sheet said.
USM Researchers Reflect on Discovery of Slave Ship as New Exhibit Opens

Fri, 07/28/2023 - 09:13am | By: Van Arnold

Dr. Anand Hiroji examines a sonar image taken during the expedition.

The unique Africatown Heritage House opened its doors earlier this month, treating visitors to Clotilda: The Exhibition that chronicles the voyage and sinking of the last known slave ship. The museum and exhibition might never have happened without the expertise of marine scientists at The University of Southern Mississippi (USM).

The $1.3 million public building sits just north of Mobile, Ala., within the Africatown community that the Clotilda survivors founded after they were freed from slavery following the Civil War. Inside the 2,500-square-foot exhibit is a chronological telling of the Clotilda slave ships origins, its survivors and how the Africatown community was settled.

Environmental author Ben Raines, believing he had uncovered evidence of the Clotilda, reached out to USM researchers in April 2018 for help in locating the schooner. The USM contingent conducted a hydrographic survey of the Mobile River on the east side of 12-mile Island using the RV LEMOYNE, which was outfitted with sonar capable of both bathymetric mapping and side scan sonar imagery. Raines has since written a book about the experience: The Last Slave Ship.

Alexander Kochersperger readies a device for deployment.

Although the team found hard evidence of 19th-century construction such as nails, and believed the size was identical to the dimensions of the Clotilda, researchers were told their findings weren't consistent enough to confirm the discovery. However, one year later further exploration and analysis by a different team led archaeology experts to conclude that the USM groups initial discovery was indeed authentic.

Dr. Anand Hiroji, Assistant Professor of Hydrographic Science, and Graduate Researcher Kandice Gunning were part of the USM team that made the historic discovery. Were they annoyed that USMs find was overlooked initially?

It did bother me, especially for other team members who spent years of time going through historical evidence to identify the location we surveyed, said Hiroji. The survey location was calculated from evidence-based study. It wasnt just luck.

Noted Gunning, I wont say I was bothered by USM not receiving initial credit. The omission seemed comical really because if not USM, which group found it? Ive since moved past the blunder.

The new exhibit includes a brief history of the transatlantic slave trade that was outlawed in the United States 53 years before the Clotildas harrowing 45-day journey with the 110 enslaved Africans from Benin on board. The display features numerous Clotilda artifacts  ceiling plants, nails, and bolts from the ship.

Gunning regards the Africatown Heritage House as a magnificent contribution and deserving homage to the people of the area.

The opening of the new museum symbolizes an initiative to protect and preserve the history of the people and stories that have impacted Africatown, America, and the world at large, said Gunning. It is an incredible opportunity to teach and bind communities through the recovered relics and stories, hopefully reaching an even wider audience to tell the journey of the Clotilda and its discovery. A consoling tribute to the lives lived and lost.

Journals kept by Captain William Foster during the Clotildas journey from Africa to Mobile Bay indicate that he burned and sank the ship in the summer of 1860, fearing that authorities might learn the true nature of the vessels voyage.

Members of the team that initially located the Clotilda included:

Ben Raines (reporter, Al.com)

Monty Graham (then director of the USM School of Ocean Science and Technology)

Maxim van Norden (then USM Hydrographic Science program coordinator)

Kandice Gunning (USM graduate student)

Marvin Story (Senior Hydrographic Technician and skipper)

Alexander Kochersperger (USM graduate student)

Ashley Boyce (USM graduate student)

Jennifer Rhodes (USM graduate student)

Anand Hiroji (Assistant Professor of Hydrography)

Neither Hiroji, nor Gunning retained any physical artifacts from the ship. Hiroji explained that he did indeed collect a unique and invaluable piece of history from the experience.

I still have the very first acoustic image of the Clotilda as it appeared on the screen, he said. It may be the first time that the Clotilda was imaged after it was sunk. There were many other sunken ships and barges in the area. The newer wrecks were considerably intact with modern shipbuilding materials and techniques. Clotilda did not look like a ship; it was more like a pile of wood.

The role hydrography played in the ships discovery cannot be overstated. USM is the only university in the United States to offer an undergraduate program in hydrography and one of just two to offer masters and doctoral degree programs in the challenging field.

Kandice Gunning checks data from the search.

Hydrography was the reason the ship was found, said Gunning. The combined stories of the ships journey gave a general location, but hydrography was the method responsible for pinning it. From instrumentation selection and setup, to survey planning for increased area coverage, to efficient data processing without compromising object detection, hydrography played an enormous role in finding the Clotilda.

Hiroji and Gunning share immense pride in being part of a highly skilled and motivated team that produced historic results. Both say they plan to visit the Africatown Heritage House at their earliest opportunity.

Visit the Africatown Heritage House to learn more.
Dr. Kelly Darnell named Director of USMs Gulf Coast Research Laboratory

Fri, 07/28/2023 - 12:23pm | By: Gabriela Shinskie

The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) is excited to announce the appointment of Dr. Kelly Darnell as director of the Universitys Gulf Coast Research Laboratory (GCRL) in Ocean Springs, Miss.

Darnell currently serves as an Associate Research Professor in the School of Ocean Science and Engineering as well as the Director of the Mississippi Based RESTORE Act Center of Excellence. In May of 2022, Darnell was appointed Interim Director of GCRL.

Im honored to be selected for this. GCRL is a leader in research and education. When you step onto campus, you realize it is a special place. Im looking forward to the opportunity to serve and support GCRLs faculty, staff and students, said Darnell.

Darnell, who has been at USM since 2017, focuses her research on coastal habitats, specifically seagrass ecosystems, and their conservation and restoration. She is excited to celebrate GCRLs history and is also looking forward to new changes and research advancements at GCRL.

This year marks GCRLs 75th anniversary as Mississippis designated marine laboratory. Its our time to celebrate GCRLs history and the many people who made and who continue to make GCRL a leader in coastal and ocean science.

The Nature Conservancys move onto campus has added more collaborative research opportunities on the coast. This year will be GCRLs 75th anniversary as Mississippis designated marine lab.

Dr. Kelly Lucas, Vice President of Research at USM said she is thrilled to welcome Darnell as the new director.

With her extensive expertise, dedication to research, and commitment to advancing our coastal research endeavors, we are confident that she will lead us to new heights and foster impactful collaborations within and beyond our academic community, said Lucas.

A native of Buffalo, NY, Darnell earned her Ph.D. at the University of Texas at Austin in 2014, her M.S. at the University of South Alabama in 2008 and her B.A. at Wittenberg University in 2005.

Learn more about the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory and its various research online.
The RBT course is recommended for parents, teachers, administrators, health care providers and others who work with children or adults. Participants learn about effective communication, socialization and other techniques to reduce problem behaviors in individuals with autism. The program also teaches participants how to collect data to track progress and develop treatment plans properly.

The RBT certification also provides an advantage for people building careers in health care, social work, mental health counseling and school psychology.

To reach military families, PaCE partners with the UTSA Center for Military Families, the Alamo Chapter of the Armed Forces Communications & Electronics Association (AFCEA) and the chapters Wounded Warrior and Military Families (W2MF) Endowment Fund. In 2022, PaCE offered the free program to 10 military families. After seeing the programs impact on participants, AFCEA increased its funding commitment to double the number of students this year.

Typically, PaCE facilitates the program and determines which San Antonio military installation receives funding each year. Although Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA)-Randolph Air Force Base was selected for 2023, Mike Bell, the bases Exceptional Family Member Program coordinator, chose to invite colleagues over 3,700 miles away at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Oahu, Hawaii, to participate in the RBT program alongside their peers in San Antonio.

We at JBSA decided to share some of the slots with Joint Base Pearl Harbor due to this awesome opportunity and wanting to help other installations families, said Bell.

The courses online format allowed students in San Antonio and Hawaii to work and learn together simultaneously in the same virtual classroom.

The PaCE RBT program is helping to fill the growing need for skilled professionals who work with individuals with autism and other developmental conditions. PaCE holds RBT training every six weeks, with two cohorts of 15 to 18 participants. Since its first cohort in 2015, PaCE has rapidly expanded the program and trained 1,738 registered behavior technicians, including Shannon Thieme.
Niger's president vows democracy will prevail after mutinous soldiers detain him and declare a coup

Nigers president defiantly declared that democracy would prevail, a day after mutinous soldiers detained him and announced they had seized power in a coup because of the West African countrys deteriorating security situation
Cambodian officials say renovation work on a naval base in the coastal city of Sihanoukville is nearly complete, but U.S. officials have voiced suspicions the facility, being upgraded by China, will be used exclusively by China's military.

Suspicions about Chinas intentions for the Ream naval base were raised after satellite imagery showed that a major pier capable of anchoring aircraft carriers had been constructed on the site.

Chhum Socheat, a spokesman for the Cambodia National Defense Ministry, confirmed to VOA Khmer that the work will be completed soon but said, I dont know the inauguration day.

He denied speculation that China will use the base to expand its influence in the region against its rival, the United States.

I regret that there is untrue information. Cambodia is very small. They [some countries] have bad intentions on our country, he said.

Some countries dont acknowledge the truth, and they still say untrue information, he said.

Satellite imagery taken by BlackSky, a U.S. commercial imagery company that monitors the construction at Ream naval base, noted the rapid pace of development of a large Chinese military naval station from August 2021 until July 2023.

There is a near-exact similarity between an angled deep-water pier located on the western shore of the Ream base and another military pier at the Peoples Liberation Army Support Base in Djibouti.

Both main piers are 363 meters long and large enough to support any ship in Chinas naval arsenal, including the new 300-meter-long Type 003 Fujian aircraft carrier, said Craig Singleton, China Program deputy director and senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, in a July 24 release on BlackSkys website.

In August 2022, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken raised the issue with the Cambodian government about the naval base it is modernizing with Chinese funds, saying use of the site would pose a threat to Southeast Asia if used exclusively for Chinas military. He made his remarks during a visit to Phnom Penh.

In discussing the naval base, Blinken told VOA Khmer that U.S. concern is first and foremost in making sure that Cambodia has a truly independent foreign policy, and is not, does not feel pressured, of course, by anyone.

"And when it comes to the Ream naval base, I think countries throughout the region would be very concerned if any one country had exclusive control or use of any portion of the base or was doing anything there that undermined the security of other countries in the region. So, I think it's important to have transparency and to make sure that the base is open to all, and not the exclusive use of any one country, the top U.S. diplomat said.

Political analyst Em Sovannara told VOA Khmer the Ream base is a very sensitive issue that requires the Cambodian government to be transparent to allay U.S. suspicions.

''If it is just a political statement via news outlets, it cant solve or clear doubts from the U.S. Thus, there should be other mechanisms for strengthening diplomatic ties with the U.S., which is a way to solve the issue, he said.

The United States has alleged that China will maintain a military presence at Ream, Beijings second such overseas outpost and its first in the strategically significant Indo-Pacific region. It also has an outpost in Djibouti, at the mouth of the Red Sea.

Tea Banh, Cambodias defense minister, said in June 2022 the Ream base would most likely not be open for full examination by any foreigners after completion.

He said that Cambodia would not allow any foreign military base on its soil and has no intention to provoke any threats to any country, and Cambodia is never against other countries military building efforts.

Cambodia just wants to strengthen its protection capacities to curb against pressure and impacts of the current geopolitics competition, he said, adding, Cambodia has no policy to choose one country against one country.

In October 2022, the U.S. Embassy in Phnom Penh told VOA Khmer the Cambodian government had not been fully transparent about the intent, nature and scope of this project.

Ream is on the Gulf of Thailand near the South China Sea, where China has claimed sovereignty and disregarded international law.

The Wall Street Journal in 2019 also reported that China had signed an agreement to have People's Liberation Army officers stationed at the naval base. Satellite imagery has shown the demolition of buildings, some built by the United States, and the recent construction of two structures on the bases northern half.

Some information for this article comes from Agence France-Presse.
Show more Show less

VOA  CONNECT

EPISODE # 289

AIR DATE: 07 28 2023

TRANSCRIPT



OPEN

((VO/NAT/SOT))

((Open Animation))





BLOCK A





((PKG)) WASHING AWAY / PART 2:

Building a future for Newtok

((TRT: 22:13))

((Topic Banner: Washing Away  Part 2))

((Producer/Camera/Editor: Gabrielle Weiss))

((LOcation: Newtok, Alaska; Mertarvik, Alaska))

((Main characters: 1 female; 2 male))

((Sub characters: 1 female; 2 male))

((Blurb:

One of the largest relocation projects in the US is happening in Alaska, which is warming at more than two times the global average. After a devastating typhoon, the village of Newtok desperately needs to move the rest of its residents to the new village of Mertarvik, but the pace of new construction is slower than the erosion.))

((MUSIC/NATS))

((Text on screen))

Alaska is at the forefront of climate change.

It is warming at two to three times the rate of the global average. The Alaska Native Village of Newtok is disappearing due to melting permafrost, erosion and ever-stronger storms.

Last fall, a dangerous storm surge created by Typhoon Murbok eroded nearly 40 feet [12 meters] of land in one night.

((NATS/MUSIC))

((Stanley Tom

Manager, Toms store))

People of Newtok, we need to be prepared before the strong winds arrive. The typhoon could arrive unexpectedly.

((NATS/MUSIC))

((Kiely Paniyak

Newtok Resident))

Im scared of this. And we should have leaved. It's really sad. And me and my family needs to be safe.

((NATS/MUSIC))

((Marnell Tubig

Newtok Resident))

They said about four feet [1.2 m] of water. Just hope for the best and prepare for the worst.

((NATS/MUSIC))

((Lucinta Pauki Carl

Mother, Teacher, Council Member))

This usually is land, low grass like this. Now it's covered with water. And high tide is still coming.

((Clarissa Ivon

Daughter))

More high tide coming up.

((Lucinta Pauki Carl

Mother, Teacher, Council Member))

We're going to spend the night at the school.

((NATS/MUSIC))

((Elsie

Newtok Resident))

I didnt think any kind of typhoon would come this way, but it happened. And for our safety and for kids, we need to move to a higher ground. Theres no more time for us to stay in Newtok.

((NATS/MUSIC))

((Joseph John Jr.

Newtok Resident))

We've had water come up before, but this is the worst one ever.

((Andy Patrick Sr.

Newtok Resident))

Looks like Niugtaq [Newtok] is trying to warn us, you know. Better get together and work together and move across there. Right now, Niugtaq [Newtok] is not stable. You see? Maybe next storm, big storm, it might wipe the whole village.

((NATS/MUSIC))

((Text on screen))

The relocation of Newtok to higher and safer ground has been in the works for decades and is one of the largest projects of its kind in the U.S.

As new houses are built, families move to Mertarvik. So far, less than half of the Newtok residents have been able to move.

((NATS/MUSIC))

((Title/Credits on screen:

Washing Away - Part 2

Producer/Camera/Editor: Gabrielle Weiss))

((Locator:

Village of Newtok))

((MUSIC/NATS))

((Sabastain Usugan

Newtok Village Council Member))

This, here, building was our community center, where theyd play bingo or Eskimo dance, where wed invite the other neighboring village, and now it's just rotting away. I mean, it's not usable anymore because you can actually take a 12 foot, two by four and drive it into the ground, and you'll take another 12 foot, two by four and push that. That's like 24 feet [7.32 meters] and you won't even touch the bottom. Yeah, rotting away, like the erosion, like the land.

((NATS))

((Sabastain Usugan

Newtok Village Council Member))

My dad built this [in the] late seventies, early eighties. The whole house is sinking down. Our bedroom was here. A wall here, bedroom there, and my bedroom. Now it's sinking. Now theres literally water in the house. I moved out of this house like, a year and a half ago. I moved into a house that was empty. Who knows? I might get a house in Mertarvik. Maybe not or I don't know. Its up to the council members to decide who gets a house. The reason why I'm not looking forward to a new house is because where you grew up, it's hard to let go. I'll see how rotted it is.

((NATS))

((Sabastain Usugan

Newtok Village Council Member))

You can actually see how much it sank. It's all around, just sitting there in a puddle. I tried to prevent water from getting too high, but it was a battle that I could never win. And when they moved me to this house right here, it was much better, safer house. And since they moved me there, my chances of getting a house over there [in Mertarvik] went back because Im living in a better house than my old house.

((NATS))

((Sabastain Usugan

Newtok Village Council Member))

My son.

Well, I got to get going. Im in a rush. I got to beat the tide.

((NATS/MUSIC))





TEASE

((VO/NAT))

((Banner))

More to come after the break.





BREAK ONE

USAGM SHARE

((LogOn Voice Diagnosis Tech (TV/R)

HEADLINE: LogOn: Could Your Voice Help Diagnose Your Next Illness?

TEASER: Technology analyzing thousands of voices may play a role in the future of medicine

BYLINE: Julie Taboh

DATELINE: Washington

PRODUCER: Julie Taboh, Adam Greenbaum

SCRIPT EDITORS: Michelle Quinn, Amy R

TRT: 1:54 & 2:00

[[Voice experts have long known that a person's voice can provide important information about their emotional, physical and mental health. Now a U.S. government-funded project is collecting and analyzing thousands of voices and using artificial intelligence to diagnose illnesses. VOAs Julie Taboh has more.]]

((Courtesy: Allison Long/USF Health))

((NATS  patients voice being tested))

((NARRATOR))

Dr. Yael Bensoussan examines the vocal cords of a patient.

At the University of South Florida Health Voice Center, she treats patients with a range of voice disorders, such as upper airway, voice and swallowing disorders.

And lately, shes been helping to lead a new project to build a database of 30,000 human voice recordings and train computers to detect diseases through changes in the human voice.

((Radio track: She spoke with VOA via Skype.))

((Dr. Yael Bensoussan, Voice Specialist)) ((SKYPE))

Not only to build that data, but also to develop the guidelines on how to share that data, how to collect that data, and also how to use that data for future AI [artificial intelligence] research. ((Courtesy: Weill Cornell Medicine))

((NARRATOR))

She works with a team of 45 investigators across 12 different universities in North America as well as a startup in Europe. ((NATS - Parkinsons voice demo, Text on graphic: "Parkinson's disease"))

They study voice samples to help them detect illnesses like Parkinsons disease

((NATS - Glottic cancer voice demo, Text on graphic: "Glottic cancer"))

((NARRATOR))

cancer

((NATS - Vocal fold paralysis demo, Text on graphic: "Vocal Fold Paralysis"))

((NARRATOR))

And voice disorders such as vocal fold paralysis

The team also studies mood disorders such as depression and anxiety.

((Dr. Yael Bensoussan, Voice Specialist)) ((SKYPE))

So when somebody is depressed, sad, has anxiety, of course their speech changes.

((NARRATOR))

((Courtesy: NIH))

The study is one of four data-generation projects funded by the National Institutes of Health's Bridge to Artificial Intelligence program, designed to use AI to tackle complex biomedical challenges.

((Dr. Yael Bensoussan, Voice Specialist)) ((SKYPE))

They realized that there was such a big gap between the technology that we had available, and the clinical knowledge, and what we use in clinical care in our hospitals.

((NARRATOR))

And doing it while maintaining participants privacy.

[[Radio track: Grace Peng is one of the coordinators of the National Institutes of Healths Bridge2AI program. She spoke with VOA via Zoom.]]

((Grace Peng, National Institutes of Health)) ((Zoom))

We want to think about the ethics associated with collecting people's voices. And how do we keep it private? ((NARRATOR))

((Courtesy: NIH))

The study will start enrolling participants in the coming year. ((Julie Taboh, VOA News, Washington))

BUMP IN ((ANIM))

BLOCK B





((PKG)) WASHING AWAY / PART 2:

Building a future for Newtok.contd.

((MUSIC/NATS))

((Sabastain Usugan

Newtok Village Council Member))

This area, this is where I used to play with a few other friends of mine. That area, somewhere out there. We used to call it the king of the hills. Yeah, we had a lot of good memories. I have good memories. Now it's just water. It's sad to see the land that you once knew is all gone. The sad part is I can't even show him where the areas that I went out hunting and best hunting spots. Good news is weve got stable ground in Mertarvik. Higher ground. It won't erode away.

((NATS/MUSIC))

((Sabastain Usugan

Newtok Village Council Member))

I live in Newtok, but I come to Mertarvik to work on the houses,

((Locator:

New Village of Mertarvik))

for community of Newtok, so they can relocate to Mertarvik.

Im one of the lead techs thats helping build houses. And I have my son here working with me, and it's his first time working here in Mertarvik.

((NATS/MUSIC))

((Sabastain Usugan

Newtok Village Council Member))

Got to keep working. Son, other side.

((Jon Usugan

Sabastains Son, Newtok Resident))

Dad.

((NATS/MUSIC))

((Sabastain Usugan

Newtok Village Council Member))

Guess he didn't aim straight enough. He missed. He didn't aim straight and shoot true.

((Jon Usugan

Sabastains Son, Newtok Resident))

Well, everybody misses, you know. Well, not quite some of them.

((NATS/MUSIC))

((Sabastain Usugan

Newtok Village Council Member))

I'm doing two things at once. Working and hunting.

((Patrick LeMay

Newtok Relocation Project Manager))

No, you're not hunting. You're getting your food for the winter.

((Sabastain Usugan

Newtok Village Council Member))

Yeah.

((Patrick LeMay

Newtok Relocation Project Manager))

I get it, you know. So it's a matter of, you know, instead of me losing the crew for a day so they can go get their food for the winter, they're getting their food while they're working and we're getting people moved. It can't get any better than that.

((Sabastain Usugan

Newtok Village Council Member, Newtok Resident))

As long as we get work done, he's happy, we're happy, everything works out. We may catch, we may miss, its part of life. So, we get it done.

((NATS))

((Patrick LeMay

Newtok Relocation Project Manager))

Yeah, theyre following the wind. Alright, Sabastain.

((Sabastain Usugan

Newtok Village Council Member, Newtok resident))

Now I've got to run after it. Yup. I hit it on the wing. That's why I like my boss.

((NATS/MUSIC))

((Patrick LeMay

Newtok Relocation Project Manager))

So what we're doing here is, we're laying a foundation for the next house. And I like to think of it is, we're laying the foundation for a family to grow and flourish, away from that devastating area they've lived in in the past.

Just very gently.

We have four houses started. Floor joists are getting reading to go in a fifth. Were setting foundations today on a Saturday for the remaining three houses. Were going to try to get as many of these closed in before the snow drives us home.

With the wheels like that.

((NATS))

((Patrick LeMay

Newtok Relocation Project Manager))

If we stop at a certain point, we don't have windows in a house or a roof on a house, these houses will pack with snow and all the lumber would be ruined. We're making an end run for getting all eight houses closed in. Closed in means roof on, windows on, and siding on, to protect what we've done. And if I thought the weather was going to change, and we werent going to be able to get that goal, it would be better to leave everything off the ground, wrapped up nice and tight, so water cant get to it. So, we've decided this week to make a run for it. And I hope it doesn't bite us in the butt.

((NATS/MUSIC))

((Darielle Robinson

Yugtun Elementary Teacher))

Focus, focus. We dont have much time.

((Student))

Does this look like mouse food?

((Darielle Robinson

Yugtun Elementary Teacher))

Yes. Well cut that up into smaller pieces. Thats excellent.

So, the kids in their groups are finding dirt and grass and berries and kind of stuff that they would see out here in Mertarvik. Were going to go inside and were going to make terrariums. On Fridays, we have outdoor school.

((NATS/MUSIC))

((Harry Panai Nevak

Yugtun Elementary Teacher))

Tegaa, what did you work on?

They just grow up speaking English and some of them are transacting from Yupik to English. We want them to speak, keep speaking in their native language.

((NATS))

((Student))

Kaviaq in Yugtun. Fox in English.

((Darielle Robinson

Yugtun Elementary Teacher))

So there are about 45 kids in the whole school.

((Harry Panai Nevak

Yugtun Elementary Teacher))

Yeah.

((Darielle Robinson

Yugtun Elementary Teacher))

So the number is going up, which were excited about. That means more kids are moving over from Newtok.

((Harry Panai Nevak

Yugtun Elementary Teacher))

Finally.

((Darielle Robinson

Yugtun Elementary Teacher))

Finally.

((Harry Panai Nevak

Yugtun Elementary Teacher))

We need Newtok here asap, as soon as possible, because the erosion is not going to wait for people to move here. Its just going to keep eroding away. So, by the end of fall season, probably by freeze-up, itll, the river line will probably be like maybe 50 to maybe 20 feet [15.6 meters] away from the school. Im estimating. Im not sure. Only He knows how far it will be. Not me. I can only estimate.

((NATS/MUSIC))

((Laverna Andy

Mertarvik Resident))

I live with my husband, my three kids, and my nephew. I didn't want to move here without a job at Mertarvik. So I applied for the laborer job, so I can work and provide for my family. Its a new experience for me, but building from ground zero, nothing to a home, is remarkable.

((NATS))

((Laverna Andy

Mertarvik Resident))

We dont have bed frames at the moment. We left our bed frame at Newtok because it was getting too old. I like my kitchen because it has cabinets and sink, which I didn't have in Newtok. I don't know. This is like an upgrade for me. It's way better than our home in Newtok. Everybody is under one roof. I got picked to get a new home because the condition of my home at Newtok was really bad. There was a lot of holes. The foundation of it was rotting. During the winter, our house would shift. It'd be nice if it was a three bedroom home, but I'm still blessed to have a better home.

((NATS))

((Laverna Andy

Mertarvik Resident))

The bathroom. Every other two days, we go and dump the honey bucket way up to the landfill. It's not a toilet. It's actually a five gallon bucket. This house doesn't have any plumbing yet. Hopefully, that will come in soon when everybody from Newtok moves here. That's going to take quite a lot of time because getting funding from the agencies is time. The erosion doesn't have a time. It just keeps eroding.

((NATS))



TEASE

((VO/NAT))

((Banner))

More to come after the break.





BREAK TWO

USAGM

((LogOn Underwater Drones (TV, R)

HEADLINE: LogOn: Underwater Drones Take Off Like Those in the Air

TEASER: The discovery of the Endurance shipwreck in Antarctic waters this year has encouraged hobbyists to take up underwater drones

BYLINE: Genia Dulot

VIDEOGRAPHER: Genia Dulot

PRODUCER: Genia Dulot

SCRIPT EDITORS: Michelle Quinn

TRT: 2:01

[[As they overcome the challenges of operating in water, underwater drones are becoming more available for hobbyists, researchers and public agencies. Genia Dulot reports.)) ((NARRATION))

Jesuit Robotics, a high school robotics team from Sacramento, California, has been designing remotely operated vehicles, or ROVs, for more than a decade.

[[For Radio: Charlie Diaz, a member of the Jesuit Robotics team]]

((Charlie Diaz, Jesuit Robotics))

We developed the grippers ourselves, the cameras, our modularly adjustable buoyancy systems.

((BROLL: Shots of Jesuit Robotics team))

((NARRATION))

Jesuit Robotics recently exhibited its underwater drone at a competition in Long Beach, California. Called the Manatee, this underwater drone can map shipwrecks or work on environmental projects.

((Charlie Diaz, Jesuit Robotics))

We have our custom AI detection software.  Our bottom gripper helps us to restore seagrass beds.

((NARRATION))

((Courtesy: FALKLANDS MARITIME HERITAGE TRUST, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC / AFP))

Entrancing many, the recent discovery by ROV of the Endurance, which sank in Antarctic waters in 1915. That effort cost an estimated $10 million.

ROVs have been slow to take off among hobbyists, however. Several startup companies are making design changes and adding technology to make drones work better underwater and reduce costs.

Blue Robotics, a Los Angeles firm, works on waterproofing underwater drone parts such as the thruster, which propels the ROV in the right direction, and has added various sensors measuring temperature, pressure and depth.

[[For Radio: Rustom Jehangir is founder and CEO of Blue Robotics]]

((Rustom Jehangir, CEO Blue Robotics))

Instead of trying to protect the motor from the water, why dont we make a waterproof motor? Thats really the innovation here.

((Courtesy: Blue Robotics))

((NARRATION))

These new underwater drones cannot go to the deep sea, but they are being used in conditions unsafe for human divers, and by hobbyists, says Fritz Stahr, an ocean technology expert.

[[For Radio: Fritz Stahr, a judge at the competition, and chief technology officer at Open Ocean Robotics, a marine technology firm.]]

((Fritz Stahr, Ocean Tech Expert))

The ability for everybody or more people to be that explorer, to be that person who understands whats going on in their local environment, is really important.

((NARRATION))

Unlike aerial drones, technology has yet to solve the problem of underwater communications. For now, these drones are controlled by a tether.

((Genia Dulot for VOA News, Los Angeles))

BUMP IN ((ANIM))





BLOCK C





((PKG)) WASHING AWAY / PART 2: Building a future for Newtok Contd.

((NATS))

((Sabastain Usugan

Newtok Village Council Member))

Hi, Patrick.

((Patrick LeMay

Newtok Relocation Project Manager))

Come on in. You can actually see where they had the shoreline.

((Sabastain Usugan

Newtok Village Council Member))

It used to be a lot closer to here. It wasnt this far out here.

((Patrick LeMay

Newtok Relocation Project Manager))

Right.

The rivers taking the shore over here and depositing it over here. And Ive watched the barges that have come in to deliver our materials. They hug that shoreline along Newtok and around, and that tells you thats the deepest channel, and thats where the waves are going to grow, and when the waves grow, coming in and hitting Newtok, thats when the erosion happens.

((Sabastain Usugan

Newtok Village Council Member))

Yeah, especially from the south winds.

((Patrick LeMay

Newtok Relocation Project Manager))

Yes, when the winds come from the south. You know, 20 years ago, when this whole relocation started, you can tell that it was done on a typewriter versus now we have it all on electronic, and we can have color photos in our documents to show what were actually doing, and really good maps.

Ive been tracking the erosion since 2014. And here's the village of Newtok with their runway over here. The school is right here, and this isthat green line is the 2019 erosion. And if we want to see where the shoreline was in 1954, it was way out here. I mean, you can see the yellow line where all the houses used to be. And we can tell that in 1954, the village of Newtok was a mile [1.6 km] away from the shoreline.

((Sabastain Usugan

Newtok Village Council Member))

Just looking at that yellow line, it brings back a lot of memories.

((Patrick LeMay

Newtok Relocation Project Manager))

Well, it doesnt put pressure on me because were waiting on funding. And I cant, I cant build anything, or I cant have our crew build anything without money. I feel the pain. I'm sad by it. The biggest reality is when power goes out in the village, and the community floods, everybody goes into the school. Well, if a corner of the school gets impacted this year, and makes it so it's not occupiable, this community has no safe shelter in storms. Average land loss a year is about 73 feet [22 meters]. The greatest land loss in any given year has been 135 feet [41 meters]. So, we could lose the school this year.

((NATS))

((Patrick LeMay

Newtok Relocation Project Manager))

19 years old, hes my best equipment operator.

((MUSIC/NATS))

((Rammen Carl

Mertarvik Resident))

Building more homes right now. Everybody's going to move here. Everybody that are living over there, that are still living in Newtok, are going to get homes. Thats the good news. So hopefully, by next year, most of them will be on this side, on Mertarvik side. No more Newtok.

((Jon Usugan

Newtok Resident))

Our ancestry, before they built Newtok, they said the erosion would get over there too. Like sure enough, 21, 22 years later, it got close.

((Rammen Carl

Mertarvik Resident))

It's getting dangerous over there.

((Jon Usugan

Newtok Resident))

Yup.

((Rammen Carl

Mertarvik Resident))

School is really heavy, you know. Who knows it can break off in one piece and all be gone.

((Jon Usugan

Newtok Resident))

Yup. Its good news though. Were moving.

((NATS))

((Joe Babbin

Electrician))

Today, it's blowing too hard to get up on a roof and put plywood on. A weather delay isn't ideal, but, you know, you just got to deal with it because you got to seal up the houses for winter or they're just not going to last. You know, when you got a ten foot [3 meter] snow load in the winter, it'll just eat everything. I like seeing the impact of significantly improving people's livelihoods. It's very challenging after the barge gets here and you have to fit everything to build a house on a small plane. But it comes with its challenges. But it's definitely really rewarding being at the front of climate change on a big relocation project. Thats, its really good.

((NATS))

((Patrick LeMay

Newtok Relocation Project Manager))

These houses are built much different than Newtok. This house is coming together fast.

((Laverna Andy

Mertarvik Resident))

Three weeks and four days.

((Patrick LeMay

Newtok Relocation Project Manager))

This year, we're building all four bedrooms. So, they'll be the larger families moving. Last year, we had seven, two-bedroom homes available. So they were the smaller families. The rule, I think, is four people and under You have five.

((Laverna Andy

Mertarvik Resident))

They chose me because of the condition of my home.

((Patrick LeMay

Newtok Relocation Project Manager))

Because of the condition of your home.

You know, there's a lot of needs beyond housing. But, right now, the primary need is housing. Yes, they need water, sewer. Yes, they need broadband. They need a new clinic, and a tribal office. But, all that stuff is great and it costs money. But if the money can be used first for housing and get everybody over here, then we can focus on all that other stuff. Everybody wants a flush toilet and running water in their house, but the people that are left behind in Newtok, they don't care about that stuff. They just want to move.

((Laverna Andy

Mertarvik Resident))

Yup.

((NATS))

((Laverna Andy

Mertarvik Resident))

It's my first time building a home. It is fun. I feel good about helping build Mertarvik. My parents are still in Newtok, and hopefully, by the end of this month or middle of next month, this house, their house will be complete.

I miss it over there. I miss my office job. In Newtok, I was an accountant. When the store moves, I will still be an accountant. There's none here, no store in Mertarvik.

We've had four families move this year, including me. They may think they're left behind. They're not. It is a family separation, but eventually everybody will move here. It's just trying to find funding to build new homes for them.

It is hard. Newtok is over there. Nine miles [14 km] out. Home will always be home.

((Text on screen))

By the end of the construction year, 45 homes will have been built in Mertarvik.

Dozens more are needed for the entire community to move and to relieve overcrowding.

((NATS/MUSIC))





((PKG)) NATURE KICKER: GREAT FALLS, VIRGINIA

((TRT: 02:00))

((Topic Banner:

Nature: Great Falls Park,

McLean, Virginia))

((Camera/Editor: Phil Alexiou))

((Text on screen:

Enjoy the beauty of nature in Northern Virginia))

CLOSING BUMPER ((ANIM))

voanews.com/connect





BREAK THREE

USAGM SHARE

((LogOn: Space Camera (TV, R)

HEADLINE: LogOn: Giant Camera Focuses on the Invisible

TEASER: Camera will document the universe for 10 years, gathering data for dark energy and dark matter research

BYLINE: Matt Dibble

VIDEOGRAPHER: Matt Dibble

PRODUCER: Matt Dibble

SCRIPT EDITORS: Michelle Quinn, Reifenrath

TRT: 1:55

[[In California, a camera the size of a car is being prepared for its mission: documenting unseen phenomena in the universe. Matt Dibble has the story.]]

((Courtesy: SLAC))

((NARRATOR))

At the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory in Menlo Park, California

((Courtesy: SLAC))

((NARRATOR))

engineers are building the worlds largest digital camera. The LSST camera, as its called,

((Courtesy: Rubin Observatory/NSF/AURA))

((NARRATOR))

will be installed at the Vera C. Rubin Observatory in southern Chile to record images of the night sky over a ten-year period.

((Courtesy: Rubin Observatory/NSF/AURA))

((NARRATOR))

By observing a wide swath of the universe over time, researchers expect to gain insight into some of sciences biggest questions.

[[For Radio: PhD student Theo Schutt is running final tests on the camera.]]

((Theo Schutt, Stanford University Ph.D Student))

How old is the universe, how fast is it expanding, why is it expanding?

So we're really like going for the 95% of the universe that we basically don't understand at all.

((Courtesy: NASA))

((NARRATOR))

Scientists theorize that 95% of the universe is made up of dark energy and dark matter, which cant be seen directly.

((Courtesy: SLAC))

((NARRATOR))

However, the effect that dark energy has on its surroundings can potentially be detected if observed over time.

[[For Radio: ...says astrophysicist Aaron Roodman, who leads the camera project.]]

((Aaron Roodman, Rubin Observatory Deputy Director))

We can study it by looking at galaxies, ((Courtesy: NASA))

studying how the light from distant galaxies has been bent by all the matter between us and the distant galaxy.

((Courtesy: Rubin Observatory/NSF/AURA/ Todd Mason Productions))

((NARRATOR))

The camera will record on most nights, essentially compiling a time-lapse movie.

((NARRATOR))

Each image will be made up of about 3 billion pixels, ((Courtesy: Rubin Observatory/NSF/AURA)) about 300 times the size of a smartphone image. ((end courtesy))

((NARRATOR)) ((Mandatory CG: SLAC))

Funded by the US government, the project will share images ((Courtesy: Rubin Observatory/NSF/AURA))

with international researchers, directing attention to short-lived phenomena as they happen.

((Aaron Roodman, Rubin Observatory Deputy Director))

Within two minutes, we will compare ((Courtesy: NASA))

the objects we see in it  the stars, galaxies, asteroids ((end courtesy))  with how they previously appeared in prior images. And we will flag any differences.

((NARRATOR))

Researchers are eagerly expecting the unexpected.

((Matt Dibble for VOA News, Menlo Park, California))

BUMP IN ((ANIM))





SHOW ENDS












Here is a look at immigration-related news from around the U.S. this week. Questions? Tips? Comments? Email ImmigrationUnit@voanews.com.

Federal Judge Blocks Bidens Asylum Policy; What Now?

A federal judge has blocked the Biden administration's asylum rule for migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border. In his Tuesday ruling, U.S. District Judge Jon Tigar in Oakland, California, deemed the rules unlawful, saying they imposed conditions on asylum-seekers that Congress hadn't intended. The ruling is temporarily on hold to give the government time to appeal. VOA's Aline Barros reports.

US on Track to Issue Most Student Visas Since 2016

U.S. State Department officials and a recent report by ApplyBoard, a Canadian international student recruitment platform, indicate the United States is set to issue the most student visas in a year since fiscal 2016. The tally of visas issued in fiscal 2023 has passed 392,000 to date. In fiscal 2016, 471,728 F1 visas were issued. VOA's Aline Barros reports.

Biden Administration Sues Texas Over Floating Barrier Meant to Stop Migrants

The Justice Department on Monday sued Texas Governor Greg Abbott over a newly installed floating barrier on the Rio Grande that is the Republican's latest tactic to try to stop migrants from crossing into the U.S. from Mexico. The Associated Press reports.

Afghan Relocation Flights Paused, Activists Call for Resumption

Relocation flights from Afghanistan carrying Special Immigrant Visa applicants to U.S. immigration processing centers in Qatar and other countries have been suspended for more than one month, and it's unclear when they will resume. VOA'S Akmal Dawi reports.

Around the world

College in Kenya Helps Refugees Learn Languages

Many refugees living in Nairobi speak neither English nor Swahili, the two most common tongues in Kenya. This language barrier poses a challenge as they try to integrate into society. VOA's Hubbah Abdi reports.

WFP Halves Food Assistance for Refugees in Malawi

The World Food Program in Malawi says a funding shortfall has forced it to cut by one-half food rations for more than 50,000 people at the country's only refugee camp. The food cuts come at a time when refugees at the Dzaleka camp are complaining of inadequate food assistance, a situation that has forced some of the refugees to voluntarily return home. Lameck Masina reports for VOA.

Activists Want Egypt to Ease Entry for Refugees from Sudan Conflict

With Sudans conflict now at the 100-day mark, advocacy groups are calling on Sudans neighbor Egypt to ease entry requirements for refugees, saying displaced Sudanese face a dire situation. Meanwhile, the U.N. International Childrens Emergency Fund said Monday that 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. VOAs Nike Ching reports.

Italian Conference May Stanch Migrant Flow to Europe With African Aid

Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni called Sunday for new, more equal relationships between Europe and migrants countries of origin and transit as she convened a summit of about 20 nations, EU officials and international organizations aimed at stanching flows of illegal migration. The Associated Press reports.

In Brief

 The U.S. Department of Homeland Security released data from January to June pertaining to parole processes for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans.
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, July 28. A household appliance production plant of Uzbekistan's Artel Electronics Group in Kazakhstan is expected to become operational in 2025, Trend reports.

This was revealed at the meeting of Kazakh-Uzbek working group at the level of deputy heads of government held in Astana.

The sides noted that implementation of this project in the Karaganda region is going in a timely manner.

Artel is set to manufacture kitchen stoves, vacuum cleaners, televisions, mini-ovens, and washing machines. The development potential of this projects amounts to $8.95 billion, with $7.97 billion intended for export.

Currently, the PCD (Project Completion Document) has been finalized, construction and installation works are underway, and approximately 10 percent of the equipment has been delivered already.

The construction of this plant started in March 2023.

Meanwhile, over the first five months of the current year, Kazakhstan has emerged as one of Uzbekistan's top three trading partners, as the trade volume between the two countries reached $1.9 billion.

Uzbekistan exported goods worth $576.7 million to Kazakhstan while importing goods worth $1.35 billion.
The Biden administration on Thursday announced the first cancer-focused initiative under its advanced health research agency. The goal is to help surgeons more easily differentiate between healthy tissue and cancerous cells.

The Precision Surgical Interventions program, which is being launched under the administrations Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health, will aim to significantly improve cancer outcomes over the next few decades.

In a Thursday statement announcing the initiative, President Joe Biden called the investment a major milestone in the fight to end cancer as we know it. The initiative is part of Bidens cancer moonshot initiative.

The hope is that the investment will help doctors develop tools that will remove all cancerous cells while avoiding healthy nerves and blood vessels.

Biden said he eventually wants the cancer death rate to be cut in half.

"Harnessing the power of innovation is essential to achieving our ambitious goal of turning more cancers from death sentences to treatable diseases and  in time  cutting the cancer death rate in half," he said.

"As weve seen throughout our history, from developing vaccines to sequencing the genome, when the U.S. government invests in innovation, we can achieve breakthroughs that would otherwise be impossible, and save lives on a vast scale. ARPA-H follows in that tradition of bold, urgent innovation," Biden said, using an acronym for his Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health initiative.

"Whats true is that many cancer treatments still start with surgery," Arati Prabhakar, the director of the White House Office of Science and Technology, told The Associated Press. "So being really smart and attacking and developing new technology to make that first step better could really revolutionize how we are able to treat cancer for so many Americans."

Formed in 2022, the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health is modeled after the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, or DARPA. The military-focused agency played a central role in developing GPS and the internet.

The "cancer moonshot," as well as the ARPA-H more broadly, are part of the Biden administrations unity agenda, which "aims to bring people from both parties together to get big things done for the American people," Biden said in the statement.

In September, ARPA-H will host an event in Chicago for interested researchers with the intent of quickly authorizing projects.

Some information in this report came from The Associated Press.
President Joe Biden will host the leaders of Japan and South Korea next month for a summit at Camp David, the White House announced Friday.

The August 18 meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is the latest sign of warming relations between their nations as they move to set aside generations of tensions and mistrust while the United States deepens its commitment to Asia.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement that the leaders will discuss expanding trilateral cooperation across the Indo-Pacific and beyond." Expected topics include the threat posed by North Korea and ties with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and with the Pacific islands.

The invitation spun out of a brief photo-op that the three leaders had at the Group of Seven summit in Hiroshima, Japan, in May. The Biden administration has been urging stronger economic and defense ties between South Korea and Japan as it looks to bolster the region against China's assertive territorial moves, as well as to secure their cooperation to support Ukraine fight off Russia's invasion.
Explosives planted in a taxi detonated in a Damascus suburb near a Shiite Muslim shrine Thursday, killing at least six people and wounding dozens one day before the solemn holy day of Ashura, state media reported, citing the interior ministry.

State-run Al-Ikhbariya TV and the state news agency said Syrian Health Minister Hassan al-Ghabash also reported that 26 people wounded in the blast in the Sayida Zeinab neighborhood were being treated at several hospitals. Twenty others were treated on site or discharged, he said.

The Britain-based opposition war monitor, Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said that a woman was among those who died and that her three children were wounded. The Observatory said the explosion occurred close to positions of Iranian militias, a key ally of Syrian President Bashar Assad alongside Russia in Syria's civil conflict now in its 13th year.

Photos shared by Al-Ikhbariya and pro-government media show a charred taxi surrounded by large crowds of people and men in military fatigues. Green, red and black Ashura flags and banners hung from buildings in the area.

In a video shared on social media, people carried two men covered in blood and dust off the ground while calling for help. The glass facades of shops nearby had shattered. One was on fire.

The neighborhood is named after the shrine for Sayida Zeinab, the granddaughter of the Prophet Muhammad. Protecting the shrine became a rallying cry for Shiite fighters backing Assad in the early years of the conflict as it turned from an anti-government uprising into a sectarian civil war.

Ashura is the 10th day of the Islamic month of Muharram, which is one of the holiest months for Shiite Muslims. It marks the martyrdom of the Prophet Muhammad's grandson, Imam Hussein, and his 72 companions in the battle of Karbala in the 7th century in present-day Iraq. Ashura marks the peak of the mourning procession.

The explosion was the second in the Sayida Zeinab neighborhood in the days leading to Ashura. On Tuesday, Syrian state media citing a police official said that two civilians were wounded when a motorcycle laced with explosives was detonated.
Typhoon Doksuri made landfall early Friday in Chinas eastern province of Fujian.

Fridays landfall in China comes after Doksuri left a path of destruction in the Philippines, where it displaced thousands and caused at least 39 deaths, including 26 who were killed when a passenger ship capsized.

Officials say hundreds of thousands of people in Fujian were moved to safety ahead of the typhoons heavy rains.

China has ordered businesses and schools to close their doors and urged people to stay indoors.

There have been no immediate reports of deaths in China related to Doksuri.
PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA - While Western democracies largely condemned Cambodias one-sided elections on Sunday and broader crackdown on dissent ahead of the vote, China was effusive in its support of the ruling Cambodian Peoples Partys runaway victory.

In remarks delivered in a speech on Monday, Beijings ambassador to Cambodia, Wang Wentian, said "China strongly supports the Cambodian people in choosing their own development path that suits their national conditions." According to Chinas Xinhua news agency, Wang also noted that a team of Chinese election observers monitored the race, which he said was "efficient, professional and peaceful." Wang also noted that turnout was nearly 85% and that 18 political parties participated in the ballot.

The ruling party, led by Prime Minister Hun Sen, declared a landslide victory in the July 23 national election, winning 120 of 125 seats in parliament. The royalist Funcinpec party was the only surprise of the day, winning the other five seats  up from zero in the previous National Assembly.

Just weeks before the election, the CPP-stacked National Election Committee barred the main opposition Candlelight Party from registering for the election, claiming it was missing necessary paperwork. The elections come amid a broader crackdown on dissent and any perceived threats to the ruling party, from human rights groups to the media.

The United States released a statement Sunday saying the elections were "neither free nor fair." It added that in the runup to the election, "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."

Other countries  including Australia, the United Kingdom, Germany and France  released statements of disappointment, but stopped short of deeming the elections not free and fair. Still, the Western response drew a stark contrast with the message from Chinese President Xi Jinping in a congratulatory letter to Hun Sen.

"The Communist Party of China is pleased to enhance the political leadership of bilateral relations with Prime Minister Hun Sen, deepen exchanges and cooperation between the parties and sectors, and work together to build a common destiny," he said. "Between China and Cambodia, the new era of high quality and high standards will provide greater benefits to the people and the two countries."

Analysts told VOA that Chinas emphatic statements of support are likely welcomed amid increasing pressure from Cambodias longtime Western donors, however they said Phnom Penh runs the risk of overreliance on Beijing as it slides away from the democracy enshrined in its constitution.

Ear Sophal, associate professor at the Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University, said the ruling party would only increase its reliance after the election, with countries like the U.S. threatening to withdraw development support.

But he doesnt expect Cambodias government to change tack.

"Cambodia will weather the storm, always not caring one bit about the West. It practices a very strong reality distortion field. Good is bad, bad is good. No democracy and great foreign relations with China. They think they need only that," he said.

Vann Bunna, a researcher at the Khmer Institute for Cooperation and Peace, said the post-election dynamics would make it even harder for Cambodias pro-democracy forces to reemerge.

"When Cambodia has very close and good relations with China but is very tense with the liberal countries, it makes the process of restoring democracy in Cambodia seem like there is very little hope  given the space for human rights, democracy, and civil society organizations is getting smaller," Bunna said.

Cambodia-China relations have become increasingly close over the last decade, and China has become the No. 1 foreign partner in terms of investment, bilateral trade, and tourism.

In January, a top official in the Ministry of Economy and Finance said Chinas $1.6 billion in investment in 2022 was 42% of total foreign investment, with major stakes in agriculture, tourism, real estate and infrastructure.

China is also Cambodias top creditor, accounting for nearly 41% of its nearly $10 billion in foreign debt. And Beijing has given billions more in build-operate-transfer agreements through its Belt and Road initiative, meaning Chinese firms will collect revenue on major infrastructure projects for decades to come.

Prior to Chinas booming investment over the past decade, much of Cambodias postwar development was funded by the Western democracies, along with Japan and South Korea. And Hun Sen had long paid lip service to demands for democratic reform, even tolerating a robust free press and civil society from the 1990s to the mid-2010s.

But that changed after the 2013 election, in which the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party came close to beating the CPP. The CNRP was outlawed, its leaders jailed or buried in legal cases, and various laws have been passed restricting democratic rights and other freedoms.

With the opposition largely immobilized, 70-year-old Hun Sen announced before the election that his son, 46-year-old Gen. Hun Manet, would succeed him soon after the election. And on Wednesday he said the power transfer would occur on Aug. 22.

Aun Chhengpor, a researcher at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, said given its democratic trajectory, China remained "the only country that can meet the needs of the Cambodian government."

But he said Hun Manet, who graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, would need to reestablish a geopolitical balance moving forward.

"I think he [Hun Manet] will be able to find a second way, a third way, to ensure that Cambodia is not in a situation that is overly dependent on one great power country," he said. He adds that it is unsustainable for any state to be completely dependent on one country.
A Chinese man who allegedly cyberstalked and threatened a pro-democracy Chinese classmate appeared in Boston federal court for a pretrial hearing on Wednesday as part of the preparations for a trial scheduled to begin in January.

Xiaolei Wu, 25, was a student at the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston at the time of the incidents, which occurred October 22-24. The FBI arrested him on December 14. Wu, who is a citizen of the People's Republic of China, has pleaded not guilty and has been free on bail.

Wu appeared in court with his lawyer, Jessica Hedges, on Wednesday. He sat quietly in the front row of the courtroom rather than in the dock because this was a pretrial hearing. Discussion focused on planning for the trial scheduled for January 22 that may take four to five days. Between now and the trial, each side will call witnesses or experts and conduct multiple pretrial meetings.

Hedges told VOA Mandarin she had no comment on the day's proceedings.

Five-year term, fine possible

After Wu's arrest in December on a single count of stalking, the U.S. Department of Justice indicted him in January on one count of cyberstalking and one count of interstate transmissions of threatening communications.

If found guilty, Wu could face up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000.

According to Department of Justice charging documents, Wu is accused of sending messages via WeChat, email and Instagram to a classmate who had posted fliers on campus that read "Stand with Chinese People" and "We Want Freedom."

He allegedly told the classmate, "Post more, I will chop your bastard hands off."

Wu also allegedly told the classmate that he had informed the public security agency in China about his actions and that the agency would "greet" the classmate's family there

In addition, charging documents alleged that Wu solicited others to find out where the classmate was living and publicly posted the classmate's email address in the hopes that others would abuse the classmate online.

Berklee declined to share details about the incident with VOA Mandarin on Tuesday but said the school was taking the matter seriously and had taken appropriate steps.

The college president, Erica Muhl, resigned earlier this week after starting a leave of absence at the end of June. The school gave no reason for her departure.

In May, Muhl met with Qin Gang, then China's foreign minister, in Beijing. According to a Chinese government news release, Muhl said Berklee was willing to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with China and serve as a bridge and bond between the United States and China.

On Wednesday, the Chinese government announced the removal of Qin as its foreign minister. The press release, along with other information about Qin's diplomatic activities as foreign minister, was purged from the official website of China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

At the end of last year, just a week before the FBI arrested Wu, Qin, the then-Chinese ambassador to the U.S., visited Berklee. A press release issued by the Chinese Embassy said that Qin "looks forward to Berklee College of Music playing a greater role ... to bring more positive energy to Sino-US relations."
Even as their nation emerges from three years of COVID-related lockdowns, many Chinese are facing a new source of economic hardship  steep cuts in earnings for the countrys millions of civil servants.

My year-end bonus will be reduced by at least 20,000-30,000 Yuan [roughly $2,800-$4,200], said a 38-year-old local housing authority employee in the eastern city of Nantong, who asked to be identified only as Chen for fear of retaliation by authorities.

Like everyone in China, Chen and his wife and two sons had a difficult time during the past few years. Strict COVID pandemic control made his family live an almost hermit life  limited social activities, no vacation, even visiting relatives became rare.

The harsh pandemic controls were finally lifted late last year, but now Chen must cope with a significant loss of income attributed to the slower-than-expected recovery of the Chinese economy.

The nearby city of Suzhou, known for its economic development and prosperity, is slashing its year-end bonuses even more steeply, according to Chen.

Public servants in Suzhou will probably lose 50,000-60,000 Yuan [roughly $7,000-$8,500] of bonus [money], he said.

As with many public servants in China, Chens official paycheck, providing him with the equivalent of about $1,000 a month, represents only part of his income. He and others are compensated in many other hidden ways including bonuses, special subsidies and cheap meals at work canteens.

Chen is entitled to 15 days of paid leave per year, but throughout his career has received an annual reward of about $2,500 for working instead.

Now I only get like $1,300 of compensation for not taking leaves, he said.

He added: This pay cut, in bonus or in other forms, is a nationwide trend.

Reports about wage reductions for civil servants began appearing in 2021 as local governments, stressed by a troubled real estate market and colossal debts, saw their problems exacerbated by three years of brutal pandemic controls.

Posts went viral on Chinas social media platforms early this month saying, Guangdong province is cutting 25% off its public servants paychecks. The local government in Guangdong, one of the most prosperous provinces in China, never confirmed or denied the information. However, the postings sparked discussions and complaints online.

Many civil servants shared their experiences of bringing home less cash. A user from Hunan province said on Weibo, Chinas biggest social networking site: My friend, a government worker in Hunan, lost a quarter of his yearly bonus. Now he only gets paid $600 a month.

Another public servant in Shijiazhuang, capital of the northern province of Hebei, told VOA Mandarin via text message that her employer is struggling to pay its workers. Weve been borrowing money to pay the civil servants for a long while. Now theres no money to borrow anymore.

Not everyone is sympathetic, however. No matter how much pay cut these people get, they still earn more money than we do! Their housing fund is probably as much as my whole salary, wrote one Weibo user under the pseudonym surgeon lancet.

Another user wrote: Wage cut? Thats a joke. We all know their money all comes from bonuses and subsidies.

A China-based economist who spoke to VOA on the condition of anonymity for fear of retaliation said the pay cuts reflect wider budget problems facing local governments across China.

To ease unemployment the government has to hire people, but theyre with limited budget now, so its a must to reduce wages, he told VOA Mandarin. I give them credit for at least trying to feed more people.

Frank Xie, a professor at the School of Business Administration at the University of South Carolina in the United States, said that in some localities, civil servant pay has been not only reduced but stopped completely.

In recent years the tax revenue for many local governments [has] reduced or stalled, he told VOA Mandarin. The revenue on land sales also disappeared. The size of the civil servant team is huge and all of them have to be fed. This is a rampant, sober, dire situation.

While local governments struggle, the central administration in Beijing has been busily pushing out new programs to try to stimulate economic growth, many of them aimed at encouraging private investment.

On July 19, the State Council and the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party jointly issued a statement titled, Opinions on Promoting the Development and Growth of the Private Economy. The 7,000-word statement listed 31 guidelines aimed at building a more friendly environment for private businesses, which have suffered from years of pandemic restrictions and lackluster foreign sales.

On July 24, the National Development and Reform Commission, Chinas macroeconomic policymaker, followed up with a Circular on Further Efforts to Promote Private Investment in an Effort to Mobilize Private Investments. This document pledged to make the private economy bigger, better and stronger and to cultivate a close and clean relationship between businesses and the government.

After decades of rapid growth, private investment in China has leveled out in recent years, recording an increase of just 0.9% in 2022 and a decline of 0.2% in the first half of 2023, according to the Chinese news website, Caixin. The private sector accounted for 54.2% of all investment in China last year.

China's sagging economy has forced authorities to come back to the private sector for help, said Xie.

Private businesses outstrip state-owned enterprises in terms of tax revenue, number of jobs, and contribution to foreign trade. Fifty million private enterprises are now not investing, and this is causing a very big problem for tax revenue, he said.
Once a year, in central Iran's city of Noosh Abad, men don warrior costumes and children portray supernatural beings to usher in one of the holiest commemorations in Shiite Islam.

Ashura falls on the 10th day of the Islamic month of Muharram and commemorates the 7th-century killing of Imam Hussein, a grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, during the battle of Karbala in modern-day Iraq.

In Noosh Abad, Iranian devotees stage a parade called the "Caravan," when they march through the streets two days ahead of Ashura.

On Wednesday, performers kept the tradition their city has marked for more than a century, wearing colorful embroidered costumes to signify Arab clothing worn at the time of Imam Hussein.

Some portrayed cavalrymen, daggers and swords at their belts, as children with their faces painted black or red played supernatural spirits, or jinn, some wearing white and others with pink wings.

Tradition says that these jinn attended the battle at Karbala and offered to help Hussein, who refused, saying his destiny was to die on the battlefield.

"I've been taking part in this event for 10 years," said performer Ali Ebadi, 56, who played the role of a slave to the "Shimr," the man who killed Hussein in the fight.

Hundreds of men in black clothes and chador-clad women watched as Wednesday's procession passed under black flags and banners bearing white inscriptions praising Hussein and his family.

The troupe later re-enacted events leading up to the killing of Hussein, who rejected the right of the Caliph Yazid to rule the Islamic world.

Shiite Muslims around the world view Hussein's death as a symbol of the struggle against injustice.

Mourning his death can include dramatic rituals such as chest beating, head slapping and rolling in the mud.

Sometimes in other countries the rites see bloody self-flagellation or whipping using sharp-edged chains or swords.

Many "people believe that prophets, angels and jinn came to help Imam Hussein" who refused their aid, saying "it was his destiny," Mohammad Mashhadi Noosh Abadi, 52, said at the procession.

It was all part of the Taazieh, or mourning, theater rituals that some believe have roots that go back to ancient Persia, Noosh Abadi said.

In Noosh Abad, the "Caravan" parade and the Taazieh are essential for keeping the rituals alive.

"Generations learn from these rituals and performances which are a significant part of Islamic history," said Mahdi Moslem, professor of Islamic philosophy at the University of Kashan in Kashan, Iran.
The U.N. refugee agency, the UNHCR, Thursday appealed to West African states not to forcibly repatriate refugees who have fled escalating insecurity and violence sparked by insurgent groups in Burkina Faso.

As of June this year, 67,000 people from Burkina Faso have sought refuge in neighboring countries, including Mali, Niger, Cote dIvoire, Togo, Benin and Ghana, said Elizabeth Tan, UNHCR director of international protection, briefing journalists in Geneva on Friday.

The number of internally displaced people is enormous, she said. Two million people are internally displaced within Burkina Faso, making this one of the worst internal displacement crises on the African continent.

The UNHCR said it was updating an advisory on forced returns that it issued last July because humanitarian and security conditions in Burkina Faso have seriously deteriorated since then.

Tan said, The reason why the update is because the parts of Burkina Faso that are now impacted by violence and conflict and insecurity has expanded. So, the parts of the country where it is not safe to return people to has increased.

While growing numbers of people are fleeing across borders in search of international protection, she said the number of internally displaced in Burkina Faso is surging.

There has been internal displacement since 2015, but it is in 2022 that we have really seen a large increase in the number of displaced in the country, and that is due to the increased activities by violent extremist groups as well as increasing humanitarian need, she said.

She noted that Islamist armed groups in the Sahel, such as those allied with al-Qaida and Islamic State militants, have caused enormous displacement and destruction to civilian infrastructure.

She said they are responsible for widespread human rights violations against civilians including targeted killings, forced disappearances, torture and kidnappings.

Children are also exposed to serious human rights violations such as forced recruitment by armed groups, child labor as well as other types of violence, abuse, exploitation and gender-based violence.

She said most displaced children are unable to attend school because attacks on schools have forced more than 6,300 to close.

Ongoing violence and displacement have also left many women vulnerable to gender-based violence, she notes.

Since last years appeal for a ban on forcible returns was issued, Tan said Ghana has forcibly returned several hundred asylum seekers to Burkina Faso. She said the UNHCR has had discussions with the government of Ghana and while forcible returns have somewhat subsided, she said the UNHCR remained concerned about that situation.

We understand ... the intense security concerns that countries in the region have with regard to population movements. Nevertheless, Tan said, the majority of people fleeing are women and children and we are working with governments to ensure that the civilian character of asylum is maintained.

She expressed concern about the situation in Niger, a major country of asylum currently hosting 300,000 refugees from Burkina Faso, Mali and Nigeria and 350,000 internally displaced people.

Following the military coup this week that overthrew the countrys president, she said we are monitoring developments very closely adding that for the time being our humanitarian operations are still able to take place.

There are currently 4.3 million people in need of humanitarian assistance in Niger, she said.

UNHCR protection director Tan said the prevailing situation in Burkina Faso is also precarious for people dependent on international aid for survival.

An estimated 4.7 million people across the country are now in need of humanitarian assistance and over 20 percent of the countrys population is among those who are in need of humanitarian assistance, she said.
Brussels and Kyiv are weighing a range of poor choices for getting Ukrainian grain to world markets after Russia withdrew from the Black Sea grain initiative and started attacking Ukrainian sea and river ports. But experts doubt that any land routes can fully replace the blocked seaports.

The United States will also work with its EU allies and other partners to find new ways to get Ukrainian crops out, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters at a White House briefing on Wednesday.

But its not as efficient, you cant move as much or as fast be it landwise, truck or rail as could be done through Black Sea ports if the grain initiative had been extended, he added.

We are back to how it was between February and July of 2022 during the (Russian) blockade of Ukrainian Black Sea coastline, said Volodymyr Dubovyk, a visiting professor at The Fletcher School at Tufts University.

Now no ships will transport Ukrainian goods through the Black Sea because of the risks of sea mines and Russian attacks  risks that no insurance company will cover  he told VOA Ukrainian.

Recalling the months before the Black Sea grain initiative was signed a year ago, Dubovyk said: We had been looking for alternatives at that time and discovered that there are none.

EU Solidarity Lanes

In May 2022, the European Commission launched the Solidarity Lanes Action Plan to establish alternative routes for Ukrainian exports via rail, road and inland waterways. These ran through Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, Romania and Slovakia.

So far, according to the EU, 41 million metric tons of grain, oilseeds and related products have left Ukraine through the Solidarity Lanes. They facilitated the export of around 60% of Ukraine's grain since the start of the war; the remaining 40% has been exported via the Black Sea Grain Initiative.

After Russia pulled out from the grain initiative last week, EU Agriculture Commissioner Janusz Wojciechowski said the bloc is ready to export almost all of Ukraine's agriculture goods.

However, the effort is complicated by political pressure from farmers in several of Kyivs EU neighbors, who fear that some of the Ukrainian grain will be diverted to their domestic markets, driving down prices for their own crops.

In May 2023, the EU allowed the five Solidarity Lane countries to ban domestic sales of Ukrainian wheat, maize and oilseeds until September 15, while allowing the grain to transit through them. Since the Black Sea initiative expired, several of those countries have called for an extension of the ban and the EU has promised to consider it.

The Baltic route

Now a search is on for new routes to get Ukrainian grain to ships bound for markets in Africa and Asia, where it is an important source of nutrition for millions of people.

One possible route being considered would run through Poland to seaports in the three Baltic states. The scheme has been proposed to the European Commission by Lithuanias transport, foreign and agriculture ministers.

Responding to VOA Ukrainians email inquiry, Lithuanias Ministry of Transport and Communications said this route has already been tested quite many times, yet the full potential is still far from being tapped into.

The existing infrastructure  including railways, roads and the seaports of Tallinn, Riga, Ventspils, Liepaja,and Klaipeda  has a combined annual capacity of 25 million metric tons for grain alone, added the ministry.

Algis Latakas, director general of the Klaipeda State Seaport Authority, explained in an email that his port can handle up to 15 million metric tons of grain a year, while the country ships out only 3.5 million tons of its own grain. All the unused terminal capacity could be used for handling Ukrainian grain, he wrote.

The Lithuanian Ministry of Transport and Communications, meanwhile, suggested that bottlenecks at the Ukraine-Poland border could be resolved by shifting customs, veterinary and phytosanitary control from there to the Baltic ports.

However, the most direct route from Ukraine to the Baltic ports runs through Belarus, a Russian ally, closing off that option. The only alternative route to Klaipeda is through Poland, whose railways are built on a different width of track, or gauge, than those in Ukraine and the Baltic states.

Therefore, a way is needed to facilitate cargo handling on the borders, where the grain would need to be off-loaded and reloaded, said the ministry.

The Estonian port of Tallinn, which has one of the largest grain terminals in Europe located in the Muuga Harbour, is also ready to handle Ukrainian grain, port representatives told VOA Ukrainian via email. However, they wrote, logistically it would make more sense to use Polish ports also because of geographical distance.

The Balkan route

Another offer to transport the Ukrainian grain has come from the Balkans.

On July 18, during a session at the U.N. General Assembly, Frano Matusic, Croatias state secretary for political affairs, said his country has offered its rail network and ports on the Adriatic Sea as an alternative export route for Ukrainian grain.

Montenegro has also offered to transport grain from Ukraine through its Adriatic port of Bar. The ports note, shared in Ukrainian media, says that the total capacity reaches 5 million tons per year, and on average only 50% of its potential is used. The port authority says it cooperates with forwarders from Serbia, which could help in organizing the process of cargo logistics.

Ukraine is already using Adriatic seaports to export some crops, but that wont solve the problem, said Mykola Gorbachov, president of the Ukrainian Grain Association. He explained that the infrastructure of Europe is technically built in a way that it cannot absorb the amount of grain we could transport.

For example, Poland exports 6 million tonnes of crops a year. Romania  through its biggest port Constanta  exports 25 million tonnes a year. Bulgaria, through all its ports  6 million tonnes. And these are the large agriculture exporters of grain.

Leonid Kozachenko, the president of the Ukrainian Agrarian Confederation, told VOA Ukrainian that Kyiv has asked European partners to expand the capacity of these land routes, but the partners are reluctant.

They argue that they need to invest billions, but they are sure that sooner or later the war will be over, and these routes wont be necessary, he said.

Kozachenko added that he considers Bulgarian and Romanian routes leading across Moldova and the Danube River to Black Sea ports more viable than the other land corridors through Europe.

However, the risks involved were highlighted just days ago when Russia attacked a Ukrainian grain storage facility in the Danube port city of Reni, near the border with Romania.

Raising world food prices

Experts agree that any land transport of Ukrainian produce increase the cost of food in Europe and around the world. The International Monetary Fund estimated that Russia's exit from the Black Sea initiative could drive global grain prices up by 10-15%, but said it was continuing to assess the situation.

The cost of transporting Ukrainian crops grew from $30-35 per tonne before Russias full-scale invasion to $140-150 now, Kozachenko said, so in many cases Ukrainian farmers are losing money, not even covering the cost price.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 28. Azerbaijan's Azerenergy electrical power producer, and the National Power Grid of Uzbekistan signed a memorandum, Trend reports.

The officials from the National Power Grid of Uzbekistan are currently on a 4-day visit to Azerbaijan, starting from July 24. During their visit, they toured power plants, substations, laboratories, training facilities, and digital control centers operated by Azerenergy.

Additionally, they actively engaged in a series of meetings during their stay.

In the course of these meetings, Baba Rzayev, Head of Azerenergy, along with other officials, held discussions with Uzbekistan's energy officials regarding the present status and future potential of collaboration.

Following the visit, Azerenergy and the National Power Grid of Uzbekistan signed a memorandum with the objective of leveraging Azerbaijan's energy system expertise and fostering further collaboration in the energy sector between the two nations.

During the visit, the Uzbek delegation received in-depth information about Azerenergy's power plants, substations, digital management, and the new SCADA system. They also gained insights into the crucial aspects of implementing these systems, software utilization, automation, and other related areas.
WASHINGTON - Vietnam is well-positioned to draw U.S. investors seeking to de-risk supply chains now in China, but closer economic integration between Hanoi and Washington appears unlikely to lead to political realignment, according to experts.

Addressing local media in Hanoi during a recent visit, U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen hailed Vietnam as "a key partner" in the effort to reduce dependence on China by expanding manufacturing in the U.S. and with trusted partners.

"Vietnam welcomes the U.S. 'friendshoring,' which is beneficial to both countries and contributes to Vietnam's growth," Le Dang Doanh, an economist in Hanoi who served as an adviser to the late Prime Minister Vo Van Kiet, told VOA Vietnamese in a phone interview.

Friendshoring is the practice of focusing supply chain networks in countries regarded as political and economic allies.

Carl Thayer, emeritus professor with the University of New South Wales in Australia, said closer economic integration between Vietnam and the U.S. will not lead to Hanoi realigning with Washington against Beijing, he wrote to VOA in an email.

"Vietnam and the United States already have a substantial economic relationship. The further development of this relationship will be based on mutual benefit," he said. "China is more concerned about Vietnam's potential security and defense relations with the United States than it is with their bilateral economic relations."

Beijing, however, is "extremely sensitive to any U.S.-Vietnam economic relationship that undermines China's interests," he said, stressing "neither Beijing or Hanoi view economic relations as a zero-sum game."

Doanh said he has seen a shift of foreign direct investment (FDI) flows from China to Vietnam, especially since trade tensions began increasing between the U.S. and China during the Trump administration. A bilateral trade agreement that came into effect in 2001 facilitated Vietnamese exporting to the U.S., he said.

Vietnam "has no ambition" of attracting U.S. businesses to completely relocate from China given that "they are already well-entrenched there after many years of investment with billions of dollars," Doanh said.

"Vietnam just expects them to shift parts of their production, which makes it more convenient to export to the U.S.," he said. "Vietnam continues to attract FDI to match its advantages like cheap, young and productive labor."

Hanoi, fearing possible retaliation from China, may want to keep Washington at a remove.

"Given the intensifying China-U.S. competition and proximity between China and Vietnam, Hanoi may feel reluctant to formally upgrade its comprehensive partnership with Washington," said Bich Tran, adjunct fellow at Washington's Center for Strategic and International Studies, told Reuters in March.

VOA Vietnamese contacted the Vietnamese Ministry of Planning and Investment to seek comments on what Vietnam will do to attract more investment from the U.S. but has yet to receive a response.

Bui Kien Thanh, an economist in Ho Chi Minh City, said Vietnam's geographic location would give it a competitive edge in any regional competition for U.S. friendshoring.

"As a neighbor of China, Vietnam is a convenient destination for companies seeking to relocate from China," Thanh told VOA Vietnamese over the phone.

"What's more, Vietnam is located at the heart of the most populous and the most economically dynamic region of the world, between Northeast and South Asia," he said.

Estimates of how much of the world's trade passes through the South China Sea near Vietnam range from about 20% to 30%.

The U.S. currently ranks second to China in terms of value of bilateral trade with Vietnam, which topped almost $139 billion in 2022. And the U.S. is the largest export market for Vietnamese-made textiles, footwear and electronics.

Thanh said Hanoi "is well-disposed to Washington" and "very welcoming to U.S. businesses." The two countries marked 10 years since the establishment of a Comprehensive Partnership this year.

In her Hanoi speech on July 21, Yellen cited green energy and semiconductor manufacturing as potential sectors for Vietnam to join the global supply chain. In 2021, Amkor, the Arizona-based provider of semiconductor packaging and test services, announced plans to build a smart factory in the northern Bac Ninh Province. Intel has its largest assembly and testing facility in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam's largest city.

Thanh said that Vietnam "cannot develop its own semiconductor industry without U.S. help," adding, "If Intel can open its largest facility in Vietnam, other American chip makers can make it too."
China is pilfering U.S.-developed artificial intelligence (AI) technology to enhance its own aspirations and to conduct foreign influence operations, senior FBI officials said Friday.

The officials said China and other U.S. adversaries are targeting American businesses, universities and government research facilities to get their hands on cutting-edge AI research and products.

Nation-state adversaries, particularly China, pose a significant threat to American companies and national security by stealing our AI technology and data to advance their own AI programs and enable foreign influence campaigns, a senior FBI official said during a background briefing call with reporters.

China has a national plan to surpass the U.S. as the worlds top AI power by 2030, but U.S. officials say much of its progress is based on stolen or otherwise acquired U.S. technology.

What were seeing is efforts across multiple vectors, across multiple industries, across multiple avenues to try to solicit and acquire U.S. technology  to be able to re-create and develop and advance their AI programs, the senior FBI official said.

The briefing was aimed at giving the FBI's view of the threat landscape, not to react to any recent events, officials said.

FBI Director Christopher Wray sounded the alarm about Chinas AI intentions at a cybersecurity summit in Atlanta on Wednesday. He warned that after years stealing both our innovation and massive troves of data, the Chinese are well-positioned to use the fruits of their widespread hacking to power, with AI, even more powerful hacking efforts.

China has denied the allegations.

The senior FBI official briefing reporters said that while the bureau remains focused on foreign acquisition of U.S. AI technology and talent, it has concern about future threats from foreign adversaries who exploit that technology.

However, if and when the technology is acquired, their ability to deploy it in an instance such as [the 2024 presidential election] is something that we are concerned about and do closely monitor.

With the recent surge in AI use, the U.S. government is grappling with its benefits and risks. At a White House summit earlier this month, top AI executives agreed to institute guidelines to ensure the technology is developed safely.

Even as the technology evolves, cybercriminals are actively using AI in a variety of ways, from creating malicious code to crafting convincing phishing emails and carrying out insider trading of securities, officials said.

The bulk of the caseload that we're seeing now and the scope of activity has in large part been on criminal actor use and deployment of AI models in furtherance of their traditional criminal schemes, the senior FBI official said.

The FBI warned that violent extremists and traditional terrorist actors are experimenting with the use of various AI tools to build explosives, he said.

Some have gone as far as to post information about their engagements with the AI models and the success which they've had defeating security measures in most cases or in a number of cases, he said.

The FBI has observed a wave of fake AI-generated websites with millions of followers that carry malware to trick unsuspecting users, he said. The bureau is investigating the websites.

Wray cited a recent case in which a Dark Net user created malicious code using ChatGPT.

The user "then instructed other cybercriminals on how to use it to re-create malware strains and techniques based on common variants, Wray said.

"And thats really just the tip of the iceberg," he said. "We assess that AI is going to enable threat actors to develop increasingly powerful, sophisticated, customizable and scalable capabilities  and it's not going to take them long to do it."
A Hong Kong court has denied a Hong Kong-government request to ban the broadcast or distribution of the pro-democracy song Glory to Hong Kong.

The requested ban was widely viewed as an attack on freedom of expression in Hong Kong.

The song was written in 2019 during the pro-democracy rallies and became an anthem song of the movement. Since then, it has been mistakenly played at international sporting events, instead of Chinas national anthem  something authorities in Beijing consider an insult.

Hong Kong was returned to Chinese rule in 1997. The former British territory was promised that its Western-style civil liberties would remain intact for 50 years.

However, China has sought to rescind the freedoms residents of Hong Kong have long enjoyed.

Judge Anthony Chan said in his ruling that a ban of the song would have a chilling effect on freedom of expression in Hong Kong.
Mutineers in Niger have declared the head of the presidential guard as the countrys new leader two days after the troops detained President Mohamed Bazoum and announced they had seized power.

General Abdourahamane Tchiani appeared on state television Friday as a banner across the screen identified him as the president of the newly formed National Council for Safeguarding the Country, or CNSP.

The mutineers declared the government dissolved and the constitution suspended. They previously closed the country's borders and airspace and imposed a nationwide curfew.

Leaders of Nigers army declared their support for Wednesdays overthrow of Bazoum, who was democratically elected two years ago. They defied international calls for his immediate release and appeals for the general to respect the rule of law and Niger's democratic order.

Tchiani warned foreign governments not to intervene in Niger or to try to extract Bazoum and his family, saying it would result in "the massacre of the Niger population and chaos."

He added that soldiers ousted the president because of deteriorating security in the West African country, which is fighting an Islamist militant insurgency.

French President Emmanuel Macron spoke to Bazoum on Friday, French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna told Agence France-Presse. According to Colonna, Macron said Bazoum was reachable and in good health.

Reports said Bazoum was being held in the presidential palace.

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield also spoke with Bazoum and expressed Washingtons strong condemnation of any effort to seize power by force. Her spokesperson said in a statement on Thursday that the United States is steadfast in its support for Nigers democracy and supports taking action at the U.N. Security Council to de-escalate the situation, prevent harm to civilians and ensure constitutional order.

In a message posted Thursday to the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, Bazoum said democracy would prevail in his country. The hard-won gains will be safeguarded, he said. All Nigeriens who love democracy and freedom would want this.

Diplomatic response

White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said Friday that a military takeover in Niger may cause the United States to cease security and other cooperation with the government of Niger.

The United States has about 1,100 troops in Niger.

Kirby said the United States was deeply concerned about developments in Niger but that Washington was still hoping for a resolution.

"I will just tell you, we believe that there is still a space for diplomacy here, and that that diplomacy is actively being pursued not just by the United States, but by our allies and partners and our African partners as well," he said.

The West African regional bloc ECOWAS will hold a summit Sunday in the Nigerian capital, Abuja, on the situation.

The regional bloc has condemned the events in Niger and called on what it described as coup plotters to free the president immediately and without any condition.

Abdel Fatau Musah, commissioner for political affairs and security of ECOWAS, told VOA that Bazoum remains the legitimate and legal president and must be reinstated as soon as possible.

Kenyan President William Ruto said in a video message that the army takeover was "a serious setback" for Africa.

"The aspirations of the people of Niger for constitutional democracy were subverted by an unconstitutional change of government," he said.

In Paris, the French presidency said Macron would chair a defense meeting Saturday on the situation. France, the former colonial power in Niger, has about 1,500 troops in the country.

Meanwhile, the U.N. Security Council met Friday behind closed doors to discuss the evolving situation. The U.N. representative for West Africa and the Sahel, Leonardo Santos Simao, briefed the council from Dakar.

All council members expressed their concern about the situation, said Britains Deputy U.N. Ambassador James Kariuki after the meeting. His government holds the councils rotating presidency this month. All council members expressed the need to restore the constitutional democracy. All council members condemned the action. So we have a very strong sense that the council is united in seeking to condemn and act.

The council is discussing a draft statement put forward by its three African members  Gabon, Ghana and Mozambique  that strongly condemns the unconstitutional change of government and expresses support for the efforts of ECOWAS, the African Union and the United Nations.

There are 4.3 million people who need humanitarian assistance in Niger. The U.N. said aid flights have been temporarily suspended because of the closure of the countrys airspace, but humanitarian assistance continues to be delivered.

The humanitarian response continues on the ground and has never stopped since the events occurred in Niger, Jean-Noel Gentile, the World Food Program representative in Niger, told reporters on a video call Friday.

Events

The coup began Wednesday, when a group of soldiers from the presidential guard detained Bazoum at the presidential palace and later announced his ouster on state television.

In a statement on social media, the army said it had decided to back the coup to prevent a deadly confrontation that could lead to a bloodbath in Niger.

U.N. officials in the capital, Niamey, said the situation was calm Friday, after reports of looting and cars being set on fire the day before.

Bazoums government is a key Western ally in the fight against Islamist insurgents in Africas Sahel. Germany, Italy, France and the United States have troops in Niger on military training and counterinsurgency missions.

Russia has established a foothold in Nigers neighbors through its Wagner mercenary group. Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin, who recently challenged Russian President Vladimir Putin, welcomed the militarys attempted takeover. In a voice message believed to be Prigozhin on the Telegram app, he hailed the coup attempt and offered the services of his mercenaries to help bring order.

Niger is one of the regions most unstable countries. If successful, Wednesdays coup would be the fifth military takeover since the country won independence from France in 1960.

VOAs Carol Van Dam Falk, Margaret Besheer and French to Africa Service contributed to this report. Some information came from Agence France-Presse, The Associated Press and Reuters.
Nearly 200 million people in the United States, or 60% of the U.S. population, are under a heat advisory or flood warning or watch as high temperatures spread and new areas are told to expect severe storms.

The National Weather Service said a "dangerous" heat wave began to scorch the Northeast and mid-Atlantic on Thursday and will continue into the weekend. Severe thunderstorms and flash floods are possible for parts of the Northeast and South, New England and South Florida. Meanwhile, the string of record-breaking temperatures will persist for the Southwest and Midwest.

"It's (hitting) all the big cities," said Bob Oravec, lead forecaster with the National Weather Service's Weather Prediction Center. "That's why the population (affected) is so high."

Scientists have long warned that climate change, driven by the burning of fossil fuels, will lead to more and prolonged bouts of extreme weather.

The prediction for continued excessive heat comes a day after the World Meteorological Organization and the European Union's Copernicus Climate Change Service declared July 2023 the hottest month on record.

On Thursday, heat and humidity in major cities along the East Coast, including Washington, D.C., Philadelphia and New York City, created a real feel above 37.8 degrees Celsius. Forecasters expect several records may break Friday with temperatures 5.5 to 8 degrees Celsius above average.

In New England, communities are bracing for the "dual threats," as Oravec called them, of extreme heat and flash floods.

"You could have really bad heat for a good part of the day and then get a strong thunderstorm that produces heavy rains and then can produce flooding," he said.

The Southwest and southern Plains continue to experience record-breaking heat. There, the oppressive temperatures have been blanketing the region for weeks. One meteorologist based in New Mexico called the prolonged period of temperatures above 37.8 C unprecedented.

"They probably aren't going to have a lot of sympathy for the rest of the country," Oravec said.

Due to the extreme heat, two of the nation's largest power grids are under stress, which could affect Americans' ability to cool off.

The country's largest power grid, PJM Interconnection, declared a level one energy emergency alert for its 13-state grid on Wednesday, meaning the company is concerned about its ability to provide enough electricity.

"PJM currently has enough generation to meet forecast demand, but operators continue to monitor the grid conditions for any changes," said Jeffrey Shields, a spokesperson for the company.

PJM isn't the only electrical grid to issue such an alert. The Midcontinent Independent System Operator, which mostly covers states in the Midwest and Northern Plains, issued a similar alert Thursday.

The California Independent System Operator also issued an energy emergency alert for the evening Wednesday, in part due to excess heat in Southern California, but it expired the same day. Anne Gonzales, a CAISO spokesperson, said they expect to be able to meet demand the next few days.

And a spokesperson for the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, which covers most of Texas, said they expect their grid will operate per usual during this latest blast of extreme weather across the country.
SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA - North Korea displayed nuclear-capable missiles and new attack drones in a large military parade staged in Pyongyang for leader Kim Jong Un and visiting delegations from China and Russia, North Korean state media reported Friday.

The widely anticipated parade Thursday night commemorated the 70th anniversary of the end of the Korean War, celebrated in North Korea as "Victory Day."

The Chinese and Russian delegations, including Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, were the first such visitors to North Korea since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

Their appearance at events with the North's nuclear missiles -- which were banned by the United Nations Security Council with China's and Russia's support -- marked a contrast with previous years, when Beijing and Moscow sought to distance themselves from their neighbor's nuclear weapons and ballistic missile development.

The parade included North Korea's latest Hwasong-17 and Hwasong-18 intercontinental ballistic missiles, according to state news agency KCNA, which are believed to have the range to strike targets anywhere in the United States.

The event also featured a flyover by new attack and spy drones, KCNA reported.

In a speech at the parade, Defense Minister General Kang Sun Nam accused the United States and its allies of increasing tensions in the region.

Kim hosted a reception and had a luncheon with Shoigu, where the North Korean leader vowed solidarity with the Russian people and its military. Shoigu praised the North Korean military as the strongest in the world, and the two discussed strategic security and defense cooperation, KCNA said.

Washington has accused Pyongyang of providing weapons to Russia for its war effort in Ukraine. State Department deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel said on Thursday the U.S. was "incredibly concerned" about ties between Moscow and Pyongyang.

Pyongyang and Moscow have denied conducting any arms transactions.

But the Chinese and Russian presence at events with banned ballistic missiles cast doubts on those countries' willingness to enforce sanctions, said Leif-Eric Easley, professor of international studies at Ewha Womans University in Seoul.

Russia and China have opposed U.S.-led efforts to impose further sanctions on North Korea over its continued pursuit of ballistic missiles, arguing existing measures should be eased for humanitarian purposes and to help entice Pyongyang to negotiate.

"It doesnt help when two permanent members of the U.N. Security Council openly support a North Korean regime that violates human rights and flouts resolutions banning its nuclear and missile development," Easley said.

U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said, "All members of (the) Security Council and, frankly, all member states of the U.N., share the same responsibility to uphold Security Council resolutions."
NAIROBI, Kenya  A cyber security company says six African countries, including war-torn Sudan, enforced internet limits within their territory during the first half of 2023.

Netherlands-based Surfshark said that is twice as many nations as during the same months of 2022.

Surfshark recorded 42 new internet disruptions worldwide, nine of which occurred in Africa. Six countries  Ethiopia, Guinea, Mauritania, Senegal, Sudan and Tanzania  accounted for those nine shutdowns.

Egle Grasys, a representative of Surfshark, said that each of the six countries had one or two different restrictions.

Ethiopia, which had imposed internet shutdowns because of ethnic unrest in the country, recently lifted its restrictions.

Restrictions remain in place in Sudan and are made worse by effects of the ongoing war, which has damaged infrastructure and cut off electricity in many areas.

Tariq Ahmed left Sudan three weeks ago and expressed the challenges he faced in communicating with his humanitarian colleagues in the western part of the country.

"I was trying to talk to my colleagues and staff in South Darfur and West Darfur state, he said, and I couldn't reach them either by call or internet ... to know how they are and how their families are doing during this difficult time and see the possibility of evacuating them to a safe place. So I couldn't reach them till one of them managed to cross the border into Chad, and then he called me by Chadian number on WhatsApp to tell me how it is and they have reached there safely."

Grasys said authorities in Africa shut down the internet usually in response to protests, conflict and political crisis.

"When the public is protesting and are unhappy with the government, social media and the internet is a great way to organize a gathering and try to gather more people to make a stand to protest, he said. Obviously, governments don't always support such demonstration. By shutting down the internet or restricting the internet, the government makes it difficult for the public to organize these demonstrations.

Grasys noted that the restrictions not only prevent people from protesting but also stop them from spreading word of any protests to the rest of the world.
Russian forces on Friday struck the central Ukrainian city of Dnipro and pounded a key village in the southeast that Ukraine said it had recaptured in its grinding counteroffensive, while Moscow accused Kyiv of firing two missiles at southern Russia and wounding 20 people.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, meanwhile, marked Ukraines Statehood Day by reaffirming the countrys sovereignty  a rebuke to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who used his claim that Ukraine didn't exist as a nation to justify his invasion.

Now, like more than a thousand years ago, our civilizational choice is unity with the world," Zelenskyy said in a speech on a square outside St. Michael's Monastery in Kyiv. To be a power in world history. To have the right to its national history  of its people, its land, its state. And of our children  all future generations of the Ukrainian people. We will definitely win!

He also honored servicemen and handed out first passports to young citizens as part of ceremonies. The holiday coincides with commemorations of the adoption of Christianity on lands that later became Ukraine, Russia and Belarus.

The Russian Defense Ministry said it shot down a Ukrainian missile in the city of Taganrog, about 40 kilometers (about 24 miles) east of the border with Ukraine, and local officials reported 20 people were injured, identifying the epicenter as an art museum.

Debris fell on the city, the ministry added, alleging the missile was part of a terror attack by Ukraine.

Oleksiy Danilov, Ukraine's secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, blamed Russian air defense systems for the explosion.

Russias Defense Ministry said it downed a second Ukrainian missile near the city of Azov, which like Taganrog is in the Rostov region, and debris fell in an unpopulated location.

Earlier in the day, a Ukrainian drone was shot down outside Moscow, the Defense Ministry said, in the third drone strike or attempt on the capital region this month. The ministry reported no injuries or damage in the latest incident, and it didnt give an exact location where the drone fell.

Since the war began, Russia has blamed Ukraine for drone, bomb and missile attacks on its territory far from the battlefields front line. Ukrainian officials rarely confirm being behind the attacks, which have included drone strikes on the Kremlin that unsettled Russians.

The strikes have hit Russian ammunition and fuel depots, as well as bridges the Russian military uses to supply its forces, and military recruitment stations. The attacks have also included killings of Russian-appointed officials on occupied Ukrainian territory.

Three months ago, a Russian warplane accidentally dropped a bomb on Belgorod, injuring two people, in an incident where Ukraine was initially suspected.

Injuries in Dnipro

In Dnipro, an apparent Russian missile attack wounded nine people near a newly constructed and as yet unoccupied 12-story apartment building, as well as an unoccupied adjacent Security Service of Ukraine building. "Russian missile terror again," Zelenskyy wrote on social media.

Video showed the apartment building's upper floors in ruins, with gray smoke billowing from them, and flames raging in the night at ground level, where shattered concrete and glass littered a courtyard.

Russia has often struck apartment buildings during the conflict, while denying it intentionally targets civilians.

Meanwhile, the commander of Ukraine's armed forces, Colonel-General Oleksandr Syrskyi, said his troops were pushing forward in parts of eastern Ukraine occupied by Russia and meeting stiff resistance as the war drags into its 18th month.

The enemy fiercely clings to every centimeter, conducting intense artillery and mortar fire, he said in a statement.

Recent fighting has taken place at multiple places along the more than 1,000-kilometer (more than 600-mile) front, where Ukraine deployed its recently acquired Western weapons to push out the Kremlins forces. However, it is attacking without vital air support and faces a deeply entrenched foe.

A Western official said Thursday that Ukraine had launched a major push in the southeast. Putin acknowledged that fighting has intensified there, but insisted Kyiv's push has failed.

Zelenskyy posted a video Thursday night in which Ukrainian soldiers said they had taken Staromaiorske in the Donetsk region. Russian military bloggers said artillery fire at the Ukrainian troops had effectively razed the village and reported more barrages Friday.

Capturing the village, which in 2014 had a population of 682, would give Ukraine a platform to push deeper into Russian-held territory, the bloggers noted.

It was not possible to verify either side's claims about what is happening in the war zone.

Russia is trying to hold on to the territory it controls in the four provinces it illegally annexed in September: Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk, Kherson and Luhansk.
A 20-year-old, U.S.-funded AIDS relief program that is credited with saving tens of millions of lives around the world may not be reauthorized if conservative and anti-abortion activists are successful in a campaign against it.

The President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) was launched in 2003 by then-President George W. Bush, and since then it has channeled more than $110 billion in support for the fight against the AIDS epidemic in more than 50 countries around the world.

It has been particularly successful in Western and sub-Saharan Africa, where it helps provide antiretroviral medication to the more than 25 million people who are living with the disease.

The program received $6.9 billion in fiscal 2023. Through its history, the program has typically been reauthorized for five years at a time, in order to provide some certainty about the flow of relief dollars. It was last authorized in 2018. Advocates of the program are calling for a "clean" reauthorization that does not alter the program or introduce uncertainty about the flow of funds.

However, that reauthorization is now in doubt, as conservative lawmakers and activists have expressed concern that the program works with various organizations around the world that, in addition to combating AIDS, provide reproductive health services, including abortion.

'Radical' ideology

In a joint letter to key members of Congress this spring, dozens of anti-abortion groups urged lawmakers to reconsider their support for the program unless new rules are put in place that restrict the way it can spend federal funds.

"The American people do not support using taxpayer dollars to fund abortion at home or abroad," the groups wrote. "For that reason, there exists long-standing precedent not to fund abortion, directly or indirectly, through U.S. foreign assistance. We are concerned that grants from the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) are used by nongovernmental organizations that promote abortions and push a radical gender ideology abroad."

Failure to reauthorize the program would not necessarily kill it, because Congress could still appropriate money for it each year. But it would chip away at the administrative foundation of PEPFAR, leaving it less able to adapt to changing conditions in countries participating in the program, including changes in local laws that affect the provision of specific kinds of aid, and changes in the prevalence of the virus.

Pressuring lawmakers

Several influential conservative organizations, including the Heritage Foundation, Family Research Council and Susan B. Anthony (SBA) Pro-Life America, have said that they oppose a clean reauthorization of the program. They said they would add any vote that renewed the program without changes to their legislative scorecards.

Those scorecards, which track lawmakers' adherence to the wishes of conservative activist organizations, are influential because a low score can leave a member of Congress open to a reelection challenge from a more conservative rival.

Autumn Christensen, vice president of public policy for SBA Pro-Life America, said in a statement emailed to VOA that her organization believes the Biden administration has "bowed to the pressures of the international abortion lobby and integrated broader sexual and reproductive services (which includes abortion) into their strategic plans."

Christensen praised legislation proposed by Representative Mario Diaz-Balart, a Florida Republican, that would reauthorize PEPFAR for a single year and explicitly deny any funding to organizations that "promote or perform" abortions.

Mexico City policy

Those advocating for a clean reauthorization of PEPFAR point out that it is already illegal under U.S. law for foreign aid funds to be spent on the delivery of abortion services.

A 1973 provision of the Foreign Assistance Act, known as the Helms Amendment, reads, "[N]o foreign assistance funds may be used to pay for the performance of abortion as a method of family planning or to motivate or coerce any person to practice abortions."

That language has, for generations, blocked direct funding of abortion with U.S. aid. However, it has not blocked U.S. aid programs from providing funds to organizations that provide access to abortions using funds from other sources.

Opponents of a clean PEPFAR reauthorization are demanding that stronger anti-abortion protections, such as the "Mexico City policy," be incorporated into the program.

First adopted in 1983 by President Ronald Reagan's administration, the policy bars U.S. aid from being disbursed to any organization that provides access to abortion services, even with non-U.S. money.

Since its original introduction, the Mexico City policy has been rescinded by every Democratic presidential administration upon taking office and has been reinstated by every Republican.

Former President Donald Trump not only reinstated the policy early in his presidency, but he strengthened it. By 2019, it was U.S. policy to refuse to provide funds to groups that even spoke in favor of abortion rights or supported other organizations that did.

President Joe Biden reversed Trump's reinstatement of the policy when he took office in 2021.

Known impacts

Matthew Kavanagh is the director of the Global Health Policy and Politics Initiative at Georgetown Law School's O'Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law. He told VOA that the impact of the Mexico City policy is already well-known to public health researchers.

"PEPFAR is one of the most successful and impactful global health programs in the world's history," Kavanagh said. But when the Trump administration reinstated the Mexico City policy, "quite a few organizations actually dropped out from being PEPFAR recipients," he said.

Kavanagh said that many of the organizations that are most experienced at providing the kind of interventions that made PEPFAR successful are local family planning organizations that offer a range of services and counseling, often including abortion.

"Local family planning organizations were no longer allowed to provide HIV prevention programming and to receive PEPFAR funding, and that was a huge loss for the program," he said.

He also warned against plans to reauthorize the program for just one year, saying that doing so would create damaging uncertainty for organizations serving desperate people.

"Organizations around the world are depending on this for lifesaving programs," Kavanagh said. "People are not put on HIV treatment for one year, and then taken off. People are on HIV treatment for their lives, and we need to ensure that these programs don't have to worry that they're going to be shut down at the end of the year."
African countries are investing heavily in trying to attract tourists from the world's biggest outbound travel market, China, as they battle to recover from losses suffered during the travel bans of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"COVID wiped out large parts of tourism industries, especially in poorer parts of the world like Africa, said Mike Fabricius, a specialist in tourism management, consulting and marketing for his Johannesburg-based company, The Journey. Some African countries rely heavily on the foreign exchange that tourists bring in and the money they spend in domestic markets. To lose that for a few years was a heavy, heavy blow."

In 2019, before the pandemic, the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) estimated that tourism in Africa had a yearly growth rate of 5% and contributed an average of 8.5% to GDP.

The WTTC said direct investments into the tourism sector were about $29 billion, and that tourism created jobs for 24.3 million direct employees, accounting for 6.4% of Africa's total working population.

It estimated that COVID-19 travel bans cost Africa at least a third to half of these numbers.

"We saw similar losses across all major African tourism markets," said Peter Masila, a tourism lecturer at Moi University in Kenya.

Nomasonto Ndlovu, chief operations officer of South African Tourism, said 500,000 jobs were lost in the local tourism sector because of the pandemic.

"We're confident of a good recovery by end 2024, especially because we're targeting tourists from a huge market like China," she said.

In 2019, 155 million Chinese tourists visited foreign destinations.

"It's true that relatively few chose to come to Africa," said Ndlovu. "Only 95,000 visited South Africa in 2019. So, we can't blame COVID entirely for low numbers of Chinese visitors. As far as South Africa's concerned, we're now spending a lot of money on new plans and strategies to win more Chinese over, and I know other African countries are doing the same."

Discounts on airfare

South Africa, Egypt, Kenya and Tanzania are some of the countries now offering more direct flights to China.

Kenya is partnering with Chinese social media platforms and marketing attractions such as the Maasai Mara game reserve on WeChat and TikTok.

Tanzania's national airline is offering discounts of up to 50% on flights to and from China. Still, the countrys tourism board projects that only 45,000 Chinese will have visited Tanzania by the end of the year.

But Fabricius said African authorities were placing too much emphasis on numbers.

He has worked on tourism projects in China and elsewhere for the United Nations and the World Bank and formulated strategies for global tourism authorities.

"I don't think Africa's a place for the mass tourism Chinese market," said Fabricius.

"The Chinese market has evolved a lot. It used to be thrown in one pot, like the Chinese only travel in big groups and take lots of pictures; they only go to the big places, he said. But with a new generation of travelers, there's no longer such a thing as 'the Chinese tourist'; it's become a lot more diversified and segmented."

Fabricius said the Chinese mass market remained focused on "iconic" international travel destinations, such as New York, Paris and London.

"Africa's not going to attract that bulk market; it remains a niche destination for the Chinese, he said. So, what you want to do is attract Chinese tourists with focused interests in things like culture, wildlife and exploring."

Rosemary Anderson, chairperson of the FEDHASA organization, which represents hospitality industries across Southern Africa, said continental authorities should indeed be promoting "unique experiences."

"We have rich cultural assets and diverse experiences she said. South Africa, for example, offers every experience imaginable  wildlife safaris, stunning landscapes, vibrant culture and adventure activities. We need to emphasize experiences that are distinctive."

'Visa access is essential'

According to Anderson and Fabricius, government inefficiency and complicated visa requirements remain challenges to African efforts to lure Chinese tourists.

"Visa access is essential," Fabricius said. "It's no good having all this slick marketing and then your government lets you down by making it hard for the Chinese to get visas."

Anderson agreed. "Although we (South Africa) have an e-Visa system that accepts applications by Chinese nationals, the process remains cumbersome and is not fully optimized."

She suggested that marketing initiatives should span both the public and private sectors, ensuring that messaging is targeted to attract diverse budgets, ages, travel interests, preferences and travel motivations.

"We also need to do more to ensure that destination and product information is available on Chinese search engines and marketing on Chinese social media channels, like Weibo and WeChat," she said.

Fabricius said efforts to attract Chinese visitors should "actually begin at home," not in Beijing.

"China is Africa's biggest trade partner, and many thousands of Chinese business travelers are visiting the continent every day," he said.

"That creates another opportunity: These people who come on a business trip and then after that they tell others about their experiences and that creates a second wave of the leisure travel market," he said.

This story originated in VOA's English to Africa Service.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 29. Kazakh citizens purchased 142 real estate objects in Turkiye from January through June 2023, which is 1,176 fewer objects compared to the same period last year, Trend reports.

According to the Turkish Land Registry and Cadastre Information System, Kazakh citizens purchased 747 real estate objects in Turkiye in June of this year, which is 670 fewer objects in comparison with June 2022.

A total of 83,636 apartments were purchased in Turkiye in June 2023, which is 44.4 percent less compared to June 2022. As many as 565,779 apartments were purchased in Turkiye from January through June 2023.

These figures are 22.1 percent lower in comparison with the same period in 2022, the ministry noted.

A total of 2,625 apartments were sold to foreign citizens in Turkiye in June 2023, which is 69.6 percent less compared to the same period in 2022.

Foreign citizens purchased 19,275 apartments in Turkey from January through June of the same year, which is 45.5 percent less in comparison with the same period last year.
Two leading universities on the Indian side of Kashmir have removed the poems and a memoir written by two internationally acclaimed authors from their master's program curriculum, claiming "resistance literature" in the syllabus promotes a "secessionist mindset, aspiration, and narrative" among students.

The decision to drop the literary pieces on July 21, according to local news reports, is based on a verbal order allegedly issued by the regional government, and university officials have confirmed their removal.

The University of Kashmir, in its third semester of the master's degree in English, used to teach students about the writings of Agha Shahid Ali and Basharat Peer. Ali was a Kashmiri-American poet who had moved to the United States, where he became affiliated with the late-20th century New Formalism movement that stressed traditional forms of verse. He died on Dec. 8, 2021, with brain cancer and is buried in Northampton, Massachusetts.

Peer is a Kashmir-born America-based journalist, author and political commentator, formerly a New York Times opinion writer, now with the International Crisis Group.

The curriculum included three Ali poems  "Postcard from Kashmir," "In Arabic," and "The Last Saffron." The poems reflected the themes of exile, nostalgia, cultural heritage, and the political situation in Kashmir.

The curriculum also included Peer's memoir, Curfewed Night, which won the Crossword Book Award for nonfiction and was chosen among the books of the year by The Economist and The New Yorker.

The second university to remove works is Cluster University Srinagar, which had incorporated Ali's poems into its curriculum. "I See Kashmir from New Delhi at Midnight" and "Call Me Ishmael Tonight" narrate tales of the poet's nostalgic longing for Kashmir's beauty and peace from far away and explore blending cultures and reimagine classic Western literature with Eastern influences.

The schools' decision to drop Ali's and Peer's works triggered a debate among the locals regarding the importance of freedom of expression and cultural representation in Kashmir. Critics argued that embracing diverse narratives is crucial for fostering empathy and promoting inclusivity.

Literature student Insha Shah expressed disappointment at the decision to exclude Ali and Peer from the syllabus, saying students are being deprived of an opportunity to engage with the thought-provoking works of the two authors.

"Aga Shahid Ali has left an indelible mark on the world of literature with his evocative verses that delve into themes of exile and identity, offering profound insights into the human condition," Shah told VOA.

"Likewise, Basharat Peer, an immensely talented author, presents a vivid picture of life amid conflict by deeply resonating with the feelings of people," she said.

Farooq Ahmad Masoodi, the dean of academic affairs at the University of Kashmir, conceded the works of the two have been removed but said he is unaware of a verbal order issued by the local administration as reported by local news organizations.

"The decision was made by the board of studies of the respective department," Masoodi said. "The addition or deletion of syllabus is a routine process subject to periodic updates," he said.

Qayyum Hussain, vice chancellor of Cluster University Srinagar, also claimed to have "no information" on the removal of Ali's work from the university curriculum.

Mirza Waheed, a Kashmir-born, London-based author and journalist, called the move an "ugly" attack on freedom of thought. He said the decision to remove Ali's and Peer's works is "yet another tactic in the Indian state's war against Kashmiri memory."

"It is also a clear indication of how a state of abnormality is imposed and people are expected to go along with it," Waheed wrote on Facebook. "This is how book bans are normalized. At some point, they will go after bookstores, then libraries, then the solitary reader with a book at his home."

Syed Naeem Akhtar Andrabi, the former education minister of Jammu and Kashmir, said the move is a part of the larger plan of the Indian government under the Bharatiya Janata Party to "obliterate the only Muslim-majority state" in the country.

"I see the move as a distortion of their version of Hindu Rashtra [a concept that envisions a political and cultural state in which the dominant religion and culture are Hinduism]," Andrabi told VOA. "They started with the dismantling of the state in 2019 [when the Indian government removed the special status of Jammu and Kashmir] and proceeded with taking everything and now they are trying to capture the intellectual space, which spans over thousands of years whose contemporary expression is conveyed in the poetry of Agha Shahid Ali and the writing of Basharat Peer and others," he said.

"How else can the present generation connect with other parts of the world without writing and poetry?" Andrabi said. "They are trying to hide from the world not just the intellectual and literary image of Kashmir but also anything that reflects the pain and misery that this place has been experiencing for decades," he said.
Latest developments:

Ukrainian soldiers recaptured the southeastern village of Staromaiorske in Donetsk region. the recapture is part of Ukraine's ongoing counteroffensive push through the Russian-occupied southeast.

U.S. Abrams tanks are now likely to arrive in Ukraine in September.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited a historic Odesa cathedral that was damaged by a recent Russian airstrike.



Ukrainian soldiers have recaptured the southeastern village of Staromaiorske from Russian forces, a video published Thursday by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy showed, as Ukraine continues its counteroffensive push through the Russian-occupied southeast.

"The 35th brigade and the 'Ariy' territorial defense unit have fulfilled their task and liberated the village of Staromaiorske. Glory to Ukraine!" a soldier said in a video that was not immediately geolocated, according to Reuters.

Ukrainian Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar declared Staromaiorske liberated, saying, "Our defenders are now continuing to clear the settlement."

Staromaiorske is located in the region of Donetsk, south of a group of small settlements that Ukraine recaptured during a counteroffensive it began in June.

Zelenskyy has recognized that the counteroffensive against Russian forces, who hold parts of southern and eastern Ukraine, has been slower than he wanted. But Wednesday, he lauded "very good results" from the front.

Russian forces have established an expansive network of minefields and trenches in the south to deter the Ukrainian counteroffensive. Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that Ukrainian attacks in the strategically significant south had escalated, but he told Russian television that the Ukrainians had made no progress.

The recapture of Staromaiorske is part of Ukraine's ongoing counteroffensive push through the Russian-occupied southeast. The strategy has focused on retaking villages as Ukrainian forces move southward.

Oleksandr Kovalenko, a Ukrainian military analyst, said the new focus on the southward push was Staromlynivka, a village less than three miles away.

"It really serves as a stronghold for the Russian occupiers, the peak of the second defensive line in this location," he said in an interview with the RBC UA media outlet.

For months, Ukraine has been running low on ammunition it needs in its lengthy fight against Russia.

But now, U.S. Abrams tanks are likely to arrive in Ukraine in September, Politico reported Thursday, citing six officials familiar with the plan.

Previously, Pentagon officials said the tanks would arrive on Ukrainian battlefields sometime in the fall. The United States is planning on sending 31 tanks in total.

A batch of tanks will go to Germany in August, where they will undergo final refurbishments before getting shipped to Ukraine. In June, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said he hoped the tanks would arrive in time for the ongoing counteroffensive.

This development comes a couple of weeks after the United States announced it would send controversial cluster munitions to Ukraine.

In a joint statement Thursday evening, U.S. President Joe Biden and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni affirmed their commitment to continue providing political, military, financial and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine "for as long as it takes."

Also on Thursday, Zelenskyy visited the historic Transfiguration Cathedral, which was damaged by a recent Russian airstrike on the southern port city of Odesa. The cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Ukrainian culture has been a target since Russia invaded the country in February 2022. Since the war began, at least 274 Ukrainian cultural sites have been damaged, including 117 religious sites, according to UNESCO.

Some information in this report came from Reuters and Agence France-Presse.
A new U.N. report has cast doubts on the alleged death of the head of the Islamic State terror groups affiliate in Afghanistan, noting that the ruling Talibans relationship with al-Qaida remains close and symbiotic.

The report, released this week by the U.N. Security Council sanctions monitoring team, is based on member-state intelligence. It characterized Islamic State-Khorasan Province, also known as IS-K or ISIL-K, as the most serious terrorist threat facing Afghanistan and the broader region.

Sanaullah Ghafari (alias Shahab al-Muhajir) is viewed as the most ambitious leader of ISIL-K. One Member State reported that Ghafari was killed in Afghanistan in June. This remains to be confirmed, said the U.N. report, dated Tuesday, without elaborating.

It identified Maulawi Rajab as the leader of IS-Ks external operations and estimated that the terror group had up to 6,000 operatives, including family members, in Afghanistan.

ISIL-K is becoming more sophisticated in its attacks against both the Taliban and international targets. The group was focused on carrying out a strategy of high-profile attacks to undermine the Talibans ability to provide security, the U.N. report said.

The terror campaign exhibited strong operational capability involving reconnoiter, coordination, communication, planning and execution, the report said. It also noted that successful attacks on leading Taliban figures in northern Afghanistan had boosted IS-K's morale and spurred recruitment.

Last month, Taliban security sources reported that Ghafari, the self-proclaimed emir of IS-K, was killed during counterterrorism operations in the eastern Afghan province of Kunar, which borders Pakistan. Pakistani intelligence officials at the time also confirmed to VOA the death of Ghafari in what they said were mysterious circumstances.

The United States has offered a reward of $10 million for information leading to the identification or location of Ghafari. A spokesperson for U.S. Central Command, which oversees U.S. military operations in the Middle East and South Asia, told VOA it was unable to confirm the death of the IS-K leader.

CENTCOM is aware of reports alleging that an ISIS-K leader was killed in Afghanistan earlier this week, Major John Moore said in an email. We have nothing additional to provide at this time.

The U.N. report noted "the relationship between the Taliban and al-Qaida remains close and symbiotic.

It added that al-Qaida mainly operates covertly in Afghanistan to help promote the narrative that the Taliban are living up to their pledges they would not allow the use of Afghan soil for terrorist purposes.

Under the patronage of high-ranking officials of the de facto Taliban authorities, al-Qaida members infiltrate law enforcement agencies and public administration bodies, ensuring the security of al-Qaida cells dispersed throughout the country, the report stated.

According to the U.N. findings, al-Qaida is believed to have 30 to 60 senior operatives in Afghanistan and an additional 400 fighters, reaching 2,000 when including family members and supporters.

Taliban chief spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid rejected U.N. allegations that his group maintains ties with al-Qaida.

Al-Qaida organization does not exist in Afghanistan now and reports claiming this are false. The Islamic Emirate does not allow anyone to use Afghanistan's soil to threaten any other country's security, Mujahid tweeted Friday.

The U.N. report found that the August 2021 Taliban takeover in Afghanistan has emboldened Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan, or TTP, an outlawed group waging terrorist attacks in Pakistan out of Afghan sanctuaries.

Listed as a global terrorist organization by the U.S., TTP has been "gaining momentum in its operations against Pakistan and aspires to regain control of territory within the country. The group is known to be an offshoot and a close ally of the Afghan Taliban.

In June, certain TTP elements were relocated away from the border area, as part of the Talibans efforts to rein in the group under pressure from the government of Pakistan, the U.N. report said. It warned that TTP could become a regional threat if it continues to have a safe operating base in Afghanistan.

Taliban leaders reject TTP's presence in the country, however.

The U.N. document concludes with member states expressing concern over the availability of large quantities of weaponry and other military equipment left behind by U.S. and NATO forces. They noted the potential spread of these weapons from stockpiles in Afghanistan into neighboring countries.

The U.S.-led foreign troops chaotically withdrew after almost two decades of involvement in the war with the then-insurgent Taliban.
New legislation that would support foundering local newsrooms across the United States has been introduced in the House of Representatives. The bill would create advertising tax credits and payroll tax credits for five years.

Introduced July 21, the Community News and Small Business Support Act is sponsored by a bipartisan duo: Claudia Tenney, a Republican from New York, and Suzan DelBene, a Democrat from Washington state.

The bill "ensures that local news organizations can continue to deliver vital news stories that matter most to our communities while allowing for our small businesses to grow and our communities to stay informed," Tenney said in a statement about the legislation.

The bill has two main components. Local news outlets would receive tax credits to help hire and retain reporters. The bill would provide up to $25,000 to local outlets for the first year and $15,000 for the next four years. National outlets would not be eligible.

The credit would be worth up to $85,000 per journalist over the duration of the bill, the Rebuild Local News Coalition calculated. Rebuild Local News is a nonprofit that helps support local journalism.

'Crisis' requires aid

"The crisis in local news is so severe that it requires some public policy help, as well as philanthropy and business model improvements," Steven Waldman, chair of the Rebuild Local News Coalition, told VOA.

Meanwhile, small businesses that advertise in local news outlets would also be eligible for tax credits of $5,000 for the first year and $2,500 for the next four years. The credits would be calculated based on total advertising spending.

"In today's digital world, access to trustworthy and reliable news is more important than ever. Local journalists and newspapers play a critical role in increasing involvement in civic institutions, identifying government corruption and decreasing polarization. Yet, this industry is struggling more than ever to keep the lights on," DelBene said in a statement.

A similar federal bill received some bipartisan support in the House of Representatives, but it hit a wall in 2021 and was not passed.

"There is no magic bullet solution to the local news crisis," Tim Franklin, director of Northwestern University's Medill Local News Initiative, told VOA. But he said he thought this new bill could be an effective way to generate much-needed revenue for local news outlets.

The U.S. news industry has been struggling for years, but the local news industry has been hit especially hard. On average, two newspapers close each week, according to a 2022 report by Northwestern.

Hundreds of closures

Since late 2019, more than 360 newspapers have closed around the United States, according to the study. The report also found that the country has lost more than 25% of its newspapers since 2005 and is set to lose one-third by 2025.

Tenney knows well the plight facing local news. She previously served as the owner and publisher of local newspapers, including the Mid-York Weekly, which her grandparents founded. It printed its last issue in 2022.

The fact that Tenney is a conservative "shows that there's a Republican template for helping save local news and that the topic is truly nonpartisan," said Waldman, who also co-founded Report for America, which places journalists at local outlets around the country.

The local news dilemma has had a disproportionate effect on rural parts of the country compared with more urban areas, Franklin said.

"There's this division between the news-haves and the news-have-nots in the country," he said.

Studies show that the fall of local news has tangible implications for communities around the country. For example, communities with less local news often experience more government corruption.

The absence of local news also contributes to increased political polarization and creates a vacuum that is often filled with more misinformation and disinformation, according to media and academic reports.

Studies also show that exposure to propaganda contributes to lower trust in the media.

"It's very damaging to communities and democracies," Waldman said.

To Waldman, it's important to frame the local news crisis as a press freedom issue. Press freedom is at stake because the press itself is at stake.

"When we think about the importance of a free and robust press globally, we tend to think about that in terms of censorship, which is obviously very important," he said. "But I think you actually have to broaden the lens to look at both censorship and the health of the press  or the existence of the press."
President Joe Biden met with Italy's new leader Thursday at the White House, where the two reaffirmed their support for Ukraine and talked of countering Beijing's growing ambitions  a particularly salient point for Rome as it mulls quitting China's Belt and Road Initiative.

Biden suggested that the U.S. could fill the gap.

"We're going to talk about our deepening economic connection that has fueled more than $100 billion in trade last year," Biden said. "In my mind, there's no reason why that can't increase."

"We know who our friends are in times that are tough," Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said, in English, sitting next to Biden in the Oval Office. "And I think Western nations have shown that they can rely on each other much more than some have believed."

After the meeting, the two leaders released a lengthy joint statement affirming their "unshakable alliance, strategic partnership and deep friendship."

"The United States welcomes the increased presence of Italy in the [Indo-Pacific] region," the statement read. "The two sides reiterate the vital importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, which is instrumental to regional and global security and prosperity. The United States and Italy also commit to strengthen bilateral and multilateral consultations on the opportunities and challenges posed by the People's Republic of China."

The far-right Italian leader is facing heavy pressure and "thinly veiled threats from Beijing" to stay in the agreement, which comes up for renewal in early 2024, wrote Brookings Institution analyst Carlo Bastasin this week.

"The prime minister, in other words, is finding out how unrealistic it would be for a country the size of Italy to pursue an isolated nationalism or aggressive rhetoric against China," he wrote. "It would be much more reasonable for her to join forces with the other European countries in search of an agreement with the Biden administration."

Earlier this week, Beijing urged Rome to stay on the path.

"For China and Italy, Belt and Road cooperation began as a new platform for practical cooperation," foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said. "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."

The White House disagrees.

"It's becoming increasingly obvious that more and more countries around the world are seeing the risks and, quite frankly, the lack of reward for economic partnerships with China in  in that regard," John Kirby, director of strategic communications for the National Security Council, said ahead of Meloni's visit.

"We've created an alternative," he said, referring to Biden's Partnership for Global Investment and Infrastructure (PGII). "I mean, that is a good alternative, and it is getting some traction. And so, we're going to continue to invest in that and continue to encourage our partners to as well."

Meanwhile, Meloni, who swept to power in 2022 as leader of the right-wing populist Brothers of Italy party, faces criticism for her harsh stance on sexual minorities and recent moves to restrict rights for same-sex parents. When asked if Biden would raise that, Kirby said the president would.

"We approach our engagement with countries around the world from that perspective  a respect for human rights, civil rights, freedom of expression and equality," he said. "And we're never shy about stating that either publicly or privately, and we'll continue to do that."
The Democratic-majority U.S. Senate passed the National Defense Authorization Act 86-11 on Thursday, setting up a confrontation later this year with the Republican-controlled U.S. House of Representatives over competing priorities in the massive annual military spending bill.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer praised the bipartisan debate in the Senate, noting the 98 amendments were evenly divided among Democrats and Republicans.

The NDAA and the bipartisan process we went through to get here should be a glimmer of hope for the American people, a sign that bipartisanship is alive and well in the Senate, Schumer said on the Senate floor Thursday night just before final passage of the bill.

The $886 billion legislation contains several key provisions, including limits on American investments and technologies in Chinese business sectors such as artificial intelligence and semiconductors; a 5.2% pay raise for military servicemembers; and $300 million in U.S. assistance to Ukraine to combat Russian aggression.

The NDAA is our most significant opportunity to set priorities for competition with adversaries like China and Russia. Its our chance to keep the Biden administration focused on critical missions like rebuilding Americas defense industrial base instead of the woke partisan agenda of political appointees, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said earlier this month.

The Senate did not take up several key provisions that had some bipartisan support, including Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchars proposal to give permanent residency to 80,000 Afghans residing in the United States after the fall of Afghanistan to the Taliban almost two years ago. A revised, narrower version of a pathway to residency for Afghans could be included in the final reconciled version of the NDAA.

Republican Senator Marco Rubios amendment to prevent military and federal worker pension investments in Chinese companies was defeated by Democrats.

The Senate had a chance to prevent China from benefiting from our military service members and federal workers retirement funds. Instead, it allowed pressure from Wall Street and other special interests to block this common-sense amendment, Rubio said in a statement Thursday.

A Republican effort to establish a lead inspector general for U.S. assistance to Ukraine also failed by a 51-48 vote Wednesday night. Several inspectors general already exist to oversee aid from individual U.S. government agencies.

The American people deserve to have every dollar accounted for, and this amendment would have strengthened our long-running efforts to ensure fast and transparent oversights of all aspects of U.S. support to Ukraine, Senator Jim Risch, the ranking member on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said in a statement. Making our support efforts even more transparent for the American people would add great value.

The Republican-majority House narrowly passed its own version of the NDAA earlier this month, 219-210. The legislation contains several conservative priorities, including banning funding for U.S. servicemembers seeking out-of-state abortions and cutting health care funding for transgender members of the military.

Schumer criticized the Republican legislation Thursday night, saying the Senates bill is a stark contrast to the partisan race to the bottom we saw in the House.

The legislation will now have to go through a reconciliation process with both chambers agreeing to a new version of the NDAA that will then be signed into law by President Joe Biden. Both chambers are now out of session until mid-September.
BANGKOK  Shortly after China opened its borders with the end of "zero-COVID," Zhang Chuannan lost her job as an accountant at a cosmetic firm in Shanghai and decided to explore the world.

"The cosmetics business was bleak," said Zhang, 34, because everyone wore face masks during the pandemic. After being laid off, she paid $1,400 for an online Thai course, got an education visa and moved to the scenic northern Thai city of Chiang Mai.

Zhang is among a growing number of young Chinese moving overseas not necessarily because of ideological reasons but to escape the country's ultra-competitive work culture, family pressures and limited opportunities after living in the country under the strict pandemic policies for three years. Southeast Asia has become a popular destination given its proximity, relatively inexpensive cost of living and tropical scenery.

There are no exact data on the number of young Chinese moving overseas since the country ended pandemic restrictions and reopened its borders. But on the popular Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu, hundreds of people have discussed their decisions to relocate to Thailand. Many get a visa to study Thai while figuring out their next steps.

At Payap University in Chiang Mai, around 500 Chinese began an online Thai course early this year.

Royce Heng, owner of Duke Language School, a private language institute in Bangkok, said around 180 Chinese inquire each month about visa information and courses.

The hunt for opportunities far from home is partly motivated by China's unemployment rate for people ages 16 to 24, which rose to a record high of 21.3% in June. The scarcity of good jobs increases pressure to work long hours.

Opting out is an increasingly popular way for younger workers to cope with a time of downward mobility, said Beverly Yuen Thompson, a sociology professor at Siena College in Albany, New York.

"In their 20s and early 30s, they can go to Thailand, take selfies and work on the beach for a few years and feel like they have a great quality of life," Thomson said. "If those nomads had the same opportunities they hoped for in their home countries, they could just travel on vacation."

During the pandemic in China, Zhang was cooped up in her Shanghai apartment for weeks at a time. Even when lockdowns were lifted, she feared another COVID-19 outbreak would prevent her from moving around within the country.

"I now value freedom more," Zhang said.

A generous severance package helped finance her time in Thailand, and she is seeking ways to stay abroad long-term, perhaps by teaching Chinese language online.

Moving to Chiang Mai means waking up in the mornings to bird songs and a more relaxed pace of life. Unlike in China, she has time to practice yoga and meditation, shop for vintage clothes and attend dance classes.

Armonio Liang, 38, left the western Chinese city of Chengdu in landlocked Sichuan province for the Indonesian island of Bali, a popular digital nomad destination. His Web3 social media startup was limited by Chinese government restrictions while his use of cryptocurrency exchange apps drew police harassment.

Moving to Bali gave him greater freedom and a middle-class lifestyle with what might be barely enough money to live on back home.

"This is what I cannot get in China," said Liang, referring to working on his laptop on the beach and brainstorming with expatriates from around the world. "Thousands of ideas just sprouted up in my mind. I had never been so creative before."

He also has enjoyed being greeted with smiles.

"In Chengdu, everyone is so stressed. If I smiled at a stranger, they would think I am an idiot," he said.

Life overseas is not all beach chats and friendly neighbors, though. For most young workers, such stays will be interludes in their lives, Thompson said.

"They can't have kids, because kids have to go to school," Thompson said. "They cannot fulfill their responsibilities to their parents. What if their aging parents need help? They eventually will get a full-time job back home and get called back home because of one of those things."

Zhang said she faces pressure to get married. Liang wants his parents to move to Bali with him.

"It's a big problem," Liang said. "They worry they will be lonely after moving out of China and worry about medical resources here."

Huang Wanxiong, 32, was stranded on Bohol Island in the Philippines for seven months in 2020 when air travel halted during the pandemic. He spent his time learning free diving, which involves diving to great depths without oxygen tanks.

He eventually flew home to the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou but lost his job at a private tutoring company after the government cracked down on the industry in 2021. His next gig was driving more than 16 hours a day for a ride-hailing business.

"I felt like a machine during those days," Huang said. "I can accept a stable and unchanging life, but I cannot accept not having any hope, not trying to improve the situation and surrendering to fate."

Huang returned to the Philippines in February, escaping family pressures to get a better job and find a girlfriend in China. He renewed his Bohol Island friendships and qualified as a dive instructor.

But without Chinese tourists to teach and no income, he flew home again in June.

He still hopes to make a living as a diver, possibly back in Southeast Asia, although he also might agree to his parents' proposal to emigrate to Peru to work in a family-run supermarket.

Huang recalled that he once surfaced too quickly from a 40-meter (131-foot) dive and his hands trembled from a dangerous lack of oxygen, known as hypoxia. The lesson he took was to avoid rushing and maintain a steady climb. Until his next move, he plans to use that free diver discipline to counter the anxieties of living in China.

"I will apply the calm I learned from the sea surrounding that island to my real life," Huang said. "I will maintain my own pace."
HARARE, Zimbabwe  Zimbabwe's Supreme Court confirmed Friday that a former minister and a ruling party member is disqualified from running as a presidential candidate in next months elections.

A three-member bench of the Supreme Court dismissed the appeal from would-be presidential candidate Savior Kasukuwere, a one-time ally of former president Robert Mugabe.

Kasukuwere had appealed a High Court ruling that he could not run as an independent presidential candidate in the August 23 elections.

Edley Mubaiwa, a lawyer for the ruling Zanu-PF party's Lovedale Mangwana, asked the courts to remove Kasukuwere from the upcoming ballot.

We have always maintained that the decision of the Nomination Court was inconsistent with the Constitution, Mubaiwa said. It was also inconsistent with the Electoral Act. And we have always asserted the position that the appeal was without merit and was bound to fail. The outcome today has simply confirmed the position that we have always taken. We feel quite vindicated by that.

Mangwana argued that since Kasukuwere resided outside of Zimbabwe for more than 18 months, he was no longer a registered voter  making him ineligible to run for office.

On Friday, Method Ndlovu, one of Kasukuweres lawyers, said it was not the end of the fight.

We were not given any reasons why the appeal was dismissed, but we were told the reasons are going to follow, he said. I am going to say as a nation we are on the eve of constitutional and electoral crisis. Because we have the apex court, which is the constitutional court, and we have received instructions from our client to take up the next available step in order to make sure that he remains on the ballot paper. So I wouldnt say we are out of time in order to protect the best interests of our client. We didnt sleep. We have papers in our bags and they will be filed.

Alexander Rusero, a politics professor at Africa University in Zimbabwe, said the Supreme Courts decision means it is unlikely President Emmerson Mnangagwa will have any serious competition in the polls.

The throwing out of the Savior Kasukuwere case by the Supreme Court, it speaks a lot in as much as independence of the courts are concerned, Rusero said. And in as much as the sincerity of entrenching democracy by the Zanu-PF-led government is concerned. Because at the end of the day we are now witnessing political disputes now being settled in courts. Issues where people are supposed to vote through the ballot ... are now being settled by the bench. So that can't be democracy, and it is unfortunate.

Meanwhile, the main opposition group, Citizens Coalition for Change, has threatened on social media to pull out of the polls if 12 of its parliamentary candidates are not reinstated to the ballot by the Supreme Court.

On Thursday, a High Court in Bulawayo barred them from the August election  ruling that they filed their nomination paperwork after the deadline.

The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission supported the CCC candidates, saying they submitted their papers on time.

Opposition officials could not be reached for comment Friday.
WASHINGTON - Former cabinet minister and independent presidential candidate, Saviour Kasukuwere, says he will file an urgent application in the Constitutional Court seeking an order to overturn a ruling by the Supreme Court that he is ineligible to participate in this years poll.

His representative, Jacqueline Sande, told journalists in Harare today that the exiled politician, who was barred by the High Court from contesting the poll and appealed against the decision in the Supreme Court, hopes that the Constitutional Court will rule in his favor.

In delivering their judgement today, Supreme Court judges Antonia Guvava, Chinembiri Bhunu and Felistus Chatukuta ruled that Kasukuweres appeal lacked merit.

The court ruling read in part, We carefully considered the evidence and oral submissions by both counsels. Court is of view the appeal lacks merit. Appeal be and is hereby dismissed.

The High Court ruled a few weeks ago that Kasukuwere cannot participate in presidential election as he was no longer living in the country.

Kasukuwere is in self-exile in South Africa where he fled following a defacto military coup which toppled the then President Robert Mugabe in 2017.

The army targeted him and several other so-called "criminals", who were said to be surrounding Mugabe and attempting to choose his successor. His house in Harare was invaded by the army, forcing him to flee, together with then Higher Education Minister Jonathan Moyo.

Kasukuwere, Moyo and other Zanu PF activists were at that time linked to the Generation 40 faction of the party, which sidelined then sacked Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa from Mugabe's succession line.

Mnangagwa bounced back and became the southern African nation's president after Mugabe was toppled in the bloodless coup.

Meanwhile, the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change led by Nelson Chamisa has filed an urgent application in the Supreme Court seeking the setting aside of a High Court order barring 12 party members from contesting the August 23 parliamentary election in Bulawayo.
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
From climbing in the fir trees to e-biking across mountain ranges, WorldTempus Sophie Furley goes on a weekend adventure with an Alpina Limited Edition

The temperature in Geneva has been hovering around the 30-degree mark over the last few weeks, which has been particularly challenging for all of us in the un-airconditioned WorldTempus office. Discussions over the strength and oscillation of the office fans have reached the highest level of debate, so when an invitation to the Dents du Midi arrived on my desk, it couldnt have been more welcome.

Heading up to the Dents du Midi by car (although I could have also taken the train) is a pleasurable windy climb up to the village of Champery, where in just under two hours, I was already checking into the cute Hotel Beau-Sejour. I dropped off my bags and joined our little group of adventurers for a delicious lunch at Le Gueullhi restaurant before heading off for our first activity at the Organic Adventure Park.

The Organic Adventure Park

The last time I did a ropes course in the treetops was a few years ago with my son, who was eight at the time and fearlessly leaped from tree to tree, racing ahead and terrifying me as I worried for his safety as well as mine. Needless to say, it was not an activity that I was impatient to repeat. So, it was with a certain amount of trepidation that I harnessed up for the Organic Adventure Park, but this was to be a whole new experience.

In 2019, the park underwent a complete overhaul of its entire security system, making it easier and safer than ever. There are no double clips to maneuver around the course, like in the past, but one continuous lifeline system that doesnt require disconnecting between obstacles. Another advantage of this system is that if an obstacle is a bit too scary for you, you can just zip line through it, making the course accessible to everyone from grandchildren to grandparents. The new system gave me renewed confidence as I tried the six different itineraries, I even managed to get some shots of my Alpina Alpiner Extreme Fine Watch Club Limited Edition as I went around!

Organic Adventure Park  Sophie Furley

Alpina Alpiner Extreme Automatic Fine Watch Club Limited Edition

With a white triangular alpine patterned dial and a textured rubber green strap, this was the perfect timepiece for a mountain adventure. Chic but sporty, with its 41mm stainless steel case and integrated strap, this is a timepiece that has adventure in its watchmaking oils! It is powered by an automatic movement (visible through a sapphire case back), displays the hours, minutes, and seconds in the centre, and has a date at 3 oclock  all this for CHF 1,295 no less.

Alpina Alpiner Extreme Automatic Fine Watch Club Limited Edition  Sophie Furley

E-Biking Across the Summits

The following day, our acrobatic abilities were put to the test again as we set off on an e-bike adventure thanks to the lovely people at E-Bike Swiss Rental in the village. Arriving at the shop bright and early, the bikes were quickly adjusted to our height and weight, and we were off, taking the cable car up to the top with panoramas that took our breath away.

The view  Sophie Furley

The beauty of e-biking is that even though you do need a certain level of fitness and biking skill, the electric power means you can go further, higher, and faster on the same day, allowing you to see and experience way more. Mountain biking  with e-biking technology or not  is not necessarily the best activity for a mechanical watch as the vibrations through the handlebars are quite intense, but thanks to the ruggedness and high quality of its movement, the Alpina Alpiner took it all in its stride.

We biked for three hours, before stopping at a charming alpine restaurant called La Chaux for a delicious lunch with local ingredients. In the afternoon we continued on to discover some of the secret spots recommended by our guide that included a cheese producer, a hidden waterfall, and a sheep farm, all stops that we would have definitely missed if we had been biking on our own.

E-biking adventures  Sophie Furley

Just as we started down the mountain to return to the village, the heavens opened, soaking us to the skin. Luckily the Alpina Alpiner is water-resistant to 200m, so I had nothing to worry about there. It was almost a blessing to be cold and wet, as our next activity was discovering the hotel spa. Sliding into the hot bubbly water was the perfect end to the perfect weekend for the Alpina and me. Limited to 50 pieces, there are a few pieces left, so if you are looking for a horological weekend partner for adventures, this timepiece comes highly recommended!

All the details:

Hotel: Hotel Beau Sejour

Restaurants: Le Gueulhi, Le Vieux Chalet, Gite Alpage La Chaux, and Alta 1874

Activities : Organic Adventure Park and E-Bike Swiss Rental + Guided Tours.
Funeral Announcements A daily list of current funeral annoucements as heard on KXRA 1490 AM/100.3 FM

News Updates The daily news, sports, and events delivered daily from Voice of Alexandria.



Sports Update This current sports headlines delivered daily from Voice of Alexandria.

Upcoming Events This email is the events of the area delivered daily from Voice of Alexandria.

Breaking News The big news. Sent only as it happens.
My job is to convince the audience that Oppenheimer knows what hes doing. I really spent most of the time working on his psychology. Photo: Melinda Sue Gordon/Universal Pic/Melinda Sue Gordon

Cillian, Im making a movie. Its called Oppenheimer and Id like you to play Oppenheimer. With those words, Christopher Nolan introduced Cillian Murphy to the role that may wind up defining the Irish actors career. After having made five previous films with Nolan, Murphy now plays the lead in the atomic-age drama Oppenheimer. Its a historical biopic turned on its head  the story of the brilliant man who created a doomsday weapon and spent much of the rest of his life stewing in regret and shame. The part requires so much of Murphy, because the characters emotional journey happens less through dialogue exchanges and more through subtle changes on his face and the way he moves, through the intimate spectacle of a man torturing himself in his own mind. When I interviewed the cast and crew about the film, just about everybody was full of gushing praise for Murphy, and its easy to see why. He has certainly given some staggering performances in the past, but he is particularly riveting and moving in Oppenheimer. Back in June, before the SAG-AFTRA strike, we spoke about this life-changing part.

When did Christopher Nolan approach you about doing this film?

Out of the blue, in typical Chris fashion. He gave me no preparation. There was no preamble. He just called me in September of 2021, I think. And he said in his very understated, low-key manner, Cillian, Im making a movie. Its called Oppenheimer and Id like you to play Oppenheimer.

How much did you know about J. Robert Oppenheimer at that point?

Honestly, not a lot. I knew vaguely about the Manhattan Project and I knew he was the father of the atomic bomb, as they say. But other than that, he was pretty sketchy, so I had to dive in straight away.

Did Nolan have any initial guidance that he gave you? After you said yes to the role, what were your initial conversations like?

Oh, they were long and manifold. He came to Dublin to meet me and I went over to Los Angeles many times during prep, and we talked and talked and talked. Obviously, I read the book American Prometheus as well, and then I dove into all the archival material thats available. But I leaned on Chris a lot because we have known each other for so long and because I have such great admiration for him and trust in him.

With real-life characters, it seems theres often a fine line between accuracy and impersonation. There are the needs of the script, and the historical record, but then I imagine theres a certain amount of imagination and creativity that you have to bring to this character, in order to inhabit the role.

We were very clear from the beginning that it wasnt an impression or impersonation. It was a synthesis of Chriss script and all the stuff that I had in my head. Chris creates a really safe space or environment for actors to create and to contribute. Because of our history, I felt I could really bring things to him and try stuff out. As the cast list grew, these incredible actors who I admire immensely became attached to the project, and it got more and more exciting. But it was very much a relationship between myself and Chris in developing the character. I would call him and I would do the voice for him, or we would be in L.A. and we would figure out how the clothes fit. He would send me pictures of David Bowie.

Why David Bowie?

Well, it was the silhouette. Do you remember that Bowie period, like the Thin White Duke or maybe Young Americans, when he was so skinny and kind of emaciated but he had these wonderful tailored suits with the trousers? If you look at some of the costuming in the movie, you can see these wide balloon pants and these beautifully tailored suits. That was the Oppenheimer silhouette. Oppenheimer was incredibly physically frail, but just so intellectually robust and strong.

I am a very big fan of your performance in Dunkirk, particularly the physicality of it, because you dont get a lot of lines; nobody gets a lot of lines in that movie. But the way you carry yourself at different points in that film says so much about the emotions of the character and the journey hes on. When early on, hes so in charge and calm, and then after hes rescued by the boat, how he tries to assert himself, but hes falling apart, hes almost concave.

I come from theater, and I love acting with my body. You get to do that an awful lot in theater, but you dont get to do it as much in film because film is about the close-up generally. And theater is always by necessity in a wide shot.

The book was very useful for Oppenheimer  with firsthand accounts of how he carried himself, his kind of energy, how he smoked a cigarette. I lost a lot of weight. And then immediately, that does something to the way you walk, the way you hold yourself, the way clothes fall on you. So that was an unpleasant but useful exercise. Sometimes you can build a character from the outside in, or sometimes the sort of superficial appearance can help with the interior landscape. Because a lot of the movie is kind of his interior landscape.

Lets talk about that. In the film, after Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Oppenheimer doesnt really express regret or shame, but its clear that he feels them. So much of the film becomes about his face and his bearing, not so much the dialogue. As a performance, that seems like itd be incredibly difficult.

For me, theyre the performances Im always attracted to  almost inexpressible, kind of beyond language. Theyre the richest ones. And the film actors that Ive always loved are the ones that if they think it, you can feel it. I guess thats kind of what I tried to do with him. A scene that is a beautiful combination of what I was trying to do and what Chris does so brilliantly was that scene where he is trying to give the speech after Hiroshima and theres all these kids in the bleachers, and he just cant speak. He goes into this fugue state. That was us trying to communicate to the audience what he was actually struggling with in a nonverbal way.

That scene, the way its cut and sound-edited, is very similar to the Trinity scene. Everythings quiet, all we hear is Oppenheimers breathing, and then theres the blast of sound that comes in  in one case, the explosion, and in the other, the belated roar of the crowd. Was it that way in the script? Did you know it was going to be put together that way?

Oh, a hundred percent. Everything is stage-directed in the script, everything is there. In Chriss films, the script is the film. It doesnt get moved around or experimented with much in the edit. So yes, it was all there.

The film also gives us just enough of the science to make sure that were not lost, but not so much that were suddenly confused. Thats obviously the script, too. But, as the guy who has to be the guy who knows everything, or pretend to be the guy who knows everything, how did you approach that?

Well, Ive actually played a physicist before in a movie for Danny Boyle years ago called Sunshine. So I must have resting physicists face. I did an awful lot of research there. What became clear to me really quickly was that theres no point in me wasting time trying to understand quantum mechanics. I dont have the intellectual capability to do that. You have to study your whole life and theres only a tiny fraction of the population that can understand it. My job is to go after the humanity. I spoke to Kip Thorne, who is the Oppenheimer science adviser, and I have a vague conceptual grasp on what the physicists were experimenting on. But thats not my job. My job is to convince the audience that Oppenheimer knows what hes doing. I really spent most of the time working on his psychology.

Were there any specific notes that Chris gave you during production that were particularly helpful or insightful?

It was probably in our first week of shooting in Los Alamos, and I was doing a scene with Groves, Matt Damon. I think I came in pretty hard on the scene a couple of times. A little more aggressive than was necessary, because Oppenheimer would use his intellect rather than his physical presence in these situations. I remember Chris took me aside, and he said, Hes not a boxer, hes a chess player. All of a sudden, the whole scene made complete sense. With a note that concise and brilliant, thats why hes such a magnificent director.

Damons Groves, Robert Downey Jr.s Strauss, Emily Blunts Kitty  I feel like those are characters who serve as foils for Oppenheimer. Groves is so certain of who he is and where he stands on these issues. In a way, Strauss is too. And Kitty is the one whos always telling Robert to fight. Shes frustrated that hes not. Can you describe that dynamic with them?

Groves needed Oppenheimer and Oppenheimer needed Groves to become the man that he became. The relationship with Kitty is so dysfunctional. It shouldnt work, yet it does. It sustains and they both need each other again. I suppose the most complex one is with Strauss. I remember talking with Downey and Chris about that, and we used the Amadeus dynamic between Salieri and Mozart; that Strauss wants to be the genius, but he will never be the genius, and he sees the true genius in someone else, so he feels compelled to derail it.

In an interview with Downey  and I dont know how tongue-in-cheek he was being  he said, Well, Strauss is really the hero of the movie. Thats a great thing to hear from an actor because they have to believe that to a certain extent to perform the part.

I dont think theres anyone in this movie thats a clear-cut antagonist. I dont think Downey fulfills that. Its far more complex. I love the fact that he feels slighted at one point, and that is enough for him to take down an individual. History can turn on one man feeling slighted by another.

Donald Trump probably doesnt run for president if Barack Obama doesnt make fun of him at the White House Correspondents Dinner 

I love that. Thats a great analogy. I think history is littered with that, with vanity and narcissism.

The film takes place over quite a long period of time, and there are flashes to Oppenheimers youth as a student. What did you have to do to embody him as a young man in his 20s, and then as a much older man?

That was a lot of testing hair and makeup stuff. We all know that Chris doesnt use CGI, so we had an amazing hair and makeup team, and we worked a lot on that. It was all done really through me and hair and makeup. That was it.

So much of the film happens in close-up, and so much of the film is shot in Imax. I know Imax cameras are huge and loud. I imagine its different than just having an ordinary camera in your face?

Its vastly different, but Ive worked with Chris on a number of projects that he shot on Imax, so Im kind of used to it. The thing about Chriss films, despite the format that hes using, it does feel like a small independent movie because on set its just Chris, the focus-puller, the boom operator, and the actors. Theres no monitors. Hes not away in a tent somewhere. Hes right there beside you. So it feels very intimate. I should pay tribute to Hoyte van Hoytema, our DP, whos phenomenally talented and also a kind, calm, gentle presence on the floor.

One thing editor Jennifer Lame told me was that Chris was obsessed with images of droplets and ripples and things like that while shooting and editing the film. Was that something you talked about?

Chris has always been kind of haunted with this stuff. And he has incredible luck with weather. We needed it to rain specifically in that scene between Einstein and Oppenheimer, for the ripples and the droplets. And it rained! It was otherwise a beautiful blue-sky day, and then all of a sudden it rained exactly when it needed to. Similarly, when the storm kicks up before the Trinity test. An actual storm kicked up when Im climbing up the tower.

What do you recall about shooting the films final scene with Einstein?

We shot that in one day. I remember it was me and Tom Conti and Downey. We shot that all in a day or two in Princeton. We shot in Oppenheimers office and in Einsteins office, and then we went out onto the green and down to the pond. So it was all a real location. I absolutely think the ending of this film is extraordinary. I remember reading the script going, Wow, thats one of the greatest endings. And I think its where many, many feature films fail is in the third act.
Photo-Illustration: Vulture. Photos: Corbis/Getty Images; Warner Bros.

One of the major themes of the summers biggest release, Barbie, is that little girls see themselves in Barbie dolls and it teaches them they can be anything they want to be. Meanwhile, one of the major themes of Oppenheimer is that men are talking in the 1940s. But why should these men be denied the chance at Barbie representation just because they were born before Barbie existed and because they are men? Honestly, its problematic.

Because we at Vulture are do-gooders, we thought we should remedy the situation and allow the cast of Oppenheimer the same chance that little girls across the world have been given  the opportunity to identify with Barbies. (Or at least, with characters from the Barbie movie.) Theyre welcome.

Oppenheimer is Ruth Handler

Photo-Illustration: Vulture. Photos: Universal; Warner Bros.

By the end of Oppenheimer, J. Robert Oppenheimer (Cillian Murphy) is a ghost of himself, relegated to haunting bureaucratic spaces as a figurehead more than a scientist. Ruth Handler (Rhea Perlman) meanwhile is a literal ghost, relegated to haunting the Mattel offices as an idea that they both work with and push against. Both Jewish. Both inventors. Both real-life people. Case closed.

The bomb is Stereotypical Barbie

It might be counterintuitive to say that the main character in Barbie is not, in fact, aligned with any character in Oppenheimer at all, but its the truth. Stereotypical Barbie (Margot Robbie) is who all the other characters revolve around. She is their sun, the lens through which all their stories are told. Even the opening sequence in Barbie, an homage to 2001: A Space Odyssey, emphasizes that Barbie came into little girls lives like a bomb, exploding ideas of what a doll could be and what girls aspirations could look like  the same way that the bomb in Oppenheimer revolutionized humanitys capacity to destroy itself. The bomb is not necessarily a character, per se. But while the movie is called Oppenheimer, it is in fact about the bomb. And Barbie is a movie about Barbie.

Leslie Groves is Ryan Gosling Ken

Photo-Illustration: Vulture. Photos: Universal; Warner Bros.

These are men who maybe dont have the firmest handle on what/who the bomb and Barbie actually are, but they still care about them deeply. Neither is a man of science. Groves (Matt Damon) simply understands that he is a military man helping create a weapon that will go boom, while Ken simply understands that he is a man and Barbie makes his heart go boom.

Boris Pash is Simu Liu Ken

Just as all the Kens in Barbie start to blend together (they are, after all, just Ken), the men in Oppenheimer can be occasionally difficult to distinguish. But in both films, the most dastardly of the bunch stands out. If Groves is a man intently focused on the bomb, and Gosling-Ken is a man intensely focused on Barbie, then Pash (Casey Affleck) and Simu Lius Ken are the roadblocks that stand between them and their fixations. Simu-Ken flirts shamelessly with Barbie, while Pash interrogates Oppenheimer about his Communist besties, which in effect puts all the scientists of the Manhattan Project under scrutiny. Neither is necessarily the most important part of their film, but both act as foils to show the dedication of the leads.

Lewis Strauss is the CEO of Mattel (a.k.a. Mother)

Photo-Illustration: Vulture. Photos: Universal; Warner Bros.

Both Strauss (Robert Downey Jr.) and Mother (Will Ferrell) are difficult people  Strauss takes away Oppenheimers security clearance, Mother tries to get Barbie into a box. They also both pursue their villainy by presenting themselves as positive forces at first in an attempt to lull their victims into their traps. Never trust the man in charge.

Gloria is Kitty Oppenheimer

On the surface, these two dont have a lot in common. Gloria (America Ferrera) loves her child, while Kitty (Emily Blunt) is  not thrilled about being a mother. Gloria never even talks about alcohol, while Kittys martini glass is seemingly permanently attached to her right hand. But what draws these two together is that, while they emotionally support those close to them, they do it without coddling them. When Barbie wallows after losing her sense of purpose, Gloria snaps her out of it with a speech about womanhood. When Oppenheimer wallows after losing his security clearance, Kitty throws an empty bottle of alcohol at the wall and tells him to get real. Both of these women face reality when others cant, and push our heroes to work against unfair systems.

Unnamed Senate Aide is the Mattel intern (Aaron Dinkins)

If Lewis Strauss is the CEO of Mattel, then naturally Alden Ehrenreich would be the mild-mannered, sweater-vested intern, following him around, listening to his schemes, while also experiencing a sympathetic pull toward the other side. If we were talking about Ehrenreich as Hobie Doyle, hed be Cowboy Hat Ken. But were not!

Harry S. Truman is President Barbie

Theyre both presidents. Duh.

Jean Tatlock is Sasha

Edgy girlies with strong politics, both wear black, albeit one of those outfits was CGI.

Edward Teller is Weird Barbie

Photo-Illustration: Vulture. Photos: Universal; Warner Bros.

Benny Safdie as Edward Teller has a spookiness to him that aligns him with Weird Barbie (Kate McKinnon). Weird Barbie is an inventor; shes built a full-scale model of Barbie Land, has knowledge about the real world and the nature of everyones Barbxistence, and devises plans to repair rifts between universes. Shes also an outcast, not entirely accepted by mainstream Barbie society. Teller, likewise, is often the odd man out  his Hungarian accent sets him apart in the paranoid environs of this American military project. Hes also the only one at the Manhattan Project who favors a fusion-type weapon over the fission-based one they ultimately made, and when hes not dreaming up the hydrogen bomb, hes butting heads with Oppenheimer over the security restrictions scientists in Los Alamos are placed under. Plus Weird Barbie has crayon scribbles all over her face and Teller is always very shiny thanks to some sort of atomic-bomb-proof sunscreen.

There is only one Allan

There is only one Allan, but if an Allan escaped into our world, and if instead of joining *NSYNC he fell in with the Manhattan Project (which was in many ways a band of boys, almost like a kind of  boy band), hed be the one to push the button, a.k.a. Kenneth Bainbridge (Josh Peck). Some dolls just want to watch the world burn.
Something is not right here. Photo: Craig Blankenhorn/Max

The seventh episode of the second season of And Just Like That  poses several significant ethical questions. And like the richest of philosophical texts, it answers none of them. Should children model for Ralph Lauren? Can teenagers put their hands in their boyfriends pants at 3:30 p.m. outside of a K12 school? Can Che just go around touching random animals? Can you take human growth hormone and also be an honest bread-delivery man? Is Miranda a lesbian? Can Carrie reseduce Aidan even though she cheated on him before with Big, because Big is now dead, so she gains points for being a widow that she lost for being a cheater, creating a balanced chemical equation?

The episodes most pressing ethical quandary, however, is: What in the fuck is Aidan wearing???

What?

Photo: Max

The?

Photo: Max

Fuck?

Photo: Max

Is?

Photo: Max

This?

Photo: Craig Blankenhorn/Max

Jacket?????????

Photo: Max

To be clear, I dont have an issue with this jacket in and of itself. Actually, yes, I do. Its ugly. But thats not the point. The point is Aidan would never in one billion years buy this jacket or wear this jacket. He wouldnt even have a paradigm for this jacket. He would not know how to put it on. He would not understand why it was belted like this (I barely understand). He would not know how many belt loops to use  should his waist be cinched or merely outlined? What is he supposed to do with the four bizarrely sized pockets? Fill them with rocks and walk into the river?

My questions about the jacket could fill those same pockets. Is this technically a safari jacket, and if so, is the safari going to the Matrix? Did it belong to a gay Confederate soldier? Is it Criss Angel for Zara? (Its Belstaff and its $600 and was allegedly designed for extreme off-roading, which I guess is what the character of Aidan is doing by wearing it.) Is this how Patricia Field is taking her quiet revenge? Am I the only one who is seeing this jacket, and is it some kind of sign that I am going to pass away in seven days?

Im not unreasonable; I believe that people can change. And in the years since we last saw Aidan, he has undeniably changed: He sold his furniture business to a giant corporation, got a divorce, and went on Ozempic. But I dont believe people can alter their essential nature. These are the types of jackets Aidan used to wear. This is not to say he dressed badly; its to say that he dressed accurately for his character, which is a furniture-building man who dumps someone for smoking, has a house in the country, and is invested in the heteronormative institutions of marriage and childbearing. Remember, the last time we saw Aidan, he was wearing a messenger bag. The time before that, we learned he had named his three children Wyatt, Homer, and Tate. And again, a few times before that, he dumped Carrie for smoking. In New York. In the early aughts! A man who dumps someone for smoking would never wear a little waxed coat belted at the waist. It just wouldnt happen. I reject its very premise. And I abhor that Michael Patrick King is gaslighting me and everyone I know by pretending that it would.

For more, join us for And Just Like That Club, our subscriber-exclusive newsletter dissecting and obsessing over all the minutiae of the new season. Existing subscribers can visit this page to sign up. If youre not a subscriber yet, click here to get started.
Poor Aziraphale. In the last episode, we saw the seed of Crowleys fall from grace, and in this episode, we get something similar for Az. It hits hard for anyone unpacking religious trauma from their childhoods, Im sure. What was the moment you realized the people in charge werent as good as you thought  and even scarier, way worse than they thought they were? Sound off in the comments below! Jk. Unless 

This episode also includes the mini-sode A Companion to Owls, but I cant tell for the life of me where the episode ends and the mini-sode begins. It all feels pretty seamless to me, although it does mean this mini-epi is more backstory than present-day plot. A huge chunk of the story concerns Job, he of the matchbox quote last episode. Apparently, Jobs trial was the real start of Crowley and Aziraphales arrangement. Its when they realized they had more in common with each other than with their respective side in the cosmic cold war.

Side note: The Good Omens book is deeply end of the Cold Warcoded, as was the style of the time. Does this sequel series feel more forever war on terror? People are certainly less certain; the people at the top seem dumber. That feels accurate to current geopolitics, no?

Lets separate the two timelines apart and cover the current mystery first. Jim/Gabriel has really taken to his role as an assistant bookseller, even though he doesnt fully get the purpose of books is to read them. He has taken it upon himself to alphabetize Aziraphales shop. By first word of first sentence. Az is basically like, Go off, king! I have flashbacks to ponder. Hes briefly pulled out of flashbacklandia by Jimriel humming a tune: Everyday, by Buddy Holly. Maggie helps him find the tune and also lets it slip that theres a pub in Edinburgh where all the 45s in the jukebox turn into that song. But before he can fully ponder the Clue hes been given (he insists on capitalizing Clue, even in speech), the angels come to his bookshop for answers.

So bad news: The angels know Aziraphale performed a miracle. And not a little guy, too. A huge freaking miracle. Good news: It sorta worked? The angels cant recognize Gabriel, even when hes standing right in front of them. In this scene and the one where hes being interrogated by Az and Crowley, Jon Hamm goes beyond himbo and into a level of dumb acting that Ive only ever seen in Muppets before now. Emmy! 10,000 Emmys!

Aziraphale thinks quickly on his feet and tells the angels that the miracle was actually to bring Maggie and Nina together. It was the first thing he could think of. Hmmm  I wonder why gay longing was so easy to access in his mind! Aziraphale and Crowley plan to get Maggie and Nina together by hook (Jane Austeninspired ball) or crook (Richard Curtisinspired wet eye contact). Get humans wet and staring into each others eyes, va-voom! Sorted, says Crowley. It makes us sound like Gremlins, but its probably true. In this scene, Crowley learns that, alongside being a jewel robber, rum runner, and spy, Jane Austen wrote some books. If Prime Video wants to dedicate a bonus episode to The Names Austen. Jane Austen, I wouldnt be averse.

Crowley puts some feelers out about Nina, re: Maggie, and shes not receptive. Apparently, Ninas partner has taken a page from Jonah Hills (alleged) playbook and has weaponized therapyspeak against her. Bummer. But before any more can happen in this plot, Aziraphale asks Crowley to lend him our car so he can check out the pub in Edinburgh. Exsqueeze me? Our car? Right now, it seems like Crowley is living out of his car (maybe the flat he had last season was rented by Hell, and Miranda Richardson is in it now?). Hes not going to give it up without a fight. And why cant my dads go on a road trip together? That sounds fun. Oh, yeah, someone has to look after Jimriel. And its not going to be Aziraphale because hes been processing his hostile feelings toward Old Gabriel in a flashback.

Now the Job stuff: We learn alongside Aziraphale about the plan to test Job. Satans minion, Crowley, has license to kill Jobs livestock, destroy his house, and explode his children. And if he stays faithful to God, Heaven will give him back double what he lost. Crowley kills 100 goats, Gabriel gives Job 200 goats. Crowley kills Jobs three kids, God will force Jobs wife through seven geriatric pregnancies. Isnt that nice?

Being the only representatives of Heaven and Hell who spend any time with earthlings, Crowley and Aziraphale both bristle at their orders. Crowley cant even kill the goats; he merely transmutes them into crows. Aziraphale bets on Crowleys conscience and begs him to save Jobs children. Its the old I know theres good in you argument. It can go well, like in Return of the Jedi. Or it can go bad, like when Elena tried it on Damon in The Vampire Diaries season one, and he snapped her little brothers neck. He got better, but it was still a whole thing. Luckily, Crowley went Darth instead of Damon. Not only does he keep Jobs kids safe, but he also helps with the subterfuge needed to keep Heaven from knowing Gods weird bet with Satan didnt go exactly how theyd planned.

Speaking of God, theyre voiced by Frances McDormand and use they/them pronouns. Thats a fun cosmology! Whos your favorite God? Im personally fond of mute Alanis Morissette, but I was the exact right age for Dogma when it came out. I could also see arguments for George Burns or even the God program in Futurama. God tells Job, essentially, that he cant go questioning the divine plan until he can enact any of it. Or, as Job summarizes, Come back when you can make a whale.

Both Crowley and Aziraphale are jealous of Job for being able to directly address the Almighty, which speaks to their loneliness. They appear to be the only angel or demon who questions what the fuck the point of all this universe stuff really is. Its lonely, but a little less lonely if they do it together. Fuck, thats cute.

Biblical Apocrypha

 Gay-o-meter is back down to DEFCON 5: FADE OUT. Less horny, more bromance-y. But the parallel romances of Aziraphale/Crowley and Maggie/Nina could rear up at any moment. They just need to decide if theyre going the Richard Curtis or Jane Austen route.

 It was really fulfilling to see how Az and Crowley got to the status quo we saw at the beginning of season one. But I could have done with a more period-appropriate Heaven. That overhead fluorescent lighting existed before electricity is a real bummer.

 Good show on Good Omens for letting it stay so U.K., despite being made by an America-based global corporation. The two forms of love being Love Actually or Pride and Prejudice, all three of the first sentences Jimriel reads coming from U.K. authors, and people cheerily day-drinking in a crowded pub all make this feel more specific than many adaptations of British work.

 Speaking of those books Jimriel sorted, the last one he put in place was the original Good Omens. Now thats just silly.

 Kudos to Saraqael for miracle-ing herself a ramp, but shouldnt Az have made his shop accessible by now?

 Remember Jobs shitty kids? One of them was played by David Tennants stepson, Ty. Dudes on House of the Dragon too.

 I know last episode, I said I was put off by Crowley always calling Aziraphale angel, but now I think its his way of reminding him that hes still good and hasnt become a demon, and thats sweet! Fuck!
Photo: Agnes Ricart

This article was featured in One Great Story, New Yorks reading recommendation newsletter. Sign up here to get it nightly.

Everyone at the Alamo Barbie Blowout Party advance screening I attended had come ready to Barbie party, decked out in head-to-toe pink, high heels, and blonde wigs. As the soundtrack blared, moviegoers yelled Hi, Barbie! to strangers, snapped pictures in their promotional pink berets and heart-shaped sunglasses, drank watermelon margaritas, and seat-danced to Dua Lipa. A male photographer roamed the room taking pictures of everyone vibing on the anticipation that was building to a near frenzy thanks to a relentlessly ecstatic monthslong marketing campaign. As he stopped to take a photo of the woman next to me, and the new Margot Robbie Barbie shed purchased, he asked if the movie was supposed to be lighthearted or cerebral  he couldnt tell from the trailer. Her advice: Its the Barbie movie. Just leave big words out of it and enjoy. I dont think my neighbor or anyone else there expected to weep over the state of womanhood.

But in every Greta Gerwig movie, there is that speech, the one that forces the emotion out of you no matter how unsentimental you might be. That big juicy monologue somewhere in the third act that states everything the female protagonist wants out of life  her dreams, her desires  and everything she fears. The emotionally pure, ultrarelatable moment when Gerwig tells us how a woman should be. The music swells; the actresss face splits open with yearning and pathos. Inevitably, someone in the movie theater gives a reflexive Yessss under their breath, and thousands of theater kids suddenly know what their audition monologue will be for the fall production of Our Town.

In Frances Ha, its the What I want speech (Its that thing when youre with someone and you love them and they know it, and they love you and you know it). In Lady Bird, its Saoirse Ronans final voice-mail to her mother (Hi, Mom and Dad, its me, Christine. Its the name you gave me. Its a good one). In Little Women, its Jo Marchs Women have minds number.

There are two big speeches in Barbie  a movie of such blockbuster proportions requires double the emotional wallop. The first, and the one that has been most lauded in the post-opening-weekend coverage, belongs to America Ferreras Gloria, a mother whose daughter no longer likes spending time with her. (Its never really explained why. Since most of us have seen Lady Bird, I guess were meant to apply the Greta Gerwig Cinematic Universe shorthand here.) The setup: Barbie returns to Barbie Land a broken doll. Shes seen some shit, like everyday being-a-woman shit: The world is super-sexist. Barbie isnt a feminist icon; she just upholds impossible standards and makes women feel bad about themselves. Now shes back and Ken is being a dick, introducing the patriarchy into the matriarchal system, and she just wants to watch Pride & Prejudice in her sweatpants. (Depression Barbie is simultaneously the funniest and most pandering bit in the movie.)

Gloria has the antidote: the big Gerwig speech. You have to be thin, but not too thin, she begins (Barbie was not updated for the Ozempic moment), kicking off a list of all the things women have to do and be just to obtain a modicum of respect: You have to never get old, never be rude, never show off, never be selfish, never fall down, never fail, and so on. Someone in my screening snapped emphatically after every line. As she reaches her crescendo, hitting the bars as if she were headlining Def Poetry Jam (Its too hard! Its too contradictory! And nobody gives you a medal or says Thank you!), I heard sniffles in the crowd.

In the post-opening-weekend chatter, this speech got a lot of attention  some of it an eye-rolling acknowledgment of how its feminism baby food but most of it admiring. The Los Angeles Times published the monologue in full. Headlines called it epic and powerful and inspiring and resonant. Ferrera has given interviews discussing how she prepared for it, revealing it took nearly 30 takes and that everyone on set, even the men, were crying.

But when the lights came up at my screening, I was left clutching my now-limp beret, the last line of Ferreras monologue echoing in my head: Im just so tired of watching myself and every single other woman tie herself into knots so that people will like us. And if all of that is also true for a doll just representing women, then I dont even know. I dont even know? Thats the best we got? What was the movie trying to say?

There are many guesses. In the New York Times Opinion section, Susan Faludi suggested Barbie contains subtle references to the rollback of abortion protections; others see a retelling of the story of Eve and the apple. One friend insists its an allegory for the postpartum experience. I saw Barbie a total of three times over opening weekend, and each time it felt like I was entering a different dimension of feminist awakening. The first time, I was nostalgic for Barnard, the womens college both Gerwig and I attended, where the dorms were like Barbies (dingier) Dreamhouse and where I too had to occasionally endure a man playing guitar at me for four hours. The second time, a Saturday night, I leaned into Bimbo Feminism by drinking bright-pink sugar-rimmed cocktails and giddily refusing to think about it more than I had to. The last time, I sat next to my niece and her mom and couldnt help but feel the persistent tug of both my heartstrings and my uterus, even though the line We mothers stand still so our daughters can look back to see how far theyve come is actually word salad and my niece only cared about Issa Rae as president.

Of course its a stretch to search for a radical or subversive feminist manifesto in the Barbie movie  something lovingly approved by Mattel and Warner Bros. (and Chevy and Birkenstock and Chanel and Duolingo). Its also not the first time in recent history that a bunch of people wore pink en masse and gathered for a joint activity hoping it would provide some meaning regarding the state of womens empowerment. (At least Barbie isnt as empty as the pink pussy hat in the back of my closet.) But now that girlboss feminism has gasped its last gasp, now that the closest thing that era had to Barbie Land (The Wing) has crumbled, now that feminism is a sales pitch, it can sometimes seem that all we have is snapping at the zingers in a Barbie movie. (I worry about our emotional states by the time the Polly Pocket film adaptation drops.) That it provokes tears, that it resonates at all and doesnt feel like a relic of a different time, probably says more about us than about the movie.

And it says a lot about its director. Gerwig is the real feminist icon of the film: the plucky mumblecore ingenue who broke into a boys club and now commands big budgets and total freedom over huge IP. The clearest message of the movie to me is one coded in all of Gerwigs work, and its a message that seems drawn from her own experiences.

At our shared alma mater, every night is girls night and feminism is a place where boys arent allowed. In an interview with the alumnae magazine, Gerwig said, When I went to Barnard, I wanted to be all the women I met there. I was instantly drawn to the place and the women. They all seemed like superheroes to me. In addition to a diploma, a sense (real or not) is bestowed upon Barnard grads that they get to choose the way they enter a real world thats also populated by men (maybe by marrying one, maybe by working in finance, maybe by choosing to ignore men forever). Gerwigs trajectory from Barnard, where she was an English major who did improv, began in the mumblecore indie film scene via a series of movies in which mens wants and neuroses are central to the plot. Hannah Takes the Stairs is a perfect encapsulation of her early role, both onscreen and off: a blonde 20-something trying to figure out a career while finding herself in a series of romantic relationships with the sort of zhlubby guys who dont take her seriously. She was funny and a little awkward. Her characters were sexual (maybe sexualized) but in the raw, played in the ugly, gross, real way that would soon become mainstream in Girls. As she wrote and acted in films with Joe Swanberg and the Duplass brothers, Gerwig became the only girl among the film boys, finding her voice within a (extremely white) scene that seemed to be oriented around the whims of dudes in shitty T-shirts.

Are you gonna let me in? is the first line Gerwig speaks in Greenberg, the 2010 film by Noah Baumbach. It was her first mainstream film (one she had to gain 15 pounds for, she lamented in a New York Times profile that followed. Bless that early-aughts body positivity). Her character, Florence, is the patient, willing love interest of an abhorrently self-involved Ben Stiller. Are you gonna let me in? seemed like a throwaway line or at least one that speaks to Florences later preoccupation with trying to date Stillers character, but it could also have served as Gerwigs mantra.

Baumbach and Gerwigs relationship moved from professional to romantic around 2011 while they were writing Frances Ha together, and during the press tour for Mistress America, the second movie they co-wrote, reporters asked Gerwig how her career had benefited from their relationship  to which she answered, I dont mean to sound annoying, but I would have done it anyway. I will find that one door and then push it wide open. Im lucky to find collaborators and kindred spirits. But I dont need a man, and I would have done it anyway. Her characters in both Frances Ha and Mistress America  especially the latter  feel like responses to Gerwigs frustration that she was always considered a muse, not a creator.

Both characters are women who cling to an impractical, unsustainable (financially and emotionally) existence they are slowly forced to leave behind. Frances is a recent grad bouncing from apartment to apartment, always on the verge of going broke, who swaps her dream of being a modern dancer for a desk job and a track to becoming a choreographer. In Mistress America, Gerwigs Brooke takes her soon-to-be stepsister, a Barnard first-year named Tracy (Lola Kirke), under her wing. At 30, Brooke is on the edge of being too old (by Hollywood standards) for the whimsicality of her life. Shes basically a Barbie. She can be anything and actually has to be to make ends meet: She sings in a band; shes a SoulCycle instructor; she puts on glasses to tutor middle-schoolers; she has a rich boyfriend in Greece; shes a would-be restaurateur seeking a backer. Tracy secretly writes stories about her, lifting details from her life for her own creative advancement.

Brookes big moment, her climactic lay-it-all-out-there scene, is a plea for money; she lost the funding for her restaurant (the only thing that tethered her to a future), and she shows up at an ex-boyfriends house with Tracy and two of her classmates and winds up having to pitch her restaurant idea to him. The scenario starts out madcap but veers hard into an earnest plea as Brooke describes a restaurant where you can also get your hair cut and the waiters come out and share a meal with you. This could all be something you guys share in, she explains. Part of the life and food  And everyone would be so warm and happy inside knowing they had participated in something that was only good. (In the end, shes offered money but not to make the restaurant; the ex wants to help free her from her debts and then sleep with her whenever hes in the city.)

With Lady Bird, her solo directorial debut, Gerwig moved out of muse territory into nominated for five Oscars including Best Director territory. She used that newfound Hollywood power to direct Little Women, which came out in 2019 at the height of the Trump years and the most powerful moment of Hollywoods Me Too reckoning, when any movie directed by a woman was imbued with symbolic cultural significance. (That eras optimism about collective feminism feels so unrealistic now its uncomfortable even to type out that context.) But Gerwig wasnt making just any movie; she was telling the archetypal story about womens personal ambitions, taking their lives seriously even when their dramas are small and their everyday challenges are grounded in the mundane and the interior. When she wasnt nominated for Best Director, it was considered a feminist travesty. Hillary Rodham Clinton addressed the snub in an interview with Variety, and Natalie Portman wore a cape embroidered with her name and those of other female directors who werent nominated.

I took two separate people to Little Women. I saw it with a friend right after she announced she was engaged and pregnant. I was so taken with Jos struggle that afterward at the bar, I drunkenly told her women could either be in love or be great at work, not both. I slurred at her about the ways I was Jo and she was Meg. You chose a baby, and I chose a book, I declared. I dont think these are mutually exclusive, I remember her responding, stiffly. I went back to see it with my mother so I could jab her arm when the Women are fit for more than love riff really popped off, hoping the speech would explain to her why she needed to stop sending me texts about finding the one.

Rewatching Little Women now, I found myself more drawn to Amys speech in the movie, in which she lays out both how marriage is an economic proposition and the truth of being a woman and having no financial independence. It is wholly unsentimental, yet it felt like a more honest point about womanhood  that the compromises we make are pragmatic and necessary for advancement and safety. Why should I be ashamed of that? Ive always known Id marry rich, Amy says matter-of-factly.

Look past the muddled feminism and the pro forma blockbuster car-chase scene and Barbie still feels laden with Gerwigs main considerations. In an interview with Rolling Stone, she pointed not to Glorias big moment but to the second monologue, delivered by Robbies Barbie at the end of the movie, as the key to understanding it all. By now, Barbie Land has been restored. Barbies maintain control of everything, and Kens cannot live in the Dreamhouse, though Barbie does offer Ken an equality bone; not every night has to be girls night. But even though Barbie Land is still a matriarchal utopia and the real world is still horrible to women, Barbie chooses to leave. She doesnt want to be an idea; she wants to be the one doing the imagining, she says tearily over a home-video montage of women at various life stages being happy. Better to be the director than the muse.

The thing about those big Gerwig monologues, though, is that they always end in that same self-actualized happy place, without the complications of what comes after you get to be seen as a person, which is maybe why they feel good to watch. Her movies enact a fantasy in which the biggest hurdle is deciding you want to become something. The rest, they seem to imply, will work itself out. Frances has her desk job and a future as a choreographer. Brooke moves to L.A., a kinder climate for her freewheeling nature (In L.A., I qualify as well read, she quips). Lady Bird puts on a blazer and calls her mother. Jo writes a book, and Amy secures a financially stable future by taming the fuckboy she always had a crush on. And Greta, shes remaking The Chronicles of Narnia.

As for Barbie, she puts on her talismanic Lady Birdesque blazer and pink Birks and exchanges her perfect existence for death, taxes, and gyno appointments of womanhood. Its a perfect Gerwig ending. Although I cant help but think that if the home-video montage of This Womans Life had included scenes of death or illness or worse, the eternal plucking and replucking of the five-to-seven chin hairs that will never not grow back, Barbie would have opted to stay in Barbie Land.
Parents and children are an eternal problem in society. In the frenetic show business, stars usually don't have time to start a family. Some only care about their careers, forgetting about their firstborns.

ADVERTISIMENT

Conflicts in celebrity families are usually hidden, but there are celebrities who have sincerely shared stories of crisis periods in their relationships with relatives. We are talking about celebrities who did not raise their own children. Read more in the OBOZREVATEL article.

Jackie Chan and Etta Wu Zholin

Jackie Chan, a famous actor, has two children - a 40-year-old son and a 23-year-old daughter. It should be noted that he is actively involved in the life of his son, but not his daughter. Etta Wu Zholin was born when Jackie Chan was having an affair with actress Elaine Ng Yi-Lei. However, the Hollywood macho man did not pay enough attention and time to raising the girl. In an interview with E!News, Etta said that she does not see Jackie Chan as her father.

ADVERTISIMENT

"He may be my biological father, but he has never been present in my life. I have no personal connection with him and he is not my father. My mum was the main figure in my life and she is enough for me," said Etta.

Michael and Cameron Douglas

Hollywood actor Michael Douglas admitted to Today in 2010 that he was too focused on his career when his son Cameron was growing up. Douglas spent part of his life filming films, so he was absent from his family.

Now Michael is trying to make up for lost time: "My priorities have completely changed. My marriage and family definitely come first before my career." He understands that professional success used to come first, but now his priorities have changed.

ADVERTISIMENT

Anthony Hopkins and Abigail

Anthony Hopkins has an only daughter named Abigail. However, he did not take an active part in her life, and they have a difficult relationship. In her childhood, the girl saw her father only once a year, which led to conflicts in her teenage years.

Distancing himself from Abigail, Anthony Hopkins expressed his unwillingness to restore their relationship even after 20 years. In an interview with The Telegraph, he said that he had done everything he could, but if his daughter did not want to be a part of his life, he would not impose his presence.

Caitlyn Jenner and children from her first marriage

ADVERTISIMENT

American TV star Caitlyn Jenner has six biological children, three stepdaughters and one stepson. In the show "Keeping Up with the Kardashians", she seemed to be the perfect mum, although in reality she had a difficult relationship with her older children. During the 1980s, she was practically absent from the lives of Bert, Casey, Brandon and Brody, who were born to former partners Christie Crownover and Linda Thompson.

Caitlyn admits that this period was particularly difficult as she was coming to terms with her gender identity and transitioning. Caitlyn has apologised to her older children for her absence and imperfect upbringing. Although the relationship between Jenner and the older children has become more complicated, the family is looking to the future together, trying to come to terms with the past.

ADVERTISIMENT

"The fact that we lost, you know, a certain period of our lives is probably the hardest thing we have to face. We try not to look back. We just look forward," son Brandon commented in an interview with US magazine.

John and Drew Barrymore

Actress Drew Barrymore speaks candidly about her difficult relationship with her father, the legendary theatre actor John Barrymore. She recalls that although she loved her father, she always wanted more of his presence in her life. Drew couldn't count on her father and had to make difficult decisions on her own.

"My father was addicted to drugs, he didn't pay attention to his appearance. He wasn't always able to take responsibility for his actions," the actress said in an interview with The Shop.

ADVERTISIMENT

Earlier, OBOZREVATEL wrote about stars who abandoned their parents. The celebrities broke off relations with their families for many years, and some of them still haven't reconciled. Read more in our article.

Only verified information is available in our Obozrevatel Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Photo: A24

A24 has a reputation for being a bastion of art-house horror, thanks to its ties to Ari Aster and Robert Eggers and releases like It Comes at Night and Saint Maud. But the companys latest find, the Australian movie Talk to Me, is gratifyingly quick to the chase, skipping a slow burn in favor of a premise with an easy simplicity. A figurine has been kicking around the teenage scene in suburban Australia  one that supposedly grants the ability to communicate with the dead. This otherworldly object has the shape of an outstretched hand and is creepy while also looking like something you might find in the sale section at Urban Outfitters. Its current owners claim that beneath the ceramic is the embalmed limb of a medium or a satanist, but no one knows if this is true or cares all that much. What matters is that the thing works  if you clasp it and say talk to me, you see what appears to be a ghost, and if you add, I let you in, the ghost will take over your body until someone else pries the statuette out of your grasp. There are other rules involving a candle and ensuring the possession doesnt last for longer than 90 seconds, but the characters see the hands powers as an unparalleled party trick rather than as an exact science. Proof of an afterlife? Sure, but more than anything, its tremendous content.

The film understands tech as a vector for teen isolation and regards it with a resignation thats interesting, coming from two people who made a name for themselves online.

In fact, the first time we see someone in the grip of the hand, its on the screen of a phone belonging to Mia (Sophie Wilde), though her best friend Jade (Alexandra Jensen) thinks the videos fake. Danny and Michael Philippou, Talk to Mes directors, would know, given that they cut their teeth running a 6.74 millionsubscriber strong YouTube channel infamous for wild stunts and DIY effects. Their feature-film debut is, in comparison, an impressively slick piece of work, one that puts thought into how the movement of the camera reflects Mias increasing disorientation after a rowdy supernatural session. But theyre still button-pushers at heart, as becomes clear whenever the ghosts are involved  possession, it turns out, is tremendously fun when youre young enough to be convinced that you yourself will never die. The scenes with the hand are the movies best, with its cool-kid owners Joss (Chris Alosio) and Hayley (Zoe Terakes) ringleading friends through rounds of supernatural experimentation as though they were all peer-pressuring each other into doing keg stands. When in control of a spirit, peoples pupils become vast black pools, voices turn creaky, and behavior becomes totally unpredictable, and while its eerie, it does seem harmless enough until Jades kid brother Riley (Joe Bird) begs for a turn and Mia pushes for him to get one.

The trouble with Mia is that to her, unlike her peers, death is real. Her mother, Rhea (Alexandria Steffensen), was found dead two years earlier in the family home from an overdose of pills, and Mia is in deep denial about the fact that it doesnt seem to have been an accident. Remaining estranged from her father Max (Marcus Johnson), shes become a surrogate member of Jades family  Miranda Otto is entertaining as the all-seeing matriarch  though Jade herself has been pulling away and focusing on a new relationship with a mutual friend named Daniel (Otis Dhanji). Wilde plays her character as a grinning goofball whos trying hard to seem normal. But in her scenes with Jade, whom she tries to cling to, and Daniel, who was once her childhood sweetheart, theres a yearning desperation that makes others pull away. Its of course the possibility of contacting her mother that leads Mia to break through the barely-there guide rails the others have established and to let the spirits into her life.

Talk to Me has some solid scares and a particularly gnarly sequence involving a possession gone wrong, but it also has an understated ambivalence about the devices the characters are quick to hold up as soon as anything noteworthy looks like it might be happening. Its opening scene, a long tracking shot following a guy named Cole (Ari McCarthy) through a raucous house party to retrieve his distressed brother, finds the pair emerging from a back room to a wall of camera-phone flashes turned their way. Mia retreats into her phone for comfort instead of reaching out to her father, watching videos not just of her mom, but of closer days with Jade. When Daniel French-kisses a dog while under the control of an amorous ghost, the first thing he does when released is beg for everyone to delete the video. The film isnt so unhip as an anti-tech treatise, but it does understand tech as a vector for teen isolation and posturing and regards it with a resignation thats interesting, coming from two people who made a name for themselves online. Talk to Me doesnt quite have something pointed to say about it, or anything else, but thats okay  its just here to show you a good time and then usher itself out before overstaying its welcome.
Every once in a while, What We Do in the Shadows likes to remind its viewers that its protagonists are monsters. Usually, these moments are more about the wholesale murder thats necessary for Nandor, Nadja, and Laszlo to survive. (This was a more prominent theme in season one than in subsequent seasons, fwiw.) But The Campaign takes a beat to delve into the dark heart of Colin Robinson, who  as Ive mentioned before in these recaps  is secretly the sickest bastard of them all.

Colin sees an opportunity when, in a carryover from last weeks Pride Parade episode, Seans nine DUIs prevent him from running for Staten Island comptroller. (The upper limit, according to Colin, is two or three.) Now, Ive been trying to figure out what exactly it is that a comptroller does. And as far as I can tell, its a sort of chief accountant whos responsible for making sure that government budgets are being spent correctly. It sounds boring, meticulous, and ample with opportunities for pedantry  the ideal job for an energy vampire.

But Colin just got reborn. His adolescent brain is mushy and ill-equipped for rational decision-making. And so, in an impulsive, shortsighted move, Colin chooses the instant gratification of feeding on the audience at a debate rather than installing himself in a stable job where he can suck the will to live out of humans eight hours a day, five days a week (with benefits!). By doing so, he all but guarantees the victory of his opponent, Barbara Lazarro (Marceline Hugot, a.k.a. Kathy on 30 Rock), who promises to cut through the red tape and eliminate bureaucracy  the gum that clogs the gears of every human endeavor  forever. Thats why the Supreme Council of Energy Vampires had to call Colin in and threaten him with a 542-page document full of fine print and legalese.

The original-recipe Vampiric Council first appeared in season one, and as in that star-studded episode, The Campaign takes the opportunity to introduce some famous guest stars. The key character traits of the energy-vampire council members are that they speak in monotone, are fussy and clumsy, and never speak exactly in unison. And while I cant speak to their personal aptitude with technology (or lack thereof), Jo Firestone, Hannibal Buress, Aparna Nancherla, Gregg Turkington, and Martha Kelly are all known for their deadpan comedy style, and as an ensemble they were perfectly cast. (I loved the matching tan suits, too.)

The thing I found truly perverse was the way that Colin rekindled his relationship with Evie Russell (Vanessa Bayer), an emotional vampire who must clean up on Facebook. Evie is also a callback to the first season of the show: She was introduced in the episode Werewolf Feud, first as Colins co-worker at an anonymous office job, then as a powerful adversary, then as his partner in a why not? sort of situationship. Evies been milking their subsequent breakup for the last four years, and to have Colin come back to her and present her with a plastic knockoff of the Heart of the Ocean from Titanic in front of a room full of embittered singles must have given them both a real rush.

Colins motivations are calculated; he just needs someone to stand next to him and smile. But the arrangement works out for Evie, too, given how pathetic and pitiable of a creature the silent wife standing next to the disgraced politician can be. Theyre using each other to manipulate others and getting off on it. Like I said, theyre real sickos.

This ends up being a single-episode arc, as Colin (and the writers of The Campaign, career TV scribes Max Brockman and Shana Gohd) finds an easy exit from the narrative. In short, Colin Toobins himself on-camera during a Zoom campaign event, and Evie checkmates the situation by declaring that she must carry on her idiot husbands campaign. She wins  not just the election, but also enough pity to gorge herself on for weeks. Shes happy, hes happy, the Supreme Council of Energy Vampires is happy. The only losers here, as always, are every human that crosses their path.

Aside from Colins campaign, this weeks episode was light on the ongoing story line: Nadjas back at the Antipaxan night diner introduced in episode two, reconnecting with her roots and remembering what it was like to have a human family. But that was mostly just an excuse to put Matt Berry in a series of ridiculous outfits and have him monologue about being an Englishman to the manor born. (To be clear, I have no complaints about that.) Nandors story line, about his attempts to befriend a Jewish guy at the gym played by Robert Smigel (a.k.a. Triumph the Insult Comic Dog), was similarly slight.

And all that is fine! In terms of jokes, every character  except for Guillermo, whos barely in this episode  had a moment this week that made me laugh out loud: Nandor growling very cool when he finds out his new friend is Jewish. (Positive stereotypes are still stereotypes, Nandor.) Laszlo shaking the dogs hand at the diner. Nadja pouring coffee directly onto the Greek salad. Colin referring to his supporters as Colin-izers.

The only problem is that What We Do in the Shadows is starting to repeat itself. Along with the callbacks Ive already mentioned in the Colin story line, Nandor already had a gym-rat phase back in season three. As long as the laughs keep coming, I suppose it doesnt really matter if we keep going back to the same scenarios  this is a sitcom, after all. But, as with our vampire protagonists, theres a real risk of getting stuck in a rut if season five keeps looking to the past for ideas.

Craven Mirth

 Hello, my sexy Greek extended family!

 I can speak 14 languages, as long as theyre English.

 Normally we give out a line reading of the week award in these recaps. But this time, Id like to give a special shout-out to the What We Do in the Shadows costume department, who killed it this week: Nadjas blood-red vinyl dress with the puffy sleeves, which reminded me of Gary Oldmans armor in Bram Stokers Dracula. Laszlos coral board shorts, Kangol hat, and Four Score and Seven Beers Ago shirt. Nandors juggler at Burning Man workout pants and Twilight-esque pallor. All superb.

 Kill Them! Kill them! Kill Them! How many times have I said that to you in Greek?

 Nicidamongonicians. Thats a tongue twister.

 A wet-headed, wide-bodied ignorant oaf with the brains of chewing gum  a pompous, perverted oaf  the King of Pigs. My king of pigs. Talking about your husband like this is peak heterosexual culture.

 This weeks episode also had some special treats for the movie nerds. If you look closely, series EP Taika Waititis movie Hunt for the Wilderpeople appears on the marquee when Nandor and his new buddy Alexander go to the movies. And while the story that audiences ran away in fear as a train moved toward the camera in LArrivee dun train en gare de La Ciotat has been largely disproven, a reference to a Lumiere brothers movie from 1895 in a mainstream sitcom is still pretty damn cool.
The Russian Military History Society has unveiled a monument to actor and director Yevgeny Matveyev in the temporarily occupied Kherson region. The invaders placed the monument in the village of Novoukrainka, Skadovsk district, where the film director was born in 1922.

ADVERTISIMENT

Despite the fact that Matveyev was born in Ukraine, he was never considered a Ukrainian filmmaker. This is confirmed by the propagandists themselves, who in the news about the opening of the monument present the filmmaker as "a favourite of many generations of Russians".

The Russians decided to unveil the monument to Matveyev in the occupied village, allegedly for the benefit of the locals, who "remember and are very proud of their countryman". The most interesting thing is that, according to his biography, the director lived in Novoukrainka only until the age of four.

The unveiling of the monument, next to which hostile Russian tricolours were placed, was attended by the deputy head of the RMHS Nikolay Ovsienko and the deputy head of the Kherson region's "government" Sergey Cherevko. The collaborator even wore a T-shirt with the letter Z on it.

ADVERTISIMENT

The propaganda media write: "Yevgeny Matveyev is remembered and loved by many generations of Russians for his unforgettable roles in films, especially Love in Russian"

The RMHS said that in 2023 they are going to open several more memorials in the occupied Ukrainian regions, in particular in the so-called L/DPR, as well as in Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions. The monument to Matveyev was the first such object this year, and thanks to the work of Ukrainian defenders, it will be the last.

ADVERTISIMENT

Earlier, OBOZREVATEL reported that a monument to Russian Lieutenant General Roman Kutuzov was unveiled in the temporarily occupied Mariupol. He commanded the DPR army corps and took part in the capture of the city in 2022. Read more in our article.

Only verified information is available in our Obozrevatel Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Share Comment on this story Comment

DES MOINES, Iowa  Donald Trump and his top rivals for the GOP presidential nomination took the stage one by one Friday night to address an influential gathering of Iowa Republicans, with none of the top-tier hopefuls mentioning that new federal charges had been filed against the former president just a day earlier.

Instead, Trumps competitors mostly reserved their sharpest criticism for President Joe Biden and a Democratic Party they argued had lost touch with mainstream America  failing to pounce on additional counts over Trumps retention of classified documents that might have otherwise been an opportunity to cut into his comfortable early lead in the polls.

The time for excuses is over. We must get the job done, said Ron DeSantis. I will get the job done.

The Florida governor also repeated his frequent promise to halt the weaponization of the Justice Department, an allusion to Trumps legal troubles. But he offered no specific thoughts on the cases against him  even though Trump is also bracing to be charged soon in Washington over his efforts to overturn the 2020 election.

Advertisement

The former president frequently avoids attending multicandidate events in person, questioning why he would share a stage with competitors who are badly trailing him in polls. Still, with Iowas first-in-the-nation caucus less than six months away, Trump joined a dozen other GOP hopefuls in speaking to about 1,200 GOP members and activists at the Lincoln Day Dinner.

If I werent running, I would have nobody coming after me, Trump said in his only veiled reference to his legal issues. He also insisted the same would be true if he were trailing in the polls.

While DeSantis didnt mention the former president by name, meanwhile, Trump didnt return the favor. He told the crowd, I wouldnt take a chance on that one, and repeatedly branded him DeSanctus.

Trump was even blunter before the dinner as he opened a campaign office in Urbandale, outside Des Moines.

Advertisement

I understand the other candidates are falling very flat ... its like death, Trump said.

More than 100 people packed the small office, many wearing Make America Great Again hats and shirts. They had waited in 100-degree weather to enter, and the poorly ventilated office quickly became sweltering. Staff handed out water bottles, and people fanned themselves with campaign handouts. Some used paper towels to wipe away sweat.

Similar strong support for the former president was evident during the dinner, when many attendees wore Trump Country stickers, including 72-year-old Diane Weaver of Ankeny, Iowa.

I think he makes America great, said Weaver, a retiree who plans to caucus for Trump. I think he did it once and I think he can do it again.

West Des Moines resident Jane Schrader chose to wear her Trump Country sticker on her pants instead of at eye level. Im not quite dyed-in-the-wool. Im a supporter, but not that kind, said the retired physician, explaining her sticker placement.

Advertisement

DeSantis, who like most of Fridays speakers vowed to visit all of Iowas 99 counties, is Trumps strongest primary competitor but has been trying to reset his stalled campaign for two weeks. Hes increasingly focusing on Iowa in its efforts on trying to derail Trump, and spoke at the dinner in the midst of a two-day bus tour of the state.

The governors stumbles have raised questions about whether another candidate might be able to emerge from the field and catch the former president. Some evangelicals, who can be determinative in Iowas caucuses, have pointed to South Carolina Sen. Tim Scotts upbeat message and pulpit-style delivery as strengths that could help him rise there.

Share this article Share

Scott, who also spoke Friday night and didnt mention Trump or the cases against him, took a swipe this week at DeSantis over the Florida governors support for new standards that require the states teachers to instruct middle school students that slaves developed skills that could be applied for their personal benefit.

Advertisement

The only Black Republican in the U.S. Senate, Scott said all Americans should recognize how devastating slavery was. There is no silver lining to slavery, he added.

DeSantis has also faced criticism from teachers and civil rights leaders, as well as mounting pushback from some of his partys most prominent Black elected officials. Florida Rep. Byron Donalds said he hoped officials might correct parts of the curriculum addressing lessons on the developed skills of enslaved people. Texas Republican Rep. Wesley Hunt, Michigan Rep. John James and Will Hurd, a former Texas congressman now also running in the GOP presidential primary, have also criticized DeSantis.

Still, the governor continued to dig in on the issue, saying at a pre-dinner event in Oskaloosa on Friday, D.C. Republicans all too often accept false narratives, accept lies that are perpetrated by the left.

Advertisement

John Niemeyer, 52, from Kalona, Iowa, attended DeSantis event and was impressed. But, as a high school teacher, hes not a fan of some of the governors positions on education policy.

I dont want to make our classrooms a political battlefield, he said, adding that it would be a mistake to make the issue the forefront of his campaign.

Vice President Kamala Harris made her own Iowa stop on Friday, seeking to draw a contrast with the Republicans as she looked to lift President Joe Bidens reelection campaign. Harris met in Des Moines with activists and discussed abortion rights, after Reynolds recently signed a ban on most abortions after six weeks of pregnancy.

I do believe that we are witnessing a national agenda that is about a full-on attack on hard won freedoms and hard won rights, the vice president said.

Advertisement

Trump, meanwhile, did face criticism Friday night from some Republican opponents, but only those considered long shots. Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchison declared, As a party, we need a new direction for America and for the GOP, drawing only muted reaction from the crowd.

Loud and sustained boos came, however, for Hurd, who said, The reason Donald Trump lost the election in 2020 is he failed to grow the GOP brand.

The former congressman pressed on, saying: Donald Trump is not running for president to make America great again. ... Donald Trump is running to stay out of prison.

That was the only reference to locking Trump up on the night, except for a surprising  and potentially coincidental  snippet of walk-on music played as the former president took the stage. Like all the candidates, the events organizers played parts of Brooks & Dunns Only in America as Trump approached.

But his part included the lyrics: One could end up going to prison. One just might be president.

___

Weissert reported from Washington.
Share Comment on this story Comment

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina  DNA tests have confirmed the identity of a man who was taken from his mother as a baby during Argentinas last military dictatorship, a human rights group said Friday, increasing the number of this type of case to 133. Are you on Telegram? Subscribe to our channel for the latest updates on Russias war in Ukraine. ArrowRight Estela de Carlotto, president of the Grandmothers of Plaza de Mayo, said at a news conference that the man, whose name was not released, was abducted during the 1976-1983 dictatorship and was the child of political dissidents.

The man is the biological son of Cristina Navajas and Julio Santucho and the grandchild of Nelida Navajas, who was a member of the Grandmothers of Plaza de Mayo and searched for him until her death in 2012.

The organization said the man had approached the group of his own accord, expressing doubts about his identity.

He was registered as the child of a member of the security forces and a nurse on March 24, 1977. A woman who was raised as his older sister told him that he was not the child of those who claimed to be his parents, the Grandmothers of Plaza de Mayo said in a statement.

Advertisement

Hes Santucho. Its clear we have similar traits, smiles, features, said Miguel Santucho, who is one of two biological brothers of the man and who was present at the news conference.

During the bloody dictatorship, military officials carried out the systematic theft of babies from political prisoners who were often executed and disposed of without a trace.

The Grandmothers of the Plaza de Mayo estimates around 500 children were snatched from their parents during the dictatorship and use DNA tests to locate them.

Share this article Share

Cristina Navajas, a member of the Revolutionary Workers Party and the Revolutionary Army of the People, was seized by security forces on July 13, 1976, when she was two months pregnant.

Through the testimony of survivors, it is known that she was held in numerous detention centers in Buenos Aires and nearby towns, and that in one of them she gave birth to her son, who was taken from her. She is among the estimated 30,000 individuals who were disappeared during the dictatorship, according to human rights organizations.

Advertisement

Navajas and Santucho had their first son, Camilo, in 1973, and Miguel two years later.

Miguel Santucho said his newly recovered brother expressed a desire to meet his entire biological family.

Hes happy, surprised by the magnitude of what he found, Santucho said. I have no doubt that we will be together for the rest of our lives.

Their father, who survived the dictatorship, took pains to emphasize the ordeal his partner had to go through.

Despite that, she had the will power to give birth to this child, which is wonderful and a demonstration of her strong character, Julio Santucho said.
Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Got it Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Hip-hop is more than just music: its a global cultural phenomenon. And this year marks a half-century since the movement started in New York City and rapidly spread across the globe. It took a long time to be adopted and understood by Australia. But if you go back four decades or so, youll uncover a vibrant and largely unknown history. In this exclusive music documentary we spoke to some of the most influential artists from Sydney and Melbourne and gained unique insight into how the hip-hop scene exploded Down Under. Hip-hop at its core incorporates four foundational elements: DJing/turntablism, MCing/rapping, B-boying/breaking, and graffiti. The culture emerged in the early 1970s in the Bronx in New York City during a time of economic decline and urban despair. One of its most influential pioneers was DJ Kool Herc, a Jamaican immigrant regarded as a founding father of hip-hop. DJ Kool Herc hosted a back to school jam with his sister Cindy Campbell, at 1520 Sedgwick Avenue in the south Bronx on August 11, 1973. During the party, Kool Herc debuted the Merry Go Round technique using two turntables. It was popular on the dance floor and quickly became key to the rise of rapping and breaking. This historic party is widely recognised to be the birthplace of hip-hop.

Advertisement

The original invitation for DJ Kool Hercs back to school jam on August, 11, 1973. It wasnt until about a decade later that hip-hop found its way to Australia. The first elements of the culture to be embraced here were breaking and graffiti, not music. The 1970s and 80s were a pre-internet time, so it was music videos like Malcolm McLarens Buffalo Gals (1982), and American feature films that showcased all the elements of hip-hop that enabled Australians to see the culture for the first time. One noticeable difference between the early era of hip-hop in Australia and now is the championing of all elements of the culture. To be considered a legitimate hip-hop artist in the 1980s and 90s, you had to practice multiple elements. Molly Meldrum was an early promoter of the element of breaking. When the legendary New York City breaking group Rock Steady Crew toured Australia in 1984, he hosted the Beat Street competition on Countdown. Breaking had become a pop culture phenomenon in Australia and the competition featured crews battling from all over the country. Molly Meldrum watches the Beat Street competition with Rock Steady Crew on Countdown in 1984. Credit: ABC / Countdown Graffiti was a very strong element of the culture in the early days of Australian hip-hop. It has remained one of the finest scenes in the world and several artists have received international acclaim over the past four decades. Melbourne grew into a street art mecca, boosting the citys commercial and tourism industry.

Advertisement

In 1988, a number of graffiti writers and breakdancers started to become rappers and DJs and the Australian hip-hop music industry was born. The first song to be released is widely considered to be Combined Talent by Sydney group Just Us in 1988. They put the 808 drum machine on and just started rapping over the top. A bit of scratching and cutting; it was just so raw, says DJ Peril, a founding member of 1200 Techniques, about the song. Combined Talent was closely followed by an LP from the Park Bench Royals in Melbourne and Australias first hip-hop compilation Down Under By Law was also released the same year. The compilation was the first hip-hop album put out by a major record label  Virgin Records  and features some of the genres earliest artists from Sydney. Down Under By Law was Australias first hip hop compilation released by Virgin Records in 1988. Its important to note that there wasnt much mainstream love for hip-hop in Australia in the 1980s and 90s and many groups made demos that were never released  its difficult to say who all the early hip-hop groups were or name every pioneer in the culture. At the beginning we were all just artists ourselves that were bouncing ideas off each other. We would go to gigs, and we knew all the other artists because it was a small community, says MC and graffiti artist Mistery. Bands such as 1200 Techniques, Lyrical Commission, Resin Dogs, Downsyde, Bliss n Eso, Koolism and Hilltop Hoods ushered in a new wave of hip-hop that brought mainstream success in the 2000s.

Advertisement

Melbournes 1200 Techniques were the first Australian hip-hop group to win an ARIA award in 2002 with their hit song Karma, before hip-hop was even given a category. We helped shine a light on making it [hip-hop] a commodity in this country. We were the first commercial crossover but you didnt see all the squirming we did to get there, in the room upstairs with the head honchos of all the radio stations, rapping in front of them, trying to impress them. It was pretty hard. Somehow, we got over, says DJ Peril. Shortly after 1200 Techniques hit the mainstream, Hilltop Hoods became one of the biggest hip-hop forces in the country. The Adelaide trio have won numerous awards and had significant commercial success over the past 30 years. Hilltop Hoods are one of the most successful hip hop groups in Australia. Credit: Fairfax Indigenous and minority communities have also had a significant impact. Hip-hop has been closely associated with minorities since its inception in New York City. First Nations people and immigrant communities have been at the forefront of the Australian hip-hop scene since its earliest days. One of the most significant First Nations artists today is Baker Boy, from Arnhem Land. His track Marryuna, released in 2018, was the first song to make the Triple J Hottest 100 using an Indigenous language; Baker Boy is the first MC to hit the mainstream rapping in his native Yolu Matha tongue.

Advertisement
If someone asks you if youre watching the new Steven Soderbergh series, the correct reply is which one? The now veteran filmmaker, who turned 60 earlier this year, not only has the knotty crime drama Full Circle currently airing on Foxtel and Binge, but without warning he has also just released Command Z, a low-budget act of science-fiction invention, through his website extension765.com. As ever with Soderbergh, his ideas outrun release schedules.

Director Steven Soderbergh at the Tribeca Festival in New York in June 2021. Credit: EvanAgostini/Invision/AP

The Academy Award-winning director is a masterful visual stylist, but his most fascinating professional trait is his fascination with tinkering. Soderbergh likes to take apart and reassemble genres, industry preconceptions such as marketing, and the durability of stars appeal. Making a mysterious series available to stream through his website for a one-off cost of about $12 ($US7.99) is very much on brand for Soderbergh.

Self-financed by Soderbergh, with all proceeds going to the charity Childrens Aid and the Boston University Centre for Antiracist Research, Command Z is a subversively sly double bill of satirical jibes and ingenious suggestion. With eight mini-episodes that clock in at roughly 95 minutes in total, its neither a segmented movie nor weekly appointment viewing. The nimble structure feels just right for the reality-shifting narrative.

Set in the middle of this century, it finds a trio of American workers  Emma (Chloe Radcliffe), Sam (Roy Wood jnr), and Jamie (J.J. Maley)  reporting to a facility where their now digitised billionaire boss, the AI form of Kerning Fealty (Michael Cera), reveals that he needs to move their consciousness via a wormhole and psychedelics to 2023, so they can briefly inhabit the bodies of those closest to the people whose actions will contribute to the fraying of the United States and a disastrous global environmental collapse.
Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Got it Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size As United Nations scientists confirm early reports that July is likely to be the hottest month on record following heatwaves sweeping across the world, experts warn Australia is ill-prepared for the heat and putting the health of thousands at risk. Its possible that without emission cuts and as climate change worsens, Sydneys temperature highs could rise from 26.4 degrees to 29 degrees by 2100  a climate typically experienced in places such as Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. Some councils extend the opening hours of pools and libraries in summer to help communities cope with increasing heat. Credit: Kate Geraghty In a bid to beat the heat, councils across Sydney have trialled or implemented new heat-mitigating tools. These included covering roads in a sunscreen-like paint to lower temperatures or heat refuges, extending the hours of public facilities  such as libraries or pools  in summer and ensuring urban heat is considered as part of planning approvals. Some councils are even planting more trees to increase shade, although research shows current efforts fall short of what is needed. One in seven Sydney suburbs is in dire need of more tree canopy cover and the lack of heat-mitigating shade is worst in the citys poorest areas or areas facing new development. But Sebastian Pfautsch, an associate professor in urban planning at Western Sydney University, said these small-scale projects are not enough. The issue is so big and critical that it needs to be approached much more holistically. Just the nature of turning an agricultural field, forest or bushland into a city, means we are changing the thermal mass of the landscape, he said. Its the biggest land use change globally.

Advertisement

Pfautsch said cities had fewer surfaces, including trees, to absorb moisture and sun, contributing to a warming effect. Around the world, cities have come up with innovative large-scale ways to tackle the problem. For example, in the US, cities are painting their roofs white to lower temperatures by up to 3 degrees, and Paris is using pipes to pump cool water into the Louvre to protect artworks from the heat. Some US and European cities are placing plants on roofs to help absorb heat. Credit: Getty Images Buildings in the US and Europe have covered roofs with plants, allowing them to decrease stormwater run-off, save energy, reduce pollution and erosion, absorb carbon dioxide, cool urban heat islands and filter air pollutants. They also provide unique habitats for animals. And its not just infrastructure thats changing. Councils across the world, including some in Melbourne and Sydney, have hired chief heat or resilient officers who are in charge of ensuring appropriate plans are in place for hot days, or future proofing cities. But most of Australia lags. And without adequate heat mitigation and adaptation plans, Sydneys residents will also be exposed to greater heat-related risks. Between 2006 and 2017, more than 2 per cent of all deaths in Australia were heat-related. And sometimes plans alone are not enough.

Advertisement

In Europe, which has some strong heat mitigation initiatives, 61,000 people died in last years summer heat waves. This number will most likely worsen unless there is systemic change, experts say. Professor Andy Marks, executive director of the centre for western Sydney at Western Sydney University, said Australians have been failed by a lack of determined co-ordination by all levels of government. Last year, the state government abandoned its plan to ban dark roofs  aimed at reducing temperatures and energy costs for homes. Credit: Rhett Wyman Local councils are on the hook for this but they are not resourced to deal with it themselves, and they are beholden to regulations set by state governments, he said. Marks pointed to the example of former planning minister Rob Stokes attempts to ban the use of dark roofs on new developments, which contribute to the urban heat island effect. It was overturned the moment he was gone because the developers whined. In Sydneys wealthier east and north, children get shade in a park, Marks said. Public health physician and a counsellor at the Climate Council Dr Kate Charlesworth said urban heat also exposed geographic inequity, with those in social and affordable housing more at risk than those living in beachside suburbs.

Advertisement

While escaping the heat and heading to libraries, shopping centres or heat refuges are solutions, it can be tricky for those living far away or with limited resources to access cool spaces. Heat is a silent killer, she said. There are a lot of people at great risk. Penrith resident Ben Abraham is concerned hotter summers might impact his chickens. Credit: Janie Barrett Many of Sydneys record heat temperatures have been recorded in the past five years. The hottest day was recorded in Penrith in 2020 when the temperature almost hit 50 degrees. Penrith resident Ben Abraham, said he still remembers that day for the baking heat that radiated off the ground. We were just lucky to have a house solar and good air-con. I was just so afraid for all of the animals and people outside. It was like being on another planet, he said. Abraham recently got some chickens, but he worries about what hell do with them on future hot days. His current plan is to bring them inside to keep them cool. He said Penrith, like many western Sydney suburbs, can be very hot in summer but thinks poor tree cover and the widening of roads has done little to mitigate the heat.

Advertisement

Loading What are better solutions? Emma Bacon, the founder of Sweltering Cities, an organisation that works directly with communities in the hottest suburbs to campaign and advocate for more liveable, equitable and sustainable cities, said that, despite councils taking the initiative, state and federal governments were lagging. We need more green cover in cities, we need to make sure everything we are building is safe for the future and we need to prepare the health system effectively, she said. Bacon is among many people and groups that have signed up to the Greater Sydney Heat Taskforce, led by the Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils. The group will meet next week to discuss how to build better resilience to the heat, and comprises 33 councils, various local health districts, the Bureau of Meteorology, the Australian Medical Association and others. Among them will be Sydneys chief resilience officer Beck Dawson. She said the taskforce was the first time co-ordinated collaboration had been taken between so many agencies, businesses and community groups. It offers a unique opportunity to address the problems, the best solutions and the structures in place to better prepare the city. What we had before is not the same as whats to come. As a community, we need to heed that advice, she said. But Dawson is optimistic that Sydney will be able to prepare for the heat with ample education and greater collaboration between agencies. Its all about doing it as soon as possible.

Advertisement
For 519 days now, the world's attention has been focused on Ukraine because of Russia's full-scale invasion. On the eve of the war, most states urged their citizens to leave Ukrainian territory because of the danger. In the first days of martial law, mostly all diplomats, students and other foreigners evacuated abroad.

ADVERTISIMENT

However, there are stars in Hollywood who were not afraid and visited Ukrainians in these difficult times. OBOZREVATEL tells about the celebrities who visited Ukraine during the war: some of them volunteered, some were at the front, and some just came to visit.

Angelina Jolie

Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie arrived in Ukraine, specifically in Lviv, on 30 April 2022. The star decided to visit Ukrainians on her own initiative, not with the UN mission. Jolie visited a hospital where injured children are being treated, talked to volunteers, orphans in boarding schools and evacuees at the railway station. In addition, the star walked the streets during the alert and tasted Lviv croissants.

ADVERTISIMENT

Sean Penn

Sean Penn, a frequent visitor to Ukraine, came to make a film about Russian crimes. In 2022, he visited Kyiv three times. The American director handed over his Oscar statuette to Volodymyr Zelenskyy as a symbol of faith in Ukraine's victory.

The President presented Sean Penn with the Order of Merit, III class, for significant personal services in strengthening interstate cooperation, supporting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. The "Alley of Courage" on Constitution Square in Kyiv features plaques with the initials of world leaders who helped Ukraine during the full-scale Russian invasion, including a plaque with Sean Penn's name on it.

ADVERTISIMENT

Ben Stiller

Hollywood actor Ben Stiller arrived at the Polish-Ukrainian border to meet with refugees and then met with Zelenskyy. On 18 June 2022, Stiller walked the streets of Lviv and talked to passers-by, before travelling to Makariv and Irpin.

Carry Fukunago

Shortly after the start of Russia's full-scale invasion in April 2022, director Cary Fukunaga came to Kyiv. The director of 007: A Time to Die was with Kyiv residents in the subway during the air raid.

ADVERTISIMENT

Fukunaga joined the World Central Kitchen project, which organises meals after natural disasters. In the subway, he and his team distributed food to residents of the capital. Impressed by the stories of war victims, Fukunaga filmed the bomb shelter to tell the world about the real situation in Ukraine.

Liev Schreiber

Actor and producer Liev Schreiber has visited Ukraine twice. In April 2022, he came to Lviv, and in August he visited Kyiv. The star is an ambassador of the UNITED24 charity platform, which aims to help Ukrainians in difficult times. Liev is involved in the creation of a separate military hospital for wounded Ukrainian defenders.

ADVERTISIMENT

Earlier, OBOZREVATEL told about the presentation of the book "Top 100 American Entrepreneurs of Ukrainian Descent". At the event, Hollywood stars supported Ukraine by raising $80,000.

Only verified information is available in our Obozrevatel Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Im sure were still being discriminated against, Griffith said. The centres lawyer, Alan Flint, argued that the Kelly descendants should be recognised as a distinct cultural group and said their legal entitlement to bring the case was akin to Aboriginal groups and veterans who are afforded protections under Victorias Charter of Human Rights. We were hunted back then, and were still hunted now. Joanne Griffiths, Kelly family descendant They view themselves as cultural custodians, Flint told Justice Melinda Richards on July 6. The structures threatened to entrench the gross disrespect to the descendants that would take place if that tower is completed, Flint argued, adding that the family had undergone distress and persecution as a result of the development.

I know that the cultural rights have been disputed, but if you look at the rights in the Human Rights Act as what constitutes a cultural group, the cultural group is part of the group that has a common racial, religious or cultural background and see themselves as part of the culture. Action was taken against the City of Wangaratta, Heritage Victoria and the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC). Ned Kelly in chains taken by Charles Nettleton at the gaol the day before he was hanged. The town of Glenrowan is where Kelly was finally captured by police in June 1880. The other members of the Kelly Gang died during an incident later called the siege of Glenrowan. Joe Byrne was shot by police, and Dan Kelly and Steve Hart died inside Ann Jones Glenrowan Inn, where the gang had been waiting with hostages.

The police set fire to the inn while they were still inside, and it burnt to the ground. Three civilians also died, including the publicans thirteen-year-old son. Barnaby Chessell, acting for the ARTC, argued against the proposition that Kellys descendants should be considered a distinct cultural group entitled to separate human rights. We submit in addition that descendants of Ned Kelly dont constitute a cultural group to which the protections afforded under the [human rights] charter would apply, he argued. Flint also accused the council and ARTC of fraud, and said the permits issued for construction were invalid on that basis.

Justice Richards dismissed the case, rejecting Griffiths application for an injunction and finding that the human rights charter did not apply because the Ned Kelly Centre is a corporation. She said Griffiths assertions she is part of a distinct cultural group are at present no more than assertions. Ms Griffiths is certainly passionate and determined in her efforts to protect and preserve Kelly related cultural heritage, but her affidavits told me nothing about any cultural practices she shares with other descendants of the Kelly family, Richards found. An artistic rendering of the Glenrowan Heritage Project tower. Credit: Glenrowan Heritage Project Part of the proposed development includes a viewing tower, a siege site experience enhanced with virtual and augmented realities and landscaping works around Lions Park. Presently there is a plaque commemorating the site, and a few tourist attractions including the Kates Cottage museum and an animatronic display called Kellyland.

I think its great, said Doug Stoneman, owner of Kates Cottage. Stoneman said he has just updated a Kelly mural in town and that the display will draw new tourists to the area. We dont know whats going there because its not open yet, but from what Ive been told its going to be a visual touchscreen which then lights up the actual area based on what it looked like back in the day, which sounds awesome. City of Wangaratta chief executive Brendan McGrath wouldnt comment on the case but said the community is eagerly awaiting the centre. During the hearing Justice Richards encouraged Flint to confine his arguments to the claims at hand, and avoid giving her a history lesson about past crimes inflicted on the Kelly family. You have a quite significant task to persuade me that I should grant relief in any form at the moment, and you really should focus on doing that rather than giving me a history lesson.

An ARTC spokesman said the Ned Kelly Centre seemed intent on pursuing the matter further despite the rejection by the court, and it would continue to legally defend the development should the need arise. Griffiths said she was absolutely mortified by the outcome and that she intended to appeal the decision. It is our history and our heritage and I think if anyone could present it in a way that it should be done, it should be us, but we seem to have no voice. Im most sure we are still being discriminated against, she said. The Kellys, lets just say, we havent had a great time with the courts over the last hundred-and-something years; have you noticed? Heritage Victoria declined to comment.
A woman allegedly shot in the head at her South Guildford home on Thursday has been remembered as a loving mother who was generous, kind and funny.

Georgia Lyall, 32, was found by police just after 10.30am on Thursday, sparking an investigation into her death.

Flowers were laid outside Georgia Lyalls house in South Guildford as police remained at the scene on Friday. Credit: Rebecca Peppiatt/Supplied

Within an hour of police being called to the incident, emergency crews were also called to a house fire in Innaloo, where the body of Lyalls ex-partner was discovered inside.

Police quickly linked the two deaths and are now treating them as a possible murder-suicide.
The WCO Anti-Corruption & Integrity Promotion (A-CIP) Programme successfully conducted a sub-regional workshop aimed at bolstering trade facilitation and cooperation efforts within the three countries of the Northern Triangle: El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. The workshop took place in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, from 10th to 14th July, and brought together officials from the three countries, as well as WCO experts and a representative of the Central American Economic Integration Secretariat (SIECA).

The activity was designed to promote greater transparency in Customs procedures and regulations to facilitate trade and reduce opportunities for corruption. The event provided a platform for the participants to exchange valuable insights gained from the Regional Time Release Study, which had been coordinated by the SIECA and the WCO Regional Vice-Chairs office in 2020. Discussions on a new Time Release Study in Honduras and El Salvador culminated in an action plan to be submitted to their respective administrations, furthering progress in this area.

In addition to work on the Time Release Study, the participants engaged in a constructive dialogue on improving the Coordinated Border Management (CBM) in the region. Emphasis was placed on identifying measures that require low investment but can yield quick and tangible results.

During the closing session, the Deputy Director of Honduras Customs emphasized the significance of the workshop for the Northern Triangle, noting that sharing experiences can prevent mistakes and lead to better-informed decisions. The Director of Trade Facilitation of SIECA extended an invitation to the WCO to continue collaborating and joining their efforts. On behalf of all participants, the representative of Guatemala praised the workshop as a valuable experience and a source of innovative ideas.

By fostering regional cooperation and knowledge-sharing, the WCO remains committed to supporting the collective action of its member countries in enhancing trade facilitation, transparency, and integrity. The WCO Anti-Corruption & Integrity Promotion (A-CIP) Programme supports more than 20 WCO Member administrations, with funding from Norad and Canada.

For more information, please contact capacity.building@wcoomd.org
Russian security forces in Rostov have been ordered to regularly look for saboteurs in the sky. The decision was made after the Taganrog bombings.

ADVERTISIMENT

Russian law enforcement officers have to check the sky every 15 minutes. This was reported by the Baza Telegram channel.

Thus, the Air Alert plan was introduced in Rostov-on-Don.

"All police and other security forces are ordered to inspect the airspace above the city every 15 minutes. The results of the observation should be recorded in a log," the statement said.

It is worth noting that in Taganrog, Russia, on the afternoon of 28 July, a powerful explosion occurred, and thick smoke rose over the city. The blast wave smashed windows in nearby houses, car alarms went off, and at least four people were reported injured.

As OBOZREVATEL previously reported, on Friday, 28 July, an explosion occurred in Samara. "Cotton" visited the Kuibyshev Oil Refinery.

Only verified information is available in our Obozrevatel Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
"Chilled coffee is poison," Italians joke as they recharge every morning with an exceptionally hot, flavorful espresso. oncentrated coffee is definitely not a poison and temperature has nothing to do with it," scientists say. According to Italian researchers, a high dose of caffeine can reduce the risk of dementia and even stop the development of dementia.

ADVERTISIMENT

New laboratory studies have shown: caffeine in high concentrations inhibits the formation of toxic protein characteristic of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. How many cups and when to drink it to keep your mind clear?

No sludge in the soul, sludge at the bottom: coffee as medicine

A team of Italian scientists from the University of Verona conducted an in vitro laboratory study and found a link between high concentrations of caffeine and inhibition of the tau protein intrinsic to Alzheimer's disease. According to the study published in the ACS Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry, high concentrations of caffeine may help reduce the risk of dementia.

In preliminary laboratory tests, scientists found that espresso compounds can eliminate a process linked to the onset of Alzheimer's disease. Caffeine slows down the aggregation of toxic proteins, thereby preventing or stopping the processes of dementia development.

ADVERTISIMENT

As the concentration of caffeine increased, the toxic proteins did not form larger layers; with pure coffee extract, the tau proteins became non-toxic to the cells.

"This was an interesting study by a group of scientists from Verona who are trying to turn coffee consumption from a potential risk into a health benefit," California neurologist Clifford Segil, who was not involved in the study, commented on the matter.

Coffee therapy pitfalls

Adding high doses of caffeine to test tubes of tau protein has resulted in the toxic protein no longer being a dangerous substance, which is common in neurological diseases that cause memory loss and tremors. The goal of such laboratory studies is to develop an effective therapy that could prevent the disease," Dr. Segil says.

"Tau is present in patients with Alzheimer's dementia and Parkinson's disease. In this study, adding a coffee drink to a simple form of tau protein prevented tau protein aggregation, condensation and activity. However, it is unclear whether the experimental results will actually lead to a new therapeutic strategy against neurodegenerative conditions," the doctor says

ADVERTISIMENT

Many current neurobiologists believe that these tau proteins may be more like freckles, which are more likely to be normal aging pigments rather than an accumulation that causes neurological disease, Segil notes.

Could antioxidants protect against dementia?

Coffee is one of the richest sources of antioxidants in the form of polyphenols. This more often than not leads scientists to speculate that it may have therapeutic health benefits, including reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes, some forms of cancer and brain disease.

Antioxidants alone are unlikely to provide complete protection against any disease or health condition, the neuroscientist says



"There are many antioxidant substances that have neuroprotective effects. Theoretically they could be beneficial to health, but claiming that coffee will protect someone from neurodegenerative disease is not acceptable at this stage."

ADVERTISIMENT

Still, the study authors say the results of their in vitro experiment could pave the way for finding effective solutions against neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's. Caffeine is a driving force in that search," the scientists said. Thus, drink coffee and believe in the best!
On Friday, 28 July, there was an explosion in Samara. "Cotton" visited the Kuibyshev Oil Refinery.

ADVERTISIMENT

There was no information about any injuries. This was reported by Russian propagandists, citing a statement by a member of the illegitimate State Duma, Alexander Hinstein.

"According to the preliminary version, an explosive device was planted. Fortunately, there was no serious damage or injuries," he said.

Russian security forces have already stated that they have allegedly identified and detained a suspect in the explosion at the Samara plant using body cameras.

According to the Baza Telegram channel, the explosion was allegedly set off by an employee of the plant. He was a 42-year-old native of Ukraine, Serhiy O.

He planted an improvised explosive device in an abandoned building of one of the workshops. After the explosion, he tried to leave for Kazakhstan but was detained at the border.

ADVERTISIMENT

It is worth noting that in Taganrog, Russia, on the afternoon of 28 July, a powerful explosion occurred, and thick smoke rose over the city. The blast wave smashed windows in nearby houses, set off car alarms, and at least four people were reported injured.

Only verified information is available in our Obozrevatel Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
BEIRUT (AP)  An impasse at the United Nations over a border crossing with Syria's last rebel-held enclave is putting 4.1 million Syrian there in danger, the president of the International Rescue Committee warned this week.

David Milibands comments came more than two weeks after the U.N. Security Council failed to renew the mandate for the Bab al-Hawa border crossing between Syria and Turkey, which secures aid for Syrians in the enclave.

The vast majority of people in northwestern Syria live in poverty and rely on aid to survive  a crisis that was further worsened by a devastating magnitude 7.8 earthquake that hit southern Turkey and northern Syria in February. The earthquake killed more than 50,000 people, including over 6,000 in Syria, according to the United Nations. The quake also displaced hundreds of thousands of others.

The people of northwest Syria can ill afford a new wave of suffering, having lived through the trauma of the earthquake, Miliband told The Associated Press in an interview on Tuesday.

He urged the Security Council to do its job and resume the humanitarian border crossing.

The council earlier in July failed to adopt one of two rival resolutions on the crossing. Russia, a top ally of the Syrian government in Damascus, vetoed a Swiss-Brazilian compromise resolution backed by Western countries that renewed authorization for the crossing of aid through Bab al-Hawa for six months. Moscows draft resolution with additional requirements  including increasing aid delivery to the opposition enclave through Damascus  only received Chinas backing.

The paralysis also comes as donor fatigue has led to aid cuts in aid to both northwestern Syria and neighboring countries hosting millions of Syrian refugees who fled the ongoing conflict, now in its 13th year.

Syrian President Bashar Assad opened two additional crossing points from Turkey at Bab al-Salameh and al-Rai to increase the aid flow to the quake victims. The U.N. says that some 85% of its aid to northwestern Syria goes through Bab al-Hawa, a more efficient route.

For the moment, Miliband said the International Rescue Committee is trying to cope by using other crossings and finding other ways of getting aid into the enclave.

Our point of view is that interference with the humanitarian crossing point poses severe danger to the efficiency and the effectiveness of humanitarian aid, he explained.

Additionally, the United States said Monday that it has joined major donors in demanding the U.N. be able to deliver aid through Bab al-Hawa independently and to everyone in need  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 Security Council initially authorized aid deliveries in 2014 from Turkey, Iraq and Jordan through four border crossing points into rebel-held areas in Syria.

However, Russia, backed by China, over the years successfully applied pressure to reduce the authorized crossings to just Bab al-Hawa, and the mandates from a year to six months.

Moscow alleges that militant groups in the northwestern province of Idlib are taking the aid and preventing it from reaching families in need. Russia and China have been calling for all aid to be routed through Damascus instead.

But Syrians in the northwestern enclave, as well as Western countries critical of Assad, say they are skeptical of the push.

Theres a lot of danger for people in need in northwest Syria, Miliband said. And its very important that theyre not forgotten.
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP)  Wildlife and environmental groups sued the Federal Aviation Administration on Monday over SpaceXs launch last month of its giant rocket from Texas.

SpaceXs Starship soared 24 miles (39 kilometers) high before exploding over the Gulf of Mexico on April 20. The rockets self-destruct system caused the nearly 400-foot (120-meter) rocket to blow up, as it spun out of control just minutes into the test flight.

An attorney for the Center for Biological Diversity, one of the plaintiffs, said the groups are suing over what they consider to be the FAAs failure to fully consider the environmental impacts of the Starship program near Boca Chica Beach in South Texas. They asked the court to throw out the five-year license the FAA granted to SpaceX.

The FAA declined comment, noting it doesn't comment on ongoing litigation. The agency is overseeing the accident investigation and has ordered all SpaceX Starships grounded until it's certain that public safety will not be compromised.

Over the weekend, SpaceX founder and chief executive, Elon Musk, said his company could be ready to launch the next Starship in six to eight weeks with the FAA's OK.

No injuries or significant damage to public property were reported from any of the rocket wreckage or flying pad debris. A large crater was carved into the concrete pad, as most of the rocket's 33 main engines ignited at liftoff.

The launch pad is on a remote site on the southernmost tip of Texas, just below South Padre Island, and about 20 miles from Brownsville.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reported last week that large concrete chunks, stainless steel sheets, metal and other objects were hurled thousands of feet (hundreds of meters) from the pad. In addition, a plume of pulverized concrete sent material up to 6.4 miles (10 kilometers) northwest of the pad, the service noted.

It was the first launch of a full-size Starship, with the sci-fi-looking spacecraft on top the huge booster rocket. The company plans to use it to send people and cargo to the moon and, ultimately, Mars. NASA wants to use Starship to ferry astronauts to the lunar surface as soon as 2025.

Joining the Center for Biological Diversity in the lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Washington, are the American Bird Conservancy, Surfrider Foundation, Save RGV (Rio Grande Valley) and the Carrizo/Comecrudo Nation of Texas.

Its vital that we protect life on Earth even as we look to the stars in this modern era of spaceflight, the Center for Biological Diversity's Jared Margolis said in a statement. Federal officials should defend vulnerable wildlife and frontline communities, not give a pass to corporate interests that want to use treasured coastal landscapes as a dumping ground for space waste.

Over the weekend, Musk said changes are being made at the launch pad to avoid what he called a dust storm and rock tornado" at the next launch.

To the best of our knowledge there has not been any meaningful damage to the environment that were aware of, Musk said.

Musk has promised to make improvements to the next Starship before it flies. The self-destruct system will need to be modified, he said, so that the rocket explodes immediately  not 40 seconds or so afterward, as was the case with this inaugural run, he said.

His remarks were made to a subscriber-only Twitter chat Saturday night that was later posted by others online.

This story was first published on May 1, 2023. It was updated on July 28, 2023 to correct the metric conversion for 6.4 miles to 10 kilometers.

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.
A rocket fell near the Zazersky farm, Tatsinsky district, Rostov region in Russia on the night of July 27. It caused a field to burn down, but no casualties were reported.

ADVERTISIMENT

The incident was reported by one of the local media, showing photos from the scene of the "emergency". According to this data, the missile flew into the ground about 15 km from the settlement.

Aviation fuel ignited and triggered a large fire. Two hectares of crops were destroyed.

"Locals report that the rumble was so strong that the windows shook," the article said.

The Russian propaganda media noted that "specialized agencies do not comment on what happened."

ADVERTISIMENT

The place where the munition fell is indirect evidence that this missile belongs to the Russian Armed Forces. Thus, the distance from the Zazersky farm to the border of Russia with the occupied territory of Ukraine exceeds 120 kilometers. There is no data on the type of missile yet.

ADVERTISIMENT

As previously reported by OBOZREVATEL:

- Mi-8 helicopter crashed in the village of Tyungur in the Altai region of the Russian Federation on July 27. Six people were killed, seven more were injured. According to eyewitnesses, the helicopter caught on a power line, crashed down and caught fire.

- Russian sappers who were conducting a mine clearance operation near the border with Ukraine blew themselves up in Bryansk region (Russian Federation) on the evening of July 21,. Two of them killed, one injured and hospitalized in the Trubchevskaya central district hospital.

Only verified information from us in Telegram-channel Obozrevatel and in Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
MINNEAPOLIS (AP)  A merger that would have created one of the largest health service companies in the Upper Midwest has been scrapped.

Minneapolis-based Fairview Health Services and Sioux Falls, South Dakota-based Sanford Health announced Thursday that they would not proceed with the merger they had been discussing since late last year. It would have created a system with more than 50 hospitals and about 78,000 employees.

This is the second time in a decade that the two companies considered a merger but failed to complete it, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reported.

The latest attempt drew fierce opposition at the University of Minnesota, which has a partnership with Fairview. The university sold its teaching hospital to Fairview in 1997 and opposed the idea of an out-of-state entity owning the University of Minnesota Medical Center in Minneapolis. The merged system would have been based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota's largest city.

Statements from the two companies' CEOs stated that without support from stakeholders, it was determined that the merger couldn't move forward.

The companies first considered merging in 2013 but met with strong political opposition.

Minnesota lawmakers this spring gave the state attorney general additional power to scrutinize health care mergers, including the Sanford-Fairview proposal.

The affiliation between Fairview and the University of Minnesota includes financial support from Fairview for the school's academic medicine mission. This agreement continues through 2026, but both parties have an option to signal by the end of this year if they want to end the partnership. Fairview has said the current agreements are not financially sustainable.
ALLENTOWN, Pa.  Excitement about significant educational changes ruled Allentown School District's education Committee of the Whole meeting Thursday.

"As an educator, I'm ready to do a backflip," said board member Evelyn Santana.

Based on stakeholder feedback, requirements and input from professional consultants, the curricula changes are part of a four-phase process that began in 2021 with research and curriculum mapping. Dubbed phase one, this first phase ends in 2023. Phase two calls for curriculum writing and resource and professional development. That is slated to occur between 2023 and 2024. Phase four calls for revision and review.

"This district is investing more than $20 million in curricula to make a difference in the lives of children," said district Superintendent Carol Birks. "That's a headline, in my opinion."

One of the curricula discussed Thursday was a program called Savvas Social Studies and Humanities for students in grades six through 12.

According to board documents, "This resource will provide a complete, research-based, culturally responsive resource to improve student reading acquisition and student achievement."

The price tag for Savvas Social Studies is $1,152,550 for resources and digital access, with $121,227 for AP Humanities, for a total cost of roughly $1.27 million. The cost will be paid by Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief, or ESSER, funds for "high-quality curricula to address learning loss."

Another program, if approved, is the 2022 Benchmark Advanced, as the kindergarten to fifth grade English language arts curriculum resource for $3.789 million, which also will be paid for with ESSER funds.

The committee additionally heard the request to approve a Study Sync program as the curriculum resource for grades six through 12 for $1.36 million. The program includes culturally-responsive materials and instruction, and reflects a comprehensive view of current and confirmed research into how students become skilled readers.

In math, the board heard a request for approval to purchase McGraw Hill Reveal Math 6-8, Algebra 1, Algebra 2, and Geometry curriculum resources and professional development. This investment comes with a $2.3 million cost. Another math purchase was identified as Savvas Learning Company enVision Mathematics Pennsylvania 2024 K-5 curriculum resources. The cost of the program, coupled with professional development, totals $2.19 million.

Other suggested investments include pre-K programs and resources. For $44,000, the Pre-K On My Way program builds a strong foundation of academic, social, and emotional skills through "engagement in culturally diverse read-alouds, guided activities, and purposeful play," according to board documents.

The board committee also heard other requests for pre-K, including furniture such as tables, chairs, storage cubbies, a large-group rug and a small group table. Dubbed enrichment items, the request also includes sensory tables, wobble cushions, floor cushions with support and a quiet space called a "privacy cube."

Pre-K classrooms could also see the purchase of eight Ignite Tables, 160 student licenses and teacher training for $80,946. The tables are an interactive tool "that fosters social-emotional and executive functioning skills development for early learners," according to board documents. The tables also allow for collaborative learning by enabling students to engage with their peers while learning.

Another purchase at a projected cost of $195,000 was a program called LAS Links which allows for progress monitoring of language acquisition of students at all ASD elementary and secondary schools.
ALLENTOWN, Pa. - The Lehigh Valley was under a heat advisory Friday, but that didn't keep some people from working, or competing, outdoors.

While most people might want to spend a hot day in the pool, high school athletes were running back and forth across the hot blacktop for the A'Town ThrowDown.

"This is probably the most teams that's ever been a part of a tournament, one weekend down here in Allentown," said tournament Director Randy Atiyeh.

Atiyeh said they're making sure the players stay hydrated.

"Free water that we have from donations. Elias Farmers Market in Allentown donated a bunch of apples and bananas and different fruits, so we can also provide that to our athletes as well," said Atiyeh.

But those teams weren't the only ones trying to beat the heat. Over in Bethlehem, construction workers were busy setting up for another event: Musikfest.

"We've got a bunch of folks here that are setting up the Wind Creek Steel Stage, which is our main stage here at Musikfest," said ArtsQuest Chief Operating Officer Curt Mosel.

Mosel said, in addition to cold drinks, construction began ahead of time in case the heat made them cut the work short.

"By building several days into the schedule where we might not get anything done, it gives us enough of a buffer typically to get done by the time the festival starts, safely and in time," said Mosel.

Atiyeh said organizers built cooling off into the ThrowDown schedule as well.

"Any teams that are playing two games on the same day, we try to give them one game indoors at one of our local schools, as well as playing one outdoors, so they're not outside for multiple hours at a time," said Atiyeh.

The heat advisory was expected to last until 10 p.m. Friday.
ALLENTOWN, Pa. - U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg will be in Allentown Friday to unveil the recent improvements made to Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE).

Known as the "Terminal Modernization Project," the improvements include the replacement of dated terminal infrastructure and the expansion of the airport's TSA checkpoint area in order to screen more passengers. Pennsylvania has spent $13 million on the project, according to a press release from Gov. Josh Shapiro's office.

Buttigieg will be joined at the airport's main terminal by Shapiro, Sen. Bob Casey and. Rep. Susan Wild at 11 a.m. Friday. Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority executive director Thomas Stoudt will also be at the event.

The improvements come as Lehigh Valley International Airport continues to expand its flight options. Earlier this month, Allegiant Air announced that its new route from Allentown to Florida's Melbourne Orlando International Airport will begin in November.
ALLENTOWN, Pa. - A bombshell letter from the NAACP addressed to Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk alleges racism and discrimination under his administration. The mayor denies the claims.

"I'm surprised by the letter," Tuerk said. "Since day one of my administration we have made a commitment to investigate any claim of discrimination that's occurring in the city of Allentown as a workplace."

"Just because he doesn't feel like it doesn't mean it's not happening," NAACP Allentown branch member Phoebe Harris said.

Harris tells 69 News she's seen firsthand some of the allegations mentioned in the letter.

In one part it states: "Belittling employees of color with public display appears to be a pattern for you, Mayor Tuerk...one of your employees, a woman of color, has faced racism, harassment, and ostracization from her white colleagues."

"This employee came back, her office was gone," Harris said. "And she was put in a corner with her desk facing the wall."

The letter also states:

"When asked to supply an ethnic breakdown of employees, you [Tuerk] reported 29 Blacks, 104 Latinos, and 632 Whites."

But the mayor tells us under his administration the number of Black and Hispanic employees has gone up 5 percent since the previous administration.

"I looked at the numbers for city employment in 2017," Tuerk said. "Under previous administration, about 86 percent of the city's employees were white, and about 12 percent were Black or Hispanic. Under my administration, there are 17 percent of our employees are Black or Hispanic...we've made progress there."

The papers are written under bold NAACP letterhead, but the vice president of the Allentown chapter tells us neither he nor the president actually signed off on the letter.

"I'm a member of the NAACP," Tuerk said. "I can't comment on behalf of NAACP, but I can tell you that's not how we do business....so I really think the work to be done here is to figure out what the heck is going on at the Allentown branch of the NAACP."

Mayor Tuerk says he would welcome the conversation if it came from leadership.

Meanwhile, Harris says some Allentown youth are currently attending an NAACP convention in Boston. Harris tells 69 News the chapter had asked the mayor for $5,000 for the youth to attend.

"I got an email back saying that he was not able to do that, because it wasn't in the city budget," Harris said. "But he had promised us that."

Harris says the letter is not about retribution because of that incident.

"The $5,000 has nothing to do with it," she said. "I'm talking about people, their jobs, their livelihood, their way of making sure they can live."

The vice president of the NAACP Allentown branch says an internal review will be conducted to find out how the letter was sent.
HARRISBURG, Pa. - State Rep. Mike Schlossberg is hoping it's not too late to get through funding for a bill near and dear to his heart: House Bill 849, which passed the House with overwhelming bipartisan support last year.

It would use $100 million in federal COVID funds to support adult mental health. But the state Senate never took up the bill, instead using that $100 million to increase mental health support in schools.

"Now, our kids need help, too. There's no question about that, but we can do both. We have the money to do both, and it really speaks to the priority of the state Senate that they didn't actually fund this desperately needed plan," Schlossberg said.

The bill would spend $34 million on workforce development, nearly $35 million on service expansion, and around $31 million on public safety.

The protracted budget process in Harrisburg offers a window to implement since it has still not yet been sent to the governor's desk. Schlossberg is still hoping to get lawmakers to fund the package.

He held a news conference with mental health professionals and lawmakers.

"Estimations suggest half a million Pennsylvanians or more are going every year without access to mental health services they need," said Dr. James A. James with St. Luke's University Health Network.

James says 53 of the state's 67 counties are estimated to have a shortage of mental health professionals.

"These individuals then have a challenging road back to wellness," James said.

In a statement to 69 News, Republican Sen. Scott Martin, chair of appropriations, said - in part - "The need for student mental health supports has grown greatly since the pandemic, and we need to find ways to get services to those in need without having to recreate the wheel."

He added he "was pleased to advance a $20 million initiative that increases support for counties to provide these services."

"We can't leave adult-based mental health at $0," Schlossberg said.
Sanofi, a drug company with Monroe County operations, raised its 2023 earnings-per-share forecast after reporting second-quarter revenue of 9.97 billion euros (U.S. $10.94 billion).

Paris-based Sanofi is the parent company of vaccine maker Sanofi Pasteur in Pocono Township. It reported 1.435 billion euros in net income for the quarter under International Reporting Financial Standards, up 22% from the second quarter of 2023. Business, or adjusted, net income that excludes certain items was reported at 2.18 billion euros.

The company's powerhouse drug remains Dupixent, which is used to treat inflammation from asthma, eczema and other illnesses. Dupixent was developed with Regeneron Pharmaceuticals of Tarrytown, New York. Dupixent sales totaled 2.56 billion euros in the second quarter.

The continued performance of Dupixent, and early results from Altuviiio (which controls and prevents bleeding) and Tzield (for diabetes) led to the increase in the company's earnings-per-share forecast.

"Our strong results in the first six months make us confident in our outlook for the remainder of the year and as a consequence we are raising our full-year 2023 EPS guidance to mid single-digit growth," Sanofi Chief Executive Officer Paul Hudson said. The earlier forecast was for a low single-digit increase in business (adjusted) EPS.

The company reports sales in four segments. The largest is Specialty Care, with 4.4 billion euros in second-quarter sales (up 11.8%); General Medicines, 3.1 billion euros down 7.3%); Vaccines, 1.22 billion euros (up 9.1%), and Consumer Health Care, 1.22 billion euros (up 12.3%).

Sanofi is traded in the U.S. under the ticker symbol SNY. The closing price Thursday was $53.54. The company has more than 100,000 employees worldwide.

The company will hold a conference call with the investment community at 8:30 a.m. Friday.
Large pharmaceutical companies operate under great pressure to come up with new blockbuster drugs to generate sales to replace revenue from drugs that are going off patent and can be replaced by inexpensive generics.

That pressure from stock analysts and investment managers has dogged GSK CEO, Emma Walmsley, since she assumed leadership in 2017. The company, with facilities in Collegeville and Valley Forge, Pa., relied on sales from its shingles drug, Shingrix, and its HIV portfolio to keep the company afloat.

Now, it looks like GSK may have found its blockbuster. Arexvy, the worlds first RSV vaccine for older adults has been approved in the U.S. and Japan. According to Reuters, RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) is a leading cause of pneumonia in toddlers and the elderly, causing thousands of hospitalizations and deaths each year.

Arexvy is anticipated to begin sales in the U.S. in the third quarter. Although the company does not anticipate sales of Arexvy to grow as fast as Shingrix, many analysts expect it to become a multi-billion dollar blockbuster.

This news, plus second quarter results that surpassed expectations, caused GSK to raise its outlook for the year.

In a statement, Walmsley commented: We have delivered another excellent quarter of performance, with strong sales and earnings growth, notably in HIV and Vaccines, and continued strengthening of the R&D pipeline and product portfolio. The approval of Arexvy, the worlds first RSV vaccine, was an important milestone for us and is at the forefront of a next wave in vaccine innovation for GSK.

Second Quarter and First Half Operating Results

Revenue in the second quarter was 7.178 billion, an increase of 4% CER (constant exchange rates) over the second quarter of 2022. For the first half of the year revenue was 14.129 billion, a decrease of 2%. Total operating profit in the quarter was 2.141 billion, a decrease of 100 million. However, for the first half of the year operating profit increased 23 million to 4.223 billion.

Continuing earnings per share (EPS) in the second quarter were 40.1 pence and for the first half they were 76.9 pence. The adjusted operating margin in the quarter was 30.2%, the same as the first half of the year. Cash generated from operations was 1.620 billion and 1.907 billion for the first half of 2023.

Key Product Results

GSK noted that Vaccines, excluding COVID solutions grew by 15% in the quarter to 1.981 billion and 12% in the first half to 3.921 billion. Key growth drivers were geographical expansion and market growth for Shingrix, and favorable U.S. Center for Disease Control stockpile movements for Rotarixi and uptake in National Immunization Programs for Bexsero.

Shingrix, a vaccine against herpes zoster (shingles), grew in International and Europe. Sales outside of the U.S. include stocking for the U.K. national immunization program and channel inventory replenishment in China. U.S. sales declined 10% in the quarter impacted by unfavorable wholesaler and distributor inventory movements plus lower non-retail demand.

Building upon the momentum from the first quarter, the company said Meningitis vaccines grew again in the second, primarily driven by Bexsero, the vaccine against meningitis B, with higher sales in Europe mainly from inclusion in National Immunization Programs and in International due to increased private and public market demand. Year-to-Date sales benefitted from the initial stocking of Menveo liquid formulation and higher CDC purchases in the U.S. as well as demand in anticipation of a Bexsero price increase in International in the first quarter of 2023.

Established Vaccines growth in the quarter was driven by Rotarix, benefitting from the favorable impacts of a U.S. CDC stockpile borrow in 2022 and a replenishment in the current quarter. Cervarix, grew in the second quarter in International and Europe reflecting higher demand and timing of deliveries. This was partly offset by Infanrix/Pediarix, due to the negative impact of a CDC stockpile borrow in the quarter and continued competitive pressure in the U.S.

According to the company, in Specialty Medicines in the second quarter and YTD there were minimal sales of Xevudy contrasting with strong sales YTD 2022. Specialty Medicines growth excluding COVID-19 solutions reflected consistent performance driven by HIV and Respiratory/Immunology and Other categories.

The performance of HIV benefitted from strong patient demand, driven by the oral two-drug regimen (Oral 2DR) and Long-Acting medicines which contributed approximately eight percentage points of growth. Pricing increases driven by the US market contributed two percentage points of growth. YTD includes the majority of the inventory depletion now expected from the 2022 build. HIV sales were 1.580 billion in the quarter, an increase of 12%.

GSK noted Oral 2DR (Dovato, Juluca) and Long-Acting medicines (Cabenuva, Apretude) sales growth continues and now represent 51% of the total HIV portfolio compared to 39% for the second quarter of 2022. Long-Acting medicines sales in the quarter were 212 million, growing 128 million versus the prior year and 61 million versus the prior quarter, with approximately three quarters of sales coming from patient switches from competitor products.

Growth was driven in the second quarter and YTD by both Respiratory and Other General Medicines categories, with ongoing demand for Trelegy in all regions. YTD benefitted from a strong allergy season in Japan and continued post pandemic recovery of the antibiotic market in Europe and International regions.

Performance in the second quarter and YTD reflects growth of Trelegy and the single inhaled triple therapy (SITT) class across all regions and of Anoro in Europe and International. YTD growth also includes the benefits of a strong allergy season in Japan.

Research and Development

Growth in Total (1.341 billion) and Adjusted (1.315 billion) R&D, GSK said,reflected continued investment across a combination of both early and late-stage programs. There was increased investment in the early-stage research portfolio, particularly CCL17 for osteo arthritic pain and IL18 for atopic dermatitis. There was also increased investment in the HIV portfolio, particularly in next generation long-acting HIV medicines. In addition, there was higher investment in Jemperli as phase II/III trials in rectal and colon cancer progress as well as in ongoing trials in endometrial cancer and momelotinib, a potential new treatment of myelofibrosis patients with anaemia; and for bepirovirsen, to support development in chronic hepatitis B.

These increases in investment were partly offset by decreases related to the completion of late-stage clinical programs for otilimab and Cell & Gene Therapy. Within Vaccines there was increased investment in recently acquired pneumococcal programs, partly offset by reduced investment in RSV following the successful completion of a phase III clinical trial and decreased spending on other programs.

2023 Guidance

GSK revised its full year guidance at constant exchange rates (CER). All expectations and full-year growth rates excluded any contributions from COVID-19 solutions.

During the first half of 2023, GSK exceeded its full-year guidance expectations due to its strong business momentum across all product areas but particularly in HIV, as well as in General Medicines. The strong allergy season and a favorable post-pandemic recovery in comparison to the first half of 2022 also contributed to the performance.

Sales are expected to increase 8% to 10% from 6% to 8%, adjusted operating profit is expected to increase between 11% to 13% from 10% to 12%, and adjusted earnings per share is expected to increase 14% to 17% from 12% to 15%.

GSK plc, formerly GlaxoSmithKline plc, is a British multinational pharmaceutical and biotechnology company with global headquarters in London, England. It was established in 2000 by a merger of Glaxo Wellcome and SmithKline Beecham.
DENVER (AP)  A Colorado police officer who put a handcuffed woman in a parked police vehicle that was hit by a freight train was found guilty of reckless endangerment and assault but was acquitted of a third charge of criminal attempt to commit manslaughter during a trial Friday.

Jordan Steinke was the first of two officers to go to trial over the Sept. 16, 2022, crash that left Yareni Rios-Gonzalez seriously injured.

Theres no reasonable doubt that placing a handcuffed person in the back of a patrol car, parked on railroad tracks, creates a substantial and unjustifiable risk of harm by the train, said Judge Timothy Kerns.

But the evidence didn't convince Kerns that Steinke knowingly intended to harm Ms. Rios-Gonzalez," and he added that Stienke had shown shock and remorse.

Steinke testified that she did not know that the patrol car of another officer she was helping was parked on the tracks even though they can be seen on her body camera footage along with two railroad crossing signs. Steinke said she was focused on the threat that could come from Rios-Gonzalez and her pickup truck, not the ground.

Steinke said she put Rios-Gonzalez in the other officers vehicle because it was the nearest spot to temporarily hold her. She said she didnt know the train was coming until just before it hit.

The judge found that Steinke observed the tracks, but failed to appreciate the risk.

There was no jury in Steinkes trial, which started Monday. Instead, Kerns listened to the evidence and issued the verdict. Mallory Revel, Steinkes attorney, didnt immediately respond to requests by phone and email for comment.

Steinke, who was working for the Fort Lupton Police Department at the time of the crash, was charged with criminal attempt to commit manslaughter, a felony; and reckless endangerment and third-degree assault, both misdemeanors.

The other officer, Pablo Vazquez, who worked for the police department in nearby Platteville, is being prosecuted for misdemeanor counts of reckless endangerment and traffic offenses. He hasnt entered a plea yet. His lawyer, Reid Elkus, didn't immediately respond to a request by phone for comment.

Vazquez pulled over Rios-Gonzalez on a rural road that intersects U.S. Highway 85 after she was accused of pointing a gun at another driver. Trains pass on tracks that parallel the highway about a dozen times a day, prosecutors said, and the sound of their horns is common in the area north of Denver.

Rios-Gonzalez, who suffered a traumatic brain injury, is suing over her treatment. She later pleaded no contest to misdemeanor menacing, said one of her lawyers, Chris Ponce, who was in court to watch the trial. Rios-Gonzalez did not testify or attend herself.

Steinke said she placed Rios-Gonzalez in the other police car temporarily because it was the nearest place to keep her secure, a move that is standard practice for high-risk traffic stops, said defense expert witness Steve Ijames. He also testified that in dangerous situations officers can become hyperfocused on particular threats and overlook things that turn out to be important in hindsight.

Steinke, who drove at around 100 mph (161 kph) at times on her way to backup Vazquez, testified that she was surprised to see him sitting in his vehicle when she arrived, rather than pointing a gun at Rios-Gonzalezs truck. She said she quickly parked her patrol vehicle behind his and got out because it was the quickest way to get a gun in the fight.

Steinke also said she did not notice the tracks or the ground when she squatted down to arrest a kneeling Rios-Gonzalez along the tracks after the suspect was ordered out of her pickup truck.

When pressed by Deputy District Attorney Christopher Jewkes, Steinke replied, I am sure I saw the tracks sir, but I did not perceive them. She said she was focused on the suspect and the potential threat she posed and was fairly certain that the traffic stop would end in gunfire.

I never in a million years thought a train was going to come plowing through my scene, Steinke said.

The Weld County District Attorneys office didnt immediately respond to a request by phone for comment.

This story has been updated to correct that the officer was acquitted of the charge of criminal attempt to commit manslaughter, not manslaughter.

Bedayn is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.
In Russia, the consequences of the recruitment and subsequent amnesty of criminals who fought against Ukraine are increasingly being experienced first-hand. In the Samara region, another convict who joined the Wagner PMC from a penal colony where he was serving a sentence for murder and inflicting grievous bodily harm committed a new crime.

ADVERTISIMENT

The Wagner mercenary kidnapped and severely beat a 9-year-old girl. This was reported by Russian propagandists.

They stated that the mercenary "Wagner", convicted of murder and inflicting grievous bodily harm, was granted amnesty in April. The 39-year-old Alexei G. was recruited to the Wagner PMC from a penal colony where he was serving his sentence, promising to pay off his conviction after six months at the front.

Having managed to return from Ukraine alive and received an amnesty, the occupier settled at his sister's dacha in the Samara region. His relatives said that he had stopped drinking alcohol and even got a job.

ADVERTISIMENT

"As long as his sister was around, the former PMC fighter behaved peacefully. But recently, the woman went on holiday to Crimea, and Alexei was left alone," the propagandists added.

According to them, on 22 July, a 9-year-old girl who was friends with his nephew came to the yard where Alexei lived. The propagandists called her by the fictitious name Sabina. A Wagner mercenary offered her ice cream. When she went inside to get the treat, Alexei G. attacked her and started beating her.

"The man beat the girl with particular cruelty: he held her by the hair and hit her head on the floor. Then he dragged Sabina to the bathhouse, doused her with water and continued to beat her," the propagandists wrote.

ADVERTISIMENT

After the encounter with the "hero of the SVO", the 9-year-old Russian girl was diagnosed with multiple bruises, abrasions, haemorrhages and bruises, but she survived.

"Alexei was detained by the police. The man could not explain the motive for his actions. A case was opened against him under the article "Kidnapping", he faces 5 to 12 years in prison," the propagandists added.

Earlier, it became known that in South Ossetia, a mercenary "Wagner", who had returned from the war, killed a man with cerebral palsy. He ran up to the victim in the street and began stabbing him. The moment of the attack was captured on CCTV. The victim died in hospital.

Meanwhile, the Russian Ministry of Defence wants to recruit more Kadyrovites and prisoners to compensate for the shortage of military personnel. This was reported by Bloomberg.

ADVERTISIMENT

Only verified information is available in our Obozrevatel Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
TEHRAN, Iran (AP)  Millions of Shiite Muslims in Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan and around the world on Friday commemorated Ashoura, a remembrance of the 7th-century martyrdom of the Prophet Muhammads grandson, Hussein, that gave birth to their faith.

In Afghanistan, the Taliban cut mobile phone services in key cities holding commemorations for fear of militants targeting Shiites, whom Sunni extremists consider heretics. Security forces in neighboring Pakistan as well stood on high alert as the commemorations there have seen attacks in the past.

Not all Shiites, however, were to mark the day Friday. Iraq, Lebanon and Syria planned their remembrances for Saturday, which will see a major suburb of Beirut shut down and the faithful descend on the Iraqi city of Karbala, where Hussein is entombed in a gold-domed shrine.

Shiites represent over 10% of the worlds 1.8 billion Muslims and view Hussein as the rightful successor to the Prophet Muhammad. Husseins death in battle at the hands of Sunnis at Karbala, south of Baghdad, ingrained a deep rift in Islam and continues to this day to play a key role in shaping Shiite identity.

Over 1,340 years after Husseins martyrdom, Baghdad, Tehran, Islamabad and other major capitals in the Middle East were adorned with symbols of Shiite piety and repentance: red flags for Husseins blood, symbolic black funeral tents and black dress for mourning, processions of men and boys expressing fervor in the ritual of chest-beating and self-flagellation with chains.

In Iran, where the theocratic government views itself as the protector of Shiites worldwide, the story of Hussein's martyrdom takes on political connotations amid its tensions with the West over its advancing nuclear program.

Iranian state television aired images of commemorations across the Islamic Republic, tying the event to criticizing the West, Israel and the U.S. drone strike that killed Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani in 2020. Anchor Wesam Bahrani on Iran's state-run English-language broadcaster Press TV referred to America as the biggest opponent of Islam and criticized Muslim countries allied with the U.S.

Men wore black, rhythmically beating their chests in mourning or using flails to strike their backs. Some wore red headbands, as black and red banners bore Hussein's name. Some sprayed water over the mourners in the intense heat.

Every year everyone joins hands in solidarity," said 23-year-old Mohammad Hajatmand, who took part in a processional in Tehran. Hussein "was martyred very brutally and when anyone hears the story of Ashoura, regardless of their religion, their hearts will be broken and they will sympathize with him.

The commemoration in Iran also comes as Tehran prepares for the one-year anniversary of the death of Mahsa Amini. Her death launched protests nationwide in Iran that reportedly saw more than 500 protesters killed and some 20,000 others detained. Authorities have begun stepping up their enforcement of mandatory hijab, or headscarf, laws for women in recent weeks.

In the suburb of Sayida Zeinab near Syrias capital, Damascus, security forces guarded checkpoints after a bomb hidden in a motorcycle exploded Thursday, killing at least six people and wounding dozens more. On Tuesday, another bomb in a motorcycle wounded two people. The suburb is home to a shrine to Zeinab, the daughter of the first Shiite imam, Ali, and granddaughter of the Prophet Muhammad.

Local resident Mustafa Semaan, 41, said the area had seen a resurgence of religious tourism after security stabilized amid Syrias ongoing war and the worst of the coronavirus pandemic.

I dont believe the religious observances will be affected (by the recent bombings), but the economic situation as a result of visitors coming from outside Syria may be affected, Semaan said. If this continues, if there were a third attack, there might be a very negative impact.

On Friday, the Islamic State claimed responsibility for the recent attacks in a statement, claiming that Thursday's attack killed about 10 and wounded about 40 others during their annual polytheistic rituals. The group's extreme interpretation of Islam holds Shiite Muslims to be apostates.

In 2014, IS overran large swaths of Syria and Iraq and declared the entire territory a caliphate, where it imposed a radically brutal rule. The U.S. and its allies in Syria and Iraq, as well as Syrias Russian-backed government troops, fought against it for years, eventually rolling it back. However, the extremist group's cells have continued to carry out attacks.

Iraq will see the main observance of the Ashoura on Saturday in Karbala, where hundreds of thousands are expected and many will rush toward the shrine to symbolize their desire to answer Husseins last cries for help in battle. Convoys of the faithful arrived throughout the day Friday.

Meanwhile, hundreds of Iraqi Shiites in Baghdads Sadr City participated in Ashoura rituals, including slashing their heads with swords and self-flagellation in a show of grief.

Those marking the commemoration in Kabul, Afghanistan, beat their backs bloody with chains and knives in ritual bloodletting known as tatbir, meant to recreate the blood flowing from the slain Hussein. The practice has become debated among Shiite clerics in recent decades.

We have only one problem that (the Taliban) are preventing us to raise our flags and enter (the city) with the flags," said Karbalayee Rashid, an organizer of the Kabul commemoration. "Thank God the security has been taken care. It is OK, but there are more limits in this country this year than last year.

In Pakistan, authorities stepped up security as an Interior Ministry alert warned that terrorists could target Ashoura processions in major cities. Security was tight in the capital, Islamabad, where police were deployed at a key Shiite place of worship.

The main Ashoura processions also got underway in the eastern city of Lahore in the Punjab province, where thousands of police officers have been deployed. Processions in Karachi and elsewhere were also starting. There was no immediate report of any violence.

The Imams lesson is ... hold on to patience," said Anam Batool, a mourner who took part in a commemoration in Islamabad. After that, resist falsehood, stand with the truth. Where you must raise your voice against oppression, raise your voice there.

Associated Press writers Abby Sewell in Baghdad; Anmar Khalil in Karbala, Iraq; Munir Ahmed in Islamabad; and Jon Gambrell in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, contributed to this report.
SEOUL, South Korea (AP)  North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was joined by senior Russian and Chinese delegates as he displayed his most powerful nuclear-capable missiles in a military parade marking a major war anniversary with a show of defiance against the United States and deepening ties with Moscow as tensions on the peninsula are at their highest point in years.

Kim attended Thursday night's parade with Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Chinese ruling party official Li Hongzhong from a balcony looking over a brightly illuminated Kim Il Sung Square, named after Kims grandfather, the founder of North Korea.

Edited footage from North Korean state TV on Friday showed streets and stands packed with tens of thousands of mobilized spectators, who roared in approval as waves of goose-stepping soldiers, tanks and huge, intercontinental ballistic missiles wheeled out on launcher trucks filled up the main road. People were brought from around the country to the capital, Pyongyang, to fill the crowd, according to state media.

The parade began with warm-up events that featured ceremonial flights of newly developed surveillance and attack drones, which were first unveiled by state media this week as they reported on an arms exhibition attended by Kim and Shoigu.

The main event began with Kim arriving at the square in a limousine escorted by a formation of motorcycles. Kim saluted honor guards and military officials and walked down a red carpet to enter a building where Shoigu and Li greeted him at the balcony, as troops below chanted protect Kim Jong Un with our lives!

Organizers broadcast messages in Russian, Chinese and Korean while introducing Kims guests to the crowd, drawing cheers and applause.

As the parade proceeded, Kim was constantly talking and exchanging smiles with Shoigu and Li, who respectively stood to his right and left at the balconys center. Kim and Shoigu repeatedly raised their hands to salute the parading troops. The broadcast did not show Kim making a speech.

Kims biggest weapons were saved for the end, when his troops rolled out new ICBMs that were flight-tested in recent months and demonstrated ranges that could reach deep into the U.S. mainland, the Hwasong-17 and Hwasong-18. Some analysts say the missiles are based on Russian designs or know-how.

North Korean Defense Minister Kang Sun Nam spoke, describing the parade as a historic celebration of the countrys great victory against U.S. imperialist aggression forces and groups of its satellite states.

He condemned the United States for its expanding military exercises with South Korea, which the North portrays as invasion rehearsals, and also holding new rounds of nuclear contingency planning meetings with Seoul. The allies describe their drills as defensive, and say the upgrades in training and planning are necessary to cope with the Norths evolving nuclear threat.

We solemnly declare that if they attempt military confrontation as now, the exercise of our states armed forces will go beyond the scope of the right to defense for the United States of America and (South Korea), Kang said, repeating previous North Korean threats of nuclear conflict.

The U.S. imperialists have no room of choice of survival in case they use nuclear weapons against the DPRK, he said, using the initials of his countrys formal name, the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea.

Clouds over Pyongyang in recent days made it difficult for satellites to monitor preparations for the parade, which took place at night.

Satellite images showed what appeared to be a massing of people at the square at 1316 GMT (10:16 p.m. local) Thursday, said Dave Schmerler, a senior research associate at the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies, which is part of the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey.

North Koreas invitation of Russian and Chinese delegates was a rare diplomatic opening since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Experts say Kim is trying to break out of diplomatic isolation and boost the visibility of his partnership with authoritarian allies to counter pressure from the United States.

The parade followed meetings between Kim and Shoigu this week that demonstrated North Koreas support for Russias invasion of Ukraine and added to suspicions the North was willing to supply arms to Russia, whose war efforts have been compromised by defense procurement and inventory problems.

North Korean state media also highlighted a message sent by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who thanked Kim for firmly supporting his war efforts in Ukraine. Putin said that interests between Moscow and Pyongyang were aligning as they counter the collective West in its policy to stand in the way of establishing a genuinely multipolar and just world order, according to the Kremlins version of the letter.

Kim also held a luncheon and dinner banquet for Shoigu and his delegation following a second day of talks about expanding the countries strategic and tactical collaboration and cooperation in defense and security, the Norths official Korean Central News Agency said.

Given Russias need for ammunition for its illegal war in Ukraine and Kim Jong Uns willingness to personally give the Russian defense minister a tour of North Koreas arms exhibition, U.N. member states should increase vigilance for observing and penalizing sanctions violations, said Leif-Eric Easley, a professor at Ewha University in Seoul.

He added: Chinas representation at North Koreas parading of nuclear-capable missiles raises serious questions about Beijing enabling Pyongyangs threats to global security.

The parade capped off the North Korean festivities for the 70th anniversary of the armistice that stopped fighting in the 1950-53 Korean War. North Korea, which triggered the war with a surprise attack on the South in June 1950, was supported by Chinese troops and the then-Soviet air force. South Korea, the United States and troops from other nations under the aegis of the U.N. fought to push back the invasion.

The July 1953 truce was never replaced with a peace treaty, leaving the Korean Peninsula in a technical state of war, but the North still sees it as a victory in the Grand Fatherland Liberation War.

The anniversary events were more somber in South Korea, where President Yoon Suk Yeol visited a war cemetery in Busan to honor foreign troops who died while fighting for the South.

In the face of growing North Korean threats, Yoon has pushed to expand South Koreas military exercises with Washington and is seeking stronger U.S. reassurances that it would use its nuclear capabilities to defend the South in the event of a nuclear attack.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also marked the anniversary with a statement expressing concern over what he described as a growing nuclear risk on the Korean Peninsula.

I urge the parties to resume regular diplomatic contacts and nurture an environment conducive to dialogue, he said.

Associated Press writers Jon Gambrell in Dubai, United Arab Emirates and Edith Lederer in New York contributed to the report.
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP)  Donald Trump and his top rivals for the GOP presidential nomination took the stage one by one Friday night to address an influential gathering of Iowa Republicans, with none of the top-tier hopefuls mentioning that new federal charges had been filed against the former president just a day earlier.

Instead, Trumps competitors mostly reserved their sharpest criticism for President Joe Biden and a Democratic Party they argued had lost touch with mainstream America  failing to pounce on additional counts over Trump's retention of classified documents that might have otherwise been an opportunity to cut into his comfortable early lead in the polls.

The time for excuses is over. We must get the job done," said Ron DeSantis. I will get the job done.

The Florida governor also repeated his frequent promise to halt the weaponization of the Justice Department, an allusion to Trumps legal troubles. But he offered no specific thoughts on the cases against him  even though Trump is also bracing to be charged soon in Washington over his efforts to overturn the 2020 election.

The former president frequently avoids attending multicandidate events in person, questioning why he would share a stage with competitors who are badly trailing him in polls. Still, with Iowas first-in-the-nation caucus less than six months away, Trump joined a dozen other GOP hopefuls in speaking to about 1,200 GOP members and activists at the Lincoln Day Dinner.

If I werent running, I would have nobody coming after me, Trump said in his only veiled reference to his legal issues. He also insisted the same would be true if he were trailing in the polls.

While DeSantis didn't mention the former president by name, meanwhile, Trump didn't return the favor. He told the crowd, I wouldnt take a chance on that one, and repeatedly branded him DeSanctus.

Trump was even blunter before the dinner as he opened a campaign office in Urbandale, outside Des Moines.

I understand the other candidates are falling very flat ... its like death, Trump said.

More than 100 people packed the small office, many wearing Make America Great Again hats and shirts. They had waited in 100-degree weather to enter, and the poorly ventilated office quickly became sweltering. Staff handed out water bottles, and people fanned themselves with campaign handouts. Some used paper towels to wipe away sweat.

Similar strong support for the former president was evident during the dinner, when many attendees wore Trump Country stickers, including 72-year-old Diane Weaver of Ankeny, Iowa.

I think he makes America great, said Weaver, a retiree who plans to caucus for Trump. I think he did it once and I think he can do it again.

West Des Moines resident Jane Schrader chose to wear her Trump Country sticker on her pants instead of at eye level. Im not quite dyed-in-the-wool. Im a supporter, but not that kind, said the retired physician, explaining her sticker placement.

DeSantis, who like most of Friday's speakers vowed to visit all of Iowa's 99 counties, is Trumps strongest primary competitor but has been trying to reset his stalled campaign for two weeks. He's increasingly focusing on Iowa in its efforts on trying to derail Trump, and spoke at the dinner in the midst of a two-day bus tour of the state.

The governor's stumbles have raised questions about whether another candidate might be able to emerge from the field and catch the former president. Some evangelicals, who can be determinative in Iowa's caucuses, have pointed to South Carolina Sen. Tim Scotts upbeat message and pulpit-style delivery as strengths that could help him rise there.

Scott, who also spoke Friday night and didn't mention Trump or the cases against him, took a swipe this week at DeSantis over the Florida governor's support for new standards that require the state's teachers to instruct middle school students that slaves developed skills that could be applied for their personal benefit.

The only Black Republican in the U.S. Senate, Scott said all Americans should recognize how devastating slavery was. There is no silver lining to slavery, he added.

DeSantis has also faced criticism from teachers and civil rights leaders, as well as mounting pushback from some of his party's most prominent Black elected officials. Florida Rep. Byron Donalds said he hoped officials might correct parts of the curriculum addressing lessons on the developed skills of enslaved people. Texas Republican Rep. Wesley Hunt, Michigan Rep. John James and Will Hurd, a former Texas congressman now also running in the GOP presidential primary, have also criticized DeSantis.

Still, the governor continued to dig in on the issue, saying at a pre-dinner event in Oskaloosa on Friday, D.C. Republicans all too often accept false narratives, accept lies that are perpetrated by the left."

John Niemeyer, 52, from Kalona, Iowa, attended DeSantis' event and was impressed. But, as a high school teacher, hes not a fan of some of the governor's positions on education policy.

I dont want to make our classrooms a political battlefield, he said, adding that it would be a mistake to make the issue the forefront of his campaign.

Vice President Kamala Harris made her own Iowa stop on Friday, seeking to draw a contrast with the Republicans as she looked to lift President Joe Biden's reelection campaign. Harris met in Des Moines with activists and discussed abortion rights, after Reynolds recently signed a ban on most abortions after six weeks of pregnancy.

I do believe that we are witnessing a national agenda that is about a full-on attack on hard won freedoms and hard won rights, the vice president said.

Trump, meanwhile, did face criticism Friday night from some Republican opponents, but only those considered long shots. Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchison declared, As a party, we need a new direction for America and for the GOP, drawing only muted reaction from the crowd.

Loud and sustained boos came, however, for Hurd, who said, The reason Donald Trump lost the election in 2020 is he failed to grow the GOP brand.

The former congressman pressed on, saying: Donald Trump is not running for president to make America great again. ... Donald Trump is running to stay out of prison."

That was the only reference to locking Trump up on the night, except for a surprising  and potentially coincidental  snippet of walk-on music played as the former president took the stage. Like all the candidates, the event's organizers played parts of Brooks & Dunns Only in America as Trump approached.

But his part included the lyrics: One could end up going to prison. One just might be president.

Weissert reported from Washington.
Smoking should be less harmful: Macedonia's experience

ADVERTISIMENT

According to the WHO, 25% of Macedonia's population are active smokers of traditional cigarettes. Alternative smoking products can be the springboard that will help the country reduce the harmful effects of smoking on public health and number of smokers altogether," cardiologist Alexandra Georgieva says.

Although the country has banned smoking in public places at the state level, this does not stop Macedonians. Even after heart attacks, patients return to the addiction quite quickly, the doctor said in an interview with Telma TV channel.

Alternative is more effective than prohibition

Smoke of smoldering tobacco, besides nicotine, contains thousands of chemical compounds like tar, carcinogens and heavy metals. The traditional cigarette has a devastating effect not only on the smoker but also on others, increasing the risk of lung disease, cardiovascular pathologies and allergies. No wonder that recently, even in countries where the majority of the population prefers traditional cigarettes, more and more people are thinking about a less harmful alternative like heating systems.

ADVERTISIMENT

According to cardiologist Alexandra Georgieva, comprehensive scientific research on tobacco harm reduction has been conducted in Macedonia at the MASA (Macedonian Academy of Science and Art). The clinical data showed that with the help of alternative smoking products, effective tobacco harm reduction can be achieved even at the level of the country's population.

"After another heart attack, patients tend to quit smoking abruptly. After a month, they start smoking five cigarettes a day. And after six months they go back to the old habit as if nothing had happened. People who cannot give up smoking should replace it with a less dangerous alternative," Dr. Georgieva believes.

The cardiologist argues her opinion with the concept of reducing the harm of smoking with safer alternatives. The doctor is confident that the clinical data of MASA after comprehensive studies can become the basis for the implementation of government campaigns aimed at reducing the number of smokers in the country, as well as reducing the harm of smoking.

ADVERTISIMENT

No tar, no odor and no ash

Countries such as Japan and Sweden that have the lowest percentage of smokers in the world have also shown in practic that smokeless nicotine products are a safe and effective alternative to conventional cigarettes, helping many to quit smoking for good.

"The presence of ash, stifling smoke odor, carcinogens and tar in a conventional cigarette make it harmful not only to the smoker but also to those around him. No one has canceled secondhand smoke! Smokeless alternatives do not contain carcinogens and tar and their nicotine levels are much lower than in a regular cigarette," the doctor says.



Clinical studies in many developed countries have shown: gradual reduction of nicotine consumption with the help of alternative nicotine products is much more effective than a ban. Smoking should be less harmful but not banned even for patients with cardiovascular diseases," Macedonian doctors believe, supporting the idea of introducing less harmful alternatives to traditional cigarettes.
Adams Wealth Management increased its stake in Invesco Senior Loan ETF (NYSEARCA:BKLN  Free Report) by 35.2% in the 1st quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The firm owned 100,442 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after acquiring an additional 26,160 shares during the period. Invesco Senior Loan ETF comprises 0.7% of Adams Wealth Managements investment portfolio, making the stock its 28th biggest position. Adams Wealth Managements holdings in Invesco Senior Loan ETF were worth $2,089,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Covestor Ltd raised its position in shares of Invesco Senior Loan ETF by 186.1% during 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 last quarter. Ahrens Investment Partners LLC bought a new stake in shares of Invesco Senior Loan ETF during the 1st quarter valued at $26,000. AdvisorNet Financial Inc bought a new stake in shares of Invesco Senior Loan ETF during the 1st quarter valued at $28,000. Boyd Watterson Asset Management LLC OH raised its position in shares of Invesco Senior Loan ETF by 180.1% during the 1st quarter. Boyd Watterson Asset Management LLC OH now owns 1,605 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $33,000 after acquiring an additional 1,032 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Signaturefd LLC bought a new stake in shares of Invesco Senior Loan ETF during the 1st quarter valued at $36,000.

Get Invesco Senior Loan ETF alerts:

Invesco Senior Loan ETF Stock Performance

Shares of Invesco Senior Loan ETF stock traded down $0.04 on Thursday, hitting $20.97. 5,187,502 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 7,698,916. The firms 50-day moving average price is $20.88 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $20.91. Invesco Senior Loan ETF has a one year low of $20.06 and a one year high of $21.49.

Invesco Senior Loan ETF Profile

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.

Further Reading

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BKLN? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Invesco Senior Loan ETF (NYSEARCA:BKLN  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Invesco Senior Loan ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Invesco Senior Loan ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Adams Wealth Management grew its stake in iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF (NYSEARCA:IJR  Free Report) by 39.9% 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 11,803 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after buying an additional 3,365 shares during the period. Adams Wealth Managements holdings in iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF were worth $1,141,000 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 the stock. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC boosted its stake in shares of iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF by 118,698.9% in the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 738,286,464 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $69,871,431,000 after purchasing an additional 737,665,005 shares in the last quarter. International Assets Investment Management LLC boosted its position in iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF by 9,021.6% during the 4th quarter. International Assets Investment Management LLC now owns 2,119,864 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $2,795,000 after buying an additional 2,096,624 shares during the period. Cowa LLC boosted its position in iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF by 5,333.8% during the 1st quarter. Cowa LLC now owns 1,283,582 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $1,670,000 after buying an additional 1,259,960 shares during the period. Raymond James & Associates boosted its position in iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF by 14.2% during the 1st quarter. Raymond James & Associates now owns 8,734,201 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $844,597,000 after buying an additional 1,087,241 shares during the period. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada boosted its position in iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF by 18.5% during the 1st quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 6,349,891 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $685,026,000 after buying an additional 990,861 shares during the period.

Get iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF alerts:

iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF Price Performance

IJR traded down $1.11 during trading on Thursday, hitting $103.25. 2,757,393 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 4,077,839. The firm has a market capitalization of $71.30 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.11 and a beta of 1.15. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $97.96 and a 200 day moving average of $98.11. iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF has a 12-month low of $86.40 and a 12-month high of $108.24.

iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF Profile

iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF, formerly iShares S&P SmallCap 600 Index Fund, seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the Standard & Poors SmallCap 600 Index (the Index). The Index measures the performance of publicly traded securities in the small-capitalization sector of the United States equity market.

Further Reading

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IJR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF (NYSEARCA:IJR  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Adams Wealth Management raised its position in Spirit Realty Capital, Inc. (NYSE:SRC  Free Report) by 28.6% during the first quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 26,341 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after purchasing an additional 5,864 shares during the period. Adams Wealth Managements holdings in Spirit Realty Capital were worth $1,049,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other large investors have also modified their holdings of the business. Raymond James & Associates grew its stake in Spirit Realty Capital by 12.4% during the 1st quarter. Raymond James & Associates now owns 8,081 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $372,000 after acquiring an additional 893 shares in the last quarter. US Bancorp DE lifted its position in Spirit Realty Capital by 22.8% during the first quarter. US Bancorp DE now owns 11,549 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $530,000 after buying an additional 2,143 shares in the last quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. boosted its stake in Spirit Realty Capital by 6.8% during the first quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. now owns 19,492 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $897,000 after buying an additional 1,234 shares during the last quarter. Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan Trust Fund purchased a new stake in Spirit Realty Capital in the 1st quarter valued at $1,002,000. Finally, Rhumbline Advisers grew its holdings in Spirit Realty Capital by 0.4% in the 1st quarter. Rhumbline Advisers now owns 346,622 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $15,952,000 after buying an additional 1,256 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 95.68% of the companys stock.

Get Spirit Realty Capital alerts:

Spirit Realty Capital Trading Down 2.6 %

Shares of Spirit Realty Capital stock traded down $1.09 during trading hours on Thursday, hitting $40.48. The companys stock had a trading volume of 1,031,166 shares, compared to its average volume of 746,780. Spirit Realty Capital, Inc. has a twelve month low of $34.31 and a twelve month high of $44.93. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $39.62 and a 200-day moving average of $40.16. The stock has a market cap of $5.72 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.24, a P/E/G ratio of 6.26 and a beta of 1.24. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.82, a quick ratio of 0.31 and a current ratio of 0.31.

Spirit Realty Capital Announces Dividend

Spirit Realty Capital ( NYSE:SRC Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, May 3rd. The real estate investment trust reported $0.65 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.86 by ($0.21). Spirit Realty Capital had a net margin of 44.28% and a return on equity of 7.42%. The business had revenue of $188.29 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $185.60 million. Research analysts forecast that Spirit Realty Capital, Inc. will post 3.44 EPS for the current year.

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, July 14th. Investors of record on Friday, June 30th were paid a dividend of $0.663 per share. This represents a $2.65 annualized dividend and a yield of 6.55%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, June 29th. Spirit Realty Capitals payout ratio is 116.23%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several brokerages have issued reports on SRC. StockNews.com began coverage on Spirit Realty Capital in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a hold rating for the company. Truist Financial dropped their target price on Spirit Realty Capital from $50.00 to $46.00 in a report on Thursday, June 15th. BNP Paribas began coverage on Spirit Realty Capital in a report on Wednesday, June 14th. They issued an underperform rating and a $42.00 target price for the company. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus dropped their target price on Spirit Realty Capital from $48.00 to $45.50 in a report on Thursday, May 4th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have issued a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Spirit Realty Capital presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $43.06.

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, Director Michelle M. Frymire sold 4,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, June 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $39.75, for a total transaction of $159,000.00. Following the transaction, the director now owns 10,009 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $397,857.75. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. 0.58% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Spirit Realty Capital Profile

(Free Report)

Spirit Realty Capital, Inc (NYSE: SRC) is a premier net-lease REIT that primarily invests in single-tenant, operationally essential real estate assets, subject to long-term leases. As of March 31, 2023, our diverse portfolio consisted of 2,083 retail, industrial and other properties across 49 states, which were leased to 347 tenants operating in 37 industries.

Read More

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SRC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Spirit Realty Capital, Inc. (NYSE:SRC  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Spirit Realty Capital Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Spirit Realty Capital and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Beck Bode LLC cut its stake in San Juan Basin Royalty Trust (NYSE:SJT  Free Report) by 9.7% in the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 276,728 shares of the oil and gas producers stock after selling 29,579 shares during the period. Beck Bode LLC owned about 0.59% of San Juan Basin Royalty Trust worth $2,906,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the company. SVB Wealth LLC bought a new stake in San Juan Basin Royalty Trust during the 4th quarter worth approximately $144,000. Mcdaniel Terry & Co. grew its position in San Juan Basin Royalty Trust by 43.7% during the 4th quarter. Mcdaniel Terry & Co. now owns 812,306 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $9,277,000 after acquiring an additional 247,115 shares during the last quarter. National Bank of Canada FI bought a new stake in San Juan Basin Royalty Trust during the 1st quarter worth approximately $105,000. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. boosted its position in San Juan Basin Royalty Trust by 406.2% in the 1st quarter. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. now owns 131,875 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $1,387,000 after buying an additional 105,822 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Moors & Cabot Inc. bought a new position in San Juan Basin Royalty Trust in the 4th quarter valued at $127,000. 14.89% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Get San Juan Basin Royalty Trust alerts:

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Separately, StockNews.com initiated coverage on San Juan Basin Royalty Trust in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a hold rating on the stock.

San Juan Basin Royalty Trust Stock Down 0.1 %

SJT traded down $0.01 during mid-day trading on Thursday, reaching $7.63. The stock had a trading volume of 585,898 shares, compared to its average volume of 773,139. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $7.76 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $9.19. San Juan Basin Royalty Trust has a 52 week low of $6.64 and a 52 week high of $15.43.

San Juan Basin Royalty Trust (NYSE:SJT  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Monday, May 15th. The oil and gas producer reported $0.77 EPS for the quarter. San Juan Basin Royalty Trust had a return on equity of 3,239.75% and a net margin of 98.58%. The firm had revenue of $36.45 million for the quarter.

San Juan Basin Royalty Trust Cuts Dividend

The business also recently declared a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, August 14th. Stockholders of record on Monday, July 31st will be given a $0.0102 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Friday, July 28th. This represents a $0.12 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.60%.

San Juan Basin Royalty Trust Profile

(Free Report)

San Juan Basin Royalty Trust operates as an express trust in Texas. The company has a 75% net overriding royalty interest carved out of Southland's oil and natural gas interests in properties located in the San Juan Basin in northwestern New Mexico. It also owns subject interests consist of working interests, royalty interests, overriding royalty interests, and other contractual rights in 119,000 net producing acres in San Juan, Rio Arriba, and Sandoval Counties of northwestern New Mexico, as well as 825.6 net wells.

Recommended Stories

Receive News & Ratings for San Juan Basin Royalty Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for San Juan Basin Royalty Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
North American Construction Group (TSE:NOA  Get Free Report) (NYSE:NOA) had its target price hoisted by BMO Capital Markets to C$34.00 in a report issued on Thursday, FlyOnTheWall reports. BMO Capital Markets price target would indicate a potential upside of 3.34% from the companys previous close.

Other equities research analysts also recently issued reports about the company. TD Securities upgraded North American Construction Group from a hold rating to a buy rating and lifted their target price for the stock from C$27.00 to C$36.00 in a report on Thursday. National Bankshares boosted their price objective on North American Construction Group from C$27.00 to C$33.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Friday, April 28th. CIBC increased their price objective on North American Construction Group from C$23.50 to C$27.50 in a research report on Friday, April 28th. Raymond James raised their price objective on North American Construction Group from C$26.00 to C$30.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Friday, April 28th. Finally, National Bank Financial lifted their target price on North American Construction Group to C$33.00 in a report on Friday, April 28th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of C$31.17.

Get North American Construction Group alerts:

North American Construction Group Price Performance

TSE:NOA traded up C$8.00 during trading hours on Thursday, hitting C$32.90. The companys stock had a trading volume of 455,468 shares, compared to its average volume of 59,266. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of C$25.38 and a 200-day simple moving average of C$23.44. The company has a market capitalization of C$868.89 million, a P/E ratio of 13.54, a PEG ratio of 0.79 and a beta of 1.56. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 125.83, a current ratio of 1.15 and a quick ratio of 0.79. North American Construction Group has a twelve month low of C$12.65 and a twelve month high of C$34.30.

North American Construction Group Company Profile

North American Construction Group ( TSE:NOA Get Free Report ) (NYSE:NOA) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, April 26th. The company reported C$0.96 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of C$0.80 by C$0.16. North American Construction Group had a return on equity of 24.56% and a net margin of 9.06%. The business had revenue of C$242.61 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of C$224.07 million. On average, analysts anticipate that North American Construction Group will post 3.403 EPS for the current fiscal year.

(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.

Read More

Receive News & Ratings for North American Construction Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for North American Construction Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Savant Capital LLC bought a new position in Corning Incorporated (NYSE:GLW  Free Report) in the 1st quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The fund bought 21,132 shares of the electronics makers stock, valued at approximately $746,000.

Several other hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of GLW. Garrison Point Advisors LLC lifted its stake in Corning by 3.2% in the 4th quarter. Garrison Point Advisors LLC now owns 9,535 shares of the electronics makers stock worth $305,000 after purchasing an additional 300 shares in the last quarter. Louisiana State Employees Retirement System raised its position in Corning by 0.6% in the 1st quarter. Louisiana State Employees Retirement System now owns 49,500 shares of the electronics makers stock worth $1,746,000 after purchasing an additional 300 shares during the period. Main Street Financial Solutions LLC raised its position in Corning by 3.9% in the 4th quarter. Main Street Financial Solutions LLC now owns 7,979 shares of the electronics makers stock worth $255,000 after purchasing an additional 302 shares during the period. Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADV grew its stake in Corning by 35.3% in the 1st quarter. Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADV now owns 1,176 shares of the electronics makers stock worth $41,000 after acquiring an additional 307 shares in the last quarter. Finally, City Holding Co. grew its stake in Corning by 70.5% in the 1st quarter. City Holding Co. now owns 747 shares of the electronics makers stock worth $26,000 after acquiring an additional 309 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 68.38% of the companys stock.

Get Corning alerts:

Insider Activity

In other Corning news, SVP John P. Bayne, Jr. sold 11,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, June 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $32.99, for a total value of $362,890.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the senior vice president now owns 18,313 shares in the company, valued at $604,145.87. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In other news, SVP John P. Bayne, Jr. sold 11,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, June 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $32.99, for a total transaction of $362,890.00. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president now owns 18,313 shares in the company, valued at approximately $604,145.87. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Also, SVP Anne Mullins sold 49,882 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, May 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $31.34, for a total transaction of $1,563,301.88. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last ninety days, insiders sold 139,501 shares of company stock valued at $4,571,459. 0.40% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Corning Stock Performance

A number of brokerages have commented on GLW. Morgan Stanley upgraded shares of Corning from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and upped their target price for the stock from $35.00 to $38.00 in a research note on Friday, June 9th. 888 reiterated an upgrade rating on shares of Corning in a research note on Friday, June 9th. Citigroup upgraded shares of Corning from a neutral rating to a buy rating and increased their price objective for the company from $36.00 to $40.00 in a research note on Thursday, June 15th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their target price on shares of Corning from $40.00 to $42.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, April 19th. Finally, StockNews.com began coverage on shares of Corning in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a hold rating for the company. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $38.67.

GLW opened at $33.81 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $28.74 billion, a PE ratio of 46.32, a PEG ratio of 2.79 and a beta of 1.09. Corning Incorporated has a twelve month low of $28.98 and a twelve month high of $37.73. The firms 50-day moving average price is $33.41 and its 200 day moving average price is $33.92. The company has a current ratio of 1.65, a quick ratio of 0.84 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.64.

Corning (NYSE:GLW  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, July 25th. The electronics maker reported $0.45 EPS for the quarter, hitting analysts consensus estimates of $0.45. Corning had a net margin of 4.72% and a return on equity of 13.22%. The company had revenue of $3.48 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.48 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $0.57 earnings per share. Cornings quarterly revenue was down 7.4% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that Corning Incorporated will post 1.87 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Corning Announces Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, September 28th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, August 31st will be paid a dividend of $0.28 per share. This represents a $1.12 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.31%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, August 30th. Cornings dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 153.42%.

Corning Profile

(Free Report)

Corning Incorporated engages in the display technologies, optical communications, environmental technologies, specialty materials, and life sciences businesses worldwide. The company's Display Technologies segment offers glass substrates for flat panel displays, including liquid crystal displays and organic light-emitting diodes that are used in televisions, notebook computers, desktop monitors, tablets, and handheld devices.

Further Reading

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding GLW? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Corning Incorporated (NYSE:GLW  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Corning Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Corning and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
The aggressor country Russia is currently unable to strengthen its fleet in the Black Sea. However, the existing number of its ships in the water area still poses a threat to Ukraine.

ADVERTISIMENT

This was pointed out by the speaker of the Naval Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Dmytro Pletenchuk on the air of Radio Svoboda. According to him, the occupiers can not strengthen at sea due to the Bosporus Strait being closed by Turkey.

"Thus, they can't replenish the ship complement from the outside at the expense of other fleets, such as the Baltic or Northern fleets," he explained.

Caspian Flotilla, located nearby and connected via the Volga-Don shipping channel, can be an option. However, the geopolitical situation there is not the easiest for the Russians right now either, given the number of neighbors and their composition, Pletenchuk says.

"Therefore, they are unlikely to transfer ships to the Azov and Black Sea regions. They have already pulled everything they could from there. This is regarding the increase of the grouping. They are in a deadlock," he added.

ADVERTISIMENT

As for the composition of the Russian fleet located in the waters of the Black Sea directly, it is stable. As the speaker of the AFU Navy noted, usually there are from seven to 11 enemy warships there, including missile carriers, which go on combat duty from time to time.

"There are also one to three border guard vessels there sometimes, but closer to the Kerch Strait. They pose a threat to Ukraine because of the possibility of direct combat in the sea", Pletenchuk summarized.

As reported by OBOZREVATEL, according to Military Media Center, Russia is going to block areas of the Black Sea after the withdrawal from the grain deal . The occupiers are preparing their ships and aviation to do so.

ADVERTISIMENT

Only verified information from us in Telegram-channel Obozrevatel, Threads and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Alaska Air Group (NYSE:ALK  Get Free Report) had its target price lowered by investment analysts at The Goldman Sachs Group from $63.00 to $61.00 in a research report issued to clients and investors on Tuesday, MarketBeat reports. The firm presently has a buy rating on the transportation companys stock. The Goldman Sachs Groups target price suggests a potential upside of 29.35% from the stocks previous close.

Several other equities analysts have also issued reports on ALK. Bank of America increased their target price on Alaska Air Group from $58.00 to $62.00 in a research note on Monday, June 26th. StockNews.com began coverage on shares of Alaska Air Group in a research note on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a hold rating for the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut their target price on shares of Alaska Air Group from $91.00 to $70.00 in a research note on Monday, May 8th. Raymond James raised shares of Alaska Air Group from an outperform rating to a strong-buy rating and raised their price target for the company from $60.00 to $68.00 in a research report on Monday, April 3rd. Finally, Morgan Stanley upped their price objective on Alaska Air Group from $71.00 to $75.00 in a research report on Monday, April 24th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, nine have given a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Alaska Air Group has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $65.03.

Get Alaska Air Group alerts:

Alaska Air Group Trading Down 1.5 %

Shares of ALK traded down $0.70 during mid-day trading on Tuesday, reaching $47.16. The stock had a trading volume of 3,421,282 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,644,367. Alaska Air Group has a 52-week low of $37.19 and a 52-week high of $57.18. The firm has a market cap of $6.03 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 38.92, a P/E/G ratio of 0.31 and a beta of 1.55. The businesss fifty day moving average is $49.79 and its 200 day moving average is $47.16. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.48, a current ratio of 0.63 and a quick ratio of 0.62.

Insider Buying and Selling at Alaska Air Group

Alaska Air Group ( NYSE:ALK Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, July 25th. The transportation company reported $3.00 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.71 by $0.29. Alaska Air Group had a return on equity of 19.66% and a net margin of 1.55%. The firm had revenue of $2.84 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.77 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $2.19 earnings per share. The firms quarterly revenue was up 6.8% on a year-over-year basis. On average, sell-side analysts predict that Alaska Air Group will post 6.56 EPS for the current fiscal year.

In other Alaska Air Group news, CEO Benito Minicucci sold 5,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, June 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $48.73, for a total value of $243,650.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 114,506 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $5,579,877.38. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Company insiders own 0.68% of the companys stock.

Institutional Trading of Alaska Air Group

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Private Advisor Group LLC grew its holdings in Alaska Air Group by 78.2% in the first quarter. Private Advisor Group LLC now owns 9,980 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $579,000 after purchasing an additional 4,379 shares during the last quarter. MetLife Investment Management LLC grew its stake in Alaska Air Group by 23.6% in the 1st quarter. MetLife Investment Management LLC now owns 34,204 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $1,984,000 after acquiring an additional 6,520 shares during the last quarter. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS grew its stake in 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 valued at $977,000 after acquiring an additional 1,119 shares during the last quarter. APG Asset Management N.V. purchased a new position in Alaska Air Group during the 1st quarter valued at about $980,000. Finally, Great West Life Assurance Co. Can raised its position in Alaska Air Group by 3.4% during the first quarter. Great West Life Assurance Co. Can now owns 17,972 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $1,077,000 after acquiring 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.

Read More

Receive News & Ratings for Alaska Air Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Alaska Air Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Ares Management (NYSE:ARES  Free Report) had its price objective increased by Royal Bank of Canada from $105.00 to $110.00 in a research note published on Monday morning, Benzinga reports. Royal Bank of Canada currently has an outperform rating on the asset managers stock.

A number of other equities research analysts have also recently commented on ARES. TheStreet upgraded Ares Management from a c+ rating to a b- rating in a research note on Thursday, April 13th. The Goldman Sachs Group lifted their target price on Ares Management from $90.00 to $100.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Tuesday, July 18th. StockNews.com assumed coverage on Ares Management in a research note on Thursday, May 18th. They set a sell rating on the stock. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their target price on Ares Management from $93.00 to $97.00 in a research note on Tuesday, July 11th. Finally, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods lowered Ares Management from an outperform rating to a market perform rating and decreased their price objective for the stock from $99.00 to $98.00 in a report on Monday, July 10th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have given a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $99.60.

Get Ares Management alerts:

Ares Management Price Performance

Shares of NYSE:ARES opened at $98.78 on Monday. The company has a current ratio of 1.00, a quick ratio of 1.00 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.61. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $93.60 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $85.48. Ares Management has a 1-year low of $58.60 and a 1-year high of $103.02. The stock has a market cap of $29.87 billion, a PE ratio of 89.80, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.16 and a beta of 1.32.

Insider Buying and Selling at Ares Management

Ares Management ( NYSE:ARES Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Friday, April 28th. The asset manager reported $0.71 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.82 by ($0.11). The business had revenue of $813.36 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $694.04 million. Ares Management had a return on equity of 16.79% and a net margin of 6.84%. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $0.65 earnings per share. As a group, analysts forecast that Ares Management will post 3.68 EPS for the current fiscal year.

In other Ares Management news, CEO Michael J. Arougheti sold 64,480 shares of Ares Management stock in a transaction dated Thursday, June 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $95.13, for a total transaction of $6,133,982.40. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 60,471 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $5,752,606.23. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. In other news, CEO Michael J. Arougheti sold 64,480 shares of Ares Management stock in a transaction dated Thursday, June 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $95.13, for a total transaction of $6,133,982.40. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 60,471 shares in the company, valued at approximately $5,752,606.23. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, major shareholder Ares Management Llc purchased 200,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, May 4th. The shares were acquired at an average price of $21.86 per share, with a total value of $4,372,000.00. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 37,944,654 shares in the company, valued at approximately $829,470,136.44. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. Insiders sold 19,421,576 shares of company stock valued at $469,241,265 in the last quarter. 47.34% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Institutional Trading of Ares Management

A number of large investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. IFM Investors Pty Ltd boosted its position in shares of Ares Management by 1.2% during the 2nd quarter. IFM Investors Pty Ltd now owns 30,447 shares of the asset managers stock valued at $2,934,000 after acquiring an additional 375 shares during the last quarter. Close Asset Management Ltd bought a new stake in Ares Management in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $356,000. Oak Thistle LLC bought a new stake in Ares Management in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $427,000. Oregon Public Employees Retirement Fund bought a new stake in Ares Management in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $1,522,000. Finally, Janney Montgomery Scott LLC lifted its position in Ares Management by 535.8% in the 2nd quarter. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC now owns 99,397 shares of the asset managers stock worth $9,577,000 after buying an additional 83,763 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 48.66% of the companys stock.

Ares Management Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Ares Management Corporation operates as an alternative asset manager in the United States, Europe, and Asia. The company's Tradable Credit Group segment manages various types of investment funds, such as commingled and separately managed accounts for institutional investors, and publicly traded vehicles and sub-advised funds for retail investors in the tradable and non-investment grade corporate credit markets.

See Also

Receive News & Ratings for Ares Management Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ares Management and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Autoliv (NYSE:ALV  Free Report) had its price objective upped by Mizuho from $96.00 to $106.00 in a research note issued to investors on Monday, Marketbeat Ratings reports. Mizuho currently has a buy rating on the auto parts companys stock.

ALV has been the subject of a number of other research reports. Citigroup reduced their price objective on Autoliv from $97.00 to $93.00 in a research note on Monday, April 24th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their target price on Autoliv from $98.00 to $100.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, July 20th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft cut their target price on Autoliv from $113.00 to $110.00 in a research report on Monday, April 24th. Kepler Capital Markets raised Autoliv from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $105.00 target price on the stock in a research report on Thursday, May 11th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company lifted their target price on Autoliv from $95.00 to $96.00 in a research report on Monday, July 10th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have assigned a hold rating and seven have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Autoliv presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $102.67.

Get Autoliv alerts:

Autoliv Trading Down 2.9 %

Shares of Autoliv stock opened at $98.66 on Monday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.50, a quick ratio of 0.79 and a current ratio of 1.04. Autoliv has a 52 week low of $65.74 and a 52 week high of $103.99. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $88.11 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $88.37. The stock has a market capitalization of $8.42 billion, a PE ratio of 22.02, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.53 and a beta of 1.68.

Autoliv Announces Dividend

Autoliv ( NYSE:ALV Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Friday, July 21st. The auto parts company reported $1.93 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.41 by $0.52. Autoliv had a return on equity of 19.67% and a net margin of 3.98%. The firm had revenue of $2.64 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.55 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $0.90 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 26.6% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that Autoliv will post 6.43 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, June 13th. Investors of record on Thursday, May 25th were paid a dividend of $0.66 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, May 24th. This represents a $2.64 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.68%. Autolivs payout ratio is 58.93%.

Insider Activity at Autoliv

In related news, Director Jan Carlson sold 2,614 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, May 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $88.98, for a total transaction of $232,593.72. Following the sale, the director now directly owns 77,493 shares in the company, valued at approximately $6,895,327.14. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. 0.20% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Autoliv

A number of institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. BlackRock Inc. increased its position in shares of Autoliv by 188.9% during the 1st quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 5,468,058 shares of the auto parts companys stock valued at $510,498,000 after purchasing an additional 3,575,146 shares during the last quarter. State Street Corp increased its position in shares of Autoliv by 185.3% during the 1st quarter. State Street Corp now owns 1,455,700 shares of the auto parts companys stock valued at $135,904,000 after purchasing an additional 945,517 shares during the last quarter. Norges Bank bought a new position in shares of Autoliv during the 4th quarter valued at about $67,916,000. Millennium Management LLC increased its position in shares of Autoliv by 292.3% during the 4th quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 1,146,435 shares of the auto parts companys stock valued at $87,794,000 after purchasing an additional 854,212 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Point72 Asset Management L.P. increased its position in shares of Autoliv by 403.8% during the 4th quarter. Point72 Asset Management L.P. now owns 987,896 shares of the auto parts companys stock valued at $75,653,000 after purchasing an additional 791,811 shares during the last quarter. 57.29% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

Autoliv Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Autoliv, Inc, through its subsidiaries, develops, manufactures, and supplies passive safety systems to the automotive industry in Europe, the Americas, China, Japan, and rest of Asia. It offers passive safety systems, including modules and components for frontal-impact airbag protection systems, side-impact airbag protection systems, seatbelts, steering wheels, and inflator technologies.

Read More

Receive News & Ratings for Autoliv Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Autoliv and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Axxcess Wealth Management LLC grew its position in Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT  Free Report) by 0.1% during the 1st quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The firm owned 67,081 shares of the healthcare product makers stock after acquiring an additional 98 shares during the quarter. Axxcess Wealth Management LLCs holdings in Abbott Laboratories were worth $6,793,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of ABT. Migdal Insurance & Financial Holdings Ltd. grew its stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 15.0% in the 4th quarter. Migdal Insurance & Financial Holdings Ltd. now owns 673 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $74,000 after buying an additional 88 shares during the period. Alesco Advisors LLC grew its stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 3.9% in the 4th quarter. Alesco Advisors LLC now owns 2,435 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $267,000 after buying an additional 91 shares during the period. MCF Advisors LLC grew its stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 2.5% in the 4th quarter. MCF Advisors LLC now owns 3,743 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $411,000 after buying an additional 92 shares during the period. Investment Advisory Services Inc. TX ADV grew its stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 0.4% in the 1st quarter. Investment Advisory Services Inc. TX ADV now owns 22,785 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $2,307,000 after buying an additional 93 shares during the period. Finally, Patriot Investment Management Group Inc. boosted its stake in Abbott Laboratories by 3.1% during the 4th quarter. Patriot Investment Management Group Inc. now owns 3,236 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $356,000 after purchasing an additional 96 shares during the last quarter. 73.08% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Get Abbott Laboratories alerts:

Insider Buying and Selling at Abbott Laboratories

In other news, Director Daniel J. Starks sold 50,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, May 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $111.02, for a total transaction of $5,551,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 6,825,316 shares in the company, valued at approximately $757,746,582.32. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In other news, Director Daniel J. Starks sold 50,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, May 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $111.02, for a total transaction of $5,551,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 6,825,316 shares in the company, valued at approximately $757,746,582.32. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, EVP Andrea F. Wainer sold 8,226 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, May 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $110.56, for a total transaction of $909,466.56. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 70,427 shares of the companys stock, valued at $7,786,409.12. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders own 1.10% of the companys stock.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Abbott Laboratories Stock Performance

A number of equities analysts have issued reports on ABT shares. Bank of America cut their price target on Abbott Laboratories from $125.00 to $115.00 in a research note on Thursday, March 30th. Wells Fargo & Company cut their price target on Abbott Laboratories from $140.00 to $136.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, April 5th. Sanford C. Bernstein lifted their price target on Abbott Laboratories from $132.00 to $133.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, April 20th. Raymond James lifted their price target on Abbott Laboratories from $116.00 to $123.00 in a research note on Thursday, April 20th. Finally, UBS Group boosted their target price on Abbott Laboratories from $117.00 to $130.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, April 20th. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $120.82.

Shares of NYSE:ABT traded down $1.43 during mid-day trading on Thursday, reaching $112.65. The company had a trading volume of 4,762,925 shares, compared to its average volume of 5,090,405. The company has a current ratio of 1.68, a quick ratio of 1.22 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.39. The firm has a market cap of $195.89 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 38.89, a PEG ratio of 5.05 and a beta of 0.68. The companys 50-day moving average price is $106.40 and its 200-day moving average price is $106.34. Abbott Laboratories has a one year low of $93.25 and a one year high of $115.83.

Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, July 20th. The healthcare product maker reported $1.08 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.05 by $0.03. Abbott Laboratories had a net margin of 12.83% and a return on equity of 20.60%. The business had revenue of $9.98 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $9.71 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $1.43 EPS. The businesss revenue for the quarter was down 11.4% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities research analysts anticipate that Abbott Laboratories will post 4.4 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Abbott Laboratories Announces Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, August 15th. Shareholders of record on Friday, July 14th will be issued a dividend of $0.51 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, July 13th. This represents a $2.04 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.81%. Abbott Laboratoriess payout ratio is 69.62%.

Abbott Laboratories Company Profile

(Free Report)

Abbott Laboratories, together with its subsidiaries, discovers, develops, manufactures, and sells health care products worldwide. It operates in four segments: Established Pharmaceutical Products, Diagnostic Products, Nutritional Products, and Medical Devices. The Established Pharmaceutical Products segment provides generic pharmaceuticals for the treatment of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, irritable bowel syndrome or biliary spasm, intrahepatic cholestasis or depressive symptoms, gynecological disorder, hormone replacement therapy, dyslipidemia, hypertension, hypothyroidism, Meniere's disease and vestibular vertigo, pain, fever, inflammation, and migraine, as well as provides anti-infective clarithromycin, influenza vaccine, and products to regulate physiological rhythm of the colon.

Further Reading

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ABT? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Abbott Laboratories Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Abbott Laboratories and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Barclays (LON:BARC  Get Free Report) had its price target lowered by stock analysts at Berenberg Bank from GBX 270 ($3.46) to GBX 260 ($3.33) in a research note issued to investors on Thursday, Digital Look reports. The brokerage currently has a buy rating on the financial services providers stock. Berenberg Banks price objective suggests a potential upside of 66.88% from the companys current price.

Several other research analysts also recently commented on the company. Jefferies Financial Group lifted their price target on Barclays from GBX 300 ($3.85) to GBX 320 ($4.10) and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, June 20th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their price target on Barclays from GBX 210 ($2.69) to GBX 180 ($2.31) and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, June 26th. Finally, Shore Capital reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of Barclays in a research report on Thursday, April 27th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of GBX 237.56 ($3.05).

Get Barclays alerts:

Barclays Stock Up 0.3 %

LON BARC traded up GBX 0.40 ($0.01) during trading on Thursday, hitting GBX 155.80 ($2.00). The companys stock had a trading volume of 37,056,782 shares, compared to its average volume of 52,994,633. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of GBX 155.23 and a 200 day moving average price of GBX 160.63. The firm has a market cap of 24.23 billion, a P/E ratio of 472.12, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of -1.09 and a beta of 1.34. Barclays has a 52 week low of GBX 128.12 ($1.64) and a 52 week high of GBX 198.86 ($2.55).

Insider Activity at Barclays

About Barclays

In related news, insider Anna Cross sold 68,659 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, June 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of GBX 154 ($1.97), for a total value of 105,734.86 ($135,574.89). 0.34% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

(Get Free Report)

Barclays PLC provides various financial services in the United Kingdom, Europe, the Americas, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. The company operates through two segments, Barclays UK and Barclays International divisions. It offers financial services, such as retail banking, credit cards, wholesale banking, investment banking, wealth management, and investment management services.

Read More

Receive News & Ratings for Barclays Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Barclays and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Comerica (NYSE:CMA  Get Free Report) had its target price lifted by stock analysts at Truist Financial from $50.00 to $58.00 in a research note issued on Tuesday, MarketBeat reports. The firm currently has a buy rating on the financial services providers stock. Truist Financials target price indicates a potential upside of 10.77% from the stocks current price.

Other research analysts have also recently issued research reports about the stock. 58.com restated a maintains rating on shares of Comerica in a research report on Thursday, June 29th. Royal Bank of Canada upped their target price on shares of Comerica from $54.00 to $58.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Monday. Robert W. Baird reduced their price target on shares of Comerica from $90.00 to $80.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Friday, April 21st. StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of Comerica in a research note on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a sell rating for the company. Finally, Argus upped their price target on shares of Comerica from $56.00 to $64.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Monday. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, six have assigned a hold rating, eleven have issued a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $62.58.

Get Comerica alerts:

Comerica Stock Down 2.1 %

Shares of Comerica stock traded down $1.11 during trading on Tuesday, reaching $52.36. The company had a trading volume of 2,250,998 shares, compared to its average volume of 3,630,008. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.34, a quick ratio of 0.93 and a current ratio of 0.93. Comerica has a fifty-two week low of $28.40 and a fifty-two week high of $87.02. The firms fifty day moving average is $42.81 and its 200-day moving average is $51.42. The company has a market cap of $6.89 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 5.58, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.51 and a beta of 1.19.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Comerica ( NYSE:CMA Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Friday, July 21st. The financial services provider reported $2.01 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.86 by $0.15. Comerica had a net margin of 27.01% and a return on equity of 25.54%. The business had revenue of $1.38 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $904.80 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $1.92 EPS. On average, analysts anticipate that Comerica will post 7.76 EPS for the current year.

Several large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in CMA. First Trust Advisors LP increased its stake in Comerica by 1,192.2% in the 1st quarter. First Trust Advisors LP now owns 3,878,506 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $168,405,000 after buying an additional 3,578,355 shares during the period. Norges Bank acquired a new position in shares of Comerica during the 4th quarter worth $113,763,000. Deutsche Bank AG increased its stake in shares of Comerica by 566.4% during the 4th quarter. Deutsche Bank AG now owns 1,455,595 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $97,307,000 after purchasing an additional 1,237,181 shares during the last quarter. BlackRock Inc. increased its stake in shares of Comerica by 9.4% during the 1st quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 13,313,998 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $578,094,000 after purchasing an additional 1,145,951 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Millennium Management LLC increased its stake in shares of Comerica by 155.7% during the 4th quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 1,517,108 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $101,419,000 after purchasing an additional 923,864 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 81.81% of the companys stock.

About Comerica

(Get Free Report)

Comerica Incorporated, through its subsidiaries, provides various financial products and services. The company operates through Commercial Bank, Retail Bank, Wealth Management, and Finance segments. The Commercial Bank segment offers various products and services, including commercial loans and lines of credit, deposits, cash management, capital market products, international trade finance, letters of credit, foreign exchange management services, and loan syndication services, as well as payment and card services for small and middle market businesses, multinational corporations, and governmental entities.

Further Reading

Receive News & Ratings for Comerica Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Comerica and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Choom (OTCMKTS:CHOOF  Get Free Report) is one of 223 publicly-traded companies in the Drug ManufacturersSpecialty & Generic industry, but how does it compare to its competitors? We will compare Choom to related companies based on the strength of its profitability, analyst recommendations, dividends, earnings, valuation, institutional ownership and risk.

Profitability

This table compares Choom and its competitors net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Get Choom alerts:

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Choom N/A N/A N/A Choom Competitors -56.84% -389.95% -9.71%

Dividends

Choom pays an annual dividend of $0.04 per share and has a dividend yield of 4,111.1%. Choom pays out 25.7% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. As a group, Drug ManufacturersSpecialty & Generic companies pay a dividend yield of 3.3% and pay out 55.2% of their earnings in the form of a dividend. Choom is clearly a better dividend stock than its competitors, given its higher yield and lower payout ratio.

Institutional & Insider Ownership

Analyst Ratings

20.4% of shares of all Drug ManufacturersSpecialty & Generic companies are held by institutional investors. 28.5% of shares of all Drug ManufacturersSpecialty & Generic companies are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term.

This is a summary of recent ratings for Choom and its competitors, as provided by MarketBeat.com.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Choom 0 0 0 0 N/A Choom Competitors 120 651 1371 15 2.59

As a group, Drug ManufacturersSpecialty & Generic companies have a potential upside of 20.28%. Given Chooms competitors higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe Choom has less favorable growth aspects than its competitors.

Earnings and Valuation

This table compares Choom and its competitors top-line revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio Choom N/A N/A 0.01 Choom Competitors $685.40 million -$14.39 million 205.92

Chooms competitors have higher revenue, but lower earnings than Choom. Choom 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.

Choom Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Choom Holdings Inc. engages in the retail of cannabis. It sells cannabis products and accessories. The company was formerly known as Standard Graphite Corporation and changed its name to Choom Holdings Inc. in November 2017. Choom Holdings Inc. was incorporated in 2006 and is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada.

Receive News & Ratings for Choom Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Choom and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Cowen Prime Advisors LLC lessened its holdings in shares of Kinder Morgan, Inc. (NYSE:KMI  Free Report) by 4.1% in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 118,010 shares of the pipeline companys stock after selling 5,000 shares during the period. Cowen Prime Advisors LLCs holdings in Kinder Morgan were worth $2,024,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other large investors also recently bought and sold shares of the business. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC grew its stake in shares of Kinder Morgan by 102,208.0% in the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 41,070,520 shares of the pipeline companys stock valued at $742,555,000 after buying an additional 41,030,376 shares during the period. Geode Capital Management LLC grew its stake in shares of Kinder Morgan by 1.9% in the 4th quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 39,578,158 shares of the pipeline companys stock valued at $716,198,000 after buying an additional 750,210 shares during the period. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD grew its stake in shares of Kinder Morgan by 1,352.5% in the 4th quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 36,803,132 shares of the pipeline companys stock valued at $665,401,000 after buying an additional 34,269,435 shares during the period. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. grew its stake in shares of Kinder Morgan by 0.7% in the 4th quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 29,330,674 shares of the pipeline companys stock valued at $514,330,000 after buying an additional 215,632 shares during the period. Finally, Morgan Stanley lifted its holdings in shares of Kinder Morgan by 8.9% in the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 22,573,449 shares of the pipeline companys stock worth $408,128,000 after acquiring an additional 1,846,231 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 61.03% of the companys stock.

Get Kinder Morgan alerts:

Kinder Morgan Stock Down 0.8 %

Shares of NYSE:KMI traded down $0.14 on Thursday, hitting $17.81. 12,293,991 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 13,062,581. The company has a market capitalization of $39.67 billion, a PE ratio of 16.04, a P/E/G ratio of 5.47 and a beta of 0.95. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.90, a quick ratio of 0.44 and a current ratio of 0.49. Kinder Morgan, Inc. has a 1-year low of $16.00 and a 1-year high of $19.35. The firms 50-day moving average is $16.89 and its 200 day moving average is $17.37.

Kinder Morgan Dividend Announcement

Kinder Morgan ( NYSE:KMI Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, July 19th. The pipeline company reported $0.24 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, meeting analysts consensus estimates of $0.24. The firm had revenue of $3.50 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.55 billion. Kinder Morgan had a return on equity of 7.79% and a net margin of 14.65%. The businesss revenue was down 32.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $0.27 EPS. Sell-side analysts predict that Kinder Morgan, Inc. will post 1.1 EPS for the current year.

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, August 15th. Investors of record on Monday, July 31st will be given a $0.2825 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Friday, July 28th. This represents a $1.13 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 6.35%. Kinder Morgans dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 101.80%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several equities analysts have recently commented on KMI shares. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Kinder Morgan in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Barclays reduced their target price on shares of Kinder Morgan from $20.00 to $19.00 in a report on Tuesday, July 18th. Royal Bank of Canada reiterated a sector perform rating and set a $20.00 target price on shares of Kinder Morgan in a report on Thursday, July 20th. Finally, Wolfe Research upgraded shares of Kinder Morgan from an underperform rating to a peer perform rating in a report on Wednesday, July 12th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have issued a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Kinder Morgan has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $19.89.

Insider Activity at Kinder Morgan

In other Kinder Morgan news, VP John W. Schlosser sold 7,500 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, July 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $18.00, for a total transaction of $135,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president now directly owns 12,219 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $219,942. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Insiders own 12.64% of the companys stock.

About Kinder Morgan

(Free Report)

Kinder Morgan, Inc operates as an energy infrastructure company in North America. The company operates through four segments: Natural Gas Pipelines, Products Pipelines, Terminals, and CO2. The Natural Gas Pipelines segment owns and operates interstate and intrastate natural gas pipeline, and underground storage systems; natural gas gathering systems and natural gas processing and treating facilities; natural gas liquids fractionation facilities and transportation systems; and liquefied natural gas gasification, liquefaction, and storage facilities.

Featured Articles

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding KMI? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Kinder Morgan, Inc. (NYSE:KMI  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Kinder Morgan Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Kinder Morgan and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Danaher Co. (NYSE:DHR  Get Free Report) EVP Joakim Weidemanis sold 22,439 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, July 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $263.42, for a total transaction of $5,910,881.38. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 88,689 shares in the company, valued at approximately $23,362,456.38. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink.

Joakim Weidemanis also recently made the following trade(s):

Get Danaher alerts:

On Thursday, May 4th, Joakim Weidemanis sold 9,934 shares of Danaher stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $245.27, for a total transaction of $2,436,512.18.

Danaher Trading Down 3.6 %

Shares of NYSE DHR traded down $9.56 during trading on Thursday, hitting $255.31. 4,085,468 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 3,028,640. Danaher Co. has a 12-month low of $221.22 and a 12-month high of $303.82. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.37, a quick ratio of 1.51 and a current ratio of 1.89. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $237.73 and a 200-day moving average price of $246.84. The firm has a market capitalization of $188.39 billion, a PE ratio of 30.69, a P/E/G ratio of 2.60 and a beta of 0.80.

Danaher Dividend Announcement

Danaher ( NYSE:DHR Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, July 25th. The conglomerate reported $2.05 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.01 by $0.04. The company had revenue of $7.16 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $7.12 billion. Danaher had a return on equity of 15.33% and a net margin of 20.95%. Danahers revenue was down 7.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $2.76 EPS. As a group, equities research analysts expect that Danaher Co. will post 9.37 EPS for the current year.

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, July 28th. Stockholders of record on Friday, June 30th will be given a dividend of $0.27 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, June 29th. This represents a $1.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.42%. Danahers dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 12.68%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

DHR has been the subject of a number of recent analyst reports. William Blair reiterated an outperform rating on shares of Danaher in a research report on Wednesday, April 26th. Bank of America boosted their target price on shares of Danaher from $250.00 to $280.00 in a report on Wednesday. Barclays boosted their target price on shares of Danaher from $260.00 to $290.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday. Citigroup lowered their target price on shares of Danaher from $325.00 to $300.00 in a report on Wednesday, April 26th. Finally, SVB Securities initiated coverage on shares of Danaher in a report on Monday, May 1st. They issued an outperform rating and a $300.00 target price on the stock. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and fourteen have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $295.00.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Danaher

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Victory Capital Management Inc. raised its stake in shares of Danaher by 6.4% during the 2nd quarter. Victory Capital Management Inc. now owns 242,346 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $58,163,000 after buying an additional 14,539 shares during the last quarter. WASHINGTON TRUST Co raised its stake in shares of Danaher by 2.1% during the 2nd quarter. WASHINGTON TRUST Co now owns 4,700 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $1,128,000 after buying an additional 95 shares during the last quarter. First National Bank of Hutchinson raised its stake in shares of Danaher by 1.8% during the 2nd quarter. First National Bank of Hutchinson now owns 2,580 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $619,000 after buying an additional 46 shares during the last quarter. Empire Financial Management Company LLC increased its position in Danaher by 23.7% during the 2nd quarter. Empire Financial Management Company LLC now owns 1,591 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $382,000 after purchasing an additional 305 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Caliber Wealth Management LLC increased its position in Danaher by 11.3% during the 2nd quarter. Caliber Wealth Management LLC now owns 8,530 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $2,047,000 after purchasing an additional 866 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 75.68% of the companys stock.

About Danaher

(Get Free Report)

Danaher Corporation designs, manufactures, and markets professional, medical, industrial, and commercial products and services worldwide. The Biotechnology segments offers bioprocess technologies, consumables, and services; lab filtration, separation, and purification; lab-scale protein purification and analytical tools; reagents, membranes and services; and healthcare filtration solutions.

Featured Stories

Receive News & Ratings for Danaher Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Danaher and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Edwards Lifesciences (NYSE:EW  Get Free Report) posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday. The medical research company reported $0.66 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.65 by $0.01, Briefing.com reports. The company had revenue of $1.53 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.51 billion. Edwards Lifesciences had a net margin of 27.07% and a return on equity of 25.81%. The companys revenue was up 11.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $0.63 earnings per share.

Edwards Lifesciences Trading Down 9.8 %

NYSE EW traded down $8.96 on Thursday, hitting $82.67. 11,578,089 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 3,106,868. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.10, a quick ratio of 2.17 and a current ratio of 3.01. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $88.94 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $84.11. The firm has a market capitalization of $50.12 billion, a P/E ratio of 34.30, a P/E/G ratio of 5.21 and a beta of 1.03. Edwards Lifesciences has a 52-week low of $67.13 and a 52-week high of $107.92.

Get Edwards Lifesciences alerts:

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of analysts have commented on the stock. TheStreet raised shares of Edwards Lifesciences from a c+ rating to a b- rating in a report on Wednesday, April 19th. Piper Sandler lifted their price target on shares of Edwards Lifesciences from $83.00 to $88.00 in a research report on Thursday. 58.com reissued a reiterates rating on shares of Edwards Lifesciences in a research report on Tuesday, June 27th. StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of Edwards Lifesciences in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. They set a buy rating on the stock. Finally, Citigroup lifted their price target on shares of Edwards Lifesciences from $101.00 to $110.00 in a research report on Monday, July 10th. One 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, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $93.16.

Insider Activity

Institutional Trading of Edwards Lifesciences

In other Edwards Lifesciences news, SVP Robert W.A. Sellers sold 12,270 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, April 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of $87.20, for a total value of $1,069,944.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the senior vice president now directly owns 11,750 shares in the company, valued at $1,024,600. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website . In related news, SVP Robert W.A. Sellers sold 12,270 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, April 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of $87.20, for a total value of $1,069,944.00. Following the sale, the senior vice president now owns 11,750 shares in the company, valued at $1,024,600. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this link . Also, CFO Scott B. Ullem sold 80,700 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, May 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $88.54, for a total value of $7,145,178.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer now owns 18,294 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,619,750.76. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . Over the last ninety days, insiders sold 228,316 shares of company stock valued at $20,215,378. 1.29% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of EW. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC increased its position in shares of Edwards Lifesciences by 104,971.3% during the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 15,399,249 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $1,148,938,000 after purchasing an additional 15,384,593 shares during the last quarter. Norges Bank purchased a new position in Edwards Lifesciences during the 4th quarter valued at about $658,390,000. DZ BANK AG Deutsche Zentral Genossenschafts Bank Frankfurt am Main boosted its holdings in Edwards Lifesciences by 655.9% during the 4th quarter. DZ BANK AG Deutsche Zentral Genossenschafts Bank Frankfurt am Main now owns 2,325,457 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $173,502,000 after acquiring an additional 2,017,801 shares during the period. Morgan Stanley boosted its holdings in Edwards Lifesciences by 13.5% during the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 7,183,814 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $535,984,000 after acquiring an additional 855,755 shares during the period. Finally, Squarepoint Ops LLC boosted its holdings in Edwards Lifesciences by 374.1% during the 4th quarter. Squarepoint Ops LLC now owns 873,719 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $65,188,000 after acquiring an additional 689,415 shares during the period. 79.78% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Edwards Lifesciences Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Edwards Lifesciences Corporation provides products and technologies for structural heart disease, and critical care and surgical monitoring in the United States, Europe, Japan, and internationally. It offers transcatheter heart valve replacement products for the minimally invasive replacement of heart valves; and transcatheter heart valve repair and replacement products to treat mitral and tricuspid valve diseases.

Featured Stories

Receive News & Ratings for Edwards Lifesciences Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Edwards Lifesciences and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
On the evening of Friday, 28 July, several loud explosions occurred in Dnipro, prompting an air raid alert. Explosions were also heard in Zaporizhzhia.

ADVERTISIMENT

After that, the Ukrainian Air Force reported a threat of enemy ballistic missile use in the east and south. Monitoring channels confirmed the attack with ballistic missiles.

According to them, Dnipro and Zaporizhzhia were preliminarily hit with Iskander missile systems.

Dnipro publics wrote that smoke was visible at the arrival site.

The strike on Dnipro was confirmed by the city's mayor, Boris Filatov, and the Dnipropetrovs'k Regional Military Administration called for information silence.

The news is being supplemented...

Only verified information is available in our Obozrevatel Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Savant Capital LLC lifted its stake in Hormel Foods Co. (NYSE:HRL  Free Report) by 1.3% in the first quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 46,314 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 598 shares during the quarter. Savant Capital LLCs holdings in Hormel Foods were worth $1,847,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Other hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. Cognios Beta Neutral Large Cap Fund LP raised its position in Hormel Foods by 15.3% during the first quarter. Cognios Beta Neutral Large Cap Fund LP now owns 22,059 shares of the companys stock valued at $867,000 after acquiring an additional 2,931 shares in the last quarter. Yousif Capital Management LLC raised its position in Hormel Foods by 4.2% during the first quarter. Yousif Capital Management LLC now owns 208,434 shares of the companys stock valued at $8,312,000 after acquiring an additional 8,347 shares in the last quarter. Daiwa Securities Group Inc. raised its position in Hormel Foods by 5.0% during the first quarter. Daiwa Securities Group Inc. now owns 22,593 shares of the companys stock valued at $901,000 after acquiring an additional 1,072 shares in the last quarter. Victory Capital Management Inc. raised its position in Hormel Foods by 10.2% during the first quarter. Victory Capital Management Inc. now owns 373,898 shares of the companys stock valued at $14,911,000 after acquiring an additional 34,738 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Olstein Capital Management L.P. raised its position in Hormel Foods by 40.0% during the first quarter. Olstein Capital Management L.P. now owns 84,000 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,350,000 after acquiring an additional 24,000 shares in the last quarter. 40.49% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Get Hormel Foods alerts:

Hormel Foods Stock Down 0.5 %

HRL opened at $40.62 on Friday. Hormel Foods Co. has a fifty-two week low of $37.78 and a fifty-two week high of $51.69. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.43, a current ratio of 2.42 and a quick ratio of 1.09. The firms fifty day moving average price is $40.02 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $41.32. The company has a market capitalization of $22.19 billion, a P/E ratio of 23.75, a P/E/G ratio of 4.04 and a beta of 0.19.

Hormel Foods Dividend Announcement

Hormel Foods ( NYSE:HRL Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, June 1st. The company reported $0.40 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.39 by $0.01. Hormel Foods had a net margin of 7.61% and a return on equity of 12.36%. The firm had revenue of $2.98 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.06 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $0.48 earnings per share. The businesss revenue was down 3.8% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, analysts anticipate that Hormel Foods Co. will post 1.73 EPS for the current year.

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, August 15th. Shareholders of record on Monday, July 17th will be issued a dividend of $0.275 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, July 14th. This represents a $1.10 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.71%. Hormel Foodss payout ratio is presently 64.33%.

Insider Buying and Selling at Hormel Foods

In other Hormel Foods news, SVP Kevin L. Myers sold 5,200 shares of Hormel Foods stock in a transaction on Thursday, June 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $40.51, for a total transaction of $210,652.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the senior vice president now directly owns 36,190 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,466,056.90. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. In other Hormel Foods news, SVP Kevin L. Myers sold 5,200 shares of Hormel Foods stock in a transaction on Thursday, June 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $40.51, for a total transaction of $210,652.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the senior vice president now directly owns 36,190 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,466,056.90. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, VP Mark J. Ourada sold 9,200 shares of Hormel Foods stock in a transaction on Tuesday, June 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $41.00, for a total value of $377,200.00. Following the transaction, the vice president now directly owns 20,684 shares of the companys stock, valued at $848,044. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last three months, insiders sold 45,800 shares of company stock valued at $1,859,552. 0.81% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Analyst Ratings Changes

HRL has been the topic of several recent research reports. StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of Hormel Foods in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. They set a hold rating on the stock. Barclays dropped their price target on shares of Hormel Foods from $45.00 to $42.00 in a research report on Thursday, June 1st. Piper Sandler dropped their price target on shares of Hormel Foods from $44.00 to $43.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, April 12th. Finally, Argus lowered shares of Hormel Foods from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, March 30th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating and five have given a hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $43.71.

About Hormel Foods

(Free Report)

Hormel Foods Corporation develops, processes, and distributes various meat, nuts, and food products to retail, foodservice, deli, and commercial customers in the United States and internationally. The company operates through four segments: Grocery Products, Refrigerated Foods, Jennie-O Turkey Store, and International & Other.

Featured Stories

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding HRL? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Hormel Foods Co. (NYSE:HRL  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Hormel Foods Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hormel Foods and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Schlumberger Limited (NYSE:SLB  Get Free Report) CAO Howard Guild sold 17,500 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, July 27th. The shares were sold at an average price of $57.97, for a total value of $1,014,475.00. Following the transaction, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 22,181 shares in the company, valued at $1,285,832.57. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website.

Schlumberger Stock Down 1.1 %

NYSE SLB traded down $0.66 during trading on Thursday, reaching $57.01. 7,790,172 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 10,015,188. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $49.64 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $50.91. Schlumberger Limited has a 1 year low of $33.43 and a 1 year high of $62.78. The stock has a market cap of $80.97 billion, a P/E ratio of 21.09, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.73 and a beta of 1.78. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.60, a quick ratio of 0.97 and a current ratio of 1.33.

Get Schlumberger alerts:

Schlumberger (NYSE:SLB  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Friday, July 21st. The oil and gas company reported $0.72 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.71 by $0.01. The firm had revenue of $8.10 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $8.20 billion. Schlumberger had a return on equity of 21.27% and a net margin of 12.63%. The businesss revenue was up 19.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $0.50 earnings per share. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that Schlumberger Limited will post 2.99 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Schlumberger Announces Dividend

Analysts Set New Price Targets

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, October 12th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, September 6th will be paid a dividend of $0.25 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, September 5th. This represents a $1.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.75%. Schlumbergers dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 36.50%.

Several brokerages have recently commented on SLB. Susquehanna raised their price objective on shares of Schlumberger from $65.00 to $68.00 and gave the company a positive rating in a research report on Monday. StockNews.com started coverage on Schlumberger in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. They set a hold rating for the company. UBS Group raised shares of Schlumberger from a neutral rating to a buy rating and increased their price objective for the company from $48.00 to $66.00 in a report on Tuesday, April 18th. Barclays cut their price objective on Schlumberger from $74.00 to $70.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Monday. Finally, Morgan Stanley restated an overweight rating and set a $62.00 price objective on shares of Schlumberger in a research note on Monday. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and sixteen have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Schlumberger currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $65.13.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Schlumberger

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of SLB. Acadian Asset Management LLC acquired a new position in Schlumberger during the first quarter worth about $25,000. Delta Asset Management LLC TN acquired a new position in Schlumberger in the 4th quarter worth about $26,000. Heritage Wealth Management LLC raised its stake in shares of Schlumberger by 172.3% during the 4th quarter. Heritage Wealth Management LLC now owns 482 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $26,000 after purchasing an additional 305 shares in the last quarter. Exos TFP Holdings LLC grew its stake in shares of Schlumberger by 269.7% in the 1st quarter. Exos TFP Holdings LLC now owns 536 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $26,000 after buying an additional 391 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Impact Partnership Wealth LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Schlumberger in the 2nd quarter valued at $31,000. Institutional investors own 82.46% of the companys stock.

Schlumberger Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Schlumberger Limited engages in the provision of technology for the energy industry worldwide. The company operates through four divisions: Digital & Integration, Reservoir Performance, Well Construction, and Production Systems. The company provides field development and hydrocarbon production, carbon management, integration of adjacent energy systems; reservoir interpretation and data processing services for exploration data; and well construction and production improvement services and products.

Recommended Stories

Receive News & Ratings for Schlumberger Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Schlumberger and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
New Mexico Educational Retirement Board raised its position in Envista Holdings Co. (NYSE:NVST  Free Report) by 15.2% in the first quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 29,500 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 3,900 shares during the period. New Mexico Educational Retirement Boards holdings in Envista were worth $1,206,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in NVST. Raymond James & Associates grew its position in shares of Envista by 6.1% in the first quarter. Raymond James & Associates now owns 56,493 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,752,000 after purchasing an additional 3,235 shares during the period. Bank of Montreal Can boosted its position in Envista by 13.9% during the first quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 124,799 shares of the companys stock worth $6,103,000 after acquiring an additional 15,228 shares during the last quarter. Panagora Asset Management Inc. boosted its position in Envista by 8.1% during the first quarter. Panagora Asset Management Inc. now owns 6,543 shares of the companys stock worth $319,000 after acquiring an additional 490 shares during the last quarter. Great West Life Assurance Co. Can boosted its position in Envista by 8.6% during the first quarter. Great West Life Assurance Co. Can now owns 88,474 shares of the companys stock worth $4,433,000 after acquiring an additional 7,020 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Vontobel Holding Ltd. acquired a new position in Envista during the first quarter worth about $390,000.

Get Envista alerts:

Envista Trading Up 1.1 %

Shares of Envista stock traded up $0.39 on Friday, reaching $35.01. The company had a trading volume of 16,070 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,954,816. The firms 50 day moving average price is $33.80 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $36.46. The firm has a market cap of $5.73 billion, a PE ratio of 28.85, a PEG ratio of 2.02 and a beta of 1.42. Envista Holdings Co. has a 52-week low of $31.20 and a 52-week high of $43.29. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.20, a quick ratio of 0.96 and a current ratio of 1.23.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Envista ( NYSE:NVST Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, May 3rd. The company reported $0.38 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.41 by ($0.03). Envista had a return on equity of 7.98% and a net margin of 8.27%. The business had revenue of $627.20 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $632.51 million. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $0.47 earnings per share. Envistas quarterly revenue was down .7% on a year-over-year basis. Sell-side analysts predict that Envista Holdings Co. will post 1.85 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

A number of equities analysts recently weighed in on the stock. TheStreet lowered shares of Envista from a b rating to a c+ rating in a research report on Friday, June 9th. Bank of America decreased their target price on shares of Envista from $47.00 to $45.00 in a report on Tuesday, July 11th. One analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $45.20.

Envista Profile

(Free Report)

Envista Holdings Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, develops, manufactures, markets, and sells dental products in the United States, China, and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Specialty Products & Technologies, and Equipment & Consumables. The Specialty Products & Technologies segment offers dental implant systems, guided surgery systems, biomaterials, and prefabricated and custom-built prosthetics to oral surgeons, prosthodontists, and periodontists; and brackets and wires, tubes and bands, archwires, clear aligners, digital orthodontic treatments, retainers, and other orthodontic laboratory products.

Recommended Stories

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding NVST? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Envista Holdings Co. (NYSE:NVST  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Envista Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Envista and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Pinnacle Wealth Planning Services Inc. cut its stake in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF (BATS:EFG  Free Report) by 8.8% during the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 41,780 shares of the companys stock after selling 4,018 shares during the period. iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF accounts for approximately 0.7% of Pinnacle Wealth Planning Services Inc.s portfolio, making the stock its 19th largest holding. Pinnacle Wealth Planning Services Inc.s holdings in iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF were worth $3,914,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Aveo Capital Partners LLC grew its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF by 45.2% during the first quarter. Aveo Capital Partners LLC now owns 4,077 shares of the companys stock worth $382,000 after purchasing an additional 1,270 shares in the last quarter. Soltis Investment Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF in the first quarter worth approximately $301,000. J.W. Cole Advisors Inc. boosted its stake in iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF by 3.7% in the first quarter. J.W. Cole Advisors Inc. now owns 24,154 shares of the companys stock worth $2,263,000 after buying an additional 871 shares in the last quarter. Liberty Wealth Management LLC purchased a new stake in iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF in the first quarter worth approximately $7,621,000. Finally, Mendel Capital Management LLC purchased a new stake in iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF in the first quarter worth approximately $281,000.

Get iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF alerts:

iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF Stock Performance

EFG traded up $0.16 during midday trading on Thursday, hitting $95.90. The stock had a trading volume of 446,326 shares. The company has a market cap of $13.50 billion, a P/E ratio of 18.69 and a beta of 0.89. The business has a fifty day moving average of $95.11 and a 200 day moving average of $93.03. iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF has a 1 year low of $67.58 and a 1 year high of $85.81.

About iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF

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.

Featured Stories

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EFG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF (BATS:EFG  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Regions Financial (NYSE:RF  Free Report) had its price objective increased by Citigroup from $20.00 to $21.00 in a research report report published on Tuesday morning, Benzinga reports. The firm currently has a neutral rating on the banks stock.

RF has been the subject of a number of other reports. Morgan Stanley upped their price objective on Regions Financial from $25.00 to $26.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Monday. Wells Fargo & Company dropped their target price on Regions Financial from $28.00 to $25.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Monday, April 3rd. Truist Financial dropped their target price on Regions Financial from $20.00 to $19.00 in a report on Thursday, June 29th. Wedbush restated an outperform rating and set a $22.00 target price on shares of Regions Financial in a report on Monday. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada restated an outperform rating and set a $23.00 target price on shares of Regions Financial in a report on Monday. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have given a hold rating and eight have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $23.25.

Get Regions Financial alerts:

Regions Financial Price Performance

NYSE RF traded down $0.27 during trading on Tuesday, reaching $19.96. The companys stock had a trading volume of 5,403,996 shares, compared to its average volume of 10,291,051. The stock has a market capitalization of $18.73 billion, a PE ratio of 8.53, a P/E/G ratio of 0.84 and a beta of 1.17. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.29, a current ratio of 0.84 and a quick ratio of 0.83. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $18.31 and a 200 day moving average of $19.60. Regions Financial has a one year low of $13.94 and a one year high of $24.33.

Regions Financial Increases Dividend

Regions Financial ( NYSE:RF Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Friday, July 21st. The bank reported $0.59 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, hitting analysts consensus estimates of $0.59. Regions Financial had a return on equity of 16.54% and a net margin of 26.86%. The firm had revenue of $1.96 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.95 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $0.59 EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 12.0% compared to the same quarter last year. Analysts expect that Regions Financial will post 2.35 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, October 2nd. 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 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.81%. This is a positive change from Regions Financials previous quarterly dividend of $0.20. Regions Financials dividend payout ratio is currently 41.03%.

Insider Transactions at Regions Financial

In other news, Director J Thomas Hill bought 11,926 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, May 17th. The stock was purchased at an average price of $16.78 per share, with a total value of $200,118.28. Following the transaction, the director now owns 23,107 shares of the companys stock, valued at $387,735.46. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Corporate insiders own 0.32% of the companys stock.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in RF. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich increased its position in Regions Financial by 97,697.9% during the 2nd quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 1,638,604,354 shares of the banks stock valued at $29,199,930,000 after buying an additional 1,636,928,853 shares in the last quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP increased its position in Regions Financial by 34,598.5% during the 1st quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 33,752,303 shares of the banks stock valued at $626,443,000 after buying an additional 33,655,030 shares in the last quarter. Norges Bank bought a new position in Regions Financial during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $201,607,000. First Trust Advisors LP increased its position in Regions Financial by 296.5% during the 1st quarter. First Trust Advisors LP now owns 10,552,656 shares of the banks stock valued at $234,902,000 after buying an additional 7,891,037 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Amundi increased its position in Regions Financial by 43.7% during the 4th quarter. Amundi now owns 11,180,078 shares of the banks stock valued at $245,845,000 after buying an additional 3,398,243 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 73.71% of the companys stock.

About Regions Financial

(Get Free Report)

Regions Financial Corporation, a financial holding company, provides banking and bank-related services to individual and corporate customers. It operates through three segments: Corporate Bank, Consumer Bank, and Wealth Management. The Corporate Bank segment offers commercial banking services, such as commercial and industrial, commercial real estate, and investor real estate lending; equipment lease financing; deposit products; and securities underwriting and placement, loan syndication and placement, foreign exchange, derivatives, merger and acquisition, and other advisory services.

Featured Articles

Receive News & Ratings for Regions Financial Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Regions Financial and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
CAVA Group (NYSE:CAVA  Get Free Report) and Sweetgreen (NYSE:SG  Get Free Report) are both retail/wholesale companies, but which is the superior stock? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their dividends, analyst recommendations, institutional ownership, valuation, earnings, profitability and risk.

Analyst Recommendations

This is a summary of recent ratings and recommmendations for CAVA Group and Sweetgreen, as provided by MarketBeat.

Get CAVA Group alerts:

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score CAVA Group 0 2 6 0 2.75 Sweetgreen 0 5 2 0 2.29

CAVA Group currently has a consensus price target of $45.86, indicating a potential downside of 8.07%. Sweetgreen has a consensus price target of $11.86, indicating a potential downside of 23.21%. Given CAVA Groups stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe CAVA Group is more favorable than Sweetgreen.

Valuation & Earnings

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio CAVA Group N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Sweetgreen $470.11 million 3.66 -$190.44 million ($1.53) -10.09

This table compares CAVA Group and Sweetgreens gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

CAVA Group has higher earnings, but lower revenue than Sweetgreen.

Insider and Institutional Ownership

72.5% of Sweetgreen shares are owned by institutional investors. 22.0% of Sweetgreen shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, endowments and large money managers believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term.

Profitability

This table compares CAVA Group and Sweetgreens net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets CAVA Group N/A N/A N/A Sweetgreen -34.58% -28.08% -19.63%

Summary

CAVA Group beats Sweetgreen on 6 of the 9 factors compared between the two stocks.

About CAVA Group

(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.

About Sweetgreen

(Get Free Report)

Sweetgreen, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, develops and operates fast-casual restaurants serving healthy foods prepared from seasonal and organic ingredients. The company also accepts orders through its online and mobile ordering platforms, as well as sells gift cards that can be redeemed in its restaurants. The company was founded in 2006 and is headquartered in Los Angeles, California.

Receive News & Ratings for CAVA Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for CAVA Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Symphony Financial Ltd. Co. lifted its stake in Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM  Free Report) by 17.5% in the 1st quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 40,394 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 6,005 shares during the period. Philip Morris International accounts for approximately 1.0% of Symphony Financial Ltd. Co.s holdings, making the stock its 25th largest position. Symphony Financial Ltd. Co.s holdings in Philip Morris International were worth $3,903,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of PM. Fairfield Bush & CO. grew its stake in Philip Morris International by 1.1% during the 1st quarter. Fairfield Bush & CO. now owns 26,141 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,456,000 after acquiring an additional 281 shares in the last quarter. American Century Companies Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Philip Morris International by 35.6% in the 1st quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 4,939 shares of the companys stock valued at $463,000 after purchasing an additional 1,296 shares in the last quarter. Loomis Sayles & Co. L P raised its stake in Philip Morris International by 24.7% during the 1st quarter. Loomis Sayles & Co. L P now owns 3,065 shares of the companys stock worth $288,000 after acquiring an additional 608 shares in the last quarter. Covestor Ltd raised its stake in Philip Morris International by 54.9% during the 1st quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 525 shares of the companys stock worth $49,000 after acquiring an additional 186 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Mather Group LLC. increased its stake in Philip Morris International by 14.7% in the first quarter. Mather Group LLC. now owns 8,987 shares of the companys stock valued at $844,000 after purchasing an additional 1,154 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 77.43% of the companys stock.

Get Philip Morris International alerts:

Philip Morris International Price Performance

Shares of Philip Morris International stock traded up $0.34 during midday trading on Thursday, hitting $98.57. The company had a trading volume of 4,643,070 shares, compared to its average volume of 4,476,722. Philip Morris International Inc. has a 1-year low of $82.85 and a 1-year high of $105.62. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $95.18 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $97.58. The stock has a market cap of $153.00 billion, a PE ratio of 19.07, a P/E/G ratio of 2.42 and a beta of 0.70.

Philip Morris International Announces Dividend

Philip Morris International ( NYSE:PM Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, July 20th. The company reported $1.60 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.50 by $0.10. The firm had revenue of $8.97 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $8.76 billion. Philip Morris International had a negative return on equity of 127.84% and a net margin of 11.63%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 14.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $1.48 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts expect that Philip Morris International Inc. will post 6.19 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, July 11th. Shareholders of record on Friday, June 23rd were given a dividend of $1.27 per share. This represents a $5.08 annualized dividend and a yield of 5.15%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, June 22nd. Philip Morris Internationals payout ratio is 98.26%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several analysts have recently weighed in on PM shares. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Philip Morris International in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Stifel Nicolaus began coverage on shares of Philip Morris International in a research report on Thursday, April 13th. They issued a buy rating and a $114.00 price objective for the company. Citigroup raised shares of Philip Morris International from a neutral rating to a buy rating and boosted their price objective for the company from $109.00 to $117.00 in a research report on Tuesday, June 20th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised shares of Philip Morris International from a neutral rating to an overweight rating and boosted their price objective for the company from $109.00 to $116.00 in a research report on Thursday, March 30th. Finally, 22nd Century Group reaffirmed a reiterates rating on shares of Philip Morris International in a research report on Tuesday, June 27th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have assigned a hold rating and eight have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $111.40.

Philip Morris International Profile

(Free Report)

Philip Morris International Inc operates as a tobacco company working to delivers a smoke-free future and evolving portfolio for the long-term to include products outside of the tobacco and nicotine sector. The company's product portfolio primarily consists of cigarettes and smoke-free products, including heat-not-burn, vapor, and oral nicotine products primarily under the IQOS and ZYN brands; and consumer accessories, such as lighters and matches.

Recommended Stories

Receive News & Ratings for Philip Morris International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Philip Morris International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
More than 30 military clashes took place on the Ukrainian front during July 27. Our defenders successfully repulsed enemy attacks near Klishchiivka and Avdiivka, held the enemy offensive back near Marinka and also liberated Staromaiorske. Currently, the soldiers continue the offensive operation towards Melitopol and Berdiansk in Zaporizhzhia.

ADVERTISIMENT

At the same time, the Russian command brought another hundred untrained conscripts " to Luhansk region, which they intend to use to strengthen the assault detachments of the invading troops. The latest developments from the front were reported by the General Staff of the AFU in the morning report for July 28, the 520th day of the full-scale war.

It is estimated that the enemy carried out three missile and 29 air strikes on the previous day, making more than 70 shellings from multiple rocket launchers on the positions of our troops and populated areas. As a result of the Russian terrorist attacks, unfortunately, there are dead and wounded among the civilian population and damage of port infrastructure and residential buildings in southern Ukraine.

ADVERTISIMENT

The operational situation in the Volyn and Polisia directions is without significant changes. At the same time, the enemy conducted mortar and artillery attacks on more than 35 settlements, including Novovasylivka, Stara Huta, Iskryskivshchyna, Volfyne, Bilovody, Pokrovka in Sumy region and Huriv Kozachok, Udy, Bochkovo, Mala Vovcha, Budarky in Kharkiv region in the Siversk and Slobozhansk directions.

The occupants launched an air strike near Iziumske, fired artillery and mortars at Fiholivka, Dvorichna, Zakhidne, Kislivka and Novoosynove in Kharkiv region in the Kupyansk direction.

Russian Armed Forces conducted unsuccessful offensive actions in the Nadiia area in the Lyman direction and launched an air strike near Belohorivka in Luhansk region. The settlements of Nevske and Belohorovka in the Luhansk region and Spirne, Berestove, Torske and Verkhnyokamianske n the Donetsk region were subjected to enemy shelling.

ADVERTISIMENT

Our defenders successfully repulsed the occupants' attacks west and south of Klishchiivka in the Bakhmut direction. The enemy launched air strikes in the areas of Kurdiumivka, Bila Hora and New York and more than a dozen more settlements were damaged with artillery: Razdolevka, Minkovka, Predtechino, Toretsk, New York in particular.

AFU soldiers successfully repulsed the attacks of enemy troops in the area of Avdiivka in the Avdiivka direction under the dense fire of Russian aviation and artillery. More than 15 settlements, including Avdiivka, Lastochkyne, Vodiane, Pervomaiske and Karlivka were subjected to artillery fire from the aggressor.

ADVERTISIMENT

Ukrainian Defense Forces continue to hold back the Russian Army's offensive in the area of Marinka in the Marinka direction. The occupants shelled more than 10 settlements, including Krasnohorivka, Heorhiivka, Marinka, Kurakhivka, Peremoha and Novomykhailivka in Donetsk region.

Ukrainian soldiers liberated the settlement of Staromaiorske in Donetsk region in the Shakhtarsk direction under heavy fire from the Russian Armed Forces' aviation and artillery,

The occupants made an unsuccessful attempt to restore the lost position in the areas of Rivnopil and Makarivka. At the same time, they shelled Paraskoviivka, Novomykhailivka, Uhledar and Blahodatne in Donetsk.

The aggressor is concentrating its main efforts on preventing the further advance of our troops in the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson directions. It launched an air strike near Novoberyslav in the Kherson region. More than 15 settlements, including Novodarivka, Huliaipole, Charivne, Bilohiria and Kamianske in Zaporizhzhia region; Nikopol in Dnepropetrovsk region; Mykhailivka, Zmiivka, Odradokamianka, Lviv, Tokarivka, Antonivka and Rozlyv in Kherson region were subjected to artillery shelling. At the same time, the Ukrainian Defense Forces continue their offensive operation in the Melitopol and Berdiansk areas and consolidate on the achieved borders.

ADVERTISIMENT

Russian occupation troops continue to throw recently mobilized servicemen into battle without prior combat training. For example, about 110 conscripts arrived from the territory of the Russian Federation to the training camp of one of the units of the Russian occupation troops in the village of Rohove in the Luhansk region. The Russian command informed the newly arrived personnel that they would be included in the assault units and would soon be sent to the area where they would perform combat tasks on the collision line as soon as they were given their weapons.

Defense Forces aviation recently carried out seven strikes on the areas of concentration of personnel, weapons and military equipment of the Russian Armed Forces, destroying one anti-aircraft missile systems and one enemy's control point. The defenders destroyed eight Shahed-136 attack drones and five reconnaissance UAVs of operational-tactical level. The units of missile troops and artillery hit the control point, the area of concentration of personnel, five artillery means on firing positions, fuel and lubricants composition and electronic warfare station of the invaders during the day.

ADVERTISIMENT

As reported by OBOZREVATEL, military expert Oleksandr Kovalenko expressed his belief that the third phase of the counteroffensive of the AFU is still ahead. He pointed out what will testify to it and noted the complexity of the offensive operation.

Only verified information from us in Telegram-channel Obozrevatel, Threads and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Photo shows bronze caltrops provided by the Mianxian County museum at a Japanese exhibition about the Three Kingdoms in 2019. [Photo from the Mianxian County museum]

The Three Kingdoms period (220-280 AD), a fascinating age in early history featuring the tripartite division of China among the dynastic states of Wei, Shu, and Wu, is one of the most widely known periods of history in China. The culture related to it has a profound impact.

As the main battlefield between Wei and Shu during the Three Kingdoms period, Hanzhong in northwest China's Shaanxi Province possesses an important geographic position.

In the Three Kingdoms period, there was a saying that "The one who gets the Dingjun Mountain gets Hanzhong, and the one who gets Hanzhong gets the country."

Then where is the Dingjun Mountain?

It is located in Mianxian County, a small town with a history of over 2,000 years in Hanzhong.

Over the recent years, the Mianxian County museum has made its name thanks to its efforts to enrich its collection, innovate advertizing models, and promote the culture of the Three Kingdoms. It is presenting the beauty of Chinese history and culture to more and more visitors.

Photo shows a pottery "money tree" from the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220). [Photo from the Mianxian County museum]

The museum is not big in size, but it houses a number of cultural relics and items that are seemingly able to bring visitors back to the volatile Three Kingdoms period, such as bronze caltrops, a bronze crossbow that dates back to nearly 1,800 years ago, and a valuable model of a Chinese quadrangle built in the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220).

Deputy head of the museum Xiao Yongqin, who has worked for the museum for over 10 years, told People's Daily that these cultural relics are of vital importance for studying the history of the Three Kingdoms period because not many documents and relevant items from that faraway period still remain today.

Many of the cultural relics displayed at the Mianxian County museum have their own stories.

In about the 1970s and 1980s, a type of ancient weapon called "tongjili," or bronze caltrop, was discovered in Wuhouping, which is near the Dingjun Mountain and the Hanjiang River in Mianxian County. The weapon has four spikes, each with a length of 2 centimeters. When it is thrown on the ground, in whatever manner, one of spikes always points upward. This weapon was used in ancient times to slow cavalries and troops and thus nicknamed "horse spike" in China.

According to historical records, Yang Yi, an official of the state of Shu in the Three Kingdoms period, once used bronze caltrops to prevent the pursuers sent by Sima Yi, a military general of the state of Wei.

"This weapon is similar to today's roadblocks," said Qin Jiaying, a guide of the museum.

The museum now boasts a rich collection that consists of over 2,000 cultural relics it unearthed, purchased and collected. Some of these cultural relics have been displayed at the National Museum of China, the Military Museum of the Chinese People's Revolution and the Shaanxi History Museum. They also joined itinerant exhibitions to Japan, the United States, the UK, among others.

Bigger museums have bigger foot traffic, but they don't have many cultural relics from the Three Kingdoms period on display. How the Mianxian County museum can give play to its advantages as a county-level facility that collects a large number of Three Kingdoms cultural relics has been a major focus of Xiao over the recent years.

A ceremony in memory of Zhang Qian is held at the Mianxian County museum, Hanzhong, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, April 3, 2023. Zhang Qian is a royal emissary in China's Han Dynasty (202 B.C.-220 A.D.) who traveled westward on a mission of peace and opened an overland route linking the East and the West. [Photo from the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Hanzhong Municipal Committee]

He believes what builds the public's affection for culture is enduring access to culture.

Therefore, the Mianxian County museum turned to social media. It has made a short video series about cultural relics, which is released one episode each week, and is publishing an article about history, traditional culture and news of the museum on each workday on WeChat.

The change in publicity models has constantly expanded the influence of the museum. The number of visits to the Mianxian County museum grew at least 30 percent during this year's May Day holiday from four years ago.

There's much remained to be done in the preservation of cultural relics and cultural promotion, said Xiao.

"Only by well telling the stories of cultural relics and making them lively can we attract more people to the culture of the Three Kingdoms and the Chinese history," he added.

The development of the Mianxian County museum is a miniature of Hanzhong utilizing its featured culture and exploring the integrated development of culture and tourism.

Hanzhong has a long history and profound culture. It is home to the Tomb of Zhang Qian, a UNESCO World heritage site, the Hanzhong Sanyan water conservancy project, which is listed in the World Heritage Irrigation Structures, as well as the Longgang Temple Ruins under national-level protection.

Over the recent years, Hanzhong has launched a series of featured cultural activities such as a ceremony in memory of Zhang Qian and a travel festival themed with Zhuge Liang, a strategist who served as the imperial chancellor of the state of Shu in the Three Kingdoms period. It also developed a number of cultural and travel products such as food festivals and immersive performances.

During the May Day holiday this year, the city launched over 130 cultural and tourism activities. Both the number of visitors it received and the tourism revenue during the holiday exceeded those in 2019.

(Source: People's Daily Online)
Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Guyanese President Irfaan Ali in Chengdu, capital city of southwest China's Sichuan Province, July 28, 2023. Ali is in Chengdu to attend the opening ceremony of the 31st summer edition of the FISU World University Games and visit China. [Xinhua/Zhang Ling]

CHENGDU, July 28 (Xinhua)  Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday met with Guyanese President Irfaan Ali in Chengdu, capital city of southwest China's Sichuan Province.

Ali is here to attend the opening ceremony of the 31st summer edition of the FISU World University Games and visit China.

Xi said that China and Guyana should be good friends who trust and count on each other, and both countries should share opportunities, meet challenges, seek cooperation and promote development together.

Xi urged the building of a more close-knit China-Guyana community with a shared future.

Guyana was the earliest country in the Caribbean region to recognize the one-China principle and establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China. Last year, the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Guyana was celebrated.

Xi said China and Guyana, both developing countries, should strengthen communication and cooperation, firmly support each other, and advance bilateral relations steadily for the fundamental and long-term interests of the two peoples.

China is willing to deepen the alignment between the Belt and Road Initiative and Guyana's Low-carbon Development Strategy 2030, and elevate the level of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation between the two countries, Xi said.

Xi said China welcomes Guyana's participation in the China International Import Expo to introduce more of Guyana's distinctive and high-quality products into the Chinese market.

China encourages its companies to invest in Guyana, expand mutually beneficial cooperation in areas such as energy, mining, finance, agriculture, fisheries and infrastructure construction, and foster new sources of growth, he said.

Xi called on both countries to strengthen people-to-people exchanges, facilitate mutual travel and visits, and consolidate the foundation of public support for friendship between the two countries.

China and Guyana have broad common interests and similar positions in international and regional affairs, Xi said.

Xi congratulated Guyana on being elected as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2024-2025 term.

Xi said China supports Guyana in playing a greater role in international and regional affairs, and is willing to work with Guyana to practice true multilateralism, safeguard the common interests of developing countries, and jointly address global challenges such as climate change, food security and energy security.

He said China is willing to work with Caribbean countries to build a closer community with a shared future.

Xi expressed the hope that Guyana will continue to play an active role in promoting relations between China and the Caribbean countries.

Noting that Guyana and China have enjoyed sound relations and solid political mutual trust, Ali said the past 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations have been years of friendship, cooperation, and mutual support.

Guyana firmly adheres to the one-China principle, highly admires President Xi's outstanding leadership, and highly values China's international influence, Ali said.

Ali said China has played an important role in the economic and social development of Guyana and the Caribbean region, not only by sharing its experience but also providing valuable assistance in developing infrastructure, connectivity, healthcare and other areas.

Ali said Guyana regards China as a highly reliable cooperative partner and welcomes Chinese companies to invest and do business in Guyana.

Guyana supports a series of major initiatives put forward by President Xi and actively participates in the Belt and Road cooperation, Ali said.

Guyana is ready to closely communicate and collaborate with China to promote the building of a community with a shared future for humanity and establish a fairer and more equitable international order, Ali said.

Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Wang Yi, and Shen Yiqin attended the meeting.

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Guyanese President Irfaan Ali in Chengdu, capital city of southwest China's Sichuan Province, July 28, 2023. Ali is in Chengdu to attend the opening ceremony of the 31st summer edition of the FISU World University Games and visit China. [Xinhua/Ding Haitao]

(Source: Xinhua)
Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili in Chengdu, capital city of southwest China's Sichuan Province, July 28, 2023. Garibashvili is in Chengdu to attend the opening ceremony of the 31st summer edition of the FISU World University Games and visit China. [Xinhua/Ding Haitao]

CHENGDU, July 28 (Xinhua)  Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday met with Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili in Chengdu, capital city of southwest China's Sichuan Province.

Garibashvili is here to attend the opening ceremony of the 31st summer edition of the FISU World University Games and visit China.

Over the past 31 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, China and Georgia have consolidated political mutual trust and scored remarkable achievements in cooperation in various fields, Xi said.

He said that during Garibashvili's visit, both sides will issue a joint statement and announce the establishment of China-Georgia strategic partnership.

Taking this as a new starting point, China and Georgia should plan bilateral relations from a strategic and long-term perspective, promote the sound and steady development of the strategic partnership, and provide momentum for the development and revitalization of both countries, Xi said.

Xi said China and Georgia should understand and support each other on issues concerning their respective core interests and be good friends and partners based on mutual respect, mutual trust and equality.

He also stressed that both sides should carry forward traditional friendship and enhance exchanges and cooperation in various fields.

China is ready to work with Georgia to jointly promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, Xi said, adding that China welcomes Georgia to expand its exports of high-quality products to China and encourages Chinese enterprises to invest in Georgia.

The Communist Party of China always cares about the future of humanity, Xi said.

Xi said that he had put forward the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative with the aim of upholding the international system with the United Nations at its core and the international order based on international law, and solving global issues related to peace and development.

Expressing gratitude for China's long-term support for Georgia and respect for Georgia's sovereignty and independence, Garibashvili said Georgia firmly upholds the one-China policy.

Garibashvili said that Georgia supports the Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative proposed by President Xi and will actively participate in their implementation.

The elevation of Georgia-China relations to a strategic partnership will bring more opportunities to Georgia, Garibashvili said, expressing the hope that Georgia will expand and deepen cooperation with China in economy, trade and various other fields.

Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Wang Yi, and Shen Yiqin attended the meeting.

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili in Chengdu, capital city of southwest China's Sichuan Province, July 28, 2023. Garibashvili is in Chengdu to attend the opening ceremony of the 31st summer edition of the FISU World University Games and visit China. [Xinhua/Zhang Ling]

(Source: Xinhua)
Feinstein gets confused in Senate Appropriations hearing and has to be prodded to vote
The Kremlin and the broader Russian media are intensifying attempts to portray Ukraine's counteroffensive as a failure. Thus, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin is rushing to boast that the occupiers are "destroying dozens of units of Ukrainian armed forces' equipment".

ADVERTISIMENT

He also continues to attribute "heavy losses" of personnel to the Ukrainian forces, but keeps silent about his own 244,000 mercenaries liquidated in Ukraine over the past 17 months. The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) pointed out how desperately the Kremlin leader is trying to portray himself as an effective military leader.

For example, Putin told the reporters that as of July 27, Russian troops had allegedly destroyed 39 of 50 armored vehicles that the Ukrainian Defense Forces had "engaged" in an offensive in the Zaporizhzhia region.

He also claimed that the Russian occupiers had "killed 60 percent of the Ukrainian personnel" carrying out these attacks and another "40 percent of the pilots of Ukrainian combat aviation" in the area.

ADVERTISIMENT

"Putin has previously claimed that Russian troops have destroyed an incredible amount of Ukrainian equipment during Ukrainian counter-offensive operations, although his figures regarding Ukrainian attacks in recent days indicate that he is exaggerating," ISW emphasized.

Amid the nonsense voiced by the Kremlin leader, Russian bloggers also claimed that the occupation troops of the aggressor country had destroyed "dozens of Ukrainian armored vehicles." They presented the alleged Ukrainian losses to the Russians as proof that "the Ukrainian armed forces' counteroffensive has stalled."

Remarkably, the Kremlin's and Russian media's portrayal of the Ukrainian counteroffensive violates Moscow's earlier guidance instructing the Russian media not to downplay the potential for successful Ukrainian Defense Forces offensives.

ADVERTISIMENT

"The increasing portrayal of the Ukrainian counteroffensive as a failure suggests that the Kremlin's policy in covering the war is designed to support efforts to promote Putin as an effective military leader," ISW explained the latest rhetoric from the dictator and terrorist state propagandists.

As reported by OBOZREVATEL, Russian opposition activist Olga Kurnosova is convinced that Putin does not get bad news, including those concerning the war against Ukraine. According to her, the Kremlin dictator might not have known about the preparations for a military coup attempt by the head of PMC Wagner, Yevgeny Prigozhin and he is also not aware of what is happening to his troops on the frontline.

Only verified information we have in our Telegram channel Obozrevatel, Threads and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
On July 17, the Student Representative Conference (FSVK) of the Ruhr-Universitat Bochum (RUB) passed a resolution in camera calling for opponents of war and socialists to be censored and banned from campus. The resolution calls on the university administration to ban events organised by the International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE), the youth organisation of the Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei (Socialist Equality Party, SGP), and to not provide resources and not give a platform to these groups, as their viewpoints have no place on the RUB campus.

The attack follows a well-attended IYSSE event held at RUB, where the causes of the Ukraine war were highlighted and a socialist perspective to end the war was discussed. This perspective of international fraternisation, directed against both the Putin regime and NATO aggression, is defamed by the FSVK as divisive pro-Russian propaganda and even as a call for violence.

The lies and distortions with which the body justifies its demand had already been comprehensively refuted by the IYSSE in a statement issued before the vote. But the FSVK presidium banned IYSSE representatives from even distributing this statement to delegates. Instead, the FSVK unceremoniously excluded the student public from the debate and conducted the vote behind closed doors.

A number of student representatives, many of whom belong to the youth organisations of the establishment parties, want to further their careers by becoming the governments campus police force behind the backs of the students and suppress any critical discussion of the governments insane war course. While hundreds of thousands of young people from Russia and Ukraine are being slaughtered, and society here is also being subordinated to the requirements of waging war, all criticism of this is to be banned.

The significance of this decision therefore goes far beyond the walls of the university; it stands in the vilest traditions of German militarism. The FSVK careerists want to ban a left-wing student group because it rejects the madness of war and rearmament and advocates a socialist perspective to end the war. In view of the enormous opposition to the escalation of the war, anyone who opposes the mass slaughter is to be muzzled.

Yet all the talk of freedom and democracy being defended in Ukraine has long been disproven. NATO and Germany have deliberately provoked Putins reactionary war and continue to escalate it daily in order to advance their own economic and geostrategic interests. For these goals, they are willing to sacrifice hundreds of thousands of young Ukrainians and Russians on the battlefields and even to accept nuclear war.

In doing so, the government is directly tying in with Germanys war aims in the two world wars and once again seeks to annex Ukrainian and Russian natural resources. It has geared the entire arms industry towards supplying weapons and ammunition to Ukraine in order to kill as many Russian soldiers as quickly as possible. Seventy-eight years after Nazi Germany's unconditional surrender ended the worst crimes in human history, the German elites are thirsting for revenge and are again rolling German tanks against Russia.

Every area of society is being subordinated to this madness. While the health budget was cut by two-thirds last year and the new draft budget foresees cuts in student finance running into hundreds of millions of euros, the arms budget is being driven ever higher.

In the face of widespread opposition, this pro-war course is being enforced more and more openly by authoritarian means. Peace activists like Heinrich Bucker are put on trial and the state apparatus and secret services are mobilised against opponents of the war. In 2018, for the first time, the Office for the Protection of the Constitution (as Germanys secret service is known) listed the Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei as left-wing extremist in its annual report because it was against alleged nationalism, imperialism and militarism. In its current report, the intelligence service attacks the Trotskyist party for developing the humanitarian commitment present among young people into resistance against militarism.

Universities have become important battlefields in this context. As before the two world wars, they are to be transformed into centres of militarism and war propaganda. The IYSSE declared war on this development years ago. At Berlins Humboldt University, it pointed out how professors Herfried Munkler and Jorg Baberowski were trivialising the crimes of imperialism in order to prepare new crimes.

When Baberowski declared in Der Spiegel in February 2014 that Hitler was not vicious and that the Holocaust was the same as the shootings carried out in the Russian Civil War, there was not a single professor in the whole of Germany who would publicly oppose this groundless historical claptrap. Instead, the IYSSE was attacked by dozens of professors for criticising Baberowski for these statements. At the same time, however, we were able to mobilise enormous support among students. The Student Parliament at Humboldt University and student bodies at the Technical University Berlin, Free University Berlin, Bremen, Magdeburg, Vienna, and many other universities expressed solidarity with our struggle against militaristic ideology.

The opposition among students has not decreased since then, but the war propaganda has become all the fiercer. Baberowskis defence of the Nazis is now an official government line. Currently, the German embassy in Estonia, in cooperation with the Estonian Institute of Historical Memory, is organising a so-called summer school that explicitly opposes the myth that Germany alone started the Second World War. The Russian invasion of Ukraine is instead presented as a continuation of the Soviet Unions criminal path in the world war!

The war drum is also being beaten at the Ruhr University Bochum. Professor Jorg Schimmelpfennig, long-time holder of the Chair of Economics, is a Senior Research Fellow at the German Institute for Defence and Strategic Studies (GIDS), a military think tank of the Bundeswehr (Armed Forces). In lectures and strategy papers, he agitates against the dream of a rules-based world order and instead advocates the massive rearmament of the Bundeswehr. Peace, according to the professor, can only be enforced militarily.

The FSVK is now blatantly telling students they should simply accept what they are being told. It stands in the worst traditions of the Kaisers Empire and the Nazis when it accuses opponents of war of making propaganda for the enemy. For this is its central argument against the IYSSE. Because we question NATOs war narrative and show how German militarism is following its historical precedents, we are supposedly spreading divisive pro-Russian propaganda, according to the FSVK. The great German socialist Karl Liebknecht was accused of making common cause with the Russian tsar because he courageously opposed the mass slaughter of the First World War with an international socialist perspective.

That the members of the FSVK are animated by the same reactionary spirit is also made clear by their hysterical anti-communism. They want to ban our positive references to the 1917 October Revolution in Russia and to the German Revolution of 1919, as well as the call for the fraternisation of soldiers and for world socialist revolution.

The last time socialist and anti-militarist positions were banned from German campuses was between 1933 and 1945, when members of the Trotskyist movement, to which we belong, were condemned by the hundreds, and locked up in concentration camps for calling for the overthrow of Hitler and the prevention of war. But the Trotskyists did not allow themselves to be broken and continued their resistance even in the camps.

At that time, the Nazis could rely on a broad following among students. Today, the careerists and would-be Baldur Benedikt von Schirachs (head of the Hitler Youth) of the FSVK have to decide their censorship plans behind closed doors because they know that after the experiences of fascism and the Holocaust, the vast majority of students firmly reject these militaristic and authoritarian policies.

Therefore, we will not be intimidated by the FSVK in any way but call on all students to protest against the censorship attempt and to oppose the lackeys of the federal government. Do not allow socialists to be banned from campus and join our fight against war! Join the IYSSE!
Attend the online public meeting The way forward against the sellout Teamsters contract at UPS, hosted by the UPS Workers Rank-and-File Committee, this Saturday, July 29, at 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Register for the event here.

Some 50,000 rural carriers for the United States Postal Service are facing layoffs and thousands more confront wage cuts of up to $20,000 under a new compensation scheme. Local post offices around the country are targeted for closure as USPS is dismantled as a public service. The effective privatization of the USPS and its subordination to Amazon and other private, for-profit capitalist entities has led to a ratcheting up of the exploitation of postal workers.

Kay, a Rural Carrier Associate (RCA) in West Virginia, spoke to the World Socialist Web Site about the turmoil these cuts have inflicted on her local post office. Her name has been changed to protect her from retaliation.

I have six working days left, Kay said. I put in my notice. Im just so done. I put in ten years waiting for a position as a career employee and Ive been done dirty, lied to, manipulated all these years, and all our hours were cut even more. Kay, like all RCAs, is considered a part-time, non-career employee.

While she waited for a career position, a new compensation formula has been implemented attacking wages, retirement, and health benefits that the part-time and non-career employees have sought. A coworker who is a career employee with thirty years of service got cut ten hours of pay and made to work Saturday, Kay noted. Shes only off Sundays. She has literally worked every Saturday for free because the time she is evaluated for is up, come Friday. She uses her own vehicle to tear up every day.

Flooding conditions on rural postal route in West Virginia (Photo WSWS)

Rural carriers pay out of pocket for uniform shirts and leather shoes that are required for the job and are frequently checked for wear, and even USPS-identifying magnets for the outsides of personal cars. We got one LED light in our office to share but it went out and they would only send one of the old orange flashing bulbs that is barely visible.

They just use rural carriers to get the last mile for Amazon, she stated. Im done. Im sure many more are to follow. They have figured out how to pick us off one by one.

Its in our [National Rural Letter Carriers Association] contract that we wont strike. So, I dont know what power we have anymore. Were never going to get paid what we deserve, Kay stated. Ive been paying dues since I started. I tried to get out of the union and they had me calling near my start date, then calling again in December. Its a rigamarole just to get out of it.

At their West Virginia office, Kay described understaffed and dangerously dilapidated conditions. The official USPS vehicles are falling apart. The LLVs [long-life vehicles, government mail trucks] will spontaneously catch on fire. I have a newer Mercedes-Benz Metris van for deliveries. They got all these vans but they didnt hire any extra mechanics to handle the maintenance. I had mine two years before it even got an oil change, and that was only because my manager drove it 45 minutes to get it serviced.

The nickel-and-diming of vehicle maintenance has made the Post Office ever more dependent on rural carriers using their personal vehicles.

Mountainous rural routes are treacherous even with a reliable vehicle. State of Emergency means nothing to us, Kay told the WSWS. Many times, its been so bad I could barely walk but Ive had to go in and pray a snowplow would go through before I headed out on the route. When roads flood we must find the quickest way to get back on track because we get paid no extra time when conditions are impassable.

Washouts, sections without shoulders, poor weather, and potholes also pose regular hazards to rural carriersespecially when they use their own cars, because they must sit on the passenger side of their vehicles to reach mailboxes. Theres no bench seats anymore, Kay pointed out. Were not required to wear seatbelts, but I do it anyway. Its very uncomfortable, but you have to stretch the belt all the way across you so if youre rear-ended you dont die. Its best not to look in your rearview, because if you do, youll tense up. Thats what they say. If youre tense itll do more damage.

West Virginia rural routes are not like city routes, Kay explained. The route Im on is an old gravel road that doesnt get much upkeep, and [a busy state highway] which is horrible. We have to use our own vehicles for that. The other carrier just bought a new vehicle and its totally devastated the suspension. She had a smaller vehicle to save money on gas, but you couldnt get ten flat tires on those smaller rims. She had to trade it in for a bigger vehicle. We were getting flats every week.

Kay has gotten reprimanded for trying to maintain the USPS vehicles. One day I had a low tire and ended up running the route while the rim was bent, so it kept losing air, losing air, and Id go get air and end up paying for it sometimes. My postmaster went on Amazon and got one of those tire pumps you can plug into your cigarette lighter. I cant tell you how many times Ive put air into these vehicles, to save time and so it wouldnt bend the rim or end up getting towed.

Snow covered road in West Virginia (Photo WSWS)

Its my fault for helping, she stated. Its my personality to help, Im going to make it easy, efficient, and get it done. That was how I was taught.

When the tire pressures low, the van beeps continually, so one day I used eight minutes of green card time to fill up the tire. Green card time is an hourly pay calculation outside of the route time pay formula in place. Kay told the WSWS that the regional officer over the local postmasters said, No, that is not green card time, that is the carriers responsibility just like pumping gas.

Its longstanding policy that you dont cross crafts, Kay explained. Carriers are not permitted to perform maintenance on the vehicle. There arent even jacks in the vehicle to change a tire. Thats the mechanics job. Number one, its a safety issue. Number two, its us doing their job.

But if I didnt do it, I was going to sit there and wait and have to get towed, more than likely by an outside company. It delays the customers mail, and it bends the rims and causes more problems and costs more money.

Rural deliveries require special knowledge and skill. There are dogs. You have to know the area, Kay said. You get to know these people, and you feel obligated if you care. Im a public servant in my eyesbut were not public servants in the eyes of the Postal Service. With the RRECS [Rural Route Evaluated Compensation System], we were told all that matters is six scans: clock in, clock out, clock in for lunch, return from lunch, return to post office, leave post office.

Yet, beyond the clocking scans, carriers were being evaluated on virtually every movement they made throughout their work days. Kay described Amazon-like, automatized and surveilled routes. On the scanners it will show when you clock in, how long it takes you to load the packages into the vehicle. It will start when you leave the post office. Theres a scan for unscanned parcels, or if we need to do a stamp cell [when a customer leaves money in a mailbox because they dont have a stamp], a scan for how many trips to a door we did, authorized dismounts for when we have to take handicapped customers mail to the door. Theres a whole list; its infuriating because the scans are taking even more time.

The job of sorting and delivering along rural routes is complex. Packages may be oversized and need to be brought to the door. They also arrive at the office in a tub and it takes time for carriers to sort and organize their deliveries into totes. At each stop, Kay must deliver regular box-sorted letters, flat mail such as magazines, and then check the totes for additional packages.

The only offices around here that were not cut were the ones that took on Amazon Sunday deliveries. There has been a drastic uptick in packages, especially since the pandemic, because its convenient. The Postal Service says the mails gone down. The mails about the same, to be honest. It may have gone down a couple percent from what I see in our office, but Amazons gone up so much and those deliveries take a lot more time than putting mail in a mail box.

The RRECS was agreed to [by the union] because the Postal Service said the rural carriers were out there lollygagging, hanging out with people and not actually doing any work, Kay said. The new scanners we have to carry with us, they tell you, Oh, you stopped too fast. Why were you stationary for ten minutes? And I literally have to say, I was on lunch.

The new evaluations came out based on these scans, and we were cut.

The tracking and timing of logistics workers is being implemented throughout the industry. UPS and Amazon workers are likewise treated as little more than part of the machinery, with their movements choreographed and steps counted.

The Post Office wants you to go faster, stop doing stamp cells for customers. Not a word or warning to subs or short timers who just fly through the route and do no additional scans so they can get done sooner because they know it doesnt affect them. You wont get penalized for flying down back roads, but what happens if you wreck or you hit a child?

The creation of intolerable conditions, leading to operational dysfunction, is deliberate, since it helps advocates of privatization make their case.

Kay noted, They have found a way to chip us out. I had no intention of ever leaving the Post Office. I enjoyed it, I was proud to do it, I was good at it. But they figured out a way to make conditions impossible for the good ones.
This week, Ukraine began a major new phase of its offensive in the US-NATO war against Russia, resuming armored attacks against well-defended trenches.

The New York Times reported, based on statements from US officials, that the main thrust of Ukraines nearly two-month-old counteroffensive is now underway.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday, I can confirm that hostilities have intensified in a significant way, saying a large number of Ukrainian armored vehicles were used, incurring heavy losses.

A Ukrainian soldier sits in a recently dug trench on the frontline near Bakhmut, Donetsk region, Ukraine, Tuesday, July 4 2023. [AP Photo/Libkos]

Following a bloody debacle in the first phase of the offensive, which had forced a temporary pause of Ukrainian attacks, Ukrainian conscripts are once again being thrust into well-defended front lines, dying by the thousands in minefields and trenches.

Ukraine has suffered enormous human losses, and the war continues only because it is being massively armed by NATO. Whatever meager gains Ukraine is making in isolated areas of the vast front have required a reckless expenditure of lives. Ukrainians are dying for no other purpose than to advance the interests of the imperialist powers.

The latest escalation follows the NATO summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, where NATO members pledged to deploy tens of thousands of troops to Russias western borders and to massively increase military spending to finance the conflict with Russia and China.

With the war going badly and public opposition in Ukraine growing, Ukrainian President Zelensky was given his marching orders at the summit: The offensive must continue, no matter the cost in human lives.

For months, the US media had promoted the spring offensive as a decisive turning point in the war that would deliver a shattering defeat for Russian forces.

But the debacle has been so enormous that even the US media has been forced, after weeks of silence, to acknowledge it as a disaster.

Last week, the Wall Street Journal reported, When Ukraine launched its big counteroffensive this spring, Western military officials knew Kyiv didnt have all the training or weapons that it needed to dislodge Russian forces. But they hoped Ukrainian courage and resourcefulness would carry the day.

They havent. Deep and deadly minefields, extensive fortifications and Russian air power have combined to largely block significant advances by Ukrainian troops.

The New York Times was even more direct in an article that was first buried, then heavily redacted. It reported on a Ukrainian unit with a 200 percent casualty rate, meaning that all of its members were killed or injured, then replaced with recruits, all of whom were also killed or injured.

It described young soldiers killed en masse, with replacements often being older recruits who were forced into action.

In Ukraine, much of the entire able-bodied population is under arms, compelled to fight by a draconian regime of conscription.

The war is being directed by the US and NATO powers, and the bloodletting must continue. The Economist wrote on Thursday (The Ukrainian army commits new forces in a big southward push), Some American and European military officials argue that Ukrainian commanders have in fact been too slow to strike with their new brigades, a mistake that they think Ukraine committed last year in Kherson...

It quoted US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley as stating, The various wargames that were done ahead of time have predicted certain levels of advance, but that has slowed down.

Pressed by the imperialist powers, Ukrainian generals have decided to throw in fresh legs, a euphemism the Economist uses to describe Ukrainian soldiers, young and old, being sent to their deaths.

As the war progresses, the pretense that the US is fighting in the name of democracy is falling away.

On Thursday, US President Joe Biden met in the White House Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Biden declared, Italy and the United States are also standing strong with Ukraine, and I compliment you on your very strong support in defending against Russian atrocities, and thats what they are.

Meloni is an open admirer of Italian fascist dictator Benito Mussolini. She notoriously declared, I think Mussolini was a good politician, adding, Everything he did, he did for Italy.

In a speech following the end of this months NATO summit, Biden declared, Our commitment to Ukraine will not weaken. We will stand for liberty and freedom today, tomorrow, and for as long as it takes. Liberty through an alliance with fascists, in Ukraine as well as in Italy, and freedom through mass slaughter.

This commitment to endless war entails endless escalation. On Thursday, Reuters reported that US M1 Abrams main battle tanks would begin arriving in Ukraine in August and September, to be followed by F-16 fighter jets by the end of this year.

This is the outcome of a series of escalatory measures by the United States throughout the past year. The year began with the announcement that the US would send Bradley armored fighting vehicles to Ukraine, followed soon after by the sending of main battle tanks. In May, the White House announced it would send F-16 fighters, followed by cluster munitions.

According to leaked Pentagon documents made public earlier this year, there are hundreds of US and NATO active duty military and intelligence personnel on the ground, accompanied by what are likely hundreds, or possibly thousands, of volunteers from NATO countries.

On Wednesday, the Biden administration ordered the US government to begin handing over documents to the International Criminal Court to facilitate the prosecution of Putin.

This move follows extensive internal debate over whether this action would open up the United States, which has killed millions of people in criminal wars of aggression, to prosecution by the court, whose jurisdiction it does not recognize.

The White House has decided, however, to move ahead with the prosecution, with the aim of upping the ante in the military conflict. A military defeat for Russia would mean, in other words, the prosecution of Putin at the hands of the American victors.

The goal of this action is to preclude any negotiated settlement, which the United States has opposed from the beginning. The US is determined to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia as a precursor to moves to dominate and subjugate China.

Whatever the outcome of the latest offensive, it will be a catastrophe for the people of Ukraine, Russia and the world. If the offensive continues as a bloody debacle, it will mean the deaths of countless thousands of Ukrainian conscripts sent against the front as cannon fodder. If Ukraine succeeds in breaking the Russian front line and driving through to cut off the Crimean Peninsula, it could generate enormous political pressure on the Russian government to escalate through the use of nuclear weapons.

This war, which has already killed hundreds of thousands of people, must be stopped! The escalation of the war corresponds with the eruption of a global strike wave, including dock workers in Canada, US actors and screenwriters, and looming battles at UPS, Yellow Freight and the North American auto industry.

It is necessary to combine the growing struggle by workers in defense of their social rights with the fight against war and militarism.
The German company Rheinmetall plans to open a repair centre for Leopard tanks and other military equipment supplied by Germany in Ukraine at the end of the summer. Ukrainians are already being trained in the relevant repair work in Germany.

ADVERTISIMENT

This was announced by Armin Papperger, CEO of the concern, in a commentary to Spiegel on 28 July. "We are currently training Ukrainians in Germany to do this work," he said, adding that Rheinmetall wants to launch the repair centre after the summer break.

The facility is to become part of a network of repair centres for German military equipment that needs to be repaired in Ukraine after breakdowns, wear and tear or shelling.

It will reduce the distances that heavy equipment must be transported for repair, although this also poses security problems, Spiegel notes.

Recently, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that the Rheinmetall plant would become a "legitimate target" for the occupiers, while Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev promised a "salute from Kalibr" if the facility is built.

ADVERTISIMENT

In May, Rheinmetall announced that it had set up a joint venture with Ukroboronprom to produce and repair tanks in Ukraine. In April, the company announced the creation of a maintenance and logistics centre in Romania, and in June 2022, it opened a similar centre in Lithuania to support NATO vehicles in the Baltic states.

Berlin has supplied Kyiv with about 20 Leopard 2A6 tanks.

As reported by OBOZREVATEL:

- Rheinmetall responded to Zakharova's threats earlier. Armin Papperger said that they were not going to respond to them and would not stop the construction of the plant. According to him, Rheinmetall will be able to protect its plant from Russian attacks.

- Earlier, Papperger said that Rheinmetall's tank plant would start operating in October 2023 in western Ukraine. It will not only produce armoured vehicles but also train Ukrainians to maintain them.

ADVERTISIMENT

- Rheinmetall plans to supply Ukraine with two Skynex air defence systems in the coming months. They are equipped with a gun that can destroy drones and cruise missiles very cheaply and effectively.

- The company also intends to produce 300,000 Gepard anti-aircraft missiles for the Ukrainian Armed Forces. 40,000 will be delivered this year.

Only verified information is available in our Obozrevatel Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
The Democratic Socialists of Americas (DSA) biannual national conventions are always occasions for the organization to try to present itself as something it is not: socialist.

But at this years convention, which begins August 4, the effort is proving to be more difficult than ever, because the DSA has systematically violated every single fundamental principle of socialism and thoroughly exposed itself as a pro-capitalist, pro-imperialist faction of the Democratic Party.

As a result, this years attempt to dress up the DSA as socialist is acquiring a farcical character. For example, the DSA convention plans to vote on resolutions

Demanding no endorsement of Joe Biden, though the most prominent DSA member, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, has already appeared on Pod Save America to endorse Biden and legitimize his right-wing administration, saying he has done quite well;

Affirming the importance of socialist anti-militarism, though almost the entire DSA congressional slate voted to spend tens of billions of dollars waging imperialist war against Russia, and immediately retracted a milquetoast request that the Biden administration consider negotiations;

Defending tenants rights, though a DSA member in the Massachusetts state legislature recently voted to raise rents on working people by 10 percent a year or more amid the cost-of-living crisis;

Calling for railroad public ownership, though eight months ago the DSAs congressional leadership voted to illegalize a potential strike by 100,000 railroad workers against the private rail corporations;

Opposing Israeli apartheid, though DSA representative Jamaal Bowman voted to arm the occupation just last year, while Ocasio-Cortez voted present.

No matter how many resolutions the DSAs delegates pass, they cannot undo the organizations right-wing actions. These actions are not violations of the DSAs principles; they are entirely consistent with the DSAs longstanding role as an anti-working class, pro-imperialist organization.

This is now becoming too obvious to deny. As one former Ocasio-Cortez supporter wrote in a widely-shared July 23 article in New York Magazine, We might, finally, have to admit that the too-pure-to-live lefties who insisted that nothing would ever come from all of this noise were right, and that the Democratic party is simply structurally resistant to socialist change. There is no more fruit to pick here. This article references Ocasio-Cortezs March 2021 interview in which she attacked left-wing criticism of Biden as privileged, which was exposed by the World Socialist Web Site in an article that was read over 100,000 times.

But the DSA plays a critical role in the operation of the two-party system, and the show must go on. The DSAs raison detre is to (1) siphon social opposition behind the Democratic Party; (2) block the development of an independent revolutionary movement; and (3) provide the pro-capitalist, imperialist Democratic Party with a left fig leaf to better carry out its policies.

The DSAs ability to fulfill this critical function in bourgeois politics depends on having some left legitimacy, and its leaders are increasingly concerned that it has none. To discuss the present crisis, the DSAs pre-convention edition of Socialist Forum featured a 10,000-word transcript of a recent interview titled, Talking Strategy with DSA leaders, featuring DSA co-chair David Duhalde, National Political Committee chair Kristian Hernandez, and longtime DSA members Richard Flacks and Daraka Larimore-Hall.

In both the interview and a related discussion with Flacks and Larimore-Hall published in late 2022, the DSA leaders respond defensively to growing support for Marxist, communist and Trotskyist politics.

DSA dominated by fears of left-wing movement against Democratic Party

In the talking strategy interview, NPC chair Hernandez begins by attacking critics of the DSAs right-wing actions for their impatience, referring to some arguments on the negative end about DSAs work within the Democratic Party, which, she said, come back to well it didnt work so this is actually a dead end. Hernandez did not try to explain why supporting the Democratic Party is not a dead end and instead responded with the opportunists favorite excuse: We have to stay rooted in where we are now and the conditions that we have to contend with.

Duhalde, a former DNC official and longtime Democratic Party operative, referenced a discussion with a young DSA member who raised left-wing criticisms of the organizations orientation to Democrats. Later he said, I have come to the conclusion that, objectively, DSA members arent that interested in doing this Democratic Party work. Ive made arguments about where it could be effective, but people dont seem interested.

Responding to this growing left-wing sentiment, Larimore-Hall emphasized the DSA leaderships central task of preventing this growing layer of radicalized workers and youth from breaking with the Democratic Party:

We get stuck in these conversations like, well maybe someday therell be an independent party of the left that well be part of. And then that just sort of hangs there. Why be agnostic about that? It seems to me very, very clear that its not going to be, and the refreshing thing about [DSA founder Michael] Harrington was that he just said its not going to happen. Were not going to have a third party of the left. Were not going to have a socialist party in the United States.

Daraka Larimore-Hall and the DSA-Democratic Party revolving door

Daraka Larimore-Hall is not exactly an impartial observer, seeing as he is currently the vice chair of the California Democratic Party (CDP). This explodes Duhaldes claim in the interview that DSA today doesnt engage in intra-Democratic Party work. Moreover, it exposes the symbiotic relationship between the DSA and the Democratic Party. Larimore-Hall rose to Democratic Party leadership from the leadership of the DSA. He is a former co-chair of YDSA, a former member of the editorial board of the YDSAs publication The Activist, and was also a member of DSAs NPC. The DSA and the Democratic Party are not separate entities. By rising to CDP leadership, Larimore-Hall has merely been promoted from the subsidiary to the parent company.

Daraka Larimore-Hall (2nd from left) at California Democratic Party convention with state party leadership [Photo: Tim Prince (Twitter)]

In the related discussion between Larimore-Hall and Flacksa signatory to Students for a Democratic Societys 1962 Port Huron statement, political associate of DSAs founder Michael Harrington and an original member of the DSAthe two DSA leaders share fears over the growing radicalization among working class youth.

Larimore-Hall says, A lot of people that got interested in socialist ideas through Occupy and the Sanders campaign then got really hungry for more information about what is this socialism stuff, looking on the internet, reading books, checking out existing organizations. And sometimes I think that has gone a little bit awry.

Among the existing organizations Flacks mentions in the program are followers of Leon Trotsky, which today means the Socialist Equality Parties and the World Socialist Web Site. Larimore-Hall and Flacks go back and forth, referring to different methods to bury interest in ultra-left, sectarian and Trotskyist cults, with Flacks declaring: Thats the question, how do you bury it? This hostility to revolutionary socialism explains why the DSAs leadership systematically promoted tweets attacking the World Socialist Web Site in May 2021 with imagery of ice picks, the weapon used by the Stalinist GPU to assassinate Leon Trotsky in Mexico City on August 20, 1940.

Need for full-throated anti-communism to bury independent socialist sentiment

The moderator of the discussion between Flacks and Larimore-Hall asks both of them a revealing hypothetical: Say you got called up to the [upcoming DSA] convention, you know the communists are out there. A lot of folks, a lot of young people, have taken on a lot of labels unburdened by the fact that there is no Soviet Union right now, a lot of well-meaning people who just want to f[-ing] finally do something about capitalism. Whats the elevator pitch here? What do you say to all these people?

Larimore-Halls position is: We have to rescue that full throated, leftist anti-communism that just floated away in the 1960s, adding elsewhere in the discussion, Young people need to understand how much of a mistake the vanguard Leninist viewwhich got credibility only because the Bolsheviks won in the Bolshevik revolution, not because anything that followed that is a model for anybody. We have every reason to try to make very clear what is wrong with communism. Flacks agrees, calling for a principled anti-communism.

When ranting about growing interest in revolutionary socialism, Larimore-Hall becomes so hysterical that he feels the need to say, I wouldnt be this animated if I didnt see this as an actual thing. His attack on revolutionaries as cult members is a longstanding element of far-right American anti-communism. At one point, Larimore-Hall acknowledges this by stating that Richard Nixon and Joseph McCarthy werent opposed to what were saying about communism. In fact, Larimore-Hall admits, fascists are anti-communists too.

Tellingly, Larimore-Hall derives his criticism of revolutionary groups as cults from a renegade from Marxism, Tim Wohlforth, who from 1966 to 1974 was the National Secretary of the SEPs predecessor, the Workers League. Larimore-Hall writes, I should say on the record that thinking about Marxism-Leninism as a cultish, cultic space is not my original idea. I got it from Dennis Tourish and Tim Wohlforth who wrote On the Edge, which is a study of political cults on the right and left. Theyre the ones who really encapsulated that.

Justifying DSA support for imperialist war and strikebreaking

Having explicitly stated that the DSAs essential purpose is to block left-wing sentiment from breaking free of the Democratic Party, the four participants in the interview stumble over themselves to justify the DSAs role working to pressure the Democratic Party from within. For 40 years, the DSA has dedicated itself to a strategy aimed at realigning the Democratic Party, which has only resulted in moving the party ever further to the right.

Duhalde said, How I view realignment is as an effort to make the Democratic Party into a small-S, small-D social democratic party, including through encouraging Democratic Party officials who backed Sanders to take on institutional roles in the Democratic Party. Duhalde presents New Yorks Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul as having helped DSA pass our program on state environmental reforms, endowing her pro-police, right-wing administration with false left bona fides.

Since the late 19th century, group after group has attempted to pressure the Democratic Party leopard to change its spots. The result of such efforts is spelled out in the Chinese Exclusion Act, World War One, the Palmer Raids, Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japanese Internment, the Korean and Vietnam wars, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the PATRIOT Act, the bank bailouts of 2008 and the present threat of nuclear war against Russia.

Kristian Hernandez issued a craven apology for DSA/Democratic Party elected officials who voted to crush strikes and fund imperialist war: As much as people want to dismiss our federal electeds, theyve given us a lot of clout with international parties, she said, imploring DSA members to understand that while its great that theyre DSA members, they are also accountable to other groups and recognize that other groups had a hand in their victory. In other words, if a politician belongs to the DSA and also legislates in the interests of the railroad companies and the Pentagon, they are merely being held accountable to their constituents on Wall Street and the military-industrial complex, and it is still great if they are in Congress representing the DSA.

Flacks agrees, saying, Theres got to be alliances, theres got to be coalitions, theres got to be common ground with people who dont necessarily share the label. Duhalde later repeats the same line: Whats the role of socialists there? Sometimes its to start a new coalition  I dont think that DSAs allies are just the other socialist organizations.

Hernandez adds perhaps the most patronizing and crass defense of the Democratic Party when she says, The reality is also that a lot of these things [debates over independence from the Democratic Party] dont mean anything to the average person whos just trying to feed their family. These are really, really convoluted structures to people. ... We can sit here and criticize the Democratic Party until were blue in the face. The reality is like people are still waiting in line for hours to vote for this party, right?

This disdainful attitude to the working class has nothing to do with socialism. While Hernandez and the Democratic Party present political questions as irrelevant to workers busy lives, socialists fight to elevate the political consciousness of the working class and transform the proletariat, in Marxs words, from a class in itself to a class for itself. In the United States, this entails the fight to break workers from their illusions in both capitalist parties and encourage the development of a mass movement of the working class independent of the two capitalist parties.

Anti-communism and American middle-class radicalism

The attitudes expressed by these DSA leaders are entirely consistent with the DSAs historical role. In this sense, the presence of Richard Flacks in the discussions was revealing. In 1988, Flacks authored a book called Making History: The Radical Tradition in American Life.

Flacks is a child of two members of the Communist Party, and his own political history elucidates the development of a thread of middle class left American nationalism which, for all its eclecticism, was always consistently oriented to the Democratic Party. Flacks book provides insight into the DSAs historical origins and its longstanding efforts to block the development of a genuine revolutionary movement against capitalism and American imperialism.

It is notable that Flacks political origins lie in SDS, which emerged from the youth movement of the League for Industrial Democracy (LID). The youth wing of the LID was then led by Michael Harrington and Tom Kahn, with Tom Hayden as a prominent member. Harrington and Kahn were the most explicit supporters of Max Shachtman, who was once a leading figure within the Trotskyist movement but who broke with Trotskyism in 1940 and drifted rapidly toward a pro-imperialist position. Shachtman became an adviser of the AFL-CIO and a prominent anti-communist, supporting both the imperialist wars in Korea and Vietnam as wars for democracy against the Soviet Union. Kahn followed in his footsteps, becoming a direct imperialist agent as director of the AFLCIO Department of International Affairs.

When Hayden and Students for a Democratic Society ratified the Port Huron Statement in 1962 (with Flacks support), they were opposed by Harrington and Kahn, who claimed the statement took an insufficiently belligerent position toward the Soviet Union, though both signatories and detractors shared a common anti-communism. SDS was a middle class protest organization whose membership faded away in the late 1960s and early 1970s, while a section turned toward terrorism.

Harrington founded the Democratic Socialist Organizing Committee in 1973. A protest organization oriented to the Democratic Party called the New American Movement emerged out of the ashes of SDS, and in 1982, the NAM and DSOC merged to form the DSA under Harringtons direction.

Despite the fact that Flacks ostensibly represented the left wing of the DSA, his 1988 book presents a false and glorified version of Democratic Party history.

Beginning in the thirties, Flacks says, a variety of activists drawn from various movement and ideological contexts initiated efforts to democratize the function of the Democratic Party by bringing in movement leadership groups into active party participation at the local level. This is a rosy reference to the Stalinist Popular Front, under which the Stalinized Communist Party of the United States formed an alliance with the Democratic Party and suppressed the growing movement of the working class to serve the needs of the Roosevelt administration and the counter-revolutionary bureaucracy at the head of the Comintern. During World War Two, this took the form of enforcing a no-strike pledge and supporting the internment of over 120,000 Japanese and Japanese-Americans.

According to Flacks, the reforms initiated by Roosevelt during the New Deal to stave off the threat of revolution culminated in the late sixties and seventies to create a situation in which candidates are far more subject than in the past to primary election, and a variety of previously excluded groups have formal voice in Democratic Party affairs. Still another democratizing reform has been the effort to restructure campaign financing.

Flacks explains, Both Kennedy and Johnson made successful Rooseveltian efforts to embrace the civil rights movement, adding that Johnsons war on poverty program boldly went further. Flacks credits Johnson with having provided a legal basis for grassroots organization of the disadvantaged and for the recognition of such organization by the state.

Never mind that Lyndon Johnson was waging a semi-genocidal colonial war against the people of Vietnam, that he dragged his feet and applied constant right-wing pressure to the civil rights movement, and that, under his administration, the state intelligence agencies dramatically expanded their surveillance of left-wing groups under COINTELPRO. To claim that Johnson is responsible for facilitating state recognition of grassroots organization of the disadvantaged is to turn the world upside down. Johnson was so hated for his role in expanding the war in Vietnam and for overseeing the anti-democratic crackdown on anti-war protesters that he was unable to run for a second full term. For a brief period in the mid-20th century, the Democratic Party engaged in a limited expansion of social services. But with the erosion of American imperialisms dominant geopolitical position, the Democratic Party has long since helped the Republicans dismantle these programs.

The Shachtmanite realignment of the Democratic Party

Flacks presents the Democratic Party as becoming increasingly left-wing and democratic under the weight of pressure from activists throughout the 1970s and 80s: It is clear that many anti-democratic features of the formal political system have been abolished or modified as a result of popular protest and the reforms that sought to allay it.

As the entire political system shifted rapidly to the right in the 1980s, Flacks presents the Democratic Party as the epicenter of left-wing renewal. He calls changes in the party primary rules a potential opportunity for developing power within the Democratic Party. He approaches this relationship of movement activists and the Democratic Party from the standpoint of how to improve the latters institutional strength and electability, advising the Democratic Party that Movement organizations can supply the troops, and some of the financing, that candidates need. They can mobilize supporters at conventions and caucuses in behalf of favored candidates and issues.

Flacks further advises the Democrats that it may actually be to the Democratic Partys advantage that the major social movements have embarked on a systematic strategy to exercise influence on its policies and selection of candidates, he says. Rather than try to disassociate the party from these movements and their activists and constituencies, party professionals would be better advised to figure out how to respond to their pressuresand thereby make use of their energiesby formulating a rhetoric and a program that can build some bridges between them and the disaffected middle [i.e., middle of the road voters].

Flacks book, written on the eve of the dissolution of the Soviet Union, concludes by celebrating what he perceived as the destruction of political projects based on the revolutionary role of the international working class. The demise of the lefts traditional organizational forms, and the exhaustion of many of its specific ideological perspectives, clears the way for new possibilities. Denouncing what he calls the elitist conception of a vanguard party of the working class, Flacks declares his opposition to socialist revolution: We can now see that the left project does not involve the winning of masses of adherents, the building up of a party, the rallying of forces.

In contrast to a revolutionary program, Flacks presents a pathetic appeal to the spirit of entrepreneurialism which predominated in that period of global reaction, suggesting that instead of focusing on the welfare state and central planning, a new liberal or social democratic politics should emphasize policies that enable people collectively to be empowered to solve their problems themselves including through social investment in enterprises and activities that address community needs and provide a measurable return to the public as a whole. He suggests that the imperialist American state can play a progressive historical role: the state can be a vehicle for democratization by serving as a source of capital for decentralized democratic development and enterprise.

It is no accident that Democratic apologists of capitalist restoration like Flacks now find themselves playing a central role advising the DSA on how to suppress the growth of left-wing sentiment amid conditions of unprecedented capitalist crisis. Since its founding, the DSA has fought to preserve capitalist rule by upholding the hegemony of the Democratic Party and attempting to block the emergence of a mass socialist movement independent of the two-party system.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni was President Joe Bidens guest at the White House Thursday, the first time that an outright fascist has been accorded such a welcome by the US president since he took office. Press reports noted that other advocates of authoritarian rule, including Jair Bolsonaro of Brazil and Viktor Orban of Hungary, never received such invitations.

President Joe Biden meets with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in the Oval Office of the White House, Thursday, July 27, 2023, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

But Biden was effusive in addressing Meloni as they sat down for a closed-door meeting, declaring, Its a delight to welcome the prime minister. Weve become friends, and its good to have you back. Thank you for coming.

Melonis party, Brothers of Italy, won the largest number of votes in a September 2022 election and now heads a three-party right-wing coalition government, including Forza Italia, the party founded by the late billionaire Silvio Berlusconi as his personal instrument, and the Liga (League), headed by Matteo Salvini, an unrestrained advocate of maximum repression against immigrants and striking workers.

Brothers of Italy was founded by former supporters of the various parties that emerged out of the fascist party of Mussolini, which was dissolved after Italys defeat and occupation by the United States and Britain in World War II, when Mussolini was allied with Hitler. Mussolinis more than two decades of rule came to an end in 1943, and he was ultimately executed by left-wing partisan forces in 1945.

Meloni claims not to be a member of the fascist cult, but her ultra-right politics are indistinguishable from those of Marine Le Pen in France or Donald Trump, only substituting Italy for France or America as the focus of her chauvinist appeals.

She espouses the same viciously anti-democratic bigotry against gays and lesbians, acting immediately to forbid gay couples from registering as parents when they adopted a child. (Only a biological parent may do so.) Other restrictions have followed, as well as attacks on immigrants.

Her government is also moving to outlaw surrogate parenting for Italian citizens living outside the country. It is already illegal within Italy, in keeping with the reactionary dogmas of the Roman Catholic Church.

None of these actions has stopped her from being welcomed into the leadership of the European Union, and next year, since it is Italys turn, she will be the host for a meeting of the G-7, the exclusive club of wealthy capitalist nations, to be held in the southern province of Puglia, the heel of the Italian boot.

As for Bidens embrace of the most right-wing Italian government since Mussolini, as the Washington Post put it, Melonis broad acceptance largely boils down to one word: Russia.

Unlike Berlusconi and Salvini and her co-thinkers like Orban in Hungary, Meloni is a fervent supporter of the NATO proxy war against Russia in Ukraine. She has delivered billions in military aid, including the training of Ukrainian troops on Italian soil and traveling to Kiev in a show of solidarity with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Meloni cited this stance in brief remarks as she sat down with Biden to begin the White House meeting. After the Russian aggression against Ukraine, she said, we decided to defend international law, and I am proud that Italy from the beginning played its part in it.

We did it simply because supporting Ukraine means defending the peaceful coexistence of people in states everywhere in the world. Contrary to what some claim, Ukrainian resistance distances a world war and does not bring it closer. As some say, those who believe in peace should be the first supporters of the Ukrainian cause.

She then got down to the real business of her trip, which was primarily to discuss Italian interests in Africa, including its former colony of Libya, directly across the Mediterranean Sea. President Biden knows I take care a lot about Africa, about the role that we can play in these countries that can help us building with them a new relation 

This was necessary both to stop the flow of immigrants across the Mediterranean, as well as to open up opportunities for lucrative investments by Italian corporations in the oil and other natural resources of the vast region.

Meloni and the Italian ruling class clearly expect that their support for the US proxy war in Ukraine will be rewarded by American backing for Italian operations in Africa, particularly concentrated in North Africa and the countries of the Sahara and Sahel, further to the south. Italian diplomats told the Washington Post that Meloni would focus on security and energy challenges in the Mediterranean, which means giving Italy access to the oil wealth of Libya, its former colony, as well as sanctioning the crackdown on migration by Italy and the EU.

Biden was expected to extract in return both continued Italian backing for Ukraine but also a quick withdrawal by Italy from the Chinese-led Belt and Road Initiative. In 2017, under Premier Giuseppe Conte of the populist Five Star Movement, Italy became the first member of the G7 to enlist in the Chinese infrastructure building project, giving Beijing its deepest incursion into Western Europe. Since then, Washington has been exerting increasing pressure on Italy to pull out.

John Kirby, spokesman for the National Security Council, said before the meeting that The president has enjoyed working with her.  Certainly on issues of foreign policy, theres been a lot of overlapping and mutually reinforcing approaches that were taking with Italy.  Italy is a NATO ally, and they are a very competent NATO ally, and theyve been a tremendous supporter of Ukraine.

He suggested that Biden would not raise issues of domestic policies with Meloni. The Italian people get to decide who their government is, Kirby said. Its a democracy, and the president respects that.

One sign of this deference to Melonis ultra-right policies at home was the decision not to hold a joint press conference, usually held after the visit of a leader from a major country, where Biden and his guest would stand side by side and alternate taking questions from the media of both countries.

It is likely that both Meloni and Biden rejected such an appearance out of concern that the press might raise embarrassing questions about domestic policies in Italy. At a subsequent press briefing, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre was peppered with questions about why there was no joint press appearance. But she could give no coherent answer, claiming this was a decision worked out between the Italian embassy and the US State Department, not by her office.

While the transactions being discussed behind closed doors at the White House largely concerned foreign policy, Bidens meeting with Meloni has significance in terms of US domestic politics.

Apologists for the Democratic Party claim that it is the last bulwark against a takeover of American politics by the fascistic Republicans led by Donald Trump. But Biden is perfectly willing to welcome an Italian version of Trump to the White House, provided her government is in sync with US foreign policy in relation to its major targets, Russia and China.

Meloni was an honored guest speaker at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in both 2019 and 2020, speaking on the same day as then-President Trump in 2019 and reportedly gushing on social media while listening to his remarks. She regards NATO and the United States as her allies against the threat of communism, which primarily means the Italian working class.

Biden would have no problem working with similar forces in the United States provided they lined up, like Meloni, behind the US war drive against Moscow and Beijing.
In an interview with the Sydney Morning Herald on Wednesday, Julian Hill, a Labor Party member of federal parliament effectively called for Julian Assange to plead guilty to US charges over his exposure of massive war crimes in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Hill presented this as the only likely means of ending Assanges protracted incarceration in Britain and his looming dispatch to the US, where the WikiLeaks publisher would face a stacked national security trial and up to 175 years imprisonment.

The comments are highly significant. Hill has been the most outspoken of all Labor MPs in his purported defence of Assange. His statements condemning the attempted US prosecution and demanding Assanges freedom have given succor to claims that at least a segment of the Labor Party defends Assange and democratic rights more broadly.

But now, the jig is up. Hill, like the Labor government as a whole, has washed his hands of any responsibility for Assanges plight. Nor is Hill or the government hostile in the slightest to the Biden administration, which is overseeing the legal lynching of Assange, an Australian citizen. On the contrary, Labor is bending over backwards to accommodate every demand of the Biden administration, above all relating to its war drive against China.

So who, according to Hill, is responsible for ending the persecution? Essentially Assange himself. He must bow to the US or he will languish in prison for the rest of his days.

The reality is that Australia cannot force the United States to [release Assange], and if they refuse, then no Australian should judge Mr Assange if he chooses to just cut a deal and end this matter, Hill stated.

His health is deteriorating and if the US refuses to do the right thing and drop the charges then no one would think less of him for crossing his fingers and toes, pleading guilty to whatever nonsense he has to and getting the hell out of there.

The presentation is cynical in the extreme, as is everything associated with Hill, a lifelong career politician desperate to clamber from the backbench into the higher ranks of a pro-war, pro-business government.

Behind the references to Assanges health, the message is clear enough: The Australian government has done all it can, or will do; youre on your own, plead guilty or face the wrath of the Americans.

The main point is that what the Australian government has done on Assanges behalf is remarkably little, if anything at all. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has made very sporadic public statements, along the lines of enough is enough in the Assange case and it is time for the matter to be brought to a close.

Albanese claims to have made these positions clear to the Biden administration, even though they are deliberately vague and ambiguous positions to start with. There is no record of such communications, so the only basis on which to believe they even occurred is trust in Albaneses assertions.

Hills statements make explicit what has been plain to observers for some time. To the extent that Albanese has actually suggested to the Biden administration an end to the prosecution of Assange, he has been rebuffed. One can be sure that if the exchanges occurred, the advocacy on Assanges behalf was as timid as is humanly possible.

Government representatives have noted that Assange is subject to legal proceedings involving the US and Britain, i.e., the extradition attempt, to which Australia is not a party. This, they claim, complicates any intervention.

But there is not the slightest obstacle to Albanese, Hill or anyone else branding the US case as an infamous frame-up, publicly demanding that it end and warning of repercussions if it does not. They havent made such statements because they dont want to.

Such diplomatic and political interventions have been conducted by Australian administrations before, to pressure foreign governments to end the persecution of an Australian citizen and release them. But they have almost always been enemy states in the crosshairs of US and Australian imperialism, such as Iran, Myanmar and the like.

The Labor government is giving the Biden administration everything it wants, from signing a $368 billion deal to acquire nuclear-powered submarines under the militarist AUKUS pact with Britain and the US, to allowing the American military to station its most potent and nuclear-capable strike assets in northern Australia. Labor is completing Australias transformation into a frontline state of the advanced US-led preparations for war with China.

The US has rejected any suggestion of freeing Assange, but all of this proceeds entirely unhindered. Hills comments were made in the lead-up to Australia-US Ministerial Consultations, with the Labor government rolling out the red carpet for Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin this week.

The timing was not accidental. Hill was preempting any suggestion that Labor would raise the issue of Assange with these top officials of the Biden administration. The case was closed, the ball is in Assanges court.

In the Herald article, Hill revealed that he attempted to visit Assange in Belmarsh Prison on July 1. The prison authorities effectively scuttled the meeting with bureaucratic obstruction, in another indication of the draconian conditions under which Assange is being held.

But that is not the most significant aspect of the matter. The most interesting thing was what Hill wanted to discuss with Assange. He told the Herald Im not privy to the negotiations that may be occurring but frankly the parliamentarians would back him to the hilt in cutting a deal if thats what he chose. Thats a message that I wanted to convey personally and hear from him what he wants.

It is hard to read such statements as anything but highly sinister.

Hill presents the issue as though he would be giving his approval to Assange to strike a plea deal. But why does Assange need the personal approval of a little known member of parliament? More generally, who in the world cares what a Labor backbencher thinks about any matter of import?

The unmistakable impression is that as with his public comments, Hill was delivering not his sympathy and approval, but sending a clear message from the Labor government. That message is essentially that all avenues for your freedom are now foreclosed, your only option is to plead guilty.

The intention of Hills visit casts grave doubt on his purported concern for Assanges health. It is well established that Assange suffers severe depression as a consequence of what former United Nations official Nils Melzer described as the psychological torture of the WikiLeaks publisher. It is also known that Assange has been acutely suicidal in the recent past.

Would a Labor parliamentarian, who has previously been outspoken in defence of Assange, visiting the WikiLeaks founder to tell him that the government could and would do no more on his behalf improve Assanges medical condition or worsen it? To ask the question is to answer it.

There is little doubt that Hills proposed visit was cleared with the Labor leadership, including Albanese himself. But a question presents itself. Has Hill discussed this new line, on the desirability of a plea deal, with any representatives of the American government?

US ambassador to Australia, Caroline Kennedy, (centre) with members of the Bring Julian Assange Home Parliamentary Group. Labor MP Julian Hill is second from the right. Others, from the left, include Liberal MP Bridget Archer, Labor MP Josh Wilson, independent MP Andrew Wilkie and Greens senator David Shoebridge. [Photo: @USEmbAustralia]

It is on the record that Hill and other parliamentarians held at least one closed-door meeting with US ambassador to Australia Caroline Kennedy, to discuss the Assange case. Nothing has ever been reported of Kennedys remarks, including by Hill.

The line on a plea deal directly serves the interests of the Biden administration. For Assange to plead guilty would be the best of all possible worlds for the White House. The decade-long pursuit of Assange, which included innumerable breaches of the law, would be retroactively legitimised. Assange and WikiLeaks would be forever neutralised.

The American state would have a far-reaching precedent for attacks on journalism, and anti-war opposition, without the political headache of an extradition and prosecution that would inflame the widespread support that exists for Assange.

Of course it remains entirely possible that the discussion of a possible plea deal is simply a ruse, designed to lull Assanges supporters into complacency and to create favorable political conditions for an extradition. Moreover, if an onerous deal were offered, and Assange were to reject it, he could be blamed for the extradition and prosecution, a position that the comments of Hill already hint at.

And aside from all this, the details of a hypothetical deal are entirely unknown. There is every possibility that Assange would have to accept some term of imprisonment, even if served in another country such as Britain or Australia. A plea deal that required his incarceration in the US could be simply another route to perpetual imprisonment.

Perhaps knowing that he was on thin ice, Hill, in his comments to the Herald, sought to turn the tables. It was not the Labor government that one should be angry with, for abandoning Assange to his fate. Instead, Hill explained: It worries me greatly that there are some Assange supporters who would rather he be a martyr than a free man, but ultimately its important for everyone to respect what Julian himself chooses to do.

In that category Hill presumably includes his opponents on the left, such as this publication. But his line could also be applied to figures inside the Assange camp. Assanges Australian lawyer Stephen Kenny, for instance, has repeatedly condemned suggestions of a plea deal, insisting that Assange being forced into such a situation must be avoided at all costs, above all by the Labor government undertaking its political and legal obligation to secure his freedom.

Hills cynical remark about such people wishing for Assange to be martyred is an obvious attempt to silence statements like those of Kenny.

It is also part of his broader attempt to create a new binary for supporters of Assange. The fight for an end to the prosecution and for Assanges unconditional freedom are excluded. The choices, based on the actions of Hills own government, are a guilty plea or permanent incarceration. And Hill has the temerity to claim that these impossible alternatives, for which his administration bears responsibility, are an exercise in respect for what Julian himself chooses to do!

Certain lessons must be drawn from Hills evolution. It underscores the bankruptcy of a whole perspective. Hill was for an extended period one of the poster boys for an approach on the part of the official Assange campaign that has consisted of lobbying official politicians. But such support as has been gained has proven to be token, for the record and easily dispensed with.

In the end, the outcome of such lobbying exercises is not to shift the political establishment to the left, i.e., towards a genuine defence of Assange, but to shift to the right oneself in a desperate effort to curry favor and avoid embarrassing potentially powerful allies.

The real powerful ally in the fight for Assanges freedom, the defence of all democratic rights and the fight against imperialist war is the international working class. As it wages a proxy war against Russia in Ukraine, and prepares for a disastrous conflict with China in the Indo-Pacific, the Biden administration is also at war with its population. But they are beginning to fight back, in a powerful series of strikes involving not only key sections of the industrial working class, but also tens of thousands of actors and writers.

It is to that emerging movement that defenders of Assange and civil liberties must turn.
The Ukrainian Armed Forces continue their offensive in the positions temporarily occupied by the Russian occupiers. Ukrainian soldiers are actively advancing in the Zaporizhzhia sector. There were 21 combat engagements in the last day.

ADVERTISIMENT

This is stated in the operational report of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. It is noted that on the five hundred and twentieth day of the Russian Federation's large-scale armed aggression against Ukraine, the enemy carried out 10 air strikes and fired 19 times from multiple launch rocket systems at the positions of our troops and settlements.

At the same time, the likelihood of missile and air strikes throughout Ukraine remains high.

"There were 21 combat engagements over the last day," the General Staff said.

- The operational situation in the Volyn and Polissya sectors remained unchanged. There are no signs of offensive groups forming.

- On the Siversky and Slobozhansky directions, the enemy launched air strikes near Halahanivka and Leonivka in Chernihiv region and Iskryskivka and Vovfyno in Sumy region. It fired mortar and artillery shells at more than 15 settlements. In particular, these are Ivashky, Guryev Kozachok, Udy, Strelka, Zelene and Okhrymivka in Kharkiv region.

ADVERTISIMENT

- In the Kupyansk sector, the Russian army conducted an air strike near Druzhelyubivka in Kharkiv region. Kolodyazne, Dvorichna, Zakhidne, Synkivka and Kyslivka in the Kharkiv region came under artillery and mortar fire.

- In the Lyman sector, the enemy launched an air strike near Hryhorivka, Donetsk region. Nevske and Bilohorivka in the Luhansk region and Torske, Verkhnekamyane and Spirne in the Donetsk region came under artillery fire.

- In the Bakhmut sector, more than 15 localities suffered from hostile artillery shelling, including Minkivka, Bohdanivka, Chasiv Yar, Ivanivske, Predtechine and Bila Hora in Donetsk region.

ADVERTISIMENT

- In the Avdiivka sector, the enemy conducted an air strike near Avdiivka. More than 10 localities came under artillery fire, including Avdiivka, Pervomayske and Karlivka in Donetsk region.

- In the Maryinka sector, Ukrainian defence forces continue to hold back the Russian offensive in the vicinity of the town of Maryinka. The enemy fired at more than 10 localities, including Krasnohorivka, Maryinka, Novomykhailivka, Peremoha and Heorhiivka in the Donetsk region.

ADVERTISIMENT

- In the Shakhtarsk sector, the occupants fired at Odradne, Blahodatne, Makarivka, Zelene Pole and Novodarivka in the Donetsk region.

- In the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson directions, the enemy is focusing its main efforts on preventing further advance of our troops. More than 25 localities came under artillery fire, including Krasne, Huliaipole, Charivne, Novoandriivka and Stepove in Zaporizhzhia region; Zolota Balka, Mykhailivka, Kozatske, Tyahynka, Ivanivka and Sadove in Kherson region.

"At the same time, the Ukrainian Defence Forces continue to conduct offensive operations in the Melitopol and Berdiansk sectors, consolidating their positions, inflicting artillery fire on the enemy's targets, and carrying out counter-battery measures. Against the backdrop of successful combat operations of the Ukrainian Defence Forces and due to significant losses of manpower, the number of refusals to participate in combat operations has increased in the units of the Russian occupation forces. Thus, near the village of Rozivka, Zaporizhzhia region, about 60 Russian servicemen from the 247th Air Assault Regiment of the 7th Air Assault Division of the Russian Armed Forces refused to perform their duties near the village of Staromayorske, Donetsk region," the General Staff noted.

ADVERTISIMENT

At the same time, the occupants partially disabled their own vehicles and armoured vehicles.

"The aviation of the defence forces carried out 3 strikes on the areas of concentration of enemy personnel over the day, and the units of missile forces and artillery hit 8 artillery pieces at firing positions, 2 electronic warfare stations, an ammunition depot, and an enemy fuel and lubricants depot. Support the Armed Forces! Let's win together! Glory to Ukraine!" - the General Staff summed up.

As OBOZREVATEL previously reported, the Ukrainian Defence Forces destroyed 72 pieces of enemy equipment and weapons at the frontline on 27 July. Another 560 occupants from the aggressor country of Russia were also eliminated.

Only verified information is available in our Obozrevatel Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
To protect itself from Russian attacks on Ukraine's peaceful cities and civilian infrastructure, our country needs to significantly increase its air defence capabilities. The recent attacks by Russian troops on Odesa and Mykolaiv have demonstrated that the aggressor state has set a course to overload Ukraine's air defence and simultaneously hit important infrastructure, including grain and port facilities, with ballistic missiles.

ADVERTISIMENT

The two Patriot systems provided by our partners helped to almost completely protect Kyiv from attacks; at least 10-12 such systems are needed to close the skies over the whole of Ukraine. This was stated by Mykhailo Podolyak, advisor to the head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, in an interview with The Guardian.

Podolyak noted that without a significant increase in the number of air defence systems, Ukraine will not be able to fully protect itself from Russian missiles and kamikaze drones. Russia is also aware of this. That is why, as evidenced by the recent brutal attacks on Odesa and Mykolaiv, the military command of the aggressor state has adopted the tactic of bombing to suppress air defence systems.

"Russia's tactics are clear: they use massive drone attacks to overwhelm our air defence systems, and then in parallel they have the opportunity to use ballistic missiles against infrastructure," he said.

ADVERTISIMENT

In the case of Kyiv, this tactic is no longer working. After all, it has a sophisticated, multi-level air defence system that includes Western equipment. But Odesa, Mykolaiv and other cities in the Ukrainian south are far from being as well protected. So in recent days, the enemy has managed to strike numerous times at grain and port infrastructure, as well as at residential areas and the UOC-MP cathedral.

ADVERTISIMENT

The Russians have started using Oniks anti-ship missiles, which Ukrainian air defence systems are practically unable to shoot down.

"We lack modern anti-aircraft systems, such as Patriot, which are capable of hitting Russia's latest generation of missiles, such as Oniks and Kinzhal. The shortage of these systems means that we cannot cover all regions of the country," Podolyak said.

A few months ago, Germany and the United States provided Ukraine with two Patriot systems, which are now defending the capital and helping to shoot down almost 100% of enemy air targets launched at Kyiv.

At least 10-12 more Patriot systems would help to secure the skies over the entire country, Podolyak said. He noted that such assistance from the West would be the right decision from both a moral and economic point of view.

ADVERTISIMENT

"It will be much more expensive to repair all this (destroyed infrastructure - Ed.) later than to provide the Patriot system to protect the south," Podolyak said.

Earlier, it was reported that Germany is preparing a new 700 million military aid package for Ukraine. It will include two Patriot air defence systems, 40 Marder armoured personnel carriers, 25 Leopard 1A5 tanks, as well as artillery, ammunition and drones.

It has also been reported that in recent days, Russia has launched a series of strikes on Odesa and Mykolaiv. In particular, on the night of 23 July, the occupiers staged another attack on Odesa: the strikes resulted in a death and injuries. Residential buildings and the Transfiguration Cathedral of the UOC-MP, the largest and most famous church in Odesa, were damaged.

ADVERTISIMENT

After it became known about the destruction of the cathedral, the Russian Ministry of Defence stated that "terrorist attacks against Russia were being prepared in the Odesa cathedral". And Kremlin propagandist Olga Skabeyeva even claimed that Ukraine had shelled the cathedral in Odesa.

And on the night of 27 July, the occupiers struck at night at the port infrastructure of Odesa region: there was a casualty.

The enemy carried out attacks on other days as well.

Only verified information is available in our Obozrevatel Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
During a meeting in Tunis, Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shoukry affirmed Egypt and President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisis support for President Kais Saieds efforts to achieve stability and development in Tunisia.
Archaeologists discovered the ship along a seabed about 525 feet underwater, near the port of Civitavecchia

Getty

Wreckage from a 2,000-year-old Roman cargo ship has been discovered off the coast of Italy, authorities say.

Archaeologists found the ship, roughly 65 feet long, along a seabed about 525 feet underwater, near the port of Civitavecchia, according to the BBC.

"The exceptional discovery is an important example of the shipwreck of a Roman ship facing the perils of the sea in an attempt to reach the coast, and bears witness to old maritime trading routes," according to a statement from Italys cultural heritage protection police unit, per the BBC.

Inside the ancient ship, hundreds of terra cotta jars  known as amphorae  were found intact, The Guardian reported.

Related: Divers Plan to Recover 3,000-Year-Old, Hand-Sewn Ship in the Mediterranean Sea Next Month

The artifacts, known as Dressel 1 B jars are tube-shaped; authorities have not yet said for what they may have been used, per the publication.

The news of the shipwreck comes on the heels of another discovery in the region this summer.

Last month, divers announced that a 3,000-year-old, hand-sewn ship from the floor of the Mediterranean Sea would be recovered.

Related: 'Magnificently Preserved' Shipwreck Found in Lake Huron Confirms Tragic Tale of 128-Year-Old Disaster

Known as the Zambratija, the vessel is the oldest known example of a fully sewn boat, dating back to a period between the last quarter of the 12th century B.C., according to the Camille Jullian Center, a Croatian research organization involved in the project alongside the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS).

Never miss a story  sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.PEOPLE's free daily newsletter

"Its architecture and its construction, the assembly technique of the strakes, as well as the waterproofing system of the hull, have no equivalent in the Mediterranean area, the Camille Jullian Center said.

Story continues

Researchers believe about 23 feet of the ship, which was made from flexible pieces of wood that were sewn together, remains intact.



For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on People.
Amber Alexander starts at Iowa Everywhere in early August.

Amber Alexander is making a comeback. The former meteorologist and digital content producer at WHO-13 who left the station last July returns to weather forecasting, this time in a part-time position with Iowa Everywhere as chief meteorologist.

I'll be focusing on the weekend and work week forecasts twice a week and then doing lifestyle forecasts and updates for severe weather when that happens, Alexander told the Des Moines Register.

Iowa Everywhere brings a locally owned, on-demand podcast network.

After Alexander left WHO-13, she joined Kinship Brewery in Waukee as the director of community engagement.

She worked at WHO-13 for more than six years.

More: Chris Gloninger left KCCI after a 'death threat.' Now, he's talking about his next chapter.

She earned a bachelors degree in meteorology/climatology at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2014 and previously worked as a meteorologist and reporter at KNOP in North Platte, Nebraska.

Alexander starts at Iowa Everywhere in early August. She's also expecting her first child, due on Oct. 2.

Susan Stapleton is the entertainment editor and dining reporter at The Des Moines Register. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, or drop her a line at sstapleton@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Amber Alexander returns to weather forecasting in central Iowa in August
Thor Pedersen, 44, says "the project was a resounding SUCCESS

JAMES BROOKS/AFP via Getty Thor Pedersen stands on the dock at the Port of Aarhus in Aarhus, Denmark

Torbjrn C. Pedersen  also known as Thor  has achieved what many would consider impossible: he claims he visited every country in the world without flying, according to multiple outlets.

Pedersen, 44, embarked on his journey in October 2013 and expected the trek would take four years, according to ABC News. Nearly 10 years later, he arrived at the Maldives on Tuesday  his 203rd and final country  by ship, the outlet reported. His adventure took 3,512 days in total.

HOME!!! , Pedersen wrote in an Instagram post on Wednesday. Thanks for your unwavering support, making me the 1st person to visit every country in the world completely without flying!

Thor Pedersen/Instagram Thor Pedersen, Danish Man Completes Mission to Visit Every Country on Earth Without Using a Plane

The project was a resounding SUCCESS when we reached the final country, the Maldives , he continued. Today marks its COMPLETION as I return to Denmark 

More than a hundred people showed up to welcome me home on this historic day. Family, friends, fans, followers , he wrote, adding: A live band played 'When the saints come marching home' 

The Danish traveler, who detailed the adventure on his blog, "Once Upon a Saga," wrote that the experience was intense and demanding. He also reportedly needed 10 passports for his journey and he limited his spending to $20 a day.

Related: Another Major City Has Just Banned Cruise Ships: Here's Why

A decade is a long time, Pedersen wrote. Fortunately, it has also been rewarding. There is a very dark side to the accomplishment as well. Very dark. A side which few are aware of and which most have been shielded from. Over the years I have opened up for frustrations, disappointments, danger and hardship. But the full scope is not known to even my close friends or family.

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories

Pedersen said a filmmaker from Canada, who he referred to as a stranger turned friend, is working on a documentary chronicling his adventure titled Once Upon A Saga.

Story continues

Related: Bear Attack Leaves North Carolina Jogger with Multiple Serious Injuries

It has been his job to learn everything he possibly could about the accomplishment, Pedersen wrote. And he has done that job wellHe has tens of hours of interview material with me. He has sifted through all of my video and all of my photos. He follows the Sagas social media closely, and he has been to Denmark where he interviewed friends and family."

In early 2020, Pedersen became stranded in Hong Kong  where he stayed for several months  due to the COVID-19 epidemic, Business Insider India reported.

I thought I solved this by simply getting on another ship within the next few days to Taiwan and waiting there for my ship to Palau, Pedersen wrote on Twitter. That would offer more than 14 days and I wouldnt be coming from HKG. But Taiwan has now implemented similar rules regarding the virus.

But Pedersen persisted and said everywhere he went, he could not "remember a country I've gotten to where I did not receive some sort of kindness or support from people, per ABC News. "In a way, this has just been a huge sociological experiment and a success at that, he said, per the outlet.



For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on People.
At one point, Pedro and Augusto, born conjoined at the head, were on the edge of organ failure," one of their doctors said

Dayton Children's Hospital Pedro and Augusto

Doctors at an Ohio childrens hospital are speaking out nearly a year after successfully separating conjoined twins from Central America.

It took two years and four major surgeries to separate Guatemalan twins Pedro and Augusto, who were born conjoined at the head, according to a Dayton Childrens Hospital.

The boys, now 5, were officially separated on the morning of April 8, 2022 in a three-day long surgery, according to Good Morning America.

Dr. Robert Lober, a pediatric neurosurgeon who assisted with the twins separation, said the final surgery became more complex after doctors realized separating a large artery connecting the twins could potentially have serious impacts on Augustos speech and motor skills.

It took a personal toll," Lober told GMA. These were boys that we'd come to love over a long period of time [who] everybody'd come to love. They became our boys.

Related: Twins Share a Hug After Being Separated for 5 Days in Tenn. NICU: 'Cutest Thing Ever,' Says Mom

Dayton Children's Hospital Pedro and Augusto while conjoined at the head

Doctors at the medical center Dayton Childrens Hospital first learned about Pedro and Augustos condition in 2019, according to GMA.

The two were joined at the top of the head with a 90 degree turn  which the hospital said is called craniopagus OConnell class III."

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

There is very little research or practical knowledge in medical literature about how to separate craniopagus twins, especially those who are connected at this angle," Lober said in a news release from the hospital announcing a documentary about the twins separation.

Dayton Children's Hospital Pedro after he and his brother Augusto were separated

But Dr. Christopher Gordon, chief of craniofacial and plastic surgery at Dayton Children's, said doctors had to balance speed and caution in order to keep the twins alive.

Story continues

At one point, the boys were teetering on the edge of organ failure due to the changes their bodies underwent following the procedures, Gordon told GMA.



Related: 12 Women Working at Virginia Hospital NICU Pregnant at Same Time: 'We Have Each Others Backs'

However, Pedro and Augusto remained incredibly strong throughout the complicated process, according to the doctor.

Dayton Children's Hospital Augusto after he and his brother Pedro were separated

The twins returned home to Guatemala in June 2023, and are now living as separate individuals, Dayton Childrens Hospital said.

Their story will be featured in the film Connected: The Story of the Seemingly Impossible Separation of Pedro and Augusto.

For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on People.
Emmy statuettes grace the engraving table where Emmy award winners received their awards at an after-party celebration in 2017. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Fox has decided to postpone the 75th Emmy Awards due to the strikes by the Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA.

Fox, which was scheduled to air the ceremony on Sept. 18, is expected to soon announce the event will be rescheduled for January, according to a person familiar with the plans who was not authorized to comment.

The new date is contingent on the labor issues between the guilds and the studios being resolved before then.

Read more: What to know about the SAG-AFTRA actors' strike

Variety reported Thursday that vendors for the Emmy Awards had already been informed of the delay.

The Writers Guild of America has been on strike since May 2. Actors represented by SAG-AFTRA walked off the job this month. Both unions are looking for improved residual payments for streaming and protections against the use of AI.

Fox executives previously said the network would not go ahead with the program if either of the guilds were still on strike at the end of July. The network had no intention of moving ahead without talent to perform or present the awards.

Read more: Writers' strike: What's at stake and how it could disrupt Hollywood

The last time the Emmy Awards telecast was postponed was in 2001 after the Sept. 11 attacks on New York City and the Pentagon. The program, after being delayed a second time, was presented in November, seven weeks late.

Fox is delaying this year's show because actors and writers would most likely not attend the event, which would leave the network with executives and reality show stars as presenters.

The Emmy Awards telecast went forward in 1980 when striking SAG members boycotted the event. Only one actor  Powers Boothe  showed up to accept his award. Boothe was honored for playing suicide cult leader Jim Jones in the miniseries "Guyana Tragedy: The Story of Jim Jones."





Sign up for our Wide Shot newsletter to get the latest entertainment business news, analysis and insights.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
More than 3,000 US military personnel have arrived in the Red Sea aboard two warships, as part of increased deployments after tanker seizures by Iran, the US Navy said Monday.
Indianapolis physician Alicia Schaffer was nervous, she said, right before cameras zoomed in to capture her introduction as a contestant on TV's Jeopardy!. If that was the case, Schaffer didn't show any fear Thursday night during her debut appearance on the popular quiz show.

The doctor came ready to play, buzzing in a total of 19 times. Twice, she captured the lead from returning champion Lucas Partridge, a school counselor in Las Vegas, and pulled far ahead of Zach Razavi, a palliative care physician from Saint Paul.

By the final round, however, Partridge had regained the top spot, but not by much.

'Its mostly a game about the buzzer': What you need to know about Indianapolis doctor on Jeopardy!

Schaffer was down only $2,600 and looked confident when show host Ken Jennings asked the last question of the night: "Formed in 1831 to help with the conquest of Algeria, its ranks have included Germans, Turks, and Chinese."

Schaffer leaned over the podium to write her answer, a moment on Jeopardy! she'd been hoping for since watching the show as a kid.

"This was really a dream chance to tick a big bucket list item off for me," Schaffer said in a message to IndyStar, adding that her father had talked about taking the Jeopardy!'s difficult audition test himself.

Indianapolis physician Alicia Schaffer (shown right) stands beside Jeopardy host Ken Jennings. Dr. Schaffer appeared in an episode of the popular game show that aired July 2023.

Schaffer, 41, arrived in Indiana for her residency program, attending Indiana University School of Medicine and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine. She currently works as an OB/Gyn hospitalist at Community North.

"It ended up becoming this huge challenge in my mind," Schaffer said. "Like climbing the Everest of trivia."

Wait, what?: IU student from Carmel goes viral for sharing her 'old soul' hobby on 'Jeopardy!'

How did Alicia Schaffer finish? (Spoiler alert)

Schaffer fought valiantly but won't advance to Friday's game.

After wagering $6,999, she answered the final question correctly: "Who is the French Foreign Legion?" to end the night with $17,999 but lost to Partridge. The Las Vegas school counselor also got the question right to win Thursday's game with $22,100.

Story continues

Take the Jeopardy! audition test

Quick, can you answer these Jeopardy! questions? (answers are below)

According to the book of Psalms, these objects have ears, but they hear not.

The Spanish title of this Vicente Blasco Ibanez novel about bullfighting is Sangre y Arena.

After The Civil War aired on PBS, this Memphis Civil War historian became a celebrity.

In a separate interview with IndyStar, Schaffers said her route to Jeopardy! began more than two years ago when she first auditioned by answering questions online and then virtually. A year ago, she learned she had made it to the pool of potential contestants.

Potential contestants are invited to audition by taking the show's online test, which can be found here: jeopardy.com/be-on-j/anytime-test.

Adult contestants must be age 18 or older. Producers recommend you have at least 15 minutes to complete the test.

(And those answers in the form of a Jeopardy! response above were: "What are Idols?" "What is 'Blood and Sand'?" "Who is Shelby Foote?")

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indianapolis doctor Alicia Schaffer appears on 'Jeopardy!'
In The Impossible Fact, the 20th-century German poet Christian Morgenstern tells the story of an academic who undergoes a traumatising experience. He staggers home, wraps damp cloths around his forehead and collapses into his armchair to process what has happened. In the end, he comforts himself by concluding that he must have imagined the whole thing, because if something shouldnt be true, it cant be true.

To many in the West, an Afghanistan that flourishes under the Taliban, or even one that survives, cannot possibly be true. Under their rule, the country can only be a place of unremitting failure and misery. The decision of Tobias Ellwood, then, as chair of the UKs defence select committee, to post a video praising the Taliban for improving safety in Afghanistan was never going to find a warm reception.

In 2021, the UN issued a desperate warning about an impending disastrous famine in Afghanistan. The Taliban takeover and the exodus of international NGOs, they said, had caused a collapse in food supplies. They projected one million children were likely to die in the coming winter. And yet, winter came and passed without a famine and without mass deaths. Did the UNs experts take that as a prompt to review their metrics? Not at all. Instead, they repeated the prediction for the next winter, and were wrong again. Afghanistan is an agricultural country with centuries-long experience in handling scarcity; accustomed to harsh winters and isolation, they knew what to do.

From the moment the Taliban seized Kabul in August 2021, analysts have been confidently predicting the imminent collapse of the Afghan economy. Its not an unreasonable expectation. The nations financial reserves remain frozen. Sanctions have closed the door on foreign investment and business. The Central Bank is unable to access its funds, which are stuck in American and European banks. Not one country has recognised the Taliban government, and several of its key officials are on terrorist no-fly lists.

Nor do the Taliban have any of the requisite skills for governance. Their leadership consists of eccentric elderly religious figures and regional paramilitary commanders. The bulk of the Taliban are young, uneducated men who have never done anything but fight and have never lived anywhere but in remote rural areas. Anyone with education and professional skills decamped to the West. It could only be a matter of months before the ramshackle edifice collapsed. But to everyones incredulous amazement, including my own, Taliban Afghanistan lives on.

Ellwood was obviously naive in his presentation  its never a good look for a Government official to be retweeted by the Taliban  but the crux of his message is largely accurate. Afghanistans drug trade has been almost eradicated, as confirmed by international watchdog agencies and satellite surveillance. The borders are mostly secure, and the Taliban have built good cooperation with neighbouring border police such as that of Uzbekistan. Even the International Crisis Group, no fan of the Taliban, has acknowledged that security across the country has improved, with the exception of pockets of anti-Taliban extremists.

Elsewhere, the economy is better than it was under the Western-installed and Western-funded governments, the latter having required near total international subsidy while the Taliban are managing not just on their own, but under sanctions. Improved security also means improved trade routes and revitalised agriculture. As the US Institute of Peace, another critic of the Taliban, notes: the Taliban have taken some positive steps toward financial stability by publishing a fiscally responsible three-month budget and raising considerable amounts of domestic revenue  especially through customs duties, which have risen with a crackdown on corruption.

When did any of the previous governments have fiscally responsible budgets? Never. According to Sigar, the US governments Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction, more than 80% of Afghan government spending on our watch was paid for by the US and its allies. As for corruption, Transparency International, the Europe-based watchdog agency, elevated Taliban-ruled Afghanistan by 24 places from where it had been under Western governments, from 174th to 150th, which the government-funded Voice of America termed a remarkable status upgrade.

Today, the biggest problem for the Taliban is Isis, which, despite some progress, remains a menace in the country. Given this is a concern we share, surely some cooperation would be wise  not least because there is no obvious alternative to Taliban rule on the horizon. If security is a priority, we cant treat them as a pariah forever.

And yet, there is what we might call The Big Obstacle: what the Taliban are doing to half their population, the girls and women. Despite earlier promises to the contrary, they are back to their former ways, with girls banned from education after Grade 6 (below the age of 12), womens employment strictly limited, female students excluded from universities, and strict rules on womens dress and presence in public. As the UN made clear earlier this year, 20 years of progress for women and girls rights has been erased since Taliban takeover. Although, for accuracys sake, this statement would have to read for women and girls in middle and upper-class urban neighbourhoods. The grim truth is that, in two decades, barely a dent has been made on female literacy, maternal and infant mortality, or the eradication of forced marriages and child brides in the poor neighbourhoods and rural areas where the overwhelming majority of Afghan women live.

All of which is a tragedy, and certainly does not make the even more restrictive policies of the Taliban any more palatable to us in the West, as the Taliban know well. So, given that they are seeking recognition and foreign investment, why wont they budge on this matter?

While on other issues, the Taliban have been capable of change or compromise, on the issue of women they are completely intransigent. In his recent speech to mark Eid, Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada, Afghanistans supreme leader, gave no ground, instead announcing that necessary steps have been taken for the betterment of women as half of society in order to provide them with a comfortable and prosperous life according to the Islamic Shariah. This was either an exercise in supreme cynicism or something he and his circle truly believe. In either case, we are dealing with a fundamental and irreconcilable difference in values.

So, can anything be done? Well, what we should be learning from the Afghan case is what not to do. As I have written before, we did the wrong thing, perhaps for the right reason. What we did, and what did not work, was to focus on a small group of middle and upper-class urban women, giving them a Western education, and then training in a series of workshops in skills that are helpful to activists only in the West. We wrote them a Constitution that guaranteed them seats in Parliament and funded them extensively. And this did produce a cadre of assertive, confident women, capable of aggressively demanding various rights and benefits  but only in a Western setting benignly overseen by us. Once the Taliban took over, they fled and Afghan women found themselves without an obvious grass-roots protest movement.

In Saudi Arabia, by contrast, without our instigation, women fought for their political and social rights, for the right to be in public, to get identity papers without the permission of a male guardian, to make decisions on matters affecting their children, to drive cars. Activists lost their jobs, some were jailed, but they persisted. And, over time, they succeeded in having all of those initially unthinkable demands met. Saudi Arabia today is a different universe from Saudi Arabia 20 years ago, and much of the credit goes to its courageous women. Pakistan, India, Malaysia, Indonesia  they all have indigenous, and influential, womens movements who have made legal and social gains.

And there are courageous activist women holding their ground at this moment in Afghanistan. Typically, they stem from less privileged personal backgrounds than those who departed, and work through local NGOs with the support of friendships earlier established with women on the outside. They are continuing to offer basic social services to widows, orphans and indigent women. They are using modern technologies for underground education.

Equally encouraging are the deep divisions within Taliban ranks over the issue of womens rights and female education. Quite a few Talibs send their own daughters to Pakistan or Qatar for access to education and continue to raise the matter internally. Other Islamic countries send regular delegations of Islamic clerics and scholars to Kandahar in an attempt to convince the hardliners that their stance is un-Islamic and is giving Islam a bad name.

There are many pressure points, then, and these would become more effective with the countrys opening. Ellwoods suggestion that Western embassies should return was not as ill-judged as some insist. The problem is that the Taliban is the government. There is no alternative in the offing; our sanctions are not working, and we are not going to do what the Diaspora would like, and send our militaries back in. So, again, what should we do?

Showing up is half the battle, as Stephen Hawking said. Western presence means Western influence, dialogue, and the demonstration of alternative possibilities. Afghan women activists still in the country, and their civil society groups, are asking for this and we should listen to them; they are on the ground and they know best what will help them.

After Ellwood posted his video, he was tarred, feathered and threatened with expulsion, causing him to ignominiously cave in and agree that, like Mr Morgensterns academic, he must have imagined the whole thing. This dream, however, has cost us, and them, incalculable harm. This time, lets focus on the facts rather than wishes.
Another employee of a Lenexa manufacturing company is accused of dumping hazardous materials into the Johnson County sewer system in violation of the federal Clean Water Act.

A complaint filed Tuesday in the U.S. District of Kansas alleges Disposable Instrument Co. bypassed a treatment system for wastewater disposal, sending hazardous waste into the sewer as early as 2016. It accuses Bradley Bruss, the plant manager since 1990, of a criminal offense for violating the law.

The companys president, Brian Chansky, faced the same accusation in a complaint filed last year. In February, he was sentenced to two years probation, 50 hours of community service, and was fined $50,000, according to court records.

Chansky and Bruss were not immediately available for comment Thursday.

A spokeswoman with the U.S. Attorneys Office in Kansas declined to comment on the pending litigation, saying an initial hearing for Bruss had yet to be scheduled.

Disposable Instrument Co., founded in 1970, manufactures medical and surgical instruments through a process that uses heavy metals. Federal prosecutors say the process includes medical parts being washed with acid and another chemical.

The company was supposed to put water used in the manufacturing process through a three-sectioned tank that included filters and other chemicals before going into the sewer.

According to last years criminal complaint, a whistleblower alerted Chansky in August 2018 that employees were bypassing the treatment process and dumping waste.

The Environmental Protection Agency investigated by installing devices in manholes to measure the pH level of water flowing to and from the facility. An EPA lab in Denver analyzed data that showed the company was exceeding its allotted wastewater discharge limit on 10 of the 39 days that the devices were there, court records say.

Prosecutors also say the company reduced the amount of hazardous material waste that was shipped away while doing the same amount of business.

Story continues

As plant manager, Bruss was involved in all aspects of the manufacturing process and reported directly to Chansky, according to the new criminal complaint.

By bypassing the pretreatment process and dumping hazardous material into the DIC dumpster and the Johnson County sewer system, the company saved money and resources that would have been devoted to proper disposal practices, the complaint says.

Under federal law, Bruss faces a maximum penalty of three years in prison, followed by one year of supervised release, along with a $50,000 per-day fine.

Includes reporting by The Stars Bill Lukitsch.
Fans of Maxs Sex and the City revival series, And Just Like That..., might be in for a treat when it comes to the future storyline for Aidan Shaw, played by John Corbett.

During Thursdays episode of the And Just Like That... The Writers Room podcast, the shows executive producer and writer/director Michael Patrick King discussed the series most recent episode with writers Julie Rottenberg, Elisa Zuritsky and Samantha Irby. Rottenberg and Zuritsky also serve as executive producers, and Irby serves as a supervising producer.

The writers each discussed Aidan Shaws anticipated return to the show and reunion with his ex-girlfriend Carrie Bradshaw, who is played by Sarah Jessica Parker. Corbetts character made his appearance in Season 2, Episode 7, titled February 14th, which premiered on Thursday.

If were bringing somebody back, we have to find a way to bring them back in a new way, King said about the decision to bring Corbett back. So here we are now, bringing Aidan back again, and we have tricks up our sleeves as to how he is new and what we can actually do with this storyline.

King later explained that the show would dive more into Aidans life and that his appearance in the latest episode was the tip of an iceberg.

Before you know how something the tip of the iceberg, you have to create the iceberg, he said. So underneath all of this, we have layered all this stuff.

The series had teased Aidans appearance in Episode 6 when Carrie reached out to Aidan via e-mail. The characters were previously engaged in the Sex and the City HBO series, and they briefly reconnected when they ran into each other in the Sex and the City 2 movie. (TV and film writers and actors, including those who worked on And Just Like That, are currently on strike over fair pay and working conditions in the streaming era.)

Sarah Jessica Parker and John Corbett photographed on the set of 'And Just Like That' on March 07, 2023 in New York City.

Sarah Jessica Parker and John Corbett photographed on the set of 'And Just Like That' on March 07, 2023 in New York City.

Story continues

In February, Corbett and Parker were spotted filming scenes in New York City for And Just Like That...

The show had teased Aidans return on its official Instagram account at the time, posting a slideshow of photos that showed Parker and Corbett embracing on set.

The caption of the post read, And just like that Carrie is back on her tip toes.

Related...
Lily-Rose Depp and rapper 070 Shake have been official as a couple since January. Here's a timeline of their relationship. (Victor Boyko / Getty Images for Warner Bros. Discovery, left; Taylor Hill / WireImage, right)

Lily-Rose Depp, daughter of "Pirates of the Caribbean" star Johnny Depp and French pop star Vanessa Paradis, has reportedly been dating musician 070 Shake, born Danielle Balbuena (a.k.a. Dani Moon), since January of this year.

The star of HBO's "The Idol" was previously linked to her "The King" co-star Timothee Chalamet  after the film's premiere at the 2019 Venice Film Festival, they were caught getting hot and steamy on a boat in Capri, Italy. The couple split in April 2020, but later that year Chalamet told GQ, "I went to bed that night [on the boat] thinking that was one of the best days of my life." He said Depp was someone he "really loved."

Depp was then rumored to be dating "Elvis" star Austin Butler, whom she was seen kissing in August 2021 after a London date night. (That was months before Butler and Kaia Gerber became an item.)

By late 2021, French rapper Yassine Stein caught Depp's eye, and the two were seen together frequently over the course of the next year. The last time they were photographed together was during a walk through New York City while holding hands in September 2022.

Read more: Why Lily-Rose Depp 'would steer clear' of the Weeknd sometimes on the 'Idol' set

Then sometime between the end of 2022 and January 2023, Depp, 24, fell for the "Honey" rapper, 26, whom she recently referred to as the love of her life. And although Depp has been caught canoodling with various love interests over the last several years, she has maintained that privacy is important to her.

I think that the value of privacy is something thats been instilled in me from an early age, she said during an April 2021 appearance on "The Drew Barrymore Show."

Growing up in a family like I did ... I always learned the importance of privacy and valuing that and keeping things just for yourself, she explained.

And so thats something that Ive carried on into my own career, and thats really important to me.

Story continues

Although we don't have all the juicy deets on how Depp and 070 Shake got together, here's what we know so far:

Jan. 11

According to an anniversary post that Depp shared via a since-expired Instagram story, this is when the "Idol" star and 070 Shake became an official item.

March 5

The couple sparked dating rumors during the 2023 fall/winter Paris Fashion Week, which kicked off Feb. 27. By March 5, Twitter account @thepoptingz reported that Depp and 070 Shake were dating and posted a photo of the two cozied up for a mirror selfie, wearing motorcycle jackets and matching driving gloves.

Read more: Review: A Faithful Man provides a sexy morsel of French romance

May 11

Lily-Rose Depp confirmed her relationship with the Guilty Conscience musician in a since-expired Instagram story. 4 MONTHS W MY CRUSH, Depp wrote alongside a photo of the two sharing a smooch and embracing.

Then 070 Shake shared a tender moment the following day on social media, posting a close-up shot of the duos faces.

May 26

Depp and 070 Shake are spotted passionately making out at Los Angeles International Airport after she arrived back in the U.S. after attending the Cannes Film Festival in France. Cannes held a gala premiere for HBOs rumor-plagued series The Idol, which starred Depp and the Weeknd.

June 14

Depp celebrated 070 Shake's birthday in a since-expired Instagram story, posting a loving tribute calling her girlfriend the love of my life.

Wednesday

The couple were seen out and about for a mid-week date at Italian restaurant Giorgio Baldi in Santa Monica.

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.
A clever study of modern masculinity through the lens of Spains polarizing bullfighting tradition, Manuel Manriques Head On The Wall (Una cabeza en la pared) hits Locarnos Match Me! sessions as part of Madrid-based Kabiria Films production slate, presented by co-founder Diego Saniz.

I think the most interesting thing about Head On The Wall is how it talks about global issues from the particularity of something as local and Spanish as bullfighting, taking advantage of it as a metaphor for the contradiction of the human being and the complexity of such a current issue,Saniz told Variety.

More from Variety

In addition, we believe that all the aesthetics and atmosphere of the bullfighting world can also help to connect with the international audience.

Written by Manrique (Into Nothingness) and Itziar SanJuan Saenz, the story takes place in the not-so-distant future. Bullfighting is banned, and protagonist Rafael Jesus finds himself grappling with the loss of his livelihood while trying to fit into an unaccommodating world he struggles to recognize.

This is the story of a man who cant find his place in this century, Saniz relayed. Using the bullfighting world as a framework to reflect on the new masculinities, our position is not to judge, but to observe and try to understand. A drama film with touches of comedy under an atmosphere of futuristic Spanish folklore.

Attending the networking sessions provides the curation of ideas across continents and thematic divides. Saniz admitted that its a privilege for us to be able to attend Locarno as part of Match Me! for the positioning of the production company and our projects at an international level, in addition to doing so at a national level as one of the representatives of Spain within this program.

Story continues

In addition, being able to approach professionals from other parts of the world in a point similar to ours but with very different ways of understanding and working in the industry is very favorable for the understanding of cinema at a global level: listening, sharing experiences and creating new synergies between countries, he continued.

Kabiria (La Entrega) touts efforts to embrace independent, arthouse cinema while appealing to wider audiences in a fortuitous move that Saniz deems a necessity of successful modern filmmaking.

I believe that as filmmakers we have a responsibility to the public, he opined. By this, I mean that our films would not exist if there were no people to see them. And this is something we shouldnt forget. We must pursue a balance between continuing to generate an audience without losing the particularity of the artistic style that makes each director unique.

Cinema is an art that requires a much higher investment of time and money than any other, and that is why we must be aware of what were doing and that this has social or cultural relevance. Cinema is also an industry that must be sustainable in economic terms, and independent producers have to be very aware of that and learn to live with the rest of the industrys assets. For us, its deeply satisfying when a film of ours achieves the favor of both the public and the critics: that is the goal we want to pursue.

The project participated in Focus COPRO at Cannes, The Incubator at the Madrid Film Schools ECAM Industria, Ventana Cinemad and the Next Gen Film Finlab. Cast and production dates are yet to be determined.

Best of Variety

Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Click here to read the full article.
McDonald's Pokemon 2023 Cards Leak Online Ahead of Promotion

McDonalds and Pokemon are once again set to collaborate on a batch of exclusive cards. At least, thats according to a recent report which notes the McDonalds Pokemon 2023 cards may have appeared online.

What cards will be included in the 2023 McDonalds x Pokemon collaboration?

According to a recent report from Pokebeach, the highly anticipated promotion has already begun in Germany and Austria, and is set to appear in the United Kingdom beginning on August 23, 2023. Its currently unknown when a U.S. promotion will begin.

Pokebeach also shared what looks to be the 15 cards that will make up this years promotion, all of which will come from Pokemons Scarlet & Violet expansion.

The McDonalds Pokemon 2023 cards are as follows:

Sprigatito

Fuecoco

Quaxly

Cetoddle

Cetitan

Pikachu

Pawmi

Kilowattrel

Flittle

Sandaconda

Klawf

Blissey

Tandemaus

Cyclizar

Kirlia

First look at 2023 McDonalds Pokemon Promo Cards releasing in August! ? #PokemonTCG



Read More: https://t.co/qAxBm3KGYQ pic.twitter.com/vU3hzUMTZ5  Pokemon TCG Restocks & News (@PokemonRestocks) July 26, 2023

Of the 15 cards, six of them will be holographic, including: Sprigatito, Fuecoco, Quaxly, Cetitan, Pikachu, and Klawf.

McDonalds and Pokemon have been no stranger to collaborations, and have been running the same promotion for more than 20 years now. Beginning in 2001, the companies partnered up to release special Pokemon cards at participating locations. Up until 2011, the promotion was strictly limited to Japan, but have been a worldwide thing since.

Sign Up for a Prime Video 30-Day Free Trial

The cards come packaged in special booster packs included with Pikachu-themed Happy Meal boxes, and usually include four cards in a pack. The cards themselves have also become very highly sought after in recent years. In 2021, the collaboration sold out almost immediately, with people rushing to McDonalds to try and claim as many cards as possible.

Its likely that the 2023 promotion will also be incredibly popular as well, so fans might want to keep an eye out on any participating McDonalds for information.

The post McDonalds Pokemon 2023 Cards Leak Online Ahead of Promotion appeared first on ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More.
The post Neal Langford, Former Shins Bassist, Dead at 50 appeared first on Consequence.

Neal Langford, former bassist of The Shins, has died at the age of 50.

According to a report from local NBC affiliate WITN-TV, Langford was found dead near a private dock in Bath, North Carolina on July 21st. His cause of death wasnt immediately known, but Beaufort County deputies said they did not suspect foul play.

The Shins mastermind James Mercer paid tribute to Langford on Thursday, July 27th with an Instagram post. Just want to let you guys know one of the best friends Ive ever had has passed, he wrote. He was in several bands with me including the Shins. A very important figure in my life you could say. I mean this is the guy who talked me into getting over my shyness and up on the stage. He put me in front of the microphone!

Mercer continued by praising Langford for putting him on to Dinosaur Jr., the Cocteau Twins, Interview Magazine, and countless other piles of cool stuff. He concluded the note by writing, I owe him a lot. Neal Langford you were always loved and you always will be. Check out the full post below.

The Shins were originally founded as a side project to Mercer and Langfords band Flake Music, which released their lone album, When You Land Here, Its Time to Return, in 1997. Langford was not a founding member of The Shins, but played on their acclaimed debut album, 2001s Oh, Inverted World.

In recent years, Langford had become an avid hot air balloonist and founded the company IBX Balloon Flights. In his final Instagram post, Langford revealed he had recently completed a program at an alcohol and drug abuse treatment center in North Carolina.

Neal Langford, Former Shins Bassist, Dead at 50

Eddie Fu

Popular Posts

Subscribe to Consequences email digest and get the latest breaking news in music, film, and television, tour updates, access to exclusive giveaways, and more straight to your inbox.
Heiress-turned-militant Rose Dugdale had intended to bomb a Northern Ireland police barracks.

Notorious activist Rose Dugdale may have been at the center of one of the biggest art heists in history, but according to the new Sundance Now docuseries The Heiress and the Heist, it was a much more chilling act of near-violence that Dugdale considered to be one of her best days.

Dugdale was a British debutante who ended up rebelling against her life of privilege and becoming part of a militant organization known as the Provisional Irish Republican Army, or the IRA. She's at the center of this series, which takes place in the Republican landscape of 1970s Ireland, where in 1974 Dugdale was the mastermind behind multiple headline-grabbing schemes.

The first part of the series broke down those schemes, one of which was an art heist where she and others walked away with 19 high-value paintings that are worth between $120 million-$150 million today.

But a few months before the heist took place, Dugdale and another IRA member who was also her future husband, Eddie Gallagher, hijacked a helicopter and attempted to drop bombs in the town of Strabane. The target was a police barracks of the Royal Ulster Constabulary, which had been policing Northern Ireland since the early years of the state.

They had built four explosive devices using 10-gallon milk churns, but the bombs proved to be too heavy for the helicopter and two were jettisoned right away over water. Of the two remaining, one was dropped way off target and the other was near target but did not detonate.

And while the failed act is looked upon as just that, a failure, some interview subjects on The Heiress and the Heist are quick to point out just how potentially deadly it was.

"What seems to be a humorous story about a failed bombing attack was really a narrowly escaped mass murder," said Anthony Amore, author of The Woman Who Stole Vermeer.

And to take that a step further, historian and broadcast journalist Ruth Dudley Edwards noted how Dugdale was feeling about the incident.

Story continues

"She says it was the happiest day of her life, pushing explosive milk churns out of a helicopter, and messing it up, too," Edwards said. "You know, delighted with that. It was the first day of real action."

It may not have brought the intended harm, but what that bomb did deliver was fingerprints, and not long after the bombing attempt, Dugdale was on wanted posters everywhere. She was eventually caught after the art heist  where all of the art was also recovered  and was sentenced to prison in June of 1974, six months after the helicopter bombing and two months after the art heist.

She gave birth to a son she shares with Gallagher later that year and married him in 1978 while still imprisoned. She was released in 1980 and became a figure in Irish politics and has been a vocal advocate for several issues in world politics. She and Gallagher both declined to participate in the documentary.

The Heiress and the Heist is on Sundance Now.
LAKELAND  As the generations pass and the memories begin to fade, it will be literature and works of art by artists such as Samuel Bak that help keep the Holocaust at the forefront of historical notoriety.

Staff at the Polk Museum of Art at Florida Southern College have installed the latest exhibition, Remembering Vilna: The Holocaust and the Art of Samuel Bak in the Dorothy Jenkins Gallery. From Saturday through Jan. 7, visitors will be able to see about 30 of Baks oil paintings relating to what Alex Rich, PMA executive director and chief curator, called timeless themes of persecution, crisis, bigotry and war.

Bak, 89, was born in 1933 in Vilna, Poland (now Vilnius, Lithuania) and was a child just prior to the onset of the Holocaust. He lived his young life through the Soviet and Nazi occupation of his hometown as well as the Vilna Ghetto and forced labor camps  at one time hiding from the Nazis in a convent.

"Remembering Vilna: The Holocaust and the Art of Samuel Bak" is an exhibit of some 30 oil paintings by a Holocaust survivor who lived through Soviet and Nazi occupations in his birth town of Vilna, Poland. It's on display beginning Saturday until Jan. 7.

His first painting exhibition was organized in the ghetto when he was 9 years old. After Vilnas liberation in 1944, he developed his draftsmanship and painting skills through private art lessons and work at the Bezalel Academy of Art and Design in Jerusalem and the Ecole nationale superieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris. He is one of the few survivors left of Holocaust-era Vilna and lives and works in Weston, Massachusetts.

Rich, PMA curator since 2017, said museum staff saw a Bak exhibition at the Pucker Gallery in Boston in 2018 and through a collaboration with the gallery, worked to bring Remembering Vilna to Lakeland. He said its the first time the museum has featured Baks works, and for most visitors, it will be their first entrance into the world of Bak and his reflections and experiences in the Holocaust.

We hope that visitors to the exhibition gain insight not only into the history of the Holocaust, but also into their own lives and the world we live in today. Sadly, the shows themes of persecution, bigotry, conflict, crisis and war are both timeless and timely, with echoes to this very day, Rich said.

Story continues

In his works, Bak often uses his artistic expression to highlight the destruction and dehumanization of the Holocaust era that make up much of his childhood memories. With his brush, he highlights the atrocities of the Holocaust, yet doesnt limit his art to the post-Holocaust genre.

In his works, Samuel Bak highlights the destruction and dehumanization of the Holocaust era, which he lived through as a child.

In a written statement, Bernard Pucker, gallery owner and director of the Pucker Gallery, said Baks art is a reminder of the atrocities of a not-too-distant time and the importance of interacting to avoid them again.

Baks art featured in the Polk Museum of Art exhibition challenges us to reflect on the horrors of the recent past as an effective stimulus for profound discussions of our responsibilities to others and the whole world, he said.

Rich said his hopes for the exhibition in addition to seeing Baks artistry, is visitors will leave impacted by his talents.

Anyone coming to the museum to see Baks work and its reflections on the atrocities of the past will be pushed importantly to reckon with the ways in which we grapple with and treat people who are different from us, he said.

'Eye-opening experience' Theater group brings beloved 'West Side Story' to Lakeland stage

If you go

WHAT: Remembering Vilna: The Holocaust and the Art of Samuel Bak

WHEN: Saturday to Jan. 7

WHERE: The Polk Museum of Art at Florida Southern College, 800 E. Palmetto St., Lakeland

COST: Free

INFO: 863-688-7743; www.polkmuseumofart.org

This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Holocaust survivor Samuel Bak's paintings on display at Polk Museum
China slipped into deflation for the first time in more than two years in July, official data showed Wednesday, as slowing domestic spending weighs on the post-Covid economic recovery.
Sarah Paulson is heading to Broadway this fall. File Photo by Chris Chew/UPI

July 28 (UPI) -- American Horror Story and Ratched actress Sarah Paulson is set to star in the Broadway play, Appropriate.

"I haven't been on stage in a decade. But this play, playwright, director and home @2stnyc made it impossible to say no. I feel wildly lucky for the opportunity. SO- I'm thrilled to return to Broadway in Appropriate @2stnyc," Paulson wrote on Instagram Thursday.

Previews of the dark comedy are to begin Nov. 28 at Second Stage's Hayes Theater, with an opening night planned for Dec. 18.

The show was penned by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins' and will be directed by Lila Neugebauer.

It will marks Paulson's first return to the New York stage since 2013 when she co-starred with Danny Burstein in Lanford Wilson's Talley's Folly.

Sarah Paulson (L) and Carla Gallo attend the premiere of the Apple TV+ romantic comedy TV series "Platonic" at Regal LA Live in Los Angeles on May 10. File Photo by Greg Grudt/UPI.

"It's summer, the cicadas are singing, and the Lafayette family has returned to their late patriarch's Arkansas home to deal with the remains of his estate. Toni, the eldest daughter, hopes they'll spend the weekend remembering and reconnecting over their beloved father," a synopsis said.

"Bo, her brother, wants to recoup some of the funds he spent caring for Dad at the end of his life. But things take a turn when their estranged brother, Franz, appears late one night, and mysterious objects are discovered among the clutter. Suddenly, long-hidden secrets and buried resentments can't be contained, and the family is forced to face the ghosts of their past."

Sarah Paulson (L) and Holland Taylor arrive for the Vanity Fair Oscar Party at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, Calif., on March 12. File Photo by Chris Chew/UPI

No other casting has been announced yet.
NEW YORK  Sarah Paulson is heading back to Broadway in a racially charged play.

The Emmy-winning star of Ryan Murphys American Horror Story franchise is set to star in the Second Stage Theater production of Branden Jacobs-Jenkins family comedy-drama Appropriate. She last appeared on the Main Stem 13 years ago in a 2013 off-Broadway revival of Lanford Wilsons Talleys Folly.

Appropriate, directed by Lila Neugebauer, will begin performances Nov. 28 at Second Stages Hayes Theater.

This one gets grid time, Paulson wrote on Instagram with Thursdays announcement. I havent been on stage in a decade. But this play, playwright, director and home [Second Stage] made it impossible to say no. I feel wildly lucky for the opportunity.

The LaGuardia High School alums previous Broadway credits include 1993s The Sisters Rosensweig, 2005s The Glass Menagerie and Collected Stories in 2010.

The new production, part of Second Stages 45th Anniversary Season, marks Jacobs-Jenkins Broadway debut. The Brooklyn-based playwright is a two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist, whose previous works include the critically acclaimed plays An Octoroon, Everybody and Gloria. Recently, he executive produced and served as a writer for Kindred, the Hulu/FX drama series based on Octavia E. Butlers groundbreaking novel of the same name.

Appropriate had its New York City premiere at off-Broadways Signature Theater in 2014. The story revolves around estranged Lafayette family members, who return to their Southeast Arkansas plantation after the death of their father. Long-buried family secrets are uncovered while planning the patriarchs estate sale and auction, including his prized stash of pictures showing the lynching of Black people, and jars containing souvenirs ears and bones and other racist relics.
Sex workers are coming forward to detail their alleged encounters with murder suspect Rex Heuermann, who's been charged with killing three woman considered to be among the Gilgo Beach victims whose bodies were found along the Long Island shore.

Suffolk County Sheriff Errol Toulon told WCBS Wednesday that multiple sex workers have contacted his office regarding the architect, who has been charged with murder in the deaths of Megan Waterman, Amber Lynn Costello, and Melissa Barthelemy, and is the prime suspect in the murder of Maureen Brainard-Barnes. He has pleaded not guilty.

RELATED: Rex Heuermann's Home Hasn't Been "Ruled Out" as Crime Scene, Prosecutors Say

All four of the women are believed to have been sex workers at the time of their deaths.

"My staff is really going to vet these additional females to see if they actually did come in contact with him and then see what that contact was and see if that can lead us in any other possible direction," Toulon shared.

A photo of Rex Heuermann

Rex Heuermann is accused of murdering Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman, and Amber Costello, three of 11 people found dead along Long Islands southern shore in 2010 and 2011. Photo: Suffolk County District Attorneys Office

Though details about the women's interactions with Heuermann are scant, an anonymous sex worker told WABC that she searched Heuermann's contact information in her phone after his arrest and he came up as "do not answer." While she doesn't remember meeting or speaking with him, she explained, "If I get a vibe from somebody that this person is scary, that's when I'll save them as, do not answer."

Where does Rex Heuermann live?

The anonymous woman noted that, in 2020, she briefly lived in Massapequa Park, where Heuermann resided with his wife  who has since filed for divorce  daughter, and stepson. She mentioned that sex workers on Long Island were cautious about meeting potential clients because they "knew that there was a serial killer out there that was hunting us and we thought that the person was from the Hamptons and so nobody was taking calls in the Hamptons."

Story continues

RELATED: Excavator Seen Digging in Backyard of Man Charged in Gilgo Beach Killings

A second anonymous woman, described by WABC as a local luxury escort, said that other escorts in the area have been shaken by Heuermann's arrest, as he closely resembles the men that they service.

"He looks like 80% of my clients," she said. "His build, his professional stature, his marriage, his children, where he lives. I could have been a victim. There would have been no recourse."

A mugshot of Rex Heuermann

Rex Heuermann Photo: Suffolk County Sheriffs Office via AP

Authorities have confirmed that they're speaking with incarcerated sex workers to determine if they had contact with Heuermann prior to his arrest.

Heuermann's arrest prompts investigations in other states

Additionally, investigators are reportedly looking into the murders of four female sex workers found dead along a ditch in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, a city on the outskirts of Atlantic City. The killer, dubbed the Black Horse Pike Strangler, took the lives of Kim Raffo, 35, Tracy Ann Roberts, 23, Barbara Breidor, 42, and Molly Dilts, 20, according to the New York Post.

While the Atlantic County Prosecutors Office has not commented on the speculation, citing an ongoing investigation, Suffolk Police Commissioner Rodney Harrison told ABC7 NY, "There were some murders a couple years ago that were similar, or something where it had to do with sex workers, we had to take a closer look and see if it was similar to the Gilgo Beach murders. What I'm being told is it's not a connection, but we want to revisit that investigation as well."

Investigators in Nevada and South Carolina are also said to be looking into cases with potential ties to Heuermann, who owns properties in both states. Harrison told ABC7 of the investigations, "Shame on us if we don't look into Las Vegas, South Carolina, even Atlantic City, we've got to make sure if anyone has any information."

RELATED: Wife of Gilgo Beach Murder Suspect Rex Heuermann Files for Divorce, Attorney Says

Meanwhile, back on Long Island, police recently concluded their search of Heuermann's Massapequa Park home, where investigators found an underground vault containing dozens of firearms, among other items that have been sent for testing.

Though Suffolk County Prosecutor Ray Tierney is not at liberty to share the specifics about their findings, he noted in a recent press conference that the home has not been "ruled out" as a crime scene.

"There was nothing of note that was taken from the backyard as far as remains," Tierney said. "There is a whole entire trace analysis that we have to go through with the house with regard to hair fibers, DNA, blood, which we'll have to await the results on."

Heuermann remains in custody and is due to appear in court on August 1.
The last remaining case over the use of pre-1972 sound recordings by satellite and internet radio providers has been dismissed.

A federal judge on Wednesday ruled that Pandora will not have to face a class action alleging that it violated state copyright laws by failing to pay for the reproduction and public performances of these recordings. The series of suits, most of which were filed by Flo & Eddie, asked whether laws from some states  including California, New York and Florida  provide owners of the works an exclusive right of public performance to which artists are entitled to royalties.

More from The Hollywood Reporter

One after another, federal circuit courts and state Supreme Courts answered with a resounding no, wrote U.S. District Judge Philip Gutierrez in the order.

The litigation has bounced between several courts, with trips to numerous state Supreme Courts. The first class action was filed in 2014 in California federal court by Flo & Eddie seeking royalties under California state law for Pandoras streaming of the duos recordings made before 1972. A year later, Pandora appealed the judges ruling refusing to dismiss the suit. Two separate federal appeals courts were considering similar copyright claims brought by Flo & Eddie under New York and Florida state laws at the time. Following in those courts footsteps, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals similarly certified a question to the California Supreme Court asking whether state law extended an exclusive right of public performance to owners of pre-1972 sound recordings.

The Ninth Circuit in 2019 directed the court to reconsider Pandoras bid to dismiss the suit after Congress enacted the Music Modernization Act, which extended federal copyright protections to earlier works for digital performance royalties. The court again denied Pandoras attempt to escape the class action and the company appealed for a second time. Meanwhile, a judge in a related case granted summary judgment in favor of Flo & Eddie after considering nearly identical claims. The Ninth Circuit, however, reversed the ruling and directed the court to reconsider the issue, concluding that owners had an exclusive reproduction right to pre-1972 recordings but no exclusive public performance right. The former pays royalties for the right to reproduce a recording through the process of recording, manufacturing and distributing the work, while the latter pays royalties for the right to play a work in public.

Story continues

Opposing summary judgement, Flo & Eddie argued that prior rulings on the issue did not resolve its copying claims because theyre based in an independent right of reproduction. Pandora maintained that the arguments are foreclosed under findings in identical cases from federal judges in New York and Florida.

In Wednesdays ruling, Gutierrez found the copying claims rise and fall with the public performance right. Under the Second Circuits ruling rejecting Flo & Eddies reproduction claims, the issue of whether Pandoras internal copying constitutes infringement or is fair use was bound up with whether the ultimate use of the internal copies is permissible. It concluded that the absence of a public performance right under New York law is determinative of the duos copying claim. That case was remanded with instructions to grant summary judgment in favor of Pandora. The judge in this case said that rulings from federal appeals court that have considered identical claims determine the outcome of this motion.

Responding to arguments that New York and Florida law dont inform the outcome a suit filed in California federal court, Gutierrez explained that the Ninth Circuit said California copyright law follows New York.

The Ninth Circuit has all but said that Flo & Eddies copying claims against Pandora fail as a matter of law, the judge wrote. Thus, even if the Court would like to independently consider these claims, its hands are tied.

Pandora was represented by Andy Gass, Jessica Stebbins Bina, Elana Nightingale Dawson and Joe Wetzel of Latham & Watkins.

SiriusXM and a lawyer for Flo & Eddie didnt respond to requests for comment.

Best of The Hollywood Reporter

Click here to read the full article.
Jo_simon

A United Nations official has issued a terrifying warning to world leaders: The era of global warming has ended [and] the era of global boiling has arrived.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres made the alarming statement during a speech Thursday at the UN headquarters in New York City, where he criticized countries for failing to take immediate action in the fight against a climate breakdown.

For scientists, it is inequitable: humans are to blame, Guterres said, as reported by CNBC. All of this is entirely consistent with predictions and repeated warnings. The only surprise is the speed of the change It is terrifying and it is just the beginning The air is unbreathable, the heat is unbearable and the level of fossil fuel profits and climate inaction is unacceptable.

The comments came shortly after the World Meteorological Organization and the European Unions Copernicus Earth program confirmed July was on track to become the hottest month ever recorded. Blistering heatwaves across the Northern Hemisphere have led to floods, droughts, and blackouts, but have also fueled the unprecedented wildfires sweeping Europe.

We dont have to wait for the end of the month to know this, Guterres said. Short of a mini-Ice Age over the next days, July 2023 will shatter records across the board.

However, the UN chief cautioned leaders not to adopt a doomerism mindset, as there is still time to correct the environmental catastrophe through collective action. Guterres acknowledged the growing popularity of renewable energy but said the rollouts needed to be accelerated in order to avoid a worst-case scenario. He called on developed countries to up their investments in green energy and improve adaptation measures that aim to protect populations from the searing heat, fatal floods, storms, drought and raging fires that result.

He proposed several measures, including placing a price on carbon and getting banks to increase the funding for renewable energy.

Story continues

It is still possible to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius, and avoid the very worst of climate change, he said. But only with dramatic, immediate climate action. Leaders must lead. No more hesitancy. No more excuses. No more waiting for others to move first. There is simply no more time for that.

Guterres speech came on the same day President Joe Biden unveiled several measures that aim to protect workers from extreme heat; these included improvements in weather forecasting and making drinking water more accessible.

The number one weather-related killer is heat; 600 people die annually from its effects  more than from floods, hurricanes, and tornadoes in America combined, Biden said at the White House. Even those who deny that were in the midst of a climate crisis cant deny the impact of extreme heat is having on Americans.. We should be protecting workers from hazardous conditions and we will.

As of Thursday, a sizable portion of the United States is going through a dangerous heatwave, according to the National Weather Service.
Max Verstappen is confident Red Bull has made the right decision to take a grid penalty at the Belgian Grand Prix despite the threat of rain at Spa-Francorchamps.

Red Bull has exceeded Verstappens permitted number of gearbox components for this season in Belgium, leading to a five-place grid penalty for Sundays race. After qualifying comfortably fastest but starting from sixth, Verstappen says a reducing likelihood of rain for the race limits the risk of starting out of position.

I think its still the best place to do it, Verstappen said. I think Sunday looks more and more dry, thats why I guess we still went for it.

I mean, last year we started 14th, and this year I think the car is better. So Im still targeting to win the race for sure.

More Formula 1!

Leclerc on Belgian GP pole after Verstappen penalty

Renault bosses wanted success sooner - Szafnauer

F1 pushes back tire blanket ban, discussed PU equalization

Verstappen only just made it through to Q3 in 10th place before setting the fastest time by over 0.8s, and he feels it shows how timing and the conditions can play a role in such a margin.

I crossed the line, and its quite hectic out there. Its still only one dry line, in some places youre not even doing the full dry line. It felt all right, but honestly, I didnt know where I was until I looked on the screens.

But Q3, that final lap I think was very good. I just risked a bit more compared to all the other laps, leaving a little bit of margin which almost knocked me out in Q2. It was tough out there today to get everything right.

I do know that we have a very good car, but I think its more just having a bit more luck with the line or the grip. If it would have been a full dry qualifying, I think the gap wouldnt have been like this.

The close shave at the end of Q2 saw Verstappen complaining to his race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase about s**t execution, resulting in Lambiase hitting back with sarcasm. After Verstappen apologized at the end of the session, he says such moments never have a long-lasted impact.

Story continues

I mean that happens sometimes, mostly thats almost all blocked off! I think we both can be quite vocal or emotional but we always sort it afterwards so its all good.

Verstappens penalty means Charles Leclerc starts on pole position for the first time at Spa since his maiden Formula 1 victory in 2019, but the Ferrari driver is not expecting a repeat result.

Not confident! Leclerc said of his victory chances. Especially with the two Red Bull guys right behind. I think theyve got a much better race car than we have. I mean, its great to be starting first, and I think it gives us a great chance to have a great result. But to say that well target the win, I think this would be a bit too optimistic.

If theres an opportunity for whatever reason, as always, Ill try and get it. But I believe its going to be difficult to keep those guys behind.

Story originally appeared on Racer
Expect jagged peaks, turquoise lakes, and incredible animal sightings in these nature preserves.

HamishMitchellPhotography/Getty Images

There are 63 national parks in the U.S., but you need only look north for another 46 spectacular preserves to explore. Canadas national park system includes iconic sites like the rugged peaks of Jasper National Park and the turquoise lakes of Banff National Park, as well as lesser-known gems that most U.S. citizens have never even heard of  if you want to get off the beaten path, you can certainly do so in Canada.

Matt Sessions of Praytell, the agency that represents Destination Canada, says that the northern nation has many lesser-known sites, including some of the best freshwater diving sites in the world, as well as a park thats proudly co-managed by the areas Indigenous people. Senior marketing specialist Guy Theriault, who has been with Parks Canada for 29 years, adds that what also makes Canadas national parks unique is that they offer citizen science opportunities, where our visitors have the satisfaction of giving back to nature by giving a hand in various ways, such as beach shore clean-ups [and] counting birds and species at risk. Travel + Leisure chatted with Sessions and Theriault by email to determine what Canadians consider their best national parks, as well as tips on how to navigate them.

Gros Morne National Park  Newfoundland and Labrador

Chris Babcock/Getty Images

The landscape of Gros Morne National Park is so unusual that it was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Thousand-foot waterfalls tumble down billion-year-old cliffs and towering fjords give way to the Tablelands, a surreal landscape that Sessions says looks like the surface of Mars." Plenty of visitors compare it to Iceland, Sessions added.

The Newfoundland and Labrador park is a must-visit for travelers who are interested in hiking and boating through some of Canadas most interesting landforms.

Wood Buffalo National Park  Alberta and the Northwest Territories

Manuel ROMARIS/Getty Images

Want wildlife sightings? Wood Buffalo National Park is the place to go. The countrys largest national park is home to the largest herd of wood bison in the world, in addition to creatures like whooping cranes and wolves. All you need to do is keep an eye out as you explore the parks natural features  including impressive karst and caves, lakes, and a surreal white salt boulder field.



Story continues

Torngat Mountains National Park  Newfoundland and Labrador

Paul Souders/Getty Images

One of Theriaults favorite parks in Canada is Tornngat Mountains National Park. Physically, the park has it all  jagged peaks flanked by fjords, waterfalls, and icebergs, plus wildlife that includes polar bears and caribou. But the cultural component is what made this park a favorite for Theriault. He says at Torngat Mountains, you are submerged in an Inuit cultural experience, with the elders, the youth, the cultural performers, the bear guards, the base camp team, and the Parks Canada staff, who are almost all land-claim beneficiaries.



Grasslands National Park  Saskatchewan

Robert Postma / Design Pics/Getty Images

This wide-open national park in Southern Saskatchewan is best known for its stargazing  well, that and dinosaur fossils. Grasslands National Park contains one of the largest and darkest dark sky preserves in the country, making the park a go-to for visitors who want to see the Milky Way or peep constellations. In addition to world-class astronomical adventures, the park says Evidence of those who came before us is at your feet, with dinosaur fossils, hearth sites, and tipi rings scattered about it the park's prairie.

Theriault says Grasslands is one of the first parks he recommends to international visitors due to its unique landscape, bison viewing, archaeological experiences, and dark skies for stargazing.

Banff National Park  Alberta

mohsen-k/Getty Images

Canadas first national park is also its most famous. Chances are youve seen  and swooned over  photos of the turquoise, mountain-rimmed Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. And yes, while it really is that beautiful in person, keep in mind that you wont be alone on your journey to Banff National Park. The park's beauty and notoriety draws a lot of people  especially in summer and winter. We recommend visiting during shoulder seasons and using the BanffNow service to get real-time updates on traffic and parking.

Bruce Penisula National Park  Ontario

Boris GelmanGetty Images

The scenic spots are neverending at this waterfront national park, which includes the Fathom Five National Marine Park and some of the best freshwater diving in the world. But in addition to diving below cliffs and into caves and shipwrecks, Bruce Penisula National Park boasts rugged hiking, a robust population of black bears, and stunning wild orchids. You'll find this park in the traditional territory of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation in the Ontario province.

Yoho National Park  British Columbia

StephenBridger/Getty Images

The Great Divide that cuts through Colorados Rocky Mountain National Park continues north across the U.S.-Canada border, giving Canadas Yoho National Park its distinct and rugged landscape. The park, which is on the western slope of the Great Divide, is marked by towering peaks, glaciers, and toppling waterfalls. Its also the place to find Burgess Shale fossils, which are more than 5 million years old and are often found perfectly preserved.

Fundy National Park  New Brunswick

GummyBone/Getty Images

For people who have never experienced a Canadian national park, Theriault recommends Fundy National Park. It is home to the worlds highest tides, which rise 39 feet or more; during low tide, visitors have the opportunity of walking on the ocean floor." Theres also more than 30 hiking trails, including routes that pass through the Acadian forest and have coastal views.



Wapusk National Park  Manitoba

Thomas Kokta/Getty Images

Wapusk National Park is found in the northeast corner of Manitoba, making it one of the harder parks to access. The extra effort it takes to reach the park deters many, and that's a reality that park and preservation advocates embrace. In addition to protecting the transition between boreal forest and arctic tundra, Wapusk National Park is home to one of the largest polar bear maternity denning areas in the world. It's a sight that draws the worlds top photographers, who come from all over the globe to see the polar bears at Cape Churchill.

Jasper National Park  Alberta

Walter Somers / 500px/Getty Images

The rugged Canadian Rockies are on display at Jasper National Park. As the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies, Jasper draws climbers and mountaineers, who want to experience the parks extensive trail network, bask in the mountain views, and enjoy the dark skies and bright stars (Jasper is the world's second largest dark sky preserve).

Sessions notes that many travelers are unaware that Jasper also has natural hot springs. For a good soak, try Miette Hot Springs; the site is set in the wild Fiddle Valley and offers guests a relaxing reprieve in the mountains of Alberta.

Thaidene Nene National Park Reserve  Northwest Territories

If you love the remote, hard-to-access parks of Alaska, add Thaidene Nene National Park Reserve to your list. The park is situated in Canadas remote Northwest Territories and is only accessible by float plane and snowmobile. The challenge doesnt stop once you arrive at the park  the terrain is notoriously barren and rugged, with much of the activity centered around water, including the deepest lake in North America.

Sessions says Thaidene Nene, which means The Land of the Ancestors in Denesuine Yati, is a unique park in that it's the first one that is co-managed with the local Indigenous communities. The natural beauty is hard to ignore, but more importantly, Thaidene Nene is a park where visitors are able to witness the relationship between the people and the land.

Kootenay National Park  British Columbia

HamishMitchellPhotography/Getty Images

When it comes to mountains, Jasper National Park gets all the attention, but on the other similarly stunning side of the Rocky Mountains is the lesser-known Kootenay National Park in British Columbia. A historic highway cuts through the park, making it easy for visitors to absorb the varied landscape of Kootenay, which shifts from grasslands to mountain peaks and canyons carved by glaciers.

Waterton Lakes National Park  Alberta

milehightraveler/Getty Images

If you enjoy Glacier National Park in Montana, continue north to Waterton Lakes National Park, which is a stunning extension of the glacier-carved peaks and waterways found on the U.S. side of the border. As its name implies, Waterton Lakes is best known for the series of lakes set at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. Meanwhile, in the parks prairie, youll find bison grazing and colorful fields of wildflowers.



Cape Breton Highlands National Park  Nova Scotia

DoraDalton/Getty Images

The crown jewel of Cape Breton Highlands National Park is the Cabot Trail highway, which loops around the northern tip of Cape Breton Island. And while the almost 200-mile drive is what draws many to the national park, those willing to extend their trip are treated to 26 spectacular hiking trails, eight campgrounds, and whale spotting between May to October.

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve  British Columbia

Francesco Riccardo Iacomino/Getty Images

The Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is a great first park for U.S. citizens who are curious about Canadas national park system. The park is located on the western coast of Vancouver Island, just across the Salish Sea from Washingtons Olympic National Park and near Seattle and Bellingham, Washington. The landscape found in this island-bound park is one for the books  thick rainforest, sandy shorelines, and the 46-mile West Coast Trail that follows some of the routes used by Indigenous people.



For more Travel & Leisure news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on Travel & Leisure.
Favorite Celebrity Travel Experience

Theres something ultra-captivating about celebrity travel. We see them on social media traveling on private jets with friends, sailing on yatchs with family, and eating at five-star restaurants overseas. Although stardom has some setbacks, the ability to travel when, where and how you want is a pretty big perk.

However, not all celebrity travel is solely glitz and glamour. Some travel for cause-related reasons, while others are interested in connecting with their roots. We rounded up a few of our Favorite Black Celebrity Travel Experiences that the Travel Noire family showed high interest in.

Chance the Rapper in Accra, Ghana

Chance the Rappers first trip to Ghana in 2022 was so powerful that he planned a second trip to go back that same year. The rapper thought the trip would be another vacation and instead it changed his life.

He tweeted, Accra I love you, you save my life.

During his time in Ghana, the rapper submersed himself in the countrys vibrant culture. He explored the arts and music scene, learning about Ghanas rich history of freedom. Chances trips to Ghana inspired him and other artists to create the first Black Star Line Festival in Accra in 2023. It is a weeklong festival with art events, panel discussions and a free concert. Through the concert, Chance seeks to bring more Black people abroad to Africa to bridge the cultural gap.

I want people to see the convergence and similarities in all of these Black lives, he said.

Gabrielle Union in Africa

Gabrielle Union embarked on a journey through Africa to connect with her roots, and documented her experience on My Journey to 50. Through her exploration of Africa and its culture, the actress confronted past traumas, helping her find peace and grow. On the show, Union took her family and a few close friends along for the journey. The group visited several African countries on their trip, including Ghana, Tanzania, South Africa, and Namibia.

During the trip, Union and Wade received symbolic Ghanian names, drove through the desert in Namibia, drank wine in South Africa and visited the best beaches in Tanzania. The intention of the trip was to celebrate Unions 50th birthday and reconnect with her heritage. She aimed to break preconceived notions about Africa.

Story continues

There was no other place I wanted to spend my 50th birthday, she said. It was an experience Ill never forget and Im excited for audiences to join me on the journey.

Yvonne Orji in Belize

Yvonne Orji is a true globetrotter. The actress discussed her experiences traveling abroad to Travel Noire; however, it was her trip to Belize that she recommends to readers. Orji often travels with friends and recommends Mahogany Bay Beach Resort near the Belize Barrier Reef. The reef is a hot spot for divers and snorkelers. It is the largest barrier reef in the northern hemisphere. Orji credits her friend Jubril Agoro and his company, PassportHeavy, for influencing her latest trip to Belize. The company gives visual reviews of various destinations. Its mission is to craft new narratives around the world that are focused on the intersection of travel and Black culture.

The voting for Travel Noire Awards Favorite Celebrity Travel Experience is now live.

Read more about the Travel Noire Awards and Vote for the finalists!
A cheeseburger halfway across the world is turning heads, stomachs and its eaters walking path straight to the cabinet with the Tums and Pepto Bismol.

On July 9, Burger King Thailand announced via its social media channels that it was promoting a new menu item that is as orange as it is bizarre: the Real Cheeseburger.

Instead of meat, the burger  which technically is more of a sandwich  has 20 slices of American cheese, placed cocktail napkin-style in a pile between two buns. And from the looks of photos of it online, the cheese is not melted like it is in the promo photo.

Not for fun, this is for real! Real cheeseburger from Burger King! , reads a translation of a Facebook post from Burger King Thailand. Carrying up to 20 slices of American cheese!!! 

The post then goes on to say the sandwich is being offered right now for only 109 Thai baht ($3.13); it would normally cost 380 baht ($10.93).

The reception of the sandwich in Thailand and abroad ranges from pure, unadulterated horror to grim fascination, with folks both peckish and petrified reacting online.

You should mark this as sensitive content  Ron Jon  (@RonJon80155026) July 11, 2023

You should mark this as sensitive content, tweeted one person.

I could put down like 10 of these no sweat  kate bush's husband (@airbagged) July 10, 2023

What in the f is going on with burger king thailand, tweeted another confused user, to which someone else replied, I could put down like 10 of these no sweat.

Thats not a burger. Its a portable heart attack, wrote another Twitter user.

Folks in Thailand have posted on social media sites like Instagram, Facebook and TikTok to share their own experiences with the cheesy monstrosity.

Story continues

When it comes out, its cheese. There is no surprise inside, reads a translation of an Instagram post by @eating_dha, who cut the sandwich in half to show its deck-of-card-like layers.

Cheese lovers must try!! Instagram user @letseatthailand wrote in Thai, showing an image of their order. Dipping in tomato sauce adds flavor.

At first I thought it was a joke, but it was actually sold to me, said TikTok user @nutapiwich in Thai, in a video that has more than 400,000 views. A translation of the video indicates that the TikToker enjoyed the sandwich. Pretty delicious.

Other TikTokers in the country have posted themselves enjoying the menu item, with one TikToker, @thefadd_official, housing the entire sandwich on camera.

One commenter on Burger King Thailands Facebook post, Assarita Norrarat, suggested that customers melt it and dip it in hash browns, she wrote, attaching a quartet of images to demonstrate.

When Burger King Thailand responded to her menu hack of sorts by writing, This is great, she replied, Visit me in the ICU.

This article was originally published on TODAY.com
Getty Images

Once October 31 has come and gone, you may realize that you've bought (or accumulated) more Halloween candy than you could ever eat. After sorting through your favorites, don't toss the rest! Knowing where to donate Halloween candy helps spread the trick-or-treating joy to others who could really use it.

There are a few ways to donate Halloween candy once the holiday is over. One option is to give your leftover candy stash to a food bank or food pantry  you can find your local food bank through Feeding America and your nearest food pantry via FoodPantries.org. Other local organizations, like schools, churches, homeless shelters, and even police and fire stations will often accept leftover candy. It's a good idea to call ahead and ask before you show up with the goods.



Additionally, there are national nonprofit organizations that accept Halloween candy donations, sending them to kids, families, and recipients all over. Here's what you need to know about where to donate Halloween candy, along with what these organizations stand for.

Where can you donate Halloween candy?

Any Soldier Inc. is a military family-run organization. It was founded back in 2003 when a former military couple regularly sent care packages to their son Brian, who was serving in Northern Iraq at that time. Brian began asking his parents if they could send more packages that he could share with fellow soldiers who didnt receive anything. Since then, Any Soldier  now a nonprofit organization  has served over 2 million troops and is still accepting donations.

To donate leftover Halloween candy to Any Soldier, you can choose to send a care package of treats to a soldier, marine, airman, sailor, and/or coast guardsman. Typically, care packages are delivered within 10-14 days.

The organization's How to Send page includes all of the information on where to send and how to address your package.

The Boys & Girls Club of America is an organization that puts kids first and empowers them, no matter who they are, where theyre from, or what life circumstances they're facing. It was founded back in 1860 by four women (Mary Goodwin, Alice Goodwin, Elizabeth Hammersley, and Louisa Bushnell) with a mission to promote safe, positive, and inclusive environments for all. It started as a Boys Club, but the national organization's name was changed to include young women in 1990.

Story continues

To donate leftover Halloween candy to Boys & Girls Clubs of America, you can find a club near you on the organizations website and ask if they will accept your candy donation.

While Halloween might seem like a dentists least favorite holiday because of the abundance of sugary snacks, many dental offices (and other local businesses) participate in whats called the Halloween Candy Buyback program. The organizations mission is simple: To buy back leftover Halloween candy and support our troops in the process.

On the Halloween Candy BuyBack website, businesses can sign up as participants, and donors can search for buyback events near them. You give them your leftover candy, and theyll gift you cash, xylitol products, coupons, toothbrushes, creative exchanges, and hygiene kits, among other things. The candy will be shipped to troops via organizations like Move America Forward and Operation Shoebox.

Collections are normally accepted between November 1 and November 7. You can also ship your leftover Halloween candy donations in their original wrapping to one of the following addresses:

Halloween Candy Buyback

Move America Forward

3105 Fite Circle Suite 108

Sacramento, CA 95827

Operation Shoebox

8360 East Highway 25

Belleview, FL 34420

Just make sure you include a return address, so they know who to thank!

The mission behind the Ronald McDonald House is to support children who are undergoing medical treatments. It offers them a home away from home during their difficult time, while offering families and severely ill children the help they need through shelter, nutritious meal plans, educational programs, clinical services, and so much more.

To donate leftover Halloween candy to the Ronald McDonald House, you can find a chapter near you on the organizations website and contact them to ask if they will accept your donation.

Treats for Troops is a similar program to the Halloween Candy Buyback. Local businesses (mainly dental offices) will accept leftover candy immediately following Halloween and offer donors buyback prizes. The leftover treats are then shipped to those serving overseas or gifted to veterans.

Check out the Soldiers' Angels website to find a donation center near you.

You Might Also Like
Egypt has signed three new agreements worth $319.5 million with the Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Company(EGAS), the Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation (EGPC), and a group of international companies to dig 13 wells.

According to a statement on Thursday, the agreements included two contracts signed with EGAS and ExxonMobil Egypt for the exploration and production of natural gas and crude oil in the Masry and Cairo offshore blocks on the Mediterranean.

The third agreement was signed with EGPC and PICO Energy Group and KUFPEC Egypt for the development and production of oil in the Geisum and Tawila blocks in the west of the Suez Canal.

The Geisum & Tawila West Concession is located at the southern entrance of the Gulf of Suez and covers the North Geisum, South Geisum, Northeast Geisum, and Tawila West fields.

The site - which includes 87 wells, six offshore platforms, five production pipelines and an onshore storage facility - forms the centre of Cheirons production and storage hub. This concession currently produces averages 4,900 bbl/d.

The country's petroleum exports decreased to $11.7 billion, down from $13 billion during the first nine months of FY 2022/2023.

Meanwhile, petroleum imports rose to $10 billion, up from around $9 billion in the same period.

Search Keywords:

Short link:


A skin expert reveals the best timing to reap the ultimate exfoliation benefits.

Getty Images

TikTok True or False is the answer to your burning questions about the health, beauty, and fitness fads taking over your social feeds. Each story breaks down a buzzy wellness trend with the help of experts and scientific research to uncover the truth and safety behind the viral "advice" you see online. You'll never have to wonder what's actually legit  or what to skip  again.

You can always count on social media to convince you to add a "game-changing" product or technique to your routine. Recently, TikTok's beauty community, aka #BeautyTok, has sparked a wave of interest in dry brushing before showering, claiming it to be a transformative ritual that results in glowing skin and improved circulation. With over 125 million views under the #Drybrushing hashtag, people are raving about this technique. But is it truly as beneficial as it seems?

To dissect the truth behind this trend, we sought the expertise of dermatologist Dr. Arash Akhavan, MD, FAAD, owner of The Dermatology and Laser Group in New York City and Assistant Professor of Dermatology at The Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Keep reading to learn more about dry brushing and whether it's actually worth adding this hyped-up step to your pre-shower routine.

What is Dry Brushing? Are There Any Benefits?

Dry brushing is an ancient ritual commonly associated with Ayurvedic Medicine. The technique involves using a brush with firm yet gentle bristles to exfoliate the skin's surface, which can result in a smoother and more radiant texture. Dr. Akhavan confirms that "dry brushing can help remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and promote a smoother skin texture," which can enhance the effectiveness of skincare products.

The technique is also associated with wellness benefits such as improved circulation and lymphatic drainage. However, he cautions against overreliance on dry brushing for broader health benefits, as "there is limited scientific evidence to support the claims of improved overall circulation and lymphatic drainage." Particularly regarding blood circulation, he points out that the benefits stemming from dry brushing are temporary. So while dry brushing has both beauty and wellness benefits, in some cases, there are more viable solutions.

Story continues

Who Should Try Dry Brushing? And Who Should Skip It?

Despite the allure of its potential benefits, dry brushing isn't a one-size-fits-all practice. According to Dr. Akhavan, certain skin types should steer clear of dry brushing altogether. Individuals with active skin conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, or psoriasis, or those with sensitive or broken skin, should avoid dry brushing as it may worsen these conditions.

Conversely, "those with very dry skin may benefit more from this practice as it can help exfoliate and rid the skin of dead skin cells, revealing a smoother texture," explains Dr. Akhavan. He stresses the importance of replenishing the skin's moisture after dry brushing, advising to "make sure to moisturize your skin afterward to maintain skin barrier function and prevent dryness."

Related: The 9 Best Moisturizers with SPF, Tested and Reviewed

Factors to Consider

If you're contemplating adding dry brushing to your pre-shower skincare routine, Dr. Akhavan advises you to proceed with caution. Firstly, frequency is key to avoiding skin irritation. "Limit dry brushing to 2-3 times per week," he states. The technique you use also plays a vital role, with the recommended way being to brush in long, sweeping motions toward the heartit's worth noting that direction matters, particularly when dry brushing for lymphatic drainage. Lastly, always follow up with a moisturizing product to replenish the skin's moisture and maintain its health in the long run.

Choosing the right brush is another critical factor. Dr. Akhavan recommends opting for a brush with natural, medium-firm bristles, cautioning that overly stiff bristles can damage the skin. As a reminder, if you have any specific skin concerns or medical conditions, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating dry brushing into your regimen. This practice can offer some skin benefits, but he stresses it's not suitable for everyone and may exacerbate certain skin conditions.

The Verdict: Should You Dry Brush Before or After Showering?

Unfortunately, there's not a solid "true" or "false" to this question. According to Dr. Akhavan, the answer is more complex than yes or no. "Dry brushing is a matter of personal preference. It can be an effective method of exfoliation and can act as a calming self-care routine," he says. However, for more substantial health benefits, he advises seeking the help of a trained professional. Anecdotally, many people prefer to dry brush before showering to exfoliate dry skin, then rinse off any debris and replenish moisture via a moisturizing body wash followed by skin oil and moisturizer.

While dry brushing may offer certain immediate benefits like exfoliation and a temporary circulation boost, its efficacy in providing lasting health benefits is still up for scientific debate. Always remember to consider your skin type, consult a dermatologist, and listen to your body, especially before trying trends you see online. After all, skincare, health, and wellness are deeply personal journeys, and what works wonders for one may not be ideal for another.



Related: The Ultimate Guide to Exfoliation: Achieve Your Healthiest and Most Radiant Skin

For more Shape news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on Shape.
Bull elk bugling, with cow and calf in the background

A tourist had a shock at Yellowstone National Park recently after getting too close to one of the native elk. A guide from raft trip organizer Rimrock Adventures recorded the moment the animal charged the man and his partner, who had seemingly left their car to get a better look.

In the resulting video, which you can watch below, the woman sprints back to the parking lot while the man ducks through a fence to avoid being knocked down. More tourists can be seen fleeing in the background while the elk runs around the man who is now effectively trapped in a small pen.

The clip was shared via Instagram account TouronsOfYellowstone, which calls out bad behavior at US National Parks. Other recent incidents have involved people trying to pet bison, making gorilla noises at bears, and touching hot springs.

A post shared by @touronsofyellowstone_2 A photo posted by on

This time nobody was hurt, but elk are strong, fast animals that can inflict serious injuries if they or their young are threatened. Such incidents are rare, but in 2012, a 60-year-old woman was hospitalized after being trampled by an elk at Estes Park, Colorado. A friend told CBS News that she had accidentally wandered between a cow and her calf.

Two more people were injured at Estes Park in 2019 when they were charged by a bull elk. As NBC News reported, a woman was thrown to the ground, and a man slipped and hit his head on a rock while trying to flee.

Stay safe around elk

Elk are usually docile and prefer to avoid close encounters with people, but like all wild animals they are unpredictable and their mood can change at the drop of a hat.

The National Park Service (NPS) warns Yellowstone visitors not to approach animals, no matter how calm they may seem at the time. The safest place to view wildlife is from inside your car, and when hiking you should always stay at least 25 yards (23 meters) from bison and elk.

"Cow elk are especially fierce and protective around their calves in the spring," says the NPS. "Around Mammoth Hot Springs, they often hide calves near cars or buildings. Be cautious when exiting buildings or approaching blind corners. In the fall, bull elk battle for access to cows and challenge other males during the rut. They also charge cars and people who get too close."

If you're planning on visiting a US National Park later this year, take a look at our guide how to enjoy elk rutting season safely.
The first thing that strikes me about Kalma Saun is that there is nowhere to hide. Brilliant white tiles stretch from floor to ceiling and buffed steel faucets reflect the glare from fluorescent lightsas if I am standing in an interrogation room rather than Tallinns oldest public sauna.

The interior is as bare as I feel, and I itch for my favorite swimsuit, which hangs limply in the changing room locker. Yet nakedness is the status quo here. Entry to the womens area requires I wear nothing, apart from my silver jewelry, a last layer of armor that scalds my skin in the soupy heat. Raw and elemental, sauna-goers alternate between the extremes. Women purge and plunge, sweat and shiver. Occasionally, they interrupt this ritual, to whip themselves with a damp birch branch or scour their bodies with a coarse cloth. Flagellation, in this case, is anything but brutal. Instead, its a natural form of self-care, with women occasionally lending a hand to beat the hard-to-reach parts of each others backs.

Courtesy Kalma Suan

Similar to Finland, saunas are an integral part of Estonian identity, but in a country with a population of just over one million, they have never quite reached the renown of their Baltic neighbors. In Tallinn, saunas are ubiquitousa mainstay in family homes, museums, and even barsand a new appreciation for them is sweeping Estonia. In part, it's because they provide a space for women to converge and wash away the shame cast over their bodies.

As a British tourist, several Estonians warned me against visiting Kalma Saunperhaps because of my own countrys more prudish attitudes towards public baths, or because this particular sauna isnt engineered to appeal to outsiders. Constructed in 1928, the specter of the Soviet era still lingers in its lofty granite columns and Art Deco flourishes. When I enter, locals are bunched in groups in pointed hats like church bells, as they unwind and trade news in the fierce heat.

But my interest was piqued after a documentary was released earlier this year, capturing the significance of Estonias sacred sauna tradition for women. The Smoke Sauna Sisterhood, a lyrical look at dozens of women who gather in a South Estonian smoke sauna, collected the prestigious directors award in the World Cinema Documentary category at Sundance Film Festival. Set in the Voro community, where smoke saunas have existed for centuries, the film unfolds in a timber cabin without a chimney where stones are heated to 100 degrees, and ancestral rituals of chanting, strumming, and smoking meat take place.

Story continues

Courtesy SFFILM

Directed by Estonian filmmaker Anna Hints over seven years, the film features completely unscripted narratives, yet conversation erupts volcanically in the darkness of the saunas four walls. The film taps into the universal experience of being a womanof how our bodies are appraised like commodities, with value pegged to the beauty standards du jour, our marital status, or if we plan to bear children. In such an intimate space, women vent their frustrations about the careless remarks of relatives or the anarchy of dating apps, and they also process personal trauma from abortions and breast cancer to sexual assault.

The heat starts to hit you, and you sweat it all out, says Hints, who wanted to capture the intimacy of a smoke sauna session. First, its physical dirt but then deeper layers of emotional dirt come up to the surface.

Hints, who grew up in South Estonia, was inspired by her vanaima (grandmother) to make the film. Almost two decades ago, when Hints grandfather died, she gathered in the family smoke sauna with her grandmother, aunt, and niece. It was here that her grandmother revealed her husband had had an affair, and on one occasion left the family to live with another woman.

Courtesy SFFILM

In that dark space, over several hours, she released all these emotions and connected to that experiencethe frustration, anger, sadness, and disappointment, says Hints. Later, her grandmother left the sauna and at the funeral spoke only rose-tinted memories of her late husband. There's a huge healing power of speaking truths [in the sauna] and a sisterhood around listening and not judging, says Hints.

As she weaves across the world to promote the documentary, Hints increasingly values the power of the smoke sauna. In Estonia, we are quite comfortable with nakedness, but in countries like the UK there is still a Victorian hangover, she says.

Its true. The longer I stay in Kalma Saun, the more my insecurities evaporate. I forget to worry about the way my thighs splay on the saunas wooden bench or the silvery threads of stretch marks. Eda Veeroja, a torchbearer of smoke sauna culture, assures me this reaction is quite natural. If you let go of those prejudices that you have about your body, then you'll feel good in your body," she says.

Veeroja, who is in her mid-60s and campaigned for smoke saunas to be recognized on UNESCO's cultural heritage list, welcomes visitors to her familys smoke sauna on a farm in Mooska, Estoniabut her caveat is that all visitors must be naked. Any masks or signifiers, like jewelry or clothes, should be left at the door. Veeroja says she struggles every day to convince visitors that nakedness is beautiful.

Once at risk of fading into history, Veeroja believes that the legacy of smoke saunas in Estonia is burning bright. On top of the success of Hints documentary, 2023 was christened the year of the sauna in Estonia, with celebrations scattered across the national calendar. In the meantime, Veeroja is continuing to invite visitors to her family sauna to bare their soulsand bodies.

Nakedness is honest," says Veeroja, "theres no hiding.

Originally Appeared on Conde Nast Traveler
Since Ethan Slater's new relationship with Ariana Grande has been revealed, more details of their connection have come out, and Slater's estranged wife Lilly Jay has not been painting a flattering picture. The SpongeBob Squarepants actor is allegedly really shocked by some of the statements Jay has made, specifically to Page Six this week.

[Arianas] the story really. Not a girls girl, Jay claimed. My family is just collateral damage. The story is her and Dalton [Gomez].

It was alleged that Jay has been trying to contact media outlets, but now, TMZ reports that she has told Slater that she did not know the source of various media leaks and so Slater was more than surprised to see her quoted. Of the Page Six report, she supposedly did not understand what it meant that she was on the record.

The Wicked star desperately wants to co-parent his infant son with Jay and they have been debating the release of a statement saying as much. She, however, wishes to defer.

Another source speaking to Page Six said that Jay has told Slater and others that she only cares about protecting their child.

Shes rightfully upset because her marriage fell apart, but Ariana and Ethan didnt do anything wrong, the insider added. Ethan is trying to take the high road and hopes he can resolve this situation for the sake of their child.

Slater filed for divorce from Jay on Wednesday in New York state, and matters of custody will be decided through the process. Grande is separated from her former husband, Dalton Gomez, who another source told US Magazine is still hoping for reconciliation.

Although Dalton knows Ariana has moved on with Ethan, he still hasnt given up hope that they can make things work, they said. On one hand, Dalton wants to give Ariana her space, but on the other, hes been trying to remain in contact with her.

You Might Also Like
The walls may be closing in on Amazon.

Reports suggest the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is finalizing an antitrust case against the e-commerce and logistics giant.

More from Sourcing Journal

The trade watchdog expects to file a suit against the tech titan in federal court as early as August, Politico reported Tuesday. The long-awaited case is expected to target Amazon Primes far-reaching benefits, the companys pricing power, as well as policies the agency believes force merchants to use Amazons logistics and advertising services, the report said.

Amazon and the FTC both declined to comment.

The federal agency is reportedly concerned that the Amazon Prime subscription service, which includes books, music and streaming video, is used to pad the Seattle firms market power.

The FTC already filed a separate complaint in June accusing the company of using deceptive tactics to trick users into signing up for Prime subscriptions without their consent, while intentionally making it difficult for consumers to cancel their membership.

Amazons pricing power would also be under scrutiny, namely the rules requiring third-party retailers to offer their lowest prices on Amazon and not with competitors. The allegations are similar to existing cases brought by attorneys general in Washington, D.C. and California.

A Washington judge dismissed the first case, but a California judge rejected Amazons bid for dismissal.

The FTC is also expected to claim that Amazon steers sellers to its own fulfillment and logistics services, which include shipping and warehousing, by rewarding them with better site placement via the coveted buy box.

The agency is also 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.

Story continues

Absent from the Politico report, surprisingly, was any reference to Amazons often alleged use of third-party seller data to inform its own private-label product strategy, which has long been subject to criticism from U.S. lawmakers. Two years ago, the House of Representatives unveiled a bill targeting the strategy with the goal to potentially force Amazon to decouple its bustling private-label business from the rest of the company.

Amazons loss could be big for Shein, Temu

The potential Amazon lawsuit comes as ultra-fast-fashion giant Shein is looking to expand into a bigger e-commerce marketplace thatsimilar to Amazonsells home appliances, electronics, kitchenware and DIY products. The Chinese e-commerce giant has already launched the marketplace in the U.S., Mexico and Brazil, and is recruiting global brands and third-party sellers on its platform.

Sheins launch comes on the heels of the exploding popularity of chief rival marketplace Temu, with the two e-commerce titans trading blows in a heated legal showdown.

Both marketplaces, each subject to legal and ethical concerns of criticism, could stand to take market share from Amazon if the antitrust suit spooks merchants into pursuing new sales channels.

In fact, Shein is already recruiting third-party sellers from Amazon, according to a Wall Street Journal report, offering incentives like zero commission for the first three months, or zero advertising charge. To join Sheins platform, sellers must already have annual sales of $2 million on Amazon, WSJ said, citing some of its recruitment advertisements.

Amazon makes concessions in the U.K.

Amazons potential federal lawsuit comes as the tech titan proposed four concessions to the U.K.s competition watchdog in response to an investigation into the companys business practices, particularly that it favors its own retail business over competing sellers on its marketplace, andlike the potential FTC suitfavors sellers using Amazons warehousing and delivery services rather than rival logistics businesses.

Amazon offered four ways to get back into the watchdogs good graces. It said it would not use rival sellers marketplace data to gain an unfair advantage over other sellers and would treat all sellers offers equally when selecting which to feature in the buy box. Amazon also said it would allow third-party sellers to negotiate their own rates directly with independent providers of Prime delivery services and would appoint an independent trustee to monitor its compliance with these commitments.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said Amazon addresses its competition concerns, and will consult a third party through Sept. 1 before making a final decision.

While we disagree with the CMAs preliminary concerns, we have engaged constructively with them to address the matters they have raised and to preserve our ability to serve U.K. customers and the more than 100,000 U.K.-based small and medium-sized businesses selling through our U.K. store, an Amazon spokesperson told Sourcing Journal.

Concessions in the U.K. follow similar commitments it made to the European Commission in December 2022, ending a two-year antitrust investigation in the European Union.

Amazons agreements were largely comparable to its U.K. compromises, with the main difference being that the company would have to add a second buy box to maximize third-party seller visibility.

Click here to read the full article.
Its been more than two years in the making, but it is finally here.

Hermes unveiled its 7,500-square-foot store on Friday that is the center of a new luxury wing at Westfield Topanga, a major shopping center in Southern California gaining importance because of its proximity to some very wealthy suburban enclaves such as Calabasas and Hidden Hills.

More from WWD

It is in these burgeoning neighborhoods where celebrities, including the Kardashians, Drake, Jessica Simpson, Miley Cyrus and LeBron James, have lived or currently reside in gated communities.

The luxury wing was created when a mammoth Sears store, closed in 2015 and a relic of past retail glory days, was demolished and reimagined into a 180,000-square-foot luxury retail district bringing in Hermes as the anchor tenant in addition to more than 10 luxury stores.

Hermes will be sharing the luxury wing with other high-end brands including Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta, Bulgari, Celine, Dior, Omega and Valentino. There also is a 19,000-square-foot Arhaus location featuring artisan-crafted home furnishings as well as upscale dining options and an AMC dine-in movie theater with 12 screens.

The Hermes store has its own dedicated entry with valet parking for shoppers wishing for a discreet entrance or a quick in-and-out experience. This appealed to the French brands retail team scouting new venues. We are very deliberate in our retail locations. We dont open a lot of stores, said Diane Mahady, recently named president of Hermess American division. We waited until we found the right location.

This is Hermess sixth store in California and 35th in the United States. In the Los Angeles area, the French company has one other location, located 22 miles away on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. We have some clients that live nearby [Westfield Topanga] and dont want to make the trek all the way into Beverly Hills. So, for us, its nice because we think we have a combination of clients who already are familiar with the brand who are excited for us to open here as well as a chance for us to speak to new and younger clients who may not be shopping with us, Mahady explained.

Story continues

For the new outpost in the San Fernando Valley, Hermes worked with Parisian architecture agency RDAI. Together they created an interior with colors that blend in with the California landscape and climate. The stores facade has columns with hues and textures taking their cue from the nearby Topanga State Park.

Inside, there are four spaces showcasing different categories. In the first are womens silk, perfume and beauty products in a terracotta setting. Also inside this first space is a subspace where small leather goods and equestrian accessories are displayed inside a mural-decorated library. The second area houses fashion jewelry and mens silk, giving way to a third area displaying mens and womens shoes. The fourth space displays mens and womens ready-to-wear.

This new wing complements the other luxury stores that have been in the shopping center for years, including Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Tiffany & Co., Burberry, Cartier and Louis Vuitton.

With the new luxury stores coming to Westfield Topanga, we will have more than 25 luxury stores, said Colin Shaughnessy, executive vice president of U.S. leasing at Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, which owns the mall. The valley is turning into that second luxury destination outside of Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. We get the Malibu customer coming through the canyon. We are pulling the Santa Barbara customer down here quite frequently, which saves them an hour to drive to Rodeo Drive. And our core customers are in Calabasas and Hidden Hills.

This new Hermes store comes a month after the French luxury brand traveled to the Colorado mountains to unveil a new outpost in Aspen, Colorado. In February, the high-end label unveiled a new location in Naples, Florida.

For us, three new stores [in the United States] in a year is quite a lot, Mahady said. But we also have some exciting renovations going on.

One of those renovations is taking place in Chicago, where the brands store on Oak Street is getting a third floor to have a VIP room and enhanced services. It should be unveiled in October.

Best of WWD

Click here to read the full article.
There are countless reasons to visit Peru; the ceviche and Pisco sours, gorgeous valleys and beautiful brightly colored textiles, just to name a few. But for many, the chance to take the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, the ancient city, is reason enough.

There are two ways to get to Machu Picchu: by bus or on foot. Around two thousand people board the bus from Aguas Calientes daily while only 500 people in total, including roughly 200 tourists and 300 porters, are allowed to begin the 4-day Inca Trail hike in Peru each morning. If hiking isnt your idea of a good time, then the bus will definitely do the trick. But, if you are drawn toward adventure, like me, and want to follow in the footsteps of the Incas, here are a few facts that might convince you to start walking!

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

There are government control points along the Inca Trail and at each one you get a passport stamp. If you complete the entire 26-mile hike you can fill a whole page with records of the date and your location on that day. On day 4, when you finally reach the ancient city, you can get a Machu Picchu stamp. I had no idea that you could get stamps without crossing an international border and was so excited to have this log of my journey. Fellow travelers, I know you understand the allure of passport decoration.

Hiking the Inca Trail

The Inca Trail employs local men as porters ( aka supermen), a good job that allows many to support their families. Other locals are able to bring in a little income by selling water, Generade (Gatorade), toilet paper and other small items to hikers at the beginning of the trail. A few families even get subsidies from the government for allowing hikers to use part of their land as campsites. So, by hiking the Inca Trail you are able to directly and positively impact the lives of local people.

Taking in the Views on the Inca Trail

Day three of the trek is an unexpected wonder. Youre feeling good because you just defeated the infamous day two and are ready to fight your way to the top of another pass, but you dont have to! Not only is the hiking much easier on day three, but you also get to see beautiful ruins, orchids, hummingbirds, and butterflies. If you listen closely you can hear the gentle trickle of small streams and waterfalls coming down the mountains. Plus, the panoramic views on day three are indescribable. I tried my best to capture the views in photos, but they do not come remotely close to the real experience.

Story continues

Views from the Inca Trail

Views from the Inca Trail

Food on the Trail

The food on the Inca Trail is amazing! You must travel with a licensed tour company in order to be allowed on the trail. This means you move with a whole support team including at least one professional chef. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are catered, wherever you are, and the food is great. Meals ranged from local Andean dishes and other typical Peruvian foods that included rice, chicken, potatoes or eggs to giant pancakes with pictures of the sun drizzled on in caramel. At one point, the chefs even made a cake! While on top of a mountain! Whatever ends up on your plate, the food makes the journey that much more fun and keeps you well fueled during your trek.

Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is Amazing

Machu Picchu is amazing no matter what, but hiking the Inca Trail makes your ultimate arrival so rewarding. The payoff is greater for having met the challenge of the 4-day hike and three nights of camping, for pushing yourself physically and mentally, and anticipating the prize. Plus, hikers arrive early in the morning, well before the day-trippers, giving them a few quiet moments to explore and take photos. In the end, making your way through the Sun Gate and then down to Machu Picchu on your own two feet makes the whole journey a memorable accomplishment that you get to own forever.

skenney4

This story was curated by Shera Kenney
A Baldwin grand piano which passed through the hands of two of the most influential artists of the 20th century, John Lennon and Andy Warhol, will go on auction in September at Alex Cooper Auctioneers in Townson, Maryland, according to the Baltimore Banner.

John Lennon bought the Concert Grand Model D Piano in 1978 from the Baldwin Factory Store in New York City, according to ACA. The following year he gave the instrument to his friend, the art dealer and curator Sam Green, who organized Andy Warhols first American museum exhibition at the Institute of Contemporary Art at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. A plaque that read For Sam Love From John And Yoko 1979 was added just above the Baldwin logo that sits above the center of the pianos keys.

More from Robb Report

Green was close to both Lennon and his wife, Yoko Ono. The couple would often spend time at Greens home on Fire Island, where Lennon would play the piano and write songs during the couples visits, some of which wound up on Lennons 1980 album with Ono Double Fantasy.

A few years later, in 1983, Green lent the piano to Warhol, who displayed in prominently at the Interview magazine offices in New York City.

In 1988, after being housed in the Interview offices, Green loaned the piano to the New York Academy of Art, which was cofounded by Warhol, for use during special events. For Green, that turned out to be an unfortunate decision. When, in 2000, he discovered the piano was being misused and played by students every day, he asked that the piano be returned.

But the school was no longer in possession of the piano. They had sold it, along with a collection of other deaccessioned pianos that were in the schools basement, to a piano tuner named Harold Katz for a meager $3,000.

Story continues

Green sued the school, which argued that Green had donated the piano, not lent it, for $1.6 million.

The piano was eventually found, bought from Katz by an Alabama man named Buddy Bain, for around $100,000, according to the New York Post, and Greens lawsuit dismissed. Eventually the piano wound up at the Mercerberg Academy, a college-prep boarding school in Philadelphia.

While the piano visibly shows the wear and tear of its travels, dings in the enamel, a circle melted in the finish, possibly from an ash tray or oil lamp, the auction house says the instrument is playable and will be tuned before its sold. Bidding opens Saturday, September 30 with an estimated price of between $2 million$3 million.

Best of Robb Report

Sign up for Robb Report's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Click here to read the full article.
This article originally appeared on Outside

On July 27 at 10:45 A.M. Pakistan Standard Time, 37-year-old Norwegian mountaineer Kristin Harila and Nepalese climber Tenjin Sherpa (Lama) reached the summit of 28,251-foot K2, the world's second highest peak. Just 4 days before, on July 23rd, they summited neighboring Broad Peak (26,414 feet). By reaching those summits, the pair set a new record: climbing the world's 14 peaks above 8,000 meters (26,246 feet) faster than anyone in history.

It took them just three months and one day. Their time smashed the previous record, which was held by Nirmal (Nims) Purja, who became a celebrity mountaineer after climbing the mountains in six months and seven days.

Harila is a former professional cross-country skier who came to mountaineering somewhat recently. In 2015, Harila climbed Africa's Kilimanjaro, and despite getting severe altitude sickness, got hooked on the sport. In 2019, she quit her job as an executive at a furniture company to climb. That same year she went to the Himalaya for the first time, summiting peaks like Lobuche East (20,075') and Putha Hiunchuli (23,773'). In 2020, she sumitted Aconcagua. Then in 2021 she summited Everest and neighboring 27,940-foot Lhotse in just under 12 hours, which was a record at the time. Tenjin has been working in the mountains since he was 16, and was integral to this record, ensuring both summits and safety throughout the project. He's from Makalu, where he lives with his wife and their two teenage boys.

Harila decided to attempt the 8000ers record after seeing Purja's success in 2019. Her goal was to empower women and demonstrate that women have a place in a sport that is dominated by men.

For years, mountaineers have attempted to scale the "seven summits"-the highest peaks on each continent--but the 8000ers has been a relatively niche challenge in the world of mountaineering. The mountains have historically drawn alpinists seeking new routes, or climbers just hoping to reach the top of one. But over the last few years, the 8000er scene has become a bit frenzied. This was spurred in large part by Purja's "Project Possible," which was later chronicled in the popular Netflix documentary 14 Peaks. His attempt to climb the peaks in rapid succession was the first of its kind--a collective speed record on the 8000-meter peaks wasn't targeted by climbers before that.

Story continues

The previous record--seven years and ten months--was held by South Korean climber Kim Chang-Ho, who was simply on a mission to summit all 14 peaks. He became the 43rd person in history to complete the feat. Notably, Chang-Ho didn't use supplemental oxygen, while Purja and Harila did. (Purjais currently working to climb all 14 without oxygen and recently posted that he has two peaks remaining).

When Chang-Ho summited his final 8000er in 2013, just under eight years was considered pretty dang fast. It took renowned Italian alpinist Reinhold Messner--the first person to climb all 14 peaks--16 years to do it (he also climbed without oxygen and put up new routes along the way).

The pace at which Purja and Harila ascended the 8000ers may make these mountains seem trivial, but for most mountaineers, summiting just one of these peaks is considered a lifetime achievement. On every 8,000-meter peak climbers must move through what's called the Death Zone, the area above 26,000 feet where there's not enough oxygen to sustain human life. Some seasons, these peaks record few summits--or none at all--due to dangerous conditions and bad weather. Climbing just one requires a significant investment of time and cash--usually two months and tens of thousands of dollars for travel, guiding fees, and other costs. Doing it quickly requires a climber to have access to ample support staff, guides, porters, supplemental oxygen, and helicopters. Or, put more simply: lots and lots of money.

To help fund her first attempt at the record in 2022, which is reported to have cost $500,000, Harila relied on sponsors and her own savings. Prior to sponsors joining her, Harila was forced to sell her apartment to finance the project. During Purja's attempt, he remortgaged his house.

Harila was on track to set the record during that initial 2022 attempt, but she couldn't get permits to climb in Tibet, which stymied her effort by delaying her climbs on 26,335-foot Shishapangma and 26,864-foot Cho Oyu. China had closed its borders to foreigners due to the pandemic, refusing to grant her access. In late April of 2023, her permits came through and she was able to reach both summits--she had completed all 14 peaks in just 1 year and 5 days. But, she still wasn't the fastest. So she decided to re-climb the other 12 peaks and try for the record again.

When Messner was climbing the 8000ers in the seventies and eighties, the question was simply whether a person could survive climbing them all, and without oxygen. The accomplishment was mind-blowing at the time. Climbing a peak like Everest without oxygen was considered impossible. Messner became a legend in international mountaineering. (In 2011, Gerlinde Kaltenbrunner became the first woman to repeat the feat). Once he became the first, others sought records on the 8000ers: the first woman to climb them all, the youngest, the oldest. Over time, as gear and techniques have advanced, the questions have changed too: Can these peaks be commercially guided? Can people climb them quickly? How can they be linked together on the same expedition?

Speed records are a more recent phenomenon, and in the last few years the goal of climbing fast has drawn more attention to the 8000-meter peaks. As the peaks have gotten more attention, fiery debates once confined to niche climbing circles have risen to the mainstream. Chief among these is whether or not people who claim to have summited each of the 8000-meter peaks have actually stood on top of the true summit, or the very highest geographical point. Eberhard Jurgalski, who runs the website 8000ers.com and unofficially keeps the records, says that some record holders never actually stood on the true summits. Purja is among them, he says. Jurgalski says Purja didn't reach the true summits of Manaslu and 26,795-foot Dhaulagiri during his record attempt, but rather the foresummits (Purja has since reached the true summits of both, and also still claims his record). So, if you're in Jurgalski's camp, when Harila summited all 14 of the peaks this April, her time of one year and five days was actually the fastest time because she reached each of the mountain's true summits. On Harila's website, a press release on June 7 announced that "Kristin has beaten Nimsdai's 14x 8000m True Summit Record With Oxygen."

Another point of tension, which has persisted throughout the history of Himalayan climbing, exists between Western climbers seeking summits and the local climbers and guides who support them. The former might garner fame, media attention, and celebrity, while those in support roles often gain little and risk a lot. In 2013, Outside described the industry as a dangerous anomaly: "no service industry in the world so frequently kills and maims its workers for the benefit of paying clients."

For her 2022 attempt, Harila hired Nepali guides Pasdawa Sherpa and his uncle Dawa Ongju Sherpa. While climbing Broad Peak, the two Sherpas were breaking trail through untrammeled snow when they were swept off their feet in an avalanche. Unhurt, they continued on and were hit by another slide. Despite the obvious risk, they continued to the summit anyway, telling Outside that they "did it all for Kristin."

But the two Sherpas soured on Harila after she left to climb in China in April without them. Harila said in a social media post that she'd invited Pasawa and Dawa to climb Cho Oyu and Shishapangma with her, but that who was granted visas was out of her control. The record would have changed the Sherpas' careers. Though Dawa Ongju has 37 summits of 8000-meter peaks, he knows that they're not enough: records have become currency.

For her 2023 attempt, Harila enlisted the support of Seven Summit Treks and Tenjin Sherpa, who led the way on all 14 peaks. On April 26, Harila summited her first peak of the project, Shishapangma. In an Instagram caption she wrote of the difficulty of the climb, thanking Tenjin for his help. "He carried so much rope up, and without him this summit would not have been possible," she wrote.

Harila and the team faced a number of challenges over the last three months: a long summit day on Dhaulagiri, a UTI on Makalu, getting off-route on 28,169-foot Kanchenjunga, dangerous avalanche conditions on 26,545-foot Annapurna, controversy over how she used helicopters, a trip to the hospital after Manaslu, and altitude sickness on 26,660-foot Nanga Parbat.

Speed records do not necessarily measure mountaineering skill, especially if the record-setters are guided. And they're not for the thin-skinned: neither Harila nor Purja have achieved their goals without ample controversy. For Harila to find success, many variables had to line up: funding, weather, snow conditions, logistics, and personal health. And she had to rise to the occasion with immense strength, tenacity, sustained mental fortitude, and imagination.

For exclusive access to all of our fitness, gear, adventure, and travel stories, plus discounts on trips, events, and gear, sign up for Outside+ today.
Lindsie Chrisley has a new beau and theyve already taken a big step in their relationship  going on vacation together.

The 33-year-old podcast host gushed about her boyfriend, whom she simply referred to as Trent, in a sweet Instagram post on July 26.

Chrisley uploaded a carousel of pictures from their romantic holiday to Playa del Carmen, Mexico. She included a photo of a cute Polaroid they snapped together and a picture of them holding hands.

She began her caption by quoting Noahs (Ryan Gosling) declaration of love to Allie (Rachel McAdams) in The Notebook.

The former reality television star then wrote, Sharing a couple of memories from my recent trip to Playa del Carmen.

Chrisley called their first time traveling solo together the perfect couples getaway and said she will cherish these memories forever.

She then reflected on another reason why the trip was especially meaningful.

Ive always been hesitant to travel to Mexico with anyone because it holds a special place in my heart. Its where I got married, she wrote. I only ever wanted to travel back there with someone if it truly felt right. Im so glad we got to experience this trip together and cant wait to see what our future holds.

Chrisley praised her boyfriend and all the ways he takes care of her, like carrying her bags and being quiet when she sleeps in. She also said he is constantly being affectionate and expressing his love for her.

Who knew you could be loved this way. Forever grateful, I love you Trent, she concluded.

Fans in the comments congratulated Chrisley on finding love again.

Hes the one! Im calling it. Ahhh Im excited for you!! one Instagram user said.

Only a hard lunch for a forever kind of love! another wrote before including a praying-hand emoji. So happy for you!

Chrisley, who is the oldest child of reality television star Todd Chrisley and his ex-wife Teresa Terry, was previously married to ex-husband Will Campbell for nine years.

Story continues

She announced their separation on Instagram in July 2021.

Its with the deepest sadness that, after 9 years of marriage, Will & I have mutually decided to end our marriage, she said at the time, adding, We will continue to remain friends & be devoted parents to our son whom we both love very much.

Her father appeared to react to her divorce news on Instagram a day later, adding a rift in their already strained relationship.

Chrisley, who hosts The Southern Tea and Coffee Convos podcasts, departed from her familys reality show, Chrisley Knows Best, in 2017. Her lawyer confirmed in a statement to People in 2019 that she had been estranged from her father and stepmother, Julie Chrisley, since 2017.

She addressed her father commenting on her divorce during an episode of Coffee Convos with co-host Kailyn Lowry in August 2021.

I truly was shocked when I saw something so personal shared as we do have each others numbers, she said.

However, she said on an episode of The Southern Tea in July 2022 that she had reconciled with her father.

This article was originally published on TODAY.com
President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met Thursday with South African president Cyril Ramaphosa on the sidelines of the Russia-Africa summit in Petersburg.

The two leaders discussed ways to boost relations between Egypt and South Africa, focusing on increasing the trade exchange between the two countries.

According to the Egyptian Presidency, El-Sisi said that Egypt looks forward to strengthening the historical relations between the two countries through exploring mutual investment opportunities, achieving common interests, and continuing coordination on issues of mutual interest in the African continent.

For his part, President Ramaphosa affirmed that South Africa is committed to developing cooperation relations with Egypt and intensifying joint efforts.

He added that South Africa continues to consult with Egypt on the issues and challenges facing Africa, highlighting Egypts leading role and efforts to enhance development and preserve peace and security on the continent.

The presidency added that the talks discussed the latest developments at the continental level and the most significant developments in the files of mutual interest at the international level, especially the Russian-Ukrainian crisis.

Since Egypt and South Africa are members of the African peace mission to Russia and Ukraine, the two leaders exchanged views on the latest developments in the African mediation initiative in the crisis.

Africas Russian-Ukraine peace mission



El-Sisi also met in Petersburg with the African leaders participating in Africas Russia-Ukraine peace mission to discuss the progress made on the initiative, especially in the wake of the Africa Peace Mission's visit to Russia and Ukraine in June 2023.

The meeting included Osman Guelleh, President of Comoros and the current President of the African Union; Cyril Ramaphosa, President of South Africa; Denis Sassou Nguesso, President of the Republic of the Congo; Macky Sall, President of Senegal; and Yoweri Museveni, President of Uganda.

The leaders also reaffirmed Africa's continued support for all efforts to resolve the Russian-Ukrainian crisis in light of its severe economic implications on the economies of African countries and the need to maintain international peace and security.

Search Keywords:

Short link:


Netflix

The newest Netflix true crime documentary,Missing: The Lucie Blackman Case, dives into the tragic case of Lucie Blackman, a 21-year-old women from the United Kingdom who mysteriously went missing while living in Japan in 2000.

The documentary details how Lucie, who worked as a British Airways flight attendant, took a gap year in Tokyo with a friend, Louise Phillips. There, she took a job as a hostess at an upscale nightclub called Casablanca. But while Lucie was living an exciting life in the metropolitan city, things quickly went south. She disappeared less than a month after her move and was never seen again.

As the documentary explains, Lucie had gone on a date with a client just before her disappearance. Her roommate, Louise, received a call the next from someone who said that her friend had joined a cult, and finding the call suspicious, she got in touch with Lucie's family back home, The Independent says.

Missing features interviews with Japanese detectives who worked on the case, along with journalists and Lucies father, Tim Blackman. With all the attention on Lucies disappearance, its understandable to have questions about her parents and other family members. So, who are Lucie Blackmans parents and where are they now? Heres what you need to know.

Who is Tim Blackman?

Tim Blackman is Lucie Blackmans dad, and hes featured pretty prominently in the documentary, telling his version of events. The property developer most recently lived in Ryde on the Isle of Wight, at least as of 2008, per The Mirror.

In the doc, Tim walks viewers through the days after his daughters disappearance, including his rising worries about her safety.

I was immediately thinking, well, there must be some rational explanation, some reason why she's not been able to get in touch, he says. There were three or four more calls and I knew that something had gone wrong. That feeling of complete blind panic just crashes in on you.

Tim ended up flying to Tokyo to try to learn what had happened to his daughter, and worked hard to rally public support for the search by holding press conferences and befriending journalists to make sure that his Lucie's disappearance was in the news, the Daily Mail reported. He even put up posters of Lucie on lampposts across Tokyo when he felt enough wasnt being done to find his daughter.

Story continues

In fact, journalist Jake Adelstein said in the documentary, per the Daily Mail, that Tim was a very flamboyant showman who would use his charisma to stir up things so that something got done.

Unfortunately, it still took the police seven months to find her body.

Who is Jane Steare?

YOSHIKAZU TSUNO - Getty Images

Jane Steare is Lucies mother. While she was involved in the search for her daughter, she does not feature prominently in the documentary and hasn't spoken publicly about the tragedy for years.

The couple has two other children.

Tim and Jane are also parents to Lucie's siblings, Sophie and Rupert. Sophie is Lucies younger sister and Rupert is her brother, per The Sun.

In 2006, Tim said that his children had been deeply affected by Lucies loss, telling The Guardian that Sophie had tried to take her own life because of her immense grief. Tim also said that Rupert had been tortured and damaged by the loss.

I not only have to contend with the death of Lucie, but the terrible and tragic damage to both my other children as a constant reminder of this terrible crime, Tim said.

Junko Kimura - Getty Images

Are Tim and Jane still together?

Tim and Jane are not married, and actually divorced before Lucie disappeared, some time around 1996. They continued to have a contentious relationship during Lucie's disappearance.

Jane spoke against Tim in 2007 after he accepted more than half a million dollars from associates of Joji Obara, the Japanese millionaire who was found guilty of abducting Lucie. (As The Independent explains, the court didn't have enough evidence to convict Obara with Lucie's killing. Instead, he was found guilty of mutilating and disposing of her body.)

Tim said he had planned to put the money into a trust in Lucies name, but Jane told the Daily Mail that she was never consulted about it. It is like fighting two battlesone against her killer and one against my former husband, she said. Whose side is he on? How is this helping justice for our daughter? I feel so utterly powerless.

Tim created the trust, the Lucy Blackman Trust, but the family stepped away from the trust in 2020. The organization, which is now called LBT Global aims to help families and individuals who go missing overseas and provides crisis support, per On The Wight.

Jane is now remarried. Tim also remarried a nurse named Josephine in 2008. They two had been dating since the late 1990s, after Jane and Tim's divorce.

For more information on Lucie's story, you can catch Missing: The Lucie Blackman Case streaming now on Netflix.

You Might Also Like
Dotdash Meredith and Yahoo Inc. may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below.

Shoppers brought it to St. Barts and Southern California to protect their skin.

Travel + Leisure / Madison Woiten

What if we told you there was a way to get a natural, sun-kissed glow while protecting yourself from harmful rays? Add in anti-aging benefits and we may have found the winning combination. And right now, this one-of-a-kind product is 33 percent off during Nordstroms Anniversary Sale, which is ongoing through August 6.

The multitasking sunscreen that goes beyond just shielding your skin is the Kopari Sun Shield Body Glow with SPF 50. It works overtime to give you a safe, sunkissed look with the help of SPF 50 and a formula infused with a variety of beneficial ingredients that hydrate skin, provide a natural radiance, and work to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Kopari Sun Shield Body Glow With SPF 50

Nordstrom

$78

$52

Buy on Nordstrom

Included in the creamy formula is macadamia oil to minimize negative reactions from UV rays, hibiscus oil to repair skin with its antioxidant properties, vitamin E to soothe irritated skin, avocado and coconut oils to moisturize skin and reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and gold shimmer mica to add a subtle shine. Plus, the water- and sweat-resistant formula lets you safely swim for up to 40 minutes while getting consistent protection from damaging UVA and UVB rays.

To use the lightweight gel sunscreen, pump it out and smooth evenly all over any exposed skin. It absorbs quickly without leaving a sticky feeling behind, and covers you with the coconut milk fragrance Kopari is known for. You can even apply it during non-beach days when youre looking for a dewy, glowy look and a summery scent. And with two 5-ounce bottles of the sun shield body glow included in the sale, you wont have to worry about running out before the end of summer or during your vacation.

Travelers are raving about this best sunscreen ever, with one saying they brought this for the trip they took to St. Barts. They continued that coming from Pennsylvania, they were very pale but that they got a bronze glow without burning thanks to the luxurious sunscreen. A separate obsessed reviewer added that its perfect for drier climates, noting that they have never burned on the beach or pool in Southern California.

Story continues

Dont wait until the end of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale to get the Kopari Sun Shield Body Glow with SPF 50 duo while its 33 percent off. And if you want even more on-sale, shopper-loved skincare and SPF bundles, keep scrolling to add these options to your cart before theyre gone for good.

Supergoop Glow Duo

Nordstrom

$64

$43

Buy on Nordstrom

Coola Double the Sun Bestseller Set

Nordstrom

$56

$32

Buy on Nordstrom

Vacation Leisure-enhancing Summer Sunscreen Duo

Nordstrom

$41

$28

Buy on Nordstrom

Mario Badescu Ready, Set, Protect Gift Set

Nordstrom

$45

$30

Buy on Nordstrom

For more Travel & Leisure news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on Travel & Leisure.
This article contains descriptions of threats of violence and mental illness. If you or someone you know needs help:

Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988

Text the Crisis Text Line from anywhere in the U.S. to reach a crisis counselor: 741741

This article was produced for ProPublicas Local Reporting Network in partnership with Mississippi Today. Sign up for Dispatches to get stories like this one as soon as they are published.

Nearly 40 years ago, a federal appeals court ruled that Alabama officials could not jail people in mental health crisis who were sent to the state for help. Jailing people going through the states civil commitment process, the court decided, amounted to punishment. And about 30 years ago, after Kentucky was labeled the worst state in the nation for jailing mentally ill people without charges, legislators there banned it.

But a new survey of counties and an analysis of jail dockets in Mississippi, which has no such law, has found that people going through the civil commitment process for mental illness are regularly jailed as they await evaluation and treatment, even when they havent been charged with a crime. Some counties routinely hold such people in jail  people awaiting treatment for mental illness or substance abuse were held in jail without charges at least 2,000 times from 2019 to 2022 in 19 counties alone, sometimes for days or weeks.

Nationally, Mississippi is a stark outlier. Mississippi Today and ProPublica conducted a nationwide survey of disability advocacy organizations and state agencies that oversee behavioral health. None described anything close to the scale of whats happening in Mississippi.

Civil commitment laws are meant to ensure people get treatment even when they dont recognize that they need it, said James Tucker, an attorney and the director of the Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program. Locking them up as they wait for a treatment bed doesnt fulfill that goal.

Story continues

The bargain for your lack of freedom is that the state has decided you need treatment, he said. The minute that order is entered, the state has a constitutional duty to deliver treatment.

At least 12 states plus the District of Columbia prohibit jailing people undergoing commitment proceedings for mental illness unless they have been charged with a crime.

Mississippi law, however, allows people going through the civil commitment process to be sent to jail if there is no reasonable alternative. If there are no publicly funded beds in appropriate facilities, local officials sometimes decide they have no other option.

We Forbid the Use of Jails

In the 1970s, a federal class-action lawsuit against Alabama officials alleged that it was unconstitutional to jail people going through the commitment process for mental illness while they awaited hearings. It was common at the time: Probate judges in three-quarters of the states counties had jailed people, according to discovery findings cited in a court ruling.

Lawyers for the plaintiffs  everyone in the state who had been committed or would be in the future  cited previous lawsuits that had uncovered fire hazards, overcrowding and a dearth of mental health and routine medical care in Alabamas county jails.

The district court ruled against the plaintiffs constitutional claims, reasoning that if the local jail was the only option in a county, it was the least restrictive facility that would also protect society.

But in 1984, a panel of judges on the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected that reasoning. Circuit Judge Thomas Alonzo Clark wrote in his opinion that nothing prevented counties from placing people in a public facility in another county or in a local private facility that was equipped to handle mentally ill patients.

Clark cited a doctors testimony that jail often worsened psychosis, made it harder to treat people and increased suicidal tendencies.

We forbid the use of jails for the purpose of detaining persons awaiting involuntary civil commitment proceedings, finding that to do so violates those persons substantive and procedural due process rights, the judge wrote.

The reasons that Alabama officials provided for placing people in jail were similar to Mississippi officials arguments today. But Mississippi is in a different federal circuit, and the practice there has not been tested with a class-action lawsuit.

A sister of one woman who had died in a Mississippi jail in 1987 tried and failed to convince a federal judge that the womans rights had been violated when she was incarcerated without treatment.

Colett Boston, left, and Everlean Boston hold a photograph of their mother, Mae Evelyn Boston, in Oxford, Mississippi. When the sisters were young, their mother died in jail as she went through the civil commitment process.

Mae Evelyn Boston, an Oxford woman who had dealt with paranoid schizophrenia for most of her adult life, had a psychotic episode shortly after giving birth. Her older daughter, Everlean, was 12 years old; she remembers her mother saying she was going to kill the baby because the girl had a demon in her.

One of Bostons sisters initiated commitment proceedings  making Boston one of more than 100 people jailed for that reason from 1984 to 1988 in Lafayette County, according to a deposition cited in a 1990 ruling by U.S. District Judge Neal Biggers. When deputies arrived to take her mother into custody for evaluation, Everlean recalled, it took six of them to get her onto the ground before handcuffing her and placing her in the back of a cop car.

Once Boston was in jail, guards did not complete a medical screening required by department policy and didnt know Boston had given birth via cesarean section 12 days before, Biggers wrote. She died two days later from heart failure caused by blood clots.

Everlean Boston remembers her mother smoking cigarettes and listening to the blues on quiet Sundays at home. The day deputies took her mother away was the last time she saw her. I never got to say goodbye, she recalled. I never got to say I loved her. It hurts.

Biggers concluded that the medical care customarily provided by the county for mentally ill detainees does not fall below constitutional standards and that what happened with Boston represented a scheduling error and an isolated instance. The county, which argued it had provided adequate care for Boston, had the right to detain people like her in the interest of societal safety, he found, and those people were not entitled to placement in the least restrictive alternative such as a hospital. Biggers considered the Alabama appeals court ruling from a few years earlier, but concluded it didnt apply because it was based on specific facts about that states jails.

The court declines to hold that use of jails for temporary detention of persons awaiting civil commitment proceedings is unconstitutional per se, Biggers ruled.

Since then, at least nine lawsuits have been filed over the deaths of Mississippians incarcerated during civil commitment proceedings. None of those lawsuits directly challenged the constitutionality of being jailed during the commitment process. The U.S. Supreme Court has not ruled on the matter, academics and attorneys with expertise in civil commitment said.

In the years after Bostons death, Mississippi continued to stand out.

The old jail in Lafayette County, now the Chancery Building, is seen in Oxford, Miss., Tuesday, March 2, 2023. Everlean Boston and Colette Bostons mother died at the old jail while under civil commitment.

In 1992, the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill and Public Citizens Health Research Group conducted a national survey about the practice of jailing mentally ill people.

Almost a third of city and county jails in Mississippi responded. About 76% of respondents said they detained people who had not been charged with a crime and were awaiting an evaluation, treatment or hospitalization for mental illness. That was the second-highest percentage of any state in the country and far higher than the national average of 29%.

An unnamed Mississippi jail official said in the organizations report that jails were a dumping ground for what nobody else wants.

The report gave its Worst State Award to Kentucky, where 81% of responding jails reported holding people without criminal charges for mental evaluations.

Two years later, Kentuckys legislature voted unanimously to ban the practice. The state health agency and its federally designated disability rights organization told Mississippi Today and ProPublica that Kentucky jails today are not used to hold people without charges awaiting mental health evaluations.

Few States Compare to Mississippi

Officials with the Mississippi Department of Mental Health emphasize that they do not support the practice of jailing people during the commitment process. But a spokesperson said they have heard anecdotally from other states regarding challenges of individuals waiting in jail.

Nationally, even basic data like the number of people committed each year is elusive. After reviewing some of Mississippi Today and ProPublicas findings, the Treatment Advocacy Center, a national nonprofit that advocates making it easier for people with mental illness to get treatment, started planning a project to understand how often people are jailed without charges during the commitment process across the U.S.

Mississippi Today and ProPublica contacted agencies overseeing mental health and disability advocacy organizations in every state to find out whether Mississippi is an outlier. It is.

Respondents in 42 states and the District of Columbia said they were not aware of people being regularly held in jail without charges during the psychiatric civil commitment process. In a handful of those states, respondents said they had seen it once or twice over the years.

In two states, people can be sent from state psychiatric hospitals to mental health units inside prisons. In a few others, respondents said they had seen people jailed for noncompliance with court-ordered treatment for mental illness or substance abuse.

Respondents in three other states  Alaska, South Dakota and Wyoming  reported that people sometimes are sent to jail to await psychiatric evaluations, but the information they provided suggested that it happens to fewer people, and for a shorter period, than in Mississippi.

In 2018, staffing shortages at the Alaska Psychiatric Institute caused people to be held at the Anchorage Correctional Complex until they could be evaluated. The next year, an Anchorage judge ordered an end to the practice except in the rarest circumstances, finding that it had caused irreparable harm.

A subsequent settlement declared that jails shouldnt be used unless no other option was available and that such detentions should be as short as possible.

But detentions do still occasionally happen in the state when people in rural areas await transportation to an evaluation center, said Mark Regan, legal director at the Disability Law Center of Alaska. According to the Alaska Department of Family and Community Services, people awaiting evaluation were held in jail 555 times from mid-2018 through late February 2023.

Across South Dakota, people without charges sometimes have been held in jail during the commitment process, according to law enforcement agencies and Disability Rights South Dakota, but such holds are limited by law to 24 hours; in Mississippi, the vast majority of cases analyzed were for more than 24 hours. The South Dakota Department of Social Services said it doesnt track how often it happens and declined to answer questions.

And in Wyoming, a person can be held in jail for up to 72 hours on an emergency basis before a hearing, but they must have a mental examination within 24 hours. Such holds in jail have occurred in very rare circumstances, according to the state.

Attempts to constrain the use of jails date back at least to 1950, when the federal government sent governors model legislation that limited the incarceration of people for mental illness to extreme emergency situations. The National Institute of Mental Health called incarcerating such people among the worst of current practices.

Some states adopted the legislation. Mississippi did not.
As part of its African expansion strategy, trim, label and packaging producer Nexgen Packaging has entered a partnership with industrial park developer Arise Integrated Industrial Platforms (IIP).

Arise IIPs mission is to use local resources that would otherwise be exported as raw materials and establish manufacturing infrastructure to create high value-add goods. Sub-Saharan Africa is a major exporting region for cotton, and OECD projects that by 2030 it will account for 15 percent of exports, making it the third largest exporter behind the United States and Brazil. In partnership with local governments, Arise IIP has built textile manufacturing ecosystems in Benin and Togo to use this cotton locally for apparel, which is then exported internationally.

More from Sourcing Journal

We met with the Arise team over a year ago as we were building our strategy for expansion into Africa, Javier Menchen, sales director Africa at Nexgen Packaging, told Sourcing Journal. Their strategy of building local and sustainable solutions through their platform resonated with us. We believe that companies should take an active interest in the communities where they operate, and this was a point of commonality between us. We were also impressed with their commitment and execution speed. We knew at that point that this would be the basis for a good partnership.

Arise IIP will be sourcing a range of trim and label products from Nexgen, including hangtags, wash care labels, size labels, flag labels, barcodes, printed tape and stickers. As part of the partnership, Nexgen has first established local print production nearby to Arise IIPs facilities. Eventually, the packaging provider will be setting up an office and manufacturing capabilities within the apparel factories, further shortening the supply chain to give Arise improved lead times and reduced logistics costs.

Story continues

Trims and packaging accessories form an integral part of the finished product in the apparel industry, so in order to achieve a complete ecosystem, it calls for an alliance with a quality supplier of trims and accessories, who shall expand their manufacturing footprints within our textile zones, Vikas Budhiraja, vice president textiles and apparel at Arise IIP, told Sourcing Journal. Nexgen being an established, innovation-led trim manufacturing company with an Africa strategy, it offers quite a synergy for such collaboration.

This partnership builds on Nexgens existing operations in Africa, as it works toward its goal to become the leading sustainable packaging provider in Africa, per Menchen. About five years ago, Nexgen opened a headquarters in Ethiopia, and the company announced earlier this year that it will be building a continent-wide headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya, slated to open in early 2024. In a sustainable touch, the base of this facility is constructed from three upcycled shipping containers. Once the Nairobi headquarters is operational, it will also support Arise IIP with distribution services.

Nexgens Kenya facility recycles shipping containers

Nexgen Packagings strategy has been to set up both central production hubs and local manufacturing nearby to factories, allowing for speedier fulfillment and less environmental footprint tied to transportation. Today, its manufacturing map spans 19 countries.

Arise IIP has established its textile parks nearby to ports in countries that are eligible for duty benefits to the United States and European Union, such as the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) that gives Sub-Saharan African countries duty-free access to the U.S. for products including textile goods. Arise is currently exporting to the U.S. and expects to start shipping goods to the EU in the next couple months.

Mordor Intelligence projects that the African textile market will grow at a compound annual growth rate of 4 percent from 2023 to 2028.

This collaboration is going to be a considerable milestone for the textile industry in Africa, said Rajaguru Raja Thandal, textile business CEO at Arise IIP, in a statement about the relationship with Nexgen. We remain certain that it will bring innovative solutions and elevate the textile industry to new heights, making Africa the next global textile hub.

Click here to read the full article.
mountain peak views from aerial view

Most go to the Caribbean for sea, sand, and cocktails. Adventure seekers tend to crave something spicier, like swimming with sharks or mountain climbing.

If the latter sounds like your idea of fun, check out these peaks in Jamaica, St. Lucia, Haiti, Dominica, and Barbados.

Blue Mountain  Jamaica

Its best to start your excursion up the Blue Mountain in the morning. Some people start hiking very early, so they can catch the sunrise at the summit. Its an arduous, seven-mile climb to the top of the 7,402-foot peak.

According to Tropical Trips Jamaica, Notable scenery in the mountain ranges include natural springs and waterfalls with excellent swimming spots.

The Pitons  St. Lucia

If you ask a St. Lucian if theyve climbed the Pitons, theyll probably tell you no. Its very much a tourist activity.

Gros Piton is 2,619 feet above sea level. Bringing a hiking pole along is a good idea to take some of the pressure off your knees. Sip a Piton beer at the midway point, and you can either go back where you came from or continue to the top.

Petit Piton is about 2,461 feet, but its much more technical and steep. Youll need a guide for this one, too.

Pic La Selle  Haiti

This is the tallest mountain in Haiti. Its part of the Chaine de la Selle range and is the third-tallest peak in the Caribbean.

According to Like A Local, Access the mountain through Furcy, where the cool air and pine forests are a welcome break from the heat of the city.

Theres also a waterfall and several lookout points where you can catch your breath.

Morne Diablotins  Dominica

This mountain is the highest in Dominica. Youll be reminded once again why its called Nature Island, and youll want to make sure you dress accordingly. Expect exposed roots, muddy trails, and lots of lush vegetation.

Meet your guide in Roseau, who will drive you to the trail. Be mindful when climbing down so that you dont fall. Plan to rest when you get back to your hotelyoull need it.

Story continues

Mount Hillaby  Barbados

Compared to the others, Mount Hillaby is shortnot even 2,000 feet. However, its a fantastic lookout spot, so be sure you have your camera.

If you go early in the morning, the views are obscured by mist. Once it clears, the coastline and other natural features of Barbados are yours to behold. Private hiking tours are also available.
Like most people, Carly Livingston, a special education teacher living and working in Massachusetts, has a complicated relationship with her job. While she loves her students, she also recognizes that many of their particular learning needs are not being met. When Livingston heard about updates to the states special education policy which proposed, among other changes, including more insight from a students family and support system when creating their Individualized Education Plans (IEP), she was intrigued.

The IEP process is not a simple one, she told Teen Vogue. It can get very repetitive yet tedious for each student. When students are placed on IEPs and identified to have a disability that has an effect on their school day, the people closest to the student rarely have input into the document itself that weighs heavily on standardized psychological, academic, speech and occupational therapy test results. I think it will be really interesting to see how the IEP process changes with more family and student input.

Livingston is referring to the new Massachusetts IEP form, which all schools must utilize by fall 2024, which is the first revamp to Massachusettss special education policy in over 20 years. The IEP was first introduced to public school systems in the United States in 1975, when disabled students rights were legally recognized under the Education for All Handicapped Children Act. The act was later renamed to the Individuals with Disabilities (IDEA.) According to data from the National Center for Education Statistics, 15% of all public school students aged 3-21 received special education and/or related services during the 2020-2021 school year under the act.

In Massachusetts, updates to the IEP form include encouraging collaboration between family members and educators when creating IEPs, taking account of a student's English proficiency, and ensuring that each IEP has a plan for transition, a process wherein students with special education needs prepare for education after high school. In Massachusetts, mandated transition planning must begin no later than the students 14th birthday. These changes are particularly relevant in Massachusetts, where more than 19% of the students across the state, have a disability.

According to Pam Nourse, the executive director of the Federation for Children with Special Needs, these changes are only the beginning of the advancements that are needed to ensure all students receive quality public education. While the form is certainly an improvement, we still have a ways to go to ensure that every student has access to a free and appropriate public education, as promised in IDEA almost 50 years ago, Norse told Teen Vogue. We need to strengthen family engagement between schools and families. We need better support for students and families who speak other languages. Families need more information about their rights and possibilities for their students. All teachers, including general education teachers, should understand each students IEP.

Similar changes are being introduced in states across the country. In Connecticut, recent IEP-related changes entailed the creation of a portal that allows families to access their students IEP and other educational information. Allan Solis, a special education teacher in Connecticut, told Teen Vogue that while he endorses the changes to special education protocol in the state, the implementation process has had its challenges. I understand the goal is to have teachers come up with higher-quality IEPs, which is a good thing, and Ill cosign on that, he said. Unfortunately the database system itself has been very challenging, and the training is not as good as it could be. Its tough because its replacing a system weve had for a number of years. I know this is all new, and hopefully people are troubleshooting all that and will make it better.

Solis said that one of the changes to Connecticuts new IEP is ensuring that the learning plans goals and objectives are aligned with the students grade level. While well-meaning, he says this push to ensure all students have the same educational opportunities can contribute to a uniform curriculum that pushes some students with cognitive disabilities beyond what they are comfortable learning.

Lets say theres a third grade student who needs to know fractions, because thats what is typically on a third-grade curriculum, he said. But Ive taught third-grade students who cannot effectively identify numbers yet, or another who can count up to 20 but then stops. Is this a child we should be teaching fractions to? There are often certain skills that need to be mastered before we meet grade level standards. I think this policy is something that needs to be looked at again and discussed further because for some students with cognitive issues, pushing to learn at grade level is not appropriate for them.

The special education teachers who spoke with Teen Vogue agreed that revamps to IEPs in Massachusetts and Connecticut are surely a step in the right direction. However, as many special education programs across the United States lack adequate funding, resources, and educators, there is still a long way to go to ensure educational equity for disabled students.

Students of all ages know if their needs are not being met in their classroom and are able to tell or show you ways that we can create a better environment together, said Livingston. I think the real change will be the effect these new policies have over the course of many years of students feeling that their voice is heard and the progress that theyre able to make because of the environment they feel valued in. I hope that creating a new, more inclusive IEP document will reassure children of all ages that their voice is heard and appreciated in making decisions about their lives.

Stay up-to-date with the politics team. Sign up for the Teen Vogue Take

Originally Appeared on Teen Vogue

Check out more Teen Vogue education coverage:
Elle Macpherson. Stephane Cardinale - Corbis/Getty Images

Legendary model Elle Macpherson has appeared in 10 SI Swimsuit Issues over the years, starting with her debut in 1985, when she posed for Brian Lanker in Australia, and most recently in 2006, which landed her the magazines cover after posing for Raphael Mazzucco in the Bahamas.

Shes graced the publications cover five times in all, including three consecutive covers between 1986 and 88. In addition to her modeling career, the 59-year-old has also ventured into wellness entrepreneurship and is the proud mom of two.

On July 27, Macpherson shared a photo with her 704,000 Instagram followers in which she showcased herself getting back to her rootsliterally. The model sat perched in a tree as she arched her back along the trunk in a summery white sundress.

The most sacred learning that Ive received from nature is that we are nature, she wrote in her caption. We are one and the same. We are the beauty of the trees, we are the whisper in the wind, we are the taste of the salt from the sea, and the rhythm of the waves. We are the beauty of a flower blossom and the richness of the soil and its microbiome. We are nature.

She credited photographer Leia Vita Marasovich with the snap and included a link to an article in her profile for more thoughts on her connection to nature.

Make sure to follow SI Swimsuit on YouTube!
Library of Congress



"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."



In Christopher Nolan's new epic Oppenheimer, Florence Pugh portrays Jean Tatlock, J. Robert Oppenheimer's lover who meets a tragic end when she dies by suicide. Though Pugh is barely in the three hour plus film, her performance is impactful, and leaves the viewer wanting more.

If you got out of the movie theaters and immediately thought to Google Jean Tatlock, you're in the right place. Here's the true story of the woman depicted on screen:

She was a psychiatrist.

Jean Frances Tatlock was the daughter of John Strong Perry Tatlock, a professor of English, and Marjorie Tatlock (nee Fenton). Born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Tatlock went to Cambridge Rindge and Latin School in Cambridge, Massachusetts before enrolling in Vassar. She graduated in 1935 and then went to Berkeley to complete prerequisites for medical school. Later, she attended Stanford Medical School, where she graduated in 1941 as a psychiatrist.

She was a member of the Communist Party.

While at Stanford, Tatlock wrote for the Western Worker, the Communist Party's west coast periodical.

Tatlock met J. Robert Oppenheimer in Berkley in 1936.

At the time, she was a graduate student and Oppenheimer was a physics professor. Oppenheimer described their relationship during his 1954 security hearing as follows:

In the spring of 1936, I had been introduced by friends to Jean Tatlock, the daughter of a noted professor of English at the university; and in the autumn, I began to court her, and we grew close to each other. We were at least twice close enough to marriage to think of ourselves as engaged. Between 1939 and her death in 1944 I saw her very rarely. She told me about her Communist Party memberships; they were on again, off again affairs, and never seemed to provide for her what she was seeking. I do not believe that her interests were really political. She loved this country and its people and its life. She was, as it turned out, a friend of many fellow travelers and Communists, with a number of whom I was later to become acquainted.

Story continues

Oppenheimer reportedly proposed to Tatlock twice. After he wed Kitty Harrison, the scientist still saw Tatlock a few times, and some historians believe he had an affair with Tatlock while working on the Manhattan Project.

Furthermore, Tatlock introduced Oppenheimer to John Donne's poetry. It's possible that Oppenheimer named the "Trinity" test as a tribute to her and the verse.

She questioned her sexuality.

Tatlock reportedly wondered whether or not she was gay. According to An Atomic Love Story by Shirley Streshinsky and Patricia Klaus, she wrote to a friend, "there was a period when I thought I was homosexual. I still am, in a way, forced to believe it, but really, logically, I am sure that I can't be because of my un-masculinity."

There's some mystery around her 1944 death.

While Jean was being treated at Mount Zion hospital in San Francisco for depression, her father found her dead in her apartment. There was an unsigned suicide note, which read, "I am disgusted with everything... To those who loved me and helped me, all love and courage. I wanted to live and to give and I got paralyzed somehow. I tried like hell to understand and couldn't... I think I would have been a liability all my lifeat least I could take away the burden of a paralyzed soul from a fighting world." Most agree Tatlock died by suicide.

Shop Now American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer $15.99 amazon.com

But some historiansincluding Kai Bird and Martin Sherwin, authors of American Prometheus, which forms the basis for Nolan's Oppenheimerquestion her death.

"According to the coroner, Tatlock had eaten a full meal shortly before her death," Bird and Sherwin write. "If it was her intention to drug and then drown herself, as a doctor she had to have known that undigested food slows the metabolizing of drugs into the system. The autopsy report contains no evidence that the barbiturates had reached her liver or other vital organs. Neither does the report indicate whether she had taken a sufficiently large dose of barbiturates to cause death. To the contrary, as previously noted, the autopsy determined that the cause of death was asphyxiation by drowning."

The authors continue, "These curious circumstances are suspicious enoughbut the disturbing information contained in the autopsy report is the assertion that the coroner found 'a faint trace of chloral hydrate' in her system. If administered with alcohol, chloral hydrate is the active ingredient of what was then commonly called a 'Mickey Finn'knockout drops. In short, several investigators have speculated, Jean may have been 'slipped a Mickey,' and then forcibly drowned in her bathtub."

Of course, this is all speculation; Bird and Sherwin agree there's not enough evidence to definitively say one way or another.

You Might Also Like
Emma Di Palma and her father on a trip in Portugal. Emma Di Palma

Emma Di Palma's boyfriend broke up with her a week before their planned trip to Portugal.

She originally planned to go alone, but her dad offered to come with her.

They ended up growing closer from the trip and he helped her talk through the breakup.

For a little over two months, Emma Di Palma was planning a 10-day trip to Portugal with her live-in boyfriend. They would explore the southern part of the city and end their vacation in Lisbon.

The couple had been dating for a year and had four cats together. Then, a week before their flight, he broke up with her.

"It was a huge shock to me," The 23-year-old told Insider. "I definitely didn't see it coming  no arguments or whatever."

But amidst the breakup aftermath, Di Palma said she never thought to cancel the trip. "Of course I was sad, but that's not going to stop me from living my life and being able to travel, because it just brings me a lot of joy, too." She asked her ex to cancel his ticket and anything else he purchased on his own.

Originally, she planned to go alone. But her dad, who was recently retired, sensed that she was nervous about flying to Europe by herself for the first time. So, he offered to come with her and bought his ticket a few days before the trip. Di Palma shared her story on TikTok, where it resonated with millions of viewers.

It was her first time going on vacation with only her dad

While Di Palma had been on vacation with her mom and sister before, she'd never gone solely with her dad. He recently went to Italy with her sister and wanted to do a father-daughter trip with Di Palma as well, so the timing was perfect.

"I wasn't sure  'Are we going to get on each other's nerves, at the end of the vacation? Are we going to get fed up?'" she recalled. "But no, he was just really easygoing and we have similar personalities, so it was really fun."

Story continues

Emma Di Palma

Di Palma had done a bit of research before the trip, planning hikes and beach visits. She said her dad was happy to do all of it with her.

"He kept saying, 'This is your vacation, this is your trip,'" Di Palma said.

It also helped that they have similar tastes: Di Palma said her mother and sister hate seafood, while her and her dad love it, so they were able to enjoy much of Portugal's cuisine together.

They opened up about their lives and grew even closer

One of the best parts of the trip was bonding with her dad. Di Palma said that growing up, her father  an Italian-Catholic son of immigrant parents  was "very, very protective" of her as his first-born child.

"It kind of put a strain on our relationship when I was a teenager, having a really strict dad," she said.

As she got older, she realized it was his way of showing his love, and the trip brought them even closer. On hikes and over dinners, she'd gotten a chance to learn about his life when he was in his 20s.

Emma Di Palma

"I had never asked him questions about before me and my sister were born  what were things that he enjoyed doing when he was my age?" Di Palma said. "We would sit down and order a bottle of white wine and just have these long conversations about life. I would ask him questions and he was just really opening up to me, too."

They also talked about her breakup, with her dad reassuring her that her 20s are a pivotal time for her to figure out what makes her happy.

"Not a lot of people can say that they've vacationed just with their dad in their 20s," Di Palma said. "It's definitely a trip that I'll remember for the rest of my life."

Read the original article on Insider
Earlier today, New Zealand Avalanche Advisory issued a high avalanche danger warning in the Tongariro Region.

In the past 72 hours, the region, home to Tongariro National Park, has received heavy snowfall.

Ski patrollers working for Ruapehu Alpine Lifts (RAL) -- a company that operates the Turoa and Whakapapa ski areas on the flanks of Tongariro National Park's Mt. Ruapehu -- have explosive-triggered multiple avalanches over the past two days. One avalanche was 656 feet wide and 4.5 feet deep.

The most significant avalanche problems in the region are storm slabs and wind slabs. New Zealand Avalanche Advisory recommends against high alpine backcountry travel around Tongariro until avalanche conditions improve.

To read the full advisory, click here.

While high-danger avalanche warnings aren't exactly good news, there's a silver lining here: both Mt. Ruapehu's ski areas -- Turoa and Whakapapa -- are receiving plenty of snow.

It's Saturday morning in New Zealand at the time of writing this, and the crews at Turoa and Whakapapa are working to open as many lifts as possible. Most of the lifts at Whakapapa will be open, whereas a handful of lifts at Turoa are on-hold while the patrol crew undergoes avalanche mitigation.

As always, stay safe out there, folks! If you plan to head into the backcountry, check the forecast and do your preparation homework. When you're in the mountains, you play by their rules.

Don't miss another headline from POWDER! Subscribe to our newsletter and stay connected with the latest happenings in the world of skiing.

We're always on the lookout for amusing, interesting and engaging ski-related videos to feature on our channels. Whether you're a professional or just an amateur, we want to see your best footage and help you share it with the world. Submit your video for a chance to be featured on POWDER and our social channels. Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel to watch high-quality ski videos.
Niger's putschists named an army general as the new leader of the unstable jihadist-hit nation on Friday, the third day since elected President Mohamed Bazoum was detained, and The European Union on Friday threatened to cut aid to Niger after the announcement.





General Abdourahamane Tchiani, head of the Presidential Guard since 2011, read a statement on national TV as the "president of the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland".

The general presented the coup as a response to "the degradation of the security situation" linked to jihadist bloodshed.

General Tchiani said that while Bazoum had sought to convince people that "all is going well... the harsh reality (is) a pile of dead, displaced, humiliation and frustration".

"The security approach today has not brought security to the country despite heavy sacrifices," he said.

Bazoum and his family have been confined since Wednesday morning to their residence at the presidential palace located within the Guard's military camp.

He is said to be in good health and has been able to talk by telephone to other heads of state including Macron.

Former colonial master France said hours earlier that it did not consider the coup "final", adding there was time for plotters to heed international calls to leave democratically-elected Bazoum in office.

France does not recognize the leaders of the putsch who claim to have seized power in Niger and considers President Mohamed Bazoum the country's sole leader, the French foreign ministry said Friday.

Bazoum, "democratically elected by the people of Niger, is the only president of the Republic of Niger", it said in a statement. "France does not recognise the authorities resulting from the putsch led by General (Abdourahamane) Tchiani."

French President Emmanuel Macron described the events in Niamey as a coup affecting the wider Sahel region as Western powers scramble to preserve a key ally in the insurgent-stricken region.

"This coup is completely illegitimate and profoundly dangerous, for Nigeriens, for Niger and for the whole region," Macron said, calling for Bazoum's release.

"The EU condemns in the strongest terms the coup in Niger. The events of recent days constitute a serious attack on stability and democracy in Niger," a statement said.

"Any breakdown in the constitutional order will have consequences for cooperation between the EU and Niger, including the immediate suspension of all budgetary support."

Niger's putschists named an army general as the new leader of the jihadist-plagued nation on Friday, days after the elected president was detained.

EU member states insisted Bazoum's security and freedom of movement must be "guaranteed unconditionally".

They said they were coordinating closely with leaders from African regional bloc ECOWAS over the crisis.

The coup in Niger deals a blow for the EU's attempts to find reliable partners in the volatile Sahel region following putsches in neighbouring Mali and Burkina Faso.

The bloc launched a military cooperation mission in Niger this year to help train its armed forces as they fight jihadists.

The EU's foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, in early July called Niger a "haven of stability" on a visit to Niamey during which he announced a further 66 million euros ($73 million) in government aid.

"Our partnership with Niger is solid and continues to strengthen in all areas," Borrell said at the time.

The Guard's chiefs staged the coup and on Thursday they won broad army support.

Armed forces chief General Abdou Sidikou Issa swung his weight behind the putschists saying it was "in order to avoid a deadly confrontation".

The latest target of a coup in Africa's turbulent Sahel, Bazoum has tried to stand his ground as condemnations swelled from African and international organisations, allies Germany and the United States, as well as France.

"The hard-won (democratic) gains will be safeguarded," Bazoum said on Twitter, which is being rebranded as X.

French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna had held out hope for Bazoum's position.

"If you hear me talking about an attempted coup, it's because we don't consider things final," she said. "There is still a way out if those responsible listen to the international community."

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) would hold a summit "probably on Sunday", where "possible sanctions could be decided", Colonna said.

Former colonial power France, which has 1,500 soldiers in Niger, would support sanctions.

ECOWAS has demanded Bazoum's "immediate release", saying he "remains the legitimate and legal President of Niger".

Kenyan President William Ruto on Friday condemned the coup in Niger, calling the army takeover of the unstable jihadist-hit nation "a serious setback" for Africa.

"On Wednesday Africa suffered a serious setback in its democratic gains as the aspirations of the people of Niger for constitutional democracy were subverted by an unconstitutional change of government that deposed Mohamed Bazoum, a democratically elected president," Ruto said in a video message.

The coup threatens to starkly reshape the international communitys engagement with the Sahel region.

On Thursday, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris said the country's substantial cooperation with the Government of Niger is contingent on Nigers continued commitment to democratic standards."

The United States in early 2021 said it had provided Niger with more than $500 million in military assistance and training programs since 2012, one of the largest such support programs in sub-Saharan Africa. The European Union earlier this year launched a 27 million-euro ($30 million) military training mission in Niger.

The United States has more than 1,000 service personnel in the country.

Pro-coup demonstrations

The landlocked state is one of the world's poorest. Since gaining independence in 1960, it has seen four coups as well as numerous other attempts -- including two previously against Bazoum.

The 63-year-old is one of a dwindling group of elected presidents and pro-Western leaders in the Sahel, where a jihadist insurgency has triggered coups in Mali and Burkina Faso.

Their juntas have forced out French troops, and in Mali the ruling military has woven a close alliance with Russia.

"What happened in Niger is nothing more than the struggle of the people of Niger against colonisers, who tried to impose their own rules of life," Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin appeared to say Thursday night in a message shared by a Russian body linked to the mercenary group.

While the voice in the audio message resembles Prigozhin's, AFP was unable to confirm its authenticity.

The coup plotters had on Thursday urged "the population to remain calm", after young men ransacked Bazoum's PNDS party headquarters, setting fire to vehicles.

They had split off from a 1,000 people, mostly youngsters, who had demonstrated in the capital.

Some held Russian flags and chanted anti-French and pro-Moscow slogans.

"We want the same thing as in Mali and Burkina Faso," shouted 19-year-old student Alassane Alhousseini.

"We want to take our destiny in our own hands."

Despite the violence and an army ban on demonstrations, a coalition of parties opposed to Bazoum have called for a show of support Friday for the "motivations" of the putschists "while disapproving of all change by force".

Bazoum took office after elections two years ago, in Niger's first peaceful transition since independence.

The country of 22 million is two-thirds desert and frequently ranks at the bottom of the UN's Human Development Index.

It faces two insurgent campaigns: one which swept in from Mali in 2015 and the other involving jihadists from Nigeria.

Search Keywords:

Short link:


The battle over who controls the Boilermakers union erupted outside the federal courthouse in Kansas City, Kansas, Thursday afternoon following a hearing on whether Newton Jones will remain international president after being ousted by the unions top executives.

Two dozen rank-and-file members confronted Jones as he left the courthouse.

Prison for the president! some chanted, holding signs with a photo of Jones and the words Not my President.

We do not trust you, said Adam Mendenhall, of Kansas City-based Local 83, who started the chant. Youre a snake. You guys are crooks! Youre a scam, Newt. The membership wants you gone.

Jones, dressed in a dark suit and maroon tie and holding a copy of the unions constitution, stood there for several minutes while the shouting continued. He described his ouster as a coup.

Im sorry that you guys feel that way, he said quietly, adding that everything hed done had been in the interest of all union members.

I think the vice presidents have worked very hard to do a good job, he said. However, he added, I think weve got crossways.

At the end of the day, the question of whos in charge of the union remained unresolved. Chief Judge Eric F. Melgren, of the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas, said he needed to study the matter further before issuing a ruling.

I have a couple matters I think need a bit more development on my end before I can rule, he said. He said he would issue a written order promptly but wasnt more specific on when that would be.

At issue Thursday was whether the international vice presidents who voted to remove Jones had properly notified him of a May 30 hearing on internal charges filed against him and whether the three who voted constituted a majority of a quorum.

The courtroom was packed, with some forced to listen to the hearing via an audio feed in an overflow room.

The case of the dueling Boilermakers presidents landed in federal court last month, but after an intense hearing, Melgren said then that another hearing was needed.

Story continues

He issued an interim preliminary injunction that kept Jones in power at least until Thursdays hearing. But the judge also placed restrictions on the longtime union president that were designed to keep his spending in check.

The unions infighting became public in early June when its top executives voted to remove Jones over allegations of misusing union funds for personal gain. Since then, theres been an ongoing conflict over who is in control.

At the June hearing, Melgren ordered a stay of the actions by the unions executive council to oust Jones as president and the councils decision to elect retired international vice president Warren Fairley to replace Jones.

But Melgren also ordered that any efforts to remove the executive council members from office for expelling Jones be stopped. And he said that Jones action to remove them from other appointments, such as committees and trust funds, would be stayed, saying it was clearly done in retaliation for the officers ousting him.

Melgren said at the end of Thursdays hearing that his June order would remain in place until he issued the next one.

The allegations against Jones went public after three members of the unions executive council  Tom Baca, of California; Arnie Stadnick, of Canada; and Timothy Simmons, of Alabama  issued a decision June 2 to remove Jones from office. The council ruled that Jones had violated a section in Article 17 of the Boilermakers constitution that deals with the misappropriation of funds.

Another executive council member, John Fultz, of New York, was not eligible to participate in the decision because he filed the internal disciplinary charges against Jones that led to his removal. The councils fifth executive council member, Lawrence McManamon Sr., of Ohio, did not attend the hearing at which the decision was made, nor did he vote to remove Jones. The executive council is composed of the unions five international vice presidents and Jones.

The unions executive council found that Jones ordered the union to give his wife, Kateryna, more than $100,000 plus benefits in back pay for apparently no union purpose while she was living in the Ukraine and spent more than $20,000 in union funds for flights to Ukraine to visit his wife and to go to the home which he owns in the Ukraine.

Jones and his wife also turned in about $40,000 in receipts for meals for them and other family members when at their home in North Carolina  some quite lavish and expensive  with no justification for the expenses, the executive council found.

Jones, 69, has denied misusing union funds and said the executive council had no authority under the unions constitution to dismiss him.

The union represents about 46,000 workers in the United States and Canada who assemble, install and repair boilers, fit pipes and build power plants and ships.

During the June 20 hearing, Melgren wanted to know what Jones wife did for the union. The unions attorney, Michael Amash, said she was a special assistant to Jones.

Whats her salary level? the judge asked. He appeared surprised when the executive councils attorneys said it was $165,000.

During the confrontation outside the courthouse Thursday, Mendenhall asked Jones why his wife is on the payroll.

Shes my trusted assistant, he said.

What does the average boilermaker make a year? Mendenhall shot back.

The case ended up in federal court in Kansas City, Kansas, after the union filed a civil suit against Baca, Stadnick and Simmons, requesting a temporary restraining order and then an injunction to prohibit Jones removal. Though the lawsuit was filed by the union, many members say it doesnt represent their feelings and they want no part of it.

The union executives fought back, filing a counterclaim against Jones, his wife and International Secretary-Treasurer William Creeden. They asked the court for a temporary restraining order followed by an injunction enforcing their decision to remove Jones.

The counterclaim alleged that Jones misappropriated hundreds of thousands of dollars from the union and its members. But instead of putting a stop to the practice, it said, Creeden authorized the transactions. And because Baca, Stadnick, Simmons and Fultz participated in the internal disciplinary process that led to Jones ouster, they said, Jones had engaged in a campaign of retaliation against them.

Jones limited their travel, the document said, and removed them from long-held appointed leadership positions. And he filed internal disciplinary charges against Baca, Stadnick, Simmons and Fultz, accusing them of violating the unions constitution.

Prior to Thursdays hearing, a group of rank-and-file boilermakers  some traveling from Colorado, Ohio, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Arizona and Texas  rallied in support of Jones removal.

Robert Zimmerman, of Local 29 in Boston, said he was anxious to see if Jones would show up for the hearing.

This is very important, he said. We need to get the corruption out. Its a handful of guys spending money thats not even theirs. Its the working mans money.

Jared Moss, of Local 132 in Galveston, Texas, attended the hearing in June and returned for the one Thursday.

Hopefully, theyll wrap this thing up today, Moss said. Its beyond time for Jones to go. You leave people in power for too long, corruption settles in.
HARLINGEN, Texas  When President Joe Biden lifted the pandemic-era border restriction known as Title 42 in May, government officials expected a steep increase in the number of migrants coming into the United States.

The worst-case scenarios didnt happen, and the administration has been touting a 42% drop in illegal border crossings since May.

But the reality at the border is more nuanced: The number of migrants arriving in the U.S. is still high, multiple law enforcement sources said. And the Biden administration has been ramping up deportations.

A central part of that effort could be seen here on the tarmac at an airport in the Rio Grande Valley, where on Wednesday morning, more than 100 migrants  mostly women and children  were stepping off buses and onto a chartered plane that would take them back to Honduras.

The flight is run by ICE Air, a program that charters multiple planes each week from several states to send migrants back to their home countries.

According to the Department of Homeland Security, about 85,000 migrants have been repatriated since Title 42 was lifted. Thats up 65% since the same period last year, which saw 51,246. During the same period the previous year, there were 33,087 repatriations, according to it.

The Department is sending a clear message about the consequences of coming to the United States and seeking asylum improperly, said Miguel Vergara, ICE Harlingen field office director.

More migrant crossings are also being classified as legal because theyre scheduling screening appointments at ports of entry on a mobile app. Still, the number of migrant families with children crossing the southern border has nearly tripled in the past two months, raising concerns of yet another overall uptick in crossings.

A grandmother holds her 2-year-old in Matamoros, Mexico, as her family waits for an appointment to present themselves at the Brownsville, Texas, port of entry. (Gabe Gutierrez / NBC News)

Our approach of expanding lawful pathways for people to reach the border and delivering consequences for those who arrive at our border irregularly is working, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said Wednesday in testimony before the House Judiciary Committee.

Story continues

But his assurances were met with skepticism from Republican lawmakers, many of whom are calling for his impeachment and saying he has not done his job.

The reason theyre showing up at the ports of entry is because youve got the turnstile open, Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., said. So long as theyve downloaded this app, you just let them in.

Mayorkas testimony came a day after a federal judge blocked the Biden administrations new, stricter asylum policy, which supporters had cited as a key factor in reducing the number of illegal border crossings. (The judge stayed his decision for 14 days, leaving the asylum policy in place while the federal government appealed the decision.)

The Biden administration insists the immigration process is now more orderly. But critics say that the drop in illegal crossings is misleading, and that migrants have instead been pushed to ports of entry and are now just being classified differently.

Migrants are now required to schedule screening appointments using the CBP One mobile app, which has drawn criticism and complaints that it was frustrating to use. The app was updated in May and more appointments were added. According to a senior Customs and Border Protection official, federal authorities are now booking 1,450 appointments daily across the southern border. That compares to 300-400 a day during the early 2010s, the official said, adding that an extra 500 CBP officers have been sent to the southern border to support expanded processing efforts.

Migrants at the Hidalgo, Texas, port of entry wait for the screening appointment they scheduled on the CBP One mobile app. (Gabe Gutierrez / NBC News)

The CBP official said most migrants were getting appointments within eight weeks, but some migrants are telling a different story as they struggle to apply for asylum.

A tent camp in Matamoros, Mexico, has swelled to more than 1,000 people. Migrant children play in the dirt as the stench of sewage hangs in the air, baking in the almost 100 degrees Fahrenheit heat. One woman said she fears being sexually assaulted at night in the camp, just steps from the U.S. port of entry.

A tent camp in Matamoros, Mexico, just feet from the Texas border has between 1,000-1,200 people. (Gabe Gutierrez / NBC News)

Gladys Canas, who runs the group Ayudandoles a Triunfar  a migrant advocacy group  spoke to migrants and warned them not to cross into the U.S. illegally because theyd risk being ineligible for asylum.

The psychological stress that has permeated the entire camp is high, she said. They are all stressed and anxious due to a lack of appointments.

NBC News spoke with dozens of migrants who said they found the CBP One mobile app exceedingly difficult to use and would repeatedly get error messages.

Alvaro Andres Rodriguez Anez said hed been trying for 20 days with no luck.

I need money to eat and to help my family in Venezuela, he said. Im desperate because for 20 days  nothing.

Alvaro Andres Rodriguez Anez, a migrant at a tent camp in Matamoros, Mexico, gets an

Other migrants said theyd been trying to secure an appointment to present themselves at the port of entry for months. Still, many acknowledged that the Biden administrations new policy of making it harder for migrants who cross illegally to apply for asylum was a factor in waiting across the border  no matter how challenging it was to get an appointment.

Under the blistering sun, Enrique Blanco, 34, from Venezuela, was in agony. He said severe pain was shooting up his torso and leg. Volunteers at the camp frantically called an ambulance for him and carried him away on a stretcher.

If I die, he sobbed, I hope, please, that I dont die in vain.

Canas, the migrant advocate, hugged Blancos face as he was loaded on a stretcher, trying to reassure him. You are not going to die, she whispered.

Many women and children in this camp need help, he said.

Gladys Canas, a migrant advocate, comforts Enrique Blanco, 34, who was loaded onto an ambulance after complaining of severe leg pains while staying at a tent camp in Matamoros, Mexico.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
As Florida Gov. Ron DeSantiss presidential campaign stumbles, high-powered GOP figures are turning their attention to another well-known governor: Glenn Youngkin of Virginia.

Youngkins approval rating just hit an all-time high, according to a recent poll in which 57% of Virginia voters said they approved of their governors job performance. The same survey found DeSantiss popularity had slipped between the start of the year and this summer, with his approval rating dropping four points among Florida Republicans and two points among all voters in the state.

This favorability, along with Youngkins record-breaking fundraising efforts, has upped speculation about a 2024 presidential campaign. And some party leaders are increasingly hopeful.

Youngkin, whose entry to politics was his gubernatorial win in 2021, said hes honored by the attention but that his current focus is on Virginia and the states legislative elections this November.

It's really humbling when people talk about 2024 and a national role for me. And I thank them, and then I reiterate that I've got a big job to do here," Youngkin told USA TODAY.

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin speaks to members of the press inside the Rotunda of the state Capitol building on Feb. 25 in Richmond, Va.

Here are the big names crossing their fingers, nonetheless.

Wealthy ex-DeSantis donor backs Youngkin

Billionaire businessman Thomas Peterffy has put his wealth and verbal support behind Youngkin, calling him an ideal candidate for the GOP.

I very much hope that hes going to enter the race. People I speak to are all favorably inclined towards him, Peterffy told Fox Business Wednesday. If he entered, I think there would be tremendous enthusiasm."

Peterffy added that he does not believe any of the Republican candidates, including former President Donald Trump, will be able to win the general election. They are, I think, much too extreme, he said.

Once a major funder of DeSantiss campaign, Peterffy halted his contributions back in April over issues with the Florida governors stances on abortion and book banning.

Story continues

Media mogul ditches DeSantis, looks to Youngkin

Rupert Murdoch and his media empire are hoping for a Youngkin run, the New York Times reported earlier this month.

The owner of Fox News, the Wall Street Journal and New York Post, Murdoch seemed to have once supported DeSantis as the 2024 nominee. However, that relationship looks to have soured, and Murdochs outlets have become increasingly critical of the Florida governor of late.

Trump, who fell out of Murdochs favor after 2020, and his campaign boasted about the recent turn of events.

In no uncertain terms, Rupert Murdoch made clear that Ron DeSantis is his golden boy, no longer, Trumps team wrote in a press release Tuesday.

Youngkin has support from Trump's Cabinet

Wilbur Ross, former commerce secretary to Trump, will host top donors and party leaders at his Hamptons mansion Friday for a chance to listen to Youngkin talk about how hes going to take over the Virginia legislature, according to the invitation.

While explicitly not a fundraiser, the event gives key party figures the opportunity to meet the governor and potentially boost Youngkin's national profile.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: DeSantis donors leave for Glenn Youngkin. Is Youngkin running in 2024?
Trustees for First Church, 131 NW 4 in Oklahoma City, filed a lawsuit on June 1 claiming state United Methodist Conference leaders kept the church from disaffiliating in April.

State United Methodist leaders have appealed a judge's ruling against them in a disaffiliation dispute with an Oklahoma City church.

Oklahoma United Methodist Conference leaders said their First Amendment rights were violated when a judge ruled that they intentionally prevented First United Methodist Church of Oklahoma City from disaffiliating in April alongside 55 other churches. They are asking the Oklahoma Supreme Court to overturn the judge's ruling.

Oklahoma County District Court Judge Aletia Timmons ordered conference leaders to redo a special disaffiliation meeting held in April. As part of her July 17 ruling, Timmons ordered the conference, led by Bishop Jimmy Nunn, to host the special meeting by Aug. 6 to give First Church members the opportunity to have their disaffiliation request formally ratified, an opportunity she said they were denied. Conference leaders are asking Timmons to stay her order until their appeal is decided. Timmons is expected to rule on the request for a stay on Monday.

In a statement on Thursday, regional conference leaders pushed back at Timmons' ruling, arguing that the disaffiliation impasse should be decided internally and civil courts have no jurisdiction in the matter.

More: What we know: Oklahoma churches seeking to cut ties with United Methodist denomination

"The ruling blatantly interferes with an internal church process protected under the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment of the United States Constitution," conference leaders said in their statement. "It represents a threat to all institutions of faith because, if this ruling stands, no church or religious body is free from potential interference in its self-governance by secular courts. The Oklahoma Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church will continue to fight to defend its rights as a religious organization and the rights of its members and local churches to the free exercise of their faith."

Story continues

Timmons said her ruling was based on neutral principles of law applicable to a property dispute, "without deciding any religious questions and without intruding upon legitimate ecclesiastical autonomy." First Church trustees filed a lawsuit on June 1 claiming conference leaders kept the church from disaffiliating in April. If the church had been allowed to disaffiliate at that time, the exiting congregation would have been allowed to cut ties with the denomination and still retain $30 million in property and assets, including the First Church building at 131 NW 4.

Among other things, Timmons said that conference leaders failed to give a credible explanation for requiring that a study be conducted to assess First Church's financial and ministerial viability only after the church declared its intention to end its affiliation with the United Methodist Church.

Timmons said evidence produced in a hearing that lasted over three days failed to show the conference had reason to question First Church's viability.

"It looked like it was done to slow down First Church's ability to disaffiliate," she said.

Hardy Patton, a First Church trustee said the congregation, buoyed by Timmons' ruling, remained hopeful that the disaffiliation dispute ultimately would be resolved in their favor.

"We're absolutely prayerful," Patton said Thursday. "I think there's a lot more hope now that had not previously existed."

He shared his personal opinion that the conference's appeal amounted to a "last ditch effort" to keep First Church from parting ways with the United Methodist Church.

Bishop Jimmy Nunn listens to debate April 22 during a special called conference meeting of the Oklahoma United Methodist Conference at Church of the Servant in Oklahoma City.

Appeal is latest part of schism in United Methodist Church

The appeal and effort to get Timmons to hold off on her order are among the latest twists in the First Church dispute.

The developments are part of the schism taking place in the international United Methodist Church  the nation's second-largest Protestant faith group and one of Oklahoma's largest faith organizations.

More: A look at First Church's history History of First United Methodist Church of Oklahoma City

Disagreement about the scriptural compatibility of same-sex marriage and the ordination of openly gay clergy is at the heart of the divide. The issues are coming to a head for many churches, prompting them to seek to leave the denomination. In 2019, a special provision known as Paragraph 2553 was approved by the denomination's General Conference to give a "gracious exit" to churches in disagreement over "human sexuality." As part of this special provision, churches wishing to exit have until Dec. 31 to take part in a special disaffiliation process allowing them to sever ties and take their church properties and assets with them.

In Oklahoma, 84 churches already have disaffiliated since 2022. This includes two churches who were the largest United Methodist houses of worship in the state: St. Luke's in Oklahoma City and Tulsa's Asbury Church.

The majority of the 84 churches that have severed ties with the denomination are considered traditionalist or conservative churches who agreed with the United Methodist Church's current ban on same-sex marriage and gay clergy, but wanted to exit the denomination because they were frustrated with contentious debates on the issue and because they worried that the denomination will take a more liberal stance in the future. First Church trustee Patton has said his congregation is considered a traditionalist congregation, along with most of the other Oklahoma congregations that have disaffiliated. St. Luke's, which had been the largest United Methodist church in the state, was a notable exception because its clergy leaders said they disagreed with the same-sex marriage and gay ordination ban and what they considered harsh penalties for individuals who violated the prohibition.

More: First Church-OKC disaffiliation First Church files suit over property

'Do the right thing'

Conference leaders initially sent an email to the 365 churches in the Oklahoma United Methodist conference to tell them about Timmons' order for the special disaffiliation meeting.

A key and unprecedented stipulation of the ruling was that Nunn needed to ask delegates of churches that disaffiliated in April to return for the meeting to consider First Church's exit request. Along those lines, delegates from the 55 disaffiliated churches received an email from the conference on Tuesday, explaining the judge's ruling and asking the churches' delegates to attend the special called conference gathering set for Aug. 6 in the Kirkpatrick Auditorium at Oklahoma City University. Alan Herzberger, a spokesman for the conference, said the 55 churches that disaffiliated in April were represented by 126 delegates  73 lay delegates and 53 clergy delegates.

More: United Methodist split in Oklahoma The United Methodist church is facing a split - Here's what we know

Patton said First Church hopes delegates from both the remaining United Methodist churches and those churches that disaffiliated will approve the congregation's disaffiliation request. He said First Church delegates who attended the April disaffiliation meeting voted to ratify the requests of the 55 exit-seeking churches at that time.

"We're just asking people to do the right thing," he said. "We're not asking for special treatment. We're just asking to be treated the same as churches that were disaffiliated in April because the whole purpose of (Paragraph) 2553 was to give a gracious exit."

Patton said Timmons clearly stated in her ruling that regional conference leaders had violated their own disaffiliation process and "harmed our congregation."

Patton said there was "plenty of precedent" for Timmons to consider First Church's lawsuit because the dispute essentially boiled down to a property matter rather than an ecclesiastical matter.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma United Methodist leaders appeal First Church OKC ruling
A funding dispute between lawmakers who've been working for decades in a bipartisan effort to create a national Latino museum underscores the challenges around defining U.S. Latino history amid increasingly partisan culture wars.

Republicans who pushed to defund the Smithsonian's upcoming National Museum of the American Latino and the Molina Family Latino Gallery  a small space inside the National Museum of American History used for temporary exhibits featuring Latino history may be having a change of heart after seemingly reaching some common ground with Smithsonian leadership this week.

Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Fla., and Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-Texas, co-chairs of the Congressional Hispanic Conference, led a meeting Tuesday with Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III and his staff after feeling "deeply disappointed and offended" by a bilingual exhibit titled Presente! A Latino History of the United States, they said in a joint statement Wednesday evening.

The exhibit in question was promoted as a preview of the national Latino museums potential when it opened last year at the Molina Family Latino Gallery.

But shortly after its debut, conservative Latinos criticized the exhibit for elevating leftist ideologues, celebrating LGBTQ Latinos and advancing the classic oppressor-oppressed agenda, among other concerns. They called for the national Latino museums defunding.

These concerns reached the House Appropriations Committee this month. In a mostly party-line vote, the committee approved a Republican bill that included zeroing out federal funding for the planning, design, or construction of the national Latino museum and the operation of the Molina Family Latino Gallery.

Defunding the museum now may mean that it may be delayed 10 more years, Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn., said during a committee hearing last week.

But after Tuesdays meeting, Diaz-Balart and Gonzales said the Smithsonian showed serious commitment to rectifying its actions. Procedural changes in the review of content and leadership have been made, effectively opening the door to allow funding to go further, they said in a statement.

Story continues

The Molina gallery's current exhibit features significant figures such as Indigenous freedom fighter Toypurina, Mexican American civil rights leader Cesar Chavez, Puerto Rican baseball star Roberto Clemente, Guatemalan labor organizer Luisa Moreno, Colombian American drag queen Jose Sarria and Cuban American singer Celia Cruz, according to the Smithsonian.

It was specifically "designed to explore the rich history and culture, as well as the complexities and common threads, of U.S. Latino communities," Jorge Zamanillo, director of the Smithsonians national Latino museum, told NBC News in a statement Thursday night.

The 4,500-square-foot gallery showcases historical artifacts, documents and personal stories. The elements are organized under four historical themes: Colonial Legacies, War and U.S. Expansion, Immigration Stories and Shaping the Nation.

According to the Smithsonian, the Presente! exhibit was developed based on conversations curators had with museum visitors about what they dont know about Latino history.

Whose history?

When Congress approved legislation in 2020 to start the process of creating a national Latino museum, some federal funding was appropriated to the Smithsonian to get the ball rolling.

That legislation included language agreeing not to portray a single political ideology in the museums exhibits.

Rep. Mike Simpson, R-Idaho, the current bills main sponsor, said he included the defunding language in support of his Republican Hispanic colleagues who expressed "serious concerns" about Smithsonian exhibits promoting socialism and depicting Latinos as victims. They pointed to some examples.

According to Republican committee members, the creators of the exhibit chose to highlight a convicted military deserter instead of "the thousands of courageous Latino military heroes that served our country proudly and honorably."

After Diaz-Balart voiced some of these concerns during last week's hearing, Rep. Adriano Espaillat, D-N.Y., defended the exhibit, saying dissent can be patriotic.

Its at the very core of democracy, he said. To disagree when something is wrong, to right a wrong, is more American perhaps as much as the Constitution of this nation."

Espaillat added that he can agree with some of the concerns, but "there are dozens, maybe hundreds, of parts to that exhibit" reflecting a wide range of Latino experiences from people with similar heritage, but distinct identities.

A scene from the inaugural exhibition at the Molina Family Latino Gallery, which opened to the public in June 2022 at the Smithsonians National Museum of American History. (Patricia Guadalupe for NBC News)

And just because we cannot agree, we disagree on one part of it, were going to drive a stake through the heart of what could be a major institution for the Latino community? I think thats flawed and mistaken, said Espaillat, whos also deputy chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.

Another example cited by Republicans was "the lightness with which serious topics are portrayed, such as scented exhibits meant to simulate raft rides of those risking their lives to flee tyranny, romanticization of socialism, and failure to adequately document or portray the reality of totalitarianism."

During last week's committee hearing, Diaz-Balart said he first expressed these concerns to the Smithsonian back in December, but the institution responded with lip service. Republicans argued the only way to make the Smithsonian act on their concerns was to withhold funding.

Even though the fight over the museum's funding has moved outside the committees reach following last week's vote  making it harder for lawmakers to reverse course  Diaz-Balart and Gonzales said they're engaging in discussions with Simpson and other members to provide federal funding for the national Latino museum following their meeting with the Smithsonian.

Zamanillo said the team at the national Latino museum is looking forward to "working with all members of Congress as we begin the long journey toward building and opening the National Museum of the American Latino."

What's next?

As of Thursday, it's unclear how much more can lawmakers do to change the provision defunding the museum before Congress leaves for recess this weekend.

The museum's funding dispute comes as the House gets ready to vote on a series of spending bills for fiscal year 2024. While the bills are part of a routine appropriations process to fund government agencies starting in October, Republican policy riders have included language on some of these must-pass bills targeting critical race theory, diversity efforts, drag shows and Pride flag displays.

A scene from the inaugural exhibition at the Molina Family Latino Gallery, which opened to the public in June 2022 at the Smithsonians National Museum of American History. (Patricia Guadalupe for NBC News)

The national Latino museum is expected to cost $600 million to $800 million; half of the funding will come from Congress and the other half from private fundraising. That fundraising process could greatly benefit from having a permanent home for the museum selected, museum supporters have said.

Two sites by the National Mall are being considered. Both sites are property of the National Park Service; ownership would need to be transferred to the Smithsonian before any construction could begin, and the construction has to be approved by Congress. By law, a site for the museum has to be designated by Dec. 27, 2024.

It took the Smithsonian 10 to 15 years to create similar museums such as the National Museum of African American History and Culture and the National Museum of American History.

For the first time in its history, the Smithsonian is simultaneously creating two museums from scratch, the National Museum of the American Latino and the Smithsonian American Womens History Museum. Unlike the Latino museum, the women's museum hasn't endured any defunding or delays, according to the Smithsonian.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
WELLS, Maine  Three weeks before Trevor Bickford, 19, of Wells, allegedly attacked New York City police officers with a knife on New Years Eve, the psychiatric department of a local hospital determined he was not a risk to himself or to others, according to a new court filing.

In a July 14 motion to dismiss part of the case against Bickford, defense attorneys Jennifer Brown and Marisa Cabrera said an ambulance brought Bickford to a local hospital on Dec. 10, at the request of his mother, who believed he was struggling with severe mental illness.

Trevor Bickford

Citing his erratic and irrational behavior, his recent obsession with Islam, and his unregulated moods, Mr. Bickfords mother believed that he was suffering psychosis and/or mania, the attorneys wrote. Despite these concerns, however, the psychiatric department determined that Mr. Bickford was not a risk to himself or others and did not admit him into the hospital for further evaluation.

The motion did not name the hospital to which Bickford was brought. Brown and Carbrera could not be reached for comment.

Without a diagnosis or a treatment plan, the attorneys wrote, Bickford took a train on Dec. 27, from his home in Wells to New York City. He had clothes, food, a kukri knife, and a letter from his mother in his baggage. He spent the next few days in a hotel on the Lower East Side of the city.

As detailed in the complaint and indictment filed in the case, Bickford allegedly went to Times Square on Dec. 31 and, as revelers counted down to 2023, attacked three on-duty officers with the knife. An officer shot Bickford in the shoulder, and Bickford was brought to Bellevue Hospital.

At the hospital, authorities interviewed Bickford and read him his Miranda rights, which he waived, according to Brown and Cabrera. During this time, Bickford allegedly expressed that he intended to target all military-aged men.

After the interview, and after he was treated for his gunshot wound, Bickford was brought to the hospitals psychiatric unit, documents state. He was soon diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, a bipolar type, and was prescribed various antipsychotics and mood stabilizers, according to his attorneys.

Story continues

Brown and Cabrera wrote that Bickford had been suffering from auditory hallucinations in the form of popping sounds that informed his decision-making as well as accompanying physical sensations.

Bickford remained in the psychiatric ward for more than a month, until the federal government filed charges against him, according to the motion.

The kukri that Trevor Bickford allegedly used in the attack, pictured, was recovered by law enforcement from the scene of the attack

Were it not for the federal charges, Mr. Bickford would have remained admitted at Bellevues psychiatric ward, his attorneys wrote.

On Feb. 15, the government filed a seven-count indictment against Bickford. Those charges are based on Bickford allegedly seeking to wage jihad against the United States by attempting to kill military-aged men working for the U.S. Government, according to the motion.

In their motion, Brown and Cabrera asks the U.S. District Court of the Southern District of New York to determine that part of the indictment against Bickford puts him at risk of double jeopardy, of being charged more than once for a single, particular crime.

Specifically, Bickfords attorneys want the federal government to make a choice: either charge their client with Count One of the indictment or with Counts Two through Four. In Count One, Bickford is accused of attempting to murder middle-aged men working for the U.S. Government. In Counts Two through Four, he is charged with attempting to murder three specific police officers, in furtherance of that scheme.

Counts Two through Four are fully subsumed within the first count, the motion argued.

Mr. Bickford cannot constitutionally be punished for all four counts, Brown and Carbrera wrote. The indictment, therefore, charges at most three acts of attempted murder, and the government must choose on which theory to proceed at trial.

Online court records indicate that there have not been any new developments in the case since Brown and Carbrera filed their motion on July 14.

Bickford first appeared in court on Jan. 4. During that appearance, Assistant District Attorney Lucy Nicholas told the court that Bickford had initially wanted to travel internationally but instead went to New York in order to kill people and carry out Jihad.

According to the DAs office, Bickford also stated that all government officials were his targets because they cannot be proper Muslims as a result of the U.S. governments support for Israel.

Bickford did not have a prior criminal record, but authorities were aware of him in the weeks leading up to the alleged attack. A member of Bickfords family contacted the Wells Police Department in early December to express concerns about him. Wells Police relayed those concerns to the FBI.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Lawyers: Weeks before NYC attack, hospital said Bickford not a danger
Ron DeSantis presidential campaign recently fired a staffer who reportedly either retweeted or made a video that included Nazi imagery superimposed onto the Florida governors face.

Great. Thats a no-brainer. But wheres the denunciation  from a presidential candidate, no less  that surely should accompany that news? Were still waiting.

It doesnt matter much whether the staffer, former National Review writer Nate Hochman, made the video, as Axios reported, or just retweeted it on the @desantiscams account. DeSantis campaign obviously had to expel anyone pushing something so abhorrent.

In case youre wondering, this was not a case where the imagery in the video is unclear or open to interpretation. This is awful stuff. The video, first reported by Semaphor, shows DeSantis in front of the Florida state seal that morphs into a red wheel, called a sonnenrad, a symbol that was used in Nazi Germany and, today, by neo-Nazis and white supremacists. Silhouetted soldiers march toward DeSantis on both sides.

Even when you know whats coming, that spinning red wheel is jarring to see, instantly recognizable as a chilling Nazi symbol. So no, this wasnt a close call.

Hochmans departure came during a big reduction in presidential campaign staff as DeSantis struggles to regain his footing as the main challenger to Trump for the GOP nomination. Some media outlets reported that Hochman parted ways with the campaign over the video. The campaign told Axios that Nate Hochman is no longer with the campaign. And we will not be commenting on him further. There was no response from the campaign when the Editorial Board reached out.

In saner times, Hochmans firing  if, as reported, thats what happened  would be the end of the whole shocking thing: The campaign rightly booted someone who promoted ideas that are against everything this country stands for. He slipped through the cracks on vetting. The campaign, in normal political times, would express horror. Case closed.

Story continues

Except this is the same DeSantis who has repeatedly failed to denounce, in strong and certain terms, the appearances of neo-Nazi demonstrators in his state. In Orlando last year, a group of about 20 people shouted antisemitic slurs while waving Nazi flags near a shopping plaza and then again on an Interstate 4 overpass.

And in Tampa last summer, neo-Nazis demonstrated at a major Republican conference, Turning Point USAs Student Action Summit. They waved flags emblazoned with swastikas and white-supremacist SS bolts, held up placards with anti-Semitic slurs and someone unfurled a DeSantis Country flag.

DeSantis pulse, apparently, has been barely raised by the reprehensible actions that have happened on his watch. After the I-4 demonstration, it took him days to respond, and then it was mostly to shrug off the behavior, calling the demonstrators jackasses. Then he tried to change the narrative: He went after Democrats for trying to smear him by asking about it.

Were still waiting for the loud condemnation this time, too.

Democrats, of course, have seized on the video. Florida Democratic Party chief Nikki Fried said DeSantis has been given every chance to denounce neo-Nazis and what they stand for, and he refuses to do it.

More than that, DeSantis isnt simply a governor anymore. Hes a serious presidential candidate with a shot at the Republican nomination for the White House. He should be on the record, with no equivocation and no weasel words, because it is beyond obvious: Nazis are bad.

What does it tell us that hes not?
Within a minute of being shot in the leg, Kansas City police officer Jeremy Gragg, who was able to walk on his own, got into a patrol car which sped off for a nearby hospital.

Gragg, 39, had returned fire twice at the suspect, striking Malcolm Johnson in the head. It took seven minutes to get Johnson loaded onto a stretcher to go to the hospital.

Johnson, 31, died at Research Medical Center.

The Star obtained the case file from the March 25, 2021, police shooting from the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the agency that investigated the killing. The documents include hundreds of photographs from the scene and the hospital. It also contains videos, audio files, hundreds of pages of reports and crime lab reports. The file became an open record after the case was closed in March of this year and records became available after they were reviewed by the highway patrol earlier this month.

Kansas City police officer Jeremy Gragg, second from right, was shot in the leg on March 25, 2021. Dashboard camera footage shows him as he is about to get into a patrol vehicle to go to the hospital.

Gragg, who is white, shot Johnson inside the BP gas station at 6245 Prospect Avenue. He and Officer Edward Morales were the first to confront Johnson and were joined by five other officers during the ensuing fight.

None of the seven officers were wearing body cameras  the department was not fully equipped with the devices until the next month.

Experts and community members expressed concerns about what the case file shows, and in particular, the amount of time it took for Johnson, a Black man, to get to the hospital.

It speaks to the mentality that they have and how they really feel about Black and brown people in the community, said Khadijah Hardaway, a local activist and who served as spokesperson for Johnsons family.

Brent Turvey, a policing expert with the Forensic Criminology Institute based in Alaska, who reviewed videos of Johnsons killing, said the most serious injuries should get more attention. He was also critical of the amount of time highway patrol investigators spent questioning Gragg and Morales, calling it weak tea.

The Star provided the Kansas City Police Department with a surveillance video and a 60-page report of the investigation and asked a department spokesman what life-saving measures the officers provided Johnson following the shooting.

Story continues

Capt. Corey Carlisle said in an email, I appreciate the referenced material. MSHP was the investigating agency. Any questions in regards to this actual case has to go through them.

Highway patrol Lt. Eric Brown said a full investigation was conducted.

It was turned over to the prosecuting attorneys office for review, he said in an email. The Patrol has no further comment on this matter.

In March, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorneys Office, which was called in due to a conflict of interest in reviewing the case with the Jackson County Prosecutors Office, announced no officers would be charged in Johnsons death.

In a written statement, Christopher King, a spokesman for the prosecutors office, said they regret the loss of Johnson as well as the injury to Gragg, regardless of the legal conclusions, any loss of life and injury to an officer is tragic.

Go hunt bad guys

Johnson was being surveilled as a suspect in a shooting earlier that month. He was always armed, Gragg and Morales had been told. The pair were part of the metro impact squad, they said in video taped interviews from the case file.

A lot of times what we do is we go hunt bad guys with warrants, Morales told investigators during his interview about the police shooting.

The officers followed Johnson to the gas station and cornered him in the shop with their guns drawn.

Johnson tried to get away and a struggle unfolded.

As Morales described the start of the encounter to investigators, he could not remember Johnsons first name. Instead, he refers to Johnson as the bad guy several times.

Kansas City police officer Edward Morales becomes emotional as he recounts seeing a fellow officer get shot in the leg on March 25, 2021. Morales was interviewed on April 5, 2021, by investigators with the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

The fight continued with more officers joining in an aisle of the store, which Morales described as very, very, very tight.

At one point, we all kind of had him and it seemed like we were fighting against each other and fighting him at the same time, he told highway patrol investigators.

Then Johnson appeared to be reaching and Gragg called out for someone to shoot him.

As I moved up and away from him, his handgun did discharge and hit me in my right leg, Gragg said.

Being in fear for my life, of already being shot and in fear for all their (officers) lives with him still in control of his handgun, I drew my handgun, Gragg continued. I was able to get an angle into the top of his head that was facing away from my guys and I discharged my handgun twice and he was hit.

He went motionless on the ground.

On a surveillance recording from the shop and dash camera videos, officers are observed yelling, Shots fired, and asking for a rag, which they give to Gragg. In the video, Gragg is seen hobbling out with two other officers and a sergeant who rushes into her patrol vehicle and takes him to the hospital.

Meanwhile, a few officers stay with Johnson, who is not in the frame of the surveillance video. A bystander is seen walking out of the store with his hands up. About two-and-a-half minutes after Johnson is shot, an officer gets a roll of paper towels for him.

On April 5, 2021, Gragg and Morales were interviewed separately at a highway patrol office. Graggs interview lasted 29 minutes while Morales took 41 minutes, which included time to view footage.

Turvey called that length of time ludicrous.

This incident requires attention, he said. A half hour is a pro forma non-investigative interview. Thats just an administrative how do we make this go away (interview).

He also said referring to Johnson as the bad guy was ideological.

This is a reflection of the us versus them mentality that causes these kinds of circumstances to go sideways and that gives them the moral authority to execute people, Turvey said.

As for the amount of time it took for Johnson to get professional medical help, Turvey said the priority was the officer.

The police department trains its officers on CPR and tourniquets, said Carlisle, the KCPD spokesman.

The department has been questioned previously on the length of time its taken to get medical help. In a December 2019 police shooting, officers waited 14 minutes before they allowed an EMS crew into the garage after Cameron Lamb was shot by a detective. The 26-year-old man was declared dead at the scene.

Former detective Eric DeValkenaere was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in Lambs death, but is appealing his case.

Steve Young, a founder of Kansas City Law Enforcement Accountability Project, said the circumstances surrounding the encounter with Johnson should have and could have been handled differently. That included making attempts to make sure other customers were safe before charging in as well as the attention Gragg got in the immediate aftermath of the shooting.

Its just a total disregard for life, he said.

Gragg is now a detective and Morales is a reserve detective. Both are assigned to the investigations bureau, Carlisle said Friday.

Gragg had previously been accused of injuring a disabled man during a traffic stop in 2015. The man received a $250,000 settlement. That year, he was also one of two off-duty officers working at the time of a bank robbery in downtown Kansas City. The suspect, who had also tried to carjack people, pointed a weapon and the officers shot him, police documents said.
With most of Rhode Island under a heat advisory, air quality is likely to fall to unhealthy levels this afternoon and continue that way well into tonight, according to the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management.

The DEM has issued an air quality alert for elevated ground-level ozone concentrations, and says the worst air will be in the southern part of the state, particularly along the coast.

The DEM says, "Ozone is a major component of smog and is formed by the photochemical reaction of pollutants emitted by motor vehicles, industry, and other sources in the presence of elevated temperatures and sunlight."

This National Weather Service graphic shows maximum heat index forecasts for Friday afternoon.

More: Rain and and excessive humidity leave RIers wondering, 'When will summer beach days start?'

Unhealthy ozone levels can cause health problems, including chest pain, shortness of breath and aggravation of asthma, according to the Rhode Island Department of Health.

Also, with some light smoke from Canadian wildfires moving into the region, fine particle readings are expected to reach moderate levels, the DEM says.

The high temperature in Providence is expected to reach 92 degrees today, and the National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory through 8 p.m. Saturday.

"High temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses to occur," the weather service says.

To avoid health problems today, both the weather service and DEM advise people to limit outdoor exercise and avoid strenuous activity and stay in air-conditioning, if possible. Drink plenty of fluids, too.

The DEM says air quality can change throughout the day. For updates, check the website AirNow.gov.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Air quality alert and extreme heat make for challenging weather in RI
Millions of Shia Muslims in Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan and around the world on Friday commemorated Ashoura, a remembrance of the 7th-century martyrdom of the Prophet Muhammads grandson, Hussein, that gave birth to their faith.

In Afghanistan, the Taliban cut mobile phone services in key cities holding commemorations for fear of militants targeting Shia, whom Sunni extremists consider heretics. Security forces in neighboring Pakistan as well stood on high alert as the commemorations there have seen attacks in the past.

Not all Shia, however, were to mark the day Friday. Iraq, Lebanon and Syria planned their remembrances for Saturday, which will see a major suburb of Beirut shut down and the faithful descend on the Iraqi city of Karbala, where Hussein is entombed in a gold-domed shrine.

Shia represent over 10% of the worlds 1.8 billion Muslims and view Hussein as the rightful successor to the Prophet Muhammad. Husseins death in battle at the hands of Sunnis at Karbala, south of Baghdad, ingrained a deep rift in Islam and continues to this day to play a key role in shaping Shia identity.

Over 1,340 years after Husseins martyrdom, Baghdad, Tehran, Islamabad and other major capitals in the Middle East were adorned with symbols of Shiaa piety and repentance: red flags for Husseins blood, symbolic black funeral tents and black dress for mourning, processions of men and boys expressing fervor in the ritual of chest-beating and self-flagellation with chains.

In Iran, where the theocratic government views itself as the protector of Shiaa worldwide, the story of Hussein's martyrdom takes on political connotations amid its tensions with the West over its advancing nuclear program.

Iranian state television aired images of commemorations across the Islamic Republic, tying the event to criticizing the West, Israel and the U.S. drone strike that killed Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani in 2020. Anchor Wesam Bahrani on Iran's state-run English-language broadcaster Press TV referred to America as the biggest opponent of Islam and criticized Muslim countries allied with the U.S.

Men wore black, rhythmically beating their chests in mourning or using flails to strike their backs. Some wore red headbands, as black and red banners bore Hussein's name. Some sprayed water over the mourners in the intense heat.

Every year everyone joins hands in solidarity," said 23-year-old Mohammad Hajatmand, who took part in a processional in Tehran. Hussein "was martyred very brutally and when anyone hears the story of Ashoura, regardless of their religion, their hearts will be broken and they will sympathize with him.

The commemoration in Iran also comes as Tehran prepares for the one-year anniversary of the death of Mahsa Amini. Her death launched protests nationwide in Iran that reportedly saw more than 500 protesters killed and some 20,000 others detained. Authorities have begun stepping up their enforcement of mandatory hijab, or headscarf, laws for women in recent weeks.

In the suburb of Sayida Zeinab near Syrias capital, Damascus, security forces guarded checkpoints after a bomb hidden in a motorcycle exploded Thursday, killing at least six people and wounding dozens more. On Tuesday, another bomb in a motorcycle wounded two people. The suburb is home to a shrine to Zeinab, the daughter of the first Shia imam, Ali, and granddaughter of the Prophet Muhammad.

Local resident Mustafa Semaan, 41, said the area had seen a resurgence of religious tourism after security stabilized amid Syrias ongoing war and the worst of the coronavirus pandemic.

I dont believe the religious observances will be affected (by the recent bombings), but the economic situation as a result of visitors coming from outside Syria may be affected, Semaan said. If this continues, if there were a third attack, there might be a very negative impact.

Iraq will see the main observance of the Ashoura on Saturday in Karbala, where hundreds of thousands are expected and many will rush toward the shrine to symbolize their desire to answer Husseins last cries for help in battle. Convoys of the faithful already had begun to arrive there.

Those marking the commemoration in Kabul, Afghanistan, beat their backs bloody with chains and knives in ritual bloodletting known as tatbir, meant to recreate the blood flowing from the slain Hussein. The practice has become debated among Shia clerics in recent decades.

We have only one problem that (the Taliban) are preventing us to raise our flags and enter (the city) with the flags," said Karbalayee Rashid, an organizer of the Kabul commemoration. "Thank God the security has been taken care. It is OK, but there are more limits in this country this year than last year.

In Pakistan, authorities stepped up security as an Interior Ministry alert warned that terrorists could target Ashoura processions in major cities. Security was tight in the capital, Islamabad, where police were deployed at a key Shia place of worship.

The main Ashoura processions also got underway in the eastern city of Lahore in the Punjab province, where thousands of police officers have been deployed. Processions in Karachi and elsewhere were also starting. There was no immediate report of any violence.

The Imams lesson is ... hold on to patience," said Anam Batool, a mourner who took part in a commemoration in Islamabad. After that, resist falsehood, stand with the truth. Where you must raise your voice against oppression, raise your voice there.

Search Keywords:

Short link:


An El Paso police and FBI task force on Thursday arrested a man accused of desecrating a Catholic church with satanic graffiti during a burglary last week.

The West Texas Border Corruption Task Force arrested Isaac Jordan Soto-Olivarez, 27, who is accused of burglarizing Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church on the Sunday night of July 16 in Northeast El Paso.

The burglary occurred about 9:30 p.m. and was recorded by security cameras at the church, located at 10000 Pheasant Road in the Parkland neighborhood.

Satanic graffiti, desecration of El Paso church

Crosses were turned upside down, holy oil dumped out and "666" (which is used to signify "the Number of the Beast," meaning the devil or the antichrist) was written on several items inside the church, including a rosary candle, a mirror and on the tabernacle in a prayer room, police reported.

Soto-Olivarez was allegedly identified by investigators as the burglar recorded on video causing more than $4,000 in estimated damages to the church, police said.

On Thursday, Soto-Olivarez was located by the task force officers and allegedly attempted to flee before being quickly taken into custody, police said.

Isaac Jordan Soto-Olivarez was arrested Thursday for allegedly burglarizing and vandalizing Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church in El Paso on July 16.

A federal search warrant was served by West Texas Border Corruption Task Force and items stolen from the church were recovered at his home on Angora Loop in the Shearman neighborhood of the Northeast, police said.

Crime: El Paso police make trespassing arrests after Star on the Mountain vandalism

Soto-Olivarez was arrested on charges of burglary, criminal mischief-damage to a place of worship, evading and resisting arrest and drug possession, according to an El Paso County Jail log. He is incarcerated on bonds totaling $58,000 at the El Paso County Jail in Downtown.

Soto-Olivarez, who has "656" (that's six-five-six) tattooed above his right eyebrow, which is the area code for Juarez, had been released from jail in late April on a $15,000 bond after being arrested in January on charges of burglary of a building and attempting to escape, according to jail records. Those cases are pending in court.

Story continues

Church cleaned, blessed

Since the burglary, Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church has been cleaned, repaired and blessed and has begun replacing what had been stolen, the parish priest said in Sunday's church bulletin. New security measures have also been implemented.

"I ask for your prayers for the perpetrator, the police, our parish staff and volunteers, and for the continued blessing and protection of the Most Holy Trinity over our community of faith," wrote "Father Mike," the Rev. Michael L. Lewis.

An El Paso police patrol car blocks on a street in the Parkland neighborhood of Northeast El Paso. File art.

This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: El Paso man arrested in satanic vandalism, burglary of Catholic church
A Florida woman who swindled the life savings from an 87-year-old Holocaust survivor in a "romance scam" was sentenced to over four years in prison Thursday, federal prosecutors said.

Peaches Stergo, 36, stole over $2.8 million in the scam, which lasted years. She was arrested in January and pleaded guilty to wire fraud in April.

Stergo met the victim, whom authorities have never publicly identified, on a dating website and asked for money that she said was needed to help get funds from a legal settlement, according to court documents.

She then told a series of more lies, fabricating stories that she needed money to gain access to a TD Bank account or else she would never be able to repay the victim, prosecutors said.

Stergo also sent heartless text messages, the U.S. attorney's office for Southern New York said in a statement.

Stergo called the scam her "business" and told her real lover in a text that the elderly man said he loved her; she added "lol" to that message, the prosecutor's office said. She also remarked that he had become "broke."

Stergo was sentenced to 51 months in prison, or four years and three months, the prosecutor's office said. She was also ordered to pay $2.8 million in restitution.

She also will forfeit the home she bought in a gated community, as well as over 100 luxury items, including Rolex watches and jewelry, prosecutors said.

Stergo's attorney, Ann Fitz, said the 51-month sentence was fair. Prosecutors sought 96 months, according to court documents.

Stergo suffered childhood instability and trauma, which caused compulsive behaviors like past drinking and gambling, and the scam was also a compulsion, Fitz wrote in a sentencing submission.

Fitz said in an email Thursday night, "Ms. Stergo has expressed remorse for her actions and will make every effort to repay the restitution in this case."

The scam lasted from around May 2017 until October 2021, prosecutors said.

Story continues

The mans son eventually found out what was going on and put a stop to it, but it was too late. The man lost his life savings and had to give up his Manhattan apartment, according to the indictment.

In a scheme to persuade the elderly man to send more money, Stergo created an email account to pose as a TD Bank employee and created fake letters and invoices.

At one point Stergo wrote to her real significant other that she needed money and a car, and I dont want you to work like you are its too hard, prosecutors wrote in their sentencing submission. Prosecutors called the texts jarring in their callousness.

Not only did she manipulate the Victims emotions for a period of years, she secretly mocked the Victim for saying he loved her, prosecutors wrote. She thought it was hilarious that she was destroying his life for her own benefit.

The victim lost both his parents in the Holocaust and moved to the U.S. in his 20s for a better life, he wrote in a letter to the court, which is excerpted in the government's sentencing request.

"Over the next 60 years, I worked tirelessly to establish a successful business, family, and home in New York," the victim's letter reads. "I am now 88 years old, and the last thing I expected was to finish my days in the same manner that I started them  penniless and betrayed."

The FBI warns that romance scammers sometimes use fake profiles to gain peoples trust on dating websites, which eventually leads to asking for money. In some cases they ask to invest in cryptocurrency by falsely claiming insider knowledge and using fake websites.

Last year there were around 19,000 victims of romance scams in the U.S., with almost $740 million in losses, the FBI said.

There were around 24,000 victims in 2021, with losses reported at around $1 billion, it said.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Four people were injured late Thursday after Independence police chased a car into Kansas City and it struck two other vehicles.

Shortly before 10 p.m., Independence police began pursuing a black Kia Soul near Highway 40 and 36th Street because the vehicle did not have registration and was reported stolen from Kansas City, according to Capt. Corey Carlisle, a spokesman for the Kansas City Police Department.

Near E. 30th Terrace and Van Brunt Boulevard, the Kia failed to stop at a red light and struck a black Dodge Ram and a red Jeep Cherokee.

The driver of the Kia was taken to a hospital in critical condition, Carlisle said. A passenger was transported to a hospital in stable condition.

A driver and juvenile passenger in the Dodge were also taken to a hospital and were reported to be in stable condition.

The Jeeps driver was not injured.

Carlisle said Friday that the driver of the Kia was in stable condition and that the investigation was ongoing.

Previous Independence police chases

In recent years, Independence police have several times engaged in car chases that ended with innocent bystanders being hurt or killed.

In March, Independence police chased an SUV they suspected of being stolen, which struck and killed two people riding a motorcycle at Scott Avenue and Winner Road.

That crash occurred near an area where Independence police chases have crossed into Kansas City, hurting or killing bystanders there.

In June 2018, four people were killed and four others were seriously injured when a Jeep fleeing Independence police T-boned a Dodge Avenger at 23rd Street and Television Place.

That wreck was less than two miles from the site of a January 2014 crash that killed a 35-year-old man and injured two passengers at 23rd and and Hardesty Avenue.

That crash was less than a mile north of the site of Thursdays crash at Van Brunt Boulevard in Kansas City.

Independence police chase policy

Under the Independence Police Chase policy, officers are allowed to chase a car for any offense, including stolen vehicles.

Story continues

Officers are authorized to initiate a pursuit when it is reasonable to believe that a suspect is attempting to evade arrest or detention by fleeing in a vehicle, the policy states.

Officers are not allowed to follow suspects the wrong way on highways, interstates or divided roadways. Officers are allowed, with approval of a supervisor, to pursue in the correct lanes of travel.

Pursuits involving misdemeanor charges or minor traffic offenses are to be terminated if the driver heads the wrong way or into oncoming traffic, according to the policy.

94-026_Vehicle_Pursuits_03-16-2021_11291_28226_v2.00 (2) by The Kansas City Star on Scribd
Heads up, Rehoboth Beach  Joe is headed your way.

President Joe Biden, that is. The commander-in-chief is scheduled to arrive at his North Shores home, near Rehoboth Beach, this evening. His public schedule indicates he will depart from Dover at 7 p.m. and is set to arrive at the beach at 7:30. According to a White House press release, he'll stay for the weekend.

If he and his entourage of Secret Service vehicles travel to the beach by car, it will cause traffic delays on Coastal Highway. If they take the Marine One helicopter, it lands in the Gordon's Pond parking lot on the southern end of Cape Henlopen State Park, so portions of that area will temporarily close.

President Joe Biden slammed Senator Tommy Tuberville and other Republicans for the Alabama senator's holds preventing military promotions.

Delaware beaches: Replenishment complete; over 1 million cubic yards of sand dredged

Flight restrictions suggest he will take the helicopter. The Federal Aviation Administration has issued a flight restriction for the Rehoboth Beach area starting at 6:45 p.m. Friday. The restriction lasts through Monday, Aug. 7, at 9:15 p.m., indicating the president could be staying in "The Nation's Summer Capital" for over a week.

Looking for Joe? Where you might spot the president and first lady in Rehoboth

He'll be traveling to Delaware from Maine, where he is discussing "how Bidenomics is driving a manufacturing boom and helping workers and innovators invent and make more in America," according to the White House news release.

President Joe Biden waves to members of the media as he walks back to his motorcade after visiting the beach, Saturday, July 8, 2023, near his home near Rehoboth Beach, where Biden was spending the weekend.

More: Your weekend guide to the Delaware beaches. It's going to be a hot one

When in Rehoboth in the past, the president and first lady Jill Biden have bicycled the Gordon's Pond Trail at Cape Henlopen State Park. The president has attended Mass at St. Edmond's Catholic Church on King Charles Avenue and, earlier this month, he caught some sun on the North Shores beach.

If you spot the president or first lady in Rehoboth this weekend, send a tip or, even better, your photos, to smcnaught@gannett.com.

Hunter Biden's child: President publicly acknowledges 4-year-old granddaughter for the first time

Shannon Marvel McNaught reports on Sussex County and beyond. Reach her at smcnaught@gannett.com or on Twitter @MarvelMcNaught

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Biden arrives in Rehoboth Beach on Friday, may stay for over a week
A man who was stabbed while incarcerated at a now-defunct Kansas detention center is suing the private prisons owners for operating a dangerous, understaffed and insecure facility, according to a recent Wyandotte County lawsuit.

Joshua Braddy was living at the Leavenworth Detention Center in 2021 when he was stabbed multiple times by three other prisoners. He alleged negligence and reckless management of the facility contributed to his injury in an amended lawsuit petition filed Monday.

The former prison, owned by one of the nations largest private prison operators, CoreCivic, had been embroiled in controversy before its contract with the U.S Marshals Office was ended in December 2021.

Hundreds of Leavenworth detainees sued the company in 2016 for illegally recording their phone calls in what became a 1.45 million dollar class action settlement. A 2017 Department of Justice audit discovered the facility was severely understaffed. In some cases, the audit said, employees who were not correctional officers were tasked with covering vital security posts, which had been left vacant.

Despite the DOJs warnings... The CoreCivic Defendants kept prioritizing profit over safety, said the recent lawsuit petition.

A series of violent events, including multiple suicides and stabbings, ensued at the prison, prompting the American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas and other advocacy groups to request President Joe Biden shut down the facility in a 10-page September 2021 letter.

According to Braddys lawsuit, the center also did not provide detainees basic services such as blood pressure checks, weight checks, EKGs, ear irrigations, lab draws or routine X-rays.

E.E Keenan, an attorney representing Braddy, said the lawsuit is investigating how defendants failed to run a health care system that provided adequate healthcare, in addition to their probe into Braddys assault.

There was a cutback in the availability of basic elements of good healthcare inside the facility, he said. But were also looking at how the facility responded to the stabbing.

Story continues

Alan Sells, Stephen Lundemo and Joseph Uman, three former Leavenworth detainees, are also being sued and accused of stabbing Braddy on July 25, 2021 at least a dozen times, according to Keenan.

He alleges Braddy was brought to an area medical center and then transported to the University of Kansas Hospital for treatment in Kansas City, Kansas.

Mondays petition, which was amended from the original document filed on June 6, added CoreCivic, CCA Health Services and Leavenworth administrators to the list of defendants. They are being sued for $75,000 as a preliminary amount in an effort to obtain a federal trial.

CoreCivic did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Absolute hell hole

Violence at the Leavenworth Detention Center was routine before an executive order barred the DOJ from working with companies operating privately-run prisons, effectively ending the prisons contract, according to reports by The Star.

One U.S District judge referred to the CoreCivic-owned center as an absolute hell hole, in a September 2021 sentencing hearing, said reports by the Kansas Reflector.

According to Braddys lawsuit, one detainee suffered life threatening injuries on Feb. 6, 2021, after being beaten by a group of other people within the prison.

The next day, a woman working as a correctional officer was stabbed after having hot water thrown on her by a prisoner. That same prisoner kicked another woman working at the center some time later, said court documents.

Weapons were discovered in prison cells, according to reports received by public defenders.

In the spring of 2021, court documents said, two detainees committed suicide. One man was allegedly discovered hanging in the shower. CoreCivic employees refused to cut him down and opted to wait for an outside medical team to arrive.

The second suicide occurred on May 21, 2021, when another person was found hanging in the shower. Employees of the prison required other prisoners to clean up the feces that had fallen into the shower following the persons death, court documents said.

The victims and their families alleged to have warned employees of the suicidal ideations ahead of time, but said nothing was done.

Also in May 2021, staff allegedly failed to monitor an area where one detainee was stabbed by another about 17 times. Employees alleged to have lacked the training to intervene in the attack. In another instance, a detainee was allegedly raped by a correctional officer during a late night Special Operations Response Team search, court documents said.

When the incident was reported, the warden and chief of security alleged to have intimidated prisoners into staying silent.

One month later, up to eight people incarcerated within the prison were stabbed in a series of assaults. The violence appeared so routine that federal public defenders reported the assaults were almost unnoteworthy.

Our court system is the best place for a public and impartial examination of how our nations correctional systems are run, E.E Keenan, an attorney for Braddy, said.

Were looking forward to Mr. Braddys day in court.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-KY, plans to serve his full term as the leader of the U.S. Senate GOP caucus, according to a statement from his office..

Responding to questions about the 81-year-olds health after a prolonged period of silence in front of cameras Wednesday, McConnells office assured members of the press Friday of the senior senators health and intention to remain in his leadership post.

Leader McConnell appreciates the continued support of his colleagues, and plans to serve his full term in the job they overwhelmingly elected him to do, McConnells office said in a statement to multiple news outlets, including the Herald-Leader.

When asked about McConnells intentions for the remainder of his six-year term in office  he coasted to a re-election victory over Democratic challenger Amy McGrath in 2020  his office responded similarly.

Senator McConnell plans to serve his full term in the job the people of Kentucky overwhelmingly elected him to do, a McConnell aide said in a statement.

Senate leadership is elected every two years. McConnell won the support of his fellow Republicans 37-10 over a challenger in late November of this year to remain in the post. He recently became the longest-serving party leader in U.S. Senate history.

In the wake of the incident Wednesday, reporting revolving around McConnells health confirmed the Senator had fallen since a widely-publicized March incident that left him with a concussion and a broken rib.

Meanwhile, questions about whether McConnell will fill out his full term in the Senate, which expires more than three years from now in 2026, have also been raised despite McConnells offices confidence on the matter.

Some Democrats in Kentucky predicted to the Herald-Leader that, should a vacancy occur in either of Kentuckys Senate seats, Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear would challenge a McConnell-backed law ensuring the seat remains in Republican hands.

Last month when McConnell was asked if hed run again for an eighth term in the U.S. Senate seat in 2026, he declined to answer.

Youre asking me to predict what I might do three years from now. I dont have a prediction on that, McConnell said.
A missing persons case took a mysterious turn this week when a teenager walked into a Montana police precinct four years after she vanished without a trace from Arizona.

Alicia Navarro was 14 years old when she was last seen leaving her home in Glendale, Arizona, back on 15 September 2019. She left her parents a note saying she would return but never did.

The disappearance of the teenager, who has autism, prompted a huge search involving the FBI and the Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

But, despite thousands of tips pouring in over the past almost four years, there was no sign of the missing girl  until now.

Glendale Police announced on Wednesday that the now-18-year-old walked into a police station thousands of miles away in a small town close to the Canadian border and told officers that she was the missing girl.

In a press conference, police spokesperson Jose Santiago said that Alicia is by all accounts well and has since been reunited with her mother.

She showed up to a police department. She identified herself as Alicia Navarro. She basically asked for help to clear her off of a missing juvenile list, he said.

She is by all accounts safe, she is by all accounts healthy, and she is by all accounts happy, he said.

Police Lt Scott Waite told reporters that the investigation so far indicates that Alicia ran away from home of her own accord.

Every indication shes given to us so far is that she willfully left her home, he said.

Alicia Navarro (left when she disappeared and right since her return) (Navarro Family/Glendale Police)

Now the dynamics surrounding that decision are obviously something were looking into.

Lt Waite added that the investigation is still ongoing but the teenager is not facing any charges over her disappearance and is not in any kind of trouble.

Questions remain around where Alicia has been for the past four years and how she got from Arizona to Montana.

Police said that the reunion of Alicia with her mother Jessica Nunez was emotionally overwhelming for both of them and that the teenager was very apologetic to what she has put her mother through.

Story continues

She wanted to talk to her mom, and she wanted to make sure her mother knew she was OK, said Mr Santiago.

Now, the teen and her mother are hoping to rebuild their relationship, he said.

We will continue to work with our state, local federal partners and even across state lines to make sure that Alicia has everything that she needs, said Lt Waite.

That shes taken care of, that her family is getting the help that they need, and that most importantly that this investigation is completed thoroughly and done correctly.

"For everyone who has missing loved ones, I want you to use this case as an example. Miracles do exist and never lose hope and always fight."



Alicia Navarro's mom, Jessica, has released a statement. @12News pic.twitter.com/plqXKeYuWk  Bianca Buono (@BiancaBuono) July 26, 2023

Following news of her daughters return, Ms Nunez released a video statement saying that their case shows parents of missing children should never give up home of finding them.

I do feel I owe this video to the community and to God, she said in the video, shared on Twitter by 12 News journalist Bianca Buono.

I first of all want to give glory to God for answering their prayers and for this miracle.

For everyone who has missing loved ones, I want you to use this case as an example. Miracles do exist and never lose hope and always fight.

My daughter, Alicia Navarro, was missing since September 15th 2019, she has been found safe.

I do not know the details. I do confirm she is my daughter. She is alive and she is safe.

She added: This is recent news for me, it was an hour before it was posted on social media and the news. I dont have details but the important thing is she is alive.

I want to thank the community and God for all that you have done.
Scorching temperatures peaked for most of the Midwest on Friday, but the Northeast will have to wait until Sunday for temperatures to return to normal.

This comes as the Southwest has been suffering for weeks and has had to take grim steps to deal with the rising human cost of a record-long heat wave during the planets hottest month in more than 100,000 years.

The number of people dying from heat-related complications is rising. In Arizona, the Maricopa County Medical Examiners Office in Phoenix brought in 10 refrigerated containers to handle a possible overflow of heat-related deaths.

The containers havent been needed yet, but the office is over its normal capacity of 224 bodies during a July that has been worse than prior years, Maricopa County spokesperson Jason Berry told CNN affiliate KTVK/KPHO.

The county has reported 25 heat-associated deaths so far this year as of Monday, with dozens of other deaths still under investigation for a potential link to heat.

While we typically see a surge in heat-related deaths in July, we wont know how many  we have this year until forensic pathologists complete their investigations, Maricopa County spokesperson Jessie Caraveoa told CNN.

Ten refrigerated containers have been brought in by the Maricopa County Medical Examiner's office over fears of a surge in heat deaths. - KTVK/KPHO

Arizona officials are also reporting emergency room visits for extreme heat burns after people fall to the ground, and even cactuses are wilting and dying from the persistent triple-digit temperatures.

Animals are also suffering. Twenty-one dogs were rescued from high heat in a garage and a concrete shed-like structure on the premises of a home unfit for human or animal lodging in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, the Lawrence County Sheriff said. Temperatures in the area were in the 90s and the dogs had no food or water. The dogs were all removed from the property and are being treated, some for physical injuries.

More than 150 million people from Southern California to New England were facing dangerous heat on Friday for the second consecutive day after it expanded north and east. Record-high temperatures were reported on Thursday in Arizona, California, Texas, Louisiana and Washington, DC.

Story continues

In El Paso, Texas, temperatures hit 104 degrees on Friday, bringing the total number of consecutive days above 100 to 43, but the city is expected to have some relief on Sunday when the high temperature could stay below 100.

Heat indexes  a measure of what the temperature feels like on the skin when accounting for relative humidity  reached between 105 and 110 degrees on Friday in Washington, DC, Chicago and St. Louis.

All of the areas across the country Friday forecast to "feel like" temperatures of 100 degrees-plus on heat index.

Overnight temperatures wont dip below the 80s in places like St Louis and Kansas City  a particularly dangerous forecast since nighttime heat limits the opportunity for the body to cool off and protect itself from heat illness.

Heres how some communities have taken heat precautions to try to keep people safe:

Heat health emergencies: The cities of Boston and Philadelphia each declared the emergency to provide resources to residents including opening cooling sites. Philadelphia is also ramping up homelessness outreach.

Lets be clear: heat can kill: In New York City, about nine million residents may endure heat indexes exceeding 100 degrees Friday, as an excessive heat warning remains in effect through Saturday night. Mayor Eric Adams warned in a tweet that such temperatures can be fatal. This is dangerous. Take precautions, he said.

Expanded access to public pools: Pools and water park facilities in Providence, Rhode Island, plan to offer extended hours over the next several days due to the extreme heat, Mayor Brett Smiley said Thursday. Officials in Lexington, Kentucky, are also offering discounted rates at its six public pools. Many areas experiencing extreme heat have also opened cooling centers.

All of the areas expected to see 90 degree or higher temperatures across the country Friday.

The heat is also taxing power infrastructure in many parts of the country.

Energy provider Con Edison has asked New York residents to reduce their consumption. Intense heat and increased demand for air conditioning can cause strain on the electric system and may lead to localized outages, the utility said in a news release.

And PJM Interconnection  the nations largest power grid system  on Thursday declared an emergency alert, which instructs all systems to be online, including those with planned outages. The utility coordinates electricity for more than 65 million people in all or parts of Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and Washington, DC, according to its website.

When will it end?

After reaching a high of 93 degrees on Friday, Chicagos residents are expected to see cooler temperatures on Saturday when a downright cool high of around 80 degrees is forecast.

That relief will spread to the mid-Atlantic and Northeast by Sunday as a cold front arrives, including in New York where a high in the low 80s is forecast on Sunday and Washington, DC, where the heat index will exceed 100 degrees on Saturday before highs drop back into the upper 80s by Sunday.

Relatively cooler temperatures are finally headed to Phoenix, too. Phoenix hit a preliminary high temperature of 113 degrees on Friday, marking the 29th day the city has recorded temperatures above 110 degrees  a trend that is forecast continue into the weekend before the streak could finally end by Sunday or Monday.

Unfortunately, the heat wont disappear entirely in the country. Several locations along the Gulf Coast and in Texas, including New Orleans, Houston and Dallas could threaten record high temperatures on Monday and Tuesday.

CNNs Robert Shackelford, Rebekah Riess, Michelle Watson, Jared Formanek, Eli Masket, Sarah Dewberry, Maria Sole Campinoti and Macie Goldfarb contributed to this report.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Ohio Cannabis Co., the fourth medical marijuana dispensary in Canton, will open Wednesday. It is located at 4016 Greentree Ave. SW.

CANTON  The city's fourth medical marijuana dispensary will open Wednesday.

The Green Goat Dispensary LLC, which does business as the Ohio Cannabis Co., is located at 4016 Greentree Ave. SW. The Ohio Board of Pharmacy regulates dispensaries in the Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program and announced the site had received its state certificate of operation on July 20.

Brian Wingfield, who co-founded the Ohio Cannabis Co. with Cindy Bradford, said the dispensary has a drive-thru where customers will be able to pick up orders.

"We're just super excited to be opening up in the Canton location," he said. "There's a lot of patients that came from Canton down to the Coshocton location before, and so we're really excited to be able to see all of those patients again."

Their first dispensary was in Coshocton, which they later sold, and the Ohio Cannabis Co.'s other dispensaries are in Harpster and Piqua. They also offer drive-thru pickup.

This week involves a lot of staff training beyond the state Board of Pharmacy licensing. Wingfield said there's additional time spent learning skills, such as how to assist patients and track inventory.

Last update: The Citizen to become Canton's newest dispensary

Medical cannabis products will include those from the company's processing facility in Coshocton. Wingfield didn't have an exact number of patients but said he expects Ohio Cannabis Co. will serve at least a quarter of the medical marijuana patients in Stark County.

"It comes down to: Can we do what we say we're going to do and treat patients well and make it a business that they choose to come to by doing a good job," he said.

Canton is also home to The Botanist, The Citizen and Zen Leaf dispensaries.

Reach Kelly at 330-580-8323 or kelly.byer@cantonrep.comOn Twitter: @kbyerREP

Ohio Cannabis Company, the fourth medical marijuana dispensary in Canton, will open Wednesday. It is located at 4016 Greentree Ave. SW.

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Ohio Cannabis Co. becomes Canton's fourth medical marijuana dispensary
Egypt called for respecting the will of the Libyan people and the autonomy of Libyan institutions from any external dictates or interference ahead of the elections, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Friday.

Egypt expresses its complete support for Libya's efforts to find a solution and recognizes the international efforts being made towards this goal, the statement said.

"Egypt affirms the pivotal role of the Libyan House of Representatives and the State Council, as defined in the Skhirat Agreement, in ensuring all necessary frameworks to hold presidential and parliamentary elections simultaneously in Libya as soon as possible," the statement continued.

The Egyptian Foreign Ministry called upon all international parties to adhere to these fundamental and essential principles and to respect the will of the Libyan people and their ownership of the political settlement.

It also urged all international parties not to take any actions that would undermine the role of institutions to avoid complicating the situation and hindering the brotherly people of Libya from achieving their aspirations towards stability and sovereignty.

Libya elections have been postponed several times due to disagreements between rival factions. A recent 6+6 committee was formed to draft new electoral laws that the Libyan House of Representatives (HoR) and the High Council of State (HCS) approved earlier this week.

Nevertheless, UN Secretary-General Special Representative for Libya Aboulaye Bathily stated that some lingering security challenges remain before holding elections in Libya, including the withdrawal of foreign fighters and armed groups.

Search Keywords:

Short link:


RICHMOND, Ind.  The parents of two-year-old twins are accused of leaving the children alone in their family's Richmond apartment.

Michael Shaun Dale, 43, and Kimberly Brooke Dale, 35, were charged Thursday in Wayne Superior Court 1 with neglect of a dependent, a Level 6 felony carrying up to 30 months in prison.

A Richmond police officer who was providing security at the Greenwood Apartments, in the 1400 block of South 16th Street, reported he observed surveillance video that showed the Dales leaving the apartment  with the children apparently inside  for about 35 minutes on the morning of July 21.

Interviewed later that day, Kimberly Dale reportedly at first tried to persuade the officer she had left the twins in the care of a neighbor.

Later, she said she "always left the door unlocked in case the neighbor heard the children crying through the walls."

More: Richmond woman charged with neglect after child's stroller rolls into street

The officer said other residents had earlier expressed concerns over the twins apparently being left alone.

An official with the Indiana Department of Child Services was notified by the officer and came to the apartment complex on July 22, but the children were then apparently not at their home.

The twins more recently observed their third birthday, according to court documents.

An affidavit alleged that in being left "unattended ... for approximately 35 minutes with no parental care, (the children) were placed in a situation that could have endangered their life or health and deprived both dependents of necessary support."

Michael Dale's record includes convictions for sexual misconduct with a minor, possession of a controlled substance, forgery, fraud, resisting law enforcement, driving while intoxicated and theft.

Kimberly Dale has been convicted of auto theft and possession of a controlled substance.

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: Richmond parents accused of leaving 2-year-old twins home alone
Once the leader of a powerful Stockton nonprofit, Samuel Nunez appeared in court Friday to learn how much time he'd spend behind bars after being found guilty last month of sexual assaulting two children.

Instead, he fired his attorney.

Moments after the hearing started in the downtown Stockton courtroom, Nunez  who appeared in a red jail jumpsuit and glasses alongside his attorney Aaron Villalobos  formally asked to delay his sentencing.

He then indicated he wanted to fire Villalobos on the grounds that Villalobos supposedly had not counseled Nunez effectively in his case. The judge allowed the move after a brief discussion behind closed doors.

Sammy Nunez, founder and former director of Fathers and Families San Joaquin, is led out of Department 6C of the San Joaquin County Courthouse in downtown Stockton on Jul. 28, 2023 after a hearing after being found guilty of sexually abusing two young people in his family.

Villalobos would not comment after court on the reasons behind Nunezs request.

The Modesto-based attorneys termination isnt the first shake-up among people handling the highly sensitive case.

In June 2021, shortly after Nunez was charged, Stocktons state Assembly representative Carlos Villapudua urged the California Attorney General to take over the case from the San Joaquin County District Attorneys office, then led by former District Attorney Tori Verber Salazar.

Villapudua claimed Verber Salazar had personal ties to Nunez that created a conflict of interest and would prevent her from prosecuting him effectively.

The Attorney Generals office told Verber Salazar to continue with the case, according to the spokesperson for the DAs office at the time.

Several months later, in January 2022, Judge Xapuri Villapudua recused herself from the case, online court information shows.

Prosecutor Theresa Stroud also appears to have asked for Judge Bernard Garber disqualified from the case on the basis of prejudice against the defendant. Its unclear from online court information whether the request was granted.

Nunezs arrest in May 2021 on charges of sexually abusing his relatives shook the community and the wide-reaching organization Nunez founded, Fathers & Families of San Joaquin.

Story continues

Nunez, now 48, and his then-wife founded the nonprofit in 2006 with a promise to heal people and communities most impacted by incarceration, crime and intergenerational trauma.

By then, Nunezs abuse of two girls in his family, both under 15, had already gone on for years, prosecutors argued at trial.

By the time of his arrest over a decade later, Nunezs nonprofit had become intertwined with local governments and agencies, including through several agreements with San Joaquin County.

After his arrest, Fathers & Families cut ties with Nunez. The nonprofit closed permanently shortly after.

Nunez may choose to appeal his case, a move sometimes proceeded by a request to change attorneys like the one Nunez made on Friday, according to Blair Goss, a Sacramento-based criminal defense attorney.

"Thats the most common road to an appeal, Goss said. Its probably strategically the best move a defendant could make at that point.

This article originally appeared on The Record: Sammy Nunez fires lawyer minutes before he was set to head to prison
The emergency entrance at Sanford Health's main campus in Sioux Falls on Thursday, Jan. 5.

Sanford Health announced Thursday it's stopping the merger process with Minnesota-based Fairview Health Services.

The significant benefits we identified for a combined system with Fairview Health Services compelled us to exhaust all potential pathways to completing our proposed merger, Bill Gassen, President and CEO of Sanford Health, wrote in a press release. However, without support for this transaction from certain Minnesota stakeholders, we have determined it is in the best interest of Sanford Health to discontinue the merger process.

The proposed merger had been on hiatus since April after the Minnesota Attorney General's Office had requested the two healthcare systems to pause the merger in January as the office investigated potential impacts of the proposal.

Earlier: Sanford, Fairview push back merger timeline: What we know so far

Sanford and Fairview announced the intent to merge in November last year, which would have created a combined healthcare system of nearly 80,000 employees across more than 50 hospitals and medical facilities. The new system would have been headquartered in sioux Falls and run under the Sanford name.

Sanford Health initiated the decision to discontinue the merger process, according to Angela Dejene, with Sanford's media relations team.

Our aligned missions, our shared commitment to health and healing, and our deep roots in our communities positioned us well to transform the future of healthcare, James Hereford, Fairview Health president and CEO, said in a press release from Fairview. While we wish the outcome were different, we know that the best thing for ... the communities we serve is to continue our focus on delivering world class care, now and into the future."

Sanford Health CEO Bill Gassen sits with James Hereford, the CEO of Fairview Health Services.

Sanford, Fairview no stranger to push-back with proposed merger

Sanford and Fairview have both faced scrutiny during the past eight months as organizations, lawmakers, students and individuals expressed their upset at the idea of a proposed merger. Healthcare unions such as the Minnesota Nurses Association and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) have publicly opposed the merger, for example.

Story continues

Officials with the University of Minnesota in particular remained apprehensive about the merger since M Fairview Health Services encompasses the universitys health facilities. The U of M even attempted to buy back its healthcare facilities ahead of the merger.

Earlier this year, the Minnesota Attorney General's Office held public listening sessions across the state where community members could voice their concerns about the proposed merger, and many U of M medical students also expressed concern over the quality of and the role South Dakota's politics could play in their education.

More: Arkansas ruling on gender-affirming care ban could have implications in South Dakota

Then in May, Minnesota State Gov. Tim Walz signed a bill into law meant to prevent healthcare entities from merging in the event they could create a monopoly, a law created in direct response to the proposed merger. The law also extended the power of the state's attorney general to oversee and ask a court to block such transactions.

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison had been investigating the merger since it was announced.

Not the first time a Sanford merger has failed

This is the third time in four years that Sanford Health has failed to close on a proposed merger.

In 2019, Iowa-based healthcare system UnityPoint Health pulled out of deal with Sanford Health that wouldve created the 15th largest nonprofit health system in the U.S., with more than $11 billion in revenue estimated.

More: Sanford Childrens Hospital in Sioux Falls will soon have an accessible outdoor park

A year later, Sanford Health stopped negotiations with Utah-based healthcare system Intermountain Healthcare. The failed merger came after former Sanford Health CEO and President Kelby Krabbenhoft resigned and Gassen stepped in to fill the role.

Sanford Health had tried to merge with Fairview Health System in 2013, according to the Minneapolis Star Tribune, but failed because of the inability to get the University of Minnesota Medical Center on board. Sanford Health had also tried to merge with Minnesota-based Allina Health, another major healthcare system in the state, in 2012 but that was also doomed.

This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: Sanford Health, Fairview Health merger is off
A South Carolina agency must change the way it cares for people in the state living with a serious mental illness, following a federal investigation.

The U.S. Department of Justice recently found that the South Carolina Department of Mental Health likely violates federal law by failing to provide individuals with serious mental illness the opportunity to live at home while receiving support services. Instead, patients are often packed for years into community residential care facilities  so-called group homes  which are generally isolated from ordinary community life, according to the report.

[T]heres no vision of ever getting out, a state employee told federal investigators. Theres no vision of having a real life Theres no vision of anything. They just feel stuck.

The Department of Mental Health must now refrain from warehousing people with serious mental disabilities in segregated group homes, by creating a pathway for these patients to live independently in their own homes with access to community-based services, such as employment and peer support. If the department fails in this regard, it could face a federal lawsuit, according to the report.

Because of deficiencies in its community-based service array and the manner in which the State administers its adult mental health system, the State relies on segregated settings to serve adults with serious mental illness who could be served in their homes and communities, the report concluded.

The federal investigation was spurred by a complaint filed by advocacy group Disability Rights South Carolina in late 2021.

The Department of Mental Health has acknowledged the deficiencies highlighted in the report and are set to begin negotiations with Justice officials next month.

Mental Health spokesperson Tracy LaPoint said the department will discuss expanding its community services with the Justice Department, the states Medicaid agency, patients, families and other stakeholders.

Story continues

South Carolina uses two agencies to operate its adult mental health system, including the Department of Mental Health and the Department of Health and Human Services. Mental Health is responsible for directly providing services for people with serious mental illness, while the health department funds services and housing for patients.

There are approximately 2,000 people with a serious mental illness residing in group homes in South Carolina, according to the report.

Group homes in South Carolina are used to provide room, board and personal care to thousands of people with serious mental illness or other disabilities, according to the report. Group home staff generally prepare meals for the residents, distribute medication and maintain the facilitys cleanliness.

While there are around 450 group homes licensed in South Carolina by the Department of Mental Health, the agency only manages two adult psychiatric hospitals and eight group homes. The department also maintains a working relationship with approximately 60 group homes, according to LaPoint. In addition, the agency offers mental health services though 16 state-operated community mental health centers.

Anna Maria Connor, a senior attorney for the advocacy group that brought the federal complaint, said problems have existed for years within South Carolinas mental health care system, but she credited SCDMH for continuing to make efforts to improve its care of people living with serious mental illness and disability.

Theres a place in in the system for (group homes), but we think that unfortunately, a lot of people with disabilities, particularly those with mental illness, get stuck there, Connor said. And so we wanted to get some help to try and see if we can address that issue, and to change the structural system to make it easier for people to be able to move and transition as appropriate and as they wish to do.

The Department of Justice contends that South Carolina is likely violating Title II of the American with Disabilities Act in its practice of filling group homes.

The ADA requires public entities to provide community-based services to people with disabilities when such services are appropriate; the affected people do not oppose community-based services; and community-based services can be reasonably accommodated, according to the 1999 Supreme Court decision in Olmsted v. L.C.

But instead of using its resources to help facilitate independent community-based living for people with serious mental illness, South Carolina continues to invest in and promote the use of group homes, the federal report said.

The report offers multiple examples of mentally ill residents expressing a desire to leave a group home, but who were unable to due to limited support services in South Carolina.

For example, Mitchell, age 39, has lived in a (group home) for seven years, the report said. He used to work on a farm; he loved itthats my world right there. He wants to work, and to live independently with appropriate services, but he did not report receiving any outreach from the State to be considered for such a transition.

LaPoint said the COVID-19 pandemic served as a catalyst for some of the issues raised by the report.

SCDMH agrees that the availability of some of its intensive community services varies across the state, primarily due to a serious shortage of staff, LaPoint said. Increasing the availability of mental health services, including those needed by people with serious mental illness, requires additional trained professional staff.

To that end, Mental Health requested that legislators help increase state employee salaries in this years state budget. That request was granted.

In this years state budget, which runs from July 1 to June 30, 2024 the state Department of Mental Health received around $4 million to increase the salaries of mental health professionals and nearly $5 million for nurses pay.

SCDMH is optimistic that they will bring about improved recruitment and retention. As a result, SCDMH anticipates it will be able to reduce staff vacancies, LaPoint said. If this is the case, SCDMH expects the availability of its intensive community services will improve and allow the department to expand its services outside the group home setting.
The South Carolina Supreme Court has reversed an appeals court order for a new trial of a Rock Hill man.

John Ernest Perry tried to plead guilty in a 2017 trial for shooting at a police officer, but was convicted of attempted murder by a jury before the plea deal was completed. He now is serving a sentence of life in prison.

The supreme court decision issued publicly last week on the South Carolina courts Web site reversed a 2021 decision by the S.C. Court of Appeals that would have granted a new trial for Perry.

Perrys lawyer told The Herald in a phone interview the supreme court opinion reinstates Perrys conviction, but the lawyer plans to ask the supreme court to reconsider the decision.

The supreme court opinion

The appeals court said in 2021 that a judges jury instruction concerning a recharge to the jury about intent was an error and merited a new trial.

But the supreme court said in its opinion released Wednesday that while it agreed with the appeals court that the judges 2017 trial instruction was an error, the error was harmless because an eyewitness testified about seeing Perry shoot at the police.

The conclusion of the supreme court opinion states:

The trial court erred in recharging the jury, when the intent to do an act that violates the law exists, motive becomes immaterial, because it, effectively, defines the required mental state of attempted murder as general intent. Trial courts must be more explicit in their charges that specific intent must be proven. However, because the State presented additional testimony of a disinterested eyewitness, we conclude the error was harmless. REVERSED.

The unanimous supreme court decision was written by S.C. Chief Justice Donald Beatty, and agreed to by the four other justices on the supreme court.

What happens now?

Perry, 53, remains in a South Carolina prison in McCormick, according to S.C. Department of Corrections online records.

He was represented on appeal by Robert Dudek, the S.C. Chief Appellate Defender for the S.C. Commission on Indigent Defense.

Story continues

Dudek told The Herald he plans to petition the state supreme court for rehearing on the opinion based on points of law.

We are going to ask the court to respectfully reconsider its decision, Dudek said.

The S.C. Attorney Generals Office, which argued that Perrys conviction should stand, declined to comment on the supreme court decision because the matter remains pending.

The 2016 incident

Perry was shot by a Rock Hill police officer in 2016. York County prosecutors from the 16th Circuit Solicitors Office said in the 2017 trial that Perry shot at officers while trying to elude arrest near Winthrop University.

York County prosecutors argued in the 2017 trial that Perry had fled on foot after a traffic stop and shot at police as he climbed a fence to escape.

No officers were hurt.

Perry was wounded, and taken in custody days later near Columbia.

Perry told police after his arrest that the gun went off by accident and he did not intentionally fire at police, 2017 court testimony showed. Perry had told authorities he was fleeing because he had outstanding warrants against him, court records show.

Attempt to plead guilty failed

Perrys case became a national story in 2017 after The Herald reported that shortly before the jury returned a guilty verdict, Perry was in a holding cell at the courthouse where he had agreed to plead guilty and accept a sentence of 12 years in prison, testimony showed.

Perrys trial lawyer argued a deal had been made and the plea should be accepted. Prosecutors disagreed.

The 2017 trial judge, Paul Burch, ruled the plea deal had not been completed before the jury found Perry guilty. The court had held no hearing on whether to accept the guilty plea when the jury came back with its verdict, Burch ruled.

Burch sentenced Perry to life in prison. Perry has a criminal record for other convictions dating back to the 1990s, court records show.

Race excluded from 2017 trial

Perry is Black. The officer who shot and wounded Perry is white.

The 2017 trial happened after police shootings of Black people by police in Charlotte, Charleston, and Ferguson, Missouri, 2017 trial testimony showed. The 2017 trial judge ruled, and prosecutors and Perrys lawyer agreed, that neither prosecutors nor the defense could bring up racially charged shootings during the trial.
A Shiprock man has been sentenced to a 15-year prison term after pleading guilty to a variety of drugs and firearms charges in federal court.

Jason E. Begay, 42, was arrested on Nov. 14, 2022, after Navajo Nation police officers found a black handgun and multiple plastic bags containing what was determined to be methamphetamine in his vehicle, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of New Mexico. The combined weight of the bags was 6.8 pounds, the release states.

Begay admitted to possessing the firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, as well as to being a felon who knew it was illegal for him to possess a firearm or ammunition, according to the release.

On Jan. 24, Begay pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 50 grams of methamphetamine, being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, possession with intent to distribute 500 grams and more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine, using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of such crime, the release states.

After he finishes his prison term, Begay will face five years of supervised release.

Support local journalism with a digital subscription: http://bit.ly/2I6TU0e.

This article originally appeared on Farmington Daily Times: Shiprock resident Jason Begay was arrested by Navajo police in 2022
A Georgia community is rallying around a Vietnamese American City Council member after a colleague said she was un-American and failed as a citizen of this country for backing a petition for multilingual voting ballots during city-level elections.

Dozens of residents of Morrow, which is part of the Atlanta metropolitan area, and neighboring cities filled the room during the councils meeting Tuesday to support council member Van Tran and denounce the comments made by council member Dorothy Dean in a previous session.

Tran, who has been a council member in Morrow for four years, spent the last four months advocating during meetings for Spanish and Vietnamese voting ballots. Her colleagues vocally opposed the idea in April, adding that interpreters were already available at polling sites. As Tran continued to advocate for the ballots, earlier this month Dean approached the podium and accused Tran of dishonoring the oaths she took as an American citizen.

Dean's comments galvanized many to attend Tuesdays meeting.

I knew people would be coming to support, but I was amazed by how many people were there. The chamber was packed, Tran told NBC News Wednesday.

Morrow, which has a population of 6,400 residents, is 32.9% Asian and 22% Hispanic or Latino, according to the U.S. Census. Tran is a naturalized citizen who immigrated to the U.S. 17 years ago. She said she was motivated to propose the initiative because a significant demographic of the town is Latino and Vietnamese.

I believe, like Councilwoman Tran, that equal language access on ballots is very important. I think people should know what it is theyre voting on specifically, Oscar Lanza Menjivar, a resident of Morrow, said during the meeting. He said that while his parents speak English, technical terms can make it difficult to understand voting ballots. For that reason, I support Councilwoman Trans petition to make that kind of access available to them, he said.

Story continues

Representatives from advocacy groups like the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund in Atlanta also spoke in support of Tran.

The comments made by esteemed Councilwoman Dean directed at Councilwoman Tran were very disturbing and displayed an alarming disregard for the language assistance provisions of the Voting Rights Act and the rights of Morrow language-minority voters, Victoria Huynh, a community organizer, said.

Dean in particular criticized Tran for distributing flyers in English, Spanish and Vietnamese at the citys Fourth of July celebrations that encouraged people to sign a petition in support of multilingual ballots.

This, Councilwoman Tran, was disturbing to me because you, as an immigrant American, took an oath of citizenship that is read and given to you in English  that language you swore your allegiance to, Dean said at the council meeting on July 11. To be an elected official right here in this chamber, you swore and took an oath of allegiance to America in English.

Dean said Tran should persuade her constituents to learn English instead of providing ballots in other languages. She did not respond to NBC News request for comment.

Id like you to know that I feel, as a citizen of this city and as a fellow council member, that you did not deserve to sit on that dais as an elected official. You have failed in your oath of office. You have failed as a citizen of this country, Dean said. You disregarded it, and you dishonored those oaths you took as an American citizen. I would like to say that is un-American and inexcusable. Shame on you, Van Tran.

Tran pushed back. Her offensive comments were really hurtful. It was not only harmful to me, but it was harmful to all the people that Im standing for in this petition and the community, she said.

On Monday, 28 Georgia state legislators signed a letter denouncing Deans comments.

Georgias diverse electorate is a mark of our vibrancy and strength, the letter said. For elected officials to question whether immigrant citizens deserve to participate in the electoral process, however, is truly un-American.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Washington  The Supreme Court on Thursday paved the way for construction of the controversial Mountain Valley Pipeline project to resume, granting a request to lift lower court orders that halted the project and delayed its completion.

The court's brief order vacates stays issued by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit in cases brought by environmental organizations opposed to the 303-mile Mountain Valley Pipeline that will transport natural gas from West Virginia to Virginia. There were no noted dissents.

Jamie Williams, president of the Wilderness Society, one of the groups challenging the project, said in a statement the group will "exhaust every effort to stop it."

"Allowing construction of this destructive and unnecessary fracked gas pipeline to proceed puts the profits of a few corporations ahead of the health and safety of Appalachian communities," Williams said.

Construction for the project was approved by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, or FERC, in 2017. But since then, the project has been entangled in numerous legal challenges to federal approvals for its construction and operation brought by environmental groups. Much of the pipeline, however, is completed. Among the remaining construction is a 3.5-mile stretch through the Jefferson National Forest, completion of stream crossings outside the forest and final restoration of the construction environment, Mountain Valley Pipeline told the court. Environmental groups say the project is 56% complete to full restoration, as disclosed in an April federal filing.

Before the Supreme Court were two of those disputes, the first brought by the Wilderness Society and the second from a coalition of 10 environmental groups. They sought review from the 4th Circuit of authorizations issued this year by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service allowing the pipeline segments in Jefferson National Forest.

Story continues

The groups argue pipeline construction will harm endangered species and allege the approvals from BLM and the Forest Service violate numerous environmental statutes.

Sections of steel pipe for the Mountain Valley Pipeline in Lindside, West Virginia, on Aug. 26, 2022. / Credit: Robert Nickelsberg / Getty Images

Following the authorizations, FERC gave the green light in late June for the Mountain Valley Pipeline project to resume, and workers and equipment were deployed by the company, which wants construction finished by the end of 2023.

Legal challenges to the Mountain Valley Pipeline

The Wilderness Society, though, challenged the Biden administration's authorizations on June 1. Days later, Congress passed a legislative package lifting the debt ceiling that included language approving the pipeline project and declared that "construction and operation  is required in the national interest."

The addition of the provision known as Section 324 was a major victory for Sen. Joe Manchin, a West Virginia Democrat who had been pushing Congress to greenlight the project.

Under the measure, signed into law by President Biden in early June, Congress approved all authorizations or necessary permits issued for the construction and operation of the pipeline. A provision also stripped federal courts of jurisdiction to hear challenges to authorizations granted by federal agencies to build the pipeline. Any disputes over the lawfulness of that section must be heard by the federal appeals court in Washington, D.C.

After enactment of the debt ceiling package, the Justice Department and Mountain Valley Pipeline moved to dismiss the challenges from the environmentalists. But the Wilderness Society and coalition of environmental groups, led by Appalachian Voices, argued that the law's withdrawal of jurisdiction is unconstitutional.

The organizations asked the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit to block construction of the pipeline while it reviewed the various agency actions, and the appeals court agreed to do so earlier this month. The 4th Circuit is hearing arguments in the cases Thursday.

Mountain Valley Pipeline filed an emergency application with the Supreme Court seeking to resume the project, arguing in part that the 4th Circuit did not have the ability to grant relief because it lacked jurisdiction over the environmental groups' permitting challenges.

"In all events, Section 324 is a valid exercise of Congress's Article I powers to establish standards for environmental permitting and to prescribe the jurisdiction of the lower courts. In exercising those authorities, Congress did not impinge on the Article III judicial power," lawyers for the company wrote.

They also argued the provision of the debt ceiling package renders the case moot, since Congress ratified the relevant agency actions at the center of the legal battles. Leaving the 4th Circuit's pause in place, Mountain Valley Pipeline warned, will delay its completion before spring 2024 and lead to increased demand for natural gas in the mid-Atlantic and southeast regions served by the pipeline.

"As soon as it is completed, the Pipeline will provide a reliable source of natural gas and help insulate customers from severe price fluctuations  reducing costs for consumers and businesses at exactly the time demand will be most intense," the company's lawyers wrote. "If the stays remain in place, however, individuals and businesses will have to endure yet another winter season of price spikes and supply shortages."

The Biden administration, Manchin and the GOP-led House sided with the pipeline company in the dispute and urged the Supreme Court to lift the lower court orders.

"Congress exercised its Article I and Article IV powers to make the following policy decision: federal law will facilitate the prompt completion of the Pipeline and commencement of its operation," the House's Office of General Counsel wrote in a friend-of-the-court brief.

Lawyers for the Wilderness Society urged the Supreme Court to allow the lower court orders to remain untouched and accused Congress of enacting a provision that not only "crosses the line between legislating and judging" but also violates the Constitution.

"Congress overstepped the line that separates legislating and judging when it enacted Section 324 by picking winners and losers in pending litigation without supplying new substantive law," they wrote in a filing to the Supreme Court.

The environmental group also argued that the provision is "independently unconstitutional" because it strips jurisdiction in order to guarantee the government and Mountain Valley Pipeline would win in the pending litigation over the pipeline approvals.

The company and entities backing it in the dispute "spend most of their time speculating about harms to the gas supply chain, individuals and businesses, and the national interest  in short, to anyone but MVP," the Wilderness Society said. "But for the extraordinary remedy MVP seeks, this puts the cart before the horse."

Appalachian Voices, the lead plaintiff in the second case, and the nine environmental organizations separately accused the Mountain Valley Pipeline of appealing to Congress to protect the project after suffering earlier court losses.

"In short, faced with the reality that its ill-conceived pipeline cannot comply with this nation's foundational environmental laws, MVP sought special legislation in which Congress attempted to seize the judicial power by essentially declaring that, in pending litigation challenging authorizations for MVP, the Government and MVP win," they told the Supreme Court in a brief.

Trump faces additional charges in classified documents case

Growing number of meat allergy cases linked to tick bites, CDC warns

Katie Spikes, longtime "60 Minutes" producer, dies at 53
Gender-affirming care for transgender kids in America is on the line.

The debate over its safety and merits drew Capitol Hill attention Thursday at a hearing by the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution and Limited Government.

Political rhetoric on both sides of the aisle spewed in Washington D.C. as families across the nation navigated how to move around state laws banning or limiting transgender healthcare.

The subcommittee's "Dangers and Due Process Violations of Gender-Affirming Care for Children" hearing comes at a time when several states are passing legislation to inhibit the rights of transgender youth.

In a dramatic opening focusing on genital surgeries for adolescents, Committee Chairman and Rep. Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) played a video of a podcast interview of Dr. Blair Peters, known as the Queer Surgeon, from the Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, who talked about the surgeries he performs on adolescents.

Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA) makes opening statements as the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Constitution and Limited Government holds a hearing on gender affirming care for children.

In response to the video, Johnson said Peters "boasts about the shocking, fully-experimental, irreversible and life-altering invasive procedures that he and others are performing on children to surgically modify their genitals."

The Human Rights Campaign challenged those claims ahead of the hearing and slammed the Committee for its plan to "continue embarking on a reckless, unprecedented misinformation campaign to justify harmful policies to prevent transgender children from being able to access important and lifesaving healthcare."

The group cited recent surveys from The Trevor Project that show "transgender youth with access to gender-affirming hormone therapy have lower rates of depression and are at a lower risk for suicide" and another from the National Center for Transgender Equality that shows "only 3% of respondents have detransitioned permanently at some point."

Who said what at the hearing?

At the beginning of the hearing, Johnson went on to call the video of Peters "absolutely nightmare-ish and "surreal to hear the description of what these people are doing to the bodies of young children,"

Story continues

He called the procedures "barbarism," and said it "should be prohibited by our law."

"This so-called gender-affirming care is anything but affirming and caring, and the language matters," he said. "This is adults deciding to permanently alter the bodies of children who do not have the capacity to make life-altering decisions on their own."

'I've kept her safe': Families flee states with transgender care bans to protect their children

Quickly backfiring on Johnson's remarks, Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (D-Pennsylvania) said: "Congress has no business interfering in parents freedom to make decisions about appropriate medical care for their children."

"It is a cynical and dangerous political attack on transgender children and their families," she said. "It is not driven by science or facts, but by polling and political strategists determined to mobilize conservative voters through fear."

Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA) makes an opening statement as the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Constitution and Limited Government holds a hearing on gender affirming care for children.

"Gender-affirming care is safe and effective," said Scanlon. "It is supported by every major medical association, including the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics, among others, representing over 1.3 million American doctors."

How the 14th Amendment Is changing the fight for gender-affirming care for minors

At the hearing, Johnson also said "sex isn't something you are assigned at birth" and attacked the "transgender movement."

"What is even more alarming is that the central tenant of the transgender movement and its allies is to exclude parents as much as possible from making decisions about the health of their own children," he said. "Medical professionals and schools increasingly see parents as quote transphobic bullies who must be prevented from standing in the way of the medical sexual transition of their own kids."

Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Texas, on Thursday shared a message of support with transgender people during the hearing.

I insist on pronouncing today: your life is worth it, Lee said. Your sons life is worth it. Your daughters life is worth it. However they are transitioning, and as they live their life. And I plea and beg for those who might be listening, know that we do not believe that this is a question for this committee.

I will not sit here and allow the trans community to be abused, and in essence to be rejected and for someone somewhere, let me say, your life is worthwhile, she added.

Contributing: Marina Pitofsky, USA TODAY

Contact Kayla Jimenez at kjimenez@usatoday.com. Follow her on Twitter at @kaylajjimenez.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Gender affirming care for minors debated in Congress: What to know
[Source]

Twitters rebranding as X caused one Twitter user to lose their account handle without prior warning or financial compensation.

The account formerly known as X: The social media giant took the handle @X from owner Gene X Hwang, who associated the account with his corporate photography and videography studio, Orange Photography.

X simply reassigned the handle to itself without reaching out to negotiate with Hwang.

While Hwang expressed surprise at the move, he noted that he would have been open to discussing the matter if X had approached him.

More from NextShark: Korean Beauty Store Employee Attacked for Asking Customer to Wear a Face Mask

It would have been nice for them to compensate for it since it did have a lot of value to me, but things are what they are, he told TechCrunch. Maybe I should ask for the bird from the sign since they were dismantling that yesterday too.

Mishandled handle: According to Hwang, he eventually received a letter from X explaining that the @X account is now affiliated with the company and that he would be assigned a new handle.

The company assured him that all his data, including followers and following data, would be transferred to the new handle. As compensation, X offered Hwang a selection of merchandise and the opportunity to tour X's headquarters.

More from NextShark: Native Hawaiians ask UN to help stop construction of $2.65 billion telescope on sacred mountain

He has since accepted the outcome and even tweeted about the situation from his new handle, @x12345678998765.

"All's well that ends well," he wrote.



The company formerly known as Twitter: The X rebranding has faced other issues, including the companys failure to secure the intellectual property rights to the "X" brand.

Story continues

Since entities like Microsoft and Meta also hold claims to various "X" trademarks, the move could result in future legal challenges. Despite adopting the new "X" logo, the company also has yet to fully update its website and application.

More from NextShark: We prayed for death: 2 American veterans freed from Russian captivity in Ukraine describe torture
Egypt's president Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi called for a consensual agreement on grain exports to halt the continuous rise in grain prices during his speech on Friday at the Russia-Africa Summit in Russia's St. Petersburg.

I look forward to reaching a consensus on a grain export agreement that takes into account the demands and interests of all parties involved and puts an end to the continuous increase in grain prices," he added.

The second edition of the summit kicked off on Thursday with the participation of 49 countries, including Egypt, represented by nearly 45 heads of state.

During his speech on Friday, El-Sisi stated that this summit takes place amidst a highly complex international context characterized by heightened polarization and transformative changes that challenge the fundamental principles of the modern international system.

In this regard, he pointed out that African countries face various challenges that affect their developmental paths, security, and the rights of future generations, stressing the need for tools and measures to address these issues and ensure a safe future.

In his speech, the Egyptian president outlined Egypt's four-point vision for the current international situation and the key areas for enhancing cooperation within the strategic partnership between Africa and Russia.

Firstly, El-Sisi emphasized the significance of African sovereignty and independence. He asserted that African countries are not passive players but sovereign and independent actors who seek peace, security, and sustainable development that prioritise the well-being of their people.

Therefore, he stressed the importance of staying immune to divisive polarization and uniting for the greater good.

Secondly, the Egyptian president stressed that any solutions to existing conflicts must be grounded in the objectives and principles of the United Nations Charter and in international law.

El-Sisi stressed the importance of reaching peaceful resolutions to conflicts, safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and addressing the root causes of crises, especially those linked to national security determinants.

Furthermore, he called for refraining from using tools that only served to fuel conflicts and deepen divisions.

Thirdly, the Egyptian president highlighted the severe ramifications of conflicts on the economy of African countries by pointing out the adverse impact of such conflicts on food security, supply chains, and energy prices.

Therefore, El-Sisi stressed the necessity of providing affordable food and fertilizers in a way that helps African countries resolve these crises.

He also affirmed the importance of exploring innovative financing mechanisms in supporting agricultural and food systems in Africa.

"I emphasize the importance of finding urgent solutions to provide food and fertilizers at prices that help Africa overcome this crisis. We should explore innovative financing mechanisms to support agricultural and food systems in Africa," the Egyptian president said.

El-Sisi thus expressed keenness to achieve a consensual agreement on grain exports that would consider the interests and demands of all parties and end the continuous rise in grain prices.

In this regard, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Russia understands the importance of supplying African countries with foodstuffs and will remain a reliable source of foodstuffs for Africa.

Moscow withdrew from the Black Sea grain agreement after protesting for months that the parts of the deal that allowed for the export of Russian fertiliser were not honoured and refused to renew the deal last week. A decision that UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said will affect millions of people who are facing hunger.

Finally, El-Sisi addressed the importance of having an influential and effective African voice within international forums.

He also reaffirmed Egypt's willingness to support African demands within the G20 framework and advocate for reforms in international financial institutions that meet such demands.

The Egyptian president concluded by highlighting the pivotal role that Russia can play in this regard.

I express Egypt's aspiration for African demands to be acknowledged within the framework of the G20, as well as efforts to reform international financial institutions, with the support of our Russian partner and friend, El-Sisi said

Search Keywords:

Short link:


FILE - In this April 22, 1952 file photo a gigantic pillar of smoke with the familiar mushroom top climbs above Yucca Flat, Nev. during nuclear test detonation. A defense spending bill pending in Congress includes an apology to New Mexico, Nevada, Utah and other states affected by nuclear testing over the decades, but communities downwind from the first atomic test in 1945 are still holding out for compensation amid rumblings about the potential for the U.S. to resume nuclear testing. (AP Photo,File)

Southern Utah's thousands of "downwinders"  people whose families suffered high rates of cancer attributed to U.S. nuclear weapons testing in the Nevada desert in the 1950s and '60s  could be eligible for more federal compensation under a proposed expansion to the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act.

The U.S. Senate on Thursday approved a major expansion to the program in passing a massive defense spending bill, proposing to extend health care coverage and compensation to downwinders and extending compensation to former uranium industry workers.

The bill advanced on a 86-11 vote in the Senate, although the RECA expansion is not yet included in a House-approved defense bill.

The hit summer film Oppenheimer about the top-secret Manhattan Project and the dawn of the nuclear age during World War II has brought new attention to the decades-long debate over compensation for families who were exposed to fallout and still grapple with related illnesses.

"We're elated with the vote today. We're extremely hopeful," said Mary Martinez White, who recounted that her parents and several siblings were ravaged by cancer after the family's exposure to nuclear fallout at a farm in Carrizozo, New Mexico, about 35 miles (55 kilometers) for the Trinity Site test.

She blames her family's suffering on decisions at the outset of the Cold War  and applauded efforts to make amends through federal compensation by lawmakers, including Democratic Sen. Ben Ray Lujan of New Mexico and Republican Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri.

I have faith that people who are alive today will right those choices, and quickly, especially when so much is being asked of New Mexico in terms of storage of radioactive waste and nuclear weapons production, she said.

The Radiation Exposure Compensation Act was first passed in 1990 as an alternative to costly litigation to ensure the federal government met its financial responsibilities to workers who became sick as a result of the radiation hazards of their jobs. Coverage was broadened a decade later.

Story continues

An estimated 60,000 people were exposed to radioactive fallout in southern Utah during the testing programs that took place at the Nevada Test Site, where nuclear weapons were tested and much of the radiation was sent "downwind" to the east via the prevailing winds.

For years, the federal government has issued money to those affected via the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act, which was set to expire last summer but was extended by for another two years.

Uranium mining on the Navajo Nation

FILE - In this Nov. 13, 1979, file photo, while United Nuclear Corp. uses a combination of hand work and heavy machinery to clear up a uranium tailings spill along the Rio Puerco, signs warn residents in three languages to avoid the water in Church Rock, N.M. A bipartisan group of lawmakers is renewing the push to expand a federal compensation program for radiation exposure following uranium mining and nuclear testing carried out during the Cold War. Advocates have been trying for years to bring awareness to the lingering effects of nuclear fallout surrounding the Trinity Site in southern New Mexico and on the Navajo Nation, where more than 30 million tons of ore were extracted over decades to support U.S. nuclear activities. (AP Photo/SMH, File)

Advocates also have been trying for years to bring awareness to the lingering effects of radiation exposure on the Navajo Nation, where millions of tons of uranium ore were extracted over decades to support U.S. nuclear activities.

The Navajo Nation has borne the brunt of Americas nuclear program, the cost of which can be measured in human lives, environmental devastation, and communities that are still suffering," President Buu Nygren of the Navajo Nation said Thursday in a statement. "We will not stand by and allow this legacy to be forgotten or dismissed.

The Senate bill would expand eligibility to more former uranium mining, processing and transportation workers who participated after 1971, the current cutoff date for eligibility.

History of the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act

This photo shows an aerial view after the first atomic explosion at Trinity Test Site, in N.M., on July 16, 1945. A new film on J. Robert Oppenheimer's life and his role in the development of the atomic bomb as part of the Manhattan Project during World War II has brought new attention to a decades-long efforts to extend compensation for families who were exposed to fallout and still grapple with related illnesses.

Since the compensation program began in 1992, more than 54,000 claims have been filed and about $2.6 billion has been awarded for approved claims in Nevada, Utah and Arizona. Coverage would be expanded to New Mexico, Colorado, Idaho, Missouri, Montana and previously excluded areas of Nevada, Utah and Arizona.

Earlier this month, Hawley promised to help people with cancer and other diseases connected to nuclear contamination in the St. Louis, Missouri, region. He cited reports by The Associated Press, The Missouri Independent and the nonprofit newsroom MuckRock that detailed nonchalance and indifference to the risks nuclear waste posed dating back to the 1950s.

St. Louis was part of the national campaign to build a nuclear bomb, with uranium processing that produced harmful waste.

Contributing: The Associated Press.

This article originally appeared on St. George Spectrum & Daily News: Victims of radiation from nuclear weapons testing could get compensation
Perhaps Ammon Bundy, best known for his 41-day armed occupation of the Oregon Malheur Wildlife Refuge in 2016, will begin to see the light after ending up on the business end of a $52 million judgment.
During the plenary session held on the second day of the Russia-Africa summit, in the presence of President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi and African leaders, President Vladimir Putin emphasized Russia's efforts to reduce the burden of debt on African countries.

Putin announced that Russia will allocate an extra $90 million to support development in African countries and reduce their debts.

"So far, we have cancelled a total of 23 billion dollars of debt, and in the latest requests from African countries, we will allocate over 90 million dollars for these developmental purposes, he said.

The Russian president stated that Russia and Africa share strong and mutually beneficial friendly relations, which were established in the mid-20th century during the struggles of African nations for their freedom.

Addressing the lingering challenges, Putin expressed concern over aspects of neo-colonialism still present today, particularly in economic, informational, and humanitarian fields.

"For decades, we have continuously supported African countries in their difficult confrontation against neo-colonialism. Unfortunately, some aspects of colonialism have not been eradicated to this day, and major powers still practice them," he added.

The Russian president stressed the importance of defending state sovereignty and independence, expressing Russias solidarity with African countries in shaping a multipolar and egalitarian system.

Furthermore, Putin affirmed Russia's commitment to assist African countries in conflict resolution and cooperate with them on law enforcement and military training.

He also acknowledged the challenges hindering Africa's development, including terrorism, extremist ideologies, transnational crime, piracy, and unresolved ethnic conflicts.

Moreover, he welcomed the initiative from several African countries to help resolve the Ukrainian crisis.

"Mediation missions to resolve the Ukrainian crisis were previously monopolized by so-called advanced democracies, but now African countries too are ready to help solve problems," the Russian president said.

"The initiative from several African countries regarding the Ukrainian crisis is significant, and we don't shy away from considering it," Putin added, stressing that "Russia deals with African initiatives with respect and carefully examines them."

Search Keywords:

Short link:


Our directory features more than 18 million business listings from across the entire US. However, if we're missing your business, add your business by clicking on Add Your Business.
Every year since 2016, the Instituto de los Mexicanos en el Exterior (IME) Becas program has been providing scholarships for Mexican and Mexican American students at Arizona Western College. To date, $118,000 in scholarship monies have been awarded to 129 students through this program from the Mexican Consulate of Yuma. And this year, a total of $15,000 has been granted to 15 students.

One half of the funds was supplied by the Mexican government while the remaining half was matched by the AWC Foundation and Riedel Construction, which contributed $5,000 toward the match.

The Mexican Consulate of Yuma Consul Dulce Maria Valle Alvarez recently visited the AWC main campus to sign a memorandum of understanding with AWC Foundation Chief Operating Officer Laura Knaresboro and present a check to the foundation and several of the scholarship recipients.

This effort is very important so that you can contribute to the society in which youre now integrated  to the American society, to this country, Valle Alvarez said, addressing the scholarship recipients. Its very important for an integrated society to have an educated formation and that it be a benefit not only for you as students, but for your families as well.

Once youre professionals or technicians or have all the preparation you need, why not look for collaboration, cooperation amongst yourselves with your communities of origin in Mexico? Its very important to contribute to your new country, which is the U.S., but not forget your roots.

Although Riedel Construction owner and San Luis Mayor Nieves Riedel couldnt attend the event, she recorded a special video for the students.

For my family, its very important to participate with the Mexican Institute when it gives these scholarships because we, my family, is also very interested in the education of my 'paisanos,' she said.

Highlighting the differences these scholarships are making, Jesse Ramirez thanked the consulate, the AWC Foundation and Riedel Construction for their generosity that will support his nursing studies. Already in his second semester, he hopes to graduate in December 2024.

Another student, Blas Gonzalez, shared that hes been a part-time student since 2017 but thanks to this program, this year is the first one hell be able to take four classes as a full-time student.

I am trying to go for an associate's in Business and then from there, go for a bachelor's in Human Resources and then hopefully go for a master's, he said. I know the experience  it's gonna be a lengthy one but I'm excited  Thank you so much for being able to give us the becas and for being here supporting the community. I feel like this is the best way to support community  by educating ourselves  because that's the best way to not only improve ourselves, but to better the community.

AWC Foundation Executive Director Lori Stofft expressed gratitude for the partnership that has made these scholarships happen for years.

We can only do that when we have partners in the community that value the work that our students are doing in the classroom, she said. ... Arizona Western College believes in the mega region, not just the City of Yuma or the county of Yuma, but this beautiful economic region where there's so much diversity. There's two million in population between our county, the county in California and the two counties south of us in Mexico. This is a such a beautiful place to live and work and its because of students like you guys.

Stofft remarked that she was touched by the photos from the events slideshow which detailed the degrees and careers that the scholarship recipients are going for: from business to psychology to nursing and beyond.

This years scholarship recipients, each of which are receiving $1,000, include:

Adriana Sobreranes

Axel Barboa Santos

Blas C. Gonzalez

Isidro Moreno

Jaimie Salazar

Jennifer Elias

Jesse Ramirez

Jesus Manzanedo Gonzalez

Jesus Ronaldo Gonzalez

Julio Cortez

Lesly Lizarraga

Lucia Marin Agular

Marlene Roman

Yesenia Marquez

Close

Sisko Stargazer Education Reporter Follow Sisko Stargazer Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today
The United States has expressed its concerns over the far-right Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvirs provocative visit to the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound on Thursday morning, the Palestinian news agency, WAFA, reported.

We absolutely are concerned by todays visit to Haram al-Sharif in Jerusalem, Principal Deputy Spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State, Vedant Patel, told reporters, reaffirming the U.S. position in support of the historic status quo of holy sites.

We underline Jordan's special role in Muslim holy sites in Jerusalem, Patel added. Any unilateral action or rhetoric that deviates or jeopardizes the status quo is completely unacceptable.

Egypt, Turkey, Jordan, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar and Morocco have all condemned the storming of the Al-Aqsa by Ben-Gvir and settlers.

On Thursday, Israeli military fire killed a 14-year-old Palestinian in the occupied West Bank, Palestinian health officials said Thursday, as an extremist Israeli Cabinet minister broke into the holy Al-Aqsa Mosque compound.

Under a longstanding status quo, non-Muslims can visit the site at specific times but are not allowed to pray there.

However, Israeli settlers and politicians routinely violate the arrangement under heavy police protection. On 4 June, Israeli settlers led by extremist Israeli rabbi and MP Yehuda Glick stormed the compound to pray. Before that, on 21 May, Ben-Gvir also entered the holy site sparking widespread international condemnation.

Israel occupied East Jerusalem, where al-Aqsa is located, during the 1967 Arab-Israeli War. It annexed the entire city in 1980, in a move never recognized by the international community.

Since early last year, the territory has seen violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinian communities as well as a string of attacks by Palestinians on Israeli targets.

So far this year, violence linked to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has killed at least 203 Palestinians, 27 Israelis, one Ukrainian and one Italian, according to an AFP tally compiled from official sources on both sides.

Search Keywords:

Short link:


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.
Un barbat de 34 de ani a fost retinut pentru delapidare. Ar fi dat un tun de peste doua milioane de lei

Un barbat de 34 de ani a fost retinut pentru delapidare cu consecinte deosebit de grave, fals in inscrisuri sub semnatura privata. Acesta ar fi cauzat un prejudiciu de peste doua milioane [citeste mai departe]
Hungarys media authority has criticised recent international reports on media freedom for their factual errors, methodological inconsistencies and one-sidedness in their assessments of Hungarys media landscape.

The National Media and Communications Authority (NMHH) supports every initiative aimed at making a professional assessment of the situation of media freedom and pluralism, the authority said in a statement.



It added that as a responsible regulatory body, it considered it a duty to highlight professional and methodological concerns in the reports in question.



The NMHH said the fact that the authors of the reports tended to be individuals who were biased when it came to the situation of Hungarys media landscape hurt the balance and credibility of the documents.



It added that the reports tended to leave out professional opinions that differed from their own.



The NMHH said a study available on its website contained a detailed analysis of the reports published by Freedom House, Reporters Without Borders and the Centre for Media Pluralism and Media Freedom.



The authority said it trusted that its constructive criticism would contribute to the publication of more professionally grounded and balanced reports on the situation of Hungarian media in the future.
Cirque du Sziget, one of the most popular attractions at the Sziget Festival, returns to its usual slot with ever more colourful offerings.

From early afternoon until late at night, the 1,000-seater circus tent and outdoor stage will be filled each day with a constant succession of exciting performances by four different companies.



This year, thanks to the co-operation between Sziget and the International Federation of Circus Schools (FEDEC), two schools will have the opportunity to showcase their students with two daily productions.



Held over from last year, the show FA by Amoukanama Circus from Guinea, selected for America's Got Talent in 2022, will be presented on the outdoor stage.



Other students from the Imre Baross Artists Training School present their adaptation of John the Valiant (Janos Vitez) to open the programme in the tent.



Some students at local circus schools fled the war in Ukraine to come to Prague and Budapest. Pragues Cirk La Putyka company took on the artistic training of young acrobats. In Boom Vol 2, young Czech and Ukrainian acrobats perform together, sharing their professional skills, and personal stories and experiences.



The Canadian Cirque Alfonse company need little introduction to Sziget audiences, as theyre returning to the festival stage for the third time. This family formation brings together members from three generations, from grandfathers to grandchildren, and in their latest show, Animal, they charm the crowd with their trademark humour and naturalism.



Each night, the tents programme concludes with a performance of Humans 2.0 by famed Australian company, Circa.



Company director Yaron Lifschitz challenges the perceived limitations of the human body to bring out the best in acrobats. Their light-hearted yet lyrical performance leaves no-one in any doubt as to why they are one of the worlds most exciting contemporary-circus companies.



The outside stage takes the spotlight in the time slots between shows in the tent. This years performances include three female acrobats from the French company Das Arnak, who will showcase the ancient Chinese technique of hair-hanging.



The same venue will also host a Chinese pole performance by the Argentine troupe manoAmano. Perhaps one of the most spectacular shows this year will be Chouf Le Ciel by Moroccan Cirque Colokolo, which will feature acrobatics, juggling and hip-hop dance, accompanied by traditional and electronic music.



The programme on the outdoor stage will close each night with the inevitable fire show, a performance by Hungarys finest fire jugglers especially created for Sziget.



Click here for more event info



Main photo: Cirque Alfonse
Two Omaha men were federally indicted last week for their alleged participation in a check fraud scheme involving nearly $290,000 in forged business checks deposited at financial institutions across Nebraska and elsewhere.

Federal prosecutors on Friday unsealed an eight-count indictment against Calvin Carter, 20, and Malik Washington, 26, alleging criminal conspiracy, bank fraud and production of counterfeit securities. The two men are accused of attempting to cash at least 60 counterfeit checks totaling at least $291,000 at various banks and credit unions between April 2021 and December 2022.

The federal indictment is in addition to state charges filed last year against Carter and Washington alleging forgery and criminal conspiracy. The time frame listed in the indictment indicates that the men allegedly continued to perpetuate or aid in the fraud while out on bail awaiting trial in Douglas County Court.

State charges against Carter and Washington will likely be dismissed later this week, Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine confirmed Tuesday. Crimes involving bank fraud are typically under the jurisdiction of the federal government.

This is not state court, U.S. Magistrate Judge Susan Bazis said to Washington at an initial hearing last week. Youre in a whole different ballgame.

According to court documents, communications found on seized devices indicated that Washington, Carter and other associates would place advertisements on social media offering $1,000 to $3,000 to anyone with a bank account. People who agreed to participate would supply the men with their debit cards, PIN number and online banking credentials.

Members of the alleged conspiracy would deposit forged business checks into the accounts and remove all of the funds via gift card purchases, ATM withdrawals and electronic transfers before the check could be flagged as fraudulent. Electronic evidence suggests that several dozen people were involved in the scheme.

The Sheriffs Office began investigating the case in February 2022 after First National Bank of Omaha reported losing approximately $36,000 in two months from a series of similar forged checks, according to court documents. Twelve fraudulent business checks were deposited into seven different FNBO accounts throughout December 2021 and January 2022. The checks ranged from about $3,000 to $7,000 and were either distributed at FNBO branches or through the banks mobile app.

FNBOs app allows account holders to take photos of checks to deposit money electronically. According to the affidavit, the app captures the IP address and physical GPS coordinates of each device used to upload photos of a check. The GPS coordinates captured when the fraudulent checks were deposited, leading investigators to a northwest Omaha home occupied by Carter.

A search warrant was served on the home in February 2022. In Carters bedroom, deputies found hundreds of pages of blank check stock, a safe monitored by a security camera, a shredder with a bin full of shredded checks and receipts for thousands of dollars worth of designer clothing and shoes, according to court documents. They also seized Carters phone and laptop, which allegedly provided additional evidence of text communications with co-conspirators and check printing software on his computer.

Carter was arrested after the execution of the search warrant and was charged with forgery and criminal conspiracy. He posted bail and was released shortly after his arrest.

Carters arrest did not mark the end of the investigation. In June 2022, FNBO again contacted the Sheriffs Office to report an additional loss of more than $82,000 from forged checks that looked identical to those allegedly forged by Carter. Those checks, deposited between March and June 2022, purported to be for payroll from a business called The Standard.

ATM cameras captured photos of the man who deposited the checks, and deputies identified him as Washington, according to court documents. A search warrant executed at Washingtons home did not locate any check forgery equipment, leading deputies to believe that someone else was supplying Washington with checks and directing him to deposit them.

Washington was arrested in June 2022 and charged with forgery and criminal conspiracy in state court. At the time of his arrest, Washington was in possession of six debit cards not belonging to him, according to an arrest affidavit. He also posted bail and was released from jail shortly after his arrest.

Washington was the first to appear in federal court last week, where he entered not guilty pleas on all counts and was ordered by Bazis to be released ahead of trial. Carter also pleaded not guilty during his initial appearance Tuesday and was ordered to be released from custody.

Both men face decades in prison if convicted on any of the eight charges. They are both named in each count of the indictment, which includes one count of conspiracy, five counts of bank fraud and two counts of possessing a counterfeit security. The conspiracy and bank fraud charges each carry a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine, and the counterfeit security count is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Kleine said the Douglas County Attorneys Office is considering pressing charges against others involved in the scheme. At least one person, Carters brother, is currently facing felony charges related to the fraud in Douglas County Court.

Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of July 2023
It was during October 2021 when in the mid of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Maharashtra government removed around 15,000 NHM (National Health Mission) workers citing a lack of funds from the Central government. The 15,000 health workers mean 15,000 families. They had no hope and the question was for survival. However, they were aided by Advocate Amar Mulla who helped them secure the jobs once again. He fought their case in the High Court and provided free legal aid to them. Mulla diligently gathered all the problems and evidence related to the case and also reached out to Health Minister Dr. Bharti Pawar seeking assistance.

During the case, some of the affected workers resorted to protests by refusing to work. Mulla had counselled them, advising them not to stop performing their duties while protesting. He had encouraged them to engage in peaceful protests while continuing to work at their respective places. His efforts were appreciated by Dr. Bharti Pawar and she took the matter seriously. Consequently, she had arranged some extra budget to secure the jobs of these health workers. The Central government had made a significant decision to retain the posts of ANMs (Auxiliary Nurse Midwives), which had greatly relieved about 597 health workers in the state of Maharashtra. Under this decision, rural health workers who could work in urban areas were recruited there, while those who were better suited to their current locations continued their employment there. The remaining health workers were placed in vacancies in other places through joint efforts by the Central and State governments.

Who Is Amar Mulla?



Adv Amar Mulla was born in Sangli district but was brought up in Delhi. He is not only a Supreme Court senior advocate but also a social activist and an author as well. Mulla also holds key positions, such as an advisory body member of the Home Ministry, General Secretary in the International Council of Jurists based in London, and legal assistance provider to various law panels in media, as well as senior IAS and IPS officers. He also holds an executive membership in the Pune Bar Association. He obtained his Bachelor of Commerce degree from Venutai Chavan College in 2004, followed by an LLB in 2008 and an LLM in 2014 from the New Law College Bharati Vidyapith in Pune. Mulla obtained an MBA from YBN University in Ranchi in 2016 and recently completed his Ph.D. at Ahmedabad University in 2021.

Mulla's Contribution To Triple Talaq Bill

He actively participated in advocating for the empowerment of Muslim women, primarily through his involvement in the Triple Talaq Act. As a result of his efforts, notable changes were introduced to promote equal rights and protection for Muslim women concerning divorce matters. Furthermore, Mulla's contributions were influential in amending the Indian Succession Act of 1925, granting Hindu women the opportunity to assert equal rights in their father's property.

As an author, he has published nearly 10 law books for aspiring legal professionals which are referred to in lower as well as higher courts by lawyers to drive home their arguments. His dedication to justice and empowerment has not gone unnoticed. Amar Mulla's achievements and contributions in the legal field, along with his dedication to justice and empowerment, have established him as a prominent name in the field.
New Delhi: The state of Maharashtra is witnessing torrential rainfalls for the last couple of weeks and no respite from heavy showers is expected in the coming days. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted very heavy rainfall at isolated places over Mumbai city and adjoining areas during the next 24 hours and has issued an orange alert for the district.

Other than Mumbai, Pune, Thane, Raigad, Ratnagiri, Satara, Bhandara and Gondia districts of the state of Maharashtra are on orange alert and are very likely to witness heavy to very heavy rainfall accompanied with thunderstorms and lightning during the next 24 hours

BMC Asks Mumbaikars To Stay Home Amid Heavy Rainfall

Precautionary Measures



1. Avoid unnecessary travel, if possible, during heavy downpours.



2. Keep emergency numbers handy



3. Stay away from flooded areas



4. Park vehicles in safe spots to prevent water damage.#MumbaiRains #StaySafe #BMCPrepared July 27, 2023

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Thursday asked the citizens of Mumbai to stay inside their homes amid the incessant rainfall. The civic body has also released traffic advice asking the citizens to avoid commuting through waterlogged areas and tips to save belongings at home during from the rainwater.

IMD Predicts Heavy Rainfall In Telangana, Issues Orange Alert For 8 Districts

The Met Department has predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall for the southern state of Telangana which witnessed extremely heavy rainfall on Thursday. An orange alert has been issued for the 8 districts of the state namely Nizamabad, Kamareddy, Medak, Sangareddy, Yadadri Bhuvanagiri, Nirmalm Adilabad and Komaram Bheem.

Heavy Rainfall To Lash Karnataka, IMD Issues Orange Aert For Coastal Region

According to IMD, heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely to occur at a few places over all the districts of Coastal Karnataka and at isolated places over the Bidar and Kalaburgi districts of North Interior Karnataka.

Heavy rainfall is also likely to occur at isolated places over Bagalkote, Belagavi, Raichur, Vijayapura, Yadgir districts of North Interior Karnataka and over Chikkamagaluru, Kodagu, Shivamogga districts of South Interior Karnataka, stated the met department.

IMD Predicts Moderate Rainfall In Delhi-NCR

The National capital and its adjoining regions witnessed light to moderate rainfall with thundershowers at isolated places on Thursday and the met department has predicted that the same weather is likely to continue for the next 3-4 days. Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram, and Faridabad are likely to witness cloudy sky with light rainfall and thundershowers over the next 3 days, stated IMD.

Heavy Rains To Continue To Hit Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand

Hill states of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand are witnessing incessant rainfall and the met department has predicted further heavy falls till July 31. The IMD has also forecasted heavy rainfall for Punjab, Haryana, and West Uttar Pradesh from July 28 to July 31.
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping had exchanged courtesies and spoke on the need to stabilise the bilateral relations at a dinner during the G20 summit in Bali last year, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday. Two days ago, the Chinese foreign ministry following a meeting between NSA Ajit Doval and top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi in Johannesburg claimed that Xi and Modi had reached an "important consensus" on stabilising bilateral ties at the interaction on the margins of the G20 Summit last November.

"During the Bali G20 summit last year, the prime minister and President Xi Jinping at the conclusion of that dinner hosted by the Indonesian President exchanged courtesies and spoke of the need to stabilise our bilateral relations," Bagchi said. "As you are aware, we have steadfastly maintained the key to resolution of the whole issue is to resolve the situation along the LAC (Line of Actual Control) on the Western sector of India-China boundary and to restore peace and tranquillity in the border areas," he added.

His comments came when asked about China's claim of the consensus reached at the interaction between the two top leaders in Bali. Following the brief interaction between Modi and Xi in Bali, the MEA had said they exchanged courtesies. It was their first such exchanges in public view since the India-China border standoff began in May 2020.



Doval met Wang on the sidelines of the BRICS NSAs' meeting in Johannesburg on July 24. In its statement on the meeting, the MEA said 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.

It said the 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 ties. "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 MEA said on Tuesday.

The Indian and Chinese troops are locked in an over three-year standoff in certain friction points in eastern Ladakh even as the two sides completed disengagement from several areas following extensive diplomatic and military talks. The government refers to eastern Ladakh as Western sector. The ties between the two countries nosedived significantly following the fierce clash in the Galwan Valley in June 2020 that marked the most serious military conflict between the two sides in decades.

Asked whether the Chinese president would attend the G20 summit in Delhi, Bagchi said India is making all efforts and preparations for its success with the participation of all invited leaders. On India's proposal to make the African Union a permanent member of the G20, he said: "We hope this does happen." At the same time, he added that it would be premature to say anything specific on the matter.

Asked about Russian President Vladimir Putin's reported comments supporting the proposal, Bagchi said he has not seen the remarks. But said: "If Russia has supported (the proposal), it is good."
GANDHINAGAR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate 'Semicon India 2023', a national-level event focusing on the semiconductor industry, in Gandhinagar on Friday. PM Modi, who has been on a two-day Gujarat visit, is scheduled to inaugurate the event at 10.30 am. On Thursday, the first day of his tour, the prime minister inaugurated a greenfield international airport near Rajkot city and other development projects on the first day of his tour. He also addressed a gathering in Rajkot city later. The 'Semicon India 2023' inaugural programme will highlight investment opportunities in India's semiconductor sector through an informative presentation and a stimulating panel discussion led by industry, a government release said.

The event aims to catalyse the semiconductor industry's progress through networking, technology demonstrations and lucrative business prospects, it said. During the three-day conference ending on July 30, experts in the fields of semiconductor chip, display fab, chip design and assembling, will gather from various corners of the globe to share their knowledge and perspectives on emerging opportunities in India, it added.

Foxconn, Micron, AMD, IBM, Marvell, Vedanta, LAM Research, NXP Semiconductors, ST Microelectronics, Grantwood Technologies, Infineon Technologies, Applied Materials, and other prominent companies in the sector will participate in the event, the release said. "With a strong focus on innovation, participation and growth, the event holds immense significance in shaping the future of the semiconductor industry in both - India and Gujarat," it said.



Prior to the commencement of the main event on Friday, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel inaugurated a six-day exhibition on July 25. The exhibition showcases the intricate manufacturing process of semiconductors and gives an insight into the cutting-edge technologies and innovations driving the industry.

On behalf of the Union government, Minister of Electronics and Information Technology, Railways and Communication Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar, and Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology Rajeev Chandrasekhar will mark their presence at the Friday event.

Heads of leading semiconductor industries will also participate in the event, with a presentation to be given on investment opportunities in India's semiconductor sector, the government release said. Notably, the Gujarat government signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) worth Rs 22,500 crore with semiconductor chip giant Micron Technology to establish an Assembly, Testing, Marking, and Packaging (ATMP) facility in the state. During PM Modi's recent visit to the United States of America, US President Joe Biden announced the establishment of a state-of-the-art semiconductor facility by Micron Technology Inc in India.
New Delhi: Vikas Khanna has come a long way from Amritsar, where he was born with misaligned legs and was warned by doctors that he would not be able to walk correctly without special shoes. He has learned to walk on his own, won people over with the enchantment of his cuisine, passion for India, and charming personality, and now lives in India!

You'll get chills listening to Khanna's inspiring tale of overcoming disabilities, homelessness, and global success while being a modest, kind, and compassionate person. (Also Read: Super Duper Hit Business Idea: ONLY Work For 3 Months, Earn Rs 2 Lakh Per Year - Here's The Complete Guide)

Vikas Khanna's culinary skill is certainly a work of art, serving as an inspiration to all. From his modest origins in Amritsar to his fame as a chef who introduced Indian cuisine to the USA and prepared meals for people like Barack Obama, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the Dalai Lama, Khanna has inspired many. (Also Read: 9 Plants That Glow At Night And Give You Light)



Here, we share the inspirational account of Vikas Khanna, a young man from Amritsar who won over the globe with his passion for cooking, natural talent, and friendly demeanour.

Davinder Khanna and Bhindu Khanna welcomed Vikas Khanna into the world in 1971 in Amritsar, Punjab. The Khanna had to wear wooden shoes as a child since they were born with clubfoot, an uncommon birth defect that results in mismatched feet.

Vikas often sought safety in the kitchen with his biji (grandmother), who not only taught him how to cook but also encouraged him to learn the skill. Because of this deformity, he had to endure mockery and barbs from his peers.

Vikas's love of cooking did not fade even after his wooden shoes were removed; he even sold hand-knit sweaters and chole bhature to local schools with his mother to launch his catering business at the age of 17!

Vikas was able to indulge in his lifelong passion for cooking through his catering business, but his life changed when his uncle took him to Delhi for dinner at the renowned Maurya Sheraton.

This experience opened up his narrow world and gave him a taste of life outside of his catering business. Because of his weak English language abilities, he almost didn't get accepted to the Welcomgroup Graduate School of Hotel Administration in Manipal, Karnataka, where his uncle pushed him to pursue hospitality administration.

He experimented with his renowned Indian fusion style of food while studying hotel management!

After graduating from college, he returned back to Amritsar and worked with Leela in Mumbai. He started his own catering company, and one day the police tore off its roof.

Khanna still recalls how heartbroken he was by the incident. He went to the visa office to apply for his immigration visa after realising his dream of the USA beckoning to him.

In order to get a job at the renowned Salaam Bombay as the executive chef, Vikas had to overcome several obstacles during his culinary trip in the USA. He performed numerous odd jobs and even spent time at a homeless shelter in New York City.

He finally realised his lifelong dream of opening his own restaurant in 2010 with the opening of Junoon.
A Mil Mi-8 helicopter of a private company in Russia, crashed in the Siberia region on July 27, 2023, killing four of the people on board and injuring 10, Russian emergency officials reported. The helicopter crash that happened in the Siberian region has been caught on camera on Thursday. A report on AP, quoting the Altai branch of the Russian Emergency Ministry stated that the Mi-8 helicopter caught fire as it was landing in southern Siberia's Altai Republic and brushed against a power line.

Later, they released a photo showing the chopper wreckage. The Russian state news agency RIA Novosti reported, citing the country's civilian aviation regulator Rosaviatsia, that the helicopter belonged to a private company and was carrying a group of tourists.

Mil Mi-8 helicopter crash in Russia kills six people and injures seven. pic.twitter.com/nRODZdfmJU  Breaking Aviation News & Videos (@aviationbrk) July 27, 2023

The branch's initial statement said the helicopter carried 13 people and six were killed and seven were injured. Officials revised the numbers later in the day, saying a total of 16 people were on board and four died.

It turned out two people who were believed dead had left the crash site on their own and went to the nearest hospital, an updated statement said. The Mi-8 is a two-engine helicopter designed in the 1960s.

It is used in Russia, where crashes have been frequent, as well as in neighboring countries and many other nations. The Mi-8 is one of the biggest choppers in the world and is used by both private and military forces across the globe.
Nuclear technologies took center stage at the Second RussiaAfrica Summit, where experts discussed the crucial role of nuclear power in Africa's development.

The business program, titled 'Cooperation in Science and Technology,' kickstarted with a panel discussion titled 'Nuclear Technologies for the Development of the African Region.'

The experts unanimously acknowledged the strategic importance of introducing technologies to ensure energy security, foster sustainable development across various sectors of the economy, and enhance scientific and human resource potential.

The African continent is home to more than one billion people, and it is predicted that by 2050, Africas population will triple, making up about one-third of the worlds total population. Africa is growing faster than ever, and in the near future, a very large part of its population will have an improved quality of life. But without stable access to energy and a developed energy system, no development is possible, said Ruslan Edelgeriyev, Advisor to Russia's President, Special Presidential Representative on Climate Issues, and moderator of the panel.

Egyptian Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy, Mohamed Shaker, highlighted the positive impact of nuclear energy collaboration with Rosatom in Egypt, envisioning a ninefold increase in job opportunities.

In addition, the countrys development strategy until 2035 states that by that time renewable energy sources should account for about 42% - nuclear power can help us with this.

Africa is on its way from being one-fifth of the worlds population to one-third. At the same time, if you look at electricity generation globally, last year, approximately 30 trillion kilowatt hours of electricity were generated on the planet, while Africa generated less than one. And in that sense, this disparity cannot be sustained for long, said Alexey Likhachev, Director General of Russia's State Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom.

It is clear that states on the African continent will be actively engaged in building power generation capacity in the coming decades, he added.

He expressed confidence in African states actively engaging in building power generation capacity in the coming decades.

Right now, only more than 70% of our population has access to electricity," said Fidele Ndahayo, Chief Executive Officer of Rwanda Atomic Energy Board. According to the speaker, nuclear energy can remedy this situation. Nuclear power is about reliability. Nuclear power is not just about money. All studies show: it leads to economic growth in all spheres of life.

Doto Mashaka Biteko, Minister of Minerals of Tanzania, expressed a keen interest in exploring new nuclear technologies from other countries to contribute to their GDP growth, particularly uranium exploration to uplift the quality of life for those below the poverty line.

Ibrahim Uwizeye, Minister of Hydraulics, Energy, and Mining of Burundi, said: I visited the Leningrad NPP. I am impressed. We need energy self-sufficiency, and we will soon sign an agreement with Rosatom to achieve it.

Africa is the next stage in the development of global nuclear energy. All eyes will now be on what Russia is offering to its friends at this Forum. What is done today will be inherited by the next generations. If we do not address the energy challenge, Africas youth will be vulnerable. For the sake of Africas sustainable development, African countries should accept the proposals that come from Russia said Princess Mthombeni, Founder of Africa4Nuclear, Nuclear Communication and Technology Specialist in South Africa.

Search Keywords:

Short link:


In a breach of protocol, an AirAsia plane takes off without taking Governor on board from Bengaluru to Hyderabad. As per a report on PTI, the AirAsia flight took off from the Kempegowda International Airport leaving behind the Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot at the terminal, where he was waiting at the airport lounge, official sources said. The incident took place on Thursday and the protocol officers of the Governor have lodged a complaint at the Airport police station, a police officer told PTI requesting anonymity.

Governor Gehlot was supposed to fly to Hyderabad from the newly inaugurated Terminal 2 of the Bengaluru International Airport. He was flying to Hyderabad to attend a convocation ceremony in Raichur. However, the AirAsia flight took off without the governor boarding the plane.

As per the report, as soon as the AirAsia flight arrived, Gehlot's luggage was loaded in it. However, there was said to be a delay in Gehlot reaching the terminal, the sources added. By the time he could reach from the VIP lounge to take the flight, the plane took off for Hyderabad, sources said.



The Governor had to take another flight after 90 minutes to reach Hyderabad, the sources added. Meanwhile, the Governor House officials were tight-lipped on the issue. AirAsia officials were not available for comment. An official of the Bangalore International Airport Limited, which operates KIA, said, "We usually do not comment on airline related matters. Please check with AirAsia."

A plane taking off without the Governor is seen as a breach of protocol, and action can be taken against AirAsia India for the incident. Meanwhile, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Thursday gave its go ahead to the Tata Group's initiative to merge the budget airline AIX Connect (previously known as AirAsia India) with Air India Express.

AIXL currently operates flights from 20 Indian cities to 14 regional international destinations, while AIXC serves 19 domestic destinations, complementing each other's networks to provide more extensive travel options for passengers.
World Hepatitis Day is observed on July 28 every year. Hepatitis is the most common problem affecting the liver and the day is observed to create awareness among people about the disease which can result in liver failure and even death.

Dr Sandeep R Sharma, Consultant -Interventional and medical gastroenterology, Fortis Hospital, Nagarbhavi states, There are various causes for hepatitis including infections, mostly viral, alcohol, metabolic disorders and in some cases even autoimmunity.

Viral hepatitis such as hepatitis A and E can be more common during the monsoon months in Bengaluru. Each case of hepatitis needs thorough evaluation to establish its etiology and to reliably achieve targeted therapy.



Also read: World Hepatitis Day: Awareness Is Key In Tackling Hepatitis, Say Experts

Certain causes may lead to long standing or chronic hepatitis, which need periodic monitoring and treatment. It is advised not to neglect any kind of hepatitis and stay away from complementary/ alternative medicines which can further harm liver health and worsen the hepatitis, sometimes leading to liver failure and even death.

Dr Chandrika Kambam, Medical Director, Even Healthcare, stated, In Karnataka, around 10,000 cases are reported annually. In a study conducted in central Karnataka, hepatitis B was present in 2.12 per cent of people who came to donate blood, and it was discovered for the first time.

"What is even more shocking is reading about the study done among healthcare workers in coastal Karnataka, where they found 16 per cent of the participants, mostly nurses and housekeeping workers, were unvaccinated. It is very important for us to spread awareness about the disease, the way it spreads, and precautions we can take. Most importantly, we should vaccinate the high-risk population against Hepatitis B and ensure Hepatitis B and A become part of childhood immunization.

In India, the incidence ranges widely from the general population to high-risk groups. Hepatitis A was found to range from 2.1 per cent to 52.5 per cent. Hepatitis B was found in a wide range of individuals, ranging from 0.87 percent to 21.4 percent of the population.

Hepatitis C was found to range from 0.57 percent to 53.7 percent, Dr Chandrika explains.

Dr Basant Mahadevappa, HPB and Liver Transplant Surgeon, HCG Cancer Hospital, Bengaluru, said "World Hepatitis Day is an annual global event observed on July 28, uniting people around the world to raise awareness about viral hepatitis and its impact on public health. The theme for this year's World Hepatitis Day is "We're not waiting", which serves as a rallying call for everyone to take immediate action in the battle against viral hepatitis.

"This powerful theme emphasizes the urgency of taking action and collectively working towards eliminating hepatitis as a public health threat. Through this theme, individuals, communities, and organizations are encouraged to be proactive in their efforts to prevent new infections, increase testing and diagnosis, and ensure access to life-saving treatments for those affected by hepatitis. Screening at risk population, expecting mothers, early newborn vaccination are vital in preventing long term complications. Together, we can accelerate progress towards a world free from the burden of viral hepatitis.

Dr Swathi G, Consultant - Medical Gastroenterology, CARE Hospitals, Hi-Tec City, Hyderabad, Hepatitis, explained that the disease is a stealthy intruder into the liver, conceals its presence with deceptive subtlety, posing a significant threat to public health in India.

Understanding its symptoms and ensuring timely treatment is crucial to combat this silent enemy and pave the way towards a healthier nation. Fatigue, jaundice, loss of appetite, dark urine, and abdominal pain are among the tell-tale signs that must not be overlooked.

In some instances, acute hepatitis may transition into a chronic condition, laying the foundation for long-term liver damage, says Dr Swathi.

To conquer this silent foe, a comprehensive approach is needed. Raising awareness about hepatitis symptoms, transmission, and prevention through educational campaigns can empower communities to take proactive measures. Expanding healthcare infrastructure to increase access to testing and treatment is imperative, along with driving down the costs of medications to ensure affordability for all.

In the journey towards combating hepatitis in India, early detection, prompt treatment, and a united effort are the keys to unlocking a future where the liver's resilience remains intact, and the nation stands fortified against this stealthy adversary, she says.
Every year, July 28 is observed as World Hepatitis Day, to help create awareness in people about the effects of hepatitis that can cause liver inflammation, liver cancer, and major liver-related diseases. This year, the World Health Organisation (WHO) World Hepatitis Day theme is "One Life, One Liver", which focuses on creating awareness in the public for the prevention of liver cancer, early detection, and available facilities for prescribed treatment, stressing authorities to quicken the necessary steps to eradicate the viral infection to meet the 2030 global health targets.

Viral hepatitis is a global health problem that caused 1.34 million deaths in 2015, which is higher than the deaths caused by tuberculosis and HIV. Hepatitis B and C are solely responsible for 96 per cent of hepatitis mortality.

According to Dr. Chalapathi Rao Achanta, Clinical Director and Chief of Department (Gastroenterology), Interventional Endoscopy and Liver Transplantation, KIMS ICON  Vizag, "our liver silently performs more than 500 vital functions every day to keep you alive. But, the symptoms of viral hepatitis seem to be seen only in the advanced stage."



There are many different types of Hepatitis viruses (A to E), but B and E are the most concerning types that caused more than 8,000 new infections every day which are undetectable. In India, more than 40 million people are chronically affected with Hepatitis B, and 6-12 million people are infected with Hepatitis C. HAV is the most common type of hepatitis that is observed in children, which made it a public health problem. India is currently in the category of intermediate zone (4 per cent). Hepatitis B positivity in the population ranges from 1.1 per cent to 12.2 per cent, with a prevalence of 3-4 per cent. On the other hand, Hepatitis C antibody prevalence is estimated in between 0.09 per cent to 15 per cent. Some regional-level studies show that 6-12 million people in India have Hepatitis C.

Dr. Lingaiah Miryala, MBBS, MD(Internal Medicine), Consultant General Physician, Amor Hospitals said, "Hepatitis C virus is passed on to a baby during childbirth. About 4 per cent of women pass it during childbirth." Hepatitis C symptoms are observed very late until it's reached the advanced stage. However, some symptoms may include fatigue, itching, nausea, muscle weakness, stomach pain and jaundice. These symptoms are non-specific, which makes it difficult to diagnose Hepatitis C. Diagnosis of Hepatitis C can be done using blood tests for antibodies.

Women with Hepatitis C are recommended to test their babies when they are at least 18 months old. Treatment options will help people clear the virus. Medications are very beneficial. For anyone with liver damage, doctors will recommend avoiding the usage of alcohol, drugs, or tobacco. The general medications are also reviewed. By not sharing needles, glucose monitors, and drug-related equipment, Hepatitis C can be prevented. Following safety precautions such as sterilization, disposing of all sharp objects, and preventing blood-to-blood transfers helps.

According to V. Pavan Kumar, Consultant Surgical Gastroenterology, SLG Hospitals, Bachupally: "There's no cure to hepatitis once it occurs and it can ultimately lead to liver cancer. Even if you are cured, Hepatitis C can come back again. Research shows that 75 per cent of new Hepatitis C infections are being shared from injections during drug equipment. Thus you can still get Hepatitis after it's cured. Hepatitis A is highly contagious and can spread very easily.

"Hepatitis A goes away easily on its own and does not cause any long-term liver damage. People living with Hepatitis B might need a liver transplant if their liver begins to fail, which occurs in diseases not being monitored or diagnosed properly. It is the only curative option for patients with complications from HBV."

Anuj Patel, Laparoscopic, UGI & Bariatric surgeon, Century Hospital said: "Hepatitis C liver transplant to patients who are non-infected is novel. Previously, only patients with HCV-positive livers received HCV livers. This is a much-needed donor pool where the wait time is much shorter and an average patient is willing to accept the liver. There is almost two times the chance of getting a liver transplant compared with the national average.

"This study is part of an effort to reduce waitlist mortality by studying the extended criteria of organ transplant options. Hospitals across India are keen to expand the donor pool. This approach along with transplanting livers from donation after cardiac death donors and other extended criteria donors have shortened the waitlist times, increasing transplant rates."
While early diagnosis is key for better treatment outcomes for hepatitis patients, the often silent and vague symptoms makes detection a challenge, said doctors for World Hepatitis Day on Friday. World Hepatitis Day is celebrated every year on July 28 to create awareness and the theme this year is 'One life, one liver'.

Hepatitis is an inflammatory viral infection that primarily affects the liver with potential to lead to severe complications such as liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. It is classified into 5 main types -- A, B, C, D and E with different modes of transmission, preventive measures, and treatment. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates, hepatitis B affects nearly 40 million individuals in India, while hepatitis C infection impacts between 6 to 12 million people.

Also read: World Hepatitis Day 2023: Experts Share Causes, Symptoms Of Viral Hepatitis In Monsoon



Speaking to IANS, Dr Sanjay Kumar Yadav, Consultant - Liver Transplant and HPB Surgery at Narayana Superspeciality Hospital Gurugram, highlighted the challenges of early hepatitis detection due to silent and vague symptoms.

"Fatigue, mild fever, muscle pain, loss of appetite, nausea, dark urine, and abdominal discomfort are common signs that are often mistaken for flu.

"To ensure timely diagnosis and treatment, blood tests to check liver enzymes, viral antibodies, and genetic components are conducted, followed by ultrasounds and liver biopsies to assess liver damage. Hepatitis can manifest as either acute or chronic, and chronic cases can be effectively treated with a combination of injectable, oral, and antiviral medications," he said.

Hepatitis transmission majorly occurs through unsafe injection practices, contact with infected body fluids, drug use, and sexual contact. Early diagnosis of hepatitis can prevent serious damage to the liver. Timely treatment can improve the quality of life by reducing fatigue, abdominal pain, nausea, and other symptoms resulting in overall well-being, the doctors said.

"In case of Hepatitis B, which cannot be treated completely, early treatment can at least delay the progression of hepatitis and liver damage. Early diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis can not only benefit the patient but also alleviate the risk of other people getting infected," Dr Rajnish Monga, Chief of Gastroenterology, Paras Health, Gurugram, told IANS.

"Special attention is required for hepatitis C, as it significantly impacts liver function and is prevalent worldwide, affecting over 12 million people in India primarily between the ages of 30 to 60 years," said Dr Naveen Kumar, Senior Consultant - Medical Gastroenterology at Dharamshila Narayana Superspeciality Hospital.

Further, the health experts said that the prevalence of contaminated water sources and improper sanitation during monsoon also contributes to hepatitis transmission.

"Heavy rains can lead to the mixing of sewage with drinking water supplies, facilitating the spread of hepatitis-causing viruses. Raising awareness about the importance of vaccination and early detection is crucial for better control and management of this infectious disease, ultimately safeguarding public health and well-being," said Dr Ankur Jain, Senior Consultant - Gastroenterology, Indian Spinal Injuries Centre.

"During the monsoons, acute hepatitis A and hepatitis E are commonly observed and lead to an increased surge of acute viral hepatitis in the months between June and September," Dr Ajay Bhalla, Director - Gastroenterology, Fortis Hospital Noida, told IANS.

Hepatitis E virus is notably considered a significant cause of epidemic hepatitis, particularly in areas with compromised sanitation and hygiene. Proper waste disposal, access to safe drinking water, and hygiene practices play pivotal roles in reducing the transmission of hepatitis-causing viruses.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday granted bail to activists Vernon Gonsalves and Arun Ferreira in the Elgar Parishad-Maoist links case, noting that they have been in custody for five years. A bench of Justices Aniruddha Bose and Sudhanshu Dhulia granted bail to Gonsalves and Ferreira under certain strict conditions.

The duo cannot leave Maharashtra without obtaining the trial courts permission and have to surrender their passports to investigating officer of the National Investigation Agency. There are also restrictions on where they live and the use of mobile phones, among others.

It also directed the two activists to use one mobile each and let the National Investigation Agency (NIA), which is probing the case, know their addresses. The activists had moved the top court against a Bombay High Court order rejecting their bail pleas. The duo argued that the Bombay HC had denied them bail even though it had granted the same to co-accused Sudha Bharadwaj.



The case pertains to the Elgar Parishad conclave held in Pune on December 31, 2017, which according to the Pune police was funded by Maoists. The inflammatory speeches made there led to violence at the Koregaon-Bhima war memorial in Pune the next day in which one person was killed, police had alleged.

Activists Vernon Gonsalves and Arun Ferreira were arrested in August 2018 and charged under the UAPA. The two were arrested along with other activists Sudha Bharadwaj, P Vara Vara Rao and Gautam Navlakha, and put under house arrest initially on the directions of the Supreme Court.
The tale of Seema Haider's illegal entry into India continues to captivate attention, with many eager to know the latest developments. Amidst this, a new twist emerged as Anju, an Indian national, ventured to Pakistan. Reports suggest that Anju made this decision to be with her Facebook love. In a recent media interview, Anju opened up about her experiences in Pakistan. She expressed that returning to India seems impossible as she fears rejection from her family and society. Anju also revealed that she has embraced Islam in Pakistan and now goes by the name Fatima. In this exclusive report, we delve deeper into Anju's journey and her reflections on her life-changing decision.

Anju's Heartfelt Departure: Leaving Family Behind



On the 21st of July, Anju, a resident of Bhiwani, Rajasthan, bid farewell to her husband and two children to embark on a journey that would change her life forever. Crossing the Wagah border, she entered Pakistan, where Nasrulla, her Facebook friend, warmly received her in Lahore. To her husband, she stated she was visiting a friend in Jaipur, while her colleagues at work were informed of her visit to her sister in Goa. However, her true destination was Pakistan, where she sought love and a new beginning.





Embracing Change: Anju's Conversion to Islam



Once in Lahore, Anju underwent a significant transformation as she embraced the Islamic faith. As a result, she took on the name Fatima, signifying a fresh start in her life. Reports suggest that her love for Nasrulla played a pivotal role in her decision to convert, but Anju herself has yet to divulge further details about her newfound spiritual journey.

Anju's Fears and Uncertainties



In a heart-to-heart interview with an Indian media channel, Anju expressed her deep fears and uncertainties about returning to India. She believes that society, including her own family, may not accept her if she comes back. These concerns have compelled her to stay in Pakistan, where she feels safe and secure.
Gangtok: Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang on Wednesday said that his government will give 12-month maternity leave and 1-month paternity leave to its employees. Addressing the annual general meeting of the Sikkim State Civil Service Officers' Association (SSCSOA) here, he said changes will be made in the service rules to provide the benefit.

This benefit will help the government employees to take better care of their children and families, he said. The details of it will be notified soon, he added.

According to the Maternity Benefit Act 1961, a working woman is entitled to 6 months, or 26 weeks, of paid maternity leave.

The Himalayan state has the lowest population in India at around 6.32 lakh. Tamang said the officers are the backbone of the state administration, contributing significantly to the growth and development of Sikkim and its people.

He said there has been a significant focus on streamlining the promotion process for civil services officers, leading to an increase in the number of promotions. He congratulated all new IAS and SCS (Sikkim Civil Services) officers, and wished them well for a successful career.Sikkim CM announces 12-month maternity leave, 1-month paternity leave for govt employees.


New Delhi: The battle lines are drawn as the Opposition alliance christens itself INDIA, triggering a fierce backlash from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Naresh Bansal, a BJP Rajya Sabha MP from Uttarakhand, has demanded that the word India be scrapped from the Constitution of the country, claiming that it was a colonial imposition that replaced the true name Bharat. The BJP MP said that the name India is a symbol of slavery that our country still bears and it should be removed at once.

Many BJP leaders have already framed it as a clash between India and Bharat. Before Bansal, senior BJP leader and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also declared the 2024 Lok Sabha elections as a showdown between Bharat and India.

Earlier on Thursday, Opposition members led by Congress MPs stormed out of Rajya Sabha proceedings over their demand for a debate on the Manipur situation.

When the Upper House, which was disrupted twice in the pre-lunch session amid relentless chanting by members of both treasury benches and the opposition, resumed for the post-lunch period, Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurah Thakur introduced the Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill, 2023 amid chanting by the opposition members.

When Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge was given the chance to speak by Deputy Chairman Harivansh, members of the treasury benches started shouting. Kharge said he wanted to speak on the bill as well as dil ki baat and tried to raise the Manipur issue which was rejected by the deputy chairman saying he should limit himself to speaking on the bill as per rules of the House.

Subsequently, the opposition members walked out of the House even as it continued discussion on the bill.
In a shocking and horrifying incident in Uttar Pradesh, a brother beheaded his 18-year-old sister, Aashifa, after she attempted to marry against her family's wishes. This chilling event took place in Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh, and has sparked outrage across the nation. Aashifa had eloped with her partner, Chand Babu, from the same village, Mithwara, in pursuit of love and freedom. However, her 22-year-old brother, Riyaz, vehemently opposed the match, leading to the brutal act of "honour killing." In a chilling scene captured on video, Riyaz carried his sister's severed head in a sack and walked towards the police station, where he was subsequently arrested for this heinous crime.

Honour Killing: A Gruesome Act of Opposition

The tragic incident unfolded when Aashifa, an 18-year-old woman living in Barabanki, dared to challenge her family's wishes regarding her marriage. She had eloped with her beloved Chand Babu, both from the same village, aiming to marry out of love. However, her decision was met with fierce opposition from her father, Abdul Rashid, and her brother, Riyaz.

Riyaz's Ruthless Act: A Sister's Life Cut Short

Defying the concept of free choice and love, Riyaz committed a horrifying "honour killing" to enforce the family's wishes. In a fit of rage, he mercilessly beheaded Aashifa using a sharp-edged weapon, and then coldly carried her severed head to the Fatehpur police station in a blood-soaked sack.

Public Horror and Police Intervention

As Riyaz walked with Aashifa's head, the public witnessed this ghastly sight and immediately alerted the police. Chilling footage captured him en route to the police station, prompting swift action by the authorities.

**Outrage and Debates Over Patriarchal Control**

The brutal act has sparked a wave of outrage across the country, reigniting debates over the oppressive patriarchal control often exerted over women in Indian families. This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the lengths some will go to maintain dominance and control over women's lives, stifling their freedom and choices.

**Legal Action and Consequences**

Earlier, Aashifa's father had filed a complaint against Chand Babu for abducting her to marry, leading to his arrest and imprisonment. Aashifa was returned to the family home, where she attempted to assert her wish to marry Chand Babu on July 20. Tragically, her plea resulted in Riyaz's violent reaction and the brutal end to her life.

The heart-wrenching incident of Aashifa's "honour killing" has sent shockwaves through India, highlighting the urgent need to address deep-rooted societal issues and protect the rights and freedom of women. This heinous act calls for collective action to challenge and dismantle the oppressive norms that continue to deprive women of their autonomy and dignity.
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

Search Keywords:

Short link:


New Delhi: Chipmaker AMD on Friday announced plans to invest about $400 million over the next five years to expand research, development, and engineering operations in India. The planned investment includes a new AMD campus in Bangalore that will serve as the company's largest design centre, as well as the addition of approximately 3,000 new engineering roles by the end of 2028.

The new AMD campus is expected to open before the end of 2023 and will feature extensive lab space, state-of-the-art collaboration tools, and seating configurations designed to foster teamwork.

"I welcome AMD's decision to set up its largest R&D design centre in India and expansion of the India-AMD partnership," Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Minister of State for Electronics and IT, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, said in a statement.



"It will also provide tremendous opportunities for our large pool of highly skilled semiconductor engineers and researchers and will catalyse Prime Minister Narendra Modis vision of India becoming a global talent hub," he added.

The investment is supported by the various policy initiatives of the Central government, focussing on the semiconductor industry.

"AMD has one of the industry's broadest product portfolios fueled by growth in artificial intelligence, networking and 6G communications, and our India teams will continue to play a pivotal role in delivering the high performance and adaptive solutions that support AMD customers worldwide," Mark Papermaster, executive vice president and chief technology officer, AMD, said in a statement.

AMD has been a part of the Indian semiconductor ecosystem since 2001 when the company opened its first office in Delhi.

The new 5,00,000-square-foot Bangalore campus will increase the AMD office footprint to 10 total locations across these cities -- Bangalore, Delhi, Gurgaon, Hyderabad and Mumbai.
New Delhi: Harshal Juikar, a student from Pune, recently pulled off a remarkable accomplishment by landing a well-paying job at Google despite not having a degree in engineering. What a surprise, huh? Juikar, though, made it possible. Juikar has an impressive annual payout of Rs 50 lakh thanks to his exceptional abilities and tenacity, according to News18.

Juikar, who was born and reared in Mumbai, finished his studies with a degree in a field other than engineering. Juikar's success story dispels the myth that high-paying tech jobs are typically only available to those with engineering education, and it serves as motivation to many.

Juikar developed his skills in computer coding and programming since he is a firm believer that ability and passion know no bounds. He demonstrated his proficiency in this area by a relentless pursuit of knowledge and skill development, which finally attracted the notice of Google recruiters.



Juikar has remarkable coding skills, and Google, which is renowned for its persistent pursuit of talent and fresh ideas, saw immense potential in him. Google made him an attractive employment offer with competitive compensation after noticing his extraordinary talent.

IIIT Allahabad has a second success story. Anurag Makade, an IT student, made history by landing a job with Amazon, a major online retailer. Makade, a Nashik native, has been given an exceptional remuneration package worth Rs. 1.25 crore. At Amazon, Makade will be a front-end engineer based in Dublin, Ireland.

Makade shared his joy about his new position on social media, writing, "Hello everyone, I'm super excited to share that I joined Amazon as a Frontend Engineer!" Makade obtained expertise before joining Amazon by working as a software engineer at the Cure-fit company in Bengaluru and as an analyst intern at American Express in Gurugram. He started working with Amazon formally in September 2022.

Makade is not the only outstanding student from IIT Allahabad, though. Numerous other pupils from the school have also landed fantastic jobs. Akhil Singh has been placed at Rubrik with a magnificent pay package of Rs 1.2 crore, Palak Mittal has earned a placement at Amazon with a fantastic package of Rs 1 crore, and Pratham Prakash Gupta has secured a job at Google with a compensation package of Rs 1.4 crore.
New Delhi: Meta-owned messaging platform has released a bug-fix update to address a sorting chats issue on Android beta. Due to the issue, when a new message is received, the platform doesn't refresh the chat list and the conversation with the most recent message doesn't rise to the top of the conversation list, reports WABetaInfo.

Closing and reopening WhatsApp was the only method to temporarily fix the problem. However, the issue could come again. Many users observed that the update had been installed automatically due to the Google Play Store's auto-download settings. (Also Read: Super Duper Hit Business Idea: ONLY Work For 3 Months, Earn Rs 2 Lakh Per Year - Here's The Complete Guide)

"We can finally confirm that the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.16.7 version is a bug-fix update that addresses the mentioned issue, so you can finally use WhatsApp without experiencing this issue," the report said. (Also Read: 9 Plants That Glow At Night And Give You Light)



Last week, the messaging platform released a bug-fix update to address emoji keyboard crashes in the Android beta. Also, the platform had faced a global outage, including in India, due to "connectivity issues" which lasted for about 20 minutes.

When a user posted, "Fix it before it is morning in India, don't want to miss out on the Good Morning messages", the Meta-owned platform replied: "We're back, we dont want you to miss them!"

According to the outage monitor website DownDetector, 61 percent of people had reported problems while sending messages, 35 percent while using the application, and 4 percent while using the website.

On Downdetector, reports of the users peaked at over 41,000. Last month, the messaging platform faced a global outage that lasted for about two hours.

Some WhatsApp users were unable to use the platform on their mobile and desktop devices, while some were experiencing issues with sending and downloading media.
New Delhi: Bigg Boss OTT 2's former contestant Puneet Superstar has landed up in serious trouble. No, it's not because of his infamous stunts. Shockingly, Puneet Superstar's Instagram handle was found to be disabled this morning. Fans are shattered as this news indicates star's disappearance from the platform.

Let's just admit it, we all had a soft corner for Puneet's yelling and thoughtless actions. Understandably, a fan expressed their frustration, writing, Lord Puneets account removed- looks like Instas downfall has begun," while another commented, Nahi dekhna mujhe naachta hua Vicky Kaushal give me my Lord puneet videos back Instagram."

Puneet was last seen in Bigg Boss OTT Season 2. His quirkiness and funny ways have won many hearts. However, due to his behaviour, Bigg Boss directed him to exit within 24 hours of the shows premiere. However, his Instagram following grew to over a million followers.

Puneets journey had begun with TikTok, where his videos went viral. From yelling to screaming to screeching to pouring substances on himself, Puneet has done it all. His creativity led him to win over 3 million people on Instagram. Although, his journey has now come to a standstill.
How to plan a counteroffensive against the Russian Federation on the "fuel" flank

 depositphotos / FlyOfSwallow Author Artem Kuyun Expert of A-95 Consulting Group Author Ivan Marchenkov analyst, A-95 Consulting Group

With the beginning of Russia's military aggression, fuel supply routes to Ukraine changed radically. However, it is not possible to stop the supply of Russian fuel. It was not possible to do this even after the decision adopted in May by the government of Ukraine, which prohibited the import of fuel of Russian origin and strengthened the requirements for documents on the origin of the fuel. Of course, this had some effect, but currently there is every reason to believe that the Russian partners have learned to overcome this requirement as well. It seems that Ukraine is approaching the need to solve a fundamental question: should we buy fuel from those who cooperate with the aggressor?

The ban on the import of Russian fuel was implemented by the improvement of Resolution No. 1147 "On the ban on the import of goods originating from the Russian Federation into the customs territory of Ukraine", which entered into force on May 20, 2023.

What usually lasts a week or two stretched for five months: initiation, approval in the ministries, submission to the government meeting, signing... During this time, disappointing transformations took place in the market of petroleum products, especially liquefied gas. The open border, huge volumes of cheap gas of unknown origin (that is, it can be assumed that it is Russian) in the Baltics and Poland and the low moral barrier of importers led to the fact that the supply of gas from transparent sources almost stopped. According to the results of March 2023, the share of gas of suspicious, unclear origin exceeded 80% of imported volumes.

Show the document!

To see how the gas supply ban affected the market landscape, we compared supplies over the 20 days in May, before the restrictions were in place, with the 20 days in June (see figure), when the border was closed to fuel of Russian and unspecified origin.

According to customs statistics, the changes affected Poland the most. Geographically, imports from Poland remained at the same level, but Polish gas itself became quite scarce. We will remember this later.

Suppliers from Latvia, a country that imports 90% of liquefied gas from the Russian Federation, have almost completely left the Ukrainian market. According to traders, the volume that Ukrainian buyers used to buy in Latvia went to Poland. At the same time, the amount of gas with a Euro certificate (form EUR1) has significantly increased in statistics. This document indicates that the batch contains at least 51% of the component produced in the European Union.

Kazakhstan remains the largest supplier. In the summer, up to a third of gas is supplied to Ukraine with a Kazakh certificate.

And the impression is that the picture looks cool: Kazakhstan, Europe, the USA and no Russians. However, a deeper analysis shows that the Russian gas is still here, with us in this room.

First  Poland and parties arriving from there with a Euro certificate. Many shipments are still made from storage facilities that are powered only by Russian gas or receive it in significant quantities. Unfortunately, our ally remains the largest buyer of Russian LPG in the world. This is worth remembering.

Then  Baltic. Volumes from Latvia one way or another remain on the market, and resources from Lithuania continue to arrive (except for the local Orlen plant). All of them claim that the basis is gas from the Lithuanian refinery Orlen Lietuva, but there are serious doubts that the company sells so much liquefied gas to the free market. Well, the logistics look quite strange: to take it from Lithuania to Latvia, and then to send it to Ukraine. Orlen could clarify the situation, but representatives of this oil refinery traditionally do not comment on any issues. (Maybe because this plant itself also buys a lot of Russian gas on the domestic Polish market?)

Finally, the most interesting thing is Kazakhstan. Only a small part of "Kazakh" propane-butane actually goes from Kazakhstan (mostly by sea), but the main part comes from Russia. Namely, from Orenburg. A joint Russian-Kazakh company operates there, which processes Kazakh raw materials at the Russian Gazprom plant. That is, the product, which has never been in Kazakhstan, leaves the Russian office in Russian wagons, but with Kazakh documents.

According to our calculations, the share of gas of dubious and unclear origin in imports in June compared to May significantly decreased and is 2530%. In July (at the time of writing there was no data for an adequate comparison), the percentage was even lower, and supplies from transparent sources showed growth. Yes, the dynamics of the relatively critical March are not bad, but there are nuances.

First, in the critical month of March, imports were reduced to a minimum, so the share of suspicious resources became even larger.

Secondly, in April-May, Russian gas significantly lost its attractiveness. For reasons understood only by the Russians, the price of their gas in Poland began to rise little by little, while in the Mediterranean and North Seas it fell noticeably. That is, Ukrainian companies began to transport gas of suspicious origin less only because of its price increase, and not for ethical reasons. That is why we should expect an increase in supplies of suspicious LPG as soon as the price situation changes. And this can happen already in September.

Certificates do not save from the Russian Federation

Even in the process of finalizing Resolution No. 1147, we noted that only the requirement of a fuel origin certificate would not be enough. Unfortunately, that's what happened. The market began to look not so much for an alternative non-Russian product as for the required certificate. As it turned out, the system of certification of origin in many countries is extremely imperfect.

There are plenty of examples, including Poland. In May, the country introduced an innovation for LPG exporters to indicate the country of origin. The volume of imports from the country in the reporting periods does not differ much, but the structure of origin does. More than 12,000 tons of gas with a Polish certificate arrived from Poland in 20 days of May, and only 1,700 tons in the same period of June. Thus, it turns out that the certificates that satisfied the Polish customs officials in May already aroused the suspicion of Ukrainian customs officials in June.

"I can't say that you can easily issue something as much as you want and whatever you want," is how a local trader describes his vision of the origin certification system in Lithuania.  But, let's put it this way, the control of these documents (which are submitted to issue a certificate.  Author) is not ideal."

Traders from Poland say almost the same thing. "How does the USA issue a certificate for a batch that is sent from a base where that gas never went?!"  asks our interlocutor off the record. He also emphasizes that prices on the market have hardly reacted to Ukrainian innovations, because almost nothing has changed for suppliers.

Or here is an interesting statistic: 14.4 thousand tons left Orenburg for Europe in June, which is equal to the volume of gas imports of Kazakh origin to Ukraine through the western border in the first 20 days of June... As for what kind of fuel was supplied with Kazakh certificates in the third decade of the month, one can only guess.

A customs employee told about another vivid case (with diesel fuel, however). Attention was drawn to the certificate of the Romanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry for a batch of Indian diesel fuel. That is, the certificate was issued in the country of transshipment of the product, not of production. Among the original documents, on the basis of which the certificate was issued, there is a set of certificates of quality and other unconvincing documents, which Ukrainian importers abundantly provided to the Energy Customs Service of Ukraine until May. A source in a large company from Bucharest confirmed that this is an absolutely normal practice for Romania, from which a huge amount of oil products comes to Ukraine.

Thus, the declarative nature of the definition of the country of origin was preserved, only the point of its fixation shifted to another country.

A fence should be built

Does this mean that the long-suffering resolution should not have been adopted? Of course not. It is the foundation for building a fence against fuel from the Russian Federation.

The National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine has already joined the case. The department has created a special working group to combat the flow of fuel of questionable origin. Based on the analytical data of the Energy Customs Service of Ukraine, the representatives of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), the Foreign Intelligence Service and other structures, the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine (NSDC) has already issued recommendations for tighter control of imported petroleum products.

The wave of importers' dissatisfaction with the implementation of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine (NSDC) recommendations was expected, which cannot be said about the team from which this team left. In particular, the "Ukrainian Liquefied Gas Association", which fought so hard for a ban on the import of Russian fuel, expressed its attitude to this situation. Workers of the energy and oil refining industry write in a letter to the Energy Customs Service of Ukraine that additional inspections, they say, delay import shipments and that the certificate of origin is a document that "unequivocally indicates the country of origin." Unexpectedly, this is heard from market professionals who, in particular, know exactly the above history of "Kazakh" gas. And it is the in-depth inspection of transport documents that will show that it is in fact gas from the Russian Federation. An anecdote about underpants and a cross is mentioned.

The representatives of the Energy Customs Service of Ukraine have already initiated changes to the Customs Code of Ukraine. It is planned to provide more powers in requesting documents confirming the supply route from the manufacturer to the border. In addition, for consignments with a certificate issued in the country of export (as in the mentioned case with Romania), it is proposed to introduce a requirement to provide information on the certificate of origin from the country of primary origin.

The representatives of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and the National Agency on Corruption Prevention (NACP) officials have their own ideas regarding the detection of fuel, potentially of Russian origin, and the punishment of the guilty. People's deputies are increasingly interested in the "sanction" topic.

***

The history of the fight against Russian fuel in Ukraine is quite revealing. After all, similar challenges are facing the West. Over time, the Russians and their partners adapt to the sanctions and find new ways to supply their fuel. We already have to ask ourselves: what to do with imports from Turkey, India, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Hungary, etc., which are reliable partners of Russian oil companies? They work fully in accordance with the sanctions, they do not violate anything, but can this fact satisfy us, the victims of Russian aggression?

Ukraine has already become the driver of groundbreaking transformations in the energy market of the planet, radically changing the global flows of oil, oil products, coal and natural gas. We must also be an example to the world in implementing tough barriers to "bloody" fuel.

Related video

Read this article in russian and Ukrainian.

Share

Noticed an error? Please select it with the mouse and press Ctrl+Enter or Submit a bug
Uncertainty surrounding Ukraines accession to NATO and an unsuccessful counterattack in the war against Russia have led to frustration in Kyiv.

The Ukrainian counterattack in the Russia-Ukraine war fell short of attaining its objectives this week and failed to demonstrate the force and momentum Kyiv was aiming for, while at the same time Ukraines relations with the NATO allies have turned into a war of words.

Statements made by former British defence secretary Ben Wallace, who resigned last week, were regarded as criticism by the Ukrainians. Wallace said that the UK and NATO could not act as an Amazon supplier for weapons for Ukraine, adding that Kyiv should appreciate the support it received from NATO in the form of arms.

Wallaces remarks were made during the NATO Summit in Vilnius in Lithuania on 11 July. He emphasised the need for gratitude from Ukraine, saying that there is a slight word of caution here, which is that, whether we like it or not, people want to see gratitude.

Responding to Wallaces comments during a press conference at the summit, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that we could wake up in the morning and express our words of gratitude to the minister personally.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was quick to dismiss suggestions that London was disturbed by the pressure exerted by Zelensky during the NATO Summit to obtain more weapons. He said that Zelensky had already expressed his gratitude on multiple occasions.

Following the summit, Bulgarian President Rumen Radev said the provision of weapons to Ukraine merely served to perpetuate the ongoing conflict. Kyiv described Radevs words as embodying a conspicuous endorsement of Russian propaganda.

European media pundits said that the airing of such sentiments would not have been made publicly if the Ukrainian forces had not encountered setbacks in their counteroffensive against Russia in the conflict.

Prior to the Vilnius Summit, Zelensky criticised what he said was absurd procrastination in establishing a schedule for the inclusion of his nation in NATO.

He took to Twitter to underscore that the absence of a mutually agreed timeframe could render his country a bargaining tool.

Ongoing negotiations with Russia could see Ukraines accession to NATO compromised, and the presence of uncertainty invariably engendered a state of vulnerability, Zelensky added.

Various Western media outlets have attributed the delay in delivering more weapons to Ukraine to disagreements among NATO member states with regard to their stance on Ukraines integration into the alliance.

According to the UK Financial Times, Germany and Hungary have expressed opposition to the approach taken by Poland and the Baltic States in deepening the alliances relations with Ukraine, citing concerns about an escalating confrontation with Russia.

Some Eastern European countries are hesitant about allocating additional funds to NATO and the conflict with Russia, as they perceive themselves to be the losers in the war.

According to the NATO Charter, countries already engaged in war cannot be included in the alliance, and this could potentially provide Russia with an incentive to prolong the conflict to obstruct Ukraines accession.

There are also worries that if Ukraine is refused NATO membership, this could grant Russia more freedom to continue its actions against Kyiv.

There are countries that want peace and close ties with Russia, not war, even if it is at the expense of Ukraine, said Ahmed Al-Khamisi, an expert on Russian affairs. He said that Germany depends on cheap Russian gas in order to sell its high-quality products at competitive prices.

We cant expect Berlin to sacrifice its industries for the sake of Ukraine, Al-Khamisi said.

Russia exports not only energy but also food and weapons, which makes it an international supplier that cannot be ignored by the rest of the world. Any problems in exporting Russian food supplies could lead to the collapse of West Africa, a strong historical ally of France, Al-Khamisi noted.

Harming the African Francophone countries would cause major problems for France.

Russia has a significant presence in Eastern Europe, he said. Culturally, Greece, Bulgaria, Serbia and Montenegro tend to favour Russia, as it liberated them from Ottoman colonialism in the 19th century and later.

Russia liberated Bulgaria twice, once from the Ottomans in the mid-19th century and then from Nazi Germany during World War II.

This adds another difficulty for Ukraine to join both NATO and the EU, because a number of the members of the two blocs hail from Eastern Europe, and they favour Russia, Al-Khamisi said.

There is widespread frustration due to the failure of the counterattack, the dispute over Kyivs membership of NATO, and the refusal of some countries to supply Ukraine with weapons, with Zelensky and his government acknowledging the need to carry out broad reforms to meet the requirements for membership in NATO and the EU, he said.

Meanwhile, the public is asking about the price to be paid for victory over Russia, or even of stopping the war.

Ukraine faces immense challenges, such as the widespread emigration of its citizens and extensive damage to its infrastructure. The ongoing war is causing a deepening cycle of public frustration with no clear path to a resolution in sight.

* A version of this article appears in print in the 28 July, 2023 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly

Search Keywords:

Short link:


When top Egyptian TV anchor Osama Kamal interviewed Sophia, a robot visiting Egypt for the Creative Industry Summit held in Cairo in 2018, people were simultaneously astounded and unnerved. They would be even more baffled today if they realised how far the making of robots exhibiting artificial intelligence (AI) has come since then.

AI is evolving at a rapid pace, while the discourse surrounding it is unsettling. Even those who are generating the technology are worried about it. While its benefits are tremendous, this is a technology that may entail existential risks, according to its developers.

AI is a ground-breaking man-made technology. It simulates human intelligence on machines such as computers and smartphones. While we may not have been aware of its existence, AI has in fact been around for several decades. However, it is only in the last few years that it has become mainstream.

The advantages of AI technology are profound and could revolutionise the world as we know it. Its applications address all spheres of life, and today AI is used in self-driving cars, in search engines such as Google, in voice-controlled technology such as Siri and Alexa, and in streaming services such as Netflix. It is used in smartphones, email, and social media. These are a mere handful of examples of how AI has changed our lives.

Automation using AI now exists in almost every field. It can replicate human actions without getting bored or tired and can perform menial or mundane tasks that human beings dislike such as wrapping, sorting, lifting, carrying, and packaging products.

At a different level altogether, AI has also made leaps and bounds in the medical field. It has allowed a previously paralysed man to walk through a device reconnecting his brain with his muscles. The late British physicist Stephen Hawking used AI to communicate, despite his debilitating disease.

Other AI devices can help in the early diagnosis of diseases, helping to lessen their burden. One article published on the database PubMed Central called Artificial intelligence in Drug Discovery and Development discusses how biologists believe they can use AI to simulate the potential effects of new drugs without putting patients at risk. They can achieve this by testing thousands of ingredient variations in a biological simulator in the hope of one day designing drugs like engineers design planes.

However, despite these benefits there are also real fears about AI. Workers across the globe worry that their jobs may disappear as robots replace them or make them redundant due to their ability to perform many tasks. Robots can carry out human tasks in hospitals, warehouses, factories, and schools without tiring or needing breaks or time off. They can also be used to build sophisticated machinery that could be used in all the above facilities. They could render humans purposeless.

Britain has already seen strikes from railway workers, healthcare staff, airport staff, teachers, and many others who fear that automation will see them being replaced by machines. The current Writers Guild and the Screen Actors Guild strikes in Hollywood in the US are also about automation. Members of both Guilds want to prevent AI from replacing their jobs, whether in writing scripts or appearing as background actors.

Workers at the British Columbia Ports Union in Canada are also on strike, leaving all 30 ports in the state in limbo and causing huge delays in the movement of cargo across the country. One of the unions demands is a curb on the level of automation applied at the ports and limits on AI usage in maritime entryways.

The misuse of AI technology is a clear and present danger. One fake AI-generated image recently showed an explosion near the Pentagon in Washington and was shared on social media by thousands. It caused confusion and a dip in US stock markets. The consequences of similar disinformation could be devastating.

AI may also be a more direct threat to humanity, as technical experts in the field are worried that AI applications may eventually outwit humans. CEO of Open AI Sam Altman has said that he is a little bit scared of AI and worried about authoritarian governments developing the technology. Russian President Vladimir Putin also once said that whoever becomes the leader of AI technology will be the ruler of the world.

Other experts are also worried and have called for a slowdown in the development of AI. Tesla CEO Elon Musk has said that AI represents the biggest risks to civilisation. Geoffrey Hinton, named the godfather of AI, left Google when he realised that the dangers from it were real, while former Google CEO Eric Schmidt has warned that AI poses existential risks.

It is very likely that AI will one day outsmart humans, a petrifying thought. Researchers at Cornell University in the US have highlighted examples where AI has already done so. In one example, a robot was challenged to walk without having its feet touching the ground an impossible feat for humans. The robot flipped itself onto its back and then proceeded to walk on its elbows, feet happily floating above its head, the researchers said, proving that it can think differently and do what a human could never do.

Should we continue to develop AI despite the unease that comes with it? Can the world continue to benefit from AI without risking existential harm? In an open letter, the Future of Life Institute, an NGO, asked the following even more worrying questions: Should we automate away all the jobs, including the fulfilling ones? Should we develop non-human minds that might eventually outnumber, outsmart and replace us? Should we risk loss of control of our civilisation?

The answer to these questions is that AI must be managed and regulated today so that catastrophes do not happen tomorrow. Governments must make sure that the technology is not misused by introducing appropriate controls and supervision. It is the only way out of this challenging situation.

The writer is former professor of communication based in Vancouver, Canada.

* A version of this article appears in print in the 27 July, 2023 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly

Search Keywords:

Short link:


At Martyr Town (or Medinet Al-Shohadaa) in the Nile Delta city of Menoufiya, the mosque and mausoleum of Al-Fadl Ibn Al-Abbassi, known as Sidi Shible Al-Aswad (the letter meaning the black), is open to worshippers and visitors.

Restoration of the edifice  re-opened by the Minister of Waqf (religious endowments) Mokhtar Gomaa, the Minister of Local Development Hisham Amena, Menoufiya Governor Ibrahim Abu Laymoun, and Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities Mustafa Waziri  took two years, when it was hidden under scaffolding and piles of sand while workers polished and reinforced its walls.

The mosque and mausoleum had suffered from air pollution, a high subsoil water level, a high level of humidity, leakage from the Al-Madiaa (a fountain used for ritual ablution), and encroachment.

One of the most serious causes of damage has been the misuse of both the mosque and mausoleum by worshippers as well as the encroachment of traders over the centuries. The walls of the monument cracked, masonry was damaged and the condition of the ceiling and the water fountain was critical. Ceiling decorations were heavily stained by smoke, while most of the flooring was cracked. The mosque had been closed to prayer and visitors.

Waziri said that all the restoration had been carried out according to the latest state-of-the-art methods. Every effort was made to ensure that all original architectural features were retained, he said, adding that the restoration of Ibn Al-Abbas Mosque and mausoleum had two important advantages: individual monuments were being preserved for future generations, and the entire neighbourhood was being revived and upgraded. It also highlights the continual cooperation of the ministries of Tourism and Antiquities and Religious Endowments to preserve antique mosques.

Hisham Sami, Assistant to the Minister of Tourism and Antiquities for archaeological projects, said the aim of the restoration was to strengthen the foundations and protect them from future damage. This was achieved by reinforcing the foundations. The walls were consolidated, cracked removed, missing and decayed stones replaced and masonry cleaned and desalinated. Parts of the damaged floor of the mosque have been restored, the missing pieces replaced. All wooden furniture such as the pulpit, the Quran Chair and mashrabiya windows were restored along with all the facades and stained glass windows. A new drainage system was also installed to prevent the leakage of rainwater. The mosque now stands as proudly as it did in the past.

Abu Bark Ahmed, head of Islamic, Coptic and Jewish Antiquities Sector said that the Al Fadl Ibn Al-Abbas mosque is named after Mohamed ibn Al-Fadl, the son of Al-Abbas, paternal uncle to Prophet Mohamed. The mosque is also known as Sidi Shebl Al-Aswad.

Al Fadl Ibn Al-Abbas was sent by Imam Ali Ibn Abi Talib at the head of an army only to be killed in battle in the area where the mausoleum stands. The Fatimids later built a mausoleum and a mosque next to his grave. Since that time, the architecture of both the mosque and mausoleum has developed and changed repeatedly until 1899 when it was rebuilt by the ministry of religious endowment and again in 1925 during the reign of King Fouad.

The mosque consists of a rectangular area of six porticos that run parallel to the qibla wall. The porticos are separated by five rows of square pillars. On the northwestern side of the mosque, in front of the main entrance, there is a rectangular shokh-shikha (an elevated polygonal lantern structure in the middle of the roof) supported by eight pillars, which form part of the shrine.

The tomb of the deceased and his seven sisters lie within two compartments surmounted by a shrine dome. The mosque has one minaret in the Mameluke style at the northwestern corner, and the remains of another minaret in the southeastern corner.

* A version of this article appears in print in the 27 July, 2023 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly

Search Keywords:

Short link:


Doksuri regained super typhoon strength on Thursday in its final approach to southeastern China after pummeling Taiwan and the northern Philippines with rain and strong winds that led to the capsize of a ferry in which at least 25 people died.

As of 5 p.m. Beijing time (0900 GMT), the winds around the eye of the storm had reached up to 187 km per hour (116 mph), putting Doksuri back on the top rung of China's tropical storm categorization system after weakening earlier.

The ferry sank near the Philippine capital of Manila after passengers alarmed by strong winds rushed to one side of the boat, overturning it. As many as 36 people have been killed this week during Doksuri's transit off the northern Philippines.

Businesses and schools were shut in southern counties of Taiwan amid warnings of landslides and floods. All domestic flights and ferry lines were suspended, while more than 100 international flights were canceled or delayed. Railway services between southern and eastern Taiwan were halted.

More than 5,700 people were evacuated as a precaution, mostly in the mountainous southern and eastern Taiwan, where more than 0.7 meters of rainfall was recorded in some areas.
Israel's president urged both sides of a dispute over moves to overhaul the judiciary to refrain from violence, using the occasion of a Jewish fast on Thursday to appeal for reconciliation as protesters vowed more demonstrations.

The plans being pursued by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his far-right government have spurred months of unprecedented protests, opened a deep divide in Israeli society and strained the loyalties of some army reservists.

Now in its seventh month, the crisis escalated on Monday after parliament passed the first of the changes, trimming Supreme Court powers to overrule government actions and raising fears for the integrity of Israel's 75-year-old democracy.

Demonstrations for and against the judicial overhaul were on hold for Tisha B'Av, the fast day mourning the destruction of two ancient Jewish temples in Jerusalem. "I appeal on everyone: Even when the pain peaks, we must preserve the boundaries of the dispute and refrain from violence and irreversible measures," President Isaac Herzog, who plays a largely ceremonial role, said on Facebook.

"We must imagine our lives together here -- in another 40, 50 and 100 years -- and how each action will impact on our children and grandchildren, and on the bridges between us," Herzog said.

Political watchdog groups have appealed to the Supreme Court to quash the new law enacted by Netanyahu's religious-nationalist coalition, paving the way for a showdown among branches of government when it hears the arguments in September.

The legal tussle will begin as early as next Thursday, however, when the top court will hear an appeal against a coalition bill ratified in March that limited conditions for removing the prime minister from office.
Russian President Vladimir Putin told leaders and officials from African countries on Thursday that Moscow would provide grain for sale or free to the neediest countries to avert the uncertainty in the global food supply caused by Russia's refusal to guarantee safe passage for Ukrainian grain exports across the Black Sea.

Putin, speaking at the opening session of a two-day Russia-Africa summit in St. Petersburg, said, "I have already said that our country can replace Ukrainian grain, both on a commercial basis and as grant aid to the neediest African countries, more so since we expect another record harvest this year."

"Our country will continue supporting needy states and regions, in particular, with its humanitarian deliveries," Putin said. "We seek to actively participate in building a fairer system of distribution of resources. We are taking maximum efforts to avert a global food crisis."

But in Washington, the White House pushed back on Putin's claim of professing to resolve the food crisis affecting the world's most impoverished countries.

National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told VOA, "I hope he tells them, 'I'm the reason why the food prices are volatile. I'm the reason why you're going to have more problems with starvation, and with access to food and grain in your countries.'"

"I hope he's as honest with them as he should be, because it is, there's only one party responsible for the volatility we're seeing, and for the fact that the grain is now going to be much harder to get out of Ukraine, and that's Russia, that's Mr. Putin," Kirby said.
Actor Jung Woo-sung's directorial debut film "A Man of Reason" is set for release next month.

The film has already generated much buzz ahead of its release scheduled for Aug. 15, as it was screened at the Toronto International Film Festival, the Sitges International Fantastic Film Festival and the Hawaii International Film Festival last year.

The action film, in which Jung also stars, revolves around a man who learns he has a daughter after spending 10 years in prison. He wants to live a normal life but becomes the target of his former gang.

It is adding to a list of Korean blockbusters waiting to thrill audiences this summer, including "Concrete Utopia" starring Lee Byung-hun, Park Bo-young and Park Seo-joon, director Kim Yong-hwa's sci-fi film "The Moon" starring Sol Kyung-gu, and director Kim Seong-hun's "Ransomed" starring Ha Jung-woo and Ju Ji-hoon.
Hanwha Aerospace has won a W5 trillion contract to build infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) for the Australian Army after beating Germany's Rheinmetall (US$1=W1,278).

Hanwha Aerospace said Thursday it has been selected as the preferred bidder for Australia's LAND 400 Phase 3 modernization program, which involves the acquisition of armored vehicles.

The exact value of the deal remains to be decided as the final contract has not been signed yet, but Australian media estimated it at 6 billion Australian dollars for the 129 Redback IFVs Hanwha will supply from the second half of 2027.

The Redback beat the Germany's Lynx in the final bid. The Australian daily reported that Rheinmetall's bidding price was lower but the Redback outperformed the Lynx.

Hanwha defeated rivals from established defense industry powerhouses such as Germany, the U.K. and the U.S.

The program aims to replace the aging U.S.-made M113 armored personnel carriers the Australian Army bought in the 1960s, and Hanwha competed with General Dynamics' Ajax from the U.S., BAE Systems' CV90 from the U.K. as well as the Lynx at first.

The shortlist was whittled down to the Redback and Lynx in September 2019, but it seems that Hanwha was considered preferable thanks to the good performance of the K9 self-propelled howitzers that it sold to Australia in 2021.
The art market is money. And, behind the checks, you can even hide your past. Some of the best canvases by Austrian painter Gustav Klimt (1862-1918) have sold in recent months for more than $100 million. However, these amounts  which have broken records in the art market  have hidden their most authentic value: the paintings relationship with the Nazi persecution of the Jews and the Holocaust.

This past June 27, when Patti Wong  former president of Sothebys Asia auction house  sold Klimts Lady with a Fan (1917-1918) to a Hong Kong-based client for $108.4 million, the art world instantly declared that it was the most expensive work ever sold in Europe. This was the last painting by the artist, who was still at the easel when he died of a stroke in 1918. Last year, Klimts Birch Forest  from the collection of Paul Allen, a co-founder of Microsoft  was auctioned off for $104.5 million.

Before these sales, back in 2021, France returned the Viennese artists Rosebushes under the Trees to the descendants of its original owners. For years, it hung in the Musee dOrsay, in Paris. A special authorization from the French Parliament was required to turn this painting over, as it was considered to be the inalienable property of the French state. It was the governments only Klimt. However, everyone understood who the painting truly belonged to, and the terror in which it was lost. The work had been inherited by Nora Stiasny, a Jewish woman who had to sell it for next to nothing after Austria was annexed by Germany, so that she and her family could survive. Deported to occupied Poland in 1942, that same year, she died along with her son and her husband.

Gustav Klimt, at the entrance to his studio, photographed by Moritz Nahr in 1912. NEUE GALERIE NEW YORK

Despite the fact that Austria has made it very difficult to return looted art, someone always appears to fight for justice. Anyone who knows Ronald Lauder  president of the World Jewish Congress and head of cosmetics conglomerate Estee Lauder  knows that he has three obsessions: art, restitution and the Holocaust. He is polite, honest and tough. In 2006, after six years of legal battles, the Austrian government had to return five Klimt paintings to the descendants of Adele and Ferdinand Bloch-Bauer. The most famous, Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I (1907), was bought from her heirs by Lauder. He paid $125 million dollars for the piece. The Mona Lisa of Austria subsequently moved to the United States.

Last March, the tycoon repurchased a Klimt painting he had acquired in 1973. He had bought The Black Feathered Hat, despite the possibility that it had been looted. The work  exhibited in his Neue Galerie in Manhattan  originally belonged to the family of Irene Beran. Several members of her family were murdered by the Nazis in the Theresienstadt concentration camp, which was set up in what today is the Czech Republic. This was enough for Lauder to properly compensate the surviving members of the family. Meanwhile, in 2006, another Bloch-Bauer portrait sold at Christies for $87.9 million.

Without these truths, the paintings would only be decorative portraits of the Viennese gentry (many of them Jews) from the late-19th and early-20th century. The concealment of the looting that took place is part of the reason for their mythical status. It wasnt until 1986 that a journalistic investigation revealed that then-Austrian President Kurt Waldheim (1918-2007) had lied about his role in World War II and knew more about Nazi behavior than he admitted. This was the end of the myth of Austrian victimhood.

At 5:00 a.m. on March 13, 1938, Hitlers troops crossed the German border and invaded Austria (it was called the Anschluss, or union). They were greeted with cheers and flowers; not a shot was fired. Nobody was scared  except for the 200,000 Jews who lived in the country of 6.5 million people. It was the first act of Nazi aggression, in direct violation of the Treaty of Versailles and the Treaty of Saint-German. Signed in the aftermath of World War I, they expressly forbade Germany from annexing Austria. But the international community did nothing to stop the Anschluss. Soon after, Hitler would be received in Linz  where he planned to erect the Fuhrermuseum  and Vienna, the capital.

The arrival of the Nazis sparked violence and robbery against Jewish Austrians. Gallerists, art dealers and even neighbors stole their possessions. They beat them, attacked them, humiliated them. The infamous scrubbing parties (Reibpartien) became popular: the Nazis forced the Jews of Vienna to clean public toilets and streets amid the jeers of the crowds. Some managed to escape. An exit visa could be obtained by a Jew in exchange for selling off all of their properties. But this didnt last for long. The Gestapo  quickly installed in Vienna  soon began to hunt Jews. This was the suffering endured by some Jewish families, such as the Stomborough-Wittgestein or Bloch-Bauer families, whom Klimt had portrayed two decades earlier.

Austrian historian Tobias G. Natter  an expert in the Viennese Art Nouveau period  considers Klimt to be a key figure of this time. Not only did he co-found secessionism  a combination of decorative geometry and abstraction  but he is also a symbolic figure of the turn of the century in the city. His body of work goes hand-in-hand with Sigmund Freuds psychoanalysis, interpretation of dreams and the discovery of sexuality, as well as the musical innovations of the composer Arnold Schonberg.

'Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I,' by Gustav Klimt.

Klimts production was scarce: he only did about 250 paintings  what Picasso created in a year. He had the support and commissions of the enlightened and cosmopolitan Jewish bourgeoisie, especially as a portraitist, explains Ivan Ristic, curator of the Leopold Museum in Vienna. He had, in particular, two models: Margaret Stonborough-Wittgenstein (sister of the famous philosopher) and Adele Bloch-Bauer. The story in the margins is that Klimt turned the women he portrayed into his lovers. The painter never married. He had 14 children, only recognizing three of them.

Buying a Klimt has a depth that carries an echo of robbery and murder. Art historian Lynn Nicholas wrote: After the Anschluss, the scale of plunder against the Jews went far beyond what had by then occurred in Germany. The Nazis erased all degenerate art from public collections and sold it through auction houses, such as the Dorotheum. The Nazi regime claimed countless lives, tore families apart and robbed them of hope for a prosperous future, laments Peter Weinhaupl, director of the Klimt Foundation. In addition, as these expropriations were carried out, many extraordinary collections were destroyed, including paintings and drawings by Klimt. But they went further. The Nazis even went so far as to instrumentalize his work for their own purposes, such as the 1943 Vienna Secession exhibition, then known as Ausstellungshaus Friedrichstrae, commissioned by Nazi leader Baldur von Schirach. Von Schirach was sentenced to 20 years in prison in Spandau after the Nuremberg trials. He died a free man in 1974.

This is all a part of Klimts legacy. The beauty of his paintings, the shine of the gold leaf he used, or the silver sheets arent able to hide the fate of the people he portrayed and those who bought his works, even 78 years after Nazism. His work is a tribute to more than six million murdered Jews. A true accounting of the horror.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition
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. All opinion articles written by individuals from outside the staff of EL PAIS shall feature, along with the authors 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

That Black lives matter was already a well-known fact in the United States in 1964. On a month of July 59 years ago, a white police officer shot dead a 15-year-old Black teen named James Powell in Harlem, New York. Residents of the neighborhood took to the streets to protest and major riots broke out. Amid the chaos and looting on 125th Street, no one touched a single pane of the Apollo Theater. That place was sacred: it had been a temple to the African-American community, locally and across the country, for decades. And it still is today.

The story of the establishment was explored in the 2019 documentary The Apollo, available on HBO Max. Director Roger Ross Williams did not just craft a story about the most legendary venue in Harlem, or even a story of Harlem itself; it is the story of 85 years of struggle by Black citizens to have their dignity recognized through everything that happened inside a hall with seating for 1,600 people. From that spot, a vibrant cultural scene was projected throughout the United States and the entire world, and it began in the harshest years of racial segregation. The theater had been built in 1913, and it functioned as a cabaret for whites until in 1934 it became one of the few non-segregated spaces in the city. Those were the years of what was called the Harlem Renaissance.

From this oasis of freedom and creativity emerged great figures in music (jazz, soul, blues, rock and roll, rap, hip-hop), comedy, vaudeville, dance and poetry. And through that art, the conscience of a people whose grandparents came out of slavery and who continued to suffer discrimination was strengthened.

Ella Fitzgerald performed at the talent shows at this venue (the Amateur Nights are still held every Wednesday) at the age of 17 in 1934; three decades later Jimi Hendrix would win a prize at the age of 21. It was here that James Brown pronounced his famous Im Black and Im proud, here that he performed around 200 times and here that a wake was held after his death in 2006. It was here that Billie Holiday sang the disturbing song Strange Fruit, which denounced the lynching of Black men.

Duke Ellington, Aretha Franklin, Louis Armstrong, Sarah Vaughan, Ray Charles were here on many nights. Motown artists stopped here whenever they could: Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, The Temptations, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, The Miracles... Michael Jackson had performed here as a child; there was also a wake for him after his death in 2009. Those glory days are behind us, but performances by Jay-Z, Pharrell Williams, Alicia Keys and Bruno Mars are still fresh in everyones minds.

Roger Ross Williams (the first African-American to win an Oscar as a director, in 2010, for the documentary Music by Prudence) insists on drawing these parallels between the awareness of the Black population and the magic of the place where they best expressed their artistic ambition. The footage opens and closes with testimonies from relatives of victims of police brutality, an entrenched problem until today, to make it clear that the fight is not over. And he devotes a good part of the footage to explaining what life was like in a country segregated by race according to laws in force until the mid-1960s: we see that even the stars of the show were banned from accessing hotels, restaurants and elevators.

The documentary follows the evolution of the neighborhood, its rise as a cultural focus and its decline in the late 70s, tough years in New York, when the venue shut down for the first time. Then, as the Big Apples cultural scene developed, the Apollo became less profitable: it had few seats to compete with larger venues. But the neighborhood clung to its legend and continued to attract the best artists in the country (not just Black: U2, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Guns NRoses, George Michael and Bruce Springsteen all performed here). It ended up under New York State protection through a foundation and remains open today, more as a talent pool than a magnet for the stars.

The documentary is an invitation to reflect on how identity is built. It is not enough to share problems, or a skin color, or a tragic past. The Apollo is a tribute to the importance for the community to have spaces for culture and leisure where one feels part of something bigger that includes, welcomes and embraces them. What went on at the Apollo for nearly 90 years has not only defined the part of America with African roots: it still defines an entire country. And, to a large extent, universal culture.
Gao Peng, son of Chinese dissident Gao Zhi, speaks during an interview with The Associated Press in Bangkok, Thailand, on July 17, 2023.

When Gao Peng landed in Thailand on July 3, he was not expecting to be accused of making bomb threats, to be put on an EU travel blacklist, or to see his mother and 16-year-old sister detained and threatened with deportation back to China.

But bomb threats made in his and his mothers names against airports, luxury hotels and the Chinese embassy in Bangkok derailed the familys plan to seek asylum in the Netherlands, where Gao Pengs father moved three years ago. The threats appear to be part of Beijings increasingly sophisticated efforts to harass Chinese dissidents living overseas and their families.

While parts of the story told by Gao Peng and his father, Gao Zhi, couldnt be independently confirmed, their predicament echoes accounts by other Chinese dissidents abroad, who believe Chinese authorities are making bomb threats in their names to control their political activities.

William Nee, research and advocacy coordinator at a coalition of rights organizations known as Chinese Human Rights Defenders, said that the bomb threats appear to be a new tactic that manipulates other governments into acting against Chinese dissidents.

Obviously, public authorities may take such a threat seriously, he said. Its hard for them to have the context to understand that it is a preposterous allegation.

Bomb threat allegations led the Netherlands to revoke visa approvals for Gaos family, and put his wife and son on an EU travel blacklist that kept them in Thailand until their visas expired. Thai police have not confirmed whether they are investigating the bomb threats.

An offer of asylum, and a mysterious bargain

Gao Zhi was not a prominent dissident. Until early 2020, he was a migrant factory worker whod learned to evade Chinas censorship systems to use Twitter, now called the X platform, where he followed human rights activists and posted calls for the overthrow of the Communist Party.

Gao got asylum in the Netherlands and moved there in January 2020.

Back home, police questioned Gaos family twice, but the pressure felt manageable at first.

That changed when Gao attended a rally organized by his friend Wang Jingyu, a more prominent dissident, on the June 4 anniversary of the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre.

On June 15, police came to the home of Gaos wife, Liu Fengling, and demanded her cellphone. When she refused, they forced her into a chair, scratching her wrist in the tussle, and took it.

When Liu told her husband what happened, he urged her to leave China.

Dutch officials told Gao his family could get emergency visas at the Dutch embassy in Bangkok, where Chinese citizens can get visas on arrival.

But before the family left China, someone claiming to work for the countrys Ministry of Public Security contacted Gao, according to undated screenshots he shared with the AP.

The person proposed a deal: if Gao promised to tone down his rhetoric and influenced Wang to give fewer interviews, the government would help reunite his family. Otherwise, Liu would be prevented from leaving China.

After speaking to Wang, Gao agreed.

The Associated Press was not able to verify the screenshots independently, and the ministry did not reply to a request for comment.

Liu and her daughter, Gao Han, traveled to Bangkok on June 27, followed on July 3 by the couples son.

Gao Peng said he didnt know why they were going to Thailand. His parents had never told him why his father left China, although he was aware there was some trouble with the police.

Dissidents and families face bomb threat accusations overseas

The day after Gao Peng arrived in Thailand, someone called his mother and accused him of making bomb threats.

According to a recording made by Liu, the man identified himself as Wang Mingsen, a consular official at the Chinese embassy in Bangkok. He said he wants to put a bomb at the embassy, because his father has been persecuted in China, Wang said.

When reached by the AP, Wang said This situation, we dont have any information we can share with you.

Gao Peng said that his family tried to report the bomb threats to police, but it took until July 9 to find an officer who spoke Chinese.

He told them threats had been called in to hotels across the country, including Phukets Ritz Carlton and JW Marriott hotels, and rooms in many of the same hotels had been booked under Gao Peng and his mothers names. The officer said it was probably a scam and they should just not pick up the phone.

A receptionist at the Marriott hotel in Phuket said they would ask their marketing team to provide comment. A resort under the Ritz-Carlton brand in Phuket said they hadnt received any threats.

The accusations frightened Gao Peng, he said. But I was also very indignant, because theyre accusing me and smearing me, I cant accept that.

Wang Jingyu, the Netherlands-based activist, and at least three other people linked to him have also described bomb threats made in their names. Wang said he was questioned by Dutch police, who eventually concluded that the threats were sent from IP addresses in Hong Kong and China, and gave him a document clearing his name.

A Chinese journalist living in Germany and a Dutch journalist who interviewed Wang also had bomb threats called into hotels where bookings were made in their names.

Bob Fu, a U.S.-based activist who helped Wang when he was detained in Dubai, said that he now has to alert both local and federal law enforcement every time he travels because of bomb threats.

Plan derailed as family faces deportation

Bomb threats also stopped Gao Zhi from buying airline tickets for his wife and son. When he tried, airline websites refused, saying they were on an EU safety blacklist.

The Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service told him that bomb threats had been sent to European airports in their names, and helped remove them from the blacklist, but the back and forth took days.

Amid the delay, Liu and her daughters visas expired on July 11. The next day, Thai police came to the familys hotel and took the two women into custody.

Around the same time, the Dutch government informed Gao that it had revoked his familys visas, writing in an e-mail seen by the AP that Thai police had informed Dutch immigration authorities that they were investigating the family for bomb threats, and that the family had confessed and volunteered to go back to China.

The Dutch immigration service declined to comment, saying they do not discuss individual cases. The Royal Thai Police did not respond to a request for comment.

Liu was charged with overstaying a visa, according to the lawyer, Waritsara. Her daughter has not been charged.

Thailand has a record of deporting dissidents and refugees back to China, sometimes at the request of the Chinese government.

Its well understood that there is Chinese pressure in Thailand ... so theres quite a bit of pressure on Chinese activists and asylum seekers in Thailand, said Nee.

Thai police told Waritsara that the Chinese embassy had expressed a special interest in the case.

Gao Zhis Telegram contact promised to help, and told him to send his son to Huai Khwang police station in Bangkok, where he would receive a report ending the investigation. The police did not issue the report, Gao Peng said, but did return the familys cell phones.

Thai immigration officials also refused to extend Gao Pengs visa, mentioning a police warrant according to a recording he made, but he has not been detained.

Whats next for the family is uncertain.

The Dutch government told Gao Zhi that if his son can get UNHCR refugee status and the family reaches the Netherlands, they can get visas.

Gao Zhi is spending his days writing to the Dutch and Thai governments to plead for his family.

I thought I was saving them, he said. I didnt think I was sending them into a Thai jail.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition
More than 1,000 U.S. service personnel are in Niger, which until Wednesdays coup by mutinous soldiers had avoided the military takeovers that destabilized West African neighbors in recent years.

The country had been seen as the last major partner standing against extremism in a Francophone region where anti-French sentiment had opened the way for the Russian private military group Wagner.

Various Islamic extremist groups are active around Niger, which isnt to be confused with Nigeria, Africas most populous country. Niger lies just to the north, part of the sprawling region directly below the Sahara Desert that for years has faced a growing threat from various groups of Islamic extremists.

Heres what to know:

What does this mean for regional security?

Signaling Nigers importance in the region where Wagner also operates, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited in March to strengthen ties and announce $150 million in direct assistance, calling the country a model of democracy.

Now a critical question is whether Niger might pivot and engage Wagner as a counterterrorism partner like its neighbors Mali and Burkina Faso, which have kicked out French forces. France shifted more than 1,000 personnel to Niger after pulling out of Mali last year.

Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin said in a statement Thursday that what happened in Niger is the fight of its people against the colonizers. ... It effectively means winning independence. The rest will depend on the people of Niger.

Hundreds of people gathered on Thursday in Nigers capital, Niamey, and chanted support for Wagner while waving Russian flags.

Nigers government had been pretty open in terms of dialogue and engaging both domestically and with international partners, said Paul Melly, a consulting fellow with the Africa program at the Chatham House think tank in London. So quite a lot is at stake here.

Niger has been a base of international military operations for years as Islamic extremists have greatly expanded their reach in the Sahel. Those include Boko Haram in neighboring Nigeria and Chad, but the more immediate threat comes from growing activity in Nigers border areas with Mali and Burkina Faso from the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara and the al-Qaida affiliate Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin, known as JNIM.

Meanwhile, Nigers military expenditures reached $202 million in 2021.

What about counterterrorism efforts?

U.S. partners battling extremists in the Sahel are dwindling. Notably, Malis military junta last month ordered the 15,000-strong United Nations peacekeeping mission to leave, claiming they had failed in their mission. However, Wagner forces remain there, accused by watchdogs of human rights atrocities.

The United States in early 2021 said it had provided Niger with more than $500 million in military assistance and training programs since 2012, one of the largest such support programs in sub-Saharan Africa. The European Union earlier this year launched a 27 million-euro ($30 million) military training mission in Niger.

The U.S. has operated drones out of a base it constructed in Nigers remote north as part of counterterrorism efforts in the vast Sahel. The fate of that base and other U.S. operational sites in the country after this weeks coup isnt immediately known.

It is too soon to speculate on any potential future actions or activities, a spokesman with the U.S. Africa Command, John Manley, said in an email. He said approximately 1,100 U.S. personnel are in Niger.

Niger was the site of one of the deadliest encounters for U.S. forces in Africa in recent years, an ambush by extremists in 2017 that left four soldiers dead. The attack again raised questions by some critics in Washington about why the U.S. would be involved on the continent.

How deadly is extremism in the region?

Observers say West Africas Sahel region has become one of the worlds deadliest regions for extremism. West Africa recorded over 1,800 extremist attacks in the first six months of this year, resulting in nearly 4,600 deaths, a top regional official told the United Nations Security Council this week.

Most of those deaths occurred in Burkina Faso and Mali, while just 77 occurred in Niger, said the official, Omar Touray, the president of the ECOWAS Commission, the executive arm of the West African economic bloc. Observers have warned that the extremist threat is also expanding south toward states like Ghana and Ivory Coast.

The coup in Niger brings yet more insecurity. We are witnessing that the whole belt south of the Sahara is becoming an extremely problematic area, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said.

Niger is one of the worlds poorest countries, struggling with climate change along with migrants from across West Africa trying to make their way across the Sahara en route toward Europe. It has received millions of euros of investment from the EU in its efforts to curb migration via smugglers.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition
Mourners chant anti Israel slogans while they take the last look at the body of Fares Abu Samra, 14, during his funeral in the West Bank city of Qalqilya, Thursday, July 27, 2023. The Palestinian Health Ministry said Thursday that Abu Samra was killed by Israeli fire in Qalqilya. The Israeli military said Palestinians threw rocks and firebombs at troops, who responded by firing into the air. It said the incident was being reviewed. (AP Photo/Nasser Nasser)

The Israeli military killed a 14-year-old Palestinian boy in the occupied West Bank on Thursday, Palestinian health officials said, as an ultranationalist Israeli Cabinet minister visited a sensitive Jerusalem holy site that has been a flashpoint for violence between Israel and the Palestinians.

The visit by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir to the disputed hilltop compound comes during a period of heightened Israeli-Palestinian violence in the West Bank for the past year and a half and threatens to inflame already surging tensions.

It also prompted the Hamas militant group to announce the launch of a rare rocket from the West Bank and drew condemnation from across the Muslim world.

The site is revered by Jews and Muslims, and the competing claims lie at the heart of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Early Thursday, the Palestinian Health Ministry said 14-year-old Fares Abu Samra was killed by Israeli forces in the West Bank town of Qalqilya. The Israeli military said Palestinians threw rocks and firebombs at troops, who responded by firing into the air. It said the incident was being reviewed.

Residents of Qalqilya accused the Israeli military of opening fire toward civilians after storming into the town to arrest a Palestinian. Fares father, Sharhabeel Abu Samra, a Palestinian security officer, claimed his son was walking in the street and not doing anything, when Israeli soldiers shot at him and then hit him with their jeep.

Where are the human rights? he said, crying.

Ben-Gvir joined hundreds of Jews visiting the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound  the location in antiquity of two biblical Jewish temples  to mark the Jewish holiday of Tisha BAv. During the day of mourning and repentance, Jews reflect on the destruction of the First and Second Temples, pivotal events in Jewish history.

The Waqf, an Islamic trust that runs civil matters at the mosque, said that 2,240 Jews had entered the compound for the holiday  the highest number recorded in five years.

This is the most important place for the people of Israel which we must return to and show our rule, Ben-Gvir said in a video released by his office, with the golden Dome of the Rock in the background.

The Palestinian Authoritys Jerusalem Affairs Ministry warned that the government and extremists like Ben-Gvir would push things toward religious war by provoking Muslims worldwide. The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it considered Ben-Gvirs visit an attempt to impose Israeli sovereignty over the site.

Neighboring Jordan, which acts as a custodian over the site and has a peace agreement with Israel, said such visits threaten to trigger new cycles of violence. Saudi Arabia, the custodian of Islams two holiest cities and a country with which Israel hopes to normalize ties, denounced the visit as a provocation of the feelings of Muslims around the world. Turkey demanded that Israeli authorities restrain these provocations.

Waqf officials said crowds of Jewish visitors danced, whistled and sang the Israeli national anthem as they streamed through the compound.

The government is giving cover to these extremists, said Bassam Abu Labda, a Waqf official. This is very dangerous.

Ben-Gvir, a former West Bank settler leader and far-right activist who years ago was convicted of incitement and supporting a Jewish terror group, now oversees the countrys police force.

Thursday was Ben-Gvirs third public visit to the contested site since joining Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus far-right government. The site, known to Jews as the Temple Mount, is the holiest site in Judaism. Today, it is home to the Al-Aqsa Mosque, the third-holiest site in Islam.

Police said they had arrested 16 people for violating visitation regulations at the site. Under longstanding arrangements, Jews are permitted to visit the site, but not to pray there. But in recent years, a growing number of Jewish visitors have begun to quietly pray, raising fears among Palestinians that Israel is plotting to divide or take over the site. Ben-Gvir has long called for increased Jewish access.

As Palestinian anger rose over Ben-Gvirs visit, the Hamas military wing in the West Bank released a video purporting to show militants in the northern city of Jenin firing a rocket toward northern Jewish settlements across Israels separation barrier. The group identified the rocket as a Qassam-1, a primitive and notoriously inaccurate type of rocket with a range of some 4 kilometers (2.5 miles).

The Israeli military said it had found remains of an improvised rocket near the Palestinian village of Silat al-Harithiya, just northwest of Jenin. While Hamas military wing launches hundreds of rockets from the Hamas-run Gaza Strip during skirmishes with Israel, rocket fire from the West Bank remains rare. But last month, Palestinian militants similarly attempted to fire rockets into Israeli settlements from Jenin, which also fell short.

Since early last year, Israel has been staging near-nightly raids into Palestinian areas which it says are meant to stamp out militancy and thwart future attacks. More than 160 Palestinians have been killed in the fighting this year, according to a tally by The Associated Press. At least five of them, including the boy killed on Thursday, were age 14 or under.

The military says most of those killed have been militants. But stone-throwing youths protesting the incursions and others not involved in the confrontations have also been killed. At least 26 people have been killed in Palestinian attacks against Israelis since the start of 2023.

Israel captured east Jerusalem, where the holy compound lies, along with the West Bank and the Gaza Strip in the 1967 Mideast war. The Palestinians seek those territories for a future independent state, with east Jerusalem as its capital. Israel annexed east Jerusalem in a move unrecognized by most of the international community and considers the city its undivided, permanent capital.

Netanyahus government has intensified steps to solidify Israels hold on the Palestinian territories, angering Israels top ally, the United States, and dimming hopes for Palestinian statehood.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition
With the headquarters of the ruling party burning in the back, supporters of mutinous soldiers demonstrate in Niamey, Niger, Thursday, July 27 2023.

Nigers president defiantly declared Thursday that democracy would prevail, a day after mutinous soldiers detained him and announced they had seized power in a coup because of the West African countrys deteriorating security situation.

While many people in the capital of Niamey went about their usual business, it remained unclear who was in control of the country and which side the majority might support. A statement tweeted by the army commands account declared that it would back the coup to avoid a murderous confrontation that could lead to a bloodbath. It was not possible to confirm that the statement was genuine.

Meanwhile, President Mohamed Bazoum  who was elected in 2021 in Nigers first peaceful, democratic transfer of power since its independence from France in 1960 and is a key ally of the West  appeared to have the backing of several political parties.

The hard-won achievements will be safeguarded. All Nigeriens who love democracy and freedom will see to it, Bazoum tweeted early Thursday.

Foreign Minister Hassoumi Massoudou issued a similar call on news network France 24, asking all Nigerien democratic patriots to stand up as one to say no to this factious action.

He demanded the presidents unconditional release and said talks were ongoing.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who spoke to Bazoum by phone on Wednesday, said in a statement that he was extremely worried about the situation in Niger and warned of the terrible effects on development and civilians due to successive unconstitutional changes of government in the Sahel region.

The Economic Community of West African States sent Benin President Patrice Talon to lead mediation efforts.

Bazoum is a key ally in the Wests efforts to battle jihadists linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group in Africas Sahel region. Extremists in Niger have carried out attacks on civilians and military personnel, but the overall security situation is not as dire as in neighboring nations.

Russia and the West have been vying for influence in the fight against extremism in the region.

Bazoum was seen by many as the Wests last hope for partnership in the Sahel after Mali turned away from former colonial power France and sought support from the Russian mercenary group Wagner. Wagner appears to be making inroads in Burkina Faso as well.

Western countries have poured aid into Niger, and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited in March, seeking to strengthen ties. American, French and Italian troops train the countrys soldiers, while France also conducts joint operations.

But the threat to Bazoum has raised concerns that Niger may also turn away from the West.

On Thursday, several hundred people gathered in the capital and chanted support for Wagner while waving Russian flags. Later, they began throwing rocks at a passing politicians car.

If Mohamed Bazoum resigns from the presidency, Niger will probably move to the top of the list of countries where the Wagner Group will seek to expand, said Flavien Baumgartner, an Africa analyst at Dragonfly, a security and political risk consultancy.

Wagner already had its sights set on Niger, in part because its a large producer of uranium. But Bazoum posed an impediment because of his pro-French and pro-Western stance, said Baumgartner.

Wagners head, Yevgeny Prigozhin, weighed in on Thursday, describing the developments as part of Nigers fight against the colonizers.

It effectively means winning independence. The rest will depend on the people of Niger, on how efficient they could govern, Prigozhin, who led a brief mutiny against the Kremlin last month, said in a statement.

Underscoring the importance of Niger to the West, Blinken said Thursday that he had spoken with the president, saying that he made clear that we strongly support him as the democratically elected president of the country.

Blinken, who was in New Zealand, repeated the U.S. condemnation of the mutiny and said his team was in close contact with officials in France and Africa.

Members of the presidential guard surrounded Bazoums house and detained him on Wednesday morning.

The mutinous soldiers, who call themselves the National Council for the Safeguarding of the Country, took to state television and announced they had seized control because of deteriorating security and poor economic and social governance in the nation of 25 million people. They said they had dissolved the constitution, suspended all institutions and closed all the borders.

The coup was reportedly sparked because Bazoum was allegedly planning to fire the head of the presidential guard, Gen. Omar Tchiani, Niger analysts say. Military experts say some of the people who appeared on state television were high-ranking officers, including Gen. Moussa Salaou Barmou, the head of Nigers special forces who has a strong relationship with the United States.

According to someone close to the president who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the situation, the president has not and will not resign and is safe in his residence.

In a statement Wednesday, several political parties expressed their support for him, calling the coup suicidal and anti-republican madness.

The country, faced with insecurity, terrorism and the challenges of underdevelopment, cannot afford to be distracted, they said. Protesters also came out in support of Bazoum that day.

The international community strongly condemned the attempted takeover in Niger, where there have been multiple coups since independence in 1960.

French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna tweeted that France is concerned about the events in Niger and following the situation closely. France firmly condemns any attempt to take power by force, the minister said.

U.N. Human Rights chief Volker Turk called for Bazoums release and said all efforts must be undertaken to restore constitutional order and the rule of law.

Russia also called for the presidents release. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Thursday in televised remarks that its necessary to restore the constitutional order in Niger. We believe that the coup is unconstitutional, and we always take a principled and clear position on that, he said.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition
Medics carry an injured Ukrainian serviceman to an ambulance vehicle outside a frontline medical stabilisation point, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Ukraine July 27, 2023.

Fierce fighting raged Thursday in southeastern Ukraine, where a Western official said Kyiv has launched a major push and Russian President Vladimir Putin said hostilities have intensified significantly.

Battles in recent weeks have taken place on multiple points along the over 1,000-kilometer (over 600-mile) front line as Ukraine wages a counteroffensive with Western-supplied weapons and Western-trained troops against Russian forces who invaded 17 months ago.

Putin praised the heroism with which Russian soldiers were repelling attacks in the Zaporizhzhia region of the southeast, claiming Moscows troops not only destroyed Ukraines military equipment but also inflicted heavy losses to Kyivs forces.

He insisted on state TV Ukraines push in the area wasnt successful, although it was not possible to independently verify his report. Putin was in St. Petersburg at a summit of African leaders.

Ukrainian troops have made only incremental gains since launching a counteroffensive in early June, and Putin has repeatedly claimed Ukraine has suffered heavy losses, without offering evidence.

Ukraine has committed thousands of troops in the region in recent days, according to a Western official who was not authorized to comment publicly on the matter.

It was unclear how the current effort differs from previous ones by the Ukrainian military to break through deeply entrenched Russian defenses. The Russian army has set up vast minefields to stymie Ukrainian advances and used combat aircraft and loitering munitions to strike Ukrainian armor and artillery.

Ukrainian authorities have kept operational details of the counteroffensive under wraps, and they have released scant information about its progress.

However, Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar said Wednesday that troops are advancing toward the city of Melitopol in the Zaporizhizhia region.

The seizure of Melitopol near the Sea of Azov would be a major success for Ukraine, which hopes to punch through the land corridor between Russia and the Crimean Peninsula, illegally annexed by Moscow in 2014. That could split Russian forces into two and cut supply lines to units farther west. Russia currently controls the whole Sea of Azov coast.

Russian military bloggers say that the latest Ukrainian push has focused on the village of Staromaiorske near an area separating Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia provinces. If the Russian defenses there collapse, it would open the way for the Ukrainian forces to push southward toward the coast.

The apparent Ukrainian push comes in the wake of Russian military and political turmoil in June that saw Yevgeny Prigozhin, head of the Wagner private military company, stage a short-lived rebellion that posed the gravest threat to Putin in his 23-year rule.

The mercenaries have withdrawn from the battlefield in Ukraine, where they played a pivotal role in capturing the stronghold of Bakhmut following the wars longest battle. Thousands of Wagner troops have reportedly moved to Belarus to help train its troops before moving to Africa.

The Institute of Study of War, a Washington-based think tank, reported that Ukrainian forces launched a significant mechanized counteroffensive operation in western Zaporizhzhia on Wednesday and appear to have broken through certain pre-prepared Russian defensive positions.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, meanwhile, visited the city of Dnipro, along the Dnieper River to the north of Zaporizhzhia, meeting with military commanders to discuss air defenses, ammunition supplies and regional recruitment.

He also visited a medical facility caring for the wounded from the front, thanking the staff and emphasizing the importance of their work in saving the lives. A recent increase in wounded at a Dnipro hospital hinted that the tempo of fighting had increased.

In what appeared to be a precautionary move, Russias Federal Security Service, known as the FSB, prohibited civilian access to the Arabat Spit in Crimea, a narrow strip of land that links the peninsula to the partially occupied Kherson region. The open-ended ban is needed to contain security threats, the FSB said in a statement quoted by Russias state news agency RIA Novosti.

U.S. officials, who have provided Kyiv with weapons and intelligence, declined to comment publicly on the latest developments, though they have previously urged patience as Ukraine seeks to grind down Russian positions.

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said during a visit to Papua New Guinea that Kyivs effort to retake land seized by Russia since its full-scale invasion in February 2022 would be tough and long, with successes and setbacks.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said an intense battle is taking place but declined to provide details.

We believe that tools, the equipment, the training, the advice that many of us have shared with Ukrainians over many months puts them in good position to be successful on the ground in recovering more of the territory that Russia has taken from Ukraine, Blinken said in New Zealand.

Meanwhile, a missile strike on Ukraines southern Odesa region killed one civilian and further damaged its port infrastructure in the latest attack since Moscow broke off a grain export agreement, Odesa Gov. Oleh Kiper said.

The attack used Kalibr cruise missiles launched from the Black Sea, he said.

Ukraine;s air force said it intercepted 36 Russian missiles launched from Tu-95MS strategic bombers.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition
A helicopter fills water from the sea during a wildfire, near Gennadi village, on the Aegean Sea island of Rhodes, southeastern Greece, on Thursday, July 27, 2023.

A wildfire whipped on by strong winds triggered a series of massive explosions Thursday at an air force ammunition depot in central Greece, while firefighters worked to tame multiple blazes in the country.

There were no injuries at the depot, which had been evacuated before the explosions, and by late Thursday the fire was no longer active. The Greek air force said that F-16 fighter jets at a nearby base were moved to another facility as a precaution, but that the base had not been under any immediate threat.

Fires have raged across parts of Greece during three successive Mediterranean heat waves in the past two weeks, leaving five people dead, including two firefighting pilots, and triggering a huge weekend evacuation of tourists on the island of Rhodes.

The fire in the Volos area of central Greeces Magnissia region reached the ammunition storage facility about 6 kilometers (4 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 large explosions shattered windows on houses in a surrounding area, but the Greek fire service said no severe injuries were reported in nearby villages, which also were evacuated as a precaution.

Fire Service spokesman Ioannis Artopios said 12 villages were ordered evacuated in the Volos-Nea Anchialos area.

Despite their superhuman efforts, our forces were unable to stop the blaze, he said.

Artopios said the Volos area blaze was the most dangerous of the 124 wildfires the fire service had to deal with Thursday.

The wildfire burned on three fronts and forced a section of Greeces busiest highway to close for several hours, while national rail services passing through the area were delayed.

State ERT television showed residents and visitors in the coastal village of Anchialos, some 4 kilometers (2 1/2 miles) from the blast site, being evacuated by sea, while others were leaving in cars and buses. The coast guard said more than a hundred residents were taken in small private boats to the city of Volos.

The Nea Anchialos air base is some 20 kilometers (12 miles) from the city, where loud blasts could be heard.

Water-dropping helicopters and a ground crew scrambled early Thursday to a separate wildfire in Kifissia, just north of Athens, which was quickly put out.

Greek firefighters also battled flames for a 10 successive day on Rhodes, where officials said the blazes were largely contained. Flare-ups were reported on the island of Evia.

The World Meteorological Organization, a U.N. body, and a European Union climate change service reported Thursday that temperatures during the first three weeks of July set a new global heat record.

As Southern Europe fights extreme heat and wildfires, parts of central Europe have been hit with winter conditions. Subfreezing temperatures, frost and snow have been reported in the Tatra Mountains, which run through Poland and Slovakia.

In Italy, firefighters battled brush fires in the southern mainland regions of Calabria and Puglia, as well as the islands of Sicily and Sardinia, helped by temperatures dropping some 13 degrees Celsius (55 degrees Fahrenheit) into the low- and mid-30s C (high 80s F).

Flames forced the evacuation of bathers on a popular stretch of the southern Adriatic coast near the town of Ugento in Puglia, Italian media said.

Since Sunday, firefighters have fought more than 3,200 wildfires in southern Italy, nearly half of them in Sicily and almost 900 of them in Puglia, Italys national firefighters corps said on Thursday evening.

Without doubt, we can see that all across the Mediterranean the climate crisis is here, and its affecting us all more strongly than perhaps even scientists had warned us about, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said Thursday during a meeting with Greeces president, Katerina Sakellaropoulou.

Wildfire carbon emissions for July in Greece were the highest by a huge margin  totaling over 1 metric megatons and doubling the previous record  since record-keeping started 20 years ago, according to the EU agency that analyzes satellite data, the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service.

Unfortunately, it is not all that surprising, given the extreme conditions in the region, said Mark Parrington, a senior scientist at the agency. The observed intensity and estimated emissions show how unusual the scale of the fires has been for July relative to the last 20 years of data.

In Athens, senior members of the armed forces paid tribute to the two pilots killed when a firefighting plane crashed this week, at a ceremony held at the Defense Ministry.

Capt. Christos Moulas and Lt. Pericles Stephanidis died during a low-altitude water drop on the island of Evia. Defense Minister Nikos Dendias said they had shown self-denial in the line of duty.

Greece today is in mourning. Their memories will live on, Dendias said.

Mitsotakis attended the funeral service for Stephanidis in northern Greece Thursday, while President Sakellaropoulou was expected at the service for Moulas on the island of Crete on Friday. ___

Gatopoulos reported from Athens. Associated Press writers Colleen Barry in Milan, Italy, and Venessa Gera in Warsaw, Poland, contributed to this report.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition
In 1992, a group of 400 Afro-descendant women gathered in the Dominican Republic for the First Meeting of Latin American and Caribbean Black Women. At that time, their participation in the upper echelons of politics was a demand and a dream that seemed unjustly distant. They faced challenges that persist today: the struggle against racial discrimination, political violence, inequality and poverty.

Three decades later, in Bogota, Colombia, some of them met again and celebrated the first ones to succeed. Among these accomplished women are Colombias first Afro-descendant minister of education, Aurora Vergara; the first-ever female vice president in Costa Rica and in the Americas, Epsy Campbell; Brazils first minister of racial equality, Anielle Franco; Ecuadors first deputy in the National Assembly, Paola Cabezas; Brazils first trans federal deputy, Erika Hilton; the first female chief justice of Kenyas Supreme Court, Martha Karambu; and Desiree Cormier Smith, the first-ever Special Representative for Racial Equity and Justice at the U.S. State Department.

As a person who has written about the history of the first women who demanded their freedom, who went before the Court, being on this panel is very eye-opening about what we are experiencing and what we are building, said Vergara, who moderated the conversation that opened the International Afro-descendant Women Weaving from the Roots Meeting. The meeting was led by Francia Marquez, Colombias first vice president of African descent and the countrys minister of equality.

In the audience, a crowd of women wearing elegant colorful garb and turbans listened to how they did it and celebrated the International Day of Afro-descendant Women. Minutes earlier, they had heard Marquezs defense of disobedience and a tribute to her ancestors. As a daughter of my community, I learned that obeying can be dangerous. If it were not for the rebelliousness of my communitys women, they would have surrounded us and taken away the rivers that are places of exchange and of life itself, said the vice president. She formally asked the Colombian president, Gustavo Petro, to submit a petition to the UN to officially recognize July 25 as the International Day of Afro-descendant Women. Later, the president, who attended the meeting, promised to do so.

Brazils Minister of Racial Equality, Anielle Franco, asserted the power of so many influential Black women together. The journalist and educator recalled that the murder of her sister, councilwoman Marielle Franco, was a message intended to silence all poor Black women who wanted to engage in politics. We Black women are already doing politics just by being alive, she said.

Franco recalled that, as a child, she grew up having to jump over the dead bodies that fell in the Rio de Janeiro favela where she lived on her way to school. She learned politics from her mother and aunt, and then, with the murder of Marielle  who was shot 13 times, including five shots to the head  Anielle jumped right into politics. I am very proud to carry my sisters blood and, as a Brazilian poet says, I am paying homage to [her] spilled blood. They wanted to silence her, but different seeds of Marielle were born. They killed my sister with five shots in the head, but our ideas are literally bulletproof, Anielle said, with visible emotion. This week, Elcio de Queiroz reached a plea deal to identify the masterminds behind Marielles murder.

Political violence against Anielle has continued. Similar to what Marquez experienced in Colombia, Franco has also been criticized for her way of doing politics. Since I took office, theyve been telling me that my way is not how politicians do things, and I say yes, it is, [its] my way of talking, of walking I am not going to change to get into politics; it is politics that must change so that we Black women fit there everywhere in the world, Franco said.

Campbell, who attended the first meeting in the Dominican Republic in 1992, spoke of the challenges facing Black women in politics. There we were planting their flags, without imagining that thirty years later we could be in a space like this. Costa Ricas former vice president explained that she began as an Afro-feminist activist questioning the agenda that did not include them. It was an agenda that considered racism to be a minor issue. Today, she is the president of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent. While she knows that she was one of the pioneers, she believes that we must continue to make way for those who come after.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition
More than 71,000 people have been detained under the state of emergency in El Salvador, which was issued by President Nayib Bukele and which has enabled him to neutralize the countrys maras, or criminal gangs. Not only are prisons struggling with overcrowding, the countrys courts are also unable to cope. In an effort to address this problem, the Salvadoran Parliament  where Bukeles New Ideas party holds a majority  has approved transitory provisions and reforms to the Law against Organized Crime. These changes raise the punishments for gang leaders and allow collective trials to be held. These mass hearings  which can involve up to 900 detainees at a time  will prosecute entire criminal structures, rather than allowing defendants an individual trial. The move has sparked alarm, as human rights organizations claim at least 5,490 direct, innocent victims have been imprisoned by Bukeles iron-fist policy.

Lawmakers from the New Ideas party argue the measure will make it easier for judges to convict criminals more quickly and prevent members of these criminal structures from being released. The reform formalizes a practice that the Salvadoran justice system had already been carrying out in practice in the face of the high number of arrests of gang members as well as thousands of citizens who have no ties to these criminal structures.

Back in May, a group of United Nations experts warned that the state of emergency was undermining prisoners right to a fair trial. In a press release, the experts said that initial hearings, in which judges review the legality of an arrest and decide on charges and pre-trial detention, were reportedly held in groups of up to 500 people. Public defenders have been given three to four minutes to present the cases of 400 to 500 detainees at a time. Mass trials have also been reported, the release stated. Mass hearings and trials  often conducted virtually  undermine the exercise of the right to defense and the presumption of innocence of detainees, the experts said.

The state of emergency was approved for a period of one month in March 2022, but has been repeatedly extended since then. The aggressive policy has helped neutralize gang violence, which has boosted Bukeles popularity so much so that he has registered to run for re-election in contravention of the countrys Constitution. Bur human rights organizations argue that it has also led to widespread human rights violations. In May, Amnesty International reported that 132 people had died in custody, and also documented flagrant violations of due process and forced disappearances.

According to the United Nations experts: The excessive use of pre-trial detention, the prohibition of alternative measures, trials in absentia and the possibility of using practices such as faceless judges and reference witnesses all undermine due process guarantees.

Opposition lawmaker Jaime Guevara claimed the new reform represents a risk and a threat to the innocent prisoners who are in jail awaiting a fair criminal trial. Prosecuting criminal structures, rather than individual detainees, violates prisoners right to due process. Fellow lawmaker Claudia Ortiz argued that the reform will only serve to make the job easier for the Prosecutors Office, so that they no longer have to investigate.

The presidency of the Criminal Chamber of the Supreme Court of Justice received the bill just 24 hours before it was approved, meaning it had little time to offer its observations. Despite the short time, Justice Sandra Luz Chicas warned that the reform contains elements that take away power from the judges and turns them into paper-pushers.

It seems that the judge is going to be just a paper-pusher and will not be able to judge, said Chicas, who pointed out that raising the penalties for gang leaders may not be in line with the principle of proportionality, as the person who ordered the killing could receive a higher sentence than the person who carried out the murder.

Security Minister Gustavo Villatoro dismissed these concerns. We are talking about up to 900 defendants per clica [a gangs cell or group] or cancha [the territory controlled by a gang]. We are clear that the gangs acted as a criminal corporation in which the 15 leaders determined the criminal activities that the clica or canchca would carry out.

The United Nations has repeatedly issued warnings about the Bukele administration. Experts stress that while the government has an obligation to protect citizens from atrocious acts of gang violence, it cannot trample on fair trial rights in the name of public safety.

The president of Chile, Gabriel Boric, has also attacked Bukeles iron-fist strategy. In an interview with the BBC, Boric said that the solution only focuses on the most extreme measures and not on the fundamental issues. It is bread for today and hunger for tomorrow, he said.

Bukele was quick to respond to the criticism, posting on Twitter: This government can do two things at the same time. A good security strategy includes the prevention and direct repression of crime. How difficult it must be to lead a country with so little common sense. Thank God, the Chileans are more than their president.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition




NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said, during an official visit to Argentina, that a committee of scientists is preparing a report to address what he described as so many suspicions about aliens. The report will be ready in August, he said. His remarks, made in response to a reporters question on the subject, were part of a news conference at the Casa Rosada, the seat of government, where Nelson met with President Alberto Fernandez on the occasion of Argentina becoming a signatory to the Artemis Accords for space exploration.

The reporters questioning reflected the fact that on Wednesday, during a session of U.S. Congress, a former intelligence officer accused the Pentagon of concealing spacecraft of extraterrestrial origin and non-human remains. Sightings are not rare or isolated, said David Grusch, a former Air Force member, achieving a rare rapport between Republicans and Democrats inside the chamber: lawmakers from both parties called for the government to end its secrecy over what is now being termed UAPs or unidentified aerial phenomena.

I decided as the head of NASA, since there are so many suspicions about aliens, that I would appoint a committee of very distinguished scientists, said Nelson at the Casa Rosada on Thursday, underscoring the twinkle in my eye when he heard the question. That committee is deliberating, and they will make their report publicly next month. Now I can tell you in the meantime, until you hear the report, and they will consider using our scientific sensors in space in trying to determine this phenomenon. So wait until next month and you will have an answer.

The conversation about unidentified flying objects began to gather pace among some Washington lawmakers in 2020, when the Pentagon released a series of previously classified videos of pilots involved in three separate incidents from 2004 and 2015, in which UAP encounters appeared to be observed. U.S. intelligence said then that while there was no evidence of extraterrestrial activity associated with those objects, they did not categorically rule it out either. Earlier this year, interest in the subject spiked following news that the Pentagon had collected 247 UAP reports in 17 months, almost as many as in the previous 17 years. In April the figure climbed to 650.

At the news conference, Nelson also explained that President Fernandez had asked him about his trip to space  in 1986, Nelson was the second congressman in the history of the United States to fly on a NASA mission.

Nelson traveled to Buenos Aires to make official Argentinas adherence to the international efforts with which the U.S.wants to take astronauts back to the Moon in 2025. Argentina is the 28th country to sign the Artemis Accords, a plan for the peaceful exploration of the Milky Way.

Nelson, a former Democratic congressman for Florida and U.S. Army reservist during the Vietnam War, was in Buenos Aires as part of a South American tour that took him to Brazil and will end in Colombia next week.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition




Noche, the Spanish word for night comes from the Latin noctis. Its nyktos in Greek and nuit in French. In Sanskrit, the classical language of India, night is naktasya. Around 250 years ago, Gaston-Laurent Coeurdoux, a French Jesuit priest, was one of the first to suggest a common origin for certain languages. Since then, linguists have been on an Indiana Jones-like quest to discover the origins of these Indo-European languages. Now, a collaborative scientific effort using linguistic analysis, advanced computing, archaeology, and ancient DNA reconstructed a common ancestor of the Indo-European language family called the Proto-Indo-European language.

According to Glottologs database, there are around 400 Indo-European languages spoken today (although the distinction between regional variety, dialect and language may be somewhat arbitrary). Almost half of the worlds population speaks one of these languages. Their original expansion occurred over thousands of years, reaching from present-day Ireland in the west to China in the east, and from Scandinavia in the north to India in the south.

For decades, experts in this field have been divided into two major camps. Some argue that the ancestral Proto-Indo-European language was spoken approximately 9,000 years ago in the northern Fertile Crescent, which encompasses present-day Turkey, Lebanon and Iraq. This region holds great significance as it bore witness to the birth of agriculture. As agricultural practices expanded, the language of early farmers spread far and wide. An alternative hypothesis suggests that around 6,000 to 4,500 years ago, steppe populations migrated in both western and eastern directions. One fascinating example is the mysterious Yamnaya people. They brought their languages to Europe, giving rise to the Italic, Germanic and Celtic branches of the Indo-European family tree.

This map shows the expansion and diversification of Indo-European languages, but experts disagree on the routes taken by those who spoke the precursor languages of Persian and Sanskrit.

Led by researcher Paul Heggarty, a team of over 80 scientists, including linguists and geneticists, challenged the prevailing Anatolian sedentary farmer theory and the theory of the nomadic herders from the steppes. They contend that while both are flawed, they also contain elements of truth. We analyzed linguistic data as if it were genetic data, said Heggarty. To accomplish this, a database of 5,013 cognates was meticulously crafted. These cognates represent words that share a common origin, such as the various iterations of the word night. Spanning across 161 Indo-European languages, including 52 ancient or extinct ones like Tocharian, Gothic and Old Spanish, this exhaustive compilation has paved the way for constructing the phylogenetic tree of Indo-European languages. To determine the divergence of each branch (ten branches currently exist), the team has also dated languages where historical dating was previously unknown. For example, we set the date for Classical Latin at 50 BC, said Heggarty, who led the project while he was a professor at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology (Germany). They then worked backwards to find the point of origin. The approach aims to unify all branches to ascertain the age of the common ancestor of all languages, said Heggarty, who is now a professor at the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru.

Approximately 7,000 years ago, the Indo-European linguistic lineage had already split into numerous distinct branches, according to the study published in Science. This would rule out the steppe hypothesis, said Heggarty. Around 8,120 years ago, the Proto-Indo-European language likely experienced its initial diversification event, give or take a few centuries. Recent studies of ancient DNA suggest that farmers from the Caucasus region  between the Black Sea and Caspian Sea  migrated towards Anatolia, which supports the Anatolian theory. Hittite, an extinct language spoken by the Anatolian civilization, is another significant branch of the Indo-European family. For decades, a large group of linguists argued that Hittite was the common ancestor of the other Indo-European languages, with some even considering it to be the direct heir of Proto-Indo-European.

Ancient DNA, on the other hand, has provided compelling evidence in support of the steppe hypothesis. Since 2015, it has become clear that individuals originating from the Pontic steppe, situated to the south and northeast of present-day Russia, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan, migrated to Central Europe approximately 6,000 to 4,500 years ago. Their genetic legacy is evident in both modern Europeans and the indigenous populations of that era. Notably, studies conducted in 2018 and 2019 revealed how these migrant eastern populations replaced a significant proportion of males on the Iberian Peninsula. Furthermore, they brought with them Italic, Germanic, and Celtic languages. It is important to note that when they departed from their original homeland, they likely spoke a common or closely related language descended from Proto-Indo-European. However, as their very slow journey progressed (the Celts took centuries to reach present-day Ireland) and they settled in new territories, language diversification began to emerge.

The Albanians, Greek-speaking Mycenaeans and Hittites do not have a dominant genetic signal from the steppe. Paul Heggarty, researcher at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Germany.

Heggartys team made a significant contribution by shedding light on this question. By combining phylogenetic analysis of cognates with insights from ancient DNA, they found potentially two distinct origins. Expansion initially originated from the southern Caucasus region, resulting in the separation of five major language families approximately 7,000 years ago. The Albanians, Greek-speaking Mycenaeans and Hittites do not have a dominant genetic signal from the steppe, said Heggarty. Several millennia later, another wave emerged, led by nomadic steppe herders from the north. This wave not only influenced the development of western branches of the language tree, but it also possibly played a role in the evolution of Slavic and Baltic languages. It even extended its influence to the Indian subcontinent, while giving rise to the now-extinct Tocharian languages in what is present-day Tibet.

Latin and the origins of romance languages

Diversification didnt stop there. Even when Latin was confined to Latium, one of the regions in present-day Italy, over 400 languages were spoken on the Italian peninsula. These were mostly Italic languages, which belonged to the Indo-European branch. The Roman legionnaires spread Latin across the entire continent, said Kim Schulte, a professor at the Jaume I University (Castello de la Plana, Spain) and an expert in the diversification of Romance languages. As the imperial language expanded, much like Spanish and English in the Americas, it unfortunately led to the eradication of local languages. During this process, the seed of diversification was planted.

According to the study, the belief that Romance languages have medieval origins stems from the earliest writings in Spanish, Catalan, and French of that period. However, it is important to note that these languages were already spoken centuries earlier. The diversification of Vulgar Latin (popular or colloquial Latin) into distinct Romance languages had already commenced early in this era. Despite the political cohesion of the Roman Empire, various factors contributed to the fragmentation of language. Several things contributed to language differences, said Schulte. One factor is the influence of local languages, like ancient Iberian or Tartessian in Spain. Another factor is political control. For example, Romanian developed differently because the Romans controlled Dacia (present-day Romania) for a relatively short period. Geographic distance also plays a role. For example, mensa means table in classical Latin, which is mesa in Spanish and masa in Romanian. However, other areas closer to Rome adopted tabula, a linguistic innovation from Vulgar Latin. Thus, a table is called tabula in Italian, taula in Catalan, and table in French. Schulte says, Dialects have existed in Spain and other regions since the early days of the Roman Empire.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition
Developmental biologist Alexis Sperling became obsessed with something she saw in the lab when she was studying for her PhD. A praying mantis had young spontaneously, without having sex with a male. A virgin had had children.

This ability has never been observed in mammals, including of course humans, but in the rest of the animal world there are certain species capable of doing it. Many of the cases have been observed in zoos where the females had spent years alone without the possibility of mating.

In 2015, a team discovered one of the first cases of sexless reproduction in the wild: the smalltooth saw fish, which was on the brink of extinction. And just two years ago, at the San Diego Zoo, two females of the endangered California condor gave birth asexually, despite the fact that in this case there were breeding males available.

This phenomenon is called parthenogenesis (virgin birth) and it can be an advantage if the mother is well adapted to her environment and the latter is not very changing. Their offspring, practically clones of the mothers, will not need males to produce offspring. In fact, their reproductive capacity is doubled in this way. It is still an enigma how, when and why parthenogenesis happens and why mammals cannot perform it.

Sperling, an evolutionary biologist at the University of Cambridge (United Kingdom), has cleared up some of these unknowns by creating the first genetically modified animal to be capable of parthenogenesis: the fruit fly, or Drosophila melanogaster. The team achieved this by intervening in three genes. After 40 days without a male to fertilize themhalf their livesthe modified drosophilas turned on their new genetic superpowers and produced young all on their own.

An inheritable power

This is the first time anyone has demonstrated how to induce the ability for virgin birth, said Sperling. The offspring is completely healthy and despite having inherited the power to carry out parthenogenesis, they also retain their ability to reproduce sexually, adds the biologist, lead author of the study that is published in the specialized journal Current Biology.

Parthenogenesis is one of the least well known biological processes in the animal kingdom. As the eggs mature inside the mother, they divide several times until they are ready, with half of the genetic material needed to create a new individual  the other half provided by the males sperm. In this process, a fusion of the ovum with excess genetic material can occur, which gives rise to spontaneous fertilization. The process generates offspring that are very similar to the mother, but not identical, as the original genetic sequence is slightly remixed in the fusion process.

Attempts to get mammals to have young asexually have failed. In these animals, sex-specific epigenetic marks direct the expression of around 150 genes, preventing the development of embryos with only a maternal genome. In other words, certain genes essential for the development of the embryo are deactivated and turned on only when the genetic halves of the female and the male are mixed. In mice, this system has been partially deactivated to generate offspring without the need for males or sex, but it has always required a complex manipulation of the eggs, which then have to be implanted in a female to carry them to term. The biological barriers to parthenogenesis are probably much more complex in primates and humans, so the application of these techniques to assisted reproduction presents many difficulties.

Old-school genetics

Sperlings team found the key to creating virgin births by studying the genome of two variants of another fly, Drosophila mercator. One reproduces only sexually and the other one only by parthenogenesis. This made it possible to identify two genes responsible for asexual fertilization: the pole essential for cell proliferation and discovered in the late 1980s by David Glover, co-author of the present study and Desat2. The scientists found their equivalents in the fruit fly genome and began to cross different lineages until they got one that had the same functioning patterns as the other species. And thus arose the first generation capable of asexual reproduction. If, in addition, the function of the Myc gene, essential for cell growth, is intensified, parthenogenesis becomes much more efficient. This is old-school genetics, Sperling acknowledged, but it works.

The discovery has required six years of work and the creation of more than 220,000 flies, something unthinkable with other laboratory animals with longer and much less manageable breeding times, explains Sperling.

Cayetano Gonzalez, a veteran drosophila researcher at the Barcelona Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB), believes that this is a very surprising experiment. Not only have they found the magical combination of genes, but they are also using it to give a species that was not capable of parthenogenesis the ability to do so, he underscores. The finding shows one of the evolutionary pathways to asexual reproduction in animals, but there are likely many others that have yet to be discovered, he adds.

Sperling is going to redirect his investigation towards a worrying new phenomenon. Parthenogenesis is much more common in insects that are agricultural pests and can cause millions of dollars in losses. An example is the tomato moth Tuta absoluta, considered one of the worst agricultural pests globally. Although it was relatively under control thanks to current pest management methods, in recent years the insects seem to have become more resistant.

One method of combating these pests is to flood the greenhouse with artificial female pheromones. The males become so saturated by these biochemical signals that they are unable to find the actual females, resulting in no reproduction. But it seems that female tomato moths are increasingly capable of reproducing by parthenogenesis, and this in turn gives them an enormous advantage, since with each generation it is not only half the individuals adapted to their environment that can have offspring 50% females, 50% malesbut potentially 100%. Despite this, experiments have shown that only 2% of second-generation fruit flies produce offspring asexually, and only as long as there are no males around.

Sperling, who used to work in Cambridges genetics department, has moved to the universitys associated Crop Research Center. I want to start to understand how this happens in pests, he says. I would like to test all the pesticides we use and see if any of them are promoting parthenogenesis. To know if our means of mass agricultural production really favors this type of pest.
A view of the Living Places project, in Copenhagen, Denmark. Velux / Adam Mork

Since the beginning of July, Jernbanebyen  a piece of land belonging to Danish National Railways, on the outskirts of Copenhagen  has been hosting a unique experiment. There are seven wooden pavilions that the manufacturing company VELUX, in collaboration with the Effekt architectural studio, has built, to demonstrate that its commitment to society goes beyond producing the most famous skylights in the world.

These buildings are, as those responsible for their construction explain, as cheap as public housing, while also being energy efficient and sustainable: their carbon dioxide emissions are three times lower than those of a similar house, built with conventional materials. Furthermore, to build these structures, it hasnt been necessary to resort to new materials. Rather, affordable and easily-available products on the market have been used, such as wood, metal, glass and ceramics.

One of the most striking aspects of the Living Places Copenhagen project is the silhouette of the buildings: they all have a gabled roof, in which the upper edge has been replaced by a flat strip  something like a mixture between a mansard roof and a Dutch one, with the peculiarity that the roof and the facade come together on the first floor. This may seem like a common format in Scandinavian countries, but it still brings some surprises. For example, the angle of the roof allows you to have the best of both worlds. On the one hand, theres a moderate inclination, which makes it possible to take advantage of the space on the second and third floors, with almost vertical walls. On the other, better ventilation and light distribution are made possible.

The flat top roof allows the solar panels to be installed more efficiently. [This] allows sunlight to enter the bedroom from above, giving it a very special lighting, explains Tue Foged, one of the founders of the Effekt studio. The inclination allows us to take advantage of the space. The normal thing, in a three-story house, is that theres a very high facade, but this [format] allows the sun to hit differently and reach the space between the houses, even though theres little distance between them.

An aerial view of the facility, located in Jernbanebyen, just outside of Copenhagen. Velux / Adam Mork

Of the seven pavilions, five are more or less experimental spaces, used as greenhouses or exercise rooms, while two of them are fully-equipped, single-family homes. One of them has been completely covered with wood; the other has prefabricated and standardized elements, which allow it to be easily disassembled and transported to another location.

We havent used any concrete: the facilities are integrated into the construction itself, adds Foged. Based on five criteria  health, simplicity, affordability, durability and scalability  this light and efficient construction manages to distribute the circulation of air and light equally among the three floors. Its a commitment to rethink construction methods, and its also an example of the possibilities offered by VELUX skylights. However, the designers emphasize that these houses arent merely showrooms or simulations to exhibit their products; rather, theyre much more ambitious.

This is confirmed by Tina Mayn, executive vice president of products at VELUX. Two years ago, we drew up our sustainability strategy and decided to focus on the construction sector, because its an area in which there are few players with as global a presence as VELUX, she explains. We also have to ensure the sustainability of the company. [We have to] show that its possible to build sustainably, without neglecting the health of the building. Thats where our product comes in, because air and light are the basis of what we do.

Caption: The third floor of this experimental house, which has light and ventilation, thanks to the VELUX modular skylights. Velux / Adam Mork

This isnt an argument dictated by marketing, but by the companys own history. In the 1940s, Villum Kann Rasmussen founded VELUX, whose name came from the Latin words ventus (wind) and lux (light). In post-World War II Denmark, housing shortages led many people to live in attics, garrets or lofts that were not previously used for residential purposes. From this national experience came the idea of strategically opening windows in the gabled roofs, to provide light and ventilation without exposing the inhabitants to the rain. A pioneering product was born that, to this day, is still associated with the brand that created it.

For us, health is essential when building, says Mayn. We have a team specialized in studying the air from a health point of view. With the pandemic, for example, the whole world understood the importance of living in well-ventilated houses. And this takes things one step further.

Living Places  the experimental architectural project that will be on display in the Danish capital until 2024  is applied research, whose results are available to anyone who wants to consult them. This project has been made with [transparency]. Were not selling these prototypes We want them to be democratized.

From a business point of view, something like this is only conceivable in a company with sufficient freedom. While VELUX is established throughout the world, the company is still, fundamentally, a family business. Social innovation is in our DNA. A publicly-traded company couldnt possibly afford this type of investment, because [management] would be more concerned about next quarters results. But our owners are thinking long-term.

The interiors of these experimental homes reflect the practical vocation of Danish design. Velux / Adam Mork

Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition
Luis is a marketing executive at a technology company. His job is demanding and his routine is filled with meetings and deadlines. Luis largely associates his self-esteem and personal worth with his job performance. And although he loves his job, he also longs for his vacation. However, every time he goes on a holiday, he feels anxious. During his first few days off, he feels restless and irritable. Although he is physically away from work, mentally he is still there, compulsively checking his email. He finds the lack of structure disconcerting and has difficulty relaxing. He feels guilty about not doing anything productive and this triggers his anxiety.

Luis is a highly committed and dedicated worker who struggles with Leisure Syndrome: His mind is so used to being busy that he finds it difficult to adapt to the time off and lack of structure that comes with the vacations. Although he craves rest, his own mind gets in the way of him fully enjoying herself, explains Isabel Aranda, a health psychologist and Chief Content Officer at TherapyChat.

Aranda explains that vacation anxiety is not a psychological problem, but rather a response to an abrupt change in our daily routines. When we work, our mind and body get used to a constant rhythm of stress and activity. When we go on vacation, this rhythm is interrupted and can generate anxiety.

Experiencing initial anxiety during the vacations is a normal reaction to the change of pace in routines, she adds. Over time, most people adapt to the new leisure routine and anxiety symptoms ease.

Symptoms of vacation anxiety can vary from person to person, but according to Aranda they usually include restlessness, difficulty relaxing, irritability, insomnia and even a sense of emptiness or lack of purpose. You may find yourself compulsively checking your work email or worrying about the tasks you left pending, she explains.

Alejandra Nuno, a sociologist and consultant in sustainable growth, health and organizational wellbeing, points out that vacation anxiety is more likely to affect people in high-stress jobs, as well as freelancers who cant even think about vacations because free time is a luxury.

The problem can be triggered by the change in routine, the lack of structure, and the feeling of missing out that might come from being disconnected from work. Having unrealistic expectations about the vacations can also be a trigger, as any little setback or stress can cause anxiety, says Aranda.

Here are some tips from the experts on how to address the feeling.

Gradually transition

Aranda recommends gradually transitioning into your vacation. Instead of jumping from a full work week to complete time off, try to reduce your workload gradually. And, above all, dont forget to set an out-of-office message on your work email and calls.

Get organized

Establish a daily routine: even if youre on vacation, having some structure can be helpful. It could be as simple as getting up and going to bed at the same time every day or planning a relaxing activity for each day, says Aranda.

Meditation, mindfulness and exercise

Try to spend a few minutes every day to focus on the present moment and release worries and tensions, advises Aranda, who also recommends physical exercise: Its a great way to relieve anxiety. Whether its a walk in nature or a yoga class, moving your body can be hugely beneficial.

Allow yourself to feel bored

We turn to screens when were bored, stressed or lacking affection, says psychiatrist Marian Rojas, author of the bestseller How to Make Good Things Happen to You. But boredom is not bad: it is the cradle of creativity and wonder. And if we are not able to deal with stress and anxiety, we will have zero tolerance for frustration.

Avoid social media

Researchers from Stanford and New York University recently conducted a study on the welfare effects of social media. In their experiment, the researchers divided the 2,844 participants into two groups: one half was not allowed to use Facebook for 30 days; and the other could continue to connect whenever they wanted. The results were enlightening: in the first group, depression and anxiety fell and general well-being increased. Whats more, staying off Facebook meant they had an extra 90 minutes a day to spend with family and friends. Interestingly, too, they also spent less time online.

Alejandra Nuno also says that social media can also create stress if we feel pressured to post photos of idyllic vacations and of ourselves looking our best.

Seasonal anxiety vs chronic anxiety Some people who experience anxiety on the first days of their vacation may tend to feel anxious in other situations in their lives. This may indicate a generalized anxiety disorder, characterized by chronic, excessive worry and stress. "However, not all people who experience anxiety during the first few days of vacation will have high levels of anxiety in their daily lives. Some will only experience anxiety in response to specific changes in their routine or environment, such as the vacations. It is critical to remember that anxiety is not 'one size fits all.' Its manifestation and triggers can vary greatly from person to person. Initial vacation anxiety may simply be a reaction to a temporary change in a person's routine, and not necessarily an indicator of chronic anxiety."

Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition
Republican presidential candidate, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, delivers remarks at the annual Christians United for Israel Summit (CUFI), at the Crystal Gateway Marriott in Arlington, Virginia, U.S., July 17, 2023.

Civil rights activists cheered when Ron DeSantis pardoned four Black men wrongfully convicted of rape as one of his first actions as Floridas governor. But four years later, as DeSantis eyes the presidency, their hope that the Republican would be an ally on racial justice has long faded.

Instead, African American leaders decry what they call a pattern of policy violence against people of color imposed by the DeSantis administration that reached a low point after the recent release of an anti-woke public school curriculum on Black history. Specifically, Floridas teachers are now required to instruct middle-school students that enslaved people developed skills which, in some instances, could be applied for their personal benefit.

DeSantis has repeatedly defended the new language while insisting that his critics, who include Vice President Kamala Harris and at least one high-profile Republican congressman, are intentionally misinterpreting one line of the sweeping curriculum. Civil rights leaders who have watched DeSantis closely dismiss such explanations.

DeSantis has perfected the art of using policy violence that we must stop, said Derrick Johnson, president and CEO of the NAACP. His organization issued a travel advisory for Florida in May warning African Americans against DeSantis aggressive attempts to erase Black history and to restrict diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in Florida schools.

The divisive debate highlights the political and practical risks of DeSantis approach to racial issues as he seeks to catch Donald Trump in the crowded 2024 primary and the Republican Party works to strengthen its dismal standing with voters of color.

Ambitious Republican leaders have long seized on white grievance to animate the partys most passionate voters, who are almost exclusively white. But DeSantis, a combative conservative who leads one of the nations largest states, has embraced far-right positions on race perhaps more aggressively than anyone in the 2024 presidential contest as he tries to position himself to the right of Trump.

Facing fierce backlash this week over the new curriculum, the 44-year-old governor was as defiant as ever.

We believe in true history, DeSantis said in an interview Tuesday with conservative commentator Clay Travis. The standards that were developed, these are Black history scholars, many of whom were African American themselves, they worked on this. Its very, very thorough. It is every little aspect, of not just slavery, but the Black experience in America.

DeSantis is now facing criticism from Florida teachers, civil rights leaders and the Biden White House. Harris, the nations first Black vice president, traveled to Florida last week to condemn the curriculum. Many of DeSantis GOP presidential opponents have stayed silent, including Tim Scott, who is the Senates sole Black Republican member. He declined to comment for this story.

Other Black conservatives have begun to speak out. Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., one of the most powerful Black Republicans in the state, said he has a problem with the part of the curriculum that suggests enslaved people derived any benefit from their situation.

To me, yes, that section needs some adjustments, he told southwest Floridas WINK News this week.

The talking point narrative around it, yeah, it sounds awful, said Donalds, who, like almost every Republican in Floridas congressional delegation, has endorsed Trump over DeSantis in the primary. Nobody should be accepting of that. But when you read through the standards, they actually did a very good job in covering all aspects of Black history in the United States.

Donalds said he planned to work with the State Board of Education to bring refinement to that topic.

The DeSantis administration later went on the attack against Donalds, a popular conservative seen as a rising star in the GOP.

The states education commissioner, Manny Diaz Jr., vowed on social media Wednesday not to change the teaching standards at the behest of a woke @WhiteHouse, nor at the behest of a supposedly conservative congressman. DeSantis spokesperson, Jeremy Redfern, piled on, posting that supposed conservatives in the federal government are pushing the same false narrative that originated from the @WhiteHouse.

As the dynamic unfolds under the bright spotlight of presidential politics, DeSantis approach risks alienating would-be conservative supporters while undermining his core message to Republican voters, which relies on the notion that he is more electable than Trump against President Joe Biden in the general election.

Republican strategists acknowledge that the curriculum fight could undermine the partys modest gains with some voters of color in recent elections. African Americans and Latinos, particularly young men, have shifted slightly toward the GOP, although both groups still overwhelmingly backed Democrats.

There are much more valuable issues that DeSantis should focus on, said Republican strategist Alice Stewart, who added that the current debate could absolutely alienate voters of color and suburban whites alike.

Still, she suggested DeSantis was being unfairly criticized.

Its important as always to make sure that you read everything before you take one part and blow it up, Stewart said. This is one part of a larger curriculum. And this was written and approved and signed off by an African American scholar.

The group that revised the Black history curriculum included William B. Allen, a Black professor emeritus at Michigan State University who has defended the wording about slavery.

Former Republican strategist Tara Setmayer, now an adviser with the anti-Trump Lincoln Project, said the debate reflects an unfortunate political reality in todays GOP: Far-right positions on race have become incredibly popular since Trumps rise. She argued there is virtually no short-term downside to emphasizing the issue for candidates running in Republican primaries, which are dominated by the partys white base.

I was a Republican for 27 years, and at no time did the Republican Party try to whitewash American history, she said. Now, thats a mainstream Republican talking point.

DeSantis is far from alone in pushing the limits of the GOPs rightward shift on race.

Trump dined last fall with noted white supremacist Nick Fuentes. Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga. and Paul Gosar, R-Ariz. spoke at a gathering of white supremacists in Florida earlier in the year. Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., has repeatedly refused to denounce white nationalists serving in the U.S. military in recent weeks. Rep. Eli Crane, R-Ariz. referred to Black people as colored people on the House floor this month.

In the GOPs presidential primary, all the candidates have come out against critical race theory, the idea that racism is systemic in the nations institutions, which function to maintain the dominance of white people in society. They regularly insist that America is not a racist nation, accusing Democrats of perpetuating that notion to score political points.

In many cases, however, DeSantis has gone further than his 2024 rivals in using the levers of government to enshrine the conservative position  much of it coming after his presidential ambitions came into view.

Even before he was sworn in, DeSantis faced allegations of racism for saying Florida voters would not monkey up the election by voting for his Black Democratic opponent in 2018. But DeSantis then drew praise for opening his governorship by pardoning the Groveland Four, a group of four Black men convicted of a 1949 rape they did not commit.

The praise didnt last.

In 2020, DeSantis pushed the Florida Legislature to approve the so-called anti-riot act, which was designed to crack down on violence associated with African American demonstrations against police violence. Thats even as hes downplayed the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.

More recently, DeSantis pushed through the Stop WOKE (Wrongs to Our Kids and Employees) Act, a law that limits discussions on race in schools and by corporations. The law was intended, at least in part, to prevent white people from feeling guilty or uncomfortable about racial injustices committed by other white people.

DeSantis has also banned state universities from using state or federal money for diversity programs.

In a move that has not gained as much attention, he has declined to select individuals for the Florida Civil Rights Hall of Fame in four years, despite a state law that requires nominees to be submitted to him annually. He has continued to name people to the Florida Artists Hall of Fame and the Florida Womens Hall of Fame.

DeSantis also demanded that former Democratic Rep. Al Lawsons congressional district be redrawn to dilute the influence of Black voters in north Florida. As a result, Florida no longer has Black representation in Washington for an area stretching about 360 miles (580 kilometers) from the Alabama line to the Atlantic Ocean and from the Georgia line south to Orlando.

Still, Black Republican activist Quisha King of Jacksonville says shes been thrilled by DeSantis leadership, especially on education.

King said its ignorant and simple-minded to condemn the provision of Floridas new education curriculum related to slavery.

My great, great, grandfather was born a slave. He bought his freedom. How do they think he was able to buy his freedom? she asked. They used the skills that they had to make some money and save it up and buy their freedom.

The Department of Education said Wednesday that it released a statement on the new Black history curriculum last week and would not comment further.

Meanwhile, state Democratic Sen. Shevrin Jones, who is Black, said that painting a rosier picture of atrocities does not benefit anyone.

Their idea is to teach history in a way to make white people not be looked at in a bad light, Jones said. Theres no silver bow that you can tie around the history of Black people. You cant make lynching look good, you cant make the raping of women look good.

Theres no benefit to that, he added. There was nothing right about that. There was nothing just about that. It was torture.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition
KYODO NEWS - Jul 28, 2023 - 09:24 | World, All, Japan

The foreign ministers of Japan and India pledged Thursday to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific, a vision advocated by Japan and like-minded countries amid China's growing clout in the region.

During their meeting in New Delhi, Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi and his Indian counterpart Subrahmanyam Jaishankar also agreed to deepen bilateral security cooperation including defense equipment and technology transfers, the Japanese Foreign Ministry said.

The bilateral talks came as Tokyo focuses on ramping up its relations with emerging and developing economies collectively dubbed the Global South, with India widely viewed as a leading power among them.

Japan and India are part of the Quad framework along with the United States and Australia aimed at boosting cooperation in various fields. The group has gained traction as a counterweight to China amid the intensifying rivalry between Washington and Beijing.

The top diplomats also reaffirmed cooperation between Japan and India, this year's Group of Seven and Group of 20 chairs, respectively, toward the success of a G-20 summit scheduled for early September in the Indian capital, according to the ministry.

India is a member of the BRICS forum, also involving Brazil, China, Russia and South Africa, and has maintained friendly relations with Moscow even after the launch of its invasion of Ukraine in February last year.

Japan and the other G-7 members have imposed economic sanctions on Russia over the ongoing war against Ukraine, while China, India and most of the Global South states have not.

Given the importance of a rules-based international order, Hayashi and Jaishankar discussed the situations in Ukraine and East Asia, while sharing their readiness to support the restructuring of financial crisis-hit Sri Lanka's debt, a ministry official told reporters.

Hayashi embarked on a nine-day trip of South Asia and Africa earlier Thursday that will also take him to Sri Lanka, Maldives, South Africa, Uganda and Ethiopia.
KYODO NEWS - Jul 28, 2023 - 14:01 | All, World, Japan

Japan decided Friday to expand a ban on vehicle exports to Russia from Aug. 9 to encompass used cars in line with sanctions by the Group of Seven nations amid Moscow's war against Ukraine.

Japan already prohibited shipments to Russia of premium vehicles worth more than 6 million yen ($43,000) beginning in April last year, and the latest measure will additionally cover new and used gasoline- and diesel-powered vehicles exceeding 1,900 cubic centimeters in engine capacity, electric and hybrid vehicles, as well as tires for large vehicles.

Japanese cars are in high demand in Russia and the expanded ban is likely to deal another blow to Moscow amid its ongoing military invasion of Ukraine that began in February 2022.

The value of Japan's exports to Russia totaled 603.9 billion yen in 2022, down 30 percent from the previous year. Passenger cars, the majority of which were secondhand, accounted for over half of the figure.

"In cooperation with the international community, including the G-7 as well as relevant ministries and agencies, we would like to firmly carry out the measures," Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura said at a press conference.

About 750 items were added to the export blacklist, including iron and other metals, boilers and fibers that can be used to maintain Russia's industrial activities.

The newly banned items account for about 20 percent of the value of what was exported to Russia in 2021, according to the ministry.

The United States and European countries strengthened bans on vehicle exports to Russia after G-7 leaders agreed in their May summit to take action to restrict exports of all items that could aid its war effort.
By Keita Nakamura, KYODO NEWS - Jul 28, 2023 - 19:19 | All, World, Japan

The military balance between China and Taiwan is "rapidly tilting to China's favor," Japan said in its annual defense report released Friday, amid tensions over the self-ruled island that Beijing considers its territory.

The Defense Ministry's 2023 white paper, received by the Cabinet of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida the same day, said there is increasing global concern about China's intensifying "coercive military activities" in the skies and waters surrounding Taiwan.

In last year's report, Tokyo said that the military balance between Beijing and Taipei was "tilting to China's favor, and the gap appears to be growing year by year."

The white paper was released amid an intensifying rivalry between the United States and China over issues such as Beijing's provocative military activities near Taiwan.

Taiwan and China have been governed separately since 1949 due to a civil war. Communist-ruled China regards the democratic island as a breakaway province to be reunified with the mainland, by force if necessary.

A contingency involving Taiwan is a particularly concerning prospect for Japan, a U.S. ally, given the proximity of its southwestern islands, including the Tokyo-controlled, Beijing-claimed Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea.

Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada told a press conference the defense paper contains Japan's "candid views" on the Taiwan situation, and underscores the government's unchanged stance that problems "should be always resolved through dialogue."

Days after a visit to Taiwan last August by then U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi, China staged large-scale military exercises around Taiwan that included the firing of ballistic missiles, five of which fell into Japan's exclusive economic zone.

The latest report says that during the exercises, the Chinese military may have simulated operations for "invading Taiwan," such as anti-ground and anti-ship attack drills, as well as those for gaining air and naval supremacy.

"The fact that China is capable of carrying out such activities shows that the situation is working to China's advantage," a Defense Ministry official told reporters.

The paper also cited a "significant increase" in the number of Chinese aircraft entering Taiwan's airspace, rising from 972 in 2021 to 1,733 in 2022, as another sign of the shifting military balance.

The report described China as "a matter of serious concern" for the global community, saying the country presents the "greatest strategic challenge," to which Japan should respond through "cooperation and collaboration" with the United States, as well as other "like-minded countries."

Describing China in such terms, first seen in the National Security Strategy updated by Tokyo in December last year to address the increasingly severe regional security environment, was considerably more severe compared to last year's report, which simply referred to Beijing as "a matter of grave security concern."

Also in the government's long-term security policy guidelines, Kishida's administration vowed to obtain counterstrike capabilities to reach targets in enemy territory, a significant shift from Japan's exclusively defense-oriented policy under its war-renouncing Constitution.

The white paper also said China may push forward its plan to build "world-class forces by the mid-21st Century," while airing "grave concern" regarding increasingly close China-Russia military ties.

The two nations' "repeated joint bomber flights and joint navigations of vessels" are "clearly intended for demonstration of force against Japan," it said.

China lodged a protest with Japan over the white paper, with Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning saying at a press conference in Beijing it "gravely interferes in China's internal affairs" and "smears the country's normal defense development."

Calling the cross-strait military balance "a false proposition," Mao said the white paper "deliberately hypes up the China threat narrative and creates tension in the region."

She also defended joint patrols conducted by China and Russia, saying they are "in line with international law and customary international practice."

Regarding Russia, the report assessed its national strength will likely decline "in the medium- and long-term, because of significant casualties of conventional forces" caused by its ongoing war in Ukraine that began in February last year.

Meanwhile, the defense document warned Moscow is likely to further rely on its nuclear capabilities as a deterrence.

As for North Korea, the paper said the reclusive country has "forcibly conducted" ballistic missile launches "with an unprecedented frequency" since the start of 2022.

Pyongyang's nuclear and missile programs "pose an even more grave and imminent threat to Japan's security than ever before," the defense document added.
By Su Xincheng, KYODO NEWS - Jul 28, 2023 - 09:17 | All, Feature, World

The idea for Ukrainian Yevgeniya Grippa's new venture of importing wine into Japan to support an old wine production company in her war-torn homeland came after the collapse of her previous business following Russia's invasion in February 2022.

Grippa, 38, was born in Donetsk, a city in eastern Ukraine now under Russian occupation. She is hoping to sell sparkling wine produced at the Artwinery wine factory in Bakhmut, near her hometown and a city that has been the scene of some of the ongoing conflict's fiercest fighting.

Although Grippa's company Umi Group LLC will officially begin conducting sales in October, it decided to take part in an international food and beverage exhibition held at the Tokyo International Exhibition Center in the city's bay area, the largest of its kind in Japan, to promote Artwinery's products.

Artwinery was established in 1950 and is known as one of Eastern Europe's largest wine producers.

Grippa's company showcased a total of seven sparkling wine varieties at the three-day event. It is the first time the products, made from Ukrainian grapes and aged for 36 months using a traditional fermentation method, have been imported into Japan.

"They taste gentle and fruity, and go well with Japanese food," such as "zaru soba," cold buckwheat noodles, and "yakitori," skewered grilled chicken, said Grippa, who was busy providing drink samples to visitors beside the company's bottled wine collection.

"Recently, the image of Ukraine is only war. I wanted people to know that there are also good quality products made in Ukraine, and I'd love to introduce them to the Japanese people."

Before Russia's invasion, Grippa ran a business importing and selling Japanese cosmetics in Ukraine, traveling back and forth between the two countries for roughly seven years. But once the war broke out, cosmetic products were no longer a priority for many Ukrainian women, who instead were in need of basic necessities.

"People stopped buying cosmetics," she said.

As her business crumbled, she donated her remaining stocks to women in Ukraine in the hope of bringing people a little joy amid the intensifying war. Meanwhile, as the conflict raged on, Grippa became stranded in Japan and began to mull over how she may be able to support her homeland from abroad.

"The solution dawned on me during the pandemic, when the consumption of alcohol rose in Japan," Grippa said.

She pivoted her business model and began exploring the possibility of selling Ukrainian goods in Japan, finally choosing to focus on wine, a beverage with global appeal.

Grippa reached out to Artwinery, a company in Ukraine that produces 10 million bottles of wine per year. She had known about it since childhood, but getting started in the wine business was no small feat.

Originally, sales were planned to begin last year, but Artwinery ended up having to relocate millions of bottles to the suburbs of Kyiv in order to save them from the ravages of war.

In addition, the conflict has meant the bulk of Ukrainian ports have been out of commission, meaning the wine must be driven across Europe before being shipped to Japan.

"Without imports (by other countries), this winery with its long history might not survive, and that would be a tragic loss," she said. "I wanted to help them keep doing what they do best."

Grippa has returned to Ukraine three times since the war began. She still remembers the tremors caused by explosions, the unsettling chaos and the sadness of being separated from her family.

Although the war has changed her life and occupation, the experience has also taught her tenacity. Since starting up her new business, she has learned about the importance of not giving up, she said.

"I'm not really suffering," Grippa said. "There are people who are suffering more due to the war, so I want to do the best I can."

But her dream of providing Ukrainian beverages to Japanese restaurants and homes does not stop with wine. Grippa also wants to introduce Japanese spirits to Ukraine and other countries. But the thing she hopes for most of all is an end to the war so that she can reunite with her friends and family.

"Although we are working hard abroad, I believe we need to do more work in Ukraine from now on. We have to rebuild everything for our children," she said.

At the food and beverage expo, restaurateurs, sommeliers and others involved in the wine industry stopped by Grippa's booth.

Hiroki Sakamoto, owner of Pizzeria Da Granza in Tokyo, said he liked the wine's flavorful taste. "Although we only serve Italian wine in my restaurant, we're keen to introduce Ukrainian wine," he said, adding that he also hopes to support the country as it goes through such a difficult period.

Maiko Zama, office manager of the wine company Baron Philippe De Rothschild Orient, asked many questions while drinking the samples. "Being in the wine industry, I'm naturally drawn to wine-related things. But this winery stands out for me, particularly because it's located in Bakhmut, a region heavily affected by the war."

"I really want to offer my support, so I was asking for as much detailed information as possible so that I could help raise awareness in Japan. And in all of this, my hope is for peace to return soon," she said.
KYODO NEWS - Jul 28, 2023 - 18:28 | Arts, All, Japan

Popular Japanese Kabuki actor Ichikawa Ennosuke was indicted Friday for allegedly assisting in his parents' taking of their own lives, prosecutors said, in what is believed to have been a family suicide pact.

The 47-year-old, whose real name is Takahiko Kinoshi, is suspected of giving his mother Nobuko, 75, and his father Hiroyuki, 76, known as Kabuki actor Ichikawa Danshiro, an excessive amount of sleeping drugs on May 17, resulting in their deaths, according to the indictment.

Investigative sources believe that Ennosuke, who was found collapsed alongside his parents at their home in Tokyo on May 18, also intended to commit suicide.

The incident occurred on the same day that a weekly magazine published a report detailing Ennosuke's alleged involvement in cases of bullying and sexual abuse, including instances involving actors and staff in his theater collective.

"A weekly magazine report prompted us to hold a family meeting, and we decided to say goodbye," he was quoted by an investigative source as saying.

Ennosuke's manager found the parents collapsed in their home's second-floor living room around 10:15 a.m. on May 18, police have said.

Ennosuke, who was conscious but in a hazy condition, was taken to the hospital, where he remained until his initial arrest on June 27 in connection with the death of his mother. He was served a fresh arrest warrant on July 18 over the death of his father.

Ennosuke began his career in the early 1980s and is considered a major figure in the Kabuki world. He has also appeared in several popular television series.

He also featured in a series of "Super Kabuki" plays, a new genre of Kabuki that combines traditional performance with modern theater effects and music, attracting attention for his role in one based on the manga "One Piece."

After the play achieved major commercial success, he announced that he would be involved in another production based on the popular "Demon Slayer" series in 2024.

Emergency service in Japan: 119



If you are having suicidal thoughts, help is available.

For Japan, call Yorisoi Hotline at 0120279338 (toll-free). Press 2 after the recorded message for consultation in English, Chinese, Korean, Tagalog, Portuguese, Spanish, Thai, Vietnamese, Nepali, or Indonesian. The service in these languages is also available on Facebook messenger.



For those outside Japan, you can find a list of other resources here.

Related coverage:

Kabuki actor Ennosuke charged again, this time over father's death

Kabuki actor Ennosuke arrested for alleged role in mother's suicide

Ennosuke leaves hospital as police suspect Kabuki family suicide
KYODO NEWS - Jul 28, 2023 - 20:26 | World, All

Hong Kong's High Court on Friday dismissed the government's bid to ban the protest song "Glory to Hong Kong" that was widely used as an anthem for the city's 2019 pro-democracy protests.

In the official judgment, the court stated that while freedom of expression is not absolute in nature, it is still an important right that cannot be legally restricted without meeting requirements of "legal certainty and proportionality."

Last month, the Hong Kong government sought a court order to ban people from broadcasting or distributing the song that was sung as an anthem for the city's 2019 pro-democracy protests, after it was mistakenly played as China's national anthem at several international sporting events in the past year.

Many protesters sang the song, the lyrics of which referred to the "tears and blood" shed by "martyrs" in the fight for freedom and a liberated Hong Kong.

If granted, the ban would have criminalized such acts as broadcasting, performing, printing, publishing, distributing and reproducing the protest song in any way, including online. The ban would also encompass the melody, lyrics and any adaptations of the song.

The court also pointed out Friday that, due to the complicated nature of the injunction, there was a possibility that innocent people would distance themselves from the protest song altogether out of fear of breaking the law, even if the injunction did not include a blanket ban on the anthem, such as for journalistic purposes.

The court concluded that it could not determine that it would be "just and convenient" to grant the injunction, thereby dismissing the government's application.

Chairman of the Hong Kong Journalists Association Ronson Chan told the press on Friday that he welcomed the judgment, adding that he did not feel there was a need for an injunction as anyone who publicized the anthem would already face charges under the national security law.

Hong Kong leader John Lee had previously asked Google to modify results to display China's national anthem "March of the Volunteers" rather than the protest song when users searched for Hong Kong's national anthem, a request denied by the search engine.

Google reportedly told officials that it would only remove the protest song if a court order was issued.

Related coverage:

Hong Kong seeks injunction to ban 2019 pro-democracy protest song
KYODO NEWS - Jul 28, 2023 - 15:13 | World, All

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attended a military parade Thursday night in Pyongyang featuring a display of the country's latest drone technology, with Russian and Chinese delegations attending the event held to mark the 70th anniversary of the Korean War armistice, state-run media said.

Kim did not make a speech at the parade, which included flyovers of the new spy and attack drones and displays of Hwasong-17 and Hwasong-18 intercontinental ballistic missiles, the official Korean Central News Agency said Friday.

North Korean Defense Minister Kang Sun Nam criticized recent military activities by the United States and South Korea and pledged in his speech at the event that the country's forces will "never tolerate any military acts of encroaching upon the sovereignty and security of the state," KCNA said.

The North Korean military "will take more offensive armed countermeasure," he warned.

Kang was referring to the dockings of U.S. nuclear-powered submarines at South Korean ports earlier this month. The minister had warned their deployment could "fall under the conditions of the use of nuclear weapons" under North Korean law.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Li Hongzhong, a member of the Chinese Communist Party's Political Bureau, were among those attending the parade held at Pyongyang's Kim Il Sung Square, named after the nation's founder and the current leader's grandfather.

The delegations from Russia and China, which like North Korea are currently embroiled in tensions with the United States, are the first known foreign groups to be invited to North Korea since the country's 2020 COVID-19 border closure.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said in a message sent to mark the anniversary that Pyongyang's firm support of Moscow in its self-described special military operation in Ukraine highlights "determination to counter the policy of the Western group which hinders the establishment of the truly multi-polarized and just world order," KCNA said.

It marked the first time a representative of the Russian government attended a North Korean military parade under the current North Korean leadership, according to South Korean officials.

On Thursday, Kim invited Shoigu to an office of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea for a luncheon and hosted a reception for the Russian delegation led by the minister, the news agency said.

The new unmanned aircraft, which resemble a U.S. Global Hawk and MQ-9 Reaper drone, were shown to Shoigu on Wednesday when he visited an arms exhibition alongside Kim.

The new-type, solid-fuel Hwasong-18 ICBM was test-launched in April and earlier this month. It is viewed as capable of reaching the U.S. mainland.

A solid-fuel missile does not require fueling prior to launch like a liquid-fuel missile, making it harder for adversaries to detect launch preparations and giving it a wider range of capabilities.

Pyongyang most recently staged a military parade in February to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the founding of its armed forces.

North Korea claims the 1950-1953 Korean War ended in victory over U.S.-led allied forces.

In the conflict, which began on June 25, 1950, with a North Korean invasion aimed at unification under the Communist regime, U.N. forces led by the United States fought alongside South Korea against the North which was supported by China and the Soviet Union.
KYODO NEWS - Jul 29, 2023 - 06:26 | All, World

U.S. President Joe Biden will host a trilateral summit with Japan and South Korea on Aug. 18, the White House said Friday, as he seeks to work even more closely with the two Asian countries over North Korea and other key issues.

The summit between Biden, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and President Yoon Suk Yeol will be held at the Camp David presidential retreat in Maryland, according to the White House.

"The three leaders will discuss expanding trilateral cooperation across the Indo-Pacific and beyond" including to address the continued threat posed by North Korea and to strengthen ties with ASEAN and the Pacific islands, Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement.

"The summit will advance a shared trilateral vision for addressing global and regional security challenges, promoting a rules-based international order and bolstering economic prosperity," the statement said.

The plan for the three-way summit was announced at a time when North Korea is showing no signs of restraint in its test-launching of ballistic missiles in defiance of U.N. Security Council resolutions, including solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missiles in April and earlier in July.

ICBMs powered by solid fuel could pose a bigger threat to the U.S. mainland as the loading of liquid fuel prior to launch would be unnecessary, speeding up the timeline of a planned firing and making it harder to detect.

The three governments are working toward a joint statement to be released at the planned summit, with condemnation of North Korea's ICBM test-launches and other military activities as well as a call for Pyongyang to return to denuclearization talks likely to be included, according to diplomatic sources.

It will be the first standalone summit between the leaders of the United States, Japan and South Korea, though they have held trilateral meetings on the fringes of international conferences and on other occasions.

The leaders last met together in May in Hiroshima on the sidelines of a Group of Seven summit.

But the previous three-way meeting lasted for just a couple of minutes amid a jam-packed schedule for the leaders. Biden at the time invited Kishida and Yoon to the United States for their official summit.

Japan and South Korea are major allies of the United States in Asia. The momentum for closer trilateral relations got a boost in March when Yoon made the first visit to Tokyo by a South Korean leader in many years, agreeing with Kishida to move on from a long-festering dispute over wartime conscripted labor.

As Japan and South Korea have been restoring their relations since then, the neighboring countries' policy coordination together with the United States has been expanding beyond issues concerning North Korea to include areas ranging from Russia's war against Ukraine to supply chains for critical materials.
KYODO NEWS - Jul 28, 2023 - 14:02 | All, Japan

Panasonic Holdings Corp.'s battery manufacturing unit may begin supplying Subaru Corp. with electric vehicle batteries, in a deal that would grow its customer network within Japan, sources close to the matter said Friday.

The move comes after Panasonic Energy Co. recently agreed to supply Mazda Motor Corp. with batteries for its EV models scheduled to be launched in the latter half of the 2020s.

Panasonic Energy, a major supplier of batteries to U.S. EV pioneer Tesla Inc., faces growing competition from global rivals including South Korea's LG Corp. and China's Contemporary Amperex Technology Co.

The unit's cylindrical lithium-ion batteries are gaining prominence for their exceptional fast-charging performance, as the demand for EVs continues to skyrocket amid a global push to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

Its group company has positioned automotive batteries as a priority investment area and plans to build a new plant in North America to increase EV battery production capacity.
A firefighting plane sprays water on wildfires on the outskirts of Volos, Greece on July 27, 2023. Three people have died in wildfires that continued to rage across Greece on Wednesday.

A total of 594 wildfires have broken out across Greece in the past 10 days, including 61 on Wednesday. The fire near Volos is among the most challenging. (Xinhua/Marios Lolos)

ATHENS, July 26 (Xinhua) -- Three people have died in wildfires that continued to rage across Greece on Wednesday.

A woman was found dead in a trailer near Volos where a major wildfire broke out on Wednesday, Greek national broadcaster ERT reported. Her husband was seriously injured.

Meanwhile, a 45-year-old shepherd was found dead a few kilometers away, according to the report. He had rushed with his brother to move their animals to safety.

The body of a man was also found a few hours earlier near the seaside resort of Karystos on Evia island. A water-dropping aircraft had crashed there on Tuesday, resulting in the deaths of the pilot and co-pilot.

Although formal identification is still pending, relatives of a 41-year-old shepherd who has been missing since Sunday after also going out to move his animals to safety believe it is his body, Greek national news agency AMNA reported.

A total of 594 wildfires have broken out across Greece in the past 10 days, including 61 on Wednesday. The fire near Volos is among the most challenging, said Minister for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Vassilis Kikilias.

Settlements have been evacuated as temperatures of over 40 degrees Celsius and strong winds have created fronts extending several kilometers, he added.

AMNA reported that firefighters are battling flames near Volos industrial area, where factories have also been evacuated, as well as close to settlements of high archaeological value.

They are also fighting rekindled fire fronts on the islands of Corfu and Rhodes, the Fire Service said.

A state of emergency was declared on Wednesday for the island of Rhodes, as wildfires burned for the ninth consecutive day. However, the state of emergency does not imply that Rhodes is not safe for visitors, rather it relates to the compensation process for the damage caused by the fires.

Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou held a series of telephone conversations with her counterparts from Italy, Portugal, Malta and Bulgaria on Wednesday. She has suggested a joint initiative among southern European countries, to deal with the climate crisis, her office announced. 

A firefighter tries to put out a wildfire on the outskirts of Volos, Greece on July 27, 2023. Three people have died in wildfires that continued to rage across Greece on Wednesday.

A total of 594 wildfires have broken out across Greece in the past 10 days, including 61 on Wednesday. The fire near Volos is among the most challenging. (Xinhua/Marios Lolos)

A burnt sheep is seen at a destroyed farm after a wildfire broke out on the outskirts of Volos, Greece on July 27, 2023. Three people have died in wildfires that continued to rage across Greece on Wednesday.

A total of 594 wildfires have broken out across Greece in the past 10 days, including 61 on Wednesday. The fire near Volos is among the most challenging. (Xinhua/Marios Lolos)

A dead cow is seen at a farm after a wildfire broke out on the outskirts of Volos, Greece on July 27, 2023. Three people have died in wildfires that continued to rage across Greece on Wednesday.

A total of 594 wildfires have broken out across Greece in the past 10 days, including 61 on Wednesday. The fire near Volos is among the most challenging. (Xinhua/Marios Lolos)

A tractor is destroyed by a wildfire on the outskirts of Volos, Greece on July 27, 2023. Three people have died in wildfires that continued to rage across Greece on Wednesday.

A total of 594 wildfires have broken out across Greece in the past 10 days, including 61 on Wednesday. The fire near Volos is among the most challenging. (Xinhua/Marios Lolos)

A firefighter tries to put out a wildfire on the outskirts of Volos, Greece on July 27, 2023. Three people have died in wildfires that continued to rage across Greece on Wednesday.

A total of 594 wildfires have broken out across Greece in the past 10 days, including 61 on Wednesday. The fire near Volos is among the most challenging. (Xinhua/Marios Lolos)

A firefighter tries to put out a wildfire on the outskirts of Volos, Greece on July 27, 2023. Three people have died in wildfires that continued to rage across Greece on Wednesday.

A total of 594 wildfires have broken out across Greece in the past 10 days, including 61 on Wednesday. The fire near Volos is among the most challenging. (Xinhua/Marios Lolos)
China's Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope (FAST) is the world's largest single-dish radio telescope. Join Xinhua's Wu Si in Guizhou to find out how intelligent robots are aiding the maintenance of the "China Sky Eye." (recorded)
Tibetan antelopes are pictured alongside the Qinghai-Tibet Railway in northwest China's Qinghai Province, July 28, 2023. Every year, tens of thousands of pregnant Tibetan antelopes start their migration to Hoh Xil in around May to give birth, leaving with their offspring in late July. Zonag Lake at the heart of Hoh Xil is known as the "delivery room" for the species.

Some Tibetan antelopes among them return to their habitats through the Qinghai-Tibet Highway. According to the Hoh Xil management office under the management bureau of Sanjiangyuan National Park, more than 300 Tibetan antelopes have passed through the Qinghai-Tibet Highway, the homebound migration of Tibetan antelopes has entered its peak period. (Xinhua/Zhang Hongxiang)

Tibetan antelopes are pictured near the Qinghai-Tibet Highway in northwest China's Qinghai Province, July 28, 2023. Every year, tens of thousands of pregnant Tibetan antelopes start their migration to Hoh Xil in around May to give birth, leaving with their offspring in late July. Zonag Lake at the heart of Hoh Xil is known as the "delivery room" for the species.

Some Tibetan antelopes among them return to their habitats through the Qinghai-Tibet Highway. According to the Hoh Xil management office under the management bureau of Sanjiangyuan National Park, more than 300 Tibetan antelopes have passed through the Qinghai-Tibet Highway, the homebound migration of Tibetan antelopes has entered its peak period. (Xinhua/Han Fangfang)

Tibetan antelopes are about to pass through a bridge of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway in northwest China's Qinghai Province, July 28, 2023. Every year, tens of thousands of pregnant Tibetan antelopes start their migration to Hoh Xil in around May to give birth, leaving with their offspring in late July. Zonag Lake at the heart of Hoh Xil is known as the "delivery room" for the species.

Some Tibetan antelopes among them return to their habitats through the Qinghai-Tibet Highway. According to the Hoh Xil management office under the management bureau of Sanjiangyuan National Park, more than 300 Tibetan antelopes have passed through the Qinghai-Tibet Highway, the homebound migration of Tibetan antelopes has entered its peak period. (Xinhua/Han Fangfang)

Tibetan antelopes are pictured in Hoh Xil, a natural reserve in northwest China's Qinghai Province, July 27, 2023. Every year, tens of thousands of pregnant Tibetan antelopes start their migration to Hoh Xil in around May to give birth, leaving with their offspring in late July. Zonag Lake at the heart of Hoh Xil is known as the "delivery room" for the species.

Some Tibetan antelopes among them return to their habitats through the Qinghai-Tibet Highway. According to the Hoh Xil management office under the management bureau of Sanjiangyuan National Park, more than 300 Tibetan antelopes have passed through the Qinghai-Tibet Highway, the homebound migration of Tibetan antelopes has entered its peak period. (Xinhua/Zhang Hongxiang)

Tibetan antelopes pass through the Qinghai-Tibet Highway to return to their habitat in northwest China's Qinghai Province, July 28, 2023. Every year, tens of thousands of pregnant Tibetan antelopes start their migration to Hoh Xil in around May to give birth, leaving with their offspring in late July. Zonag Lake at the heart of Hoh Xil is known as the "delivery room" for the species.

Some Tibetan antelopes among them return to their habitats through the Qinghai-Tibet Highway. According to the Hoh Xil management office under the management bureau of Sanjiangyuan National Park, more than 300 Tibetan antelopes have passed through the Qinghai-Tibet Highway, the homebound migration of Tibetan antelopes has entered its peak period. (Xinhua/Han Fangfang)

Tibetan antelopes pass through the Qinghai-Tibet Highway to return to their habitat in northwest China's Qinghai Province, July 28, 2023. Every year, tens of thousands of pregnant Tibetan antelopes start their migration to Hoh Xil in around May to give birth, leaving with their offspring in late July. Zonag Lake at the heart of Hoh Xil is known as the "delivery room" for the species.

Some Tibetan antelopes among them return to their habitats through the Qinghai-Tibet Highway. According to the Hoh Xil management office under the management bureau of Sanjiangyuan National Park, more than 300 Tibetan antelopes have passed through the Qinghai-Tibet Highway, the homebound migration of Tibetan antelopes has entered its peak period. (Xinhua/Zhang Hongxiang)

Tibetan antelopes are about to pass through a bridge of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway in northwest China's Qinghai Province, July 28, 2023. Every year, tens of thousands of pregnant Tibetan antelopes start their migration to Hoh Xil in around May to give birth, leaving with their offspring in late July. Zonag Lake at the heart of Hoh Xil is known as the "delivery room" for the species.

Some Tibetan antelopes among them return to their habitats through the Qinghai-Tibet Highway. According to the Hoh Xil management office under the management bureau of Sanjiangyuan National Park, more than 300 Tibetan antelopes have passed through the Qinghai-Tibet Highway, the homebound migration of Tibetan antelopes has entered its peak period. (Xinhua/Zhang Hongxiang)

Tibetan antelopes are pictured near the Qinghai-Tibet Highway in Hoh Xil, a natural reserve in northwest China's Qinghai Province, July 27, 2023. Every year, tens of thousands of pregnant Tibetan antelopes start their migration to Hoh Xil in around May to give birth, leaving with their offspring in late July. Zonag Lake at the heart of Hoh Xil is known as the "delivery room" for the species.

Some Tibetan antelopes among them return to their habitats through the Qinghai-Tibet Highway. According to the Hoh Xil management office under the management bureau of Sanjiangyuan National Park, more than 300 Tibetan antelopes have passed through the Qinghai-Tibet Highway, the homebound migration of Tibetan antelopes has entered its peak period. (Xinhua/Zhang Hongxiang)

Tibetan antelopes are pictured in Hoh Xil, a natural reserve in northwest China's Qinghai Province, July 28, 2023. Every year, tens of thousands of pregnant Tibetan antelopes start their migration to Hoh Xil in around May to give birth, leaving with their offspring in late July. Zonag Lake at the heart of Hoh Xil is known as the "delivery room" for the species.

Some Tibetan antelopes among them return to their habitats through the Qinghai-Tibet Highway. According to the Hoh Xil management office under the management bureau of Sanjiangyuan National Park, more than 300 Tibetan antelopes have passed through the Qinghai-Tibet Highway, the homebound migration of Tibetan antelopes has entered its peak period. (Xinhua/Han Fangfang)

Tibetan antelopes are about to pass through a bridge of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway in northwest China's Qinghai Province, July 28, 2023. Every year, tens of thousands of pregnant Tibetan antelopes start their migration to Hoh Xil in around May to give birth, leaving with their offspring in late July. Zonag Lake at the heart of Hoh Xil is known as the "delivery room" for the species.

Some Tibetan antelopes among them return to their habitats through the Qinghai-Tibet Highway. According to the Hoh Xil management office under the management bureau of Sanjiangyuan National Park, more than 300 Tibetan antelopes have passed through the Qinghai-Tibet Highway, the homebound migration of Tibetan antelopes has entered its peak period. (Xinhua/Zhang Hongxiang)

Tibetan antelopes are pictured in Hoh Xil, a natural reserve in northwest China's Qinghai Province, July 27, 2023. Every year, tens of thousands of pregnant Tibetan antelopes start their migration to Hoh Xil in around May to give birth, leaving with their offspring in late July. Zonag Lake at the heart of Hoh Xil is known as the "delivery room" for the species.

Some Tibetan antelopes among them return to their habitats through the Qinghai-Tibet Highway. According to the Hoh Xil management office under the management bureau of Sanjiangyuan National Park, more than 300 Tibetan antelopes have passed through the Qinghai-Tibet Highway, the homebound migration of Tibetan antelopes has entered its peak period. (Xinhua/Zhang Hongxiang)

Tibetan antelopes pass through the Qinghai-Tibet Highway to return to their habitat in northwest China's Qinghai Province, July 28, 2023. Every year, tens of thousands of pregnant Tibetan antelopes start their migration to Hoh Xil in around May to give birth, leaving with their offspring in late July. Zonag Lake at the heart of Hoh Xil is known as the "delivery room" for the species.

Some Tibetan antelopes among them return to their habitats through the Qinghai-Tibet Highway. According to the Hoh Xil management office under the management bureau of Sanjiangyuan National Park, more than 300 Tibetan antelopes have passed through the Qinghai-Tibet Highway, the homebound migration of Tibetan antelopes has entered its peak period. (Xinhua/Zhang Hongxiang)
BEIJING, July 27 (Xinhua) -- The United States and NATO are the greatest source of risk and instability to international peace and security, a Chinese defense spokesperson said on Thursday.

Tan Kefei, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, made the remarks when responding to a media query regarding the communique of the recent NATO Vilnius Summit.

Tan said that as a military bloc, NATO is known to have the world's largest nuclear arsenal and pursues a policy of first use of nuclear weapons.

In recent years, the United States has continued to promote nuclear sharing by peddling so-called "security threats." According to reports, the United States deployed more than 100 nuclear weapons in some European countries, seriously exacerbating the risk of global nuclear proliferation and nuclear conflict.

According to Tan, China firmly pursues a nuclear strategy of self-defense and is always committed to a policy of "no first use" of nuclear weapons.

"We urge NATO to take practical action to downgrade the role of nuclear weapons in national security and collective security policies and effectively maintain global strategic stability," said Tan. 
BEIJING, July 28 (Xinhua) -- China's Ministry of Water Resources and the China Meteorological Administration on Friday evening jointly issued an orange alert for mountain torrents in some areas.

From 8 p.m. Friday to 8 p.m. Saturday, mountain torrents are expected to occur in the eastern part of Zhejiang, 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. 
BRISBANE, Australia, July 28 (Xinhua) -- The state government of Victoria, Australia on Friday announced its decision to stop gas connections in new homes from 2024.

"From Jan. 1, 2024, planning permits for new homes and residential subdivisions will only connect to all-electric networks, with houses taking advantage of more efficient, cheaper and cleaner electric appliances," the Victorian government said in a statement.

Commencing immediately, all new public buildings that haven't reached the design stage will also be all-electric. This includes new schools, hospitals, police stations and other government-owned buildings.

According to the statement, the decision was made out of the concern that the cost of gas is rising sharply across the world, along with uncertainty around supply.

The state government noted that Victoria has the highest use of residential gas in Australia, with around 80 percent of homes connected, while the gas sector contributes about 17 percent of the state's emissions.

"We know that with every bill that arrives, gas is only going to get more expensive. That's why we're stepping in to help even more Victorians get the best deal on their energy bills," said Lily D'Ambrosio, the state's minister for energy and resources.

She added that reducing reliance on gas is critical to meeting the state's emission reduction target of net zero by 2045 and getting more Victorians on electric appliances, which will save money on their bills. 
MOSCOW, July 28 (Xinhua) -- Russian forces have thwarted a Ukrainian drone attack targeting facilities in the Moscow region, the country's defense ministry said Friday.

"This morning, the country's forces thwarted an attempt by the Kiev regime to carry out a terrorist attack with the use of an unmanned aerial vehicle on facilities in the Moscow region," the defense ministry said in a Telegram post.

It added that there were no casualties or damage following the attack. 
A military parade is held at Kim Il Sung Square in central Pyongyang, the capital of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), on July 27, 2023 in commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the victory of the country's Fatherland Liberation War. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

SEOUL, July 28 (Xinhua) -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) staged a large military parade in Pyongyang, one of several events in commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the victory of the country's Fatherland Liberation War, the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported.

The military parade was held Thursday evening on Kim Il Sung Square in central Pyongyang. Kim Jong Un, general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and president of the State Affairs of the DPRK attended the event, a KCNA report said Friday.

Soldiers representing different military units of the Korean People's Army (KPA) participated in the parade.

The parade also featured new attack drones, new-type intercontinental ballistic missiles and a stunt flight show, the KCNA reported.

A solemn commemoration gathering and a large artistic performance attended by the DPRK top leader and senior officials were also held on the same day, according to the KCNA. 

Young people dance during the military parade at Kim Il Sung Square in central Pyongyang, the capital of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), on July 27, 2023 in commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the victory of the country's Fatherland Liberation War. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

A military parade is held at Kim Il Sung Square in central Pyongyang, the capital of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), on July 27, 2023 in commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the victory of the country's Fatherland Liberation War. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

People give cheers of hurrah during the military parade at Kim Il Sung Square in central Pyongyang, the capital of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), on July 27, 2023 in commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the victory of the country's Fatherland Liberation War. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

A military parade is held at Kim Il Sung Square in central Pyongyang, the capital of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), on July 27, 2023 in commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the victory of the country's Fatherland Liberation War. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

A military parade is held at Kim Il Sung Square in central Pyongyang, the capital of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), on July 27, 2023 in commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the victory of the country's Fatherland Liberation War. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

A military parade is held at Kim Il Sung Square in central Pyongyang, the capital of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), on July 27, 2023 in commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the victory of the country's Fatherland Liberation War. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

A military parade is held at Kim Il Sung Square in central Pyongyang, the capital of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), on July 27, 2023 in commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the victory of the country's Fatherland Liberation War. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

A military parade is held at Kim Il Sung Square in central Pyongyang, the capital of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), on July 27, 2023 in commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the victory of the country's Fatherland Liberation War. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

Veterans attend the military parade at Kim Il Sung Square in central Pyongyang, the capital of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), on July 27, 2023 in commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the victory of the country's Fatherland Liberation War. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

Veterans attend the military parade at Kim Il Sung Square in central Pyongyang, the capital of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), on July 27, 2023 in commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the victory of the country's Fatherland Liberation War. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

Veterans attend the military parade at Kim Il Sung Square in central Pyongyang, the capital of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), on July 27, 2023 in commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the victory of the country's Fatherland Liberation War. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

A military parade is held at Kim Il Sung Square in central Pyongyang, the capital of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), on July 27, 2023 in commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the victory of the country's Fatherland Liberation War. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

Veterans attend the military parade at Kim Il Sung Square in central Pyongyang, the capital of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), on July 27, 2023 in commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the victory of the country's Fatherland Liberation War. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

A military parade is held at Kim Il Sung Square in central Pyongyang, the capital of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), on July 27, 2023 in commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the victory of the country's Fatherland Liberation War. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

People give cheers of hurrah after the military parade at Kim Il Sung Square in central Pyongyang, the capital of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), on July 27, 2023 in commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the victory of the country's Fatherland Liberation War. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

Veterans attend the military parade at Kim Il Sung Square in central Pyongyang, the capital of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), on July 27, 2023 in commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the victory of the country's Fatherland Liberation War. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

A military parade is held at Kim Il Sung Square in central Pyongyang, the capital of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), on July 27, 2023 in commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the victory of the country's Fatherland Liberation War. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)
WELLINGTON, July 28 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand's Southern Lakes Sanctuary is calling for the inclusion of feral cats in the government's Predator Free 2050 strategy as the number has soared.

More than 2.5 million feral cats now reside in New Zealand and this number continues to rise every week, the Southern Lakes Sanctuary said on Friday.

The reproductive potential of a single female cat is estimated at 300 kittens in her reproductive lifetime, said Southern Lakes Sanctuary project director Paul Kavanagh.

This means the feral cat population is increasing significantly every week, Kavanagh said, adding that efforts need to be ramped up to control these populations to save New Zealand's native species.

"The pests are a significant threat to the country's native birdlife and are responsible for the extinction of native birds including the Stephen Island wren, and endangering iconic Kiwi birds such as the kea," he said.

Urgent funding is required to humanely control the pests, which are now at record highs throughout the country, said Kavanagh, adding that the non-profit charitable organization is facing a funding cliff of June 2024.

The New Zealand government has confirmed a review of the Predator Free 2050 strategy will take place in 2024 under public consultation. The inclusion of feral cats would generate more funding to enable the Southern Lakes Sanctuary to increase resources and continue their crucial conservation work, he said.

The Southern Lakes Sanctuary humanely captures and dispatches feral cats in the Southern Lakes region. The feral cat population is self-sustaining as they do not rely on humans to survive and are generally located in remote areas.

"We are absolutely not talking about domestic, companion cats here, or stray cats... We are trying to decrease the widespread population of wild, feral cats which are destroying our endangered birds and reptiles," Kavanagh said.

The humane trapping and dispatching of feral cats is a skilled task only undertaken by staff who have extensive training, he said. 
QUITO, July 27 (Xinhua) -- Ecuador is facing "a critical moment" due to criminal organizations that have recently unleashed more violence in the streets and prisons, President Guillermo Lasso said Thursday.

"Organized crime has attacked the rule of law, and through their actions, we have lost valuable lives," Lasso said during a ceremony here to supply the police with 18 million items of ammunition.

"This government does not and will not negotiate with criminals. What we are doing here is putting the presence of the government in the streets and also in the prisons with a firm hand," he added.

Earlier this week, Lasso declared a 60-day state of emergency at prisons nationwide to ensure order following a deadly riot that killed scores of inmates and another incident in which prisoners briefly took more than a hundred guards hostage.

The surge in violence also saw the mayor of a coastal town assassinated over the weekend. 
Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Cheikh Ghazouani in Chengdu, capital city of southwest China's Sichuan Province, July 28, 2023. Ghazouani is here to attend the opening ceremony of the 31st summer edition of the FISU World University Games and visit China. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao)

CHENGDU, July 28 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday met with Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Cheikh Ghazouani in Chengdu, capital city of southwest China's Sichuan Province.

Ghazouani is here to attend the opening ceremony of the 31st summer edition of the FISU World University Games and visit China.

Facing profound changes unseen in a century in the world, China and Mauritania should continue to be good friends who support each other and good partners in seeking development, and jointly safeguard their common interests and international fairness and justice, Xi said.

China appreciates Mauritania's consistent support on issues concerning China's core interests, Xi said, adding that China will continue to support Mauritania in pursuing a development path suited to its national circumstances, and oppose external interference in Mauritania's internal affairs.

China will continue to provide assistance to the best of its ability for Mauritania, enhance cooperation in mushroom planting technology, and deepen cooperation on fisheries, agriculture, animal husbandry and other areas, Xi said.

Xi said the signing of a plan between China and Mauritania on promoting Belt and Road cooperation will deepen and expand exchanges and cooperation in various fields.

China encourages and supports more Chinese enterprises in taking part in cooperation with Mauritania in fields such as infrastructure and energy, Xi said.

China will continue to send more high-level medical teams to Mauritania, support the country in running the Confucius Institute well, and enrich exchanges and cooperation in terms of culture, youth, media and localities, Xi said.

Xi said China is ready to work with Mauritania to elevate China-Arab and China-Africa practical cooperation to new heights, calling for joint efforts to practice true multilateralism, uphold international fairness and justice, safeguard the common interests of developing countries, and advance the building of a community with a shared future for humanity.

Ghazouani thanked China for its selfless assistance to Mauritania, especially the contributions made by Chinese medical teams to the health of Mauritanian people.

Mauritania firmly upholds the one-China policy, and is willing to enhance cooperation with China in economy and trade, energy and other fields, and to elevate the Mauritania-China relations to a new height, Ghazouani said.

The Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative that President Xi put forward fully comply with norms governing international relations, Ghazouani said.

The initiatives are conducive to upholding true multilateralism, promoting world peace, security and common development, and advancing the establishment of a fairer and more equitable international order, Ghazouani said, adding that Mauritania highly appreciates and actively supports the initiatives.

After the meeting, the two heads of state witnessed the signing of the plan on advancing Belt and Road cooperation.

Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Wang Yi, and Shen Yiqin attended the event. 

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Cheikh Ghazouani in Chengdu, capital city of southwest China's Sichuan Province, July 28, 2023. Ghazouani is here to attend the opening ceremony of the 31st summer edition of the FISU World University Games and visit China. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu)
ISLAMABAD, July 28 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan's four leading state-owned companies will collaborate with Saudi oil refinery company Amarco for the "Greenfield Refinery" project in the country's southwest Gwadar area, an official statement said here on Thursday.

The companies including Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL), Pakistan State Oil, Pakistan Petroleum Limited, and Government Holdings Private Limited signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Amarco in OGDCL's Islamabad office, the statement by the country's petroleum ministry said.

The project envisions setting up an integrated refinery petrochemical complex with a crude oil processing capacity of a minimum of 300,000 barrels per day along with a petrochemical facility in Pakistan, the statement added.

The integrated refinery petrochemical complex shall comprise various components such as marine infrastructure, petrochemical complex, storages for crude oil and refines utilities, as well as pipeline connectivity, said the statement.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Pakistan's Minister of State for Petroleum Musadik Malik said the project will give benefits to the national economy by way of economic growth, foreign exchange savings, energy security, employment opportunities, and social uplift. 
ANKARA, July 28 (Xinhua) -- The Turkish National Intelligence Organization (MIT) killed a senior member of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) in a cross-border operation in northern Iraq, the state-run TRT broadcaster reported Friday.

Mesut Celal Osman, codenamed "Zagros Cekdar," was "neutralized" in the Sinjar region in northern Iraq, the TRT said, adding that he was responsible for the PKK's operations in Sinjar, which has become a major PKK stronghold in recent years.

The term "neutralized" is often used by Turkish authorities to imply that "terrorists" are killed, wounded, or captured in security operations.

Osman joined the PKK in Syria in 2010. He returned to Syria in 2015 after completing his military training in Iraq, the TRT reported, noting that he traveled back to Iraq in 2018 and has served as one of the leaders of the PKK group in Sinjar as of 2023.

The MIT has intensified cross-border operations in Iraq since last year and killed several other senior PKK members over the past months.

The Turkish military also carries out frequent cross-border operations against the PKK in northern Iraq, particularly in the Qandil Mountains, the main base of the group.

The PKK, listed as a terrorist organization by Turkiye, the United States and the European Union, has rebelled against the Turkish government for more than three decades. 
The Jing people in Dongxing City of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region celebrated their traditional annual Ha Festival with rich rituals and grand celebrations.
Official stresses efforts to cement recovery trend of property market

Xinhua) 08:48, July 28, 2023

BEIJING, July 27 (Xinhua) -- Ni Hong, minister of housing and urban-rural development, has urged continued efforts to consolidate the recovery trend of the property market.

At a symposium with property developers recently, Ni emphasized the significance of meeting residents' essential housing demand and their needs for better living conditions, called for fully implementing favorable measures, including lower down payment ratios and mortgage rates for first-time home buyers, and promised efforts to ensure the delivery of presold homes.

Stabilizing the construction and property sectors is significant to promoting a broader economic recovery, the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development has said.

The ministry has also urged building companies and property developers to actively participate in affordable housing projects, the renovation of villages in cities, and public facility construction.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Wu Chaolan)
This photo taken on July 24, 2023 shows the construction site of the Central Business District (CBD) project in the new administrative capital, east of Cairo, Egypt. (Xinhua/Sui Xiankai)

There are many opportunities for bilateral cooperation, including trade and energy. Through trade, China can play an essential role in developing Arab economies. Through energy cooperation, China can help Arab countries diversify their energy sources, a major step towards achieving the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals.

by Pierre Al-Khoury

Trade between the Arabs and China dates back more than 2,000 years, with China being an important trading destination for the Arab world since the Islamic caliphate. Back then, many Chinese goods were found in the Arab world, including silk, porcelain and pottery. Many Arab goods were exported to China, including perfumes, frankincense (Al-Luban) and oud.

In recent years, two-way trade has grown significantly. China is the largest trading partner of the Arab world and both the largest market for Arab exports and an important source of Arab imports.

In 2013, China launched the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to boost interconnectivity and common development. Such an initiative is also expected to significantly impact the future of Sino-Arab relations.

The high-level meetings held between China and Arab states, especially Saudi Arabia and Egypt, two of the most influential countries in the Arab world, have paved the way for several agreements to enhance multilateral cooperation in various fields, including economy and trade, energy and the environment.

There is still more potential regarding cultural exchanges between the two sides. However, achieving this requires a comprehensive political consensus among Arab states pertaining to development policies.

There are many opportunities for bilateral cooperation, including trade and energy. Through trade, China can play an essential role in developing Arab economies. Through energy cooperation, China can help Arab countries diversify their energy sources, a major step towards achieving the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals.

A delegation of diplomats and officials from the Arab League and its Secretariat visit a workshop making traditional ethnic musical instruments in Kashgar, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, May 31, 2023. (Xinhua/Gao Han)

China's commitment to a fair solution to the Palestinian issue can be an opportunity for the Arab world. The country can mediate between the Israelis and Palestinians and provide economic and financial assistance to the Palestinians now and after independence.

As a platform, the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum brings together China and Arab countries to discuss economic cooperation. The forum could help promote trade and investment between China and the Arab world. The Arab world is home to a large and growing population, with a combined GDP of over 3 trillion U.S. dollars. This represents a significant market for Chinese goods and services.

The region is also rich in natural resources, including oil, gas and minerals. And through the BRI, both sides can boost trade and benefit mutually from more Chinese investments in the Arab world, including in infrastructure, manufacturing and energy projects.

In the meantime, both sides should guard against risks and threats to their ties, including mainly U.S. intervention, which can hinder Sino-Arab cooperation. The two sides should also play an important role in working for a quicker solution to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which, if left unresolved, will affect international investments and limit the region's potential.

Sino-Arab relations enjoy great potential for growth and prosperity. Both sides can work to enhance cooperation in various fields and work together to build a more peaceful and prosperous future for the Middle East.





Editor's note: Pierre Al-Khoury is an economist and professor of Economics & Finance at the Beirut Arab University.

The views expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the positions of Xinhua News Agency.
The Information Office of China's Shanghai Municipality released new city promotion film on Thursday in nine languages.

Produced by Xinhua Global Service
Yangtze finless porpoise Tao Tao swims at the Baiji Dolphin House under the Institute of Hydrobiology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, July 5, 2023. Three generations of researchers at the Institute of Hydrobiology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) have spent decades rescuing and nursing endangered species - the Baiji dolphin and the Yangtze finless porpoise. The latter is dubbed the "smiling angel of the Yangtze River" as its slightly curly lips resemble those of a smiling person.

Baiji dolphin Qi Qi passed away in July 2002 after living for more than 22 years at the Baiji Dolphin House under CAS Institute of Hydrobiology in Wuhan. There was no more Baiji dolphin at the house after Qi Qi's death, but the house and the Wuhan Baiji Conservation Foundation kept their names unchanged. Researchers there decided to apply protective measures designed for Baiji dolphins to their "cousins" - Yangtze finless porpoises.

Eleven Yangtze finless porpoises are now raised at the Baiji Dolphin House, four of which were bred in artificial environments. China has also established a number of in-situ and ex-situ reserves for these aquatic mammals, and the finless porpoises living there, about 150 in total, are capable of natural reproduction.

On April 25, 2023, four Yangtze finless porpoises ex-situ protected at the Yangtze River Swan Island Baiji Dolphin National Nature Reserve were released in batches into the Xinluo and Shishou sections along the main stream of Yangtze River, which successfully completed the last key link in the closed loop of protection technology system for Yangtze finless porpoises.

Data from the Yangtze Finless Porpoise Expedition 2022 across the whole Yangtze River basin showed their population had reached 1,249, a historic "rebound."

Hao Yujiang, an associate researcher at the CAS Institute of Hydrobiology, served as the group leader for Yichang-Chenglingji section during the expedition in 2022. "We could see more green along the Yangtze River, the river bank looked more natural, and there were more fish in the water," he said, adding, "We are also more optimistic that these 'smiling angels' would have a better future." (Xinhua/Xiao Yijiu)

Tang Bin (L) and Feng Yuanze, members of the cetacean conservation biology group under the Institute of Hydrobiology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), give a B-ultrasound examination to Yangtze finless porpoise Fu Jiu at the Baiji Dolphin House under the CAS Institute of Hydrobiology in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, July 12, 2023. Three generations of researchers at the Institute of Hydrobiology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) have spent decades rescuing and nursing endangered species - the Baiji dolphin and the Yangtze finless porpoise. The latter is dubbed the "smiling angel of the Yangtze River" as its slightly curly lips resemble those of a smiling person.

Baiji dolphin Qi Qi passed away in July 2002 after living for more than 22 years at the Baiji Dolphin House under CAS Institute of Hydrobiology in Wuhan. There was no more Baiji dolphin at the house after Qi Qi's death, but the house and the Wuhan Baiji Conservation Foundation kept their names unchanged. Researchers there decided to apply protective measures designed for Baiji dolphins to their "cousins" - Yangtze finless porpoises.

Eleven Yangtze finless porpoises are now raised at the Baiji Dolphin House, four of which were bred in artificial environments. China has also established a number of in-situ and ex-situ reserves for these aquatic mammals, and the finless porpoises living there, about 150 in total, are capable of natural reproduction.

On April 25, 2023, four Yangtze finless porpoises ex-situ protected at the Yangtze River Swan Island Baiji Dolphin National Nature Reserve were released in batches into the Xinluo and Shishou sections along the main stream of Yangtze River, which successfully completed the last key link in the closed loop of protection technology system for Yangtze finless porpoises.

Data from the Yangtze Finless Porpoise Expedition 2022 across the whole Yangtze River basin showed their population had reached 1,249, a historic "rebound."

Hao Yujiang, an associate researcher at the CAS Institute of Hydrobiology, served as the group leader for Yichang-Chenglingji section during the expedition in 2022. "We could see more green along the Yangtze River, the river bank looked more natural, and there were more fish in the water," he said, adding, "We are also more optimistic that these 'smiling angels' would have a better future." (Xinhua/Xiao Yijiu)

Hao Yujiang, an associate researcher of the the Institute of Hydrobiology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), conducts an observation of the Yangtze finless porpoise at the Shishou section of Yangtze River in central China's Hubei Province, Sept 23, 2022. Three generations of researchers at the Institute of Hydrobiology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) have spent decades rescuing and nursing endangered species - the Baiji dolphin and the Yangtze finless porpoise. The latter is dubbed the "smiling angel of the Yangtze River" as its slightly curly lips resemble those of a smiling person.

Baiji dolphin Qi Qi passed away in July 2002 after living for more than 22 years at the Baiji Dolphin House under CAS Institute of Hydrobiology in Wuhan. There was no more Baiji dolphin at the house after Qi Qi's death, but the house and the Wuhan Baiji Conservation Foundation kept their names unchanged. Researchers there decided to apply protective measures designed for Baiji dolphins to their "cousins" - Yangtze finless porpoises.

Eleven Yangtze finless porpoises are now raised at the Baiji Dolphin House, four of which were bred in artificial environments. China has also established a number of in-situ and ex-situ reserves for these aquatic mammals, and the finless porpoises living there, about 150 in total, are capable of natural reproduction.

On April 25, 2023, four Yangtze finless porpoises ex-situ protected at the Yangtze River Swan Island Baiji Dolphin National Nature Reserve were released in batches into the Xinluo and Shishou sections along the main stream of Yangtze River, which successfully completed the last key link in the closed loop of protection technology system for Yangtze finless porpoises.

Data from the Yangtze Finless Porpoise Expedition 2022 across the whole Yangtze River basin showed their population had reached 1,249, a historic "rebound."

Hao Yujiang, an associate researcher at the CAS Institute of Hydrobiology, served as the group leader for Yichang-Chenglingji section during the expedition in 2022. "We could see more green along the Yangtze River, the river bank looked more natural, and there were more fish in the water," he said, adding, "We are also more optimistic that these 'smiling angels' would have a better future." (Xinhua/Xiao Yijiu)

This aerial photo taken on May 11, 2021 shows three Yangtze finless porpoises swimming in the section of Yangtze River in Yichang, central China's Hubei Province. Three generations of researchers at the Institute of Hydrobiology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) have spent decades rescuing and nursing endangered species - the Baiji dolphin and the Yangtze finless porpoise. The latter is dubbed the "smiling angel of the Yangtze River" as its slightly curly lips resemble those of a smiling person.

Baiji dolphin Qi Qi passed away in July 2002 after living for more than 22 years at the Baiji Dolphin House under CAS Institute of Hydrobiology in Wuhan. There was no more Baiji dolphin at the house after Qi Qi's death, but the house and the Wuhan Baiji Conservation Foundation kept their names unchanged. Researchers there decided to apply protective measures designed for Baiji dolphins to their "cousins" - Yangtze finless porpoises.

Eleven Yangtze finless porpoises are now raised at the Baiji Dolphin House, four of which were bred in artificial environments. China has also established a number of in-situ and ex-situ reserves for these aquatic mammals, and the finless porpoises living there, about 150 in total, are capable of natural reproduction.

On April 25, 2023, four Yangtze finless porpoises ex-situ protected at the Yangtze River Swan Island Baiji Dolphin National Nature Reserve were released in batches into the Xinluo and Shishou sections along the main stream of Yangtze River, which successfully completed the last key link in the closed loop of protection technology system for Yangtze finless porpoises.

Data from the Yangtze Finless Porpoise Expedition 2022 across the whole Yangtze River basin showed their population had reached 1,249, a historic "rebound."

Hao Yujiang, an associate researcher at the CAS Institute of Hydrobiology, served as the group leader for Yichang-Chenglingji section during the expedition in 2022. "We could see more green along the Yangtze River, the river bank looked more natural, and there were more fish in the water," he said, adding, "We are also more optimistic that these 'smiling angels' would have a better future." (Xinhua/Xiao Yijiu)

Hao Yujiang, an associate researcher of the the Institute of Hydrobiology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), observes a Yangtze finless porpoise at the Baiji Dolphin House under his institute in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, on July 12, 2023. Three generations of researchers at the Institute of Hydrobiology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) have spent decades rescuing and nursing endangered species - the Baiji dolphin and the Yangtze finless porpoise. The latter is dubbed the "smiling angel of the Yangtze River" as its slightly curly lips resemble those of a smiling person.

Baiji dolphin Qi Qi passed away in July 2002 after living for more than 22 years at the Baiji Dolphin House under CAS Institute of Hydrobiology in Wuhan. There was no more Baiji dolphin at the house after Qi Qi's death, but the house and the Wuhan Baiji Conservation Foundation kept their names unchanged. Researchers there decided to apply protective measures designed for Baiji dolphins to their "cousins" - Yangtze finless porpoises.

Eleven Yangtze finless porpoises are now raised at the Baiji Dolphin House, four of which were bred in artificial environments. China has also established a number of in-situ and ex-situ reserves for these aquatic mammals, and the finless porpoises living there, about 150 in total, are capable of natural reproduction.

On April 25, 2023, four Yangtze finless porpoises ex-situ protected at the Yangtze River Swan Island Baiji Dolphin National Nature Reserve were released in batches into the Xinluo and Shishou sections along the main stream of Yangtze River, which successfully completed the last key link in the closed loop of protection technology system for Yangtze finless porpoises.

Data from the Yangtze Finless Porpoise Expedition 2022 across the whole Yangtze River basin showed their population had reached 1,249, a historic "rebound."

Hao Yujiang, an associate researcher at the CAS Institute of Hydrobiology, served as the group leader for Yichang-Chenglingji section during the expedition in 2022. "We could see more green along the Yangtze River, the river bank looked more natural, and there were more fish in the water," he said, adding, "We are also more optimistic that these 'smiling angels' would have a better future." (Xinhua/Wang Yijie)

Staff members carry out observation work during the Yangtze Finless Porpoise Expedition 2022 in the Shishou section of Yangtze River, central China's Hubei Province, Sept. 23, 2022. Three generations of researchers at the Institute of Hydrobiology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) have spent decades rescuing and nursing endangered species - the Baiji dolphin and the Yangtze finless porpoise. The latter is dubbed the "smiling angel of the Yangtze River" as its slightly curly lips resemble those of a smiling person.

Baiji dolphin Qi Qi passed away in July 2002 after living for more than 22 years at the Baiji Dolphin House under CAS Institute of Hydrobiology in Wuhan. There was no more Baiji dolphin at the house after Qi Qi's death, but the house and the Wuhan Baiji Conservation Foundation kept their names unchanged. Researchers there decided to apply protective measures designed for Baiji dolphins to their "cousins" - Yangtze finless porpoises.

Eleven Yangtze finless porpoises are now raised at the Baiji Dolphin House, four of which were bred in artificial environments. China has also established a number of in-situ and ex-situ reserves for these aquatic mammals, and the finless porpoises living there, about 150 in total, are capable of natural reproduction.

On April 25, 2023, four Yangtze finless porpoises ex-situ protected at the Yangtze River Swan Island Baiji Dolphin National Nature Reserve were released in batches into the Xinluo and Shishou sections along the main stream of Yangtze River, which successfully completed the last key link in the closed loop of protection technology system for Yangtze finless porpoises.

Data from the Yangtze Finless Porpoise Expedition 2022 across the whole Yangtze River basin showed their population had reached 1,249, a historic "rebound."

Hao Yujiang, an associate researcher at the CAS Institute of Hydrobiology, served as the group leader for Yichang-Chenglingji section during the expedition in 2022. "We could see more green along the Yangtze River, the river bank looked more natural, and there were more fish in the water," he said, adding, "We are also more optimistic that these 'smiling angels' would have a better future." (Xinhua/Xiao Yijiu)

This undated file photo shows researchers Chen Peixun, Liu Renjun, Wang Ding and Zhang Xianfeng (L to R), who were involved in the captive breeding, conservation and research of Baiji dolphin, and the Baiji dolphin they were taking care of. Three generations of researchers at the Institute of Hydrobiology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) have spent decades rescuing and nursing endangered species - the Baiji dolphin and the Yangtze finless porpoise. The latter is dubbed the "smiling angel of the Yangtze River" as its slightly curly lips resemble those of a smiling person.

Baiji dolphin Qi Qi passed away in July 2002 after living for more than 22 years at the Baiji Dolphin House under CAS Institute of Hydrobiology in Wuhan. There was no more Baiji dolphin at the house after Qi Qi's death, but the house and the Wuhan Baiji Conservation Foundation kept their names unchanged. Researchers there decided to apply protective measures designed for Baiji dolphins to their "cousins" - Yangtze finless porpoises.

Eleven Yangtze finless porpoises are now raised at the Baiji Dolphin House, four of which were bred in artificial environments. China has also established a number of in-situ and ex-situ reserves for these aquatic mammals, and the finless porpoises living there, about 150 in total, are capable of natural reproduction.

On April 25, 2023, four Yangtze finless porpoises ex-situ protected at the Yangtze River Swan Island Baiji Dolphin National Nature Reserve were released in batches into the Xinluo and Shishou sections along the main stream of Yangtze River, which successfully completed the last key link in the closed loop of protection technology system for Yangtze finless porpoises.

Data from the Yangtze Finless Porpoise Expedition 2022 across the whole Yangtze River basin showed their population had reached 1,249, a historic "rebound."

Hao Yujiang, an associate researcher at the CAS Institute of Hydrobiology, served as the group leader for Yichang-Chenglingji section during the expedition in 2022. "We could see more green along the Yangtze River, the river bank looked more natural, and there were more fish in the water," he said, adding, "We are also more optimistic that these 'smiling angels' would have a better future." (Xinhua/Cheng Min)

This file photo taken in the 1980s shows researchers of the Baiji dolphin research group under the Institute of Hydrobiology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences examining Baiji dolphin Qi Qi. Three generations of researchers at the Institute of Hydrobiology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) have spent decades rescuing and nursing endangered species - the Baiji dolphin and the Yangtze finless porpoise. The latter is dubbed the "smiling angel of the Yangtze River" as its slightly curly lips resemble those of a smiling person.

Baiji dolphin Qi Qi passed away in July 2002 after living for more than 22 years at the Baiji Dolphin House under CAS Institute of Hydrobiology in Wuhan. There was no more Baiji dolphin at the house after Qi Qi's death, but the house and the Wuhan Baiji Conservation Foundation kept their names unchanged. Researchers there decided to apply protective measures designed for Baiji dolphins to their "cousins" - Yangtze finless porpoises.

Eleven Yangtze finless porpoises are now raised at the Baiji Dolphin House, four of which were bred in artificial environments. China has also established a number of in-situ and ex-situ reserves for these aquatic mammals, and the finless porpoises living there, about 150 in total, are capable of natural reproduction.

On April 25, 2023, four Yangtze finless porpoises ex-situ protected at the Yangtze River Swan Island Baiji Dolphin National Nature Reserve were released in batches into the Xinluo and Shishou sections along the main stream of Yangtze River, which successfully completed the last key link in the closed loop of protection technology system for Yangtze finless porpoises.

Data from the Yangtze Finless Porpoise Expedition 2022 across the whole Yangtze River basin showed their population had reached 1,249, a historic "rebound."

Hao Yujiang, an associate researcher at the CAS Institute of Hydrobiology, served as the group leader for Yichang-Chenglingji section during the expedition in 2022. "We could see more green along the Yangtze River, the river bank looked more natural, and there were more fish in the water," he said, adding, "We are also more optimistic that these 'smiling angels' would have a better future." (Xinhua/Yu Chengjian)

This file photo taken in the 1980s shows Chen Peixun, a researcher of the Institute of Hydrobiology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences at work. Three generations of researchers at the Institute of Hydrobiology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) have spent decades rescuing and nursing endangered species - the Baiji dolphin and the Yangtze finless porpoise. The latter is dubbed the "smiling angel of the Yangtze River" as its slightly curly lips resemble those of a smiling person.

Baiji dolphin Qi Qi passed away in July 2002 after living for more than 22 years at the Baiji Dolphin House under CAS Institute of Hydrobiology in Wuhan. There was no more Baiji dolphin at the house after Qi Qi's death, but the house and the Wuhan Baiji Conservation Foundation kept their names unchanged. Researchers there decided to apply protective measures designed for Baiji dolphins to their "cousins" - Yangtze finless porpoises.

Eleven Yangtze finless porpoises are now raised at the Baiji Dolphin House, four of which were bred in artificial environments. China has also established a number of in-situ and ex-situ reserves for these aquatic mammals, and the finless porpoises living there, about 150 in total, are capable of natural reproduction.

On April 25, 2023, four Yangtze finless porpoises ex-situ protected at the Yangtze River Swan Island Baiji Dolphin National Nature Reserve were released in batches into the Xinluo and Shishou sections along the main stream of Yangtze River, which successfully completed the last key link in the closed loop of protection technology system for Yangtze finless porpoises.

Data from the Yangtze Finless Porpoise Expedition 2022 across the whole Yangtze River basin showed their population had reached 1,249, a historic "rebound."

Hao Yujiang, an associate researcher at the CAS Institute of Hydrobiology, served as the group leader for Yichang-Chenglingji section during the expedition in 2022. "We could see more green along the Yangtze River, the river bank looked more natural, and there were more fish in the water," he said, adding, "We are also more optimistic that these 'smiling angels' would have a better future." (Xinhua/Yu Chengjian)

He Junyi, a science popularization lecturer, gives a lecture on Yangtze finless porpoise protection at the Hankou marshland by the Yangtze River in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, June 28, 2023. Three generations of researchers at the Institute of Hydrobiology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) have spent decades rescuing and nursing endangered species - the Baiji dolphin and the Yangtze finless porpoise. The latter is dubbed the "smiling angel of the Yangtze River" as its slightly curly lips resemble those of a smiling person.

Baiji dolphin Qi Qi passed away in July 2002 after living for more than 22 years at the Baiji Dolphin House under CAS Institute of Hydrobiology in Wuhan. There was no more Baiji dolphin at the house after Qi Qi's death, but the house and the Wuhan Baiji Conservation Foundation kept their names unchanged. Researchers there decided to apply protective measures designed for Baiji dolphins to their "cousins" - Yangtze finless porpoises.

Eleven Yangtze finless porpoises are now raised at the Baiji Dolphin House, four of which were bred in artificial environments. China has also established a number of in-situ and ex-situ reserves for these aquatic mammals, and the finless porpoises living there, about 150 in total, are capable of natural reproduction.

On April 25, 2023, four Yangtze finless porpoises ex-situ protected at the Yangtze River Swan Island Baiji Dolphin National Nature Reserve were released in batches into the Xinluo and Shishou sections along the main stream of Yangtze River, which successfully completed the last key link in the closed loop of protection technology system for Yangtze finless porpoises.

Data from the Yangtze Finless Porpoise Expedition 2022 across the whole Yangtze River basin showed their population had reached 1,249, a historic "rebound."

Hao Yujiang, an associate researcher at the CAS Institute of Hydrobiology, served as the group leader for Yichang-Chenglingji section during the expedition in 2022. "We could see more green along the Yangtze River, the river bank looked more natural, and there were more fish in the water," he said, adding, "We are also more optimistic that these 'smiling angels' would have a better future." (Xinhua/Xiao Yijiu)

Staff members transfer a Yangtze porpoise to a section of Yangtze River and release it there in central China's Hubei Province, on April 25, 2023. Three generations of researchers at the Institute of Hydrobiology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) have spent decades rescuing and nursing endangered species - the Baiji dolphin and the Yangtze finless porpoise. The latter is dubbed the "smiling angel of the Yangtze River" as its slightly curly lips resemble those of a smiling person.

Baiji dolphin Qi Qi passed away in July 2002 after living for more than 22 years at the Baiji Dolphin House under CAS Institute of Hydrobiology in Wuhan. There was no more Baiji dolphin at the house after Qi Qi's death, but the house and the Wuhan Baiji Conservation Foundation kept their names unchanged. Researchers there decided to apply protective measures designed for Baiji dolphins to their "cousins" - Yangtze finless porpoises.

Eleven Yangtze finless porpoises are now raised at the Baiji Dolphin House, four of which were bred in artificial environments. China has also established a number of in-situ and ex-situ reserves for these aquatic mammals, and the finless porpoises living there, about 150 in total, are capable of natural reproduction.

On April 25, 2023, four Yangtze finless porpoises ex-situ protected at the Yangtze River Swan Island Baiji Dolphin National Nature Reserve were released in batches into the Xinluo and Shishou sections along the main stream of Yangtze River, which successfully completed the last key link in the closed loop of protection technology system for Yangtze finless porpoises.

Data from the Yangtze Finless Porpoise Expedition 2022 across the whole Yangtze River basin showed their population had reached 1,249, a historic "rebound."

Hao Yujiang, an associate researcher at the CAS Institute of Hydrobiology, served as the group leader for Yichang-Chenglingji section during the expedition in 2022. "We could see more green along the Yangtze River, the river bank looked more natural, and there were more fish in the water," he said, adding, "We are also more optimistic that these 'smiling angels' would have a better future." (Xinhua/Wu Zhizun)

Trainer Deng Zhengyu observes a Yangtze finless porpoise at the Baiji Dolphin House under the Institute of Hydrobiology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, on July 5, 2023. Three generations of researchers at the Institute of Hydrobiology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) have spent decades rescuing and nursing endangered species - the Baiji dolphin and the Yangtze finless porpoise. The latter is dubbed the "smiling angel of the Yangtze River" as its slightly curly lips resemble those of a smiling person.

Baiji dolphin Qi Qi passed away in July 2002 after living for more than 22 years at the Baiji Dolphin House under CAS Institute of Hydrobiology in Wuhan. There was no more Baiji dolphin at the house after Qi Qi's death, but the house and the Wuhan Baiji Conservation Foundation kept their names unchanged. Researchers there decided to apply protective measures designed for Baiji dolphins to their "cousins" - Yangtze finless porpoises.

Eleven Yangtze finless porpoises are now raised at the Baiji Dolphin House, four of which were bred in artificial environments. China has also established a number of in-situ and ex-situ reserves for these aquatic mammals, and the finless porpoises living there, about 150 in total, are capable of natural reproduction.

On April 25, 2023, four Yangtze finless porpoises ex-situ protected at the Yangtze River Swan Island Baiji Dolphin National Nature Reserve were released in batches into the Xinluo and Shishou sections along the main stream of Yangtze River, which successfully completed the last key link in the closed loop of protection technology system for Yangtze finless porpoises.

Data from the Yangtze Finless Porpoise Expedition 2022 across the whole Yangtze River basin showed their population had reached 1,249, a historic "rebound."

Hao Yujiang, an associate researcher at the CAS Institute of Hydrobiology, served as the group leader for Yichang-Chenglingji section during the expedition in 2022. "We could see more green along the Yangtze River, the river bank looked more natural, and there were more fish in the water," he said, adding, "We are also more optimistic that these 'smiling angels' would have a better future." (Xinhua/Xiao Yijiu)

Yangtze finless porpoise Tao Tao swims at the Baiji Dolphin House under the Institute of Hydrobiology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, July 5, 2023. Three generations of researchers at the Institute of Hydrobiology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) have spent decades rescuing and nursing endangered species - the Baiji dolphin and the Yangtze finless porpoise. The latter is dubbed the "smiling angel of the Yangtze River" as its slightly curly lips resemble those of a smiling person.

Baiji dolphin Qi Qi passed away in July 2002 after living for more than 22 years at the Baiji Dolphin House under CAS Institute of Hydrobiology in Wuhan. There was no more Baiji dolphin at the house after Qi Qi's death, but the house and the Wuhan Baiji Conservation Foundation kept their names unchanged. Researchers there decided to apply protective measures designed for Baiji dolphins to their "cousins" - Yangtze finless porpoises.

Eleven Yangtze finless porpoises are now raised at the Baiji Dolphin House, four of which were bred in artificial environments. China has also established a number of in-situ and ex-situ reserves for these aquatic mammals, and the finless porpoises living there, about 150 in total, are capable of natural reproduction.

On April 25, 2023, four Yangtze finless porpoises ex-situ protected at the Yangtze River Swan Island Baiji Dolphin National Nature Reserve were released in batches into the Xinluo and Shishou sections along the main stream of Yangtze River, which successfully completed the last key link in the closed loop of protection technology system for Yangtze finless porpoises.

Data from the Yangtze Finless Porpoise Expedition 2022 across the whole Yangtze River basin showed their population had reached 1,249, a historic "rebound."

Hao Yujiang, an associate researcher at the CAS Institute of Hydrobiology, served as the group leader for Yichang-Chenglingji section during the expedition in 2022. "We could see more green along the Yangtze River, the river bank looked more natural, and there were more fish in the water," he said, adding, "We are also more optimistic that these 'smiling angels' would have a better future." (Xinhua/Xiao Yijiu)

A trainer feeds baby finless porpoise F9C22 at the Baiji Dolphin House under the Institute of Hydrobiology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, July 5, 2023. Three generations of researchers at the Institute of Hydrobiology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) have spent decades rescuing and nursing endangered species - the Baiji dolphin and the Yangtze finless porpoise. The latter is dubbed the "smiling angel of the Yangtze River" as its slightly curly lips resemble those of a smiling person.

Baiji dolphin Qi Qi passed away in July 2002 after living for more than 22 years at the Baiji Dolphin House under CAS Institute of Hydrobiology in Wuhan. There was no more Baiji dolphin at the house after Qi Qi's death, but the house and the Wuhan Baiji Conservation Foundation kept their names unchanged. Researchers there decided to apply protective measures designed for Baiji dolphins to their "cousins" - Yangtze finless porpoises.

Eleven Yangtze finless porpoises are now raised at the Baiji Dolphin House, four of which were bred in artificial environments. China has also established a number of in-situ and ex-situ reserves for these aquatic mammals, and the finless porpoises living there, about 150 in total, are capable of natural reproduction.

On April 25, 2023, four Yangtze finless porpoises ex-situ protected at the Yangtze River Swan Island Baiji Dolphin National Nature Reserve were released in batches into the Xinluo and Shishou sections along the main stream of Yangtze River, which successfully completed the last key link in the closed loop of protection technology system for Yangtze finless porpoises.

Data from the Yangtze Finless Porpoise Expedition 2022 across the whole Yangtze River basin showed their population had reached 1,249, a historic "rebound."

Hao Yujiang, an associate researcher at the CAS Institute of Hydrobiology, served as the group leader for Yichang-Chenglingji section during the expedition in 2022. "We could see more green along the Yangtze River, the river bank looked more natural, and there were more fish in the water," he said, adding, "We are also more optimistic that these 'smiling angels' would have a better future." (Xinhua/Xiao Yijiu)

Trainer Wang Chaoqun feeds a Yangtze finless porpoise at the Baiji Dolphin House under the Institute of Hydrobiology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, July 12, 2023. Three generations of researchers at the Institute of Hydrobiology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) have spent decades rescuing and nursing endangered species - the Baiji dolphin and the Yangtze finless porpoise. The latter is dubbed the "smiling angel of the Yangtze River" as its slightly curly lips resemble those of a smiling person.

Baiji dolphin Qi Qi passed away in July 2002 after living for more than 22 years at the Baiji Dolphin House under CAS Institute of Hydrobiology in Wuhan. There was no more Baiji dolphin at the house after Qi Qi's death, but the house and the Wuhan Baiji Conservation Foundation kept their names unchanged. Researchers there decided to apply protective measures designed for Baiji dolphins to their "cousins" - Yangtze finless porpoises.

Eleven Yangtze finless porpoises are now raised at the Baiji Dolphin House, four of which were bred in artificial environments. China has also established a number of in-situ and ex-situ reserves for these aquatic mammals, and the finless porpoises living there, about 150 in total, are capable of natural reproduction.

On April 25, 2023, four Yangtze finless porpoises ex-situ protected at the Yangtze River Swan Island Baiji Dolphin National Nature Reserve were released in batches into the Xinluo and Shishou sections along the main stream of Yangtze River, which successfully completed the last key link in the closed loop of protection technology system for Yangtze finless porpoises.

Data from the Yangtze Finless Porpoise Expedition 2022 across the whole Yangtze River basin showed their population had reached 1,249, a historic "rebound."

Hao Yujiang, an associate researcher at the CAS Institute of Hydrobiology, served as the group leader for Yichang-Chenglingji section during the expedition in 2022. "We could see more green along the Yangtze River, the river bank looked more natural, and there were more fish in the water," he said, adding, "We are also more optimistic that these 'smiling angels' would have a better future." (Xinhua/Jin Liwang)

Three Yangtze finless porpoises swim at the Baiji Dolphin House under the Institute of Hydrobiology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, June 29, 2023. Three generations of researchers at the Institute of Hydrobiology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) have spent decades rescuing and nursing endangered species - the Baiji dolphin and the Yangtze finless porpoise. The latter is dubbed the "smiling angel of the Yangtze River" as its slightly curly lips resemble those of a smiling person.

Baiji dolphin Qi Qi passed away in July 2002 after living for more than 22 years at the Baiji Dolphin House under CAS Institute of Hydrobiology in Wuhan. There was no more Baiji dolphin at the house after Qi Qi's death, but the house and the Wuhan Baiji Conservation Foundation kept their names unchanged. Researchers there decided to apply protective measures designed for Baiji dolphins to their "cousins" - Yangtze finless porpoises.

Eleven Yangtze finless porpoises are now raised at the Baiji Dolphin House, four of which were bred in artificial environments. China has also established a number of in-situ and ex-situ reserves for these aquatic mammals, and the finless porpoises living there, about 150 in total, are capable of natural reproduction.

On April 25, 2023, four Yangtze finless porpoises ex-situ protected at the Yangtze River Swan Island Baiji Dolphin National Nature Reserve were released in batches into the Xinluo and Shishou sections along the main stream of Yangtze River, which successfully completed the last key link in the closed loop of protection technology system for Yangtze finless porpoises.

Data from the Yangtze Finless Porpoise Expedition 2022 across the whole Yangtze River basin showed their population had reached 1,249, a historic "rebound."

Hao Yujiang, an associate researcher at the CAS Institute of Hydrobiology, served as the group leader for Yichang-Chenglingji section during the expedition in 2022. "We could see more green along the Yangtze River, the river bank looked more natural, and there were more fish in the water," he said, adding, "We are also more optimistic that these 'smiling angels' would have a better future." (Xinhua/Xiao Yijiu)

Trainers feed Yangtze finless porpoises at the Baiji Dolphin House under the Institute of Hydrobiology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, July 12, 2023. Three generations of researchers at the Institute of Hydrobiology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) have spent decades rescuing and nursing endangered species - the Baiji dolphin and the Yangtze finless porpoise. The latter is dubbed the "smiling angel of the Yangtze River" as its slightly curly lips resemble those of a smiling person.

Baiji dolphin Qi Qi passed away in July 2002 after living for more than 22 years at the Baiji Dolphin House under CAS Institute of Hydrobiology in Wuhan. There was no more Baiji dolphin at the house after Qi Qi's death, but the house and the Wuhan Baiji Conservation Foundation kept their names unchanged. Researchers there decided to apply protective measures designed for Baiji dolphins to their "cousins" - Yangtze finless porpoises.

Eleven Yangtze finless porpoises are now raised at the Baiji Dolphin House, four of which were bred in artificial environments. China has also established a number of in-situ and ex-situ reserves for these aquatic mammals, and the finless porpoises living there, about 150 in total, are capable of natural reproduction.

On April 25, 2023, four Yangtze finless porpoises ex-situ protected at the Yangtze River Swan Island Baiji Dolphin National Nature Reserve were released in batches into the Xinluo and Shishou sections along the main stream of Yangtze River, which successfully completed the last key link in the closed loop of protection technology system for Yangtze finless porpoises.

Data from the Yangtze Finless Porpoise Expedition 2022 across the whole Yangtze River basin showed their population had reached 1,249, a historic "rebound."

Hao Yujiang, an associate researcher at the CAS Institute of Hydrobiology, served as the group leader for Yichang-Chenglingji section during the expedition in 2022. "We could see more green along the Yangtze River, the river bank looked more natural, and there were more fish in the water," he said, adding, "We are also more optimistic that these 'smiling angels' would have a better future." (Xinhua/Jin Liwang)

A Yangtze finless porpoise hunts for food in the section of Yangtze River in Yichang City, central China's Hubei Province, Feb. 19, 2023. Three generations of researchers at the Institute of Hydrobiology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) have spent decades rescuing and nursing endangered species - the Baiji dolphin and the Yangtze finless porpoise. The latter is dubbed the "smiling angel of the Yangtze River" as its slightly curly lips resemble those of a smiling person.

Baiji dolphin Qi Qi passed away in July 2002 after living for more than 22 years at the Baiji Dolphin House under CAS Institute of Hydrobiology in Wuhan. There was no more Baiji dolphin at the house after Qi Qi's death, but the house and the Wuhan Baiji Conservation Foundation kept their names unchanged. Researchers there decided to apply protective measures designed for Baiji dolphins to their "cousins" - Yangtze finless porpoises.

Eleven Yangtze finless porpoises are now raised at the Baiji Dolphin House, four of which were bred in artificial environments. China has also established a number of in-situ and ex-situ reserves for these aquatic mammals, and the finless porpoises living there, about 150 in total, are capable of natural reproduction.

On April 25, 2023, four Yangtze finless porpoises ex-situ protected at the Yangtze River Swan Island Baiji Dolphin National Nature Reserve were released in batches into the Xinluo and Shishou sections along the main stream of Yangtze River, which successfully completed the last key link in the closed loop of protection technology system for Yangtze finless porpoises.

Data from the Yangtze Finless Porpoise Expedition 2022 across the whole Yangtze River basin showed their population had reached 1,249, a historic "rebound."

Hao Yujiang, an associate researcher at the CAS Institute of Hydrobiology, served as the group leader for Yichang-Chenglingji section during the expedition in 2022. "We could see more green along the Yangtze River, the river bank looked more natural, and there were more fish in the water," he said, adding, "We are also more optimistic that these 'smiling angels' would have a better future." (Xinhua/Xiao Yijiu)

Two Yangtze finless porpoises swim at the Baiji Dolphin House under the Institute of Hydrobiology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, on July 12, 2023. Three generations of researchers at the Institute of Hydrobiology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) have spent decades rescuing and nursing endangered species - the Baiji dolphin and the Yangtze finless porpoise. The latter is dubbed the "smiling angel of the Yangtze River" as its slightly curly lips resemble those of a smiling person.

Baiji dolphin Qi Qi passed away in July 2002 after living for more than 22 years at the Baiji Dolphin House under CAS Institute of Hydrobiology in Wuhan. There was no more Baiji dolphin at the house after Qi Qi's death, but the house and the Wuhan Baiji Conservation Foundation kept their names unchanged. Researchers there decided to apply protective measures designed for Baiji dolphins to their "cousins" - Yangtze finless porpoises.

Eleven Yangtze finless porpoises are now raised at the Baiji Dolphin House, four of which were bred in artificial environments. China has also established a number of in-situ and ex-situ reserves for these aquatic mammals, and the finless porpoises living there, about 150 in total, are capable of natural reproduction.

On April 25, 2023, four Yangtze finless porpoises ex-situ protected at the Yangtze River Swan Island Baiji Dolphin National Nature Reserve were released in batches into the Xinluo and Shishou sections along the main stream of Yangtze River, which successfully completed the last key link in the closed loop of protection technology system for Yangtze finless porpoises.

Data from the Yangtze Finless Porpoise Expedition 2022 across the whole Yangtze River basin showed their population had reached 1,249, a historic "rebound."

Hao Yujiang, an associate researcher at the CAS Institute of Hydrobiology, served as the group leader for Yichang-Chenglingji section during the expedition in 2022. "We could see more green along the Yangtze River, the river bank looked more natural, and there were more fish in the water," he said, adding, "We are also more optimistic that these 'smiling angels' would have a better future." (Xinhua/Xiao Yijiu)

This aerial photo taken on June 27, 2023 shows staff members of the Institute of Hydrobiology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences working at the Yangtze River Swan Island Baiji Dolphin National Nature Reserve, central China's Hubei Province. Three generations of researchers at the Institute of Hydrobiology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) have spent decades rescuing and nursing endangered species - the Baiji dolphin and the Yangtze finless porpoise. The latter is dubbed the "smiling angel of the Yangtze River" as its slightly curly lips resemble those of a smiling person.

Baiji dolphin Qi Qi passed away in July 2002 after living for more than 22 years at the Baiji Dolphin House under CAS Institute of Hydrobiology in Wuhan. There was no more Baiji dolphin at the house after Qi Qi's death, but the house and the Wuhan Baiji Conservation Foundation kept their names unchanged. Researchers there decided to apply protective measures designed for Baiji dolphins to their "cousins" - Yangtze finless porpoises.

Eleven Yangtze finless porpoises are now raised at the Baiji Dolphin House, four of which were bred in artificial environments. China has also established a number of in-situ and ex-situ reserves for these aquatic mammals, and the finless porpoises living there, about 150 in total, are capable of natural reproduction.

On April 25, 2023, four Yangtze finless porpoises ex-situ protected at the Yangtze River Swan Island Baiji Dolphin National Nature Reserve were released in batches into the Xinluo and Shishou sections along the main stream of Yangtze River, which successfully completed the last key link in the closed loop of protection technology system for Yangtze finless porpoises.

Data from the Yangtze Finless Porpoise Expedition 2022 across the whole Yangtze River basin showed their population had reached 1,249, a historic "rebound."

Hao Yujiang, an associate researcher at the CAS Institute of Hydrobiology, served as the group leader for Yichang-Chenglingji section during the expedition in 2022. "We could see more green along the Yangtze River, the river bank looked more natural, and there were more fish in the water," he said, adding, "We are also more optimistic that these 'smiling angels' would have a better future." (Xinhua/Wu Zhizun)

A Yangtze finless porpoise swims at the Baiji Dolphin House under the Institute of Hydrobiology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, on July 5, 2023. Three generations of researchers at the Institute of Hydrobiology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) have spent decades rescuing and nursing endangered species - the Baiji dolphin and the Yangtze finless porpoise. The latter is dubbed the "smiling angel of the Yangtze River" as its slightly curly lips resemble those of a smiling person.

Baiji dolphin Qi Qi passed away in July 2002 after living for more than 22 years at the Baiji Dolphin House under CAS Institute of Hydrobiology in Wuhan. There was no more Baiji dolphin at the house after Qi Qi's death, but the house and the Wuhan Baiji Conservation Foundation kept their names unchanged. Researchers there decided to apply protective measures designed for Baiji dolphins to their "cousins" - Yangtze finless porpoises.

Eleven Yangtze finless porpoises are now raised at the Baiji Dolphin House, four of which were bred in artificial environments. China has also established a number of in-situ and ex-situ reserves for these aquatic mammals, and the finless porpoises living there, about 150 in total, are capable of natural reproduction.

On April 25, 2023, four Yangtze finless porpoises ex-situ protected at the Yangtze River Swan Island Baiji Dolphin National Nature Reserve were released in batches into the Xinluo and Shishou sections along the main stream of Yangtze River, which successfully completed the last key link in the closed loop of protection technology system for Yangtze finless porpoises.

Data from the Yangtze Finless Porpoise Expedition 2022 across the whole Yangtze River basin showed their population had reached 1,249, a historic "rebound."

Hao Yujiang, an associate researcher at the CAS Institute of Hydrobiology, served as the group leader for Yichang-Chenglingji section during the expedition in 2022. "We could see more green along the Yangtze River, the river bank looked more natural, and there were more fish in the water," he said, adding, "We are also more optimistic that these 'smiling angels' would have a better future." (Xinhua/Xiao Yijiu)

Staff members from the Institute of Hydrobiology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences monitor the Yangtze finless porpoises growing in a cage at the Yangtze River Swan Island Baiji Dolphin National Nature Reserve, central China's Hubei Province, June 27, 2023. Three generations of researchers at the Institute of Hydrobiology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) have spent decades rescuing and nursing endangered species - the Baiji dolphin and the Yangtze finless porpoise. The latter is dubbed the "smiling angel of the Yangtze River" as its slightly curly lips resemble those of a smiling person.

Baiji dolphin Qi Qi passed away in July 2002 after living for more than 22 years at the Baiji Dolphin House under CAS Institute of Hydrobiology in Wuhan. There was no more Baiji dolphin at the house after Qi Qi's death, but the house and the Wuhan Baiji Conservation Foundation kept their names unchanged. Researchers there decided to apply protective measures designed for Baiji dolphins to their "cousins" - Yangtze finless porpoises.

Eleven Yangtze finless porpoises are now raised at the Baiji Dolphin House, four of which were bred in artificial environments. China has also established a number of in-situ and ex-situ reserves for these aquatic mammals, and the finless porpoises living there, about 150 in total, are capable of natural reproduction.

On April 25, 2023, four Yangtze finless porpoises ex-situ protected at the Yangtze River Swan Island Baiji Dolphin National Nature Reserve were released in batches into the Xinluo and Shishou sections along the main stream of Yangtze River, which successfully completed the last key link in the closed loop of protection technology system for Yangtze finless porpoises.

Data from the Yangtze Finless Porpoise Expedition 2022 across the whole Yangtze River basin showed their population had reached 1,249, a historic "rebound."

Hao Yujiang, an associate researcher at the CAS Institute of Hydrobiology, served as the group leader for Yichang-Chenglingji section during the expedition in 2022. "We could see more green along the Yangtze River, the river bank looked more natural, and there were more fish in the water," he said, adding, "We are also more optimistic that these 'smiling angels' would have a better future." (Xinhua/Wu Zhizun)

A Yangtze finless porpoise swims in the section of Yangtze River in Yichang City, central China's Hubei Province, Feb. 27, 2023. Three generations of researchers at the Institute of Hydrobiology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) have spent decades rescuing and nursing endangered species - the Baiji dolphin and the Yangtze finless porpoise. The latter is dubbed the "smiling angel of the Yangtze River" as its slightly curly lips resemble those of a smiling person.

Baiji dolphin Qi Qi passed away in July 2002 after living for more than 22 years at the Baiji Dolphin House under CAS Institute of Hydrobiology in Wuhan. There was no more Baiji dolphin at the house after Qi Qi's death, but the house and the Wuhan Baiji Conservation Foundation kept their names unchanged. Researchers there decided to apply protective measures designed for Baiji dolphins to their "cousins" - Yangtze finless porpoises.

Eleven Yangtze finless porpoises are now raised at the Baiji Dolphin House, four of which were bred in artificial environments. China has also established a number of in-situ and ex-situ reserves for these aquatic mammals, and the finless porpoises living there, about 150 in total, are capable of natural reproduction.

On April 25, 2023, four Yangtze finless porpoises ex-situ protected at the Yangtze River Swan Island Baiji Dolphin National Nature Reserve were released in batches into the Xinluo and Shishou sections along the main stream of Yangtze River, which successfully completed the last key link in the closed loop of protection technology system for Yangtze finless porpoises.

Data from the Yangtze Finless Porpoise Expedition 2022 across the whole Yangtze River basin showed their population had reached 1,249, a historic "rebound."

Hao Yujiang, an associate researcher at the CAS Institute of Hydrobiology, served as the group leader for Yichang-Chenglingji section during the expedition in 2022. "We could see more green along the Yangtze River, the river bank looked more natural, and there were more fish in the water," he said, adding, "We are also more optimistic that these 'smiling angels' would have a better future." (Xinhua/Xiao Yijiu)

Staff members transfer Yangtze porpoises to a section of Yangtze River and release them there in central China's Hubei Province, on April 25, 2023. Three generations of researchers at the Institute of Hydrobiology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) have spent decades rescuing and nursing endangered species - the Baiji dolphin and the Yangtze finless porpoise. The latter is dubbed the "smiling angel of the Yangtze River" as its slightly curly lips resemble those of a smiling person.

Baiji dolphin Qi Qi passed away in July 2002 after living for more than 22 years at the Baiji Dolphin House under CAS Institute of Hydrobiology in Wuhan. There was no more Baiji dolphin at the house after Qi Qi's death, but the house and the Wuhan Baiji Conservation Foundation kept their names unchanged. Researchers there decided to apply protective measures designed for Baiji dolphins to their "cousins" - Yangtze finless porpoises.

Eleven Yangtze finless porpoises are now raised at the Baiji Dolphin House, four of which were bred in artificial environments. China has also established a number of in-situ and ex-situ reserves for these aquatic mammals, and the finless porpoises living there, about 150 in total, are capable of natural reproduction.

On April 25, 2023, four Yangtze finless porpoises ex-situ protected at the Yangtze River Swan Island Baiji Dolphin National Nature Reserve were released in batches into the Xinluo and Shishou sections along the main stream of Yangtze River, which successfully completed the last key link in the closed loop of protection technology system for Yangtze finless porpoises.

Data from the Yangtze Finless Porpoise Expedition 2022 across the whole Yangtze River basin showed their population had reached 1,249, a historic "rebound."

Hao Yujiang, an associate researcher at the CAS Institute of Hydrobiology, served as the group leader for Yichang-Chenglingji section during the expedition in 2022. "We could see more green along the Yangtze River, the river bank looked more natural, and there were more fish in the water," he said, adding, "We are also more optimistic that these 'smiling angels' would have a better future." (Xinhua/Wu Zhizun)

Trainer Wang Chaoqun trains a Yangtze finless porpoise at the Baiji Dolphin House under the Institute of Hydrobiology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, July 12, 2023. Three generations of researchers at the Institute of Hydrobiology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) have spent decades rescuing and nursing endangered species - the Baiji dolphin and the Yangtze finless porpoise. The latter is dubbed the "smiling angel of the Yangtze River" as its slightly curly lips resemble those of a smiling person.

Baiji dolphin Qi Qi passed away in July 2002 after living for more than 22 years at the Baiji Dolphin House under CAS Institute of Hydrobiology in Wuhan. There was no more Baiji dolphin at the house after Qi Qi's death, but the house and the Wuhan Baiji Conservation Foundation kept their names unchanged. Researchers there decided to apply protective measures designed for Baiji dolphins to their "cousins" - Yangtze finless porpoises.

Eleven Yangtze finless porpoises are now raised at the Baiji Dolphin House, four of which were bred in artificial environments. China has also established a number of in-situ and ex-situ reserves for these aquatic mammals, and the finless porpoises living there, about 150 in total, are capable of natural reproduction.

On April 25, 2023, four Yangtze finless porpoises ex-situ protected at the Yangtze River Swan Island Baiji Dolphin National Nature Reserve were released in batches into the Xinluo and Shishou sections along the main stream of Yangtze River, which successfully completed the last key link in the closed loop of protection technology system for Yangtze finless porpoises.

Data from the Yangtze Finless Porpoise Expedition 2022 across the whole Yangtze River basin showed their population had reached 1,249, a historic "rebound."

Hao Yujiang, an associate researcher at the CAS Institute of Hydrobiology, served as the group leader for Yichang-Chenglingji section during the expedition in 2022. "We could see more green along the Yangtze River, the river bank looked more natural, and there were more fish in the water," he said, adding, "We are also more optimistic that these 'smiling angels' would have a better future." (Xinhua/Wang Yijie)
Jordan's Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi (R) and British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly attend a press conference in Amman, Jordan, on July 27, 2023. Ayman Safadi on Thursday called for an end to "all illegal Israeli actions" that undermine the two-state solution. (Photo by Mohammad Abu Ghosh/Xinhua)

AMMAN, July 27 (Xinhua) -- Jordan's Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi urged an end to "all illegal Israeli actions" that undermine the two-state solution during a joint press conference with visiting British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly in the capital Amman.

Safadi condemned Israeli extremists for storming the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound and performing "provocative" religious rituals in violation of international law.

The two-state solution refers to a proposed framework for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, aiming to establish two separate and independent states -- Israel and Palestine -- coexisting in peace and security.

At the press conference, the Jordanian minister said they also discussed the burden of hosting refugees and the decline in international support for Syrian refugees and relevant organizations.

For his part, Cleverly praised Jordan's "important" role in peacemaking and hailed its efforts in upholding regional peace and security.

The two sides also discussed strengthening bilateral ties by exploring opportunities for cooperation in areas of technology, investment, trade, defense and security, anti-terrorism, and more.

Also on Thursday, the UK official held talks with King Abdullah II of Jordan on enhancing bilateral cooperation in various sectors and the latest development of regional and international issues. 

Jordan's Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi (R) and British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly attend a press conference in Amman, Jordan, on July 27, 2023. Ayman Safadi on Thursday called for an end to "all illegal Israeli actions" that undermine the two-state solution. (Photo by Mohammad Abu Ghosh/Xinhua)
MANILA, July 28 (Xinhua) -- The death toll in the overcrowded passenger boat that capsized on Laguna de Bay off Rizal province on Thursday has climbed to 26, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said on Friday.

The PCG said the boat, which has a maximum capacity of 42, was carrying up to 70 people. The passengers were not wearing a life vest.

Search and retrieval operations continued on Friday morning, said the PCG.

The boat was traveling to Talim island in Laguna de Bay, the largest lake in the Philippines, from Binangonan town when the accident happened.

The accident occurred while Typhoon Doksuri was blowing away from the Philippines, triggering floods and landslides.

The PCG said strong winds buffeted the motorboat approximately 45 meters away from Binangonan town, triggering panic among the passengers.

Survivors interviewed by local media said the passengers rushed to one side of the boat when the wind and rain poured, causing the boat to tilt on one side, trapping many passengers under the boat. 
Wang Yi, director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs and Chinese foreign minister, meets with Hugh Todd, minister of foreign affairs of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, in Chengdu, capital city of southwest China's Sichuan Province, July 28, 2023. Todd accompanied Guyanese President Irfaan Ali for the opening ceremony of the Chengdu FISU World University Games. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao)

CHENGDU, July 28 (Xinhua) -- Wang Yi, director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs and Chinese foreign minister, met with Hugh Todd, minister of foreign affairs of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, on Friday in Chengdu, the capital city of southwest China's Sichuan Province.

Wang called on both sides to make joint efforts to deepen cooperation in various fields and push for sustained and in-depth development of bilateral relations under the guidance of the important consensus reached by the two heads of state.

Todd, who is accompanying Guyanese President Irfaan Ali for the opening ceremony of the Chengdu Universiade, said that Guyana firmly abides by the one-China principle and is a reliable strategic partner of China. It is believed that China will continue to show global leadership, promote solidarity among developing countries and promote the South-South cooperation, said Todd. 

Wang Yi, director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs and Chinese foreign minister, meets with Hugh Todd, minister of foreign affairs of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, in Chengdu, capital city of southwest China's Sichuan Province, July 28, 2023. Todd accompanied Guyanese President Irfaan Ali for the opening ceremony of the Chengdu FISU World University Games. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao)
This photo taken on July 18, 2023 shows neutron instruments of China Spallation Neutron Source (CSNS) under construction in Dongguan, south China's Guangdong Province.

In the city of Dongguan lies a world-class sci-tech project -- China Spallation Neutron Source (CSNS). Over 1,000 research tasks have been tackled since it started in August 2018.

Dubbed as a "super microscope," a spallation neutron source can produce and accelerate protons before smashing them into the target to produce neutrons, and the neutron beams will be directed to hit material samples. Researchers can thus accurately infer the atomic structure of the materials by measuring the distribution of scattered neutrons and their changes in energy and momentum.

The CSNS is a national major scientific and technological infrastructure and multi-disciplinary applied research platform, with 20 neutron channels planned and 22 neutron instruments and experimental terminals capable of construction. The CSNS provides strong support for research in materials science and technology, physics, chemistry and chemical industry, life science, and new energy in China. At present, the CSNS has completed 10 rounds of open operation. (Xinhua/Liu Dawei)

A researcher walks past the very small angle neutron scattering (VSANS) chamber system of China Spallation Neutron Source (CSNS) in Dongguan, south China's Guangdong Province, July 18, 2023.

In the city of Dongguan lies a world-class sci-tech project -- China Spallation Neutron Source (CSNS). Over 1,000 research tasks have been tackled since it started in August 2018.

Dubbed as a "super microscope," a spallation neutron source can produce and accelerate protons before smashing them into the target to produce neutrons, and the neutron beams will be directed to hit material samples. Researchers can thus accurately infer the atomic structure of the materials by measuring the distribution of scattered neutrons and their changes in energy and momentum.

The CSNS is a national major scientific and technological infrastructure and multi-disciplinary applied research platform, with 20 neutron channels planned and 22 neutron instruments and experimental terminals capable of construction. The CSNS provides strong support for research in materials science and technology, physics, chemistry and chemical industry, life science, and new energy in China. At present, the CSNS has completed 10 rounds of open operation. (Xinhua/Liu Dawei)

A researcher operates equipment at the accelerator radio frequency technology laboratory of China Spallation Neutron Source (CSNS) in Dongguan, south China's Guangdong Province, July 18, 2023.

In the city of Dongguan lies a world-class sci-tech project -- China Spallation Neutron Source (CSNS). Over 1,000 research tasks have been tackled since it started in August 2018.

Dubbed as a "super microscope," a spallation neutron source can produce and accelerate protons before smashing them into the target to produce neutrons, and the neutron beams will be directed to hit material samples. Researchers can thus accurately infer the atomic structure of the materials by measuring the distribution of scattered neutrons and their changes in energy and momentum.

The CSNS is a national major scientific and technological infrastructure and multi-disciplinary applied research platform, with 20 neutron channels planned and 22 neutron instruments and experimental terminals capable of construction. The CSNS provides strong support for research in materials science and technology, physics, chemistry and chemical industry, life science, and new energy in China. At present, the CSNS has completed 10 rounds of open operation. (Xinhua/Liu Dawei)

A researcher walks out of the control area of the very small angle neutron scattering (VSANS) of China Spallation Neutron Source (CSNS) in Dongguan, south China's Guangdong Province, July 18, 2023.

In the city of Dongguan lies a world-class sci-tech project -- China Spallation Neutron Source (CSNS). Over 1,000 research tasks have been tackled since it started in August 2018.

Dubbed as a "super microscope," a spallation neutron source can produce and accelerate protons before smashing them into the target to produce neutrons, and the neutron beams will be directed to hit material samples. Researchers can thus accurately infer the atomic structure of the materials by measuring the distribution of scattered neutrons and their changes in energy and momentum.

The CSNS is a national major scientific and technological infrastructure and multi-disciplinary applied research platform, with 20 neutron channels planned and 22 neutron instruments and experimental terminals capable of construction. The CSNS provides strong support for research in materials science and technology, physics, chemistry and chemical industry, life science, and new energy in China. At present, the CSNS has completed 10 rounds of open operation. (Xinhua/Liu Dawei)

An engineer installs high resolution neutron diffractometer equipment at China Spallation Neutron Source (CSNS) in Dongguan, south China's Guangdong Province, July 18, 2023.

In the city of Dongguan lies a world-class sci-tech project -- China Spallation Neutron Source (CSNS). Over 1,000 research tasks have been tackled since it started in August 2018.

Dubbed as a "super microscope," a spallation neutron source can produce and accelerate protons before smashing them into the target to produce neutrons, and the neutron beams will be directed to hit material samples. Researchers can thus accurately infer the atomic structure of the materials by measuring the distribution of scattered neutrons and their changes in energy and momentum.

The CSNS is a national major scientific and technological infrastructure and multi-disciplinary applied research platform, with 20 neutron channels planned and 22 neutron instruments and experimental terminals capable of construction. The CSNS provides strong support for research in materials science and technology, physics, chemistry and chemical industry, life science, and new energy in China. At present, the CSNS has completed 10 rounds of open operation. (Xinhua/Liu Dawei)

This photo taken on July 18, 2023 shows the interior of the very small angle neutron scattering (VSANS) chamber system of China Spallation Neutron Source (CSNS) in Dongguan, south China's Guangdong Province.

In the city of Dongguan lies a world-class sci-tech project -- China Spallation Neutron Source (CSNS). Over 1,000 research tasks have been tackled since it started in August 2018.

Dubbed as a "super microscope," a spallation neutron source can produce and accelerate protons before smashing them into the target to produce neutrons, and the neutron beams will be directed to hit material samples. Researchers can thus accurately infer the atomic structure of the materials by measuring the distribution of scattered neutrons and their changes in energy and momentum.

The CSNS is a national major scientific and technological infrastructure and multi-disciplinary applied research platform, with 20 neutron channels planned and 22 neutron instruments and experimental terminals capable of construction. The CSNS provides strong support for research in materials science and technology, physics, chemistry and chemical industry, life science, and new energy in China. At present, the CSNS has completed 10 rounds of open operation. (Xinhua/Liu Dawei)

This aerial photo taken on July 18, 2023 shows China Spallation Neutron Source (CSNS) in Dongguan, south China's Guangdong Province.

In the city of Dongguan lies a world-class sci-tech project -- China Spallation Neutron Source (CSNS). Over 1,000 research tasks have been tackled since it started in August 2018.

Dubbed as a "super microscope," a spallation neutron source can produce and accelerate protons before smashing them into the target to produce neutrons, and the neutron beams will be directed to hit material samples. Researchers can thus accurately infer the atomic structure of the materials by measuring the distribution of scattered neutrons and their changes in energy and momentum.

The CSNS is a national major scientific and technological infrastructure and multi-disciplinary applied research platform, with 20 neutron channels planned and 22 neutron instruments and experimental terminals capable of construction. The CSNS provides strong support for research in materials science and technology, physics, chemistry and chemical industry, life science, and new energy in China. At present, the CSNS has completed 10 rounds of open operation. (Xinhua/Liu Dawei)

This aerial photo taken on July 18, 2023 shows China Spallation Neutron Source (CSNS) in Dongguan, south China's Guangdong Province.

In the city of Dongguan lies a world-class sci-tech project -- China Spallation Neutron Source (CSNS). Over 1,000 research tasks have been tackled since it started in August 2018.

Dubbed as a "super microscope," a spallation neutron source can produce and accelerate protons before smashing them into the target to produce neutrons, and the neutron beams will be directed to hit material samples. Researchers can thus accurately infer the atomic structure of the materials by measuring the distribution of scattered neutrons and their changes in energy and momentum.

The CSNS is a national major scientific and technological infrastructure and multi-disciplinary applied research platform, with 20 neutron channels planned and 22 neutron instruments and experimental terminals capable of construction. The CSNS provides strong support for research in materials science and technology, physics, chemistry and chemical industry, life science, and new energy in China. At present, the CSNS has completed 10 rounds of open operation. (Xinhua/Liu Dawei)

This photo taken on July 18, 2023 shows the equipment at the accelerator radio frequency technology laboratory of China Spallation Neutron Source (CSNS) in Dongguan, south China's Guangdong Province.

In the city of Dongguan lies a world-class sci-tech project -- China Spallation Neutron Source (CSNS). Over 1,000 research tasks have been tackled since it started in August 2018.

Dubbed as a "super microscope," a spallation neutron source can produce and accelerate protons before smashing them into the target to produce neutrons, and the neutron beams will be directed to hit material samples. Researchers can thus accurately infer the atomic structure of the materials by measuring the distribution of scattered neutrons and their changes in energy and momentum.

The CSNS is a national major scientific and technological infrastructure and multi-disciplinary applied research platform, with 20 neutron channels planned and 22 neutron instruments and experimental terminals capable of construction. The CSNS provides strong support for research in materials science and technology, physics, chemistry and chemical industry, life science, and new energy in China. At present, the CSNS has completed 10 rounds of open operation. (Xinhua/Liu Dawei)

This photo taken on July 18, 2023 shows neutron instruments of China Spallation Neutron Source (CSNS) under construction in Dongguan, south China's Guangdong Province.

In the city of Dongguan lies a world-class sci-tech project -- China Spallation Neutron Source (CSNS). Over 1,000 research tasks have been tackled since it started in August 2018.

Dubbed as a "super microscope," a spallation neutron source can produce and accelerate protons before smashing them into the target to produce neutrons, and the neutron beams will be directed to hit material samples. Researchers can thus accurately infer the atomic structure of the materials by measuring the distribution of scattered neutrons and their changes in energy and momentum.

The CSNS is a national major scientific and technological infrastructure and multi-disciplinary applied research platform, with 20 neutron channels planned and 22 neutron instruments and experimental terminals capable of construction. The CSNS provides strong support for research in materials science and technology, physics, chemistry and chemical industry, life science, and new energy in China. At present, the CSNS has completed 10 rounds of open operation. (Xinhua/Liu Dawei)

A researcher maintains equipment at the accelerator radio frequency technology laboratory of China Spallation Neutron Source (CSNS) in Dongguan, south China's Guangdong Province, July 18, 2023.

In the city of Dongguan lies a world-class sci-tech project -- China Spallation Neutron Source (CSNS). Over 1,000 research tasks have been tackled since it started in August 2018.

Dubbed as a "super microscope," a spallation neutron source can produce and accelerate protons before smashing them into the target to produce neutrons, and the neutron beams will be directed to hit material samples. Researchers can thus accurately infer the atomic structure of the materials by measuring the distribution of scattered neutrons and their changes in energy and momentum.

The CSNS is a national major scientific and technological infrastructure and multi-disciplinary applied research platform, with 20 neutron channels planned and 22 neutron instruments and experimental terminals capable of construction. The CSNS provides strong support for research in materials science and technology, physics, chemistry and chemical industry, life science, and new energy in China. At present, the CSNS has completed 10 rounds of open operation. (Xinhua/Liu Dawei)

A researcher operates equipment at the accelerator radio frequency technology laboratory of China Spallation Neutron Source (CSNS) in Dongguan, south China's Guangdong Province, July 18, 2023.

In the city of Dongguan lies a world-class sci-tech project -- China Spallation Neutron Source (CSNS). Over 1,000 research tasks have been tackled since it started in August 2018.

Dubbed as a "super microscope," a spallation neutron source can produce and accelerate protons before smashing them into the target to produce neutrons, and the neutron beams will be directed to hit material samples. Researchers can thus accurately infer the atomic structure of the materials by measuring the distribution of scattered neutrons and their changes in energy and momentum.

The CSNS is a national major scientific and technological infrastructure and multi-disciplinary applied research platform, with 20 neutron channels planned and 22 neutron instruments and experimental terminals capable of construction. The CSNS provides strong support for research in materials science and technology, physics, chemistry and chemical industry, life science, and new energy in China. At present, the CSNS has completed 10 rounds of open operation. (Xinhua/Liu Dawei)
YANGON, July 28 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar recorded a 13.42-percent decrease in beans and pulses exports year-on-year, amounting to over 424,187 tons during the first quarter of the 2023-24 fiscal year, according to the Ministry of Commerce on Friday.

Between April 1 and June 30 this year, Myanmar earned more than 333.46 million U.S. dollars from the export of beans and pulses, as compared to 369.813 million U.S. dollars earned from exporting more than 489,985 tons in the same period last year, showed the ministry's figures.

Myanmar exported more than 20 types of beans and pulses to countries including China, India and the European countries during the period. The exported varieties included black grams, green mung beans, chick peas, red kidney beans and butter beans.

"Exports of beans and pulses slightly decreased this year as our price is a little bit higher in the foreign market," U Ye Lin Tun, a beans and pulses exporter, told Xinhua on Friday.

"Black gram and green mung beans are Myanmar's top exported beans and pulses. Black grams were exported to India, and green mung beans were exported to China," he said.

For exporters, who were required to convert 65 percent of their export earnings into local currency kyats with the central bank's reference exchange rate, the Central Bank of Myanmar eased its foreign currency rules in July, allowing them to convert just 50 percent of their earnings.

The central bank's action has led to a slight improvement in the export of beans and pulses, but not a significant one, exporters said.

The central bank's reference exchange rate stood at 2,100 kyats per U.S. dollar on Friday, while the exchange rate at local currency exchange counters stood at around 3,000 kyats per U.S. dollar.

U Min Min, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, told Xinhua, "We will be able to increase our export volume by enhancing the production of beans and pulses. Therefore, we are making cooperation with relevant organizations to boost production."

The Southeast Asian country shipped about 87 percent, or over 369,237 tons, of beans and pulses via sea routes, and transported the remaining about 13 percent, or over 54,950 tons, of beans and pulses through land borders during the three months, the ministry's data said. Myanmar usually does most of its foreign trade through sea routes as it has a long coastline.

According to the Myanmar Pulses, Beans, Maize and Sesame Seeds Merchants Association, Green grams and black grams are the most commonly cultivated beans and pulses in Myanmar, accounting for around 60 to 70 percent of the total production of beans and pulses in the country.

Myanmar exported more than 1.91 million tons of beans and pulses including over 691,399 tons of green grams in the 2022-23 fiscal year, the ministry's figures showed.

Beans and pulses are Myanmar's second-most cultivated crops after rice, accounting for around 33 percent of the country's total agricultural production. 
LUSAKA, July 28 (Xinhua) -- Four people died and 25 others were seriously injured early Friday when a bus collided head-on with a truck in central Zambia, police said.

The driver of the bus was trying to overtake when the vehicle crashed into a truck from the opposite direction in Kabwe town, police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga said in a statement.

The driver, his helper and two others on the bus, died on the spot; 25 others sustained serious injures, the statement said.

Crashes involving public buses are often reported in Zambia, many blamed on careless driving. 
MANILA, July 28 (Xinhua) -- The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the police have started a probe to determine the liability of a boat captain and the PCG personnel in a passenger boat accident which killed at least 26 persons, said a PCG spokesman on Friday.

PCG spokesman Armando Balilo told a television interview that the motorboat, which capsized in Laguna de Bay off Rizal province in the Philippines on Thursday, was carrying nearly 70 people, with only a maximum capacity of 42.

The passenger boat was traveling to Talim island in Laguna de Bay from Binangonan town when the accident happened. Survivors interviewed by local media said the passengers rushed to one side of the boat when it was buffeted by strong winds and rains, causing the boat to tilt on one side, trapping many passengers under the boat.

As search and retrieval operations continue, by Friday noontime, the PCG has accounted for 66 passengers, including 26 deaths and 40 survivors.

In the official manifest submitted by the boat captain to the local PCG unit, only 22 passengers were listed, plus two crew and the captain, said Balilo.

"The boat's captain has admitted that he overloaded the boat and did not ask the passengers to wear life jackets," Balilo said, adding there were indeed "excess" passengers on the ill-fated boat.

Cesar Ynares, mayor of Binangonan, said the PCG should be investigated for not inspecting the overloaded boat before it departed.

One male survivor told local media that there was no PCG personnel when the boat left the port.

"Many were trapped in the overturned boat," he said, adding they were not wearing life jackets but admitted to having seen the lifesaving device on the boat. 
Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili in Chengdu, capital city of southwest China's Sichuan Province, July 28, 2023. Garibashvili is in Chengdu to attend the opening ceremony of the 31st summer edition of the FISU World University Games and visit China. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao)

CHENGDU, July 28 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday met with Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili in Chengdu, capital city of southwest China's Sichuan Province.

Garibashvili is here to attend the opening ceremony of the 31st summer edition of the FISU World University Games and visit China.

Over the past 31 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, China and Georgia have consolidated political mutual trust and scored remarkable achievements in cooperation in various fields, Xi said.

He said that during Garibashvili's visit, both sides will issue a joint statement and announce the establishment of China-Georgia strategic partnership.

Taking this as a new starting point, China and Georgia should plan bilateral relations from a strategic and long-term perspective, promote the sound and steady development of the strategic partnership, and provide momentum for the development and revitalization of both countries, Xi said.

Xi said China and Georgia should understand and support each other on issues concerning their respective core interests and be good friends and partners based on mutual respect, mutual trust and equality.

He also stressed that both sides should carry forward traditional friendship and enhance exchanges and cooperation in various fields.

China is ready to work with Georgia to jointly promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, Xi said, adding that China welcomes Georgia to expand its exports of high-quality products to China and encourages Chinese enterprises to invest in Georgia.

The Communist Party of China always cares about the future of humanity, Xi said.

Xi said that he had put forward the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative with the aim of upholding the international system with the United Nations at its core and the international order based on international law, and solving global issues related to peace and development.

Expressing gratitude for China's long-term support for Georgia and respect for Georgia's sovereignty and independence, Garibashvili said Georgia firmly upholds the one-China policy.

Garibashvili said that Georgia supports the Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative proposed by President Xi and will actively participate in their implementation.

The elevation of Georgia-China relations to a strategic partnership will bring more opportunities to Georgia, Garibashvili said, expressing the hope that Georgia will expand and deepen cooperation with China in economy, trade and various other fields.

Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Wang Yi, and Shen Yiqin attended the meeting. 

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili in Chengdu, capital city of southwest China's Sichuan Province, July 28, 2023. Garibashvili is in Chengdu to attend the opening ceremony of the 31st summer edition of the FISU World University Games and visit China. (Xinhua/Zhang Ling)
A man works in downtown Madrid, Spain, on July 27, 2023. The number of jobholders in Spain has reached an all-time high of 21.96 million, the country's Statistical Office said Thursday in its quarterly Economically Active Population Survey (EPA). (Photo by Gustavo Valiente/Xinhua)

MADRID, July 27 (Xinhua) -- The number of jobholders in Spain has reached an all-time-high of about 21.96 million, the country's Statistical Office said Thursday in its quarterly Economically Active Population Survey (EPA).

This is thanks to 610,000 new jobs created in the private sector linked mainly to the tourism and service sector.

Meanwhile, the number of people registered as unemployed fell by 365,300 between April and June, meaning 2,762,500 people without a job. This corresponds to an 11.6 percent unemployment rate.

While the number of people working in the public sector has decreased by 6,200, the unemployment data is still the best since 2008, especially as the data from 15 years ago was partly due to an overheated construction sector, which subsequently lead to a financial and economic crisis.

The number of unemployed fell by 208,600 and 23,400 in the service and construction sectors, respectively. Seven of Spain's autonomous regions, Catalonia, the Balearic Islands, Aragon, Navarra, Euskadi, La Rioja and Cantabria now have unemployment rates below 10 percent.

Nadia Calvino, Spain's acting minister for the economy and deputy prime minister, called the quarterly figures "historical" data, while her ministry praised the "strength and dynamism of the Spanish economy," which now benefits "both families and companies."

Meanwhile, Acting Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who is currently in negotiations to form a government in the wake of last Sunday's general election, called the results "extraordinary data that shows the strength of our economy." 

A woman walks out of an employment office in Madrid, Spain, on July 27, 2023. The number of jobholders in Spain has reached an all-time high of 21.96 million, the country's Statistical Office said Thursday in its quarterly Economically Active Population Survey (EPA). (Photo by Gustavo Valiente/Xinhua)

A sanitation worker works in downtown Madrid, Spain, on July 27, 2023. The number of jobholders in Spain has reached an all-time high of 21.96 million, the country's Statistical Office said Thursday in its quarterly Economically Active Population Survey (EPA). (Photo by Gustavo Valiente/Xinhua)

A waiter works at a restaurant in downtown Madrid, Spain, on July 27, 2023. The number of jobholders in Spain has reached an all-time high of 21.96 million, the country's Statistical Office said Thursday in its quarterly Economically Active Population Survey (EPA). (Photo by Gustavo Valiente/Xinhua)
KIGALI, July 28 (Xinhua) -- An agriculture exhibition is showcasing modern technologies to Rwandan farmers to help them raise crop output and improve livelihoods.

The annual event, organized by the Rwandan Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources, is held this year under the theme "Transforming Agriculture into a Resilient and Competitive Sector through Technology, Innovation and Investment."

A starter pump, designed to help farmers grow crops uninterrupted all year round and avoid dependence on rainfall, is one of the technologies showcased at the July 20-29 show in Mulindi show ground in Kigali, the Rwandan capital.

Designed by KickStart International, a non-profit social enterprise, the manual pump is seen as one of the most affordable irrigation tools in Rwanda.

A bigger starter pump can suck water from seven meters deep and irrigate 0.8 hectares of land while a smaller one can fetch water from six meters deep and cover 0.4 hectares.

Faustin Migisha, a partnership officer for KickStart International, said farmers using such pumps are able to safeguard their crops and raise output thanks to improved irrigation.

"The starter irrigation pump was launched recently. The company gets funds for research to come up with that kind of technology," Migisha told Xinhua.

"Our pumps are manual, meaning it doesn't cost farmers fuel, and maintenance is almost free. We give farmers a whole package of pumps with spare parts and train farmers how to maintain them," he said.

The organization works with about 1,000 farmers, mostly in eastern Rwanda, an area prone to drought.

Claudine Uwintege, a 42-year-old farmer from Kayonza district, recalled that her maize yields used to be poor due to insufficient rainfall.

"I was excited when my maize yields improved after I adopted irrigation because it enabled crops to thrive even during a dry spell," she said.

The Rwandan economy is dominated by agriculture, with many farmers practicing semi-subsistence agriculture.

Rwanda aims to replace subsistence farming with fully monetized and technology-intensive commercial agriculture and agro-processing by 2050.

The country's agricultural production growth dropped from 6.4 percent in 2021 to 1.6 percent in 2022, according to central bank data, partly due to bad weather.

Therefore, innovative technology is critical in sustaining production and enhancing farming output, Migisha said.

"Farmers we work with have reported having enough food for their consumption as they are able to plant their crops in all seasons all year round," he said, adding that irrigation is expensive, but they try to bring affordable technology.

Another tool on display at the exhibition is a multipurpose power tiller that caters for mainly small-scale farmers who cannot afford to hire tractors.

For bushy areas, the machine slashes and then tills, said Jean Hakizimana, who works for Youth Engagement in Agriculture Network (YEAN), another social enterprise.

"We till for farmers at affordable prices. We have tractors, and small power tillers which can till for small holder farmers working on small farmland," he told Xinhua at his booth.

"Anybody can use a power tiller as it doesn't require a lot of energy," Hakizimana said. "Farmers have been able to increase their output because they are able to plant their crops in time."

YEAN currently works with 40,000 farmers, with a target of reaching 150,000 by 2025.

The organization seeks to empower farmers and agripreneurs by fostering agribusiness innovation, Hakizimana said.

He urges farmers to embrace modern farming: "Even when you grow crops on a small plot of land, with technology the output can increase and ensure household food security and surplus for sale." 
CHENGDU, July 28 (Xinhua) -- The latest on the opening ceremony of Chengdu Universiade (all times local):

8:00 p.m.

The Chengdu Universiade opening ceremony started.

The countdown segment consists of three components: video, scene images and fireworks.

The Golden Sun Birds fly through time and space. With four immortal birds circling the sun, 12 golden rays light up in succession, illuminating every corner of the world.

This creative design showcases the qualities that are deeply embedded in the Chinese culture for millennia-harmony, inclusiveness and pursuit of brightness. It also conveys Chengdu's best wishes to university students from across the globe.

Unearthed at the Jinsha archaeological site, the Sun and Immortal Birds Gold Ornament is a gold foil dating back 3,000 years and is listed as the logo of China Cultural Heritage. The auspicious and propitious heavenly birds depict people's aspirations to ascend to the sun and symbolize light, strength and hope.

Splendid fireworks burst into the sky, displaying the countdown digits. As the last digit disappears, hibiscus flowers bloom, conveying the message that Chengdu, the "City of Hibiscus" welcomes student athletes from across the world. 
WASHINGTON, July 28 (Xinhua) -- The foundation of China-U.S. relations lies in the people, said a senior Chinese diplomat at a cultural event hosted by the Chinese Embassy in the United States on Thursday.

The event "Evening at the Chinese Embassy" was held in partnership with the local organization "Things to Do DC." More than 200 local community members gathered to experience traditional Chinese culture, watch cultural performances, and taste Chinese delicacies.

In her opening remarks, Xu Xueyuan, minister of the Chinese Embassy in the United States, said that the Chinese pursue a harmonious social relationship. She quoted Confucius as saying "gentlemen pursue harmony without uniformity." This line of thinking explains why Chinese people advocate seeking common ground and allow for differences in their daily lives.

Xu said that the Chinese seek a harmonious relationship between humans and nature, namely "People's well-being must come first" and "all creatures are equal." These ideas are visible in China's efforts to protect the ecological environment and pursue sustainable development.

Xu also said that the Chinese value a harmonious international relationship. The Chinese culture has all along valued peace and harmony among nations and countries. This is apparent in China's foreign policy line that advocates all countries, big or small, are equal members of the international community and fellow partners in building a community with a shared future for mankind.

Xu also underscored that the foundation of the China-U.S. relationship lies in the people. Cultural communication is an important bridge for mutual understanding, respect, and commonality.

"We hope tonight's program will encourage you to explore more about China and its ongoing efforts for modernization. We also encourage you to travel to China in the future. You will find an open and prospering country of hope and promise," Xu said.

In the following cultural session, young diplomats introduced Chinese tea culture to the guests. A tea master showed the guests how to make tea with traditional teaware, and invited the guests to try tea making and tasting.

Musicians from the Washington Chinese Traditional Orchestra introduced traditional Chinese instruments including the guzheng, pipa, bamboo flute, dulcimer, and erhu, and performed folk melodies such as "A Joyful Day," "A Heavenly Road," and "Flowers and Full Moon." The students from the U.S. Wushu Academy gave martial arts performances, garnering a lot of applause from the audience. The magician Li Peng, who combined Sichuan opera face-changing with magic, brought the atmosphere to a climax.

In the calligraphy booth, the guests learned about China's "Four Treasures of the Study," and tried writing their Chinese names and words for good wishes. In the Han-style clothing booth, they tried on traditional costumes and took pictures. In the food booth, they tasted Peking Duck, Typhoon Shelter Prawns, Yangzhou Fried Rice and other Chinese delicacies.

The guests also posed for group photos, expressed their keen interest in Chinese culture, and praised the event as an enjoyable and memorable experience. 
BRISBANE, Australia, July 28 (Xinhua) -- The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has launched a transport safety investigation after two single-engine light aircraft collided at Caboolture Airport in Queensland on Friday.

The national transport safety investigator confirmed that the incident occurred shortly after 10:30 a.m. local time, when a Jabiru J430 was taking off from one runway while a Piper Pawnee was landing on a crossing runway.

Both occupants of the Jabiru were fatally injured, and the Pawnee pilot was uninjured.

ATSB said that some investigators already arrived at the scene, with more to join them on Saturday morning.

"Investigators will begin gathering evidence by mapping the accident site, examining the aircraft wreckage, interviewing the surviving pilot and witnesses, and collecting relevant recorded information such as any CCTV footage and flight tracking data," said the bureau, also calling on possible witnesses to provide information.

A preliminary report is expected to be published in approximately six to eight weeks. 
BEIJING, July 28 (Xinhua) -- China's National Meteorological Center on Friday renewed an orange alert for rainstorms as heavy downpours are expected to lash multiple regions of the country.

From 2 p.m. Friday to 2 p.m. Saturday, heavy downpours and rainstorms are forecast to hit regions including Fujian, Jiangxi, Zhejiang, Shanghai, Anhui, Hebei, Shandong, and Henan, according to the center.

Some parts of these regions are forecast to experience heavy rainfall, with maximum hourly precipitation surpassing 80 millimeters, accompanied by thunderstorms and gales.

Local governments have been advised to brace for the rainstorms and inspect drainage systems in cities, farmlands and fishponds. Transport authorities have been asked to adopt traffic control measures on road sections with heavy rainfall and guide traffic in waterlogged sections.

The center has also suggested that dangerous outdoor power supplies be cut in low-lying areas, outdoor operations be suspended in open areas, and people in at-risk areas or residing in at-risk buildings be relocated to safe sites.

China has a four-tier weather warning system, with red representing the most severe warning, followed by orange, yellow and blue. Enditem

rongjiaojiao 13810692008
Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye in Chengdu, capital city of southwest China's Sichuan Province, July 28, 2023. Ndayishimiye is here to attend the opening ceremony of the 31st summer edition of the FISU World University Games and visit China. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu)

CHENGDU, July 28 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday met with Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye in Chengdu, capital city of southwest China's Sichuan Province.

Ndayishimiye is here to attend the opening ceremony of the 31st summer edition of the FISU World University Games and visit China.

Xi said that China-Burundi relations have withstood the test of international changes and uncertainties, and the two countries are all-weather friends who share weal and woe and good partners respecting each other and developing together.

China firmly supports Burundi in upholding national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and in pursuing an independent and self-reliant development path, Xi said. 

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye in Chengdu, capital city of southwest China's Sichuan Province, July 28, 2023. Ndayishimiye is here to attend the opening ceremony of the 31st summer edition of the FISU World University Games and visit China. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu)
Maxim Kontsevich gives a lecture at Yanqi Lake Beijing Institute of Mathematical Sciences and Applications in Beijing, capital of China, July 19, 2023. (Tsinghua University/Handout via Xinhua)

BEIJING, July 28 (Xinhua) -- "Basic research in China has developed rapidly in recent years. In mathematics, China not only has traditional advantages but is also playing an increasingly important role," said Fields Medal winner Maxim Kontsevich at an international conference on basic science.

China has made continuous progress in basic science in recent years, especially in quantum physics, which is impressive, Kontsevich told Xinhua at the International Congress of Basic Science held in Beijing from July 16 to 28.

The congress brought together over 800 leading scientists and renowned scholars, including Kontsevich, from home and abroad to promote collaboration and knowledge exchanges. It focused on three branches of basic science: mathematics, theoretical physics, and theoretical computer and information sciences.

A professor at L'Institut des Hautes Etudes Scientifiques in France, Kontsevich won international prizes, such as the Fields Medal, the Henri Poincare Prize, and the Crafoord Prize, by groundbreaking contributions to mathematics and physics.

He said that international cooperation and open sharing are important to promote the development of basic science.

"This conference is a good opportunity for scholars who study basic science. I find it interesting to meet and exchange ideas with scholars globally and learn about the latest progress on the academic front," he added.

In 1998, Kontsevich won the prestigious Fields Medal, which is often described as the Nobel Prize in mathematics.

For scholars about 40 years old, the Fields Medal is an honor and encouragement. But for the younger generation, the more important significance of winning the award is to guide them to the important direction of the development of mathematical research, he said, adding that "winning the award should not be the goal in life."

"There are strong traditional advantages of mathematics in China. Now there are more and more mathematicians in China working in different fields, not to mention that some of them are very talented young people," he commented.

He said he hopes that more young people in China can understand the beauty of mathematics and continue to explore the mathematical world. "Mathematics is between art and science, and it is a beautiful subject, worth exploring and learning about life in general."

He believes that researchers often need several years to grasp the essence of challenges to solve difficult problems in basic science. "Researchers must do their best, concentrate, and spend a fairly long time to make achievements."

"Instead of putting pressure on them, we need to provide more options and possibilities for those who work slowly but study deeply to do long-term research," he said.

He added that mathematics is the foundation of natural science. In the past half-century, mathematics has played an important role in the development and progress of human society, especially the impressively wide application of mathematics in modern information technology.

"It's common in mathematical research to constantly run into problems and not know what to do next. But mathematicians must keep on exploring, not running away from it."

"When you overcome difficulties, solve puzzles, or see new beautiful structures, you will feel a great sense of accomplishment," Kontsevich said. 

Maxim Kontsevich delivers a report at Tsinghua University in Beijing, capital of China, March 6, 2023. (Tsinghua University/Handout via Xinhua)
PYONGYANG, July 28 (Xinhua) -- Li Hongzhong, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and vice chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee has paid a visit upon invitation to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) as head of a delegation of the Party and government representatives, starting from July 26.

During the visit, Kim Jong Un, general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) and president of the State Affairs of the DPRK, met with Li.

Li handed over a letter signed by Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee. In the letter, Xi pointed out that 70 years ago, the Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV), together with the people and army of DPRK, achieved a great victory in resisting U.S. aggression and aiding Korea, and forged a great friendship bond by blood. No matter how the international situation may change, it is always the unswerving policy of the CPC and the Chinese government to maintain, consolidate and develop China-DPRK relations, said Xi in the letter.

Noting that in recent years, Xi and Kim have met five times, ushering in a new era of China-DPRK relations, Li said that China is willing to implement the important consensus reached by the top leaders of the two parties and countries with the DPRK, strengthen communication and exchanges, advance practical cooperation, promote the sound and steady development of China-DPRK relations, and make positive contributions to maintaining peace and stability on the peninsula and of the region.

Kim expressed sincere gratitude to Xi for the signed letter, saying that the party and people of the DPRK will always remember the immortal achievements of the CPV martyrs. He added that the DPRK is willing to consolidate traditional friendship with China, strengthen exchanges and cooperation, push DPRK-China relations to a higher level, and jointly safeguard regional peace and stability and the common interests of both sides.

During his visit, Li also met with Choe Ryong-hae and other DPRK leaders, attended the commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the Korean War armistice, visited the China-DPRK Friendship Tower, and went to the cemetery of the martyrs of the CPV in Hoechang County. 
He Lifeng, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and vice premier, speaks during a teleconference on advancing the work of urban village renewal in megacities in Beijing, capital of China, July 28, 2023. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing)

BEIJING, July 28 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, attended on Friday a teleconference on advancing the work of urban village renewal in megacities.

Actively and steadily advancing the renewal of urban villages will help eliminate the shortcomings of urban construction and governance, improve the living environment and conditions of residents, expand domestic demand, and optimize the real-estate structure, according to the vice premier.

He called for coming up with new ideas and new ways to solve the problems, including how to calculate gains and losses, how to use money, how to levy land, and how to settle people and industries.

He stressed that the renewal of urban villages is a complex and arduous systematic project, which should be classified and transformed in different ways, such as dismantling and rebuilding, renovating and upgrading, and combining the two approaches.

He further highlighted overall planning, public infrastructure construction, and the inheritance and protection of historical and cultural heritage during the renewal work.

Relevant departments should improve the policy system as soon as possible, and relevant city governments should earnestly fulfill their principal responsibilities, strengthen their leadership, and improve working mechanisms, so as to advance the urban village renewal work to achieve effective results. 
Chinese Ambassador to Algeria Li Jian addresses a reception to mark the 96th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People's Liberation Army in Algiers, Algeria, July 27, 2023. (Xinhua)

ALGIERS, July 28 (Xinhua) -- The defense attache at the Chinese embassy in Algeria Thursday called on China and Algeria to strengthen pragmatic defense and security cooperation in order to jointly safeguard international and regional peace and stability.

At a reception to mark the 96th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, Hu Xijun hailed the fruitful exchanges between the armed forces of China and Algeria.

He said China is committed to upholding world peace by sending nearly 50,000 troops to 25 UN peacekeeping missions.

In his address to the reception, Chinese Ambassador to Algeria Li Jian said China and Algeria are sincere friends and natural partners in the pursuit of common development and national rejuvenation.

He emphasized that the Chinese and Algerian militaries stand firm in safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and pursue a defensive policy with a shared philosophy of not seeking to engage in military actions for hegemonic purposes.

He added that the militaries of the two countries bear common responsibilities to maintain international and regional peace and stability.

More than 200 people, including representatives from the Algerian government, parliament and military, attended the reception. 
This photo taken on July 28, 2023 shows a street view of Niamey, the capital of Niger. (Xinhua)

NIAMEY, July 28 (Xinhua) -- General Abdourahamane Tchiani, leader of Niger's presidential guard, has been named "president of the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland" following a military takeover, state television reported Friday.

Soldiers in Niger have overthrown President Mohamed Bazoum, the country's Defense and Security Forces (FDS) said in a press release broadcast on state television late on Wednesday, hours after the president was allegedly held hostage.

"This follows the continued deterioration of the security situation, poor economic and social governance," said Col Maj Amadou Abdramane, a member of the FDS and National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland, newly established by soldiers.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Bazoum, as the world body is suspending humanitarian operations in Niger due to the situation in the country.

"The problem on the air right now is that our humanitarian flights cannot fly within the country which means that our humanitarian operations are suspended," Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for Guterres, told reporters later at a daily press briefing.

There are currently 4.3 million people in need of humanitarian assistance in Niger, compared to 1.9 million in 2017, Dujarric said.

More than 370,000 people are displaced within Niger, which also hosts more than 250,000 refugees, mainly from Nigeria, Mali and Burkina Faso, according to the spokesman.

Namibia strongly condemned the attempted coup in Niger on Thursday. In a statement, Penda Naanda, executive director in the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation, said that Namibia stands firmly against any attempt to seize power through unconstitutional means.

"Namibia remains resolute in its stance on zero tolerance for acceding to power through unconstitutional means and supports the statement by the African Union on the attempted coup, in which it calls on the people of Niger, as well as all their brothers in Africa, particularly those in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and around the world, to unite in unanimous condemnation of the coup attempt and to demand the immediate and unconditional return of the soldiers to their barracks," Naanda said.

The ECOWAS is a regional political and economic union of 15 countries located in West Africa.

West African leaders are closely monitoring the developments in Niger and would resist any attempted coup in that country, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu said Wednesday.

Tinubu, also chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the ECOWAS, said in a statement that he has been in close consultation with other leaders in the region. "The ECOWAS leadership will not accept any action that impedes the smooth functioning of legitimate authority in Niger or any part of West Africa." 
MOGADISHU, July 28 (Xinhua) -- The African Union (AU) Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) and the European Union Capacity Building Mission in Somalia (EUCAP Somalia) have wrapped up a two-week specialized training on maritime security as part of ongoing efforts to protect the country's long coastline.

The AU mission said in a statement issued on Thursday evening in the Somali capital of Mogadishu that 15 Somali Navy and Coast Guard (SNCG) officers took part in the training on general seamanship, basic safety, boat maintenance, radio communications, maritime law, and first aid skills.

Sam Okiding, ATMIS force commander, described the training as a key milestone for Somalia in building a strong naval force that would be significant in supporting the country's security architecture, ahead of the ATMIS exit in December 2024.

"This second training is in line with the objectives enshrined in the Somali Transition Plan and the ATMIS mandate, specifically with regard to mentorship and capacity building of the Federal Government of Somalia institutions across all domains," Okiding said.

The first group, also comprising 15 soldiers, completed a similar training in June which involved both theory and practical sessions.

The ATMIS said the objective of the training was to prepare Somali security forces to assume maritime security responsibilities ahead of the exit of ATMIS forces at the end of 2024.

Somalia boasts Africa's longest coastline, and its security is critical to the stability of the country and the Horn of Africa region in general.

Sven Lidner, senior maritime advisor for EUCAP Somalia, noted that the crisis management mission would continue training Somali security forces to help the country establish an efficient and vibrant security force.

"It is critical for us to continue with the series of training, ideally every two to three months, in order to continue and improve the capacity of the SNCG," Lidner said.

Abdiwahid Ali Afrah, SNCG deputy commander, lauded the facilitators for instilling the necessary skills and knowledge in the officers.

"We have seen the fruits of their labor in securing our coastline," he said, adding that the training would also help improve professional standards in the country's navy. 
MOGADISHU, July 28 (Xinhua) -- Somali health authorities and the World Health Organization (WHO) on Friday renewed their commitment to eliminating viral hepatitis in the country.

Somalia's Ministry of Health and the WHO said in a joint statement issued in the Somali capital of Mogadishu to mark World Hepatitis Day that they are working to achieve the global goal of eliminating viral hepatitis by 2030.

"To reach this goal, the WHO supports the federal and state ministries of health in enhancing access to universal health coverage, including hepatitis testing, treatment and vaccines," the WHO said.

The UN health agency has called for scaling up testing and treatment for viral hepatitis, warning that the disease could kill more people than malaria, tuberculosis and HIV combined by 2040 if current infection trends continue.

Aweiys Hersi Hashi, manager of the National Hepatitis Program at the Ministry of Health, lauded the critical support extended by the WHO country office in managing the disease burden of hepatitis in Somalia, including blood transfusion screenings and integrating the vaccine into childhood immunization schedules.

"We are struggling to expand these services to every part of the country, for which we will urge the partners to support the WHO and the ministry to expand the service to ensure the goals of universal health coverage in Somalia could be achieved," Hersi said.

This year, the hepatitis campaign is under the slogan "One Life, One Liver," emphasizing the link between viral hepatitis infection and liver inflammation.

Although the Ministry of Health, together with the WHO and other partners, has made progress in improving access to hepatitis testing and treatment, the road toward elimination is a long one. Limited data availability in Somalia adds to the challenges of combating viral hepatitis despite the progress made in improving access to hepatitis testing and treatment, the WHO said, noting that 2.5 million people in Somalia are estimated to live with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) and C (HCV).

Rogers Busulwa from the WHO country office said collecting data is crucial for understanding the burden of viral hepatitis beyond blood donor populations.

"It is also critical to prioritize the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis. There is significant potential to leverage the efforts of the HIV program to support these efforts," Busulwa added.

Hepatitis, a viral infection that primarily affects the liver and can cause lasting damage and inflammation, is a global health concern that particularly affects low- and middle-income countries, including Somalia, according to the WHO.

Limited resources, insufficient healthcare infrastructure, and low awareness all contribute to high transmission rates and limited access to testing and treatment, it said. 
KUALA LUMPUR, July 28 (Xinhua) -- Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim met with John Lee, chief executive of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), here on Thursday to enhance ties and cooperation.

Anwar said he discussed issues of interest including trade, investment, finance, transit rail system, education and tourism cooperation with Lee.

Noting that Malaysia is Hong Kong's ninth-largest trading partner and the third-largest among member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Lee said that the bilateral trade in goods between the two sides last year recorded a year-on-year increase of 7 percent, reaching 28.1 billion U.S. dollars.

He added that the HKSAR government will further strengthen cooperation and exchanges with Malaysia in such areas as commerce and trade, investment, innovation and technology, as well as culture and tourism.

Lee, who will continue his visit in Kuala Lumpur on Friday, will visit local enterprises and attend a business luncheon jointly organized by the HKSAR government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council to exchange views with local business leaders.

Lee is leading a delegation to Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia to further strengthen the cooperation between Hong Kong and ASEAN member states. 
STOCKHOLM, July 28 (Xinhua) -- Sweden's gross domestic product (GDP) contracted by 2.4 percent in the second quarter (Q2) of 2023 compared with the same period in 2022, Statistics Sweden said on Friday.

Compared with the previous quarter and adjusted for seasonal variations, the decline was 1.5 percent, it said in a press release.

The sharpest drop in the quarter was in registered June, when GDP was down 3.6 percent compared with the same month in 2022.

"We have seen a decline in Swedish economic activity through the second quarter of 2023 with June taking one additional step downwards," Mattias Kain Wyatt, an economist at Statistics Sweden, said in the press release.

"There is more than one underlying component explaining the decrease, but one factor in the last month of the quarter was a decline in (the) exports of goods," Kain Wyatt said.

Apart from the COVID-19 pandemic year of 2020, it was the first time since 2009 that the Swedish economy contracted every month in a quarter compared with the corresponding month the previous year.

The state of the Swedish economy was also reflected in a report released by the National Institute of Economic Research (NIER) on Thursday.

The government agency said that their Economic Tendency Indicator fell 2.4 percent to 87.5 in July, indicating that businesses have increasingly negative expectations for the future.

According to the European Commission's Economic Forecast released in February, Sweden's economy was deemed the worst in the European Union and predicted to shrink by 0.8 percent in 2023. 
KIEV, July 27 (Xinhua) -- Andriy Pyshnyy, chairman of the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU), said on Thursday that Ukraine will require at least 37 billion U.S. dollars in external financing next year due to high expenditures on defense.

"International support will remain very important for maintaining macrofinancial stability in the coming years," Pyshnyy was quoted as saying by the bank's press service.

The official stressed the need for Ukraine to continue its cooperation with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and other foreign partners to obtain the aid.

Pyshnyy informed that since the beginning of this year, Ukraine received about 27 billion dollars in international assistance, which allowed it to boost foreign reserves to an all-time high of 39 billion dollars at the end of June.

At the end of this year, international assistance for Ukraine is expected to reach 42 billion dollars, Pyshnyy said. 
BEIJING, July 28 (Xinhua) -- As record-breaking wildfires in Canada are devouring lands, threatening human health, and shrinking wildlife habitats, the massive carbon emissions caused by the fires have also become a major concern of the global community.

The United Nations (UN) and scientists are calling for a globally coordinated response to the common threat to the planet's future.

SPREADING WILDFIRES

By the end of July, over 1,000 wildfires are burning more than 100,000 square km of land in Canada, more than 600 of them out of control and growing rapidly, according to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Center (CIFFC). The burnt area is equivalent to the size of Iceland or South Korea.

This exceeds the record of some 76,000 square km set in 1989 and is four times of average Canadian wildfire burning area, which should be around 25,000 square km per year.

According to local media, more Canadians have been evacuated from their homes this year than in the last four decades, with more than 155,000 forced to leave due to fire and smoke.

Canada now has 5,500 domestic and some 3,300 international firefighters working together to put out the blaze, Reuters estimated based on a survey.

However, the personnel deficit is still large compared to the scale of burning. Roughly 2,500 firefighters are short of what is needed, said Mike Flannigan, a wildfire specialist and professor at Thompson Rivers University in British Columbia, in an interview with Reuters in June 2023.

Till now two firefighters and a pilot have lost their lives in the combat against the monstrous natural disaster.

RECORD-BREAKING CARBON EMISSIONS

The enormous CO2 emissions from the unprecedented fires raised concerns among scientists and the public as they hamper international efforts to mitigate climate change.

The greenhouse gas emissions from the raging wildfires in Canada have exceeded one billion metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e), according to a study by Chinese scientists led by Liu Zhihua, a researcher from the Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences.

The methane and nitrous oxide emissions are about 110 million metric tons of CO2 equivalent, and the total greenhouse gas emissions are about 1.11 billion metric tons of CO2 equivalent.

A similar estimate is made by Werner Kurz, a senior research scientist with Natural Resources Canada.

As of July 18, a preliminary estimate suggests roughly 1.42 billion metric tons of CO2 equivalent have been released from the fires so far, across Canada's managed and unmanaged forests, Kurz said. This is at least twice the emissions from all other sectors of the nation's economy combined, which totaled 670 million metric tons of CO2 equivalent in 2021.

Kurz further noted that roughly the same amount of indirect carbon emissions will be released when the dead remnants of scorched trees decompose in the coming years.

Carbon emissions not only aggravate global warming but also create a dangerous feedback loop by creating conditions where forests are more likely to burn, further shrinking Earth's carbon sink capacities.

GLOBAL COLLABORATION

A global challenge like wildfires requires global collaboration among all stakeholders.

The UN Environment Programme called for international and regional collaboration to tackle wildfires in its 2022 report on Rapid Response Assessment. Greater international collaboration enhances fire prevention capability through knowledge sharing for prevention, pre-suppression planning, and risk reduction activities.

For individual countries, effective measures should be taken to mitigate CO2 emissions from natural processes, said Liu, adding with regard to wildfires, strategies such as fuel treatment and improved forest management can be used to limit fire intensity and subsequently reduce CO2 emissions.

Restoration after fires is also encouraged because plant bodies are able to absorb carbon dioxide and will help remove some CO2 from the atmosphere, said Karen Hodges, a professor in ecology at the University of British Columbia.

As forest fires have become a major CO2 source, Liu said it is crucial to build better carbon emission monitoring and accounting systems, which include CO2 emissions from both human activities and natural processes, such as wildfires.

Echoing Liu, Hodges said governments should "get far more serious about climate change and policies that reduce fossil fuel emissions, and we need to do that globally." 
LOS ANGELES, July 28 (Xinhua) -- NASA and commercial cargo provider Northrop Grumman are targeting next Tuesday, Aug. 1, for the launch of the company's 19th resupply mission to the International Space Station (ISS).

The launch is scheduled for 8:31 p.m. Eastern Time from NASA's Wallops Flight Facility in the eastern U.S. state of Virginia.

Filled with more than 8,200 pounds of supplies, Northrop Grumman's Cygnus cargo spacecraft is scheduled to arrive at the space station on Friday, Aug. 4.

The scientific investigations launching to the ISS include studies of fire suppression, gene therapy, atmospheric monitoring, and other experiments along with space-flown student artwork, according to NASA. 
Hamburg, the second-largest city in Germany, is a captivating metropolis that seamlessly blends its rich history with a modern and progressive ambiance. Situated along the Elbe River, this northern port city has been a significant trading hub since the Middle Ages, contributing to its flourishing economic and cultural diversity. With a population of over 1.8 million people, Hamburg boasts a unique mix of tradition and innovation that continues to attract visitors from around the world.

Historical Heritage: Hamburg's history dates back to the 9th century when it was founded as a fortress and bishopric. The city's strategic location made it a crucial member of the Hanseatic League, a powerful medieval trading alliance. Throughout the centuries, Hamburg's prosperity grew as it thrived on international trade, especially in commodities like coffee, spices, and textiles.

The city's historic charm is evident in its well-preserved architecture. One of the most iconic landmarks is the Speicherstadt, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This old warehouse district, built on oak piles, is a network of narrow canals and red-brick buildings that once stored valuable goods. Another must-see is the Rathaus (City Hall), an impressive neo-Renaissance structure that dominates the central square with its grand facade and opulent interiors.

Cultural Melting Pot: Hamburg's prosperity and port status have attracted people from all corners of the globe, making it a melting pot of cultures. The city has long been known for its open-mindedness and tolerance, fostering a diverse and vibrant atmosphere. Visitors can explore a multitude of cultural experiences, from world-class museums and art galleries to diverse culinary delights representing a fusion of cuisines.

The city's music scene has also played a significant role in shaping its cultural identity. Hamburg is renowned for its association with The Beatles during their early years. The legendary club, Indra, where the band played extensively in 1960, still operates and serves as a pilgrimage site for fans. Today, Hamburg continues to be a hotbed for music, with numerous venues catering to all genres and tastes.

ALSO READ : Ultimate Packing Tips for an Unforgettable Trip to XYZ Destination

A Thriving Modern City: Beyond its historical heritage and cultural riches, Hamburg is a modern and innovative city. Its contemporary architecture, including the Elbphilharmonie concert hall, stands in stark contrast to the traditional buildings. This stunning glass structure, designed by Herzog & de Meuron, rises above the city skyline and offers breathtaking views of the Elbe River and the surrounding landscape. As an economic powerhouse, Hamburg is home to numerous multinational companies and a flourishing startup scene. The city's port remains one of the busiest in Europe, playing a crucial role in global trade and commerce. The combination of a robust economy and high quality of life attracts professionals and entrepreneurs from various fields.

ALSO READ : Explore The Cultural Heritage of South Africa

Nature and Recreation: Hamburg's residents and visitors enjoy a close connection to nature, thanks to its many parks, green spaces, and bodies of water. The vast Planten un Blomen park, located in the heart of the city, offers a tranquil oasis for relaxation and recreation. The picturesque Alster Lake is another popular spot for sailing, rowing, and enjoying scenic views. The city's proximity to the North Sea and the Baltic Sea also makes it an excellent starting point for coastal excursions. From sandy beaches to idyllic islands, there are plenty of opportunities to escape the urban bustle and immerse oneself in nature.

Festivals and Celebrations: Hamburg's vibrant spirit comes to life during its numerous festivals and celebrations throughout the year. The Hamburger Dom, a large fun fair held three times annually, attracts millions of visitors with its thrilling rides, games, and delicious street food. The Hafengeburtstag (Port Anniversary) is another highlight, celebrating the port's birthday with a grand parade of historic vessels, live music, and fireworks.

Conclusion: Hamburg, with its rich historical heritage, cultural diversity, economic significance, and beautiful surroundings, continues to captivate both residents and tourists alike. As a city of contrasts, it seamlessly merges its storied past with a forward-looking mentality, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a well-rounded and unforgettable experience. Whether strolling through the charming old town, exploring cutting-edge architecture, or embracing the city's vibrant cultural scene, Hamburg has something special to offer every visitor.

Exploring the Natural Wonders of Iceland: Land of Fire and Ice

Space Exploration: Past, Present, and Future of Human Spaceflight

Bremen: A Historic Gem on the Weser River

Exploring the Enchanting Loire Valley: A Journey through Beauty
New Delhi: On 27th July, the Ministry of Defence announced the successful conclusion of the 10th meeting of the sub-committee on military cooperation between India and Malaysia, held in New Delhi.

The Indian delegation, headed by Amitabh Prasad, Joint Secretary (International Cooperation) of the Ministry of Defence, engaged in wide-ranging discussions with the Malaysian side, led by Maj Gen Dato Khairul Anuar bin Abd Aziz, Assistant Chief of Staff of the Defence Operations and Training Division. During the meeting, they reviewed the existing defence cooperation and explored various initiatives to further expand bilateral defence engagements, focusing on mutual interests.

Notably, the Indian side emphasized the potential of the Indian defence industry to collaborate with the Malaysian Armed Forces on shipbuilding and maintenance plans. Looking ahead, the co-chairs deliberated on the forthcoming 12th Malaysia-India Defence Cooperation Committee (MIDCOM) meeting, scheduled to take place in India in September, at the level of Defence Secretary.

Both India and Malaysia reiterated their strong commitment to fully implement the enhanced strategic partnership, which is founded on mutual trust and understanding, shared democratic values, and respect for the rule of law. It is essential to highlight that the enhanced strategic partnership was originally established during the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Malaysia in 2015.

Mandaviya tells Lok Sabha: 110-pc increase MBBS seats in India since 2014

Mumbais hideaway Kasara Ghat getting Rinsed in this Monsoon Season

Lok Sabha Passes Nursing-Midwifery and Dental Commission Bills
Accomplice of Ukrainian oligarch Zhevago arrested in Cyprus 28 July, 06:28 PM Kostyantin Zhevago (Photo:Oleksandr Medvedev / NV)

An accomplice of Ukrainian oligarch Kostyantin Zhevago has been detained in Cyprus at the request of the State Bureau of Investigation (DBR) of Ukraine, the service reported on its website on July 28.

Ukraine is currently hammering details of the suspects extradition to Ukraine, where he faces involvement in a $100 million money laundering scheme.

Read also: Ukrainian businessman Kostiantyn Zhevago detained in France under suspicion of embezzlement

Zhevago himself was arrested at high-end ski resort Courchevel in France on Dec. 28. He is suspected of embezzling $113 million from the Finance & Credit Bank, partially owned by the oligarch, the DBR reported.

Video of day

Some of Zhevagos assets, worth over $8.2 million, have been transferred to the Asset Recovery and Management Agency (ARMA) in October 2020.

Zhevago has denied any accusations of wrongdoing.

A number of the bank's top managers are also accused of organizing the embezzlement of $113 million.

The oligarch has been on Ukraines most-wanted list since October 2019, and on the international wanted list since July 2021.

In 2018, the Deposit Guarantee Fund reported that almost UAH 5 billion ($140 million) had been illegally withdrawn from Zhevago's bank before it went bankrupt.

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
Day of Ukrainian Statehood to undergo date change, countering Russian claims about Kyivan Rus and Christianity 28 July, 02:45 PM Exclusive Metropolitan Epiphany (right) during his visit to the Volodymyr-Volyn diocese, one of the oldest Orthodox dioceses in Ukraine, May 2023 (Photo: / Facebook)

In commemoration of Saint Prince Volodymyr and the Baptism of Kyivan Rus-Ukraine, Ukraine is observing the Day of Ukrainian Statehood on July 28. However, starting next year, the holiday will shift to July 15.

NV recalls the importance of this tradition and the reasons behind the date change, especially in light of Russias attempts to appropriate the history of Kyivan Rus.

Read also: Kyiv recognized as 2023 Honorary Best City

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy introduced the Day of Ukrainian Statehood less than a year before Russias full-scale invasion. He signed the corresponding decree at Independence Square on Aug. 24, 2021, coinciding with Ukraines 30th anniversary of independence.

Video of day

This decree established an annual celebration held on July 28, the Day of the Baptism of Kyivan Rus-Ukraine  blending with the previous commemoration of Saint Volodymyr the Great, the Prince of Kyiv, on this day.

By doing so, President Zelenskyy asserted that Ukrainian statehood traces its roots to the founding of the city of Kyiv and the flourishing of the state during the time of Prince Volodymyr the Great of Kyiv. This pivotal moment occurred in 988 AD when Prince Volodymyr converted the country to Christianity.

Ukraine considers the following states to have been successors to ancient Kyivan Rus:

The Galician-Volhynian Principality

The Ukrainian Cossack State

The Ukrainian Peoples Republic

The Western Ukrainian Peoples Republic

The Ukrainian State

Carpathian Ukraine,

And modern independent Ukraine

In the decree, it is stated that Ukraine celebrates the Day of Ukrainian Statehood based on the Act of Declaration of Independence of Aug. 24, 1991, approved through a nationwide referendum on Dec. 1, 1991.

On this day, Ukrainian society also honors and pays respect to the activities of outstanding representatives of the national elite and fighters for the statehood and independence of Ukraine, including Taras Shevchenko, Mykola Kostomarov, Volodymyr Antonovych, Mykhailo Drahomanov, Ivan Franko, Lesya Ukrainka, Mykhailo Hrushevskyi, and others.

We are a young family from the glorious dynasty of Kyivan Rus-Ukraine, said Zelenskyy, speaking at Independence Square in August 2021 on the occasion of Ukraines 30th anniversary of independence.

Descendants of the founders. Descendants of the baptizers. From a brave lineage. A wise lineage. A Cossack lineage. We are neither orphans nor newcomers. We are descendants of a mighty country that was the center of Europe. Here, Orthodoxy began, and the Old Slavic language took its origin, from which the modern Ukrainian language descended. Here, our statehood began. We will celebrate the birth of our statehood on the day of the flourishing of our state  on the Day of the Baptism of Kyivan Rus-Ukraine.

On the same day, Aug. 24, 2021, the president delivered a separate speech in the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraines parliament urging MPs to make the Day of Ukrainian Statehood a public holiday. A special bill (No. 5864) was introduced for this purpose.

The bill was passed on May 31, 2022. The new law amends Article 73 of the Labor Code of Ukraine, adding a new paragraph that establishes July 28 as the Day of Ukrainian Statehood as a public holiday. The law came into effect on June 9, 2022. However, until the end of the state of war, all public holidays in Ukraine are considered working days, including the Day of Ukrainian Statehood.

The holiday known as the Day of the Baptism of Kyivan Rus-Ukraine was officially established by the third President of Ukraine, Viktor Yushchenko in the summer of 2008. He issued a decree to commemorate this occasion on July 28, coinciding with the celebration of the 1020th anniversary of the baptism of Kyivan Rus. The selected date holds special significance as it honors Prince Volodymyrs memory, an important figure in Ukrainian history.

President Yushchenkos decree emphasized the profound impact of Orthodox traditions on the development of Ukrainian society and the state. The holiday serves as a reminder of the countrys religious and cultural heritage.

However, there will be a change in the date of the holiday starting from 2024. The Ukrainian government has approved a bill to observe the Day of Ukrainian Statehood on July 15, instead of July 28. The Verkhovna Rada, Ukraines parliament, approved this decision on July 14, 2023, as part of the bill that also modifies the dates of two other holidays.

The revised holiday dates are as follows:

Christmas will be celebrated on Dec. 25 instead of Jan. 7.

The Day of Ukrainian Statehood will be on July 15 instead of July 28.

Defender of Ukraine Day (coincides with the church holiday of the Protection of the Most Holy Mother of God) will be on Oct. 1 instead of Oct. 14.

The driving force behind this decision was President Zelenskyy. The explanatory note accompanying his presidential bill emphasized the intent to abandon the Russian heritage and counter attempts by Russia to impose corresponding dates on Ukraine.

Earlier in 2023, the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) and the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (UGCC) made a significant change by adopting the Revised Julian Calendar in place of the Julian calendar followed by the Russian Church. This shift means that July 15 now corresponds to July 28 in the Julian calendar. Consequently, the Day of Ukrainian Statehood was moved to this date.

Despite the ongoing full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russian propaganda and historiography have escalated their efforts to disassociate the history of Ukrainian statehood from Kyivan Rus.

Russian school textbooks are now undergoing revisions that omit references to Kyiv as the capital of Kyivan Rus. This apparent attempt to erase historical ties was highlighted by the BBC last summer, when they analyzed the content of Russian school textbooks approved for use by the Russian Ministry of Education. A comparison of editions from 2016 and 2022 revealed that many mentions of Ukraine and Kyiv were removed, and even the term Kyivan Rus was replaced with Rus or Ancient Rus.

In accordance with Russian dictator Vladimir Putins revisionist history, Russian propagandists persistently argue that Ukraine never existed as a state before the creation of the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic within the USSR, labeling it an artificial entity.

However, the Ukrainian Institute of National Memory (UINP) refutes this claim, asserting that Ukraine as a state has inherited numerous symbols from Kyivan Rus. This heritage includes the national coat of arms (Blue shield with a gold trident), the monetary unit (hryvnia), and most importantly, Kyiv as the political and cultural center of Ukraine.

Moreover, the Day of Ukrainian Statehood is deliberately celebrated on the same day as Ukrainian Christian churches commemorate the memory of Kyiv Prince Volodymyr the Great and the Baptism of Kyivan Rus. According to historians from UINP, Prince Volodymyr the Great embodies the development of Rus. His acceptance of Christianity as the state religion in 988 AD marked a civilizational choice for Ukraine. Rus maintained political, economic, and cultural ties with most European states of that time.

From that moment on, the continuity and inheritance of state-building traditions in Ukraine has remained unbroken, extending to the present day. It is worth noting that the traditions of Rus in building a state oriented toward Europe and a cultural-religious space have endured through various historical periods, including the Galician-Volhynian Principality, the Cossack State, the Ukrainian Peoples Republic (UNR), the Western Ukrainian Peoples Republic (ZUNR), the Ukrainian State of Hetman Pavlo Skoropadskyi, Carpathian Ukraine, and modern independent Ukraine.

The Day of Ukrainian Statehood reminds us of the thousand-year history of state-building in our country, the UINP asserts.

"On this holiday, we honor all stages of our statehood, from Kyivan Rus to the present, and all those who have contributed to the establishment of Ukraine as a nation.

Renowned historian Yaroslav Hrytsak acknowledges in his books that professional historians do not consider Rus as a national state, whether it be Russian, Ukrainian, or Scandinavian. However, he emphasizes that By adopting Christianity, Volodymyr the Great integrated Rus into European civilization and did not, as the Kremlin claims, lay the foundations for the Russian world.

To discern between historical facts and propaganda, one need only look at this statistic: out of 52 interdynastic marriages of Kyiv princes, three-quarters were with Western countries such as England, Scandinavia, Poland, Germany, Hungary, and France, Hrytsak noted, citing examples from the work Kyivan Rus in Medieval Europe, published at Harvard.

I will not retell the book, but I will limit myself to this conclusion: for almost 250 years of its existence (from the Baptism in 988 to the decline of central Kyiv authority in 1146), Rus was a full-fledged part of contemporary Europe, emphasizes the Ukrainian historian.

Last year, Ukraines Foreign Minister, Dmytro Kuleba, reminded that unlike Russia, we do not need to privatize anything because we have been on our land for 1000 years, and we will remain on it.

It is you who come to foreign land trying to appropriate it, you are trying to appropriate a foreign history, foreign dishes, foreign culture, Kuleba declared in response to the baseless accusations by the Kremlins Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov that Ukraine had privatized the Day of the Baptism of Rus.

Ukraine was, is, and will be, and the Ukrainian Presidents decree simply reaffirmed this fact.

Kuleba also recalled that Moscows attempts to call itself the center, while being a historical periphery, are not new and have been happening for hundreds of years.

The fact remains: there are no two Kyivs, Kuleba concluded.

There is one Kyiv, and it is the Ukrainian Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, which has been the capital of Ancient Rus from the very beginning. This is our history, our past, our present, and our future.

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
Russia seeks partners amid international isolation 28 July, 02:56 PM Kim Jong Un and Sergei Shoigu (Photo:image released by North Koreas Korean Central News Agency. KCNA via REUTERS)

Russian defense minister Sergei Shoigus recent visit to North Korea was connected to the Kremlins problems with securing reliable weapon supplies, U.S. National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications, John Kirby, said in an interview with Voice of America on July 27.

"Its been no secret," Kirby said.

"Mr. Putin is reaching out to other countries for help and support in fighting his war in Ukraine. And that includes, we know, some outreach to the DPRK (North Korea)."

According to the White House, North Korea has supported Russia in its full-scale war against Ukraine and supplies weapons, including infantry missiles and shells.

Video of day

North Korean news agencies reported on "strengthening of bilateral ties" between two countries.

Shoigu accompanied the North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un to an arms exhibition in Pyongyang, where ballistic missiles with nuclear warheads were featured  despite a ban on North Korean possession of such weapons by the UN Security Council.

The Russian delegation, headed by Shoigu, arrived in the country on July 26. Shoigu met with his North Korean counterpart, General Kang Sun-nam.

The visit was timed with celebrations of North Koreas 70th anniversary of "Victory Day  what the Kim regime deems the signing of the Korean Armistice Agreement in the Korean War. Pyongyang calls the conflict the Great Fatherland Liberation War.

According to NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, North Korea has supplied weapons and ammunition to Russias Wagner mercenary group. U.S. officials have stated that the weapons were traded for food.

Un has previously called Russias unprovoked full-scale invasion of Ukraine a "holy fight" and expressed the desire to build a strong state together with Putin.

Analysts believe that Shoigu's visit to the country raises the chances of more open support of Russia from North Korea, which could be especially important against the backdrop of Russia's isolation by the West.

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
Zelenskyy signs law moving Christmas in Ukraine to Dec 25 28 July, 04:28 PM Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Photo:Office of the President of Ukraine)

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed a law that officially changes the date of Christmas in Ukraine to December 25, the presidents press service announced on July 28.

In addition to the new Christmas Day, October 1 will now mark the Day of Ukraines Defenders and the Day of the Intercession of the Holy Mother of God, instead of October 14, and the Day of Ukrainian Statehood will be celebrated on July 15 instead of July 28.

The move is to ensure that state holidays in Ukraine do not match those in Russia, and is aimed at the renunciation of Russian heritage, according to Zelenskyy.

Video of day

Earlier, the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) announced that it would switch to the Revised Julian calendar from September 1, 2023, for religious purposes.

This means that from that date onward, OCU believers will celebrate religious holidays according to the new calendar:

Christmas will be celebrated on December 25 instead of January 7

Saint Nicholas Day will be celebrated on December 6 instead of December 19

Epiphany  January 6 instead of January 18

The date of Easter and some other holidays will not be required to change.

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
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) gave its go-ahead to the Tata Group's initiative to merge the budget airline AIX Connect (previously known as AirAsia India) with Air India Express. This marks a crucial step before the planned legal merger of the two entities can take place. "The airline has now received regulatory approvals to operate its flights under the Air India Express branding. This development marks a significant fast-tracking of the integration efforts, including harmonization of customer touchpoints, products, and services across both airlines," the airline said in a statement."The approval from the regulator allows both Air India Express Ltd (AIXL) and AIX Connect (AIXC) flights to be marketed, distributed and operated under a common brand name 'Air India Express', prior to the subsequent scheduled legal merger of the two entities," it said. "The proposal to synergize the consumer offerings under a unified and renewed brand within the next few months demonstrates the commitment to a superlative customer promise, streamlining product and service standards and unlocking synergies between the two companies," it further said.Earlier this month, 'Xpress Ahead priority services were extended as an ancillary add-on to guests of both airlines, offering priority check-in, boarding and baggage. Both airlines will also be synergizing a host of other ancillary add-on services and common sub-brands. AIXL currently operates flights from 20 Indian cities to 14 regional international destinations, while AIXC serves 19 domestic destinations, complementing each other's networks to provide more extensive travel options for passengers.
In this article, we will be taking a look at the 20 most expensive housing markets in the world. To skip our detailed analysis, you can go directly to see the 5 most expensive housing markets in the world.

Real Estate has always been a complex industry, with high stakes and is considered to be one of the most important drivers of the economic growth of a country, as well as urban development worldwide. The real estate industry has been around for a long time and has evolved with society and technology. Today, it includes different types of properties like homes, offices, shops, and land. It plays a crucial role in creating vibrant communities and strong economies. A booming industry with high demands and high prices was affected drastically in 2020 when the pandemic hit and the world came to a standstill. The global pandemic caused significant damage to financial markets worldwide. With COVID-19 spreading and economies in turmoil, businesses closed, supply chains were disrupted, and unemployment rates increased. To help mitigate the financial impact of the pandemic, the Federal Reserve reduced interest rates to nearly zero in April 2020. As a result, mortgage rates for long-term loans also decreased. Lower interest rates allow borrowers to build home equity more quickly. However, it's important to note that in the current economic situation, interest rates can rise just as rapidly as they fell. The move to a "work from home" situation became the new normal, and demand for office spaces declined as people started setting up their home offices.

Most expensive housing societies in the world

To understand the most expensive housing markets in the world, we need to understand that there are many factors that contribute to the high costs of living all over the world. Skyrocketing real estate prices and limited housing availability are major contributors. High demand, limited space, and speculation drive up property prices and rental rates. Most expensive cities often have higher prices for everyday goods, including groceries, dining out, clothing, and transportation. Factors like import taxes, high operational costs for businesses, and higher wages can influence the prices of goods and services. Utility costs, such as electricity, water, and heating, can also be higher in expensive cities with infrastructure maintenance, supply-demand dynamics, and geographical considerations all potentially impacting utility prices. Some expensive cities have renowned healthcare systems but at a significant cost. Medical treatments, insurance premiums, and access to quality healthcare facilities contribute to the overall cost of living. Cities with prestigious educational institutions may have higher costs for schooling and higher education. Tuition fees, books, and other education-related expenses can significantly impact the cost of living for families. High-cost cities often have higher tax rates to support public services, infrastructure, and social welfare programs. Income tax, property tax, and sales tax rates can contribute to the overall cost of living.

Story continues

"Despite widespread economic uncertainty, 2021 represented a record-breaking year for the global real estate realm, with global commercial sales volumes exceeding the 2020 total by 59% and the previous peak observed in 2019 by 22% - far above the expectations voiced in last years Global Outlook," this was reported by PWC in their Emerging Trends in Real Estate - The global outlook for 2022 report. And in their 2023 report, they stated that the real estate industry was finally moving back towards its pre-COVID patterns. In April 2023, Forbes reports that mortgage rates increased by approximately 15 basis points and even though they're not as high as they were during the start of 2022, it is still challenging for people to consider buying a home especially first time home buyers. Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at Realtor.com, expressed in an email that if the present economic conditions continue with high mortgage rates and home prices coupled with limited housing inventory, the market can expect a gradual and challenging journey ahead with a few obstacles along the way.

REITs are companies that own and sometimes manage real estate properties that generate income, like apartments, warehouses, self-storage facilities, malls, and hotels. People find them attractive because reliable REITs have a history of paying significant and increasing dividends. However, it's important to note that the potential for growth also comes with risks that vary depending on the type of REIT. Vornado Realty Trust (NYSE:VNO) is a fully integrated REIT and is one of the leaders in New York City, one of the most expensive cities in the world. The New York division comprises 65 properties, totaling approximately 26.4 million square fee. Another popular REIT in the United States of America is Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:ESRT). As the name suggests, they own the Empire State Building which is one of most iconic buildings in the world.

The tech industry is also a major driver of economic growth in many expensive cities, and this is likely to continue in the coming years. This could lead to increased demand for housing in these cities, as well as higher property values. As it is a knowledge-based industry that attracts highly skilled workers who are willing to pay high wages, this leads to a concentration of wealth in these cities, which in turn drives up demand for housing. In addition, the tech industry is often associated with innovation and creativity, which can make these cities more attractive to live in. This further increases demand for housing, and can lead to higher property values. For example, the tech industry is a major driver of economic growth in San Francisco. In 2022, the tech industry accounted for 20% of the city's GDP. This high concentration of tech jobs has led to a significant increase in demand for housing in San Francisco. The median home price in San Francisco is now over $1 million, and the city has one of the highest rates of homelessness in the country.

The implications of this trend for people who live in expensive cities or who are considering moving there are significant. For those who are already living in these cities, the increasing demand for housing could make it more difficult to afford to stay. This is especially true for low-income families and individuals. For those who are considering moving to expensive cities, the high cost of housing could make it difficult to afford to live there.

Methodology

To find out the 20 most expensive housing markets in the world, we took data from 3 websites: CNN, Global Property Guide and Cobalt Recruitment. We then assigned a score to each city/country based on its ranking. For example, if a city is ranked number 1 in one list, it was given a score of 50/50 = 1, while second placed was given a score of 49/50 = 0.98 and so on. We then summed up and sorted all places from all 3 lists, from highest to lowest, to calculate our own rankings. Since our lists included countries and cities both, we assigned the rank to the country if a city was part of the list. For example, if London ranked high on the list, we gave that ranking to the country U.K. and mentioned the specific city in brackets. So now, let's take a look at the 20 most expensive housing markets in the world, starting with number 20.

20. Czech Republic

With a rich history and culture, the Czech Republic has a strong economy, which means that wages are relatively high. This also contributes to the high cost of living in the country.

19. Netherlands

The Netherlands is a great place to live, but it is not cheap. The cost of living is relatively high, due to factors such as high taxes and wages. The demand for housing is also very high, which drives up prices.

18. China

The demand for housing in China is extremely high, especially in cities like Shanghai due to the city's status as a global financial hub and its rapid economic growth. This has led to high prices for housing, making it difficult for many people to afford to live in the country. The high cost of housing in China has a number of negative consequences. It makes it difficult for many people to afford to buy a home, and it can lead to social unrest.

17. Sweden

The cost of living in Sweden is quite high, though it is showing signs of easing. Stockholm, the country's capital city, is by far the most expensive place in the country.

16. Australia (Sydney)

One of the most expensive housing markets in the world, the cost of living in Australia has skyrocketed over the past year, with food, travel, medical care, and electricity all seeing significant increases.

15. Switzerland (Geneva)

Switzerland is considered to be one of the most beautiful countries in the world, with it's scenic mountains. However, living there is pretty expensive, especially in popular cities like Genva. Geneva is the second most expensive city in Switzerland, and it is one of the most expensive cities in the world.

14. Norway

Even though Norway, like most European countries, has high wages, it also is expensive to live in. Norway.The demand for housing in Norway is very high, due to the country's beautiful scenery and high standard of living. This drives up the cost of housing, especially in major cities.

13. Taiwan

The demand for housing in Taiwan is very high, due to the country's rapid economic growth and urbanization. This drives up the cost of housing, especially in major cities.

12. Finland

This European country is although the happiest country in the world, The Finnish euro is a strong currency, which means that goods and services imported from other countries are more expensive. This also puts upward pressure on the cost of living in Finland.

11. India

A popular country globally, India is one of most expensive housing markets in the world. The cost of living in major cities like Mumbai and Delhi is among the highest in the world, due to factors such as high rent, food prices, and transportation costs.

10. Canada

An important destination for immigrants, the cost of housing in Canada is among the highest in the world. This is due to a number of factors, including the country's high demand for housing, its limited supply of land, and its strict zoning regulations.

9. Austria

Austria is a beautiful country with a high standard of living. There are a number of reasons why Austria is an expensive place to live. These include the country's relatively high taxes, its central location in Europe, and its high demand for housing.

8. Singapore

The reason Singapore is on this list is because there is not much land and taxes are high. The cost of housing, transportation, and food are all very high.

7. France

France is an expensive place to live because of the high rent and food prices. The high cost of living in France is due to a number of factors, including the country's high standard of living, its strong currency, and its relatively small economy.

6. Japan

There are a number of factors that contribute to the high cost of living in Japan, such as the country's high standard of living, its strong currency, and its relatively small economy. Rent in Japan is notoriously high, especially in major cities like Tokyo. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Tokyo is around 100,000 per month.

Click to continue reading and see the 5 Most Expensive Housing Markets in the World.

Suggested articles:

Disclosure: None. 20 Most Expensive Housing Markets in the World is originally published at Insider Monkey.
In this article, we will be taking a look at the 25 countries with the highest income inequality in the world. To skip our detailed analysis, you can go directly to see the 5 Countries with the Highest Income Inequality.

Global income inequality has always been a major part of our history, initially established through monarchies who were able to hoard all wealth and pass it down from generation to generation while the general population earned meagre income from work. However, as time passed on by, and more and more regions and countries began to be democratized, this combined with industrialization resulted in greater income equality than before. According to the Organization of Economically Developed Countries, over 200 years ago, the difference in income between the richest and poorest regions was just five times.

When we discuss the countries with the highest income inequality in the world, it is important to remember the focus on the word income, as inequality in other aspects of quality of life has improved considerably, including in life expectancy, which you can learn more about by visiting the countries with the highest life expectancy or in terms of gender equality, though of course, gaps still remain on these metrics as well. However, it was in the 1970s, when growth slowed down in the UK and the U.S., the two premier industrial nations at the time, sparking panic. Before this, significantly higher taxes were levied on those who earned very high incomes with said taxes being used to improve the quality of life for the general population as well. However, both the U.S. and the UK, after the scare in the 1970s, decided to abandon this policy and started encouraging entrepreneurism with no downside in terms of taxes, allowing for the easy amassing of wealth, though of course some of the richest families in the world started their fortunes much earlier. Even now, when different countries such as India and China are growing in economic stature, they are following a similar trajectory which is why, while India may not be in our list of countries with the highest income inequality in the world, it is on the way to becoming one, ranking highly in both, percentage of income taken by the top 10% and percentage of income taken by the top 1%.

Story continues

25 countries with the highest income inequality in the world

Damian Ryszawy/Shutterstock.com

Of course, one of the biggest drivers behind greater income inequality in recent times has been the Covid-19 pandemic. According to the International Monetary Fund, both extreme poverty and extreme wealth continued to rise during the pandemic, thus greatening the divide between the rich and the poor. Globally, billionaires saw their wealth increase by an astonishing $3.9 trillion in 2020 alone, while Oxfam stated that billionaires added $5 trillion to their fortunes from 2020 to 2021, with this happening while tens of millions of people across the world lost their jobs amid companies tightening their costs. According to the World Inequality Report 2022, the top 10% of the population in terms of wealth earns over half the global income, with the bottom 50% earning just 8.5% of the total global income, showcasing just how income inequality has risen. Another way to check the rise of income inequality in the world is through the Gini coefficient, which calculates inequality in wealth / income in a country. If the coefficient is 0, that means that the country has perfect equality while 1 indicates complete inequality. The global Gini coefficient in the 1820s was 0.43, and has since risen by over 50% to reach 0.68 in 2005. However, that was a decrease of 0.03 from 2002 when the coefficient was 0.71, with China and India playing a major part in this as the rise of emerging markets has helped decrease global inequality to some extent, though this was mostly wiped out in the Covid-19 pandemic, as according to KPMG, inequality is near its highest point in over 150 years and just 8 of the richest people in the world own the same amount of wealth as the bottom 50%, or over 4 billion people!

The countries with the highest income inequality in the world aren't just dealing with a major social issue, but a business one too. KPMG states "For businesses, systemic inequality is a great source of risk. It limits productivity and has the potential to constrain consumer spending and growth, destabilize supply chains, trigger political instability, and jeopardize their social license to operate. At the same time, addressing inequity is a business opportunity. But, with many businesses now dwarfing governments in economic scale, the private sector has a vital role to play in tackling inequality. In the quest for a peaceful and prosperous future, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) call for cooperation between governments, civil society and the private sector." One of the ways companies can help reduce inequality is by proper implementation of environmental, social and governance, and the biggest ESG companies in the world are leading the way here. Nowadays, financial performance and metrics aren't enough to determine the future potential of a company, ESG plays a major role too.

When talking about the countries with the highest income inequality in the world, we also need to discuss the countries or regions where such inequality is still relatively low, namely in Europe. In fact, the country with the highest income inequality in Europe is Russia, and based on our rankings, is still only the 56th among the countries with the highest inequality in the world, despite the presence of oligarchs and power wielded by politicians. This is because most European countries, especially those under the European union, have implemented significant taxes to ensure that wealth and income is distributed more equitably.

Methodology

To determine the countries where inequality is the highest, we obtained data from the World Inequality Database, and determined the percentage of income attributable to the top 1% of the country, percentage of income attributable to the top 10% of the country, and percentage of income attributable to the bottom 50% of the country. We then ranked each country in ascending order in the first 2 metrics, and descending order in the last metric. We then calculated the average ranking from these three criteria to come up with an accurate list of countries where inequality is still dominant.

25. Belize

Total income attributable to the top 1%: 19.6%

In a bid to decrease income inequality, Belize raised its minimum wage for all worker categories in 2022.

24. Bahamas

Total income attributable to the top 1%: 19.6%

While not in our list of the top 15 offshore tax havens in the world, Bahamas is still a top tax haven, though income inequality is a major issue there, with gambling further increasing this divide.

23. Bolivia

Total income attributable to the top 1%: 19.6%

For Bolivia to reduce its income inequality, the IMF "emphasized the need to ensure that social transfers were well-designed and targeted, alongside a focus on the quality of education and healthcare."

22. Guatemala

Total income attributable to the top 1%: 19.6%

Both poverty and income inequality are major issues plaguing Guatemala and cementing its position among the countries with the highest income inequality in the world.

21. Qatar

Total income attributable to the top 1%: 22.4%

The top 10% of Qatar's population earns more than half the total national income even as the Qatari government affirmed the high levels of inequality in the country.

20. Congo

Total income attributable to the top 1%: 20.5%

Congo is among the poorest countries in the world, with over 60% of the country's people living on less than $2.15 per day.

19. Bahrain

Total income attributable to the top 1%: 24.3%

Despite being a relatively rich country, Bahrain has a huge immigrant population entrusted with labor jobs, while the ruling family and Bahraini citizens enjoy most of the riches.

18. Thailand

Total income attributable to the top 1%: 22.9%

Thailand has the highest income inequality in East Asia, with one of the major contributors being the difference in urban and rural income, with the latter only 68% of the former.

17. Maldives

Total income attributable to the top 1%: 35.6%

One of the most visited countries in Asia, Maldives income inequality is geographical; while the population is evenly distributed between Male and the atolls, 93% of the nation's poor population resides in the latter area.

16. Swaziland / Eswatini

Total income attributable to the top 1%: 19.3%

Despite improvements in poverty levels, Eswatini has relatively high income inequality levels and gender discrimination is one of the reasons behind this, since unemployment in women is much higher than in men in the nation.

15. Dominican Republic

Total income attributable to the top 1%: 28.6%

One of the countries with the highest income inequality in Latin America, the poorest 50% of the country's population has just over a tenth of the total income, though that's still much better than the global average of 8.5%.

14. Yemen

Total income attributable to the top 1%: 24.2%

Yemen being among the countries with the highest income inequality in the world comes as no surprise, with the war in the nation resulting in an unprecedented humanitarian crisis.

13. Zimbabwe

Total income attributable to the top 1%: 21.1%

Even though human development metrics have seen a great improvement in Zimbabwe, income inequality is continuing to widen as poverty continues to increase as well.

12. South Africa

Total income attributable to the top 1%: 19.3%

South Africa has a major pay inequality problem, with the bosses in the country playing a huge part. And while the apartheid may have ended decades ago, racism is still rampant in the country, which further contributes to income inequality.

11. Brazil

Total income attributable to the top 1%: 22.2%

Surprisingly, Brazil is also among the countries with the highest income inequality. While Brazilian favelas are known all over the world, Brazil's income inequality has still fallen to the lowest point in the last 11 years, which is a great signal for the country.

10. Cambodia

Total income attributable to the top 1%: 26.8%

Global poverty has declined over the past several decades and the same is true for Cambodia, but income inequality has still persevered.

9. Angola

Total income attributable to the top 1%: 26.0%

Angola's Gini coefficient is continuing to rise despite already being relatively high, according to the World Bank.

8. Botswana

Total income attributable to the top 1%: 22.7%

African countries dominated the list of the countries with the highest income inequality in the world, and Botswana is no exception, with job creation lags and high unemployment being the leading reasons behind this gap.

7. Namibia

Total income attributable to the top 1%: 21.6%

While Namibia made huge strides in reducing poverty by more than half in a period of just over two decades, it's still battling high income inequality, even after the government has undertaken redistributive measures while implementing social protection programs.

6. Chile

Total income attributable to the top 1%: 22.9%

While Chile has made some progress in reducing poverty, it is still among several South American nations included in the countries with the highest income inequality in the world.

Click to continue reading and see 5 Countries with the Highest Income Inequality. Suggested Articles:

Disclosure: None. 25 countries with the highest income inequality in the world is originally published on Insider Monkey.
In this article, we are going to discuss the 25 most popular whiskey brands in the world. You can skip our detailed analysis of the global whiskey market, the success of Scotch, the rising popularity of flavored whiskey, the dawn of the American single malt, the impact of the Russia-Ukraine war, and the new entrant in the whiskey market, and go directly to 10 Most Popular Whiskey Brands in the World.

The origin of whiskey began over 1,000 years ago, when distillation migrated from mainland Europe into Ireland and Scotland via traveling monks. The Scottish and Irish monasteries, lacking the vineyards and grapes of the continent, turned to fermenting grain mash, resulting in the first distillation of the modern whiskey.

Global Whiskey Market:

Irish, Scotch, American, Indian and Japanese are the worlds five major whiskies. According to IMARC Group, the global whiskey market was valued at $64 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach $91.3 billion by 2028, with a CAGR of 6% during the forecast period.

The consumption of alcohol is shifting away from beer and wine and millennials are more likely to experiment with other alcoholic beverages, resulting in the growth of a cocktail culture. As a result of this tendency, the use of whiskey as a premium ingredient has increased.

Product innovations, such as flavored whiskeys, and organic and sustainable options are also some of the major factors propelling the market. Spirit makers have also raised prices globally, as they try to protect their margins from increased costs and a stronger U.S. dollar.

The Success of Scotch:

2022 was a great year for Scotch whisky and exports of Scotlands native spirit hit $7.5 billion last year, the highest figures ever. Exports by volume also rose substantially, with the number of 700 ml bottles shipped overseas up by 21%, to 1.67 billion.

Diageo plc (NYSE:DEO) - owned Johnnie Walker played a key role in the categorys growth last year. Meanwhile, Pernod Ricards The Glenlivet was the best-selling single malt Scotch whisky in 2022. Single malt Scotch whiskies are the most expensive whisky brands, with a single bottle of 60-year-old Macallan 1926 even selling for $1.512 million in 2019.

Story continues

The Rising Popularity of Flavored Whiskey:

The flavored whiskey market has experienced significant growth in recent years, driven by the increasing consumer demand for unique and innovative alcoholic beverages. Flavored whiskey refers to whiskey that has been blended or infused with various flavors, such as fruits, spices, herbs etc. to enhance its taste and appeal to a wide range of consumers.

More than 16 million cases of flavored whiskey were sold in the U.S. in 2020, compared to less than 2 million ten years ago. One brand that has been driving this trend is Jack Daniels, owned by the Brown-Forman Corporation (NYSE:BF-B). The brands fire-flavored and apple-flavored blends are some of the most popular flavored whiskeys in America.

The Dawn of the American Single Malt:

Bourbon has long held the title of Americas national spirit, but the American single malt is now the fastest growing whiskey category in the United States. Although distillers in the U.S. have been producing single malt for only three decades, the category has already achieved a significant milestone this year  an imminent legal definition, furnished by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau.

Today there are more than 200 different expressions of American single malt whiskey from more than 100 distilleries. The Brown-Forman Corporation (NYSE:BF-B) also announced the launch of its Jack Daniels Single Malt Whiskey in October last year.

The Brown-Forman Corporation (NYSE:BF-B) saw double-digit growth of 11% in the first half of the 2023 fiscal year, as it reported a net sales increase of $2.12 billion compared to 2022.

Impact of the Russia-Ukraine War:

The wider spillover effects of the Russia-Ukraine war on commodity prices, energy prices, and global supply chains are likely to cause some serious pain to Scotch whisky companies in the coming years. But Bacardi, owner of Dewars, William Lawsons and a string of malts, is likely to feel the heat much more than any other Scotch distiller.

This is due to Bacardis position as the top Scotch whisky seller in Russia, a country where Dewars range has been performing well and William Lawsons is the biggest brand of Scotch. Despite its vow to leave the Russian market, the company continues to operate there and has in fact tripled its profits in the region since the beginning of the invasion, to about $53 million. The increase in profits may have to do with a lack of competitors, since several big spirits brands have made efforts to halt business with the country.

New Entrant in the Whiskey Market:

The beer behemoth Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (NYSE:BUD) is also getting ready to join the lucrative whiskey bandwagon and has recently announced the launch of its Magnum Double Barrel Whiskey in India. This move shouldnt come as a surprise as Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (NYSE:BUD) has also unveiled its vodka and gin brands over the last few years, thus marking its grand arrival in the spirits industry.

Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (NYSE:BUD) also announced the release of DYavol Inception in the Indian market last month, a blended malt Scotch whisky that its launching in partnership with Aryan Khan, son of the Bollywood superstar Shahrukh Khan.

With that said, here are the Most Popular Whiskey Brands Globally.

25 Most Popular Whiskey Brands in the World

Copyright: monticello / 123RF Stock Photo

Methodology:

To collect data for this article, we have referred to The Brand Champions 2023 magazine of The Spirits Business, looking for the Most Popular Whiskey Brands in the World, and ranked them according to the sales volume of their 9-liter cases in 2022. When two brands had the same sales figures in 2022, we ranked them by their %age change in sales from 2021.

If youre also a beer lover and want to read about the most popular brews in America, please refer to 25 Top-Selling Beers in America.

25. Torys

Cases Sold in 2022: 2.9 million

Owned by Suntory Spirits, this Japanese whisky combines malt and grain for a smooth-well rounded taste thats simply delicious. Perfect for enjoying straight or on the rocks.

24. J&B

Cases Sold in 2022: 2.9 million

Based in London since 1749, Justerini & Brooks became part of International Distillers and Vintners in 1962, and ultimately joined the Diageo plc (NYSE:DEO) family in 1997.

23. Directors Special

Cases Sold in 2022: 3 million

Commonly known as DSP, Directors Special is a molasses-based brand of Indian whisky produced by United Spirits Limited. DSP was originally owned by Shaw Wallace, that won the legal battle in U.S. courts against the Scotch Whisky Association to sell the brand as a whisky.

22. Black Nikka

Cases Sold in 2022: 3.3 million

Founded in 1934, Nikka has become Japans second-largest distiller, producing a large range of single malt and blended whiskies between its two distilleries  Yoichi and Miyagikyo.

21. William Lawsons

Cases Sold in 2022: 3.5 million

Bacardi has made impressive strides with its William Lawsons brand, with volumes going up 52% over the past decade  up from 2.3 million 9L cases in 2011 to 3.5 million cases in 2022.

The brands no rules - great Scotch advertising campaign stresses that the brand abhors pretentiousness, and defies conventions and norms.

20. Dewars

Cases Sold in 2022: 3.5 million

Another Scotch brand owned by Bacardi, Dewars witnessed a 20.3% increase in sales from 2021, when it sold 2.9 million 9L cases. Dewars is the 20th most popular whisky brand in our list.

19. Black & White

Cases Sold in 2022: 3.6 million

Black & White is a blended Scotch whisky owned by Diageo plc (NYSE:DEO), that claims to be the most successful Scotch brand in Brazil, Venezuela and France.

18. Grants

Cases Sold in 2022: 4.2 million

Founded in 1887, William Grant & Sons is the oldest family business in the whisky industry. Complex, clean, and fruity, Grants Family Reserve is one of the worlds finest Scotch whiskies and enjoyed in over 180 countries.

17. Sterling Reserve

Cases Sold in 2022: 5 million

A brand of premium blended Indian whisky from the house of Allied Blenders and Distilleries, Sterling Reserve is a unique blend of imported Scotch malts and the finest Indian grain spirits.

16. Chivas Regal

Cases Sold in 2022: 5.2 million

In 2001, Pernod Ricard and Diageo plc (NYSE:DEO) acquired Seagram Spirits & Wine in a deal worth $8.15 billion, with Pernod taking control of the Chivas Brothers Scotch whisky operations. Chivas Regal ranks 16th among the most popular whiskies in the world.

15. Suntory Kakubin

Cases Sold in 2022: 6.1 million

First created in 1937, Kakubin is the signature blended whisky brand of Suntory Spirits, embraced for its uniquely Japanese flavors and aromas. Suntory is a Japanese business group best known for its whisky range, though its other interests include soft drinks, beer, wine, and health foods.

14. Canadian Club

Cases Sold in 2022: 6.5 million

This Canadian whisky brand is owned by Beam Suntory, which was formed after the $16 billion acquisition of Beam Inc. by the Tokyo-based Suntory group in 2014. Under the terms of the deal, Suntory paid Beams shareholders $83.5 per share in cash, a 25% premium on the companys closing stock price the previous day.

13. Royal Challenge

Cases Sold in 2022: 7.2 million

Royal Challenge Premium Whisky is a blend of rare Scotch and mature Indian malt whiskies. The brand boasted a staggering increase of 52.5% in its sales volume from 2021, when it sold 4.7 million 9L cases. With 7.2 million 9L cases sold in 2022, Royal Challenge ranks among the top 100 whisky brands in the world.

12. Crown Royal

Cases Sold in 2022: 8.4 million

Liquor giant Diageo plc (NYSE:DEO) made its Super Bowl debut in 2023 with an ad for its Crown Royal Canadian Whisky, when the company bought a 30-second spot tentatively slated for the third quarter.

Diageo plc (NYSE:DEO) has also announced plans to build a new $185 million distillery for the brand. The facility, with capacity to produce up to 20 million liters of alcohol annually, will sit on approximately 400 acres in Ontario.

11. Ballantines

Cases Sold in 2022: 9.2 million

Ballantines is another top-notch Scotch whisky brand that became a part of the Pernod Ricard family after it acquired Allied Domecq in 2005, in a deal worth $14.2 billion. Ballantines is the second best-selling Scotch whisky in the world.

Click to continue reading and see the 10 Most Popular Whiskey Brands in the World.

Suggested Articles:

Disclosure: None. 25 Most Popular Whiskey Brands in the World is originally published on Insider Monkey.
Patrick Ecclesine / ABC

"Shark Tank" is an ABC TV phenomenon in which angel investors, known as "sharks," consider startup business ideas by aspiring entrepreneurs to see if they want to invest.

$10,000 Quarter: This 1999 Georgia Coin Is Worth Big Money Because of an Error

Find Out: How To Get Cash Back on Your Everyday Purchases

The sharks, who have included Daymond John, Kevin O'Leary, Robert Herjavec, Barbara Corcoran, Mark Cuban, Lori Greiner and others, offer millions of their own investor dollars to fund ideas they think can really fly. For every success, there are just as many failures, some more spectacular than others. Here are five of the biggest "Shark Tank" fails.

Amazon

The Body Jac

It may seem impossible for new exercise equipment to excite big donors, but in season one, Jack Barringer, infomercial star and entrepreneur, was able to convince investors Barbara Corcoran and Kevin Harrington to invest $180,000 in his business. His device, "The Body Jac," was supposed to make pushups easier, as well as improve other muscles. According to Shark Tank Tales, Jack was instructed to lose 30 pounds by his doctor but found certain exercises hard on his joints. Thus, his invention was born.

Money Expert Jaspreet Singh: Get Rich Through These 3 Investments

I'm a Financial Planning Expert: Here Are 3 Ways ChatGPT Can Save You Money

It's unclear why the company did not succeed, according to Showbiz Cheat Sheet, but Corcoran told Forbes, "My worst [Shark Tank deal] was investing in a fast-talking cowboy selling exercise equipment who needed to lose 50 pounds."

Amazon

Breathometer

The Breathometer sounded too good to be true, and maybe it was. Breathometer was a portable breathalyzer device that measured blood alcohol levels via a smartphone app, according to Failory. Its founder, Charles Michael Yim, raised $1 million in 2013 from Kevin O'Leary, Mark Cuban, Daymond John, Lori Greiner and Robert Herjavec, who got 30% equity. The fact that all five sharks were willing to go in on it seemed to bode well for the product. But the reality was not so smooth. The company could not fulfill all the orders placed, and the device did not deliver accurate results. The Federal Trade Commission ordered the company to refund all customers and remove the product from sale.

Story continues

Mark Cuban referred to it as the "worst execution in the history of Shark Tank" and placed the blame back on founder Yim's shoulders, claiming mismanagement of funds.

The company is still going, though it is advertising a new product that can measure biomarkers of bad breath and gum disease, partnering with the oral hygiene department at Philips.

Follow: 6 Steps To Take To Become a Millionaire by 30

Sweet Ballz

Sweet Ballz

Everyone loves cake, even investors. Founders of Sweet Ballz, a cake ball company, James McDonald and Cole Egger, must have done something right, as they got $250,000 from Mark Cuban and Barbara Corcoran in exchange for 25% of their sweets company. At one point the cake company had earned $700,000 in cake ball sales from 7-11 Franchises alone, according to Shark Tank Success.

That sweet success didn't last, however. McDonald wound up suing Egger for breach of contract, after he started a competing company called CakeBallz. At one point, McDonald even asked for a restraining order. The company still exists, but the founders' partnership does not.

Amazon

Show No Towels

In 2012, Shelly Ehler appeared on the show with her product for small children who might need to change in public places, such as at a swimming pool, according to The Inquisitr. She called her towel/poncho crossover "Show No Towels." Ehler won over several sharks but chose to partner with Lori Greiner, who gave her $50,000 on the spot, the first time in the show's history at that point a contestant had received money on demand.

They worked together for a year before the company went bust. According to Inc.com, "things just didn't go the way she expected them to, or the way they were presented on TV."

eclipse_images / Getty Images

Toygaroo

What seemed like an excellent idea, Toygaroo, a company that dubbed itself the "Netflix of toys" as it allowed people to rent toys every month, was so compelling it got Mark Cuban and Kevin O'Leary to invest $200,000 for 35% control of the company in 2011.

Whether due to inexperience, mismanagement, growing too fast or a combination of all three, Toygaroo filed for Chapter 7 in April 2012, just one year after getting the investment. The company closed for good in 2016.

More From GOBankingRates

Photo Disclaimer: Please note photos are for representational purposes only.

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 5 Shark Tank Fails That Cost Big Money
In this article, we will look at 6 cheap solid-state battery stocks to buy. If you want to skip our detailed analysis of the solid-state battery market and explore similar stocks, you can also take a look at 3 Cheap Solid State Battery Stocks to Buy.

The lithium-ion batteries commonly utilized in smartphones and electric vehicles (EVs) currently available in the market are predominantly liquid-state batteries. These batteries employ a liquid electrolyte solution to facilitate the movement of ions between the cathode (positive) and anode (negative), resulting in the generation of electrical potential. In contrast, solid-state batteries, as implied by their name, eliminate the liquid electrolyte and substitute it with a solid material such as ceramics or glass. This shift to a solid substance enables the functioning of the battery. According to a research report by Allied Market Research, the global solid-state battery market size was valued at $0.5 billion in 2020, and is projected to reach $3.4 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 18% from 2021 to 2030.

The advantages of solid-state batteries are twofold. Firstly, they offer enhanced safety compared to liquid-state batteries, which are susceptible to hazardous failures when damaged. Secondly, and of significant importance to electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers, removing the liquid component from batteries allows for increased electrical generation capacity. The technology has achieved significant advancement in recent years.

This battery technology has also caught the eye of the U.S. government and the aviation industry. This past year, NASA's Solid-state Architecture Batteries for Enhanced Rechargeability and Safety (SABERS) team successfully developed a high-performing solid-state battery with the potential to store ample electricity and discharge it rapidly, making it a promising candidate for efficiently powering electric aircraft. Regarding this breakthrough, Rocco Viggiano, principal investigator for SABERS at NASAs Glenn Research Center made the following remarks:

Story continues

Were starting to approach this new frontier of battery research that could do so much more than lithium-ion batteries can. Not only does this design eliminate 30 to 40 percent of the batterys weight, it also allows us to double or even triple the energy it can store, far exceeding the capabilities of lithium-ion batteries that are considered to be state of the art 

Toyota Motor Corporation (NYSE:TM), the automotive giant, has made significant strides in solid-state battery technology, proclaiming a "technological breakthrough" that could revolutionize the range capabilities of their electric vehicles (EVs). According to Toyota's assertions, advancements in aerodynamics, design, and battery technology will enable their EVs to travel over twice the distance of current models, covering a remarkable 1,200 kilometers on a single charge. Additionally, they anticipate a quick recharge time of 10 minutes or less. The company plans to introduce these advancements to the market between 2027 and 2028, aiming for a commercial rollout. They further express optimism that ongoing research could extend the cruising range even further, reaching an impressive 1,500 kilometers on a single charge. By comparison, the long-range version of the Tesla Model 3 currently offers a range of 602 kilometers.

While relatively new and emerging compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries, solid-state batteries are set to generate hefty profits if the aforementioned developments are anything to go by. This becomes more evident when we factor the various ambitious goals that certain EV makers have set for themselves. General Motors Company (NYSE:GM) has set an ambitious target to manufacture 1 million electric vehicles annually by 2025. Similarly, Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) aims to produce 2 million electric vehicles per year by 2026. Meanwhile, Volkswagen's vision is even bolder, aiming for 80% of EV sales in Europe and 55% in the U.S. by 2030.

6 Cheap Solid State Battery Stocks to Buy

Photo by Kumpan Electric on Unsplash

Our Methodology

For our list of cheap solid-state battery stocks to buy, we shortlisted 6 stocks that are either directly involved in the solid-state batteries, or are set to benefit from the technology's growth. We made use of the Finviz stock screener to list down stocks that have P/E ratios less than 20 (as of July 25). Typically, the average P/E ratio is around 20 to 25. Anything below that would be considered a good price-to-earnings ratio, whereas anything above that would be a worse P/E ratio. Data from around 943 elite hedge funds tracked by Insider Monkey in the first quarter of 2023 was used to identify the number of hedge funds that hold stakes in each firm.

You have to keep in mind that this is an emerging technology, and it may be completely replaced by a superior technology at a future point, or abandoned in favor of the current lithium-ion batteries. Even though we present cheap solid-state battery stocks to buy in this article, they may not be the best stocks to buy in the market or the automotive industry. For more information on automotive industry, check out our article on the best car stocks to buy here.

6. Toyota Motor Corporation (NYSE:TM)

P/E ratio as of 25 July: 12.92

Number of Hedge Fund Investors: 7

Toyota Motor Corporation (NYSE:TM) is a Japanese multinational automotive manufacturer headquartered in Toyota City, Aichi, Japan, that owns notable brands such as Lexus, Ranz, Hino, and Daihatsu. Toyota Motor Corporation (NYSE:TM) also holds the title of the largest Japanese car company in terms of revenue, boasting an impressive $266.6 billion in earnings. Furthermore, the company's industrial equipment sales, particularly forklifts, experienced significant growth, surging by 25% to reach $12.9 billion. In addition, the car manufacturer contributes 11.5% share of the worlds annual automobile output.

Earlier this month, the company made a significant announcement regarding its breakthrough in solid-state EV battery technology. By streamlining the production of materials used in solid-state batteries, Toyota Motor Corporation (NYSE:TM) intends to introduce a model by 2025 that will enhance cruising range by 20%. Additionally, the company is actively researching and developing a higher-performance version, which has the potential to achieve a 50% increase in cruising range, offering over 900 miles on a single charge. The company expects to be able to manufacture solid-state batteries for use in electric vehicles as soon as 2027.

At the close of the first quarter of 2023, 7 hedge funds reported holding stakes within Toyota Motor Corporation (NYSE:TM), compared to 10 in the previous quarter. Peter S. Stamos' Stamos Capital is a notable shareholder of the company, with stakes worth roughly $2.58 million

Similar to General Motors Company (NYSE:GM) and Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F), Toyota Motor Corporation (NYSE:TM) is a company that investors should keep tabs on.

5. Honda Motor Company Ltd. (NYSE:HMC)

P/E ratio as of 25 July: 11.54

Number of Hedge Fund Investors: 11

Honda Motor Company Ltd. (NYSE:HMC) is a Japanese public multinational conglomerate manufacturer of automobiles, motorcycles, and power equipment, headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, Japan. Since 1959 it has been the top-selling motorcycle company in the world. In 2021, Honda Motor Company Ltd. (NYSE:HMC) set a goal to make only EVs or vehicles powered by hydrogen fuel cells by 2040. In 2022, it announced further plans to produce 2 million EVs and roll out 30 electric models by 2030.

Although the company was slow to embrace electric vehicles, similar to its Japanese peers, Honda Motor Company Ltd. (NYSE:HMC) has made several large bets to get ahead of the competition within this growing market, especially in the realm of EV batteries. This past year, the company announced a partnership with South Korean battery maker LG Energy Solution, Ltd. to build a $4.4 billion EV battery plant in the United States. Additionally, the company stated that it would dedicate $310 million to launch a pilot production line that produced all-solid-state batteries, further cementing its place within the market.

According to Insider Monkeys first quarter database, 11 hedge funds were bullish on Honda Motor Company Ltd. (NYSE:HMC), with collective stakes worth $16.59 million, compared to 12 hedge funds in the previous quarter. Of these, Ken Griffin's Citadel Investment Group is the leading shareholder, with stakes worth $5.86 million

4. Stellantis N.V. (NYSE:STLA)

P/E ratio as of 25 July: 3.11

Number of Hedge Fund Investors: 27

Stellantis N.V. (NYSE:STLA) emerged as a multinational automotive manufacturing corporation in 2021, resulting from a 50-50 cross-border merger between two prominent entities: the Italian-American conglomerate Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and the French PSA Group. One of the biggest automotive manufacturers in the world, its portfolio includes the likes of Alfa Romeo, Fiat, and Dodge.

This past year, Stellantis N.V. (NYSE:STLA) made an investment in Factorial Energy through its affiliate, participating in Factorial's Series D funding round alongside other investors. The funding received will be utilized to expedite the commercial production and deployment of Factorial's solid-state battery technology. During its EV Day program in July 2021, Stellantis N.V. (NYSE:STLA) announced its target of having the first competitive solid-state battery technology introduced by 2026.

Insider Monkey dug through 943 hedge funds for their March quarter of 2023 shareholdings to find out that 27 had held a stake in the firm. Stellantis N.V. (NYSE:STLA)s largest hedge fund investor is Peter Rathjens, Bruce Clarke, and John Campbells Arrowstreet Capital through a stake of $598 million.

Stellantis N.V. (NYSE:STLA) stands out as not only an affordable solid-state battery stock but also one of the finest, alongside General Motors Company (NYSE:GM) and Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F).

Click to continue reading and see 3 Cheap Solid State Battery Stocks to Buy

Suggested Articles:

Disclosure: None. 6 Cheap Solid State Battery Stocks to Buy is originally published on Insider Monkey.
Natalia Lavrenkova / iStock.com

If youre looking to create wealth for yourself and your family, you may not know where to start. For those who want to go the entrepreneurial route, how can you get your business off the ground and turning a profit quickly? And for those who dont want to start their own businesses, how can you create additional income streams?

Im a Millionaire: Why Im Not Passing Generational Wealth to My Kids

Learn: How To Get Cash Back on Your Everyday Purchases

In this Financially Savvy Female column, were chatting with Elena Cardone, entrepreneur, investor, wife of Grant Cardone and the founder of 10X Ladies, which will be hosting a two-day seminar in Miami on Aug. 4-5, about the best ways for women to build wealth and create an empire.

Identify Your Purpose and Values

For those women who want to create a business empire, defining what you value is the first step, Cardone said.

A good place to start is identifying what your purpose is and connecting with that, she said. Know your core values and then educate yourself on the space. You dont have to be perfect at it or know it all. Commit first and figure the rest out later.

Im a Financial Planning Expert: Here Are 5 Things You Should Never Spend Money on If You Want To Be Rich

Start Promoting ASAP

Once youve figured out the product or service you will be providing, start getting the word out.

People think that they have to already be there before they start to promote, Cardone said. If youre just starting out, if you believe in your product or service, dont withhold that and think you have to have everything perfect and in line first before you start putting it out there. Put it out there, get known.

Cardone said that promotion is really what makes your brand stand out from the rest.

That is such an important key element  promote, promote, promote, she said. Get your product out, get attention, get known. The best-known [product] beats the best product all day long.

Story continues

Elena Cardone

Find Collaborators

If you want to launch your business quickly, partner with people who can help you do that.

Collaboration is such a fast track, Cardone said. So many people think they have to invent the wheel and do it themselves. Ive now built an empire with my husband, and one of our biggest mistakes was we didnt collaborate sooner. We thought too small. You can collaborate with someone and boom, be up and running and operating and functional pretty quickly.

She notes that you do need to be strategic about who you partner with.

Thats why its so important for you to have your core values, because then you can identify red flags: What wont you tolerate? Cardone said.

Seek out people who align with your values and who are happy to support you.

Get a network that supports you, Cardone said. You dont have to be in competition with everyone.

As for how to find collaborators, Cardone recommends going to events, such as 10x Ladies, that are full of like-minded, entrepreneurial women.

You network and you build relationships at events, she said. Go to events where you put yourself in the room with power  with people that already have it or are willing to invest in themselves.

Invest in Income-Producing Assets

You dont have to start your own business to build an empire. You can also create an empire by investing in income-producing assets, Cardone said. She is a fan of real estate investments  and multifamily apartments in particular  and cites a rule of thumb from her husband, Grant Cardone: Rent where you live and own what you rent.

Cardone notes that living in a home you own often requires you to put in money, while owning a property that you rent out earns you money.

Income-producing assets are really our key to wealth, Cardone said. You can earn your way to rich, but you cant earn your way to wealth. The only way to earn your way to wealth is to have your money making money, whether youre sleeping, on vacation, working or sick.

Improve Your Financial Literacy

If you dont understand money, you wont be able to make the most of it.

Dont feel intimidated around money, Cardone said. Invest the time to learn about it so that you can really take responsibility for being able to not only take care of yourself, but your family or whoever you choose in the future. And it starts with the knowledge that youre willing to invest in yourself and really giving yourself enough information to make an informed decision about your wealth creation.

One way to improve your financial literacy is to study women who have already achieved the level of success you aspire to.

Listen to people that actually know how to create wealth, Cardone said. If they have an interview or podcast, what are they saying? Youll start seeing that these people are repeating the same things over and over. And eventually, you get comfortable enough and familiar enough with the nomenclature.

Change Your Money Mindset

Cardone said that some women have limiting beliefs about money that could be holding them back from achieving wealth.

You [have to] really understand the word wealth and what it means  the derivation comes from the word well plus healthy, so if you are not wealthy, then you are sick, Cardone said. If you are not well, invest in either educating yourself or invest in ways you can actually make [your wealth] grow in the future. Wealthy is not a bad word.

If you have negative connotations with money or wealth, Cardone recommends examining what those beliefs are and start challenging yourself about whether or not they are true.

Do you think youd be a sellout, money makes you greedy or money doesnt make you happy? Write all [your beliefs] down and really look at the ones that youve held on to, Cardone said. If you have the belief that money will make you greedy, youre only going to get so much because who wants to be greedy or not liked or a sellout?

Grant and I always say, What are you willing to give up in order to get where you want to go? Are you willing to give up old ideas and old concepts?, Cardone continued. So after you write down all your considerations about money, come up with another version. Be open to the possibility that you can have money, that it can come easily. Start having the conversation in your head to be open to the possibility of it and see where that takes you.

More From GOBankingRates

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 6 Ways Women Can Build Wealth and Create an Empire, According to Elena Cardone
Unstable Diffusion is a NSFW AI image generator with minimal content restrictions. Unstable Diffusion

Unstable Diffusion is an AI image generator with minimal content restrictions.

The platform allows users to generate NSFW content, including pornographic images.

Its CEO says that the service is putting out more than 500,000 images a day.

Unstable Diffusion, the NSFW AI image generator that was booted off Kickstarter in December, is gaining quite a following: The program is generating more than 500,000 images every day, its CEO and cofounder Arman Chaudhry told Insider over email.

Unstable Diffusion is similar to other AI image generators that create images from text inputs, but it has minimal content restrictions and can create NSFW images, including pornographic ones.

It is based on Stable Diffusion, the popular text-to-image generator from Stability AI. The code underlying Stable Diffusion is public, so anyone can theoretically view and modify it to create new versions of the original model.

That's what Chaudhry did when starting Unstable Diffusion in August 2022, the same month Stable Diffusion was released to the public.

Unstable Diffusion began as a subreddit to share AI-generated porn. The group then moved to Discord, where members started building tools, eventually creating a bot that would become an early version of its image generator, TechCrunch reported.

"We founded the discord group as a refuge for artists who wanted to create AI art without limitations, including those related to adult content," Chaudhry, CEO of Unstable Diffusion, told Insider in February over email.

The community launched a Kickstarter campaign in December to raise money to build its image generator, but was removed from the platform 12 days later.

Still, Unstable Diffusion was able to raise the necessary funds  $30,000, Chaudhry told Insider in February  to roll out a standalone web app. Unstable Diffusion has a basic, free service, as well as a trio of paid products that charge between $14.99 and $59.99 per month. These premium services allow users to generate more images simultaneously, produce images faster, and use images commercially.

Story continues

Of course, there is opportunity for foul play when it comes to AI porn, as users can create deepfake pornography or content depicting minors engaging in sexual acts.

In February, Atrioc, a popular Twitch streamer, was caught watching this pornography depicting deepfakes of female streamers. At the time, experts told Insider that being featured in non-consensual deepfake porn can be traumatic and considered abuse.

Chaudhry told Insider in February that Unstable's "aggressive filter and moderation system" prevents deepfakes and other undesirable content.

But it's not foolproof. TechCrunch was able to use the generator to create images that produced look-alikes of Donald Trump and Chris Hemsworth, for example.

When asked about the TechCrunch images, Chaudhry said that the look-alikes were created during a period where the service was experiencing "a bug with our deepfake content generation filter that temporarily disabled it for some users."

Bug or not, perfect content moderation, especially for a product that has few guard rails is difficult.

"It's not possible because of Gilb's law of unreliability  any system which depends on human reliability is unreliable," Dan Hendrycks, an AI safety expert and director of the Center for AI Safety, told Insider.

Content moderation for any system that is capable of producing inflammatory material is impossible, he added.

Even AI chatbots moderated extensively by tech companies like Google and OpenAI are at risk of having their guardrails bypassed.

The platform may also run into legal problems:

In 2019, Gavin Newsom, the Governor of California, signed two deepfake-related bills into state law, one of which allowed residents to sue anyone using deepfake technology that inserts them into pornographic material without consent.

In May, a bill was introduced to Congress that would make it illegal to share or spread non-consensual, AI-generated pornography.

Read the original article on Business Insider
LONDON, July 28, 2023--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of "a" (Excellent) of Oman Insurance Company P.S.C. (Sukoon) (United Arab Emirates) [UAE]. The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable. Concurrently, AM Best has withdrawn the ratings as the company has requested to no longer participate in AM Bests interactive rating process.

The ratings reflect Sukoons balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as very strong, as well as its strong operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management.

Sukoons balance sheet strength is underpinned by its risk-adjusted capitalisation at the strongest level, as measured by Bests Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR). AM Best expects Sukoons risk-adjusted capitalisation to remain comfortably in excess of the strongest threshold prospectively, as the company executes its strategic plan, supported by continued internal capital generation. The companys balance sheet strength is supported further by its relatively conservative investment portfolio, excellent liquidity profile and prudent reserving practices. Offsetting factors include Sukoons high dependance on reinsurance, although the associated counterparty credit risk is mitigated partially by the use of a panel of financially sound reinsurers.

Sukoon has a track record of strong operating performance, illustrated by a weighted average return-on-equity ratio of 9.9% over the last four years (2019-2022) (2022: 9.5%), following corrective actions implemented in 2018. Despite highly competitive conditions in the UAE insurance market, the company reported an improved profit after tax of AED 223.6 million (USD 60.9 million) in 2022, an increase of 8.5% over 2021. Sukoons operating performance continues to be supported by robust non-life underwriting results, with the company achieving a four-year (2019-2022) weighted average combined ratio of 92.5% (2022: 92.1%), as calculated by AM Best, as well as stable investment returns, with a weighted average net investment yield (including gains) of 3.0% over the same period.

Story continues

Sukoon has a market-leading position in the United Arab Emirates where it ranks as the third-largest listed insurer by gross written premium (GWP). In 2022, Sukoon underwrote AED 4.4 billion (USD 1.2 billion) in GWP, growth of 24.0% over 2021. In recent periods, the company has executed several strategic initiatives to enhance its geographical and product diversifications, notably through the launch of its Lloyds syndicate-in-a-box and the acquisition of Assicurazioni Generali S.p.A.s UAE life insurance portfolio. In May 2023, Sukoon announced the completion of its entry in the UAE takaful insurance market through the acquisition of Arabian Scandinavian Insurance Company P.L.C. - Takaful ASCANA Insurance. Nonetheless, Sukoons underwriting portfolio currently remains concentrated in its domestic market where approximately 70.0% of GWP is sourced.

This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on AM Bests website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see AM Bests Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Guide to Bests Credit Ratings. For information on the proper use of Bests Credit Ratings, Bests Performance Assessments, Bests Preliminary Credit Assessments and AM Best press releases, please view Guide to Proper Use of Bests Ratings & Assessments.

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/20230728719012/en/

Contacts

Mehdi Mouhssine

Financial Analyst

+44 20 7397 0285 +1 908 882 2310

mehdi.mouhssine@ambest.com

Jessica Botelho-Young, CA

Associate Director, Analytics

+44 20 7397 0310

jessica.botelho-young@ambest.com

Christopher Sharkey

Associate Director, Public Relations

christopher.sharkey@ambest.com

Al Slavin

Senior Public Relations Specialist

+1 908 882 2318

al.slavin@ambest.com
A federal appeals court on Friday upheld the stiff 57-month prison sentence for former state Rep. Luis Arroyo, saying the district judge was well within his bounds by placing extra emphasis on general deterrence for any future elected officials thinking about taking bribes.

Bribery is a premeditated crime  those tempted to sell out the public have plenty of time to weigh the risks and rewards before doing so, the nine-page ruling by the 7th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals stated. The district judge did not err by reasonably presuming that public officials consider the criminal sentences of other politicians, and that a longer sentence for Arroyo was necessary to deter corruption at the margins.

The opinion by the three-judge panel, written by Judge Thomas Kirsch, also slammed the door on Arroyos argument that U.S. District Judge Steven Seeger erred at sentencing by deeming Arroyos allocution statements aggravating. Allocution statements are comments the defendant makes to a judge before sentencing.

Nothing in the transcript suggests that the judge concluded that Arroyos statement itself was aggravating, the opinion stated. The judge did not say that Arroyo had attempted to avoid responsibility or minimize his role. To the contrary, while expressing frustration with the inconsistent positions taken in Arroyos filings, the judge stated that he would not hold that against Arroyo and took Arroyo at his word that he accept(ed) responsibility completely.

Arroyo, 69, is serving his sentence at a minimum-security facility in Pensacola, Florida. Hes due to be released in May 2026, prison records show.

His attorney, Michael Leonard, said in an emailed statement Friday that while he respects the courts ruling, he still believes the sentence imposed by Seeger was far outside the mainstream.

This is particularly true in light of the strong mitigating factors that were presented, including his incredible track record of service to his constituents and the public, Leonard wrote. We believe that, when courts stray from empirical bases for sentencing decision-making, it undermines the need for uniformity and consistency in sentencing.

Story continues

A longtime Democratic representative from Chicago, Arroyo resigned his seat shortly after he was arrested in 2019 on charges that he took bribes from politically connected business owner James Weiss in exchange for help promoting legislation beneficial to Weiss company, Collage LLC, which specialized in sweepstakes gaming machines.

Arroyo also admitted he enlisted the help of then-state Sen. Terry Link, arranging for Weiss to pay Link bribes to help push the legislation in the General Assembly. At the time, Link, a Vernon Hills Democrat, was secretly cooperating with the FBI. He resigned from office before pleading guilty to unrelated tax evasion charges in September 2020.

Link was wearing an FBI wire when Arroyo allegedly delivered the first of the promised $2,500 checks at a restaurant in Skokie, according to prosecutors.

This is, this is the jackpot, Arroyo allegedly told Link as he handed over the money.

Arroyo entered a blind guilty plea in 2021 to one count of honest services fraud, a move that came without an agreement on what sentencing recommendations should be made to the judge. The 57-month term ultimately imposed by Seeger was well above even the four years in prison recommended by prosecutors.

In his comments to the judge before sentencing, Arroyo issued a short apology, saying he cannot begin to put into words how awful I feel.

I let my constituents down, I let my loved ones down who mean more than anything in life to me, he said. Please take into consideration all of my life actions when you impose my sentence. Allow me to go home to my family as soon as possible.

But Seeger rejected Arroyos plea for probation, saying Arroyo had sold out an already corruption-weary public and committed a frontal assault on the very idea of representative government.

You were a corruption superspreader, Seeger said near the end of the nearly four-hour hearing. The public did not get what they deserved. They voted for an honest representative, and what they got was a corrupt politician.

Weiss, who is married to the daughter of former Cook County Assessor Joseph Berrios  former state Rep. Toni Berrios  was convicted by a jury on all charges in June and is awaiting sentencing by Seeger.

jmeisner@chicagotribune.com
By Maggie Fick and Radhika Anilkumar

LONDON (Reuters) -AstraZeneca on Friday delivered forecast-beating profits and sales in the second quarter as a strong performance by its blockbuster cancer drugs offset the loss of COVID-19 vaccine sales.

Shares in the Anglo-Swedish drugmaker, which has a strong line-up of cancer, metabolic and rare disease drugs, rose as much as 4.8%, before settling back to 3.9% by 1052 GMT, making the stock the largest weighted gainer on the FTSE 100.

Sentiment was boosted by Chief Executive Pascal Soriot's positive remarks on the company's data from a key lung cancer trial, an AstraZeneca shareholder and an analyst told Reuters.

Speaking to the media after second-quarter results, which showed a 25% rise in earnings, Soriot said the company is "very encouraged" by interim data from the TROPION-Lung01 trial, but he did not explain why the company had not declared results as "clinically meaningful".

Shares in AstraZeneca fell by as much by 8% earlier this month after interim data from the TROPION trial on an experimental precision drug called datopotamab deruxtecan, which disappointed investors.

The company said on Friday it will continue with its plan to file data from the trial with the U.S. drug regulator, soothing some concerns.

Markus Manns, a senior portfolio manager at Union Investment and AstraZeneca shareholder, said that should increase investor confidence in the product, after underwhelming interim data.

The strong results, which showed an adjusted profit of $2.15 per share, up 25% and exceeding the $1.98 per share expected in a company-compiled consensus, add to a string of strong quarters for the UK's biggest company by market capitalisation worth more than 165 billion pounds ($211 billion), bolstered by a strong pipeline of drugs.

Even so, the company registered no sales of its COVID-19 vaccine, its best-selling product in 2021 at the height of the pandemic, compared with $445 million a year ago, and said it expects sales to decline significantly in the full year.

Story continues

SATISFIED WITH CHINA STRUCTURE

The rapid decline of the COVID business for one of the first drugmakers to develop a shot against the virus in 2020 highlights the challenge in competing with rival vaccines manufactured by Pfizer and Moderna.

"Each of our non-COVID-19 therapy areas saw double-digit revenue growth, with eight medicines delivering more than $1bn of revenue in the first half, demonstrating the strength of our business," Soriot said.

Excluding COVID medicines, sales in China grew by 7% at constant exchange rates in the quarter, the fourth consecutive quarter of growth on that basis.

The company upgraded its guidance for China, saying it expected total revenue to grow by a low-to-mid single digit percentage in 2023, up from a low single-digit percentage increase.

AstraZeneca is the largest drugmaker in China, which accounted for 13% of last year's revenue.

According to an FT report in June, the drugmaker was drafting a plan to spin off its China business, and considering listing a separate unit in Hong Kong.

On Friday's call with journalists, Soriot responded to a question about that report by dismissing it as a "rumour". "We are satisfied with the way we are structured in China today and our focus is delivering those medicines to patients and partnering with local biotech companies in particular."

AstraZeneca stood by its 2023 outlook.

Separately, the company said on Friday its unit Alexion has agreed to buy U.S. drugmaker Pfizer's early-stage rare disease gene therapy portfolio for up to $1 billion, plus royalties on sales to bolster its genomic medicine capabilities.

($1 = 0.7816 pounds)

(Reporting by Maggie Fick in London and Radhika Anilkumar in Bengaluru; Additional reporting by Amanda Cooper in London; Editing by Nivedita Bhattacharjee, Josephine Mason and Louise Heavens)
Astrazeneca boss Pascal Soriot said the company saw sales of more than $1bn in the first half of the year from just eight medicines - Chris Ratcliffe/Bloomberg

Sales of the Oxford AstraZeneca Covid vaccine have fallen to zero as health officials switch their backing to safer jabs.

The Anglo-Swedish pharmaceutical group recorded its first quarter of no sales for the vaccine in the three months to the end of June, compared with revenues of $455m (350m) in the same period last year.

Demand for the vaccine, known as Vaxzevria, has been gradually slowing after the NHS began offering alternative mRNA jabs to under-40s due to rare cases of blood clots.

The UK medicines regulator said the chance of a clot resulting from the AstraZeneca jab was just one in 100,000 for people in their 40s, but this rises to one in 60,000 for people in their 30s.

Earlier this year, dozens of patients and families launched legal action against the pharmaceutical company over the rare side effect.

Health officials have instead thrown their weight behind mRNA vaccines, such as those made by Moderna and Pfizer.

Unlike vector vaccines such as Vaxzevria, these jabs use the mRNA molecule to trigger an immune response instead of an actual virus or bacteria.

French pharmaceutical group Sanofi, which makes a protein-based vaccine, today said it expects to make 400m in sales from its jab in the second half of the year, in a sign demand for inoculation remains strong.

AstraZeneca initially did not make a profit from its vaccine, but began signing commercial contracts in late 2021 as the virus became more contained.

It has previously said potential side effects from its jab are extremely rare.

The Cambridge-based company still managed to increase its revenue in the first half of the year by 4pc to $22.3bn, while pre-tax profits jumped more than fivefold to $4.4bn.

The growth was driven by strong performance for AstraZenecas blockbuster cancer drugs.

Pascal Soriot, AstraZenecas chief executive said eight medicines delivered sales of more than $1bn in the first half, with each of the companys divisions excluding Covid growing in double digits.

Story continues

Mr Soriot said the company was very encouraged by interim data from trials of its lung cancer drug datopotamab deruxtecan.

Shares dropped 8pc earlier this month when AstraZeneca first published the results of the trial, with investors concerned that the company had not called the data clinically meaningful.

Mr Soriot added: We look forward to sharing the data with the medical community at an upcoming medical congress and are proceeding to file the data with the US Food and Drug Administration.

AstraZeneca today also announced plans to buy a portfolio of rare disease gene therapies from rival Pfizer in a deal worth up to $1bn.

There are more than 7,000 known rare diseases, around 80pc of which are believed to be caused by a genetic mutation. Genomic medicines are designed to treat or cure these diseases by altering the malfunctioning gene.

The deal builds on AstraZenecas move into rare diseases through its $39bn takeover of Alexion in 2021. Shares rose 4pc following the announcement

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.
Phil and Brigid Beattie plan to begin serving homemade ice cream sandwiches in downtown South Bend in the next several weeks. Known as The Beard & The Boss for their other culinary ventures, the ice cream business will be separately branded.

Just about a year after joining other vendors at Dainty Maid Food Hall in downtown South Bend, The Beard & The Boss has pivoted yet again because of the owners desire to find balance in their personal lives.

Phil and Brigid Beattie opted to leave the Dainty Maid space because the hours were getting to be too much, especially after the location added evening hours on Fridays and Saturdays. That, combined with the difficulties of finding employees, meant Phil could be facing 60-plus-hour workweeks.

And its a sacrifice he wasnt willing to make with two kids at home and Brigid also working as a Realtor. Weve done that before, and we dont want to do it again, said Phil, who worked several years in area restaurants after graduating from the culinary program at Ivy Tech.

From meal-kits to dine-in: The Beard and The Boss opens inside Dainty Maid Food Hall

Eventually tiring of the long hours, nights and weekends required in restaurants, the Beatties launched The Beard & The Boss around 2016 to serve up locally sourced handmade sausage sandwiches and a wide variety of other comfort food dishes from different cultures at Art Beat and other events in the area.

But with a baby on the way, financial concerns pushed Phil to again take a job at an established restaurant that was able to offer comprehensive employee benefits. We did a double take when we saw the potential costs of having a baby, he explains.

This is the Thai noodle zoodle salad that The Beard & The Boss typically offers at festivals in the South Bend region.

But they pushed through with the hectic lifestyle; that is, until the pandemic hit and the restaurant was basically forced to shut down for a few months before reopening with extreme limitations. That pause gave time for Phil to consider what he was giving up by working nights and weekends.

Three years later, its hard to remember the extreme slowdown or elimination of almost all activities involving people. With time for some brainstorming, the couple realized that there was still demand for some form of dining, so they developed take-home meal kits under the Beard & The Boss brand.

Story continues

Phil Beattie builds the "sheboygan" at the Dainty Maid Food Hall in downtown South Bend in 2022. The Beard & The Boss recently relocated from the Dainty Maid Food Hall in downtown South Bend to a nearby commercial kitchen to focus on festivals, catering and a new ice cream sandwich.

And that business did well until things started normalizing and people opted to return to in-person dining for the overall social experience. The Beatties thought opening at the Dainty Maid space would be a good compromise because of the hours, but then those were also expanded.

About the same time they opted to pivot once more, the Beatties were contacted by local developer David Matthews about the availability of a commercial kitchen space called East Bank Eats at 701 N. Niles Ave. that most recently housed the Riverwalk Cafe.

Market Basket 2021: The new Riverwalk Cafe on the East Bank Trail features a menu with 'nice comfort feel'

The Beatties jumped at the space that Matthews hopes will be used as a commercial kitchen by other food vendors. At that location, the Beatties are back in the business of providing comfort foods like smash burgers, a Thai noodle zoodle salad and usually at least one other item at festivals and other gatherings in the region while also developing a catering business.

While those projects are underway, Phil has also been developing homemade ice cream sandwiches that he intends to sell from the mobile ice cream stand that was previously pedaled to downtown South Bend locations under the name The Outside Scoop.

Market Basket 2017: Family peddles (and pedals) a unique brand of ice cream in South Bend

Phil is working on getting the large tricycle ready for a likely end-of-August unveiling at a spot near Howard Park. I saw the need for local ice cream in downtown, he says.

So why not do a deep-dive into developing a product that is delicious, unique and affordably priced at $5 for those at Howard Park and possibly weddings, festivals and other events in the city? Phil is still tinkering, but the sandwiches will likely come in vanilla, chocolate and possibly vegan and gluten-free options with more to come.

That business will likely be rebranded with a new name and logo, but it will still be the Beatties' creativity behind the product.

Dainty Maid Food Hall in downtown South Bend offers a wide variety of food and beverage options from a variety of vendors.

While that project is getting underway, the couple says, The Beard & The Boss also will continue serving up comfort foods through caterings and events throughout the area. Once upon a time, such changes in direction might have resulted in extinction.

But courtesy of Facebook and other social media, area fans know how to find the couple and where theyll be serving their unique take on foods from around in the world. Will there ever be permanent location in the future?

Thats hard to say, though Phil admits the idea of a small deli with mostly take-out options could fit his idea of combining his love of creative cooking with spending time with the family. I never wanted to have a restaurant to begin with, he says.

Restaurant weeks

Summer Restaurant Weeks continues through Aug. 6 at 25 participating locations in downtown South Bend that are offering valued-priced menus and donating about 10% of the proceeds directly to Beacon Children's Hospital. The event was conceived by the Downtown Dining Association as a way to highlight the unique restaurants and bars in downtown South Bend while also generating support for the hospital.

The event is held twice a year and has generated well over $200,000 for the Children's Hospital since its inception. Restaurant Weeks is sponsored by Stanz, Visit South Bend Mishawaka, Downtown South Bend Inc., Beacon Health System and the University of Notre Dame. For more information, including special Restaurant Weeks menus, visit www.EatDrinkDTSB.com.

Email Tribune Market Basket columnist Ed Semmler at esemmler@sbtinfo.com.

This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: The Beard & The Boss departs South Bend food hall for catering, events
BNP Paribas SA

Paris, 28 July 2023

Release of the EU-wide Stress Test results by

European Banking Authority

On 28 July 2023, the European Banking Authority (EBA) published the results of the EU-wide Stress Test carried out jointly with the European Central Bank (ECB). This exercise covered the 70 most important banks of the European Union (versus 50 in 2021). The exercise is conducted every two years, with the exception of the 2020 exercise stopped due to the health crisis.

The stress test results demonstrate BNP Paribas capacity to withstand a scenario of major stress based on extremely severe assumptions of economic and market conditions evolutions.

The results of this thorough exercise conducted by EBA and ECB confirm the Groups balance sheet strength and the quality of its risk policy.

About BNP Paribas

BNP Paribas is the European Unions leading bank and key player in international banking. It operates in 65 countries and has nearly 185,000 employees, including more than 145,000 in Europe. The Group has key positions in its three main fields of activity: Commercial, Personal Banking & Services for the Groups commercial & personal banking and several specialised businesses including BNP Paribas Personal Finance and Arval; Investment & Protection Services for savings, investment and protection solutions; and Corporate & Institutional Banking, focused on corporate and institutional clients. Based on its strong diversified and integrated model, the Group helps all its clients (individuals, community associations, entrepreneurs, SMEs, corporates and institutional clients) to realise their projects through solutions spanning financing, investment, savings and protection insurance. In Europe, BNP Paribas has four domestic markets: Belgium, France, Italy and Luxembourg. The Group is rolling out its integrated commercial & personal banking model across several Mediterranean countries, Turkey, and Eastern Europe. As a key player in international banking, the Group has leading platforms and business lines in Europe, a strong presence in the Americas as well as a solid and fast-growing business in Asia-Pacific. BNP Paribas has implemented a Corporate Social Responsibility approach in all its activities, enabling it to contribute to the construction of a sustainable future, while ensuring the Group's performance and stability.

Story continues

Press contacts

Sandrine Romano  sandrine.romano@bnpparibas.com  +33 (0)6 71 18 23 05

Hacina Habchi  hacina.habchi@bnpparibas.com - +33 (0)7 61 97 65 20

Attachment




Boston Beer (SAM) came out with quarterly earnings of $4.72 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.45 per share. This compares to earnings of $4.31 per share a year ago. These figures are adjusted for non-recurring items.

This quarterly report represents an earnings surprise of 36.81%. A quarter ago, it was expected that this brewer would post a loss of $0.32 per share when it actually produced a loss of $0.73, delivering a surprise of -128.13%.

Over the last four quarters, the company has surpassed consensus EPS estimates two times.

Boston Beer , which belongs to the Zacks Beverages - Alcohol industry, posted revenues of $603.3 million for the quarter ended June 2023, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 0.75%. This compares to year-ago revenues of $616.24 million. The company has topped consensus revenue estimates three times over the last four quarters.

The sustainability of the stock's immediate price movement based on the recently-released numbers and future earnings expectations will mostly depend on management's commentary on the earnings call.

Boston Beer shares have lost about 4.7% since the beginning of the year versus the S&P 500's gain of 18.9%.

What's Next for Boston Beer?

While Boston Beer has underperformed the market so far this year, the question that comes to investors' minds is: what's next for the stock?

There are no easy answers to this key question, but one reliable measure that can help investors address this is the company's earnings outlook. Not only does this include current consensus earnings expectations for the coming quarter(s), but also how these expectations have changed lately.

Empirical research shows a strong correlation between near-term stock movements and trends in earnings estimate revisions. Investors can track such revisions by themselves or rely on a tried-and-tested rating tool like the Zacks Rank, which has an impressive track record of harnessing the power of earnings estimate revisions.

Story continues

Ahead of this earnings release, the estimate revisions trend for Boston Beer: mixed. While the magnitude and direction of estimate revisions could change following the company's just-released earnings report, the current status translates into a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) for the stock. So, the shares are expected to perform in line with the market in the near future. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

It will be interesting to see how estimates for the coming quarters and current fiscal year change in the days ahead. The current consensus EPS estimate is $4.19 on $596.68 million in revenues for the coming quarter and $7 on $2.03 billion in revenues for the current fiscal year.

Investors should be mindful of the fact that the outlook for the industry can have a material impact on the performance of the stock as well. In terms of the Zacks Industry Rank, Beverages - Alcohol is currently in the top 43% of the 250 plus Zacks industries. Our research shows that the top 50% of the Zacks-ranked industries outperform the bottom 50% by a factor of more than 2 to 1.

One other stock from the same industry, Splash Beverage Group, Inc. (SBEV), is yet to report results for the quarter ended June 2023.

This company is expected to post quarterly loss of $0.11 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of +31.3%. The consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been revised 8.3% higher over the last 30 days to the current level.

Splash Beverage Group, Inc.'s revenues are expected to be $6.8 million, up 51.1% from the year-ago quarter.

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

The Boston Beer Company, Inc. (SAM) : Free Stock Analysis Report

Splash Beverage Group, Inc. (SBEV) : Free Stock Analysis Report

To read this article on Zacks.com click here.

Zacks Investment Research
Byline Bancorp (BY) came out with quarterly earnings of $0.73 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.64 per share. This compares to earnings of $0.54 per share a year ago. These figures are adjusted for non-recurring items.

This quarterly report represents an earnings surprise of 14.06%. A quarter ago, it was expected that this bank holding company would post earnings of $0.64 per share when it actually produced earnings of $0.65, delivering a surprise of 1.56%.

Over the last four quarters, the company has surpassed consensus EPS estimates four times.

Byline Bancorp , which belongs to the Zacks Banks - Northeast industry, posted revenues of $90.46 million for the quarter ended June 2023, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 1.64%. This compares to year-ago revenues of $75.79 million. The company has topped consensus revenue estimates four times over the last four quarters.

The sustainability of the stock's immediate price movement based on the recently-released numbers and future earnings expectations will mostly depend on management's commentary on the earnings call.

Byline Bancorp shares have lost about 10.5% since the beginning of the year versus the S&P 500's gain of 18.9%.

What's Next for Byline Bancorp?

While Byline Bancorp has underperformed the market so far this year, the question that comes to investors' minds is: what's next for the stock?

There are no easy answers to this key question, but one reliable measure that can help investors address this is the company's earnings outlook. Not only does this include current consensus earnings expectations for the coming quarter(s), but also how these expectations have changed lately.

Empirical research shows a strong correlation between near-term stock movements and trends in earnings estimate revisions. Investors can track such revisions by themselves or rely on a tried-and-tested rating tool like the Zacks Rank, which has an impressive track record of harnessing the power of earnings estimate revisions.

Story continues

Ahead of this earnings release, the estimate revisions trend for Byline Bancorp: mixed. While the magnitude and direction of estimate revisions could change following the company's just-released earnings report, the current status translates into a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) for the stock. So, the shares are expected to perform in line with the market in the near future. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

It will be interesting to see how estimates for the coming quarters and current fiscal year change in the days ahead. The current consensus EPS estimate is $0.57 on $102.7 million in revenues for the coming quarter and $2.51 on $384.7 million in revenues for the current fiscal year.

Investors should be mindful of the fact that the outlook for the industry can have a material impact on the performance of the stock as well. In terms of the Zacks Industry Rank, Banks - Northeast is currently in the bottom 7% of the 250 plus Zacks industries. Our research shows that the top 50% of the Zacks-ranked industries outperform the bottom 50% by a factor of more than 2 to 1.

Another stock from the broader Zacks Finance sector, T. Rowe Price (TROW), has yet to report results for the quarter ended June 2023. The results are expected to be released on July 28.

This financial services firm is expected to post quarterly earnings of $1.71 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of -4.5%. The consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been revised 3.9% higher over the last 30 days to the current level.

T. Rowe Price's revenues are expected to be $1.58 billion, up 4.3% from the year-ago quarter.

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

Byline Bancorp, Inc. (BY) : Free Stock Analysis Report

T. Rowe Price Group, Inc. (TROW) : Free Stock Analysis Report

To read this article on Zacks.com click here.

Zacks Investment Research
Key Insights

The projected fair value for NAHL Group is UK0.61 based on 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity

NAHL Group's UK0.49 share price indicates it is trading at similar levels as its fair value estimate

When compared to theindustry average discount to fair value of 32%, NAHL Group's competitors seem to be trading at a greater discount

How far off is NAHL Group Plc (LON:NAH) from its intrinsic value? Using the most recent financial data, we'll take a look at whether the stock is fairly priced 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. Models like these may appear beyond the comprehension of a lay person, but they're fairly easy to follow.

Companies can be valued in a lot of ways, so we would point out that a DCF is not perfect for every situation. If you still have some burning questions about this type of valuation, take a look at the Simply Wall St analysis model.

See our latest analysis for NAHL Group

The Model

We're using the 2-stage growth model, which simply means we take in account two stages of company's growth. In the initial period the company may have a higher growth rate and the second stage is usually assumed to have a stable growth rate. In the first stage we need to estimate the cash flows to the business over the next ten years. Seeing as no analyst estimates of free cash flow are available to us, we have extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the company's last reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years.

Generally we assume that a dollar today is more valuable than a dollar in the future, so we need to discount the sum of these future cash flows to arrive at a present value estimate:

Story continues

10-year free cash flow (FCF) estimate

2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 Levered FCF (, Millions) UK3.95m UK3.25m UK2.86m UK2.63m UK2.49m UK2.41m UK2.36m UK2.34m UK2.33m UK2.34m Growth Rate Estimate Source Est @ -25.81% Est @ -17.69% Est @ -12.01% Est @ -8.04% Est @ -5.25% Est @ -3.31% Est @ -1.94% Est @ -0.99% Est @ -0.32% Est @ 0.15% Present Value (, Millions) Discounted @ 9.6% UK3.6 UK2.7 UK2.2 UK1.8 UK1.6 UK1.4 UK1.2 UK1.1 UK1.0 UK0.9

("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St)

Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = UK18m

After calculating the present value of future cash flows in the initial 10-year period, we need to calculate the Terminal Value, which accounts for all future cash flows beyond the first stage. The Gordon Growth formula is used to calculate Terminal Value at a future annual growth rate equal to the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield of 1.2%. We discount the terminal cash flows to today's value at a cost of equity of 9.6%.

Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2033  (1 + g)  (r  g) = UK2.3m (1 + 1.2%)  (9.6% 1.2%) = UK28m

Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= UK28m ( 1 + 9.6%)10= UK11m

The total value, or equity value, is then the sum of the present value of the future cash flows, which in this case is UK29m. To get the intrinsic value per share, we divide this by the total number of shares outstanding. Relative to the current share price of UK0.5, the company appears about fair value at a 19% 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. 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 NAHL Group as potential shareholders, the cost of equity is used as the discount rate, rather than the cost of capital (or weighted average cost of capital, WACC) which accounts for debt. In this calculation we've used 9.6%, which is based on a levered beta of 1.205. 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.

Moving On:

Whilst important, the DCF calculation is only one of many factors that you need to assess for a company. The DCF model is not a perfect stock valuation tool. Preferably you'd apply different cases and assumptions and see how they would impact the company's valuation. For example, changes in the company's cost of equity or the risk free rate can significantly impact the valuation. For NAHL Group, there are three essential elements you should further examine:

Risks: Consider for instance, the ever-present spectre of investment risk. We've identified 3 warning signs with NAHL Group (at least 1 which makes us a bit uncomfortable) , and understanding them should be part of your investment process. Management:Have insiders been ramping up their shares to take advantage of the market's sentiment for NAH's future outlook? Check out our management and board analysis with insights on CEO compensation and governance factors. Other Solid Businesses: Low debt, high returns on equity and good past performance are fundamental to a strong business. Why not explore our interactive list of stocks with solid business fundamentals to see if there are other companies you may not have considered!

PS. Simply Wall St updates its DCF calculation for every British stock every day, so if you want to find the intrinsic value of any other stock just search here.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Join A Paid User Research Session

Youll receive a US$30 Amazon Gift card for 1 hour of your time while helping us build better investing tools for the individual investors like yourself. Sign up here
California Water Service Group (NYSE:CWT) Q2 2023 Earnings Call Transcript July 27, 2023

California Water Service Group misses on earnings expectations. Reported EPS is $0.36 EPS, expectations were $0.56.

Operator: Thank you for your patience, and welcome, everyone, to the California Water Service Group Second Quarter 2023 Earnings Call. All lines have been placed on mute to prevent any background noise. After the speakers' remarks, there will be a question-and-answer session. [Operator Instructions.] Thank you. I would now like to turn the call over to Marty Kropelnicki, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Kropelnicki, please go ahead.

Marty Kropelnicki: Great. Thank you, Jack. Good morning, everyone. Thanks for joining us this morning. Apologies for the technical difficulties. We had some problems with our telecommunication line getting through. So, sincere apologies for that. With me today is Dave Healey, our Interim Vice President and Chief Financial Officer; and Greg Milleman, Vice President, Rates and Regulatory Affairs. Prior to getting into the results for the quarter, I'm going to turn it to Dave Healy to go through our statement on forward-looking statements. And Dave, why don't you jump into the financial results for the quarter, please.

Dave Healey: Thank you, Marty. Replay dial-in information for this call can be found in our quarterly results release, which was issued earlier today. The replay will be available until September 25, 2023. As a reminder, before we begin, the company has a slide deck to accompany the earnings call this quarter. The slide deck was furnished with an 8-K yesterday afternoon and is also available at the company's website at www.calwatergroup.com. Before looking at this quarter's results, we'd like to take a few moments to cover forward-looking statements. During the course of the call, the company may make certain forward-looking statements. Because these statements deal with future events, they are subject to various risks and uncertainties, and actual results could differ materially from the company's current expectations.

Story continues

Because of this, the company strongly advises all current shareholders as well as interested parties to carefully read and understand the company's disclosures on risks and uncertainties found in our Form 10-K, Form 10-Q, press releases and other reports filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Our presentation starts on Slide 4 with their values and priorities. And moving on to Slide 5, I'll discuss the second quarter results. So, during the second quarter of 2023, net income attributable to group was $9.6 million and diluted earnings per share was $0.17 as compared to net income attributable to group of $19.5 million and diluted earnings per share of $0.36 for the quarter ended June 30, 2022. As we discussed last quarter, second quarter results primarily reflect the temporary absence of 2023 California general rate increases and regulatory mechanisms included in our 2021 general rate case.

As a result of the delayed California general rate case, there was a decrease in second quarter 2023 operating revenue as compared to the same period last year. Additionally, operating revenue decreased $13.8 million due to a 10.4% decrease in customer usage. General rate increases during the quarter were approximately $3.4 million, with most of it in California, along with the delay to our GRC, the commission authorized a 4% general rate increase for most of our California districts effective May 5, 2023, until the final 2023 GRC general rate case increases are authorized by the commission. This added approximately $3 million to operating revenue during the second quarter. Total operating expenses decreased slightly in the second quarter of 2023 as compared to the same period last year.

Net interest expense increased $1.7 million, mostly due to an increase in interest rates and $23 million of additional borrowings on our short-term lines of credits. We invested $95.2 million in capital improvements during the second quarter of 2023, a 25.1% increase over the same period last year. This was a second quarter record for our company. In California, the governor extended the state's arrearage program to help customers struggling to pay monthly water bills. The program covers delinquent customer balances 60 days past due or written off during the period from mid-June 2021 to December 31, 2022. Our plan is to file our application for these funds with the State Water Resources Control Board at the end of September. One last item. We filed the California advice letter in July to increase annual operating revenues, $24.6 million to offset known increases in California water production costs.

Our EPS bridge is on Page 10. And now I'll turn it over to Greg Milliman to discuss the temporary absence of 2023 California General Rate Case, general rate increases and regulatory mechanisms.

Greg Milleman: Thank you, Dave. Looking at Page 7, consistent with the first quarter. We are using the same mechanisms available from the California Public Utility Commission to track the temporary impact of revenues whilst revenues from the delayed decision. The three primary mechanisms are shown on this slide. Moving to Page 8. We currently estimate that a temporary impact of the delayed decision on second quarter 2023 operating revenues to be between $19 million and $29 million based on current positions of parties in the 2021 GRC filings and consumption-driven regulatory mechanisms. While I'm on this topic, I'd call your attention to Slide 13, which is the same information, except for the year-to-date activities where the temporary delay in revenues is estimated to be $43 million to $63 million. With that, I'll turn it back to you, Dave, for Slide 9.

Pixabay/Public Domain

Dave Healey: Thank you, Greg. The second quarter earnings bridge is on Slide 10 and moving to Slide 11. For the six-month period ended June 30, 2023, net loss attributable to group was $12.7 million or $0.23 loss per diluted common share compared to net income attributable to group of $20.6 million or $0.38 earnings per diluted common share for the six-month period ended June 30, 2022. As Greg discussed, results for the six-month period ended June 30, 2023, reflect the temporary absence of 2023 general rate case, the 2023 California general rate increases, and regulatory mechanisms included in our 2021 general rate case. Operating revenue was $325.1 million for the six-month period ended June 30, 2023, compared to $379.2 million for the same period in 2022.

The $54.1 million or 14.3% decrease -- revenue decrease was due to a $21.8 million increase in revenue deferral, a $15.2 million decrease in RAM and MCBA revenue and a $22.9 million decrease in customer usage, which was partially offset by general rate increases of $5 million. Total operating expenses for the six-month period ended June 30, 2023, were $326.7 million compared to $342.8 million in 2022, a decrease of $16 million or $4.7 million. Other operations expenses for the six-month period ended June 30, 2023, were $42.4 million compared to $55.3 million in 2022, a decrease of 23.2% or $12.8 million. The decrease was primarily attributable to the deferral of $17.8 million in costs related to the revenue deferral. Water production costs decreased $6.6 million or 5% to $125.9 million in 2023 compared to $132.4 million in 2022.

The decrease in water production costs was primarily attributable to a 9.7% decrease in customer usage. These decreases were partially offset by increases in administrative and general expenses of $4.9 million, depreciation and amortization of $2.2 million and property and other taxes of $1.5 million. During the first six months of 2023, the company invested $177.2 million in infrastructure improvements. This is also a record for the company. The company's ATM program increased cash by $112.7 million during the first six months of 2023. We are pleased with the results of our ATM program, and we will continue our at the market, or ATM program, through March of 2025. The year-to-date EPS bridge is on Slide 15. And now I'll turn it over to Greg Milliman for a regulatory update.

Greg Milleman: Thank you, Dave. In regards to the cost of capital proceeding, the key point related to this decision is that it is perspective from July 31, 2023, going forward. After implementation with the water cost of capital mechanism, our ROE will have increased from 9.2% to 9.57%, and our debt will be trued up to our actual lower comps to borrow of 4.23%. Further, if the bond index continues as it is current and following its current trends, we expect the water cost of capital mechanism will be triggered again at the end of -- or the beginning of October and have an increase effective January 2024. On Slide 17, it is the California 2021 GRC update. Shortly after extending the decision on June 29 to the end of the year, December 31, 2023, the commission assigned a second judge to our proceeding.

This judge has had a long career with the commission, and he's already started working on our general rate case, considering that now we have two ALJs on our case, we're hopeful that we will have a proposed decision before the end of the year. Moving forward to Slide 18, I will turn it over to Marty.

Marty Kropelnicki: Great. Thanks, Greg. Just a quick update on the PFOS, PFO events that are happening. I think as we put in the last quarter deck, the draft regulations came out from the EPA [four ways] it was confirmed. Based on those draft regulations, we think it's incremental $200 million approximately of investment needed to treat approximately 75 wells in the five states that we operate, 75 million wells as of right now. Yet the draft regulation is adopted as it is, we'd have to be in compliance by 2026. That's a bit of a tight time frame. But having said that, in California, and California has the strictest water quality standards in the states, we started working on this back in 2018. So, we are well ahead of the curve here and continue to move ahead judiciously as we wait to see when those get adopted.

Also noteworthy, and this is a treaty big pivot for all of us that belong to NAWC, the National Association of Water Companies. We've all gone after the rate -- the polluters. And some of you may have seen in The Wall Street Journal, there has been a number of proposed settlements that have gone before the courts and ready to be finalized. We are personally involved in that litigation for the states that we operate in. And any recovery costs will go to offset the cost for customers as we implement treatment necessary to remove PFOA and PFOS from our drinking water. Moving ahead to the next slide, I want to take a moment to talk about business development. As in the past, [BD] has had another busy quarter, really since we talked last time at the end of Q1, we announced the California Public Utilities Commission approved us closing on the Skylonda Mutual, which is in the Bay Area.

That is not a big number of customers. It's 176, but it's a small system that's on both sides of our system. So, by acquiring Skylonda it allows us to build an interconnect between three parts of the Bay, the two parts that we own and the one part that Skylonda and improve reliability and resiliency in the Bay Area. In addition, we closed on the Stroh system in the state of Washington that's adding 900 connections to our Washington Water service company in the Pacific Northwest. And we got the Hawaii Commission approval to close our -- excuse me, to move ahead with the HOH Utility. So, HOH and KSSC are both on the Island of Hawaii. So, this gets us in our fourth island, it's a wastewater system that will add approximately 2,200 wastewater connections.

That means we'll be on Maui, we'll be on the big island of Hawaii. We're on Oahu and now we're moving into Hawaii. So overall, it was a busy quarter for our business development team and pipeline continues to be full. The team is busy. Again, in the water space, there's not really, really big acquisitions. They're pretty few and far between. But certainly, there's enough of kind of bolt-on things that we're seeing that complement our existing business that are close or parallel to our existing businesses that we can acquire and bring on to our system and achieve economies of scale to help reduce costs for customers and improve service. Looking ahead on the next slide, on the capital investment and depreciation slide. As Dave said, it was a record quarter for us in terms of new capital and $95.2 million getting out of the ground.

Clearly, we're making up some of the ground for a long wet winter out on the West Coast. I think the team has done a good job at speeding that up. And also year-to-date, it was up 22.5%, which was $177.[29] million. So, we are on track for our targets for 2023. I think more importantly, if you pull back a little bit, give you an idea of why our rate case is probably a little more complex than some of our peers in the state of California. For 2022, 2023 and 2024, that's over $1 billion of capital that we will have invested in our system. So, the rate pay sets delayed, it's a $1 billion rate case. So, it's a big thing to work through. I'm glad I'm not Greg Milliman, he gets to deal with all the details of that, but it's complicated as we work with the commission and move forward.

But the good news is the capital investment is continuing. We continue to stay on track with our investment dollars and the steps we're taking to improve resiliency and sustainability. Looking at the next slide, this is just a snapshot of what our regulated rate base looks like for group, assuming the rate case is adopted as is. This will obviously change when we get a proposed decision, and we'll update this slide accordingly. But this will give you a sense of what the earnings growth will look like as the rate base continues to grow. So, kind of where are we just taking a step back and looking at the quarter. Obviously, we're still in a holding pattern with the delayed general rate case in California. And while that is disappointing, as I mentioned, it is very complicated.

I will say we were very happy with the cost of capital decision that came out and was adopted in the second quarter that moved quickly once the proposed decision came out. As Greg mentioned, we're encouraged by the second ALJ being added to our general rate case. We're very familiar with this judge. We've had other cases before this judge. And I think he's very schedule-driven, he's very by the book, and I think he's very objective, which is good in terms of adding new ALJ. I don't think you can want anything more than that. And hopefully, it will help kind of facilitate the process. Obviously, despite the delays we continue to make significant progress with our business plan, whether it was the record capital that was put into the ground for the quarter, the continued growth through business development.

In this case, it was in California, Hawaii and the State of Washington. And we also published our third annual ESG report, including what we're doing in our Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions and what we're doing to do our part to combat climate change on behalf of our customers and improve sustainability and reliability. So, as we wait, we're going to keep executing the business plan. And as Greg said, we're optimistic that hopefully get a rate case before the end of the year. Once that rate case, a proposed decision comes out, that will allow us to book a number of mechanisms that we can't book right now, and that's why we share the numbers that we shared and the ranges are provided to give you a sense of what the high and the low is based on those mechanisms that we're not building right now.

Lastly, I want to take a moment to talk about a new board member who joined our Board of Directors. Some of you may have seen that. Charles Patton joined our Board. Some of you who may know, Charles, he's a 37-year utility veteran with an outstanding background in operations in external and governmental affairs and rates. He is an outstanding leader. We're very, very lucky to get him on our board and he had his first board meeting with us yesterday. So welcome Charles to the California Water Service Group Board. So, Jack, that's the update for now. Why don't we open it up for questions, please?

See also Dividend Growth Stocks: 25 Aristocrats and 10 Best Canadian Stocks Under $10.

To continue reading the Q&A session, please click here.
FILE PHOTO: The Capgemini logo is seen at the company's office in Issy-les-Moulineaux near Paris

By Lina Golovnya and Stephanie Hamel

(Reuters) -French IT consulting group Capgemini posted weaker quarterly growth due to a slowdown across its regions, marked by a softer-than-expected U.S. market as clients cut costs.

Its shares were down 5% at 1050 GMT, the biggest decliner among French blue-chip stocks.

"The U.S. market is a little bit softer than what we expected. We see more clients in cost cutting in the U.S., and that basically has put a bit more pressure on the U.S. market," CEO Aiman Ezzat told analysts on a call.

Its second-quarter sales grew 5.2% at constant exchange rates, down from 10.7% in the first quarter. Revenue in the U.S., Capgemini's second-biggest market, was up 3% versus 6.1% in the prior quarter.

Clients were in a "wait and see" mode in some industries, especially in the U.S., Chief Operating Officer Olivier Sevillia said, adding they were not dropping deals but shifting the timing of orders.

"Maybe Q4 is a bit too early," Sevillia said about a possible tipping point. He expected demand to resume strongly once the tides turned.

Capgemini's half-year revenue rose 7.9% at constant rates to 11.43 billion euros ($12.53 billion) aided by demand for digital transformation, including artificial intelligence (AI).

"I am convinced that generative AI will play a major role in this transition," Ezzat said in a statement.

Generative AI, a powerful form of AI able to generate text, images, and other content, has become popular since the release of OpenAI's ChatGPT chatbot last November, increasing concerns over issues such as copyright, cybersecurity, privacy and AI replacing human jobs.

The company, which aims to help businesses to adopt AI technology through recent partnerships with Microsoft and Google Cloud, said it planned to invest 2 billion euros in AI over three years.

This should double the workforce of its data and AI teams to 60,000 people, it said. The group's total headcount was 349,500 at end-June, down 1% from a year earlier.

($1 = 0.9122 euros)

(Reporting by Lina Golovnya and Stephanie Hamel in Gdansk; Editing by Milla Nissi and Sharon Singleton)
It's not a stretch to say that Reach Energy Berhad's (KLSE:REACH) price-to-sales (or "P/S") ratio of 0.4x right now seems quite "middle-of-the-road" for companies in the Oil and Gas industry in Malaysia, where the median P/S ratio is around 0.5x. However, investors might be overlooking a clear opportunity or potential setback if there is no rational basis for the P/S.

Check out our latest analysis for Reach Energy Berhad

How Reach Energy Berhad Has Been Performing

As an illustration, revenue has deteriorated at Reach Energy Berhad over the last year, which is not ideal at all. It might be that many expect the company to put the disappointing revenue performance behind them over the coming period, which has kept the P/S from falling. If not, then existing shareholders may be a little nervous about the viability of the share price.

Although there are no analyst estimates available for Reach Energy Berhad, take a look at this free data-rich visualisation to see how the company stacks up on earnings, revenue and cash flow.

Do Revenue Forecasts Match The P/S Ratio?

Reach Energy Berhad's P/S ratio would be typical for a company that's only expected to deliver moderate growth, and importantly, perform in line with the industry.

In reviewing the last year of financials, we were disheartened to see the company's revenues fell to the tune of 7.4%. This has soured the latest three-year period, which nevertheless managed to deliver a decent 16% overall rise in revenue. So we can start by confirming that the company has generally done a good job of growing revenue over that time, even though it had some hiccups along the way.

In contrast to the company, the rest of the industry is expected to decline by 13% over the next year, which puts the company's recent medium-term positive growth rates in a good light for now.

In light of this, it's peculiar that Reach Energy Berhad's P/S sits in line with the majority of other companies. It looks like most investors are not convinced the company can maintain its recent positive growth rate in the face of a shrinking broader industry.

Story continues

What Does Reach Energy Berhad's P/S Mean For Investors?

It's argued the price-to-sales ratio is an inferior measure of value within certain industries, but it can be a powerful business sentiment indicator.

As mentioned previously, Reach Energy Berhad currently trades on a P/S on par with the wider industry, but this is lower than expected considering its recent three-year revenue growth is beating forecasts for a struggling industry. When we see a history of positive growth in a struggling industry, but only an average P/S, we assume potential risks are what might be placing pressure on the P/S ratio. One major risk is whether its revenue trajectory can keep outperforming under these tough industry conditions. At least the risk of a price drop looks to be subdued, but investors seem to think future revenue could see some volatility.

Before you settle on your opinion, we've discovered 5 warning signs for Reach Energy Berhad (4 are concerning!) that you should be aware of.

Of course, profitable companies with a history of great earnings growth are generally safer bets. So you may wish to see this free collection of other companies that have reasonable P/E ratios and have grown earnings strongly.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Join A Paid User Research Session

Youll receive a US$30 Amazon Gift card for 1 hour of your time while helping us build better investing tools for the individual investors like yourself. Sign up here
The FTX bankruptcy estate is asking a court in Delaware to help it get back "hundreds of millions of dollars" it alleges Sam Bankman-Fried and his top associates, including Caroline Ellison, "misappropriated" in their heyday. Tyler Le, Jenny Chang-Rodriguez/Insider

FTX's bankruptcy estate is going after the crypto exchange's top leaders to try to take back funds.

Sam Bankman-Fried and others took "hundreds of millions of dollars," FTX alleged in a court filing.

Caroline Ellison, once co-CEO of the trading firm Alameda, took a $22.5 million bonus, FTX said.

FTX's bankruptcy estate has accused Sam Bankman-Fried and top deputies including Caroline Ellison and Gary Wang of plundering their crypto enterprise before things came crashing down.

For instance, Ellison improperly took $22.5 million in bonus payments from Alameda Research, the trading firm she helped lead as co-CEO, FTX alleged in a filing this month in Delaware bankruptcy court.

The allegation was in the same complaint where the FTX estate said that Bankman-Fried and his associates had drained their crypto companies of "over a billion dollars" during the years leading up to FTX's bankruptcy in November.

The complaint alleged various schemes by Bankman-Fried, Ellison, FTX co-founder Gary Wang, and Nishad Singh, who was once FTX's director of engineering.

Ellison, Wang, and Singh have all pleaded guilty to charges by federal prosecutors amid the government's investigation into FTX's failure.

Bankman-Fried, who has pleaded not guilty, is headed toward a trial scheduled for October.

"Ellison caused Alameda, through a series of convoluted transfers, to transfer $22.5 million to Ellison's personal account on the FTX exchange," according to allegations by FTX, Alameda and other entities in a complaint filed earlier this month in Delaware bankruptcy court.

FTX alleged that Bankman-Fried and his associates pocketed huge sums of money from the enterprise, giving themselves tens of millions in loans they didn't pay back, and money they used to invest in other entities, according to FTX's complaint.

Bankman-Fried and his friends at his companies also used the money to secure real estate like the "$30 million, six bedroom penthouse in the Albany resort community in the Bahamas" they all lived in, according to FTX.

Story continues

FTX had previously alleged that Ellison had also received about $6 million in payments from Alameda, though that was dwarfed by the roughly $2.2 billion that FTX alleged Bankman-Fried received from his businesses.

Representatives for FTX and Bankman-Fried both declined to comment.

Representatives for Ellison, Wang, and Singh did not immediately respond to emails seeking comment on Friday afternoon.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Jeremy Reymer, CEO and founder of DriverReach, is joined on this episode of Taking The Hire Road by one of his best friends in the industry, Leah Shaver, president and CEO of the National Transportation Institute. NTI is known as the trucking industrys principal authority on driver pay data and trends.

NTI works to provide carriers with actionable data and benchmarking studies, enabling them to make informed decisions about their own compensation packages and understand where the driver market may be headed in the future.

We show up to work every day to deliver opportunities for fleets to grow, to attract additional workers and expand in the market with an appropriately compensated, engaged and retained workforce, Shaver said.

While NTI engages primarily with carriers, Shaver does not overlook the importance of individual driver feedback when it comes to measuring  and improving  the trucking industry.

Hearing the drivers perspective is so important, Shaver said. Ultimately, if the issue is important to the driver, it should be important to the company and dictate the research we do here at NTI.

Drivers are the backbone of the industry, and understanding how they are being affected by the current freight recession is crucial for carriers looking to recruit and retain talent today.

Despite the freight recession and wider economic downturn, Shaver noted that company drivers are still feeling optimistic about both their pay and their jobs overall. This is likely because competition for drivers  especially experienced professionals with safe driving records  is still strong throughout the trucking industry.

In order to recruit and retain this type of in-demand talent during tough economic times, Shaver suggests carriers focus on engaging drivers in areas they can control  including safety, fuel economy and personal wellness  that also impact their paychecks.

This approach allows top-notch drivers to benefit from performance-related incentives, which continue to fuel that sense of optimism and increase retention rates.

Story continues

While the majority of company drivers are feeling positive, the same cannot be said for owner-operators. Many independent contractors operate primarily off load boards, which means they feel the full extent of the down market.

For many owner-operators, revenue is down and equipment costs are up. One way for them to weather the recession is to consider becoming company drivers, providing security for themselves and a new crop of experienced drivers for carriers.

There is a lot of opportunity to recruit folks who are not getting the freight they need or who dont have contract freight, specifically, Shaver said.

Click here to learn more about NTI.

More from Taking The Hire Road:

Trailblazing trucking: Gregg Troians progressive pursuit of innovation

Supercharging driver coaching with insights powered by machine learning

Growing with Groendyke: Gaining ground in driver recruitment

The post Whos the champion for drivers in your fleet?  Taking The Hire Road appeared first on FreightWaves.
(Bloomberg) -- China has asked its largest technology companies to provide case studies of their most successful startup investments in consumer, telecom and media companies, a sign authorities are ready to grant them broader leeway in backing such deals after a crackdown brought them to a virtual halt two years ago.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Companies including Tencent Holdings Ltd. and Meituan received the requests from Chinas Ministry of Commerce and the National Development and Reform Commission, people familiar with the matter said, asking not to be identified discussing private information.

Earlier requests for case studies on the robotics and semiconductor industries were followed by a rare post by NDRC  the nations powerful economic planner  on its official WeChat account highlighting investments by the two companies as being aligned with Chinas goals.

While authorities didnt spell out their reasons for requesting the new case studies, any broadening of the types of investments looked upon favorably by regulators would mark a significant step toward reversing a crackdown on disorderly capital that helped erase hundreds of billions of dollars of market value from Chinas tech giants since 2021.

Shares of Meituan and Tencent reversed losses on Friday following the Bloomberg News report. Meituan climbed as much as 2.3%, while Tencent stock increased as much as 1.6%. The Hang Seng Tech Index also reversed declines to increase as much as 1.8%, touching its highest level since February.

Xi Jinpings government has taken several steps to rebuild confidence in the private sector in recent weeks, including by ending regulatory probes into Tencent and Jack Ma-backed Ant Group Co. The moves have helped spur stock-market gains, though its far from clear that a recovery in private-sector confidence can be sustained given continued worries over the risk of abrupt shifts in government policy.

Story continues

Read More: Chinas Tech Crackdown Is Ending. What Does It Mean?: QuickTake

Regulators requested information on the investments including their ownership structure and whether it involves foreign capital, as well as potential economic and social benefits such as how the investment serves goals including carbon neutrality, rural revitalization and common prosperity, one of the people said.

The selected firms in the tech giants portfolios must be in compliance with relevant regulations and have no record of violations, the person said.

Representatives for Meituan, the Ministry of Commerce, NDRC and Tencent didnt respond to requests for comment.

China is courting private-sector companies as it looks to rescue its sputtering post-Covid economic recovery. China Securities Regulatory Commission Vice Chairman Fang Xinghai met with some global venture capital and private equity firms to hear their worries about investment in the country, Bloomberg News reported last week.

Read More: China Addresses Investor Concerns in Global Fund Meeting

Encouraging Chinese tech firms to back consumer-facing companies would represent a pivot from the governments guidance of the past few years. In December 2021, the Communist Partys top decision makers in a briefing following a key annual conference reined in their language around the disorderly expansion of capital. The briefing introduced a red-light, green-light metaphor indicating how the state would seek to guide the private sectors investment decisions.

Beijing has firmly steered investors toward bets on technologies it views as key battlegrounds with strategic rivals such as the US. Joe Bidens administration is planning to further tighten existing curbs by restricting inflows into Chinas semiconductor, quantum-computing and AI sectors, Bloomberg News reported this month.

Read More: China Asks Banks to Bankroll Tech in Latest Private Sector Boost

Tech firms in particular have heeded Beijings call to develop AI, a technology with far-reaching implications for the economy and national interests. Tencent-backed Shanghai Enflame Technology Co., which develops artificial intelligence chips, and Rongxin Semiconductor Ningbo Co., a wafer-level packaging and testing operator Meituan invested in, are among the companies NDRC mentioned in its WeChat post. Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. was also praised for its investment in e-commerce platform Huitongda Network Co.

Some Chinese tech companies that once operated like venture capital firms have cooled on the strategy in recent years. ByteDance Ltd. dissolved its venture capital and investing team and was set to radically overhaul its separate strategic investments arm, people familiar with the matter said last year. Alibaba said in May that its plan to break up the company into six different units will involve dispatching about half of its investment team to the various businesses.

--With assistance from Sarah Zheng, Jane Zhang, Yujing Liu and Fran Wang.

(Updates with share moves in the fifth paragraph.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
(Bloomberg) -- By his early twenties, Pan Gongshengs ambition had already propelled him from a farming village in eastern China to a prestigious Beijing graduate school, where he translated books from English  despite never having been abroad.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Among our classmates, we all thought Pan was impressive because he didnt have a great college degree, remembers Liu Xin, a Renmin University professor who studied with Chinas new central banker in the 1980s. But he had English skills outstanding enough to translate a book. We all thought it wasnt an easy feat.

Pan has since made a career out of exceeding expectations. In the 21st centurys first decade, as a state bank executive he twice captained initial public offerings that set a world record, boosting global investor confidence in China and earning himself a reputation as a financial rock star.

He later managed the nations $3 trillion pile of foreign reserves and helped oversee efforts to rein in debt-laden property firms  designing the three red lines policy that fueled a wave of financial distress at developers including China Evergrande Group.

Then his career seemed to near an end. At a major leadership congress last year the technocrat was removed from the Communist Partys elite Central Committee, an inner web thats included every central bank governor since at least the 1990s. Analysts took that as a sign the bookish Pan, who has few known political connections, had been sidelined during President Xi Jinpings reshuffle.

This month, he proved them wrong. Pan, now 60, was appointed governor of the Peoples Bank of China, uniting that role with the party chief title for the first time since Zhou Xiaochuan held both in 2018. Hes now firmly in charge of the institution tasked with steering the worlds second-largest economy through a growth slowdown and safeguarding the $60 trillion domestic financial system  although his lack of Central Committee membership could diminish his political sway.

Story continues

Pans mission comes as China confronts fears its growth miracle is ending. The nation is teetering on the brink of deflation, its vast property market is shrinking and business confidence is waning. All thats happening as the population shrinks and geopolitical tensions with top trade partners sizzle.

Three or six months ago Beijings rumor mill would tell you maybe he was not the frontrunner

Three or six months ago Beijings rumor mill would tell you maybe he was not the frontrunner, said Fred Hu, founder of Chinese investment firm Primavera Capital, who worked with Pan during the IPOs. But in the end, the top leadership made the right decision to pick a guy who clearly has all the qualifications at a critical juncture for our country.

He added: Pan has the knowledge, expertise, skillset, experience, and proven track record to do that job.

Read more on Pan Gongsheng and the PBOC:

China Central Bank Governor Comes With Hawkish Track Record

China Names Pan as Central Bank Governor to Revive Economy

Yi Gang Ends PBOC Governor Tenure Marked by Restrained Policy

Dark Horse

Pan was born to farmers in a remote nook of Anhui province, in eastern China, according to Hu. After studying and teaching economics at a junior college in neighboring Zhejiang, in 1987 he enrolled at Renmin University, whose alumni include Chinas former economic czar, Liu He, and current ambassador to the US, Xie Feng.

After graduating in 1993 with a PhD in economics, he landed a job in the Industrial & Commercial Bank of Chinas real estate credit department. Pan also joined another organization that year: the China Democratic League, one of eight non-Communist political groups that work alongside the ruling party. Known for attracting intellectuals, mostly drawn from the education, cultural and science sectors, Pans memberships suggests a desire to connect with like-minded academics over networking in the ruling party.

By 1999, that had seemingly shifted. Pan signed up to the Communist Party, considered a prerequisite for any big career in the state sector, and began to climb the ladder. By 2006, he was playing a leading role in restructuring the state lender and taking it public in Hong Kong and Shanghai for nearly $22 billion  then a world record.

During that period, Pan was a task master, says Hu, a former Greater China head of Goldman Sachs Group Inc., who worked with him at ICBC. The trained economist took daily logs of investment bankers office hours and pored over the ICBC deal prospectus picking out spelling errors, according to media reports.

His dedication paid off: Four years later, he helped the Agricultural Bank of China top ICBCs offering, nudging it over the $22 billion mark  another world record for a public offering. The successful IPOs, and the structural reforms they required to reassure global investors, showcased Pans flair for navigating international markets.

More than that, the deals boosted global confidence in Chinas banking sector, helping it stand up to global competition in the critical test years after China joined the World Trade Organization in 2001.

As Chinas economy liberalized and global connections deepened, Pan broadened his own horizons. In 2011, he spent a semester at the Harvard Kennedy School as a New World Fellow, a program designed to encourage collaboration between the US and Chinese leaders. Anthony Saich, an international affairs professor at Harvard University who oversaw the fellowship during Pans time, said he was smart, engaged and very interested in questions related to global affairs and finance.

One thing I was concerned about with Yi Gang stepping down was there would be limited global expertise and knowledge of the financial world outside of China in the PBOC, Saich said. Pans appointment should address that concern.

Pans Policy

Pans return from America brought more success. In 2012, he joined the PBOC as a deputy governor, and then in 2016 became head of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange, the nations foreign exchange regulator. But those roles came with some of Chinas thorniest economic issues.

His first year at SAFE brought a major crisis. The central banks shock devaluation of the yuan in 2015, as a result of exchange rate fixing reform, had caused panic in the markets and heavy outflows. Pan responded by imposing capital controls, a move that defied Chinas previous years of financial opening and risked isolating the domestic economy, but has since been credited with stabilizing crucial reserves.

Pans next big challenge recalled his early years at ICBC, as he became a dominant player in the campaign to rein in highly indebted property developers. For decades, Chinese developers had borrowed aggressively as housing demand boomed, turning the sector into a major pillar of the economy, even though speculation surged and prices soared to unfordable levels.

Once again, Pan pushed a tough stance set by senior officials, in 2020 designing the so-called three red lines policy, according to people familiar with the matter. Those stringent curbs on developers financing contributed to the default of firms including China Evergrande Group, and a persistent slump of the property industry thats still weighing on the economy.

Three or six months ago Beijings rumor mill would tell you maybe he was not the frontrunner

During that period, Pan met Evergrandes chairman Hui Ka Yan at least twice, according to people familiar with the matter, as he tried to prevent the developers woes from bleeding across the financial system.

As things became more critical in 2022, Pan promoted a 16-point plan of financial support measures, showing hes flexible at executing a constantly shifting policy stance set by senior officials. Those policies have yet to turn around the weakening market. An economic policy meeting of Xis top decision-making Politburo this month suggests that more decisive easing measures are coming, including from the PBOC.

With experiences contending with some of the toughest challenges in the economy under his belt, Pan will now be relied on to implement strategies identified by senior officials to address critical issues, as the world looks to China to reinvigorate the economic growth that powers global markets.

The choice of Pan to lead the PBOC reflects his ability to address problems identified by top leaders without overstepping political boundaries, said Neil Thomas, a fellow at the Asia Society Policy Institutes Center for China Analysis.

Pan is a proven problem-solver and Xi has more and more financial problems that he needs to solve.

--With assistance from John Liu, Yujing Liu, Zheng Li and Rebecca Choong Wilkins.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
(Bloomberg) -- Typhoon Doksuri made landfall in southeastern Chinese province of Fujian Friday after killing at least 12 people in the Philippines and Taiwan, bringing torrential rains and gales and forcing local authorities to close schools, suspend public transport and evacuate more than 120,000 people.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The massive storm landed in the coastal city of Jinjiang, across from the Taiwan Strait, at 0955 a.m. local time Friday and is expected to continue moving northwest before weakening gradually, according to a report by state broadcaster CCTV. Doksuri is likely to become the most powerful typhoon to hit Fujian since 1949, the National Meteorological Center has warned.

As of 2 p.m. local time Friday, the typhoon had affected more than 724,600 people across nine cities in Fujian, including Xiamen, Zhangzhou and Quanzhou, and forced emergency evacuation of more than 124,400 people, CCTV said. Direct economic loss reached 52 million yuan ($7.3 million), while the affected area of crops is 262 hectares.

Quanzhou reported more than 100 minor injuries and 500,000 households without power, according to a state media report. Videos and pictures posted on Chinas social media including Weibo Friday showed the typhoon rampaging through Quanzhou and Xiamen. One video clip showed many window panes of a residential tower in Quanzhou were blown off, while numerous air-conditioners installed outside the windows of a building in Shishi, another city on Fujians coast, broke loose and fell to the street.

Before its arrival, China has raised its emergency responses to the highest level of its four-tier color-coded system as Doksuri turned into a super typhoon that caused chest-deep floods in the northern Philippines and disrupted power to more than 200,000 households in Taiwan.

Story continues

The Chinese government has urged local authorities to carry out emergency prevention and rescue work, including directing vessels to take shelter and halting large-scale indoor and outdoor gatherings and outdoor work, while taking precaution against mountain floods that may be caused by heavy rainfall, according to an official statement.

It has also told local meteorological authorities in Fujians neighboring provinces, including Guangdong, Zhejiang and Jiangxi, to raise their emergency response levels to prevent disasters. Multiple highways in Fujian, Zhejiang and Guangdong have been closed temporarily, CCTV reported Friday. Xiamen has announced closures to offices and schools from 3 p.m. Thursday. At least one container port in the city has suspended operations. Zhangzhou city, near Xiamen, has halted work and classes for two days.

In Guangdong, at least one major liquefied natural gas (LNG) import terminal suspended work because of the storm, while state oil producer China National Offshore Oil Corp. raised its LNG sale price because the typhoon has caused delay in offloading and truck deliveries in several ports in southeast China, according to Zhongyou LNG Information.

China Eastern Airlines Corp. has said its inbound and outbound flights in several southeastern cities will be canceled from Thursday through Saturday to ensure passenger safety. The airport of Fuzhou, capital city of Fujian, has canceled more than 50 flights Thursday, according to CCTV. Dozens of train services in the Yangtze River Delta in eastern China have also been suspended, according to China Railways Shanghai bureau.

Hong Kongs Cathay Paciific Airways Ltd said some of its flights scheduled to arrive in and depart from Taiwans Kaohsiung city on Thursday have been delayed or canceled, while those scheduled to fly into and out of Xiamen have also been canceled Thursday due to the closure of the local airport.

Hong Kong canceled all warning signals for Doksuri Friday afternoon as it expects it to move further into Fujian and Jiangxi province in the next couple of days and weaken progressively, the local observatory said.

In Taiwan, more than 300 domestic and international flights were scrapped, while the storm also caused numerous flight cancellations in the Philippines earlier this week. As the storm heads into mainland China, Taiwan has lifted its land and sea warnings, the Central Weather Bureau said.

Taiwan Power Co., a state-owned utility, has sought help from the airforce and will coordinate with the islands disaster response center and army to transport repair personnel, vehicles and equipment to offshore island Kinmen to restore power, according to a statement from the Ministry of Economic Affairs. Over 6,000 Kinmen households are still without power.

In the northern Philippine province of Cagayan, where Doksuri made landfall as a super typhoon earlier, nearly 16,000 people were evacuated.

Although more than 180,000 people in the southeast Asian country have been affected by the storm, the devastation appears much less than in October last year, when more than 100 people died from floods and landslides triggered by storm Nalgae, which also displaced hundreds of thousands of people.

There also appears to have been relatively limited damage to the countrys agriculture. The typhoon caused an estimated 53.1 million pesos ($973,080) of damage to crops, primarily for rice and corn, according to its agriculture department. Taiwan estimates its agricultural losses from the typhoon to be about NT$1.5 million ($48,000).

--With assistance from Sanjit Das, Yanping Li, Adrian Kennedy, Dan Murtaugh, Kathy Chen and Dominic Lau.

(Updates throughout with details, including number of people affected and evacuated)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
(Bloomberg) -- A rally in Chinese stocks is gathering steam on early signs that authorities are acting on the policy pledges made at the Politburo meeting, raising hopes that bulls may finally be having their moment.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Equities in Hong Kong and on the mainland jumped on Friday, capping their best week in months, after a report indicated that regulators are ready to grant the nations largest technology firms broader leeway in backing startup investments.

Separately, Bloomberg News reported that Chinas markets watchdog has consulted securities firms for possible measures to boost stocks, with a cut in the stamp duty and a slowdown in initial public offerings to help liquidity among the steps proposed by brokers.

Investors are giving authorities the benefit of doubt that promises to spur growth and revitalize the private sector will be followed by actions. The turn in sentiment has made the Hang Seng China Enterprises Index, which tracks major Chinese firms listed in Hong Kong, one of the top performers this week in a list of 92 global equity indexes tracked by Bloomberg. It also offers a shot at redemption to China stock bulls like BlackRock Inc. and Fidelity International, who held their calls heading into the second half of 2023 despite repeated disappointments on the policy front.

The speculation about cutting stamp duty has helped lift market sentiment today, as the move would be following the vows to boost financial markets mentioned during the politburo meeting, said Steven Leung, executive director at UOB-Kay Hian Hong Kong.

The CSI 300 Index of onshore Chinese stocks rallied 2.3% on Friday, capping its biggest weekly advance since the start of November  when an abrupt exit from Covid Zero drove a buying frenzy. Its financials sub-index rallied more than 4%. The Hang Seng China gauge closed up 2.1% on Friday.

Story continues

Gains have been more pronounced among sectors that saw the heaviest losses in the past months  tech and property. The Hang Seng Tech Index, whose members include Internet behemoths Tencent Holdings Ltd. and Alibaba Group Holding Ltd., entered a bull market with its advance from a May low topping 20%.

News of regulators looking into tech startups and investments may be another sign of fading regulatory headwinds and could revive deal-making in the tech sector, said Marvin Chen, an analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence in Hong Kong. That looks to be boosting sentiment, he said.

Read: Goldman Says Hedge Funds Bought China Stocks on Aid Pledge

Investors have stressed that follow-through and implementation of policy promises is a must to sustain the nascent rebound in Chinese equities. For now, Beijing seems to be doing just enough to keep the rally going.

Efforts to stabilize the property sector are also luring investors back into the market, pushing a gauge of developer stocks closer to a technical bull territory. China will maintain stable financing channels in capital markets for real estate developers, the countrys Securities Regulatory Commission said in a statement after a meeting on Monday and Tuesday.

That said, the jury is out on whether the stock gains will continue, and the following weeks will be crucial in determining the markets trend. With investors burned repeatedly from policy promises that lacked implementation, another round of disappointment will further raise doubts about the markets investability.

US-based hedge funds are selling into the rally in Chinese stocks, according to Morgan Stanley. The fast-money managers have unloaded roughly $700 million in New York-listed shares of Chinese companies this month, strategists led by Gilbert Wong wrote in a Thursday report, citing the banks analysis.

Further, health of Chinas economy remains a concern. High frequency indicators show the recovery continued to lose momentum in July, with consumers pulling back on spending and the property market showing no signs of a rebound.

Very Attractive

Still, cheaper valuations and the risk of missing out on any potential sharp rebound has been one reason cited by bullish investors. The CSI 300 is trading at 11.4 times its one-year forward earnings, versus a three-year average multiple of 13.2.

Credit Suisse Group AG turned overweight on Chinese equities in July, adding to similar existing calls from a host of the worlds largest fund houses and brokerages including BlackRock and Fidelity International.

Foreign investors have piled into mainland shares this week. They net purchased 16 billion yuan ($2.3 billion) of stocks on Friday, taking inflows over the five-day period to the largest since January. Volumes for call options on the HSCEI Index were almost 50% higher than for put contracts on average over the past five days, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. The most actively traded call contract was a 7,400 strike with August expiry, which implies an upside of almost 9% from current levels.

Some portfolio managers we spoke with found Chinese stocks valuations very attractive, said Claire Liang, senior manager research analyst with Morningstar Asia Ltd. Given the already low market expectations, some believed it wont take a lot for the market to rebound.

--With assistance from Charlotte Yang and April Ma.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
Citigroup has grown into the nation's third-largest financial institution in part because its predecessors in the 1800s indirectly profited from slavery, the company acknowledged in a blog post this week.

The admission came as the Wall Street firm, JPMorgan Chase and other big banks have re-examined their roots in years, looking to unearth what roles they may have played in creating today's racial inequities.

Citi first explored its historic ties to slavery 20 years ago but "did not find records providing evidence of any direct involvement," Edward Skyler, Citigroup's head of public affairs, wrote in the post. But a second initiative conducted last year found that the bank's predecessors "likely profited from financial transactions and relationships with individuals and entities ... involved in or connected to the U.S. slave trade," according to Citi's research summary, which Skyler linked to in his post.

One such predecessor was Moses Taylor, who served as director and president of City Bank of New York  Citi's name at the time  for much of the mid 1800s. Taylor amassed a large fortune from Cuba's sugar plantations, which used slave labor, according to Citi's research.

Many of the nation's biggest banks, including Citi, are conglomerations of financial institutions that have merged or bought each other over the years. Citi traces its founding back to 1812 as City Bank of New York. What today is known as Citigroup grew from more than 400 predecessor companies, of which 21 were created before 1866. Slavery as a legal institution in the continental U.S. formally ended on June 14, 1866.

Citi conducted its most recent review of the company's legacy using archives from Cornell University, a historic society in Mobile, Alabama, the New York Public Library, the Library of Congress and the Alabama Supreme Court.

Florida's new Black history curriculum says "slaves developed skills" that could be used for "personal benefit"Wells Fargo to rethink diversity policy after former employees speak of fake interviewsReport links history of slavery to racial inequalities in Philadelphia's criminal justice system

Story continues

The review also found that Farmers' Loan and Trust Company, which later became Citibank (a part of Citigroup), accepted a trust application in the amount of $600,000 for property owned by Henry Hitchcock, Alabama's first attorney general, a man who enslaved 24 unknown people.

The property, valued at $1.9 million at the time, raised concern among Citi's researchers team that the assets held under trust by Farmer's Loan "may have included persons enslaved by Hitchcock." While they ultimately concluded that the trust transaction did not result in Citi's predecessor "owning" any people enslaved on the property, it did acknowledge the bank's financial benefit from its dealings with Hitchcock.

"Although the focus of our historic records review was Citi's own activity, we acknowledge that people who played important roles in Citi's history had ties to the slave trade," Skyler wrote. "Additionally, other founding or early directors of City Bank of New York likely owned enslaved persons. None of this changes the past but it can help make for a more equitable future."

Citi also found that the company held bank accounts for individuals and companies that operated in slaveholding states.

The bank is hardly alone in its connection to U.S. slavery. JPMorgan in 2005 acknowledged that two of its predecessor banks had links to the slave trade, with two banks in Louisiana receiving thousands of slaves that were used as collateral.

Wachovia, the Charlotte, North Carolina-based bank that failed in the 2008 financial crisis and was subsequently bought by Wells Fargo, also admitted in 2005 that its history has ties to slavery. Wachovia found that its predecessors  the Bank of Charleston and Georgia Railroad and Banking Company  both owned slaves.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
On Jan. 15, the same day the Iowa caucuses kick off the Republican presidential primary, a civil trial is scheduled to begin in New York accusing GOP frontrunner Donald Trump of defamation against a woman accusing him of rape.

The next day, in South Florida, a federal judge will consider whether to admit classified material into a criminal trial that could put him behind bars.

The Republican primary calendar is set to run headfirst into the legal realities facing Trump, who currently tops the polls despite facing criminal charges in New York and Florida, with additional indictments possible in the coming weeks out of Washington, D.C., and Georgia.

Many of the most competitive contests that could determine the Republican nominee will take place before the first criminal trial begins on March 24, including the Super Tuesday races, forcing Republican primary voters to decide whether to elect Trump as their party leader once again without knowing his ultimate legal fate.

When we take all these cases and how theyve come about, most Republicans see these cases as political charges masquerading as criminal charges, Ford OConnell, a Republican strategist, said. I think youre going to have a hard time finding a Republican that doesnt see it that way.

But at least two of the criminal cases facing Trump could reach jury trials in the spring, before the Republican National Convention takes place in Wisconsin on July 15  raising the prospect of a contested convention if Trump is convicted.

That is really the key date here, said Norm Eisen, White House ethics czar under former President Barack Obama and co-counsel for the House Judiciary Committee during the first impeachment of Trump in 2020.

The principal decision point is going to come at the convention, where there will be two of these four big criminal cases resolved in jury trials, Eisen said. And theyll have to decide, if Trump has been convicted, whether they want to nominate a convicted felon even if he has won the most votes.

Story continues

Trump has been indicted by the Manhattan district attorney for allegedly falsifying business records in order to cover up payments to a porn star with whom he reportedly had an extramarital affair in the months before the 2016 presidential election. The judge overseeing that case has scheduled a trial to begin March 24 and said he intends to stay firm on the date.

An independent special counsel, Jack Smith, has charged Trump with mishandling highly classified documents under the Espionage Act by storing them at his home in Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, refusing to return them to federal authorities and conspiring to obstruct justice. The judge in that case has set a trial date for May in Florida.

And any day now, Smith could charge Trump in a separate case alleging he attempted to overturn the 2020 presidential election. That case, based out of Washington, D.C., could move quickly  especially if the calendar in the South Florida case slips. I anticipate hell schedule that on a double track, so if the documents case slips, you can get the election interference case in D.C. tried, Eisen said.

Trump also faces possible felony criminal charges at the state level in Georgia over his attempts to subvert the election results there in 2020. Charges stemming from that investigation could come as soon as next month.

Civil Suits

Trump also faces two civil cases out of New York. The defamation suit, which goes to trial on Jan. 15, is an amended lawsuit by E. Jean Carroll, who had previously won her case against the former president after he had denied sexually assaulting her at a Manhattan department store in the 1990s. Shortly after that decision came down, Trump verbally attacked her on cable television, leading Carroll to amend her claims.

And in October, Trump and his family organization will confront allegations of staggering fraud in another New York trial, accused by the attorney general of lying to lenders and insurers about the value of their properties and his personal net worth over the course of a decade.

The former president has said he is innocent in all cases.

The crowded schedule of legal engagements underscores the various political and logistical challenges that Trump faces as he seeks to return to the White House in 2024.

The issue is going to be: can the Justice Department get a conviction? OConnell said. And does it happen before the convention? Im not so sure about that, but I dont think its crazy to say that something could happen before the general election.

The various charges have also created an awkward entanglement between the political world and the justice system. Trump and his allies have seized on the indictments and investigations on the campaign trail to argue that he is the victim of a witch hunt by political opponents, and have repeatedly criticized prosecutors and judges whom he views as a threat.

Republican voters have largely shown a willingness to stand by Trumps claim that the cases against him are purely political. A Quinnipiac University poll released in June, for example, found that roughly nine in 10 GOP voters said they believe that the allegations that Trump mishandled classified documents after leaving office are politically motivated.

And while more than a dozen Republicans are challenging Trump for the partys 2024 presidential nomination, he remains the heavy favorite in the primary. Most national and state-level polls show him leading the GOP field by double-digit margins. His main rival, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, has struggled in recent months to gain any ground on Trump.

Still, Trumps expected trials pose a challenge for a politician who would much rather be on the campaign trail than in the courtroom. Dallas Woodhouse, a longtime Republican operative who has worked in GOP politics in North Carolina and South Carolina for years, said the race is still fluid and that the indictments only exacerbate that dynamic.

Right now, most Republicans think Trump ought to be the nominee, he said. The question is will they still think that come January and February and March? You have these indictments, these trials. And you cant be in two places at the same time.
Dairyland Brew Pub located at 1216 E. Wisconsin Avenue has a closed sign on display Monday, July 24, 2023, in Appleton, Wis.

APPLETON - Dairyland Brew Pub, which closed on June 30, is expected to reopen in August.

Dorri Schmidt, co-owner of the Dairyland Brew Pub building, 1216 E. Wisconsin Ave., and orginal owner of the business, said in an interview with the Post-Crescent that she plans to reopen the bar and restaurant next month.

Schmidt said she listed the business and building for sale in January 2022 and agreed to lease the business in November with the understanding that the new owner, Michele Preston, would purchase the building by the end of July. Ultimately, Preston decided to close the business and not move forward with the sale according to a post on the Dairyland Brew Pub LLC Facebook page.

"When our family took over back in November, we had grand visions and hope for the future of the pub," the post read. "However, as with most things in life and business, this venture threw us some curveballs which we dealt with as best as possible but recently have come to terms with the decision to close."

Sign up for the Buzz newsletter Click here to get all the business openings and closings news right in your inbox

More: 'You won't want to go back to plain Jane soda': Wisconsin's first soda bar is opening in Appleton: The Buzz

Now, Schmidt said, Dairyland Brew Pub will return to its roots and she hopes to reopen the eatery on Aug. 10. She announced the reopening Thursday on the Dairyland Brew Pub Facebook page, a separate page from where the closure was announced, and is asking for input on what food and drink items should return to the restaurant's menu.

"I have a second chance at making this into a very successful business like it was," Schmidt said. "Everybody misses the way that I was very welcoming, and it felt like home, like it was a 'Cheers' bar."

Many of the original staples of the bar will be returning, she said, including the eatery's Friday fish fry and potato puffs and events like "Music Bingo."

Story continues

Despite listing the business for sale last January, Schmidt said she currently has no plans to sell the business or building.

"I'm very excited about seeing all the smiling faces and welcoming returning customers back in," Schmidt said.

More information about Dairyland Brew Pub can be found online at facebook.com/Dorrilandbiz.

More: A new restaurant and bar with a rooster theme opened in downtown Menasha and plans a future rooftop bar: The Buzz

Alexandria Bursiek Kloehn is a business reporter for the Appleton Post-Crescent. You can reach her at abursiekkloehn@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Appleton Post-Crescent: Dairyland Brew Pub will reopen in August, return to original owner
Sir Howard Davies defence of Dame Alison Rose is likely to cause anger in Westminster - Jason Alden/Bloomberg

NatWests beleaguered chairman declared the banks scandal-hit former chief executive a great leader undone by politics, paving the way for her to receive a 2.4m pay-off.

Sir Howard Davies blamed political pressure for Dame Alison Roses downfall after she was forced to quit over leaking Nigel Farages private information to the BBC.

By praising Dame Alison, Sir Howard effectively gave the green light to her being paid a years salary in lieu of her notice, worth at least 2.43m.

In his first public appearance since the debanking crisis hit, Sir Howard said he had wanted to retain Dame Alison but was forced into a late night u-turn on Tuesday after Downing Street said Rishi Sunak had significant concerns about her staying on. The Government is NatWests biggest shareholder with a 39 per cent stake.

Sir Howard on Friday [yesterday] blamed the political reaction for the boards decision to replace Dame Alison with a new chief executive. He also shrugged off calls for his own resignation during a call with journalists to announce half year pre-tax profits of 3.6bn, an increase of 1bn on the same period last year.

Sir Howard said: She would be running the bank in the face of very difficult headwinds, and therefore we made a different decision.

I clearly regret the way things have turned out. We have lost a great leader as a result, but I now have to look forward.

Explaining how it had transpired that the board expressed its full confidence in her just a few hours before she resigned, Sir Howard said: We believe that was a rational decision to make at the time.

However, the reaction, the political reaction to that, was such that Alison and I then concluded, and the board supported the view, that her position was then untenable.

Dame Alison Roses statement in full

He insisted details of Dame Alisons payoff from the bank had not yet been decided and would not be made public until NatWests next annual report is released, which is likely to be in February 2024, potentially kicking the thorny problem into the long grass.

Story continues

Sir Howard said: The normal way in which remuneration decisions are published and discussed with shareholders is in the [directors remuneration report].

And I dont see a strong argument from the banks perspective in departing from that perfectly normal practice. I can tell you that for the moment, the position is frozen.

NatWest on Friday appointed law firm Travers Smith to investigate why Coutts, the private bank owned byNatWest, shut down Mr Farages bank accounts.

It will also examine the circumstances surrounding Dame Alisons communications with the BBC over a story that wrongly stated he was dropped from the bank because he lacked the funds. The Telegraph revealed that Dame Alison had sat next to Simon Jack, the BBCs business editor, at a charity dinner the day before he published the inaccurate story.

Sir Howard, in refusing to disclose any possible payout for Dame Alison, said: We cannot give you any information on Alisons path at this point, because, as you will have seen, we have commissioned an independent review into the circumstances of the account closures and also into the circumstances surrounding the information that went into the public domain from the bank.

In the wake of his comments, Mr Farage, the former Ukip leader, rounded on Sir Howard, who had previously headed up the Financial Services Authority (FSA), the predecessor to the current watchdog the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA, calling on him to quit as well.

Mr Farage said on Twitter: Sir Howard remains as the NatWest Chairperson The former FSA boss who tried to keep in place a CEO who broke many of the FCA rules. Its a bad move.

He added: The NatWest profits are no great surprise The whole sector is making massive profits whilst treating the public badly.

Peter Flavel, the chief executive of Coutts, was forced to resign on Thursday, the latest casualty of the scandal.

Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg, the former business secretary, said: I am afraid that Sir Howards defence of Dame Alison shows that he simply doesnt understand the seriousness of NatWests failings.

She didnt have to go because of politics but because she broke the bankers code by revealing confidential client information and set up a diversity regime that ended up purging profitable customers because of their lawful views.

This is clearly against the interests of shareholders and the directors fiduciary duty. Now he too ought to add another resignation to his rather long list.

Tory MP Alexander Stafford, who sits on the Commons committee on national security and investment, said: Disgraceful comments, coming from the Chairman of the Board that has presided over the biggest failure of trust in the banking system since Northern Rock.

Why on earth should she be rewarded for breaking the banking code, undermining confidence in the banking system or discriminating against someone for their legitimate views?

Lawyers said Dame Alison was likely to receive a full payout as a consequence of the banks supportive statements.

Antony OLoughlin, director head of litigation & general counsel at Setfords, said: Her financial entitlements now that she has resigned will depend on the terms of her agreements with NatWest, but it is likely that she will be entitled to a payment in lieu of her 12 months notice period.

Given that this was a resignation by mutual consent it does not count as a dismissal. It is therefore unlikely that NatWest could refuse to pay Dame Alison, unless she agreed not to accept a payment in lieu of her notice.

Andrew Taggart, head of UK employment at Herbert Smith Freehills, said: Its likely that for any variable pay  so that means bonuses and your short term or long term incentives  a decision will have to be taken about that by the remuneration committee. Theyll have some discretion to exercise and they may well want to wait until theres been this independent investigation.

Earlier this week, NatWest declined to comment on whether Dame Alison has been deemed a good leaver.

Last year, the NatWest boss took home a total pay packet of 5.25m, which included fixed pay of 2.43m and bonuses worth 2.82m.

When Jes Staley, the former chief executive of Barclays, suddenly resigned in 2021 over his ties to Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender who killed himself in jail while awaiting trial on further charges, he received 2.4m in fixed pay and a 120,000 pension contribution.

Unlike NatWest, Barclays released details of Mr Staleys exit pay on the same day they announced his departure.

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.
For at least the second time in a week, Democratic colleagues had to prod Sen. Dianne Feinstein on how to vote in a committee meeting, once again raising questions about her fitness for office and whether elected officials should be subject to an age limit.

In Thursday during a meeting of the Senate Appropriations Committee, the California Democrat failed to cast a vote until directed by Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash, the committee chair.

Feinstein, 90, didnt initially respond when prompted to say aye or nay regarding a defense spending bill.

Say aye, Murray, the committees chairwoman, encouraged three times.

Feinstein started to read from prepared remarks before an aide whispered to stop her.

Another back-and-forth between Murray and Feinstein ensued, with the California Democrat seemingly questioning what to do.

Feinstein then sat back and said, aye.

The episode comes a day after Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., 81, froze mid-sentence during a press conference for about 20 seconds before being pulled away by Republican colleagues. About 12 minutes later, he returned, claiming he was fine in response to a question about his health.

An aide later told CNN that McConnell felt lightheaded for a moment.

The Appropriations Committee, one of the most powerful, is in charge of funding the government and related projects. The panel is powering through all of the annual bills to fund the government for the next fiscal year before leaving for an August break.

A Feinstein spokesperson said of the incident that the committee markup this morning was a little chaotic, constantly switching back and forth between statements, votes, and debate and the order of bills. The senator was preoccupied, didnt realize debate had just ended and a vote was called. She started to give a statement, was informed it was a vote and then cast her vote.

Last Thursday in a meeting of the Senate Judiciary Committee, which vets candidates for the federal bench and legislation connected to the legal sphere, Feinstein slipped up by accidentally voting for a Republican amendment to a Democrat-backed Supreme Court ethics bill.

Story continues

The Republican amendment was a actually a bipartisan effort originally introduced outside of the committee to bar stock trading for members of Congress that Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., tried to attach to the Supreme Court bill. The top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee explained that his party should vote against the amendment since it was tangential to the Supreme Court bill.

Feinstein accidentally voted for it. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., the committees chairman, corrected her. She quickly switched to a no vote.

Age and politics

Feinstein earlier this year said she would not run for re-election again in 2024, kickstarting a race between multiple House Democrats to succeed her.

She has been followed closely by Capitol Hill reporters and lawmakers since she returned from a prolonged health-related absence in May. She had been diagnosed with shingles on February 26 and was hospitalized until March 7.

When she returned in May, she was still dealing with some side effects though she is stronger now, her office said. She has been pushed around the U.S. Capitol in a wheelchair, often hounded by reporters about her age and mental fitness.

Other younger politicians too have to correct their votes from time to time. Her every misstep is documented.

Her challenges are part of a broader debate about elected officials and age. The current president, Joe Biden,is the oldest in U.S. history at 80, and the median age of senators is 65. Every flub provokes a national conversation about a legislators age and capability to hold office.

Like Feinstein, McConnell, too, was absent from the Senate for a time this year after he had suffered a concussion this spring. The Kentucky Republican was gone for about five weeks between March and April while he recovered from a fall in Washington, D.C.

He has fallen several times this year, according to multiple reports, and frequently uses a wheelchair at airports.

Later Wednesday, McConnell told CBS News outside the Senate chamber that he got sandbagged during the press conference  joking about when President Joe Biden tripped over a sandbag onstage at the U.S. Air Force Academy commencement last month.

The president called to check on me, McConnell said. I told him I got sandbagged.

Biden has taken flack for his age in several moments. Following the commencement, news outlets reported about the shorter staircase he uses to avoid tripping up or down. The president, who is running again in 2024, has been criticized for taking few direct questions from reporters.

The White House has repeatedly pushed back about concerns regarding Bidens age and health.

A CBS News/YouGov survey conducted last year found 73% of people in the U.S. support some form of maximum age limit for elected officials, with 70 being the most-favored limit. The survey collected answers from 2,085 adults in the U.S. over the course of three days last August.
On July 28, 2023, Digital Realty Trust Inc (NYSE:DLR) saw a daily gain of 6.5%, with its Earnings Per Share (EPS) standing at $1.12. The question that arises is whether this stock is modestly undervalued. This article explores this question, providing a comprehensive valuation analysis of DLR. Continue reading to gain valuable insights into the value of Digital Realty Trust.

Introduction to Digital Realty Trust Inc (NYSE:DLR)





Digital Realty Trust owns and operates over 300 data centers worldwide, offering a range of services to enterprises and cloud service providers. With nearly 40 million rentable square feet across five continents, Digital Realty Trust has evolved from providing 'cold shells' to offering higher-level services to tenants outsourcing their IT needs. The company operates as a real estate investment trust. At present, Digital Realty Trust (NYSE:DLR) trades at $122.64 per share, with a market cap of $35.7 billion. The estimated fair value (GF Value) stands at $160.37, suggesting that the stock may be modestly undervalued.

Is Digital Realty Trust Inc (DLR) a Modestly Undervalued Stock?

Understanding the GF Value of Digital Realty Trust





The GF Value is a unique measure of a stock's intrinsic value, including historical trading multiples, a GuruFocus adjustment factor based on past performance and growth, and future business performance estimates. The GF Value Line indicates the ideal trading value of the stock. If the stock price significantly exceeds the GF Value Line, it is overvalued, and its future return is likely to be poor. Conversely, if it is significantly below the GF Value Line, its future return will likely be higher.

Based on the GuruFocus Value calculation, Digital Realty Trust (NYSE:DLR) appears to be modestly undervalued. With its current price of $122.64 per share and a market cap of $35.7 billion, the stock seems to offer a higher long-term return than its business growth, considering its relative undervaluation.

Story continues

Is Digital Realty Trust Inc (DLR) a Modestly Undervalued Stock?

These companies may deliver higher future returns at reduced risk.

Financial Strength of Digital Realty Trust





Investing in companies with poor financial strength exposes investors to a high risk of permanent capital loss. To mitigate this risk, it is crucial to review a company's financial strength before purchasing shares. The cash-to-debt ratio and interest coverage are reliable indicators of financial strength. With a cash-to-debt ratio of 0.01, Digital Realty Trust ranks lower than 86.07% of companies in the REITs industry, suggesting poor financial strength.

Is Digital Realty Trust Inc (DLR) a Modestly Undervalued Stock?

Profitability and Growth of Digital Realty Trust





Investing in profitable companies typically carries less risk. Digital Realty Trust has been profitable 10 years over the past 10 years, with revenues of $4.9 billion and an EPS of $1.12 in the past 12 months. However, its operating margin of 14.24% is lower than 86.96% of companies in the REITs industry, indicating fair profitability.

Growth is a crucial factor in the valuation of a company. Companies that grow faster create more value for shareholders, especially if that growth is profitable. Digital Realty Trust's average annual revenue growth is 0.9%, ranking better than 50.47% of companies in the REITs industry. However, its 3-year average EBITDA growth is -8.9%, which ranks lower than 74.32% of companies in the REITs industry.

ROIC vs WACC





Comparing a company's return on invested capital (ROIC) to the weighted average cost of capital (WACC) is another way to determine its profitability. ROIC measures how well a company generates cash flow relative to the capital it has invested in its business. WACC is the rate that a company is expected to pay on average to all its security holders to finance its assets. When ROIC is higher than WACC, it implies the company is creating value for shareholders. For the past 12 months, Digital Realty Trust's ROIC is 1.58, and its WACC is 7.06.

Is Digital Realty Trust Inc (DLR) a Modestly Undervalued Stock?

Conclusion





In conclusion, the stock of Digital Realty Trust appears to be modestly undervalued. The company's financial condition is poor, and its profitability is fair. Its growth ranks lower than 74.32% of companies in the REITs industry. To learn more about Digital Realty Trust stock, you can check out its 30-Year Financials here.

To find out the high-quality companies that may deliver above-average returns, please check out the GuruFocus High Quality Low Capex Screener.

This article first appeared on GuruFocus.


Key Insights

Safestyle UK's estimated fair value is UK0.081 based on Dividend Discount Model

Safestyle UK's UK0.10 share price signals that it might be 28% overvalued

Safestyle UK's peers seem to be trading at a lower premium to fair value based onthe industry average of -24%

Does the July share price for Safestyle UK plc (LON:SFE) reflect what it's really worth? Today, we will estimate the stock's intrinsic value by taking the forecast future cash flows of the company and discounting them back to today's value. We will take advantage of the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model for this purpose. Before you think you won't be able to understand it, just read on! It's actually much less complex than you'd imagine.

We would caution that there are many ways of valuing a company and, like the DCF, each technique has advantages and disadvantages in certain scenarios. If you still have some burning questions about this type of valuation, take a look at the Simply Wall St analysis model.

See our latest analysis for Safestyle UK

Step By Step Through The Calculation

We have to calculate the value of Safestyle UK slightly differently to other stocks because it is a building company. In this approach dividends per share (DPS) are used, as free cash flow is difficult to estimate and often not reported by analysts. This often underestimates the value of a stock, but it can still be good as a comparison to competitors. We use the Gordon Growth Model, which assumes dividend will grow into perpetuity at a rate that can be sustained. For a number of reasons a very conservative growth rate is used that cannot exceed that of a company's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). In this case we used the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield (1.2%). The expected dividend per share is then discounted to today's value at a cost of equity of 10%. Relative to the current share price of UK0.1, the company appears slightly overvalued at the time of writing. Valuations are imprecise instruments though, rather like a telescope - move a few degrees and end up in a different galaxy. Do keep this in mind.

Story continues

Value Per Share = Expected Dividend Per Share / (Discount Rate - Perpetual Growth Rate)

= UK0.01 / (10%  1.2%)

= UK0.08

dcf

Important Assumptions

Now the most important inputs to a discounted cash flow are the discount rate, and of course, the actual cash flows. Part of investing is coming up with your own evaluation of a company's future performance, so try the calculation yourself and check your own assumptions. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at Safestyle UK 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%, which is based on a levered beta of 1.315. 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 Safestyle UK

Strength

Debt is not viewed as a risk.

Weakness

Dividend is low compared to the top 25% of dividend payers in the Building market.

Opportunity

Has sufficient cash runway for more than 3 years based on current free cash flows.

Good value based on P/S ratio compared to estimated Fair P/S ratio.

Threat

Dividends are not covered by cash flow.

Looking Ahead:

Valuation is only one side of the coin in terms of building your investment thesis, and it is only one of many factors that you need to assess for a company. The DCF model is not a perfect stock valuation tool. Preferably you'd apply different cases and assumptions and see how they would impact the company's valuation. For instance, if the terminal value growth rate is adjusted slightly, it can dramatically alter the overall result. Can we work out why the company is trading at a premium to intrinsic value? For Safestyle UK, we've compiled three essential factors you should look at:

Risks: Consider for instance, the ever-present spectre of investment risk. We've identified 2 warning signs with Safestyle UK (at least 1 which is potentially serious) , and understanding them should be part of your investment process. Future Earnings: How does SFE's growth rate compare to its peers and the wider market? Dig deeper into the analyst consensus number for the upcoming years by interacting with our free analyst growth expectation chart. Other High Quality Alternatives: Do you like a good all-rounder? Explore our interactive list of high quality stocks to get an idea of what else is out there you may be missing!

PS. The Simply Wall St app conducts a discounted cash flow valuation for every stock on the AIM every day. If you want to find the calculation for other stocks just search here.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Join A Paid User Research Session

Youll receive a US$30 Amazon Gift card for 1 hour of your time while helping us build better investing tools for the individual investors like yourself. Sign up here
Reverse psychology can be considered a desired quality in the stock market. It is only natural to gravitate toward the leaders in any field, and an investors urge to hop on the latest surging stock in search of those sweet gains is understandable. However, anyone familiar with the ins and outs of investing will repeatedly say that overused mantra: buy low, sell high.

In recognizing that low price, investors can turn to Wall Streets pros for help. The analysts have been busy lately, picking out stocks that are in their lower price range and are primed for strong gains.

With this in mind, we opened the TipRanks database to uncover two such stocks that have retreated by over 40% over the past few months, but which certain Street analysts think are poised to stage a comeback and rebound. In fact, both are rated as Strong Buys by the analyst consensus and are seen to boast potential for big gains. Lets dig in.

uniQure N.V. (QURE)

The first beaten-down stock well look into is uniQure, a pioneering company specializing in the advancement and commercialization of gene therapies. The companys approach revolves around harnessing adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) as vectors to precisely deliver corrected genes to patients cells, targeting the underlying causes of diseases rather than merely treating symptoms.

The company gained significant recognition for its groundbreaking gene therapy product, Glybera, which was the first gene therapy to be approved in Europe in 2012 (since then withdrawn). It has since continued to expand its pipeline, focusing on genetic disorders such as hemophilia, Huntingtons disease, and metabolic disorders.

Its been a bit of a mixed year for the company. On the one hand, Q1 saw the commercial launch of Hemgenix, a gene therapy indicated to treat hemophilia B that uniQure licensed to Australian drugmaker CSL. In June, uniQure achieved a $100 million milestone payment following the first sale of the drug.

Story continues

However, around the same time, the company announced a less pleasing development. uniQure released interim data from its Phase 1/2 study of AMT-130, indicated to treat neurogenerative disorder Huntingtons disease. AMT-130 is designed to reduce the production of the mutant huntingtin protein (mHTT) but patients in the high-dose group displayed an uptick in the level of mHTT. The company laid the blame on the assay responsible for measuring mHTT levels in cerebrospinal fluid for the illogical outcome, but the market was not convinced by that explanation and sent shares down by a massive 40% in the subsequent session. All in all, the shares are down by 58% year-to-date.

Nevertheless, SVB Securities analyst Joseph Schwartz believes the violent drop was excessive, and the stocks depressed price presents an opportunity.

We believe that the sell-off is an overreaction and with company now trading slightly above cash we believe there is not enough credit being ascribed to the companys partnership with CSL for Hemgenyx, cash on hand, manufacturing expertise, and potential to have a win in its pipeline, Schwartz explained.

While QURE reported data that raised some questions about the dose response for lowering mutant huntingtin protein (mHTT), which is the main target of the drug, challenges with the assay may have confounded these results. This follows prior challenges with measuring striatal brain volume, so the regulatory path seems to have solidly shifted away from accelerated approval based on biomarkers, towards harder clinical endpoints. Encouraging improvements were reported on clinical/functional metrics, but the market seems unwilling to suspend its disbelief that AMT-130 could actually succeed in such a difficult disease, Shwartz further said.

To this end, Shwartz rates QURE an Outperform (i.e., Buy), while his $35 price target suggests upside of a big 268% from current levels. (To watch Shwartzs track record, click here)

That optimistic forecast is no anomaly. The Streets average target is even more bullish; at $45.89, the figure provides room for 12-month returns of a huge 382%. Overall, with 10 analyst reviews on file, including 9 Buys and a single Hold, QURE receives a Strong Buy analyst consensus rating. (See QURE stock forecast)

SunOpta Inc. (STKL)

Turning our attention to the snack industry, we come across SunOpta, a company that operates in the health food niche. As a food and beverage company, SunOpta specializes in offering an array of plant-based snacks, nutritional additives, and drinks, which are produced in-house and marketed for distribution through third-party retailers and food service providers. The companys product lines cater to consumers in the health food market; customers can find roasted seed snacks; fruit products; milk-substitute drinks based on oat, soy, and almond; and broths and stocks for cooking.

SunOpta was first founded in Canada, and today is based in Minnesota. The company opened its headquarters in the state in 2022, and is in the midst of implementing a multi-year plan aiming, by 2025, to double its plant-based business from 2020 levels. This business is already substantial, employing over 1,400 people in three countries, and distributing products under several brand names. SunOptas brand names include Sunrise Growers for fruit products; Dream and West Life for plant-based milk replacements; and Sown for plant-based, organic, oat creamers and other non-milk dairy substitutes.

The company delivered a mixed readout in the most recent financial update, for 1Q23. The top line of $223.9 million contained a solid gain of 9.3% in revenues from plant-based products but missed the estimates by nearly $8.2 million. The companys earnings, an EPS of 5 cents per share by non-GAAP measures, beat the negative forecast by an impressive 7 cents per share.

SunOpta is building a sound position in a growing niche. Health foods are a growth-oriented segment of the snack industry, and recent surveys have shown that consumers are choosing plant-based milk beverages primarily for taste  an indication that the niche has plenty of room for expansion. Nevertheless, the shares have been on the backfoot since the latest report and in total are down by 46% from last Novembers high.

However, according to Stephens Jim Salera, theres plenty to like here. The analyst sees SunOpta as a behind-the-scenes player with plenty of room to maneuver as its industry expands.

SunOpta can be thought of as the brand behind the brand when it comes to high growth, plant-based and fruit-based products. The company has a unique portfolio of production assets that allows it to support branded and private label partners that are scaling up their offerings in these attractive segments. With many larger CPG companies hesitant to commit significant capex to supporting these emerging categories, SunOpta is able to fill the gap and help some of the worlds largest food and beverage companies expand their BetterFor-You portfolios, Salera opined.

STKL shares offer investors a brand agnostic way to capitalize on these BFY consumption trends, Salera adds. SunOptas manufacturing expertise and its coast-to-coast supply chain makes it an indispensable partner for high growth brands.

In Saleras view, this justifies an Overweight (i.e. Buy) rating on the stock, and his $10 price target implies the shares will gain ~62% in the next 12 months. (To watch Saleras track record, click here)

All in all, there are 5 recent analyst reviews on record for STKL shares, and they are all positive  giving the stock its Strong Buy consensus rating. The shares are trading for $6.18 and the $13 average price target suggests a one-year upside potential of a solid 110%. (See STKL stock forecast)

To find good ideas for stocks trading at attractive valuations, visit TipRanks Best Stocks to Buy, a newly launched tool that unites all of TipRanks equity insights.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the featured analysts. The content is intended to be used for informational purposes only. It is very important to do your own analysis before making any investment.
CANANDAIGUA  Someone at some point in the recent past, noting the years of delay in opening, poked fun at the shell of the building on the north shore of Canandaigua Lake that is now Hotel Canandaigua and dubbed it the Bird Cage.".

Other nicknames came and went, but this moniker stuck for years. Now, the name absolutely works for the tiki bar that sits a short walk from Canandaigua Lake and outside the hotel, which opened in June.

Embracing the name Bird Cage is something that comes from the top on down, as Kim Boyce, daughter of the late hotel's developer Bob Murphy, said: We can tell people to come to the Bird Cage in Canandaigua and theyre going to know right where to go.

Yes, the Bird Cage  which has an actual bird cage that visitors can sit on and take selfies  is a tongue-in-cheek, poking fun at the process in the hotels delayed opening, said Brian Combs, director of food and beverage at the Hotel Canandaigua.

Director of Food and Beverage Brian Combs, Executive Chef Dan Hixon and staff cook up good times and memorable culinary experiences at the Hotel Canandaigua's Cove Restaurant & Bar and Bird Cage tiki bar.

Everyone in town knows what youre talking about when you say the Bird Cage, Combs said. Thats a real positive for the community.

Taking the nickname and running with it is nearly as awesome as its view of Canandaigua Lake, say customers Dave Beckwith and Dave Lucchesi.

Calling this the Bird Cage, I think, is really funny and really cool, Beckwith said.

Discovering the Cove at Hotel Canandaigua

What is no joke, however, is the vacation-like experience for visitors and locals alike and the unique offerings of both offered at the Bird Cage and the Cove Restaurant & Bar, the restaurant inside the hotel.

Featuring what Executive Chef Dan Hixon calls eclectic American cuisine, dishes sport an international flair with influences from Latin, Asian and Mediterranean cultures.

And some are stately, with pasta made in house and calamari that calls to mind the style of Point Judith, Rhode Island, where Hixons family regularly visited.

Thats a special connection, said Hixon, who grew up in Victor, is a Victor High School grad and got his start in the business at the Thirsty Turtle in Victor.

Story continues

Truly running a scratch kitchen is a really cool operation, Combs said, and they knew early on they were on the right track.

I remember the first day that we fired up the kitchen and started cooking again, a couple of the front-desk employees came through and said, Oh my God, what are you cooking? It smells so delicious, said Combs, who got his start in the business at Rochester. At that point, all we were cooking was chicken stock.

The restaurant, which includes a bar, seats about 100 people inside and another 60 or so outside.

Just about every seat in the house has a beautiful view of Canandaigua Lake, Hixon said. Even in winter or on a rainy day, its still one of the best views in the Finger Lakes in my humble opinion.

The Bird Cage soars on Canandaigua Lake

The view of Canandaigua Lake at the Bird Cage tiki bar can't be beat.

Out at the Bird Cage, food is limited now, although next summer Hixon would like to see a raw bar with fresh oysters, shrimp cocktail and lobster tails, and grilled steak nights.

Out here, sip cocktails for now, and worry about eating after the sun sets.

Nearby Frequentem Brewing Co. has brewed a cream ale, which serves as the Bird Cages house beer. Canandaigua is also known for the colorful, lake-friendly blue whale drinks, but their intent was not just to come up with another blue whale, Combs said.

Instead, the blue bikinitini is a martini that is kind of like a blue whale anyway. Classic and colorful mai tais and zombies also are hits with the tiki crowd.

Enjoy a zombie or mai tai at the Bird Cage while taking in a spectacular view of Canandaigua Lake. Or, enjoy both.

The drinks tend to the tiki-ish, Combs said.

So far, what theyre doing here is working, according to Lucchesi. The Bird Cage and Cove fit in well with the Lake House on Canandaigua and next-door neighbor Twisted Rail Brewing Co.

Theres a lot of bang for your buck now on this side of the lakeshore than there has been in the past, Lucchesi said.

Many years in the making, sure, there is pressure to put their collective best feet forward in making this a destination, and not just for visitors but locals, too. So far, Hixon said, the food, the drink and the hotel experience speak for themselves.

And the hotel staff works hard to make it happen, Combs said.

The community as a whole has been really thirsty for this property to open and really anxious for it to open so I definitely feel like there is a microscope on us, Combs said. At the same time, the public is thankful and gracious that we are open and can come and enjoy a great meal or a great cocktail with a beautiful view.

Everyone is embracing the Bird Cage, including top Hotel Canandaigua brass Stan Olevnik, Kim Boyce and Paul Walters. Pose for a keepsake selfie in a bird cage at the Bird Cage.

This article originally appeared on MPNnow: Hotel Canandaigua uses Bird Cage nickname for tiki bar
Pioneering Green Energy Solutions: DrSignal Biotech and J&V Energy's Promising Alliance

TAIPEI, July 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- At the 2022 Healthcare Expo Taiwan, Dr.Signal Biotech showcased the remarkable 3A-GTP technology, succeeding a significant breakthrough. This technology accelerates the popularization of stem cell therapy, enabling large-scale production of stem cells, and providing the unique capability of quantifying and standardizing cell processing for cell therapy CDMO service in Taiwan, paving the way for a new era in regenerative medicine. At the 2023 BioAsia Expo, Dr.Signal Biotech collaborated with J&V Energy to unveil their exclusive positive to negative carbon emission conversion technology, offering a revolutionary solution for global governments and businesses to overcome carbon anxiety. With the theme "Green Power  Golden Bio," it heralds the arrival of Taiwan's golden age in the biotech industry, leading the way for the blossoming of both the biotech and green energy sectors.

Innovative 3A-GTP Technology Spearheads Taiwan's Biotech Industry, CDMO Market Holds Bright Future

According to Frost & Sullivan's market research, the global CDMO market rapidly rose from $35.3 billion in 2016 to $55.5 billion in 2020, with an impressive compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12%, far surpassing the pharmaceutical market's 3% during the same period. Looking ahead, it is estimated that the market size will reach $106.6 billion by 2025.

Taiwan's biotech industry has achieved remarkable results through long-term efforts. As reported recently, the revenue of Taiwan's biotech industry has been steadily climbing from NT$421.5 billion in 2015 to NT$591.3 billion in 2020. Even more promising is that it surpassed the trillion-dollar market cap in 2015 and again in 2020, indicating the potential for the biotech industry to become a two-trillion-dollar sector. The key to achieving this goal lies in the leading role of CDMO. Moreover, this immense opportunity signals that the entire CDMO business model will become a future trend, bringing unprecedented development prospects for Taiwan's biotech industry.

Story continues

Dr.Signal Biotech is firmly advancing intelligent automation in cell processing, utilizing a unique combination of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Augmented Reality (AR), and Automation (Auto), while incorporating Good Tissue Practice (GTP) guidelines to accomplish the goal of digital cell processing. Chairman of Dr.Signal Biotech, Hsin-Wu Mi, pointed out that the groundbreaking 3A-GTP technology led by the company has outperformed traditional GTP laboratories with astonishing efficiency. Data shows that 3A-GTP technology boasts a 10-fold increase in cell production per person, 6-fold higher average productivity per unit area, and a cell processing cost per 0.1billion cells only 1/10 of that in manual cell culture.

Simultaneously, tens of thousands of digital parameters related to cell processing are collected daily, providing a basis for deep learning in the AI intelligence system. With seamless integration of software and hardware in the future, the comprehensive efficiency of 3A-GTP technology is projected to reach hundreds of times that of old-style GTP laboratories, establishing Dr.Signal Biotech's competitive edge in the cell therapy CDMO service.

Leading the Way to a Greener Future: Dr.Signal Biotech's Positive to Negative Carbon Emission Conversion Solution

Global climate change threat spurs 130+ nations to aim for 'Net Zero Emissions by 2050.' Dr.Signal Biotech takes lead in carbon footprint audit for cell processing, identifying consumables as major carbon emitters causing significant CO2 output. Leveraging 3A-GTP technology in cell production yields 849 kg CO2e passive carbon reduction monthly, highlighting CO2 demand in cell processing to be tens or even hundreds of times higher, resulting in an active carbon reduction of approximately 800 kg CO2e monthly equivalent to planting around 1,000 mature tree's annual CO2 consumption in Taiwan. Pioneering green CO2 purification from combustion waste gas for cell processing and potential use in various industries, including carbonated beverages, emerges as a future trend. Dr.Signal Biotech's Founder and Chairman, Hsin-Wu Mi, Advocates for green CO2 sourcing to address global carbon anxiety and catalyze sustainable development worldwide.

Biotech and Energy Converge to Shape the Future: Dr.Signal Biotech Partners with J&V Energy to Achieve Carbon Neutrality

Dr.Signal Biotech's Founder and Chairman, Hsin-Wu Mi, reiterates that the use of CO2 in cell processing is a widely known fact, but conventional CO2 supplied to biotech industry is synthetically produced and does not truly reduce carbon emissions. In pursuit of innovation, Dr.Signal Biotech proposes an alternative approach by exploring the use of green CO2 derived from the exhaust of biomass power plants for cell processing. In response to this collaboration, J&V Energy's vice president, Kai Tan, actively plans for the first biomass power plant in the world to realize net-zero carbon emissions, fronting a new era of green energy and fostering mutual development for both industries.

Cision

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/empowering-regenerative-medicine-3a-gtp-technology-ushers-in-a-new-epoch-301887327.html

SOURCE DrSignal
Key Insights

Luxchem Corporation Berhad's estimated fair value is RM0.45 based on 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity

Luxchem Corporation Berhad's RM0.48 share price indicates it is trading at similar levels as its fair value estimate

Luxchem Corporation Berhad's peers seem to be trading at a higher premium to fair value based onthe industry average of -5,511%

How far off is Luxchem Corporation Berhad (KLSE:LUXCHEM) from its intrinsic value? Using the most recent financial data, we'll take a look at whether the stock is fairly priced by taking the forecast future cash flows of the company and discounting them back to today's value. This will be done using the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model. Models like these may appear beyond the comprehension of a lay person, but they're fairly easy to follow.

Remember though, that there are many ways to estimate a company's value, and a DCF is just one method. For those who are keen learners of equity analysis, the Simply Wall St analysis model here may be something of interest to you.

See our latest analysis for Luxchem Corporation Berhad

Is Luxchem Corporation Berhad Fairly Valued?

We use what is known as a 2-stage model, which simply means we have two different periods of growth rates for the company's cash flows. Generally the first stage is higher growth, and the second stage is a lower growth phase. To start off with, we need to estimate the next ten years of cash flows. Seeing as no analyst estimates of free cash flow are available to us, we have extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the company's last reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years.

Generally we assume that a dollar today is more valuable than a dollar in the future, and so the sum of these future cash flows is then discounted to today's value:

Story continues

10-year free cash flow (FCF) forecast

2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 Levered FCF (MYR, Millions) RM58.3m RM53.1m RM50.4m RM49.1m RM48.7m RM49.0m RM49.7m RM50.7m RM52.0m RM53.5m Growth Rate Estimate Source Est @ -14.31% Est @ -8.94% Est @ -5.19% Est @ -2.56% Est @ -0.72% Est @ 0.57% Est @ 1.47% Est @ 2.10% Est @ 2.54% Est @ 2.85% Present Value (MYR, Millions) Discounted @ 12% RM51.9 RM42.1 RM35.5 RM30.8 RM27.2 RM24.4 RM22.0 RM20.0 RM18.3 RM16.7

("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St)

Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = RM289m

After calculating the present value of future cash flows in the initial 10-year period, we need to calculate the Terminal Value, which accounts for all future cash flows beyond the first stage. The Gordon Growth formula is used to calculate Terminal Value at a future annual growth rate equal to the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield of 3.6%. We discount the terminal cash flows to today's value at a cost of equity of 12%.

Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2033  (1 + g)  (r  g) = RM54m (1 + 3.6%)  (12% 3.6%) = RM632m

Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= RM632m ( 1 + 12%)10= RM198m

The total value, or equity value, is then the sum of the present value of the future cash flows, which in this case is RM487m. To get the intrinsic value per share, we divide this by the total number of shares outstanding. Compared to the current share price of RM0.5, the company appears around fair value at the time of writing. The assumptions in any calculation have a big impact on the valuation, so it is better to view this as a rough estimate, not precise down to the last cent.

dcf

Important Assumptions

The calculation above is very dependent on two assumptions. The first is the discount rate and the other is the cash flows. You don't have to agree with these inputs, I recommend redoing the calculations yourself and playing with them. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at Luxchem Corporation Berhad as potential shareholders, the cost of equity is used as the discount rate, rather than the cost of capital (or weighted average cost of capital, WACC) which accounts for debt. In this calculation we've used 12%, which is based on a levered beta of 1.094. 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.

Looking Ahead:

Valuation is only one side of the coin in terms of building your investment thesis, and it ideally won't be the sole piece of analysis you scrutinize for a company. It's not possible to obtain a foolproof valuation with a DCF model. Preferably you'd apply different cases and assumptions and see how they would impact the company's valuation. For instance, if the terminal value growth rate is adjusted slightly, it can dramatically alter the overall result. For Luxchem Corporation Berhad, there are three further items you should further examine:

Risks: For instance, we've identified 2 warning signs for Luxchem Corporation Berhad that you should be aware of. 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! Other Top Analyst Picks: Interested to see what the analysts are thinking? Take a look at our interactive list of analysts' top stock picks to find out what they feel might have an attractive future outlook!

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.

Join A Paid User Research Session

Youll receive a US$30 Amazon Gift card for 1 hour of your time while helping us build better investing tools for the individual investors like yourself. Sign up here
SEOUL, South Korea, July 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Eye Level Indonesia introduces an engaging educational franchise business from South Korea, now available in Indonesia. The highly anticipated grand introduction will take place at the prestigious IFBC Exhibition, scheduled from July 28 to 30, 2023, at the PSCC - Palembang Icon Mall.

Dedicated to providing top-notch learning programs, Eye Level Indonesia offers comprehensive courses in English, Mathematics, Calistung, and Critical Thinking, catering to children aged 3 to 15 years. The specialized Critical Thinking curriculum equips children with essential problem-solving skills, empowering them for future success.

As part of their participation in IFBC 2023, Eye Level Indonesia is offering an exclusive 50% discount, reducing the franchise price from 18 million to an incredible 9 million. Additionally, the first 5 registrants will receive an attractive cashback of up to IDR 1 million.

Throughout the event, the team at Eye Level Indonesia will share valuable insights into their brand identity and provide detailed explanations of the educational franchise business from South Korea. Notably, the showcase of their newest product, the Master Franchise, presents a golden opportunity for entrepreneurial individuals seeking greater profits. The Master Franchise offers a license to manage all centers in the Regency/City of choice, unlocking immense potential for growth.

Partnering with Eye Level Indonesia offers a host of benefits for franchisees, including extensive marketing support and comprehensive training assistance. With a remarkable legacy of over 40 years as a pioneer in education in South Korea, Eye Level Indonesia has already established an extensive network of more than 100+ learning centers across Indonesia.

For those with a passion for education and entrepreneurship, this opportunity is not to be missed! Aspiring franchise partners can take the first step by reaching out to Eye Level Indonesia at 081211735909 or Visit www.eye level franchise.com . Stay updated with their latest news and offerings by following them on Instagram @eyelevel.indonesia .

Story continues

Discover the transformative power of quality education and seize the chance to contribute to the development of young minds with Eye Level Indonesia's trusted franchise business from South Korea. Join Eye Level Indonesia at IFBC 2023 and embark on a journey towards a brighter future for children across Indonesia.

Cision

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/eye-level-indonesia-introduces-educational-franchise-opportunities-from-south-korea-at-ifbc-2023-301888053.html

SOURCE Eye Level
Notorious Mayor Bill de Blasio donor Jona Rechnitzs five-month prison sentence for his role in a sprawling bribery scheme aimed at the highest levels of New York City government has been tossed by a federal appeals court.

The Second Circuit Court of Appeals agreed with Rechnitz  who played star witness in several high-stakes political corruption cases  that the sentencing judge shouldnt have been involved in his case per a conflict of interest first reported by the Daily News.

In June 2016, Rechnitz admitted to facilitating a bribe to convicted former Correction Officers Benevolent Association president Norman Seabrook that led the union to invest $20 million with Platinum Partners. The hedge fund later went bankrupt amid fraud allegations, losing members at least $19 million in retirement funds.

Rechnitzs lawyers had urged U.S. District Judge Alvin Hellerstein, who handled his sentencing, to recuse himself because of his close relationship with a Platinum employee charged in a related case.

Hellerstein previously acknowledged the hedge funder, Andrew Kaplan, grew up with one of his daughters and said he was close with his mother and late father.

The jurist declined to recuse himself from Rechnitzs case  imposing a 10-month sentence, including five months behind bars and five at home, and ordering Rechnitz to pay $12 million in restitution.

The Second Circuit on Wednesday said Hellerstein should have recused himself.

The judge not only had a close, near-paternal relationship with Kaplan, but he also advised Kaplan on how to proceed in his pending criminal case arising from the Platinum fraud, the panel ruled.

The judges relationship with Kaplan was sufficiently close, and Kaplans case was sufficiently related to Rechnitzs case, that a reasonable person would have questioned the district courts impartiality.

Rechnitzs case will be reassigned to a different judge to sentence him anew and redetermine how much he owes COBA.

Story continues

The Manhattan U.S. attorneys office declined to comment.

Mr. Rechnitz provided exemplary cooperation and has done everything in his power to make amends, Rechnitzs lawyer, Noam Biale, said.

As part of his plea deal, Rechnitz admitted to being the go-between in a bribe from Platinum co-founder Murray Huberfeld to Seabrook, then one of the citys most influential labor leaders, which triggered the doomed investment. Huberfeld, who pleaded guilty in 2018, was sentenced to seven months in June 2021 after a 2-year term handed down by Hellerstein was overturned.

After Seabrook steered the investment, Rechnitz in December 2014 gave him his kickback in a designer Ferragamo bag stuffed with $60,000 in cash, Rechnitz testified at Seabrooks trial, for which Platinum reimbursed him.

Seabrook was convicted in 2018. He won early release in February.

Rechnitzs plea also stemmed from a long-running gifts-for-favors scheme in which he showered NYPD officers with access to sex workers, renovations, and vacations in exchange for special access.

Rechnitz and his partner-in-bribes Jeremy Reichberg reaped police escorts and pistol permits for them and their friends, influence over officer promotions and other favors. The duo, who also bought off city electeds, notoriously took an escort and two cops on a private flight to Las Vegas.

Prosecutors described Rechnitzs cooperation in various probes as extraordinary. At Reichbergs Brooklyn trial, he testified that they received special treatment from City Hall after donating over $100,000 to de Blasios favorite causes. Reichberg was imprisoned for four years in May 2019. He was released early in September 2020.

The feds probed de Blasios fundraising practices but ultimately didnt charge him, hinting that was in part due to the Supreme Court redefining legal elements of corruption.
Good morning. Heres whats happening:

Prices: Bitcoin continued to hold steady above $29.2K and is unlikely to move much until next year, an analyst says.

Insights: Large bitcoin investors holding between 10 and 100 bitcoin, and between 1,000 and 10,000 BTC, are neither selling nor acquiring more of the asset.

Prices

CoinDesk Market Index (CMI)

1,233

2.8  0.2%

Bitcoin (BTC)

$29,242

78.9  0.3%

Ethereum (ETH)

$1,862

6.8  0.4%

S&P 500

4,537.41

29.3  0.6%

Gold

$1,946

22.5  1.1%

Nikkei 225

32,891.16

+222.8  0.7%

BTC/ETH prices per CoinDesk Indices, as of 7 a.m. ET (11 a.m. UTC)

Bitcoin seems increasingly unlikely to go anywhere fast soon.

As traditional asset markets in Asia opened Friday, the largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization was recently trading just above $29,240, down 0.3% over the past 24 hours and roughly where it's stood since a Monday dip triggered by the latest Binance mishap and bad economic news from China.

With a couple of blips under, BTC has been changing hands in a $29,000 to $31,800 range since mid-June  immune from rate hikes, inflationary fears and other macro angst. Brent Xu, the CEO and co-founder of Web3 bond-market platform Umee, told CoinDesk in an email that the status quo is likely to continue.

Bitcoin barely budged following the Federal Reserves most recent rate hike, underscoring that this period of heightened rates has pretty much been priced in," Xu wrote. "This is certainly indicative of BTC resilience and indeed resilience for the broader digital asset market. But Im not expecting a meaningful breakout to the upside any time soon."

Story continues

Ether has been similarly inert and was recently trading at $1,862, down 0.4% over the past 24 hours. Other major cryptos were largely in negative territory, albeit not by much with SOL and MATIC, the tokens of smart contract platforms Solana and Polygon, off 0.8% and 0.7%, respectively. Stellar Lumina's XLM token continued its recent upswing, rising 2.9% from Thursday, same time.

Umee's Xu does not expect a return to "bull market conditions" until 2024's BTC halving. "Thats also when well probably start seeing rate cuts happening," he wrote. "Cuts could come sooner, I should caveat, if theres some sort of breakage that takes place, such as a credit crunch or an acceleration of the banking crisis.

Biggest Gainers

Biggest Losers

Insights/News

Some Bitcoin Whales Are Waiting for Price Moves

The bitcoin supply held by addresses with a balance of between 10 and 100 BTC has taken a slight downward turn, indicating that these larger holders of bitcoin are content to wait at the moment.

Data provided by on-chain analytics firm Glassnode underscores that investors are equal parts reluctant to add or relinquish bitcoin, but also that they do not see BTC as undervalued.

Addresses holding between 1,000 and 10,000 bitcoin are exhibiting similar behavior.

Oddly, the amount of bitcoin held by addresses holding between 10,000 and 100,000 has risen slightly, although for bitcoins largest holders with more than 100,000 BTC, the supply balance has remained stable.

(Glassnode)

Each of these cohorts is worth monitoring as they hold the ability to sway markets given the size of their position, and appetite or lack thereof for risk.

This article was written and edited by CoinDesk journalists with the sole purpose of informing the reader with accurate information. If you click on a link from Glassnode, CoinDesk may earn a commission. For more, see our Ethics Policy.

Important events.

Bank of Japan interest rate decision and policy statement

8:30 p.m. HKT/SGT(12:30 p.m. UTC): Personal Consumption Expenditures (June/MoM/YoY)

10:30 p.m. HKT/SGT(2:30 p.m. UTC): University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index (July)

CoinDesk TV

In case you missed it, here is the most recent episode of "First Mover" on CoinDesk TV:

Prosecutors Want Sam Bankman-Fried Sent to Jail Before His Trial; Mark Zuckerberg's Metaverse Vision

The Justice Department wants Sam Bankman-Fried to go to jail ahead of his criminal trial. ZFZ Law co-founder Michael Zweiback shared his legal analysis. Morgan Creek Capital CEO Mark Yusko weighed in on the latest rate hike from the Fed. Journey's chief metaverse officer Cathy Hackl discussed Meta's latest earnings results. And, CoinFund CEO Jake Brukhman explained why he thinks Worldcoin could help onboard billions of users into the crypto economy.

Headlines

Want to Mine Bitcoin at Home? DIY Bitcoiners Have Stories to Share: From an ASIC-heated swimming pool to a handmade soundproof container, these die-hards found ways to make home mining feasible, if not quite profitable.

Grayscale Urges Equal Treatment for All Spot Bitcoin ETF's in Letter to SEC: If the SEC decides to change course and approve one or more of the above-stated spot bitcoin ETF applications, it must do so in a fair and orderly manner, the statement said.

KIN Token Surges Over 20% After Vote to Burn 70% of Supply Passes: The token climbed on the news that about 7 trillion KIN tokens worth $156 million will be burned.

A Bully Pulpit for Debanked Nigel Farage, Crypto for Everyone Else: The British Brexiteer could call on the media and his far-right friends in his debanking fight. But most of us aren't so lucky.
(Bloomberg) -- Ford Motor Co.s is throttling back on plans to ramp-up electric vehicle production, pointing the finger at a price war for battery-powered vehicles.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The automaker on Thursday said it would need another year to meet a year-end target to reach an annual production rate of 600,000 EVs, which it now expects to reach in 2024. Ford also abandoned plans to be making 2 million EVs a year by the end of 2026.

It now expects to see losses from EVs hit $4.5 billion this year, up from an earlier estimate of $3 billion. Thats more than double the $2.1 billion the company lost on EVs last year.

Fords price cuts are aimed at keeping pace with EV market leader Tesla Inc., which has slashed sticker prices this year.

Chief Executive Officer Jim Farleys $50 billion bet on EVs is confronting slowing demand for plug-in models. Ford is still aiming to achieve an 8% return on battery-powered models, before interest and taxes, in three-and-a-half years, but how it earns that margin may change.

Clearly, this transition to EVs is dynamic, Farley told analysts on a conference call Thursday. The pricing pressure has dramatically increased in just the last 60 days.

Model e, Fords electric vehicle unit, had a loss of $1.08 billion in the second quarter alone, more than the $871.9 million deficit analysts had expected. Its EV sales fell in the quarter as it expanded production at factories in Michigan and Mexico. With EV inventory rising, Ford cut the price of the electric F-150 Lightning pickup last week, which caused a selloff that wiped out about $3.6 billion in market value in one day.

Farley said the challenge for Ford is that the latest wave of customers arent willing to pay the high prices that early adopters did for EVs.

Story continues

There are plenty of customers for EVs, Farley said. The issue is the price theyre willing to pay has come down.

Shares of Ford gave up a postmarket gain of as much as 4.2% to trade down 0.8% to $13.62 as of 7:08 p.m. in New York.

Distant EV Breakeven

Chief Financial Officer John Lawler told analysts Ford no longer expects to break even on EVs this year and he equivocated on the 8% EV margin goal by the end of 2026.

Weve got several years go work that, he said. It may look a little bit different.

Lawler told reporters in an earlier call that Ford isnt seeing the revenue growth it expected on its battery-powered models. He also declined to say when Ford will achieve its previous goal of building 2 million EVs a year, which the automaker previously had said it would achieve by the end of 2026.

For all the effort expended on EVs, Fords earnings remain reliant on good old-fashioned gasoline-fueled models. Strong demand for its Ranger and other pickups, as well as SUVs and commercial vans allowed Ford to beat expectations for second quarter profits and lift its full-year forecast.

It posted adjusted earnings per share of 72 cents, topping the 54 cents analysts estimated on average. That came in above the 68 cents it reported on that basis in the same period a year ago and also surpassed 63 cents in the previous quarter. Ford Blue, the companys traditional internal combustion vehicle business, had second quarter earnings before interest and taxes of $2.3 billion, slightly above analysts expectations for $2.24 billion.

New F-150

Farley said Ford will introduce new versions of its top-selling F-150 pickup, in both gas-fueled and hybrid variations, at the Detroit Auto Show in September.

For the year, Ford raised its forecast of adjusted earnings before interest and taxes to a range of $11 billion to $12 billion on better-than-expected sales volume and vehicle pricing, up from an earlier projection of $9 billion to $11 billion.

Crosstown rival General Motors Co. this week also boosted its profit target for the year by at least $1 billion to a range of $12 billion to $14 billion, before interest and taxes.

The companys traditional gasoline-powered models are financing its EV transition and the automaker cranked up global production 9.5% in the second quarter, as pandemic-related parts shortage receded and dealers restocked their lots.

Ford Pro, the automakers commercial business, posted earnings on that basis of $2.4 billion, substantially more than the $1.74 billion analysts expected.

Even with more inventory, prices held up better than expected, according to JP Morgan Chase & Co. research. Fords US light vehicle sales rose 9.9% in the second quarter and revenue came to $45 billion, surpassing the $40.16 billion analysts expected.

But Lawler told analysts that Ford sees greater pressure on prices in the second half of the year as sales and inventory continue to grow.

(Updates with additional CEO comments from eigth paragraph.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
Four Wisconsin businesswomen were named to Forbes' 2023 list of the 100 richest self-made women in America, alongside international superstars like Taylor Swift, Kim Kardashian and Beyonce.

Three of these four women who made their fortunes in Wisconsin are actually among the top 10 richest on the Forbes list. Wisconsin is the only state to have more than one woman in the top 10 this year and is represented in the number one and three spots.

Diane Hendricks, owner of ABC Supply in Beloit, was named the richest self-made woman in America by Forbes in 2023. It is estimated that she is worth at least $15 billion.

ABC Supply co-founder Diane Hendricks is the richest self-made woman in America

Diane Hendricks, co-founder of the Beloit-based ABC Supply roofing and building supplies company, topped Forbes' list for the sixth year in a row, with an estimated net worth of $15 billion as of June 2023. Forbes also estimates that Hendricks is the 109th-richest billionaire in the world.

Today, ABC Supply is the largest wholesale distributor of roofing supplies and one of the largest distributors of siding and windows in North America. The company has over 900 branch locations and had $18.5 billion in revenue in 2022.

Hendricks founded ABC Supply in Beloit in 1982 with her late husband Ken. Since Ken's death in 2007, Hendricks has been the chair and sole owner of ABC Supply. Hendricks led ABC to making its two biggest acquisitions: buying rival Bradco Supply Corp. in 2010 and building material distributor L&W Supply for $670 million in 2016.

According to Forbes, Hendricks grew up on a Wisconsin farm as one of nine sisters and achieved a high school education. She sold custom homes for a builder before meeting Ken. Hendricks currently resides in Afton, and is a donor and advocate for conservative political causes.

Epic System founder and CEO Judy Faulkner is worth over $7 billion

Judy Faulkner, the founder and CEO of the Verona-based medical-record software provider Epic Systems, was named the third-richest self-made woman in America this year by Forbes. Faulkner's estimated net worth is at least $7.4 billion, making her the 302nd-richest billionaire in the world.

Story continues

Epic had $4.6 billion in revenue in 2022. It currently supports the medical records of over 305 million patients and is used by top medical centers, including Johns Hopkins and Mayo Clinic. In 2022, hospitals using Epic's software held the medical records of 78% of U.S. patients.

Faulkner, a computer programmer with a master's degree in computer science for UW-Madison, founded Epic in a Madison basement in 1979 with just two assistants and $70,000. Today, the company employs over 13,000 people.

Faulkner currently resides in Madison. In 2014, she signed the Giving Pledge, agreeing to eventually donate 99% of her assets to charity.

Elizabeth Uihlein, president of Uline, is the ninth-richest self-made woman in America

Elizabeth Uihlein, president of the Uline shipping and packing supplies company in Pleasant Prairie, is the ninth-richest self-made woman in America this year. She was worth $3.7 billion as of June 2023. Although Uline is headquartered in Pleasant Prairie, Forbes lists Uihlein as being from Illinois, where her Lake Forest home is located.

Uline says it is North America's biggest distributor of shipping, packaging and industrial supplies. The company has 13 distribution center locations throughout the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Uline has over 9,000 employees and had $6.1 billion in revenue in 2022, Forbes reported. Uline sells more than 40,000 products via its 800-page catalog to businesses nationwide.

Uihlein started Uline with her husband, Dick, in their basement in 1980. Today, Uihlein is a vocal supporter of conservative political candidates and causes. Forbes reported that she and her husband are the fourth-biggest donors to U.S. political campaigns, reporting over $190 million in giving, according to FEC filings. The Uihleins spent over $40 million in the 2022 midterm elections supporting Republican candidates.

More: Bice: Billionaires Diane Hendricks and Uihleins pump $3.5 million into new group backing U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson

Pleasant Rowland, the creator of the American Girl doll brand, which is headquartered in Middleton, was named Forbes' 77th-richest self-made woman in America in 2023. Her estimated net worth is $350 million.

American Girl doll creator Pleasant Rowland is worth $350 million

Creator of the popular American Girl doll brand, Pleasant Rowland, is the 77th-richest self-made woman in America this year with an estimated net worth of $350 million. Rowland lives in Madison, and American Girl is based out of Middleton, a Madison suburb.

In 1986, Rowland founded the Pleasant Company, which manufactured American Girl dolls, books and accessories. A former teacher and textbook author, Rowland was inspired to create the American Girl dolls  who each represent an American historical era  by her love of history. Rowland built American Girl into a $300 million business and sold it to Mattel in 1998 for $700 million.

In the 2000s, Rowland used some of her fortune to restore more than ten historic properties in the town of Aurora in upstate New York, where she attended Wells College in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Her philanthropy work includes founding the Rowland Reading Foundation and, with her husband, a $250 million donation to build Madison's Overture Center for the Arts.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Forbes 2023 richest women in America list includes four from Wisconsin
TOKYO (AP)  An official in charge of the wrecked Fukushima nuclear power plant says the upcoming release of treated radioactive water into the sea more than 12 years after the reactors' meltdown marks a milestone, but is still only an initial step in a daunting decades-long decommissioning process.

Junichi Matsumoto, the corporate officer in charge of treated water management for Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, which operates the Fukushima Daiichi plant, also pledged to conduct careful sampling and analysis of the water to make sure its release is safely carried out in accordance with International Atomic Energy Agency standards.

The water is being treated with what's called an Advanced Liquid Processing System, which can reduce the amounts of more than 60 selected radionuclides to government-set releasable levels, except for tritium, which the government and TEPCO say is safe for humans if consumed in small amounts.

The release of the ALPS-treated water into the sea is a major milestone for us, as well as for the decommissioning of the plant, Matsumoto said in an interview with The Associated Press at TEPCO headquarters in Tokyo.

In order to steadily advance decommissioning, the ever-growing amounts of water was a pressing issue that we could not put off, and we had a sense of crisis, said Matsumoto, a nuclear engineering expert. We still have to tackle far more challenging and higher-risk operations such as removal of melted debris and spent fuel from the damaged reactors, he said.

Another task for TEPCO is combatting the damage to the reputation of Fukushima fisheries caused by the water release, he said.

A massive March 11, 2011, earthquake and tsunami destroyed the Fukushima Daiichi plants 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 around 1,000 tanks, which will reach their capacity in early 2024.

Story continues

Large amounts of fatally radioactive melted nuclear fuel remain inside the reactors. Robotic probes have provided some information about its status, but it remains largely unknown.

The government and TEPCO say the water must be removed to make room for the plants decommissioning, and to prevent accidental leaks from the tanks because much of the water is still contaminated and needs retreatment.

The release plan has faced strong opposition from Japanese fishing organizations, which worry about further damage to the reputation of their seafood as they struggle to recover from the accident. Groups in South Korea and China have also raised concerns, turning it into a political and diplomatic issue.

Matsumoto said the key to gaining understanding is to patiently explain the situation by providing scientific evidence.

It is difficult, but we hope to make it as easy to understand as possible, he said. "If we describe (the water release) in one word, it's safe.

"As the operator responsible for the accident, we must admit TEPCO is a company that is not fully trusted. We must keep up the effort and sincerely respond to any concern, Matsumoto said. It is our responsibility to demonstrate we can carry out the water release as planned, and thats how we can regain public trust.

The government said the release is set to start this summer but hasn't set the date amid protests. TEPCO has obtained safety permits for all of the equipment needed for the release and is currently carrying out training so the water release team can begin work at any time, Matsumoto said.

It's not like just turning a faucet to run tap water, he said.

Scientists generally agree that the environmental impact of the treated wastewater would be negligible, but some call for more attention to dozens of low-dose radionuclides that remain in it, saying data on their long-term effects on the environment and marine life are insufficient and the water requires close scrutiny.

The treated water will be diluted with massive amounts of seawater and will be released gradually over many years.

Matsumoto acknowledged that treated water that came in contact with the damaged nuclear fuel contains radionuclides such as uranium and plutonium that are not in water that is routinely released from healthy nuclear plants around the world.

He said the total concentration of radionuclides in the water meets government standards after treatment, and after dilution the wastewater will be fully safe and have a minimal environmental impact, according to the IAEA, which has provided assistance in evaluating the release plan.

Matsumoto said he has struggled to manage the massive amounts of contaminated water to keep it from escaping into the environment and safely stored at the plant since the accident.

There were instances in which plant workers had no other choice but to dump some into the sea or temporarily put it inside a basement or in temporary water tanks, Matsumoto recalled.

Now, after taking measures to minimize the seeping of rainwater and groundwater into the reactor buildings and establishing a stable water management system, the amount of contaminated water has come down to less than one-fifth of what it used to be, he said.
What are 'full-time children'? Young adults in China are rejecting the rat race and getting paid by their parents to do chores while living at home

Some young adults in China are opting to work as "full-time children" in place of traditional careers.

Full-time children are often paid by their parents to run errands, clean, and prepare food.

High unemployment rates and China's 996 work culture have made career-climbing less attractive.

Entering adulthood has traditionally meant becoming independent, which often entailed moving away from your parents. In China, however, young people are turning this idea on its head and staying at home, working as "full-time children."

Some Chinese youth are rejecting career-climbing, opting to forego a traditional job and instead continue their duties as children in exchange for pay or housing costs. This can range from running errands and doing chores to taking care of one's parents. China's notoriously grueling 996 culture, which entails 72-hour workweeks, and difficulty finding employment are some of the main contributors to the "full-time children" movement.

There isn't a strict criteria for what makes a so-called full-time child, and the associated compensation and responsibilities vary, according to reports detailing the trend. But it's not simply accepting money from one's parents while living at home  there are tasks associated with the setup, according to reports.

For example, Julie, a 29-year-old Chinese woman, told BBC that she works as a full-time child, cooking and cleaning for her parents. She declined her parents' offer of compensation, she told the publication, but they do cover a majority of her living expenses. Julie, who said she is recovering from burnout, told BBC that her last job had her working 16 hours a day which had her feeling like a "walking corpse."

Jia Zhang also embraced the idea of being a full-time child, NBC News reported, and receives a monthly payment from her parents. She quit her job running a small business due to financial hardships from the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the report, and now works for her parents.

Story continues

Zhang's daily routine as a full-time child consists of grocery shopping and doing housework, NBC News reported. Before working for her parents, Zhang told the publication that she had a hard time balancing her work life and the needs of her two children and parents. She said she makes the equivalent of around $1,115 a month working for her parents, which is a typical salary in China, NBC News reported.

Litsky Li, 21, told CNN that she also gets paid by her family to work for them as a full-time child. She runs errands for her family and helps out her grandmother, who is living with dementia. Li told CNN that she prefers to "lie flat," rather than dealing with the competitive nature of school and work environments.

Many young people in China, like Li, are rejecting modern work culture as part of the "lying flat" trend that Li mentioned. On social media, some college graduates are referencing the choice to opt out of climbing the corporate ladder by posting pictures of themselves literally lying flat on the ground, looking dejected, while wearing caps and gowns.

Similarly, the "let it rot" trend is encouraging youth to openly express feelings of exhaustion and hopelessness. The trend encourages leisure and a lackluster work ethic.

These trends rejecting common work norms seem to stem from sparse post-graduate job prospects and the overall dread of a bleak future felt by many young adults in China. Unemployment rates for Chinese youth are at an all-time high, with one out of five not working, according to official figures.



In China, those who are employed often have little time for anything else. The "996" work schedule entails working 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., six days a week.

In the US, it's increasingly common for millennials and Gen Z to live with their parents. In 2022, the US Census Bureau reported that among adults ages 25 to 34, 18% of men and 12% of women surveyed said they live with their parents. The numbers are higher among Gen Z, with nearly 30% of 18 to 25-year-olds surveyed living with family, according to Credit Karma.

However, the "full-time children" trend appears to vary from simply living with one's parents after graduating, as there is some level of compensation involved in exchange for helping with household and family needs.

In China, there are even social media groups devoted to the "full-time children" trend. A group on the Chinese social network Douban has thousands of members, and you can find over 40,000 posts about "full-time sons and daughters" on the popular platform Xiaohongshu, CNN reported.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Transparency Market Research

Healthcare informatics plays a critical role in attaining better outcomes for patients and a more efficient and effective healthcare ecosystem by utilizing the power of data, encouraging patient participation, equipping physicians with decision support technologies, and simplifying operations.

Wilmington, Delaware, United States, July 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global market for healthcare informatics was estimated to have acquired a market valuation around US$ 35.6 billion in 2022. The market is likely to garner a robust 12.6% CAGR from 2022 to 2031 and by 2031 the market is likely to gain US$ 100.4 billion.



An essential part of healthcare informatics is healthcare information management. Within the healthcare ecosystem, it comprises gathering, storing, organizing, and disseminating patient-related data along with health information. Effective healthcare information management makes sure that correct and pertinent data are accessible to healthcare professionals, administrators, and patients in order to promote informed decision-making, increase patient care, and boost overall healthcare outcomes.

Unlock Insights: Download a Sample PDF Copy of this Research Report

Healthcare information technology is the utilization of information technology to handle and improve patient outcomes, administrative procedures, and healthcare delivery. It includes a variety of tools, programs, and systems created to gather, store, process, and share health-related data in a quick and effective way.

There are several potential for manufacturers to profit from this trend as the healthcare informatics market revenue is predicted to increase. Healthcare informatics is clearly leading the change of the healthcare sector and ushering in an age of data-driven healthcare.

Key Findings of the Market Report

In 2022, by type, hospitals maintained a sizable market share in terms of end users.

By application, the oncology application accounted for a significant share of the global healthcare informatics market in 2022.

By end-user, the hospital information systems category accounted for the biggest market share for healthcare informatics globally in 2022.



Story continues

Expand Operations in the Future  To Get Requisite Details, Ask For a Custom Report: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=CR&rep_id=80749

Market Trends for Healthcare Informatics

The hospitals category is anticipated to be driven by an increase in collaboration between medical facilities and healthcare informatics companies to gather and enrich data throughout the projected period. For example, in January 2021, 12 behavioral health facilities around the Commonwealth of Virginia received electronic health records (EHR) from Oracle Cerner (Cerner Corporation).

The main factors influencing the segment's growth are an upsurge in hospital utilization of digital health systems, an increasing emphasis on patient-centered mandates, the development of care management tools to reduce healthcare costs, the creation of accountable care organizations, as well as the surge in geriatric patients' preference for patient engagement.

Global Healthcare Informatics Regional Market Outlook

In 2022, a sizable portion of the global healthcare informatics market was concentrated in North America. This is attributed to new developments in healthcare informatics, government efforts, the desire for data-driven solutions, as well as the need for better patient care.

The United States government has been aggressively encouraging the use of electronic health records and healthcare informatics through a number of programs and legislation. Healthcare providers have been encouraged to build and use health information technology systems by initiatives like the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (HITECH Act) along with the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA).

During the projected period, the healthcare informatics industry is anticipated to expand significantly in Asia Pacific. This is attributed to an increase in healthcare spending, a rise in the number of elderly people, an increase in the prevalence of chronic illnesses, an increase in government efforts and e-health programs, population expansion, and public-private sector partnerships.



Global Healthcare Informatics Market: Key Players

Companies compete in the market by focusing on tactics such as the introduction of novel products, mergers, and alliances and collaborations. The journey from image capture to diagnosis is streamlined by the Revolutionary Radiology Workflow solutions and MR Workspace with AI support, enabling technicians to work more productively and predictably.

The top healthcare informatics firms in the market are Medtronic plc, Koninklijke Philips N.V., Health Gorilla, Oracle Cerner, MV Sistemas MV Informatica Nordeste Ltda., LabVantage Solutions, Inc., NXGN Management, LLC, Veradigm LLC, Accuro Healthcare Solutions, FinThrive, Agfa HealthCare (Agfa-Gevaert Group), Axiom Resource Management, Inc.

Some developments by the key players in the global market for healthcare informatics are:

FiberSmart, a novel technique that enables the viewing and analysis of lengthy DNA fibers at high resolution, was introduced in March 2023 by Genomic Vision, a French biotechnology firm involved in the research and sale of diagnostic treatments for genetic illnesses and malignancies. The diagnosis and treatment of genetic illnesses may be completely altered by this technology.

The AI-powered MR 5300 1.5T structure, which received 510(k) approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), simplifies and automates difficult clinical as well as operational tasks with helium-free for life MR operations, promoting consistent high standards and long-term viability for outpatient clinic and MR operations, was introduced by Koninklijke Philips N.V. in the the United States in November 2021.

Buy this Premium Research Report | Immediate Delivery Available at https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/checkout.php?rep_id=80749<ype=S

Global Healthcare Informatics Market Segmentation

Type Hospital Information Systems Electronic Health Record Electronic Medical Record Real-time Healthcare Patient Engagement Solutions Population Health Management Others Pharmacy Information Systems Prescription Management Automated Dispensing Systems Inventory Management Others Laboratory Information Systems Medical Imaging Information System Radiology Information Systems Monitoring Analysis Software Picture Archiving & Communication Systems Others Health Insurance Information System

Application Renal Diseases Autoimmune Diseases Oncology Cardiology Gynecology Respiratory Diseases Others

End-user Hospitals Specialty Clinics Insurance Companies Pharmacies Others



Region

North America

Europe

Asia Pacific

Middle East & Africa

South America



About Transparency Market Research

Transparency Market Research, a global market research company registered at Wilmington, Delaware, United States, provides custom research and consulting services. The firm scrutinizes factors shaping the dynamics of demand in various markets. The insights and perspectives on the markets evaluate opportunities in various segments. The opportunities in the segments based on source, application, demographics, sales channel, and end-use are analysed, which will determine growth in the markets over the next decade.

Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insights for thousands of decision-makers, made possible by experienced teams of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants. The proprietary data sources and various tools & techniques we use always reflect the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in all of its business reports.

Contact:

Nikhil Sawlani

Transparency Market Research Inc.

CORPORATE HEADQUARTER DOWNTOWN,

1000 N. West Street,

Suite 1200, Wilmington, Delaware 19801 USA

Tel: +1-518-618-1030

USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453

Website: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com

Blog: https://tmrblog.com

Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.com




There's no doubt that money can be made by owning shares of unprofitable businesses. For example, although software-as-a-service business Salesforce.com lost money for years while it grew recurring revenue, if you held shares since 2005, you'd have done very well indeed. But while history lauds those rare successes, those that fail are often forgotten; who remembers Pets.com?

So should Destiny Pharma (LON:DEST) shareholders be worried about its cash burn? For the purposes of this article, cash burn is the annual rate at which an unprofitable company spends cash to fund its growth; its negative free cash flow. We'll start by comparing its cash burn with its cash reserves in order to calculate its cash runway.

See our latest analysis for Destiny Pharma

Does Destiny Pharma Have A Long Cash Runway?

You can calculate a company's cash runway by dividing the amount of cash it has by the rate at which it is spending that cash. As at December 2022, Destiny Pharma had cash of UK4.9m and no debt. Looking at the last year, the company burnt through UK5.9m. Therefore, from December 2022 it had roughly 10 months of cash runway. That's quite a short cash runway, indicating the company must either reduce its annual cash burn or replenish its cash. Importantly, if we extrapolate recent cash burn trends, the cash runway would be a lot longer. Depicted below, you can see how its cash holdings have changed over time.

How Is Destiny Pharma's Cash Burn Changing Over Time?

Although Destiny Pharma reported revenue of UK154k last year, it didn't actually have any revenue from operations. To us, that makes it a pre-revenue company, so we'll look to its cash burn trajectory as an assessment of its cash burn situation. Over the last year its cash burn actually increased by 15%, which suggests that management are increasing investment in future growth, but not too quickly. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but investors should be mindful of the fact that will shorten the cash runway. Clearly, however, the crucial factor is whether the company will grow its business going forward. So you might want to take a peek at how much the company is expected to grow in the next few years.

Story continues

How Hard Would It Be For Destiny Pharma To Raise More Cash For Growth?

Given its cash burn trajectory, Destiny Pharma shareholders should already be thinking about how easy it might be for it to raise further cash in the future. Issuing new shares, or taking on debt, are the most common ways for a listed company to raise more money for its business. Many companies end up issuing new shares to fund future growth. By looking at a company's cash burn relative to its market capitalisation, we gain insight on how much shareholders would be diluted if the company needed to raise enough cash to cover another year's cash burn.

Destiny Pharma's cash burn of UK5.9m is about 16% of its UK38m market capitalisation. Given that situation, it's fair to say the company wouldn't have much trouble raising more cash for growth, but shareholders would be somewhat diluted.

How Risky Is Destiny Pharma's Cash Burn Situation?

On this analysis of Destiny Pharma's cash burn, we think its cash burn relative to its market cap was reassuring, while its cash runway has us a bit worried. Looking at the factors mentioned in this short report, we do think that its cash burn is a bit risky, and it does make us slightly nervous about the stock. Taking a deeper dive, we've spotted 7 warning signs for Destiny Pharma you should be aware of, and 2 of them make us uncomfortable.

Of course, you might find a fantastic investment by looking elsewhere. So take a peek at this free list of interesting companies, and this list of stocks growth stocks (according to analyst forecasts)

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Join A Paid User Research Session

Youll receive a US$30 Amazon Gift card for 1 hour of your time while helping us build better investing tools for the individual investors like yourself. Sign up here
Logistics is a relationship-based business. It is no surprise then that players across the industry pour into partnerships and place a premium on service. For carriers, this means living up to service agreements and delivering on key performance metrics. For shippers, it often means taking steps to become a shipper of choice.

For brokers, excellence lies in standout customer service. The problem, however, is that most brokerages have a customer service problem, according to Waggon Founder Robert Rajfer.

If you go to any shipper out there and ask them about their experience with brokers, it probably isnt a good one, Rajfer said. There are not a lot of firms that back up what they say in terms of creating a best-in-class customer experience.

Rajfer defines having a best-in-class customer experience as being readily available, offering fair but competitive prices and having an owners mindset. He noted that it is crucial for the entire organization to live by the same set of customer-first values, not just the leadership team.

Ultimately, most of the qualities of a standout broker can be summed up in one word: integrity.

Rajfer set out alongside Waggon co-founder Tyler Sala to bring their vision of a customer-first brokerage experience to life. That meant walking the talk when it came to putting customers first, but it also meant they needed to offer the same  or better  high-tech functionality that their competitors were offering.

Traditional brokerages often pour their time and resources into building proprietary tech stacks. While these solutions offer increased functionality, keeping them running can leave companies bogged down with sprawling departments and layers of oversight.

Waggon is doing something unique. Rajfer and Sala opted to partner with some of the most innovative and inspiring third-party technology providers in the market, essentially building one high-powered brainchild from a myriad of API plug-ins. This approach enabled the duo to achieve high levels of technological excellence without the backend expenses associated with building their own solutions.

Story continues

We dont see proprietary tech as a needed expense right now, Sala said. We have to run lean and aggressive, and that is how our model is set up.

By focusing on building up their core strengths, Waggon has freed up the time  and funds  necessary to hire some of the best talent out there to fill the companys most crucial roles, supporting its efficient and turnkey operating model.

In order to be the best, it isnt enough to just be a logistics savant; Waggon is also looking for expert communicators.

At the end of the day, freight is about communication. You have to be able to communicate well, Sala said. When you get into this industry, communication is the only thing you can control. That is what we do as brokers..

When brokers remember their role as communicators, they are able to build stronger relationships with both their shipper customers and their carrier partners. This plays into the emphasis on customer service while also fighting against the industrys common broker versus carrier dynamic.

Sala considers the Waggons entry into the market a success. The company moved 250 loads last month and is on track to double volume in July.

Were not doing anything differently, were just doing it better, Rajfer said.

Click here to learn more about Waggon.

The post Improving broker reputation starts with integrity appeared first on FreightWaves.
(Bloomberg) -- Applied Materials Inc., a leading producer of chipmaking equipment, is expanding in India because it believes the countrys supportive government policies and abundant local talent will create the foundation for a promising semiconductor sector.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Prabu Raja, president of the US companys semiconductor products group, said India is on its way to becoming a major hub for semiconductor packaging and assembly. That should create a solid foundation for the industry, setting the stage for the country to move into more challenging  and expensive  semiconductor manufacturing.

Packaging is the next big inflection thats going to happen, its the right approach, Raja said in an interview Thursday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has championed the push into semiconductors, including with a $10 billion fund unveiled nearly two years ago to draw chipmakers. More broadly, he has outlined ambitions to create a robust tech manufacturing sector  dubbed Make in India  that has already drawn investments from Apple Inc. suppliers.

Micron Technology Inc., the American memory chip company, is setting up a $2.75 billion semiconductor assembly and testing facility in western Gujarat state, with financial incentives from the Modi administration. Applied Materials said last month it will invest $400 million over four years to establish a new engineering center in Bangalore. It already runs a research center in the city.

While the company wont yet assemble chipmaking equipment in India, it will use the new center to work with suppliers and partners on developing new products, Raja said.

Modi is leveraging Indias geopolitical clout to become an indispensable partner for American tech ambitions, as Washington clashes with Beijing on a range of issues. Indias standing as a stable democracy and reliable tech center have helped the countrys ambitions.

Story continues

The world needs a trusted supply chain, Modi said at a conference Friday in his home state of Gujarat. Who could be a better partner than the worlds biggest democracy?

Manufacturing semiconductors is extremely challenging and expensive, and it has taken leading players like Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. and Samsung Electronics Co. decades to refine their expertise. Raja said India could begin its foray into chipmaking with processes such as packaging, which comprises mounting circuits onto a silicon wafer or chip.

The confidence level on India has gone up in the last few years, Raja said. If you look at global semiconductor ecosystems in Silicon Valley, there are lots of Indians. Companies coming to India are likely to use a combination of talent from global hubs and from India.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
Key Insights

Using the 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity, EQS Group fair value estimate is 37.03

EQS Group's 25.70 share price signals that it might be 31% undervalued

Our fair value estimate is 6.0% higher than EQS Group's analyst price target of 34.92

Today we will run through one way of estimating the intrinsic value of EQS Group AG (ETR:EQS) by taking the expected future cash flows and discounting them to their present value. The Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model is the tool we will apply to do this. Before you think you won't be able to understand it, just read on! It's actually much less complex than you'd imagine.

Remember though, that there are many ways to estimate a company's value, and a DCF is just one method. If you want to learn more about discounted cash flow, the rationale behind this calculation can be read in detail in the Simply Wall St analysis model.

See our latest analysis for EQS Group

Crunching The Numbers

We're using the 2-stage growth model, which simply means we take in account two stages of company's growth. In the initial period the company may have a higher growth rate and the second stage is usually assumed to have a stable growth rate. To begin with, we have to get estimates of the next ten years of cash flows. 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 need to discount the sum of these future cash flows to arrive at a present value estimate:

10-year free cash flow (FCF) forecast

2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 Levered FCF (, Millions) 10.7m 10.3m 15.8m 19.1m 21.4m 23.3m 24.7m 25.8m 26.6m 27.3m Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x4 Analyst x3 Analyst x2 Analyst x2 Est @ 12.35% Est @ 8.72% Est @ 6.18% Est @ 4.39% Est @ 3.15% Est @ 2.28% Present Value (, Millions) Discounted @ 6.5% 10.0 9.1 13.0 14.8 15.6 16.0 15.9 15.6 15.1 14.5

("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St)

Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = 140m

Story continues

We now need to calculate the Terminal Value, which accounts for all the future cash flows after this ten year period. For a number of reasons a very conservative growth rate is used that cannot exceed that of a country's GDP growth. In this case we have used the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield (0.2%) to estimate future growth. In the same way as with the 10-year 'growth' period, we discount future cash flows to today's value, using a cost of equity of 6.5%.

Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2033  (1 + g)  (r  g) = 27m (1 + 0.2%)  (6.5% 0.2%) = 435m

Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= 435m ( 1 + 6.5%)10= 231m

The total value is the sum of cash flows for the next ten years plus the discounted terminal value, which results in the Total Equity Value, which in this case is 371m. To get the intrinsic value per share, we divide this by the total number of shares outstanding. Compared to the current share price of 25.7, the company appears quite good value at a 31% discount to where the stock price trades currently. Valuations are imprecise instruments though, rather like a telescope - move a few degrees and end up in a different galaxy. Do keep this in mind.

dcf

The Assumptions

We would point out that the most important inputs to a discounted cash flow are the discount rate and of course the actual cash flows. 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 EQS Group 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 6.5%, which is based on a levered beta of 1.057. 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 EQS Group

Strength

Net debt to equity ratio below 40%.

Weakness

No major weaknesses identified for EQS.

Opportunity

Expected to breakeven next year.

Has sufficient cash runway for more than 3 years based on current free cash flows.

Trading below our estimate of fair value by more than 20%.

Threat

Debt is not well covered by operating cash flow.

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. Preferably you'd apply different cases and assumptions and see how they would impact the company's valuation. For example, changes in the company's cost of equity or the risk free rate can significantly impact the valuation. Can we work out why the company is trading at a discount to intrinsic value? For EQS Group, there are three important elements you should explore:

Risks: We feel that you should assess the 1 warning sign for EQS Group we've flagged before making an investment in the company. Future Earnings: How does EQS's growth rate compare to its peers and the wider market? Dig deeper into the analyst consensus number for the upcoming years by interacting with our free analyst growth expectation chart. Other Solid Businesses: Low debt, high returns on equity and good past performance are fundamental to a strong business. Why not explore our interactive list of stocks with solid business fundamentals to see if there are other companies you may not have considered!

PS. Simply Wall St updates its DCF calculation for every German stock every day, so if you want to find the intrinsic value of any other stock just search here.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Join A Paid User Research Session

Youll receive a US$30 Amazon Gift card for 1 hour of your time while helping us build better investing tools for the individual investors like yourself. Sign up here
(Bloomberg) -- The Korean regulator in charge of a federation of credit unions thats grappled with rising delinquencies and withdrawals said theres been stabilization, after the woes spooked broader markets earlier this month.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Deposit flows at MG Community Credit Cooperatives have definitely stabilized, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Interior & Safety, which oversees the federation, said when asked about the situation this week. MGCCCs fate has captured the attention of investors in Korea, where its a key lender to the property sector at a time when defaults are spreading.

The troubles flared earlier in July, when a branch of MGCCC in the city of Namyangju east of Seoul was closed. The shutdown came after customers pulled deposits following reports that soured debts linked to project financing had worsened.

MGCCCs delinquency rate jumped to 6.2% at the end of June from 3.6% at the end of 2022, according to the ministry. Its loans to the construction and real estate sector more than doubled in about three years to 56.4 trillion won ($44 billion) in the most recent data from Korea Investors Service. That makes it a key source of capital for that sector at a time when credit cooperatives overall in Korea had exposure of about 173.7 trillion won in the first quarter, according to central bank data.

Korea has been on alert for risks posed by financial engineering linked to real estate finance, after a default last year by the developer of the Legoland Korea theme park triggered a crisis in the local credit market.

The Bank of Korea said Thursday it was strengthening its liquidity backstop for financial institutions to prevent bank runs, and that it would rescue non-bank institutions if needed. Earlier this month, the Financial Services Commission said the government would take all necessary measures to protect assets of community credit cooperative customers.

Story continues

This issue wouldnt escalate further to shake the financial system, but this will surely continue to dampen construction and facility investment in the near term, said Min Joo Kang, senior economist at ING Groep N.V. in Seoul.

Officials have taken a series of steps recently to contain the broader risks related to real estate finance. In May, regulators encouraged brokerages to swap short-term risky property debt for longer term borrowings.

The recent problems at MGCCC have been a particular concern because credit cooperatives are meant to be anchors of stability for local communities.

The cooperatives originated in the 1960s in rural areas, and were associated with a political initiative that emerged the following decade to modernize the economy in such regions. There are now some 1,295 branches with 260 trillion won ($203 billion) of assets and more than 21 million customers, according to the cooperatives website. Branches take deposits, provide loans and offer insurance services.

Credit markets reflected mounting risks earlier this month.

Yields on 3-year won-denominated corporate bonds hit their highest since January on July 10, the day Reuters reported authorities had asked banks to earmark financial support for MGCCC.

Borrowing costs subsequently tumbled, though theyve since inched up again. The yield on the 3-year note was at 4.436% on Friday, data on the Korea Financial Investment Association website showed.

Koreas economy contracted in the last three months of 2022, when the credit market rout took place. Although it grew faster than forecast in the second quarter, concerns about the strength of momentum remain.

Authorities earlier this month also urged securities firms to prepare for a prolonged real estate market slump. They cited an increase in defaults on project financing loans and mounting concerns about losses on overseas properties.

(Adds details throughout)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
(Corrects spelling of 'conservative' in paragraph 8)

By Rozanna Latiff

KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) -Malaysia may not go through with a plan to take legal action against Facebook parent Meta Platforms following "positive" engagement with the firm on tackling harmful content on the social media platform, communications minister Fahmi Fadzil said in an interview on Friday.

Last month, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) said it would take legal action against Meta for failing to act against "undesirable" content relating to race, royalty, religion, defamation, impersonation, online gambling, and scam advertisements.

Fahmi said Meta had since given a firm commitment to work with Malaysian authorities, including the regulator and the police, to tackle such posts on its platforms.

"I don't think MCMC needs at this point in time to initiate any legal action. I think this level of cooperation is very positive," he said, adding that the government was considering measures such as fines against social media platforms if they failed to tackle harmful content.

Facebook is Malaysia's biggest social media platform, with an estimated 60% of the country's 33 million people having a registered account.

Fahmi dismissed concerns raised over increased government scrutiny of online content, and denied issuing orders to take down several opposition-linked news sites and social media accounts in recent weeks.

The take-downs, he said, were likely to have been made in response to complaints made by ordinary users for violating social media guidelines.

The outages came as Malaysia prepares to hold regional elections next month that will pit Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's administration against a conservative Malay-Muslim alliance.

The government did not intend to curb freedom of expression, but drew the line at content touching on race, religion, and royalty, Fahmi said.

"Those who cry out, saying that we are an iron-fisted dictatorship, I think theyre being a tad bit dramatic," he said.

Story continues

Race and religion are thorny issues in Malaysia, which has a majority of mainly Muslim ethnic Malays alongside significant Chinese and Indian minorities.

Malaysia also has laws prohibiting insults against its sultans, who play a largely ceremonial role. An opposition figure was charged this month with sedition for allegedly insulting them.

Separately, Fahmi said Malaysia's major telecommunications firms will form the country's second 5G network, as part of the government's plan to end a monopoly held by state-owned 5G agency Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB).

The firms, which have agreed to take up stakes in DNB and use its network, will split to form the second 5G entity when coverage reaches 80% of populated areas, Fahmi said.

(Reporting by Rozanna Latiff; Editing by Angus MacSwan)
The move is 'another nail in the coffin,' Reepher CEO says.

Marking another setback for the marijuana industry, Mastercard recently sent cease-and-desist letters to banks and payments processors that assisted in the purchase of legal cannabis.

In the letters, the credit card giant told the recipients to suspend accepting marijuana transactions using PIN debit cards on its network, according to a July 26 Bloomberg report .

Mastercard did not respond to Kiplingers request for comment.

For an already-struggling cannabis industry, this latest move leaves customers scrambling for additional purchasing options. Cannabis transactions are usually carried out with debit cards or cash.

Although medical and recreational marijuana is legal in 38 states, retailers often find themselves left out of standard banking and payments processing systems because pot remains illegal at the federal level, according to MarketWatch.

Mastercards move is another blow to the payments industry and cannabis operators nationwide, Justin Kahn, CEO and co-founder of Reepher, told Kiplinger.

Many operators have been caught off guard

Its actions and the subsequent actions taken by the payments providers that serve the cannabis industry have caught many operators off guard. Operators have had their funds frozen and services turned off. Its just another nail in the coffin of cannabis payments, said Kahn, whose company offers the first behavior-based product with insurance coverage.

The American Trade Association for Cannabis and Hemp as well as cannabis trade groups in 16 states and Washington, D.C. recently lobbied Senate leaders to pass the Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act.

The legislation, which was reintroduced in the House and Senate last April by a group of bipartisan lawmakers, is unlikely to move out of committee before Congress breaks for its August recess. It aims to enable cannabis businesses to access banking services by circumventing cash-only transactions that can expose businesses to public safety concerns, including robberies.
NASA's learned a thing or two from working with private sector companies, and the agency is banking on some of those companies in its quest to return to the lunar surface.

According to a NASA press release, the agency has selected 11 U.S. companies to develop technologies that could support long-term exploration on the moon and in space. The technologies range from lunar surface power systems to tools for in-space 3D printing, which will expand industry capabilities for a sustained human presence on the moon through the duration of the agency's Artemis program, as well as other government and commercial missions.

"Partnering with the commercial space industry lets us at NASA harness the strength of American innovation and ingenuity," NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said in the release. "The technologies that NASA is investing in today have the potential to be the foundation of future exploration."

More: Amazon to build $120 million Kuiper satellite processing facility at KSC

T-minus zero emissions: Electric astronaut taxis arrive ahead of Artemis moon missions

The projects selected as part of the agencys Tipping Point program will be funded jointly by NASA and industry partners. Each company will contribute a minimum percentage - 10 to 25 percent  of the total project cost. NASA's expected contribution totals $150 million.

The awarded companies, their projects, and the approximate value of NASAs contribution are:

Astrobotic Technology

The Astrobotic CubeRover traverses the terrain in the Granular Mechanics and Regolith Operations Laboratory regolith bin at NASAs Kennedy Space Center on Dec. 10, 2020. The regolith bin simulates the mechanical properties of the Moons surface.

The Pittsburgh-based company will receive $34.6 million for the LunaGrid-Lite: Demonstration of Tethered, Scalable Lunar Power Transmission. Astrobotic will demonstrate the robotic deployment of one kilometer of cable and power transmission through that cable across the lunar surface. A CubeRover to be 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, cable, and cable reel system.

Story continues

Big Metal Additive

The Denver-based materials firm will receive $5.4 million for improving the cost and availability of space habitat structures with additive manufacturing. 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.

Blue Origin

Based in Kent, Washington, Blue Origin is receiving $34.7 million for In-Situ Resource Utilization-based power on the moon. According to NASA, in-situ resource utilization will allow crew living and working on the moon to generate necessary tools and supplies using local materials. The company will advance an end-to-end in-situ resource utilization system that can extract oxygen, iron, silicon, and aluminum from lunar regolith simulant and use the extracted materials to produce solar cells and wire.

Freedom Photonics

In Santa Barbara, California, Freedom Photonics will receive $1.6 million for the Highly Efficient Watt-Class Direct Diode Lidar for Remote Sensing. The directive is that the company will develop a novel direct diode laser 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

In Littleton, Colorado, Lockheed Martin will receive $9.1 million to demonstrate in-space component joining and inspection technologies for structural, electrical, and fluid systems. The capabilities would reduce risk and advance the maturity and reliability of in-space assembly architectures.

Redwire Space

Redwire Space of Jacksonville, Florida, will receive $12.9 million for infrastructure manufacturing with lunar regolith  mason. Imagine big construction machines on the lunar surface scraping up dust and soil, churning it about, then depositing and stacking bricks to create habitats for lunar residents. This would be considered a form of In-Situ Resource Utilization. The company will develop a grader, compactor, and microwave emitter into a scalable platform that removes rocks, compacts loose regolith, and melts regolith into a solid surface. This technology could enable dust mitigation areas, habitat foundations, roads, and lunar-based landing pads.

Protoinnovations

The Pittsburgh-based company will get $6.2 million for The Mobility Coordinator: An onboard COTS (Commercial-Off-the-Shelf) software architecture for sustainable, safe, efficient, and effective lunar surface mobility operations. What does that mean? The company will advance modular, flight-ready mobility control software for future lunar rovers and robots.

Psionic

The Hampton, Virginia, company will receive $3.2 million for validating no-light lunar landing technology that reduces risk, SWaP (Size, Weight, and Power), and cost. Partnering with Draper Laboratory in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Psionic will conduct a flight demonstration of its latest generation Navigation Doppler Lidar and terrain contour matching system. Future deep space crewed and robotic missions could utilize the high-precision navigation system to land at various planetary destinations, including the moon.

United Launch Alliance

The low-Earth orbit flight test of an inflatable decelerator, or LOFTID, spacecraft is pictured after its atmospheric re-entry test in November 2022. Through a new Tipping Point partnership, United Launch Alliance will continue development of the inflatable heat shield technology.

Based in Centennial, Colorado, ULA will receive $25 million for the company's Vulcan rocket's engine reuse scale hypersonic inflatable aerodynamic decelerator (LOFTID) technology demonstration. This isn't your daddy's heat shield. To allow possible future recovery and reuse of the rocket's engines, the LOFTID technology would have a tightly compressed heat shield, deployable to a far greater diameter than a typical rigid heat shield, deployed to protect the rocket's engines during reentry and recovery operations. ULA will develop a larger 10-meter decelerator that leverages a two-piece structure to enable effective load distribution for even larger inflatable decelerators. LOFTID technology could eventually enable NASA to land heavier payloads on the lunar or Martian surfaces from higher altitudes.

Varda Space Industries

In El Segundo, California, Varda will receive $1.9 million to mature Conformal Phenolic Impregnated Carbon Ablator (C-PICA), a cost-effective and mass-efficient thermal protection system material developed by NASA. The project will flight test C-PICA and start commercial production of the material.

Zeno Power Systems

Washington-based Zeno Power Systems will receive $15 million for A universal Americium-241 radioisotope power supply for Artemis. The company will develop a Stirling engine-enabled radioisotope power system that utilizes a long-lived, thermally constant heat source  Americium 241.

Radioisotope technology isn't new. NASA's been using Plutonium for decades to provide power for missions from Voyager to New Horizons. Zeno Power Systems' technology could be used for space and surface power systems, offering an alternative to plutonium.

Rob Landers is a veteran multimedia journalist for the USA Today Network of Florida. Contact Landers at 321-242-3627 or rlanders@gannett.com. Instagram: @ByRobLanders Youtube: @florida_today

Support local journalism. Subscribe today.

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: 11 companies tapped to help NASA get us back to moon
Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) Q2 2023 Earnings Call Transcript July 27, 2023

Northrop Grumman Corporation beats earnings expectations. Reported EPS is $6.06, expectations were $5.33.

Todd Ernst: Thanks, Josh. And good morning and welcome to Northrop Grumman second quarter 2023 conference call. We will refer to a PowerPoint presentation that is posted to the IR website on the call this morning. Before we get started, matters discussed on today's call, including guidance and outlooks for 2023 and beyond reflect the company's judgment based on information available at the time of this call. They constitute forward-looking statements pursuant to safe harbor provisions of Federal Securities Laws. For looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including those noted in today's press release and our SEC filings. These risks and uncertainties may cause actual company results to differ materially. Today's call will include non-GAAP financial measures that are reconciled to GAAP results in our earnings release.

And on today's call are Kathy Warden, our Chair, CEO and President and David Keffer, our CFO. At this time, I'd like to turn the call over to Kathy, Kathy?

Kathy Warden: Thanks, Todd. Good morning, everyone. And thank you for joining us. As you saw from this morning's earnings release, global demand for Northrop Grumman solutions is driving exceptional growth. In the second quarter, our sales were up 9% with solid contributions from each of our four business segments. Our ability to hire and retain talent and improving supplier deliveries are strengthening our top line. Even our year-to-date sales increase of 7% and an improved outlook. We're increasing our full year's sales guidance range by 400 million. In addition, award volume in the quarter was robust, with a book-to-bill ratio of 1.14. As a result, we're increasing our full year book-to-bill projection to approximately 1.0. Our $79 billion backlog continues to be more than two times our expected 2023 sales supporting our long term growth outlook.

Story continues

We delivered solid second quarter earnings per share of $5.34. And we're increasing the lower end of our full year guidance range by $0.20. And free cash flow was healthy in the quarter more than a billion dollar higher than Q2 of last year, positioning us well for our full year target. Turning to the budget environment and starting with the U.S. We're encouraged by the continued bipartisan support for national security funding to implement the administration's national defense strategy. The FY 24 budget and recent congressional committee bill prioritize modernization including areas of strength in our portfolio, such as the triad, the space domain, information superiority, and advanced weapons. We also anticipate continued support for Ukraine and related emergency spending, which would represent even further increased demand.

Global demand for our products also continues to grow as our allies increase defense spending to address evolving threats. We are well positioned in multiple markets to meet this demand with programs such as [Argonne] IBCS and E2-D as well as munitions. With a robust backlog and leading growth outlook. I'd like to now spend a few minutes outlining our path to margin expansion, which is a key element of our earnings and cash flow growth plan. Our 2023 operating margin dollar guidance is in the range we've previously provided. This guidance implies a segment margin rate in the mid 11% range in the second half of 2023. Having delivered a rate of 10.9% in the first half. We also see an opportunity to increase our year-over-year margin rate in 2024, and get to a 12% target in the longer term.

Achieving this margin improvement is built on three key drivers. First, is the stabilization of temporal macro economic factors that have driven higher cost and impacted our supply chain and labor efficiency. Second, is the ongoing implementation of cost management programs across the company that helps drive affordability, competitiveness, and performance. And third is our business mix, which we see shifting to more international and production contracts. As international demand grows, and many of our current development programs mature over the next several years. With regard to the macro economic factors, supply chain disruptions rooted in the pandemic, and the subsequent labor market tightness, have created programs delays and cost growth.

To reduce this disruption, we're buying ahead of schedule pursuing second sources where it makes sense and placing more of our people at suppliers to facilitate timely material delivery. We see signs of progress across our supply chain from these actions. And we are seeing fewer new issues emerge. We've had exceptional performance in growing our headcount since the second half of 2022, and attrition rates are down to pre pandemic levels. Our focus now is on optimizing labor efficiency, which is an important driver of profitability. To accelerate the learning curve for our employees. We're leaning forward with innovative training programs and standardizing work instructions. Inflation has been a challenge for industry as well as others, cost growth has now begun to moderate.

But the last 18 months of inflation continue to have a higher base effect on our costs, especially in labor. If you look at our year end 2021 fixed price backlog, it was largely priced before we began to experience elevated levels of inflation. However, of that backlog, approximately 70% will have been converted into sales by the end of this year. And for new bids, we are factoring higher inflation expectations into our contracts. We're also working to drive additional discipline in our bid approaches, particularly on fixed price contracts to help protect against these types of dynamics in the future. Overall, we anticipate that these macro economic impacts have stabilized and now have largely been incorporated into our margins risk factors.

The second key driver of margin opportunity is cost management, which benefits both affordability and competitiveness. We are laser focused on overhead cost reduction. A foundational element of these reductions is our implementation of digital solutions across our business, which will help to drive performance and productivity. For example, we've built a digital ecosystem that focuses on program execution, bringing together employees, customers and partners into an integrated environment, so they can seamlessly work together. This accelerates design, integration, testing and deployment across programs helping us to deliver with quality, speed and efficiency. We're increasing the number of programs that are operating in this ecosystem. And today, we have over 100 active programs that are doing so, we're also investing in and advancing the technologies and digital systems in our factories.

We're scaling this across the enterprise to drive efficiencies that should benefit all of our stakeholders. For example, on the B-21 we've successfully demonstrated the use of this digital thread high to advanced manufacturing technology to realize over 15% labor efficiencies in one area of the build. And in June, we launched the expansion of this approach across the whole build process. We're extending this digital thread into our business operation to deliver further benefits across the company. This includes how we're managing our supply chain, where we've broadly centralized procurement, and we're working to leverage our purchasing power to reduce costs. We have over 20,000 suppliers and we've begun securely connecting them into our digital ecosystem.

Over the next several years, we expect to have the majority of our supply base fully integrated, this is expected to lower supplier costs and significantly improve productivity. The third key area of margin opportunity is our business mix. For several years we've had one of the highest cost plus development contract mixes in the industry reflecting our significant early stage position on key franchise programs, which will transition to production throughout this decade. This cost plus mix has been increasing with our first house revenue at 55% Cost Plus up from about 50:50 last year. Looking forward, we see this shifting towards more fixed price revenue, rising to approximately 60% of sales by 2027. As a number of large programs in all four of our sectors transition to production.

Production program margins are typically a few points higher than development margin. So mix shift can contribute meaningfully to our segment operating margin rates. And we're making good progress on moving programs through development and into production. For example [Argonne ER] completed its fifth consecutive test flight in the second quarter. This program is nearing completion of its development phase, and is on track to ramp production volumes next year. And on B-21, we successfully powered on the first flight test aircraft in the quarter another important milestone in our campaign to achieve first flight in transition to production. We also expect our international business to grow at a double digit rate over the next few years, improving our margin opportunity as global sales become a larger percentage of our mix.

Photo by NASA on Unsplash

In the second quarter, we demonstrated our IBCS solution for eight potential international customers, reflecting growing demand for this advanced air and missile defense capability. We also signed a memorandum of agreement with Rheinmetall to expand capacity for F-35 center fuselage production in Europe. We expect these three drivers to result in improved affordability, even better performance and higher margins. When combined with the strength of our backlog and increasing global demand. These operating margin improvements should provide the foundation for strong future free cash flow growth. Now with respect to capital deployment, we're executing a strategy that prioritizes investments to support our business plan and returns cash to shareholders.

In May we increased our dividend for the 20th consecutive year by 8%. Year-to-date, we have returned $1.5 billion to shareholders and are on track to meet our goal of returning more than 100% of free cash flow this year. Overall, the global defense budget outlook and our alignment with customer priorities give us confidence in our growth trajectory. We are focused on margin expansion opportunities and converting this to free cash flow growth to deliver value both for our customers and our shareholders. So with that, I'll hand it over to Dave and he'll cover details of the second quarter financial results and updates to our full year outlook.

David Keffer: Thanks, Kathy. And good morning, everyone. We're pleased to report another solid quarter, we remain focused on executing our strategy and believe we're well positioned to grow our topline earnings and cash flows for years to come. The demand environment continues to be robust, supported by the alignment of our portfolio with our customers highest priority missions. And those Kathy described, we see a path to expand margins in the second half of this year and beyond. As macro pressures ease and we drive efficiencies into our business as it grows and experiences mixed tailwinds. Now turning to Q2 results, we generated $10.9 billion of new awards, a higher total than we previously expected, our book-to-bill was 1.14 and was driven by restricted awards of $5.4 billion.

This brings our year-to-date total to $8.6 billion in restricted bookings. Looking forward, we expect a number of production awards in the second half of the year, including the first lot of B-21 LRIP. Moving to sales on Slide 4 in our earnings deck, weve delivered strong topline growth of 9% in the second quarter. Building on the momentum from Q1 as a result of our success in bringing on new employees, incremental improvements in the supply chain and continued backlog strength our sales are growing at a higher rate, and we've increased our full year guidance. With respect to segment results all four of our businesses grew in the second quarter. Space continues to lead the way with their second consecutive quarter of 17% sales growth as GBSD, NGI and restricted space programs continue to ramp.

In defense system sales increased 10% on the strength of their armaments and Missile Defense franchises. Mission Systems growth of 5% was driven by restricted programs in the networked information solutions business and aeronautics systems returned to growth as higher volume on restricted programs outpaced the headwinds on legacy programs as we've anticipated. Turning to Slide 5, segment margins in the second quarter were 11%. Keep in mind that Q2 of last year included over $70 million or 80 basis points of benefit from a land sale and a contract related legal matter. Most importantly, margin dollars improved incrementally from Q1, largely meeting our expectations. Program performance remains strong across the portfolio, as the team does a good job in navigating the lingering disruption from the pandemic and macro economic factors we've been discussing.

One area of pressure we experienced in the quarter was a $36 million unfavorable adjustment on NASA's habitation and logistics outposts program or HALO in our space system sector. Moving to earnings per share on Slide 6, diluted EPs in the second quarter were $5.34. This included lower net pension income of roughly $1 per share partially offset by more favorable returns on marketable securities than in the same period last year. Slide 7 highlights the non operational pension headwinds we experienced in Q2 on a year-over-year basis 2023 pension income will be lower for all periods when compared to 2022. But these headwinds are expected to dissipate as we look to 2024. With respect to cash, we generated strong free cash flow in the second quarter of over $600 million, a significant increase compared to the same period last year in which we had an outflow of $460 million.

This improvement was driven by increased billings and timing of collections across the company. We paid roughly $360 million of cash taxes associated with section 174. And we continue to expect a full year impact of a little over $700 million. Moving to 2023 guidance. We'll start with a few updates to our sector estimates which you can see on Slide 8, our space business continues to deliver outstanding sales growth and bookings, demonstrating the strength of its diverse portfolio capabilities. As a result, we're increasing sales guidance for space to the high $13 billion range. Remember, as recently as 2019, this business was generating revenue in the mid $7 billion range. So our guidance this year reflects a Fantastic Four year CAGR of roughly 17%.

At defense systems based on the strength of their year to their year-to-date results, we're increasing our full year expectations for this business to the mid to high $5 billion range. This represents growth in the low single digit range. There are no changes to our revenue expectations at [AS or MS]. With respect to margin rates. We're maintaining our expectations for as AS, DS and MS and we're projecting a lower operating margin rate at space to reflect the rapid increase in new program winds and their first half results. At the company level, this translates to an increase to our sales guidance of $400 million in a growth rate between 4% and 6% for the full year, we're maintaining our expectations for segment operating income dollars, we expect a slightly higher full year tax rate of 17% and we reduced our projection for shares outstanding to the mid $152 millions to reflect our latest share repurchase expectations.

Our EPS outlook continues to assume Q3 Closer of the sale of the minority investment for which we increased our full year EPS guidance by $0.40 last quarter. This quarter, we're increasing the lower end of our guidance range by $0.20. We remain on track with our full year outlook for cash and continue to expect to grow our free cash flow to about $3 billion by 2025. This represents a greater than 20% CAGR driven by the growth of our business and structural tailwinds from cash taxes, lower CapEx and higher CAS recoveries. In over the next five years, we see an opportunity to approximately double our current level of free cash flow. Lastly, we continue to execute our balanced capital deployment plan. This includes investments of over $2.8 billion in R&D and CAPEX this year and returning excess capital to shareholders via our quarterly dividend and share repurchase plans.

For the year, we continue to expect to return over 100% of our free cash flow to shareholders, including roughly $1.5 billion in share repurchases. We also plan to retire $1 billion of notes that mature in August, and we don't have any additional bond maturities until 2025. Overall, the Northrop Grumman team delivered a strong first half of the year, our business strategy is working and we're continuing to drive additional growth in sales earnings in cash. With growing global demand for a portfolio of solutions and solid program performance. We're building long term value for all our stakeholders. With that, let's open up the call for questions.

See also Analysts Are Cutting Price Targets of These 10 Stocks and 20 States with the Most Craft Breweries.

To continue reading the Q&A session, please click here.
From what we can see, insiders were net buyers in GenusPlus Group Limited's (ASX:GNP ) during the past 12 months. That is, insiders acquired the stock in greater numbers than they sold it.

While we would never suggest that investors should base their decisions solely on what the directors of a company have been doing, logic dictates you should pay some attention to whether insiders are buying or selling shares.

Check out our latest analysis for GenusPlus Group

GenusPlus Group Insider Transactions Over The Last Year

The Founder David Riches made the biggest insider purchase in the last 12 months. That single transaction was for AU$920k worth of shares at a price of AU$0.92 each. Even though the purchase was made at a significantly lower price than the recent price (AU$1.20), we still think insider buying is a positive. Because the shares were purchased at a lower price, this particular buy doesn't tell us much about how insiders feel about the current share price.

You can see a visual depiction of insider transactions (by companies and individuals) over the last 12 months, below. By clicking on the graph below, you can see the precise details of each insider transaction!

There are always plenty of stocks that insiders are buying. So if that suits your style you could check each stock one by one or you could take a look at this free list of companies. (Hint: insiders have been buying them).

Insider Ownership Of GenusPlus Group

I like to look at how many shares insiders own in a company, to help inform my view of how aligned they are with insiders. I reckon it's a good sign if insiders own a significant number of shares in the company. GenusPlus Group insiders own 64% of the company, currently worth about AU$136m based on the recent share price. I like to see this level of insider ownership, because it increases the chances that management are thinking about the best interests of shareholders.

So What Do The GenusPlus Group Insider Transactions Indicate?

The fact that there have been no GenusPlus Group insider transactions recently certainly doesn't bother us. But insiders have shown more of an appetite for the stock, over the last year. With high insider ownership and encouraging transactions, it seems like GenusPlus Group insiders think the business has merit. So these insider transactions can help us build a thesis about the stock, but it's also worthwhile knowing the risks facing this company. Case in point: We've spotted 1 warning sign for GenusPlus Group you should be aware of.

Story continues

If you would prefer to check out another company -- one with potentially superior financials -- then do not miss this free list of interesting companies, that have HIGH return on equity and low debt.

For the purposes of this article, insiders are those individuals who report their transactions to the relevant regulatory body. We currently account for open market transactions and private dispositions, but not derivative transactions.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Join A Paid User Research Session

Youll receive a US$30 Amazon Gift card for 1 hour of your time while helping us build better investing tools for the individual investors like yourself. Sign up here
Business Insider

Large language models and AI chatbots are beginning to flood the internet with auto-generated text.

It's becoming hard to distinguish AI-generated text from human writing.

OpenAI launched a system to spot AI text, but just shut it down because it didn't work.

Beep beep boop.

Did a machine write that, or did I?

As the generative AI race picks up, this will be one of the most important questions the technology industry must answer.

ChatGPT, GPT-4, Google Bard, and other new AI services can create convincing and useful written content. Like all technology, this is being used for good and bad things. It can make writing software code faster and easier, but also churn out factual errors and lies. So, developing a way to spot what is AI text versus human text is foundational.

OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT and GPT-4, realized this a while ago. In January, it unveiled a "classifier to distinguish between text written by a human and text written by AIs from a variety of providers."

The company warned that it's impossible to reliably detect all AI-written text. However, OpenAI said good classifiers are important for tackling several problematic situations. Those include false claims that AI-generated text was written by a human, running automated misinformation campaigns, and using AI tools to cheat on homework.

Less than seven months later, the project was scrapped.

"As of July 20, 2023, the AI classifier is no longer available due to its low rate of accuracy," OpenAI wrote in a recent blog. "We are working to incorporate feedback and are currently researching more effective provenance techniques for text."

The implications

If OpenAI can't spot AI writing, how can anyone else? Others are working on this challenge, including a startup called GPTZero that my colleague Madeline Renbarger wrote about. But OpenAI, with Microsoft's backing, is considered the best at this AI stuff.

Once we can't tell the difference between AI and human text, the world of online information becomes more problematic. There are already spammy websites churning out automated content using new AI models. Some of them have been generating ad revenue, along with lies such as "Biden dead. Harris acting President, address 9 a.m." according to Bloomberg.

Story continues

This is a very journalistic way of looking at the world. I get it. Not everyone is obsessed with making sure information is accurate. So here's a more worrying possibility for the AI industry:

If tech companies use AI-produced data inadvertently to train new models, some researchers worry those models will get worse. They will feed on their own automated content and fold in on themselves in what's being called an AI "Model Collapse."

Researchers have been studying what happens when text produced by a GPT-style AI model (like GPT-4) forms most of the training dataset for the next models.

"We find that use of model-generated content in training causes irreversible defects in the resulting models," they concluded in a recent research paper. One of the researchers, Ilia Shumailov, put it better on Twitter.

After seeing what could go wrong, the authors issued a plea and made an interesting prediction.

"It has to be taken seriously if we are to sustain the benefits of training from large-scale data scraped from the web," they wrote. "Indeed, the value of data collected about genuine human interactions with systems will be increasingly valuable in the presence of content generated by LLMs in data crawled from the Internet."

We can't begin to tackle this existential problem if we can't tell whether a human or a machine wrote something online. I emailed OpenAI to ask about their failed AI text classifier and the implications, including Model Collapse. A spokesperson responded with this statement: "We have nothing to add outside of the update outlined in our blog post."

I wrote back, just to check if the spokesperson was a human. "Hahaha, yes I am very much a human, appreciate you for checking in though!" they replied.

Read the original article on Business Insider
A physicist says it's 'quite possible' a SpaceX launch punched a hole in parts of the Earth's atmosphere

SpaceX's Falcon 9 is a reusable, two-stage rocket designed to reliably transport people and cargo into orbit. Joe Skipper/Reuters

A physicist says a SpaceX rocket may have punched a temporary hole in the ionosphere.

The ionosphere is where Earth's atmosphere meets space.

Jeff Baumgardner, a physicist from Boston University, made the comment to Spaceweather.com.

A space physicist has said it's "quite possible" that a SpaceX rocket launched earlier this month made a hole in the Earth's ionosphere.

The ionosphere is where Earth's atmosphere meets space and stretches roughly 50 to 400 miles above Earth's surface, Nasa said.

Jeff Baumgardner, a senior research scientist from Boston University, made the comments to Spaceweather. Ionospheric holes have become more common as record numbers of rockets are launched, the report said. The holes are temporary as reionization occurs when the sun rises.

A picture of the incident was captured by photographer Jeremy Perez on July 19 after SpaceX launched a Falcon 9 rocket from a base in California. SpaceX's Falcon 9 is a reusable, two-stage rocket designed to reliably transport people and cargo into orbit.

The photograph, which was featured in the article, showed a red fluorescent glow that Perez said "expanded southward and crossed over the Milky Way." He said the glow was visible for around 20 minutes after the launch.

Baumgardner said the phenomenon was "well-studied" and can occur when "rockets are burning their engines 200 to 300 km above Earth's surface."

"The red glow appears when exhaust gasses from the rocket's 2nd stage cause the ionosphere to recombine quickly," he said, referring to a photograph.

Representatives for SpaceX did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment, made outside normal working hours.

SpaceX has experienced the phenomenon before, in 2017, an Arts Technica report said. In 2018, the outlet reported that another Falcon 9 launch caused a 560-mile-wide hole in the Earth's ionosphere that lasted for two to three hours.

Read the original article on Business Insider
The former Northridge Mall on West Brown Deer Road in Milwaukee on Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022. Firefighters have had to respond to the abandoned mall four times in less than a month's time for a report of a fire. Northridge was sold to U.S Black Spruce Enterprise Group Inc., an affiliate of a Chinese investment group, in 2008. There are still no plans for the vacant mall. Attempts to redevelop the mall are facing more delays following a court decision against a city condemnation order.

Phoenix Investors, a potential buyer of the former Northridge mall, is no longer interested in developing the site.

A city official confirmed Friday that the deal was off due to concerns about Phoenix plans to use the dilapidated property for 1 million square feet of industrial storage, and other issues.

"A demand was made of city government that included reversing a court-ordered razing, forgiving hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines and forfeitures, and changing the zoning to accommodate indoor warehouse storage," city spokesman Jeff Fleming said in a statement. "We were not comfortable with those demands."

"The citys priorities for the property are safety and, ultimately, productive use of the property that benefits the neighbors, the northwest side, and the entire city," Fleming said.

Frank Crivello, founder and chairman of Phoenix Investors, told the Milwaukee Business Journal he respects the city's decision but will not be wasting any more time and energy on the project. The publication first reported that Phoenix was not pursuing the site.

In March, Phoenix surfaced as a prospective buyer with plans to redevelop the site for lease to other businesses. The company has been paying for security, ending regular trespassing and fires.

Northridge, at West Brown Deer Road and North 76th Street, closed in 2003. It was sold in 2008 for $6 million to U.S. Black Spruce Enterprises Inc., the owners of which live in Canada and China. The city in 2019 won a court order to raze the structures on the site, but legal wrangling has prevented the city from moving ahead.

We only got involved because we believed this was a problem and project we were technically and financially able to solve for the city, Crivello told the Business Journal. We didnt do it because we needed another project.

Fleming said that "Milwaukee will continue the efforts to advance thoughtful and positive development at the privately-held property and will also fully participate in the ongoing court case to remedy the problems at the site."

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Potential buyer for Northridge mall is no longer interested
Crowds in Niger wave Russian flags and chant support for the Wagner mercenary group - Sam Mednick/AP

For the fifth time since it gained independence from France in 1960, Nigers leadership has been overthrown by a military coup.

Mohamed Bazoum, one of the Wests last allies in the Sahel region in Northern Africa was detained by his own presidential guard on Wednesday night.

The next day, hundreds of people gathered in Niamey, Nigers capital.

Bazoum may have been ousted by local soldiers, but the crowds were waving Russian flags and chanting support for the Wagner mercenary group.

Analysts warned Russia is rapidly expanding its influence in the region in an alliance against the West.

Instability is mounting across the Sahel region  and with it come fresh threats to Europes energy supply.

Daniel Foubert, founder of consulting firm Excalibur Insight, says this creates risks for European energy security.

I think it could generate a new energy crisis, if Russia does in Africa what it does in Ukraine, he says.

If they can conduct such a war in Europe, why not in Africa, when nobody is looking. The French are not interested.

But they should be. Niger produces about 5pc of the worlds uranium, a crucial component in nuclear power, but it exports all of it to France, which sources 70pc of its electricity from nuclear sources.

Sayen Gohil, a risk analyst at Fitch Solutions, says: Niger is more dependent on uranium exports to France than France is dependent on uranium imports from Niger.

But the coup highlights a wider problem with uranium, which is not under sanctions. Nearly two thirds of Frances uranium imports in 2022 came from countries now in Russias sphere of influence

Last year, 30pc of Frances uranium imports came directly from Russia. A further 12pc and 9.6pc came from Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan respectively, both former Soviet states.

That is relatively concerning, as France relies on nuclear power, says Gohil.

He notes that there have been seven coups across west and central Africa in the last three years alone.

A jihadist insurgency has been spreading from Mali. Niger was a key Western ally in the region  an increasingly important one after Mali and Burkina Faso kicked out the French troops stationed there.

Story continues

There is a clear pattern. Russia has already established a clear influence in Mali and reportedly in Burkina Faso following similar coups. Gohil says: The lesson is that this is a key risk that Niger will move away from relying on France and the US and move towards Russia.

Supporters of mutinous soldiers hold signs in Niger reading, Long Live the Russia-Niger cooperation - AP

France also exports nuclear energy to Germany. There are regional implications for nuclear power in Europe, says Gohil. Overall, the European Union gets a quarter of electricity from nuclear power.

If demand wasnt rising, that would not be a problem, but it is, says Philip Andrews-Speed, senior research fellow at the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies.

Prices have climbed steadily and steeply. From January 2021 to January 2023, the price of uranium rose by 74pc. In the first six months of this year, it has climbed by a further 11pc.

Britain is talking about wanting new reactors. Poland and Romania are likely to move ahead with nuclear. Turkey is building its first nuclear power plant. Finland has another one. There is a big argument being made for energy security and relatively green energy, says Andrews-Speed. This was boosted by the energy crisis.

Russias presence could also disrupt the Trans-Saharan gas pipeline, which is planned to run from Nigeria, through Niger to Europe, as part of the strategy to diversify Europes gas supplies away from Russia.

Once complete, this will send around 30 billion cubic metres of natural gas to Europe per year  enough to satisfy gas demand from about 30 million European homes.

This is expected to replace a sizeable chunk of the 155 billion cubic metres that Europe used to import from Russia.

That could be a reason for Russia to immediately try and build very close ties with the new military junta and potentially blockade this project, says Gohil. However, Putin is unlikely to have the economic means to do this, he adds.

But the Russian presence in Niger in itself could also bolster its war effort in Ukraine. Their modus operandi is gold. Wagner isnt necessarily interested in uranium but gold can provide tangible value and they can send reserves back to Russia.

There have been seven coups across west and central Africa in the last three years alone - Sam Mednick/AP

That is what they have been doing in other African countries, says Gohil. Fresh gold reserves will also stabilise the economy back home in Russia.

Crucially, there is a massive threat to regional instability. Russia is steadily building a sphere of influence in opposition to the West, argues Daniel Foubert.

They are slowly expanding and it is becoming extremely dangerous. Russia will be able to use its presence in Africa as a way to put pressure on other important countries. They already have very good relations with Algeria, a big presence in Eastern Libya and strong relations with Egypt.

We are slowly being cut off from the Global South.

Gohil at Fitch Solutions adds: Mali and Burkina Faso following coups and close ties with Russia effectively kicked France out and told the UN security mission to leave as well. So Niger was one of the last countries still firmly Western aligned in the region.

The US also has a $100 million drone base in the country. It is a key lynchpin in the fight against terrorist groups linked to Al Qaeda and Isis in the region, says Gohil.

Western African states are unlikely to fall within Russias sphere of influence as their economies are more robust. Russias sphere is more likely to spread east. Chad might be a potential target, says Gohil.

Russias creep is its own form of colonialism, taking over the power vacuum left by France.

I think Macron is very weak, says Foubert. The French President is grappling with protests at home. There is no real strategy to fight Russia, its insufficient.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer.
Putin promises free grain to African allies after sending prices soaring with attacks on key Ukraine export facilities

Sergei Karpukh/Reuters

Russia is sending free grain to its allies in Africa.

Putin vowed to ship grain to Burkina Faso, Central African Republic, Eritrea, Mali, Somalia, and Zimbabwe this week.

That comes shortly after Russia attacked a key Ukrainian port, which sent wheat prices soaring.

Russia is working to cement ties with its African allies, with President Vladimir Putin promising free grain to six African countries this week.

Russia will ship 25,000-50,000 tons of grain each to Burkina Faso, Central African Republic, Eritrea, Mali, Somalia, and Zimbabwe, Putin said at the St. Petersburg Russia-Africa summit on Thursday.

The proposed donations appear to be a reward for Russia's close African allies, particularly as wheat prices rise. Most nations on the receiving end of shipments are on good terms with Moscow, as many have held back from criticizing Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Zimbabwe president Emmerson Mnangagwa said the nation was grateful for the gift, though he noted Zimbabwe is "not in any grain deficit at all," Reuters reported.

Meanwhile, African countries that are currently experiencing a food crisis, such as Sudan and Chad, were excluded from Russia's list of recipients.

Russia's gifts come amid a surge in wheat prices, with soft-red winter wheat futures spiking 8% and hard-red wheat spiking 5% last week after Russia exited Black Sea Grain Initiative and bombed the port of Odesa, impacting key Ukrainian grain facilities.

At the summit, Putin defended Russia's withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain deal, arguing that the deal wasn't delivering supplies to countries in the most need.

Meanwhile, Russia has threatened to attack ships headed into the area, on the basis that they could be carrying weapons.

Russia's actions could easily spark a global food crisis, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned, given the world's reliance on Ukrainian grain. Ukraine is the world's seventh-largest wheat producer, UN data shows, with the country often being referred to as the "breadbasket of Europe."

Read the original article on Business Insider
Sarawak Cable Berhad (KLSE:SCABLE) Full Year 2023 Results

Key Financial Results

Revenue: RM547.6m (down 5.4% from FY 2022).

Net loss: RM95.5m (loss widened by 90% from FY 2022).

RM0.24 loss per share (further deteriorated from RM0.13 loss in FY 2022).

All figures shown in the chart above are for the trailing 12 month (TTM) period

Sarawak Cable Berhad's share price is broadly unchanged from a week ago.

Risk Analysis

We should say that we've discovered 4 warning signs for Sarawak Cable Berhad that you should be aware of before investing here.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Join A Paid User Research Session

Youll receive a US$30 Amazon Gift card for 1 hour of your time while helping us build better investing tools for the individual investors like yourself. Sign up here
If the US fails to learn lessons from Korean War, it will continue to suffer

08:49, July 28, 2023 By Global Times editorial ( Global Times

The Memorial Hall of the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea in Dandong, Northeast China's Liaoning Province Photo: Li Qiao/GT

July 27 marks the 70th anniversary of the signing of the Korean Armistice Agreement. Prior to this commemorative day, a US nuclear ballistic missile submarine visited Busan, South Korea, the first visit by a US submarine since 1981. Some US congressmen have openly claimed that this move is not only a warning to North Korea but also a deterrent against China.

It appears that the US has not seriously reflected on the lessons learned here, but instead seems to be repeating the mistakes made back then. As a result, at the juncture of the 70th anniversary of the Korean War armistice, it is of significant practical importance and utmost urgency to review the lessons brought about by that war.

The Korean War is one of the most profound regional conflicts following World War II, and it is regarded as the "biggest defeat in the history of the US Army." However, ironically, this "biggest defeat" that was called a "nightmare" has become a "forgotten war" within the US, deliberately overlooked by Washington. This negligence and forgetfulness may leave the American people without the consciousness of drawing lessons from the past when facing new crises, making them susceptible to repeating past mistakes. Yet, what is even more serious, worse, and dangerous is that some American political elites have drawn completely wrong lessons from the Korean War, using them to misguide the US' foreign policy today, leading the country to proactively incite and provoke crises, and even wars.

On July 26, the US magazine Foreign Affairs published an article written by Mike Gallagher, Chairman of the "House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party," titled "Why America Forgets - and China Remembers - the Korean War." This Washington politician, known for his consistently anti-China stance, summarized three "lessons" that the Korean War taught the US.

The first lesson is that "Washington must not neglect deterrence and readiness," and should always be prepared to fight and enhance military capabilities. He directly mentioned that "the US has failed to make sufficient military investments" in Taiwan. The second lesson is that "politics and combat are deeply intertwined." The third lesson is that "once fighting has broken out, excessive self-restraint can invite further aggression."

These three "lessons" are all targeted at China, specifically referring to the Taiwan question. His arrogance and madness are comparable to that of Douglas MacArthur. We can see that when most Americans lack knowledge and discernment about the Korean War 70 years ago and today's Taiwan question, they can easily be led astray by a few loud and radical voices, resulting in a "herd effect" in American diplomacy. As the US is a superpower, the mistakes it makes often result in strong spillover effects that not only harm itself but also burden the region and even the entire world.

In fact, the US can and should learn valuable lessons from the Korean War. The first is to respect the legitimate security concerns of regional major powers; the second is to restrain the impulse and ambition to interfere in the affairs of other countries. Lastly, the US should never underestimate China's determination and ability to defend its homeland. Disregarding these three lessons happens to be the prominent characteristics of current American hegemonism. The Korean War inflicted a painful price on the US, but if the US fails to learn from it, it will make even greater mistakes in the future.

Before China decided to resist the US aggression and aid North Korea during the Korean War, it had repeatedly sent stern warnings that if US forces crossed the 38th parallel China would not sit idle. However, the US did not take it seriously, thinking that China was only making empty threats and would not take action. As a result, they were caught off guard when they encountered the Chinese People's Volunteers Army on the battlefield. Today, a similar major misjudgment toward China is occurring in Washington. The biggest difference between now and the Korean War era is that China's strength has greatly increased. The consequences of infringing upon China's security interests and national sovereignty will undoubtedly be much more severe.

Back then, when General MacArthur threatened to bring the war to the Chinese mainland, then chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Omar Bradley said, a wider conflict would embroil the US "in the wrong war, at the wrong place, at the wrong time, and with the wrong enemy." The irony of history is that 70 years after the Korean War armistice, the US once again finds itself in a position dangerously close to committing such a terrible mistake. However, it must be clear that if there is another strategic misjudgment this time, the price it will pay will surely be much higher than 70 years ago.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Wu Chaolan)
Crypto mixers and privacy coins might be about to face a fresh crackdown in the U.S.

An amendment designed to tackle anonymous transactions and illicit activity has been tacked on to the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA.)

The $886 billion package has now been given the green light by the Senateand saw lawmakers on both sides of the crypto debate become unusual bedfellows.

Two weeks after introduction, the first pieces of Lummis-Gillibrand have passed the Senate, weeding out bad actors in the crypto space and ensuring crypto assets are not used to evade sanctions or fund terrorism.  Senator Cynthia Lummis (@SenLummis) July 28, 2023

The NDAA is a massive piece of legislation that sets out the annual budget for the U.S. Department of Defenseand, as is the case here too, it often becomes a vessel for unrelated policies.

Wyoming Republican Cynthia Lummisoften referred to as "the Bitcoin senator"has been championing a positive approach to regulation with New York Democrat Kirsten Gillibrand. The proposed bill from the two Senators called the Responsible Financial Innovation Act, is one of the most comprehensive pieces of crypto legislation in the United States.

In a statement shared with Decrypt, Senator Gillibrand said this amendment requires federal regulators to enact strong examination standards that will help prevent the utilization of cryptocurrencies in illegal activities. This is an important step in appropriately regulating crypto assets and Im grateful to Senators Lummis, Warren and Marshall for their hard work on this legislation.

The amendment approved on Thursday was achieved in conjunction with Elizabeth Warren and Roger Marshall, two lawmakers who have voiced staunch opposition to digital assets. The amendment also includes portions from their joint bill the Digital Asset Anti-Mondy Laundering Act.

Story continues

Warren said in the same press release that The most urgent problem in crypto today is its illicit use by rogue nations, ransomware gangs, drug traffickers, and cybercriminals."

The amendment includes key measures to monitor the use of "anonymity-enhancing technologies or services used in connection with crypto assets, such as mixers and tumblers." Beyond that, the Treasury is expected to submit a report estimating the "magnitude of transactions" related to such technologies and provide "recommendations for legislation or regulation" accordingly.

Crypto 'Is Helping Fund the Fentanyl Trade,' Says Senator Elizabeth Warren

Under the provisions backed by all four politicians, federal regulators will be tasked with enforcing strong examination standards to prevent crypto from being used for illegal activities.

When their amendment was initially announced last week, Lummis said: "Preventing illicit finance in the crypto asset industry is an integral part of the Lummis-Gillibrand Responsible Financial Innovation Act, and Im proud to join my colleagues in introducing an amendment to the NDAA to prevent money laundering and push bad actors out of this space."

Warren took a much harsher toneand described digital assets as a "national security threat."

Crypto Industry 'Scared of a Strong SEC': Sen. Elizabeth Warren

"Crypto has become the illicit finance tool of choice for ransomware gangs, fentanyl traffickers, and rogue nations like North Korea," the Democratic senator for Massachusetts said. "Too many actors in the crypto ecosystem fail to comply with basic anti-money laundering standards."

And Marshall, a Kansas Republican, expressed hope that the amendment "will set commonsense standards to ensure that proper guardrails are in place as crypto use continues to grow across the world."

While its passage through the Senate is a significant milestone, this is only the start of what's shaping up to be a messy political battle.

The House of Representatives passed its own version of the NDAA earlier this month, which is significantly different, to say the leastfeaturing amendments that would restrict abortion and eliminate diversity programs.

Both chambers will now need to work together on establishing compromises and thrashing out a new version that both sides can agree on. This could mean that some amendmentssuch as the one targeting crypto mixers and privacy coinsmay be stripped from the final text.
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 Abacus Property Group (ASX:ABP) shareholders for doubting their decision to hold, with the stock down 29% over a half decade.

Now let's have a look at the company's fundamentals, and see if the long term shareholder return has matched the performance of the underlying business.

See our latest analysis for Abacus Property Group

While the efficient markets hypothesis continues to be taught by some, it has been proven that markets are over-reactive dynamic systems, and investors are not always rational. One 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).

Looking back five years, both Abacus Property Group's share price and EPS declined; the latter at a rate of 2.6% per year. This reduction in EPS is less than the 7% annual reduction in the share price. This implies that the market is more cautious about the business these days. The less favorable sentiment is reflected in its current P/E ratio of 8.29.

The image below shows how EPS has tracked over time (if you click on the image you can see greater detail).

We consider it positive that insiders have made significant purchases in the last year. Even so, future earnings will be far more important to whether current shareholders make money. Before buying or selling a stock, we always recommend a close examination of historic growth trends, available here..

What About Dividends?

When looking at investment returns, it is important to consider the difference between total shareholder return (TSR) and share price return. 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, Abacus Property Group's TSR for the last 5 years was -4.1%, which exceeds the share price return mentioned earlier. This is largely a result of its dividend payments!

Story continues

A Different Perspective

Abacus Property Group shareholders are down 2.8% for the year (even including dividends), but the market itself is up 12%. Even the share prices of good stocks drop sometimes, but we want to see improvements in the fundamental metrics of a business, before getting too interested. Regrettably, last year's performance caps off a bad run, with the shareholders facing a total loss of 0.8% per year over five years. We realise that Baron Rothschild has said investors should "buy when there is blood on the streets", but we caution that investors should first be sure they are buying a high quality business. While it is well worth considering the different impacts that market conditions can have on the share price, there are other factors that are even more important. Consider for instance, the ever-present spectre of investment risk. We've identified 4 warning signs with Abacus Property Group (at least 2 which are concerning) , and understanding them should be part of your investment process.

There are plenty of other companies that have insiders buying up shares. You probably do not want to miss this free list of growing companies that insiders are buying.

Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on Australian exchanges.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Join A Paid User Research Session

Youll receive a US$30 Amazon Gift card for 1 hour of your time while helping us build better investing tools for the individual investors like yourself. Sign up here
Warnings from large global banks, including Citigroup, J.P. Morgan Chase and Wells Fargo, that more than $40 billion in commercial real estate loans were coming due by the end of 2024 came as early as April this year.

But the current and potential defaults associated with just one commercial real estate sector (CRE) sector  office space  have the banks' largest share of attention. As recent record vacancy rates and bank defaults in Los Angeles; San Francisco; the Washington, D.C. metro; Austin, Texas; New York; and Chicago have shown, the expectation that workers would return to the workplace soon has not occurred.

The big question for office investors and owners is not just, "How do we get people back to work?" but, "What do we do when our lease is up, and should we move or renovate," according to a recent article in the Harvard Business Review (HBR). Most of these issues would be solved if companies could figure out how to fill their now-empty offices.

HBR talked to the co-founder and managing principal of Hartford-based Amenta Emma Architects, Tony Amenta. Amenta is an ardent proponent of people coming back to the office. He discussed changing office design as one way to encourage that.

"I think that employers seem to understand that it's not all about the space," he said. "I wish it were, for architects' sake, but technology plays a role, flexibility is huge and accommodating employees' needs is important. Maybe it's just a battle for which days to be in the office. Employers are spending a lot more energy and time on these things."

The companies that have had the most success bringing back employees have been tech-based companies like Microsoft Corp. and Twitter Inc. They believe it's nearly impossible to collaborate and create separately from home.

Another of those creative tech companies is mobile games giant Playstudios Inc., which is trying to manage return-to-work incentives in offices around the world, including Tel Aviv, Israel; Belgrade, Serbia; and Vietnam, as well as San Francisco, Las Vegas and Portland, Oregon, in the U.S. Playstudios CEO Andrew Pascal, agreed that for a creative company like his, with between 850 and 900 employees, coming back to the office is imperative to its success.

Story continues

"It's a lot harder to collaborate on a Zoom call and although an effective and efficient way for people to communicate, it doesn't allow you to connect to the natural rhythm that you find when you're together in a room and in person," Pascal told Benzinga. "There's no substitute for people working together. If you spend time in our offices, you'd see that. Our Tel Aviv office is a cool old warehouse with an interior workspace designed with a lot of separate pods and the infrastructure needed to support particular teams."

With offices abroad and in the U.S., one thing Pascal has battled in his company is the difference in his non-U.S. locations relating to employee willingness to return to work.

The employee return rate has been "different by region," he said. "Internationally, 80% of our workforce has returned, but in the U.S., only 20% of our teams initially elected to come back to the office. Our approach was to do some things in the office, which created reasons for them to come back. We hosted workshops and employee events where it was viewed that the office was the place to come and leave fully stimulated, and they wanted more of that."

But with the still-evolving post-pandemic attitudes of workers in the U.S., Pascal believes that the responsibility for getting employees off their home-based laptops and back to work lies in the hands of business leaders.

"Fundamentally, if people at the end of a day at work feel they're better off having been there physically and are engaged more deeply and their work product was better or more elevated, the resistance to getting into a car and commuting is not as much a barrier," Pascal said. "It's up to us as leaders to create that kind of environment."

Read next:

Photo of Playstudios employees supplied by Playstudios

Don't miss real-time alerts on your stocks - join Benzinga Pro for free! Try the tool that will help you invest smarter, faster, and better.

This article The Simple But Daunting Formula To Stave Off Office Building Defaults: Be More Creative originally appeared on Benzinga.com

.

 2023 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
british airways

Holidaymakers buying extra British Airways Avios points are at risk of being taxed for the first time as HMRC launches a raid on the popular frequent flyer programme.

Tax officials have told BAs parent company, IAG, that it is reviewing how VAT is charged on Avios points.

Avios points are currently exempt from the sales tax as they are classified as air miles. Most points are also awarded for either flying with British Airways or spending on a BA-branded credit card.

However, the airline also allows people to purchase additional Avios points directly in order to top up their balance to meet levels needed for flights. Avios points can also be spent on things beyond air travel.

IAG revealed on Friday that HMRC had contacted the company weeks ago to say it believed Avios points should be taxed when they are bought.

IAG said: HMRCs emerging view asserts that charges made by IAG Loyalty are for participating / membership in the Avios scheme and the associated charges are subject to VAT.

Alan Pearce, a partner at the accountancy Blick Rothenberg, said that the spending of Avios points on items other than flights may have influenced HMRCs view that this is an area where the VAT treatment is incorrect.

British Airways Avios Points economy new systems

It raises the prospect that BA customers who want to top up their Avios balance to reach a level needed to buy a flight may have to pay more, with tax added on top of the price of points.

Dan Neidle, a tax expert at Tax Policy Associates, said an HMRC ruling against the airline company could also increase the costs for some businesses who award Avios points.

He added: That cost would then inevitably be passed on to the consumer.

British Airways customers currently collect points based on how far they fly with the airline. They can also get Avios rewards for booking hotels or package holidays, while the airline has a deal with American Express that grants fliers one point for every 1 spent. Each point is typically worth between 0.8p and 1p in rewards.

Story continues

The airline also sells Avios points to consumers directly and offers monthly subscriptions for Avios rewards, which start at 26 per month.

It was not immediately clear whether HMRC planned to claim VAT on all Avios collections, since air miles are not typically VAT-rated. IAG refused to comment further on the investigation and has not provided an estimate for the potential tax bill. HMRC declined to comment.

Rob Burgess, the editor of flying website Head For Points, said IAG has been allowing customers to spend the points on rewards other than flights while also offering subscriptions to buy them.

He said: If IAG is selling you Avios for cash, which you can then spend on wine, then arguably there is no travel angle and no zero rated angle.

Avios points were introduced in 2011, replacing British Airways air miles programme. They can be earned on flights with the UK airline and with IAGs other carriers, including Aer Lingus and Iberia, or by spending on BA-branded American Express cards.

British Airways has more than 7 million members of its executive rewards club who collected more than 100 billion Avios points in 2022. Customers spend 40bn each year on points.

Earlier this month, British Airways changed how fliers collect Avios points, instead rewarding consumers with points for every pound spent, rather than based on the distance they fly.

The business is a major earner for IAG, bringing in revenues of 851m last year and profits of 235m.

IAG said it believed it had strong arguments to support its VAT accounting for Avios. It added that any decision from HMRC could be challenged at a tribunal.

The airline group said it was told about HMRCs new interpretation of VAT charges in recent weeks. It said the taxman had not decided whether this charge would be retroactive, meaning it could try to claw back millions of pounds in VAT.

HMRC has launched a series of crackdowns in recent years, targeting ride-hailing company Uber over its VAT payments and launching more investigations into how companies record R&D tax credits.

The taxman has increased the number of inquiries it makes into companies over payments. There has also been a dramatic rise in the number of inheritance tax inquiries.

It has been under pressure to recoup lost tax revenues, after parliaments spending watchdog estimated that a sharp fall in investigations during the Covid pandemic cost the Exchequer up to 9bn.

Disclosure of the tax investigation came as IAG reported half-year revenues of 13.5bn in the first six months of the year, up from 9.3bn in 2022. It also swung to a 1.2bn operating profit after making a loss in the same period last year.

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.
Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) is trying to resolve tens of thousands of claims from plaintiffs who say the talc in its iconic baby powder once contained asbestos that caused ovarian and tissue cancers.

So far J&J's stock has held steady during the nearly two-year-long legal battle. That resilience is about to be put to the test.

A US bankruptcy court is expected to rule by Aug. 2 for the second time on whether the healthcare conglomerate can use a controversial bankruptcy strategy to dispose of roughly 100,000 claims.

The company is now offering a settlement of $8.9 billion, more than four times its offer in 2021, as it continues to negotiate with claimants and their lawyers.

Some claimants dont want the settlement and accuse the company of "manufacturing" financial distress to protect its assets.

The company claims most support it. In fact, J&J global head of litigation Erik Haas told analysts on July 20 that 60,000 claimants were in favor while 40,000 were opposed.

Johnson & Johnson's baby powder on a supermarket shelf in 2017. (FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP/Getty Images)

"The numbers right now show that the vast majority of claimants support the proposed plan," Haas said.

The numbers cited last week by J&J were below the 75% of claimants that, by law, must approve the proposal for a bankruptcy court to grant it. The company previously told analysts it could meet that threshold.

'Lingering uncertainties'

Analysts say the current settlement proposal of $8.9 billion shouldn't significantly impact the multibillion-dollar company, if it wins approval.

But a denial would mean J&J would have to defend itself on a case-by-case basis in the courts, which would potentially be an expensive and time-consuming proposition that would likely hang over the company for years.

The litigation presents "lingering uncertainties" for J&J, Goldman Sachs analysts said in a note last week after the company reported its second quarter earnings.

"Should the bankruptcy not proceed, then cases will be decided by the tort system, which could prolong timelines for this issue to achieve visible resolution."

Story continues

JPMorgan Chase analysts in a separate note after J&J earnings last week said the talc settlement progress was "one of the most important drivers" of the company's stock in 2023.

"There remains a fairly high level of skepticism on both the validity of the bankruptcy structure as well as the ability to get enough of the remaining plaintiffs to agree to the proposed terms," the analysts wrote.

Individual talc cases that have been decided by a judge or jury have resulted in big awards for plaintiffs.

A California jury earlier this month ruled J&J had to pay $18.8 million to a man who said talc caused cancer in tissue surrounding his heart. In two prior cases it was ordered to pay $120 million to a Brooklyn, N.Y. couple and $2.21 billion to a group of women in Missouri.

The company is appealing two of these cases and planning to appeal the third. J&J denies that its discontinued talc-based powder ever caused harm.

In 2020, it settled 1,000 talc claims for $100 million. The following year it prevailed in an Illinois case alleging $50 million in damages.

The Texas two step

J&J has so far dealt with the risk using a controversial strategy known as the "Texas Two-Step."

The tactic taps the US bankruptcy system to wall off company assets from costly litigation. The measure was put to the test when a three-judge panel for the Third Circuit Court of Appeals denied J&Js first attempt.

Critics argue that the strategy subverts the bankruptcy process by making its protections available to solvent companies.

The first step began in October 2021 when Johnson & Johnsons parent company formed the subsidiary LTL Management, transferring its existing 38,000 talc claims to LTL. At the time, J&J offered $2 billion to fund LTL to cover the outstanding claims.

Two days later came the second step. LTL filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in a federal court in North Carolina, triggering an automatic stay that protected J&J's assets from judgments reached and claims filed prior to the bankruptcy.

The matter was later transferred to a federal bankruptcy court in Trenton, N.J., where in February 2022 US bankruptcy judge Michael Kaplan approved LTL's bankruptcy petition. He also approved the request of talc claimants to fast-track an appeal of his decision to the Third Circuit Court of Appeals.

Nearly a year later in January, the appellate court unanimously overruled Kaplan, dismissing LTL's petition and concluding that the single-purpose entity sought out bankruptcy for an invalid purpose.

A person walks by the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit in Philadelphia. (Andrew Kelly/REUTERS)

According to the panel, LTL wasnt financially distressed  a condition required for bankruptcy  because an agreement with J&J gave it access to at least $61.5 billion to manage and settle talc claims.

To get around the Third Circuit's sticking point, J&J then amended LTL's financing agreements, boosted its settlement proposal to $8.9 billion, and re-petitioned LTL for bankruptcy. It also did away with LTL's access to the $61.5 billion.

The move triggered another stay, and another request from talc litigants to disallow LTL's bankruptcy. This is what Kaplan, the US bankruptcy court judge, will again be asked to consider.

If the case goes forward, there will be an Aug. 22 court hearing on LTL's request to approve its revised reorganization plan. On Monday, the US Trustee, an arm of the Justice Department tasked with preserving integrity of bankruptcy proceedings, objected to that request.

The Trustee, which also objects to LTLs second attempt at bankruptcy, said LTL prematurely solicited its creditors to vote on the arrangement, given that the court rulings on whether the bankruptcy is valid could make the matter moot.

A 'de minimus' impact

If J&J is allowed to deal with its claims in bankruptcy court for $8.9 billion, a settlement would likely have a "de minimus" impact on its bottom line, SVB Securities analysts said in April.

That's because of potential insurance covering the talc liabilities and tax deductions that help offset settlement costs, according to SVB analysts.

"We estimate the amount net of taxes" would be $7.1 billion "and this is before potential partial insurance coverage. J&J expects that there will be some insurance coverage, although there are ongoing disputes with insurers on this topic."

J&J declined to comment on the existence or extent of insurance covering its talc claims.

Up until 2005, it carried third-party liability insurance that could potentially cover litigation and settlement expenses. In later years, J&J self-insured against product liability claims through its Vermont subsidiary, Middlesex Assurance Company.

Alexis Keenan is a legal reporter for Yahoo Finance. Follow Alexis on Twitter @alexiskweed.

Follow Yahoo Finance on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Flipboard, LinkedIn, and YouTube

Find live stock market quotes and the latest business and finance news
(Bloomberg) -- Dell Technologies Inc. Co-Chief Operating Officer Chuck Whitten is resigning next month as the hardware giant grapples with a historic slowdown in computer demand.

Most Read from Bloomberg

After discussions with Chuck and the board of directors about the leadership profile the company needs in its next chapter, we have jointly decided that Chuck will depart Dell Technologies, Chief Executive Officer Michael Dell wrote in an email to employees Friday, which was posted by Whitten on LinkedIn. Whitten will leave Dell August 18, the company said in a securities filing.

The chief operating role at Dell has more visibility than at many of its peers, with Whitten and Co-COO Jeff Clarke running quarterly earnings events rather than Michael Dell. Whitten was absent from an analyst event last Monday. Clarke will remain as sole COO, the spokesperson said.

Whitten joined the Round Rock, Texas-based tech stalwart in the co-COO role in August 2021 after more than two decades at consulting giant Bain & Co. His total projected compensation for fiscal 2023 was $12.6 million, making him the second highest-compensated executive at the company, according to a proxy statement filed in May.

Whittens departure may signal Dells effort to tighten its leadership and go-to-market strategy as it works to promote its multi-cloud products, Bloomberg Intelligence analyst Woo Jin Ho said.

The company has never been better positioned for the current moment in technology, Whitten said in the LinkedIn post announcing his departure.

Dell is wrestling with a sharp drop-off the past two years in demand for personal computers, the sale of which makes up more than half of the companys revenue. In February, Dell announced it would cut about 6,650 jobs. Stabilization and recovery in the PC market may come in the second half of the year, executives have said. During a customer conference in May, the company announced a collaboration with Nvidia Corp. to facilitate on-premise generative AI on Dell servers.

Story continues

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
The logo of Toshiba Corp. is displayed atop of the company's facility building in Kawasaki, Japan

TOKYO (Reuters) - Toshiba Corp said on Friday a group led by Japan Industrial Partners (JIP) is expected to launch a tender offer for the industrial conglomerate "sometime in August 2023", a delay from late July.

Toshiba said in a statement that procedures under foreign competition laws and regulations in some jurisdictions are not expected to be completed until after Aug. 1.

The Toshiba board has approved the buyout offer, which values the electronics-to-power stations maker at 2 trillion yen ($14.35 billion) and would put it in domestic hands after years of battles with overseas activist shareholders.

Some 20 Japanese companies, including financial services firm Orix and chipmaker Rohm Co, plan to take part in the deal led by private equity firm JIP.

The buyout group will promptly make an announcement when the conditions for the tender offer are fulfilled, or when there is any further change in the expected schedule, Toshiba said.

($1 = 139.4000 yen)

(Reporting by Makiko Yamazaki; Editing by Tom Hogue and Edmund Klamann)
(Bloomberg) -- UBS Group AG divided up wealth leadership roles in Singapore as senior banker Jacky Ang departs less than two months after the takeover of former rival Credit Suisse.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Ang, a managing director who has spent more than 25 years at Credit Suisse, will be leaving to pursue outside interests, according to a memo seen by Bloomberg News. Alain Bernasconi will be Singapore branch manager for Credit Suisse AG, one of the roles that Ang held, subject to regulatory approvals.

A UBS spokesperson confirmed the contents of the memo.

The appointments underscore how management changes in the wake of the mega-merger are extending to Singapore, a major private banking hub in Asia. Earlier this month, UBS revamped the leadership of its Middle East wealth unit and named new management for its Latin America businesses.

Read More: UBS to Keep Credit Suisses Asia Wealth Teams in Growth Bid

As part of the reshuffle, Dominique Boer will now oversee the Credit Suisse wealth management business in the city-state, according to the memo signed by Young Jin Yee, co-head of UBS wealth management in Asia-Pacific.

David Leung, treasury head and and senior manager for equity derivatives and fixed income products at Credit Suisse Investment Bank, will become senior corporate officer of another Singapore entity.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
(Reuters) - Consumer goods giant Unilever said on Friday it has appointed Ian Meakins as its chair designate, replacing current Chairman Nils Andersen.

Meakins, chairman of the Compass Group, will join the board and take the position of chair designate on Sept. 1, and join as the company's chairman on Dec. 1, according to a statement.

"Ian has a strong track record of success in executive and non-executive roles across a range of industries," Andersen said.

Meakins, 66, had previously held positions at Diageo, Bain & Company, and Procter & Gamble .

Andersen will step down from the board, after nine years service, at Unilevers Annual General Meeting in May 2024, the company said.

(Reporting by Radhika Anilkumar in Bengaluru; Editing by Sonia Cheema)
United States Steel (X) came out with quarterly earnings of $1.92 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.86 per share. This compares to earnings of $3.86 per share a year ago. These figures are adjusted for non-recurring items.

This quarterly report represents an earnings surprise of 3.23%. A quarter ago, it was expected that this steel maker would post earnings of $0.61 per share when it actually produced earnings of $0.77, delivering a surprise of 26.23%.

Over the last four quarters, the company has surpassed consensus EPS estimates four times.

U.S. Steel , which belongs to the Zacks Steel - Producers industry, posted revenues of $5.01 billion for the quarter ended June 2023, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 1.32%. This compares to year-ago revenues of $6.29 billion. The company has topped consensus revenue estimates four times over the last four quarters.

The sustainability of the stock's immediate price movement based on the recently-released numbers and future earnings expectations will mostly depend on management's commentary on the earnings call.

U.S. Steel shares have added about 2.5% since the beginning of the year versus the S&P 500's gain of 18.9%.

What's Next for U.S. Steel?

While U.S. Steel has underperformed the market so far this year, the question that comes to investors' minds is: what's next for the stock?

There are no easy answers to this key question, but one reliable measure that can help investors address this is the company's earnings outlook. Not only does this include current consensus earnings expectations for the coming quarter(s), but also how these expectations have changed lately.

Empirical research shows a strong correlation between near-term stock movements and trends in earnings estimate revisions. Investors can track such revisions by themselves or rely on a tried-and-tested rating tool like the Zacks Rank, which has an impressive track record of harnessing the power of earnings estimate revisions.

Story continues

Ahead of this earnings release, the estimate revisions trend for U.S. Steel: mixed. While the magnitude and direction of estimate revisions could change following the company's just-released earnings report, the current status translates into a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) for the stock. So, the shares are expected to perform in line with the market in the near future. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

It will be interesting to see how estimates for the coming quarters and current fiscal year change in the days ahead. The current consensus EPS estimate is $1.24 on $4.44 billion in revenues for the coming quarter and $4.29 on $17.88 billion in revenues for the current fiscal year.

Investors should be mindful of the fact that the outlook for the industry can have a material impact on the performance of the stock as well. In terms of the Zacks Industry Rank, Steel - Producers is currently in the top 12% of the 250 plus Zacks industries. Our research shows that the top 50% of the Zacks-ranked industries outperform the bottom 50% by a factor of more than 2 to 1.

Another stock from the same industry, Olympic Steel (ZEUS), has yet to report results for the quarter ended June 2023. The results are expected to be released on August 3.

This steel maker is expected to post quarterly earnings of $1.26 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of -61.4%. The consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has remained unchanged over the last 30 days.

Olympic Steel's revenues are expected to be $636.4 million, down 10.3% from the year-ago quarter.

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

United States Steel Corporation (X) : Free Stock Analysis Report

Olympic Steel, Inc. (ZEUS) : Free Stock Analysis Report

To read this article on Zacks.com click here.

Zacks Investment Research
Marc Booker, Ph.D., joins the event to discuss the value of microcredentials in higher education

PHOENIX, July 28, 2023--(BUSINESS WIRE)--University of Phoenix is pleased to share that Vice Provost of Strategy, Marc Booker, Ph.D., was selected as a speaker for the 2023 Badge Summit, hosted by the University of Colorado at Boulder. The event, which has grown to become one of the premier platforms for sharing groundbreaking ideas and exchanging knowledge on badging and microcredentials, took place at the university's campus in Boulder July 24-26, 2023. The annual event draws attendees from various educational institutions, industry professionals, and forward-thinking experts to explore the transformative potential of badging and microcredentials in the digital age.

"Over the past seven years, the Badge Summit has grown to be one of the best places to share innovative ideas about badging and microcredentials," shares Booker. "Having the opportunity to share the fantastic work that University of Phoenix is doing with its skills-aligned learning and badging initiatives is very exciting, especially when we consider the ways in which microcredentials have the ability to enhance the return on investment of a degree for students."

Bookers interactive discussion, "Deep Dive: Using Microcredentials to Change the Student Value Proposition," examines the potential impact of microcredentials on higher education, including:

Creating a foundational infrastructure to support badge and microcredential initiatives

Building learning outcomes intentionally from the ground up

Using microcredentials to enhance the ROI of a degree and change the value proposition for students

This presentation was part of a two-day event focused on how a skills-mapped approach to curriculum can support equitable access to education. As one of the driving forces behind University of Phoenix's cutting-edge skills-aligned learning and badging initiatives, Booker brings a wealth of experience to the event. The University of Phoenix has long used the innovative approach to flexible, adaptable online learning to support an equitable environment. The skills-mapped approach to curriculum supports equitable access to progress; when learners obtain skills in weeks, they gain more immediate value from their education and do not have to wait years for a degree before making career decisions that can be built on skills they are already acquiring.

Story continues

As Vice Provost for Strategy at the University of Phoenix, Booker oversees critical path academic initiatives to improve the student experience such as learning platform implementations, curricular enhancements, and developing empathetic solutions to drive improved student outcomes through data. Booker also serves as dean of the Pacific Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (PACRAO) Leadership Development Institute and was President of PACRAO in 2016. In 2020, Booker received a Hall of Fame recognition from Blackboard for his contributions in providing thought leadership and innovation in education.

Booker has been an employee of the University of Phoenix since 2001.

About University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix is continually innovating to help working adults enhance their careers in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant courses, interactive learning, and Career Services for Life commitment help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. For more information, visit phoenix.edu.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230728059310/en/

Contacts

Michele Mitchum

University of Phoenix

michele.mitchum@phoenix.edu
VinFast CEO Le Thi Thu Thuy, left, and Gov. Roy Cooper participate in a a groundbreaking ceremony Friday, July 28, 2003, at the future site of a VinFast plant, an electric vehicle manufacturer, in Moncure, N.C. (Travis Long/The News & Observer via AP) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

MONCURE, N.C. (AP)  A Vietnamese company planning an electric vehicle plant in central North Carolina that would employ 7,500 workers met a milestone Friday as its top executive joined Gov. Roy Cooper and others for a ground-breaking ceremony.

VinFast announced last year that it would build its first manufacturing facility outside Vietnam in Chatham County, about 30 miles (48 kilometers) southwest of Raleigh.

The planned $4 billion investment also would create North Carolinas first car manufacturing plant and North Carolina's largest-ever, state-backed economic development project as far as job creation, according to news outlets. North Carolina had missed out on car plants over the years to other Southeastern states.

(For) "decades weve wanted an automaker in North Carolina, and you know, somebody was looking after us. We were just waiting for that EV market, Cooper said at Fridays event.

VinFast, which makes fully electric SUVs, aims to open in 2025 a manufacturing and asssembly plant with initial production capacity of 150,000 vehicles annually.

The company has submitted site plans to Chatham County government and received county and environmental permits to begin work.

The state and Chatham County offered VinFast up to $1.25 billion in incentives that can be reached if it meets hiring and investment thresholds. The amount includes $450 million that the General Assembly set aside for infrastructure around the plant.

A car company that was only formed in 2017, VinFast pivoted two years ago toward electric SUVs and targeted foreign markets. The company says its so far delivered 350 of its five-seat model to U.S. customers since shipping their first batch late last year.

Our project represents a significant investment and were proud to create thousands of jobs here in North Carolina, but we believe the recognition that we receive here goes beyond the figures and reflects the mutual ambition that we all are pursuing, VinFast CEO Le Thi Thu Thuy said at the ceremony.

Earlier this year, the company announced it would delay the production start in Chatham County from 2024 to 2025. A company executive acknowledged that their original timeline had been aggressive but reaffirmed the companys commitment to build.
The logo of Vinci is pictured at the company's headquarters in Rueil-Malmaison near Paris

(Reuters) -France's Vinci reported a jump in its half-year profit on Friday, driven by strong energy transition trends and air travel recovery.

Europe's biggest construction and concessions company benefits from higher traffic at its airports and renewable energy investments in non-residential construction.

"The Energy business, which is being driven by powerful megatrends related to the energy transition, saw business levels rise sharply," CEO Xavier Huillard said in a statement.

The group, which operates highways and airports like London's Gatwick, said its core earnings (EBITDA) rose 17.3% to 5.31 billion euros ($5.83 billion) in the first half of 2023.

Revenue grew 11.6% organically to 32.4 billion euros, helped by good momentum in France and abroad, it said. Vinci Energies saw a 13% like-for-like increase to 9.1 billion.

Vinci Construction, which made up nearly a half of the group's revenue last year, continued strong upward sales momentum with a 12% jump to 14.9 billion, driven by 16% growth outside of France.

This external market, representing 54% of the division's revenue, was supported by civil engineering projects in Europe, North America and Australasia, Vinci said.

Real estate arm Vinci Immobilier was a notable negative with a 23% drop in revenue to 0.6 billion, weighed down by challenging real estate conditions in France.

Concessions revenue rose 13% to 5 billion in the first half, of which the Autoroutes business made up 3 billion, up 5.5%.

"At VINCI Airports, passenger numbers continued to rebound, and moved back to pre-pandemic levels outside of Asia," Huillard said.

On motorways, "firm momentum" continued in light vehicle traffic, while heavy vehicle traffic fell slightly, he added.

Vinci lowered some of its motorway toll prices in June, in response to a demand by the French government to help motorists ahead of the busy summer holiday season.

The group reaffirmed its full-year outlook.

($1 = 0.9116 euros)

(Reporting by Laura Lenkiewicz and Pierre John Felcenloben in Gdansk; Editing by Milla Nissi)
Volkswagen AG (XTER:VOW3) began its vaunted electric offensive in November 2018 with the splashy promise to invest $50 billion in electric vehicles over the next five years. A relatively late entrant to the EV race, the German automaker pledged to make up for lost time. It set itself the ambitious goal of leapfrogging its industry rivals, many of which had made big bets on EVs years earlier.

At first, all indications suggested the company's aggressive EV strategy was paying off. Lately, however, the situation has become far less clear. Indeed, there are worrying signs that Volkswagens EV project has begun to stall.

Initial success drives optimism





Volkswagens initial EV launch was bolstered by an array of new vehicle models that were already ready to be rolled out to consumers. These models were designed around a shared platform known as the Modular Electric Drive Matrix, or MEB. This proprietary drive platform was optimized for modularity, allowing it to serve easily in a range of vehicles. This feature would be critical to operationalizing Volkswagens ambitious EV product roadmap, which aimed to launch at least 70 new battery-electric vehicle models by 2028. The roadmap also set an ambitious sales target, projecting 22 million BEV deliveries in 2028.

Its EV rollout started strong. The company sold 45,850 BEVs in Europe in 2019, enough for third place among automakers in the worlds most sophisticated EV market. In 2020, Volkwagens sales surged more than 300% to secure first place in the European EV market. In 2021, it nearly doubled global BEV deliveries to 452,900 vehicles worldwide.

After years of red-hot growth, however, Volkswagens EV business began to show some signs of cooling in 2022. While sales growth continued last year, the pace of growth fell. With a final global deliveries tally of 572,100 vehicles, Volkswagens BEV sales were up just 26% from 2021.

Story continues

Slowing growth raises concerns





While 26% annual growth can hardly be characterized as a failure in absolute terms, the relative decline in Volkswagens pace of growth in 2022 was more than enough to concern some analysts and investors. The company has managed to allay some of these concerns, revving up EV sales since the start of the year. The automaker delivered strong BEV growth in the first half of 2023, as CleanTechnica reported on July 14:



Volkswagen Groups electric transition is continuing at a good pace. Its pure electric (BEV) sales were up nearly 50% in the first six months of 2023 compared to the first six months of 2022. They grew from 217,200 to 321,600. Furthermore, there are another 200,000 or so BEV orders on the books just in Western Europe. Reaching 321,600 deliveries in the first half of the year, that was 7.4% of Volkswagen Groups overall vehicle deliveries. Thats an increase from the companys 5.6% figure for the first half of 2022.





Volkswagen has accelerated growth considerably from 2022, but the pace of growth is still anemic compared to prior years. It has also fallen short of its own expectations. The company had targeted deliveries of close to 1 million BEVs in 2023, with BEVs accounting for around 11% of all vehicle sales. With the first half of the year in the rearview mirror, those targets already appear to be out of reach. With just 321,600 deliveries through June, Volkswagen is well off the pace.

The company's BEV fortunes have diverged across major markets. While the automaker has maintained its status as the top EV player in the European market ever since claiming first place in 2020, it has struggled in the Chinese market. In the first half of 2023, Volkswagen utilized just 16% of its MEB platform production capacity in China. This underutilization was the result of anemic sales, with the exception of the popular ID.3 model, which saw deliveries increase 53% from the same period last year. Meanwhile, all other ID series models experienced significant sales declines year over year, resulting in a 19% overall decline in deliveries for the series.

Resetting expectations





As a result of its slowing overall growth combined with its recent reversals in China, Volkswagen has been forced to acknowledge that its initial EV growth targets are no longer achievable. On July 6, the company announced production cuts at its principal EV plant in Germany, citing customer resistance to EV adoption. This was followed by the announcement during its July 27 earnings report that it had cut its full-year delivery targets while reporting its first-half financial results. During the earnings presentation, it fell to Chief Financial Officer Arno Antlitz to address the headwinds curtailing Volkswagens growth ambitions:



"Competition is intensifying and customers are cautious. We need to achieve the first results of these programmes in the second half of 2023 to make us more resilient."





Despite the recent headwinds, Volkswagen has not wavered meaningfully from its long-term ambition of leading the global EV sector. Indeed, the automaker underlined its continued commitment to electrification in March, when it announced its plan to invest another $193 billion in EVs and software development over the next five years.

My take





Clearly, Volkswagen is finding the transition to EVs somewhat more difficult than it had first expected. Its recent setbacks have also forced it to undertake a clear-eyed reassessment of its plan and targets. Despite its cash flow shortfalls in the first half of 2023, Volkswagen has the resources necessary to fund its transformation, whatever the pace of EV adoption by the wider consumer market.

It is also clear the German auto giant faces a key test in China. Its success or failure will have far-reaching implications for the companys long-term growth trajectory. In my assessment, investors would be wise to follow that story closely as it develops.

This article first appeared on GuruFocus.


(Bloomberg) -- Wheat traded in Chicago almost erased gains made earlier this week as ample supplies from big shippers offset concerns about how Ukraine, a major exporter, can ship its crop.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Prices are up only about 0.6% for the week, relinquishing most of the 8.6% jump on Monday after Russia attacked port infrastructure in the Odesa region and a port on the Danube river. Last week Russia pulled out of the agreement allowing Ukrainian crop exports through the Black Sea.

In the US, a crop tour in North Dakota showed that the spring wheat yield is above the USDAs latest estimate, while Frances soft wheat production is expected to be higher than last year. While Russias actions are likely to further restrict exports from Ukraine, Russia itself is shipping huge volumes to world markets. The country could export as much as 60 million tons of grain in the new season, according to Russian Grain Union President Arkady Zlochevsky.

President Vladimir Putin defended Russias withdrawal from the Black Sea deal at a summit with African leaders on Thursday, and said Russia is ready to send 25,000 to 50,000 tons of grain for free to each of Burkina Faso, Zimbabwe, Mali, Somalia, Central African Republic and Eritrea in the next three-to-four months.

Read more: Ukraine Counterpunch and Grain Strikes Push War Into New Phase

Corn futures fell for a fourth day from the strongest close in about a month earlier in the week as immediate concerns over the impact of the Russian attacks eased. About half of the 33 million tons of crops shipped under the Black Sea deal consisted of corn, with top buyer China taking a large portion. China has shifted in recent months to cover more of its requirements from Brazil, which has a record crop.

Story continues

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP)  While Nashville International Airport hums to the tune of live music in a terminal filled with tourists and locals, this trendy gateway to Tennessee has quietly confronted an identity crisis.

Under a new state law, there is no clear agreement now about who's in charge of airport operations. The confusion comes at a time when the airport is booming, its annual passengers having more than doubled over the past decade to 21.8 million by the 2023 fiscal year.

The nonprofit Metro Nashville Airport Authority and state officials argue that a new group of state appointees has lawfully taken over the authority's board. But the Federal Aviation Administration and the city contend the old board picked by Nashville's mayor still has power.

Both boards met at the same time last week across town from each other.

A state three-judge panel in Nashville heard the dispute Friday, with assurances from multiple parties that the airport is functioning as usual. A decision over whether to block the law temporarily is expected within days.

We dont really know how this is all going to play out," said Nashville Chancellor Anne Martin. Theres clearly some tension here among the parties about different issues and control. Im not sure how consistent the FAA is being in its communications with everyone. We are trying to read between the lines a little bit.

Earlier this year, Republican lawmakers approved plans for the state to make enough appointments to control the airport's board starting in July. The change was among several passed by legislators seeking to curtail the power of the Democratic city, whose metro council sunk a bid to bring the 2024 Republican National Convention to Nashville.

The city has sued the state over the changes to the airport authority, which manages, operates, finances and maintains the international airport and a smaller one in Nashville. In the meantime, the authority installed the new board members on July 1, saying it can't defy state law without a court order.

Story continues

Citing the Tennessee Constitution, the lawsuit argues the state violated home rule protections by singling out Nashville without either a local referendum or a two-thirds metro council vote for the change.

The state responded that Nashville can't make its claims because the airport authority is independent of the local government.

City leaders, however, reached out to the FAA, which can veto certain changes to the airport's governance. The federal agency said it would keep recognizing the pre-July 1 board until the court rules.

Traffic moves through Nashville International Airport Tuesday, July 25, 2023.(AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Nashville Mayor John Cooper, a Democrat, has cried foul on the Republican change.

Nashvilles airport has grown very successfully over the years by the direction of this board, and thats unquestionable, Cooper said during a recent meeting of the mayoral-appointed board. Any state action is purely about politics.

Tennessee's situation isn't unprecedented. Due to FAA and court action, North Carolinas 2013 law to shift control of Charlotte Douglas International Airport from the city to a separate regional board never came to fruition. Mississippi's 2016 law to reconfigure Jackson's airport leadership structure remains blocked by an ongoing legal challenge. Georgia lawmakers flirted with flipping the Atlanta airport's governance in 2019 but opposition sank the proposal.

Nashville officials say the state hasn't even complained about the board's performance, even during extensive airport expansions.

In the 2023 budget year, the airport unveiled a new lobby, added more restaurants and live music, opened an additional parking garage and made progress toward an onsite hotel. The airport hosts country, jazz and bluegrass concerts and exhibits the work of local artists.

Its growing pains have been marked by passenger pickup lines sometimes stretching well past a nearby interstate exit.

Lawmakers passed the change despite predictions in April by former FAA official Kirk Shaffer of competing boards in a messy and costly stalemate that damages all involved, possibly jeopardizing federal grant money.

So far, the fight is largely unfolding in court filings. The city says lost grant money could halt projects to accommodate more flights, spurring cancellations and delays. The state and the airport authority argue the grants aren't in jeopardy  an attorney for the authority, George Cate, said it has received grant payments and notice of a new grant since the board switch-out.

Republican lawmakers contend the state deserves more say over the growing airport because of its regional impact. House Speaker Cameron Sexton said lawmakers created the legally sanctioned board.

The airport authority has intervened in the lawsuit, but remains neutral on whether the new law is unconstitutional. Updates to the FAA have never resulted in the federal agency directing the authority to stop following the state law, while even worse disruptions would result from an order to temporarily return to the preexisting board, the authority wrote.

The authority has argued changing the board doesn't require FAA approval, noting that, for instance, a new entity isn't taking the reins.

The state-majority board met at the airport last Wednesday, conducting standard-fare business on contracts and reports. Meanwhile, the mayoral-picked board gathered in city hall, reiterating the FAA's letter, criticizing the state law and approving an outside attorney hire.

The authority's attorney, Cate, argued Friday that the preexisting board's meeting was sort of a publicity stunt creating the illusion of competing boards.

In a letter to the Nashville community, the authority's CEO has acknowledged the frustration and confusion caused by the dispute, but said the authority must stay legally compliant.

As an airport authority, we do not take political positions, airport authority President and CEO Doug Kruelen wrote on July 6.
Yellow laid off an unknown number of office employees on Friday. (Photo: Jim Allen/FreightWaves)

Yellow, the third-largest less-than-truckload company thats in the midst of financial chaos, said in a memo to laid-off, nonunion employees viewed by FreightWaves that the company is shutting down regular operations on Friday.

All locations will be closed and/or lay off some number of employees. As the memo stated:

We regret to inform you that your employment with Yellow Corporation, or one of its subsidiaries, (collectively referred to as the Company) will permanently terminate on July 28, 2023, or within 14 days after (the Separation Date). The Company is shutting down its regular operations on July 28, 2023, closing and/or laying off employees at all of its locations, including yours (the Shut Down).

The company on Friday morning laid off an unknown number of office employees, most of which were nonunion. It said in a memo to the laid-off employees that it was unable to alert them previously of this closing of business because the Shut Down was not reasonably foreseeable.

John Murphy, who is the Teamsters National Freight director, advised union employees to collect their belongings from all offices and terminals, in the case that Yellow shutters in the coming days and facilities are not accessible.

Murphy noted Teamsters is continuing to look for financing solutions for Yellow. However, he wrote, the likelihood that Yellow will survive is increasingly bleak. Yellow continues to clear its system, and it appears to be laying off personnel and closing entire terminals across the country. All Yellow employees should, in our opinion, prepare for the worst, as Yellow appears to be headed to a complete shutdown within the next few days.





Employees were notified of the layoffs on Friday morning in voice-only calls. At least three executives laid off large portions of their teams:

Yellow Chief Information Officer Annlea Rumfola informed her team of some 300 technology employees that Friday was their last day, according to an employee on the call.

Steve Selvig, vice president of customer care at Yellow, informed an unknown number of customer service employees that Friday was their last day, according to an employee on the call and a local news publication.

Yellow Chief Commercial Officer Jason Bergman invited the following teams to a call that said Friday was their last day: local sales divisions 1, 2 and 4; all inside sales; multiple regions of corporate sales; exhibit operations managers; and Yellow third-party logistics sales. This came from two employees on the call. FreightWaves reviewed screenshots of emails sent before and a recording of the call. A Yellow representative told FreightWaves after publication that not all teams invited were laid off.

Story continues

These layoffs come ahead of a potential Yellow bankruptcy filing. A senior vice president said Yellow is expected to file for bankruptcy on Monday, according to three employees who attended an internal call in which the executive shared this news.

Terminated employees were instructed to receive information regarding their severance pay, health care, W-2s, and other key documents through an Oracle platform, as their access to company systems will be terminated on Friday. According to a memo distributed to terminated employees viewed by FreightWaves, severance for nonunion workers depends on title and length of tenure at the company:

Its unclear why the Yellow third-party logistics sales team was invited to the layoff call, as the company is actively seeking to sell its logistics arm. A Yellow representative said in an emailed statement after the story was published that the Yellow Logistics organization has remained intact, including the Yellow Logistics salesforce.

A Yellow representative said in an emailed statement to FreightWaves after the story was published that customers can contact Yellows support line at 800-610-6500 or customer.care@myyellow.com.

Yellow has retained a robust customer service team that is fully capable of handling inquiries and assisting with all support that customers might need, the representative said.

Yellow, a 99-year-old company headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, employs some 30,000 workers. About 22,000 of them are represented by the Teamsters union. Teamsters and Yellow have been locked in a monthslong strife over changing key work rules at the trucking fleet. Now, sources say Yellow may file for bankruptcy imminently.

In a call to Yellow sales teams, Bergman shared a statement on the companys potential shuttering  and pinned the blame on the Teamsters refusal to negotiate with the company:

Since last January, we have made every attempt to meet with the IBT. The IBTS refusal to negotiate for nine months, its freezing of our essential business plan, One Yellow and, finally, its strike authorizations caused customers to find alternative freight carriers and its had a catastrophic effect on our business. When IBT leaders were finally ready to meet this week, it was too late. By then, the IBT strike threat had already a devastating impact on our business, [unclear] investors and causing customers to quickly depart. Given this impact to our business, we are forced to announce additional headcount reductions of non-union employees.

In a memo published to members Thursday night, Teamsters blamed Yellows management for the companys financial issues:

In the meantime, TNFINC and the IBT continue to try to work with the Government to determine whether there is a way to protect the Teamster families at Yellow. TNFINC and the IBT remain willing to work with Yellow and its lenders or potential lenders. Hope, however, is fading. Unfortunately, despite more than a decade of concessions totaling billions of dollars given to the Company by Teamster members as well as a massive government bailout loan in 2020, Yellow may finally be succumbing to its enormous debt burden.

This story is developing. Check back here for updates.

Are you a Yellow employee with a story to share? Email rpremack@freightwaves.com.

The post Yellow is ceasing regular operations on Friday appeared first on FreightWaves.
The Teamsters said they have gone to the White House and Department of Labor for assistance. (Photo: Jim Allen/FreightWaves)

Less-than-truckload carrier Yellow Corp. announced Thursday after the market closed that it was shopping its logistics unit, Yellow Logistics Inc.

The unit, formerly known as HNRY Logistics, specializes in truckload, contract logistics and warehousing and distribution services. It manages operations out of six warehouses and reports results through an independent subsidiary of Yellow.

Revenue for the business is not disclosed.

The news release said the company was engaged with multiple interested parties regarding the divestiture.

Yellow Logistics is one of the fastest growing 3PLs in the industry and has been since its inception, said Jason Bergman, president of Yellow Logistics and Yellows chief commercial officer. Our deep knowledge of moving freight in multiple modes and knowing how to execute on these solutions reliably and within customers budgets adds value and strengthens their supply chains.

In recent days, promotions for the business on social media show its business as usual, as it has a nonunion workforce that isnt party to the current troubles facing its much larger LTL unit.





A Thursday letter from the Teamsters negotiating committee to local unions at all four of Yellows LTL operating companies said recent negotiations have failed to yield a deal.

The letter rehashed a back-and-forth exchange the two parties had earlier in the week. The union said the company cant make good on the $11-per-hour wages and benefits increase it previously offered. The two parties began negotiations late Sunday.

Yellow missed required contribution payments due July 15, which would have left employees at operating companies Holland and YRC Freight without health insurance. Teamsters planned to strike on Monday but Central States Funds agreed to extend coverage for affected employees, giving the company 30 days to cure the delinquency.

Yellow has been trying to ink a deal covering proposed work rules changes and wages to use the agreement to shop for financing, the letter said. Yellow has maintained a second phase of operational changes is required to streamline its business and cost structure.

Story continues

It has also been a requirement of its lending group, which the company said would be willing to help restructure its $1.3 billion in debt coming due next year if it came to terms with labor.

Sticking points, according to the letter, continue to center on wages  Yellow wants contractual increases for August and October to be baked into a new five-year deal, meaning the comp package wouldnt equate to $11 per hour, the letter said.

The parties also remain at odds over flexibility in work rules.

A source familiar with the negotiations said, The final contract that the IBT insisted on was, in fact, higher than Yellows best offer two weeks ago. The source also said the union was seeking a bonus.

The letter said the company rejected its bottom-line term sheet.

The negotiating committee also said it sought intervention from the White House and the Department of Labor to intervene in the negotiations.

Representatives from Yellow were not available for comment.

The company has blamed the union for stall tactics and said it intentionally blocked the change of operations for nine months knowing the carrier would run out of money.

Yellow has said the Teamsters decision to strike over missed benefits payments is what caused freight to leave its network. However, the Teamsters say the company had the money to make required contributions to six health and pension funds but chose not to.

A filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission showed the carrier had in excess of $100 million as of June 30 and the union says Yellow made the decision to defer the payments on July 7.

Yellows Board of Directors deliberately chose not to make contribution payments for the benefit of its employees so that it could conserve Yellows cash and assets for its shareholders and stakeholders other than its employees and their benefit funds.

It said the company could have made the payments and avoided the strike notice, which sent customers fleeing.

The letter said the company has stopped picking up freight. It also said Yellows internal employees have provided conflicting reports about whether it will or wont file for bankruptcy.

TNFINC [Teamsters National Freight Industry Negotiating Committee] has NOT been advised by Yellow that it is filing for bankruptcy at this time, the letter read. However, it does appear that time is close to expiring for Yellow to obtain financing, and it is becoming increasingly likely that Yellow either will shut down or file bankruptcy.

Yellow did set aside cash to fund payroll for this week and for all days worked, the letter said. Its unclear if that includes contributions to health and welfare funds.

The negotiating committee and Teamsters will continue to try to work with the Government to determine whether there is a way to protect the Teamster families at Yellow. Both are also willing to work with the companys lenders or potential lenders.

Hope, however, is fading, the letter said.

Shares of YELL were down 44.1% on the bankruptcy reports Thursday compared to the S&P 500, which was down 0.6%.

More FreightWaves articles by Todd Maiden

The post Yellow shops 3PL unit; negotiations with Teamsters yield nothing appeared first on FreightWaves.
Signs for a Bob's Big Boy restaurant are in the windows of the former Zeus' Coney Island on Wednesday, June 28, 2023, on South Pennsylvania Avenue in Lansing.

LANSING  Livingston County might be without a Big Boy, but new locations are opening up left and right  literally.

Only a week after news broke that two Bob's Big Boy locations would open within 45 minutes of Livingston, in Farmington and Plymouth Township, another drive-thru focused location has been announced for Lansing.

More: Missing Big Boy? There's two more opening within 45 minutes of Livingston County

The restaurant will take over the former Zeus' Coney Island at 6525 S. Pennsylvania Ave. It's located about 25 minutes west of Fowlerville.

Frank Alessandrini, vice president of operations for Big Boy, said the restaurant will offer exclusive items for drive-thru patrons, including a waffle breakfast sandwich, a meat lovers burrito and new burger variations.

Some drive-thru items will be offered inside, including Big Boy classics like Slim Jims and hot fudge cakes. Alessandrini said, though, the location will not include a buffet.

Alessandrini described Bobs Big Boy as a fast-casual style eatery that will visually reflect the chains original 1936 appearance. It's a callback to the company's history, when, after being founded as Bob's Pantry in Glendale, California, the restaurants became known as Bob's; Bob's Drive-Ins; Bob's, Home of the Big Boy Hamburger; and Bob's Big Boy.

Nationally, it was simply Big Boy.

The new location will still incorporate some of the comforts of Zeus Coney Island.

We're gonna make it look and feel like a Big Boy  so it'll be painted to our colors. We'll put a new booth package in and some of that stuff, but it'll not be a full remodel, he said. But we'll do enough to make it look and feel like a Big Boy.

Signs of a Big Boy restaurant are in the windows of the former Zeus' Coney Island on Wednesday, June 28, 2023, on south Pennsylvania Avenue in Lansing.

Alessandrini said the restaurant will open in the next three to four months.

We wanted to be back in Lansing, Alessandrini said. We felt like we, you know, our presence was missed there.

The current closest original Big Boy locations to Lansing are in Mason, Charlotte and St. Johns. Alessandrini said the Lansing location will be operated by the company, rather than a franchisee.

Story continues

Alessandrini said Big Boy is also in talks with Michigan State University to add a concessions stand in the Breslin Center this season.

We haven't finalized the deal with Michigan State yet, but we're hoping to do so very soon, he said.

The final Big Boy in Livingston County closed its doors after Memorial Day in Hartland Township, only weeks after the permanent closure of the Brighton Big Boy. The Howell restaurant at 2222 E. Grand River Ave. de-franchised in 2016, and the Fowlerville Big Boy shuttered in 2008.

 The Livingston Daily contributed to this report. Contact Sheldon Krause at skrause@lsj.com . Follow him on Twitter @sheldonjkrause .

This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Yet another Big Boy is opening near Livingston County. Here's where
Editor Kent Warneke was in his office at the Norfolk Daily News when a staff member told him a gunshot report came over the police scanner.

Warneke and his staff could tell by scanner reports that the situation was serious.

In the next few hours, theyd learn that three armed men had entered a US Bank and fatally shot four bank employees and a customer during an attempted robbery. It would be one of the deadliest bank killings in U.S. history.

The shooting, subsequent hunt for suspects and their trials dominated the newspapers coverage for months. Warneke estimates he wrote 55 editorials relating to the killings during the next few years.

It would be part of journalistic career that spanned more than 30 years at the Norfolk paper alone.

Now retired, Warneke is coming to Fremont to present a Humanities Nebraska program he calls, You Be the Editor. The public is invited to the free program from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Monday, July 31, in Gallery 92 West in downtown Fremont. Keene Memorial Library is hosting the event in the art gallery at 92 W. Sixth St. Refreshments will be provided.

Warneke said his presentation is designed to help Nebraskans better understand how complex and challenging the entire process of news judgment is.

We hear a lot about fake news, but the real challenge facing newspapers is exercising sound decisions about news judgment, Warneke said. As newspapers across the nation have cut back in staff, there are fewer people in editor roles and those editors often have less experience and theyre called upon to make tough decisions about which stories to pursue, which stories get on the front page, who to interview for a story  all of those kind of decisions that are essential to producing a quality news product.

In his presentation, Warneke has attendees look at a couple of real-life examples and asks audience members to play the role of editor  to give them the chance to see how challenging it can be to make good decisions.

Warneke isnt saying that newspapers dont make good decisions.

Its challenging today given the environment that newspapers find themselves in, he said.

He believes attendees will benefit from the program.

Its a very interactive presentation, hopefully a lot of fun, but also educational at the same time, he said.

Warneke said he hopes the audience will better appreciate how challenging it can be to fill the shoes of a newspaper editor.

A longtime newspaper man, Warneke grew up in Plainview, where his father was publisher of the communitys weekly newspaper. After graduating from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Warneke spent five years at the Omaha World Herald, where he was a reporter, copy editor and editorial writer.

In 1987, he moved to Norfolk. He became editor of the Norfolk Daily News and spent more than 30 years in that position. He retired from the newspaper, but is officially called Editor Emeritus. He helped write grants at Northeast Community College in Norfolk, then fully retired in December.

Warneke, who spent six years on the Humanities Nebraska board of directors, became well aware of their speakers bureau  a collection of more than 200 people who speak on humanities-related topics.

After he retired, Warneke joined the speakers bureau and, this year, has been making his You Be the Editor presentations.

Elisa Cruz, circulation manager at the library, is looking forward to the program.

This is something weve never done, Cruz said. Hes going to go through the new process, teaching us how to be educated news consumers.

Looking back, Warneke recalls the September 2002 bank robbery.

Back then, we hadnt seen that kind of violence in Norfolk or probably hadnt seen it in Fremont either, he said. It was a real shock.

The first reports of the shootings came in at about 9 or 9:30 a.m.

We didnt really know the extent of things, but you could tell from the scanner traffic that it was serious, he said. We deployed as many staff members as we could.

The three perpetrators were apprehended and remain on death row in prison.

Warneke shares thoughts from that time.

I came away highly impressed with the Norfolk community, he said. It could have turned into a racial incident (the perpetrators were Hispanic), but instead it really became a situation of supporting the families of the victims.

One of the Norfolk churches that served the Hispanic community  they were at the forefront in reaching out with empathy and assistance and concern.
The following information was compiled directly from police report summaries emailed to the Tribune from the Fremont Police Department. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

At about 8:43 a.m., Friday, July 21, law enforcement officials were investigating and made contact with Kyle A.J. Beebee, 37, and Kimberly A. Beecher, 38, both of Fremont. Police alleged that illegal drugs were located. Both Beebee and Beecher were arrested for suspicion of possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

At about 10:04 p.m., Friday, July 21, police officers responded to the area of the intersection of 23rd Street and Clarmar Avenue about alleged underage drinking. Officials stated in a release that during the investigation, a person allegedly misrepresented their identity. Greyson M. Peters, of Valley, was arrested on suspicion of obstructing a peace officer.

At about 12:14 a.m., Saturday, July 22, police officers investigated reports of individuals in Hormel Park. Draven A. Kruse, 20, of Fremont, was arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence, suspicion of being a minor in possession of nicotine products, and suspicion of being a minor in possession of alcohol.

At about 3:55 p.m., Saturday, July 22, police officers responded to the 100 block of North Main Street for reports a motor vehicle crash incident causing property damage. An investigation was conducted resulting in the arrest of Christina M. Leach, 47, of Fremont, on suspicion of DUI, blood alcohol content greater than .15; suspicion of possession of a controlled substance, and suspicion of driving during license revocation.

At 6:47 p.m., Saturday, July 22, Fremont police officers investigated an alleged road rage incident in which a suspect was alleged to display a possible firearm. An investigation determined that the firearm supposedly displayed during the incident was allegedly a replica, fake firearm. Ryan K. Bang, 45, of Fremont, was arrested for suspicion of terroristic threats.

At about 3:05 a.m., Monday, July 24, police officers responded to the 3000 block of Dawn Drive after receiving a trespassing complaint. Joshua R. Knappert, 40, of Fremont, was arrested for suspicion of third degree domestic assault; suspicion of possession of a controlled substance; suspicion of second degree trespassing; and suspicion of disturbing the peace.

At about 11:40 p.m., on Tuesday, July 25, a disturbance was reported at a facility in the 400 block of East 23rd Street. Joel A. Hemmingsen, 70, of Tekamah, was arrested on suspicion of flight to avoid arrest; suspicion of terroristic threats; suspicion of possession of a deadly weapon by a prohibited person; a charge of possession of a deadly weapon during the commission of a felony; suspicion of resisting arrest; and alleged disorderly conduct.

At about 6:36 a.m., Wednesday, July 26, police officers were dispatched to the 1500 block of Fairacres Drive in Fremont for an alleged protection order violation. Christopher D. Wimer, 52, of Fremont, was arrested for suspicion of violating a protection order.

At about 12:58 p.m., Wednesday, July 26, police conducted a traffic stop in the 200 block of West 23rd Street. Gerritt D. Davis, 20, of Fremont, was arrested and charged with suspicion of speeding; suspicion of possession of a controlled substance; suspicion of possession of drug paraphernalia; suspicion of possession of marijuana greater than 1 ounce; and suspicion of possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver.
Local animal rights activist Rachael Rae R. Tuff, 40, of Fremont issued a statement to the Tribune on Thursday denying the allegations made against her and her mother by the Fremont Police Department.

Tuff and her mother, Theresa A. Macrander, 65, turned themselves in and were arrested this week. Tuff was arrested on Tuesday, July 25, and Macrander on Wednesday, July 26. Both bonded out of custody immediately.

Tuff has been charged with two alleged crimes in Dodge County Court: suspicion of theft of services, zero to $500, a Class II misdemeanor; and suspicion of violation of the Commercial Dog and Cat Operator Inspection Act, a Class I misdemeanor.

Dodge County Court Judge Thomas Klein approved and issued an arrest warrant for Tuff on July 24 and an arrest warrant for Macrander on July 25 following a three-month investigation by Fremont Police.

Tuff also revealed in her email that her mother, Theresa, was also arrested and has been charged suspicion of violation of the Commercial Dog and Cat Operator Inspection Act, a Class I misdemeanor.

When the Tribune inquired about the incident with the Fremont Police Department and the Dodge County Sheriffs Office, officials from each agency did not reveal that Macrander had been arrested.

Both Tuff and Macrander own and operate Fremont Pets Alive as well as a sibling business, Grants Wishes Rescue. The duo has been involved via public comments in the debate over the recent changes to Fremonts city dangerous animal control ordinance.

In her email to the Tribune on Thursday, Tuff said she is not guilty of the alleged crimes, that she had acquired a defense attorney and intends to fully defend herself against the allegations.

Tuff also claimed that the lead officer on the investigation, former FPD Community Services Officer Kelli Brown, was allegedly biased against her, which prompted the investigation.

(Kelli Brown) made false allegations on an arrest warrant for me. I have her recorded to prove it. While Fremont is spending thousands of dollars on animal control, we have a long way to go to make sure animals are treated fairly and humane in our community, Tuff wrote in her email. I did not go to California to pick up the dog Booney. (Giselles Legacy) had him and two other dogs transported here. The director was very well aware of the fact that I surrendered my rescue license.

The Tribune was able to contact Brown via a fellow law enforcement colleague, who relayed to the Tribune that Brown had no comment in regard to Tuffs allegations against her investigative findings.

Tuff admitted she did not relinquish the dog named Booney to police as alleged in the criminal complaint, but explained that she feared the dog may have been euthanized if taken to FurEver Home, Inc.

I did get upset during that conversation because Kelli (Brown) of all people knows that you dont take a dog from a home to a shelter if the dog is being properly cared for. When Kelli stated she was going to take Booney, I told her to go get a warrant, Tuff added in her email. I was not allowing her to take a dog that has is clearly doing fine where he is, just to put him on a death sentence.

Tuff also claimed that her rescue license was not revoked by the state Department of Agriculture, stating that she herself surrendered the license, because my place in animal welfare is not running a rescue.

In her email, Tuff also said that her actions in relation to the dogs in question did not amount to the legal definition of rescue operation for which a license is required. She also said she still had the dog Booney in her possession, as she claims to be its owner.

Judge Klein had originally ordered that Tuff and Macrander not have any dogs, cats or other animals in their possession. However, on July 26, Klein approved a motion from the attorney representing the pair which allows them to keep their current pets in their possession, but not acquire more animal companions.

The finally section on (the arrest) warrant states I entered someones yard and demanded them to give me their dog is absolutely false. Nothing of the sort has happened, Tuff said.

Tuff said she and her mother will fight the charges filed against them, and noted that they have, nothing to hide.

Both Tuff and Macrander are scheduled to be arraigned in Dodge County Court at 1 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 1.
Senators grilled the general nominated to lead Northern Command and the North American Aerospace Defense Command this week about how he would tackle the flow of fentanyl across the southern border.

Lt. Gen. Gregory Guillot is likely to lead both commands in Colorado Springs once confirmed by the Senate and faced tough questions during a hearing before the Senate Committee on Armed Services about numerous threats such as hypersonic and cruise missiles, spy balloons and the flow of drugs and migrants across the southern border.

Guillot is an Air Force Academy graduate who is serving as the deputy commander of U.S. Central Command, which includes Iraq, Afghanistan and Iran among other countries.

Sen. Angus King, I-Maine, was among those who highlighted the damage illegal fentanyl trafficking is causing and he urged Guillot to develop a task force to address drug trafficking and improve intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance to address what he called an attack on the U.S. The deadly drug, fentanyl, rose in popularity in recent years in part because it is cheap and potent.

King said the U.S. is only able to intercept about 25% of the known drug shipments coming by sea because of not "enough ships or capacity to stop them."

"Sept. 11 we lost over 3,000 people, (it) turned our society upside down. Here we are losing 100,000 a year and yet nobody seems to be in charge. Will you take charge?"

Sign Up for free: Military Brief Your weekly local update on local military news and events, sent straight to your inbox. Sign Up View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters.

Guillot committed to touring the southern border immediately after he is confirmed and meeting with the U.S. forces that are in support of the lead law enforcement agencies and assess what the military can do to step up its presentation of force. He also committed to meeting with Mexican military partners to inform the recommendation he could make to the Secretary of Defense.

"Border security is national security," he said.

Guillot said he expected to visit various sites along the border from California to Texas to inform his report. However, his work will likely be delayed by Sen. Tommy Tuberville who is holding up the Senate confirmations of hundreds of high-ranking military officers over the Department of Defense's abortion policy.

The military could be obligated to pay more of an active role in border security because a bipartisan group of senators on the committee are backing legislation this year that would declare fentanyl trafficking a national security threat and direct the Pentagon to develop a fentanyl-specific strategy that would feature enhanced cooperation with Mexican defense officials. The vast majority, 90%, of the fentanyl in the U.S. flows across the southern border, according to a news release from the committee.

In Colorado, deaths from fentanyl spiked in recent years and then leveled off with 912 people dying in 2021 and 920 people dying in 2022, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

In May, U.S. Northern Command announced it would oversee 1,500 troops headed to the southern U.S. border for 90 days to help with an expected surge of migrants. They joined 2,500 National Guard troops at the border.

Soldiers, Marines and a small number of airmen were expected to help with data entry, warehousing and monitoring efforts, to free up border patrol agents to complete other duties.
A Colorado Springs officer-involved shooting that killed a man last summer has been ruled justified after a review by the 4th District Attorney's Office, according to a news release by the DA's office.

Officers Joel Conklin and Matt Kirby were found justified Thursday in their use of deadly force in the shooting. The suspect pointed a loaded firearm at the officers during the incident.

Just after 9:15 p.m. on July 9, 2022, Colorado Springs police responded to the 4200 block of Sanders Views, where multiple residents reported hearing an armed male fighting with a female. One caller reported the man saying he was gonna blow someones head off, and another heard him state he was a killer, would bring out an AR-15 and would fight with the cops, according to the release.

Officers found a woman in the parking lot who was bleeding from a head wound, accompanied by her child. The woman, a domestic violence victim, told officers the suspect, 27-year-old Mack Lee, was highly intoxicated and going on about how he hates police.

Two officers found Lee on the rear balcony of the apartment and heard him manipulating a handgun. Officers Conklin and Kirby, waiting several feet away from Lees apartment in the outside stairwell and hallway, decided it best to avoid being seen by Lee and thus escalate the situation, according to the release.

Conklin and Kirby requested backup as they moved to the bottom of the publicly accessible stairwell when Lee exited the apartment and approached the officers with his gun raised. When Lee ignored the officers commands to drop his weapon and continued walking forward, both officers fired their weapons, striking Lee six times. Lee died at the scene despite attempted lifesaving efforts.

Sign up for free: Springs AM Update Your morning rundown of the latest news from Colorado Springs and around the country overnight and the stories to follow throughout the day delivered to your inbox each evening. Sign Up View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters.

Both officers considered less-lethal options, but there was no viable option or less lethal options given the threat posed by Mr. Lee and his escalation, the release reads.

According to protocol, all officer-involved shootings resulting in injury or death must be reviewed by a multiagency Deadly Force Investigation Team, composed of representatives of the DA's office, Colorado Springs Police Department and El Paso County Sheriff's Office.

The investigation found multiple commands were issued for Lee to show his hands. Lees aiming a loaded firearm at police officers qualifies as first-degree assault, a Class 3 felony, and menacing, a Class 5 felony, according to the release.

The release also notes Lee was in a public stairwell regularly used by other tenants when he raised his firearm.

Officers had an objectively reasonable belief that Mr. Lee did, in fact, pose an imminent danger to police officers including themselves, and to adults or children who could be in the immediate area, the release states.

Furthermore, Officers Conklin and Kirby had an objectively reasonable belief that lesser degrees of force would be inadequate to neutralize the threat posed by Mr. Lee  Colorados 4th Judicial District Attorneys Office has determined the use of deadly physical force by Colorado Springs Police Department Officers Conklin and Kirby was justified based on all of the acts and circumstances of this case under the law of the state of Colorado.
A criminology professor and researcher on use of force testified Thursday in the trial of a Fort Lupton police officer  who is charged with putting a handcuffed woman in a patrol car parked on train tracks that was hit by a freight train a few minutes later  that its possible for police officers to see some details of a stimuli-loaded scene around them without actually processing them.

First, you must perceive before you can build into your sense-making, said David Klinger, a professor of criminology at the University of Missouri-St. Louis.

His words bore echoes of language Officer Jordan Steinke used earlier this week, when, pressed by a prosecutor, she testified she did not realize the patrol car was on train tracks.

I am sure I saw the tracks, sir, but I did not perceive them, Steinke said.

On the night of Sept. 16 last year, Steinke responded to a spot just north of Platteville, around Highway 85 and County Road 36, to arrest Yareni Rios because of an accusation she pointed a gun at a young man during a road-rage episode. She parked her patrol car behind another belonging to a Platteville police officer that sat on train tracks, and put Rios in the car  temporarily, while the officers processed the rest of the scene, Steinke testified.

About two minutes later, a freight train plowed down the tracks and slammed into the car with Rios still handcuffed inside.

Rios-Gonzalez survived the crash but suffered serious injuries, including a traumatic brain injury and broken ribs and limbs. She has filed a civil lawsuit.

Steinke faces three charges: Attempted reckless manslaughter, a felony, as well as reckless endangerment and third-degree assault, both misdemeanors. The Platteville police sergeant who parked his car on the tracks has also been charged with reckless endangerment.

Steinkes defense attorney, Mallory Revel, mentioned shock and devastation the officer expressed after the crash in her closing argument Thursday, after she wrapped up her case on behalf of the police officer. Revels defense  that Steinke wasnt aware of the train tracks  is key to a conviction or acquittal, because recklessness in the criminal context means awareness of a risk but disregarding it.

Sign up for free: Springs AM Update Your morning rundown of the latest news from Colorado Springs and around the country overnight and the stories to follow throughout the day delivered to your inbox each evening. Sign Up View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters.

Someone cant disregard a risk theyre not aware of, Revel said, and argued prosecutors have built their case on speculation and what they believe Steinke should have known, without presenting any witnesses who could corroborate that Steinke knew the patrol car was parked on tracks.

When we look at the states case, there is reasonable doubt at every turn, Revel said.

Revel called as her last witness Carl Tolman, an agent at the Colorado Bureau of Investigation who testified investigators re-created the scene of the crash and he found the train tracks were difficult to see looking north or south on a dark night, and someone walking on them around the road crossing wouldnt have tripped over the tracks because they lie flush with the road.

Prosecutor Christopher Jewkes argued plenty of evidence shows Steinke was aware of the tracks: She drove through the area regularly going to and from work in Fort Lupton, she often stopped for trains at the crossing, dash camera video from the night of the crash shows flashing patrol car lights reflecting off signs announcing the train crossing.

She saw, she knew, she was aware. Those signs are unmistakable. The tracks are unmistakable, Jewkes said.

Chris Ponce, an attorney representing Rios in her civil case, expressed skepticism about the relevance of testimony by David Klinger, the criminologist, to Steinkes case because he used examples of situations that escalated into officers shooting. By contrast, he said, Rios never posed a threat to police and he sees the circumstances of Rios arrest as a routine stop a police officer should be well-prepared to handle.

The question really is, what counts as a stressful situation? In that paradigm that he explained, in the social psychological aspect of ignoring obvious details, its our opinion that this situation does not count as a situation that would be so overwhelmingly stressful to a police officer such that she didnt notice that the train tracks were there.

Revel declined to comment after Thursdays proceedings.

Weld County District Court Judge Timothy Kerns will issue a verdict, instead of a jury. He indicated he plans to rule at 1:30 p.m. on Friday.
One of four men who escaped the Bent County jail earlier this week remains on the loose.

The escapee is 46-year-old Mark Fox, who is 6-foot-3, an estimated 175 pounds and bald. He has green eyes and a tattoo on his abdomen and chest. Authorities say Fox is to be considered armed and dangerous.

The U.S. Marshals Colorado Violent Offender Task Force said Friday morning that it is now searching for Fox. Anyone with information about his whereabouts can submit a tip anonymously by clicking or tapping here or by calling 1-877-926-8332.

"Don't try to approach him," cautions Deputy U.S. Marshal Andrew Gallagher. If you think you see him just call the tip line, go online, or contact your local law enforcement department."

Gallagher said that Fox has criminal connections across Colorado and into Kansas. A large factor in how long Fox can remain on the run will be if he is receiving help from former associates, Gallagher added.

Sign up for free: Springs AM Update Your morning rundown of the latest news from Colorado Springs and around the country overnight and the stories to follow throughout the day delivered to your inbox each evening. Sign Up View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters.

Fox had been held in the Bent County jail at the request of Otero County, which is currently sharing jail space. He was sentenced on June 7 to two consecutive 32-year terms for second-degree assault.

William Culver, 16th Judicial District attorney, said the case involved domestic violence, and that the victim in the case feels endangered with Fox on the loose.

As part of his sentencing, Fox garnered additional jail time as a habitual defender. Records from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation show a criminal history extending back to at least 1995, including theft, robbery, drugs and assault. One of his earliest offenses includes an escape from the Denver County jail.

Fox was one of four escapees from the Bent County jail this week. The group appears to have tunneled through sheetrock to escape their cell. The escape was not noticed by Otero County and Bent County jail officers until at least a day later, when two of the escapees were found in a Las Animas motel suffering from drug overdoses. Those two are reported in stable condition, but a third was later found dead in Pueblo, due to a suspected overdose according to law enforcement.
With multiple issues at a crisis point, four mayors from Front Range cities are in search of collaborative solutions.

The Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce hosted its 2023 State of the City event Thursday, convening a panel that consisted of Mayors Aaron Brockett, Mike Coffman, Mike Johnston and Yemi Mobolade.

The mayors  leaders from two of Colorados largest cities; two new, two running for reelection; all with different political views  weighed in on some of the regions most pressing issues.

Affordability, homelessness and sustainability became focal points throughout the event, and the panel unfolded without finger pointing and with signs of future collaboration, chamber President and CEO J.J. Ament said.

I thought it was interesting that, as different as these communities are and as diverse as these mayors are, you heard a lot of common themes, a lot of common issues, Ament said.

Affordability

The mayors were asked to discuss Colorados construction defect litigation law, its effect on the affordability crisis in the regions housing market and how they plan to address the challenge.

The City of Aurora has taken the position that it wants reform and we want relief, Coffman said on the construction defect law, which he blames as causing a gaping hole in the condo market. The city also signed up for Proposition 123, he said, showing its dedication to increasing affordable housing. The city needs more than 7,000 additional units of affordable housing, he said.

Approved by the public in 2022, Proposition 123 set aside $300 million out of TABOR surplus revenues for new grant and loan programs for local governments and nonprofits. In order to access the money, local governments must commit to increasing their number of affordable housing units.

Colorado Springs, meanwhile, is committed to adding 800 homes a year, Mobolade said. To help reach that goal, the new mayor appointed a chief housing officer and community vitality officer with direct access to him as mayor in order to foster more project partnerships, he said.

The city, which also opted into Proposition 123, lacks housing that is attainable for people making between $50,000 and $100,000 because of the construction defect policy, Mobolade said, which is why he is looking toward funding to help the missing middle. That funding should also be used to spur innovation, he said, calling for new approaches to building.

The way weve been building homes up to this point, the last 80 years, is relatively the same, he said, emphasizing his interest in modular homes and 3D printing of materials as another way to reduce the cost of building starter homes.

Mobolade urged government leaders to think of new ways to educate the public as cities strive to curb NIMBYism, the not in my backyard mentality that often drives opposition to new housing.

These are real people that are affected by our lack of housing, and it has great consequences and cost to our cities if we do not solve it, he said to applause.

In Boulder, there are next to no condos being built, Brockett said.

The mayor recounted a conversation he held recently with a local neurologist, who said they could not afford a $2 million property and could not find a condo for sale.

Were past the point where teachers cant afford to live in town, neurologists cant even afford to buy a house or a condo in town. It shows the depth of the crisis, Brockett said.

Brockett also advocated for innovation. As one strategy, he said, Boulder is constructing a modular home factory in partnership with the local school district. Flatirons Habitat for Humanity will operate the factory, which will also provide technical education for high school students and build affordable housing for area residents.

Its that kind of innovative partnership thats going to allow us to make a dent in these extremely difficult problems, he said.

Johnston drew praise from the audience for saying the citys permitting process is so cumbersome to navigate it is driving up the cost of housing astronomically. The city needs to expedite the permitting process, he said, adding that Proposition 123, for example, calls for a 90-day permitting process.

That also means that we have incentives and urgency around construction rather than incentives and urgency around delays, he said.

He supports pursuing legislative changes that will make way for condos, but Johnston is eager to find entrepreneurial solutions as well, he said. He is interested in creating a fund that will help developers manage the costs of insurance that came as a result of the construction defect policy, he said.

Homelessness

Johnston reiterated much of his homelessness plan, highlighting his housing first strategy and recent goal of getting 1,000 people off Denvers streets and into supportive housing before the years end.

Johnstons administration is targeting four types of housing to accomplish that goal, with a priority on finding units that offer privacy and security for people, alongside wraparound support services.

Sign up for free: Springs AM Update Your morning rundown of the latest news from Colorado Springs and around the country overnight and the stories to follow throughout the day delivered to your inbox each evening. Sign Up View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters.

Housing first programs seek to provide people with permanent housing, along with individualized social services. In contrast, alternative approaches, such as treatment first or work first models, typically require some people to access treatment or be working  or at least to keep trying to find a job or receive job skills training  in order to receive housing beyond emergency shelter.

People are leery of shelters because of concerns about their safety and health, the Denver mayor said. If they are offered a unit with a lock and an address, between 80% and 90% would accept it, he said.

That remaining 10% to 20% of people likely have acute behavioral health needs, and providing them with a system of mental health and addiction treatment will require a regional approach, Johnston said.

Coffman called homelessness a very difficult challenge, saying his citys outreach teams have difficulty finding people interested in Auroras pallet shelters. Its going to take a more aggressive approach on our side in terms of trespassing, he said, while calling for growth in access to treatment and housing.

It may take some tough love to get them off the streets and we have to be prepared to do that, Coffman said.

Aurora has taken a treatment-first approach to homelessness, Coffman told the room, also saying that he views homelessness as a crisis of mental health and substance use disorders, as well as a symptom of the regions affordability crisis.

We are going to be more aggressive about getting people off the street, but in a commensurate way, we will be more aggressive about getting those people into treatment, he said.

Sustainability

Electrification and water dominated mayors responses to questions about sustainability programs that could be expanded in the region.

Johnston wants to expand Denvers e-bike program, the demand for which has outpaced demand for Taylor Swift tickets, he joked. Denver is also working on electrifying the citys fleet of vehicles and buildings. Brockett concurred.

As the grid is getting greener and greener and more renewables are coming online, the next phase for reducing our greenhouse gas emissions is to electrify everything, Brockett said.

That is a decades-long process, he said, So, it is something that we need to get working on sooner rather than later. Brockett commended the state for pursuing electrification initiatives and said cities should jump on those opportunities to encourage citizens to electrify their vehicles and homes.

Advocates of electrification argue that its necessary to wean Colorado off fossil-fired energy, while critics say the pace is too quick, too soon, with serious consequences for energy rates and potentially pricing out fixed-income and low-income residents.

Coffman emphasized Auroras water conservation efforts and its ban on cool-weather turf, among new developments. The water ordinance drives higher density, which leads to more affordability and more efficient energy and water use, he said. The city also recycles water.

Mobolade echoed Coffmans emphasis on water conservation. Colorado Springs has an extensive plan outlining future development plans and requirements regarding the use of native plants, small lot sizes, water conservation and density, he said.

The reason why this is really important is this is where sustainability efforts meet the future growth of our city. Those two are interconnected, he said.

Chamber takeaways

Despite the cities pursuing different models to end homelessness, Ament is optimistic they will collaborate to tackle the challenge.

I think they all acknowledge, as Mayor Johnston said, if all we do is move you, a homeless person, from one community to another community, we really havent solved anybodys problem, he said.

Cities, such as Denver and Aurora and Boulder, might take an approach unique from their neighbors, Ament said, but lets them move together in that path.

As for permitting, Ament is really encouraged that (Johnston) acknowledged that it just takes too long to get through the bureaucracy before we can deliver to market any kind of product.

Ament hopes Denver makes good on the 90-day permitting goal.

Condos used to make up a third of the market, and now he estimates that number sits at 5%, and only the wealthy can afford them. Nearly every mayor spoke about the need for construction litigation reform, he said.

I also was very encouraged to hear them all talk about the fact that construction litigation is still preventing us from delivering the kind of housing in an attainable way that we need for our schoolteachers, for our firefighters, for our nurses, he said.
The Fountain Post Office is closed after a vehicle drove into the building Thursday morning, the United States Postal Service announced in a news release.

Customers are being directed to the Security Post Office in Colorado Springs until the Fountain location is back up and running.

Officers responded to a call at the post office located at 101 South Santa Fe Ave. just before 10:30 a.m., a spokesperson with the Fountain Police Department said. No injuries were reported, nor did the vehicles air bags deploy from the crash.

Police say they suspect a possible brake failure is to blame for the incident. Nobody was arrested, and police do not believe drugs or alcohol were involved.

All retail services, mail pickup and PO box customer services have temporarily relocated to the Security Post Office at 5575 Kittery Drive. The office is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and Saturday from 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

The post office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The extent of the damage and expected repair time remain unclear.
The Colorado Springs Police Departments newly renovated Property Return Office opened its doors to the public Monday, with a more efficient and community-friendly design.

The departments Property Return Office, previously located in the basement of CSPDs Police Operations Center with restricted access, has moved to the old quartermaster facility at 224 E. Rio Grande Street, located less than a mile east of the Colorado Springs Police Headquarters.

The newly renovated space is is designed to more adequately serve the city's residents by doing the job of returning the more than 6,000 pieces of personal property received by the police department every month.

Stephanie Baker, CSPDs evidence supervisor, spoke with excitement about the added security, and efficiency the new space adds to the process of retrieving found personal property, or returned evidence previously used in a criminal case.

It gives them (community members) an opportunity to have some privacy and integrity when theyre coming to collect items, Baker said, We do release a lot of items that are personal property, like purses and wallets, but were also dealing with families who have lost loves ones.

Before the opening of the new facility, people would need to first report to CSPDs Police Operations Center, where theyd face a lengthy process. After checking in with the Community Service Registrar, they would then have to wait, one person at a time, per case, for the evidence room to receive and fulfill their request.

Wed just release things to them through a window in a lobby full of people. There was no privacy and no security for people picking up valuable items, like money, Baker said.

Sign up for free: Springs AM Update Your morning rundown of the latest news from Colorado Springs and around the country overnight and the stories to follow throughout the day delivered to your inbox each evening. Sign Up View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters.

If someone was trying to pick up a weapon or firearm, an additional step of waiting for an armed officer to accompany the exchange would traditionally create added barriers within the understaffed department and add more time to the lengthy process.

The recent building renovations have been designed to address these concerns. One example is the newly installed bullet resistant drywall and glass, which have eliminated the need for an armed officer during these exchanges.

The new building also provides a spacious lobby for people waiting for their items, and a private conference room for recovering property in personal cases. The space allows for more people to be present, including families, victim advocates on an as needed basis, and detectives to walk citizens through the sometimes daunting process.

This gives them a place to go through this process, to decide what they want to take with them, and what they dont, Baker said.

It (the process) felt impersonal. This has opened us up to build a better relationship with our citizens.

The office currently employees 13 technicians and hosts numerous volunteers, responsible for tracking down the rightful owners of property in CSPDs possession. Using case reports, social media and inmate locater services, Baker said the departments technicians explore every avenue to get in touch with property owners before taking the next step  donating unclaimed possessions to dispersed locations throughout the community.

For example, we donate unclaimed glasses to Lions Club, Baker said, a lot of it will go to Goodwill.

The new and improved Property Return Office is open to the public Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. through 4:30 p.m. For more information, Click or Tap here.
By Catarina Demony

(Reuters) - Representatives from various African and Caribbean entities joined forces at a historic event this week in the capital of Barbados, Bridgetown, to demand reparations for slavery and its legacy in today's society.

The University of the West Indies (UWI), the Economic, Social and Cultural Council of the African Union (AU), Barbados' government, grant-making network Open Society Foundations and the Caribbean Pan African Network teamed up to "call for reparations for historical crimes".

The meeting in Bridgetown, from Monday to Thursday, included strategy sessions and plenaries and marked the beginning of an "intercontinental campaign", the UWI said in a statement, describing it as "ground-breaking".

Attendees included ambassadors and representatives from AU member states and the Caribbean Community political and economic union (CARICOM).

"This is a historic moment... humanity cannot go forward with all the toxic interferences of colonisation," Hilary Beckles, head of the CARICOM reparations commission, told a news conference on Thursday. "We have to clean up this mess to allow humanity to function."

The CARICOM reparations commission, which was set up to seek reparations from former colonial powers such as the United Kingdom, France and Portugal, "sees the persistent racial victimisation of the descendants of slavery and genocide as the root cause of their suffering today", it said in its 10-point reparation plan.

Outcomes of the meeting include a proposal for a roadmap for cooperation between the AU and CARICOM, the UWI statement said.

"It is crucial to recognise how slavery, colonialism and racism intersect and impact the lives of Black people around the world," said AU official Youssouf Mandoha.

From the 15th to the 19th century, at least 12.5 million Africans were kidnapped and forcibly transported by European ships and merchants and sold into slavery. Those who survived the brutal voyage ended up toiling on plantations under inhumane conditions in the Americas, mostly in Brazil and the Caribbean, while others profited from their labor.

Barbados, where the meeting took place, received 600,000 enslaved Africans between 1627 and 1833, who were put to work in sugar plantations, earning fortunes for the English owners.

The Caribbean island ditched Britain's late Queen Elizabeth as head of state in 2021 and renewed its campaign for reparations.

The idea of paying reparations or making other amends for slavery has a long history but the movement is gaining momentum worldwide.

The EU said earlier this month that Europe's slave-trading past inflicted "untold suffering" on millions of people and hinted at the need for reparations for what it described as a "crime against humanity".

(Reporting by Catarina Demony; Editing by Aurora Ellis)
By Andrea Shalal

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -President Joe Biden on Thursday accused the Republican party of "undermining the U.S. military" by allowing Republican U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville to block more than 300 U.S. military appointments over the Pentagon's abortion policy.

Tuberville, a social conservative from Alabama, began blocking confirmations to senior Pentagon posts in March to protest a Defense Department policy enacted last year that provides paid leave and reimburses costs for service members who travel to get an abortion.

"The Republican party used to always support the military, but today, they're undermining the military," Biden said in a 27-minute speech honoring former President Harry S. Truman and his order desegregating the U.S. military 75 years ago.

Biden noted that Tuberville's actions were preventing many women and people of color from moving into more senior roles, some of them historic in nature.

Those include Air Force General CQ Brown, the first Black person to lead any branch of the armed services, whom Biden has nominated to head the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Navy Admiral Lisa Franchetti, who would become the first woman to command the service and become a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

"I think it's outrageous," Biden railed at an event at the National Archives. "A growing cascade of damage and disruption all because of one senator from Alabama and 48 Republicans who refuse to stand up to him to lift the blockade over the Pentagon."

Biden called on Republicans to end the "nonsense" and confirm the nominees. "I urge Senate Republicans to do what they know is right and keep our country safe like Harry Truman, and approve all those outstanding military nominees now, now, now."

The president said the "partisan freeze" was already harming military readiness, security and troop morale, and had put relocations and promotions on hold, creating massive uncertainty for military families about jobs, schools and housing.

The president also referenced comments and actions by two other Republican senators - Josh Hawley from Missouri and Ted Cruz from Texas - albeit without mentioning their names, who he said had disparaged the U.S. military as becoming "weak" or "soft."

Biden called the shift in Republican rhetoric and actions "dangerous" and appealed for unity to continue the nation's progress.

"Let us rise to the occasion and redeem the soul of this nation. Treat each other with decency and respect, change the dialogue."

(Reporting by Andrea Shalal and Jarrett Renshaw; Editing by Sandra Maler and Michael Perry)
By Moussa Aksar and Boureima Balima

NIAMEY (Reuters) -Leaders of a coup in Niger declared General Abdourahamane Tiani as the new head of state on Friday days after saying they had ousted President Mohamed Bazoum in the seventh military takeover in West and Central Africa in less than three years.

African countries, Western powers and regional and international organizations have voiced support for Bazoum and called for democracy to be restored. Some officials suggested the outcome was not yet final.

France's Foreign Minister Catherina Colonna explicitly referred to it as an "attempted coup" on Friday, while White House national security spokesman John Kirby said there was still room for intra-African diplomacy.

The upheaval has raised concerns about the security of a region where Niger has been a key ally of Western powers seeking to contain insurgencies by groups linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State.

"A military takeover may cause the United States to cease security and other cooperation with the government of Niger," Kirby told a briefing.

Tiani was the head of the presidential guard whose soldiers shut Bazoum inside his palace on Wednesday, causing confusion over who was in control.

Bazoum has not made a statement since Thursday morning, when he vowed to protect "hard-won" democratic gains in a post on social media.

Several world leaders said they have spoken to him since the coup, and that he is still detained in the palace with his family but "fine".

Former colonial power France said it still recognised Bazoum as the legitimate leader.

The general appeared on state television on Friday with a banner on the screen that described him as the president of a newly formed military body, the National Council for Safeguarding the Homeland (CNSP).

"The President of the CNSP is the head of state," an officer said, reading out a statement.

The constitution has been suspended, all government institutions dissolved and the CNSP will exercise all legislative and executive power until constitutional order returns, the statement added. It gave no timelines.

Tiani met with the heads of all ministries at the presidential palace on Friday afternoon. A CNSP member told journalists after the meeting the ministries will continue to provide services.

TRADITIONAL TIES AT STAKE

Before the uprising, Niger was seen as the West's most stable ally in an unstable region.

It borders three countries - Mali, Burkina Faso and Chad - hit by coups in the last two years. Some were spurred by frustration over growing insecurity.

France, Germany, Italy and the United States have troops in Niger on military training and counter-insurgency missions.

Niger is also the world's seventh-biggest producer of uranium, the radioactive metal widely used for nuclear energy and in nuclear weapons, as well as for treating cancer.

Like the military rulers of Mali and Burkina Faso, Tiani justified the coup by saying that the government had been failing to contain the Islamist insurgency.

In the capital Nimaey, reactions to the coup have been mixed.

"We need to be very vigilant to ensure that this fight against terrorism does not give them a position or an opportunity to stay in power forever," said resident Ousmane Kansey.

Another passerby, Ibrahim Hamidou, saw the takeover as a positive move against bad governance and insecurity he blamed partly on the presence of foreign boots.

"The results are not good... this means that their presence is of little use," he told Reuters.

Jihadist militants have been spreading across West Africa's Sahel region for years. Niger so far has held them off better than Mali and Burkina Faso, where violence has only worsened since the military takeovers.

The juntas in Mali and Burkina Faso have increasingly turned toward Russia as a strategic ally and distanced themselves from traditional partners such as France, which has faced a growing wave of resentment towards its influence in the Sahel.

There were some Russian flags among coup supporters who took to the streets in the capital Niamey on Thursday.

One of the few international voices to welcome the takeover was Wagner mercenary boss Yevgeny Prigozhin, who remains active despite leading a failed mutiny against the Russian army's top brass last month. He described the coup as an uprising against colonizers and offered his fighters' services to bring order.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said constitutional order should be restored.

FOREIGN RESPONSE

Foreign countries have not announced any plan to intervene in Niger but Tiani warned against any attempts to extract Bazoum, saying foreign military intervention would result in "the massacre of the Niger population and chaos".

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) will hold an emergency summit in Nigeria on Sunday to discuss the situation.

Niger will test for the regional bloc, which has struggled to convince soldiers to give back power after the latest wave of coups in member states Mali, Guinea and Burkina Faso.

ECOWAS has wrangled with the juntas on transition timelines it deemed too lengthy and imposed sanctions on Mali and Guinea over their reluctance to cooperate.

The European Union has threatened to cut budgetary support to Niger, while the United States said its cooperation with Niger's government was contingent on "democratic standards".

The United Nations said it would still deliver aid in Niger even though it had not had any contact with the military since the coup.

(Additional reporting by Bate Felix and Anait Miridzhanian; Writing by Nellie Peyton and Sofia Christensen; Editing by John Stonestreet, Angus MacSwan, Nick Macfie, Andrew Heavens and Cynthia Osterman)
By Lisa Baertlein and Anthony Deutsch

LOS ANGELES/AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - Electric vehicles are crisscrossing the globe to reach their eager buyers, but the battery technology involved in the zero- emission automobiles is exposing under-prepared maritime shippers to the risk of hard-to-control fires, industry, insurance and emergency response officials said.

That risk has been put under the spotlight by the burning car carrier drifting off the Dutch coast. The Dutch coastguard said the fire's cause was unknown, but Dutch broadcaster RTL released a recording in which an emergency responder is heard saying "the fire started in the battery of an electric car."

While all logistics companies deal with the risk of EV lithium-ion batteries burning with twice the energy of a normal fire, the maritime industry hasn't kept up with the developing technology and how it creates greater risk, maritime officials and insurers said.

There were 209 ship fires reported during 2022, the highest number in a decade and 17% more than in 2021, according to a report from insurer Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty (AGCS). Of that total, 13 occurred on car carriers, but how many involved EVs was not available.

The European Maritime Safety Agency said in a March report the main cargo types identified as responsible for "a large share of cargo fire accidents included ... lithium-ion batteries."

There were 3,783 new cars on board, including 498 electric battery vehicles, a spokesperson of ship chartering company "K" Line said on Friday. Initial reports had put the number of electric vehicles at just 25.

Japan's Shoei Kisen, which owns the ship, said it was working with authorities to get control of the fire.

The cause of the fire, while still officially undetermined, has raised questions about "what blind spots there are when transporting electric cars powered by batteries - which when they catch fire can't be extinguished with water, or even by oxygen deprivation," said Nathan Habers, spokesperson for the Royal Association of Netherlands Shipowners (KVNR).

"The first question that comes to mind is: Does the current code stack up against the risk profile of this type of goods?" he added.

One hazard in lithium-ion batteries is "thermal runaway," a rapid and unstoppable increase in temperature that leads to fires in EVs that are hard to extinguish and can spontaneously reignite.

Fire extinguishing systems on the massive ships that haul cars weren't designed for those hotter fires, and shipping companies and regulators are scrambling to catch up, said Douglas Dillon, executive director of the Tri-state Maritime Safety Association that covers Delaware, Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Recent fire-related losses are resulting in increased insurance costs for automakers shipping cargo and costs are likely to increase for vessel owners as well, said John Frazee, a managing director at insurance broker Marsh. As ship owners seek to limit losses by legally pursuing automakers whose vehicles are determined to have caused a fire, automakers are buying additional liability protection, he said.

Exacerbating the risks is the business model used by the companies that includes tightly packed ships. Auto carriers like the burning ship are known as RoRos, which stands for roll-on/roll-off - the way cars are loaded and unloaded.

RoRos are like floating parking garages and can have a dozen or more decks carrying thousands of vehicles, industry officials said. Unlike parking lots, however, cars are parked bumper-to-bumper with as little as a foot or two of space overhead.

Firemen typically put out EV battery fires on roadsides by clearing the area around the burning vehicle and flooding the underside with water, something difficult to do on a RoRo, Dillon said.

"There's no way for a firefighter in protective gear to get to the location of a fire" on a ship, he said, adding the cramped conditions increase the danger getting trapped.

While trains and trucks also transport EVs, isolating and extinguishing fires is easier as workers can unhook a rail car and a trucker can pull over, said Frazee.

Frazee expects insurers to lead the charge on strengthening safety systems on ships. Options being worked on include new chemicals to douse flames, specialized EV fire blankets, battery piercing fire hose nozzles and proposals to segregate EVs.

"I see no quick solution," Frazee said.

The International Maritime Organization, which sets regulations for safety at sea, plans to evaluate new measures next year for ships transporting EVs in light of the growing number of fires on cargo ships, a spokesperson told Reuters.

That could include specifications on types of water extinguishers available on boats and limitations on the amount a battery can be charged, which impacts flammability.

With EVs here to stay, KVNR's Habers said his group is discussing tightening regulations to account for the additional safety risks.

"There is already a whole lot of communication underway about this," he said, "but with this incident it becomes apparent we might need to speed up the process, especially when you consider that the number of this sort of cars is only going to rise."

Global auto sales last year totaled 81 million vehicles, 9.5% of which were EVs, according to EV-Volumes.com. China and Europe have been the most aggressive regions in pushing automakers to shift to EVs, and U.S. President Joe Biden's administration has proposed rules that could result in as much as two-thirds of the new vehicle market shifting to EVs by 2032.

(Reporting by Lisa Baertlein in Los Angeles and Anthony Deutsch in Amsterdam, additional reporting by Victoria Waldersee in Berlin, editing by Ben Klayman and Diane Craft)
By Clark Mindock and Timothy Gardner

(Reuters) - The White House on Friday proposed reforms to the environmental review process for new energy projects that it said would help speed up permitting for electric transmission and other projects needed to curb emissions linked to climate change.

The proposal would revise National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) implementing regulations by encouraging more "programmatic" environmental reviews of multiple projects rather than individual reviews, and by allowing federal agencies to exclude more project categories from review.

It would also limit the need for environmental reviews for projects that federal agencies deem to have significant and long-lasting positive impacts.

The new rule was proposed by the Council on Environmental Quality, a White House division that said the changes to the NEPA review process would accelerate the adoption of clean energy in the U.S. while strengthening protections for communities by encouraging earlier public comments on projects.

NEPA is a bedrock environmental law that requires environmental reviews for major projects, and is a frequent focus of litigation that can delay projects for years.

The White House said the proposed rule "would fully implement and build upon new permitting efficiencies" directed by Congress in this year's debt ceiling law.

The rule would build on initial work to reform the NEPA process finalized last year, when the White House reversed a Trump administration overhaul of the process. Last year's changes required federal agencies to consider the direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts of proposed projects or actions, including a full evaluation of climate impacts.

White House climate adviser John Podesta told reporters in a teleconference Thursday that the country needs 60% more transmission by 2030 in order to keep on track to meeting President Joe Bidens clean energy and infrastructure goals.

The permitting process is currently plagued by delays, Podesta said, adding that the reforms would help. But lawmakers still need to pass more thorough reforms, he said.

Republican Senator Kevin Cramer, a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee countered that the changes would only make it easier for environmental activists "to tie up and drag out expensive litigation."

Ben Jealous, the executive director of the Sierra Club, said in a statement the reforms would allow for the build out of clean energy projects without sacrificing communities or rubber stamping more fossil fuels.

The proposed rule must now go through a public comment period before the White House can finalize approval.
By Sarah Wu

TAIPEI (Reuters) - Six years after the #MeToo movement rose to global prominence and toppled powerful perpetrators of sexual abuse, Taiwan is racing to reform laws and provide training and support as it reckons with its own wave of complaints.

Despite Taiwan's reputation as a progressive bastion in a conservative region - the first place in Asia to legalise same-sex marriage and one of few to have a female leader - it took the spark of a Netflix drama for it to confront a problem long shrouded in shame and silence.

"It is your voices that have pushed our society to have no choice but to take this issue seriously," Lai Pei-hsia, one of the stars of "Wave Makers" told a crowd at a concert in support of the island's movement on a recent sweltering evening.

"Whether as individuals, families, or workplaces, our society has started to deeply reflect and think of ways to prevent the same thing from happening again," said Lai.

The Taiwanese show "Wave Makers" is about the members of an election campaign team, including a supportive manager who convinces a young staffer who was groped that the issue is too important to be swept under the rug.

The drama mirrored reality two months ago when an allegation of sexual abuse surfaced that was linked to Taiwan's ruling party.

Citing a line from "Wave Makers" - "Let's not just let it go, OK?" - Chen Chien-jou took to Facebook in May with her account of abuse close to the heart of government.

Her criticism of the then-head of the Democratic Progressive Party's women's affairs department for dismissing her complaint went viral.

Within days, President Tsai Ing-wen publicly apologised and the party cut ties with the contractor she accused. The man apologised for any "misunderstanding or offence" and said he hoped investigations would reveal the truth.

'NO POWER'

The incident triggered a flood of complaints, unprecedented in a society in which victims of abuse often stay silent due to what experts say is a tradition of victim-blaming, cultural pressure, and unequal power relationships.

A labour ministry survey published in March showed that nearly 80% of women and 85% of men who are sexually harassed in the workplace do not file complaints.

But since Chen's account went public, many victims have come forward and scores of men, entertainers, academics, businessmen and judges among them, have become embroiled in accusations.

Some say the ruling party's quick response to Chen's complaint has encouraged more victims to speak out.

"People can see a woman with no power challenging the majority party ... and she was believed," said Chen Chao-ju, a law professor at National Taiwan University.

A January presidential election might have helped focus the government's attention on the problem, experts say, but nevertheless it has responded with a flurry of legal reform.

Tougher penalties, clearer reporting and investigating procedures, and stronger protection for victims are due to be passed this month.

Lee Yen-jong, head of the party's gender equality department, said measures were being adopted to prevent and respond to sexual harassment, including staff training, protocols for managers, and an external complaint channel in addition to internal ones.

"You can't decouple prevention and response," Lee said. "But at the moment, everyone is more urgently seeking to understand how to handle cases because it feels like there are many incidents now."

COMPANIES RESPOND TOO

Businesses are also responding by investigating complaints and training staff in preventing abuse.

Peng Yen-wen, who heads an umbrella organization of women's groups across the island, said non-profits have been inundated with calls from companies dealing with complaints.

Her group has set up a hotline to connect companies with gender equality experts, lawyers, and psychologists.

Liu Jung-jen, director of education and advocacy at the Modern Women's Foundation, which offers sexual harassment prevention training, told Reuters she is booked through October after a more than six-fold increase in corporate inquiries from hotels, banks, tech companies and others.

Liu said she wanted to take advantage of the surge in concern about abuse to train as many people as possible.

A group of more than 40 lawyers has also stepped up to create a network for victims facing defamation lawsuits to prevent perpetrators from silencing victims, said Yu Mei-nu, president of the Taiwan Bar Association.

"What we see today is people with a good social image unexpectedly turning out to be harassers. This causes society to reassess," Yu said.

Some families see the uproar as a good teaching opportunity.

Johnson Hsieh, a 42-year-old doctor, brought his seven and nine-year-old daughters to a park in Taipei on a recent Saturday for a #MeToo concert. Sitting on a picnic blanket, they listened to the actress Lai, psychologists and lawyers speaking about a more fair society in between ballads and dance hits.

Hsieh said he hoped exposure to the movement at a young age would help his daughters develop a sense of equality.

"In the global context, Taiwan is still conservative. I hope we can develop to be more progressive," he said.

(Reporting by Sarah Wu; Editing by John Geddie and Robert Birsel)
Famed dog behaviorist Cesar Millan is encouraging the Biden family to reach out to him to solve the spate of aggressive attacks on Secret Service officers at the White House.

"This is the second dog. It's like, 'Hey guys, it's obviously not the dog. Let the dog whisperer come into the White House and just do what I've done for 20 years,'" Millan said in an interview on Thursday.

DESANTIS TO HEADLINE 'FAITH & FREEDOM BBQ' DAYS AFTER FIRST RNC DEBATE

According to internal Secret Service records, the Bidens' 2-year-old German shepherd, Commander, bit seven people in a four-month period from October 2022 through January 2023. The records were obtained under the Freedom of Information Act by conservative legal group Judicial Watch and found numerous serious incidents in which the president would allow his dog to repeatedly attack and bite Secret Service and White House personnel causing a "considerable amount of pain" and injuries.

Millan has not been contacted by the White House but said he believes "the humans" need "a human trainer that rehabilitates dogs" more than a "dog trainer."

The former host for National Geographic Channel's The Dog Whisperer said people "humanize" their dog with a name, but in the dog world, they understand their "position within the pack."

"In the dog world, that will be your authority leader. People call it the pack leader. You and a dog are a pack. You can call it family, but someone has to lead the family. They will tell you the rules, boundaries, and limitations," he explained to Politico's West Wing Playbook.

Millan has observed that some White Houses don't have "a protocol for dogs" and that's "why dogs get in trouble."

Sign up for free: Springs AM Update Your morning rundown of the latest news from Colorado Springs and around the country overnight and the stories to follow throughout the day delivered to your inbox each evening. Sign Up View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

"Dogs don't know that they're living with the president or with you. That's why dogs make humans really human, because it really has nothing to do with money, fame or power," the celebrity canine behaviorist said.

He added, "One thing that I have seen over the years in the White House is they don't have a protocol for dogs. It's happened before with previous presidents. In any home, a dog needs to feel safe. He needs love, and he needs to trust, respect and love someone."

Original Location: Cesar Millan to Biden: 'Its obviously not the dog. Let the dog whisperer come into the White House'

Washington Examiner Videos
Hours after being handed additional charges in the investigation into his handling of classified documents, former President Donald Trump took to his social media platform to defend himself and ask, "Whatever happened to the Crooked Joe Biden Document's case?"

Special counsel Jack Smith accused Trump Thursday evening of attempting to delete surveillance footage at his Mar-a-Lago property in a new superseding indictment filed in the classified records case. The former president wasted little time pointing at his main political rival and questioning the discrepancy in how the two separate cases are being handled.

TRUMP LEAD OVER PRIMARY OPPONENTS HOLDS STEADY, BIDEN GAINS SUPPORT: POLL

"Whatever happened to the Crooked Joe Biden Document's case? He had 20 times more Boxes than I did, and he wasn't covered by the Presidential Records Act. I was!" Trump said, pointing to a familiar argument of his that legal experts have dismissed.

Biden has been under investigation by special counsel Robert Hur for his own handling of classified documents since January, but it is believed that it will likely be a while before any news on his case emerges. And while the circumstances on the holding of the documents differ in the two men's cases, strategists believe the fact that Biden (and former Vice President Mike Pence  who was also investigated for having classified documents) returned them right away puts him in better legal standing than Trump.

The former president, unsurprisingly, does not agree.

"When it first came out that Biden had all of these Docs, many Classified, almost everyone, including those on the Left, said, 'there goes the case against Trump.' But they waited and waited, got failed prosecutor Deranged Jack Smith, and STRUCK - but did almost nothing on the REALLY BAD Biden Documents case, many stored in Chinatown!" Trump continued on Truth Social.

On Thursday, the Justice Department named a third defendant in Trump's case, Carlos De Oliveria, an employee of Mar-a-Lago who was a valet before becoming a property manager at the Palm Beach, Florida, club in January 2022, according to the indictment. Prosecutors say Trump acted as the co-conspirator to try and delete the footage and also charged him with an additional Espionage Act charge.

The new charges accuse Trump of acting with De Oliveira and Trump's other co-defendant, Walt Nauta, in trying to delete the footage.

Trump now faces 40 counts in the investigation following his June 8 arraignment in south Florida. The additional three charges carry a combined maximum of 50 years in prison if convicted.

Sign up for free: Springs AM Update Your morning rundown of the latest news from Colorado Springs and around the country overnight and the stories to follow throughout the day delivered to your inbox each evening. Sign Up View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters.

Prosecutors added two new obstruction of justice charges related to the alleged attempt to delete the footage. They also added a 32nd document to the list for which Trump is facing charges of violating the Espionage Act.

Republicans were quick to cry foul over the additional charges against Trump, specifically pointing to the timing, one day after Hunter Biden's "sweetheart" plea deal fell apart.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

The two new charges against Trump related to seeking to alter security camera footage carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison each. The charge of willfully retaining national defense secrets is punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

The subsequent indictment in the classified documents case comes as a federal grand jury in Washington, D.C., convened on Thursday in a separate special counsel investigation into Trump's alleged efforts to subvert the 2020 election.

Original Location: Donald Trump indicted: Former president asks what happened to 'crooked' Joe Biden's case

Washington Examiner Videos
Former President Donald Trump, leading the Republican primary field in his 2024 comeback bid, will be the keynote speaker at an annual South Carolina GOP event. Trump's top speaking role reflects his dominance in a state long influential in deciding who becomes the party's nominee.

Trump will be the featured speaker at the South Carolina Republican Party's 56th Annual Silver Elephant Gala. The 8:30 p.m. event on Saturday, Aug. 5, will take place at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds  1200 Rosewood Dr., Columbia, South Carolina, 29201.

PROGRESSIVE PETRI DISH: MINNESOTA GOP HITS RESET AFTER RECENT SHELLACKING

South Carolina Republicans' fealty to Trump isn't particularly surprising, considering his hold on much of the party base nationally even after losing to President Joe Biden in 2020. But their selection of Trump as keynote speaker inherently undercuts the political standing of local 2024 rivals, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley and Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC). National polls show both are in the single digits nationally in their fight for the 2024 Republican nomination and the right to challenge Biden.

Haley and Scott are doing a bit better in a recent Fox News poll reporting voter attitudes in South Carolina. Per the poll, Trump leads the GOP presidential race with 48%, followed by Haley at 14%, Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) at 13%, Scott at 10%, and former Vice President Mike Pence at 4%.

The Silver Elephant Gala features a who's who of Palmetto State Republicans, including Gov. Henry McMaster (R-SC), a former lieutenant governor to whom Haley in early 2017 turned over the reins of state government when Trump appointed her as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, a post she held for just under two years. Party dinner attendees also include Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), South Carolina GOP Chairman and RNC Co-Chairman Drew McKissick, and other Republican elected officials.

South Carolina Republicans have scheduled their presidential primary for Feb. 24, 2024  a relatively late date that could force candidates to invest more time and money in the state while scrambling campaign strategies in the "first four" GOP contests. With Iowa and New Hampshire potentially holding votes in January and Nevada's plans in flux, there could be a substantial gap in the calendar before South Carolina.

In Republican presidential nomination fights before the Trump era, South Carolina has proved a decisive battleground in deciding who wins the GOP nomination. That includes future Presidents Ronald Reagan in 1980 and George W. Bush in 2000, along with 1996 Republican presidential nominee Bob Dole and others over the years.

South Carolina has been a popular campaign destination for more than just Trump and the home state candidates. Along with the trio's rivals in the 2024 GOP scrum, other candidates frequently in the state include Pence, Gov. Doug Burgum (R-ND), former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, DeSantis, radio talk show host Larry Elder, ex-Texas Rep. Will Hurd, former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, businessman Vivek Ramaswamy, and Miami Mayor Francis Suarez.

New Hampshire wine with Haley

Haley has also been a steady presence in New Hampshire in the run-up to its first-in-the-nation primary. She'll soon be at an event aiming to boost her own candidacy, other GOP office-seekers in New Hampshire, and the Granite State's budding wine industry.

"Join us for an elegant evening @LaBelleWinnerNH! Our Politics & Prosecco Summer soiree will feature @NikkiHaley!" the New Hampshire Federal of Republican Women recently tweeted about the Aug. 7 event at 6:30 p.m.

Sign up for free: Springs AM Update Your morning rundown of the latest news from Colorado Springs and around the country overnight and the stories to follow throughout the day delivered to your inbox each evening. Sign Up View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters.

"Funds raised will benefit Republican women member candidates running for state and local office in 2024!" added the GOP women's group about the event at LaBelle Winery  345 State Rte 101, Amherst, New Hampshire, 03031.

One ticket "includes a glass of sparkling wine, heavy hors d'oeuvres and a conversation with empowered female leaders!" per an event invite. "Attire is elegant cocktail reception and glamorous hats are encouraged! Both men and women are welcome. Tickets are $75 for members and their guests and $100 for nonmembers."

New Hampshire is usually better known for maple syrup and fall leaf foliage than wine. But the state, the fifth smallest in the nation by square mileage, now has more than 30 wineries, some winning national and international acclaim, to the point that in June, Wine Enthusiast magazine published the article "It's Time to Pay Attention to New Hampshire Wine."

The piece praises LaBelle for the quality of its wine, particularly its Amherst Vineyard Red and Amherst Vineyard White, and event-hosting spaces.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

"Winemaker Amy LaBelle has built one of New Hampshire's most all-encompassing winery experiences. What began as an experimental one-gallon batch of blueberry wine made in her Boston apartment has morphed into a 20,000-square-foot space that includes a bistro, tasting bar, art gallery, gift shop, and event space," the article says.

"The winery hosts acoustic performances on Thursdays, monthly cooking with wine classes as well as talks with local artists, book signings, and power yoga classes," the story adds.

Original Location: Ex-president trumps 2024 GOP hopefuls from South Carolina with party speaking gig

Washington Examiner Videos
Sen. Dianne Feinstein's (D-CA) office said the senator did not realize the debate had ended when she abruptly went into a statement during a roll call vote on Defense Department spending in a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing on Thursday.

Feinstein, 90, was interrupted by an aide and committee Chairwoman Patty Murray (D-WA), who implored her to say "aye" rather than explain her stance. A spokesperson for Feinstein told Fox News that she "was preoccupied" and was unaware a vote had been called.

DESANTIS TO HEADLINE 'FAITH & FREEDOM BBQ' DAYS AFTER FIRST RNC DEBATE

"The senator was preoccupied, didn't realize debate had just ended and a vote was called. She started to give a statement, was informed it was a vote and then cast her vote," a spokesperson for Feinstein said.

The moment on Thursday saw her repeatedly interrupted by an aide and Murray before she realized it was a vote and said, "Aye."

The California Democrat has faced mounting questions about her health and age in recent years. She has reportedly appeared confused and denied being away from the Senate for months earlier this year despite being hospitalized in February while battling shingles and was absent from the chamber for months. Feinstein returned to the Senate in May and has been working ever since.

Sign up for free: Springs AM Update Your morning rundown of the latest news from Colorado Springs and around the country overnight and the stories to follow throughout the day delivered to your inbox each evening. Sign Up View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

During her lengthy absence earlier this year, some House Democrats called for Feinstein to resign because of her position on the influential Senate Judiciary Committee. While Feinstein was absent, several of President Joe Biden's judicial nominees were stalled because of the narrowly divided Senate. Since returning to the Senate, the nominees have been moving forward again.

Feinstein said she would not run for another term in 2024 and would retire once her term ends in January 2025. The primary to replace Feinstein in the Golden State appears to be a fierce intraparty battle between several members of the House of Representatives.

Original Location: Feinstein's office says senator did not realize debate had ended during awkward moment

Washington Examiner Videos
Asheville, North Carolina, is looking to cut its unsheltered homeless population and crack down on panhandling amid a decline in tourism.

In a meeting Thursday, the Homeless Initiative Advisory Committee unanimously recommended plans to allocate $1.75 million to expand homeless shelter beds, as unsheltered homelessness has increased in the city.

INFLATION DECLINED TO 3% IN JUNE, ACCORDING TO KEY GAUGE WATCHED BY FED

The HIAC is a joint committee of the Asheville City Council and Buncombe County Commission charged with researching, creating, and recommending policies, including how to spend federal resources, to combat the area's homelessness crisis.

While a May report shows overall homelessness in the area dropped by 10% from 2022, the number is still 5% higher than pre-coronavirus levels. The homeless population outside of shelters also dropped by 26% from 2022, but remains at 163% of pre-pandemic levels.

According to the Asheville Citizen-Times, the plans come after a January report from the National Alliance to End Homelessness that made recommendations to cut the area's homeless population by half and restructure the joint commission, which is the governing body of the Asheville-Buncombe Continuum of Care  a federal framework to build local commissions aimed at handling homelessness.

The Alliance called for 95 new beds in the area, consisting of 60 single-adult beds for low-barrier shelters, meaning the requirements for access are minimal, 25 beds for shelters with on-site mental health and substance abuse professionals, and 10 beds for families with children. Thursday's HIAC recommendation would cover 61% of the proposal.

Sites being reviewed for the increased beds include church collaboratives, the Salvation Army, and other local shelter models.

Asheville's homeless strategy division manager Emily Ball called the vote a "first wave" of efforts the HIAC will take, and Buncombe County Commissioner Jasmine Beach-Ferrara said it was "a very big step forward."

Beach-Ferrara told the Citizen-Times that the low-barrier shelter model would be the key to lowering homelessness in the area, adding, "If we rushed into creating a shelter as quickly as we could, we would not just miss opportunities for that more impactful model, but we would probably get it wrong."

The proposals come as the Asheville City Council is also looking to crack down on panhandling, a move many see as an attempt to pad the city's lucrative tourism dollars.

Asheville is heavily reliant on tourism to sustain its local economy, with the industry generating $2.6 billion in spending and $3.9 billion in total economic impact in 2021, sustaining nearly 27,000 jobs, according to a report for the Explore Asheville Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Sign up for free: Springs AM Update Your morning rundown of the latest news from Colorado Springs and around the country overnight and the stories to follow throughout the day delivered to your inbox each evening. Sign Up View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters.

Tourism officials say that money has declined by 11% in recent months, ABC 13 reported.

City officials are looking to update local panhandling laws that have not been touched in 20 years, according to Councilwoman Maggie Ullman.

"We need as a community to discuss what we think about panhandling," she said, according to ABC 13 News. "You're going to have people say never do it, it's bad for the panhandler, it's giving handouts, and you're going to have people who say they're human, I have some spare change I want to give. On city council, we're opening it up to have that conversation."

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

Proposals include creating a 10-foot minimum barrier for panhandlers as well as a law prohibiting drivers from giving money to them, which the city of Charleston, South Carolina, has implemented.

The city council will consider proposals in August.

Original Location: North Carolina city to crack down on homelessness to save tourism

Washington Examiner Videos
Want to jet off to Italy, Spain, or France? Starting in 2024, all travelers going to European Union countries will have to not only book their flight and hotel and bring their passport, but they also must fill out an online application before traveling on their trip.

The online application requires authorization and to pay a fee through the European Travel Information and Authorization System. The system is expected to be operational in 2024.

DESANTIS TO HEADLINE 'FAITH & FREEDOM BBQ' DAYS AFTER FIRST RNC DEBATE

Travelers will be required to fill out personal information, including date and place of birth, home address, parents' names, phone number, email, nationality, education, occupation, planned travel destinations, and criminal history.

Nile Gardiner, a former aide to British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, called the new EU program "Orwellian."

"I do see this as big government overreach here. It's quite Orwellian with the amount of information that EU officials are requesting," Gardiner said to Fox News host Neil Cavuto.

Most applications are expected to clear in a few minutes, but some applications could take four days and possibly up to 30 days to process. Once approved, your authorization is valid for three years.

"U.S. travelers that wish to travel to the European Union will have to go through this application process. It is intensely bureaucratic. It will be hugely inefficient," Gardiner said.

He added an important prediction: "This is the most important aspect here: I fear that EU officials will be using this to keep some individuals out of Europe from the United States whose political views that they don't like. So there's always potential for this kind of misuse of this kind of system."

The EU is legitimizing the new system for the purpose of enhanced security.

Sign up for free: Springs AM Update Your morning rundown of the latest news from Colorado Springs and around the country overnight and the stories to follow throughout the day delivered to your inbox each evening. Sign Up View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters.

"ETIAS will further strengthen Europe's internal security by carrying pre-travel screening of visa-free travellers to determine whether they pose a security, illegal immigration, or public health risk," the EU website says.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

Gardiner called it "ridiculous" that U.S. citizens should be forced to undergo the application process when most U.S. citizens do not pose national security threats.

"It's quite the other way around. You have large numbers of Islamist terrorists operating in Europe that pose a threat to U.S. national security. At the end of the day, this is about enhancing big government bureaucracy and control. I think the system is going to be a hugely unwelcomed addition. Going to Europe will put a lot of U.S. citizens off from traveling to Europe, and can it be misused for political purposes by EU officials. I wouldn't trust the EU to handle this properly at all," Gardiner concluded.

Original Location: 'Quite Orwellian': Trips to Europe will soon require visa and personal data from travelers starting in 2024

Washington Examiner Videos
Vice President Kamala Harris is playing the heavy as she and President Joe Biden tag-team their 2024 reelection effort.

When Republican presidential aspirants flocked to Iowa, home of the first-in-the-nation caucuses, to speak at the Lincoln Day Dinner, Harris followed them to Des Moines to talk about abortion rights  a major issue on which Democrats plan to hit the GOP next year.

HUNTER BIDEN PLEA DEAL COLLAPSES IN COURT AS JUDGE THROWS 'CURVEBALL'

Before that, Harris flew to Nashville to rally with the three Tennessee Democratic lawmakers who were briefly expelled from the Republican-controlled state legislature following a gun control protest.

"We are here because [the lawmakers] and their colleagues in the Democratic caucus chose to show courage in the face of extreme tragedy," Harris told a crowded chapel at Fisk University. "They chose to lead and show courage and say that a democracy allows for places where the people's voice will be heard and honored and respected."

Harris also went on a hastily planned trip to Florida to launch a sustained attack on Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL), currently the runner-up for the 2024 GOP nomination, in what could be a preview of the Democrats' general election playbook. "And what is happening here in Florida?" Harris asked the crowd in Jacksonville. "Extremist so-called leaders for months have dared to ban books. Book bans in this year of our Lord 2023."

Harris was on a roll. "Extremists here in Florida passed a law, Don't Say Gay,' trying to instill fear in our teachers that they should not live their full life and love who they love," she said in reference to the much-maligned Parental Rights in Education bill that DeSantis signed into law last year and then expanded earlier this year.

Then Harris went after the black history curricula approved for the state. "And now, on top of all of that, they want to replace history with lies," she said. "Middle school students in Florida to be told that enslaved people benefited from slavery."

The audience booed.

"High schoolers may be taught that victims of violence, of massacres were also perpetrators," Harris said. "I said it yesterday: They insult us in an attempt to gaslight us  and we will not have it. And we will not have it."

It's not unusual for vice presidents to be deployed in this manner. Vice President Spiro Agnew went on offense for President Richard Nixon, as Nixon early in his vice presidential days did for President Dwight Eisenhower. Vice President Dan Quayle was more of a movement conservative than President George H.W. Bush.

Democratic strategists told the Washington Examiner that is not particularly new for Harris, who was active on the campaign trail and outspoken about abortion during the midterm elections. Since the reversal of Roe v. Wade blunted Republican momentum in some races, heading off a potential red wave, they argue she should receive her share of credit for the results.

But for Harris, it may be a return to form. The vice president rose to prominence due to her prosecutor background, rising up the ranks in California to become attorney general. Once in the Senate, she applied those skills toward grilling Trump administration officials and other Republicans in committee hearings.

Sign up for free: Springs AM Update Your morning rundown of the latest news from Colorado Springs and around the country overnight and the stories to follow throughout the day delivered to your inbox each evening. Sign Up View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters.

Harris moved away from this image for two reasons. One, "Kamala the Cop" became an epithet rather than a badge of honor as Democrats embraced criminal justice reform and the most progressive elements of the party flirted with defunding the police. Former Hawaii Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard used Harris's prosecutorial record against her during the 2020 Democratic presidential race, saying in a viral debate moment that Harris locked people up for their marijuana use while laughing about her own.

Secondly, Harris was plagued by a likeability problem. While many view this as an unfair or even sexist criticism often leveled against women running for office  Hillary Clinton and Elizabeth Warren both faced such complaints  it showed in her favorability ratings. Harris's presidential campaign didn't even make it to when the first votes were cast in 2020.

Yet attempts to soften Harris's image haven't noticeably improved her poll numbers. Her approval rating stands at 40.2% in the current FiveThirtyEight polling average, while 51.2% disapprove of her performance in office. Her favorability rating is worse, at 37% to 53.3% holding an unfavorable view, according to the RealClearPolitics average. The most recent survey, by Economist/YouGov, finds her at 56% unfavorable.

What Harris's musings about space or storytelling to children who were later revealed to be actors or fits of laughter at the podium have produced is negative attention. The same can be said for her policy portfolio within the Biden administration, though allies say the nature of her assignments hasn't done her any favors.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

Now Harris is back to being a prosecutor, this time making the case against would-be Republican opponents.

"What do we need to do?" Harris exhorted attendees at a Democratic National Committee fundraising reception. "We need to win."

Original Location: Vice President Kamala Harris plays the heavy in Biden's 2024 fight for reelection

Washington Examiner Videos
What is it with the Left that they want to ban nearly everything that is fun or convenient? Gas stoves, dishwashers, plastic straws, gas cars, snowmobiles, and diving boards. And now the health busybodies want to ban certain cigars.

Recently, a gang of senators led by Jeff Merkley (D-OR) wrote a letter to Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Robert Califf urging the agency to ban (or heavily regulate) flavored cigar sales. Under pressure from the health lobby, the FDA's Center for Tobacco Products said it's primed to take action in the weeks ahead. They say underage teenagers are smoking these cigars and are at risk of becoming addicted.

TRUMP LEAD OVER PRIMARY OPPONENTS HOLDS STEADY, BIDEN GAINS SUPPORT: POLL

This makes as much sense as banning scotch because kids might smuggle a bottle from dad's liquor cabinet or outlawing R-rated movies because sometimes 14-year-olds occasionally sneak into the theater.

In 2009, Congress and President Barack Obama enacted the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act to give the federal government the tools it needs to keep cigarettes, vapes, and other addictive tobacco substances out of our children's hands. Now, however, the FDA is using this authority to advance its political agenda in ways that exceed the original intent and purpose of the legislation.

The notion that the FDA needs to act to stop teenagers from smoking flavored cigars is simply not true.

Youth smoking of cigars, including flavored cigars, has plummeted to historic lows over the years. The FDA should know these statistics because they were the ones who funded the definitive study published by the New England Journal of Medicine. This study analyzed the tobacco use of 13,651 children, ranging in age from 12 to 17 years, and the data show that only 2.3% had ever smoked a traditional cigar, and less than 1% (0.7%) had tried one within the past 30 days. That's hardly an epidemic of cigar-smoking youngsters.

Last year, a federal judge ruled the FDA's decision to try to regulate premium cigars was "arbitrary and capricious" because the agency failed to acknowledge data that these products are not used by youth and, due to their usage patterns, have very different health risks. This verdict from the court, questioning the scientific basis of the FDA's actions, makes the agency's insistence on finalizing its flavored cigar rule by the fall even more questionable.

What is clear is we have here a case of regulatory overreach by a nonelected federal bureau. Back in 2009, opponents of the new law warned that the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act would become a slippery slope toward bans on smoking products even for adults. The bill's advocates promised on a stack of Bibles that the law wouldn't interfere with adults' freedom to choose; rather, it would merely keep minors from smoking.

We now learn that this was a classic bait-and-switch move by the anti-smoking brigades. The anti-smoking lobby in Congress assigned new powers to regulators and the advocates all along, knowing this day of a ban would be coming.

I should say that I don't smoke  except on very rare occasions, such as at a wedding. But even if you hate cigars or smoking in general, we should all recognize the danger here of letting unelected bureaucrats make these decisions. Who are they accountable to?

Sign up for free: Springs AM Update Your morning rundown of the latest news from Colorado Springs and around the country overnight and the stories to follow throughout the day delivered to your inbox each evening. Sign Up View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters.

If Congress wants to ban vaping, smoking, or certain types of cigars, they should vote on it. I suspect that few members of Congress would dare vote to outlaw cigars. It would create such a backlash from people who enjoy smoking that many in Congress would be tossed out of office.

What is doubly ironic and hypocritical here is that the real health hazard to America's youth is the proliferation of psychedelic drugs  from fentanyl to opioids to cocaine. Abuse of these toxic drugs has made drug overdoses a leading cause of death for Americans under 18. What is Congress's reaction to that genuine killer epidemic?

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

Not a thing? They do nothing to stop the drug runners from crossing the border with their addictive and dangerous arsenal. They slap the wrists of the offenders when they are caught. Where is the FDA's campaign to stop the killing? Smoking flavored cigars aren't good for our children, but they don't turn our children into zombies or corpses.

If the FDA wants to improve public health, it could save tens of thousands of lives by speeding up the drug approval process so we can win the race to cure cancer, heart disease, epilepsy, and diabetes. Let parents regulate what their teenagers are doing.

Original Location: Will the Biden administration ban cigars?

Washington Examiner Videos
When it comes to employment, Colorado appears to be doing great.

In May, the labor force participation rate in Colorado was the fourth highest in the country, with 68.6% of 16-to-55-year-olds working. The unemployment rate in April was only 2.8%. During this same period, the number of open jobs was 243,000, or 2.7 jobs per person actively seeking employment.

While these numbers seem encouraging  they are cause for concern when demographic data is considered.

Though Colorado typically has relied on new residents to help fill jobs, over the past two years, net in-migration to the state has dropped and is expected to continue to decline through 2050. Like the rest of the country, Coloradans are getting older. With fewer young people expected to enter the workforce and more people expected to age out of work, our state cannot expect to fill the open jobs as it may have in the past.

How does Colorado avoid being hobbled by the combined job growth and demographic shifts? All factors point to a need to increase the range of employees in our workforce.

Though the official unemployment rate is low, it is not an accurate reflection of people who struggle to find employment. Many struggle because they have characteristics that make it harder for them to get jobs, such as individuals with disabilities, citizens returning to our communities from prison, and individuals needing additional training or education.

At Womens Bean Project we observe that when unemployment is low, and jobs are abundant, those who remain unemployed experience significant obstacles that get in the way of getting and keeping employment.

Consider Effie who, despite a seizure disorder, was very employable. However, she struggled to find a work environment that did not trigger her health issues. While in the Bean Projects workforce development program, she learned more about herself and job environments to decrease the likelihood of health issues. She eventually graduated and went to work for a restaurant bakery, her dream job, where she has remained for nearly three years.

Or Pam, whose history of addiction and incarceration related to substance misuse eliminated her from many possible careers. While working at Womens Bean Project, she attended community college and received certifications that allowed her to move into an administrative role with a felon-friendly employer.

There are thousands of prospective employees in our state who, with the right support, would make excellent employees.

In a tight labor market, employers must ensure they are offering good jobs and training opportunities. Good quality jobs are about more than wages.

They must include predictable schedules, benefits and paid time off, along with opportunities for training and advancement. We can expect jobs without these features will be increasingly difficult to fill as the labor market continues to tighten. A recent study from Common Sense Institute found the labor force shortage and skills mismatch in Colorado is costing $46 billion in additional annual GDP.

Education and training programs must prepare workers for the jobs of today and the future. The states education system must contend with the fact that Colorado is currently experiencing a skills gap.

Sign up for free: Gazette Opinion Receive updates from our editorial staff, guest columnists, and letters from Gazette readers. Sent to your inbox 12:00 PM. Sign Up View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters.

Forty-nine percent of jobs require education and training beyond high school but not a four-year degree, yet only 35% of workers have the skills training needed for these jobs.

First, we must ensure high school graduates have the math and reading levels required to complete the training.

In Washington state, students in community college who do not have the reading skills to be successful can participate in the I-BEST program. In this program, each classroom contains two teachers, one who is teaching relevant math and reading skills while the other is teaching the certificate-specific training.

Students in this program also receive additional support services to ensure they can succeed.

Such support can ensure improved completion rates, which are low, often leaving students without the credential and with significant debt. For a variety of reasons, 75% of community college students attend part time for at least one semester. However, the six-year completion rate for those who attend part time is less than 22%.

The post-secondary education and training systems must also ensure they are aligned with the occupations anticipated to grow the fastest in the future. Careers attained through apprenticeships are a viable way to ensure jobs of the future are filled. Apprenticeships are high-quality pathways in which apprentices receive immediate work and are paid for 1-6 years during their training.

The starting salary is $77,000 per year upon completion and 94% retain employment after completing their apprenticeship.

Colorados workforce development system must provide marginalized groups with wrap-around services to help them move into the workforce. The states workforce development system helps people get into the workforce and helps those who have lost their jobs find new employment.

However, a rigorous study by Mathematica found that workforce centers did not increase earnings or improve employment-related outcomes. In Colorado in 2020, of the workers who utilized workforce development training, only about half had jobs and about 70 percent who receive training get a job utilizing this training.

Many individuals using the workforce system also qualify for support from human services, including food assistance, support for rent and utilities costs, or access to Medicaid. Generally, workforce programs have modest results but research shows that the best success is when workforce development services are combined with wrap around services.

Coloradans are fortunate to be in a time of abundant job opportunities. Yet, to ensure we fill those jobs, Colorado must find ways to ensure people who are often left out of the workforce are able to get jobs.

Tamra Ryan is the CEO of Womens Bean Project and the Common Sense Institute Coors Economic Mobility Fellow.
Cripple Creek is about to get a troll, but not the internet type.

Artist Thomas Dambo, builder of Isak Heartstone in Breckenridge, will be returning to Colorado to build another one of his famous trolls during a troll-building road trip across the U.S., according to an Instagram post.

Among 10 trolls set to be built is one in Cripple Creek.

A local group called the Gold Camp District Impact Group is involved with the effort, raising funds for the project on its website.

Currently, the construction of Dambos latest Colorado troll is set to take place in Teller County from the end of July and mid-August. According to Gold Camp District Impact Group, Dambos team will consist of about five to eight members, using locally sourced scrap wood for the project.

While artist Dambo has achieved worldwide fame for his many troll installations around the globe, hes best known in Colorado for the construction of Isak Heartstone, which is a 15-foot-tall troll hes built twice in Breckenridge.

Why has Isak Heartstone been built twice? The first construction of Heartstone was so popular that it overwhelmed the trail it was on, forcing officials to ask Dambo to tear it down and rebuild it in a more sustainable spot.
Colorado's second-highest court has determined a trial judge did not unfairly limit the types of evidence jurors could hear when they rendered a verdict that Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains was not liable for a 2015 mass shooting at its Colorado Springs clinic.

In 2021, a Denver jury decided Planned Parenthood did not know about, nor should it have foreseen, the danger of a shooting rampage at its clinic. Further, any failure by Planned Parenthood to take precautions did not cause the injuries of plaintiffs who were either wounded or lost family members in the shooting.

The plaintiffs then appealed, arguing Chief Judge Christopher J. Baumann wrongly prevented them from introducing evidence of widespread threats against abortion clinics in the lead-up to the shooting and evidence that Planned Parenthood actually installed additional security features afterward. Such details, they argued, would have shown a mass murder was foreseeable to the organization.

Not so, concluded a three-judge panel of the Court of Appeals on Thursday.

"(E)ven if plaintiffs had been able to present sufficient evidence of foreseeability to lead the jury to answer 'yes'," wrote Judge JoAnn L. Vogt in the July 27 opinion, "that evidence would not have affected the jurys conclusion that PPRMs conduct was not the cause of plaintiffs injuries."

Case: Wagner v. Rocky Mountain Planned Parenthood, Inc. Decided: July 27, 2023 Jurisdiction: Denver Ruling: 3-0 Judges: JoAnn L. Vogt (author) Jerry N. Jones Katharine E. Lum Background: At Planned Parenthood shooting commemoration, hope for a new chapter at Colorado Capitol

On Nov. 27, 2015, a man killed three people and wounded nine others at Planned Parenthood's Colorado Springs facility. His motivation, at least in part, stemmed from a series of videos misleadingly edited to suggest Planned Parenthood was selling fetal parts. The federal and state criminal cases of the defendant, Robert Lewis Dear Jr., are on hold, as he is not competent to stand trial.

A group of plaintiffs, who were injured or lost family members in the massacre, brought a civil lawsuit against Planned Parenthood. They argued that the history of violence against abortion clinics  including an increase in death threats  made it foreseeable a shooting would happen at the facility. Therefore, Planned Parenthood had a duty to protect them, yet failed to do so by not having fencing, locked doors, full-time security and other preventive measures.

Originally, then-Denver District Court Judge Elizabeth A. Starrs sided with Planned Parenthood, finding the organization had no notice that violence of any kind was imminent in Colorado Springs. In any event, Planned Parenthood's alleged failings were an "infinitesimal" source of injury compared to the shooter's actions.

Sign up for free: News Alerts Stay in the know on the stories that affect you the most. Sign Up For Free View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters.

The plaintiffs appealed and the Court of Appeals reversed Starrs' decision. The Colorado Supreme Court upheld that ruling and reinstated the lawsuit in 2020. The evidence, wrote Justice Richard L. Gabriel in the 4-3 decision, could lead a jury to find that Planned Parenthood knew about the increased threat level against abortion clinics, and its failure to take precautions contributed to the plaintiffs' injuries.

When the case returned to the trial court, the plaintiffs asked Baumann, who had since taken over, to reconsider an early ruling from Starrs that limited evidence about the foreseeability of a shooting to specifically the Colorado Springs location, and not to abortion clinics more broadly. They noted the appellate courts had referenced Planned Parenthood "facilities," and not just the one at the heart of the lawsuit.

Baumann acknowledged he "struggled with this issue," but ultimately declined to change the parameters of the case.

"If the appellate courts wanted this Court to do as much they would have said as much," he wrote. He also generally barred evidence that Planned Parenthood had installed preventive measures after the shooting. Baumann reasoned that Planned Parenthood was not claiming such precautions were infeasible, just that they would not have stopped the shooting.

After the verdict, the plaintiffs challenged Baumann's decisions about the evidence.

"Were asking the court today to allow plaintiffs to present to a jury the same evidence that this court and the Supreme Court held was relevant and material to their claims, and that they were entitled to present to a jury," attorney Ronald L. Wilcox told the appellate panel earlier this month.

Kevin C. Paul, the lawyer for Planned Parenthood, countered that jurors had, in fact, seen some evidence of the threats against abortion clinics leading up to the shooting, and they still found the organization not liable.

"It is simply wrong to suggest that Judge Baumann forbade the plaintiffs from trying their case. He managed the case," Paul said. "And he did so with the knowledge that it is a district court's obligation to try a fair case, not a perfect case."

The Court of Appeals agreed and upheld the outcome of the case.
Colorado Republicans are preparing to again decide whether to cancel the upcoming primary election in order to prevent unaffiliated voters from helping pick the party's nominees to the general election ballot.

The state GOP has considered  and overwhelmingly rejected  the move every election cycle since voters approved a 2016 statewide ballot initiative that opened Democratic and Republican primaries to voters who aren't affiliated with any party.

But this year it's different, say GOP leaders who support amending party bylaws to make it easier for its governing body to call off the primary and let Republicans nominate Republican candidates.

That could happen on Aug. 5 at a special meeting of the Republicans' state central committee in Castle Rock, which was initially called to elect a new state vice chair after Priscila Rahn, who won a second two-year term in the position in April, resigned last month to campaign for a seat on the Douglas County Board of Commissioners.

In addition to replacing Rahn, the central committee will also vote on a series of proposed amendments to its bylaws, including one that would effectively reduce the number of votes it will take to cancel the primary.

Known as Amendment 7, the measure would count any central committee member who doesn't vote on a question under certain circumstances as "a vote in the affirmative."

Drafted by Chuck Bonniwell, an attorney and newspaper publisher who sits on the state Republican Party's executive committee, the amendment is precisely worded so it would only apply to a potential vote to cancel the primary.

If it's approved by the central committee, state Republicans plan to consider whether to close the party's nominating process at a subsequent meeting in late September.

The proposed amendment has drawn a backlash from some Republicans, including two of the largest county GOP organizations in the state, which are both calling for its defeat.

"The Arapahoe County Republican Party is overwhelmingly opposed to this unfair amendment which negates the voice of duly elected members of the Central Committee and their constituents  the workhorses of our party who are also entitled to a voice through their elected representatives," said Arapahoe County GOP Chair Anne Rowland in a statement issued after the county's executive committee voted on July 25 to oppose the amendment.

"To avoid the disenfranchisement of grassroots Republicans, no vote should ever be cast or counted, either in the affirmative or the negative, unless the CRC member who is guaranteed that right to vote casts that vote themselves or grants another individual the right to cast that vote in their absence by proxy, where allowed," she added.

The statement follows a formal resolution approved a week earlier by the Weld County Republican Party, which said the proposal was "not only morally and ethically wrong, but it may also be a violation of both state and federal constitutions as well as Colorado state statutes."

Added the county party's acting chairman, Hunter Rivera, in an email: Automatically making a non-vote a yes vote flies in the face of the principles this country was built on."

Its backers, however, say the amendment is necessary to get around an unreasonably high requirement contained in the ballot measure that established the state's semi-open primary system. (A fully open primary, as exists in some states, would allow Democrats to vote in a Republican primary, and vice versa.)

Under Proposition 108, which was adopted with the support of 53% of voters, it takes an affirmative vote by 75% of either major party's central committee membership to "opt out" of holding a primary and instead nominate candidates through party assemblies.

Republicans complain that's an impossible threshold to meet, since it's rare that even 75% of the GOP's central committee members show up for meetings, meaning nearly everyone in those circumstances would have to vote "yes."

State Republican Party Chairman Dave Williams said in a July 27 email to central committee members that the way the primary law is written, the party is already forced to factor no-shows into the equation  under current rules, they count as "no" votes against reaching the threshold  so the party can decide to treat them the other way.

Sign up for free: News Alerts Stay in the know on the stories that affect you the most. Sign Up For Free View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters.

"Please know from the start, the Party does NOT get to count non-votes as 'abstentions' for the opt-out threshold," Williams wrote. "We must assume them one way or the other because the government forces a vote of the total membership instead of members present."

Added Williams: "If you support closing the open primary with the opt-out vote, then it only makes sense to support the Bonniwell Amendment and vote yes. Again, its important to stress that the Party is forced to assume the position of non-participants one way or the other."

While his position on semi-open primaries hasn't been a secret  he led an unsuccessful proposal in 2021 to cancel the primary and featured the position in his campaign for party chair this spring  Williams stated for the first time in the email that he intends to vote for Bonniwell's amendment.

"Colorado Democrats and leftwing unaffiliateds have violated our First Amendment right to the Freedom of Association. And the Bonniwell Amendment is a way to reclaim our right to self-governance as a private political organization," Williams wrote.

"We should get to create our own rules and decide our own fate, not anyone else, especially radical liberals who will stop at nothing to pass the extreme agenda of Joe Biden and Jared Polis."

Two years ago, just 33% of the Republicans' state central committee members voted in favor of opting out for the 2022 primary  slightly better than in two previous attempts but still far short of the requirement.

The GOP's roughly 415-member central committee is made up of party officers from each of Colorado's 64 counties, elected state-level and federal officials, and bonus members awarded to larger counties based on the number of votes received by the party's top-ticket nominee in the previous general election.

While both the state Democratic and Republican parties opposed the ballot measure before it was adopted  and leaders from both parties groused about the effects it would have on their primaries  the Democrats haven't ever seriously considered canceling their primary, but Republicans have formally considered the move three times previously, in 2017, 2019 and 2021.

It's a chance to reach out to the state's vast trove of unaffiliated voters before the general election, Democrats say these days, noting that voters who cast ballots for a candidate in a primary are exceedingly likely to do the same in November.

Unaffiliated voters make up 47% of the state's electorate, with Democrats accounting for 27% and Republicans coming in just under 24%  a sharp reversal for both major parties since a decade ago, when each group comprised roughly one-third of registered voters.

It's impossible to win elections statewide or in competitive districts without winning over a good share of the unaffiliated, strategists say.

That was one of the arguments in favor of Proposition 108  that it would boost voter participation and engagement. Proponents also maintained that unaffiliated voters are paying for primary elections so should be able to participate.

The measure's chief sponsor, however, stressed that involving voters who weren't affiliated with either major party could result in better nominees.

Kent Thiry, the wealthy former CEO of kidney dialysis giant DaVita Inc., founded the organization behind Proposition 108 and a companion initiative, Proposition 107, which established presidential primaries in Colorado and also passed in 2016. Thiry also sponsored a pair of amendments that won voter approval in 2018 to create independent congressional and legislative redistricting commissions.

"Opening primaries to unaffiliated voters will introduce voters into our primary elections less interested in scoring political points and more interested in lawmakers finding common-sense, bipartisan solutions to the problems facing average Coloradans," Thiry said.

Ernest Luning has covered politics for Colorado Politics and its predecessor publication, The Colorado Statesman, since 2009. He's analyzed the exploits, foibles and history of state campaigns and politicians since 2018 in the weekly Trail Mix column.
A federal judge on Wednesday gave three Gunnison landlords who have repeatedly failed to comply with nondiscrimination orders one final chance to show up in court and explain themselves, or else face consequences.

The bizarre saga of David Welch, John Welch and Ruth Welch began in 2020, when the three operators of a Gunnison condominium complex entered into a consent decree in response to allegations that they were denying or discouraging families with children from renting at 1412 W. Gunnison Ave.

Among other things, the Welches agreed to advertise their property with the phrase "families with children welcome to apply" and provide records of rental inquiries and applications to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

But, according to HUD, the Welches ignored the agreement almost entirely.

On May 9, U.S. District Court Judge Daniel D. Domenico issued an order giving the Welches a "last chance" to comply with the original consent decree, or he would impose "large fines, jail time, community service, or all three."

Again, the Welches did not respond. HUD told Domenico that instead, the trio had run another advertisement for their property without the family-inclusive language that the consent decree, and now Domenico, required.

Sign up for free: News Alerts Stay in the know on the stories that affect you the most. Sign Up For Free View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters.

On Wednesday, Domenico informed the Welches his patience has run out.

"They did not do what I ordered. Now the Welches must come to court and explain themselves," he wrote on July 26.

If they again fail to show or do not have a "good explanation" for their inaction, Domenico promised to fine them $150 per day until they fulfill their obligations under the consent decree and now the court's order. From there, Domenico warned of arrest and jail time.

As early as August 2022, U.S. Magistrate Judge N. Reid Neureiter recommended holding the Welches in contempt. Domenico held off as HUD's attorney told him the department was making progress with the Welches. Recently, however, any move toward compliance evaporated.

"Being held in contempt of court has serious consequences, and the Welches are urged to consult a lawyer to discuss this situation," Domenico wrote.

Domenico scheduled a hearing for Aug. 18 so the Welches may explain themselves. In contrast to the typical procedure, Domenico elected to hold the hearing where the Welches are, at the Gunnison County Courthouse, rather than at the federal courthouse in Denver. U.S. District Court Judge Gordon P. Gallagher, who is stationed in Grand Junction, will preside over the hearing.
A federal judge on Tuesday refused to dismiss an excessive force lawsuit against a Pueblo County sheriff's deputy who shot and killed a man outside a middle school after the man accidently tried to get into a car he mistook for his own.

Kristy Ward Stamp, mother of the late Richard Ward, alleged Deputy Charles McWhorter, Pueblo County and other sheriff's officials violated her son's rights by fatally shooting him, and they violated her own rights by detaining and searching her without probable cause of a crime.

The defendants moved to dismiss those claims, arguing the county itself could not be held liable and the individual deputies were entitled to qualified immunity, which generally shields government employees from civil liability unless they violate a person's clearly established legal rights.

U.S. District Court Judge Charlotte N. Sweeney agreed that some of Ward Stamp's claims were not viable, but left the bulk of the lawsuit intact. Specifically, she admonished the defendants for simply claiming the deputies should receive immunity, while providing virtually no explanation why.

"Defendants invoke, without elucidation, qualified immunitys shield," Sweeney wrote in a July 25 order. "Defendants mention of qualified immunity, without more, does not demonstrate their entitlement to it."

On Feb. 22, 2022, Ward rode with his mother and her boyfriend to Liberty Point International School to pick up Ward's younger brother. At one point, Ward left their white SUV and, when he returned, mistook another white SUV for the one he arrived in. After realizing his mistake, he reportedly exited the vehicle, apologized and found the right vehicle.

McWhorter and Deputy Cassandra Gonzales responded to a call of a suspicious and "aggressive" man in the school's parking lot. Their body-worn cameras captured the moments leading up to Ward's death.

"Just looking for my little brother," Ward explained to McWhorter, opening the SUV door as the deputy approached. Ward had one hand in his jacket pocket, which McWhorter appeared to pull. Ward asked why McWhorter was touching him.

"Why you acting like this?" McWhorter responded.

"I'm a little nervous because I don't like cops," Ward said. "They've done things to me," meaning physical force. He added he was "not just trying to disrespect you."

McWhorter said he understood Ward was "going around trying to mess with doors." Ward insisted he thought the other white SUV was his and that he apologized to the woman inside. McWhorter asked if Ward was under the influence or had weapons.

While Ward was going through his pockets, he ingested what the lawsuit described as an anti-anxiety tablet.

Sign up for free: News Alerts Stay in the know on the stories that affect you the most. Sign Up For Free View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters.

"What did you just stick on your mouth?" McWhorter demanded and immediately pulled Ward out of the SUV.

"It was a pill. Let me go!" Ward screamed.

Within 20 seconds of wrestling on the ground, McWhorter shot Ward three times. Ward Stamp and her boyfriend began screaming. McWhorter stood above Ward's body and did not render aid, nor did Gonzales. Instead, McWhorter shut the SUV door and said he "bloodied (his) nose."

Ward, 32, died from his injuries.

District Attorney Jeff Chostner found McWhorter and Gonzales acted reasonably. The deputies believed they were in "imminent danger of being killed" or seriously injured, and McWhorter claimed Ward had acted "as if he was carrying a weapon." The Pueblo Chieftain reported McWhorter received an award from the sheriff's office one year after killing Ward.

Ward Stamp then filed a federal lawsuit.

"Mr. Ward remained unarmed and trapped in the grips of two armed police officers," her lawyers wrote. "McWhorter and Gonzales never allowed Mr. Ward so much as an opportunity to comply with commands, relentlessly physically assailing him."

Ward Stamp claimed McWhorter and Gonzales used excessive force against her son in violation of the Fourth Amendment. She also invoked a 2020 police accountability law Colorado's legislature enacted in the wake of nationwide protests over the deaths of Black Americans at the hands of officers. Ward Stamp added that Pueblo County failed to properly train its deputies.

She further alleged the defendants violated her rights by searching her, detaining her and interrogating her for two hours, without any probable cause she committed a crime.

Sweeney agreed, in part, with the defendants' request to dismiss the lawsuit. Certain violations that Ward Stamp attributed to all of the defendants, including Pueblo County, were not "logically" connected to what happened on the scene, Sweeney wrote.

However, she allowed the majority of Ward Stamp's claims to proceed, noting the individual deputies had not properly asserted qualified immunity under federal law, nor were they entitled to it under state law.

"Moreover, the Court agrees with Plaintiffs that Pueblo Countys alleged defective training on appropriate uses of force caused Mr. Wards injury," Sweeney wrote.
Yet another controversy arose out of Gov. Jared Polis appointments to the state Parks and Wildlife Commission last week after he picked the author of Colorados wolf conservation plan as a representative for hunters and anglers.

The issue, critics said, is that this appointee isnt a well-known hunter or angler, supporting their claim that Polis picks individuals whose backgrounds appear to contradict the stated goals of the commission.

The governor is standing by his decision.

Its not the first time Polis has appointed someone who isnt well known for being a hunter or angler to the commission. Back in 2019, his choice of Betsy Blecha, a former Jackson County commissioner, raised eyebrows because she had little to no experience as a hunter or angler and had moved to the Eastern Plains  an area she was supposed to represent on the commission  just a few months before the appointment.

This time, the appointee for the sportspersons spot on the commission is Gary Skiba, a former wildlife biologist for the Department of Wildlife (the predecessor to Colorado Parks and Wildlife) who has close ties to organizations that sponsored the wolf ballot measure in 2020.

Skiba is not well-known as a sportsman, hunter or angler. He is more prominently known as the author of the effort to bring wolves to Colorado, one that hit yet another snag last week, when the state of Idaho said no to Colorado getting wolves from that state.

Skiba, a member of Defenders of Wildlife, was a named plaintiff in a 2021 lawsuit against the state of California in its efforts to delist the gray wolves from the endangered species list in that state. A filing from the plaintiffs pointed out that Skiba was the primary author of Colorados wolf conservation plan, has participated in field surveys for wolves in Colorado, and has been active in the ongoing effort to restore wolves to the southern Rocky Mountains.

A coalition of wildlife conservation groups had suggested that Polis pick someone else.

Skibas appointment, which came on Monday, just two days before the commission met in Gunnison, drew immediate condemnation from several quarters.

Grant Jerry of Woodland Park speculated about the message Polis is sending to hunters and anglers with Skibas appointment during the commissions July 20 meeting.

Hunters and anglers are some of the strongest voices for wildlife conservation and habitat preservation, incredible partners when united with other outdoor users and environmental advocates, Jerry said.

Hunters and anglers hold their sporting legacy very near and dear, and we will not stand aside as powerful anti-hunting groups, veiled as animal rights activists, attempt to dismantle (or) discredit the North American Model and exclude hunters from wildlife management, while slowly whittling away at hunting opportunities for Coloradans, he told the commission.

From the non-traditional wildlife management arena

The North American Model of wildlife conservation is a set of principles that promotes sustainability of species populations and the concept that that wildlife is a public trust.

Jerry further claimed that the commission openly disparages hunters and seeks to perpetuate misinformed, negative stereotypes of hunters.

Jerry said Polis has sought out commissioners with little to no hunting background and with long histories with anti-hunting groups. Polis, he added, ignored the recommendation from a coalition of wildlife conservation and hunting organizations.

It was a clear message from the governors office, hunters and anglers dont matter, Jerry said.

The coalition had recommended Pat Dorsey, a well-respected and long-time fly fishing guide from Evergreen.

The governors office refused to answer when Colorado Politics asked three times why he chose Skiba over Dorsey.

Gubernatorial spokesman Conor Cahill instead said the governor has expanded opportunities for hunting and angling and has taken comprehensive steps to protect wildlife for hunters and anglers.

I wouldnt have picked em, said Dan Gates, who has spent decades volunteering with wildlife management groups and currently serves as president of the Colorado Trappers and Predator Hunters Association.

Gates said hes known Skiba and Murphy from his interactions with wildlife management groups. He added that hes trying to be a glass half full  albeit a small glass  kind of guy in this situation.

I would like to think theyre taking the best opportunity they can to do whats right and necessary for Colorado wildlife. Im willing to give them the benefit of the doubt until they prove otherwise, Gates told Colorado Politics.

Sign up for free: News Alerts Stay in the know on the stories that affect you the most. Sign Up For Free View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters.

That said, Gates added, if you look at the majority of appointments under this governor, they continually become more and more from the non-traditional wildlife management arena.

Gates also believes Polis does not support the North American wildlife management model. He accused Polis and his husband, Marlon Reis, an animal rights activist, of preferring to scrap it altogether.

Sport fishing and hunting advocates claim the governor is stacking the commission with animal welfare advocates as part his effort to move away from the North American model. In the past, his appointments have included a former attorney for Wild Earth Guardians and an Aspen farm educator, who is supposed to represent production agriculture.

The trend toward appointing people from the animal rights space appears to include two other appointments last week: Jessica Beaulieu, the manager and an attorney with the University of Denvers Animal Law program, which advocates on behalf of non-human animals.

Polis third appointment is Jack Murphy, co-founder and president of Urban Wildlife Rescue. His bio notes that Murphy is a Wildlife Control Operator who resolves wildlife conflicts using only non-lethal and humane methods of wildlife eviction and exclusion techniques when education and/or co-existence are not a viable option.

The last two were named as representatives of outdoor recreation and parks utilization. Neither appears to have any background in recreation or wildlife management, a core mission of Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

Moving away from the North American Model?

The North American Model, as championed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, is based on the belief that wildlife is a public trust, an American birthright, and that wildlife species need to be managed in a way that their populations will be sustained forever. The model espouses seven principles, most notably, that every citizen has an opportunity, under the law, to hunt and fish in the United States and Canada.

US Fish & Wildlife recommends people buy hunting and fishing licenses, which it said helps support state agencies, as well as federal efforts. It even suggests introducing others to hunting and fishing, which it said supports conservation.

As you can see, the relationship between hunters, anglers and wildlife conservation is truly special and incredibly intertwined, USFWS said last year.

Critics of the governor said disparaging hunters and anglers, or trying to cut back on those activities, could have a cost to CPW, as well.

The department receives 90% of its financial support  around $190 million annually  from cash funds, with $95 million coming from hunting and fishing licenses.

CPWs wildlife operations, including the upcoming management of gray wolves, are funded almost entirely by those licenses, according to a November 2022 analysis by the Joint Budget Committee staff.

Those cash funds also compensate ranchers when their livestock are killed by predators, such as bears and mountain lions. The state, for example, paid out $548,621 in FY 2022 for those claims, with 70% for livestock kills.

However, ranchers whose livestock are killed by wolves will be compensated out of several other cash funds unrelated to the licenses.

While the trio of new appointees attended their first commission meeting last week, another meeting could be just as important  at the state Senate, where they will go through confirmation hearings in the 2024 session.

That will put Skiba in the same room as Sen. Dylan Roberts, D-Eagle, who chairs the Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee. The two found themselves on opposite sides during the 2023 session, when Skiba testified against Senate Bill 256, which Roberts sponsored and which was intended to put legal guardrails around the process for reintroduction wolves.

Polis vetoed the bill when it reached his desk.

Roberts issued a warning of sorts to the three new appointees: Be sure they represent the interests for which they have been appointed.

Roberts, who wields considerable influence on the ag committee, said he has gotten a lot of calls from constituents and people from across the state about the appointments.

Roberts told Colorado Politics he plans to reach out to all three, learn about their backgrounds and make sure before I vote that they fit the statutory guidelines of the seats they were appointed to.

He added he hopes they recognize they need to be advocates for the interests theyre supposed to represent.
U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert drew another Democratic challenger in Colorado's 3rd Congressional District.

Grand Junction Mayor Anna Stout on Wednesday filed paperwork to run for the seat in what's shaping up to be the most expensive contest on next year's state ballot.

Stout's primary opponents include former Aspen City Councilman Adam Frisch, who came within fewer than 600 votes of unseating the Silt Republican in 2022 and has posted record-breaking fundraising totals this year.

Boebert, an outspoken gun rights advocate and former restaurant owner, is seeking a third term next year in the sprawling, Republican-leaning district, which covers most of the Western Slope and parts of southern Colorado, including Pueblo County and the San Luis Valley.

Election forecasters at the Cook Political Report last week shifted the district to toss-up status from "Lean Republican," citing Frisch's lopsided fundraising advantage, including raising more than three times what the incumbent collected in the most recent quarter.

It's no secret that Lauren Boebert has repeatedly failed to represent our values in Congress, and her only accomplishment has been making a name for herself as a member of the most extreme faction of her party," Stout said in a statement. "Colorados 3rd congressional district deserves better."

Added Stout: "As the mayor of my hometown, the largest city in Western Colorado, I have a record of bringing people together to get things done and listening to the people I represent. I will take that same work ethic to Congress and build on my record of delivering real results for the hardworking people of our district.

Stout was reelected this spring to a second term on the nonpartisan Grand Junction City Council, whose members elected her to serve as mayor.

Sign up for free: News Alerts Stay in the know on the stories that affect you the most. Sign Up For Free View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters.

A certified animal welfare administrator, Stout is the CEO of the Roice-Hurst Humane Society. She founded and serves as president of the nonprofit Foundation for Cultural Exchange, which facilitates the relationship between Grand Junction and its sister city, El Espino, in El Salvador. She's also a certified court interpreter and Spanish translator.

Stout's campaign manager told Colorado Politics that she plans to launch her campaign formally Aug. 1.

Boebert's campaign didn't respond to a request for comment, but a spokeswoman for the National Republican Congressional Committee predicted in a statement that Stout and Frisch will "battle it out for who can go the farthest to the left," while Republicans focus on the district's needs.

"It doesnt matter who gets the Democrat nomination, they will be left broke, bruised and unpalatable for general election voters," added NRCC spokeswoman Delanie Bomar.

Frisch, who has been crisscrossing the district since announcing his bid for a rematch in February, said in a statement that its constituents deserve "a representative who is focused on building community, not chaos." He added: I am confident that my proven track record of building consensus and offering common sense solutions puts us on track to win in November 2024.

Other Democrats in the race include Gunnison veterinarian Debby Burnett, who ran last cycle but failed to make the primary, and first-time candidates David Karpas and Adam Withrow.
The city of Albany is on the hook for $3,900 for violating its wastewater permit by not treating sewage to safe levels.

Albany failed to perform required monitoring and exceeded pollution limits in its wastewater effluent, according to the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality.

By exceeding effluent limits, you created a risk of harm to water quality and aquatic life, a DEQ penalty notice to Albany states.

The penalty notice, dated June 27, cites that the citys permit requires monitoring so DEQ and the public can determine whether the city stays under with pollution limits and operates in a manner that is protective of human health and the environment.

In calculating the fine, the DEQ accounted for significant prior enforcement actions and negligent conduct.

Albany appealed the penalty July 19 and requested a contested case hearing and informal discussions. The city denies it was negligent, claiming steps were taken to avoid exceedances during high-flow events, including:

Increasing chlorine when heavy rain is forecast.

Repairing and replacing equipment.

Looking into potential problems in the piping system.

The city also disputes whether the DEQ fine was properly calculated, citing a discrepancy between the penalty narrative and the formula used to determine the fine amount.

In single sample analysis of 12 individual dates ranging from March 2017 to December 2022, DEQ found Albanys wastewater effluent overran E. coli bacteria limits by as much as nearly six times whats allowed and possibly more.

For example, E. coli concentrations surpassed monitoring capacity over a three-day period in December 2019.

In its appeal, the city argues that the three-day violation should be counted as a single occurrence at the facility, adding that heavy rainfall and high influent flows contributed to reduced treatment efficiency. It also disputes a November 2022 sample, saying resampling was within limits.

The March 2017 sample was also disputed, with the city claiming the occurrence is barred from consideration by the statute of limitations.

Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help (copy) Support local news coverage and the people who report it by subscribing to the Albany Democrat-Herald.

Albany also overshot the monthly geometric mean limit on E. Coli bacteria concentration in December 2022, the penalty notice states, and the city failed to monitor its treatment plant influent pH  a daily requirement  20 times between June and July 2022.

The DEQ also documented three instances in 2021 in which the city exceeded limits on total suspended solids, which are solids in water that could be removed by filtering. Excessive quantities of solids can have detrimental effects on aquatic ecosystems.

A prohibition on discharging raw sewage was also violated when Albany dumped 100,000 gallons of untreated sewage from manholes located in Simpson and Bowman Parks into the Willamette River in April.

At the time, officials said the cause was a power outage that shut down treatment operations at the Albany-Millersburg Water Reclamation Facility and associated sewage lift stations, according to a news release from the city.

Two weeks before that discharge, Albany reported an estimated 13,000 of raw sewage was spilled into Waverly Lake. That overflow was caused by construction on a project meant to make spills less frequent in the future, the city said.

In March 2022, Albany agreed to a $125,000 settlement with the environmental advocacy nonprofit Willamette Riverkeeper regarding a federal lawsuit filed in 2020. It followed a sewage spill originating from Albany in 2019, exposing 150 participants in the group's Paddle Oregon event to raw sewage in the summer of 2019.

The money is slated for projects that increase clean water and healthy habitat in the North Santiam watershed, the South Santiam watershed and the Calapooia watershed. The settlement also required the city to draft a stormwater management plan by Oct. 1 of this year.
Philomaths $4.16 million reservoir construction project is on hold following City Council concerns over the base slabs structural integrity.

The concrete slab, poured on June 21 by supplier RiverBend Materials, did not follow an agreed workflow which may have compromised its integrity, according to the city attorney.

"You cant necessarily tell at this point if the strength of the slab is what you paid for or not, Jim Brewer said at a July 10 council meeting.

As a result, the reservoir project is a month behind schedule, although for now, this has not significantly impacted the overall construction timeline.

According to City Manager Chris Workman, the plant is still undergoing final engineering with construction to finish by the end of next year.

The reservoir is part of a $16 million water treatment facility which will replace the citys current plant built in 1985 and still trudging on 13 years past its lifespan.

RiverBend is a subcontractor of a subcontractor of the project's main contractor, HP Civil Inc. of Stayton. The company beat Eugenes Pacific Excavation and Salems Emery & Sons Construction in a bid last November to win the project.

Prior to June 21, Workman explained that the contractors and concrete supplier met to discuss in detail the logistics, especially to ensure that the pours came at timely intervals. The goal is to make sure the poured concrete does not solidify before the next truck arrives.

That didn't always happen, Workman said.

"There were times throughout the day when they (RiverBend) didnt meet their minimum time interval for delivering the next truck of concrete, he said.

RiverBend Materials also was supposed to supply the cement from its facility in Corvallis, but due to equipment failure, began sourcing concrete from Eugene mid-way into the process.

Officials from RiverBend contend, Workman said during the council meeting, that the delays in pouring did not impact the strength or durability of the slab.

Representatives from RiverBend could not be reached for comment.

City engineers from Westech Engineering, who were onsite during the pour, advised against accepting the slab, raising concerns that deviation from the ascribed workflow means there is no way to ascertain its integrity, Brewer said at the council meeting.

He added that RiverBend hired a Montana-based consultant to test the slab, and has assured Philomath that the slab is structurally sound.

More than 24 inches thick and 100 feet in diameter, it would cost anywhere from three-quarters to a million dollars to remove and replace the slab  a task Brewer believes RiverBend is obliged to carry out by not abiding to the contractual logistics of the job.

But, according to Workman, the situation may end in a litigation.

Whether it will be removed and replaced, or who bears this cost is yet to be determined.

At the council meeting, councilors unanimously voted to hire an independent consultant to test the slabs integrity. Workman said in a later email to Mid-Valley Media that the city attorney has contracted Pivot Engineers in Austin for this job on the recommendation of Westech Engineering.

The scope or cost of the testing is still unknown as a work meeting is yet to happen, but the council's motion asked that costs be kept under $30,000.

The big risk for the city and for ratepayers is probably not an immediate failure, Brewer said at the council meeting.

But the situation raises long-term concerns, especially with costs that may arise in the future, he said. This reservoir is a critical part of the new water treatment plant and is being built to last at least 50 years.

According to Workman, The public works director and city engineer are tasked with continual monitoring of the project and will continue to have this responsibility, Workman said in an email.

Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help (copy) Support local news coverage and the people who report it by subscribing to the Corvallis Gazette-Times.

The city engineer was on site the entire day during the pour and was quick to recognize the problem and bring it to my attention, he wrote.

When finished, the new 28-feet-high reservoir will hold 1.5 million gallons of water. It is also being constructed to allow the water more contact time with chlorine and will have firefighting capacity.

Related stories:
The Des Moines Register will host 13 presidential candidates at this years Political Soapbox at the Iowa State Fair, the paper announced Thursday.

The top two Republican primary contenders  Former President Donald Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis  will be skipping the stage. South Carolina U.S. Sen. Tim Scott is also not scheduled to speak.

The Registers Political Soapbox is a long-running institution at the Iowa State Fair, regularly hosting both Republicans and Democrats running for president as they seek the support of Iowans in the first-in-the-nation caucus state.

This year, 10 Republican candidates, two Democrats and one Libertarian will speak at the Soapbox. The schedule runs from Aug. 10 to 19.

In addition to the Soapbox, Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds will hold an interview series with candidates, called Fair-Side Chats throughout the fair. Trump did not accept the invitation to participate in that event either, but 12 other Republican presidential candidates will participate.

Trump faced criticism earlier this month for attacking Reynolds over her commitment to remaining neutral in the 2024 caucus contest.

The schedule is subject to change, and any updates can be found at DesMoinesRegister.com/Soapbox. The current schedule for the Political Soapbox is as follows:

Thursday, Aug. 10

1:30 p.m.: North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, Republican

4:30 p.m.: former Vice President Mike Pence, Republican

Friday, Aug. 11

11:15 a.m.: Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, Republican

Noon: Michigan businessman Perry Johnson, Republican

1:30 p.m.: California radio talk show host Larry Elder, Republican

Saturday, Aug. 12

11:15 a.m.: Texas pastor Ryan Binkley, Republican

Noon: Ohio biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, Republican

1:30 p.m.: Author Marianne Williamson, Democrat

2:15 p.m.: Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Democrat

3 p.m.: Former South Carolina Gov. and U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, Republican

Friday, Aug. 18

Noon: Former Texas U.S. Rep. Will Hurd, Republican

Saturday, Aug. 19

2:15 p.m. Chase Oliver, Libertarian

4:30 p.m. Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, Republican

Vivek Ramaswamy to appear on Twitter Spaces alongside Elon Musk

Ohio biotech entrepreneur and Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy will appear in a Spaces event on Twitter, now known as X, alongside the sites owner Elon Musk and investor David Sacks shortly before taking the stage at a major Iowa Republican fundraiser on Friday.

The Space will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Friday. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis also participated in a Spaces conversation with Musk and Sacks to announce his presidential candidacy in May.

Ramaswamy is one of 13 Republican candidates set to speak at the Iowa GOPs Lincoln Dinner on Friday.

States Where Credit Card Companies Spend the Most Marketing to Students States Where Credit Card Companies Spend the Most Marketing to Students Delinquent credit card balances are rising College credit card marketing has declined since the 2009 Act Nearly 75 percent of college credit card marketing payments are made to alumni associations 15. Connecticut 14. Massachusetts 13. Iowa 12. Alabama 11. Florida 10. Illinois 9. New York 8. Georgia 7. North Carolina 6. Michigan 5. Indiana 4. Texas 3. Kansas 2. Pennsylvania 1. California
Under bills introduced Thursday by Iowa Republicans, new parents who work for the same employer would be eligible for more leave under the federal Family Medical Leave Act.

The bills would repeal a section of the 1994 law that limits the amount of leave for new parents who work for the same employer to 12 weeks and families of injured service members who also work for the same employer to 26 weeks. The bills would allow new parents who work for the same employer each to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave  instead of a total of 12 weeks. And eligible spouses would be able to take 26 weeks to care for a covered service member with a serious injury or illness, Ernst announced.

The bills were sponsored by Iowa U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst and U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson of Marion, as well as bipartisan supporters. The pair introduced the identical versions of the bill in the House and Senate. Ernst introduced a similar bill in 2021 in partnership with U.S. Rep. Katie Porter, D-Calif., but the bill didnt make it out of committee.

Under the Family Medical Leave Act, new parents, including those who have recently adopted a child, can get up to 12 weeks of unpaid medical leave, requiring that the employer keep a position open for the employee until the required leave time has ended.

Hinson said the FAIR Leave Act proposal ensures all working parents get the full amount of leave required under the Family Medical Leave Act, even if they work for the same employer, and gives families the resources to take care of their newborns and loved ones while remaining in the workforce.

New parents shouldnt be penalized and receive less family leave just because they work for the same employer, Hinson said in a statement. Ill continue working across the aisle to expand access to leave options for new parents.

Ernst said the bill would help strengthen the workforce and care for the next generation by increasing opportunities for parental leave.

American families fuel our nations workforce, and Im supporting those balancing work and home, Ernst said in a statement. This important provision would support our working parents by making leave fair for families and extend equal benefits to couples regardless of their employer.

PHOTOS: Roast and Ride: Sen. Joni Ernst takes fundraiser on the road Election 2022 Iowa Election 2022 Iowa Election 2022 Iowa Election 2022 Iowa Election 2022 Iowa Election 2022 Iowa Election 2022 Iowa Election 2022 Iowa Election 2022 Iowa Election 2022 Iowa Election 2022 Iowa Election 2022 Iowa Election 2022 Iowa Election 2022 Iowa Election 2022 Iowa Election 2022 Iowa Election 2022 Iowa
DES MOINES  Gov. Kim Reynolds, who has become a key player in the Republican presidential race, released a list of 2024 presidential candidates who will join her for one-on-one interviews at next month's Iowa State Fair.

Notably absent is current GOP primary front-runner and former President Donald Trump, who has faced criticism for attacking Reynolds over her commitment to staying neutral in the leadoff caucus state.

Reynolds invited all 2024 GOP presidential hopefuls, including Trump, for a fair-side chat. The Republican governor has shrugged off pointed criticism from Trump, who in posts on his Truth Social social media platform blamed her for remaining neutral in the 2024 caucuses and claimed credit for her rise to the governor's office in 2018.

Other presidential candidates, well aware of Reynolds popularity with Iowa voters, rose to her defense. Those included Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, seen as the former presidents top primary rival, whose campaign criticized what it called Trumps latest snub to Iowans.

The Iowa State Fair has been a must-stop for decades for presidential contenders of both political parties in the year ahead of the first-in-the-nation nominating contests.

While Ron DeSantis is committed to putting in the work necessary to win Iowa and will be hitting the accelerator in the coming weeks, Donald Trump is proving hes not up for the fight in the Hawkeye State, DeSantis campaign spokeswoman Carly Atchison said in a statement.

Trump skipped a gathering of some 2,000 Christian conservatives earlier this month at the evangelical Family Leadership Summit in Des Moines.

It's the most recent example of Trump shrugging off prominent multicandidate campaign events in the leadoff caucus state for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, opting instead for visits on his own schedule. Trump also skipped Iowa Republican U.S. Sen. Joni Ernsts 2024 Roast and Ride GOP fundraiser in June.

Trump stopped in Cedar Rapids last week to record a town hall with Fox News Sean Hannity and visited a meeting of the Linn County GOP at an Elks Lodge. And Trump does plan to attend Fridays Republican Party of Iowa's annual Lincoln Dinner in Des Moines.

A pair of recent polls of Iowa Republican voters shows Trump holds a commanding lead ahead of the 2024 caucuses, despite swirling legal battles and criticism for attacking Reynolds.

Reynolds will host fair-side chats with the likes of DeSantis, former U.S. ambassador and former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott and former Vice President Mike Pence.

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 said 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 current full schedule is as follows:

Aug. 10, 10:30 a.m.: Conservative talk radio host and former California gubernatorial candidate Larry Elder.

Aug. 11, 8:30 a.m.: North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum; 9:30 a.m.: Former Vice President Mike Pence; 10:30 a.m.: Miami Mayor Francis Suarez.

Aug. 12, 8:30 a.m.: Ohio biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy; 9:30 a.m.: Former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley; 10:30 a.m.: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Aug. 15, 8:30 a.m.: Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson; 9:30 a.m.: Texas pastor Ryan Binkley; 10:30 a.m.: South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott.

Aug. 18, 9:30 a.m.: Michigan businessman Perry Johnson; 10:30 a.m.: Former Texas U.S. Rep. Will Hurd.

Iowans can submit questions for candidates here: https://secure.winred.com/reynoldsgregg/fairsidechats

The interviews will take place at JRs SouthPork Ranch.
The proposed budget for North Carolina supported by the Republican majority includes a big boondoggle for wealthy families we should all know about: The budget will include a taxpayer-funded scholarship for virtually every student in the state who attends private school.

These scholarships (also known as vouchers) are not the kind of scholarships initially introduced to North Carolina a decade ago when the Opportunity Scholarship Program began. They no longer target students from low-income families. They no longer focus on students who tried, but felt dissatisfied with, their local public school. They no longer have only a limited effect on funding for public schools.

Instead, the proposed changes to the program will subsidize any child in North Carolina who attends a private school, including a private religious school, with up to $7,700 a year (and counting). Over 10 years, the cost to the taxpayers will be an astonishing $3.6 billion.

Despite the changes designed to expand tax-funded scholarships, the program will remain as it is in disturbing ways: The private schools receiving the state money will remain completely unregulated and unaccountable to the public. The schools may continue to choose their own curricula, including a curriculum that is completely biblically based and rejects modern science; hire unlicensed teachers; and continue to get state funding regardless of the academic outcomes of their students. The schools may systematically discriminate, refusing to admit English-language learners, children with poor academic records, gay children and children with disabilities, to name a few.

The new appropriations for private school tuition could, of course, be used to support public schools. But not only will all that money go to private schools, but public school district budgets will see a decline of their state funding for each student who leaves the district for a private school. The Office of State Budget and Management estimates this decline could be up to 8% of a districts state funding. This would amount to more than $200 million in reductions for public schools in a single year.

These reductions are part of a long-term trend. Despite the state constitutional requirement that the General Assembly adequately fund public schools, the states schools have been chronically underfunded by hundreds of millions of dollars. The North Carolina Supreme Court ruled last November that the underfunding has deprived thousands upon thousands of students in our state of the opportunity for a sound, basic education. A national study of state school funding shows that North Carolina is nearly last in the country on a metric called fiscal effort. That means we spend a smaller portion of our available resources on public education than all but three other states. The proposed budget will only make that worse.

As our states commitment to public education declines, its commitment to our communities declines as well. The public schools, especially in rural counties, are at the core of community life. Elected school boards help establish a communitys educational values for the vast majority of students who remain in public schools. The legislatures continued reduction of support for public education makes it harder and harder for those boards to put those shared community values into operation as funding is harder and harder to come by. As more children attend private schools, communities can find themselves splintering and losing their collective spirit.

Local public schools remain at the heart of our democracy. If you support them, tell your representative to prioritize public school funding. For the sake of our students and the communities in which they live, lets end private school subsidies.
During all this time away from Greensboro, my junior and senior years at Dudley High School stayed in my thoughts and my soul.

 John Allen Wall, one of the first white students to attend Dudley.

Fifty years ago, Greensboro graduated its first fully desegregated public high school classes.

Until that time, what then were called the Greensboro City Schools were only minimally mixed. Under a freedom of choice plan, small numbers of Black students attended predominantly white schools, though in most cases they were responsible for their own transportation.

But under pressure from the courts in 1971, the city undertook a wholesale redistricting plan that affected all of its public schools, including those that had been historically Black.

The Class of 1973, which was the first to graduate under that plan, will gather this year for a series of reunions, including Grimsley, Page and Smith.

Among the biggest of those celebrations will be the one for Dudley High School, which begins today.

Dudley was one of only a few predominantly Black high schools in the state that were allowed to remain open during desegregation in North Carolina. More often, those schools were closed and the students reassigned to majority-white schools.

So, in the fall of 1971, the unimaginable became reality: Dudley had its first white athletes, cheerleaders, majorettes, Junior ROTC cadets and student leaders.

It was hardly a perfect transition. There was some tension and awkwardness, especially in the beginning. Some students resented having to leave Dudley and some resented having to come to Dudley. But in time friendships were forged, some of them lasting.

And, in the spring of 1973, the first racially mixed class in Dudleys history received diplomas.

Many of those students will convene at the Marriott Greensboro Downtown this weekend to reconnect, to reflect and, of course, to party.

The Dudley Consolidated Class of 1973, as it calls itself, is especially unique because it involves an extended family. Among those who have taken part in the planning of this years reunion:

Thus there will be three speakers at Saturdays banquet:

A white graduate, Leann Nease Brown, who now practices law at a Chapel Hill firm, Brown and Bunch PLLC.

A Black alumnus, Thurman Guy, Ph.D., who attended Dudley as a sophomore but was redistricted to Page High School, where he graduated.

And Black alumnus Howard T.Y. Moore, Student Council president in 1973, who spent all three of his high school years at Dudley.

As for John Allen Wall, now a Chicago attorney, he not only plans to attend the reunion but is working on a book about his experiences at Dudley and is conducting a survey of fellow alumni.

Wonder what theyll say.

In 1971 Greensboro was considered a national model for school desegregation.

It had been unified, intentional and proactive in making the plan work. The Chamber of Commerce and Black clergy played a particularly instrumental role.

Within a few months, experts were citing Greensboro as proof that blacks and whites could come together to make desegregation work, William H. Chafe wrote in his 1980 book Civilities and Civil Rights: Greensboro, North Carolina and the Black Struggle for Freedom.

After studying desegregation in 43 communities, five organizations, including the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, declared that Greensboros process was probably superior to that of almost any other city in the South.

But as Chafe noted and were bearing witness today, it didnt last.

Thanks to white flight to the suburbs and private schools, the diversity in Greensboro schools plummeted. Chafe wrote: Over a period of seven years the school population declined by 5000 students and the ratio of white to black shifted from 68/32 to 55/45. By 1978, four schools had become majority-Black.

Fifty years later, our brief flirtation with racial diversity seems quaint and oh so distant.

Today, what are now called Guilford County Schools are more than 60% Black and Hispanic and 27.5% white. The current Dudley student body is 2% white.

Meanwhile, state lawmakers are poised to make a bad situation worse by offering taxpayer-funded vouchers for private schools regardless of income.

So, while the Class of 1973 will no doubt celebrate and reminisce this weekend, it also may wonder whether the upheaval of 1971 was really worth it.

And what could have been if only we had stayed the course.
Showcasing their hard work and dedication, children and teens proudly displayed their animals this week in Helena during the 4-H show for the Last Chance Stampede and Fair at the Lewis and Clark County Fairgrounds.

I really feel like being in 4-H helped me in my path to study agriculture in college, Isabelle Lowry said Thursday.

After participating in 4-H throughout much of her childhood, this will be Lowrys last year with the youth organization before heading off to college in Oklahoma to study agriculture.

Lowry had multiple livestock animals to show at the fair, with her market lamb earning her the Grand Champion award. She had planned to show her steers Friday.

Animals will be auctioned off in the Multi-Purpose Sale Arena at 3 p.m. on Saturday.

The roots of 4-H date back to 1902, when educators at land grant universities recognized that involving young people was an effective approach to improving farming and farm-homemaking practices, according to the Lewis and Clark County 4-H website.

Photos: 4-H Lamb Market Show at the Last Chance Stampede and Fair
Montana State Fund on Thursday announced a matching donation of up-to $150,000 over five years to Kids Chance of Montana, which gave a $4,000 scholarship to the daughter of a Montana Highway Patrol trooper injured in the line of duty.

Mia Palmer, the 18-year-old daughter of Highway Patrol Trooper Wade Palmer, received the money. Palmer was severely injured by a gunshot wound to the head while in pursuit of a murder suspect in 2019.

Kids Chance is a non-profit organization established nationwide to help dependents of workers who have been injured or killed on the job with their higher education goals. Montanas chapter was established in 2017  since its inception, Kids Chance of Montana has raised more than $365,000 and awarded scholarships to 28 students totaling more than $185,000.

Palmers wife Lindsey came with Mia from Stevensville to attend Thursdays check presentation from State Fund to Kids Chance. The $4,000 scholarship will be put toward Mias tuition.

She will be a freshman this fall at the University of Idaho, where her mother said she will study interior design. Palmer is one of three freshmen, joining 10 returning recipients, receiving a KCMT scholarship for the 2023/24 school year.

We are extremely grateful, Lindsey Palmer said.

During the ceremony she gave an update on her husband as several Montana Highway Patrol troopers sat in the audience in the Montana State Fund office in Helena.

He is currently still working on his road to recovery and going to therapy every week, she said. The audience applauded when she said he was walking mostly unaided.

Hes truly been a miracle and we cant wait to see how much further he can go, Lindsey Palmer said.

Montana State Fund is the states not-for-profit and leading workers compensation insurance company,

The donation is a matching donation intended to raise awareness of the KCMT program and the fact that often, severe workplace accidents can have ramifications for yearsor decades. The mission of KCMT is to alleviate the financial burden a life-changing injury can have on not just the injured worker, but also their family. Previously MSF donated more than $25,000 to establish an endowment to help carry the organization into the future.

Holly ODell, MSFs president and chief executive officer, said Montana State Fund has donated in previous years.

She noted in a news release that workplace accidents may have impacts that extend to other family members  sometime for years.

We believe it is our duty, obligation, and opportunity to help relieve some of those impacts through Kids Chance so families and communities know when the worst happens, they are not alone, she said.

She said the donation helps State Fund in its mission to serve Montanans.

Leah Tietz, president of Kids Chance of Montana, said the $150,000 will help more Montana students achieve their educational goals.

Im so proud of our students, she said. And we get the chance to see them shine.

To learn more about Kids Chance of Montana, visit www.kidschanceofmontana.org for more information or to donate.
As Montana Pride is set to start in Helena this weekend, a federal judge Friday issued a temporary block on a law meant to ban minors' attendance at some drag performances and story hours.

The block came as part of a lawsuit challenging House Bill 359, passed earlier this year. Organizers of the week-long Pride event initially said their request for permits to hold the gatherings would be denied.

The city of Helena, added as a defendant in the case along with the state Attorney General, Superintendent of Public Instruction and chief executive of Butte-Silver Bow County, later said it would issue the permits. The city joined individuals, businesses and organizations in calling for the temporary halt to the law, saying it did not want to deny permits and possibly violate organizers' and participants' rights but also didn't want its employees at risk of legal challenges for issuing permits.

"The 30th annual Montana Pride is slated to begin in less than two days. Plaintiffs, along with the approximately 15,000 Montanans who wish to attend the events, cannot avoid chilled speech or exposure to potential civil or criminal liability under HB 359 in the absence of the extraordinary remedy of a (temporary restraining order)," U.S. District Court Judge Brian Morris wrote in his order.

"The City of Helena faces the untenable choice between 'infring[ing] upon plaintiff[s] constitutional rights' and 'subject[ing]' the city employees tasked with reviewing Montana Prides application 'to civil and criminal liability under the provisions of HB 359.'

In addition to saying the plaintiffs in the case were likely to succeed in proving their claims the law is too vague and violates the First Amendment, Morris wrote that plaintiffs were likely to suffer "irreparable harm" if the law stayed in place for now.

"The court determines that HB 359s statutory scheme likely will disproportionately harm not only drag performers, but any person who falls outside traditional gender and identity norms, including trans and Two Spirit people," Morris wrote. Two Spirt refers to those in the Native community that have male and female spirits or identify as such.

"Plaintiffs and the thousands of community members and the local businesses who wish to participate in or attend 2023 Montana Pride face the prospect of irreparable harm in the absence of a (temporary restraining order) should they face attendant criminal and/or civil liability under HB 359 for their protected speech and expression," Morris wrote later in his ruling.

Morris also referenced people already having to change their behavior or planned actions because of the law, like the cancelation of a talk by Adria Jawort, a trans woman from Billings. The Butte Public Library called off the event, citing HB 359, and it was eventually hosted elsewhere.

Morris also referenced in his order drag bans in Florida and Tennessee, where a judge wrote the bill "reeks with constitutional maladies of vagueness and over-breadth fatal to statutes that regulate the First Amendment."

"HB 359 appears to suffer from similar 'constitutional maladies,'" Morris wrote.

House Bill 359, carried by Republican Rep. Braxton Mitchell of Columbia Falls, bans minors from drag story hours in public schools, libraries and other places that receive public funding, as well as drag shows held on public property or in places that receive public funding and in sexually oriented businesses, as defined in the law. The bill was passed with only GOP support and signed into law by Republican Gov Greg. Gianforte earlier this year.

Plaintiffs in the case welcomed the block on the law.

Drag is definitionally political and artistic speech, said Diana Bourgeois, president of the Imperial Sovereign Court of the State of Montana. The courts order today protects our right to be commentators and artists and to create a safe, joyful and welcoming environment through our expression.

One of the owners of a Helena business hosting a drag story hour during Pride said the ruling can foster a better environment for Pride and the community at large.

The importance of feeling safe in our community cannot be overstated, said Chelsia Rice, co-owner of the Montana Book Co. HB 359 is an attack on the LGBTQ+ community. We will always be a safe place for our communityand it is a relief to know that the courts will back us up.

Lawyers said their efforts would continue.

HB 359 is an affront to the First Amendment, said attorney Niki Zupanic, deputy director for Upper Seven Law. Montanans of every background and identity must be free to express themselves without fear of state retribution.

In an emailed statement, Helena city Manager Tim Burton said Friday we appreciate Judge Morris expediency in issuing a decision prior to the start of the Montana Pride event.

Montana Pride President Kevin Hamm thanked the city of Helena for its continued support.

"The city is supportive of Pride; they've always been supportive," Hamm said. "They threw the state under the bus nicely."

Emily Flower, a spokesperson for the state Attorney General, wrote in a statement Friday: "We look forward to presenting our written response and full argument at the upcoming preliminary injunction hearing to defend the law and protect minors from sexually oriented performances."

The Superintendent of Public Instruction's office said in a statement Friday "Superintendent Arntzen typically does not comment on pending litigation but appreciates Judge Morris recognition that 'the government possesses a compelling state interest in childrens wellbeing and safety.

 Reporter Nolan Lister contributed to this story.
Even more people were removed from Medicaid coverage in Montana during the second month of a massive process to re-determine the enrollment qualifications of everyone on the program.

The pace of removals and data showing most of those who lost coverage ended up there because they failed to provide requested information to the state health department triggered two groups to ask the federal government to address their concerns and push the state to consider pausing or slowing the rate of the process called "unwinding."

The state health department reported that 19,244 people were removed from Medicaid in May, compared to 14,960 in April when the unwinding started. That means nearly half of those in the first two rounds of reviewing coverage qualifications have lost their health insurance, or a total of 34,204 people.

The removals are happening as part of a process going on nationwide. During the federal public health emergency declared for the COVID-19 pandemic, people who were approved for Medicaid coverage remained on the program regardless of fluctuations in their income or other metrics used to determine qualifications. But with the end of that emergency status earlier this year, states began the process of reviewing those qualifications.

More than 64% of those who lost coverage did so not because the state determined they were ineligible, but because they failed to return information asked for by the Department of Public Health and Human Services. It's unclear how many of those people would have remained qualified for Medicaid if they returned the paperwork. About a quarter of the population reviewed so far (that the state was able to gather information for) was determined ineligible for continued coverage. The unwinding process is set to take 10 months total.

Jon Ebelt, a spokesperson for the state health department, said in an email this week the department started the process with populations more likely to lose coverage because they were previously qualified based on income or other things more likely to have changed over the last three years. It will then move to review coverage for the aged, blind and disabled populations in the fourth month of unwinding.

DPHHS expects these initial months to have a higher closure rate as a result of this population-based approach, Ebelt wrote. He added people can still re-apply for coverage and appeal decisions about ended coverage, and that the department has worked with partners to inform people about other options for health insurance like the federal marketplace.

Challenges with the process

Earlier this month the Montana Budget and Policy Center and Montana Women Vote sent a letter to the federal government expressing "deep concerns about the process and outcomes of the Medicaid unwind in Montana."

Though still in the early stages, we have encountered many issues that seem at odds with the shared goals of the state, advocates, and providers  to ensure that people can move through the process fairly and without undue hardship and to minimize, to the extent possible, unnecessary coverage loss, the letter reads.

The letter referenced a backlog of renewals submitted before the end of May but still pending and terminated coverage for those stuck in that process, as well as excessive call center wait times  from between two to eight hours.

In a response this week, Ebelt wrote that the state is following requirements in law to re-evaluate if people are qualified for coverage.

With the federal pandemic health emergency now over, DPHHS is exercising its statutory responsibility to verify the eligibility of Medicaid recipients. This includes recipients who may have enrolled in Medicaid during the pandemic and no longer qualify for coverage, including those who reentered the workforce and have employer-sponsored health care coverage, Ebelt wrote.

The letter also raises concerns about how fast the state is moving through the reviews. Though the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid suggest states process no more than one-ninth of their Medicaid population every month, Montana is attempting more than that over five of the first six months, the letter points out.

In total, the state will initiate 75% of renewals in the first six months of the unwinding. Given the stories we have heard from Montanans, we are concerned the state is attempting a renewal pace which exceeds its ability to provide people with accessible and accurate renewals, the letter reads.

Ebelt wrote that the state is processing Medicaid redetermination cases in a timely and accurate manner, and in accordance with a plan submitted to and reviewed by the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

He added that the department is leveraging a variety of communications tools and operational flexibilities offered by CMS.

To date, over 30,000 Montanans have been redetermined eligible for Medicaid, with more renewals on the way as our 10-month process steadily continues, he wrote, adding that the department when possible tries to verify who is qualified for coverage through an automatic electronic process.

Hurdles in the system

But the letter says there are issues with enrollment for people getting information from the state and trying to provide what's asked of them.

We have heard many anecdotes of individuals who followed instructions, believed they were still covered, and did not receive notice that they had been disenrolled until they were turned away at the pharmacy or clinic," the letter read.

Additional problems the letter notes include a non-functioning virtual chat assistant on the health department's website, the application portal being overly complicated and logging out people who are trying to work through the application process, and the helpline disconnecting people during long wait times.

Given the serious and endemic nature of these issues, we believe that the large number of Montanans being unenrolled includes a high percentage of people who have not had a fair and timely redetermination process and who may still be eligible for coverage, the letter reads.

Ebelt said the department is working to address wait times.

DPHHS is exploring ways to simplify the phone tree options, increase speed of answer, and resolve questions quickly. The department is dedicated to serving each and every client, Ebelt wrote. To best serve those calling the helpline, staff spend as much time as necessary with clients to ensure their case is properly processed, their questions are answered, and next steps are clearly communicated.

What continuous coverage has meant for people

Skye McGinty, the executive director of All Nations Health Center in Missoula, said her organization has been using a $1 million grant the center pursued to help connect people with health insurance. The focus groups include kids, pregnant people and the Native populations.

The center works with about 2,000 active clients, about 70% of which are eligible for Medicaid, McGinty said, and eligibility specialists work with them to apply for and keep coverage.

While people may mistakenly think the Indian Health Service is synonymous with health insurance, its not. And with about 40% of the states Native population living off reservations, care is frequently accessed elsewhere. All Nations also serves the entire Missoula population, not just Natives.

Additionally, people often need specialized or additional care beyond what the clinic can offer, such as a podiatrist or asthma specialist, services that can be expensive without insurance.

Having continuous eligibility on the program during the pandemic was dramatically helpful to reliable access to health care, McGinty said.

For three years we completely paused all of that and it had a huge, monumental, tremendous impact for our patients who arent having to think about it, McGinty said.

It meant a decrease in their anxiety and their fear about not being able to access health care at all. People dont have as much fear as when they have to go through a redetermination process every year. It was a time when it was so uncertain and really scary for a lot of people, and at least there was a constant of If we need medical help, if we need some amount of coverage, then we do have that through Medicaid.

Roadblocks to keeping coverage

Many people first gained coverage during the pandemic, so navigating the re-enrollment system is new to them, McGinty said.

Its no secret to everyone this system is really clunky and the application process is really esoteric, McGinty said. If you dont have the right documents and you dont have your taxes in order, theres a lot of different delays that can happen. Its pretty discouraging having to go through that system, especially by yourself.

There are other challenges besides the complex paperwork process. For people who live in rural areas, they might not be able to check their PO Box every day and could miss deadlines to re-enroll. They might also not know what the mail coming from the health department is, or not have transportation available to make trips to a place to get help navigating the enrollment process or be able to take time off work or away from caregiving obligations.

For pregnant people, theres additional racism in traditional western medical settings where value judgements are made about people of color expecting children. The additional pressures put on them to be high-performing parents and seen as doing everything possible for their children can make it a challenge to find capacity and time for other things.

Marilyn Gomez, an eligibility specialist with All Nations, said many of her clients arrive to her confused about paperwork theyve received, perplexed by the forms the state needs filled out or after learning their coverage was already terminated.

Ive had multiple clients come in saying they verified their address and were waiting for paperwork in the mail and now in the month of June or July, they go to the pharmacy to pick up medications and they tell them youre closed (meaning their coverage has ended), Gomez said.

One of Gomezs clients was caught in a complicated web when his coverage was terminated. He didnt receive any of the mail to complete his redetermination process because his account was initially established under his now ex-wife and communication was sent to her. Though the man qualifies for benefits, he wasnt able to get a warning about what was about to happen or send the state information to show he should receive them.

Then when he submitted a new application online, the system automatically associated him with his former wifes account, further delaying the process.

Because this patient had an urgent medical need with his medication, I was on hold for five-and-a-half hours and finally got an agent who said they couldnt find his application at first, Gomez said. Because his application was linked to someone else's with no way to correct that, the man needed to do another application over the phone again.

Other patients are waiting through the 45-day window for their reapplications to be processed after a denial.

If somebody's diabetic and they need to get their medicine, I cant tell them Oh, Medicaid is pending but you can go get your insulin, Gomez said.

People can also be intimated by the sheer amount of information mailed to them, Gomez said, along with the process to apply online. Theres a dual-verification requirement to establish someones identity, and without a laptop or cellphone its not possible to submit.

A lot of the people Im working with are not technologically savvy, Gomez continued. She had to get a work-issued smartphone to help people navigate the verification process, which requires the ability to take and submit a photo online.

Patients who lose access to health insurance are no longer able to keep seeing their doctors for chronic conditions that get worse without regular treatment, McGinty said, and can also lose access to medications.

Thats been the biggest fear Ive heard from our clients is the disruption, McGinty said. Thats huge and then the disruption for their children is huge, whether its physicals or sick child visits, theres a big fear around losing that coverage for kids. Its not healthy for our people to be cold-turkey stopping and restarting medication.

Children losing coverage

By July 13, 13,748 children and teens under the age of 18 have lost Medicaid coverage through the unwinding process, Ebelt said.

The number of children who have lost their health care in the past two months is concerning. It is more than every Montana public preschooler and kindergartener enrolled last year, said Stephanie Morton, the executive director of Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Montana.

Children need access to checkups and essential vaccinations. Those with chronic health conditions, such as cancer and diabetes, may miss medications that keep them alive. Administrative hurdles to keeping eligible kids and families covered are adding to the already difficult job of parents and caregivers in our state.

Gomez, the enrollment specialist, said information coming from the health department doesnt help parents understand that even if they exceed income limits for adult programs, their child still may qualify for Healthy Montana Kids programs.

Theyre not aware of the diversity of programs offered, so they go and search the income limits and it brings up the one for them as adults and theyre not interpreting the information correctly, Gomez said.

People may also get denial letters for themselves but not realize it doesnt necessarily apply to their children.

Families can be placed onto transitional Medicaid to offer some coverage while trying to get insurance elsewhere, but theres minimal information provided about the program and people often dont know if that means their child is still insured, Gomez said.

Going forward

CMS has stopped the redetermination process in a dozen states, not including Montana. CNN reported earlier this month Daniel Tsai, director of the Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services, told reporters in a press briefing that despite all the preparations and what we know has been a tremendous amount of work at the state level and in the community, we are very concerned about the level of terminations, meaning disenrollment, that we are seeing across the country.

Outreach efforts in Montana have included approximately 100,000 text messages to households most likely to have new mailing addresses encouraging them to update their contact information, Ebelt wrote. The health department also plans a new public service announcement campaign about redetermination, to run through the rest of the process.

Still, groups like the organizations that signed the letter to the federal government and All Nations in Missoula worry about the pace of review and disenrollment.

Those 10 months are going to go by really fast, McGinty said.
Fears of Chinese espionage triggered by a spy balloon hovering over Montana months ago, fueled several Montana amendments to a national defense bill Thursday.

Montanas U.S. senators touted their amendments to the must-pass National Defense Authorization Act during Thursday press calls ahead of the bill's evening passage.

A ban on U.S. farmland sales to foreign adversaries, approval of the Fort Belknap Water Settlement and a 5.2% pay raise for service members, were just three of the amendments advanced by Montana U.S. Sens. Jon Tester and Steve Daines as the Senate attempted to pass an NDAA mostly free of partisan deal-breakers.

Theres usually strong, bipartisan support for the National Defense Authorization Act, an annual bill that green lights funding levels and priorities for the Department of Defense. This year's $886 million NDAA bill passed the Senate 86 to 11. That wasnt the case last week when just four Democrats voted with Republicans on an NDAA that limited abortion access and banned transgender health care for service members and their families.

The House and Senate versions of NDAA now head to conference committee to be reconciled, the resulting version needing to pass muster with both chambers.

My top priority is making sure we have a budget that makes sure our forces have what they need to be successful in theater, or wherever they are, said Tester, a Montana Democrat. China and Russia, they're doing a lot of stuff to make the world less safe. So, I think we really need to focus on that. But the external issues are there. I believe, as I said, the Senate are the adults in the room. I think when we go to conference, we will end up with a with a better bill, or with a better bill all the way around. I think a lot of this stuff will fall out because hopefully people will understand the NDAA is about protecting this nation, and then move forward. Have the fights on social issues somewhere else. Don't have it on a defense bill.

The most impactful amendment was the The Fort Belknap Indian Community Water Rights Settlement triggering $1.3 billion in infrastructure improvements and economic development, including funding for the Milk River Project, which waters 339 miles of farms and communities along the Montana Hi-Line. Both senators spoke to the amendment.

Both Tester and Daines back an amendment banning foreign adversaries like China and Russia from purchasing American farmland. The concern stems from a July 2022 purchase of North Dakota farmland by Fufeng Group, the worlds largest producer of monosodium glutamate, xanthan gum, bouillon, and other flavorings. The 300-acre farm was a 20-minute drive from Grand Forks Air Force Base.

Though foreign holdings of U.S. properties are widespread, the Fufeng purchase launched multiple state and federal attempts to ban ownership by adversaries, with China being the most cited.

Its targeted on the lands around military bases, where we start, because of the sensitivity, certainly, to our military assets, Daines said. This is about preventing espionage. And the Chinese are knowingly trying to do this and have done this. So, this is going to be a part of due diligence. You put a federal law in place, there will be incredible scrutiny and traceability. It's usually something that can be found out when you start looking at where the money flows.

Asked if he was worried about China retaliating with its own policy, Tester quipped, They dont allow us to buy farmland there. Whats good for the goose, is good for the gander.

The lawmakers also pursued an investigation into the use of over-the-counter U.S. technology used for foreign espionage. The amendment was sparked by an earlier revelation that U.S. technology was found in the wreckage of a Chinese spy balloon first spotted over Billings. The balloon itself was revealed to be available on Alibaba, a Chinese internet commerce site.

Another balloon inspired amendment required the Department of Defense to analyze weaknesses in the North American Aerospace Defense Command, which failed to spot the balloon.

Similarly, the House passed an amendment by Western District Republican Rep. Ryan Zinke to strengthen the ground to air data link that prevented fighter jets from locating a second balloon that flew over Montana late last winter.

Daines and Tester also supported an amendment to impose sanctions on international traffickers of fentanyl or its precursor chemicals. The amendment also declared international trafficking of fentanyl a national emergency.

The fentanyl crisis was slow to arrive in Montana, where overdose deaths were low, until 2021 when 199 people died from drug overdoses, 67% increase from five years earlier. Its estimated that the percentage overdoses in Montana from synthetic opioids increased from 18% in 2019 to 30% in 2020, according to state health data.
Harbinger. Bellwether. Symptom.

Insult to injury.

Algal blooms periodically bedevil the Big Hole River. But not like this one, say people who know the river well.

Algae itself is not necessarily uncommon, but river-wide, thick neon blooms sure are, said Brian Wheeler, executive director of the Big Hole River Foundation.

Looking back over the last, say, 25 to 30 years, folks I talk to simply dont remember ever seeing such extensive blooms or such widespread algae so regularly, he said.

The Montana Department of Environmental Quality recently took water quality samples related to the algal bloom.

DEQ expects to have water quality sample results back from the lab by the end of August, said Moira Davin, a spokeswoman for the agency.

Our monitoring team also completed a visual assessment of algae growth and documented moderate to high growth from Melrose to Glen, she said. Based on the visual assessment, the algae doesnt appear to have harmful algal blooms present. The sample results will help inform us about the state of the water quality and what could be contributing to the algae blooms.

Davin said DEQs team works with regional partners like the Big Hole Watershed Committee and the Big Hole River Foundation to support ongoing volunteer water quality monitoring, projects to reduce pollutants and restore streambank vegetation and more.

Although algae can play a beneficial role in aquatic environments, dense blooms of algae can doom aquatic life. They block sunlight, clog fish gills and affect the breathing of creatures like shellfish. Then, when the bloom dies and decays, its decomposition can deplete oxygen in the water and release harmful gases.

On July 21, the nonprofit Upper Missouri Waterkeeper described the algal bloom downstream of Divide as miles-long, neon-green and noxious. The organizations press release was headlined, Another blow to the Big Hole River.

The river, long famous for scenery and fly fishing, has made news this summer because of concerns about declining trout populations. Those revelations have discouraged some anglers but others have floated or waded and happily reported catching trout.

The Upper Missouri Waterkeeper, based in Bozeman, said the new algal bloom adds to the suite of troubling conditions plaguing the river and basin this summer. The organization cited historic lows in populations of brown and rainbow trout, warm water temperatures and low flows.

A healthy river needs balanced physical, chemical and biological processes, and all three on the Big Hole River are sadly degraded, said Guy Alsentzer, executive director of Upper Missouri Waterkeeper.

In the face of climate change, trout population decline and excessive nutrient pollution, we need to take decisive action with science-based solutions capable of restoring this world-class waterway, he said.

One key concern has a long history: low flows and accompanying increases in water temperature. Trout need cold, clear water.

Conflict often rears about water withdrawals for irrigation by ranchers in the Big Hole Valley and elsewhere in the Jefferson Basin. Those withdrawals, combined with drought, reduce flows.

In early June, Eileen Ryce, fisheries division administrator for Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, spoke to this issue.

Trout populations in many streams in southwest Montana have seen decline in recent years, and research continues to point to perennially low stream flows and high water temperatures as contributing factors, Ryce said.

DEQ has described this summers Big Hole algae downstream from Divide as a filamentous green algae bloom.

Filamentous green algae forms green, cottony masses that are free-floating or attached to rocks, debris or other plants, according to the Missouri Department of Conservation.

It features fine, green filaments sans leaves, roots, stems or flowers. The algae frequently form dense mats. And it can have beneficial effects.

According to Rutgers University Cooperative Extension, Filamentous algae are an essential component of the aquatic ecosystem. They serve as a food source for protozoa and invertebrates, provide oxygen to the water and provide habitat for small animals including aquatic insects, fish, snails and scud.

High water temperatures, low flows and the abundant sunshine of a Montana summer also set the stage for algal blooms. Nutrients flowing into waterbodies exacerbate the problem.

Water quality testing by the Big Hole River Foundation has identified the upper Big Hole River valley, which hosts a multi-generational cattle ranching community, as a source of nutrient loading.

Manure and fertilizer can add nutrients to the river.

Dean Peterson, a fourth-generation rancher in the upper Big Hole, has said he believes manure is a more likely nutrient source than fertilizer. He noted many ranchers have worked to keep cattle away from the river.

Peterson is a board member for the Big Hole Watershed Committee and has said he recognizes that both the ranching community and the angler outfitting and guiding community on the Big Hole rely on a healthy watershed.

Wheeler, also a board member for the Big Hole Watershed Committee, said nutrients washing into the upper Big Hole certainly could be associated with an algal bloom miles downstream.

While our high nutrient results are tilted more consistently towards the upper river, its pretty easy to conceptualize that what is upstream flows downstream, he said. And high levels of total nitrogen and total phosphorous have certainly not been exclusive to the upper river  with the exception of our headwaters sample site, excess levels of nitrogen and phosphorous have been recorded at all our mainstem sites at some point.

The Rutgers Cooperative Extension observes that algae problems arise when excess nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorous) cause excessive growth to reach nuisance levels resulting in an algal accumulation known as mats, moss, water net, frog spittle or scum. Over-abundant growth can interfere with recreational activity and degrade water quality.

Wheeler said triggers aside from nutrients can help initiate and sustain algal blooms. He cited flow velocity, pH levels, sunlight and water temperature as potential contributors.

He said the current algal bloom appears similar to a 2020 event that followed a fierce rainstorm near Divide that flooded the Maidenrock Road and washed in materials from surrounding fields.

The resulting bloom exploded from there to Glen, Wheeler said.

He said it is important to recognize that once an algal bloom emerges, theres no effective contemporaneous intervention.

However, if we work toward managing water quality based on what nutrient data is measurably showing us, then we can begin to anticipate the likelihood of an emergence of algae, he said.

For example, when the Big Hole River Foundation finds nitrogen and phosphorus levels well above the numeric thresholds beyond which a negative impact on beneficial use is more likely, for multiple consecutive years, it's really no surprise that the Big Hole would see an extensive bloom, Wheeler said. Especially as the water drops and it gets hot and bright.

He said data submitted to the state from the foundation each year could help inform proactive management, pinpoint sources of nutrients and reduce nutrient loading and prevent algal blooms altogether.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, Wheeler said.
DECATUR  Rahiam A. Shabazz will serve over 30 years in prison for his part in a brutal home invasion that victims say has left their entire family traumatized.

Shabazz, 23, was convicted in June in Macon County Circuit Court on four charges of home invasion, two counts of armed robbery and one charge each of aggravated battery and armed violence. He was acquitted on one charge of aggravated battery.

Judge Jeffrey Geisler on Thursday sentenced Shabazz to three 39-year sentences, to be served concurrently, on the counts of home invasion and armed robbery. He was also sentenced to a concurrent, five-year sentence for aggravated battery.

Geisler rejected a request from prosecution for the sentences to be served consecutively.

Shabazz was one of five co-defendants charged in a series of brutal home invasions on the night of Nov. 20, 2018. On Thursday, prosecution narrowed in on one of the invasions more terrifying aspects  that the perpetrators had shoved a gun inside the mouth of a six-year-old boy asleep in the home Shabazz was convicted of invading.

In a victim impact statement, the boys mother said her sons life will never be the same.

Before the attack, he was a typical six-year-old boy, she said. He was carefree and confident, funny and witty.

These same things cannot be said of him now, she continued.

After the attack, her son became reserved and easily frightened. He has trouble trusting anyone and rarely gets a full nights sleep anymore, she said.

Every night she walks with him through their entire home, inspecting every door and window and nearly every inch of the house for danger. The mother said she sometimes finds herself accidentally triggering her son; even a touch on the shoulder to wake him up in the mornings can lead to him shrieking and swinging in defense.

He is constantly terrified, she said.

In his impact statement, the boys grandfather said he also has trouble sleeping at night as any slight sound could trigger flashbacks to the attack.

I really thought myself, my son and my grandson were going to die that night, he told the judge. These individuals need to be removed from society and punished for their actions.

Defense counsel Susan Moorehead pled for mercy on behalf of her client, arguing hed been raised on the streets and was still a teenager during the invasions.

But Special Prosecutor Kate Kurtz argued the defendants extensive and very serious juvenile criminal record and his multiple instances of disciplinary action at the Macon County Jail were evidence that he would reoffend if released.

What this defendant did has an impact forever, she said.

As for Shabazzs co-defendants, Byron D. Theus, 23, pleaded guilty to two counts of aggravated kidnapping and a charge of home invasion in August and was sentenced to 33 years in prison. Dondrion L. Austin, 23, was also sentenced to 33 years in October.

Raymond D. Graham, 27, was sent to prison for six years in April of 2021 after pleading guilty to a charge of home invasion.

A fifth defendant, Mikhail D. Gordon, 21, was also in court on Thursday for a status hearing on charges including home invasion, armed robbery, armed violence and aggravated battery. A pretrial hearing has been set for Aug. 31.

Shabazz still faces other charges relating to the 2018 home invasions. His other cases are set for status hearings on Aug. 14.

What you missed this week in notable Decatur and Macon County crimes and court cases This week's local crime and court updates from Herald and Review. Crime and Courts Bribery count against ComEd dismissed 3 years after agreement blew open Madigan probe While ComEds criminal exposure is now over, the case still has a long way to go.
DECATUR  The man who feared Now I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds got the keys to the Pandoras box holding the worlds first nuclear bomb thanks, in part, to crucial top-secret engineering work carried out in Decatur.

The story behind creating the bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945  which killed more than 100,000 Japanese citizens and finally persuaded Imperial Japan that continuing World War II was a lost cause  has been thrown into sharp relief with the release of the summer blockbuster movie Oppenheimer.

It explores the brilliant and tragic life of theoretical physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer, the wartime director of the Los Alamos Laboratory which spearheaded the Manhattan Project, code name for the bombs development.

And a key part of that development was done in a disguised factory tucked into the middle of Soy City, a factory that paved the way for a weapon that stopped World War II but, if the even deadlier and enhanced versions of it were ever used in anger now, could spell the end of mankind.

In a 1965 TV interview, two years before he died, Oppenheimer was asked what passed through his mind when he saw the flash of the nuclear fireball on July 16, 1945, as the first man-made nuclear explosion in history lit up a test area of New Mexico desert known as the Jornada del Muerto, which roughly means Dead Mans Journey.

Oppenheimer recalled thinking of lines from Hindu scripture about death and destruction in the service of duty as the world outside went white with nuclear fire.

Now I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds. I suppose we all thought that, one way or another, Oppenheimer said.

We knew the world would not be the same. A few people laughed; a few people cried. Most people were silent.

Secret no more

Decaturs role in ushering in the nuclear age was top secret, as was every aspect of the Manhattan Project. But secrecy was gone with the mushroom cloud of the first bomb dropped on Hiroshima by the B-29 bomber Enola Gay, (a plane named for the pilots mother) at 8:15 a.m. Aug. 6, 1945.

On Tuesday, Aug. 7, this headline appeared in the then Decatur Herald: Garfield Plant Here Aiding in Production of New Atomic Bomb.

The story continued: Decatur and the nations best-kept secret of the war is out.

The Garfield division of the Houdaille-Hershey Corp. has been having a part in the production of the new atomic bomb.

Announcement of the war plants production of parts of the worlds most powerful bomb came yesterday from the office of Maj. Gen. Leslie R. Groves in the War Department at Washington, D.C.

It was the first announcement which in any way indicated what the Garfield plant has been producing since the plant began production a year ago last spring.

You can read all about it these days on the website of the Atomic Heritage Foundation (AHF), which seeks to preserve and tell the story of the Manhattan Project and the legacy of the Atomic Age. The Decatur plant gets its own special mention.

Located near a site once used for manufacturing the Comet automobile in the 800 block of East Garfield Avenue, the Houdaille-Hershey Plant was disguised as a place for assembling car parts. What it was really doing was feverishly working to manipulate and apply materials used in the process of enriching uranium to produce the raw fuel that powered explosive nuclear chain reactions.

The Decatur plant was responsible for the complex job of plating the interior of pipes with a barrier material instrumental in the gaseous diffusion process for the enrichment of uranium, according to the foundation.

Its website features an interview with the late Lawrence S. ORourke, a scientist who worked on the Manhattan Project and also worked in Decatur, training the employees there who had no idea of the purpose behind their work.

ORourke recalls how the plant was visited by Lt. General Leslie Groves (played by Matt Damon in the movie, with Cillian Murphy as Oppenheimer); Groves was an Army engineer who oversaw all of the bomb work.

The most memorable part of it was one day when General Groves appeared on scene, said ORourke.

And I learned that when General Groves shows up, things happen  what a dynamic person. And he stood on a platform and over his head was this sign (that said) Every tube may mean a life, (tubes were part of the enriching process equipment).

That was very dramatic  I can see him up there and he didnt cut any corners, he just laid it on. He said I dont care how hard you think you are working, or how tough you think it is or how tedious it may seem to you; you just keep at it

Bret Robertson, chairman of the History of the Heartland group that celebrates Decatur history, isnt surprised the Manhattan Project's Decatur workforce, numbering some 4,000 during peak production at the secret factory, was able to give the general his ultimate weapon.

Robertson described the city as a sophisticated manufacturing hub before World War II came along. And the production lines that formerly churned out precision parts for civilian machinery were able to switch rapidly to beating their plowshares into swords at Uncle Sams behest.

Decatur was a great manufacturing town with not only the factory capabilities but also the engineering capacity to put together new processes and make it work, said Robertson.

This place had the engineering bandwidth to pull it all off and a workforce that was able to support that.

Decatur Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe was surprised to learn about her citys A-bomb connection but not shocked at all to know that the manufacturing hub of Central Illinois was able to get its share of the job done. She does wonder, however, at the immensity of the history-changing product those skilled local hands were helping to fashion, and the responsibility shouldered by men like Oppenheimer who knew where all that manufacturing prowess was headed.

Can you imagine having to make those decisions, and what the people who actually knew what was going on had to be going through? she asked.

Its mind-boggling. And its amazing to think Decatur played a role in all that.

Atomic debate

Debate has raged ever since about the morality of using the nightmare weapons that Decatur helped make possible, and which soon began to proliferate. Oppenheimer himself met with President Harry Truman in October 1945 to advocate for international control of atomic weapons, and he opposed development of the more powerful hydrogen bomb.

The top secrecy of the Manhattan Project had been penetrated early by the former Soviet Union which had tested its first nuclear bomb in 1949. Today, the Federation of American Scientists states that at least nine countries are now known to possess nuclear weapons with an estimated 12,500 warheads in arsenals scattered around the planet.

The U.S. stockpile alone is feared to have the capacity to annihilate most of human life some 10 times over due to the development of more potent warheads. The bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki had an explosive yield of 15 kilotons (one kiloton equals 1,000 tons of TNT); and yet as early as 1954 the U.S. tested a weapon with a 15-megaton yield while the former Soviet Union tested a weapon with an estimated yield of up to 58 megatons  the Tsar Bomba  in 1961.

To put that into a frightening perspective, one megaton has the same blast energy as one million tons of TNT.

So how are we to see the dawn of the age of nuclear terror now? Macon County Historian Mark Sorensen says we ought to remember the context of World War II and the threat America and the free world faced from the likes of Imperial Japan and the Nazi Third Reich under Adolf Hitler.

Hitlers scientists were laboring to produce an atomic weapon and the Nazis already had a delivery vehicle ready to go: the V2 rocket, pioneered by Wernher Von Braun, the German scientist who would later send Americans to the moon while working for NASA. His V2 was the worlds first intercontinental ballistic missile that traveled faster than sound and was dropping conventional warheads on London in 1944.

Given all that and the prospect of a Japan that had refused to surrender as almost 7,000 U.S. Marines lost their lives in the fight to take just one Japanese island  Iwo Jima  the casualty prospects from an invasion of that countrys mainland were staggering. American war-planners had estimates of up to a million dead G.I.s and many more Japanese fatalities.

Sorensen says with those sobering predictions clouding the future, there was some sense of salvation seen in the weapon Decatur helped to bring about, a weapon so terrible it could shock a fanatical enemy into suddenly giving up and sparing the world more grinding mass bloodshed.

People wanted the war to end, and they wanted to see it end tomorrow, he said.

Japanese nuclear bomb casualties are estimated at 66,000 dead and 69,000 wounded in Hiroshima, and 39,000 dead and 25,000 injured in Nagasaki.

On the other side of the scale are the total casualty figures for the entire World War II conflict up until the bombs forced Japans surrender, and the end of the global war, on Aug. 15, 1945.

The National World War II Museum in New Orleans estimates the war cost 15 million battle deaths worldwide and 25 million wounded. Civilian deaths are estimated at 45 million, but thats hard to judge; the museum says some projections list Chinese civilian deaths alone at 50 million.

In the years after the global conflicts ocean of blood had finally dried came the icy fear of the Cold War that saw America confronted, and still facing, potential adversaries armed with nukes.

And yet in the terror prospect of a nuclear exchange has lain its salvation. The threat and promise of the MAD doctrine  mutually assured destruction  has, so far, successfully managed to keep anyone from truly becoming death, the destroyer of this single fragile world.
Re: Employee death at mine

When Teck Resources announced the death of an employee at the expansion of their copper mine in Chile they turned did so during a financial report.

Teck CEO Jonathan Price said "learnings from the investigation into the employee's death are being shared across the company and with industry peers to prevent future incidents." There was no other mention of the employee or the incident!

Although sharing the investigative information is a critical step in stopping these tragedies from reoccurring, more has to be done.

I have to ask: how is the family going to get by? Is there a 'Worker's Compensation Board' in Chile that will offer assistance? Did Teck offer any assistance to the family?

After working over 52 years on construction as an ironworker, 5 of those years as a construction safety officer, and after witnessing far too many deaths on the job, I can testify that there is no worse feeling than carrying the body of a deceased co-worker off the job site.

No words to describe the task of informing the family or trying to come up with something comforting to say during the funeral.

But instead of informing the public of what Teck might have done for the family, they chose to tell the world about their profits and revenue.

To turn such a tragic event into a financial report is truly heartless in my opinion

Bob Mulvihill, Peachland
CHICAGO  The state agency that distributes unemployment benefits paid out more than $5 billion in fraudulent or excessive claims over two years when the COVID-19 pandemic forced businesses to cut back their operations or shut down, leaving many Illinoisans out of work, according to a report from the Illinois auditor general.

Among the missteps by the Illinois Department of Employment Security were millions of dollars sent to people who were either in prison or dead, according to the report, which is the auditor generals fullest accounting yet of massive fraud and overpayments that occurred as the state was flooded with jobless claims.

IDES was not prepared to respond to the needs created by the pandemic, the report from Auditor General Frank Mautinos office stated. IDES did not have a plan for responding to recessions and potential surges in claims.

Mautinos office reported a year ago that fraudsters pilfered nearly $2 billion from the federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program from July 2020 through June 2021.

In the latest audit, covering fiscal years 2020 through 2022, IDES reported overpaying, through fraudulent and nonfraudulent claims, $3.2 billion through the PUA program and $2.04 billion through regular claims from an unemployment insurance trust fund jointly run by the state and federal government.

Those numbers could be understated: because they are merely estimates as IDES was still trying to account for all the fraudulent payments, auditors noted.

The PUA program was meant to pay people not usually covered by unemployment insurance, such as gig workers or the self-employed. Federal unemployment officials and law enforcement openly warned that thieves, many of them overseas, were jamming states online portals with fake claims.

IDES said it stopped or recovered $150.36 million in unemployment trust fund payments and $361.34 million for the PUA program. The report noted, though, that of the $5.24 billion in overpayments, $2.8 billion is classified as identity theft, money that is not considered recoverable since it cant be collected from the identity theft victim.

A spokesman for Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker directed questions to IDES. Rebecca Cisco, a spokeswoman for the agency, said the findings as expected highlighted the challenges faced by the agency in an unprecedented crisis and the necessary speed with which IDES responded to that crisis.

Cisco also put some of the blame on former Republican President Donald Trumps administration, which she said required every state to put in place a poorly designed and brand new unemployment insurance program on their own in record time with continuously changing federal guidance.

This is a crucial distinction from (Illinois) regular unemployment insurance program because the states system is designed and integrated with vital cross-matching and identity-proofing capabilities, Cisco said in an email.

A 2021 Tribune investigation, however, found the problems in Illinois were exacerbated by IDES failure to follow federal recommendations to adopt free fraud-fighting tools made available before the pandemic, while also being slow in developing other processes to ferret out fraud.

Legislative Republicans used the latest audit to denounce the Pritzker administrations handling of unemployment payments during the pandemic. State Sen. Chapin Rose, a Mahomet Republican who filed the resolution that led to the audit, said Wednesday the findings show taxpayers were being robbed blind by what was happening at IDES.

The people of Illinois should be disgusted at how badly their money was handled and how little was done to account for the outright theft and gross incompetence, Rose said in a statement. The people who were supposed to serve as stewards of their resources completely failed them, and their ineptitude served to embolden and help criminals to abuse the system and steal benefits.

House Republicans called for an audit of IDES nearly three years ago to address the breakdown of the unemployment system during the COVID-19 pandemic that led to massive fraud and delayed assistance, Colleen King, a spokeswoman for House GOP Leader Tony McCombie, of Savanna, said in a statement. Taxpayers and job creators have paid the five-billion-dollar price of this failure, one the Pritzker administration owns.

The auditor generals report noted that several of IDES fraud defense mechanisms could not handle the exponential increase in unemployment claims. In March 2020, when the pandemic took hold and Pritzker began to institute his COVID-19 mitigations statewide, IDES suspended some of its routine methods to verify the legitimacy of the claims it was receiving because they were too time-consuming and the methods constricted the processing system severely, according to the report.

Suspending the verification methods or processing them offline allowed IDES to better manage the volume of claims, the report stated, but it left the unemployment programs administered by the agency more susceptible to fraud.

Whats more, the effort to pay claims so quickly increased IDES risk of making improper payments  either overpaying or underpaying claimants  especially if its normal verification methods werent being performed, according to the report.

IDES made large payments of backdated benefits while controls were suspended which could have contributed to large overpayments and losses due to fraud and identity theft, the report stated. Claims were sometimes filed and paid within a matter of days and then fraudulent activity was subsequently detected.

According to the report, IDES said it experienced three types of fraud schemes: identity theft, or the use of another persons identifiable personal information to file online claims; fictitious employers, when fraudsters stole personal information to set up companies to file claims; and hijacked payments, when online payments were improperly diverted.

IDES data for the regular unemployment trust fund and PUA program combined showed that 3,448 people who were incarcerated received 92,811 payments totaling $40.5 million, while 10,527 payments totaling $6 million were given to 481 deceased individuals, the report showed.

Due to the unprecedented increase in unemployment claims, IDES also wasnt prepared to quickly increase its staffing, causing delays in answering phone calls and processing claims, the report shows. Staffing issues were compounded by retirements and staff being forced to work from home due to the pandemic, according to the report.

It also said that claimants with missing or hijacked payments experienced significant delays in getting their payments reissued because of an inadequate process IDES had in place for dealing with those issues. For instance, auditors found that it took the agency an average of 198 days to reissue hijacked payments from the regular unemployment trust fund and 445 days for hijacked PUA payments, according to the report.

The auditor general issued several recommendations for IDES to improve its operations including developing a plan that covers lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic in case there are more periods of rapidly increasing volumes of claims.

In response, IDES told the auditor generals office that it has upgraded its public facing website, and the underlying servers are robust enough to handle high volumes of traffic. Additionally, the agency said, the Illinois Benefit Information System (IBIS) is constantly monitored to prevent malicious external attacks and ensure sufficient load capacity across its servers.

The auditor general also urged IDES to identify and recoup any payments for applicants, if necessary, especially those who are deceased or ineligible because theyre incarcerated, the report stated.

While IDES has worked over the course of the last three years to improve controls and security of its programs, recommendations from this audit will enhance that ongoing work, said Cisco, the IDES spokeswoman.
SPRINGFIELD  Drivers who need to renew their license at a secretary of state facility will likely have to make an appointment starting this fall.

Starting Sept. 1, 44 driver services facilities around the state, including the one in Decatur, will require appointments for driver services  things like renewing a license, updating a license to meet Real ID requirements or taking a driving test. Vehicle services, like title registration, will still be offered on a walk-in basis.

The facilities impacted by the move to appointment-based service are in some of the states most high-traffic locations. In addition to Decatur, area locations include Champaign, Bloomington and Springfield.

The change in policy is accompanied by a standardization of hours at driver services facilities. All driver services facilities will operate from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Sixteen locations, including Springfield, Bloomington and Champaign, will offer Saturday morning hours from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Our goal is to change the stereotype of dealing with government offices, Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias said on Thursday, noting that he hopes customers have a positive experience.

Appointments can be made by visiting the secretary of states website at ilsos.gov or by calling 844-817-4649.

Giannoulias said the cost of implementing the changes falls within the existing secretary of states budget.

This is sort of the first major step in implementing the rest of our modernization goals, Giannoulias said.

Giannoulias also encouraged Illinoisans to make use of online services when possible, including drivers license renewal and ordering license plate stickers. The secretary of states office also received more than $75 million in this years budget for its IT modernization efforts, which have already resulted in an overhaul of the offices website, ilsos.gov.

The revamped website is more intuitive and prioritizes our most popular programs and services so customers can find the information they want and need faster and more conveniently, Giannoulias said in a July 12 news release.

Its a continuation of several pandemic-driven shifts toward modernization for the secretary of states office. That process began under former secretary Jesse White, who held the office for more than two decades before Giannoulias took office in January.

These pandemic-era modernizations included piloting appointment-based service and offering expanded online services for drivers.
DU QUOIN  Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced another milestone Thursday in his administrations push to expand the states role as a manufacturing hub in the renewable energy economy.

At a groundbreaking ceremony at a Prysmian Group manufacturing plant in Du Quoin, the administration announced the signing of the states third contract under a tax incentive program for renewable industries that initially became law in 2021.

Prysmian, which Pritzker described as the largest cable manufacturer in the world, produces cables and other products used in energy storage and distribution, renewable energy and electric vehicle charging stations. At the Du Quoin plant in southern Illinois, the company makes insulated power distribution cables that transmit energy underground and inside factories. Some of those cables feed power to companies that generate wind and solar energy, said plant manager Erik Perks.

With the help of an estimated $17.7 million in state tax credits, the Du Quoin site will expand by 100,000 square feet and add 80 new jobs, bringing the workforce to approximately 300.

This expansion is on a scale of investment that Du Quoin has not seen in a generation, Mayor Josh Downs said at a Thursday news conference. So today I will take great pride in the fact that this announcement has very likely secured the economic stability of our city for the next 50-plus years.

The Du Quoin plant was built in 1965 and is the largest employer in the town of 5,800 people, according to Downs. Located between Carbondale and Mount Vernon, Du Quoin was historically a thriving coal mining and railroad town, though it has seen steady population losses over the past century, like much of the region. It is best known today for the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds built atop reclaimed mine land and the prestigious horse races that it has brought to town.

Previously known as General Cable, the facility was acquired by Prysmian in 2018. Most workers at the plant are part of the Teamsters Local 50 union, officials noted.

The Italian company has its global headquarters in Milan and North American headquarters in Highland Heights, Kentucky. It plans a near-$64 million investment at its Du Quoin facility, one of its 28 plants located in North America.

We had alternatives, but the government, the territory helped us  to make the decision to put the money here, Prysmian CEO Andrea Pirondini said of investing in the Du Quoin plant.

The incentives will come through the Reimagining Energy and Vehicles Act, a tax incentive program that passed the General Assembly nearly unanimously in November 2021.

All three of the contracts the REV Act has yielded thus far have been with downstate Illinois companies. In September 2022, T/CCI Manufacturing in Decatur announced a plan to retool its Macon County plant to manufacture compressors for electric vehicles. Under the contract, the company was expected to create 50 new jobs and maintain 103 positions in order to receive $2.2 million in tax incentives.

In May, the state signed a contract with Manner Polymers, providing about $4.6 million in incentives to the company that planned to build a new factory in Mount Vernon that would create 60 jobs. That company manufactures PVC compounds, including some used in electric vehicles.

The REV Act was initially passed in the wake of the governors marquee energy grid decarbonization policy, the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act. Its intention was to lure electric vehicle and parts manufacturers to Illinois to help the state reach its goal of putting 1 million EVs on state roads by 2030.

The initial tax credits ranged from 75% to 100% of income tax withheld for newly created jobs and 25% to 50% for retained employees, depending on factors such as company location and the number of employees hired. A 10% credit for training expenses is also available.

The REV Act has been expanded multiple times since its initial passage to offer incentives to smaller manufacturers, double the length of benefits and increase available credit values for companies in underserved communities.

In February, Pritzker signed a law expanding the EV-focused tax credit to other products essential to the growth of the renewable energy sector.

The incentives that we provide now  new incentives that didn't exist before I came into office  are important in their thinking, Pritzker said of companies decisions to relocate to or expand in Illinois. Were competing against other states  Texas and Michigan and Mississippi and all over the country.

Pritzker said his administration often spends weeks or months talking to businesses to try to lure them to Illinois. Earlier this month, he led a trade mission to the United Kingdom, where he and 41 other state government and business officials spent much of their time promoting Illinois electric vehicle industry and its renewable energy initiatives.

I don't want to give away too much  those are taxpayer dollars, weve got to be careful with them, Pritzker said Thursday. But at the same time, when you put all those features together, and our transportation system, our ability to ship product all over the world from here, it's quite attractive.
ABINGDON, Va.  From his back porch, Preston Brown can watch the morning sun peek over the hill spotlighting his church, a century-old building thats been part of his life for as long as he can remember.

Its a source of comfort for the Abingdon man, 86, who began attending worship services there as young as age seven.

On Sunday, Aug. 13, Brown and his church family will have an extra reason to be in attendance when Green Spring Presbyterian Church celebrates its 100th anniversary of its current sanctuary during an annual homecoming service.

The special worship service will begin with a sermon at 11 a.m. by The Rev. Bill Youmans, who served the church as minister from 1989 to 1999. A group photograph of those in attendance will be taken before a pot luck lunch begins downstairs.

We are big about eating, laughed church session member Retha Robinette. We have a lot of good cooks. Sandra Tignor always does the rolls and if I didnt bring my pork roast, people would get upset.

In addition, a time capsule that was placed in the cornerstone of the building 100 years ago will be opened following the meal, displaying the artifacts tucked inside the hidden box.

Deidra Crosby, interim pastor for the church, said church leaders are putting together a new time capsule that they hope will be discovered 100 years from now. Were asking people to write their favorite memories on index cards. They can even write letters to the members who will be here 100 years from now, Crosby said.

The congregation traces its roots to humble beginnings when Green Spring Presbyterian Church was organized by pioneers prior to 1794. The original log church on this site was supplanted by a frame building in 1886 which structure was destroyed by fire on Sunday, Oct. 9, 1921. The church building was rebuilt and completed two years later in 1923.

During the span of 100 years, the church has appointed nine pastors with four interim pastors.

Brown said about ten years ago, he and other members found the base to the original stone church building, located a mile from the current location. We cut the brush away and took members on a wagon to the site for a small church service.

Deep roots

The churchs rich history is a reminder to its members to share the gospel and make disciples.

Since the 1950s, the Abingdon church has hosted homecoming events each year.

They are a community that loves being together. They love the friendships, said the interim pastor. Churches more and more are getting away from homecoming activities, but I think its a sweet tradition that we need to keep. Some people just need an excuse like homecoming to come back and see the people theyve not seen in awhile, especially if theyve moved away.

Robinette said the church tradition exemplifies a strong sense of community. The history of the church is important but having this homecoming tradition allows generations down the road to understand the sense of community we have, she said. God has always provided even when times were difficult. We always seem to come together and be there for each other.

According to church history, more than a thousand people, including state and local representatives, attended the church dedication 100 years ago. Robinette said she has sent invitations to current local and state representatives in hopes they will be part of the special day.

Brown, who has served as deacon, elder, and a Sunday School teacher at the church throughout the years, has rarely missed a Sunday except when hes snowbirding in Florida in the winter.

Hes witnessed major changes in the Presbyterian church, the most recent being the merging of the Presbyterian Church in the U.S., historically the southern church, with the United Presbyterian Church, historically the northern church, to create the Presbyterian Church USA.

Years ago, everybody living within five miles came to Green Spring Presbyterian Church  everybody in the whole valley. We just poured in there on Sunday mornings. In the 1940s and 50s, wed have 150 to 200 people and over 100 for Sunday School, said Brown, who started to see a decline in the 1960s. I guess job opportunities in the area diminished and youth moved away to find jobs somewhere else.

His Sunday School teachers made a positive impression on him when he was a teen back in the 1950s, shaping his faith in God.

Both Brown and his wife Yvonne grew up in the church and married in 1961 in the church. Weve been married 62 years, he said.

Holding a photo of the congregation in 1973, Brown has seen many families come and go throughout the years. Many of these people have since died, he said.

A Christian mission

The churchs leaders make a point to reach out to the community to enable their Christian mission.

For example, a live stream worship site is available for people who are away or unable to attend. The church runs an after-school program for Washington County students who receive academic support each day of the school week. And, for the past fifty years, the church has sponsored Boy Scout Troop 70.

They also recognize that maintenance and upgrades are key to the long-term health of the historic building.

An elevator shaft was added to the building in the late 1993.Two decades ago, a new addition was added behind the church to offer office space and a pastors study.

Later, the sanctuary was renovated and most recently the fellowship hall received updates.

A trend in the community

Although the church has completed three major renovations in the past two decades or so, it still struggles with declining attendance, especially with youth in the community. Brown believes its an unfortunate trend happening with many churches throughout the country.

We roughly have about 50 people for worship services each Sunday. We had two new ones on Sunday. We hope theyll come back, he said.

Sadly, the congregation has few young people sitting in the pews each Sunday. Its an aging congregation, he said, with some members approaching their 90s and beyond.

I remember years ago we had ten different Sunday School classes with just about every room in the church occupied with kids and teachers, said Brown, who pointed to rooms that are currently unused. We have a nursery back there but we dont have an infant in the congregation right now.

After being away for more than 30 years, Mary Jane Crosby returned to the area in 1994, attending the same church she knew as a youth. The church has deep roots for the Southwest Virginia native.

The church cemetery is probably one of the oldest cemeteries in the area with graves dating back to the 1700s.

In that graveyard are my parents, a brother, my grandparents, my great grandparents, and great, great grandparents, she said. Although shes attended churches in larger metropolitan areas, she feels blessed to be part of the tight-knit group of members. It means a lot to me that the church is surviving.

Brown credits a core group of church leaders for keeping things going. We dont want to lose our church. At one time, it was a focal point of the community. Going to church was most of my social life when I was growing up.

Building relationships with the church family is important to the members, especially for Brown.

People dont realize the importance of physically being in church and having those relationships face-to-face with people. Thats kept our church going  the fellowship, said Brown.

I pray a hundred years from now, people will still be looking for the traditional Christian faith  the teaching of Gods Word.

Green Spring Presbyterian Church is located at 22007 Green Spring Road in Abingdon. Visit the church website at www.greenspringchurch.org and follow them on Facebook.
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn.  Regional leaders in healthcare, victims advocacy and justice came together this week to announce improved standards of care and treatment for victims of sexual assault.

Ballad Health System, in partnership with The Branch House Family Justice Center, have agreed to bolster services available to sexual assault patients admitted to area emergency rooms, connecting them to long-term support beyond their stay at the hospital, according to a written statement.

The extension includes the addition of a specialized room at Johnson City Medical Center, operated by Branch House, that provides a safe and comforting space for sexual assault patients after they are medically cleared by emergency room clinicians.

For a patient who has just experienced sexual trauma, a clinical setting might not be the warmest or most welcome environment, especially if theyre confused and processing a major trauma, said Morgan May, chief nursing officer for Ballad Healths Southern Region, which includes Washington County. While there are medical needs that need to be addressed for these patients, it shouldnt come at the cost of their comfort. This collaborative effort will go a long way to ensure every patient gets the help they need; from the moment they enter the emergency room and after they leave.

Additionally, the offices of both the Washington County and Sullivan County district attorneys general and the city of Johnson City will continue to collaborate with Branch House and Ballad Health via monthly meetings to ensure sexual assault patients are receiving timely and appropriate care.

According to the Tennessee Department of Health, Sullivan County reported the second-highest rate of sexual assault per capita in the state between 2016 and 2020, and the highest in the northeast region of the state. Washington County reported the second-highest rate of sexual assault in the region.

We owe it to our community and victims of sexual assault to ensure they have access to every resource they need, whether its medical care or legal counsel, said Steve Finney, District Attorney for the First Judicial District in Tennessee. Thats why its imperative for local organizations to work together to ensure that every survivor gets the help, care and compassion they need and deserve.

Ballad Healths enhanced partnership with Branch House also ensures advocates are available to the patient, as soon as possible, to walk them through any needs that extend beyond what can be provided by emergency room clinicians.

The health system will help fund an additional full-time employee for the center, enabling Branch House to commit to 24/7 on-call coverage for sexual assault exams in Washington and Sullivan counties, which will cover Johnson City Medical Center, Holston Valley Medical Center, Bristol Regional Medical Center, Franklin Woods Community Hospital and Indian Path Community Hospital. Sexual assault patients who present to those facilities emergency departments for treatment can be immediately connected with the Branch House upon their release from the hospital for further services and care.

What this partnership allows us to do is seamlessly transition a sexual assault patient from the emergency room setting to the many critical services provided by Branch House, including exams performed by a trained and certified Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner, said Seth Brown, MD, an emergency room physician who serves as the medical director of the Ballad Health SANE program and a chief medical officer in Washington County.

Someone who has experienced sexual trauma needs a stable and safe environment due to the physical and emotional pain these events can cause, and were glad this partnership will enable us to provide that, Brown said.

The Branch House Family Justice Center opened in 2018 to provide free, long-term services and support for survivors of sexual and domestic abuse. The Sullivan County-based organization provides on-site services including counseling, civil legal assistance, short and long-term housing and sexual assault forensic examination.

Our goal as an organization is to provide survivors with any resource they might need, and our partnerships allow us to do just that, said Lenee Hendrix, executive director of Branch House. The addition of a specially tailored room at Johnson City Medical Center and a new full-time employee will significantly enhance our ability to offer comprehensive services to survivors. These partnerships are a testament to the power of collaboration and underscores our unwavering commitment to create a safe and compassionate environment for survivors as they begin their journey towards healing and empowerment.

More information about Branch House is available at www.branchhousetn.org, and additional resources for sexual assault victims are also available at www.rainn.org.
BRISTOL, Va.  The city is now two major landfill remediation projects away from fulfilling all of the recommendations made by an expert panel and required in separate court consent decrees.

Since the end of June, a temporary, improved leachate storage and treatment system has treated more than 1.2 million gallons of leachate from the quarry landfill. A permanent replacement must be designed, built and installed by next summer, which will be the final project on the citys list.

Also this summer, contractors completed the installation of the experimental sidewall odor mitigation system, which collects landfill gas that was escaping around the sidewalls of the quarry landfill and directs it into the gas collection system.

During the past week workers continued setting up and tuning a temporary flare to burn off combustible gas from the landfill. The landfills gas collection system also has a new 8-inch diameter pipe to improve gas extraction from recently drilled wells and the new sidewall system, city officials previously said.

The [sidewall] system is working as designed. Its been in place since before June 14 [deadline]. We installed the leachate treatment system by June 30 [deadline]. Its working and online. I think there are some tweaks that have to be made to it get it working at optimal efficiency, City Manager Randy Eads said Thursday.

Our next order of business is shaping the landfill in order to put the EVOH [Ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer; a thermoplastic product that is an effective gas barrier] liner in place, Eads said.

The shaping work is expected to start this fall, in either October or November. The permanent leachate system is due to be in place and operational by June 30, 2024, Eads said in response to questions.

Those are all of the major projects. That should complete everything in appendix A of the consent decree with Virginia DEQ [Department of Environmental Quality] and Bristol Tennessee.

The city is operating under two matching consent decrees  one with the DEQ and the other with its sister city, which is part of resolving a federal lawsuit filed last May.

Shaping the landfill to direct storm water runoff to a storm water management basin located at an appropriate point of the landfill is part of item six in the citys consent decree with the DEQ and must precede the installation of the EVOH cover system, which is also prescribed in the decree.

The final deadline for his phase is next June and precedes the formal closure and post-closure steps required to permanently shutter a landfill.

The city has spent millions to remedy issues with the landfill and expects to spend an additional $25 million to pay for recently completed and upcoming projects.

Ive been very impressed with both the folks were working with and city staff. We have stayed on schedule to meet all of our deadlines. I think thats a testament to how hard theyre working, Mayor Neal Osborne said. Im very happy with the results  not just timewise but the marked decrease in smells. It costs a lot of money but its money well spent and were getting the results we need.

The city continues to await any word from the state of Virginia about potential financial assistance. Requests for millions in funding are included in the draft state budget but the impasse remains between budget negotiators and Gov. Glenn Youngkin, meaning the fate of those dollars remains uncertain.

Additionally, Eads said the city has had no further response from the federal government on its requests for funding assistance.

In June the city contracted with the firm Stantec to conduct air sampling  collecting individual air samples at specific locations around the landfill and air monitoring  which allows for real time measurements of the general air conditions around the landfill.

The air monitoring program will detect for the presence of total VOCs, Benzene, Hydrogen Sulfide, Dimethyl Sulfide and Ammonia. If detected, the monitoring system will indicate how much of a particular compound is present. The monitoring program utilizes a minimum of three targeted locations on the landfill property, including two sites along the property line between the landfill and the Tennessee state line.

The city is expected to begin posting that information on its websites by Aug. 15.

I feel good about where were at. Back in May of 2022, prior to Bristol Tennessee suing us, during a council meeting I said it would take 18 months to get these projects completed. Here we are; were on a timeline of 18 months of having these projects completed.

I think my stating it was going to take 18 months was the spark that lit the lawsuit fire, Eads said. Unfortunately we had to go through the lawsuit, expend millions of dollars in attorney fees  that could have been used for remediating the situation. Its just an unfortunate situation.

Both sides have reached an agreement resolving the lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Abingdon, Virginia.

Two federal agencies  the Department of Justice and the Environmental Protection Agency  which would have jurisdiction in these matters have until August to respond to the agreement, before it can be finalized.
A Charlotte man was charged with trying to pass a fake check at the First Federal Savings Bank in Denver.

Victor James Leeser, 25, is charged with attempting to obtain property by false pretenses, the Lincoln County Sheriffs Office said in a news release.

Leeser is accused of trying to cash a check written on the account of Ore Bank Pumpking Center Volunteer Fire Department, which is actually the Ore Bank Pumpkin Center Volunteer Fire Department on East N.C. 150, the sheriffs office said.

Bank officials contacted a representative for the fire department and confirmed no one with the department wrote the check, the sheriffs office said.

The sheriffs office said Leeser originally told Detectives Greg Hager and Runyon that he received the check as payment for roofing work but later admitted he was approached by a man on Graham Street in Charlotte. The sheriffs office said the man offered Leeser a percentage of the check if he would go to the bank and cash it. The man drove Leeser to a location near the bank and dropped him off, the sheriffs office said.

Detectives recovered the fictitious check and took Leeser before a Lincoln County magistrate. He was jailed under a $5,000 secured bond.
A Hickory man was sentenced to serve a minimum of 10 years in prison for a 2021 armed robbery in Hickory.

Nkosi Abernethy, 21, was found guilty of two counts of robbery with a dangerous weapon, attempted robbery with a dangerous weapon, and breaking and entering, District Attorney Scott Reillys Office said in a news release.

Abernethy was sentenced to 10 to 15 years in prison by Superior Court Judge Bradley B. Letts during Catawba County Superior Court, the district attorneys office said.

A Catawba County jury found Abernethy guilty of the crimes after less than 90 minutes of deliberation on July 19 to wrap up a three-day trial. Abernethy was sentenced on Wednesday.

The offenses took place on Dec. 7, 2021. Officers from the Hickory Police Department responded to a 911 call at a residence where two masked men entered the home through a back door just after 8 a.m. The men held four victims at gunpoint and demanded money, the district attorneys office said.

Abernethy and a second assailant took a pistol, a shotgun and a small amount of cash before leaving the scene. Neighbors saw two masked men with a gun run though the yard of the residence and jump a privacy fence, the district attorneys office said.

Three of the four victims were able to identify Abernethy as one of the assailants. The second suspect still has not been identified, the district attorneys office said.
BRICS acts for collective good of Global South

08:57, July 28, 2023 By China Daily editorial ( Chinadaily.com.cn

The BRICS platform, which began life as a dialogue mechanism for Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, has evolved into a key platform for cooperation among the world's developing countries and emerging markets.

Because of opposition from Russia, French President Emmanuel Macron will not take part in the bloc's upcoming summit in South Africa, to be held in Johannesburg from Aug 22 to 24. But the fact that the French leader sought an invitation to attend the summit reflects the growing stature of BRICS.

That explains why so many developing countries are seeking to join the group. So far more than 40 countries including Saudi Arabia, Indonesia and Iran have expressed an interest in joining, with 22 of them having already formally applied to do so.

Together, the five current BRICS members already account for 40 percent of the world's population and just over one-fourth of the global GDP. They are helping to drive the development of the Global South through the New Development Bank that BRICS created in 2015 to meet the specific funding needs of developing countries. The bank, which provides development funding without any political strings attached, has so far approved more than $30 billion in loans for infrastructure projects in developing countries.

Since its first summit in 2009, BRICS has been committed to upholding multilateralism, reforming the global governance system and amplifying the voice of the developing countries in the international arena. This, in addition to its pledge that it will remain open and inclusive, and strive for win-win results, has made the group an ideal development partner for countries that have been marginalized or left behind by the West-dominated world economic order.

A highlight of this year's summit is that the heads of state of all African countries have been invited to the meeting. This unprecedented move indicates that BRICS has now become a constructive force for reshaping the existing global order. "Our continent was pillaged and ravaged and exploited by other continents and we therefore want to build the solidarity in BRICS to advance the interests  of the continent as a whole," South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said. His country now holds the BRICS chair.

Indeed, "BRICS is no longer an 'alternative', it is an established feature of the global landscape", as Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said.

It is to be hoped that the upcoming summit will further contribute to building a fairer and more open global development architecture to the benefit of all developing nations.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Wu Chaolan)
Re: Indoor air must be cleaner

Castanet published on July 21 an article highlighting the need for better ventilation in buildings used by the public. That article also urged the establishment of strong indoor air quality standards. Experts say the recommendations had been triggered by this year's exceptional wildfire behaviour. Experts also say wildfire behaviour will continue to get worse. Experts wonder why the use of HEPA filters hasn't been made mandatory. The article says that one expert even goes further and says: Buildings have been making us sick.



Well, this is a remarkable article. Have we forgotten?

In Q1 of 2020 Canada reported the first cases of Covid-19 on Canadian soil. The world almost came to a standstill as corona quickly turned into a pandemic. Offices and stores closed, work from home became the norm, mask mandates, travel restrictions, mandatory vaccination or one would lose his/her job. The initial recommendations from our health officials were to keep distance, wear a mask, wash your hands and improve fresh air movement indoors. It was strongly advised to improve building ventilation systems and it was emphasized that the summer break of 2020 would be an excellent time to upgrade these ventilation systems, also in school buildings.

Specifically the importance of HEPA filters was emphasized. When our health officials said that schools were a safe place for our children, I expected that BC had implemented the recommended ventilation modifications. Not according to this article.



We are three years later and it is summer of 2023. Canada and specifically BC are being battered by wildfires. The same experts, or are it new experts (?) seem to say that hardly any of the building recommendations from 2020 have been implemented.



As of July 21 2023 about 53,063 Canadians died from Covid-19. Still we needed an extravaganza of wildfires to make us realize that we have been ignoring the advice from our experts. We listened to our politicians and health officials who said schools are safe and we kept on dreaming.



Ronald Ratgers, Kelowna
A Hickory man, whose arrest led to the discovery of a large sex trafficking ring in the Philippines, pleaded guilty to multiple sexual offense charges in Catawba County Superior Court.

Robert Oliver Parker, 76, of Hickory, was given an active prison sentence of six to 22 years following his guilty plea on three counts of second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor. The verdict was rendered on Tuesday, District Attorney Scott Reillys Office said in a news release.

On Aug. 7, 2020, Immigrations and Customs Enforcement and the Department of Homeland Security received a cyber tip about a user communicating with and receiving sexually explicit images of minor children from an individual in the Philippines, the district attorneys office said.

The tip led investigators to a larger sex-trafficking ring in the Philippines, Deputy Special Agent Mike Prado, said during a 2022 interview. Prado is in charge of the Department of Homeland Securitys Charlotte office.

Thus far in the investigation, we have identified 68 victims that were directly victimized by Parker or by other clients of this network, Prado said in November 2022.

Prado said several of the victims are now 18 or older. Prado said Parker would spend months at a time visiting the Philippines.

A report was sent to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation for further investigation, the district attorneys office said in the news release.

The investigation traced the transmissions to an email account belonging to Parker. It was discovered that from 2010 to 2020 he received more than 16,000 images from an individual in the Philippines of more than 30 underage girls, the district attorneys office said.

N.C. State Bureau of Investigation agents made contact with Parker in February 2021 at his residence. Parker confirmed his relationship with the contact in the Philippines. Parker also confirmed that he traveled there to engage in sexual intercourse with females that involved filming and photographing his interactions with them, the district attorneys office said.

Parker denied that the females were underage. He also told authorities that he sent money to the individual sending images to him on a monthly basis, the district attorneys office said.

When a search warrant was executed for Parkers residence, investigators seized multiple items. All of the items that were forensically examined contained child sexual assault material, the district attorneys office said.

Parker was observed in thousands of videos engaging in sex with minors. Numerous email conversations were uncovered with Parker specifically requesting girls and different images and poses of them, the district attorneys office said.

Parker is required to register as a sex offender for 30 years, the district attorneys office said.
" " A buchetta del vino, a small 16th-century window through which wine was passed, on a street in Florence, Italy. As Florentines succumbed to the plague, survivors drowned their sorrows in wine, passed to them through these small windows  an early form of social distancing. TIZIANA FABI/Getty Images

Tuscany is so full of history and beauty  you meet wonders of art and architecture on almost every corner. But I love the region's homier aspects: the special sweetness of the tomatoes, the soft mozzarella, the heady scents of basil and garlic everywhere.  Actress and director Trudie Styler

The charming plague wine windows you still find dotting the streets of Italy today are another homey and enchanting Tuscan tradition that has historic roots. Originally created as a way for wine merchants to safely pass their product to customers during the plague, these windows have come back into use during the COVID lockdowns of 2020.

Buchette del vino, which means "little holes for wine" or "wine windows," is apparently a unique Tuscan tradition; there are said to be over 150 wine windows in Florence alone, with another hundred sprinkled under the Tuscan sun throughout the region. There's even an organization that catalogues them, the Associazione Buchette del Vino, which started the project in 2015 before coronavirus and social distancing became the norm.

Advertisement

" " A beautiful and rustic example of a buchetta del vino, or wine window, on a street in Florence on Aug. 12, 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. TIZIANA FABI/Getty Images

The first wine windows were actually a likely result of a 1559 decree from Florentine Cosimo I de Medici, the first Grand Duke of Tuscany. At that time, de Medici stated that families could sell wine directly from their homes instead of through merchants or taverns, which led to the rise in buchette del vino.

Due to the onset of COVID-19 in 2020, some of these charming little wine windows have been reopened, drawing eerie parallels to the plague from centuries ago. But this time around, some of the windows are offering more than just wine. Food & Wine reported that Osteria delle Brache sells an Aperol spritz, another iconic Italian beverage, via the special opening, while Via dell'Isola delle Stinche at the Vivoli ice cream parlor in Florence dispenses coffee and ice cream out of their wine window.

A recurring theme of this ongoing pandemic has been pivoting and resiliency from small businesses, so we send cheers to these Italian purveyors. They've found a remarkable way to honor their viticultural history in a way that works to keep both employees and consumers safe. The next time you're in Florence, be sure to find a buchetta de vino and raise a glass of Chianti. Salute!

Now That's Interesting An oenologist is a person who studies and is an expert in the science of wine and wine making.
In 1862, Sarah married a West African businessman, James Pinson Labulo Davies, and their wedding made headlines across England. "The press made a lot of her wedding in 1862  but again, it was the curiosity value of two black people having a society wedding in Brighton which was an extraordinary event as far as the public were concerned," Rappaport says. "I really don't think we can say that she had any influence or significance in her own lifetime or even in the years after her death  bar the obvious 'curiosity value' of having been a captive sent as a gift to the Queen. Any 'influence' Sarah has is very retrospective and comes much later with the rediscovery of her story in the 1980s and 1990s."

Soon after marrying Davies, Sarah gave birth to her first child, and named her daughter Victoria, in honor of the Queen who agreed to serve as the girl's godmother. While there may not be any evidence of any direct correspondence between Davies and the Queen, Rappaport says the young girl was likely welcome to visit the royal residence on a regular basis.

Advertisement

" " The gravestone of Sarah Forbes Bonetta at the English Cemetery in Funchal, Madeira, a Portuguese island in the Atlantic ocean, where she died. Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

"It is suggested that Sarah did, however, visit Windsor regularly, upon invitation, and the Queen mentions seeing her once or twice in her journals, as well as Sarah's daughter Victoria who was the Queen's godchild." Rappaport emphasizes this point, and for good reason, as it is often misreported that Sarah was Queen Victoria's godchild, rather than Sarah's daughter, Victoria. "Sarah is said to have formed a friendship with Princess Alice, the queen's second daughter, but sadly there are no surviving letters or documents to confirm this. I personally would have so liked to prove this was the case."

Queen Victoria recorded Sarah's 1867 visit to England in her journal, writing, "Saw Sally, now Mrs. Davies & her dear little child, far blacker than herself, called Victoria & aged 4, a lively intelligent child, with big melancholy eyes." In 1880, Sarah died of tuberculosis at the age of 37, on the day Victoria had been expecting a visit from her godchild. The Queen wrote in her journal of the girl, "I shall give her an annuity," and she continued to pay for her education at Cheltenham Ladies College from 1881 to 1883.

"Sarah's story is clearly an inspiring and touching one, but we have to be careful about investing it with greater significance after the event than it had at the time," Rappaport says. "She died at the age of only 37, and after her marriage in 1862 and her departure for Sierra Leone, she was never mentioned again in the British press. The queen was fond of her, but bar the passing mention of Sarah and her daughter Victoria in her journals, Sarah did not figure in the queen's life and most biographies only make the most passing reference to her. Sarah sadly left no diaries and only a few letters written in the 1850s, so we don't know her full side of the story."

Reflecting upon his decision to accept Sarah as a "gift" from King Ghezo to Queen Victoria, Forbes wrote in his journal that to refuse her would have been to sign "her death-warrant." While he was opposed to the slave trade, Forbes believed that, "in consideration of the nature of the service I had performed, the government would consider her as the property of the Crown," and therefore take responsibility for her care.
Soon after the Lutzes abandoned the house, they met with William Weber, the lawyer who represented Ronald DeFeo, the convicted killer. Weber, it turned out, was already shopping around the idea of a book about the DeFeo family murders called "Devil on My Back."

According to Weber, he and the Lutzes had a creative brainstorming session over "many bottles of wine." The Lutzes shared the story of the unsettling things that they felt and saw at the house and Weber shared details about the DeFeos and the killing that only he knew. Weber claimed that several of these details were spun into the book and the movie.

Advertisement

Weber told the Lutzes that a neighbor's cat would peer into the DeFeos' window at night. That became the red-eyed pig. Ronald DeFeo's father had once smacked his mother while she held a plate of red-sauced spaghetti. That became the mysterious red goo on the wall that morphed into green slime bubbling from keyholes.

"We took real-life incidents and transposed them," said Weber in 1988. "In other words, it was a hoax."

" " Jay Anson and the Lutzes collaborated on the bestseller "The Amityville Horror: A True Story," which spawned a cottage industry of 12 more books, plus a hit movie with dozens of sequels, prequels and knock-offs. HowSutuffWorks

Weber and the Lutzes parted ways after a fight over how money from the book deal would be split. The Lutzes took their story to Jay Anson, a journalist and filmmaker who had made a short documentary on the making of "The Exorcist."

"Anson listened to 35 hours of taped interviews with the Lutzes, then he sat down and wrote the book," says Bartholomew. "The best way to describe Jay Anson is a writer who didn't let the facts get in the way of a good story."

Writer's Digest published a terrific interview with Anson in 1979, soon after the book and movie deal had made him fabulously wealthy. He was famously elusive about the truthfulness of his account.

"It's funny, almost nobody ever says to me, 'Hey that book of yours is a bunch of bull. I didn't believe a word of it.' Instead, they ask if I think what the Lutzes told me is true," said Anson. "And I answer them the same way I answered you when you asked the question. I tell them that I have no idea whether the book is true or not. But I'm sure that the Lutzes believe what they told me to be true."

Bartholomew is convinced that the Lutzes abandoned the house because they couldn't keep up with the mortgage and tax payments and created the haunting story as an excuse and a lucrative side hustle. "They wanted to make some money off of it," says Bartholomew, who co-authored a 2016 article in Skeptic magazine marking the 40th anniversary of the "myth."

For their part, the Lutzes never retracted their story.

"Our critics are people who've never been in the house, just people who read a book," Lutz told The Washington Post in 1979. "No one who was ever in the house, who investigated it, ever called it a hoax. No one with any credentials who was personally involved ever called it a hoax. No one who helped us there, with the auction, with getting stuff to the Salvation Army, ever called it a hoax... All I know is what happened to me."

The Amityville House  now with a different house number to discourage horror fans  has been sold at least four times since the murders and none of the newer owners have reported seeing any psychic phenomena. It last sold in 2016 for $850,000. The house where the movie was filmed in 1979 has been completely renovated and is currently for sale for $1,699,900.

Now That Sucks The Cromarty family, which bought the foreclosed house at 112 Ocean Avenue after the Lutzes, were so harassed by "Amityville Horror" fans and vandals  people rang the doorbell at all hours asking for Ronald DeFeo, stole roof shingles and ripped out chunks of the lawn  that they also had to move out.
This months record high temperatures in many places around the country have highlighted the need for heat abatement for people as well as animals, with sufficient hydration often at the top of the list. Though milk might not be the first thing people think of consuming after time out in the sun, it boasts hydration abilities that can help the body maintain that critical fluid balance.

The dairy community has touted the benefits of chocolate milk as a rehydration beverage after exercise for many years, but milk is also a good choice to keep the body hydrated for daily activities. Thats because of its nutrient density.

Ingested drinks with a high energy content, whether in the form of carbohydrate, fat, protein, or alcohol, will empty from the stomach more slowly than energy-free drinks, wrote the authors of a 2015 study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. This effect has the potential to contribute to the retention of ingested fluids within the body water space. Of course, milk contains a high level of protein.

In that experiment, researchers from three different universities in the United Kingdom studied how drinking three of 12 different beverages, ranging from whole fat and skim milk to coffee, orange juice, tea, and more, affected the bodys fluid retention compared to drinking still water. Whole milk had the greatest energy density of the beverages tested, followed by orange juice, lager, cola, then skim milk.

One, two, three, and four hours after consumption, whole and skim milk drinkers had a greater fluid balance than after drinking the still water. The only other beverages that resulted in higher fluid balance than water were an oral rehydration solution and, for part of the time, orange juice. High energy content was generally associated with what the researchers termed a high beverage hydration index (BHI). Even when accounting for the different water contents of the drinks, both whole and skim milk ranked the highest in BHI.

Proper hydration is critical not only in times of high temperatures, but to generally maintain both physical and mental function. The researchers also note that adequate hydration may be associated with less risk of a range of disorders to the body, such as in the circulatory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. Milks hydration abilities add one more reason to reach for a glass to power your day.

To comment, email your remarks to intel@hoards.com.

(c) Hoard's Dairyman Intel 2023

July 27, 2023
On most Tuesday evenings, John McMahon makes his way to the Kerr Street Campus of Forest Hill United Methodist Church.

He is not at the facility for a Bible study, but rather something much more basic. McMahon, who has been homeless for the majority of the past 12 years, is there for the meals that Doug Caughell provides each week at 6 p.m.

Its reassuring, and it brings what sense of community you have together, he said.

Caughells food ministry is a refuge for many people in the area, some of whom, like McMahon, are also experiencing homelessness.

Others are simply struggling to financially keep their heads above water.

It is a little more desperate than it has been in times past because everything is getting so highly inflated and expensive, said Robert Schoenfeld, a regular at the ministry, who is on a fixed income.

Always accompanying Schoenfeld each week is his rescue dog, a dachshund named Doodlebug.

Hes the grin maker, Schoenfeld said. Everywhere we go, people smile.

I just saw a need

People also smile when around Caughell, a Food Lion produce manager, who has been serving dinner to people in the community since 2009, when he co-founded the ministry with former Kerr St. United Methodist pastor Jim Hood.

Caughell and Hood aimed to provide 5,000 meals in their first year, inspired by Jesus feeding 5,000 in the book of Matthew. They easily surpassed the threshold.

Caughell, who currently runs the ministry by himself, rotates through a selection of easy-to-prepare meals, including hot dogs, meatball subs and chicken patty and barbecue sandwiches, to name a few. Each plate also includes a side, such as beans or corn, a snack, usually chips, and a dessert.

I just saw a need, the Kannapolis resident said about the ministry. Helping people is exactly what Jesus calls us to do.

Though hard to access county-specific data, as the numbers can change often, about 9,300 people are homeless across North Carolina on any given night, according to information from the nonprofit organization National Alliance to End Homelessness.

Caughell estimates he has served around 51,000 meals, including to-go boxes. Though he has been serving meals to about 30 people of late, the most he served on any one occasion was 97.

Leaning on others

As pivotal as Caughell has been in creating the ministry, he cannot help people by himself.

He depends on the dedication of volunteers, both individuals and groups, including local churches such as Forest Hill United Methodist and St. James Lutheran Church, to prepare (assembly line-style) the meals.

A Food Lion store manager also donates a $50 gift card each month.

Its been a blessing to be able to see people who are willing to come out and help people they dont even know, Caughell said.

Gary Weeks first began volunteering in 2018. It was his chance to give back to others, something he had largely avoided throughout much of his life.

I have never actually been the kind of person who gave back, quite honestly, and then I got to a certain age and thought, You need to help others, he said.

He has enjoyed not just preparing the meals but also getting to know many of the people on the receiving end.

You find out that all people are basically alike, he said. Some of them just get in different circumstances, some of them in really bad circumstances, but theyre still human beings. And theyre really nice to talk to.

Volunteers of all ages  from young kids to older adults  help out.

Bess Brown, a member of Forest Hill United Methodist, has been preparing meals for three years. She specifically makes the desserts each week.

For Brown, 93, serving others has always been a calling.

I always felt like I was supposed to be a missionary, she said. And I guess this is helping to fulfill that.

More than just food

Throughout his time running the ministry, Caughell has never worried about the type of people receiving food. He welcomes anyone and everyone.

I dont worry about why theyre there, he said. They came in for a reason, and God says we should love them.

As much as he values providing support to people going through tough times, it can nonetheless be difficult to witness how many individuals continue to struggle on a daily basis.

Understanding his ministry is often a last resort for many, Caughell appreciates whenever there is less of a need for his services.

When I see that I have low numbers, I feel its a blessing on their side, he said. They didnt have to be here.

The lasting impact of Caughells ministry for certain individuals extends well beyond the food that is provided.

More than a decade ago, Caughell met a man named Rick, who was wheelchair-bound after one of his legs was amputated.

It could have been worse, Caughell recalled the man told him, noting he could have lost both his legs. He asked Caughell and a group of others to pray with him for a new prosthetic.

About six months later, Rick walked into the facility, aided by his new prosthetic. He attributed much of his good fortune to Caughell and his volunteers.

It was all of your prayers, Caughell said the man jubilantly told them.

The moment left an indelible impression on Caughell.

Heres a guy that looked at a situation in a different way, and I think God rewarded him for it, Caughell said.

As the ministry has grown and expanded over the years (it was initially held every other Thursday), Caughell said he has learned the importance of being consistent in what you do, because you never know when Gods going to show up in a special way.

You never know when that one person is going to come and you dont know whats going on in their lives, he continued. And you touch them and you didnt even know it.  Thats been the biggest blessing for me.

The Kerr Street Campus is located at 419 Kerr St. in Concord.
Theres always more going on than we can cover. Here a few updates for our weekly Friday Five.

No. 1

More mini-storage on the way. A 4.3-acre site is being cleared at 2515 Kannapolis Highway, Concord. This is just over the bridge across from Carolina Mall. The property backs up to the railroad tracks.

The owner is Mini Storage Depot. The company bought the property in March for $565,000.

I guess with all the expensive apartments being built everywhere, those folks need somewhere to put their stuff.

No. 2

Update on new stores at Concord Mills. The mall sent out a press release this week updating on the new stores. A couple of weeks ago we told you Hollister was coming. It is now open across from The Childrens Place.

It is actually Gilly Hicks by Hollister. The store sells activewear.

Primark, an international fashion retailer, is well underway in the old Bed, Bath & Beyond location. This is next to Entrance 3. The 40,000-square-foot spot is expected to soon along with two other new stores.

It will be the first Primark in North Carolina and just the second in the Southeast. The company has set up a hiring center in the food court.

Cotton On, another clothing retailer, is opening an outlet store near Entrance 6. The company has 1,500 locations in 22 countries.

The final new store is The North Face, which is coming to a space near the food court. The popular outfitter said it has equipped explorers since 1966.

No. 3

Model train fans in town. This week the Lionel Collectors Club of America (LCCA) National Convention is at the Embassy Suites and Convention Center. Lionel, the model train company, has its headquarters near Charlotte Motor Speedway.

It started on Wednesday and will continue today (Friday) from noon to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The convention features some large model train layouts.

No. 4

Anybody remember Dark Shadows? The Mad Monster Expo will be at the convention center Aug. 25-27 and features a star from the old time TV series Dark Shadows.

I am not a Dark Shadows fan. It gave me nightmares as a kid but most of my friends loved the show. They all raced from the school bus to watch.

Actress Kathryn Leigh Scott, who played Maggie Evans and Josette DuPres on the show, will be in Concord for the expo. Other stars scheduled to appear are: Richard Brake (Game of Thrones), David Patrick Kelly (The Warriors), Heather Langenkamp (A Nightmare on Elm Street), Rose McGowan (Scream), Bill Moseley (The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2), and Linnea Quigley (Return of the Living Dead).

So what is the Mad Monster Expo? Here is what the press release said in part, Its a Horror, Sci-Fi, and Fantasy themed convention that brings the worlds top genre celebrities and vendors together with their fans to trade stories, attend informative panels, buy autographs, and fun merchandise, and visit with old friends  and meet new like-minded monsters.

Dark Shadows was an American gothic soap opera that aired weekdays on the ABC television network, from June 27, 1966, to April 2, 1971. The show depicted the lives of the wealthy Collins family of Collinsport, Maine, where a series of supernatural occurrences take place.

Dark Shadows became popular when vampire Barnabas Collins, played by actor Jonathan Frid, was introduced 10 months into its run. It would also feature ghosts, werewolves, zombies, man-made monsters, witches, warlocks, time travel, and a parallel universe. A small troupe of actors each played many roles; as actors came and went, some characters were played by more than one actor. The show was distinguished by its melodramatic performances, atmospheric set designs, unusual storylines, numerous plot twists, adventurous music score, broad range of characters, and heroic adventures. Dark Shadows developed a large teenage audience and a dedicated cult following. By 1969, it had become ABCs highest-rated daytime series with viewership in the millions.

The original network run of the show amassed 1,225 episodes. The success of the series spawned a media franchise that has included two feature films  House of Dark Shadows in 1970 and Night of Dark Shadows in 1971  a 1991 TV remake, a 2012 film reboot directed by Tim Burton, and numerous spin-off novels and comics. Kathryn Leigh Scott has narrated all 27 vintage Dark Shadows novels by Marilyn Ross for Oasis Audiobooks, available on Amazon.com.

No. 5

A turtle update. We have identified the Frank Liske Park turtles as Eastern Box Turtles. Boy did I have it wrong!

I fear you may have misinterpreted what you saw, Richard Bennett said after reading last weeks Friday Five.

It was not a momma turtle protecting her young. It was either turtles in breeding season or two males fighting over territory.

The female lays eggs buried under a log and leaves never to see her young except by chance, Richard said.

I appreciate the lesson in turtleology. I did learn one more thing too. You know that little camera-looking symbol on the Google search bar, right beside the microphone? For our non-computer using readers, zone out for a minute.

Click on the camera thing and then you can drag or import a photo into it and Google will search for similar photos and information. Its pretty useful.

Non-computer readers can rejoin us now.

No. 5A

Do you like cheesecake? I do. The Cheesecake Factory is opening a new location over in Birkdale Village. The address is 8701 Townley Road, Huntersville.

The grand opening is set for Aug. 8. It will be the second Charlotte area location, with the other being at South Park.

It is really expensive but the cheesecake is good. Its a good place to go for a special occasion.

If you have a Friday Five, story suggestion or something I can rant about email mplemmons@independenttribune.com or call or text 704-786-0001.
American government services contractor Maximus, which also operates in Canada, Australia and the UK, has informed the SEC of a data breach in which the personal data of between eight and 11 million people has been stolen.

The data was pilfered through the secure managed file transfer software MOVEit Transfer; vulnerabliities in that software have been used by the ransomware group Cl0p to steal the data of many US government agencies.

A spokesperson for Maximus' Australian operations told iTWire: "MAX, part of Maximus, does not use the MOVEit platform in Australia, and as a result, no MAX customers were impacted.

Cl0P now appears to have delisted Maximus from its web site, one of 11 companies whose names have been removed after being listed, according to ransomware threat researcher Brett Callow.

Set up in 1975,has more than 39.000 employers and its annual revenue is claimed to be US$4.25 billion (A$6.3 billion).

The statement to the SEC said, in part: "It appears that a significant number of commercial and government customers worldwide were affected by this vulnerability. Maximus uses MOVEit for internal and external file sharing purposes, including to share data with government customers pertaining to individuals who participate in various government programs.

"The company believes the personal information of a significant number of individuals was accessed by an unauthorised third party by exploiting this MOVEit vulnerability. The company is co-operating with law enforcement regarding this cyber-security incident.

It added that following a review of affected files, it believed the material stolen contained personal information, including social security numbers, protected health information and other personal information.

"The company has been notifying its customers as well as federal and state regulators, and it will provide appropriate notifications to individuals affected by this incident," the Maximus statement said.

"In addition, individuals receiving notice will be offered free credit monitoring and identity restoration services."

The statement said the company planned to record US$15 million for the quarter ending on 30 June as its best estimate of the costs for investigating and remediating the incident.

Contacted for comment, Callow, who works for the New Zealand-headquartered security firm Emsisoft, said: "This is likely to be one of the most significant cyber security incidents to date in terms of the volume of data exposed and the sensitivity of that data, and its effects will be felt for months if not years."
US Senator Ron Wyden has asked the Federal Trade Commission, the Department of Justice and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency to hold Microsoft responsible for its "negligent cyber-security practices, which enabled a successful Chinese espionage campaign against the US Government".

He made the request in a letter sent to Jen Easterly, director of CISA; Lina Khan, chair of the FTC; and Merrick Garland, US attorney-general.

Wyden, a Democrat from Oregon, was referring to a recent breach of Microsoft's Azure platform. The email account of US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo was one of the more prominent accounts to have been breached during the attack which was blamed on Chinese attackers whom Microsoft has named Storm-0588.

The attackers gained access through a vulnerability in Azure discovered last month by the State Department, according to anonymous officials quoted in the Washington Post.

Microsoft has been obfuscating about the incident, most recentlyabout the breach by cloud security firm Wiz, despite having given its blessing to the post.

Wyden wrote: "Since the hackers stole an MSA encryption key, the hackers could create fake authentication tokens to impersonate users and gain access to Microsoft-hosted consumer accounts, even if a users account was protected with multi-factor authentication and a strong password.

"Government emails were stolen because Microsoft committed another error. Although the stolen encryption key was for consumer accounts, 'a validation error in Microsoft code' allowed the hackers to also create fake tokens for Microsoft-hosted accounts for government agencies and other organisations, and thereby access those accounts."

Seasoned security professional Juan Andres Guerrero-Saade, senior director of SentinelLabs, the research wing of security firm SentinelOne, has described the way Microsoft reacted to the breach as "enraging, duplicitous, disappointing, counter-productive and, most importantly, unnecessary".

Wyden said this incident was not the first when a foreign government had breached US Government emails by stealing encryption keys and forging Microsoft credentials.

"The Russian hackers behind the 2020 SolarWinds hacking campaign used a similar technique, with a noteworthy difference," he pointed out. "There, the targets were organisations that ran Microsofts identity management software on their own servers, rather than relying on Microsofts cloud service for user authentication, Azure Active Directory.

"That Microsoft software defaulted to not warning administrators when their organisations digital identity encryption keys were removed  even though removal is a rare event, strongly indicative of suspicious activity.

"Moreover, while Microsoft had known since 2017 that such keys could be quietly exfiltrated from customer servers running its software, it failed to warn its customers, including government agencies, about this risk."

Wyden, who showed a good grasp of the technicalities involved in the breach, said Microsoft had never taken responsibility for the SolarWinds attacks.

"It blamed federal agencies for not pushing it to prioritise defending against the encryption key theft technique used by Russia, which Microsoft had known about since 2017," he claimed.

"It blamed its customers for using the default logging settings chosen by Microsoft, and then blamed them for not storing the high-value encryption keys in a hardware vault, known as a Hardware Security Module."

Despite only limited details having been made public so far  Microsoft has issued three blog posts about the Azure breach, all of which have been criticised as being incomplete and misleading  Wyden said Microsoft bore significant responsibility for the Azure breach.

"First, Microsoft should not have had a single skeleton key that, when inevitably stolen, could be used to forge access to different customers private communications," he said. "Second, as Microsoft pointed out after the SolarWinds incident, high-value encryption keys should be stored in an HSM, whose sole function is to prevent the theft of encryption keys.

"But Microsoft's admission that they have now moved consumer encryption keys to a 'hardened key store used for our enterprise systems' raises serious questions about whether Microsoft followed its own security advice and stored such keys in an HSM.

"Third, the encryption key used in this latest hack was created by Microsoft in 2016, and it expired in 2021. Federal cyber-security guidelines, industry best practices, and Microsofts own recommendations to customers dictate that encryption keys be refreshed more frequently, for the very reason that they might become compromised. And authentication tokens signed by an expired key should never have been accepted as valid.

"Finally, while Microsofts engineers should never have deployed systems that violated such basic cyber-security principles, these obvious flaws should have been caught by Microsofts internal and external security audits. That these flaws were not detected raises questions about what other serious cyber-security defects these auditors also missed."

Wyden said the US administration also had to take some of the blame the Cyber Safety Review Board had never looked at the SolarWinds incident, instead examining another incident at the insistence of the Homeland Security Department.

Said Wyden: "I have repeatedly pushed CISA and DHS to direct the CSRB to study the SolarWinds incident, but have been rebuffed. Had that review taken place, it is quite likely that Microsofts poor data security practices around encryption keys would have come to light, and this most recent incident might have been averted."

He urged Khan and Easterly to push the CSRB to investigate the SolarWinds attack. "In particular, the CSRB should examine whether Microsoft stored the stolen encryption key in an HSM, a best practice recommended by the National Security Agency and even by Microsoft, and if not, examine why Microsoft failed to follow its own security advice," he added.

"The CSRB should also examine why Microsofts negligence was not discovered during the external audits that were required to obtain certification for government use under the FedRAMP program, or during Microsofts own internal security reviews."

Wyden also asked Khan to "investigate Microsofts privacy and data security practices related to this incident to determine if Microsoft violated federal laws enforced by the FTC, including those prohibiting unfair and deceptive business practices".

He also urged Garland to examine whether Microsoft's negligence constituted a violation of federal law.
Photo: The Canadian Press Crowds attend Family Day at the Calgary Stampede parade in Calgary, Sunday, July 9, 2023. A member of Parliament says he's calling on the federal government to halt funding to the Calgary Stampede.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

A member of Parliament says he's calling on the federal government to halt funding to the Calgary Stampede.

Liberal member George Chahal, who represents Calgary Skyview, says the Stampede has lost people's trust.

A partial settlement was reached this week in a class-action lawsuit alleging the organization allowed a performance school staffer to sexually abuse young boys.

Phillip Heerema is serving a 10-year sentence for luring six boys into sexual relationships when he worked for the Stampede's Young Canadians School of Performing Arts.

The lawsuit's three dozen plaintiffs are all men who were students, employees, contractors or volunteers with the performance school.

The Stampede apologized in a statement and said it takes responsibility in the hopes of helping the victims heal.

Chahal said government funding should only be restored when the victims feel there has been genuine accountability.

The Calgary Stampede must recognize that they have lost the trust of many Calgarians," Chahal said in a letter posted Thursday night on social media.

"It is not about enhancing their image or salvaging their brand; it is about ensuring justice, safety and a commitment to never allow such heinous acts to happen within their ranks again."

The Stampede said it has taken steps to enhance the safety and wellness of its young participants.

"Our commitment to those impacted is to do everything possible to guard against anything similar ever happening again," it said in a statement Wednesday.
China's "618" online shopping festival failed to shore up smartphone shipments to the country in the second quarter of 2023, with 65.7 million units shipped, meaning a fall of 2.1% year-on-year.

The technology analyst firm IDC said the decline in the second quarter this year was less than in 2022, adding that in the first six months, the Middle Kingdom saw shipments of 130.9 million units, a fall of 7.3% year-on-year.

IDC said recovery of consumer demand was sluggish and thus the discounts offered during the shopping festival did not count for much.

It said the disappointing sales results were likely to continue in the short term. The figures for China, the biggest smartphone market, were in line with those in India and the rest of the globe.

One notable feature in the second quarter was the return of Huawei to the list of top five vendors, with the company equalling the sales of Xiaomi.

Recent reports indicate that Huawei is making a bid to return to the 5G smartphone industry by the end of 2023.

IDC said Huawei's resurgence was supported by a better product launching pace as well as the favourable sales performance of its P60 series and foldable Mate X3 model.

Huawei and Apple were the only vendors with positive year-on-year growth in the top five vendors, as Apple's price discounts for its iPhone 14 series successfully stimulated demand.

Gloomy consumer demand is not the only challenge now for the top tier vendors as Huawei made a comeback and potentially triggered more competition in the high-end segment, said Will Wong, senior research manager for Client Devices at IDC Asia/Pacific.

More intense rivalry is expected to be seen, especially during the product launch period and the Singles Day shopping festival.
Sign up for the daily JWR update. It's free. Just click here.

ODESA, Ukraine"We do not believe that any type of laboratory-based scenario is plausible." That's the key sentence in an article published in Nature Medicine on March 17, 2020, titled "The Proximal Origin of SARS-CoV-2."

It's also a prime example of eminently credentialed and government-subsidized scientists saying the exact opposite of what they believed, in an attempt  successful at the time, but now, three years later, exposed  to deceive the public.

The article appeared, as the date indicates, just as the spread of COVID was becoming apparent. It also appeared after Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) said in January 2020 that the virus could have leaked from "China's only biosafety level-four super laboratory that works with the world's most deadly pathogens" in Wuhan.

Cotton was careful to say that a lab leak was not proven and that the virus could also have been transmitted through an animal, and he dismissed the possibility of an intentional leak.

A lab leak origin was quickly dismissed as a "fringe theory" by The Washington Post and a "conspiracy theory" by The New York Times. Those characterizations were attributed to government and government-financed scientists  the same bunch who would shortly produce the "Proximal Origin" paper.

The pushback against the lab leak theory has now been revealed as a fraud, thanks to the work of journalist Matt Taibbi, academic Roger Pielke Jr. and the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic.

The real conspiracy had roots in a February 2020 conference call led by Dr. Anthony Fauci, head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases at the time, and Dr. Francis Collins, his boss as head of the National Institutes of Health, and including the four scientists who would co-author the "Proximal Origin" paper.

In February, as the House subcommittee documents reveal, all four were expressing thoughts directly contrary to what they put their names to in March.

 "I really can't think of a plausible natural scenario," wrote Dr. Robert Garry. "In the lab it would be easy."

 "The only thing here that strikes me as unusual," wrote Dr. Andrew Rambaut, "is the furin cleavage site," something much more likely to be produced by a lab than by natural transmission.

 Dr. Edward Holmes wrote he was "60-40 lab."

 The main work over the last couple of weeks, wrote Dr. Kristian Andersen, "has been focused on t(r)ying to disprove any type of lab theory, but we are at a crossroad where the scientific evidence isn't conclusive enough to say we have high confidence in any of the three main theories."

Not exactly "We do not believe that any type of laboratory-based scenario is plausible," eh?

Why the change? As one conference call participant put it, "further debate about" a lab leak would "do unnecessary harm to science in general and science in China in particular."

Unstated, but known to every one of the scientists, was that Collins and Fauci had approved cooperation with the Wuhan lab and controlled millions in research dollars coveted by every scientist.

Their intentions were not in doubt. On April 16, Collins told Fauci he hoped "Proximal Origin" would put down "the very destructive conspiracy" of the lab leak theory, and on April 17 Fauci recommended it to reporters as the product of a "group of highly qualified evolutionary virologists," without mentioning his own role.

That same month, Andersen in emails admitted that a lab leak was possible and bragged about misleading New York Times reporter Donald G. McNeil Jr.

I found the cynicism revealed in these emails shocking, even though I have written critically, in July 2021 and March 2023, about government scientists' attempts to discredit the lab leak theory. I note that statistics guru Nate Silver, not a member of any right-wing conspiracy, is now similarly appalled.

"I'm deeply disappointed by the scientists' conduct here and how unmoored they were from any attempt at truth-seeking," he wrote last week. "The COVID origins story has also been a journalistic fiasco," he added, opining that "journalists are more prone toward being manipulated by bad apples in academia and science than they were ten or twenty years ago."

Evidence for that predilection comes from New York Times reporter Sheryl Gay Stolberg, who last week tweeted that a House Republican hearing "raised thorny questions about free speech in a democratic society: Is misinformation protected by the First Amendment? When is it appropriate for the federal government to seek to tamp down the spread of falsehoods?"

Leave aside the deliciously Orwellian flavor of her verb "tamp down" and her astonishing ignorance of First Amendment law, and reflect on how "Proximal Origin" suggests that the government and government-financed credentialed experts are often better at generating misinformation and falsehoods than at detecting them.

(COMMENT, BELOW)

Trudy Rubin

Philadelphia Inquirer

(TNS)

Previously:

 07/24/23: Putin is playing a game of food blackmail. The West can't let him win

 07/19/23: Can Ukraine win the war against Russia? I'm traveling there to find out

 07/17/23: From hell to Harvard: One Ukrainian's escape and how you can help fulfill her dreams

 07/11/23: At the NATO summit in Vilnius: Will Biden seize or squander the chance to end Putin's war on Ukraine?

 04/21/23: The Pentagon documents leak will embolden Putin as he tries to outlast Ukraine

 03/22/23: The Russian attack on a U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drone underlines why we must help Ukraine win

 03/15/23: Will the White House have the courage to propel a Ukrainian victory this year?

 02/21/23: On the first anniversary of Putin's invasion, Ukraine fights on for its independence and for the security of the West

 02/17/23: A former Pakistani leader's death, and his wise peace plan that failed

 02/09/23: Earthquakes killed nearly 12,000 people this week. Three men are partly to blame

 01/24/23: As Russia murders civilians in Dnipro, why won't NATO send weapons that could end the war?

 12/28/22: What Zelensky worried about when he addressed a cheering Congress

 12/13/22: The US-China conflict to watch is the Chip War --- which centers on Taiwan

 09/14/22: Ukraine scores sudden breakthrough that should energize Western support

 09/09/22: Queen Elizabeth's death deprives Britain and the world of a rock of stability

 09/08/22: After Gorbachev's death, Putin wants the world to know he is the 'anti-Gorbi'

 08/26/22: 6 months after Russia's war vs. Ukraine began, the West still won't give Kiev the weapons to win

 08/15/22: Ukraine's civilian volunteers work to give aid and rebuild, even as Russia continues to bomb them

 08/08/22: A trip near the front lines finds Ukrainian troops ready for a battle that could decide the war

 06/13/22: The critical battles for Ukraine and for America are being fought right here, right now

 05/02/22: Save Odesa to save the world from hunger and high food prices

 05/02/22: Bloodless Ukrainian War, not utopian fantasy says one-time largest foreign investor in Russia

 04/11/22: The only way to end Putin's war crimes

 03/28/22: Don't let Putin's nuclear and chemical threats stop us from giving Ukraine what it needs

 03/24/22: An elegy for Mariupol, where I walked six weeks ago. Now razed by Russian bombs

 03/18/22: Zelensky's brilliant speech should impel Biden and Congress to protect Ukrainian skies

 03/11/22: Mariupol's bombed maternity hospital exemplifies why NATO should protect Ukraine's skies

 03/10/22: No 'no-fly zone'? Then NATO must find another way to protect Ukraine's skies

 03/07/22: The third World War has already started in Ukraine. Europe and the US should wake up

 03/04/22:Putin must be stopped from turning Kiev into Aleppo

 03/02/22:Why is Belarus helping Russia invade Ukraine? An explainer on the latest in the conflict

 02/25/22: What the UN should finally do about Russia

 02/24/22: Why Putin's Ukraine aggression will change the world --- an explainer on how we got here

 02/10/22: Ukrainian civilians train for war with cardboard guns: 'We are scared but we are ready

 01/13/22:Putin wants to reestablish the Russian empire. Can NATO stop him without war?

 12/10/21: Can Biden and NATO prevent Putin from invading Ukraine? Summit puts it to the test

 12/02/21: Boris Johnson stirs up new Irish Troubles for his own personal political gains

 11/22/21: Xi Jinping thinks America is on the rocks. Is he correct?

 08/18/21: President Biden, get our Afghan allies on evacuation planes

 08/18/21:The horror of Afghan women abandoned by Biden's troop pullout

 08/09/21:China is pushing a big COVID-19 lie that makes a new pandemic harder to prevent

 05/27/21: Punish Belarus leader for Ryanair hijacking before air piracy becomes dictators' new tool

 04/14/21: Can Beethoven temper the political tensions between US and China?

 06/01/20: US must stand with Hong Kong against Beijing's efforts to crush its freedoms

 05/20/20: COVID-19 offers a chance to halt Iran's hostage diplomacy

 05/21/14: Newscycle spurs visit to country my family fled

 04/21/14: Blind to Putin's strategy?

 12/24/13: Obama's Syrian indifference has led to more death and destruction. Meet some real heroes

 12/13/13: Where liberals have come to love the military

 12/09/13: The China strategy

 11/05/13: Return to Iraq is worth a close look

 10/01/13: Obama's call to Iran: Who was really on the line?

 09/11/13: How Obama got Syria so wrong

 07/24/13: It's time for Obama to tell Putin 'nyet'

 05/15/13: What Russia gave Kerry on Syria --- very little





Trudy Rubin is a columnist and editorial-board member for the Philadelphia Inquirer.
SIGN UP FOR THE DAILY JWR UPDATE. IT'S FREE. Just click here.

include_once "/home/jwreview/public_html/$theme/includes/sidebar.php"; ?>

As the hot days of summer go on, more and more evidence of years of corruption by Joe Biden and his son keep oozing out like infected pus from a wound.

Hunter Biden's laptop served as a starting point. That same laptop that the Democrats, the top honchos of the Justice Department, FBI, and the media swore was OfakeO created by the Russians. Well, it isn't fake, it is all for real. Hunter himself admitted it when he attempted to sue the owner of the repair shop for exposing him. Nevertheless, the media and the crooked political establishment continued to deny it, to ignore it, and to change the subject.

Incriminating evidence in emails have been revealed and released publicly showing millions of dollars in payments were made to the Bidens from foreign countries through dozens of corporate shell companies used to launder the payoffs. In congressional hearings two IRS whistleblowers testified that they were ordered to treat Hunter differently than they would treat others. They were forbidden to talk to certain people. They were told that investigating certain areas were off limits. And they testified that Hunter's plea bargain was fixed and politically influenced.

Then came the release of an FBI informant file that said Hunter and then VP Joe Biden blackmailed a Ukrainian big shot to pay $10 million in bribes to avoid a corruption probe. A key witness has said that Hunter frequently put his father on the phone with foreign business associates. Soon one of Hunter Biden's closest partners, Devon Archer, is expected to describe the calls that he personally heard Joe make at an upcoming hearing of the House Oversight Committee. It is scheduled to take place on July 31st.

Archer plans to testify that he was present for at least two dozen calls in which Hunter put his father on speaker phone with his foreign associates, including a half-dozen times where Joe was specifically introduced to others. Tony Bobulinski, another one of Hunter's partners, has previously revealed that Joe was in on it all the time. That he sat in with Hunter and Bobulinski to discuss the deals.

More and more people are coming forward with incriminating evidence. And more and more written evidence is coming out proving that the Biden family has been taking tens of millions from China, Ukraine, and other countries for years. The Hunter plea deal, which was supposed to have been signed off by a Delaware federal judge this Wednesday, fell apart. Hunter changed his plea from guilty to not guilty. A major blow to Joe and his people.

Drip, drip, drip. It seems with each day a new witness, new emails, official reports, bank records, and other documents come to light. It becomes harder and harder for Joe Biden and his cronies in government and the media to deny his involvement in these schemes. Eventually they won't be able to. The mounds of evidence of corruption will be too great.

Even some of the Biden-friendly media are starting to ask questions. Albeit they do so reluctantly, gently, and begrudgingly. The vast majority, of course, will continue to suppress anything that puts the Bidens in a negative light. And the silence of many senators, including ones who claim to be Republicans, tells me that they too may have something to hide. Maybe they're simply cowards or are afraid of losing their standing in the political circles of Washington. Maybe they are just as corrupt as Biden.

But everyday people are beginning, at long last, to pay attention. The public has so completely lost trust in the media since they removed their unbiased masks and shown themselves to be totally compromised politically. And it's hard for most people to keep believing that ol' Joe is just that plain, lunch bucket blue-collar guy from Scranton when all these corruption stories keep popping out like silk handkerchiefs out of a magician's sleeve.

Polls show that most people now believe that Hunter has gotten special protection in the investigation and the majority of those polled see this as a major scandal. Probably the biggest political scandal in our history. And the evidence keeps dripping out day by day.

This Biden thing won't be going away anytime soon. And at some point Joe will have no choice but to address it. It will be interesting to see how he attempts to whitewash it. It should mean the end of his political reign, if nothing else. His so-called "legacy" will be that as the most corrupt president in United States history. He's been a lying, plagiarizing, crook his entire life.

So it couldn't happen to a more deserving person. .

(COMMENT, BELOW)
CHARLESTON  The Charleston Fire Department's ambulance service is marking its 50th anniversary while continuing to see a steady increase in emergency medical calls.

Records for this city ambulance service, which started on Aug. 1, 1973, show that it received 280 emergency medical calls during the last five months of that year followed by 956 calls for all of 1974.

Annual figures for emergency medical calls have grown during the subsequent five decades to the point that they reached 5,139 in 2022, out of a total of 5,704 calls for service to the fire department.

"Every year, we are setting records for calls. It's always going up," said Chief Steve Bennett of the work handled by the department's 35 emergency responders, who are now all firefighter-paramedics.

The aging of Baby Boomers and other generations is always a factor in increased calls, Bennett said. He noted that ambulance crews respond to a lot of falls and other medical issues involving elderly community members. However, he said mental health issues, including those related to depression and substance abuse, have driven much of the increase during the last five-six years in Charleston as part of a statewide trend.

Bennett said the Community Emergency Services and Supports Act (CESSA), signed into law in 2021, is aimed at addressing this trend. This new legislation requires emergency response dispatchers to refer calls seeking mental and behavioral health support to a new service that can dispatch a team of mental health professionals.

The Charleston fire chief, who is serving on a CESSA regional committee, said he anticipates that emergency responders will work closely with the LifeLinks counseling and mental health services provider in Mattoon on local implementation. He said this new dispatching program is scheduled to be up and running on July 24, 2024.

"Hopefully, it will reduce some of our call volume," Bennett said.

The ambulance service started small on Aug. 1, 1973 with one 1973 Chevrolet high-top van ambulance, valued at $12,976. The first paramedic, Tom Watson, stayed on duty 24 hours a day until the city hired a few other paramedics about a week later.

Charleston city leaders began this municipal service in a hurry after the private ambulance provider for Charleston, Coles County Ambulance Service, gave notice it was going out of business at midnight on Aug. 1, 1973. Watson switched from working for this private provider to the city.

"(The first ambulance) basically had a cot, a tank of oxygen and a first-aid kit, and that was about it," Watson said in a 2003 interview. "It was kind of slow that first week. Once people became accustomed to calling the fire department for an ambulance, things picked up and have stayed that way ever since."

Watson later served as chief of the Charleston Fire Department and as its unofficial historian. He passed away on March 15, 2023 at the age of 76.

The fire department's ambulance service has continued to serve as the sole emergency medical provider for the city, which does have application and certification requirements available in its ordinances for prospective private providers.

Charleston's ambulance crews handle calls in the city limits, as part of a 288-square-mile coverage area on the east side of Coles County. This ambulance service also has an automatic aid agreement to serve the village of Kansas in western Edgar County.

Bennett said the fire department now has five ambulances, plus a rescue truck carrying advanced life support equipment that can be used to care for a patient until an ambulance arrives. The newest ambulance cost $207,743. He said some of their newest equipment includes Zoll Autopulse automatic CPR machines that paramedics can strap onto patients while they are on stretchers.

"Now, that device can automatically do chest compressions while you are moving the patient," Bennett said.

In addition, Lt. Tom Chaney and firefighter-paramedic Justin Schumacher said they now use hydraulic stretchers to move patients and load them into ambulances while minimizing the physical strain on the crews. Chaney said he has appreciated having the opportunity to serve the community as not just a firefighter, but also as a paramedic.

"I think it allows you to get out in the public more," Chaney said. "You learn the town faster and response district quicker, so we can get their faster for any type of incident."

Close Charleston firefighters Jordan Philpott and Phillip Mazar conduct a vehicle extrication demonstration during the Charleston Fire Department's annual open house on Saturday. Charleston police officer Brandon Spindler portrays a suspect being detained by police K-9 Vito during a demonstration Saturday that was part of the Charleston Fire Department's annual open house. Charleston police K-9 officer Chris Darimont and K-9 Vito conduct a vehicle search demonstration during the Charleston Fire Department's open house Saturday. Five-year-old McKenna Lovejoy of Charleston crawls through a tunnel that was part of a kids' obstacle course at the Charleston Fire Department's open house Saturday. Rylan McSparran, 5, of Charleston gets help from Charleston firefighter Jordan Philpott trying out a fire house during the Charleston Fire Department's open house Saturday. Charleston firefighter Tom Chaney helps his daughter Myka, 8, get into kid's sized fire gear during the Charleston Fire Department's open house Satruday. Charleston Fire Prevention Week open house A variety of activities took place Saturday during the Charleston Fire Department's annual open house. The open house was in conjunction with Fire Prevention Week and took place at the department's station No. 2 at 1510 A St. Charleston firefighters Jordan Philpott and Phillip Mazar conduct a vehicle extrication demonstration during the Charleston Fire Department's annual open house on Saturday. Charleston police officer Brandon Spindler portrays a suspect being detained by police K-9 Vito during a demonstration Saturday that was part of the Charleston Fire Department's annual open house. Charleston police K-9 officer Chris Darimont and K-9 Vito conduct a vehicle search demonstration during the Charleston Fire Department's open house Saturday. Five-year-old McKenna Lovejoy of Charleston crawls through a tunnel that was part of a kids' obstacle course at the Charleston Fire Department's open house Saturday. Rylan McSparran, 5, of Charleston gets help from Charleston firefighter Jordan Philpott trying out a fire house during the Charleston Fire Department's open house Saturday. Charleston firefighter Tom Chaney helps his daughter Myka, 8, get into kid's sized fire gear during the Charleston Fire Department's open house Satruday.
Social media can be a cruel and callous place, and it reflects the real world so perfectly that we must pay attention.

But when you drill down into some online controversies, you can find crueler and more callous. A recent incident is a perfect but all-too-common occurrence.

Last month, TikTok comedian Ashley Gavin verbally attacked audience member Olivia Neely. The audience member reacted to Gavin saying something from the stage with a "woo!" Gavin was thrown off and angry and roasted the audience member from the stage.

So far, so standard. Performer-audience interaction isn't an expected or regular experience. But comedy shows can be different. An edgy encounter can make an evening special for the rest of the audience.

But Gavin escalated. She repeatedly yelled at Neely to un-alive yourself, a TikTok euphemism for kill yourself that can slip past the platforms watchful censors. She also revived a recent social media complaint by accusing Neely of "virtue signaling."

When a surprised Neely said that shed attempted suicide in the past, Gavin replied, I dont care. Youre an annoying person. Try harder to kill yourself."

There's the timeless classic. Does anything good ever come from telling someone to kill themselves?

Let's go through a brief list of a few people who have done so:

Model Chrissy Teigen told a then-16-year-old Courtney Stodden to kill themselves.

Anti-gay rapper Boosie Badazz gave the suggestion to Lil Nas X

Pittsburgh Steelers safety Mike Mitchell tweeted it to a fan

New York state Sen. Kevin Parker told a state GOP operative to Kill yourself! on Twitter. At least there was a reason. The woman accused the senator of misusing his official parking placard.

Wack 100 responded to Ray J's Instagram suicidal thoughts with a "kill yourself" response.

'Go and kill yourself,' a Louisiana teacher told 11-year-old student.

Other guilty parties include Derrick Rose, C.M. Punk and UFC star Kamaru Usman.

And those are just ones that have come to widespread attention.

Can we agree to simply not say this to one another? Wouldn't that be a touch closer to being, well, human?

This incident is completely separate from that of Colleen Ballinger, also known as the character Miranda Sings. Ballinger has been accused of grooming and inappropriate interactions with minors.

But Ballinger and Gavin have something else in common. They both issued apologies, but social media responses criticized both.

Ballinger responded with an odd 10-minute song accompanied solely by a ukelele. Observers were troubled by her flippant attitude and not taking accountability. Gavin's apology made no mention of her victim, and responses to her post were turned off.

There's a preferred way to do things online, and these two did not accomplish that.

At least as far as we've been able to tell, neither has received a request to kill themselves.
An unidentified manufacturer is considering a $69 million capital investment in its Forsyth County plant with plans to add 87 full- or full-time equivalent jobs, according to a legal notice Friday by the county Board of Commissioners.

The board has set a public hearing for 2 p.m. Aug. 10 to consider offering the manufacturer up to $1.32 million in performance-based incentives. The money would come from the county General Fund over a seven-year period.

The public hearing will be held in the county Government Center at 201 N. Chestnut St. in Winston-Salem.

The incentives would go toward helping the manufacturer expand an existing facility and adding machinery.

The average annual wage for the new jobs would be $62,951 plus benefits.

Economic officials with the city of Winston-Salem could not be immediately reached to see if the city will be offering an incentive package.

The project could qualify for state incentives if the manufacturer is considering out-of-state facility options.

Recent incentive deals

The incentive request is only the latest this year before city and county elected officials.

In February, the city and county approved a combined $1.1 million in performance-based incentives to Tex-Tech Industries of Kernersville toward a new manufacturing plant in Winston-Salem.

The company was made eligible for up to $125,000 in One North Carolina incentives.

Tex-Tech committed to the project on March 15, pledging to create 59 jobs in Winston-Salem over five years at a 170,000-square-foot plant with an investment of $41.7 million in construction, machinery and equipment.

The plant will be built on Old Lexington Road on a 15-acre site just south of the former Western Electric plant, now Salem Business Park.

Tex-Tech is a maker of specialty textiles and textile coatings that are used primarily in the aerospace, automotive and medical industries.

The company will pay an average wage of about $64,000. Most of the jobs are in advanced manufacturing operations.

Also in February, a groundbreaking was held for the $100 million, 522,000-square-foot plant Ziehl-Abegg Inc. production plant on a 71-acre tract in southeastern Winston-Salem.

Production is expected to begin in 2024. Ziehl-Abegg plans to create up to 600 jobs at the plant.

The plant, which will serve as its North American operational base, represents the companys single-largest one-site capital investment in its 130-year history.

A performance-based grant of $400,000 from the One North Carolina Fund, dependent on a capital investment from the company of $24.5 million, will help with Ziehl-Abeggs expansion in North Carolina. Winston-Salem is providing about $630,000 in incentives, and Forsyth $430,000.

Not always done deal

In February, Krispy Kreme Inc. confirmed it would not proceed with plans for a $5.8 million expansion of its Winston-Salem operations, which would have added up to 180 jobs.

The manufacturer had said on Dec. 5 that it would produce its Branded Sweet Treats line at its Ivy Avenue production facility.

Krispy Kreme said its decisions not to proceed with the Winston-Salem expansion and to close a Concord plant came from shifting its focus mostly to in-store sales at its doughnut shops while exiting its pre-packaged products that mostly sold in convenience and grocery stores.

Krispy Kreme had committed to paying an average annual wage of $33,150 for the new job positions, which would have included machine operators, line packers, quality technicians, product mixers, forklift drivers and others.

The Winston-Salem City Council approved up to $158,456 in performance-based incentives toward the planned expansion, while the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners previously approved nearly $110,000.
A man was stabbed and injured Thursday night in the 2900 block of New Walkertown Road, authorities said Friday.

Winston-Salem police responded at midnight to the BP gas station at 2602 New Walkertown Road on a reported stabbing, police said.

When officers arrived, they found Oscar Noyola-Lopez, who has no permanent address, suffering from multiple stab wounds on his body and head, police said.

Noyola-Lopez was taken to a local hospital for treatment of his injuries, which are considered to be non-life threatening, police said. Noyola-Lopez is in stable condition at the hospital.

Investigators determined that Noyola-Lopez was at an apartment complex in the 2900 block of New Walkertown Road with an acquaintance, police said.

The acquaintance known to Noyola-Lopez as Will then assaulted him with a knife for unknown reasons, police said. Noyola-Lopez ran from the area, and a resident at the gas station assisted him.

Officers couldnt find the suspect or a crime scene at the apartment complex, police said. The incident appeared to be an isolated and intentional act.

Winston-Salem police are asking for the publics assistance in the case.

Anyone with any information about this incident can call Winston-Salem police at 336-773-7700, Crime Stoppers at 336-727-2800 or its Spanish line at 336-728-3904.

The Text-A-Tip program at 336-276-1717 allows people to text tips, photos and videos to the police.
A group of ministers is calling for a meeting with the Winston-Salem City Council to talk about a city manager hiring process that left Patrice Toney, a Black assistant city manager, and her backers upset that she was not chosen for the job.

The Ministers Conference of Winston-Salem and Vicinity released a statement saying the city should have conducted a search that was more open to public input, like the one for a new police chief that was conducted recently.

The group, which is largely Black, said the city failed to properly consider Toneys qualifications for the job, although the statement does not mention Toney by name. Pastor Keith Vereen, the president of the ministers group, said Toney was not named because the groups problems are more with the process than the person selected. He said the group had not had any direct communication with Toney before releasing its statement.

The move by the ministers group is fallout from the 5-3 vote by the Winston-Salem City Council on July 14 to choose William Patrick Pat Pate, the current city manager in Manassas, Virginia, as the next city manager here to replace Lee Garrity, who retired toward the end of June after 17 years with the city.

Three members of the city council backed Toney, who said after the meeting that she should have gotten the job. She said that Black women have to do 10 times more to prove ourselves and show that we are capable of leading, and that the city had missed a chance to make a historic decision.

Pate, like all who before him have held the position of Winston-Salem city manager, is a white male.

Vereen said the Ministers Conference believes the hiring process should have been more open to input from the citys disenfranchised  from Black and brown people and others.

This community was never informed of the finalist until the day of approval, the Ministers Conference said in its release. This community never had an opportunity to question, evaluate, examine, review or participate in any public dialogue prior to the selection of the candidate for this position.

During the council meeting that selected Pate, Northeast Ward Council Member Barbara Burke made an impassioned plea for Toney, calling her the most experienced and qualified for the job. The Ministers Conference statement said the citys selection process overlooked and disregarded this candidates qualifications.

The city used an outside consultant, Developmental Associates LLC., to evaluate manager candidates, during the process of whittling down the list to a final three. The finalists were Pate, Toney and Ben Rowe, another assistant manager.

The Ministers Conference said people need to know more about how the evaluations done by the consultants influenced the citys final hiring decision. Vereen said members of the group have been given to understand that the consultants scored Toney the best among the three finalists. The Ministers Conference called for the city to develop a more equitable and politically unbiased hiring process.

Council Member Kevin Mundy said Wednesday that the consultants scored the candidates across a variety of characteristics, but that the candidates did not get one final overall score. From that process, he said, I dont recall anyone being heads above anyone else. The final three candidates were interviewed by council members, he said, with council members then using a weighted rating system to find out where the council as a whole stood.

Toney could not be reached for this story, nor could Pate. The Ministers Conference said in its statement that the group has the backing of the local chapter of the NAACP. Al Jabbar, the president of the local NAACP, said his group would be issuing a press release next week.

Although the city council voted to extend a job offer to Pate, he still has to go through processes that include a background check and contract negotiations.

When the city hired William Penn to be the new police chief, it also used a consultant to help narrow down finalists for the job. But the city also named the three finalists publicly, and offered people a chance to hear them speak during public forums.

Vereen said the Ministers Conference is not trying to get the city to reverse its decision to hire Pate.

We are willing to work with the incoming city manager, he said. Our concern is the process and how that was conducted.
The engineer who designed Hickorys collapsed arches has been reprimanded and fined $5,000 by the state board responsible for licensing engineers.

The N.C. State Board of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors found that Paul Gilham produced an inadequate design and/or calculations, failing to protect the public and knowingly associated with firm that is not licensed as required by (N.C. General Statues), according to a notice of final decision posted online.

Gilham was referred to the board in 2022 by an engineer who reviewed the collapse of the arches and faulted Gilham for inadequate structural design of the arches, the document said.

The engineer who filed the complaint against Gilham was hired by Neill Grading & Construction Co., the general contractor for the arches.

The final decision order also said the board had sufficient evidence which supports a charge of gross negligence, incompetence or misconduct.

Gilham took part in a settlement conference and was reprimanded and ordered to pay $5,000 within a month of the July 13 order after agreeing to abide by the terms of the settlement, according to the document.

The board warned Gilham his license would be suspended if he does not meet the requirements of the order.

Gilham, Western Wood and the state board had not responded to requests for additional information on the disciplinary proceedings as of 2 p.m. Wednesday.

Through his role at the firm Western Wood Structures, Gilham was responsible for the design of the 40-ton wooden arches installed over the Rudy Wright Bridge and N.C. Highway 127.

The arches were put in place in 2021, with a formal unveiling of the arches taking place in December of that year. The arches, part of Hickorys City Walk, cost $750,000.

In February 2022, two months after the City Walk celebration, the arches collapsed.

The city has since alleged negligence and contractual breaches against five defendants: Neill Grading, Western Wood Structures, Dane Construction, WSP USA Environment & Infrastructure and Gilham as an individual.

The parties initially were to complete a mediated settlement conference this month. However, the city of Hickory and the five defendants asked the court to put a hold on legal proceedings for the purpose of completing investigations and attempting a resolution of disputes between the parties," according to court documents.

Superior Court Judge Nathaniel Poovey granted the three-month stay on June 19.
Photo: Imperial Oil

Imperial Oil Ltd. reported it earned $675 million in its second quarter, down from $2.41 billion in the same quarter a year earlier, driven by lower refining margins and planned maintenance work.

The company says its profit amounted to $1.15 per diluted share for the quarter, down from $3.63 per diluted share a year earlier, while total revenue and other income amounted to $11.82 billion, down from $17.31 billion for the same period in 2022.

Production averaged 363,000 gross oil-equivalent barrels per day, down from 413,000 in the same quarter last year.

Meanwhile, refinery throughput averaged 388,000 barrels per day, compared with 412,000 a year ago, as refinery capacity utilization fell to 90 per cent compared with 96 per cent a year earlier.

Imperial chairman, president and chief executive Brad Corson says the company's Strathcona Renewable Diesel project, which will be Canadas largest renewable diesel facility, passed a significant milestone in May with contractors starting construction work.

He says it remains on track for a 2025 startup and is expected to produce more than one billion litres of renewable diesel annually.
Its going to be a scorcher this weekend for the 15th edition of Omahas Maha Festival, which will be held for the final time at Aksarben Village.

Genre-pushing hardcore band Turnstile and alt-folk indie rockers Big Thief, both Grammy nominees, will top the Maha bill on Friday and Saturday, respectively.

Also on the Maha 2023 bill are: Dream-pop band Alvvays; indie pop band Peach Pit; indie rockers from New Zealand, The Beths; post-punk synth artist EKKSTACY; hip-hop/funk artist Terry Presume; Saddle Creek Records alt-pop artist Black Belt Eagle Scout; and soulful disco pop group Say She She.

Nebraska-based acts include: Icky Blossoms, BIB, M34N STR33T, Garst, Ebba Rose and Lincoln rapper HAKIM.

Twelve DJs will perform at the NFM Silent Disco  one of the most popular festival features  throughout the weekend.

The festival, which began along Omahas riverfront in 2009, moved to Stinson Park at 67th and Center streets in 2011 two years later. It will move back downtown to the renovated Heartland of America Park at The RiverFront next year.

Maha is expected to be one of the largest ticketed events held in the park, located east of Eighth and Farnam streets, drawing some 20,000 attendees over the two days. That will be an increase of at least 4,000 from the Aksarben Village attendance over the last few years.

Were thankful to all our volunteers, artists collaborators, and community members who have helped us get to this point, Maha Co-Director Rachel Grace said in a news release. We know Big Thief, Turnstile, and all our other 2023 artists will help us close out our time at Aksarben Village this year on a high note.

The daily Maha lineups are:

Friday

4:30 p.m., BIB.

5:15 p.m., Hakim.

6 p.m., Icky Blossoms.

7 p.m., EKKSTACY.

8 p.m., Alvvays.

9:30 p.m., Turnstile.

Saturday

2:30 p.m., Ebba.

3:15 p.m., Garst.

4 p.m., M34n Str33t.

4:30 p.m., Say She She.

5:15 p.m., Black Belt Eagle Scout.

6 p.m., Terry Presume.

7 p.m., The Beths.

8 p.m., Peach Pit.

9:30 p.m., Big Thief.

General admission tickets are $120 for both days, $60 for Friday and $70 for Saturday and are available at mahafestival.com and will be sold at the festival gate.

Photos: 2022 Maha Festival
In 2014, Wally Mason came to Lincoln, excited to be the fifth director of the Sheldon Museum of Art.

Last month, Mason retired from Sheldon a year earlier than he expected when he arrived from Marquette Universitys Haggerty Museum of Art, having transformed the University of Nebraska-Lincolns art museum financially, in its collection and in its engagement with the university community.

When I came to Lincoln, I thought I could maybe swing it 10 years if everything went well, given what I knew at the time, Mason said. The art world has changed dramatically. The pandemic changed everything. I did nine, so I got pretty close.

And I cant say that Im walking away without accomplishing everything that I set out to do. That was another reason to decide to walk away. I did what I had planned to do.

Those plans were defined by four goals Mason had when he was hired  to make the museum more accessible to the universitys faculty, staff and students and bring Sheldon more in line with the academic curriculum, to build on the acquisitions that had been made before him, to be a good steward of the building and to raise as much money as possible.

For the public, the most noticeable aspect of the effort to integrate Sheldon with the academy curriculum occurred shortly after Mason arrived in Lincoln, when he switched the museums exhibition schedule to match the academic calendar with shows opening in August, January and June and running through each semester.

But the move toward academics was far more extensive, with the appointment of a curator of academic engagement, who works with faculty and staff throughout the university to bring the students into the museum through its programming.

We work with the art department a lot, theres no question, but lets go across the curriculum  water for food, political science, the law school, engineering, Mason said. We work with a lot of graduate students who have teaching positions. We actually do a lot of training of how to use objects with graduate students, then that crosses over all kinds of departments. There was a perception that the only academic departments that the museum could talk to would be art and arts and letters. Thats just not true.

The success of that effort is easily measured. Only 3% of UNL students came to Sheldon in 2014. By 2019, about 24% of the student body was coming to the museum.

As for acquisitions, Mason said, he built on the work of his predecessors Janice Driesbach and Jorge Daniel Veneciano. He added a significant number of major works that brought in artists not previously represented or that added depth to the existing collection by, for example, purchasing a Stuart Davis print that matches the museums Davis painting.

Those major acquisitions include: Elizabeth Murrays three-dimensional 1991 wall piece Wishing for the Farm, a Helen Frankenthaler print Tales of Genji, Robert Rauschenbergs silkscreen Soviet/American Array VI, and Richard Avedons photograph Danny Lane, Fourteen Year Old, Christine Coil, Seventeen Year Old, Calhan, Colorado, 7/31/81, which Mason called a dream for me.

Many of the acquisitions were of works by Black artists, continuing a Veneciano effort.

Those works include: a pair of 1956 Gordon Parks color photographs, Big Bertha by Nathaniel Mary Quinn, a suite of Michael Ray Charles prints, Hank Willis Thomas photograph Priceless #1 and two major paintings: Robert Colescotts 1987 acrylic Knowledge of the Past is the Key to the Future: The Other Washingtons and Stanley Whitneys 2015 Red.

Between Daniels tenure and my tenure, we moved the dial forward quite a lot in terms of making the collection much more diverse, Mason said.

Acquisitions are challenging for a small museum like Sheldon, which has a limited budget for purchasing art in a market where major works often sell for six or seven figures.

I dont know that we have the funds today to be able to go after a Stanley Whitney, Mason said. But I feel the same way about, you know, the Peter Saul Abstract Expressionist Still Life. We just wouldnt have the resources today.

So, Mason said, he had to be both strategic in what he attempted to acquire and, hopefully, a bit ahead of the market.

Stanley Whitney was a known quantity, if you were a painter, Mason said. He just hadnt broken out in terms of the market. So that acquisition, while expensive, was not outside our price point. The Joyce Pensato (Mr. Motomickey) is another example. She was a very known quantity if you were in the art world, but primarily in places like New York. We just happened to be there at the right time.

Sometimes its hard to think about always being nothing but strategic, Mason added. You have to include being lucky as part of your strategy. For me, thats what I think some of these acquisitions were about  being lucky. Being there at the right time.

As for the stewardship of Philip Johnsons temple of high modernism under Mason, LED lighting was installed throughout the building as were new security cameras. The basement was reconfigured, and dozens of minor improvements were made throughout the building. But according to Mason, what is most important is what didnt happen.

Maybe the best thing that ever happened is that there was never an attempt to add a wing to that building, that it just bloomed where it was planted, he said. It has its limitations. But I think, today, I like those limitations  If we had a cube out in the parking lot, we could show a lot more of the collection. Yeah, thats true. But I think its the right size and its made us be flexible enough and also innovative. So I think it just makes us have to think a little harder when youre in a historic building like that.

Finally, Mason said, his fundraising efforts have put Sheldon on more secure financial ground than it had been on a decade ago.

I try not to toot my own horn too much, but I have to admit that we raised a lot of money during my tenure, Mason said.  I mean, we named six of the galleries during the nine years Ive been here, and Im really proud of that. The community, all people who live in Lincoln  they really stepped up and made life-changing gifts to the museum, which means that we are on a much more solid financial footing, and I think thats really a big deal.

Having accomplished his goals and left his mark on the museum, Mason said the time was right for him to turn Sheldon over to Susan Longhenry, who will become the museums sixth director on Aug. 15.

I think all of us have a few things that were able to do, and I know what Im capable of, and I feel like I was able to do those things, he said. And if youve done them, then I think youre just marking time after that.

Susan Longhenry, whos coming in, shell have a completely different vision that will take the museum to a different place than I took it, Mason continued. Daniel took it in another direction and so did Jan (Dreisbach), so did George (Neubert). Thats the beauty of a museum this size  the director, for better or for worse, really has an imprint on the content and how it comports itself, if they stay at least three years.
A young Lincoln woman has gone to prison for a crash last year that killed Pierce White, a 28-year-old motorcycle rider.

Alexis Kelly, 19, had asked for probation.

"She's done everything she believes she can do to address what led us to today," her attorney, Tim Sullivan, told retired Lancaster County District Judge John Colborn.

Sullivan said from the outset Kelly wanted to accept responsibility and never suggested putting the family through a trial. Since, she's undergone outpatient treatment.

Deputy Lancaster County Attorney Ryan Decker said White, who had a construction business and loved ones, was 28, just riding a motorcycle and had done nothing wrong.

"And he was taken from this community ... by Ms. Kelly and her actions and her actions alone," he said.

Decker said that in mid-March 2022 Kelly was arraigned in Lincoln on a felony charge for attempting to forge a vehicle title, got a DUI in Iowa later that month and a warrant in late April on that case.

Then came this case, he said.

On Aug. 29, Kelly was eastbound on Cornhusker Highway when she turned to head north, in front of White, who was driving west through a green light on his motorcycle.

Their vehicles collided. White died at the scene.

A drug recognition expert with the Lincoln Police Department conducted field sobriety tests and a drug influence evaluation that indicated impairment, and a urine test revealed the presence of THC, according to court records.

Kelly ultimately pleaded no contest to motor vehicle homicide while driving recklessly in the case.

On Thursday, Decker said Kelly still hasn't taken care of the drunken driving case in Iowa and still has a warrant.

"Those are adult choices that she's made over and over," he said.

In the end, the judge said the fact that Kelly had gone to treatment was a factor in her favor.

"But I just simply can't ignore the impact that this has had and the serious nature of this," Colborn said.

He then sentenced her to two years in prison, plus a year and a half of post-release supervision. Three years was the maximum sentence on the charge.

Here are the safestand most deadlydays for drunk-driving fatalities Here are the safestand most deadlydays for drunk-driving fatalities DUI fatalities by season Most dangerous holidays for DUI Most dangerous days of the week for DUI Most dangerous weeks of the year Ways to stay safe on the road during the holidays Consequences of getting a DUI DUIs leave a lasting financial impact An end to drunk driving Methodology
Lincoln is facing one more day of extreme heat before some relief.

The National Weather Service issued an extreme heat warning for much of eastern Nebraska, including Lancaster County, on Friday.

Those areas face "Dangerously hot conditions with heat index values up to 110 to 115," the weather service said in a bulletin. It said some locations could face a heat index as high as 120.

The specific forecast for Lincoln calls for a high of 104 degrees and a heat index approaching 115. That would make it the third day in a row in Lincoln with a heat index above 110.

As of 5 p.m., Lincoln had hit an actual high of 102, the hottest temperature of the year, and had a peak heat index of 118.

The weather service said the combination of heat and humidity "will significantly increase the potential for heat related illnesses," especially for people working outside and those participating in outdoor activities.

Lincoln Fire & Rescue said Thursday that they have had only a handful of heat-related calls, while the city's two hospital systems said they had treated about two dozen people for heat illnesses over the past few days.

The good news is that a cold front is forecast to move into the area Friday night, bringing a chance for thunderstorms as well as cooler temperatures.

Highs Saturday, Sunday and Monday are forecast to be in the mid- to upper 80s in Lincoln, although there could be a brief warmup Tuesday and Wednesday, with highs back in the low 90s.

Beating the heat: Common car issues in hot weather Beating the heat: Common car issues in hot weather Overheating engines Solutions to combat overheating of engines A/C troubles Sun-baked interiors Solutions to protect your car's interior Tire troubles Solutions to preserve your tires FAQs Bottom line
It hit 98 degrees in Lincoln on Wednesday, which wasnt even the highest temperature of the year.

But the heat index, or feels-like temperature, peaked at somewhere between 117 and 119, according to the National Weather Service, making it the hottest day in the city in several years.

Van DeWald, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Valley, said records there show it was the hottest feels-like temperature in Lincoln since July 10, 2011, when the heat index hit an all-time record of 128.

DeWald said staff also looked through records going back to 1980 and could not find another day with a heat index as high as it was Wednesday.

The high heat index was due to the amount of humidity in the air, which is measured by the dewpoint temperature.

That hit 81 degrees in Lincoln on Wednesday, which DeWald called a very rare thing.

It happens, but its not very common to see, he said.

While Lincoln had the highest heat index reading in the state on Wednesday, some other cities werent far behind. Falls City had a heat index of 117, Omaha and Beatrice topped out at 115, and it hit 114 in Columbus and Nebraska City.

The continued heat and humidity led the National Weather Service to issue an excessive heat warning for more than a dozen counties in south-central and southeast Nebraska on Thursday, including Gage and Saline counties, although Lancaster County was not included.

DeWald said the heat warning was issued in those counties because Thursday was forecast to be the fourth-straight day with heat indexes of 105 or above. Lincoln, which hit triple digits for the actual temperature on Thursday and had a peak heat index near 110, remains in a heat advisory, along with much of the rest of the state, until Friday night.

He said the message is the same whether you are in an area with an excessive heat warning or one in a heat advisory: Its hot.

Wednesdays heat sent some residents to local hospitals with related ailments.

The emergency departments and Bryan West and Bryan East treated a total of six to eight patients for heat issues Wednesday, according to the hospital system. CHI Health St. Elizabeth saw more than a dozen patients with various complaints and seeking relief from the heat between Monday and Wednesday, a spokesperson said.

Lincoln Fire and Rescue medic units responded to two calls Wednesday for patients with heat-related issues, department spokeswoman MJ Lierman said. Fire crews have been called 17 times for similar issues throughout July, she said.

Of course, hot, humid conditions in eastern Nebraska are not unusual during the summer, especially in July. Thats largely due to evapotranspiration from the states large corn crop, which can add up to 4,000 gallons of water vapor per acre into the atmosphere daily during the peak of the growing season.

Yesterday, for some reason, the corn overproduced, DeWald said, referring to conditions on Wednesday.

In addition to making for uncomfortable outdoor conditions  the National Weather Service in a tweet referred to it as air you can wear  heat indexes as high as those experienced Wednesday and Thursday can be dangerous for people working outdoors, along with seniors, small children and those with chronic illnesses.

At a construction site in front of the University of Nebraska-Lincolns Military and Naval Science building on Thursday, a pair of workers laid concrete as the sun beat down on them, not a sliver of shade in sight.

The intense heat over the past couple of days has forced them to start and end the workday a few hours earlier, even disrupting their sleep schedules, according to Darrek Barney, one of the workers.

These two days havent compared to anything this whole year, Barney said.

The other worker, Levi Coates, said its made actions as simple as picking up a tool a painful ordeal, even with heavily calloused palms.

It about burns the crap out of your hand, Coates said.

Just outside of the Journal Star office at 21st and N streets, Pedro Serpa cooled off in the shade as he took a break from tearing scaffolding off the side of the building on a construction lift in direct sunlight. He said he tries to have a positive mentality toward the work, regardless of the conditions.

I think people are just so spoiled these days (with) all these technologies and air conditioning ... but it is what it is, Serpa said. Im cool with it as long as I have water and a good attitude.

Tim Byrne, maintenance operations manager with Lincoln Transportation and Utilities, said the department hasnt made any specific changes, such as shifting schedules or shortening hours for outdoor workers, to deal with the heat.

Instead, Byrne said, LTU encourages its workers, the majority of whom work outside most of the year, to make common-sense adjustments, such as taking more frequent breaks, doing the most labor-intensive work early in the day and keeping hydrated.

They do what they can, he said. Theres no great solution.

Byrne said LTU also encourages workers to keep an eye on each other and watch for signs of heat illnesses.

We dont want to see anybody get heat stress, he said.

People working outside arent the only ones vulnerable in the hot conditions. This weeks extreme heat can be dangerous for people experiencing homelessness  a population that has been of particular worry for Pastor Tom Barber, the CEO of the Peoples City Mission, Lincolns only homeless shelter.

The nonprofit has spent this week handing out massive amounts of bottled water encouraging the citys homeless population  especially the small but hardy group that doesnt tend to come to the mission  to get indoors and stay there, Barber said.

Were doing whatever we can. Its just tough times, he said, noting that the mission has handed out hundreds of bottles of water each day this week.

If folks want to help, boy, a case of water is gold to us right now, he said.

Barber said the shelter, as of Thursday morning, hadnt had to summon emergency services for any of the missions guests, but he said several nurses had been onsite to treat heat-related ailments, including heat exhaustion.

The missions CEO compared this weeks temperatures to the extreme cold fronts Lincoln battles each winter, which leave the citys homeless population at unique risk.

And though temperatures in the 90s arent abnormal for this time of year in Nebraska, Barber, who has led the Peoples City Mission since 2004, said Wednesdays heat index is ushering the shelter into largely uncharted territory.

Weve never got into this kind of really, really hot weather, he said. This is absolutely, uh, well  its jaw dropping.

The extreme heat even threatened to wreak havoc for those staying indoors, prompting the University of Nebraska-Lincoln to implement some energy-saving measures after it was determined the chilled-water system wouldnt be able to meet campus cooling demands.

UNL asked faculty, staff and students to close window curtains or drapes, turn off or dim electric lights, and shut off other electronics, and said room temperatures would be allowed to drift through the weekend.

Allowing temperatures to rise in unoccupied rooms provides the best opportunity for us to meet campus demands, said Mike Zeleny, vice chancellor for business and finance.

The good news is that Wednesday was likely the worst of the heat. The heat index soared to near 110 on Thursday and was forecast to do the same on Friday. But a cooldown is in store for the weekend, with temperatures Saturday and Sunday forecast to be right around 90, which is the average for this time of year.

Were not doing what theyre doing in the Southwest, where its been excessively hot for weeks, DeWald said.

Here, were going to get a break.
A former Beatrice police officer was arrested on Monday for allegedly installing hidden cameras in the home of a woman, according to a search warrant filed by the Gage County Sheriff's Office.

Anthony Chisano, 41, who served the Beatrice Police Department from 2011 to 2021, is also accused in the affidavit of installing a tracking device on the woman's vehicle.

Chisano was arrested Monday at his home in Lincoln and transported to the Gage County Detention Center on felony charges of unlawful intrusion of electronic communication, intercepting electronic communications, and for stalking, a misdemeanor, a sheriff's office press release stated.

According to the search warrant, the woman discovered the tracking device underneath the front dash of her vehicle in March and turned it over to deputies.

Later that month, the woman told the sheriff's office she discovered a camera hidden inside a carbon monoxide detector, as well as cameras concealed in electrical outlets in a bathroom, bedroom and living room.

The woman told deputies in an interview she did not authorize the installation of the cameras.

Deputies removed the cameras and took them to the Nebraska State Patrol, where an examination by the Technical Crimes Unit found more than 6,000 recordings, each broken down into 5-minute increments.

Chisano can be seen in the earliest recordings taken in December 2022 appearing to install the covert camera in the bathroom electrical outlet and adjusting its field of view, according to the search warrant.

He was also seen adjusting a countertop mirror so that a reflection into the shower was visible. Subsequent videos appear to show Chisano installing the cameras in other rooms of the house.

The affidavit indicates videos were captured of adults and children in each of those rooms, apparently without their knowledge.

State Patrol investigators disassembled one of the cameras and discovered it had an antenna, which apparently allowed it to transmit to a cell phone, according to court records.

While several components of the camera can be purchased online, the device was not believed to be a retail product, investigators alleged in the affidavit.

Deputies seized two cell phones, a laptop computer, two iPads, a pair of digital storage devices, a GPS tracker, as well as tactical gear belonging to the Beatrice Police Department, including a ballistic vest, helmet and shield, gas mask, and first aid equipment.

Chisano posted 10% of a $25,000 bond and was released.

Sheriff Millard Gus Gustafson said the Nebraska Attorney Generals Office filed the charges against Chisano due to his previous role as a law enforcement officer in Gage County.

Corey O'Brien, chief prosecutor for the Attorney General's Office, was appointed as a special prosecutor in the case, according to court documents.

Top Journal Star photos for July 2023
A former administrator at the University of Southern Mississippi was named the finalist to become vice chancellor for student affairs at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Dee Dee Anderson was recommended for the job by UNL Chancellor Rodney Bennett  her former boss at Southern Miss  after a previous search failed without any lone finalist being identified.

Laurie Bellows, who served as vice chancellor for six years under former Chancellor Ronnie Green, announced her plans to retire in March.

Anderson will participate in two days of meetings and interviews with the UNL campus community beginning Aug. 7, with a public presentation scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. in Swanson Auditorium in the Nebraska Union on Aug. 8.

UNL Executive Vice Chancellor Kathy Ankerson, who oversees the position and conducted the search, said Bennett's experience in student affairs and working relationship with Anderson led to her being recommended for the position.

Anderson earned bachelors and masters degrees in elementary education, a master's degree in industrial and organizational psychology, and a doctorate in educational leadership from Louisiana Tech University.

She began her career in 1991 teaching reading, English and history at the middle school level before jumping into higher education at Louisiana Tech, where she worked in the residential life office and served as the dean of student development.

Later, Anderson served in multiple leadership positions at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, including interim vice chancellor of student affairs, associate vice chancellor, and dean of students, before moving to Southern Miss in 2018.

At the Hattiesburg-based university, Anderson was special advisor to the president and vice president for student affairs. She was in charge of more than 300 professional staff, 500 student employees, 15 functional departments and a budget of $36 million.

She also held an appointment as a professor of practice in the College of Education and Human Sciences.

At UNL, Anderson will be in charge of a budget of more than $120 million; 600 full-time managerial, office and service professionals; and 1,700 student employees. The office's work centers around supporting the student body in various ways on campus.

Anderson's selection as vice chancellor for student affairs comes after a previous search ended without any of the three candidates identified taking the job.

In May, UNL hosted Shawnte Elbert, associate vice president for health and well-being at Ohio State University; Austin Jamar Banks, interim vice chancellor for student affairs at the University of Colorado; and Brian Patchcoski, assistant vice president for diversity, equity, and inclusion in student affairs at Penn State University.

After that search ended without a new vice chancellor named, Bill Watts, the associate dean of university advising and career development, was named the interim vice chancellor.

Top Journal Star photos for July 2023
CALEDONIA  A groundbreaking ceremony took place Tuesday for the Racine County Youth Development and Care Center.

The center will be located on Three Mile Road and is projected to open in January 2025. It will replace the fourth floor of the Racine County Dennis Kornwolf Service Center, 1717 Taylor Ave.

The building will be a Type 2 juvenile facility, with a greater focus on rehabilitation than detention when compared to a Type 1 facility.

The center will have full school days for its 48 youth residents. There will be four classrooms and two industry and life skills classrooms. Each room will be able to accommodate up to eight students at a time.

Racine County approached Racine Unified School District at a board meeting in May with their plans for the center.

The county asked for four full-time teachers, one part-time gym teacher and career-focused courses similar to the Academies of Racine model at Case, Horlick and Park high schools.

While not taking any action during the meeting, RUSD seemed supportive of the countys efforts.

Kevin Carr, secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Corrections, spoke at the groundbreaking about how the project was first pitched to him by County Executive Jonathan Delagrave.

Racine County, quite honestly, is a leader in how they handle juveniles in the criminal justice system, Carr said.

Carr said the systems the county has in place have been a model to the state department for handling juvenile corrections statewide.

Caledonia Village President Tom Weatherston said he supported having a place where kids can be counseled and stabilized.

Its great to see three different levels of government, four different levels of government, working hard in unison to make something like this come true, Weatherston said.

Caledonia will not get any real estate taxes from the center, but the county will be paying the village $100,000 every year for 10 years in exchange for housing the facility.
RACINE  The Racine Unified School District Board has formed a superintendent search subcommittee.

During its meeting Monday, the School Board approved the creation of a five-person subcommittee that will be tasked with reviewing search firm applications and narrowing those applications to the top three or four candidates for the full board to review.

There will be five board members on the subcommittee: Jane Barbian, Scott Coey, Ally Docksey, Julie McKenna and Brian OConnell.

A date for the first subcommittee meeting has not been set, according to Barbian, the board president.

Last month, former RUSD Superintendent Eric Gallien accepted a job to be superintendent of the Charleston County School District in South Carolina.

Soren Gajewski has served as RUSD interim superintendent since July 1. That interim contract does not have an end date.

Referendum-funded work

The School Board on Monday approved work related to referendum-funded projects at three schools.

The board approved a guaranteed maximum price of $40.48 million for construction work done by Hunzinger Construction at the future Starbuck K-8 School.

The total cost is projected to be $50.54 million to expand Starbuck from a middle school into a K-8 school, which is scheduled to be done by August 2024.

The RUSD Board approved a contract worth $2.715 million to J. P. Cullen & Sons, Inc. to be the construction manager for renovations at Horlick High School.

J. P. Cullen & Sons, based in Milwaukee, was one of four companies that submitted a bid for the work at Horlick, which is scheduled to be done by August 2025.

The board approved a contract worth $2.145 million to Scherrer Construction to be the construction manager for the new Red Apple K-8 School.

Scherrer, based in Burlington, received the highest grade out of five bidders for the job.

The contract with Scherrer is subject to RUSD acquiring Franklin Park from the City of Racine in a proposed transfer agreement.

Red Apple Elementary, 914 St. Patrick St., is set to expand into a K-8 school at a new location at 1012 Center St. The new building is scheduled to open in August 2025.

Franklin Park is next to that Center Street location. The park would be used for parking space, recess and physical education at the future Red Apple school, according to Peter Reynolds, RUSD chief operations officer.

Under the proposed transfer agreement, Racine Unified would own Franklin Park, and the City of Racine would own three RUSD buildings and some RUSD land.

The Racine City Council voted 10-1 last Monday to approve the transfer.

The transfer still needs approval from the RUSD Board, which is expected to vote on it in August or September.

We just simply have to dot the Is, cross the Ts, put some signatures on a paper, and we should be good to go, Gajewski said. Were enthusiastic and very excited about this opportunity for our kids.

Dual language update

The School Board received a dual language program update.

RUSD hosted two dual language listening sessions this summer to receive parent and community input about the direction of its dual language program.

There will be minimal changes to the RUSD dual language program in the 2023-24 school year.

Its direction is uncertain for the 2024-25 school year and beyond, though, which is why the district wants to hear from students, staff, families and the community.

RUSD plans to form a dual language steering committee that will make recommendations about the programs future. The committee will be composed of RUSD staff, dual language families and community members.

A date has not been set for the first meeting, but the steering committee is expected to meet soon.

After getting more input from staff, families and community members, Gajewski said the district intends to present a dual language plan to the School Board in October.

RYDE contract

The board approved contracting with the City of Racine RYDE program to provide bus transportation for students during the 2023-24 school year. It is a one-year, $350,000 contract.

Photos: Russia bombards Ukraine's port city of Odesa, hitting beloved historic sites
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
Photo: The Canadian Press The RCMP logo is seen on a podium ahead of a news conference, in St. John's, Saturday, June 24, 2023. Mounties say two Alberta hikers have been found at the bottom of a ridge at Mount Coulthard, a summit in the Rocky Mountains. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

Mounties say two Alberta hikers have been found dead at the bottom of a ridge at Mount Coulthard, a summit in the Rocky Mountains.

RCMP were informed Wednesday night that the two hikers who were making their way along the North York Creek Plane Crash Trail, outside Coleman, Alta., had not returned when planned.

Officers and search and rescue teams began looking for the two men by ground and air.

The hikers bodies were found the next evening.

The men, who were 34 and 35, were both from Lethbridge, Alta.

The 20-kilometre trail is located in the Crowsnest Pass area of southwest Alberta.
Headquarters of Hankook Tire in Pangyo, Gyeonggi Province / Courtesy of Hankook Tire



Hankook Tire Technology, the world's seventh-largest tiremaker by sales, said Friday its second-quarter net profit plunged 56 percent due to one-off gains reflected in the year-ago bottom line.



Net profit for the three months ended in June fell to 140.8 billion won ($110 million) from 323.83 billion won during the same period of last year, the company said in a regulatory filing.



"The net plunge is due to a base effect in which about 100 billion won worth of proceeds from the sale of a logistics center in Busan was factored in the second-quarter net result in 2022," a company spokesperson said over the phone.



Operating income jumped 42 percent to 248.22 billion won in the second quarter from 175.27 billion won a year ago. Sales rose 11 percent to 2.263 trillion won from 2.039 trillion won during the same period.



"The quarterly bottom line got a boost from increased high-end original equipment (OE) tire supplies to carmakers amid eased chip shortages and robust sales of replacement equipment (RE) tires in the after-sale markets," the statement said.



OE tires refer to the products a tiremaker supplies to the assembly lines of a carmaker at wholesale prices. It is more profitable for carmakers to sell RE tires in after-sales markets.



Stabilizing raw material prices and delivery charges also helped the tiremaker's profitability, it said.



From January to June, net income plummeted 45 percent to 237.37 billion won from 323.83 billion won in the year-ago period.



The first-half net result was affected by strikes and a massive fire that took place at its Daejeon plant, 164 kilometers south of Seoul, in March.



On March 12, one of two production lines at the Daejeon plant was burnt down. The other line was not affected by the fire but is not yet fully operational.



The company estimated the walkouts and the fire caused about 40 billion won in operating loss for the January-June period.



Operating profit surged 46 percent to 439.16 billion won in the first six months from 301.34 billion won a year ago. Sales were up 14 percent to 4.368 trillion won from 3.83 trillion won.



Hankook Tire earns over 80 percent of its total revenue from abroad.



It has eight plants  two in Korea, one in Hungary, one in the United States, three in China and one in Indonesia  whose combined capacity reaches 102 million tires per year. (Yonhap)


Chippewa Falls school officials are looking to address parent concerns about heat-related issues at two elementary schools that lack air conditioning.

School officials said Hillcrest and Jim Falls elementary schools lack the physical infrastructure for centralized cooling. Modern central cooling systems use duct work or chilled water that is pumped throughout the building, but neither facility has the capacity for those systems.

Parent-Teacher Organization board member Katie Bushman told the school board Tuesday, July 25, that over 60 students at Hillcrest missed classes and end-of-year activities because they went home with illness during the hottest week of the school year.

Theres a huge body of research that proves continual exposure to heat impacts susceptibility to illness, especially in kids, Bushman said. Kids should be celebrating the last week of school and enjoying friendships, not being worried about feeling sick or uncomfortable because of the heat.

One third-grade student at Hillcrest Elementary told the school board the heat impacts her ability to learn.

I love Hillcrest, but I dont like going home with a headache or a sickness, Emerson Boos said Tuesday. And I dont like seeing my friends go home like that either because of how hot it is in our classroom. So I think we need air conditioning.

In response to the concerns, Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District Superintendent Jeffrey Holmes offered seven options to address heat in the classrooms. He said not all of the options would be viable for fall 2023.

We have five essential options that we can utilize here before the beginning of the school year, Holmes said. I can tell you right now, based on number one, it wont happen right now. Were focusing on two, three, four and five. Six and seven are something that would require significant funds to do.

Options include:1. Wait until updates can be completed. There is no timeline for the work to be completed and the best fixes would most likely be referendum dependent.

2. Create inclement weather closings or early starts with early releases for Hillcrest and Jim Falls elementary schools on days when learning environments are significantly impacted by hot temperature days. This would create logistical, learning and workplace issues or inequities.

3. Purchase industrial fans that pull in cooler night-time air, and can run throughout the day. Fans range in cost from $500-$750 each. If doors are opened at night, and the building left unsecured, a maintenance or security person could work through the night for about $300 per day.

4. Rent spot coolers for about $650 each for a 4-week period. An estimated that 40 units would be necessary to cover all areas. Spot coolers require ventilation and drainage, which can be accomplished in most, but not all classrooms. Additional costs for generator power would be required as current electrical capacity is not adequate.

5. Rent industrial cooling units. These can be rented for around $30,000 per month, and would require some temporary ducting, exhaust and generator power. Additional costs for generator fuel could be in the neighborhood of $1,000 per day depending on how much they need to run.

6. Install mini split air-conditioning units in each classroom. For the design, installation, upgraded power, etc. cost is $30,000-$50,000 per classroom.

7. Update or replace existing facilities. For Hillcrest, repair and betterment of existing learning environments is estimated at $18 million; replacement is $32 million. For Jim Falls, repair and betterment of existing learning environments is $7 million.

The idea to bring in fans and open the doors to the buildings at night to circulate cool air created a stir Tuesday.

What wasnt clear was who would be responsible for security in the building if the school doors remained open all evening. At one point during Tuesdays meeting Holmes asked members of the PTO if they stayed up all night.

For me its a toss up between whether were going to have to move to spot coolers and industrial cooling units versus being able to use the fan option, Holmes said. Can you stay up all night? For me it is about finding somebody to be in the buildings to be able to monitor those times. Because, obviously the boards well aware and we as administrators are well aware, you have to have people monitoring spaces where you have to give access to them and to open up the buildings and we would have one or two people to monitor and make sure that everythings taken care of if we leave buildings open.

Bushman said Wednesday the fans option had too many issues.

Propping doors open in Wisconsin and you dont think youre gonna have mosquitoes and animals the next day within the building? she said. Like theyre just taking a very short-sighted approach to things and I think ultimately what theyre trying to do is push this off like they have for the last eight years so they dont have to do anything.

Holmes said options four and five would cost significant amounts of money.

School business manager Chad Trowbridge said spot coolers, presented as option four, are basically a portable room air conditioner. It just sits in the room and it just cools the space that it occupies.

Spot coolers are different from a central air system that brings cool air to several zones or spaces at once.

Their primary purpose is just to cool the space that theyre put into, he said. The problem we have is the volume of these that we need. You know if you think about one per classroom, it just draws a lot of power, and theyre not very efficient. So wed have to get some temporary power and were continuing to look into that to see if there are some things that we can do differently within our building to make sure that we dont have issues running these and then pinpointing specifically what we would need for additional power.

Renovations also are a consideration at both schools, particularly Hillcrest.

I think we know its next on the list of schools to renovate, Holmes said in June. It needs to happen but without a referendum its not going to.

The districts 2021 Master Facilities Study estimated mechanical and electrical system updates at Hillcrest to accommodate centralized cooling would cost $6.5 million. Similar improvements at Jim Falls would cost $3.7 million.

 the decision was made to not conduct a spring 2023 referendum due in part to the uncertainty of the economy, timing, and the current state of the biennial budget process at the state level, school board documents stated.

Over the course of the last decade, Stillson, Southview and Chippewa Falls Senior High School have been renovated to include cooling systems. The updates were done primarily with renovation dollars or as part of larger renovation projects.
MADISON  The Wisconsin DNR is looking for landowners to host disabled deer hunters.

Participating landowners, the events sponsors, have opened their properties for this special hunt since 1992, providing opportunities for approximately 400 hunters each year. The 2023 hunt will take place Oct. 7-15, 2023.

To host a Gun Deer Hunt For Hunters With Disabilities, landowners must have at least 60 acres available and be able to host at least three hunters. To sign up, fill out an application online by Aug. 1. Be sure to complete all the property information fields.

For over 30 years, this unique hunt has allowed hunters with disabilities to experience the thrill of hunting whitetails, said Ally Magnin, DNR assistant deer and elk specialist. Its a special opportunity for those who experience unique challenges and is only possible through the generous support of our landowner sponsors.

Wisconsins outdoor experiences are for everyone. The DNR is committed to providing various hunting, fishing and recreational permits and unique opportunities designed to give people with disabilities the opportunity to partake in Wisconsins time-honored traditions and enjoy the states abundant natural resources.

For more information, visit the DNRs Deer Hunting for Hunters with Disabilities webpage or contact Ally Magnin at ally.magnin@wisconsin.gov.
Photo: The Canadian Press

A B.C. Securities Commission hearing panel has fined an online stock promotion company $50,000 for illegally promoting five small public companies that paid the promoter more than half a million dollars.



Stock Social and its CEO Kyle Alexander Johnston previously admitted they repeatedly violated regulations of the B.C. Securities Act by not adequately disclosing that it distributed online advertorials, via social media platforms.



On July 25, a commission panel decided in its administrative proceedings that a $50,000 penalty for the company and $25,000 penalty for Johnston would be enough of a deterrence for other social media marketing companies wading into the promotion of public companies.



The commissions executive director Peter Brady brought the case to a hearing last September, after investigating Stock Socials activities. Brady sought repayments of over $454,000, plus US$63,500, representing the receipts Stock Social issued to the companies. Brady also sought a $60,000 penalty against the company. With respect to Johnston, Brady sought a $25,000 penalty and a two-year ban on all promotional activity for registered public companies  obtaining only the former.



The panel was more lenient with Johnston and Stock Social, who were represented by lawyer Patrick Sullivan, who argued for no sanctions at all. Sullivan noted this was the first enforcement case of clear and conspicuous disclosure rules the commission had brought to a hearing against a B.C. stock tout (social media-focused or otherwise), since 1995.



The panel noted that at the time of the misconduct, there had been no policy or guidance from the commission on how to comply with such rules, when using social media in promotional activities.



All parties agreed Johnston and Stock Social represented a low risk of re-offending, especially with Stock Social being dissolved. Johnston deposed that the company only retained about 20-30 per cent of the funds as the rest went to other service providers, although its unclear who and exactly how much of the funds were related to services that broke the rules.



The commission stated, These advertorials  which were disseminated on news wires, websites and social media  were written mostly like news articles but they did not disclose risks or any other negative factors about the issuers that one would expect from objective reporting.



The commission stated in a Jan. 30 news release that, None of the advertorials made clear that they were distributed on behalf of the issuers, and although some indicated a fee had been paid for dissemination, they did not say on whose behalf. When disclaimers did appear, they were not placed in a prominent place for the reader to easily notice.



The panels rulings never stated what, if any, harm was done to investors or to what extent the advertorials may have enriched the companies' stock price.



In its decision, the panel also fined virtual reality production company ImagineAR $20,000 for its part in the illegal promotions.



Last year, four other companies and their CEOs at the relevant times admitted they failed to disclose Stock Social advertorials and social media posts were issued on their behalf.



MGX Minerals and its president and CEO Jared Michael Lazerson paid Stock Social the most money ($408,300.60 and US$40,000) for the promotions, a settlement ruling shows. MGX agreed to pay a $25,000 fine while Lazerson paid a $10,000 fine.



Other companies paid between $10,000 and $30,000 to Stock Social.



Hello Pal and its president and CEO Ryan James Johnson; Phivida Holdings Inc. and its president and CEO John-David Alexander Belfontaine; and Bearing Lithium Corp. and its president and CEO Jeremy Arthur William Poirier, all admitted to the same misconduct and paid the same fines as MGX and Lazerson, respectively.
Its time for a tick talk (not Tok). Mid to late July is high tick season in the areas of the country they inhabit. And we humans love to invade their environs to cavort and recreate in those same sylvan glades. Ticks are just trying to survive by finding some warm-blooded mammal to dive into and dine on for their sustaining blood meal. In the process their mouth parts or proboscis can also inject their saliva.

The saliva may contain some organisms they carry, which can infect their host and cause certain diseases, most often, but not exclusively, Lyme disease. A tick has to be attached 24 to 36 hours to transmit the organisms. So, you want the varmint off as soon as possible for that reason, as well as the ick factor. What is the optimal method?

Folklore advocates things like holding a match head that is still hot from the flame on the beast, or suffocating it with Vaseline/petroleum jelly or nail polish to force it to back out. Often, these techniques produce the opposite effect, making it burrow in further. Then it will be more likely to inject more potentially disease carrying saliva as a survival reaction.

In checking at least 20 references on Dr. Google, every one advocated the very simple tweezer technique. They all recommended using fine-tipped tweezers, but if you cant find that shape, use what you have. Grasp the tick firmly as close the skin as possible and pull upward with a steady motion until it comes off. Dont twist or tilt the tweezers. If you get the body and head off and leave a small piece behind, dont keep digging at it. It will gradually come out on its own. Only the head and body contain the germs that cause an infection, not the mouth parts. Some ticks are tiny, often compared to a poppy seed for size. (They dont taste the same.) You need to get help with one of those that is buried deeply.

You might want to save the eight-legged monster in a plastic bag for testing later, say for Lyme disease organisms. Or, as 60%-70% of the entries suggested, you may choose to flush it down a toilet. Does that mean you really want to get rid of it? If youre out camping, that could be hard to do. So, into the porta-potty or campfire might be options. Then, you are supposed to wash the bite area with soap and water or use rubbing alcohol on it for cleanliness. All references recommend not crushing the creature (as you would like to do) because of possible transmission.

The bite site may have a small, tiny, red bump for a few days. That is not a sign of Lyme disease. The classic reactive rash for Lyme is a red ring around the bite that appears 1 to 2 weeks later in about 60%-70% of cases. It slowly expands out over several days and become very wide in diameter. In the early 20th century this was described as erythema (redness) chronicum migrans. Now it is just called e. migrans. If the ring doesnt show up but a person develops any combination of rash, fatigue, headache, muscle pain or joint swelling, it is Lyme test time. (The name is not possessive, as in Lymes)

Other diseases that deer/black legged ticks or wood/dog ticks might harbor and transmit are Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tularemia (rabbit fever), erlichiosis, babesiosis, and tick-borne relapsing fever. The number of ticks that carry Lyme bacteria are not many, but you cant identify which ones do by looking. You should act like they all could be carriers. The same would be true for the other infections.

Preventing tick bites is a discussion for another day. Maybe just dont go where ticks live? I hope this narrative has given you the best and simplest idea about how to get ticked off in the most effective manner possible. I wonder if this tick talk would be good on TikTok?
EIR LEAD EDITORIAL FOR FRIDAY JULY 28, 2023

The New Paradigm Takes a Step Forward in St. Petersburg

July 27, 2023, 2022 (EIRNS)The Russia-Africa summit taking place this week in St. Petersburg, shows that the Global South is not being cowed by imperial demands that it obey the rules-based order. Despite efforts by the U.S. and many European nations, such as France and the U.K., to depress participation, more than 40 nations attended, with some 17 represented by heads of state or government.

In its plenary session on Technology and Security in the Name of Sovereign Development for the Benefit of Mankind, including African Union (AU) Chair and President of Comoros Azali Assoumani, Patriarch Kirill, President of the African Export-Import Bank Benedict Oramah, and New Development Bank President Dilma Rousseff, Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered remarks on the future cooperation between Russia and African nations. Putin pointed to Africas high average GDP growth rate over 20 years; the growth in trade between Russia and Africa; the potential to collaborate on food, fertilizer, agricultural equipment and training; cooperation on energy infrastructure; transportation upgrades; and people-to-people exchanges such as through education and sports. Tens of thousands of tons of Russian food exports were offered free of charge to a number of countries.

Putin had bilateral meetings with many leaders on Thursday, July 27. Prime Minister of Ethiopia Abiy Ahmed expressed his sentiments to the Russian President: We are very happy, we are very glad to be here, to join our fellow African leaders for the summit. President of Egypt Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, who chaired the 2019 Russia-Africa summit, spoke on development: Mr. President, as you have pointed out, the El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant is a project that is fundamental to our cooperation, and we will carry it through. Another element is the establishment of the Russian Industrial Zone [along the Suez Canal].

The President of Comoros, and Chair of the African Union, Azali Assoumani, meeting Putin along with AU Commission Chairman Moussa Faki Mahamat, said, First, allow me to say, Mr. President, that Russia is a very important partner for Africa. It is said that a friend in need is a friend indeed, and in times of need, Russia has always stood with Africa regardless of the problems that arose, including its struggle for independence. Russia has always been there, despite all the difficulties that Africa has been through.... Russias investment in African countries set many countries on the path of development.

Putin also held bilateral meetings with President of Mozambique Filipe Jacinto Nyusi, President of Burundi Evariste Ndayishimiye (who said, I would like to confirm that Burundi is and will always be an ally of Russia, on which it can always rely in defending its vital national interests), and President of Zimbabwe Emmerson Mnangagwa, with more meetings planned for July 28.

On July 26 Dilma Rousseff, the former President of Brazil and current president of the BRICS New Development Bank (NDB), met with the Presidents of two BRICS nations: Putin and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. The NDB must play a significant role in the emergence of a multipolar world, she said. The Russia-Africa summit, she underscored, is very important for those who believe in developing the Global South. It is crucial, she said, to pay attention to the debt volume of these countries and their high demand for investment. It is unfair and unacceptable that traditional financial institutions impose conditions on them without the involvement of the BRICS bank. She told Putin, The Russia-Africa summit is vital for those interested in the development of the Global South.

The nations of the northern part of Africa have dozens of desalination projects in the works, with Tunisia aiming for 30% of its water to be supplied by desalination by 2030. Algeria is aiming for 60% by that year.

Meanwhile, in collapsing NATO-land, the disgusting levels of corruption of the U.S. Biden administration, and the disgusting efforts to cover it up, may force a more honest discussion of major issues. The great potential for the trans-Atlantic to contribute positively to the world is seen in the announcement that NASA and DARPA are putting in $500 million towards a nuclear-thermal rocket, to be tested in space within the next three years. We are currently essentially helpless against an errant asteroid or comet. Unlike the billions being thrown into supplying Ukraine with weaponswhose supply has the effect of killing more Ukrainians than Russiansthis investment in nuclear rockets, which would dramatically improve our ability to change the orbits of threatening space rocks, is actual defense spending.

We must end the threat of war to get to the real business of developing the Earth, and creating the technological means of developing increasingly broad reaches of the Solar System.

The August 6 events of the International Peace Coalition are the focal point in creating the necessary change of orientation.

Ad astra!
Chinese ships are closely monitoring the largest-ever military drills involving the United States and Australia. Defense officials expect the high-tech spy ships to remain outside of Australias territorial waters during the drills.

Around 30,000 military troops from more than 12 countries are joining the drills, called Talisman Sabre. They include troops from Canada, Germany, Japan and Britain.

Australia is monitoring two Chinese ships. One is reported to be in international waters off Shoalwater Bay in the eastern state of Queensland. Australia made contact with the Chinese ship, which gave a courteous response. That information comes from a senior Australian military officer.

John Blaxland is head of International Security and Intelligence Studies at the Australian National Universitys Coral Bell School of Asia Pacific Affairs. He said he believes that the monitoring of the war games has become a usual event for China.

He told VOA that it will make Australia and its allies more aware to any possible threat in the future.

He said, China is a potential adversary. And he added, China is looking to collect information and that in doing so it plans to be in a position potentially to use it against us.

Drills are taking place in the states of Queensland, Western Australia and New South Wales, as well as the Northern Territory.

Operation Talisman began more than 10 years ago. This years event is the largest in terms of its spread and the number of countries taking part. It includes drills on the land, in the air, in the sea, and landings.

Soldiers from Australia, the United States, Japan, and South Korea carried out a join live-fire event at the Shoalwater Bay Training Area in Queensland on July 22 to launch this years war games.

Carlos Del Toro, the U.S. Secretary of the Navy, said that the exercise increases the nations ability to work together in dealing with issues they may face in the Indo-Pacific area.

The drills are set to run until early August.

Im Gregory Stachel.

Phil Mercer reported this story for Voice of America. Gregory Stachel adapted it for VOA Learning English.

________________________________________________

Words in This Story

monitor  v. to watch, observe, listen to, or check (something) for a special purpose over a period of time

drill  n. an exercise done to practice military skills or procedure

courteous  adj. very polite in a way that shows respect

potential  adj. capable of becoming real: possible

adversary  n. an enemy or opponent

intimidate  v. to make (someone) afraid

___________________________________________________

What do you think of this story?

We want to hear from you. We have a new comment system. Here is how it works:

Write your comment in the box. Under the box, you can see four images for social media accounts. They are for Disqus, Facebook, Twitter and Google. Click on one image and a box appears. Enter the login for your social media account. Or you may create one on the Disqus system. It is the blue circle with D on it. It is free.

Each time you return to comment on the Learning English site, you can use your account and see your comments and replies to them. Our comment policy is here.
Wednesdays attempt by military members to seize power in Niger puts the West African countrys security into question.

A group of soldiers said late Wednesday they had ousted democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum.

Earlier Wednesday, however, the presidents Twitter account released a message saying he and his family were safe. It said other military members planned to support the president.

The leadership situation in Niger creates a question of what will happen to the West African country that is campaigning against religious extremism.

Western nations, including France and the U.S., have considered Niger to be a democratic ally. Both countries have about 1,000 soldiers in Niger. The soldiers are there to support the country if it is attacked by Islamic extremist fighters.

France has been active in the area, offering similar support to the nearby countries of Mali and Burkina Faso. The French soldiers, however, left Mali in late in 2022 after tensions with the countrys military leadership.

U.S. Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, visited Niger in March. He called the country a model of democracy. Blinken announced $150 million in aid while he was there.

Concern about western support

The military leaders of Mali and Burkina Faso use the Russian Wagner Group for military support. The concern is that Niger will do something similar, removing any western influence from the area.

Paul Melly is an Africa expert at the Chatham House research group in London. Before the military action on Wednesday, he said Niger had been open to working with international partners. So, quite a lot is at stake here, he added.

Melly pointed to one important difference between what is happening in Niger and other nations in the area whose leaders have been ousted.

In Guinea, Mali and Burkina Faso, the people on the streets supported the military coup. In Niger, Melly said, that was not what happened. People were supporting Bazoum, the president.

Future of western positions

Western nations are concerned about Niger because they have used the country as an operations base in actions against extremist fighters.

The concern is that a leadership change in Niger will limit what western countries can do to fight terrorist groups in West Africa and the Sahel. The Sahel is the area south of the Sahara Desert.

In 2021, the United States said it had supported Niger with over $500 million of military aid and training since 2012. Earlier in 2023, the European Union started a $30 million training program in Niger. The U.S. is known to have a drone base it uses to fight militant extremists in the northern part of Niger.

John Manley is a spokesman for the U.S. Africa Command. He said it is too soon to know how the coup attempt in Niger will affect U.S. activities in the country.

Other African nations are worried

Other African nations say they are worried that fighting in the northern part of West Africa will move south. Omar Touray is president of the ECOWAS Commission. ECOWAS is the economic group formed by 15 West African nations.

Touray recently told the United Nations that extremist fighting could move into Ghana and Ivory Coast if Niger loses western support. West African nations say there were about 1,800 extremist attacks this year resulting in almost 4,600 deaths  mostly in Burkina Faso and Niger.

Im Dan Friedell.

Dan Friedell adapted this story for Learning English based on a report by the Associated Press.

______________________________________________

Words in This Story

coup (d'etat) n. (diplomatic) a sudden attempt by a small group to take over a government usually by force

drone n. an unmanned aircraft

We want to hear from you. Do you think the extremist problem will move south after the leadership troubles in Niger?

Here is how our comment system works:

Write your comment in the box. Under the box, you can see four images for social media accounts. They are for Disqus, Facebook, Twitter and Google. Click on one image and a box appears. Enter the login for your social media account. Or you may create one on the Disqus system. It is the blue circle with D on it. It is free.

Each time you return to comment on the Learning English site, you can use your account and see your comments and replies to them. Our comment policy is here.
UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, will hold its 17th UFI Asia-Pacific Conference in Macau from March 7 to 8, 2024. Synthia Chan, council chairperson for the Macau Trade & Fair Association, said, It has been a long and winding road [to] having [the] APAC Conference in Macau, as cited in a report by Exhibition World. The original plan was to host the event in Macau in 2020, but the global pandemic delayed that by four years. The 2024 UFI Asia-Pacific Conference will feature two days of expert panels and keynote sessions from exhibition industry leaders, tackling hot topics and identifying opportunities in the APAC region.

Related
A Brazil delegation led by Secretary for Technological Development and Innovation from Brazils Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, Guilherme Coutinho Calheiros, has visited the University of Macau (UM) and the Macau University of Science and Technology (MUST)

The delegation was accompanied by deputy commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Peoples Republic of China in the MSAR, Sun Xiangyang.

The delegation and the university exchanged views on the development of science and education, personnel training and other aspects, in the hopes of deepening cooperation.

During the visit, the delegation was introduced to the history and development of UM, as well as the cooperation between UM and universities in Brazil and other Portuguese-speaking countries.

According to the UM, it will continue to deepen and broaden its cooperation with Brazilian universities to jointly promote the development of higher education.

Carheiros said that he will continue to encourage Brazilian universities to strengthen their cooperation with UM to promote mutual academic and scientific research development.

Meanwhile, in a visit to the MUST, the delegation first visited the State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicines.

Carheiros expressed appreciation for the achievements of the university in this field, and hoped that the two sides could have more in-depth exchange and cooperate in the quality research of traditional Chinese medicine. The group also visited the State Key Laboratory of Lunar and Planetary Sciences, where he also expressed his hope to expand the cooperation space and jointly promote human understanding of deep space exploration.

The visit was aimed at establishing a cooperative relationship to promote the scientific and technological development of Portuguese-speaking countries. Staff Reporter
Medical staff at the public hospital will not be relocated to the future Cotai hospital during the early phase of its opening, the government has told a parliamentary committee.

The Third Standing Committee of the parliament recently concluded its discussions on the Bill of the management scheme concerning the future Cotai hospital, which will be managed by the Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH). The Bill is expected to pass at the plenary before its summer holiday commences in mid-August.

At the post-meeting press conference, committee president Vong Hin Fai recalled that the government had once said that people would be hired and trained at the current public hospital, and then relocated to the Cotai hospital when it opens. As of the latest information, the government said there is no condition for this arrangement as there is a shortage of civil servant medical staff. That is also why the government has previously made some hires in Portugal. However, civil servant medical staff may be temporarily transferred to the Cotai hospital in the future, despite the staff at the new hospital following labor schemes comparatively to private hires.

The Cotai hospital will be bound by a collection of laws and regulations governing its finances, procurement and operations.
Pakistans finance minister yesterday said China has rolled over a $2.4 billion loan for the cash-strapped Islamic nation for two years, a move aimed at helping the country overcome one of its worst economic crises.

The latest extension in loan maturities by Beijing was a boost to Pakistans fragile foreign exchange reserves, which are still only enough to pay the import bill for a period of two months.

In a post on the X platform, formerly known as Twitter, Ishaq Dar said the Chinese EXIM Bank rolled over for two years the principal amounts of the $2.4 billion loan, which Islamabad was to have paid back in 2024 and 25.

However, he said Pakistan would now only make interest payments in both years.

China is a longtime friend of Pakistan and it has played a key role in helping Pakistan avoid a default this year, though there has been concern in the country about how Islamabad would repay the growing Chinese loans.

Some analysts in Pakistan call it a debt trap, though the government says there is no truth to such assumptions. The latest development comes two weeks after the International Monetary Fund deposited a much-awaited first installment of $1.2 billion in Pakistans central bank under a bailout to help Pakistan avoid default. It bolstered Pakistans foreign exchange reserves, which shrank to $4 billion recently, raising fears of a default.

Pakistans foreign exchange reserves jumped to $14 billion last week.

The IMF loans had been on hold since December mainly because of non-compliance with the terms of the previous $6 billion bailout by Pakistan. It forced Pakistan to seek financial help from friendly countries like China, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Pakistan has said China in recent months gave it $5 billion in loans to avoid a default.

In Pakistan, Beijing is bankrolling the so-called China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, a sprawling package that includes a multitude of mega projects such as road construction, power plants and agriculture.

China has already invested billions of dollars in Pakistan and the package is considered a lifeline for the country, which had struggled until June to overcome the economic crisis when Pakistan and the IMF agreed to a new $3 billion bailout.

On Wednesday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that Pakistan no longer faces the risk of default.

Since coming to power in April 2022, Sharif has blamed alleged corruption under former Prime Minister Imran Khan for Pakistans economic downturn.

Sharif is likely to step down next month when the current parliament completes its five-year term, paving the way for new parliamentary elections, which will be held under the supervision of an interim government that will be installed next month when the National Assembly is dissolved. MUNIR AHMED, ISLAMABAD, MDT/AP
At least four fraudulent WhatsApp websites are being advertised on Google search for the purposes of swindling people, to which at least two Macau residents have fallen victim, the Judiciary Police (PJ) announced yesterday.

Two local women have fallen victim to the new type of scam, as described by the PJ, and lost a total of MOP5.7 million. They were misled by the Google search results, mistaking the fake websites for the website version of WhatsApp. The fake version had spoofed chat history from their WhatsApp cellphone app and the people behind the scam impersonated friends or relatives of the victims, asking them to make online bank transfers.

According to the PJ, a local victim received a work instruction from her impersonated superintendent, who ordered her to transfer MOP4 million dollars. The other victim was asked by a fake relative to transfer MOP1.7 million. Both believed the chats were real, as they saw the profile pictures depicting the real people.

The PJ discovered that they had both googled WhatsApp web and fallen into the trap set by the fake websites. The PJ suggests that the public use other channels to verify any bank transfer requests.

In another case, a teenage girl and a 20-year-old man were scammed by an online platform while looking for summer jobs. The platform asked them to purchase certain merchandise online but, instead of paying directly to the seller, pay the platform operators instead. They were told that they would be refunded.

The practice was conducted to stage an impression of certain products or sellers being popular.

After several refunded trials, the victims ceased getting their money refunded, and thus approached the police. Both victims have lost about MOP53,000.
New procedures have been formulated to cope with future EU adjustments of mailing requirements, Lau Vai Meng, director of the Post and Telecommunication Bureau (CTT), has disclosed.

The EU has announced that adjustments would be made so that mail will need to be pre-declared for customs before being sent.

Lau said that there is a transitional period currently, and airlines will still accept mail without prior customs declarations. She added that her bureau is prepared for the enactment of the adjustments. Mailing stamps, meanwhile, will likely remain at current levels despite the anticipated new requirement.

On the availability of 5G services at the New Neighbourhood project on Hengqin Island, she said that current licenses issued to local telecom service providers are valid only in Macau. However, she added that many providers do have tariff plans that work in Macau, mainland China and Hong Kong, and that data usage will be shared and considered local usage. Despite that, the telecom official disclosed that the bureau is studying various possibilities, including but not limited to roaming services.

She revealed that, currently, there are over 1.2 million cellphone service users registered in Macau. The rate of growth of clientele in 5G services has been faster than other places. As of the end of June, the city has had about 338,000 5G users in Macau. AL
Over 200 Sands China team members, members of local NGOs, and their children have participated in the Sands China Responsible Gaming Parent-Child Happy Carnival.

Themed Seeking Help for Winning the Future  Smart Financial Management for a Better Future, the event featured 11 interactive activities with the objective of improving family communication, developing the concept of smart financial management, and increasing responsible gaming awareness among families.

Wilfred Wong, president of Sands China Ltd., said: Sands China is very pleased to join forces with five local NGOs to hold the Sands China Responsible Gaming Parent-Child Happy Carnival. We recognise that parents role in fostering young childrens development is of the utmost significance, and we have organized the carnival as a fun way to show parents the importance of parental involvement in instilling beneficial financial management concepts in their childrens minds.
The citys signature shopping event, the Sands Shopping Carnival, saw 110,000 visitors flock to The Venetian Macao as Sands China hosted its annual fair for avid shoppers.

Organised by Sands China Ltd. and co-organised by the Macao Chamber of Commerce, the Sands Shopping Carnival was held from July 20 to 24, aiming to spur economic growth and to offer a fun weekend destination hotspot for locals and tourists.

This edition saw 50 percent of the visitation come from tourists. Now in its fourth year, the carnival has welcomed over 420,000 visitors since debuting in 2020.

An opening ceremony at The Venetian Macao was attended by representatives from the government, finance, business, and community services sectors  all hailing the events effort to boost the governments goal of supporting local SMEs.

Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, director of the Macao Government Tourism Office, said: [In] the first quarter of this year, 57% of tourist spending in Macau went toward shopping, making it the largest segment of tourist expenditure. Therefore, providing high-quality shopping services is vital to elevating the travel experience of visitors to Macau.

We are pleased to see that Sands China and Macaus retailers have shown strong support for retail fairs like this, which can help accelerate the recovery of the retail industry, enabling residents and tourists to enjoy the pleasures of shopping while promoting the integration of Tourism + Shopping, she added.

Fred Ma Chi Ngai, president of the Board of Directors of the Macao Chamber of Commerce, said: Through co-organising this event, the Macao Chamber of Commerce is demonstrating unwavering support for the sustainable and far-reaching growth of local SMEs by promoting local brands and helping Macaos SMEs and businesses expand their retail network.

The carnival featured record-breaking numbers: over 580 booths and 11 exhibition zones across 21,000 square meters. Within the zones were areas promoting Sands retailers, household products, parenting and family, gourmet products, food courts, healthy lifestyle, Macao cultural, creative and IP, play and fun, and three new zones  international wine and spirits, happy reading, and MinM Plaza.

For Sands China, the Sands Shopping Carnival has become a highly-anticipated summer signature event for residents and tourists from the Greater Bay Area.

Events like this play an important role in enhancing the non-gaming elements of our industry, contributing to Macaos status as a world centre of tourism and leisure. Sands China upholds the business philosophy of supporting local enterprises, and we have spared no effort in promoting Macao brands to support the Macao SAR governments policy of fostering SMEs, said Dr. Wilfred Wong, president of Sands China Ltd.

Across the over 260,000 products, the 2023 Sands Shopping Carnival offered a limited number of special daily items for shoppers at a mere MOP1, and international brands offered extensive discounts of up to 90 percent off.

The carnival not only provides retailers with the opportunity to showcase their products in a renowned space, but it also provides a free business platform by allowing the SMEs to offer more products and services with attractive deals.

The carnival also included the BOC Smart Kids Presents: Little Master Chef Workshop, a free food-prep and decorating activity for children, led by Sands Chinas food and beverage team, featuring madeleines, handmade sushi, Vietnamese spring rolls, and more. Additionally, the ICBC ePay Presents: Karaoke King Singing Competition 2023 and the Bank of Communications Presents: K-POP Dance Competition 2023 offered an opportunity for teams and individuals to shine on stage and showcase their talents.

As part of Sands Chinas ongoing promotion of social inclusion, around 80 Sands Cares Ambassadors provided on-site support to local community organizations that were invited to participate in the carnival and helped them man their 13 booths.

In total, the ambassadors contributed over 200 hours of volunteer service during the carnival.

At the carnivals Food Court, four social enterprises that offer vocational training for their service users sold food and drinks. The carnival was an opportunity for their projects to gain exposure in the local commercial market and create job opportunities for their members. At the carnivals Macao Cultural, Creative and IP zone, nine community organisations ran booths.

The goal and the objective is to promote the H2H: our vocational training for people in recovery who are coming from drugs and alcohol. They can learn some vocational skills [] and partake in the integration process through this training. Of course, this platform also serves to promote our products that are made by people in recovery. Basically, its to help society understand that people who are recovering are just like anybody else and they need support from the community to have a successful integration.

Augusto Nogueira

Executive Director of Association for Rehabilitation of Drug Abusers of Macau

This is the fourth time were joining this carnival and it is a great opportunity to promote our products and shop. Our major products are organic, so setting up the booth here helps us promote health to the guests. We had good sales last year, and since there are no extra costs to being here, we can offer great promotions to the guests. Im hoping that this time, the booth will be able to attract some long-term customers. Its been challenging. The customer sentiments have changed a lot. The trend for shopping has also changed. Events like these help SMEs meet each other, form partnerships and achieve win-win situations.

Candy Lai

Manager of New Green Box Pavilion



We are grateful as this platform helps us promote and raise awareness of the situation of stray animals and inform people about the associations structure. It also helps promote our products. We see platforms like this as important means by which we can promote the message of keeping stray animals at home and also send further messages about our own association.

Chan In Cheng

Chairman of Everyone Stray Dogs Macau Volunteer Group

I think the carnival is really a good platform because it is not only an exhibition where products are showcased, but a platform for us, SMEs. With Sands Chinas strong brand name appeal, the carnival can attract a significant number of people, which can then lead to an increase in revenues. I look forward to joining the next one in 2024.

Wong Yu Fei

Business Development Director of Wong Chi Kei Foods (Macau) Co. Ltd.
The coastal Chinese city of Shantou yesterday joined parts of Taiwan in shutting down schools and offices as Typhoon Doksuri brings heavy wind and rain to the Taiwan Strait and surrounding areas.

Doksuri weakened further yesterday, with sustained winds of 155 kph and gusts of up to 190 kph, according to Taiwans Central Weather Bureau. The typhoons center will not hit Taiwans mainland, but its outlying bands will still bring stronger winds and rains yesterday afternoon.

Shantou, which lies on the border between Guangdong and Fujian provinces, will remain largely shut through the end of today, the local government said on social media. Images from the area on public news broadcasts showed fishing ships tied up in port as heavy waves broke along the seawall. Apart from an occasional squall, there was no sign of heavy rain as of yesterday afternoon, reports said.

The Taiwan Strait is one of the worlds busiest routes for international trade and the typhoon has caused major disruptions to shipping and flights.

In southern Taiwan, the port city Kaohsiung and Tainan announced that offices and schools will be closed yesterday. Hualien and Taitung counties along the Pacific Ocean on the islands east coast also shuttered schools and offices. Kaohsuing also evacuated some 300 residents who lived in a mountainous part of the district, according to the semi-official Central News Agency.

The storm temporarily left tens of thousands of households without power in Kaohsiung and Tainan, although most of them have had their electricity restored as of Thursday morning, according to the Taiwan Power Company.

The storm will travel through the Taiwan Strait yesterday and make landfall in Fujian province today.

The typhoon swept through northern Philippine provinces with ferocious wind and rain on Wednesday, leaving at least nine people dead, including four members of a family whose house was buried in a landslide, and displacing thousands of villagers.

Authorities expect the death toll to rise as more provincial reports come in. The storm caused widespread power outages and agricultural damage and prompted the suspension of work, classes and sea travel for about two days, disaster response officials said. MDT/AP

T

he coastal Chinese city of Shantou yesterday joined parts of Taiwan in shutting down schools and offices as Typhoon Doksuri brings heavy wind and rain to the Taiwan Strait and surrounding areas.

Doksuri weakened further yesterday, with sustained winds of 155 kph and gusts of up to 190 kph, according to Taiwans Central Weather Bureau. The typhoons center will not hit Taiwans mainland, but its outlying bands will still bring stronger winds and rains yesterday afternoon.

Shantou, which lies on the border between Guangdong and Fujian provinces, will remain largely shut through the end of today, the local government said on social media. Images from the area on public news broadcasts showed fishing ships tied up in port as heavy waves broke along the seawall. Apart from an occasional squall, there was no sign of heavy rain as of yesterday afternoon, reports said.

The Taiwan Strait is one of the worlds busiest routes for international trade and the typhoon has caused major disruptions to shipping and flights.

In southern Taiwan, the port city Kaohsiung and Tainan announced that offices and schools will be closed yesterday. Hualien and Taitung counties along the Pacific Ocean on the islands east coast also shuttered schools and offices. Kaohsuing also evacuated some 300 residents who lived in a mountainous part of the district, according to the semi-official Central News Agency.

The storm temporarily left tens of thousands of households without power in Kaohsiung and Tainan, although most of them have had their electricity restored as of Thursday morning, according to the Taiwan Power Company.

The storm will travel through the Taiwan Strait yesterday and make landfall in Fujian province today.

The typhoon swept through northern Philippine provinces with ferocious wind and rain on Wednesday, leaving at least nine people dead, including four members of a family whose house was buried in a landslide, and displacing thousands of villagers.

Authorities expect the death toll to rise as more provincial reports come in. The storm caused widespread power outages and agricultural damage and prompted the suspension of work, classes and sea travel for about two days, disaster response officials said. MDT/AP
We have several One bedroom and two bedroom apartments available on East Side of Sun Prairie! Month to month lease, security deposit and a 60 day notice when leaving the community. Cats and dogs are allowed, maximum of two. Dogs must be under 40 pounds, We require a $500.00 nonrefundable deposit and we do an assessment of the animals prior to acceptance. Coin operated laundry on site. Two bedrooms 975 sq.ft. and rent for $1,313.00 per month with 1 months rent for security deposit.

View More
JEFERSON CITY, Mo.  The nation's top health official implored states to do more to keep lower-income residents enrolled in Medicaid, as the Biden administration released figures Friday confirming that many who had health coverage during the coronavirus pandemic are now losing it.

Though a decline in Medicaid coverage was expected, health officials are raising concerns about the large numbers of people being dropped from the rolls for failing to return forms or follow procedures.

In 18 states that began a post-pandemic review of their Medicaid rolls in April, health coverage was continued for about 1 million recipients and terminated for 715,000. Of those dropped, 4 in 5 were for procedural reasons, according to newly released data from the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra sent a letter Friday to all governors encouraging them to bolster efforts to retain people on Medicaid. He particularly encouraged them to use electronic information from other federal programs, such as food stamps, to automatically confirm people's eligibility for Medicaid. That would avert the need to mail and return documents.

I am deeply concerned about high rates of procedural terminations due to red tape and other paperwork issues, Becerra told governors.

During the pandemic, states were prohibited from ending peoples Medicaid coverage. As a result, Medicaid enrollment swelled by nearly one-third, from 71 million people in February 2020 to 93 million in February 2023. The prohibition on trimming rolls ended in April, and states now have resumed annual eligibility redeterminations that had been required before the pandemic.

The new federal data captures only the first month of state Medicaid reviews from states that acted the most expeditiously. Since then, additional states also have submitted reports on those renewed and dropped from Medicaid in May and June.

Though the federal government hasn't released data from the most recent reports, information gathered by The Associated Press and health care advocacy groups show that about 3.7 million people already have lost Medicaid coverage. That includes about 500,000 in Texas, around 400,000 in Florida and 225,000 in California. Of those who lost coverage, 89% were for procedural reasons in California, 81% in Texas and 59% in Florida, according to the data.

Many of those people may have still been eligible for Medicaid, but theyre caught in a bureaucratic nightmare of confusing forms, notices sent to wrong addresses and other errors, said Michelle Levander, founding director of the Center for Health Journalism at the University of Southern California,

Top CMS officials said they have worked with several states to pause Medicaid removals and improve procedures for determining eligibility.

South Carolina is one state that voluntarily slowed down. It reported renewing Medicaid coverage for about 27,000 people in May while removing 118,000. Of those dropped, 95% were for procedural reasons. In a recent report to the federal government, South Carolina said it removed no one from Medicaid in June because it extended the eligibility renewal deadline from 60 days to 90 days.

Michigan reported renewing more than 103,000 Medicaid recipients in June and removing just 12,000. It told the federal government that the state opted to delay terminations for those who failed to respond to renewal requests while instead making additional outreach attempts. As a result, the state reported more than 100,000 people whose June eligibility cases remained incomplete.

People who are dropped from Medicaid can regain coverage retroactively if they submit information within 90 days proving their eligibility. But some advocacy groups say that still poses a challenge.

State government is not necessarily nimble, said Keesa Smith, executive director of Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families. "When individuals are being disenrolled, the biggest concern ... is that there is not a fast track to get those individuals back on the rolls.

Arkansas officials have been at the forefront of defending Medicaid cuts. They contend that many people likely don't return forms because they no longer need Medicaid.

People are transitioning off of Medicaid because "they are working, making more money, and have access to health care through their employers or the federal marketplace, Arkansas Medicaid Director Janet Mann said earlier this month. This should be celebrated, not criticized.

Insurance companies that run Medicaid programs for states said they are trying to reduce procedural terminations and enroll people in new plans.

Federal data for April indicates that some states did a better job than others at handling a crush of questions from people about their Medicaid coverage.

In 19 states and the District of Columbia, the average Medicaid call center wait time was 1 minute or less in April. But in Idaho, the average caller to the state's Medicaid help line waited 51 minutes. In Missouri, the average wait was 44 minutes, and in Florida 40 minutes.

Best and worst states for health care Best and worst states for health care The 10 states with the best health care The 10 states with the lowest rank for health care Additional findings: Outcome, cost and access data rankings Depending on state, Americans' cost for care can vary significantly Methodology
KENOSHA  The Kenosha County Sheriff's Department said it is investigating after Kenosha police shot and injured an armed woman having suicidal thoughts Thursday.

Portions of the area were cordoned off around 1 p.m. as police and deputies responded to the scene.

"A 911 call was received reporting that a mother had struck her child with a firearm and was now in the driveway threatening suicide. Responding Officers encountered the female suspect who was armed with a handgun and outside of the residence," according to a release from Sgt. Austin Hancock.

Officers allegedly attempted to de-escalate the situation, but, according to police, the woman was not receptive and made numerous suicidal statements including threats to make officers shoot her.

While still holding the firearm, the woman allegedly acted in a manner that indicated to the responding officers her intent to use the firearm on another person.

"An officer with nine years of experience with the Kenosha Police Department fired one round from their department issued firearm striking the suspect," police said in the release.

Officers reportedly rendered aid and called for an ambulance.

The woman was transported to a local hospital with a non-life-threatening injury.

No other individuals were injured during the incident.

The Kenosha County Sheriff's Department is investigating the incident in accordance with state law.

No additional details were available.
A pilot and passenger suffered minor injuries when their plane landed in a Green Lake County cornfield on Thursday afternoon, authorities reported.

At about 1 p.m. Thursday, a 911 caller reported an aircraft in a field near Highway 49 and Townline Road in the township of Brooklyn, Green Lake County.

The pilot and one passenger were on their way to the Experimental Aircraft Association show from South Bend, Indiana when their single-engine plane lost power. The pilot attempted an emergency landing and the plane flipped upon making contact with the cornfield.

One person who was in the plane had gone to the nearest residence to report the incident, and emergency responders found a small plane down in a cornfield about 200 feet south of Townline Road, Vande Kolk said.

The pilot and passenger, who were not identified, were taken to an area hospital with minor injuries, Vande Kolk said. They have both since been released.
Facebook's Meta logo sign is seen at the company headquarters in Menlo Park, Calif., on, Oct. 28, 2021. U.S. Facebook users have one more month to apply for their share of a $725 million privacy settlement that parent company Meta agreed to pay late last year. Meta is paying to settle a lawsuit alleging the worlds largest social media platform allowed millions of its users personal information to be fed to Cambridge Analytica, a firm that supported Donald Trumps 2016 presidential campaign. (Tony Avelar/AP)

U.S. Facebook users have one more month to apply for their share of a $725 million privacy settlement that parent company Meta agreed to pay late last year.

Meta is paying to settle a lawsuit alleging the worlds largest social media platform allowed millions of its users personal information to be fed to Cambridge Analytica, a firm that supported Donald Trumps 2016 presidential campaign.

Advertisement

Anyone in the U.S. who has had a Facebook account at any time between May 24, 2007, and December 22, 2022, is eligible to receive a payment. To apply for the settlement, users can fill out a form and submit it online, or print it out and mail it. The deadline is August 25.

Its not clear how much money individual users will receive. The larger the number of people submitting valid claims, the smaller each payment will be since the money has to be divided among them.

Advertisement

The case sprang from 2018 revelations that Cambridge Analytica, a firm with ties to Trump political strategist Steve Bannon, had paid a Facebook app developer for access to the personal information of about 87 million users of the platform. That data was then used to target U.S. voters during the 2016 campaign that culminated in Trumps election as the 45th president.

Uproar over the revelations led to a contrite Zuckerberg being grilled by U.S. lawmakers and spurred calls for people to delete their Facebook accounts.

Facebooks growth has stalled as more people connect and entertain themselves on rival services such as TikTok, but the social network still boasts more than 2 billion users worldwide, including an estimated 250 million in the U.S.

Beyond the Cambridge Analytica case, Meta has been under fire over data privacy for some time. In May, for example, the EU slapped Meta with a record $1.3 billion fine and ordered it to stop transferring users personal information across the Atlantic by October. And the tech giants new text-based app, Threads, has not rolled out in the EU due to privacy concerns.

___________________

AP Business Writer Wyatte Grantham-Philips contributed to this report from New York.
A Twin Falls Police Department officer responding to a report of a prowler in November 2021 nabbed an Oklahoma man who has now been sentenced this month to 336 months in federal prison for exploiting a child by producing child pornography.

Kobe Jace Mahoney, 22, was found outside a Twin Falls home by the officer after having a sexual encounter with a 14-year-old girl, said Lt. Craig Stotts. Upon the police officer doing a background check on Mahoney, he was found to have had active warrants out of Oklahoma involving sex acts with minors, as well as failure to register as a sex offender.

In addition, Mahoney had a sexual encounter with an 11-year-old girl in Twin Falls, Stotts said, and upon being interviewed, he admitted to have had sex acts with approximately 24 different minor females with ages ranging from 11 to 17 years old in eight different states between August and November 2021.

He traveled through multiple states before arriving in Twin Falls, Stotts explained.

Prior to being caught in Twin Falls, Mahoney traveled from Twin Falls to Elko, Nevada, to meet a 13-year-old girl. He said he had sex with the child in Elko and used his cellphone to make a recording of the acts, said the U.S. Attorneys Office, District of Idaho.

Mahoney found his victims while using the Snapchat messaging application and would send friend requests to minor children, Stotts said.

After obtaining a search warrant for Mahoneys cellphone, law enforcement officers found two videos of the sexual acts between Mahoney and the child in Elko, along with messages that were sent between the two. The child informed Mahoney that she was underage prior to his travel from Idaho to Nevada to meet her.

Our collective efforts to protect the most vulnerable members of our society, our children, have never been more urgent, said U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit. I thank our federal and local partners for all that they did in this case, and I look forward to working with them to ensure the safety of Idahos children.

Mahoney is a child predator who will spend the next 28 years behind bars in a federal prison and children across the country are safer because of it, said Special Agent in Charge Robert Hammer, who oversees Homeland Security Investigations operations in the Pacific Northwest. He thanked the Twin Falls Police Department for its police work in identifying additional victims of child exploitation.

U.S. District Judge Amanda Brailsford also sentenced Mahoney to a lifetime of supervised release, which will commence upon completing his prison sentence. Mahoney will also be required to register as a sex offender.

U.S. Attorney Hurwit thanked Homeland Security Investigations in Boise and Reno, the Twin Falls Police Department, the Twin Falls County Prosecutors Office, the Elko County Sheriffs Office, and the Elko County Prosecutors Office for their collaboration and hard work on this case. Law enforcement have identified and interviewed five minor victims in this investigation.
Idahos attorney general is the top law enforcement officer in our state. We rely on that position to protect the public interest, hold wrongdoers accountable, and provide sound legal guidance to our state agencies.

From upholding the rule of law to defending our rights, the attorney general holds a serious office requiring serious leadership. In six short months, Raul Labrador has demonstrated his top priorities are advancing his extreme agenda, fueling his political ambitions, and embroiling Idaho in costly lawsuits.

In one of his first moves, Labrador dismissed trespassing charges against one of his most ardent campaign supporters, despite objections from the local chief of police. Soon after, he launched a politically motivated investigation into cash-strapped private nonprofits serving children.

The organizations had already provided all the necessary reporting for state grants they received. But Labrador served them with a demand to produce thousands of pages of unrelated and invasive documentation, including staff texts. This frivolous case will only harm our kids and waste precious state dollars.

Instead of safeguarding our freedoms, Labrador finds every possible opportunity to undermine them. He published an opinion arguing it is illegal for Idaho doctors to inform patients about their options for lawful abortions in other states. Such a gag order would subvert our right to freedom of speech. He rescinded the opinion without offering clarifying guidance for doctors, spurring another costly lawsuit against the state.

Most recently, Labrador signed onto a lawsuit seeking access to your private medical records for care you receive out of state, in his quest to prosecute abortions outside his jurisdiction.

Democrats are not alone in our alarm. More than 50 prominent Idaho Republicans, including former Gov. Phil Batt and former Secretary of State Ben Ysura, endorsed his Democratic opponent. Labradors level of dysfunction is just what these respected Republicans feared, if not worse.

Sitting Republican legislators are frustrated that Labrador refuses to deliver requested legal analysis  a service they relied upon for decades  and hired an out-of-state staffer lacking critical legal credentials for a top post. Republican representatives helped kill the proposed AG Office budget to communicate their discontent.

Meanwhile, the office has lost dozens of dedicated, experienced staff. In a resignation letter, one attorney warned of Labrador and his allies, They instead appear intent on dismantling government, and doing so without regard for the people who believe in public service who fall in their wake.

Labrador was ushered into office with big money from deep out-of-state pockets. Their goal seems to be positioning their far-right darling for higher office.

We mustnt allow one mans political ambitions to undermine our rule of law, our freedoms, or our right to functioning state agencies. Idahoans deserve better.
SAN FRANCISCO, United StatesA fired Twitter product manager said Elon Musk ran the company newly renamed X by instinct not data, surrounded by sycophants with his mood changing unpredictably.

Esther Crawford, whose picture sleeping in a Twitter office late last year made her a viral sensation, shared her thoughts on Wednesday in a lengthy post at X.

I disagree with many of his decisions and am surprised by his willingness to burn so much down, but with enough money and time, something new and innovative may emerge, Crawford said in the post.

Crawford joined Twitter when it bought her startup in 2020, before Musk bought the social media platform for $44 billion.

In person Elon is oddly charming and hes genuinely funny, Crawford said.

The challenge is his personality and demeanor can turn on a dime going from excited to angry.

Twitter employees feared being called into meetings with him or having to deliver negative news, according to Crawford.

At times it felt like the inner circle was too zealous and fanatical in their unwavering support of everything he said, Crawford wrote.

Product and business decisions were nearly always the result of him following his gut instinct, and he didnt seem compelled to seek out or rely on a lot of data or expertise to inform it.

Musk seemed to trust random feedback and Twitter polls more than employees working to solve problems at the company, according to Crawford.

His boldness, passion and storytelling is inspiring, but his lack of process and empathy is painful.

Musk has proven success tackling engineering problems, but a social networking platform requires emotional intelligence, Crawford said.

She did not spare the previous management, calling it bloated and soft and entitled where teams could spend months building a feature and then some last-minute kerfuffle meant itd get killed for being too risky.

Musk killed off the Twitter logo this week, replacing the world-recognized blue bird with a white X.

After buying Twitter, Musk had said that he wanted to create a super-app inspired by Chinas WeChat, which would function as a social media platform and offer messaging and payments.

Since Musk bought Twitter last October, the platforms advertising business has collapsed as marketers soured on Musks management style and mass firings at the company that gutted content moderation.

In response, the billionaire 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 sites new charges for previously free services, its changes to content moderation, and the return of previously banned right-wing accounts.

Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus.
Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Friday expressed his gratitude to President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. for acknowledging the critical role of Congress in promoting the Philippines as an ideal investment destination to create more job opportunities for the Filipino workforce.

Romualdez was part of the official delegation of Pres. Marcos on his three-day state visit to Malaysia, which yielded up to US$285 in investment pledges expected to create over 100,000 jobs.

We are grateful to President Marcos for citing the key legislations we had passed and the critical need for collaboration between the Executive and the Legislative in making the Philippines a more investor-friendly place, Romualdez said.

This motivates us even more in the House of Representatives to redouble our efforts at passing the remaining priority bills before the end of 2023, which are needed to sustain our robust economic growth and enhance our competitiveness to draw in more investments that would mean more jobs and livelihood for our people, he added.

Romualdez was referring to the remarks of President Marcos during his Roundtable Meeting with Malaysian top business leaders where the Chief Executive cited his administrations investor-friendly policies and programs.

The President noted that more sectors have been opened up for foreign ownership through the passage of the Retail Trade Liberalization Act, the Foreign Investments Act, the Public Services Act (PSA), and the Renewable Energy (RE) Act.

In addition, Pres. Marcos pointed out that corporate taxation has become more business-friendly with lowered tax rates and improved mechanisms for tax and tax incentives.

However, he noted that many more amendments are needed to fully modernize the countrys business environment, especially on taxation, procurement, and accounting, among others.

At this point, Pres. Marcos introduced to the Malaysian businessmen the lawmakers who are part of his official delegation in his three-day state visit to Malaysia.

I would also like to introduce the gentlemen seated on my left here is the Speaker of the House, Speaker Martin Romualdez and he is a critical part here, and the rest, we have two senators also here, Senator JV Ejercito and Senator Mark Villar, who have been critical in assisting us pushing this legislation  these amendments to the legislation through Congress. And to get this amendment to get the new laws enacted, the President said.

Pres. Marcos also cited the investment-friendly reforms and programs instituted with the help of Congress, as well as new laws needed, in his message to the Malaysian business community during the Philippine Business Forum held at EQ Hotel in Kuala Lumpur.

Romualdez earlier vowed that the House would pass the remaining 10 priority measures Pres. Marcos has identified in his 2nd State of the Nation Address (SONA) before the end of this yearfour in October and six in Decemberhaving already approved seven out of the 17 priority legislation outlined in the SONA.

Likewise, Romualdez vowed for the swift passage of the proposed P5.768-trillion national budget for 2024.

The four SONA priority measures for approval by October are:

1. Anti-Agricultural Smuggling

2. Amendments to the Cooperative Code

3. Tatak Pinoy

4. Blue Economy

The six remaining priority measures for approval by December are:

1. Motor Vehicle Users Charge

2. Military and Uniformed Personnel (MUP) Pension

3. Revised Procurement Law

4. New Government Auditing Code

5. Rationalization of the Mining Fiscal Regime

6. National Water Act.

Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus.
SURROUNDED BY BUSINESSMEN. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is the guest of honor and keynote speaker in the opening ceremony of the 3rd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Business Advisory Council Meeting at the NUSTAR Convention Center in Cebu City on Friday. Joey Razon

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.s three-day state visit to Malaysia has hastened the finalization of a P3 billion collaboration on rail-oriented projects between Manila and Kuala Lumpur and a $1 billion investment pledge for the expansion of Air Asia operations in the Philippines, the Palace said on Friday.

During a roundtable meeting organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) during the state visit, Mr. Marcos said he is glad that Air Asia, which is the fourth largest airline in the region, has a very good prospect for the Philippines.

Were all very happy that you have such good  you see such good prospects for the Philippines, he said.

DTI Secretary Alfredo Pascual said that Air Asias Anthony Francis Fernandes signed a letter of intent, indicating expansion plans for his business in the Philippines, specifically for aviation and aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul operations, Air Asia super app, and logistics operations in the country.

Were excited about what we can do in the Philippines and really stimulate small, medium enterprises  we are excited. We think we can bring a lot of value to the Philippines on logistics, Fernandes told President Marcos during the roundtable meeting in Malaysia.

So, over the next few years, we think well invest about one billion US dollars into the Philippines. We have about $300 million so far. We want to grow our aircraft from 23 to 50 including wide-body aircraftWe are just applying for the license now, he added.

In a separate interview, the President said the contract between the Metro Pacific Investment Corp. (MPIC) and Malaysias Hartasuma Sdn. Bhd. is part of $285 million pledges the country secured during his trip.

He said the joint project showed the commitment of the Philippines and Malaysia to improving physical connectivity such as roads, railways, and other forms of transportation.

Literally, because of the visit, the Presidents presence in KL [Kuala Lumpur] hastened the progress of this agreement and three billion will be pledged for investments into the Philippines, Speaker Marti Romualdez said.

Under the collaboration agreement, the Parties have expressed their desire to engage in railway engineering and maintenance, and other rail-oriented projects in the Philippines in line with the governments aspiration to modernize the Philippines railway network,' he added.

Hartasuma is a pioneer in the Malaysian rail industry.

Meanwhile, Philippine and Malaysian private sector groups signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to explore joint efforts in agriculture development, focusing on palm oil, rubber, and other agricultural commodities that may thrive in both countries.

The ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN BAC) Malaysia and ASEAN BAC Philippines signed the MOU during the 3-day state visit of Mr. Marcos.

Public-private partnerships are essential as we move toward regional economic integration and make our agriculture industries productive and competitive. We have already several of these big-brother models in the Philippines covering prime commodities like tobacco, coconut and rice, with large Philippine companies like Universal Leaf, Lionheart Farms, and Yovel East successfully implementing their inclusive models in the communities where they operate, said ASEAN BAC Philippines chairman Joey Concepcion.

He added both groups are aiming to encourage more big-brother companies to participate.

Malaysian investors have likewise expressed interest in the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF), the Philippines first-ever sovereign wealth fund, Mr. Marcos said.

He, however, noted that Malaysian investors are the most careful of all and want to know the specifics of the business before making any investment.

All of them have expressed interest because that is business, the President said.

You have to be specific. Once we get to that point, then we can talk about the amounts that are going to be invested both by the fund and, of course, by our private sector partners, he said.

Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus.
DAY AFTER A TRAGEDY. Residents of Brgy. Calinawan in Binangonan, Rizal look at the ill-fated MB Aya Express on Friday a day after it capsized after a strong wind while crossing Laguna Lake en route to Barangay Gulod, Talim Island. Danny Pata

Government officials and lawmakers called for more stringent safety measures for maritime vessels after the number of people killed when an overloaded passenger boat capsized in Laguna Lake on Thursday rose to 26, with divers still looking for three missing.

These are lives we are talking about, we want to be thorough, coming from this, what are the preemptive measures we can take so this wont be repeated, Rizal Gov. Nini Ynares said in a TV report.

Mayor Cesar Ynares of Binangonan, Rizal, where the tragedy happened, noted there could be more passengers trapped underneath the vessel aside from the 67 already rescued or retrieved.

He said the captain of the vessel could be held liable for exceeding the 42-seat capacity of the motorized outrigger.

He added that the Philippine Coast Guard could also face investigation for failing to monitor the number of passengers boarding the vessel.

The PCG relieved two of its personnel in Binangonan on Friday after the accident.

PCG Commandant Artemio Abu confirmed the PCGs decision during a press briefing in the Coast Guard Headquarters in Manila, saying they were relieved so they could not interfere with the investigation.

My instructions are clear to the regional commander of the Coast Guard to conduct a fair, honest, and transparent investigation, he said.

He said that cases will be filed against the boat captain and operator.

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III underscored the need for the Senate to investigate the Laguna Lake tragedy. His call was supported by Senator Christopher Go.

The boats captain hides his face from photographers while being detained at the local police station, while a funeral parlor worker shows framed photographs of two senior citizens who were among the victims.

Pimentel said it was too early for the PCG to lift the no sail order because Typhoon Egay had left the country only four hours before.

The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) has suspended the permit of the sunken MB Aya Express. The suspension will be followed by a thorough inspection of the vessel, the agency said.

The wooden outrigger was carrying about 70 people on its regular run from a port in Binangonan municipality to the island of Talim in Laguna Lake, near Manila, on Thursday when the accident happened.

Strong winds sparked panic among passengers who moved to one side of the vessel and caused it to capsize, the coast guard said. The boats maximum capacity was 42.

One of the survivors, Marr delos Reyes, said there were no PCG personnel manning their post before the boat left port Thursday. He added that they were not wearing life vests.

If there were Coast Guard personnel in their posts, they wouldnt have been able to leave because the passengers had no life vests on, delos Reyes told TeleRadyo Serbisyo.

The boat capsized less than 10 minutes after setting sail, Delos Reyes said.

There was zero visibility. Strong wind, strong rain. Its like we encountered a tornado, he added.

Delos Reyes said the crew had set up an improvised tarpaulin to keep the rain out, but when the boat capsized, people were trapped inside with nowhere to go.

Its like a fish caught in a net, that cant get out, he said. I dont know how to swim. Luckily, I survived.

He said some passengers brought bikes, rice, bales of cloth, and groceries on the boat. The cloth helped other passengers. It became an improvised life vest, they floated.

People standing on the shore watched in horror as rescuers in boats searched for victims in the murky water.

Video footage of the frantic rescue operation shared by the Coast Guard shows a man standing on the hull of the boat lying on its side, shouting There are so many people here, as small outrigger boats circled trying to help.

Forty-three people survived.

A funeral parlor worke shows framed photographs of two senior citizens who are among the victims of the MV Princess Aya that capsized in the water off Binangonan in Rizal. Danny Pata

The Coast Guard and police are investigating the cause of the accident, which happened hours after Egay (international name: Doksuri) had swept out of the northern Philippines.

Coast Guard spokesman Rear Admiral Armando Balilo said Thursday the vessel had permission to sail.

Boats had been ordered to shore in Luzon and central islands earlier in the week due to gale warnings as the typhoon intensified the southwest monsoon.

By nightfall on Thursday, rescuers had righted the boat and dragged it close to shore, where its yellow hull sat in shallow water.

People began loading coffins of victims onto boats during the evening to transport them to funeral ceremonies.

Strong winds lashed the MB Aya Express, and it capsized less than 50 meters away from Barangay Kalinawan at around 1 p.m. Thursday.

The captain of the vessel said only 22 people listed their names on the passenger manifest.

They also received information that passengers were not wearing life vests during their voyage.

Abu said only 22 passengers and crews were listed in the boats manifest, which was submitted and approved by the PCG Substation in Binangonan.

Due to the overloading of passengers and strong winds carried by the super typhoon, the people on board the motorboat panicked, which caused it to capsize.

In a separate interview, Balilo said the PCG will probe the boats sinking.

We have called for an investigation already, including on our personnel, Balilo said in an interview with CNN Philippines.

Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus.
KOREAN ARMISTICE. A woman walks past a television screen Friday showing a news broadcast with an image of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attending a military parade in Pyongyang to mark the 70th anniversary of the Korean War armistice, at a railway station in Seoul. Kim oversaw a North Korean military parade featuring new drones and Pyongyangs nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missiles, as his defense chief warned the United States nuclear war was coming, state media reported. AFP

SeoulFlanked by visiting Russian and Chinese officials, Kim Jong Un oversaw a North Korean military parade featuring new drones and Pyongyangs nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missiles, state media reported Friday.

At least four new North Korean military drones were towed on trailers through Pyongyangs Kim Il Sung square at the parade late Thursday, state media images showed, while another drone appeared to conduct a flyover overhead.

Standing between Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Chinese politburo member Li Hongzhong in the VIP viewing stands, Kim smiled and saluted as thousands of soldiers marched past, trailed by the countrys most powerful ICBMs, banned under UN sanctions.

The event, featuring Kims first-known foreign guests since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, was to mark the 70th anniversary of the Korean War armistice, which ended open hostilities and is celebrated as Victory Day.

Meanwhile, Japan said Friday North Korea posed a more serious threat to its national security than ever before, as Pyongyang rattles its neighbors with repeated missile tests and belligerent rhetoric.

In its annual white papera rundown of the most pressing military threats and plans to ensure stabilityJapans defense ministry made a case for a significant hike in domestic defense spending as the world enters a new era of crisis.

While Chinas growing military might and Russias invasion of Ukraine were major focuses of the white paper, North Korea also ranked as a key concern for Japan.

North Koreas military activities pose an even more grave and imminent threat to Japans national security than ever before, the document said.

Kim extended warm militant greetings to the parade, the official Korean Central News Agency said, and North Koreas defense minister Kang Sun Nam made a speech.

The United States has no chance of survival in case they use nuclear weapons against the DPRK, Kang said, referring to the North by its official name.

He warned that any attempts by the United States to use armed force against the North would cause an unimaginable and unforeseen crisis.

The parade featured an array of new weaponry, including some first unveiled at a defence expo on Wednesday in Pyongyang, visited by Kim and Shoigu.

North Koreas new underwater nuclear attack drone, called the Haeil, appeared at the parade for the first time, Seoul-based specialist site NK News reported.

The strategic reconnaissance drone and the multi-purpose attack drone which was newly developed and produced made circular flights in the sky above the (Kim Il Sung square, KCNA said.

The excitement and great joy of the spectators reached its height when the nuclear-armed countrys newest ICBM  the solid-fuel Hwasong-18, tested in April and July this year  was paraded through the square, KCNA said.

The tests were roundly condemned by Seoul, Washington and Tokyo, and violate UN sanctions banning the North from any tests using ballistic missile technology.

The parade is a key part of promoting Kim Jong Uns ruling legitimacy and internal unity in this economically challenging time, Yangmo Ku, a political science professor at Norwich University, told AFP.

But this year, with the inclusion of high-level guests from Moscow and Beijing, Pyongyang is also sending America a signal that under strengthened ties with Russia and China, North Korea is militarily ready to cope with strategic threats from its enemies, he said.

All these acts mean the emergence of the new Cold War surrounding the Korean Peninsula, Ku added.

Beijing is North Koreas most important ally and economic benefactor, their relationship forged in the bloodshed of the Korean War in the 1950s.

Chinas representation at North Koreas parading of nuclear-capable missiles raises serious questions about Beijing enabling Pyongyangs threats to global security, said Leif-Eric Easley, a professor at Ewha University in Seoul.

Russia, another historic ally, is one of a handful of nations with which Pyongyang maintains friendly relations, and experts said it was noteworthy that Moscow had sent Shoigu to the anniversary celebrations  a rare visit by a Russian defence chief in the post-Soviet era.

Kim has been steadfast in his support for Moscows invasion of Ukraine, including, Washington says, supplying rockets and missiles  a charge Pyongyang has denied.

Russias President Vladimir Putin sent a speech, read out by Shoigu at an anniversary event, according to KCNA, in which Moscows leader hailed North Korea for its firm support for special military operations against Ukraine.

Easley said that given Russias need for ammunition for its illegal war in Ukraine and (Kims) willingness to personally give the Russian defence minister a tour of North Koreas arms exhibition, UN member states should increase vigilance for observing and penalising sanctions violations.

The inclusion of foreign guests at this years celebrations is a post-pandemic first, and hints at new flexibility towards enforcing border controls.

North Korea has imposed a rigid Covid-19 blockade since early 2020, preventing even its own nationals from entering the country.

It only resumed some trade with China last year and allowed new Beijing envoy Wang Yajun to take up his position this year. He is the first known senior diplomat to cross into North Korea since the border closure in January 2020. AFP

Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus.
Unknown to many, Marcos Sr. is the only president who issued numerous decrees in favor of the working class to truly make him as the representative of the workers

The administration should give priority to the basic needs of our people.

It is a public knowledge that every state needs funds for it to attend to the specific areas, such as infrastructure, agriculture, health and possibly education.

The state must pay attention to the goals of independence to realize the substance of sovereignty.

One must note that independence without sovereignty would have no meaning much that sovereignty without development and progress is without substance.

The situation in the Philippines, however, remains pathetic and hopeless.

It failed to give priority to our endeavor to achieve the needs of independence such as the building of infrastructure, agricultural development, welfare for our labor and health to our people.

For instance, we pursue the goals in our infrastructure with a definite objective to attain progress and development.

It is often used as our gauge on how far we achieved the goals of our people as a state.

It was this particular achievement why former President Marcos was reelected.

Our people equated his building of infrastructures as his tangible achievements for progress.

The second priority the old Marcos government achieved was to guaranty on whether people will have something to eat, and could afford to buy them at affordable prices.

Marcos knew that food was equivalent to survival, and mans best anchor to that was to give meaning to survival.

Every man must not only be given his right to eat but a means to afford him respect and dignity.

The old mans program took a multifaceted approach to break the century-old problem of food shortage.

First, he took the more radical approach of land reform by issuing P.D. 27 limiting the landholdings; urging the formation of farmers cooperatives; granting and liberalizing loans to land-reform beneficiaries; building of fertilizer plant and selling them at subsidized price; and carrying out massive irrigation in all agricultural lands.

Unfortunately, the rascals in the past administration opted to privatize the fertilizer plant only to close it later to the delight of the rich rice farmers.

Marcos knew what it meant to have food security.

The present breed of leaders does not see the difference and value of our priority as a state.

We abandoned our economy in favor of defense and security without knowing how will it cost us to invest.

We can never expect a return to our investment nor would be able to decipher what our allies intend us to do in their decision to expand their bases.

We exactly did the opposite to what the opposition once called as the American lapdog in Asia.

Then President Marcos did not only work to dismantle the US bases but limited their jurisdiction.

He realized the US would never surrender jurisdiction over its servicemen to a foreign power.

In lieu, the government was only able to obtain increased military assistance as substitute for jurisdiction over the bases including the limitation on the number of bases and area covered by their use for the bases.

Marcos was also able to secure a collective bargaining agreement for Filipino workers working inside the bases including the payment of tax on imported items made by US servicemen residing inside them.

The Marcos administration then embarked on a massive and ambitious construction of specialized hospitals.

It was the First Lady Imelda R. Marcos that diligently took the task of providing affordable medical service to our people.

Today, the Philippines boasts of having built the first Heart Center in Asia; introduced the pioneering medical science of kidney transplant by building the National Kidney Center and Transplant Institute; established the only specialized Childrens Hospital in Asia; created the Lung Center of the Philippines in lieu of the Philippine Tuberculosis.

The First Lady also opened a general hospital for government personnel which former President Marcos initially named Ospital ng Bagong Lipunan to serve all in the public service.

For reason of hatred of the past administration, the successor administration changed the name of the hospital by giving it an obscure and insignificant name to maliciously erase Marcos program of government.

Despite the barrage of slander  Marcos was called a dictator by the radicals  Imelda improved and widened the facilities of the Philippines General Hospital to help most of its indigent and the poorest of the poor.

But in her eagerness to raise funds, she was accused of corruption, only to be acquitted of the unfounded charges.

The fourth priority of the then Marcos administration was to improve the conditions of the working masses.

Unknown to many, Marcos Sr, is the only president who issued numerous decrees in favor of the working class to truly make him as the representative of the workers.

He issued decrees that significantly improved the working conditions and welfare of the workers.

For Marcos Jr. to switch from this line directly deviated from what our people wants.

He failed to analyze the urgent needs of our people from the need to maintain our national security.

National security is more of a policy and requires intensive investment for armaments.

Our current problem is more of propaganda to justify the specific objectives of the US.

We may be able to survive without fulfilling our security obligation but the US will still have to weigh their obligation to us.

On the contrary, it was during the old Marcos time when the limitation on the number of US bases was renegotiated and instead put a time limit for the stay of their bases.

He did this despite the obvious interference of Malaysia, the UK and US intelligence services.

The three took turns in manipulating the defense policy.

Marcos Jr. failed to balance the priority of our economy in favor of securing our own defense.

The Marcos era marked the period when the Philippines, not the US, was the one that dictated our foreign policy.

Previously or right after the grant of our independence, the Philippines enjoyed the utmost right to determine which element in our country constitutes a threat to our security or which country poses a threat to our security.

Yes, we have communist threat in the 50s, but again these are threats borne by the local insurgency movement.

During the then Marcos administration, we had two identifiable threats to our security: the local communist party headed by the Communist Party of the Philippines and by its military arm, the New Peoples Army, and by the secessionists National Liberation Front.

Marcos never took them seriously, believing that security problem was solely the governments responsibility.

Despite the armed support from Malaysia, and from elements of the US and UK intelligence, the country was able to thwart off these threats.

Yes, there was that threat from communist countries like China, Russia and North Korea, but we never treated them as external threat unlike today that we have totally changed our perception of threat.

We already presume that we are in no position to defend ourselves.

During the Marcos era, the Philippines took it as its primary responsibility to defend the country against any form of external aggression.

We were obligated to fight our own war.

The role of those foreign military bases is when there is an overt support from a foreign power like external attack.

But now, we conditioned ourselves into believing that we need the US for our defense and indubitably justify the expansion of their bases here and the sale of arms because of perceived external threat.

Most important, the new concept of foreign military assistance justified the creation of the concept of proxy war such as war in Ukraine with NATO and the US fighting against Russia, and here in our own next door.

We are being pitted by the US against Taiwan without any clear-cut agreement that the US will go to war for us over that island.

In fact, Chinas threat to invade Taiwan has cleverly been used by the US to expand its military bases here to nine and accelerate the sale of its armaments in this part of the region.

All we hear from the US is their promise to fight for us in the invasion by China.

China today has the economic stakes not to involve itself in a reckless war over Taiwan and has instead conditioned us to accept the presence of those bases and allow the neoconservatives from raking in profit to forestall the pending economic collapse of the US.

It is profit that the US cares for and nothing about our security.

([email protected])

Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus.
The chips which will be manufactured in Micron's Gujarat facility may be shipped to Indian customers and also abroad, CEO of Micron Technology Sanjay Mehrotra stated that the annual semiconductor meeting in Gujarat. "I am proud to be here today to represent the company's commitment to build a semiconductor test facility right here in Gujarat. It is a first for India and the first major semiconductor company investment in the nation," Mehrotra said at Semicon India 2023 event. Mehrotra also said that it is estimated that the Gujarat facility will create as many as 5,000 jobs."We estimate that our project in Gujarat will create nearly 5000 direct jobs and additional 15,000 jobs in the community. We are hopeful that this investment will help catalyze other investments in the sector," he added. Referring to digital India and Make in India, he said the initiatives are creating a truly transformative energy that will continue to drive positive progress. Earlier, the American chip maker announced that it would invest up to $825 million in its first chip assembly and test facility in India's Gujarat.With support from the Centre and Gujarat govt, the total investment in the factory will be $2.75 billion, Micron had said. Of this, 50 percent contribution will come from the Central government and 20 percent from the state of Gujarat. The Cabinet had okayed the project ahead of Prime Minister Modi's state visit to the US. At the conference, Minister for Information Technology Aswini Vaishnaw also said that the construction of Micron's Gujarat facility will start soon. Of late, global companies have begun seriously looking at India as a viable investment destination for semiconductors. India has been positioning itself as an attractive destination for electronics and semiconductors.In 2021, India unveiled a $10 billion incentive program for the chip sector, but the plan has floundered as no company has so far managed to get clearance for setting up a fabrication plant, the centerpiece of Modi's ambitions. The Indian semiconductor market was valued at $27.2 billion in 2021. It is seen growing at a healthy CAGR of nearly 19 percent to touch $64 billion in 2026. India, however, has not manufactured any chips locally so far.
The lawsuit over Charlottesvilles 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 its 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 plaintiffs lawyers.

What they filed speaks for itself, the foundations 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 Virginias 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.

Thats 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 Americas 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 its over; it just has that vibe.
Bryan Johnson, executive director of Midway Center, from left, Carrie Pullie, executive director of Calumet Center, Laurie Sedio and JoVonna Jackson talk inside the Midway Centers new conference space on West 63rd Street in Chicago on July 26, 2023. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)

Metropolitan Family Services on Wednesday unveiled an expansion to its West Lawn-based human services center that can now serve 20,000 people with bolstered programs in domestic violence prevention, mental health, workforce development and early childhood education.

Midway Centers Fetzer Family Center facility, 3843 W. 63rd St., is one of 10 Metropolitan Family Services locations across Chicagoland. It now has more space and staff for its parent partnership programs and dedicated safe play areas for integrated learning, which has been instrumental for the centers clients. Of the clients, 75% are Black and brown residents, with 70% of those being women. The facility previously served 12,760 clients.

Advertisement

I joined when I had just given birth to my baby.  I was 15 at the time, said Aide Ortiz, who lives in the Back of the Yards neighborhood with her 18-month-old son and her parents. I found out about the program because I was dropping out of school, because I didnt have anybody to watch my baby.

Ortiz said she was hesitant at first to enroll in a community-based program funded by the state.

Advertisement

I didnt want to join it because Im a teen mom, and I felt like they were going to think I cant take care of my baby and would take him away, she said. I eventually decided to join and I have loved it.

Through the Parents as Partners Program, which teaches clients how to parent and about child development and socialization skills, Ortiz was able to stay in high school and lean on a home visitor for mental health support and academic counseling, among other things. She plans to graduate next year.

The expansion also allows Midway Center to improve its mental health services for parents like Ortiz, who dealt with postpartum depression.

The program has helped me in a lot of ways: I havent had to worry about whether Im going to have enough money to buy diapers because they help you with that. They help you find a job, she said. And my baby loves it too. He just loves being there playing and exploring.

The centers early childhood education services, part of the Empowering Family Initiative, accommodate children ages 2 to 5. Ortiz and her partner plan to use that program until the cutoff. The family currently receives child care support services from the Parents as Partners Program.

Midway Center has been in the West Lawn community for 35 years, and in the building for over 25 years before it embarked on a makeover that started about 2  years ago.

The renovated Midway Center expanded from 13,700 to 20,700 square feet, facilitated through a $4.5 million grant from the state, as well as funding from city, county and federal government and money from private donors.

A patio at the Metropolitan Family Services Midway Center on West 63rd Street in Chicago, July 26, 2023. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)

Ric Estrada, CEO of Metropolitan Family Services, said Wednesday that the facility finally reflects the same thoughtfulness social workers pour into their clients.

Advertisement

Most of us who have been social workers and community workers for a long time are used to working at places that arent always the best facilities, he said. And it speaks to the level of respect that we have for our participants and clients. We owe it to them  they deserve a place like this. And we were able to convince our funders of that, and we have plans to do more.

Midway Center was able to boost several of its early head start programs and physical spaces, said Bryan Johnson, Midway Centers director.

We have a beautiful courtyard now where kids can run around and play, socialize with other kids around their same age, Johnson said. Parents can interact and learn too, and thats something we didnt have before  a space that is beautiful, open, engaging, colorful. Its all part of the package.

The new facility will act as the headquarters for Midway Centers early childhood program with specific spaces designated for home visitation, counseling and parent support. Additional child-focused programs are housed in the Midway Childrens Center at Kedzie Avenue and 63rd Street.

Estrada said that with its increased capacity, Midway Center is hoping to hire for several positions, including lead and assistant teachers, language specialists, child parent visitation workers and social workers.

zsyed@chicagotribune.com
A Marion woman was arrested in Asheville on Thursday afternoon after she was wanted by law enforcement officers for concealing the death of her sister.

On Tuesday July 25, officers with the Marion Police Department responded to 595 E. Court St. for a welfare check to see if a person living there is doing well or in need of assistance. The officers could not reach anyone at the residence and it appeared that nobody was at home. While on scene, officers were met by family members who did not have access to the residence. Those family members explained to officers that possibly inside the residence was a disabled family member who needed around-the-clock care, according to a news release from the Marion Police Department.

The officers persisted to try and reach someone inside the residence and eventually found an unlocked window to what appeared to be a bedroom. Through the unlocked window and by using flashlights, officers were able to see what appeared to be a motionless person inside that room. The officers then entered the residence through the front door to attempt to render aide to that person.

However, it was determined once inside that the individual was dead. The officers backed out of the residence, secured the scene, and contacted Marion Police Departments investigators who arrived a short time later, according to the release.

Investigators obtained a search warrant for the residence and re-entered to begin processing the scene. Through preliminary investigation, it appeared that Kristin Rutherford, 27, was found in a bedroom deceased with no one else at the residence. Through family members and witness statements, officers learned that Rutherford had cerebral palsy and needed extensive in-home care to ensure her wellbeing and safety. The individual who was responsible for that wellbeing and safety was her older sister, Casie Lynne McCartha, who is 34.

McCartha also lived at that residence of 595 E. Court St., but was not present at the scene. The Marion Police Department asked for the publics assistance in locating McCartha.

On Thursday at 3:34 p.m., Marion police officers along with officers from the Asheville Police Department located McCartha and took her into custody. The Marion Police Department had secured a felony warrant for McCartha for concealing the death of her sister.

McCartha was located staying at the Best Western Hotel on Tunnel Road in Asheville. McCarthas 3-year-old juvenile daughter was in her custody and was unharmed.

McCartha was taken into custody without incident and transported to the McDowell County Courthouse for processing. She was placed in the McDowell County Jail under a $10,000 bond, according to the release.

We would like to thank our partners with the Asheville Police Department and North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations for their assistance in this matter, the release said.

On Friday, Chief Allen Lawrence said his department is still seeking answers to the questions involved in this case.

Lawrence said Rutherford had been dead in the residence for some time, but investigators have not pinpointed an exact time frame or the exact cause of death.

Hopefully those answers will come from the autopsy report when we receive it, Lawrence told The McDowell News. There are no other charges at this point, but we are still investigating this case and working with our District Attorneys office.

Lawrence said on Friday the Marion Police Department is very thankful to the other concerned family members and community that brought this case to our attention on Tuesday afternoon. I am very thankful to the hard work and dedication of our officers that worked tirelessly over the last few days and nights to get Casie in custody late yesterday afternoon with the help of the Asheville Police Department.
The President of Mozambique, Filipe Nyusi, on Thursday July 27 encouraged greater business investment in order to boost economic cooperation with Russia, after meeting in St Petersburg with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin.

I met this afternoon in St Petersburg with President Putin, where we exchanged information on the situation in our two countries and the state of our bilateral cooperation. We encourage greater business investment to boost economic co-operation in order to sustain friendly relations with concrete actions in an environment of mutual respect, Filipe Nyusi wrote in a message on his official Facebook account.

To this end, we support the increase in trade and business exchanges as well as the need to concretize existing cooperation instruments, he said.

The Mozambican head of state, Filipe Nyusi, is on a working visit to the Russian Federation from Thursday until Saturday, at the invitation of Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, the Presidency of the Republic of Mozambique said in a statement.

On this visit, the Mozambican President participated in the 2nd Russia-Africa Summit, taking place in St. Petersburg, under the motto In favour of Peace, Security and Development. In continuation of my work agenda in the Russian Federation, later on Thursday morning, I participated in the opening of the Economic and Humanitarian Forum, which aims to boost economic aspects and address humanitarian challenges, Mr Nyusi said in his message.

President Nyusis participation in this Summit is aimed at strengthening relations of friendship, solidarity and cooperation between Russia and the African continent in various areas of mutual interest, as well as at the bilateral level, according to the Presidency statement.
Jihadists presumed to be members of the West African branch of the Islamic State group have killed 32 people, including 25 herders, in two separate attacks in north-east Nigeria, a local militia group announced on Thursday July 27.

The attacks took place on Tuesday in the Lake Chad region of Borno state, where the Islamic State in West Africa (Iswap) group controls large swathes of territory. In the first attack, Iswap fighters on motorbikes killed 25 Fulani herders grazing their cattle in the Gudumbali forest, 95 km from the regional capital Maiduguri, according to sources.

The terrorists killed 25 herders and left without taking anything from them, said the head of an anti-jihadist militia, Babakura Kolo. The jihadists had ordered them to leave the area, accusing them of spying for the army and local militias fighting them, said Mr Kolo.

The majority of the 25 victims were shot dead, while some were killed with knives, said Umar Ari, a member of the militia, who took part in Wednesdays funeral.

Rival groups Boko Haram and Iswap are increasingly targeting loggers, herders, farmers, fishermen and scrap merchants, whom they accuse of being informers. Just hours after the first attack on Tuesday, seven men were shot dead by Iswap members manning a checkpoint in the village of Borno-Yasin, according to the militia.
The President of Angola, Joao Lourenco, condemned Thursday July 27 in a statement the coup dEtat in Niger, which he categorizes as serious and against the legitimate Nigerien government.

The Government of the Republic of Angola has followed with particular attention and concern the latest events in the Republic of Niger and in view of this serious occurrence expresses its firm condemnation of the acts carried out in the Republic of Niger by the military, as it is a serious attack on the constitutional order of the country, and as it constitutes an inadmissible violation of the democratic principles on which the legitimacy of the power established in 2021, through free and democratic elections, is based.

The Nigerien military announced on Wednesday July 26 evening the overthrow of President Mohamed Bazoum, democratically elected in 2021. The coup military junta presented itself as the National Council for the Safeguarding of the Homeland (CNSP).

Nigers partners, including the United States, France and the UN, have already condemned the coup.

Mohamed Bazoum was still being held hostage today with his family at his official residence in Niamey, but is in good health, according to people close to him.

In the statement, Joao Lourenco demands the immediate release of Mohamed Bazoum, his family and collaborators, in the conviction that a climate can thus be created that urgently favors a national understanding and enables the restoration of democratic legitimacy in the country.

The President of Guinea-Bissau, Umaro Sissoco Embalo, also condemned with the utmost severity the coup dEtat in Niger. In a message on Twitter, Sisssoco Embalo, currently attending the Russia-Africa summit, called for the restoration of constitutional order in Niger and for President Bazoum and his family to remain safe.
The Angolan Government announced on Thursday July 27 that it has spent 142 billion kwanzas (155 million) to combat and mitigate the effects of Covid-19 in 2021, mostly for the general costs of the disease.

The information was transmitted by the Angolan Minister of Finance, Vera Daves, realizing that the amount allocated to Covid-19 general expenditure in 2021 was 132.11 billion kwanzas (144 million euros).

Vera Daves, who was presenting in the National Assembly (parliament) the axes of the General State Account (CGE) 2021, stressed that 9.16 billion kwanzas (10 million euros) of the total amount went to the construction of field hospitals.

In relation to the vaccination plan against covid-19, in this period, the governor realized that about 104.57 billion kwanzas (114 million euros) were disbursed, destined for the acquisition of about 22,946,400 doses of Sputnik, Sinopharma and Jansen vaccines.

The 2021 State Budget estimated revenue and expenditure of 14.75 trillion kwanzas (16 billion) and showed revenue collection of Kz 15.22 trillion (16.16 billion).

This general instrument of macroeconomic management in Angola, the minister said, showed expenditure of Kz 14.42 trillion (15.7 billion), resulting in a nominal surplus of Kz 793.99 billion.

She also announced that the fiscal balance, for the 2021 financial year, was a surplus of around 1 billion kwanzas and the current balance totaled 3.49 billion kwanzas, demonstrating that current revenues were sufficient to cover current expenses. According to Vera Daves, of the total revenue collected in 2021, current revenue amounted to 10.1 billion kwanzas (1 billion euros), corresponding to an execution, above the forecast, of 125% and a share of total revenue of approximately 66%.
By solemnly inviting to its summit, for the second consecutive time, the only African states that enjoy official recognition on its part, Russia has irreversibly enshrined the principle of participation limited to African countries recognized by the United Nations.

In fact, Russia has invited all the African states with which it has bilateral relations, and which are recognized by the UN, despite the pressure exerted by certain countries, such as South Africa and Algeria, abusing their friendship with Moscow to impose any participation by the polisario at this summit.

The Russian decision, adopted sovereignly for the second time in succession, is therefore not a position dictated in the urgency of the moment for the needs of the event in question. It is now understood as an unambiguous principle of participation restricted to UN-recognized African states, backed by all the legal and diplomatic guarantees governing the organization of this summit and beyond.

This is borne out by all the documents adopted at the end of the summit, notably the four declarations and the action plan, which clearly and unequivocally enshrine the participation format.

Indeed, the introductory paragraph of all these official documents uses the following wording: We, the Heads of State and Government of the Russian Federation and the African States recognized by the United Nations (hereinafter referred to as the Russian Federation and the African States) and representatives of the African Union and leading African integration organizations.

This principle, solemnly enshrined in the official working documents of this major Russian-African meeting, clearly and definitively establishes that only the 54 member states of the African Union recognized by the UN are members of this summit.

Russias decision stands in stark and unequivocal contrast to the one adopted by the European Union, which, under the French Presidency, had, in violation of international law, invited the leader of the polisario to the EU-AU Summit held in Brussels in February 2022.

Moreover, the contested and questionable presence of the head of the polisario militia had undermined the seriousness of this famous meeting and caused embarrassment and disapproval in many of the countries present, outraged by the fact that the EU had tolerated the participation of this individual being prosecuted by several European courts for war crimes and human rights violations.

The EU, which regards Morocco as a strategic and privileged partner, allowed itself to be inflicted with a troublesome intruder. Although neither its institutions nor its member states recognize the latter, the EU paradoxically acquiesced by offering a folding seat at the Brussels summit to a notorious criminal, who has denounced the UN-sponsored ceasefire agreement and threatens Moroccos security and, beyond that, peace and stability in the EUs immediate vicinity.

Jealous of the territorial integrity of its member states in the face of the separatist pressures that spare almost none of them, the EU should be just as jealous of the security and stability of Morocco, which it considers  quite rightly  to be a strategic and privileged partner. In other words, firmness and intransigence on matters of principle is a choice that pays off. Several of Moroccos partners have made this choice. Russia, which took the plunge in 2019, is now sticking to its commitments.
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:

(A) Complete Mayo scores of all recruited patients at baseline and at week 8 of LD IL2 treatment for those patients who completed the induction. (B) pTreg expansion during the duration of LD IL2 induction for all recruited patients across all doses. Credit: Gastroenterology (2023). DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2023.03.230

Many existing treatments for inflammatory bowel disease, like Remicade and Humira, work by blocking inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukins IL-12 and IL-23, which are over-produced in autoimmune disease. But few patients with ulcerative colitis get complete relief from these drugs.

A small but promising open-label clinical trial, published recently in Gastroenterology, suggests a new option: low-dose IL-2 (Proleukin).

In high doses, IL-2 is pro-inflammatory and is used to fight cancer. But in low doses, it stimulates the T regulatory cells (Tregs) that suppress inflammation and are thought to be in short supply in ulcerative colitis.

"The current therapeutic arsenal for ulcerative colitis is grossly inadequate; more than half of patients do not go into long-term sustained remission," says Scott Snapper, MD, Ph.D., chief of the Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition at Boston Children's Hospital and co-principal investigator on the study. "We and others have had the thought to try to enhance the natural population of T regulatory cells, instead of blocking pro-inflammatory processes."

Stimulating T regulatory cells

The Phase 1b/2a trial followed promising studies of IL-2 in a mouse model of colitis in Snapper's lab. Conducted in collaboration with co-principal investigator Jessica Allegretti, MD, MPH, at Brigham and Women's Hospital, the trial enrolled 26 adults with moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis in whom at least one prior therapy had failed. Patients received subcutaneous IL-2 in a dose-escalating design and were assessed at eight weeks with Mayo scores, which measure stool frequency, blood in stools, and mucosal appearance on flexible sigmoidoscopy.

After eight weeks of daily treatment, many patients showed dramatic symptom relief and often remission. Of the 19 who completed treatment, 10 (53%) had a clinical response, and four (21%) had a complete remission. Of the three IL-2 doses tested, the most effective was 1 x 106 IU/m2/day, producing a clinical response in nine of 13 patients (69%) and remission in four (31%).

Tregs increased in the blood of all clinical responders and 12 of 13 non-responders. The study was only able to assess Tregs in the intestine at zero and eight weeks, so it could have missed a change during active treatment. There were no serious adverse reactions; most side effects were injection site reactions, fever, and malaise.

Future directions

Snapper hopes these findings will encourage manufacturers to sponsor placebo-controlled Phase 2 and Phase 3 studies in larger populations, including children. New versions of IL-2 are becoming available that may be even more effective, he says.

"Because of the good safety data, I think there's promise for trying this in children over 14," he says. "This is an exciting future potential option for patients."

Snapper and Allegretti are now testing low-dose IL-2 in patients with Crohn's disease. The lab is also investigating genetic or other biomarkers that predict whether a patient will respond.

More information: Jessica R. Allegretti et al, Low-Dose Interleukin 2 for the Treatment of Moderate to Severe Ulcerative Colitis, Gastroenterology (2023). DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2023.03.230 Journal information: Gastroenterology
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

A new study sheds light on two factors that affect the outcomes for infants with neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS). The article, "Transfer timing and the length of medication weaning for neonatal opioid withdrawal," was published open access by Hospital Pediatrics on May 15, 2023. The authors are a multidisciplinary team of New Jersey researchers and clinicians from Kessler Foundation and Children's Specialized Hospital.

Opioid abuse remains a major public health problem, with an increasing number of newborns affected by NOWS, a complex syndrome associated with increased risks for infection, sleep disturbances, and vision, motor, cognitive and behavioral difficulties. Infants with severe symptoms who are transferred to a NICU setting for clinical management of NOWS symptoms may then require further treatment for medication weaning.

Evidence shows that nonpharmacological interventions delivered in an individualized setting safely support medication weaning and healthy neurodevelopment. However, there is a lack of consensus on guidelines for transferring these young patients to specialized care settings for NOWS.

The team conducted a single-site retrospective cohort study of infants with NOWS transferred to Children's Specialized Hospital for medication weaning from May 2016 to June 2021. A total of 92 infants were transferred from NICUs at 14 hospitals; complete data were available for 87 infants for analysis. The primary outcome measure was length of weaning, calculated by the number of days from transfer through the last day of medication treatment plus two days for observation.

The majority of infants (62%) were transferred after their 15th day of life; 38% were transferred earlier, on or before their 14th day of life. Duration of weaning was 20.8 days for the later transfer group, and 14.2 days for the earlier transfer group. Weaning was prolonged among infants with severe NOWS symptoms and prenatal exposure to psychotropic medications.

Treatment at the specialized pediatric inpatient unit includes a range of nonpharmacologic interventions that are increasingly recognized as critical to clinical outcomes, according to Melissa G. Smith, MS, CCC-SLP, C/NDT, Clinical Lead for Inpatient Therapies at Children's Specialized Hospital.

"The inpatient unit provides a low stimulation setting where nonpharmacologic interventionssuch as graded touch, swaddling, holding, rocking, and pacifier useare utilized based on each infant's needs and abilities to eat, sleep, and self soothe," she explained.

"Interventions that foster parental bonding, including breastfeeding/feeding, caregiving, and rooming-in, are also associated with positive outcomes. By examining the impact of timing of transfer, this study furthers our knowledge of NOWS and provides preliminary evidence to inform practice guidelines that shorten hospital stays, and minimize medication use and separation from caregivers," Smith concluded.

This single site study had acknowledged limitations, namely in that the investigators were unable to obtain data on the factors related to the initiation of pharmacologic therapy at the referring hospitals, and how those factors influence the timing of transfer to a pediatric inpatient setting for NOWS management.

"Our findings show that earlier referral to a pediatric inpatient unit that can provide the environmental supports that these babies need may be beneficial for babies with NOWS," explained Amanda L. Botticello, Ph.D., MPH, director of the Center for Outcomes and Assessment Research at Kessler Foundation, and vice chair for research education at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School.

"Earlier transfer was associated with shorter length of weaning, which means shorter hospital stays and less exposure to medication," she said. "We also found an association between prenatal exposure to opioids and psychotropic medications and severe NOWS. Weaning was prolonged for these infants," Dr. Botticello added, "indicating that early, intensive interventions may be warranted for this high-risk subgroup."

More information: Amanda L. Botticello et al, Transfer Timing and the Length of Medication Weaning for Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome, Hospital Pediatrics (2023). DOI: 10.1542/hpeds.2022-006863

Provided by Kessler Foundation
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Credit: CC0 Public Domain

A study published in JDR Clinical & Translational Research aims to demonstrate the influence of social networks on oral health outcomes among women living in public housing in Boston, Massachusetts, USA.

The study, "Modeling Social Network Influences on Oral Health Outcomes among Women Living in Public Housing," by Brenda Heaton, et al., obtained individual- and network-level data from a cross-sectional survey of adult female residents of two public housing developments in Boston.

Participants responded to close-ended questions about sociodemographic characteristics, oral and general health status, and health-related behaviors for themselves as well as their named social contacts. Based on this information, network-level variables were calculated for each participant, including the proportion of the social network with certain characteristics or attributes.

To assess the salience of network measures in explaining the variability in self-reported oral health status, overall health status, use of dental services within the last year, and current dental treatment needs, logistic regression models with individual-level covariates were compared with corresponding models that additionally included network-level variables with McFadden R2 for comparison purposes.

Model comparisons for each outcome of interest demonstrated that adding network-level covariates significantly improved model fit. Additionally, network-level covariates displayed strong independent associations with the outcomes of interest.

The network proportion needing dental treatment was positively associated with participants' odds of reporting current dental treatment needs (odds ratio, 4.71; 95% CI, 1.47 to 15.05). An individual's odds of reporting no dental visit within the past year decreased with increasing exposure to social contacts with reported dental visits within the past year (odds ratio, 0.26; 95% CI, 0.07 to 0.89).

The study found that the salience of specific network attributes depended on the outcome under study. Interventions aimed at reducing the poor oral health burden in this and similar population groups may benefit from integrating information on social networks, including tailoring intervention delivery and/or messaging to account for the potential influence of social networks.

More information: B. Heaton et al, Modeling Social Network Influences on Oral Health Outcomes among Women Living in Public Housing, JDR Clinical & Translational Research (2023). DOI: 10.1177/23800844231182571

Provided by International Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Credit: CC0 Public Domain

The COVID-19 pandemic had a disproportionate impact on ethnic minority and migrant communities, and evidence-based, responsive policies could have significantly mitigated disparities in infection rates and mortality, according to a new report by UCL researchers.

The comprehensive report is in collaboration with the Race Equality Foundation and charity Doctors of the World, and drew its data from UCL's Virus Watch study, which regularly surveyed a cohort of 60,000 people in England and Wales during the pandemic.

The comprehensive report drew its data from UCL's Virus Watch study, which regularly surveyed a cohort of 60,000 people in England and Wales during the pandemic.

The report found that ethnic minority and migrant communities faced:



Increased vulnerability: Depending on the ethnic group, individuals were found to be between 5% and 88% more likely to contract the virus. This alarming disparity underscored the urgent need for targeted interventions to address the specific challenges faced by these communities, the report said.

Excess deaths: By April 2022, the end of community testing, Asian communities in England had over 10,500 excess deaths and Black communities almost 6,000. These are people who would likely have been alive were it not for the pandemic. Black and Asian communities had around a 23% higher risk of experiencing excess deaths and the same trend exists for other ethnic groups too.

Limited access to sick pay: Black, Asian, and minority ethnic workers were found to have less access to sick pay, while undocumented workers had no access to it at all. This lack of financial protection not only compromised the health and well-being of individuals but also perpetuated the spread of the virus within these communities.

Inadequate support schemes: Many Black, Asian, and minority ethnic individuals reported limited support from existing schemes. This insufficiency exacerbated the economic and social hardships faced by these communities, hindering their ability to cope with the pandemic's impact effectively.

Unequal vaccination coverage: The vaccination program failed to reach migrants and Black, Asian, and minority ethnic communities adequately, leaving them without the same level of protection as their White British counterparts. This disparity threatened to prolong the pandemic and perpetuated health disparities among different demographic groups.

The report underscored the urgent need for evidence-based policies and practices that prioritize the needs of Black, ethnic minority and migrant communities. It called for a comprehensive and inclusive approach that addresses the systemic barriers to health care access, ensures equitable distribution of resources, and tackles the underlying social determinants of health.

Co-author Professor Rob Aldridge (UCL Institute of Health Informatics), who led the Virus Watch Study, said, "Too often, pandemic policies did not consider or prioritize ethnic minority and migrant communities. Instead, our research demonstrates how the policies and decisions that were taken entrenched the inequalities exposed by the pandemic and exacerbated the poor outcomes experienced by these communities.

"For example, sick pay rates in the U.K. are among the lowest in the developed world, and our analysis revealed that South Asian workers were around 40% more likely to lack access to sick pay than white British workers. We also found that living in households without space to shield, socially distance or isolate may explain one third of the increased risk of getting COVID for migrant communities. We call for the evidence in this report to be urgently used to stimulate change that will provide comprehensive assistance to individuals and communities facing challenges in the future."

Jabeer Butt, chief executive, Race Equality Foundation, said, "The government policy decisions made during the pandemic did not appreciate the impact on existing inequality, and nothing was done to actively mitigate the risk of policies for certain groupse.g., the call to work from home.

"Many people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds were in jobs that could not be done from home, and were more likely to live in shared houses, high rises and have less access to green space and therefore had difficulties isolating. They were then much more vulnerable to exposure to catching and passing on the virus.

"Our report provides evidence on the unequal impacts of the pandemic on ethnic minority and migrant communities. We want this report to be the springboard to policy making that uses existing evidence to prioritize addressing inequality.

"Policy making that does not try to explain away racial inequality but focuses on the action that will need to address the racism that perpetuates it. And we need for this change to take place now, because the same inequalities that led to increased infections and deaths, are exposing these communities to comparatively poorer health every day. We sincerely hope that lessons from the pandemic are reflected on, are learned, and these missteps are never repeated."

Simon Tyler, executive director, Doctors of the World, said, "The needless exclusion, disregard, and suffering of thousands of people living in the UK during the COVID-19 pandemic has gone largely unnoticed, and needs to be addressed by this government. For many years Doctors of the World UK has warned of the risk that hostile migrant health policies present both to individual and public health.

"During the pandemic, the government failed people who were most in need of help, leaving entire communities without essential information or the resources to protect themselves. It also failed the U.K. public with its short-sighted approach to health care in a time of crisis, focusing on upholding barriers to vital services and their cruel anti-migrant agenda.

"Health care is a human right. It was and remains the responsibility of those in power to ensure that everyone living in the U.K. is able to access medical care, including those in the most vulnerable of situations. When we protect one, we protect all."

The report urged policymakers, health care professionals, and community leaders to:



Develop targeted interventions and public health campaigns to raise awareness and mitigate the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on ethnic minority and migrant communities.

Implement inclusive and accessible sick pay policies to ensure financial security for all workers, irrespective of their immigration status or ethnicity.

Strengthen support schemes to provide comprehensive assistance to individuals and families facing socio-economic challenges during the pandemic.

Prioritize equitable vaccine distribution and actively engage with disempowered communities to address vaccine hesitancy, promote trust, and ensure equal protection against the virus.

More information: Not by choicethe unequal impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. raceequalityfoundation.org.uk/  e-covid-19-pandemic/
The first album actor Roman Banks remembers playing around his house growing up was The Ultimate Jackson 5 Collection. He recalled dancing with his family to Michael Jacksons Rockin Robin and learning the dance to Thriller in his living room, playing the song over and over again trying to get the moves down. In a surprising turn, he even learned that his uncle was in Jacksons Bad music video.

In August, Banks will take the stage as the king of pop when the biographical musical MJ kicks off its national tour at the James M. Nederlander Theatre.

Advertisement

I want people who are fans of him to have a great time and I want people who never listen to Michael Jackson to have a great time, Banks said.

The musical, which is still running on Broadway after opening in early 2022, features nearly 40 hits from Jacksons career as it flips between rehearsals for the 1992 Dangerous World Tour and flashbacks from Jacksons life growing from child star to superstar. With direction and choreography by Christopher Wheeldon and a book by Pulitzer-winning playwright Lynn Nottage, the show was produced as a collaboration with The Michael Jackson Estate. Despite mixed reviews from New York critics, the show garnered 10 Tony nominations, winning four, including best choreography.

Advertisement

In a recent interview, Banks discussed what this opportunity means for him and his family, how he approaches preconceived notions about Jackson, and the joy and energy that comes with portraying the pop icon on stage.

You already know the music, you already know the moves, Banks said. But how much can I show you about him you dont already know? Thats a big goal of mine.

The following conversation has been edited for length and clarity.

Q: What was your familys reaction when you told them you were going to be playing MJ?

A: Its definitely been a growing excitement. Im the only artist in my family, and a lot of times my family doesnt quite get as excited because they dont quite understand my world so much. As Ive done interviews and been on TV and done photo shoots and theyve seen me in the costume and theyve heard me sing, theyre like, Well, this is really exciting to watch. Now theyre in a place of real genuine excitement.

Because we grew up with Michael Jackson, I think its the first time Im doing something thats really relatable to them. Theyre obviously coming to opening night in Chicago, but its the fact that I can go to our home theater in Georgia, in Atlanta, and theyll be able to drive through the city and be like, My brothers there tonight. Theres a real sense of pride coming with this one for my family.

Q: Whats been the hardest part of trying to embody this kind of superstar on stage, knowing that folks are likely coming with preconceived notions?

A: I grew up hearing a lot of my favorite actors say, The first thing I ever do when I come to a role is I throw judgment to the side and I see this person as a human being. I see them for what made them great and successful and what they struggled with as a whole picture. So thats what I said. I was like, Im going to dive into this with a profound respect for everything that Michael Jackson was and still remains to be and Im going to proceed without judgment. Thats the only way I can get the most accurate representation of who this man is.

Advertisement

Im trying to show people how he became Michael Jackson up until 1992, his triumphs and certain things that he didnt have, I dont think, the tools to deal with in the healthiest way. Its really cool to take someone who I would consider to be my musical hero and make them more of just a human being to me. Now he doesnt feel so far out of reach.

Q: Whats your favorite thing about Michael Jackson that you learned from your research or from working on the show that you didnt know before?

A: Its a really simple one, to be honest. Growing up, my favorite thing was Honey Buns. I loved Honey Buns, I loved Krispy Kreme doughnuts. Growing up in Georgia, we would go get the ones fresh, hot, warm off the press. I found out, while reading his autobiography, that his dad used to bring them home doughnuts, just to treat them to things from time to time, and that was always a really special thing for the brothers. They would eat them all up super quickly.

I found, in a lot of ways, how similar I am to Michael. Sometimes its silly little stuff like that, guilty pleasures. And sometimes its the way we see the world and other people. Ive literally just had to stare at passages in his book because Im like, Ive never heard someone put this into words the exact way I feel about it.

I get it now. I get when actors are talking about their characters  and its weird because obviously, it wasnt just a character, hes a real man who lived  but I get how they say Im befriending this person that I have the privilege of portraying.

Elijah Rhea Johnson as Michael Jackson, and cast, in the Broadway production of "MJ the Musical" at the Neil Simon Theatre in New York. - Original Credit: (Matthew Murphy)

Q: What is your favorite song to perform in the show?

Advertisement

A: Right now, Bad is really fun, especially because my uncle was in it and sometimes Im doing it and Im thinking of him. But its also really cool to just have that kind of, dont mess with me energy. Michael says in his book, Being bad is about being so good that youre bad. So it feels good to sit in that energy and just be like, Yeah, Im bad, to the audience. But I could definitely see it being something else in a month, which is fun. Audiences will be able to experience that growth and that journey, and I cant wait to take that ride with everybody.

Q: Is there anything else you would like to share with readers?

A: I just want to tell people to come with an open heart. This show takes a lot of energy and this show takes a lot of joy and effort to put out. So Id just say, come ready to enjoy yourself and ready to have fun, to indulge not only in the music and the show itself but also with the community of people around you. Thats when the magic of theater happens.

MJ plays Aug. 1 to Sept. 2 at the James M. Nederlander Theatre, 24 W. Randolph St.; tickets from $52.50 at broadwayinchicago.com

Jerald Pierce is a freelance writer.
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

A new study from the University of Alabama at Birmingham's Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine suggests that the economic status of a family could be associated with excessive relapse in children diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

"Acute lymphoblastic leukemia, or ALL, is a type of blood cancer in which uncontrolled production of cancer cells occurs in the bone marrow," said Aman Wadhwa, M.D., assistant professor in the UAB Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology. "This prevents formation of normal blood cells. Treatment of ALL requires several years of chemotherapy, but cure rates with modern treatments exceed 90%."

The study, published in the journal Blood, monitored over 600 participants who were diagnosed with ALL. Participants enrolled in this study were an average of six years old and were followed for nearly eight years after the completion of their treatment.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the weighted average poverty threshold for a four-person household in 2019 was $26,172. For the study, families that reported incomes under 120% of the federal threshold were considered to be living in extreme poverty. Overall, 12.3% of the study participants met the criteria for extreme poverty.

Researchers found the chance of a relapse of ALL three years after diagnosis to be higher in patients living in households with extreme poverty versus to those without14.3% more likely compared to 7.6%.

"The results of this study show that children with ALL living in extreme poverty are at an increased risk of relapse compared to children not living in extreme poverty," Wadhwa said. "We also find that children with ALL living in extreme poverty have lower adherence to oral mercaptopurine, a key drug during treatment. However, lower adherence does not fully explain the increased risk of relapse."

This brings into question for Wadhwa and his team what biologic effects living in poverty might cause and what structural barriers to adequate health care caregivers may encounter, which could increase the risk of relapse.

Looking forward, he hopes that pediatric oncologists caring for children with ALL screen for poverty and use available resources, such as gas cards and food vouchers, to help families struggling with these basic needs.

"We hope that future research delves into the causal mechanisms, such that we can target them directly and further improve cure rates for this disease and all those it impacts," Wadhwa said.

More information: Aman Wadhwa et al, Poverty during Maintenance and Relapse Risk in Children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL): A Report from Children's Oncology Group Study (COG-AALL03N1), Blood (2022). DOI: 10.1182/blood-2022-163271 Journal information: Blood
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:

An electron micrograph of the measles virus. Credit: CDC/ Courtesy of Cynthia S. Goldsmith

Since the start of 2023, measles has been reported in a third of countries in the World Health Organization (WHO) European region. And in the first five months of the year, there were 5,699 cases reported therenearly seven times as many as in the whole of 2022.

The UK lost its measles-free status in 2019, indicating that the measles virus was circulating and there was inadequate vaccination to prevent its spread. If exposed to the measles virus, 90% of unvaccinated people will get infected. The virus spreads like wildfire among the unvaccinated, as demonstrated recently when seven unvaccinated children at a nursery school in Stoke-on-Trent nursery caught the bug.

With the latest data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) showing at least one measles case in each region in England this year, and warnings of the potential for outbreaks in London, where else in the UK are children at risk? The short answer is probably "everywhere."

Schools in all four devolved nations have now broken up for the summer holidays and people are traveling both in the UK and abroad and may encounter the measles virus on their travels. Eighty-one percent of the 128 confirmed cases of measles in England so far in 2023 have been as a result of in-country community transmission.

There are no specific drugs for measles, so treatment is to help relieve symptoms and address complications, such as bacterial infections. For every 1,000 people infected, between one and three of them will die (deaths are highest in children under the age of five and those with weakened immune systems).

Deaths are commonly due to secondary bacterial infections. Pneumonia accounts for 60% of measles-associated deaths.

Other complications such as deafness, fits and encephalitis (brain inflammation) are relatively common. Around 25% of people who develop measles need hospital care.

But measles is a highly preventable disease, with two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine protecting around 97% of people. In the UK, MMR is given as part of the routine childhood immunization schedule, with dose one (MMR1) given around the age of 12 months, and MMR2 given as part of the pre-school boosters at age three years and four months.

Yet MMR levels across many parts of the UK fall far short of the 95% coverage needed for "herd immunity" against measleswhere enough people are vaccinated that the virus is unable to spread. In the first quarter of 2023, UK-wide coverage for MMR2 by the age of five (that is, more than 18 months after it's due) was just below 86% and no devolved nation had coverage above 90%.

While London has the lowest coverage for the same metric (at around 75%), only one of the other six NHS England regions had coverage above 90% (and even then, only just, at 90.5%).

There have always been pockets of populations with much lower-than-average levels of MMR coverage, but this has become much more complicated during the pandemic when disruptions to services in early waves meant that certain age groups may also have missed out on routine childhood immunisations.

For example, of the children attending a large pediatric emergency department in Greater Manchester, it was found that just 20% of four-year-olds had received both the required doses of MMR. This pattern is seen globally, with many countries yet to attain the levels of routine immunization coverage they had pre-pandemic. During 2022, 21.9 million children missed their first dose of a measles vaccinenearly 3 million more than in 2019.

Mumps and rubellaviruses also covered by the MMR vaccineare also highly infectious diseases and can make children extremely ill. Complications include deafness and fits. But it's never too late to catch up on a missed dose of the MMR vaccine.

In the UK, you can check your vaccinations with your GP surgery. There are some situations where older children and adults need to check they are up to date with their vaccinations, for example, if they are about to start university or travel abroad.

Adults in different age groups might also not be fully protectedfor example, those who have been immunized according to the NHS schedule and were born between 1970 and 1979 may only be vaccinated against measles. And those born between 1980 and 1990 may not be protected against mumps.

But measles isn't the only vaccine-preventable disease on the rise. Last year's discovery of type 2 polio virus in London wastewater and reports of increased cases of diphtheria among a vulnerable population in England means that improving routine childhood vaccination coverage should be a priority.

For MMR, a national catch-up campaign is underway, and many regions have set up measles-elimination groups. If this work is successful, hopefully the UK will be able to regain its measles-free status.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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: Physiological Genomics (2023). DOI: 10.1152/physiolgenomics.00005.2023

High blood pressure (hypertension) that occurs during pregnancy is associated with dangerous health outcomes for both the pregnant person and fetus. New research on changes in mitochondrial gene expression sheds light on possible contributing factors to these disorders. The study is published ahead of print in Physiological Genomics.

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, which include preeclampsia and gestational hypertension, are among the leading causes of pregnancy-related deaths. Researchers from Loma Linda University in California and the University of North Texas Health Science Center examined two gene expression data sets from the National Center for Biotechnology Information Gene Expression Omnibus.

They selected sets that included data from samples at different stages of gestation from pregnant people with and without pregnancy-induced hypertension. From these, the researchers calculated changes in mitochondrial gene expression over time in parent and placenta by analyzing their transcriptomesthe complete set of all RNA in a cell or tissue.

Transcriptomes change under different circumstances. Studying those changes can give insight into what genes are active under different conditions. The research team found 30 parental and nine placental mitochondrial genes that were expressed differently in the hypertensive groups. These genes differed between parent and placental tissue.

In the parental set, the differentially expressed genes were associated with inflammation, cell death and placental development. In the placenta, they were genes associated with an increased number of extracellular vesicles or membrane-bound particles released from cells. Increased placental extracellular vesicles and inflammation have both been documented in preeclampsia. Credit: American Physiological Society

This study provides evidence for the possibility that mitochondrial dysregulation could be a contributing factor in the development of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. More research is needed, but it may also "suggest that mitochondria may mediate maternal-fetal interactions during healthy pregnancy," the study states.

"Converging or common mitochondria-mediated pathways underlying development of gestational hypertension and preeclampsia warrant further investigation," the researchers conclude.

More information: Contessa A. Ricci et al, Maternal and fetal mitochondrial gene dysregulation in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, Physiological Genomics (2023). DOI: 10.1152/physiolgenomics.00005.2023
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Credit: CC0 Public Domain

More than 10 million Americans misused prescription opioids in 2019, and nearly 75 percent of drug overdose deaths in 2020 involved an opioid. According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, overdose deaths involving opioids, including prescription opioids, heroin and synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, have increased eightfold since 1999.

As scientists and the health care community search for effective ways to mitigate the opioid epidemic, rapid advances in machine learning are promising. Access to data and machine learning frameworks has led to the development of machine learning models that use health care data to deal with different facets of the opioid crisis. For example, health care databases can assist researchers and clinicians to identify patients at risk by leveraging various data and information.

But are these machine learning models built on health care data reliable at predicting opioid use disorder? That's what researchers from Florida Atlantic University's College of Engineering and Computer Science wanted to explore. As such, they examined peer-reviewed journal papers and conducted the first systematic review analyzing not only the technical aspects of machine learning applied to predicting opioid use, but also the published results.

Their goal was to determine if these machine learning methods are useful and, more importantly, reproducible. For the study, they reviewed 16 peer-reviewed journal papers that used machine learning models to predict opioid use disorder and investigated how the papers trained and evaluated these models.

Findings, published in the journal Computer Methods and Programs in Biomedicine, reveal that while results from the reviewed papers show machine learning models applied to opioid use disorder prediction may be useful, there are important ways to improve transparency and reproducibility of these models, which will ultimately enhance their use for research.

For the systematic review, researchers searched Google Scholar, Semantic Scholar, PubMed, IEEE Xplore and Science.gov. They extracted data that included the study's goal, dataset used, cohort selected, types of machine learning models created, model evaluation metrics, and the details of the machine learning tools and techniques used to create the models.

Findings showed that of these 16 papers, three created their dataset, five used a publicly available dataset and the remaining eight used a private dataset. Cohort size ranged from the low hundreds to more than half a million. Six papers used one type of machine learning model, and the remaining 10 used up to five different machine learning models. Most papers did not sufficiently describe the machine learning techniques and tools used to produce their results. Only three papers published their source code.

"The reproducibility of papers using machine learning for health care applications can be improved upon," said Oge Marques, Ph.D., co-author and a professor in FAU's Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. "For example, even though health care datasets can be hindered by privacy laws and ethical considerations, researchers should follow machine learning best practices. Ideally, the code should be publicly available."

The researchers' recommendations are threefold: use the area under the precision/recall curve (AUPRC), a metric more useful in cases of imbalanced datasets when the negative class is more prevalent and there is low value in true-negative predictions; and avoid non-interpretable models (also known as "black-box models") in this critical health care area, and favor using interpretable models whenever possible.

If that is not possible and a non-interpretable model must be deployed to predict opioid use disorder, they recommend defining the reasons that justify its use. Finally, to ensure transparency and reproducibility of results, the researchers recommend the adoption of checklists and other documentation practices before submitting machine-learning-based studies for review and publication. Better documented and publicly available studies will help the research community advance the field.

The researchers note that the lack of good machine learning reproducibility practices in the papers makes it impossible to verify their claims. For example, the evidence presented may fall short of the accepted standard, or the claim only holds in a narrower set of circumstances than asserted.

"Journal papers would be more valuable to the research community and their suggested application if they follow good practices of machine learning reproducibility in order for their claims to be verified and used as a solid base for future work," said Marques. "Our study recommends a minimum set of practices to be followed before accepting machine-learning-based studies for publication."

Study co-authors are Christian Garbin, first author and a Ph.D. candidate, and Nicholas Marques, an M.S. student in data science and analytics and a National Science Foundation Research Traineeship Program scholar, both within the College of Engineering and Computer Science.

"Opioid use disorder is a public health concern of the first magnitude in the United States and elsewhere," said Stella Batalama, Ph.D., dean, FAU College of Engineering and Computer Science. "Harnessing the power and potential of machine learning to predict and prevent one's risk of opioid use disorder holds great promise. However, to be effective, machine learning methods must be reliable and reproducible. This systematic review by our researchers provides important recommendations on how to accomplish that."

More information: Christian Garbin et al, Machine learning for predicting opioid use disorder from healthcare data: A systematic review, Computer Methods and Programs in Biomedicine (2023). DOI: 10.1016/j.cmpb.2023.107573
A local man is facing an attempted homicide charge after he was arrested on suspicion of stabbing an 18-year-old roughly eight times on a bus.

Jathan Moreno, 24, is charged with one felony count of attempted deliberate homicide and one misdemeanor charge of possession of drug paraphernalia. If convicted, Moreno faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

At Morenos initial court appearance on Friday afternoon, prosecution said the two men were loose acquaintances and the alleged attack was unprovoked.

Moreno hasnt entered a plea to the charges. Hell do so on Aug. 7 in Missoula County District Court.

Multiple calls came into Missoula police Thursday morning for a disturbance near the Montana Rail Link Park, located on South Johnson Street. Witnesses told police a man, later identified as Moreno, was armed with a knife and a second man suffered a stabbing, according to charging documents.

Police found Moreno, who law enforcement saw had blood on his clothing and hands. Moreno reportedly told police he had a knife on his person, which was later found during a search of his pockets, according to the case affidavit. It was a folding knife.

According to the affidavit, the 18-year-old victim was severely wounded and required two blood transfusions at the hospital. Authorities saw stab wounds all over his body, including one that lacerated his kidney.

Detectives processed evidence at the Rail Link Park. A substantial amount of blood evidence was observed.

Investigators found surveillance footage from a Mountain Line bus in midtown Missoula, showing Moreno and the 18-year-old sitting in the back together and seemingly getting along for a while.

About 17 minutes into their bus ride, the two interacted verbally, court documents allege. The victim was seen reaching out to shake hands, something Moreno didnt reciprocate. Moreno then stands up, grabs his backpack and opens a knife blade in his hand.

Moreno is then seen in the footage quickly lunging the blade into [the victims] neck, the affidavit alleges. The 18-year-old buried his head in his lap, as Moreno continued to stab him, according to court documents.

The bus driver was reportedly unaware of the stabbing. Additional footage showed Moreno pacing outside of the bus, knife in hand, as the victim gets off.

While en route to the hospital for a cut on his hand, Moreno allegedly made ambiguous statements about being followed and that he really didnt want to like attack this person, the affidavit stated. Moreno stopped talking with detectives at the police station after he was read his rights and requested a lawyer. At his court appearance, representation for Moreno said he faced hostility and hazing in the community.

The court set Morenos bail at $500,000, citing the particularly violent accusations in the case. As of Friday afternoon, the victim was still at Providence St. Patrick Hospital for medical care.
A Missoula man who produced sexually explicit images of a child and downloaded sexually explicit images was sentenced to 30 years in prison Thursday.

Anthony Riley Smith, 29, pleaded guilty in March to two counts of sexual exploitation of a child.

In court documents, the government alleged that in 2021, a Missoula Police Department detective investigated several tips about sexually explicit images of children uploaded online.

After the search of his residence and seizure of electronic devices, investigators determined that Smith had produced child pornography of a prepubescent boy with a cell phone. Smiths desktop computer contained images of the boy engaged in sexually explicit content.

The court also ordered $133,560 to be paid to the victim as restitution.

Smith admitted he had been collecting child pornography for more than a year.

Smith committed unspeakable crimes against a vulnerable child, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said. His heinous conduct merits the lengthy sentence that the judge imposed today."

The Montana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Missoula Police Department and Montana Division of Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation.

Thorough investigations are an invaluable part of seeking justice for victims, and we hope our role will somehow help victims along the path to recovery, Missoula Police Chief Michael J. Colyer said.

U.C. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided in the federal case.
The Kalispell area leads the state in fatal crashes after a spate of wrecks in recent months claimed the lives of several people, according to Montana officials.

As of Wednesday, 273 vehicle crashes were reported on U.S. Highway 2 in the Kalispell district in 2023, six of which were fatal, according to data from MHP Public Information Officer Jay Nelson. The Kalispell district encompasses all of Flathead County and parts of Lincoln and Lake counties.

One fatality is too many, Nelson said. Common denominators in fatal collisions include alcohol and drug use and lack of seat belts, but Nelson said the leading cause right now is speed.

Highway 2 starts at the Idaho border near Troy and crosses through the entirety of northern Montana. Speed limits range on the highway, with some areas as high as 60 and 70 miles per hour in narrow, two-lane stretches  conditions that increase the likelihood of head-on collisions.

Since June, first responders have sent out information on back-to-back fatal crashes in the western Montana portion of Highway 2.

Two people died in a July crash near Columbia Falls. A 21-year-old Kalispell mother was killed when a Chevrolet pickup ran into her Toyota Tacoma near Columbia Falls, according to a news release from the Flathead County Sheriffs Office.

Her young daughter was in the car, too, and was severely injured. In the same crash, a 19-year-old from Hungry Horse died. He was a rear passenger in the Chevy and wasnt wearing a seat belt, the news release stated.

On July 16 a 42-year-old Kalispell man died when his Ford truck was driving west on the highway, drifted off the road and rolled. The single-vehicle crash happened near Columbia Heights in the late evening, according to the crash report.

Just a few hours later, a 42-year-old Libby man lost his life in a single-car wreck in Lincoln County, according to the crash report. He was driving a Chevy Silverado around 12:24 a.m. when it drifted off Highway 2, hit a guardrail, rolled and collided with a tree before it stopped.

Neither of the men wore seat belts, according to the crash reports.

On June 3, a 17-year-old girl died near Marion when she lost control of her Subaru on the highway. She was wearing a seat belt. Just two days later, a seven-car pileup in Coram killed two and sent several other people to the hospital.

I would say not just the last two months, but the last couple of years, weve seen a lot more fatality crashes in general, Flathead County Sheriff Brian Heino said. Thats connected to a lot of things. One is pretty big population growth.

According to MHP data for the Kalispell district, six fatal crashes and 558 total wrecks were reported in 2022, and eight fatalities and 491 crashes were recorded in 2021. MHP investigates all fatal crashes that occur outside of city limits in Montana.

Heino noted the Flathead Valley is a heavy tourism area, which brings a substantial amount of traffic on roads originally built for far fewer cars. Law enforcement is catching up too, he added, and getting staff numbers to build up response capabilities for severe wrecks takes time and resources.

Many of the Flathead deputies are now medically trained to administer CPR and injury aid to victims at crash scenes, Heino said.

Oftentimes, these are scenes that are shocking to anyone, he said. Were dealing with 10 or 15 of those sometimes in a year. Its trying on many of our responders, not just law enforcement. Everybody has a role.
Where do you go when youre the best in the world? Thats the challenge Missoula Public Library Director Slaven Lee and her team confront as they launch a new strategic plan for the local library.

Im really interested in taking this extremely successful model out into the community and sharing it with the rest of the community and finding ways to bring in new people, said Lee, who uses she and they pronouns.

The librarys new strategic plan focuses on several pillars: increasing accessibility, leveraging sustainability and promoting wellness. To Lee, that means taking the library in a more focused direction, but not necessarily a new direction.

Meeting people where they are is incredibly important, they said, and just sharing all these incredible resources that we have that belong to the people. Just making sure everyones included in that.

A big priority for Lee and her team is incorporating viewpoints that arent presently represented in the library landscape. Residents in rural areas, Indigenous people, teenagers, refugees and immigrants, and people with disabilities are all community members the library is particularly keen on bringing into the fold.

That interest doesnt just come from the top down, either. Lee said her team took this direction based on community feedback, and she also wants to form community advisory boards to continue integrating helpful input.

Libraries are considered to be a great equalizer, said Lee. That stuff doesnt happen on its own. You have to be really intentional about it.

Lee cited programs like Families First, which teaches family and parenting skills at the downtown library. The free courses, offered at the hub of activity on Main Street, enable families to use services that might not be accessible otherwise.

A lot of the stigma is removed, Lee explained, referring to the organization's location. Families First is just ingrained in what we do.

In addition to promoting that accessibility, Lee also wants to emphasize sustainability and wellness, seeing the library as a safe haven for a variety of community members.

Offering sanctuary to everyone is what weve always done, they said. We try to take a really compassionate approach to how we handle any issues that arise from having a lot of different communities in one place.

One of those communities, Lee noted, is unhoused Missoulians, whose numbers have been growing recently. With their usage of the library spaces come challenges, but for the most part, Lee stressed, homeless library patrons exercise a lot of care and ownership of the library and its resources.

Lee also pointed out that the librarys new strategic plan doesnt change its basic functions like checking out materials and childrens programming.

I think whats important for us is to keep conveying all of the stuff that we do well, they said. Keep maintaining relationships with people who are already huge library supporters.  We would never shy away from those traditional library things, either.

Lee said Missoula represents a community of voracious readers, and at its core, the library is meant to support that passion. The states recent decision to withdraw from the American Library Association wont compromise that commitment, she said.

It doesnt impact what were offering, Lee stated. It doesnt change our services or anything.

The ALA withdrawal resulted from controversial remarks by the organizations director and a statewide battle over carrying certain materials in Montana libraries.

It compels us to work even harder to make sure in our community, the rest of our state and nationally, we advocate for the freedom to read, said Lee. We support peoples interest and desire to read whatever they are compelled to read and not censor that.
The impassioned attention Missoulians shower on the historic elements of this community is one of our huckleberry qualities. So many parts of the United States have surrendered their individual character to convenience, leaving a strip-mall sameness to the scene.

But our tendency to get into protracted fights when someone exercises an opportunity to tinker with an old part of town can leave a chokecherry taste in everyones mouth. We saw this in the years-long feud over the derelict Mercantile building at the core of downtown Missoula. Yes, it was a cherished fossil of a bygone retail business model  a department store offering everything from toys to tools with lots of clothing and furniture in between. But it was also bankrupt, empty and abandoned. A developers purchased right to build a hotel complex on the block met with outrage from well-meaning but unfunded advocates of other ideas they didnt have the money to pay for.

A similar fight looms on the horizon above Fort Missoulas historic hospital building. A developer there has started an appeal of the rejection the Missoula Historic Preservation Board stamped on his proposal to turn it into upscale housing. A majority of the board agreed with objections that the plan would inflict too much change on the historic character of the Fort Missoula compound. However, that doesnt resolve the problem of historic character damage when the old hospital building collapses under its own dereliction.

Object all you want to the style or selection of hotel rooms and restaurants now filling the space between Front and Main streets along Higgins Avenue downtown. But acknowledge that they are better than a crumbling pile of bricks and boarded, broken windows  however historic. Montana has plenty of ghost towns lurking in its mountains, full of history and ghosts. Cities are for the living, and the evolving. Somehow, there must be a better way to grow with change.

Its with a chokecherry tear of condolence we observe the startling number of dead people in local waters last week. The deceased have been recovered from Johnsrud Park along the Blackfoot River, Alberton Gorge along the Clark Fork River, in Rock Creek and Lake Koocanusa. Preliminary reports describe all these victims as people recreating, and encountering some kind of tragic mishap. Thereve also been numerous reports of near-miss rescues in many of the same places, as the hot summer weather drives fun-seekers to the only cool place around. One concerned citizen lamented Montanas lack of lifeguards at its riverside beaches and lakes. Its true  we dont have many rescuers on standby to save us from ourselves in the Big Sky. We take care of one another.